Failing with Style

Well, if I am going to fail this No-Spending Experiment, 

I'm going to fail it in spectacular fashion.  

Tell me what you see below:

And if you answer (as my husband did) "A box of crap", then you are wrong. 

What you see above is a box of All-Clad cookware I bought at my local thrift store.

For $24.95. 

ALL-CLAD : $24.95

I very nearly had a heart attack when I realized what lay before me. 

And almost had another one as I hoofed it out the doors 

& back home to grab some money from my secret cash stash. 

I was sweaty and giddy when I handed over my precious dollars to the slightly puzzled clerk. 

Even typing this, I am a little light-headed.

Can you feel it?  

If you like to cook, and you're not familiar with All-Clad, you need to educate yourself. 

All-Clad is to Cooking as Ferrari is to Driving. 

Sure, a Yugo will still get you there, but the ride won't be nearly as quick, smooth, or enjoyable.   

I know - it's not pretty, but in this case it really is what's on the inside that counts. 

The box contained: 2 saucepans, 3 pots, 2 lids, and a steamer insert.  

All but the steamer appears to have an anodized exterior (similar to what is now the LTD2 line).  

These were clearly used, but not at all loved.  

I think that the previous owner didn't know how to take care of them.  If I had to guess, I'd say they were put in the dishwasher and the soap and heat discolored the outside.  

The insides all looked like this. 

But a little Barkeeper's Friend fixed them right up!

They are still not purty, but man, are they amazing to cook with!

Here is a breakdown of what I bought, with approximate retail pricing:

1.5 Qt. saucepan  $149.95

 3 Qt.  saucepan  $234.95

2.5 Qt. casserole  $110*

3 Qt. casserole  $130*

 4 Qt. casserole  $156*

8” Stainless steel steamer insert  $105

 Retail total:  $884.90!

*These prices are for comparable products in the Stainless line.  There are no LTD2 pots in this size right now, but if there were, they would likely be about 30% higher than these prices. 

Although I felt awful at breaking down during No Spend month, it was totally worth it.  It was serendipity, I swear it was.  If I have one actual hobby that I enjoy doing, it is cooking.  And cooking is soooooo much more enjoyable if you have tools that work well.