Fight The Frump: Beauty in Aisle Ten

It doesn't take a lot to avoid looking frumpy. Truly. I was at my grocery store and I found three items that would make you look downright adorable. And yes, I did say at my grocery store. Meijer Thrifty Acres. It's as big as a small village and a necessary evil in my life. My husband usually gets our groceries because walking around that monstrosity with the really bright lights tends to make me really crabby. He tries to avoid that at all costs. God bless him.

Anyway. Look! Just look at what I found between the linens and produce sections:

Rain boots! How-freakin'-cute are these? While you're running errands this spring, throw these bad boys on. You'll feel all sassy and fun.

Then, I saw these. They are so sweet! Why would you ever in a million years wear a pair tennis shoes when you could slip your feet into these adorable things? (Unless you are going to be playing tennis, of course.)

On my way to the check out lane, I passed the jewelry section. A great big neon orange sign proclaiming 75% OFF caught my eye. I had to see for myself just what kind of jewelry can be bought at a grocery store and how much it would cost at 75% off. Well, lookie here. This kind of jewelry can be bought for a mere $1.99 plus tax. Since I tend to wear the same diamond studs and was planning to do some earring shopping anyway, I bought them and wore them to my kid's valentine party at school.

When I got to the school, I saw Mrs. M. Isn't she pretty? I made her stand and pose for me while 15 five year-old students got all jacked up on their valentine treats because I am in love with her blouse. This picture doesn't do it justice (because my camera sucks, frankly) but it is soft and billowy and has so much detail to the pleats at the bottom. I heart it. And I heart Mrs. M.

I was chatting with Sister Big about the "Frump Factor" and she clued me in on the beauty that is the trouser jean. Now, just hearing those words brought back terrible memories of the Mom Jeans. You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Those high-waisted jeans that show off any and every flaw your body could possibly have.

It's sad, but there are moms out there younger than me wearing these hideous things.

If you are friends with one of them, sneak into her closet and take them out and burn them. She'll thank you one day.

Sister Big was actually referring to the trouser jeans she purchased from Ann Taylor Loft. She swears they are comfortable and very flattering and extremely stylish.

I am in love with them. In fact, I would go steady with the whole outfit.

Another way to avoid the frump is to take good care of your skin. When your face is soft and clear and glowing, you just feel better about yourself. And if you feel better about yourself, you are less likely to get up in the morning, put your hair in a ponytail and grab the same yoga pants and stained tee you wore yesterday. Instead, you'll wear this cute ensemble to the left. Let's just look at it a minute longer, shall we?

Facial Products are my own special kind of crack. I am an addict. I love the pretty bottles and the smells and the way they make my skin feel. If I go too long without trying something new I start jonesin' for a fix. Fortunately, I have a friend who can hook me up any time of the day or night. Laurene sells Mary Kay. That comes in real handy for a girl with habits like mine.

Some of my favorite skin care products are inside my cute little bag. Want to take a peek?

Sassy likes the MK Microderm. It makes her skin look soft and dewy fresh (not unlike a baby's bottom) and she doesn't have to drop a hundred bucks every couple months to have it done professionally.

One thing I can't live without is my Eurcerin Q 10 Anti Wrinkle Cream (shhhhh. Don't tell Laurene). My friend Kelly told me about this miracle-in-a-bottle a couple years ago, and it has been my constant companion ever since. (I am not sure why I haven't been using it on that nasty line between my brows though.) (I'll be starting that treatment tonight.)

Another product Kelly introduced me to is Jergens Daily Glow. You apply the moisturizer to your skin and it starts to give you a sun-kissed glow. It really works. I buy the cheaper store-brand version though. Because that's how I roll.

I keep these products in Logan's bathroom so I can do my beauty regimen while my baby boy takes his bath.

See, it really is easy to avoid being a frump. These little tips won't turn you into a MILF, but they will surely make you feel better about yourself, and really, that's all that matters. Am I right? For more Frump Fighting Tips, go see Fussy and her friends. And send your "mom pants" wearing friends over there too.

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