Author Topic: Cheap Things That Make You Happy (Read 534624 times)

zeli2033 · « **Reply #1100 on:** October 02, 2018, 07:59:51 AM »

Getting a “just-because” snail mail postcard from a friend!

And sending one back. Snail mail is such a simple and cheap delight.

BZB · « **Reply #1101 on:** October 04, 2018, 03:46:29 PM »

On my walk last evening I saw a bat and a toad, which made me really happy.

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1102 on:** October 04, 2018, 05:52:28 PM »

Dinner came out delicious. I'm happy about my cooking skills :P

Reader · « **Reply #1103 on:** October 06, 2018, 05:00:57 PM »

Quote from: FamilyGuy on October 04, 2018, 05:52:28 PM

Dinner came out delicious. I'm happy about my cooking skills :P

+1

OtherJen · « **Reply #1104 on:** October 06, 2018, 05:30:55 PM »

Quote from: Reader on October 06, 2018, 05:00:57 PM

Quote from: FamilyGuy on October 04, 2018, 05:52:28 PM
Dinner came out delicious. I'm happy about my cooking skills :P
+1

+2. Husband is currently scraping the last bits from his bowl.

BZB · « **Reply #1105 on:** October 06, 2018, 07:02:47 PM »

hummingbirds at the feeder on my balcony
reasonably cheap delicious Greek food at the festival a short walk from my home

zolotiyeruki · « **Reply #1106 on:** October 06, 2018, 08:43:39 PM »

The feeling of satisfaction from a DIY job finished right. Today I fixed the ignition cylinder in my car, changed the oil and replaced the front sway bar bushings. Total cost: about $5 for two new car keys, about $11 for the oil and filter, and $6 for the bushings.

Even better, in the process, I discovered that the shop that did the alignment (after I replaced a tie rod bellows) didn't bother to untwist the bellows after adjusting the tie rods. It literally took me less than five minutes to remove the wheel, loosen the bellows, untwist it, and put the wheel back on, but I'm pretty disappointed in seeing them take such a shortcut that saved them maybe 30 seconds at the time.

Money Badger · « **Reply #1107 on:** October 07, 2018, 08:58:42 PM »

I spent $28 at Walmart for a new cooler today. I felt so spendy for getting it when we have other coolers, but it is perfect for our needs (perfect size, good Igloo made in the USA, matches our team's colors, wheels on it, nice lid/cup holder setup for tailgates). I'm sitting here 8 hours later still admiring it and thinking about good times ahead, so yes, it was a good buy and today was a good day...

mountain mustache · « **Reply #1108 on:** October 07, 2018, 10:26:25 PM »

I made homemade posole, with green chiles I roasted myself, and it came out amazing! And cheap to make, too!

Linea_Norway · « **Reply #1109 on:** October 08, 2018, 02:21:05 AM »

Studying my books for a new (for me) mushroom species that I found that day and being able to figure out with 100% certainty which specie it is.

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1110 on:** October 08, 2018, 08:37:43 AM »

Ability to video call and see my family that lives far away. I call them almost daily and these conversations make me very happy(Well, most of the times!). I remember using Skype a few years back and it was always buffering. Video calling was always messy. Now, whatever app I use (Whatsapp or Viber etc ) the quality is great. Thank you technology.

Raenia · « **Reply #1111 on:** October 08, 2018, 09:04:35 AM »

Trying a new recipe and having it come out well! Made saag paneer, with home-made paneer, despite no experience with cheese-making or Indian cooking. Surprisingly easy, and delicious. Will have to add more Indian recipes to my rotation.

mathlete · « **Reply #1112 on:** October 08, 2018, 09:13:31 AM »

Quote from: FamilyGuy on October 08, 2018, 08:37:43 AM

Ability to video call and see my family that lives far away. I call them almost daily and these conversations make me very happy(Well, most of the times!). I remember using Skype a few years back and it was always buffering. Video calling was always messy. Now, whatever app I use (Whatsapp or Viber etc ) the quality is great. Thank you technology.

True to your name!

zeli2033 · « **Reply #1113 on:** October 08, 2018, 10:35:35 AM »

Using a long weekend to spend a lot of time with friends/family, make new recipes and basically try out the FIRE life I'm working so hard toward.

Reader · « **Reply #1114 on:** October 08, 2018, 02:27:30 PM »

Quote from: zeli2033 on October 08, 2018, 10:35:35 AM

Using a long weekend to spend a lot of time with friends/family, make new recipes and basically try out the FIRE life I'm working so hard toward.

good on you zeli!

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1115 on:** October 08, 2018, 07:05:19 PM »

Quote from: Raenia on October 08, 2018, 09:04:35 AM

Trying a new recipe and having it come out well! Made saag paneer, with home-made paneer, despite no experience with cheese-making or Indian cooking. Surprisingly easy, and delicious. Will have to add more Indian recipes to my rotation.

Sounds delicious !! In similar type, you can try palak paneer, paneer tikka masala etc.

Bucksandreds · « **Reply #1116 on:** October 08, 2018, 07:11:16 PM »

Spent about $100 this past week and 9 hours of work putting a custom wood trim paneling above our fireplace in the 2 floor great room. When we built our house 5 years ago it was almost $1000 to have them do it. With little kids in the home it took 5 years to get to it but it’s been gotten to.

OtherJen · « **Reply #1117 on:** October 08, 2018, 10:05:19 PM »

My choir started rehearsing tonight for our Christmas concerts. I love singing with these people.

SwissMiss · « **Reply #1118 on:** October 09, 2018, 12:57:21 AM »

Learning Spanish on the free app Duolingo.

lemanfan · « **Reply #1119 on:** October 09, 2018, 01:20:15 PM »

Hilary Hahn plays Bach. The new album, released last week. Available on your favourite streaming site.

BZB · « **Reply #1120 on:** October 11, 2018, 08:01:05 AM »

The first dry, cool air of the season after a particularly long, hot, humid summer
I've decided cold fronts should be named as well as storms. I call this "Cold Front Pumpkin Spice WhatEVrr".

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1121 on:** October 11, 2018, 09:02:19 PM »

Hot cup of coffee when raining
Driving when raining
Being warm in the home when raining
Dripping sound on your windows when raining
All makes me happy :) I enjoyed all of them today.

lemanfan · « **Reply #1122 on:** October 11, 2018, 10:37:37 PM »

Reading these forums with fresh cup of coffee on a friday morning.

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1123 on:** October 12, 2018, 07:51:56 AM »

Wow. I second that.

mountain mustache · « **Reply #1124 on:** October 12, 2018, 08:13:08 AM »

Coffee on the couch, watching snow fall outside the window. Ahhhh I love Winter!

zolotiyeruki · « **Reply #1125 on:** October 12, 2018, 08:40:10 AM »

Watching hilarious barbershop quartet routines (Main Street, Newfangled Four, Fred, Rural Route 4, Storm Front, etc) on youtube.

BZB · « **Reply #1126 on:** October 14, 2018, 06:01:54 AM »

Getting your senses of smell and taste back after a bad head cold. (after you get through the "everything smells weird" stage)

Hirondelle · « **Reply #1127 on:** October 14, 2018, 07:51:36 AM »

Potluck dinner with friends on a Saturday night :)

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1128 on:** October 14, 2018, 09:21:17 AM »

Alone time in my home.

OtherJen · « **Reply #1129 on:** October 14, 2018, 09:35:44 AM »

Finally, a day off with my husband and a sunny afternoon! It seems like the weather is terrible every other time we have a day off together. I’m going to push for a long walk in the state park downtown.

Edit: the long walk happened. Deep blue sky, bright blue sparkling water, a bit of color on the trees, and lots of white sailboats against the blue sky and water. Also a heron bobbing in the Detroit river that looked a tiny Loch Ness monster from shore.

gmdv · « **Reply #1130 on:** October 14, 2018, 06:41:41 PM »

Meditate. Been reading up on how meditation produces more gamma brain wave.

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1131 on:** October 14, 2018, 08:28:17 PM »

Quote from: gmdv on October 14, 2018, 06:41:41 PM

Meditate. Been reading up on how meditation produces more gamma brain wave.

Do you follow any specific type of meditation? I'm interested in that area and wanted to incorporate that into my life.

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1132 on:** October 14, 2018, 08:30:59 PM »

The weather when its little cold.
The small plants that I grow on the side of kitchen windows.

gmdv · « **Reply #1133 on:** October 15, 2018, 05:51:12 AM »

Quote from: FamilyGuy on October 14, 2018, 08:28:17 PM

Do you follow any specific type of meditation? I'm interested in that area and wanted to incorporate that into my life.

I think what I do might be call mindfulness meditation? All I do is observe my breathing and any thoughts that pop up.

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1134 on:** October 15, 2018, 06:01:08 AM »

Quote from: gmdv on October 15, 2018, 05:51:12 AM

Quote from: FamilyGuy on October 14, 2018, 08:28:17 PM
Do you follow any specific type of meditation? I'm interested in that area and wanted to incorporate that into my life.

I think what I do might be call mindfulness meditation? All I do is observe my breathing and any thoughts that pop up.

Ok thanks. I have heard about that but is time to practice it.

OtherJen · « **Reply #1135 on:** October 15, 2018, 03:20:14 PM »

I've lost a decent amount of weight since last fall. My beautiful wool and cashmere sweaters that I bought pre-weight gain now fit again. It's like free new clothing.

Rural · « **Reply #1136 on:** October 15, 2018, 07:15:40 PM »

Speaking of cashmere, a cheap thing that makes me happy is a lightweight cashmere sweater at the thrift store with a hole or two in it - the perfect decadent pajama top. The one I'm wearing currently cost me $1.

Dicey · « **Reply #1137 on:** October 16, 2018, 08:14:21 AM »

Quote from: OtherJen on September 23, 2018, 08:39:20 PM

My beautiful black suede and leather tall boots fit again.

I had gained about 20 lbs over the last 7 years due to depression, overeating, and inactivity. I bought these beautiful boots on clearance about 8 years ago and haven't been able to wear them in at least 2 years because of weight gain. I've worked hard to drop 17 lbs since June 1, and the boots fit again as of this evening (I couldn't zip them up 6 weeks ago).

I found out last week that a beloved dress that hasn't left the closet in 3 years also fits again. Yay for a free wardrobe expansion!

Congratulations @OtherJen!

Dicey · « **Reply #1138 on:** October 16, 2018, 08:31:37 AM »

Quote from: Rosy on September 30, 2018, 01:03:45 PM

...Yes, the library - although I often cuss it, since they don't always have what I want to read - so I've begun to see that as my opportunity to hang out at B&N, spend a bit on a new book and coffee and a croissant - what's not to love?:)
Being Mustachian I have a 20% discount card and I often find something in specially reduced section too:)

Wait! Is this a test or a joke or something?

Let me see, it's bad to do this at Starbucks, but it's okay if you're buying a brand-new book?

Let me be clear, you are free to spend your money any which way you want, but posting what you did where you did is hard to swallow, especially when you add the part in bold above. Glad it makes you happy, but it ain't cheap, especially compared to the library.

Where is my face puncher when I think I'm going to need it?

winterberrybiscuits · « **Reply #1139 on:** October 16, 2018, 02:18:17 PM »

Cracking open a beer and taking a long stroll around the neighborhood after a storm has left us with no electricity and really pleasant cool air.

GreenEggs · « **Reply #1140 on:** October 16, 2018, 04:06:00 PM »

Goldfish are cheap and make people happy. The "feeder fish" for under 20 cents each are really cheap. :)

Last year I bought "$5 worth" from the pet shop to stock the empty little pond at the nursing home where my dad was living. I got about 40 fish and saved one to keep in his room. We named that one "Lucky". ;)

Btw, if you place a plant cutting or two in the goldfish bowl to root you really don't have to feed it. It'll just nibble on the roots.

MaybeBabyMustache · « **Reply #1141 on:** October 16, 2018, 04:25:39 PM »

A flavored sparkling water. Can almost squint & feel like it's a cocktail. (Caveat, I get them for free at work) I'm a big fan of the La Croix Berry flavor.

MaybeBabyMustache · « **Reply #1142 on:** October 16, 2018, 04:26:25 PM »

Going for a walking meeting with someone, vs sitting at a desk or in a conference room. We're in California so the weather is perfect for this right now.

Dicey · « **Reply #1143 on:** October 16, 2018, 11:17:32 PM »

Quote from: Lews Therin on October 16, 2018, 08:55:26 AM

Quote from: Dicey on October 16, 2018, 08:31:37 AM
Where is my face puncher when I think I'm going to need it?

Banned. RIP42 :D

Way back when, there were facepunchers aplenty. Now they're getting scarce. I can hardly believe no one else even noticed.

lemanfan · « **Reply #1144 on:** October 17, 2018, 03:26:23 PM »

High quality talks and lectures on Youtube. Good content is soo accessible in these times. Good.

FamilyGuy · « **Reply #1145 on:** October 17, 2018, 08:04:28 PM »

Quote from: lemanfan on October 17, 2018, 03:26:23 PM

High quality talks and lectures on Youtube. Good content is soo accessible in these times. Good.

True. I hear some inspiring & funny talks while working (the work that doesn't need thinking).

Abe Froman · « **Reply #1146 on:** October 18, 2018, 06:51:33 AM »

The cool online Amazon-Kindle-Local Library connection that my two boys use now. They download and read to their voracious appetites and now we dont have to pay late fees or replacement fees for books lost.

mountain mustache · « **Reply #1147 on:** October 18, 2018, 07:29:18 AM »

pre-portioned, frozen steel cut oats that I made months ago, that have been making the past few mornings breakfasts so yummy! I hate waiting for oatmeal to cook, and forgot I had these in the freezer, and have been loving a warm breakfast on our first week of winter temperatures.

OtherJen · « **Reply #1148 on:** October 18, 2018, 07:40:56 AM »

Not having to scrape the frost off of my car windows this morning.

Unique User · « **Reply #1149 on:** October 18, 2018, 09:46:42 AM »

Walking my dog, especially on 60 degree mornings like today.

News:

Author Topic: Cheap Things That Make You Happy (Read 534624 times)