The Weight Conversation: Let's Stop Talking

Besides the media overflow of beautiful, Photoshopped women and men, is the counter movement discussed in morning talk shows, documentaries and table talk throughout America. The conversation ranges from obesity in a third of Americans to dangerous teen "dieting" habits. The scale is so large. Thin, fat, skinny, obese, ribs, rolls. Much is being said and awareness should be increasing, but results are slowly produced, if any at all. Why does it seem that Americans are ignoring the warnings? Why are so many of us stuck on the extreme sides of the weight scale?

If you've ever watched one of those weight documentaries, either about obesity or eating disorders, it tends to show the drastic effects and stories about people, the government, and other organizations dealing with the issue. Turn on the TV to one of the multiple morning talk shows and there will be discussions about this issue with ranging opinions, (The View, for instance.) Even Good Morning America has a comment or two about looks and weight every day, some empowering, some not so much. These mixed messages aren't helping the issue. Especially the "healthy" wording now put onto many food products that truly are not healthy. Just because a cereal box has listed a couple of vitamins on the cover, doesn't mean that it is a "Gggggrrrreat" start to your day. Even Tony the Tiger's catch phrase is a tricky marketing ploy.

Well, this little twenty-one year old is sick of all the talking. Because that's all it is. Talk.

(I'm not saying words don't matter. As a English major and someone who has studied language, I know it is powerful and important. But watching this issue over the years has led me to some conclusions. TV talk is cheap. National reporting is not hitting people at home. Local movements are the key to a successful, cultural change.)

As a personal note, I have been studying nutrition and healthy habits since I was a young girl, even though I've never had a weight issue. For that though, I have my parents to thank. Almost all vegetables were grown at home, along with apples. No pesticides and no preservatives. They never bought beef as we only ate venison, which was extremely lean. We had local  fish once a week. Soda was not common along with candy, besides what we could gather around Halloween. Physical activity was a constant as my childhood home was in the country with daily chores and outside room to play. Even now I shop at Farmer's Markets, eat well, and regularly exercise. I'm physically strong and have a clean bill of health all around.

I'm not perfect, but continually working hard!

You would think I would love my healthy body and feel great about myself. No siree!
Why? Because there is not enough emphasis on being healthy. Let me say it again. Being healthy is not emphasized. Being a certain weight is. Looking a certain way is. (I still feel bad about myself though I'm 125. The battle will never end unless we start changing.) There is nothing out there for those who are striving for a healthy lifestyle without the double-edged sword of being too fat or too thin. So let's stop using "fat" or "thin." Just stick to healthy. A scale means nothing when it comes to pure health. Healthy comes in all shapes and sizes. If we keep fighting at the edges of the weight scale, we will never come together in the middle.

Turn off the TV.

Let's stop talking. Let's start supporting and change the way we view health, because it's our turn to be HEALTHY.

#itsmyturntobehealthy

Please share this post or Pin an image with someone who wants to stop talking and take action. I want to start a support group for anyone who feels like the media talk, corporate marketing, and all those weight-changing campaigns are counter-productive to being a healthy individual. If you want to be healthy, let's chat! Join the new Facebook Page! #itsmyturntobehealthy






Share a picture of yourself with the hashtag #itsmyturntobehealth. All our shapes and sizes are beautiful! 

Wear An Interview Outfit To Be Remembered

Here's a quick, bolder outfit idea for an interview. I used this one for my second interview, after wearing a suit to the first one. Since my second interview was slightly more relaxed, (as we went out to lunch), this business casual outfit did the trick! I wanted something that stood out - professional, but memorably classic.

This top was purchased at Kohls and was on clearance for $30. It is a Chaps Classics blouse. I rolled up the sleeves so it sat before the elbow. The fabric is 100% cotton and does not require ironing. It was comfortable yet thick enough so I did not have to wear an additional under shirt.

 I had a hard time finding a professional navy blue skirt but I finally found this adorable piece at White House / Black Market. This was a bit more expensive, ($70.20), but it really brought everything together. The buttons on here are silver and the solid navy blue helped blend and slim with the vertical stripes from the blouse.

And then, I bought red heels. When people ask me about heels, I praise this brand. Payless has a line of heels called Comfort Plus. They are the best heels I have ever worn. I purchased a black pair last summer for my internship and they were amazing. I could run in them, carry heavy things, walk long distances, and they simply never wore out on me. I now have four pairs of them in different colors - black, beige, red, and blue.While I did pay $27.99 for the red pair, it was a Bogo sale so I was able to purchase the blue heels for only $5.

To help bring out the red heels, I bought a small, red clutch from Discovery Clothing. It was $9.99. Discovery Clothing is a little clothing store in the Fox Valley area in Wisconsin that has great prices for clothes and accessories. The catch is that there are no dressing rooms, but they do allow item returns.
For the rest of my accessories, I just wore a pair of pearl earrings.



                        And here is a quick view of how it looks together. Sorry for the picture quality!

4 Tips To Have An Awesome First Apartment

All of my furniture has finally been delivered! No more sleeping on a air mattress, or sitting on the floor. My open loft apartment can finally take shape, but buying furniture won't make this place feel homey by itself. Simple planning and coordination can make your first apartment feel grown-up and classy. Here are my four apartment decorating tips.

One Room at a Time

Keep your mind focused on one room at a time. Thinking about the whole project can cause you to be indecisive and slow the process. Having a starting base room can help when you begin the next, so you do not have clashing colors or too similar of themes. I have three, "separated" rooms. The main floor, bathroom, and bedroom.

 

 

 

Color

Pick a main color for a room and perhaps one or two complimentary colors. For an example, I chose green as my bathroom's main decor color. My complimentary colors are a taupe brown and white. This helped me select decorative items, plus it differentiates this room from others in the apartment.

 

 

Keep it Simple

Cannot stress this enough. As a first time apartment leasee, this helps with decorating and not going broke. I only have a few items out in each room, but each enhances the space. A couple examples I have are the pillows on the sofa, the dinning place mats, flower vase (soon to be filled), and the orchid flower in the bathroom. Do not be afraid to hit up discount stores like Goodwill or Savers to find decorative pieces for your rooms.
Another tip to keeping it simple and looking good is cleaning. Cleaning helps keep the space fresh and inviting.

Highlight a Signature Item

I mentioned the orchid flower above and want to point out that this was my main item for the bathroom. It is where my eyes go every time I step inside the room. Having one or two bold items directs guests to the colors and maybe even the theme of your room. Try having at least one room with an item like this. A signature item can also be large. My sofa is the signature item for the living space and that is why I have pillows to accompany it. Hopefully soon I can purchase some art for the walls!