Today’s post from FruGal was a lovely collection of simple and cheap ways to brighten up a dull day. It’s a great list, and a much-needed reminder that some of the best things in life are (nearly) free. Here are my faves:

2.    Buy cut flowers. (Or pick them from your garden if you are lucky enough to have one). I am obsessed with having fresh flowers in my house. A bunch lasts a week, for about £5. Just the weekly ritual of walking down to my local flower-seller man, choosing what I want, bringing them home and putting them in vases always puts a smile on my face. And your home smells lovely and you can’t help admiring them all week long. Which is free.

4.    Snuggle up. Get out that overly expensive mohair blanket you never use because it malts everywhere, pull on your cosiest PJs and snuggle up for a night with a) a good book, b) a good DVD, c) a good kisser. Proceed as you will.

7.    Cook something you love to eat from scratch. Your mum’s chicken soup? Your grandma’s fairy cakes? Whatever is your favourite comfort food, just do it. Cooking can be very relaxing (not to mention a frugal and handy hobby), so forget about that tasteless, calorie-free stir fry you had planned and indulge yourself.

Read her whole list here.