Yesterday, I made a couple stops with my daughter in tow after playgroup. And, it became so exhausting taking her in and out of the car for short stops, so my last stop I remembered I needed dish detergent and this particular store usually sells hand soaps, and I lucked up and found some eco friendly dish soap for $4. At first I frowned, then thought about convenience of not having to stop again en route home. I know the "eco" factor drove up the price, but if I had the energy I would've stopped at a conglomerate or grocery store. BUT, one thing I can say, the soap is wonderful. Chemical free and feels great on my skin. So, it was kinda sorta worth the try.
As a parent-on-the-go, what have you spent a lot of money on that you would otherwise found at a bargain or reasonable price?
I agree with convenience which is why I purchased the soap on the spot.
the website for the product is www.eco-me.com
Will I buy it again? Sure if it's on clearance.
We forgot formula once on a trip to the zoo. We had to stop at a convenience store to buy a small can. It cost as much there as a large can would have at a grocery store. However, we had to have it and the day would have been ruined if not for the convenience store selling it. Sometimes necessity or convenience wins out!!
Funny, I'm so far the other direction that I'd actually go without, than spend too much. I have this imaginary price tag in my head and if the price of the item I need is higher than that, I say no way! Convenience is definitely a factor but I'd rather make just one more stop to save a few bucks.
Once spent $20 on a six pack of diapers at the airport.
My husband has had to run to our small-town grocer to buy stupid last-minute things, like mozzerella cheese for pizza we were in the middle of making, beef bouillon for Swedish meatballs, and I think even parmesan. The prices are nuts, but it is about 4 miles one way rather than 11, and a lot faster. It is usually something you think you never run out of that you run out of before making a dish that it has to be in for us. :)
well. pretty much anything at the airport.
&^$&%^#&%$#&%$#&
$4 for a bottle of water at Disney.
:(
I will buy busy toys or snacks at the store to keep my daughter happy. I could totally pack something before hand, but she feels special when I do it and it helps me get my grocery trip done. btw she's two :) lol anything to keep her happy.
Just like you said, as long as you can justify the spend and its something you truly enjoy or is worth your time in gold then go for it I say!! Happy friday.
Wow that is alot! I usually just get the Ajax or whatever for 97 cents!!! BUT....I have no room to talk on spending money on things I shouldn't be.
A few weeks ago...Ulta was having a B2G2 on shampoo. I bought 2 big bottles (the liters I think) of Matrix shampoo and conditioner. I think the shampoo was $20 and the conditioner was $25. But, I got 2 each of the liters free! So...I have tons of it now!!! I had to explain that one to the husband....
My first thought upon reading this was, "with gas at $3.50/gal one more stop around town would probably cost you $4 BEFORE you even bought the soap!" And Hey, you like what you got. I'd have to say I think you did just fine. We always forget to factor in the cost of getting there and the VALUE of less stress, as mothers, when we chase those bargains. :)
Incidentally, what's the name of the "wonderful" soap and what size did you get for $4?
I so agree with the other comments of the driving around, convenience, etc. Sensaria has a Citrus Cleaner that is an all-purpose cleaner at $18. WOW that is a lot of money BUT it makes up to 32 bottles of all-purpose cleaner that can be used for anything and everywhere in the house (clean windows, granite, floors, fruits and vegies, laundry, any stain) which then makes it just pennies per bottle and I know I am using something that is safe, doesn't smell like chemicals, and it works.
So it is important for you to understand the difference and the safety involved in using the 'store' bought products vs the 'green' products, which a lot are not really all that green.
btw - the Citrus Cleaner is on sale this month for just $15 a bottle:o)
www.sensaria.com/J.
oh my there are just sooo many things, Dog food any idea how much dog food costs? We buy it bulk usually . Tampons I think I spent $6 on a box of five once at the C-store by my office.
How much time do you have?
I've paid for lots of things like lotions, soap, drinks. I'm mean $2 for a coke can. Right? I won't even buy a 2 liter for 1.25. I was desperate. And that is what these places are counting on. OUR desperation!
I actually pay $4 for dish soap when I buy it! However, it doesn't have the chemicals and works better. I ran out one time and had to buy cheap store stuff, all I can say is yuck to that. It only lasted a month, and I could smell it on the glasses and plates, nasty. My $4 green product lasts me at least 3 months, so in the long run is no more expensive. Did you know that dish washing detergent is the #1 poisoning in kids under the age of 6?? I encourage you all to think about that when you think cheaper is better for at least this product.
You name it--I'll take convenience over another trip/stop any day of the week!
Wow... $4 for eco dish soap.
Here in Hawaii.... well, even regular dish soap can cost that. So that does not seem like a lot to me at all.
What 'size' was the dish soap bottle? The mini or large size?
Me, well I bought milk once, on the run out of convenience and where I was at the time. It was OVER $8 close to $9 for a gallon. Organic milk.
Oh yes, I've "been there, done that"!. :)
The take & bake pizza at the grocery, when there are ingredients at home (pizza dough, cheese, sauce) to make it.
One time, on a 10 car drive, about 3 hours into, we realized that we forgot to pack the diapers (all of 'em, and the wipes & diaper rash ointment). That set us back when we stopped at the gas station.... pricey, but necessary.
I will sometimes try new items, even items that more expensive, just to try them sometimes. Occasionally, it's worth it. Example: DH has a guilty pleasure of potato chips; I'll be the veggie or sweet potato or rice versions, which are definitely pricier, but at least slightly healthier for him (and since it's an occasional thing, it's okay). I'm a sucker for handcrafted bar soap, and good handlotion, after using the cheaper stuff, the good stuff is just so much better.
Went to Monster Trucks show they wanted $4.00 for a soda $4.00 cotton candy & $3.00 for box of popcorn I did buy it we had our oldest 2 kiddos with us it was after her birthday party I frowned on the price.Next time I may not attend plus if I do i'll have a big purse loaded with stuff so no more paying over priced food/drinks at the concession stand.We haven't went to anything like this in 2 years so it really wasn't a biggie.I had to pass on the toys/shirts it was junk that we didn't need to throw money at.
I know what you mean I have a list of stores that I must go to during their sales plus coupons for their items..I'm on a budget plus I love to score the free things when I can when I have coupons for them,having 3 kids though is rough to haul in & out & all over town thye get grouchy & I get grouchy.
MILK!!!!
can't tell you how many times I have paid way too much for a gallon of milk out of convenience.
