Something to ponder…
With our economy in the tank and things looking pretty bleak out on the job front and in our own pocketbooks these days, what is the one little thing that you do that gives you a big dose (or a little dose) of pleasure? Something that doesn’t cost a lot?
For me, it’s my morning cup of cappuccino that I mix up myself.
I hardly darken the doors of Starbuck’s ever anymore. Oh, it’s a treat to go there occasionally, but at almost $5 bucks a cup, just not worth it. My hubby loves the bean grinder I brought home from a yardsale and so every morning, I hear the whirrrrrr of that little gadget as it grinds up the morning beans for our java.
It’s not a real cappuccino, but it’s close enough for me. I buy flavored syrups by Torani and have them around for my coffee treat and those various flavored creamers that are in the dairy case these days. Caramel Machiatto, White Chocolate Mocha, Italian Cream, all of those make me giddy to have my morning cuppa and I flavor it up just for me. I use my Goodwill Italian frother to foam up some skim milk to go on top and add a dose of cinnamon-sugar. Ahh, pure bliss! 
And how about something as simple as lighting a pretty candle on the table for dinner? I left these out from our little dinner party the other night and decided to just light the cute thing and enjoy it for ourselves.
Now that’s simple!
How about you? Let’s start a list that we can all refer back to. What is your simple and maybe inexpensive little pleasure that makes life enjoyable for YOU right now?
In spite of the economy, those trials and tribulations that we all have, and even the stormy weather some days?
Do tell?
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My simple pleasures:
A bath by candle light
Pouring a glass of wine into a fancy, schmancy wine glass when I am all alone
Stopping by the grocery store for a $5 bunch of flowers that usually last for a week and make me so happy!
Using the “good” china and my sterling silver flatware for an every night kind of dinner
Buying a more expensive cut of meat when it is on sale and having a special meal instead of going out to eat and paying for a tip and the extra costs. Did you know that beef tenderloin is cut into filet mignon steaks? I just learned that!
Making yummy pies/cakes/cookies, etc. with the kids.
Bringing in nature to decorate. Go on a walk and pick up acorns, pinecones, colored leaves, sticks and add these to tabletop arrangements.
Finding a good book or magazine at a yard sale or thrift store. Definitely under $1 and time for me to just zone out in “me time.”
Renting a Red Box $1 movie, popping some popcorn, and cuddling under a warm blanket in the dark.
Sewing a patchwork scarf in seasonal colors. Making a new bag out of scrap materials. I look for sheets and cuts of fabric at thrift stores to use in sewing. You find a lot of great prints and the sheets are so big you have a lot of fabric.
My coffee in the morning (I buy Starbucks brand – they have on the bag now “If you buy a bag – bring it in and get a free cup at your local Starbucks) and I love that!
Going to the library and getting a good book to read. So much better that buying a book that will sit on your shelf afterwards.
Nice warm bath & then afterwards, I do a mani/pedi on myself. I definitely save money that way.
Finding good books to read at library sales or thrift stores. And then sitting down with it with a cup of tea and some lit candles.
A bath by candle light.
Taking time for myself – maybe a facial mask, giving myself a manicure or putting extra thought into what I am going to wear that day (maybe even combining old clothes to make a new outfit).
I love this post! I was just thinking last night how sometimes life can move way too fast and we actually do and have too much. I thought how nice it will be today to just slow down and truly enjoy what I already have. Your post is a great inspiration for that!!
Thanks, Silke
About two years ago we bought a cheap pump espresso maker. That little coffee maker squirts out better coffee than what I can buy at Starbucks (okay…so I do know how to use it…burned coffee & milk taste nasty). I love, love, love being able to make fancy coffee drinks at home. We usually only make them on the weekends but they’re oh so good!
My garden is the one of my little pleasures. I filled up my window boxes …it costs a small fortune to properly load them up and make them look nice. It’s so worth it to me though. Everything else can be rotten and falling apart but at least I have flowers (or had…fall has taken away most of my flowers).
WIth three kids pulling me 100 different directions and a hubby who travels all the time I look forward to the simple pleasures. My big one right now is cherishing an actual night at home….cooking supper for the family, sending the kids to bed (or at least in their rooms) early, lighting a candle (midsummers night by Yankee Candle or High maintenance by Tyler candles are my favorite), playing some Harry Connick, Jr., Michael Buble’ or Barbara Streisand in the background and reading a book while sipping coffee with Southern butter pecan cream.
Ahhhh…it’s simple, relaxing, and can be recreated over and over as the cost is definitely minimal.
I love reading everyone’s simple pleasures. We live in such a hectic world it is nice we can find these.
My little pleasure is finding things to use in my home at Goodwill. I had never shopped at GW until a few months ago, now it’s my favorite haunt. Hugs, Marty
I never take my first cup of coffee in the morning for granted.
It’s always a simple pleasure.
I’m really enjoying the softness of the light that comes into my house this time of year. It’s beautiful in the fall. I’m enjoying the mild temperature, beautiful leaf colors, birds singing, and the sound of the waterfall in our pond.
A couple of days ago I enjoyed my first piece of pumpkin pie of the season.
Great post Rhoda. I’ll be back later to read more.
Hi Rhoda
I wrote about simple country pleasures, yesterday!
Morning coffee, is one of those wonderful simple pleasures at our house, too.
My favorites simple pleasure is watching the sun rise, whether at home or our place at the lake. It doesn’t cost a cent and never fails to please, whether the weather. The dawning of a new day. Beautiful!
Great post!
I’ve recently dusted off my breadmaker. Last weekend I used it to make cinnamon rolls that were divine! I also made two loaves of bread that we’ve used for sandwiches.
I love my CDs and candles, and using the herbs from my little garden.
A hot tub and a new bar of Ivory Soap (it floats!) with some classical music playing. It’s good to be clean!
Going through a stack of old magazines and enjoying them all over again.
The unconditional love of pets.
A walk.
Rhoda’s Blog – love it
Have a great day, Lisa
Showering, exfoliating, conditioning, shaving, manicuring and pedicuring, moisturizing and tweezing without any interruptions! With three girls 5 years old and under, this hardly ever happens, but when it does, I ENJOY it!
Also, freshly washed, high quality sheets (bought on deep discount) that have been scented with softener or linen spray…putting my freshly washed body into a freshly made bed is a an incredible luxury that I know I’m blessed to enjoy.
Other little pleasures, quiet time to read my Bible or pray alone, working in my gardens, books and magazines (thrifted, of course), kisses from my babies, time with my hunny, baking my own bread.
What a great post, Rhoda. I remember a commercial when I was a kid for Van Camps pork n beans…”live’s little pleasures are the best..all the little things that make you smile”… Now, pork and beans would not be on my list, but since my girls are in dental school and I’m an empty nester, I would say, picking up my little warm fuzzy ball of fur yorkie, Duchess and giving her a good morning hug would be one of my favorite simple pleasures. Calling up a neighbor and getting out for a walk in this crisp fall air is another…
I’m coming back to see all the great little cheap thrills others come up with!
Rhoda, I also love simple pleasures in life. Freshly laundered linens are one of my favorites. Straight vacumn cleaner lines on the carpet. Alone time when I can do anything I’d like to do. Time with my husband. Cooking supper for my family. It’s the simple things in life that really make it special, isn’t it? Thanks for this post and reminding us to slow down in life and treasure these moments.
I’ll be coming to Birmingham tomorrow (Friday) for Christmas Village at the BJCC. Have you ever been? My mother, sister, and I go every year and always look forward to it. And a day off of work is just an added bonus!
If you attend, perhaps I’ll run into you. Have a great rest of the week!
Hi Rhoda. I have been following your blog for about a year, but this is the first time I am finally leaving a comment. I so enjoy your blog. This is a great post with great comments. We have a fire ring in our backyard that my husband made seveal years ago of leftover landscaping rocks. After dinner we love to light a fire and have a glass of wine or a martini while sitting in adirondack chairs around the fire. No tv, no phones. Ahhh.
Finding dirt cheap accessories for my home and altering them to suit my needs/taste
Making pizza for my family
Lighting the bazilions of candles that I have in my house
Lying on my bed with a few magazines and a pot of apple flavored tea
Playing or reading to my everlasting love, my son
Going to the movies with my husband (w the extra-large popcorn pls)
Sitting in front of the fireplace
Hmmm….You just made me realise how MUCH I love spending time at home….!
Hi Rhoda,
This time of year, I love getting up early while it’s still somewhat dark and having my coffee by candlelight. It’s such a peaceful way to ease into the day.
I love your blog and have checked it every day for over a year now. Keep up the great work!
Hi, Rhoda! Well, you hit the nail on the head on lighing candels. I have been doing that just about every night for my family ….even last night when it was cup-o-noodles and grilled cheese! My kids just love it!
Oh and I love costume jewerly! I found this fabulous ’saphire and diamond’ pin at GW a few weeks ago for $3! You should see it!!! its beautiful and a bit gaudy…just how I like it!! Even better then the real thing!! LOL!!!
My big thing right now, aside from occasionally thrifting, is to make myself a chocolate coffee drink. It doesn’t really have a ‘name’, it’s just some chocolate fudge brownie ice cream, blended with some chocolate coffee that has had a chance to cool down. I don’t really like coffee, in and of itself, so Starbucks has not ever been a big “thing” for me…but their bottled frappuchinos were an especially nice part of traveling (one of the larges will keep me going for a couple of hours, lol). So this is my compromise…chocolate, caffeine, and tasty. Yum.
A cup of homemade Chai tea and a candle burning in a clean house is enough for me. I also love to “shop” my house and just change something up a bit in the decor. It feels fresh and new and full of possibility for free. Also, the feeling that I’ve made someone else day better, whether it is a member of my family, a patient at work, or a neighbor or friend, there’s real satisfaction in helping others. Thanks Rhoda!
My big mug of Chai Tea (Mystic Chai from Sam’s Club) every morning. It’s not just the taste, but something about holding that big steaming mug of yumminess is relaxing. Sitting on the sunporch on Sunday mornings reading the newspaper with my husband (with my chai tea). (we have church on Saturday evening – can you tell I’m a PK? had to clarify that I AM going to church LOL) Have a great day!
pk @ Room Remix
I’d have to say I light candles. That always makes it feel a little more homey and special at our house. And I buy the inexpensive candles from Walmart. And you know what? They smell just as good (actually better) as Yankee Candle. Mmmmmmm cappuccino.
Just having a rich dark roast cup of coffee with cream is a big treat for me — I’m very sensitive to caffine so I can’t drink it often. As well, I either make my own scones or buy a decadent pastry from my favorite French pastry chef (Julian). Then I tuck up with a magazine (from my stack that I continually buy from the thrift stores) and savor my snack.
-Having flavored creamers for my coffee.
-A cup of Russian Tea (from a dry mix I put together).
-Using a recently purchased body pouf from Target (about $1.99) to make my Ivory soap really lather up and make me feel decadent.
-Eating outside on the patio and enjoying the afternoon/evenings.
-Grilling chicken wings and watching Alabama football (hubby is a grad of Bama; I went to Clemson, but am a Bama fan too!).
-Checking out books and magazines from the library.
-Listening to my iPod.
-Making those Pillsbury cookies (the kind already in little round balls) with my son who has autism.
-Homeschooling my daughter.
Especially now with all the beautiful fall foliage…I love to load the kids up and go driving around remote dirt roads close to home. It’s just so serene to see the sunlight filtering through the brilliantly colored fall leaves. It’s even fun in the summertime…stopping by the river to dip our feet in the cold water and splash about.
I so needed this post today! I forget how wonderful the most simple things in life can be! My favorite simple pleasure are:
A cup of hot chocolate from McDonald’s. With a $1 off coupon it only cost me around a $1.25 and its so yummy!!!
A clean house
Curling up on the couch with a People magazine. My mom buys me a subscription every year for my birthday.
The smile on my sweet little boy’s face every morning.
Taking my son to the park in our neighborhood on a beautiful afternoon.
Let’s see, I really love buying a stack of Southern Living or any home decor magazines at a garage sale or flea market for $3 or less and then go home snugle up in my super comfy blanket & read magazines to my heart’s delight. My other comfort is my nightly bubble bath. I as well love my coffee with a dash of cinnamon..yum! Oh and listening to praise & worship always makes me happy!
Hey Rhoda!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your kind comments! It’s so fun to stay connected with people and share decorating and other interests with each other! I loved your recent post about DIY monogram plaques! Love those! I just love doing DIY projects so it’s so fun to get new ideas!
Thanks again!
Music!
A heated blanket and a good ‘thrift’ book!
See my the post I did as well… http://www.theticklepinkthrift.blogspot.com
Thanks Rhonda for helping me start my day with ‘positive’ thoughts!!
There have been enough times in my life when the simple (as in cheap) pleasures were all that I could afford and I learned along the way that they were the best kind anyway.
* Fresh flowers from the garden, whether it’s just one rose or a tiny bouquet of lilies.
* Finding the perfect “something” to round out a display or collection at TJMaxx or HomeGoods for hardly any $$
* Opening a cupboard or drawer that’s organized and efficient makes me sooo happy (and cost nothing to get that way!)
Those are just three but I could go on…
Nice post, Rhoda. One of the good things that’s come from this crazy economy is our collective shift in perspective. I hope the new attitudes stick around even as the economy improves.
Hey! I’m very sorry that this thank-you is so late; however, I want to thank you for the Southern Women’s Show tickets. (and the patience you had as I drove around lost) My friend and I had the BEST time with the exception of the flu I caught! I’ve still been weighing whether or not I would like to start a blog. I’m afraid I won’t have the time, not sure where to get started, etc. Before commenting, I found your post on 10 tips for beginning bloggers. It motivated me to get started. Thanks!
Simples in life:
1. Sitting in a room with no TV
2. Unplanned one-day road trips
3. Finding a store that hasn’t been “discovered” by most of the public
I’m like so many of these ladies. A hot bath by candlelight, a great glass of red wine, a good book, a warm throw blanket and my kids safe asleep in bed are all I need. A little dark chocolate too. Perfection ! Great post Rhoda !
HI Rhoda, First I want to thank you for commenting on my home over at Joni’s blog, that was really sweet of you. My simple pleasures are like yours a good cup of coffee in the morning, I sit on my front porch and watch the sprinklers, I am easily amused. Sitting in my backyard with a glass of sparkling water with lime and a good shelter magazine and just watching all the sweet little birds. A drive to the Ocean and just sitting and watching the waves, now that is Bliss. I actually find the simple pleasures bring more contentment than what we think of as “Big or cosly Pleasures”. Love your coffee cup! Kathysue
I too have been reading your blog for some time now and really enjoy all the things you write about. But, like some others, have never left a comment, until now. Simple pleasures is what my life is mainly all about. I like – to sit down at the end of a day with a good magazine (Country Sampler, Country Living, or even Better Homes & Garden), light a candle, and have some tea. Yesterday I rode in my neighbors combine when he harvested his beans ( doesn’t take much to make us country folk happy!), I learned all about the combine and the harvest. I also love music – if he would have had the radio on, I would have really been happy!! I like to mow the yard and work in my flower beds too. I was just thinking the other day – it really doesn’t take a lot of money to make me happy and I’m good with that.
My simple pleasures
1. Waking up to fresh home brewed coffee.
2. A good hot shower.
3. A mid morning chocolate break – Bliss dark chocolate,please.
4. Taking time to have a morning devotional and prayer.
5. Afternoon coffee with friends.
6. A stroll through a local antique store.
7. Dinner with hubby.
8. A little extra time before bed to check a few blogs that you know are going to have some great pictures or fun stories to read.
9. Spending time playing with my dog.
10. Making some time for crafting or cooking from scratch.
Great post! Aside from lighting candles and having a cup of tea at night while watching some TV, I like just having a nice, homemade dinner with my family in the dining room with nice plates and candles. I have two boys and my husband works shift work, so my life has been very hectic lately. I don’t get a chance to make a homemade dinner nearly as often as I used to, so I’m doing my best to make special meals when I have the time. And after reading your post today, I realize that just the simple act of eating together, which we no longer do so much, is one of my greatest pleasures these days. You’ve inspired me!
I can’t resist a FULL HUNTER’S MOON…and it costs the big goose egg. This past week-end we had such a windy day/night but it was in the 70’s (50’s the norm for us in Nov) hubby and I had a glass of wine out on the deck watching the clouds fly and I mean fly across the moon….it was spectacular….
I am with you on a good cup of coffee, hubby likes Starbucks but I prefer Dunkin Dounts…..we have a Keurig machine and I just love it…..I have a new Timothy’s brand that I look forward to in the am
Thanks Rho for a great post,
Kathy
My favourite thing is a fire. Lots of people have gas fireplaces now, but nothing beats a REAL fire … the smell, the crackle, getting to poke at it, even the dying embers. Sit in the family room with a tea, a book and a fire going. Who couldn’t relax!
Thanks goodness we are coming into fireplace season.
Hi Rhoda,
Being a woman who has worked outside the home for 38 years, I yearn for simplicity in my life. My home is my sanctuary and I love being able to spend a day fluffing my nest. I also immensely enjoy making homemade cards and gifts for family and friends. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction other than when someone asks “Did you make this”?
I thoroughly enjoy long afternoon drives with hubby where we meander down the roadways admiring all the lovely homes we see along the way and then maybe even finding a nice little gift shop to stop & browse through.
Two of my ultimate pleasures are spending time with my 2 small grandsons and attending Saturday evening mass. I can easily find the simplicity and peace that I search for in life while attending church. I feel safe there and can often times become filled with emotion when I look at the congregation and know that we are all there for the same reason.
Thank you Rhoda for allowing me to share some of my simple pleasures in life and as always TFS! Sheila
Throwing a cinnamon stick or two into my coffee grounds. (powder cinnamon always backs up my coffee pot).
Grinding our own coffee beans for that fresher taste.
Bottles of Perrier or San Pellegrino tucked away to enjoy when the moment is right.
Taking a ride in the country.
A new audio book from the library or Librivox. If you don’t know about Librivox. It is fabulous.
Finding a new book at a booksale or yardsale. Recently we found a booksale–fill a paper grocery bag for $5.00. Heaven!
A candle that makes me wonder what is baking. Right now my indulgence is Vanilla Cupcake from Yankee Candle. approx. $1.49
Fresh new magazines to enjoy after the kiddos are in bed. Great deals on inexpensive subscriptions out there.
Netflix watch instantly or just Netflix in general. This has been a great money saver for our family—I also despise going to the video store and pondering over what to rent.
An occasional new CD (I still love CD’s)–may not sound like a cheap indulgence, but my lastest Harry Connick has been listened to a zillion times and it just makes me happy. I recently picked up a Norah Jones Cd for $1.00.
A music download for my MP3. At less than $1.00 it can brighten even the dullest day.
Warm vanilla milk. A coffee mug of milk. Add a small amount of vanilla and a little sugar. Heat and enjoy.
Obviously most of these are still indulgences. Some wouldn’t have been how I would have chosen to spend my money during the tightest years.
Love this post and reading all of the ideas.
Love my coffee also. Grinding your beans rules. I also love making pizza for the family. Making the dough from scratch and adding all kinds of toppings. Candles!
I love this post!
Some simple pleasures include, a $1.00 movie from Redbox and popcorn in the luxury of my own home! Homemade cookies — yum! Having friends in for dinner rather than going out. Yardsales! Candles. Library books. The joy of using coupons! Oh, the list is endless….
One of my favs is driving through the countryside on a beautiful day; stopping along the way to take pictures. Usually of old barns and houses!
Others include bubble baths by candlelight, baking breads and cakes. Of course, a thrill at the cheap find in GW or junk store.
A sweet phone call (to or from) a friend.
It was unexpected when my husband was laid off in January, I worked for a much larger company (we both were in insurance related careers) and we were confident my job would be ok, at least for a while longer…I was laid off in March, last day in April. We are so grateful that my husband has found another job – unfortunately it means we eventually have to move from the home and city we both love, and for a long time we will have to live apart. We are grateful though, we are doing better than many. The little pleasures I find myself enjoying – taking my son to the playground, enjoying raking leaves with him, spending more time with my parents and friends, waking up early even though I don’t have a job to go to and enjoying the quiet morning with a cup of coffee and my creme brulee creamer, reading the Bible and planning our day before he wakes up. Lighting a candle in the house (or 2 or 5!) I am actually grateful for my current unemployment – my job was too high stress and too time consuming and I was missing so much of his life – and mine. I try to focus on that, and try my hardest not to dwell on the future – to worry about what is or isn’t coming, the strains on our marriage, the move. I think this whole experience has been a huge lesson for me in trusting God when I can’t see the “how” and “when” and feel out of control. I am learning to cherish each day, but I admit I do also mourn for some of the lost plans and the harder changes face.
I’m like many of the other people…….there are so many to list!
I love being able to go for an hour run—alone! It clears my head and helps me be a better mom to my 3.
I love our little town’s new second-hand shop. There are many treasurers in there for $1!!
I also really like going through the automatic car wash. Doesn’t that sound ridiculous? We NEVER did that as kids and it’s such a luxury now, but I get a thrill every time!
Great post. I bought an Aerolatte at Bed Bath & Beyond last year, and it’s been the best investment. It’s such a treat to make my own coffee-lattes at home.
My other simple pleasures? A candle-lit shower (not a bath person), curling up on the sofa at the end of the day and watching General Hospital (yes, I boldly said “General Hospital”), cooking a nice breakfast on Sunday mornings while listening to Van Morrison….ahh, heavenly
.
ooh goodness I have lots
nice coffee like you…home made ‘restaurant’ dinners…long pamper sessions in bath….my DIY Sugar Scrub (Origins Copycat)
oh and flowers, from the garden if possible or a budget bunch then get creative with it
having less money and these times, including starting our own business in the midst of it all has actually been an interesting ride
Sarah
Hi Rhoda,
love all the simple pleasures mentioned but one of my favorites is that my H gets up every morning and makes coffee for me. It’s a little pampering that makes me happy. Then I’ll sit in my favorite chair and read the paper. He even brings me refills.
Another simple pleasure is pajamas. I just love my pjs.
Oh and Rhoda, another simple pleasure is knowing that Southern Hospitality is only a click away!
Come on over to grab my Thanksgiving button and spread the word, we’re gonna dish about turkey and more.
Listening to uplifting music. Taking a hike and listening for the quiet, capturing those moments of stillness in my mind. Doing Zumba! Sitting outside, around our fire pit (from a yard sale this summer), cooking up hot dogs and s’mores with the kids. Watching a Netflix movie and eating popcorn. Making a cup of coffee, making a big brunch for Sunday breakfast. Inviting family/friends over for a potluck.
I am with you on the coffee. I buy flavored coffee and brew it at home. It’s nice and relaxing.
I also like to use our ‘good’ china for everyday meals.
Getting the newest books from the library.
Thanks for a fun and thoughful post!