I need a make over but have no money and don't know where to start!

[Memoo]

I had DD 14 months ago. I feel fat, frumpy and grotty. My hair is crap and my skin is dull and spotty. I also have really bad dark cicles under my eyes.

I think I have lost all sense of style and most of my old clothes don't fit me anyway. Even my boobs haven't completely shrunk back down to pre pregnancy size.

I just weighed myself and I am 13 1/2 stone my pre pregnancy weight was about 11 stone ish which I was happy with, and i was a curvy size 14.

I need a complete overhaul but don't know where to start and plus I'm broke with Christams being next month.

I know I need to start to make some changes but i don't even know where to start!

[Celery]

You could start with a simple and inexpensive skin care routine, if you don't do that already. Boot's own range is quite good. Cleanse, tone and moisturise every day. You can get all three of those things for five or six pounds.

Little bit of tinted moisturiser, blusher, mascara and lip balm, takes five minutes to apply, and you don't need expensive brands. Boots have a three for two offer on their cheaper make up at the moment.

I aways make sure my nails nails are neat and painted with a clear or pale pink transluscent varnish. That makes me feel better about myself. I do that once or twice a week in the evenings. Give myself a little manicure.

That's short term solutions. In the mean time, try and fit in a bit of exercise every day, and focus on healthy eating rather than dieting.

I presume you don't want to be buying new clothes, as your on a budget and want to lose weight. So spend money on a decent easy to manage hair cut instead. Perhaps buy a few nice scarves, they make it look like you've made an effort. Jeans and a top can be transformed with a scarf. New Look, Primark, H&M are good for cheap accessories.

I always were sparkly stud earrings too.

Little bit of simple make up, nice nails, earrings and a scarf always make me feel more groomed and confident.

[comewhinewithme]

I am in the same boat :(.
Somebody advised me to get a haircut as it always makes you feel better about yourself and it's true.
I look on EBAY a lot for nice clothes and get bits from Primarni.
I agree with the poster above about nails and doing a bit of exercise everyday.

[booyhoo]

OP i feel like you. my ds is 18 months, my relationship broke up in august, and unemployed since may. i feel like i have had over two years of being ill. i am ready to get back to myself but like you i have no money and no idea what people are wearing or how to carry it off.

for me i am starting with basics. so;
1)getting into a habit of having a good night's sleep
2) drinking plenty of water
3)getting out for a walk and fresh air everyday
4)eating healthily, fruit veg etc.
5)relaxing in the evening rather than running round doing chores when the dcs go to bed.
6)moisturising my body everyday
7)also something i want to start is setting a fixed, pamper night for myself. so what ever night there is nothing on tv, warm bath, glass of wine nice book. exfoliating, shaving, moisturising, bit of tan on face, mini manicure and pedicure. i always feel finished when i have my nails done.
8) also, going through my wardrobe and chucking everything that doesn't fit or that i don't like. and then making outfits out of what's left. i really do think that an outfit is made by teh accessories you put with it so you really mightn't need that much money. if you sort through your clothes and get a few outfits together go out wearing one of them and try and picks some great accessories that will go with all of them.

[booyhoo]

oh yes. and set your oufits out the night before so you aren't just grabbing something in teh morning. it really makes a difference to how you feel. i feel great going to bed knowing i will look 'together' for teh whole next day.

[booyhoo]

i am hoping i will get a bit of money from my parents for xmas as i haven't had my hair cut since may and it really needs it now. can't afford it though.

[Memoo]

Booy, I'm hoping my parents will give me some Christmas money too so I can get my hair cut. Haven't had it done since just before DD was born. At the moment I just tie it back every day as I have no idea what to do with it.

Definately going to sort through my wardrobe and chuck stuff out. I think about 80% of my stuff doesn't fit properly and half of that is stuff I will never get back into, stuff that didn't fit even before having DD.

I'm rubbish at looking after my skin but I'm definately going to start. I always got away with it in the past but now I'm getting older my lack of proper cleansing etc is really starting to show. I actually have a gift voucher for Boots from my birthday last month so will pop in during the week.

Going to try and eat helthly every day. Our meals aren't too bad really its just all the biscuits inbetween and in the evening.

Dh usually walks the dog in the evening but I think I'll start taking her out in the afternoons. Will have to dig my trainers out and do a bit of speed walking

Thanks for the advice.

So step one, get a haircut and buy some skincare stuff from boots

[booyhoo]

also, do you have any friends or sisters that are the same size as you? and obviously wear nice clothes? could you ask them if there is anything they don't wear that you could look at (or even just take so as not to cause offence if you don't like it). my sister is younger than me but similar size and gives me all her off casts. i am really lucky in taht respect.

[Celery]

I've just re read my post and it's full of spelling mistakes.

I was thirteen stone, a size 18, and felt just like you do, four years ago. I joined weight watchers, lost four stone, and have gradually over the last few years, gained confidence and started taking care of my appearence. Now it's just part of my daily routine, and I can't imagine it any other way. It's a gradual process. It helps that my children are a bit older now, and I have a bit more time on my hands to concentrate on myself.

[2blessed2bstressed]

The further education college in our town has a hairdressing school, they always need models and charge pennies. The students aren't let loose until they know what they're doing, and are v closely monitored. There's also a beauty therapy course advertising for models at the moment. Anything like that near you?
Good salons quite often have reduced prices for apprentices, and beauty counters are normally happy to do a make up demo if you ask nicely and don't expect it on a busy Saturday afternoon with no notice!
I know some put on a bit of pressure to make you buy stuff, but I think if you say at the outset, "I won't be buying anything today, but I'd like a list of the stuff to pass to my family for Christmas presents" then they would be ok.

[beanymum]

I got a free makeover at the body shop a few months ago. There was no pressure to buy anything either. They may well still do it.

[cruelladepoppins]

I feel a trillion (approx.) times better since I took steps to get to a healthy weight. I have re-educated my eating habits so I have a piece of fruit instead of biscuits or cakes and I enjoy it more.

I feel healthier and I know I look better in my clothes (not the same clothes - I have had to buy a few new things. There is a cheapish clothes shop locally, also sales and charity shops are great.). I also started going to a Zumba exercise class one evening a week - women of all shapes and sizes go (seems mostly 30s 40s and 50s mind), it's good fun and not too strenuous (so you don't get despondent and quit!)

I sitll haven't cracked the grooming thing, mind you - eyebrows stay unplucked for weeks!