I’ve mentioned several times that I’m on a pretty tight budget and without going into details, I’ve really been working on examining my spending and figuring out where extra money was going out that didn’t need to and how to fix that moving forward, at least while I’m in this phase of my life. But with all of that said, I’m still trying to find ways to treat myself that don’t eat away at my income and where that money actually needs to go.
I am still splurging with things off of my list of ways I treat myself while living on a budget as well as a few others, so I thought I would check in with a few of those splurges.
Sunrises
Seriously. I woke up Sunday morning for my run and this was my view. There is no filter on that sky, it’s just nature in it’s pure beauty. That was a definite treat!
Straightening My Hair
It’s not often that I do this, especially during the summer. I go through phases of straight, curly, or up, and right now I’m definitely in the up/ponytail/bun phase. I just don’t have the patience to deal with my hair. But I loved straightening my hair again, being able to run my fingers through my hair and you better believe I used dry shampoo to make that last a few days! 😉
On the down side, my hair dryer broke half way through my head so if anyone wants to start a GoFundMe page to get a new hair dryer, you’ll keep me on budget. ha!
Berry Picking
While this isn’t free by any nature, I’ve been strawberry and blueberry picking in the last month and it has been awesome! Not only am I having fun and relaxing doing it (things I don’t let myself do often), I’m getting a great deal on a TON of fresh berries that will last me awhile! I get to enjoy them fresh for a few days and then into the freezer they go for countless smoothies. And the amount of berries I’m getting is ridiculously cheaper than if I bought them fresh (or frozen) at the grocery store!
Making Dinner
Sure, I make myself dinner every night but I can’t say I’m always creative about it, forgetting that I can still cook myself nice dinners without breaking budget. This omelette with frozen spinach that I forgot was still hiding out in the freezer, sautéed sweet potatoes and a small glass of rose was just the treat I needed the other night! The wine may have been what put me over the edge of making this extra special though. I don’t often drink, let alone buy myself wine but it had been a long week and nothing sounded better than enjoying a glass of wine with my dinner. The bottle was $4 from Trader Joes and just what the doctor ordered!
A Workout
Whether it be yoga, a run, or lifting weights, my workouts are my time and provide me almost a sacred time and space to myself. I get a little annoyed when others are in the fitness center (as selfish as that may seem), but it’s just because it’s such a small space that it feels like they’re popping my bubble when I’m trying to treat myself.
It may sound strange since these things are so “ordinary” but I feel like I could keep adding to the list (water variations, reading, writing, cleaning my apartment…). They may all sound relatively trivial but really, I guess it’s a good thing that I am finding the joy in the relatively small moments in life. And honestly, that’s how I think it should be.
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How have you been treating yourself lately?
Good for you Lady. I have been treating myself by spending time with my loved ones instead of spending every night working on my website I’ve been making memories 🙂
Dia All The Things I Do recently posted…I Love Blogging…Really I Do
That sounds amazing! What a great treat!
My workouts are my treat too. I work out more problems and issues on a treadmill or exercise bike than I do in therapy.
Rosemond recently posted…“What I Wish I’d Known.” Real Women Share Advice For Women Going Through Divorce.
haha! for sure!
I really loved this post! It’s so important to find peace in yourself and focus on savouring the little things.
La Belle Sirene
All great way to treat yourself. I love a good work out it always makes me feel better.
Mistle recently posted…2016 Summer Reading List
These look like fantastic ideas that don’t require a big spend! And it looks like they all make you feel amazing! I love exercising and being creative in the kitchen is always good!
definitely!!
I love this! I agree that treating yourself in a simple way is the best. Nothing beats a good sunrise or a good workout!
Kristin recently posted…Currently… In July
I couldn’t agree more!
I treat myself with a bubble bath and a face mask. Love this!
xoxo, Jenny
Jenny recently posted…Weekend Recap: Bachelorette Bash
Those sound amazing too!
It’s so important to treat yourself and treat yourself to the little things like sunrises, a warm cup of coffee, 30 minutes to read, etc. Enjoying these little moments make you appreciate life more 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Most of my reading happens via audio book on my way to work but it sure does make my commute so much better! 😉
I am a workout person too. I have to everyday. Its a huge treat! that and reading!
Workouts also keep me sane 😉
I think it’s great you include things like making dinner and working out! Both are so important and good for you too!
Agreed!
All of your treats are great! My treats are a lie in when I can tae my breakfast tray back to bed, time to sit and read, or today I went for a swim in the out door pool at my gym as it is SO HOT here at the moment!!
claire recently posted…KonMari The Life changing magic of tidying up, My journey
That sounds amazing! And seriously, it’s super hot here too…oy vey!
Good list. It’s always l important to treat yourself. I go shopping to treat myself lol.
haha! Sounds amazing, but totally not in my budget right now! 😉
Berry picking is awesome! I froze a bunch of strawberries we picked one year and I had strawberry shortcake all winter! 🙂
Christine @ The (mostly) Simple Life recently posted…What to Buy Used + the Exceptions
Yum! I’m popping a handful in my morning smoothies everyday!
Love straightening my hair as a treat to myself. <3
Right?
I treat myself with walks on the beach by my apartment at sunset. It’s so relaxing after work!
That sounds amazing!
I love this! You are adorable. It is so important to treat yourself. Thank you for the reminder.
Jessica Bradshaw recently posted…Greece Travel Series: What to do in Athens
Thank you! 🙂
Great ideas! I love getting myself an iced coffee every once in a while!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Get Your Snack On
Yes! Love me some iced coffee!
Love this post – you CAN totally treat yourself DAILY for free – taking an extra minute before going into your car to feel sunshine on your face – getting a good book from the library, a hot shower or cold shower, a good dance session 🙂
OH and I forgot to add – BATHS, tanning, calling an old friend 🙂
Amber Vesey recently posted…RUN 10 FEED 10 RAFFLE & GOODIE GIVEAWAY
Girl, you are FULL of ideas! 🙂 I love it!
Oh the sunshine was is such a great idea!
We love going berry picking and eating the fruits of our labor. That sunrise was beautiful and it is nice you took the time to enjoy and capture the moment.
candy recently posted…No Bake Energy Bites Pie Crust
Love it! Treating ourselves is so important to overall happiness! 🙂
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