Semi-Practical Splurges

Do you have certain things you like to splurge on here and there? Really, who am I kidding? Of course everyone has something they like to spend a little extra on sometimes!

Sometimes those special splurges are really pretty ordinary. Sure, it's typical to splurge on makeup or purses, but I'm talking about semi-practical splurges. Things that you do actually need, but you might not need the fanciest version.

One of my fun things that I am always tempted to spend a little extra on is - believe it or not - soap!

When I saw this ad in the coupon inserts of the Sunday paper, I was immediately drawn to it. Wild basil and lime, orchid petals and mint water, peony and plum. Who wouldn't want those scents? Not to mention, the bottles are sleek and stylish. 

This might be a weird thing to spend a little extra on, but I love nice-smelling soap, and it feels luxurious when it is dispensed from a pretty bottle. Usually I just buy a bottle of soap and then buy a big bottle of refill soap and keep using the same old bottle.

But I think it might be time to change up my bottle and get something a little special. Yes, it is just soap, but it is soap that makes me feel a little fancier - and who doesn't want that? I even have a coupon, so I definitely plan on purchasing some of this soon!

What are some of your semi-practical splurges? 

How I Coupon

Couponing is so fun! Do you all agree? Yes, it is work, but it is rewarding work. It's fun doing the research, and then you save money that you can later spend on fun things like nail polish (or whatever sparks your interest).

The last couple weeks, our local newspaper has had quite a few coupon inserts, which is glorious for me! So many things to look through!

The way I coupon is really pretty simple. I don't consider myself an extreme couponer (although sometimes it is fun to think of myself as that), but I do invest some time into saving money.

Basically, here is my routine: Look through the Sunday newspaper. That's it! On my best shopping trips, I've been able to save up to 22% off my grocery bill. It's not a ton, but it's about $20 worth! Believe me, $20 can buy a lot of fun things, or it can go a long way toward another household need.

We recently got a printer for our house, so my fiance and I are excited about the ability to print things now. I am mostly excited about being able to print extra coupons! Silly us though, we bought the printer, but we didn't buy printer paper at the same time, so we will have to wait just a bit.

Do you like to coupon? What is your technique?

Holiday Decorations

Having a house means you get chances to decorate a lot more. Even if you choose not to go all out with decorations, it's still nice knowing you have the freedom to do so.

Since this is our first year in a house, my fiance and I don't have any holiday decorations, but I went to Joann's yesterday and got some ribbon to decorate the light pole in our front yard.

The ribbon was actually on sale, 60% off, so yay for saving money! I love how they often discount decorations during the season that they are for, instead of just after the season.

We ended up putting the ribbon up today, and I think it turned out well! I am really happy with the results and the little bit of holiday cheer. Now we just need some lights!

Another holiday decoration I'd love to get is one of those little snow towns. You know, where you lay out some cotton as "snow" and get some little houses and town buildings such as a post office, bakery, etc. The ones that have little lights inside are even cooler! I'd love to have one of those on my table in the foyer.

What are some of your favorite holiday decorations? Are there any really simple or inexpensive ones you like?

Welcome, Readers

Hello, internet!

Yet another blog has joined the world of the web (like it really needed one more). This blog is mostly a creative outlook and log of interesting things in my life, but hopefully it will also benefit some of you! I plan to post about the following:

• Photography
• Kitties
• Homeownership
• Couponing & Budget
• Wedding Planning & Married Life
• Healthy Habits
• Eating
• Emotional
• Physical
• Nail Polish & Manicures
• Automotive Racing
• Random Musings

Hopefully some of these topics appeal to you and we can share ideas with each other. Also, I suppose I should introduce myself...

My name is Rachel, and I'm a 26-year-old wife-to-be. I bought a house and moved in with my wonderful man, Mike, in February 2013, and we got engaged about six months later in August. Home life is a big change from living by myself in an apartment, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

Each new challenge adventure teaches me something new, and I love learning new things. Making the best of life and looking on the bright side is what I try to do, and I hope my blog, Light and Love, reflects that. Thank you for reading! I look forward to getting involved in the blogging community and becoming friends :)