Around here, we embrace the bikini body, especially for the fellow long torso friends. But as much love as I have for the bikini, tankini and all their ‘ini friends, sometimes I want something more. I want to be able to move freely, without concern for what I’m wearing and any potential ‘cup runneth over’ moment. So often, that means I’m reaching for a one-piece swimsuit. Something that will give me the coverage to jump, reach and play hard without worrying that your bits and pieces will giggle free. The kind of togs you can wear to the beach to body surf, the pool for aqua aerobics or around small children who love to expose a boob while clinging on for dear life.
The always dependable, granny knickers of the water; a one-piece swimsuit.
The good news is that in opposition to your granny pants, you don’t have to forgo looks for your swimwear performance. Long gone are the days when you only had a black or navy speedo (there’s still one in the mix below, for old times sake, haha) to choose from when it came to plus-size one-piece swimsuits. I started looking for something recently and found dozens and dozens of options.
For this post, I’ve tried to focus on the type of suits that would give you a little more support and coverage for an active moment. But if you want that stomach coverage and are into showing off a little more boob or bum, there are plenty more options from most of these retailers to show some more skin. Speaking of which, I noticed that cutouts are having a moment (still?). The swimwear brands theme seems to be to do what you want, wear what you like and enjoy your summer. Now that’s a message I can get behind!
Here are some plus-size one-piece swimsuits I found that are available online now;
Suger’s Summer content has been a light on the ground in the past year or two. It used to be a little more of a thing around here. A function of not being that motivated to create, I suppose. But something about the warm days and long afternoons has inspired me. And what is more inspiring than a cocktail? Something bright and fun, refreshing and light. Something with gin!
I’m not normally a gin drinker. My maternal grandmother apparently was, but from her down we found ourselves to be a wee bit too emotional if we were partaking in gin. Who knows if that’s a real thing, but all the very scientific evidence seems to suggest it is. Anyway, I tend to avoid gin in favour of my favourite child, vodka. But earlier this year, I couldn’t resist (aka was sucked into) an ad campaign for a Bloody Shira Gin.
And it seems, the rest is history. Let’s get into it.
gin and prosecco summer cocktail
you’ll need (per serve)
30ml’ish Gin
1 cup Prosecco
Sorbet
Orange Slices
Glass
do this
add a large scoop of ice-cream to your serving glass
top with gin, followed by prosecco
finish with the slice of orange
some notes
We used a Shiraz gin from Four Pillars. This gives it a darker colour. We may have also been a little more heavy-handed than a single shot… ‘Tis the season and all. Here’s the hot tip, we put the orange in first, layered the gin and prosecco and ended up with a little pocket at the bottom of the drink formed by the orange. It’s way easier to add the orange after.
We had raspberry or lemon sorbet, and both were great. A large scoop with chilled ingredients is enough that you don’t need ice. However, you could easily skip the sorbet and have this over ice with a little added grapefruit juice for a bit of kick. Speaking of which, you could substitute the orange for grapefruit (so good) or blood orange depending on your gin choice. In fact, the gin could be swapped for vodka easily too; so versatile.
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Ummm, prosecco fans, get yourself ready for your summer beverage of choice. You’re going to love this prosecco cocktail with blackberries and mint. The best news is it is easily adapted for one or for a crowd. And speaking of a crowd, it makes so well ahead of time you won’t even be mad at it. Entertainer win.
How to make Suger’s Prosecco Blackberry Punch
YOU’LL NEED
6Ft6 Prosecco
Lemonade
Vodka
Blackberries
Mint
DO THIS
Combine the vodka, blackberries and mint in a jug. I left my mint whole, but tearing or chopping into smaller pieces would work too, as would muddling it in the bottom of the glass or jug. Use one shot of vodka per serve. Add the prosecco and lemonade at approximately a half/half ratio. I prefer mine more prosecco, less lemonade, but you do you. Serve chilled. Frozen berries assist with this on a hot day! So if serving frozen, add berries when all ingredients are combined.
So, you’ve got a giveaway too, huh?
I’ve been on the lookout for a blog wine sponsor for a number of years. My search has proven to be fruitless but it won’t even stop me trying. That’s when I’ll know I’ve made it. For sure. Alas, this is not that moment, BUT the kind people of 6Ft6 wines have provided some goodness to giveaway!
Competition closes Friday 20th October 2017, with the winner being announced shortly after that. You must be 18 years or older and an Australian resident to win. This is a game of skill, Mr Suger and I will be choosing our favourite answer with a little help from the 6Ft6 team.
The prize pack includes THREE bottles of 6Ft6 Prosecco, a set of four 6Ft6 wine glass tags and their new limited edition tea towel valued at $99. Woooo.
To win the prize pack you must be following @sugercoatit and @6Ft6wines on Instagram and tell me in the comments below what YOU would do with your prize pack? Do you have a special occasion coming up or friends coming over? Get creative and the best entry wins. Competition closes Friday 20th October 2017, with the winner being announced shortly after that. You must be 18 years or older and an Australian resident to win. This is a game of skill, Mr Suger and I will be choosing our favourite answer.
EDIT: If you’re having problems with Disqus (my comment system) you can now enter on Instagram!
Summer has been a stinker around here already. Seriously, from day one it’s like it was trying to melt me into a puddle on my patio floor. Dying. So in an effort to make breakfast something I could stomach, I decided to give smoothie bowls a try. I’m not sure exactly what the difference is between a smoothie and an acai bowl, but well. Let’s go with smoothie, shall we?
I received some coffee protein powder stuff to try and figured I’d head down the coffee route. I, of course, added some espresso to that as well, I’m really into coffee. Some fruit and toppings and hey presto! A melting bowl of goodness. Later some Instagram friends told me less liquid would help. More frozen stuff. So I’ve modified it a little and shared the NEW and IMPROVED recipe below.
You’re welcome! Who’s hungry?
YOU’LL NEED
1 Banana, frozen
1/2 cup blueberries, frozen
1/2 to 1 cup vanilla almond milk, chilled
1 scoop protein powder, preferably coffee
1 shot espresso, chilled
Coconut, to top
Chocolate drops, to top
A bowl/soup mug or similar container, chilled
DO THIS
Add the banana, blueberries, protein powder, espresso and 1/2 cup almond milk in a blender.
Pulse until combined. If too thick (or not combined), add more almond milk until you reach a soft ice cream consistency.
Pour into a bowl and top with extra blueberries, cocoa covered coconut and chocolate drops.
Easy peasy. I may have totally added another shot of coffee at the end… for those that are so inclined. Haha. The trickiest part of this stuff is getting that smoothie part to the right consistency. You can also freeze some almond milk or the espresso into an ice tray to help thicken it up. Let’s face it, when it’s summer in Queensland, all the icy cold goodness you can get is good.
