When it comes to accomplishments most successful people who have realized their dreams have two things in common. They have a strong belief that “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” (Courtesy of Oprah). And in planning or changing of plans, their end results were always in their consciousness and having their eye on the prize.

While I’m clearly very comfortable with my body, I’ve had my fair share of weight struggles that have helped me define the healthy body I am happy with. I’ve been a size 0 but only after a period of my childhood where I was content on wearing a T-shirt at the pool. And on both of those spectrums I was clearly unhealthy. As an adult, I’ve reached my range of healthy weight but I still have goals. With 2012, in full force, some of my previous goals has resurfaced with vigor. One passion is my wish for my own set of Janet Jackson abs- “Pleasure Principle” anyone?. Now, my friends all know my love for Ms. Jackson (And let’s throw Jennifer Lopez in that category of strong, sexy & feminine too) but some may not know my love for her sculpted abs. And while I doubt I’ll be sporting a 8-pack in a year and forever, I do know that my “dream body” has potential to be my “real body” at this point in my life.

Having a variety of friends and family with different weight struggles has shown me the variety of reasons and motivations that people use as tools to achieve their weight-goals. But also the “triggers” that serve as reminders to keep us conscious of our goals. I have no wedding dress to fit in, pageant to prep for, baby I just delivered, or a hubby coming home from deployment. I don’t want to keep a poster of Jackson on my wall because while I love her abs, I still love my body and want to look like me. But I know what I want to wear this time next year. Right now hanging outside my closet until I find the perfect shadow box, I have a C.Miya Swim bikini to serve as my daily reminder my weight & fitness goals. I have a partner-in-crime working on her goals as well and have told myself I’m sporting this bikini next year for my Christmas Card whether I’m ready or not, so I might as well be ready. 

The bikini from C.Miya Swim is in the beautiful and floral “Keytoe” on a luxuriously nude fabric with black trim (See above photo courtesy of C.Miya Swim). The incredible choice of swimsuits that truly embody what I believe all women want in swimwear. The range of swimwear offers unique designs and excellent craftsmanship with a knowledgeable and personable designer at the helm of it all. From my shopping experience with CaraMiya, I would recommend her work to any of my friends and family. I loved that I was able to communicate with her my measurements and needs; I have some curves and I also am deathly afraid of spillage. I also appreciated for some reason that CaraMiya makes her suits in Maui which just like my fondness of Kooey in Australia, I think it’s good for any designer particularly ones that creates pieces you will be active in to understand the elements you’re up against. I won’t just be swimming in my pool, I’m going to be pounded by mother nature’s waves on the North Shore or Oahu, some swimming in the pool, then maybe a little volleyball. When I tried on my piece it fit perfect especially with the side-ties on the bottoms which didn’t cut into my skin. I also was able to do frog leaps to test the coverage without any spills or crazy bunching (I had her add a halter straps to help with my ‘top-heavy’ concerns)- AHmazed! Being able to tweak things in a suit that you are going to wear is beyond amazing because you end up with a product that not only fits you, but also a bikini you feel comfortable and beautiful in. Shop at C. Miya Swim or ‘Like’ some great designs on Facebook.