Quality vs. Quantity

This past year, P and I have really made an effort to overhaul our diets.
For starters, we now only purchase organic meats at the store. We have almost completely cut out red meat. The bulk of our grocery bill now goes towards whole foods and lots of produce. We still sneak in the occasional Amy's burritos for quick fixes, but for the most part, our diet has radically changed. I cannot remember the last time that I bought t.v. dinners, microwave pizza, or bottles of sugary juice. We have become so much more careful and discerning in our food choices. On the plus side, we have been able to do this without increasing our food budget. I watch the weekly sales cycles like a hawk and will price match to get the lowest cost on everything that I can.

Buying "nicer" or higher quality foods has started to affect me in other areas too. For example, I used to buy all of my clothes at Target. They were not the highest quality, but I had a lot more to choose from. This past year, I have found myself in the clothing section at Target, and I continually put items back on the shelf. As a result, I have purchased far fewer clothes this year that in years past. I am finding I have been gravitating to higher end clothing. Now, let me explain, my version of "higher end" means I shop at the Banana Republic and Ann Taylor sales isle, but they are still above a Target rack. Sometime earlier this year, I asked myself do I want stuff to just have, or do I want to purchase items that will hold their value, that last and are made with quality craftsmanship. And I find this to be true in so many areas of my life. I am coming to place where I want quality over quantity. I would rather have few clothes, but nicer items than a closet full of cheap clothes that start to look worn after just a few uses. I still have a skirt that I purchased at Banana Republic Outlet over 10 years ago, and it fits and looks like new still.

In an effort to help purge my closet, last Thursday night, I tried on every single item in my closet. It took a couple of hours, but I tried it on, and did a little fashion show around the house. P and I graded everything that I own, skirts, tops, pants, shoes, jackets, sweaters, everything. I ended up with two large bags to donate to Goodwill. It feels so good to rid myself of all that stuff. I continually go to Target too often, and I still spend way too much money at that store, but I am becoming much more discerning with how I spend my money.

What about you? Are your tastes changing?