3 little luxuries under $3

Does any one else make impulse buys with the attitude of "treat yourself"? Me too. I love a good excuse to unwind and indulge sometimes. However, I am a believer that pampering yourself doesn't mean breaking the bank. I want to share with you three items that feel luxurious, but don't cost very much at all.

1] Sinnling vanilla pleasure candle from IKEA. $1.79
Lately, I've been lighting candles almost every night. No matter what I'm doing, there is most likely a candle or two burning in the background. These ones from IKEA smell great and are so inexpensive, you can stock up and feel no guilt. I must admit, the vanilla scent isn't incredibly strong, but the sweet berries scent is noticeably sweet and scented. Plus, they make a great housewarming gift!

2] Aussie 3-minute Miracle Color Conditioning Treatment, available at most drug stores. $2.97
I bought this after Kate from The Small Things Blog recommended it via Instagram. I thought, if a hairdresser recommends this treatment it must be good. And for $3, I didn't have much to lose. This product definitely proved its worth after the first use! Normally after I shampoo my hair, I put this on my ends while I wash my body, exfoliate, shave, etc. After about 3 minutes and a quick rinse, my hair feels silky smooth and stronger. This is a product I use about once or twice a week, when my hair is really feeling dry or damaged from heat styling. Try it, you will not regret it! Bonus: it smells light and feminine, with hints of camomile.

3] Vitamin C Microdermabrasion from The Body Shop. $2.50.
I'm all about a good face mask lately, but I must admit, I probably don't exfoliate my face as much as I should. With that in mind, I decided to try this microdermabrasion scrub after my best friend gifted it to me. It. is. good. The beads are not too coarse, but it really does get rid of any rough patches or dead skin on your face. I felt like it even cleared up my complexion a little bit. It has a pleasant smell, and the packet will last me two uses. If you're really feeling like giving yourself a complete spa treatment, exfoliate, then put on a mask for 10 minutes. Your skin will feel rejuvenated!

I hope you take at least 3 minutes out of your busy day and try some of these $3-and-less luxuries, or give them to a friend who needs some relaxation. What are your favorite ways to indulge on a budget?

xoxo,
G

home-y

Guess what? I moved this week! I'm starting a new job that I couldn't be more excited for, and I moved into an apartment closer to work. This week has been a whirlwind, but I am very happy and excited to start a new chapter.

I have unpacked and started to get to know the area I'm in, but even after (way) too many Target trips, I have yet to fully complete my apartment decor. I know this will be a process, but it's one that I welcome. The wanna-be interior decorator in me is giddy! For now, I want to share some tips I've come up with on how to make your apartment, townhouse, or house feel more comfy, cozy, and home-y.

1] throw pillows, throw pillows, throw pillows

top pillow | IKEA
middle pillow | Tahari, found at TJ Maxx
bottom pillow | IKEA

What can I say... I love me a good throw pillow. Right now, I have five on my couch and plan to add more. I've gone for a more neutral palate, because my couch is a navy color. I like to think that our interior decor emulates our own personal style. Styling a couch is much like styling an outfit, and my couch certainly has no shortage of pattern mixing. The Tahari pillow adds some glamour to an otherwise neutral assembly of pillows. I also placed two cozy blankets on the couch for some added texture, comfort, and to have in close reach if guests get cold. I'd like to say I'm going for a classic but glamorous look for this apartment, but we will see how it turns out once I'm all done!

2] candles

pumpkin cheesecake candle | Target

A sweet smelling candle always adds a bit of warmth to your home. I've been wanting a seasonal candle for the apartment, and this one definitely fits my pumpkin addiction. Notice that it is not lit in this picture... Matches are just one of those random things that you forget to buy until you need it. Oops!

3] glass carafe

Is it weird to be obsessed with a water carafe? Because I might be. One of my favorite restaurants in Lawrenceville gives each table a water jug similar to this one. When I saw these at TJ Maxx this past week, I had to buy one for my apartment. Especially since this one was only $1.99! I think it will be a great addition to my kitchen, especially when guests are over. I'm thinking of adding sliced lemon in the water, too. Let's be real though, I'll probably be ordering pizza for said guests (#notagoodcook).

Do you have any tips for making your space feel more like home? I would love to hear any tips or tricks you have to share. I'll be sure to give updates on how my decorating is coming along!

xoxo,
G