A Whole New Adventure for Cindi

Mary Kay. How many hear that name and think of pink Cadillacs? But Mary Kay is so much more than makeup and big pink cars! In October 2012, I embarked on a new adventure; I started my own business as an Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. Trust me, in my wildest dreams I never thought I would be pursuing the Mary Kay dream. But here it is, nearly two months since I started down this road to self-discovery and skin care classes and I'm having the time of my life.

Since starting this business, I've learned how to take better care of my skin and help other women learn how to do the same. It's fun getting together with girlfriends to do facials and put on makeup. What woman doesn't want to feel pampered every once in a while?

I've started my own Mary Kay personal website where my customers can shop 24 hours a day and I have met some truly inspirational women. And, my sister has decided to join me in pursuing the Mary Kay dream. In fact, a couple of weeks ago, I got to present her with her Mary Kay pin that welcomed her into the sisterhood of Mary Kay.

That's my sister Ammi in the denim jacket and that's yours truly in red. For now, we are pursuing the Mary Kay dream.

What's Your Body Image?

I will be the first to admit that I have suffered from a poor body image complex.  All through high school I thought I was fat and my larger-than-average breasts earned me all kinds of nick names (most notably, Knockers.)  Yeah.  I have looked at pictures of myself as I have aged and um...grown and always made jokes and felt disgusted.  But looking back on my teen-age years I realize I wasn't fat.  I was a normal girl that had curves.  Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, curves.  My high school sweetie, who is now my BunBun always told me and still does, that I'm beautiful.  Why do we not listen to those around us who tell us these things?  Is it because they tell us positive things about our bodies and such, but look negatively at themselves?  Do we continue to do this with our own children?  I know that there have been many times I have told my children they are beautiful, aren't fat, etc. while saying the exact opposite about myself. 

I do have a more positive self image than I did in high school.  I have learned to appreciate and love the curves God has given me.  My husband tells me I am beautiful inside and out and...let's be honest here...loves my body too.  Well, it's time to do my part to promote positive self body image.  Here goes folks....like it or not, this is me.  And I'm beautiful.

At our wedding rehearsal

Wedding day with my beautiful mom

My beautiful daughter Callie helping me put on makeup

Yep...

A month after we got married...moving in to our "new" place

Yeah...Maisey is thrilled...Not!

These are my calves, which I may or may not have referred to in the past as "full-grown cows" and "turkey drumsticks."  But they help me climb stairs and hills like no body's business.

So what brought all this on?  Did I watch one too many Dove soap commercials promoting real women and true beauty?  Did I watch one too many episodes of Intervention featuring anorexic and bulimic girls?  Nope.  I read the blog Mom Tried It and her post about the image we have and promote to our children and others around us.  Kim hit the nail on the head and said what she had to say so succinctly.  She has a blog hop going on.  Go check it out if you are interested.

 And look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful.  It's true, you know.