Help. I am a frump :(

[AbbyLou]

I need help ladies. I have been having a big clear out today and found lots of old photos. They made me cry when i looked at what i used to look like.
Since having my children i have put on about 3 stone, have a massive baby tummy and I'm a size sixteen/eighteen and I hate the way I look. I have no beauty routine, I forget to shave my legs, I never paint my nails, wear the bare minimum of make up on a good day, wear frumpy clothes (money is an issue too) don't get my hair cut often enough. I feel really ahamed of what I have become to be honest.
Anyway, I need help!! What can I do to try and get myself back on track. I am trying to lose some weight but it is very slow. What sort of routine do you ladies have for yourself with regards hair, skin, nails, make up etc. I need to factor some me time back into my daily life and don't know where to start. I need to get some self-confidence back in order to even start to feel happy about the way I look. I feel such an idiot asking this but I have let myself go for so long and I need to get 'me' back.
Help...

Abby Don't beat yourself up so much, you sound like a fantastic and devoted Mum! Following on from all the expert advice you've already been given here I would also add about how important exercise is, not just physically but also emotionally. I know it can be so so hard to find the time/energy to exercise with small children but if you can even get out for a brisk walk 3 evenings a week, it will do you the world of good and you will feel so much better about yourself, and it will over time make a difference to your shape. Add that to your new look and some new clothes and it will be a whole new you! Keep going and keep up your great work

Aaah, thanks serendipity. You are very kind.
You are right about exercise. It is my biggest downfall. Now it is the summer holidays (I am a teacher) I have no excuse for not getting out for walks in the evenings. I am terribly unfit. When wewere away caravanning with griends this week we met other families there and all got together for a big game of rounders. I got really stuck in and thoroughly enjoyed myself. However, hte day after I felt like I'd run a marathon!!!