Happy Tuesday, friends!
You guys, YOU BLESSED ME SO MUCH YESTERDAY with your kindness, your comments and your love. Seventeen years later, and I’m even more excited today to wake up and “meet” with you than ever before. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Okay, today is another edition of SHAY’S WAYS!
You know, just simple little ways we can all make our days a bit brighter.
Today, the topic is: SIMPLE LUXURIES 🙂 .
When I opened up The Road to Le Papillon (my favorite little daily meditation book) on July 20th, I knew I needed to write a post on this topic. On that particular day, author Shannon Ables writes this, “The key to enjoying anything is to make it feel like a luxury. Find a comfortable chair, enjoy a cup of your favorite tea, and play light music in the background. Be sure to do whatever you need to do to make the experience all the more pleasurable, so that you will want to carve out time each day or weekend to do so. It is worth it, and the benefits are tremendous.”
Well, yes and AMEN, no?!
I looked online to see Merriam-Webster’s definition of luxury and here you go…
I just love this because luxury not need be “expensive” or “for others” but it’s individual, accessible and available to any of us who want to stop and partake. My “luxuries” and yours might be super similar or totally different and yet, they’re both valuable and thus, we should recognize them.
So, today, I am sitting down and writing my list of daily “luxuries” so that I can hopefully recognize and appreciate them more. I personally find that the more I incorporate simple “routines” into my day that bring me joy, the better I set my day up for success. Even if I have stressful/awful days (and I do!), at least, I have a routine or two or a “luxury” or two I can appreciate amongst the bad day.
So, In no particular order, these are SOME OF my simple luxuries:
1: CANDLES
I love lighting a candle. I love the way the light flickers, and I love the way the scent fills the space. I really love using seasonal scents to put me in the “mood” for that particular season. Even if it’s still 80 degrees on October 1st in Texas, my pumpkin spice candle makes it feel like fall. Just lighting a candle sets a tone in that space. Speaking of which…
2: MUSIC
I am not music savvy. I have no clue who has the #1 song/album out right now. I am only a Swiftie because of my three daughters. It took me about two years to realize my friends like the male singer Morgan Wallen (I thought “Morgan” was a girl)…but music sets the tone for my day. I turn on music as soon as I finish my quiet time each morning. I like French bistro music, jazz, classical, anything from The Great American Songbook (Sinatra, Martin, Bennett, etc), and give me all the Buble as well. I don’t “listen” as much as I just enjoy it being the backdrop to my day. Turning on my favorite Pandora station, Steve Tyrell Radio, makes me happy every single time…and I’ve been doing it for 10+ years.
3: GOING ON A WALK
Oh I love going on a walk. Whether for exercise or just to get some steps in to clear my head, being outside, seeing birds and squirrels and waving at neighbors just makes my heart oh so happy. Whether I walk down the street and back or four miles, I never regret putting my sneakers on and heading outside to “get my steps in”.
4: COFFEE
One time, many many years ago, I was watching my daily episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show (talk about a luxury I wish I had back!), and she said something I’ll never forget. She said “every cup of coffee is an experience”. YES!!!! I could not agree more! Every single cup I’ve ever had in my entire life has been nothing short of “an experience”. I consider them all such luxuries!
5: LOTIONS/PERFUME
I love to smell nice. Whether it’s putting my scented lotions on after my showers or spritzing myself with (always seasonal!) perfumes each day, I find that adding a scent is an easy way to add a bit of luxury to my day.
6: FRESH SHEETS
If I had the time, I would wash my sheets every single day as there is just no better feeling than climbing into freshly laundered sheets at night. Such a luxury.
7: AN ORGANIZED DESK
I love to turn on my music, light my candle and sit down every day at an organized desk. Not starting off the workday with chaos in front of me is a luxury I adore.
8: A NEW PODCAST EPISODE
Opening my purple podcast app to find a brand new episode of one of my favorite podcasts is always such a nice little oomph in my day. Whether I save the episode for a walk or the car, I get a little giddy just knowing it’s there waiting for me.
9: SUDOKU
Hi, my name is Shay, and I love Sudoku. I could sit and do it for hours. I kept trying to fit it in later in the day, but then about a year ago, it hit me that if I love it and it brings me calm and peace and happiness, I need to do it daily, so I added it to the very end of my morning quiet time. I typically only have time to do about five minutes, but I get excited and love those minutes. I look forward to it each day.
10: READING FOR PLEASURE
Maybe my favorite luxury?
11: COZY PJS
I like to shower and curl up in my favorite cozy pajamas at night. They’re clean, they’re soft, they’re warm…it’s a little thing that always brings me joy.
12: MY QUIET TIME SPACE
I love my chair in my office. It’s comfy, I have two blankets near it should I get cold, it’s by my fireplace, I can light a candle nearby, but most importantly, it has a table for my coffee, my pens and pencil (for Sudoku!), my Bible and Bible study books and then a few bonus leisure books plus, my Sudoku. It took me years to find “my place” where I could just keep these items there all the time and no one would touch them and every day when I arrived everything I needed would be right there for me. Now, I have this space, and it’s a luxury every time I sit down.
13: A CLEAN KITCHEN
I try as hard as I can to always have my kitchen cleaned up before bed because waking up and starting the day with a clean kitchen is always a luxury to me.
14: PINTEREST/MAGAZINE
As much as I love reading an actual book, sitting down for a few minutes with a seasonal magazine or my Pinterest boards is always a little luxury.
So, those are the 14 that I can come up with off the top of my head, but I know I have many more. I would love to know some of yours!!! Please, please comment and share if you have any little luxuries that you incorporate into your daily routine. I would LOVE to know!
One more thing today…
…if you need a super quick make ahead dessert recipe this summer, today, I’m also sharing my PLUM & PEACH TRIFLE…easy recipes for entertaining is always a luxury for me too 🙂 .
In the meantime, don’t forget, I have so many other SHAY’S WAYS you can check out as well. Just look:
25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
22 Keys to making Fall Cozy
19 Key Fall Kitchen Essentials
18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip
14 Keys to Simplify BACK TO SCHOOL
21 Keys to Savoring Summer
21 Keys for Working at Home {Summer Edition}
25 Keys to Outdoor Summer Entertaining
25 Keys to Maintaining our Yard
17 Keys to my Holiday Prep
11 Keys to a Cozy Winter
9 Keys to Returning from a Trip
12 Keys to Leaving Your Kiddos When You Travel
13 Keys to Meal Planning
8 Keys to Creating Daily Routines You Love
21 Keys to Elevating the Everyday
13 Keys to Managing Jet Lag
9 Keys to a Cozy Halloween Night
19 Keys to Hosting Festive & Easy Holiday Parties
12 Keys to Adding Activity into the Everyday
17 Keys to Working From Home
9 Easy Afternoon Energizers
I hope you all have the BEST DAY and that you all recognize/stop and appreciate/add some simple luxuries into your routine today. xx
Samantha Harris says
I miss that daily Oprah episode too!
Mix and Match Mama says
I would watch every single day!
Erika Slaughter says
Now an extra luxury would be if someone could make my bed for me with those freshly washed sheets! 😂😂
Grace says
LOL!!!! and fold the fresh towels that also come out of the dryer! There is something about fresh towels from the dryer and freshly washed sheets. LUXURY!!!!!!!!!!
Lisa D says
Those are fun daily luxuries!
I agree with you about a walk and some reading time everyday. My quiet time every morning with a devotional and my gratitude journal are “must-haves” so I guess that is a luxury to have the time to myself but it also feels like a necessity! We’ve recently added to our household and any time to myself feels luxurious!
Speaking of coffee… have you ever thought of removing caffeine from your life as a way to promote wellness? Just a thought that I am considering.
Jeanie says
Interesting that you mention removing coffee (and caffeine) as I’m considering it also. My naturopath suggested replacing it with mushrooms.
Bonnie says
Especially now that school is about to start, having stuff prepped the night before (clothes, lunches packed, etc) is such a good feeling the next morning!!
Oh, and weekend meal prep for the week ahead is a nice luxury!!!
Paige E says
I love these little life tips you share. It does make me stop and think how I can create a little more joy in my day. Thanks for sharing!
Ashley D says
I love your list and have several in common with you! I look forward to my nightly walks with my husband. We eat dinner, clean up the kitchen and then get our dog ready for a stroll around the neighborhood. It’s peaceful, we talk about our day, and it is a great time to connect. Speaking of dinner, something that is small, but makes me happy is using cotton napkins at dinner! This may sound silly, but they just elevate our in home dining experience that much more. It’s a simple thing, but I love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this little luxury!! It’s so simple, but yes, it absolutely elevates the experience.
Brittany says
Love this post! What are some of the seasonal perfumes you wear!
Mix and Match Mama says
Replica has so many that I adore. I love their Beach Walk in particular for spring/summer and By the Fireplace for fall and winter.
Beth Valenta says
I have many of yours that I relish each day from the candle, walk, and music. My other luxuries are soft and comfy shoes like my slippers or foam slip ons at the end of my day along with joggers. I just feel cozy and relaxed. Another is fancy waters…I love a Trader Joes sparkling, it is just elevated. Last to add are flowers. I get a bunch at Trader Joes each time I go for my kitchen beside my yummy candle and am just happy.
Katie Compton says
Oh so many of these are my small luxuries too! There have been many times when I’ve climbed into bed, Kindle in hand, pulled up my covers and done a little “happy shimmy” because I love it THAT much. One luxury I’d add is BAKING! I have found over the years baking has become so therapeutic. Pulling out that favorite recipe, the smell as it’s cooking, that first bite and because we’re just a family of three… wrapping some up to share with various friends and family!
Speaking of recipes… I didn’t comment yesterday but I found you one day years ago when I went searching for an “easy bar recipe” to make for my colleagues during teacher work week. Your chocolate toffee bar recipe led to a sweet blog about a family preparing to travel across the world to become a “party of five”. Many, many recipes, books, fashion/gift ideas, travel tips later you’ve become my favorite friend I’ve never met. Thank you for all your hard work the last 17 years to bring such JOY to so many!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Katie, goodness, THANK YOU!! I am so so so blessed by you!
Aubrie ferguson says
One of my luxuries has been reading your blog for over 10 years, almost every day! Love the joy you put out with your content! I may even have a son named Smith because I just loved that name so much!! Hah! Congrats on your 17 years!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my heart, there are SO MANY things here to love!! Thank YOU! xx
Elspeth says
I love starting the day with some me time! Turning on the light, reading, journaling and having some quiet time before the day gets busy! Plus i treasure every time i get outside in the sun for some movement!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Alyssa Norman says
I agree with you on so many of these a few more for me../m. A trip to Target or TJMAXX by myself ( I have 4 kids under 6), a cup of coffee or glass of wine in my bath after the kids are down ( cliche but I LOVE it), an episode of my favorite cooking show ( usually Joanna Gaines or Pioneer Woman, but old Martha Stewart is also a treat), and honestly your blog posts! I look forward to reading them every morning. Now off to drink my coffee and browse Pinterest until the kids get up 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
Yessssss! A trip to Target or Hobby Lobby! I don’t need to buy a thing, just sip my coffee and stroll.
Kourtney says
I’ve always loved this about you Shay! You make simple things feel special and now that I’m a Mom of two littles and don’t always get much time to myself – it’s important to make the few minutes that I do get to myself (even if its sitting at my desk to work because believe me that feels like a break sometimes) special with a fresh coffee, candles, Gilmore Girls playing, etc. I’ve always said it’s little things that make life big!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh the Gilmore Girls just warms my heart. Now, I want coffee and pancakes. xx
Dana P says
My favorite kind of post! Here are some off the top of my head:
-Not joking, every time I get to have a cup of tea I get so excited about what to choose. Before bed, I love Harney and Son’s Vanilla Comoro or Celestial Seasoning’s Candy Cane Lane. Maybe one day I really will open a tea/coffee boutique?! -I also love gum (Ice Breakers cubes in cinnamon or grape before bed, weird but I love it!) I always grab a piece before working out, too.
-Walking outside before bedtime-normally I’m too tired, but when I do, I always love it.
-Ice! You can literally turn any tea into iced tea, too.
– Magnolia magazine…I read the same one over and over, but they’re so beautiful. Joanna’s recipes are always really good, too!
-Nice pens and a beautiful notebook to take notes at church (Marshall’s has great ones).
-a satin pillowcase
-pictures of my kids when they were little all over our house
-Life in Lilac’s Sun Kissed diffuser. It lasts forever and is perfect to keep the bathroom smelling good!
-I’m with you on perfume/candles/lotion…I love scents! 2 inexpensive lotions that smell really good are the EOS vanilla cashmere (picked it up the last time I was at Target) and Hairitage cherry blossom body cream (Walmart).
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this so much!!! Thank you for sharing, Dana!
Amy Baker says
Shay! If you don’t have it – try the APP – sudoku.com. You can do a daily one on there and even go back and do other ones. It will pause for you if you get a call, or text, or life just happens. Just sharing b/c I love sudoku as well and this has been a fun luxury for me everyday!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, thank you!!!!!! I’m so excited!
Mandy Kimbell says
I do this on the app also. I LOVE it!
MelanieL says
I love your “Shay’s ways” posts so much! I’ve picked up so many of these little luxuries from you over the years, thank you! Happy Tuesday everyone!
Jeanie says
Wow! I just saw your IG. Will you have kiddos at four different schools this year? Is Kensington still at the high school she went to last year and Smith at a different high school? You are going to be one busy Mama! I remember that time of life and it was exhausting but exciting too.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yup, four kids in four schools…we’re clearly leaning into chaos in this next chapter, ha! We’re excited though!
Kristen says
I am curious.. why two different high schools? Is one a private one and one public?
Mix and Match Mama says
No, they’re both public high schools. Kensington is really happy where she is, and Smith was looking for something else. We were a bit nervous at first to live outside “the box” as we haven’t done this before, but now, we feel SO good about the decision. He is SO excited, and it seems to be a perfect fit.
Kristen says
That’s awesome! Here in MA we have to go to the school that’s in our district. Is he out of district or you have multiple high schools? Always so curious about different ways of life out there, lol!
Mix and Match Mama says
In Texas, the rule is the same but schools can opt (for various reasons) to have open enrollment periods should they want/need more students at their school/district. We have three public high schools in McKinney and one in particular often has an open enrollment process, but Smith’s new school in particular in another town was the one he really felt drawn to, so when they had open enrollment, we applied and were accepted. It’s certainly not convenient, but we’re super excited to see him so excited.
Susie says
I love to spritz my bed sheets with something that smells wonderful right before crawling in!
Tammy Calhoun says
Me too!
Maddie Giamello says
Totally agree with all of these!! and love this idea! Here are a few of mine:
1. reading a seasonal magazine on a plane. something about a plane ride and a seasonal magazine make me so happy . especially before the plane wifi turns on and you can work
2. a “civilized cocktail” a drink before dinner on vacation such as champagne or a martini in a fancy bar with bar nuts LOL very specific
3. walks at night right before the sun goes down in the summer
4. that first sip of coffee feeling, starbucks advertising but it’s so true!
5. warm fuzzy socks
K.K. says
Top luxuries…
1. I wish it was still candles, but my husband is so anti-candle. 😉 It’s okay; he’s worth it. So, I’ve tried to morph over to a diffuser, and I’m coming to love it like I did my candles. But where are my favorite fall scents?!
2. Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Sunset tea… Anything Harney & Sons is just a ‘next level’ tea. I’ve never found a bad flavor.
3. Notebooks to take notes or create something. Nothing excites me more than a blank sheet of paper… You could create anything or jot down ideas!
4. Gift wrap… I should think about a side gig, not because I’m so awesome at it, but because I LOVE wrapping gifts… It’s so fun to coordinate wrapping to a theme and usually a pretty bow (wired ribbon works great).
5. And really good books… I love your book posts, Shay!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that you included gift wrap. This is such a great one!
Katie Compton says
This is so funny b/c I loathe wrapping gifts… like seriously dread it. I blame it on my high school job at Hallmark. Ha!
Anyway, one of my Christmas luxuries is our high school’s track team gift wrapping fundraiser! I drop off my gifts, a lovely polite group of teens wrap them beautifully while I run errands and then they help me load them into my car when I pick them up! Best. Ever.
K.K. says
That’s a great fundraiser idea! 🙂
Jill says
Doterra has some really great fall essential oil blends. So does Saje natural wellness!!! Good luck!
K.K. says
So helpful!! I’ll look into it!
Kelly Menou says
Out loud, by myself in my kitchen I’ve said “This is the greatest luxury”.. I was fixing supper in a quiet house, with my favorite slippers on, while watching my kids and husband play in the yard.
Slippers are a simple luxury in and of itself!
Also reading your blog in the mornings with coffee in hand:)
Faith says
I wish there was a way to “heart” the comments. So many good ones.
Mine are a cozy blanket and hand cream (hate dry hands). I also enjoy music but sometimes just sitting in the quiet is so nice.
hammondzoo says
I love this post. 🙂 Also, Ellen was always fun to watch too.
Beth Galvin says
I don’t drink coffee, so it’s hot tea for me before bed. Also, I take a bath every night. It’s the only place in the house no one will bother me. Heaven!
Kay says
Shay! It’s like you read my mind today. I typically get up early but it’s a rainy New England morning, my youngest didn’t have 7 am football! and my dogs came back to bed so I slept in and am now in my own cozy corning reading your blog with coffee. I do want to say one of MY favorite luxuries is your blog. I read it every morning and it brings me such happiness and joy! I know you’re celebrating years on your blog so I just want you to know how much happiness you bring to all your readers every day.
Karah Stracener says
I agree with all of the above luxuries. There is something about having music on in the background and a candle lit when I am cooking dinner. I also love fresh sheets on the bed with a spritz of lavender spray. Thank you for making the simple things in life sound luxurious. I always enjoy coming to your blog and reading every morning. PS: Happy 17 years of blogging. Thank you for sharing your little part of your world with us all.
Ann T Thompson says
I am almost 71. My luxury definitions are: making quilts, sitting with my dog sleeping on my lap while reading the blogs I love, and watching my grandchildren do their favorite things!
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE these!!!
Kelly Bonner says
The Morgan Wallen comment made me laugh! 🤣 I may have asked Erika to make a whole post about her MW concert experience. Also can we just bring back a daily dose of Oprah?! I would agree that a several of your luxuries are mine too! ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
I will sign that petition right now to send Oprah’s way. Come back, Oprah! Come back!
Deb says
Your blog is one of my favorite morning luxuries – it is a little bit of happy for me to start the day! I truly miss it when I can’t get to it first thing in the morning.
Other luxuries include a daily walk to get my day started off right, and my nightly ritual of a hot bath and a clean, moisturized face to get me ready for restful sleep.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Thank you SO much for saying that! xx
Heather says
So seasonal soaps, napkins, straws and plates are a little luxury for me. Also, mushroom coffee! It’s so silky and luxurious and they have many caffeine free options. With a splash of a seasonal nut pod, I’m in my happy place!
Jamie says
LOVED this blog post! remind us what your four seasonal perfumes are and i’ve never played suduko?!? should i?
Angela Wilbur says
I love this post. it just pulled me out of the funk, I was momentarily in. I realized I do little luxurious things for myself without realizing it. I’m the same with cozy bedding (nothing like fresh cozy sheets) and cute, cozy pj’s. But also, after I work out (which I am not a fan of exercise, but I make myself do it) I treat myself to yummy lotion all over my body after my shower. It’s just Jergens cherry almond scent; it’s nothing special, but it makes me happy. Also, love candles and burn them all the time. My newest thing is Ryze mushroom coffee! I do not work for them, and this isn’t a plug for them, it has been such a game changer for me, I can’t help but mention it. I’m pre-diabetic and my cholesterol is on the high side. This coffee, along with cinnamon that I add to it (creamer is also a must, I use sugar free) has helped lower my numbers! It’s truth. Also helps my mood, bloating and energy. It’s a win for me. So, when I make my cup in the morning, I feel like I am treating myself. And, for lunch, I just had a pumpkin spiced yogurt! Bring on the fall! Have a good day and thanks for helping me with mine.
Angela Wilbur says
One last thing! Drinking wine out of the fancy crystal glasses and not saving them for special occasions. Every day is special!
Penny says
I have 2 small luxuries –
Playing golf with my friends. I don’t think about anything else in the world except for being outdoors and enjoying the people I’m with.
Cooking with quality ingredients. I love creating a yummy dish and nothing makes me more grateful than the time to create and the blessing of having the ingredients on hand. Yummmm!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE the golf one in particular!!! I just think that’s a fabulous, fabulous luxury.
Sheaffer says
FRESH SHEETS might be my absolute favorite. I get downright GIDDY.
Kristen Hardison says
I loved this post today, Shay! I echo the ladies who said you have taught me how to appreciate little luxuries as well. I would add that I love to buy seasonal shower gel and lotion from Bath and Body Works. I wait until they are on sale and stock up. I did it today in fact! August and September are for apple scents and then I’ll switch to pumpkin scents in October. I also love to buy seasonal dessert size paper plates from Target to make breakfast a little more fun and clean up even easier. A simple luxury I picked up from my mom (who we ironically call, Cupcake) is to buy seasonal muffin or cupcake liners – Hobby Lobby and Target have great ones! Thanks to your tip, I often double up on them when baking cupcakes. Also thanks to you, the changing of seasons never makes me sad for long because you’ve taught us how to look for the good in each next season. I’m not even too sad coming home from vacations anymore because I’ve worked so hard to build a life I love…..well that and your advice to always have a trip planned when you leave one if possible 🤍🤍
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, yes, YES!! Kristen, you are just one of my favorites, and I love your luxuries. I enjoy so many too! xx
Maggie says
Well reading your blog is a luxury! I save it to read when I get into bed at night and am ready to relax. Thanks, Shay 😊
Ashley Guy says
A simple luxury I’ve recently enjoyed is using really nice pens and quality bullet journals for Bible study/devotions/journaling/and making lists. I love Erin Condren’s double sided pens and cute bullet journals I get on Amazon. Also- stickers! Cute little themed stickers to add to my journal or planner. I get them at hobby lobby in the planner section.