Splurges

I am a saver by nature- I love coupons, deals and especially the word clearance (I have many an ill-fitting clothing item in my closet just because it was on clearance…tags still on), but there are a few things in life that I splurge on…and here they are:


Splurge: Champagne

There are a lot of little reasons to celebrate in life, so why wait until the big ones to break out some bubbly? Here are the recent times I busted out the champagne: once because one of my best friends came to visit, once to celebrate a baby milestone, and once…just because. I give credit to my step-mother-in-law for this: I bought a case of mini splits of champagne (my favorite is a Spanish champagne that I had at my wedding, Segura Viudas). I don’t feel bad busting one open at any time- the bottles are a perfect 2 glass toasting amount.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava- around $3 @ World Market or Binny’s for 187ml

Splurge: Make-up Remover

After a long day of baby care, I don’t feel like actually waiting for the water to heat up at the sink so I can properly wash my face. That is how tired (a.k.a. lazy) I am at night (9pm, so sad). Although these aren’t cheap, I haven’t found anything that comes close. I have tried the Costco generic brand (doesn’t get all my eye make-up off) and the Say Yes to Cucumbers (eh), and for the money- I go with Neutrogena. Available in bulk at Costco, so throw those in the cart along with the groceries!

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes- available @ Costco

Splurge: Hair Upkeep

Ok, so my husband knows how much it costs for me to get my highlights (just a partial, I swear!) and a cut. It isn’t pretty, and I cringe every time I hand over my credit card…then I get into my car, check out my hair in the rear-view, and smile. Big Time. He fully supports my need for keeping the lie going that I am a natural bright blonde. I don’t know anything that makes me feel better than deluding myself that my roots don’t exist…except maybe when I can fit into those pants that have been in hiding because of the extra 5 lbs I couldn’t lose.

Splurge: Outerwear

How many times have you gone somewhere, carefully pored over and selected your outfit, only to not even take off your coat when you get there?! Sometimes I will take off my coat even if it is freezing wherever I am because dammit, I worked hard to either iron my outfit (I most likely made the choice to iron over eating or napping…HUGE sacrifice) or bought it specifically for the occasion and fear I will never have the opportunity to wear it again. I have decided to invest in a fabulous selection of coats in case this is a repeat occurrence. I then add inexpensive accessories to balance it out. The one below is my winter staple.

There is a very thin line between the sausage/marshmallow look and warm but stylish. A belt and/or fur trim helps, as does any fun color. I am usually not a fan of white, but that is what dry cleaning is for, right? 

LAUNDRY by Shelli Segal- on sale for $150 @ Lord & Taylor ($300 original)

Splurge: Blush

I live in the Midwest. According to Tom Skilling, my weather guru, we only experience 46 days out of the year that get 100% of the possible sunshine. And we wonder why many of us sport that alabaster/ivory look? I combat the winter…whites with my favorite blush: Nars Blush in Orgasm. I am sure I am preaching to the choir here, but it is the perfect blend of peach, gold and pink that gives most everyone the post glow. I haven’t been able to find a drugstore version that looks even close to natural, so I splurge on this:

Nars Blush in Orgasm- $27 @ Sephora