Holiday Swimwear – How to Choose Swimwear
If you’re planning on a beach holiday this year, then you’ll probably want to buy some new swimwear. Here is a summary of the different types of swimwear available together with some hints and tips to help you choose the right item for you.
Types of Swimwear – Swimsuits
Traditional one-piece swimsuits are still are popular option and you’ll find a wide range of different designs to choose from.
The type of swimsuit that will suit you will depend on your body shape. If you are a classic pear shape (with small shoulders and a wider waist), for example, a swimsuit with a halterneck can help to draw attention to the top half of your body and therefore look more flattering, whereas if you are an “apple” shape (with board shoulders and a smaller waist), a swimsuit with a high neck line can help to draw attention towards your waist, making your figure look more balanced. If you are slim and want to create the effect of having more curves, opt for a swimsuit with cut-out sections or a belt at the waist.
It’s also important to choose a swimsuit in a colour that suits you. If you’re already fairly tanned, a brightly coloured swimsuit will show your tan off effectively, whilst a dark coloured swimsuit will look better on people without a tan. If you are slender, swimsuits with all-over patterns can look great, but if you are looking for a swimsuit that has a slimming effect, choose a plain, darker coloured swimsuit.
Types of Swimwear – Bikinis
Bikinis have been popular ever since Bridgette Bardot wore one in the 1957 movie “And God Created Woman”, and you can now buy bikinis in many different styles. You can buy bikini sets, but you can also buy separate bikini tops and bikini briefs, so you should be able to find a bikini that suits your body shape perfectly.
You can buy underwired bikini tops for additional support, for example, or padded bikini tops to help you to create more shape. If you want a less revealing and sportier bikini top, you could try a bikini crop top. Bikini briefs also come in a range of styles, including hipster briefs, which look great on women with long legs, and tie briefs, which you can adjust to fit you.
Types of Swimwear – Tankinis
The tankini is a modern addition to swimwear and consists of a short, sleeveless top and bikini bottoms. Tankinis are less revealing than bikinis, so are great for women who aren’t confident about showing off their bodies, and the two-piece design also means that they can be more practical than a swimsuit. As with swimsuits and bikinis, tankinis are available in a range of styles. You can choose from a number of different styles of tankini tops, including halterneck, underwired and sports-style tops, and the range of tankini briefs available includes high leg, low leg, and low rise briefs, together with plain briefs or briefs which feature detail such as ties or rings.
Other Types of Beachwear
Once you have chosen your new swimsuit, bikini or tankini, you might find that you want some other beachwear to go with it. Kaftans or beach dresses, for example, are perfect for covering up with after your swim, and are both practical and stylish. Beach trousers or holiday shorts are great for wearing on your journey to and from the beach.
You can buy swimwear, beachwear and lingerie from a number of online retailers offering a great range of swimsuits, bikinis, tankinis, kaftans, beach dresses, shorts and beach trousers.
Buying a Swimsuit: A Guide for Women of all Shapes and Sizes
It is the time of the year that every woman dreads – Swimsuit season! No matter what size a women is, she probably panics over picking out a swimsuit and worries that it fits her figure well. Of course, every woman wants to accent her best features while minimizing her weak spots in any clothing, but this is especially true in swimsuits.
Swimsuits are so revealing, there is very little margin for error when trying to choose the right one. All women want a swimsuit that looks good on them, but if they are going to be spending a lot of time in the water over the summer, then comfort is also important. Here are a few tips and hints you can follow that will make your swimsuit shopping much less stressful.
Large Busts
Woman with large busts should find a swimsuit that fully supports them. The best swimsuits for that are ones with halter-tops or molded under wire cups to keep everything in place. A swimsuit with the additional strap across the back, along the bust line, also provides additional support. Women with an inverted shape (their top is wider than their hips), should choose a two-piece with a skort or shorts. This will help balance their top and bottom, making them look more proportional.
Large Hips and Thighs
A woman with a large rear end should look for swimsuits with boy cut bottoms. This helps hide your rear but also looks cute and is comfortable. The skirted bikini bottoms are also cute – giving a hint of your legs, but still hiding your rear end. Avoid the skimpy bikini briefs at all costs! For the top, you can also choose something that is catchy and brightly colored. This will draw attention upwards away from your rear end. Again, avoid horizontal stripes, as they will make your rear look even larger than it actually is, although diagonal stripes might create a more flattering illusion.
Curvy women should consider the tankini. The tankini is a two-piece swimsuit with a top that resembles a tank top. With it, you can pair the hipster bottoms. These cool looking bottoms provide far more support for your curves than the traditional bikini bottoms. You may also want to try on one of the one piece swimsuits with cutouts on the sides. This can have a slimming effect while still showing off your curves.
Larger Belly
If you have a large stomach, you should stick to a one-piece suit. However, if you really want a two-piece, look for one of the halter-tops that fall over the waist of your bikini bottoms. This not only hides your stomach, but also helps elongate your body, making you appear taller and thus slimmer. You may also want to check to see if the store has a swimsuit that offers tummy control. A printed suit will also take the focus away from your stomach and make you look slimmer.
Plus Size Swimsuits
Large women probably have the hardest time picking out a swimsuit. If you are overweight, you are probably self-conscious enough when choosing regular clothes, but do not let this discourage you from enjoying some fun in the sun. Stick to dark colors like navy blue and black to help make you look slimmer. Avoid a swimsuit with horizontal stripes, as that gives the optical illusion that you are wider than you actually are. Spandex is a good choice for swimsuit cloth because it stretches, but it is very important that you get the right size swimsuit. Do not try to squeeze into a swimsuit that is two sizes too small for vanity reasons. Picking the appropriate size will always look better on you. Many stores let you mix and match tops and bottoms, so if you are top heavy or bottom heavy, you can make sure you get the correct size for each section. Remember that swimsuits usually run smaller than regular clothes, so you may have to set a size or two larger than you normally wear.
The most important thing for you to know when purchasing a new swimsuit is to know what works best for your features. And, don’t purchase the first suit you try on unless you just really love it. Take several in the dressing room with you and see which one looks best. It may even help to take along a friend to give you an honest opinion of how it looks.
Jessica Valentine is a successful writer and publisher interested in women’s apparel providing valuable tips and advice on finding sexy lingerie, lingerie fit, and lingerie buying guides for men. Read her most recent report, “Styles To Make You Look Like a Lingerie Model”.
Camping 101 – 8 Tent Camping Tips For Beginners
I love to be outdoors and relish being surrounded by nature. When I rest my head on the floor of my tent, I feel safe and peaceful. When I see a deer, a snake or a bear, I feel joy and connection. Not everyone shares my comfort level. Last summer I took a good friend camping. She had never been camping before. While I’m the type of gal who mows her own yard, uses power tools regularly, and could probably fix my car in an emergency, my friend Carol lives in a condo, has her nails and hair done twice a month and typically has some macho guy in her life. I was shocked when Carol asked to go camping with me, but welcomed her company. Our trip went surprisingly well and here are a few tips that may help.
1. Prepare by doing some on line research. See what the camping area is like. Pick a pretty camping area that’s close to home and not too isolated. Check out temperatures, wildlife, recreational opportunities and any known dangers. If there is any wildlife in the area that could pose a threat, such as a poisonous snake or bear, find out how to identify the animal and what to do if you see one. Most likely, if you camp in a populated area, you will not see any wildlife other than the guys next door.
2. Easy does it. If you are going with seasoned campers, insist your first trip is a very short. I’d recommend an overnight trip for your first experience. If possible pick a camp site within a two hour drive from home. Also, insist that you are not included in any athletic marathon-type actives. Take a hike, but keep it less than 2 miles. If you feel like doing another hike later, select another hike less 2 miles. 2 miles in the woods is much more vinous than 2 miles at the gym.
3. Keep an open mind. You never know how you will feel surrounded by nature. Some people feel like they are born for the first time. Other people struggle with panic attacks and cut their trip short. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable remind yourself this trip will end soon, do some deep breathing and see what you can discover for the rest of your trip. It’s very common with new campers, to experience joy, boredom, fear, and excitement.
4. Pack light but bring a variety of clothes to deal with heat and cold. Be prepared to let vanity go. Pack a swimsuit (even if you hate how you look in it), a warm outfit (like a sweat suit or a fleece outfit), a cool outfit (shorts and a tank top), and comfortable walking shoes.
5. Select and pack other items for comfort and safety. You’ll need a warm sleeping bag and pillow, a portable mat to place under your sleeping bag, drinking water (check with campsite), a working flashlight, toothbrush, personal hygiene products, bug spray or wipes with DEET, and food. Many campgrounds have lists of recommended items to pack. I like to carry a small pocket knife, a first aid kit, dental floss or a small rope, and a small handheld product called a screacher (this is great to use if you get lost in the woods).
6. Pack a few items to occupy your mind. Bring a comfortable chair and something non-electric so you can keep your mind busy. Books, magazines or crossword puzzles are good. It’s also fun to bring an outdoor game, like lawn darts or croquette. Many first time campers are not used to having so much free time and often struggle with boredom, unless their prepared.
7. Don’t take a solo trip. If you are single and want to try camping for the first time, try to connect with a group in your area. Many sporting stores know of well respected camping groups. If possible, always go with an experienced camper.
8. Take care of yourself. If you and your camping party get scared during the night, sleep in the car with the windows slightly cracked, doors locked and your keys in the ignition. That way everyone can get some sleep, but you don’t have to cut your trip short. If you get scared and your friends are not, tell someone you’re sleeping in the car, lock the car doors and crack the windows, but make sure your friends have the car keys so they can come to the car if needed. Most people learn to love sleeping in a tent, but others feel very vulnerable. Sometimes it’s nice to sleep in the car if you don’t feel secure in a tent.
There is nothing like the peace of laying in a tent, and listening to crickets and other wildlife as I drift off to sleep. Tent camping is a wonderful, inexpensive hobby. But, it’s not for everyone. If you like camping but want a comfortable bed at the end of the day, book a reservation at a state or national park. Many of them have affordable rustic cabins or hotel rooms that have great access to nature.
Kate Garvey is a former Vet Tech and animal rights supporter. She teaches Sound Healing Workshops (throughout the US) and treats clients by appointment in the San Diego area. For more information on how you can use sound for optimal health please visit http://www.InstituteOfSoundHealing.com
Kate is also a freelance writer, published author, and the author of several books; “Aging, Death and Euthanasia-A Guide for People with Pets”, “Summer Pet Care Tips”, and “The Low Risk Guide for Real Estate Investment.”
Guide To Buying The Best Swimsuit According To Your Body Type
Today the options are varied when you step out to buy swimwear. There is a large variety available in shades, prints, designs that you end up being confused. The rule of thumb is comfort first with fashion and trends featuring second in the list of priorities. Very often women tend to be so impressed by models with well toned bodies that they try to squeeze themselves into an ill fitted swimwear to imitate them. This makes them uncomfortable and the sense of low esteem speaks aloud from their persona. Every individual is uniquely gifted and must respect one’s own individuality. For designer fashion swimwear from most renowned designers including Gottex, Anne Cole, Ralph Lauren, Vix, Juicy, DKNY and many more, Swimsale.com is one stop shop.
Feel good to look good is the latest buzzword. If your swimwear is comfortable enough, the confidence will definitely sparkle in your eyes and everyone you meet will be attracted to you. There’s no single size that fits all owing to the different physical stature and shape of different individuals. You can be your best critic or seek a friend’s help while selecting a swimwear that gels well with your personality. The best swim suit is the one that flaunts your finer points while concealing the not so great ones. Check out our sure shot guide which will ensure a smooth sailing while settling on swimwear:
Halter-tops or molded under wire cups are suitable for those with full bust
Woman with full breasts should look for a swimsuit that supports them nicely. One alternative is to wear a bathing suit or two-piece that sports one color on the top and another on the bottom. The most suitable swimsuits will be the ones with halter-tops or molded under wire cups to keep everything in place. An additional strap across the back, along the bust line for additional support is also a great idea. This will give them a more proportionate look.
However, if you have a small bust area, go for a padded bikini top and try enhancing your bottom area with nicely detailed bottoms. Use same pattern for top and bottoms.
Boy cut bottoms for those with fuller bottom
Boy cut bottoms will minimize the large hips and give an illusion of proportionate rear end. Apart from being comfortable, they look really cute. Avoid the revealing bottoms that will make you uncomfortable. Bright colors for the top are a nice treat for the eyes. That will help in drawing attention from your rear end. Diagonal prints will do the job for you.
Wear one piece swimsuits to hide a large tummy
For the ones with a large belly, one piece suit is the way to go to create a just right kind of impression. Printed swimwear takes away the focus from your belly and gives an optical illusion of a slimmer you. Halter suits too are a great bet in hiding your belly and creating an elongation effect.
Go for tankini if you have a curvy figure.
If you are curvy, a tankini swimsuit top with hipster bottoms would suit the best. Hipster bottoms won’t add to your curves and will be just right. One piece swimsuits with strategic cutouts on the sides might also fit well.
Pick a right plus size swimsuit to look sexy
With the right type of swimsuits full figured women can also look beautiful and sexy. Swim wear with horizontal stripes is a big no. Go in for swim suits that offer an option of mix and match so as to create an impression of well defined curves. As for the colors, do stick to dark shades that tend to create a slimmer look. One-piece bandeau will do wonders for a full figure. A hint of sexiness with the semi exposed upper part of the body will make heads turn at the beach or by a pool side.
With a wide variety of swimwear styles available at http://www.swimsale.com/ , you can now look sexy and glamorous yet comfortable while taking a plunge into the pool or by the beach side. Swim Sale also offers large variety of exquisite fashion swimwear designs ideal for fashion shows and modeling events. Check out http://www.swimsale.com/ now for the latest and trendiest swimwear styles at affordable rates.
Guide to buying the best swimsuit according to your body type article is written by Jan Wolkov, for more info visit: http://www.swimsale.com/
One Piece Swimsuits – 3 Top Designs to Slim Your Figure
It is that time of year again. It is time to start thinking about going to the beach or to the pool to soak up some sun and enjoy the water. It is also time to revisit your old bathing suit to see if you will need new stylish one piece swimsuits for the summer. If you are a full figured woman, there is no need to become anxious over the thought of having to hide at the beach. Today there are many plus size swimsuits available for you, and if you know a few tricks, you too will be able to have fun hanging poolside this summer.
Here are three of the top choices you can make when buying a swimsuit to ensure your full figure is accented in beauty.
#1 If you chose a suit that fits you like a “bag,” fluffing out at the waist, then you’ve made the wrong choice. Chose a fit that flatters your natural curves instead of fights them! Many times, women with full figures will purchase a one piece swimsuit that does not fit their body shape, which is usually an hour-glass shape.
The right one-piece swimsuit will have a nice fitting waist, and may even have a horizontal line just under the bust line to accentuate a flat tummy and hide any bumps. A plus size swimdress may be an option, but be sure that the dress part of it is either attached to the suit, or is a lay-over; other wise, the dress will float up on you when you get in the water, exposing parts of you that you wanted covered in the first place.
#2 Chose an underwire swimsuit. By choosing a swimsuit with a built-in underwire, you will be assured that your bust is fully supported and contained. A plus sized swimsuit should be designed for the complete full figured woman who wants to feel comfortable and confident about her bust line. The neck line of the top adds to this, but the best choice may be different for each woman. Be sure to try on a few to see if a V-neck or straps better slim your figure.
#3 Patterns and colors! Many times, a pattern or color can totally override your natural curves and beauty. A basic black one piece swimsuit is always a good choice. Look for simple gold or white piping around the neck line, or even some simple black lace to give an feminine appearance. If splashy colors are your thing, consider a black background with a single, large, brightly colored floral pattern in the center of the suit. This will still “side-shear”, giving you the appearance of having an even more shapely figure.
These are the top three features of a perfect slimming one piece swimsuit: Chose the right fit with the appropriate bust support, choose an underwire swimsuit or swimdress, and chose the right color and pattern for you. That’s it. By making these choices, you will not only be comfortable at the beach, but you will have confidence that you look your best. Make summer fun by making sexy, slenderizing swimwear choices!
Order my favorite one piece swimsuit, the Miraclesuit Escape or check out the new designed Miraclesuit swimwear collection at Plus-Size-Swimwear-Store.com
Family Feud – A Fun Game For Children Too
I was asked by Camp Med, a licensed day care program and summer camp sponsored by the City of South Pasadena, to give a presentation to our campers about the upcoming Summer Olympics, as I would be leaving for Beijing shortly to work on the Games. I thought if I just talk and the kids just listen, it could get kind of boring. So instead, I proposed an Olympic Family Feud.
The campers were divided into 4 groups. The winning group would each receive a prize. The way it worked is that I would ask a question and give one specific group a chance to respond. Unlike television Family Feud where only one person can participate, here anyone from the group could chip in. The team leader would then try to write down the best answer. If the answer was wrong, the question would move to the next group. If one group was noticeably weaker, they would get the easier questions.
What struck me is how engaged the kids got. You could see the wheels turning. They started thinking. They wanted to give the right answer. They wanted to win. They were having fun and so were the other counselors.
The questions asked required different skills, memory, reasoning and also listening (to what I had talked about throughout the summer). Due to the internet, it was very easy to come up with questions as multiple trivia, kids and information sites exist.
When I returned from the Olympics, the kids were very interested about my experience. It was as if the Olympic Family Feud had opened the door for them to be aware and interested in the Olympics. The event was such a success that we are following it up with a Halloween Family Feud. For Halloween Family Feud, more jokes and questions with an element of levity will be included. And there will be more questions that our younger kids can answer.
Attached are the questions (with answers) to both Family Feuds:
Olympic Family Feud
1. Where am I going tomorrow?
China
2. The J in Beijing, how is it pronounced?
As a z
3. How far away is Beijing from Los Angeles?
6300 miles
4. China is the 3rd largest country in the world. What is the largest country in the world?
Russia
5. What is the second largest country in the world?
Canada
6. Which country is expected to win the most medals at the Summer Olympics?
China
7. Where was the last Olympics?
Turin, Italy
8. Which country won the most medals at the Winter Olympics in Italy?
Germany (29)
9. The US won the second most medals. How many medals did the US win in Italy?
25
10. Who is shooting to win 8 Gold Medals and what sport is he in?
Michael Phelps, Swimming
11. Dara Torres is on the US Olympic Swimming team. How old is she?
41
12. Why have so many Swimming world records been recorded in the last couple of months?
The swimsuit: Speedo’s LZR Racer.
13. What women’s sport will no longer be in the Olympics after this year?
Softball
14. Why are some of the athletes not going to Opening Ceremonies?
To avoid the air pollution
15. What kind of work do I do at the Olympics?
Ticketing
16. Name this famous person I gave Olympic tickets to in Korea in 1988? Clue 1; He lives in California and is over 50. Clue 2: He’s been in science fiction movies. Clue 3: He received weightlifting tickets.
Arnold Schwarzennegger
17. Name this famous person I gave Olympic tickets to in Spain in 1992. Clue 1: He lives in California and is over 60. Clue 2: He was in 1 of the batman movies. Clue 3: He received basketball tickets.
Jack Nicholson
18. How many Olympics have I worked on?
11
19. Name a summer Olympic event that many find better to watch on tv than see in person?
Gymnastics, diving, water polo
20. Where will the next Olympics be?
Vancouver Canada
21. What year?
2010
22. What country did the Olympic Games originate over 2700 years ago?
Greece
23. As a 12 year old boy, at the Mexico City Olympics, I was in attendance when Bob Beamon completely shattered a world record. He beat the previous world record by so much that Sports Illustrated named this 1 of the 5 greatest sports moments of the 20th century. What sport did he break the record in? Clue: It was in track & field.
Bob Beamon set a world record for the long jump with a jump of (29 ft. 2½ in.). It was one of the most astounding feats in the history of the Olympics. He shattered the record by more than 21 inches. It has since been called the perfect jump.
24. What Olympic moment did Sports Illustrated call the greatest sports moment of the 20th century? Clue: It happened at a Winter Olympics. Clue 2: It involved the United States
In 1980 at Lake Placid, a group of amateur & collegiate hockey players from the US defeated the best professional hockey team in the world, the Soviet Union, 4-3. This has since been named the Miracle on Ice.
Halloween Family Feud
1. What year did the first Casper the Friendly Ghost cartoon appear?
1924? 500BC? 2004? 500BC? 1945? (this one) The Middle Ages?
2. Boris Karloff played what famous movie character?
Frankenstein
3. What do you get when you cross Bambi with a ghost?
Bamboo
4. Bela Lugosi played what famous movie character?
Dracula
5. How much does the world’s biggest pumpkin weigh? A: 245 pounds, B: 485 pounds, C: 685 pounds, D: 1,385 pounds (this one)
6.What famous movie character did Lon Chaney Jr. play. Clue: Michael J. Fox, also played this character.
The werewolf
7. According to those silly, scary movies, when do werewolves come out?
At Full Moons
8 What do birds give out on Halloween night?
Tweets…
9. Bodies that are wrapped in cloth and stored in tombs are known as what?
Mummies.
10. In folklore, a male witch is known as a?
Warlock
11. As a Halloween treat, what chocolate candy bar do kids like best of all?
Snickers
12. According to legend, which Halloween creature usually has all of the following: a unibrow, tattoos, and a long middle finger?
A: a werewolf (this one), B: a vampire, C: a witch, D: a golem
13. If you were to draw a witch, what specific item might you want to include on her face?
Warts
14. A number of famous Science-fiction and scary movies were filmed in South Pasadena, name 1:
o Back to the Future (1985)
o Back to the Future Part II (1989)
o Back to the Future Part III (1990)
o Halloween (1978)
o Halloween II (1981)
o Halloween: 25 Years of Terror (2006)
o Hell Night (1981)
o Jurassic Park III (2001)
o Prom Night (2008)
o Scream 2 (1997)
o Teen Wolf (1985)
o Terminator, The (1984)
15. What’s a monsters favorite dessert?
I-Scream!!
16. Name 1 of the 5 most popular Halloween costumes for kids last year (2007)?
Princess (10.7%)
Spider-Man (4.8%)
Pirate (4.7%)
Witch (4.2%)
Fairy (2.8%)
Lony Ruhmann
lruhmann@socal.rr.com – http://www.1001animalfriends.com
Plus Size Fashion WINTER 2007 / 2008 Fashion Forecast
The fashion stars of winter 2007/2008 are a welcome beacon of shimmer, shine and pop of color in an often drab winter palette. 80′s glamour color palette, with updated flattering shapes, combined with the refined luxury of the 40′s have re-emerged throughout the fashion world to an applauding plus size audience.
Jewel tones hues for 2007/2008 are taking center stage, often times replacing the ever-present Little Black Dress as chic choices. Amethyst, cobalt, ruby and emerald are the universally flattering favorites, for all shapes and sizes. The standard myth that black slims, colors expand is being proven incorrect time and again with this gorgeous palette. Rich, saturated colors slim and flatter as well as their somber sister black and alternately, flatter the wearer’s coloring beautifully.
Choose quality fabric, in a rich tone designed to enhance your favorite feature. A beautiful plus size woman, wearing a pop of color in a sea of black is sure to add a little life to even the dullest of holiday hoop-lahs. Still choosing to stick with basic black dress? Add burst of color with bold amethyst satin Maryjane’s and a choice Kenneth Lane Cocktail ring and jeweled bangle set. Mix your accessory colors freely when wearing a solid black clothing palette for dramatic effect.
Shimmer and shine is no longer evening exclusive apparel, glittering choices for the season easily carry the wearer from day to night. Satin shimmering blouses are easily paired with sexy blazers for day and a sexy pair of metallic heels and bold cocktail jewelry for night. Jeweled detailing at the hem, neckline and sleeves add standout detailing to basic shapes we love. When wearing shimmer apply the same rules used with animal print; chose one garment to shine.
Modern opulence combined with the refinement of the 40′s creates an easy assumed elegance for the winter 2007/2008 season. Structured jackets, paired with high waisted trousers in tweeds and wool create the perfect foil when worn with a silk blouse in one of the afore mentioned jewel tones. Feminine curves have made a reappearance in winter design; the tailored styling, supple quality fabrics and flattering design have women with true feminine curves rejoicing.
Winter fashion this season personifies the confidence and empowerment of the modern plus size woman. Curves haven’t been targeted and celebrated in such an effective manner in decades and the shift is receiving a gracious welcome. Flattering choices for the curvy woman are aplenty this season, discriminating, bold fashion lovers, enjoy!
Sara Johnson is the co-owner and product buyer at Velvetsiren.com [http://www.velvetsiren.com/index.html] – A Posh Plus Size Clothing Boutique For Curvy Girls. She currently works as a fashion consultant for curvy women worldwide. Come see what everyone is talking about!
Looking Good! A Plus-Size Woman’s Revolution
As a plus-size woman, I’ve gone through a real journey to discover and claim my own beauty, which I think is okay, since even Oprah Winfrey seems to struggle with that same issue — and hey, she’s OPRAH for heaven’s sake. But when I look back, it was really a situation that began, and ended, with me. First of all, other people always thought I was pretty (and I don’t just mean my mom!). And except for the once-in-a-blue-moon comment about my weight, I was often complimented on my beautiful face, great complexion, and fun and friendly disposition. In the end, I had to admit that it was something inside of me that held back and refused to see the incredible woman I was – inside AND out.
In a nutshell, the problem was that I was eternally “on hold” — deep inside, I always thought that I would only “really” be attractive to other people after I lost weight. And following along that line of thinking, I simply put a lot of my life on hold. Every year, I thought that when I lost weight, I could finally go swimming or take a great tropical vacation (and so most years, I didn’t even buy a swimsuit). I thought that when I lost weight I would wear shorts and have a variety of tank tops (and so I suffered through endless hazy summer days in black leggings or long skirts and hid myself beneath button down tops, or maybe I’d risk a short-sleeve tee). And I ALWAYS thought that when I lost weight, I would buy new clothes. (So I rarely enjoyed a beautiful new dress and didn’t even daydream of a closet full of great choices.)
Thankfully, over time, that has all changed. Part of it has been a much improved level of self-confidence and self-acceptance. Like may women, I AM always working on my weight — I try to make healthy choices and eat right, and I walk every single day — and I remind myself that I have gained very little over my adult life — my set point is simply a gorgeous size 18. I also remind myself that feeling beautiful is a struggle that many women face, regardless of their size. So over time, I grew some gratitude to go along with my knowledge that I was a beautiful woman.
With that newfound self-confidence in place, it made room for the other part of my self-discovery – fueled by the full figured fashion world. Plus-size women have definitely had a terrific revolution in the clothing industry over the last decade. Gone are your mother’s muumuus and style-deprived, depressing wardrobes of black and more black.
Today, my closets and drawer are a trip through designer fashions and a skip down style street! And this is in no small part due to full figured, powerful, gorgeous celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Queen Latifah. So now, in the summertime, I have no less than three plus-size swimsuits (one of them, a two-piece fuscia tankini with a great lace sarong). And I take them on fabulous island vacations all over the globe. I also have a rainbow of plus-size capris in every shade of the rainbow to pack in my suitcase and a drawer full of beautiful plus-size camisole tops to go with them.
In the winter, every day I get to choose from a different plus-size top and stylish pants or a great looking split skirt and silk blouse to go with it – and of course, some fabulous accessories to compliment it all (a MUST have for the full-figured woman’s business wardrobe). My point is this – while I may always be working on my weight and chasing better health (and hey, who isn’t), I know that looking great is a BIG part of feeling great. And that’s an accessory we ALL deserve!
Stacy Montgomery, VP of sales for Sealed with a Kiss Designs (SWAK Designs, Plus Size clothing) has built her career around her passion, which is embracing her own unique beauty and healthy, plus-sized body. She says: "I have always been full-figured, and I am a great looking size 16. I am healthy, beautiful, and proud to be me!" Sealed with a Kiss Designs covers everything from "the little black dress" to everyday fashions and outerwear.
Sealed with a Kiss Designs http://www.SWAKdesigns.com is a leading manufacturer of affordable and trendy plus size fashions.
Swim Competition and Sports Swimwear – 5 Things You Should Know About High Performance Swimsuits
Whether you’re an amateur swimmer, a professional swimmer, or you just want to play a tough game of volleyball on the beach, you’ll want to consider buying a high performance swimsuit that will withstand your vigorous activities in and out of the water.
Here are five things you should know about high performance swimsuits before you buy one.
1. Sports swimwear and competition swimwear should be functional yet fashionable. The fabric should be smoother than your skin, which streamlines your swim strokes and creates less drag in the water. Make sure the label on the suit or the tag description states that it is competition swimwear or sports swimwear.
2. Competition swimwear changes the way the water flows around your body, and the fabric compresses your body, which also helps reduce vibration. Choose a fabric that is water repellent and preferably has a hydrophobic finish to it.
3. Your suit should fit correctly-wrinkle-free, and skin tight. When you try it on, the suit should not restrict your range of motion, and there should be no wrinkles in the fabric that would add drag to your swimming efforts. Sometimes you might have to buy a swimsuit that is one size smaller, even if it takes a little bit longer to get into. In addition, if you’ve purchased a performance suit with legs on the suit, you can place a plastic bag over your foot and then slide your foot through the swimsuit‘s bottoms to make it easier to slip into.
4. In the swimwear industry, there are competition suits and racing suits. The sports swimsuits and competition swimsuits normally cost more than most other swimwear. Don’t defeat your purpose by buying a cheap suit if you’ll compromise its performance.
5. The fabric that performance suits are made of expand in the water, so you might have to buy a suit that’s one or two sizes smaller than you’d normally wear. However, if you’re not swimming in a competition, and you’re just swimming for leisure, you can usually buy your normal size.
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6 Great Benefits of Swimming For Exercise
Swimming is considered to be the best exercise a man can do. It is one of those few exercises in which all of your body parts are used. It’s an effective exercise that will help you to keep in good shape, loose weight and remain healthy. You will feel more refreshed and will be physically fit than your friends. Most people get bored of performing a single exercise but swimming is one of those exercises that won’t let you get bored. Here are some benefits of swimming.
1.Improving your capacity: swimming allows you to use your arms, legs and lungs all at the same time. This increases your acrobatic capacity as you are using all of your body parts at the same time.
2.Strengthening your heart: swimming helps you to build your heart muscle which in return allows it to pump blood at a much faster rate. This increases your blood circulation which is good for a person’s health.
3.Strength against disease: research has proved that people who have a sedentary life seem to develop heart problems, joint problem and obesity when compared to those who swim regularly. Swimming helps in strengthening your body muscles and provides you with more endurance which helps you to fight against the above diseases.
4.Building muscle: as it is known that water creates more resistance than air so you need to try much hard when it comes to swimming. You have to try 12 times harder when compared to working on land. This makes your major body parts like hips, shoulders, arms and back to exert 12 times more power. As a result of this you develop stronger muscles.
5.Safe exercise: another benefit of swimming is that it is one of safest and cushioned form of physical exercise a person can find. If a person suffers from joint pains then swimming is a good form of exercises for him. He won’t feel any pain while swimming as compared to working out on land. Professional athletes use water for rehabilitation purpose when they suffer injury.
6.Workout time: if you are a beginner than you should hire a swimming coach or join a swimming club which offers training services. For beginners 10 to 15 minutes of swimming is enough but if you are a pro than it depends on your capacity and stamina.
No matter what people say but swimming is the safest and most effective form of physical exercise these days.
Finding the perfect Workout Routines takes time and effort. These best workout routines is a great place to start if a person is interested in flat abs. The P90X workout routines is also another workout that will help develop flat abs.