Frugal dilemmas: the $2 cupcake and other cost comparisons
Let me just preface this post by saying I love my father.
However ... there were many times as a child when his frugal ways seemed to interfere with my ability to have fun.
Case in point: ice cream. My parents weren't opposed to this frozen treat --- but my dad hated going to an ice cream parlor to get a cone, where back in the 80s it would cost $1.50 or more for a single scoop. Because, you see, you could get an entire half-gallon of ice cream at the supermarket for about $2 (on sale, of course).
The same thing with soda. They didn't deny us the fizzy stuff --- except when we were buying fast food. I always lobbied to stay and play in the playground, but my dad wouldn't want to buy a drink that would cost $1 or more. He preferred to take our meal home, where we could drink soda from the two-liter bottle he got from the supermarket (again, on sale) for 99 cents.
And now, as an adult (and clearly one with a sweet tooth) ...... I realize I must have learned something during those battles over junk food. I find myself making similar cost comparisons, though perhaps I'm not as strict about it.
For example, I really struggled earlier this week over buying a cupcake, noting the $2 could also probably buy a box of cake mix and that terrible --- but still delicious --- frosting-in-a-tub, most of the ingredients for a similar guilty pleasure treat.
It reminded me about how Elizabeth over at Dining@Large noted a few readers (and she herself) were surprised when she paid nearly $8 for a loaf of bread, but no one sneezed when she spent $4.50 on a single serving of pastry.
Clearly, the environment affects whether we perceive a price as reasonable, but am I the only one who has a hard time paying so much out for what could cost so much less? What in particular do you hate buying out --- but perhaps still do?
Comments
I have a hard time doing the $4 popcorn at movies. It just seems so wrong.
So wrong, when you could get popcorn at the supermarket for so much less! But I as I've mentioned before, I prefer to eat before or after my movies --- and to make my own microwave popcorn. --- lfk.
Posted by: Jill | May 8, 2009 11:01 AM
I hate hate hate buying an iced mocha out anywhere. Starbucks, Panera, even McDonald's!! I have a Kuerig Coffee maker which I am in love with and works great for a normal cup of hot coffee. But when I want that icy, chocolatey coffee....it kills me to spend $4+ on something I am drinking. But it is so GOOD!
ps...I'm actually not as addicted to coffee as this post makes me sound. :)
Any other Keurig fans out there who have any frugal ideas for making an iced mocha? --- lfk.
Posted by: Holly | May 8, 2009 3:45 PM
I go to the driving range a lot to practice my Tiger Woods impression. When I was a kid and lived in the country I could go on an open field and hit my own golf balls for free. Since I live in the city, I go to the driving range a lot by the airport and have to pay 10 dollars to hit a bucket of balls in a similar field.
Posted by: Chris (Harbor East) | May 11, 2009 11:02 AM
Isn't it just making a cup of instant coffee then add to a blender with lots of ice, milk, sugar, and chocolate? Then blend to you get the right consistency. You can find recipes online. I use the recipe below; it's easy enough.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/iced-mocha-recipe/index.html
Posted by: Chris (Harbor East) | May 11, 2009 4:55 PM