Arguing the Validity Of Practical Thinking.
DEFFINISION of PRACTICAL: —Synonyms
1. pragmatic. 7. Practical, judicious, sensible refer to good judgment in action, conduct, and the handling of everyday matters. Practical suggests the ability to adopt means to an end or to turn what is at hand to account: to adopt practical measures for settling problems. Judicious implies the possession and use of discreet judgment, discrimination, and balance: a judicious use of one's time. Sensible implies the possession and use of sound reason and shrewd common sense: a sensible suggestion.
—Antonyms
7. ill-advised, unwise, foolish.
Are you the sort of person who loves name brands? We all love nice things, and lets be honest many name brands are better quality. Due to the economic changes we've endured over the last couple years sometimes we cant fit it into the budget and have to settle for less. I have a solution. Lets analyze some impractical thinking and interject some cost effective solutions.
I wanted to write about second hand shopping. Specifically about shopping for linens. Ewww gross!! Did you say that? Hold that thought and recall all the times you've stayed in a Hotel.... I hope you don’t think that they've stocked your room with BRAND NEW towels, and linens. Some people don't mind second hand and some people really hate it. Those that hate it, I want to challenge your thinking. You can achieve such great savings with out sacrificing style.
Think about your resources. This can be a local thrift-shop like GoodWill, Yard Sales, and we all know about ebay and Craigslist.
Lets take Bathroom Towels for example.
I have a family of 5. If I buy 5 towels for each family member for a one week duration. (this is assuming someone is washing during the week, otherwise I'd be short 10 towels to make up for a full week's worth of towels)
So, If you priced out the cost of 25 towels at $20.00 ea. from one of my favorite stores, Potterybarn. My total sum would be $2,500.00 for the cost of 25 towels. This doesn’t include washcloths and hand towels or the other 10 towels.
REALLY...on towels that you'll dry off with and throw immediately into the hamper? I'd rather buy a new sofa every year at that price, or take a small trip with my family.
So what to do?? A great tip that some people might over look due to *Impractical thinking, is the usage of a fantastic second hand towels. I know what your thinking, but hear me out. You can feel good about a one time purchase of Brand New, Fresh & Fancy guest towels and your *Decorating towels. These would match your bathroom decor, and should be towels that don't move much nor do they get used daily if ever! Don’t be afraid to buy your everyday towels from a second had store. You may be surprised at what you'll find. I personally prefer to purchase Brand New hand towels and washcloths, as these are more affordable. Second hand towels are sometimes as low as $1.00-$5.00. Keeping them ALL in the same color, like white, they will be more cohesive. It may take time to build up an inventory, but you'll save ALLOT of money in the long run, plus you can have as many as you want without ever worrying. They might be different shades of white but will fold up nicely in the linen closet.
I have tried purchasing the towels and linens from the local Target, Walmart, Ross or TJ Max, and Blah!! I prefer to buy nicer quality used/recycled towels that bleach out well and hold up through all the washings, kids, pets, etc. They Look crisp and new after every washing. Plus when one gets ruined I don't at all feel bad. So by doing this you wont have the instant gratification of having all Brand New towels, but as I said it will take time. You have to look often. Think of it as a semi monthly necessary purchase. By buying a few when your out and about. Your going to save hundreds if not thousands of dollars!
You can practice this same cost effective theory with your bedroom and table linens. Again recalling your past Hotel or Restaurant visits and keeping in mind that there really are some things worth the large investment and expensive purchase, everyday bath towels arrant on my list.
