Confident Shopping for a Plus Size Body

For awhile now you guys know that I’ve been working on losing weight and getting healthy. I’ve struggled and went back and forth a lot in the past few years. During this time I’ve struggled with buying any clothes, since you know I planned on losing weight and buying a whole new wardrobe! But what about the self-confidence during the time that you are trying to lose weight? Taking are of yourself – more than just eating right, and working out, is important. Keeping yourself up, and feeling confident in how you look is an important part of that.

So I decided to invest in some cute clothes, that makes me feel confident and classy. I found some super cute outfits at one of my favorite stores Maurices, and I wanted to share them with you.

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perforated two-buckle pocket front crossbody bag (in white)
rhinestone pendant necklace
polished denim trousers
the ‘perfect’ blouse in bird print
dinah jute wedges
oversized sunglasses

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the perfect plus size short sleeve blouse, in diamond print
the smart plus size trouser in navy with slimming fit
danielle sling back wedge in navy
silvertone etched oval necklace

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drape neck sleeveless plus size top
the smart plus size ponte pant
bracelet with beads
plus size chiffon kimono with fringe

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Plus size tee with braided detail and cinched sides
kara sneaker with color trim in gray
rib waist plus size capri with zipper trim in black
animal print sunglasses with rhinestones

 

 



Posted in Beauty, Fashion for Less, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The Many Uses for Baby Wipes that Have Nothing to do with Babies

I have to admit – my kids have been out of diapers for a lonnngg time. But I still buy wipes like they are going out of style. We don’t really call them baby wipes anymore, they are just wipes. Wipes have a TON of uses, more than just for babies bottoms. In fact when I think back, I was using wipes wayy before I had kids.

So for those of you unsure how there can be soo many uses for plain old baby wipes – here’s a list of what my house uses it for most.

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toilet paper substitute. Did you know 57% of households have used wipes instead of toilet paper? I keep a pack of Huggies wipes on the back of the toilet, just in case! 
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eye make-up remover. I have to say, I do this one quite a bit. After washing my face with my regular face-wash, I always take a wipe to collect the excess eye make-up that collects on my eyelids, or in the creases. It’s a great way to make sure you face is fresh and clean.

kitten cleaner. I love our kittens, don’t get me wrong. But they get stinky – and since it’s not really a smart move to bathe a kitten, we just use baby wipes. Not only does it get all the icky off, (including the kitten booty wiping) but it also collects stray hairs.  It does wonders with keeping cat dander at a low, even my sister who has allergies to cats can be in our house without a problem. We wipe them down a few times a week, and it works wonders. (that’s our crazy kitties below)

A photo posted by Krissy Higgins (@krissyar) on

dusting. Not all areas that need dusted in your home requires furniture polish. The easiest way to dust is with wipes – especially if you are cleaning off hard-to-reach places that you don’t touch every week. On top of the fridge, hard to reach shelves, picture frames, etc. The best part – throw them away when your done!

 

on-the-go messes. You will never find me away from my house without wipes. I keep some in the truck of my car, and I also keep them in my purse. There are wayy too many situations that could be a good cause to use them – and you know me, I always like to be prepared. You can buy the travel wipes to keep in your purse (since it’s smaller) or even put a dozen or so in a ziplock baggie (just be sure to check them every week or so, to make sure they’ve not dried out due to heat, etc). I cannot tell you how many times I’ve came to the rescue of others with the Huggies Wipes in my purse! 

hemorrhoid wipes. Especially useful for those who are pregnant, you can make your own hemorrhoid wipes with baby wipes. Purchase the Huggie Wipes with Aloe, and add witch hazel. It as simple as that.

Some other uses are:

cleaning marks such as pen, pencil or crayon off walls
wiping ‘stains’ off clothing in a pinch (including deodorant marks!)
wiping down tables, carts, changing tables, or toilet seats in public areas
clean hairspray off your counter, floor, or wood surfaces
cleaning toys
moisten envelopes
clean your phones,tablets, or PC’s screens
shine your shoes
wipe sand off your belongings (and yourself) after a day at the beach

What are some of your favorite non-traditional uses for baby wipes?

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Churro Bites

I know, it seems like desserts is my way of life lately. But with the rain and crazy weather, what else is there to do besides bake, right???
They are simple to make, and delicious!

Prep: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Yield: 12-15 Bites

Ingredients:
-1 Cup Flour
-1/2 Cup Sugar + 2 1/2 Tablespoons Sugar
-1/2 tsp salt
-2 tbsp. Vegetable Oil
-1 tsp Cinnamon
-1 Cup Water
-Oil used for frying

Process:
– Mix together 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon and set aside
-Heat Oil in a medium pan for frying
-In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 tbsp. vegetable oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, bring to a boil and then immediately remove from heat
-Mix in the 1 cup of flour slowly until your dough forms
-Allow the dough to cool, just enough so that you don’t burn yourself when handling it.
-Form the dough into small little balls

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-Fry 2 or 3 balls at a time, fry until all sides are all golden brown
-Coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place on a plate
-Enjoy! Indulge in these delicious treats, pair them with caramel or chocolate for an extra sweet taste!

Churro Bites 2

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Healthy Back to School Sandwich Ideas

The coupons for product redemption, information, and gift card have been provided by Brownberry(r) Bread so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Brownberry(r) Healthfull(r) Bread. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Brownberry(r) Bread.

Back to school is fast approaching, and I don’t know about you but this year I plan to stay ahead of the curve! We’ve started now with picking up school supplies here and there, going to bed a bit earlier (and getting up a bit earlier too) and also trying our hand at some healthy, yummy recipes for the kids to take to lunch.

I have been trying to balance nutrition, and taste while keeping their lunches as low calorie / low fat as possible. We’ve substituted chips for veggies with dip, snack cakes for fruit and yogurt, and I’ve been working on making their sandwiches a little more healthy and filling.
I was introduced recently to the New Brownberry Healthfull Bread – which I absolutely fell in love with. They have three different varieties full of better-for-you ingredients! Flax & sunflower, steel cut oats & honey and nuts & seeds!

  

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The Brownberry Healthfull bread only has 80 calories per slice, and is made with 100 percent whole grain flour, is a good source of fiber, and contains no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or preservatives (bonus!) It’s also certified by the American Heart Association.

So the kids and I got to work on some ideas to fun-filling ideas to keep their lunches from getting boring using Brownberry Healthfull bread – and of course we went to Pinterest for some inspiration.

Like this Cucumber & Avocado Sandwich by Good Life Eats
Strawberry & Cream Cheese Sandwich by Delish
Mashed ChickPea Salad by The Simple Veganista
Salami & Cream Cheese Sandwich by Martha Stewart
Turkey Caesar Sandwich by Martha Stewart
Chicken Salad with Apricots & Almonds by Whole Living
Veggie & Hummus Sandwich found on PopSugar
Loaded Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich by Layers of Happiness
Peanut Butter & GrilledC Banana Sandwich by Lemon Thistle
Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich by Family Fresh Cooking

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* For more information about the new love of your life, Brownberry(r) Healthfull(r) Bread, visit http://www.loveyourbread.com/healthfull

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Soft Pretzel Bites

Total Time: 30 Minutes
Yield: 25 Pretzel Bites
Ingredients:
-2 Cups All Purpose Flour
-2 Tablespoons Sugar
-2 teaspoons Baking Powder
-3 Tablespoons Butter + 1 Tablespoon for brushing
-1/2 teaspoon Salt
-1/2 cup milk

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Process:
– Preheat oven to 350 Degrees
-Combine flour and butter first, this should just add a bit of clumpy texture to the flour
-Add all other ingredients except milk and combine until mixed together entirely
-Slowly add in milk stirring as you go, just add a little bit at a time until your dough forms. You want to make sure it is fully saturated, but not too mushy and wet.
-Spray a cooking sheet so it does not stick
-Using a cookie scoop, scoop out 25 balls onto your baking sheet

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-Melt your additional 1 tablespoon butter and using a pastry brush, brush it on to each bite.
-Top with pretzel salt if you have it, if not you can use coarse sea salt like I did
-Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown
-I know these don’t exactly come out looking like your typical pretzel, but I promise they do taste like it!
-Enjoy with your favorite cheese sauce, or even some mustard is delicious on them!
(**tip: if you want to make a sweet snack, top your pretzels with cinnamon sugar instead of salt and indulge in something sweet and delicious)
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