I need a treat. What can I get that is lovely, inexpensive, and just for me?

[TiredFudge]

I've just gone back to work after maternity leave, so I'm skint and waiting for my first paycheck. The baby isn't really sleeping, DH has been extremely busy with work, it's raining. I feel fat and a bit dull, and I have this very childish desire for something nice, like a toddler longing for one of those little bags of Haribo. I'm always buying things for the children, or the house and garden, but never just me. Even my mother's day present was liberally shared (chocolates)

Any ideas? Ideally I'd like a posh coat or a diamond ring, but the budget won't quite stretch

@BeeFarseer

Being s bit thick here! The thermal ones do they continue to change colour? If you go into a warm room or out into the cold? Or in water?

Personalised shampoo and conditioner? Function of beauty get you to fill out a hair survey and hair goals and make one specifically for you.

I'd buy myself a nice shampoo/conditioner set, or nice bubble bath / body lotion / hand cream etc

If I could stretch to it I'd get perfume!

Depends on how much a small amount is? If I ever want a little treat for myself, I buy L'occitane shower oil for £20.

A pedicure.

If i'm ever after something inexpensive but just for me, I pop to Superdrug, buy one of their face masks - the 99p ones - along with some of the nice Collection make up or any other bits of make up that's on offer, maybe even a nice nail polish that is on offer and have a bit of a pamper night. You can get mini bottles of wine or prosecco (if you drink) from Tesco/Asda etc and just have a night in once the little ones are in bed. Have a hot bath/shower, pop on a face mask, grab a good book or magazine, paint your nails and just relax! (also Boots do travel size pots which are usually 3 for 2 and include lovely smelling shower gels, shampoos, conditioners etc!) x

My suggestion is one I have discovered late in life (45). I was always horrified by the thought of doing this and on my first try I was so caught up in my insecurities that I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. I have done it about 6 or 7 times since and it is my favourite self indulgent treat, so much so that I resent when family or friends say: oh I'll come with you! Or poor you, having to go on your own.

It is the Solo Afternoon Cinema Trip!

I say afternoon because the cinema is unlikely to be crowded. It is often cheaper and there is not so much munching going on (to compete with your own munching!). As you have no one else to consider (a rarity when you have children) you get to totally absorb yourself in the movie. Also they sometimes show older films in the afternoon and most films benefit from a cinema setting. I had the theatre to myself for "A star is born" so i was able to rant, sing and sob to my heart's content during it.

Before discovering the joys of a solo cinema trip I had been to the cinema without kids maybe twice in 15 years. I go (alone!) At least once a month now and I am so not a movie fan usually. The only downside is that I have possibly become a bore about the joys of solo cinema and about the films I've seen!

@Moonflower12 You're not thick. I also had no idea before I bought my first one!

They change with temperature, so it depends on how cold your hands are and the temperature of the room. They change back and forth if you keep putting your hands in water. That's my favourite trick when I'm in the kitchen in work and people are waiting to use the sink.

Thermals don't last well, apparently. The colour-changing effect wears off as the polish ages, usually when they're over six months old. I only have a few at a time because of that but they've all worked beyond six months for me. I don't have any over a year old, so couldn't say what happens at that stage.

The longer your nails are, the better the effect as well, since your nails are colder at the tip.

Felt like this lately and replaced my tatty old dressing gown. Got a pretty new lace trimmed one in Tk Max for 20 quid and it is cheering me up. Treat yourself if you can. You deserve it.💐

I bought myself a box of chocs from lidl on Sunday and have been really enjoying them. They were about a fiver for a big box.

And yes, as long as the polish is on your nails, it will continue to change colour with the temperature.

A sparkly gel pedicure. About £15 and will last for weeks.

Or maybe a new lipstick, diffuser, bra or face pack.

A CD! Recommend the new Drenge album or Idlewild album, or something nostalgic. I love finally buying a CD I wanted as a teen as I could afford so few!

Perfume parlour mini oils, you could order a selection of your favourite scents?

I did this the other week brought myselg an expensive slice of cake a lovely coffee and sat on my blanket in the grounds of an attraction near me was lovely and less than £10

I bought a couple of tops in the Boden sale, just Breton ones that I always wear but in brighter colours (and a size larger than usual) I’m also on maternity leave and all my clothes are feeling a bit tight or dark. Made such a difference today wearing something I felt good in.

I found some earrings I adore in accessorize for £6. They made me so happy and I wear them everyday.

Satin kimono dressing gown from eBay. They're usually under a tenner and come in such pretty jewel colours.

@BeeFarseer
Thank you for that. Definitely going to get some. That's my entertainment for work sorted!

Oo I was going to say lip stick or if you are feeling flush a new foundation.

But - a new dressing gown brings so much pleasure every time you pick it up. Lol.

Also loving @TeaForTheWin suggestion of perfume samples from eBay. What do you search to find those?

These are absolutely brilliant, thank you so much. The lone cinema trip is inspired!

I really like the idea of perfume samples and bath oil- any recommendations?