I have done research over the years, and although they did use the color red to signify the shape of the heart back in the beginning days of the old Valentine’s Day cards, the clothes covering depicted by the angels, children and flowers weren’t usually red, and neither were the clothes that people wore at the time, and I’m certain that included their undergarments.
So, you might be wondering, what’s the frenzy with red for Valentine’s Day? Truth be told, marketing and PR gurus make a great living convincing the consumer on behalf of the businesses that they represent; what brands to buy, what colors to wear and what are the new styles and colors for the season, whether they suit their body shape, frame and height among other things.
I’m sure by now you might have figured out why I don’t look for red, but there is more. First, since red is a color that I love and I use in my everyday life, the thought of wearing red for a special occasion doesn’t appeal to me. Also, back in the day when I attempted to buy intimate apparel to fit my bustier size, and of course have panties to match, it was almost always an impossibility to find something. Listen, I’m not talking about buying the cheap and frilly baby dolls with scratchy bottoms to match. Oh no, those are not for me, or the cutesy one-piece romper of body suit that was either too small or too big for my height and frame, I always felt like I was in a tug of war attempting to wear those. Yes, I know it’s supposed to be only for show, but not for this girl. Lastly, by the time I did find something that fit nicely, and had bottoms to match, the final purchase was hardly ever red.
Instead, from my experience, here are a few suggestions:
Lastly, set the intention to enjoy the hunt of searching, trying and buying the perfect intimate apparel piece that will make you feel extra sexy and beautiful, ultimately, this is for the most special person in your life, and that is YOU! ~Frances
]]>As I watched the events of the day unfold, and especially reading the comments of some of the people that I know that are on social media, I’m truthfully surprised and saddened. Many boasted and talked about inclusion and diversity, yet spew hatred to those that do not think like them (meaning didn’t vote like them).
In my close to 30 years of military service (I'm now retired), my main concern with the person standing next to me either in our headquarters office or in a deployment was: do they know their job and can they save my life or the life of my shipmates, if needed? I’m positive they thought the same way. I cannot speak about all my fellow service members, but I can say with almost complete certainty that they didn’t think, “he/she is a (insert political party), I don’t trust them to save my life.”
I was fortunate enough to serve under five presidents, three republicans (14 years) and 2 democrats (16 years). In all my years in the military serving with people of all walks of life from this country to include: race, economic status, gender and nationality, and serving under both parties, I’ve never seen the extreme vitriol of hate that I have seen this last year and now amplified today.
Whether or not I liked the Commander-in-Chief, I respected the office that they represented. Furthermore, I prayed diligently for them. As service-members, we are very much aware that this is the person that can keep our country and allies at peace or send us to war. The President, Vice President and Congress, are the people that decide if this country can bare signing a check inked with blood with the names of our military members. You better believe I was praying for the office that person represented, regardless of political party affiliation. President Biden, I’m praying for you and your family.
Vice President Harris, Ma’am, I’m praying for you as well. I pray that you are covered in wisdom, health, protection and truth and that the people that serves with you and around you, serve you with dignity and respect. As a Hispanic woman, I know the struggles that being a first represents either for myself or watching my colleagues be a first as well. I had the amazing honor of personally knowing and being mentored by the “first” 4-Star female selected to be an Admiral in the Navy, ADM Michelle Howard. She was not only the first women appointed to this position, she was also black. For those that believe that women are not breaking the proverbial “glass ceiling,” truly look around to women in the military.
Being in the military, I have seen many women from all walks of life be the “first,” at many things, so their triumphs and struggles are not foreign to me. Although sometimes slow coming, women in the military have achieved many firsts and climbed to the pinnacle of their chosen career field.
Madam Vice President, my respect for you, and (by the way), I love your personal classy yet humble style, I can relate to you! I applaud you for being the strong woman that you are, and yet human; however, still moving forward regardless of circumstances and life challenges.
If we truly want love, unity and inclusion, we need to start acting and speaking those words. Out of the heart, the mouth speaks! ~Frances
One thing I have learned in my many years on this earth and especially serving in the military is that life on this earth was created with a high level of uncertainty on purpose, yet, human nature tends to want to move in certainty.
Although we like the convenience of certainty, it keeps us in the comfort zone, hindering our growth in life and experiencing life to the fullest, more importantly, it keeps us from walking in faith.
Tomorrow is never promised, nor will we know when the end is going to come, therefore, learn to live life in uncertainty, you will learn to appreciate every single day regardless of what life sends your way. You will live differently, you will love differently, you will die differently! ~Frances
Her love for vintage clothes (one of the reasons I fell in love with lingerie), and her vibrant personality is a delight to watch.
Although I have to admit I’m not as extravagant as her, you have to love her “joie de vivre” in her @catherinedlish robe, and as a lover of beautiful lingerie, I appreciate her willingness to share her sexy at any age. ~Frances
Lingerie is not only for Valentine’s Day, it’s for every day women.
Traveling is not only going from point A to B, although many people experience life that way. For others, traveling means creating new possibilities, to see the world with new eyes, with wonder and awe. To get inspired and to explore life with new meaning, it’s using the senses to experience new cultures, new places regardless if It’s a 4-hour drive or 18-hour flight.
It’s about allowing yourself to open all your senses for exploration; mentally, spiritually, and physically. Imagination can take us to many places, but only traveling allows us to merge imagination with reality. Allow life to be a road wide open, full of exploration, and travels to new horizons. Let’s hit the road and let's start this New Year ready to explore! ~Frances
Photo: Oyster Farm @ Kings Creek, Cape Charles, VA.