The Little (and Affordable) Things That Make Me Happy

I believe in the saying, "Happiness doesn't have to be expensive". I am not ashamed to say that I am frugal, at least for myself. I find it a bit hard to spend more than Php 500 for myself, unless it is a necessity. Maybe it is because I am part Ilocano, maybe it is because ever since I started working, I realized that earning money is no joke, and I am not comfortable in spending my hard-earned money mindlessly. However, if I do have the time to go to the mall alone, I see to it that I buy the things that really make me happy.

Here are some of my cheap thrills:

1. Takuyaki balls - I am never choosy when it comes to Takuyaki. I only started eating this last year, and I cannot get enough. I remember last December, I ate Takuyaki for lunch for 1 whole week. Of course, I have yet to taste the legit one with octopus, but I hope someday I will be able to try one in the Land of the Rising Sun. Char.

Takuyaki balls at Robinsons Galleria for only Php 30 for 3 pcs.

2. Candles and scented oils - When we finally had our own place, I started buying burners and scented oils. After work, when the hubby and the little madam are both asleep, I would light up a candle and enjoy the aroma. It helps me relax. For this month, I use the lavender field scent, last month I tried the orange scent. For June, I might buy  lemon or sea breeze.

Lavender Field scented oil from Robinsons department store for only 90 pesos

3.. Coffee (and coffee time with Mr. Perez) - I cannot function normally without a cup of coffee first, but I am also not the type who would splurge for a cup of coffee + wifi. Great Taste White is good enough for me. I am happier on our rest days when the hubby and I would start the day with coffee and deep conversations. It just feels so relaxing. hihi. 

Cheesy couple mug from SM Department Store: 299.75 per pair

4. Tiangges and Bazaars - Being frugal does not stop me from buying clothes for me and for my little madam. My eyes light up at the sight of bazaars and huge SALE banners. My go-to places are Pasig and Taytay Market. If you read my OOTD blog about my daughter, you would notice that most of her outfits are from Taytay market. I tell you, the prices are waayyy tooooo affordable and cute. You don't need to go to Divisoria anymore because I think most of the Divi items come from Taytay as well. To know more about my favorite tiangge, click  this link.

Source

5. Books (and Ebooks) - When I was still single, I see to it that I buy a new book every month, if not every payday. However, now that I have different priorities and responsibilities, I cannot stick by my monthly ritual anymore. Good thing there are ebooks which are a lot cheaper than the actual book, you can even download free ebooks. Of course, holding the book and being able to smell the fresh pages is still the best, but if you have a tight budget like me, ebooks are the next best thing. I also love going to book sales. I usually go to Filbar's or the book store in Pioneer Centre in Kapitolyo (I forgot the name).

My Aldiko library. Currently reading Love, Rosie :)

6. Spending time with the people I love - This perhaps is the cheapest, but the most precious one in the list. Nothing beats going home to your favorite people after a long and tiring day. Nothing is more relaxing than staying in bed all day with your baby and hubby, watching Frozen, Trolls, Moana and Sing over and over again.

Indeed, you do not have to spend so much to make your heart happy. Of course, if money is not an issue, I would love to travel the world with my family, but in the meantime, the things on my list are just enough to put a smile on my face. 

How about you guys, what are the simple things that make you happy?

♥♥

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