Frazzled and Frumpy to Fabulous, Feisty, and Successful! ~ Guest post by Liz Nord

Note from Nicole: Today I am guest posting on Liz’s blog, The Secrets of Moms, where I’m writing about “How Does She REALLY Do It?”.  I hope that you will check it out after you read this.  Be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Here’s Liz…

Liz Nord is the creator of www.secretsofmoms.com. She is a wife and mother of two daughters ages six and nine. She loves family, running, reading, seeking knowledge, baking, laughing, innovating, traveling, in-depth conversations, sunshine, and outdoor adventures. She earned a B.A. in Communications, and completed graduate editing courses at the University of Washington. Liz has published articles in a number of magazines, newspapers, and on numerous websites. She has been a guest on the Leeza Gibbons talk show, Hollywood Confidential, and serves on the Editing Certificate Advisory Board at the University of Washington. She is also the co-creator of Plus-Size Models Unite.  Liz is passionate about promoting healthy self-esteem, positive body image, and confidence.  She believes in cultivating who you are truly meant to be and embracing your unique self.

Frazzled and Frumpy to Fabulous, Feisty, and Successful!

I know firsthand what it feels like to transition from feeling frumpy to feeling fabulous! After having my kiddos, there have been times when I have felt exhausted, have let myself go, and lost my fire. Here are some ways I’ve gone from frazzled and frumpy to feeling feisty, strong, sexy, and successful!

Set boundaries and reclaim yourself. We are busy women trying to balance kids, marriage, friends, careers, domesticity, and personal time. Do not underestimate the power of “you” time. Some of us may feel guilty taking time out for ourselves (I do), but work through it or you will end up burned out and resentful. If you take time for yourself, you will feel refreshed, be a happier mom and wife, and better able to take on the world.

Throw your shoulders back, pick up your chin, and open up your arms. Yes, do it right now. How does that feel? It feels good. I immediately feel more confident when I do this. If I’m sitting down somewhere and notice that I’m not feeling “on,” I just open up my posture by setting one of my arms on the chair next to me. I swear it works wonders every time!

Embrace your body right now! I have been pretty open on my web site about the fact that I’m not very well endowed, and I’ve decided–who cares!?! Feeling successful and sexy is not about a cup or dress size, it’s about being confident with who you are. I’ve got a lot more going on than my chest size, so I’ve decided to focus on those things and that has been positively life altering!

Ditch the baggy sweats and frumpy clothes. Get rid of outdated deformed bras and old panties too. How sexy, sassy, and successful do you feel when you are wearing that stuff? I’m not saying you need to wear a low cut blouse and super short tight skirt to feel sexy. No way—I’m saying find something comfortable and classy that accentuates what you love about your body. Have fun with it! Several years ago, a boutique shop owner explained to me what would work for my body type. His advice was invaluable. It made me think about my clothing choices and the lines of my silhouette very differently. One of my friends set up an appointment with a personal stylist at Nordstrom’s and it was an amazing experience for her that had a profound impact on the way she felt about her body. She had not embraced her curves, until she learned how to use clothes to flatter her figure. Regardless of what your body type is, you can find the perfect clothes for you!

Change it up! When you get a Mani/Pedi, try a completely new fun color that you have never worn before. Try a new stylist to get different hairstyle or color ideas. It’s always fun to hear a new stylists ideas, whether it’s dramatic or subtle. I had my eye brows professionally shaped several years ago, and it was an amazing experience. I know it sounds basic, but I didn’t know how to make the most of my features and she did! It made such a difference and I felt beautiful! If in doubt, go to an expert.

Eat well. I love food—LOVE it! I’ll eat almost anything, but I am genetically lucky to be able to handle it. Even though I can eat what I want, I don’t go crazy because I feel like crap if I eat a bunch of chips, burgers, fries, and Hostess Donuts. It zaps my energy and I feel sluggish. I love the way I feel after eating a healthy diverse meal. I’m not saying don’t eat what you want, I’m just saying—moderation is key!

Go exercise. I don’t care if it’s a walk, run, aerobics, yoga, or kick boxing—Get your body moving and get your blood pumping. It’s good for your body and your soul! I always eat better when I am physically active and I feel way sexier and stronger too!

Be brave! Let your authentic unique personality shine and embrace who you are truly meant to be. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will? If you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Be fearless and take charge. Set goals and go after your dreams. With the right mindset, you can succeed, feel great, and accomplish anything!

All the best,

Liz

Check out Liz’s blog at Secrets of Moms