10 Things That Make Me Feel Confident & Beautiful as a Mom (Giveaway!)

This post was sponsored by Vera Wang Fragrances as part of an Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

As a new Mom, there are many times when I don’t feel beautiful or confident. More like a hot mess. I’m sure other Moms can relate: balancing a career with housework/chores, all while taking care of a little one (or more than one!) is tough. How do you feel beautiful when you didn’t have time to brush your hair or change out of your pajamas and it’s already 2 in the afternoon? How do you feel confident in motherhood when you are nailing it on a project at work, but don’t feel like you’ve read or played enough to your child on a particular day? The struggle is real!

Truthfully, motherhood is hard. For me, it’s the most challenging and yet rewarding and fulfilling thing I’ve done. But there are the days when it gets messy and hard, and you don’t always feel beautiful…or confident for that matter.

Over the past 15 months, I’ve learned to embrace the parts of motherhood that make me feel beautiful and confident, especially when you have those tough days. So I thought I’d share my list of the top 10 things that I like to remind myself of that can help give me that boost that I need. Sure, some things are focused on vanity, but others are not– and I think all of them are important in their own way!

The feeling of being needed.
When your little one is so tired or crying, but all they want to do is cuddle or have you close to them. This makes me feel like the most important, most beautiful woman in the world. When Bryce needs me my world stops and it reminds me why I’m important. Love those special (snuggly) moments!
2. Giggles.
Hearing Bryce laugh helps me KNOW I’m doing something right. He’s happy, healthy and having fun! He loves me and when someone loves you, you can’t help but feel beautiful, am I right?!

3. Me Time Spoils

For every mom this is different. For me, I enjoy an iced coffee from the coffee shop, the occasional spa visit for a manicure or a fresh haircut, some quality chocolate or even watching my guilty pleasure: The Real Housewives. Oh, and then there’s sleep. Long, uninterrupted, blissful sleep.

4. Quality Time With Loved Ones

Spending quality time with my lil’ guy where I get down on his level and read books, play in his spaceship or do an epic game of hide & seek are the best. In those moments when he looks at me full of joy and thinks I’m fun, I feel fulfilled and beautiful. This is tough at times because I get caught up in my responsibilities and chores, but in the end I’m always glad when I make myself give him that quality playtime. The bonus is it gives me a lift, and in turn I feel beautiful. And that goes for time with my husband too.

5. Exercise!

Getting some Vitamin D and fresh air allows me to feel part of something beautiful. Whether it’s going on a stroller run with my running sleeping buddy, or meeting up with friends for a barre class or Zumba, the exercise I get lifts my spirits and helps keep me healthy and builds my confidence on my body.

6. Putting on real clothes and tapping into my girly side.
There’s nothing better than taking a long shower, actually blow drying & styling your hair, putting on some makeup and a cute outfit. Total confidence booster. The act of getting ready beyond the necessities like brushing my teeth and washing my face makes me feel more confident and beautiful. It’s nice to wear an outfit beyond my normal weekday “momiform” of yoga pants and tanks, put on makeup and a spritz of a nice fragrance like Vera Wang Embrace Marigold and Gardenia. It’s a dreamy fruity and floral fragrance and is the newest one in the Vera Wang Embrace Collection. It draws inspiration from celebrating moments in time to be cherished and is available in-store and online at Kohl’s (ARV $29.99). I love the scent- not over powering but a subtle scent that is fresh and inviting and feels indulgent since it’s not something I wear every day!

7. Contributing
It could be professionally or creatively (like my blog), but whenever I contribute to something and give it my passion and hard work I feel confident and beautiful.

8. Going Out
Whether it’s a date night with my husband to focus on our relationship or a girls night with friends, taking a night to laugh, share trials, accomplishments, advice, and act carefree makes me feel beautiful and gives me a wonderful boost.

9. Be rooted in faith.
This is a big one worth mentioning. Your faith is the foundation that keeps you rooted in who you are and your role in life as a mother. It definitely gives me the confidence I need in so many aspects of my life!

10. Positivity
Definitely a key factor in my feeling beautiful. Whether I’m naturally in a positive mood or whether I have to encourage myself to focus on the positive (truth is some days I need big cup of coffee and lotsa encouragement!), this sets the tone of how I feel about myself. I know it’s important to set my intentions and thoughtfully decide that I am beautiful!

And as one of those things that makes you feel confident and beautiful, I’ve got a fun giveaway for you! Enter for the chance to win one of ten fragrance kits (ARV $75) from Vera Wang. This includes all 4 of the following fragrances: