For a university student, splurging can range from upgrading your Mac’s hot dogs in favour of a sit-down meal to retiring your out-of-date wardrobe at some of Saskatoon’s trendiest boutiques. No matter how you choose to spend your hard-earned money, treating yourself every now and then is a prerequisite to staying sane and can also give you some extra motivation before finals.

Food

If you’re a foodie like I am, and even if you’re not, splurging can often mean indulging in a decadent meal or two. One of my favourite splurge spots in the city is the Ayden Kitchen and Bar — a food haven that is locally owned by Top Chef Canada winner Dale MacKay. Located on 3rd Avenue, Ayden brings big city elegance to Saskatoon’s burgeoning food scene. Though it is on the pricier side from a student perspective — their classic burger and fries will run you about $17, with entrees like their Diefenbaker trout climbing above $30 — the food is well worth the money.

Saskatonians voiced their approval in Planet S‘ Best of Saskatoon Food and Drink poll in 2015, awarding Ayden and its team seven first-place awards in various categories. Ayden also recently ranked 77th on Canada’s 100 Best magazine’s 2016 rankings of restaurants across the country — the only Saskatchewan restaurant to earn a coveted spot on the list.

Another splurge-worthy restaurant is the Cactus Club Café. Though Cactus Club originated in North Vancouver, it has made its mark on Saskatoon in no time at all. Cactus Club’s vibe is unique to anything else in Saskatoon. From the Andy Warhol prints on the walls to the quality and diversity of food, everything there is dripping with decadence.

Prices are comparable to Ayden — the Cheddar Bacon Burger costs $16.25, and the Lamb Medina entree is $29. If you’re looking to splurge in more ways than one, be sure to try out the white chocolate cheesecake. With that in mind, I strongly suggest leaving your calorie tracker at home. After all, they call it a splurge for a reason.

Shopping

Unfortunately for me, I am both a foodie and a shopper, and with the boutiques on 2nd Avenue and the revamping of Midtown Plaza, the temptations can be hard to ignore. If retail therapy is your preferred method of treating yourself, there are plenty of Saskatoon stores well suited for a shopping binge.

First up is Aritzia in Midtown Plaza, which is capable of handling any level of shopping spree. Aritzia is always ahead of the trends but is also consistently stocked with everyday basics. This store is perfect for finding an outfit for any occasion because of its great range of products. Whether you are celebrating a great mark on a midterm or if you just feel like spoiling yourself, Aritzia is a definite go-to spot.

For guys looking to do more than just window-shopping, Banjo Outpost located on 2nd Avenue is more than capable of serving you regardless of your style. Banjo Outpost has quickly made a name for itself among the men’s fashion scene in Saskatoon due to its vast selection of premium menswear. This locally owned business, which carries on-trend brands such as Jack & Jones and Zanerobe, provides high quality merchandise that is guaranteed to give you the confidence to power through the rest of the semester.

Entertainment

If food and fashion aren’t your poison, allowing yourself to become completely captivated in the arts is another surefire way to enjoy a self-care day. One great option is to check out what the Persephone Theatre is showing. A local musical or play is a great way indulge in the arts while providing yourself with some pampering. Alternatively, try out the VIP section at the Scotiabank Theatre Saskatoon, where you can order drinks — alcohol and otherwise  — and other food items right to your seat.

Due to precarious financial situations, many students find it difficult to spend money on seemingly frivolous things, which can be restricting during the school year. Whether it’s food, clothing, entertainment or whatever else you choose, it can be therapeutic to loosen the reigns on your wallet — especially after the rush of midterms and finals. I’ll be the first to say that we’ve earned it.

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Lyndall Mack

Graphic: Jeremy Britz / Graphics Editor