Cheap Thrills : Treat yourself without breaking the bank

If you're anything like me, you like to work hard and play hard. We aren't afraid to put in long hours to build our websites, grow our businesses and expand our brands because we know that it'll pay off in the end. But what's a girl to do when she just needs a little pick me up right now?

That's where cheap thrills come in.

No, I'm not talking about the Sia song (although it's super catchy), instead I'm talking about ways you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.

Sometimes you just need a little reward for your hard work from a hit of dopamine that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I'm all about investing in quality over quantity but there are times when a cheap thrill is exactly what feels right.

I'm sharing 10 of my favourite cheap thrills below and I hope it inspires you to take some time to reward yourself for your hard work - without having to swipe that credit card on a major purchase!

1. At-home manicure

Oh man, do I ever love the at-home manicure! A bottle of drug store nail polish will set you back no more than $10 and you can use it many times, unlike going for a manicure at a salon. I love picking up a new shade of polish and Essie and OPI are two of my favourite brands. Plus, giving yourself at at-home manicure is a great excuse to chill out and get caught up on your favourite TV shows because you're basically forced to sit still and not do anything while your nails dry!

2. Face mask

We're all after that dewy, Glossier-esque skin and a face mask is one of my favourite inexpensive ways to treat myself. I love picking up a few packs at Winners or the drug store because you can try out different masks for a few dollars each. Face masks feel like a mini spa treatment and I love how hydrated and smooth my skin feels afterwards.

3. Meditation app

Calm and Headspace are two popular meditation apps and I love them both and use them all the time. Calm Premium will set you back about $5/month and Headspace is slightly more at about $8/month. Both are affordable and worthwhile!

Namaste, my friend.

4. Fitness classes or online workouts

These can be free or paid and there's literally every type of workout class available.

You can find countless high-quality workout classes on Youtube (PopSugar, Yoga with Adrienne and Tone It Up are some of my favourites) and follow along with a long or short class. I really enjoy doing at-home workouts because I can do them whenever I want and I can always find time in my schedule for a quick HIIT class.

That being said, there's something about a group fitness class that is done IRL that can't be beat. TG for drop ins!

5. Make a decadent dessert

I absolutely love to bake and luckily for my friends and family, I'm always keen to share the finished product! When I want to treat myself (and others) in a decadent way, I like to try out a new dessert recipe. I usually favour vegan/plant-based recipes, which means I might have to pick up a few speciality ingredients. Even so, it rarely sets me back more than $10.

If you're looking for plant-based dessert inspiration of your own, might I suggest a recipe from Deliciously Ella, Minimalist Baker, Erin Ireland or Thug Kitchen?

6. Fancy latte

I know that every single personal finance expert is going to shout at me for this one but dang it, a girl's gotta have a fancy latte every now and then! Most of the time I opt for a tea when I go to a coffee shop but when I want to treat myself, I indulge in a fancy latte and never regret it. Whether I stick around the coffee shop and enjoy it in a "for here" mug, or take it to-go, a fancy latte does the trick.

Don't forget to bring a reusable mug along with you to avoid wasting a paper cup!

7. Exotic fruit

This is a random cheap thrill but picking up a piece of exotic fruit always puts me in a good mood. I like to get fruit that reminds me of my travels or helps me to day dream about spending my days on the beach. Dragon fruit, lychee, rambutan and mangosteen are some of my favourites! I usually pick them up from Whole Foods or an ethnic grocery store (lucky for me, there are plent of those in and around Vancouver!).

8. Order takeout

I'm generally an enthusiastic home chef but when I want a cheap thrill, I turn to takeout (sushi is my meal of choice). I can get a full veggie dinner for a tenner and it's nice to let someone else do the cooking every now and then! I guess takeout any type of takeout food falls under this category, whether it's a baked good from a cafe, a slice of 'za, bowl of soup, whatever. Sit back, relax, and enjoy some food that you didn't have to whip up.

9. New book

Whether it's new or new-to-me, I get shivers down my spine whenever I pick up a new book. I am an avid reader and will pretty much read any genre, but anything business related or a good thriller are my faves. There are plenty of bargains at used book stores (obviously) but you can also get some great books for cheap at bigger chains like Chapters if you keep your eyes peeled. Plus, who doesn't love to grow their home library and see all their favourite titles on display?!

10. Comedy show

I LOVE to laugh and I think that comedy shows are totally underrated and under-appreciated. In Vancouver (where I live), The Comedy Mix has shows on Tuesday and Wednesdays that are $10 or less and they are a guaranteed fun way to break up the week and unwind after a hard day's work! Grab a buddy, wrangle together a group of friends and hit one up and laugh your pants off.

Final Thoughts

As entrepreneurs, we work so hard day after day and it's important to take time for self-care. I truly believe that we should treat ourselves and reward all of our hard work, but that doesn't mean that we need to break the bank! There are plenty of cheap thrills to be had and these are a few of my favourites.

Now it's your turn to tell me, what are your cheap thrills of choice? How do you like to treat yourself? Would you rather a few cheap thrills or hold out for a bigger treat? I'd love to know so leave me a note in the comments!