Can I still be fabulous and fly and be a MOM?
There was a time not too long ago when I wore high heels every day, even just to run to the store. I didn’t miss any hair or nail appointments. My weight fluctuated between size 3 and 8. And when I got to size 8 I thought it was the end of the world. I starved myself for a couple of days to lose a few pounds. I was in touch with fashion and had my own style. I was never one for fashion, but I liked high quality clothes and looks that would last.
I loved cute shoes and high-end designer bags. I was introduced to Coach and Dooney and Bourke bags in high school. When I was 20 years old, no one would find me wearing anything other than Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Chanel. Surprisingly, when I look back, I don’t know how I could afford to continue like this. In fact, I know… I made some really bad financial decisions and got into debt. Thank God that at some point we all grow up.
What about me now? Let’s just say I still love my bags, but I’m open to other brands and probably only get a new designer bag every couple of years, rather than a few a year. I now take the time to research big buys or wait for items to go on sale. To this day I am still learning. I recently discovered that DSW shoe store has a couture section and even sells Gucci shoes and sandals. Did you know that? Yes, I have learned to never pay full price and get my high-end designer items at bargain prices.
Other places I like to shop include Overstock.com, Off Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Nordstrom Rack, Juicy Couture, and Gucci Outlet. Yes, there are Gucci outlets! I must warn you that when you shop this way, you can’t expect to have the hot bag for the new season like real housewives and celebrities do. Get ready to wear the essentials of the last season. If this is not a problem for you as it has never been for me, then start buying your bags and bling at a bargain price.
When I had my son 11 years ago, I was a single mom, finishing college, and eventually running my own business, Scene II Casting. He had a fast-paced lifestyle that required me to travel and attend many entertainment events. Thank the Lord I had a support family that really stepped in to help me raise him. My son was still young when I met my husband and my lifestyle changed rapidly. Today he is a well-behaved, well-mannered straight student who excels in school and sports. He definitely didn’t know what he was doing back then, but I guess I didn’t do too badly ;). I remember him dressing me up to go out and my son saying, ‘Mommy looks like Beyonce.’ Not that she thinks I look anything like Beyonce, but in his eyes I was fabulously glamorous as a celebrity.
Now my second son, who is almost 2 years old, is a product of what tradition implies child rearing should be. He was born into the marriage of loving parents with a housewife and a working father. Clearly, she is getting a different mother than my son had at her age.
So how do I dress now? I wear comfortable baby-proof clothing like sweat suits, leggings, sundresses, and sandals or sneakers most of the time. I can’t remember the last time I wore heels…ummm, maybe when my husband won the Super Bowl in February 2010? And that may have been the last time I got my hair and nails done too. I don’t know, I probably get them a couple of times a year now. Some may say that he let me go, but the truth is that I have different priorities and I don’t care as much about appearances as I used to.
We have a house, 2 paid vehicles, two children and two dogs. I am more responsible with our money because now I have a husband who makes me responsible for what I spend. I would rather invest in my business, pay off debt, help others in need, and buy things for my kids or our house than splurge on an outfit for myself. And if I were to splurge, where would I wear it? LOL! To the post office or Target or maybe the gym? Yes of course! I also don’t have exactly the same social calendar that I used to have.
Honestly, I don’t care about those things like I used to. I care about my family and the future and I care a lot about being healthy. I work out at the gym 4-5 days a week, however I am no longer a size 3, 6 or 8 (and I don’t think I even had to work out back then)! Now I don’t even want to say my size (ok, I’m 12), but after baby number two, it’s been a real challenge to lose weight.
I’m not as young as I used to be either, but we still try to live a very healthy lifestyle and I have the energy I need to keep up with my kids. We take vitamins, exercise, eat healthy foods, and use safe natural products in our home. I try to stay informed about what is good for us and what is not. As for losing weight, I want to lose 30 pounds; however, I can honestly say that I am not as obsessed with it as I would have been 10 years ago.
I know there are many women who do it all. They manage glamorous careers, husbands, children and stay fit, FLY and fabulous. We see it on TV every day but I’m not one of those Super Women. I am a regular working wife and mother of 2 who run a home and home business. However, I admire those Super Women… Maybe one day I’ll be like them when I grow up?
So does this mean I’m not a fabulously flying mommy anymore?