Little Luxuries That Make a Big Difference.

[seoulsearch]

Hey Everyone,

The other day I was doing some grocery shopping for family members, and while I probably should have resisted, I went past one of those Sections That Beckon and Call You to Tempt You with Unnecessary But Oh So Satisfying Things.

In other words... I went past the candle section. Gulp. I probably should have stayed on the other side of the store. But needless to say, since they were on sale for $7, I gave in and chose one in particular (nothing says autumn like an Apple Cinnamon scented candle!)

I have always loved (controlled) fire. I am always drawn to lit candles, beautiful fireplaces, bonfires with people roastings marshmallows... I just find fire to be both relaxing and (to me) in very close association with God, because of there are so many references to fire in the Bible.

Some of my favorite fire-featuring stories in the Bible are of God calling Moses through a burning bush that was on fire but did not burn up (Exodus 3,) Elijah and the prophets of Baal, in which God threw down a holy fire that burned up EVERYTHING, including a moat of water (1 Kings 18,) the presence of God appearing as flames over believer's heads at Pentecost (Acts 2,) and my personal favorite, Judges 13, in which the Angel of the Lord appears to Samson's parents to announce his birth, then ascends back to heaven by entering into the altar flame. Wowsers!!

What I wouldn't give to see THAT while burning my humble little candle!!

A little bit of fire just puts me in a very reflective mood, often prepping me for prayer and pondering what God might be thinking at that very moment. To me, a burning candle is a little luxury that makes a big difference.

What about you?

* What are some little things that are splurges but make a big difference in your spiritual, emotional, or overall mood and health?

* Some examples might be: a cup of coffee or tea; incense or something that smells good; a moment to yourself with a book or something you enjoy; a favorite snack or treat; a favorite activity.

* What are some small things that are available to almost anyone but have the power to completely reset your frame of mind or tone of the day/evening?

I'm looking forward to hearing people's stories of little things they thoroughly savor not only to learn more about others here, but also to give us some ideas of other things that might work for the rest of us, too.

 

[Lynx]

It's the simple things
That I hold on to
It's the simple things
That I find in you

- Tony Vincent

 

[Lynx]

For me it's a mug of boiled custard. Homemade boiled custard made from goat milk (almost no lactose, because I'm allergic.) It costs $9 a gallon from a local farm, but for $9 every two weeks I'm willing to drive out to the farm once a fortnight and pay it to pour a mug of allergic-consequence-free boiled custard and savor it.

 

[Lynx]

Sometimes it's the little details that make the experience. Ask any ThinkPad owner.

ThinkPads have dedicated page forward/back buttons near the arrow keys. After you get used to it, it's hard to switch to any other laptop and have to scroll over and click on the on-screen arrows.

ThinkPads have a tiny LED at the top of the screen that shines down on the keys. Better than any keyboard backlight in the world, and much cheaper to implement in manufacturing. I don't know why nobody else makes laptops with it.

It's nothing earth shattering, but it's just those little touches that make a ThinkPad a ThinkPad. When you use any other laptop you find yourself wishing it was a ThinkPad.

(This post paid for by Lenovo, manufacturer of ThinkPads... Yeah. I wish. I just really like ThinkPads.)

 

[MsMediator]

I like to have "cute" items as I find they cheer me up. For example, I have a pink door stopper instead of a traditional black/brown one. I might spend more on a notebook with a nicer cover. I also have "cute" colorful luggage tags. Seeing these little items around do make me happy.

Otherwise, I usually get something food related like an eclaire or another pastry.

 

[Lynx]

Someone said eclairs and here I am!

 

[Magenta]

(nothing says autumn like an Apple Cinnamon scented candle!)

Indeed! A few years ago my daughter and I found some that had an LED light in the base of the candle that went through the spectrum of colors as the candle burned and gave off that heady apple cinnamon aroma. And they were on sale! Bonus LOL. They really were lovely I used to buy a lot of candles, but then it began to seem like I was burning money So I do not indulge so much in candles any more

These days I seem to spend money really only on necessities (that is, if you can count having a laptop a necessity ). By that I mean, most of my spending goes toward living expenses such as food and paying bills only. Yeah, that does include Netflix (I do not have a TV.) So in that vein of thinking, buying prepared foods is a treat for me, and not something I do very often, since it is so much more expensive than preparing food for myself. Oh! You just reminded me: I have a breakfast burrito to heat for breakfast I bought it the other day when I cruised through Capers/Wholefoods. Yes! Major yum. I bought a number of items from their deli section. That is always a treat. Cooking for myself can be a challenge, partly because it is often simply not possible to have a wide variety of food without something going bad before it can be consumed, and that always seems like such a waste. Because of that I tend to limit my grocery purchases to basics. Another disclaimer here: yes, coffee is a basic necessity

 

[seoulsearch]

I like to have "cute" items as I find they cheer me up. For example, I have a pink door stopper instead of a traditional black/brown one. I might spend more on a notebook with a nicer cover. I also have "cute" colorful luggage tags. Seeing these little items around do make me happy.

Otherwise, I usually get something food related like an eclaire or another pastry.

I can so relate to this.

Bright colors and cute or cheery prints can make a world of difference. I grew up with parents who love all neutrals and earth tones, which is great, but I can only take so much gray, brown, and mustard yellow. (Most people have heard of "50 Shades of Grey." I always said that my parent's decorating theme is, "50 Shades of Beige.")

I have always been attracted to bright colors. Right now my toenails are painted Caribbean blue, electric purple, emerald green, bright fuchsia, and neon orange.

I also have a beloved Hello Kitty soap dispenser in my kitchen.

She "raises" her arms (I like to think she's praising and worshiping God,) every time I pressed the lever to get some soap, and I love it!

Never fails to make me smile, even on the toughest of days.

 

[Lynx]

Indeed! A few years ago my daughter and I found some that had an LED light in the base of the candle that went through the spectrum of colors as the candle burned and gave off that heady apple cinnamon aroma. And they were on sale! Bonus LOL. They really were lovely I used to buy a lot of candles, but then it began to seem like I was burning money So I do not indulge so much in candles any more

These days I seem to spend money really only on necessities (that is, if you can count having a laptop a necessity ). By that I mean, most of my spending goes toward living expenses such as food and paying bills only. Yeah, that does include Netflix (I do not have a TV.) So in that vein of thinking, buying prepared foods is a treat for me, and not something I do very often, since it is so much more expensive than preparing food for myself. Oh! You just reminded me: I have a breakfast burrito to heat for breakfast I bought it the other day when I cruised through Capers/Wholefoods. Yes! Major yum. I bought a number of items from their deli section. That is always a treat. Cooking for myself can be a challenge, partly because it is often simply not possible to have a wide variety of food without something going bad before it can be consumed, and that always seems like such a waste. Because of that I tend to limit my grocery purchases to basics. Another disclaimer here: yes, coffee is a basic necessity

That brings up an interesting question. Does Netflix count as a necessity, a little luxury or a major extravagance?

I guess the answer to that one is different for everyone, and depends on how much time a given person spends watching it.

 

[seoulsearch]

That brings up an interesting question. Does Netflix count as a necessity, a little luxury or a major extravagance?

I guess the answer to that one is different for everyone, and depends on how much time a given person spends watching it.

I guess it brings about a basic question I thought of asking before even positing this thread: "What is Your Definition of a Luxury?"

In the senior communities I've been around, there are some people who have no family or friends to visit with, and so having something to watch all day that they are interested in is, I would argue, a necessity that keeps them going.

Many had former hobbies that they loved (such as knitting, fishing, etc.,) but they no longer have the ability or mobility to participate in them, so for some, audio and/or screens are really all they might have left to occupy their time.

 

[Lynx]

I have always been attracted to bright colors. Right now my toenails are painted Caribbean blue, electric purple, emerald green, bright fuchsia, and neon orange.

Of all those colors, I only (but I must!) object to the caribbean blue. It SO clashes with your skin tone. (Unless you got a lot more tan after the meetup.)

No, I'm not gay. I know I sound like one of the experts from "Queer Eye for a Straight Guy" but I'm straight as an arrow. I just have a thing for what colors go together.

 

[Magenta]

That brings up an interesting question. Does Netflix count as a necessity, a little luxury or a major extravagance?

I guess the answer to that one is different for everyone, and depends on how much time a given person spends watching it.

Well, all of us here are paying for wifi, aren't we? Is that a necessity, a little luxury or a major extravagance? Oh, maybe some hang out in coffee shops where wifi is free. I wonder if @JohnDB is going to provide that for his clientele As to Netflix itself, compared to paying for cable TV, it is probably less expensive. And without television itself, which most people do have, for me it is maybe not a necessity, but neither is it a major extravagance. I just don't read the way I did when I was younger...

 

[seoulsearch]

Of all those colors, I only (but I must!) object to the caribbean blue. It SO clashes with your skin tone. (Unless you got a lot more tan after the meetup.)

No, I'm not gay. I know I sound like one of the experts from "Queer Eye for a Straight Guy" but I'm straight as an arrow. I just have a thing for what colors go together.

I have always loved color, and they have become even more intriguing to me as I get older because it's fascinating to me that many tones of a certain color may or may not work for different people. I love all the shades and variations that God created.

Blue is tricky for me because I've found that navy competes too much with my dark hair. I can't wear it around my face because the eye can't tell whether it should look at my navy clothing or my black hair. Cobalt blue is ideal but some versions of it teeter too close to navy or a form of blue that's too close to black.

The Caribbean blue on my toes is just about perfect. It's probably more like cobalt blue mixed with white verging almost on deep turquoise -- I used "Caribbean" in my description because it reminds me of the bluest bodies of water in the most tropical "paradises" you've ever seen in a glossy travel brochure.

You're right in that it probably makes me look even more pale, but since it's just a small pop on my toe, it does just enough to accent my coloring rather than wash out.

And yes, I can vouch for the fact that ladies, if you're having trouble finding colors that work for you, Lynx has a very artistic eye!! Well, all EXCEPT for a certain favorite stuffed friend of mine that he insists is "green" -- but we all know that he's really turquoise.

Shoot, maybe I just have some kind of attachment to the color turquoise.

 

[Magenta]

Shoot, maybe I just have some kind of attachment to the color turquoise.

I like turquoise That may surprise some people Years ago I bought some turquoise pants. Then I needed some tops to match, and scarves, and sweaters, and jackets, and soon, my wardrobe looked alien to me. I got rid of my turquoise clothing LOL.

Honestly, I would look down at myself for some reason and wonder who I was looking at

 

[JohnDB]

Well, all of us here are paying for wifi, aren't we? Is that a necessity, a little luxury or a major extravagance? Oh, maybe some hang out in coffee shops where wifi is free. I wonder if @JohnDB is going to provide that for his clientele As to Netflix itself, compared to paying for cable TV, it is probably less expensive. And without television itself, which most people do have, for me it is maybe not a necessity, but neither is it a major extravagance. I just don't read the way I did when I was younger...

Already installed. New account set up and newer equipment coming soon.

 

[Lynx]

Already installed. New account set up and newer equipment coming soon.

Oooh, what bit rate you gonna be pulling down? I... Uh... I know a nerd who wants to know.

On the wifi at w*rk I can download a four gigabyte file in four minutes!

 

[JohnDB]

Hey Everyone,

The other day I was doing some grocery shopping for family members, and while I probably should have resisted, I went past one of those Sections That Beckon and Call You to Tempt You with Unnecessary But Oh So Satisfying Things.

In other words... I went past the candle section. Gulp. I probably should have stayed on the other side of the store. But needless to say, since they were on sale for $7, I gave in and chose one in particular (nothing says autumn like an Apple Cinnamon scented candle!)

I have always loved (controlled) fire. I am always drawn to lit candles, beautiful fireplaces, bonfires with people roastings marshmallows... I just find fire to be both relaxing and (to me) in very close association with God, because of there are so many references to fire in the Bible.

Some of my favorite fire-featuring stories in the Bible are of God calling Moses through a burning bush that was on fire but did not burn up (Exodus 3,) Elijah and the prophets of Baal, in which God threw down a holy fire that burned up EVERYTHING, including a moat of water (1 Kings 18,) the presence of God appearing as flames over believer's heads at Pentecost (Acts 2,) and my personal favorite, Judges 13, in which the Angel of the Lord appears to Samson's parents to announce his birth, then ascends back to heaven by entering into the altar flame. Wowsers!!

What I wouldn't give to see THAT while burning my humble little candle!!

A little bit of fire just puts me in a very reflective mood, often prepping me for prayer and pondering what God might be thinking at that very moment. To me, a burning candle is a little luxury that makes a big difference.

What about you?

* What are some little things that are splurges but make a big difference in your spiritual, emotional, or overall mood and health?

* Some examples might be: a cup of coffee or tea; incense or something that smells good; a moment to yourself with a book or something you enjoy; a favorite snack or treat; a favorite activity.

* What are some small things that are available to almost anyone but have the power to completely reset your frame of mind or tone of the day/evening?

I'm looking forward to hearing people's stories of little things they thoroughly savor not only to learn more about others here, but also to give us some ideas of other things that might work for the rest of us, too.

BTW....

Elijah's cave in Israel at the top of the hill....

Nobody argues about the fact that fire came down. The rock that forms the roof of the cave is cooked basalt. Meaning it turned white. The 500 prophets of Baal were just pushed into the glowing melted rock....that easy.

And it overlooks the Med.

There's a monastery there....I tasted the ripe blackberries at their gate. The gift shop there is very reasonable and they are one of the few places that take American dollars.
Just saying...

 

[JohnDB]

Oooh, what bit rate you gonna be pulling down? I... Uh... I know a nerd who wants to know.

On the wifi at w*rk I can download a four gigabyte file in four minutes!

Beyond my pay grade....that was my partner's responsibility. I got more than enough on my plate. He needs to accomplish his part. So long as I get access when I need it....I'm gold. If not I'm going to whine.

 

[Jackieboy100]

Hey Everyone,

The other day I was doing some grocery shopping for family members, and while I probably should have resisted, I went past one of those Sections That Beckon and Call You to Tempt You with Unnecessary But Oh So Satisfying Things.

In other words... I went past the candle section. Gulp. I probably should have stayed on the other side of the store. But needless to say, since they were on sale for $7, I gave in and chose one in particular (nothing says autumn like an Apple Cinnamon scented candle!)

I have always loved (controlled) fire. I am always drawn to lit candles, beautiful fireplaces, bonfires with people roastings marshmallows... I just find fire to be both relaxing and (to me) in very close association with God, because of there are so many references to fire in the Bible.

Some of my favorite fire-featuring stories in the Bible are of God calling Moses through a burning bush that was on fire but did not burn up (Exodus 3,) Elijah and the prophets of Baal, in which God threw down a holy fire that burned up EVERYTHING, including a moat of water (1 Kings 18,) the presence of God appearing as flames over believer's heads at Pentecost (Acts 2,) and my personal favorite, Judges 13, in which the Angel of the Lord appears to Samson's parents to announce his birth, then ascends back to heaven by entering into the altar flame. Wowsers!!

What I wouldn't give to see THAT while burning my humble little candle!!

A little bit of fire just puts me in a very reflective mood, often prepping me for prayer and pondering what God might be thinking at that very moment. To me, a burning candle is a little luxury that makes a big difference.

What about you?

* What are some little things that are splurges but make a big difference in your spiritual, emotional, or overall mood and health?

* Some examples might be: a cup of coffee or tea; incense or something that smells good; a moment to yourself with a book or something you enjoy; a favorite snack or treat; a favorite activity.

* What are some small things that are available to almost anyone but have the power to completely reset your frame of mind or tone of the day/evening?

I'm looking forward to hearing people's stories of little things they thoroughly savor not only to learn more about others here, but also to give us some ideas of other things that might work for the rest of us, too.

For me, its decoration items because of my penchant for interior decoration. I am passionate about most things I do or I wouldn't do them at all. I am constantly purchasing both large and small items for my home and I must admit that sometimes these are impulse buying and I would feel guilty but nonetheless happy and excited. My latest purchase is a small crystal ornament (purchased about 2 days ago) and while it was not an expensive item, it was ideal to me because of its colour. Some of the other items I have collected over the years that I am always gloating over include: A large chess piece (the king), a wall hanging version of Martin Luther King jr's " I have a dream" speech, a three piece candle holder set with a matching floor standing vase etc. This thread is such a good idea. Thanks, Seoulsearch for letting me gush about little things that brings me some measure of joy and contentment.

 

[seoulsearch]

For me, its decoration items because of my penchant for interior decoration. I am passionate about most things I do or I wouldn't do them at all. I am constantly purchasing both large and small items for my home and I must admit that sometimes these are impulse buying and I would feel guilty but nonetheless happy and excited. My latest purchase is a small crystal ornament (purchased about 2 days ago) and while it was not an expensive item, it was ideal to me because of its colour. Some of the other items I have collected over the years that I am always gloating over include: A large chess piece (the king), a wall hanging version of Martin Luther King jr's " I have a dream" speech, a three piece candle holder set with a matching floor standing vase etc. This thread is such a good idea. Thanks, Seoulsearch for letting me gush about little things that brings me some measure of joy and contentment.

Ooohh, I LOVE crystal and glass decorations. I have always wanted a stained-glass lamp.

However, my perfect track record of being a nearly professional klutz sadly prevents it. 🤣

It sounds like you have a great -- and growing -- collection, and I'm very happy to learn more about it.

I love artistic and creative qualities in others, whether the designers or the decorators, because I am always amazed at how God can use the smallest things to uplift us. 💐