Thursday

Cozy Comforts and Frugal Luxuries

"There is nothing like staying home for real comfort" 
~Jane Austen

Many people confuse luxury with opulence.  To understand luxury we must look at the true sense of the word.  The American Heritage Dictionary defines luxury as "something conducive to pleasure and comfort" so...to indulge in true luxury you need only to focus on what brings you pleasure and comfort.   

Does luxury have to mean diamonds and servants...or can it be a plump down comforter on a cold night...or a bowl of wild blueberries picked at the peak of that fruits' brief season?

Thoreau wisely stated, "I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor."  At this time of year cold winds are blowing. The prospect of venturing away from home and hearth is less than appealing, yet, it is the ideal season to cultivate cozy comforts and frugal luxuries. 




During cool weather I like to create strategic comfort by arranging furniture (comfy chairs, specifically) away from drafty windows to create cozy corners.  These spaces are ideal for nestling into with a good book...a cup of tea...and a luxurious (definitely not frugal) cashmere throw like this ...it's very similar to one I inherited from my great aunt Evelyn several years ago.  I don't need to tell you that this is definitely an investment piece.  That being said, perhaps I should point out again, it will last a lifetime...or two.  
Note: If the budget doesn't allow for a new cashmere blanket/throw you might put "cashmere throw" on your tag sale, thrift shopping list.  





Another cozy comfort we appreciate even more in winter is the soft glow of basic candlelight to warm a dark day or brighten an ordinary evening.  For weekends and more special occasions we enjoy a well crafted candle with soothing scents such as the delicious smelling Fireside candle from Parachute Home  (these make a perfect addition to the gift pantry).






If you've never experienced the wonder of wearing woolly socks during the winter then you are in for a treat.  In fact, every time the weather turns cool I invoke their magical properties. Wool is an excellent insulator and keeps your feet warm and toasty and retains its insulating properties even while wet.  Wool can absorb sufficient amounts of moisture (a third of its weight) before it feels wet and it dries much faster than cotton or synthetics. Finally, wool fibers are naturally anti~bacterial and thus odor resistant.  So yes... truly kind of magical and... such a cozy comfort during the cold season.  

While there are many individual definitions of comfort and luxury I'll never be convinced that these simple pleasures do not truly define the words.

Sending love and good thoughts as always.




8 comments:

terricheney said...

Ahhh! I could so use that cashmere throw just now. It's chilly and rainy out. Lovely post, Tracey!

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Thank so much Terri...for taking the time to stop by and the kind words! Loved your post on the concept of time versus money!
Love,
Tracey
XoX

Mimi said...

Tracey, this post just speaks to my heart. Would you do me the honour of sharing it at my linkup at A Tray of Bliss? We're sharing ways to live elegantly for less, and I think you're singing our song...xxx
http://atrayofbliss.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/the-five-star-frugal-link-up-is-on.html

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Mimi, I am honored to add this post to your link up!
Your blog is lovely...you are definitely a kindred spirit!
Warmly, Tracey

Nana said...

Hi Tracey;
I left a comment earlier this morning but it never went thru. It is so good to hear from you, I loved your post! I would definitely love a cashmere throw, but will probably never own one. But I will enjoy a good book and a cup of tea! I also love the woolly socks, that I will look for when I am out shopping again! I keep telling myself to stay warm and keep calm, lol. Love and Hugs, Nana.

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Hi Nana!
It's good to hear from you too...I'm so glad you enjoyed the post!!!
I hope you are keeping warm and cozy and your own cozy comforts are keeping life bright. Thanks so much for always checking in on me!
I am trying to post more frequently.
Warmly,
Tracey XoX

Terri Steffes said...

Natural fibers are the bomb! I also enjoy candle light or the glow from the fireplace. I am going to get myself some wool socks as soon as I can!

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

You are so right Terri...I try you use natural fibers whenever possible!
Love,
Tracey

The original "FRUGAL LUXURIES" ~ Based on the books by Tracey McBride ~ Established 1993

A warm Thank You to all kind souls and kindred spirits who generously take the time to leave a comment...your encouragement, trust and support are deeply appreciated...please know that we read each and every message and will respond as time allows.

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"FRUGAL LUXURIES: Simple Pleasures to Enhance Your Life and Comfort Your Soul" was written by Tracey McBride and published by Bantam Books, NY, in 1997. It was the first of its genre to synergize the elements of simplicity, frugality and gracious living.

After more than a decade, FRUGAL LUXURIES has never been out of print and is now more relevant than ever.

"It's our hope that a new generation, faced with a teetering economy, will also find this information helpful and enlightening."



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