The Best Things In Life Are Free
Every so often, I’m inspired to breathe new life into my everyday routine by sprinkling in small moments of simple joy. In the fast-paced world of never-ending “newness” that we seem to live in these days, I always find it so refreshing when we create intentional ways to go about our day without feeling the need to go out and buy something. Of course, there is a moment for spending and truly appreciating those physical objects (I myself am incredibly material-obsessed) - however I think its equally important to remember that sometimes–the best things in life are free.
Recently over on IG I shared a question box on my stories, asking folks to share their favorite everyday little “free” luxuries that they incorporate into their daily lives to make them more special, joyous and appreciative for the present moment. I was so inspired by the amount (and quality) of responses I received so I thought I’d share them here!
Maybe it's the weight of feeling marketed to every waking minute, or the endless growing cost of living these days, but I find myself more and more drawn to simple everyday elevations and rituals to transform the ordinary into something noteworthy.
For me, these little actions are small yet mighty. They center around things like making our small one bedroom apartment feel more like a luxury resort when it feels anything but. Or making the everyday mundane tasks that much more enjoyable by way of simple swaps or shifts.
I will always be a believer that the best moments in life are those that are imperfect, unplanned, and a little un-aesthetic. Like spontaneous dinners with friends where the meetup is unplanned yet the vibes are immaculate and we’re cooking wherever is in the fridge while candles burn and music hums to someone's new favorite playlist. The fare is simple, yet served on beautiful dishes around a coffee table covered with an old heirloom tablecloth. The juxtaposition of mundane everyday life, with thoughtful touchpoints of elevation and intention and truly the key to enjoying the everyday.
We spend so much time chronically online - which comes with being endlessly marketed to. Endlessly hawked links, products, programs, the list goes on and on. Yet if you take anything away from this post - it is to remember that sometimes the best things in life are, in fact, free.
And so without further ado–my favorite everyday elevations!
Enjoying Morning Coffee Outdoors or By An Open Window
While it may seem overly simple - this is one of my favorite ways to set my vibe for the day. I take my coffee over to our bay window and let the cool breeze that blows off the bay refresh our living room as I sip my morning brew. Taking your coffee out to your yard and listening to the birds chirp and breeze sway the blooming garden is such a lovely way to start the day as opposed to sipping over your keyboard straight away.
Making Your Bed in a New Way
Swapping out a pillow or two will do wonders - maybe even changing your sheets over from winter thermals to spring linens.
Playing a New Playlist and Lighting the Good Candle While You Cook a Weeknight Dinner
Turn on those little ambient kitchen lights, maybe ask a friend for their faovirte cooking playlist and get some new vibes flowing as you prep dinner.
Place a Small Floral Arrangement in a New Unexpected Place
I have my go-to places in our apartment that I like to place arrangements, but recently I started placing little bud vases with on or two stems in new places. On a shelf in the hutch, or on our dresser in the bedroom or nightstand. Even in the shower if you have a small shelf out of waters way.
Plating Your Meal
I love a good prep plate. I’ll cut all of our veggies for our salad or sides for taco night and adorn them on a favorite platter to make assembly easier and that much more intentional.
Garnish Everything
A simple lemon wedge to elevate your daily water. A jalapeno slice on your margarita. A little cinnamon over your latte foam as you’re running out the door.
Take A Stroll After Dinner
As the season gets warmer and lighter, I’m a huge fan of taking after dinner neighborhood strolls with a little beverage. We’ll walk slowly, chat about our day in a more lighthearted way, and take in the beautiful weather, blooming flowers and the charm of our neighborhood.
Fold Your Bathroom Towels Like A Hotel
Doesn’t have to be a crazy swan fold, but a simple elegant fold will do wonders for the overall look and feel of your bathroom. In my opinion, its the equivalent of making your bed.
Give Yourself Tea Service in Bed
Treat yourself to a hotel-inspired tradition with your own at-home tea service. Break out one of your favorite trays, use the special mug or cup and saucer and put the kettle on. Get creative with a snack or sweet treat alongside.
A Long Everything Shower By Candlelight
Turn the lights off, and shower by only candlelight. This is a favorite ritual of time to help wind down in the evenings when I’ve had a long day and want to let my eyes adjust into a darker scene. Something about turning the lights off and allowing the candlelight take over makes me feel like I’m on vacation. Use the luxurious lotion afterwards, spray your favorite perfume, and settle in.
Other Notable Ideas:
Making your living room a cocktail lounge with music and your favorite person. Nothing but good conversations and vibes.
Putting music on or ASMR videos or rain sounds as you read.
Candle-lit workouts.
Heating your towels in the dryer before getting in the shower.
Spraying a favorite perfume after a nightly shower.
Taking your meal outdoors as a picnic and embracing it with a childlike enthusiasm - perhaps eating on a blanket or by a favorite tree.
Simply open the windows and putting on a playlist while the coffee brews.
Embracing laundry day by doing your sheets and lighting a favorite candle to celebrate.
Busting out that old Lazy Susan your mom got you years ago and putting it in your fridge or spice cabinet for ease of access and organization. I LOVE putting fresh herbs on mine in our fridge.
Cutting fresh herbs and putting them in a small vase on the counter - makes our apartment feel like a chefs kitchen immediately.
Using all the little lamps instead of overhead lighting.
Taking a walk while listening to a great playlist or podcast.
Using your favorite plates for everyday meals.
Lighting candles for every family meal.
Using a special soap in the bathroom in a container that brings you joy - maybe a glass instead of plastic.
A long epsom bath with flower petals.
Reading a favorite design magazine alfresco at a local cafe.
Rearranging your decor - swapping things throughout rooms to make it feel refreshed.
Playing jazz softly on a sunday morning.
Salting or sugaring a rim of a glass for a cocktail or mocktail.
