What is your biggest extravagance?

08-07-2020 12:31PM #1

We had a friend over here yesterday who has had a hair transplant a few months ago. He wasn't even that bald, but he paid thousands of euro to get his hairline done. It was the first time we'd seen him since the Covid. He looks exactly the same to me, but says he feels more confident, so it was worth the money and the pain (has a toe-curling story about anaesthetic wearing-off). The money he spent would put a deposit on a bungalow in the midlands.

I don't think I have any extravagance, I looked at my bank statements earlier, I think I've only bought groceries in the last 3 months.

Do you have some extravagance, something that you spend money on which others might not 'get'? What is it?

Cina · 08-07-2020 12:35PM

My girlfriend. She used to be inflatable but now she can do all sorts like move her head and say a few sentences back to me. She can be a bit cold though.

KiKi III · 08-07-2020 12:35PM

I got liposuction on my belly. It’s not very noticeable, but I feel like my body is more proportional.

I was at a family funeral recently and saw the women on my Mam’s side, who I take after, all look 18 months pregnant.

Weight is about diet and lifestyle primarily, but age and genetics are also factors.

If the money I spent (about €3k) means I don’t carry my weight on my belly like them, I consider it money well spent.

At the time, that was about 30% of what I had in savings.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 08-07-2020 12:40PM

I bought an industrial fan for our gaff.

And then the weather went to shit, natch. But I still love it. I was fed up with plasticky ones that break easily. The industrial one is like a wind machine so I cool down AND look sexy at the same time. How conveeeeenient.

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08-07-2020 12:44PM

KiKi III wrote: »

I got liposuction on my belly. It’s not very noticeable, but I feel like my body is more proportional.

I was at a family funeral recently and saw the women on my Mam’s side, who I take after, all look 18 months pregnant.

Weight is about diet and lifestyle primarily, but age and genetics are also factors.

If the money I spent (about €3k) means I don’t carry my weight on my belly like them, I consider it money well spent.

At the time, that was about 30% of what I had in savings.

Is that painful? I think they keep you awake for it, don't they?

You're so slight in real life, I'd never have imagined it, but it's a very personal thing, and we all have things that bug us which others might not even notice!

A relative of mine, won't say who, had her eyes lifted. Again, nothing that anyone else had noticed, but it definitely seems to have improved her self confidence, so good on her.

atticu · 08-07-2020 12:45PM

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

I think I've only bought groceries in the last 3 months.

Where did you get your food and supplies before that?

KiKi III · 08-07-2020 12:46PM

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

Is that painful? I think they keep you awake for it, don't they?

You're so slight in real life, I'd never have imagined it, but it's a very personal thing, and we all have things that bug us which others might not even notice!

A relative of mine, won't say who, had her eyes lifted. Again, nothing that anyone else had noticed, but it definitely seems to have improved her self confidence, so good on her.

It wasn’t painful at all, local anesthetic and I walked home afterwards. I’ve had worse trips to the dentist.

08-07-2020 12:49PM

atticu wrote: »

Where did you get your food and supplies before that?

I'm a notorious shoplifter, fam.

Strumms · 08-07-2020 12:51PM

My extravagance is holidays. I try and get away three to four times a year. Normally two really good holidays in May and August/September and then two long weekends away...

I think when you slog your guts out or even not it’s great to avail of a change of scenery. Treat yourself to a really decent hotel, lounge at the airport, chauffeurs to transport you airport - hotel and back again... been using a great travel agent for years who has a great in-depth knowledge of every aspect of travel, to everywhere .... they are perfect..staff love their jobs, are travel fanatics themselves..

the beer revolu · 08-07-2020 12:58PM

Mrs got a tooth implant (Not a front tooth)- that was pricey but she really wanted it done.
Spent €500 on a gas grill(BBQ) a couple of months ago - it is my second one and it will get used a lot.

Over the last year or so, I've discovered Japanese raw denim and have since bought 2 pairs of jeans - one blue and one black. To me, they are silly expensive but I really love them and they should last a hell of a long time. I'd like to think that I won't need/want any more.

hedzball · 08-07-2020 01:00PM

Have 2 shotguns and 2 rifles at home.

Think my rifle is standing me about 6k at this stage

Bob Harris · 08-07-2020 01:00PM

Strumms wrote: »

My extravagance is holidays. I try and get away three to four times a year. Normally two really good holidays in May and August/September and then two long weekends away...

I think when you slog your guts out or even not it’s great to avail of a change of scenery. Treat yourself to a really decent hotel, lounge at the airport, chauffeurs to transport you airport - hotel and back again... been using a great travel agent for years who has a great in-depth knowledge of every aspect of travel, to everywhere .... they are perfect..staff love their jobs, are travel fanatics themselves..

Hello neighbour...........

08-07-2020 01:08PM

God I don't know. One person's extravagance would be another's run of the mill ordinary.
I am in the process of getting bespoke glasses. Mine are in dire need of the bin but I absolutely love them. They are rimless and fit my face perfectly. I want a pair that is as subtle as possible and takes up the least amount of my face. This is proving to be very challenging. So I'm going to get a pair made just for me.

I spend a bit of money on skincare and makeup but I don't think it would be extravagant. Perhaps extravagance isn't about cost though.

Earthhorse · 08-07-2020 01:51PM

I don't think I have any extravagances but I do believe in spending money on something you like rather than saving money on something you don't. So my couch was really expensive as is my coffee table but I really like the look of them, they're beautiful and I would rather that than have to look at something I hate everyday.

Church on Tuesday · 08-07-2020 02:00PM

Probably a new drum kit which cost well over a grand about ten years ago and other various parts acquired for it over the years. Drum gear is very expensive.

Oh and Faberge eggs, have a weakness for them too.

08-07-2020 02:27PM

I spent a lot of money on a special mattress that was made extra firm on one side which is the OH's preference, and has softer support on my side. We also have some original artwork that I bought the husband as a wedding present. I have a thing for nice bedlinen and have definitely spent more than I really had to on that kind of thing, so I suppose that counts too.

The one that shocks people is the money I spent on a set of All-Clad cookware, but it's a once in a lifetime purchase and worth it to me.

I'm not sure if any of them are extravagances though, to me something is extravagant if it has scant value or utility or is expensive and frivolous in some way.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 08-07-2020 04:05PM

I’ve occasionally spent €30 or €40 on a pair of tights. But they always lasted for ages.

I never buy the cheapest tights. It’s worth spending money on them so they don’t start rolling down your thighs in public. A good pair doesn’t ladder as easily either. Some, you snag them and they don’t ladder at all.

Jenneke87 · 08-07-2020 04:07PM

Harps. Paid a fair amount for the two that I have..

blingrhino · 08-07-2020 04:10PM

Business class seats on long haul.

Calahonda52 · 08-07-2020 04:10PM

A wheel barrow with a pneumatic tyre and a concrete mixer

SnowyMay · 08-07-2020 04:12PM

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

I’ve occasionally spent €30 or €40 on a pair of tights. But they always lasted for ages.

I never buy the cheapest tights. It’s worth spending money on them so they don’t start rolling down your thighs in public. A good pair doesn’t ladder as easily either. Some, you snag them and they don’t ladder at all.

Really? What brand, if you don’t mind me asking?

I’d spend about €16 on a pair of tights / stayups (Falke brand) and, bam, ladders in them after about one wear.

Then again, I’m a clumsy biach..

antodeco · 08-07-2020 04:16PM

hedzball wrote: »

Have 2 shotguns and 2 rifles at home.

Think my rifle is standing me about 6k at this stage

Was it your money and you just didn't want to fill in the forms?

Kamu · 08-07-2020 04:23PM

I've no issue with spending extra on items of quality and I've no issue spending close to the least amount I can on other items if I don't see how the more expensive version offers any more value.

I am not one for restaurants; a burrito does me fine, but my misses loves the atmosphere of pubs/restaurants and would expect a decent meal at a restaurant with good atmosphere to easily cost over €150+. I don't get atmosphere, but that's just me.

That's her extravagance, and to me it's mad and crazy money, but it makes her happy.

Truth me told, I don't really have any extravagance, I don't spend anything mad on anything really.

markfinn · 08-07-2020 04:23PM

Eclipse chasing. Flights and big car/small truck hire, plus basic accommodation, always in whatever part of the world is going to be the most popular destination for that 2 weeks.

Lollipops23 · 08-07-2020 04:27PM

Currently planning my wedding for next year. We're not even choosing particularly ostentatious stuff but it's still running us silly money.

I'm excited to have the day we both want though, and we're lucky enough that we can afford it by being careful with our doe for the next 12 months.

Earthhorse · 08-07-2020 04:50PM

Candie wrote: »

I spent a lot of money on a special mattress that was made extra firm on one side which is the OH's preference, and has softer support on my side. We also have some original artwork that I bought the husband as a wedding present. I have a thing for nice bedlinen and have definitely spent more than I really had to on that kind of thing, so I suppose that counts too.

Mattresses is a good one. What's the old saying; always spend money on shoes and beds because if you're not in one you're in the other.

Which reminds me, I ordered a Herman Miller chair during lockdown. Expensive, but I've had problems with my hip which made me have to do physio so an ergonomic chair could save me money if it helps prevent a reoccurrence.

KevRossi · 08-07-2020 05:27PM

Three things;

1. An E-Bike. Cost new €2100, was for sale for €1700 as it was a demo model, got €500 off on Bike to Work, so €1200 net. I've cycled huge amouts on it, have it 20 months and have made the money back on saving on Luas and bus fares. Oh yeah, Ryanair lost it and paid me €1400. I found it again and spent €200 bringing it back here, so it owes me nothing by now.

2. Go Pro Hero Black 7 camera; €400. I've rarely used it, but have some fabulous video from it on holidays that I would never have gotten using the phone, so it's worth it IMO.

3. I purchased 5 Jack B. Yeats sketches, and drawings, for about €7,000 in 2010, when I could have spent the money on holidays and having a decent life. It was cash I had from a last bonus at work, I had started my own business and wasn't far off living hand to mouth. Insured for €15,000 right now, possibly worth a bit more than that. Only art I've ever purchased.

ShatterAlan · 08-07-2020 05:48PM

Candie wrote: »

I spent a lot of money on a special mattress that was made extra firm on one side which is the OH's preference, and has softer support on my side. We also have some original artwork that I bought the husband as a wedding present. I have a thing for nice bedlinen and have definitely spent more than I really had to on that kind of thing, so I suppose that counts too.

The one that shocks people is the money I spent on a set of All-Clad cookware, but it's a once in a lifetime purchase and worth it to me.

I'm not sure if any of them are extravagances though, to me something is extravagant if it has scant value or utility or is expensive and frivolous in some way.

Why didn't you just get two separate matresses?

I have a king size bed 200cm x 180cm and have 2 90 X 200 matresses of differing firmness in the frame.

ShatterAlan · 08-07-2020 05:52PM

KevRossi wrote: »

Three things;

1. An E-Bike. Cost new €2100, was for sale for €1700 as it was a demo model, got €500 off on Bike to Work, so €1200 net. I've cycled huge amouts on it, have it 20 months and have made the money back on saving on Luas and bus fares. Oh yeah, Ryanair lost it and paid me €1400. I found it again and spent €200 bringing it back here, so it owes me nothing by now.

2. Go Pro Hero Black 7 camera; €400. I've rarely used it, but have some fabulous video from it on holidays that I would never have gotten using the phone, so it's worth it IMO.

3. I purchased 5 Jack B. Yeats sketches, and drawings, for about €7,000 in 2010, when I could have spent the money on holidays and having a decent life. It was cash I had from a last bonus at work, I had started my own business and wasn't far off living hand to mouth. Insured for €15,000 right now, possibly worth a bit more than that. Only art I've ever purchased.

Ryanair lost it and you found it again??

It went missing from one of their flights and you found it on the side of the road in another country?

JaCrispy · 08-07-2020 05:54PM

Lollipops23 wrote: »

Currently planning my wedding for next year. We're not even choosing particularly ostentatious stuff but it's still running us silly money.

I'm excited to have the day we both want though, and we're lucky enough that we can afford it by being careful with our doe for the next 12 months.

Doe or dole?

Wibbs · 08-07-2020 06:00PM

the beer revolu wrote: »

Over the last year or so, I've discovered Japanese raw denim and have since bought 2 pairs of jeans - one blue and one black. To me, they are silly expensive but I really love them and they should last a hell of a long time.

The quality denim does last a helluva long time T. Not a bad investment at all in my humble. I've two pair of UK made 501's I got in the 90's. Still rocking along, no frays no thin patches. A current made in China pair would be lucky to see out a year. The Japanese selvedge stuff is very nice quality.

I've no real extravagances, at least not in the singular, but I would be an inveterate collector of interesting things. To me anyway. Again no mad expense in the singular but put together there'd be a few bob involved. Though on the other hand pretty much all would be worth more than I paid, some bits and bobs way more. EG I collected vintage wristwatches for donkey's years before it became a wider and much more popular and much more expensive thing. My limit was always 200 quid and usually got them for much less. Most would be now worth at least double, some well more than double. The most I ever paid was a 1000 quid, and boy did I need a stiff drink or three after that purchase, but today the same model goes for 5000, so... Then again I never had any profit motive in play.

What is your biggest extravagance?

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