I love primping and pampering myself, always have. While some things fell by the wayside after kids (especially after baby #2), I still make a point to keep up with my routine. I know some people will disagree with me, but I think it’s important to maintain your sense of self after having children. Not only for yourself but also for your spouse. I’d never want to wake up one day and wonder who’s looking back at me in the mirror. And I would never want to my husband to wonder what happened to the woman he married.
I know appearances aren’t everything, but it makes a world of a difference in how I personally feel about myself. If I feel better about myself, I’m more confident in every aspect of my life. I’m a better wife, a better mother, a better friend – because I’m generally a happier person. I realize this may sound vain, but these are things make me feel like I am being the best version of myself possible.
If you’re like me and want to maintain your glam squad but need to save a little time or dough, here’s how I do it. I keep up with my hair appointments religiously and get it cut and colored usually every 8 weeks. At home cut and color is tricky and could result in the need for a repair visit to the salon. Best to leave it to the professionals. I have some grays coming through, but I have no intention of finding out how gray my whole head is. Both my mother and grandmother go to the salon as often as I do, so the apple doesn’t fall from the tree.
They also never leave the house without makeup, and I follow the same rule. No harm in attempting to hide my exhaustion with a little concealer and mascara. I’ve mastered my daily makeup routine in about 5 minutes! My nails are one expense my husband always scoffed at – he just didn’t see the justification for it. While I still go every couple months, I do my own nails in the meantime with a gel kit from Ulta. The pampering isn’t there, but I’ve learned how to do it well and swap polishes with a friend. I stretch my visits for waxing as well, learning to maintain on my on in between visits.
Every expense has to fit into our household budget, so there are times when I may have to delay a salon visit. I’ll forgo a meal out or a new outfit if it means I can get my hair done. My great grandmother would say, “Better to look good than to feel good, Cher.” While I don’t entirely agree, I understand her point. Even on the days I don’t feel well, at least I can fake it till I make it.
