1. Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do…never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.
2. Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing. [This view from my hallway makes me happy, so I try to make the bed every day. I will not show you the sink full of dishes. It does not make me happy. I tried getting an artistic shot of it, but it's just not photogenic in any way.]
3. When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. (I swear I'm not making this up) Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on…if you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should. [constantly fearful? LOL!]
I did manage to put on a clean shirt today and slick on a layer of lipsmackers and mascara, but that's as good as it's gonna get. At least Dan didn't give me a weird look when he walked in the door. My advice if you're still in your sweats when your DH walks in? At least have a couple of little black forest chocolate cakes wafting their aroma from the oven.
My friend, Erin, has a great motto: "Motherhood doesn’t have to be frumpy, but yet full of shiny lips, red high heels, hugs from husbands, and happy children." That line has echoed in my mind almost every time I step out the door since I read it. Check out her blog at www.frundy.com.
I have always had a thing for lipstick. It probably comes from my beloved "Grandma" Darlene whom I've never seen without a perfectly-polished pout (that's her and me in the treasured photo on my vanity below). She was a beauty pageant queen, you know. Whenever I need a little beauty pick-me-up, I just reach for a tube of Avon lipcolor and the string of pearls she brought me from a trip to China when I was about 12 years old.
Aren't you grateful for how far we've come?! Now go put on some lip gloss at least and give your hubby a big smooch, and if you're going out tonight, don't forget the pearls and heels. Happy New Year!
