Two Piece Swimwear Finds For Women

Like it or not, summer is coming.

And that also means swimsuit season.

Unfortunately, you won't find me sitting out in the sun, by the pool, etc. all summer long but I still need a swimsuit I feel comfortable in when necessary.

Like VACATION!!!!

After not taking a vacation last year, we decided it was a must this year!

We are hitting up the salty waters and sands in southern South Carolina and I can't wait! :)

I try really hard not to do last minute shopping when it comes to summer clothing, so I ordered a few swimsuits to try out now.

Before I show you my hits (and miss), let me just say that I know every person is shaped differently.

What works for me, may not work for you and vice versa.
I would love to hear if you have any of the styles I show/list below :)

With that said, I am a curvy girl who is fairly proportionate.
Meaning, I have a hourglass like shape.
NOT a skinny shape.

IMO my particular body does not look good in a one piece suit, nor can I tolerate wearing them.

TMI - I drink a lot of water which means I pee all the time. 
One piece suits, rompers, etc. are just not for me!

I've also learned over the years that skimpy looking tops and high waisted, full coverage bottoms do nothing for me either.
I need the same amount of material (or lack of material) on the top and bottom to keep things balanced.

The first two suits are CUPSHE brand that I ordered from Amazon.
Remember how I ordered this CUPSHE suit a few months back?

Ruffle Trim Bikini

I really did like it, but the band on the top isn't adjustable.
It just felt like "things" were going to fall out.
So I returned it :/

But I decided to give the brand another shot.
This time I ordered two suits that tie in the back instead of having a clasp.
I received this floral and striped option the other day.
First, let me say that the pattern and the higher waisted bottoms are completely out of my comfort zone!
But it looked so stinkin' cute on Paige so I had to give it a try!
Plus it was under $30.

I quickly tried the This Is Love High Waist Bikini on, so I'm not 100% sure about it.
But I'm not 100% against it.
The top was truly adjustable for my needs, and the bottoms felt like I could pull them up or scrunch them down a bit and I wouldn't look sloppy.

UPDATE!!!
I tried the above suit on multiple times now and decided it is a keeper! :)

The next one hasn't arrived yet, but I have high hopes for it!
I love the black and white striped top paired with the bright tangerine bottoms!
The straps are adjustable and it is a tie band, so I can get the best fit for me.
Fingers crossed this one is a keeper!

Black Stripe & Tangerine Bikini

UPDATE!!!
This suit arrived and I couldn't wait to try it on.
It fits to true to size.
The bottoms were great, but the top lacks support.
Despite the adjustable straps and tie back, it just doesn't keep everything in place.
Unfortunately, it is being returned :(

I ordered this suit last summer from Amazon, but unfortunately it didn't fit right at the time.

It was too cute to me (and it was under $20), so I saved it in hopes that it would work some day.

Thanks to FWTFL it is actually slightly big now, but that is absolutely OK with me :)

Leaf Print High Neck Halter Bikini

And I still absolutely love this scalloped edge halter top and bottoms I scored from Target last summer.

You can't go wrong with a black suit in my opinion.

Scalloped Top & Bottom - Large Only

Scalloped Hipster Bottom - All Sizes

This suit also arrived this week and again it is out of my comfort zone, but I have seen it all over the blog world and thought I would give it a shot.
It came off faster than it went on :/
It is really cute....just not for my body shape.
Even if I could size up in the top I don't think it would give the coverage I need.
And the bottoms were much higher on me than the picture looks below.
I really wanted to love this suit :(

High Waist Bikini

Do you rock a two piece swimsuit?
What are your favorite styles?

I'll be back next week with my favorite tankini and one piece options for the ladies.
And I'm also rounding up some of my favorite men's and kid's swimwear options for the blog in the coming weeks :)


XOXO ~ Vanessa

Round 2 Results | Faster Way to Fat Loss

The results are in from my second round of Faster Way to Fat Loss!
If you are new around here, check out my results from round 1 here and then come back here :)

The second six weeks not only left me feeling a difference in myself, but I can see it too!
And others are now noticing too :)

Round 2 is complete.
I have now made my way through 12 weeks of the Faster Way to Fat Loss program.
And there is no way I am stopping!
I joined the VIP group that started on April 1st :)

I have told you before how I have tried numerous programs before, but this one has been different for me.
It has worked!
I didn't have to give up foods I love.
I didn't have to stress out over workouts and how I would fit them into my schedule.
Heck, I didn't have to give up coffee or pizza!

In a nutshell...Was I perfect during this past 6 weeks?
Nope.
That is not what this program is about at all!
But I also let myself enjoy a few more things than I did the first 6 weeks.
And I also found myself not wanting a lot of treats too.
While I might have had plans change and ended up at Wendy's for dinner...I picked better things/smaller portions/etc.
I know that I have worked hard for the results I am seeing from FWTFL and I don't want to lose those.

Drum roll please.....

I am down 8.7 inches overall and 6.4 pounds just in Round 2!

Add that to my Round 1 results and I am down 23.75 inches overall and just shy of 15 pounds are gone!
EEK!!!

I'm smiling ear to ear just typing that!
But I'm not gonna lie...I wish the scale would have gone down more.
But then I have to remember that muscle weighs more than fat, it just takes up less space.

And...

There you have it!
I am absolutely thrilled with my results!

I mentioned above that I decided to continue with this amazing program so I joined the VIP group.
A couple things changed, but overall the program remains the same.
Same accountability, great workouts, etc.
If you are looking for that something in your life shoot me an email or comment below.
I would love to see how FWTFL changes your life as well!

Email me at leota6@gmail.com
Or click here to read more about the program and sign up today!
Returning clients can sign up here!

The next round starts May 6th!
Perfect timing to get things in motion for a great summer body and mindset!

Thank you to all of you who have reached out about FASTer Way to Fat Loss and for your encouraging words and support on my journey :)


XOXO ~ Vanessa

What's Up February & Style Link Up

Happy Wednesday!

I took the last couple of days off the blog just because..and it felt great!

But I am back today and ready to go with What's Up February!!!

What we're eating this week...

Breakfast for dinner
Bunless Philly cheese steaks
Chicken sausage and potatoes
Taco Bowls
And probably going out this weekend


What I'm reminiscing about...

That sweet profile is already a few years old :(

I shared this bag earlier this month, but you must get one for yourself!
This collaboration only happens about twice a year.
Make sure you are following Rooted Leather & Little Mugshots for when they will be open for orders!
This is the perfect thing for you or as a gift!


What I'm loving...

The FWTFL program that I started at the beginning of the year.
It has seriously been life changing for me!
Head here to hear about my results thus far!


What we've been up to...

Anything and everything! lol!
Indoor soccer games, 

Birthday parties

Snow tubing with friends,

X went to his first Cleveland Cavaliers game

Bowling and dinner with friends

School Valentine's Day Party

The Kane Brown concert 

What I'm dreading...

Absolutely nothing :)


What I'm excited about...

My new Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer.
I have only used it once with wet hair, and twice with dry hair...but I love it!
I have super fine hair that typically tangles 3 seconds after I brush it.
Round brushes usually aren't my friend either.
My hair gets so caught in them that I can be in tears trying to get it out.
I watched quite a few YouTube videos before picking this thing up.
Again, my hair is super fine so it doesn't give it a huge amount of volume.
BUT...my hair was SO SO shiny and smooth after using it!
I almost liked my hair straight ;)
Mic even said he has never seen my hair look like it did!
Crazy!
It is kind of bulky, but I think that feeling will go away the more I use it and get used to it.
It totally eliminates the need for a hair dryer and separate brush!
Honestly, I loved it so much I convinced the receptionist at our office to get one and I ordered one for my mom :)
Sure hope they like it!

This is after just washing and then drying my hair before heading to bed.
It is SO smooth and shiny!!!

What I'm watching/reading...

A Million Little Things of course!
If you aren't watching it you are missing out!
Also...This Is Us, The Masked Singer, and The Blacklist.
I'll start watching The Voice once they narrow it down a bit.

Reading much of anything has taken a backseat these days.
I can barely keep up with the blogs I love so much :(


What I'm listening to...

All things Kane Brown!

I also decided to give a couple podcasts a try.
Currently listening to Hello Baby with Angela & Matt Lanter,

and Whine Down with Jana Kramer.

What I'm wearing...

I ordered this super cute necklace from Apricot Lane and I love it!

It is my favorite quote/saying :)

I scored this super cute heart sweater on Amazon and it has been on repeat all month long :)

 I remixed a few ways to wear this combination of colors and patterns

I rocked this oh so 90's look to X's Valentine's Day party

 I received my new Ohio camo hat and have been wearing it every chance I get!

 And I rocked my new Metallica tee with some black skinny jeans, hooded faux leather jacket and some combat boots to the Kane Brown concert.

And I just wore this Hello striped sweater that I scored for $9 at Walmart!
It is the perfect sweater for Spring!

What I'm doing this weekend...

Looks like X will have a double header for indoor soccer this weekend.

What I'm looking forward to next month...

St. Patrick's Day!!!
Honestly, it is one of my very favorite holidays!
It must be a Cleveland thing!
Some schools even close for the parade...everyone you know is celebrating.
It's just a great day!

We even had a St. Patty's party last year!

What else is new...

I picked up these Sally Hansen INSTA-DRI Matte polishes and I am in love!!!
I always use the Sally Hansen polishes and these are just as great!

And I have a Disney Giveaway going on right now!

Head here to win a copy of one of these great movies for your family!

Bonus Question: What is your favorite board game to play with your kids?

We don't really play board games, but we do love playing UNO together!

Linking up with Shay & Sheaffer today!
And don't forget to link up your style posts with us at The Blended Blog today!

XOXO ~ Vanessa

FWTFL Round 1 Results

It's the moment of truth!

I completed my first 6 weeks (Round 1) of FASTer Way To Fat Loss on Sunday evening.

If you are new here, head here first to read about my first 3 weeks on the program.

So here are some things I was terrified about the program going in...

Intermittent Fasting

Low Macro Days

Minimal Workouts


Want to know what I absolutely love after 6 weeks of doing FWTFL?

Intermittent Fasting & Minimal Workouts!


Honestly, I love everything about the program!
I have tried other programs where you drink shakes, use portion control containers, workout until you can't move/breathe, eliminate your favorite treats, etc.
None of those things are in the FASTer Way!
NONE!!!

You count Macros in this program, not calories.
You do a workout that goes along with the type of day (Low Carb, Regular Macro, Low Macro).
Heck, Low Macro days you don't actually have to do a workout at all!
The FASTer Way wants you to take rest days.

You can still have some of your favorite treats!
Do you like wine?
How about a sweet like donuts?
Pasta anyone?
Yep, you can build those items right into your week!
Crazy?
Nope!
It's life!
And this is a lifestyle change!

I remember just 6 weeks ago being so nervous about going out to eat with friends/family and how was I going to adjust for a Low Carb day.
I could have just thrown the day away and said I will do better tomorrow.
But I didn't!
I plugged in items on My Fitness Pal app, saw what fit into my macros for the day, and ordered without any stress.

The other thing that was key for me was rearranging the days based on my needs.
In an ideal world I would follow the calendar exactly as designed.
But in the real world..life happens!
I knew I had a 24 hour fast coming up on my last day of week 6.
But my schedule was full of activities with friends.
I knew that to make the most of the 24 hour fast I had to move it to a day that worked better in my schedule.
So that is exactly what I did!
I started my fast on Thursday evening and completed it right around dinner time on Friday.
Easy peasy!
Which meant Sunday was just a low macro day for me.
I did my normal workout, kept my macros low, and still enjoyed a wonderful time with friends!

Onto my 6 week results!
I wish I were brave enough to share my before and after photos with you all, but I'm just not there yet mentally.
I hope to be there one day...sooner rather than later!

But I figured I could still share a couple of photos that would give you a general idea of my changes.

The first photo was from NYE obviously...

And here are a couple of pictures from just last week...

Now for the numbers of it all!
I said it before, this program is not about the scale.
But let's be honest....that is what most people pay attention to.
I tried really hard to not think about the scale, but after years of the scale being "the thing that matters" it is hard to get that out of your head.

So with my measurements I did weigh myself to see what changes I had.

I lost 8.8 pounds and 15 inches overall!!!
WHAT????
I haven't lost a single pound in almost a year doing all the "right things"!
So to see almost 9 pounds lost has me smiling from ear to ear!
Even better is the inches I have shed!
I took a lot of different measurements to really see how much my body would change in 6 weeks.
Going just by the 5 measurements FWTFL asks for, I lost 11.5 inches overall.

And yes, I have even one better than the inches and pounds lost....my clothes fit again!!!!
EEK!
I seriously wore some dress pants to work last week that I haven't been able to wear in almost a year!
Like couldn't even get them past my hips, let alone button them!
I really thought I was being a bit over zealous when I ironed them to wear last week.
Turns out they actually were slightly loose on me!!!!

I tried on a two piece bathing suit I bought last summer for my girls trip, but ended up not wearing because it felt too snug at the time.
I decided to try it on the other night and it is too big!
Seriously too big!!

I am over the moon with my results!
I knew after my 3 week results that this program was completely transforming me, but I didn't realize just how much it would!
I loved it so much, I signed up for a second round!
I am on day 2 :)

Those fears I mentioned in the beginning seemed to gradually go away each day that I completed.

Another huge thing in my book that I have accomplished was drinking coffee practically black!
I found and fell in love with Nutpods French Vanilla non dairy creamer.
On all days but 24 fast days, I use the max allowed (50 calories) each morning in my coffee.
On fast days I actually dropped it down to 20 calories in the morning so I could add it to my afternoon cup of coffee.

One more thing before I end this super long post ;)
I wasn't perfect on this program.
Did I modify some of the moves in the at home workouts?
You bet!
Did I still enjoy pizza, an adult beverage, BACON or a cupcake from time to time?
Absolutely!

The whole motto of FWTFL is Progress over Perfection.
Each day that moved forward I felt myself gravitating towards cleaner/whole foods.
I actually ordered my favorite Starbucks drink for my treat on leg day and I wasn't that impressed with it.
That just seems nuts!
But it is true!

If you are like me and tried all the different programs, but haven't found the one that works.
I would love for you to give FASTer Way a chance.
I'm including my affiliate link here for you to sign up for the next round available.

Still on the fence?
I totally get it!
Please feel free to comment below or email me directly at leota6@gmail.com with your questions/concerns/etc.

Thanks for stopping by and following along on my FASTer Way journey.
Stayed tuned for another 3 and 6 week update coming to the blog :)

XOXO ~ Vanessa