*~*~*~*~Plus Size Check-In*~*~*~*~

Rawr08

Welcome to the Plus Size check-in.  This will be a weekly check-in, on Sunday.  If you would like the check-in to be more frequent, please let me know.  This is an open check-in.  Anyone can join at any time.  My only suggested criteria be that you consider yourself "plus size".  I know this can mean a lot of thing to a lot of different people.  Here are some questions to help you decide if you will benefit from this check-in.

Do you more frequently than not shop in the Plus Size or Women's Department? (Not Missus)

Do you feel you are not receiving fair or  adequate attention from your OB or RE?

Are you having a hard time finding a Dr who will work with your weight?

Do you often have questions you think ladies of "average" weight will not understand?

Are you having a hard time finding a diet/exercise program that works for you?

 

If you think you can benefit from this check-in feel free to respond below and tell us your story.  If you would like to bring this check-in to another board, please do.  I would suggest linking it to this original post. You also do not HAVE TO be TTC.  TTA, TAB and everything in between is welcome.

So ladies, tell me the high/low of your week.  

QOTW: When is your next vacation?  Where areyou going? 

 

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month I thought we could talk about bras this week.

Are you aware in the past 15 years the average bra size has increased from 34B to 36C?  A 10 pound weight change (lose or gain) can change your bra size.  The average fashion is designed for a B cup.  Cup sizes can range from AA-JJ.

Did you know almost 8 out of every 10 women is wearing the wrong bra size?  If you shudder at the thought of one of those itty-bitty girls in the langera department sizing you, here are some tips to help you find out your correct size, ALL BY YOURSELF!

While wearing a bra measure around your rib cage, directly underneath your bust.  Add 5" to this number, if you get an odd number, round up to the nearest even number.  This is your band size.

Keep that bra on.  Measure around the fullest part of your bust.  Subtract this number from your band size.  The number you get will determine your cup size.

1"= A cup

2"= B cup

3"= C cup

4"= D cup

5"= DD/E cup

6"= DDD/F cup

7"= G cup

 

So now that you know how to measure yourself, in the privacy or your own home, how do you find that perfect bra?  Here are some tips to arm yourself with when traveling into the lingerie department.

1. For maximum support and comfort, the back band should fall at or below your shoulder blades.
2. The center piece and underwire should rest flat against the chest-not on top of the breast tissue.
3. When slipping into a bra, professional fitters suggest that you bend over and situate breasts into the cup. Then, stand and align nipples with the seams of the bra. Your breasts should fit completely into the cups.
4. Replace your bra periodically. Most bras get worn or do not function after six months.

 

What do all those different types of bras mean?  Which is best for me?

Seamless

A Seamless Bra offers optimal support, a natural, rounder appearance and a smooth shape. Best for wearing this type of bra under knits and other clingy fabrics.

Demi

Offering support with a "lifting" underwire, this bra type creates the perfect silhouette to enhance cleavage and produce a natural, yet fuller appearance. It works well under a garment  with a plunging neckline.

Full Coverage

Providing maximum support and coverage, this bra is designed to create a flattering fit for fuller figures. This is the perfect choice if you seek support and comfort.

Enhancing

Get the lift and fullness you desire without sacrificing comfort or support. Options include: air and liquid-padded push-up styles, cleavage enhancing slide-closure bras (the x-bra) and manual pump designs. Accent your natural curves instantly

Special Occasion

Halter-style tops and dresses expose much of the shoulder and back and can make wearing a bra difficult. These elegant silhouettes come in a variety of styles from strapless to backless to halter designs, concealing straps in innovative ways.

Minimizer

Designed for fuller figures, this bra reduces the bust line by one to two inches. The perfect silhouette to reduce the prominence of your bust line.

 

So you measured yourself, you found the perfect bra, now how do you keep it in good working order?  Well here are some tips to help you prolong the life of your bras.

• If the label suggests hand-washing, try using a soda-based fabric solution since regular detergents can be harmful and abrasive.
• If you choose to machine wash your delicates, be sure to place them in a Lingerie Bag to prevent them from tangling around other clothing. Wash in cool water on the delicate cycle with a mild detergent and hang or lay flat to dry. Resist putting your lingerie in the dryer as the heat of the dryer breaks down the elastic.
• You should rotate your bras instead of wearing the same one multiple days in a row. After washing, your bra will have the chance to return to its original fit if you allow it to rest a day.  (When I worked in retail the rule we went by was "Wash one, wear one, let one rest")

Do you have a bra you love to wear?  Recommend it now!

Rawr08

My high of the week was having dinner with a good friend.  I have known her since 4th grade and we haven't seen eachother since my wedding (over a year ago).  DH and I went to their house.  I finally got to meet her DH and her SD.   My low of the week would be being late to work, 45 mins late!  Also, got a birth announcement the other day.  I threw it away.

My fav bra is the plunge by Cacique (Lane Bryant), I always buy the same bra (mostly so I don't have to try it on!)

On the TTC front DH and I have decided in all of our (stubborn) wisdom that we are going to get KU without help from a Dr.  For now this is what we think any way. 

ETA: DH and I are taking a vacation in December, taking a drive to Utah to see his family for Christmas.  It will be around a 15 hour drive, but I am looking forward to not working on Christmas for once!!!

emeraudecephiro

So ladies, tell me the high/low of your week.: The high of my week was watching That 70's show with Zach and remembering how much I love it... The low of my week is getting only 8 hours of sleep this week up until Thursday. Thankfully I got sleep this weekend. 

QOTW: When is your next vacation?  Where are you going? I don't really have any vacations planned, but my next big thing is I am going to host Thanksgiving again this year, I miss my family. 

I have a Victoria's Secret Biofit right now (with some extenders lol) I need to go and buy a new one soon. 

VikingQueen

 I love you so much girl! Thanks for all the information!

I don't really think I had a high this week. I loved spending time with C but that is also my low because it got me all confused about what I wanted. Still working on that one..

I don't know the name of my favorite bra but I love it. It's made for plus size girls and it helps keep the dreaded bra rolls at bay. I bought it at JC Penneys

oops forgot the QOTW

My next vacation I am hoping will be in July.. I know that is forever away but I get two weeks off a year and I won't be going anywhere in December I know. in July I want to take a road trip and maybe visit some lovely bumpies.

BlondeBride123

The high of my week was that we had a great week with my 13 yr old DSS.  We've been having some struggles with him lately and this was such a pleasant change. 

My favorite bra is from Lane Bryant.  I think its the Cacique Plunge.  I also tend to by the same one so that I don't have to try them on.

We don't have any vacations planned at the moment.  We have been talking about taking the kids on a cruise or to Disney, but it won't be for at least another year.  We may try to do a weekend trip to NH with or without the kids.  It's so hard to plan the weekend trips because of their visitation with their mother.

HBlevins87

So ladies, tell me the high/low of your week. The high of my week has been getting to spend extra time with DH. The low was my mother falling down 10 concrete steps at her house. I went as soon as she called me and luckly she is ok. Nothing broken just bruised.

QOTW: When is your next vacation? Where areyou going? We don't have any vacations planned, but I would love to take DH out west one of these days to see places like Yellow Stone and the Grand Canyon.

Right now I am in my 2ww at 7dpo so I am trying to wait til Sunday to test. DH and I don't have much planned, except my working overtime on my niece's gift.

LaTi07

High of the week: My nephew making his arrival safely.

My low of the week: Finding it difficult to see all the pics of my nephew and it being next to impossible to talk about him and my sis.

Next vacation. When/Where: Who knows. DH can't take anytime off due to being on probation at work (anytime they are promoted they have a probationary time where they basically can't miss a darn day.)

ETA: Bra thing..don't really have a favorite bra. Since I'm working out and losing weight it's hard to know what size I really am since my boobs are shrinking at an alarming rate....last to come, first to go.