Hot Mom 101

As you might guess, I spend a good deal of time around other Moms. Why is it that when a group of Moms get together, the conversation so frequently turns into an exercise in self-hatred? I'm SO sick of hearing women beat themselves up about the 10 extra pounds they've got since the baby, or how they feel frumpy, or they're so jealous of this celebrity or that, because they had a baby and a month later they were a size 2. Know what, Ladies? Everyone of us has the potential to be a HOT MOM. So, here I'm going to teach a little class in 10 easy steps... I'll call it "HOT MOM 101" So get a cup of tea and pay attention.

1. Stand up straight. A simple one, I know. But standing straight and tall automatically changes your attitude... and that's what this is all about, Sisters....ATTITUDE.

2. Make peace with your stretch marks/flab/saggy boobs/whatever. We ALL have something about our bodies that maybe we'd change if we could. But short of having scary nasty surgery, you probably CAN'T change it, so get over it. Besides, aren't stretch marks and a little sagging a small price to pay for the gift that is your beautiful child/children?

3. Find something about your physical self that you really like. whether it pretty eyes, long fingers, nice ankles, a lovely smile, awesome nursing-mom cleavage... train yourself to focus on the POSITIVE when you look in the mirror.

4. Find something about YOU that you really like. Maybe you make the best carrot cake in the free world. Maybe you can play the guitar, or sing or quilt. Doesn't matter what it is... just acknowledge your own talents and be proud of what you can do.

5. "Put yourself together" every morning. Now, I'm not suggesting you be all "high maintenance", but do take 5 or 10 minutes and make yourself feel pretty. My little routine, for example: shower, hair goop, brush teeth, moisturizer, mascara and lip gloss. Find a little morning "beauty ritual" that works for you.

6. Don't wear anything that makes you feel fat, frumpy or uncomfortable. No, you do not need to go buy yourself a fancy, expensive wardrobe... I'm definitely a "jeans and t-shirt" girl myself... but if your going to be a Hot Mom, you have to at least wear clothes that fit right and make you feel good. Even if you're just wearing a sweater in a color you really like and a pair of jeans in your current size (as opposed to trying to stuff your arse into your "pre-baby" jeans), you will feel Hot.

7. Pretty underwear...always. This rule is for ALL women, whether married, single, mom or not. You MUST wear pretty underwear. Even if you are the only person who will see them. This is about the attitude, again. If you're wearing pretty underwear, you will feel pretty, and it will show. Hot Moms do not buy 6-packs of Hanes briefs! Hit the sales, and buy panties that make you smile.

8. Do something special for yourself everyday. Even if you can only find 5 minutes to yourself after the kids are in bed, do something just for you. Have a cup of tea and a piece of chocolate or a bubble bath or read or paint your toenails... doesn't matter what it is, just that it's for YOU.

9. Nourish yourself. We feed our kids healthy food, but we need to do the same for ourselves, too. Give your body the nutrition it needs to be strong, healthy and SEXY.

10. SMILE!

Now go forth, and BE HOT.