New Year, (Mildly) New You

It's almost 2010!  As the Holidays wind down, you can start to really feel the effects of this last year. A barrage of resolutions can feel overwhelming sometimes.  No need to revamp your entire life; scrub down, whiten up, and get ready to ring in 2010 with a (mildly) new you! 

Here are a few small ways to feel like a New Year's Baby without spending a bundle.

Whiten Your Teeth - After all that red wine and cocoa over the holidays, your smile may look like last week's snow fall.  Brighten up with a kit from GoSmile, now on sale at Drugstore.com.  It's proven to make a noticeable difference and it's less than $30. 

Detox Your Skin - Try a clay or mineral mask to pull out all the impurities of 2009 (so you can make room for the impurities of 2010!)  This one from Alba is a steal at $9.99.

Try a New Look - Pick up a bold statement piece at one of these fantastic after-Holiday sales to spice up your wardrobe.  A leather jacket, a preppy dress, a wild scarf--these may not be your style this decade, but who knows what the next one has in store.

Change Your Hair - Maybe 2010 is the year you finally try that at-home Brazilian Blowout (for 1/8 the price) or go brunette with L'Oreal color.  Even treating yourself to a nice conditioning mask, like this one from Neutrogena, would be a great way to start the year off with fresh tresses.

Pick Up Some New Essentials - Those poor socks without partners straggling in your bureau.  Put them out of their misery, and pick up a fresh pack of socks to start your year right.  Same goes for your sad granny panties.  Out with the old, in with the new, like this great deal on underwear from OneHanesPlace.com.

Get Rid of Clutter - Don't hold on to products that failed you: that hairspray that didn't smell good, that lotion that gave you hives, that mascara that flaked and ran...Chuck them to the curb and greet 2010 with a clean slate.  Same goes for your closet.  If you don't wear it, sell it on Ebay, do a clothing swap, or donate it to someone who might enjoy it.  Check out this post at femalenetwork.com for some tips on streamlining your 2010 look.

Slough It Off - Give last year's dead skin the boot with a nice exfoliating scrub, like this one from The Body Shop, free with $40 purchase.  You can also mix kosher salt and olive oil for a quick, cheap fix.

Go to the Tailor - Make 2010 the year you wear clothes that fit well.  Take all those old pants and dresses that don't quite fit to a good tailor, or better yet, fix them yourself with this $2.49 sewing kit.


No need to add ALL of these ideas to your to do list, especially after the stress and expense of the Holidays.  Maybe one or two strike your fancy as a fun way to get ready for a new decade.  It's amazing what something small (and inexpensive) can do to give you that pep in your step to take on 2010 with guns blazing--and teeth shining!

How do you plan to revamp for the new year?  Let me know in the comments below!

Happy New Year!  Resolve to follow me on Twitter @SavingsMBones for the best beauty deals.