No One Wants a Large Miss Universe

It's so cliché to say "It's 2017, why is this still an issue?" But that is just the case for the topic of a woman that is not the "standard" size of society to do great things. I have not been watching the Miss Universe Pageant, but I did come across a lot of articles on the obsession people have about Miss Canada's size. Lets be very clear! Miss Canada, Siera Bearchell, is far from overweight. However compared to all the other pageant women that are typically thin she does have a larger frame.


Siera has not always been the size she is right now. At Miss Supranational 2015 Bearchell was slim like her counterparts. When asked about her weight gain in an interview she stated:

"This competition is more than what we look like. It's about being comfortable with who we are, it's about sharing a message that is important to us."

The Excuses of The Big Girl

I have had a some great things going on that has taken up a lot of my time but I had to get back to you guys. I recently did some things with a few other plus size people that has made me feel some type of way being a big girl myself. That would be excuses from people who are of larger sizes. I have had my moments of when I didn't want to do things or I was scared to try things, but I have never functioned in a way of having excuses for everything. This actually bothers me.


Being a larger size I am all too familiar with having difficulties in certain areas. I have knee issues that makes it very tough to do a lot of things. Not to mention just being a larger size I have more to move around specially when it comes to working out or dancing. I also I have health issues that makes it hard for me to do things, so I get it. What I will not do is make my size be my excuse.

Top 3 Tips to Self Confidence

There is no doubt my self confidence fluctuates from time to time depending on where I am in my life. Currently I am not myself in regards to how I feel about myself in certain areas. Like many stress, anxiety, and other factors plays a major role on how you feel about yourself. Below I wanted to share the top three things I do to keep my confidence level up or at least try to get in a better head space.

1. Write yourself reminders. I have post it notes everywhere, especially on mirrors. Find an object that you will look at frequently like mirrors, doors, computer, phone, and etc. You will have no choice but to read the message when you look at that object.

20 Ways to Love Your Body

1. Think of your body as the vehicle to your dreams. Honor it. Respect it. Fuel it.

2. Create a list of all the things your body lets you do. Read it and add to it often.

3. Become aware of what your body can do each day. Remember it is the instrument of your life, not just an ornament.

4. Create a list of people you admire: people who have contributed to your life, your community, or the world. Consider whether their appearance was important to their success and accomplishments.

5. Walk with your head held high, supported by pride and confidence in yourself as a person.

6. Don’t let your weight or shape keep you from activities that you enjoy.

7. Wear comfortable clothes that you like, that express your personal style, and that feel good to your

body.

8. Count your blessings, not your blemishes.

9. Think about all the things you could accomplish with the time and energy you currently spend

worrying about your body and appearance. Try one!

10. Be your body’s friend and supporter, not its enemy.

11. Consider this: your skin replaces itself once a month, your stomach lining every five days, your liver every six weeks, and your skeleton every three months. Your body is extraordinary--begin to respect and appreciate it.

12. Every morning when you wake up, thank your body for resting and rejuvenating itself so you can

enjoy the day.

13. Every evening when you go to bed, tell your body how much you appreciate what it has allowed you to do throughout the day.

14. Find a method of exercise that you enjoy and do it regularly. Don’t exercise to lose weight or to fight your body. Do it to make your body healthy and strong and because it makes you feel good. Exercise for the Three F’s: Fun, Fitness, and Friendship.

15. Think back to a time in your life when you felt good about your body. Tell yourself you can feel like that again, even in this body at this age.

16. Keep a list of 10 positive things about yourself--without mentioning your appearance. Add to it!

17. Put a sign on each of your mirrors saying, “I’m beautiful inside and out.”

18. Choose to find the beauty in the world and in yourself.

19. Start saying to yourself, “Life is too short to waste my time hating my body this way.”

20. Eat when you are hungry. Rest when you are tired. Surround yourself with people that remind you of your inner strength and beauty.

Don’t Weigh Your Self-Esteem. It’s What’s Inside That Counts!

Compiled by Margo Maine, Ph.D.

Stop Avoiding the Dressing Room

How often do we go to the dressing room to try on that uber cute pair of jeans only to be disappointed that they don't fit. For many women it's no problem they don't fit but for some it can be a devastating and confidence killing moment. Either you gained weight or the designer cut of the item does not fit you properly and you feel like it's all your fault you can't find cute clothes. Situations like these have kept many women from going into physical store locations and enjoying the shopping experience. I feel everyone should enjoy the sopping experience so I have listed a few things you can do to be a more confident shopper specially when you have to go to the dressing room.

~ GET YOUR SIZE!!!!!!!! I can not tell you how much this is important. Many women try to squeeze into items that is just not their size only to get upset when it doesn't fit.

~ Get additional sizes of the same item. Certain designer cuts run very different so if possible get a few sizes of the same item to see which one will fit you best.

~ Bring a few options in just in case. Just in case if that item doesn't fit have some alternatives to try on.

~ Know what fabrics will work best with the sizes you choose. You should be aware of what will give you more stretch when you need it and vice versa.

~ Have a back up store. Always have a store you can go to that you know will have things you can find in your correct size for whatever occasion you are shopping for.

These are few rules I go by when I shop and it helps me avoid the dressing room meltdown.

Hopefully they will help you to!!!!!!

My Clothes Declared War on Me

Sooooo yup I have been fighting with my clothes lately and my clothes are winning. I have still not been able to wear all of my pre-twins clothes and now I'm fighting with my post-twins clothing SMH. Obviously I've been gaining weight and battling the scale for a while now but the stressful moments in my life made things that much more difficult.

I always gain weight when I stress and the end of last year was beyond stressful and now my clothes are paying for it. I keep telling myself that I will be back into them soon or they will be less tight once I lose a few pounds, but how long am I going to feel stuffed in my clothes.

As sad as it is to move up in a size I know that is the thing I must do FOR THE MOMENT. It will not be a permanent thing, however, I want to feel more comfortable and relaxed in my clothes. Tight clothes is cool from time to time, but geesh... I want to be able to exhale LOL.

I have came to conclusion that I must buy some new pants, jeans and even some tops. Whomp whomp... IT REALLY SUCKS THOUGH. I work hard but I fall short sometimes and that's ok. It is ok if you have to buy a bigger size just know that if you want to see changes you have to change. That is my goal. The ultimate goal is to get back into my pre-twins clothes and I know that time will come. Until then I want to be able to breath and eat without feeling constricted.

Everyone is NOT Fat Shamming You!!!

I am pretty sure you have heard about the mom of 3, Maria King, and her fitness photo. Here photo has now gone viral because many believe she is fat shaming. I completely disagree!

I understand what it's like to be a busy mom of 3 with 2 jobs (one of which I own). I have a 4 year old, 2 year old twins. I work over 40 hours a week. I handle all of the cooking and I do most of the cleaning and preparing for the next day, not to mention I don't like to miss my fav shows. I used to use how busy I was as an excuse to not be very healthy.

I am not saying you can't be overweight and healthy because I have never had any issues because of my weight. I got to a point after my first daughter that I wanted to lose weight and get more healthy and fit. It has been a roller coaster especially since I had my twins. I have way less time to dedicate to fitness BUT I make it happen. I believe Maria's photo was meant for those who want to be healthier and more fit but let their excuses get in the way.

 Everyone that sends out messages are not attacking others. Now there are times when people do send out messages and pictures to shames others. Wee see that everyday, but I don't agree that this is one of them. I feel those who were offended have their own insecurities within themselves that this picture struck a cord with. I could understand if she had including other things in her statement that where very offensive but to simply say what's your excuse can be targeted toward everyone, not just overweight women.

I hate when people are quick to judge without knowing the other person's situation. Maria shares that she suffered from bulimia in the past along with other things about herself which lets me know that she has had her own struggles but did not use them as an excuse.

At times I feel some plus size women get to emotional to fast and are quick to yell fat shaming without looking further into things. There are also a lot of plus size women who don't realize they thin shame women. How many post have you seen of bigger women putting down skinny women? It is all the same thing people.

Yes fat people get shamed often, HOWEVER, not everyone is fat shaming you. We need to work on our sensitivity to subjects before we jump to a conclusion.

You all know I love you ladies and I am sorry if you disagree with me (everyone is entitled to their own opinion). I hope Maria King's photo did not offend you and if it did I am sorry. Always remember you are fabulous, amazing, and beautiful women.

What Journey Are You Choosing??

So Size Fabulous serves a set purpose focusing on certain things. I often find myself looking at other people to compare what I'm doing to what they are doing, especially if they are more known in the industry. Then I snap out of it and I remember why I am doing what I am doing. I am reaching goals for myself. I have a set story I am trying to tell that includes none other than myself.

I say that to say this, comparing yourself to others will never get you anywhere. Focus on your own goals, your own story and you will be happy you did in the end. You are amazing and you are still writing your story, never let anyone steal your joy!!!

 

 

#effyourbeautystandards...ootd

So yesterday someone (who must be a genius....NOT) declared it Fat Shaming Week and we took it over by storm. I guess they had a lot of free time on their hands. Fat and Fabulous ladies and men on Twitter and Instagram took over the hashtag and re declared it a Love Your Body Week. What they wanted people to do was upload pictures of big people and shame and degrade them, but instead the hashtag was overflowing with people showing their love and empowering others to love their bodies.

Some people asked why feed into it but I had to explain that there are some people who are not confident enough to fit back and will only feel worse about themselves. We created a movement and no longer are we standing for ignorance simply because our body frame is not small. They had nothing to say about people who eat terribly but are small, it was all about people who's large (smart right...I know).

Well all I can say is there is no shaming over here and love yourself ladies. You are beautiful!!

 

Seek out Resources...OOTD

I did an expo recently and speaking with women and teens I've come to the conclusion that not many women and teens in Syracuse seek out the resources they need to achieve their goals in regards to battling weight issues, body image, and help with their wardrobe. Then I was thinking again that there isn't many companies reaching out to the community to inform them of their services. When I started Size Fabulous and began to research for my business plan, I realized I was the only one in Syracuse doing what I do. It's unfortunate but that is why I feel my presence in Syracuse can cause a revolution. There is only great things to come from Size Fabulous in Syracuse and beyond.



 

 

Call Me Bond......Jasmon Bond

You ever put on an outfit and instantly feel bad ass? Well that's me today. I was unsure of what to wear but knew I wanted to wear this skirt because I have not worn it yet and the weather is getting colder. We're in that in between stage were in the morning it's really cold but gets warm by the afternoon. Once I figured out everything to wear, you couldn't tell me nothing. I am at a stage in my life were I dress to put me in a better mood. I have said many times that what you wear can brighten up your day and I stand by it. I woke very angry due to lack of sleep but by the time I finished getting dressed I was in a better mood...Why??? Because I felt I looked like a true BOSS and very BAD ASS lol.

 

 

 

 

Outfit Deets: Blazer: Forever21 / Top: JcPenney / Skirt: ASOS Curve / Shoes: Guess

Style Has No Size

Syracuse Style Presents The Landmark Theatre Window Project was a great success. It was an amazing event with awesome windows, companies and attendees. The turnout was great and there were a ton of news sources out. Like most of the time in fashion you will not see many plus size things. I knew like the others that this event would not feature a plus size model or company. This was a great opportunity to spread body love and style regardless of your size through Size Fabulous.

The positive feedback on my window, model, and message was outstanding. I cannot thank Syracuse Style and The Landmark Theatre more for this opportunity. I met fabulous women and men and even educated a few people lol. My model name is Hope Reese and was serving it in the window. She was a great model and I will definitely use her in the future.

I have included her outfit deets at the bottom as well as one of the many video news reports and they get a great up close shot of my model at the end.

 

 

 

 

Outfit Deets: Blazer: JcPenney / Top: Walmart / Skirt: Loft / Shoes: Walmart / Clutch: Don't Remember

Celebrating Healthy Curves is Still Celebrating Curves....Right??

I have noticed that when I post things related to fashion/style/body image I get a great response from my fabulous followers, but when I post about living a healthy lifestyle I either get no response, negative response or people start to unfollow me. Now I know everyone is on their own journey and I in no way push my thoughts and opinions onto to others, but it does make me think. Do people feel like I am not still celebrating curves if I talk about healthy foods and exercise?

I am a full figured woman full of curves and I believe I will always be plus size (I don't want to become skinny). I do however want to be HEALTHY...is that a crime? Size Fabulous was created to have women love their bodies while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Do I criticise people for eating foods I don't or not exercising...absolutely not. Everyone is in charge of their own life and like I said many times, losing weight and eating healthy is your decision and your journey.

Would I like to see you fabulous ladies on a healthy journey...Yes! I am a firm believer that everyone regardless of size should eat healthy and get a little exercise in their daily routine. I want us all to be healthy. I know I am not perfect and nor do I claim to be. I have been up and down on my journey since the birth of my twins (which was 2 years ago) so I know and understand the struggle. I love you guys and if my posting of health and wellness bothers you then I am sorry, BUT I will continue to share my journey.

Size Fabulous has a goal and you don't have to agree with everything that is shared. I am sharing my stories through my blog so those who are going through the same journey has someone they can relate to and reach out to. I love all of my followers whether you hit the gym or not and I will always be here for you guys in all aspect of being fabulous at any size.

12 Facts About Body Image You May Not Know

• Twenty years ago, models weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, they weigh 23% less than the average woman.

• The average American woman is 5’4” tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5’11” tall and weighs 117 pounds.

• If Barbie was a real woman, she’d have to walk on all fours due to her proportions.

• About 7% of 12th grade males have used steroids in order to become more muscular.

• If GI Joe were human, he’d have larger biceps than any bodybuilder in history.

• One out of every four college aged women has an eating disorder.

• It is estimated that 40 to 50% of American women are trying to lose weight at any point in time.

• Americans spend more than 40 billion dollars a year on dieting and diet-related products – that’s roughly equivalent to the amount the U.S. Federal Government spends on education each year!

• Almost half of all women smokers smoke because they see it as the best way to control their weight. Of these women, 25% will die of a disease caused by smoking.

• In 2007, there were about 11.7 million cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. Ninety one percent of these were performed on women.

• A study found that 53% of thirteen-year-old American girls are unhappy with their bodies. This number grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen.

• According to the Girl Scouts Research Institute, one-third of all girls have a distorted idea about their weight.

Pardon my Cellulite

 “This post is part of the October 2013 DailyVenusDiva 'Thrive In Your Curves' blog carnival.

If you can believe this is my first summer wearing shorts and short skirts a dresses...IT's TRUE. I was like many plus size women and was very insecure about showing my legs. I would just suffer through the summer heat in jeans or maxi dresses. This year was all about embracing the body I have regardless of what people may think. My thighs are covered with cellulite, but what's crazy is I had less cellulite when I was wearing jeans in the summer. It may not be appealing to some but I refuse to keep myself covered. I love my body and I am not afraid to show you who I am. Ladies it's ok to show off your arms or legs. EMBRACE THEM!!!

Style Info: I have worn this tank top before in a previous post (here) and some of you thought it was a cropped tank, but it is not. This is a men's tank but I loved it and had to get one. I don't wear sneakers often but having style is being able to switch it up without losing your spark. My boyfriend ended up wearing the same brand tee and sneakers as me (he wanted to be twins lol). It was just a fun day to kick back and chill.

Outfit Deets: Diamonds Tank: Zumies / Shorts: Rainbow / Sneakers: Jordans 

I'm the Biggest Girl in The Gym

Finally deciding to get healthy is a big step for anyone. Regardless of size, health is the most important factor to maintain. I congratulate all of you who have starting and are currently working hard to become and living healthy. It is no secret that I am battling my own weight loss and healthy journey. After many years of not actually working out in the gym (I usually work out at home) I have signed up with my love to get back in there.

I have found that I will work harder and stay focused if I have other people around me, not to mention I'm spending money on it. When walking to the cardio equipment, I was surveying the area and sure enough I was the biggest person in the room. Did that stop me....NOPE! Many women and men tend to shy away from gyms and other fitness areas because they are scared to show their larger bodies and ultimately feeling judged by others. I sometimes feel that way too. Its always in the back of my mind what others may think but IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS!

The other gym members do not know your story. It is up to you to stay focused on your goal and strive for the best. Just think about the end result and how happy you will be when you reach your goal of a healthier life. I wanted to give you a few tips to make it easier to handle being the big girl in the gym.

• There will being other plus size people at the gym even if you are bigger than them just know that you are not alone in your journey.

• If possible bring a friend you can talk to. It will keep your mind off of everyone else.

• Create a workout plan. This will keep you focused on your tasks.

• Take your time and do it right! Do not kill or hurt yourself trying to do things you can't handle.

• Say positive messages to yourself to keep you going.

• Wear cute a colorful workout clothes.

• If you need help, ask the staff. Most gyms provide trainers or staff to help you with equipment.

• REMEMBER YOUR HEALTH COMES FIRST!!!

Did Harper's Bazaar Fail Gabourey Sidibe????

Not often, if ever do we get to see a plus size celebrity, model, woman in an editorial spread for Harper's Bazaar. When I heard Gabourey Sidibe was featured along with other celebrities and models I was excited. I am still excited about it. It shows that we are making our way to being included in mainstream and popular magazines.

I feel like the only difference between plus and straight size women is their size. They are still as beautiful and fabulous as their counterparts. Yet we are still treated as if we can and don't have the same life. I recently had a high school friend on Facebook talk about her horrible experience over hearing a group of boys say she would be cute if her body was smaller. She is now in the process of planning  weight loss surgery and I hurt for her. Plus size women is constantly made to feel that we are not good enough simple because we carry a heavier frame. It's not that we are mean or hurtful people, we just weigh more.

Looking at plus size women in magazines and on TV gives us hope that we are on the verge of being completely accepted. HOWEVER when a plus size person is featured in something and they make her look worse than everyone else it is a big let down and the feeling that we are still not accepted is heard loud and clear. I love that Gabby was featured but her clothing selection was beyond terrible and a bit disrespectful is you ask me.

After looking at the other women that was features it is very clear that they had no idea how to dress Gabby. I find it hard to believe that at this time they could not find more flattering pieces to have her wear. I understand that this was a high fashion editorial spread by lets get real. The title of the shoot is called "Singular Beauty", but there is nothing beautiful about how they made Gabby look.

Let's breakdown her outfit. She is in all black for the most part. I don't know if they thought it would make her look more slim, but fist of all the blacks are two different shades. They look like pajamas and do nothing for her figure. She has on basic black pumps also which is fine. Now this jacket honey.....Fail.The coat is very straight and makes her look boxy. It would have been better if it was buttoned up and tied around the waist to give her a more feminine silhouette. To top of this horrible look the put a scarf on her head. The scarf is cute but makes her face look very round. It would have looked better if maybe they created a wrap style or turban style head piece.

I have not seen one person say anything positive about Gabourey's photo and doubt we will. I think it is a disservice to feature a plus size woman and dress her horribly. We have too many plus size high fashion designers for her to not have something fabulous to wear. All I can do is SMH at this photo of Gabourey. I have included some of the other people photographed for "Singular Beauty" so you can see how they look.





How do you feel about Gabby's picture?????

Does Adding Fat to a Word Make You Feel Better???

Fatshion, Fatkini, and any other word some in the plus size community has added fat to....drives me crazy. I understand why people do it though. Many feel like they are taking the word fat from being an insult to embracing it and feeling powerful when they say it first. I get it!! But my question is do you really want to be identified as fat.... or do you want to be identified as .... I would rather be identified as Jasmon or a fashionista not Fat Jasmon or Fatshionista. I want to be respected and spoken to without reference to size. I find it a little demeaning to always include fat into a description. Why can't we accept and embrace the term fat and leave it at that.

Taking pride in who you are is a must but when it comes to how you want to be respected is a bigger obstacle I think some don't understand. Calling yourself fat before someone else does will not make you look more powerful. Standing up as the person you are, that will make you powerful. Some will disagree with me and that's fine, but if we truly want to be accepted and treated as equals we must use the regular terminology as our equals. You don't see skinny woman saying skinnykini or Skinny.... , so why do we do it????

For some women it really does make them feel better and for some it is a buffer and way to hide the hurt they feel when being called fat. For the women and teens who hurt or feel sad when they are called fat, it is ok to not embrace this fat trend. You will only be respected how you see fit when you set your own standards. Just because one of your favorite bloggers or celebrities refer to themselves in fat terminology does not mean you have to. I follow a few bloggers that uses that term for a lot of things but I will never follow suit. I know how I want to be represented and respected and will never allow another to take me off the track.

Embrace who you are and who you want to be! If you like using fat in front of everything I say go for it! If you are using it to hide behind your true feeling I say stop and just be you. You are one of a kind and whether your fat or not you are SIZE FABULOUS and words should not define you!!!!

Butt so Big You Can Sit a Glass on It

Have you ever been told that??? I know I have. I have been blessed with a large rear end and I get that comment a lot. It doesn't really bother me as long as it's not coming from a complete stranger, because I love my huge butt LOL. I only have one nag about it and that is that it sits up really high and it is hard to find a skirt that will not have me mooning people.

For me skirts aren't my only issue. Being that my waist is a lot smaller than my hips, I either have my bottoms rising up or pants falling down if I don't wear a belt. Even with a belt my bottoms will still rise up. I hate to buy a great dress or skirt and end up having to alter the orignal look to make it work for me but It's a must have. If you have the same delimma I do, here are a few tips to still have a killer look:

• Buy midi dresses and skirts. The orignal lentgh is around our knees or a little bit longer so if it rises up you are still in the safe zone. Also making your midi skirt a high waist will also give the illusion of a shorter skirt.
• Make dresses shirts. We all have different body types and sometimes things are not made to fit our's. You can make a dress a great tunic top by adding leggings, shorts, etc.
• Tailor your items. I know we don't all have the means to do so but for those who can, get your item tailord to better fit your body. Add material or take it in for your trouble areas.
• Look for alternatives. If you are stuck on a certain item 9 times out of 10 you can find a similar item that better fits your body type.
• Make your own clothing. I know not everyone can sew but making your clothes yourself will not only save you money but you will make the items to fit your body perfectly.

These are things that I have tried and it works for me. Sometimes I do wish I can wear that dress or skirt with no worries but that is not the body I was blessed with. I love my table top and you should love yours too. Hopefully these tips will help you get out their and be creative!

Bring Out Your Inner Sexy

 

Every women has insecurities about their bodies. There will always be something you hate about it or don't want another person to see. When it's time to be sexy or intimate your insecurities can lead to a disastrous night. I want to help you get out your comfort zone to bring out that inner sexy. The more you work on it the easier and more comfortable it will become.

1. Get familiar and explore your body. I say it all the time but looking at yourself naked often will help you accept it and love it. Everyday you should spend time in front of your mirror.
2. Gradually buy sexy clothes like lingerie or sexy pajamas. Try things with a silk or satin material. Feeling those materials against your skin will help bring out your inner sexy.
3. Maintain your feet and hands. You don't have to pay a lot of money for pedicures and manicures. Doing simple things like making sure there moisturized and nails are painted can keep you in a good mood.
4. Another thing that's gets my sexy going is music. I am heavily into all kinds of music and certain songs just puts me in a zone. Try listening to some R&B slow songs. Even some throwback old school music can put you in the right mood.
5. The most important thing is to get comfortable by yourself. We will all be a little uncomfortable from time to time when we are with a partner but being comfortable in your own skin will help.

It wont happen over night but don't let your issues with your body get in the way of intimacy. Every woman deserves to feel sexy. Work on these tips and you will be that much closer to bringing out your hotness.