Happy Frenchie Friday everyone! I hope you all have a relaxing weekend....Stella's started already;)
Does Your Bra Fit?
Ok ladies, this is a really important conversation to have: UNDERGARMENTS! Does your bra fit? Statistics say that most women are wearing the wrong size bra. What you thinkyour bra size is and what your bra size actually is....is two very different things.
I know this because I was wearing the wrong size bra for decades. I even got measured at Victoria's Secret once...I questioned whether I was in the right size because it never seemed quite right. She measured me and confirmed my size as the same. What I learned from that experience is don't get measured at Victoria's Secret because I continued to wear the wrong size. (Maybe I just got the wrong salesperson, because I happen to like Victoria's Secret.)
One of my very best friends surprised me about a year ago and took me to a boutique called "For the Girls" to get professionally sized! Well, from that day forward, my life changed. I can't believe it took me this long to find out I was that far off on my size! I wore a 34B forever. She sized me at a 32D. I'm not a noticeably big breasted woman, so I said NO WAY! But here's the thing ladies....it's just a number, and when it fits, it fits! Your undergarments shape your clothes and can make such a huge difference in how you look when you find your correct size.
It was such an amazing experience. She was so nice, knowledgeable, and covered all the bases. Once she got us in the right size, she showed us everything. Comfortable T-shirt bras, sexy bras, soft bras, workout bras...really educated us. Then she put me in the bra. She told me that this bra was featured on Dancing With The Stars.Well, I could see why, this bra made me feel like dancing around too! It was the prettiest bra I'd ever tried on and made of thin memory foam. She said, "Every woman needs a bra like this...because if you're having a bad day, this is the kind of bra you can put on and walk around your house with a glass of wine, and instantly feel better...it's that pretty." This is the Le Mystere Isabella bra in the picture above. I couldn't believe a bra could look that great on me! Trust me ladies, getting sized can boost your confidence. You'll look so much better...and feel so much better when you're in a bra that fits.
I was never excited to go bra shopping before....but now that I know my correct size, it's enjoyable! So where do you start? If you can find a boutique that specializes in this, great. If not, go to the nearest Nordstrom. I'm sure any higher end department store would have the same free service, but I've been to Nordstom recently for sizing, and they were just as knowledgable as the boutique. They said you should actually get sized every six months, because your size can change from time to time. Mine did...again! The next thing you need to know is you will be getting undressed in front of another woman. She is going to come right in that dressing room with you and help you into every bra. Trust me, it's not embarrassing so just get over it.
This process will help you also find out which brands work best for you. This is important because quality bras aren't cheap. Here's what I do... I go get fitted for free, find some bras that I like, buy at least one from them, then go look for bras online where they may have better deals. That's how I got that Dancing With The Stars bra, I got it later on Amazon for half the price as it was in the boutique!
There are all different price points for bras. I'm not going to get into the really high end brands like La Perla, because I don't believe in breaking the bank for underwear. If I'm going to splurge, it will be on shoes. But there are some higher end brands out there if you choose. It's mostly about finding your correct size, then try on different brands to see what works for you. I happen to like Le Mystere, Natori, Cosabella, Chantelle and Simone Perele.
Another thing I learned is that you should be keeping "the girls" supported all the time! I know how comfortable going bra-less can be...but we shouldn't be doing this, even when we sleep! Get yourself some non-underwire, soft bras to wear around the house. I like Cosabella, they're not too tight, just comfortable...this is the Never Say Never bralette...
This brand isn't cheap, so a great way to get what you love at a great price is to keep your eye on sites like Gilt.com. They have lingerie sections that feature this brand at a discount all the time! Their underwear is the best...the only comfortable thong I've found. They have 3-packs on Gilt.com all the time at a discount!
Another thing to think about is sleepwear. Get rid of the over-sized T-shirts ladies! Wear something that supports you, even when you're sleeping and it will help with not sagging as you age;) Cosabella and Natori have some beautiful, comfortable baby doll type nighties like this... (Your significant other will thank you too.) Again, you don't have to pay full price if you keep your eye out for deals online!
When it comes to working out, you don't have to succumb to the "uni-boob" with those smashing sports bras! Brands like Panache have some great looking sports bras that keep you looking great while keeping you supported as you run and jump around!! There are also some great fitness brands out there that keep you supported!
Also, don't forget the other undergarments.... Spanx! There are so many brands out there today, it's important to have the correct slips and shapewear that is sometimes necessary. You know what I'm talking about ladies. Shapewear has changed. It used to be kind of shameful, like that scene in "St. Elmo's Fire" when Rob Lowe feels it and says "What's THAT? Scuba gear?" Horrible! Everyone should own shapewear in my opinion because it can make you look better in clothes. They even make it for men nowadays! Shapewear can boost your confidence hugely when worn correctly! Give it a try, you won't regret it.
Ok, the last thing I'll discuss is taking care of your new fancy investments! It's important to wash your delicates often because the oils from your skin can damage the elastic and fabric. Washing more often will actually make them last longer. Hand wash and use a quality product made for your delicates. I love this one that I found that works with enzymes and doesn't even have to be rinsed completely....it's very safe.
Have fun with this and your confidence can skyrocket! Get your basics first...Nudes and blacks. NOT white, it will show more than nude underneath light colors. (I learned this the hard way. I will never forget walking into a bar with "black lights", seeing my white bra GLOW like it was all I had on...I was mortified.) Once you have your basics....venture into some new territory and see what it does for your self-esteem! Get some bright colors and sexy lingerie...even if it's just for you. Maybe you'll be wearing jeans and a black T-Shirt, but only you will know that you have an extremely sexy red bra underneath! Do this for you, you're beautiful and you're worth it! Does your bra fit? GO GET SIZED!! I just saw this in a magazine....perfect!...
Frenchie Friday - Happy Halloween!
Happy Frenchie Friday everyone! It's an extra special one....it's HOWLOWEEN!!! I have always loved Halloween and love dressing up! The last few years I haven't dressed up, so I'm very excited that we have a party to go to tonight! As soon as I found out we were going to dress up...I knew exactly what I wanted to be. Jack Skellington and Sally!
I have always been obsessed with Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, I watch it every Halloween. It's just not Halloween for me until I see the original Halloween movie....and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Well, if you are familiar with the movie, Jack Skellington has a ghost dog named "Zero"! So to stick with our theme around here today, Stella gets to be "Zero".
We were told to bring a couple bottles of wine to the party....so I found some fun printable labels from the Nightmare Before Christmas and I'm going to choose a couple of Sally's potions to put on the bottles....
I'll post pictures of our costumes over on Instagram, so don't forget to follow us over there...since we're not dressed up yet....but here's a preview...
Have a fun and safe HALLOWEEN everyone!! Hopefully the rain will let up around here for all those trick-or-treaters!
Green Chicken
I just had to try this recipe for "Fiona's" Green Chicken out of the Nom Nom Paleo cookbook...it looked so interesting!! I'm sure glad I did, it's so different from any other marinade I've had before! This green chicken marinade is made from all fresh ingredients and it smells amazing. It's a Thai-inspired, green herb marinade...that can be used on more than just chicken!
You will need:
- 1 medium sweet onion, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 1/4 cups packed fresh basil
- 1 cup packed fresh cilantro (leaves and stems)
- 1/4 cup packed fresh mint
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/4 cup Paleo-friendly fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple juice
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Finely grated zest from 1 medium lime
- 3 pounds skin-on chicken drumsticks or thighs
- 2 limes, cut into wedges (used when serving)
Do this....
- In a blender, puree the onion, basil, cilantro, mint, garlic, fish sauce, apple juice, Alepppo pepper (or red pepper flakes), black pepper, and lime zest. The mixture should be thick and smooth, with no chunks. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
- Place the chicken in a gallon size zip-top bag. Pour in the marinade and squeeze out the air in the bag before sealing. Marinade the chicken in the refrigerator for at least one hour and up to one day.
- Take the chicken out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking so it can come up to room temperature. Remove the chicken from the bag.
- If oven roasting: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F with the rack in the middle position. Then place a wire rack atop a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the rack, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the bird (ha!) midpoint.
- If grilling: Arrange the marinated chicken on a medium-hot grill and cook for about 25 minutes, turning every 5 to 7 minutes.
- The chicken's ready when the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees or when juices run clear. Serve with lime wedges.
YUM! Enjoy this recipe from Nom Nom Paleo!! I LOVE that cookbook because you learn to expand your Paleo lifestyle with some different flavors! I served it with roasted Brussel Sprouts. (By clicking on the link, you can see how I make mine;)
Frenchie Friday - Stella got her first BarkBox!
Stella is having a very Happy Frenchie Friday today....she received her very first BarkBox! How exciting! She loves opening packages...
This BarkBox is a Halloween one! Since she's a Bully, she's not scared;) It was all packaged so cute...
She found her favorite right away, the blue fishbone squeaker toy!!...she pulled it out of the box very carefully, then ran away with it to check it out on her own for a moment...before heading back to see what else she got.
This one is so cool, the Ghost toy. She went crazy for the noise it makes....it sounds crinkly like paper! She took it and shook it!!
So what all was in the BarkBox? She got those two really nice toys. She also got a box of chicken livers healthy treats for small dogs, by Bistro Bites. She got a big bag of Green Bark Gummies treats(small bites) for skin, coat and fresh breath with chia!...with no artificial flavors, wheat, corn, soy, sugar or gluten. She got a short Bully Stick....these make her really "gaggy" when she chews them, so she'll give that to a friend to enjoy;) She also got a 12 inch premium Crunchy Duck Chew.
It came with a guarantee, if your pup doesn't like something in the box...they'll replace it! Wow, that's service!
It came with a card that explains exactly what's in the box...and if your pup really really likes something and you want to order more, it gives you a convenient reorder code.
I think "Stella" is going to like being a pupscriber!! Thanks BarkBox for sending Stella a special Happy "Howl-O-Ween" box of goodies! Wishing you all a Happy Frenchie Friday!
To find out how your dog could be a pupscriber....visit BarkBox.com
Why I didn't get married until I was 38 years old
I read an article today that really resonated with me. A woman wrote a controversial article about marriage that many people are commenting on. Many people don't agree with what she wrote....but I do. I'll share it with you in a moment...
When I was in my 20's and 30's I honestly could count on one hand how many happy couples I knew. Those couples that truly loved each other, respected and supported each other, were honest with each other, were passionate with each other, shared their lives together as a team....that you just knew would grow old together. I started thinking it was a rare thing to find.
But why do we, as women, still want to get married so bad? I know there are exceptions...but most do. Sometimes so bad that we are willing to forego...sacrifice even...some things that are necessary for a truly happy marriage. We then wonder why we end up disappointed...
I say this because it happened to me....well, it almost happened to me. I got caught up in the hype. I got engaged at 27 years old. It became about "getting married" that excited me. I got a gorgeous dress. The country club was reserved. The band was booked. The bridal shower was given. Gifts were received. The invitations were sent! I was one month away from walking down the aisle....when something hit me like a ton of bricks. I had planned the perfect wedding. I had not planned the perfect marriage. I knew in that moment....If I get married to this man, I will get divorced.
This is not a good feeling. I thought I was stuck. I thought it was too late. How could I possibly stop this now?? It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life, but I stopped it. In the most tactful way I could, I called it off. I felt like people weren't going to understand. I felt like people were going to be so upset with me. Guess what happened? I got so much support...even from his family who I was extremely close to. In the end...it was the best decision I ever made.
That experience made me realize I was stronger than I thought I was. I realized I wasn't going to settle. I learned to love myself. I got to know myself. I decided what I wanted in my life and started making changes in that direction. I started reading books about the Law of Attraction. I decided it was more important for me to be happy than to be married. I became just fine on my own.
When I was 31 I met the man I'd been waiting for my whole life. I actually shouldn't say it like that...because I wasn't "waiting" for him anymore. I believe he came into my life once I put out into the universe what I truly wanted and was happy regardless. This was a man I would marry.
This brought me into a new scenario I hadn't thought of before. What if I found a man I would marry....but he didn't want to marry me? He loved me. He was committed to me. We were happy. We had everything that I would want from a marriage, even a ring...but we didn't have that piece of paper. I could understand why. He had been married before and he said he never wanted to get married again...it had given him a run for his money...literally, and I could understand that. At first, I wasn't sure I liked it, but I came to terms with it. I didn't want kids of my own and I had made the decision to be happy...and I was. I could leave just with hopes of getting married someday...or stay with the man of my dreams. It became an easy decision to stay.
We lived seven happy years this way. I never brought up marriage again. We lived together and I was helping him raise his two sons which became such a light in my life because I love both my stepsons so much. I can't imagine my life without them. It was actually quite perfect.
One day, on my birthday, I got the surprise of my life. He proposed to me. I was honestly shocked. I started to cry with joy before I could even say yes. Of course, I was elated, but not because I was getting married...but because I was marrying him. Knowing how much it meant for him to come to that decision on his own meant so much more than any wedding. We got married five months later. A small wedding of only 35 people. It was the perfect day.
I love that it happened this way for us. It was worth the wait. I knew with all my heart that he wanted to marry me. I believe that we'd still be together even if we hadn't married. We are together because we want to be, not because we have to be. We married for the right reasons. I believe a foundation like that can stand the test of time. Marriage takes work. You have to treasure it and never take it for granted.
We spend a lot of time with some couples that are truly happy. When we are with them, there is no gossip, there is no drama, there is none of that. It's such a positive environment and I'm so grateful to have people in my life that bring us up, rather than bring us down.
I sometimes wonder what would've happened if I would've made a different decision all those years ago...I may have been married, but I wouldn't have been happy. By finding the strength to fight for my happiness then... I now get to have both. I am so grateful for that.
I hope you take the time to read this article by Brooke Hampton that inspired me to write this blog post and tell my story... here is my favorite part:
Spin solo until you are in perfect harmony with source and are able to create magic alone. Then you can, if you choose, attract someone who can spin along side you. The result is two beautiful souls who are spinning separately, but in perfect harmony... that's where magic happens!
For the complete article click"Don't Marry Your Soul Mate" by Brooke Hampton
