Little luxuries
The editors of Fortune Small Business chose some of our favorite indulgences from indie artisans and craftsmen – but we want to hear your recommendations. What luxuries do you splurge on?
From zelda willey, miami fla We've just found a small company out
of Santa Fe, NM doing these made-to-order
workbags from canvas and suede called
S.STEIN at ssteindesign.com. This is a
very fun website, so check it out!
From Debi, Plant City, Florida I go to withlovealways.com and check out what's new. They have some awesome handcast jewelry and will even make custom pieces for you! Talk about your little luxuries!
From Vincent, Indianapolis, Indiana There is a great luthier producing hand-made cigar box guitars. They look and sound great; a tribute to the origins of American music. Check them out at http://www.reddogguitars.com.
From Dynoflyer in Boston I am easily satisfied by the best of everything.
From Frank, Virginia Do you know what that jump meant? Nothing! The jobless rate is still statistically very low and more people are working today than EVER. Remember the three worst sources of information are; liars, damn liars, and statistics. Stop drinking the media kool-aid. Now where is that chocolate?
From Sherry Cole, Lynnwood, Wa. Have you seen the 'created' diamonds? Look as good, if not better, and are as hard as diamonds. They have three of the four "C's" of diamonds. Google 'created diamonds' or 'manmade diamonds'.
From Dodd Leek The Netherlands I would splurge on one of those beautiful tables from http://www.felttablecreations.nl Unique tables covered with handmade felt.
From Jason, Boise, ID Every once in a while I will indulge myself by buying milk to pour all over my breakfast cereal. Next month my wife and I will celebrate our anniversary by filling up the tank with gas.
From Chris Grayson The fact that you run an article touting the "small luxury" of a $375
bar of chocolate as a side bar callout in an article about the
jobless rate taking its highest jump in 20 years is somewhat
tasteless, if not outright grotesque. What editor made that decision?
From Dana, Dallas, TX Medical grade skin care products, available only through a dermatologist. I stock up 3 or 4 times a year, about $400 each time. Worth every cent – I have phenomenal skin!
Contemplating a set of diamond earring studs – 3 carat total weight. Should I do it…?
From Jason Smith, Long Beach NY Designer pet tags from Australia, you can find Pawprint Pet Tags online. The owner of the company designs new pet tags every six months and will engrave and ship them for free to the USA. While they are only around $10 each, it is nice to speak to and deal with the owner and maker of a product directly and to have something custom engraved for your pet or as a key chain is special in this throw away world.
From Cornbread Orland Florida top shelf medicinal marijuana.
From Tony Zacharias, San Francisco, CA To me, the best indulgences are those that make me slow down and enjoy life for awhile. It is also better to spend a little bit more and get something made to last a long time than to repeatedly buy cheap, throwaway things.
One of my favorite indulgences is nice shaving equipment – a high-quality Merkur double-edge razor, a handmade shaving mug and some nice artisan-made shaving soap. Really nice, and it turns shaving from a pain in the neck (!) into something quite enjoyable. I bought my shaving things from Razor and Brush, who are very recommend just the right bits and pieces, and also from and Dirty Bird Pottery.
Another favorite is a good fountain pen (yes, a *real* pen, not a ballpoint). It makes writing a pure pleasure, and friends and family appreciate getting an actual letter instead of email.
From Wanda Sigler, Bloomington, IL I splurge on body lotions. That's my one major luxury. I also buy name brand cat food for my cats rather than cheap grocery store brands. Diet soda is still a splurge, haven't kicked that habit yet. Quit smoking almost 15 years ago, so I'm glad of that!
From Bill, Flemington, NJ One of my weak spots is techno toys. Be it a new compouter game, or a new "must have" gadget, those are my weakness.
The other weak spot is "cool stuff for the grand sons and grand daughters". How can I resist?
From Joe, Jacksonville, Florida I will drive about 20 miles out of my way (even at $4.00 a gallon)to partake in a multiple award winning "Cheese Danish" from the Edgewood Bakery of Jacksonville, Florida. These delectables are so good that when I was on active duty in the Navy and stationed in Hawaii, I would persuade visiting sailor friends from Jacksonville to stash a few in their luggage for my enjoyment. I was introduced to these gems over 25 years ago and they are as good as ever.
From Scott Coffee every moring, on my way to work. It may not seem like a indulgences. But, think about the money we spend on coffee each day, then each week, and each year. Its a @!$# load, roughly $520.oo each year, and that is just coffee not espresso drinks.
From Kevin, Mesa AZ I will thirdly vouch for Duvel beer in a brandy glass. My love for Duvel inspired my friend, a restaurant manager, to add it to their offerings at a sushi bistro.
From Brad, Jupiter, FL Fine woodworking…no better accent in making a house a home. Things like this….http://www.charterfd.com/portfolio.htm
From r doremus Kingman AZ Digital SLRs and lenses.
From Travis, Orlando, FL I splurge on this thing called gas. It's pretty cool, it allows you to drive your automobile from place to place, like to and from work. It's pretty expensive though. I'm not sure it's worth it anymore.
From Eliza, Chicago IL I love good food and I splurge on that more than anything else. I try to go for organic foods or natural products.
For the past twenty years my family has been buying toffee from a local company that hand makes, hand breaks, and hand packs every piece. The best part is they do not add chemicals or preservatives to their product! It really is a great family tradition in our house. The family that owns the business tries to keep the costs as low(thank goodness!) but even if it were much more expensive I would buy it. Check them out at http://www.pembertontoffee.com/
From Julie, San Francisco, CA As an artist, I like to support craftsmen so that they can hopefully make a living, continue their craft and pass the skills on to other generations.
One of the luxuries I splurge on is handmade or ethnic jewelry. This is one of my new favorites: Orijyn, selling Lao silver jewelry. It is also a Fair Trade business that is supporting education through a school.
From Susan I love Birkenstock shoes. I'll scrimp on almost everything else, but I want happy feet. Susan Craig, Nebraska
From Terry Jones, Omaha, Nebraska I love the look of Kurt Schoen's incredible Turbo Diddley guitars! And the sound resonates right through my chest when I play it! I also feel good about them because he uses recycled woods and metals to make the instruments, which make them all the cooler! And some stars seem to like them too – ZZ Top, The Eagles, Lenny Kravitz, Alison Kraus – all good company!
From Emily, Olathe KS I love handmade things, I spend way too much time looking at things at http://www.etsy.com. I want it all, lol.
From P Washington DC I 2nd that Duvel Rocks….Very strong too. 10%ABV. 23.4oz bottle $10 each. Yessssssss.
From Kevin, Northampton, MA Beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces,of woven ware and unique jewelry by Susan and Fran and associates at http://www.valleyvogue.com
From Singh, New York, NY I just got married in March and for our honeymoon we went to Tahiti for two weeks. Vacation of a lifetime. It was just spectacular… Words cannot describe the experience.
From Lisa, Raleigh NC I occasionally like to splurge to eat out at a really nice restaurant or to get the "spa treatment" – massage, manicure, etc. However, one thing I splurged on last year (and am surprised it hasn't already been mentioned) was our lawn. We spent quite a bit having it fertilized, sprayed, aerated, seeded, the whole nine yards – and that was without any additional landscaping costs.
From Grieg Pedersen, Cobden, IL I just spent more on a watch this past year than on all the watches that came before in my 45 years combined. I thought it was a pretty big splurge at $150. That should illustrate that I really don't want stuff. I ahve all more stuff than I could want. I drive a 2001 midsize scratch-and-dent car and a 2000 long-bed pickup. I paid less than $10k for the pair.
To me, nature is the greatest artisan of all, far exceeding even the most impressive creations of mankind. My one real splurge since 2000 is a very spiritual, secluded piece of land with two 50' waterfalls. My family adores the place and I intend to make sure that there's enough money that my daughter can keep it and pass it on in perpetuity.
Now I'm putting money away from my now six-figure income so I can build a catamaran and sail the world when I retire – now that's a splurge I can live with – and on! And when we return, if we decide to return, we'll always have the waterfalls.
From Jabie Gray, San Diego, CA I splurge on photo realistic etchings by http://www.etchphoto.com. It may take a while for them to do it, but when they come out, museum quality etchings made from your personalized photos. Wedding gifts, gifts to your wife, your boss, works out pretty great.
From Michael, Seattle Wa Fine Art Glass from Seattle WA! A great way to decorate homes and offices.
http://www.mercurialarts.com
From wanj ColeHaan nike air high heels for work; they are worth every red cent too.- http://www.colehaan.com
From Don Workman, Loveland, CO Massage! One of the best massages I ever received was on Maui. I tried a local massage instead of the spas and have to admit it was far superior! It was 'Anela Healing Massage Therapies. She was very attentive to my needs and had a wonderful touch!
Check out http://www.mauimassagemaster.com
From Robert Knapp, Fort Atkinson, WI One of life's purest indulgences is a bottle of great wine! I splurg on Caymus or Phelps cabs from California; estate bottled German Rieslings or ice wines from Heron Hill in New York round out the need for something substantive but sweet.
From Julius, Rego Park, NY All I ever cared about since being a kid was books and music..give me those and I was happy. So of course, my wife and I each got an iPhone… sells at a luxury price, and gives us these things easily to hold in our pockets wherever we go. Are books and music luxuries? In today's economy, I beleive so, and at it's price THE PHONE SURE IS!!
From K. Rove, Kansas City, Kansas My weaknesses are electronics. I just splurged on a 160" HD projector system. Great for watching documentaries! It's sad that there's so much going wrong in this world, but at least I get to learn about them on my personal cinema system! Maybe they will inspire some change in society, LOL!
From Smiley Pangloss I spend my home equity line of credit on trinkets! Shiny trinkets!
From avpman Belgian bottle fermented ales (Duvel, Chimay, Delirium) and good cheese to go with them.
From Bill, Mount Pleasant, SC I splurge on fine liquor! In these depressing economic times one should numb themselves with only the best! When you start buying the cheap stuff in a plastic gallon jug you should check the yellow pages for the nearest meeting!
From Nancy, Ca. I grow my own veggies and enjoy an occasional side of meat and a glass of 10$ wine
From g q phillips,rimrock,az food and gas!! I just LUV living and working and paying my bills!!!
From Debbie, Lake MIlls, WI Dales of Norway sweaters. I personally try to hint for them as gifts. With the way the price of oil is going, I'll need a warm one since I won't be able to heat my house (much)!
From doug, punta gorda.fl. A true Artisan, this woodworker in sarasota Fl. makes one of a kind entry doors for distinct homes-a real luxury that EVERBODY notices and comments on!
http://www.woodverks.com/interior.htm
From Patrice Simon, Dir. Bikram Yoga , Costa Mesa-Newport Bch. CA. I own a yoga studio in Orange County, CA. and despite the current economic market..people are "investing" in their physical and emotional wellbeing.
We are busy…there is NO quick fix..but certainly the practice of yoga creates better coping skills, stress management, and helps put the mind and body in a state of health and rational perspective,during these "times"….which, "to shall pass".
From Jerry I have splurged on my daily shaving regimen. Having a smooth face is beneficial to my life, wife, and job. I bought a Weishi double edge razor on Amazon.com for $20, and since then have added a variety of Brushes, imported Blades (like Derby and Feather), and aftershaves.
I particularly like the Proraso brand of shaving cream. Yes an indulgence, but practical too!
From ADAM GRAY Don't have a whole lot of money to spare, especially since my wife and I just had a baby, but I will splurge on toffee that two local teenagers make called Brandini Toffee. http://www.brandinitoffee.com
From Mark, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman I travel quite a lot, so I wanted a bag that would stand up to a beating, and look great. Saddleback Leather makes full-grain cowhide bags and satchels that age beautifully. I now have two. They are not inexpensive, about $500 for a soft-sided briefcase, but they are designed to be passed down to your children and grandchildren. They were well worth the money.
From Kathryn, Los Angeles, CA 80% cacao dark chocolate
Amrita Singh bracelets
a therapeutic acupressure massage
collecting succulents
homemade caprese
painting my toe nails bright pink
(and everything but the massage is $5-10)
From Renae Newburyport,MA I find pleasure in shopping for fresh food from farmer's markets, fish vendors, etc. It takes a little more time to look but it's worth the fresh taste and cooking at home costs me less in the end!
From Vaughn, Alpharetta, GA This sad commentary makes me ill and brings to mind the following quote. I pary it is not true. "God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives: who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?"
– Nietzsche, The Gay Science, Section 125, tr. Walter Kaufmann
From mark kielty I make a high end belt buckles, mkielty.com, and am always looking for a the best belt and small leather goods.
I found this guy, wm. julian. He has a private clientele, doesn't seem to care about getting new ones, been working at it for over twenty years, no website, my clients think he is the best.He's also one of the best custom boot makers in the U.S. You can only get in contact with him via email. wm.julian@sbcglobal.net
From Kristi, Boise, ID I worked at an Anthropologie store for a short time and discovered the best soap on the market: Mistral Soap! I never thought it was possible to fall in love with soap but this stuff is the best. Buy a mesh body sponge (at any place like Walmart) and use just a little soap and lather up. The soap is a splurge: about $7.50 each but they are huge bars that seem to last forever, smell great (dozens of different scents to choose from), and lather like a dream (lotions are great, too!). Check out the website: http://www.mistralsoap.com
From Sher, IL I splurge on nice purses (for spring/summer and fall/winter), especially ones from banana republic, and then I splurge two times a month on a nice coffee drink somewhere (like a mochaccino)…this is a splurge nto because of the price, but because of the calories!!
From RON,DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES I SPLURGE ON WATCHES.
From T Phoneix, AZ I splurge on the little things that make a big difference to me. My weakness are fine watches. I just spent $7.5k on a new Bell & Ross.
From Charley Watts, Pleasanton, CA I especially like this guy – he makes cribbage boards – very pretty and somewhat unusual – but very reasonably priced. Last year I bought one for my dad (for Father's Day) and one for myself.
http://www.enumerocribbageboards.com
From MJ Bruce Phoenix, Ariz I quit smoking years ago, don't drink, never, never go out to eat, no fast food, no new clothes in years, no new car, no cell phone, no nice TV, no DVD nothing much of anything. Really try to watch my money for paying just the regular living expenses most of us have. I do like peanutbutter M@Ms and probably will have to cut them out now.
From Anonymous Mountain Dew and occasionally fast food. Times are tough, it's no time for waste. Not to mention I have homes in two states.
From Rick Denver, CO <guns (Springfield) and knives (Randall) are my weaknesses.
From Samantha I BOUGHT A MASSAGE CHAIR THE OTHER DAY FROM RELAX THE BACK- EXSPENSIVE, BUT WITH THE LIFETIME WARRANTY- AND WOW, MY HUSBAND HAS BECOME OBSOLETE!!! GET TO A relax the back NOW. (They Finance :) 0%)
From Terri Palm Coast, Florida Fresh flowers are my splurge. There is simply nothing like having beautiful flowers in my home.
From Janine, Lake in the Hills, IL Maybe Relax the Back is not so inulgant after all. I mean the way I feel when I'm on their product is amazing and has positive effects on my whole well being.
I'll tell you what. No matter where your at today. Give Pauli a call and he'll answer any stress relieving questions you may have.
http://www.relaxtheback.com/franchise/franchise.cfm?city=OakbrookTerrace
From Nicole, Algonquinn, IL I must admit I'm a big fan of splurging on massage chairs, office chairs, mattresses and yes even vibrating massage devices. Basically anything that helps me unwind and keep my "chi"(I know it may sound silly!). It's funny the only place near by is Relax the Back in Oak Brook Terrace, IL. I think they are national but I'll tell you what, if your close go talk to my man Pauli. He had me hanging upside down then put me on a chair that felt like heaven. Thanks Paulie!!!
http://www.relaxtheback.com/franchise/franchise.cfm?city=OakbrookTerrace
From Paul oakbrook IL. Relax The Back! What an excellent store for a recliner that has not only eliminated my lower back pain, but I'm tired of shopping at stores that "claim" they have excellent customer service. The associate actually delivered to my house and made sure I was happy. A bit of an indulgence price wise, but I'll pay for that kind of service!
From Tammy, Springfield, VA Imported Japanese Green Tea, fresh flowers.
From Sam, Omaha, NE I like handmade pens and pencils.
Check out http://www.panespens.com
From Francis, San Francisco, California I happened upon some extraordinary Jewelry all stunning, all handcrafted and one of a kind. The name of the Atelier is Alex&Lee. They have been making the most incredible works for over 35 years. Visit their website and read their amazing story. http://www.alexandlee.com
From Emily, Washington, DC I splurge on Primal Elements candles (www.primalelementsonline.com), which smell fantastic and last a long time (and look nice, interspersing gel shapes with the regular wax). They have a lot of varieties, but my favorites are Snowflake, Rain, and Ariel (they discontinued that one but I've seen discontinued scents come back before on their site…).
From Larry Dallas, Texas Check out http://www.larruleathers.com
From Morgan Charleston, WV Being a young college student there aren't many things other than the necessities that I would consider spending a large amount of money towards. However, growing up with a certain affinity for the beauty found in my home state of WV, I recently started collecting Blenko Glass. The pieces are all hand crafted, beautiful, and unique in their own right. Plus, Blenko has a record of amazing designers and artisans. Check out the site at: http://www.blenkoglass.com/
From Sarah, Arlington, VA I splurge on organic and high quality foods from the grocery store…special things like exotic mushrooms, or unique foods that you don't find everywhere. Organic is worth it, both for my body, and for the health of the people growing and picking the food.
From Doug, Arlington, VA I definitely splurge on guns, I can't wait to pick up a new Springfield Armory M1 this month.
From David, New York, NY I splurge on shirts from Hugo Boss and Thomas Pink, and buy a new pair of cufflinks every week.
From Tobi, Kansas City, MO These days, my splurge is filling my gas tank on my vehicle!
From David Evans, Downingtown PA I like to eat a mini gourmet cupcake or two from cupcakes gourmet. http://www.cupcakesgourmet.com
From Lana, New York, NY I consider myself a globanista and even when I can't travel, I love to keep up on the best finds in places like Marrakech and Paris and St. Bart's, so I am a member of Indagare.com, which costs me $400 a year but I get their insider tips a few times a month. They have gorgeous photos and great postcards and interviews with travelers that I admire too like Zaha Hadid and Colin Cowie, so it's fun computer screen traveling.!
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