A few weeks ago, we named Vancouver mom Lorinda Earl as our winner of our makeover contest, which included prizes valued over $1000. Over the next few weeks, Lorinda will be blogging about her experience. Lorinda is the mom of Sahra, who’ll be turning four in next month. Here’s a little bit about her.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have done much in my life – filmmaking, social activism, politics, coaching, meditating, traveling, computer programming, real estate – and I’m always in production on something. I’ve spent the past four years indulging the precious early years of my daughter… Much joy, learning, Being and a healthy dose of struggle!

Somewhat defining is that we live in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, in a treasure of a house that requires a lot of attention and energy, in a neighbourhood that can drain both.

Tell us about you as a mom.

My social activism called me to the area, but the needs of my daughter have kept us on the move. Sahra has been on 28 airplanes so far–I am grateful for friends with Airmiles and homes in beautiful places!

I’m a single mom and I’m not independently wealthy, so I have also spent quality time with the dilemma of how to make it all Work – I have learned how to live on almost nothing and feel good about the choices I have made. Detaching myself from the things that I thought I wanted and needed has been a revelation – and an exercise in creativity and resourcefulness – that has opened my heart to the grace of receiving treats like this makeover package.

What do you hope to get out of this makeover?

The pace of mommyhood has given me the time to mash on a big, juicy idea/project that I’m planning to launch, but I have been mustering the energy, courage and gumption to get off the ground. Without setting any unrealistic expectations, I hope to use this makeover to give me a boost to the next phase of mommyhood: Mompreneur!

Stay tuned for updates from Lorinda about her experiences with the following services:

• Make up consulting from Visible Beauty (valued at over $200)
• Haircut, colour and eyelash extensions by Lure Salon (valued at more than $250)
• Wardrobe consulting and shopping support from Yummy Mummy Makeovers (2 Day Speedy Delivery Program valued at $249)
• A photo shoot from Dandelion Pictures, including time and talent (valued at $450 – prints or digital files extra)
• 10 Eurowave body toning treatments (valued at $500)
• An Absolute Confidence Workshop ( valued at $149.99) and High Heel Appeal class (valued at $49)