A new report of 3,000 U.S. moms reveals that although most (76 percent) agree it's just as important for mothers to take care of themselves as their families, nearly eight in ten moms don't do enough. One of the biggest things falling by the wayside is her sense of feeling and looking beautiful. A whopping 84 percent admit they've let their appearance slide since becoming a mom and that taking care of their appearance has become more of a wish than a reality. So, can motherhood and womanhood co-exist? Suave wants to help moms put themselves back on the to-do list, so we asked some of our favorite mommy blogger friends to share their tips with you. If you'd like to read Suave's Motherhood vs Womanhood study, click here. Check out the tips below from real blogging moms on beauty, exercise, hair care, childcare, relaxation and cooking.
     
Beauty:
And while most moms are doing the basics everyday - brushing their teeth (93%) and taking a shower (77%) -- some find it challenging to fit them into their daily routines.   Half say they have forgotten to brush their teeth in the morning (53%), and most have had days when they didn't have enough time to shower or bathe (66%).With our beauty tips, you just might be able to sneak this little necessity back in.
  • Getting your child in on the act is key.  I like to keep empty cosmetic tins, clear lip balms and a hairbrush in a little makeup case just for my daughter.  This usually gives me enough time to get ready while letting my little one feel like a big girl and preventing her from making a mess with my own beauty products.  I know this approach has made a huge difference in mornings at our house. I actually leave the house looking put together! - Liz
  • I use a foundation that is also a moisturizer and sunscreen all-in-one; much easier to apply one item to my face! -Michelle
  • I use pre-moistened facial wipes to cleanse my face before bed - the wipes are the perfect thing to wash away makeup and so easy to use. -Michelle
  •  Getting through my shower at lightning speed is not always the most enjoyable of experiences, so I decided to reclaim my shower time and turn my bathroom into “activity grand central.”  I place my smallest child (6 months) in the empty bathtub with a selection of toys (it acts like a playpen) and my oldest daughter has a stack of picture books that are kept on a rack for this purpose only. While she reads, my infant son amuses himself in the empty tub.  Note:  Be sure to invest in faucet protectors before doing this.  Better safe than sorry! - Liz
  • Need a little break, schedule a time once a week for Daddy or a relative to play with the kids while you sneak off for a relaxing bubble bath, remember to lock the door. Add some music or read a book. - Barbara
  • I try to take my showers in the evening when my husband is home; otherwise it takes too much of my time in the morning having to blow dry and style my hair. -Michelle
  • Rub a thick lotion (such as Suave Exhale Calming Lavender Vanilla Lotion ) on your feet and hands, cover with gloves and socks. Kick back and watch a movie or go to sleep. When you wake up your feet and hands will be touchably soft!
  • While standing at the sink brushing your teeth, do leg lifts (side and back) for a butt and thigh firming work out.
 
Exercise:

Although 67 percent of moms would rather get their pre-baby body back than their pre-baby sex life, exercise opportunities are tough to come by. After shopping for themselves, exercise is the second most desired activity to pursue during coveted “me” time- here's some advice on how to fit in fitness.
  • In order to get any guilt-free exercise, you have to find ways to incorporate your little ones.  I invested in a chariot attachment for my bike.  It allows me to load up the kids in the trailer and go.  The best part is that they usually end up dozing off and you get to breathe some fresh air, take in the scenery and work towards getting your old body back.  Not to mention what it does for your peace of mind.  It has truly become my zen moment. - Liz
 
  • I like to rent some exercise videos and get my kids in on the act.  Okay, so maybe you won't get through the whole routine, but kids genuinely like to imitate what they see, especially when it involves, jumping, hopping or jogging.  We've actually added it to our rainy day routine activity repertoire. – Liz
  • Set an exercise schedule, and, tell the whole family that's what you'll be doing, even if it's just a walk around the block. Stick with it, and, eventually, they will accept it as just part of the household routine. -Elizabeth
  • Invest in some indoor exercise equipment, or, research ways to get fit at home, if you really can't get out of the house. -Elizabeth
  • Walking is a wonderful way to stay fit and relax and clear your head. Dad can watch the kids, or have a neighborhood teenager come over for an hour and play with the kids while you take a walk. Have small children, load them in the stroller and take them with you and all enjoy the fresh air together. – Barbara
  • I take a step aerobics class on Saturday at 9AM and Tues at 5:30PM when my husband is home. This works for me as I don't have to worry about finding someone to watch my daughter. -Michelle
  • My daughter goes to preschool 4 mornings a week - after she's on the bus I try to walk around the neighborhood, even if it's a short walk, to get some exercise in. -Michelle
     

Hair Care:

Some 80 percent have gone weeks or months without a haircut (even though they felt they needed one). Here are a few tips from the trenches on taming your tresses.
  • I find that embracing your natural hair texture is key.  Prenatal, I used to always straighten my naturally wavy hair but now that I have kids, that beauty ritual has long faded.  So now, I work with my texture, instead of against it.  I wash it in the shower, then spritz a little leave in conditioner, comb it through, twist the sides and pin in a hair clip at the back of my head, and allow to air dry.  By the time I've done the rounds of errands and drop-offs, it's dry.  Then I take the clip out and shake my head, only to end up with a full head of waves.  It truly works and it literally takes no time to achieve. – Liz Suave recommends Suave Professionals Healthy Curls Shampoo, Conditioner and Anti-Frizz Cream for Liz's technique.
 
  • It will never seem like the right time to spend money on your hair. Do it anyway, you'll be glad you did, and, it can do wonders for your outlook on everything. There are a variety of salons in different price ranges out there, ask friends for a recommendation. - Elizabeth
 
  • I take the time that she's in school to try and schedule any appointments like hair cut/style, doctor appointments, and do errands then. It's a lot faster to get done without a 3 yr old tagging along! -Michelle
 
     

Child Care:
95% of moms put taking care of their family before anything else in their lives, including taking care of themselves. The average mom spends about 3½ hours a day helping her children with activities and hobbies . And, while it's no surprise that moms often put their children and families first, Suave wants to remind moms that beauty can have a place amongst the dirty dishes and piles of laundry that are an inevitable part of motherhood.
  • Time for mom does not have to be away from the kids, it is sometimes difficult to get away. Take those moments when playing outside with the kids or taking a walk and listen to a mom podcast (an internet radio show that can be downloaded to a computer), just load up your mp3 player or iPod and enjoy some mom entertainment on the go. - Barbara
 
  • Enlist older children to help with the younger ones while you take a few minutes alone, even if you just look at a magazine in the guest room. -Elizabeth
  • Take advantage of their pride in being a "big brother" or "big sister", and, ask them to "be in charge" of a simple craft project with their younger sibling, or, to start a DVD and feed them a snack. – Elizabeth
     

Relaxation:
Furthermore, one in four moms (23 percent) can't remember the last time they did something that made them feel like a woman – while 42 percent report it was more than a month ago.
  • Most people don't realize how physically demanding it is to be a mom.  That being said, don't wait for someone to pat you on the back or buy you a gift certificate for a spa day.  Instead, take matters into your own hands and book yourself a massage.  Choose a day/time when your little one can either be dropped off at daycare or call on your mother-in-law.  You'll see, she'll be thrilled to have some extra time with the kids and you'll enjoy a well-deserved break.  Also, a few of the larger spas or spas connected to health clubs often offer onsite daycare for a small fee.  Consider booking your treatment at one of these types of locations. – Liz
 
  • My daughter still takes an afternoon nap - I use that as "me" time (which usually means no chores!) to respond to email, read blogs, read a book/magazine, and sometimes just to catch up on a nap myself! –Michelle
 
  • To get some "time away" with other moms I joined my local MOPS, International group which meets every other week. It's a welcomed break! I also have a group of ladies that I play Bunco with once a month. -Michelle
 
     

In the Kitchen:

57% of moms report spending more than an hour per day on cooking, preparing meals and washing dishes. Why not make the most of your time in the kitchen?
  • If I have a busy day, or evening planned, I'll usually plan for dinner in the slow cooker. I get everything ready to go in the morning and don't have to worry about cooking the rest of the day - it's so nice to come home and dinner is done! -Michelle 
 
  • Why not make a quick, nutritious breakfast for the family and a facemask out of the same ingredients? To exfoliate and deep clean your skin, mix oatmeal (1cup), blueberries (1 cup), honey (1tbsp) and almonds (5-6) in a blender. Spread on your face, set for 10-15 minutes until dry, rinse with warm water and follow with a toner. Breakfast should be easy with these same four ingredients! Prepare the oatmeal for your family, top generously with blueberries, almonds and a drizzle of honey!
  • While stirring a pot on the stove, grab a heavy kitchen object such as a can or rolling pin. With your free hand, do bicep curls, overhead lifts (from the shoulder to overhead) and tricep curls bend your arm back behind your head and straighten your arm, so the weight moves from behind your neck, past your ear to up in the air and back again).
     
When moms do take care of themselves, an overwhelming 93 percent say it makes them feel good. Moms who take care of themselves report they feel happier (76 percent), more attractive (76 percent) and more self-confident (72 percent). Furthermore, taking care of themselves made 60 percent feel more feminine and just over half feel like they are setting a good example for their children
Elizabeth says it best: It's taken me a while to realize it, but, in order to care for yourself, you sometimes have to just do it, even when it feels like there are other, more important tasks at hand. You have to take care of yourself in order to take care of your family, and, you are the only one that can make it happen. Sure, there are clothes that need folding, but, there's always clothes that need folding, they'll wait. - Elizabeth
     

Get to know our contributors better:

Barbara www.mom2momlounge.com
Elizabeth http://www.busymom.net/
Liz www.mom2momlounge.com
Michelle http://mdbeau.blogspot.com/

     
Learn about Suave's Motherhood vs. Womanhood Study