Curl Up With A Good Book…

Have you had a chance to have a hotel night in your own home yet? Was it wonderful? Did you slip into your favorite lingerie? Did you pull out your best stemware and finest china? Did you use the good stuff?

Wait. What? The good stuff? Just for some cheese and crackers by yourself? Well… yes. After all, it’s a champagne life you’re going for, not a plastic, childproof, and rushed life. Plastic, childproof, and rushed I think we’ve got handled.

Now, before you start, I’ve heard the argument but what if it gets broken? Then I won’t have it to use! You’re right. Not even the search for a champagne life can guarantee you that china and crystal won’t get broken. However, if it’s not being used, or only barely being used, and is instead sitting, stored away in a cabinet somewhere out of fear of it being broken…does it really matter? Either way, you’re not enjoying it. Personally, I think it’s better to enjoy something, even if that means it might break, than to not use it or enjoy it out of fear.

So, instead of hiding the good stuff away, bring it out. You know the pieces, the ones you only use for special occasions. Because your life is allowed to be a special occasion. Pampering yourself counts, starting now. For me, depending on my mood, I either pull out my crystal goblet, my china plate, and my silver platter or my hand-thrown pottery and painted glassware. Yes, I have served myself cheddar cheese with saltines and seltzer water off of crystal, china and silver. Sounds decadent, doesn’t it? It really is, too. And that’s the point.

Because yes, it was just cheddar, saltines and club soda. But on the good stuff, it becomes so much more. It becomes decadent. It becomes elegant. It becomes a champagne life…on a beer budget.

Enjoy ~

~ Pauline

My best friend, Mitchell, loves the rare nights she gets to spend in hotels by herself. She adores her husband and daughter but every now and then, a night away is a gift.  She buys cheese and special crackers, wine and fruit and settles in for a night to take care of herself and only herself. Unfortunately, not many of us, including Mitchell, can afford a night at a hotel very often. So, we need to find a way to have a night out while staying in.

Last time, we talked about changing into our pretties for no one but ourselves. This time, we’re going to take it one step further. It takes some planning but it’s worth it. You’re worth it. Your champagne life is worth it.

Pick up a favorite snack. Depending on your budget, it can be a small wedge of good cheese, a few special chocolates, or even just cheddar and Hershey’s kisses. Then, once you’ve changed into your nightclothes, fed the dog, made the kids’ lunches, whatever, take your drink and your snack to your favorite place in the house. Dim the lights or light a candle or two and…relax.

Really go the extra step and turn off the television. Instead, put on some music, do a crossword, write a letter, or read a book. Take thirty minutes and wind down. Savor every bite. Engage all your senses. Don’t just sit mindlessly in front of the computer or with the remote. That can wait for other nights. Tonight is about this moment, your night away in your own home – and your Champagne Life on a Beer Budget.

Enjoy,

Pauline