While cleaning off my desk today, I found an article I’d saved to blog about. It discusses the little luxuries that people like to enjoy in spite of cutting back on their expenses in a lousy economy.
In my early years as a SAHM, I occasionally bought little things to make myself feel good. I felt guilty about not bringing in an income, so I didn’t splurge. But I’d grab a quilt magazine at the grocery magazine rack and go home and enjoy it thoroughly. Or I might pick up a votive in a new scent and keep it burning at home until it was just a little blob of wax. (Usually, one of the kids or even my husband would come into the room and ask, “What stinks?”)
These days, I don’t seem to require little luxuries, at least not the ones that cost money. I’m happy to find a good book or DVD at the public library, or take a walk on the beach. (Although I did pony up $3.99 at the Goodwill store a few weeks ago for a hardback copy of an Elisabeth Elliot book I hadn’t read yet….I was thrilled to add it to my collection.)
But I like to have things around for my family to enjoy. So my little luxuries have become things like picking up a bucket of fried chicken at the grocery store deli when it’s on sale, or buying a box of peppermint hot chocolate mix at Sam’s Club for a whopping $1.81 for 28 packets. And when candy bars go on sale “buy one, get one free,” I buy some for everybody, not just me 🙂
So, are you finding that little luxuries make life a little easier these days? If so, what are your favorites?
I like to eat a little snack cup of dark chocolate M&Ms. While the kids are otherwise occupied, of course. I would hate to set a bad example! Other than that, new plants for the garden and pretty glass beads for making jewelry. BTW, thanks again for mentioning my website!
My little luxuries are about the same as yours. I tend to buy things for the house that make it more “homey’ in my opinion. I’ve cut back on that a lot though, instead of candles (I still buy them, however) I will throw a little bit of cinnamon in a pan of water and let it simmer. It’s easier not to buy for the house since this is a rental now. But I do like things that will make my family more comfy…
Had to laugh at the candle thing! My husband and kids would say the same thing. My little luxuries include candles (found good fragrant ones at Dollar General), chocolate rice cakes, and Suave cocoa butter lotion:) Oh, and a fruit and yogurt parfait from the dollar menu at McDonald’s.
Well, as you know, mine is dark chocolate. I LOVE my dark chocolate. I also like a good book, although I usually get those from the library. I like make-up too. I do. I admit it. And clothes. I reaaaalllly like clothes. Just ask my husband. 🙂 But honestly, I don’t go overboard, I stay in budget.
As long as all NEEDS are met, I feel amazingly grateful and humbled… I have scores of stories of how Father has provided for us and continues to, so I feel very little desire for things.
I DO love to check out books for myself from the library (that’s totally decadent because I really don’t have time to read FUN stuff because I have so much I NEED to read for parenting, homeschooling, nutrition, etc). Taking TIME for me feels really decadent as well – especially since my hubby’s been working the Kitchen Manager job of 12-15 hour days REGULARLY. My kiddos don’t exactly LIKE it when I tell them it’s Mama’s time (sitting in the living room reading as I tune them out for a while), but they prefer having me in sight, so they cope. ^_^
I’m grateful I don’t really feel a need for “luxuries” because our budget certainly can’t handle any!
Katherine, I’m totally with you on the dark chocolate!
Kristy, love your cinnamon idea. And yes, it is easier not buying stuff for a rental. I think I’ve saved quite a bit because of that! 🙂
Karen, glad to hear I’m not the only one whose candles get insulted, lol.
Janet, we should party with Katherine 😉
Tori, I think it’s good for kids to see their mama reading and enjoying it….a wonderful example for them!
Thanks, everyone, for weighing in.
In the past it’s been cookbooks, fitness videos, and scrapbooking tools & supplies. I’ll get to a saturation point and then move on to the next thing. I do still get a lot of use out of what I’ve bought so it’s not like they’re a waste of money. But I can see now in retrospect that I went overboard.
I’m trying to be more judicious in purchasing things for my latest hobbies- learning to knit and sew. I’ve gotten so fed up with trying to find clothes that fit me (I’m petite and many stores simply don’t stock my size) and are modest but not frumpy. I’m hoping that I can get the hang of making my own.