Milk and Cookies
with Linda and Kristen
Milk and Cookies is a savory web venue for cool products, useful tips, and idea-sharing, prepared especially for busy moms like you. From the must-haves to avoid-at-all-costs, we're dishing out tools for a delicious life balance.
Visit Linda's fitness site at Bodies in Motivation and check out Kristen's blog at Swistle.blogspot.com
I know motherhood doesn’t have to feature high levels of frumpiness, why just look at that adorable little red-lipstick’d Gwen Stefani. Or Brooke Burke and her spectacular post-baby body that makes me want to stab, stab, stab her with millions of tiny fondue forks. However, I don’t get paid based on how I look, nor do I have a bevy of personal trainers, nannies, and housekeepers at my disposal. The often-chaotic life of wrangling a toddler (and being bulbously pregnant, have I played the pregnancy card yet?) frequently pushes Personal Appearance down my priority list. I mean, on work days I try to make a stab at being at least somewhat pulled together, but most other days, all bets are off. Well, and considering the fact that I can often be found sporting a crayon-stained pair of jeans along with a too-rushed-to-shampoo oily hairdo at the office, I’m not exactly paparazzi-ready on my best days either.
Okay FINE. I’m a slob by nature, all right? I’m a big pregnant slob and as I’m typing this I’m noticing there are crumbs on my shirt. From a corn muffin Riley ate, like, 7 hours ago. Shut up.
Anyway, I thought today’s post could focus on the things that make you feel pretty, even when nothing else does. On the days when you’ve got spitup on your purse, cracker remnants wiped on your pants, you slept 4 hours total because someone was teething/feverish/possessed by demons, and your calendar indicates that the next best time for a hot shower is early 2008, what are the things you rely on for restoring just a tiny bit of ooh-la-la to your otherwise frumptastic vibe?
I’ll go first:
Superhero Designs necklaces. I say necklaces, plural, because I now have two. And I love them beyond all reason. These beauties go perfectly with a hoodie or ball gown, they’re just that versatile. And also: gorgeous. Thus making me feel a little better about the Crayola doodle on my butt.
Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil. It’s just a loose powder, so why is it SO AWESOME? I don’t know how it works, but it’s featherlight, soft, smells good, and makes me feel like I’ve added a subtle Photoshop Gaussian Blur to my face.
Tigi Headrush Shine Spray. It makes my hair shiny and healthy-looking, even when it’s all unstyled and fugly and yanked into pigtails. Therefore, I love it.
Joe’s Jeans. My pair of Joe’s is currently in semi-retirement while my body does its inflate-to-Macy’s-balloon-proportions thing, but I am dreaming of the day I can wedge myself back into them. If you’ve ever wondered whether premium denim offers any benefits over lower-priced jeans, the answer is YES. Your entire viewpoint with regards to the term “low-rise” will change with a really well made pair of jeans. Plus, regardless of size, premium denim just does fantastically nice things to your ass. Well, not . . . not to your ass (that would probably cost even more), but for your ass. Although I should clarify the very small ass featured in the above photo is not my own.
How about your own feel-pretty must-haves? Spill, because I could use some more right about now. *brushes at crumbs, furtively eats one*
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OMG, I LOVE Joe’s jeans. I’d never bought an expensive pair before, until these, last year. I still only have just 2 pairs, but they are awesome - and worth it.
Nataly | November 2nd, 2007 at 11:40 am
Anything from M.A.C. always makes me feel purty. And new high-heeled shoes works wonders, especially since my feet aren’t in the throes of a pregnancy bloat.
hello insomnia | November 2nd, 2007 at 11:54 am
IS there an ass in those jeans? I thought they were empty… (Really!)
Mine are … My Wise Woman facial stuff that the kids gave me for last mother’s day. The gold-and-pewter necklace I bought myself a few years back, and the necklace my husband bought me for my birthday. And the new bras I will be buying myself next month.
MaryP | November 2nd, 2007 at 1:51 pm
I love, love, love, love, love the superhero necklaces!
I also don’t think there is an ass in those jeans.
Eric's Mommy | November 2nd, 2007 at 3:05 pm
I have a ridiculous lip gloss collection. Two in my desk, four in my purse, two in my glove box, around 90 in my bathroom at home.
Melanie | November 2nd, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I’m not a mom so I feel a bit fraud-y posting suggestions. But my dog is rather high-maintenance, if that helps at all. (No? Didn’t think it would.)
Nars vagabond lip laquer (in the pot). Oh I love this gloss. If I’m not wearing a drop of make-up, I still feel pretty if I apply some.
As funny as it sounds, I always feel more put together after a pedicure. Even if I’m painting my own toes, having them less snaggly makes me feel snazzy enough for my cute flip-flops or my peep-toe heels.
Bringing me to: cute shoes. If I’m wearing cute shoes (as opposed to the 13 pairs of Reefs I have) my step has a bit more bounce to it.
A good coat. Pulls everything together.
Jennie | November 2nd, 2007 at 4:20 pm
The Body Shop’s Lip and Cheek Stain - just a bit of color, without feeling too made-up. Also, their Blotting Tissues - shiny hair is good, but face? Not so much.
Even though I’m pretty consistent about the hair products I use, it doesn’t behave the same from one day to the next - but any day it acts right and looks good is a “pretty” day for me!
Florinda | November 2nd, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Ok, so 160.00 jeans nearly made me fall out of my chair (which would be quite embarrassing at work) but if they are as amazing as you say they are I may have to ask Santa to bring me a pair. Although it appears I might have to reveal my waist size and I’m not sure I am ready to do that even 9 months post baby. I am comfortably wearing the jeans now that I bought when I was about 14 weeks pregnant and not ready to wear maternity pants yet but totally making the biggest muffin top ever in my regular jeans while unzipped. If I want to feel like a million bucks I go and get a pedicure. Every 3 weeks like clockwork. A pedicure and eyebrow wax. Doesn’t matter how much spit up I have down my shirt and in my bra as long as I have pretty toenails and perfect eyebrows. And Estee Lauder Idealist Skin Refinisher. I swear it is crack for your face. It makes your face feel like a silk sheet even in the dead of winter. I may be pasty but damn my skin is soft!
Someone Being Me | November 2nd, 2007 at 5:06 pm
1) eyebrow waxing - those crazy, mad-scientist eyebrows run in my family and it’s nice to pop out of bed and know that my face (even without makeup) looks somewhat polished.
2) Philosophy’s The Supernatural powder foundation. Similar to the BE Mineral Veil, but my skin hates BE.
3) big hoop earrings. I don’t know why, but I always feel more dressed up in these. I have them in silver and gold, in varying hoop widths, and they make a t-shirt feel stylized.
Sarah | November 2nd, 2007 at 5:34 pm
1) Lipstick, especially Maybelline Cola Slushie and Avon Slick Tints Glossy Wine (which is neither Slick nor Glossy). They make me look and feel like I gave a damn before walking out of the house that morning.
2) Earrings.
3) Red toenail polish.
Swistle | November 2nd, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Ok, here’s my weird one - getting a Brazilian wax (or actually now I’m in the process of Brazilian laser hair removal). It’s not anything anyone knows while I’m walking around the city or work (I hope!), but it makes me feel good.
And, when I have time to get a professional manicure, that also makes me feel a little bit special.
foodmomiac | November 2nd, 2007 at 6:18 pm
I’m a total wash & go girl - my biggest attempt at being camera ready include clean hair & chapstick but what makes me really feel pampered is taking a pumice stone to my tired toddler wrangling feet after getting out of the shower. I then use the Rosemary Foot Lotion from Bath & Body Works and then I smell & feel divine too - my own personal pedicure. At night I use the Dr. Scholl’s Cracked Heel lotion (also on my elbows!) and go to bed feeling relaxed & pampered. My feet smell wonderful & I can go sockless at my Toddlin’ Time class without looking like I haven’t had a pedicure since being pampered during my pregnancy!
Jennifer | November 2nd, 2007 at 6:41 pm
since it is finally cold out - boots. i love boots. boots can be worn with big comfy socks and yet make me walk with a little extra somethin’! That with some Lorel version of BE (i think it’s easier and my skin loves it!) and lipstick and i am a whole new woman!
oh! and the ultimate - blowdrying my hair. if i air dry, it takes FOREVER and never looks as good as blow drying!
Kate | November 2nd, 2007 at 6:42 pm
(1) Thanks to your continued recommendations, I got a Superhero necklace last month and you’re soooo right, it does make you feel dressy even if you’re wearing an old sweatshirt. But goes with nice stuff too.
(2) Last year I discovered the fuzzy, stretchy, and fun “Magic Scarf.” I got a charcoal one and I wear it with my long wool coat in the winter. I also have a brightly-colored tealgreen one that I wear with my around-town jacket. It’s an easy accessory that I think looks classy too. They’re functional — warm for winter — and best of all they’re really cheap. I don’t know how long until they fall apart, but I’ve had my two for over a year and they still look good.
http://www.magicscarf.com/stores/magicscarf/item-49-Original-Moa-Boa-Magic-Scarf-Singles
Jennifer | November 2nd, 2007 at 8:48 pm
1) A shower - seriously.
2) Lip gloss
3) When I can - A pedicure (color - Berry Hard- Essie) and back massage while drying.
Melissa | November 2nd, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Definitely any premium denim - I have two pairs of 7 for All Mankind and I feel like a ROCKSTAR whenever I wear them. And that’s after 2 kids. Seriously, I put on those jeans and a pair of high heeled boots and I feel dead sexy.
I am eyeing the Joe’s and True Religion, for whenever I can get a kid free shopping experience so I can try them on in peace.
Also, I have naturally curly hair that I wear curly all the time and Curly Hair Solutions makes a product called Curl Keeper and it is AWESOME. Rake it through wet hair, let it air dry for a while, give it a quick hit with the diffuser and BAM! Gorgeous, bouncy, shiny curls.
Sephora Gloss Lipstick in #79, Benefit Benetint - the only “blush” I’ll use and it looks totally natural and takes 2 seconds to apply and stays put until you wash it off. Makes you look like you just had a great workout. Lancome Definiciles Mascara. The. Best.
Christine | November 3rd, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Here’s my list:
1. My silver Michael Kors handbag. I can carry it with a suit or a t-shirt and jeans.
2. A watch - it makes me feel like I SHOULD know what I’m doing.
3. Trish McEvoy Shell Eye Brightener - it is the best thing I have found to work on my ginormous under eye circles.
4. Maidenform’s Smooth Bra - I just discovered these. They are fantastic - no more “back fat” buldge. Your back will look SMOOTH. Promise. And they’re not going to cost you an arm and a leg.
BethanyWD | November 3rd, 2007 at 5:14 pm
When I mentioned lip gloss above, I meant to give you the product - Rosebud Strawberry lip gloss. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P42205&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5671
There’s something a little more sexy/beautiful about applying the gloss with the tip of your fingers - as goofy as that sounds. I love the stick type but the gloss makes me feel more like a hot momma - think of Sienna Miller in Layer Cake applying gloss in the bathroom before hopping into bed with Daniel Craig.
Melissa | November 4th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Two words … Dove Vitalizer!
Tammy | November 5th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
In no particular order:
1) Pedicure-either DIY @ home or in the salon–pure heaven
2) Burt’s Bees lip stuff–the only lip stuff that I’ve ever used that always makes my lips feel so good even when they’ve been wind-chapped!
3) Dark Red Toenail polish. Good stuff!
4) Soap & Glory’s (new line at Target) hand creme–at first I thought it smelled too strong, but it’s grown on me and it makes your hands so soft without feeling greasy/waxy/yucky that so many other hand lotions end up feeling like on your hands
5) Creative Nail Spa Cucumber Heel Therapy–I get really bad cracks in my heels year round and this is the only stuff that has completely made the cracks heal up and disappear. Smells so yummy too!
trena | November 6th, 2007 at 2:58 am
Marc Jacobs perfume. I love it, everything about it, and I get so many compliments when I’m wearing it.
And that’s about it. Because I’m poor.
Emily | November 6th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
I am not a momma either, but there are still some little things that make me feel better about myself…
1. Blush - I’ll confess, I’m still rockin’ the same Covergirl Cheekers brand blush I wore in high school, although I have changed shades. It just makes me appear more awake.
2. Straightening my hair - my hair is naturally straight, but giving the front pieces a few swipes with the straightening iron makes it looks polished.
3. Earrings - any kind will do, but I am partial to large thin hoops.
4. Bath and Body Works Brown Sugar & Fig lotion - smells oh so yummy (think warm, pumpkin pie-ish) and seems appropriate for cold weather.
5. A clean car - the outside I really don’t care about, but cleaning out the bajillion straw wrappers and fast food cups out of my front floorboard really does something for my sanity. There’s just something about climbing into a clean car on a hectic morning that immediately makes things a little better.
paige | November 7th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Hi ladies, I have to admit the having glowing skin and smelling pretty always makes me feel good about myself.
I found a product line called Kara Vita. They have a full line of skin care that is just amazing. When I turned 40 everything started to go crazy. I had to get glasses to read, MY Skin began to get dry spots on it, and I was always a normal to oily girl.
My skin has become so soft, that I catch myself running my fingers on the side of my face and enjoying how baby soft it feels.
My neighbor gave me some samples and I was hooked. I will NEVER go without my products.
I loved it so much that I signed up with the co. as a rep. Now I get to help other women and men have great skin too and not to mention getting my own stuff at a discount.
You can go on line and see what makes these Pharmaceutical GRADE products so very different then anything else.
Enjoy whatever makes you feel good
Lisa
LISA.T.IN.PITTSBURGH | November 12th, 2007 at 5:02 am
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