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.