Plus Size Blog – Plus Size Lifestyle and More

Today it is estimated that 20 million people use online dating services every month, according to Online Dating Newsletter. That’s a lot of people out there looking for love and competing with each other to find the perfect mate.

And, sometimes you come across some very interesting people. And, some just seem pretty weird. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so there is always room for differences of opinion. Thought I would share some of the interesting places, people, and profiles I have found.

First of all there is a great article Weird Dating Sites — or, People Are Strange that describes some of the dating sites that cater to some members with interests that are not exactly the norm.

And, then there are the people themselves. Like the man whose picture on his profile is one taken in his doctor’s office. Is that supposed to be reassuring? One of my “matches” is a guy whose profiles includes pictures of him as Lisa. His profile reads

No I Don’t Wear A Dress & Makeup All the Time.
There is a Story Behind Me crossdressing.
All That You Need to Do is Ask Me Why?
I Will Reply to You…It’s a Cute But True Story

But, there are some sincere folks out there. One of my favorite profile was of a 61 year old gentleman who shared the wisdom of his age with this advice. “I have learned: You don’t keep looking for love until you find it. You just open your heart and let love happen.” I believe he’s got it right.

So, what are some of your experiences? Have you found Mr./Ms. Wonderful online? Let us hear from you.

Can’t believe that it’s been over a month since I have written anything on here.  The whole month of July has come and gone and I’ve been silent.  Wish I had a good excuse like being so busy going places or writing a book or something.  Truth is, I have been busy.  But, just with the mundane aspect of life.  Going to my “day” job, trying to recover from all the moving, getting stuff organized, getting ready for a garage sale, and getting ready for my family’s visit.

You know what I am talking about.  One of those times when life just gets in the way.  Too many things to do, and to little time to do them in.  The heat didn’t help any.  It was so hot here….and so dry.  Sapped all your energy whenever you went outside at all.

Had a totally fantastic visit with my family.  My oldest grandson had a ball exploring the woods at Nana’s house.  The baby enjoyed spitting up on Nana ever chance he got.  Got my son to help me some around the house.  Got to visit with my brothers and sister-in-laws.  What could be better?

Also have been dabbling at getting back into “single” status again and meeting new friends online.  Updated profiles and joined www.plussizeonlinedating.com.    Figured I might as well take that variable out of the mix and look for men who liked plus size ladies and not have to worry about rejection because of my size.

I’ve met some nice men and made some new friends.  Also have renewed some old friendships.  Talked with a friend I had lost touch with for about 11 years.  Too long.  Gives you perspective about what is really important in life.

Had the privilege the other day in doing my small part to show my apprecation to a young local soldier who gave his life defending all of us.  Very moving experience standing with co-workers and friends, and total strangers, united in the hope that somehow we were conveying our gratitude and appreciation to the family left behind.

Today is the start of a new month.  Hope it’s a good one for you.

06.12.2009 – New York – Fashion Week has grown into a prestigious event recognized worldwide for its success in presenting stunning couture fashion shows in upscale venues. For the first time in history, a partnership of independent fashion designers, retailers, event producers, models and plus industry businesses, will join forces to bring the fashion week experience to the curvy consumer. Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) will proudly launch in New York City, June 25-27, 2009.

In America alone, there are 40 million women over size 14, spending $25 billion a year on clothing, or a quarter of all clothing sales, according to American Demographics. So, why isn’t there a Fashion Week event dedicated to showcasing fashions available to the curvy consumer? There wasn’t…until NOW!

Produced by DeVoe Signature Events, a special events and management company, specializing in events for plus size consumers for over 10 years, the organizers of FFFWeek are very excited about creating an event that will not only showcase plus size designs, talented designers, retailers, local boutiques and “real size” models, but it is hoped that the event will also increase economic development in the area of plus size fashion design, clothing merchandising and plus modeling.

The ancillary events for FFFWeek will create even more networking opportunities for designers, boutiques and businesses as this highly anticipated three-day fashion extravaganza will debut before an audience of over 1500+ plus size fashion enthusiasts, style mavens, models, boutiques, vendors and the media, while providing an inaugural showcase of talented designers, models, stylists and plus industry businesses that specialize in the needs of the plus size consumer. Organizers of the event have selected Purses And Pockets With A Purpose as their non-profit partner. The opening runway event on June 25th at Club Blvd in Soho will be dedicated to the mission and fundraising efforts of this organization.

Actress & comedienne, Kim Coles, will host the finale runway event, which will be held at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 27th at the Prince George Ballroom in NYC and will feature the collections of high-end plus size fashion boutiques, retail stores, local and out of state independent designers.

Ashley Stewart, FFFWeek’s corporate sponsor, is joined by PLUS Model Magazine, Voluptuous Woman Company, Diva’s Unlimited Inc., IPNY Travel, Ana Sites, Ardyss, Blissful Elegance Events, Curvaceous Boutique, Jewel Shannon Designs, PLUS Model Radio, This Lush Life, The Fuller Woman Expo, Luvin’ My Curves, Re/Dress Boutique, Mizani, MANIK Magazine, Plus Size Marketing Group, Dana’s Loft, Bigger and Better Thangs Ent., Corinthia Peoples, Hammond, Smith, Southerland & Associates, Curvesity Ent., The Curvy Fashionista, The Plus Academy, Structure Wardrobe and Styling, Diva Eye Shadows, Igigi, Hyperion Entertainment Inc., X’Change Modeling, The Curvy Collective, R. Media Group, Richard Lew Photography, Erwin-Penland, Inc., and many more.

To view the list of scheduled events, visit www.fffweek.com. Media inquiries should be sent to: press@fffweek.com.

Have you ever been told something like this?  “I’ll quit smoking, when you quit eating!”    Those words were spoken to me a few weeks ago by a person who was supposed to be on my side.  Now, he claims to have been looking out for my best interest, and that he only wanted to challenge me to lose weight.  Not buying it!

How did you feel when someone said something hurtful to you?  Were you motivated to change your behavior?  (No, killing that person doesn’t count as changing your behavior!)  Did someone’s well-meaning, but mis-chosen words boost your self-esteem and make you feel better about yourself?  Was it worse that the words were spoken by someone that you trusted?  Did you feel betrayed?

When I heard those words, I started questioning not only myself, but also the validity of the relationship with the person.  Literally, what his words said to me was that he wanted me to die.  Cause we all know, you cannot live without eating.  And to lump that together with a behavior that is totally a choice (smoking) really upset me.  Yes, I know the argument can be made that I have as much choice about what I eat as a smoker does about smoking.  And, yes, both can be addictive behaviors.  But, I have never known anyone that was literally forced to start smoking!

This is not meant to be an anti-smoking rant.  What anyone chooses to do is their own business.  I do mean to make the point that words are powerful and need to be chosen wisely when used with loved ones!  There is a big difference in encouraging and supporting someone in their efforts to improve themselves and using words to hurt them.

One of the best things I have gotten from using Twitter is encouragement from “strangers” who have such positive attitudes.  When I read their tweets, I feel good.  My attitude becomes more positive and, my life in general, looks better; my future brighter; and I feel indestructible.

I have to admit that sometimes my own words have been hurtful to others.  And, if I am honest with myself and you, sometimes it was even done intentionally.  That is what is so important about choosing the words you use wisely, you can say you are sorry, but the damage has been done.

Today, I challenge all of us to find positive ways to communicate.  Do away with the negativity in your vocabulary.  Find a positive way to say what you are thinking.  Instead of  “I can’t” say “I am doing my best to do it”  By the way, did you know that “try” is one of the most negative words in the English language.  When you “try” to do something, you automatically are acknowledging that you might fail.  You have put the possibility of failure into your subconscious!

Let me know about the progress you are making on becoming more positive.