Mommy Makeover

In the past two years, Sean and I have literally felt like we've aged ten years. We ache constantly and have trouble getting back up off the floor without a little help from nearby furniture. Dramatic? Oh, probably. But the truth is, motherhood (and fatherhood) will just plain wear a body out! And I know for a fact that that is true for multiple moms and singleton moms alike. 

It's worth it though, am I right, Mamas??

It's been over two years since I've really had a chance to stop and get myself fixed up. I've had the occasional haircut which always makes me feel better, but it's hard to carve out that time on a regular basis. I haven't highlighted my hair since before the kids, and the grey has started to creep in (I pull out the grey strands when I catch them). I also don't get around to putting on makeup as much as I'd like to.

I try to keep photos of myself without makeup on to a minimum since it's gotten a little scary with the permanent dark circles under my eyes. But, for the sake of this post, I'll show you what I look like on a normal day running around after toddlers:

And now you understand why I try not to put up photos of myself without a little foundation and mascara!

A week before Christmas, I was super blessed to get to spend an afternoon fixing my look, from head to toe. I was given a gift certificate back in June when the kids had their first birthday party at Little Monkey Bizness.  Carrie, the owner of Little Monkey Bizness, was kind enough to work it out with Becky, the owner of A Shear Thing, to arrange for a makeover: Haircut, Color, Makeup Application, Manicure, and Pedicure. Wow! And I finally had the chance to use that amazing gift certificate since Sean was on vacation that week!

And four hours later, this is the magic that Katie and Taylor were able to work: 

This was such a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Katie (the most adorable gal who is planning her wedding!) did my hair, manicure and pedicure. It's so nice to have layers and dimension back in my hair (and the grey gone!) She even planned out the highlights in such a way where they can grow out and not show roots since she realized that me getting to a salon on any regular basis is impossible. Plus, my hands and feet look way better now! Also, I think I need to start buying lemons and limes and infusing my own citrus water, because the citrus infused water she brought over to me was really good (it's the little things!)!

Taylor (who grew up two blocks away from where we live!) did an awesome job with my makeup too! I'm sure I wasn't the easiest client with my tired out face, dark circles, and chapped lips. She asked how I wanted my makeup done, and I responded with "naturally sexy, not Dolly Parton 'sexy'." She caught on to what I wanted right away. Lol! I also learned some new makeup tricks to boot! Maybe that will motivate me to use makeup a little more often even if I know that I won't be going anywhere and no one will be taking photos. Afterall, I do have a husband who comes home every night. :)

The salon didn't ask and doesn't even know that they are getting a shout out on the blog, but I wanted to share my fixed up look with you all since it might not happen again for awhile. Whoohoo! I look decent again!

Before                              After

So happy! :)

In the past two years, Sean and I have literally felt like we've aged ten years. We ache constantly and have trouble getting back up off the floor without a little help from nearby furniture. Dramatic? Oh, probably. But the truth is, motherhood (and fatherhood) will just plain wear a body out! And I know for a fact that that is true for multiple moms and singleton moms alike. 

It's worth it though, am I right, Mamas??

It's been over two years since I've really had a chance to stop and get myself fixed up. I've had the occasional haircut which always makes me feel better, but it's hard to carve out that time on a regular basis. I haven't highlighted my hair since before the kids, and the grey has started to creep in (I pull out the grey strands when I catch them). I also don't get around to putting on makeup as much as I'd like to.

I try to keep photos of myself without makeup on to a minimum since it's gotten a little scary with the permanent dark circles under my eyes. But, for the sake of this post, I'll show you what I look like on a normal day running around after toddlers:

And now you understand why I try not to put up photos of myself without a little foundation and mascara!

A week before Christmas, I was super blessed to get to spend an afternoon fixing my look, from head to toe. I was given a gift certificate back in June when the kids had their first birthday party at Little Monkey Bizness.  Carrie, the owner of Little Monkey Bizness, was kind enough to work it out with Becky, the owner of A Shear Thing, to arrange for a makeover: Haircut, Color, Makeup Application, Manicure, and Pedicure. Wow! And I finally had the chance to use that amazing gift certificate since Sean was on vacation that week!

And four hours later, this is the magic that Katie and Taylor were able to work: 

This was such a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Katie (the most adorable gal who is planning her wedding!) did my hair, manicure and pedicure. It's so nice to have layers and dimension back in my hair (and the grey gone!) She even planned out the highlights in such a way where they can grow out and not show roots since she realized that me getting to a salon on any regular basis is impossible. Plus, my hands and feet look way better now! Also, I think I need to start buying lemons and limes and infusing my own citrus water, because the citrus infused water she brought over to me was really good (it's the little things!)!

Taylor (who grew up two blocks away from where we live!) did an awesome job with my makeup too! I'm sure I wasn't the easiest client with my tired out face, dark circles, and chapped lips. She asked how I wanted my makeup done, and I responded with "naturally sexy, not Dolly Parton 'sexy'." She caught on to what I wanted right away. Lol! I also learned some new makeup tricks to boot! Maybe that will motivate me to use makeup a little more often even if I know that I won't be going anywhere and no one will be taking photos. Afterall, I do have a husband who comes home every night. :)

The salon didn't ask and doesn't even know that they are getting a shout out on the blog, but I wanted to share my fixed up look with you all since it might not happen again for awhile. Whoohoo! I look decent again!

Before                              After

So happy! :)

I Am Not a Hair Stylist

Well, folks. It has definitely been confirmed. I did not miss my calling as a hair stylist.

I know, I know. You probably could have told me that before I whipped out my scissors.

Several months ago, Sean had trouble getting time to run and get a haircut. It was understandable considering we were still in the thick of the bottle stage. However, Sean has a strict 3-week schedule he likes to keep for his hair. Any longer and he kinda starts to freak out. Hehe!

So I volunteered to cut it since he couldn't make it over to get it professionally done. I have no idea why he said yes (glutton for punishment, maybe?) but apparently he was just that desperate. I did extensive research, (meaning I googled and read a couple of articles on cutting hair) and then we set aside some time for me to attempt my first haircut. We decided I should try it on a Saturday with the understanding that if it went horribly wrong, he would have time to hit one of those chop shops on Sunday and get it fixed.

Sean getting ready for my first haircut attempt.

(I used the Super Hero Squad crib sheet as a cape for good luck.)

It was awful. There is just no way around it. It was so bad. Sean gave me his clippers and told me what settings his hair stylist normally used on his hair. Do those levels vary from clippers to clippers?? He was practically bald in the back with the top being longer. It was like...a really weird bowl cut.

And, no. You aren't going to get to see an "after photo," but I refused to take one of the finished product. And we all know how much I like taking photos, so that's saying something.

I didn't tell Sean how bad it was. I figured he was smart enough to use a mirror to look at the back of his head (and secretely praying he wouldn't and that his coworkers wouldn't say anything)!

After a couple of days, no one had said anything to him about how bad it was, so I thought, "okay, maybe it isn't so bad."

And then his parents came over to see the kids. His mom took one look at his head and asked, "Who cut your hair?" Sean said, "Becca did it a few days ago." And then thankfully he turned away from her to help one of the kids and missed the part where she looked at me and started laughing. LOL!

About two weeks later, he was in the bathroom getting ready for work and picked up a mirror. Suddenly I heard, "Does my hair really look like that?!?!" Oooopps....and it had already been growing out for a couple of weeks. Heh.

Like I said, it was really, really bad.

So with that fantastic introduction, of course I would volunteer to cut my boys hair. Why not, right?

Honestly, it's kind of unfair that they couldn't even argue with the idea. Oh well. :)

Caleb was first up and had no idea what he was in for.

Caleb: Before Photos

I asked over on our FaceBook page if anyone had any hair cutting tips for me. Natalie of Mighty Men suggested giving him a sucker to keep him occupied, and Laura, another reader, said that she likes to do haircuts in highchairs. Done! I will definitely take the advice of people more experienced than I. (If you aren't connected with us on Facebook, come join the conversation!)

"Lick your sucker, Buddy."

"Mom...what do you think you're doing?"

"Okay, I can get behind a sucker."

Unfortunately, the sucker only worked for so long. He wasn't very happy at all with the day's events and quickly tried to use it as a weapon to fend me of. We ended up with sucker stickiness on his hands, on my hands, in his hair, and on the scissors. If you are curious, hair is really hard to cut when it's sticky.

Hair covered sucker...gross!

So we took it away and went with Plan B: VeggieTales. It was still a very emotionally charged afternoon though.

After: Caleb's First Haircut

Classy Bald Spots!

Daddy trying to distract Caleb

Well, I jumped in this far, I might as well nab the other boy while I'm at it.

Elijah: Before Photos

We decided to just forgo his sucker and go straight to the VeggieTales.

"Hey Buddy? If you put your hand up here, I might accidentally cut it."

(Yes, both boys go by "Buddy" half the time.)

It seems my warning came too late. Somehow, I ended up with blood on my hand. I looked and looked and couldn't find blood coming from anywhere on Elijah, and he wasn't crying, so I let it go (and later discovered that I cut my own hand! Way to follow my own warning!)

He actually did quite well holding still.

After: Elijah's First Haircut

The boys now have matching bald spots!

So what was my special Little Boy's Haircut Technique? I'm flattered you'd ask! Here is how you do it:

1. Put them in a highchair and try to distract them (Thanks for the suggestions, Natalie and Laura! And thank you, Sean, for helping me!)
2. Use a pair of scissors and try to catch some strands of hair in them.
3. As the kid wiggles and bats the scissors away, go ahead and snip anyway and pray that you didn't cut too much off.
4. Laugh really hard every time you look at the kid because you did indeed cut too much off.

All this has made me realize is that I'd much rather cut my husband's hair than cut my toddlers' hair.

So what does that mean for the future of haircuts at our house?

Well, on the husband front, I've actually gotten much, much better at cutting his hair. I'm no professional, but it is at least presentable, and I do get a little better each time. I've been cutting it for about nine months now, and no one laughs anymore. So I'm pretty proud of that fact! Hehe!

And on the kid front? I probably won't attempt more than a trim on the girls (but not for a long time because their hair has to grow more). Beyond that, I'll let a professional handle it. But the boys? Well, they smoosh food in their hair at every meal, can't tell me that they don't like the way it looks, and they aren't dating anyone...so they are pretty much stuck.

Besides, it's their fault if they wiggle while I'm trying to work my magic. :)

Well, folks. It has definitely been confirmed. I did not miss my calling as a hair stylist.

I know, I know. You probably could have told me that before I whipped out my scissors.

Several months ago, Sean had trouble getting time to run and get a haircut. It was understandable considering we were still in the thick of the bottle stage. However, Sean has a strict 3-week schedule he likes to keep for his hair. Any longer and he kinda starts to freak out. Hehe!

So I volunteered to cut it since he couldn't make it over to get it professionally done. I have no idea why he said yes (glutton for punishment, maybe?) but apparently he was just that desperate. I did extensive research, (meaning I googled and read a couple of articles on cutting hair) and then we set aside some time for me to attempt my first haircut. We decided I should try it on a Saturday with the understanding that if it went horribly wrong, he would have time to hit one of those chop shops on Sunday and get it fixed.

Sean getting ready for my first haircut attempt.

(I used the Super Hero Squad crib sheet as a cape for good luck.)

It was awful. There is just no way around it. It was so bad. Sean gave me his clippers and told me what settings his hair stylist normally used on his hair. Do those levels vary from clippers to clippers?? He was practically bald in the back with the top being longer. It was like...a really weird bowl cut.

And, no. You aren't going to get to see an "after photo," but I refused to take one of the finished product. And we all know how much I like taking photos, so that's saying something.

I didn't tell Sean how bad it was. I figured he was smart enough to use a mirror to look at the back of his head (and secretely praying he wouldn't and that his coworkers wouldn't say anything)!

After a couple of days, no one had said anything to him about how bad it was, so I thought, "okay, maybe it isn't so bad."

And then his parents came over to see the kids. His mom took one look at his head and asked, "Who cut your hair?" Sean said, "Becca did it a few days ago." And then thankfully he turned away from her to help one of the kids and missed the part where she looked at me and started laughing. LOL!

About two weeks later, he was in the bathroom getting ready for work and picked up a mirror. Suddenly I heard, "Does my hair really look like that?!?!" Oooopps....and it had already been growing out for a couple of weeks. Heh.

Like I said, it was really, really bad.

So with that fantastic introduction, of course I would volunteer to cut my boys hair. Why not, right?

Honestly, it's kind of unfair that they couldn't even argue with the idea. Oh well. :)

Caleb was first up and had no idea what he was in for.

Caleb: Before Photos

I asked over on our FaceBook page if anyone had any hair cutting tips for me. Natalie of Mighty Men suggested giving him a sucker to keep him occupied, and Laura, another reader, said that she likes to do haircuts in highchairs. Done! I will definitely take the advice of people more experienced than I. (If you aren't connected with us on Facebook, come join the conversation!)

"Lick your sucker, Buddy."

"Mom...what do you think you're doing?"

"Okay, I can get behind a sucker."

Unfortunately, the sucker only worked for so long. He wasn't very happy at all with the day's events and quickly tried to use it as a weapon to fend me of. We ended up with sucker stickiness on his hands, on my hands, in his hair, and on the scissors. If you are curious, hair is really hard to cut when it's sticky.

Hair covered sucker...gross!

So we took it away and went with Plan B: VeggieTales. It was still a very emotionally charged afternoon though.

After: Caleb's First Haircut

Classy Bald Spots!

Daddy trying to distract Caleb

Well, I jumped in this far, I might as well nab the other boy while I'm at it.

Elijah: Before Photos

We decided to just forgo his sucker and go straight to the VeggieTales.

"Hey Buddy? If you put your hand up here, I might accidentally cut it."

(Yes, both boys go by "Buddy" half the time.)

It seems my warning came too late. Somehow, I ended up with blood on my hand. I looked and looked and couldn't find blood coming from anywhere on Elijah, and he wasn't crying, so I let it go (and later discovered that I cut my own hand! Way to follow my own warning!)

He actually did quite well holding still.

After: Elijah's First Haircut

The boys now have matching bald spots!

So what was my special Little Boy's Haircut Technique? I'm flattered you'd ask! Here is how you do it:

1. Put them in a highchair and try to distract them (Thanks for the suggestions, Natalie and Laura! And thank you, Sean, for helping me!)
2. Use a pair of scissors and try to catch some strands of hair in them.
3. As the kid wiggles and bats the scissors away, go ahead and snip anyway and pray that you didn't cut too much off.
4. Laugh really hard every time you look at the kid because you did indeed cut too much off.

All this has made me realize is that I'd much rather cut my husband's hair than cut my toddlers' hair.

So what does that mean for the future of haircuts at our house?

Well, on the husband front, I've actually gotten much, much better at cutting his hair. I'm no professional, but it is at least presentable, and I do get a little better each time. I've been cutting it for about nine months now, and no one laughs anymore. So I'm pretty proud of that fact! Hehe!

And on the kid front? I probably won't attempt more than a trim on the girls (but not for a long time because their hair has to grow more). Beyond that, I'll let a professional handle it. But the boys? Well, they smoosh food in their hair at every meal, can't tell me that they don't like the way it looks, and they aren't dating anyone...so they are pretty much stuck.

Besides, it's their fault if they wiggle while I'm trying to work my magic. :)