That Little Extra Spice...

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"We're that little extra spice that makes existence extra nice,
A giddy little thrill for a reasonable price!"
-The Simpsons

This is going to sound ridiculously gauche considering these "recessionista" lean-living times, but I'll just come out and say it: Having new stuff is awesome. It doesn't have to be a big expensive designer item or a new piece of clothing. Sometimes it's just a lipstick brush so that the next time you want to wear lipstick you're not fretting about smudgy application. Or a neutral eyeshadow palette to replace one that's been lurking in your makeup arsenal since high school(!). Or a giant claw hair clip in a size you don't have and desperately need for all those times your tresses block your vision and drive you nuts. I'm also psyched about the new coral lip gloss and nail polish, cocktail ring, and big silver hoops because they'll be such fun additions.

Every item here cost less than $10; the accessories were from H&M and the makeup loot was from Wink Beauty Lounge's one-year anniversary event, where the majority of products was 20-50% off. But each item filled a gap or need in my wardrobe and makeup collection, which makes these cheap thrills worth a million.