Dreading Swimsuits?

Swimsuit season is one of the most dreaded and loved seasons of all.  

It's thoughts begin to consume many woman's minds months before the first drop of water finds it's way into a pool.  We all love to be out in the sun, play in the water, splash around, and just find ourselves relaxing.  Yet, with the promise of wet sun drenched skin comes a dread of finding and wearing that swimsuit.  

I would venture to guess that even the most lovely of the Victoria's Secret models have insecurities at the beach when they aren't hiding behind a veil of airbrush.  (curse them for trying to have the world live up to ridiculous expectations)

After having Henry I have found myself more uncomfortable than ever.  We all know our own skin, know how we fit in clothes, and when we aren't in our "sweet spot".....well it's just kind of tough.  I'm not dieting, but eating healthy (for two), and began working out again after my six week mark.  But having a baby changes your body forever.   All mommas have reminders on their body of the life they once carried around inside.  It is a blessing no doubt, to carry these marks of love around.  But it makes the dressing room a little daunting at times.

It is difficult to shop as a mommy because car seats, crying babies and dressing rooms just don't work well.   So I broke down this weekend and went out for a few moments of alone time to find a swimsuit that fit.  What I discovered was acceptance.  I attempted to try on dozens of suits at multiple stores that others seemingly find success in.  Alas, I found myself in a hot sweat from the stress of realizing, nothing fit the way I wanted it to, nothing made me feel comfortable.  I decided to make one last stop into the mall and again tried on dozens, this time mixing and matching every possible combination of swim style available.  It worked.  I ended up coming out with a suit I can wear and feel comfy in as a mom and a woman.

Why am I telling you this?  

Well because I think that many of us struggle in this department.  My final thoughts and conclusion on the matter is don't dread the season or the suit.  Go out and try try again.  They make swimwear today for every possible shape and size.  So be OK with the fact that your "dream suit" or "dream body" may not be happening right now but that doesn't mean you shouldn't feel beautiful in your skin.  Find a way to let your assets shine!  And splish splash your way into summer!!!!!!

All pics can be found sourced on my pinterest page. 

Strolling along.

Henry's new favorite activity....ok maybe it's Mommy's new favorite is to go on walks.  I had a fear of the stroller and honestly leaving the house on my own with him for the first little bit. 

I broke the ice last week with our first outing to go check out a little children's boutique sale just down the road from us.  Karen (Gran) met us out there for his first shopping trip and Alison and Woods stopped by to look at all the cute smockness going on too.  

I'm not gonna lie I was proud.  I put him in the car seat, put car seat in the car, drove 10mph to the store, got him out of the car, put car seat on stroller, pushed stroller and then got us home safely.  :)  It was one small step I know but it was big in my lil momma book.

We then took our new stroller buddy on a walk with auntie Sarah who stopped by on Friday for a little jaunt around the neighborhood.  (Kman came too.  :)

Yesterday we packed up once more for a walk at the arboretum.  We met up with Nami and 5 month old Kiran.  :)  It was a beautiful day for a walk and everything blooming was wrapped in an 82 degree breeze that swirled the sweet smells of flowers and baby breath around our heads.

 Sweet baby toes in the grass.......Can't beat it!

We are starting to get the hang of this stroller thing.  :)

Behold, BarreAmped

(Suzanne Bowen-courtesy of www.barreamped.com)

I couldn't be more stoked than I am right now about this weekend. I have been blessed with the opportunity to come to Nashville to be trained by owner and creator of BarreAmped fitness, Suzanne Bowen.  I have been so excited at the thought of teaching, after experiencing the amazing strength that BarreAmped has given me mentally and physically.  

Leigh-Ann has brought this fabulous class to Lexington at ElleFitness and allowed so many of us to see how challenging, motivating, and effective the BarreAmped method is.  

As excited as I was before arriving, I hadn't really prepared myself for how awesome this training would be.  I am even more amazed after being here to see the fitness knowledge and body awareness that Suzanne has and believes in instilling in her instructors.  Her focus is on form and keeping the body safe while making your muscles change into their strongest form possible.  I can't wait to see what the next few days will bring.  I pray that I have the mental and physical ability to be the type of instructor I'm hoping to be.  The possibilities here are endless.  :)  Thanks Leigh-Ann for this fabulous opportunity.