The $5 (or less) Cure for the Winter Blahs

     I am one of those people who doesn't "do winter" well. I don't like feeling shut inside, I don't like driving on slick roads and I really don't like that it gets dark so early. Do I have Seasonal Affective Disorder...I don't know. I have enough problems without giving myself that label! I have found that the past 3 winters have been a little better for me and I truly believe the reason is that I spend 2 weeks in Florida in December, where the flowers are still blooming, the grass is green and the sun shines.

     I discovered several years ago that a simple $5 or less expenditure really helps my mood. I know that many of us are budgeting this time of year. We don't feel as if we should "treat" ourselves to much of anything. I promise you that this is worth it. Give up that latte, that extra magazine or bag of Oreos and grab one of those bouquets from the grocery store. Our Wal-mart has them starting at $3.98, even less if you happen to hit the half-price sale. It doesn't matter what kind of flowers they are, just bring them home, snip off the ends and put them in water.

     We have been having sub-zero temps and snow around here. Friday night I found these gorgeous tulips at Wal-Mart for $5. They weren't white, but they weren't exactly pink either. Tulips are my favorite flower and with just a moment's hesitation, I put them in my cart. When I woke up Saturday morning, I'd forgotten about the flowers. When I walked into the living room, the first thing to catch my eye was the vase on the kitchen counter...I started my day with a smile. There is something about that touch of life in the house when the temperature is -10 that gives me hope that spring is coming, eventually. I call it flower therapy and I swear it works. Here it is Tuesday morning and they still look beautiful. What a deal for $5.