Target's "Pure Energy" Plus Size Line Review

Target has a somewhat revamped plus size line called, "Pure Energy." Naturally, this line comes in items that are not cut well for a plus size shape (surprise).  I went to two (yes two) Target's in my area just to see if there was a variety of items for this line.  Not every store carries the same items, and both locations for me aren't far from each other.  Of course they have the usual suspects, dresses, tops, pants, jeans, blazers, blah blah blah.  Price points? When a top is almost as expensive as a dress, it's okay to skip on this collection.  I really miss the way Target used to be.

My favorite trick now at Target is waiting until their maternity clothes go on sale, and going on a small shopping spree.  My favorite time is when everything is $15 and under.  Their maternity clothes fit a lot better too, and the tops are longer.  Another gem of good news is they mark their stuff down a lot faster lately.  Take advantage of this!

Let me be clear:  not that I think plus size women are shaped like pregnant women, but until plus size retailers understand that just because a woman is plus size, she isn't built like a box, or she actually needs longer sleeves, not a wider midsection - plus size clothes will never fit well.  This also goes for some of those plus size boutiques that sell dresses that look like sausage casing.  Clothing should frame your shape, not squeeze you.

Have you tried this line from Target yet?

Product Review: Eucerin "Professional Repair"

I received the sample in the mail of Eucerin’s Professional Repair lotion.  It’s marked for extremely dry skin, so I used my tiny sample on my elbows and what was left on my heels.  I did not find that it lived up to its name.  My skin on both areas was not any more repaired than when I use my Target store brand lotion that is geared toward dry skin.

The Eucerin product retails around $7 in both powerhouses of Target and Walmart for 6.8 fl oz.  That is just crazy really.  It’s not gold, it’s lotion.  My 32 fl oz bottle of lotion retails around $6, and I get it from Target.   I won’t be making a switch any time soon.  I found something that works great for my winter dry skin.

What are you using that works for your skin?

Best Makeup Remover? Yes

I know I have spent many hours debating on which brand to buy, which is actually worth its price, and if it really removes all the makeup as it claims.  There are different kinds of makeup remover to use.  Some will remove all of your makeup and some specify that it is only used to remove eye makeup.  We all know that it never really removes everything and you may end up with raccoon eyes before you have to wash, and in some cases scrub the stuff off your face.  We've all been there and done it.  I have to share with you a trick I discovered recently.

I'm a Mom so baby wipes are a huge part of my life.  One night, I didn't want to use my usual makeup remover because it tends to sting my eyes.  I figured I'd use a baby wipe because it was there in the bathroom.  I have to say it wiped everything off easily and without irritating my eyes or skin.  When I say everything, I mean, foundation, eyeshadow, eye liner and some mascara.  It doesn't dry out my skin either or cause any kind of reaction.  I still had to use a much smaller amount of my makeup remover on my lashes to get the rest of the mascara when I washed my face but since using less, it helped save my skin and eyes.  It's definitely worth a shot and is cheaper than most makeup remover brands.

The baby wipe brand I buy is Target's store brand unscented wipes.  I use Avon's makeup remover.  I only buy it when they are having a sale on the product.  It's not worth the hefty price tag they put on it.  It's not too effective and gets into your eyes easily, no matter how careful you are with it.  As soon as you do remove your makeup, wash your face with a light cleanser.  I usually use baby body wash because it works very well and doesn't irritate my skin.


What is your favorite way to remove your makeup?

Dear World

    I see you are upset and offended by Target’s choice in name for a color of a dress.  The same store that I obsessively shop in and I’m sure most of you shop in as well.  I want to remind you that the sad reality of the fact that high school never really ends.  You have to find which battles are worth fighting over.  There are still bullies on the playground, and yes, that guy in accounting can be a real dick.  I get it; I experience it and see it for myself every day of my adult life.  The reality is this, you have to stop letting these words hurt.  You are more than a word on a page, no matter how dirty and dark it is.  You are worthy of love, acceptance and happiness.  When the aggressor knows their arrow has stung you, where do you think they are going to strike again?  It’s time to thicken our skin.  

   I’m a plus size woman, and no matter how much I diet and exercise, I will always be in the realm of being plus size.  This label is what I use because I don’t see the dirty in it.  My bones will never shrink my frame down to the size 8 so many women aspire to be.  I’m also tall.  I’m almost 5 ft 8 inches tall.  I’m just me – that’s all I know how to be.  When you learn to love yourself and accept that you are enough for the world, things like being referred to as “fat” will pass over you as casually as someone saying it might rain today.  If you are empowered to get healthy, I commend you on your new life choice and empower you to do it for your own gain, not because someone told you to put down the fork.  Discrimination exists only because we allow it.  Rise above this cloud of stupidity and work on being you in all of your glory.  We need individuals to keep the Earth moving forward, not sheep.  

   If you are deeply offended by this, I want to run and give you the biggest hug!  There are so many people out there who kill themselves over the bullying that goes on, especially when they’re being called “fat” all day at school, work or anywhere.  Please know that you are loved by many people and those who hurt you are hurting the most.  If you feel there is no way out, please talk to someone or talk to me – find an outlet somewhere in your life.  Your life is worth more than their ignorance.  
 

              I love you and you should love you too!