My Gal Friday - Maya of Soccer Mom Style

Good morning everyone and Happy Friday!  

Today's Gal Friday is Maya from Soccer Mom Style.  She is a beautiful woman with two kids, great style and a big heart.  Read on to learn more!

What do you think is your best feature and why?
I like my smile.  Even if I don't feel good smiling makes me feel better.

What do you think is your best (non physical) trait and why?
My nurturing nature.  Even before kids when I worked my co-workers in the office called me Momma Maya since I wanted to take care of everybody.  I think Nina (my five year daughter) inherited this trait.  Nina got in trouble in kindergarten for trying to feed her classmate at lunch.  

What (non physical) traits do you admire in others?
Compassion, open-mindedness, intellect (I don't care how many degrees you have (if any);  I think intellect is something we are born with).  

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Loving, creative, open-minded.

Is there anything about yourself that at one time bothered you but now you love? 

Well, I can't say I love my chubby legs but I am at peace now.  I used to be really embarrassed of my legs and you could not catch me in a miniskirt or shorts.  All I wore growing up were pants and long skirts.  This is despite having loving and caring parents who always told me I was beautiful.

If you could give your children a piece of advice about having a positive self image, what would it be?
I don't have many rules but there is one very strict one.  I never ever complain about my weight or appearance in front of my children no matter how much it may bother me.  I have a boy and a girl.  I think girls especially tend to be too critical of their own appearance.  And of course needless to say I don't make negative comments about other people's appearance either.  

What do you wish you hadn't worried about when you were younger?  What would you tell yourself if you could go back?
As I mentioned above my parents are loving and caring people who often told me I was beautiful.  But for some reason I still felt very insecure about my appearance.  I wish I had not wasted my time worrying about that.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?God's child as we all do.

Anything else you would like to share about positive body image/inner beauty?
I just would like to share C.S. Lewis quote many of you already know:

“You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.”


Thank you so much Maya!  

Interested in being featured as My Gal Friday?  email me at dressingmommy@gmail.com!

My Gal Friday - What do you love about yourself?

Everyone is unique and has their own special qualities.  This week we take a look back at past gals and their favorite traits. :)

What do you think is your best (non physical) trait and why?

My giggle...because I do a lot of it...and it's unique to me. ~ Natasha of Required2beInspired

I've never been accused of being grumpy. I'm a very cheerful person, & I think that comes in handy when life's rubber meets the road, if you know what I mean.  ~ Heidi of Playground Diva

Grace under fire.  And a fun sense of humor. ~ Lise of Southern Comfort

I'm a really good talker/listener. I love to sit down with friends, neighbors, strangers, coworkers and learn from them. ~ Charlotte of My Pixie Blog

My personality, it has flaws but I love the person I am. I’m bullishly stubborn. I’ve been known to cut my nose to spite my face. But that stubbornness gives me an unwavering conviction when needed. I’m painfully shy but very outgoing. I can be insecure and confident all at the same time. I love like there is no tomorrow, and I try to live thankful for every little thing. ~ Curvy Everyday

I have developed as a teacher, writer, mother, wife, and friend an ability to inspire others. ~ Pamela of Over50feeling40

My courage. It has taken me everywhere. ~ Tina of (Florida) Girl with a new life

My sense of humor, definitely. Laughter helps me ease situations for myself and others...plus bringing a smile to people's faces makes me feel like I'm doing what I was meant to be doing, I feel like I was really blessed with the talent of making people smile. ~ Christa of Enstylepedia

Interested in being featured as My Gal Friday?  email me at dressingmommy@gmail.com!

My Gal Friday - Christa of Enstylepedia

Happy Friday everyone!  Today's Gal Friday is Christa from Enstylepedia.  Christa is an expecting mama who looks so good in her maternity clothes - it makes me look forward to being pregnant again!!


Read on to learn more about this stylish mama. :)

What do you think is your best feature and why?

My teeth. Weird, right? I really like teeth, I notice them in other people and I'm always asked if I wore braces and I never had them. I feel like it is such a HUGE blessing that my teeth turned out straight without any intervention! I'm watching my daughters adult teeth come in now and...yikes. I'm pretty sure braces may be in our financial future! 

What do you think is your best (non physical) trait and why?
My sense of humor, definitely. Laughter helps me ease situations for myself and others...plus bringing a smile to people's faces makes me feel like I'm doing what I was meant to be doing, I feel like I was really blessed with the talent of making people smile.

What (non physical) traits do you admire in others? 

I'm always impressed with my friends that can keep their houses organized and in order. I don't think there hasn't been at least one dish in my sink for the past 6 months! I'm also really impressed with women around me whose homes are decorated...I have no sense of decor...I have things I like I just don't know how to execute it.

Is there anything about yourself that at one time bothered you but now you love? 

My hair! I have this crazy Mexican hair, it's half normal and half African-American...it's crazy Mexican hair. Growing up I hated it and I never cared about products or blow drying when I was a teenager...I had no clue how to work with it. Now I've kind of embraced the odd bigness of it and the texture. My friends have always commented on how much volume I have...and it's au natural! I love that I can do nothing with it and it looks like I did something!

If you could give kids a piece of advice about having a positive self image, what would it be?

Please don't compare yourself. I'm 28 and I'm just learning this lesson. We are all created differently and there is no way we can compare each other, it's just not fair. We are each unique and come from different backgrounds, what we feel is different is what makes us unique. Someday you will see it if you can't see it now and you will love it.

What do you wish you hadn't worried about when you were younger?  What would you tell yourself if you could go back?Boys! Seriously, it was always on my mind, who I liked, who I didn't like, who's cute, do they like me? My diary makes me want to puke! I would tell myself, don't worry about it, these boys don't even matter! Do your homework and have fun with your friends...don't have a boyfriend, it's a waste of time!

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Well...right now I'm in my third trimester of pregnancy so I see a lot of arm flab and a double chin. Once I get past that I see a really beautiful woman...is that conceded? I've grown to really like the way I look, I feel special and that I have something to offer that no one else does. I don't always know what that is but I know that I have a purpose. I think I look like me...and I think I'm pretty cool! :)

Anything else you would like to share about positive body image/inner beauty?

I think having confidence in your body is a "fake it till you make it" sequence of events. You can't feel good when you wear frumpy clothes. Going out of your way to find clothes that you feel good in is so important. And when you find these clothes you want to do something with your hair or put a little make-up on. When you are confident people don't have a choice but to believe it too! Take time for yourself, spend money to get things tailored to your body. Make your self go jean shopping all day until you find the pair that makes you feel like a million bucks. Clothes aren't always easy to get but once you gain that confidence you want more of it...it's a good feeling. 

Thanks Christa!!!  I love the phrase "fake it till you make it".  I agree - it's all about confidence!

  Interested in being featured as My Gal Friday?  email me at dressingmommy@gmail.com!

My Gal Friday - Tina from (Florida) Girl with a new life

Happy Friday everyone!  Welcome to another edition of My Gal Friday!  Today's gal is Tina of (Florida) Girl with a new life.  Tina is a former party gal turned wife and writer.  Read on to learn more about this domestic diva!
 

What do you think is your best feature and why?
My eyes because they remind me of my mother.
 
What do you think is your best (non physical) trait and why?
My courage. It has taken me everywhere.
 
What (non physical) traits do you admire in others? 
Honesty and kindness are my two favorite qualities.
 
What three words would you use to describe yourself? 
Dreamer. Wife. Writer.
 
Is there anything about yourself that at one time bothered you but now you love? 
Growing up with a Caucasian Dad and an Asian Mom was difficult for me when I was young because no one group ever really identified with my looks. Now I love being different. Blending in is overrated.
 
If you could give kids a piece of advice about having a positive self image, what would it be?
Love yourself first and everyone else will follow.
 
What do you wish you hadn't worried about when you were younger?  What would you tell yourself if you could go back? 
I wish I had never worried about being pretty enough. These days I don't give the world permission to define my self worth. Only I can do that.
 
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
I see all of my dreams for my past, present and future.
 
Anything else you would like to share about positive body image/inner beauty?
A happy woman is a beautiful one.  
 
   Well said Tina!  Thank you so much for participating!  
  Interested in being featured as My Gal Friday?  email me at dressingmommy@gmail.com!

My Gal Friday - Pamela from Over50feeling40

Today's Gal Friday is Pam from Over50feeling40. She is an amazing woman and teacher who is about to share a very personal story.

What do you think is your best feature and why?  

I was blessed to be born with thick healthy hair.  I did not appreciate it until I was older and began to realize how many people are not blessed with a thick healthy head of hair.  I now understand what a blessing it is!!

What do you think is your best (non physical) trait and why?  

I have developed as a teacher, writer, mother, wife, and friend an ability to inspire others.  It is a gift from above granted to me; so that I can see and understand where people need an encouraging word the most.

What (non physical) traits do you admire in others?   

There are so many!!  I love creativity in people…whether it is music, art, photography, writing…whatever, I love creativity.  I also love people who are honest and willing to be vulnerable with their struggles in life.  I love diligence and determination to excel in adults and students. I love grace….the ability to forgive and understand.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?  

Strong…Confident…Determined

Is there anything about yourself that at one time bothered you but now you love?  

I used to hate my hazel eyes.  I thought beautiful people had blue eyes…weird, I know…but that it what I thought as a youth.  Now, I love my eyes.  Some days, they are green and some days they are gold…and some days they are yellow.  It is really cool!!

If you could give kids a piece of advice about having a positive self image, what would it be?  

I encourage my students to understand that God does not make mistakes.  They have been created by Him, for a purpose, for this time.  He knows exactly who they are and what they look like.  His purposes are far greater than attempting to alter who they are to please another individual (to get a boyfriend, to be popular, etc.).  If we would put our efforts into developing our gifts instead of attempting to be something we think is attractive to society, there is no telling what incredible things we could accomplish in the world.  I would love to see students spending less time on Face Book, and more time into doing something BIG with their gifts right now, right where they are.  Look at the teens who have received job offers because of successful blogs they developed!!  That is putting your time into developing gifts!!  Have confidence in your gifting and who you were created to be and not spend time attempting to be something you are not!

What do you wish you hadn't worried about when you were younger?  What would you tell yourself if you could go back?  

I am going to share something here that is very personal, but I believe is important for this discussion.  I grew up in a household that was constantly full of fighting and dissension.  When I was 5, I began to sit outside and pull out every single eyelash.  It would be years later that I realized that this was a nervous, coping mechanism to the fighting in my home.  I lived from age 5 – 18 without any eyelashes!!  No one knew that I pulled them out…everyone including doctors were miffed as to why they were gone.  Talk about feeling strange as a teenage girl??  I NEVER felt pretty as a young girl…for many reasons, but particularly this one.  When I moved away from home to go to college, I allowed them to grow back and they have been long, thick and plush since then!  What would I tell myself?  I would tell that little girl that everything would be OK and that she did not have to worry about her home or her future.  I comfort her and teach her how to pray and meet God so that she did not have to worry.  I would bring her the needed assistance to cope so that her eyelashes would grow!

What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Today, I see a beautiful, strong, joyful, dignified woman!  I see a woman I believe looks younger than her age (57); yet, she has learned many lessons the hard way and desires to help others with what she has learned.  

Anything else you would like to share about positive body image/inner beauty?
It took me until age 53 to completely accept myself…my age, my curvy body, the wrinkles around my mouth, etc.  There was so much joy and confidence that came the day that happened!!  I encourage others…..DON’T WAIT THAT LONG!!  Learn to love who and what you have been created to be TODAY!  You will enjoy life so much more if you will do that!  Also, learn to get to know others and not judge them on appearances!  We miss out knowing some incredible people in this world, because we shove them into boxes and judge them by what we see on the outside.  DON’T be that way….get to know people, laugh and cry with them.  You will receive joy back when you do!!

Pam, thank you so much for sharing your story. It's so amazing how you were able to take such a terrible situation and use it to grow into the confident woman you are today. True happiness can only come when we learn to accept ALL of ourselves. Thanks for the reminder! :)

My Gal Friday - Curvy Everyday

Happy Friday everyone!  Today's Gal Friday is Curvy Everyday.  This gal is about to bare it all! Not only did she go without makeup, she also gave us a full body shot!  The best part?  After taking the picture she got a whole new appreciation for her body. :)  

What non physical traits make you unique?

My personality, it has flaws but I love the person I am. I’m bullishly stubborn. I’ve been known to cut my nose to spite my face. But that stubbornness gives me an unwavering conviction when needed. I’m painfully shy but very outgoing. I can be insecure and confident all at the same time. I love like there is no tomorrow, and I try to live thankful for every little thing. I guess I’m a contradiction of sorts but you’d have to get to know me ; )

Was there a physical trait that you used to hate that you now realize makes you shine?

My figure, everything about it. My boobs were too big, thighs to thick, bum to large and my belly was never flat enough. Even though my belly is the one area I still try to play down, it secretly makes me smile because it reminds me of my 2 beautiful children. I love my figure now. I feel curvy.

What characteristics do you look for in others?

Genuineness

What makes you happy?

The small things. I could make a huge list. But I’m guessing we all like a lot of the same things.

What do you love most about yourself?

Me, well my tattletale face. I’m one of those people that can’t hide my feelings; anyone can read my face and know exactly what I’m thinking by just looking at me. Even though I may give away too much at times I feel it lets me in, in return. So it’s worth the trade.

Thanks Curvy!!!  I love how you approach life with such positivity!

Click HERE to see more pics and read more - including Curvy's measurements!  

My Gal Friday - Charlotte of My Pixie Blog

Today's Gal Friday is Charlotte of My Pixie Blog .  She is a beautiful, confident woman who knows who she is and has a fantastic outlook on life!

What do you think is your best feature and why?

I would have to say my crazy, unruly, curly hair. I hated it growing up but now I feel it almost has it's own personality and it's become my trademark feature. And you can generally tell how stressed out I am by how out of control my hair is. By 4pm during deadline season at work, it's usually piled on top of my head like a bird's nest.

What do you think is your best (non physical) trait and why?

I'm a really good talker/listener. I love to sit down with friends, neighbors, strangers, coworkers and learn from them. Our life experiences are often very different, but in the end, I think we all want the same basic things: love, acceptance, lasting friendships. 

What (non physical) traits do you admire in others? 

Honesty. I'm a big girl and can handle most things. But if you feel the need to lie to my face, we're done. Oh, and a sense of humor is always appealing and very sexy.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Quirky. Sensitive. Free-spirited.

Is there anything about yourself that at one time bothered you but now you love? 

This actually touches on something I've been giving a lot of thought to lately. I've always been a bit of a pushover and have allowed things to happen in my life because I was too afraid to stand up for myself. I have since developed a backbone and I figured out that it IS possible to achieve the things we want without having to be hurtful, mean, and disrespectful.

If you could give kids a piece of advice about having a positive self image, what would it be?

Find one thing you love and give it your all. Growing up, I was often teased for my big glasses, curly hair, hand-me-down clothing, etc. And I would go home and scribble furiously in my journal. It was tremendous therapy and it was an outlet I desperately needed. Kids are cruel, but we need to find a way to channel those feelings.  

What do you wish you hadn't worried about when you were younger? What would you tell yourself if you could go back?

I worried about everything: boys, grades, fitting in. I spent a lot of time focusing on the wrong things and not looking within and I think that's why I had such a poor self image. I suppose if I could go back I would tell myself that one day, all of that won't matter. That the girl who once picked on me in the lunch room won't even be an afterthought. I really wish I had understood the extent of that back when it really hurt the most. 

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

I see a confident and happy young woman who is just where she needs to be in life.

Anything else you would like to share about positive body image/inner beauty?

There was a defining moment for me when I moved away from mere acceptance and really started to feel comfortable and happy in my skin. It wasn't an easy road, but I had a lot of help with yoga, writing, meditation, good friends, fine wine, interesting books, and travel. To feel good on the outside, we must feel good within, right? 

My Gal Friday - Lise of Southern Comfort

Today's  gal is Lise from Southern Comfort, who is not only a fabulous wife and mother, but she has a fabulously sweet and supportive husband as well - read on to see why! :)

1.  What do you think is your best feature and why? 

My Witches nose.  Or my Fred Flintstone feet.  Now my husband is rolling his eyes and said he will answer this one.

"Her eyes. They show the softness of caring, the intensity of concern, and the passion for life."

Ok, well we can all see why I married this guy.

2.  What do you think is your best (non physical) trait and why?

Grace under fire.  And a fun sense of humor.  That was two traits, but I was never good at math.

3.  What (non physical) traits do you admire in others? 

Courage.   I am at times to timid with life.

4.  What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Loyal, Witty, Focussed

5.  Is there anything about yourself that at one time bothered you but now you love? 

I hum showtunes and christmas carols while grocery shopping (apparantly loud enough for others to hear).  I can't help it.  I have tried to stop.  It does no good.   One day at Wal-mart an older gentleman came up to me and said I must be the happiest person in the world.  Now it is just a part of me that I like.  I'm quirky.

6.  If you could give your child(ren) a piece of advice about having a positive self image, what would it be?

I tell them they were all created in an amazing way for their own purpose to accomplish great things.  I remind them that each and every person deserves to be treated well.   When I was in High School they were delivering flowers with a snowman ornament.  I will never forget getting one in my 3rd period class (I was a sophomore).  I was so excited and filled with anticipation at who had sent this. I heard giggles from somewhere behind me and as I opened the card on the flower. It read "You are the ugliest girl in the school and nobody likes you".   The flower faded and dried but lay in a box with that card for many years.  It was as though it was truth and I could not rise above that.  One day I was able to throw it away and feel that I, as well as everyone, deserves to feel beautiful and of worth.  And we do not have the right to try to take that away from others.

I try to instill in my children that they are amazing.  Their differences enjoyable, and never forget to lift the lives of those around them.

7.  What do you wish you hadn't worried about when you were younger?  What would you tell yourself if you could go back?

Enjoy life, love yourself.

8. What do you see when you look in the mirror?

The need for Windex, and better, softer lighting!!  lol

9. Anything else you would like to share about positive body image/inner beauty?

Never let others dictacte the definition of beauty.  It is found in nature, in art and it is definately in you also.

Thanks Lise!  I love the advice to your children.  It takes a truly strong person to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive - they are so lucky to have you!!

My Gal Friday - Heidi of Playground Diva

Today’s Gal Friday is Heidi of Playground Diva.  Heidi just ran her first race yesterday – the famous Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.  Congratulations Heidi!!

Read on to see how running has played a large part in creating Heidi’s positive self image. 

What do you think is your best feature and why? I have always loved my eyes. They are a lovely gray/blue color & they make me feel unique. 

What do you think is your best (non physical) trait and why? I've never been accused of being grumpy. I'm a very cheerful person, & I think that comes in handy when life's rubber meets the road, if you know what I mean. 

What (non physical) traits do you admire in others? I am very attracted to funny, loyal people. There is just something about people who can not only make others laugh but who are also loyal to not just their family, but also to themselves. 

What three words would you use to describe yourself? Cheerful, loyal, ambitious. 

Is there anything about yourself that at one time bothered you but now you love? Mk, it's naked time, because I'm about to bare ALL-- As a teen, I was the only girl I knew with breasts as big as mine. I was (& now that I'm done breastfeeding my third child) /am a c-cup, but that was HONKIN' huge compared to my minus a-cup friends. I hated them. I felt like they were always the first thing to walk into the room whenever I did. It was tough--- that is until I met the boy who would become my future husband.

We met when I was 15 & he was 18. After dating for a year or so (we almost exclusively wrote letters to each other for the first year of our relationship due to the fact that we lived in different states) he finally got the courage to tell me he really liked my, um, shape. Then, shortly after that, my dad must have perceived that I was going to begin getting lots of attention (he was right) & he, beet-faced, told me that I was what some would refer to as a girl with "dangerous curves" & I needed to be careful of guys who only liked me for that. I have loved my breasts ever since then. 

If you could give your children a piece of advice about having a positive self image, what would it be? One of the single most affective things I've experienced is viewing my body as the strong, capable creation that it is. Getting involved in running has changed how I view myself completely. No longer are my legs too short-- now I see them as the power houses that carry me at a 9:17 minute mile. Having a positive purpose behind my body has helped my image SO.MUCH. I discuss with my children how their hearts & limbs are strong & how they help them to be so strong as to swing from that branch, or kick that ball so far. It seems to be working. :)

What do you wish you hadn't worried about when you were younger?  What would you tell yourself if you could go back? Holy hell. I'd grab my 18 year old newly wed self & scream "MOISTURIZE YOUR BELLY WHEN YOU'RE PREGNANT!!!! STRETCH MARKS ARE PERMANENT!!!!" Haha, no, I would grab myself & tell me that 130 pounds isn't fat, for the love of g-o-d. 

What do you see when you look in the mirror? I see a woman who is very much still the girl of her past. I see my insecurities staring back at me, but I can also see the strength that is overcoming those insecurities. I see a woman who is getting stronger-- one who has made herself stronger. Both physically & emotionally. I see that my days of a perfectly smooth face are quickly passing, but that it's being replaced by the wrinkles of wisdom. I'd rather have the wrinkles. I see a woman who has a daughter with many days ahead of her-- a daughter who will not be alone because the woman I see in the mirror is that girl's mother-- a mother who will not leave her side. 

Anything else you would like to share about positive body image/inner beauty? For a positive body image, invest in Spanx. I kid, really I do. Although, those suckers really do work wonders on ones thighs. No lie.

But seriously, accepting that no matter how hard I work out, I'll never have Kate Moss' body. No matter how much makeup I wear, I won't have Sienna Miller's face.  & no matter how many clothes I own, I won't just BE Gwyneth Paltrow. It really was as simple as accepting that I will always be Heidi & that hating myself sucks a whole lot more than not being able to change into another woman.

Whatever inner beauty that I may have has everything to do with the others in my life. My husband, my children, my friends-- they have all loved me so much, no matter what, that they inspire me to love like they do. I am beyond blessed by the others in my life. Focusing on them helps keep my life in perspective. 

My Gal Friday

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... My Gal Friday!

Today's Gal Friday is Natasha from Required2beInspired. 

What do you think is your best feature and why?  My bubble butt! Because it looks great in everything! haha

What do you think is your best (non physical) trait and why?  My giggle...because I do a lot of it...and it's unique to me.

What (non physical) traits do you admire in others?  Would honesty and respect be a trait? Kelly -Absolutely! :)   

What three words would you use to describe yourself?  Creative, Silly, Shy

Is there anything about yourself that at one time bothered you but now you love?  I used to hate my lips so much.  I remember in elementary school on picture day practicing smiling in front of the mirror while trying to suck in my bottom lip.  I'm so glad I grew out of that stage...people spend big bucks to get juicy lips like these!

If you could give your child a piece of advice about having a positive self image, what would it be?  I don't know what it would be....I think that if you as a parent can show by example a positive self image then you shouldn't have to give your child any advice, because actions speak louder than words.  As parents we can't stand in front of the mirror and say "I look horrible today"..."I'm too fat to wear this"...etc...our kids are watching and taking it all in!!

What do you wish you hadn't worried about when you were younger?  What would you tell yourself if you could go back?  I shouldn't have worried about that one blob of cellulite...it came when I was about 13...so I started wearing shorts over my bathing suit to hide it...when I first started dating my hubby (at 17) he somehow managed to convince me I didn't need to wear shorts...now I have no idea what I was thinking...I look way better in bikini bottoms than I ever did in those shorts!!

What do you see when you look in the mirror? A big smile! For some reason whenever I walk by a mirror I like to give myself a big smile...weird I know...but I'd rather look at a smile than a frown!

Anything else you would like to share about positive body image/inner beauty?  I remember hearing someone famous in politics (can't remember who) say that he chose the people who worked for him by what their face looked like.  He then elaborated to say that the kind of person you are shows on your face, if you smile a lot it will show as you age, and if you're unhappy and frown a lot is will also show....so he chose the people with the smile/laugh lines!

Thanks Natasha!  Wonderful answers!  I really like your attitude on self image. It's so important to talk ourselves up, especially with girls - kids really do mimic everything we do!