DMGUpgrading
Jason Kottke has a cool post this morning that resonates with my own nesting habits.
My wife and I are ardent upgraders. I rarely buy anything anymore but the things I do buy are usually better versions of things I already have. As things break or wear out, we've been replacing them with items that are nicer to use/wear/whatever and will last a whole lot longer than the cheaper stuff.
A friend from college had a saying: "Buy the best. You'll never be disappointed." I have my own saying: "The good life is cheaper." Buy quality stuff that will last, and you'll spend less time and money shopping, you'll look sharper, eat healthier, and sleep better. I do my research, I buy quality, and I really enjoy the stuff I have.
I have a Capresso MT-500 coffee maker, and it is wonderful. It has a thermal carafe, a timer that lets me set it at night and wake up to fresh coffee, and it makes excellent coffee. The coffee I make in my own kitchen for $.11 is as good or better than anything I can get elsewhere.
I also have a little Italian style espresso maker for weekend mornings when I want to take my time with breakfast. Once again: best coffee, my kitchen. No feeling deprived because I'd rather go out for breakfast.
I've also invested in some really nice bedding. I sleep better because of it. My bed is like a womb. Worth every penny.
I've also spent money on things like Brooks Bros. shirts. I bought three for $200 about 5 years ago, and they still look brand new. So far, each Brooks Bros. shirt in my closet has cost me $13.34 per year.
Investing in nice furniture, TV, Netflix, coffee, etc. means I'm investing in making my apartment a place I want to spend time. These days, I'd rather stay home, cook dinner, and watch a movie with a great cup of coffee than brave the crouds at the theater. I live better, and spend less.
And my credit card bills lately are proof.