Beach Day

Today was beach day!
I had a fantastic time. I must say that the best swimsuits come from Land's End. I purchase mine at Sears at the end of the season, but you can also buy online. Their return policy is phenomenal and if there happens to be a quality issue, the send you a new suit and a return label for the damaged one...even after you wear it. Their website also allows the consumer to create a model of themselves. Simpy put your height, weight, and measurements. I have personally found that it is amazing. A little scary, actually. You can try clothes on your model to see if that flatter you. Land's End suits are reasonably priced and last longer than other brands. They also have a fit for everybody.
Swimsuits are tricky, but I believe every woman can find one that works for her. Don't avoid the beach simply because bathing suits intimidate you. Don't stop living life because you are discontent with the way you look. Moping around the house all the time will not help the situation.
Here are some tips for fun in the sun:
1. Go to a state park
State parks are family oriented and tend to be less intimidating. They are also usually clean.
2. Just hang out in your yard.
Face it. The neighbors know you more than you would like to admit. Who cares if you frolic in the sprinkler in your lawn? Maybe you will start a trend.
3. Just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you have to wear it. This goes for bathing suits and beyond. (More on that topic in a future post.)

To the sound of one thigh clapping in the wind

Thin girls have no idea the prep we go through to wear a bathing suit. Forget losing the weight. When I finally get up the nerve to wear the awful thing, it takes me an hour to simply "de-hair". I think I used half a bottle of Nair on my legs. Skinny girls can get away with dollop the size of a dime. (Whereas I used a glob the size of a roll of quarters just on my right thigh.)

Then it comes time to pack the beach bag. Little people can pack a cute little purse filled with shorts, tank tops, flip flops, etc. I have to pack a laundry basket sized bag for my skirt and tank top. A skirt? Yes. Which brings me to my topic of the day...

Thigh chaffing.
Every big girl gets it - but nobody talks about it. I mean, what are you going to say? "Hey Natilee, how's your rash?" No. It is just an unspoken bond we women share. I have often had thin girls ask me why I wear nylons in the middle of summer when I wear skirts. I cringe and say that it is because they are control-top and keep me from jiggling. Although that is true, my main reason is to prevent "the chafe".
With nylons, however, comes another dilemma. The rubbing sound. You know it. The "swish, swish" as you walk. The only way I have found to cover this noise it to:
a. talk
b. wear loud shoes
c. talk
d. wait for other noise to happen and then make a run for it
The only other anti-chafe options I have adopted are
a. wearing a girdle (Spanx are AMAZING!)
b. Vaseline.
- this stuff is cheap and great. For post-chafe, simply rub on the red, swollen, rash and go on your way. For preventative measures - do the same - just be careful not to put too much to avoid ruining your skirt.

What do you do to avoid the summer thigh/bathing suit issues?

Introductions

The Chunky Girl's Guide to Life is just that. Hints, advice, and blunt stuff about not only surviving, but also enjoying being a big girl.

So much negativity is placed on plus-sized girls. I am not saying that some of us couldn't stand to lose a few pounds, but just want to encourage all who are this boat not to be miserable. We all have our "fat" days when we feel horrible about ourselves. My philosophy has always been that no matter how poorly you feel about yourself, it is no use to broadcast our negativity to the rest of the world. If you feel fat and act horribly - what do you have going for you?

This is not a self-help, self-esteem, "if they make it in your size, wear it" blog. If you learn something - let me know! If you have something to teach, leave a comment or email me. I am always looking for great blog material.

Thanks for reading,
Natilee