Mirror on the wall

So, I'm turning 30 in a few days... and I had my first baby a few months ago. With 40 pounds of pregnancy plump to still wave goodbye and half my head of hair, I finally gathered my wits and looked at myself, in the mirror on my wall. Needless to say, I don’t look the way I did even a year ago. Embracing this new reflection is tough, but here's what is helping –

1. Focusing On What I Still Liked About What I Saw - My wrists and my neck are probably the only things that haven't put on weight...so I draw attention to them by wear wider necks and pretty bracelets. My face, even though plumper still has its basic bone structure, so I spend 5 minutes a day highlighting what I think is best about it with makeup.


2. Recognizing And Dressing For My New Body Type - So I used to be a pear, now I’m more err...like a pumpkin. Now I wear dresses that end at my slimmer areas (eyes are pulled towards the contrast, where clothes meet skin), like knee length dresses that end at my relatively slimmer calves or tops/dresses with 3/4th sleeves that focus on my forearms (conveniently taking the attention off my chicken wings). I wear 'Empire Waist' tops and dresses to give me a little bit of shape.


3. Getting An Easy To Maintain Yet Flattering Haircut - I have straight shoulder length hair, which involuntarily used to end up in a pony tail thanks to all the hair that keeps falling and falling. I needed a haircut, but couldn't get myself to go short. So, I got face framing layers that look good, are easy to maintain and give volume. I also reverse comb while blow-drying for volume i.e. tilt my head forward, then comb my hair from root to tip.


4. Spanx! - A body slimmer which slims the thighs, buttocks and tummy is a must have. I spent $28 on one and it hides the rolls and lumps perfectly under any outfit. It’s been worth every cent.


5. Wearing My Favorite Pair Of Heels When Possible - Nothing boosts my confidence like a pair of high heeled shoes. Don't know why, but it always seems to add that lil extra :). So when I am out with my husband, I let him carry the baby while I revel in a little bit of extra strut.


6. Shiny Nails - It's been forever since I got a manicure, I don't have the time and I would rather spend the money on diapers or something cute for my baby. But filing my nails really short (easy to maintain and safer for the baby) and slopping a shiny transparent coat on them every now and then definitely does the trick.


7. Epilator - I don't have the time to shave ever so often, nor do I have the luxury of a professional wax at a salon. So I bought an epilator (it's not for everyone as it may hurt) it keeps my legs smooth for at least 3-4 weeks.

Next Post: Bring Back That Pregnancy Glow!