Challenging the Media on Body Image

As women, I'm sure we can all agree that having a positive body image is SO hard! It's hard to think we look good when we're constantly getting message from media and even other people that we don't look right. Maybe, you're not happy with the size of our chest or waist or hips or something else- it's too small, it's too big, it's too lumpy. Maybe, you've even gained a few stretch marks from childbearing. Maybe, you think it's not worth it to try and look sexy because you have no hope. Maybe, you think that you should turn off the lights and get under the covers before your man catches a glimpse of you before you make love.

I'm inviting you to learn to love your body!

Challenge the false messages that you get from the media and others. There is no way that you can possibly look like that swimsuit model on the cover of Sports Illustrated. She doesn't even really look like that. Don't beat yourself up for the impossible. Next time you see an ad, pick it apart. You know it's fake. Do a little google search of photoshopped models before and after. See the differences yourself.

Before & After

Waist, breasts, legs, skin tone...

I've heard so many men say they wish their wives could just see themselves through their eyes. Your guy loves you and he loves your body.

Your body turns him on so show it to him!

Get A Bra that Fits

80-85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size!

Are you one of them?

Signs your bra doesn't fit:

1. You "pop out" the top of your bra. Your breasts are spilling over the cup. Put on a tight tshirt and test it out. Does your breast look round or is it lumpy spilling out of the top of your bra?
2. Your bra puckers and wrinkles in the cups. You can grab a section of your bra and not have any breast in there. Or you bend over and your bra is falling out of your bra.
3. Your bra band rides up your back throughout the day. You shouldn't have to readjust and pull it down.
4. The under wire isn't flat against your ribs or skin. Even in the middle between your breasts, it should lay flat.
5. It's digging into your shoulders or back and causing the look of major back or shoulder fat.

Discovering your bra size

1. Using a soft tape measure, measure around your rib cage just below your breasts. Add 4 inches and round up to the nearest even number.
2. Using a soft tape measure, measure around the largest part of your breasts over the nipples.
3. Subtract the difference between this number and your band measurement.Then find the match: A=1", B=2", C=3", D=4" etc.

For example, if you measure a 27" around your ribs then your band size is likely a 32. If your breast size is is 36" then you'd be a 32D.

Wearing the right size bra adds so much confidence. Plus, it can make you look like you've lost weight (10-20lbs for some!). There are certain styles, fabrics and types of bras that are suggested depending on your size and body type. Go meet with a professional for some suggestions or check out The Lingerie Handbook for some tips.

Remembering 9/11

I was reading an article on NPR about a wife who was able to speak to her husband on he 105th floor for about thirty minutes before the south tower fell and he passed away. The two had known each other since they were 16 and were 50 when he died. She spoke of how he wanted her to live a full life and kept repeating "I love you" in their final phone call.

My heart aches for those of you that lost loved ones and others in the events of September 11th and those that followed.

Take time today to show how much you love those around you.

Say I love you.

Hold them close.

Do an activity they enjoy.

Think before saying harsh words. Is it really going to matter in the grand scheme of things?

Take time to reflect and ponder on what's important in life.

Feelin' Sexy Friday: Boudoir Pictures

I realize Boudoir Photos could be controversial.

Do you think it's okay to show so much skin to somebody who is not your husband?

Have you had a good or bad experience?

What about your husband?

Boudoir Pictures could be a great gift for your spouse and seem to be becoming more popular. Recently, I've seen a lot of deals for these on my local Groupon and other deal sites.

These are a great gift for a spouse that's going away on deployment or a business trip, a memento of your young body, a fun surprise, or an idea for a girls night.

There can be a lot of variety in boudoir pictures.

If you're a bit camera shy you could just do some digital pictures with your girl friends or ask others about photographers they've used.

You could even set up timed pictures and do them yourself. If you're doing them yourself, turn the flash off and maybe have some candles or soft lighting. It'll leave a soft, subtle glow and be forgiving of any imperfections you worry about.

You choose the level of nudity you are comfortable with. I've seen some really classy boudoir photos where they're still sexy but have some mystery.

You can choose the style you'd like. For example, vintage pinup style may be better for those of you that have a few more curves since that's the style anyway.

You can do them inside, use your bedroom, outside or in a studio setting.

Mix up what you're wearing. You could gradually lose clothing in each picture or just have a variety of outfits you wear or don't wear.

It's all about attitude. Be confident and comfortable. If you feel sexy, you'll look sexy.

Types of Kisses

It's amazing how other cultures have incorporated kissing into daily life. They kiss when they say hello, goodbye, good morning, sorry etc. It got me thinking about different kinds of kisses.

Greeting Kiss

You basically touch cheeks and make a kissing sound

Cheek Kiss

You kiss the cheek, quickly with your lips only

Lip Peck

Squish your lips together and place them on the other person's lips

The French "Soul" Kiss

You open your mouth and stick your tongue into the other's mouth. You may do this quickly before pulling it out or use your tongue to explore the other's mouth.

The Pain Kiss/Necking

You start kissing, but open your mouth slightly and take a quick nibble. This is usually done on the neck so it can be referred to as necking or the Vampire Kiss.

Just for fun, I looked up a list of some bad kisses. I love some of these names!

The Roto Rooter: Their tongue ventures so far down your throat that it actually begins to choke you.

The Swordfish: They operate their tongue much like a swordfish uses it's snout, in a blunt and violent manner.

The Deep Sea Diver: They rarely come up for air.

The Lizard: Their tongue darts in and out of your mouth like a reptile probing for its next victim.

Frozen in Time: They never change the position, posture or angle of their head. It is as if they have mastered kissing cryogenics.

The Squid: They seem to excrete an awful flavor. All you can think of is how to slip them a breath mint.

The Wrecking Ball: They kiss like a battering ram. Whoa, look out, here they come again!

What fun kisses have you tried to mix things up?

Any that you've really hated?