It seems you are happy with it. "I'm slowly starting to increase eating out at above average places and taking trips more frequently." That is life. That's why we live. You deserve it.
There is a significant difference in quality between eating out in a $10 place or a $100 place. Yet, the difference between a $100 place and a $1000 place is pretty small.
It applies to almost everything: entertainment, food, computer equipment, traveling, etc. The first order of magnitude is the one that will give you more bang for your buck, don't jump to the second order of magnitude.
There is a significant difference in quality between eating out in a $10 place or a $100 place. Yet, the difference between a $100 place and a $1000 place is pretty small.
It applies to almost everything: entertainment, food, computer equipment, traveling, etc. The first order of magnitude is the one that will give you more bang for your buck, don't jump to the second order of magnitude.