My Favorite Splurges

I try to live a simple life without too many unnecessary material possessions. Okay, I lie. I'm just as materialistic as your next American. But we tend to try and save our money. This is something new for me. It's just not a part of my nature. But my business-minded, Chilean husband is trying to make me less of an impulse buyer.

However, there are a few splurges in my life that have been worth every single penny.

1. My Macbook Pro

They don't make my model anymore. I got it in the Spring of 2007. It's a great computer. I've had Apple laptops since 2003 and I'll never go back to a PC. Dependable, good-looking and easy-to-use. What more can you ask for from a computer? Even though it's two-and-a-half-years-old, my only problem has been battery power. I've gone through two batteries and I'm definitely in need of a third.

2. Honda Fit Sport

Except for the clunky Suburban nightmare I had to drive to school when I was 16 (that sadly got hit by a school bus, the only vehicle other than am army tank that could possibly destroy it), I've always driven (courtesy of my parents) a Honda. So in 2008 when I was looking for a new car, I wanted to stay loyal to the brand since those cars have surely been loyal to me. Buying a Honda is like buying a friend for life. Two years ago my Dad was able to sell the 1996 Accord that I drove with over 160,000 miles on it. They are just great, great, cars. When we are eventually employed we want to get a hybrid, but we're keeping this car for Oscar's daughter. You can literally run these cars into the ground. They never stop!

3. Le Creuset Cookware

I love my circular Le Creuset cast-iron pot and display it proudly on my stove top. And it's not just for show. It's the single-most used piece of cookware in my kitchen. It's virtually indestructible and I plan on passing them down in my will. "Them" because I plan on investing in more and more, once my kitchen storage space and our budget expands.

4. Hugger Mugger Tapas Performance Mat

I got this mat as per a recommendation from my Ashtangi neighbor. It was formerly called "Mandara" -- now it's same mat, new name. I like brisk, spirited practices that generally come along with lots of sweat, so I was slipping and sliding around on my $20 Gaiam mat. This mat isn't just thicker and provides more cushion, but it also prevents slipping. Of course, for really athletic practices I still need to use a yogitoes for extra grip.

5. Camper Shoes

Considering the price of shoes these days, I don't know if these Spanish beauties qualify as splurges, but I keep going back and back to this brand of footwear for its original and whimsical designs. I got my first pair after stumbling into their store in Rome adjacent to the Spanish steps. Every single pair I own gets me tons of compliments. I especially loved them because when my favorite pair of sandals literally split in half, I was able to send them back with no receipt to the factory, from Chile, mind-you, and receive a $250 credit for any pair of shoes that I wanted in return. If that isn't great customer service I don't know what is!

6. Bose iPod Speakers SoundDock® Series II digital music system

I guess you could say that I had never really heard my favorite songs until I hear them from these speakers. There's an incredible depth of sound that I couldn't find in another models that ran for $100 and less. So we splurged. My Dad is obsessed with Bose Systems and now I can really see why. I never knew such a little speaker could produce so much sound! One reviewer of this product said, "This isn't my first purchase of iPod speakers, but it will be my last." I concur.

What are some of your favorite splurges?