The Things That Keep Us From Feeling Deprived

**nuisance26** · 09-09-2006, 09:08 AM

Many many many people have mentioned spoiling yourself every once in a while so your frugal lifestyle doesn't feel like deprivation. I thought it would be interesting to share some of the things that make us feel special and rewarded.
My thrill is Bath and Body Works body gel, bubble bath and lotions. I literally smile using the products! I usually only buy a few $9.50 bottles a year on sale because I've successfully hinted for them as birthday and Christmas presents!
How do you avoid deprivation?

**Droppedonmyhead** · 09-09-2006, 09:51 AM

I find that buying something for my home perks me up when I'm feeling deprived. I love my home and it brings my joy to get something that I love for it. It might be something as simple as new dishtowels, a pot of flowers, a new rug, or something a little more expensive as a picture, linens or a piece of furniture.

**rosebron** · 09-09-2006, 10:00 AM

My best friend is re-careering and is living quite frugally as well.
Because I am TMMOing, we both have no extra to spend and
enjoy browsing PierOne and IKEA for THERAPY when we hang out together (about once every two months).

That gives me a pick up!!!

**Sara Noel** · 09-09-2006, 10:42 AM

Giving to others keeps me from feeling deprived. I enjoy creating and working on sites and it's my way of giving and sharing.

Something small for our home gives me a boost too.

In fact, I bought a little air freshener last week that typically I'd never buy. It cost under $5, and just made me feel happy. It's something out of character for me so much that even Gabe looked at it and said what's with the "gadget"? lol

**NickiB** · 09-09-2006, 11:09 AM

I actually let myself buy some scrapbook supplies. I never spend more than $20 but it always makes me feel better

And if I absolutely have no money, I go through my sb supplies and find supplies I didn't realize I had. Its like going shopping except for free.

**starsapphire** · 09-09-2006, 12:22 PM

I usually buy myself some good lotion, perfume or makeup, I try to keep it under thirty bucks (and I'm usually successful).

**staceyy** · 09-09-2006, 01:29 PM

Growing flowers for my table, making and using homemade salt and sugar scrubs for my body, taking a bubble bath with my dishwashing detergent (lol) and lighting a scented candle. Making gourmet desserts and having afternoon tea, curling up in my handmade afghan in front of the fireplace and reading a book I swapped over the internet.Making beautiful greeting cards. Giving myself a facial, manicure and pedicure. Coloring my own hair. Visiting the library and checking out books, magazines, dvd's and recorded books. Visiting the bookstore and ordering a latte and dessert. Eating homemade snacks while watching a dvd. Ordering a chocolate dipped ice cream cone or sundae.

**FarmerSue** · 09-09-2006, 01:54 PM

There is no doubt about it spending time in front of my sewing machine makes any tension just melt away. Quilting is my passion and any time I can plan to sew is great!

**thrifty gal** · 09-09-2006, 02:36 PM

To keep me from feeling deprived I usually buy something for our house, or a new item of clothing (on sale of course). But, if I don't have the money to buy myself something then I browse online at Ebay, QVC, etc and place an order, until I get to the checkout. I "buy" everything I want, and then when I see the total, I just close the window. lol Weird, but it works!

**Telephus44** · 09-09-2006, 05:21 PM

One of my "frugal" things is sending away for online freebies, and whenever I need a "pick-me-up" I go through all the HBA freebies and have a spa day with different soaps, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, hair masques, scrubs, lotions - whatever I have! It helps me to declutter the little stuff and feel great about myself without spending a lot of money.

**Daisygirl** · 09-09-2006, 08:30 PM

I rearrange things in my house. Tomorrow I plan to put up some autumn decorations, bring up the oriental rug and put it down in the living room, put out the throws, put the heavy drapes up - just cozy the place up for fall. If I have money I like to buy truly unique items for my home.

**Goodwin17** · 09-09-2006, 11:38 PM

I like "window shopping" in stores, in catalogs, and online. Crafting helps me feel non-deprived.

**suzysaver** · 09-10-2006, 12:27 AM

I also do what sara does. I have a little basket with all kinds of little samples in it...soaps facial lotions and scrubs, clay mask....and just have a beauty day. I also like to re-decorate the living room and just change things up a little. I go to the fabric store and buy a couple yards of different color fabric and redo the throw pillows.

**DixieJ** · 09-10-2006, 10:57 AM

Fresh Flowers most cetainly. If I don't have something blooming in my yard to bring in then I go to Aldi's. I can get half-dozen roses for $3 there--bring home and put in a pretty vase and I instantly feel better.

Dixie J

**Edelweiss** · 09-11-2006, 10:00 AM

When I need to "splurge" I'll usually go to Barnes and Noble, get myself a $3 coffee (knowing full well I could brew it at home) and a blueberry scone, and read or study there instead of in my home office. Something about having coffee in a "cafe" feels luxurious to me.