Let’s talk about something most of us avoid all summer long –
SHORTS.
You know what I am talking about. The pieces of fabric sewn together to hide your rear that never quite fit right, neglect to hide your jiggle & awaken your knees from hibernation.
Shorts & I used to be enemies. And based on conversations I’ve shared with a handful of my girlfriends, you’d prefer to keep shorts at a distance, too.
But here’s the thing, sisters – After about mid-May in the South, it gets real hot. And I can’t handle another summer of jeans in 100 degree weather. I know you can’t either.
So I am encouraging you this summer to Free the Knees! Embrace your thick thighs, rub some fake tanner on your legs if you have to & wear those darn shorts!
I have been where you are & I still struggle to embrace the jiggle sometimes.
Just last week I was debating on wearing shorts or leggings on my evening walk with my husband. I was picking apart every flaw in the mirror when my husband turned to me & said, “Dang, girl! Your legs look good.”
I kept the shorts on.
You know why? Because these legs are training for a 5k race. Because these legs are strong. Because no one picks apart our bodies quite like we pick apart our own. And because my husband sees my beauty when I see my flaws.
Sister, your legs are just fine the way they are right. now. – you deserve to feel comfortable & free this summer no matter your weight, your size or your cellulite.
If you’re still not convinced, here are some tried & true tricks I use to feel shorts ready:
+ Wear cotton or linen – It can be tough to find denim shorts that fit just right so I often lean toward cotton or linen shorts like the ones above. Shorts from American Eagle Outfitters have been my go-to for the last few years because they’re breezy & compliment the size of my thighs. I’ve linked some of my go-to styles here.
+ Go up a size – Don’t be afraid to go up a size. You know the denim shorts that practically stick to your inner thighs? You sit down & rolls just below the hem appear? That’s because those shorts suck, not you. Grab a bigger size – it’s just a number & that number does not define you or your worth.
+ Self-Tanner – I recently bought a bottle of Neutrogena self-tanner & since then, I’ve wondered where it’s been all of my life. It gives me a nice little glow & puts a pep in my step. Here’s the one I love & use every week.
+ Rock a heel – Date night or not, find a fun wedge to rock with your favorite pair of shorts. On days when I am feeling less than confident, I put on a cute pair of shoes with a slight heel & instantly feel better.
+ Just put the darn things on- As they say – fake it until you make it. I promise you, you’ll thank yourself for the gift of comfort. And soon, you may even learn to love the shorts – & body – you’re in.
I’d love to learn about your shorts journey & any tips you may have to feel short ready. Comment below & share!
love,
natalie
As I inch closer & closer to 30, I realize just how important it is to take care of my skin. I took for granted my soft, dewy skin of my earlier 20s & now I’m met with dry patches & hormonal acne – ack!
Thankfully I’ve found a few practices that have significantly helped my skin & I wanted to share those with you today!
1. Drink water, cut down on coffee: I know, I know. It’s tough to read, but it’s true! I enjoy my coffee just as much as the next person, but I was replacing my need for water with caffeine far too often. It was a nasty cycle, but one I am slowly overcoming. In the middle of the day when tiredness starts to kick in, I reach for water with lemon instead of coffee with cream & it shows in my skin. To encourage your water habit, keep a pretty glass pitcher next to your desk during the day. Fill it with fresh mint, cucumber or citrus for extra flavor & fill up your glass/sip as you work.
2. Dry brush: I’ve fallen in love with dry brushing, y’all. It’s a practice I am especially enjoying during the winter months. Just a few minutes of self-care really does make a difference when it’s so cold & dark outside. It’s rejuvenating, meditative & even helps reduce dry skin while increasing circulation!
I got my body brush & my face dry brush from my shop, Freckled Hen Farmhouse. I love them because they’re made of natural materials & handcrafted in Sweden by artisans with visual impairments – an incredible product with an even more amazing mission.
Here’s a quick step-by-step on dry brushing:
Face: 1. Thoroughly clean your face, rinse & allow to completely dry. 2. Once dry, begin gently brushing your face by starting at your neck. Work your way up to your forehead, using upward motions on your neck, chin & forehead. 3. Once you arrive to your cheeks & nose, use counter-clockwise circular motions. 4. When you’re finished, apply moisturizer.
Body: 1. Jump into your shower. 2. Start dry brushing at your feet & move up your legs with each long stroke moving towards the heart. 3. Move to your arms & shoulders, moving the brush in the same direction. Pay attention to rough spots, spending just a few brief additional moments on those areas before moving on. 4. Finally, move to your sides, working from your hips to your armpits. 5. Once finished, enjoy a hot shower to remove any extra dead skin.
Please note: Dry brushing 1-2 x per week is the recommended max.
3. Skin Oil: I used to believe that oil would clog my skin, but I’ve learned that it does just the opposite. I apply my skin serum to my face & neck twice a day & it has made such a difference in combating dry winter skin. I love the Seriously Glowing Face Serum from Acure & purchase it at Grove Collaborative, but any natural blend of oils will do.
I’d love to read your tips for winter skin & more! Please share in the comments below.
love,
natalie