Do you know your lemons? Worldwide Breast Cancer’s ‘Know Your Lemons’ campaign is using lemons to help women around the world detect breast cancer. Deemed the ‘first breast cancer awareness campaign’, Worldwide Breast Cancer is fighting back against cancer by showing women what to look for and feel for while doing a breast self exam.

Before the images went viral, Erin Smith Chase posted her personal experience with breast cancer on Facebook and urged women to share these photos to raise awareness. She said, “I knew all about self exams, but a picture of what to look for keyed me into knowing I had a terminal disease.”

Many of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Some of us are breast cancer survivors. Now more than ever, it’s important to raise awareness and make time for breast exams. Above all, we must make time to take care of ourselves. Whether you’re planning on making an appointment with your health care provider or checking your breast tissue at home, there are two types of exams for detecting breast cancer:

Breast Self Exam

Breast self exams are typically done at home. They involve feeling for lumps, bumps, and irregularities in breast tissue. It’s also important to pay attention to how your breasts look. We suggest checking out Breastcancer.org for The Five Steps Of A Breast Self Exam, a step-by-step guide that can help you perform a breast self exam at home.

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast, completed on a machine specifically designed for breast x-rays. There are two kinds of breast x-rays, the first being a screening mammogram and the second being a diagnostic mammogram. Most women only need a screening mammogram, but if anything is detected, a diagnostic mammogram is the next step. Mammograms can help identify calcifications (mineral deposits) and both cancerous and non-cancerous masses (including cysts) or tumors, within breast tissue.

If you’re performing a breast self exam, here’s what breast cancer can look and feel like:

Credit: Worldwide Breast Cancer

Here’s what to feel for during a breast exam:

Credit: Worldwide Breast Cancer

Here’s the video from Worldwide Breast Cancer:

Wondering what to do next?

Join the awareness campaign.

Donate to Worldwide Breast Cancer to help support their mission.

Visit their website for more information.

Share this blog post with your friends and family to increase the chance of early detection.

Featured image via Worldwide Breast Cancer 

Anxiety can cause stress, and stress can cause anxiety.

Mindfulness, deep breathing, exercise, eating well, and staying connected with friends and family are the keys to improving and maintaining a healthy body and a calm mind.

I hope you find relief in at least one or all of the tips. I’ve learned from personal experience that it’s best to stick with the ones that work for you and make them a daily habit. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. Try to make time each day to check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling. Below, my list of 11 simple ways to relieve anxiety:

1. Breathe.

2. Practice yoga.

 

3. Listen to music.

Music has been proven to be an effective anxiety and pain reducer. It’s also a powerful stress reliever and therapeutic wellness tool. The American Psychological Association compared music to medicine. Anxiety.org published an article with great tips on using music to ease stress that can help you put together an effective stress relieving playlist.

One of the added benefits of carrying a phone everywhere is the convenient access to music 24/7. My favorite music steaming services include Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon’s Prime Music (free with an Amazon Prime membership!)

4. Avoid caffeine.

5. Exercise.

6. Write in a gratitude journal.

 

7. Try aromatherapy.

8. Spend time with the ones you love.

It’s important to stay connected with loved ones and be open and honest about how you’re feeling. A phone call or text message can help immensely with reducing anxiety and stress. If you’re having trouble leaning on them for support, I’d recommend investing in a journal. Writing is incredibly cathartic. When we write in an emotional state, we send our worries and fears out of our minds and onto paper. I always feel a bit lighter after journaling.

9. Get creative.

Art is a powerful outlet for easing anxiety. You don’t have to be a skilled artist to reap the benefits of being creative. Suggestions include journaling, drawing, painting, writing, and coloring in a coloring book!

10. Eat a balanced diet.

11.  Talk it out.

What are your tips for relieving anxiety and stress?

{Editor’s note: These tips are not meant to be a substitute for a professional’s opinion. Please seek professional care if you regularly suffer from anxiety or feel physical symptoms as a result from anxiety. Your health and state of well being is incredibly important and should be treated as a priority. Please seek the help you need.}

2016 was an exciting year for us. It was the year we launched our blog and excitedly welcomed Body Image Movement Global Ambassador and creator of Love Nourish Be, Krystal Gordon, to the Parfait family! We’ve had a lot to say on bra fitting, lingerie, fashion, beauty, health, and wellness. In the past few months, we’ve spoken about the power of authenticity, confidence, inner beauty, taking time for yourself, creating a dream list, making self-love a mindful daily practice, doing more of the things that scare you, embracing change, creating a morning routine, journaling, and overcoming self-doubt. Whew!

As a lingerie brand, bras are always on our minds, so we also spoke about important topics like getting properly fit for a bra, the best places to go for a bra fitting, determining your bra sister size, whether or not to wear a bra to bed, and the best ways to mix and match your lingerie. While we’re looking forward to making 2017 our best year yet, here’s a look back at our favorite Parfait blog posts from 2016:

1.   The Truth About Perfection by Krystal Gordon

This article hit home for me on so many levels. I remember feeling a sigh of relief the first time I read it. For those of us who perfectionists (myself included), it’s a scary feeling to think about lowering our high standards. We want to do everything and be everything to everyone. Through my own struggles with perfection, I’ve learned that the pursuit of perfection can hold you back from being happy, showing your true self to the world, and finding great success. On behalf of the Parfait Team, we encourage you to celebrate your beautiful and unique imperfections in the new year!

2.  How Often Should You Change Your Bra? by Katie Donnelly

Parfait Lucie Unlined Wire Bra P5202 | Parfait Lucie Brief P5203 in Mood Indigo

So many of us rotate the same one or two bras day after day without thinking about the stress we’re putting on our bras. Simply put, we’re stressing our bras out! By wearing the same bra everyday, we’re doing ourselves and our bras a disservice. It’s crucial to have a bra wardrobe with multiple bras to rotate. You don’t need every style, just the ones that work for you. If you’re shopping for all new bras or replacing some of your favorites, we’d suggest keeping at least one of the following in your bra arsenal: a t-shirt bra with seamless cups, a beautiful lace bra for nights out and days in, a bralette for weekend errands and lounging, a strapless multi-way bra for a quick outfit solution, and a sports bra in a bold color. This is just a guide- the bras you buy you will ultimately depend on your lifestyle and style preferences. For some of us, a lacy black bra is an everyday bra!

3.  Core Four Apps For Women by Jesslynn Marquez

Parfait Casey Plunge Molded Bra 2801 | Parfait Casey Boyshort 2805 in Nude

These are the four apps that make our lives easier. They help us track our periods, navigate busy streets, curate the articles we want to read, and listen to music on the go. We also use and love Evernote for jotting down quick notes, Spotify for listening to full albums, Todoist for organized to-do lists, Blinkist for short audio books, and Pocket Casts for podcasts.

4.  What No One Tells You About Body Positivity and Self-Love by Krystal Gordon

Parfait Casey Unlined Wire Bra 2802 | Parfait Casey Thong 2804 in Rose Print

It’s so easy to get caught up in the idea of perfection. For some of us, the journey to self love is long and winding and full of obstacles. For others, it’s a straight and clear path. No matter how you feel about your body, you owe it to yourself to treat it with kindness, understanding, and patience. You are enough, just as you are today. In Krystal’s words, “Tell yourself that you are amazing!  You are kind!  You are capable!  You are worthy!” When you treat yourself with love and care, you are able to look at others with eyes free of judgement, jealousy, and self-loathing. By embracing you, you are able to embrace her! 

5. Inner Beauty Is The Prettiest Face by Jesslynn Marquez

Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Parfait Charlotte Bikini 6905 in Floral Shimmer

We wholeheartedly believe that inner beauty is the most important kind of beauty. At the end of the day, our words and actions define our true beauty, not the way we look or the clothes we wear. Many of the most beautiful women in the world are the kindest, most intelligent, and most considerate. Beauty is not limited to our outer appearances. As Maya Angelou once said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” What kind of impression do you to leave?

6.  Preparing For A Boudoir Shoot by Katie Donnelly

Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Parfait Charlotte Bikini 6905 in Bronze

Though some of us have done boudoir shoots as gifts to our spouses and significant others, many on us have done them for ourselves. Boudoir shoots are incredibly empowering. They celebrate the femininity, beauty, and seduction that comes along with being a woman! Most importantly, you get to collaborate with your photographer to make sure that the theme, wardrobe, and overall look and feel are 100% you.

Thank you for reading, following, sharing, and commenting on our little blog! Happy New Year!

Have you ever worn two bras while working out? It’s not uncommon to wear a bra under your sports bra. If you’re full busted with a large cup size or small busted and feel more confident with a little extra padding, you know the struggle. For those of us who are full busted, we want sports bras that are supportive, keep everything in place, and don’t feel or look like armor. Some of us have even avoided exercising because we didn’t have a supportive sports bra. A lack of support makes running, dancing, and jogging difficult. It makes our morning hikes and night runs a challenge. Worst of all, it make us not want to work out at all.

When you’re shopping as a D cup or larger, sports bras with cup sizing tend to be more expensive and harder to find (raise your hand if you’ve ever taken a chance on ordering a sports bra online). Many of us don’t want to spend more than $50 for a sports bra, even though we might feel we have to just to get adequate support. As a result, sometimes it’s just easier to wear a lighter sports bra with a favorite bra underneath.

On the other hand, for those of us who are smaller busted, we may dislike the look of sports bras. We might prefer the look of a more rounded shape, so we wear a push-up bra under our sports bras for lift and support. Unfortunately, sports bras without cups are typically less flattering than sports bras with cups and create more of a flattened shape. Sure they might be designed more for function than fashion, but we still want to look and feel good in our sports bras.

Sports Bra Tips

While some of us have found excellent sports bras that help us feel supported during our morning or night workouts, many of us are still searching. The best advice I can give you is to be patient, do a lot of research online, don’t settle, and buy multiples when you find a sports bra you like.

If you’re shopping online…

1.  Read as many reviews as you can.

2.  Figure out the brand’s sizing.

3.  Check other websites to find the best deal.

4.  See if there are any coupon or promo codes.

5.  Double check the store’s return policy.

If you’re shopping in store…

1.  Make time to try the sports bras on.

2.  Ask the sales associate for the best-selling styles and her recommendations for you.

3.  Bring two sizes with you to fitting room (your regular size and one size larger- it’s not uncommon to size up in the band and down in the cup in a sports bra).

4.  Buy a mesh lingerie bag or two if you machine wash your bras.

5.  Always check the return policy (just in case).

As silly as it sounds, it’s completely ok to do a quick running in place test or light jumping test in the fitting room to see if your sports bra stays in place when you’re moving. It’ll help you avoid a sports bra that moves around when you move.

If you’re going to a department store or a lingerie specialty store, I’d suggest getting a bra fitting if…

1.  Your last bra fitting was 6 months to 1 year ago or more.

2.  You’re unsure of your bra size.

3.  You’ve recently lost or gained weight.

4.  You’ve recently become pregnant or you just had a baby.

Most importantly, when it comes to sports bras that fit well (and really any bra that fits well), buy the fashion colors. Don’t be afraid of burgundy, blue, red, and emerald green. At the very least, the pop of color will instantly brighten up a neutral workout wardrobe. On the days when you’re feeling less bold, you can always hide it underneath a favorite t-shirt or just let the colored straps show.

Related Post: Are Sports Bras Supposed To Be Tight?

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Related Post: How To Choose The Right Sports Bra

When working out, do you wear a bra under your sports bra?

Featured image via Pexels

Are you having trouble figuring out your bra sister size?

Finding a bra that fits well is challenging as it is and converting the bra into its sister size can be even more difficult.

While we typically recommend becoming familiar with a lingerie brand before trying sister sizes, sometimes a sister size can provide a better fit than the size you normally wear.

This is why it’s so important to understand what sister sizing is and how to find your bra sister size when shopping for bras.

What is a sister size?

For those of you wondering, the cup volume of a sister size is closest in fit to your true bra size. For example, if you normally wear a 34D in bras, your sister bra sizes are 32DD and 36C.

Sister sizing is useful to know when you’re buying bras from a brand that runs small or big.

It also helps when you find that a pretty bra that doesn’t come in your true size (ie. you wear a 34DD, but the style is only available in A-D cup sizes).

As someone who wears a larger cup size, it still baffles me that so many brands think bra sizes begin at a 32 band size and stop at a 36 band size or end with a C or D cup. What are the rest of us supposed to do? Go braless?

Related: What Are Bra Sister Sizes?

Sister Sizing Tips

Though some of us have found bras that fit well in sister sizes, please remember that the fit will likely be different from the size you typically buy.

Even if you’re sizing down in the band and up in the cup or up in the band and down in the cup, the band size may end up being too snug (uncomfortable) or too big (unsupportive).

This is why it’s best to try on sister size bras before purchasing. If you’re shopping online, be sure to check the size charts, product reviews, and the store’s return policy.

Nothing is worse than getting a bra in the mail that doesn’t fit and having to go through the hassle of returning it.

Here’s how to find your bra sister size with our simple chart:

Since many of us have had trouble with sizing conversions, we created a chart to help you find your find your bra sister size and easily.

As an added benefit, our chart also includes built-in UK to US cup size conversions, so you won’t have to convert them yourself. Though sister sizing might seem crazy at first, it gets easier over time. We hope this chart helps you easily find your bra sister size.

1.  Locate your bra size on the chart.

2.  The bra size directly above your bra size is your sister size with a smaller band and bigger cup.

3.  The bra size directly below your bra size is your sister size with a bigger band and smaller cup.

Bra Sister Size

Conversion Chart

View Larger

Related: Bra Sister Sizing Frequently Asked Questions

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Parfait Lucie Bra P5202 | Parfait Lucie Brief P5203 in Mood Indigo

Have you had trouble sticking to your New Year’s resolutions in past years? With 2016 coming to a close, it’s time to forgive and focus on your brand new goals for the new year. There are 365 new opportunities ahead of you to make them happen. Now is the perfect time to get started and set yourself up for success. 2017 is going to be your year!

Ready to make your New Year’s resolutions for 2017?

Here are 8 essential tips for making and keeping New Year’s resolutions:

1. Be specific.

Be as specific as possible when creating your resolutions for the new year. It’s also a good idea to write out the process or alternative if you’re trying to cut back or quit something.

Maybe one of your resolutions is to stop buying coffee everyday. Instead of writing “Don’t buy coffee everyday from Starbucks”, a more specific goal would be “Treat myself to coffee 2 days a week. Bring coffee or tea from home on the other days.”

2.  Be realistic.

Are your resolutions realistic for you? Do you have everything you need to accomplish them?

3. Categorize your goals.

While your categories may vary, some examples include Personal, Family, Relationship, Career, Fitness, Business, and Health & Wellness. Try to choose at least 3 categories.

4.  Use a calendar.

Are you creating daily, weekly or monthly goals? Make sure to schedule them on a calendar so you can track your progress and celebrate your successes!

5.  Mind your benchmarks.

Do you plan on losing weight or working out more in the new year? Be sure to set specific benchmarks, or short-term goals. These goals will help to keep you on the right track and make your long term goals more manageable.

Unsure where to start? Connect with an advisor, personal trainer, mentor, or manager to help plan your benchmarks for the new year.

6.  Create a system that holds you accountable.

Involve your family and friends by sharing your 2017 goals with them. You could also join an online community or a local group- both are great ways to meet new people who you have the same interests as you and similar goals!

7.  Remember to reward yourself.

Be sure to add rewards to your calendar. Starting a new fitness routine? Reward yourself with new clothes or equipment for sticking to your new year’s resolutions. Learning how to cook? Treat yourself to new recipes or dinner at a fabulous restaurant.

8.  Make it fun.

Get excited about your goals! If you’ve made a resolution to read more in the new year, check out a new genre or an author you’ve never heard of before. Resolving to be healthier? Sign up for a new fitness class or bring a friend along for a morning hike. Treat every success as a celebration and every failure as a lesson. You got this!

Lastly, once you start putting your new year’s resolutions into action, remember to be kind to yourself.

It’s ok to slip up or skip a day from time to time. It happens to the best of us! Just be sure to forgive yourself so you can move on and make 2017 your best year yet!

What are your tips for making and keeping New Year’s resolutions?

What do fairy godmothers and bra fitting experts have in common? They’re all magical creatures with experience, knowledge, and skill. Searching for some everyday magic? Look no further than your lingerie drawer. We’re big believers in finding a bra that fits well and feels good. Wearing a bra in the correct size changes the way your clothes fit and feels more comfortable than wearing a bra in the wrong size. Need further proof? When you’re wearing the right size, you stand up straighter, walk with confidence, and feel lighter and happier. Dancing becomes fun, chores become easier, and singing becomes second nature. That’s magic.

Parfait Lucie Unlined Wire Bra P5202 | Parfait Lucie Brief P5203 in Mood Indigo

While we might not all have fairy godmothers, bra fitting experts at specialty boutiques are just as magical. And if you’re wondering where to get a bra fitting, look no further than the lingerie boutiques in your city. These bra fitting experts will solve your bra issues, answer your bra questions, and match you with the perfect prince bra.

Searching for a strapless bra for a ball?

Parfait Jeanie Strapless Contour Bra 4815 | Parfait High Cut Brief 4815 in Black

Bra fitting experts have you (and Cinderella) covered.

Hoping to find the push-up bra of your dreams?

Parfait Lynn Strapless Push-Up Bra P13112 | Parfait Lynn Bikini P13013 in Nude

Specialty boutiques are well-equipped with bras in hard to find sizes and styles and won’t settle for anything less than perfection.

Related: 10 Bra Fitting and Lingerie Store Secrets Professional Bra Fitters Want You To Know

Need a bra fitting after waking from an evil curse?

Parfait Matilda Contour Plunge Padded Bra P5311 | Parfait Matilda Bikini P5313 in Bisque

You’re not alone (looking at you, Aurora!) Bra fitting experts will help you with the same attention and respect for your time, whether it’s your first bra fitting or your fifth.

Too busy reading to make time for a bra fitting?

Parfait Tess Unlined Wire Bra P5022 | Parfait Tess Bikini P5023 in Charcoal

Specialty boutiques will work around your schedule and find a time that works for you (just ask Belle).

Worried your bra fitting expert will be as cold as ice?

Parfait Darlene Unlined Wire Bra P5172 | Parfait Darlene Bikini P5173 in Summer Blue

Don’t be! These extraordinary women are full of warmth, empathy, and patience. They want you to be happy and feel comfortable in your new lingerie too!

Related: What To Expect At A Professional Bra Fitting – And What To Bring

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Wondering where to get a bra fitting? Check out our specialty store locator.

Having trouble locating a store near you? Try typing “specialty bra stores near me” or “specialty bra stores” and your zip code into any search engine.

If you know someone who is having trouble finding a bra that fits, share this with her and be her fairy godmother!

Ready to increase your self confidence at work? Here are 11 tips to put you on the fast track to career success:

1.  Be your biggest cheerleader.

2.  Get to know your coworkers.

3.  Don’t sell yourself short. Ever.

4.  Make a list of goals and make them known to everyone you meet.

5.  Know your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

6.  Speak up, but speak with intention.

7.  Fake confidence.

8. Be positive, proactive, and genuine.

9. Be yourself always.

10. Choose your words carefully.

11.  Move on quickly from mistakes.

 

Boudoir photo sessions are one of the best gifts you can give yourself this year. Who doesn’t want to wear beautiful lingerie and feel like a seductive goddess? Every woman should have the experience of a boudoir photo shoot at least once in her life. You’ll have those pictures forever, so it’s worth it to put in all the extra effort. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, they’ll make the perfect gift for your significant other or for yourself.

Once you’ve found a boudoir photographer that makes you feel comfortable, it’s time to start planning and prepping for the photo shoot. Preparing for a boudoir photo shoot takes time.

Whether your photo session is two weeks away or tomorrow, here are the best tips to help you prepare for your boudoir photo shoot:

If you have less than two weeks until the photo shoot…

Secure your glam squad – Book appointments with your hair stylist and makeup artist if you’re having your hair and makeup professionally done. If you’re planning on doing your hair and makeup yourself, make sure you have all of the products and tools you’ll need before the big day.

Start planning what you’re going to wear and go shopping – Maybe you’ve decided on a theme with your photographer or they’re bringing props to the photo shoot. Now is the best time to plan your wardrobe. Pinterest is a great place to go for inspiration if you’re not sure where to start!

Think about your poses – Is this your first photo shoot? You’re not alone! Look up some poses ahead of time and practice them in front of your mirror. Study Old Hollywood icons like Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Grable. Figure out which poses are the most flattering and take selfies! This will increase your confidence and help you determine which angles and poses look best on camera.

If you have less than one week until the photo shoot…

Start the pampering early – Get your manicure, pedicure, facial, waxing, hair color/cut, and brows done a week before the photo shoot.

Try everything on – Make sure everything fits perfectly. Trying your wardrobe on now will help you decide if you need to do any last minute shopping. If you do go shopping, always always buy an extra pair of stockings. It’s best to be prepared!

Related: What To Wear For A Boudoir Shoot

If the photo shoot is tomorrow…

Make sure your deposit is paid – This is especially important.

Drink plenty of water with lemon – Lemon helps flush out toxins.

Pack your wardrobe the night before – Make sure you have a change of clothes and extra stockings in case one rips.

Do yoga/meditate/breathe deeply/stretch – Scheduling some time to relax the night before the photo shoot will help you sleep better. Photo shoots can be stressful, but yours doesn’t have to be!

Eat a light dinner, avoid alcohol, and go to sleep early – You’ll look and feel better if you’re well-rested the day of the photo shoot.

If it’s the day of the photo shoot…

Eat something light for breakfast – And don’t forget to bring a bottle of water with you to the photo shoot. Be sure to avoid alcohol the night before and day of the photoshoot.

Indulge yourself – Listen to your favorite songs, put on your favorite perfume – today is all about you!

Arrive early – Arrive a little early if you can. If you get stuck in traffic or find yourself running late, text or call your photographer. This small act shows that you’re still committed to the photo shoot and the photographer won’t have to worry about a cancellation.

Have fun – It’s your time to shine! Be confident, relax, smile, and let your personality shine through! You planned for this day and it’s finally here. Enjoy every minute of it!

Featured Lingerie:

Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Parfait Charlotte Bikini 6905 in Bronze

Welcome to Leading By Example, where we chat with inspiring and innovative female entrepreneurs who are empowering women and positively impacting their local communities. This week, we chatted with Krystal Gordon, creator of Love Nourish Be. 

Krystal Gordon has had a very busy year.

In September, Krystal bought her first bikini at 31 years old and excitedly posted a selfie on Facebook alongside an empowering message. Almost overnight, her selfie went viral.

Media outlets like Yahoo News, The Daily Mail, and NewsMail shared her body positive message with the world. She quickly became a widely-recognized ambassador for the body positivity movement and a role model for women around the world.

Today, Krystal Gordon is the creator of Love Nourish Be, a self-care program and journey to wellness designed to empower women. She’s also a busy mom to a 3-year-old, Cross Fit fanatic, and Body Image Movement Global Ambassador. She frequently posts about her journey on her Facebook page and continues to serve as an inspiration to women everywhere.

Recently we welcomed Krystal to the Parfait family as an author on our blog and the positive response has been overwhelming. We, too, are inspired by Krystal’s strength, self-awareness, and wisdom. Though a lot has changed since Krystal’s bikini selfie went viral, she is still the same humble and incredible person.

We recently sat down with Krystal and she shared with us her thoughts on body positivity, self-love, and the best advice she has ever been given.

On Being An Ambassador of Body Positivity

Parfait Team: Your recent first ever bikini selfie was featured on Yahoo! News, the Greatist, and the Daily Mail websites, among many others. Did you ever anticipate that your swimsuit selfie would go viral? 

Krystal Gordon: Oh absolutely not!  I shared it on my Facebook page, which had a very small following at the time, thinking that maybe 50 or so people would see it.  I never in a million years imagined it would be featured anywhere else!

PT: With all of the positive comments and praise for your body positive message, there have been some negative comments too. How do you handle negativity while being in the public eye? 

KG: I don’t think it makes any difference if you receive hurtful comments online in a public forum, or one in one in private – you need to remind yourself that only YOU define who you are.  Only YOU determine your worth.  When people speak about others in a negative or nasty way, it really is just a reflection on themselves.  These people who sit behind a keyboard and try to hurt and drag others down with ugly words, probably need more love than anyone!

I definitely had a moment after the bikini photo where I thought ‘wow, what have I done’, because when a stranger tells you that you should kill yourself for being so disgusting, or they make comments bringing your husband and child into the equation, it is really hard to comprehend how they could be so horrible! But, I very quickly made the choice to use that energy to fuel my passion to empower women and facilitate acceptance, rather than buy into the negativity.

Image via Krystal Gordon

PT: You have become a source of inspiration and courage for many women. What has the experience been like for you?

KG: It has been heartwarming, life-changing, AMAZING!  It has also been quite surreal.  I have learnt a lot more about myself, and about vulnerability in general – it’s a beautiful thing!  I am so humbled and grateful that I can inspire others, and that my message resonates with so many women all over the world.

PT: Are you still planning on wearing a bikini in public this summer?

KG: YES!  Our summer is here and it is already happening!  Had someone told me 6 months ago that I would be wearing bathers in public with no shorts over the top this summer, I would have told them they were crazy.  Last weekend was a hot and humid 38°C (about 100°F) so thank goodness the beach is only 15 min from our house.

On Her Personal Wellness Journey

PT: How did your journey to wellness begin? 

KG: My journey to ‘weightloss’ started almost 15 years ago – a soul crushing merry-go-round of diets, deprivation, binge-eating and guilt resulting in weight loss followed by weight gain, time and time again.  It wasn’t until about 2.5 years ago that I realized there was more to wellness than your weight and what you ate. I remember sitting with my son who was a baby at the time, he was just starting to eat solids, and I was feeding him something healthy and nutritious I had made while I was chowing down on fast food.  I noticed him staring at me intently as I ate, and in that moment I realised I needed to lead by example.  It was now about more than me.

I threw myself into researching nutrition (not just following the next fad diet that was being marketed), joined Crossfit and started focusing more on sleep and hydration.  In time, I started incorporating meditation, listening to my body and learning more about gut health and hormones.  It wasn’t until much later that I discovered the power of self-love and the mind, two very powerful components to wellness!

PT: Your writing is always so well structured and insightful. In Baby Steps to Wellness, you wrote that a “journey to wellness should come from a place of love, not fear.” What advice would you have for a woman who is struggling on her journey to wellness?  

KG: Oh thank you! My advice would differ depending on the woman and the challenges she is facing, but I would probably tell her to be patient, be kind to herself, and to buy a journal!  I would tell her that she is enough, she is not alone and she can do this!  I would encourage her to reconnect with her body and look within to determine why she really wants to do this.  When we work out our ‘why’, commit to showing up for ourselves daily and allow ourselves to be vulnerable the rest just flows.

PT: When would you recommend joining a program or seeking out help from a professional (ie. life coach, fitness instructor, nutritionist, etc.)? 

KG: Always!  Just do your research to find someone/something aligned to your values and goals.  There are so many people out there wanting to help others from a genuine place, but I also believe there are a whole lot of companies out there almost taking advantage of people’s desperation of what they don’t yet have or know.  Take your time in getting to know someone and what they are truly about.  If you connect and it feels good to you then go for it!  Knowledge is power and heart-centered support is invaluable.

PT: What are your tips for setting manageable goals? 

KG: 

-Work out your why! And then work out why your why is important!

-Write it down – numerous times and often.

-Imagine how it will feel or how it will be when you achieve your goal – write that down too!

-Break it into baby steps. Great things take time so be patient.  You can’t build a house overnight right?  As long as you are taking at least one action today towards your goal, you are doing great!

-Give yourself permission to have not so great days, backwards days, or even what feels like completely failed days! Failure is simply a learning tool after all.  Be kind and forgiving to yourself and remember that your journey will look different to someone else’s.

PT: Do you reward yourself for accomplishing your goals? What are your favorite ways to reward yourself? 

KG: I used to all the time and it’s only now that you have asked me this question that I’ve realized I don’t as much anymore!  I think that is because I most often used food as a reward, and I used to deprive myself of things I enjoyed because I didn’t think I was worthy of them unless I did something ‘good’.  Now, rather than rewarding myself for accomplishing goals, I probably reward myself along the way more often – things like making time to go to the beach, or to do yoga, or to make a totally scrumptious and nutritious meal.  I’m sure I still do on occasion, but probably more out of habit than anything else, and never in regards to weight which is what I used to base a lot of my worth on!

On The Importance of Self-Love

PT: We talk a lot about self love on our blog and how important it is to love yourself first. What advice would you have for a woman who is learning to love herself? 

KG: Keep trying.  Keep doing.  It will come!  Find someone who can teach you ways to learn to love yourself, rather than just tell you to say that you do!  Much of our self-image and self-worth stories are deeply imbedded within so you are going to need to get real, to dig deep.  It comes down to appreciation and perceptions!  Oh and be mindful of who you are giving your energy to, and in return who’s energy you are receiving – choose wisely!

PT: In The Truth About Perfection, you speak about the stress of perfection, fear of failure, and importance of realizing that you are “already perfect, exactly as you, right in this moment.” What does “imperfect is perfect” mean to you? 

KG: I’s a huge contradiction!  I believe perfection, as most perceive it, does not exist.  However, I also believe we are all already perfect, just the way we are.  Whether it’s our lumps and bumps, big feet and small boobs, or off key singing and 80’s dance moves – all things that many would say are far from perfect, imperfect if you will, are all part of us being us!  Sure, there are things we may want to change or improve, but unless we can accept ourselves for who we are now, exactly as we are today, then how will we appreciate who we want to be?

PT: One of the most powerful lines in The Truth About Perfection was about forgiveness. You wrote: “When we give ourselves permission to be perfectly imperfect amazing things happen.” As women, we can be so hard on ourselves. How do you practice forgiveness in your daily life?

KG: I tell myself that ‘it’ is okay, a LOT!  We are hard on ourselves, in fact we are often our toughest critics. There are a few things I do if I find that I am beating myself up.  Firstly, I get it out – I write down the worst thing that could happen due to the situation or what I am thinking, and the best.  I ask myself it will matter in 12 months.  I give myself permission to feel what I need to without judgement.  It’s just a feeling after all.  I remind myself that not every thought I have is truth!  They are all just stories and I get to choose the ones I respond to.  I acknowledge the not so great choices I have made and I say sorry to myself for those, but I also thank the situation for arising as it is always an opportunity to learn.  Above all else, I love me.  I forgive my family and loved ones with ease, so I afford myself the same privilege.

PT: You love to read. What books would you recommend?

KG: Right now I am reading The Universe Has Your Back (by Gabrielle Bernstein) and am loving it!  Definitely a must for those wanting to overcome fear or are feeling overwhelmed by the world.   I also really love Heart Thoughts (by Louise Hay).  I have read this book over and over and over.  It is great for quick inspiration or reality checks!  Oh and I have the book You are Enough (by Cassie Mendoza-Jones) sitting waiting to be read next – it sounds great!

PT: What are your tips for balancing motherhood and a busy career?

KG: First and foremost, take time out for yourself.  Yes, for YOU!  You can’t pour from an empty cup, so in order to show up as the Mama you want to be or the best careerwoman you want to be, you need to look after your physical and emotional needs first.  Self-care is key.  Secondly, do things mindfully!  Really enjoy the hugs with your children – feel their touch, smell their skin.  Be present and really listen when they are talking to you, don’t do 5 other things at the same time.  And thirdly, remember that things can wait, prioritise things!  Sometimes going to the park is more important than doing your ironing, or snuggling on the couch watching a family movie is more important than doing the dishes.

PT: You’re a huge fan of Crossfit. What are your tips for making time to workout? 

KG: Exactly that – MAKE time!  We will always make time for what is a priority.  Instead of telling yourself that you are too busy right now, tell yourself the truth, and that is that it’s simply not a priority for you in this moment.  Some tips I have are:

-Move in a way that feels good to you! If you enjoy it, you will want to do it.

-Find something that works for your family and your schedule. There is no point adding extra stress to your day by trying to get to a class that you know logistically will be hard to make due  to the time you finish work or if it is around dinner time with your family.

-Be prepared.  Pack your bag with clothes and gear you need the night before.  Schedule your workout time in your diary like any other appointment.

-Train smarter not harder! Instead of slogging out an hour on the treadmill (who really enjoys that!?) try a 10 minute HIIT workout.

On The Best Advice She Has Ever Been Given

PT: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

KG: Gosh I have been given so much great advice over the years, but something that really sticks with me especially during challenging times is to keep things in perspective. My Daddy (who sadly passed away in 2012) used to say ‘This too shall pass’ all the time to remind us that nothing is permanent, and to not give too much or too little recognition to a situation or circumstance.  So many people take a not so desirable situation (for example, scratching their car, a busy day at work or having a cold) and turn it into a ‘worst day ever’ scenario.  We forget to sit back and see things for what they really are, and be truly grateful for all the amazing things around us.  Usually the not so great thing that happened won’t matter tomorrow, or next week/month.  And sometimes they are beyond our control anyway!   I also love the Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr:  God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.   We don’t get to choose if it rains on the day we had an outdoor event planned for example.  Use your energy positively, for the things you can control, rather than wasted on the things you can’t.

Krystal Gordon is the creator of Love Nourish Be, a self-care program designed to empower women worldwide to live a life full of love, health, happiness.

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Ready for part two of Krystal’s interview? Part 2 can be found here.

Feature image via Krystal Gordon