I Hate Shorts (But You Don't Have To)
I have always been self-conscious of my wobbly thighs and uber-wide hips, even before I had my son and ended up with wobbly thighs-with-stretch-marks and hips-that-could-straddle-a-Rocky-Mountain (foothill).
Really? You, too? Wow.
There was actually a study* done recently that proved that 9 out of 10 moms believe that they look fat in shorts, and 8 out of 10 believe they look fat in anything revealing. However, a survey of their spouses, significant others, and best friends revealed that none of the women actually look as bad as they think they do.
(I know, that’s what I said, too.)
In all seriousness, ladies, summer is upon us and it’s time for you to face facts and realize that shorts really aren’t your arch-enemy (swimsuits are, silly).
Make Me a Hot Mama’s 5 Short Rules, Or, What To Do if Your Body Doesn't Look Like This:
-Distract people! Get a manicure, whip out a great self-tanner, and find a pretty pair of sandals. Not only will you be better for the pampering, but getting compliments on your cute shoes will make you forget about your thighs. :)
-Don't cut your legs off mid-calf with too-long bermudas or capris. Everyone's legs gain a few inches when visually chopped in half at the widest point of the calf. The slimmest-looking point for most people is the tiny space between the bottom of their kneecap and the top of the calf muscle.
-Find a pair that fits! Aim for something that doesn't gape, pull, or bunch...and don't go too big in an attempt to hide. It never works (trust me, I've tried). If you want more coverage, go for a loose skirt that skims over your curves.
-Don't cut your thigh in half, either. Find the mid-point of your thigh, and then get shorts that fall either below or above that line.
-Avoid high-waisted shorts unless you know, for a fact, that you look absolutely sizzling in them.
Buy the right pair, and wear ‘em proudly, mamas!
*This particular study was kind of, really, um, not published. Ooops.
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Really? You, too? Wow.
There was actually a study* done recently that proved that 9 out of 10 moms believe that they look fat in shorts, and 8 out of 10 believe they look fat in anything revealing. However, a survey of their spouses, significant others, and best friends revealed that none of the women actually look as bad as they think they do.
(I know, that’s what I said, too.)
In all seriousness, ladies, summer is upon us and it’s time for you to face facts and realize that shorts really aren’t your arch-enemy (swimsuits are, silly).
Make Me a Hot Mama’s 5 Short Rules, Or, What To Do if Your Body Doesn't Look Like This:
-Distract people! Get a manicure, whip out a great self-tanner, and find a pretty pair of sandals. Not only will you be better for the pampering, but getting compliments on your cute shoes will make you forget about your thighs. :)-Don't cut your legs off mid-calf with too-long bermudas or capris. Everyone's legs gain a few inches when visually chopped in half at the widest point of the calf. The slimmest-looking point for most people is the tiny space between the bottom of their kneecap and the top of the calf muscle.
-Find a pair that fits! Aim for something that doesn't gape, pull, or bunch...and don't go too big in an attempt to hide. It never works (trust me, I've tried). If you want more coverage, go for a loose skirt that skims over your curves.
-Don't cut your thigh in half, either. Find the mid-point of your thigh, and then get shorts that fall either below or above that line.
-Avoid high-waisted shorts unless you know, for a fact, that you look absolutely sizzling in them.
Buy the right pair, and wear ‘em proudly, mamas!
*This particular study was kind of, really, um, not published. Ooops.
7 Sinfully Delicious Reasons Why You Should Be Eating The Tastefully Simple Way...
Food, glorious food. OK, so I heard that song on my XM radio on the way home from work the other night. Who doesn't love food? How can you say no to food that smells so good?
Have you ever heard, "She is a great cook" or "Her house always smells so yummy".
Or - Flip that Thought -
How about these excuses - "I don't have time to cook." or "I don't know how to cook."
Stop making excuses and experience cooking for all that it is. Close your eyes no envision fresh bread baking in your oven. The smells are filling your kitchen. Now envision your husband operating the grill. The delicious smells are filling you neighborhood. Soon neighbors are popping their heads over the fence to see what you are having. Food is definitely my weakness. I love food and I love to cook.
I had the honor of testing out another company. This company is called Tastefully Simple. The name says it all, basically cooking made easy. You add a couple of ingredients to their products and you are good to go. Their prices were very reasonable. Here are a few of my favorites:
Beer bread - you can order white or wheat. You can add any carbonated beverage to the dry mix - beer or soda (Mt. Dew, Coke, Sprite, Vanilla or Cherry Cola). The smells are great in your kitchen.
Cinnamon Muffin Melts - WOW - have you ever had mini donuts at the carnival - well these are pretty close. We made them into mini muffins and my boys ate them right up.
Dips - do you have any summer parties coming up? Their dips are easy to make and delicious. Our favorite was the Giddyup Guacamole Dip. Though the Warm The Oven! Savory Cheese Dip came in a close second.
Sauces - the Merlot Sauce made for excellent grilled hamburgers. The smells would definitely get your taste buds hopping.
Oils - Balsamic and Basil Oil is one we can't run out of in our house. We love to make homemade pizzas and this oil is the best. The flavor is incredible.
Beverages - They have frozen drinks. You simply add alcohol or keep them non-alcoholic and freeze. Then when company stops over you can offer them a margarita. You take an ice-cream scoop and scoop it into a glass. That is it. Your guests will be so impressed. My favorite was the Mango Breeze Margarita.
Desserts - They have many to choose from. Our favorite in the house was Nana's Apple Cake. Wow did that smell great while baking. It was so easy to make. My 8 year old could do it by himself. He was so proud.
We were very impressed with the quality of their products. The tastes were never disappointing. Check out their website http://www.tastefullysimple.com/. One word of advice if you are placing an order try combining your order with a friend to share in the shipping costs. They do offer home parties and fund raisers.
Now you can be a Hot Mama that is short on time that will be know as a Culinary Genius!
Do you have a company that you would like reviewed? Are you with Tastefully Simple and would like to advertise your website? We are waiting to hear from you.
Email her at julie@mybearbuddy.com
Writers Wanted!
Make Me a Hot Mama is looking for writers with a unique voice and perspective, particularly if they, themselves are, or have been, moms. We currently are looking for one-time (or infrequent/irregular) guest writers in a variety of topics, as well as to fill columnist positions. If you think you'd make the cut, please send a sample of your article, along with a short biography (and professional picture, if you wish), to Alison Jerabek, editor@makemeahotmama.com , for consideration.Guest Writers
◦are given full credit with a byline and picture, if they so desire.
◦retain the copyrights to their material, with the good faith agreement that they
will not request their article be taken down from the site in the future.
◦are in full control of the editorial process.
◦may shamelessly self-promote a product or business, as long as the article meets our quality standards.
◦can shamelessly link to their own blog(s) or websites, provided that such links contribute to the quality of their article.
◦can, and should, if at all possible, monitor and respond to reader responses to their pieces.
Although Make Me a Hot Mama cannot directly employ writers or compensate them for their contribution, we do offer a way for you to earn money from your article/post(s) and don't limit your earning potential. You can make a residual income for months or even years after your article is published! Contact editor@makemeahotmama.com for a complete (PDF) brochure about our guest writer program.
Columnists
Columnists, like guest writers:
◦are given full credit with a byline and picture, if they so desire.
◦retain the copyrights to their material, with the good faith agreement that they will not request their article be taken down from the site in the future.
◦are in full control of the editorial process.
◦may shamelessly self-promote a product or business, as long as the article meets our quality standards.
◦can shamelessly link to their own blog(s) or websites, provided that such links contribute to the quality of their article, or located within their biography/byline text.
◦must monitor and respond to reader responses to their pieces.
In addition, columnists:
◦must write 4 (approximately 250-500 words in length) articles/posts per month. All articles need to be written a month in advance, and all four turned in by the monthly deadline. Part-time (2/per month) columnists may be considered in the future. We will work with the right writers.
Open Columnist Positions (subject to change):
Savvy Sunday
Theme: Shopping/Misc. Reviews
Content types: "How-to," Product/Store Reviews, Personal Stories, Fiction, Lists
Regular Columnist: Currently Unfilled
Makeup Monday
Theme: Makeup/Cosmetics/Skincare
Content types: "How-to," Reviews, Trend Alerts, Personal Stories, Fiction, Lists
Regular Columnist: Currently Unfilled
Flair Friday
Theme: Hair/Shoes/Jewelry/Accessories/anything remotely 'flair'-related
Content Types: "How-to," Reviews, Trend Alerts, Personal Stories, Fiction, Lists
Regular Columnist: Currently Unfilled
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County Fairs, BBQ, Picnics...Summer Fun - Sunscreen Facts
How do you define Summer - Longer days, beautiful sunsets, warm sunshine, beach going, gardening, vacations, BBQs with friends, picnics with the family.
Summer in my mind paints a picture of being a child again. Being free to do what I wanted. Sleeping in and playing with friends all day. I enjoyed spending many afternoons at the city swimming pool. Afterwards we would eat an ice-cream cone as quickly as we could before it melted.
Reality check - I'm a Mom. Summer now means running here, running there. It is hard to believe it is July already. My boys are always busy it seems - softball games, library summer reading programs, day trips we had planned, farming (that's a daily event), 4-H, summer band lessons, summer school.....I am sure I could list more.
Nowadays the summer sun raises flags for skin cancer and the mandatory usage sunscreen. As a parent you are now responsible for showing and protecting your children against the UVB rays. But how much sunscreen is enough? Is there a certain brand I need? I want to tan so why would I use sunscreen? Myths and Facts are circulating every where the sun shines.
Fact #1
Sunscreen does not prevent skin cancer, it helps reduce your chances for skin cancer.
Fact #2
No sunscreen is truly waterproof. They are water-resistant and need to be reapplied frequently.
Fact #3
There is also no such thing as all day protection. Sweating, long exposure, water, wind, drying off with a towel - all play factors to your protection and coverage. REAPPLY REAPPLY REAPPLY
Fact #4
I only need a small amount on. FALSE - The truth is you need at least a palm full or say a shot glass full of protection.
Fact #5
Do a Self-Examination on yourself. Early detection is the key to skin cancer. There are even clinics around the country that offer free screenings. You can find a website with that information at http://www.aad.org/public/exams/screenings/index.html
Fact #6
I already have a tan or have darker pigmented skin. I don't need to wear sunscreen. FALSE FALSE FALSE - You still need protection form the harmful rays.
Fact #7
Its cloudy. I don't need to wear any. FALSE - Actually 80% of the harmful rays can go through the clouds. Also, consider this - sand and snow both reflect the rays. Protection is needed at all times.
Fact #8
Sunscreen does not block your body's ability to make Vitamin D. You will get more than enough. Plus you can get Vitamin D through things you eat. (Bad excuse)
Fact #9
I have an old bottle under the sink. It is still good. WELL not really, most of them have a shelf life of a year. They lose their effectiveness after just 12 months.
Fact #10
Sunscreen should be applied every two hours. Water resistant can actually lose their effectiveness after just 40 minutes of being in the water. Plus if you used a towel to dry yourself off, guess what - you just wiped it off. REAPPLY
Fact #11
You need to use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. SPF 15 blocks about 93% of the UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of the UVB rays. I have seen the SPF 90 bottles but you can usually get great coverage with the SPF 30.
Fact #12
Economical brands vs. Expensive brands. There really is not much difference in them. Save yourself the money. The economical brands are just as effective.
Fact #13
Use the special child and baby sunscreen for them. They are more effective and made for their skin and bodies. They are not adults.
Fact #14
The SPF number refers to the protection against the UVB rays not the UVA rays. Some products may claim effectiveness against UVA rays but the FDA is working on the regulations for sunscreen products. It would be in effect until 2010.
Fact #15
Use common sense. Sunburns hurt and skin cancer will hurt more.
I want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend. My wish for you is to create a memorable weekend - go camping, plan a get together with family and friends, watch fireworks with your children, grill out, take a picnic. Just think of the smiles you will have.
Research was done through sunscreen.about.com.
Happy 4th of July,
Julie Fraser
julie@mybearbuddy.com
I'm Aging - HELP!!!!
As I look into the mirror I don't recognize the face anymore. There are wrinkles, sun spots, bags under the eyes, not so white teeth, sagging breasts and a few white hairs. Do others see what I see?
I am constantly being sucked into buying the latest youth regeneration products. I am always hoping for the impossible. I love to try new things to see if they work. This past year I have been on an anti-aging mission. Many of us Moms don't have the chances to spend a whole weekend shopping without kids. Here are some websites that I have used to bring the spa treatments home. Plus I love to support other Moms with their home businesses.
BeautiControl (http://www.beauticontrol.com/) seems to be my hot spot for beauty & spa shopping right now. Their Micro Dermabrasion set makes my face feel so smooth. It looks so great after the treatment that I don't even have to wear foundation for the day. BC's Micro Dermabrasion is a gritty substance that you place on your face and then use the battery powered scrubber to gently scrub away hidden dirt.
BC also has a Chemical Peel. It is a 2 step process. I had to try it. I have heard of others spending $100's at a local spa to get a Chemical Peel treatment. My skin didn't react the best to it. I received a red face. The redness faded within a couple of hours. My skin did look good after the redness was gone, but I prefer the micro dermabrasion over the chemical peel.
Then I tried their face creams. My favorite is the TFF = Regeneration Tight, Firm and Fill. It really does fill in the minor lines. I wear it under my normal face cream.
Another BC product that I can't seem to be without is the dexotifiying system. These are referred to as their cadillac products, Therma Del Sol. I love their detoxifying body facial mask. I put in on once a week before I get in the shower. I also use their detoxifying bath soak. I feel so good when I am done.
BeautiControl is a great company to do a spa party with. I have been to a couple and even hosted my own. You and your guest just get pampered. Pedicure, Manicures, Make-Up, Facials..who doesn't like to be pampered. It definitely is for the Mom's that can't spend a whole day at a Spa.
Avon (http://www.avon.com/) is another company that comes a knocking on my door. I have been a customer for years. It is a convenience for me. They are always running specials. I get to see all the new colors coming out each season. They too have anti-aging products. I have tried many. My favorite is the breast cream. It provides a fullness feeling. After three kids, they need all the help they can get. I have also tried their cellulite cremes/gels but didn't see any results on my body. I do love their mineral make-ups. They are very light feeling and offer great coverage. Don't forget they have the detoxing foot pads that you put on before you go to bed.
Need an Instant Manicure try Jil Jordan (http://www.jilljordan.com/). They offer this rectangular sponge with different surfaces on each side. The dark gray side takes the ridges out of your nails. The white side smooths the nail. The medium gray side shines your nail. You can have great, healthy looking nails without nail polish in less than 3 minutes. My nails tend to grow quickly after I do this manicure once a month.
As I look at these websites, I see there are some more things I would love to try out. If you have your own home business and would like me to review your products, just let me know. Email me at julie@mybearbuddy.com
Let me know what products are working for you.
Do You Make Lists?
As the anniversary of my Grandfather's death approaches this week. I start to rethink my life. I look at everything he and my Grandmother had accomplished in their lives together. They traveled. They were married over 50 years. I still can't believe that he has been gone three years. I miss him so much.I start to think about things I want to accomplish in my life. I have always been the type of person that makes a list for everything. Shopping lists, to-do lists, packing lists, inventory lists, schedules - you name it - I had a list for it.
As I think more than usual about him this week I find it is time to look over my life list.
Ask yourself - "What are some things I dream about doing in my lifetime?"
I have things on my list that I may never accomplish but it is a dream that brings a smile to my face.
- Skiing the Swiss Alps
- Learning to cook in Tuscany
- Writing a book
Maybe I will but maybe I won't. It is still something that I can dream about. I have lots of places I want to visit too. Though a lot of my list includes doing things with my boys before they are grown up. Things I want them to experience that I have experienced. Memories that I have as a child.
- Deep Sea Fishing In Maine
- Surfing in Hawaii
As I take a moment to reminensce on my life I smile. I am happy with what I have done with my life. I am anxious to experimence more life here on Earth. I am ready to make a change in my own life. I promise myself to never give up or stop fighting for what I believe in. I promise to live life to its fullest.
What is on your life list?
Email her at julie@makemeahotmama.com
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