Choosing The Bra To Give The Support You Need

Image Credit: Pixabay

{This is a collaborative post}

If there’s one element of fashion and clothing that we perhaps don’t talk about quite enough, it’s the support and comfort that so many of us rely on from the bra that we wear. A lot of women are wearing the wrong bra, not getting the lift they need, and perhaps may not even be aware of it. As such, here, we’re going to look at a few tips that can help you correct that mistake.

Make sure that you measure, first

It’s been suggested that as many as 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, a statistic that retailers have used a lot to sell more bras. It’s true that bust sizes can float from one measurement to another based on a range of factors. While you might not really be wearing the ‘wrong size’ and find that it depends on manufacturer and shape, you should be used to measuring before you go out to try bras on so that you can keep it as accurate to your current size as possible.

Pay attention to the band fit, not just the cup

While the cups might feel like they’re doing all the lifting and do keep the breasts in place, it’s the band that actually offers most of the support. After all, they are what keeps the cups fixed to the body. So, when you try on a bra, make sure that you’re testing to see that the band is fitting well enough that it can offer support for a couple of steps even if the straps aren’t fully on.

Try different types of cups

The contour cup is very popular, and the most common type of bra that’s currently sold at the moment. However, certain breasts may not get the support that they need from this shape. Larger cup sizes might do better with the help of a demi-cup bra with additional supportive lace and underwire. There are also super cute bralettes that can offer additional shape-retaining support for those with smaller busts, as well. Try out different bra types and you might be surprised which of them actually offers the best support, and you enjoy wearing the most.

Know the signs of a bad fit

If you’re not certain whether or not your bra is fitting correctly, then you should keep an eye out for the signs that you should switch your sizes up. If the straps are digging into your shoulders, then the cups or straps are too small or tight. The band shouldn’t be loose or suffocating, just snug against your back. Similarly, if the straps are slipping or you’re spilling over the cups, it means that it’s a size too small, at least. Take the time to measure your bra size and try again.

Make sure that you take the time to follow all of the tips above and make sure that your bra is doing the lifting so you don’t have to. There may be other tips for women who are plus-size or small-chested that are worth keeping an eye out for as well.

5 Wedding Planning Tips No One Ever Tells You

Image Credit: Pexels

{This is a collaborative post}

You can spend your whole life planning a perfect wedding and still forget something. Getting married is one of life's biggest milestones; there is so much to prepare and organize that it is easy to let things slip through the net. Here are five wedding planning tips you need to know but no one ever tells you.

Start Off On The Right Foot

Like when you finally begin to walk down the aisle, you need to put your best foot forward and set a steady pace from the start when you begin planning your wedding. It is understandable that the happy couple is eager to get the ball rolling, but you need to pace yourselves. Move too fast and you'll make mistakes, some of which cannot be undone.

One of your first tasks will be an announcement and invitation. It would help if you got your save-the-date wording right so all your invitees know exactly where to be, when, and what they can expect. Take some extra care to get the wording for a save the date and wedding invitations correct and clear.

Greenvelope lets you send invites and track RSVPs online, and add extra important details to your invites. If there is a dress code your guests will need to know, and a rough timetable of events. You can easily add these to an invite through online tools.

Locations, Locations, Locations

Choosing a geographical location for your wedding may be pretty easy. The bride’s hometown is the traditional choice, but you may have a destination in mind already that is special to both of you. Picking the various venues you will need is where things can start to get complicated. Many couples look for a one-stop wedding venue that can provide a suitable space for the service, the wedding breakfast, and photoshoot spots in between.

The more places you have to be at a certain time, the more complex and stressful the day will be. If you are using multiple venues make sure you have reliable transportation organized for the wedding party.

Set a schedule with your photographer and discuss locations for photos along the route. Try to keep the wedding day itinerary as simple as possible. Don't be too optimistic about travel times either. It only takes one delay on the roads to through your whole schedule out of sync.

Make Some Me Time

Whenever you are scheduling big events in your preparation, such as choosing wedding dresses and suits or menu tasting, plan a little relaxation treat for yourselves too. Massages, spa days, weekends away, do some little things along the way to help take the stress out of planning your wedding. Little treats like these will also help you to build up some wonderful memories of your last days as an unmarried couple.

Make plans for some post-wedding relaxation and recuperation too, you will have earned it. If you have a honeymoon planned try to fold in some self-care and self-indulgence into the holiday. Even if it is just a weekend away, plan some spa time or a couples massage.

Let Food Be Your Love Language

The menu of your wedding breakfast, the first meal for newlyweds, is a very important component of the big day. It can be tempting to go for something extravagant and expensive, but this is often a mistake. Choose a menu that is based around the two of you and your shared tastes. Don't show off with decadent dishes and serve the food you love at your wedding. That's what it is all about, after all.

This should go for any evening food or buffet for the night-do. Take the opportunity to serve all of your favourite snacks and nibbles. Giving your late-night treat a theme is a fun idea. Fish and chips if they are your sort of thing, or go for carnival cuisines like doughnuts, candy floss, and ice cream cones.

Remember To Enjoy The Day

On your wedding day this is job number one; enjoy yourselves. If you are too busy coordinating and not celebrating the occasion you will regret it in the years to come. Delegate tasks and responsibilities ahead of time, this is what bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers are for. Set the wheels in motion and let everyone do their jobs while you enjoy every moment of your special day.

It is important to remember that if something does go wrong, or timings go awry, or mistakes are made that it is not the end of the world and doesn't ruin your wedding day. The important thing is that the happy couple are together, no matter what happens. Any small hiccups along the way will one day be a funny memory you talk about at your anniversary parties. Don't sweat the small things, and just have fun.

Remember these fabulous five tips when you are planning and preparing for your wedding day and it should be special no matter what happens. The most important thing is to enjoy yourselves and just let the day happen. Stick together and you'll be fine!

The Art of Giving: How a Personalised Birthday Card Can Make a Difference

Image Credit: Pexels

{This is a collaborative post}

When it comes to giving gifts, it's the thought that counts. And there's no better way to show someone that you're thinking of them than by giving them a personalised birthday card. Here are a few reasons why making personalised birthday cards is the perfect gift for anyone:

It shows that you care: A personalised birthday card takes time and effort to create. It shows the recipient that you're willing to put in the work to make their birthday special.

It's unique: A personalised birthday card is one-of-a-kind, as it's tailored specifically to the recipient. This makes it a much more meaningful gift than something mass-produced.

It's customizable: When you make a personalised birthday card, you can tailor it to the recipient's interests and personality. This means you can create a card that's truly special and meaningful to them.

It's budget-friendly: Making a personalised birthday card is often much more affordable than buying a gift. It's a great option for those on a tight budget or for those who want to give a small, thoughtful gesture.

It's a keepsake: A personalised birthday card is something that the recipient can keep and cherish for years to come. It's a physical reminder of your thoughtfulness and a special moment in their life.

It's personal: A personalised birthday card is just that - personal. It's a way to express your feelings and thoughts in a way that a store-bought card simply can't match. Whether you include a heartfelt message, a funny joke, or a memory you share with the recipient, a personalised card allows you to say exactly what you want to say.

It's eco-friendly: By making a personalised birthday card, you're reducing waste and helping the environment. Store-bought cards often come in plastic packaging and are made with non-recyclable materials. A handmade card, on the other hand, can be made with recycled materials and doesn't produce any unnecessary waste.

Image Credit: Pexels

It's a chance to be creative: Making a personalised birthday card is a chance to tap into your creative side. Whether you're an artist or just enjoy crafting, creating a card from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience.

It's a great activity for kids: If you have kids, making a personalised birthday card can be a great activity to do together. It's a chance for kids to express their creativity and learn the value of giving thoughtful gifts.

It's a way to make a lasting impression: A personalised birthday card is a gift that will be remembered. It's something that the recipient can look back on and cherish for years to come. Whether it's a card with a beautiful piece of artwork or a handwritten message, a personalised card is sure to make a lasting impression.

Overall, a personalised birthday card is a thoughtful, budget-friendly, and unique gift that anyone would appreciate. Whether you're an artist or just want to write a heartfelt message, this gift is sure to put a smile on the recipient's face.

On Being Content

Reading my daily bible today I was struck by the day's introductory devotional from Max Lucado.

“Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” John 6:35

It went on to remind us that there are times when the one thing we really want is the one thing we do not get. We pray and we wait and then pray and wait some more. But what if God says no to your request? What if He reminds you that you already have His grace and says that should be enough? Will you be content?

What a pertinent question and actually what does it mean to be content? Max Lucado says “content – A state of heart in which you would be at peace if God gave you nothing more than He already has”

I know contentment is something I have tried hard to work at over the last few years. I’ve very much realised that happiness does not come in the form of things or ‘more’. I recall a post I wrote on my other blog back in 2011 that said –

Do you know what I believe are two of the fundamental keys to happiness? One, is to choose to be happy and the other is to want what you already have! Endless seeking of things, money, status, time or anything else will never fulfil you!

My gut reaction is that I’ve done quite well in regards to being content but actually reading this devotional today has had me pondering this topic more deeply and I’m now left with some questions to answer.

• If I never lost any weight again and I always stayed this fat would I be content?
• If ill-health meant I lost my mobility, hearing or such, would I be content?
• If this was as good as my marriage would ever be, would I be content?
• If I never met that close girl friend that I long for, one I can really talk to and trust, would I be content?
• If my kids retained all their childish annoyances forever, would I be content?
• If we were never to own our own home or car again, would I be content?
• If I remained in voluntary work for the rest of my life, would I be content?
• If there was no money at all in the bank would I be content?

I’m sure there are loads more but these are the first questions that come to mind for me. Your set of questions could be quite different, as it will depend on where your priorities lie.

When everything is going well and there is hope for change in the future then it is easy to say that right here, right now I am content but if nothing changed again ever, would it still be the same?

Something for us to ponder on and pray about I feel.

Have a blessed week, Mich x

(This post first appeared on my (now-retired) faith blog in May 2016)