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foundational issues - step 2 - The 'VPL'...let's not...

5/20/2015

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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.
I personally discovered the wonders of boy-shorts years ago and found that with my choice of clothing, I needed a variety of them to ensure I did not have to resort to any other options, showing the world the dreaded VPL (and in case you haven't gotten that yet...that would be the Visible Panty Line). 

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The same time we take to admire, touch, and feel the fabrics of our clothing, take the time to do it with our undergarments. Look for those that are seamless, perhaps even thicker; those that can last the wear and tear of washings. Try wider and higher waistbands to secure tummies and 'slenderize' the midsection. Since styles are quite echoing the 50's of late with pencil skirts, high waisted shorts and the return of the 'peddle-pusher', then maybe take a page out of their smartly constructed undergarments as well; 



those that actually cover your tush, and not seaming that rides up 'mid-cheek' (remember Baywatch lifeguards? I never understood how anyone could be comfortable in such a shape bathing suit or bikini bottom...ever!)

For me, boy shorts were the answer, for others, thongs solved the VPL problem. But then we went through the horrors of having to see what was lurking beneath the surface should anyone pick up a pencil in front of us (in the voice of one of my favourite characters, Phoebe "Oh God, my eyes, my eyes!"). Not cute...not acceptable. 
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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?!" 
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Foundational Issues - Step 1 - The right bra

5/19/2015

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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


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Just My Size® Side and Back Smoothing Wirefree Bra
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Just My Size® Comfort Cushion Strap Front Close Bra
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BALI® Satin Tracings® Minimizer Underwire Bra
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BALI® One Smooth-U® Side Support Underwire Bra
Explore More!
TOMORROW'S STEP 2 - The VPL (let's not... :)
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"i love it when things work!"

5/11/2015

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 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.

Avon Skin So Soft, Fresh and Smooth
Special mention of my husband, Andrew whose line I actually stole. He's the one more famous for saying "I love it when things work!" All I can say is...I do agree my dear, I do agree!"
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AVON Anew vitale - the 'face saver'!

5/7/2015

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When Anew announced their new line for women in their 30s I couldn't wait to try it. I had been using Avon Elements in the past, and while I had great results, it had been on my mind more lately to upgrade my facial regimen. We're not getting any younger right! I spent 31 years living in the Caribbean and while there are certain benefits of having oily skin, it was pure annoyance since I'd have to freshen up my makeup more than once a day. Cue my wedding day in July 2014, and the start of a whole new life in chilly Wisconsin...OIL BE GONE! I couldn't believe it! The oily skin I suffered through for so long was no longer my nemesis. However, what was my new enemy...dry skin. The weather here obviously so, is considerably colder than what I was accustomed to, and all of a sudden I was experiencing flaky, dry, far from radiant skin. 


I knew it was time. Time to take my 'skin into my own hands'! Sounds kind of creepy :) But what I realised was that getting older, changing climates, diet and even hormone levels were affecting my body and mainly my skin. Anew Vitale makes its debut and I'm anxiously awaiting my chance to try. What intrigued me the most was their product description which I immediately fell for and hoped for the best! "Introducing Anew Vitale powered by VitaToneComplex. Cleanse and invigorate fatigued-looking skin. Non-drying gel cleanser, with ProEnergy Complex, is formulated to effectively remove make-up, excess oil and surface impurities. It helps refine skin's texture for a visibly smoother and softer appearance, and helps promote a clear, even-looking complexion. Skin looks more energized and feels refreshed and full of vitality" Ah! THIS IS WHAT I NEED IN MY LIFE! 


On my first application of the Anew Vitale Gel Cleanser, I was immediately transported into a scented lullaby with its soft, almost strawberry like fragrance. I'm such a sucker for nice smelling things :) The Anew Vitale Gel Cleanser was noticeably more potent than cleansers I've used in the past. It felt like I literally went from being a teenager washing her face, to being a grown woman, using grown up products! I felt lavished and luxurious! Wow...I thought. All from less than a dime sized spurt of gel. Less proved more. I have never before been able to get ALL my makeup off after one washing with previous cleansers. In fact, I would be so open to say that I gave a side-eye to my L'Oreal Scrub sitting right in front of me, as a product that I had to use at least three times to get all my makeup off. This Anew Vital Gel Cleanser spoke the truth! It truly does effectively remove makeup, and made my face super soft and supple. 


The true test however came after washing my face. The Towel Test I call it. Being married now, I feel so sorry sometimes for my poor husband who has to now put up with the likes of a girl in his bathroom space. Since we only have one bar for our face or hand towel, sometimes it works double duty. That meant that after feeling I had successfully washed my face, foundation and and other makeup was still being deposited on our elegant wedding gifted ivory towels. I'm sorry! I'd jokingly cry, and quickly swap them out. My Towel Test with Anew Vitale Gel Cleanser was a success! I patted my face after wash one, and slowly peeked at the towel half-expecting to see excess makeup....Nothing! Not one small smudge of my Soft Honey Ideal Flawless Foundation, or Blackest Black Glimmersticks Eyeliner. 


We have a winner! Well this means I can get to bed maybe just 3 minutes earlier, having not needed to wash and re-wash my face. Excitedly I moved on to Step 2 with my Anew Vitale Night Gel Cream. This luscious cream smoothed easily over my cleansed face, giving it an almost HD like appearance. Note to others, don't forget to apply all the way down to your neck. Trust me, you will feel and see the difference! Step 3...To combat my newly dry, flaky skin, I pulled out my Anew Clinical Overnight Hydration Mask. I need some extra moisture in my life! I think the three minutes I saved by not re-washing my face was now used up by admiring and touching my face in the mirror now :) Time for bed, now looking forward to using my Anew Vitale Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 25.My face looked and felt amazing 6 hours later, and I couldn't wait to give it a gentle wash (with even less cleanser), and to apply my Day Cream. Just as expected, this rich cream draped over my cheeks, forehead, neck and jawline like a cashmere sweater. I am loving this! This is even the first time in a very long time I felt so good about my skin, I wanted to show it off without a stitch of makeup (and trust me, I have!). 


Ah yes...welcome to the 30s. Welcome to taking even better care of our skin and bodies and enjoying it too! Next step and maybe Part two to this post, would be for the Anew Vitale Eye Gel Cream. Because we know...'the eyes have it'! ;) We have to take major care of these beauties too.


Want to enjoy all that Anew has to offer? Remember Anew caters to us all, from our 30s go up. 
30+ ? Try Anew Vitale 
40+? Try Anew Reversalist 
50+? Try Anew Ultimate 
60+? Try Anew Platinum 

You can even sign up for Avon's Auto Replenish Program of Anew Products from $49 - $55. 

Not ready to commit? Try their minis on sale now: 
Two Mini Moisturizers for only $12 
Two Mini Cleansers for only $5 

Until next time!
Shop Anew Here
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    Genelle Beyer

    If you look good, you FEEL good!

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