Well, the day has come where Joe and I have decided to make the best of the “new normal.” As you can see we got very creative with our masks. If you follow me on Instagram, you already know the outcome of what happened. However, if you don’t, here’s a quick run down. We had people ask to take pictures of us. If y’all see any of our pictures go viral on Facebook, please let me know because I would crack up so hard. We did get a lot of thumbs up and a ton of nasty looks. I mean, at least we are wearing masks, so I don’t see the problem. I will say though, living in Florida and in this heat, wearing that mask literally melted all of my makeup off haha. Once we got to the car, I took off the mask and it looked as though I had stood in the rain with all of my makeup running down my face. However, before we went food shopping in our ridiculous masks, I did take pictures of my outfit. I was very excited to wear it, because I’ve been wanting to play around with my style.
Ever since gaining a ton of weight (I really fell off the bandwagon when we moved over a year ago), I’ve been feeling really down, and have been really negative towards myself. However, I recently started exercising again, and eating healthier. Y’all have no idea how much Taco Bell I’ve consumed over the past few months. Because of health issues that I have, not taking care of my body takes a huge toll and I was feeling so unhealthy. I was constantly tired, and had no energy to do anything, which is probably why I binged even more, to cover up that feeling of unworthiness. That might sound extreme to some, but as someone who has struggled with how they’ve eaten in the past and body image, it’s very easy to slip into a mindset that you just hate on yourself.
With that said, I’ve been consistent with eating healthier, but not being as strict as I have been in the past. I’ll allow myself a cheat meal on Sundays, and I’m not here portioning out my meals, or weighing everything and following a strict plan. I eat every few hours, and I make healthier choices. Since I started, I’ve lost a little over 5 lbs. And while, that is not a lot (especially for my height), I feel like a different person. When I’m full, I don’t eat anymore. I don’t snack when I’m bored, and snacks are no longer including a family size bag of Ruffles. I decided to do this, because I do want to feel really confident on my wedding day, and while the body positivity community might come for me, I do not feel confident at the size I was before I started this new regimen. While I do look at some of these plus size and curvy women and think, damn girlfriend looks good, I could never look at myself that way.
Over the past several years, I have been very open about my struggle with my body image issues, and I will continue to do that because I just have to talk about it. Anywho, now that this is so long, let’s move on to the linkup!
OMG, girl, I need to copy this outfit! I love it so much! But sans the mask. I don’t think I could wear that mask, but you and Joe freaking rocked the masks and I love that you wore them grocery shopping! That is so fabulous. I hope the photos go viral! Haha. And for the weight and body image stuff, I feel you! I think you look absolutely fabulous, but I also know that our own perception of ourselves is much different from what everyone else sees. I recently had a friend tell me that I am using my mirrors incorrectly! Haha. He said I had to look in the mirror and see what he sees and then I will be okay. That made me laugh! Ooh, also, I am really digging your hair in braids! So stinking cute!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Love this edgy cool summer outfit! Those masks are awesome! Thanks so much for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
ha ha! I love the masks. I love that people are bringing humor to this. I just found that there are a lot of statement masks out there. I just ordered one that says “Worn by Force Not By Fear”. I’m sure I’ll get some dirty looks as well. But it is how I feel.
It was so fun to see your masks and adventures on Instagram! I have found a walking partner and a running partner so I have been doing so much better about exercising!
http://www.chezmireillefshiontravelmom.com
I’m adoring this edgy outfit so much!! And for the record you look amazing- we all get down about this perception we have…know that you’re beautiful xx
OMG! I love your plague mask. You get a big thumbs up from me! And I love your outfit. The fishnets are an awesome touch.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
What a fun and cute outfit Monica! I love the added fishnet leggings as well. I am modest when it comes to dressing so I forget that I can totally do something like this if I ever get the nerve to wear shorts again! I hear you on weight gain and feeling bad. I also felt this way since the lockdown had me stress eating. I seriously was in denial but it wasn’t until end of June that I decided to control myself a bit more. I too am feeling better even though I still crave breads and junk. At least, I can walk away from it instead of pretending that it makes me feel better. So girl, long story short, kudos! You are doing great! P.S. Those face masks are the best. Why not have fun with it, right? Happy Wednesday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
you look great and I am so happy you embraced the mask look to that extent. WE all need to do what we can but this is one way of making the crazy fun.
Love your fishnets and shorts!! Also the masks are awesome.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
I love your outfit and your mask story is so funny! I bet watching people’s reactions was hilarious! But you are right, you had masks on! So I relate to the rest of your story. I have put on weight this year (stress eating) and when I have extra weight I feel worse physically but even more so emotionally. We were all just raised to put a lot of importance on how we look. Growing up my mom actually told me, “you have to suffer to be beautiful!” And we all thought that was funny! Argh! Anyway, I am working on doing better. I put exercise first on the list because it makes the most impact on how I feel immediately. I work on eating right too but darn I love food and just eat too much for my size. Anyway, reading your post helps me realize even more that we are all struggling and in this together and just need to support each other.
Peace!
Cheryl
northwestmountainlivinng.com