Girl, We Need To Blog About Embarrassing Topics

Now’s the best time to start your first blog. As a lot of people find themselves with extra time on their hands as a result of social distancing and self-isolation, blogging has become a popular channel again. And that is a good thing! You’ve got a unique experience to share with your readers, so why not make the most of the quarantine time to set up your site?

You might have spotted a recent article on how to make your blog posts stand out from the crowd. Finding an appealing topic, such as beauty, is crucial to writing good posts. You need to know what you’re talking about, and more importantly, you need to be enthusiastic about it. Creating quality staged photos helps showcase your expertise. 

But there’s one thing missing in many blogs, and that is honest beauty challenges. Indeed, nobody believes the picture-perfect blogger. Your readers want to understand how to handle everyday beauty issues they’re too embarrassed to talk about. Now’s your chance to bridge the gap and share your problems. 

Pexels - CC0 License 

You struggle with your hair

Thin hair or bald patches are never something women want to talk about. Unfortunately, chronic stress, autoimmune diseases, and strenuous hairstyle can cause hair loss in women. If this is an issue you’re familiar with, you could gain the respect and administration of your readers by talking openly about your hair loss treatments and journey toward self-love. Be real. Readers who experience similar issues will appreciate your honesty. 

You’ve got frequent acne outbreaks

Perfect skin is an impossible dream for many adults who suffer from acne outbreaks. Acne, unfortunately, can be triggered by hormonal imbalance, stress, or diet intolerances – without mentioning an unhealthy diet. It is a source of shame for many. Showing your readers how to handle the issue and look after your skin can be a revelation for many! Acne positivity is a necessity in today’s society. You can use the bog to share tips about products that work for you or essential lifestyle changes that have improved your condition. 

You have to deal with bloating and digestive troubles

Urgh, bloating! Nobody likes to talk about it. Bloating is, more often than not, the result of excess gas trapped in your digestive system. For a start, bloating can make your stomach appear a lot bigger than it is. But it is also painful, both physically and emotionally. The thing is, even though we don’t like to talk about it, bloating is a surprisingly frequent phenomenon. It can appear in periods of high stress, for instance. But it can also be related to your food intake or even your menstruation period. You can cast a light on the issue and explain what works for you. 

You’ve got hirsutism

You may not know the scientific name for the condition, but hirsutism refers to extreme hair growth. It affects 5% of women in the US. Many more suffer from increased hair growth on the body in less severe forms. Talking about hair on your legs, arms, or face is uncomfortable as a woman. However, it is a critical problem to raise, and you can help many women feel more confident about their bodies. 

Blogs too often ignore beauty problems. In reality, there is no such thing as a perfect body. Being candid about your real challenges can help many women make peace with their bodies. It makes your blog unique! 

Why Is It So Hard To Accept Your Responsibilities?

It’s sad, so sad. 

Why can’t we talk it over? 

Oh it seems to me

That sorry seems to be the hardest word. 

When Elton John recorded the song in 1976, he probably didn’t imagine it would be so relevant to so many people. But the truth is that we are quicker to complain than we are to accept our responsibilities. And saying we are sorry is one of those impossible tasks that take a lot of personal work. Why is it so hard to admit you’ve made a mistake? For a lot of people, there is more a mistake than something that went wrong. Admitting your faults becomes a personal and self-exploratory journey that requires self-confidence, adequate self-defense, and forgiveness. Sorry is the hardest word because, ultimately, it exposes our flaws in a society that seeks perfection. 

Pixabay - CC0 License 

You take your mistakes too personally

We pursue an impossible image of perfection. Success is what social media lets us see. Unfortunately, what many of us fail to understand or recognize is how biased the world of social media can be. The perfect glamorous and gorgeous influencers you follow are not afraid of airbrushing and editing their selfie shots. When you compare your reflection in the mirror against their promotional Insta-selfies, you can help but feel inadequate. But, it helps to remind yourself that these pictures may not be as realistic as they appear. Besides, even if they are, they are the result of years of hard and dedicated work. The same principle applies to successful entrepreneurs who seem to do everything right and happily share how they made their latest million. Everybody makes mistakes, and because you can’t see those made by other people, it doesn’t mean they are perfect. Accepting that mistakes are part of your journey to self-improvement makes it easier to recognize and cherish your faults. 

You feel defenseless when you’re in the wrong

Are you worried about feeling exposed and at the mercy of others when you admit your mistakes? It is a common fear. However, you can surround yourself with legal advisors such as Golden Law Office, who are specialized in defending your rights. Indeed, there is no denying that not all mistakes are equal. Some might carry massive consequences. Nevertheless, all faults should be handled with the same fairness of judgment. In other words, making a mistake doesn’t mean you should always be paying the highest price for it. 

You find it hard to forgive, even yourself

It is impossible not to be disappointed by the people you trust. And when they do, you can find yourself thinking about them negatively and feeling irritated about unrelated things. Holding a grudge is an attitude we revert to when we find it hard to forgive and move on. People who have high expectations about others tend to develop grudges. But when it comes to yourself, you may have the same approach to your own mistakes. As such, you could struggle to forgive yourself or to move forward with a positive mindset. 

Accepting your faults and being able to grow from past mistakes is a delicate art to master. More often than not, fear, self-doubt, and self-resentment can affect your path to personal development. Our mistakes are part of us. While you don’t need to celebrate them, accepting them gives you the strength to grow and be at peace with your conscience. 

How to write the perfect blog post

So you want to write a blog post but not sure what to do? Well, first, JUST START. Getting your thoughts down on paper are key if you want to be successful. Below you’ll find my tips for creating the best blog post possible.

Step 1: Determine your topic

Here on the blog I have several categories that I blog about Mom Life, Beauty and Lifestyle. Since my blog is more personal, I would think of something that is related to my life and how I want to share it.

For example, I recently decided that I wanted to restart my fitness journey but I’ve gained weight and needed new workout gear. Finding quality workout gear is hard enough and then being plus size adds another layer. So, what better way to do so than to create a guide that other people may find useful when they being searching for workout gear/active wear.

Step 2: Write it out

Getting your ideas down on paper is the best way to get started. I like writing on paper before I head to my computer. It makes it feel more real. After my thoughts are written down I head to my laptop and begin typing out my post.

Step 3: Edit

Sometimes I like to have another person view my post before I actually publish it. It’s good to have a second set of eyes review your work. If you don’t have someone to do this, print it out if you can and then review. Our eyes can play tricks on us if we stare at the computer screen for too long. I’ve even found that I may say something in my head that’s not actually on paper. So it’s always good to edit and edit again.

You want to make sure that your post has flow and makes sense. If you didn’t write it, would you understand the topic?

Step 4: Create Graphics/ Take Photos

Why you ask? Well, it’s always better if you can use your own photos versus stock images. While stock images will get the job done, it’s nice to your creativity shine through.

What I like to do is create a flatlay if I’m going to be doing a product review or if I’m showing off an outfit, I will take a picture to show off the look. Not only will you be able to use these photos for the post but you’ll need them to create your own Pinterest pin and Instagram post.

Take a lot of photos and try different angles. You will need at least 3-5 good photos.

Check out this blog post for an example here.

Step 5: Publish

Now you’re ready to schedule your post. Make sure you send out social blast to go along with your blog post to allow your followers that may not be subscribed to your blog to they can check out your latest post. This is a good time to use your Facebook page or Instagram bio for this CTA (call to action).

A Plus Size Girl's Guide to Athletic Wear

Hey Girl!!!

I have the crazy idea that finding cute workout clothing will encourage me to work out. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. Worst case scenario; I have just upgrade my athletic wear.

I’m on a mission to find active wear that not only makes me feel good but is comfortable to wear. This is what I found available in my size and at a decent price point.

Target – All In Motion

I actually never thought to shop Target for active wear but in my poll on Instagram, you all told me to check them out. So I went with the All In Motion brand. I found an outfit that and paid $50 for all 3 pieces. This brands tagline is “Made for every move, priced for every day.” The price is relatively decent when considering the cost of most athletic wear.

Bra: XL

This bra fits very nicely. I’m a size 40 C, not a lot of boobs but I’m a little wide so I like to feel comfortable. I wasn’t sure if I should have went with the XXL but I’m happy I got the XL due to the sizing chart. Be sure to always check there; it typically won’t steer you wrong and read the reviews.

Leggings: XL

These fit like a true XL. I wanted enough room to pull them up on my stomach a little (that’s where I carry most of my weight). They are easy to pull on and feel really good when I move.

Top: XL

I really like this top. It’s the perfect addition to this outfit especially since I don’t plan on wearing an additional bra. This top is a muscle top and

Old Navy

Bra: 1X

This bra fits so well and the color complements my skin beautifully! My kids loved this one on me; they said it hides all of my mommy rolls.

Leggings: 1X

These are nice! I didn’t feel exposed while bending over which is a major plus and the way the legging curve to my body make me feel hot! But after a lot of moving around and getting sweaty I did notice a little slippage.

Victoria Secret

VS is not particularly plus size friendly but I figured it would be worth including them in the lineup since they do carry a few workout pieces. I’ve tried their knockout leggings before and love them. I’ve had them for a few years. I believe they are slowing down on their sports line because not much is available.

Bra: XL

At first I wasn’t feeling this bra but covers my side rolls very nicely it just exposes a lot of back. It’s very smoothing and I see it being put to good use.

Leggings: 14

Now I was shocked by these leggings. Since I have been a huge fan of their Knockout Leggings I didn’t know what I was going to get. These are very similar but have pockets. I actually think I prefer them.

Walmart – Avia

Top: XL (16/18)

The top fits great and comes in a few other colors. When shopping for tops make sure you go a size up. You want to have room to breathe.

Leggings: L (12/14)

These fit me like a glove and they come up a little and go over my belly.

Fabletics

Mila High Waisted Leggings – XL

Bella High Impact Bra – XL

Faye High Impact Bra – XL

Trinity High Waisted Leggings – XL

Overall, I think all of these companies offer a great selection. The more companies see that plus size women do workout and that we want options; I believe they will make it for us. So, I’m sure you’re wondering who I think came out on top.

Price point - Walmart gets my vote, I spent under $25 for an entire outfit and you can’t beat that.

Style - Fablectics is hands down the winner. They offer comfort, compression and style. I love that offer plus sizes as well and they’ve designed certain styles to be more flattering for the plus size body!

Let me know what your favorite is!