SWIMWEAR FOR CURVIER WOMEN: AMAZON EDITION

I had been on the lookout for some new swimwear and finally found a few I really like! Few months ago, a post by my blogger friend -Jen Nobo had caught my eye. She had mentioned how not to fret that our body was not fitting into last year’s swimwear. Rather just getting new swimwear which fits our bodies. This is the kind of positivity all of us need around us. Let’s not forget that bodies change and we need to be kind to ourselves.

I tried out quite a few swimsuits and some were winners while others were let downs. Sized upto a Medium from my regular Small, as my body has also changed in the past two years. Also to mention that I finally forayed into One-Piece Swimsuits and have been loving it. If you asked me few years ago, if I would buy one-piece swimsuits, I would tell you “No.” I realized that I needed to get over mental-blocks over outfits. I have been enjoying my time at the pool in my new swim suits. Did I mention that every one of them was under $40.

I have linked the exact swimsuits I bought from Amazon! Hopefully you will find one you like. Enjoy Summer. And remember every body is a Summer body!
 

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BROW JOURNEY WITH SASSY FACE KC

 

If there's one beauty regimen that has got more attention with the lockdown situation for over a year, is definitely Brows! With masks in place and everyone staying indoors more, all of us have started concentrating more on our brows or even trying to give ourselves a brow makeover, if I might call it. I am no different. I started a long-awaited brow journey with one of my favorite estheticians in Kansas  City - Summer Serrano of Sassy Face KC! In the picture shared above, I have zero makeup on my face, and my brows are not filled in. Thats just a few months of Brow TLC with Summer. 

I had been wanting to get my brows away from the crazy arch they were in, to be more feathery, wispier, and natural. But it was difficult to see my vision translated as a lot was falling through the cracks. I have known Summer for some time now and decided it was time to hand the reins of my brows to her. Summer specializes in holistic skincare and signature brows. She pays such attention to detail when it comes to listening to her clients, understanding their vision, and finally starting a game plan which is more holistic. 

As I always say, you have to trust the process and you have to trust the professionals. We decided to grow out my brows through the journey, to create something much more suited to my vision. No, I didn't have stick brows of the 90s, nor did I have caterpillars as brows. At the first appointment itself, Summer told me, that the final result would be visible in a year. Was I ready to wait? And I cant tweeze between appointments, no matter the temptation 

Its been quite a few months, as you can see through the pictures. To quote Summer, "less is not always more when it comes to brows!" You can see how much my brows have grown through the appointments. My brows look so full and so good, with a Signature Brow Wax and Tint with Sassy Face KC. My regular brow routine includes filling in the gaps with medium brown(not black) brow powder, then brushing them out with a spoolie, and setting it all with medium brown brow gel. Another trick is to clean up under the brows with a mix of concealer and moisturizer/SPF. to make them look sharper. If you are in the Kansas City metro area, you should check out Sassy Face KC, in Overland Park KC. 

SHOP MY FAVORITE BROW PRODUCTS: 

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SUMMER MOON KC - WOOD-FIRED COFFEE

                     

Toasted over Texas oak! No, I am not talking about barbecue here, but coffee! Confused, right! Summer Moon KC takes their coffee so seriously that they roast their coffee beans over Texas oak! The result is a coffee that is less peaty and more smooth. I have wood-fired steak, wood-fired pizza and now I have tasted wood-fired coffee. That’s what I call culinary artistry, right! 

If you know me well, then you know how much I love my coffee. Spending time to learn about coffee, and sipping on so many brews was clearly one highlight of my weekend.  And it not just roasting over Texas Oak which got my attention piqued, but it was their signature Moon Milk- the sweet cream at Summer Moon KC which is made with some secret ingredients.

My coffee-loving heart must have started a new love story! Did I tell you that it’s just 10 mins from my workplace! If you haven’t yet been to Summer Moon KC, add it your plans soon, as they also have a bunch of Summer special drinks. 

Summer Moon was started by friends and close-knit family in Texas Hill Country with a  goal to create a distinctive coffee experience, that inspires the warmth of cozy evenings under a Summer Moon. From Austin, across locations in Texas, finally, to Kansas City, Summer Moon has definitely created its following. 

Thanks, TKG Agency and Summer Moon KC for an amazing time! 

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EB&CO 'S NEW STORE AT THE PLAZA

                 

I must confess that I have a problem with accessories. I might have lost count of the number of accessories I have, but I just keep adding to my collection. You can understand how excited I was when I was invited to the grand opening of EB&Co at Country Club Plaza, in Kansas City! This is their second brick and mortar location, after the first one in Brookside. If you are not based in KC, then you can always shop online. EB&Co is an amazing accessories boutique by Emily Bordner. Don't I always mention how I shall always support local? Brownie points if they are female-owned! Congrats Emily and Team. 

From earrings to sunglasses, from scrunchies to hair clips, there's something for every accessory lover. Embodying her own sense of style, Emily curates and creates pieces that are unique and trendy.  I am a huge earrings fan, my daughter loves the hair clips! And together we just find a reason to shop from Emily's collections. 

My first introduction to Emily Bordner, was when I received the cutest pair of earrings in a swag bag of Kansas City fashion Week. that was probably 4 or 5 years ago. Its wonderful o see the brand grow and become so popular. I always mention that I love to highlight local girl bosses in my space, and Emily is clearly had to feature. With the pandemic and lockdown, it was so interesting to see how she pivoted her business.

Now that things are slowly happening, it is so nice to attend events. Thanks, KES Studio and EB&Co for having us join the grand opening celebrations. I finally got to try out Strawberry Boba from KC's hot spot - Bruu Cafe. Rather than one large event with maybe 50 people in one room, it was broken up into time slots. really appreciate how brands are planning and executing events, with safety protocols in place. 

I shopped for some new earrings for myself, and a cute gift of a new hair clip for my daughter. I cant wait to style both soon. If you are local to Kansas City, make sure to swing by the new location for EB&Co at the Plaza this weekend, and scope out the special discounts. 

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BAMBOO PENNY'S : EATING OUT

                    

A brand new restaurant just joined the KC food scene Bamboo Penny's. An amazing chef-driven restaurant of Chef Penny Mufuka of  KC Thai fame! It was so much fun to attend the soft opening of the restaurant before it opens its doors to the public this Saturday. We love Thai food and we love Chef Penny! She is one of my favorite boss ladies in town. 

The menu at Bamboo Penny's is a mix of traditional Thai cuisine and contemporary creations from Chef Penny's repertoire. They specialize in bold flavors and fresh ingredients that encompass every color of the rainbow. 

We started our evening with Spicy Pineapple Mules! As a couple, we are huge fans of Moscow Mules, and we often whip it up at home. So it was an interesting take on of our favorites. Little Miss Riii decided on Classic Lemonade. 

For our appetizers, we opted for Moo Tod - Crispy pork bites tossed with garlic Thai spices and fresh herbs! And if I might add, my picky eater voted this as the best dish she has ever had! So much so, that we had to order a second round. 

Fresh Spring Rolls were our next appetizer! Delicate translucent(soft) rice paper wrappers filled with seasoned ground chicken, thin thread bean noodles, crisp lettuce, fresh bean sprouts, heirloom carrots, cucumber, fresh cilantro, and mint leaves. They are served chilled with their signature creamy peanut sauce and crushed peanuts for dipping. 

For our main course, we settled own for our favorites - GaProw, Pineapple Fried Rice, and Pad Thai A la Penny! These are traditional Thai dishes, but we love Chef Penny's flair to them. 

Last but not the least, we ended our meal on a super sweet note with Mango Cheese Cake, Coconut Ice Cream with Fried Banana, and of course Sweet Sticky Rice with Mangoes!

The food was fabulous, and the service was wonderful. It was so much fun to discuss everything from sipping whiskeys to favorites from Thai cuisine. If you thought KC Thai's interiors were instagrammable, wait till you come to Bamboo Penny's! From the wine cave in the entryway to the succulent walls inside, from the orchids and palms to the cool bar area. Not to mention - the Bamboo Room - a Polynesian-inspired rooftop venue that serves up handcrafted cocktails and small plates for the nighttime stargazer or daytime sunseeker! Did I mention the twinkling fairy lights and retractable rooftop? 

We had a wonderful time at Bamboo Penny's ! The restaurant opens to the public on June 12, in Park Place, in Leawood, Kansas.

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