Almost one year after publishing bathing suit pictures for the first time, I'm sharing what's changed…….(and telling you what YOU need to be comfortable at the beach and pool this summer – trust, these comfortable sandals are a GAME CHANGER)!

This post about comfortable sandals is sponsored by Zappos.

Let's talk real life in a bathing suit.  A year ago at this time, I'd worn a bathing suit exactly twice in the four years since Lydia had been born.  Basically, only when someone forced me.  And trust……I didn't enjoy it.  I felt uncomfortable.  I felt stressed out.  I felt ugly.  I wasn't present.  I wasn't present to REALLY enjoy my daughter's first time at the beach or her first time in a swimming pool.  I refused to let my husband take pictures unless the water was covering me from the shoulders down.  

My own insecurities left me trapped.  I wasn't enjoying a life I had so badly wanted.  I wasn't enjoying moments that should have been some of my happiest memories.  And I wanted that to change.

Shop my Outfit:

/ suit / cover up / sandals /

All items are from Zappos.  If you're looking for a great way to shop without heading into a store…..Zappos will be your new best friend.  With fast and FREE shipping and a 365 day return policy…….you'll be able to find everything you need from comfortable sandals to a great summer bathing suit….and it will be on your doorstep before you know it!

Want to know what I did? It sounds simple……but I faked it until I made it.  I wore a suit.  I got in the pool.  I went to the beach.  And I documented it all.  With the help of a few of my photographer friends…..I took pictures.  Yup, full on bathing suit pictures.  And I put them on the internet.  And the funny thing? When I looked at those pictures……I didn't think I looked THAT bad.  My “huge” thighs? Not as big as I imagined.  Those stretch marks? Weren't that apparent.  But my smile? I looked, and felt……free.  For the first time in a long time.

Last summer was a time of freedom and adventure for myself, and my family.  We beached, we swam, we smiled in ways I feel we hadn't done in years.  As silly as it sounds, I enjoyed summer in a way I hadn't since I was a kid myself.

As we head into bathing suit season, I want to encourage each of you.  I swear, it's not as scary as you think.  You will thank yourself (and your children will thank you too).  Just do it.  Wear the suit.  Jump in the pool.  Take the picture.  The memories are waiting.  You just have to let go.

How to Be Comfortable In a Bathing Suit (from the tip of your head to the best comfortable sandals):

I wanted to share a few practical tips for ACTUALLY feeling comfortable during those pool and beach days.  Trust me, you'll thank me later.

1. Find a suit that FITS.  Yes, even if that means spending a little more.  There is NOTHING as uncomfortable as a poorly fit swimsuit.  It hides nothing and forgives nothing.  This suit is the one I was RAVING about over on Instagram Stories last week.  It literally flatters EVERYONE.  I've seen pregnant women rocking it and every size on earth (it's available in plus size TOO).  It comes in a million colors, and will make you feel like a supermodel.  Guaranteed.
2. Wear a cover up that flatters instead of hides your body.  This sheer coverup may be my summer go to.  It covers enough that I feel comfortable wearing it from the car to the sand…..but is sheer enough to show that my body has a shape.
3. Comfortable shoes will make or break your day.  Anyone else had horrible experiences with not comfortable sandals at the beach or pool? It's the WORST right?  Enter these sandals by Munro.  They're literally the MOST comfortable sandals I've worn in years (I worn them this weekend from the beach to the Santa Monica Pier to an afternoon playdate and my feel felt GREAT).  Comfortable sandals that are ALSO stylish? I mean, does it get any better? 

 

What are your favorite tips for being comfortable at the beach or pool this summer? Do comfortable sandals help YOU get into that bathing suit?