OP here, thank you for the suggestions. Definitely buying flowers and a new vase this week.
I think I'd also like a new dress. I have an event for my kid coming up later this month and it's not super fancy but it would be nice to feel great about how I look that day. Anyone have and great day dress suggestions that might be a mood boost? Maybe something bright and floral but also super comfortable? I could definitely use the shot of confidence.
To piggyback on the projects concept, a tube of tretinoin is less than $100. It’s hands down the best long term investment you can make for your skin. I use .05 every night and love the ritual of doing something for myself that I can stick with for the long haul.
Anonymous wrote:Fun nail polish and gradual self tanning moisturizer. You will look totally like yourself just a little bit more glow. Maybe you don’t need it, so it might not be relevant, but I always feel better when my skin is lightly tanned and moisturized. Hides all the spots
Anonymous wrote:Olaplex No. 3 from Sephora. It repairs hair and makes it shiny. I leave mine on for 30 minutes before rinsing. Always leaves my hair shiny.
Anonymous wrote:Don’t make it a one time purchase, OP. Do nice things for yourself weekly.
Cater to each of your senses daily.
Flowers, plants, perfume, lotion, soaps - for smell
New sheets, pjs, new hairbrush, massage, yoga - for touch
Watch feel good movies, turn off the news, keep pretty flowers by your front door, new clothing, new jewelry - for sight
Explore music like you did when you were young - find new playlists on a Spotify, see live music, change up what you listen to in the car, spend time listening to the sounds of nature (birds, beach, quiet) - for sense of hearing
Indulge in coffee, tea, desserts, restaurant meals, fresh fruit, - sense of taste
Do these things often. If you want retail therapy, and are on a budget, shop places like TJMaxx and Marshall’s for nail polish, clothes, beauty items, etc.
Make treating your senses each week part of your routine. Don’t deprive yourself. Celebrate yourself and enjoy how these things make you feel. And yes, with creativity and forethought, this can all be done on a budget. Don’t overspend amd get into a financial pickle.
Anonymous wrote:Rocky Road Haagen Dasz: temporary feel good, almonds for protein; don’t forget the calcium; and almost $100 these days.
Anonymous wrote:Therapy
Anonymous wrote:Clothes, makeup, skincare, I don't know. Some kind of treat. Under $100 would be great but I'm open to more if it would solve all my self-esteem problems on a temporary basis.
I'm 44, a mom, my career is stalling, peri-menopause is hitting me hard, I don't get enough sleep, I don't have enough friends, my marriage is okay but I feel like we're totally out of sync, I'm feeling all the middle-age "what does it all mean?!" hard and I just want to feel beautiful or well cared for or both, even if it's only fleeting and based on a great dress or fantastic perfume or something.
Yes, yes, it would be better for me to be asking for therapy recs. This is cheaper! Help a mom in a middle life crisis feel good about myself for a minute!
Anonymous wrote:I like "projects" so I can feel like I'm making progress rather than a one time purchase. Makes me feel like I have some level of control.
I have Invisalign for my teeth. IPL hair remover. And individual beauty products for a targeted need - currently a dark spot corrector for some acne scars.