by Jean Ferrante Burke

Created on: June 26, 2008   Last Updated: June 27, 2008

Tired of watching everybody else get the fabulous makeover? Don't wait any more. Give yourself an inexpensive and quick mini-makeover!

To begin with, give yourself permission to have this brief moment of selfishness. You have earned the few minutes and the few dollars this will take. So, start planning.

Set aside time for yourself when you know the kids are taken care of, laundry can wait, etc. Start by lighting a few scented candles and putting on relaxing music. Take a few minutes to clear your head. You have already cleared your schedule, so relax! If you've always wanted whiter teeth, buy one of those over-the-counter products that you can use while simultaneously using hair removal cream and possibly, a luscious facial mask. You are used to multi-tasking, right?

Just these three things will boost your spirits and self-esteem, but don't rule out the possibility of a new hairstyle. It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, just updated and fresh. Talk it over with your hairdresser. They are usually thrilled to help design a new look, and it doesn't cost anything extra for the advice.

Very few of us can afford to buy an entirely new wardrobe, but we all have to buy some new clothes occasionally. Next time you're buying, get the things you always wanted, but talked yourself out of. Spend your money on the clothes that make you look and feel good. That means buying clothes that fit properly, no too baggy, not too tight. Look for pieces that put the accent on your good features and camouflage your not so-good features. This is a good place to stretch your comfort zone a little, but only buy things that you feel good in and that you will actually wear. Among your new purchases, consider a new bra. It is worth the trouble to find the perfect fit and level of support. We don't really like to think about them, but they streamline your body shape and make you feel more beautiful. Of all the small changes you make, it is guaranteed that people will notice this one and they won't even realize why!

If you or someone who loves you can sew, see what you can do about updating some of your favorite wardrobe pieces. This may be an investment of time, but if you have it, this can save money.

Taking a few hours, even a few minutes for yourself, is well worth the effort. You can't be any good to your friends, family, job, etc if you aren't feeling good yourself. Our good or bad attitudes affect everyone around us. You are spreading negative or positive feelings every time you interact with someone. If you feel good about yourself, it will shine through and everyone will feel the benefit of it.

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