It’s winter time, and money and sunshine are scarce. I’ve just graduated from university, and my wallet is looking devastatingly barren. As a card-carrying member of the Facebook Generation, I can’t help but notice that we are heavily targeted by online advertising. WHY? We don’t have any money! Don’t waste your time figuring out the complicated mind of the young, broke consumer….I’ll tell you, straight up, what I’ll still spend money on no matter how broke or seasonally depressed I am:
1. Self-tanning spray
My fav Australian brand is Le Tan in a can, and when in the US, I use Neutrogena micro-mist. With Le Tan, you’ll need their separate product designed especially for legs. Micro-mist works well all over, but the color develops, so there are unpleasant surprises if you haven’t applied an even coat.
Why I’ll still spend money on this: because despite the tedious application process, I find that spray tanning myself lifts my mood immensely in winter.
What I’m looking for in this product: a spray tan that is easy to apply, dries quickly, affordable and natural-looking.
2. At home Gel Manicure Set
My friend, Lucinda, is subscribed to deals from www.LivingSocial.com . Recently, she got this at home Gel Manicure set for 70$. This is a great deal, because a regular manicure costs upwards of 20$ (in AUS), or 12$ (in US), but a regular manicure lasts for about 5 days and chips. A gel manicure, however, will last at least two weeks without chipping. In New York, it was about 50$ (with tip) for a gel manicure, but it did last me three weeks. This at home set is an amazing value- I’d get it in a second. It seems like a lot to spend on “nail polish”, but it looks so professional that it would save me at least a year’s worth of manicures.
Here’s a pic of Lucinda’s nails. They look awesome: 
3. Tickets to see Part of Me the Katy Perry movie in 3D
I couldn’t think of a better winter activity I’d rather spend money on. Some people like skiing, but I’m a fan of sitting on my ass and feeling like I’m doing something really exhilarating. I’m counting on this to be the highlight of my week for the week of July 5th. Twenty dollars is steep for a one-night activity, but I couldn’t download this movie on to my laptop.
4. Really good, hot drinks
I can live without having big fancy meals out in restaurants, but I’ll still splurge for a good coffee or hot drink. For 3.60, you can have the same experience of sitting with a friend in a nice place and enjoying something. If you’re living on crumpets and things with peanut butter spread on them, then a coffee like this helps you feel more human in an instant.
5. The Hunger Games Series
Feel free to believe at least a little bit of the hype. These books are good. I read the first one straight through on a 7-hour plane ride. They are terrific entertainment value. I got the first book from a secondhand book store for a dollar. You can probably find them dirt cheap on www.Amazon.com.
