Mod Glo's 4 simple rules for living:
The minute I lost all my baby weight, I cleaned out my closet and got rid of every single item of clothing that did not flatter me. There was a temptation to keep a few "easy" pieces like old stained t-shirts to sleep in and ratty sweatpants for working out. But I resisted, and I'm so glad I did.
Just because I'm a busy mama, does not mean that I am obligated to look the part. Why shouldn't I look and feel great all the time, whether I'm staying home for the day, running the kids to classes, hitting the gym or going out for dinner? Don't I deserve to feel amazing?
Phoning it in always bites me in the ass. The few times I've left the house without makeup and not looking my best has inevitably meant that I've run into friends and acquaintances on the street. Our little San Francisco neighborhood is kind of like a small town; everybody knows everybody. I really hate feeling uncomfortable with my presentation, especially in this city. San Francisco is such a stylish metropolis.
Does this all sound a bit vain? Perhaps. But if you really think about it, it just comes down to self respect. I'm not only fussy about looking great for myself, but also for my kids. I love that Maya thinks I look pretty and wants to paint her nails and cut her hair just like mama. I can tell that she's proud of how I look and I'm proud of that. I hope that she herself learns to emulate this pride of appearance in her own adult life. I truly believe that it's a mark of self-value and self esteem.
If I can show my kids a mama who loves and takes the very best care of herself, then they will likely show themselves the same courtesy.
This morning was a perfect cautionary tale. Maya begged me to take her for a hot cocoa at our favorite cafe. Because it's officially her birthday week, I decided to indulge her with this special treat. But Henry fussed a lot last night (he's teething) and I was feeling pretty exhausted when I woke up. My first instinct was to just throw on my workout clothes (which, in all honesty, are actually pretty cute; I ditched the nasty old yoga pants in the closet purge and bought a couple of adorable coordinating workout suits from Gaiam), sneakers and a hat. I felt too tired to bother with makeup. After all, it was just a quick trip to the cafe down the block and back.
But I resisted this temptation. I did my hair, put on my makeup and perfume, my skinny jeans and a cute blouse. I even wore my Repettos which I truly believe, despite the expensive price tag, deserve to be paraded around town as much as possible!
I dressed both kids in cute outfits as well. A bit much for the cafe? Maybe. But why should we save our best stuff? How is it being truly enjoyed to the fullest when it's collecting dust in the closet?
The cafe was packed when we got there, surprising for an early Monday morning. The table next to us sat a small collection of mothers and kids about Maya's age. Soon we were all chatting and sipping espresso while the kids played. As it turns out, all of these kids are to be in Maya's preschool class this upcoming fall. This was my first introduction to the other mamas in her class! These are people that will be a big part of our lives for the next 1-2 years.
Did I feel confident? Check.
Was a extremely glad that I didn't roll out of bed and simply throw on my exercise pants and sneakers? You betcha.
I can't think of a single occasion that looking great is a bad idea. It's a gift to oneself, and one that is a solid corner stone of self worth. Even if I expect to see no one else during the day, dressing well and feeling "put together" for my family and myself is no less important.
When I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I feel proud and happy. And that feeling gets paid forward in a perpetual cycle; I want to give myself the best food, exercise and care. I want to treat myself with unwavering kindness. Which makes me feel proud and happy all over again.
Mamas: You work harder than anybody on the planet. You deserve to feel great ALL the time. Yoga pants are not worthy of you (unless, of course, you are actually doing yoga). Break out your best clothes. Use the expensive lotion that you got as a gift. Paint your nails. Wear your dressy shoes to the grocery store. You will not regret feeling like a princess, but you might regret not living your precious life to the fullest. You're a hot mama! Never forget it!
*Don't worry, Mod Apron followers, these shoes were a frugal purchase! I got my Repettos for a song on clearance. Repettos quality is incredible. I expect these gorgeous babies to last for years and years, through multiple re-solings as needed. They were a bargain indeed!
