Originally Posted by
Madan49
Those who have plenty find it easier to toss than those who have always had less. I tend to make things stretch because that's the only way I had anything!
I did not grow up in the depression but have experienced poverty first hand. Yes I was a working poor parent. Even though I had a full time job, and sometimes a part time one as well making my dollars stretch from the first of the month to the end of the month was a challenge. I had children to care for. While I had family who were as helpful as they could be, they were as financially challenged as I was. It was not a matter of hoarding as much as making what you had useful as long as possible and then finding a recycled use for it when it was being phased out. I still snip off buttons and zippers from well worn clothing and reuse the fabric in some way. Now that I am retired I still live on a limited budget but have no complaints. My home may be small and a bit worn, but it is cozy and welcoming. My décor may not be coolly elegant but it does reflect who I am. My meals may be served on a chipped plate from the thrift shop but a simple meal served with care, even if it is only just beans and fried spuds, is as nurturing as a gourmet one on fine china. Ice tea served in a jelly jar tastes as refreshing as one in a crystal glass. Yes I do reuse jars as glass ware. Sometimes I will even buy my jam with the jar in mind. My children are grown and have much more affluence than I. Still good for them they are leery of careless debt and remember fondly how grandpa always gave them their hair cuts when they would come to visit. I remember how much my MIL would teach me about use and re-use. Once someone thinking to be generous gave her a big bag of old used double knit pants. Remember those awful things? Well she took that bag of ugly, cut them up and made patchwork covers for the seats and backs of her old kitchen chairs. They looked pretty good as well.
So now when I find a way to up-cycle or re-use an item, and save a dime when I do, I think fondly of Emma and all she taught me by example. So go and replace your stuff when ever it gets a bit worn. Surround yourself with new and trendy, I am happy with my thrifty ways, and so far none of my friends and family have complained about my handcrafted gifts.