Penny luxuries?

**sunshine** · 09-11-2004, 11:29 AM

So what do you do to make something or someone feel special, yet doesn't cost much money? Or to make you feel less "deprived" while on the frugal journey?

I add a spoonful of jam to hot coccoa to make it more flavorful, and as the jam is homemade it doesn't cost much.

**guest2** · 09-11-2004, 12:33 PM

I have homemade cinnamon sugar in an old glass salt shaker on the table to use on toast, in coffee and on oatmeal.

**blueknitter** · 09-11-2004, 02:02 PM

I add soymilk to my tea with a bit of cinnamon and some splenda for a quick chai latte, it's wonderful.

**Shell** · 09-11-2004, 06:29 PM

I read a good book or come to frugal village!

**Goodwin17** · 09-11-2004, 10:37 PM

I come to frugal village or pet my puppy.

**captclearance** · 09-11-2004, 11:57 PM

I usually don't feel "Deprived" I do indulge myself with a bubblebath when I can and I try to make a little something special for the kids lunches to remind them of how fortunate they are.... I do like to go and eat picnic dinners when we can......

**sunshine** · 09-12-2004, 12:09 AM

Hey Lori- we know you go to the drive in movies too. Of course I know they are only $2

**Telephus44** · 09-12-2004, 01:55 PM

I keep a box of free samples near the bathroom - shampoo, lotions, facial masks, etc. and whenever I need a small treat I just use one and enjoy some luxurious bath product that I would probably never spend money on for myself.

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 09-12-2004, 07:17 PM

I make a batch of homemade popcorn with REAL butter. I figured out that a whole batch costs about .08. What other snack can you get THAT cheap? I get out a library book and read and much to my heart's content.

**captclearance** · 09-12-2004, 08:46 PM

That's right Denise, I do go to lots of drive in movies.... If it wasn't for this frugal luxury we wouldn't see many. if any movies...

**peanut** · 12-11-2005, 08:10 PM

No matter how poor you are, you can always:

1) take a shower/bath and feel better,
2) keep a clean house,
3) set a nice table (it doesn't have to match!)
4) make your place smell nice.

I've acquired a lot of my stemware and silverplate from garage sales and thrift stores for pennies. I buy white dishes to match any and all other dishes I own. Whether they be Corelle or whatever. I've been known to pick these up at garage sales too.

You can make table linens from old sheets, or overdye a gross colour to a nice one. The dye costs $1-2cdn.

You can burn vanilla scented votive candles (50 cents each at Walmart) or make your own candles using wicking, paraffin wax and milk cartons for molds...or dip the wicks into the wax repeatedly. You can use crayons for colour in the candles. You can even make your own wick, but it is more cost effective to buy, imho.

Jean

**peanut** · 12-11-2005, 08:21 PM

My list of frugal luxuries. I try to do something every day of the week. What about you? Do you have things you like to do just for you? What are they? Are they frugal?

- see a free museum
- go on my own art walk to check out the local art galleries
- go to free concerts in the park and at the library
- go to free festivals
- go to community potlucks
- spend an afternoon at the library reading magazines and newspapers
- go to free movies at the library
- go to second run movie matinees
- have a games night
- bake (I LOVE baking)
- do a craft, recycling something
- read art/craft/fibre related books
- have a nice cup of tea and one (and only one) caramel
- go for a walk and look for inspiration for my creative work
- attend art shows and openings
- light the candles, start a fire in the fireplace, cuddle up to dh with a nice glass of wine...I'd even skip the wine!
- curl up in bed early with a good book and cup of tea
- watch DVDs/videos from library.
- listen to CDs from the library.
- use computer programs from the library.
- have an afternoon tea ritual.
- breakfast in bed
- sleep out under the stars in the summer
- write a letter to a friend
- go to the beach, lake or mountains for a hike and a picnic.
- take a scenic drive
- go windowshopping (leave money at home)
- go to the park and feed the birds
- putter around the house changing things
- work on a puzzle
- listen to motivational tapes
- visit free historic sites
- have a movie night at home with library materials and popcorn, etc.
- soak in the tub by candlelight with a good book or relaxing music
- burn scented candles
- campfire in backyard with marshmallows and hot chocolate
- picking flowers and fresh fruit in the wild
- massage by dh, with oil
- family night (a themed variety night)
- special food treats
- an at home spa day
- homemade specialty coffees
- reading outloud with family

Jean

**ironmaiden** · 12-12-2005, 09:50 AM

Every New Year's Eve, DH and I light the fireplace, make a fancy steak dinner (steak, heavy cream, brandy, shallots - Joy of Cooking), wine, cheese (DH's parents give us cheese each Xmas), listen to Xmas music, use the wedding China. We set a little table in front of the fireplace and sit on the floor. Dessert that we'll make ahead of time. Candles and the Christmas tree also provide lights. Now that we have kids, we do appetizers with them as their dinner. Maybe roast chestnuts in the fireplace too.

**peanut** · 12-12-2005, 11:57 AM

Ooooh. Sounds like fun...and romantic too. We have an at home New Year's as well.

Jean

**hollyhill** · 12-12-2005, 04:47 PM

Yes, we have always had "special" treats for New Years Eve.
We also look through our photgraphs and talk about the past year......

Thanks for your Frugal Luxuries List, Peanut. You have covered all of mine......

I don't like your village name though!It causes me anxiety when ever I see it! My Dd is deadly allergic to your name LOL. When you spend all your life avoiding peanuts .......it is hard to like the word.