The #1 Vegan Question "What do you eat?"

The number one question I get about going vegan is, "What do you eat?" Glad you asked! But before I go on, I'll let you know that my son and I are 85-10-5ers. I came up with that one...maybe I should coin the term before someone else takes it...but anyway, that means that 85% of the year we're vegan (roughly 292 days), 10% vegetarian (able to eat eggs and dairy-56 days), and 5% omnivore (able to eat meat--saved for special occasions and traveling--19 days). Let me say that I have NO DESIRE for turkey for Thanksgiving but mac and cheese will be a must (maybe because Daiya's Mac & Cheese if LIFE). We are 3 months in and a lifetime to go!

Ok, what do we eat (just a few because there are so many more)...
Vegetable stir fry  (eggplant, yellow, orange, and red bell peppers, onions, broccoli, mini corn, carrots, spring peas) with brown rice -- My lunch today :)
Pasta and Sauces...sometimes with vegan meatballs other times with vegan sausage and sometimes with veggies
Salad w/ Japanese Ginger Dressing
Tacos and Burritos - Beefy crumbles, vegan cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa
Curried potatoes and chickpeas
Falafel and quinoa with hummus and veggies
Black bean  burger w/cheese (vegan)
Daiya or Annie's Mac and cheese (vegan)
Mushroom stroganoff
Gardein Chikn strips
Pancakes w/maple and veggie sausage
Daiya Supreme or Amy's Cheese Pizza (vegan)
Tofu nuggets
Twice baked baked potatoes
Mashed potatoes (made with Smart Balance buttery spread and Almond milk)
Lentil Soup w/Harissa sauce
Quinoa salad  with salsa verde, corn and black beans (got that on Facebook)
Chili (w/Beefy crumbles made of pea protein or no meat at all just lots of different types of  beans)
Cereal w/almond milk
Oatmeal
Hash browns
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cinnamon rolls
Ben & Jerry's non-dairy ice cream
Tofurky Deli Slices Sandwich w/Chips
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
Fruits
Smoothies
And much much more...

"But do you eat out?" Yes!
CAVA (absolute fave)
Chipotle (always a fave)
Genghis Grill
Panera
Carrabas
Whole Foods
Anywhere!

Don't just "go vegan" read a book and/or do research (or ask me) because you'll have to take a B12 supplement and you'll want to make sure you're getting enough of what your body needs with this new lifestyle. You'll be full all the time because you have to eat so much ;)  Seriously!

Recipes coming soon...

On the Road to a New Decade: Day 1

For the next 28 days on my rode to a new decade, I will take at least 20 minutes to do exactly what I want to do. This morning, I picked up one of my favorite breakfasts: Panera Bread Asiago Cheese Bagel. Tomorrow, I have no idea what I'm going to do, but whatever I decide to do, it's going to be exactly what I want to do...for at least 20 minutes.  Stay tuned...

Friday Night Menu

Am I only one who's in love with budget-restrained, straight-to-DVD theatrical gems that you find on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix? I can't be! Though the editing is terrible at times, there's too much music during dialogue, the sound quality is shoddy, and some of the acting is lackluster, I must say that the story lines are amazing. And, if given the right amount of training and the proper financial backing, some of these stories would be ones that people would be talking about for many years to come.

I found myself enjoying stories about relationships gone bad, relationships going well, and everything in between. They delve into personal struggle topics like health and mental wellness. Convoluted relationships are stretched beyond anything we could imagine. There are fairy tale endings, tragic endings, and endings that leave you wanting more--by design or by accident. There are actors you can tell have NEVER acted before as well as familiar faces. There are story lines that have little holes in them but you give them a pass because at the very least they are trying to create art that they feel passionate about.

Like I said, if given the correct backing and creative honing, some of these movies would be GREAT. Below is a list of some great stories that I think you would enjoy. You have to get past the fact that sometimes you won't be able to hear what they are saying one moment  because the soundtrack is drowning out the dialogue. Then, there may be sound effects that are blasting loudly the next moment. You'll have to work through listening through the hum of the microphone in addition to awkward camera angles. But, if you can just cut through the aesthetic blunders and the imprint of a novice or low budget production--yet, there are some that have quality up to par to movies in theaters--and get to the story line and plot which at some times might be confusion--but deliciously so--you would really be able to enjoy what I love about these low-budget, highly passionate movies.

With that said, if you have nothing else to do on a Friday night (or any time) and you want to be immersed into a story line that you may not have thought of before with a varying perspective, take a look at a few of the movies below. Some of them are shorter than others so you can get in and out real fast. And some are a little bit longer. Some have familiar faces in them; some of them don't.  There are quite a few beautiful and handsome faces with equally appealing bodies to match so you will find yourself hunting on Google to find out where else you can catch these actors in action. Some of the movies have way too much music during dialogue and for me that got on my nerves. I kept asking myself, "why are they playing music right now? I'm trying to listen to what the people are saying!" Some of them, the music is wonderfully placed.  So, give them a whirl and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Netflix
November Rule (2015) 94 min *perfect...to me
My Favorite Five (2015) 92 min *funny
The Last Fall (2012) 95 min  *snacks
Sister Code (2015) 94 min *unexpected twists

Amazon Prime Video
Truth Unspoken (2012) 76 min *deliciously convoluted
Hopelessly in June (2011) *too much music but very cute story
Jump In (2014) 80 min *focus on the story line because everything else is a distraction
Miss Dial (2013) 88 min *once you're hooked in, you'll want to know what happens 

Curvy Girl Satisfaction

I love to shop. I've loved to shop ever since I was a little girl. While frustrating at times due to my fluffy nature, I still LOVED TO SHOP. The challenge of finding cute close in my size allowed me to play with looks and be creative with styling. "Jeans fit my hips, but not my waist? No problem, I'll layer it with a fun jacket and a long fitted tee." So imagine my horror when I read this study from 2009: "Only thin women enjoy shopping, claims study ."

They purport that body image is tied to shopping satisfaction. But, that is not necessarily true. What came first the chicken or the egg? That's the true problem. Is a person's body image distorted because fashionable clothing options are not readily available? Wouldn't it be safe to say that a person's body image would improve if there was diversity in models, mannequins, and displays? The perspective that the study uses is distorted because they're not curvy or as they enjoy espousing during the whole article, FAT.


As we've seen recently, the varied shapes and sizes of models and actresses in the media and in film, have opened a gateway of body positivity that will not go back. Options for ways to accentuate curves--not hide or "camouflage" them--are flooding stores and online. To the study's credit, it is about 8 years old and suggests at the conclusion that the study should "prompt shop owners and clothing designers to provide a more positive experience for women of all sizes visiting their stores." What I don't like is the fact that I have always enjoyed shopping and have never been "thin."  I am now on a mission to encourage women who don't like shopping because of their body image--not those who just hate shopping...period--step out of the negativity and enjoy adorning those curves! It's a great time to be a curvy girl. Curves are a commanding force on the runways during fashion weeks (i.e. Ashley Graham in Michael Kors), on magazine covers, in movies, strolling the red carpets, and sitting at a desk or in a chair reading this blog right now!

With bloggers posting dressing room confidential videos and plus size boutiques offering personal shopping services, the sky is the limit to your curvy fashion possibilities! So there...you old study! We're just as happy shopping as our slimmer counterparts. And we'll express this happiness by supporting the businesses that support us and make sure we can continue to boost our positive self images in fashions we adore!

Oscar Party Planning Made Easy

Do you miss all the holiday parties that allowed you dress up and look amazing as you danced the night away? Well, it is awards season and it is very simple to get dolled up and entertain. Here are a few Oscar Party ideas...well, any award party idea. Golden Globes, the Grammys, etc.

Plan a dinner party!
You have everything you need to have a fun dinner party before viewing an awards show. Don't worry about everyone's new diet and exercise resolutions. Make low cal delicious eats.

Pick up some boneless chicken, Campbell's Skillet Creations, multigrain pasta, bagged salad, Lite Northern Italian Ken's Dressing, and parfait makings (yogurt, fruit, and granola).

Follow the directions on the Campbell's Skillet Creations packet. Bring your water to a boil and add pasta. Cook pasta for 10 minutes. Strain and rinse after 10 minutes and set aside in a serving bowl. Choose your favorite bagged salad and place in a bowl. Add craisins, chopped nuts, cucumbers, and/or tomatoes to make the salad creative. Toss the dressing in the salad and finish with cracked pepper.  Lastly, prepare parfaits and store in the fridge for your party before the event. You can use yogurt or fat free cool whip, fresh or frozen fruits, and top with granola for a crunch. If people would like to munch during the show, make a dip with the remainder of the yogurt and set out left over veggies or baked pita chips.

Plan a cocktail party!
Ahhh, the chic cocktail party is easier than you think. It's all about the decor and the drinks of course.
The great thing about cocktail parties is that all you need are appetizers.  Here are a few ideas...

Popcorn poppers - microwave butter popcorn, ice cream caramel, chopped nuts
Pop microwave popcorn and pour into a bowl. Squeeze caramel over the popcorn while tossing the popcorn. Sprinkle chopped nuts while tossing the sticky popcorn. Grab a handful and form into a ball and set on wax or parchment paper to harden.

Alton Brown's Spinach Artichoke Dip - Add thawed cocktail shrimp and colby jack cheese to the top. Pop it in the oven until the cheese bubbles. Serve with baked tortilla chips or veggie chips.

Shrimp Cocktail - Serve with Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce

Mini Steak Kabobs - Broil New York Strip Steak then cube. Toss whole baby portebella mushrooms, grape tomatoes, and coursely chopped onions and peppers in olive oil in a skillet for no more than 5 minutes. Using small skewers, place a cube of steak, peppers, onions, tomato and half a mushroom. Serve with ranch dressing.

The drinks....
Wine and Champagne always work!
But for more of a mixed drinks crowd:

Absolut Winner
1 shot Absolut Mandrin
8 oz Ruby Red and Tangerine
1 shot of Sprite or Sparkling White Wine
Garnish with a lime slice and a cherry
(Non-alcoholic: No Vodka or Wine)

Best Actor
1 shot Tequila
1 shot Grand Marnier
6 oz orange juice
2 oz Sweet and Sour Mix

Best Picture 
1 shot Tequila
1 shot Gin
Blood Orange Pelligrino

Top each of these drinks with ice and serve up the fun!

Don't forget to have a dress code! Get your guests to pull out their after five, cocktail frocks and suits to make your event an upscale memorable event. Want to buy something new? Shop looks on Amazon and Ebay for great prices and quick shipping!

"American" History

In light of Independence Day and our observance of our American heritage, I thought it would be interesting to discuss the Native peoples of this land prior to the arrival of explorers and pilgrims. It coincides with the lesson this week as we discuss non-Western cultures like China, India, and the Americas which I will put in quotes when I'm making reference to this land prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 15th Century.

Civilizations thrived and were technologically advanced in the "Americas." One example is Peru. Among other advances, Peruvians were very interested in astronomy and time. Observatories still exist in that region and were strategically places to study the stars including the sun. In addition to studying for agricultural reasons, understanding celestial patterns were cause for celebration.  They developed calendars as well as geoglyphs in the shape of geometrical shapes. The following article does a great job of detailing these advancements, uses, and how they've survived into today. Check it out!

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/03/160317-spring-vernal-equinox-astronomy-native-american/

Kehinde Wiley is Coming to Richmond

I'm so excited about this exhibit, I'm about to explode! His works are breathtaking and move you beyond your personal limits. I feel every brush stroke when I'm looking at his paintings as well as connect with each subject. It is truly spiritual! I'm so happy that Kehinde gets to experience his renown in his lifetime. Unlike some of my other favorite artists who knew not how well loved their works would be and struggled during their lives further informing their art that touches so many. How I love my friend Vincent van Gogh. But, I digress.

The Ambassadors (1533) Holbein

The Ambassadors is one of my favorite paintings because it looks like a photograph taken to the next level. Kehinde serves up the same beautiful imagery and color in his massive oil paintings. His subjects leave a legacy of sometimes contradictory images juxtaposed in a way that removes the contradiction and shifts the viewers perspective.

Napolean Crossing the Alps (1801) David

My favorite so far...but that will surely change once I get to view the whole exhibit!

Kehinde Wiley: New Republic will be at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts from June 11 until September 5, 2016. Your summer will never be the same! 

From Cuneiform to Texting

Who knew that cuneiform would be so difficult? Well, if you don't have the right tools and the know-how, your clay will end up looking like a bunch of dimples and dents. Wait a minute!! That's what cuneiform looks like anyway, so maybe I'm on the "write" track!

Beyond the actual attempt at using this ancient writing technique, there was a theurapeutic quality to working with the clay. Everyone who was working on writing their monogram--once they got over the fact that they didn't know what they were doing--became quiet and relaxed.

I found a couple of articles about how there is a connection with stress relief and working with art.
Article
Research Paper

Enjoy!

Perspective Shifts

Perspectives are everything. While reading a passage describing the first civilizations, I cringed every time I read "the first in the world." How does the writer know that an event is a first? Technological and relational developments could have been happening concurrently all over the world-the Earth-and the western world wouldn't have known any different and vice versa.

Head of a Tribute Bearer from Khorsabad (710-705 BCE)

What if, when one civilization conquered another, the conquerors destroyed all record of the progress that the conquered people had made? That would leave only the conqueror's records, thus obliterating the history of the conquered. So, when a book says that something is the first or someone was the first to invent something, I suggest you come from the perspective that it may be the first recorded by a people whose records remained intact or the first patent to be successfully approved and PAID for or even the first person to name something that had gone nameless for years. Analyze everything you read and hear with your personal perspective and then utilize a world view--not just a western world view.

New Beginnings: Breaking the Ice with Facts and Favorites

Have you ever wondered how to "break the ice?" I knew that I would have 13 new faces before me and that I would have to get to know them as they got to know each other. I didn't want the icebreaker to be cliche or boring or overdone, so I mixed a few of my favorites into one successful icebreaker. I learned about the people in the room as they learned little factoids about each other. I also gained insight into who wore every emotion on their face, who didn't really want to be in the room as well as those who wanted to tell more than necessary for the activity. It was great! So, do you want to know how to pull off the best ice breaker ever? Read on...

Give each participant 2 slips of paper. One with "Interesting fact..." and the other with "A favorite..." at the top. Explain that they are to write an interesting fact about themselves that they feel comfortable sharing with the group. For the favorite, they can write any of their favorites whether color, food, restaurant, vacation spot, hat, or whatever.  Place the folded slips of paper in a bucket.

Beginning with you, pull one of the slips and read to the class. Try to guess who the fact or favorite belongs to. After a few guesses, open up the floor for other participants to take a guess or give a hint. Once the person has been revealed, he/she will draw the next fact or favorite, and the ice is broken. Everyone will be engaged because they are trying to either guess who wrote the statement, hide the fact that they are the one being discussed, or wondering if their fact or favorite will be pulled. You will also notice how people will immediately latch on to commonalities. For example, there were three participants who loved purple. Once that was up for discussion, someone else stated, "I like purple, too." When there are commonalities in the group, there is comfort. There is a sense of connection and teamwork is sure to follow! 

Let me know how it works out or if you modify in the comments below!

I Need More Weekends During the Year Please!

There are so many wonderful things that need to be done each week, but 8 hours are "lost" each day. Those hours are wasted by no means. We have to work at some type of job during the day (or night), but there are countless errands, odd jobs, and activities that need to be completed that add flavor and excitement to our lives. We own businesses, engulf ourselves in crafts, art, and hobbies, as well as spend time with family in friends. But, it seems that the big chunk of time dissecting our day seems to cramp our style. What should we do?

I suggest making the most of your breaks and lunch time. Take your laptop with you each day and take full advantage of the hour to hour and a half that you have each day that you usually smoke, talk, or eat away! Do you know if you write for 15 minutes per day for a month, you would be well on your way to completing your first novel? Did you know that you could knit a scarf or two in a week if you knit during your lunch break? Etsy's calling!! You could develop multiple blog posts during the day and then schedule across the week before you go to bed at night.

Make the most of the time you have! Maybe one day your hobby or side business will take the place of the 8-hour bill payer! Happy creating!

Shopping!

Award-winning style! Be red carpet ready in this sexy gown!



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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.

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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?