5 things under $100 that have improved my life

Whether you are pleased with Santa’s gifts or a bit disappointed, here is my personal list of 5 things under $100 that have made my life better.

With Christmas in the rear-view mirror, gifts are on everyone’s mind. Whether you loved what Santa left for you under the tree or were less than thrilled, the season got me thinking. What are some of the inexpensive things and experiences that have most improved my life in recent memory? “Inexpensive” is a relative term, so I set the threshold at $100 and came up with five ideas to share with you.

Yoga classes

At well under $100 per session, yoga classes offer a great return on investment. There are dozens of class and style options that can allow you to find you perfect fit. Looking for an opportunity to stretch and relax? Build up the energy and sweat? Work on challenging poses and balance? There is a class out there for you. As a bonus, you will emerge centered, with clarity of focus and deeper breathing.

Republic of Teas “Get Some ZZZ’s” Herbal Tea

Raise your hand if you spend precious night time tossing and turning as you try to fall asleep! I have found that this tea ($11 for a 36-bag tin) helps me drift off peacefully. Best of all, it does not result in morning blurriness that some sleep aids can bring about. If you want to give it a try, you can find this tea at your local supermarket (or buy it from the Republic of Teas directly).

HiCoup Professional Waiter’s Corkscrew

I occasionally enjoy wine, and I saw the tasting experts use this particular corkscrew at a recent wine tasting. I ordered one on Amazon between sips and never looked back. Reviews say that there is an online video tutorial with tips on how to use it, but I have a feeling you can just wing it with great results.

“What Color is Your Parachute” by Richard Bolles

A 2018 edition of this classic is available on Amazon, but my copy is much older. Back in college, I attended a seminar that offered to help a group of almost-graduating students figure out what they wanted to do in life. “What Color is Your Parachute” was on the “Recommended Reading” list. As I diligently followed the process outlined in the book, I got to interview recruiting partners at two of the then Big 8 accounting firms. The partners were generous with their time, thoughtful in their advice, and impressed that I undertook this project for personal study, not as part of a required class to graduate. At the time, I had no way of knowing that one of those recruiting partners would later recognize my name on the candidate list, waive the on-campus screening interview, and fast-track me into a full day of interviews at the office which resulted in a marvelous career defining job offer. If a book can change your life, I will vouch for this one!

Time with family

This may sound like a sappy item to round out the list, but the old adage is true that time spent with the loved ones is priceless. I think back to the monthly “mommy-daughter” days that I planned for my daughter was she was young. Things we did were never expensive. Playing dolls and having pretend tea parties only requires that you show up and be present. However, we both remember those days fondly.

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