While in college I loved flipping through fashion magazines and talking with some of my girlfriends about latest styles and makeup. We would dress up, do our makeup and head out for dinner; a stroll through the conservatory at the Opryland Hotel, or walk through downtown Nashville. I didn’t have a lot of money to invest in clothes, but it was always so important that I looked and felt my best whenever I was out in public.

Times have certainly changed. Casual and fun conversations with the girls about style and makeup have morphed into convos more about being exhausted, teenagers and husbands. I miss the innocent chats that led to girls night out and were so stress free! I oftentimes I think as women we’ve let our style go out the window.

Pajama bottoms in public, ill-fitting clothes not made for a body type, your husband’s oversized tee-shirts, and dressing down more and more instead of taking pride in our appearances.

Y’all, I actually saw a woman get out of her car and walk to the ATM in her bathrobe and house slippers just over the weekend!

I get it.

After raising four kids, all who were heavily involved in sports and youth group while my husband traveled for work, I totally get the desire to dress down and let yourself go. I’m tired, your tired, we’re always rushed, but whether we like it or not, we live in a society that judges based on appearances (it’s been that way for 100’s of years, and is not new by any means), and for that reason I want to look my best.

And y’all, some days my best is a coordinating workout outfit (even if I’m not going to the gym), with a light touch of makeup, or LuLaRoe for a quick run to the grocery or the pick-up line at school.

The struggle is very real, but as long as you are making an effort, you can feel pretty good in just matching workout attire.

 

Reading Candace Cameron Bure’s new book Staying Stylish reminds me of those times past with girlfriends talking about what to wear, what looks good, and how to wear makeup. Her laid back writing style is conversational, encouraging and uplifting.  It’s also like hearing from a friend as you read through each page.

Candace is the perfect choice for a book on this topic for ladies of all ages.  Married for 20+ years, raising three kids, a Hallmark channel movie regular, and now helping her husband run a winery Candace knows how busy life can be, yet she always looks amazing!

In Staying Stylish ideas are offered to help you build your own style outside of pajama bottoms and ill-fitting clothes.  From t-shirt basics to a night at the theater Candace shares affordable (and a few spurges) to help you build your own style that is appropriate for all occasions!  She even offers tips for traveling well, which is always a challenge for me!

Once you have ideas to update your wardrobe, Candace tackles skincare, hair and makeup.  While I love makeup, I do not wear it everyday but without a doubt I spend time on skincare, both morning and evening.  In my opinion I would rather invest in taking care of my skin now, than want to spend 1000’s on it for facial procedures when I’m 50. Besides, when you take care of your skin, not only do you look younger, but when you do wear makeup, it goes on much more evenly and look so much better!

Finally Candace tackles health, fitness and feeling good from the inside out.  I’ve learned from experience that taking care of yourself matters.

Y’all, who is going to take care of you, because you’ve neglected yourself?

From healthy eating to fitness, several great tips and ideas are shared that will inspire you to make little changes; changes you can even introduce to your family.  Self care isn’t just physical and Candace touches on that as well.

To close out her book, Candace touches on ways to nourish your spirit as well.  As wives and mommas we know how our spirit get tired affecting our daily living with the family. From encouragement in our prayer lives to tips for managing stress Candace has found an easy way to encourage us all.

I am so excited to give away one copy of Candace’s book here on the blog to close out February!  All you have to do to enter to win is leave me a comment on this post sharing a way you practice self-care in your life.  That’s it!

The book will be coming from the publishing company to you, so it will be 4-6 weeks after I announce the winner.

And if you want to share the giveaway I would appreciate it as well!