Next boudoir date. June 16, 2017. Look back at your hot self when you are 80!

boudoir lisa-marie1
Friday, June 16 from 2 to 10 pm
Boudoir Photography and party with champagne, great food, friends, chocolate and sexy pictures!
We love doing boudoir. It’s becomes magical. Women feeling beautiful, empowered and we watch them find their authentic sex selves. Anyone who has done them raves about them. We get top, professional makeup application Klava blows everyone away with her art and skill). Imagems.ca Sophie and Mike are leading couple’s photographers who regularly charges over $1500 for their shoots) will be doing this to give you the pictures of a lifetime. Usually a $2000 shoot all in. By turning it into a party (with economies of scale) we can do the event for $150 per person/couple.
Look back on yourself when you are 80 and see how hot you really were! Do it for yourself, to torment the guys who might possibly see them with your beauty or give it as a for-his-eyes-only gift. Sexy couple photos are also welcome if you would prefer to do them together.
Mimosa’s, (champagne and orange juice) chocolate, and the sexiest photos you can imagine! It’s safe, discreet, private, and super fun!
Women or couples, it’s sensuous (but safe), erotic and fun. Participants can wear whatever they would like (bring it with you) and you have time for one change of outfits. You have a private area for photo’s and it’s all relaxed and discreet. Professional makeup artist Klava will be there to transform you. You need to have your own hair done when you arrive. It all happens at 172 Dublin Street, Gatineau. Pictures, food, and community!
Bring something yummy to share and I’ll make up pitchers of our trademarked sangria and mimosa’s. We have limited room for photos so it is a first come first serve. Cost is $150 which includes makeup, photo shoot, and two photographs. You may purchase the library of other shots (the ones where you aren’t blinking) directly from the photographer for an additional fee.
Given that there are upfront expenses, you need to pay in advance here, or commit to paying in cash and NOT BAILING! Given that we have to commit to the photographer and makeup, we need 10 days notice to cancel once you commit or you will be billed for missing the event.





Read about past boudoir reviews here!
Every woman needs a picture where they look and feel truly beautiful. And every couple needs to have sexy shots together!
No matter your age, size or ability.
If you want one of those shots you can look at when you are 80, still hot for each other and goosing each other around the anniversary cake then this is the day for you. Think relaxed, loving, elegant with Ottawa’s premier boudoir photographer. If you’ve never had a sensuous photo of you and your sweetie taken, give it some thought. It’s unbelievably intimate and you can look back on yourself as the hot hot couple or have something to embarrass your kids with. We provide professional make up application, martini’s and fantastic food samplings along with a romance picture that will last a lifetime. All for the insanely low price of $140!!! You get private time with the photographer in any outfit and any poses that makes you feel sexy and comfortable.
You bring whatever outfits you want to wear. Or have it clothing optional. It can be anything you feel sexy in. I’ve taken my picture in nothing but a Sens jersey. Smile. We also share food so bring a dish of munchies to pass around.
Space is limited and I’ll pass out appointment times. Affordable, fun, and gentle. I guarantee it will be your sweetie’s favourite photo and you’ll look at it together over and over again. Send me an email to suem@rogers.com if you are interested in participating.
Price is $150 (either cash in person with a firm commitment, or below) and includes make up, drinks and lots of fun stuff.
Read some testimonials!
I suggest this for everyone. It’s a lot of fun, and very affordable for those on a budget! Leila
Hi Sue,
I wanted to write and let you know how much I enjoyed Sunday. It was a fabulous opportunity to have photos taken, and I was delighted to participate.
But more, you gathered a wonderful community of women, and it was so good to be part of it. Circles of women are so important- to be in a group that is multi-generational, and supportive, and have the opportunity to visit, and share and just be, is priceless.
Thank you for creating such a welcoming and open space- the location was wonderful, and I appreciated the well-orchestrated and low-key event. It was easy to relax and lovely to have the space and quiet to actually visit with people and get a sense of who they were.
And oh my, I can’t wait for the pictures!
Hugs,
Tracy
Sue invited me, to her Boudoir shoot (just in time for the holidays – great gift for hubby) and with slight hesitation jumped at the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and into my birthday suit! Literally.
Met several like-minded beauties over hors d’ouvers and a few bevvies. Make up was beautifully done and then: Lights. Camera. Action! Nicole is a wonderful photographer who was easy to work with and made me feel at ease!
Cheers to you Sue – the effervescent hostess. What a great way to spend a few hours. Looking forward to seeing my husbands face when he opens up his ‘special gift’! xo
Thanks again!
C
I’m so happy with how these turned out. Lisa did an awesome job of capturing the good bits and leaving out the ones I wasn’t too keen on. Love the way I look in them.Thanks again for organizing.
“To everyone involved in the photoshoot – to Sue for organizing and so much more, to Annie for the excellent makeup and to Lisa Marie for the superb photos. I had a fabulous day and enjoyed every minute of my shoot. I was a tad nervous as never having done this before but I am glad I did. I would highly recommend doing this type of session to anyone that is looking for that extra little ego boost and even if you are not. It does the spirit good!
I found myself looking at the photos over and over as you all helped in bringing out a side that I never saw in myself before. I thank you all for this.”
Sylvie
Hi Sue , thank you so much for inviting me to the shoot today! It was really nice meeting the other ladies. The food was really delicious. The make up artist was very thorough and sweet and professional, very impressed! The photographers were fantastic, they really knew what to suggest for poses, and they were fun, relaxed and worked together smoothly. I can’t wait to see my photos and everyone else’s, let me know what’s involved in seeing them? All the woman will be so happy too, you really put up a great afternoon for us, we really appreciated the work and time it took to pull out all the stops, you rock girl! Have a super work week, let’s keep in touch and will hear from you when you know how we can get our photos.
FP in Ottawa
What a great day! Thanks for making me feel so comfortable. I can’t wait to see the pics from yesterday now! She said 2 to 3 weeks – but what was the deal with her in terms of what we get to have? I’m curious to see all of them lol – but I trust she will select the best shots to share with us.
HS
Thank you so much! I had an absolutely amazing day yesterday. So many terrific women, all so supportive of the adventure!
I have to say that I left your house feeling like I could take on anything–My husband thinks I was at the best baby shower ever!
I cannot wait to see the photos–I’ll share some with you!
Have an incredible week–thanks again,
Hi Sue – I just wanted to share the pictures I got – I am so so happy – the one of me lying down – my FAV!!!
I am definitely getting the disk now – even accepting my ‘curvier’ look in the black outfit.
Thank you soooo much for organizing it, hosting it and for BEING YOU!
Hugs,
H
Hi Sue!
I’ve received a few of my photos and wanted to share.
Thanks so much for the day–one of the best things I’ve ever done.
The photographer has been awesome!
One photo here, another couple on the way!
Let me know what you think!
Take care,
L
Hi Sue,
I want to say a big thank you for a mega fun afternoon! I met some wonderful ladies in which we were all there for the same reason – to feel better about ourselves and acknowledge that through great photos!! This was my second boudoir experience, but this type of setting was more relaxed and fun then being in a studio! I sooooo can’t wait to see my photos! A BIG thank you to Annie for your fabulous makeup and to Jennifer for making me feel comfortable and sexy! I’m sure that will be reflected in my photos. And thank you to Sue for your hospitality. I had so much fun!!!
Denise
Hi Sue,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to do the boudoir photo shoot. It was a great afternoon. The company was great, as was the food and drink. It felt so decadent to have Annie do my make-up for me. The photo shoot was fantastic! I had been a little anxious as it was my first time but Jen’s calm professional manner put me at ease. She had ideas and was happy to accommodate my ideas as well. The photos were fantastic! I looked beautiful, strong, and sexy- what more can anyone ask for? I wasn’t the only one to appreciate them.  I would recommend this opportunity to any woman; it’s worth it! Thank you!!

,

Body Image, Hormones and Boudoir

body image 88As someone who has had more than her share of weight and body image challenges (I have lost over 180 pounds at one time) I continue to research the correlation between hormones, libido and body image as one of the major focuses of my practice. The need to come to terms with the body you have and be gentle with it is something I preach with clients. It’s hard to feel sexy when you are beating yourself up. So a few times a year I host a body image group that ends in a boudoir shoot. With lots of champagne and chocolate. So we have a group starting Tuesday June 14th from 7 to 9:45pm. If you are struggling with weight, body image, hormones and feeling sexy then come join us for three weeks of the best speakers in the city on finding your sexy self.
Small group to kick those crazy messages about your negative body image to the curb for good! Free with your extended health benefits. A boudoir session (with a seriously discounted price) will happen at the end of the workshop so you can find your sexy self.
I believe that all women have body image issues. It’s an issue I see coming up again and again with women in therapy. I see women who have been married for years, have children whose husbands have never seen them naked. I see women who hate their bodies despite having a body I wish I had. I see women for whom food is still the enemy. And ones who think they are too fat to have sex.
There is such a need to re-claim our bodies, start seeing our toes again, and feel sexy in the process that I am starting a women-only 2 hour weekly group starting Tuesday, June 14th 2016 for 3 weeks. It’s going to be small, proactive, and empowering. Think cutting edge information on hormones, weight, and nutrition. Its about learning to love yourself and find your sexy self in the process. The previous groups become have been magic. We connect, we get to the root of these very chewy issues, and we reclaim our intimacy. Amazing speakers, a tremendous amount of material, and a whole new you before the holiday food frenzy begins. Space is very limited. Send me an email now at suem@rogers.com if you’re interested in yourself again.
Balance your hormones, get support and lose weight.
A new women-only support and information workshop that will offer up new solutions and creative ways to connect hosted by Sexuality and Relationship Therapist Sue McGarvie.
The 3 week Workgroup starts Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 for women who want to gain confidence explore sexuality and body image issues and meet like-minded friends.
Is your sexuality diminished because of body-image issues? Well, for many people, its hormonal imbalances that are causing the weight gain. Any woman who has craved chocolate before her period understands the link between food and hormones. Where do you get support that doesn’t make you feel “like nobody understands?”
Clinical Relationship Therapist, Talk Show Host and Hormonal Expert Sue McGarvie has a new program to balance your hormones, and help you feel better about your body.
And Sue should know. Sue lost over 170 pounds simply through hormonal balancing and an understanding of personal bio-chemistry. Her bestselling book The Libido Diet, outlined the specific steps that let her lose half her body weight. Sue is committed to losing that last 40 pounds herself and wants to bring in all the best experts to help model a new support program of fun, love and acceptance.
Find out what you may be missing for real change in a supportive, group environment that brings together Ottawa’s best experts in health, weight loss, hormones and body image.
AT LONG LAST, SOLVE THE BODY IMAGE ISSUES AND BECOME YOUR SEXY SELF.
A month of four Saturday mornings starting June 14th for 2 hours. 7 to 9:30 on Tuesdays. $300 total with full insurance receipts.
81 Pooler Ave. Refreshments
Group support, hormonal solutions, and the latest in sexuality and health information. Be informed and supported.
body image2
Testimonials about the previous groups! Gee Thanks!
Thank you for an amazing experience with our women’s group. It has opened up new doors for me, in ways I could not have imagined. For the first time in ages I feel like I am in control and I can make my dreams come true! I will miss our weekly group but hope to continue my work- moving forward! Thanks so much.
H
Thanks Sue! I loved our group.
I had fun today. Feel much better than I did when I arrived. Thanks for your great company and inspiration. S
Once again, I really benefited from the Saturday woman’s group. A very unique but beneficial service!
Thanks,
B
Sign up now! Full receipts will be provided at the first session!
$300




,

Myla Dalbesio. If this size 10 model is considered plus sized, how's a woman with real hips suspose to feel?

It makes me really, really mad. This woman, 27 year old Myla Dalbesio the face of Calvin Klein’s Perfectly Fit and a size 10. She is considered too fat to be a Victoria Secret Model. This stunningly beautiful model is considered plus sized by the neurotic, size obsessed fashion industry. How can we make this stop? Is size zero the only number?
This weekend I’m running yet another body image workshop for women too ashamed or scared to show their bodies to their partners and the world at large. I’m trying to stop the self loathing one woman at a time. Come join us in Ottawa Saturday morning if you are feeling like hiding as well. ” title=”body image workshop”>How can we stop buying into the concept that because we aren’t supermodels then we aren’t good enough!
I’m working on the 10 things you can do to really accept and love your body sexually. Here’s what we do in the first couple of sessions.
1. Do a vision board on a sheet of Bristol board that outlines to pictures of who you are and where you want to get to.
2. Hypnosis audio using self talk and the messages you want to say to yourself to change the message in your head.
3. Read something about health, positive images, nourishment, or being all you can be every morning.
4. Try to get in some exercise- even if its small in your day.
5. Stop comparing yourself to younger, prettier people. People’s views of their bodies are not only cruel but inaccurate.
6. Shut out the critical inner voice that tells us we are flawed. Use an elastic band around your wrist if you have to.
7. Realize this voice is a mosquito – not a dinosaur. Focus on your breathing until it goes away.
8. Keep pictures of your self that you like around you to look at. Notice how beautiful you are. Smile at yourself.
9. Make an effort to only say good things about you. Peel off the layers of self criticism and self loathing.
10 Acknowledge that you have a body image monologue. Notice it when you are comparing your own body seize to someone else’s. Or thinking something catty. Notice the differences but don’t judge. Think and say nice things. Those messages will pay off.
And hum to yourself….
I see the magazines working that Photoshop
We know that shit ain’t real
Come on now, make it stop
If you got beauty beauty just raise ’em up
‘Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top
Yeah, my momma she told me don’t worry about your size
She says, boys they like a little more booty to hold at night
You know I won’t be no stick-figure, silicone Barbie doll,
So, if that’s what’s you’re into
Then go ahead and move along
Meghan Trainor – All About That Bass Lyrics |

,

Feather boas, pasties and thigh-high boots. The joy of burlesque

Recently as part of the couples workshop and body image groups, we had a few of the local burlesque performers talk about the power of tassels to re-claim your personal power. Everyone was blown away about the sexiness and fun of burlesque. I call it feminist stripping. Elegant, for any body size, and full of kick-ass costumes, So why is channeling your inner Cher so powerful?
Some women think its the clothes and glitter. It’s everything from what to wear and how to perform for your partner and how to best shake your tail feathers. It’s a chance to be on stage in heels and feel powerful and sexy. You get a sassy stage name, friends that get it and a way to feel comfortable in your skin. All the women I speak to about burlesque say “burlesque makes them feel powerful”.
In the book The Burlesque Handbook, author Jo Weldon tries to explain how burlesque dancers differ from strippers: “As a strip-joint stripper, I usually looked for one individual to perform to, and that individual paid me. As a burlesque performer, I play to the entire house, and the house (show producer or venue owner) pays me.” She then recalls the pain when “As a…stripper, my appearance was constantly evaluated and commented upon openly…it was a rollercoaster for my ego.” As dehumanizing as it is for conventional strippers to be scrutinized like they are, at least they have the strength to get up close with men. Burlesque dancers, on the other hand, have a wall of separation between them and the audience, and have rigged the show to where the audience can only give positive reinforcement. In this environment, all the “power grabs” and attempts and being “daring” end up being, as Roger Waters put it, “the bravery of being out of range.”
Burlesque can be many things. It is most commonly associated with Dita von Teese and vintage-inspired striptease. But in fact the word ‘burlesque’ actually means to make a mockery or satirise.
“Women usually take burlesque classes for one of three reasons: they want to feel cheeky and have fun, they want to improve their body confidence and how they feel about themselves, or they want to become a professional burlesque performer. When asked about their experience of learning and performing burlesque the majority of our students will use the word ’empowering’ in their answer. Regardless of why you come to learn burlesque you are welcomed into an environment that gives you permission to understand, explore, celebrate and have fun with your sensuality. You indulge in your feminine energy and create a performance that reflects your personality and beauty, instead of being constantly valued in terms of weight, size and age. No wonder this is an empowering experience considering the society norm – images of women photo-shopped to inhuman proportions and perfection preached by way of a size 0 body and cellulite- free thighs.”
I like going to burlesque shows with my sweetie. But it’s men, not him driving the outing. He prefers women naked. The audience is at least 50% women and it’s a very fun, open and appreciative crown. It can also be quite hot. Zaphods usually has a show at least once a month and there will be a burlesque show coming in every major city. Ottawa, population 1.1 million has seven burlesque troops and is expanding.
A warning burlesque is addictive. Whether watching it or dancing yourself, I’ve see it as so very positive. Take a deep breath, grab some pasties and think about rolling down your stocking. It’s food for your sexuality.

, , , ,

5 ways you probably don't know about that will increase your libido.

Low libido, or inhibited sexual desire is the big issue that keeps coming up in my office as a sex therapist.
Often commonalities of people experiencing low libido include low levels of free testosterone, inflammation of the cells with a High sensitivity CR protein in the blood, food allergies and low belly fat among things. And then there is the emotional, relationship, and psychological issues.
If you are struggling with low libido where do you start to change things around?
I’ve written a number of posts with supplements and suggestions for low libido.
Here are some more obscure ideas that might help.
1. Try the new IXEL anti depressant. SSRI anti-depressants are notorious libido killers. IXEL out of Turkey which has just been licensed in the US, may actually increase libido if you need depression meds.
2. Try an exotic fruit. Sometimes its trace minerals that can impact libido. Zinc, magnesium and chromium all seem to be low in my libido patients. Peel a pomegranate instead of a banana. Or try dragon fruit or mangosteens that are packed with the trace minerals that North American fruit may be low in.
3. Daily dose of red wine. Really. I know everyone is telling you to cut back on alcohol. However the tannin’s in red wine help increase your testosterone (especially in women) and put that bounce in your step.
4. See a chiropractor. If you’ve never been now is the time to consider it. That or acupuncture. Blocks in the nervous system from misalignment can be solved through a chiropractor appointment or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.
5. The Magic Banana or Intensity strengthening toys. There are a couple of new toys on the market that increase pelvic muscle tone. One is the Intensity which uses electrodes to increase muscle tension. The other a yellow, flexible loop called The Magic Banana, forces the internal muscles to contract and increase the blood flow to the genitals. And that’s all good when you want to increase your libido.
What I do know after 25 years of specializing in low libido is that it doesn’t magically get better. Your sex life needs work to flourish. If you’ve lost that loving feeling then I encourage you to reach out. Solution oriented sex therapy by skype or phone can address the problem and put a bounce back in your step. Reach out now.

,

How fat isn't sexy (at least according to fashion magazines)

www.sexwithsue.com

related topics: lizzie miller, glamour magazine, plus sized models

Lizzie-miller-001

Do you think this woman is fat and unattractive?  Apparently she's too fat to model even the plus size clothes (plus size models are size 8-10, and she's a 12-14 – which is average in North America).

Her name is Lizzie Miller, the 20-year-old model in question, agrees that it's astonishing that, at 5ft 11in and 12.5 stone she's considered a "plus size" model. "It's sad," she says. "In the industry anything over size six is considered a plus-size." Miller, who is around a US size 12-14 (that is, slightly below average) lost about 60lb when she was 13 but today she is considered too large to model for plus-size lines Marina Rinaldi (she says, "they like girls who are an 8). She says that the overwhelming reaction to the tiny photograph, buried on page 194 of Glamour magazine "shows that the world is hungry to see pictures of normal women."

An 8? That is less than my skinniest size and that is considered plus? Argh! It makes me mad that our bodies have to be seen as one of my patient calls "skinny, stick, spinny skanks" in order to be attractive.

I'm doing a bunch of work with women for whom body image is a major problem. I had one today showing me the bruises on her arms from being injected with vitamins on a 400 calorie "Medical" diet. She says she's feeling "foggy", and is having trouble working she's so hungry, but feels unattractive.

My friend C says she wants to start a website about size discrimination."Would you tell a young girl: "You have such a pretty face, too bad you are black.."? No, but people feel free to say stuff like: "you have such a pretty face, too bad you are fat/overweight/plump etc ."

We need to vote with our wallets, buy Dove soap and ask the modelling agencies and clothing manufacturers to display clothes on real women. Time to say "if we are fit and healthy it's okay to be fed." grrrrr.

,

Androgyny – Is this a man or woman?

Runner www.sexwithsue.com
I used to get invited to a group called “Gender Mosaic”. A gaggle of cross dressers who always had interesting workshops (and great food), and who spoke of the “third gender” neither male nor female. It is that mix of male and female  though, that has everyone talking about Caster Semenya, an 18-year-old South African runner now competing in the World Championships. Semenya (pictured above and below) is under scrutiny because of her powerful running style and her appearance.  Given her recent win this week in Berlin, the running world is having her examined for gender identity.
South African teenager Caster Semenya, the winner of the women’s 800-meter race at the world championships, has been undergoing gender-verification testing. She must be examined by, among others, a gynecologist, psychologist and endocrinologist.
Semenya, 18, reportedly has a deep voice, and her pictures show a physique notably more muscular than the bodies of even her most accomplished rivals. She has dropped almost nine seconds from her best 800 time in the last year – the type of improvement that usually suggests performance-enhancing drugs.
It’s not enough for her to undergo the very intrusive drug testing (the sample collector is supposed to watch every second, up close and personal, in the bathroom). Semenya has to endure a fairly medieval practice, a remnant from the days when all female athletes were deemed abnormal.
I heard a story by the sister of a swimmer in the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Who said that at one point, her sister was sure she heard men’s voices in the women’s locker room. It was the East German women’s swim team (before the testing came in for testosterone). I am all about not cheating, but to subject an 18 year old to scruitiny for her “parts” seems a bit draconian.
I wonder what the gender mosaic group would have to say about this?

,

On Chastity (bono that is), sex fetishes and why there may be trany hookers in your neighbourhood

French maid www.sexwithsue.com
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090612/ap_on_en_tv/us_people_chastity_bono
Chastity
Another week as a sex therapist, and more visits from all kinds trying to find their way in a sexually varied world. Between the adulterys, the limp dicks, the libido strugglers, the horny hoards, and the fetish guys, there really is an amazing variety of sexual deviation in your average community.  People can be so troubled by their desires. Maybe I just don’t get what the big deal is, but I really live with an attitude of “live and let live”.  I’m always taken aback when someone judges my behaviour (usually without asking me my side of it,), and I live a middle class, heterosexual, more or less mainstream life. Okay with a few quirks and kinks, but that’s my point- everyone has a few. I’m curious, but am aware of this whole group of people that have sexual needs that occasionally we bump into.
My aunt lives just off Church (near Wellsley ) in Toronto and takes her walk around the block talking to the plenary of tranny hookers  that ply their trade in those 2 blocks. They work the sex trade to save enough money to get a sex change operation (or at least pay for the hormones, lipo, and all those cool 50’s pin up clothes that they wear). You would be amazed at the numbers of straight business men client that use their services on the way home from work.  Remember, everyone has something sexually that they keep hidden. I got thinking about them as I was reading this week about Chastity Bono (daughter of Sonny Bono and Cher – pictured above) who is having a sex change operation.
“Chastity Bono is having a sex change to become a man. A spokesman for Bono, born a girl to Sonny and Cher, says he “has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity” and began the sex-change process earlier this year. Publicist Howard Bragman said Bono is proud of his decision and hopes “that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue.”
Here is a kid who has had their own challenges and is finding their way. The current thinking is that a flurry of the opposite hormones flooding the baby’s brain in utero at a key development time during the first trimester of pregnancy causes a child born one sex, to see themselves and think of themselves as the other gender. So Cher would have had a rush of male testosterone practically before she knew she was pregnant. Something else to blame on Mothers. This isn’t how sexual fetish develops however. Each and every guy I’ve ever met with a strong fetish (and I come across them weekly) can pinpoint the time in early adolescence when they were sexually aroused by feet, hair, rope, dominate women, a certain type of lingerie, rubber or the like. You can’t fix it or cure it, you can just help someone manage it as part of theirr life.  When I have am again reminded of the trials of being sexually out of step, I’m encouraged to help (if I can) and encourage people to remember that they are not alone.

,

The perils of wearing lingerie, and why we should all sue Victoria Secret

Have you heard about the story of the LA traffic worker who has filed suit against Victoria Secret because her thong malfunctioned? Wardrobe malfunctions (not of Janet Jackson’s infamous halftime variety), but a real woman who had a mortifying underwear experience on the job. Her thong apparently chose an embarrassing moment to come apart, and smacked her in the eye.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,368206,00.html Now I’m dead set against the frivolous litigious US society, but I have cursed my share of lingerie in my life. My life is a lingerie injury waiting to happen. Snaps popping, garters-ungarting, those damned seams that only the transvestites I know who can get them lined up straight down the back of your legs. I take off my bras while driving, and I gave up wearing underwear after my last pregnancy when I was the size of a house and couldn’t find anything but those hideous granny, cotton-white tents to wear. I remember before I lost my weight searching an entire shopping mall in vain for a strapless bra to wear under my wedding gown. I remember thinking that if they only made bras for skinny girls, I should sue somebody if I put an eye out with my bouncing bosoms. Now here is someone who ACTUALLY lost an eye. Damn them all for not making lingerie that actually supports real bodies, and I for one am quietly hoping that she gets her pound of flesh from Victoria Secret. And makes them gain it so the thong in question gives them a wedgie like it gives women who wear them. Victoria secret
 
 
 
 

,

Girls gone wild lingerie shoot

Dsc_0692_4 I had a few girlfriends over last week for a little wine, a little dress up and show each other our lingerie, along with a chance to pose quasi-naked in my backyard. Boudoire photos outside are all the rage, and it was a perfect night to feel the air blowing against almost naked skin. It digressed quickly as we went from stiff and self conscious to ass showing, breast baring, finger sucking poses. It wasn’t the heated debachary that men hope happens when women get naked and frolicking, but it was hot all the same. What it felt like- for everyone- was joyful, uninhibited, and downright fun. Girls being girls. Lipstick, lace, and helping each other with our hair. It was memorable, and for a couple of body image conscious participants- downright healing. I’m not posting any of the group shots – use your imagination, but these may give you a sense of it. A great suggestion for a birthday or anniversary gift because as cute as I am now, it is always a good idea to immortalize all that cuteness.

,

Patti's cleavage

Cleavage1 My friend Patti has this cool new blackberry.  More bells and whistles than mine, (can you tell I’m envious) and she has a camera that allows her to take pictures she can email immediately.  She told a group of us tonight (and gave me permission to tell the world) that she when she was feeling playful last week as she was sitting sending emails over a coffee, she took a picture of her boobs to send to her husband. You can guess the rest.  The email went askew and he didn’t receive the cleavage shot in question.  His loss is someone else’s gain. It is floating somewhere in cyberspace, and she isn’t sure if one of her business contacts got the breastmail by mistake.  Her new blackberry doesn’t list her sent messages so she has no idea where it went. giggle.  The gaggle of women hearing this story did some serious snickering at her cyber misfortune.

So on behalf of Patti, if you happen to receive a viral email with pictures of her abundant chest, please return to sender. grin.

,

Hanging on to yourself

Picked up a book on my shelf that I hadn’t read in awhile.  An incredible primer on re-connecting sexually with your partner. A must read for anyone working with couples, and individuals wanting to re-connect between the sheets.  It’s called Resurrecting Sex, by Dr. David Schnarch. Here’s his site. I once did a seminar with the esteemed Dr. David Schnarch, the marriage therapist guru from Evergreen, Colorado, and author.  He was in Ottawa for a Planned Parenthood workshop, and I spent a few days training with him back in the early 90’s. I role played in a "fake marriage" for hours, and really got what he called "hanging onto yourself" and quieting yourself down during times of anxiety and anger in your marriage. He says that "the difference between an adult and a child is that the adult accepts that the only real choice in life is between productive anxieties and useless ones." He claims that by "holding onto yourself in the face of your anxiety, you actively create the world you want to live in."

As I work daily in my own marriage and a try and help some people through the pain of their’s I thought I would reflect a little on what hanging onto yourself -while everything else quiets down – may be just what the Dr. Schnarch ordered.  Pick it up if you are struggling – it makes sense.