Everyday Luxury: The Little Things Money Can’t Always Buy

I’ve always believed that “luxury” is a slippery word. For some, it’s designer handbags, Michelin-starred dinners, or first-class flights. For me, the richest parts of life are often small, intentional choices that turn the everyday into something worth savoring. Yes, I have a few products I adore, but the real magic isn’t in owning them — it’s in using them, mindfully, in moments that make me feel grounded and whole.

Some of these luxuries cost very little. Some cost nothing at all. And a few are investments, not in status, but in quality — because when something truly enhances your daily life, it pays you back every time you use it.

Here’s what’s been making my days feel fuller lately.

Rituals That Feel Like Self-Care

The first one is deceptively simple: oil cleansing. I know — washing your face doesn’t sound like it could be life-changing. But trust me when I say it’s transformed not just my skin, but how I approach the end of my day.

Currently, I use the Laurel Skin Delicate Barrier Oil Cleanser, (I talked more in depth about this in a previous post, here)  and the moment I massage it onto my face, I feel the tension start to melt. There’s something deeply soothing about the warmth of the oil on skin, the slow, circular motions, the way it encourages me to pause and breathe.

I heat my filtered water in a kettle to just the right temperature — hot enough to feel therapeutic, not scalding — and soak a Casaluna organic cotton washcloth in black (a small but game-changing choice when you’re removing waterproof mascara). Pressing that warm cloth over my face feels like a home spa moment, even on the busiest days.

It’s such a simple ritual, but it tells my body: you’re cared for, you can exhale now.

The Joy of a Morning Mug

I’m a morning person in the sense that I love my mornings — not necessarily everyone else’s. The magic begins with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in a handmade mug my best friend brought back from Rancho La Puerta in Mexico.

The fact that she thought of me on her trip, the craftsmanship of the mug, the way the design catches the light — it all makes the experience feel special. I’ll sit on my side porch, coffee in hand, wrapped in the quiet sun before the day starts. That first sip, in that mug, is a little ceremony.

It’s not about caffeine (although yes, that helps). It’s about connection — to the person who gave it to me, to the place it came from, to myself in those quiet minutes before the world gets loud.  

Ok, fine it’s also about the coffee.  I do not second guess buying the regeneratively grown, fair trade super delicious beans.  I am a firm believer that we vote with our dollars and it is a luxury to be able to put my money behind my values.  It’s also the start of my day and I want it to start out delicious.

Nature on Your Doorstep

We joke about paying the “sunshine tax” in Southern California, but I wouldn’t trade it. Being able to step outside for a walk and see the ocean? That’s a luxury I never take for granted.

Some days it’s Annie’s Canyon Trail, with its winding sandstone paths. Other days it’s the rail trail or San Elijo Lagoon, where the stillness of the water mirrors the sky. And when I need a dose of serenity, I head to the meditation garden — a place that instantly slows my pulse and reminds me to be present.

Nature walks cost nothing, but they’re priceless for my mental health. Movement plus fresh air plus beauty? That’s a triple luxury.

Brunch at Home

Not every weekend allows for leisurely brunches out, but I’ve found ways to bring that feeling home. On those rare slow mornings, I’ll pick up scones from Jimbo’s Market and a little clotted cream. My son and I will set the table and make a moment out of it — no rush, no phone in sight, just conversation and pastries.

It’s proof that you don’t need reservations or a fancy restaurant to feel indulgent. You just need to make space for the experience.

Creating Cozy Corners

A swinging macrame chair hangs in my home, and curling up in it with a good book is a true luxury. There’s something about the gentle sway, the cocoon-like feeling, the way it removes me from the pull of chores and screens.

Lately I’ve been hooked on the romantasy genre — the kind of books that pull you so far into their worlds you forget about your to-do list. My friends got me started, and now I can’t resist a plot that involves dragons and 6’5” fae males.  (I know there have to be a handful of you out there who feel me on this one) The macrame chair is my reading nook, my escape pod, my little sanctuary.

The Luxury of Choice

One of the most intentional luxuries in my life is homeschooling my son. It takes time, planning, and community — it’s not easy. But it’s a choice I fought for, because it gives us freedom in our days and flexibility in how we learn.

Time itself is a luxury. And while it doesn’t always feel leisurely (any homeschooling parent will tell you that), it’s deeply meaningful to be able to shape our days in a way that works for us.

Treats Just for You

As a mom, I’ve learned the joy of having something just for me. A bath gel I don’t have to share with my twelve-year-old boy. A body oil that feels unapologetically feminine.

Right now, my favorites are Credo’s bergamot body wash for its bright, citrusy scent and OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Oil for its spa-like fragrance and silky finish. They turn an everyday shower into something more — not because they’re expensive, but because they’re mine.

The Most Affordable Luxury

If I had to name the most accessible luxury, it would be this: being happy.

It’s not something you can buy, though we live in a world that tries to convince us otherwise. It’s a choice, one I have to remake daily, especially when modern life feels overwhelming.

Some days happiness looks like a cup of tea in the sun. Some days it’s an ocean view on a morning walk. And some days it’s a scone with clotted cream shared with my son. The price tag is irrelevant — the feeling is everything.

FAQ

What’s your favorite free luxury?
A long walk by the ocean. The sound of waves instantly resets my mood.

How can I make my days feel more luxurious without spending money?
Start by slowing down and noticing the details — the warmth of your mug, the scent of your tea, the way sunlight hits a room.

What small product upgrade has brought you the most joy?
Switching to oil cleansing. It’s a ritual that makes me slow down, and my skin has never been happier.