The Little Luxuries

I’ve never considered myself a “luxury” person. Luxury is flying first class, an expensive car, glamorous trips, getting high dollar wine (and knowing why it’s high dollar 😂), caviar, very nice jewelry.

I’m not opposed or against any of those things btw, but from my perception I didn’t need them. I didn’t earn or deserve them yet (I know, it’s a money mindset thing).

Anyway, I do like a little luxury though and the older I get, the more I lean into the little things that make life a teensy or hell of a lot better! Luxury to me feels extra — slightly unnecessary but joy inducing, not always “practical,” but not totally unreasonable.

The $ can sometimes be a little outside of what I’m used to spending but because I’ve done my homework or ya know practiced my abundance mindset, I am prepared to purchase.

Skincare

Honestly, I am pretty good with a cleanser that lathers, a thick night cream, and a light day cream. Oh and eye cream for being mid 30s now. But this is where I love to play in luxury land.

I upgraded to this overnight peel and this exfoliator recently and I’m obsessed with these two facial oils (this one is made/sold locally!).

Although I only use this dry brush a few times a month, it was definitely a solid purchase. Same with this red light wand. Can’t say it’s an essential but I think with repeat use I would see results, like most things in life.

After a very amazing experience at FACE FOUNDRIÉ, I’m now considering a more regular facial. Holy smokes that was good.

Hair care

I’ve been trying everything Crown Affair after years of using the same old same old. But I kept feeling like I needed something really intense to nourish my hair! I was tired of hair drama. So I started with this kit and have since upgraded to many other things.

Slowly working my way to getting this and this in my next order but already a huge fan of these conditioners.

Makeup

I am very boring when it comes to makeup but this year I expanded out of my comfort zone and tried a couple new products!

Merit’s glow serum is unreal. The perfect layer before foundation. I didn’t love their foundation, I’m a HUGE fan of WTF by Jones Road. I also tried the Miracle Balm in Au Natural by Jones Road and am smitten with this!

Otherwise I do very basic things. I know nothing about contouring or eye shadows or blush. I always hope my lipstick color is working for me and aggressively curl my eye lashes with this lash curler (I’ve tried many, this is the one you want).

Clothes

I will always spend a little more on high quality petite jeans mostly because finding jeans that fit is so hard and I looooove jeans. These are the ones really working for me and my postpartum extra love that I wish would disappear but turns out I gotta work for it. 😂

Meadows dresses are my absolute favorite. Marne introduced me to them so I try to buy from her first but if it doesn’t work I’ll stalk Poshmark since they never have my size on their site.

I became a high quality sock girly this year thanks to CKD selling Le Bon socks. What started as an innocent “drop in to see what they have” became a quick obsession. Very excited for fall / winter sock shopping!!!!

I bought a pricier swimsuit this year only because I met one of the founders, love a woman startup and the reviews were off the charts. Summersalt swimsuits really are worth the splurge! And I’m the person who has maybe two swimsuits max so I’m fine getting a couple nicer ones I’ll wear multiple years.

Not certain about it yet but I think I’m becoming a hat gal. I’m not totally committed because I feel like cool people wear hats and I’m just not that cool. But I love the look, love how I feel in hats and it sparks joy for me! I have two Gigi Pip hats and hoping to make a purchase with some payday purchase $$ I set aside!!

A custom hat would be an epic gift and experience too, so I’ll add to my wish list below. 😂 Indie House in Des Moines sold me both, but I’m not sure if they have them anymore?!

Food & bevs

I’ll always get super high quality espresso because it tastes that much better. There are fabulous options in town. I tend to do Chain & Spoke but I also love Zanzibars, Horizon Line and Windmill (who I think does Chain & Spokes beans?!).

I’ll spend a fortune on prairie breeze cheese and I’m fine with it.

I’d rather splurge on a really nice cocktail than have a few beers.

Yes I’ll also buy collagen, colostrum, green powder or whatever thing I saw Andrew Huberman talking about OKAY? I know! It’s sad! It’s fine! I’m partially kidding but honestly I love learning about health supplements and hacks for more energy.

Home

Our Amazon sheets lasted about a year and started disintegrating so I got some Brook Linen sheets and dang, that is something I wish I did a long time ago! These sheets are the bomb.

Something about high quality cleaning products is also a thing of mine for some annoying reason. I’m pretty committed to Blueland and all their stuff except dish soap and I’m on the fence about laundry detergent (but obsessed with their oxo boost). I find that even though I would love to get my cleaning supplies locally, time is so limited with work / kids that if I can get it at Target or get it to my house, I have to make the call!

AirPods, for sure. Even if I’m on my third pair.

Blinds or curtains. I’ll spend all my money on these items. And then I’ll resell them when I’m bored of them and make enough money to do it again!!!!! We got a few Hunter Douglas blinds I saved for several months to buy from Royal Flooring and whew, it was worth it. 😮‍💨

On my luxury wish list

For my birthday I reeeeally want a leather (I’m open to vegan too) jacket. I also want this espresso machine, new sunglasses, Birkenstock clogs, a few matching yoga sets, and laser hair removal.

Alright, well, now you officially know how much I love shopping.