Detox Before the Onslaught!

I recently read an article about how sugar is absolutely toxic for the body. I totally agree, but how in the world do you get around eating the yummy stuff when it is in practically everything that we love. What's more, the holidays are coming up and well duh! EVERYTHING includes sugar and carbs and everything else you body can't efficiently use unless you take a hike up the Appalachians post-meal. So, the timing of my church's Daniel's fast coincided with my personal plan to detox in preparation for the holiday season menu malady! A fast without prayer is a diet, so I made sure I kept my intentions spiritual for the first 3 days which were the schedule corporate fasting days. Today is the last day for that, and I have a level of clarity and focus that is blowing my mind. 

 

Starting tomorrow, I will continue my "no meats, no sweets" eating with the desired outcome of detoxifying my body before Thanksgiving. I haven't had caffeine in a week and today I feel more awake than ever. Is my body trying to tell me that meat is actually weighing me down? Is my body trying to tell me that too much sugar has been making it sluggish and not in top performance? I think I should listen to my body, but I like meat! I like an occasional donut! I guess I will just have to monitor my intake of certain "slug producing" foods over the course of a month. I miss my lattes, though. I love milky cereal. I'm interjecting what my brain is telling me, but my body is telling me that I feel 100% more focused and energetic than when I have that sodium and fat--ridden pizza. 

On Thanksgiving and all my other holiday soirees, I'll be sure to keep in mind how great I feel right now and in between fetes, I'll be sure to cut the foolishness. I like this feeling! But that cake is so yummy! Balance with the scales tipping toward limiting meats and sweets is key.

Offering Curvy Fashionistas the Best in Plus Size Fashion | Scaled~uP Apparel: 5 Star Latte/Beige Polka Dot Below Knee Black Skir...

Offering Curvy Fashionistas the Best in Plus Size Fashion | Scaled~uP Apparel: 5 Star Latte/Beige Polka Dot Below Knee Black Skir...: 5 Star Latte/Beige Polka Dot Below Knee Black Skirt Plus Size 24W Free Shipping! Time left : 1w 4d 5h Price : $ 33.75 Free shipping [View De...

From the Pages of Mags to Your Closet Suited to Fit Your Curves!

Glamour Mag highlighted this season's trends and Scaled~uP Apparel delivers! From the Animal Print craze to Blouses with Bows, this store that caters to the "Curvy Fashionista" is the source of on trend looks in plus sizes. And the prices are affordable which means you can buy MORE! Currently, they're offering a free garment bag with purchases over $20. And their s~u Boutique new arrival items are on sale until Sunday night. Where else can you get a suit for $41.94 + Free Priority Shipping + Free Garment Bag? Shop Now! Check out their landing page here!

Bump That!! It's Hump Day!

Free advertising is like eating cake all day without gaining a pound! Ahhh, the thought. Anyway, seeking out avenues to promote your service, business, or product can be extremely daunting. Seeming futile, a lot of people decide to stick their heads in the sand hoping that people will just happen upon their product or website. Others spend countless hours on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and any other social media platforms out there trying to trump up business by racking up followers and likes. While social media is EXTREMELY important, let me tell you what  a little research on the matter did for me.  It acquainted me with "bumping."

Bump sites allow you to post linked pictures or websites in order for people to find out about your business. You get bumped down the list whenever someone else enters their information, hence the term "bump." It drives traffic to your goods and services while presenting to you other goods, sites, and services that might interest you.

Bottom line: The more we promote bump sites, the more our advertising reaches a lot of people for free while the hosts of the bump sites get revenues from their ads. Win-Win-Win!

Here's a list of working bump sites. There are quite a few that have gone the way of Jurassic World, but these are active and working! Plus, there are links to other bump sites on these bump site.

Happy Bumping!

http://fashionbump.net/
http://www.thebumpmeister.info
http://bumpauctions.com/

Save on Plus Size Fashions Now!

Back to School Sales... Ready. Set. Shop!

Fall Fashion Watch: Trends Chosen by the Experts

Trend #1

Military Everything! Army Green...bomber jackets...structured coats and jackets. Be on trend this fall with just the right jacket for your body. You can go to ShopBazaar for high-end picks or you can get a fabulous Bomber in the Olive/Army Green for under $25 in PLUS SIZES 1X, 2X, and 3X at Scaled~uP Apparel (pictured below).

Trend #2: Orange (But say it with a French accent for effect!!)

Glamour's Dos & Don'ts always give me life! I live the thin black strip over the eyes of the big fat don'ts! But I digress. This go around they gave us a smathering of how to rock all shades of orange and how to mix and match them for an ultra stylish effect. Two of my favorites are a silky orange top and Solange's front split skirt! Not together unless you dare, but as staple pieces to build an gorgeous outfit upon. Solange paired her skirt (Similar Versace pictured below) with a turtleneck (Love her!). And, I'm seeing the silk sleeveless blouse, being paired with a burgundy pencil skirt! Ah, such cuteness and sophistication. Orange is the new black!

Happy Shopping!!

Scaled~uP Apparel LLC:

Plus Size Shopping at Affordable Prices  - Scaled~uP Apparel LLC

Sao Paulo Plus Size Fashion Week!

The 12th Annual Sao Paulo Plus Size Fashion Week is happening now and I couldn't be more excited about what I'm seeing!  The era of FRUMP is behind us (I hope). The clothes are vivid, stylish, and flattering. From swim suits to distressed denim shorts to fabulous dresses, the apparel is showing style diversity for curvaceous, confident women of all ages.

Check out another vid on Reuters.

Want to shop some cute plus size fashion right now?

Shopping!!!

Scaled~uP Apparel LLC Grand opening 8/2/2015! Shopping for you curves just got trendier and easier! Calling all  #curvy #curvee #plussize #beautiful #fashionistas! Instagram can't hold us down! Power to the Curvy!

Update: Tuesday is the last day for deep deep discounts. Right now, tops and outwear are 40% off! Free garment bag with purchase! (mailed in 2-4 weeks)

I got black pants, the striped shrug, the chevron skirt, and I'm eyeballing the military jacket! I love shopping for myself and others!

New Blog: PS Petals Place

I'm so excited that my new blog is up and running! PS Petals Place (pspetalsplace.com) is a blog devoted to keeping body positive content in front of tween and teen curvy girls...who I like to call "Petals!"


With topics ranging from dating to parents to fashion/beauty, PS Petals Place offers quality content and opportunities to vent in a safe and supportive environment online.

This month's Petal Spotlight is Zoe Robinson from Friday Night Tykes (Esquire Network). I had the pleasure of speaking with her and her mother and I know her story will be an inspiration to many young girls her age. Honestly, she inspired me to "expect the unexpected!"

My favorite feature of the blog is the Self-Confidence & Esteem page. This page will gather articles from around the interwebs that will help build self-love and encourage young girls to embrace their curves while committing to fitness and wellness. We'll also tackle the difficult subject of bullying and how to cope in addition to providing hotline information in the case of a crisis.

Spread the word to young girls...Petals...you know who would benefit from taking checking out pspetalsplace.com --the place where you are more than a number on a scale. I really wish that there was something like this for me when I was a tween/teen and that's why I'm committed to providing this service to today's generation of curvy girls...Petals!!!

Haute Haute Haute!!!

Paris Fashion Week is in full swing! Yesterday was Dior and today Chanel. Fabulous everywhere you turn. Watch on this site!

Enjoy the rest of the shows...

Book Review: Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck

Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck
(Three Rivers Press)

I will never be the same. I am on my way to my North Star. I have a clear path to get there and I am attuned to my "compass."   My mom has stacks and stacks of books in her room that she has received as gifts through the years, but never had the time to read.  One morning, my son and I camped out in her room to spend some quality time with her. I was drawn to a little blue book sitting atop a pile. Little did I know that my life would be changed forever. The first line, "Right in the middle of my life, I realized that I wasn't where I wanted to be."  I was stopped dead in my tracks. I tuned out the TV and the conversation my son and mother were having. I heard only my heart beat and those words resonating in my head. It felt as if I had written those words myself. I actually have, but in my journal...countless times. I read on:  It was like I'd wandered off the right path into a very, very bad neighborhood." Yep, this book is for me! I whizzed through the introduction, but had to put the book down because I realized that I was about to make some major changes that I needed some time alone to accomplish. I went on with my day and life got a little busy. But, the book kept "calling" me. I needed to get to work on my destiny and the nagging feeling that I was wasting time agitated me.

One evening, I swiped the book from my mom's nightstand and that's when it happened: I began moving toward my North Star. Less than a week later, I had a "catalytic event," I was at "square one," and I was in perfect position to actualize my "WIGs." You will definitely have to read the book to find out what the heck I'm talking about, but you will be blessed, changed, altered, and emotional when you read the book. If you want clear, easy-to-follow instructions and exercises to  get your life on course, this is the book for you. She gives clear examples to use as points of reference for your own situation. I actually felt my perspective shift during the course of the book; where when I looked back at some of my early answers, I had a different response. Puh-leez, get this book for yourself, a new graduate, a retiree, anyone who wants to "claim the life you were meant to live."

My coworker ordered it immediately and I know that after a week on the beach (she's not going in the water because she loves her limbs), she will come back with a new perspective!

Have any of you read this book? How has it changed your lives. Leave a comment below!

Follow-up: I started my own business... Scaled-uP Apparel http://www.scaled-up.com/
Thanks Martha Beck!!

theCURVYcon Recap

Organizers
Chastity Garner and CeCe Olisa

I walked into theCURVYcon expecting to experience a perspective shift and I left having my mind blown. People who know me know that I tear up expectantly when my heart has been touched. This time was no different. The room was filled with curvaceous cuties from around the country. Everyone was dressed to the nines and walked around in a safe environment where judgement, comparison, and criticism were banned. We shopped, we fellowshipped, we networked , and we healed in preparation to take the world by absolute storm. I learned some ways to make my blog better and impact my clients’ sites by providing more content geared toward self-love, plus size empowerment, and expressing the message that women are not the number they see on the scale whether it’s 127 or 327!

For a brief recap of the event, we were greeted by fabulously dressed volunteers. When I entered the room after checking in and picking up my teal bag, I knew I was meant to be in the building! I could shop trendy clothes that I knew I could fit! No moo-moos here. Just beautiful, bright colors in styles that were on trend. Attendees had obviously styled amazing looks for themselves freely expressing their sexiness, sassiness, and confidence. There were plus size models sashaying through the crowds. The organizers Chastity Garner (Garner Style) and CeCe Olisa (Plus Size Princess) were gracious and gorgeous! The panel discussions were informative and engaging. From topics ranging from fitness to sex to fashion, there were great opportunities to learn and reinforce the fact that you are not alone.  

Closing out this amazing event was AmberRiley star of Glee and Winner of Dancing with the Stars. She spoke of how she is just settling into her confidence as a plus size woman who loves pizza and fries but is extremely active. She has a life coach to assist in her remaining both spiritually and physically healthy! Note taken.

Next steps after an experience like this?? Take what I learned and apply them to all aspects of my life. In the midst of “finding my north star,” I have some clear examples of how to propel my writing and fashion pursuits.  I will also endeavor to get you out of your comfort zone and relentlessly pursue your passions! I want you to feel this enlightened and fulfilling pleasure of living life and not just going through the motions. I am in the process of designing a new blog just for tweens and teens who are curvy and need encouragement as well as empowerment. Spread the word about Plus Size Petals Place. I'm so excited to share my story and help other young girls who are perfectly beautiful plus size young ladies fulfill their destinies by overcoming all challenges--personal and societal! These Petals will have a safe place with no judgement just love and support.  Stay tuned!

I decided on a black  Mossimo jumpsuit with neon accents (neon pink necklace and the Steve Madden sandal below) and gold Guess hoops.

Check out the links for theCURVYcon participants below!

KierraSheard

NadiaAboulhosn

Crissle West

AmandaAllison

ChanteBurkett

AlexandriaThomas

Kellie Brown

EssieGolden

JessamynStanley

MarcyGuevara

SabrinaServance

RochelleJohnson

KelseyMiller

Ty Alexander

Sarah Vargas

Sarah Conley

CrystalCoons

RosalizJimenez

Looking at a van Gogh for the First Time!!!

I am amazingly drawn to van Gogh the man and the artist. His tortured life is a testament to tenacity in the face of odds not only stacked against him but smothering him to near death. I’m officially on a quest to see as many van Gogh works in my lifetime as possible. The quest began last week when I attended “The Art of the Flower” exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. I cried, I must admit, when I entered the room where the van Gogh works were on display. Of course, there was a line of people in which I waited patiently  to stand in awe of his work that was sneered at and overlooked during his lifetime. 

Now worth millions, the art of Vincent van Gogh will leave you speechless. I looked, watched, studied, inhaled, and truly experienced each of the four paintings. I wanted to continue my mental escape unencumbered, but the room was packed and people were yapping about things they didn’t understand. There was one young lady who roamed to and fro between the paintings stating that she loved one the most. She compared (aloud) the variations between the works based upon the aesthetics and dates. Her favorite was one he completed while in a better mental state than the other that she cringed at the sharp contrasting broad strokes including black outlines around wavy almost swirling attempts to express flowers.  I wish I had had an hour alone in the room to really enjoy the experience, but my short time becoming metaphysically one with van Gogh--his eyes saw and painted a painting that my eyes were able to see uninhibited by the page of a glossy book--was well worth it. I saw the painterly qualities, the impasto in person, and felt the wildness/calmness that was van Gogh! Next stop: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Vase of Flowers (1890)

theCurvycon 2015

IT'S SOLD OUT!!!!

After a lifetime of ridicule and abasement because of my curves (well, I'm being a little dramatic for effect because I've also been quite adored for my curves, but allow me this latitude)..ahem, yes after all the ridicule, I am able to attend an event designed to celebrate and inspire the "curvylicious" ladies out there. I'm beyond excited about this whirlwind of a week that will culminate with a day-long conference theCurvycon in one of my favorite cities--cue music "if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere"--New York City! Had it not been for a minor life detour on last Friday, I wouldn't have ever been so relentless is making strides in my professional life. I am thrilled that once I gas up my car I'll be all set for an adventure in motivation, encouragement, and of course, shopping.  Here is a little background about this groundbreaking event given by one of the organizers, Ce Ce "The Plus Size Princess).

In a matter of 2 days, I got my ticket, hotel room, and outfit together on a whim. This evening I must pack and rest for a day full of new experiences, fabulous people, and electric sparks for my creativity. I'm literally dancing in my seat as I type. I'm looking forward to fresh inspiration for my writing and PHOTOGRAPHY. Oh yes, I have a new camera and I know exactly what to do with it. Speaking of camera, I've re-joined Instagram. I'm starting off with simple phone pics of "bright" colors and furry creatures that I encounter during my morning walks. I'll ramp up the content when I decide the direction in which I want that account to go. So check me out... @therealamandagia on Instagram.

@therealamandagia

Last but not least, Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck is a GAME CHANGER. I will have a detailed book review in the coming weeks, but honestly, this book has changed my life already and I've got three more chapters to complete. If you start reading today, your life will change by this time next week! It is one of those self-help books that you'll want to keep in your purse or desk drawer to skim when your hope is waning. For me, with God's word the Bible and this books along with Steve Harvey's Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success, I have nowhere to go but up to my full potential!

Stay tuned to my Instagram and my blog for updates about theCurvycon 2015!

Book Review: The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life by Lauren Myracle

The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life by Lauren Myracle 
(Penguin Group)

Smack dab in the middle of the worst years of her life: Middle School, Allison a 7th grader has to deal with figuring it ALL out. Between friendships, crushes, and the all consuming pursuit to be popular, she is deeply entrenched in a preteen's complicated world! With that said, while I was reading, I thought back to my days of teaching 7th grade and even further back to my days of actually experiencing that horrid era of existence. It is an excruciating time of self discovery and unwarranted input from peers. This book captures this pain and confusion very well and is entertaining to boot.

NOW FOR THE BAD PART: The book is inappropriate for a girl of middle school age. Some of the language, sexual innuendo, and subject matter will add fuel to the already hormone-induced curiosity fire raging in tweens. Furthermore, some of the language, while common with that age set, shouldn't be promoted as acceptable. The delicate balance is what was so awesome about Clueless. The language could have been way more vulgar to portray popular nineties parlance, but Amy Heckerling avoided vulgarity while capturing the vernacular authentically. Any time a book aimed toward ages 10 and up (the suggested age on the book) uses the term "ménage à troi," you know you've got to shelve the book until the reader is 14, if then.  Well written? Yes! Entertaining? Yes!  Too mature for the suggested reader? Definitely!

If she had just framed The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life as being recalled by a high schooler, summed up with a successful update at the end (e.g., Allison and Meagan are going to the same college in the fall or Rachel wasn't prom queen, Mika was), teenagers 14 and up would more readily go for the middle school plot. It's a fun read, but just too mature for the intended audience.

Moral of the story: Parents, you may just have to read/skim books before you allow your kids to read them. Just because it's at a book fair or in the library doesn't mean that it is acceptable for all children. 

Spring/Summer Shopping List: Polka Dots

What is it about Polka Dots that are so appealing. Whether teeny tiny or huge like "Mongol Dots," they are absolutely perfect for any occasion.

Sneak Peek for Fall "Mongol Dot" look! MONGOL Brand

Have fun by mixing patterns and colors or get all matchy matchy. I found the best cardigan at Target - pink with white mini Polka Dots.

Two days later, I found some Tommy Hilfiger flip flops at Shoe Carnival--pink with white mini Polka Dots!!!

Can you say, "Score!" I've paired the matchy matchy duo with all black (black tank and black shorts) and all white (white oxford and white skirt). Order your set today (Target & Amazon-Shoe Carnival online store doesn't have the flops). I guarantee you, compliments will abound!


This little shift (trapeze dress) will be my next Amazon Prime order! I'll wear it all summer right into fall by pairing it with boots and tights. Happy Shopping!!

Polka Dot Perfection

Turn a Summer Fling into a Lasting Thing!

                          

Like I've written before, it is amazingly easy to meet new people in the summer. Everyone is traveling, and you can strike up conversation with complete strangers on a plane or in an out-of-town restaurant. Furthermore, there is a carefree attitude that summer seems to bring. We let our inhibitions go and get lost in the euphoria that the sun evokes.  For some, this carefree attitude can be a blessing that turns into a curse once all the "summer madness" is over. Have you ever wondered why a "summer fling" doesn't usually last? It may seem obvious...it's a fling! But, there is a deeper culprit at work. Because of the lowering of inhibitions, there are also lowered expectations, standards, and meaningful conversation that will lead to a solid relationship. If you'd like to turn your summer fling into a lasting thing...read on!

First things first: MAKE YOUR INTENTIONS KNOWN..subtly but clearly. If you want more than a few months (or hours) of interaction, you'll need to be clear that your standards haven't flown out of the window just because the temps are up and your windows are down. Approach meeting new suitors the same way you would when you're bundled up in frigid temps. Your will have more suitors because there is more skin to hypnotize them, but you'll just have to get over the thrill of heightened exposure (pun intended) and proceed with the same tact, poise, and COMMON SENSE you usually employ. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you should lead in with "so when are we getting married?" I'm thinking more along the lines of once you get to know a person and feel that you want it to last beyond the summer, through in some "fall talk." While listening to a band you both like on a date..."Hey, there is this awesome festival in OCTOBER where this band and several others like them perform. Have you been? Do you think you'd like to check it out?"  If he says, "WE should check it out TOGETHER! Sounds like fun,"  you are all set for something more than a fling. However, if he says, "Huh? I couldn't hear you" or "I don't even know where I'll be in next week let alone October," he's trying to make summer memories and that's about it! RUN! 

What if the thought of being tied down during the summer makes you cringe?  Or makes your love interest cringe? There is absolutely nothing wrong with that apprehension. Date and enjoy! Just remember your love interest is dating and enjoying as well. If you want it last beyond the summer, you'll need to set yourself apart from the others and your love interest will have to do the same for you. Remain true to yourself and your character.  You will definitely shine through. Don't compete with the others by trying to be more sexy or sexual thinking that'll keep your love interest interested for the long haul. If he's meant to be yours beyond the summer, he'll be with real you!

Make your goal this summer and every season to live a full and robust life. Connections come to those who are perfectly content in their current state. You don't want to alter a happy state with a drop in romance when it could be the love of your life!

What's For Lunch? Sal's Ristorante Italiano

Well, travel season is in full swing at least for me. People are sneaking off early to take in a quick weekend mini-trip or is that just me?? Either way, when you take a mini-trip, it is extremely important choose between letting the wind carry you along and having everything "masterplanned" out. Most of the time, I have most of my trip planned out in order to get as much done in a short period of time as possible. Other times I'll plan half of the trip and leave some time for exploration.  This weekend was a football travel week and we were road warriors Saturday and Sunday. Ahhh, but Sunday, we found a true treasure tucked in Williamsburg, Virginia.  My son wanted pizza. I asked him if he wanted some "chain" pizza or some authentic Italian style pizza? He decided he wanted something authentic, so I typed in "pizza restaurant" into Google Maps. I scrolled through the long list, yet settled on the first (closest) spot.

Sal's Ristorante Italiano

835 Capital Landing Road

Williamsburg, Virginia 23185-4324

Easy to find and in a great touristy neighborhood, we pulled into Sal's Ristorante Italiano. Fresh fried mozzarella and pizza (pepperoni and sausage) were our choices! And boy, were we happy. The food was delicious. The menu was full of my favorites, so I'll have to go back and sample some other great dishes like Chicken Marsala and Mussels Marinara. The atmosphere was quaint and pleasant. Our server was efficient and kind. No complaints...just praise for a lovely restaurant. The owner was full of personality and we enjoyed the conversation! We felt like part of the family! Anyway, when you're in Williamsburg, Sal's is a must! Oh, and check out the website for a coupon! I wish I had known, but I will be back soon! Yum!

Thumbdrive Death Update

Remember when my thumbdrive died?? If not, read about it here. Then read on...

Well, the IT guru recovered 15 of my 4,000 files. All is not lost. I will set aside a few hours to assemble my files from my email accounts and hard drives and then move them to the cloud. Sigh.  I've actually gotten over it. The nauseous feeling I had in the pit of my stomach when it first occurred to me that I only had 15 files (4 of them corrupted) is gone. This unexpected data dump allows me to come up with some fresh ideas and may just be what I needed to escalate my writing. Or...at least that's what I tell myself.

Book Review: How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg

How the Other Half Hamptons by Jasmin Rosemberg
5 Spot (Hachette Book Group)


Spring cleaning definitely has benefits. You get to clear out and freshen up things for the busy travel season ahead!! Well, I was sorting some things out in the garage and I ran across a brand new book among other books that had been packed away.  I had never seen the book before. It was published in 2008 which was a year full of transition. I may have even purchased it while in a fog, but I sure am glad I found it!  

Three friends--Jamie, Rachel, and Allison--pay for share house arrangements one summer in the Hamptons and their lives change forever. While that may seem like a rather dramatic observation, it is true nonetheless. Between hookups and hangouts, these girls find out a lot about themselves and about what they truly want.  I enjoyed the entire book. I enjoyed the plot. I enjoyed the insider approach to Rosemberg’s writing. Can I call her “Jasmin?”  After reading this delicious novel, I feel like we’re friends for some odd reason. Her background as a nightlife reporter for the New York Post serves her well as she gives readers a taste of the not-so-often seen side of the Hamptons. 

Jasmin Rosemberg’s How the Other Half Hamptons is an easy read that you won’t want to put down. It was not at all what I expected which was a pleasant surprise. The book is a sneak peek at not how the upper echelon “hamptons” each summer--oh no--but, it’s about how twenty-somethings (sometimes thirty-somethings) break and bend the law in order to make summer memories. As the byline reads, “One house. Forty strangers. Add vodka and stir…”

I appreciate this book not only for the entertainment factor, but also because it shows women from all backgrounds that there is a clear distinction between boys and men. I could relate to some of the hijinks, tomfoolery, and down right ambiguity of the guys these girls had to encounter. I also could relate to the cattiness that plague female interactions. Jasmin got the tone just right and I found myself reading at a frenetic pace in order to find out how things were going to pan out. For example, the adventure in the Lexus was hilarious however, the writing was so great that I felt anxious for the girls! I felt as if I were the fourth chick in the back seat trying to find a sign on the dark roads to save us from a debacle of a trip. Anyway, as you build up your beach reading list (I know I am), add this gem.  If you can’t wait, read it now to get some ideas of ways to spend your summer...or things to avoid!