Today is another beautiful day, and it reminded me to be thankful. Thankful for big things (you know, a roof over my head, food readily available, a husband, family and friends who care for me), thankful for little things (good weather! Google…) I watched the Red Nose Day USA telecast last night and was just reminded to be thankful. I am not thankful only for lack of negative things, but for also for trials, disappointments, and things that don’t always go my way. I know you know the feeling. When you are faced with those who don’t have much, you become thankful for even your little. You try to spend less and give more, you think more deeply, you consider in your heart, what are the important things in life.

I know we can give to charities, contribute finances, volunteer our time. How many times are we faced with opportunities to give, and yet we shrink back. I’ll be the first to raise my hand. My husband calls me a softie. In fact many people do. If I could I’d pick up every stray dog at the side of the road, I would. I’ve been REALLY tempted to in the past, but never know what I’d do after that point. I’d find the mangiest lookin mutt and with eyes welling up, squeal “he’s so cute!!” I know my friends can testify…in fact I dare them to comment “True!” J

Because I’ve been called a ‘softie’, I do wonder why I am the way I am, why do I get emotional or become so easily sensitive to matters of life, not to mention the heart. I chuckle to myself when I think of the first time I saw that GE commercial with the weird looking creature. Do you know it? The one with the fuzzy creature born in the hospital and laughed at and rejected through life. And one day, someone takes a chance on him (someone clearly from GE), and he blossoms into something beautiful. Oh…my…goodness…! Tears, sobs complete with shaking shoulders the first time I saw that. Andrew (my husband) laughs at me. Not to be mean, I know, but because he knows my heart. I somehow identified with this creature. Remember the gawky, buck toothed, skinny teenager I introduced in yesterday’s post? Yeah somehow I saw a connection, knowing also that in the end…I blossomed. If you watch the commercial, you’d also see that in the end, he was giving a presentation of some sort in front of a whole group of people, sharing his ideas, giving back to a community. That’s been deep in my heart. I am thankful for my journey, but I’ve always wanted to give back, because my journey taught me something that I’d want to share.

I was chatting with my Avon District Manager (she’s a peach!), and I joked with her that I know I have great ideas, but taking them from in my head to execution and fulfillment has always been a struggle. If you know what I’m talking about…holla! Now in my thirties, and embarking upon a career that I believe in, I can no longer depend on dreaming up ideas. Time to make dreams a reality. I am hereby making myself accountable to do something to give back. Feel free to question or ‘follow’ me if you wish. In fact I ask that you do!

I’ve been subscribing to the ‘Dress for Success’ Organisation for almost 5 years. It was ever since I left my sunny shores of Trinidad to my Image Consulting program in New York that I found out about them. I read their newsletters, follow their events and activities, get inspired by what they offer. When I moved here to Wisconsin, I looked them up and they have a Chapter in Milwaukee, but their operations centre is in another area that’s a little far away. In case you didn’t know, Dress for Success is a Non-Profit Organization who (I love their tag line) “Brighten the lives of Women Across the World!”. They also "promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing a professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and life”. This has long been my desire…to help women take that next step in confidence, and enhancing their inner and outer beauty and (my tag line) “Express the Best of Themselves”.

So within the next week, I am going to reach out to this Organisation and find some way to give back. I hope my desire and baby steps inspire you to find something that resonates in your heart, and you find a way to support. Feel free to share on my blog, or facebook page, and we can do this together!

It just dawned on me…the Whole GE commercial was about IDEAS. About them being scary and intimidating, against the norm and unimportant. I’ve had ideas, and sometimes through tries, they didn’t amount to much. But that doesn’t mean we give up, or think our think they aren’t useful. As I sit here just on the bank of Fox River, and Frame Park, I choose to be thankful. I choose to give back, and I choose to pursue my dream and I choose to take a step!

You can read more on Dress for Success at www.DressforSuccess.org. Or even Red Nose Day at www.RedNoseDay.org. 

And you can also enjoy the view I enjoyed today that inspired me to write this :)

If you’ve been following the blog posts on Foundational Issues, I hope you took a peek into your closet and checked for some of the areas I highlighted. If you haven’t…try it tonight, or just be sure to do a quick check before you leave the house next time. Better yet, go shopping, try on some of the suggested items and observe the difference. It might even be helpful to carry a couple clothing pieces along.

We’ve talked about the two basics, so today I thought I’d focus on a third. When I count them all up, I may have 5 posts on this topic J But I digress. Today is all about the Cami, short for Camisole. Do you remember ‘back in the day’ when a ladies’ under-garments also included the cute silk or satin camisole and slip. Goodness…remember slips?! They sometimes came in cute matching sets, usually white, black or beige. They sometimes were a little sexy, with a little lace trimming here and there. Sometimes they were just basic. They may seem old-school and we may laugh at our grandmothers’ ‘slips’ and ‘petticoats’, but there was certainly some value to wearing almost entire outfit under another. I think the whole idea behind them being those slinky materials was so they could feel and look barely there. You weren’t supposed to notice them, but they did their job. You could stand in the sun without being exposed. You could wear your expensive blouses and suits without them getting too much skin contact. Your clothes would have longer wear.

If there’s such value there, why pray tell have we abandoned the ‘petticoat’ movement? I kid…I definitely do not expect you to go back in time, but many stores that focus on ‘Intimates’ have quite an extensive line on camisoles and ‘slips’ yet we ignore them. Even if we don’t give in to the expensive stuff, by all means ladies…let’s invest in some camisoles. In neutrals of black, white and YOUR nude. In fun colours of red, green, pink and turquoise. Take your pick because you might just need them every day!

What are the benefits or reasons for Camisoles anyway?

• They protect your outer layer of clothing from the body’s natural sweat.

• They create a somewhat seamless, softer layer that materials drape over.

• Depending on the fit, they can cinch in the little lumps and rolls that our bodies so naturally develop (think the dreaded ‘back-fat’, ‘muffin top’ and ‘side boob’. Yeah we don’t like them, but they’re there, doesn't make us any less beautiful, so let’s just deal with it ! :)

• They act as a protective piece against excess cleavage or exposure of your lower back (in the most inopportune times!).

• There are fun complement or matching piece to shirts, blouses, jackets, blazers and even dresses. 
  
• They add a little visual interest to shirts, dresses or layered looks. Try those with a little lace or satin embellishment.

Some of these reasons are just to ‘play with’ but really most are a necessity. Looking polished and put together really does start one piece at a time, and we don’t start getting dressed with our shoes do we? So consider piece by piece, layer by layer, what is needed for your entire finished product of your image to look polished and presentable.

Camisoles can be plain cotton or a mix of spandex, polyester or even rayon. They feel good on your skin, and keep you cool. Depending on the material of your outer layer, you may want to consider even plain spandex or nylon. That’s the material that’s stretchy with a sheen.
(who am I kidding…just check the label). It’s softer to the touch, which means the softer your outer layer, the softer your inner piece should be so that it falls neatly over the contours of your gorgeous body. Look for V-neck or deeper round neck camisoles if you don’t wish them to be seen. Low enough not to be seen, but maybe high enough to not expose inappropriate cleavage.



Consider even camisoles that cut away under the bra-front. These are amazing. They contour and cinch the mid-section, but if you’re wearing a well fitting bra, leave that area for the bra to do the good work in keeping the natural shape of the bust. These are also a good idea, because some camis depening again on the fit, may unflatter you with the uni-boob and this…we do not want. There are also camis that are shaped and cut in a way that it contours the curvature of the bust and bra itself. You’d find that that area is a bit loose, as if something is supposed to go in there. Don’t be alarmed by the odd shape…that’s a good thing!

So fear not the camisole ladies. It is only meant to protect us, our bodies and sometimes our dignity! I know we complain about the heat sometimes, and the last thing we’d want to do is add another layer to our clothing. But though we desire comfort…always, always keep in mind the final product. When we step out that door, WE are the final product. If we could care so much about the labeling of products and the ingredients in food, shouldn’t we care just the same about our own product?

Check out these great camisole options from Avon.

More tomorrow!

I intended to continue my Foundational Issues blog today, but for some reason I've been mulling on this statement all day. I know that Great Things Start Small, but I've been feeling lately that great things also start quietly. If you're anything like me, the silent entrepreneur or 'quiet go-getter' you'd probably understand. I've read countless business magazine articles that are against this whole notion that a business savvy person is 'quiet'. You should be loud and 'in your face!' because that's how your sell right? That's how you get customers, that's how you make money. I've been living with a dream for a long time. A dream to build a business around making women (and men) happy, confident, beautiful/ handsome ;) Maybe it's because I know the feeling of being transformed, of taking tiny steps into looking and feeling better about myself. Going from that gawky, buck toothed teenager who felt invisible, to a 30-something year old beauty. That's right...a beauty. I've learned to call myself beautiful. To look deeply inside, and to take care of my outside. This is beauty, flaws and all, and there is a point in life when it just clicks..."I...AM...BEAUTIFUL!"

Don't get me wrong, I didn't go through a makeover. I didn't take off my glasses (I didn't wear), I didn't let my 'long' hair down or spit out my retainer (I have one you know, I still wear my retainer at night! Ok....most nights...some nights...Ok I have a retainer!) I could remember the day someone just noticed me. It was a friend and Teacher back in Secondary School (High School). I wish I could remember her exact words, but I was probably just 17 and sitting behind her at a school concert. There was probably a break in the proceedings and we started to chat. I wish I could remember her exact words, but she looked at me, cocked her head to the side and said "You're really blossoming!" I didn't understand what she meant. I remember laughing and responding "Huh??". She laughed with me and said something like "No really, I can tell. You're just transforming and growing beautifully". It was funny because I certainly did NOT feel that way. This was pre-braces days, and quite frankly if I could get through a day without opening my mouth I probably would have tried. I was thin and lanky and I think the only thing I liked about myself was my hair. At the time it was relaxed or straightened, and grew quite long. I'd take the time to pull it into the most chic ponytail or bun, which some joked didn't even look real. I'd take that as a weird compliment, because it was all mine...All...chemically...mine!

But that day, was honestly the beginning of me wanting to take care of myself, wanting to feel bold and attractive. I didn't think it was shallow. I knew who I was on the inside (as much as any 17 old could), and I wanted my outside to represent that. So I started experimenting with makeup and hairstyles. Funny that even though I loved my long hair, once starting University, the first thing I did was chop it into a bob! Still loved it though :) With what little allowance I got, I'd buy a couple nice outfits or shoes. Somehow shoes always came last though. I think I spent the entire first year of Uni with one pair of sandals. And one day, while walking across the courtyard, SNAP went the straps. Not only did I not have an extra pair with me, but I had none at home. I believe I sent my sister and her friends into a shopping area nearby to get me a new pair! And there I was...back to one pair of sandals. I'm not complaining though. There's a point in childrens' lives when they are fully and maturely aware of their family and parents' sacrifices, and you have no desire to harass your parents for 'things'. I had what they could give me, and I saved, and I spent when I could with the best deals I could find. 

Yup, I've been a bargain shopper since childhood. I had my own motto "Why pay full price!" (Shh, I kinda still have that motto today). Through my 20s I had jobs, which meant salary, which also meant a reason to dress up for work. Again, it was in this context that my 'dream' was forming. Working during University or just after University usually means you're still scraping up the funds to live the life you want. After all, now I was paying bills, contributing to the household...just paying my own way, and that 'huge pay cheque' at the end of the month dwindled down to not much for clothing and cute accessories. This is where I had to get smart about my shopping and about my wardrobe. I'm quite good at budgeting. In fact, I'd been creating little budget spreadsheets every month since I was receiving an allowance, to working for my own money. Every month I'd create my columns - INCOME, EXPENSES, PROFIT/LOSS, C/F (carry forward). If I was lucky, there was a carry forward, which I added to my Income for the next month. I'd make sure I paid everything I needed to pay, and maybe...just maybe buy a little something extra for myself. But, my other realization was..."Hey...I can go a month without buying clothes!" And it's true, I could. If I wasn't seeing a 'CF' in my budget, there went my shopping allocation. But, in the months I could, I made sure to purchase a wardrobe item I absolutely needed. 

The summer after graduating, we visited family in Miami and it was there I discovered....ROSS. Oh my! Aisles and aisles of clothing, shoes...everything a girl could want. Side note...this may be normal to those in the States, but our stores in Trinidad are generally not that big. This was a magnificent playground! Despite my excitement, I did a check. What do I need for this new job I'm starting in September? Somehow, after drowning myself in piles of blouses and dresses, I whittled my purchases down to 2 suits (one beige, one black), a cute chartreuse colored A-line skirt, light khaki blazer and a couple blouses. Yes...I actually remember this from 11 years ago. I didn't have money to blow, and while I wanted an awesome summer, fun, weekend wardrobe, I also knew the priority was a work wardrobe. With just these maybe 8-10 pieces, I would strategically map out my outfit schedule each week. I didn't want to LOOK like I was wearing the same thing every day...when I kinda really was :) So I'd get super creative with jewelry (pays to have an older sister and mother with better pieces than you). I may have been wearing the same 8 pieces over and over, but I was hardly ever wearing the same 'outfit'. I think I managed to get 4-6 weeks out of my closet until restarting the 'cylcle'. I believe with my first pay cheque that month, I bought two pairs (black and brown) of real leather pumps. Yup, I spent the money on the good stuff, because I wanted them to last me a long time, which they certainly did. 

This is a long piece, and I think I'll stop here. Only because I'd like to share more with you tomorrow, and the day after that...and the day after that. Thank you for reading/ listening. It's funny when you re-live the moments of your life a little, you find all the tiny sparks that made you into the person you are today. While my dream for running a successful Image Consulting business can be...taxing and sometimes even discouraging, I remember the girl I was, and why I wanted to do this in the first place. 

Great things start small, and quietly and painfully (yes also childbirth!), but because I am so passionate about what I do, I keep going...in hope that others can see the light I did, and take the steps to smartly becoming an even better version of themselves. 

Hope we can 'chat' again tomorrow! 

Say it with me..."Nobody likes a VPL" Got it? Got it! :)

This may or may not actually be Step 2 of Foundational Issues, as the more I think about it, it should probably be Step 1! But, similar to investing in a few good bras, all the more reason to invest in a few other unmentionables wouldn't you say? I think sometimes we switch around the priorities of what should and shouldn't cost us a little extra. We get so excited about that slinky wrap dress, and forget to wear the right undergarments. By all means, wear the dress...the pants, the skirt, but be aware of what's um...behind you.

Since they do however, solve one part of the problem, I would advise then pairing the thong with spanx, a high waited undie, high waisted tights, or sliming bodysuit (more on the wonders of these additions tomorrow!)

It all seems a lot to be happening under there (under-wear? under there!), but it's all worth it to walk around appropriately and confidently in the body that YOU are presenting to the world each day. The power is pretty much in our hands to not give people a reason to look away. They should be looking right at us, admiring, taking cues, wondering "Amazing...how does she look this good?!" 

Are you one of those people who skip past instructions because you're already sure how to complete a task? Or maybe a quick paint job is just that...quick; and so you skip the priming part. I can think of a few situations in life, where the first step, though maybe time consuming and downright annoying, is still necessary for the final product to look great. If you know the foundation steps will make for better visual quality, why ignore it?
I should hope we are all wearing at least the ahem...basics 'under-there', but before we jump into our slinky blouse, skinny jeans or pencil skirts, lets review what foundation steps should be taken first. For those experiencing warmer weather recently, and therefore relishing in the glory of light materials, we may want to ensure that everything underneath is where it should be. 

Step 1: Invest in the right bra(S)
That's right. Not just one good bra, but at least 3 that you know are generally worn most often. It does help to get a fitting by a professional. There's a reason they're called professionals, so don't scoff at their abilities, because they really know way more than we do about our girls! One of the first things you might discover is that you've been wearing the wrong size all along. We've been exposed to the usual sizes from A-D or DD cups, but there are a myriad of different sizes and cup shapes to facilitate the bountiful body types around us. There's no reason to even be embarrassed by what your new upgraded size may be. Just enjoy the fact that you'd finally be wearing the perfect size for your body and chest shape. When you wear the right bra, shirts, blouses, dresses drape ever so perfectly, accentuating YOUR best shape in the upper body. Note the following when choosing a bra:

• Thickness of Strap
• Strap adjustments (how low, high, tight, loose)
• The 'side-boob' coverage
• The 'uni-boob' dilemma! (lift and separate into cups)
• To push up or not to push up (sometimes the push up can make you even more top heavy. Try a bra that truly covers and smooths)
• Padding! For those...cold days (*shudder*)
• Wires (wherever they are, they should be comfortable throughout the day on your body.

Click on the images below for more information on AVON'S collection

TOMORROW'S STEP 2 - The VPL (let's not... :)

 I've always been a fan of bath and body products. I distinctly remember as far back as my teens or early twenties, that for my Bridal Shower in the future, I could care less for the 'usual' gifts...I just wanted an array of bath and body products to enjoy. Well, my Bridal Shower did roll around one day, and due to moving country, my friends got me a day at the spa instead of oodles of products to stuff into my suitcase to move to Wisconsin. 

On this particular special Spa Day, I decided to try the dreaded leg wax. 32 years, and I've only ever waxed my eyebrows. I figured it couldn't be THAT bad, and I'd just have to endure maybe 10-15 minutes of let's say...'irregular' pain. I prepped myself that day to experience something I never had before, and gave myself a pep talk saying "Don't be a wuss! You can handle a leg wax!" This Spa is one of the absolute best in the business and I would recommend this young woman and her business to everyone! However, after having my leg hair yanked out by the root in order to stay hair-free for more than a couple days...waxing just didn't seem worth it for a regular spa visit anymore! Bowing my head in shame..."I am a wuss...a big baby wuss..."

Since my first and last waxing experience, I went back to the arduous shower shaving, and while there are many great moisturizing razors/ shavers out there, I really wanted to try what I considered the next best option after waxing; hair removal cream. I've been disappointed in the past with popular hair removal brands, whose names I will not mention, and realized that all the incredible hoopla they show you on commercials with hair just 'melting' away, just didn't ring true. I've tried these products and brands and they have failed (on me).

Just a few weeks ago, while reaching for my razor, I found sitting in full view, Avon's Skin So Soft, Fresh and Smooth Hair Removal Cream. "Where did you come from??" I wondered. Thinking back, I remembered that I had bought this almost a year ago, in preparation for my honeymoon, and never used it, due to my torturing...I mean waxing appointment. Well hey, now is a good as any time to try it out! Reading the instructions carefully, I followed by applying the cream to one leg from ankle to thigh, then quickly followed with the other leg. They specifically said to do not leave on for more than 8 minutes, and so, to be on the safe side (considering I was not yet the Hairy Monster of Sesame Street), I gave myself 5 mins for the product to work its magic. While styling my hair in the interim, I noticed the teeniest bit of tingle in my legs, but nothing to call pain or even discomfort. I summed it up as...."It must be working".

I was not playing at all with my 5min time, and so the alarm I set went off ringing in my ears and it was time. Sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I again followed the instructions, and took a dampened a washcloth with warm water, and began wiping my lower leg in an upward motion. One swipe...ok, I see hair on the washcloth. Two swipes, ok my legs look clean. Smiling, I continued all over my lower leg, and my inner voice screamed "It works! I love it when things work!" Every single area of my legs was clean and super soft. This is by far the BEST and probably only hair removal product that has worked perfectly for me. No pain...plenty gain! I reached for my Skin So Soft Supreme Nourishment Cream Oil Body Lotion (hmm maybe I should do a review on this fantastic product as well), but again, as if noticing for the first time, discovered my Fresh and Smooth follow up product, Avon's Skin So Soft, Fresh and Smooth Moisturizing Hair Minimizing Body Lotion. Well if the Hair Remover worked, I'm going to trust this one too! 

Give it a try ladies...you will not be disappointed! And not to worry, those with sensitive skin, there is a special line for you too, along with Bikini Line Hair Removers. I successfully skipped the part of the story with the bikini line wax...Moving right along ;)

Shop Avon's Fresh and Smooth line by clicking on the link below.