2014 Swimsuit Trends Favor Plus Size, Tankini, Two-Piece Separates Offer Options

Plus size, disproportionate, apple-shaped women rejoice. Because finally 2014 swimsuit trends flatter us! For plus size and apples shapes, the uber-popular tankini de-emphasizes midriffs, chubby tummies while accentuating hips. Unfortunately, we chesty-curvy gals aren't so lucky. Swimsuit tops still aren't generous enough. But with tops and bottoms sold separately, there are swimsuits for all body shapes and sizes. 2014 Swimsuit Trends, Tankini, Two-Piece Separates Provide Options

Got Belly Fat? Want Belly Flat? Foods to Add and Burn Stomach Fat

I've lost 97 pounds and dropped from size 20 to size 3/ 4. I gained 100 pounds after losing two stillborn babies. I put on weight all over, but especially in the stomach. Belly fat has always been my nemesis. So I research what causes and cures belly fat. Some advice is contradictory, so I follow trusted physicians like Dr. Oz, and my personal experience. The trick is to avoid saturated fat, highly-inflammatory, sugary, salty and bloating foods. Eat healthy MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids), metabolism-boosters, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, fermented foods, vitamin C. Here's an A-Z guide of foods that add and subtract to tummy bulge.  Belly Fat or Flat, Foods That Boost and Burn Stomach Bulge

Belly Fat to Flat, Foods That Add and Subtract Stomach Bulge

I've lost 97 pounds and dropped from size 20 to size 3/ 4. I've gotten my BMI from 34 to 23. I gained 100 pounds after losing two stillborn babies. I put on weight all over, but especially in the stomach. Belly fat has always been my nemesis. So I research what causes and cures belly fat. Some advice is contradictory, so I follow trusted physicians like Dr. Oz, and my personal experience. The trick is to avoid saturated fat, highly-inflammatory, sugary, salty and bloating foods. Eat healthy MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids), metabolism-boosters, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, fermented foods, vitamin C. Here's an A-Z guide of foods that add and subtract to tummy bulge.  Belly Fat or Flat, Foods That Boost and Burn Stomach Bulge

Teach Kids Good Hygiene, Tactfully, Proactively and with Common Sense

 Does your child have that not-so-fresh smell? Time for the H-word (hygiene) talk. An awkward subject, but one kids need to hear about. Here are tips to teach personal cleanliness tactfully, sensitively and proactively. I use the B4 plan--tell him nicely "before" others tell him rudely. I've included shopping suggestions for personal care products, too. Teach Kids Good Hygiene, Tactfully, Proactively, Supportively

Workaround for One Piece or Bikini Bathing Suit Dilemma

I have lost 96 pounds and dropped eight sizes. So a wardrobe makeover is in process. My husband posed a good question for summer wear: one piece or two-piece bathing suit? With Spring Break coming up, it's a good consideration.

My husband suggested that since I have lost weight, I might try a two-piece or even bikini. I still have belly pudge, but so does most every woman on the beach. Not being body-perfect doesn't stop them wearing a bikini. And it shouldn't. But personally, no matter how toned I get, I'll never wear one. Not to be prudish, it's just too revealing.  But there are problems with one piece, too. Here's a workaround. Diet Tip Workaround for One Piece or Bikini Bathing Suit Dilemma

Affordable Personal Care Products Teen Boys Love

 I taught middle school and raised four kids. So I speak fluent teen. When we think cosmetics, we tend to think of girls. But boys are concerned about hygiene too. Here are seven personal care products teen guys love.

Nivea sensitive skin shave gel: Razor bumps are the bane of shaving. They itch, burn and look ugly. They're hard to get rid of. Using sensitive skin shave cream like Nivea and Aveeno, helps prevent razor rash. Nivea makes an after-shave balm that soothes, too. Affordable Personal Care Products Teen Boys Love

Ban Bossy, Empower Girls to Speak Out not Shut Up

I hate it when Americans pontificate about the plight of girls in other countries, then silence their own women. I know women are abused. I pray for them and support empowerment missions, like Amnesty, WAR and Global Girlfriend.



It the hypocrisy I object to. In our supposed enlightened nation, girls have low self-esteem issues 3.5 times more than boys. Girls don't speak up, don't take leadership, don't assert their intelligence. They play dumb and weak.  

Ban Bossy, Empower Girls to Speak Out, Not Tell Them to Shut Up - News - Bubblews

Skip Mardi Gras Blowouts for Easier Fasting, Dieting

Tomorrow is Catholic Mardi Gras aka Fat Tuesday, Pancake Day, Shrove Tuesday, Carnivale. Call it what you will, it translates to feasting. And too much fasting on Ash Wednesday and lent more difficult.



Blowouts make dieting harder too. Take it from one who has lost 95 pounds. Left photo is me now. Right is 2011. I didn't drop eight sizes by jumping off the wagon at every chance.  I did it with balance and common sense. When I have given up calorie counting, it was planned and for a brief periods. And I keep it in moderation.  I Skip Mardi Gras Blowouts for Easier Lenten Fasting, Dieting

How I Lost 93 Pounds With Little Diet Changes

I've lost 93 pounds and dropped eight sizes, from 20 to 4.  I put on 100 pounds after losing two stillborn babies and taking antidepressants. People ask how I lost the weight and I say not in big, invasive ways (surgery, drugs) but with little habit changes. Here are 14 easy tweaks I made to help me lose. How I Lost 93 Pounds With Little Diet Changes

My Weight Loss Photo Journal Update February 2014

I keep talking about how I lost 93 pounds. I've done a few photo exposes, but here's the most recent one as of February, 2014. I'll try to do side-by-side shots but I'm not too good at getting photos lined up.  My Weight Loss Photo Journey Update February 2014