A New Season Around the Corner

Is it too premature to be getting excited about fall.  It is my favorite season and I can feel it in the air, I can just smell the crispness setting in.  Ahhhh! How beautiful, God truely blessed this earth.

What Everyone But You Sees About Your Body Sex, Love & Life: glamour.com

What Everyone But You Sees About Your Body Sex, Love & Life: glamour.com

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Dress and Address your Body Type - The Apple

Many plus sized models are shaped much like an apple. Generally larger breasted, a thick waist line, a wide back span, smaller hips and bottom, and thinner legs and arms. This is my body type and by far the most challenging to work with.

In regards to health, the apple physique is of some concern. Women with a thicker mid-section are at risk of heart problems, diabetes, and inflammation. So, in order to keep any health concerns in check, do some tests with your physician, follow a healthy eating lifestyle, and engage in some activity like walking or swimming.

I recently had a consultation with a nutritionist, who put me on a low glycemic eating plan, and within days I feel more energy and my skin is more vibrant. I do not feel deprived of food in any way, I love to eat, however I'm just a lot more conscious of what I consume.

The Fashion Challenge.




Casual Comfort. Simple and fashionable tops that fit loosely yet still flatter your bust line and arms. Pair your casual tops with a pair of boot cut jeans and a some lovely wedge shoes. Keep your tops simple and in solid flattering colours.



Cut and Colour. When you wear the right clothes and colours you can look slim. Wear clothes that are not tight around you mid-section, go for the empire waist or anything that has it's gathering just under the breast line. When you desire to draw the eye away from a wide middle you can draw it vertically by wearing a deep v-neck, and be sure your tops are not over sized and fit properly in the shoulders.

When choosing slacks or skirts, full is better, this creates balance. Please do not wear skinny jeans or low riders, you will only look like a muffin. I've tried this, with no success. Follow your natural waistline, and choose a fuller leg or boot leg pant.

Models with an apple shaped figure generally opt for a darker solid coloured top (to minimize) and a lighter coloured bottom (to maximize).




The Evening. Flaunt it with an empire waist dress that has a lower cut bust line, just because you can! If you accessorize remember elegant not bulky, and because you have fabulous legs you can pull off those killer shoes you've been dying to wear.




The fall jacket. Any nice mid length or longer jacket will be suitable. Remember to keep your lines clean meaning no fur on the collar or heavy layering around the collar or chest, this will add extra volume. Clean simple lines will appear slimming and add a little extra elegance to your outfit. Remember the fashion goal is to draw the eye upwards or vertical.




Pictures compliments of http://www.sarafashion.co.nz/

Road Trip

Every so often I start to feel restless due to the same old routine. You wake up, go to work, come home, work out, watch some TV or play on the computer (which I love) and go to bed, and start all over again tomorrow. I actually love the life I live because I have the freedom to get up and go for the weekend when ever I choose. I think that time has come, everything is starting to feel monotonous. So, off I go. Where to? I really don't know, but I do know I'm going to have a wonderful time!

And Then There was Man...

A very talented and great friend of mine once said to me, "you will find exactly what you're looking for when you open yourself up to receiving it, you must set forth the intention". Well, at the time she said this she may as well have been uttering it in another language because I really didn't understand it. I thought, I'm open to love, and isn't that every one's intention? I guess I wasn't ready to hear what she actually said, it took a couple of months of pondering and reading and learning before the light actually went on. Cheryl (author of My Ideal Husband) obviously knew me well and could offer some enlightened guidance in this area. Through her teachings I have learned that you must become what it is you seek in a partner and you really must be comfortable and secure with yourself before you can give and receive healthy love.

It's nice to know that at the end of a long road of discovering and healing one's soul there is that glimmer of light at the end of that journey that is hopefully the perfect man for me.

Love Scents * The Nose Knows *

Smells can trigger memories and can subconsciously set the stage for romantic and desired conditions. Men and women throughout the ages have used plant and herbs to assist them in the art of seduction. People today still practice the use of scents in sexual and spiritual rituals, like the art of massage or using incense with meditation. They evoke pleasure and are used to court the opposite sex so that one may gain access to the splendor of romance and unity.

Many people utilize the ambiance of scents through the purchase of perfumes, room sprays and plug in fresheners. These are easy and ready-made, but may contain chemicals and could be costly. Many people prefer the use of essential oils because, although you may initially spend a bit on your favourite smells, they actually last a long time because the are extremely concentrated, and have a shelf life of several years if stored in a cool dark spot.

Essential oils are complex and highly fragrant substances that are extracted from fruit, flowers, spice plants, roots of plants, woods, and leaves of all sorts. Essential oils should be kept in a dark, air tight container because they vaporize when exposed to air and may spoil when left in sunlight. Oils should never be consumed, but should be applied topically. They may cause a reaction if applied directly to skin, so diluting is best. Essential oils are most commonly diluted in carrier oils which are fatty or vegetable oils like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil etc. These oils (fatty and essential) compliment each other synergistically and are easily absorbed into the skin, and eventually penetrate the tissues and making its way to the blood stream. Absorption can take anywhere from half an hour to two hours.

Considering the absorption factor, you may want to put some research into the essential oils you are using, because some may have a positive or even medicinal effect on specific issues such as stress, or inflammation.

Take a Much Needed Time Out

What a way to say goodbye to stress. Lay back and relax in a wonderful bath filled with all the beautiful smells of nature. We all have our favourite smells, I like lavender for a nice relaxing bath. Use a bubble bath, or a bath bomb, or even scented Epsom salts. Its not important what you use, its important that you take the time you need in a busy day to unwind a stressed body and mind and treat yourself to luxurious solitude.

O LA LA CHOCOLAT !!

Despite popular belief, chocolate is not an aphrodisiac, however it contains phenylethylamine (PEA) which is a natural substance that stimulates the same reaction as falling in love. This is essentially why chocolate has become our #1 gift giving product for valentines day and many other special occasions where love and union are recognized.

We all know that solid chocolate is high in fat, just over 1/2 the calories in bittersweet, semisweet and milk chocolate come from fat, and even though cocoa butter, which is contained in chocolate, is mostly saturated fat, studies show that it does not appear to raise blood cholesterol.

This little tid bit of good news is by no means a licence to gorge yourself with chocolate, but it is comforting to know that entirely banishing this decadent treat isn't necessary. Just a reminder to me - moderation is key and dark is better!

A Note to God

Every day brings a new beginning. Dear God, even though my days may end in turmoil, I have faith and am grateful that each day begins a fresh and new birth. I am thankful that I am given the ability to change the things that no longer serve me. Each and every day, and in every way, things are getting better.

Chick Flick

THE UGLY TRUTH

A romantic comedy where morning show producer Abby Richter ( Katherine Heigl ) is searching for Mr. Right and finds an arrogant Mike Chadway ( Gerard Butler ) who is a hard core TV personality hosting "The Ugly Truth".

I watched this movie a few nights back and am contemplating seeing it again. I found it hilarious and very entertaining. I am a huge Gerard Butler fan, and found is performance great in this comedy.

Modelling 101 - The Interview

Consider this: You've sent some regular snapshots into an agency. One full face shot and one full body shot, along with all of your contact information. They show some interest and call you to set up an interview, now what? To be interview ready, take focus of these things.


* Your Hair. It is important to keep hair healthy looking, meaning a good cut and a style that is current and classy, not too trendy. Remember they need to be able to work with your hair. Interview time is not the time to try out a new colour, they hired you based on the photos you sent in not on the new redhead you want to become.

* Your Body. Agents are expecting plus girls to look healthy, curvy, and toned. They key word is toned, not skinny. Be sure to look your best. If you wax, do it at least 3 days prior, in case of breakout. If you shave, do it the night before. Keep nails shorter and with a nude polish or french manicure, and be sure to do your toe nails as well. Have a professional manicure and pedicure, you've got this far, you may as well spend a few extra dollars to make sure you look great. Water, water, water, drink plenty of it, for at least a week before the interview. Proper hydration will keep the skin free from blemishes, and keep you from appearing bloated.

* Your Face. To ensure glowing, healthy looking skin, follow a solid skincare regime, and as stated above, drink plenty of water. To the interview, wear make-up that is neutral, and flattering to your best features. Don't go for dark, heavy colours, agents can recognize great features without the need for make-up. Don't use a self tanner or go for any extreme tanning sprays before an interview, and be sure to avoid tanning beds at all costs. They cause pre-mature aging!

* Your Style. Wear clothes that are stylish, flattering, and have simple lines and with simple colours. Don't wear anything too busy, too trendy, or over the top. Remember dress with class and style, this is a professional trade with a ton of competition.

* Your Diet. Eat, and eat food that is nourishing for your body. Do not follow extreme diets, or starve yourself. If you struggle with nutrition, or don't know what you should be eating to look your best, seek out the advice of a professional. Remember, good nutrition shows in your skin, hair, and nails. So to look your best, eat foods that are high in vitamins and antioxidants, avoid too many sweets and processed foods, and drink water, water, water.

* Your Mind. Make sure you have realistic goals. Do you fit the criteria of a plus model? Ask, yourself this question, and be sure you want to model for the right reasons. If you are entering the field of modelling to prove to yourself or the world that you are pretty, or for acceptance, you're in it for the wrong reasons. That should be something you already have. Modelling should be done because you feel you have something to give to the industry. Having a positive and self loving mindset is important during the interview process. Agents don't want to deal with individuals who are completely self absorbed, negative, or unrealistic.

* Ask Questions. If you don't know anything about the industry, ask the agent to run through it with you. They are there to help you succeed, and in turn they succeed, so don't be afraid to ask anything that is of concern to you. Most important, don't lie to your agent about your weight, size, measurements, or anything else. This will only hurt your credibility, and your future.

* Sleep. Make sure you get enough sleep, so you can be energetic and alert for your interview.

A note to God

God please grant me the strength to love and accept myself for the person that I am and everything that I am striving to become. Each and every day, and in every way, I am getting better.

5 Promises To Me

*I promise myself to focus on eating healthy. In my high school days I longed to be one of those very svelte beauties that graced the cover of every fashion magazine, however as I aged my desire to be thin diminished. I would be most content at a Phat and fit size 12 or 14. I'm not incredibly far off from this now, but I do have some weight I would like to loose and some toning that is absolutely needed. I believe feeling good in your skin, and being satisfied in your mind brings forth a great amount of sex appeal.




*I promise to allow myself time each day to read at least 10 pages of the many books I have recently purchased and not set aside time to read. Reading is comforting to my soul, and it stimulates thoughts and feelings that I find very gratifying.



*I promise to share one afternoon each week alone with my mother. She has sometimes been overbearing in my life, however she has always stood by my side even when I didn't want her there. I don't believe I ever took the time to acknowledge and thank her for that, and do believe I should start.



*I promise to allow myself the freedom to just be me. I am a thinker, a little awkward, and probably a little more nerdy, as I was growing up, than I care to admit. I still deep down enjoy those silly things that people associate with the un-cool, but as you get older it stops being un-cool.

*I promise to allow myself to cry and heal my soul. I have always, throughout my life, been an emotional eater, and would rather smother my feelings with food than have a complete melt down. At this juncture in my life, I'm feeling overwhelmed and need to deal with things head on.