Wow, I can’t believe I’m at the age (or I guess stage) where I actually need a girdle. I’m glad nowadays they refer to these sausage-casing-like garments as “shapewear.” Sounds so much more appealing. And shapewear is available in a wide array of options and styles depending on where your extra fat has landed.

I’ve always been thin and in pretty good shape, and for the most part I’ve gotten my body back, but it still looks like I’m wearing a fanny pack–on the front! So I’ve been looking into different options for smoothing out my style, and here’s one of the best for the money that I’ve come across: The Sensational Shaper by Assets, for $20.

Reviews say it “trims a full inch off waist and hips, and its comfy fit got raves.” It also supposedly eliminates that unflattering “muffin top” at the top of your waist.

Until I can get to the gym more often, I’m going to try it. I’ll let you know if you should buy it.

I don’t know how they got my name, but for the first time in a long time I’m glad I ended up on a mailing list.

A catalog arrived at my house today from a company called Athleta.com (I had never heard of them). I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything in it, from the first page to the last. They have beautiful and unique swimwear (you can mix and match tops and bottoms for the right fit), dresses, coverups, pants and shorts, workout wear, t-shirts… everything is totally my style.

I also like that they have longer tops, tankinis and “skorts” for those of us trying to disguise a little extra weight here and there left over from pregnancy.

Anyway, I wish I could afford to buy the entire collection. I highly recommend checking out their site.