New year, new you: Getting mama’s groove back

As a mom, I have had my fair share of disheveled days, when I feel stressed, over-burdened, and underappreciated. Sure signs of distress include a parade of sweat pants, t-shirts, and baseball caps.

Of course, this attire is fine for gardening, working out, or a lazy Sunday afternoon with the fam’, but for every day? That’s when your lack of fashion statement starts to look more like a call for help.

Perhaps it’s time to recover your strut. You can run a sensual intervention on yourself and get your groove back in just an hour or two. If you can’t remember the last time you took a nice long bath, shaved your legs, fixed up your hair, or cared whether or not you smelled good, maybe you qualify. Here’s a list of ways to revive your whole self from head to toe.

Hair Extraordinaire. Ever notice that you feel like a million bucks after a really good hair cut? The right cut can make you look thinner, younger, and sexier—and then you’ll feel better every time you look in the mirror. Color adds an air of drama. A streak of blond or color, why not? Highlights make hair look more summery. Dark hair is dramatic and mysterious. Take a fresh look at your hair. What would make you love it? Ask your stylist for ideas. Just be sure you let her know if you need a low-maintenance cut.

Arch This. When I was younger I thought that the whole perfect eyebrow fixation was overblown. But now that I am older, I realize that nicely shaped eyebrows are important, especially if tweezing is all you plan to do with them. Pluck strays from underneath your brows after a nice hot shower. Take your time; get it right. And then arch away.

Kissy Face. If you are not among the lipstick obsessed, that’s okay. There are many lip balms on the market these days, you can check out and stock up on. If you are a lipstick person, consider lip stains that saturate your lips with color without leaving a greasy smudge on your coffee cup. But save a little money for a couple of those lip balms because they seal in the color so well.

Multiple Benefits. Perhaps one of the easiest ways to feel better inside and out is to make sure that you are getting 100% of your vitamins and minerals by taking a daily multi-vitamin plus iron. If you are iron-deficient, you’ll notice the difference. Visit your local health foods store for the best selection according to your age and physical needs. If you need accountability, try using a day-of-the-week pill holder and set your phone alarm to remind you to vitamin-up after dinner.

Bedroom Eyes. Over lunch, a mom buddy gave me her secret to alluring eyes. As we get older the eyeliner looks better over the top lid rather than under the bottom lid. Eyeliner under your eyes can make your eyes look smaller and closer together. Instead, take a dark liner, start slightly inside of center and draw a thin line, just above your lashes, outward to just past the outside corner of your eye. Flick that last part slightly upward when you gently smudge the liner with a cotton swab. Add a coat of mascara and you are ready for date night.

Fashion Forward. Make healthy food choices and stay active, if you want your kids to follow suit. In the meantime, look best by wearing clothing of the proper fit and size for your current figure. Flattering and affordable clothing are easy to find no matter what kind of shape you are in, thanks to an abundance of second-hand stores and consignment shops. Keep your wardrobe stocked with everything from a dressy-dress to great-fitting jeans, and strappy sandals to attitude boots.

Rock Every Angle. As for how you look from all angles, you are going to feel a lot better about your curves if they are cradled in the appropriate undergarments. Purchase bras where you know you will get an informed fit. Make sure your panties are comfortable, breathable cotton. Steer clear of sophisticated marketing that would have you spend too much on impractical underwear you’ll never wear.
Slough It Off. Create an exfoliating kit and use it at least once a month. Start with a Loofah brush and mitt (don’t keep them in the tub to avoid mildew). Add a scrub brush for your fingernails and toenails and a pumice stone for the bottoms of your feet. When you use these tools with an exfoliating scrub, you’ll eliminate a whole layer of dead, dull skin. A good moisturizing lotion or oil applied while your skin is moist will have you glowing all over.

A Cheerful Touch. What’s your favourite color for the season? Trim and file your toenails and put two coats of it on your toes. Follow with a quick topcoat (two coats if you have kids or pets who often step on your toes).

There. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and take a moment to appreciate how good you look and feel. When you take care of your sensual self, the reward is immediate and carries over into everything you do. You’ll feel inspired to look your best because you will feel your best. Enjoy the newly revived you.