I worked as an accountant for almost 16 years. I used to dress professionally. I used to wear makeup every day, lipstick and all. I would fix my hair everyday. I felt professional.

That was 3 years ago. Lucky if I apply makeup 1 day out of 7. I do feel my best in makeup and my hair done.

So of course, dh is used to me without makeup. He thinks I look 'cute' without makeup. But I'm rarely complimented from him any more. I feel it's time consuming and I do feel lazy when I don't.

Yesterday, we went to walmart and the mall. I fixed my hair and applied makeup (just foundation, blush and lipstick). I was in Walmart with all 3 dds and a man not much older than me gave me a compliment. He told me how beautiful my lipstick was and how women don't wear it much anymore. Yes, I had my wedding bands on and yes, I only had blue jeans on and a t-shirt, and no, he wasn't trying to pick me up. I grew up as a teenager/young adult in the 80's and a lot of girls (and guys lol) used lipstick. He just said it as he walked by and kept walking. My girls were shocked. They never hear another man compliment me before.

Of course, they thought this was funny and they came home to tell dh. I don't think he believed them at first. But it did make me feel good about my appearance.

By Pamt on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 11:35 am:

Just curious. Why don't you do your hair and make-up anymore? I only work 2.5 days a week but I still get up and fix my hair and put on make-up everyday. I think it's important to look our best each day for 2 reasons. One for our DHs and two for ourselves! We sometimes complain when we get married that our DHs aren't as romantic anymore. Well, that probably think similarly of us--we used to primp and fuss about our appearance when we were going to see them and now sometimes a limp ponytail and stained T-shirt are the best we do. You mentioned yourself that you feel your best when you spend the time doing getting fixed up and that you feel lazy when you don't. That's why getting yourself dressed and ready (shoes on, face and hair done) in the morning is one of Flylady's first rules. You do feel better and ready to tackle the world. As a SAHM you still have a job to do each day and you'll feel more motivated to tackle it. I remember a roommate in college I had who used to get all dressed up in a skirt, hose, pumps, etc. when she had a test. I, in my jeans, thought it was funny and asked her why. Her reply, "confidence clothes." She said if she was dressed like she could take on the world that it affected her attitude and she would do better on tests.

So Marg...go for it!! Fix yourself up everyday, surprise your DH, and get compliments from strangers (what a thrill that must have been ). You will feel better and more energized, I promise!

By Karen~moderator on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 11:48 am:

I agree with Pam, but my order of importance is reversed - one, for ME, and two, for DH! LOL

By Colette on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 11:52 am:

I agree too! I do my hair and makeup every day, first, then I tackle the household duties. I don't feel dressed unless I follow my routine.

By Audreyj on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 12:13 pm:

WHOOPS!!!

Okay, you caught me. It is 12:05 in the afternoon here. I am sitting at the computer, still in my PJs, no shower yet, kids watching Sesame Street video, hair in bun, no makeup, DH has to work so we are having a "sloppy Saturday". Cereal for breakfast, videos, my four year old is coloring my seven year old is singing and they both are still in PJs.

Thanks for the "shot in the arm" seriously, we really do need to get a move on over here! LOL

AJ

By Momaroze on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 12:14 pm:

Well Marg I can relate. Yes, the others are so correct! Pam you are right on the button. The only time I wear makeup or nice clothing is when I go out of the house. Good post Marg, and great reminder girls, it is true when you look good you do feel better!

By Mommyathome on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 12:55 pm:

LOL Audrey....caught me too! It's almost 11am and I just threw on a t-shirt and capris. My hair is in a ponytail and no make-up at all.

By Marg on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 02:33 pm:

It all started when I lost my job, mom had cancer and dying and I fell over Duke and needed a knee operation. It went down him from there. Some days I still feel like I have no energy.

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 03:00 pm:

Gee, didn't wear makeup before I got married. Why should I start now? LOL! Hate wearing makeup, think it's a pain in the butt. Fixing hair is washing it and combing it afterwards. Just can't be bothered I guess. I didn't really like wearing makeup when I was a teen, either. It just takes too much time to put on and then you have to wash it off later. My best friend isn't much for makeup either. Never has, never will. Guess we're just two of a kind.

2pm as I type this. I did have a shower and I am dressed! LOL! (BTDT with being in jammies until noon, though! We had to get a kid from a sleepover at 10am, so we had to get dressed!)

By Kaye on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 08:37 pm:

Pam...LOL on the confidence clothes. My roommate and I called it the "look good, feel good, do good, theory!

By Marsha on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 08:52 pm:

Im really in trouble......its bedtime again and Im still in my pjs from last night....
With 3 older kids and a 3 month old baby when am I supposed to make time for makeup and hair?
I feel really good if I comb my hair and put on sweats and a tshirt.
Get up before the baby?? No way am I giving up that extra amount of sleep.
I do feel better when Im "cleaned up", as I call it, but seldom do I have the time.

By Feona on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 06:24 am:

I started wearing make up to cover up my just turned 40 skin. I just decided I look better with out the make up. I was so unhappy with my skin. Looked so dull.

I am taking better care of my skin. Dermadoctor.com had some products they recommended. Now my skin at least looks not dull. Like alittle pink.