To think children steal your pretty ?

[CopperPot]

Just that, really!

I used to do my hair and make up and feel pretty good about how I looked. Now, after two children and no sleep for 3 years I look shit whatever I do

Will it ever come back?

Again you're taking it too literally.

It's about wanting to look how you did before you had kids. That's all. It's not "blaming" the kids.

I'm sorry for all you've been through inlaws.

I'm also sure there is something you enjoy that is shallow.

So what if some people like spending time on their appearance. Its not for you? Fine. Theyre not asking you to join in, theyre not blaming your or your kids for stealing their pretty. How about let them enjoy what they enjoy? Its hurting no-one.

I swear i think HQ need to make a "change background to green" for lighthearted posts option.

Excellent plan.

This place wears me out sometimes.

No it isn't negating the kids. It's wanting the best of both!

I'd simply never do that. I would never want to look like I did before I had them, because they have enhanced my world in so many more meaningful ways.

The most important word in that post is the smallest one.

Yes I look like a proper munter since DD stole my posh make up, my awesome frontal upholstery, my flat stomach, my time, all my sleep, my money, most of the remaining part of my sanity not to mention my social life. Do I give a toss? I do not. I am actually loving the invisibility afforded me by men, it is a wonder. Also I was lucky enough to stumble upon a previous MN thread which trumpeted the wonders of retinol and acid toning. No longer look quite so much like a bag of smashed crabs and no longer piddle ridiculous amounts of money on products which are all hype and no action, so ta, Mumsnet.

It's nothing to do with "feeling about your children".

And please stop trying to outdo everyone's hardships. I'm genuinely sorry for your loss, but do not try to silence people talking about the hardships of parenthood by attempting to guilt them by mentioning your losses. That is really twatty.

PS. It is quite a strong possibility I was always a bag lady waiting to happen and DD is a wonderful excuse to degenerate into Stig of The Dump territory.

I had my kids late. My pretty was already well on the way out. By the time I came round from the full-onness of young children, I discovered that age had thoroughly done it's job and my pretty had well and truly gone. I am now invisible to men (apart from the pensioner generation: they seem to love me).

Woooooooah there nelly!

It's funny because I'm the least vainest person - I hardly ever get my hair done/nails done or have a skin care routine so wasn't really talking about grooming as I didn't do much of it pre children.
I was saying my general face area looks shite now and yes it is due to my kids.

Can't we sound off anymore?

I take offence to your username MyInLaws you shouldn't be so negative about your inlaws!

I'm waiting for someone from conception to come on next and say I'm unreasonable to complain because at least I can have kids

It's funny, I actually like not getting attention from men anymore too, that is one positive!

Now what's this acid toner you speak of?

Acid toner is basically a liquid exfoliator. Brilliant at bringing a glow back to your skin.

Not really tbh. I was 28 when I had ds (dc1) I am now 40, not many people look the same at 40 as they did at 28. both dcs slept through (7-8 hours) before 3 months. Night shifts and commuting stole my pretty (although I was recently described as fresh faced) .

I like the thread title.

I spent most of my thirties too busy with tiny kids to look in a mirror, which was for the best really.

Now they are that wee bit older I go to the gym, brush my hair, dabble in the dark art of makeup and am even undergoing a bra intervention! I feel a million dollars.

I probably look like a moose in lipstick but I don't care, I feel sooooo good

I'm glad a couple of people liked my title

Obviously comparing yourself from 28 to 40 is totally different! I was 27 and now 30 so shouldn't look so different, but I do!

I bought a toner today funnily enough for the first time in years. Boot No7 pink one, not sure if it's an acid one though!

Cake - good for you! I don't have any time for exercise but would love to go for a swim and sauna soon.
I'm just at that stage that feels never ending with a new baby as it's so intense. She's sucking on my boob now and is gorgeous and lovely and my whole world aaaaahhh

This....

but wanting to look how you did before you had kids is negating the kids.

is complete and utter bullshit.

I was planning on getting braces too as I've always had shit teeth due to shitty childhood. Does that mean I really hate my kids?