A sincere thank you to each and every person that left a comment on my last blog post. It touched my heart.
I am grateful to those of you that took the time to share some of yourself with me. Kind words can make a difference in someone else’s life.
Everyone has their own scars and challenges to overcome and accept. When it felt like the earth was moving out from under me your words made a difference to me.
Thank you.
Let’s move onto some light and frivolous thoughts shall we?
What’s Your Secret Splurge?
Do you ever feel guilty about splurging on something for yourself?
I had a discussion with some friends recently and they all agreed that they sometimes feel guilty about splurging on themselves. One example brought up was expensive clothing or shoes. We traced some of this guilt back to how and when the women were raised. In past eras it was deemed selfish to be extravagant and overspend on yourself. I know it’s hard to believe given today’s obsession with over consumption and the masses of enablers we encounter on social media.
My Secret Splurge(s)
Lash Extensions & Hair Care
Two of my splurges that make my life easier are lash extensions and professional hair care.
When I was blond I sometimes streaked my own hair (with the help of a willing friend) and it turned out okay.
When I went red I tried dying my own hair once, that’s all it took to realize it wasn’t a good idea. I had to spend loads of cash having that catastrophe fixed by a professional.
Lash extensions are the only way people can see I have lashes as my eyes are too sensitive for mascara and my lashes are so blond they are invisible.
I don’t spend money on makeup, nails or personal care products. The makeup I wear is probably five years old, or older! (eek!) and from the drug store.
Comfortable Footwear
I sometimes choose to splurge on comfortable, stylish footwear. If I can find them secondhand it’s even better but it’s not always possible and the older I get the more I’m aware that when my feet aren’t happy I’m miserable.
I don’t splurge on clothing anymore.
Everything I buy is secondhand.
Apart from underwear and socks.
Choosing to shop secondhand aligns with my personal values and helps save our world. Small choices can add up to big changes. Every little bit counts.
Travel
None of my friends or family live within driving distance and my husband lived overseas for the last two years. Travel at that time was a necessity rather than a splurge.
Travel is a priority splurge for me now.
The older I get the more I value experiences and sharing moments with family and friends over things.
Have your values changed as you age?
What’s your secret splurge(s)?
Do you ever feel guilty when you treat yourself? If so, why?
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
My greatest splurge is the line of skin care products that I’ve used for the last 10 years. I quickly became devoted to the line when I saw that it did in fact make a difference. Another is that I’ve been using Latisse to enhance the growth of my natural lashes. The first tiny container has lasted for over 6 months so it’s more cost effective than I’d anticipated.
I’m so happy to find a post from you today Suzanne! Your choice of subject matter is usually an interesting surprise and your questions deserve some thoughtful pondering!
I’m sending you love, clarity, humor and hopefulness.
You didn’t mention the name of that skin care line Jude.
It is nice to be missed : )
A few years ago I splurged on Botox. Yes. I was an older mom (first/only kid at age 43) and when my kid drew pictures of me it was with a smile but a terrible frown. I didn’t want my child to think of mom and think “mad.” So I did Botox just for the frown. Nothing frozen–I could still move my forehead and eyebrows, but not frown. Budget issues made me stop, and the frown took several years to reappear. I have many more wrinkles now, and they don’t bother me, but if I had the money I would zap that frown again.
I had Botox in my late 30’s when I’d dropped a bunch of weight and basically my face fell in on itself. Losing the weight on my body was great but having my face fall in wasn’t. Like you I only did my frown lines.
Make-up and hair over here! You are adorable in that picture from Scotland. I would def spurge on travel if I had more income.
I remember that conversation, and how much you all helped me with your spot-on analysis. I think we grown-up women have earned the right to “splurge” on things we love, and still keep the overall budget in check.
You are completely adorable as a curly blond with no make-up! But your red hair is so YOU. I used to splurge on double-process blonding (about $1,200 a year) and now I’ll put that $$ toward travel. Travel and friendships give back so much value for the dollar! Great post. xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I don’t even know what double-process blonding is but it sure is pricey.
I agree, friendships are worth the $ : )
Good to see you and all your incredible outfits back in Blogland, Suzanne. Hoping all is well in your world.
I don’t think any of my splurges are secret – everyone knows about my love of travel and vintage frocks! I did go to the hairdressers twice last year – I’m starting to get over my hatred of the experience. I can get a bit carried away in Lush every now and then – palm oil free, cruelty-free, smells gorgeous – I don’t feel too bad about it. xxx
Twice in one year! LOL. I have had some very bad experiences at hair stylists so I understand how you could have been traumatized.
I haven’t been to Lush forever. I might need to visit them again.
I’m glad to hear you so upbeat, Suzanne! Looking gorgeous in your skirt and blouse.
My not so secret splurge is perfume. I occasionally treat myself. Luckily I don’t have hugely expensive taste in perfume. Recently I bought myself two different types of Elizabeth Arden perfumes both on special offer – one was 7.99 and the other 14.99. I put the more expensive perfumes on my birthday and Christmas lists and I’m usually very lucky!
Have a great week
xxxxx
Perfume is a great splurge item! I used to adore it myself back in the day. Now I find I have to be careful as it can exacerbate my fibromyalgia.
Good to see you blogging, Suzanne! i have been thinking of you … As for splurging, I don’t think I’m much of a splurger. OK, I do buy a lot of second hand and vintage clothing, but that’s not splurging, is it? At least I’m not feeling guilty about it. Like you, I do spend a bit more on my hair, having my hair coloured professionally and using salon products ever since the menopause starting wreaking havoc with my hair, but I don’t consider that splurging either. I used to splurge on vintage Barbie stuff when I was still actively collecting and yes, I sometimes felt guilty about that. Why should we feel guilty about splurging on ourselves once in a while, anyway? xxx
I agree…splurging on ourselves can be very beneficial.
I do not count shopping secondhand as splurging unless you are buying very pricey designer consignment pieces.
first – love the pepita skirt with floral blouse, beret and the cool boots! totally!
i never feel guilty if i treat myself well.
is it a lazy day in bed or some comfy&chic shoes or quality tights or an “expensive” (more then 20€) vintage dress. i had my own money since i was 16 and i worked really hard for it. i think, if i´m good to me then i´m a balanced person – and that is good for the others 😀
xxxx
I’m like you, I’ve been working for my own cash since I was eleven. It taught me a good work ethic and the value of money.
I agree, being balanced and feeling good puts a smile on our face as well as everyone we encounter.
Glad to see you’re back blogging, Suzanne. And with such an interesting subject that I had to take some time to think about. I guess when I was younger I felt a bit guilty when I splurged on designer clothing and accessories, feeling I should be saving the money instead for something more practical. But now that I’m older my mindset is different. If I purchase something special to treat myself I feel more justified, thinking that I’ve worked hard all my life and deserve it!
Nowadays splurging for me involves time. Time to relax, travel, spend more time with friends. After years of working 70-80 hours a week, time to have fun is my biggest splurge, more valuable than any material purchase.
I agree that if you’ve been working hard you deserve to treat yourself.
It is so very true that the one thing we cannot buy is time. It is such a precious commodity.
What a great post! You raise fascinating questions and then reveal fun facts about yourself. Love it.
As one of your few readers who was raised male, I have to note that guilt (at least this kind) is a female experience. Guys don’t worry about indulging themselves. They don’t feel guilty about grabbing stuff they want. I believe what you’re referring to is an idea that’s put into girls’ heads when they’re young and unsure of what they’re entitled to.
Wow, good point Ally. I had a husband who guilted me a lot when I bought stuff for myself — even though I was the one with the higher paycheck and he was the one squandering money betting on sports and horses. HAD is the operative word there. 😉
That is very interesting point Ally. Your perspective is very unique and valuable.
Great question, Suzanne.
I do think that experiences and travel are part of our splurges. Heck, since we are retired, we don’t really have an income, yet we still love to get out and see the world. Maybe we don’t do it as extravagantly anymore, but it’s still fun!!
I also splurged last year on a leather jacket for my birthday. I rarely spend over $100 on anything clothing wise for myself. Although I have been vacillating on getting a pair of Rothy’s too (have you heard much about them??)
I hope you’re doing okay. Even my mom (who reads your blog, but I doubt she commented) asked me what was going on in your last post)
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I haven’t heard about Rothy’s shoes before but when I looked them up and saw that they are flat I knew I wouldn’t be buying them. My feet hate flat shoes worse than stilettos.
I am waiting for more tests and results on this bumpy ride I’ve been on lately. I’m hopeful it’ll all work out. Thanks for thinking about me : )
OK, confession time.
I have bought SEVEN pairs of shoes/boots this year already. Two pairs of clogs are new, one pair of new boots from Poshmark, the rest used from either eBay or Poshmark.
All I can say is it’s super dangerous to be doing a series of drawings of Fluevog shoes, to be on an eBay notification thing for “Fluevogs in size 7.5”, and to have a credit balance from sales on Poshmark (fun money!). Maybe I need to stop the eBay madness at least.
Splurging is OK (to a degree). It’s self care (I keep telling myself).
xxox
Anne you are binging on shoes! LOL
I’m kind of happy that my feet don’t care for Fluevogs otherwise you and I might be trying to outbid the other one on Ebay…I’m a size 7.5 too.
Oh my splurge is defenitely my hairdresser and nail stylist. My hairdresser is the first in my hole life that cuts my hair as I want to and the nail stylist is a recent splurge.
Are you Scottish? I like you even better now!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Getting a great hair stylist is kind of like winning the lottery isn’t it?
I’m not Scottish but I lived there for a while. When I was younger I lived and travelled lots through Europe.
Hello,
I am glad you are back. I hope everything be better with you now. I would like to splurge in travel. I would love to visit Spain someday.
Thanks for commenting Sahyli.
I’m still waiting for more tests but I am feeling more like myself. These health bumps in life can be very unsettling. Thanks for your kind thoughts.
Spain is fantastic! I really hope you get the chance to visit some day.
Nice to see you blogging…. I was a bit worried, I have been a lurker for a while who loves reading your posts.
I used to waste a lot of my money on stuff, but since the boys grew up and left school and one is at uni and one is an apprentice, I have managed to sort my life around . I have managed to control my BPD, which can affect what your spend you money on and can make bad choices. But my husband has helped me get through it and learned to control it.
So now I have money to spend money on travel such as japan, we went last year and we are going again this year.
I also had a stroke at 40 and that woke me up. I am like you, I love vintage and secondhand and I have also made a business from it. I also have a soft spot for carpet bags! I don’t know why !
Good to see you back Suzanne, I hope your results will have good outcomes.
My main splurges these days are good shoes , my feet need comfortable shoes and sunglasses , a naughty obsession but necessary in the harsh Aussie sun.
Travel and experience are more important than things now and so much more enjoyable.
Before I forget to say so: I love this floral shirt with the checked skirt. Awesome combination.
Do I ever feel guilty about splurging on something for myself? Yes, quite often frankly but less nowadays. When I have spent money I don’t really have, I feel guilty.
My values have become stricter as I age. Honesty, emphathy, keeping your word, not harming others.. that sort of things are very important to me.
Greetje
My splurge is for a vacation every year with the fam. As we get older some splurges take a back seat, like when I could not go out without bathing in expensive perfume. Those were the days. Keep on being you Suzanne. . .
My splurges are always shoes and bags! Those two things I can’t help but spend more money for quality goods. They last longer and age much better. Aside from that, I enjoy thrifting for clothes too! I find so many lovely and unique pieces!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
I certainly agree that traveling and enriching experiences are worth the splurge. But because I cannot travel comfortably I tend to splurge in other ways.
Like you, I wear very inexpensive make up or no make up at all. And when I get my hair done I never have it blown dry. I know this sounds extraordinarily parsimonious but I would rather put my money in things that I will truly enjoy or things that I can pass on.
I used to have eyelash extensions but because I have complications with my eyes from my autoimmune disease, I just rely on fake eyelashes with a hypo allergenic glue. It is so much faster.
My mom was a depression baby and I have inherited certain tendencies from her. I do splurge on certain labels because the quality is fine and I know that if I had to, I could self what I buy for what I paid for it.
I think those reptile boots are absolutely stunning. That was an amazing splurge. If I could find a pair of boots like that I would buy them in a heartbeat.
I really enjoyed the content of this post and I am quite in love with that tulle skirt with the denim shirt.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Now that I am thinking about it, I actually don’t really splurge on myself very often. . . it’s not that I don’t spend money on myself, but just that I consider thrift shopping to be my kind of treat 🙂
The money that is left after all the bills are paid tends to go towards travel, clothes and shoes. Most of my friends live a plane-ride away, so a trip once or twice a year is a must for me. I will still buy some clothing new from small, owner-run boutiques, and with my ever-fussy feet, secondhand shoes are not an option for me.