The Worst Type of Love: 8 Tips for Disguising Love Handles

 

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We all have parts of ourselves that we feel like we need to disguise. Love handles are one of those things that most of us have to contend with. The excess fat around the sides of the waist is something that we can either feel that we are proud of ourselves to show off, or we need to feel more comfortable in ourselves. This is why some of the following styling tips can work wonders.

The Right Shapewear

Whether it's women's boy shorts, panty girdles, or control briefs, the right type of underwear or shorts will flatten the bulge around the stomach area, which creates a slimmer effect and lifts evenly. Make sure that you wear them above your belly button so you can conceal the tummy bulges.

Black or Dark Outfits

A lot of people tend to forget about the notion of illusion. Dark colors are fantastic to make your body look more in shape without highlighting bulges. Dark colors in the form of blacks, maroons, blues, or dark browns can work together to make the use of light and dark paneling, which can conceal and highlight curves. You don't have to completely dress in dark colors. You can mix it up with bright colors on the top of the body, but dark colors on the bottom are great for hiding any sort of creases, bumps, and folds.

Vertical Stripes

Another illusion tactic. It fits with vertical stripes and can make you look taller. Be warned, horizontal stripes can have the opposite effect because they add that illusion of width and can make you look shorter as well as broader. Vertical stripes have the effect that can make somebody look slimmer while also disguising the love handles because it draws attention away from the curves to the height of the person.

Empire Waistlines

Dresses with a silhouette that is sitting up between the bust and the waist give an illusion of curves. There are a wide variety of options you can work with here, including A-line dresses. When using A-lined silhouettes, it’s going to make your curves more flattering because they will conceal those love handles and will widen the space in an area, creating an illusion of slimness. You need to stay away from materials that are more body-hugging, such as polyester, lycra, or satin but choose a chiffon or sheer fabrics for the A-line dresses.

Wear Thicker Fabrics

It's important to remember that if you wear finer fabrics, this can tend to stick to your body and this will show the unwanted bulges. When you choose a thick fabric with detailed designs, it will sit on your body better without clinging to the curves and not make these things so obvious.

The Right Accessories

It is a very common fashion tip to distract attention from the parts of your body that you don't want to put on display. And this is why you've got to make sure the accessories are from the neck upwards. For example, a scarf will divert attention towards the neck, but you've got to remember that the scarf should have bold patterns or bright colors. But if you are concerned about wearing scarves during the summer, you can always use thin scarves that are made of cotton or linen. Additionally, you can go for flashy and bold earrings. And while you may not want to go for large earrings, especially in professional settings, you can opt for bright-colored studs that come with bold patterns or studded ring-shaped earrings.

Avoid Baggy Clothing

You have to choose clothes that are the right fit rather than being figure-hugging, but if you choose loose clothing. as much as it can disguise love handles, it can make you look bigger. It's so important to go for the right thing. It's not just for aesthetics, but it will make you feel more confident because it gives a more appealing look.

Look at the Length

When you are putting together a final look, you've got to address the length of your skirt or dress, so when you are picking a fitted dress, it needs to be just right. If it's too short, it will make your thighs look bigger. Having dresses that end just above the knee tends to suit all body types.

Whether you are trying to make a great first impression or you are now trying to feel more confident in yourself, those love handles can be critters to remove. It's about having the right combination of tactics to disguise them.

How to Freeze Asparagus

Freezing vegetables is a great way to save money during the winter months. This easy tutorial will have you freezing asparagus now for enjoyment this winter. With this method your asparagus will be as fresh tasting as it was the day you purchased it. 

I am a major farmers market fan. In fact, it is the thing I get the most excited about! I want to get there early and I come prepared with bags and baskets to carry home my fresh finds. In fact, it is not at all uncommon to find me standing in line on a Tuesday afternoon, patiently awaiting the bell that signals the start of the market. I have a favorite farmer and he sells out FAST! LOL. I find it to be worth the wait.

You would likely find it worth the wait too. I got a steal on asparagus and mini peppers recently. I am talking $1 a pound for the freshest asparagus in town. I bought 10 pounds of it without hesitation.

Asparagus for days is my jam. But, these gorgeous stalks are meant for a cold, blustery day, when asparagus doesn't look this good at the store, but it packs a hefty price tag of up to $6 a pound where I live. To preserve asparagus this is what you need.

I do use a foodsaver, but you can get a vaccum sealer for about $30 on amazon and big rolls of the bags. They are well worth the investment if you are going to do a lot of freezing! I know every expert will tell you food goes bad fast; but honestly I have had veggies frozen for 2 years that are still super fresh when packaged properly with a food saver... but, I guess now you know my secret. I rarely defrost my deep freezer HA!

So here is what you need:

Supplies:

A bowl of ice water

1 pound of asparagus

6 cups of water

Paper Towels

Food saver or freezer bags

Directions:

Snap the ends of the asparagus and discard the woody ends.

Boil 4 cups of water.

Place 2 cups of water and the ice into a large bowl.

When the water has come to a boil, drop the asparagus into the boiling water.

Allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the asparagus turns bright green.

Remove the asparagus from the boiling water and immediately place it in the ice water.

Remove after 30 seconds.

Place the asparagus on paper towels and allow to drain.

Pat the asparagus dry.

Place it in a food saver or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.

Place in the freezer for up to a year.

If you are looking for more ways to save money; here are some reader's favorite posts. 

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The Best Supplements You Can Use to Support Your Health

 

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Everyone knows that eating a healthy diet is essential, but sometimes it’s not enough. Even the most wholesome foods won’t give you everything you need to stay healthy, and many of us don’t get enough specific vitamins and minerals from our food alone. That’s where supplements come in. Luckily, there are several supplements out there that can help fill in those gaps. Not only will taking them to support your overall health, but a well-chosen supplement regimen can bring numerous benefits for people trying to improve their diet and fitness routines or recover from illness or injury. The key is to find the right supplements for your specific needs—and avoid the pitfalls of low-quality supplements with unproven benefits.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin that most people don’t get enough of. It’s well-known for its bone benefits but also supports healthy immune function, mental health, cardiovascular health, and more. While it’s found in foods like eggs and salmon, it’s often not enough. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2018 say that everyone over the age of 9 should be getting 600 international units (IU) of Vitamin D per day; many people are still not getting enough—especially those who are inside a lot, who wear sunscreen that blocks UVB, who are overweight, and who have darker skin tones. Supplementing with Vitamin D can help make sure you’re getting enough.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Most of us are eating less fish than we should be, which means we’re missing out on the health benefits of these essential fats. Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and can be taken as a supplement. Omega-3s are linked to various health benefits, including a stronger immune system, healthier skin, mental health benefits, and reduced inflammation. Some people might find that they don’t get enough omega-3s in their diet and would benefit from a daily supplement.

Vitamin B12

You want to be healthy and working correctly! Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the health of your bones and brain organs. Unfortunately, B12 deficiency is surprisingly common: studies have shown that 30% of people over the age of 50, 70% of people over the age of 70, and 95% of people over the age of 95 have suboptimal B12 status. That’s because B12 is found in animal foods, and deficiency can occur when dietary intake is low, intestinal absorption is impaired, or there is an increased need for B12. Supplementing with B12 can help make sure your levels are healthy.

CBD Products

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound in hemp and marijuana plants. While hemp-based CBD is legal, marijuana-based CBD is not, though, in some states, it’s legal with a medical prescription and doctor’s recommendation. CBD has been shown to have many benefits, including promoting healthy inflammation, supporting mood and mental health, reducing anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. CBD is also thought to have several health benefits, including supporting bone health, immune health, and healthy digestion. If you feel you could benefit from supplementing with CBD or products such as Delta 9 THC, ensure you’re getting a high-quality product from a reputable retailer.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals for health. Studies have shown that many people are deficient in magnesium: approximately 80% of American adults don’t get enough magnesium from their diets alone. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of health processes in the body, including healthy metabolism, immune function, healthy sleep, and more. Unfortunately, many of us are deficient in this vital mineral, which can lead to serious health issues over time. Supplementing with magnesium can help make sure you are getting enough.

Conclusion

You should eat a healthy diet, but sometimes it’s just not enough. Even the most wholesome foods won’t give you everything you need to stay healthy, and many of us don’t get enough specific vitamins and minerals from our food alone. That’s where supplements come in. Luckily, there are several supplements out there that can help fill in those gaps. 

$200 Walmart Card Giveaway!

If the price of gas is causing a pinch in your wallet, you are not alone!

It seems like the price of gas has been cutting into summer fun, grocery budgets and everything else. So, 20 of your favorite bloggers have come together to give one lucky reader a helping hand, in the form of a $200 Walmart card, which you can use for gas or groceries!

I am participating on behalf of my new website and podcast Township Falls.

This is a true crime podcast with tones of history, travel and a gross miscarriage of justice.  I hope you will give us a listen and a 5 star review on apple podcasts.

Enter for your chance to win a $200 e-Gift card to Walmart! This giveaway is open to the US only where permitted, age 18 and older. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 8.31.22. See below for terms and conditions

 

This giveaway is hosted by Chatty Patty’s Place and The Review Wire. All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before this contest start date is not eligible to win a prize in this contest. Entrants who have created social accounts purely to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public. The winner will be chosen randomly through Sweep Widget and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void where prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please

How To Freeze Mini Sweet Peppers

 If you have time to visit your local farmers market this week; this is the time to stock up on all the tasty little peppers that are available right now. I am a farmers market enthusiast for sure. There is nothing quite like a basket of freshly picked, locally grown veggies for $1. 

I have been buying everything in season from sweet onions, to asparagus and corn on the cob and sticking it in my freezer for the winter. I wish I could can, but I have a cook top stove and have been told those don't heat evenly for safe canning.

Last week, my favorite farmer at the market had small baskets of mini sweet peppers, jalapeno pepper and wax peppers for $1. I was told they were picked that morning. They were perfect, beautiful and vibrant, they smelled like summer should. I bought 3 baskets of each. We kept a basket that we mixed from the variety aside for fresh eating, and then I prepared the rest for the freezer.

Wash and cut the tops off of the mini sweet peppers.

Clear out the seeds and slice them at desired thickness.

Lay the peppers on a paper towel to dry the juices.

Place the peppers in a single layer on a plate.

Pop the peppers in the freezer for 45 minutes.

Remove from the freezer and transfer to a freezer bag or a food saver bag. Try to remove as much air as possible.

Place in the freezer for up to 1 year.

I usually add 3 or 4 peppers per food storage bag, because that is the amount that my family uses, but, you can adjust the amount of sliced peppers you add to each pack.

You might be wondering how to use the pepper slices after they have been frozen?

I like to add them to crock pot meals, casseroles, scrambled eggs, etc. 

They are perfect for sheet pan fajitas. 

I like to mix the peppers and onion together to freeze for easy chili veggies.

In general, they are perfect for use, just like any other frozen peppers you might buy at the store, but so much cheaper! I can make several packs to use later for about 25 cents each.

Find more money saving ideas here:

6 Things Not To Bargain Shop For