Little Luxuries

I admit it! I should have been born rich! I enjoy luxury. Call me shallow, if you want, but I like quality stuff. Don't get me wrong. I don't think these things are the most important parts of life, but I still like them. Of course, the MOST important things aren't material, but that doesn't mean I have to always settle for low quality stuff. It's not an either or thing. A person can be spiritual yet still enjoy material things. My challenge is that I'm not a rich chick. But where there's a will, I want to be in it. ;-). No, that's not how the saying goes. I think it's actually, "Where there's a will, there's a way."

So, as much as I'd love to visit some posh Caribbean resort and spa and be fanned all day by Pablo the pool boy, that's not happening anytime soon. So what's a luxury loving lady to do? How does a Nordstroms girl navigate the world on a thrift store budget? Two L words. Little luxuries. For instance, toothpaste. I'm joking, right? Actually, nope. Here's the deal. I usually buy the budget brand of most things because I pretty much have to. It's no fun to get down to zero cash flow a week before payday. But recently, I decided I'd had enough of dollar store toothpaste. So I paid a few bucks extra for the Crest HD Whitening toothpaste. And guess what? I really like it. The jury is still out as to whether it makes my teeth any whiter. I just started using it a couple nights ago, but I like how it feels in my mouth. Yes, it's like $5 instead of $1. The budget conscious part of me wants to scream, "That's FIVE times as much!" But seriously, it's a $4 difference. Not exactly big bucks here. And it feels so nice. Definitely worth the extra $4. Little luxuries are one of the ways I incorporate joy into my life.

I also find joy in doing stuff with my family, either all together or individually. Tonight, I made blueberry scones with my youngest son. It didn't cost me a cent. Sometimes just doing ordinary, everyday things can be turned into joy bursts just by changing how you do it, who you do it with, or the attitude you have toward it.

So many different ways to bring joy into our lives! Experiences, relationships, and sometimes even a tube of toothpaste. Go figure!

What are some products that you enjoy? I'd love to hear about them.