The economy will never touch my cheese.

I recently read about the Lipstick Effect, a relatively consistent indicator of economic recession. The idea is that when money is tight, we spend more on low cost luxuries. Like lipstick. Sales of lipstick go up, and that’s how you know the economy is heading down. Maybe you can’t afford a new car or a 2 week vacation, but you know what you can swing? $20 for a tube of Summer Fridays, and when you’re bumming about inflation, that little luxury feels pretty dang good, no?

Interesting! And then I stumbled on this Substack note, asking the crowd which luxury item they will never give up. The writer commented good eggs, which I think is indeed premium, in the current market. I’m not quite as ethical about my egg purchases lately, but I appreciate that it’s worth it to her. I commented that I feel as much about good cheese.

It made me think about other small luxuries. Little spends that make my life feel rich. I think these are important! I love my Monday ritual of leaving early to have time to get a drive-thru coffee on my way into work. $3 is so little to feel so grand, you know?

A few others -

$12 to get a car wash every Friday.

Standing at the deli counter, pulling a number, waiting my turn, and having fresh cut slices of sandwich meat and cheese packaged up. A luxury of time and money.

A sit down restaurant every once in a while, during the week, for a solo lunch.

Appetizers and digestifs.

*My mom has long told me that you must have nice hair and nice shoes. Everything else in the middle can be overlooked if the top and bottom are tidy. I feel the same about going out to dinner. I like several small plates and I must save room for a post dinner drink. Everything else in the middle can be overlooked.

What are your little luxuries?

A couple of small luxuries to noodle on -

+Currently part of the Amazon sale, these cream eyeshadow sticks are elite and they are $8. I have several and I am telling you they are better than any higher end version I’ve tried, including the LM Caviar Sticks. These never ever slide into my lid creases and they last all day long.

+A deliciously tropical body wash for $12.

+Little luxury indeed! Spendy for a condiment but truly makes everything and anything taste better.

+My pick for the Lipstick Effect. I’m a sucker for these balms.

+A chic bag that I’d stuff with magazines and snacks for upcoming beach days (!!!)

+Related: a crochet sweater to add to your list if you’re as optimistic for an early summer as I am.

+Haha. A literary beach hat.