After all the fun and excitement of the Christmas holidays January can often seem a bit flat. The really cold weather has just about set in and the thought of bright, sunny days seems a long way off. It's also a time when most of us are feeling the need to tighten our belts and not spend too much money. But it is still possible to get the lift you need without spending a fortune. Little luxuries that make us feel special and perk us up don't have cost a lot of money. With a little forethought you can find different ways to treat yourself without breaking the bank. Here are some clever tips to get you started:

1. - If you've run out of your favourite perfume but can't afford to buy a new bottle why not buy the body lotion in the same scent. Some of us feel we can't leave the house without a dab of our special scent. Body lotion will cost less than half the price and leave your skin feeling silky smooth at the same time.

2. Now the children have gone back to school dig out that spare box of chocolates which you forgot to open over the holiday period and settle down to a favourite afternoon weepy on the box.

3. Get out all the brighter, summer coloured bed linen and wash it in sweet-smelling Bold 2in1 Crushed Silk & Jasmine. You'll settle down to a good night's sleep feeling like you're staying in a top, luxury hotel.

4. Need a hair cut and run out of cash? Why not see if your local salon has trainee evenings when juniors will cut your hair for free or for a fraction of the normal price.

5. Go for a long walk. Most of us think we don't have the time to idle away a few hours going for a walk so really try and make the effort to take time out for yourself. It will cost you absolutely nothing and make you feel fantastic once you've got back home.

6. Invite your friend around for a girls' night in. If you all cook a dish each it won't cost a fortune and there's no greater luxury in life than good company and a really heartfelt laugh.

7. Buy a beautiful bunch of flowers for your bedroom. Usually when we do splash out on flowers we put them in the living room for everyone to see. But as a real luxury why not brighten up your bedroom with some lovely daffodils or tulips? They won't cost a fortune and will really make your room look special.

8. Get your make-up done at a department store. You'll come away full of inspiring ideas and looking a million dollars into the bargain!