To Gym or Not Too Gym...

Started thinking about my past experiences at the gym. I don't attend now but I used to. Now I work out at home and walk everywhere; do yoga once in awhile and swim in the summer months. I guess I'm trying to figure out if I should go back to a "real" gym or not. Not into "Curves" of "women's only" facilities. When i choose to work out I like to hit a punching bag; use a rowing machine etc BUT...I will admit to being a bit intimidated by being the only over 40 year old plus size female in there.

I love to walk and hike but just don't seem to find the time like I used too. So...I guess I'm looking for tips and tricks any of you curvy girls are using to keep healthy. I am sure I am not the only plus size woman out here who like to keep my body moving. (love to dance!). So....let's share some ideas and health and fitness tips.

Do I need to spend the money on a gym again or can I get what I need at home? What are you ladies doing? I used to have resistance bands and free weights....love my posture ball too. Main thing for me is to do something i can fit into my work schedule and keep me interested. I get bored fast!

Spring is coming and I want to rock the nude beach this summer!!! (YES..I said NUDE Beach). My sweetie and I brave the surf and sand in the swim wear God gave us. (you'd be amazed at how liberating it is...but that is another story!)

Let's share our thoughts an idea on fitness and health. If you live in the GTA..where do you work out? I'm interested in any new ideas. :)

I am still looking for ideas to write about. If you have something to share or an idea that I and the rest of us curvy ladies out there need to know about, drop me a line at curvesrfab@gmail.com

Until next time....

Heather McAlendin

http://mcalendin.com

http://curvesrfab.blogspot.com

heather mcalendin 2012

My Body? Positive? YOU BET!!!

I hear off and on about how can it be a possible that a plus size woman is a positive role model to young women?
Well.....WHY THE HELL NOT???  Any woman who is positive, confident and can hold her head high is certainly a role model at any age or size. Plus size and curvy women are happy, healthy, successful women that have a lot to offer. A young woman or young man can learn tolerance, self esteem and self love from a plus size woman just as well if not more than a "normal" or "average" sized woman. I have news for you all....the "average" north American woman is a size 16, which according to many health professionals is borderline obese. (scary).
What offends me i guess is the assumption that if you are a plus size you are unintelligent; unworthy and automatically have self esteem or body confidence issues. NOT SO! The majority of curvy women i know are happy, healthy, well adjusted, successful business women, mothers and extremely productive members of society. The media needs to get their head out of the ass long enough to recognize that some of the most successful and well known business women, teachers, actors, writers, singers etc., etc are plus size women.
A few names come to mind; Adele; Camryn Manheim; Oprah Winfrey; Monif Clarke; Queen Latifah....and the list could go on and on and on....

 So please don't look down on yourself or feel like you can't be a role model to your children or your grandchildren because of your pant size! Own your femininity; own your power as a woman and step out there and show the world what you are made of. You are not your weight; you are you in all your curvy glory. Be healthy, be courageous and most of be proud of who you are. Someone out there is watching your example....

I am still looking for ideas to write about. If you have something to share or an idea that I and the rest of us curvy ladies out there need to know about, drop me a line at curvesrfab@gmail.com

Until next time....

Heather McAlendin

http://mcalendin.com

http://curvesrfab.blogspot.com

heather mcalendin 2012

Curvy Men?

Started thinking the other day about the target market etc. for retailers; fashion designers and those that make money from those of us who are "above average" in size. Do men have the same issues as women when it comes to being plus size or "king" size?

I know how frustrating it is as a woman who, in my case is a different size on the top then on bottom because I happen to have "hips" and "thighs". How to men deal with this? Are they stuck in that rut where they have to squeeze into a smaller size for fashion sake or do they have an easier go of it? I'd love to hear from some plus size men and see what they have to say. I am sure emotionally and psychologically men must go through a slot of the same issues as us curvy girls but they don talk about it as freely as we do.

Sure there are "big and tall" stores for plus size men but what about shorter men who have to purchase a plus size? Are they stuck in clothes etc. that don't fit right?

It's an interesting thing to think about when we are discussing body image. I don't think it's just a single gender issue.

For the curvy ladies out there are you attracted to a larger sized man?

Please if you are a man or woman and you have an opinion about this I'd love to hear from you. The more we share, the more we learn and are aware.

I am still looking for ideas to write about. If you have something to share or an idea that I and the rest of us curvy ladies out there need to know about, drop me a line at curvesrfab@gmail.com

Until next time....

Heather McAlendin

http://mcalendin.com

http://curvesrfab.blogspot.com

heather mcalendin 2012

Fabulous for Valentine's Day

If you are seeking a few sexy goodies for Valentine's Day take a peek at some of these links. Lingerie that fits and flatters and goodies for the fabulously curvy woman.

 http://www.hipsandcurves.com/plus-size-lingerie/
 http://www.lingeriediva.com/plus-size-lingerie


http://www.babygirlboutique.com/plus-size-lingerie.html 
(VERY COOL BURLESQUE STYLES ABOVE)

https://www.ohcheri.com/plus-size-lingerie-plus-size-corsets-and-bustiers-c-1_29.html

Be creative. Valentine's Day is all about spoiling yourself and your loved one and reminding her or him just why you knocked their socks off in the first place. Just because you are a plus size does not mean you can't rock leather and lace or silk and satin! Make sure you are measured properly to ensure you are buying the right size bra and panties or garter set etc....have fun!

Looking for something delicious? Going with the spoiled theme, you can't go wrong with chocolate cover strawberries (godiva is fantastic!) and a sparkling wine; champagne or cider. Dark chocolate is fantastic for both your inside and outside. Check out these chocolate products to make yourself look and smell fantastic.
http://www.godiva.com/boutique/dipping.aspx

http://www.melis.ca/Chocolate-Spa-Body-Scrub.htm

I am still looking for ideas to write about. If you have something to share or an idea that I and the rest of us curvy ladies out there need to know about, drop me a line at curvesrfab@gmail.com

Until next time....

Heather McAlendin

http://mcalendin.com

http://curvesrfab.blogspot.com

heather mcalendin 2012

Feederism.....Fat Fetish

Sadly, I've discovered that there are hundreds if not thousands of women out there who are willing to risk their self esteem, their dignity and most of all their lives to engage in a fat fetish called feederism. What is this? It's when someone pays another (mainly men paying women) to watch them gorge on food and gain weight for sexual pleasure.
http://www.drozfans.com/dr-ozs-advice/dr-oz-susanne-eman-dying-to-be-the-worlds-fattest-woman/
The link above is only one case but got nation wide attention because Doctor Oz brought it to light.


http://thehookupcolumn.com/2011/05/23/woman-sets-goal-weight-of-1000-lbs-to-satiate-husbands-fat-fetish-what-else-is-new/

What is it within a woman's psyche that cause her to seek such deadly forms of attention outside herself? Women no matter what size seem to be in a constant struggle with themselves and the world around them. But this just defies explanation to me.

This reeks of exploitation and women are allowing it. What example does this set for this women's children or other women? It is obvious to me that both the men who are pursuing this form of "pleasure" and the women doing it need a hand up in terms of self esteem issues.

Do you think this is abuse? Is it a psychological issue? Self esteem issue? Or do this women just like to please men?

I think the more we shed light on things of this nature the more we can help our fellow women...or sisters gain control of themselves and their lives.

I'd love to hear any opinions from my fellow curvy women..and men out there.

I am still looking for ideas to write about. If you have something to share or an idea that I and the rest of us curvy ladies out there need to know about, drop me a line at curvesrfab@gmail.com

Until next time....

Heather McAlendin

http://mcalendin.com

http://curvesrfab.blogspot.com

heather mcalendin 2012

Where Do You Shop?

Spring is in the air and if you are anything like me, you are checking out your wardrobe and wondering what fits? What looks good? Why did i buy that? LOL

There are  always challenges in buying clothing regardless of what size or age you are. The most important thing I have found is to buy what feels good, fits your body type and looks great on you! NEVER, EVER try to squeeze yourself into a size smaller because you think you have no options.

Buying plus size and  figure flattering clothing is getting easier that is as even five or ten years ago, especially with the advent of internet shopping.

So...Where do you shop?

Here are a few links that i have compiled from friends and readers...feel free to comment and add a gem of your own!

UK links
http://www.matalan.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/brand/rogers-and-rogers?resetFilters=true
http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=12553&catalogId=33054&cmpid=k68717&_%24ja=kw%3Aevans

US links
http://www.landsend.com/ix/womens-clothing/Women/Size+Range=Plus+Size/index.html?seq=1~2~3&catNumbers=83&visible=1~2~1&store=le&sort=Recommended&tab=2&cm_re=D-3-18
http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/GeneralContent/tipsters/tipsters.jsp

CANADA links
http://www.maximumwoman.com/
http://www.lolaandgigi.com/
http://www.1-plus.com/penningtons.htm

The more we can share local community stores and even big names that have a good product at a good price is beneficial to all of us! Who doesn't like a deal? :)

I am still looking for ideas to write about. If you have something to share or an idea that I and the rest of us curvy ladies out there need to know about, drop me a line at curvesrfab@gmail.com

Until next time....

Heather McAlendin

http://mcalendin.com

http://curvesrfab.blogspot.com

heather mcalendin 2012

Interview: Author Penny Watson

First of all, I want to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and be a part of my “CurvesRFab” blog.

This blog strives to inform and entertain those fabulous women out there who have a unique perspective by being curvy or voluptuous in a very body conscious world.

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself and what you do?

Hi Heather! I am a romance writer, reader and reviewer. I have a holiday romance series called The Klaus Brothers Series, and a review blog called Penelope’s Romance Reviews.

2. What do you find most challenging about being a plus size woman?

Shopping for clothes! I hate that retailers take regular clothes and just “plus size” them. Those are not the most flattering styles for bigger gals. It drives me nuts!

3. What do you find most enjoyable about being a plus size woman?

I am proud of myself and my body. I am fit and healthy!

4. Has there been a personal situation or experience that has given you a unique perspective on living life as a plus size woman?

I had a heart attack about 18 months ago. Since then, I have lost 40 pounds and worked very hard to control my diabetes through diet and exercise. I eat a healthy diet and exercise every day. I’m still a big, curvy girl, but now I am proud of my health accomplishments. Just because I am not a toothpick doesn’t mean I can’t be fit and healthy. And sexy!

5. Women can be their own worst critics. Do you have any advice for a plus size women trying to fit in or be comfortable in her own skin?

Focus on your beauty inside and out. What is beautiful about you? Take care of yourself….exercise every day, put on lip gloss, get yourself pretty clothes. It’s important to be proud of who you are, regardless of your dress size.

6. Do you have any tips or tricks for being the best “you”, you can be?

I always feel great right after I walk. Since I had a heart attack, I try to walk 2-5x/day. It’s great exercise, a good way to clear your head, get some fresh air, and feel like part of the community. Whenever I get home from a nice, long power walk, my cheeks are flushed, my mood is uplifted, and I look and feel great. Walking is the best!

7. What is the best, uplifting quote you have heard or read about being a plus size woman?

Not sure if this is what you mean exactly, but I LOVE this quote from the movie Beauty Shop, with Queen Latifah.

Do these pants make my butt look big?

Yeah, they do.

Good!

I think Queen Latifah is gorgeous, and I love that she is working her big booty and proud of it! :^)

Quicky questions.

1. Favourite food?

Fresh peas, picked from my garden.

2. Favourite drink?

Sun tea

3. Vanilla or chocolate?

Dark chocolate…it’s heart healthy!

4. Books or movies?

Books, books, books! Forever!

5. Lace or satin?

Satin? I’m not really a prissy girl. I’d rather wear my Carhartt vest. :^)

6. Bath or shower?

Shower

7. Gold or silver?

Gold! I love jewelry and gems and have a luscious ring collection.

Fabulous! I and my readers thank you!

Thanks, Heather!

Here are my links….

Blog: http://www.pennyromance.com/

Website: http://www.pennywatsonbooks.com/

I am still looking for ideas to write about. If you have something to share or an idea that I and the rest of us curvy ladies out there need to know about, drop me a line at curvesrfab@gmail.com

Until next time....

Heather McAlendin

http://mcalendin.com

http://curvesrfab.blogspot.com

heather mcalendin 2012