Look of The Week

Spring if definitely here and floral prints are a big trend this year. Another fashion trend that has came back is the chunky heel. I love chunky heels. For me they provide more stability and can be more comfortable. Straps are hot right now too. Simple straps on shoes give a very chic look to any look you are putting together. How do you feel about the look of the week???

Sheer Floral Print Tom from Dots at $19.80
Black Pencil Tube Skirt from Asos Curves at $16.61
Miss July-Orange Sandals from Lola Shoetique at $48.00

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

Full Figured, Fabulous & Dating Part 5: What to Do After the Date

Your actions after your date are just as important as your actions on your date. Even if your date went really well, it can be overshadowed by what you do or try to do after it. I will touch on what to do after a good date and what to do after a bad date. These tips should help you finish strong.

After a Good Date

• Before you part ways let them know you had a great time on your date and wait and listen to his opinion.
• If he advise he would like to see you again you can agree to it BUT do not try to make plans right at that moment.
• NO SEX on the first date. You want to take your time and get to know him and sex can sometimes complicate things.
• Do not call or text him that night after you part ways. If he texts or calls you then it is ok to engage in conversation.
• Do not push him for another date. Let things flow and take your time.

After a Bad Date

• DO NOT lead him on. If you don't want to continue dating or speak with him after your date, you have to cut all ties.
• Be honest and tell him you are not interested. If you are not comfortable saying it on the date it is ok to send him a message after you are home.

First dates are the most nervous yet exciting dates. Possibilities are endless of how the date will end. Remember every factor of your date is important. Take your time to make sure you are presenting yourself the way you want to be treated. Never allow yourself to be pressured into anything and ALWAYS make safe decisions. Relax and let things flow without being forceful. You deserve the best so never settle for less.

The Pressure to Love Your Body

As many people that are telling you to lose weight and be skinny there are just as many people that are telling you to love your body. It can feel like you are being pressured equally by both sides and confused as to which way to go. I am a firm believer in loving yourself and your body, however, I understand that it can be extremely hard to do so for some. What you must understand is that you didn't wake up one day hating yourself, it happened over time and the same will happen for you to love yourself.

Everyday is an opportunity to take another step toward loving your body. Here is a few things you can do to help you on your journey to a more positive body image.

• Every morning look in a mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful.
• Write body positive affirmations in places you look at regularly.
• Follow body positive blogs, twitters and facebook pages.
• Distance yourself from negative people as much as possible.
• Look in a mirror naked often to understand your body more.

These tips can help you take those steps to a happier you. Remember it may not happen over night and that is ok. Just take it one day at a time and everything will fall into place.

Full Figured, Fabulous & Dating Part 4: Do's and Dont's When on a Date

Many people, women and men, think some of the smallest things wouldn't affect a date, but it does. After your search for a date, the outfit, and finally picking the location it is time to actually venture out on the date. Read the do's and dont's to help you have a successful date.

Do's

• Arrive on time. Being late is very rude and inconsiderate. I do understand that emergencies happen but your date should be informed if that occurs.
• Dress appropriate for your date. It will be very uncomfortable for your date if you are dress like you are going somewhere else.
• Engage in conversation. Nothing is more awkward than silence on the first date. Get to know each other by asking questions and allowing him to learn about you as well.
• BE YOURSELF, let him get to know you for who you are. Relax and let things flow.
• End the date on your terms. You don't have to kiss, go home with him, or anything else you don't want to do.

Don'ts

• Never talk about sex. Sex should never be a topic when on a first date. It gives the impression that you may want to do something after the date.
• Never talk about past relationships. It is EXTREMELY awkward to listen to someone your interested in talk about an ex.
• Don't order the salad. Ordering a salad to give the illusion you don't eat much is silly. If you want a steak, order one.
• No negative body talk. Making jokes about your body will not make light of the date (No pun intended) You want him to respect your body so you have to lead by example.
• Don't allow yourself to feel pressured to do anything you don't want to do.

Of course not all dates will be perfect, but these tips can help you have a great date. Leave him wanting more.

**Look out for Part 5: The follow up after the date next Friday**