Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be posting pictures of myself in swimwear, on the internet, especially after having a baby. When we started getting ready for our recent beach trip, the all too familiar feeling started to creep in. That feeling where you could almost throw up just thinking about trying swimsuits on... the WORST!

This time around though, I made a decision. I decided that I'm not going to be that person anymore. The one who scowls and gets nauseous at the sight of herself in the mirror. Sure, before I had my daughter I was 30 pounds smaller, working out daily, and eating super clean. And yeah, I still haven't adjusted to getting that lifestyle back after having a baby (and she's 1.5 now).

But you know what? Who. Freaking. Cares.

You guys... I spent my whole life being self conscious in a swimsuit. I skipped my friends' pool parties because of it. I spent my summers hoping no one would invite me to their pool. I stayed anxious throughout my entire beach trips growing up. How ridiculous is that?

I am determined to not let this be my daughter. And in order to teach her self confidence, I need to be confident within myself.

So when we went to the beach, it was tempting to stay covered up the whole time as I chased her endlessly. It would have been easy to worry that people were watching.

But... I didn't. For the first time in my life, I didn't care who was watching. I was there for one reason, and one reason only: to have fun with my kid at the beach. And we had a helluva good time.

I think we, as women, put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect and do it all. Often times I have to take a step back and look at what is really important.

I am sharing this is for everyone out there who may be feeling insecure. It doesn't matter how small or big you are, or whether or not you're a Mom... it's something we ALL FEEL. Insecurity sucks and it's an unnecessary vessel of anxiety, stress, and depression. I can only hope that by reading this you will find comfort in knowing that you aren't alone, and you too can find freedom in loving yourself.

Loving yourself is hard. It's a struggle I have every day. But by embodying that sort of love, I hope I can teach my daughter to love herself as well.

All of this to say, I had to get a new swimsuit this season because the only ones I had in my dresser were bikinis (no, thank you though) or maternity (I mean, I could if I wanted to but nahhh)! Shopping for swimwear can be ROUGH --- especially if you're not into rocking a string bikini, but you also don't want to look like a grandma on the beach (no offense Granny Pearl).

So here's what I did: I sat down and ordered a million different brands of tankinis and swimsuits that might be flattering. At the last moment, I put an order through on Target online and said a prayer that at least one of these suits would look good.

When all of the suits arrived, there was one brand that really stood out to me: Sea Angels from Target. Beyond their really flattering cuts and styles, the print and fabric that they use are just way above the mark in plus size swimwear. I was so impressed!

There are other companies that make "just okay" swimwear that never fits right or feels sloppy, or it might fit okay but then the print is just awful. I know that I can't be the only one that feels this way!!

I've had the opportunity to collaborate with Sea Angels to show you THREE of the suits I am loving! I've linked each of these suits for you to shop exclusively from Target online! These suits come in regular, plus, as well as maternity. At the bottom of each look you will see the links to the exact suits. Click here to look at the entire Sea Angels collection, and click here to follow them on Instagram. I'm so happy to be partnering with a company that takes pride in creating great swimwear for all shapes & sizes.

Before you scroll through and look, I just want you to know that this is for ALL of the women out there who are feeling insecure. It doesn't matter how small or big you are, or whether or not you're a Mom... it's something we ALL FEEL. I can only hope that by reading this you will find comfort in knowing that you aren't alone, and you too can find freedom in loving yourself.

LOOK 1:

I love the peplum top because it is flattering on my stomach. I opted for black high waisted full coverage bikini bottoms to help keep everything in place. I'm wearing a 1X in both bottoms and top.

GET THIS LOOK:

LOOK 2:

This is a super cozy one piece. The lace neckline + halter top tie is my favorite! I'm wearing a 1X.

GET THIS LOOK: (sunnies are sold out, but I will alert you when they're restocked)!

LOOK 3:

Here is the same peplum tankini top but in a different print. I love the bright colors of this one, and again... so flattering! I wore it with the same black bottoms as before, but they sell a matching bottom to this as well! I'm wearing a 1X in bottoms and top.

GET THIS LOOK:

*Swimwear c/o Sea Angels Kendra Scott jewelry c/o Kendra Scott Atlanta. I love these brands & all opinions are my own.*

I DECIDED TO LOVE MY MOM BOD & HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED