When Lands’ End approached me about reviewing one of their swimsuits AND posting a photo of myself in the swimsuit for National Swimsuit Confidence Week, I was a little hesitant. I didn’t think in a gazillion years that I would do such a thing, but the more I thought about the message of having confidence with my body, the more it became appealing.
Like many mothers, my body hasn’t been the same since having children. I lived most of my life very thin and scrawny, so having a real woman’s body (i.e. curves) post-baby was a strange adjustment for me. In many ways I loved my more feminine self, but I still had (and have) major hangups on certain areas like my stomach, thighs, and hips. While I’m not giving up on improving these areas, I’m over beating myself up about it. This is me. Amy.
Choosing a swimsuit from Lands’ End was difficult, as they have a HUGE selection. I wanted a style that would mask my pooch, but not completely cover up my body. I found a great compromise with the Living Paisley Print Bandeau Tunic Swimsuit Top that had drawstrings to adjust coverage, as well as removable straps for different styles. For the bottoms, I chose a traditional bottom with tummy control in the matching pink. I liked that I could choose an actual size and not just a bra size like so many retailers do these days. (one being Macy’s)
When I first tried on the suit, I was in love with the bright colors (which I normally stay away from) and the versatility of the suit. The bottoms were true to size, but the “tummy control” didn’t go up the torso quite as high as I would have liked, so there was still flab hanging over the top. The top fit perfect in the bust area, but was a little baggier than expected in the tummy area which made me a look more full. Don’t get my wrong, it is a super cute suit, I just wish a couple of the elements were tweaked for my body type.
So…. on to the best part, the pic. My husband helped me out with the shoot. We took about 50 shots before I found something I was happy with. I wasn’t going for sultry, sexy, or smoldering. That is not me. Instead, I wanted fun and unique. Enjoy.

Ta-da! I bet you didn’t know I could surf, did ya?
Are you ready to show off your swimsuit confidence? Learn more about the program, including ways to win Lands’ End prizes, by clicking here. See a special Mom Spark giveaway below!
LANDS’ END GIVEAWAY
We are giving away a $100 Lands’ End Gift Card to one lucky Mom Spark reader!
HOW TO ENTER (REQUIRED)
To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment telling us what you love best about your body!
EARN SEVERAL EXTRA ENTRIES (OPTIONAL)
You can earn extra entries by doing the following. Please leave a separate comment for each action:
- Follow @LandsEndPR on Twitter.
- Follow @MomSpark on Twitter.
- Like LandsEnd on Facebook.
- Like Mom Spark on Facebook.
- Blog about this giveaway.
- Become a subscriber of Mom Spark. Subscribe here.
- Become a forum member.
- Follow Mom Spark on Google Friend Connect. (see the footer of blog)
- Subscribe to our newsletter.
- Tweet about this giveaway daily (you can tweet using the box below):
THE FINE PRINT
Giveaway ends Monday, May 30, 2011 at midnight CST. USA residents only, please. One winner will be randomly selected. Good luck!
DISCLOSURE – I received a Lands’ End swimsuit in return for this giveaway and promotion. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.
photo & editing credit: Ryan Bellgardt















Since The Boy was born, my body has changed a bit. I now have hips! I find this exciting because I’ve always been very slim…and scrawny!
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My eyes
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I LOVE my body- recently lost 50 lbs and this year I am wearing shorts and darn proud of it…I love my body because it is a great gift
Love your post! And I love that my body if finally getting back in shape after 2 kids a decade ago! Yes, I’m slow, but better late than never!
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Amy I LOVE this photo of you, how cute! Let’s see what do I love about my body? I love my arms
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Right now, I have some extra pounds but it is not to bad.
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I love my waist best because I don’t seem to gain a lot of weight there. My thighs and butt, however, are another story!
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I love that body is getting back into shape. It’s getting stronger!
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