A year ago I asked the readers of my blog a question “is plus size blogging ethically correct or is it just frustrated whining?” Fast forward to almost the end of 2009 in some ways I am still asking that very question trying to figure out if those of us in the plus size blog community are really making a difference or just shouting to hear ourselves talk.

Part of me says absolutely yes we are making a difference because of the relationships I have forged as well as some of the positive events I have witnessed since starting in the blog world so many years ago. Another part of me is not so confident because of the hatred that I see spewed out in the comment section of blogs as well as within the feed streams on Twitter as well as from some of the posts from my fellow bloggers.

I am going to go out on a limb and say yes what we plus bloggers are doing is positive and for the good of the entire curvy community. Even though blogging can bring out the narcissistic nature in a person which to many can be viewed as negative if the goal is to help others by the spreading of positive information then regardless as to what the Meme Roth’s and other critics say about large men and women we have a voice and we are not afraid to use it to protect our rights.

There have been many time over the last five years that I have wanted to quit because at time I like I was beating my head against the wall. In times that I am moments away from hitting the delete button I receive emails like the one below to let me know that my/our voice is very important.

Mr. Johnson,

I would love to be considered for “Beauty of the Week.” I’ve been plus-sized most of my life and have finally realized at the age of 37 that “a little extra” can be quite beautiful. Sexy can be any size and your site is so encouraging! Even if mainstream media hasn’t fully accepted the phenomena, there’s a growing culture of women who are no longer willing to be ignored and men who can recognize true beauty in all it’s many shapes and sizes.

Between emails like this and hearing the words of others stating that the plus size community has a voice that is strong and powerful when used correctly I can stand by my earlier statement that we in the plus size blog community are doing a fantastic job of being advocates for the curvy community. Not only are we addressing our personal needs but helping others out whether we know it or not.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share my voice with the readers of this blog as well as those that frequent Full Figure Plus. Without platforms like the one that Sarah has built as well as my own a section of people will continually be discriminated against but without a written account of the fight to end size discrimination forever.

By the way congratulations to Sarah on starting a new chapter in her life! If you know her or are getting to know her wish her good luck on starting on a new journey of bliss!

Glen is the author of Full Figure Plus a blog that is dedicated to writing about plus size fashion and all things relevant to the plus size community.

The Fuller Woman Expo aims to help fight the stigma that surrounds being a plus size woman. The goals behing the show is to empower, educate and motivate curvy women, in an effort to make them aware of their internal and external beauty.

So what can you expect when visiting the expo? Expect workshops, seminars, fashion shows, talks about food and nutrition, free makeovers and much more.

Why don’t you grab a bunch of girlfriends and make a weekend event out of this unique and fun opportunity? Join the curvy revolution, and visit The Fuller Woman Expo if you can. I sure would if I were in the area! The expo will be held at:
The Living Arts Centre
4141 Living Arts Drive
Mississauga, ON
Canada

You can prepay your admission, which is priced at $13.00. Admission at the door is priced at $15.00. For further information visit http://www.thefullerwomanexpo.com.

Let me introduce to you Mika, a singer who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to a Lebanese mother of Syrian-Lebanese descent and an American father. A lot of you might probably know the song… ‘Relax, Take it Eaaaaasy‘… well Mika is the man behing that song. And he has recently launched another great single which simply praises big beautiful curvy ladies. The song is aptly name ‘Big Girl… You Are Beautiful!’.

Besides loving this song because it is truly about time full figured women get some love in the music scene, the piece is simply up beat and just makes you want to get off your chair, dance and celebrate your curves! Woo hoo! The video is great and the plus size women dancing along look gorgeous and sexy too.

Some snippets from the lyrics of the song, which stand out for me…

You take your girl
And multiply her by four
Now a whole lot of woman
Needs a whole lot more

Right on! And also…

No need to fantasize
Since I was in my braces
A watering hole
With the girls around
And curves in all the right places

Please share this with every curvy lady you know, I am sure it will make her day!

However do visit the Love Your Body Day website for up to date details and information.

In the meantime, here are the 6 ultimate rules every woman should following today to make is indeed a special and meaningful Love Your Body Day!

1. Accept yourself as you are.
2. Your weight is not your worth, so you cannot even look at the scales today, let alone go on them.
3. Quit hating yourself and your body. Turn all the negative energy into positive energy, and start loving yourself today. You deserve it!
4. Accept that every body is beautiful. There is no perfect body, no right or wrong shape. Every body is special and beautiful.
5. Have confidence in yourself!
6. Real beauty comes from within, so although it is definitely important to take care of your physical appearance, do not let it determine how you feel about yourself and how you live your life.

2. Chocolate! Although I am quite health conscious and I do strive to eat well and exercise (when I have time!), not being on a strict regime to keep me a certain weight lets me enjoy very yummy things. Including chocolate, my one true passion. Hehehe…

3. Being able to wear beautiful clothes from top designers in the industry like IGIGI, Missphit and Monif C.

4. Being plus size, and active online, has throughout the years made me get to know some pretty great people including the staff at IGIGI, Missphit, Sydney’s Closet, Chenese Lewis, Anna Nicole and her lovely mother Dorez at Jahqoi… and so many other like minded bloggers like Glen and Mopie.

5. I love being the person who breaks the mood when a group of girlfriends start talking about diets and losing weight. Being the ‘different’ voice, and challenging the thin stereotype often surprises people, and that gets them thinking. That, to me, is awesome.

This post is part of the meme/contest by Problogger: Top 5 Group Writing Project. Keep on reading in the next few days for a roundup of my favorite posts taking part in this ‘contest’.

I noticed this YouTube video posted by JJ on For Big Girls Only, and now I also see it featured in the latest Svoboda e-newsletter.

This fat rant, that’s what it is plain and simple, has been produced and out up on YouTube by Joy Nash and it is simple fantastic.

Joy is straight to the point, blunt and yet funny in her video. Might I add she looks gorgeous as well (and I love the jacket she’s wearing, very stylish! Where did you get that from Joy? =D)

This video should serve as a big wake up call to all the curvy and beautiful women out there who, as Joy puts it, are putting their lives on hold just because they think their weight is in the way. Start living now. Embrace your fat, your curves and love yourself!

Thanks Joy!

Many people attribute exercising or a having a fitness regime with a desire to lose weight. But that isn’t necessarily so, and shouldn’t be! If that was so, plus size people who are happy with their weight wouldn’t need to exercise, because they wouldn’t want to lose any weight. Though they should exercise, as the primary aim of exercise is to get the body moving and increase health and wellness!

Exercising and keeping fit however, needs to be done in a careful and thoughtful manner. Some precautions needs to be taken, and some things needs to be kept in mind. For this reason I’ve drawn up 5 essentials fitness tips plus size women (and men!) should keep in mind to ensure a great workout and fitness regime.

Here’s a sneak peak, if you’re too lazy to read the whole article!

1. Exercise a few times a week
2. Be creative!
3. Keep hydrated
4. Think comfort
5. Start and finish the right way

So what’s the movie about? It’s about Victoria, a once a top plus-size model, who has seen her fortunes change since the industry shifted to ‘padding up’ thinner models to make their torsos appear large while retaining their toned arms and chiseled features. With bankruptcy looming and her confidence shattered, Victoria’s only hope of regaining her former glory and her financial independence hinges on the Gamble Girl audition. But Tiffany, the current top plus-size model who despises fat people, will stop at nothing to be the next Gamble Girl.

Watch trailer of this, what look like it’s going to be, a very interesting and eye opening short film today. In the meantime I am trying to find out whether this movie is still in production, and if not where I can get my hands on it, to watch the full version. If anyone knows anything I might be missing please let me know!

A very cool, and I suspect very fresh, website which I ran into today is Nation of Size. Now this is a website with a difference! They are calling themselves ‘the size friendly video network’ and they offer a different video every day of the week, which tackles a different topic each day. Your host Petey, is a very bubbly character, who I think is doing an amazing job.

I watched today’s video, from the ‘People of Size on Stage’ series, which showcases Vanessa Conde who trained in opera, and is a regular in the house music scene. I really suggest you visit Nation of Size today, add it to your bookmarks and also sign up to the network to keep yourselves updated with news and upcoming items.

By the way… I love the opening jingle! It’s very catchy and I’m finding myself humming it this morning. Good job Petey… keep it up!

So take a look at the preview list of top plus size dresses which I recommend full figured women take a look at. This top 5 list will be updated (and also expanded) next month, including newer styles and options.

1. Fiorella Lace Gown with Shrug in Red from IGIGI
A true winner from IGIGI., this is my top choice! A beautiful gown, which screams out “Wear me for the Christmas holiday season!” The red color is perfect for the season and the lace make is look chic and warm at the same time. This unique gown created especially by IGIGI creates a feeling of mystery and romance, what wonderful elements to bring to your romantic Christmas Eve dinner. Beautiful stretch lace has an iridescent effect due to a contrasting lining. Details include a skirt that is flared from the knee due to a number of the sheer chiffon godets; empire waist is trimmed with a velvet panel. I love this dress because if also comes with a velvet shrug. I love buying gown that some with simple accessories, as this makes them feel complete, and also save you the added hassle of finding matching shawls and shrugs. IGIGI has taken care of this for us! This dress is currently available in sizes 14 to 32.

2. Dangerous Beauty Gown in Cobalt from IGIGI
Another beautiful gown from IGIGI; one which I love because of its simplicity and detail which, elicit a sense of sophisticated glamour. A top position contended in out plus size Christmas dresses list, this gown evoked the essence of a seductive Courtesan of the 17th century French Court. Bare shoulders are adorned with the rows of dazzling rhinestone bands in a bra-friendly style, while provocatively plunging neckline showcases hand-made crystal ornament. The rhinestone detail gives this gown that extra special touch and make is stand out from other gowns in its category. Women looking for a special dress for the Christmas holiday season should definitely give this gown from IGIGI a look or two, as it is perfect for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Sizes currently available are 14 to 32.

3. “Nikki” Little Red Dress from Monif C
We have included this dress in our top list of recommendations for all those plus size women who want to make an impact and a statement this Christmas. Be sexy! Be daring! Knock them dead in this sexy little number from Monif C. The little red dress comes in the most comfortable rayon jersey fabric, which is ruched to enhance and maximise your womanly curves. Monif C added a dusty purple silk to outline the full figured body and make the most of it. You will look sexy and sophisticated all at once this Christmas if you go for this original and one of a kind outfit. Currently this dress is available in sizes 14 to 24.

4. Black Sequin And Flower Print Satin Halter Dress from Torrid
I must say I am not a big fan of the color black myself, I love vibrant colors, however I couldn’t help but fall in love with this black satin halter dress available from Torrid. It looks beautiful, feels lovely and fits like heaven. Wear this dress this Christmas season to vamp it up with a femme fatal look in this long black satin dress. It has a gorgeous pale flower print, sequins and ruching, giving is sophisticated details. With an elastic back, it is made for curvy comfort. At the moment this dress is available in sizes 14 to 26.

5. Velvet Dress with Brooch from Silhouettes
A classic piece indeed. Beautiful, sultry and feels wonderful to touch. This gorgeous stretch velvet dress from Silhouettes comes with a double v-neck that’s shirred in front. In my opinion, the highlight of this dress, besides the beautiful flowing fabric, is the vintage-style brooch which is placed at the lowest point of the v-neck. It adds that touch of class, completing a great dress made to be worn on very special ocassions. Currently, this dress is available in size 12 to 26.

I hope this list gives you a good heads up, as to what is available to plus size women at the moment. Keep a look out at the scoop, as next month the list will be updated and expanded further, to reveal the final list of plus size Christmas holidays dresses recommended!