Embrace Change!

Hi you all!!

Apologies for not sending anything your way last week. I'm currently going through some pretty big changes in my life, and have been caught up in the midst of it all. Although there's plenty of stress involved, I've decided to take this opportunity to really embrace the chaos that change is bringing me. If what they say is true, then the mess and untidiness of moving will be yet another thing for me to celebrate. 

It's amazing how that change of mindset is actually followed by positive changes all around you. And, how even something that is still not ideal can become positive in the process. For example, I haven't really gotten a lot of sleep in a while. But, I believe Ashley Giles words it perfectly when she says: "I haven't been able to sleep for months because I was too tense. Now I can't sleep because I'm too excited." That's exactly how I feel right now. How's that for a positive change? 

Today I'd like to invite you all to embrace change and see where it may take you. There are so many opportunities in life for us to do so that we don't even need to start with something too big (like moving, in my case). Everyday we're given chances to try something different, to taste something different, and to challenge the way we think. What I'd like is for each and every one of you all to go out there and embrace at least one change in your lives, and notice what other changes came about because of that initial one. 

If you're in need of some inspiration, I have a suggestion for you. Start by reading this blogpost from See Inner Beauty. It talks about how we should celebrate our own bodies, and the campaign from Swimsuits For All: "Sexy at Every Curve". If change begins within ourselves, then what better cause is there for us to embrace?

Wishing you all an amazing experience embracing change, and a very happy Canada Day tomorrow. Now, I gotta go pack up some more boxes... :)

Sports in Swimsuits

I can’t help but brag about the gorgeous weather we’ve been having here in Van City! It is such an awesome feeling to be riding your bike at 8:30 at night, while it’s still sunny, and without having to wear a jacket or sweater. Tee hee!!!

So, as you all can imagine, I spent most of my weekend enjoying the great outdoors. While out on my regular swimsuit watch, I began to notice something I liked: tons of gals out there playing sports in their swimsuits. Well done ladies! A lot of us would, understandably so, run as far away as possible from that situation. I mean, we often have a hard time simply coming out in out swimsuits, we definitely don’t need to be jumping around in them. But, being the swimsuit’s advocate that I am, I feel I need to present some doable options for those of us less comfortable with mixing exercise and swimwear. I’m sure there are many ways we could categorize this. But I’m just going to go ahead and do it the way it makes sense for me, so let’s get started.

First of all, there’s usually a part of our bodies that were less comfortable with. I’ll put my swimsuit where my mouth is and use myself as an example. Although I’m constantly told I have nothing to worry about, I usually am quite self conscious of my bottom half; my behind, to be exact. And because of that, there are certain bikini bottoms that, although I am fine wearing to a beach or pool, I probably wouldn’t want to be diving for a volley ball in. So, for those cases, I simply throw on a pair of jean shorts, and I’m good to go. I definitely feel more comfortable, less exposed, while still rocking my bikini top (or one piece, whichever you prefer). When the game is over, I simply take the sorts off and go for a nice dip.

Pin from Refinery 29

Down side is that, depending on how long your out there for, your upper legs will probably not be as dark as the rest. I personally don’t play sports for hours and hours on in, so to me it’s not a big deal. But, if that’s you, and you want an even tan while still remaining covered up, then perhaps yoga shorts could be an option. These cover a little bit less and are more tight, but they’re still bigger than most bikini bottoms, and will definitely keeps your legs evenly tanned. You may also want to try a little bit bigger bottom than usual. I like the ones that are wide on the sides; they keep me comfortable and allow all sorts of movements without you having to fix them every 10 seconds. 

Yoga shorts and bikini top

One very important point about larger bottoms: DO NOT go out there and buy a size or two bigger than you’re used to wearing! You want your regular size with more coverage, and not extra fabric hanging everywhere!!

If you’re fine with your bottoms but not as comfortable with your top half, there are ways of going about that as well. For example: you may be concerned that stuff may become visible to others once you decide to start jumping. A simple solution is to just throw a T-shirt or tank top over that, and play away. It actually looks really cool, and like the jean shorts, can come off once you’re ready for a refreshing swim. 

T-shirt and bikini bottom

Tank and bikini bottom

If you're worried that your regular top might not hold everything in, then a nice sports bra could do the trick. You’re still out there getting sun and having fun, but fully supported. Which we all know is extremely important!

Sports bra and bikini bottom

Smaller yet supportive sports bra

Last but not least: there’s always the option of putting on your swimsuit, and getting out there to play! And I gotta tell you all: there’s definitely something extremely liberating about that!! Don’t believe me? Well then… there’s only one way to prove me wrong :)

Brazilian beach volleyball player Virna Dias

A Trend We Should Not Follow

What gorgeous weather we’ve been having here in our lovely Vancouver! It’s like summer couldn’t wait, so it came out early. And I know you all appreciate that so very much!

This Sunday I spent the day at Jericho Beach, and it was fantastic! As you all know I’m always up for “swimsuit watching”, and it’s not just about noticing people’s swimsuit dos and don’ts! It’s also nice to see what trends have actually made their way from magazines and fashion shows into people’s wardrobes. 

Jericho Beach - Vancouver

Although I saw some awesome pieces being worn (nice job, ladies!!), I was pretty sad to see an unfortunate “trend” that seems to never go away. And no, I’m not talking about anything in your drawer, it’s more like what is not in it: sunscreen!

Now, you all know I’m all for the outdoors, especially when it involves being in a swimsuit. But I feel it’s also good to remind everyone of the very serious consequences that poor skin protection can (and will) lead to. Those aching burns you can barely touch, followed by the non-stop peeling are just the beginning! I personally don’t want to get that graphic with you all, but if you’d like to get more details, you can visit the Canadian Dermatology Association.

Let’s please all keep in mind that a “lobster style” sunburn will always stand out over an amazing swimsuit. You could be rocking your birthday suit and the sunburn would still be the attraction! If your goal is to get that awesome tan remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day!

In order to enjoy this beautiful early summer we’ve been having, please remember to pay extra attention to your skin. There are several different brands and types of sunscreen, in all price ranges, so there’s no excuse not to slap some on. A quick minute (not even if you use the spray ones) and you’re golden! A beautiful look begins with a beautiful soul, and healthy skin. And this picture from Bikini Religion captured that perfectly!

Happy Summer Days, you all!!

Neighbourhood Quality

I love my neighbourhood! I’m not sure if many of you have the habit of exploring the new businesses in your hoods, but I am always eager to go into the new shops around Vancouver’s Main Street. There’s always a gem to be discovered!

It was during one of these exploring walks that I came across a store called Neighbourhood Quality Goods, a cute little shop that caught my eye because of the several swimsuits inside. I walked in to take a closer look, and was greeted by Nettles Tale’s very own swimsuit designer: Julia Church. It turns out that the shop had recently been opened, and that it was the first time Nettles Tale swimsuits were being sold at a storefront. Exciting!!

Although I’d been following Nettles Tale on social media for a while now, I’d never actually seen their swimsuits, other than in pictures online. It was amazing to see first hand what beautiful work Julia has been doing with NT, and what positive message the brand expresses. Super high quality pieces, great designs, several different styles and colors to choose from… what a great find!

For you Vancouverites out there, be sure to check out Neighbourhood Quality Goods at 4301 Main Street. Along with awesome swimwear, you’ll also find jewellery, clothing, and household items. Something for for everyone!

And if you’re not in Vancity, then there’s always the online option.

Happy Tuesday, you all!