People ask me all the time why I get ready each day even when I’m just going to stay home.
Before I dive in to my answer, let me just say that for some reason this topic is a touchy subject to some women. I don’t know why, but let me be the first to say, I am not trying to offend anyone! This is my take on the topic and it’s worth what you pay for it. Which is funny, because it’s free. You pay nothing for this gem.
Why do I get ready for the day even when I am just staying home?
1. I feel better.
If I get up, put on a nice outfit I feel good in, and paint the barn after applying foundation on my face, I feel like I am prepared to start the day. This way I will also be ready if someone comes to the door. I don’t need to feel embarrassed if a friend stops by and I’m wearing the same thing I slept in.
2. It makes me more productive.
I get more done when I am put together. When I wear lounge clothes, I feel tired and just want to sit around. You need to get up and do whatever makes YOU feel productive. Maybe you don’t get dressed up and put on make-up. Maybe for you it’s taking a shower and that’s how you set the tone for the day. But for me, getting ready each day tells me it’s time to be productive.
3. I feel like my family should get my best.
If I am home all day with my family and never make an effort, how are they going to feel when I get all dressed and made-up whenever we have to go to an event, grocery store, or a doctor’s appointment? That tells my family that the people outside are more important than they are. When I was trying to get Barry to marry me, I used to get dressed up to the hilt, wearing my very best stuff and always smelling pretty. I don’t want to act like now that he’s got me (or I should say I got him because I totally married up) – I don’t want to say I don’t care how I look now! I want Barry to know that I care just as much about how he sees me now as I did when we were dating. My family deserves my best.
4. I want to make a good impression!
Yes, we should be most focused on what the Lord thinks of us…but we don’t want strangers, neighbors, and friends to think that motherhood and homemaking are so hard, that keeping up is killing us. I don’t want to look like death warmed over in my 3-day-old pajamas. Do you?
Y’all know that live video is my jam. I do live video all over the web, and have been for several years now. I get asked a lot, “do you only get ready each day, all dressed up with your make-up on, because you do live videos?” The answer is no. If you were going to see me on a day when I was at home without any plans, would I still be ready? YES!
I also get asked, why do you wear your “good” clothes at home?
This is something I’ve had to get over with EVERYTHING – from dishes and towels to clothes and makeup. I was holding on to my best things, for some special day that might come. One day I just realized, if I keep everything for special occasions, then I may not ever get to wear or use it. I asked myself, What am I waiting for?!
I want to treat every single day like it is awesome and special. If we eat on my favorite dishes every day, that means I am able to enjoy them every day! If they break, oh well, then I’ll have to find a replacement. But at least I’m able to enjoy them! I’ve seen too many family members die with clothes hanging in their closet with the tags still on, waiting for the perfect special occasion that never came.
I don’t want to live that way.
I want the things I own to be worn and enjoyed. Now, that doesn’t mean I wear an evening gown to clean the toilet. I save that for fancy occasions with Barry. But for the rest of my cute shirts, accessories, dresses, and skirts – I wear my favorite pieces today and when I get ready each day.
And one more thing, always remember… no matter how much make-up you put on your body, if you’re ugly inside, it’s going to pour out your pores! I know some people don’t agree with my approach, but it’s what works for me. How about you? Do you get ready each day?
Jessica Nielsen says
Thank you! I needed to hear this today. I have been beating myself up for looking like a slob when we inevitably have to run into town. This was a little kick in the pants I needed 🙂
Julie Chittock says
Thanks for commenting! Getting dressed for the day is always worth it 🙂
Julie, HH Team
K says
We’re ‘stay at home moms’ not stay at home bums….get dressed!! (Goes for the kids toooo)
Julie Chittock says
Haha – Yes! I love this! Thanks for the comment 🙂
Julie, HH Team
Katy says
I so agree with you but I don’t always do it. My husband is gone at work half the week (he works a 72 hour shift) so on those days sometimes I slack off. But when I am feeling lazy, if I put on an apron, even if I’m in my sweats, I suddenly get motivated. It’s so weird. My inner homemaker comes out. What you wear does really make a difference in how you feel!
Julie Chittock says
What a hard schedule! It really is amazing how something as simple as putting on an apron (or in getting dressed and putting on make-up!) can transform our whole attitude. Thanks for the comment, Katy!
Julie, HH Team
Charli says
Yes I agree with what she is saying. My mom always told me to always get ready for the day “look your best give your best”
Angela says
YES! Perfect reasons. I need to do better about this.
Kay says
I love working in my yard helping my hubby. I love tending to my garden. My herb beds, my veggie gardens and my flowers bring joy to me. I love a manicured yard. I love looking nice but when I’m out there sweating I don’t want to wear nice clothes and ruin them. I wear my grundgies.
Jen says
“I want to treat everyday like it is awesome and special”is my favorite part of your post. It is a great lesson for all of us when daily life is a routine.
PS- I love your ensemble! Nailed it 🙂
Sheila says
Yes! Agree with this 100%.
Ann says
Thank you so much. The.best.blog post I have read for a LONG time.
Ann Marie
Stacy says
Thank you, Ann. 🙂