Shift from Frugal to Survive to Frugal and Minimalist Because That's What I Want

[BPA]

Any Other Canadians Shop at Shoppers Drug Mart?  They are having their mega redemption this weekend and I have enough points to get $210 in free stuff.

At first I thought I might get a higher priced item like a tv or a laptop, but while both my tv and laptop are getting old, they are still good, so I've decided to just spend it on other things:  socks, mittens, chocolate for my son's stocking and my mom's, ear phones (I need some of them), and groceries. 

Even though I've always been quite frugal, it's interesting that my mindset has changed.  I would have bought the tv before (and stockpiled it for when mine dies), but somehow now I just think, "I don't want that."  It must be the minimalism that has crept into my life.  Buying that tv would not make me happy today like it would have about 5 years ago.

Has anyone else made a similar shift?

[Jenga]

I've noticed that myself, gradually...  The allure of the shiny & new is diminishing, and I'm more likely to go with practical everyday items in a situation like that now than I would have been a couple years ago!

My favourite rewards program right now is the Air Miles cash back, because it gives me $10 off groceries or drugstore purchases a few times a year - things I would have had to buy anyway! ;) 

[going2ER]

I always save my points for this time of year to pick up some Christmas presents or some treats, chocolates, pop, chips, etc for the holidays. It seems like every year in December they have a bonus spend your points event. The best part is I usually earn my points by purchasing milk and eggs that they always have on sale.

[BPA]

I was doing airmiles but have switched to PC points.  I live near Shoppers so I use them for eggs, milk, and bread too.