Pretty Things: 5 Beauty & Style Tips to Make Motherhood Look Easy

And here I am.  NOT making it look easy.

I've got everyone fooled. Well, really I don't. But I like to think that I've fooled everyone into thinking that I have it all together and I've got this motherhood/career thing totally figured out. It's all a hoax, actually.

I read this quote the other day and I chuckled out loud: "Let us be grateful to the mirror for revealing to us our appearance only." I don't know about you, but I'll drink to that. If my appearance reflected everything going on in my mind at any given time, I'd probably be walking around looking like a circus clown.

I live by the doctrine that just because you have a lot going on in your life, doesn't mean you have to look like it.  Here are some ways to keep yourself looking graceful and polished as you work and carpool and change dirty diapers.

Stay Hydrated.  I really have to force myself to drink water, but I feel so much better when I do.  I have less stomach/digestion issues and I feel much more energetic.  It also keeps your mouth feeling fresher.  Let me tell you though, it's so annoying have to go the bathroom often when you're out all day with the kids!   The pros outweight the cons though. 

Keep Your Nails Short and Sweet.  I love nail polish, but my lifestyle right now does not allow me the time I need to maintain them.  If this is true for you too, keep your nails trimmed short and neatly filed.  If you have time for a coat of clear or a nude shade - even better.  Neat nails go a long way to make you feel and look polished.  Alternatively, have you seen these new press on nails?  Supposedly, "they are quick and easy to use, as you simply size your nail, peel off the adhesive and place on firmly.  The nails are flexible and durable so you can file and shape them to your preference, and they look completely natural."   You should totally try them and let me know what you think!

Get a Haircut.  I'm not saying to chop all your hair off, but if you have a good cut, you won't have to spend as much time on your hair.  If you've been thinking about the Big Chop, for example, I say go for it.  Can you imagine the time you would save?!  If that's too drastic for you, find a signature style that you can rely on when you don't have time to wrestle with your hair.  My signature style is the bun, of course.  Hats and scarves are a big help as well.

Minimize the Makeup.  I'm no makeup expert, and I certainly don't have perfect skin but I recommend that you keep your daily makeup routine simple.  Concealer for under eye circles, a light powder if necessary or tinted moisturizer, mascara and lip gloss.  I've recently started using blush as well and I love how it makes me look more awake and vibrant.  Makeup is very personal.  You may prefer to skimp somewhere else and dedicate more time to your daily makeup routine.  "Makeup is a personality. You never tell someone what they should do to make themselves feel beautiful." - Sam Fine.

You might find these tips from Sam Fine via Afrobella helpful if you're trying to find your makeup personality.

Invest in Cute Flats.  If you're like my bestie and co-author, you'd rather wear heels than flats any day.  But if you're like me and have an almost 2 year old to chase, you probably need some practical, cute flats to run around in.  Practical does not have to mean frumpy.  I love these that Kim picked up a couple weeks ago. 

So, what are your tips and tricks for keeping your pretty game up while taking care of home and business and everything else?!