They say money can’t buy you happiness, but we all know that’s not completely true. There are some simple pleasures that really can lift your spirits! Here are 10 things under $30 that have brought me joy in the past few weeks, maybe they’ll give you a bump too!
Fresh flowers make me so happy! I wanted something for this pot, now I just have to keep it alive…
The spring tornado devastated Nashville’s beloved HIgh Garden Tea shop, but thankfully they’re back selling their delicious, healing brews online! Ginger Revive is my favorite and can be served hot or iced!
I’m not really what you’d call an “outdoorsy” person, but I’m too old to sit on the ground while I’m socially distant visiting with my quaranteam this summer! This chair is cheap, comfy and has TWO drink holders! You know, for your beverage and your phone, or keys…or an additional beverage. It’s a pandemic, who am I to judge?!
My two favorite summer varietals, rosé and vino verde had a baby and it’s this wine! I’d describe it as crisp, effervescent and delightfully deep pink in color, but fancy wine people say it’s, “fruit forward and well balanced.” I say buy a case and invite me over. (I’ll bring my own chair!)
I enjoy an elegant wineglass as much as anybody, but this stemless version from Swig supposedly keeps beverages warm for 3 hours and chilled for up to 9. I wouldn’t know, my wine never lasts that long! Available in lots of colors and patterns at Swiglife.com and Amazon.
I typically listen to a lot of true crime podcasts, but listening too much gets a little dark! Journalists Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall are informative and entertaining as they challenge what you think you know about certain people and events.
St. Tropez self tanning mouse has long been a cult favorite, but this express version is NEXT LEVEL. Color develops within an hour and deepens up to three. It’s the most natural, lovely color! When applying be sure to use a mitt or gloves to avoid oompa loompa hands. Trust me, that color sets up fast!
Circle 21 describes this candle as having notes of “fresh berries, mandarin, coconut, apricot, and mimosa combined with honeysuckle, vanilla and musk.” I say it smells just like summer.
Books are a cheap thrill that not only can teach us, but transport us. Non-fiction reads are my jam, especially when it involves a fashion icon! André Leon Talley, former creative director at Vogue, lures you into his memoir with tales of glamour, but delves deeper into his struggles with racism in a cutthroat industry to which he ascended.
I’m not currently on Weight Watchers, but I discovered this recipe for a DIY frozen treat when I was. Take a chocolate graham cracker and break in half. Spread about 2 tbs of whipped cream on it. (Cool Whip works better than the spray kind.) Then put together, wrap with plastic wrap, and freeze. I layer a couple of raspberries for extra flavor, but you can add whatever you want! Delicious and only 3 points if you’re counting!