How to Romanticize Your Life—Even on a Budget

If you spend even five minutes on TikTok, you’ve probably seen the phrase “how to romanticize your life.”

It’s usually paired with slow-motion clips of someone sipping matcha in a sun-drenched kitchen. They are probably reading a vintage book on a train in Paris. But let’s be real—not all of us are waking up in linen sheets in Provence.

That’s not what this is about. Romanticizing your life doesn’t have to be aesthetic or expensive.

For us, it’s about being present, finding joy in the small stuff, and intentionally creating little moments that make us feel alive. And yes, you can absolutely do that without spending a ton of money.

How to Romanticize Your Life, Really.

We’re getting into how we make everyday life feel just a little more special—on a very realistic, cozy, minimalist budget.

1. Set the Scene—Where You Are, With What You Have

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home to feel good in your space. We’ve learned that creating a warm vibe is more about feeling than decor.

We light a soy candle (yes, even on a random Tuesday), turn on some lo-fi jazz or acoustic coffeehouse music, and instantly the mood shifts.

It’s not fancy. It’s just…intentional.

Budget tip: Use what you already have. Rearranging a space, decluttering a table, or playing with natural light can completely change the feel of a room.

2. Upgrade Your Daily Rituals—Slightly

We’re not changing what we do, just how we do it. Instead of eating lunch while doom-scrolling, we’ll sit outside or put on music.

Instead of rushing through coffee, we make it feel like a moment—real mugs, maybe a splash of cinnamon, and some actual conversation.

Budget tip: You don’t need the viral $100 frother. Just make one daily thing feel 10% more special. BTW, we love this budget-savvy frother!

3. Dress for the Vibe You Want

No, we’re not saying put on a ballgown to go to Lidl (unless you want to). But there’s something about getting dressed with intention—even if it’s cozy clothes—that makes a day feel like something you’re choosing, not something happening to you.

Budget tip: Shop in your closet. Rotate pieces you love that maybe haven’t seen the light of day since last spring.

4. Find Beauty in the Boring

This is one of our favorite things. Watching Rue and Bea sunbathe in the yard. Folding laundry with a podcast playing. Watering the plants while the windows are open.

These are the things that used to feel like chores but have become oddly therapeutic. It’s about being in it, not rushing to finish it.

Try this: Pick one routine you typically speed through and just slow it down for a day. You’ll be surprised how calming it feels.

5. Eat Like You Love Yourself

No, not expensive takeout or elaborate 12-step meals. Go ahead and plate your food nicely. Sit down to eat your meal slowly. Maybe add a vase, or even a drinking glass with a flower in it from outdoors.

It turns dinner from “fuel” to “experience.”

Budget tip: Make a meal plan for the week that includes one “romantic” dinner at home—even if it’s grilled cheese and tomato soup by candlelight.

6. Get Outside, Intentionally

A short walk. A sit on the porch. A drive with the windows down and no destination. Fresh air is free therapy.

And doing it on purpose (not just as transportation) is one of the most grounding, joy-bringing things we do.

Easy Tip: Sign up for our Get Outdoors Challenge to make this simpler.

7. Create Time for Connection

One of the most beautiful ways we’ve learned to romanticize life is through connection—real, simple, meaningful connection. Not a scheduled date night or a perfectly curated event.

Just slowing down and checking in. “How are you today, really?” is romantic. So is folding laundry side-by-side while you talk about your day.

8. Let Silence Be a Luxury

It’s loud out there. Silence, especially shared silence, is something we’ve grown to appreciate.

Sitting together without a podcast, without music, just the sound of the ocean or the fan or Rue’s gentle snore… It’s underrated and costs $0.

Romanticizing Life Isn’t a Trend—It’s a Mindset

Romanticizing life isn’t about candles or light music playing on a reel. It’s about being the main character in your own life.

Making your life a romantic one is about choosing to see your life as worth showing up for.

It’s about those small details, the small moments that add up to the big picture when you are living your life day to day.

It’s finding magic in the mundane, joy in the ordinary, and presence in the now. You may enjoy reading more about how to Romanticize the Everyday Chores.

You don’t need a bigger budget, a prettier kitchen, or a plane ticket. You just need a little intention—and maybe your favorite coffee cup.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions