Part 2 of Turning this into a Shopping Blog

Earlier this week, I wrote about the challenges I face when choosing a swimsuit, and you all responded with so many wonderful suggestions (and compliments, let's not forget the compliments). Thank you! My summer attire is looking less bleak already.

I joked that that post was my first step in turning this into a shopping blog. Turns out, I was only partially kidding.

Last night, a friend of a friend hosted an online fundraiser for the Avon Walk that I'm doing again this summer, and--apparently, this is Part 2 of turning this into a shopping blog. I mean, I can't help it. Just look at these pieces. (Seriously, Chris, take a look at all THREE of these awesome necklaces).

But if you missed the event last night, please don't fret. You can still support our team (and fetch some great jewelry in time for Mother's Day) by shopping at the link below through Sunday, April 27th.

But first, check out these beauties. I feel like they would automatically make me a better, more grounded person. Jewelry can do that, right?

So here's the link to shop and all proceeds go to the AVON WALK!!! Make sure you see Booby and the Beast in the top of the screen when you click the link. As always, thank you for your support.

(And if shopping isn't your thing and you'd rather support us directly, that's fine, too. You can click on our team page here or my personal page here to donate). We appreciate it in any form.

Swimsuit Season

I know, I know--some of you are still wondering whether it's finally, really okay to put the snow shovels away for the season, and here I am about to talk about swimsuits. What am I? Heartless? I can't help it, you guys. It is NINETY-SEVEN DEGREES here today, and that is not a fluke, not a one-day oopsie-daisy. We are this close to triple digits, which means we are also this close to swimming pool weather. Right now, the water is still just a tad too cold because the air still cools down into the 50s/60s at night here. Come August, the pool will feel like a hot tub and I'll be begging Chris for a plane ticket to Seattle.

A couple of years ago, I bought a few bikinis at Target. I didn't give much thought to them because I was just happy to be healthy enough to enjoy the water with Quinn, to vacation in Mexico with him and Chris. I had my expanders in then, and despite their coconuts-on-a-board appearance, I was hardly self-conscious because I was alive. People could think I got a terrible boob job--let them! I thought.

After a couple of years of sun and chlorine and toddler tugging, my Target swimsuits need replacing, and suddenly I am feeling very stuck. I'm self-conscious about the port in my chest (whereas it didn't even cross my mind a couple years ago), so I'm looking at halter styles or a one-shouldered suit that might strategically hide the darn thing. I'm anxious about sun exposure post-radiation, so luckily rash guards are everywhere. I used to gravitate toward string bikinis because you can adjust them so there are no unnecessary lumpy parts, but I'm second-guessing myself with Quinn, who is at perfect string-pulling height.

And then I think: I'm being ridiculous and should just wear whatever stays put best with a toddler climbing on me in the water. Your kids do that too, right? Use your bikini bottoms as a step-stool? 

I picked out a couple of suits at Target last weekend to get me through the first few pool days, but the only one that fit is a total mom suit. "I'm sure you can do better than that," Chris told me. A mom at Quinn's swimming lessons recommended Victoria's Secret, but that seems too...spring-breaky, too young, too sexy for what I've got in mind. I've browsed online at J. Crew, Athleta, and Canvas by Land's End, but nothing is grabbing me, although I've gone back to these ones for a second glance. 

Clockwise from top: 1 2 3 4 5 6

And it is wonderful to occupy my brain with something so trivial as a new swimsuit. I do realize this. Don't fret: I have scans coming up in a couple of weeks, so I'll get back to discussing my anxiety and mortality soon enough. 

But seriously, I'd love your thoughts. Where else do you shop for suits that are reasonably-priced? Do more expensive suits hold up longer? If you've had a mastectomy/reconstruction or a port, does that affect your swimsuit style? Does having kids influence your choice of swimwear? Because I'm thinking I won't be such a jungle gym in a one-piece. And do you hate me for mentioning pool weather this early in the year, after the winter most of you have had?