First thing’s first! The blogs!!! I had the unbelievable pleasure of meeting two great ladies yesterday. And guess what? They both have blogs full of fattitude!

Please give some love to:
awellroundedventure.com  &  bargainfatshionista.blogspot.com

And I love a good Q & A so I took the liberty of snagging this one from bargainfatshionista.blogspot.com

1. If you didn’t have to work or go to school, how would you choose to spend your time?

I would love to travel, but that would mean being away from my husband (he doesn’t like to travel) and our companion animals. I may take a trip or two on my own or with friends and then try to settle a bit before going back to any type of routine. I guess in the end though, I would really like to help the fat/size/body acceptance community & movement along as best I can. It means a lot to me as it has helped me so very much in my own life. I am not sure what that would look like, but I just want everyone in the world to know that they are worth every ounce of effort and energy in the journey to positive self acceptance. It seems so simple, but we all know it’s not. I have thought about possibly starting some sort of outreach program, but I’d have to do a lot of research first. Ha-ha!

2. Do you have a lucky piece of clothing? (e.g. lucky socks)

Hmmm, I’m not sure I have anything “lucky” at the moment. I definitely have a bunch of favorite items that I wear endlessly. Like the carrot-leaf-pearl necklace my very good friend bought me when I opened my cafe, I wear it nearly every day. And my growing collection of big wooden laser-cut earrings. Guess nothing lucky though.

3. What is your least favorite food?

Least? Wow! Oh! I know! Eggplant, yellow mustard and lima beans. I know, silly stuff to hate so much, but you know, I keep trying them and realizing that yes, I do hate them. Ha-ha!

4. What is one thing you absolutely must do before you die?

Oh I like this one! I must sing in a band at least for on live gig. It’s been a dream since High School or earlier and now I am just determined to do it. Even if I have to do everything myself, hire musicians and do it that way. I would of course prefer to meet awesome people and go the old school route, but it just needs to happen, so I won’t be too picky!

5. Should fashion be taken seriously?

Yes, but not too seriously! I am certainly not for starting an actual fashion police. I think it’s fabulous when items are mis-matched to a ridiculour or over-the-top way. But I tend to find glamor in things much less than what most would consider glamorous. I love fashion, but I also don’t live for it. I just enjoy finding my own style and staying true to me and right now that means comfort is the priority.

6. What triggered your decision to begin loving and accepting your body?

I was sick of hearing it’s not okay to be fat, that it’s a disease or something to be fought in a war. That combined with being surrounded by office gals on weight watchers and such and hearing them compete in how little they ate each day. It makes me sick! I knew I was ready to get off of the hamster wheel, but wasn’t sure how until I discovered FA (Fat Acceptance) through a BUST magazine article on the U.K. Chubsters ( a fatty gang). I never looked back!

7. What are you passionate about?

Life! It sounds cliche, but it’s the truth. I find that with every passing year there is more to love in the world. The more I learn and grow and see the more I realize that life is full of excitement and mystery and fabulous nature and beyond. Okay, so I’m a hippie at heart! Ha-ha! You caught me!
8. Have you ever considered quitting blogging? If so, why?

I have and I have also stopped for awhile. Mostly because I lose steam or inspiration. I’m an artist in many things and I follow my inspirations where they lead me. I am at their whim, so to speak. So, when one well dries up I move on to the next. I may be post crazy one month and then post very little the next. I find it’s just a natural flux, but it also allows me room to breath and experience other forms of art as well.

Wow! So, last night I was the guest on www.blogtalkradio.com/soulfulblend and what an amazing experience! The gracious and lovely ladies Adrienne & Rachel were so kind and sweet…I am still aglow from their compliments and love!

If you couldn’t tune in, well, you missed out! What else can I say? Ha-ha! No, I’ll recap for ya! I’m just cool like that. But it was so much fun and we discussed some pretty serious stuff, so I do think you should give it a listen, but no pressure. Ha!

Big Fat Summer Challenge: Originally posted on www.Tabayag.com
We discussed how hard it can be for a fatty to bare arms! Show her legs! And be okay with her paleness and beyond! From sleeveless to strapless, it was an amazing journey. You can read my final post here.

I was asked to tell my story and how I got where I am today. It was a bit bizarre to have someone tell me that I have this amazing and happy life. I mean, wow! But I am very blessed and grateful and I am happy and I think I have an amazing life. You can read my story here.

We talked about being in the moment and what that means and how to achieve it. I tried really hard to not be my usual long-winded self, so I boiled it down to two things: No time to worry, for me at least, when I have to make some busy mom her latte! And staying humble. That is something that seems a bit lost in modern society.

We talked about fat thrift shopping. I explained that I had sworn off of it since going into the larger plus sizing but had given it another chance after reading “Lessons From The Fat-O-Sphere” by Marianne Kirby & Kate Harding. And I found an amazing dress that fit like a glove. Lesson learned: Don’t look at the size on the tags! That dress is a 22/24 that I never would have even touched otherwise.

You guys! Sizing differs greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Of course this lead to different retailers sizing standards, too. Fun! Or not…From the Avenue to LB to Torrid, we discuss our experiences and gripes about being in the upper sizing range of plus size retailers who are supposedly catering to us, yet leave out those of us over a size 26!

We talked about Mad Men star Christina Hendricks not being able to find a dress for big events due to her U.K. 14 size. And I stand by what I said about it being a good thing as it brings attention to the reality of being a fat gal, star or no. And how bigger gals tend to fall into the over sexualized trappings that can happen.

We discussed the impact and how much we love “Drop Dead Diva” and “Huge.” Wish we had more time to discuss these, but we were already way over our allotted time, I think.

And the coolest of the cool: we came up with a fat-club/gang sign of our own (inspired by the U.K. Chubsters! <3) by holding your hands in a heart over your fat belly! BELLY LOVE! WOOT! (It’s actually harder than it looks!)

I will surely be tuning into future episodes and who knows? Perhaps they’ll invite me to be a guest again! You know I have a lot to say, about anything! Ha-ha!

Please support & follow these amazing ladies:
On Twitter: @ohyesfashion On Facebook: RURealIAmPlus

Thanks again ladies, you rock my socks! =0)

I was graciously asked to participate in a podcast this evening and I am so excited & flattered! So, please tune-in if you can or check it out later when you have a chance to do so. Thanks so much, Rachel!

OMZ! (The “Z” is for “Zod”, FYI.) The season finales are over and done and Whoa! Which season finales? Drop Dead Diva & Huge, of course! You know, the two fattest shows on Cable T.V. Ha-ha! It’s true though. And I have enjoyed them both, so very much.

I’ll admit, when I first saw previews for DDD (Drop Dead Diva), I was so not amused, let alone sold on it’s plot. It did seem a bit too silly. But then I read Margaret Cho’s blog and the way she described it and talked about it’s overall message and all, well, I had to at least give it a shot. And I did. And I fell quickly in love with it’s flawed characters and sometimes silly writing style. It is a Lifetime show after all. And so I watched and watched and well, the DVR is truly a fab technology (because the commercials are straight-up unnerving!) and now that the second season is over? I can’t wait for more!

Truly, Margaret Cho’s character, I think, doesn’t get enough scenes/lines. I just love her so and her character is so witty and hilarious and real. There was an episode of the second season where her character is asked to go into a police hangout/bar and she has to explain that she can’t because, um, they’d like all know her in there! Ha-ha! Some of the plot twists fell flat for me, but the last two hours/episodes? OMZ! So good! And I’ve been quite impressed with the development of the “Stacey” character. And dear sweet “Fred” with all of his naivete and sweetness. Aw!

But that moment, when “Grayson” tells “Jane” that he would like her to be his best man…Oh My Gah! My breath caught in my throat! I felt for her! Here she was about to lay it all on him, the truth, the reality that is being in “Jane Bingham’s” body all of this time? And then when he gets hit by the car and looks up and calls “Jane” “Deb”? Whoa! Okay, I was expecting something like that, but just not quite like that. Ha-ha! It’s fun, but I can’t wait for more more more!

As for Huge? Well, I won’t even attempt to recap it here. Not when the masterful Lesley Kinzel of Fatshionista does it with flair here. Such a great finale! I mean, you really get to the heart of these characters we’ve all come to know and love over the course of the very short season. I never thought I’d be watching anything but reruns of a sit com on ABC Family, but I am glad I found out about Huge!

The finale was actually a “to be continued” venture and began last week with “Parents Weekend.” Which tells me that there will be a second season, if for nothing other than my own glimmer of hope, considering where they left us at the end and all. I almost wish this show was on a major network, but I tend to dream big. (Pun-fun!) This last episode had some incredibly emotional moments: “Becca” confronting “Chloe” about their defunct friendship! “Will” and “Amber” sort of almost bonding! “Ian” kissing “Amber”! (EW!) And my favorite: “Alistair” beginning to create his own identity! I totally welled up at that point, you guys! I love him so! He is beautiful!

What I don’t love is the “Ian + Amber” thing. I mean, it just seemed like she was settling and not truly interested in “Ian” and I love him too much to see him get hurt by her. I honestly thought that when he asked “Will” to stick by him while his parents were there was a step in the right direction. When she touched his arm? I nearly died! I have so been there, thinking I was making some giant/scandalous move when in reality it was so subtle the guy hadn’t even detected it! UGH! Guys!

It was sad to say goodbye to these shows after such  great season. I usually can’t find a single thing to watch during the summer months, but this year was the exception. And it is because of this that I am going to give “Mike & Molly” a try. Yes, it’s a show about two fat people who meet at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting. He’s a cop, she’s a grade school teacher. Hilarity shall surely ensue? Ugh! I hate how they meet, but am semi-optimistic that the entire show won’t be a bunch of “Look at my hilariously fat ass” writing. Also, I LOVE Melissa McCarthy! She was so adorable and sweet and cute on “Samantha Who?” and I just want to see her again. I won’t hold my breath, but I will tune in on 9/20 to catch the premiere.

Are there any other fat shows I’m missing out on? Tell me all about it!  =0)

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I did, for the most part. The only real bummer was that I was supposed to meet up with the guys in my would-be band again on Saturday (one had to cancel last Saturday) and this time, the other canceled. Bah! I’m near ready to give up on them, but not on me. *sticks tongue out at the universe*

Saturday after work I took a very long nap. I needed it! Oh my goodness did I need it!  Ha-ha! Then we headed over to my good friend Q’s house to help her decorate pigeons for “Pigeonopolis” for her Burning Man trip. It was lots of fun! I had no plan in mind for my pigeon, but I used a palette of purples and magenta with some green and gold glitter. I think she said it reminded her of Kabuki make-up. Ha! I love it! It was so interesting to see how different each of our pigeons came out (6 total). Q & J put LEDs for the eyes of their pigeons…tre` chic!

Sunday was full of activity! Slept in and needed that, too! Then coffee & food! Later I headed over to Oakland (about an hour’s drive for me) for Big Moves Bay Area’s Cupcake & Muffin Tops V.2 which was fattabulous! How to describe? I usually tell people it’s like a fat-gal thrift store without the racks. I think it’s more than that though. Visually, picture long tables with large heaps of clothing covering them. Tons of fatties in all manner of fabulous fashions (seriously! They made it hard to look for clothes when they were wearing the cutest stuff ever!) chatting and searching and trying on clothes to purchase for very little cash but all proceeds go to Big Moves. Yeah, Rad! I know! I had meant to take pictures and be social and chatty and my bubbly self, but I don’t know what happened. I walked in all smiles and started chatting to all of the lovelies, but then I sort of lost my fire somewhere along the way. Maybe it was the pile of denim capris that didn’t fit. Hmmm. I will say that it was again an incredible experience to try on clothing in a changing room of all fats! And not just one type of fat, but all types of fats! And everyone was so sweet and positive and full of compliments. It was a bit of a Utopian sort of event. I enjoyed it, but sadly grew shy and quiet by the time I was ready to leave. I did run into some lovely fats I’d only met recently, including the effervescent Marilyn Wann! She was wearing this lovely short black tank-dress, too. I should have asked to take a pic with her, but I spaced and chickened out simultaneously. Ha-ha! I was seriously stoked on my way up and excited to meet more fats! I don’t know what happened. I think my shopping high died and that with the heat of the day just left me a bit wilty.

When I got home my wonderful husband and I made brownies for my sister’s b-day. I threw together a quick gift bag for her and we attended to various puppy & house duties. Later we stopped by her place for the b-day love & goodies. I was so relieved that she liked everything I got her. I just never know. And her place was super cute! Her friends were cool & funny. I had a fab time! It is amazing to see my little sister all grown up though. I mean, wow! She’s a woman! We’re 9 years apart and had fallen out of touch (so to speak, long story) and hadn’t seen each other for nearly four years. So you can imagine what it was like for me to walk in and see this completely different person than I knew growing up. You know? Ha-ha! I am so glad that we’re back in touch and have vowed to never let anything change that again.

All in all it was a bunch of good times!  And if you’re watching Huge on ABC family, tonight’s the finale! I know, so sad. But we have to actually demand a second season! We have to let ABC Family KNOW that we want to see gorgeous fats on t.v. Check out Lesley Kinzel’s post about what you can do: http://www.fatshionista.com/cms/index.php?option=com_mojo&Itemid=69&p=531