What Beauty Means To Me - My Story

    I am a mother to 4 young, crazy, boys. My life is very stressful sometimes. Up until about 3 or 4 months ago, I lived in pajamas. Getting makeup on and wearing nice clothes was reserved for the rare night out. We all know how it feels to be in a "slump". I've been there, for 6 years. I am a stay-at-home mom. Why do I need to get dressed, right?
    Finally one day I looked in the mirror and just thought to myself, "gross!" I looked like hell, and it made me feel like crap about myself. I realized being lazy with myself, made me feel lazy all day. I never wanted to do anything. I didn't want to take the kids anywhere, I didn't want to clean, I didn't want to cook a nice meal. I just felt "blah" about all aspects of my life, because I put no effort into anything.
    I started getting into makeup and fashion a little bit sometime in the middle of this summer. I started trying new looks on myself. It was fun to do, and I liked the results. I have since learned A LOT of new things, and how to look nice even when I feel "blah". I also started to do something with my hair every day. It started off as "What is the point of having a nice face, if I have a rats nest on top of my head?". It's amazing how long my hair is once I got it out of it's ratted up bun/ cage. I have good hair! Who knew? Now I want to do something with my hair every day, not only to coordinate with my face, but because I have such nice long hair.
    My dear friend Kassi inspired me with my wardrobe again. I put away the pajamas, and dusted off my closet door. So many pretty things in there just waiting to be worn! Kassi has an amazing blog (you can read HERE) and it lit the fire to make me want to look presentable everyday. I wear heels most days (even stay at home days), I wear dresses, skirts, tights, leopard print. Clothes are so fun!
    Here is what I learned after putting all this together: I am happy with myself. I've never said that in my entire life. I have confidence in myself. Girls, putting a little effort into yourself can make a world of difference! Your most important asset is yourself, so invest in YOURSELF. You are stuck with you until the end... enjoy who you are! Do I need to dress up and put on makeup everyday? No. I do it because it makes me feel better. It makes me want to accomplish things. I give myself time every morning to get ready. After that I am ready to attack the day. Who cares if I never leave the house on any given day? The point is I made an effort, and it made me happy. I want to make a nice dinner now. I want to do things with my kids. I want my husband to see how sexy I am, because of how sexy I FEEL.
    My marriage is on a HUGE upward swing. Now that I invest in myself, I invest in our relationship also. It's all because I feel confident and happier with myself. I flirt with him, I kiss him more. I'm an all around nicer wife.
    My point to all of this is: You are a beautiful woman. Invest in yourself, you are always worth the time. Pull that pencil skirt and heels out of the closet on a Tuesday, put on some pink lipstick and do it JUST BECAUSE. You don't need an occasion to feel amazing. You should feel that way every single day. =) Do you need expensive things? No, absolutely not. Most of my best clothes came from the Goodwill. Makeup-wise, you can pull off a bombshell look for $15. I intend to prove it in the very near future. I bet we all have something in the closet we stare at longingly, but never wear. Put it on! Who cares if you only vacuum the living room in it?
    I truly hope all you beautiful women take time to take care of yourself every day. It is worth it to be happy with yourself. All aspects of your life will benefit from it. When you are happy on the inside, it always shows on the outside, and that's something no makeup can do. Have fun being beautiful you!

    Please feel free to share your story. I read every comment, and I enjoy knowing others are happy in their lives. If you are in a "slump" share that story too, I can relate to you!