When you hear confessions, you think of this:

Clearly that is not what we mean! 


We mean something like this:

Confessions of 30something is a blog for you and about you!  
We would love for you to join us in this venture to build a community of like-minded women who support each other through our confessions about love, life, beauty, fitness, health, babies and everything in between.

We would love for you to become a guest blogger on any one of our features.  

We would love our fellow bloggers to begin this venture with us! 


If you are about creeping away from your 20s and into your 30s and even passed it....and interested in this new venture send us an email to confessions30@gmail.com CONFESSIONS30[at]GMAIL.COM


No worries, age is just a number...read Be Inspired Monday to find about more confessions on this phrase!

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: And the Award Goes To...

This award was so unexpected but greatly appreciated! And so on this Fitness, Food & Fun Friday i thought we would have some fun and share a little about myself!

The award was presented to us by the lovely Life with Twins & a Drama Queen.

We love her blog and the title too!

And of course there are questions that go along with the Butterfly Blog!

Questions:

Name your favorite color-

Black

Name your favorite song-

That's impossible, I have to many!

Name your favorite dessert-

Flan!

What wizzes you off-

When people are fake.

When you’re upset you-

Clean!

Your favorite pet-

Black or white-

Black

Your biggest fear-

Not sure I have one.

Name your favorite color-

Yellow

Name your favorite song-

Anything fun and funky..but currently my wedding song:
Man and Wife by Michelle Featherstone!

Name your favorite dessert-

CHOCOLCATE!

What wizzes you off-

anyone that is annoying!

When you’re upset you-

Get real quiet!

Your favorite pet-

honestly i don't like pets! maybe a fish

Your biggest fear-

something terrible happening to someone i know or me

best feature-

my smile

Everyday attitude-

i am blessed and God is good!

What is perfection-

God

Guilty pleasure-
blogging--
it used to be reality TV and celebrity sites!


Hope you've learned a little something about moi!
Now confess so i can know something about you...


What is your guilty pleasure?
Or something you want to share about yourself?

Wednesday Fashion Item: The Wedding Dress

Two years before getting married I put together a list of things I wanted from my dress. Simplicity, elegance and timelessness. A dress that after twenty years I would like to wear and my children would be proud I wore for my wedding.

After trying on many already made dresses, I decided to design my own, because it was going to be one dress, one wedding. I still love my wedding dress. I adore it! It is also the most expensive fashion item I've ever owed. I wish I have a picture which makes the dress justice.

30th July 2005June 2010
After five years - 1 month, I could still fit the dress but the loose parts were filled in, WOW!

I still have it and hope it becomes a family heirloom. I LOVE my wedding dress.

How about you? Do you still love your wedding dress? Why did you choose it? (We would like to see your wedding dress, please post a link to the dress :). Do you hope it becomes a family heirloom? Do you know which type of dress you would like to wear for your wedding?

Please ladies, confess about your wedding dress :).

Be Inspired Monday: "... Enjoy your life and travel the world."

There was a time in my life that I wanted to have a boyfriend just like my friends. I didn't tell anyone, but when one guy started to pursue me, my elder brother took me aside and said "Don't rush into a relationship. Enjoy your life and travel the world." After those thoughtful words I still wanted to have a boyfriend. But the guy who was on my case was not the one I wanted, my heart was not there for him. Plus, I really thought I was too young. The thing that appealed to me was traveling the world.

That year, 1999, in the winter I left Italy for the USA for the first time. I bought my first ticket and instead of landing in New York I booked the flight for Newark, it was cheaper and, in my mind, it was so close to NY. When I got there it was expensive to take a bus from the airport to NY. I had to wait at the airport for hours, without money! But finally my mum managed to contact her friend who I've never met to come and get me. It was a great adventure because I met this wonderful woman.

One day, at her house her five year-old girl told her three-year old brother: "Sorry is a beautiful word to say." Those words from the little girl were so inspiring, because as a proud person I tend never to go back on my decision or say sorry easily. But I learnt from that little girl that winter!

The following year, around the same time, I went to Britain - London to be exact. I saw one of the actresses in Love Actually, a true British sweetheart. What an experience! I was also brave for the first time to ask random people to take pictures of me because I went sightseeing by myself while my auntie and uncle were at work.

After all these experiences I felt a bit wiser than some of my friends.  If on one hand they were matured due to their love relationships, I was matured due to my knowledge of having seen the world.  And possibly i was wiser to know which boy was right to be my boyfriend!

All this rant just to say that, if you are in a stage of your life in which you feel like you haven't achieved what most of your friends are achieving, don't fret. Your time will come, but in the meantime listen to my wise brother: "Don't rush...Enjoy your life and travel the world!"

Confess ladies, where is the most fun place you have traveled?

And what did you learn about yourself in the process?



Fitness, Food, Fun Friday: Botox Anyway?

I am not suggesting that ladies in their twenties, thirties, forties and fifties and beyond should think about botox.  I believe natural is beautiful but it's our duty to educate about all things health, fitness, food and fun on fridays.  Hence the botox subject is meant to be fun and informative.  Plus it makes for a good conversation starter!

What is Botox?
Botox comes from a kind of bacteria.  The bacteria can make you very sick.  But doctors have found a chemical in Botox can also help teat some health problems.  They have been using it safetly for many years.

How Was this Found?
Food Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox to treat problems with the eye muscle.  Doctors noticed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. 

How Does Botox work?
Wrinkles may be caused when a muscle tightens.  Botox is injected through the skin into the muscle.  The botox keeps the muscle from tightening.  When the muscle can't tighten, the wrinkle doesn't show as much.

What! You can't move your muscles?
A doctor trainted in the use of botox will inject small amounts of Botox into the muscle.  Only the treated muscle can't move.

What happens over time?
Botox works for about four months.  As the muscle returns to normal, you will see the wrinkle again.

Are there any side effects?
Side effects may include: droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks; feeling like you have the flu; headaches and upset stomach, risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with Botox, if used the right away
(this will make me runaway from Botox!)

Remember Botox is a drug, not a cosmetic!

What Should i do if i want to try Botox?

• Ask about how Botox could help or hurt you.
• Make sure your doctor id trained in the use of Botox
• Make sure you get treatment in a dcotor's office or clinic
• Botox parties are not safe.  Never share a tube of Botox.
• Emergency equipment should be on hand in case of a problem
• Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Do not use if you are breast feeding.
• Tell your doctors if you are taking antibiotics
• Tell your doctor if you have any problmes with nerves or muscles

What else should i know about Botox?
Botox is only approved to treat wrinkles between the eyebrows
Botox is only approved for people 18-65 years old.  It has not been tested in other age groups.

Confess ladies and help someone else: Have you ever thought about trying Botox?
Have you ever had Botox? Was it effective?

(All the information comes from Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

http://www.fda.gov/fda/features/2002/402_botox.html

http://fda.gov/womens

Wednesday Fashion Item: Every Lady is Allowed A Bad Fashion Day, Right?

A girlfriend sent me this picture and I wanted to share with you.

I love vintage clothing and style. I also know that 90's fashion is coming back making me feel old. But I was speechless when I saw this lady's style. I just thought about the Spice Girls. Then I wondered if it is style or bad fashion sense, because every lady is allowed a bad fashion day, right? Even Victoria Beckham had hers and I for sure had mine in the past.

Have you ever had a bad fashion day? How would you describe your style? Do you remember 90s fashion?

Please confess on TC30s :).

Guest Blogger: Secret Beauty Tip for The Summer

Hi Ladies! I am so glad that I’ve been asked to contribute to TC30s today. Although I’m not quite 30 yet I still have something that I can confess. Is that OK with you all? Yeah? Well, let’s get started!

I confess that I don’t wear foundation in the summer! GASP! I know-a makeup fanatic that skips the most essential part of makeup application. I should be slapped! Well, guess what? It’s not completely a crime. What’s even better is that you can do it too. Guilt free.

With all of the heat and humidity in the summer it’s nice to let your skin breathe. What was once a makeup crime is now totally encouraged during the hot days of summer. Instead of buffing in my Makeup Forever HD Foundation or brushing on my Smashbox Healthy FX, I say “to heck with it!” Instead, I choose one of the following options to present a flawless complexion while also allowing my skin to enjoy more oxygen.

• Tinted moisturizer: Tinted moisturizer is a great alternative to foundation. It’s light, hydrates my skin but also adds a tad bit of color to liven me up. There are so many amazing tinted moisturizers out there. Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizers are a favorite among many makeup lovers.
  

MONEY SAVING TIP: Make your own tinted moisturizer. Take a very small amount of your favorite liquid foundation along with your daily moisturizer and mix the two.

OR

• Light powder: Sometimes when I’m really in a rush my MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Natural becomes my best friend. Although my skin is typically dry, during the summer I get an oily T-zone. A quick dusting of powder is the perfect fix. It’s light but also warms my complexion. Powder works especially well for those with oily skin.
  

After deciding on my foundation alternative, one of the most important steps to achieving a flawless foundation-free face is using concealer. I brighten my under eye area, always being sure to set the concealer with powder (I prefer a slightly lighter highlighting powder). Of course, after this step I go on applying the rest of my makeup (blush, lip color, etc.,) as normal.

So there you have it ladies, a confession and an alternative to your daily foundation routine. Give it a try. Your face will thank you!

Brandi @Home Team Dreams

___________________________

Brandi, thank you so much for contributing this wonderful post. Ladies don't forget stop her personal blog to read more on make-up tips. Let her know TC30s sent you to confess :).

Until next,

Try Brandi's trick and keep your skin foundation free for the summer ;)!

Be Inspired Monday: Let Love Rule

Do you remember Lenny Kravitz's tune?


Kravitz sings "We have to take a stand."

But who is not affraid to love and take that stand?

I was. I was one of those who measured her love, meaning I gave myself away little by little. I didn't open up my heart totally because that meant losing myself. Then something changed. I met a guy, initially I was scared to let my love show, but something pushed me to let go of my fears. I cried the first time my lips uttered the I LOVE YOU words. I cried because it was my heart melting for this guy. Later in the years, my friends teased me because I was living a long distance romance, but I didn't mind because the way he loved me back was inspiring and gave life to my soul. I did let LOVE rule. I took a stand, it was due to that letting go of my fear of LOVING that I can say this year we celebrated our 10 years together. 4 years dating and 6 year married. And our first baby on the way.

{via}

True love can inspire people to improve their personalities and way of life. The kind of love that gives life doesn't close the door on your face when you most need it. It lifts you up.  Some people run when they find themselves front of it. But you have to let fear stand aside and Let Love Rule.

Today's Be Inspired Monday is about loving and letting yourself fall in love without fearing what tomorrow brings. It is about loving the one you love without fearing she or he might be the one to let your world crumble under your feet. Because you never know when true love comes knocking on the door of your heart.

Have you ever stopped loving because you were scared of what tomorrow might bring?
Are you living your best love story because you listened to your heart?

Please confess on TC30s.

Be Inspired Monday.

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: Get a Check Up!

It is important to get regular check-ups in all ages but especially as we approach our thirties. Our bodies are changing more than ever i believe in our thirties. Last week, we spoke about the importance of bone health. This week we will look at getting regular checkups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and other vital signs to maintain a healthy body and life.

If we are able to deal with problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, cancers, or high blood pressure early then treatment is most effective and less damaging to the body. We need to encourage each other to get regular annual check-ups for everything. From the external to the internal parts of our bodies.

I believe that a regular annual check up saved my life. If i had not gone in for my annual check-up, i wouldn't have found out that i had a lump in my thyroid that were cancerous. Going in for a check up was an early preventative measure for me. They were able to remove the cancer and now i am living my life, without a thyroid, but i am healthy and alive!

Ladies, we never really what is going on in our bodies hence why we need to get our regular check-ups!

Confess ladies, when was the last time you went in a for a medical check-up?

If not recently, please schedule one TODAY!

Wednesday Fashion Item: My Pregnant Belly Rocking Pre-pregnancy Pencil Dress

Unless you decide by choice to hide your pregnancy, the days of the tent-like maternity clothing are history. These days you can buy maternity clothing which can show off your beautiful growing belly. But if, like me, you don't have lot of money you can still rock the belly by going through your old wardrobe.

So far I’ve managed to wear my old jeans and tops without feeling uncomfortable. In fact it makes me happy to know that I can still wear my old jeans and skirts at 21 weeks. For obvious reasons I have to leave them unbuttoned, with a belly band on top.

Today, for a change, I decided to try on one of my old work dress. It does fit.
I am a stay-at-home-something (because I write although I don't get paid yet, lol), so I don't walk around the house in my high heels. I take them off and just rock in the dress, in front at the computer or the oven.
You don't have to be rich to rock your bump!

Did you use your pre-pregnancy clothing while pregnant? Would you use them?

Be Inspired Monday: The Model...

Looking up to a model for inspiration can sound superficial, but we have to remember that models are human beings. Some are good, some are bad and some are ugly.

I've watched many documentaries about how magazines brush up models to make them look perfect, skinny and flawless, while in real life some look horrible without make up. What makes them stand out is their heights. Today I want to talk about how Gisele Bundchen inspires me.

{via}

First thing to point out is that Gisele doesn't inspire me physically because I was not created like her and I never want to be like her. She inspires me when it comes to healthy living.

In an interview the journalist asked her "Do you or have you ever worried about your weight?"

She answered "Not about my weight, no. But my health is very important to me, and I try to eat well and exercise because I know that has an impact on my body and health." I don't think is a crime to care about your health. We shouldn't worry too much about the weight but about how we feel in our bodies. Gisele points out that she takes care of her well being. Some models, to play the perfect model image, would simply say they eat everything and they are still perfectly thin.

She also said that when she was younger she used to eat a lot of fast food and meat. But now that she is older she likes foods that give her energy. A person could never be healthy if all she cares about is to eat fast food and packets of crisp.

When it comes to how she kept fit through her pregnancy she said "I did kung fu until two weeks before Benjamin was born, and yoga three days a week... I was mindful about what I ate,..." She gave birth naturally and she is proud of that because natural birth is empowering. I believe in that philosophy too. She was a great advocate for breastfeeding and she managed to get back into shape thanks to her mindful active pregnancy "I think is muscle memory," and yoga in her living room. When Claudia Schiffer was asked the same question she answered "I lost the baby weight by breastfeeding." Really ladies, do you believe the sole action of breastfeeding your baby can help you shed the whole baby weight? I don't think so. I am mindful about what I eat and I try to keep fit because I would like a natural birth.

I remember reading an interview of Gisele Bundchen in the early 2000, in this interview she said that in ten years from then she saw herself married with a family. The girl had a wish and she worked towards. Now she is a mother who is passionate about breastfeeding. She doesn't try to be a super woman infact she confessed that she is still trying to find "... the balance between being a mum, a wife, [an eco-activist] and businesswoman.

In everything we do there is a need of balance. Our health and dreams are closely related to how we can find a rhythm that works for each one of us. We should not be scared to let people know that sometimes is difficult to achieve the balance but we should not forget to enjoy each minute of our lives. Trust our intuition, because the more we believe in ourselves the more this will empower us. Each minute spent to achieve our dreams will built up that dream.

Her words inspire me to live the best time of my life as I approach the older age signed by 30s.

We can start by designing a goal we want to reach by the end of each week. My aim for this week is to write about 3000 words for my story, because every little count.

What is your goal for this week. Please share with us.

I hope this post will inspire you reach it. Love yourself, love your intuition and be empowered.

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please let us know in a comment if you are interested.

Fitness, Food & Fun Friday: Strong Bones in Your 30s...

I was reading articles on Livestrong.com, this is Lance Armstrong's website, which has amazing information on everything health related.  I mean he is doing a wonderful job with it!  I came across a website about taking care of your bones in your thirties! I thought you might enjoy this and find it helpful.

1. Value Your Health

While it's great to think about preserving your body's health into old age, your thirties are also a time to enjoy your current level of health. By valuing what you have now--strong bones, a high retention of nutrients and the resultant high energy level--you can help prevent osteoporosis and other conditions related to aging. Most people know that calcium is vital to maintaining bone strength and strive to get plenty of calcium in their diets. However, ingesting substances or engaging in behavior that blocks the absorption of calcium and other nutrients can be just as detrimental to your bones as not getting enough calcium in the first place. Excessive dieting and eating disorders have been found to deplete calcium reserves in the body. Treat anorexia or bulimia and diet to lose weight only for short periods of a couple weeks at a time.

2. Treat Yourself With Coffee, Chocolate or Wine

Instead of focusing on cutting things out of your diet, change your attitude about what you include. Caffeine, alcohol and high-phosphorus items, such as red meats and fizzy drinks, should be consumed in limited quantities. Use coffee, chocolate, wine or other risky foods or beverages as special pleasures for when you celebrate. Having one or two cups of coffee or an alcoholic or carbonated drink or two will become treats to be savored rather than forbidden favorites.

3. Work Out Regularly

Lots of people exercise to prevent heart disease or to keep their weight down, but regular exercise also contributes to healthy bones. A hallmark of osteoporosis is the fracture of a wrist, hip or backbone. These are just as important to avoid as heart attacks or obesity. Experts recommend three to four sessions of weight-bearing exercise for about 45 minutes each. This can include jogging, tennis, hiking or stair climbing. In addition, strength training, such as lifting weights or using resistance banding, a couple times a week is also beneficial. A comprehensive exercise program reduces stress, maintains energy levels and keeps bones fit.

These are some great suggestions. They are not restrictive which i think is fantastic.  It's always helpful to have some fun with food while taking care of your fitness!

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/7961-maintain-strong-bones-thirties/#ixzz1RNGGvvhz

Be Inspired Monday: America's Glorious Fourth

Everyone wants to experience America for one reason or the other.

In the course of history, America has given ground on which people who escape brutal wars and life threatening situations can stand up and build up a better future. For many people America is the land in which every ethinicity can express their individuality. A land in which all dreams can come true.

New York is one big example of diverse culture and the saying such as if you can make it here you can make it anywhere rings true for many people!

America has always been the land of history in the making. In 2008, this land changed the face of its own history forever (with the election of President Obama).  From that moment onward people started to believe in their own dreams, to believe in the possibility that incredible changes can happen to their lives if they work hard and believe enough. But the history of 2008 was the thread of a long march of history and it is still ongoing.

But as in everthing, America is not always perfect, because even in todays new face of history, sometimes the American Dream is cut short for a group of people due to their beliefs, race or sexual orientation.

We are not American but there are many American people who inspire us to work for a better future for myself, my family and the world. A future of equality, freedom and justice.
We chose 'A More Perfect Union' speech by President Barack Obama because nobody can succeed alone in life's endevours. It is through collaboration that everyone can achieve a better future. Discriminattion breaks the chance for a person to prospere in all areas of life. A perfect union allows one another to enrich their life heritage.

3.17minutes into the speech
"We cannot solve the challenges of our time
unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding
that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for our children and grandchildren."

President Barack Obama, 2008

We hope that as the day of independence proceeds on, we can remember that independence should be allowed to all people. We have to stand and celebrate but also remember that we still have a long march if we want to achieve a "more just, more equal, more free and more caring" world.

Moving moving moving...at home!

In thinking about MsBP recent move to Canada, which I am stocked up because that's my home! And this weekend being 4th of July, i thought i would speak about where we all call home even when we've moved many many times in the past.

Does a home mean you are home.  Or does family mean you are home? 

I have never liked change but since college I have moved houses, apartments, cities and now countries way too many times to count. Of all the moves, the most important thing I have learned about myself is "home is truly where your heart is!" 

Most of the time it is not about the physical space but who is around you as you are moving.  It can be a friend, a family member and in the case of MsBP, her hubby! Moving to the US was definitely made easier because I had my now husband and best friend here.  Home is definitely where you live with your loved ones .

As we celebrate those that helped shape the US homeland and gave us our freedoms, let us remember that our home is where our loved ones are.

Happy July 4th and Canada's Day!

Do you guys agree that home is where your loved ones are?