Oh no, another invitation to a “Ladies Night Out!” Come explore our latest beauty products! Hair treatments! Nail wraps! Body treatments! Foot masks! Aromatherapy candles! Organic cleaning supplies! Trendy decor that looks vintage but is totally new! AAAAAHHH! At moments like these, all I want to do is curl up under a cozy blanket with a good book. Honestly, this overwhelming onslaught of girly products makes me want to hide.
I’m the woman who walks into these gatherings, now in my late 30s, and introduces myself with, “Hi, I’m Lisa. I don’t wear makeup, I’ve never set foot in a Sephora, I don’t dye my hair, and shoe shopping is not my idea of fun.” Just the other day, I had to look up Joanna Gaines to keep up with conversations at school drop-off. Want to be friends?
It’s a bit awkward.
How Did I Get Here?
How did I get here? I mean, I have a soft spot for pink and sparkles, but my shopping usually involves snagging clearance items at Old Navy. Perhaps I’m just annoyingly practical—or maybe I’m simply lazy. Every purchase needs to pass through my mental filter: Can I wear this top with at least three different pairs of pants? Trying something new? It feels like so much effort. When I hear someone say I should give a product 30 days to see results, I think, seriously? That’s like infinity times eight. I’ll just stick with my knock-off Aveeno from Target, thanks.
Time flies, and suddenly I notice crow’s feet forming and gray hairs making surprise appearances, which I attribute to poor lighting. Other moms are chatting about Botox while I’m over here thinking, “Uh, I think I put on mascara last week.”
Seasonal Changes and Self-Care
As May approaches, it’ll be time to retire the boots and bring out the flip-flops. The other moms will be lamenting their need for pedicures. Well, I get pedicures too—if you count painting my own toenails in the bathroom on Saturday nights. There’s no sweet lady pampering my feet; it’s just me, some Wet ‘n Wild hot pink polish, and a lot of determination. Have I ever had a real pedicure? Sure, but only at those “bring your own wine” events, which I’m totally here for.
So, when I get invitations like these, I brace myself for someone trying to sell me an $85 foot cream. Sorry, but my crusty heels are going to have to pass on that one. On my list of what to spend $85 on, your magical coconut butter foot rub ranks somewhere around #456.
The Body Wrap Trend
And then there’s the whole body wrap trend. A friend of mine sells these, and although she’s one of my favorite people, I thought, “Why not give it a shot?” She told me to keep it on for 45 minutes for nice, tight skin. Miracle claims, right? But I lasted a mere 42 minutes before ripping it off and tossing it in the trash. It was the longest, most uncomfortable 42 minutes ever, and no, my Dorito-laden couch sessions were not the problem.
Accessorizing Dilemmas
Fancy accessories leave me utterly perplexed. My mother-in-law often gifts me a stylish purse from the outlet, which I then wear until it’s barely holding together. A friend once showed me her new handbag, and when I heard the price, my heart raced. I felt like I might accidentally spill wine on it from across the room.
I just don’t understand.
Home Decor Challenges
As I navigate my late-30s and the chaos of motherhood, my home decor isn’t faring much better. After moving recently, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to update my style. After years of visiting friends’ homes adorned with chic barn wood frames and artisanal vases, I was stuck with garage sale finds from 2002. A fresh start meant a fresh look!
Yet, wandering through HomeGoods left me mumbling to myself like a confused cat lady. I learned trendy terms like “texture,” “pattern,” and “pop of color.” After spending way too much on decor meant to look “vintage,” I can say that exactly one room in my home reflects a mature adult’s taste. Yay, I guess?
It’s a step toward adulthood, but my practical side prevails. After having three kids in five years, cute wedge sandals seemed like a poor choice. Flip-flops became my go-to. And after navigating the world of pregnancy and nursing, I gravitated toward sensible shirts that hid my practical bras. As a stay-at-home mom, sweats and an unkempt top-knot became my uniform—not because it was trendy, but simply out of necessity.
Embracing Change
But now, at almost 38, my children are older, and I no longer have little ones climbing all over me or asking me to wipe them. Maybe it’s time I embrace my own growth. Perhaps I’ll finally figure out what shiplap is and whether or not it belongs in my home or expand my makeup collection beyond the Revlon eyeliner I snagged with a CVS coupon.
For now, I’ll enjoy my hot coffee and kick back with my feet up on my ottoman (yes, I own an ottoman!) while wearing the slippers my kids gave me for Mother’s Day in 2011. One step at a time, folks.
Conclusion
In summary, navigating the world of fashion and beauty can be overwhelming, especially as a busy mom. Embracing practicality while gradually exploring new trends can lead to personal growth and a more stylish life.