So I know I am a huge loser in the blogging department. Also the math department. Seriously what is the deal with algebra? *shudder* Anyways, I wasn’t planning on blogging tonight either, but I just got back from a pretty great run and find myself with a little extra energy. I haven’t run since probably last fall, so I’m not sure where this came from, but I blame Amy. I don’t know why, but someone needs to be held responsible for this. Either way, I found myself in a groove, my feet moving along with the beat of a few choice workout mix songs, and the wind blowing through my ponytail. And I loved it. Also, I’m proud of myself and want to scream from a mountaintop: EVERYONE! I DID IT! I RAN! So thank you for being my virtual mountaintop.

Anyways, I wanted to share a few things that have brought me great joy lately during my newly crazy schedule, and all coming in under $10! What’s that you say? You love things that are cheap and wonderful too? I knew that you would…

1. Fresh-cut flowers. I don’t do this very often, but every now and then I get the urge to fill my home with things that smell nice, and aren’t a major fire hazard. (I’ve been known to leave a candle burning overnight…) So for $6.99 I picked up this lovely bunch of pink tulips:

And for free, this amazing little splash of lilac has my house smelling heavenly.

2. My April Birchbox! Listen, I know I talk about this thing every month, but seriously, it’s the sh*t. I love that I get a fancy package, wrapped in bows and nestled in tissue paper, and it’s all for me. And this month’s box was filled with more wonderful little treats.

Specifically an awesome berry-colored lipstick from Vapour Organic Beauty. It’s super moisturizing and I love the color: (cheesy self-portrait alert)

And there’s a hair mask from Amika that smells like rainbows and sparkles. You think I’m kidding. So again, for $10 a month, I can’t say enough good things.

3. At-home dirty martinis. I don’t know if it’s the return of Mad Men, or just my love of food in my booze, but I have been on a dirty martini kick lately. But I’ve realized something… they are expensive, y’all! Seriously. I still don’t understand how those broads on Sex & the City spent so much time sipping fancy drinks in swanky bars, I mean, at least Miranda was an attorney, but seriously, Carrie? You are my girl, but let’s be real here.

So after accepting I’ll never be one of those fancy ladies, sloshing around my $20 cocktail and laughing loudly about the recent stock market fluctuations, I marched my blue-collar booty into the liquor store and bought some vodka and olives. And you know what? It was just as good as any I’ve had in a bar. And I got to drink it on my couch. Now as I mentioned earlier, I suck at math, but I can promise that after spending $14 on a bottle of Cupcake vodka and $4 on some olives, this drink probably only ended up costing around $3. If x = a martini shaker and y = a frosted martini glass, then z = one happy Jess.

4. I’d be remissed if I didn’t mention the one thing that makes me smile daily. You can’t put a price tag on this look.

You guys… I know.

♥

What’s your favorite thing under $10?