Many of us head into summer thinking we'll act like Mother Theresa, while getting an Elle Macpherson bod. But realistically, summer isn't all exercise in the great outdoors and eating summer-fresh fruits and veggies - what fun would that be? Your summer sins don't have to be deadly though: read on for expert advice on atoning for less-than-saintly behaviour - and feeling great all season.
Greed: Summer is no moneyless walk in the park. Vacations, cute bathing suits and all that waxing can take its toll on your new Kate Spade pocketbook.
"To get your cash flow back on track, stop spending," says financial advisor Lori Bamber. "Apply the amount you'd normally spend on items like clothes and entertainment to paying down your credit card debt." But don't take all the fun out of summer: check out free, outdoor events such as concerts, festivals and fireworks displays. "It requires discipline, but a little creativity will ensure it doesn't require deprivation," says Bamber. There are lots of little ways to save cash over the summer. For example, if you have a daily jones for pricey blended coffee drinks, carry along a thermos of iced mocha (blend ice, milk, instant coffee and chocolate syrup to taste) and you can save up to $30 per week, or $240 over the summer. Hair and nails grow faster in warmer weather, and summer beauty is more relaxed, making this a perfect season to learn to trim your own hair and either give yourself manicures or trade with a friend. Google 'cut your own hair' and 'do your own manicure'. Save up to $180 this summer, and enough to fund a modest retirement fund over a lifetime. (You'll need to schedule a professional cut when you change your style and/or every six months or so.) Finally, consider declining that out-of-town wedding invitation: with costs of travel, wedding finery and a gift all in, attending a wedding can cost $500 or more. If your presence isn't essential to the happy couple's enjoyment, consider sending a gift. Savings: $400.
Pride: Despite what the experts say, many of us "accidentally" get tans in the summer, especially at the beach or the pool. "Drink plenty of water as the sun, heat and swimming can dry the skin out," says Dr. Ian Landells, a dermatologist from St. John's, Nfld. If you burn, Dr. Landells suggests using an emollient cream that has been chilled in the fridge, drinking plenty of water and taking an anti-inflammatory such as ASA or Ibuprofen. Most importantly, keep an eye on your skin. "One bad burn increases your risk of skin cancer, but it can take 10 to 20 years before it turns up," says Dr. Landells.
Lust: If the memory of a summer tryst is haunting you, Toronto-based psychotherapist Tara O'Connell suggests that you try a little introspection. "Ask yourself: am I being responsible and safe, am I being treated with respect and respecting myself," she says. "If the answers are "yes" and you still feel guilty - it may be that you have the disapproving voice of your parent/preacher in your head and it's time as an adult to replace that voice with one that touts your own personal principles. If the answers are "no" then don't waste mental and emotional energy beating yourself up - just resolve to do things differently going forward. Have fun and date lots of guys, but save sexual intimacy for the time, place and guy that will fit more closely with your own ideals."
