Curvy Confidential

Can you believe that two plus size women are nominated for Academy Awards? Mo’Nique for best supporting actress and Gabourey Sidibe for best actress for the film “Precious”.

I have not seen the film. To be honest it looks too heart wrenching. Emotionally I am not ready for it. Looks like a box of Kleenex type of film.

But I didn’t have to see the movie to admire Gabourey’s confidence. In every interview I’ve seen or read, she’s always going on about how she doesn’t let her weight get in the way. In the February issue of Harpers Bazzar, Gabourey says, ”People always ask me, ‘You have so much confidence. Where did that come from?’ It came from me. Once day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear make up that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn’t have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see. Your body is your temple, it’s your home, and,” she chuckles, “you must decorate it.”

Its so inspiring to see that weight was not an issue when Gabourey was nominated for an Academy Award. That it wasn’t an issue when she was on the cover of V Magazine, or Ebony. Gabourey is on the cover because she is talented, smart and confident. She isn’t a poster girl for plus size women. She’s a poster girl for all women. Her achievements don’t stem from her appearance but because she is tremendously talented and that is inspiring. A plus size girl can make it despite her weight.

One day, at 21 years old she decided that she was beautiful and began to live her life as a beautiful girl. Her confidence and self-love amazes me. I think Oprah says it best,

It’s like she’s from another planet, because she’s so evolved, so confident, so secure about who she is.”

I wish all women could feel the kind of confidence that Gabourey speaks of. That they are beautiful regardless of their size. We are not numbers. We are beautiful human beings with emotions, brains and talent.

Thank you Gabourey. In my eyes you have already won.

How is your year going?  Keeping your resolutions?  Sticking to your goals?  I know it’s not easy, time flies — family, friends, commitments, work.  It’s hard to remember to make every day a special occasion!

The other day I was thinking about a silly habit I have.  I buy something special to wear somewhere special and it just ends up sitting in my closet.   Here’s an idea!  Wear your clothes – all of them!  You know, the ones you purchased for a “special occasion” but haven’t worn yet.   I do it all of the time!  I struggle everyday with what to wear because I am always saving the good stuff for something “special”.  And I end up wearing the same old black t-shirt and jeans everyday.  Well no more! I am going to wear what I want to wear each and every day, for myself not for a special occasion.  It’s probably going to make it a whole lot easier to get dressed in the morning!

My New Year’s resolution and commitment to the CC readers was to write once a week about how to make everyday a special occasion. As you all noticed, I did not write last week – oops! See that is the way things go, we make New Year’s resolutions then “life” happens and you slip up!

Well as the saying goes, you gotta’ get back in the saddle! Here’s the thing. I didn’t have time to write last week because I moved into a new apartment! I didn’t have Internet access and frankly, moving is a lot of work and takes a lot of time! So there you have it. That is my excuse. I think it’s a pretty good one as far as excuses go

I am so excited about this move. This is my first apartment that I am living in by myself. I was married for 16 years and prior to that, I always had room mates. I’ve never lived alone and you know what? So far I like it! I know there will be times where I will feel lonely or be fearful, but most of the time I will enjoy it. So far so good!

One of the things I like most about living alone is not having to explain anything to anyone. Like why I am having cereal for dinner, watching a movie I have seen 20 times, eating dinner in bed, playing the music I want to hear, basically not having to compromise.

A good thing I discovered about moving is it makes all of my old stuff seem brand new. Everything has a new life – including me. I get a “do over”! When I was apartment hunting the one thing I did not compromise on was location and I am happy I didn’t. I wanted to live on a nice tree lined street that was in walking distance to stores and restaurants and that was safe to walk my dog late at night. So with that, I am off to walk my dog and enjoy my time alone for now

Ok ladies!  It’s been a week since my “New, New Years Resolution”.  Have you thought about what special something you are going to do for yourself this week?  If not, here is an idea for you!

This week I did something that was simple and easy.  I have been fighting it for a long time, but this week, I bit the bullet.  I did it and I feel so much better!

I bought a new bra.

Simple right?  But oh, what a change!!   The girls are lifted and separated.  I didn’t think it was going to make this much of a difference. I really don’t know why I waited so long.  It made no sense.  A bra is something I wear every day and I had not purchased a new bra since…umm…. I am really embarrassed; it has been over a year!  What is wrong with me?  Why do I do this to myself?  No one was suffering but me!

Here are the two bra’s I bought:

First of all, both bra’s are on sale right now, score!  Secondly, my blouses look better, my posture is better, and it was more than worth it.  You know what’s the best part? I don’t dread putting on my bra everyday like I used to.  Before I was constantly tugging, pulling and adjusting my bra.   And I could not wait to take it off when I got home!

Paying more for a bra is totally worth it.  Ladies – don’t wait like I did.  Do it today, buy a couple of quality bras that fit and build from there.

My new commitment?   Buy one every 2 months.  That is 6 new bras by the end of the year.

Life is too short to wear an old, ill fitting, ugly bra.  A bra is not an extravagance.   It is a necessity.

Go out to a department store or get online and buy a new bra today!

Remember – don’t wait for a special occasion to buy a new bra; TODAY is a special occasion!

P.S. If anyone needs help figuring out what bra size they are, feel free to call one of our lingerie consultants at 800.220.8878.  They helped me find the right size!

The New Year has started and it’s time for New Years resolutions.   Who can guess the number one New Years resolution?   Losing weight.  Why is it always about losing weight?  Losing weight used to be my resolution – but no more!  Let me share with you how I came to this conclusion.

Last week while at the bookstore I happened by the self-help section.  UGH!  is all I could say to myself.  I am sure that the authors of these “self-help” books have only the best intentions, but enough already!  I flipped through the pages of a few books… A Million Ways to be Happy, Things to do Before You Die.  There was even a book that suggested I doodle my way to happiness.  The book literally had blank pages for you to doodle on.  I felt like the books were judging me, not helping me.  Some of these books suggested that I  “See the horses cross the finish line at the Kentucky Derby,” or “Take a road trip across the country,” or  “Go on a hot air balloon ride,” and on and on and on.  And all I kept thinking was, “Boy, these would be great if I was independently wealthy and had unlimited vacation from work.”  Not very realistic.

Which brings me back to a new take on the New Years resolution.  This new way of thinking is more about making small changes here and there… things that are realistic!  To enjoy your life a little more, not have any regrets at the end of the year, and not to focus on your weight!

Most of us wait for special occasions to do special things, like wearing the antique ring your grandmother gave you, buying a great bottle of champagne or dining at your favorite restaurant.  What are we waiting for?  As the saying goes, “Life is short!”  Why wait for special occasions to do special things?  Isn’t every day special?

The only person not enjoying life and doing things you truly want to do is YOU.   The New Year is a fresh start and there are small things you can do each week, things that are manageable and won’t cost a lot of money.

What I am proposing is doing one thing, once a week.  One special thing.   If you want to try along with me, my first idea is to always use your nice china dishes (if you have china.)  Why save it for a special occasion? Did you know china is more durable and longer lasting the everyday dishes?  And it is dishwasher safe!  I’m going to use my china everyday and I encourage you to do the same!

Now I need ideas for next week, and the following week and the rest of the year!  Please share some ideas with me and all of the other readers and let’s make this year SPECIAL!