Compression Wear for New Moms

It is said that a woman must allow herself the same duration that she was pregnant to lose the pregnancy weight. Four months into motherhood, and losing the baby weight was a breeze. Getting rid of this pooch, however,  has proven to be a longer lasting task.

All Carib and Latina women know about "faja's," they're the shapers that older moms stuffed themselves into to preserve their sexy. I always thought they were genius contraptions,  and now I have called upon their wonders to help me along this journey.

The easiest form of faja is the unitard. It holds you in everywhere. Now, if you have a large stomach it cannot hide it - but it does smooth out the appearance. This is also beneficial after a c-section as it helps to hold your tender organs in place. The panty-like closure is more comfortable for c-section moms because the pressure is displaced evenly. I'll talk about waist shapers at another time.

Compression helps curb your hunger, as well as flatten your tummy while you get back into the groove of daily functions. It is a lifesaver when getting in and out of bed, because you are able to move without clutching your stomach all the time. It saved my life during the first few weeks home with baby.

The best part is, it's undetectable under your clothes. The healing process is your business alone. No one needs to comment on your methods or judge you for them. Check out my pictures and you'll understand.

I hope to start more rigorous ab work this week, but my incision is still healing so I have to be careful. I am in no rush, as my husband and I are enjoying the new hips and butt I have gained through pregnancy. It offsets the stomach, lol

Living Fearlessly

As I progress through my 25th year on this earth, I'm quickly learning that sometimes you've gotta go balls out for the things you want in life. No matter what it is, if it's something you've set your sights on - jump up and go for it. Travel plans? Dating? That promotion you've always wanted? Every lesson in my life has taught me a new version of this same concept. 

Every day, I care a little less about the opinions of strangers and acquaintances - even my peers don't always give the best advice. It's God that leads us to the places we're destined to be, which means most of the time we should be listening to the voice within ourselves. I've been subconsciously afraid all my life of what other people think of me. How much I help people was 50% personal desire to assist and 50% whether they'd be mad if I didn't. I'd overextend myself so much that I'd burn out! BUT - because I was so concerned with the next person's feelings - I'd stuff mine in my pocket and grin and bare it. It cost me many dollars and quite a few sleepless nights. 

Never no more. 

Last year I decided to do the things I always wanted to do - and they brought so much happiness to my life. I'd say what I felt when I felt it; not shooting from the hip, but with a lot less caution and worry. Human beings are not always receptive to honesty, but sometimes it's the only policy that works. Feels a lot better to the spirit when you get things off your chest. People will respect you for it, too! 

This new journey in my life brings me somewhere that I'm apparently known for - but is still a taboo issue. I'm really passionate about it, though - so if I take other people's opinions and thoughts into consideration, I'm destined to fail. So I won't. I listen to the ideas and suggestions of my immediate loved ones, who have helped me so much in finding myself and what I want to do with my life. Even when I ignore their suggestions, they still respect it - because I'm going out for mine. So far, it hasn't failed me. 

Today, I challenge you. Take one thing you've always wanted to do, say, touch, eat. One. Do it. Today. Now if you can. Don't wait until tomorrow - because you won't. Tell that person you love them, grab that fruit at the oriental market (buy it) - then go eat it! Don't get yourself hurt though, lol - I can't be responsible for that. 

Live fearlessly. Live YOUR Life. 

Quarter - Century Essentials...

As everybody knows - my birthday is Saturday. I'll be the big 25!! *Cues party music and streamers*
I'm scrambling to get everything together this week, and I totally forgot my wish list. Like every year, I end up buying most of these for myself because I get too excited and can't wait. This year will probably be the same, hahaha. A girl can dream...


Pour La Victoire...

Last year, it was Irina. For 2012, it's Zimmer. The name kind of ruined it for me, but I figure the color will redeem it. I have a thing for platforms, and I love a good black shoe. The shape gives a sexy silhouette, and the heel height will shape any calf... 


Mocha Ceramic...

I think this color scheme screams "Grown woman," but still leaves room for a "good jean nice tee" day. I've seen it from a few different designers, I just have to pick one. 


Speedy Bag...

I've been obsessed with this shape for the past few years. I don't care who makes it, I respect a well-made, simple speedy bag. I don't have a black one, so I think a solid is the way to go this time around. Gwen makes some bomb bags - we'll see :) 


Matte Paint... 


Ever since I discovered matte top coat, I've been in love with the concept. Now that designers are playing with the possibilities - there's so much more room for creativity. I definitely want this to be my birthday design

My first taste of Matte...

There's so much more - but I'm too excited to list them. I can't wait for this weekend to celebrate another year of life with my friends and family. Every once in a while, the little tree hugger wants to get glammed up and do it big. 25, here I come!