Growing up of very modest means–and I do mean very–sometimes I feel silly spending a little more on certain things. Like paying for a service I can do myself, or buying a more expensive item when there are cheaper options. But one thing I’ve learned since becoming a functioning, income-earning adult is that you get what you pay for. I’ve adopted the philosophy that some quiet luxuries are absolutely worth the splurge.
Here are the top eight things I refuse to compromise on in my late thirties.
Plush Oversized Bath Towels
We registered for plush, oversized bath towels for our wedding in 2018, and it was one of my favorite gifts. I was only 29 years old at the time and didn’t realize just how bad my current bath towels were. Being younger, I wasn’t spending big money on towels, I was just trying to make do with what was cheaper. Never again.
Maybe it’s just age, or having used some luxurious towels in my travels, but I finally realized they’re way more accessible than my brain thought. Last year, I finally needed to replace our original registry-gifted oversized towels but couldn’t find them anywhere. Thankfully, I found these oversized spa towels when shopping at Target and they’re even less expensive!
Do yourself a favor. Next time you need new towels, look for the most plush, oversized spa towels you can find!
Having a Hobby That is 100% Mine
Tennis, or as I sometimes call it, solo human being time, is my reprieve from everyday life. When I’m on court I’m not thinking about picking up toys, folding laundry or content deadlines. It’s both the mental escape and physical exercise my body craves. Having alone time as a parent is truly one of the quietest quiet luxuries out there.
Whether your hobby is art, athletics or something in between, it’s important to have something that is just yours. Whatever your heart needs, be sure it gets it. If you have kids, it’s important to communicate your need for “me time” with your partner and work together to create time for it. Tennis has singlehandedly been the best decision I’ve made for myself since becoming a parent.
Having a Towel Warmer Right Outside of My Shower
My towel warmer is the creature comfort I miss the most when traveling. If you’ve never used one you may not think anything of the room temperature towel you reach for after a shower, and that’s fine! But try reaching for a towel warmer-warmed towel, then tell me how it compares. (Psst… it doesn’t.)
Kevin got me a towel warmer for my birthday three years ago and I’ve used it daily since. My exact model is currently unavailable but this towel warmer is a leading oversized option. If you also have oversized bath towels I definitely recommend one that boasts a larger container size.
Unsung Quiet Luxuries Hero: Buying Good Quality Socks
Guys. We have to stop buying new packs of the Kirkland socks four times a year. You’re ultimately spending more money and creating more waste in the meantime. Kevin and I have both been wearing Bombas socks for a few years and can’t recommend them enough.
For me, good socks are one of life’s non-negotiable quiet luxuries, especially when playing tennis. I was ripping new holes in the Kirkland socks within weeks of buying them and I was SO sick of it. Now, I wear these everyday Bombas socks off-court, and these are my favorite athletic socks for playing tennis.
While I’m not an affiliate, you can sign up for their email list you can get 20% off your first order. I suggest stocking up right from the start at a discount!
Investing in a Really Nice Wallet
A nice wallet is mandatory for all fully-grown adults. I was tired of buying cheap amazon wallets that would last me maybe 1-2 years. Some started fraying after just a few months. Wallets are a sneakily heavy-wear item because they go from bag to bag, especially when you’re a parent.
Last year, after lots of detailed research and shopping around, I finally splurged on this durable, gorgeous designer wallet. The price tag can definitely be jarring, but I promise you with all of my heart, it’s worth it.
Taking Better Care of My Hair
Your hair changes with age as it is, but having kids adds some fragility into the mix as well.
I could go on about my hair care journey in the past five years, but I digress (this post covers a lot of it). Like anything else, if you want healthy hair as you age, you have to work for it. Top-tier hair care doesn’t have to be complicated or cumbersome. I slowly incorporated habits and products into my routine over time to get to the healthy and happy place my hair is at today.
It’s taken years, but I feel like I’ve found the healthy routine on which my hair thrives. My ride-or-die scalp serum and subjecting my hair to less heat have been key players. I try to wash my hair about once a week and when I do, I blow it dry using a heat protectant spray. I’ve found using medium heat on it once a week and nourishing it with good product and care the rest of the time has really helped my locks.
Other Healthy Haircare Ritual Products
- Sleepy Tie – I sleep with this in at night and notice my hair stays nicer for days longer than if it’ just lays out’s down
- Silk pillow case – Great for your skin and hair, silk doesn’t tug at hair and is much gentler on your face i.e. less wrinkling and fine lines
- Divi Scalp Serum – because a healthy strand starts at the roots
- This Single Pass Hair Straightener – My current, and one of the nicest flat irons I’ve owned and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg (watch for sales)
- This Heat Protectant Spray – I use this on hair wash/dry and styling days 5-10 minutes in advance of applying heat
Practicing a Consistent Skincare Routine
I think I’ve gone to sleep a grand total of maybe five times in my life without removing my makeup and washing my face. Practicing good skincare is truly non-negotiable for me and always has been. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten smarter about what I’m using to cleanse, treat and hydrate my skin. More on my full skin care routine in this post.
While my daily routine is set-in-stone, it has evolved over the years as my skin’s needs change. These are my personal favorite skincare products that I’m using today:
- Luxurious overnight hand cream – you can use all the best products on your face every day, but your hands will be a tell unless you take care of them also.
- Roll-on retinol stick – apply this to my décolleté area after showering at night.
- My GOAT product: this lactic acid treatment – I use this day and night, but start slow if you’re new to using lactic acid as it’s a strong product (I tried this sampler pack first to make sure my skin was compatible before investing)
Getting The Occasional Blowout
Last month, I got a blowout on vacation in Huntington Beach and it was, and always is, money well spent. Now, I’m not going to the salon every time I have an event or need my hair washed (though tempting). But every once in a while, if I have a big event or occasion coming up and time allows, letting a professional wash and style my hair is one of the quiet luxuries I love the most.
A blowout is one of my highest forms of self care. If I had to pick between getting my nails done for a year or my hair, I’d easily chose the blowout. I love a good, professional grade shampooing and styling. If this is something you enjoy, ask your hair salon how much it is for a blowout/wash and style. At mine, it’s only $20, which is why it’s incredibly tempting to go weekly (maybe one day).
Everyone has quiet luxuries they love and look forward to in life. Do we share any? Share yours in the comments so we can all upgrade our every day routines!
