So I was sent Revlon Photo Ready Primer and Color Stay EyeShadow to review. The colors were a new choice for me. I actually have never worn a blue green since I was younger. It was a lot of fun. I loved how young and fresh the eyeshadow made me feel. So how easy was it to apply. Very simple the Revlon Colorstay case has the instruction on the back. So I simply followed the diagram and put the make up on. It lasted all day.
Now if you have not discovered primer it is a must add to your make up bag. You now when you see a women and her make up looks perfect and flawless, it is the primer that give you amazing skin. Revlon Photo Ready Primer allow your skin to be what you always dreamed it could be. The Revlon primer goes on silky smooth and clear. I love the way it looks and lasts all day my makeup is as good and fresh all day as it was when applied in the morning.
When Lands Ends contacted me to review there chinos I jumped at the chance. I wanted to have a pair of red pants. so What do I love about Lands End Chinos. I am a size 22 and 5’10″+ so length and fit are really important. So I order off of my measurement. The pants fit perfect the the other thing is I have a bit of a tummy so a little support is important to me. The Lands End chino I choose was Women’s Plus Size Exhale™ Tummy Control Stretch Chino Boot-cut Pant
As a big girl, I was always told don’t wear bights on the bottom, it will make you look bigger. These pants were designed with a bigger girl in mind, they look current fresh and flattering such a change from always wearing black. They fit great, they have a built in tummy (exhale) control panel, it is like shapeware in your pants. The Exhale tummy control, gives you a smoother shape, which makes you look thiner. Smoke and mirrors for you gut. The pants came up high enough to avoid the roll top (muffin top). The length was perfect. which is huge for me, Lands End hems the pants for you just provide your inseam. The Cost of the pants is $75, hemming is included. These pants are sure to be a staple for me this fall.
Here are 7 ways I show my personal style with the Lands Ends Chinos: Using some of the items in my own closet, and pairing them with the red chinos.
Flowered chiffon shirt, brown leather sandals, brown leather purse, gold and wood jewelry I cant wait to wear this outfit when I got out for lunch.
This is my wear around town, tan trench, red and off white striped knit top, gold jewelry, paired with a nude wedge.
This is a great outfit for going to event in the City.
This is my boyish look with a boyfriend shirt, plaid tie, yellow purse, and black sneakers.
This is my Fabulous 40 and sparkle- the older I get the more sparkle I want. I love the pop of color of the chinos. I am wearing a sparkle tank , Black sweater, black patent leather pumps, with sparkle on the base. The clutch matches the shoes. I choose silver jewelry. I can see me going out for cocktails in this outfit.
This is my labor day outfit, my American look. Navy and white tanks, gold circle, and my could not resist USA shoes waiting
for the perfect outfit.
The shoes finally found the right pants.
the red pants paired with a Grey Cami, a teal cardigan, gun metal necklace and earrings, and ultra suede shoes.
So this late fall when we head out for looking a leaves my red chinos paired with my oversize sweater will be a great for autumn rides through the country.
Here is my video review of the Lands End Chinos so you can see how they look.
I had a chance to preview some of Lands Ends new plus size collection at blogher and I am really excited about the new styles. They even have big girl boots with wider calf. My advice to you is start building your style with Lands End and buy a pair of Lands End Chinos, they will make you feel great and confidant because you are the girl in the red pants!
Disclosure: Chinos were provided courtesy Lands End, the opinions stated are my own.
Recently I was asked to review Rivet and Sway‘s online prescription service. So what did I thin? I loved it it was so easy and simple to use. The eyewear glasses I ended up purchasing was not the glasses I though I was going to go for initially.
The reason is I think for the major change in my glasses style after 11+ years of wear square small glasses? Was when I have time to make a glasses purchase in my home, I choose what is best. Rather then going with what the eye wear person says looks the best in the store, or what you might think is the best, based on lighting or past choices. I choose what was the best what showed off my eyes.
There where other bloggers doing this same review and I noticed they put the glasses up to a vote, on facebook and got others opinion which I think was great, because you do not normally have many opinion when you choose. I was lucky that week I my pair, I happen to have 2 really close friends come visit and they gave me there opinion. It was so much better than asking some person in a store, that I have no idea on there taste level is. I am thrilled with my choice
Here is my video of the process of purchasing on Rivet and Sway.
So this past week I was busy to say the least. As you know I did Blogher in NYC. Food well there was not a ton but Hillary and I manged to get one good meal a day. Not a smart more for me because I am a type 2 diabetic. But I survived. I walked every where so in the 3 days I walked 20,000+ steps and walked 30 flights of stairs according to my fitbit.
Good News :
I am 260 again.. so glad the number is back. Now I have to eat health and avoid skipping meals.
I personally had a great Night last night. I went into the Gap and bought a Dress and a Jacket. Granted it was a XXL but and XXL at the gap is different that an XXL at a plus size store. It is a little short, but as usually I will rocket for the event I am wearing it to (power of positive thought) . Also I went to the LandsEnd event last week I tried on a Lands End dress that was a 1XL and it totally fit and I got a color not just black- hello electric blue!! Yea Me. The clothes alone are going to keep me on track.
Tip: Buy the clothes for the size that you are don’t wait till you are smaller one outfit will be all the push you need to keep going.
The best news of the week is that my husband who has had a hard time with his Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis, has joined a gym. I am so happy for him the movement will do him wonders. He walked 1/2 mile which is wonderful. He has agreed to a challenge with me.. more to come on that in the follow weeks.
Top tips for Attending a Blogging conference and meeting new people. It is that time of year many blogging conferences are here in the next few months. For many conference first timers or newbies the conferences scene can be over whelming. I have attend many conferences, and I think i am an outgoing person but I do have some trick or tips I use to make the situation of meeting new people easier.
20 tips for Blog Conference Newbies to creating your tribe
Follow conference stream prior to see who is going and get involved with tweeting before the event
Put your picture (that looks like you) on your business card. It is smart and memorable, realtors have been placing pictures on there cards for years, why ? because people remember faces not always names.
Have business cards and hand them to people you meet- it might feel awkward but it is necessary to be remembered. Also with everyone’s twitter handle and blog names being so similar, make it easy for people to know your name when tweeting they met you.
Do make plans with on-line buddies prior to connect at a conference aka.. plan a coffee time.
Try to combined rides to airports with other bloggers. I have a friend, who always says she meets the “new” blogging friends on the taxis to and from airport.
Wear fun Jewelry – I always wear a crazy over the top ring, people know me for it. It is a conversation starter, more people start a conversation asking me about the rings. I have a friends who always wears a great necklace, same reason. I always have a big ring I spend no more then $15 on them usually $3-$5 and I wear a different one everyday.
Be fabulous but be comfortable.. wear clothes you are confident but yourself. If you don’t like yourself in loud prints or your bare arms then don’t wear them because you clothing can make you feel uneasy and throw off your ability to relax.
Wear comfortable shoes- not only because who want to stand, talking, and be uptight. If your feet hurt.. it make you want to go back in your room and soak your feet there is no new friends your hotel suite.
Wear your hair down, it makes you more approachable for others and feel relaxed ourselves. When you are home running behind kids I understand but you are on “you time” with no kids. There is a reason the phrase “let your hair down” was coined. Have Fun.
Bring a fun bright scarf to wear, people will remember it same as the jewelry but, the conference areas are cold but the outside areas are hot, airlines don’t give blankets, and you can always use it for limbo with your new Friends
Attend sessions and discussion session with fellow attendees. Talk
Look up from your smart phone- and look people in the eye- where it is acceptable to be looking down at your phone .. you will meet more people if you dont tweet non stop. I find at conferences and social media events, I tweet less because I am talking more.
Follow the conference Hashtag “#” on twitter, that is your life-line to where and when people moving/doing – then go and see.
Volunteer to pack gift “swag” bags they are usually done on site the day before a conference starts and the conference organizers always need help. When you see the tweet saying they are doing the packing.. go help and meet people.
Hang in the common areas do not hide in your room. No one will meet you in your room. Look everyone has a name badge . Feel free to talk to others who have a badge some people that look as out of place as you feel. It is the playground when you are 6 years old, talk to the girl playing in the sandbox. Once you have a friend then work as a team to add more people.
Ask people who are hanging in the lobby to join you for a meal or drink.. I use “Hey I am heading to dinner want to come?” They might say “I have plans but you are free to join us.. or they might say yea..” then tweet it out and see if others join you. I do this all the time, I take a group of 2 and turn it into 10, a large group is great.
Waiting in line at registration or at snack time is a great way to connect – talk to the person ask: “Where are you from? or What is your blog about?” people love to talk to others and feel less lonely.
Avoid your click.. if you come with friends be sure to branch out. You traveled to this conference to meet others and learn.
Photos- take the opportunity to take photos with people who’s work you love. If you read a blog and the blogger is there ask if they would not mind a photos or take it with the conference organizers. Don’t say I don’t like my picture .. get comfortable and take them with people it will make your experience so much better. You are amazing and beautiful so have your picture taken, you are there for you and to grow.
Smile- I know it is a simple idea but it really does make you more approachable
I view a conference as the chance to try to be the best person I am. Not to be scared to talk and meet people. Listen we are all nervous, just extend a hand you might meet someone amazing.
Dressing for your current size. This past week I was able to attend a Fitness Magazine Meet and Tweet event in NYC. It was a fun a event with great opportunities to learn about fitness and healthy living. Oh yea did you happen to notice the picture above.. Yes that is me towering over the greatest female soccer player of all time! MIA HAMM ..omg. Check out my post /video tomorrow on the entire event.
There was a Fitness Fashion Show, then style editor from Fitness Argy Koutsothanasis provided 2 of my favorite tips:
Best Accessory is confidence it looks good on anyone (this is the same thing I was saying last week in the confidence post)
Dress for your current size, if you read my post last week you will realize I thing it is import to be comfortable in your skin no matter what size you are
Prior to going to NYC, I went and purchased some clothes for this event. The reason I think clothes that fit properly are important and they are an instant boost yourself confidence. Don’t wait till you are a size 8 when you are a size 16 from a 22. A great outfit will make you feel empowered no mater what size. .
That includes when you workout, when you go to the gym and see the “smaller” women looking good. So you think.. “she is just showing off her rocking body (bitch)”.. well I say “yea for her!” She worked hard to have that body. she could have been where you are right now.
I might not be tiny. I want to celebrate what I have accomplished this so far. Now, I am not saying it is not OK to wear your husband’s tee and sweat pants. But If I need a pick me up I get dressed up in clothes that make me look great!
Look at the difference wearing clothes that promote the FRUMP.
Wearing an outfit that fits, I can stand tall with, Buy clothes for the size you currently are.
This week fitness:
Monday in NYC and walked, 2week challenges
Tues Home got 10K steps in 2week challenges
Wed NYC for the fitness blogger 2week challenges
Thurs I worked and rested (I feel like I was majorly slacking)
Friday walked 2week challenges
This weeks Food:
After last confidence post and everyone supporting me with such great comments, over 400 people view in 1 day. I ended going to my inlaws and let the weekend of buffets begin- lets try 5 over the course of the weekend. I stuck to the green and fish items, stayed away from sauces(but I did eat more than I should). It was like I know I should not be eating this, but I did good this week I inspired people (and we are back ay my Weightloss Games, which I realized Sunday evening.) The rest of the week I did well. Needless to say with my slow down in activity and food I think they balanced them out. So no loss or gain. I feel like the little engine that could with a few trips to the bathroom, snackbar, and snooze on the couch.
Next weeks Goals: for next week Write down everything I eat, and move more.
I will carry on.. one telephone pole to one telephone pole.. it starts with a step , so I am going to continue. Thank for giving me the drive to continue.
I got this!
Giveaway:
So I want you to look great and feel better while working out: I am offering self sponsored giveaway for your choice one $50 Dicks Sporting goods or $50 for Junonia.com (which is a plus size active wear company) I self sponsored the giveaway, that is how important I think it is for you to look and feel better.
The mandatory entry is to leave a comment below answering he following question: Then leave that you entered a comment in the rafflecopter form. Additional entries can be earned by tweeting, liking, sharing and subscribing. tweet daily
“What type of clothing you would buy to help post your self esteem?”
Lands’ End Plus Size collection is a great. I was asked to review a piece as part of Lands End Show Us Your Style. As a tall plus size women I often have a hard time finding clothes that fit me and look nice with out being a tent dress. My fit problem is that I have a small chest, larger hips, and I am tall. My style is wearing dresses, for the past few years I have been wearing them and they make me feel girly. I love this Lands End Plus Size shirt dress. It make me look fantastic, others thought so too. The shirtdress is so tailored wonderful, it flattered my body in all the right places. The chest was perfect enough room, and it did not pull in the front. The shirtdress is so well made with an attention to detail both inside and out, of course I always expect the best quality from Land End.
I love the medweight fabric it is eyelet cotton fabric. I took my measurements and bought true to them. This dress is a Size 22. I am 5’10” and the dress hit right to my knee so it was a great length.
The Women’s Plus Size Sleeveless Eyelet Shirtdress is full lined and is great 2 seasons dress wonderful for spring and summer. I wore this dress to a Moroccan restaurant this past weekend I wore it with a scarf around my shoulder, just in case it got chilly.
My jewelry: a gold ring necklace, simple gold hoop earrings, and 2 gold bracelets.
My Shoes: a nude wedge or great sandals would look fabulous.
My nails were a great bright coral color. I love a bright color on your toes when you wear peep toe shoes
My Options for the future is to also get a great belt, and wear with my large sun hat.
This Lands End shirt dress is so great for travel and is a classic look that I am looking forward to wearing for seasons to come. This dress retails for $135, so an investment staple and quality for your wardrobe. It is offered in 2 colors washed red and navy. I can wait to try more plus dresses from the collection. Lands End makes plus girls look great!
My pictures were taken by my 11 year old son I want to thank him for putting up with his mom
Disclosure: I did receive this dress from Lands End as part of this promotion. The opinions in this post of are mine and my honest opinion of the product.
So this week, has been a week of commitment on my fitness journey. I Signed up for a dietbet with Brandi at onegreatmom.com, nothing like a little money to keep things out of your mouth. The Bet official starts tomorrow with our 1st weigh in. I am excited I need more accountability for food.
Then I signed up for the running training program with Fleet Feet Sports North Wales. I recently was introduced to fleet feet by Joey Fortman and Ann Marie one of the owners this past Wednesday. I will be working with them for training and they are out fitting me with proper sneaker/attire. I was impress by the sneaker fitting I received and I learned things I did not know, because I have been doing to the big box stores. Here are some tips Ann Marie at Fleet Feet provided:
Proper Sneaker Fitting:
Have feet measured without socks (what you measured at 12 years old is probably not your current measurement.)
Have your foot measured in resting(sitting positions) and standing.
The Running store personnel should understand how you walk- (IE have you walk so they can see how your ball and heel hit and roll off the floor. Then they can recommend a shoe that is designed for your foots needs.
Where design/color is nice a running/walking shoe should be about fit and support 1st, so that you get proper performance.
In an athletic shoes it is better to go up a 1/2 size and have room (So mine sneakers are a 11 1/2 argh but it is about being the right shoe and not the size)
What does a good fitting sneaker feel like: “Heal should be supported, arch should be wrapped like a glove and your toes should be able to play a piano” Per AnnMarie
Fleet Feet Sports North Whales is nice because they allow you to actually run in the shoes outside, to insure comfort and fit.
If you are serious about a sport you should be serious about the shoes.
Also a good running store will take back the product at any point if you are not satisfied. That is the philosophy AnnMarie and her team have.
Ann Marie’s other Key advice : If you buy a good sneaker be sure to have a great sports bra just as important (but that is a separate post)
Thanks to Stephaine at aGrandlife.net for her foot
The training program I begin in a few weeks I am really excited, of course I will continue to walk.
So how did I do this week?
Fitness Week:
Monday: Walk and run
Tues : Walked and Run
Wed: Walk and Run
Thursday/ Friday: I have been fighting a cold so I actually stayed in bed, I am trying to get out later today. We will see.
Weight Loss:
Started 271 Jan
Last week 265 This week 264 -1
I am excited for next week if I can kick this cold I would feel better.
So how is your week going?
Disclosure: I was provided running gear from Fleet Feet North Wales, but all opinions in this post are of my own.
I thought it was about time to go for my 1st bra fitting. No mater what you call them Bra, Bras, Brassier, Boobie holders, or over the shoulder boulder holders you have to wear a Bra. I’m approaching the big 4 0, to really start taking care of “the girls” and get fit for a proper bra. A few of my friends have asked me about the experience bra fitting, it is like I went to someplace mysterious.
I choose not to go to the bra large chain, because I am a plus size girl. I certainly have never known Victoria’s Secret or her bras. My body has changed after the birth of my children. I am not up for some prefect little body seeing my goodies in a changing room. I am not ashamed, just realistic. I love my womanly curves and time gives you an appreciation of all those curves.
Fact the person who fits you for a bras gets up close and personal with “the girls”
So I went to a bra local place that has an older more mature lady. Who has an amazing rack because she has taken care of her breast over the years. By looking at her and know she has an engineering marvel under her clothes.
I walked in and am quickly ushered in the changing room. Where the lady takes out a tape measure and takes some measurements (without your shirt on).
Questions she will ask
Have you had a bra fitting before?
What bra cup size are you?
What type of bra soft cup, padded, underwire, color?
Then she comes back with a few bras. At this point you are without a bra and she helps you in it. Note: there is no hooking of the eyelets in front and twisting the bra to the back like you do at home. (so be prepared she will latch the bra for you.) Then you both look in the mirror to see how the bra fits. She might also recommend a different bra cup size and changing manufactures. Showing you why it is a bad choice.
I tried on about 10+ different bras. In the end realizing that I am a smaller size then I thought (who knew?) I thought I was always a C, educated on boob lifting I am a B. Have you ever heard of a B cup bra in Plus size? No because in that entire shop they had one 42 B.
Bra Strap fit: when you buy a bra the hook should be snug on the last hook because as it stretches out you go to the smaller hooks, no dents in shoulders.
Cost Bra: about $70. I know crazy right but it is not it makes feel and look better plus if I care for it it will last (NO dryer) Quality over Quantity ladies.
Bra Attractiveness: The thing is bras that really do what they are suppose to -which is hold the girls up, are not always cute. Bras need structure to fight gravity. But isn’t more important to have your breast look fantastic while dressed. The sexy bras little might look cute now in those little cups, but in 20 years you boobs might be at your bellybutton. Save the fancy sexy bra for the bedroom and get a work horse for everyday.
Location of your breast: they should be somewhere between your shoulder and elbow… no lower
Bring a tight shirt while trying on a bra: so you can see the difference of how much better you look with the right support
How often to do without a bra: wear a bra always unless in bed or bathing to help fight the dread dropping. If you have been in the YMCA after senior swim you know why .. GRAVITY and TIME not kind to women.
How often to get fitted for a bra: whenever you loose or gain weight or when you boobs hang low.. don’t wait as long as I did.
Frequent bra buyer programs: My Brazier shop did a follow up phone call to make sure I was pleased. They also have a buyers program buy 5 and get a discount on the 6th.
Have you had a bra fitting? When was your last bra fitting? Was it at sears when you were 12?
Come on it is time to get fitted for a Bra.
Do your boobs hang low..can you tie them in knot, Can you tie them in a bow….(me hum to myself)
So I was sent Revlon Photo Ready Primer and Color Stay EyeShadow to review. The colors were a new choice for me. I actually have never worn a blue green since I was younger. It was a lot of fun. I loved how young and fresh the eyeshadow made me feel. So how easy was it to apply. Very simple the Revlon Colorstay case has the instruction on the back. So I simply followed the diagram and put the make up on. It lasted all day.
