I had a break from Buy Nothing January. I scheduled an appointment weeks ago for a mani and a pedi. I haven't had either in...well, let's just say long enough for me to be embarrassed. I did try to keep my nails groomed, but not an extravagant salon visit. After all, I am about to be a mother. When on earth will I find the time for frivolous things like painting my toe nails?


See, that's the kind of talk I need to be saved from.


I had so much fun today! I know all the ladies in this salon and they are fabulous. Usually someone opens a bottle of wine and I nearly always stay too long. Today I got the pleasure of sharing about our children while sipping a cocktail with my toes in a tub. There were a bunch of squeals and plenty of congratulations and fun gossip about children and husbands. We giggled about the new hair dye products for...ahem...you know...down below. They were kind enough to recommend a smashing hot pink color for Valentine's Day and we cracked ourselves up imagining Tadd's face when he opened that present. (Tee Hee...I'm still giggling! Have no fear, I decided against color today.) We talked about Harry Potter and why we hate going to clubs and how much stupid people get on our nerves. I tried on at least three colors to pick the perfect shade for fingers and toes. I settled on a very sparkly candy apple red for fingers and a mysterious smoky purple for toes. And darn it, I walked out of there feeling good! I got to act girlie and silly and wacky and I didn't even have to live up to any titles. I wasn't "Iesha" the corporate slave, or "Iesha" the advice giver, or "Iesha" the wife. Just "Iesha".


Not to mention that nail polish can make a girl feel pretty hot! Too bad it is too cold for peep toes!


So I've decided that I need to do a better job at taking care of myself, especially with kids. Because even with a new title, "Iesha" the mother, I am still me. I still want to feel cute and smart and sassy and all those things that make me feel good about myself, even when children are screaming and I am up to my eyeballs in diapers. And that's ok. Besides, since I will be out-numbered by the boys, I will need to stand up for myself. And if I need to have a mani, a pedi, and a bubble bath once in a while, to maintain my Queen status, I think that is perfectly acceptable, don't you?