Sometimes we mamas put ourselves last. Daddy’s can do it, too. For our family, this usually comes in the form of material positions. [And just to clarify, I don't think this is a bad thing. Remember? Seeking Phil.2 attitude]
Just this morning my husband lifted up his shoe to reveal that the sole of his sneaker* was almost completely detached. Not pretty. Also not the first time he’s worn out a pair of shoes right through the soles. [*Yes, it is a sneaker, folks, NOT a tennis shoe. Tennis shoes are for playing tennis. But let's not get ugly about it.]
We are incredibly blessed in the scheme of this big wide world, but our groceries, mortgage, and keeping the lights on and water running are the priorities of our spending. There aren’t many shopping sprees happening up in this house. (The back to school shopping was a big deal and special treat). But God is good and we have everything we need and more. He always provides.
Really, regardless of income, status, or spending habits, I’d dare say that if you’re a parent with kiddies in the house, you probably understand putting your kids’ material needs before your own.
Case in point, let me give you a glimpse of my very unkempt self on the average day:
My glasses are an essential element of my go-to staple mama uniform. While I have contact lenses, it’s rare that I actually wear them.
And back to that whole putting the kids first thing, what sneakers are for my husband, eyeglasses are for this mama.
The ones in this photo are one of my favorites I’ve ever had: I like the thick glasses frames, the color, and the tricky two-toned color thing going on. The problem? They are majorly bent, tilt to one side, and the frames are scratched up bad.
Thanks to a nifty insurance benefit, I found about 6 months ago that I could make a splurge to get a new pair. I opted for a thinner pair with metallic frames. But not two months later, this:
That little hinge thingy on the side is bent up crazily, and they are not wearable or fixable.
So in true put-your-kids-first-style, I have been wearing the old pair with the scratched up lenses for a few months now. I’m slowly working up to a new pair by window shopping eye glasses online.
At GlassesUSA.com, there is this fun little virtual mirror tool where you can try out any of their glasses on your face:
{ and I actually did my hair and put on makeup for this picture. Crazy, eh?}
AND the kind folks at Glasses USA are offering these special discount codes: STOREWIDE OFFER of 15% off your entire order amount + FREE shipping (orders over $50). Code: FS15
Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10
Hopefully I’ll be posting a photo with new glasses on soon! ;)
This post was sponsored by GlassesUSA. All opinions are my own.
What about you? What are your “eyeglasses”?
What are the things that get put on the back burner for you while you put your kids (or others) first? Comment & share!
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We did the same thing when our kids were home. Mom would often feel sorry for us and bring me new panties to replace my worn out threads – that was before the dental floss and a little patch of fabric was in style!!!!. No, not me ever, ever, that is not for me! And Christmas was always so special because Mom would always stock us up on socks, underwear, pj’s – the essentials! Speaking of glasses – after perusing the major optical stores and getting the shock of my life, I settled on glasses from Coastal Contacts. Your first frames are free – mine cost a whopping total of 28.00. And I love the glasses. You might check them out. Firmoo does the same thing.
Lol, that is funny, Cheryl! I’m with ya on the exnay on the “dental floss” undies ;) And how sweet that you remember Christmases being simple- socks, undies, pjs… hasn’t it gotten out of control?! But that’s another whole topic. Thanks for your helpful input! :) xo, lauren
This is a very interesting post. I don’t have a hubby and kids and still I find myself in your situation. I call it the single-housewoman dilemma. lol On a modest income, everything nearly gets swept away in the cost-of-living so the luxury items get put on hold. I’m waiting for the day to finally get a Macbook Pro. And like you, I need some new glasses too. The exam is done, the insurance is there, but I still have to go in and finally make a decision (and of course pay the difference). Looking forward to a new non-scratched up pair. Can’t wait to see what you select.
BTW, I’ve walked around with a pair like your second ones. That time was when I decided I really liked my old frames (which insurance covers every two years and lenses every year). I got new lenses put in my old frames and then the handle broke. Do you know how hard it is to find another frame to match already cut lenses? Yeah, so I combed my hair over that place for a while, meanwhile giving my friends a pretty good laugh. :-D
Libby: You make such a great point that you don’t have to be a mom or a wife to struggle with putting your needs/wants last! I really appreciate that insight so much, and like your term, “single housewoman dilemma” :) Thanks for bringing in this perspective and I’m sorry I wrote the post assuming this was a mama-only kind of issue! I’d love to see what glasses you end up picking… share a photo with us when it’s all said and done :)
My “eyeglasses” are my eyeglasses, as well. I used to wear contacts all the time, but after becoming a stay-at-home mom {thus reducing our two incomes to one}, i realize contacts are not a “need”. So, I bought a pair of glasses and haven’t looked back.
By the way, I was going to tell you that you should join Darlene’s Master Designer Blog Roll {which I just joined not too long ago}, but I saw that you already did! ;) So, instead, I’ll just “officially” introduce myself as a fellow Master Designer. I blog at Domestic Bliss Diaries on the making and managing of home: http://www.domesticblissdiaries.com. Pleased to meet you!
Nice to meet you, Alana! Appreciate someone who understands my eyeglasses woes! I think I buy a box of contacts once, maybe twice a year, and use the same pair, mainly on Sundays, for well over the allotted time limit :/ Looking forward to coming on over to your blog… sounds like maybe we have a few things in common ;) blessings! – lauren
Thanks for sharing this on Saturday Show and Tell. I hope you’ll be back again this week with some more great ideas!
-Mackenzie
http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com
This made me laugh because my glasses looked exactly the same way for over a year before I got new ones!