Now please don’t immediately assume I am referring to overly expensive things that will result in your ending up in the poor house. Oh no, I am talking about a specific kind of style and decadent selfishness that can make even the most domestic and mundane situations and scenarios more pleasurable and exciting.

Let’s say you, for whatever reason, have decided to stop drinking alcoholic beverages. Just because you are sipping soda water or diet cola doesn’t mean you cannot quench your thirst with panache and pizzazz! Instead of a regular glass—or God forbid, a plastic cup!—why not request your soft drink in a wine goblet or similarly sassy receptacle? And how about a wedge of lemon or lime, an olive or two or three, a disgustingly retro Maraschino cherry or a splash of grenadine and/or bitters? Of course this suggestion is rather pedestrian and somewhat obvious, but it is the kind of thing that can really make a difference when standing around a bunch of messy drunks.  Your glamorous “mocktail” will help you to enjoy your booze-free beverage more than if you were simply suckling upon an Aquafina like a glorified baby bottle. And if you’re entertaining at home, why not get really creative and serve your creative concoctions in beautiful one-of-a-kind vintage glassware? Bottoms up!

Speaking of vintage glassware, I am a huge fan of anything and everything old. I adore going to thriftstores and specialty shops for reasonably priced glasses, dishes and various kitchen wares. Half the fun, of course, is the hunt! I have quite the collection of gorgeous items—everything from Depression-era glass to whimsical things from the 1960s and ‘70s. There’s something romantic—and, yes, downright luxurious—about treasures from the past. And the same goes for clothing, accessories, art and furniture. To me, listening to a crackling old Ferramte & Teicher LP wrapped up in a vintage silk kimono will always beat the latest Katy Perry CD while puttering around in an Ed Hardy robe. Like I said, first and foremost, these older relics are unique, and they are also infused with a nostalgic glamour from a glorious pre-irony, self-aware world.  A world in which people smoked and drank and were delightfully ignorant. No, I don’t want to be ignorant in my real life, mind you, but I can temporarily embrace a little harmless ignorance from a bygone era on occasion. Ignorance, after all, can be a luxury, no?

Now, I would hate for you to assume from that last paragraph that I am against anything new. Nothing could be further from the truth, my dears! You’re reading the carefully chosen words of a full-fledged modern woman. But the key is to mix new with old. You see, filling your house with nothing but Target or Ikea will have you convinced you’re living in the waiting room of a trendy gay hair salon in Denver or recuperating at a Swedish mental institution! I specifically adore Target’s bedding. With the purchase of a retro-inspired bedspread and pillow sham set, I can essentially “re-do” my bedroom for around $79! And Ikea is a great place for basics to mix ‘n’ match with your more stunning collectibles. Nothing wrong with new, honey! Just keep your eyes open for simple, modern luxury.

Which brings me to the ultimate tip when it comes to one’s quest for that elusive destination that starts with an ‘L’—luxury, of course, not Laredo or Little Rock, although I’m sure they are perfectly acceptable destinations! Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more luxurious and glamorous and decadent than a hot bath. It’s also soothing, calming and rejuvenating! Whether you light a few candles and add some scented epsom salts or essential oils, or peruse your favorite guilty-pleasure magazine or lose yourself in a good book—a nice long soak in a hot, steaming tub is an economical and stress-relieving treat in this complicated world in which we live. Trust me, try it! After 20 minutes in that warm, womb-like water, chances are you will be writing me a Thank You card with your wrinkly raisin fingers. And yes, in our busy, bustling hi-tech world, handwritten cards and letters truly are the ultimate luxury!