Friday, November 30, 2012

Look of The Week

 
 
I love me some colors (lol). As plus size women we need to stay away from dark and frumpy clothing. Always try to make a statement when you walk out the door. As a single mother I know it can be hard to find affordable nice fashions. I want to give you looks you can pull off that are affordable. Some of the stores may not be in your area but they all are available online.
 
Colorblocked Sheer Blouse from Dots at $19.80
Red Stretch Jeans from Rainbow at $19.99
Mustard Fringe Wedge Booties from Rainbow at $29.99

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

How Low Will You Go???....For Attention


I came across a video showing footage of a plus size strip club in New York City. I have never heard of one so I was very intrigued to see the video. If you have never been to a female strip club there is a few thing that I assumed would be in place, boy was I wrong.

I actually became disgusted by the level of disrespect the ladies had for their bodies. They allowed men to do any and everything to them. Now correct me if I'm wrong but in most strip club men have rules they have to follow, but this place seemed to have none. Was it because it was a plus size strip club?????? One major thing that really got under my skin was big women dancing with food. If its one thing that grinds my gears its fat people doing things with food for entertainment. It is soooooo degrading to me.

I have no issues with stripping but this place should be shut down. I am all for the big girl can do anything movement but at what cost. Must we degrade and disrespect our bodies to get the same level of attention as our slimmer counterparts?? Can we not have a legitimate business that follow the same rules and guidelines as others. Things like this will set us back and it will not help with plus size empowerment.

Ladies men will give you the same attention if you carry yourself with confidence and respect. Your size should not be a reason to have low standards. If you want to be a stripper by all means that is fine but have some respect about your craft. Don't allow any level of disrespect to yourself or your body. You are worthy of nothing but the best and you are the only one that can make it happen.

Know your worth ladies!!!!!!

Peace & Love

Monday, November 26, 2012

Holiday Blues


This post may be too late for thanksgiving but valuable for Christmas, as I saw somethings around this past Thanksgiving.

Do you get the holiday blues? Holiday blues is when you get in a down or depressed state around Thanksgiving and Christmas. So many factors can play into having down moments at those times. The two main issues are the food and family who may not have seen you in a while.

We work so hard to eat healthy and it is a struggle for everyone at holiday time. Nothing served at my family's dinner table is cooked healthy. I don't beat myself up about it either. If you have the same type of situation it is OK to eat the food. Don't starve yourself on the holidays because there are no healthy options. I just mad sure I had small portions of whatever I really wanted. I also mad sure I didn't go back for seconds. I can admit I tried all the desserts LOL, but I didn't take any of the food home. I knew if I took food home I would over eat. Just understand that it is OK to indulge in holiday foods as long as you don't go overboard.

Family is another trigger to get you down in the dumps. Although I don't have any judgemental people in my family I know many of you do. There's always that relative that has no filter and will say whatever they want regardless if it hurts your feelings or not. You have to treat them like you do others who make comments. You can either ignore their negative comments or you can speak up about how they made you feel. Don't let comments get you down. You are a beautiful woman (or teen) and you deserve nothing but the best. Use those comments as motivation for your confidence.

Holiday time can be tough for some but remember who you are and your worth. Don't allow food or negative comments get in the way of your joy.

Peace & Love

Friday, November 23, 2012

Amber Riley Breaks Down Talking about Body Image & Weight



Body image and weight is a struggle for many women, but when you’re an actress governed by Hollywood’s rigid beauty standards, being outside the norm can not only limit your success, but can do a number on your self-esteem.

In MTV’s new show, This Is How I Made It, the network takes a look at how some of the entertainment industry’s brightest talents achieved their dreams. In an upcoming episode, former Glee standout Amber Riley discusses how she became a household name.

In one poignant scene, Riley discusses how being a young, plus size black actress in Hollywood nearly shattered her self-image.

She tearfully recounts:
Hollywood is a very hard place to be in. It really is. Being the person I am, you know, the size I am, being a woman, being a black woman, there’s not a lot of roles for us. After I did St. Sass…I was being offered the girl who sits in the corner and eats all day, the girl who wanted to commit suicide because she was fat. It was never anything that I felt had a good ending. I never wanted to play a character that hated herself. I wanted people to know that those aren’t the only kinds of roles for women like me. Normal girls.

Going to the auditions and having the casting directors say, ‘I think you need to lose a little weight,’ I couldn’t understand why people couldn’t accept me for who I was and the rejection started wearing on my self-esteem. That’s when my mom and I decided to stop.

…I’m not gonna conform and hurt myself and do something crazy to be a size two. My parents always instilled knowing that you’re beautiful and knowing that you’re fearfully and wonderfully made and no one can tell you who you are. You know who you are.

I’m a healthy person. I have great friends around me that are positive and I think that’s the key to life is making your own path. Set your own rules because there is no set rule, there is no set look, there is no set anything. You make your own rules in your life. You make your own decisions.
Riley, who recently finished a stint in the Broadway musical Cotton Club Parade, serves as a role model to many young girls who may be struggling to accept themselves. Her advice, “to make your own rules” serves as a wonderful reminder to all women no matter what they look like or field they pursue.

Courtesy of www.frugivoremag.com

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Help Me Make a Video!!!!!!!!!!!!



So this holiday weekend (since I have the time) I want to make a video answering any questions you have related to all things plus size. It can benefit everyone and I think I would be fun. So I am asking all of you to email me with any questions or topics you would like me to touch on. Don't be shy I will not use anyone's name.

Work On Your Inner Self

So I am in a group for plus size women on facebook. The group is based over seas so I definitely understand the cultural differences I may encounter. Yesterday someone put up a post from a woman she read and wanted our opinions on it. The post was about how she (the woman) was over weight most her life and never had any happy moments and blamed it on her weight. She said her friends never wanted to be around her and men only used her. It saddened me at the beginning of her story but sadness turned into anger.

She then starts to categorize ALL big (plus size) women and said that we will all have miserable lives until we lose weight. She kept saying that the life she lived is what we all will live until we change ourselves. She closed by saying that she lost 100 pounds and feels better about herself but she still doesn't date and its because she wants to turn the table on guys in certain ways to hurt them in return. There was not one person that agreed with her story.

What made me angry is that people love to categorize others that they do not know. Just because you have major insecurities because of your weight doesn't mean we have those same insecurities. Even after she lost the weight she still hasn't found a "good" man so it goes to show that no matter how much you change your appearance if you are not confident and have good self esteem you will not have a better life.

And for her to tell others to do what she did and boast about her "new" life was just a away to try and make herself feel better in my opinion. I left a comment and one thing I shared was that if she was so happy that 1. she wouldn't categorize and talk down to other plus size women and 2. she would be dating or starting to enter into the dating the world. Being that those two points stick out like sore thumbs I know she's not truly happy.

Ladies we much work on our inner selves before we make major changes or the changes will mean nothing in our new life.

Peace & Love

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Wise Words: Maybe It’s You

What do you first do when you learn to swim? You make mistakes, do you not? And what happens? You make other mistakes, and when you have made all the mistakes you possibly can without drowning – and some of them many times over – what do you find? That you can swim? Well – life is just the same as learning to swim! Do not be afraid of making mistakes, for there is no other way of learning how to live!” – Alfred Adler
Not too long ago I had a “maybe it’s me” moment. While I was on Facebook, I saw that an old flame had recently tied the knot. And although I’m in no hurry to jump the broom (or still have any sort of feelings for him), I did feel a pang of “Why isn’t that me?” shoot through my stomach.

After flipping through his too-cute wedding pictures, I started to feel a bit down and wondered when I’d find The One with whom I’d spend my life. In that moment I mentally scanned the pages of my relationship scrapbook and began to think about all of the decisions I’ve made in the past. Some, I wasn’t so proud of. I stayed longer in bad situations than I should have, and others, I never even gave the guy a proper chance.

As thought back I had to admit that not all of the guys were bad. Sometimes, it really was me. At times I was mean, and others I didn’t allow myself to be open and vulnerable. And a few times I made questionable decisions or allowed myself to be treated in a way that I shouldn’t have. While the guys weren’t always innocent bystanders, I couldn’t overlook my part in the demise of our relationships either.

Interestingly enough, taking stock and realizing where I messed up didn’t get me down; it made me feel empowered. Instead of going into Negative Nancy territory and swearing off men, I recognize the mistakes I made and feel better equipped to sidestep them in the future.

When we’re honest with ourselves about our role in the not-so-nice moments of our lives, we reclaim a little bit of lost power.

Instead of blaming others, or dumping ALL the blame on ourselves and believing the worst about our self, being honest about how we contributed to our mess-ups will not only help us heal, but it’ll hopefully provide some much-needed wisdom about what not to do in the future.

Time to take a little stock of our lives, Clutchettes.

Courtesy of www.clutchmagonline.com

Recycle Your Old Clothing and Get Paid for it Online

Hand-me-downs have gotten a makeover in recent years as thrifting and vintage shopping, whether from the local thrift store, or your parents closet, has unveiled secret treasures of fly threads and undiscovered style. Hipsters, professionals and fashion connoisseurs a like know the value of scoring a great deal on second life clothing and now it seems as the whole world is catching on.

Not only is recycled style light on the wallet, but it’s also easier on the planet, making this trend a win-win for us all. Living a thrifty life in this century comes with even greater perks. The dusty thrift store isn’t the only place shoppers can browse in search of new looks and home décor. While eBay still has its value as the heart of discarding old items to the highest bidder, new online e-boutiques have stepped up their game, offering both a high-style experience and discounted clothing.

Growing sites like Thread Flip, Like Twice, and SnobSwap create online exchanges where people can sell, swap, shop and flip for clothing, accessories, and shoes with the click of a button. Best of all, there’s no hassle to turn your regular spring cleaning routine into a gold mine. Most of these sites allow you to send your items to them directly (they pay shipping), they’ll measure it, photograph it for their website and then ship it directly to customers. No more endless trips to the donation center or waiting in line to get a receipt for your old household goods.

As a country we throw away over 20 billion pounds of clothing away annually. Of that 20 billion, households throwing away an average of 175 pounds of clothing each year, finding a new home for gently used items keeps textiles out of landfills and opportunities for people to thin out their closets, score a few bucks without the need for a yard sell (who wants to haggle anyway?) and avoid creating new waste.

Courtesy of www.frugivoremag.com
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Places to find great plus size items I have been hearing that do this is www.esty.com and www.abbeypost.com which will be launching in December.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Monday Wellness Check

Happy Monday Ladies,

I have decided to do the Monday Wellness Check every other week from now on. It gives us both an oppritunity to see our progress over a longer period of time. Well...... what have you been up to on your healthy journey????? I would love for you to share your stories, good or bad. I have been doing really good.

My eating has been getting so much better. I am eating healthy just about all the time. I say just about because I allow a couple things. Every Friday is donut day at my job so I allow myself to have ONE and with the holidays coming up I will allow myself to eat a few things I stay away from regularly. Im the only on in my family eating healthy so I know there wont be anything healthy on that table.

I have had times when I want something really bad and I find things to take my mind off of it. I have also been looking for and using healthy recipies I find to keep my food from becoming boring. Another thing I found is certain grocery stores has more of a variety of healthy foods and I will be going there more frequently.

Exercise is coming along. I am trying to get in at least 30 minutes a day. I am really busy with my full time job, Size Fabulous and my three daughters that is doesnt always happen but I am exercising and that is what matters. I am more focused to make a change for the better for my health. Again I am not trying to lose weight to be skinny. I want to be HEALTHY and there is a difference.

I hope your still on your journey and staying strong. Dont forget hard work pays off.

Peace & Love

PLUS Model Magazine Reporting Potential Plus Size Modeling Scams

Dear PMM Readers and Fans… someone is at it again, trying to pose as PLUS Model Magazine and scam aspiring and working plus models… and as always, I will not stand for it!

*Once we are able to release specific information I will
 
SCAM 1
Yesterday, we were contacted by someone asking us why we billed her credit card for $24.95 for a subscription to our magazine when she had not subscribed… I advised her that PMM has always been a free online magazine, and has been so since starting in 2006!
 
She then went on to explain that this ‘magazine’ was suppose to teach her how to be a plus model… I informed her that after she contacted her credit card company to reverse the charge from this bogus magazine (a PMM poser), to please come back online and join me as we have a lot of terrific FREE information to share on just how to get started as a plus model:
 
SCAM 2
Imitation is supposed to be the highest form of flattery, but stealing copy-written images is downright nasty… especially when one of those images is of me! Yep, that’s right… imagine my surprise when I was sent a link to a site with a similar name to PMM, only to see MY face on their homepage, along with 4 other copy-written, highly recognizable images from past issues of PMM! …Bad, bad karma coming their way
 
Here’s the lowdown on these underhanded, no-good, plagiaristic, scammers (and I have cleaned up my language for the internet as requested by one of our team members)… These ‘similar name sites’ steal images that people associate with PMM to lure plus models into buying subscriptions, job leads, products and more… as you trust the PMM brand, you might find yourself buying what they have to offer because of it… if you buy or don’t buy, you may still find yourself LIKING them on FB, thinking you are supporting PMM. In this instance, I know someone personally who likes this spammer because they think it is PMM! Yes, I will be calling her in a few minutes to fill her in.
 
 
CAN WE MAKE A PACT?
You know I am all about empowerment and support of the plus size woman… I ‘have your back’ everyday… in everything I do… and in every decision I make… and I would like to think that you have my back too… so, let’s make an agreement…
 
Starting today, let’s make better choices online… let’s use our LIKE buttons for good, not evil…let’s make sure that we are associating our online profile with real people, companies and legitimate organizations that mean something to us… that we are happy to recommend and support. If you’re game, I am… want to virtual pinky-swear?
 
If you’re ‘in’ for the pact and having each others back, let me know!
 
Hugs…
Maddy
 
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Be carefull ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Is the Key to Losing Weight Not Trying To Lose Weight? A New Study Gives Some Clues



It seems counterintuitive, but according to a new study by Stanford University researchers, the key to long-lasting weight loss is may be learn the keys to maintenance before trying to lose weight.

In the study titled “Promoting Healthy Weight with ‘Stability Skills First,” Michaela Kiernan and her colleagues found that people are more able to attain lasting weight loss if they are first taught to maintain it.

Fit Sugar gives more details about the study:
In a new study by Stanford scientists, more than 260 overweight to obese women were split into two groups: One immediately began a 20-week weight-loss plan that involved eating more fruits and veggies, being more active, keeping daily food journals, and attending weekly support meetings. Once this part of the program was completed, they spent eight more weeks focusing on weight maintenance tactics.
The other group was asked to refrain from losing any weight the first eight weeks while they learned those maintenance lessons. Only after those two months did these women began the identical 20-week weight-loss program.
In the end, both groups lost about the same amount of weight—an average 17 pounds, roughly 9 percent of their starting weights. But there was a big difference a year later: Those who lost weight first regained seven pounds, more than twice as much as the women who started by mastering the maintenance tricks.
These findings may be just what people need to finally lose the weight and keep it off. While most concentrate on losing the weight, no matter what, only to find the pounds creep back on, these participants were able to maintain their weight loss because they learned the tools necessary to live a healthy life, not just get thinner.

Courtesy of www.frugivoremag.com

Friday's From Me To You



Are you single and ready to mingle? Are you afraid to put yourself out there? We all have many insecurities that can keep us from jumping out there and finding love.

You must not make assumptions as to why men wont like you. There is someone out there for everyone. Now every man you want may not want you but it has to do with their preference. Just like you prefer a certain type of man. Men prefer a certain type of female. Some men just don't like women over a certain size or frame and that's OK. Don't beat yourself up over it.

There isn't one person I know that enjoys being rejected. Get over your fear of dating, we all deserve to be loved by a significant other. I have heard many women say they avoid certain men or act a certain way because they feel the men wont like them how they are. Well I'm here to tell you that you are sabotaging yourself.

The most important thing when dating is to just BE YOURSELF. You want this person to love you for you not for who they want you to be. Learn what works for you and embrace it. Be that amazing woman you are meant to be and love will be knocking at your door in no time.

Peace & Love

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Pepsi Fat Blocking Soda....SMH

So Pepsi just release a new soda in the Japan market called "Pepsi Special". The soda contains a fiber that allegedly helps reduce fat levels in the body. Although fiber is something we should have in a healthy diet, adding it to sodas (which are unhealthy) is not a good thing.

Pushing a product like this doesn't really have any benefits. People will drink more of this soda thus negating the benefit of the fiber. Any way people can still have their favorite things while dieting and not make themselves feel guilty, they will consume. It just give people another excuse to drink soda.

Products like this makes me upset. It is hard enough to eat healthy and maintain it without companies pushing weight loss products in our face everyday. I really hope people understand that no matter what soda companies do the soda it is still soda. It still has similar ingredients from before.

Its up to you to decide what you will eat and drink. I just wanted to share my opinion.

What is your take on this new soda?

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Look of The Week

I'm all about all purpose looks. Buying items that you can dress up and dress down is not only a cool idea but it can save you money. This look can also be paired with a cool colored blazer. You don't have to dress down and frumpy in the cold weather. You can still keep things chic without being too cold.

Tuxedo Jeggins from Ashley Stewart at $27.99
Dotted Contrast Shirt from Forever21 at $22.80
Low Cut Pumps from Go Jane at $23.80

Adele on Weight Loss: I Would Only Lose Weight If It Affects My Sex Life


Adele, the uber-popular British soul singer, is completely comfortable with two things: her voice and her body.

Despite being ‘plus size,’ the singer has often rebuffed comments and calls for her to drop some weight and fit into the single-digit dress size of her industry peers. Why? She’s comfortable with herself.

In a biography released this week, the 24-year-old new mom fired back at those who criticize her weight, saying she’d only shed a few pounds if it really affected her life.
She said: “I read a comment on YouTube that I thought would upset me — ‘Test pilot for pies’ — but I’ve always been fine with it. I would only lose weight if it affected my health or sex life, which it doesn’t.”
Although very vocal about her weight, Adele’s stance is not unique. Despite the media’s insistence that being overweight is the worst thing a person can be, a self-acceptance movement called Healthy At Every Size is growing.

Years of diet fatigue and an industry more concerned with keeping folks on the treadmill of yo-yo dieting rather than actually getting healthy has taken it’s toll. Many are embracing Adele’s philosophy and are jumping off the hamster wheel.
Instead of concentrating on the numbers on the scale, Dr. Linda Bacon says that people should focus on a few things: accepting that every body is different; eating in a manner that honors internal cues of hunger, satiety, and appetite; and finding the joy in moving your body.
By approaching health in a holistic manner instead of viewing it as something that must be beat into submission, perhaps more people will be as happy with their bodies—no matter the size — as Adele is with hers.

Courtesy of www.frugivoremag.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Seeing Body Diversity Makes Us More Comfortable With Diverse Bodies



You know how all day, every day we're inundated with images of women with similar body types (thin) and told, "THIS IS PERFECT BE THIS SIZE OR DIE OF A FAT FAT ATTACK." Or, you know, just be thin so clothes will fit right, other people will find you suitable for fucking, and you won't die alone, your rotting carcass eventually discovered under a pile of pizza boxes, diet pills, and Lipitor? The same reason many women spend thousands of dollars to lose those "last ten pounds," might just be because the only type of women we ever see in the media are thin, thinner, and thinnest (but not too thin! because then she's probably anorexic and then, "eewww!") In conclusion, it makes everyone miserable and nobody wins.

Well, a new study published in PLoS ONE, demonstrates that when women are shown pictures of other women with a range of body sizes, the study participants quickly start to get more comfortable with the varying sizes. Of course, the implication is, that if we we're shown a more diverse arrays of body sizes on TV, movies, billboards, advertising, etc., we'd probably just be a lot more okay with the fact that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, maybe even seeing Tyra in a fat suit (made of a ten thousand jelly beans stuffed into a full-body sweat suit made for a T. Rex) would be less alarming.

When [Ed.: mostly/exclusively heterosexual] women in England were shown photos of plus-sized women in neutral gray leotards, they became more tolerant.
When the women were shown photos of anorexic women, attitudes became more positive there, too. "Showing them thin bodies makes them like thin bodies, more, and showing them fat bodies makes them like fat bodies more," says Lynda Boothroyd, a psychology researcher at Durham University in England, who led the study. She calls it a "visual diet," changing what your eyes eat.

The photos initially freaked me out because I was all, "HEADLESS FATTIES OH HELL NO!" but then I realized that by not showing faces and by cladding them all in ugly-ass neutral leotards, the researchers wanted the women to only notice the bodies.

In fact, when shown women of all sizes dressed nicely, study participants responded more positively to the women, no matter their weight. Which, duh, those leotards are the ugliest. Of course, all study participants still "preferred thinner-than-average bodies, but their preferences did move up or down depending on what they saw."

In conclusion, burn your television and eat your eye balls because I have no other solution! Well, unless Instagram counts as big media now and if so, let's all Instagram our butts and normalize butts, worldwide.

Hmm... this seems like a lousy solution?

Courtesy of www.jezebel.com

How Much Should You Rely On Your Significant Other For Confidence?

In the December issue of Cosmopolitan U.K., Kim tells editors about how her boyfriend, Kanye West, improves her self-esteem. “He’s great at boosting my confidence. He gives me compliments in every way possible,” she said.

Who wouldn't want a mate who thinks you're amazing and tells you so? And, yet, Kardashian's remark reminded Samantha Escobar of The Gloss of her own tendency to rely too much on her partner to keep her ego afloat.

She wrote, "For the last however many years I’ve been in the dating world, a significant portion of my self-confidence has come from whomever I’ve been dating. Whether it was needing my partner to consistently tell me I’m pretty–otherwise I would feel ugly–or relying on another boyfriend to call me smart because I felt inadequate in school or with writing, I got most of my 'confidence boosts' from other people."

It's a concern HuffPost Women blogger Autumn Whitefield-Madrano has voiced in the past. She, too, knows how it feels to look to a significant other for validation of your appearance. But for her, this has led to concerted efforts to "look the part" -- to present herself as her significant other's ideal partner.

In her post "Relationships And Appearance: How I Stopped Trying To Look The Part," she wrote about an ex-boyfriend, "I wanted to be seen as a part of a team -- his team -- and by styling myself to look the part, I was hoping to become a naturalized citizen of his psychic nation. If I looked like I belonged with him, perhaps I might actually belong with him."
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I think that you can look to your significant other for helping with your self esteem and confidence but you MUST NOT rely on it. At the end of the day you have to be happy and confident within your self and by yourself. Liking complements are one thing but if you only feel how someone else thinks you should you will never be truly happy.

What do you think? How much do you depend on your partner to bolster your self-confidence, about your appearance or other aspects of who you are?

Courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

Monday, November 12, 2012

Weight Loss Doesn't Help Girls' Self-Esteem

After overweight teenage girls win the battle with the scale, an even longer struggle may begin with the mirror, says a new study. Researchers at Purdue University found that weight loss does not guarantee that girls are going to feel better about themselves and their bodies, most likely because of the negative stereotypes and messages about obesity they encounter.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 17 percent of American children ages 2 to 19 are currently obese. Since 1980, obesity rates among children and teenagers have almost tripled.

"We found that obese black and white teenage girls who transitioned out of obesity continued to see themselves as fat, despite changes in their relative body mass," said Sarah A. Mustillo, a PhD and lead researcher on the study in arelease. "Further, obese white girls had lower self-esteemthan their normal-weight peers and their self-esteem remained flat even as they transitioned out of obesity."

For the study, researchers reviewed data from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study, which followed the weight of more than 2,000 black and white girls for 10 years, starting at ages 9 or 10. Based on their body trends, the girls were classified into three groups: normal weight, transitioned out of obesity, and chronically obese.

While self-esteem for the black girls transitioning from the obese to the normal-weight range did rebound, both races still had poor body image after weight loss. Researchers noted that the self-esteem for black girls was lower overall to begin with, and that mental health assistance during weight loss might be the key to rebounding every dieter’s body image.

“Understanding and addressing body image, identity and self-esteem issues could ultimately help keep the weight off,” Mustillo said in the same release. “Why keep dieting and exercising if you are still going to see yourself as fat?”

Helping teen girls boost their self-esteem can be tricky, but there are some simple strategies parents can try. If you think your teen needs a body image boost, try these strategies from the Mayo Clinic.
  • Discuss self-image. Mayo Clinic experts say it’s important to talk to teen girls about body image and emphasize that different women have different body types. Ask her what she likes about herself, and explain what you like about her, too. When you’re discussing body image with your teen, use positive language, and avoid talking about “fat” or “thin.”
  • Counter negative media messages. Because teens are constantly inundated with messages about body image from advertisements, the Internet, their peers, and more, encourage her to ask questions about what she sees. Point out examples of women who are famous for their achievements, not their appearances, to set a positive example, experts say.
  • Praise achievements. Highlight your daughter’s special skills, efforts, and achievements, and emphasize that exercising her talents, whatever they may be, is more important than her appearance.
  • Encourage healthy habits. Set a positive example for eating and exercising, and stress that you eat well and workout for your health, not just to look a certain way. Offer healthy meals and snacks at home, and involve your children in the process of selecting healthy foods.
Courtesy of www.everydayhealth.com

5 Factors That Foster a Positive Body Image

Women feel the absolute worst about their bodies while they are trying on swimsuits, recent research published in the journal Sex Roles revealed — causing most women to react with a collective "duh!"
Women are also more likely to feel ashamed of their bodies when they feel they are being watched by others, as opposed to self-critiquing behind a dressing room door. In the survey, 70 percent of the women were normal weight, yet considered themselves to be slightly overweight. To help calm dressing-room fears, researchers suggested that store owners might want to avoid displaying stick-thin mannequins and posters.

However, a new study, also published in Sex Roles, found that a woman's body image — in or out of the dressing room — is determined by much more than just mannequins. Five distinct factors influence how positive a woman's body image is likely to be, researchers at the University of Arizona found after surveying 301 first-year college women. And, they say, knowing these factors could help prevent eating disorders.

Here are the factors researchers found to positively influence self-image:
  1. A supportive family.
  2. Little pressure to conform to a body "ideal."
  3. A rejection of the concept of the "thin and beautiful" ideal woman.
  4. Positive feelings about their body's abilities, as opposed to just shape.
  5. The strategies necessary to healthfully cope with stress.
These concepts could be used to help other women, researchers say, by creating eating-disorder prevention programs that help women become comfortable with multiple ideas of female beauty. Young women should be encouraged to exercise for health and wellness, instead of just weight loss, and ideas of holistic well-being and balance should be promoted, lead researcher Sharon Snapp, PhD, wrote in a release.

"It is particularly important for women to develop a sense of self-worth that is not solely based on appearance, and to build resilience to pressures they may receive from family, friends and the media," Snapp said.

Courtesy of www.everydayhealth.com

Friday, November 9, 2012

Friday's From Me To You

Happy Friday Ladies :)

I was reading an article about plus size fashion blogger changing the plus size fashion industry and it got me thinking. The more people who stand up for change can eventually pave the way for a new and improved industry.

We have to come together to make change. Don't be afraid to be yourself, say how you feel and demand what you want. The fashion industry isn't going to change until we demand what we want. Don't dress in frumpy unflattering clothing because you cant find things you like. There are many ways you can make clothes work for you.

Also start looking into buying clothes from small plus size boutiques and independent sellers. I have came across many small boutiques and plus size fashionistas that sell plus size clothing. You have to also request for your size if they don't carry it. Contact the owner and see if they can get your size. Usually most owners will try to help you the best way they can.

When you create your own looks or wear something that is very flattering to your shape more people will ask where you got it from. Spread the word about who you shop from and if you are in lager sizes like 32 and up share who you buy from. We can change the industry and I know that is what many of us are waiting for.

Peace & Love

Do Plus Size Women Identify With Other Plus Size Women?

 
 
For years we’ve demanded to see more plus size women in the pages of magazines and in ad campaigns. Despite success stories in various magazines, “the experts” If over 50% of the female population wears fits into the category of plus size, featuring plus size models in magazines only makes sense. It’s as simple as 1 + 1 = 2….Easy.
 
A new study conducted by Durham University has confirmed what plus size women have been saying for years, that plus size women prefer to see other curvy girls in ad campaigns. It’s a shame that it took them so long to see the light but I guess its better than them not seeing it at all.
 
Durham University’s research supports the idea that models used in advertisements should represent average women, women who are a size 12….plus size women. The study also suggests that the use of average women would assist in developing healthier attitudes toward eating.
 
When participants were shown ‘glamourous’ plus size women alongside underweight women the participants were partial toward the plus size women.
 
According to Dr. Lynda Boothroyd, lead author of the report, “we found that visual experience (seeing larger or thinner bodies) changed preferences for our whole sample. Women’s own body image didn’t play a role and we didn’t include their weight in our paper.”
 
To view the study: http://www.boothlab.org/
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Everyone wants to see some one that looks like them in magazines and advertisements. The problem I have with plus media is most models are not over a size 18. I hear a lot of complaints from women size 20 and up. They also want to see women in the media around their size as well. Even in the plus size community there is still certain things that needs to be changed and this is one of them. I cant relate to a plus size woman that's a size 14/16.
 
Article above courtesy of www.dailyvenusdiva.com

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Coco (Ice T's Wife) Speaks on Her Body Image Issues Growing Up



The voluptuous Coco recently divulged intimate details about her life, admitting Hollywood was so full of criticism due to her plump apple bottom, she couldn’t cope until butt enthusiast made her a star..

Although Coco’s curves are now a reality show staple, the bodacious blonde wasn’t always happy with her assets.

In a pretty revelatory interview with the gossip rag Sister 2 Sister magazine, Ice-T’s wife of over ten years claimed that she struggled with an eating disorder after being called fat by a photo shoot director while a teenager.

Coco stated to Jamie Foster:
“When I was 18, the J.Lo butt was not in. To have a booty was not the thing. You were considered fat if you had a booty. I was being cast in stuff where you’ll see all these really beanpole-looking white girls with blonde hair and big boobs. That’s what I wanted to be.”

Coco subsequently began to an purging regimen when she was told by her director that she needed to lose weight.
“I went and tried everything from diet pills to cleansing to everything you could possibly do to get rid of your butt. Bulimia – I tried that but I love my food too much.”
In steps Ice-T who appreciated her curves, and told Coco that she needed to make her next move her best move and he then put her on reality TV block and rest is pop-culture history.

Seriously, we’re happy Coco made it through her eating disorder and self-image complications after her husband Ice helped her appreciate her curves, reminding her:

“You got a little waist and a nice, round butt … That’s what’s unique about you. The boobs – anybody can go buy them.”
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More and more female celebrities are sharing their stories of weight and body image issues and I am beyond happy. What you see on TV is not everyones reality. Even celebrities are trying to fit into society standards and go through the same issues as us. You are not alone and their stories can be used to learn from. You are who you are and having unique features is what makes us all different. LOVE YOURSELF.

Courtesy of www.frugivoremag.com

Dont Give In To Others

So since I have started to eat more healthy and exercise the more I notice how much some people try to get me to eat things I am trying to stay away from. It is very hard to give up certain things and some people don't make it any easier.

At work every Friday is donut day. I also have a coworker that does a lot of baking. Lets not forget Halloween just passed. All are so tempting but for the most part I am doing good. I brought in my own healthy snacks to keep at work for when I have a snack attack. I do allow myself to have a donut on Fridays. I figure if I'm doing everything I'm supposed to than there's nothing wrong with eating one.

The most important thing is to not let others get in the way of your goal. If you want to eat healthy don't be afraid to say it. They shouldn't take offence to it but if they do so what. You have to gain control over your life. Except nothing less than what you deserve. People can only do to you what you allow them to do.

Focus on your goals to become a better you. Stay strong and stand up for yourself. You will thank yourself later.

Peace & Love

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Size Fabulous was Nominated...Please Vote for Us



My blog was nominated for the Navabi Curvy Blog Award 2012. Please vote for me, my blog is number 235. Thanks in advance :)

Vote Here:  http://blog.navabi.co.uk/en/navabi-curvy-blog-award-2012/

Look of The Week



I love how styles always come back around. One thing I have always loved from before I was even born is a pair of flare leg or bell bottom jeans. My favorite pants to wear in high school. The shoes have a chunky heel which usually makes them more comfortable. The chunkier the heel the less strain and pressure on your feet. You can easily dress this look up or down. Just play it how you feel that day.

Brooke Flared Jeans from Simply Be at $48.00
Scarf Print Button Up from Dots at $19.80
Buckled Strap Platform Pumps from Forever 21 at $29.80

Melissa McCarthy on Her Weight Struggle



Melissa McCarthy's realistic portrayal of a plus-sized character on TV's "Mike and Mike" has won her a devoted fan following — and an Emmy! — but that doesn't mean the actress is always completely comfortable in her own skin.

In the December issue of Good Housekeeping, the 42-year-old opens up about her ongoing struggle to lose weight. "Sometimes I wish I were just magically a size 6 and I never had to give it a single thought," admits McCarthy, whose hilarious turn in "Bridesmaids" also helped put her on the map. "But I am weirdly healthy, so I don't beat myself up about it — it wouldn't help, and I don't want to pass that on to my girls."

Read More From The Melissa McCarthy Cover Story in Good Housekeeping

McCarthy, who has two daughters — Vivian, 5, and Georgette, 2 — with her actor husband Ben Falcone, say she stays active by doing Pilates and playing tennis, but her exercise regime hasn't made her Hollywood skinny. "I don't really know why I'm not thinner than I am," the Illinois native candidly tells the magazine. "I don't really drink soda; I don't have a sweet tooth, and we eat healthfully at home.'

Although she has some insecurities, McCarthy is realistic and knows she's not the only woman out there struggling with her body image. "Pretty much everyone I know, no matter what size, is trying some system," she says, referring to the seemingly endless list of weight-loss programs on the market. "Even when someone gets to looking like she should be so proud of herself, instead she's like, 'I could be another three pounds less; I could be a little taller and have bigger lips.' Where does it end? … You just have to say, 'It's pretty damn good. I am right here at the moment and I'm OK with it. I've got other things to think about.'"
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At the end of the day we all have our insecurities but like Melissa said you cant beat yourself up about it. Love yourself at the size you are right now. Focus on your health and not your pants size.

Read the full article here: http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/balancedliving/melissa-mccarthy-her-weight-struggle-sometimes-wish-were-194954203.html

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Nothing Will Change Without Your Efforts

I hear a lot of women complain daily about what they don't like about their bodies, clothes, hair, life and etc. I can admit I complain about things too. Have you sat down to think about what you have done to make the changes you need to feel better about it? Have you revamped your wardrobe? Lost a few pounds? Embraced the body you have? Change up your hair styles? These are all things you should be doing to become a happier you.

You don't have to lose 100 pounds to be beautiful, but if you feel losing some weight can help your confidence and self-esteem then go for it. You have to be willing to put in the work to make it happen. Nothing will change without your efforts. If you feel like your clothes are out dated or your just not feeling that look you can do things to change it also.

Even if your money is tight (like mine) you can do inexpensive things to switch it up. Try adding accessories, mix matching prints, go to thrift stores and you can also check out plus size fashion bloggers they always have great info on the latest trends. The most important thing is to make changes for yourself and not someone else.

You are the only one that can truly make yourself happy so make sure your doing things to make yourself a better you. You can't love someone else without loving yourself first.

Peace & Love

Monday, November 5, 2012

How to Have a Healthy Life Style

Many of us agonize over our waistlines, our skin and the condition of our hair without acknowledging the obvious: if we aren’t taking good care of ourselves, our bodies and our well-being will suffer. Even if you’re the rail thin girl with the hyperactive metabolism, you can get struck down by high-blood pressure if your diet isn’t right. If you are an adult, you must accept your responsibility in keeping your temple in order. Peep our good health checklist and have an honest conversation with yourself about how you are living.
  • Exercise: We all aren’t meant to live in the gym; many of us lack the time and/or the drive to get Michelle Obama arm cuts. However, everyone needs to get physical activity into their daily routine. Walk ten minutes to the train instead of taking the bus there. Sign up for the lunch-time cardio class at work. If you hate working out in public, there are endless workout DVDs you can cop for the house and they cater to every fitness level imaginable. You can even find exercise videos on YouTube for free99! Spend thirty minutes each day dancing to your favorite music. Move your body, Clutchettes! She deserves it!
  • Diet: Are you eating right? Remember: eating little is not always eating well. Skipping meals is a good way to cost yourself much needed nutrients and to even keep extra pounds on your frame. Taking on a restrictive diet, such as vegetarianism, without doing your research about what sort of foods you need to eat to get your daily requirements of nutrients, fats, fiber, etc. is another good way to jack up your body’s motions. Talk to a doctor about what your eating should look like and if you can’t, do your research on a balanced diet and what your personal nutrition intake should look like.
  • Water: H20 gets it’s own heading because so many of us aren’t taking in enough each day. While scientists are largely split on how much we need (some say eight cups a day; other suggest one ounce per pound of body weight), the consensus is that you need to be drinking it often. Sugary drinks and chemical laden sodas can wreak havoc on your body; replace as many of them as you can with a tall glass of water, which flushes out toxins and keeps your body hydrated.
  • Vitamins: Are you taking your supplements or checking the foods you eat to see what you are getting from them? Did you know that vitamin C can increase the amount of fat you burn when you work out? Or that biotin is fab for hair growth? Are you aware of how B-12 can help your energy levels? Get cozy with the dude at GNC and step your healthy up.
  • Sleep: Yeah, we know…’they sleep, we grind’ is the motto of many. But if you don’t get enough rest, you will find your empire building to be a bit more challenging. Unsightly dark circles aren’t the only burden of a sleep-deprived lifestyle; you may also be dealing with fatigue and irritability that are making your proverbial grind much more difficult than it should be. You don’t have to be at every happy hour this week. Go to bed, girl!
  • Emotional Needs: Are you taking on your issues head on and talking about them? Or are you putting school/career/family and everything else before your sanity? Do you have someone to talk to when things are rough? By failing to confront your fears, pains, struggles and traumas, you can literally be making yourself sick. Skip the ‘strong Black woman’ BS and attend to YOU.
 
 

Monday Wellness Check

Hi my lovely ladies,

I hope you had a great weekend. I also hope you have also not given up on your healthy journey. Its not only about losing weight. Its about making sure you are as healthy as possible. Well I have have gotten completely back on track. I have revamped my eating and started exercising again. I have gained back all the weight I've lost and then some. My clothes are also starting to get tight. I can't allow myself to go any further down this road.

I and eating way more fruits and veggies. I do eat some processed foods. Mainly for lunch at work I eat lean cuisine type meals if I don't have time or forget to make a lunch. My binge eating is still a struggle but I'm working on it. My main thing I need to work on is eating enough. I don't eat enough then I get hungry and eat whatever I find. So that my focus. Being that I already know what I should eat, I just need to make sure I eat enough.

I have started exercising again. I'm doing Zumba and getting on my treadmill. My first day back at it was hard and I wanted to stop, but I didn't let myself. I have to remind myself that it takes time to get back in the swing of things and I know I will. I will not be able to work out at home this week so I have to find alternatives. That will be challenging but I will make sure I get in at least 30-45 minutes every night.

I hope you haven't stopped. As long as you make progress you will never fail. Remember it wont happen over night and you will have rough patches but stay strong and continue to work towards a healthier you.

Peace & Love

Friday, November 2, 2012

Friday From Me to You

Do you know how to handle family member's negative comments or opinions?????

Its one thing to ignore people we don't really know but what happens when its a family member??? I've learned that even when you do put your foot down they can still say hurtful things. Sometimes they don't even realize that they are saying things that hurt your feelings. If you haven't told them how you feel yet DO IT NOW!!!!! Let them know they are hurting your feelings. If they continue then continue to tell them. The more you let them know the sooner they will stop. Eventually they will get it and stop saying negative things to you.

Most importantly don't let what others think change your opinions of yourself or goals you have. You are beautiful and don't let anyone make you believe otherwise. If your goal is to lose weight don't let anyone convince you not to. If your want to change your hair DO IT, its your hair. You have to let that person know that you are going to make decisions for yourself.

When you show people how much you love yourself and you wont change for them, they will learn to love your for you. Stand up for yourself you deserve the best and you are beautiful.

Peace & Love

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Being the Big Girl At the Gym



I hate the gym. Not because I’m thicker than a Snicker and would feel self-conscious working out among the sweat-slicked bodies of the get fit crew, but because I actually hate the repetition of gyms. But for many women who are trying to whip their bodies back in shape, the gym is the perfect starting place to build an exercise habit. Only there’s one problem: They are scared of being the “big girl” at the gym!

Let’s face it; going to the gym when you’re a newbie is daunting enough. You may not know how the equipment works, you probably won’t be able to keep up with the pros on the stair climber, and you might not even like it…for months.

But starting a new workout regimen when you’re overweight has its own set of challenges: getting winded quickly, figuring out what you’re going to wear so you don’t look fatter than you are (yes, sometimes this matters), and working out among the ripped bodies of fitness junkies can cause the most confident big gal to question herself, just a little bit.

So what to do if you’re worried about being the “big girl” at the gym?

First of all, stop. With 60-prcent of American either overweight or obese, there’s a good chance that you won’t be the only fluffy person at the gym. So ditch that fear and get moving.

Next, although it may seem shallow, having cute and comfortable workout clothes can boost your confidence. Leave the giant t-shirt and old sweats at home, when you look good, you’ll be more inclined to hit the gym, especially after those endorphins kick in.

Finally, give yourself permission to go slow. If you’ve been out of the gym for a while, then you’ll have to let your body get used to moving again. Don’t overdo it. Don’t try to keep up with the woman on the next treadmill, and don’t get discouraged if you can’t do the things you did last time you worked out. Take it slow.

Returning to the gym can seem daunting, but stick with it, soon you’ll be a pro.

Courtesy of www.frugivoremag.com