Friend Friday: Loving My Body

I'm linking up with Kimberly over at Fashion Momma for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday. Today's topic is loving your body and this is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. Kimberly always has interesting posts and I love seeing how she puts outfits together - sometimes thinking, girl, that would look awful on my body type, but you're rockin' it! (but that's not how it should be... I should have a little more self-confidence in what what look "good" on my body type-

always enjoying checking them out.

Until a few weeks ago, I didn't really read other blogs unless I knew the person in real life. Lately, I've been branching out and finding all kinds of new, sweet friends who have all sorts of interests and talents. Fashion blogs were something I thought I probably wasn't interested in as a mommy of a one year old, and all that means for my body, wardrobe, and budget. I was wrong.

This is a topic you'll probably be seeing a little more of on my blog. But first, let me get to the questions.

1. Since you started blogging,

has your image of yourself changed?

I'd have to say yes and no. No, because I have known who I am in my heart and have felt loved and secure in my marriage, family, and with friends for a long time. And yes, because I have changed my ideas about what I want to wear, what image I want to portray, and what I want my overall demeanor to be. By reading other blogs, especially those on fashion, I have realized that folks of all body shapes and sizes are out there looking fabulous and loving themselves (and...*cough* not spending a fortune). I have also realized that a lot of "fashion" is simply self-confidence, and if you love what you're wearing and feel confident in it, others will think that you look "fashionable." I simply want to present a generally stylish, put together appearance that reflects the fact that I thought about and took time with what I was wearing.

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself?

If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it, or do you post/talk about it anyway?

I am just now getting into this fashion/beauty blogging world, and I must admit that I am self conscious about lots of parts of myself. Since I haven't been really blogging about my fashion choices, I guess this is a hard one to answer. Let me just say, that yes, I downplay some "problem areas" while I am getting dressed or buying clothes. I am an open book and as you probably know already, I'll share most details of my life if you want to know.

3. Based on how you're feeling now,

what do you think the future holds in the evolution

of your body image?

Well, I love my body. Even though it's not perfect, even though my belly will never be flat again thanks to my babylove, and even though my thighs are jiggly with cellulite. My body is exactly the way that God created it to be, and He loves me just the way I am. My husband, also, loves me just the way I am. After those two, I don't really care what anyone else thinks about my body. Now, fashion is another thing altogether. I have been timid in the past in the world of fashion. I am a Southern belle through and through, and feel that sometimes classic is more classy. My wardrobe currently consists of mostly greys, blacks, and browns with just a handful of colors thrown in. But I am hoping to expand my fashion comfort zone. You only get one life. You should wear things you love (and I believe, surround yourself with things you love in your home, but that's another topic altogether.)

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog?

If so, how do you feel about the experience when

you're having your picture taken?

If you choose not to post pictures of yourself,

what prompted that decision?

I haven't really put a lot of photos as far as fashion goes onto this blog. There's always a few of me just because I love to post pictures of my family. I'll probably start doing more of that coming up, too, because I'd like to chronicle how my style changes.

5. What would you want everyone who struggles

with body image to take to heart?

Girl, we're all different! God created us to each be unique, down to the fat cells in our thighs and how they metabolize energy. Seriously. During my gross anatomy class in OT school, I realized that each person's muscles, fat distribution, tendons, ligaments, bones, everything - they're all in slightly different places on each person. You can't change the DNA that makes up your body. You can choose to dress to flatter your figure and improve your self-confidence, but don't stress about your body. Now, that brings up my second point here.

Don't dress to impress other people. I hope you realize that this is not what I am talking about. I am simply talking about feeling confident in yourself. I have found that when I take the extra time to fix my hair, iron my clothes, and put makeup on (even if I am only wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes), my self-confidence goes through the roof and I am much more productive. On the flip side, when I don't shower, stay in my pj's all day, and lounge around, I can't ever seem to put my tail in gear and get chores accomplished at the house. So that is something to think about, mommies. I know it's hard some days to want to get out of your jammies. Since I have been a (mostly) stay-at-home mommy I have challenged myself to get dressed, put my contacts in, put makeup on, and feel good about the way I look most days. That outfit may or may not have applesauce and cereal bar smeared on it by 10 a.m., but at least I feel that I have made an effort in my self-image. I want to quote someone here. The girl who wrote this is an 8th grader, homeschooled, and obviously has maturity beyond her years. A few days ago, over on Pioneer Woman's homeschooling blog, she wrote,

Let’s face it, unlike Barbie I won’t ever have a toned stomach and permanently shaven legs. I’ll have to shave my whole life. But who wants to walk on their tip-toes all day anyway?

Well, folks, that's all I have for today. Just some food for thought as we head into our weekend. I am looking forward to a lovely shower for my sweet friend Shanna tomorrow and then church & home group on Sunday. Last week I worked in the nursery with my sweet babylove and his friends, and the past two weeks before that we were not able to go to church, so it's coming up on 4 weeks since I have attended church. Heathen, I am. In all seriousness, I am ready to participate in worship and hear the Word. Enjoy your weekend everyone! :)