photo by dierken
Frugal women look for luxuries on the cheap. They are unwilling to be wasteful — and not just during tough economic times. If they do splurge on a treat, it tends to be items such as a candle, book, flower, food or cup of tea or coffee. In other words, something they can experience at home. One reader, Kimmee in Colorado, shares: “My biggest luxury is being able to pull our sheets out of the dryer, put them on the bed, pull them tight, and slide in between them after a shower. There is nothing quite in comparison!”

Take a break from your busy and demanding life, and give yourself permission to relax and recharge. It helps you to see the joy in your life so you can redefine luxuries as experiences and simple pleasures and not material things. Doing so helps you adjust your standards and change your mindset from deprivation to abundance and gratitude.
Here’s a starting point.

MANAGE STRESS: Negative emotions use up a lot of your energy. Laugh and smile more. Wake up with happiness as your choice for the day. Prioritize your time so you can watch a funny movie, listen to music, write in a journal, or do something you really enjoy. Reach out and call a family member or a friend. Go to lunch or simply let someone know that you’re thinking about him or her.

Connecting with others is important, but set aside time for yourself, too. Strive for mindful moments in your day. Eat well and include foods you need to give you a boost, such as broccoli, brown rice, bananas, almonds or sunflower seeds, apples and beans, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

BODY-AND-SOUL SNACK: Hand, foot and facial care make you feel great. You don’t need to go to the salon. Exfoliate hands with a salt scrub or use a home paraffin spa to soften them. Then add moisturizer. Afterward, soak your feet in a foot bath. Scrub, exfoliate, and moisturize them, too. Put socks on to lock in the moisturizer. Apply a facial mask to clean, tone, and soften your skin.

Salt Scrub

1/2 cup table salt
1/2 cup sea salt
1/4 cup coffee grounds
1 cup of almond, olive or baby oil
several drops of essential oil for scent

Mix ingredients together, and adjust to the grit texture you prefer. Apply with your hands. Scrub gently and rinse.

GET REST: Stress often causes sleep deprivation, and that quickly takes a toll on you. Be sure to exercise during the day. Add relaxing scents from candles, lavender, room fresheners, linen sprays or essential oils to your bedroom and bathroom. Then get the sleep you need.

Room Freshener

1/2 cup distilled water
2 teaspoons of your favorite essential oil.

Pour into a mister. Shake and mist the air in your home.

Linen Spray

20 ounces distilled water
1-1/2 ounces 100-proof vodka
100 drops lavender essential oil

Find a large container with a lid. Mix the vodka and water, then add your essential oil. Shake thoroughly. Place into a mister. You can substitute other scents.

What is your favorite frugal luxury?

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