Author Topic: Cheap Things That Make You Happy  (Read 938978 times)

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #350 on: December 04, 2017, 12:43:26 PM »
Walks to the community mailbox.

Baby cuddles. (Arguably getting to be expensive, lol.)

Wrapping gifts. (Ok the gifts might not be cheap but the wrapping is!)

Taking photos for contests.

Talking on the phone to loved ones.

Netflix at 2am.

Hand-me-down amazing stroller that lets me go on walks in any weather.

Organizing my possessions and deciding which to give away and to whom.

Choosing excellent library books for my parents.

Homemade blueberry-pecan waffles.

chaskavitch

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #351 on: December 04, 2017, 04:50:20 PM »
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)

I was just talking about this at work :)  Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).

Linea_Norway

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #352 on: December 05, 2017, 01:01:06 AM »
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)

I was just talking about this at work :)  Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).

One of my colleagues has a daughter who is learning to become a cook. The daughter often bakes cakes and her mother doesn't want to eat all these cakes at home. Therefore they often end up in our office. I love those cakes.
« Last Edit: December 05, 2017, 03:39:15 AM by Linda_Norway »

Dicey

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #353 on: December 05, 2017, 03:06:57 AM »
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)

I was just talking about this at work :)  Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).

One of my colleagues has a daughter he is learning to become a cook. The daughter often bakes cakes and her mother doesn't want to eat all these cakes at home. Therefore they often end up in our office. I love those cakes.
Yes, this is terribly/wonderfully self serving, but maybe a collective note of thanks and appreciation would ensure a steady flow of deliciousness. What learner doesn't appreciate positive feedback?

Linea_Norway

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #354 on: December 05, 2017, 03:40:54 AM »
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)

I was just talking about this at work :)  Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).

One of my colleagues has a daughter he is learning to become a cook. The daughter often bakes cakes and her mother doesn't want to eat all these cakes at home. Therefore they often end up in our office. I love those cakes.
Yes, this is terribly/wonderfully self serving, but maybe a collective note of thanks and appreciation would ensure a steady flow of deliciousness. What learner doesn't appreciate positive feedback?

We usually thank the mother very much. But I'll make sure she will give a thank you to her daughter from all of us. I'll think of something.

HappierAtHome

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #355 on: December 05, 2017, 03:43:53 AM »
Free food. Anytime, anywhere, anything. Love it when food is included (at work, conferences, etc)

I was just talking about this at work :)  Someone brought in pumpkin banana bread, and 4 different people have commented on how delicious it is, and that they love the Christmas bow on top of the foil wrapping (myself included).

One of my colleagues has a daughter he is learning to become a cook. The daughter often bakes cakes and her mother doesn't want to eat all these cakes at home. Therefore they often end up in our office. I love those cakes.
Yes, this is terribly/wonderfully self serving, but maybe a collective note of thanks and appreciation would ensure a steady flow of deliciousness. What learner doesn't appreciate positive feedback?

We usually thank the mother very much. But I'll make sure she will give a thank you to her daughter from all of us. I'll think of something.

I feel like a quality cookbook picked up at a charity shop would be a great thank you gift. Pick one with tasty looking recipes to serve a dual purpose...

annod

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #356 on: December 05, 2017, 11:02:04 AM »
Free things that made me happy:
-being appreciative and grateful.
-contentment. (the french word for happy is content/contente)
-interaction with kind, good people who really cares.
-being with loved ones.
-being healthy, improving strength and fitness.
-personal growth
-doing things that I didn't think I could do in the past. (for example, public speaking & teaching in a classroom, community organizing)

etc.

Wings5

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #357 on: December 07, 2017, 05:27:21 PM »
Going for an evening run. It's always a pain to get going, but even going just a mile at a slow pace makes me thankful for my legs and my lungs.

HappierAtHome

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #358 on: December 09, 2017, 05:51:36 AM »
Lovely little sandwiches (curried egg! Cucumber and cream cheese!) at a new friend's party :D

Prairie Gal

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #359 on: December 09, 2017, 08:15:08 AM »
Having my kids home for the holidays.

Money Badger

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #360 on: December 10, 2017, 06:23:43 PM »
A cheesy $7 Star Wars T-shirt at Walmart with Yoda saying "An elf, I am not!"

Ms.BecomingFI

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #361 on: December 10, 2017, 08:21:38 PM »
First snow of the year!  And watching my pup walking in it.  Adorable! =)
Also, this thread!!!

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #362 on: December 11, 2017, 06:44:50 AM »
A cheesy $7 Star Wars T-shirt at Walmart with Yoda saying "An elf, I am not!"

Hahahahahaha that is AWESOME!

Certain words make me happy. Like “petrichor”.
Other people making me dinner.
Hand lotion.
Chocolate almonds.
Head massage.
My baby giggling for the first time!!!
Mailing small gifts to far-away friends.

10dollarsatatime

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #363 on: December 11, 2017, 08:50:22 AM »
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal.  He doesn't chew it.  He just wanders around and cuddles with it.  And I find it hilarious.

Linea_Norway

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #364 on: December 11, 2017, 10:54:30 AM »
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal.  He doesn't chew it.  He just wanders around and cuddles with it.  And I find it hilarious.

Cute...

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #365 on: December 11, 2017, 03:25:19 PM »
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal.  He doesn't chew it.  He just wanders around and cuddles with it.  And I find it hilarious.

Cute...

Pics or it didn’t happen ;)

10dollarsatatime

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #366 on: December 11, 2017, 09:36:50 PM »
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal.  He doesn't chew it.  He just wanders around and cuddles with it.  And I find it hilarious.

Cute...

Pics or it didn’t happen ;)

For your enjoyment...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EZo0umyhG9ah79rV2

I kept getting an error when trying to post the photo, so you have to really want it.

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #367 on: December 11, 2017, 11:41:54 PM »
Watching my 95lb dog carry around his favorite stuffed animal.  He doesn't chew it.  He just wanders around and cuddles with it.  And I find it hilarious.

Cute...

Pics or it didn’t happen ;)

For your enjoyment...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EZo0umyhG9ah79rV2

I kept getting an error when trying to post the photo, so you have to really want it.

Oh man, that was worth it!!! Thank you!

10dollarsatatime

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #368 on: December 12, 2017, 08:06:30 AM »
Deleted the album, because my name was in it. 

Maybe this will work?


Linea_Norway

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #369 on: December 12, 2017, 12:53:17 PM »
Deleted the album, because my name was in it. 

Maybe this will work?

<...>

It worked fine.

Cheap and positive thing: standing outside on the terrace with DH, watching a weak northern light. The good thing about our current house is that you can see the north if you step outside. I missed that in our previous house.

Lauran75

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #370 on: December 12, 2017, 01:12:42 PM »
Watching my cat play with a fidget spinner. (I have a video of this which I need to upload to youtube.)

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #371 on: December 12, 2017, 02:44:41 PM »
Watching my cat play with a fidget spinner. (I have a video of this which I need to upload to youtube.)

I am *very* ok with this thread turning into a photo fest of cute animals doing adorable things, yummy-looking meals, and beautiful scenery. Feel free....

Shrike

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #372 on: December 12, 2017, 11:40:39 PM »
A super-deluxe, multi-adjustable, top of the line $25 shower head.  Want a gentle spray or in the mood for a sandblaster?  No problem, it's got it all and I use it every day (OK, *almost* every day).  It's the best.

chouchouu

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #373 on: December 13, 2017, 02:59:54 AM »
That first glimpse of twinkling blue pacific ocean when you're headed to the beach.

Water, the luxurious pleasure of drinking delicious water straight from the tap on a hot day. I didn't realise how amazing water is until I ended up with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and couldn't drink it for six months without vomiting. Just being healthy is amazing, to go outside and have a fresh breeze on your face and move lightly and freely. You don't realise how precious it is until you don't have that ability anymore.

Walking, we always had a orientating walk when we went somewhere, even if it's just a friend's house for a day.  I like looking at houses and knowing where I am.  I also love the coastal walks and harbour walks in Sydney, didn't realise I lived in such a beautiful city until I lived elsewhere.

Freshly baked bread still warm from the oven. Grocery shopping in the neighbourhood market when I lived in brussels.  I loved loading up the front and rear baskets with fresh produce and cheese bought straight from the farmer. I loved how economical it was and enviro conscious. I would brink back the yoghurt jars for a discount to reuse.

Fresh herring lightly fried and served with steamed savoy cabbage. Peasant food but so damn delicious. Too bad you can't get fresh herring in Sydney. 

CharlesBronzee

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #374 on: December 17, 2017, 12:03:32 PM »
Attending church services.  Participating in church small group activities.  It's hard to explain why but I find these kinds of activities uniquely refreshing and satisfying (more than the usual social activities like dinners and get togethers).

Cleaning my car inside and outside.  It feels like brushing and flossing my teeth after I haven't done it for more than 24 hours. And yes, I wash my car even in winter time up here in Canada (using a no-rinse solution).


soccerluvof4

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #375 on: December 17, 2017, 01:28:02 PM »
My dollar store readers because I can see

Money Badger

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #376 on: December 17, 2017, 09:03:47 PM »
Magic 8 Ball.   Useful to predict current multiple bosses decisions in the face of business challenges.   

ElleFiji

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #377 on: December 17, 2017, 09:09:57 PM »
Late phone calls past bedtime

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #378 on: December 18, 2017, 08:19:16 PM »
Lighting candles

Astatine

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #379 on: December 18, 2017, 11:33:24 PM »
Seeing photos of ginormous dogs carrying around their favourite toy in this thread. The cuteness!!!!!!

Driving around the suburbs with DH looking at all the Christmas light displays and chatting with some of the people who put up the displays on their house. Fun! The community spirit is heartwarming.

Kitty snuggles (preferably when it's not a heatwave)

Getting texts from DH saying 'Love you'


kei te pai

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #380 on: December 18, 2017, 11:59:25 PM »
A big bunch of sweetpeas from my garden.

HappierAtHome

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #381 on: December 19, 2017, 04:27:54 AM »
Sharing minty dark chocolate with my husband on the couch at the end of a long day.

Linea_Norway

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #382 on: December 19, 2017, 07:09:47 AM »
Receiving a bag of marzipan from my colleague, whose daughter got it from her job and whose family doesn't like it.

LaineyAZ

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #383 on: December 19, 2017, 07:41:50 AM »
The IKEA restaurant having free coffee for their 'IKEA Family members'

We're twins!  we just had this yesterday, along with their incredible $2 breakfast which consists of pancakes with jam, 2 sausage links, potatoes and eggs.  With the free coffee, breakfast for two of us was $4.32 which we ate in an uncrowded open seating area looking out the window into a sunny morning with some tasteful Christmas music playing in the background.

Just Joe

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #384 on: December 19, 2017, 08:42:54 AM »
WOW that is a cheap meal!

tinylittlemonkey

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #385 on: December 19, 2017, 09:29:32 AM »
My favorite cheap things include:

A bottle of wine! ($1.99 at Trader Joe's)
Reading a blog, books, or message forums.
Watching my cat play because it is precious.
Cleaning my house/car because it keeps it nice and makes me appreciate it more.
Listening to music on Pandora or Spotify for free.
Reorganizing my clothes in my main closet into "new collections" (instead of buying new stuff).
Watching the waves at the beach!

PS - What a feel-good thread! I like it a lot.

soccerluvof4

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #386 on: December 20, 2017, 10:33:45 AM »
30 minutes to a 1 hour afternoon nap!  I get up early (3-4am) and this feels so good!

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #387 on: December 20, 2017, 01:44:41 PM »
-A walk on a crisp fall day. . . particularly if there are dry leaves to crush on the way
-A cup of hot tea on a cold day

albireo13

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #388 on: December 21, 2017, 06:44:11 PM »
watching birds flit around in the trees.

Thinkum

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #389 on: December 21, 2017, 08:33:52 PM »
Seeing my animals all snuggled up and asleep, nice and warm. I can almost see their smiles.

Walking around running errands instead of driving.

lifejoy

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Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #390 on: December 21, 2017, 09:01:36 PM »
https://caitflanders.com/2017/12/13/minimalist-holiday-traditions/#more-25511

List of minimalist holiday traditions, most of which are cheap and make a person feel happy.
Feels relevant

BeautifulDay

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #391 on: December 25, 2017, 07:28:36 PM »
Coming home to a quiet, neat, minimalist house after three nights in the chaos, clutter, and noise that is my parents' house.

firelight

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #392 on: December 25, 2017, 10:07:34 PM »
Talking to my parents about everything and nothing.

Watching my kids sleep.

Reading a book in bed at the time when you are awake but not ready to get out of bed.

Snuggles with loved ones.

Talking to my grandparents (100 and kicking) about their life when they were my age.

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #393 on: December 26, 2017, 10:03:15 AM »
Having a family I truly enjoy. Plenty of flaws in all of us, but just knowing it's a village. I was super sick over Christmas, and there was not even a moment where the kids needed anything. Everyone was helping out, taking them on bike rides, reading with them, making gingerbread houses.. . And, my family is like this even when I'm not unwell.

Also, it's cheaper than from a bar/restaurant, but not necessarily "cheap" generally, but pomegranate martinis that my husband makes. He knows how much I like lime, and bought an extra bag from Costco & hand juiced them for this batch.

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #394 on: December 26, 2017, 12:52:54 PM »
Chocolate-covered dried cherries :D

Singing Christmas carols with family

A cup of tea

Discovering some article of clothing in my closet that I forgot I had but am happy to see

Playing the board game “What?!”

Listening to the right songs that just lift up your spirits!!

Wine that has been gifted to us

Riding my bike on empty country roads

Thinkum

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #395 on: December 27, 2017, 12:08:27 AM »
Building stuff in Minecraft.

Eating vegetarian for the day.

Lifting weights and feeling slightly sore the next day.

Walking to the market with my wife and our pooch.

Remembering that it's all a matter of perspective.

HappierAtHome

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #396 on: December 27, 2017, 07:02:09 PM »
The $8 elf costume for my baby to wear at Christmas was relatively cheap and definitely made me happy!

Astatine

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #397 on: December 27, 2017, 11:38:29 PM »
The $8 elf costume for my baby to wear at Christmas was relatively cheap and definitely made me happy!

Do you have a pic of the costume? (with or without bub inside)

HappierAtHome

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #398 on: December 28, 2017, 12:02:11 AM »
The $8 elf costume for my baby to wear at Christmas was relatively cheap and definitely made me happy!

Do you have a pic of the costume? (with or without bub inside)

Preserving my child's anonymity, pics below :-)

Astatine

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #399 on: December 28, 2017, 12:29:33 AM »
*melts from cuteness* Very cute bubba! (and totes worth $8)