Saturday had finally arrived. It is the only day my schedule allows me to take care of errands or they would go undone for a very long time. I had my morning coffee, went to the gym, and pulled out my “to do” list. I ran around the city going from store to store and buying everything from hangers at Bed, Bath and Beyond and toothpaste at the drugstore, to Fuji apples and fresh peanut butter at Whole Foods. When I was done, I walked up Broadway balancing my bags and hoping to make it home with all packages intact. Carefully I counted off each block and breathed a sigh of relief as I got to my building. When my doorman asked, “Mr. Licari, may I help you?” I nodded and stumbled safety into my apartment.

As soon as I had put away my sundry items, I realized I was going to be late meeting my friends for lunch. We were eating at Fred’s, my favorite lunchtime restaurant. It’s located on the top floor of Barney’s, one of the best clothing stores in Manhattan. I got there a few minutes late and my friends had already been seated. They were deep in conversation, wondering how safe their hard-earned money was in their various banks and nervously anticipating what news tomorrow would bring.

After lunch, the women at the table always insist on a mandatory stroll through the store to scope out new finds. The men usually tag along and do a little shopping themselves. Today was different. It didn’t feel like the right time to shop. Shopping felt self-indulgent and irresponsible. Nonetheless, by the time we walked out the front door of the store, we had accumulated more than a few packages. No one had splurged on a big-ticket item, but everyone had purchased a little something. I realized that life had changed in the last couple of weeks. The little luxuries in life were the small pleasures that would keep us from feeling deprived in these financially challenging times.

Small pleasures are those moments that allow you to indulge yourself. Small pleasures don’t have to break the bank. They are affordable treats we give ourselves to feel pampered. Here are five small pleasures to make you feel special.

1. Stop by your newsstand and check out the fashion and beauty magazines. I know the fashions are often not practical for everyday life and the hair and makeup sometimes seem bizarre, but there are always a couple of things that will catch your eye. Cut them out of the magazine and make a beauty folder.
2. Go to your local beauty supply store and splurge. Start walking the aisles and have a look around. You will see shampoos and conditioners, lotions and potions, combs and brushes and irons to make your hair curly or flat. The prices are always less than at your local salon and often less than at your favorite drugstore.
3. Steal one half hour from your day and take a long bath. Dip into the bag of goodies you purchased from the beauty supply store. Put on a masque while you soak and give yourself a mini-facial. Or multi-task and give your hair a deep conditioning treatment at the same time. Apply conditioner and wrap your head in a warm towel. Relax. And rinse when you’re ready.
4. Experiment with a new hair style. Pull out some of your favorite pictures from your beauty folder for inspiration. This does not mean you have to go to the salon for a new cut. A blow dry or a set can completely change the look of your hair. After your blow dry, add waves with a curling iron or tame curls with a set of Velcro rollers.
5. Try a new shade of lipstick. Lipstick is the universal small pleasure that all women adore. Try several colors, from nudes to brights. This is an easy and affordable way to have fun with your looks.

Small pleasures are easily available and are affordable to almost everyone. We should all have a list of small pleasures, especially in these turbulent times. Indulge yourself and enjoy your life.