Lesson 7: Then and Now (Illustrated)

Despite having always maintained that I would act/dress/shop/live in exactly the same way post-baby as I had done pre-pregnancy, I have this week accepted that I am failing miserably. 

Having taken stock of the 'key indicators' prompting this assessment, below is a selection of my favourites. In pictures.

Then and Now: Handbags

I used to own many bags (or imitation bags) like this one:

Nowadays, I'm pretty chuffed with this one:

Then and Now: Transport

A few years ago I bombed around in this, the company motor:

These days, I co-drive (and co-fly) these bad boys:

Then and Now: Skincare

There was a time that I used to treat myself to a luxury face mask in the bath on a Sunday night:

This week, I 'treated' myself to a Quickie Mask using my child's bum cream: 

Sudocrem - surprisingly effective. 

I feel it necessary to add here that the new house DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A BATH

Then and Now: Retail

In the Glory Days, I had time to shop here:

(and not feel like I had missed the memo on the latest style craze...referencing leotards for adults - really??) 

At present, however,  it wouldn't be an exaggeration if I said I buy 85% of EVERYTHING from here:

Or here...

 (If they don't sell it, you won't need it - FACT)

Then and Now: Body

I used to have a bum like this*: 

(*My bum was of course never really anything like this, but everything is peachier with rose-tinted glasses) 

Nowadays, the wrong light leaves it looking more like this**:

(**Again, not actually my bum. This would be a good day). 

Despite the above 'developments' in my life, I think (and I have given this 18 months of solid thought) that I am HAPPIER now. 

Happier despite living in a project house.

Happier despite now having a s**t 'runaround' car.

Happier despite having zero money for nice clothes.

Happier because now I have this:

The Unmumsy Mum