Being a helper-less
mom with 3 kids under 6 to care for, one of which is still a breastfeeding
infant, a husband to cook for, a few business ventures to manage (and trying to
keep them afloat!), I tend to get frustrated about how I’m always the last one
to get ready for anything; and by then, because we are already pressed for
time, I’d be thankful to be able to have my teeth brushed and have on my tattered
jeans (it’s fashion. I insist) and a clean top. Any top, with no stains and doesn't
smell like sweat and yesterday’s dinner and is within reach.
See the
thing is, let’s do real here. It’s a ginormous lie if I say I am happy enough
to just see that everyone in the household is happy as a lark because mama has
cleaned and fed them, never mind the fact that I'm still in my dirty pajamas
and starving like a wolf. You know the saying “a hungry man is an angry man”?
Yeah, newsflash, it applies to women too.
Truth is, I
feel like I keep giving all of me 24/7/365/forever but no one is taking care of
me in return and that bums me a lot. The “what about me?” syndrome unconsciously saps my energy and makes me grouchy, which I realized, it has got to stop at some point (at
least don’t let it happen so often haha).
So then I figured
if anyone would take care of me is really, myself because hey, I don’t think I’d
trust my husband to actually dress me or that I would take any beauty advice
from my 4-year-old (who thinks wearing a purple leggings under a floral dress is
a must).
I started
doing “things”, practical little things, to help save me time and they actually
work for me. Here I'm sharing a few tips and I hope they will save your life
too, well for a little while at least.
That’s my first plunge, a little pricey, I admit, but for the long run,
it saves me time and money to buy eyebrow pencils AND sanity!
I did some research and found one technician who offers an affordable
price, is skilled, and comes with good reviews. The result? Best decision I've
ever made in my entire career as a mother! Now, I don’t need to stand in front
of the mirror for hours trying to get that perfect black caterpillars (according
to my girls) drawn on my brows, and then only to have my hair all pulled out
because I got so frustrated with the results of my rushed, shaky hands.
2. Eyelash
extension
This is still on my to-do list. But same theory from above applies here
too. With this, you won’t need to bother about curling your eyelashes plus it
gives the illusion of you lining your eyes, so that’s cool. This will give you
that put together look even without makeup on. But this might require a little
more effort to maintain, I understand that you will need a touch up every 1-2
months.
3. Invest in your hair
I just came back from the salon 2 days ago and I am slapping myself
silly for not getting this done earlier! I mean, I felt like a whole new person
after I emerged from under my hairstylist’s hair dryer. And I was excited. And happy.
And I just love my new do!
But the thing is, I didn't do much – just a digital perm and hair treatment,
and I now rock a head of soft curls that lends me an edgy but romantic look. And!
Permed hair needs no
combing! Ding! Ding! Ding! Just get a good curling lotion, rub it on after hair wash, blow dry (or not hehehe),
and you’re good to go. And this means, you skip the step where you need to
style your hair before heading out! That just-wake-up-bed-hair-beach-waves is
forever in trend ladies!
Note: remember only use a wide
tooth comb to detangle your wet hair. The tip is to smooth out all the tangles
while in the shower with hair conditioner, after wash, comb it through, and
then curling lotion and don’t touch it any more lest you break up your curls
and waves, leaving them looking scruffy and that perm might just won’t last as
long.
If perming is not your thing, then do consider relaxing your hair (a
treatment term, not literally relaxing. Your hair. Ok never mind, just ask your hairstylist.), the effect
is natural-looking straight hair with good bounce and volume. Or even just get
your hair a trim and color. Instant lift let me assure you. If all else fails,
this leads me to tip numero four.
4. Buns
Like, literally hair buns. Youtube tutorials are abound on the
internet land teaching hipster girls ahem like us how to give that X factor to
our go-to hairstyles – ponytails and buns. Master one or two quick tricks,
couple it with cool accessories like a pair of big assed sunnies/aviators-only-cool-kids-wear,
and let me congratulate you for being the yummiest mommy ever gracing the wet
market.
5. Long
term hair removal maybe?
I haven’t got this done but am toying with the idea. This essentially
cuts down my time in the shower because well, no shaving needed! There are tons
of beauty salons out there that offer hair removal services which you can check
out. Keep an eye out on groupon, et al too for good deals. I heard the current on-trend
technology is electrolysis? If you have done it, share your views!
There. 5
tips. Do you have any to share? Do mommies the world over a big fat favour and add on to the list by sharing your tips down below
at the comment section! :)
