Happy Spring Ya’ll!

There is nothing better than feeling the sun rays on your skin after a long winter. Ellie and I have been absorbing as much vitamin D as possible!

Swimsuit season is basically here for Ellie and I.  We have been playing in the pool and by the lake all month. Ellie is obsessed with the water. She’s a little fish who wants to swim all day everyday!

How cute is this swimsuit from Strange Bikinis? I am literally obsessed with the design, print and material of the suit. As soon as I tried it on, I knew I had to have it. I’ve never felt more confident in a swimsuit.

Strange Bikinis are all handmade using top of the line fabric. I first fell in love with Strange Bikinis custom designs, then fell in love Strange Bikinis message. Strange Bikinis started their company with the goal to empower women and create swimsuits for every body type to feel confident in.

This message rang loud to me last week. Ellie and I were swimming at the local pool when a cute, young family walked in. My heart broke as I overheard the conversation between the mother and preteen daughter.

The daughter was so excited to jump in the pool. She immediately jumped in and splashed around.  She asked her mom to get in the pool and swim with her. The mom said no multiple times. The daughter was determined to swim with her mom. After much nagging, the mom finally gave in and started to dip her fully dressed body in the pool. The daughter was so confused when her mom didn’t take her t-shirt or shorts off to swim. The daughter said, “Mom that’s not a swimsuit, you have to wear a suit to get in the pool.” The mom replied, “Honey, I’m to fat to wear a swimsuit.” I could tell the daughter was taken back with her mother's response.  I was devastated as I watched the confused young daughter look down at her own body.

I know the Mom didn’t mean any harm with her statement, however, what message did she send to her daughter?  That you have to be skinny to wear a swimsuit?

I know we as mothers want our daughters to grow up feeling empowered and confident, but how can they when their mothers aren’t? Don’t get me wrong, I have insecurities about my body, however, I want Ellie to have a positive body image. I believe it all starts with being an example. I never want her to look in the mirror and think she can’t swim because she isn’t “skinny.”

I’m not saying we all have to wear bikinis, however, as a society we need to be less judgemental of ourselves and others. Everyone deserves to wear a swimsuit and play in the pool with their kids, regardless of their body type.

Life is too short not to jump in!

Xoxo,

Briana Marie Smith

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Swim Top: Tango Wrap Top

Swim Bottom: Hannah Bottom (Since all swimsuits are custom made, you can request bottom to be less cheeky (more coverage)

Ellie’s Swimsuit: Old Navy