We got schwitty with it in the studio when this client brought her entire Rick and Morty plush collection. So, I told her to “Hit the Sack Jack!” and get “Wriggity Wriggity Wrecked”! This series took me to another dimension for sure!
What Excuses Really Say About You
Have you ever stopped to think about why we make the excuses that we do? These excuses get in the way of what of we really want to do.
Money is a big one. Maybe the granddaddy of all excuses? There are so many emotions and behaviors tied to money that identifying why we’re making excuses becomes even more difficult.
We’ve all been to the theme parks before where an ice cream cone is priced at five times what we pay in the supermarket. We all understand that we can buy a carton of ice cream for what it costs to buy it at the theme park. Ultimately, we make the purchase because our experience at the theme park just wouldn’t be the same without it. Essentially, it comes down to what we value. Sometimes, a memorable experience matters more than money.
We tell ourselves that we can’t afford a spa day, the massage, the concert tickets, or whatever other luxury that we’re denying ourselves. We say, “I don’t want to come across as shallow, or self-centered.”
We struggle with our weight but follow diets we know won’t work, or continue to eat without control because at the end of the day we don’t really want to be held accountable.
So, what have we learned today? Being cheap can be destructive and it’s okay to make yourself a priority. Because you’re worth it.
Self-Love, Self-Care, Selfishness, and The Wisdom to Know the Difference
Self-care is the new buzzword. If we just buy enough miracle skin creams, go the gym, be fit, do yoga, get manis, pedis, massages, and visit the salon on the regular, we will be happy, well-adjusted, and productive adults right?
Wrong. Listen, I don’t have to tell you that adulting is hard. Sometimes making time to do all of the above can just leave us more exhausted than when we started.
Self-care is NOT self-love and as your resident female empowerer, I have some ideas on how to love yourself a little more:
Practice Gratitude: Appreciate your legs, cellulite and all. They carry you through each and every day. Appreciate your arms for the same reason. Accept that although your smile may bring out your crows feet, it also lifts your cheeks and makes you look younger.
Forgive Yourself: Negative self-talk is almost second nature for most of us. Notice your reactions to stress and take accountability. In other words, if you’re feeling bitchy, what’s the root cause? Then take action to remedy the bitchiness.
Wear It! Wearing clothes (lingerie included!) that makes us feel good gives us confidence. It’s self-expression. We can express moods and persona with our outfits.
Wear all the hats! We have many roles: boss, co-worker, mom, friend, wife, girlfriend etc. These roles don’t operate independently of each other. Being a mom, for example, doesn’t mean you stop being a sensual being. So don’t accept the little box that society wants to put you into. We can drive ourselves crazy with societal norms and expectations.
Shameless Plug: Of course, a boudoir session can help you appreciate yourself. I’d love to help you change the way you see yourself.
Is Confidence All You Really Need to Be Beautiful?
Amy’s Schumer’s reverse body dysmorphia in I Feel Pretty
The movie caught a lot of criticism because its star may not be up Hollywood’s glam standards, but she’s attractive, blonde, and her body type is still much smaller than the average woman. Many felt that Amy Schumer had been miscast; they should have cast someone who was uglier and fatter in order for the audience to relate.
There were critics saying that the movie should have examined the unrealistic standards upheld by the beauty industry but this movie is a rom-com, not a documentary. Comedy is meant to be lighthearted, and is oftentimes offensive and stereotypical. Shakespeare used stereotypes and his comedy is timeless.
Mostly, I think the critics missed the point of the movie completely, which is that a high self-esteem is far more important than your looks.
I think we can all relate to that moment that Amy's character, Renee, looks in the mirror and feels like just isn't good enough. It's amazing that when we are children, it's perfectly acceptable to have a belly yet so quickly do we learn to hate ourselves.
Renee manages to fall in love with her body in spite of society’s narrow standards. And once she does, she feels so free. Her newfound confidence enables to her take on risks and new experiences that she otherwise never would have.
People respond more positively to you when you feel more confident and positive about yourself. When you feel like you are worth it, other people believe it too. You are more than your insecurities.
And you don’t have to fall down and hit your head to feel beautiful. A boudoir session is a much more positive, and healthy way to feel better about yourself.
Slippery When Wet
I came up with a temporary shower set as the bathroom in my studio is much too small to shoot in and the results were nothing short of spectacular.
This was a limited edition set due to the small space afforded by studio; I cannot leave it up all the time. BUT...that doesn't mean I won't be bringing it back. If you want in on these sessions, get on my mailing list now!