Thought I might start a thread so we can sure ways to pamper and treat ourselves without stuffing our faces. I had a bad day today, not eating wise but about how I felt about myself. So I decided to create a home spa. I'd love to go to a real one but it's expensive and I'd be embarrassed over my weight. So I thought of how to recreate a similar experience at home. I gathered up all my bath stuff, lit a scented candle, play zenlike music and went to town. I even had lemon water to drink and cucumber slices for my eyes. Used the dry brush, body scrubs, bath salts, face masks and delicious smelling body washes and creams. I actually bought a skin firming cream and thanks to the cocoa butter it smells like chocolate. Yummy. Can't wait to here about what you all do for pick-me-ups.
I go thrift shopping. I got 3 shirts at the Goodwill today that I feel sure are new for the grand total of $20. I couldn't have gotten even one of them for that price at the mall. It takes a lot of looking, but I think I have a better wardrobe since I've lost weight and 90% of it is second hand!
You all have some great ideas! I've done home spa before... I love it! I'm a big fan of good smells, and I love using masks and bubble bath and such. Bath bombs are also a real treat! I have a recipe for bath bombs somewhere. My friend and I made a bunch once and put pop rocks in them. They were awesome! You essentially mix an equal amount of citric acid with baking soda and add in whatever else you'd like, such as almond oil, shea butter, pop rocks, Epsom salt, or essential oils. The pop rocks give them an extra pop when they fizz in the bath water.
I also like buying or making things for my hair. Before I destroyed half of my hair with bleach, it was quite long and liked making hair sticks and different things. It's not quite as long anymore, but I still like buying pretty things to stick in it.
When we use our credit card for everyday purchases (gas, groceries, etc) we earn $ on the account. You can use this money towards paying your bill, get a check in the mail, or get a gift card (and if you get let's say a $25 gift card to a place, you only have to use $20 of this "free" money to get it but the other $5 is truly free). My husband doesn't touch our finances and doesn't care what I do with that "bonus money" so I'll get a gift card to somewhere and buy something for the house/kitchen/etc
when i hit a small goal. I buy myself something simple like a lipstick. doesn't seem like much, but I really love makeup so it means the world to me. lol
when i hit really large goals.. I might get a new pair of shoes.
I used to answer "retail therapy" but I now am following a different budget. I do recommend buying second-hand clothing while losing weight. Being in a size for only a month can be expensive if you buy new.
I ask myself, "What would make this day perfect?" and try to answer it. Today, it's donating boxes of household stuff to a charity so I have more room in my garage. Friday night, it was inviting my BFF over to share a bottle of wine. Work extra hours during the week so I can work a half-day on Friday. Call a friend you've been thinking about lately, and meet in a park for a walk.