Croissants while window shopping. Pearls shine in the light of a bare apartment. The deliberate contrasts in the first five minutes of Breakfast at Tiffany’s intrigued me enough to continue watching, even after a long day of work.
In between attending fancy parties and singing “Moon River” on the balcony with Cat, Holly Go-Lightly liked to look the part, but didn’t have the pennies to play. Navigating through a challenging period amidst rising inflation, I found a character with whom I resonated. Hence, I smoothed my gloves and got to work.
Here are 10 ways to live your best Holly Go-Lighly high-life the next time you get the mean reds.
Start a gratitude journal.
Invest in an aesthetically pleasing diary that brings joy to your daily life – something textured, with rich, creamy paper that delights your fingertips as you grasp a weighty pen filled with dark ink.
I firmly believe that no bad day has been so terrible that it lacks positive aspects. Recording just a couple of sentences each night, describing the delightful taste of a blueberry muffin or noting your cat’s new quirk, provides a treasure trove of pleasant memories. When I revisit the journal entries, I often marvel at how good my life actually is, even if nothing extraordinary occurred.
Prioritize a Beauty Routine
Moisturize. Wash your hair slowly with a pleasantly scented conditioner–include a scalp massage. Indulge in bath salts. Toiletries like soap and deodorant are essential, but you don’t have to make them feel like an obligatory expense. Next time you’re out, take your time picking out a fresh new scent instead of dumping the same old product you’ve always used into your cart.
More to the point, wake up early enough in the morning to manage your skin, hair, and make-up. One time saving strategy I adopted, heatless curls. Ten minutes of forethought just before bed, and wake up to the springiest, healthiest curls of your life!
Find a high quality outfit or accessory at a thrift store.
Holly demonstrated her ability to dress impressively, whether in a black evening dress with a pearl necklace or an ornamental head scarf. If you find yourself not in need of new clothes, consider searching for a fun new accessory. For instance, a nice pair of fashion boots can complement most outfits and significantly enhance your wardrobe inexpensively. My favorite secondhand, high-quality item is a blue and white striped dress with pockets, purchased from a thrift store a couple of years ago. I make sure to wear it regularly, even on ordinary days when I’m not engaged in anything particularly special, as it is comfortable and makes me feel a little nicer than a plain baggy T-shirt and gym shorts.
Scout out aesthetic libraries near you.
The library is one of the only public places where you’re not expected to buy anything. And yet, libraries often present an attractive, even opulent ambiance, especially in historic districts. My former local library, in historic Alpharetta, offered long clerestory windows, which allowed natural light to filter into the low-lit rooms. Within, a whole wealth of information rests upon the shelves. You might do a quick internet search to see if there’s a cool library you’ve never discovered nearby, such as a college library. Living in New Orleans, I’m very spoiled to have multiple library branches, including a converted Italian villa with a courtyard bursting with wildflowers. Visiting that place creates the sensation of being on a European vacation, even when I’m just working on my laptop.
Learn how to make fancy coffee at home.
I’ll tell you a secret: you don’t need a six-dollar coffee creamer to make your morning cup taste fantastic. Just fill the bottom of a mug with heavy cream—dairy or vegan is fine—and add three pumps of any flavor syrup. Stir in 8 ounces of fresh hot coffee and enjoy. If you want to feel extra fancy, dedicate a special mug or glass for the days you choose to stay in and not splurge at the coffee shop.
Plant a flower garden from seed or cuttings.
Choosing to plant seeds proves much more economical than purchasing fully grown plants. Moreover, seed packets typically contain more seeds than necessary, enabling you to initiate a seed exchange with friends. For your inaugural gardening project, consider opting for a plant known for its ease of cultivation from seed, such as sunflowers. If you aspire to cultivate a more challenging plant like lavender, inquire if someone you know would permit you to propagate a plant from a cutting. This not only saves time in the long run but also enhances the likelihood of your plant’s survival. Cultivating a flower garden can be exceptionally rewarding, providing a fresh supply of blooms for bouquets that would otherwise be expensive at the supermarket. Moreover, consider renting a plot at the community garden. Join your friends and neighbors in beautifying your city and creating a healthier and happier community.
Spice up your cooking skills.
You’ll be less tempted to grab fast food if there’s a fulfilling meal waiting at home. Some dishes served in gourmet restaurants are actually incredibly easy and inexpensive to make, such as pasta and ratatouille. Indulge in savory spices and oils to enliven up your baked chicken.
Invest in the ambiance.
For the cost of a takeout dinner, string lights and candles have the power to create a charming ambiance. They also outlast a large delivery pizza. Choosing to make your home a cozy space fosters an environment that encourages you to spend more time there, rather than seeking relaxation elsewhere. When cooking your 3 star dinner, consider setting a table. Goodwill frequently sells entire plate settings for 10 dollars or less. Candlesticks for a dollar and table cloths for 3. Designate one night per week for a date night with a spouse or friend. Dim the lights, play soft music on the record machine or Google Home, and chat.
Keep it tidy.
I never met my great-grandmother, but I heard that she was a lady of modest means who always kept a clean home and took care of what she owned. While I’m certainly not a neat freak, I’ll admit that tidying up and organizing can make some sense out of chaos. Cleaning with your favorite essential oil scent can help your home feel and smell nice too.
Dress up and dine. Just for dessert or a glass of wine.
My most Holly Go-Lightly tip of all–Put on the high heels and pull out all the stops. It doesn’t matter that you’re only going out for a slice of pie. Dessert dates are the sweetest, but if you’re by yourself, you might be able to sneak in a coffee, too. For those seeking a more intimate locale, complete with dim lighting and twinkling glasses, seek out a wine venue and sample a glass of Cabernet.
I’ve cherished my summer at Tiffany’s, adorned in my blue and white striped dress and cradling a homemade pumpkin spice latte in a ceramic blue mug. Small pride swells within me as I observe my table adorned with a lavender and daisy bouquet, resting on a daintily embroidered table runner crafted by my own hand. My small, neat, and tidy home emanates the soothing aroma of mint essential oils, mingling with the scent of a well-seasoned and marinated pork loin. Similar to how Holly utilized her gifts and few possessions to carve a niche in the world, I too have fashioned an oasis using pennies and coupons.
I hope you discover a place where you belong, too.
