I want on purpose hair.

I’m willing to fix it and style it now.

I want it to look sleek and sophisticated. I want it short because it’s so much lighter and easier. I want to look hip, but I want to look like a grown-up.

So I googled “short sophisticated hair” and emailed my stylist, Mrs. Blogoway, a bunch of styles I like.

Then don’t ya always feel compelled to “strike a pose” like a model?

Photos Source: Mrs. Blogoway.

Post from: Blisstree

Cure For Winter Blues . . .

If the saw my post Mood Shaper, they should know its a pretty risky marketing move to send me a girdle for review. Every time I read Adam Glassman, from O Magazine talk about how wonderful Spanx and body shapers are I want to tie him down and force him wear a full body girdle for 12 hours and see how “comfortable” he really thinks it is.

The commercial on EatDrinkAndBeYummy.com is super catchy and oh.so.very.hip. Except, it’s also cynical and I’m just feeling too optimistic and excited about the future to buy into the idea that I should eat my fear away and then wear a girdle to hide it.

It’s also January and I’m dedicated to losing 35 pounds so I won’t be visiting the oh so delicious recipe, dessert and cocktail Indulgences section.

Contrary to my belief that girdles suck.

I love the idea of a tank top that holds you in just a touch. In fact, I wear a nice long stretchy black tank top quite frequently. I think the tank is sexy under a button up shirt and adds an extra dimension and yes, it does smooth out and hold in my tummy. Since the damn mid-rise pants let the tummy hang out, I’ve been using the tight tank for quite some time.

Overall, I liked this Yummy Tummy tank top.

The style of Yummy Tummy could not be more right on to what I really love to wear. These long tight tanks do make me feel sexy but not over-exposed. I still like to show a little cleavage , and less stomach.

Maybe it looks like I lost 5 pounds as the company advertises, but no one said, Oh my gosh have you lost weight?

It features a middle panel which is double layered slick, smooth exercise material. The bust was in t-shirt material and had a shelf bra that wasn’t half bad. I even wore it without my regular bra one day and it did an okay job. If I were 20 it would have been enough bra.

You can order the Yummy Tummy tank top in “long.” Which I did. Because I reserve the right to use my arms and recent past fashion history has left me with short shirt anxiety.

Yet, I wish I hadn’t ordered the extra 3-4 inches on the bottom of this particular shirt because 1) the shirt was plenty long to begin with and 2) it was back to the regular t-shirt material which felt incongruous to me. The two different materials bothered me. I see the logic, I just didn’t feel the two fabrics went well together.

Also, I found the Yummy Tummy sizing chart to be “off.” They had me wearing a 1X based on my bust, waist, and hip dimensions. Do not expect me to love a company who wants me to order a size 1X. That’s why we love Old Navy and Lucky Jeans isn’t it? Because they are kind to us in the sizing. It’s not rocket science. I’m ordering a girdle, don’t make me feel 3 sizes larger than I actually am and expect me to feel good will toward your company.

Of course, I revolted. On the chart it had regular sizes as well and the size of clothes I really wear is 10. So I followed that number on the chart and ordered a Large instead of the 1X. This is likely why the mid-section of the Yummy Tummy Tank Top did roll up on me quite a bit – I ordered the size too small. But, never fear, I’m exercising a lot and counting calories so I can fit into this new generation of shapewear. How’s that for irony?

See, Oprah and Heidi Clum love Yummy Tummy. Cause you know Heidi likes to hold her extra stomach in. But, let’s not kid ourselves no Yummy Tummy Body Shaper is going to make 35 pounds vanish.

I have a friend who isn’t at all overweight. I think she would absolutely adore this tank top because she’s got extra skin going on in the tummy area post-kid. I can see some definite use for that.

The really great part about this Yummy Tummy tank top is that it did not feel too much like a girdle. It was not so restrictive that I couldn’t breath or move.

I’d like to try this: Gives new meaning to “slip” and “full body girdle” doesn’t it? Maybe when I lose the 35 pounds this will be my treat to myself.

Post from: Blisstree

Yummy Tummy

(MIDDLE)

(BOTTOM)

Photos Source: Empowering Girls: So Sioux Me

Post from: Blisstree

2009 Family Portrait Poll

My friend Jen from Jlogged had this totally awesome and inspired idea.

“Let’s trade clothes!” her evite says.

If you’re keeping it, but it doesn’t fit you right – give it to someone who is likely to love it.

>

So I go through my closet and drawers with this running dialogue in my head.

Love these shoes – never wear ‘em.

This jacket is great – it’s too big now.

These slacks are one size too small. Every time I look at them they make me feel I’m making no progress. It’s been a year. I’ll buy new pants when I actually get there.

I never wear these shoes.

I wore these shorts all year, they never fit me right, they make me look like I’m carrying a load in my crotch and if I don’t ditch them now I’ll wear them for a whole other year, maybe 2.

These shirts are too short waisted for me.

I paid real money for these two Gap shirts, but I don’t like them anymore.

And thus, half my wardrobe – the half I don’t wear and don’t like – ended up in a black plastic bag.

Post from: Blisstree

Inspired Clothing Exchange

Mainly because I tried that Instead Cup in the 90s and it was not a pretty sight. “Use this Instead of cleanliness and hygiene.” B.J. Morris, an Amazon review had an experience with Instead that mirrored my own, I do believe it’s possible to use the Instead cup without making a mess, I never achieved it. I had to take a washcloth with me to the bathroom to avoid looking like I’d just violently murdered someone. . . So, I did a bit of research and discovered Diva cups. And, WOW! Since they’re shaped differently than the Instead, they are easier to use, plus I can remove mine without reenacting the Boston Massacre.

I didn’t see how the new Diva Cup could be that much better.

But, I keep thinking about it.

I would not have to buy tampons ever again because Diva Cups are reusable.

Yeah, that’s right. Ever.

You just dump it out, wash it and put it back in.

I already abandoned my deodorant this year in favor of a rock crystal and I’m loving that. What could be bad about a lifetime expenditure of $5? Nothing.

I read the reviews on Amazon and they are all pretty positive.

I’ll be menopausal in 10-20 years – could it be possible not to ever have to buy another tampon or pad?

Really?

OK Jennifer, of Tree Hugging Family. I’m sorry. I’m going to try the Diva Cup.

Post from: Blisstree

The Diva Cup

Watch this – it’s hilarious.

Check out Jessica’s blog at Bern This.

Post from: Blisstree

If Hitler Gave Me A Wax Job

I’m Tracee Sioux and I write Blog Fabulous here at b5media’s Lifestyle’s Channel.

Quick, subscribe to my RSS feed, otherwise what if we never see each again?

I write a lot about feminism and that includes the types of B.S. undergarments and hygiene marketed to women in articles like these: Her Way Sucks, I Prefer His, “Clean” Bikini Line and Mood Shaper in which I actually published a photo of myself in a full body girdle (what won’t I do to make my point?)

I write about feminism and the changing roles of women and how women can create their own power in articles like this: Battle Ground of Feminism: The Home, Logistical Problem with Feminism.

Economics – I talk a lot about economics: Recession or Sanity, Bank Crash – Economics 101 .

Oh, and I’m also an advocate for Girls at Empowering Girls: So Sioux Me (giving away a Portable Hard Drive).

I’m giving away an Ultreo Toothbrush, $149.99, the only toothbrush which combines ultrasound wageguide technology with sonic bristle motion,

• Cleaner — Ultreo has been clinically proven to remove up to 95% of hard to reach plaque in the
first minute of brushing.

• Whiter — Ultreo has been clinically proven to remove up to 95 percent of plaque in the first minute of brushing.

• Healthier — Ultreo has been clinically proven to reduce gingivitis in just 30 days.

• Preferred — In a recent study, 8 out of 10 people said they would chose Ultreo over the power toothbrush they normally use.

More giveaways at the Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Carnival!

Leave a comment by Oct. 31 and you’re entered to win one Ultreo Toothbrush. I’ll announce a random winner on Nov. 1. Really, subscribe so you can find out if you won. This makes a great Christmas gift.

Post from: Blisstree

Ultreo Toothbrush – Bloggy Giveaways

I’m happy to give Gina a gift of skin care products from Jan Marini Skin Research and a tube of Eye Lash Conditioner. They sent me some Enlighten Serum, an Enlighten Lotion, Sunscreen and a tube of Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner.

I’m super-blessed because right after I my skin started looking better from being bled (yeah, you heard me correctly) Jan Marini sent me the wonderful products to try out.

Does my skin look better?

Yes, of course. I’ve been being bled.

Did the skin care products help?

Well, duh.

If nothing else they made me feel like I was taking care of my skin. After staring in the mirror with consternation and puzzlement from not knowing what was causing all those brown spots (a liver condition called Hemochromatosis if you just got here) it was nice just to pamper and appreciate my skin while using these products.

I’ve even skipped foundation or powder because my skin is looking so good. This morning I actually said, “I look fantastic!” Then I liked how that sounded so I said, “No Really, You really look fantastic today!” to myself in the mirror (that, my friends, is the secret to good self-esteem.)

My favorite is the sunscreen, because Hello – I’m not ever laying out again and I’m going to prevent aging sun damage as much as possible.

But, for some reason applying serum as well as lotion felt like applying magic. Serum sounds like alchemy doesn’t it?

I am most intrigued by the Marini Lash. This stuff promises to make your eye lashes grow back with a proprietary peptide. It retailsfor $160!

Have you noticed eyelids bald with age?

First, stop using Dollar Store Mascara and half of them will grow back on their own.

Second, hello Tracee, stop picking clumps of mascara off while you watch tv late at night and maybe wash it off – this will avoid actually pulling eyelashes right out of your eye lids.

Third, try the two step Loreal Volume Shocking Mascara that I wrote about in this hilarious piece about telling my daughter the lies inherent in beauty advertising.

Can I get them to grow back is a question I’ve never gotten an answer to. Jan Marini says I can. Now, my eyelashes do look fuller. Of course, it has only been a few weeks and you know how when you stare at your face long enough you can’t be sure you’re seeing reality after a while? Can I remember what my lashes looked like before?

So, I’m going to withhold judgment on that for now. I’ll continue to use it and I’ll let you know whether or not they really and truly are growing back in a few weeks.

In the meantime, there is one significant change that I am crediting to this make-up. My adult acne is better. Completely gone, not yet. But, it would seem the birth control pills were actually working for me in more ways than one. Since the vasectomy (and during both pregnancies) my acne has missed those birth control pills. (We’ve also recently started using condoms again – free of any reproductive reason to use birth control and we’re inventing all sorts of ways to bring it back it’s side effects.But that ladies is a story for another day. Subscribe to the RSS feed so you don’t miss it.)

Gina – you lucky duck – I hope this Blogtoberfest gift of Jan Marini Skin Research makes you appreciate your skin as much as it’s made me appreciate mine!

Post from: Blisstree

Jan Marini Skin Research Winner

Dove was kind enough to send me a gift bag to share with one of my readers. The winner of the Say No to Save Sanity is . . . Noreen. There is a very hip and cool large bag, and inside they have sent Dove Shampoo and Conditioner for you to try.

They are doing a marketing partnership with The Women and have send a teen reporter to interview the cast and crew about beauty, check it out.

I was particularly fascinated to see what Meg Ryan had to say about Real Beauty.

It’s always been particularly confounding to me that she would loath the exact same lips that gave her the Girl Next Door smile American collectively fell in love with. So much so that she would get plastic surgery on her signature, money making lips to make them a caricature of trendy sexiness. And then to have it turn out badly?

How terrible.

In one of the clips Meg Ryan says coming to a place of self-acceptance about one’s beauty is a process.

You can also download self-esteem building tools for girls, moms and mentors at Dove.com.

Post from: Blisstree

Dove Gift Bag Winner

Chris Swanson is the winner of a Hipster Shoulder Bag! Yay!

The Hipster- You can pack your wallet, phone, keys, lip gloss (even a passport!) into this hands-free shoulder purse. It measures 6 1/2″ x 9″ with a 50″ strap long enough to wear across your body or simply over your shoulder. Want to adjust the length? Just tie a knot in the strap. This bag retails for $40.00.

I love the length of the strap. I have kids to carry so I need something that will go across my shoulder and end up on my other hip. Asymmetry is fashionable too. Right?

And no. You don’t have to have the photo of that dog on your purse – unless it’s your dog and you heart him. It’s a custom purse. You could put a photo of your kids, the one of your wedding, a picture of a flower, whatever.

Myself? I would put a photo of a $1,500 designer handbag on it. LOL.

Post from: Blisstree

Hipster Shoulder Bag Winner