Lighten My Underarms #DoveBeauty #spon

This post is sponsored by Dove(R) ClearTone(tm) Deodorant - designed to visibly reduce underarm dark marks and even skin tone.

Being a Mom, my weight has fluctuated with each pregnancy and ultimately affected my body.  I'm (mostly) comfortable in my skin and I love being curvy but dark marks under my arms are a problem!  I can't stand it!  It looks ugly and makes me sad!  Did you know that dark marks are created when shaving irritates the skin?  I always thought it was caused by my weight gain and loss!  I have always felt like there is nothing I can do to get rid of dark marks so even though I love tank tops and dresses - I have days where I refuse to wear them because my arms look chunky and dark but now I have faith that Dove Clear Tone Deodorant will help me lighten my marks!  Just in time for this hot, hot California weather.

One of my longtime tricks to hiding the ugly discoloration is by wearing a cute cardigan with tank tops or dresses!  Cardigans come in a bunch of colors and styles and are lightweight which is perfect for Summer.  I throw on a cardigan for anything - you can most definitely wear it casual or dress up it up.

Another longtime trick is to wear shirts that barely cover my underarm.  This isn't as easy as wearing a cardigan because I have a hard time finding shirts that I like!

A funny thing I do and I'm sure a lot of us won't admit is that I calculate my movements when I'm wearing a tank top or dress so I don't have to show off my underarms but I don't want to live like this anymore!  

I would love to stay away from wearing my safety blanket this Summer since it's been hot so I'm super excited to try Dove Clear Tone Deodorant and see some results.  I know I'll be a happier person!  

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own.

It's your Wedding! You need a Bridal Survival Kit #DoveBeauty #spon

This is the year for Weddings!  Four lovely friends of mine have been busy planning their weddings and through the magic of the Internet - I've been able to enjoy the process from beginning to end.  And I have really, really enjoyed it because I am married but haven't had the pleasure of planning my wedding.  Chris & I said, "I do" in a small courthouse on August 8, 2008 and for our 8th Wedding Anniversary - we're finally having our celebration!  As excited as I am for them on their big day, sharing their stories gives me an idea of what I can expect, need and want.         

I know one of the most (if not, thee most) important elements is The Dress.  A bunch of factors come in my mind when choosing the one but probably the most overlooked is what type of deodorant will maintain, smell good and not stain the dress.  A huge concern for me would be white deodorant balls!  Future Brides shouldn't have to worry about enjoying the day and dancing the night away - Dove Clear Tone Deodorant can help provide that confidence!  It would be completely horrifying to get pictures back and see chunks of deodorant in a bride's armpit!  

My friend, the newlywed Roxana Farias, shared what was in her Bridal Survival Kit.  The contents are self-explanatory and make complete sense to me!  My Bridal Survival Kit would include cotton swabs to clean up eyeliner and mascara - a survival kit must-have, trust me!  I'm pretty clueless at Weddings but being a woman, cotton swabs when applying and maintaining makeup are as good as gold.

Here's Roxana on her big day looking gorgeous as ever.  Congratulations!

Roxana recommends these items for your Bridal Survival Kit:



My tips are basic but the most important for any Bride's big day:

•  Don't let anyone get you down
•  SMILE!  

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own.