Author Topic: Cheap Things That Make You Happy  (Read 939058 times)

Extramedium

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2600 on: November 14, 2021, 10:25:34 AM »
Not sure if it's cheap enough for the Mustache crowd, but just got my first tattoo (age 51) for $140, including tip.  I've been thinking of getting one since about age 21, when the cost would have broken me for a pay period or two.

slackmax

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2601 on: November 14, 2021, 11:51:43 AM »
A walk around my neighborhood to look for any interesting changes, and a possible socializing opportunity or two.   

Gerard

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2602 on: November 15, 2021, 06:34:39 PM »
My sweetie and I are continuing our plan to visit every library in our town's system (and explore the surrounding neighbourhoods a little while we're there). We added two more today, got some good books, and hit up a nearby Asian superstore for some great cheap meat and interesting produce.

bmjohnson35

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2603 on: November 15, 2021, 08:16:42 PM »

 I use a binder clip as a cheap money clip for cash and cards. I have "retired" my wallet.


srrb

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2604 on: November 15, 2021, 11:24:03 PM »
Walks with friends, making bread, watching my son's ship come into the harbour, the cup of coffee DH brings me in bed every morning, cat on my lap, reading the threads here ... so many things!

Extramedium

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2605 on: November 20, 2021, 04:19:06 PM »
Fire in the fireplace, reading, helping DD with math homework.  Mahler Symphony No. 5 in C Sharp Minor.

House clean (confession, living room clean).

Kris

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2606 on: November 20, 2021, 04:32:29 PM »
Looking out our sunroom window in the morning, cat on my lap and coffee in my hand, as the sun rises.

pbkmaine

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2607 on: November 20, 2021, 04:56:12 PM »
Watching college football on my antenna TV.

srrb

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2608 on: November 20, 2021, 05:16:06 PM »
I'll add a crisp fall day getting firewood. The hardwork is enjoyable and good for keeping this middle-aged body in decent shape, the wood heat in the winter is so comfortable, and it seems like a bonus that I save $$.

lemanfan

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2609 on: November 21, 2021, 01:13:33 AM »
Changing to a new watch strap on my wrist watch. Or a "new for the season" at least - I have a few.

FIRE Artist

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2610 on: December 01, 2021, 08:42:53 PM »
I may have mentioned this before, but I derive a strange joyful satisfaction from using something up completely or wearing something out until it fails, and also seeing how far I can stretch something out.  I am nearing the end of my current tube of toothpaste and I am already anticipating the last squeeze I can possibly get out of it.


Freedomin5

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2611 on: December 02, 2021, 04:09:00 AM »
Putting up our Christmas tree with homemade ornaments, homemade hot chocolate, listening to Christmas music while DD prances around the living room pretending to be a dancer.

dandypandys

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2612 on: December 02, 2021, 06:42:27 AM »
spraying a little catnip on a piece of cardboard and watching my middle-aged cats behave like their kitten selves. Better than tv.

Dicey

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2613 on: December 02, 2021, 07:14:41 AM »
I may have mentioned this before, but I derive a strange joyful satisfaction from using something up completely or wearing something out until it fails, and also seeing how far I can stretch something out.  I am nearing the end of my current tube of toothpaste and I am already anticipating the last squeeze I can possibly get out of it.
You squeeze it and then cut it open, riiight?

RetiredAt63

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2614 on: December 02, 2021, 10:23:53 AM »
I may have mentioned this before, but I derive a strange joyful satisfaction from using something up completely or wearing something out until it fails, and also seeing how far I can stretch something out.  I am nearing the end of my current tube of toothpaste and I am already anticipating the last squeeze I can possibly get out of it.
You squeeze it and then cut it open, riiight?

Don't know about FIRE Artist, but when I have squeezed out all the toothpaste there is no point cutting it open.  ;-)

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2615 on: December 02, 2021, 02:52:06 PM »
I get a couple more toothbrushings out of the tube after squeezing it (using toothbrush to flatten) and then cutting it open. There's a lot of toothpaste left in there!

E.T.

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2616 on: December 02, 2021, 04:02:12 PM »
Watching the progress of my garden since I planted it last spring. The initial planting wasn't as cheap as I planned but all the enjoyment since then has been free. I take pictures each week so I can eventually make a little video of a few years of growth. It's a nice long form creative outlet.

stoaX

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2617 on: December 02, 2021, 05:53:15 PM »
I get a couple more toothbrushings out of the tube after squeezing it (using toothbrush to flatten) and then cutting it open. There's a lot of toothpaste left in there!

I do the same thing.  It probably makes no difference in the grand scheme of things, but it is gratifying! 

FIRE Artist

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2618 on: December 02, 2021, 07:30:57 PM »
I may have mentioned this before, but I derive a strange joyful satisfaction from using something up completely or wearing something out until it fails, and also seeing how far I can stretch something out.  I am nearing the end of my current tube of toothpaste and I am already anticipating the last squeeze I can possibly get out of it.
You squeeze it and then cut it open, riiight?

I don’t need to, I can typically get several more brushing out of the tube after I have flattened the body of the tube by working my way around the collar (I use an electric toothbrush so use only a pea size per brushing, it takes me a looong time to empty a tube of toothpaste).  Then, once that method yields no fruit, for the final brushing, I press as hard as I can on the center of the neck, and actually dig the toothpaste out of the end with my toothbrush.

For my art paint tubes, which are still made out of aluminum, I have a tube crimper and I basically use the same method, but get the super gratifying satisfaction of periodically crimping the tube from the bottom and squeezing all the remaining paint up to the top of the tube. For expensive pigments I will cut the tube open, just in case there are some dregs left, but usually there is not much left at all, it typically isn’t worth if for oil paints, but watercolours can be enough to use for a painting.   


gooki

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2619 on: December 03, 2021, 01:22:30 AM »
Fishing. $20 Kids uglystik rod, $20 Daiwa reel, $3 lure. Hundreds of hours of fun outdoors, food for the table, and a few laughs as serious fisherman with their $$$$ setups watch in awe.

Metalcat

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2620 on: December 03, 2021, 07:42:38 AM »
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste

Dicey

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2621 on: December 03, 2021, 09:22:53 AM »
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste
A while back, I got a screaming deal on fancy imported tomato paste in metal tubes. I've been using the toothpaste crimper on them, but what a pain in the ass! I'll never buy those again. Good thing the lesson was learned with something that cost $1.00. Alas, I bought 12 of them. Nine down, three to go...

FIREin2018

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2622 on: December 05, 2021, 12:16:59 PM »
Post covid vaccine, I've been traveling alot.
One unexpected thing that i noticeably enjoyed was rain shower heads.

Something like this ($10):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/313043542822



But i wanted a square one so ordered one from Lowes ($15).
(Still waiting...)
« Last Edit: December 05, 2021, 03:07:06 PM by FIREin2018 »

Dicey

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2623 on: December 05, 2021, 02:54:45 PM »
Post covid, I've been traveling alot.
What is this "post covid" thing you speak of?

FIREin2018

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2624 on: December 05, 2021, 03:07:36 PM »
Post covid, I've been traveling alot.
What is this "post covid" thing you speak of?
heh.. ok, edited to say post covid vaccine

Siebrie

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2625 on: December 10, 2021, 04:58:53 AM »
Repurposing the parts of my cheapie plastic greenhouse into a fruitcage (the metal tubes and plastic connectors; summer) and leafcage (the wire shelves; autumn).
I've been lusting after a proper fruitcage ever since I became aware of its existence, then last year my brain actually engaged and I realised I could build one with the bits and pieces I had stored in the garage attic!

Trifle

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2626 on: December 10, 2021, 05:59:57 AM »
A spoonful of vanilla ice cream stirred into a hot cup of coffee. 

Metalcat

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2627 on: December 10, 2021, 07:08:04 AM »
The property I'm closing on shortly.

friedmmj

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2628 on: December 10, 2021, 07:18:57 AM »
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste

What's that?


GuitarStv

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2630 on: December 10, 2021, 07:34:39 AM »
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste

What's that?

https://www.amazon.ca/Chengu-Toothpaste-Squeezer-Dispenser-Bathroom/dp/B07MSF4WHY/ref=asc_df_B07MSF4WHY/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459459417351&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18223927570957434607&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000665&hvtargid=pla-617323110206&psc=1

Put the bottom of the tube of toothpaste in the palm of your hand.  Push the palm of your hand against the edge of your bathroom counter, and slowly draw it down so that the remaining toothpaste is squeezed to the top.

There - saved you 11$ and saved the environment from one more useless bit of plastic.

:P

friedmmj

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2631 on: December 10, 2021, 07:53:57 AM »
Those crimpers exits for toothpaste

What's that?

https://www.amazon.ca/Chengu-Toothpaste-Squeezer-Dispenser-Bathroom/dp/B07MSF4WHY/ref=asc_df_B07MSF4WHY/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459459417351&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18223927570957434607&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000665&hvtargid=pla-617323110206&psc=1

Put the bottom of the tube of toothpaste in the palm of your hand.  Push the palm of your hand against the edge of your bathroom counter, and slowly draw it down so that the remaining toothpaste is squeezed to the top.

There - saved you 11$ and saved the environment from one more useless bit of plastic.

:P

LOL...I could use one of these for my bladder.

WSUCoug1994

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2632 on: December 10, 2021, 08:53:43 AM »
When you get all the toothpaste out - send all of your dental "trash" here https://oralb.com/en-us/recycling/ they even take used floss. 

Love,

Mother Earth

FIREin2018

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2633 on: December 14, 2021, 12:29:31 PM »
Post covid vaccine, I've been traveling alot.
One unexpected thing that i noticeably enjoyed was rain shower heads.

Something like this ($10):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/313043542822



But i wanted a square one so ordered one from Lowes ($15).
(Still waiting...)
Installed it into my small stand alone shower.
It looks huge and ridiculous in that small space.
Maybe if I had a bath tub/shower combo.

Returning it
« Last Edit: December 14, 2021, 12:31:36 PM by FIREin2018 »

BussoV6

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2634 on: December 15, 2021, 03:35:22 AM »
Post covid vaccine, I've been traveling alot.
One unexpected thing that i noticeably enjoyed was rain shower heads.

Something like this ($10):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/313043542822



But i wanted a square one so ordered one from Lowes ($15).
(Still waiting...)
Installed it into my small stand alone shower.
It looks huge and ridiculous in that small space.
Maybe if I had a bath tub/shower combo.

Returning it

I installed a large square rain shower head and I absolutely love it. It has 225 little nozzles (15 X 15). Mind you, when I redid the bathroom, I made the shower space quite large, 5 ft X 5 ft.

parkerk

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2635 on: December 16, 2021, 11:02:25 AM »
Watching my cat chase a crumpled-up paper bag around the house like a wild thing for a solid 10 minutes.  Who needs cat toys anyways? 

Metalcat

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2636 on: December 16, 2021, 11:07:42 AM »
Not being addicted to expensive, toxic substances.

I've been to several events recently with smokers/drinkers, and it's astounding how much money I save by NOT poisoning myself daily.

LD_TAndK

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2637 on: December 16, 2021, 02:28:21 PM »
Scoop yourself a big ol' spoonful of peanut butter and savor it while enjoying this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iUduCtx7cA&ab_channel=DiscoveryUK

Extramedium

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2638 on: December 28, 2021, 02:53:20 PM »
The satisfaction of a sidewalk free of snow and ice.

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2639 on: December 29, 2021, 07:51:03 AM »
Getting a new library card and finding books friends have recommended in the collection. And the books are available too!

I definitely prefer "real" books to e-books, but the ease of borrowing from miles away is immense.

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2640 on: December 29, 2021, 09:31:41 AM »
For Christmas, DW got me a novel I read as a kid.  A Gordon Dickson sci-fi book from ...I'm guessing the 70's.  Used paperbacks like that are usually $0.01 + $4 shipping or so, and I got a good few hours of enjoyment out of it, curled up on a sofa on a quiet-ish Sunday afternoon.

Trifle

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2641 on: December 29, 2021, 10:56:04 AM »
I sometimes write out to-do lists.  In pencil.  I discovered recently that it felt really good to erase completed items rather than crossing them off.   For some weird reason it’s much more satisfying. 

Dee_the_third

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2642 on: January 29, 2022, 07:07:29 AM »
I recently put some of my rarely-used kitchen appliances into storage as part of new year decluttering/cleaning efforts. The 'extra' counter space feels so liberating! (next step is biting the bullet and actually donating them, but we're working up to that 😬)

FIREin2018

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2643 on: January 31, 2022, 12:23:25 PM »
For Christmas, DW got me a novel I read as a kid.  A Gordon Dickson sci-fi book from ...I'm guessing the 70's.  Used paperbacks like that are usually $0.01 + $4 shipping or so, and I got a good few hours of enjoyment out of it, curled up on a sofa on a quiet-ish Sunday afternoon.
Dorsai?

FIREin2018

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2644 on: January 31, 2022, 12:29:44 PM »
socks.

over the years, my socks have been worn thru and so i throw them away once a hole appears.
it's down to the point of timing laundry because i'm down to 1 or 2 pairs of clean socks.
The mental effort of keeping track is not worth it when they're so cheap. (12pack of socks at walmart for $10)

next up: t-shirts
most of my tshirts have pit stains. i guess im getting old because it's starting to bother me.
waiting for hanes/fruit-of-the-loom to have their annual sale with or walmart carries the '+2 free' tshirts package
« Last Edit: January 31, 2022, 12:31:53 PM by FIREin2018 »

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2645 on: January 31, 2022, 01:24:19 PM »
For Christmas, DW got me a novel I read as a kid.  A Gordon Dickson sci-fi book from ...I'm guessing the 70's.  Used paperbacks like that are usually $0.01 + $4 shipping or so, and I got a good few hours of enjoyment out of it, curled up on a sofa on a quiet-ish Sunday afternoon.
Dorsai?
Of that series, indeed.  Tactics of Mistake.  My older sister had a bookshelf of sci-fi and fantasy books that she left behind when she went to college, and I absolutely devoured them.

Dee_the_third

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2646 on: January 31, 2022, 03:22:11 PM »
Today's free thrill: cruising on my bike past the Tesla stopped as a red light hohoho

Siebrie

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2647 on: February 01, 2022, 03:11:20 AM »
next up: t-shirts
most of my tshirts have pit stains. i guess im getting old because it's starting to bother me.
waiting for hanes/fruit-of-the-loom to have their annual sale with or walmart carries the '+2 free' tshirts package

Pit stains can be removed by washing with white dishwasher soap (or a tablet in the bottom of the washing machine). It can also help to put them out in the sunshine after washing, when still wet. The sunlight is a bleacher.

FIREin2018

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2648 on: February 01, 2022, 08:29:07 AM »
For Christmas, DW got me a novel I read as a kid.  A Gordon Dickson sci-fi book from ...I'm guessing the 70's.  Used paperbacks like that are usually $0.01 + $4 shipping or so, and I got a good few hours of enjoyment out of it, curled up on a sofa on a quiet-ish Sunday afternoon.

Dorsai?
Of that series, indeed.  Tactics of Mistake.  My older sister had a bookshelf of sci-fi and fantasy books that she left behind when she went to college, and I absolutely devoured them.
lol.. i sorta guessed right. i should buy a lotto tix.

you only read Tactics?
none of the 3 previous books in the Childe Cycle arc? (Dorsai being the 1st book in that series)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childe_Cycle

Too bad the author died before releasing the final book.  :(
« Last Edit: February 01, 2022, 08:33:41 AM by FIREin2018 »

NearlyThere

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2649 on: February 01, 2022, 09:37:36 AM »
Very basic, but a runny yoke on a perfectly cooked poached egg makes me smile every time