My blog post title is one of my “Drunk Granny’s” sayings, which she’d repeat to me during my teens when I’d worship the sun in her backyard in West Texas. At the time I thought she was either crazy or had sipped too many cocktails (both just might have been true), but now, at the ripe old age of 44, I think she may have had a point. But the older, wiser Katherine now also knows to approach tanning with caution so I don’t end up looking like this —>. 
Before you head out the door for spring break, there are a few things to remember when tanning your fat.
We all know sun damage can cause skin cancer (for some of us that is happening now), but fortunately we have a few sun-free options for tanning. Self-tanning products have come a long way since I was a teen. There are many expensive self-tanning crèmes on the market, but a cost-effective choice is Jergen’s Natural Glow, which promises a full shade of natural color in three days. I’ve never tried it, but Jamie’s mom says it works very well with minimal streaking and no orange-tint. With my trip to California just days away, I think I will give it a go.
Spray-tanning is also a great option if it fits your budget. The automatic spray booth method can be a bit intimidating, but it works and is less expensive than the ‘done by hand’ method. Of course, I did the latter at Benefit (in New Canaan) back in December. Although I felt a little sticky and smelly during the 24-hour no-shower period, ultimately the tan looked awesome. And best of all, neither the crèmes nor the sprays will give me freckles or accelerate the aging process. Major selling point once you hit your forties!
At the end of the day, I’m still a “sit outside in the sun” kind of gal. But I’m smart enough to pile on the sunscreen these days! It takes a lot longer to tan (between the sunscreen and the weak Connecticut rays), but I eventually get some color on my legs, arms, chest and back.
I admit I prefer seeing my “summer skin” reflected back in the mirror rather than the pale ghost of a body that glows all winter. Guess I have to admit that yes, Granny, you were right. Fat does look better tan. And who can resist a blonde, Southern girl with a tan?
What’s your favorite way to tan your fat?
xo-Katherine
