Little Indulgences...

[Mara]

We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary this last Thursday, and went away to a luxury B&B Inn in Mendocino for a night this weekend to continue the celebration.

On the way home on Saturday afternoon, we drove down Hwy 1 along the coast for 5 hours through many small towns, finally crossing over to the big highway and coming home.

When we got home...I was unpacking everything and realized (yet again) that I am a huge fan of what I like to call ''little indulgences''. These weekend trips always bring this particular trait out of me...items that I tend to buy along the way as reminders of the trip or as ''impulses'', something I would normally not think to buy at the stores etc.

Here''s my list from a 24 hour time period:
1) ''very dark'' organic dark chocolate bar from the inn store to share with our in-room champagne on the evening we arrive.
2) on the way out on saturday morning, i buy a box of scharfen-berger hot chocolate from in the inn store, we LOVE the small choco bars that you can get at specialty stores and the thought of their hot chocolate was making my mouth water.
3) in fort bragg, a small town near mendocino...stopped and found a great store that sold ''ready made mixes'' aka cookie mixes, soup mixes, special jellies and spices etc. i am a sucker for these types of things..so i bought about 9 different things. oh and of course had to get one for my mom and grandma too.

4) on hwy 1 on the way home, stopped at pt. arena for a snack and found they had the same hand soap that our inn had had which i loved, EO organic soap, and bought a bottle there at the pt. arena general store. i also saw the ''nibby bar'' scharfen-berger chocolate which is greg''s fave and not all stores carry, so i bought him one of those too.
5) this one may not count since i didn''t technically buy it, but in fort bragg Greg got me an anniversary gift of a large ceramic hand-painted toad for the garden ( i love frogs and toads in the garden! ).

It got me to thinking...are many other people like this too? When you go off on a trip, whether it be a weekend or two weeks, do you find yourself spending money on odd things or out of the ordinary things to bring home with you? I am a collector on all my trips, but on this one it just struck me as funny that I kept finding things that i had to have, usually inexpensive so easy to justify.

So if you do things like this..what are your ''little indulgences''....for me obviously it''s specialty items like chocolates, garden items, or soaps....i wanted to stop in a little wine store on the way back and buy some muscat which i discovered this weekend and have fallen in absolute LOVE with...but Greg told me that stopping at BevMo would suffice just as well.

i know i am not the only one out there!

 

[Erin]

Not exactly the same because I don''t travel much because of my job, but...

If I''m at the grocery store and have a list I won''t buy it. But if Mark asks me to go to the store for him because he''s run out of shaving cream or Diet Coke (just one item), then I buy the french vanilla coffee creamer for my coffee. Otherwise, I''ll drink coffee black. I''ll come home and Mark will ask ''Alright, where is it?''

 

[jorman]

Oh Gosh! Me too, Mara. I love to buy Pamper me things anywhere I can find them, but especially on trips where I know it is one of a kind. There is this little bath, etc. shoppe in Ruidoso, and everytime I am there I have to buy something either Eucalyptus (which I am a total sucker for) or Lavendar (also a favorite of mine). They have the best bubble baths and soaps. I just can''t help myself.
I also keep everything memorable from trips and put them a good ole scrap book. I love to scrapbook and the more memories I can cram in there, the better (stickers, leaves, shells, post cards, door keys- anything)!

I also love buying soup mixes and bread or cookie mixes. They are so fun on cold/rainy days.

When I go home to Houston, I have to get Champagne Truffels from Teuschers. THEY ARE AMAZING HEAVENLY MELT IN YOUR MOUTH DECADENCE! I have never had anything so fabulous! I highly recommend them if you are in H town. You will find them in the Galleria, and they come in these precious little wrapped (sometimes oragami) boxes, and I think that makes them taste better.

Janna

 

[icelady]

Mara,

My "little indulgence" is buying a pair of shoes (of all things!) almost everywhere I travel. My husband and daughter have taken to calling me "Imelda" (Marcos!).

I love shoes and find that where I travel the styles are so different from where I live that I love to collect them. I believe that you should have a pair of shoes for every mood!!!

I also love dark, bittersweet chocolate. If I found a place famous for dark chocolate, I''d be "collecting" that too!

 

[jaysonsmom]

I just have to chime in that I''m the exact OPPOSITE of all you guys who replied so far. I''m so mainstream, boring/low maintenance. My cereal, coffee, soap, shampoo, candy bars, cake mixes are all mainstream ones that you see advertised on ANY TV station, and if I''ve never seen it advertized, I''m not buying it!

I''m the opposite with restaurants though...I never go to anything mainstream like Coco''s, Applebee''s, Outback. I need weird little hole in the wall places that no one has every heard of, with weird ethnic cuisine.

 

[websailor]

Our "little indulgences" are ourselves..... We often go up to the Mendocino Coast (even own some ocean side property near Point Arena) and stay in B&B''s. We have our favorites that we''ve been to several times apiece and we are always trying out places up there that we haven''t been to before.

We do a lot of window shopping, but very little actual buying....we just don''t need or want all the (in websailor''s terms) "dust collectors"....

But we do like fine food and great views so that''s where our money goes....

Our indulgence - well, it''s nice to get away from all the electonics - we like places with no TV, no radio, no telephone, etc, so we can cuddle up with each other and talk. We like watching raging ocean storms in the dead of winter with a fire in the fireplace. We like the warm sun in summer and going for walks....

In short, our treat to each other is the full attention we can give to each other. In our normal harried life, that is quite and indulgence!!!

 

[websailor]

What the heck, I'll post a picture of our future vacation homesite up in Mendocino....it's that section of land on the left of the picture, on the West (ocean side) of Hwy 1....Mara drove right by here on her trip.....

In summer, it get lots of sun - even when it's foggy around other areas, it's often either sunny or much less foggy here. Point Arena is a short distance away, as is both Gualala to the South and Mendocino to the North...

We have a spot picked out for our house that looks right down along that wonderful line of cliffs that you see. It will probably be all wood, no drywall, semi-rustic but with all the modern conveniences...and lots of windows of course....

When we have homeowners meetings up there, we often get interrupted by the whales going by....

 

[valeria101]

Mara ! Are you sure we aren''t sisters somehow ?

Black chocolate, spices and unusual naturistic body care stuff make it tops on my list of "indulgences". Aside that, I am the worst rockhound... the kind that would use lunch breaks from UN meeting to check out Manhattan bedrock

 

[Jennifer5973]

Wow, websailor--I''d say a "little piece of Coastal CA property" is quite an indulgence indeed!

That is breathtaking--lucky you.

 

[Kaleigh]

I''d say it''s quite a piece of heaven websailor!! Any chance for a guest cottage??

That is indeed my kind of indulgence!!!

 

[Mara]

Val, I am also a huge sucker for soaps, all kinds...homemade, organics, scented...my fave is lavender so whenever we travel if I can find a new soap or a new brand or something, I have to get one or two. Sometimes I don't even use them, I just keep them. Greg is always finding a soap bar and wanting to use it and I am screaming 'Nooo'....

re: vacation property in Mendocino, we were very impressed with the coastline over near Point Arena and Gualala areas...it was sunny above the fogline and very warm with beautiful views...we started kicking the idea around on the lonnnnggggggg drive home of buying an empty lot with filtered ocean views and building a vacation home out there...we'll continue to mull the idea around. We both love the country and the feel out there, but couldn't live out of a large city so far full time...we drive all the time to places like Tahoe, Clearlake etc to do the summer vacation and I have been thinking recently it'd be more fun to have our own place than constantly stay in other people's. We'll see! It's just an idea now.

It would probably mean less diamonds!

websailor, you guys must have eaten at Cafe Beaujolais in Mendocino right? It was recommended to us by a friend and we LOVED it....one of the best meals we have had in a long time. Everything is organic and it just tasted like butter, melting in our mouths.

Jorman, those truffles sound divine...the funny thing is at home I am not a huge chocolate person at all...I don't buy candy or chocolates for the house, but if we travel and come across something fun or very unusual in terms of chocolates (aka this dark chocolate was something we had never come across before, SUPER dark and so rich all you can eat is one tiny square)....I have to get it! Lucky for me Greg adores dark chocolates so he always eats my finds. Maybe I will have some of the SB hot chocolate tonite....yum.

 

[websailor]

Jenn,
Kaleigh,

LOL! We were thinking about whether we should do vacation rentals....maybe if we round up enough PS folks, I can build sooner and have a special PS rental discount because I know everyone on this board will be good to the house.

I could build in metal halide lights so any diamonds worn in the house will sparkle extra bright....maybe even build a "viewing room"... LOL....the ideas are coming fast and furious on building a house that is geared towards diamond lovers....

The library will have a shelf full of big picture jewelry books (like the Harry Winston, The Ultimate Jeweler book, ISBN 0-87311-015-3), and the bathrooms will have ultrasonic cleaners in the drawer....

And of course, a fast Internet access so no one goes into PS withdrawal!!!

Edited to add - And Mara - our posts crossed on the electonic wires as we were both typing...hers came in before this one...

 

[icelady]

Geeze, I thought we were talking about ''little'' indulgences like shoes, soaps and chocolate. How did we get on the subject of ocean front property???

That is an indulgence we will have to wait until we win the lotto in order to participate in, oh I forgot, you actually have to play the lotto to win. Oh well.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Hey websailor - my FI and I would definitely sign on for such a vacation rental

We have our little indulgences as well, kind of a combination of things that we are still cultivating a taste for, being a little new to this whole having graduated from college and living on our own with money for such things

We are doing pretty well so far - we went to Sonoma for our 2 year dating anniversary, and stayed in a lovely B&B and indulged in spending time together quietly and without stress. We also bought a number of unique wines that we both really liked, mostly from places that were harder to find outside the winery itself. I got a pair of really pretty earrings - no real gemstones or anything, but really pretty and feminine and colors that I was looking for in earrings that can be casual or a bit dressy. FI got a (very) early birthday present (his birthday is in September) - a set of really nice condition Lord of the Rings books from the ''60''s with original fold-out maps and stuff. He has been collecting different sets of them, and this was a nice find. We were a little nervous because neither of us knows a whole lot about old books, but these were so nice I think they were a good purchase.

We also indulge in nice meals - we are both Northern California foodies (FI''s a convert from a New England boy who barely ate vegetables!) and we like to go to both somewhat fancy places and more hole-in-the-wall type places as well.

 

[Mara]

hehe iceldy...don't worry i am still with you on the soaps and chocolates!!

food is a huge indulgence of ours as well...we both are foodies, love unique establishments, some of the best food is in the scariest places..

...but we also love finding the very rare expensive restaurant where the food actually tastes as good as it costs!! those are great to keep in the back pocket for special occassions!

 

[jadeleaves]

I''m with you Mara, on the pamper-me stuff.

candles, lotions, oils.. mmmm

 

[yellowfan]

Soaps! they are cute and decorative. DH loves the fudge so he usually buys a couple of kinds to try. DD likes anything so I have to weed out the junk stuff!

 

[websailor]

If your food tastes are ready for some ecenticity, when you are up near Gualala, you have to try the St. Orres Inn - it's the Russian onion dome building that you can't miss.

Menu


[*]Pheasant Breast Stuffed with Andouille Sausage with Wild Mushroom Risotto Cakes

[*]Grilled Quail with Yam Pancakes, Won Tons, and Orange Jalapeño Glaze

[*]Wild Mushroom Tart with Porcini Fettucine

[*]Eggplant Terrine with Fresh Tomatoes

[*]Fillet of Beef with Cracked Black Pepper

[*]Rack of Lamb with Roasted Garlic and Eggplant

[*]Stuffed Wild Boar Hind with corn Beignets

[*]Medallions of Venison with Yam Waffles and Wild Huckleberries


It's a bit expensive too, but I guess we can't have everything in life!


Up in Ft Bragg there are two great places I like - one, for all you chocolate lovers is The Mendocino Chocolate Company
How about this for a bit of temptation?

Located on Main Street where the Skunk Train tracks cross. Open 7 days a week 10AM-5PM. Locally handmade, hand dipped chocolate truffles and elegant assorted chocolates. Beautiful and delicious. Novelty items include chocolate seashells and various other molded items. Also have Jelly Belly products.



Aaaahhh, but you haven't lived till you've had some of the North Coast Brewing Company's ales....

A favorite of locals and visitors alike, the Brewery offers a full menu at lunch and dinner featuring fresh local seafood, pastas, steaks, burgers, Mexican and Cajun dishes. Named as Mendocino County restaurant of the year and one of the 10 best breweries in the world, it's a great combination for a good time. Try their Red Seal Ale, Old Rasputin Imperial Stout or one of the other award-winning beers.


You can go on and on - there are so many great places to eat in Mendocino....most quite unique.

 

[baltneu]

Mara
I used to think you were the saviest buyer on this site. Why did you buy the soap you could have taken from the hotel room? LOL

 

[Mara]

websailor, i dont know how we missed the choco company as we were right near the skunk train when i found the shop with the fun pre-mixed bakery and spice items! there was also an interesting jeweler in there who has been around for 20+ years in FB.

balt...it wasn't THAT kind of filchy bar soap...it was a ~15oz hand soap pump retail type soap...tea tree oil and peppermint...yum. meant to ask where to buy it and forgot...

though you were right on the not-quite-so-savvy part...after i found it in the small store in point arena and paid $7.50 thinking i had the last bottle in the county of mendo...i was in whole foods today and saw them on sale for $3.99! they also have lavender and another one, so of course...i got a few more...

 

[ame]

Date: 5/16/2005 6:12:57 PM
Author:Mara

1) ''very dark'' organic dark chocolate bar from the inn store to share with our in-room champagne on the evening we arrive. ]

What brand? Im a big fan of 80-90% cocoa bars. A little goes so far.

I think the only thing that I really indulge in is wedding shows, bridal magazines, well all magazines just about, and sleeping. I don''t get nearly enough sleep in a day. I went to bed at 9pm last night and my mom called at 11 from Hawaii to say HI and couldn''t believe I was asleep! She was so proud. heh. They were psyching me up really well for my vacation in July. I CANNOT WAIT.

 

[belle]

Date: 5/16/2005 6:45:25 PM
Author: jorman
Oh Gosh! Me too, Mara. I love to buy Pamper me things anywhere I can find them, but especially on trips where I know it is one of a kind. There is this little bath, etc. shoppe in Ruidoso, and everytime I am there I have to buy something either Eucalyptus (which I am a total sucker for) or Lavendar (also a favorite of mine). They have the best bubble baths and soaps. I just can''t help myself.
I also keep everything memorable from trips and put them a good ole scrap book. I love to scrapbook and the more memories I can cram in there, the better (stickers, leaves, shells, post cards, door keys- anything)!

I also love buying soup mixes and bread or cookie mixes. They are so fun on cold/rainy days.

When I go home to Houston, I have to get Champagne Truffels from Teuschers. THEY ARE AMAZING HEAVENLY MELT IN YOUR MOUTH DECADENCE! I have never had anything so fabulous! I highly recommend them if you are in H town. You will find them in the Galleria, and they come in these precious little wrapped (sometimes oragami) boxes, and I think that makes them taste better.

Janna

hey janna,
which shoppe in ruidoso do you go to?

 

[LaurenThePartier]

I can''t believe it''s already been a year, Mara - but Happy Anniversary to you and Greg!!!!!!

 

[jorman]

janna,

which shoppe in ruidoso do you go to?

Is it horrible that I can''t remember the name of the little shoppe. I haven''t been in a year or so. It is on the corner with big clerestory windows and a claw tub bath in the window. They have the best bath confetti, homemade soaps and great lotions. They smell WONDERFUL. Once I got this fizzing lotion that sounds like pop rocks candy when you rub it in.

Maybe you know the name? It has a painted exterior with black and white check trimming close to the roof line. Not too incredibly far from Cafe Rio pizza on Sudderth(which is by far the best pizza EVER- I love loading it with feta, tomatoe and artichoke hearts).

 

[belle]

janna,
yes, i know which one you are talking about! love that place! now i can''t think of the name either!

 

[Mara]

Thanks Lauren, I know...the year has just flown by!!

Ame...I don't know the brand but it's an organic dark chocolate that is 70% cocoa. So not quite your level...but it's plenty dark for me!! Very bitter but sweet. Yum!

Jorman, another indulgence I have is bath bombs, fizzies etc!! I love LUSH in SF but it's expensive... (90% of what they sell are bath bombs and the like)...also I love another brand but I can't recall the name...got it at a local salon, but one was $7.00! So obviously save those for special occassion. eBay is a great place to get bath stuff as well. We have a two person jet tub in our master bathroom (it was a necessary upgrade when we got the house!) and we use it at least once a week, so it's all about bath pampering...we both have our neck bath pillows (Greg's vibrates), our chocolate...sometimes we drink champagne or port etc. It's all about the bath for a quick relax fix!

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Hey Mara, I was just going to pipe in and say that my indulgences are Lush and Molton Brown bath/body products! The first I''d heard of Lush was when I lived in England and now I''m really pleased to see it in the US. Molton Brown is also English and PRICEY. A not-particularly-big bottle of lotion or shower gel can run $25 and up. Luckily they make more manly scents too so my husband doesn''t put up a fuss when we buy.

Another indulgence is lip gloss of any kind. I''ve had tons of that stuff, ranging from the Jessica Simpson stuff (not worth it IMO) to Origins, to foreign products.

 

[sjz]

My little indulgences tend to be the culinary kind. My family calls me the "Queen of Condiments" because I collect sauces and marinades and spices. I cook very simply, mostly just grilled meats, veggies, and salads. But I have so many kinds of things to flavor them with, you can''t believe it! My fridge is over-flowing with bottles. I especially like unique BBQ sauces, mustards, and salad dressings. Often in restaurants I will ask if they sell their sauces and dressings already bottled, and if they do...I buy some. If they don''t, I''ve even asked if the chef will share the recipe. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don''t. But it never hurts to ask...

 

[Mara]

Logan...going to LUSH is like a kid in a candy store for me...I have to really limit myself...

sjz...I am huge on the sauces and condiments too, hence why I loved this store I found in Ft. Bragg with all types of various cooking things. I also got a cinnammon pear jelly that the owner swears by and one of Greg''s FAVE tobasco-type sauces for things like eggs called Pepper Plant....but this was a GARLIC Pepper Plant which we have never seen in a store before! Had to try it.

I cook very simply as well, we do alot of grilling, and I am also queen of spices and rubs and flavorings...prefer rubs over sauces since they stay on the meats better...one of my FAVE and most basic of steak seasonings that everyone always asks for is the Montreal Steak rub that I get at Safeway! I have all types of other ones, ones I mix together etc..but so many people come over and ask if I will do that chunky pepper one...ehhe.

For me it is always interesting how very small and simple things in life, aka a bath bomb or a new hand soap, finding a new fun spice that works, or a chocolate bar can really lift your spirit.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 5/18/2005 1:40:44 PM
Author: Mara
Logan...going to LUSH is like a kid in a candy store for me...I have to really limit myself...

I'm a huge lotion/soap fanatic, but for some reason everything I've ordered from Lush has been terrible so I've given up on their products

MY SIL and my best friend both love their stuff, though, so maybe it's just me. . .

Michelle