Author Topic: Cheap Things That Make You Happy  (Read 938999 times)

middo

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1950 on: March 03, 2020, 01:47:38 AM »
Nights getting cool enough to sleep.

Yep.  One of the cheap pleasures.

Frugal Lizard

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1951 on: March 04, 2020, 12:21:01 PM »
Sunshine!
Cardinals on the birdfeeder
Sunshine on cardinals on the bird feeder

Serendip

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1952 on: March 04, 2020, 02:16:57 PM »
A touch of fresh snow on everything to brighten things up

Trudie

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1953 on: March 04, 2020, 10:26:40 PM »
Sunny days, at last.
Cooking with dried beans.
A nap, when I really need it.
Winter seed sowing.

moneymamas

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1954 on: March 05, 2020, 05:28:07 AM »
Sipping tea from the discount store with plant-based milk from the discount store and sugar that was on sale, homemade biscuits, while my son watches a movie from my friend’s Hulu account - a peaceful morning before everyone else wakes up.

Just Joe

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1955 on: March 05, 2020, 07:31:56 PM »
People working together towards some goal. Barn raising for example.

goat_music_generator

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1956 on: March 05, 2020, 07:57:27 PM »
A not-too-tricky sewing project, a cup of coffee, streamed radio from my favorite independent music station, a busy week to look forward to but ample time for creativity now.

Me too! Except I listen to audiobooks from the library, or podcasts.

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1957 on: March 09, 2020, 08:57:11 PM »
Finished knitting sleeve one of two for husband's sweater.

Gerard

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1958 on: March 10, 2020, 09:03:34 AM »
Finished knitting sleeve one of two for husband's sweater.

I hugely admire the precision displayed in the "of two" part of this post.

Treedream

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1959 on: March 10, 2020, 09:32:26 AM »
Finding a HUGE, slightly more than a foot long, pure white feather on the beach ON MY BIRTHDAY! It's a present from the universe. I also found a piece of driftwood that is clearly a wand. Does anyone know how to charge it?

Also got given a fabulous birthday cake, and slices of the leftover are now in the freezer for later celebration.

Apparently some chap named Ollivander can help you. Once you’re all set, remember that the correct pronunciation is “Wingardium Levi-OH-sa.” ;-)

Yeah, I need some different spells. I have people to smite.

You might want to play a Paladin in Dungeons and Dragons. There is many a smite to choose from.

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1960 on: March 10, 2020, 02:33:11 PM »
Finished knitting sleeve one of two for husband's sweater.

I hugely admire the precision displayed in the "of two" part of this post.

Hey, I'm a professional editor. Precision is important. I will be even happier after sleeve two of two. :)

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1961 on: March 10, 2020, 02:34:36 PM »
I voted for a millage renewal for the Detroit Institute of Arts and in favor of the school bond proposal. Plus, our precinct has great poll workers.

mspym

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1962 on: March 10, 2020, 05:55:28 PM »
Riding my bike in the cool autumn morning to the train.
Getting the single seat carriage so it was blessed solitude this morning.
The feeling of unsubscribing from mailing lists.

sui generis

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1963 on: March 10, 2020, 11:05:29 PM »
The tool library run by my city library. Today we checked out a drain snake and removed a giant obstruction from our bathtub pipes that was at least a couple dozen feet in, all without calling a plumber. With opportunities like this, we are encouraged and incentivized to be more self-sufficient, building new little skills and working on projects as a team, which is fun for us!

Dancin'Dog

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1964 on: March 11, 2020, 04:31:16 PM »
The tool library run by my city library. Today we checked out a drain snake and removed a giant obstruction from our bathtub pipes that was at least a couple dozen feet in, all without calling a plumber. With opportunities like this, we are encouraged and incentivized to be more self-sufficient, building new little skills and working on projects as a team, which is fun for us!


A "tool library" at the public book library.  That's an awesome idea.  I'd be happy to donate to a tool library.   I'll have to approach our library starting one.

sui generis

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1965 on: March 11, 2020, 04:44:26 PM »
The tool library run by my city library. Today we checked out a drain snake and removed a giant obstruction from our bathtub pipes that was at least a couple dozen feet in, all without calling a plumber. With opportunities like this, we are encouraged and incentivized to be more self-sufficient, building new little skills and working on projects as a team, which is fun for us!


A "tool library" at the public book library.  That's an awesome idea.  I'd be happy to donate to a tool library.   I'll have to approach our library starting one.

Both my current city and previous city have one and they are super popular and useful. Can't recommend it highly enough!

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1966 on: March 12, 2020, 09:22:33 PM »
Speaking of libraries, ours just closed for a week. I'm very happy that we have access to good online library resources.

All local museums seem to have closed and I expect my choir and other volunteer work are cancelled for the next month, so those online books and audiobooks will be put to good use.

trashtalk

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1967 on: March 13, 2020, 12:35:13 PM »
Speaking of libraries, ours just closed for a week. I'm very happy that we have access to good online library resources.

All local museums seem to have closed and I expect my choir and other volunteer work are cancelled for the next month, so those online books and audiobooks will be put to good use.
Yep. Khan Academy is free and brilliant. I won't have any problems working on math with my kids during "social distancing."

sui generis

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1968 on: March 13, 2020, 02:50:50 PM »
All local museums seem to have closed and I expect my choir and other volunteer work are cancelled for the next month, so those online books and audiobooks will be put to good use.

Check out this resource of 12 world famous museums offering virtual tours.  Looks fun! https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1969 on: March 13, 2020, 03:00:32 PM »
All local museums seem to have closed and I expect my choir and other volunteer work are cancelled for the next month, so those online books and audiobooks will be put to good use.

Check out this resource of 12 world famous museums offering virtual tours.  Looks fun! https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

That's awesome! Thanks.

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1970 on: March 14, 2020, 09:50:24 AM »
Currently knitting a sweater sleeve and listening to Tchaikovsky on internet radio. This is the first Saturday in ages without any plans or reason to be somewhere other than my house.

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1971 on: March 15, 2020, 11:44:31 AM »
Husband found some tamales for Christmas in the freezer. Yay for festive brunch!

Freedomin5

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1972 on: March 15, 2020, 11:59:55 AM »
DD’s birthday lunch/party was cancelled due to the virus. We invited one family over to our place, and in keeping with our “balloon” theme, we made paper (round) link chains, served round foods, made cake pops, put the loot bags in a giant round Easter eggs, and now the kids are outside having a blast on a scavenger hunt.

mspym

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1973 on: March 17, 2020, 07:03:34 PM »
Running with our dog this morning and there was a wee nighthawk moth flying around her head for a couple of blocks. It was like a reskinned Spiro the Dragon.

lazycow

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1974 on: March 17, 2020, 11:42:32 PM »
Tending to my indoor plants.
Noticing some are.ready to repot and divide so new plants for free!  Great to give as presents as well.

Linea_Norway

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1975 on: March 18, 2020, 10:31:30 AM »
About three weeks ago, I bought three bunches of flowers to make the house representable for the sale with public viewing. Today, all the flowers are still looking representable, although it might not last so long anymore. I bought three bunches for the price of two.

Things have improved. In the past, about twenty years ago, flowers in Norway hardly lasted for five days.

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1976 on: March 18, 2020, 10:57:37 AM »
Leftover corned beef from last night’s St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

Trifle

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1977 on: March 18, 2020, 03:48:29 PM »
Running with our dog this morning and there was a wee nighthawk moth flying around her head for a couple of blocks. It was like a reskinned Spiro the Dragon.

I have no idea what this means, @mspym, and it still makes me happy.  :)

GuitarStv

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1978 on: March 18, 2020, 04:54:18 PM »
Not being under total lockdown makes me happy.  I suspect that things will get stifiling if/when that comes around.

AnnaGrowsAMustache

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1979 on: March 18, 2020, 05:33:12 PM »
About three weeks ago, I bought three bunches of flowers to make the house representable for the sale with public viewing. Today, all the flowers are still looking representable, although it might not last so long anymore. I bought three bunches for the price of two.

Things have improved. In the past, about twenty years ago, flowers in Norway hardly lasted for five days.

Has your water been chlorinated in those 20 years?

mspym

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1980 on: March 18, 2020, 09:31:42 PM »
Running with our dog this morning and there was a wee nighthawk moth flying around her head for a couple of blocks. It was like a reskinned Spiro the Dragon.

I have no idea what this means, @mspym, and it still makes me happy.  :)
Haha, very old school game in which you were a super cute dragon running around, with a health dragonfly, fighting Napoleonic frogs. There are probably playthroughs somewhere on YouTube but maybe I should let the memory stand. It may not have aged well.

imadandylion

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1981 on: March 19, 2020, 11:14:17 AM »
Not using the heater, even though I'm freezing my ass off and sometimes my hands and feet get a bit numb even with the socks on. :P It's that satisfaction of not having a $200/mo bill and not waking up completely dried out.

Linea_Norway

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1982 on: March 19, 2020, 01:01:33 PM »
I found a new (for me) mushroom species today. Edible, so I had them for dinner.

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1983 on: March 19, 2020, 01:46:58 PM »
One of my pet rabbits just hopped into my office and circled my chair to remind me that it is afternoon feeding time. He's so cute and completely oblivious to the world situation. As long as he's fed regularly, he's a happy boy.

ETA: Also, Classic FM is playing the full choral version of Borodin's Polovtsian Dances, which is one of my favorite pieces to perform. It's bittersweet because my director just cancelled our choral season due to COVID-19.
« Last Edit: March 19, 2020, 02:51:13 PM by OtherJen »

Trifle

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1984 on: March 20, 2020, 07:24:55 AM »
This morning I saw a male cardinal courtship-feeding his mate.  So sweet!

middo

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1985 on: March 20, 2020, 02:27:41 PM »
I was.mowing the lawn yesterday afternoon and a kookaburra followed me around, looking for bugs to eat.  I passes within a metre of it a number of times.  Such a confident bird.

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1986 on: April 01, 2020, 02:05:17 PM »
In the interest of trying to remain cognizant that not everything is terrible all the time, I figured it was time to give this thread a bump.

I made a batch of fresh guacamole this morning.

I just finished a good vocal warm-up/workout and am trying to do those most days so I'm not out of shape when my choirs are eventually able to resume.

I'm done knitting husband's sweater. Now I just have to wash and block it, seam the armholes, finish the cuffs, and weave in the loose ends.

Freedomin5

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1987 on: April 01, 2020, 10:48:45 PM »
The smell of fresh-baked brownies in the air.

Trifle

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1988 on: April 02, 2020, 05:18:47 AM »
DH made some beehive parts for me in his wood shop and I treated them with pure linseed oil.  I loved the gift from DH, I love the process of oiling wood, and I love the smell of linseed oil -- it's like cucumbers. 

Frugal Lizard

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1989 on: April 02, 2020, 09:51:19 AM »
sweeping off the deck in the sunshine.

Dancin'Dog

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1990 on: April 02, 2020, 04:35:19 PM »
I just scored a deal on a Total Gym.  I'd been looking at them, but didn't pull the trigger.  Then a couple of days ago I found a like-new one on Nextdoor for a great price. 

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1991 on: April 02, 2020, 05:01:39 PM »
The weather was amazing today, after several days of chilly gloom. It was nice to get out in the sunshine.

okisok

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1992 on: April 02, 2020, 05:21:44 PM »
Being safe at home during self-quarantine. It's amazing how little money I need to spend to take care of myself when I just stay home.

lazycow

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1993 on: April 02, 2020, 09:26:08 PM »
Having weekly catchups on Zoom with my dear group of girfriends. We are scattered all over Australia and it is rare to have all 8 of us gather IRL.

Freedomin5

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1994 on: April 03, 2020, 05:01:02 PM »
Planning our balcony garden. We are a bit late to the game since we are under mandatory quarantine, but we are planning to buy seedlings and young plants of whatever stuff is still for sale next week. So far, tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, mint, and kale are on our list.

mspym

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1995 on: April 03, 2020, 05:03:51 PM »
A new stripey strap for my bag. More comfortable, I can make it exactly the right length, and it adds some hues that extend the range of clothes I can wear the bag with. Also buying vintage bags for almost no money and then rehabbing them. It's just very satisfying to take something that looked sad and worn and making it beautiful again.

Gerard

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1996 on: April 03, 2020, 05:48:12 PM »
The smell of garlic cooking.
Being out of quarantine and going for a walk!
Figuring out Bibim Bop.

okisok

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1997 on: April 03, 2020, 06:04:39 PM »
Having weekly catchups on Zoom with my dear group of girfriends. We are scattered all over Australia and it is rare to have all 8 of us gather IRL.

Spent two hours this morning on Zoom with four other women I'm in a group with. Same here, that we would never be able to schedule all of us together at one time before quarantine. I reset my gratitude meter every day by reminding myself of the positives in this new normal.

Just Joe

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1998 on: April 03, 2020, 10:18:47 PM »
Rode my bike for the first time since cold weather. It was bliss...

OtherJen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1999 on: April 03, 2020, 10:41:03 PM »
Having weekly catchups on Zoom with my dear group of girfriends. We are scattered all over Australia and it is rare to have all 8 of us gather IRL.

Spent two hours this morning on Zoom with four other women I'm in a group with. Same here, that we would never be able to schedule all of us together at one time before quarantine. I reset my gratitude meter every day by reminding myself of the positives in this new normal.

Yes! I had a virtual happy hour with a few dear friends tonight via Zoom. It was almost as good as seeing them in person. I think I'm going to try to set up a Zoom family visit for my MIL's birthday this month so we can also loop in my SIL and her family.