How much is the most you would pay?

I like to keep some clothes for wearing to theatre etc but generally I like to use things. I'd rather risk breaking a cup or glass than keep good stuff in the cupboard. Whats the point? Its interesting reading others spending habits. Good thread. I really must try harder in charity shops. I never find the bargains others do. Must add, I spend £40 on a haircut every month. essential.

My haircut has gone up to £43 - but apparently cheaper than London prices!

Use the handbag!

I am frugal in some ways ...My extravagances are, good shoes, holidays, theatre, meals out and grandchildren.

Oh yes.
There is a saying.. something about being careful that the things you own don't end up owning you.
Something like that, anyway.
So, show that handbag who's boss!

Love to see pictures of the cushion and top, Maggiemaybe.
I love recycling. I cut the edge off a too floppy sun hat -used the edging as curtain tie backs and am still wearing the not as floppy sun hat in Australia, on hols, as we speak.
Like you I'd rather spend money on travels than stuff.
You all have a nice sleep. Mid morning here.

Ooooohhh, I love handbags! It's Dh's default present for me which suite me fine!

I'm having my hair done thus morning and I am so fed up with it that I don't really care what it costs to make it better.....if I can persuade my hairdresser to do something exciting (ish) with it.

Talking about handbags, I have two that cost more than our first home

Surprised myself when I paid £30 for a tube of cream to help do away with my wrinkles! £3.50 for a pair of new Ecco boots at a charity shop - they were brand new. I wore a very old dress at a wedding - looked fine!

I refuse to pay over 50p for bottled water. Airports charge extraordinary, out of kilter, prices for Bottled water. Also, in Gatwick and Heathrow, they do not show the price, you have to ask. I picked up a SMALL bottle of water in Gatwick and asked the price.. the man looked me in the eyes and said... "£1.99p I said: "you are ripping people off, I will die of thirst rather than be ripped off". I bought the Daily Telegraph which includes a free bottle of water.

I don't even buy water now. There is nothing to stop you carrying an empty bottle through the security gate and filling it with water the other side.
I've got one good handbag-a present from DIL. It has a label but I can't remember what!
harrigran don't you worry when you use them?

Jeez and here was me thinking that £23.50 for a cut and blow dry every 2 months was extravagant

I hate the hairdressers ( can’t bear looking in the mirrrors) so doubt I would go more often even if I could afford to .

My hairdresser comes to me every 5 weeks and gives me a trim, cost? £20.
As long as it is neat and tidy it is fine.
I am not and never have been vain.
I told you I was mean.
My GC do get treats though.

A group of us have been friends for over 50 years, and every so often I organise a reunion where we each pay our way (no one else gets round to doing it, and they ask me to keep them in touch!) As I have a big birthday coming up, I suggested another meet up at a local brasserie, cost of two course set menu £16.50. Found a date suitable, sent out menu and venue details, and nearly all said they would like to come. Then I get an email from one person, copied to all, saying he found that too extravagant and why don't we go to Wetherspoons!!! I have nothing against Wetherspoons, they have very good value basic food for those in a hurry, that's why U3A use them, but I wanted something more relaxed and special, and said so.

When I explained that this was a special occasion for me and I was not prepared to spend it in Wetherspoons, where our U3A go on a very regular basis, he suggested (again copied to all) setting up a poll to see which people preferred. I'm afraid I replied saying I wasn't prepared to change and would he like me to take his name off the list? (He is not that badly off, spending a lot on rail holidays)

AIBU? He has decided he is now prepared to join in, but it just seemed plain rude to me?

I replied that

Forget the last three word!

Wetherspoons is OK for the occasional lunch but not for a special occasion. I suspect he might somehow be accidentally removed from my address book

B9. What a miserable old skinflint your friend seems to be! He could have declined gracefully citing some spurious reason. I hate meanness. The good thing is you’re not married to him! Enjoy your special birthday ?

£16.50 is a reasonable price, I think.
I wouldn't want to go over £20 though.

We've seen Rod Stewart a couple of times but when I looked at the price for a half decent seat, £125, I decided against it. Also just got in the Wimbledon draw seats for the ladies final but at £375, reluctantly decided against going even though I am a Wimbledon fanatic and have been lucky to go previously. Now, had it been the men's final, I would have gone!

Further to my last post - I paid £71.90 for my hair (I had a loyalty voucher or it would have been more!)

DH and DS1 like it and I think I like it!

I paid £100 for Hamilton and vowed that would be my absolute limit for the theatre, and I've stuck to that.

Concerts are another matter - I'm taking DGD to see Ariana Grande and they're £114 each. We are up in the gods at the 02 Arena and they were about the cheapest seats I could get.

I need a seat - too old for the mosh pit!

trisher, I hardly ever use the handbags because they are very heavy even before I get all my clutter in. DH bought them as gifts, he had heard me mention the name and decided to treat me. At the end of the day they are just bags and are used as such.

I don’t think I have a limit for clothes- if I like something, I will buy it. Most of my summer dresses cost around £80-£100+, which does seem a lot for cotton dresses, but I like the cut and the material is always good quality. I don’t eat out much, except on holiday, and then I am happy to pay for excellent food and a beautiful setting. I don’t eat in Wetherspoons after a couple of awful meals, but will eat in a nice pub where they do freshly prepared dishes. I don’t have a massive income, just my teacher’s pension and state pension, but I go to classical concerts, the ballet and plays here in Birmingham, where prices are always reasonable, and to London and Stratford a few times a year, where prices are not so affordable. I think how much we spend on things is an entirely personal matter, and one person’s extravagance is another’s entirely justifiable expense.

Yes, I have to now. However it has made my life happier in one way. I could once have an annual treat and go to one of the international opera houses, staying in a hotel and having a couple of days away. Sometimes I might go more than once depending on prices and offers on Eurostar. I did it instead of going on holiday. Now painful disability and lack of money have kept me close to home and I have a wonderful time at my local theatre. In particular I have fallen in love with Opera North whose productions, singers and orchestra thrill me as much as any I have seen on the international circuit in the opera houses of capital cities of Europe. Their Ring Cycle was so incredible that I live on it still. I used to see La Traviata and Tosca at least once a year and now I can honestly say that Opera North's Traviata is the most moving and best production I have ever seen. Right here in my little provincial city's theatre, in my subsidised front row seat for under £40 sitting among the friendliest audience and most helpful staff you could wish for, a warm glow of happiness engulfs me that I never had in La Scala or any other world famous opera house.

harrigran. I know what you mean about the weight of those handbags! I think I have one similar which may not be your label but I was lucky as bought it for a good price on ebay. All leather, so beautifully made and gorgeous to look at and timeless. But heavy!
I bought another of soft leather that is less stiff and not so heavy but although it is fairly big it won't hold a book and a water bottle. That is my requirement for a bag!

Gabriella
Millers Fish and Chips in Haxby, near York are the current holders of the Seafish, Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award. Their Cod and Chips retails at £6-70!
It's beautiful fish, the chips are crisp yet fluffy, and it's up north, where we know how to do great fish and chips!