A STORY
Frugality, A Hawaiian Beach Towel, & Happiness Over and Over Again
Frugality led me to a beach towel that brings me happiness over and over again.
It’s June of the most perfect summer yet and I’m on the tropical island of O’ahu with 17 of my closest family members. Yes, like wolves we travel in packs, multigenerational packs to be precise. And yes, we absolutely love it!
We have family on O’ahu but stay in the touristy area of Waikīkī for convenience, entertainment, and safety purposes. The resort has a private pool and is within walking distance to the beach, both important when traveling with 2 year olds to 75 year olds.
In Waikīkī, restaurants and stores line the streets, with one store predominantly present.
The ABC Store.
The loved-by-tourists ABC Store is a convenience store on steroids. It has features of a regular gas station convenience store plus so much more. There you’ll find Hawaiian apparel, jewelry, snacks, food, souvenirs, beach toys, leis, skincare products, medicine, and my favorite item… towels!
Well, towels aren’t exactly my favorite item. After all, I’m a minimalist and rarely buy anything I don’t absolutely need. But in this instance, I got a towel. I didn’t buy it though. I didn’t steal it either. A few of my family members pooled their receipts together and I got the towel for free.
You see, the ABC store has a rewards program. For every level of money spent, you can choose a free gift. Across 7 days, my family spent over $300 at the ABC Store. This meant I got to choose a prize. I chose a soft beach towel with a vibrant image of a Hawaiian sunset, filled with deep purple, blue, orange, and red hues, and silhouettes of palm trees and birds.
Frugal me chose the useful gift. I knew exactly where I was going to store it, what it would take to maintain it, and how it would bring me happiness and joy.
I use this beautiful souvenir weekly as a shower towel and every single time I choose it from my closet shelf, I return to my O’ahu trip with my family.
I return to spam musubis and sandcastles on the beach, Waiola Shave Ice (li hing mui flavor is my favorite), a relaxing visit to the Byodo-In Temple, late night walks along the shoreline, sunbathing by the pool, the best poké and sashimi, Liliha Bakery, the Ala Moana Center, and joyful summer family bonding.
I am so relieved that I did not choose the snack bag or mug that I would have tucked away in a cabinet or drawer. I am very pleased with the choice I made.
It’s happiness over and over again, all thanks to my frugality and my lovely 31" x 60", 100% cotton velour Hawaiian sunset beach towel.
Thank you for spending your time, hopefully 30 seconds or more, reading my story! I am grateful for your comments, highlights, claps, and engagement. Wishing you the best day ever!
