How to Get a Bikini Body? Get a Bikini and Put it on Your Body!

Posted on April 27, 2014 by candidconnie

Plus size swimwear has come a looooonnnnnnggggg way! Gone are the days when your only choice was a Swimdress or One-Piece Suit. There are now swimsuits for every body type. So whether you are an apple, pear, hourglass, or rectangle, there is a flattering suit for you. Until recently (2 years ago to be exact), I shied away from all types of swimsuits. I owned a one piece and a tankini (which let’s face it, might as well be a one-piece). This year I am so excited to share with you some of my picks for trendy, fashionable, flattering swimsuits. I will begin with the most expensive.

1. Monifc.com ($$$$= $88.00-190.00)

I know what your’re thinking… “Almost $200.00 for swimwear?! Ain’t nobody got time for that?!” I know it seems like a lot of money for swimwear, but I speak from experience when I say that it is well worth it. My mom always says that you get what you pay for and that is so true. Monif Clarke knows the plus size body and whether it is a convertible dress or a monokini, she knows what she’s doing. The quality of her pieces is unrivaled. As a large chested woman, I feel comfortable in her bikini tops because of the underwire and the boning. Her bikini bottoms offer maximum support with a power mesh lining. Bottom Line: Monif C is worth every penny.

2. Independent Designer- Nakimuli.com ($$$-$$$$)

I don’t know about you, but when I go to the beach or pool, I want to make sure that I stand out for all of the right reasons. No one wants to show up only to find out that there is someone wearing the same exact suit that you are wearing. Cue independent designers! Again, you may find that these suits are a little on the expensive side but you must remember that when you are dealing with an independent designer that these items are made by hand. There is no manufacturer and no retail store. Nakimuli’s Curvy line is different and flattering. There are wider straps and tummy control lining. I own more than one of her pieces and they are well made and worth the extra money.

Honorable mention: Independent Designer Rue107.com ($$$-$$$$) I wore the following suit this month while on a Cruise. I loved the color and design. Unfortunately, I felt like the straps (although stretchy) were cut entirely too short and it hurt my neck. Other than that, I liked the quality and the high waisted bottoms were perfect.

Andrea High Waisted Bikini Bottom - Hot Teal

3. ASOS.com ($$-$$$)

What I love about ASOS swimwear is that whether you’re looking for a new bikini top, high waist bottom, or cover-up, they have something in every color and size. I love the fact that they have bikini tops that go up to a G cup! How many swimwear companies can state the same? I own several of these pieces and I must say that I have not been disappointed. ASOS also offers free shipping and free returns/exchanges. Try them out!

4. Swimsuits for All ($$-$$$)

Swimsuitsforall.com (S4A) does exactly what the name implies; They carry swimsuit sizes from 8-34. They carry everything from the very modest swim dress to the two-piece bikini. S4A has something for every budget as well. Again this year, they unveiled the a monokini designed by none other than GabiFresh. If anyone knows a fatkini, it’s Gabifresh.

5. Target.com ($-$$)

If you’re like me, when you go in Target stores, you only see the itty bitty teeny weeny juniors’ bikinis. I was on target.com looking for a cute white vest that I saw on the Target commercial, when I came across some of these plus size suits. They are all under $50.00! They seem to have a suit for every woman regardless of your comfort level (16W-24W).

6. Forever21 ($-$$)

My last pick for plus size swimwear is the cheapest among them all and seems to offer the greatest variety. Initially, I considered Forever21 to carry only junior sizes and styles of clothing. But over the last 2 years, they have offered several different styles of clothing at affordable prices. Remember what I said earlier that you get what you pay for. This is not a MonifC suit that offers maximum support, so you must keep that in mind. Forever21 gives you the opportunity to take part in a trend without investing too much money. Sizes XL-3X.

I’m Back…. with Five of My Favorites Things!

Posted on April 26, 2014 by candidconnie

It’s been a moment since my last post and I have so much to share with you about what I’ve been getting into lately. But first i want to share with you a few items that I have fallen in love with over the last few months. This list will include a combination of beauty and clothing items. I will attempt to attach the link to where you can find the item if it is still available.

1. Carol’s Daughter Monoi Ultimate Repair System

When I saw this set on HSN several months ago, I had to purchase the system. This particular system claims
96% LESS BREAKAGE. 93.3% FEWER SPLIT ENDS. 92% STRONGER HAIR., so you know I had to try it. I went completely natural in February 2013 and since that time I have tried to find products specifically tailored to my hair type. Carol’s Daughter has several lines of hair and body products but I believe that I have found the product that works best for me. HSN carries several of Carol’s Daughter most popular products on Easy Pay, so it’s definitely a win-win situation. I noticed a difference in my hair after the first shampoo. I used the hair mask before I had my Senegalese Twist installed in March and when I took the braids out last night, my hair still felt conditioned and strong! Water is the first ingredient in all of the product PLUS, No Sulfates, No Parabens, No Petroleum, No Mineral Oil, No Artificial Colors. You can find the Carols Daughter Monoi 3-Piece starter kit here.

2. OPI Nail Envy Nail Strenghtener

I noticed that on my priority list of health care, my nails were last on the list. When I was younger, I was a nail biter. To stop this horrible habit, I used artificial nails for years. Even though it had been years since my last fill in, my nails were still struggling to bounce back. Enter OPI Nail Envy! I LOVE this product for my nails. I have only used the Original formula but OPI has several different formulas. You can purchase the Original Formula here.

3. JustFab Martin Handbag

Like most ladies, I LOVE accessories! JustFab has become my go-to place for affordable shoes and handbags. They also have denim, dresses, and tops, but I have yet to try those items. If you have purchased apparel from JustFab, leave a comment below as to fit and quality. I have all kinds of bags from big to small, cheap to designer and this Martin bag from Just Fab is my favorite Spring bag at the moment. This is a large bag and JustFab has this bag in several colors. This particular color is sold out, but they have a dark green, red, and nude color available here.

4. It’s Spring and It’s time for PASTELS!

Pastels for Spring are, of course, nothing new. This year I plan on incorporating pastels in my accessories more than anything. I am a plus size girl, so going all over pastel can be a little tricky (no one wants to look like a giant Easter Egg). I love this BCBGeneraton Fearless Pastel Affirmation Bracelet for only $18.00! If you’re looking to add some bright make-up to your Spring Collection, look no further than the MAC Playland Collection. The shoe above is JustFab Fleur and were unbelievably comfortable for a heel this height. I wore them all day on Easter and I have no complaints.

5. Avon Moisture Therapy Calming Relief Hand Cream

I love Avon lotions and sunscreens! So when I found these hand creams, I knew that I found a gem. My favorite of the three hand creams is the Soothing Oatmeal and can be found here. I have a tube on my work desk, my bathroom, and my purse. I have no doubt that once you try it, you will be hooked.

Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the Good Times Roll!)

Posted on February 23, 2014 by candidconnie

Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday.

My hometown of Mobile, Alabama is the birthplace of Mardi Gras! Yes, you heard that correctly the Birthplace. It is the oldest annual Carnival celebration in the United States, having started in 1703. This was fifteen years before New Orleans was founded, although today their celebrations are much more widely known. Mardi Gras in Mobile has now evolved into a mainstream multi-week celebration across the spectrum of cultures in Mobile, becoming school holidays for the final Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Although Mobile has traditions of exclusive societies, with formal masked balls and elegant costumes, the celebration has evolved over the past three centuries to become typified by public parades where members of societies, often masked, on floats or horseback, toss gifts (known as throws) to the general public. Throws include necklaces of plastic beads, doubloon coins, decorated plastic cups, candy, wrapped cakes or snacks, stuffed animals, and small toys, footballs, frisbees, or whistles. My favorite throw of all time is the moon pie. if you have never had a moon pie, I suggest that you try it at least once.

The masked balls or dances, where non-masked men wear white tie and tails and the women wear full length evening gowns, are oriented to adults. Beyond the public parades, Mardi Gras in Mobile involves many various mystic societies some having begun in 1704, or ending with the Civil Wars, while new societies were formed every century. Some mystic societies are never seen in public parades, but rather hold invitation-only events for their secret members, with private balls beginning in November, each year.

This year I attended a Mardi Gras ball here in Biloxi, MS. The Crew of Party People held their Annual Ball on February 15, 2013. I had a blast. I purchased my dress for this year’s ball from Kiyonna. I absolutely love it! I love it so much that you definitely see it again, but I will remix the styling a little.

Five Things You Should Know About Lupus

Posted on January 19, 2014 by candidconnie

The first time I was diagnosed with Systemic lupus eryhematosus (SLE),I was a first-year law student and I had absolutely no idea what it meant. I did not know the symptoms or implications of the disease, nor did I understand what it would mean for my life. I was watching t.v. with my roommate one day and she mentioned that I did not look good. I believe that her exact words were “Roommate, you look a little yellow (i.e. jaundice)”. I was exhausted and my skin was horrible, which I chalked up to the stresses of Law School. The next week I ran to my doctor to see why I was so exhausted. Before my doctor entered the room, the nurse (who I would later discover was a lupie as well) gave me “THE LOOK”. After graduation, another doctor believed that I had been mis-diagnosed. The following year, after switching doctors, I was diagnosed again with lupus. I decided at that time to really immerse myself in all things lupus. After all, Knowledge is power! Here are five things you should know about lupus as well.

1. Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body. Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, the immune system of the body attacks its own cells and tissues. Specifically, the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and other organs of the body are affected.

2. There are five types of lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus – affects joints and organs
Discoid lupus – affects the skin
Sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus – characterized by a specific, non-scarring skin lesion
Drug-induced lupus – develops after a drug reaction
Neonatal lupus – affects newborns

3. Ninety percent of lupus patients are women. Lupus affects roughly 10 times as many women as men. Most often, lupus develops in people 18 to 45 years old. Though lupus is most prevalent among women, it also may affect men and children, as well as people of all ages. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, lupus is two to three times more prevalent among people of color, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.

4. Common Symptoms. If you experience 4 or 5 of these, you should consult a doctor.

Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
Scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest
Sunlight sensitivity
Mouth sores, tongue sores, inside nose sores
Arthritis pain in joints
Pain in chest and side when breathing or moving
Kidney problems
Neurologic problems
Blood problems such as anemia, low white cell count
Immune system malfunction
Antinuclear antibodies

If you believe that you or someone close to you may have lupus, please click The Lupus Foundation of America for more information.

5. I will finish by clearing up some common misconceptions about Lupus! If I hear any of these things again in my life, it will be too soon.

Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot “catch” lupus from someone or “give” lupus to someone.
Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.
Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.
Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life. Just because some looks fine, doesn’t mean that they feel fine.

I hope that someone finds this helpful. I hope to share more of my health journey with you through my blog but if you have any questions, please feel free to comment below.

My January Beauty Favorites!

Posted on January 5, 2014 by candidconnie

“My favorite things in life don’t cost any money. It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.”- Steve Jobs

Once I find a good product, I usually stick with it until it has either worn out its welcome or I find a product that is more effective. I am not a huge product junkie when it comes to makeup, mostly because I do not know how to use most of the items correctly. Over the next year, I plan on learning how to contour my face and how to do my eyebrows. Until those moments arrive, here are some of my favorite beauty items:

As someone who suffered with Acne in her late teens, I know that finding a really good cleansing system is essential for beautiful, clear, smooth skin.

I absolutely love the Clean and Clear System. My favorites at the moment are the Advantage Oil Absorbing Cream Cleanser and the Advantage Oil Absorbing Cream Cleanser. If you have oily skin like I do, these products are great for controlling the oil in your skin. I use the scrub in the AM and the cream Cleanser in the afternoon to remove any additional make-up left behind after using my makeup removing wipes.

My favorite mascara of the moment is CoverGirl Flamed Out Mascara. It is my everyday mascara. It does not make me look like a Venus Flytrap but it gives me great length and volume. It has to be something with the brush. I wear the Black Blaze.

I only use one foundation/powder. Call me crazy (or lazy) but I do not have a lot of time in the morning to apply more than 5 things to my face. I am not trying to impress anyone but at the same time, I do not want to scare anyone either. This is why I use Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. It is a two in one that works wonders to even out my skin tone without looking caked on. I have used this product for over 10 years and I get compliments almost everyday in regards to the smoothness of my skin.

Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

One thing that I found a little over a year ago that makes my makeup application smooth and flawless (cue Beyonce “I woke up like this…”) is a primer. It combats my oiliness and large pores. My favorite is ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer. It is also a steal at $6.00 from Target.

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer - Clear

One of my pet peeves is dry lips. I have big lips and if they are dry and chapped, I know that I will not be the only person to recognize it. I also don’t do very well with matte lipsticks. So on those days when I am running around town sans makeup, I love the CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Glass Balm especially in Mocha Twist. It is sheer coverage with shea butter. I love just about anything with Shea Butter.

COVERGIRL LipPerfection™ Jumbo Gloss Balm

What are your beauty favorites at the moment??

It’s a New Day (and Year)!

Posted on January 2, 2014 by candidconnie

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
–Eleanor Roosevelt

This time last year I was sicker than I have ever been in my life and because of the holidays I tried to hide it. No one wants to be “Debbie Downer” for the New Year. I was diagnosed with Lupus some time ago, but I am determined to live my life to the fullest (More on that later). I understand the seriousness of my illness but I will not be defined by it. Although I will touch on my health journey in this blog, I plan to focus on the things that make me happy; Family/Friends, Fashion, Beauty, Food. With that being said, I hope that all of you continue to follow me on my various journeys throughout this year. This will truly be a “Happy New Year”.

I start this year off with my outfit from Christmas. I absolutely loved it.

My Mom’s Christmas Tree this year!

Me and My Mom! The older I get, the more I look like my Mom

As always, I spent Christmas with my parents. You will hear more about them later, but much of who I am is because of them. I wanted to be cut and comfortable for Christmas. It’s the one time of year that there are people in and out of my parent’s house. My mom cooks like she is feeding the neighborhood and she might as well. I searched high and low for a Christmas outfit when I realized that I already had the perfect item.

Feeling Myself a Little!

I purchased this jumpsuit from Kendra’s Beauty Corner She has beautiful vintage pieces from us curvy ladies! Everything is beautiful and unique. I just purchased another piece that I can not wait to style. This belt is from The Limited (old). You can find similar Here. You can not see my shoes (My budding photographer is none other than my mom, Carolyn), they are available at Just Fab. My chunky gold chain necklace is sold out. Similar from Shoxie I added a red lip Rimmel London

I can not wait to share my life with you through this blog. Happy New Year Everyone!!

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