5 Little Luxuries You Can Afford
And That Will Make You Feel Pampered Even If You're Scrimping

When times are tough -- whether it's because you're young and underpaid, there's an economic downturn, you're making a life change, saving for something special or you've been laid off -- pampering yourself becomes important so you don't get depressed. Fixing up your home can seem like the last thing you want to spend money on. But trust us, these 5 small things can have big impact on your well being...

Candles: Scented are great and add an extra dimension but even the light from candles from the 99 cents store can make a home feel special. Certainly, we light them at dinner or when we're in the bath but try them at unexpected times too. Light one at breakfast to remind you to slow down, cook dinner by candlelight, to mediate on for a few minutes before you go to bed or while you're on the computer.
Flowers: One big sunflower, a handful of daisies, the heady scent of gardenias. One small bouquet, one big impact. If you're not a flower person, try a bowl of lemons, oranges, or apples, artichokes or succulents.
Music: We're not talking the loud stuff you need to channel your inner rock star when you're had a bad day (though we can attest to the miraculous healing powers of an evening of Rock Band or Guitar Hero!) but the softer stuff -- instrumentals, classical, jazz -- that forms a background cushion against the outside world.
Nice Bath Products. A good soap, a rich shaving cream, a thick body cream. Bath products don't have to be expensive. We love Boot's, available at Target, for its great products and clean packaging. And don't forget the healing power of products made for kids. A bubble bath or an evening spent drawing all over yourself with soap crayons can literally wash away your troubles.
A clean home: Decluttering your home so that you come home to someplace clean and organized, a home that hugs you, can make a big difference. And, who knows? Maybe getting it to that point will put you in a good mood. That's one reason why we call getting our homes in shape the Cure.

[Image: Living, Etc.]

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Comments (22)

Thanks. This post is just what I needed today. I especially like the part about removing clutter. I know for me, if my house is a mess, so am I.

yes i agree with clutter being a drag for you and your moods. BUT why do I need candles?

I think I will leave work early and go home and spend the evening drawing on myself with soap crayons. You had me until that!

I do think keeping your place clean and clutter free does a world of good and it is absolutely cost free.

Thanks for the timely post in our current environment of financial doom.

agreed anabelle... there is definitely something about a coming home to clean house that is very soothing... also, coming home to a clean kitchen always makes me want to cook a great meal. if a pile of dishes are left from the night before, I always want to just eat out...

Hooray, AT, for for the prudent post. It's nice to know the contributors are aware that we're not all at the 6-figure income level. Thanks for the cute tips.

Oh..but Kimberlina...if you made it an event where you and your partner drew on EACH OTHER with the soap crayons....that would be giggly and fun ;-) (I'm reminded of Australia's Save Water Campaign where they encouraged people to shower with a friend...)

This is such a nice post! It really is the little things that make a difference.

http://embritadesign.blogspot.com

EmmieB - Great idea AND I am quite qualified to operate the soap crayons. Although I still remember the backlash from drawing full body tattoos on a boy on the schoolbus with a green Sharpie back in the 80's. This was way before ink was in.

I'm not sure if these are directions for pampering myself or seducing myself....

One no cost strategy I have found effective is to rotate objects to new places. Doing so seems to renew each room, and I now catch things in my line of vision at different times and am engaged in different ways.

instead of water crayons, i like a good glass of wine when in the bath. and candles - yes. though at this time of year, using the fireplace is soothing too.

Ooh, good idea, formosagirl! A nice bottle of wine is a lovely AND affordable luxury. Trader Joe's has a really good selection of wines that are under $8. I picked up a bottle of viognier for under $5 and it was pretty damn good.

YES. more posts like this for we, the depressed and scrimping job-searching folk ...please?

yes i agree with clutter being a drag for you and your moods. BUT why do I need candles?

Because most of us look much better by candle light. (And better yet in total darkness, truth be told.)

"meditate"

not "mediate"

although mediating by candlelight is probably a good idea as well.

Great post. I'm working on the cleaning & decluttering part myself, and bath products are always wonderful. Our local independent pharmacy always has some good ones on sale.

i see a zirh "scrub"....zirh products are great.

One more indulgence or luxury that can really lift my mood is giving someone a gift -- whether it's something I don't use anymore that a friend could, or calling a relative I haven't seen for a while to let them know I'm thinking about them, or spending part of a Saturday volunteering. Time spent giving to others (with moderation -- anything can be overdone!) can sometimes be just as ... therapeutic? ... as time spent on pampering myself.

is this list specifically for women? what's with that

I like this post. I'm sampling jazz music at iTunes as I write this - so I'm with you on the music "cushion against the outside world" thing. I also have this great pumpkin spice votive candle I keep on my desk at work. I'll pick it up now and then and let the smell conjure all the best associations I have with this season. For some reason that smell relaxes me a lot, and for very little $.

"is this list specifically for women? what's with that"

What makes you think this post is for women?

Men can enjoy all these things just as much - they need to bathe - they need to keep their house clean - they invariably listen to music - they can enjoy visual stimulus

Surely its sexist to presume these pleasures are only for women...

Oh! Soap crayons. Fantastic. I am going to ask for some in my stocking this year.

You know, soap crayons are a good idea for Christmas stocking stuffers for my sister who has everything. She just doesn't buy herself soap crayons! Beneath that hard-driving attorney exterior is a playful spirit that I know well from our shared childhood. Thanks for the good idea!