Amanda Gia

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

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...

Thursday, July 2, 2015

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!!

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

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.