Reasons to love lingerie (try it tonight!)

I think a lot of my mom-friends don't bother with lingerie. I've heard disparaging comments and seen rolling eyes when the topic is mentioned. I'm not sure I understand that...because I love lingerie. Let me count the reasons why.

Reason #1: Anything that makes us feel prettier/sexier...is a very good thing. I am a big believer in taking care of your physical self. Exercise, manicures, shaving or waxing the bikini area, etc etc. I also believe it extends to wearing clothes that fit your body and make you look good. Not just in the daytime when you're seeing your coworkers and friends and the guy at Starbucks who makes your latte just right. But also in the night when it's for your and your husband's eyes only. Wearing a stretched out t-shirt and sweat shorts may be comfy, but it ain't sexy. And to be honest, it's not even as cute as you think it is. A little nightgown or matching cami/panties would look a lot better on you.

Reason #2: It helps bridge the gap between MOM and SEXPOT. We talk all the time about getting in the mood at night after the kids are down. I can't think of anything that marks the divide better than changing into something provocative. Imagine that when the house is quiet and you're getting ready for bed...you take a few minutes to slip into something obviously sexy. Maybe spray on perfume and add some lipgloss. Then go say "hello handsome" to your husband. He won't be thinking "mother of my children" or "spender of my paycheck" or "the shrew who serves microwave dinners and complains." He'll be thinking...well, nothing. He'll be too busy unzipping and shoving you into the bedroom.

Reason #3: Even shopping for lingerie is sexy. Try it: shop online for lingerie with your husband. Ask him what he likes, then ask him for the credit card. Or if you steal some time to go shopping by yourself (don't do this with a kid in tow--it's depressing and weird, trust me), have fun trying on a bunch of different styles. You may be surprised to see how good lingerie looks on you, no matter what you think of your body (see #4).

Reason #4: Camouflage. You might think that because your post-baby body isn't perfect, you shouldn't try to dress sexy. You are so, so wrong. The beauty of lingerie is that it can strategically cover up the parts you aren't so happy with...even during sex! A crotchless teddy can be kept on the entire time, keeping your bulging belly under wraps (and even keeping your breasts covered up, which some breastfeeding women may prefer). A silk chemise shows off your cleavage while concealing your chub at the waistline or hips. And have you tried the new boyshorts style of panties that seem to have cropped up everywhere? They are very flattering to a lot of body types. Add a matching cami and you're one hot mama.

Reason #5: It mixes things up. It's hard to stay excited about a sex life when you've been married X number of years and have birthed X number of children. Any simple little things we can do to keep it fresh, shake up the routine, and help us think sexier are important. Putting on lingerie is an easy thing all of us can do. So...do it.