last minute holiday - self esteem

[dandycandyjellybean]

Stupid title - wasn't sure what to put. I've had nearly 7 months of lingering illness, haven't been able to exercise, have put on a lot of weight. Am on the way back to health signed back up at the gym this week, am taking the dog for long walks, etc.

Anyway have the opportunity of a last minute week in Lanzarote, half board in a hotel, myself, 9yr old ds, and my mum and dad. Just what I need, lots of lovely sun and nothing to do. My mum has recently lost weight and looks great, and I feel like a big fat pasty lardy lump!!! I normally have loads of confidence; have exercised regularly for more than 10 years, and although I've always been a big girl I am usually very fit. I don't usually bother with make up although I have some, but have had my hair professionally cut and coloured.

I can't do anything about my figure between now and Wednesday is there anything I can do to pamper myself or to make myself feel better? Should I bother with fake tan? Have shaved my legs!!! Am going to take my nail varnish stuff with me in case I don't get chance before hand. Any ideas gratefully received.

If I was you I'd make sure my hair was done, Mani & Pedi (even just at home), eyebrows done and waxing done. I don't bother using fake tan before a hol, I just embrace being pale! Hope you have a lovely time :-)

And get a couple of nice new swimming costumes that you feel confident in!

Can you get gel nails done? Make such a difference and they won't chip at all on the beach. A nice bright coral or bubblegum pink. A real treat to have done at a cheapy local salon, I pay about £25 for both, it's well worth it for a hol, just makes you feel good You can get some gradual tan (Dove is good) and slather on nightly. Cut down on sugar and drink loads of water, groom your eyebrows. If you're pale and pasty I highly recommend 'Glow All Out' powder, Soap and Glory from Boots - it's like a glowy highlighting almost-bronzer that is perfect for perking up pale skin.

But sunshine will make you glow anyway so after a day or two you will look fab! Enjoy

Manicure, pedicure and trip to the salon will make you feel great! Don't waste this precious holiday feeling fat or worrying about what you look like. Enjoy every second with your family and have a lovely time.

Thanks all, really grateful for your input. Decided to ask my mate, who's a qualified beautician for help and she is doing me a spray tan (really high end stuff so no tango) and a gel mani pedi for £30 all in. How amazing is that?

Managed to get a couple of pretty tops to go with my existing shorts/cropped trousers, so will feel nice if we go out anywhere in the evening.

Am feeling loads more positive now, thanks guys. Must go and exfoliate and moisturise like a maniac now, ready for tomorrow!

Enjoy, you deserve it