I’ll never forget the day that I became infatuated with living posh and eat your vegetables meme. It was snowing outside, but it was warm and cozy in my apartment, where I had set a fire and treated myself to a cup of hot cocoa. As I watched the snowflakes stream down from my window, my mind wandered to the idea of spending all of winter at home alone.
“How could anyone live like this?” I thought to myself. “This is so booooring.”
Suddenly, it hit me like a ton of coal: life is too short not to enjoy yourself! You deserve the best food you can eat, your favorite music playing on repeat, and time with those you love most.
1. Look around your house and ask yourself what you love the most. Then, go buy it.
If you are the type of person who enjoys getting Baskin Robbins ice cream in the middle of winter, then that’s fantastic. But if you don’t really care for ice cream, go buy a little bit of everything from Baskin Robbins like I did and make your own magical concoction. Is there a kitchen gadget that makes your life easier? Buy it! Wanna listen to music instead of watching TV? Buy it! Love being home by yourself? Enjoy it!
2. Look up ways to save money online.
Saving money is not a bad thing. In fact, I think it should be encouraged. You’re not saving money so you can never spend it, you’re saving money so you can spend it on the things that matter most to you. Some websites worth checking out are:
3. Buy yourself some tickets to your favorite event.
Maybe you would love to see a play or a concert, but don’t have the budget for it right now. I know I would! Put away some money every week until you’ve got enough for the ticket, then splurge and go see your favorite band or comedian in concert or cheer on your local sports team live!
4. Get a new haircut.
You should be able to put yourself first every once in a while. Get your hair cut or colored if you’ve been wanting to! If you really want to go big, book an appointment at a nearby spa for a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure combo (it’s a little over my budget, but I hear it’s well worth it; I’ve never had one).
5. Lose some weight.
Not only will you look better, but you’ll feel healthier and more confident.
6. Share your home with a friend.
You can’t help but feel more at home sharing your space with others rather than being by yourself. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and build new friendships!
7. Volunteer at a local nonprofit that you care about.
Give back to the community that helped you when you were struggling- it will make you feel more fulfilled and will help both you and the organization raise funds for their mission.
8. Have an affair (aka- go on one date).
You’re single! If you haven’t already, go out on a date with someone you like and get to know him or her a little better. It doesn’t have to be a serious relationship- just something fun to do with someone you like.
9. Plan the ultimate date for your current significant other (and go on that date).
There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first sometimes- respect that! Get creative and plan the most romantic night possible for your significant other, or if you have children, do something fun with them.
10. Plan a vacation.
Want to go somewhere hot and sunny? Go there! Want to go somewhere cold and snowy? Go there! Want to go somewhere with more snow than you know what to do with? Go there! If you can’t afford it, take a long weekend for yourself and make it count!
11. Seek out free cultural events in your area.
My city is extremely beautiful, but I don’t always have time to make the time for going out and enjoying the culture that we live in. Get creative and see if you can find some cultural events that are free or low cost that you can attend. You owe it to yourself!
12. Clean up your closet.
If you have clothes that you’ve had for years and don’t wear, get rid of them. You’ll have more room in your closet and won’t be spending money on something that you won’t use.
13. Go shopping.
Don’t let buying clothes get out of hand- learn to make wise spending choices! If a shirt you like is in your budget, buy it- otherwise only go if the sales are going on!
14. Start a home business that allows you to set your own hours and earn money while doing something you love (like blogging).
15. Get a massage and/or manicure/pedicure.
You deserve it!
16. Book an appointment with your favorite hairstylist (or just go to their place).
17. Buy yourself a new piece of jewelry, clothing, or other accessory that you’ve been wanting but can’t justify buying at the moment- consider it an early birthday present to yourself!
18. Start a goal tracking system like you would use for exercise or dieting:
Write down where your money is going every time you spend money so that you’ll be more aware of what you’re doing with your money and find out if there are any areas where you can cut back to save more money.