A Pretty Heavy Topic

Warning: Heavy Blog Post Ahead. (Hold on to those laptops; I will not be held responsible for them falling to the floor.)

Well hellllooo. (You need to read this part using a deep, smexy voice like Moto Moto from Madagascar 2.) Whatcha doing just sittin' there lookin' all pretty? 'Cause girl, you fine.

Yes, I'm totally trying to pick you up. And not in the corny pick-up-line way. As in I'm trying to pick you up. I want you to feel good about who you are, because really, truly, honestly, you are beautiful. Each and every one of you.

Did you know millions of women in America suffer from low self-esteem? Did you know our teenage girls are being raised to think that unless they look like the next top model, that they are practically worthless? Everywhere we look, we are being sold some type of beauty product, from mascara (don't you love those long-lash ads where the writing at the bottom says, "Model's eyelashes have been enhanced.") to creams that claim you will look younger after just one week, to every kind of weight-loss solution available, to Pippa Butt Lifts. Any time we open a magazine, watch TV, turn on the Internet or even drive in a car, we are subconsciously being told "You are not good enough. You need this product to look better." Why does the media want us to beat ourselves up for not looking as pretty as their ideal? Because the beauty product and weight-loss industry brings in somewhere around 100 BILLION a year. They want us to feel crappy about ourselves because then we will spend more money. (I bet the ice-cream industry is in on this as well. Don't we all dive into a pint of ice cream when we feel down? It's a conspiracy! And my dad is a part of the dairy industry, so he's in on it as well! Gasp! JK)

So why am I bringing up such a heavy topic this week? Because I'm just like every other gal and sometimes I feel like I'm not as pretty as that gal on the latest action flick/cover of Cosmowhatever/and the fifty-year-old-model who looks younger than me. Recently I picked up a book on the clearance rack that I thought would help me cover my flaws and look perfect (like Glamour Shots!) and guess what I was reminded of? This simple statement: How we think affects how we look.

If you ever run across this book, snatch it up. It's wonderful!

Before Carmindy's book gives you any beauty tips, the first few chapters help you think positively about your appearance. You need to recognize that you are UNIQUE. Your features were given to you by your ancestors, who lived great lives and did great amazing things. How would they feel if they knew you hated the very same nose they wore on their face when they crossed the plains? You need to stop comparing yourself to others--especially celebrities, who can spend an entire average-person's yearly salary to look the way they do. You need to stop comparing yourself to digitally enhanced images. You've all seen the before and after Photoshopped pictures, right? When you see an ad simulating a perfect person, remind yourself that it is not real! This is a mind-over-matter thing ladies! You need to constantly be sending yourself positive thoughts if you want to combat what media is telling you. (Substitute an "s" for the "t" in the word telling!)

Now that you are thinking positively, Carmindy tells you you need to find your best feature. Close your eyes and visualize your face. Focus on the one thing you've always loved about your face. Now go to the mirror and take in how wonderful that attribute is. (Really, you have to do this. I'm watching you on webcam.) Now glance away and look back again. What is the second feature you love? You need to remind yourself of your focus features every time you look in the mirror. Say it with me, "I have a great _____." (Yes, you will have to say this in your comments. This might be even more painful than claiming your talents!) Own your focus feature and give it the praise it deserves!

Now for some Lori beauty advice: compliment other people. Tell them that color looks great on them. Compliment a new hair color (Berkley, send your co-worker to my blog!) Compliments go a long way and no one can ever get enough! Spread some love! You'll feel better inside for being kind, and you'll lift others.

Next word of advice: pamper yourself from time to time. I know when I feel run-down, I look run-down. Do something nice for yourself. Buy a new shirt. Paint your nails a funky new color. Do not get stuck in a boring-mom routine, or you will feel/look like a boring mom. And do not feel guilty about doing something nice for yourself. You are so worth it!

Last word of advice: smile more and frown less, because you're never fully dressed without a smile. 

Now it's your turn. So #1, you have to tell us your focus feature. #2 You have to compliment someone today (but you don't have to tell us about it.) #3 Tell us how you pamper yourself.  And #4 give us your best beauty tip. 

Here's my list:

1. I have nice lips

2. Done

3. I pamper myself by working out. Seriously. I feel so much prettier when I do. (Well, not when I'm actually working out. Yanno, after, when I'm all showered and fresh.)

4. Put a small amount of sugar in your daily cleanser a few times a week to exfoliate. It's cheap and it makes your skin glow! (That's a Carmindy tip!) 

Let's see what makes each of you beauties shine! (And Steven, we totally want you to comment today. If you don't, I might release a very feminine picture of you wearing a ladies scarf.)