Author Topic: Cheap Things That Make You Happy  (Read 938405 times)

lifejoy

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Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« on: July 07, 2017, 07:34:26 PM »
List here. Come back as often as you like!

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2017, 07:37:59 PM »
Today I bought a foaming soap dispenser from Bath & Body Works :)

I love foaming soap, and I also love re-using the dispenser for years because you need to fill it with half water and half soap for it to work properly, so it saves me soap in the long run and I love the lack of waste and (albeit, minimal) savings.

I wash my hands many times a day so it's lovely to enjoy it.

deborah

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2017, 07:47:23 PM »
Looking out my window in the early morning or late afternoon, when shadows are long and the landscape looks gorgeous

Rowellen

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2017, 07:51:28 PM »
Listening to my children laugh together when they are playing nicely together.

ixtap

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #4 on: July 07, 2017, 07:53:19 PM »
Dancing to concerts in the park.

Biking by the water.

Curling up in the corner of the sectional.

When DH puts the dish soap bottle down and a few bubbles escape. I will even stop a rant to watch those bubbles, they are my zen and joy.

Living in a small space that means I can curl up in the corner  of the sectional and watch the dish soap bubbles at the same time :)

My volunteer position that has me spending a few hours once a month on a boat with a stopwatch.

Watching other people with colorful kites, hot air balloons or paragliding, or even brightly colored sails scooting across the water.

Laying in bed listening to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me.

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #5 on: July 07, 2017, 08:21:26 PM »
The smell of coffee as I brew it in the morning

ElleFiji

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #6 on: July 07, 2017, 08:34:54 PM »
A bath, and a free magazine from the health food store

aceyou

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2017, 09:13:34 PM »
When my children (2 and 5) use the wrong words or grammar.  For example, right now my 2 year old keeps pronouncing coffee as "fuck-ee".  Each morning my wife makes coffee and Avery is standing there and talking to her saying over and over, "mommy fuckee, mommy fuckee".  We correct her each time, but a part of us wants her to say it wrong just a bit longer.  My favorite was when we were walking at the beach in the morning, drinking coffee, and she shouted "mommy fuckee, mommy fuckee" in front of a large group of people.

Bedtime routine with DS (5).  We read 2 books, then "snuggle", which means I lay there in bed next to him for a while.  Then I tell him, alright, I need to head to bed.  And every night he says "Daddie, but I want you to snuggle just a little tiny bit longer".  And then I say "yes, but just a little tiny bit longer".  I'll be sad when he stops asking that. 

Watching someone who is the best at what they do, usually regardless of what it is.  Human potential, the human body, and the human mind is an incredible thing, and it's neat to see people who excel at different things. 

Seeing things done in an efficient manner:) 

Playing on Excel and doing my monthly net worth updates

Producing winning tennis teams as a coach. 

Sailor Sam

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #8 on: July 07, 2017, 09:45:53 PM »
When I'm browsing the "what's avaliable" section of the library, and find a book I've been waiting to read. For free! It makes the library feel like magic.

My miniature spatulas also bring me a level of joy that far outstrips their cost. They are tiny, but incredibly useful.

That moment of total zen when the ship and I are one unit, maneourvering into the dock. Not only is it free, they pay me to have this much fun.

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2017, 10:56:40 PM »
+1 to the magic of library books!

Also, I love picking blueberries in my backyard in the morning. It is bliss. One for me, one for the bucket. One for me, one for the bucket...

GreenShirt

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #10 on: July 07, 2017, 11:07:01 PM »
Walking, pretty much anywhere within reason. It's a great way to relieve stress and i love exploring new places in my city.

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #11 on: July 07, 2017, 11:17:49 PM »
Cat cuddles. They're very rare around here, since the fat bastard is an ex-feral. And I guess he's not really cheap to keep. But when he's in a cuddly mood I'll put off other things because it's just so rare! I have actually been late for work because of a cat cuddle.

fuzzy math

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #12 on: July 07, 2017, 11:31:25 PM »
Using up something to the very last bit. Especially satisfying if you want it gone, or if it's hung around for a long time.

Thinkum

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #13 on: July 07, 2017, 11:47:41 PM »
Dang, my whole life is about the cheap things that make me happy, seriously!

Some off the top of my head include:

Sleeping in when it's not my day to take le pooch out in the morning.

Listening to all kinds of good music for free on my speakah!

Making ice cream with coconut milk and whatever else, super cheap and oh so good on these hot days.

Taking le pooch hiking or to the park to play, I can't decide who likes it more, me or him. :)

Playing Fallout Shelter, because it's scratches that itch and it's free.

Playing with le petit kitty cat when she gets all frisky.

Waking up in the middle of night and having le petit cuddled by my side, pushing me aside. Warms my heart.

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #14 on: July 07, 2017, 11:56:52 PM »
@GreenShirt - omg waking! A million times yes!

And cat cuddles, human cuddles, any kind of cuddles... ahhh so nice.

I also enjoy consciously  lighting a candle. Sets a serene mood and sometimes smells quite nice.

Being given chocolate (whether as a gift or a free sample) is a special type of joy for me.

coconutindex

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #15 on: July 08, 2017, 01:04:24 AM »
Looking at the peonies my wife brought in from the garden. We're lazy gardeners but these things keep coming back each year without any effort on our part, amazing!

Adventine

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #16 on: July 08, 2017, 01:39:32 AM »
Walking through a beautiful tree-filled park on my way to the office and watching the tiny leaves float gracefully down on me.

Erma

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #17 on: July 08, 2017, 01:42:09 AM »
Swimming in the river in our village.

bludreamin

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #18 on: July 08, 2017, 03:08:13 AM »
Walk through the woods.

Waterfalls.

Naps.

Waking up in the middle of night and having le petit cuddled by my side, pushing me aside. Warms my heart.
^ this too

Dumb blonde

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #19 on: July 08, 2017, 03:58:17 AM »
Singing and making music. Playing the piano and the cajon, and best of all doing this together with my kids. However I doubt whether this is cheap. The piano cost me a fortune and music lessons weren't free either. :-)

nottoolatetostart

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #20 on: July 08, 2017, 04:37:18 AM »
Seeing my kids use their imagination with items they repurpose into whatever their heart desires. Last night, my toddlers made a tea party while I cooked dinner. Mind you, they don't have tea cups as they are little, but they used little backpacks for their plates, coloring books for a lovely tablecloth, and then they sang happy birthday to their stuffed animals. They used canned food for the candles and were deliriously excited. I love when they make stuff up. Just the simplicity of kids being kids. The giggling, smiles, joy, teamwork, and endless imagination. I never want them to stop thinking outside the box.

Quiet, peaceful coffee time alone in the morning.

A wonderful summer afternoon breeze on my back porch or front lawn, with nowhere to be.

Music. Especially free outdoor music on a gorgeous summer night (there's one tonight!)

Listening to music while bike riding.

Decluttering. Organized, clean space.

Cooking (note very different from making dinner, which is slapping something edible to eat). The smell of cilantro, garlic scapes, onions cooking, basil I guess those things aren't free.

Putting in a good day's work and accomplishing my daily goals.

Holding my toddler's hand.

Time to reflect.

Someone else said using something up and I agree. I get a weird satisfaction of using up our CSA weekly produce and making all my meals around using something up. Or, creating something out of stuff I already own. Repurposing.



StacheyStache

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #21 on: July 08, 2017, 05:06:01 AM »
Walking downstairs to get a "free" cappuccino from the apartment (I'm sure we more than pay for this in rent)

Finding a swing by the waterfront park downtown

Produce from the farmer's market

Evening walks around the apartment complex

Getting into a really good book or video game

Increasing my free weights another five pounds

Laying on the beach ten minutes away/playing in the ocean

Daydreaming with SO about our future together

Bella78

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #22 on: July 08, 2017, 05:17:55 AM »
Sitting on my back porch with a cup of  coffee.

Getting act cuddles.

Going for walk around my community on a nice sunny day.

Being out in the yard gardening.

jennifers

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #23 on: July 08, 2017, 05:18:04 AM »
Taking my dogs to the dog park and seeing how happy it makes them.
It's like Disney World for dogs but only $20 a year.

Splendid

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #24 on: July 08, 2017, 05:49:36 AM »
Sitting on my patio at dusk watching the fireflies.

Facetiming my fat little nephew and watching as he recognizes me and lights up.

Watching people do stuff they enjoy.


ender

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #25 on: July 08, 2017, 05:54:40 AM »
Being outside.

Growing things.

WhiteTrashCash

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #26 on: July 08, 2017, 06:09:00 AM »
Library books

Board games

Walks to the animal shelter at night to play laser pointer with the cats through the window

Sitting in the backyard watching the bird feeder while eating dinner

Going to Museums with free passes from the library

ambimammular

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #27 on: July 08, 2017, 08:03:39 AM »
Watching my cat wash his face

Hearing my husband grind morning coffee from my warm spot in bed

when my kids get giggly

meadowlarks

my mom's crazy excessive disorganized garden

my mom's "bee bath" (she puts water out for the nearby hive)

Halfsees

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #28 on: July 08, 2017, 09:43:52 AM »
Sitting on our deck last night looking at the moon and watching the clouds pass over it and accent the subtle ring of rainbow encircling its fullness. Did anyone else see that?

Thinkum

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #29 on: July 08, 2017, 11:14:20 AM »
Cutting herbs to cook with from our patio garden.

Watching hummingbirds fly around the water feature.

Watching le petit eat her food, nom nom nom.


spokey doke

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #30 on: July 08, 2017, 11:52:51 AM »
PBR

Firehazard

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #31 on: July 08, 2017, 12:10:00 PM »
Watching dogs play at the dog park.

Hiking in the woods and fields with the Best Black Lab in the whole world.

Propagating a whole bunch of new rose bushes from one I bought years ago.

Watching a lawn sprinkler when the light is just right.

Having my back scratched.


Rural

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #32 on: July 08, 2017, 01:58:15 PM »
Tomatoes that have regrown as volunteers for three years so far now.


Homemade bread


Dip cone from McDonalds for $1  (not sorry)


Audiobooks from the library for my commute


Dogs and cats (these are priceless at a cost I can afford)

LaineyAZ

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #33 on: July 08, 2017, 03:17:48 PM »
Chiclets multiple flavored gum, found at the Dollar store. 

Marty

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #34 on: July 08, 2017, 04:37:08 PM »
Hiking with my wife and dogs at the river

Homemade pizza

Smell of rain

Reading blogs

Making sweet tea

BTDretire

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #35 on: July 08, 2017, 04:50:30 PM »
Watching someone who is the best at what they do, usually regardless of what it is.  Human potential, the human body, and the human mind is an incredible thing, and it's neat to see people who excel at different things. 

Ooh, I forgot this one!  This experience is so satisfying and amazing.  Love it!

Some of the PEOPLE ARE AWESOME videos on Youtube show this.

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #36 on: July 08, 2017, 07:16:37 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."

Much Fishing to Do

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #37 on: July 08, 2017, 08:05:49 PM »
A game of catch with my daughter (I could do that all day)....hearing my littlest laugh....just looking at my beautiful wife and wondering how I got so lucky...a homemade beer on the back porch with friends.

SweetLife

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #38 on: July 08, 2017, 08:31:42 PM »
Sitting on the porch watching the fireflies ... happy to be alive and healthy.

FaceTime with my husband and baby ... hearing my baby is laughing and dancing after learning to "pee" on the toilet ...

Happy and sad at the same time ... counting down the 21 days until we are together again!!!

Fresh baked portuguese bread ... and the butter there .... so tasty ... and almost free ...

A fridge that makes ice cubes ... automatically :) (I'm spoiled)

Sitting down after a particularly hard day of working in the garden and realizing that my body feels good (sore) but good!!! Not like work at all :)

Hearing a friend say how much they missed me while I was gone. How nice it is to see me... makes my heart melt!
« Last Edit: July 08, 2017, 08:43:31 PM by SweetLife »

TartanTallulah

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #39 on: July 09, 2017, 02:40:55 AM »
Having a mouth (almost) full of painfree teeth. Having once had a cracked molar, I'll appreciate this for the rest of my life, or for as long as the situation lasts.
The moment in early spring when the pot of reticulata irises outside my front door comes to life.
The view from my favourite viewpoint.
Getting to the top of a long hard climb on my bike and going wheeeeeeeeeeee! down the other side.
Constructing a logical plan for dealing with a problem at work.
Warm scones with jam and cream.
Seeing a weasel dart across the road.

marty998

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #40 on: July 09, 2017, 04:06:32 AM »
Homemade hot-chocolate

Marshmellows over a fire

Oh I forgot.... reading the MMM forum ;)

Linea_Norway

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #41 on: July 09, 2017, 04:21:11 AM »
Looking out of the window watching birds or squirrels (we attract them with sunflower seeds and nesting houses).

Hiking

Reading my free Samsung deal Kindle book.

Stargazing (after the initial investment it doesn't cost to use it).

Drinking tea.

Camping in a tent in the mountains, for free.

Cross country skiing, also after initial investment. Although often we need to pay for some fuel and sometimes for parking.

HappierAtHome

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #42 on: July 09, 2017, 05:48:03 AM »
Being able to chat in real-time with a friend on the other side of the world thanks to the magic of the internet.

Seeing my baby beam up at me with a smile that melts my (normally ice-cold) heart.

Chocolate!!

Watching great TV shows online free or cheap.

Flowers in my garden and those of my neighbours.

Taking five minutes to snuggle up to my husband on the couch.

A clean toilet.

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #43 on: July 09, 2017, 09:02:03 AM »
Having a mouth (almost) full of painfree teeth. Having once had a cracked molar, I'll appreciate this for the rest of my life, or for as long as the situation lasts.
The moment in early spring when the pot of reticulata irises outside my front door comes to life.
The view from my favourite viewpoint.
Getting to the top of a long hard climb on my bike and going wheeeeeeeeeeee! down the other side.
Constructing a logical plan for dealing with a problem at work.
Warm scones with jam and cream.
Seeing a weasel dart across the road.

Oh man, gotta agree with so many of these!!!

Pain-free teeth: YES!!!!!! Ask me how I know, haha.

And warm scones with jam and cream are one of the biggest delights of my life <3

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #44 on: July 09, 2017, 09:03:52 AM »
Watching my dad watch humming birds at the humming bird feeder, as he joyfully exclaims, "Well HELLO there, little buddy!!"

lifejoy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #45 on: July 09, 2017, 09:06:46 AM »
Being able to chat in real-time with a friend on the other side of the world thanks to the magic of the internet.

+10000000000

Especially if that friend has a new baby that has her up at crazy hours that helps out the major time difference between us :)

Bird In Hand

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #46 on: July 09, 2017, 09:26:49 AM »
Sex.

Walking into a clean, uncluttered room.  Especially if it's a room in my house.  And especially if it's my bedroom, kitchen, or office.

The smell of lilacs, lily-of-the-valley, abelia, clethra, milkweed, viburnum, or whatever other pleasant spring/summer scent that may come along on the breeze.

Freshly picked fruit -- especially berries and apples.

Pulling weeds and watching bees in the garden.

Ice cream cones and s'mores in the summertime with the kids.

A campfire.

New England fall foliage.

Visiting an apple orchard in the fall.

Enjoying a really good cup of coffee with a scone or doughnut.

Sledding in the snow, and hot chocolate afterward.

Mountain vistas -- from afar and from atop.

VeggieTable

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #47 on: July 09, 2017, 09:31:40 AM »
Homemade bread. So cheap and so delicious.

Eating a home-cooked meal that tastes as good as (or better than) a restaurant meal - this always make me happy because I feel pride in something I made, I save a bunch of money, and it tastes good!

Lance Hiruma

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #48 on: July 09, 2017, 09:48:37 AM »
Library: books, DVD, CD, and nice conversation with the librarians.

ssways

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #49 on: July 09, 2017, 09:53:49 AM »
Sitting at the beach and watching the waves.