#LoveYourLines

Love lines, battle wounds, mommy marks... whatever you want to call them, stretch marks typically get a bad wrap. We are often pushed every product under the sun in hopes of getting rid of the marks, but #LoveYourLines aims to highlight and remove the negative stigma surrounding stretchmarks.

Promoted as "two moms celebrating real women, real bodies and real self love" #LoveYourLines is making waves on Instagram as every day women submit photos showcasing their stretch marks.

To keep it all the way 100 the #LoveYourLines Instagram page is offering me a ton of inspiration. I have 2 stretch marks on my body that seriously drive me nuts. It's not something everyone can spot, but it's something I zero in on each time. Ugh. It's annoying. I've tried oils, butters, creams... if I could pay a reasonable price for a laser removal I would. However, nothing has worked and I'm at the point where I've had to accept the marks and #LoveMyLines.

It's SO easy to get consumed with the idea of body image and get down on ourselves, not to mention the idea of having stretch marks seriously makes my entire force crumble... but #LoveYourLines is showcasing just how common stretch marks are. Whether it's due to weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, etc... stretch marks aren't the end of the world.

Do you have stretch marks? What is your relationship with them?

Body Image, Weight Loss & Dressing for your Body

Y'all, I'm going through a fashion identity crisis. I've lost 15 lbs since last year and suffer from a severe case of disillusion. While I KNOW I have curves, I keep dressing like I have the body of Nicole Richie. My inner force wants nothing more than to drape myself in big, shapeless clothes. Case in point: My fur vest.

Left: 15 lbs lighter, but styled wrong

Right: 15 lbs heavier, but style right

Last weekend I was rocking one of my favorite vests, but seeing how it photographed made me think about retiring it. I was like, what the french toast? I felt uber cute in it... but yeah, it wasn't a winning look. Just as I was about to throw it in a fire, I remembered that I HAD actually rocked it with a summer dress and it was the best thing ever. So, I quickly proved to myself that styling is everything and I must always dress for my body... this body... that I currently have.

I'm sure it's common to lose weight, yet be slow to transition into a new, smaller wardrobe... and that's the place I'm in. I'm slowly realizing, or maybe finally accepting that I need to make some tweaks to what I rock. Can Iyanla come fix my closet? Or better yet... I just need a few power shopping sessions with the homie Sexy and the Chi. She would NEVER steer me wrong lol.

Anyways, all of this is to say that ladies, if you've done the work to shed some lbs, the icing on the cake is embracing your body and dressing for it! And by "it" I mean the body you have right now, this very minute. Although I'm not completely done with my fitness journey (I'm still working towards shedding about 7% body fat), the 15 lbs I've dropped so far is a big deal. It's time to really pay attention to what I'm buying, how I'm styling it, and looking my best each and every day. Oh, and I really need a full length mirror lol. Time to make a trip to IKEA.

Unrealistic Beauty Standards (video)

I'm starting to feel that the beauty standards for women nowadays are not only out of control, but disgustingly cookie cutter. A quick scan of many fashion blogs or Instagram will show you that the ideal "beauty" is exotic, long hair, caked up face, small waist, big ass, top notch fashion... and that's just the outside... on top of that she needs to be smart, successful, not a gold digging bitch, have a good family, education, like sports, and not be annoying. She should cook, pop that pussy in the bedroom, and win your mother over with her smile and grace.

** insert crickets here**

Now, having the full package has never been a bad thing... for a man or a woman... but the standards of beauty for many women are just unrealistic. Stick with me for a moment...

I love makeup and hair. It's fun to play with your look and change things up, but I think people are starting to believe their caked up, weaved out look is authentic... Nah, son...

I was at a day party on Saturday and doing a quick scan of the room I thought most chicks brought their A game... but doing that much for a casual party at 2p? lol... No wonder men have it all wrong. The "done up" beauty has become the standard and what many people think is the minimum criteria. Yes, I've heard some men say they like natural beauties with no makeup... but guess what? Those same guys stay falling for the Okey Doke chick in the club "caked up and ready to get chose." How long can you really be with a person that avoids sweating, water activities, or anything that might ruin their makeup or cause their hair to sweat out! Enjoy the facade, but trust and believe that this is NOT how women look at the end of the day.

Maybe this is a PMS driven rant, but I think it's important for women to truly embrace who they are w/out the makeup and hair tricks. Yes, take care of your appearance and be proud... but when you wash your makeup off at night, love who is looking back at you. I feel like we're almost to blame for this shit. Folks think Kim K wakes up looking like that, failing to realize she has a 24/7 Glam Squad.

Sidebar: I prefer Kimmie Cakes without the makeup and high fashion. I think she's a naturally pretty girl that doesn't need the extra pomp and circumstance.

What are your thoughts? Are the female standards for beauty out of control and unrealistic?

Breast Reduction Surgery...

I've toyed around with the idea of getting a breast reduction for years... but imagine my surprise when after glancing at before and after pictures I realized, "Fuck, I really DO look like a before picture." My jaw was seriously dropped and my eyes started to water... is my body changing before my eyes? My boobs were always big... then somehow they became HUGE! Ginormo even...  but recently I've noticed a major change (which I blogged about) and I'm starting to become more self-aware, self-conscious, and slightly insecure about my large rack. My posture is affected, the straps digging into my skin cause headaches, and I'm tired of not being able to have clothes fit me properly. I guess you could say that I'm just over having a big, disproportionate chest and want to fix it asap.

 The catch? I'm not 16, 19, or even 24... I'm 27, nearly 2 years into my marriage, and almost certain that I'll have kids within the next 5 years. Breast reductions (which are usually accompanied with a lift) are not recommended for women that plan on nursing because the surgery can cause complications with the milk supply - - basically you don't have food for your kid. I'm not a parent, but it would do a huge psychological number on me not being able to connect with and nurture my child via breastfeeding. On top of that, doctors don't necessarily recommend reductions to women that plan on becoming pregnant because pregnancy changes your boobs and guess what... all that beautiful surgical work they do will change, even if slightly... and Lord knows once I get my dream rack I don't want to go back to the racks on racks (on racks...) that I have now.

Have any mothers had the breast reduction surgery and been able to breast feed without any problems? Did you experience issues with your newly constructed boobs post pregnancy? Has anyone else considered getting a breast reduction, but been nervous because they have yet to become a mother?

Boobs on the Brain... (A post for the Ladies)

I was going to write a blog post about the latest episode of Basketball Wives, but all of Tami's complaining wore me out lol. Instead, I've had boobs on the brains as of late.

Unlike women that sit around dreaming of implants, I joyously await the day I pop out some kids so I can go in for a reduction/lift. I remember getting my first sport's bra in 5th grade (from Contempo Casuals lol) and I've been a slave to the under-wire ever since. At a 36DD (the last time I got a professional fitting), I've always been well endowed, but secretly I've always yearned for a reduction. Part of me wonders if I'd regret going smaller since I've always had big boobs, but I think being a full C would be very nice.

Anyways, the reason for this post is really because I feel like since turning 27 my boobs have changed... and not in a good way... in a strange, something-is-off-but-I-can't-put-my-finger-on-it type of way. Can anyone relate to this? I'm kinda scared to see what my breasts would look like after kids. I've seen some nightmarish pictures of ladies that had nice, ample boobs and after kids they looked like deflated balloons (insert sad face here).

No, I'm not pregnant and my husband and I have no immediate plans for children, but motherhood does a number on your body. Is it shallow to want to nip/tuck yourself back together after kids... assuming you're one of the majority women whose body is NOT the same? Maybe I'm just being my typical "worrier" self and thinking about things that are non-issues...

All I know for sure is that I've feel like I can no longer go bra-less around the house and it's kinda annoying. I feel like my boobs are too heavy to skip the bra, and allowing gravity to do its thing would only screw me in the long run. *le sigh* The joy of having big, natural boobs o_O

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed something that seemed off? I'd love to know that I'm not alone!

Soaking up the Sun...

Yesterday it was 93 degrees, sunny, and blazing hot out. What better way to enjoy the heat than throwing on my suit and putting in some time by the pool!

It's easy to convince yourself that you need to do XYZ before you hit the beach/pool in your bikini but I decided that I'm going to embrace where my body is today. I've been working on cardio and have a ways to go before I feel like I'm back in my peak physical condition, but I refuse to allow my self-perceived flaws and shortcomings to keep me from enjoying life... especially the water! Sidebar: I'm obsessed with being in the water and would be happy doing most activities in the pool.

I always find it funny that women are so eager to get breast implants because the only DD+ breasts that are fun are fake, in my opinion. Big boobs are annoying, can kill your waistline in the wrong outfit, and make finding cute bras and bikini tops a pain in the butt. I've been obsessed with rocking a triangle top and was thrilled to find a super supportive one last year. This photo does it no justice, but I snagged this suit at Target last year (it's a Converse suit) and it has double straps! I always feel locked and loaded in tight when I wear it.

I've also had my eye on Fig Leaves for their amazing selection of DD+ suits. If you're a busty lady definitely check out their site. The options are diverse and the prices affordable.

Going into these summer months continue to work on whatever fitness goals you have, but don't forget to stop and enjoy where you are right now. Buy clothes that fit you right now instead of waiting for what size you may be in a few months. When you prepare to hit the beach, don't necessarily dress to HIDE your flaws, but find something you're comfortable in and embrace you! I don't want to sound like some motivational speaker, but I could make a long video speaking about all the reasons I didn't want to throw on a suit... just know that if you've ever felt nervous to don a 2-piece you aren't alone!!

Great body without the gym?

Am I the only person that rolls my eyes at the Sketcher's Shape Ups and Reebok EasyTone sneaker commercials? Besides the fact that the Shape Ups are hideous, I think marketing to women that you can have this amazing body without ever stepping foot inside of a gym is a joke! The Reebok Easy Tone sneakers are visually more appealing with their balance ball technology, but their marketing still relies heavily on avoiding the gym and gaining great results.

Always on the search for a quick fix, they might as well manufacture a magic wand lol. Ladies, don't believe the hype. While these shoes may improve some stimulation to your muscles, please don't think it'll come without exercise. Those hoping for miraculous results with little work as possible should invest in a plastic surgeon or a magic wand... because a gym shoe is not going to solve any of your weight woes.

Has anyone tried either of these shoes? What are your thoughts?

Reality Check: Kendra

Sunday night the new season of Kendra premiered on E! Everyone knows Kendra as part of the original Girl's Next Door Trio (including Bridget and Holly) and watched her for numerous seasons during her stay at the Playboy Mansion. In season 2 of her show, the cameras continue to follow Kendra and her husband (NFL baller Hank Baskett) as they enjoy the birth of their son and life as newlyweds.

The first 2 episodes showed Kendra and Hank's search for a babysitter and quest to reignite their romantic flame with a date night. Another topic that was tackled was Kendra's insecurity with her post baby body. Running with a crew of playboy bunnies wasn't an issue for Kendra's size 23 pre baby body... but she found herself struggling to feel sexy and confident when 3 of her friends came into town to visit.

What I really liked about this storyline was how reassuring and loving Hank was. Never once did he make Kendra feel bad about her body (which some men can do) and I loved that. He was the constant supportive, loving, doting husband. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing but it can wreak havoc on the female body. I think it's definitely a sacrifice to carry your baby and risk having all the "battle wounds" to prove it. Kendra wasn't scared to show her stretch marks or stomach that was leftover after having the baby and I found it refreshing. I mean, she JUST HAD A BABY!!! It took 9 months to put the weight on and it doesn't come off over night.

In the media we are always bombarded with ways to "lose the baby weight" in like a month and the pressure women can face is ridiculous. You want to get your body back in shape, not only for yourself, but you want your spouse to find you attractive again. Not that they don't (many men LOVE the pregnancy body) but as a woman you want to feel, as Kendra said, like you'd wanna "fuck yourself" lol... and it's true.

My question is for mothers out there, how did you handle (or how are you handling) your pregnancy body? What role did your spouse play in helping you thru the experience?