Each podcast lasts about 20-25 minutes and Gretchen and her sister, Elizabeth Craft, will typically discuss simple tips and tricks you can implement in your daily life to encourage happiness. In one podcast, they discuss indulging in a “modest splurge” as a way to increase personal happiness. A modest splurge, by their definition, is something quite small that brings you great joy. It may be something you buy, but it may also be something you don’t usually take the time to do that doesn’t cost any money at all! Some examples of indulging in a modest splurge might include buying yourself a new snazzy notebook, taking time to reread a favorite childhood book, etc.
It made me think about small things I do in my own life to boost my happiness… Things that are fairly small and almost disproportionate in the level of happiness they bring me in my life.
Below you will find a few “modest splurges” that I occasionally indulge in that came to the top of my mind. Some cost a small amount of money, but many are free! I’d also love to hear about little things you do in your life that bring you joy. Feel free to share your “modest splurges” in the comments section of this post!
Little Indulgences That Make Me Happier
- A New Candle
I absolutely love candles. They make our house feel cozy and the scent of vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin or pine never fails to make me feel more relaxed and just plain happy. For the longest time, I would buy candles and save them, only lighting my candles during special occasions. This slowly began to change after I read The Happiness Project and the book encouraged readers to actually use the things we’re saving for something special, like writing a note on our “fancy stationary” or wearing that cute dress you’re saving for a special event. I’ve started burning my candles more regularly and truly do believe they make me just a little bit happier!
- Fresh Flowers
During the summer months, there is a hydrangea in our yard that blooms the most beautiful blue flowers. This year, we started picking them on occasion and putting them in a small vase or mason jar to enjoy in our home. Fresh flowers from our yard or a bouquet of beautiful field flowers from the farmer’s market brighten up our house and make me smile.
- Painting My Nails
If I have the chance to actually get out of the house and get a pedicure, that’s all the better, but whenever I have the chance to paint my nails, I feel a little more put together and a little bit happier. Though it doesn’t take long to paint my nails, I know I have to set aside some time to allow them to dry, so to me, painting my nails means slowing down and relaxing for a bit, usually on the couch with Ryan while we watch a movie or favorite TV show together.
- Special Coffee
Buying a specialty coffee drink from a local coffee shop or Starbucks makes me a little too happy, but so does fancying up a cup of coffee at home with frothed milk or coconut cream and cinnamon. It’s something I don’t take the time to do every day, so when I do put a little extra effort in to making myself a special cup of coffee, it makes my morning a little bit happier!
- Reading
Ever since I was a little girl, reading has brought me so much joy. Something about curling up under a cozy blanket with a good book makes a happy calm come over my body like no other!
- Watching Stand Up Comedy
Ryan and I love watching stand up comedy and when we find a new comedian to watch who cracks us up, there’s nothing better! (I’m always open to recommendations, so if there’s a comedian out there who you love that I should check out, please let me know. Bonus points if they’re on Netflix!) Laughing with my husband brings me so much joy and the fun often continues when we find ourselves quoting some of our favorite comedians for years to come. (Any other Aziz Ansari fans out there? Ryan and I say “Unsubscribe” to each other all the time. Ha!)
Question of the Day
- Tell me about one of the little things you indulge in on occasion that brings you joy. What are some of your modest splurges?
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100% agree with the candle thing – I used to “save” them for special nights or when people were coming over. Now I burn them just about every night. I even keep one on my desk to burn while I’m working!
Reading while sipping a cup of coffee is the #1 thing that makes my mornings. I go into the day with a much better attitude when I start it that way. And watching the sun set is my favorite way to bring the day to a close!
John Mulaney has a stand-up special called New In Town and it’s on Netflix! I was crying from laughing so hard while watching, so I’d definitely recommend checking it out : )
My husband introduced me to Gold Canyon candles – oh my gosh! These are the best, and we just had our “fall favorites” arrive. Our house smells amazing right now!
I have been loving hikes after work with the pup this week. The colors are just starting to change in west Michigan, and it’s still warm out in the early evening to get a couple miles in on the trails! Something I love to do up until we “fall back” an hour and it’s dark by the time I get home.
Wait – I love everything about this post. I may have to think more about this and use the topic on my blog (I’ll give you credit, but let me know if that’s not okay with you!!)
Little splurges in my life – I’m TOTALLY on board with fresh flowers. When I buy new bouquets, I love to put them in the heart of our home to bring a little extra life to the space! I also LOVE “traditions.” Whether it’s watching a show my fiancé and I watch each week, stopping by a local bar that we pop by for happy hour once/week, or watering my plant that I’ve had for 6 years. (Totally weird, I know, but you asked, ha!) And lastly, I LOVE a clean home. It makes me feel more “grown up,” ha!
For stand up comedy, we randomly went to go see Steve Rannazzisi live here in Denver (he’s a main character on The League, as well as in the Buffalo Wild Wings commercials) and he was HILARIOUS! Not sure how his recorded shows are, but he might be worth checking out. 🙂
I love this post! I, too, save candles, and I finding myself asking the same thing…why?? I especially love fall scented candles. It’s the little things in life as you say. I live in a college town in California, and the campus I live by is absolutely gorgeous! It is especially gorgeous in the fall when all the trees change colors! I love just simply walking my baby and dog around the campus, and it brings me so much joy. I also love a hot cup of morning coffee on my porch or a glass of wine in the evenings. Most recently, I love rocking my baby girl, and I find so much joy in the quiet time with me and her. Thanks Julie for sharing this!
Being a Trained Life Coach I preach this all the time! I write for a newspaper and I encouraged a 15 minute challenge to do something for you everyday.
We all have 15 minutes!
Love to have you do it and let me know how it went. http://cf.telegram.com/submissions/blogs.cfm?record_id=1094938
Iliza Schlesinger. She won her season of Last Comic Standing and now has two specials on Netflix, the latest being Freezing Hot. You can also catch her on Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me. And she has a new TV show that will be coming out soon! (We grew up together so it’s been fun watching her level of success grow!)
Taking a bath…without a toddler ?
Anjelah Johnson (who does the Bon Qui Qui character) has a hilarious standup on Netflix.
Her nail salon bit is so funny
I’m the same with the speciality coffee! I always stick to the same thing every morning, so to be able to switch it up and enjoy something nicer is such a good feeling!
I’ve recently gotten better at not saving things and using them instead. Although it’s not in my budget right now, I used to really enjoy fresh flowers. There’s something about having beauty from the outdoors inside that I just love.
I used to only save things for special occasions too and feel guilty for them if I did them regularly, but now I treat myself ALL THE TIME! And it makes every day happier. I light candles every morning before work and take a bath a few times a week.
I love this post! I like to get a candle here and there along with some new lotion (mostly from Bath and Body Works). I used to be a landscaper so flowers are a must.
I’ll never forget a while back when my husband first got a job after law school, when I bought new roasting pans. Sounds ridiculous, but we had been living on pennies for years, and although new pans literally only cost like $5 it always seemed like I needed to make do with what we had. Even if they were old and crusty (eww). When I bought new pans I learned a valuable lesson that sometimes it’s worth it to buy the little things that make you so much happier, even if they are considered indulgences!
Latest Post: Losing Your Identity…And Trying To Find It Again ~ http://thebarnnc.blogspot.com
A trip to Target or Wholefoods just to look around, clean bed sheets, and evening walks with my husband 🙂
spiced coffee and candles always make my day a little better too!
Fresh flowers make me so happy, too! Especially since we live in a condo so we don’t have a yard to enjoy.
Comedy-wise, if you haven’t watched Jim Gaffigan’s “Mr. Universe” it’s on Netflix (or at least it was…I assume it’s still there!). He’s hilarious, and his comedy is clean which I always find impressive! Hubs and I are constantly quoting him.
We also just watched the Brian Regan special on Comedy Central which was fantastic. That was only on a week or two ago though, so definitely not on Netflix yet.
You should definitely watch Jim Gaffigan on Netflix!
And tonight I’m going to burn the candle I’ve been “saving” for almost a year!
I so love this post and share so many of your favorites. In addition to reading novels at bedtime, I have to admit I’m an old school magazine junkie! I start my day by taking my first cup of coffee back into bed and curl up for a half an hour of devotional first, then magazine articles. Real Simple, Garden and Gun, HGTV, and Runners World are some of my favorites.
I love a quick little indulgence! My favorite is a new body wash and scented lotion, something I don’t spend a lot of money on but is always so fun to have every few months.
When you mentioned Happier I immediately downloaded and love it on my long Atlanta traffic commutes. I would love a book of the try it at home tips! My happy tip is SOCKS! My feet are always cold, so in each car and in my cubby by the couch, I keep a pair of fuzzy warm socks. I instantly feel better. I even keep a pair at work so slip on under my desk.
You might like Jen Kirkman – her new special is on Netflix!
We have similar taste- I was shaking my head on most of these! I too love fresh flowers, candles and good coffee. I have recently started to paint my nails myself more often and it just makes me feel good. I also like to indulge on a nice bottle of wine for a date night in on the weekends. Date night ins are a must when you have two littles.
In addition to reading, special coffee on the weekends, having my nails done, and fresh flowers a free splurge that I don’t do often enough is stretch/roll out for 15 minutes after working out. I always seem to be rushing to the next thing and don’t take the time to stope, stretch, roll and listen to mellow music even though it makes me SO darn happy!
I really enjoyed reading this post. One of my favorite things to do is to make my own pumpkin spice tea by mixing pureed pumpkin, hot cocoa, chai tea and milk. I even top it off with whip cream and cinnamon. Another little thing I enjoy doing is watching Harry Potter marathons. I just cannot get over all that Harry Potter magic. I think the last time we had a Harry Potter marathon at the house was during last summer break. I got my little boys in on this too. This time I’m waiting for the holidays so when the Harry Potter marathons come on TV we’ll be watching 🙂
I have been listening to the Happiness Project podcast after you mentioned and I totally love it!
Wow I can relate so much to your list! I find so much pleasure in lighting candles, having fresh flowers, making my nails look nice, and sipping delicious lattes or coffees. You inspired me to continue reading my copy of “the happiness project”! I began reading a year ago and got busy and stopped (only got through a chapter or so) but it sounds like it is worth the read! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
I love that concept! Every once in a while, I treat myself to Starbucks, especially after a crazy week at work!
I 100% agree with modest splurging. I have quite a few friends who save save save and I’m like WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU SAVING FOR haha. {please don’t answer “the future”} While I am a bit more “in the moment” than most people, I do think long-term (sometimes hah) and save money and plans and whatnot. But I think it is SO important to live a little. The small pleasures in life (along with TAKING THE TIME to do them) can be so gratifying. Amen to this post.
Paint those nails Julie….LIVE IT UP 😉
Lovely post – a lot of what was mentioned is what I’d choose too 🙂 Recently on Friday after work I’ll go to a Starbucks about 10 min away and have a tea and read.
Buying new toys for my dog is always fun for me. My dog always gets so excited when he has something new to play with, and I can’t help but smile as he runs around the house with his new toy.
I am listening to that podcast as well and I seriously love it! I was a huge fan of the book and when you mentioned there was a podcast I immediately subscribed! I have been listening to it at work and it is a great way to pass a little bit of time 🙂
I thought I was the only one who saved candles but I totally do this! I really have no good reason to save them because you can get candles for pretty cheap and I LOVE sitting in our house with cadles lit. Especially this time of year!
I think my little indugence would be to take a bath 2-3x a week. My husband and I have pretty high demand jobs and normally when we are both home we want to spend as much time together as possible. However, I am a person that needs a little alone time. Thankfully my husband is so supportive of that and while he is watching Netflix I will pop in the bath for a short soak and it helps me relax and ultimately be happier.
BTW I love that Sally Hansen Gel polish! It stays so long and who has time to paint their nails every other day?
I loooove Happier! I find myself thinking about those small indulgences a lot. Another favorite of mine was the podcast where Gretchen & Elizabeth discuss thinking about what you liked to do when you were 10, and how that can clear up the “what do I want to do/what do I even LIKE doing?” obstacle.
Yes to all of these! I really want to read go read Ella Enchanted now. I loved that book when I was little!
I love this post! I too am a huge fan of Gretchen’s work/books & can’t wait to start listening to her podcasts. She also has great ideas/little tips on instagram if you’re not already following her.
I too am a HUGE fan of reading as an indulgence. Getting lost in a book is one of my favorite things to do with my free alone time!
It was really nice seeing what makes everyone happy and how the little things can mean a lot. For me, having a nice, hot cup of tea makes me happy. Like some others, I also like clean sheets (esp. from the clothesline) and to relax in a warm, bubbly bath.
Beth
I loved Iliza Shlesinger: Freezing Hot on Netflix.
-Having a little dessert and cup of decaf tea at night
-Watching Sunday Morning on CBS
-Watching the New England Patriots
-I just found a perfect little cafe that makes the BEST hot chai lattes. It’s right down the street from me, and I’ve decided it will be my new Saturday morning treat
I’m so lucky there are so many things that make me happy! Thanks for the post, Julie!
I love sitting down at night and reading with a glass of wine! It helps if it is cold out and I can start a fire. It makes me very happy. Walking my dog and seeing how happy he gets in turn makes me happy as well! Thanks for the great post. I don’t think we take enough time to recognize the little things that can boost our moods.
I enjoy a lot of these same indulgences, especially the candles, fresh flowers, and reading. I also like to splurge on a fancy chocolate bar every once in awhile.
Starbucks is my little indulgence these days. I used to go more often before there was a baby to get in & out of the car. I went on Sunday for a salted caramel mocha. So good!
Ah ha ha, I quote Aziz CONSTANTLY with my bff and my husband. “That’s amazing, that’s amazing, that’s amazing!” and his quotes about okcupic (my bff is on okcupid). And of course, “unsubscribe”. I find myself even talking with his intonations whenever I’m making a similar point. LOVE him. You may also enjoy Myq Kaplan, Demetri Martin and Rodney Carrington. Rodney is HYSTERICAL. You have to give him about two minutes to warm up, and then he’s great. (All on Netflix, btw.)
Also I LOVE this post on finding small ways to make yourself happier. It’s really encouraging and a good reminder – I’ve thought of tons of little things that bring me happiness. Reading your blog every day is one. 🙂 I also love to read (and re-read favorites all the time. Currently I’m re-reading Harry Potter. You heard that right.) Talking to my friends. Sitting on the couch with my husband with our legs draped over each other. When you open a brand new tub of butter and it still has that little swirl on the top (yes, I’m thinking REALLY small little bits of happiness, but still, it counts!) Clean pillow cases. Super huge puffy clouds in the sky. And so many more that I’m sure I’m forgetting a bunch. 🙂
Love candles, reading and photography. Check out I Heart Radios comedy channel to hear a good variety and find new comedians.
Great post! I have been listening to Jillian Michaels podcasts like crazy, I will have to check this one out! Whenever I get too busy and wrapped up in my own head, I like to stop and think about little splurges. Mine would be: get something new for my apt, even if it’s a candle or a new cleaning product, have a spa-hour where I shower/face mask/paint nails/etc, have a text convo with a distant friend, get up super early on a weekend morning to sip coffee and watch DVR shows from the week/browse blogs, or setting aside special time to “deep clean” my house is a nerdy splurge! I’ve also been realizing how it’s kind of a self-care splurge to just spend the evening cuddling with the bf with no technology/distractions
A fav modest splurge is really good chocolate! I love candles, too- just be sure you’re choosing the right ones.
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Love this post! I will occasionally buy flowers for myself and it makes me so happy. I also love “splurging” on candles, trips to coffee shops, …oh, and I am addicted to nail polish. Drug store beauty products always get me! It really is so important do to little things for yourself here and there
I absolutely love burning candles!! And having flowers at home. I specially enjoy sunflowers (they were on my bouquet) so they make me remember that special day .
By the way, Julie, I was thinking about moving to a new place and thought Jacksonville or Charlotte could be great places! Any recommendation? Good neighborhoods you think are worth it?
XO
I love this post idea! I have also been listening to the Happier podcast and very much enjoying it. I would add “sleeping in” to the list of “free” things, as well as taking a hot bath! Things that are so nice but we don’t take the time to do. 🙂
Flowers always brighten my day!
I’m a big magazine reader. I find it really relaxing to sit down and flip through an issue.