Help me with a budget makeover!

[Gonewiththemadness]

Basically I just feel like my body both inside and out needs a bit of attention.
I’ve put on a bit of weight lately, not a huge amount but I was a size 10 in clothes and they’re all feeling a bit too tight so should probably get myself some new bits in a 12.
I’m actually ok with that. Never thought I’d hear myself say that after years of struggling with disordered eating habits and going from a roomy size 8 this time last year to a sometimes 10, probably should get 12’s now but I am, I just want to look ok in what I wear and currently I don’t. Not unless it’s a dress, tights and boots, but they hurt my feet!
Moving onto shoes, I’ve skrimped on myself so much for... well forever really! I think it’s partly being a single mum with my DC relying solely on me, partly my own mindset of not feeling like I’m worth it. So basically my only decent shoes right now are said boots but I want something comfy that I can wear with clothes that aren’t just a dress and tights. I do wear flip flops in the summer but I want some nice shoes.
My hair is long, straight and dark brown. I haven’t had it cut at the hairdresser for at least 6 months and it’s full of split ends and just looks generally lifeless and boring. I’m contemplating a graduated bob but I don’t know if I have the guts! I wouldn’t even know where else to start with a new style as I don’t think I’ve ever gone for anything other than long and plain or graduated Bob (sometimes with a fringe, sometimes without, but I always regret the fringe so I don’t want that).
My body I just need to get healthier basically. More exercise (I’m actually excited about this!) and a better diet. I got turned down for my blood donation today which I was really gutted about as my iron levels were too low so on the way home I bought lots of green juice and vowed to eat much more fruit and veg ect again. I don’t think I’ve been taking care of myself as well as I should be.
All sounds great except... this all has to be on quite a tight budget as I have allot coming up and not much money to spare. Haircut wise the cost is pretty unavoidable but I know the best value but decent place to go near me.
Clothing I will go to charity shops as I just cannot justify right now buying new but I’m not sure what sorts of items to be looking for and shoe wise I can’t justify or afford to spend a large amount of money.
Any advice and suggestion so hugely appreciated!

Free workouts on the 30 Day challenge or just follow some YouTube videos in your living room.
Getting my nails done always makes me feel better, either professionally or a nice colour at home yourself.

Food wise go to aldi or Lidl. Much cheaper especially thier fruit/veg super 6 offers. Plenty dark leafy greens and meat, nuts, dried fruits to boost your iron levels alongside fruit and veg high in vit C to aid absorption of iron.

Charity shops can be great for really good clothes. Check out all your nearest shops and see which ones have clothes that are best quality. I got 2 pairs of jeans, cords and 3 jumpers this winter all new with labels or perfect condition for about £20. Check out thier shoes too. Look on FB selling groups or Gum tree or ebay too. Primark have nice shoes and boots. My teens are also charity shop hunters, my son got a pair of named trainers for £5 he was delighted. Bought loads of toys and books for them in charity shops when they were younger too. I also buy most of my books there. I find losing myself in a book over a coffee and pastry very therapeutic. I just let the world go by for at least half an hour once or twice a week it's bliss.

Meal plan helps budgeting so you are only buying what you need. I buy the basic ingredients first like chicken or mince when on offer or in Aldi and make meals around it. I.e. mince + basic home made tomato sauce = spag bol or chilli or plain mince and tatties, lasagne etc just adapt it by adding beans and chilli or whatever you like. Bulk it out by adding baked beans, veg, to make it go further.

Get a whole chicken and roast it then pick it clean all over. You will be surprised how much meat you will get off it for roast dinners, curry, chicken pie, sandwiches etc. Much more economical than prepared parts.
Freeze the extra meals like curry, lasagne etc for those days you can't be bothered to cook from scratch. Use curry paste which lasts longer & goes further instead of jars of sauce.

Make a big pan of veg/favourite soup. Once cooled put in freezer bags and freeze in portions. Quick lunches whenever you need them. (Make stock from chicken bones if you like for extra flavour.)
Start a basic store cupboard of tinned tomatoes, beans, coconut milk, spices, etc.
But things on offer you know you will use.
Make a list when you go shopping and stick to it (Unless you know when your local Asda or other supermarket reduce stuff in the evening then stock up on really cheap stuff like meat, bakery and freeze. Sometimes you can get croissants, Danish etc for 10p if you hit it right.)
Good luck.

Oh crikey thats lknger than i thought!

Get good shoes. Painful feet make me miserable.

You can cut layer with the pony trick, youtube it.

Get a few basics like jeans that fit you now.

I would prioritise shoes that dont hurt over a hair cut!

Thank you all for the advice!
Well I’ve splurged on myself today and I’m over the moon!
Never usually do it and usually feel full of guilt if I do buy things for myself but I actually feel good about it!
So I spent around £67 and for that I have bought...

2 new pairs of jeans. 1 black and 1 dark denim. Both body sculpt.
A sort of tartan skirt but in burnt orange and navy.
A cord pinny dress.
A t shirt.
A jumper.
A nice/smart top.

And... 2 pairs of trainers and a pair of high tops!

All brand new and in the sales!

Also got my ear stretched from a 10mm to a 12mm within the price.

I also within that £67 have had my hair re-styled and changed the colour!

I’ve realised that I’m not even a 12. I’m probably more of a 14 😳.
Going to work to get into a comfortable 10-12 again.
Bought all clothes in a 12 and they fit but could do with a bit more room by feel not look luckily (hopefully!).

Feel so much better about myself already though!

Have booked myself a checkup at the doctors too re the low iron as I was advised to see a doctor last year when I became underweight and really struggled with my eating but I chickened out.

The low iron paired with migraine like headaches I sporadically get and heart palpitations I’ve been getting lately which I just dismissed to anxiety have made me decide its time to shape up for good and although I’m sure everything’s fine I’ve not seen an actual doctor at a surgery (not mental health) for a couple of years so I just want to make sure.

@Willow2017 thank you for all the food advice! 😊 I’m not too terrible a cook to be honest and I’m very thrifty and hate waste and also a fan of the yellow sticker section . I think I’ve just not been looking after myself properly so need to change what I’m eating and the exercise I’m getting. Luckily I really enjoy cooking and healthy food and I love walking so hopefully it won’t be too hard, I’m just such a fluctuater (I don’t think that’s an actual word so sorry!) with weight and eating habits so I need to find more of a real balance.

This is probably a terribly boring thread so apologies but all advice has been appreciated 😊

I have just read your thread and wanted to say well done! Am a single mum too and I know it's not easy to buy things for yourself as money is tight and you feel guilty. You have done brilliantly on £67. Hopefully the GP can get you on some iron tablets and you'll feel like a different person.

Just wanted to say well done really!

We done on all your bargains Gone.
Glad you are going to the GP the headaches and palpitations are symptoms of iron deficient anaemia so get them checked out.
Good luck with the 'new you'😉