Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Take the time to feel nice...

So I decided to go in a little different direction than normal for my post today.  I want to talk about little things you can do to feel better about yourself.  As a stay-at-home mommy I admit that it's easy to let things go and fall into the trap of looking and feeling "schlubby".  You know, not getting out of yoga pants or doing your makeup.  Basically not taking the time or effort to look halfway decent.  The truth is, if I don't make a little effort to look nice(r), I don't feel as good about myself.
My mother once told me (in a nice way), that I look better with a  little makeup.  It didn't hurt my feelings because I happen to agree.  I also happen to find it amusing since she doesn't wear makeup. Now, I'm not talking about a "full face" or a "going out on the town" look. I'm talking about 5-7 minutes of quick easy basics.  The other day I had no plans to leave the house.  I still put on some makeup. Husband walked by and asked "Are you going somewhere?" to which I replied "No, I've just been feeling a little blah today and this makes me feel nicer". And it's true. Something as simple as putting on jeans and a cute pair of flats or slapping on some makeup can improve how I feel.  I'm not saying I can't feel good in yoga parts, as there's something to be said for a cute "yoga butt", but if I'm wearing them to avoid jeans that are snug or because I don't want to take the time to look nice, I need to stop and think.
So is it easier to take my daughter to school in the morning without getting dressed and putting on makeup? Most of the time, yes.  Have I been making an effort to look more presentable first thing in the a.m.? YES! Because I feel prettier that way. I took pictures this morning just for you...
I know, there isn't a huge difference, but that's the point. It's me, but with a little polish.
"Before"


"After"
"After"
These are some of my "essential" basics.  I just discovered BB Cream and I love it!  It gives a nice even skin tone without looking or feeling heavy.  I also love my mosaic translucent powder.  The other  product I love is dry shampoo. I don't wash my hair everyday and this absorbs the oil between washings and freshens up my hair. The ponytail this morning was necessary because no matter what I tried my hair wasn't cooperating...


Taking the time to dress nicer is still something I'm working on.  I don't generally wear dresses or skirts. I feel weird and awkward wearing a skirt. I'm a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl.  I am trying though.  A necklace, a scarf or a pair of boots.  Sometimes all it takes is an accessory to elevate an outfit....

Do you fall into the trap of not making an effort to look nice? What about "favorite essentials"?
 

7 comments:

Tracy said...

I haven't really posted comments, but have been reading for about a year. I'm a SAHM to two four year olds, so can relate to a lot of what you write about. I am working on finding balance, too...it's a ongoing process. :)

About a year ago I went to a girlfriend's Premier Designs jewelry party, and that was a turning point. Not only did I become a jeweler, but now I try to make a point to look nice most days, even if I'm not going anywhere. My husband is thrilled, but more importantly, I feel so much better about myself!!!

The products I'm in love with - Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, Cover Girl Olay concealer, Benefit creaseless cream shadow for quick application, Clinique Blushwear cream blush, and Benefit High Beam highlighter. For mascara I use Maybelline Colossal - LOVE IT. My routine takes me no more than 3 minutes from start to finish...

And of course, when appropriate, I finish it off with some nice jewelry or a scarf.

Loved this post...you're so right. Taking just a few minutes to look nice makes you feel so much better about yourself. :)

Kristen @ Change of Pace said...

I am so guilty of looking frumpy. I almost always have gym clothes on and that used to be a t-shirt and shorts. I've gotten some nicer workout clothes so I don't look too bad. I love that dry shampoo! I use it all the time :)

Anonymous said...

Opps that's me! I don't think there are too many women in Australia who would wear make up around the house. I think we're kind of a layed back kind of country. But that doesn't mean I can't wear something nice and do my hair nice like you have.

Unknown said...

I can commit to hair and outfit but makeup has never been for me. I too look good with a little but to me it isn't worth it. It's itchy and my eyes get dark.

Unknown said...

It wouldn't let me keep typing but a positive to not wearing makeup is that when I do, it looks amazing and is a definite "dress up" night.

Tiffany said...

I guess this came out a bit wrong... Makeup is NOT essential for looking better! I was just saying it makes ME feel better. I have uneven skin tone and red spots that a little powder and tinted moisturizer correct. The wonder of something like BB Cream is that it is a moisturizer so it skips a step for me and I don't get the itchy feeling :)

Lucy said...

Thanks for your opinion on the dry shampoo - I HATE washing my hair -but I do it anyway :)and I've been wanting to try the dry shampoo.

And I don't think it came out wrong...you're right.

Sorry Tiffany...Go Ravens!LOL! (Actually I don't really care...it's who my husband is going for & he's only going for them because the are the underdog!).