How do you splurge/pamper yourself and remain MM?

[newmomnewjersey]

Just looking for creative ideas for those of us with tighter budget constraints. My husband and I are pretty serious about overhauling our budget this year and we're doing well so far. I'm not generally an extravagant person in terms of luxury items like expensive clothes, shoes, spa days, etc. but I still think it's important to treat yourself and feel pampered. So what are some ways you do that and still stay within your MM limits? 

[oswin]

The way I recharge best is by reading books. To make it MM, I either buy them from library books sales for cheap, used from a store, or get them from the library.

[Deleted]

We have an "allowance" worked into our budget for each of us. That way if I want to splurge on something for myself I can and don't worry about it cutting into our budget.

[sicilygirl]

I love curling up with a new book while drinking some fancy tea. I also like using face masks (I buy those Freeman ones that are like $4 for a giant tube) or painting my nails a fun new color.

For cheap date nights, we rent a Redbox movie or find something on Netflix and cook a delicious dinner. If we splurge on a nice steak or good seafood at the grocery store, it's still so much less expensive than dining out. We also like to buy ingredients for different cocktails. That can be a little expensive initially, but it doesn't have to be. We get things that are versatile, and they usually last forever (unlike a bottle of wine, which is gone in our house in one night).

I also try to find a community calendar somewhere and specifically seek out free/cheap events that are happening around town that can help us change it up a bit.

[irene adler]

I get some friends (or magazines or a crossword puzzle book) and go to the fancy coffee shop and hang out. The atmosphere is really comfortable and it's a really great way to spend a few hours for under $5.

I also take advantage of free classes I see on the community calendar--lately I've been going to some yoga classes sponsored by the LLL store, and I love it.

[ssmjlm]

My yoga studio does a free karma class on Sunday mornings. My sister doesn't have much cash, so she's been going to that one.

Another yoga studio has a free student teacher class on Saturday mornings. It's a way for students to get familiar leading a class. I've done that one a few times b/c the studio isn't easy for me to go to regularly during the week.

[Deleted]

I don't know that I do much in terms of pampering. I do buy nice makeup, but stick to the basics so I buy it very infrequently (i.e. I have Urban Decay eyeliners, but I bought them 2 years ago, use them daily and haven't bought a single eyeliner since). I have started dying my own hair from a box and recently used Christmas money to stock up on sale lotions from Bath and Body Works (I got 6 lotions and a body wash for $25! I'm set for a while).

As far as splurging on fun - I struggle with this a lot. Generally, we try to drink alcohol at home. I'll buy a big bottle of wine from Costco for $8. BF and I have been trying to hit movies on Sunday mornings because they are only $5 at the theater near us, and it gets us out of the house AND watching something we actually want to watch. We do a lot of Redbox and Netflix, but the selection gets really old since we don't have cable and have already watched all the exciting stuff

We don't eat out much, but when we do it's usually either takeout from a Chinese place (about $15 for dinner for 2) or something like burgers. If we want to drink with dinner, we'll try to go somewhere that has a happy hour so it's cheaper overall. I can't remember the last time I went out for a "nice" dinner that my parents didn't buy (lol) but we're really more burger and beer types anyway.

Otherwise, I try to keep an eye on what's going on in the community for free, things like Groupon, or deals to local events. This time of year I feel like it's more difficult because there isn't as much going on. In the summer there are lots of free outdoor things, or cheap (like going to a winery and listening to live music, you buy a bottle or glass of wine but it's a nice night out for around $15).

[lys]

I take time for myself and put my usual routine on "hold" for a day. No laundry, cooking , cleaning or work related activities allowed.
Choices of relaxation/pampering vary -

I like to read, nothing like a good book and no interruptions.

Enjoy a movie while knitting. or movie and popcorn while curled up on the couch.

Spend an afternoon with my best friend (we are both busy and get together about every other month) for a a lunch out, gab fest followed by a trip to a consignment shop.

In the summer I like to enjoy my backyard with a cold beverage, lounge chair and either a book or knitting.

[Deleted]

I also think developing a physical activity hobby is a good option. Maybe not something like Crossfit, but I'm hoping this summer to really get more into biking, going for hikes, running outside, etc.

[newmomnewjersey]

I want to learn to knit. I'm serious! I hear there are some good YouTube videos. And I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can do longer walks or run around after the toddler after dinner again.

My true splurge items are good makeup (but I agree - it lasts me forever) and regular manicures. My real nails are crap and I do a lot of presentations at work.

[oswin]

Jan 22, 2015 10:17:31 GMT -5 @buckybells said:

I also think developing a physical activity hobby is a good option. Maybe not something like Crossfit, but I'm hoping this summer to really get more into biking, going for hikes, running outside, etc.

Crossfit is pretty cool, but it's expensive and therefore not MM. Biking and hiking are pretty awesome options too. 

[mbcdefg]

I look around for thrift stores in different parts of the state. It's a fun little day trip and I get to buy something. When I do buy something it's usually a book, or some kind of home accessory. I don't have a lot of luck with clothes.

Go out for lunch instead of dinner. And we go to a lot of BYOB places.

Target clearance rack.

Like sicilygirl said, it winds up being cheaper to splurge on fancy groceries than to splurge on a restaurant meal. $40 for a Whole Foods t-bone is not what I'd normally spend, but it still beats spending $100+ at a steakhouse. We also do cheese plates for dinner once in a while by buying a bunch of the $2-4 cheese scraps at WF, and we pair it with crackers, crusty bread, and fruit.

I do a yoga class through work ... they have an instructor come in once a week and we do it on our lunch hour. He charges a set fee, so at the end of every session our HR person asks who wants to do it, and once everyone signs up she just divides the instructor's fee between all of us. It comes out to about $4 per class. Meanwhile, yoga studios in my area charge between $15-25 for a single walk-in session. My office also does a similar program with Zumba.

We go to concerts and comedy shows at smaller local venues, rather than big places.

We don't drink at bars too often, unless we're going with other people. We usually have some kind of alcohol around the house.

When we meet up with friends, we mostly have them at our place or go to their houses (especially now that some of them have children). We make food or order takeout. We haven't been to a bar or restaurant with them in quite a while.

Oh, and when we DO go out for dinner, we tend to pick casual places ... a dive bar with awesome burgers, a Lebanese place for hummus and sandwiches, a Vietnamese place for pho and spring rolls, etc. We can usually eat quite well for not a lot of money. Or even just a diner ... nothing fancy, but it's never more than $25 (the dinner specials even include salad and dessert) and it's quick, easy option when I don't feel like cooking.

[magdala]

Our budget includes an amount of fun money for each of us. That way we can save up for a luxurious item--like a pair of fancy shoes or new technology. We also plan a date once a week. To save money, we will sometimes go out to breakfast or lunch on the weekend instead of dinner. We also use Groupon, living social and other coupon sites. Our local museums will have discount evening hours that also can be a great date night. Once a season we will both take the day off while sending the baby to daycare. That way one of us gets to sleep late and we can spend the day together.

[keakulina]

I think it's a matter of priority and what makes you happy.  

I personally love beautifully made clothing that fits well but the retail prices are out of my range so I figure out what brands I love and try to find deals.  It helps that my size generally stays stable. Mostly I buy used (craigslist, ebay, consignment, thrift stores, garage sales) and sometimes I shop clearance.  For example, I like to wear premium denim.  I got my first pair 7FAM BnwT off Craigslist for $50 seven years ago and I still wear them.  I recently discovered a local consignment shop and found a pair of Joes for $20 so now whenever I'm in the area (every few months) I'll stop in and maybe pick something up.  I also try to be picky and if it's over a certain price point, I'll only buy it if I love it.  Having clothes that fit well and are comfortable and cute make me feel pampered.    I'm also putting a little more effort recently into looking groomed and finally trying to figure out makeup so I will splurge on eyebrow powder because it's the one product I use every day.

But I care far less about other things.  Rarely eat out and still have restaurant gift cards from christmas 2013, don't care for massages/manicures/pedicures, only cut my hair a few times a year, and lots of other things people do care about.  So I encourage people to figure out what they really want and find a way to splurge on that.  I knew a lady that would spend $20-30 on lunch routinely but always complained that she could not afford a fancy $100 dinner.  If I was her, I'd just skip a few of the lunches and then have a fancy dinner if that's what really made her feel special.  

[Deleted]

We have fun money that I use for little treats. My favorite is opi nail polish.

But we also use our discover cash back for massages about twice a year and I use it for hair cuts at the nice spa once a year. It's "free" and makes me feel good for a while.

[Pom]

We prioritize our luxuries. I love LV but only get a new bag every 3-4 years. Still I have a nice collection of bags that will last forever since I rotate and I'm not buying less expensive ones in between. I will totally save on other stuff I don't care about...shop sales, wait for deals, get haircuts at Supercuts (my hair is a pixie cut, so spending $80 bucks + tip isn't a significant difference to me than an $18 with tip cut). I don't get regular mani/pedis only for special occasions. Same with massages. I've used Groupon for services too. It's all about choosing our "favorite" things and saving our $ for the things we love most.

[Deleted]

I work my library - books, e-reader magazines, audio books.
I like yogadownload.com for yoga at home.
I do my own nails (I got a gel polish set up a couple years ago) once in a while.
A little indulgence like a cupcake on a Friday is nice and only a few bucks.
Homemade sugar scrub (just oil, sugar, and scent if you like) feels amazing.

[cheezer]

To me a long nap is the ultimate splurge and it's free!

[soso]

I agree with others. I splurge with the gift of time. I also agree that only you will know what makes you feel pampered. I do like to take two nights a year for a solo hotel stay.

[flatlan]

I ask for pampering/luxury to me items for Christmas and Birthday. This year I got a gc for a massage and the Naked 2 eyeshadow pallet. DH and I also received a gc for a night's stay at a hotel.

[mbcdefg]

Oh, another thing is that I go on trips for work a few times a year. So before my trip, I do some research for things to do - sights, restaurants, etc. I went to Chicago last year and I ate at a really cool restaurant and had cocktails, and I went to the Art Institute during my free time. The museum was not reimbursed, but I was reimbursed for all my meals, drinks, and the cabs back and forth. It feels like a treat when I go someplace that seems fun, rather than just grabbing a bite or a coffee because it's close to my hotel. And getting a giant bed to myself is also awesome

[drloretta]

I do my own nails on occasion. I think it makes me look fancy, and it's relaxing when I do it.

I love to knit, and knitting something soft and warm for myself is such a luxury

[candyland]

Jan 22, 2015 10:29:01 GMT -5 newmomnewjersey said:

I want to learn to knit. I'm serious! I hear there are some good YouTube videos. And I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can do longer walks or run around after the toddler after dinner again.

My true splurge items are good makeup (but I agree - it lasts me forever) and regular manicures. My real nails are crap and I do a lot of presentations at work.

I want to learn to knit too!

[sweetiesparkles]

I get facials a few times a year at our local esthetician school. It's $20 for an hour and a half facial.
I also love LV and I always buy preloved. I just bought a $970 speedy for $430 last week.

[Deleted]

I hoard my samples that come with a Sephora order. Then when I need a splurge or am having a rough day, I go through them and find something fun to try.

[lizlemon19]

find free or donation yoga.
no high maintenance cuts or haircolors, acrylic nails or gel nails. Do you own or go less frequently.

go to byob restaurants. Order from the appetizer menu.

Find out if your health insurance gives discounts for massage or acupuncture.

[kadams767]

It's kind of silly, but I go and get my eyebrows threaded. It's only $10 ($8 plus $2 tip, no joke), but it makes a huge difference in making me feel polished and pulled together. For me, it is a way bigger bang for my buck than a mani or pedi. I maintain them myself at home in between visits, but I like to go every other month or so.

[iheartbanjos]

Buying new nail polish ($7) the fuzzy socks from Target ($5) a dark chocolate bar ($4-6) Blackbox cab ($20 for 5 bottles) Bravo shows on Hulu Plus ($8/month)

This is pretty much going to be my night after the girls go to bed since H will be out of town. Minus the chocolate bar if I stay strong, lol.

[candyland]

RockNVoll Thank you! I will check that site out!

[scout8]

Massage or facial at esthetician or massage therapy schools.

We love to hike and that is free other than the gas to drive somewhere.

Yoga classes at my gym. The easy stretchy ones make me feel like I just went to the spa.