Bear Lake

Klair's Outfits: 

Swim Suit | Sunnies | Tank | Denim Shorts 

Mine:

Chambray Dress | Swim Suit | Floppy Hat | Sandals | Sunnies 

Utah is a gorgeous place. I'm frequently in awe of the beauty that my home state possesses, and last week was certainly no exception. We ventured up to Bear Lake for a camping and boating trip with my husband's side of the family. Even just the ride up there left us in awe. ...and then we got to the lake. This was only my second time there, and my first time during the summer. It didn't disappoint. We stayed in the quaint little cabin with a porch swing in the photos above, and enjoyed our time at the campgrounds immensely. There was a swimming pool, giant trampoline... thing (not sure what they're technically called) and a playground for Klair. And of course there was the lake itself. We spent lots of time on the water boating, swimming, tubing, and even water skiing. Yes, I tried a form of skiing for the first time ever. I've always been a boarder when it comes to extreme sports--wakeboarding, snowboarding, longboarding. I don't have anything against skiing, it's just the culture I was raised in. I decided to give water skiing a try, and it only took me about eight (hundred) times to get up... but I did it! And I think I stayed up for a whole ten seconds before falling back down. Go me! 

I wasn't the only one to try something new on this trip. Sam went out on the tube, and when asked if she wanted to go with her dad our little Klair said "yes." She bravely hopped on, and let us tow her behind the boat (at a slow speed of course). Although she initially looked terrified, she didn't cry at all and even asked to go again. Talk about a proud moment for this mama. 

Also, speaking of tubing, it was hilarious watching my husband, his siblings, and his dad on that thing. They (of course) took it upon themselves to try and throw each other around with the ultimate goal of making the rider fly off. It was hilarious to watch. Sam's little sister surprised us all and out lasted all of the men in the family with their muscles and determination. She caught more air and managed to stay on longer than anyone... and she kept wanting to go. It was girl power at it's finest. Haha! I'm so glad we were able to have such a fun time with our family! 

Before going camping, I had a bit of a cold. Once we got home, my cold came back with a vengeance. Apparently I over extended myself. I therefore spent the remainder of my weekend in bed. My sweet husband took care of Klair so I could rest and try and sleep this thing off. Despite the (lingering) sickness, as I look back on the past week I can't help but feel blessed. We had such a wonderful time up at Bear Lake! And, even though I would have preferred my weekend to end differently, I have an incredible husband who takes amazing care of me. That is something to be grateful for. 

I love this man. 

Summer Swim Wear | Floppy Hat and a Kimono Cover Up

Hat | Kimono Cover Up | Swim Suit (similar here and here ...oh and this one is cute too!) | Sunnies | Shoes | Necklace

Okay, Deeeep Breath: Swim Suits. I have never been particularly fond of seeing myself in one, so it is with some hesitation that I post these photos. I don't think I'm alone in this regard. I'm convinced that every year dread and self-loathing wash over the female population at large as the spring season ushers in the appearance of swimming apparel on the racks of our favorite clothing stores. And, although I am a member of this group--a victim of my own distorted views based on societal insistence that we strive towards an unattainable ideal of perfection--I don't want to be. With the advent of swimsuit seasons past I would have hit the gym and the tanning beds hard. And, no matter how tanned, or toned I became I found that I was never satisfied with my appearance. Now that I'm older (and attempting to be) wiser, I'm trying really really hard to be comfortable in my own skin. I'm waging a war against my own insecurities. It's an ongoing battle, one that requires vigilance in positivity. Blogging about fashion has helped me to be both more and less confident... depending on the day. Essentially it comes down to what I choose to focus on, and how often I give in to comparing myself to others. Today, I am choosing to focus on the fact that I am healthy. I eat well, exercise often, and try to live a healthy lifestyle--the body that I have is the result, and I'm happy with it. It's enough. Today I'm embracing my white skin, my curves, and my own unique beauty. I'm also showing a fun way to feel both fashionable and modest at the beach/poolside, and hopefully inspiring others to love themselves a little more.

Alright, rant over. Now I can talk about the fun hat and kimono that I found! I have loved the floppy hat style for awhile now, but every time I tried one on it just... didn't... work. I was so happy when I discovered this one right before we left for Lake Powell where the summer sun is hot and relentless. I went for a quick trip to Forever 21, and was pleasantly surprised to find it. And the best part? It was ridiculously inexpensive. Click here to see for yourself.

In that same quick shopping venture I also found this kimono. I've been a really big fan of the kimonos that have flooded the fashion world as of late. I think they are so elegant, and felt that this light-weight, floral pattern made for the perfect cover up while I wasn't swimming and enjoying the water. It was also inexpensive as you can see here.

What do you ladies think? Are you comfortable in a swim suit? What do you do to build yourself up in a world that always seems to be trying to tear women down?