Countdown to Prom continues......

Now that you have begun work on your Prom budget, and have begun counting your $$$$$$, it's now time to take inventory of yourself, and decide if it's time to start counting calories as well! You have about two months left until April, so decide what it is about yourself that you want to fix by Prom time. Is it your waistline, your complexion, your haircolor?

Well, now is the time to make a plan: Count your carbs, and start to exercise. Your perfect figure may just be a few bike rides away, or attainable with just a few less pizzas consumed. Doctor your derma, if blemishes are a problem, check with a dermatologist, to see what treatments are available and covered by your insurance. Lots of times over the counter remedies are not enough, & a simple Rx can get the problem cleared up in a matter of weeks. Holler to your hairdresser, if your tresses are damaged, discolored, or you are thinking about extentions. Miracles don't happen overnight, but good conditioning over a few weeks can work wonders.

For some of you this is not just Prom time, but also Senior graduation, so you'll want to look your best. More to come next week, so stay tuned. We'll talk about long dresses vs short. Keep checking out the new prom arrivals at Fashion Queen.

Creating Your Prom 2008 Budget

This exercise is going to help make your Prom dreams a reality! Even if you're too pretty to do math, simply put, a Prom budget is a financial guide that outlines what you can afford to spend on individual items, and shows where the money for those items is coming from.

FIRST: Write down on a sheet of paper what your "Prom income" will be over the next 3 months from babysitting, that after-school or weekend job, your allowance, and whatever $$$$$ Mom or Dad (and Grandma) are willing to kick in for expenses.

SECOND: On another sheet of paper, figure out all the items you will need to put your Prom outfit together, and assign each one an approximate cost. Be really specific and make sure the list includes not only $$$ for your dress or gown, but shoes, bag, jewelry, hair, make-up etc.

THIRD: List all the items you'll be expected to chip in for like tickets, flowers, limo, dinner, pre-party or after-party food, photos, etc.

LAST: See what $$$$ you are missing!!!! The Prom income has to add up to the Prom expenses. If they don't, start getting creative and figure out where you can save money.

Most girls will spend $550 to $750 on Prom, but you can do your own hair and make-up. Paint your own nails and toes. Borrow jewelry and shoes, or a handbag from mom or your sister. Sometimes your date will pay for the ticket, limo and flowers. Check with him ahead of time to see what expenses he'll cover.

Most importantly, be realistic and know what you can afford. Start shopping for your gown and looking for limo deals early, otherwise, if you wait till the last minute, you always wind up spending more.