Company Backgrounder

For Immediate Release - April 14, 2004

How to enjoy and pamper yourself and still save money

The other category of expenses is what we call "luxury expenses," such as vacations, presents (Christmas, Birthdays...), beauty and fitness treatments, etc.. It is even more necessary to be careful and frugal with these kinds of expenses. Of course, don't get me wrong; we all need some well-deserved vacations! It is important to give your partner something nice on your anniversary! And, beauty and fitness treatments (including going to the health club, spa, hairdressing, etc.) boost our confidence and make us feel better
with ourselves. There is no need to deprive yourself from such enjoyments but you need to find the ways such that these expenses do not make your financial situation worse.

1. Holidays: try to get it an "all included" plan. Most of the time they are cheaper than purchasing your hotel stay, meals and tickets separately. Choose the travel agency carefully -- it has to be one with a good reputation. Don't just get any "bargain". Your holidays dream could become your worst nightmare.

What about going to a campsite? Your family may appreciate the contact
with nature and the change of scenery.

2. Presents and gifts: Objects don't necessarily show your love and appreciation to others, your actions do. Don't think that just by getting the most expensive gift you will show how much you love that person. Sometimes creating the right atmosphere will enhance the value of a "normal" gift. For example, if you prepare a nice meal for your parents or a candle light dinner for your partner before giving them a present, you would be showing your appreciation more that just giving them something, even if it is expensive. Our society is facing a big problem: assuming money or gifts can replace the quality time and care we need to give to our loved ones.

3. Beauty and fitness treatments: you can apply the same principle we explained regarding holiday plans: compare the prices of the plans or treatments that different places offer and get the best overall value, not just cheap items that end up being a waste of money. There are many things you can do as well to improve your health and fitness apart from going to health clubs and they are not as expensive: walk, jog and cycle more, take the stairs instead of the elevator, get yourself into an exercise routine at home, do your housework yourself (such as cleaning, gardening), washing and waxing the car) -- you will burn many calories and save some money.

There are good books in the market explaining how you can take care of
your skin, hair and body using home made recipes or exercise using things that you have at home. Even that heavy encyclopedia that nobody uses anymore could help you for weight lifting, giving some tone to your arm muscles!

You will be amazed finding out how some simple things you have at home
such as mayonnaise, (it is great for dry, damaged and brittle hair), sugar and hand cream (a massage in your hands with sugar and hand cream will leave them as soft as silk) will do wonders for you.

 
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