ALONG COMES MARY

(This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SimplySmooth #CollectiveBias)

I am not going to lie, this has been a very hectic Summer already. I have had some ups and downs personally, and it seems almost everyday I am either doing something really fun on behalf of the blog, or writing and catching up on my articles. August is already shaping up to be filled and I could not be happier to be heading up to Chico, California, for a much-needed vacation and some R&R with one of my best friends, Ariel.

I had to giggle recently when someone asked me if this was a press trip I was taking. Nope! While it seems most of my traveling is for Along Comes Mary, this trip will be simply, to visit with Ariel, her friends and hit the lakes and outdoors.

Something that has been on my mind is sorta silly, but, its been to get a new bathing suit for the trip. That may not be a big deal to some of you, but, for me? I hate showing off my body. And, the thought of a bikini? Fuhgheddaboutit. I am guilty of never feeling too confident in my skin, wanting to hit the gym more, you get the idea. The 2 piece you usually see me in is this cute tie-dye suit….

A modest suit with no belly showing. And, get this: I bought it last time I visited Ariel, in 2011. I think its time for a new one, no?! When I see my friends rocking their bodies and looking fabulous in a legit bikini, it makes me want to take more risks. I am almost 30 and hitting a point of, who cares? Love what you got and be happy if you are healthy.

This new ‘tude led me to check out some sections of Target I don’t usually frequent: Swim suits and the waxing aisle! I found 2 pairs of suits to try out and then headed over to take a look at Sally Hansen Wax Strip Kit (Body). Sally Hansen has always been my BFF for nail polish, so I knew I would be in good hands with her waxing products. I was excited to see that along with the wax kits, Sally Hansen offers a bunch of other items to help you out, too. I grabbed their Ouch-relief wax strip kit for body, too.

While Michael was eager to see me in my bikini’s, first thing was first: ensuring that my legs do not look like King Kong. So, I tried out my wax kit. I actually had just shaved, but, it’s never that great at getting rid of all the hair and I already had little ones popping back up. Luckily, Sally Hansen Strip Wax Kits can handle the short hair, too, and helps reduce the appearance of hair regrowth while helping you stay smooth for up to 8 weeks. That is 2 months, girls! Sign me up.

And, now….the big moment. I love you guys very much….to be posting pictures of me in a 2 piece! I also need some help. Which bikini do you like better? Mike and I know which we like, but, I want your input on which I should pack on my trip up north!

So….I felt very skimpy in this one. I don’t like sleeveless stuff so this was huge for me to buy. I do love striped anything, so, that’s what drew me to this one. Thoughts?

Then, this suit below is a bit more “safe” for me. The top has a top and bottom tie so I felt very secure in this one, and it also offers some push up and support for smaller chicks like me. I like the colors to the bottom, too. How about you?

One thing is certain, though: I felt completely confident in these suits as far as my hairless legs! These pictures were taken right after I tried the Sally Hansen wax kit, and, as you can see, there’s no redness or bumps at all. These tutorial videos were awesome for a first timer, too. Check out “The Secrets of Using Wax” and you will be in good hands.  I am a fan!

Please let me know your thoughts….and, don’t be afraid to say I should stick to my safe pink suit, too! 😉 xo