Author Topic: Cheap Things That Make You Happy  (Read 938442 times)

Gone Fishing

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2916
  • So Close went fishing on April 1, 2016
    • Journal
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #100 on: July 11, 2017, 02:33:22 PM »
Muscle over motor and all that, but a nice car ride through the country side or the mountains is gas well spent.  I hike and paddle plenty as well. 

A walk through my pasture can often fix what ails me.

Backrubs are mighty fine.

A dinner of homegrown meats and vegetables is very satisfying.

A clear starry night.

Wild critters.  Especially when they are catching and eating other wild critters.

Finding wild fruit or nuts.

Carrie

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 602
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #101 on: July 11, 2017, 03:02:21 PM »
First glimpse of a full moon through the trees.
Silence.
Shooting stars.
Holding hands.

Rosy

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2742
  • Location: Florida
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #102 on: July 11, 2017, 03:42:00 PM »
First glimpse of a full moon through the trees.
Silence.
Shooting stars.
Holding hands.


Yes, to silence:)
..... and that amazing feeling of inconsequence of self, when you are way out in nature with nothing but space around your insignificant self.

golden1

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1541
  • Location: MA
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #103 on: July 11, 2017, 04:40:43 PM »
Love this thread.

Laughing with my daughter.

Taking a walk at lunchtime.

Listening to music and podcasts

Fresh brewed coffee I make myself.

Finishing a run.


lemonde

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 56
  • Location: Close to Chicago
  • A puzzle in progress...
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #104 on: July 11, 2017, 09:32:08 PM »
Chirping at my cat and having her chirp back. :D

fuzzy math

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1724
  • Age: 42
  • Location: PNW
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #105 on: July 11, 2017, 11:19:46 PM »
That extra special silence when there's snow.
The feeling when you don't have anywhere to be and you choose to stay home.
Having a cup of coffee in an actual mug at home as opposed to a travel mug on the way to work.

MoonLiteNite

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 411
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #106 on: July 12, 2017, 02:08:41 AM »
Rubik's cube; video games!

I spend 10-100$/yr on rubik's cube for the last 10 years.
Videos games 60-200$/yr over the last 10 years.

Basically, my only two hobbies are than going out to eat :D


Rubik's cube is a good internet hobby and gets me out to meet people at events.
And video games is how my friends and i love to pass the time!

Jane

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 78
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #107 on: July 12, 2017, 03:30:31 AM »
Taking my son (2.5 y/o) out to explore the trails and pond backing to our neighborhood.
Watching him splash around in puddles on rainy days.
Helping him put his proudly picked flowers from our yard (clover and dandelion) into a little vase by the window to admire.
Toddler bear hugs.
Listening to audio books from the library while cooking.
Long talks with close friends.
Meditation
Taking time to do nothing but watch clouds on days when they are big and puffy backed by a bright blue sky.
Coffee

PhilB

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5652
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #108 on: July 12, 2017, 06:12:18 AM »
Lying in bed in the early morning with the sun streaming in through the windows.
Being outside in the rain with a broad-brimmed hat.

asauer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 848
  • Location: North Carolina
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #109 on: July 12, 2017, 06:23:01 AM »
- Hiking
- when my kids put on fashion shows that combine star wars costumes with princess dresses (seriously, this is better than any sitcom)
- "shopping" at the library
- getting my meat CSA every month (ok, not cheap but my god it's like Christmas every month)
- taking a nap after my long run on Saturdays.  best.  sleep. ever.
- free tea at work.  whoever stocks the tea with 10 different kinds is an angel sent from heaven.

Lauran75

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 131
  • Age: 48
  • Location: NE
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #110 on: July 12, 2017, 12:11:44 PM »
Seeing a Great Horned Owl take flight in the local park.

Meeting a fellow bookaholic while walking in the park.

lifejoy

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3928
  • Age: 35
  • Location: Canada, eh
  • Lovin' the Mustachian life!
    • Not Buying This
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #111 on: July 12, 2017, 12:16:24 PM »
$2 falafel in Montreal.

Baby animals.

Shoes that don't hurt (even on long walks).

Fall weather when you can wrap yourself in cozy layers.

A glass of wine with a friend.

Chocolate.

Laserjet3051

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 904
  • Age: 95
  • Location: Upper Peninsula (MI)
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #112 on: July 12, 2017, 02:46:58 PM »
Surfing. Once you get beyond buying the board and wetsuit it can be 100% absolutely free. Insiders know the free parking by the killer breaks. Hours and hours of pure ecstasy harnessing the oceans energy. Dolphins, seals, big fish, sun , surf. SO MUCH FUN.

crispy

  • Guest
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #113 on: July 12, 2017, 06:14:17 PM »
Naps

Caoineag

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 663
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Michigan
    • My Journal
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #114 on: July 13, 2017, 07:20:59 AM »
The sound of dry leaves crunching underfoot in the fall
The smell that's in the air when spring thaw warms the ground.
Watching tree leaves dance in the wind.
Playing scrabble with my husband
Drinking a cocktail or glass of wine while puttering on projects
Reorganizing a room so its more efficient, getting rid of clutter

herbgeek

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 252
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #115 on: July 13, 2017, 02:02:13 PM »
That first cup of coffee my hubby brings to bed for me.
A hot shower after working in the garden all morning, followed by a cold beer.
The smell of rain hitting hot pavement after a heat wave.
Watching the fireflies start their show just as dusk falls in.
A hike with a nice view.
The first Sungold tomatoes, sugar snap pea pods, raspberries- they never make it into the house.
Crackling fire on that first cool evening.
Late afternoon sunlight streaming in the windows.
Relaxing on the patio with a glass of wine in the late afternoon.

Aegishjalmur

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #116 on: July 13, 2017, 02:45:55 PM »
That first cup of coffee to savor. The Pink-ish night sky you get during a heavy snowstorm. Watching the campfire flames dance. Walking into the middle of a deer herd when out walking in the woods.
« Last Edit: July 13, 2017, 07:35:35 PM by Aegishjalmur »

marshdesign

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 40
  • Age: 40
    • My Design Portfolio
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #117 on: July 13, 2017, 06:03:54 PM »
Chocolate. Anything chocolate. I get discounted organic bars wherever I find them. Sometimes I melt it in the microwave and put it on a graham cracker. So cheap and so gooooood.

fuzzy math

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1724
  • Age: 42
  • Location: PNW
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #118 on: July 13, 2017, 06:21:08 PM »
That first chill of fall at night (when you're really sick of the summer heat, and before it gets mindnumbingly cold). I suppose the first warm spring day has that same feeling too.

GoConfidently

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 244
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #119 on: July 13, 2017, 07:03:56 PM »
Hiking lonely trails.

Traveling to a new place and the thrill of discovering new things.

Coffee. First or fourth cup.

Long chats on the phone with old friends.

Good podcasts.

Books.

Cold beer after mowing the grass.

Feeeling that tightness in my noodle arms after a hard workout at home.

Making the most of employer paid travel time.

Doing what I love at work and being successful at it.

Talking to interesting people.

Snuggling the babies in my life that have parents to deal with the messy/hard stuff.


Gremlin

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 580
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #120 on: July 13, 2017, 08:11:04 PM »
Going for a run at dawn in the nearby bushland with no one but the native birds and kangaroos for company.

Anon in Alaska

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 144
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #121 on: July 15, 2017, 07:45:37 AM »
Drinking water from my Brita pitcher (maybe $15/year for the filters).

Floating in warm water at the lake (free but seasonally limited).

Playing board games (maybe $75/year for one or two carefully chosen new games/year).

Reading books I already own (free, and I usually get rid of them afterwords).

Taking a hot shower and feeling the soothing warm water (Maybe $0.25 worth of electricity/day).



GilbertB

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 121
  • Age: 47
  • Location: Gent
    • Sci-fi Meandering
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #122 on: July 15, 2017, 11:38:13 AM »
Second hand paperbacks from the back of the bookstore...
Reading "Slim, The Standardbearer" for 2€.

Carrie

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 602
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #123 on: July 15, 2017, 05:46:23 PM »
Fixing things around the house & inexpensive DIY that looks pro quality.
Making things like curtains, roman shades,  other home decor, then getting compliments knowing my only cost was fabric ( which I probably got on sale).
Homemade grilled pizza.
Compost pile - taking scraps and turning it into beautiful soil, home to many worms, makes me ridiculously happy.
Herb gardens. Something about spending $2.50 for a plant and getting enough for all of my cooking.

lemonde

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 56
  • Location: Close to Chicago
  • A puzzle in progress...
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #124 on: July 15, 2017, 07:48:57 PM »
A cold shower--or more specifically, the knowledge that you can support one, and that feeling of invincibility each time you step out of one.

thriftyc

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 467
  • Age: 50
  • Location: Southern Ontario Canada
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #125 on: July 15, 2017, 08:41:10 PM »
My $10/month cell plan
My voip home phone
My homemade pizza.
My over the air HDTV Antenna for free TV.

radram

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 956
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #126 on: July 15, 2017, 09:49:25 PM »
About 6 months ago, I bought 10 dozen medium eggs for $0.10 per dozen. It felt so great to eat a .8 cent egg compared to the usual 6.5 cent egg.

Also had a 3 egg  $10.00 omelet at a restaurant with my wife this week. Lovely time with my wife, even if it was the financial equivalent of a 154 egg omelet :)

10dollarsatatime

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 703
  • Age: 39
  • Location: Utah
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #127 on: July 16, 2017, 09:44:54 AM »
Watching the neighborhood wildlife (this morning it was cats, quail, and rabbits)

Seeing my giant poodles do stupid things... one just learned how to 'drink' from the sprinklers.  Meaning he stands in the spray and tries to bite it.

Waking up with a poodle lying on his back next to me in bed with his head on the pillow.  Makes me laugh every time.

Popping open a jar of something I preserved.

Making things that are ridiculously priced when buying premade (kombucha and french macarons come to mind)

Early morning walks to work through old neighborhoods.

A clean and organized house.  Doesn't happen often, but it's a great feeling when it does.

Finishing a long run.

Eating things I grew myself.

Fishing in the river near the house.

radram

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 956
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #128 on: July 17, 2017, 07:49:02 AM »
Listening to my wife and 2 daughters talk at 1:00 a.m. while waiting for me to go outside to try to see the northern lights. I even took longer than I needed just so I could hear them more :)

 Didn't see any, and probably wouldn't due to the large city due north, but we have had great viewings of meteor showers in the past.

Did anyone see the northern lights last night?

BFGirl

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 766
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #129 on: July 17, 2017, 09:36:56 AM »
Seeing bunny rabbits on walks by the lake.

Smelling the plumeria blossoms which are blooming for the first time on a cutting I rooted last year.

Thunderstorms and rain.

The beautiful plants on my patio.

bittheory

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 131
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #130 on: July 17, 2017, 09:46:25 AM »
Good thread. Of things that are tied to a monetary value, here's my very short list:

The smell of coffee brewing.
When the grill ignites.
Dry red wine.
Extremely hoppy beer.
Eating something out of our garden.
The feeling of cool air coming through my windows on an early summer morning.
Turning on my fireplace when it's snowing.
Skateboarding while my daughter scooters.




GrumpyPenguin

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 298
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #131 on: July 17, 2017, 01:19:26 PM »
Seeing bunny rabbits on walks by the lake.

Smelling the plumeria blossoms which are blooming for the first time on a cutting I rooted last year.

Thunderstorms and rain.

The beautiful plants on my patio.

I see some wild rabbits on walks in a neighborhood near me. They're cute little fellas.

GrumpyPenguin

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 298
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #132 on: July 17, 2017, 01:21:07 PM »
About 6 months ago, I bought 10 dozen medium eggs for $0.10 per dozen. It felt so great to eat a .8 cent egg compared to the usual 6.5 cent egg.

Also had a 3 egg  $10.00 omelet at a restaurant with my wife this week. Lovely time with my wife, even if it was the financial equivalent of a 154 egg omelet :)

Ha, a year or two ago I snagged a 10 lb bag of potatoes at Aldi for $1.  It was such a good deal I still talk about it now! lol.

mathlete

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2070
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #133 on: July 17, 2017, 01:43:41 PM »
I really enjoy road-tripping and staying in cheap motels. There is something romantic about such a huge, infrastructural undertaking like the interstate highways, and the cottage industry of motels, diners, and rest stops that sprouted up so that people could travel along them.

Stopping at a $39 motel and then just staring out into the mountains or the desert or whatever I've been driving through, honestly I'm getting a buzz just thinking about it right now.

I think that this is an experience that will go away within my life too. With self-driving automobiles, we'll be able to travel all night while the "driver" just sleeps.

Vindicated

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1142
  • Age: 39
  • Location: Indianapolis
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #134 on: July 17, 2017, 01:53:56 PM »
I love this thread.

 - Stretching out under clean sheets after a shower
 - Walking outdoors when the weather is perfectly suited for a comfy hoodie
 - Asking my 2.5yo son if he wants to see the Penguins or the Elephants first at the Zoo, then fulfilling his desire
 - Pulling my son around the neighborhood in a wagon, while he wears tiny sunglasses and grins like a mad man
 - Having a sauna to myself after a hard workout
 - Reading a book while sitting under an umbrella at the beach, feeling the breeze, smelling the sea
 - A pitch-in with friends, including board games, video games, and/or movies
 - A cup of coffee with a slice of leftover Boston Cream Cake from the pitch-in

mathlete

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2070
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #135 on: July 17, 2017, 02:08:28 PM »
I love this thread.

 - Stretching out under clean sheets after a shower
- Walking outdoors when the weather is perfectly suited for a comfy hoodie
 - Asking my 2.5yo son if he wants to see the Penguins or the Elephants first at the Zoo, then fulfilling his desire
 - Pulling my son around the neighborhood in a wagon, while he wears tiny sunglasses and grins like a mad man
 - Having a sauna to myself after a hard workout
 - Reading a book while sitting under an umbrella at the beach, feeling the breeze, smelling the sea
 - A pitch-in with friends, including board games, video games, and/or movies
 - A cup of coffee with a slice of leftover Boston Cream Cake from the pitch-in

Yes!!!

Aegishjalmur

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #136 on: July 17, 2017, 03:43:04 PM »
Sitting in my comfy camp chair in a state park listening to nature well reading.

Brick

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 9
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #137 on: July 17, 2017, 05:43:14 PM »
Hiking with my wife and dogs at the river

Homemade pizza

Smell of rain

Reading blogs

Making sweet tea

One of my happy things is the word "petrichor" - "a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather."

Same. Aside from the smell, my favorite part is that it almost literally translates to "blood of stones":

Quote
Petrichor (/ˈpɛtrᵻkɔər/) is the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. The word is constructed from Greek πέτρα petra, meaning "stone", and ἰχώρ īchōr, the fluid that flows in the veins of the gods in Greek mythology.

Great thread!

lifejoy

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3928
  • Age: 35
  • Location: Canada, eh
  • Lovin' the Mustachian life!
    • Not Buying This
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #138 on: July 18, 2017, 07:07:36 AM »
I love this thread.

 - Stretching out under clean sheets after a shower
- Walking outdoors when the weather is perfectly suited for a comfy hoodie
 - Asking my 2.5yo son if he wants to see the Penguins or the Elephants first at the Zoo, then fulfilling his desire
 - Pulling my son around the neighborhood in a wagon, while he wears tiny sunglasses and grins like a mad man
 - Having a sauna to myself after a hard workout
 - Reading a book while sitting under an umbrella at the beach, feeling the breeze, smelling the sea
 - A pitch-in with friends, including board games, video games, and/or movies
 - A cup of coffee with a slice of leftover Boston Cream Cake from the pitch-in

Yes!!!

And to add to that, the feeling of a brand new hoodie against one's skin!!

And to add to that, the fact that people in Saskatchewan, Canada refer to hoodies as "bunny hugs" delights me to no end! :)

radram

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 956
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #139 on: July 18, 2017, 07:18:28 AM »
Went for a late walk last night. For the first time in my life, the fog formed around me, giving the appearance of being swallowed by the fog.
Cool.

Gimesalot

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 664
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #140 on: July 18, 2017, 07:58:14 AM »
- Feeling and hearing the crunch of freshly fallen snow underfoot
- Hearing from an old friend
- Sewing with friends and catching up on life
- when someone you care about has something good happen to them
- watching fog roll in from the Mississippi river in the fall
- watching the sunset
- glitter especially all the glitter that accumulates all over my house during Mardi Gras, I get sad when I clean it up after it's over
- making yummy food with my husband
- cat cuddles
- looking at the stars



onewayfamily

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 92
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #141 on: July 18, 2017, 10:49:12 PM »
Fresh bread hot out of the oven.

Coffee (any time).

mustachepungoeshere

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2404
  • Location: Sydney, Oz
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #142 on: July 19, 2017, 02:56:06 AM »
And to add to that, the feeling of a brand new hoodie against one's skin!!

Yes! I have a hoodie I love so much I bought a second one because I couldn't bear the idea of having to part with the first one through misadventure.

The only way to tell them apart is the softness of the fleece inside.

Trifle

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5879
  • Age: 57
  • Location: Outside, NC, US
    • In The Garden
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #143 on: July 19, 2017, 04:43:48 AM »
- Watching the mountain mist disappear as the sun rises
- Listening to a wood thrush sing
- Getting cold, wet, and tired on a winter run -- then taking a warm bath
- Hearing my kids belly laugh
- Discovering some small miracle of nature right at my feet, because I took the time to look
- The smell of evergreen woods
- The smell of garden soil

pbkmaine

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 8927
  • Age: 67
  • Location: The Villages, Florida
Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #144 on: July 19, 2017, 04:52:47 AM »
The herbs I planted two years ago. I now have giant rosemary, oregano, Mexican tarragon, sage, mint, chive and green onion (scallion) plants that keep my kitchen permanently supplied.
« Last Edit: July 19, 2017, 04:57:33 AM by pbkmaine »

Aegishjalmur

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 293
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #145 on: July 19, 2017, 11:56:13 AM »
Walking or driving in the morning through a heavy fog where the gnarled trees covered in Spanish moss look like something out of a fairytale

BigEasy

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 47
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #146 on: July 19, 2017, 04:58:03 PM »

Sitting on my screen porch overlooking the moss covered cypress trees along the bayou, while having a late afternoon drink, with jazz piano rifts in the background.

 Enjoying my retirement, knowing that it was worth all the years of sacrifice to save for what I have today.

 Having good health.

 Having a loving trustworthy wife, and successful kids.

 Playing music at some cool venues with some terrific musicians, and thinking, how in the heck this happen!

 Having good friends  and family  along with wonderful social interactions and respect in the community   

HPstache

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2857
  • Age: 37
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #147 on: July 19, 2017, 05:08:21 PM »
Playing pickleball at the park
Teaching and watching my son learn something new
Fresh brewed coffee
Fixing something

jscott2135

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 107
  • Age: 42
  • Location: Forest Grove, OR
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #148 on: July 21, 2017, 09:33:40 AM »
We moved to Bend OR last fall. Now we drive downtown to he Deschutes river, park for free, hop onto our tubes with the kids and float the river for free while listening to blues and jazz from the surrounding restaurants and music venues. Its incredible, the little ones love it and we have the backdrop or the Cascades. Its a resort town so a bit pricey housing wise, but there is a never ending list of free beautiful activities.

t5inside

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 44
  • Location: Ridgefield, WA
Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #149 on: July 21, 2017, 10:40:39 AM »
We moved to Bend OR last fall. Now we drive downtown to he Deschutes river, park for free, hop onto our tubes with the kids and float the river for free while listening to blues and jazz from the surrounding restaurants and music venues. Its incredible, the little ones love it and we have the backdrop or the Cascades. Its a resort town so a bit pricey housing wise, but there is a never ending list of free beautiful activities.

I'm incredibly jealous. I'm in Hillsboro and would relocate in a heartbeat if my employer had offices there.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!