Happy Tuesday, friends!
I hope you’re having a great start to your day.
This morning, I thought we’d chat about LITTLE LUXURIES 🙂 .
I purchased this “mini” book…
…100 Ways to Live a Luxurious Life on a Budget by the one and only Fiona Ferris this month and immediately wanted to discuss it with YOU!
You ladies know how much I adore me some Fiona Ferris. Everything she produces is light, encouraging, upbeat, and HAPPY.
I’ve blogged quite a bit about her books, so if you are unfamiliar, make sure you check out these posts as well:
JULY 2025 BOOK REVIEW
WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY {JUNE 2025}
ADDING “VACATION” INTO THE EVERYDAY
OCTOBER 2024 BOOK REVIEW
WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY {APRIL 2024}
SEPTEMBER 2023 BOOK REVIEW
FRANCOPHILE BOOKS
…these are just a few of the different posts where I mention Ferris and her books 🙂 .
100 Ways to Live a Luxurious Life on a Budget would be one of her “mini” books. I was absolutely inspired per usual, but it was when I read this point here…
…that especially made me want to write this post.
I love the practice of writing a list of “little luxuries”.
How much better would our days be if we included as many “little luxuries” as possible?
I was inspired by her list, so I made my own. I’m going to share 25 of my “little luxuries” and then I hope you comment and share some of yours too.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we constantly added and appreciated more of these to our everydays?
Here are 25 of mine…
#1: Morning walks outside
#2: Drinking coffee while looking at a seasonal magazine
#3: Reading an actual newspaper
#4: Strolling through a store just to look at the seasonal items
#5: Having polished nails
#6: Having time to get ready in the morning (not being rushed)
#7: Enjoying a beverage in the car while running errands/carpooling kids
#8: Music on in the background in our house
#9: Candles burning (especially in the evening)
#10: Having my dinner planned, the groceries purchased and the dishwasher empty
#11: My desk tidy and ready to go when I sit down in the morning
#12: Fresh flowers on the kitchen counter
#13: A club soda with lime to accompany my meal
#14: Aperitif time with Andrew on a weekday
#15: A new podcast episode to listen to
#16: Reading a book in bed before going to sleep
#17: A morning shower to start the day
#18: A bubble bath at night
#19: Lunch with friends on a weekday
#20: Biking to an errand instead of driving
#21: Dinner (or lunch) outside on a patio
#22: Waking up to a clean kitchen
#23: Enjoying a freshly made baked good with coffee for breakfast
#24: Clean sheets
#25: An evening walk after dinner
I cannot wait to read about little luxuries in your life too! Please comment and share!
I have a feeling YOU are all about to inspire me too 🙂 .
Okay, I have one more post for our day. I am also answering YOUR TOP 5 CURRENT TRAVEL QUESTIONS today too! Make sure you hop on over there and check out that post as well.
I hope you all have a Tuesday filled with many little luxuries. xx
Kelly says
Oh my word Shay- this!! I want to book mark this and keep coming back. It’s our job to find the happy in our current season. Thank you for the reminder how simple it can be!
Elspeth Mizner says
Some of my favorite luxuries include a warm
Drink and a good book, a morning walk, fresh sheets, a clean space
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Laura says
I love this! I actually just pinned a list of “low effort luxury” that I saw last week. I just went back to look at it and the lists are so similar! I’ll have to implement a couple of these this week 🙂
Jennibell says
You’ve said this makes you feel “put together” but for me it’s a luxury that I don’t take for granted – comfortable, matching pajamas 🙂
Emi says
Love your list! Sitting on my back deck watching the sunset is one my my little luxuries in the warmer months. Winter? Love a fire in our real fireplace and using our faux one.
Emilee says
Here’s my list:
1. A fresh manicure
2. A new box of Flair Pens
3. Quiet time on the couch following a workout.
4. Reading in bed before falling asleep.
5. Cuticle oil on my nails before bed.
Sheila C says
#2 Omgoodness, yes!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
My #1 luxury right now is being up before my kids wake up. I need that time to myself and to do my quiet time. If something happens and I don’t get it, I don’t feel prepared for the day.
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Kim B says
A freshly vacuumed room =-)
Katie says
I’ve always thought new pens were such a luxury!
Kasey says
I was just thinking of how this morning I’m having a luxurious start to my day! Cooking breakfast while kids are still asleep, coffee from my favorite local shop, and sitting on the couch listening to the birds chirping while I read my favorite blog- yours! Thanks for being part of my luxury!
Diane Moore says
Fun post! Here are a few for me-
1. Wearing my good jewelry at home just for my pleasure.
2. Nails polished (sns)
3. Tidy home.
4. Time outside.
5. ***Time at home alone*** my top luxury. I love my family, but, oh, how I treasure being alone.
Ellie M. says
Number 5 yesssss Diane!
Emily says
One hundred percent! Time alone at home with the house quiet and clean, candles burning and a delicious glass of wine or a fancy coffee. Heaven!!
Dana P says
1. We just got the most precious kitten. She sleeps in our arms and it is absolutely the best thing ever.
2. Having a regular schedule to clean out the car and keeping it nice and clean.
3. We’ve been doing Hello Fresh and it’s so nice to have the meals all planned out and ready to cook
4. Having an iced sparkling water with a splash of syrup while I’m making dinner
5. Keeping up with clean shoes/waterproofing them so they look nice
6. Walking and either chatting with a friend/listening to a podcast/sending and receiving voice notes
Lori T says
I love this list and all of the comments as well, I agree with. I love good music in the car while driving. Not my playlist, just good music that pops up on my stations as I drive.
Kathie says
A tidy house
Freshly made bed
Ice water
Chocolate
Kristie G. says
Love these! Mine is a hot bath before bed with a relaxation meditation playing and my red light on….a great way to end the day!
Kristen says
getting my car washed!
Jess S says
I love this list!!! I’d add sheets and towels dried outside. I love line drying when we can and that fresh air feel can’t be beat! 🥰
Ashley D says
That is a great list, Shay!
I love battery operated candles that have a timer. I have them set to come on about 4:30pm, and they are scattered all around the house. Something about low lighting at night with flickers of candles, just elevates the mood for me. I also love to use a magnesium cream on the bottoms of my feet right when I crawl into bed. I slowly drift off into a deep sleep and wake up so refreshed in the morning. It’s a small thing, but something I look forward to every night!
Elizabeth McLenna says
We need to know what battery powered candles you have and the magnesium cream you use. 🙂
Lori Klein says
A fall-scented candle in my candle warmer in our family room
An iced latte to start my day
Listening to country music while doing a couple laps at our local park.
Walks with my Bichon
Cooler, crisp mornings in the Northeast 🍁
Allyson says
Me too! I love my timer candles! They make me so happy, and my house looks gorgeous and CALM (even when it’s not!).
Alyssa Norman says
Love every one of these! One I’ll add is sitting by the (gas) fire pit with a cozy blanket, my husband and our dog on a cool summer or fall evening after the kids are in bed 😊 bonus if I have a glass of wine or yummy fall cocktail.
Danielle says
Good morning! I’m looking for some new music stations to listen to. I remember you had mentioned Frank Sinatra the other day. Any other recommendations?!
Mix and Match Mama says
My favorite two are on Pandora. One is Steve Tyrell Radio and the other is French Cooking Music Radio 🙂
Kara says
Love those and I’d add “autumn jazz radio” on Pandora b/c it is a fav of mine too!
Emily says
Autumn Jazz on Pandora is my current seasonal go-to station ☺️
SS says
-Spending time.with our family and kids is #1. As I get older it is a luxury.
-Enjoying the seasonal weather.
-Enjoying what comes with each season leaves cooler air, snow, coziness, new and refreshing, sun kisses skin.
-Taking photos and even being able scan our old photos, so they are at my fingertips.
-Being able to help others either with our time or doing something special. (When on a trip we usually see someone eating alone and we pay for their meal without them in knowing…it makes all of us feel so good). The last person was so happy because it was lunch and she had enough left over for her dinner.
-I will go with reading at night. Right now I am reading what kiddo is reading. She loves it because we can discuss her books. I love to be included and our discussions.
– Bonfires and s’mores.
– Dessert- I love having a good dessert
-Loving the life we have … Simple but I know there are people that have it tougher than us.
What a fun post.
Kelly M Sites says
I love little things that make the every day better and cozy. I love little lamps all around the house instead of big bright lighting. I love my essential oil car diffuser that helps bring a nice smell while I drive. I love a clean bathroom counter. Lighting a candle on the bathroom counter while I get ready in the mornings and listening to soft instrumental worship. Nice smelling hand lotion. A clean purse and spritzing some perfume in it so it smells lovely. A nice laundry detergent that makes our sheets smell great.
Erika Slaughter says
If we start listing them out, so many things in life are simple luxuries. Having flexibility to drop kids off, pick kids up, work throughout the day, and attend school events intermittently is a big one. That’s a simple luxury, for sure!
Beth Valenta says
This is great to think about and relish the moment. Mine are: long walks on cloudy days, Cuddling into bed early with a favorite cooking show, soft pajamas, seasonal candles that bring my mind to holidays, flavored coffee, manicures, soup in the crockpot, and a simple night out for dinner at a local dive ( I don’t need the fuss).
Enjoy your day! Rainy here in VA, and I love that cozy time.
Julie says
These are awesome!
– Getting to sit and read my kindle on a weekend guilt free
– An uninterrupted hot shower any time of day
– Fresh beverage to pick up kids from school
– Clean sheets and blankets when climbing into bed after a long day
– Naptrapped by the 3 year old in my life. 🥰
Kerry says
Putting down my phone and just enjoying my dog…her soft fur, her sweet kisses and the wagging tail. Priceless. Brings me joy every time!
Lindsey says
Coffee on my front porch in the summer 🙂 love those slower mornings.
Cozy on the couch watching a movie with the kids when it’s snowing outside!
Lisa D says
A few “little luxuries” that make my day so sweet: morning coffee without being rushed, lighting a seasonal candle, scented hand cream, getting a pedicure (this is such a rare treat that it is a “big” luxury for me), walking by the nearby river, the occasional ice cream treat.
I was recently reminded that our lives in the USA are very luxurious just in our everyday things that we generally take for granted, compared to the lives of much of the world’s population. I count my blessings!
Sheila C says
Love this!
Mary Woods says
Warm bed sheets right out of the bed and cinnamon in my coffee make me happy.
Eliza says
Sipping any kind of a drink while reading Southern Living…love the post!🍂🍁🧡
Kathy says
I like getting a new item from Sephora in the mail or getting a new fall candle.
It also is a luxury when my husband takes me to a favorite restaurant unexpectedly 🥰
K.K. says
Between her list and yours, I love them all!!! Is it weird that the sound of our dishwasher makes me so happy (aka a luxury)? 1.) Dishes are getting clean. 2.) Maybe I pretend that sound of water is the beach… ha ha ha.
Michelle Etheridge says
Coffee and browsing Target or Hobby Lobby, Hit shower with my favorite body wash, cuddle time with my grandson
Allie P says
I have my pumpkin brulee candle burning while I work from home, that seems luxurious!
Also driving in a quiet car seems like a luxury! (3 little kids)
sandi says
This really makes me want to change my mindset. So many of these things are done automatically like chores (loading and unloading the dishwasher, straightening up a desk or sorting the mail, washing the sheets) that we forget to look around and celebrate the fact that the sink is empty, the counters are wiped off and the sheets are clean. Instead of checking off a list and moving to the next thing, I feel a need to now speak over a chore “yay the counters are wiped off”. That sounds silly but small things need to be celebrated.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES! Sandi, I couldn’t agree more!
Julie Lienemann says
I love so many of these-it really is the little things!
Kara says
Great list! I love my soft seasonal music playing, an iced decaf coffee after dinner with a yummy seasonal creamer and a candle are definitely the top of my list!
Casey says
A slow Saturday morning, drinking coffee and listening to “Parisian Cafe Playlist” on Alexa.
Naps.
Reading all day.
Jill says
*A new purse
*My quiet time in the morning when I eat breakfast and watch a youtube video
*Walks with my husband
*Not having to wake up with an alarm.
Love your list.
Kristin S says
Yes to clean sheets! ESPECIALLY if it’s on a hair washing day so clean sheets, body, and hair!
Grace says
This is me too!!!!! Especially if you remove them from the dryer and then put them on. Next Level for me!
Kristin says
Finishing my morning tea before anyone else is awake. An early afternoon cup of tea with a good book. Getting into a bed every night that I have MADE in the morning. A cup of coffee from my favorite shop where the baristas are always cheerful and welcoming. Visits to one of our wonderful local bakeries for a pastry and coffee. Hmm, it seems like most of mine involve food and drink!!! Daily family catch up walks. Time to exercise in the morning.
Jessica says
Love these! I love a morning walk, some time reading each day, sitting outside with my pup, a good work out, watching a Hallmark movie or show with my daughter, lunch with a friend, having a tidy house, and a good cup of tea.
Ashley S says
I agree with so much on your list.
I’d also add that using a cloth napkin at any meal while at home feels like a little luxury for me!
Thanks for the reminder that simple pleasures should be celebrated more.
Sheaffer Sims says
The ultimate combo: fresh sheets, fresh pjs, and freshly washed hair and face. Oh, and a Friends episode (that I’ve probably seen at least 3x) when climbing into bed. Ahhhhhhhhh
Jenn W. says
One of mine is wearing my “good” perfume to bed, not just on special occasions. I don’t do it every night, but it makes me feel fancy when I do😍 I also think it is a luxury to go to a nice wine shop and have a Sommelier recommend exactly what I’m looking for instead of picking up a bottle at Trader Joe’s!
Having survived breast cancer (I’m at 6 and a half years cancer-free!!!) and all of the treatments/surgeries that came with it, I have learned to appreciate small luxuries each day…we are not promised tomorrow.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes and YES! Sending you so much love! xx
JJ says
Having the dog in my lap.
Jen Smith says
A warm, fresh-from-the-dryer towel after a shower!
Hope says
Freshly washed couch throw blankets, freshly wiped kitchen counters and an empty sink. Coffee on the screened porch with birds chirping and squirrels playing. Leisurely meal without rushing. Showing up to events early.
Liz says
Hi Shay! I’ve been thinking lately about how different we are (just to name a few: I’m on the west coast, pretty sure we have different political beliefs, my house is a bit 😉 more cluttered than yours, haha) – but I truly love sitting down with a cup of coffee, coming to your blog, and reading what you have to share. Lately I’ve been especially inspired by the ways you make both regular days and holidays special for your kids and want to say thank you for that inspo! My kids are very little and I’m very busy so I have a long way to go, but I’m grateful for your example!! Started with getting pumpkins for our porch promptly on Sept. 1 this year 🙂 Hope you have a great day today!!
Lauren says
This book is lovely! “Hoopla” is the app from my library system and they have all her books available as audiobooks and she narrates all of them! They might be available on other free library share sites as well!
Borrowing an audiobook to listen to while I do little tasks around the home is a luxury! (Haha not an ad, I just really enjoy the library!)
stacie says
Great topic. I am very happy and thankful with all of my little luxuries. One of my favorites would be being able to sit and enjoy my Christmas tree lights on a stormy winter night with a cup of hot coco.
Ellen says
Some of my luxuries are …
Really beautiful stationery
Yoga class at a nice studio
Time
Being able to buy fresh food
A fancy wineglass. Doesn’t matter if I’m having wine or just drinking water out of it, I love the feel of them.
Nicole says
Your blog!! Currently listening to Unicorn Girl and baking your 3 ingredient PB cookies! Thanks for always bringing so much HAPPY!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU so much. xx
Bren says
Love this post, Shay!
A few of my little luxuries:
My morning mug of tea – I go to bed looking forward to starting my day with that. And along with that, a silly new luxury – I ordered a tea kettle that I can control with my phone, so while I finish getting ready upstairs for work, I can start the water boiling and it just makes my morning get-ready time that much smoother. Silly, but such a little comfort I enjoy!
Reading your blog at the end of the day after work. Or days when I’m home, with the above-mentioned cup of tea in the morning. 😊
I live on gravel – having my car clean/de-dusted for my commute. I appreciate this luxury so much!
For my commute – a new podcast episode! And on the days I am not listening to my podcast, a great book on Audible to start and end my day with as I commute.
Phone calls from my adult children. I love when they reach out and want to share little everyday, or big, moments in their lives.
Fresh flowers, in particular from our zinnia field. There’s something just so special about those flowers my husband puts so much TLC into each summer. They didn’t do well this summer and I am really realizing how much I appreciate them, even more!
Just a few things that bring me joy! Have a great week, Shay.
Lauren Palmer says
This is so random, but my favorite “luxurious time” are those first few hours after having done skin care and then applying fresh makeup. I feel like my skin looks so healthy–bc I prioritize using incredible ingredients on my face–and it really shows. At least I think it does. For me, this is a luxury: using products that show health and radiance! Love this post!
Janice says
Coming home from exercise class and my robot vacuum/mop has cleaned the floors.
Jennifer C. says
Life is full of so many little luxuries! I share some of the same ones you do, but also have a few to add!
I allow myself a nice crispy Diet Coke from McDonald’s after work on Fridays. That 4:00 sip starts my weekend off right!
A boat ride to look at fall foliage.
Having the front door open and enjoying sunshine and breeze through the screen door.
Sitting poolside with a good book.
Chili while watching football on a Sunday.
Stopping by parents’ after church on Sunday, warm coffee in hand as we catch up.
Laughing at the same inside jokes (for decades) with my sister.
The smell of lilacs blooming.
Gosh…I could go on and on! It’s a good life. ❤️
Deb says
My list includes:
A long walk in the morning – just starts my day off right
A hot bath and clean pajamas before bedtime
Weekend breakfasts all together
A clean house
A fresh haircut
A walk through our town’s farmers market
Heather S says
Love reading all these little luxuries. I will add
Dining Al Fresco- living in the North East, this is short lived
Sparkling water with lime
New Ugg boots and slippers- they get worn out so fast up here as well!
Cindy J says
I’ve started posting an IG story with “this makes me happy.” Not every day but when it’s something little that brings me joy. So far I’ve posted
-grape tomatoes from our garden.
-a new candle burning while I do Bible devotional.
-a beautiful sunrise sky.
Ashley R. says
Someone in one of the early comments posted “pens” as a luxury, and you agreed. I kept reading comments, and others had mentioned pens, too. I could not agree more! I bought this pack (unsure if you were the one who originally brought this set to us or not) for myself, then I purchased 2 more sets for my daughters. It’s so silly – but they’re FANTASTIC. There are multiple types of pens within one set, and they’re all gel-like, but not splotchy. I don’t make any money off of sharing this, just didn’t want to not share it when so many people mentioned pens being a little luxury. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B68SDFGF?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1
Mix and Match Mama says
I love this so much! Thank YOU for sharing a little luxury. xx