29 Things Every Woman Should Splurge On

By Geneva J. King

To splurge, to spend on oneself, to indulge - it sounds so sinful, doesn't it? As women, most of us are so accustomed to the role of caregiver that we often feel guilty when caring for ourselves.

It's time for us to re-evaluate our priorities, and to remember that there are some purchases that no woman should postpone - acquisitions that can create a quality of life that a hard-working woman needs and deserves. So brew a cup of tea, put your feet up, and indulge yourself.

Great Bra

Finding a supportive bra means so much to the curvy woman! It can be nearly impossible to participate in some sports when you have support needs, since most "sports" bras are not helpful to women with ample bust lines. You'll love the Enell bra, which comes in sports designs as well as basic colors, and was designed for true support. Your back will thank you!

Breast Exam or Mammogram

Sometimes, a splurge can be on something that isn't fun, but is simply necessary. In addition to taking the personal time for monthly breast self-exams, make an appointment with your health care provider for your yearly clinical breast exam, and if the provider so recommends (generally age 40 and beyond), a mammogram. According to the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations, early detection and treatment of breast cancer gives a woman a 97 percent chance of survival at five years.

An Evening of Culture

There is so much more to life than a cubicle, a daily commute or a dust-free living room. Incorporate an outing to the theater, opera, or museum into your hectic evening. The experience will enrich you and perhaps even inspire you. Plus, you'll emit class and sophistication for weeks following the outing. For an added splurge, wear a new dress!

Babysitter

All moms know that a great sitter is hard to find. Once you do find one, use her (or him) for more than date night! Call your sitter and let her serve the macaroni and cheese while you go window-shopping or for a nice long walk. There is nothing like the peace of mind that comes from knowing the kids are having fun while you're taking a break.

One Classic Necklace

You can never go wrong with pearls - a great set will take you from the office to the nightclub. Not only will you receive pleasure from your investment, but your great-granddaughter is sure to treasure your bequest.

One Classic Suit

Suits are not just for the workingwoman; they are for every woman. When you wear professional attire, there is an aura that surrounds you. This is the apparel to wear to the principal's office, and it will take you with panache to job interviews, funerals, city council meetings and weddings.

Portrait

Was your last professional photograph taken for your high school graduation? Then it's time to sit for a portrait session. Hang your portrait at home, and use it later as part of your rÈsumÈ, or to include in a family history. In your later years, you'll be glad that you have a photograph of you in your prime to pass down to future generations.

Great Pair of Sneakers

Are your aching feet demanding a quality and comfortable shoe? Our lives are so hectic these days, and our feet take the brunt of the punishment. Cloudwalkers comes to the rescue with fantastic shoes that look great with a skirt or laced up with jeans. Best of all, they have a great fit and provide terrific support to your feet and body. Toss out those arch-less wonders and slip into comfort.

Last Will and Testament

While none of us like to dwell on thoughts of our own mortality, part of being an adult is taking care of business. Plus, you'll have peace of mind when you know that your affairs are settled. A simple will is inexpensive (and, in some states, a handwritten and signed testament is all that's necessary to be legally binding), and you'll feel satisfaction in knowing that your family and friends will receive all you want to provide for them.

Flowers

You can't go wrong with flowers. They bring a smile to your face and a sense of well being to your soul. There is no reason to wait for The Perfect Date to come along and present you with a dozen roses when you can pick them up for yourself. Purchase a bouquet of roses and arrange them in a vase, or buy a single bud for your hair or lapel.

Favorite Charity

A life of quality includes a concern for others. By adopting a cause or organization that you believe in, you can make a difference and have an impact on your world. You're guaranteed to receive joy from giving.

Journal

Whether you ultimately decide to burn it or to share it with future generations, a journal can be one of your most intimate possessions. You shouldn't record your innermost feelings and ruminations in a loose-leaf notebook or dime store diary. A great journal has acid-free pages that won't deteriorate over time. Go all out and get a great pen to round out the set.

Massage

A great massage is nothing less than therapy. It relaxes your muscles, invigorates your soul and frees your mind. If you're a bit self-conscious, go for back or foot massages until you are ready for a full body massage. But by all means, spend a few dollars to knead the tension away.

Mutual Fund

The rule of thumb is to pay yourself first by contributing to savings accounts and investments, but how many of us do that? Investing in a mutual fund is a safer bet than investing in stocks individually. Some funds, such as Invesco (800/675-1705), allow you to begin a mutual fund by direct debit of your savings or checking account. This allows even the most modest investor ($50 per month minimum) to begin to build a stable portfolio.

Dry Cleaner/Laundry

Ironing is the bane of humankind. No one likes it, but it's a necessary evil. Why spend hours slaving over a hot iron when you can drop cotton shirts at the cleaners in most areas for $1-$1.50? Your time is valuable, so splurge on this service, and enjoy picking up fresh-smelling laundry that was ironed while you were at the bookstore!

Your Own Toolbox

Don't settle for hand-me-down tools - create your own toolbox so that when you need to hang a picture or do some home maintenance, you don't have to "borrow" a hammer. Keep a similar tool kit in your car, and you can be the knight in shining armor instead of the damsel in distress!

Great Haircut

Do you do battle with your hair on a daily basis? You want it to flip back, but the tresses fall forward. You want it to lay flat, but it sticks up. Save yourself aggravation by having a stylist create a cut that is meant for your hair type and head shape. A great cut should be easy to maintain and look fantastic, too!

Beautiful Scents

Aromatherapy has become a buzzword, but even our grandmothers knew that a relaxing smell could change a sourpuss into a pussycat. A few scented candles and a bit of potpourri can adjust your senses and your attitude.

Digital Camera

It's a digital world, and you should be a digital girl! Anything worth taking a picture of is worth keeping forever and sharing years from now, so you'll want to have it in digital format. The latest digital cameras and camcorders have phenomenal quality and some have prices that rival a film camera. Owners of digital cameras simply take more pictures, and enjoy their cameras more. Why wait to find out if you've got the shot? Go digital and know now.

Great Pantyhose

There is nothing worse than a poor fitting pair of pantyhose. Yet we've all scrimped on them and then played tug of war in order to squeeze our shapes into a binding, pinching garment. Buy great quality hose from a company like Berkshire that designs product specifically for the plus figure! Your thighs, stomach and joints will thank you.

Globe

It's important to remember that, in the grand scheme of things, life's daily dramas are insignificant. Looking at a globe and imagining the lives of other people around the world can help us keep our problems in perspective. A stately globe adds warmth to any room, helps you follow news events from around the world, and provides the reminder that it's a small world.

A Pet

Can we really call it splurging to adopt a best friend? There is nothing like a special pet to make you feel like the only person in the world, since to them, you are!

Beautiful Stationery

Email is amazing, but there is nothing like receiving or sending a personally penned letter. It's easy to get in the mood to pour out your feelings or relate the latest news when you're using lovely stationary with matching envelopes. There is something romantic and old world about musings that go from your hand into the hands of another.

Comfort Food

Every woman has a food from childhood that makes her feel better, or that makes a great day perfect. Re-creating grandma's perfect bread pudding or concocting mom's Friday night casserole can perk up those spirits.

Pedicure

You carry the world on your shoulders, and all that weight is painful to your arches. A great pedicure helps dress up your toes and gives your hard-working tootsies some well-earned attention. Which polish do you prefer, the pink or the red?

Fun Class

We are never too old to learn, but we often spend so much time learning computer code that we never fulfill that promise to ourselves to learn to play the piano. Learning something new and fun, be it a lesson in how to create a French meal or perform a ballet, will add spring to your step and expand your horizons.

Great Handbag

It's fashion, it's convenience...it's your life in a small tote! Why not find a handbag that reflects your style, and has all the features you deserve? From clutches to shoulder bags, you'll find attributes that make your life easier, such as wireless phone pouches, credit card sections and quick-adjust straps. Never fumble for your keys again. Buy a bag that lets you be both organized and stunning.

Professional Housecleaning

Whether you work at home, in an office, or on an airplane, there is never enough time to deep clean your home the way you'd like. Leave some of the heavy duty scouring to a service, or go all out and sign up for weekly service. You may feel a twinge of guilt at first, but there are so many other fantastic ways to spend your time, without cleaning the oven or mopping the floor, that you'll be too busy care!

Indulgent Soaps

We all have them - beautiful soaps, wrapped in cellophane, laid out for guests. If they are great for guests, why aren't they suitable for the lady of the manor? Buy a few luxurious bars, take off the plastic wrap and actually bathe with them!