When the beautiful season of summer finally arrives in the cold Midwest, I’ve already been itching to hit the lake for months. The sand between my toes, the sun on my face (sunscreen, I know!), and my kids laughing like crazy—there’s nothing else quite like it. But before I go, I must tackle the dreaded task. You know the one, right? It’s the task that forces you to stand under horrid lights that magnify every real and imaginary fault you’ve ever despised about yourself. It’s the annual buying of the bathing suit.
For a couple of years, I avoided this task altogether. A few years ago, I found a great swimsuit: a perfect fit and complementary to boot. So for the next two summers, I bought suits off the rack, avoided the dressing room, and, mostly, wore my old suit. But, despite their unreasonable price tag, swimsuits aren’t known for their long life and before long I was forced back into the small room with bad lights and a very large mirror.
The mirror reveals, like no other can, that, yes, I have had three children. And although I exercise and eat healthily, I’m not a fanatic. My body is far from ideal, and the sacrifices required to attain that look of perfection are just too high: come Saturday, I’d like to have a burger with cheese, thank you very much. Preferably with a nice cold beer.
So what’s a mom to do? Break out the bikini, go for the tankini, get out those swimshorts, or just behind an oversized beach towel? Well, whichever floats your boat, I think. You’re a big fan of the Lilly Pulitzer suit? Buy one. Love the shorts with the bikini top. Go for it. Just feel better in a one piece with a sarong? Slip it on. As for me, perhaps I will brave a bikini on occasion, but for now, I think I’ll stick with the suit I found this year, which I’m quite happy with: a polka-dot bikini top with a swim skirt.
How about you? Am I wrong? Is your motto “No Pilates, No Beachwear”? Do you prefer a cute cover-up, regardless of the temperature? Share your thoughts on your blog for a chance to win $150 VISA gift card to spend on your new beach gear, and be sure to leave us a comment so we know where you stand.
This post was written for Parent Bloggers Network as part of a sweepstakes sponsored by BOCA.
Last year I forced myself to buy a new suit, and after trying on 94 different ones, I found one I am semi-happy with. Very supportive top, kinda like a sports bra, for chasing small children, with shorts. Practical, no exposed body parts, I feel okay wearing it in public.
In my backyard by our little pool – out comes the same old faded suit I have been wearing since 1999 and it is not attractive, but since it is my back yard, I don’t care. 🙂
I am from Michigan, I miss summers at South Haven….
Loving your title here! After a few martinis, I won’t mind the mommy tankini so much, right?
after three kids I have to go for the one piece suit. Or it wouldn’t be a pretty picture.
I had to buy a new suit this year after having Boy 2. I’m not thrilled with the one I got but I had to get something because we had a trip to Florida in March. I’ve been looking for a new one for the past few weeks and just can’t seem to find one that I’m happy with. I keep wanting to resort to the Internet but I fear buying something like that without trying it on first.