A Surge of Vanity

I don't consider myself to be a high-maintenance type of girl.  I don't get my nails done. (The one and only manicure I've ever received was for my wedding).  I don't go tanning, obviously.  (I'll spare you my plug on how dangerous tanning is.)  I don't own expensive jewelry, I don't buy expensive makeup, and I only get my hair done quarterly, if I'm on top of things.  So I feel like it's fair to allow myself some vain ambitions.  Here is my first set of worldly goals, in no particular order:


1. Reduce/Prevent Wrinkles:  Yes, I realize I am not even 30 yet, but everyone says the time to start is now.  There is actually one particular wrinkle in mind.  THE wrinkle.  It lies between my eyebrows and taunts me whenever I'm squinting, scowling, or concentrating too hard.  My husband hears about this wrinkle often, so I must get rid of it for both of our sakes.   The game plan:  Research skin product reviews, play the product testing game, and hope for the best.


2. Tone My Abs:  I am lucky enough to have never been concerned with weight.  I was undoubtedly blessed with good genes.  But having said that, permitting three human beings to grow inside of you can take a slight toll on your abdomen.  I would sure love to tone those muscles back up (before future child #4 comes along and sets me back at square one again.)  The game plan: Ab workout routines, here I come.


3. Improve My Posture:  Carlos has made mention of my tendency to slouch.  I tell him it's because there's usually a kid hanging off of me or because I'm too exhausted to sit up straight.  (Sheesh! Give me a break.)  Until recently I ignored him.  But I have caught a few glimpses of myself walking past a window and realized that he might possibly have a point.  (Darn it!)  Yet another item to add to my list of self-improvements.  The game plan:  I have found some tips on improving posture and have been making a special effort to be aware of how I'm standing/sitting/walking.  I'm hoping that in time it will become second-nature.  I have even given my husband special permission to inform me when my posture is not up to par.


4. Straighten My Teeth:  I don't know what brought it on, (possibly one too many candid photos gone wrong?) but lately I have become obsessed with my teeth.  I never thought much about them in the past, but my current constant fixation has made me realize that it's time to do something about these crooked teeth.  The game plan:  You guessed it.  Braces.  I hate the thought of looking like a 12-year-old for a couple of years, but I hate even more the thought of being unhappy with my smile for the rest of my life.


I have a sweet husband who tells me I'm beautiful on a daily basis (yes, even when I slouch or don't take a shower), so I'm not sure where this sudden keen self-awareness is coming from.  Regardless, I suppose there's nothing wrong with a little outward self-improvement, especially when no drastic measures are required.  And now that I've written my intentions down they are officially goals.  Time to get to work! (And to the orthodontist.  Eeek!)
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On a totally random note, I finished another small project.  The idea came from this Anthropologie store display.

  
I am always inspired by the way they use everyday objects (read: CHEAP) to create beautiful works of art.   I am a huge fan of what they do.  Thus, I am on a constant look-out for ideas I can recreate (copy) in my own home.


I found an old, rusty cupcake tin at Bargain Town (basically a big “junk” yard) for a bargain, of course.  Fifty cents to be exact.  And the rest is pretty obvious.  The girls loved that they got to help paint, and the control-freak in me loved that they couldn’t possibly mess up.

Weird? Maybe.  But it’s going up on my kitchen wall.