Scars, Stretch Marks and Other Sexy Thoughts

Yesterday, for a second, I thought I spotted a stretch mark on my ever-expanding abdomen. I didn't, thank God, but for a moment I felt utter terror. I know I am prone to them (I have a few faint ones on my outer thigh from my adolescent "growth spurt" - and they have always been the bane of my existence), even though I miraculously avoided them during my last pregnancy. Now, I'm 26 weeks along and still no sign of them. I keep rubbing and massaging and praying, and so far, that has worked. But it's always something. During my last pregnancy (which was also my first) I had the linea negra during at least half of it, which made me less proud of my burgeoning belly than I otherwise would have been. Who wants to take a picture of their baby bump with a brown line down the middle? Fortunately, it disappeared a couple of months post pregnancy. This time around, the line is just starting to appear, and it's quite faint, so I should be happy. No stretch marks, no line. But I've found something else to obsess over. The two small scars (about a 1/3 of an inch each) that are the result of my pre-pregnancy appendix surgery. The irony does not escape me. So far, I've been through (almost) two pregnancies without a stretch mark, and with only a small c-section scar that still permits me to wear a bikini, but I have these two dark scars inches away from my belly button, marring my bikini body forever, all because of an organ that you don't even really need. It makes me regret ever having had that stupid surgery. So know I am going to try everything possible to get rid of it, from using those scar-reducing silicone sheets during the pregnancy, to whatever it takes afterwards.
Do you have a scar that drives you nuts? Or any great scar-reducing remedies? I'd love to hear!

Irrational Obsessions

Lately, I've been having fashion fantasies that have nothing to do with my life as a 6+ months pregnant mother of an active toddler girl. They are fantasies of strutting around in sharply tailored, perfectly stunning, meticulously orchestrated ensembles. Of dressing up. Really dressing up. In a way that hasn't been fashionable for a long time, until now. Fall's fashion and accessories trends are so gorgeous, so decadent and so different that they inspire me to toss my entire wardrobe (and considerable shoe collection) and start over. If I could, I would stock up on: 1. Flawless, 40s inspired suits and ladylike dresses cut very close the body 2. Racy, romantic, vintage-y lingerie in completely impractical shapes and fabrics, the kinds of underthings you can't possibly wear under knits and other everyday fabrics. (Among other issues, let's just say that my temporarily enormous breasts could not be contained beneath wispy layers of chiffon and tulle. Believe me, I've tried). 3. Dozens of platforms in jewel tones and brights, in python and patent, particularly those from Miu Miu and Dior 4. Minidresses in sparkly sequins and sexy silks to wear dancing 5. An obnoxiously high-maintenance beauty routine that requires armloads of new makeup and skincare products, and frequent trips to salons and spas in exotic locales Sigh. Sadly, my fantasy life and real, schlepping-the-baby-around town in comfy babydoll dresses life do not meet on any level, but someday...

Portable Makeup

These days, sometimes the only time I can get my makeup done is when I am waiting at a red light, so I always make sure I have a portable makeup case in my diaper bag. I've always been a fan of making up on the run, because I used to be chronically late and had no choice but to do my makeup on the go. I've become a pro at what works in the car, and what can be messy and even potentially dangerous. Here, my musts and misses for glamour on the go:
Musts
1. Powder compact foundation, like Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation
2. A blush in a shatterproof case. I like Luscious Blooms in Half Moon Bay. It contains a blush shade and a highlighter, and both can be used on cheeks and eyes.
3. A lip palette or an assortment of melt-proof lipsticks or glosses. Liquid lipsticks are best for this purpose, because if you accidentally leave them in the car, they won't melt on you. I like MAC Pro Longwear. Since the applicator tends to fall apart, so that you can't attach the gloss back to the color, I just take the color half of the lipsticks with me to save room in my bag, and carry a separate gloss or balm.
4. Mascara
5. Small eyeliner (with a sharpener, if it needs one)
6. Neutral eyeshadow palette, like Sephora Colorful Pro Eyeshadow Palette in Brown Eyes
7. Small brush kit, like the one from Bobbi Brown Note: An alternative to the above list is to carry a makeup palette or one of those Trish McEvoy planners that has everything you need, but I've never been that disciplined
Misses
1. Liquid liner: Nearly impossible to apply well in the car.
2. Mineral makeup and other loose powder products, including those loose shimmer shadows. Too messy!
3. Cream blushes and shadows: messy to apply and the color gets everywhere
4. Pot glosses: see #3, above
5. Nail polish, unless it's clear. Not that I haven't tried it.

The Root of the Problem

Okay, it's high time that I had my roots done. The last time I went in to have it colored, it was June 23. Yikes. Since my chosen color is a little lighter than my natural color, and I have gray hairs I need to disguise, this is becoming more than a little obvious, even on my curly hair. It's just been so hard to find time to schedule an appointment! Fortunately, there are a few products that can help you stretch out the time between appointments while still remaining stylish: 1. Color Mark: This liquid hair color dries quickly and covers gray completely. It comes in a dozen colors, and it really works, though it takes a bit more time than a mascara or crayon. $19.95 2. Roux Tween Time: A classic. This coloring crayon is best for touching up small areas, like the hairline. About $9 3. Hair Mascaras: There are many brands of these, or you can simply use waterproof mascara, although you won't get the color selection. A few to try include Christian Dior Color Flash for Hair and GreyFree Touch Up Mascara. 4. Coloring shampoos and conditioners: These can be a great way to keep your color vibrant between appointments. ArtEc makes the best formulas, and your colorist should be able to help you choose one, as you don't want to alter your expensive hair color! Unfortunately, these are not as effective at covering gray hair.