Looking good in a bikini

"I wouldn't say Boston is a fat city, but we look better in spring and fall then we do in summer."
-Kyle

This is so very true for a variety of reasons, the biggest of which is winter. Once winter rolls around, Bostonians, like bears, hibernate until the spring thaw (which, knowing New England as I do, can come as late as May). And similar to bears, we have a tendency to bulk up for those long, cold months. Or at least I know I do. Consequently, if you're anything like me, over the course of the winter you've neglected the parts of your body that are on full display in a bikini.

So while you may want to look like this:

In reality, you look like this:

(Try not to scream, I don't look that bad)

Notice this photo is from the side. That's because I've allowed four months of winter to wreak havoc on my gym routine. Goodbye sit-ups, hello couch and that second glass of wine. Good God, did I seriously just allow you to see that? What is wrong with me?

For me, fashion isn't just about how cute the bikini you're wearing is; it's also about the way you feel in it. If you feel good about how you look, you can rock the shit out of anything. But lately, I've been feeling less like a diva and more like a marshmallow.

So how does one solve this little predicament? You gotta buckle down, baby! We've been experiencing some nicer than normal weather in Boston over the past few days, so it's been easy to be outside and really active. The hubs and I have been indulging in after work walks in the evening, long strolls that really help us unwind and recharge mentally. I'm feeling more energetic and lively, and as a result, I'm more interested in pushing my physical limits. At school, I run around with my students. I'm more careful of the choices I make when eating, and my body has responded by craving lots of fruits and veggies, and less carbs and comfort foods.

I've also recently discovered Jillian Michaels' mini workouts via youtube. Not as great or intense as her longer length workouts, but if you're even remotely ADD when it comes to working out (which I totally am), these can work in a pinch. I like to watch one on Apple TV and repeat several times before switching it up with another. When I'm working out, it's extremely important to me that things keep me on my toes. I get bored too quickly and as a result end the workout way sooner than I should. These give me the variety I need while keeping my interest (I'm considering attending a spin class; I wonder if it's different enough to keep my attention?).



In an unprecedented first, I'm setting a goal for myself in order to rebuild my bikini confidence: 2 hours a day of hard physical activity (shouldn't be too hard when I'm surrounded by 27 three year olds for 10 hours everyday) and a revamped diet.

Today's workout:
-3 mile walk around Back Bay with the hubs
-100 sit-ups
-25 push ups
-100 squats
-3 reps of 30 second planks
....not overly impressive, but baby steps to start.

Once I start to see a noticable difference, the fun stuff can start! Namely, shopping for a new bathing suit!

I'm digging this one from Victoria's Secret. There's something about zebra stripes that's just very appealing to me. Not that I want to look like a wild African beast, but seriously, how cute is that?

This is a strong contender, too. The color is fabulous (and it's probably look killer with all the red in my hair), plus the top seems like it could give me the support I need. Bigger busted girls understand the necessity of a stable top, but when it's cute to boot, how can you say no?

I'm getting pumped for summer now! :)