For many years when I looked in the mirror, I saw mostly discomfort, awkwardness, and low self-esteem. I didn't see beauty and I never felt attractive. I felt jumbled on definitions of internal and external beauty. I focused on my scars, my vampire teeth and overbite, and my … [Read more...] about What Do You See When You Look in the Mirror?
confidence
Invisalign…Worth it for my vanity?
I have never felt beautiful. I don't wallow in self pity or anything but I have always regarded other women as prettier than me. I, like so many women, focus on my blemishes and jiggly spots. It's hard to see my good traits and it's hard to look at myself … [Read more...] about Invisalign…Worth it for my vanity?
Confidence Lost
I was a haggard mess on Sunday. I had been pruning and planting flowers and was covered in more dirt than this body is accustomed to. I had plans to shower before Deal's soccer game when a neighbor popped over to tell us that his water was brown. Then I saw the city … [Read more...] about Confidence Lost
Bathing Suit Shopping is a Bummer
Bathing suit shopping is a summer ritual I can live without. I really don't need to hear the evil stepmother's cackle when I look into a dressing room mirror. The lighting is painful enough, and the whole experience shatters my self esteem. Few women leave the dressing room with … [Read more...] about Bathing Suit Shopping is a Bummer
Beautiful in My Own Skin
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty, like taste, is subjective. Yes, we tell ourselves that with our rationale brains, yet our own psyches make us think differently. Images of Catherine, Sophia, Cindy, Salma, and Jennifer pop up at every turn, taunting us with a … [Read more...] about Beautiful in My Own Skin
Mom Makeover: The Road from Ho-Hum to Hawt
One of the best pieces of parenting advice I got from my mother involved mascara.I've shared my opinions on mom jeans, Keds, denim jumpers and the like. I don't believe that being a mother is license to be a frump. We all take a few steps away from our dry clean only wardrobe … [Read more...] about Mom Makeover: The Road from Ho-Hum to Hawt
Bring Sexy Back, One Girls Weekend at a Time
Reporting for duty after a much needed vacay from reality. Reality doesn't suck, but it sure does suck the life out of me. Sometimes it's nice to steal away and forget that my name is Mom. Sometimes I like to be Ilina again. You know, the woman who wears dry clean only clothes, … [Read more...] about Bring Sexy Back, One Girls Weekend at a Time