1st Birthday Party

Did anyone else begin planning their child's first birthday party months in advance?  I never thought I'd be that person, but once March rolled around I began to feel as though I was falling behind on planning.  My daughter's birthday is in June.  June(!)  That's almost four months from March.  Oh boy.

Most people believe first birthday parties are really more for the parents than they are the child.  Odds are the kid won't remember who was there, what she got, or what the theme is.  But does that stop us?  Heck no!  And I don't know about you but after carrying her for nine months, going without sleep, leaving my career, and figuring out how to be a mom I think I deserve to share in a party!  My husband has also given up a lot, so party for him too!  Luckily, we willingly made these sacrifices and we couldn't be happier we did.  Every sleepless, fussy night and day were worth the little mini-me that happily wobbles around our house spreading joy wherever she goes. I cannot believe how fast this year has passed.  And how much has changed from a year ago - mentally, physically, socially, and every other -ally there is.  

I decided to commemorate all this change and progress with a Garden Party.  My challenge was to plan this on a budget since we only have one income right now.  Browse Pinterest for just a few minutes to see the amazing first birthday parties other parents have thrown for their little ones and it's hard not to feel outdone or that your love is somehow conveyed by how coordinated, cute and how diy your party is.  It looks more like a set for a photo shoot than a baby's birthday party.  Unfortunately this realization did not stop me from pinning my little heart out - tiered ombre ruffle cakes, homemade cookies with those little edible pearls in the shape of flowers and butterflies, an explosion of flowers in antique vases, and furniture that belongs in the house out on the lawn delicately and perfectly distressed (in the correct color scheme of course).  

{Her party dress}

How am I going to do this I wondered?  Well for those of you looking for advice and ideas I will share with you what I did so perhaps your life becomes a little eensy bit easier.  

I had to pick and choose what I was willing to diy, what was just plain unnecessary and what was out of budget.  I wanted it to be a shabby chic, elegant garden party.  Did I mention this is for a one year old?  I know babies are rarely elegant.  They're more like the Michelin man covered in food.  

I wanted to diy a few things but I didn't want to be overwhelmed.  I'm not crafty so taking on too much would have been a total mistake.  

My first project was to order a bunch of photo prints of my daughter's first year and make them into the shape of a number one.  I had a coupon code from Snapfish for 300 prints at a penny each so it was perfect.  I cut a piece of oaktag into the shape of a one and then pasted the pics onto it in that shape. 

Narrowing them down....

  

I got some clothespins and clothesline and hung the rest of the pics around the yard for everyone to see how much she's grown and changed over the past year.  (It's amazing to see!)  Snapfish is also where I got the invitations for the party (which I also had a coupon code for, yay!).

I did half a diy project for the party favors.  Since a one year old doesn't really have friends yet, the only kids at the party were her cousins.  I decided it would be nice to give each kid a terra cotta pot filled and seeds to grow their own marigolds.  I got the mini pots from Lowes for $0.97 and bought some stickers from Michael's so I could put each child's name on his or her pot.  More about these later...

Almost ready

My last diy was to make signs inspired by ones I saw on Pinterest.  It took FOREVER but I'm really happy with the way they turned out.  I used MS Word for all my signs, specifically the Word Art feature.  Having a picture to model mine off of made it much easier to do.  Like I said, I'm not crafty.  So I cheated a little bit by using Pinterest.  Shh. I won't tell if you don't.  ;)

DIY is great and all, but what's a party without food, right? That's one of the most important parts! I decided finger foods served buffet style would be easiest and cheapest.  Pop the warmed food into sternos and let people pick all day.  As for apps I make a killer healthy salsa that is super easy and tasty, served with Tostitos.  Chop up some fresh tomatoes, combine with canned corn, red onion, parsley and italian dressing.  It goes great with lime flavored Tostitos but not everyone is a fan, so for the party I stuck to plain chips.  I made ants and butterflies on a log for the kids. Take celery stalks, fill with peanut butter and top with raisins to make 'ants.' For the butterflies do the same thing but add two mini twisted pretzels on either side of each raisin to create the butterfly's wings.  It's a hit with the kids every time.  (Note** Just be sure no one has a peanut allergy before you go making and serving them!!  Substitute hummus for pb if necessary)

The main dishes were chicken fingers and pulled pork sliders with corn on the cob, a green salad with veggies and chick peas, and sweet potato fries as the sides.  The chicken fingers and pulled pork were pre-cooked so I could save time and energy.  All I had to do was heat it up.  So easy.  I purchased all of the food from Costco to save some dough because the guest list was about 35 (we have a big Irish family). 

In our family there are no start or end times to parties.  You come when you want and leave when you want.  This is great for quality family fun time, but makes it difficult to plan a party.  You never know who  will be there, who will be hungry when or how many meals you will be responsible for feeding them.  This is normal to me so I planned on serving snacks throughout the day - since I'm sure this party will last well into dinner and after.  I made extra apps and used those to serve later as snacks, but in addition I had a candy jar that I filled with goldfish.  To add a little fun, the kids used a mini shovel to serve themselves into plastic cups.  The kids loved it!

Now for the crowning glory of every birthday party. Dessert.  I figured I should actually cook some of the food so I picked the thing that would be the most fun to make - cupcakes.  Instead of the ruffled, pink ombre cake I really wanted to get, I thought cupcakes would be just as fun but cheaper.  And way less messy.  Then I don't have to cringe at the exorbitant amount of money I spent on a cake as my daughter  smears it all over her face, body, and anything else within her reach.  A cupcake is cheap, one serving size and always tasty!  

A freezing cold glass of milk is a necessary accompaniment to cake of any kind, so a glass of milk it is.  Have you seen Pinterest?  A glass isn't good enough (scoff).  I saved Starbucks Frappuccino glasses, took off the stickers, and washed them.  I re-purposed them for the kids' milk and served them with these adorable retro straws I found on sale at Sur la Table.  I also made fruit skewers in the color of the rainbow (idea totally stolen from Pinterest).  A healthy option to make us feel better about the cupcakes.  

For the decor I wanted all pastel.  I saw Party City was offering 15% off your order so I went nuts.  I bought tons of fluffy paper balls in pink, white, lavender and blue.  Floral tablecloths, napkins, plates and cups really tied everything together and made it look more planned and coordinated than it really was. To save a little money I ordered plates and cups in a matching pink because printed plates cost more.  It also broke it up so it wasn't too 'matchy matchy' because I really hate when things match too much.  Is that crazy?  Does anyone else feel that way?

I usually hate party favors.  Most of the time it's just junk you don't want that the host felt obligated to provide because you took the time and effort to attend their party.  This is especially true for weddings.  Kids parties are a bit easier but still challenging if the kids vary greatly in age.  I found myself in this very scenario and eventually got a great idea.  Mini flower pots so the kids can grow their own flowers.  I chose marigolds since they are almost kill-proof.  And if mom happens to become responsible for my party favor she can pop them in her garden to keep the pests away.  I bought stickers from Michael's to place the kids' names on the pots so there would be no confusion or fighting.  I got the same pots and same seeds for that very reason.  There will be no 'She got the red one!' or 'He got the better dirt' here!  

Dirt and kids are great together, but not in the car on the way home from a party.  I put the dirt in a plastic baggie and placed it in the pot with the packet of seeds on top.  That way if it happened to tip over there wouldn't be dirt all over the car, or the kids, or mom.  Or all three!  Maybe it's the teacher in me, but I thought this party favor could teach them a little bit about responsibility and nature.  My hope is that they water it, watch it grow and feel proud of themselves for having accomplished something great.  

All in all the party was a success.  My daughter enjoyed herself and we loved watching her officially turn one.  I wish we could do this year all over again but at the same time I can't wait for what's to come and who she's going to be.  No matter what, we love her and this party was simply a celebration of that love.  

They're even more fun the day after!

We enjoyed some fun in the sun, some food and games, but most importantly we celebrated our first daughter's birthday with those closest to us.  And that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!  Cheers and Happy Birthday, AB :)

"Oooo, more people came to celebrate!"

Soul Body, New Body

You guys, I have found a new workout I love!  I have about 5 pounds of baby weight left to lose and A LOT of toning left to do.  My gym was offering a new class called Soul Body Barre which combines moves from ballet, pilates and yoga.  Who doesn't want the body of a dancer or yoga teacher??  Yes, please.

Despite an overwhelming sense of nervousness I signed up for the 6pm class.  I was the second one there and sat in anticipation as the class filled up quickly.  'Am I going to be able to do this? I haven't worked out in a while.  These girls are all much younger and fitter than I am' these thoughts streamed through my mind with each successive participant that walked through the door. 

I am happy to say that once the workout started all of those thoughts vanished.  But not for the reason you might think like believing in myself or a compliment from a stranger.  You know when a workout is so hard you can't think of anything but 'How am I going to make it through this, just keep going'?  Well that is definitely this workout.  

Staci began class with a warm up that had me sweating and panting for breath. What did I get myself INTO?? I thought.  But hey, I want a dancer's body.  Gotta wok for it right?  Right.  A bunch of squats, planks, using sliding disks for lunges and mountain climbers, and then we were ready to begin the workout. 

Water break? Breathing break? You'll find none of those here.  Once the workout starts it doesn't stop until 60minutes  later.  I felt my legs becoming sore before I even walked out of class.  If that's not a sign of a workout that provides results I don't know what is.  All the movements are very small, and work those muscles we didn't even know we had.  They are the supporting, smaller fiber muscles that really make the difference in the way you look.  Judging by the looks of Staci and her assistant this is the only workout I'd need to get in shape.  

I know you're curious just what I got myself into so here's a link to watch Staci and her team in action.  http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plcp&v=CjdVGULxjL0

We did a lot of squeezing and pulsing and lifting of legs and butts.  Burning and crunching and lifting and holding.  'Now pulse. Up an inch down an inch she says' as my hamstring cramps and my standing leg shakes.  

The first half of class focuses on arms and abs.  This is no joke.  We are squatting and curling.  We are 'serving the platter,' we are doing push-ups and tricep  extensions.  I can't even remember the other exercises.  I think I went into an exhaustion coma and my mind blocked out the pain.

There was still half the class to go.  We moved quickly from one exercise to another with no break in between and Staci happily bounced around the room, talking and correcting, all the while performing the same exercises we were doing.  That woman is in shape! We moved to the barre and began lifting our legs working on hips, butt and legs.  Burning doesn't even begin to describe the pain.  And all I can think about is how I am going to make it past one more rep.  But I do.  And I feel energized and exhilarated afterward. 

 I've done something positive for myself - my mind and my body.  And that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne.  Don't forget to hydrate, that class is a killer!

Summer travel, Packing...Lightly

Summer is around the corner and I can't wait.  Along with warm weather and late nights, summer often requires travel.  Vacations, college visits  sports trips and visits to family and friends keep many of us busy during the summer months.  These wonderful times require packing.  

I don't know how many of you are guilty of over-packing but that was my M.O. for most of my life, until I had my daughter.  Now I have to pack for myself and her.  And then carry hers and mine.  I've had enough!  I was determined to learn to pack in a more productive way.  I envied women who showed up with one carry on for a weekend away.  Meanwhile, I checked a suitcase.  A big one.  

This spring and summer we have a ton of weddings and family parties to attend.  It is a perfect time for me to develop my packing skills.  And I do believe it is a learned skill.  

These are my tips for packing and I hope they help you stress less and enjoy more!

1. Only pack things that do double duty.  What I mean is this - if you can't wear it or use it more than once, don't pack it!  This means you have to plan (a lot) in advance.  More on this in #3...
2. Be realistic - What will you actually wind up wearing? If you don't wear it at home you won't wear it on the road.  What activities will you participate in?  If you know you won't make it to the gym on vacay save space and don't pack the bulky sneakers.  Don't pack an evening dress for a casual beach trip.  Be realistic.  
3. Don't give yourself too many options.  'What if I don't want to wear that once I get there?' 'What if I have a fat day and can't wear that tight dress?'  If you only have one outfit for that day then you have to wear it.  To feel more confident and to avoid those questions I recommend that you plan out your outfits (down to the accessories) and try on your outfits before you leave in order to be sure you like the way they look.   

We went to a beach wedding in the Bahamas recently and although it was a quick trip I was determined to pack lightly. I looked up the weather for our weekend away and began planning.  

I needed a dress for the wedding, a dressier outfit for the rehearsal dinner, some beach wear for the rest of the trip and a travel outfit.  Obviously the two dressy outfits needed heels so I decided to choose outfits that could go with one pair of heels.  (This is where your wardrobe staples will come in handy!)  A pair of nude patent round-toe heels match almost anything so they paired perfectly with my peach top and sequin aztec skirt for the rehearsal dinner.  They also complemented the turquoise peplum dress I wore to the wedding.  Since those were the bulkiest shoes I brought, I wore them with white jeans, a blue and white button down tunic, a gray tee underneath and a fedora on the plane.  

Remember rule #1 - double duty?  That gray tee under my button down on the plane - well I used that as my pj tee shirt.  Paired it with a pair of sweat shorts and I was set.  I wore those white jeans from the first day on the plane on the way home with a v-neck lavender tee, my nude pumps, a black sweater and fedora.  I chose the black sweater because it matched everything I brought so I could throw it on at any time, in case I got cold...in the Bahamas??  You never know!

My casual wear was much easier.  Two pairs of shorts, one white, one denim and two cotton printed tanks.  

On to my beach gear.  I packed two bikinis, one black and one lavender that complemented each other and could be interchanged to create more than just two suits.  I packed one cover-up dress and used my blue and white button down tunic from the plane ride as another cover-up, one pair of grecian sandals and I wore my fedora as my sun hat.  

The grecian sandals weren't too dressy or casual, but just right, and could be used for any outfit.  I even put my sandals on halfway home after a long plane delay.  

Accessories like jewelry need to be kept simple - less is always more - and it needs to match most of what you have.  Because I was so good about packing my clothes I had a little extra room for jewelry (yay!).  A simple gold bangle, gold necklace and gold knot earrings (that I wear everyday anyway), along with mint green earrings were perfect for the rehearsal dinner.  Earrings are great to bring because they're small and they can change your whole look (if planned appropriately). I also brought some silver because the dress I wore to the wedding just had to have silver with it.  A simple silver cuff, bracelet and antique faux- diamond flower earrings (from my grandmother) gave just enough sparkle to my turquoise peplum dress.  

What about purses you say?  A purse within a purse always saves me.  I picked a straw black and cream bag for my casual days at the beach and inside it packed a hot pink clutch for my nights on the town.  I used the pink clutch as a wallet while we traveled.  It held my passport, money, and credit cards.  The best part is, there was still room in my straw bag for my phone, my book and a water.  

Lastly, I packed two extra tees that matched all my bottoms...just in case.  Spills, sweat, rips can all happen so I like to be prepared.  Throw in some toiletries (keep it minimal ladies!  Double duty - say it with me...) and you're done!    

All of this fit in a carry on.   

My next trip was an overnight to NY and I packed in a Louis Vuitton Speedy 30!  I was so proud of myself! (Still am).  I wore jeans, a tee, cardigan and flats.  I packed a tee, only essential make up, pj shorts (remember, use the first day's tee as a pj top) and my phone charger.  

My next challenge is a 5 day trip to Mexico for another wedding. I'll let you know how it goes!  

Learning to pack lightly is worth it.  Now I am the woman I used to envy - packing lightly and breezing through the airport.  And that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne.  

My Love Hate Relationship with Running

I actually enjoy exercise. I love it when I'm doing it, I love it after I do it.  It's the starting it that I'm bad at. I plan it.  I put it in my calendar like all those fitness magazines suggest, but for some strange reason it doesn't always come to fruition.  It seems that getting out the door proves much harder these days with a nine month old.  

It's so much easier to make excuses like "It's cold out" "It's too close to nap time," "Wouldn't it be more beneficial to my baby if I stayed home and played with her.  On a run she's just sitting in the stroller," or my personal go-to "I'll go when N. gets home from work.  It'll be 'me' time."  Despite the best intentions it is easy to let excuses get the best of you.  Especially if the only one you're making excuses to is yourself.  


Well today I got myself out the door to run.  Well let's be honest.  Jog.  Ok, I fibbed again.  Jog/walk.  Ok, now I feel better.  I'm a terrible liar.  Anyways, I managed to figure out the jogging stroller, popped the babe in it with a toy or two and out the door we went.  I began with the intention of walking, but after a few blocks of sunshine and after climbing the steepest hill in the neighborhood I decided I would just run a few blocks.  Downhill.  To get the feel for the stroller and to go easy on myself.  So I did.  

And you know what?  I wanted to keep going. And I did.  Until I was breathless and tired.  I stopped and resumed a few blocks later.  We even took a mini break for the swings at the toddler park.  Feeling proud of myself and healthy I decided to run the rest of the way home if I could.  

I ran most of it saying to myself "Just get to the end of this block."  And with each block I said "I'm not that tired, I can keep going."  Towards the end it was a struggle and I used the last block and a half home as my (walking) cool-down.  But I arrived home feeling pretty accomplished.  And wiped.  Really wiped.  I plopped the baby on the floor to play and I collapsed next to her breathing heavily, red-faced and sweaty.  The look she gave me could only have been "Mom, are you okay???"  I laughed and realized I should've eaten a healthier, more plentiful breakfast and drank way more water.  And those slutty brownies for dessert last night probably didn't help much either!  (If you haven't heard of these yet, you are seriously missing out on an ooey gooey, so-sweet-you-can-barely-stand-it, absolutely decadent dessert)

I wish it could be this easy all the time.  I am not, by nature, a runner.  Or a jogger for that matter.  I don't really find it all that enjoyable.  It's the being outside part that I like.  It's the not being able to breathe, aching legs, and the looking like a tomato that I could do without.  I've only done one 5K in my life and it was the best shape I was probably ever in.  I want to be one of those people who walks out into the beautiful sunshine and effortlessly goes for a 5 or 6 mile run.  A workout for which you need no gym, instruction or equipment.  Time to get your mood boosted, or at least that's how I feel after having spent time outdoors.  I know in order to get to be the 5 or 6 miler I need to lose the perfectionism and exercise patience (hehe exercise, get it?) for once.  I think it's probably time to reconcile my love hate relationship with running.

I have 34 days until my best friend's wedding (which is at the beach btw).  I'm hoping to lose the last seven to ten pounds (depending on the day) of baby weight during this time.  My goal isn't a certain distance or a certain amount of days (although 30 out of 34 would be nice...Ok, I'm supposed to lose the perfectionism for right now).  My goal then is to try to run for more days than I don't.  I want the amount of runs to outweigh the time spent on the couch or watching tv.  

Day one is complete.  Rain or cold, sun or wind I'm vowing to do this. But for now, let's just start with tomorrow.  Wish me luck!  
------------------------------------
(And for those of you wondering, I don't diet.  I tried and I can't - no self control.  I regulate portions, don't restrict what I eat, and I try to be active.  If I go crazy and eat five donuts in a day (I totally did this a few months ago) who cares?  I'll make up for it the next day and eat healthy and try to move a little more.  If it takes a little longer to lose the weight it's ok because I'm not in any danger health-wise, like having to lose weight for a specific reason like heart disease or diabetes.  I'm doing it so I feel comfortable in my own skin - and clothes.)

How do you all feel about running?  Anyone else love-hate it?

Bathing Suits A-Plenty!

The warmth of the sun kisses your face, you breathe in warm clean air (depending on where you live, LA you can pretend), birds chirp as a sultry breeze wafts over you.  Welcome to summer.  

It is on its way.  Are you ready? Mentally, you are.  Even your wardrobe might be ready.  However, many women overlook their bathing suit stockpiles, wearing the same few suits over and over. And over again.  

I have a bathing suit problem.  Although it is not quite what you'd expect.  I own close to 30 bathing suits.  I am truly a beach baby and over the years have managed to collect a ton of suits.  In my eyes this is no more a problem than having a ton of money.  That is to say, it's not a problem - unless of course you ask my husband.  I thankfully haven't grown in size much over the years so I still fit in that cute O'Neill suit from college.  And my Burberry suit that I splurged on.  Oh and the VS one with the heart cutout that you need to be really tan to wear and whose metal heart shaped cutout digs into your back as you sun, but worth every wear.  This poses a problem though when trying to convince others, namely my husband, that I need another suit. Luckily, the man above must've seen my dilemma and sent me a solution.  

I entered South Moon Under's Sink or Swim Instant Win contest on Facebook.  

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.blogspot.com

And guess what?  I won!!  I've never won anything in my life so I was super excited.  Not to mention that it was a prize as good as gold in my book!  I was able to choose from a bunch of suits and it was mailed to my door - for free.  What a company.  Thank you South Moon Under!!  I chose this little Trina Turk number. Isn't she gorg?? 

LOVE!  South Moon Under even sent a 'wet bathing suit' bag by Raisins (who make adorable suits btw - very SoCal).  And it was all wrapped so nicely.  What can be better than that?!

So this got me thinking.  Most people, women especially, dread bathing suit season, bathing suit shopping, and some even dread bathing suit wearing! So sad.  There's a world of suits out there to be had and they're waiting for you!  I'm here to help.  After all my years of bathing suit shopping, trying on, and ahem, buying, this is my guide to bathing suit shopping for all body types.  

General Rules

{Buy a suit that fits.}  Even if that means choosing different sizes for the top and bottom.  Or even if that means going up (or down) from your normal size.   A suit that's too large will hang and droop once wet, or can even be lost (!) in the ocean waves.  A suit that's too small will cut into your sides making you appear larger than you actually are.  I'm terrified of the latter so I tend to buy bottoms that are too large and am left hanging on to my suit for dear life with each successive ocean wave.  

{Get a tan.}  Tans instantly make you appear trimmer.  I recommend a faux glow just to be safe.    Sunspots are not pretty ladies and gents.  Trust me, I learned the hard way.  Womp womp.    

Victoria's Secret has a great tanning line (not to mention amazing suits). I prefer the Instant Bronzing Spray ($15) - spray it on and you have color immediately.  You control how light or how dark it is and you see it right away so as you rush out to the beach you can give yourself a spritz.  

Photo courtesy of ww.victoriassecret.com

Whether you are getting a faux glow in a salon or diy, feel free to contour yourself.  Get extra tanning solution sprayed around your abs and on the outside and inside of your thighs.  You are creating the illusion of abs and teeny weeny legs.  This will make it seem as if you have been working in the gym for months - without the sweat or hard work.

{Know your body}.  

{Large Chested}
You want to look like this...

Photo courtesy of www.victoriassecret.com

perky, pushed up, and scintillating - the correct way to wear a bandeau...

But you wind up looking like this....

Email me for the source, I don't want to embarrass anyone on the internet!

Fail. 

The difference between these two pictures is NOT the model or the size thereof.  It is NOT that one suit is a bikini and one is a tankini.  The difference lies in that the bottom picture clearly depicts a natural woman (not photoshopped) whose chest naturally droops.  

This bandeau becomes un-flattering as her chest sinks and flattens.  The ruffle and pattern only draw attention to this.  This type of suit is best left to the small-chested and the silicone chested.  

The same goes for most triangle tops.  You need support.  And it's okay.  There are still cute options, don't fear. 

The fix - Choose a halter or push up top with not too deep of a V and a lot of support.

Photo courtesy of www.leonisa.com

Support, solid color, halter = FLATTERING

Photo courtesy of www.DHgate.com 

LOVE this suit!  Underwire for maximum support, large band around the chest and back, and straps to keep everything perky and in place.  

My friends with large chests often feel as though they only have ugly suits from which to choose, but I think these last two are quite stylish no?  (If you prefer a tankini, keep the same rules)

{Small Chested}

Many people think it's easy for these girls to choose a suit and in some respects, I agree.  BUT, there are things small chested girls should be wary of.  For example, suits with strings that come up from the middle only serve to sag your chest in an outward, downward shape, while flattening at the same time.  Take a look....

Photo courtesy of www.butterfliesandbikinis.com

Photo courtesy of www.swimwearexpress.com

If they're already small do you really need them to look saggy too?  I think not. 

I think halters and tops with underwire are great for smaller chested girls.  Halters and underwires pull up, creating much needed volume. Bandeaus tend to flatten you out and that is really the opposite of what you need.  (Just a note - bandeaus look best on women with moderate sized chests.  Or the models.)

Photo courtesy of www.victoriassecret.com

Photo courtesy of www.victoriassecret.com

{Big Bottomed}

Whether it be your booty, your hips or both, just remember this rule...

The smaller the bottom, the larger your bottom will look.  And the more likely your bottom falls out (sorry for the pun, just had to!).  

A great option for you ladies with a lot of junk in the trunk are hipster bottoms or bottoms other than string such as regular bikini bottoms, or hipkinis.  Be careful with boy shorts.  They can often look saggy if they don't fit properly or at times can appear frumpy and may even make your bottom look larger (no!!!).  I think hipkinis, aka hipsters are the most flattering.  

Photo courtesy of www.victoriassecret.com

{No butt}
Watch for saggy butt in your bikini bottoms.  This happens most often in string bottoms.  Brazilian or cheeky bottoms are a good option for you.  Draw attention to your top half with color, details such as metal, ruffles, or sequins so no one notices your half-butt.  

Photo courtesy of www.google.com

{Love Handles}
Who named these anyway? I don't feel any love toward them or from them.  And I most certainly don't want my loved one grabbing me by them as the name suggests!  Nothing on my body should be referred to as a 'handle,' or muffin top for that matter, ugh.  I don't even like muffins.  But nonetheless, many of us have them.  What to do?  

You're going to think I'm nuts, but buy the suit that fits your HIPS and then alter the rest of the suit to snugly fit your butt.  You do it for pants and those cover WAY more of your body.  Why not for your bathing suit?  

Definitely avoid bottoms that are really low rise and go straight across your hips.  This will only serve to emphasize love handles and the infamous 'pooch' by which so many of us are plagued.

Photo courtesy of www.google.com

{Tummy}
If you're looking to camouflage your midsection tankinis, monokinis, and one-pieces are your best bet.  Your situation will determine which type of camoflaging you need.  

Tankini - To me these are 'mom suits' (and I refuse to wear one).  BUT if these are the suits that make you most comfortable find one in an updated, younger pattern.  Colorblocking is always classy and less frumpy.  Be sure it fits well.  I think the makers of tankinis tend to make the tops unsupported and very low cut to compensate for all the coverage elsewhere.  Drives me nuts.  

Photo courtesy of www.nordstrom.com

Monokinis - If you are just self-conscious but don't have much of anything to cover up, a monokini is a good choice. These often have cutouts and there's nothing worse than flabby skin seeping out of a cutout bathing suit so be sure to choose one that's flattering.

Photo courtesy of www.macys.com

One-Pieces - Be sure you know your measurements.  Despite being 5'2" (and a half!) my torso is quite long.  I cannot order petite one-piece swimwear otherwise I look like I'm wearing a bathing suit from 1985 where the leg opening comes halfway up my body and I'm constantly hiking the top part up.  

Speaking of the leg opening.  Beware.  If you have larger thighs a high cut may thin them out, whereas a lower cut that's more straight-across can make them look larger.  Also, turn around.  If the suit digs into your butt, thus giving you an extra butt outside the suit it's no good, move on!  And this is why I don't wear one-pieces.  

Too many things to worry about that aren't adjustable in the way I wear it.  

{Plus Size}
Unfortunately there aren't many options for you ladies (which is just wrong!) and many companies create these deep plunging necklines (a)assuming all plus size women have large chests - which they most certainly do not and (b)  to detract from problem areas such as the midsection or butt.  

A plus size women is often already self-conscious about being in a bathing suit, why make a suit that requires her to tug, pull and adjust her top the entire time?  Makes me mad.  

Jessica London, One Stop Plus, Old Navy and Lands End have some good plus size options.  

Here are some suits I love from Jessica London and One Stop Plus.

Photo courtesy of www.jessicalondon.com

Photo courtesy of www.jessicalondon.com

Photo courtesy of www.onestopplus.com

Photo courtesy of www.onestopplus.com

Photo courtesy of www.onestopplus.com

Photo courtesy of www.onestopplus.com

My personal fav,

Photo courtesy of www.onestopplus.com

Anyway...

-Look for suits that have a higher neckline.  
-Ruching is your best friend.  Any suit that pulls the material diagonally to one side or vertically will create the illusion of a smaller waist.  
-Thick straps help to support you and are in proportion to a larger frame. Skinny straps on a bigger body just make it look, well, bigger.  
-Don't feel you need to be plain and just blend into the background.  Choose a suit that matches your personality and rock it with confidence.  

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*Just Remember* It's all in how you carry yourself.  If you need a security blanket, splurge on a fancy cover up and rock that suit proudly.    

~And that my friends is worth a glass of champagne!~ 

    

  

Mom Valet!

Guys, I just discovered the coolest mom-tastic-thing ever!  Now I know we try to feed our kids healthy, nourishing food.  However sometimes the fried goodness calls to you saying, "I'm fast and easy.  And delicious..."  

If you've ever gone to a fast food restaurant with your kids only to juggle the ordering, carrying the food and wrangling the kids, Chick-Fil-A has your solution.  Are you ready? Mom Valet.  Yes, you heard that right.  What exactly is it you ask?  Well loyal readers, read on.

No, the cow doesn't park for you.  It's better.  You simply place your order in the drive through line (including requests for highchairs, placemats, condiments and sauces), pay, and park.  When you enter Chick-Fil-A with those little ones a table is set like a beacon in the night with your name on it, fully set up with food, highchairs, condiments and sauces leaving you to ENJOY a meal with the kiddos.  

No chasing kids while trying to order, or balancing the food while restraining the energetic ones trying to get to the play area.  No settling the kids only to leave and run back and forth between the condiments, napkins and straws while the kids wreck havoc at the table.  Or worse yet, while the kids abandon the table for the play room.  

This isn't yet available at all Chick-Fil-As but check your local store for a sign indicating that they participate.  

This couldn't be easier and I'm sure competitors will follow suit soon enough (I hope!).  

This my friends is worth a glass of champagne....or two.  Now if only Chick-Fil-A would serve up some champagne...