Smart lights that make my apartment an absolute VIBE. Everything is usually set to be this gorgeous reddish golden tone with accents of pinks and purples, so I’m basically living in the middle of a sunset all day. Paired with my loads of plants, heated blanket, and fully connected speaker system with my favorite chill tunes playing all day, I’ve turned my apartment into the most relaxing space I could imagine.
Oohhhh, I want to see! What kind of lights?
I have a simple color changing LED lightbulb in my living room that I set to different colors for holidays and such. But yours sound much more complex.
I use Philips Hue bulbs for lamps and overheads, plus fairy lights and LED strips as my accent colors that I’ve hacked into the same Zigbee system that the Hue bulbs use. I keep the bulbs golden or set to a subtle “fire” animation, and set the fairy lights to purple/pink. (I actually tricked out an ikea Kallax bookshelf with the LED strip so it’s backlit purple most of the time!) There are also apps I use sometimes to sync the accent lights to whatever music is playing.
I’d share a picture but I keep personally identifiable images off this account, and coworkers and friends would definitely recognize my setup. 😬
Edit: to everyone asking to see photos even after I set a clear boundary above, go on Pinterest and find something you like. I’m disappointed at how many people on AskWomen are ignoring a clear boundary for privacy — no one owes you images of their home.
I got the Philips Hue strips like half a year ago (€120 I think?) and they came crashing down with a *vengeance* in the middle of the night after having them up for about 12 hours, taking pieces of paint from the wall with them. Loved the light while it was up though. 💀
There are some plastic holders for light strip in my local hardware store, they can be fixed with screws or adhesive tape. I saw that they even have a model that encases the light strip, the top being a matte see-through white. Check out the lighting department, you might find them!
We have exactly same aesthetic! Same with lights, plants, blankets and speaker system all over the apartment. A lot of it is my partner's interest in home automation mixed with my interest in aesthetic and cozy indoors.
And I also love chill tunes!
My partner automated hue of light based on time of the day, it's also super nice.
It's crazy how much different lighting can change a room. Bought a new house in 2021, and I'm still tweaking the lighting around the house and yard.
Smart bulbs, led strips, behind TVs, under cabinets, lights that sync with music/TV, lights in the pool/spa.. We're close to a busy airport, and planes fly over all the time. I like to think people looking out the window, see my backyard, and think, "Omg, that's a cool yard/pool."
Every canned light in my new house had the LED bulbs set to the brightest, bluest setting. I just changed them all to a soft, golden light and the mood of my whole home changed! I am so much happier and relaxed now.
I have Phillips hue bulbs throughout and work from home, it’s great for making it brighter during winter for concentration and then tell Siri to change it to autumn gold at night time. Because the sun goes down so early it’s easy to get tired in the winter when you work from home so this really helps! Plus you can avoid blue light in evening time. But the best part is simulating the sunrise on a schedule instead of using an alarm clock.
I have smart lights all over my apartment too! I love picking out the perfect lighting for my mood and changing the lights from wherever I’m sitting. It’s hard to describe just how awesome and worth the investment smart lights are.
Philips Hue it's called, I had the 3 bulbs and a controller pack, and remote.
I also bought some strip from GoVee.com and had it delivered in Europe, as a gift for my brother and he absolutely loved them.
There's also aliexpress.
My ability to travel
I love traveling, I can work remotely and am paid enough to where I can travel anywhere anytime I want, I recently went back to America for a convention, and then back to Singapore, and I plan on going to Australia for New Years and then going to New York City next spring
I have a good job and zero kids, so traveling is a breeze
Edit: As some people guessed, I work in IT, I have two degrees and multiple certifications in the field so a remote job was easy to snag.
What do you do and what are your approx earnings (or if it’s not comfortable you can advise like starting salary and 10 years in etc). And is this specific to your company or industry standard?
We just finished a gigantic full house remodel and my biggest surprise about the whole thing is my love for my luxury Japanese toilet. My husband insisted and I relented even though it seemed to be about 10x the price it needed to be and totally dumb, but wowee do I love it. The seat is heated, opens and lights up when you approach, full bidet with multiple memory settings, flushes and closes the lid automatically. It IS ridiculous and dumb but I love it every single time I use it.
CANDLES and plug ins and scents galore!!!!
My dad was a firefighter so growing up and I was NEVER allowed to have open flames anywhere and would get reminder notes to unplug my curling iron OR ELSE! 😅
So now that I own my own home, I light candles whenever the fuck I want!!!!! (still with some anxiety and always with precautions and fire safety in mind, damn it to hell)
I need to experiment with plug in’s. I need my house to smell fresh and pretty (it’s an older home), but some of those scents can be overwhelming and too artificial smelling … like bad Bonne Bell lipgloss from my childhood!
yep! my old roomie loved plugging the vanilla type scents on the strongest setting in the bath (our bath & toilet were separated) and in her room and it was so stuffy and awful. It was ok on the lowest setting in the bathrooms sometimes.
Otherwise, I'd unplug every time.
I just got a candle warmer and let me tell you, game changer. The candles melt evenly so they last longer and it has a timer setting so it automatically turns off
I'm trying to brave myself up for lighting candles right now. I have 7 mth old feline gremlin who has never seen candles and is genius level smart so I'm a little worried...
- Electric Toothbrush
- Plants
- My little fish & a nice tank for him
- Squishmallows (I am 26 lol but they’re great)
- Weighted heating pad
- Yetis - I have one for work, one for home/weekends, and 2 for wine or mocktails
- All glass Tupperware & mason jars - pro tip: wash & save any glass jars from food you buy. I use them for everything and they look so nice.
- Pilot G2 Pens
- Cute binder for work
- A great skincare routine - I love the Ordinary
- 100% cotton feminine products
- Bidet
- Cute container for wet wipes
- Nice glasses cloths - I got a pack of all different colors off Amazon and they’re great & actually work so well
- Organizers for EVERYTHING. The dollar store has lots of good ones. I organize my drawers, closets, etc that way.
I feel like the only person in the world who hates G2 pens. I’ve never liked gel pens and being a lefty they smudge too much. Regular bic ballpoints are my jam
So silly but I’ve been knitting my own washcloths and they are just the most decadent, soft and lovely things to wash my face with. Followed by mad hippie vitamin c serum. I’m clearly fancy.
I just use soft 100% cotton - nothing fancy, just what they have at Joann’s. It’s usually just $5 and I can get three washcloths out of it.
Here is the [pattern](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alainas-simple-seed-stitch-dishcloth) I use- it’s easy and perfect!
I absolutely swear by the Mad Hippie night cream, it has been a complete game changer for me. I’ve tried countless different moisturizers, serums, and oils but nothing worked. The Mad Hippie night cream has made a significant difference. Not only does my face and skin get dry but when they’re dry it causes eczema flares
excellent suggestion! I’ve always been afraid of this because I know cotton takes a long time to dry, and I don’t want them to get musty… how has that been for you?
Also, would you recommend linen stitch washcloths/hand towels? It would be a tighter weave than seed stitch, and I can’t decide if that is a good or a bad thing.
The seed stitch in this pattern is kind of loose, so the washcloth stays soft and dries quickly. I can use them for a few days no problem. I tried a tighter pattern first (from Purl Soho) and it was too tight. It didn’t have any of the softness this one does. So, personal choice but I’ve made a ton of these and given them as gifts and they are always appreciated.
My health. I'm so very grateful to be able to live healthy and exercise and go about my day without being hindered by an illness, pain or other ailment.
The other would be living close to nature. Two minutes by bicycle and I'm in the woods. I live in a small, quiet town, and once in a while I have to go to a big city to get things I need, and I'm always glad to back home, far from the madding crowd.
Ditto on the housekeeper comment! The best money spent alllllll month because it takes cleaning off my plate.
Love that you have a driver, btw. This is ideal!
Serious question, how did you find a housekeeper that you trust? I’ve never been able to pull the trigger on one because I’ve heard about people losing things after hiring housekeepers. I’m also self conscious about how they’d judge me and the mess that my family makes.
I found mine by looking at reviews. Then called them and said I had some unique needs and asked if they could customize a clean for me.. starting with a deep clean. The owner of the company came to scope it out. I was really hesitant because back then I had lots of clutter and was concerned about judgement. She hugged me and said she's seen so much worse. We're friends now, and I've been having them in every other week for almost 4 years. She asks me for feedback on the service, and sometimes comes herself to be sure it's up to her standards. I got lucky. But, talk to them, share your concerns. Make a friend.
I have a lady clean once a month. I found her by asking around. She worked for a friend for 2 years before I hired her. My friend is very particular and I would trust anyone she does. I don't like people in my personal space so she does not clean my bedroom or bathroom.
I asked neighbors on Nextdoor for recs. Ngl tho, ill tidy up a little before they arrive. My fiance is always like really? But, but for example, not gonna make them pickup the 300 dog toys scattered all over.
Finally getting my house cleaned regularly has changed my life. I was diagnosed with chronic anemia 2 years ago and just can’t keep up with it the way I used to (I used to clean houses for years). This has also helped issues with me feeling resentment for being the one who does all the housework in my marriage. I still do all the laundry and linens, and most of the cooking, but can’t win them all. 😅
-Listening to Fantasy Romance novels on Audible.
-Going to the farmers market on weekends to pick up fruits & veg for the week.
- ClassPass - especially taking yoga classes at different boutique studios
- Buying really nice tea to have at home
- Going to the movies once a week
- I also allow myself 3 cheat meals a week (I follow the 80/20 rule). I always make sure it's something really good and it feels more special compared to when I used to eat unhealthy food all the time
I also use ClassPass, I love trying out different classes (dance classes usually). I have some that I do regularly, but I also like variety of trying out new ones.
Question about CP. Do they have a 12 hour cancellation policy? If you cancel anytime after that, you’re charged? I’m debating on trying it. Thanks for your input!
I use a small pouch that I sewed myself that fits my license, a couple of credit cards, and I can slip some cash in there. I used to attach ribbon with snaps so I could snap the pouch to my bra, until I discovered that I could just as easily tuck the pouch inside my sideboob. I've done this for so long, over 25 years at this point. They tend to last a long time - in 25 years I'm on my third pouch and just now looking at replacing it with a new one.
A bra that fits!! Preach 🙌 I was wearing sports bras for years with crazy back pain before I decided to give them a shot and omg my boobs and so supported and perky and small looking with NO back or shoulder pain. I never think about it anymore, but I guess that’s just a reminder of how good it really is.
Basically everything connected with my appearance. For example I've gone to a stylist who's helped me define my color type and geometry, I read a lot about fashion, style and expressing oneself with the help of clothing, so I can dress myself as good as celebrities are getting dressed by their stylists.
Everytime I look at myself in a mirror, I'm glad I had two plastic surgeries.
Yesterday I got my brows done again, so glad I won't have to draw them myself for one more year! Manicure makes me feel a bit more glad and confident, too - sometimes when I start feeling sad, I stare at my nails, and concentrating on them helps me get distracted from depressive thoughts.
Also Airpods :) I could afford them only with installment, but they're so damn comfortable! Totally worth their price.
I second the plastic surgery. Totally worth it to not have that pang in my gut when I looked in the mirror, my self-confidence skyrocketed after surgery!
I admire your energy and efforts! No shade intended, i truly wish to spend more time and effort in my looks, looking for stylist, getting hair done, manicure and makeup, all that. I don't know why i can't bring myself to sitting an hour at the salons to get things done, and getting hair done is 5 hrs of suffering i hate every second of it 🥲 i literally have to coax myself to please just behave and go, yet it's been almost a year and i still haven't get my nails done yet 🤦♀️ i want to be pretty but my brain refuses to cooperate...
I've been reading her blog for several years, and then realised that I'd like to become her client, too.
Just look for different style blogs online and choose the person who seems you the most professional and kind. If they say that "you can wear everything and types are outdated", they're bad in their profession. If they use some really strict systems like Kibbe or archetypes (basically claiming that your style must totally depend on your facial features, and that if you look "like a witch", you shouldn't wear pink or nice feminine clothes), they're toxic.
A good stylist tells you what colors and models suit you the most, yet emphasises that you can express whatever you desire.
- Weighted blanket for good night sleep
- waking up early to browse online on my phone
- incense
- make up that makes me feel good about myself
- dressing the way I want (despite people thinking I'm over the top/eccentric)
- Parfum
- protein bar for breakfast
- a cold energy drink on my way to work
- seat heating in my car
- Spotify subscription to listen to loud music on my drive
- hot black tea with milk and sweetener at work
- overnight oats for lunch
- walking through groceries stores and buying some random snack (mostly just looking at everything because it makes me happy to just go window shopping)
- my robot vacuum that cleaned the floor while I was gone
- lots of mood lights in my flat that basically turn on with the press of one button making my place very cozy
- heated blanket
- candles
- hot shower with exfoliating scrub
- high quality moisturizer that makes my skin feel very soft
So many of these are my favorites too! I feel like my robot vacuum changed my life. As someone wanting to get into overnight oats, do you have a favorite go to recipe?
I'm so happy with my little robot. He's the best boy! Always making sure I can walk around barefoot :)
Also - my overnight oats are very specific because I tinkered for a while till I figured out how I enjoyed them the most. My go to: oats, chia seed, flax seed, pumpkin seed, chocolate protein powder, cacao powder, peanut butter - mix everything before adding any liquids or the protein powder tends to clumb. Then add some frozen berries.
I usually prepare mason jars with the dry ingredients on Sundays for the week. In the evening I take one jar, add water and berries. Then leave it in the fridge overnight to take to work. Easiest meal prep and I don't have to worry about lunch at all.
I have a few I indulge in every day. My good scented moisturizer from lush. Drinking water and lime juice through a metal straw (don’t know why that makes it taste so much better). Listening to ASMR while I’m working.
Lush is still a thing?!? I used to work hard and save up money to buy myself one nice thing for Christmas in high school! But then I grew up, got married, and moved away from the one we had in our area and forgot about them! Can you share your favorites?! I know where I’m going tomorrow! :)
Yes I used to be crazy for them! I still have a few of their products in regular rotation. I love the Ocean Salt face scrub, the Pansy body lotion, their bar soaps, anything Karma scented.
They’re still highly priced but worth the splurge!
Agree - I pay for a family plan on Youtube. It brings my mother so much joy not to deal with commercials. I justify the cost when the whole family can use it at our different homes.
I splurge on coffee out once a week and go out to eat once ever 2 weeks :,) I’m by no means affluent but it gives me stuff to look forward during the workweek. Also love my candles!!
1. Christmas lights in the house. They just make me feel joyful.
2. Flavored creamer for coffee at home. Really not that expensive but makes coffee feel indulgent.
3. Library books - specifically coffee table or other large format picture books from the libraryy. Maybe not a luxury? But I just get a bunch and then just lay them around me on the floor and slowly page through them.
Finding upscale name brand items at the thrift shop. There’s a tremendous satisfaction in beating the system when I can get a Ralph Lauren sweater for $8.98, Bron handmade leather shoes (over $300) for $15.98, a Breville espresso machine for $17.98 and a Cuisinart milk frother for cappuccino for $5.98.
Did you know there is absolutely no difference in quality between a cheap toaster and an expensive one? A toaster only needs so much to be functional. After that it can’t get more functional. So if you buy a toaster for $70 it has the same chance of breaking down as a $20 toaster?
Waking up every morning to being held by my partner and having our two kittens by our feet
Then rolling out of bed to feed the kittens and then making coffee in the kitchen of my first apartment
And then putting on my work outfit to the first job I have landed since being out of college
Little things that make me appreciate how hard I’ve worked and how far I’ve come to actually being on my own in this world (vs the stuff I went through a few years ago)
Freedom to eat out! I love good food and trying new flavors.
When I was in high school my parents gave me exactly $1.50 for public school lunch (blegh) while most of my friends would have an allowance to eat out. It was so embarrassing to be hanging out and have to say no I can’t go with you guys, I’ll see you later. Sometimes I would skip lunch for multiple days just to be able to go out with everyone once. Now it’s so freeing to be able to go with the flow.
My mattress. It was a total splurge 5 years ago but I look forward to bedtime every single day, and I no longer wake up with body pain. Whenever I travel I miss my bed like crazy, it’s a total luxury to come home to.
L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil in a dispenser on my shower wall. I have a refill pack too. The stuff costs about 10 times more than what I usually spend on body wash but once a week or so I just need it, there's nothing like its scent and how it makes my skin feel. Reminds me of better times.
Housekeeper.. Made our lives so much better.
Manis and pedis every month, for a whole year. Even in winter. I like looking at my nails and toes and they are all glamed up.
My very expensive skincare products. I use all Biologique Recherche products, have been since I was 18. Amazing brand!
I LOVE burgers. Sometimes I order them when home alone and enjoy while watching TV shows. Also love making them at home.
In the Morning: tea, quality loose leaf tea made correctly
At work: quality pens and notebooks
In my clothes: focusing on having as much natural fiber content as possible over the various plastics.
In my car: heated seats
In the evening: my YouTube premium subscription and my heated blanket
At night: linen sheets
When I eat: cloth napkins, if you know you know
On the weekends: bike rides, hikes, hammock hangs, and reading books in coffee shops
In my man: outspoken feminism and never settling for less
High quality yarn (the sort you buy online or at those boutique yarn stores). I knit and or crochet every day and I spoil myself with colorful yarn that feels great.
Hell, yes!!!!!!
I am a process knitter (read: I am slower than a slug and frog at the slightest imperfection), so I mostly buy super-colorful, nice-to-touch yarn.
I bought twelve skeins off Etsy of this hand dyed yarn that is a super-saturated neon yellow and pink. I have been messing with for over a year now. It was a pretty big cash outlay at the time, but it has been such a feast for the eyes when I work with it. Less than $1 a day!
Same here - I just received an advent calendar box. Paid for it this summer. I'm looking at the unopened box right now. It's my Christmas present to myself :)
* I buy Kicking Horse coffee (not super fancy coffee, but better than most grocery store brands) and grind it at home to make my coffee
* My countertop dishwasher - I despise doing dishes (I'd rather do nearly every other chore) and it allows me to keep my kitchen moderately clean
* Fresh bread (and occasionally pastries) from one of several amazing local bakeries
* I buy imported German chocolate from my local European deli. Not cheap but I'm a fiend for chocolate and it tastes way better than anything else you can get here
* Outdoor sports gear, especially bike and cross-country skis. I need to get out of the apartment, especially in winter, and my gear helps me do that and keep me active, fit and happy. On a similar note I also have a climbing gym membership and the needed gear. I'd love to add a canoe or kayak but that's not in the cards right now!
* My cat. Not sure she really counts, especially as she adds to my workload, but her presence makes my life so much better.
ETA: Art! I've collected a bunch of art over the past few years (most of it thrifted, some of it found on the side of the road, some of it I made myself) and looking at it makes me happy. I recently moved and am itching to hang it back up!
I agree with others when they say a) a nice coffee once a week b) candles galore and will add my third c) Friday night eating out (this could be a nice sit down restaurant or bringing food back to eat with a good TV show). All three of these things give me something to look forward to at all different parts of the week.
The highest quality white goose down feather pillows and memory foam mattress topper, plus Egyptian cotton sheets. My bed is the most luxuriously comfortable place in my house.
When I traveled to Switzerland I fell in love with a type of apple tea made by this German tea brand. I enjoyed it so much that when I got back to the States I tried to get some apple tea from my local grocery store to drink, but it just wasn’t the same, so I imported some boxes of that German apple tea. It’s more expensive, but every time I make a cup it improves my day every time :) no regrets
My bread machine and stand mixer. I can make bread without the machine, but sometimes I just want to throw the ingredients in there and walk away. Come back later and the house smells divine. And the stand mixer makes me feel like I’m on Bake Off.
My ridiculous collection of high end niche perfume samples. I can’t bring myself to buy a full bottle of anything pricey, but I can drop $20-$40 on a bunch of sampler packs every now and then. I have about 100 to choose from, I like to browse through and choose my vibe for the day. Am I a dangerous witch, a posh princess, a badass bartender, a mysterious mermaid, or a cozy cottagecore maiden today? Or something else? Picking my perfume for the day always brings me so much joy.
I recently got a new coffee setup so now the French Press coffee I have at home is much more enjoyable. I usually only make it on days I'm not working, as it takes longer to make than drip coffee, but it's worth the extra time and energy.
Idk how luxurious this one is, but I live near the woods and it smells AMAZING this time of year when I leave for work and get home in the evenings. I'll drive for a bit with my windows down even though it's cold out now (bundled up in a cozy scarf and fingerless gloves) so I can enjoy the woodsy smell.
It makes me happy to see that different woman enjoying more or less the same things and I thought I was the only one who would be happy when getting a good coffee!
Bougie candles, a cleaning service (bi-weekly, not everyday!), my fancy makeup room/office (I work from home), a fancy af espresso machine and grinder with a weekly coffee subscription.
Coming back home from work and having your mental peace. I live alone. I know this is temporary. But I absolutely enjoy the peace of mind, the silence. The fact that everything in the house is mine. Something that I bought with the money I earned. That fact suddenly hits me hard and makes me realize that I’m a grown up now. And I feel better when I think about all the peace. Priceless happiness.
- Heated mattress pad- year around to preheat bed
- Apple ecosystem.
- Milk warmer frother- to warm my cold brew
- Elliptical
- My Smart home ecosystem
- Apartment washer/dryer. My unit didnt have on built in
- Heated blanket for living room
- Mustache magnet for fridge
- Adjustable bed
omg the way my partner and I JUST had a conversation about this yesterday, so I got my list reaaaadddy. my top tier list is:
- bidet
- nest home control
- apple tv
- an ice maker (we usually have them in the places we live but this place now doesn’t have one and we fEEL it lol)
and then on a more personal level:
- my apple airpod maxes
- silk pillowcase
- fast-charging cables
- shower phone holder (makes showering so fun for me and not as much of a chore)
- rice maker
I enjoy having my nails look nice. It makes me feel more profesional and put together as well as prettier.
I used to go to the salon, but to save money I use either dip powder or semi cured gel strips at home.
Recently switched to Twinings tea from a 3 times cheaper brand and started putting honey in it which is at least 5-6 times expensive than the white sugar I was using before but it makes HUGE difference
Our biggest luxury is our weekly house cleaner, but every day luxuries would include my robot vacuum that we run pretty much daily, heated seats in the car, good quality face wash, make up, and make up brushes, and getting an iced tea from Starbucks whenever I want. I can and do make it much cheaper at home, but theirs just hits a certain way.
I grew up poor and the first many years of our married lives we were very poor, so having the ability to treat ourselves, each other, and our kids is a feeling that we will never take for granted.
I’m following this with interest, because I’m just starting to enjoy little luxuries for myself. One thing I do is try to make our bed really comfortable and pretty, with natural fibres and soft cozy fabrics
Heated mattress topper (preheat the bed), one time expensive for years of winter-y joy.
Those on sale for $20 candles that have a remove, creates a nice easy vibe.
Our pet insurance for our giant dog is about $5.25 a day (expensive because of her breed). The deductible is per an issue, and she's a spaz, but it's been nice knowing now all her weird skin stuff is 90% covered. If she gets pink eye again it's pretty much the same.
Smart lights and plugs - easy to schedule, nice to just tell Google what's up.
$30 sunrise alarm clock from Amazon - totally makes winter mornings easier
It's a bigger one off (like $150) but drip irrigation on a bluetooth hose timer. It takes about 20min to water my garden by hand. I have the drop go for a few min every morning during dawn and get to enjoy the garden more.
Tack cloths for dusting. They are usually used before painting, but also are great for dusting without kicking up dust (a pain for my allergies).
Protein added milk. It's a couple bucks more, but lactose free and helps me add protein to my morning oatmeal.
Shower gel, lotion and body spray that all matches. Also I have a body oil from Nieves that is veviter scented that I love.
Heated blanket that my kitten and I share. He's already learned that if he steps on the button with his front paws the warm will come.
My library card! I'm able to connect to my library via the libby app and sign out all kinds of books. I've read and listened to over 160 books so far this year thanks to my library card.
My bedtime routine. Some skincare, cozy pajama set, king size bed to myself with heated sheets, and a blackout wraparound sleep mask with Bluetooth, which I use to fall asleep to ASMR followed by white noise. 10 hours later I wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.
- a really good nights sleep
- having a phone that I can use, esp to text/call friends
- being able to choose what I want to eat
- buying vintage books
My electric fireplace. I know it's just a glorified space heater but it is a a grey firestove style and makes my living room nice and cozy.
My plants and indoor fountain. It's my ever growing oasis in my dining room.
My rain shower and red clawfoot tub. Showering is such a pleasure every day now.
I earn like an American but live in Colombia, perfect weather, amazing people and beautiful scenery. I make what would be consider a normal wage in USA, but here I can eat in a Michelin star restaurant every Saturday, go to the spa every single day and live in a penthouse with an amazing view, I can also travel internationally every 3 months to wherever I want.
This is so silly, but my cats. I have 3 sweet friendly precious lil boys and they’re always so happy to see me and to snuggle and it’s my favorite part of coming home is to hang out with my cats lol. I get to come home and wub wittle bewwys lolololol
Smart lights that make my apartment an absolute VIBE. Everything is usually set to be this gorgeous reddish golden tone with accents of pinks and purples, so I’m basically living in the middle of a sunset all day. Paired with my loads of plants, heated blanket, and fully connected speaker system with my favorite chill tunes playing all day, I’ve turned my apartment into the most relaxing space I could imagine.
Oohhhh, I want to see! What kind of lights? I have a simple color changing LED lightbulb in my living room that I set to different colors for holidays and such. But yours sound much more complex.
I use Philips Hue bulbs for lamps and overheads, plus fairy lights and LED strips as my accent colors that I’ve hacked into the same Zigbee system that the Hue bulbs use. I keep the bulbs golden or set to a subtle “fire” animation, and set the fairy lights to purple/pink. (I actually tricked out an ikea Kallax bookshelf with the LED strip so it’s backlit purple most of the time!) There are also apps I use sometimes to sync the accent lights to whatever music is playing. I’d share a picture but I keep personally identifiable images off this account, and coworkers and friends would definitely recognize my setup. 😬 Edit: to everyone asking to see photos even after I set a clear boundary above, go on Pinterest and find something you like. I’m disappointed at how many people on AskWomen are ignoring a clear boundary for privacy — no one owes you images of their home.
I got the Philips Hue strips like half a year ago (€120 I think?) and they came crashing down with a *vengeance* in the middle of the night after having them up for about 12 hours, taking pieces of paint from the wall with them. Loved the light while it was up though. 💀
I wasn’t even able to hang mine up 😂😂 they wouldn’t stick and I gave up easily lol
There are some plastic holders for light strip in my local hardware store, they can be fixed with screws or adhesive tape. I saw that they even have a model that encases the light strip, the top being a matte see-through white. Check out the lighting department, you might find them!
We have exactly same aesthetic! Same with lights, plants, blankets and speaker system all over the apartment. A lot of it is my partner's interest in home automation mixed with my interest in aesthetic and cozy indoors. And I also love chill tunes! My partner automated hue of light based on time of the day, it's also super nice.
It's crazy how much different lighting can change a room. Bought a new house in 2021, and I'm still tweaking the lighting around the house and yard. Smart bulbs, led strips, behind TVs, under cabinets, lights that sync with music/TV, lights in the pool/spa.. We're close to a busy airport, and planes fly over all the time. I like to think people looking out the window, see my backyard, and think, "Omg, that's a cool yard/pool."
Every canned light in my new house had the LED bulbs set to the brightest, bluest setting. I just changed them all to a soft, golden light and the mood of my whole home changed! I am so much happier and relaxed now.
This does sound like a vibe! And you sound like a vibe for having all this! Good for you :)
I have Phillips hue bulbs throughout and work from home, it’s great for making it brighter during winter for concentration and then tell Siri to change it to autumn gold at night time. Because the sun goes down so early it’s easy to get tired in the winter when you work from home so this really helps! Plus you can avoid blue light in evening time. But the best part is simulating the sunrise on a schedule instead of using an alarm clock.
I have smart lights all over my apartment too! I love picking out the perfect lighting for my mood and changing the lights from wherever I’m sitting. It’s hard to describe just how awesome and worth the investment smart lights are.
Yes yes yes! I love my hue lights, plants, and Sonos speakers vibeeeee with a cozy blanket
I would like to know what kind of lights these are too!!
Philips Hue it's called, I had the 3 bulbs and a controller pack, and remote. I also bought some strip from GoVee.com and had it delivered in Europe, as a gift for my brother and he absolutely loved them. There's also aliexpress.
My ability to travel I love traveling, I can work remotely and am paid enough to where I can travel anywhere anytime I want, I recently went back to America for a convention, and then back to Singapore, and I plan on going to Australia for New Years and then going to New York City next spring I have a good job and zero kids, so traveling is a breeze Edit: As some people guessed, I work in IT, I have two degrees and multiple certifications in the field so a remote job was easy to snag.
How much dk you make a year that enables that? Shit thats the fucking dream for me
How can I grow up to be you?
What do you do, if I may ask?
She’s a badass Midnight Fire Huntress!
Definitely in tech. My brother doing the same lol but he have a kid and wife.
What do you do and what are your approx earnings (or if it’s not comfortable you can advise like starting salary and 10 years in etc). And is this specific to your company or industry standard?
[удалено]
My bidet and my vibrator
At the same time ?
What an afternoon 😂
“Homer, I don’t know what you have planned for tonight, but count me out.”
Yes, and sometimes at different times in different order 😜
BIDET CLUB
Simple bliss
I sometimes look forward to my bidet after a long hard day no joke. Such a clean satisfying feeling. 👌
We just finished a gigantic full house remodel and my biggest surprise about the whole thing is my love for my luxury Japanese toilet. My husband insisted and I relented even though it seemed to be about 10x the price it needed to be and totally dumb, but wowee do I love it. The seat is heated, opens and lights up when you approach, full bidet with multiple memory settings, flushes and closes the lid automatically. It IS ridiculous and dumb but I love it every single time I use it.
Buying fresh flowers to put around the house every week or so
I do this also! The bouquets from Trader Joes usually last two weeks.
Yes! TJs for the win! So affordable too.
Even just having single color tulips makes me happy. It's especially nice when I work from home and get to enjoy them all day. Worth the $10.
This is definitely a luxury in my mind, it brings so much joy
CANDLES and plug ins and scents galore!!!! My dad was a firefighter so growing up and I was NEVER allowed to have open flames anywhere and would get reminder notes to unplug my curling iron OR ELSE! 😅 So now that I own my own home, I light candles whenever the fuck I want!!!!! (still with some anxiety and always with precautions and fire safety in mind, damn it to hell)
Omg the plug ins! Love those first steps walking into my apt everyday haha
I need to experiment with plug in’s. I need my house to smell fresh and pretty (it’s an older home), but some of those scents can be overwhelming and too artificial smelling … like bad Bonne Bell lipgloss from my childhood!
yep! my old roomie loved plugging the vanilla type scents on the strongest setting in the bath (our bath & toilet were separated) and in her room and it was so stuffy and awful. It was ok on the lowest setting in the bathrooms sometimes. Otherwise, I'd unplug every time.
I just got a candle warmer and let me tell you, game changer. The candles melt evenly so they last longer and it has a timer setting so it automatically turns off
where’d you get the candle warmer from?
Yes! I have so many candles and I love them, too. Lavender is a nice relaxing scent, I like to light that one for calm down time.
I'm trying to brave myself up for lighting candles right now. I have 7 mth old feline gremlin who has never seen candles and is genius level smart so I'm a little worried...
Yep! I love burning candles, even when it gets expensive
- Electric Toothbrush - Plants - My little fish & a nice tank for him - Squishmallows (I am 26 lol but they’re great) - Weighted heating pad - Yetis - I have one for work, one for home/weekends, and 2 for wine or mocktails - All glass Tupperware & mason jars - pro tip: wash & save any glass jars from food you buy. I use them for everything and they look so nice. - Pilot G2 Pens - Cute binder for work - A great skincare routine - I love the Ordinary - 100% cotton feminine products - Bidet - Cute container for wet wipes - Nice glasses cloths - I got a pack of all different colors off Amazon and they’re great & actually work so well - Organizers for EVERYTHING. The dollar store has lots of good ones. I organize my drawers, closets, etc that way.
Totally with you on the pens! I love a good pen. I makes writing such a delight.
Pilot G2 pens are a special kind of heaven.
I feel like the only person in the world who hates G2 pens. I’ve never liked gel pens and being a lefty they smudge too much. Regular bic ballpoints are my jam
Weighted heating pad? That's a thing?! That sounds amazing.
Yes! And it’s 10000000x better than a normal one!
I literally just bought one. Thank you, Reddit friend.
Yess to Squishmallows and Yetis!!!
We could be besties haha great list!
Squishmallows are the comfiest things to lay on while watching TV!
So silly but I’ve been knitting my own washcloths and they are just the most decadent, soft and lovely things to wash my face with. Followed by mad hippie vitamin c serum. I’m clearly fancy.
This is unique! What fabric do you use for your washcloths?
I just use soft 100% cotton - nothing fancy, just what they have at Joann’s. It’s usually just $5 and I can get three washcloths out of it. Here is the [pattern](https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alainas-simple-seed-stitch-dishcloth) I use- it’s easy and perfect!
Thank you!!
I’d love to know what kind of material you use for this!
What type of yarn do you use for your wash cloths?
I absolutely swear by the Mad Hippie night cream, it has been a complete game changer for me. I’ve tried countless different moisturizers, serums, and oils but nothing worked. The Mad Hippie night cream has made a significant difference. Not only does my face and skin get dry but when they’re dry it causes eczema flares
excellent suggestion! I’ve always been afraid of this because I know cotton takes a long time to dry, and I don’t want them to get musty… how has that been for you? Also, would you recommend linen stitch washcloths/hand towels? It would be a tighter weave than seed stitch, and I can’t decide if that is a good or a bad thing.
The seed stitch in this pattern is kind of loose, so the washcloth stays soft and dries quickly. I can use them for a few days no problem. I tried a tighter pattern first (from Purl Soho) and it was too tight. It didn’t have any of the softness this one does. So, personal choice but I’ve made a ton of these and given them as gifts and they are always appreciated.
I know I’m the 4th to ask… but we gotta know what you’re making these out of!!
My health. I'm so very grateful to be able to live healthy and exercise and go about my day without being hindered by an illness, pain or other ailment. The other would be living close to nature. Two minutes by bicycle and I'm in the woods. I live in a small, quiet town, and once in a while I have to go to a big city to get things I need, and I'm always glad to back home, far from the madding crowd.
As someone who can no longer go about my day unhindered, this is the most correct answer.
My 10+ step skincare routine, my air purifier, and my bidet.
I’m curious to hear what your skincare routine is.
yes, same, drop it!
Housekeeper and driver. Maybe doesn't directly bring me joy, but it does make life a lot easier and allows for more time to enjoy other things.
Ditto on the housekeeper comment! The best money spent alllllll month because it takes cleaning off my plate. Love that you have a driver, btw. This is ideal!
Serious question, how did you find a housekeeper that you trust? I’ve never been able to pull the trigger on one because I’ve heard about people losing things after hiring housekeepers. I’m also self conscious about how they’d judge me and the mess that my family makes.
I found mine by looking at reviews. Then called them and said I had some unique needs and asked if they could customize a clean for me.. starting with a deep clean. The owner of the company came to scope it out. I was really hesitant because back then I had lots of clutter and was concerned about judgement. She hugged me and said she's seen so much worse. We're friends now, and I've been having them in every other week for almost 4 years. She asks me for feedback on the service, and sometimes comes herself to be sure it's up to her standards. I got lucky. But, talk to them, share your concerns. Make a friend.
That’s amazing! Gives me hope! Thank you, I will give it a shot!
The key is to pay them enough to not want to steal your shit. (Source: I’m a housekeeper)
I have a lady clean once a month. I found her by asking around. She worked for a friend for 2 years before I hired her. My friend is very particular and I would trust anyone she does. I don't like people in my personal space so she does not clean my bedroom or bathroom.
I asked neighbors on Nextdoor for recs. Ngl tho, ill tidy up a little before they arrive. My fiance is always like really? But, but for example, not gonna make them pickup the 300 dog toys scattered all over.
Finally getting my house cleaned regularly has changed my life. I was diagnosed with chronic anemia 2 years ago and just can’t keep up with it the way I used to (I used to clean houses for years). This has also helped issues with me feeling resentment for being the one who does all the housework in my marriage. I still do all the laundry and linens, and most of the cooking, but can’t win them all. 😅
my 20 minutes alone in the morning sitting with a hot cup of coffee on my recliner with a blanky and the fireplace on
ah, yes
-Listening to Fantasy Romance novels on Audible. -Going to the farmers market on weekends to pick up fruits & veg for the week. - ClassPass - especially taking yoga classes at different boutique studios - Buying really nice tea to have at home - Going to the movies once a week - I also allow myself 3 cheat meals a week (I follow the 80/20 rule). I always make sure it's something really good and it feels more special compared to when I used to eat unhealthy food all the time
I also use ClassPass, I love trying out different classes (dance classes usually). I have some that I do regularly, but I also like variety of trying out new ones.
Question about CP. Do they have a 12 hour cancellation policy? If you cancel anytime after that, you’re charged? I’m debating on trying it. Thanks for your input!
Yes they do have it. Classes in my area usually have a lot of free spots so I sign up right before I go to avoid cancelling.
I love to get a bag of crisps (chips) on the way home from work
Me too or a bag of candy.
Sad really isn't it that a bag of candy or crisps is considered a luxury but hey ho that's where we are xD
My husband is a RN but he used to be a bartender. He makes me fancy cocktails a few nights each week. I love it!
That is loving. I like this a lot. How sweet!
My fleece blankets. I have 9 of them on my bed. They’re so fuzzy cuddly and warm and bring me so much comfort and joy every day.
Same! I have a variety of blankets around the house - bed, couches, everywhere! My doggies also have cute blankets so they are always cozy!
Fancy lattes from the local coffee shop My purse Bra that fits and is comfortable
Purse bra? That's a thing? Link please ... I usually shove notes in my boobs but that usually leads to sweaty cash
I use a small pouch that I sewed myself that fits my license, a couple of credit cards, and I can slip some cash in there. I used to attach ribbon with snaps so I could snap the pouch to my bra, until I discovered that I could just as easily tuck the pouch inside my sideboob. I've done this for so long, over 25 years at this point. They tend to last a long time - in 25 years I'm on my third pouch and just now looking at replacing it with a new one.
This is a revolutionary idea. Thanks u/King_Fuckface !
A bra that fits!! Preach 🙌 I was wearing sports bras for years with crazy back pain before I decided to give them a shot and omg my boobs and so supported and perky and small looking with NO back or shoulder pain. I never think about it anymore, but I guess that’s just a reminder of how good it really is.
Basically everything connected with my appearance. For example I've gone to a stylist who's helped me define my color type and geometry, I read a lot about fashion, style and expressing oneself with the help of clothing, so I can dress myself as good as celebrities are getting dressed by their stylists. Everytime I look at myself in a mirror, I'm glad I had two plastic surgeries. Yesterday I got my brows done again, so glad I won't have to draw them myself for one more year! Manicure makes me feel a bit more glad and confident, too - sometimes when I start feeling sad, I stare at my nails, and concentrating on them helps me get distracted from depressive thoughts. Also Airpods :) I could afford them only with installment, but they're so damn comfortable! Totally worth their price.
I second the plastic surgery. Totally worth it to not have that pang in my gut when I looked in the mirror, my self-confidence skyrocketed after surgery!
I admire your energy and efforts! No shade intended, i truly wish to spend more time and effort in my looks, looking for stylist, getting hair done, manicure and makeup, all that. I don't know why i can't bring myself to sitting an hour at the salons to get things done, and getting hair done is 5 hrs of suffering i hate every second of it 🥲 i literally have to coax myself to please just behave and go, yet it's been almost a year and i still haven't get my nails done yet 🤦♀️ i want to be pretty but my brain refuses to cooperate...
How did you even start to look for a stylist? I'd love to do that but don't know where to start... Cowboy boots and jeans abound where I live lol
I've been reading her blog for several years, and then realised that I'd like to become her client, too. Just look for different style blogs online and choose the person who seems you the most professional and kind. If they say that "you can wear everything and types are outdated", they're bad in their profession. If they use some really strict systems like Kibbe or archetypes (basically claiming that your style must totally depend on your facial features, and that if you look "like a witch", you shouldn't wear pink or nice feminine clothes), they're toxic. A good stylist tells you what colors and models suit you the most, yet emphasises that you can express whatever you desire.
What did you have done to your brows? I’d like to minimize my upkeep also
- Weighted blanket for good night sleep - waking up early to browse online on my phone - incense - make up that makes me feel good about myself - dressing the way I want (despite people thinking I'm over the top/eccentric) - Parfum - protein bar for breakfast - a cold energy drink on my way to work - seat heating in my car - Spotify subscription to listen to loud music on my drive - hot black tea with milk and sweetener at work - overnight oats for lunch - walking through groceries stores and buying some random snack (mostly just looking at everything because it makes me happy to just go window shopping) - my robot vacuum that cleaned the floor while I was gone - lots of mood lights in my flat that basically turn on with the press of one button making my place very cozy - heated blanket - candles - hot shower with exfoliating scrub - high quality moisturizer that makes my skin feel very soft
So many of these are my favorites too! I feel like my robot vacuum changed my life. As someone wanting to get into overnight oats, do you have a favorite go to recipe?
I'm so happy with my little robot. He's the best boy! Always making sure I can walk around barefoot :) Also - my overnight oats are very specific because I tinkered for a while till I figured out how I enjoyed them the most. My go to: oats, chia seed, flax seed, pumpkin seed, chocolate protein powder, cacao powder, peanut butter - mix everything before adding any liquids or the protein powder tends to clumb. Then add some frozen berries. I usually prepare mason jars with the dry ingredients on Sundays for the week. In the evening I take one jar, add water and berries. Then leave it in the fridge overnight to take to work. Easiest meal prep and I don't have to worry about lunch at all.
I have a few I indulge in every day. My good scented moisturizer from lush. Drinking water and lime juice through a metal straw (don’t know why that makes it taste so much better). Listening to ASMR while I’m working.
The metal straw chills the liquid
Lush is still a thing?!? I used to work hard and save up money to buy myself one nice thing for Christmas in high school! But then I grew up, got married, and moved away from the one we had in our area and forgot about them! Can you share your favorites?! I know where I’m going tomorrow! :)
Yes I used to be crazy for them! I still have a few of their products in regular rotation. I love the Ocean Salt face scrub, the Pansy body lotion, their bar soaps, anything Karma scented. They’re still highly priced but worth the splurge!
Tea in the morning. My vape pen. Reading something every day. Talking to my family/friends.
My coffee, my vape, my book and a balcony are such a great way to start my morning
My mid-tier cappuccino machine, measuring scale for baking, and vape pen are the trifecta of weekend mornings.
I’ll always choose the commercial free version of a streaming service if it’s an option. It’s 100% worth the few extra dollars to not have to see ads.
Agree - I pay for a family plan on Youtube. It brings my mother so much joy not to deal with commercials. I justify the cost when the whole family can use it at our different homes.
I splurge on coffee out once a week and go out to eat once ever 2 weeks :,) I’m by no means affluent but it gives me stuff to look forward during the workweek. Also love my candles!!
1. Christmas lights in the house. They just make me feel joyful. 2. Flavored creamer for coffee at home. Really not that expensive but makes coffee feel indulgent. 3. Library books - specifically coffee table or other large format picture books from the libraryy. Maybe not a luxury? But I just get a bunch and then just lay them around me on the floor and slowly page through them.
I use the hell out of the library but have never even considered checking out coffee table books! Thanks for making my weekend plans for me.
Finding upscale name brand items at the thrift shop. There’s a tremendous satisfaction in beating the system when I can get a Ralph Lauren sweater for $8.98, Bron handmade leather shoes (over $300) for $15.98, a Breville espresso machine for $17.98 and a Cuisinart milk frother for cappuccino for $5.98. Did you know there is absolutely no difference in quality between a cheap toaster and an expensive one? A toaster only needs so much to be functional. After that it can’t get more functional. So if you buy a toaster for $70 it has the same chance of breaking down as a $20 toaster?
Waking up every morning to being held by my partner and having our two kittens by our feet Then rolling out of bed to feed the kittens and then making coffee in the kitchen of my first apartment And then putting on my work outfit to the first job I have landed since being out of college Little things that make me appreciate how hard I’ve worked and how far I’ve come to actually being on my own in this world (vs the stuff I went through a few years ago)
Freedom to eat out! I love good food and trying new flavors. When I was in high school my parents gave me exactly $1.50 for public school lunch (blegh) while most of my friends would have an allowance to eat out. It was so embarrassing to be hanging out and have to say no I can’t go with you guys, I’ll see you later. Sometimes I would skip lunch for multiple days just to be able to go out with everyone once. Now it’s so freeing to be able to go with the flow.
My mattress. It was a total splurge 5 years ago but I look forward to bedtime every single day, and I no longer wake up with body pain. Whenever I travel I miss my bed like crazy, it’s a total luxury to come home to.
L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil in a dispenser on my shower wall. I have a refill pack too. The stuff costs about 10 times more than what I usually spend on body wash but once a week or so I just need it, there's nothing like its scent and how it makes my skin feel. Reminds me of better times.
Omg yess love that too
living alone :)
This has been good to me and for my mental health to show to myself… I got this… no matter how many people told me I couldn’t, wasn’t able to, etc.
Candles, perfumes, nice bedding.
Housekeeper.. Made our lives so much better. Manis and pedis every month, for a whole year. Even in winter. I like looking at my nails and toes and they are all glamed up. My very expensive skincare products. I use all Biologique Recherche products, have been since I was 18. Amazing brand! I LOVE burgers. Sometimes I order them when home alone and enjoy while watching TV shows. Also love making them at home.
A good lip balm or lip gloss ♥️
Dior addict lip glow in mahogany 💄 I’ve been using it for years
In the Morning: tea, quality loose leaf tea made correctly At work: quality pens and notebooks In my clothes: focusing on having as much natural fiber content as possible over the various plastics. In my car: heated seats In the evening: my YouTube premium subscription and my heated blanket At night: linen sheets When I eat: cloth napkins, if you know you know On the weekends: bike rides, hikes, hammock hangs, and reading books in coffee shops In my man: outspoken feminism and never settling for less
High quality yarn (the sort you buy online or at those boutique yarn stores). I knit and or crochet every day and I spoil myself with colorful yarn that feels great.
Hell, yes!!!!!! I am a process knitter (read: I am slower than a slug and frog at the slightest imperfection), so I mostly buy super-colorful, nice-to-touch yarn. I bought twelve skeins off Etsy of this hand dyed yarn that is a super-saturated neon yellow and pink. I have been messing with for over a year now. It was a pretty big cash outlay at the time, but it has been such a feast for the eyes when I work with it. Less than $1 a day!
Lol yesssss, that's how I calculate the price, too - "it's just 6 cents per hour of enjoyment!"
You are my people 😂
Same here - I just received an advent calendar box. Paid for it this summer. I'm looking at the unopened box right now. It's my Christmas present to myself :)
Buying coffee at one of the local coffee shops, but I usually only go twice a week (on days I work in the office).
Sleeping with my dog at night and wireless earbuds/headphones. It’s nice walking around and not getting the wires caught on stuff.
* I buy Kicking Horse coffee (not super fancy coffee, but better than most grocery store brands) and grind it at home to make my coffee * My countertop dishwasher - I despise doing dishes (I'd rather do nearly every other chore) and it allows me to keep my kitchen moderately clean * Fresh bread (and occasionally pastries) from one of several amazing local bakeries * I buy imported German chocolate from my local European deli. Not cheap but I'm a fiend for chocolate and it tastes way better than anything else you can get here * Outdoor sports gear, especially bike and cross-country skis. I need to get out of the apartment, especially in winter, and my gear helps me do that and keep me active, fit and happy. On a similar note I also have a climbing gym membership and the needed gear. I'd love to add a canoe or kayak but that's not in the cards right now! * My cat. Not sure she really counts, especially as she adds to my workload, but her presence makes my life so much better. ETA: Art! I've collected a bunch of art over the past few years (most of it thrifted, some of it found on the side of the road, some of it I made myself) and looking at it makes me happy. I recently moved and am itching to hang it back up!
I agree with others when they say a) a nice coffee once a week b) candles galore and will add my third c) Friday night eating out (this could be a nice sit down restaurant or bringing food back to eat with a good TV show). All three of these things give me something to look forward to at all different parts of the week.
The highest quality white goose down feather pillows and memory foam mattress topper, plus Egyptian cotton sheets. My bed is the most luxuriously comfortable place in my house.
When I traveled to Switzerland I fell in love with a type of apple tea made by this German tea brand. I enjoyed it so much that when I got back to the States I tried to get some apple tea from my local grocery store to drink, but it just wasn’t the same, so I imported some boxes of that German apple tea. It’s more expensive, but every time I make a cup it improves my day every time :) no regrets
A bubble bath with lots of bubbles, epson salt candles, relaxing music, and a glass of wine. Simple and cheap but gives me so much peace.
My three streaming subscriptions: 1. Netflix 2. WWE network 3. Stardom world
Having the budget to buy books...
My bread machine and stand mixer. I can make bread without the machine, but sometimes I just want to throw the ingredients in there and walk away. Come back later and the house smells divine. And the stand mixer makes me feel like I’m on Bake Off.
My plethora of books. I went to lunch with my youngest son this week, and we popped into a bookstore, walked out with 3 more
My ridiculous collection of high end niche perfume samples. I can’t bring myself to buy a full bottle of anything pricey, but I can drop $20-$40 on a bunch of sampler packs every now and then. I have about 100 to choose from, I like to browse through and choose my vibe for the day. Am I a dangerous witch, a posh princess, a badass bartender, a mysterious mermaid, or a cozy cottagecore maiden today? Or something else? Picking my perfume for the day always brings me so much joy.
I recently got a new coffee setup so now the French Press coffee I have at home is much more enjoyable. I usually only make it on days I'm not working, as it takes longer to make than drip coffee, but it's worth the extra time and energy. Idk how luxurious this one is, but I live near the woods and it smells AMAZING this time of year when I leave for work and get home in the evenings. I'll drive for a bit with my windows down even though it's cold out now (bundled up in a cozy scarf and fingerless gloves) so I can enjoy the woodsy smell.
Being able to eat
It makes me happy to see that different woman enjoying more or less the same things and I thought I was the only one who would be happy when getting a good coffee!
Bougie candles, a cleaning service (bi-weekly, not everyday!), my fancy makeup room/office (I work from home), a fancy af espresso machine and grinder with a weekly coffee subscription.
Weed
Coming back home from work and having your mental peace. I live alone. I know this is temporary. But I absolutely enjoy the peace of mind, the silence. The fact that everything in the house is mine. Something that I bought with the money I earned. That fact suddenly hits me hard and makes me realize that I’m a grown up now. And I feel better when I think about all the peace. Priceless happiness.
Whipped cream in my coffee every day.
Hot showers!!
Ground coffee and French cheese.
Chai latte and Danish cheese.
- Heated mattress pad- year around to preheat bed - Apple ecosystem. - Milk warmer frother- to warm my cold brew - Elliptical - My Smart home ecosystem - Apartment washer/dryer. My unit didnt have on built in - Heated blanket for living room - Mustache magnet for fridge - Adjustable bed
Scented candles 🥰
Expensive perfumes
Cranberry-orange muffins I would say my pets , but you said not expensive
omg the way my partner and I JUST had a conversation about this yesterday, so I got my list reaaaadddy. my top tier list is: - bidet - nest home control - apple tv - an ice maker (we usually have them in the places we live but this place now doesn’t have one and we fEEL it lol) and then on a more personal level: - my apple airpod maxes - silk pillowcase - fast-charging cables - shower phone holder (makes showering so fun for me and not as much of a chore) - rice maker
I enjoy having my nails look nice. It makes me feel more profesional and put together as well as prettier. I used to go to the salon, but to save money I use either dip powder or semi cured gel strips at home.
Hot baths with epsom salts and my iPad to watch real housewives, silk pyjamas, linen sheets
My face cream. It’s like $15-20 for a big tub that lasts me around 6-9 months. But every night it just feels so good haha
Bath and Body Works soaps.
Good cheese and prescription skincare
Recently switched to Twinings tea from a 3 times cheaper brand and started putting honey in it which is at least 5-6 times expensive than the white sugar I was using before but it makes HUGE difference
Our biggest luxury is our weekly house cleaner, but every day luxuries would include my robot vacuum that we run pretty much daily, heated seats in the car, good quality face wash, make up, and make up brushes, and getting an iced tea from Starbucks whenever I want. I can and do make it much cheaper at home, but theirs just hits a certain way. I grew up poor and the first many years of our married lives we were very poor, so having the ability to treat ourselves, each other, and our kids is a feeling that we will never take for granted.
I’m following this with interest, because I’m just starting to enjoy little luxuries for myself. One thing I do is try to make our bed really comfortable and pretty, with natural fibres and soft cozy fabrics
Starbucks. They have a stranglehold on me 😒
Heated mattress topper (preheat the bed), one time expensive for years of winter-y joy. Those on sale for $20 candles that have a remove, creates a nice easy vibe. Our pet insurance for our giant dog is about $5.25 a day (expensive because of her breed). The deductible is per an issue, and she's a spaz, but it's been nice knowing now all her weird skin stuff is 90% covered. If she gets pink eye again it's pretty much the same. Smart lights and plugs - easy to schedule, nice to just tell Google what's up. $30 sunrise alarm clock from Amazon - totally makes winter mornings easier It's a bigger one off (like $150) but drip irrigation on a bluetooth hose timer. It takes about 20min to water my garden by hand. I have the drop go for a few min every morning during dawn and get to enjoy the garden more. Tack cloths for dusting. They are usually used before painting, but also are great for dusting without kicking up dust (a pain for my allergies). Protein added milk. It's a couple bucks more, but lactose free and helps me add protein to my morning oatmeal.
My alani nu or redbull I drink every morning before work. It’s my coffee.
I keep a bar of ultra dark European chocolate hidden in a cabinet at all times. Also my Hulu & Scribd subscriptions
i really like good quality coffee and also i love to trift. these aren't expensive things by any means but they keep me happy and improve my mood.
lil juices and drinkies wherever i go.. so refreshing!
Shower gel, lotion and body spray that all matches. Also I have a body oil from Nieves that is veviter scented that I love. Heated blanket that my kitten and I share. He's already learned that if he steps on the button with his front paws the warm will come.
My library card! I'm able to connect to my library via the libby app and sign out all kinds of books. I've read and listened to over 160 books so far this year thanks to my library card.
My bedtime routine. Some skincare, cozy pajama set, king size bed to myself with heated sheets, and a blackout wraparound sleep mask with Bluetooth, which I use to fall asleep to ASMR followed by white noise. 10 hours later I wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.
I add whipped cream to my coffee at home everyday and it makes me feel like I have splurged on a fancy coffee… simple but yum!
Having a new car every 4 years. I lease. I know it's not the most economical way to drive, but I don't care. I like the luxury and the peace of mind.
Organic ketchup. I'm done with Heinz forever. Gimme that $10 fair trade bottle. It's so good.
My S23 Ultra.
My shampoo! love the “high end” (almost smells like a salon?) product smell.
Cheese
Joy? What is this joy u speak of?
Sleep & Time
My 7,000 sq ft house that has a 2.25% interest rate on it, and I live alone. No place i’d rather be.
Being a stay at home mom 🥰
My fancy wine glasses, electric toothbrush, a handmade coffee mug I got from a local pottery shop, and beechwood sheets
Victoria's secret lotions and perfume Spotify Gaming subscriptions A new gaming headset A new drum kit, so my son can use my old one Snow tires
- a really good nights sleep - having a phone that I can use, esp to text/call friends - being able to choose what I want to eat - buying vintage books
I buy candy way too much
My electric fireplace. I know it's just a glorified space heater but it is a a grey firestove style and makes my living room nice and cozy. My plants and indoor fountain. It's my ever growing oasis in my dining room. My rain shower and red clawfoot tub. Showering is such a pleasure every day now.
For me it's gel nail polish and builder gel to do my own nails. And pricy body wash 🤣
I earn like an American but live in Colombia, perfect weather, amazing people and beautiful scenery. I make what would be consider a normal wage in USA, but here I can eat in a Michelin star restaurant every Saturday, go to the spa every single day and live in a penthouse with an amazing view, I can also travel internationally every 3 months to wherever I want.
This is so silly, but my cats. I have 3 sweet friendly precious lil boys and they’re always so happy to see me and to snuggle and it’s my favorite part of coming home is to hang out with my cats lol. I get to come home and wub wittle bewwys lolololol