Just Because You Can't See, That Doesn't Mean You Can't Look Good!

So, I sell eyeglasses: it's what I do, and I'm damn good at it. I've been in the business since I was 17, so that's 9 years now. It's a good job that didn't require a college degree, and I don't need to keep up a license. I love helping people pick out glasses, so I figured I would help you out too.

WARNING: there is a LOT of information here. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know.

WHY YOU NEED CUTE SPECS
If you wear contacts, you need glasses as a backup. What happens if you wake up with a nasty eye infection from sleeping with your makeup on and your contacts in? I firmly believe that if you're afraid of glasses, or you don't like the way you look in them, someone has not done you justice. There are too many options out there to not own something adorable and affordable that fits perfectly. It's kind of like a cute bra that fits like a glove: very necessary for some of us, and why shouldn't it be cute? This is your FACE!

THE COST OF LOOKIN' GOOD
If you're lucky enough to have it, research your insurance options. Contact the company directly and get a list of in network providers. Some companies will offer a free pair once a year to their employees. In some states, you can claim glasses and contacts under the medical section when you file your taxes!
If you're unlucky like me and you don't have insurance, be smart and shop around. Be weary of knock offs, and deals that are too good to be true, because they usually are. Always make sure you understand your warranty and exchange options, and keep copies of your receipts.


DOLLARS AND SENSE
Your first step is to get your eyes examined, because the price of glasses is based on the prescription. Depending on the strength, you may have restrictions to what you can wear. A professional optician can help you choose what's best for your needs, while explaining your options. If you don't feel comfortable with the person helping you, ask someone else's opinion. Or try another store, but don't settle! You should feel comfortable and confident in your purchase.
A nice complete pair of name brand eyeglasses (think Vogue, or RayBan) should cost you around $300, depending on your prescription. Then there are the designer glasses (Versace, Prada, Fendi) that can easily and quickly reach $500-$1000. Of course, if you're not interested in name brands, you can always go to WalMart or a bargain basement optical shop and find a pair under $100. Just remember, you get what you pay for!

FRAME OPTIONS
You can pre-shop online, but I don't recommend purchasing online. There is too much room for error, and the final product is typically poorly manufactured. If you prefer to do your research online, there are tons of websites with try on options where you can upload your picture and virtually "try on" different shapes. You'll come across face charts, but they aren't as helpful as a human in a mirror. If your face is round, you want to choose something with angles that will bring out the lines in your face. If you have a square jaw, you want some curves to soften your features.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT
There are 3 main numbers to look for when sizing glasses. The first is width, and it ranges from 45-70 millimeters. The second number is going to be the nose bridge measurement. The third number is the length behind your ear. Kind of like jeans, all brands size differently. A size 18 in one brand might be a size 22 in another. Most manufacturers (not just glasses) aren't plus size considerate, and you really need to TRY THINGS ON for the best fit. There are sizes on every single pair of glasses on a shelf, and some of them are specifically built for full faces. Covergirl had a line called "Designed to Fit," and Queen Latifiah modeled for them. There are some other brands, but not very many. If you find a frame online you're in love with, write it down and there's a good chance someone can order it for you. Go into a store and bring a friend, or let a friendly professional help you narrow down your options. Just like picking out clothes and shoes, only YOU know what you like and what feels right.

A Fat Family History

I was raised on biscuits, grits, fried eggs and bacon on a country culdesac in east Texas. It was a couple of acres of land roaming with dogs and chickens, and I love my memories of growing up in the same house my mother did. I inherited my green eyes and curly hair from my mother, and my knack for hands on creativity from my grandmother. My younger sisters and I were loved equally and frequently. We were raised to mind our manners, and we were not to leave the kitchen table until we finished what was on our plates. We were all comforted by the softness of my grandmothers underarm, and the warmness of my mothers embrace. Their big soft bodies never registered with me as grotesque, but rather comforting. By the time I hit 16, I was as big as, and eventually bigger than, they were. It didn't register as a health problem because the most influential women in my life were fat, and they were wonderful. To love and be loved is to be blissfully blind to a lot of things.

It's easy, and false, to assume that if your parents are fat, than you're destined to be fat too. It is true that if a parent is plump, there is a 50% chance that the child will be also. Most important are that there are environmental effects that change that outcome (diet and exercise...duh). Although there are some very rare and extreme cases that can be blamed on a genetic mutation, that's not the case for most of us. If you're more interested in the link between genetics and obesity, the centers for disease control and prevention have an interesting article here: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Obesity/

My family does not have a history of diabetes or heart disease. I have regular blood pressure and blood sugar, and I happen to know that my iron count is excellent (whatever the hell that meas). In those areas, I'm very lucky, but I do struggle with weight loss. This is because of unhealthy habits and lists of excuses, not because of any major medical setback.