Mrs Fussypants

Fight the Frump -Truthfulness in self portraiting

**Good news- we drove to Nashville, found a house, managed to rent it with the 5 monkeys in tow and then drove back to Knoxville last night. Woot! Bad News- I totally got lost in Twittergate 2008 and was too lazy to do a decent Fight the Frump. So, without anything of use to provide, what was I to do? I dug deep in the archives to give y'all a laugh.Enjoy!**

The whole mommy-blogging internet is on fire with truthful self-portraits. You roll out of bed and take a photo in your bathroom mirror. Her royal bloggy highness, Sweetney, started in all with this post. It's no secret that I hate to be left out. But, could I really do it? Am I that brave?

I had to think about it.

I would like to portray myself like, oh I don't know, say... Heidi Klum. All supa-fab and gorgeous. I know the wonderful Friends of Fussy wouldn't let me put on airs. I would get a virtual smackdown from my readers for being a fraud!

Well, there are little things called legalities. Heidi's attorneys say I can't pretend to be her or they'll file that lawsuit...

Bummer, there goes that idea.

What could a self-respecting, attention-grabbing, semi-shameless Mommy Blogger do?

I was forced to to make a decision.

Could I overcome my vanity, my fragile ego and my shallow sense of self and put an actual photo first thing in the morning on my site for thousands to see?

I did it! Here I am first thing in the morning.

No make-up, no hairbrush, no photoshopping.

Wait for it.

Wait for it...

   

What? You thought Mrs. Fussypants would really join in? Pshaw!

I thought y'all knew me better than that!

Now, it is up to you, save the Friday Fight the Frump, and give some brilliant frump fighting ideas. Remember to give your name and topic on the first line and specific URL on the second. And, of course, link back here.

What? You thought I didn't notice how lovely you look today?  Looking great, baby! Rawr Rawr!

Love, Fuss

 

**Please link up in the comment section. Lately, our favorite boyfriend, MR. Linky, keeps dying on us. I am so sorry. Sometimes he & Typepad do not get along. I'll contact Mr. Linky for help! ;)**

Fight the Frump- Keeping the Wrinkles away.

You may have noticed that your darling Mrs. Fussypants is a bit on the pasty ghostly pale Irish side.

Fair skin and tons of wrinkles sadly go hand in hand. I have been researching the best sunscreen on the market in my ultra-frugal price range. I absolutely love Neutrogena with Helioplex.

Much to my dismay, most skin damage is done by UVA rays and traditional SPF refers to UVB protection. ( **le sigh**) This formula protects against the UVA rays also. The ingredients to look for are avobenzone and oxybenoze for broad spectrum protection.

It is impossible to slather on the recommended amount and even then enough sunshine gets through to cause skin damage. What do I do? I wear my trusty hat and sunglasses!

Ok, I'm not really at the beach. I'm really in the driveway with my 9 year old as my photographer. I so love the photoshop!

Now it is your turn to share how you Fight the Frump! Link up your post and be sure to link back here to this post.

Love, Fuss

Fight the Frump- Swimsuit Torture

Ok, I admit it, swimsuit wearing is not my favorite activity. Every moment I am forced in public while naked in a swimsuit, I just want to change into something more, um, comfortable. Like this...

Do any of us feel good in bathing suits? I see women, some more eye-pleasing than others, looking a wee-bit too comfortable at the pool. Ack.

As another Fight the Frump public service I am here to tell all women to back away from their thongs and bedazzeled swimwear. Let's take a look at the common graphic used to help women decide their body type.

My answer to the swimsuit delimma- Miraclesuit. On the outside it looks like a normal suit, but inside it is reinforced with a swat-team strength corset. Amazing! Shall I model one for ya?

   

OK, here is my problem, When wearing a supa-fab flab hiding suit I kinda...um, well,......(lean in closer...closer to the screen...*whispers*...my hips and upper thighs, well, um...oh, alright, 5 kids, you figure it out. It is not pretty!)

So, I love a well-made Miraclesuit slip-on skirt. The fabric matches perfectly and skims over places that otherwise would be a bumpy trainwreck.

Now I know y'all love your tankinis and look awesome in them. More power to ya. Next summer I hope to rawk the tankini, but for now, I'll take my steel encased corset. ;)

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Now it is your turn, Frump Fightin' Friends of Fussy, share your journey of not turning into your mom! I have a fun graphic, feel free to use it if you like. Just be sure to link to your specific post and link back here on your post. Have fun, and have I mentioned how beautiful you look today? You do!

Love, Fuss

Fight the Frump- Summer Dresses

Have y'all heard I just had a baby? He is lovely, and he is recovered from his illness- thanks for asking! ;) I hate to admit this due to my own vainity, but gee whiz, I am still huge. The fifth pregnancy just did me in, y'all, I swear. So, while I am trying to lose the extra 30 20 10ibs. I have been thinking so much about finding flattering clothing. My sweet friend, Ali wrote a great article on Blissfully Domestic on finding great clothes to wear. It is a great resource!

I have always loved dresses. Sure, at first thought they seem hard to wear, but I promise they are so not, except for when you need to nurse a baby, then they are a hassle.

High-waisted, A-line dresses are the most flattering thing I have ever found. Remember Laura Bennett from Project Runway a few seasons ago? I learned all about dresses from her! The way dresses fall over my rolls teeny-tiny bit of extra wieght is so much more flattering than stuffing myself in huge shorts and Tshirts. Trust me, I've seen myself in them, it's not pretty!

So, how about some virtual shopping with me? Here are some inexpensive, cute spring dresses I found and loved! I much prefer some preppy Lilly Pulitzer dresses (swoon) but who has that extra bank to spend?

 

Clinton & Stacey swear a wrap dress will do wonders!

I know, the cheese factor of this post is through the roof. I hope Mr. Linky works for y'all, I am future posting because I will be off-line this weekend. Have a happy and wonderful July 4th!

Love each and every one of ya, Fuss

Fight the Frump- Dollywood Don'ts

Mr. Smartypants & I took the boys to Dollywood last Sunday. The best description would be a down-home hillbilly version of Disneyworld. It is huge and oh my goodness it is expensive. Over $30 per person is a travesty. Luckily we went for free. Thanks for pulling those strings Grandma! Anyhoo, I had to show you what I saw.

Fannypacks, Airbrushing & Tye-dye- Oh My!

The famous Fussy head shall protect the identity of the fashion offenders. Seriously, where do I even begin with this scene? What is the world coming to when people spend huge amounts of money on poor-quality cotton/poly shirts covered in ~~shudders~~ airbrushing? I am appalled.

Speaking as a lady who is carrying an extra 30 20 10lbs after having a baby, let me just scream from the mountaintops, "Cover the extra lbs, Ladies." Every single woman no matter the size can look beautiful when properly dressed. This is not properly dressed. One more note, swimsuits are not ever proper daytime attire, K?

OK, let's break this scene down. See the lady in capris & aqua tunic? I give her the Official Fussy Thums Up. Her friend in Tye-Dye? Oy Vey, my eyes are bleeding. Tye-dye? A big don't. And sadly, see the PERSON in grey in the background. I shall call it Pat. Dressing in a way that onlookers can't tell if you are male or female is a serious don't.

Now, how about a happy scene from Dollywood? Here is Mr. Smartypants with Joey and James on the merry-go-round.

Now it is your turn, Frump Fightin' Friends of Fussy! Link up a post about beauty, fashion, getting healthy, dieting or anyway you fight the evil that is known as frump. I made a nifty new graphic so now we have a choice of which one to use. Be sure to use a graphic, link your specific URL here & link back to this Linky list on your post. Have fun!

Love you sooo much, Fussy

Fight the Frump -Hose? Oh Noes!

Warm weather is here, the rules of fashion are relaxed and the livin' is easy. Today I must take a stand against one of the ugliest and most common summer fashion faux-pas, wearing hose with open-toe shoes or even ~shudders~ sandals.

Yes, Friends of Fussy, it does still happen. Every weekend the nations churches and synagogues are filled with beautiful women, dressed in their best attire and looking beautiful, but then you see the feet. The feet have hose (which I love when worn correctly) and open toe-d heels. As I researched this post I found 'fashion' advice saying that this is acceptable as long as the toe is not reinforced. OK, Hello, No. It is NOT OK. Anyone that says this is OK must be off her style-deprived rocker.

I needed pictures of this dreaded fashion don't. It was very hard to find. I found this picture that is supposedly stylish.

Stylish to whom? I can't imagine.

So then I found a huge Flickr photoset full of nifty hose & open toe heel pictures. I was struck by how lucky I was that so many of the pics were on my topic.

"Wow, this person must be concerned about this fashion faux-pas also. How dandy!" Then I realized that it was probably some weirdo who has a thing for feet. Ewwwww. I had to go bleach my eyeballs.

Anyhoo, a blogger has gotta do what a blogger has got to do, I need photos of the atrocity known as 'Hose? Oh Noes!' Just try to forget the origin, k?

I did not know this trifecta of bad taste could even exist- mules, Shiny hose and an ankle bracelet. Really? Someone thought this looks good? Really?

First of all, if you are like me, you fall off the heel of your shoes anyway (shut up, you do too). Can you imagine slippery hose in some mules? Impossible.

But the worst offense in this photo is the ankle bracelet. If you have one please never tell me. I'll be so disappointed. Just dispose of it quickly. Then never speak of it again.

Every gal loves a fun night out on the town. We love to dress up and go out with our lesser halves. We love wearing cute strappy shoes and reveling in the freedom of not having a toddler on the hip, a baby nursing or a teen rolling his eyes at us. However, you must be careful not to go too far. Strappy shoes with high gloss hose gives one impression- trashy!

So what can we all agree on? Whether you are kicking your heels up with the girls, out on a date with Hubs, or singing praise on Sunday morning; never ever wear hose when you show your toes!

Now it is your turn. Be sure type your name & the post's topic on the first line and link your specific post's URL on the second. Use the Fight the Frump button, link back here in your post and have fun!

Love, Fussy

 

Fight the Frump - Clothing 101

Hi, Friends of Fussy. This week lets review some classic Fight the Frump from last fall. Why the review? Remember, I had a baby three weeks ago? ;)

1) Well-made black trousers slacks pants.  We all know black pants and a good pair of spanx will change your life.  What? Don't believe me? Hmm..

Let's see other trouser slacks pants options.....

Velour track suits will one day go the way of the crinkly-brightly colored track suits from the '80's.

Sing along with me (think Cat in the Hat, Peoples!)...

"I will not wear them to the store. I will not wear them one day more. To the store, not one day more.... Fussy's rules of fashion- I will no longer ignore!"

2) Never wear white (or bright colors) below the waist. White is a big neon sign that says, 'Look at Me!' Wear your lovely black trouser slacks pants, instead. Of course, if you look like Jessica Biel or J.Lo from behind.....go ahead and accentuate with abandon!

 

Sadly, in real life, we just can't wear certain things!

3) Don't go handbag crazy. Remember this- Money can not buy taste. Those horridly colorful Louis Vuitton bags prove this best.

Oh, I can't stand to see them. Burns my eyes!

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I can't put words to my feelings about that horrid thing. ~~shudders~~

3) A fabulous A-line skirt will hide a multitude of sins! A good skirt will hide what pants accentuate. (Think about those extra pounds and front pleated pants....arrgh, front butt, the dreaded cameltoe!)

Gain a few pounds? Slip on an A-line skirt and you are good to go. No, you don't have to wear those heels! Flats in summer or some knee high boots in winter would be fab-o!

The alternative is to keep it all in those pants.

Ummm, I'm craving blueberry muffins!

4) Best. Outfit. Ever. Structured jacket (hides your muffin-top), Medium-Rise Dark-Wash Straight-leg jeans, and a cute pair of boots.

So simple to get it right....

Say it with Fussy, "I will only buy Mid-Rise, Dark washed, Straight-legged (or boot cut!) jeans. I will throw away my low rise and my acid washed jeans. NOW!"

Why do some still get it soooooo wrong?

Only one denim piece at a time, Lindsay!

Ahhh! It's so sloppy and so wrong!

Please, Friends of Fussy, in the name of all things good and stylish, stop wearing T-shirts with no shape! Say it with me, "Ye shall respect ye rack!"

5) Shop smart with Fussy! We are mommies on a budget. Banana Republic and Ann Taylor are often once a year trips. What's a Fabulous Mommy to do?

Start thrift store shopping. That's right, your homegirl, Mrs. Fussypants is the queen of some bargain shopping! Salvation Army, Goodwill, and random thrift stores are just full of designer treats!

If your ego is all wrapped around what others think of you, put on some sunglasses and go incognito, while the kiddos are at school.

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Now it is your turn!  Have fun.

Love, Fussy

Fight the Frump -Make-Up Musings

~~Hi Friends, I am reposting one of my favorite older posts this week. These pictures still make me giggle. Enjoy...~~

This week we are all about make-up. Love it or hate it, you probably need it. Before you fire off the hate mail, hear me out. Unless your husband truly prefers a clean scrubbed face and/or you are naturally gorgeous, you really need to take a few moments and consider your options.

Here are a few fun thoughts-

1) Even Fussy needs help! Because I love to show you the real me, here I am after applying make up.

 

Before I put on my make-up, I allowed this picture to be taken...

   

See? We all need a little help here and there!

2)Eyeshadow in nuetral shades are lovely on everyone! Remember we want to shade above the eyes to make them appear larger and brighter. My  favorite tip is using a teeny bit of white shadow in the inner & outer corners of her eyes, because concealer sometimes looks like Spackle!

Eyelash curlers are a LIFESAVER! Simply heat it up a little with your hairdryer and then curl your upper lashes. It is amazing! Then put on your mascara as usual, Oh Happy Day! Be sure to let me know how it went. (Don't burn yourself! We heat it gently, not create an eye scorcher!)

   

Back away from the cosmetic counter when you see the "hip new shades of the season" News flash -it's not hip, it's ugly, K? No Friend of Fussy shall ever wear bright blue, orange or green shadows. ~shudders~

***Update since this first posted- Since this first posted last fall I have heard from so many of you that purples can look lovely. I tried some subtle shades and you are so right!  So ignore my verdict against all purple shades, K? I stand happily corrected.***

3) Nail Realities.  If you are a mommy, you probably have a tough time keeping your tips painted and looking nice. Unfortunately, if you paint your nails a pretty color and let them get chipped, it looks supa-tacky. Yes, people notice! Stop it, now!

Paint your nails a pretty natural shade! Then, when they chip, it won't be so noticeable! Also, be sure to use a 10 day polish that lasts and lasts. Don't get sucked in to those quick-dry colors. They chip the next day, arrrrr!

4) When going out, put on (at least) a little lipstick and mascara!

Yes, you probably need it, too. I'm sorry, but really, it makes a big difference. Remember how I suggested we keep it all handy? I keep a large arsenal small amount of supplies in the Suburban's console at all times.

Here's an unfortunate example from the lovely Hilary Duff. My apologies to her!

After a quick touch-up...

5) True beauty comes from your heart. If your heart is full of bitterness, then you will be ugly, no matter how outwardly gorgeous you are, but a woman who is loving and happy in her own skin is always beautiful!

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit." -Proverbs 15:13 (NIV)

"Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile." -Proverbs 31:25  (The Message)

Remember grumpiness is always ugly!

 

Get your good-smiles on!

Fight the Frump, Y'all!

Love, Fussy

More Frump Fighters-

Clothing 101

Photo No-No Smack down

Just say no to Mom Jeans

Remember the Frump Fighting rules -link back here, use the graphic and have fun! 

Fight the Frump - Q & A with Fussy

This is the last Fight the Frump for a few weeks here at Fussypants. Starting next week, it will be hosted graciously by the supa-fab Karla at Looking Towards Heaven. Y'all will keep fighting the frump while I'm busy with the baby right? Don't let me down. I'll be frumpin' it up -postpartum style. I'll need your tips to re-inspire me all this month.

I get three questions emailed to me repeatedly about my Frump Fighting movement. Let's clarify a bit before I take a couple weeks off. Here goes...

Q- Dear Fussy, You always show very thin women in the pictures. What about plus sized women? Are plus sized women not stylish? 

A- I am a true believer that women can be and are beautiful at any size. It's not about waistline measurements, it's about how you decorate your waistline!

My campaign is to simply rid the world of ill fitting clothes. Especially pants that are being eaten by the wearer's hindquarters. Nom...nom...nom...

Q) Dear Fussy, You tell your readers to wear makeup. I believe women are beautiful without makeup. I think you put undo pressure on women to live up to impossible standards in society.

A) I do believe in the transformational power of cosmetics. Are women beautiful without them? Of course, the world is full of natural beauties. Me personally? Not so much.

I just know from my own experience that I look three trillion times better with make-up.  Remember the line in Steel Magnolias when Dolly Parton says, "Now honey, repeat after me, "There's no such thing as natural beauty!" Old southern beliefs don't go away easily.

Just look at this example of a 'Mommy Makeover'

I'm a firm believer that some make up and new hairdo will do wonders for how we present ourselves to the world. When we feel comfortable and even more beautiful in our own skin then we will project that confidence in our daily lives.

Q) Dear Fussy, I am a stay home mom and just can not afford a new wardrobe. What am I supposed to do when I have no room for new clothes in my budget?

A) You are in luck because it is now the beginning of my favorite season of the year -Yard Sale Season! What? You haven't entered the realm of the Saturday Morning Yard Sale Commando? Well, honey, there is no time like the present!

Also, take advantage of thrift stores in your area. It is fun to drop off a couple bags of clothes to the donation box and go right in and pick up some fresh finds. Today I found 3 adorable A-line skirts from the Gap and adorable Chico's pants to wear after I have the baby. Guess how much I paid....c'mon....guess...$9.00! The four pieces together would have been over $200 retail. Score!

My advice is to learn what pieces flatter your body and simply keep an eye out, before you know it your closet will be transformed into a stash o' style. The best part is it can all be done in a very budget wise way.

Here is an example of stylish pieces to look for. Please excuse the unfortunate Fussy head on top. ;)

 

  Now it is your turn to share your wisdom, tips, progress and goals. How do you fight the frump? Be sure to play nice- Use the graphic, link back here and have fun!

Go Team Fussy Frump Fighters!

Love, Fuss

Blissfully Domestic Designs is Here!

My magazine Blissfully Domestic and the social network Blissfully Domestic Living are such a great success. All the editors and contributors continually write the best articles on the web and  I am just so lucky to have them all on the team.

As the next step in taking over the interwebs expanding the Blissfully Domestic brand, I am thrilled to announce the opening of Blissfully Domestic Designs, our wonderful new Cafepress store.

I planned my original announcement of the store opening with lots of pizazz. You know, a ticker tape parade, lavish parties and so forth. However, Karla and I soon realized that with almost nine kids under  the age of 9 between us, we ran out of time to shower speak to other people eat   plan a launch party.  So we rolled up our sleeves and worked all weekend.

The wonderful Diva, Domestic Chicky, even stayed up all night last night helping us prepare for the launch and made our super cute animated button. Mwah to her!

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In true Fussy style, I give you our Imaginary Launch Party.

The Victoria's Secret girls needed a new style, so they naturally shop at our store.

With Father's Day coming up, it delighted the Lost guys to get some Tshirt swag from the store. Unfortunately Sawyer was jealous that Locke was King of the Grill.

The American Idol Contestants are sure the key to winning is their fashionable attire.

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Friends of Fussy, I need your help. Could you please do a favor for us at the magazine?

~Go visit the store. Look around and let us know what you think. Well, unless you think it stinks, then just keep that to yourself. Criticism makes me cry, K?

~Bookmark it & visit often.

• Karla and I will be adding new designs daily.  We also have about 75 more designs just to put finishing touches on over the next few days!
• We also will soon start making products with your designs! You can email us your design/photo and we will customize your order. So fun!
• The brilliant and talented editors at the magazine will  be opening their very own departments in the store. 

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A new jewelry contest will be announced in the morning! I will design the jewelry later today for the contest. Would you like to leave a note about what color I should make the newest necklace & earring set to giveaway? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Right now I need to sleep for about 7 years, or an hour. I'm not picky.

Love, Fussy