Can't afford gifts for friends

Dear Betsy, I hate this time of the year with gift-buying being such a priority. I have a limited budget and feel the pressure to give gifts to my friends. What can I do to let my friends know in a polite way that I have a limited budget and can't participate lavishly?

Olivia.

Dear Olivia,

I understand how you feel. Gift-giving can be stressful to say the least and for many of us, this year is proving particularly challenging. It is true that 'it's the thought that counts' rather than how expensive the gift is.

Try giving some home-made goodies for a gift that really comes from the heart.

Home-made cookies, cup cakes, sweets are inexpensive and always appreciated. If you are not a great pastry cook then keep it simple and go online to find easy recipes.

Wrap them up in cellophane with brightly coloured ribbons and a label that says 'Made with Love from Olivia'.

You could also give personalised gift tokens that promise 'A home-cooked dinner', 'One full day of household chores', 'A week's school run', 'A foot rub' or whatever feels appropriate to the intended recipient.

Olivia, don't underestimate the value of such personal gifts.

True friends and loved ones will appreciate them far more than the usual store-bought gift that is often shut away unused in a store cupboard, or even worse, recycled!

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Dear Betsy,

What can I do for my puffy, swollen eyes? I am 32 years old and healthy. Is there any make-up trick I can use to look better?

Margie.

Dear Margie,

Puffy eyes could be a result of an allergy, or fluid retention, or some other medical conditions, so if in doubt check with your doctor.

Drink lots of water, sleep with the head of your bed slightly raised, or use two pillows, and take care of the type of eye make-up and skin care products you use.

Many cosmetic companies have eye-gels which are designed to help puffiness, but home remedies can be very effective.

Thinly sliced cucumber, cold used tea-bags, (keep them in the fridge) or grated potato in muslin, can be placed on the eyes for 10-15 minutes. If you wear contact lenses, then adhere rigidly to your hygiene routine, discarding old lenses and always washing your hands before inserting lenses.

Over-indulging and late night celebrations during the festive season can result in less than sparkling peepers, so let me recommend my favourite 'emergency' treatment: Keep two teaspoons in the fridge at all times! Pat them firmly but gently around the eye area for a few minutes, using the back of the spoons.

Next put ice cold milk on cotton wool eye pads and place on your eyes for five minutes. The milk proteins will have an immediate effect on this area.

Follow this with a soothing eye gel or eye cream, applied very sparingly using your wedding ring finger (it has the least pressure) and pat gently in a circular motion below the lashes and out to your temples.

To cover up dark circles under the eyes, use a concealer or foundation that is one shade lighter than your skin tone.

Resist the urge to use very pale or white concealer as this will look really obvious and can result in making the shadows look worse.

Use a neutral eye shadow and avoid purples as this can also give the appearance of even darker under eye shadows. Stick to medium browns, slate grey or a warm pink and apply a light coat of mascara to the upper lashes only.

A mid brown-pink lipstick with a touch of gloss in the centre of your lips will also help brighten your face and suits most skin tones. Avoid blue-based burgundy lip colours.

Eyebrows that are well groomed can help 'open up' the eye and reduce the appearance of puffiness.

Drink at least two litres of still mineral water a day and have a brisk 30-minute walk to stimulate your metabolism and lymphatic system.

The importance of sleep should not be forgotten, Margie. Too much sleep is as bad as too little. Learn to listen to your body and make sure you enjoy seven to nine hours of sleep depending on what works best for you.

BETSY SAYS RELAX

Don't stress the little things this week which can be filled with frantic festive activities. Focus on what is important ... spending time with loved ones.

Spare a thought too for those who are unable to be with their loved ones and for those who don't have the luxury of ever being able to be with their absent loved ones again.

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS WEEK

Clean out and tidy your cutlery drawer. It can be so therapeutic and you might be amazed at what you find there and it will feel so good to open up a de-cluttered well organised drawer and be able to find what you want immediately. Honest.