When you had kids, it’s like your whole life started wearing mom jeans.  Yeah, I know you. Minivan, yoga pants, blood-shot eyes. This is for you.

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

1. Paint your nails.

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

I know. So obvious and sooooo seemingly impossible most days. But, DO IT. It’s the one treat that I do for myself, one night a week after the kids go to bed. (And, it’s one of my 5 favorite indulgences under $7.) Nothing feels better than waking up the next morning, and looking down at a perfectly on-trend, sleek, shiny set of gorgeous lady claws. The key is picking a great top coat. You know, one that can withstand scrubbing Spiderman stickers off the side of 4 Legos and 2 full loads of dishes by 10am.

2. Carry a diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag.

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

I know some people want to go all ‘patterns and multi-colors’ for their diaper bags, but I never did. Basically, I want to feel like a cute chick who happens to have 2 kids and an amazing bag. I love my Lily Jade Elizabeth bag because… um, well hello, it’s gorge. And inside, it’s totally tricked-out with all the mom necessities, like a detachable, washable “bag” with tons of pockets and even a changing pad. #mamaforthewin

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

A bag like this is an investment, but to me, it’s worth it because it still has value after the kids are grown and out of diapers. (In fact, last weekend, I emptied it and took it as my purse for date night.)

Because I won’t be a mom of toddlers forever.

Right? 

*She grimaces.*

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

3. Accessorize like a boss.

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

I mean, there’s no better way to detract from your puffy eyes and haggard face than a great pair of huge earrings, a fab pair of shades or a pop of color on the feet. (Not all 3 though. Just pick one.) Nothing says, ‘I’m a mom of young kids, but I toooootally got this’ like a sassy little accessory. One of my recent favorites in the colder weather is a bright pop of color, in a scarf near the face. Somehow, that puffiness up top seems to make me feel skinnier down below, and I really do think it’s a look that flatters any figure.

4. Blast your music!

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

I refuse to let my car and house turn into a place where The Wiggles and Frozen soundtrack go to die. At this point, my children do not know that there is any choice in music, outside of modern country, 90’s hits and the local Christmas station. This means that I rock out to my favorites tunes whenever we are in the car, and it also happens to come in handy whenever the need to tune out a toddler tantrum arises (like, at least 4 times a day).

5. Avoid the minivan. (Or, rock it!)

5 Ways to Be a Mom and Still Feel Cool SheJustGlows.com

I know a lot of you awesome #glowgirls totally rock the minivan. And I salute you. Since I wanted 3 rows, plus lots of storage, I went with a Suburban, and boy, do I feel like the bee’s knees when I’m riding down the street. But whatever way you go, own it. I love the idea of just being confident about whatever car you drive, whether it’s making fun of the fact that you own a minivan, loving it, or avoiding it altogether because that’s what rocks your world.

Do motherhood your way, be confident about it, and that never goes out of style.

Thanks to Lily Jade for sponsoring this post!