In general, I would say I almost never make impulse purchases… it’s just not my style.
I’m also not the best at treating myself or doing extra-special things for myself “just because” — I guess it just seems unnecessary most of the time.
Can anyone relate?
Well, a couple weeks ago, I walked past a large display of Yankee Candles with 80% off clearance stickers — apparently the jars were an old design they were phasing out.
The candles were all the lovely Fall scents… at a ridiculously low price! So although it wasn’t on my grocery list, I snatched up a Harvest scented candle (affiliate link) for this season (no, I don’t hoard good deals… one large candle was plenty for me).
Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed burning this candle for a couple hours each day, smelling the lovely Fall smells, and gearing up for my most favorite season of the year!
The candle was less than $5, and it has brought a ridiculous amount of joy to my life (which I know sounds silly to say about a candle, but it’s true!) I have it sitting on the window ledge just above my sink, so I see it a hundred times every day and can smell it whenever I’m by the sink (even when it’s not burning).
Since I’m in the kitchen a lot, I enjoy my candle a lot. And since the days are getting shorter, I can enjoy the flickering light even earlier in the evening (a bonus, considering we now to go bed by 9:30 every night!)
My intention is to burn this candle completely before Thanksgiving Day — at which point, I’ll switch to burning a Christmas-scented candle through January.
Then I’ll be finished with candles again until next Fall.
.
As I was thinking about how happy my less-than-$5 candle has made me, I realized there are probably many simple, inexpensive things I can do on a somewhat regular basis “just because” they make me happy.
I don’t need to get carried away, break my budget, act entitled, or do anything extravagant… but the rewards for some of these simple pleasures could be profound — a happier me being the biggest reward!
I wonder if some of you could benefit from this too?
Are there any small, simple, inexpensive things YOU could do on a somewhat regular basis “just because” they make YOU happy?
If so, pick one, and treat yourself to it this week!
Oh, and leave your ideas in the comments too, so we can all benefit from them!
Alissa says
I bought pumpkin spice coffee creamer the other day! We usually just drink our coffee black, so it is fun to have a “treat” in the morning.
Angela says
Love the idea of a little treat! Can I ask, do you have a trick to remember to blow the candle out before bed? I’ve left candles burning a couple times (because I don’t burn them often enough to make it a habit) and it terrifies me so I’ve been sticking to Scentsy pots lately. I’m guessing you probably blow it out when you take your bedtime snack dishes to the kitchen?
So along the same line, my “treats” are new “Scentsy” blocks occasionally…I get the cheapie Walmart ones, because even the name brand ones don’t seem to last like they used to.
Andrea says
no trick really — just the fact that the candle is RIGHT in the center of my kitchen (above my sink) so if all the lights are off, it’s very obvious the candle is still burning.
Lori says
Can I ask where you found this awesome bargain? That is a very popular fall scent!
Andrea says
they were at Meijer — but it was over a month ago. I looked again last week and there weren’t any good scents left!
Amie says
I also like burning candles in the colder months. Usually I have a stock pile that I’ve been given as gifts and since I only burn them when it’s coolder or cold, my stock never seems to run out! I also enjoy coffee and about a year ago received a Ninja coffee bar that makes specialty coffees. Saturday morning I get up early, make a “special” cup of coffee and read, update my planner, etc in the quiet before everyone else is up. My husband even stays in bed longer on Saturday just to give me my quiet time
Andrea says
awwww… I love that your hubby actually stays in bed longer just to give you more alone time 🙂
Mandy says
I have a gel manicure set. One day a week (usually Saturday evening) I give myself a manicure. It brings me so much joy!
Melissa D. says
For years now, during my birthday month, I do small little things for myself to make that month special. Sometimes a new candle, new bath soap, taking an afternoon to read in front of the fire, etc. I have a hard time doing it year round but I can justify it better to myself during my birthday month! It has since morphed into not only doing that but also sharing random acts of kindness during that month, which makes me feel just as good! March is so dreary in WI so this helps make it a bit more exciting!
Andrea says
I LOOOOOOVE this idea — and I might just have to steal it from you!
My birthday AND our anniversary are both in June — which is the first month of summer and the most perfect month for little splurges. I can’t wait until next June 🙂
Melissa D. says
June would be a perfect month with both celebrations in it! It really makes the month more fun as well as something to look forward to!
Alissa says
I celebrate Birthday Month too! When my husband was in grad school and money was tight, birthday month celebrations included things like: I got to man the remote EVERY NIGHT and pick what we watched. My husband would (and still does) give me a foot rub while watching TV. He will rub my feet throughout the year, but he does it almost every night during birthday month!
Now that he is out of grad school, he will bring me home a little treat (like a scone) during birthday month sometimes. My birthday is in December, a week before Christmas, so I am sure there are more things I could do, but it is so hectic. Sometimes I feel a little childish celebrating my birthday for a whole month but I also don’t care too much!
Melissa D. says
It is to the point now that everyone knows that March is my month! Lol! I love that your husband indulges you a bit as well. Plus there is nothing wrong with being childish at heart, right!? (Or manning the remote…that is awesome!)
April says
Love this post, Andrea. A few years ago, when I was in an abusive relationship, I had a little light shaped like a tea pot that plugs directly into a socket. I kept it by my kitchen counter and I cannot tell you how much joy that shining little light brought to my life. A light shining in the darkness. It is the little things that mean the most.
Angela says
What a beautiful sentiment! That would make a really special gift for a friend going through a hard time as well! I hope things are brighter for you these days!
Carolyn L Maves says
I have a tiny vase of parsley (from my garden) next to my kitchen sink. I found this idea in a book some years ago and it has been my tradition ever since. That little vase of green makes me happy for several months. It really is the little things.
Chris says
I have a wooden back scratcher. Countless times when I’ve used it I say to my husband, “This is the best 89 cents I’ve ever spent!”. Lol.
Andrea says
haha — simon just got a back scratcher from our neighbor and we’ve all enjoyed using it!
Holly Sanford says
I love the Softsoap Honeysuckly and Orange peel body wash. I’ve tried more expensive body washes but for less than $4 I get a large bottle of body wash that smells fabulous and starts my mornings off a little brighter.
Andrea says
that’s great you found a cheaper brand that you like. I usually use very inexpensive body washes too 🙂
Christine says
After going through a VERY busy season of all work, I realized I was saving all my “treats” for after I was completely done with all my work (which never happens), and I was completely burned out and not taking time to relax. So I made a list of things to do to relax. It was not what I thought it would be! The first thing I did was take care of my rough feet and old toenail polish. Another thing on the list is polish all the nice wood in the house with wood polish. Isn’t it strange the things we find enjoyable? The problem with having a “eat your vegetables first” type personality is that we sometimes deprive ourselves unnecessarily (and unhealthfully) of good things. So next week I’m going out with friends (extrovert!) and I’m going to try to do one thing a day from my list – even if it’s just sitting in the afternoon sunshine with a cup of coffee!
Thanks for all your help Andrea!
Andrea says
Yes, I completely understand what you mean when you say “eat your vegetables first type personality. I’m ALWAYS “saving” the fun stuff until later… but later often never comes and I just work, work, work!
Glad you got those feet taken care of!
Jen says
I agree with this SOO much! Now that we’ve finally reached the point in our lives where we have a little “wiggle” room in the grocery budget (the empty nest definitely helps with that!), I have decided that I am allowed to buy some fresh flowers every week! I enjoy them. They are inexpensive because I can get them at Aldi or Lidl for less than $10, and it’s worth it for the joy they bring me. Enjoy that candle!
Andrea says
I’ll enjoy the candle — you enjoy your flowers. I had a friend in high school whose mom always got flowers every week. I told my mom they must be rich (my mom was NOT into flowers) but now I realized that was probably just her little happy splurge for the week!
Lynn Grable says
I love the Fall season too! I am a native Michigander and the Fall weather is just the best! So, with that said, I love the Fall Festivals, even here in Missouri. There are two festivals that I save for in October so I have spending money to do with what I want! My two best friends and I plan for these two festivals every year! Thanks for your blog Andrea, I love it!
Andrea says
ooooh… sounds like fun!
Debby says
My new for me thing is getting a powder manicure about every three weeks. I work in healthcare and wash my hands close to 50 times a day. Plus I have hobbies that I use my hands with so my nails were always breaking really far down and truthfully I always felt ashamed of how unkept my hands looked. I still keep my nails short but the powder manicure is durable and makes me feel good when I look at it. Not as cheap as your candle LOL but worth it to me. And in the grand scheme of my life it’s a small price for something I wear every single day.
Andrea says
I’ve never gotten a manicure, but I totally understand where you are coming from. I do not like my nails, so I figured getting a manicure would simply draw attention to them — but I can definitely see it from your perspective too. Interesting!
Rhonda says
Once in a while I like to get a drink from our local coffee shops. I don’t get in the habit of this, since the money can add up – but it’s nice to do once or twice a month, and it feels good to support a local business (we are in an area where there are no chains such as Starbucks, etc). I feel like I should support these places when I can because in a rural area, there are often very few public meeting places. Plus, you get out and see and talk with people you know but might not see otherwise. I like that there’s the same group of “coffee clutch” retirees sitting there each weekday, just enjoying each other’s company.
Andrea says
yes, definitely support those local places!
Tonya says
I love this candle scent! I wish I had found it for 80% off
Andrea says
I know… I was super happy to find the deal! Even better that it was on Fall scents (and not discontinued summer or spring leftovers!)
Ashley says
I almost always have fresh flowers in the house! I buy from the clearance cart, so I spend less than $5. These days i usually buy 2 small bouquets ($2.50 each!) and give one to my daughter for her to arrange. I’m almost always able to find flowers that still look great and last 10-14 days!
Andrea says
Wow — 2 weeks from fresh flowers. That’s great! I remember MANY years ago (before kids) Dave brought home a huge bunch of leftover Carnations from a Valentines sale at school. I cut them up and made different arrangements for every room in our house. They lasted FOREVER and I had really enjoyed having the flowers to brighten up the winter “blah” that time of year!
Cara says
I like to treat myself to a fountain Diet Coke every now and then. McDonald’s has the best and it’s only a dollar!
Andrea says
I have a friend who swears McDonald’s Diet Cokes are the absolute best Diet Cokes ever. I wonder if their recipe is actually a little different???
Deb says
True Story!
https://clark.com/shopping-retail/food-restaurants/mcdonalds-coke-tastes-best-secret/
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-mcdonalds-coke-tastes-better-2017-2
I have given up soda for 2018, but when I used to drink WAY TOO MUCH soda, it had to be McDonalds. If you have the app. on Thursdays, you can get 2 drinks for $1 as they have a “free soft drink with $1 purchase.”
Andrea says
this is awesome — thanks for sharing! I’ve always wondered about this! Thanks for sharing the article links!
Ann says
Bringing flowers in from outside to enjoy in my kitchen!
Andrea says
yes! I’ve been doing this a bit lately — just have to be careful of the bugs I sometimes bring in with the flowers! 🙂
Meghan says
Bath and Body Works foaming hand soaps! I get them online when they are $2.95, and they bring me a ridiculous amount of happiness.
Andrea says
we love foaming hand soap — SO much easier for kids!
Trinita DeCamp says
This is so timely. I also get an incredible amount of joy from well scented candles; both the light and smell. Bath & Body Works / White Barn are my jam. The 3 wick candles were on sale for $12.99 and if you spent a certain amount you got another 3 wick and free shipping. I bought several for the upcoming months because I burn them daily and they last me about a month. I just made the decision that I was going to purchase three candles every three months in the seasonal scents I like. Some people buy fresh flowers for their home while others might indulge in a special coffee treat. If it’s a couple of bucks and brings you joy, I say do it. It’s an investment in yourself and don’t you deserve to love yourself as much as you love others? Trina
Andrea says
sounds like a good plan — 12 candles a year can’t hurt your budget too badly! 🙂
And thanks for the tip about investing in yourself! I’m actually writing about this more in 2 weeks (still haven’t quite finished the post… but it’s a good one!)
Trinita DeCamp says
Looking forward to it!
Charlene says
Grove Collaborative cleaning products. I mainly buy dish and hand soap because of the smells. Lemon Verbena and Lavender are my favorites. There are multiple reasons to buy their products and the prices are reasonable. You can even get introductory free shipping for a period of time and when you do pay shipping it is a set price. But it is the joy the fragrances bring me that drives my purchases. Apparently they remind me of something! It might sound silly but I even feel more put together and peaceful, like all is well in my world. It makes me happy!
Andrea says
my favorite is the pink grapefruit scent of Method dish soap — SO good!! Plus, it’s my favorite bright pink color too!