a bicycle?

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Hermes silk scarf

I would spend it at the best restaurant within 200 miles. With any $ left over, I would spend it on something very trendy/hip since I usually wear traditional clothes, or I might go for great seats at a cool sports event or concert.

Anonymous wrote:Well, a lot of the happiness research suggests that in the long run, experiences make us happier than objects. So let's think really broadly, OP. Several years ago, I had a neighbor who had always wanted to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. (We were living in Austin, TX at the time). One day, she bought a plane ticket and she went. She left at 6 am, was on the ground in NYC by 9 am, and spent the day going to the Museum and a few other sights. Then came home that night on the 8 pm flight -- home in TX by 11 pm. No hotel expenses, no need to line up more than a day's worth of childcare -- and I doubt she'll ever forget it. I know the rest of us won't! Are there any places you've ever wanted to go to, that you could reasonably fly there and back in one day?

ITA. Did this to West Palm Beach and Bermuda. Best trips ever.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Gag! It's tacky to do this kind of thing and brag about it which is just what you are doing. Selfless. Get it? SELF LESS. Nobody needs to pat you on the back for it. Stop fishing.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the person posting anonymously probably isn't fishing for approval from you, dude.

You're right. Nobody brags around here.

If you can't think of what to get, just stash the 500 dollars somewhere and splurge when you really want or need something. Getting something amazing is one thing, but looking for a way to part with money just won't feel as good.

Anonymous wrote:I am about to get through a tough few weeks, with a DH on extended travel during an insanely busy time at work, as well a major work accomplishment. I want to buy myself a nice splurge gift. I was thinking ipad but am trying to think more broadly. Budget $500 (so the ipad is slightly over). Don't want a new bag or purse. Am thinking a great pair of shoes? Jewelry? Would love any suggestions .

If you are fed or student Apple gives 10 % discount

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am about to get through a tough few weeks, with a DH on extended travel during an insanely busy time at work, as well a major work accomplishment. I want to buy myself a nice splurge gift. I was thinking ipad but am trying to think more broadly. Budget $500 (so the ipad is slightly over). Don't want a new bag or purse. Am thinking a great pair of shoes? Jewelry? Would love any suggestions .

Buy an unexpected gift for someone who has lost a job, has been through times that are truly tough, e.g., their spouse died or they went through a harrowing divorce. Just sent someone who is really in need $400.00 anonymously and spend the other $100.00 on yourself.

This kindness will make you feel a million times better than anything you would splurge on for yourself. I know, because last week I saw a beautiful purse in watermelon pink and immediately thought of someone who loves that color. I know there is no way that she could afford to buy anything for herself so I put a $100.00 bill and one penny in purse and had store deliver it to her and included a gift receipt. She called me yesterday with shrieks and tears of happiness to tell me that she had received a package, no name or other way to identify who sent it to her, but she could now afford to give her daughter money for prom. I was sorry that I couldn't have put in five $100.00 bills.

Very kind of you PP. But I think it might freak some people out if someone did this anonymously.

Anonymous wrote:
Gag! It's tacky to do this kind of thing and brag about it which is just what you are doing. Selfless. Get it? SELF LESS. Nobody needs to pat you on the back for it. Stop fishing.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the person posting anonymously probably isn't fishing for approval from you, dude.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am about to get through a tough few weeks, with a DH on extended travel during an insanely busy time at work, as well a major work accomplishment. I want to buy myself a nice splurge gift. I was thinking ipad but am trying to think more broadly. Budget $500 (so the ipad is slightly over). Don't want a new bag or purse. Am thinking a great pair of shoes? Jewelry? Would love any suggestions .

Buy an unexpected gift for someone who has lost a job, has been through times that are truly tough, e.g., their spouse died or they went through a harrowing divorce. Just sent someone who is really in need $400.00 anonymously and spend the other $100.00 on yourself.

This kindness will make you feel a million times better than anything you would splurge on for yourself. I know, because last week I saw a beautiful purse in watermelon pink and immediately thought of someone who loves that color. I know there is no way that she could afford to buy anything for herself so I put a $100.00 bill and one penny in purse and had store deliver it to her and included a gift receipt. She called me yesterday with shrieks and tears of happiness to tell me that she had received a package, no name or other way to identify who sent it to her, but she could now afford to give her daughter money for prom. I was sorry that I couldn't have put in five $100.00 bills.

Gag! It's tacky to do this kind of thing and brag about it which is just what you are doing. Selfless. Get it? SELF LESS. Nobody needs to pat you on the back for it. Stop fishing.

Anonymous wrote:I am about to get through a tough few weeks, with a DH on extended travel during an insanely busy time at work, as well a major work accomplishment. I want to buy myself a nice splurge gift. I was thinking ipad but am trying to think more broadly. Budget $500 (so the ipad is slightly over). Don't want a new bag or purse. Am thinking a great pair of shoes? Jewelry? Would love any suggestions .

Buy an unexpected gift for someone who has lost a job, has been through times that are truly tough, e.g., their spouse died or they went through a harrowing divorce. Just sent someone who is really in need $400.00 anonymously and spend the other $100.00 on yourself.

This kindness will make you feel a million times better than anything you would splurge on for yourself. I know, because last week I saw a beautiful purse in watermelon pink and immediately thought of someone who loves that color. I know there is no way that she could afford to buy anything for herself so I put a $100.00 bill and one penny in purse and had store deliver it to her and included a gift receipt. She called me yesterday with shrieks and tears of happiness to tell me that she had received a package, no name or other way to identify who sent it to her, but she could now afford to give her daughter money for prom. I was sorry that I couldn't have put in five $100.00 bills.

I'd buy jewelry since I never get anything new. I think a Tiffany bracelet would be nice.

would definitely try to have an experience rather than acquiring a thing...with the exception of going for the ipad which I really do get a ton of daily use out of, to me that's an indulgence that's also a worthwhile useful purchase

I would do the spa day or an overnight, or get tix to a show I really want to see, or take an expensive class in something crazy I'd like to learn how to do, like an expensive all day cooking class or glass blowing or something like that

a pair of shoes, eh...I like shoes, but doesn't seem like they'll give you the same satisfaction

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, a lot of the happiness research suggests that in the long run, experiences make us happier than objects. So let's think really broadly, OP. Several years ago, I had a neighbor who had always wanted to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. (We were living in Austin, TX at the time). One day, she bought a plane ticket and she went. She left at 6 am, was on the ground in NYC by 9 am, and spent the day going to the Museum and a few other sights. Then came home that night on the 8 pm flight -- home in TX by 11 pm. No hotel expenses, no need to line up more than a day's worth of childcare -- and I doubt she'll ever forget it. I know the rest of us won't! Are there any places you've ever wanted to go to, that you could reasonably fly there and back in one day?

That is awesome! I love the days where you wake up in one place and then spend the day somewhere completely different. However, I had never thought of going for just the day! Waking up in Texas, exploring NYC, and then going to sleep in Texas would be fabulous!

Totally agree -- this is how I always splurge. I've never done Texas to NYC. But when I lived in NYC, I actually took a day off 2-3 times to come down to DC. I'd pick one museum, monument etc. to visit, then have lunch, just wander around Dupont/Georgetown/wherever and then take the train back to NYC. If I really wanted to splurge, I'd stay one night in a nice hotel and head back the next morning. I wasn't necessarily doing exciting things, but it was a splurge for a mental health break, a chance to see a friend for a few hrs who I wouldn't otherwise see etc. Some of my friends in DC at that time were work/professional friends, so I was always reluctant to admit that I was doing this just for myself -- since it seems like most women would take that amount and spend it on an outfit or jewelry; so I'd play it off as "oh -- I'm just in DC on a business trip and it got extended by a little/I have some downtime." Wish I had been upfront enough to admit it to people. To me these trips meant more than an item which I would have worn out and probably tossed by now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to sound stupid, but what's with the multiple Olney postings?

I don't get it either, I think I'm missing something.

Put simply, city dwellers making snide comments about suburbanites. Typically, those that wet their panties over their zip code obviously grew up in Missouri or some place like that. They have made it! -- in their fugly overpriced capri pants from Neimans -- meanwhile momma back home is humping it working second shift at the twinkie factory.

PP I think you are correct. Those who snort in derision about the suburbs, certain brands, etc. are only covering their own insecurities.