Challenge Accepted....100 Days of Happiness

I can not tell you guys how crazy my life has been since May. Although this year started off  in more amazing ways than I can describe, my life took a drastic change going into May. Since then I have been slowly picking up the pieces of my life but I can't lie; it has been extremely difficult.

I love to share my life journey with you guys to show you I am not immune to life struggles and to reach those who are in need of someone to help them through theirs. Constantly telling myself what I need to do but never executing it is a big thing for me. Lately I have found myself doing that a lot due to the stress and other factors in my life.

At some point you have to grab life by the horns and get into gear to achieve the life you want to have. That is what I am doing starting today. There are a few things I am putting in place to help me along my journey. The major things I want to focus on is handling my stress/frustration/anger, my weight/overall health, and certain areas in my business.

There a few things I plan to do to that. I plan to write in a journal, update my vision boards in my room, pray and read my bible, and the last thing is something I thought can be fun is taking the 100happydays challenge. I have a few friends that are currently doing it and I wanted to see if it cant help me get out of this funk I am in.

I think something like this is great for people who want to improve on the way they think about certain aspects in their lives. So if you have body image issues, financial issues, relationship issues or any other thing you might be going through, you should give this challenge a try. You can sign up HERE and get started which ever day you chose. I hope this will help you on your journey. Follow my instagram @sizefabulous to see my daily challenge post.

Let me know if you sign up and we can stay in touch throughout the journey!!!!!

You're in a Relationship......BUT He's Not!

Listening to the radio this morning, a woman calls in for advise about her relationship. She is seeing a man and just had a baby but technically/kind of/sort of/not really but really in a relationship with him. He wants her to be committed and faithful to him yet they don't have an official or titled relationship. So basically she's in a relationship but he is not. SMH!

I can however relate to her story. I have been where she is but ladies this is not a place where you want to be. We are often settling for a bullshit type of relationship just to be in a relationship and for what???? To say we have a man while behind closed doors you really don't. Men will only do to us what we allow. So while we sitting here staying faithful to a man that isn't doing the same, you are setting yourself up for heart break. If we don't put our initial needs on the table in the beginning, men will try and get away with everything they can.

It's crazy because through my own rollercoaster relationship with my children father, whom I've shared with you guys a few times before, I can say I am finally free from the stress, drama and frustration it caused. I allowed so many things throughout the 7 1/2 years that when I was finally done he couldn't believe it and I still can't believe that he doesn't understand why I cut all ties (besides the children). My sister had to remind me that I allowed so much throughout years that he wouldn't think this time would be any different and I can't blame him.

I understand what it is like to love a man and will just accept any piece of him he offers just to be with him. But what positive things are we really gaining from doing this???? There are none! When you hear someone saying "Know Your Worth" we really have to listen. We deserve nothing but respect, love, and everything you bring to the relationship the man should bring too. Think about it.... what will make you happy in your situation??????

 

KNOW YOUR WORTH LADIES!!!!!!!!! 

True Life: My Boyfriend is Fed Up with My Weight.....Womp Womp

I love watching MTV's True Life and more often than not many people can relate to what the people are going through in their episode. True Life has been flying under the radar lately, probably because of ratings, so I've found that new episodes come on very randomly and very late. Well that's the only time I tend to catch them. Last night's episode featured two couples in which the women are facing weight loss battles to save their relationship and each couple got me upset in different ways.

The first couple consisted of a very fit man and an overweight woman. The man was very into fitness and healthy eating and the woman wasn't. She was like the average big girl who enjoyed her food and did little physical activity. With her boyfriend constantly on her case about loosing weight she obliged but it didn't come without added relationship issues. This is when I started to give my major side eye... I was all for encouraging her to live a healthier lifestyle but it was the way he went about it. Like many (for reasons I will never understand since it never works) thought by calling her names, giving her ultimatums, and damn near forcing her to workout and eat the way he did would give her the motivation to lose weight. Why, Why, Why do people do this!!!!!!! It never works and usually brings on negative results. My whole thought during the show was why is he with her if he wants a smaller framed woman and why is she with him when he talks to her that way. I absolutely can not deal with women regardless of size that stays in a relationship when someone puts you down constantly. That is not and will NEVER be love. This young lady deserves better and hopefully in time she will and if SHE wants to lose weight for HERSELF I am more than proud she is making it happen. We just have to remember why we are doing things and it should always be because we want to do it for ourselves and through our own journey.

Now on to the other couple.....Major side eye from the beginning. There is a slightly over weight guy and a severely obese woman. What got me upset about this couple is that the man simply wanted his girlfriend to become healthier. He didn't want her to be a size two, he just wanted her to get down to a healthier weight due to the medical conditions she has and she was straight up being lazy and not seeing the severity of her situation. After miscarriages due to her size and other medical problems she still did not take her weight seriously. Now as much as I preach to love your body I also preach living a healthy lifestyle regardless of your size. It wasn't until she became pregnant AGAIN and her boyfriend left her (because of the burden she became due to her constant weight gain and unwillingness to do better) that she understood she had to take her weight seriously and do something about it. It killed me to see her killing herself. I thought her confidence was awesome but regardless of your size you should always work towards making healthy life choices to live a long life. There was no doubt that had she not gotten pregnant and her boyfriend stayed she would still be gaining weight and that's sad. He had to help her put her shoes on and tie them for her and she told him  he would be doing more for her in the near future. Now how selfish is that!!!!! By the end of the show she had a healthy baby and was embracing eating better and exercising and looking into getting weight loss surgery.

This episode hit many spots with me and my own weight loss journey/struggle LOL. Everyone has a choice of how they see their life and what they would like to do in it. First and foremost always focus on your health and secondly make sure your choices are for you. You have to love yourself before you make your changes or your changes will mean nothing.

Thanks for letting me vent LOL.....

Im So Blue...

Syracuse weather is so bipolar its crazy. One day it's in the 50's and then the following day it is literally 0 with a negative wind chill. However we still have to be forever fabulous.

 



 

Blazer: Forever21/old (similar)

Blouse: JcPenney/old (similar)

Leggings: Torrid (here)

Booties: Target/old (similar)

Why You Really Need a Image Consultant/Stylist Even If You Think You Don't

I talk to many women and a lot of them say the same thing: "I don't need a stylist, I know how to shop." and "Why would I pay someone to pick out my clothes, I can do that!" Ladies you are missing out on great services!

I think many people think stylist are just for celebrities and high profiled people and you couldn't be more wrong. Image consultants and stylist are here to help you look your best at all times. You may feel you have your look together and that may be true, however, we (stylist) can bring you the best of the best regardless of your budget.

Budget is not a problem for me to help you achieve your fashion vision. I am a budget conscious shopper and stylist and I keep my clients needs and wants first. I take the hassle of keeping up on trends, finding great pieces, shopping, and figuring out what will look good together so you, the client, will not have to. I am here for services as big as red carpet events, to things as small as going out to the movies.

I also educate my clients on what looks amazing on their body types. Everything is not made for everyone even if it does come in your size. The cost of services can range by stylist and there is someone for everyone. You just have to find one to fit your needs.

My style is not my clients style. I style younger women to older women and find items for them to bring out their own personalities. If your stylist is making you dress like them then you have the wrong stylist. I focus on the goals of the client. What will help them flourish and bring out their inner fashionista. Age, race, and current style is never factor in providing excellent services.

 

Ladies you need a stylist even if you think you don't. Call me and we can speak more in depth of how I can help you bring out your inner fabulousness.

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!!!

 

 

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.



 

 

My Day in Harlem, NY Part 1

People are completely shocked when I tell them I have never been to New York City. Growing up we didn't take many vacations because it was so many of us and as I got older I never had a reason to go or friends that wanted to go, so I never cared to take a trip down. After visiting I can say that I have fallen in love. The New York City vibe is something that you will never find in Syracuse. It was heaven and I fit right in.

A few people were worried about my trip but I am 27, I think I can handle it lol. I kept joking that I would need a fanny pack, map and huge camera around my neck. I travel every year so I know the does and don'ts of traveling and did I mention I'm 27 lol. This was however the first time I took a trip and my daughters were not with me. So I hit the road with my cousin and our friend and the ride was a breeze. It's usually around 4 hours but we got there in little under that, thanks to little to no traffic.

The basis of the trip was business (read about that here) and after that it was time to take the city all in. I knew there would be a ton of walking so I wore flats, but still kept it cute. We spent most of the day shopping and checking out the scenery. The amount of stores that carried plus size clothing was more than I can count. In Syracuse we have about 4, so having a ton of options was a breath of fresh air. Tere were so many choices to make which definitely did not help my shopping problem.

It was also nice to see the murals and artwork painted on buildings. I am a fan of graffiti too and there are some very talented people out here. The buildings were beautiful, especially the brownstones. I loved them and they reminded me of the movie Crooklyn. I could see myself rehabbing one and making it fabulous. We spent so much time walking around we didn't even think about eating until around 8pm (we had breakfast at like 9am).

 

 

My coworker and the fabulous stylist Kendra Porter told me a few great places to eat and we decided on Sylvia's. There was a ton of people there and we thought it would be a long but it wasn't, only around 20 minutes. We ate outside and the service was excellent. The food......A+ it was delicious. I had chicken and waffles but I tried what my cousin ordered too. I definitely recommend Sylvia's if you have never been. We ended up sitting next to a retired basketball player (how cool). We didn't know who he was but a ton of guys did and our waiter gave us all of the details.

 

 

All in all the day went of without a hitch and we had a blast. This was not the end of our night though so stay tuned for part 2.