Girl Talk

** A Lovely Quote **

...The companions of our childhood always possess a certain power over our minds which hardly any later friend can obtain. - MARY SHELLEY

Cool Idea - The Old Shoes

You know all those old shoes your about to throw out, or are having a problem parting with, here is a really cool and different alternative you may want to endeavour. Put them on a shelf or ledge, fill them with dirt and some really appealing annuals. Voila - you have art! When the summer is over, you can discard them, just as you would have in the first place, however you got to enjoy them for a few more months.

Recipe - Hoisin Glazed Salmon

2 Tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce

1 1/2 Tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root

1/3 clove garlic, pressed

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 (6 oz ) salmon fillets

* Whisk together all ingredients in bowl. In small baking dish place salmon fillets. Pour marinade

on top of salmon and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) Remove plastic wrap and with spoon, drizzle

marinade over salmon. Bake on middle rack of preheated oven approx. 30 min. or until

salmon flakes easily with fork.

* Serve with some julienne cut veggies and rice.

* Calories: 382 Total Fat: 23.1g Cholesterol: 99mg Sodium: 848 mg Carbs: 6.9g Protein: 34.6g

* Serving size is 1 (6 oz) fillet.

NOTE: This recipe is fantastic, it is sweet and spicy - just the way I like it - with an Asian flair.

The Mammogram

Well, today I had my first mammogram, and I must say it was quite an awkward event. I never knew my breast could be mashed up in the manner that they were. I'm quite surprised they bounced back considering the aggressive pancake making process they went through. It was like being man-handled, but from a woman and a machine. Actually, in all reality, it is a very necessary procedure that women approaching middle age must go through. The woman taking the x-rays and groping my breast was actually very professional and understanding of just how embarrassing this procedure can be for some, and although I was uncomfortable I did it, and I would do it again if needed. Breast cancer is serious, and better caught early on. So ladies, examine your breasts! If your somewhere close to 40, schedule a mammogram or speak to your doctor.

Feeling Lonely

Just a beautiful picture I came across, and it made me feel kind of sad, yet peaceful. Not all days are happy ones, but taking note of something beautiful makes pain a little more tolerable.

Gotta Get My Move On!!!

I'm sincerely hoping this posting will motivate me, first with a visual, with taking a really nice brisk walk in the morning. Exercise is important at any size and any age, so it's time for me to get in motion. Hopefully everyone reading this will find some inspiration as well.

Flowers, Flowers, Everywhere

There is nothing better than looking at a fresh field of flowers. It reminds me of when I was a kid and my sisters and I would play hooky and spend the day in the park, and down along the river. We would just hang out for hours, running free, playing together and talking. I remember the smell of the wind gently blowing through the flowers and of the park's fresh cut grass. I love those smells, now, just as much as I did then. I wish I could still spend some of my days like that.

Scrub a Dub, Dub...

Do you want to exfoliate your skin, and create a more lovable, soft, kissable you? You don't have to buy expensive store bought body scrubs. You may have some ingredients you can use in your home. I use sugar, grape seed oil, and essential oil to make my own scrub. For example, I put about 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl and I cover it with the grape seed oil so that the oil pools slightly around the top of the sugar, then I add some drops of essential oil like lavender and rosemary, just until it reaches the smell I prefer. You can play with different essential oils to achieve different smells. If you don't like using sugar, substitute it with sea salt. If you don't like grape seed oil, use any carrier oil such as almond oil. I like using this because it's environmentally friendly, cost efficient and relationship savvy, meaning it smells great and is delectable when kissed. Just rub this on your skin and gently massage in small circles to exfoliate, and rinse off in the shower. Also when using this you will find no need to use body lotions, your skin will feel smooth and soft for hours.

Treat Yourself

Take a much needed time out. Treat yourself to a relaxing picnic in your favorite spot. Take a loved one, a friend, or a lover. Or, you can spend the afternoon alone, laying on a blanket under a tree reading a good book. Let the sun warm your face, and run barefoot through the grass. Life's too short, play a little, or learn to relax a little - which ever you are forgetting to do.

Plus Modelling 101

Are you interested in becoming a plus size model? Well, we thought we would throw you some helpful hints about the business. Preparation and Grooming is everything when it comes to plus size modelling. Physical appearance and a well proportioned, toned body is vital even at a plus size. So keep a daily exercise routine in place like walking or yoga. Keep your finger and toenails manicured and with light neutral colours or french polished. Your hair should be stylish, trendy and well kept, and skin should be clear, smooth and hydrated. So be sure to eat healthy and get plenty of rest. Straight white teeth are a must, and make-up should be subtle and flattering. A plus models style should be trendy and current but not extreme. For example, no extreme hair design, piercings, or tattoos.

Some Agency Requirements

Height should range from 5'8'' to 6'0''
Beautiful face and bone structure
clear, healthy skin
toned body
age ranging from teens to middle aged
average dress size is between 12 and 16
high fashion plus is usually size 8 to 10

Submission of Photos

A good modelling agency will never ask you for money. If a modelling agency asks for money to obtain photos, a portfolio or modelling classes, you need to find another agency!! Good agencies will never charge you anything directly. If they feel you need guidance they will suggest a good photographer. They will only advise you, not charge you.
When submitting photos to an agency you can simply use the camera that you currently have, they do not need to be professional photos. Take a clear shot of your face, wearing subtle or little make-up, and keeping hair simple, and take a photo of your entire body. Wear clothing that is fitted and clean lined, to show your figure. Do not pose nude!! These pictures will be disposed of immediately. Keep your attire classy and trendy, and if you have great legs you may want to wear a classy short skirt or shorts. Remember, the people looking at these pictures are skilled professionals. They know what you will look like after a make-up artist and stylist get done with you. They judge your bone structure, features and body proportions.
If an agency turns you down, try another. Several plus size supermodels were turned down by an agency or two. If you don't fit the criteria of what agencies are looking for, and feel you still have that beautiful something try submitting photos for a commercial model. Commercial models come in all shapes, sizes and from many cultural backgrounds. Never stop following your dream.

Two Model Agencies in Ontario Canada With Plus Divisions

b&m Models
web: http://www.bnmmodels.com/
e-mail: info@bnmmodels.com

Ford Model Management
web: http://www.fordmodels.com/
e-mail: JPLYLEY@FORDMODELS.COM

Post: written by Yvette Atkinson for Phat Girl Fanclub.

Romance Starts with Loving Yourself

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  Romance is a colourful array of unforgettable interactions that define what truly make a relationship prosper. It can be depicted as a state of splendor which, with great imagination, can create the music of life. It is an essential part of a relationship and it is those little messages of gratitude and true appreciation for one another that make a world of difference. Love is that zest that we sprinkle on top, and most importantly, what we all strive to achieve. It is that feeling and knowledge that you are unique and have found yourself in another. Knowing that in unity, every task becomes easier and that every growing moment strengthens those bonds.
  
  Since we all strive for love and acceptance it is imperative to acknowledge that this all starts at home, meaning you. You cannot give what you do not have, and you also cannot fully receive what you do not possess. In short, if you do not love and accept yourself, you cannot give love or acceptance nor can you receive it from another. If you are angry, insecure, or depressed these feelings will dominate your relationship and inhibit romance entirely. Loving and accepting yourself does not come easy to all of us, sometimes it is a simple learning process. There are five steps to learning: Writing - this causes thinking : Thinking - this creates an image : Image - this causes feeling : Feelings - these control our actions : and Actions - actions create results. So you may write that you love and accept yourself in every way, and eventually those words will snowball through the learning process and create a more lovable you. Make this part of your daily routine and take time to make note of the good you do, and the beauty you create. It will make a world of difference in the development of self.
  
  The five steps of learning are taken from LELAND VANDEWALL.
  
  Post written by Yvette Atkinson for Phat Girl Fanclub.
  

Clothes - Pear Shape

Plus Size Dress; by Baby Phat.

Clothes - Pear Shape

Alfani Plus Ruffled Neckline Drop-Waist top from Macy's.

Michael Kors plus Flare Jean from Macy's.

What to Wear when your a Pear

The average women's body is shaped like a pear meaning that your shoulders and bust line are smaller than you hips and bottom. This is a very feminine body type and can be accentuated beautifully with the proper clothing. The goal is to create balance. In order to do this brighter, or pattern type tops can be worn, or those which add volume like cowl necks or ruffles. For the lower half of the body, which is the larger portion, darker solid colours should be worn as the will minimize and slim out the hips, bottom, and legs. Avoid trousers or jeans that are too tight in the leg as they will only make legs look larger. Stick to a straight cut or boot leg and if you are relatively short stay away from a cuff at the bottom of your pants. This will make your legs appear shorter. For dresses and skirts stick to smooth lines that are slightly loose to keep it clean lined and slimming. Avoid bold patterns on lower half, ruffles or too much volume, or very snug skirts. A good choice that also elongates the body is a wrap dress. The most important thing you want to remember is flatter your assets. If you have beautiful shoulders, choose a top that shows off this feature, and because you have a smaller waist, you can dress this asset with a variety of belts, chains, or wraps. To polish off your ensemble you want to keep your shoes slim and sleek. Avoid chunky shoes, this will shorten legs and may look frumpy depending on the outfit. I've developed a taste for name brand fashion, however I have had some problems finding them in plus sizes as I am sure you have as well. My solution is Macy's. Some of the name brands in plus sizes are: Calvin Klein; Inc International Concepts; Jones New York; Lauren by Ralph Lauren; MICHAEL Michael Kors; Tommy Hilfiger; Style & co; Apple Bottoms, and many more.

Quick Beauty Tip

Having a date night and noticed you also have a new friend on your chin. To banish the redness in blemishes use a drop of visine, yes the eye drops. It not only cures red eyes it also cures the redness in blemishes.

Recipe - Summer Fresh

Don't feel like cooking over a hot stove. Beat the summer heat by keeping it cool, fun and fresh. Try an Arugula & Strawberry Salad..

4 Handfuls of Arugula, 2 cups sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup toasted almonds, and 1 cup goat cheese crumbles.

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  For the Dressing: 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp honey, 2 tsp water, 2 tsp lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix together using a wisk and pour over salad. If this dressing doesn't do it for you try Kraft poppyseed dressing it compliments this salad well. This salad can be nicely served up with a bowl of soup and a stick of french bread with cheese.

Plus Model Magazine

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Click on the above link to learn about plus size modelling or subscribing to plus magazine

The Beginning

I would like to welcome everyone to Phat Girl Fanclub. This blog is all about being a real, averaged sized women. Lets face it, the average women these days is not a size 2,3,4,5, or 6, she is most likely to be a size 10-12, and a large percentage of today's women are size 14+. So to all those women who don't look like a vogue model, I'm telling you, your just perfect the way you are. I am a plus size woman and consider myself Phat and fit!! I love fashion, make-up, healthy living and eating, minus the chocolate addiction, and all that is girlish. I'm always searching for new and refreshing information and motivation on the web, as well as information on plus modelling. I will be sharing this information and my thoughts with any followers, and would love for you to post any ideas, pictures or stories.