Cheap Thrills

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

[photo via]
It was almost impossible to get out of bed this morning. It was still dark outside at 6:00 when the alarm went off, and it was just so cozy under the covers. Getting up and getting going was tough and it's shaping up to be the kind of day where you need a little reward at the end, a small high-five with yourself for pushing through and showing up.

Here are a few of my favourite, cheap (or free) ways to treat myself after a day and a half, because it's just not prudent to buy a new pair of boots every time you think you deserve a prize.

[LUSH bath bomb, $4-$8] // Not only are they inexpensive, but they're indulgent and relaxing. One of my favourite ways to calm down is to run a nice warm bath, light a candle, and pop one of these suckers in the tub. They come in a variety of scents, including some nice calming ones to help you wind down at bedtime. Some are coloured, some are glittery, and there are holiday-themed versions that make perfect little gifts.

[Lindt sea salt dark chocolate bar, $3] // I only enjoy these once or twice a year - I usually get one in my Christmas stocking. They're my absolute favourite chocolate bar. Salty/sweet perfection. And the dark chocolate is really satisfying, so just a square or two is enough, and the bar lasts a long time.

[Balea face masks, $2] // Sometimes when I'm browsing at Shopper's I'll grab a few of these individually packaged face masks (I believe they're $2 each or three for $5, but I might be wrong) and stash them in the bathroom. After a shower, I'll use an exfoliating scrub - St. Ives Apricot Scrub is the one I like best - and pop one of these suckers on for a great little pick-me-up that feels (almost) like a trip to the spa.

[Walk with the dog: FREE] // Spending time outside is said to reduce stress, and the same goes for spending time with animals. Taking a long walk with Rory is the best of both worlds. Even a 30-minute spin around our neighbourhood is a nice energy boost on nights when I'm too tired to put in a good effort at the gym. Walking helps me get my thoughts in order, the fresh air feels good, and there's companionship without the need to engage in a conversation.

[Puzzles: FREE-$10] // I like doing crossword puzzles, sudokus, or cryptoquotes, which I find in magazines, newspapers, or online for free. It's a great distraction, being able to focus on something else other than the day's events. Working on a jigsaw puzzle does it for me, too. Over the holidays I like having a big puzzle on the go - it's an alternative to watching TV or reading on chilly, stormy evenings when you just want to stay in and be cozy, and it's not terribly expensive either. For $10ish, a puzzle keeps you busy for hours! If you need a midday break to refocus, this site has free virtual puzzles each day.

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10 comments

  1. Replies
    1. It's so good. I found one in my cupboard the other day that I somehow forgot about...What a score!

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  2. I'm all about getting outside too ... Even if I have hours of work to do in the evening, I try to take the dog out for 15 to 20 minutes before I start to clear my head.

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    1. Good plan. Even that little bit of time is so helpful! I am really bad about taking fresh air breaks during the workday. If I need a "break" while doing work it tends to be looking at Pinterest or taking a Buzzfeed quiz (i.e. still staring at the screen) - need to get better about getting away from the desk and refocused!

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  3. I need to make a point to get outside more. I need a dog! haha.

    I had gotten into a bit of a habit of walking around on the remainder of my lunch hour, or parking about 20 mins away and walking to work. Want to get back into it, even though the winter darkness is coming!

    And oh, I love me some LUSH. <3

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    1. The dog definitely forces a lot more outside time! We have a fenced backyard so he can get some exercise just running around but he's definitely better behaved when he has his walk!

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  4. You know, I don't treat myself near as much as I should, and sometimes it really is as easy as a $3 face mask or a chocolate bar! I couldn't even come up with a cheap thrill of my own, and that's sad. Good for you!

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    1. I tend to go nuts and buy a new dress or something...This is my attempt at keeping my "treats" in check :)

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  5. I love walking my dog too for those very same reasons

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    1. They're such good company! And if your dogs are anything like mine they are always willing to go out, regardless of the time of day or the weather.

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