Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to be frumpy. As a busy, multi-tasking mom, I’m finally starting to appreciate the importance of not only caring for my family and household, but taking care of myself. It is possible to pamper yourself on a budget.
Often times, self-sacrificing moms like us have our time filled caring for our loved ones and home, but we can easily neglect taking time to recharge and pamper ourselves.
After all, going to the spa or salon isn’t cheap, and sometimes just planning a DIY pampering session can seem like more work than it’s worth.
However, depending on your tastes and time, it is easy to find a little room in your budget for small indulgences to refresh and pamper yourself. To keep costs down, here are my top ways to pamper yourself on a budget.
How to Pamper Yourself on a Budget
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Paint Your Nails
Sometimes a fresh coat of nail polish is all I need for a quick pampering and to feel a little more glamorous. Taking the time to pretty up my oft-neglected finger nails or toe nails can be a treat, even during the cold winter months when my feet stay hidden and bundled up.
Nail polish, nail wraps, or other nail art, can be a simple way to make your nails look stylish and get some pampering.
Enjoy a Drink… ALONE
When was the last time you sat down and sipped a warm cup of a coffee or tea? I’m not talking about coffee that’s been reheated in the microwave 3 times, but a fresh from the coffee maker cup of coffee.
Put on a movie for the kids or tell them it’s time for quiet time in their room while you enjoy sipping your favorite beverage for 20-30 minutes. It’s one of the reasons I’ve always loved to wake up before my kids.
I sit in total peace and quiet and eat my breakfast alone every morning. It is almost magical.
Buy Something for Yourself at the Grocery Store
I never buy anything for myself at the grocery store. I usually just stick to the list. To pamper yourself, purchase something you normally wouldn’t buy for yourself when you are grocery shopping.
Maybe it’s your favorite candy bar or a pastry from the bakery. Or maybe it’s those gourmet potato chips you don’t want to share with the kids.
Take A Nap
I’m pretty sure the last time I took a nap was in 1976, but that’s not the point. Have your partner look after the kids and enjoy a leisurely nap on a weekend.
Instead of rushing through your to-do list, enjoy some quiet time with just you and a fuzzy blanket.
Dress Up for No Reason
Instead of throwing on your favorite pair of mom jeans, put some something a little fancier. (I try to do this if I’m running errands) It’s amazing how great I feel when I’m dressed up and out of the house.
I also get better service at most of the stores. Try walking into Home Depot in a dress and heels one day and you’ll have all the help you need!
At Home Spa or Bubble Bath
A simple way to pamper yourself is to simply enjoy a soothing at-home spa treatment or bubble bath. Consider a DIY project like homemade sugar scrub or homemade bubble bath to create the perfect bath and shower formulas.
Also look for beauty supplies and product deals online or at discount and dollar stores. Be sure to check out more of my tips to score beauty products on a budget.
Buy Yourself Flowers
When was the last time you purchased flowers for yourself. Probably never… Every time I shop at Costco I walk past the cooler with the beautiful and CHEAP flowers.
Next time I’m shopping I plan on picking up a bouquet for my office, just because.
New Haircut
Something as simple as an appointment at the hair salon for a fresh haircut or new hairdo is all the pampering I need for my long locks. It seems easier for men to maintain their own hair with the barber and grooming sets available, but for women, it really is tricky going the DIY route.
If you’re like me, I’d much rather leave my hair in the hands of a professional hairdresser, even if I do space out my haircuts longer than most people. Check out my post on 7 ways to save on haircuts for some ideas on how to save when going to the hairdresser.
Book or Movie Night
This may sound silly, but another way to pamper yourself is to allow yourself time to read that book you’ve been meaning to read for the longest time, or watch your favorite movie or TV show.
Allowing time to veg out and relax your mind by immersing yourself in a good book, planting yourself on the couch to catch up on Netflix, or renting a movie from your local Redox, can help recharge a worn-out mind.
What other ways do you like to treat yourself on the cheap? Be sure to share your frugal pampering ideas in the comments below.
Get a Free Makeover
Head on over to the beauty counter of a local department store to sample some makeup and get a complimentary makeover. This can be a fun way to try out some new products and shades under the guidance of a skilled beautician.
Typically, no purchase is necessary for a free makeup application. However, the sales person works on commission and will likely be working hard to get you to purchase all the products, so keep that in mind before approaching the counter.
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