Like most moms, Micki Rice has a to-do list that’s often longer than the day.  Her family, job and friends all take substantial amounts of the Jerome woman’s time, but Rice said it’s important to carve out a little time for beauty. “I want my kids to see a mom who takes care of herself,” said Rice, a 32-year-old mother of two. “How you feel about yourself is displayed on the outside and it’s really the way people perceive you.” Every third week Rice gets her acrylic nails filled and she recently bought a tanning bed to place in her garage. It was on sale and she felt it was a worthwhile buy.  Beauty, she said, is important — not only to be perceived favorably by others but also to keep a high level of self-esteem/Amy Huddleston, Twin Falls Times News. More here. (AP file photo for illustrative purposes)

Question: How important is it to you to keep up your appearance by spending money despite the recession?