Notes on Getting Pretty for a Party

[velvetpage]

A few things to remember prior to the next time I have two hours in which to get ready for a party. (Like that'll ever happen again. I'm a mom now. I'm lucky if I get to blow-dry my hair.)

1) If one doesn't wear one's contact lenses on a daily basis, it is very important to check them periodically to make sure they have not turned into shrivelled blue bits for lack of moisture. Needless to say, that was my last pair. Luckily, it's been quite some time since I last visited my optometrist. I can get new contact lenses through my benefits plan. That can't happen until after the holidays, though, so for the moment, I'm four-eyed.

2) If one does not regularly use hairspray, it is wise to check that the nozzle still works before attempting to spray the product on one's nicely-blow-dried hair. The result of the encrusted nozzle today was a tiny trickle that landed right in the middle of my forehead - the part of my forehead, that is, that had no hair on it to begin with.

3) It is possible to type effectively with wet nail polish and not chip or otherwise mangle it, provided one is fairly dexterous and a good typist. I am both. My nails look pretty good. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I chose a sheer, sparkly colour that would not show a mangled patch very clearly in any case.

4) A new lipstick once a year is not too much to ask. It is, however, too much to remember when one is trying to remember if one's mother has ever seen the movie one is considering buying her, and if so, if she liked it. The lipstick I'll be wearing tonight is five and a half years old. In all that time, I've bought maybe two new ones, and I have no idea where they are.

5) Eyeshadow is a waste of time when one is wearing glasses.

6) When the bedroom lamp which is the main source of illumination for the hairdressing station gives out the weekend before a holiday, replace it immediately. It's a real pain to have to move everything to the bathroom because the lamp isn't working. At least the baby was already gone to Oma's and Aunty Krista's for the evening. I could leave the curling iron on the floor, plugged in, without worrying about anything except my own feet.

7) Before next year, consider purchasing new party clothes. These ones are getting rather old. And I'll never look at this outfit again without thinking of the contents of the fruit tray being dumped on it, via Elizabeth's stomach, two weeks ago at thebitterguy's Christmas party.

And in spite of all these issues with getting pretty for the party, I'm still quite chipper.

I love the holidays.

Comments

[athelind.livejournal.com]

quelonzia doesn't use makeup -- thankfully, since I'm allergic to a lot of it.

Neither of us use perfumes or colognes, either, for similar reasons. Alas, this time of year, there seem to be a lot of people who just BATHE in the stuff before going out to crowded shopping centers.

I fear we aren't quiet or subtle about our reactions, either. "Jeez! What is that STENCH? Did someone break a bottle or something?"

[velvetpage.livejournal.com]

I rarely use any form of smelly stuff, because I don't have a sensitive nose. I do use makeup of the foundation-powder-blush variety most days, but the lipsticks and such I hardly ever use. But I'll remember if/when I eventually get down (over?) your way to go light on it. :)

Congratulations!

[georgiaskydiver.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! For several reasons:

1. You're a mom. And obviously a good one, since you've apparently put yourself at the bottom of the priority list (gotta work on that!)

2. You managed to see the humor in all of this and stay in a good mood. Do you realize how rare that is?

3. You made all of us stress-monsters laugh at ourselves for not being more like you - or for being exactly like you with the worn-out contacts, out-of-date make-up, clogged hairspray and over-worn party clothes. (How did you pull it off with the nails? I finally gave up and chewed them all off!)

Thanks for such a great post. I hope you enjoy your party - and don't forget to turn off the curling iron on the floor! That could start a fire if you don't step on it and remember it's there.

Re: Congratulations!

[velvetpage.livejournal.com]

I keep my nails short most of the time, because it's easier to play the piano with short nails. So all I had to do was file them a bit for shape, and then paint them in a colour that will still look good for a day or two after it starts to chip. Oh, and I didn't even try until Elizabeth had left with Oma and Aunty Krista. I haven't had my nails painted since the spa day I had right before school started, four months ago.

I'm not as far to the bottom of my priority list as the post might have indicated. I do, in fact, get to blow-dry my hair most days, because it's my husband's job to get the baby ready for the day. I get her when she gets home in the evening. In spite of her mismatched outfits, it works out well that way. I also wear foundation, powder, and blush every day. I don't usually wear lipstick or eyeshadow, and my hair is fairly wash-and-go, so those items are rarer and thus in poor repair.

I didn't step on the curling iron, and I did unplug it. Thanks. :)

Clothes by Daddy

[georgiaskydiver.livejournal.com]

In spite of her mismatched outfits, it works out well that way.

I had to laugh at that one! My husband and I just had a quibble this morning because I always set out a nicely matched outfit, and he always dresses the Little Guy in mis-matched sweatsuits or clothes that don't fit him anymore/yet.

But as long as he's comfortable, I guess it really doesn't matter. I'll work with him when he starts dressing himself though - the Little Guy, not the Big Guy. I've given up on the Big Guy!

Re: Clothes by Daddy

[velvetpage.livejournal.com]

Don't count on the little guy getting more fashion sense than Daddy. The only way Piet ever gets matched up is if I give my opinion on his choices before he puts them on, or alternatively, if he's wearing something I've pointed out in the past looks good together.