How do you keep from being the frumpy housewife?

Rachael - posted on 02/22/2011

I blogged about this is the "MAMCITA" post!

http://styledbyrjohnson.blogspot.com/sea...

Kiaya - posted on 02/22/2011

It helps me even if I plan to spend the entire day cleaning and in sweats, to brush my teeth wash my face put on just enough makeup to brighten my face and do something with my hair even if it is a simple put together ponytail. So even in sweats I feel better, and on days where I am really dragging instead of waiting until nighttime to shower I pamper myself while my boys take a nap and then still have time to do a few things while they are sleeping. Getting out into the sunshine even for 20 mins helps alot too.

Rami - posted on 02/22/2011

one thing that helps me from not feeling frumpy is painting my fingernails & toes while my daughter is taking a nap.

Eileen - posted on 02/22/2011

I have eyelash extensions and get my nails done (even though I keep them short) knowing that I am sort of made-up even though I am sporting a messy bun and no other makeup make me feel somewhat glamorous. It also helps if you can schedule at least 1 occasion a week to get a little dressed up and wear some sort of footwear that aren't sneakers, flip flops or Uggs.

Lyndsey - posted on 02/22/2011

I wake up at 8 am everyday feed baby her breakfast and cook for my husband and I. Then I just wash my face and freshen up we all attend gym at 10am and then I come home shower and get ready for the day incase I need to run out or someone comes to the door /or I do all my cleaning then shower but most the time I clean at night while baby is asleep ( OCD ) we are a very busy family and always on the go so I always need to be ready =)

Patricia - posted on 02/22/2011

I make a habit of getting up, knowing what I will wear, washing my face, putting my make-up on and wearing earrings and necklaces. Not only am I sending a message to myself, I am also sending one to my children and my husband.
I want my appearance to say that I am ready to go into the day and that I am glad to be doing what I am doing.

Kimberly - posted on 02/22/2011

well i do wear workout pants all day but i do go to the park and walk with the kids or while the kids are playing... i try to get some that don't look "frumpy" so at least i look put together.... hope that helps!!!

April - posted on 02/22/2011

Lol it happens to the best of us. Even sleep wear takes a hit. I pick a couple of days each week and put together outfits. Jeans, a cute top and then do my hair and make up while the kids are showering before school. Works great, time saver, and reminds me that I am more than just a mom and house keeper. It makes me feel like a woman!! Lol

Viridiana - posted on 02/22/2011

omg, i do it too! its difficult because u dont want to dirty any other clothes right? why dont u as soon as you get up, put on clothes as if u were to go out, put make up when the children take their nap, and this u have to do.. put on an apron so u wont dirty ur clothes so much.

CHRISTINE - posted on 02/21/2011

Dress up on the days you go to the grocery store, get up every morning, fix your hair, apply makeup and pretend that you have a lunch date. There are comfy clothes that are not frumpy even matched athletic sets with a cute t-shirt look better then sweats, yoga pants and jackets. Lots of womens clothing companies such as Chico's, Athleta and Soma offer casual comfy stylish clothing for Moms. Do it for yourself.

ASHLY - posted on 02/21/2011

i hate being all dressed up when I'm just going to be sitting at home so i will at least do my hair and make but wear comfy clothes and that way if we do leave the house i can just change into something prettier real fast

Erica - posted on 02/21/2011

I have 3kids 12,6, and 9 months , I felt the same way after I had my son (the baby ) between school n all their sports I fell like a taxi lol what I have learned to do is while I have a moment I get on some make up even if it's just some shadow n mascara ,I also go to mall when my older kids are at school n hit old navy clearance racks even if I have some jeans a cute shirt n some slip ons I feel better . And do it for you even if it's getting a pedi when u can it helps to make me feel better cause I know my hubby's loves me for me ya know ;)

Danyel - posted on 02/21/2011

I am a mother of 5 kids, and I am only 31 years old! I feel as though my workout is taking care of my house, and the the wonderful duties that come along with it. My kids range from 14 down to 8 months old, so I never stop. I would say watch how many calories you take in a day and then while your kids are happy and content sit of the floor and do some random workouts that even if your kids are climbing on you, you can kinda use them as your weights :) Or if you have a WII do some of the dance games they burn 200 calories a day and that's just dancing! Wish you luck mothers never have it easy!

Stifler's - posted on 02/21/2011

I agree with Beth, it's only a short time that you feel so overwhelmed with little ones crawling around. Once they grow up a bit it'll be so much easier to look nice and have time to do more for yourself.

Kathy Joy - posted on 02/21/2011

Put on my makeup at least 5 times a week. Remember to brush my hair.

Beth - posted on 02/21/2011

I hear ya on this one! Right now I have a 9 month old and a 2 year old, so I am in sweats most of the time. I am still getting spit up on, and crawling around on the floor all day. I figure that for right now I don't care. Once the kids are a little older I'll put a little more effort into my appearance. I know that sounds bad, but that's how I think!

Melissa - posted on 02/21/2011

Well, I go to the gym almost everyday so I'm in gym clothes a lot, but they are cute gym clothes... like yoga pants and a cute shirt. It's hard to look good just waking up with little ones... my youngest is not quite 18 months and somedays I don't brush my hair... I just put it in a ponytail or up... lol
I guess I would be a frumpy housewife, but I am busy a lot... so I get dressed for outings a good bit other than the gym. I guess I just get out of the house so that I have a reason to get dressed in something other than lounging clothes and fix my hair and a little makeup...

Julie - posted on 02/21/2011

The last time I did laundry I realized all I wear is jeans. Jeans & T shirts are my SAHM wordrobe. I do get my hair done. (I have major root by the time I get time to have it done again.) I wear make up a few times a week. I try to get a date with the husband every now & then. I waer my good jeans for that of course lol. Moms tend to forget that we were not always moms. Do something or wear something that makes you feel pretty every now & then.

Amber - posted on 02/21/2011

Wear some clothes that you wore before getting marrief and having children.the problem with us moms is that we forget about ourselves while we are being a wife and a mother.i still put on makeup fix my hair and wear the clothes that I did before getting and having kids.

Janet - posted on 02/20/2011

I don't. Running around after a toddler alone all day is exhausting and dirty work. I married a man who loves me for me, as I'm sure we all did. He understands that dressing up for him is not on my "to do" list. Neither is spending a bunch of money on clothes, hair, and make up. I shower and brush my teeth. Woot! He also knows that someday life will be different. Kids will be grown and I'll have more time and money to do meaningless things, like fancy myself up. As long as we're happy, which we all are, and I hope you are too, there are no worries! :)

Amy - posted on 02/20/2011

I am in my 9th month and have a 17 month old. I don't have too many matunaty clothing that I can where So Mondays and Tues are the days I tend to dress in sweets/ athletic pants and my hubbies T all day while doing laundery and cleaning. Most of the rest of the week I try to get dressed. I pick some days just to put make up on and where something some what nice just to make me feel good and poper.

Ashley - posted on 02/20/2011

I'm always in track pants but cute track pants like yoga pants and tank tops you can still look cute while being comfy, and I throw a bit of makeup on not very much but enough that I feel good

Alexis - posted on 02/20/2011

I have started going to the gym in the morning, I also take classes at a community college and belong to a playgroup so I make myself get dressed up to some degree and get out.

Lisa - posted on 02/20/2011

I keep my nails looking nice ... it is a small thing, but I find it helps. I also wear perfume every day and I take a minute to put on mascara and chap stick ... I wear athletic pants, too. I am newly pregnant and the elastic waistbands are perfect!

... I don't know ... I am a little frumpy these days ... I am a pregnant mother of three toddlers (4.5, 3.5, 1.5) and I look the part : )

Anyway, your profile picture is lovely! It is tiny so I can't see much, but you are pretty and you have nice hair ... that is half the battle won right there!

Belinda - posted on 02/19/2011

I used to be exactly the same.I find getting up in the morning, having a shower and getting dressed motivates me to work. Whether it's housework or getting things done in my direct selling business. Having my business also makes me feel like less of a housewife, gives me some adult interaction and best of all pocket money!!!!

Carey - posted on 02/18/2011

take a day for yourself. have your husband/bf help out with chores once and awhile so you can relax and be yourself.

Medic - posted on 02/18/2011

Easy I'm not a housewife, I am a stay at home mom. I usually dress comfy and I don't wear makeup. I don't EVER stay home all day nor do I clean all day. I get out and do stuff...anything, the park, lunch, friends houses.

Lisa - posted on 02/18/2011

I am so glad I'm not the only one who worries about this. I tend to get up, take kids to school and get in a good workout. After that, depending on my plans for the day I will shower and fix my hair, but rarely put on make-up unless I'm going out somewhere. I also wear mostly athletic gear when I am home so that I am comfy, but don't look as frumpy as I would in sweats.

SandysConnected - posted on 02/17/2011

Showering, shaving, perfume, that helps...or I hit the clearance rack online at Frederick's of Hollywood! ;)

Besides, when you're sexy all the time, the hubby will only take it for granted, LOL

Brittany - posted on 02/17/2011

I get dressed every morning, I don't like pj's anyway. I am by no means a fashionista... in fact I am the "is it clean and appropriate for the day" kind of person. I just don't care. It drives my mom nuts. Doing my hair is shampoo, conditioner, and brushing. I don't wear make-up, so that isn't really a problem (didn't before kids).

Sarah - posted on 02/17/2011

I usually wear comfy clothes around the house...but if I have to go anywhere I try to put on a cute/grown up type outfit, that says "yes, I'm a mom, but I am also a WOMAN". hope that helped.

Lysandra - posted on 02/16/2011

I always do my hair and makeup even if I spend the day in my PJ's.

Jami - posted on 02/16/2011

I am the definition of frumpy housewife XD I spend most of my time cleaning and chasing my 2 year old around... My husband cooks in exchange, but he definitely expects me to be "pretty" when he gets home, and I've come to the stark realization that I'm just lazy with myself... I need to find the motivation to do something with myself.... erg. My hair is flat and boring, the color's faded ( but being pregnant kind of affects most of my frumpy-ness ) I have no clothes that fit right now since I'm at the stage where maternity wear is just too big but my clothes are just too small ( lol ) so I find myself in sweats and pj's all day every day D-8 ! Maybe once I get through this morning sickness, rapid weight gain, cramping, bloating, back pain, skin breaking out, etc... I can get some self-confidence and get back to my pre-pregnancy self LOL!

Treasure - posted on 02/16/2011

I am a jeans, long sleeve, and tee on top gal. I have to take my kids to school in the morning, pick up one from am kdg/deliver another to pre-k, pick up the pre-k-er, then pick up the others at end of school day. I get my husband up and going, get the kids up and ready for chores, dress myself, and keep going from there. I don't care how others view me, I have six kids and no time for myself... I only do my hair and make up if my husband and I go out ( like every six months). A lot of SAHMs that I know are just the same. So, don't think of yourself as "frumpy" - simply a normal SAHM! :)

Christine - posted on 02/16/2011

Nicole Van Zyl - OMG I could NEVER afford to buy that kind of stuff!!

Alley - posted on 02/16/2011

I get one night a week to go out with my friends... I enjoy the break and I am lucky to have a husband that is ok with that!!!!

Autumn - posted on 02/16/2011

yes and I agree with alicia,do take time out for yourself every once in awhile for whatever you enjoy ,date nights,girl's/mom's nite out a must !

Autumn - posted on 02/16/2011

Hi , I know what you mean !! I sometimes stay in my housecoat all day ,lol, it's kinda pathetic but it's just the way it goes sometimes ,were mom's and it's a busy job:-) What has helped me from becoming insane ,frumpy feeling or a naggy grumpy housewife is to stay in touch with God ,I grew up not ever going to church or having any kind of knowledge of who god is or Jesus but discovered it when I became desperate enough for some help in my life as I was a single mom for a few yrs in my early 20's and I asked if he was real and if he could help me he answered and I discovered a peace overcome me that I could never explain and could only be from God . Not to say I never get frumpy from time to time ever but he promises to be with us to rescue us from every trouble we face in our lives ,daily ,you don't ever have to go it alone ,way to tiring ! I don't believe in religious rituals or any of tht just a plain relationship with God is all we need and the best help we could ever ask for ,he's with us all through the day and that is comforting to me ,especially as I have 5 boys now !! God bless,Autumn.

Alley - posted on 02/16/2011

I do little things like do my makeup, do my hair... wear something cute.. paint my nails!!! All the little things count.

Monique - posted on 02/16/2011

Not sure where you stand in your religion but I like to get a good spiritual book and a nice gospel cd and just relax and get in the presence of God ......Trust me its relaxing

Ashleigh Jade - posted on 02/16/2011

take care of you. Set a certain amount of time aside each day to brighten your self up eg;bubble bath,make up,excercising etc. wake up shower and dress in something you dont mind people who drop by to see you in. I love going for a jog and straightening or curling my hair every couple days, just to give myself a booster of confidence :)

Leyla - posted on 02/16/2011

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Johnny - posted on 02/15/2011

I try to get the house clean in the morning and make sure I get out of the house every afternoon, at least for a long walk. If I'm going out, I've got to get dressed neatly, hair done and make-up. Getting out to exercise or take my daughter to activities or do the shopping gives me more energy. I also try to walk a minimum of 10000 steps a day, which keeps me from getting drowsy.

Candi - posted on 02/15/2011

We have activities everyday of the week, so I am always in jeans, T-shirts. I refuse to wear sweats out of the house. When I pick up my girls from school, I look presentable. Give yourself a life outside of the house and you will feel better. Confidence is a good look on everybody

Ricky - posted on 02/15/2011

I find any excuse to leave the house just so I can get dressed and look presentable. If I dont leave the house I stay in my pjs all day and hair in a mess. And because my boyfriend works in walking distance (20 minute walk) I walk him to work and that makes me get "nice" so I feel good while walking and being seen with him.

Cathy - posted on 02/15/2011

I put on jeans and try to do a little make up. Not all days are successful but if I'm out of my sweats, I feel a little better! You might enjoy my blog http://thefrumpymom.com/
Check it out!

Amanda - posted on 02/15/2011

I just feel frumpy pretty much all of the time! I definitely make some effort if the family is going out. Unfortunately, I'm stuck pretty much wearing t-shirts when I go out with my family; otherwise my 16 month old son shows my boobs to everyone! I just can't get behind that! I feel like I am lucky to shower every 4 days! My husband and son's schedules, just leave me little time for these things. Like another poster said, I might just have to try to start showering at night!

Amy - posted on 02/15/2011

I look frumpy ALL morning. I clean in my grungies, I do the laundry, dishes, all that jazz. When naptime hits, I get my shower, get my hair done and even if it's just jeans and a sweater, if my hair is fixed and I have dangle earrings in, I feel ten times cuter.
So for most the day, I get my comfortable clothes and just an hour or so before he comes home I'm cute. There are some days that I don't, but usually, I just do it. Makes me feel like I've accomplished more in a day. And, really, I think it makes his day brighter and he's more eager to hurry home and help here if he has something to look forward to.

Britney - posted on 02/15/2011

I'm the most comfortable in sweats and athletic gear for sure. I spice it up a little though ;) Try wearing some sexy lingerie underneath. You can find quite a lot that is very comfortable. Your husband will love it too!

Vicky - posted on 02/15/2011

i get all my jobs done in the week also slopping around the house in joggers, and at the weekends make the effort, get out of the house with kids n hubby with a bit of slap on and some nice clothes. i dont feel frumpy as these clothes are more practical for the jobs i am doing and who knows or cares hubby is at work . just make the effort at weekends.

but saying that i never ever go out of the house without getting properly dressed and a bit of makeup-even for milk to the local shop.