bit of both...
I've had to be "careful" off and on for a long time now, and I'm used to getting all my food from Aldi and the local (albeit fantastic) market in the nearest city. We do eat pretty well as its mostly ingredients that I buy. I am also a Charity Shop devotee, apart from bras, pants, stockings etc, and we have low energy lightbulbs and I yell at my kids when they leave the house "lit up like Blackpool".

What this means is that I can get all of the people I care about nice, thoughtful pressies for christmas and birthdays, and I love having people over and cooking for them. I go out and get hammered/have convivial social occasions every now and again, too, and its all because I'm careful where it matters and even in affluent times I cannot physically pass a skip without having a right old look within. I have acquired mirrors, pictures and my favourite necklace this way!

Just don't get me started on my legendary ex-boyfriend though, he asked for "his" bottle of wine back upon leaving a family gathering. Took me out for dinner many times, but always expected me to pay half, and that's just off the top of my head..
(Beer Elf Thought this was like a campfire, anyhow, on, Fri 24 Oct 2008, 13:58, Reply)