Lifes little luxuries

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I'd like to talk about luxury. Or, more specifically, Luxuries. And for the purpose of this post, luxuries as I choose to see and savor them and not necessarily luxury with a price tag.

LUXURY: A state of great comfort or elegance; Oxford English Dictionary

One thing I like to luxuriate in every evening is the feeling of smoothing in my rich night cream into my freshly washed face when I get ready for bed. Admittedly, I purchased the creams initially, but rather like a cost per wear idea- once I've made that investment, I can luxuriate in the sensation of the silky smooth cream, the delicate scent and the results of my healthy nourished skin for several months after my purchase. 

Another little ritual I like to luxuriate in almost every day without fail, is taking a moment - sometimes a few moments, to step outside and drink in the morning air, the freshness and the promise of a brand new day- I enjoy it equally weather its a crisp chilly autumnal morning like today, a balmy dusky start to a sizzling summer day, or if its hammering down with rain.

Adding the finishing touches to a thoughtfully and loving prepared meal- even something as simple as steel cut oats or a salmon salad, can elevate it and create a little flutter of luxury. Enough to make us pause and appreciate these little gem moments. 

We can find pleasure, contentment and decadent luxury in so many areas if we choose to find it. In fact, if you choose to savor and enjoy some of these more "basic" everyday luxuries that some may see as ordinary- the lines happily blur between a luxury and a simple pleasure- they have the same effect on our mind, our well being and our endorphins. Its quite extraordinary if you gently let it happen....

I thought I'd keep this to a list of things I find to be nourishing and elevating; little daily or regular luxuries I enjoy and get so much pleasure from, but it might be fun for you to write your own list- think outside the box- literally! These luxuries certainly don't need to come from a package. 

1. Arranging fresh flowers in a vase to enjoy at home- from the garden or florist.

2. Sinking into a hot bath.

3. Using beautifully scented soaps and shower gels or bubble baths

4. Freshly washed and styled hair.

5. Snugging into crisp fresh bed linens. (You'll find this is a recurring theme of mine as one of my absolute favorite things!)

6. Picking any thing you've grown- a rose, a strawberry, microgreens, or a huge pumpkin.

7. Closing the cover on a book that's enraptured you and had the perfect ending.

8. A long cold glass of water.

9. Spritzing on your favorite perfume.

10. Having a manicure or pedicure- at home or in a salon.

11. taking line dried towels off the line and then wrapping yourself up in their fresh air scent after a shower.

12. Coming upstairs at night to a beautifully made, inviting bed.

13. A crisp autumn morning with a feint whiff of woodsmoke in the air.

14. The deep rumbling purr of a beloved cat.

15. Opening the fridge to see it clean, tidy and ordered and an abundance of fresh enticing produce.

16. Slipping your feet into soft warm sheepskin slippers after a long day.

17. Treating yourself to a seasonal facial.

18. liberally applying your favorite hand cream right before bed.

19. The sensation of a soft cashmere sweater or silk scarf against your skin.

20. A beautifully laid table.

21. Buring a gorgeous scented candle.

22. A decadent desert that need not be complicated or calorie laden- a kiwi fruit cut up and dipped into 2 squares of melted very dark chocolate is one of my favorites.

23. A zero inbox.

24. Climbing into a clean well maintained car.

25. Re organizing your wardrobe for the season

26. Beautifully fitted and pretty undergarments

27. A lengthy morning walk.

28. Ticking off a to do list earlier than anticipated.

29. Enjoying coffee by yourself in a cafe and just observing and people watching.

30. Waking up refreshed on a weekend morning with the day stretched out ahead of you to do with as you please. 

I could truly keep going, the more I think of the more that pops into my head. What a wonderful situation to be in. 

Just writing this has inspired me to go and sort out my bathroom drawers and re organize them as I know I will gain much satisfaction from doing so and savor the feeling of luxury when I get ready for bed later to see it all prettily arranged and ordered - displaying my luxuries ready to be used and enjoyed.