5 Tips for Feeling Strong and Beautiful

Before having kids, I never realized how little time I would have for myself.  Whether it’s a baby that constantly wants to be held or chasing a non-stop toddler around who always wants to play hide-and-seek, there are days when I feel like I’m being run ragged.  I learned early on though that as hard as it may be, it’s still important to take time out for myself.  If I’m not taking care of myself, then I’m not the parent that I want to be — I’m more irritable, my patience runs out sooner, and I’m just not enjoying the time that I’m spending with my family.  That’s why I wanted to share beauty, fashion, and health rituals that I make sure never to skip as they are an essential part of what I need to keep myself feeling stronger, healthier, and more beautiful!

Getting my body moving and sweating is something that is so therapeutic for me.  I try to make it to my gym (which has childcare) at least 3 times a week, but even on those days where our schedules may be off, I still will try to go out for a run with the jogging stroller.  I love the rush of endorphins and just doing something that allows me to reconnect with my body again makes me feel good about myself!  

Even after I lost my baby weight, my body just wasn’t the same anymore.  Even though I had a closet full of clothes to wear, many of them did not fit me the way that I wanted and it wasn’t doing anything for my self-confidence.  Instead, I did a major purge of my closet and donated any clothes that didn’t fit and flatter my body.  There was no reason to hang on to clothes that weren’t making me feel good about myself and put my best foot forward.  Every time I add a new piece to my closet, I also take a few minutes to see if there’s anything that I can take out.  This helps me from having a closet that’s bursting at the seams and I have a more curated wardrobe that works for me!

Much like getting dressed in the mornings, putting on my makeup (even if it’s just a quick 5-minute face!) makes a huge difference to how I feel and act.  Even though I don’t “have to” since I’m a stay-at-home mom, I find that it sets the tone for the day and I feel better about myself at the end of the day.  

Getting a mani / pedi is my little treat to myself.  I don’t always make it to the salon before my polish starts chipping, but I love the look of a fresh coat of paint!  

I keep a water bottle with me so that I make sure I have no excuse not to be drinking water all day long (especially since I’m still breastfeeding).  Beyond just drinking to stay hydrated though, I also incorporate hydrating products into my beauty routine.  I have dry skin that needs extra moisture especially in the colder months.  I use products that contain hyaluronic acid to boost hydration as well as face oils to keep my skin healthy and glowing.  As for my hair, I love the Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner as it locks in my hair’s moisture to keep it from heat and styling damage – it also leaves my hair shiny and feeling soft and smooth.  At night when I needed added hydrating, I leave in Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Conditioner into my hair and braid it when I go to sleep.  I then rinse it off in the morning to have soft, manageable hair the rest of the day.  My hair is such a big part of my identity and having strong, healthy hair is a crucial part of making me feel beautiful!