Borrowed that phrase "too good for everyday" from another thread on this site.  Self sufficiency is a part of simple living.  How many of us have perfectly good, unused or barely used items packed away because the item is "too good for everyday"?

My grandmother lived quite "poor" in relation to the "stuff" she had packed away.  Towels were definitely well used, sheets were mended and thread bare, she wore the same clothing over and over and over for years.  Yet, in the closets, the cupboards, were new, unopened packages of sheets, towels, pajamas, blouses, tshirts, sox, etc. etc.  She would not use the items because they were "too good for everyday".  She had many bottles of once beautiful perfumes that had gone rancid.  She used the same set of chipped and mismatched dishes, mugs, etc.  All these items could have been easily replaced by the gifts she would not use and had stockpiled because the items were "too good for everyday". 

I used to think like that also.  

Then I had to throw out some cologne that had gone rancid.   And I discovered the beautiful scented soaps were now unscented.  

So, we used the fine Noritake china everyday.  And the new hand towels and wash cloths.  My fresh flowers may be dandelions from my grandson or Queen Anne's Lace but it is in the "good" vase. We are self sufficient.  We are not going to be wasteful of those nice gifts, even if we think they are "too good for everyday".  It is now a given in our home that those lovely items gifted to us will be used and not stored away, to be forgotten, unused, and eventually, of no use.  

It is a comfort to see the pretty pastel hand towel hanging on the towel rack, the pretty hand soap that is used daily now at the kitchen sink, the good throw out on the couch all winter long, the good dishes in use on a daily basis.  

We may be frugal, living simple, and pinching every penny that comes to us BUT we can enjoy the fine things of life, as well.  

Rolo, I think you see that practice in many, many of the older folks who actually lived through the Great Depression as adult providers or as children who grew up during that period.

It really is a shame things were so tight that they felt they couldn't enjoy nice gifts. My grandparents, now deceased, were the same way. They raised their kids during the depression. My parents, young children during the depression, are somewhat like that too.

I am frugal, and love to stretch my money, but rarely pack anything away "to save" and NEVER use.

rolo:

How many of us have perfectly good, unused or barely used items packed away because the item is "too good for everyday"?

I don't and have never subscribed to that mentality but I certainly have seen it in practise. The pretty dishes I have are collectibles and never to be used, some really aren't safe to be used as they are vintage/antiques and don't meet the safety standards of today. I buy bedding that appeals to us...for example, we have satin sheets and a faux mink cover for our bed that we use daily because everyday is a good day to feel luxurious and romantic. I have two tablecloths so I can rotate them between table and wash not for when company comes.

I do leave decorative soaps out without using them from time to time. However, those pretty shaped ones make the room smell nice and look good but are horrid for use for us. That has nothing to do with being too good for everyday use. There are things I will only use at certain times of the year but those usually have seasonal motif and help to set the tone for an event, season or holiday.

My husband is like that with clothing.

My parents were like that to some degree. There were towels for show, and then towels you actually used.

Not me. If I am not using it, then I don't need to have it.

I use most things.  I have nicer things for holidays and special times.  They dont' get used much but when the kids are older they will be.   I love perfume but gave it away to my sil and mil because my allergies are too bad.  have my mini perfume collection though.    I like having some things for special occasions. too nice to get wrecked with everyday use.  I wouldn't where treadbare clothes etc especially if I had nice ones waiting for me.

I use all of my stuff too, but that is because I really don't have anything that is "super" good.   I have nice things, but nothing is "too good".

I have dress clothing that rarely gets worn, because I rarely go anywhere that requires it.  Other than that, if I don't use it, I won't buy it.  There are things in the house that aren't used, but that's because they were inherited from my grandparents, or were gifts, that have sentimental value rather than being "useful" - but there's less of that than there used to be.

I admittedly have some things like this but not bad. I was pratical when it came to registering for wedding gifts... my "china" came from Target. I still use the plates as my big dinner plates. I have inherited items that I don't know what to do with yet (it's been 6 yrs).

To me the "too good for everyday" is the "someday-itis" that I am trying to avoid. (Packrat syndrome).