Over The Shoulder ......

Oh, hello there ladies and gents!  Long time no see! 
Today I am making my comeback with quite a debatable topic..... bras! 

Also known as over the shoulder bolder holders, boobie harness, titslinger, puppy blankets, flopper stopper, and the usual, brassiere.

For most women, you can walk into any store that carries women's intimates and simply find a cute, comfortable, flattering bra in your size, right?   I mean for goodness sake, even Walmart carries bras from a 30A up to a 46DDD!  You'd think, "goodness, what a great deal!  Grocery shop then run over to the panties section and pick me up a new titslinger while I'm at it!"
Well, the unfortunate news is, There are a lot more women that CAN'T just buy a bra wherever!

And this is where I get baffled.  You would think, the larger the breasts, the more need you would have for a bra.... (demand) which would in turn make you think that the stores that sell such products, would cater to these women, like myself, with tata's so large, you kinda HAVE to wear a bra...(supply).  So why is it that if I were to wear a 38C, I can walk into any store and find numerous bras in my size in all shapes, colors, and designs.  But when I go bra shopping, its like an excursion!  I have to go to the "specialty" stores and spend damn near an arm and a leg for a bra that isn't going to last but a year because my F size boobs are going to wear the sucker out!  Oh that price tag!  It's enough to make you wanna just go all prehistoric and let the girls flop!  I'll get to that later in the blog though.
I, being a happy 42 F, sometimes larger depending on the bra make, end up shopping for hours trying to find 1, just one bra!  One bra that not only did I spend WAY too much on, its unreliable, not really comfortable, looks like I should be either old, or breastfeeding in, and really has no pzazz!  I mean,  I am 24 years old.... I want a cute, flirty, low cut, supportive, small straps, decent priced bra!  Is that too much to ask for!?
With all these women going out and getting breast augmentation and fake boobies, come on, there is a HUGE market for bigger bras in ALL stores!   We have a society of women with already large boobs and department stores full of bras for people that aren't so well endowed.  No offense ladies.  But if I have B or C boobs, shit, I doubt I would ever wear a bra.  I would let my perky wonders float around like some kinda star!  hahahaha
Then we have the women that really just can't go without a bra, like myself, having to make a damn trip across the world it sometimes seems, just to find one that is going to be good enough to wear a while.  I've known girls that have owned the same bras and wore them constantly for 5 to 10 years!  I can't even get one to last me a full 365 days!  Sheesh! 
To top it off, the bras for girls like me at a 42 F are aesthetically unappealing for the most part!  I don't want no wire because then my fat under my arms becomes part of my boobs on the side.... I don't want 3 inch wide straps because I like wearing tank tops and other articles of clothing that I can't stand my bra strap showing through.  I don't want the "pointy boob" effect.  It looks just weird to me.  I don't want the bra to cover everything damn near up to my neck, that's just uncomfortable.  I don't want cheap material that the first wash, it starts to tear.  I don't want my underwire to poke into my armpit after owning the damn thing for only 6 months. 
Seriously!  Is that too much to ask?!

I recently purchased 2 bras from Kohls, not because I really liked the way they looked, I didn't try them on, I ordered them online simply because they were a good price.  I spent $62 on two bras, and some of you will understand when I say, that is the cheapest 2 bras I have ever owned!  They are comfortable, don't get me wrong, but one of them is a wirefree, which is fine for around the house or to bed, but I wouldn't wear it in public.  The other is what I like to call a " I'm married" bra.  Which again, is fine, because I am getting married in January and all.  But it would be really nice to find the cute bras that I used to be able to wear in middle school, now, when I have large boobs that need the extra attention.

I know a lot of you plus size women shop at Lane Bryant, Avenue, Fashion Bug, Cato, and Ashley Stewart.  I am going to do some price comparison here and let you all in on my frustration of bra shopping.  Okay?  Great!  Here we go....
We will start with

 Lane Bryant! 

The bras that fit right and comfortable on me from Lane Bryant are in the price range of $42-$58 a piece.....  A PIECE!   That's over $20 a cup!  I just find it ridiculous.  Unless you catch one of their major sales, you are going to be spending way upwards of $100 on a minimum of 2 bras, because we all know nobody buys just one bra. 
The quality of the bras doesn't match the price of them though.  I have been wearing LB bras since I was about 14 years old, so the better part of a decade.  I usually don't own them any longer than a year and a half because of a few major malfunctions.  A.The underwire ALWAYS comes out, B. The material between the boobs always seems to rip, C. The straps fray and loose elasticity.  No I do not put my bras in the dryer either.  So that isn't acceptable to me.  If I am spending that much on a bra, I want to know I am going to get my moneys worth.  Now, LB usually does have super cute bras, but what they fail to tell you is, SURPRISE!, all the ones you want and like for $38 only go up to a 42DDD and your boobs won't even stay in them most of the time because they are heavily padded....  Just what someone with huge tits needs, a heavily padded bra....  Seriously?

Avenue
I started shopping with Avenue because they had cute clothes for a reasonable price for plus size.  They have a pretty small selection on bras compared to some places, but their pricing is not too bad.  There standard wire bras start at just $30.  BUT, they have no patterns, bad quality, just unappealing, and they only go to a cup size DDD....

Starting to see a trend???

Fashion Bug
This one is a bit irrelevant because I only shop here for clothes.  They do have bras but you'd be better off buying one used at Goodwill than at this store.  So FYI, don't go in here looking for a bra because you just aren't going to find one unless you are a D or below....
On to the next...

Cato
You know, for a store that is supposed to cater to the plus size woman, they sure did a shanty job with their bra selection....  There stores usually only have bras that go up to a size 40DDD.  When I was able to wear that size, I bought one for the low low price of $19.99.  Boy was that a mistake!  It was shredded, underwire falling out, and for some reason, turning a different color within 2 months.  Bad idea!

Ashley Stewart
Now AS has this really cool consept bra called the Butterfly Bra!  The concept of this bra is to keep the girls UP and the back fat down!  The only issue is it is bulky and the underwire is like wearing a corset, which I like, but most women don't.

 

   Now you will notice, this is a very different bra.  The straps are wide at the top to keep from digging in, but small on the back. It also has 2 closures.  I like to wear this bra under a very covered dress or something of the sorts, but for me , It's not an every day wearer type of bra.  The plus side is they do usually have a lot of great sales so they aren't extremely unreasonable. 

But this brings me to my conclusion.  What is it going to take to get regular department stores to start carrying bras that women actually need?  Or maybe I need to invent and create my own line of bras and open my own nation wide store because I am tired of having to play the "bra roadtrip" and needing a savings account strictly for the purchase of a new bra!  I want cute, fitting, lasting, quality, feel good bra that women with large tatas WANT to wear and WANT to buy!  

We need to start a I LOVE MY BRA movement!  

What do you think gals?

Oh and here are the links for all the stores listed above!

Lane Bryant

Avenue

Cato

Ashley Stewart

Thank a ton for reading!  Be sure to comment, like, and share! 

Medicine Cabinet or Kitchen?

Hi again blog followers!  It's wonderful to be back after a, much too long, absence!
Today I would like to make the blog comeback and discuss home remedies!  You know, the alternative to taking a pill for everything!  We will discuss ways to cure ailments, safely, quickly, and EFFICIENTLY, at home!

I found a great site, in which I will reference many times in this blog, you should all check out
www.prevention.com
There is some great information on the site that I think everyone could use!

So here it is guys and gals, lets talk about 20 NATURAL home remedies!

1. Ginger-
Lets say you go out for a nice seafood dinner after a successful day at work!  After you get home, you begin to realize your stomach is quite upset.  Was it something you ate?  Food poisoning?  Instead of running for the pepto, maybe you should try something more natural for your body!  Ginger!
How to use- Infuse fresh ginger in hot water, strain, then freeze small pieces in an ice cube tray.  When you are feeling nausea, break up a cube and let it melt in your mouth.  You will find that the ginger will soothe the stomach quickly!  Also, pregnant women can use this to help with morning sickness without having to harm their child with OTC medicines!

2. Sugar-
Everyone gets those pesky hiccups from time to time!  Hiccups are caused by an irritated nerve which causes the spasms of the diaphragm.  Try a tablespoon or two of dry sugar!
How to use-  When you get the hiccups, instead of holding your breath or attempting to drink a glass of water upside down, just grab a teaspoon of dry granulated sugar!  This will calm the nerve and to top it off, you finally get to use the phrase "A spoonful of sugar" !!!

3. Garlic-
It's the season for sore throats.  Between the flu outbreak and, I know my Texas friends, the ever-changing weather we have here, it's only a matter of time before you too will have a sore throat.  Fresh garlic juice has antimicrobial properties that have been proven to fight pain-causing bacteria.
How to use- Take 6 pressed garlic cloves and mix into a glass of warm (not hot) water.  Gargle twice daily with solution for three days.  Your throat will be back to normal in no time!
ALSO, garlic is great for toothaches!  Chew on a fresh clove of garlic when you have a sore tooth and see what happens!

4. Dark Chocolate-
Ever had a cough that just wouldn't go away?  Did you know research has found chocolate's theobromine compound is more effective than codeine at suppressing a persistent cough.  Also, you don't have to worry about any side effects such as drowsiness and constipation!
How to use- Indulge in a square or two of dark chocolate!  All you have to do is eat it!
other cures for cough- try some honey.  Honey will coat the throat and prevent the "tickling" feeling that makes you cough!

5. Linden Flower Tea-
When you are feeling a high fever Linden tea works better, and safer, than any OTC medicine.  Linden flower tea works in two ways.  First, it stimulates the hypothalamus to better control your temperature.  Second, it dilates blood vessels, inducing sweating.  
How to use-  Seep 1tablepoon of dried linden flower (which can be found at most health food stores) in a cup of hot water for about 15 minutes.  Drink three to four cups a day.


6. Aloe Vera-
Everyone has burnt themselves one way or another before!  Whether it was from laying out too long in the sun, or that damn oven mitt that slipped out of your hand just as you reached the cookie sheet!  Most of us already know about this natural cure, aloe vera!  It will not only soothe the burnt area, it holds an anti-inflammatory aspect that will ease the burning pain.  Aloe vera creates a second skin to protect it from the air which will irritate exposed nerve endings.
How to use- You can buy aloe vera in a bottle from most any store, but I prefer to keep my own aloe vera plant to ensure it is all natural.  If you have a bottle, simply spread a thin layer over affected area and let dry, apply as needed.  If you are using aloe from a plant, simply break off a piece of the aloe vera and cut open, smooth over affected area and let dry, apply as needed.

7. Peppermint-
Did you know peppermint kills bacteria that causes bloating and relaxes gastrointestinal muscles for smoother, spasm-free digestion?  It can help for everything from flatulence to bloating!  Not only can you use plain peppermint, at most health food stores you can find enteric-coated peppermint capsules.  Enteric coating prevents the capsules from opening in the stomach and increasing discomfort by causing heartburn and indigestion.  The peppermint will work through your system and focus lower in the gastrointestinal tract.
How to use- Take (500mg capsules) three times daily.

8. Vinegar (or Black Tea)-
I know some people with some pretty stinky feet, and I am sure we all do!  That one guy who never wears socks, or the other dude who doesn't seem to know what a shower is!  Regardless of the cause, lets find a cure!  Smelly feet are caused by the odoriferous bacteria.  Vinegar and black tea will not only prevent and cure foot odor, it will close the pores in your feet, keeping the feet dry which will keep bacteria away!
How to use-  Soak feet in 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water once daily.  Or take a daily foot bath in strong black tea (COOL IT FIRST OF COURSE!) for 30 minutes.

9. Lemon-
This remedy will help cut a cold short!  It is sort of a faux hot toddy!  Lemon is rich in vitamin C.  Studies show that vitamin C taken before the onset of a cold shortens its duration and severity.  When used with raw honey, will help your cold and its symptoms.
How to use- Cut lemon in half, drop half into a cup, add boiling water and a teaspoon of organic raw honey (which is an immunity booster).  Breathe in the healing vapor to open sinuses and sip a cupful two or three times daily.
To make a traditional hot toddy, use same recipe but add a half shot (or two) of brandy.

10. Lemon Juice-
Forget to brush your teeth?  Are you a smoker?  Maybe you just have constant bad breath because you are full of shit? hahaha okay that was a joke!  At any rate, lemon juice is a great cure for odor-causing bacteria!  When paired with plain, unsweetened yogurt, your breath will be much fresher!  The lemon-yogurt combo instantly neutralizes odor and lasts 12 to 24 hours!  Better than any breath mint!
How to use- Gargle with a small cup of lemon juice then eat a bit of plain unsweetened yogurt.  BAM, instantly neutralized breath!

11.  Olive Oil-
I know I have a problem with dry, chapped lips.  No matter how much chap stick, lip balm, or whatever I put on, they still continue to be chapped, dry, and cracking.  Olive oil works as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizer for lips!  Some research suggests that applying extra virgin olive oil to skin after sunbathing may help prevent skin cancer too!
How to use- Apply olive oil to lips two or three times a day to soothe, soften, and lubricate.  Your lips will feel better immediately.  But please note that it will take a few days before they begin to heal on their own.


12.  Hot Shower-
Yes, you read that right!  A simple hot shower!  Do you suffer with a stiff neck?  Perhaps you slept a bit wonky last night and your neck is just killing you?  A stiff neck is a result of slow circulation and lymph flow to muscle tissues.  Try using hydrotherapy!  A quick blast of hot water, then cold water.  This will get the blood pumping again.
How to use-  In the shower, first run hot water over neck for 20 seconds.  The hot water will increase blood flow.  Then switch to cold water for 10 seconds to constrict blood flow.  Alternate three times, be sure to always end with cold.  When you get out of the shower, your body will send the blood back out to the skin, which will result in a final dilation of blood vessels and a looser neck!  

13. Tennis Ball-
This is a strange one, and a new one to me!  I know many people who suffer with extreme snoring!  I am pretty sure it runs in my family, my dad, mom, brother, ME!, YES, I snore!  Snoring simply happens because you are not properly breathing in your sleep.  I find that I snore more when I sleep on my back.  Here's a quick, sort of funny, fix for a back sleeping snorer!
How to use- Put a tennis ball in a shirt pocket cut from an old t-shirt.  Sew it to the mid back of a tight pajama top.  The discomfort forces you to foll over and sleep on your side without waking you up.

14.  Cherries-
Having trouble sleeping?  Even after a hard days work, you are still finding it hard to relax enough to actually fall asleep.  Try some fresh, preferably organic, cherries!  Cherries are jam packed with melatonin, the same hormone created by your body to relax your muscles and your mind.  Also, a lavender filled pillow will induce sleepiness.
How to use- Before bedtime, eat a handful of cherries, then maybe try a hot bath to relax your muscles and your mind.  Lay on lavender pillow and 3, 2, 1, SLEEP!

15.  Black Tea Bags-
Women, here is one for your beauty regiment!  You know those puffy, tired eyes you get after a long night or one without enough sleep?  Try some black tea bags!  Black tea is full of astringent compounds called tannis that can help deflate and tighten the bags under your eyes.
How to use- Dip teabag in a cup of hot water and let set for several minutes.  Cool in fridge, then apply the damp bag as a compress to the closed eye for 10 minutes.


16.  Strawberries-
Look at your toothpaste, looking for whitening?  Look no further!  Strawberries have malic acid that helps buff coffee and red-wine stains from teeth!  Mixed with a pinch or baking soda (a stain remover) , this is a healthier, easier alternative to OTC tooth whitening kits that have all sorts of un-pronouncable words in them!
How to use- Crush a few fresh strawberries into a scrubbing pulp and mix with a pinch of baking soda and enough water to make a paste.  Apply mixture to a soft bristled toothbrush and polish for a few minutes once every three to four months.  

17.  Magnesium-
Head pounding, you can feel the pain behind your eyes, or maybe a sinus headache?  Don't go grabbing the Advil just yet.  Try relaxing magnesium to reduce the muscle tension and spasms that cause your noggin to throb.  Not just any type will do though.  Make sure the supplement contains at least 200 mg of active elemental magnesium.
How to use-  Take 200 to 400 mg of magnesium to prevent or cure a headache.  (found at any health or vitamin store)


18.  Vitamin B-
Out too long last night drinking?  You know that moment when you are aware you are going to wake up with a hangover tomorrow?  Here's a great way to prevent this from happening!  Excess alcohol depletes the body of essential B vitamins which can help break down alcohol in the body.  Before you go to bed, think about taking some B-50 complex.  This will ensure the metabolism of alcohol continues at a steady pace.  Also, be sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
How to use- After drinking, take a B-50 complex supplement before bed followed by at least 8oz of water.



19.  Crampbark Tincture-
Here we go ladies!  One for the cramps!  Those damn muscle spasms during an already miserable week we have to live through.  Try some crampbark tincture (found at health or vitamin store in a dropper bottle).  Test studies show that this North American plant works as a muscle relaxer to quickly relieve menstrual cramps.
How to use-  Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crampbark tincture every 2 hours on the days of your worst cramps.


20.  Oatmeal-
Ever heard the phrase "bathe in your breakfast"?  Well, now you have!  Oatmeal can heal dry skin, rashes, and eczema!  Although oatmeal is a centuries old skin soother, researchers only recently recognized the healing power of oats that calm inflamed, itchy skin, called avenanthramides.
How to use- Put whole oats in a clean, dry sock.  Seal the open end with a rubber band, and drop the sock into a warm or hot bath.  Soak yourself for 15 to 20 minutes.


There you go!  20 different home remedies to try instead of the leading over the counter medicines!  These are all natural, and much healthier and easier on your body to process.
So I challenge you all, if you have any of the symptoms listed in the blog today, first try a natural cure!  I know I have personally tried may of these with great results!  It is so much safer to use natural cures because these remedies are not aliens to your body!  They are as natural as it gets!
If anyone has any more great home remedies, please, feel free to share in the comments for everyone to see!

Thanks for reading!