25 of Life's Best Bargains
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."Leonardo DaVinci
Have you noticed when finances are tight, all you see are expensive things? I hate it when that happens because there's so much fun to be had enjoying the little things.
In fact, to get me out of the "life is so expensive" frame of mind, I decided to list my favorite bargains and count my blessings for a few little things.
Count along with me...
1. New Music
$1.29 for a new song that makes you want to sing loudly for all the world to hear? If that's not a deal, you don't know one!
2. Crayons
Nothing cures the blues like coloring. For a buck and a piece of paper, it's affordable therapy.
3. The Library
One of my favorite memories of childhood was getting a new stack of books from the library every week. This tradition continues for Team Phenix, and I'm most happy when our tax dollars goes to buying books!
4. Games
Dominoes, Card Games, Hide & Seek, Draw Something - game night only sounds dull. The reality is anything but!
5. A Nap
Perhaps the most under-rated bargain of the bunch. Nothing can improve a day quicker than a nap!
6. Playing Fetch
Borrow a dog if you don't have one. The most free fun to be had on the planet (in my humble, dog-lover opinion) is to play fetch with your favorite canine. It's especially useful if your dog is a puppy and you need to get him to sleep through the night.
7. Sing-A-Long
I confess, I sing-a-long to some of the most annoying music ever made. I never know how it happens, but when a particular song gets stuck in my head, I can't help but sing too. The result is a more tolerable commute, and that's worth its weight in gold! (Just keep your windows shut if you see me!)
8. Wooden Spoons
I use wooden spoons as though it's a responsibility of my job. They are cheap, tough to damage, and look great. I forget to be thankful for these guys, but truly, I love them.
9. Wikipedia
I have a crush on the Wikipedia site. Someday I will write my very own entry -- if I can find something that needs to be written. In the meantime, I'll play date night games, read, and learn all for free!
10. Skipping
When my son complains about having to walk too far, my daughter tells him to skip because "it's a LOT more fun." Wise words. Give it a try if you doubt this fact.
11. Snuggling
Bad days melt away (mostly) when you're hanging out with a person or animal you love. Take advantage of every opportunity. It doesn't cost a dime.
12. Cookies and/or Ice Cream
Do I need to explain the joy here? I didn't think so.
13. Long Distant Phone Calls
Do you remember the days when you used to have to pay extra long-distance charges? Granted, data plans cost more than long distance ever did, but STILL, I love not worrying about calling late at night in order to save a few bucks.
14. Kosher Salt
The switch from ordinary table salt to Kosher salt is worth more than a couple of bucks since it changes everything you cook.
15. Bubbles
Ever taken care of a toddler? Bubbles are the human equivalent of playing fetch. There is no better toy than bubbles. Period.
16. Red Vines
Keep your chocolate. Hard candy? Nah. For $.99 at your local Target, you can get Red Vines. Legal crack with only pesky calories for side effects.
17. Sunsets
If you aren't oohing & ahhhing at nature at a regular clip, you need to get outside more. The show God puts on is AMAZING. Sunrise, Sunset, Moonrise, Moonset, Valleys, Vistas - take your pick, but pay attention to the world outside the four walls of your home or office.
18. Camera Jumping
Bored? Excited? Seeing someplace new? All of these should give you a reason to jump. Half of the fun is getting the timing right. Our kids are getting better every year! Plus, the price is right.
19. Matches
When's the last time you bought a book of matches? This is a smart piece of marketing since the name of some of my favorite dining spots are constantly being used.
20. Candles
What's not to like about candle light? I'm relaxed just thinking about lighting one! Maybe if I have some matches, I will...
21. A Warm Bath
When the matches are found and the candle is lit, the pièce de résistanceis a warm bath. Sure, I'm worthless the rest of the evening, but it's so, SO worth it.
22. Clean Sheets
The effort of laundry day is completely worth it when I crawl into bed with clean sheets. Maybe this isn't a super bargain for you, but man do I love my bed with freshly laundered sheets!
23. Mani/pedis
If you go to a nail salon, this isn't always a great deal, unless you really, REALLY value pretty toes. Since I'm missing a toe, I do whatever it takes to improve the view!
24. Chalk
Coloring on the driveway, bricks, our encouragement board - chalk is the medium of choice. Cheap kicks, I know...
25. A cup of tea
C.S. Lewis said “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” I couldn't agree more.
What are your favorite simple pleasures?