What Are Your Little Luxuries?

Rate Guide Rating_4_5 (3)
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Great. Just great. The economy is terrible; layoffs could be next; the holidays are right around the corner. Need any more reasons to keep your wallet S-H-U-T? Yep, it stinks. But while it's smart to be frugal during uncertain times, it's also good for your soul to indulge a tiny bit. Let's hear how you do it on a shoestring.

A bottle of wine

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Staying in (rather than going out and dropping endless cash on drinks) is one of the easiest ways to curb spending. But if you grab a great bottle of wine (which can be had for well under $20) and spend an evening in on the couch with your bestest pal, laughing and criticizing everyone on TV, you won’t miss that crowded and overpriced bar at all.

A manicure

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Sure, it’s cheaper to do it at home. But if you want to feel pampered, a manicure is the perfect low-cost treat. And seeing your shiny fingertips make you feel stylish and put-together even if your budget cuts have left you wearing the same old clothes you’ve worn for the past few years. The best part? Professionally-painted nails always seem to last longer than when you DIY.

g2o spa + salon

338 Newbury street Boston, MA 02115

Who says you can’t set foot on Newbury Street when you’re on a budget? For about $25, you can get a classic manicure at this chic salon.

Sushi!

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Even when money is tight, I am always willing to splurge on a sushi dinner at my favorite restaurant. My boyfriend and I share a platter with enough rolls and nigiri to fill us to the gills (pun intended). Add an order of edamame and a bowl of miso soup and I am in heaven.

added by Mermanda 10/27/2008

Coach Purse

Every girl my age has to have at least one of them.

added by MadeleineVictoria 10/27/2008

Coach Purse

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Every girl my age has to have at least one of these. For most of them, that’s like their whole paycheck after working for two months. But they’re cute! :)

added by MadeleineVictoria 10/27/2008

Books

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It doesn’t matter that I probably can’t afford it, or that my apartment is filled to capacity anyways, I can’t help buying a book at the end of a long week or almost any time I find myself wandering into a used bookstore.

added by leigh 11/24/2008
 

Flowers!

Even if I have little money, I buy flowers. Regularly. Maybe I have no savings, but I can always spend $8 on a bouquet of flowers that will die in 3 days. :)

added by aliciak 10/24/2008

$4 lattes

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Don’t give me no flak.

added by Karey Ann 10/27/2008

Oh, and ridiculously over-priced candles from Aveda

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Yummmmmmy

added by Karey Ann 10/27/2008

Every single shade of cheap nail polish

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I probably buy a new one every week. Even though it’s usually Wet ‘n’ Wild for 99 cents, that’s $50 a year!

added by Elissa 10/27/2008

Music

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Even if my bank account is practically empty, if one of my fave artists (and I have A LOT of faves) comes out with a new album, I have to buy it. I need music to get me through tough times and believe it probably helps me be more productive, which makes me more money. So there. It’s an investment. Plus, iTunes is addicting.

added by Susie 11/15/2008

My Little Moment

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You said Luxury and this was the first thing that popped into my head… hmmm, odd association, but I will take a dozen please!

added by AlexandraF 11/24/2008

Starbucks Coffee Co

7300 E 29th Ave, Denver, CO 80238

I’m not giving up my coffee and I"m not buying an espresso maker. I get out of bed every morning and go to work or take care of the kids so I deserve my coffee!

It is my daily treat. I think I deserve a treat every day, sometimes two.

I’m not giving up my coffee and I"m not buying an espresso maker. I get out of bed every morning and go to work or take care of the kids so I deserve my coffee!

It is my daily treat. I think I deserve a treat every day, sometimes two.

added by Shawna 11/24/2008

Pumpkin Scones

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It doesnt matter if I’m on the strictest diet in the world, I will find a loophole that allows me my scones. It also doesn’t matter if I’m broke and a JOKE….I will beg for coins.

added by Chelsea 11/25/2008

Bath and Body Works

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A must have is Bath and Body Works. The shower gel and lotion are my favorites. The store has great sales and the products last quite some time. A nice hot shower with Bath and Body Works products is great!

added by fangtasia 10/11/2009

Trader Joe's Instead of Take Out

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On the weekend when I don’t feel like cooking but can’t afford to order in, let alone go out to eat, I head to Trader Joe’s and pick up their frozen appetizers. They have pizza that is really low in price and all kinds of substitutes for the traditional Chinese food take out. It’s really cheap, delicious and it’s better for you!

added by Susan 10/27/2009
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Discussions

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I agree with the bottle of wine – and even so on the Layer Cake! I’ve personally fallen in love with the Malbec, it’s absolutely delicious

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Thanks everyone, for doing your part to not make me feel as guilty!