Beauty Tips

How to Smell Great (Even if You're Covered in Spit-Up)

With these simple tips, nobody will ever know you haven't showered in days and have decaying cereal puffs trapped in your bra

by Leslie Goldman

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A sweet idea When Theresa Polhill, 35, of Chicago, needs an olfactory pick-me-up, she makes a pit stop in her kitchen. "I use pure vanilla extract instead of perfume," says the mom to 19-month-old Olive. "It helps for when I'm crazed with things to do and there's no time to fuss with products. I just swipe some on when I'm in the kitchen making breakfast for my daughter." Polhill likes vanilla's natural, non-synthetic feel. Plus, it's cheap and she always smells like cookies!

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Older comments

Who doesn't love the smell of vanilla? Heading to the kitchen right now...

by inthemiddles Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 11:56AM Report as inappropriate

Some great ideas ... even for us non-new mommy's.

by islands4me Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 07:39AM Report as inappropriate

Love the vanilla idea!

by Amanda16 Monday, January 7, 2013 at 12:07AM Report as inappropriate

Pure vanilla extract, probably works really well since it smells great.

by EricaC123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 06:28AM Report as inappropriate

Great tips!

by robyne00 Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 01:52PM Report as inappropriate

Having never had a child or wanted one, I can't identify with moms, but I love the idea of vanilla as perfume. I love vanilla!

by WiccanLady Friday, November 16, 2012 at 02:29PM Report as inappropriate

Dry shampoos usually have an odor that makes me yickkkkkkk.

by lilas Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 09:36PM Report as inappropriate

I have to agree... Being dirty is a big no no! Specially if u breastfeed! When u dont shower for more than two days you start smelling like spoiled milk. I have a 20 month old and manage to shower everyday when they r both sleeping. Quick 2-3 min shwr, lotion, victoria secret spray, deodorant, dry shampoo & ur set

by marilynchevelle Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 08:29PM Report as inappropriate

Isn't it easier to find 5-10 minutes a day to shower rather than spending all the time covering up whatever it is you smell like? I agree that some of the items can be useful- dry shampoo or that last Laundromat thingy if the time is really really tight, but being dirty (whether you are a mom or not) is just a no-no.

by venenumletalis Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 02:36PM Report as inappropriate

Interesting tips! I'm not a mom, but even for someone who's always busy and on the go, these are helpful!

by heather_hejna Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 01:16PM Report as inappropriate