the best feeling!

[faerywings]

:dance:

*humble bragging so please forgive me for a sec*
So- long story short-ish is that my Ils are taking the entire family on a cruise in July. I have never been on a cruise nor have I had a "real" vacation in 10 years. I am thinking about how I need an entire new wardrobe since I live in hand-me-downs/items stolen from my DH and son who are bigger than me and DD who is the same size.
I have a dress that I wore on a trip I took with DH on our 10-year anniversary that would work but I figured that there was no way I was going to fit in it. I have been dreading trying it on but wanted to at least see where I am at.
It has been hanging in my bathroom for a week now, just waiting for me to get the courage up.
I tried it on this morning and it FIT!!!!!! For real. Sure, my stomach was definitely (really) poochy, but it wasn't tight or anything. I am so stoked!!!!

Did I tell you that the last time I wore the dress was in 2003???

Did you ever put something on and were shocked in a good way that it fit? Good body-positive stories only

PS: Anyone have some good stomach flattening exercises that work??

 

[Mary Davies]

Wow I don't think anything would fit me now after that long have a wonderful relaxing cruise and just chill don't worry about to many clothes you could always buy more when the ship docks at places you visit and they might even be cheaper.x

 

[Kythe]

"Anyone have some good stomach flattening exercises that work??"
It is called Spanx. lol

What you need to get is entirely dependent on where you are cruising and what cruise line you are using. Some ask you to dress up for dinner some are more casual.

Go for comfort. You are not there to impress, although you may, you are there to have a good time and not care what others have.

Tips:

I always make a list on my computer of what I think I may need and what I already have. It is packing on paper and gets you organized.


Looser waistline and flowy dresses/tops for the hot destinations. Watch the length and opt for the length that looks best on you. If you are short, opt for the just below the knee or full length. Stay away from the middi. Shorts and capris are best for touring but watch the length for your height. A sensible pair of shoes that don't give you blisters, like runners and a pair of sandals for dresses.

Take a large scarf that can be used as a shawl for cooler nights and a wrap for the poolside.
Always colour co-ordinate so that you can wear tops and bottoms in many combinations. If you can't wear the item at least 2 different ways and on more than 1 occasion,leave it home.
Definitely use fabrics that do not crease. This is where knits and quick dry fabrics are helpful as they can be rolled when packed.

Never take your best jewelry. Costume stuff only.

Before you go, take everything you plan to take and put them on the bed. Go through all the combinations and eliminate what you don't need.
Packing tips. I used the packing cubes. Best investment I ever made. they keep all your clothing organized and neatly secure. No panties falling out when the suitcase is opened. lol
Hope this helps. I am sure you will get lots of packing advise.

 

[faerywings]

Wow I don't think anything would fit me now after that long have a wonderful relaxing cruise and just chill don't worry about to many clothes you could always buy more when the ship docks at places you visit and they might even be cheaper.x

The first stop is at Newport, RI so I don't think I could afford to buy a pair of socks there LOL
One good thing is that since Caitlyn and I are the same size, we can wash things in the sink and share them. Although her style is a bit more goth that I tend to wear

Kythe- Spanx is a great idea haha!!!!! Your packing advice is so helpful. I don't iron *anything* so most of what I would pack would be ok. The mix and matching is such a smart idea.
I hate that the spring and summer clothes are out *right now* and by the time I want to go shopping, everything is picked over and then fall clothes are out by July. I am such a weird body size and shape (very short!) that I have a hard time finding clothes that fit too. Thank you for the ideas!

 

[JustJayne]

I think I have a scarf I got 15 years ago that still fits. LOL!

Enjoy your cruise! Where are you going? I haven't been on one, so I can't offer any advice, but it looks like Kythe great you some great tips.

 

[Danesa]

HaHaHa...JustJayne.... Unfortunately, I had just sipped my coffee when I read your response. That just tickled my funny bone and I had a good laugh. Sounds like my "fitting" wardrobe. Fun!
Chris, I know you will look great on your cruise. Enjoy and lap up the sun & fun!!
No advice on the pouchy belly...but...I am going to read the responses for help.

 

[veer]

Wow a cruise !!!

On my pinterest board, i have some exercises pinned :high5:

 

[VickiStegall]

YAY CHRIS!!!! That is awesome!


Excellent packing advice, Kythe!



I recently went to take a "before" picture with a particular shirt I wanted to be able to wear at the end of a fitness challenge. I decided to add my goal jeans as well to make it a full "before" picture. The jeans fit! lol I had no idea had lost so much weight. It was a total DUH moment that it was such a surprise since I *know* that I've lost a ton of weight, I just hadn't even considered I could get into the jeans.

 

[Madi]

If you want or need new clothes, buy something you will wear at home and enjoy for a long time. If you need special items just for the cruise see if you can borrow something. Otherwise it might end up in your closet for ten years with your dress?

Great packing advice! Mix and match is the best!

 

[Jeannette]

Wow a cruise, that is so awesome. And a perfect reason to spokl yourself with some new clothes. And I agree with Diane, buy some clothes you can also wear when you're home again. You'll be reminded of the cruise each time you wear them!!

 

[faerywings]

YAY CHRIS!!!! That is awesome!


Excellent packing advice, Kythe!



I recently went to take a "before" picture with a particular shirt I wanted to be able to wear at the end of a fitness challenge. I decided to add my goal jeans as well to make it a full "before" picture. The jeans fit! lol I had no idea had lost so much weight. It was a total DUH moment that it was such a surprise since I *know* that I've lost a ton of weight, I just hadn't even considered I could get into the jeans.

That is so awesome, Vicki!!! :cheer2:
My jeans "fit" me but not the same as they should. I really need to find some belly exercises. Vera- I am going to see if I can find your Pinterest!

 

[faerywings]

Jayne!!!! :madgrin:

 

[marijke]

I have never been on a cruise ... but a family vacation seems blissful ...
maybe you can buy a few nice dresses in a 2nd hand shop ...

 

[bcgal00]

That's awesome about the dress. Good for you! You probably will dress casual most of the time but bring at least 1 or 2 outfits that are dressier if you plan to eat in the main dining room. I always bring a dress, a pair of comfy dress pants and a few dressier shirts. Then some tees, a light jacket, sweater/shawl, jeans and lightweight loose capris/shorts/pants. It's not unusual to gain a few lbs throughout the cruise as you tend to eat more than you do at home so by the last few days things might start feeling a bit tight

Packing tip....fold clothes in thirds, then fold again and then maybe one more time. Its like the Maria Kondo (is that her name? do you know who I mean, the organizing lady?) or roll them. This way you don't get creases and can fit more into a suitcase that way. I stick socks inside the shoes in the bag.

That's all I can think of at the moment.