5 secret indulgences that bring me joy

1) Red lipstick: Red lipstick in every shade. I can't resist a red lipstick. To me there is a red for every mood.

Russian Red. Follow my Heart. Cruella. Dragon Girl. Ruby Woo. Pick me up Red. Break-up Red. Diva. Drop dead Gorgeous Red. Picasso Red.

I have more lipsticks than lip surface but that never stops me. Knowing I have one for every mood and every occasion brings a smile to my face, with lipstick or without! 

2) Secret kisses: Sneaking into my kids’ room when they are asleep and smothering them with kisses. To the point when they almost wake up! They are then in their awkward tweens and as anyone dealing with kids will tell you they are going through teens twice.

No hugging is allowed. "I am not a baby." It's the perfect end to a breaking news day. :O

3) Big parties: Throwing a big bash with all the trimmings - DJ, florist flowers, gourmet catering, bar services, but inviting only a chosen few. Real friends. Truly. Near and dear. None whom you're returning an obligation.

A party for real friends, no air-kissing and polite conversation allowed. 

4) Book therapy: Stockpiling books. Late night retail therapy on Amazon. Stacking up books that form pillars by my bedside, lest I may have time and nothing to read. No guilt on spending on books. 

5) Space: Having a house that is largely empty of the normal trappings of home and so-called status. Souvenirs and decorative items, cut glass and Buddhas; silver collections and Diwali gifts and photos and boxes and coffee table books and objects with no use. Breaking away from the convention of cluttering one's home with symbols that play to the stylists' gallery. Reveling in the joy of a clean, unadulterated space.

Read more about Kalli Purie.