Model: Maylani Amore @maylaniamore Hair - Primp Agency @PrimpAgency Makeup - Glam, Incorporated @glam_incorporated Photography - Paul A. Green @pagreenphoto
TABLE OF IN THIS ISSUE: BEAUTY Natural Beauty Regimens For Healthy Results, 12 Summertime Skin Do’s and Dont’s, 14 Model: Bella Brown Instagram: @bellabrownplus Facebook: Bella Brown Plus www.bellabrownplus.com
CURVACEOUSLY IN LOVE Myriam Vernon, 16 Brittany Furr, 18 Cassandra McCulley, 20 Erica Nelson, 22 Cara Pastore, 24 Tai’Tiana Jackson, 26 Confidence is You Feature, 28
F CONTENTS RELATIONSHIPS
Self - Worth Is Your Superhero, 48 Lose Yourself - How To Get Out of Your Own Way , 50 Is He Mine Or Wasting My Time, 52
HEALTH & FITNESS A Sexy Curvaceous Booty All Year Round, 56 How Should Your Plate Look: Tips on Eating Out, 62 Weight Loss: Is Cutting Carbohydrates the Answer, 68 Tropical Watermelon Blast, We Live Successful, 70
ON THE COVER COVER MODEL: Bertina Bailey Facebook: Bertina Bailey MUA Phtography: Mymiraclemoments Photography Swim Suit: VDinx Designs Designer of the Quarter pg. 32
In Every Issue Editor’s Note, 8 Designer of the Quarter, 30 Fashion Forward Plus, 40 Successful Person, 54 Transformation of the Quarter, 65 Contributors, 72
EDITOR’S CORNER
EDITOR’S
T. SAUNDERS @butteercupp
Are you Curvaceously in Love with your body? Please submit your photos to submission@curvaceousredemption.com or write up a brief explanation telling us why you are curvaeously in love and include us in your photo! Use #curvaceouslyinlovecr for a chance to be featured on our IG, Facebook and possibly our website! Do you have questions? Or do you have a specific topic you would like me to write about for the daily motivation or inside an edition? Email me @ tsaunders@curvaceousredemption.com ! I love you!!!
S CORNER “The old me was ashamed of her big 46 DDD breast. Now I hug them, love them and embrace them!” T. Saunders
L
ike many of you, I suffered severe insecurities with my body. There was a time when I wore baggy clothes, never did my hair nor did I care about the opinions of others. I was invisible to majority of the people in my life. I covered up all of those insecurities by giving all that I had to others. As long as they were happy, that was my form of happiness. It wasn’t until my senior year in high school when I was introduced to makeup and form fitting clothing that I finally came out of my shell and realized…Tiffany was beautiful. The picture you see to the left is a picture that I never thought in a million years I would publish to
the world. This is my step-
a time to be free and have ping out photograph. The fun. So I challenge each old me was ashamed of her and every one of you to let big 46 DDD breast. Now your hair down and your I hug them, love them and insecurities go! I want embrace them! I show them you to wear that bikini, to the world. They are a part short skirts and shorts, of me! I want the world to half shirts, etc. I want you know that I am “Curvaceous- to show the world, why ly in Love” with me! you are “Curvaceously in Love” with your body. The “Curvaceously in Love” Remember, with insecuriedition is to help women ties you can get lost within throughout the world express a crowd, but confidence how much they are in love always fights and finds its with all of their imperfecway through the crowd. So tions. Summer is a time to I ask, are you lost or are bare all and let go. It’s also you fighting? Happy Mid Summer…… Love..... T. Saunders @butteercupp
Model: Bella Brown Instagram: @bellabrownplus Facebook: Bella Brown Plus www.bellabrownplus.com
THIS COULD BE YOUR COMPANY ADVERTISE TODAY!! INFO @CURVACEOUSREDEMPTION.COM
Model: Cara Pastore Facebook: Caramia F Twentytwo Instagram: F22Studio www.bookmyface.biz
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Photography: Michael Foster www.michaelfoster.com
E A U T Y
BEAUTY
Natur Every woman loves to give good face. Whether a natural look or a beat face, we love amazing brows leading to a perfect wing with a little blush, and perfectly sculpted lips. Whether you like a little makeup, a lot of makeup, or no makeup I’ve got some tips for you. The best way to give good face lovelies is to take care of your skin. Your makeup application only looks as good as your skin does. If you have to cover up a lot of acne, discoloration, or blemishes then the chances of your makeup looking flawless are slim. Of course if you’re a professional then you can cover up just about anything and still make it look amazing. Even so, a professional makeup artist would rather work with a flawless canvas. Instead of having to use all sorts of facial cleansers, creams, gels, and masks that contain every hard to pronounce chemical name, I’m going to give you a few tips to naturally take care of your face in the healthiest way possible. They worked for me and I hope they work for you. I have oily skin however the tips I’m going to give you work for all types of skin. First things first lovelies, whether you do or don’t have makeup on, when you want to clean your face use a small white face towel, soak it in hot water, and in circular motions moving upward wipe your face. I say use a white towel only because unlike color towels you don’t have to worry about dye penetrating your pores. I say upwards because we obviously want to defy gravity as much as possible. I’m a fan of what I call a ‘full face’ of makeup. That means moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, highlight, contour, setting powder, blush, brows, eyeshadow, mascara, sometimes lashes, and a good setting spray. I’m a freel ance makeup artist so when I do makeup I prep, prime, and beat hunny! When I tell you this hot water white towel takes everything off, I’m telling you it takes everything off! No residue or anything. The hot water from the towel opens up your pores so when your face is clean either use your hands or another white towel soaked in ice cold water and wipe your face. The cold water will close your pores. Moisturize as you see fit based on your skin type. Dry skin ladies, you’ll want to moisturize immediately. This is an everyday process. This next tip is important concerning aftercare. Only use white towels and wash your makeup towels separate from other whites and colors. The benefit to this ‘white towel’ trick is it keeps your skin free of chemicals used in face soaps or other products bought from stores. This trick will also temper your acne, and keep your skin looking fresh and radiant. The less chemical irritation you place on your skin the better your skin will react.
B
L
A
ral Beauty Regimens For Healthy Results
L
A
BY: BELLA ALEXIS
Secondly we have the banana peel. If you have heard of this, and you haven’t tried it, what are you waiting for?! I use this myself and I love it! On a clean pre-moisturizer face, take the inner banana peel and rub it all over your face for a couple of minutes or until the inner peel starts to brown. You have two choices after that, either wash your face with warm water 30 minutes after, or leave it overnight and wash off in the morning. Either option is safe. The banana peel is rich in various nutrients and minerals along with antioxidants that nourish your skin. The enzymes in the banana peel also keep the good bacteria in your skin in check which ultimately keeps acne in check. Banana peel
E L
has various uses but it is used to eliminate acne and better yet, the dreaded blemishes we all want to get rid of! Do this anywhere from 3-5 times a week. Depending on how quickly you want to see results you can safely do it everyday. Since it’s natural, you don’t have to worry about any side effects. The third tip I’m going to give you is quite simple but it’s not for all skin types, primarily sensitive. Lemon juice is perfect when it comes to getting rid of blemishes! I would advise a clean pre-moisturized face first. Get a cotton ball with lemon juice on it and dab it on the dark spots on your skin. This may or may not sting. Leave it on for 2-5 minutes and wash off with warm water. Do this every day for two weeks to start. Trust me in the first few days you’ll begin to see a difference. However all blemishes are not created equal so depending on the severity, you may need to use the lemon juice a little less or a little more. For those with sensitive skin you’ll find that tomato juice is a healthy blemish killing alternative! Lastly my loves, in the event that you want to use some astringent on your face I would strongly ask you to use witch hazel. It is not only used to treat acne and blemishes but, it’s a healthy natural alternative to name brand astringents. This is my routine and my face has made a massive turn around. No acne and just about blemish free. Everything is a work in progress lovelies. I encourage you to find what works for you!
BEAUTY
Summertime Skin
By: K
Do exfoliate on a regular basis. Removing dead skin and debris is important for smooth, glowing skin and the effectiveness of your skin care regimen. Try a chemical exfoliant a with glycolic or salicylic acid such as Derma Doctor Wrinkle Revenge Facial Cleanser ($26-28, dermadoctor.com) if you are experiencing breakouts, acne scarring, or general dull complexion. A GENTLE physical exfoliant ( read NOT APRICOT/WALNUT seeds and shells) such as the GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment ($19-69, sephora.com) is great for smoothing roughness and dryness . There are even some exfoliants that feature the best of both worlds such as the Kate Sommerville Exfolikate ($22, qvc.com) Do keep your skin hydrated! Using moisturizer and serum regardless of skin type is imperative for the health of your skin. Using products that contain sodium hyaluronate aka hyaluronic acid or glycerin will attract moisture from the air and keep you balanced. Try Ole Henriksen Truth Revealed Vitamin C Super Crème SPF 15($55, sephora.com) or Kinerase Hydraboost Intensive Treatment ($75, kinerase.com) Do invest in a good eye cream. The eyes have it. Whether your concern is puffiness, darkness, or loss of contour, incorporating eye cream into your regimen is imperative for a good skin care routine. Look for products containing vitamin c, caffeine, cucumber or mica. Origins Eye Doctor ($35, origins.com) and 100 Percent Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream ($21, 100 Percent Pure) are my picks. Don’t skip the sunscreen. We all know the importance of sun protection by now. We always take care of the skin on our faces and bodies. But protecting hands and lips are important as well, as they can be the first parts on our bodies to show aging. Opt for a lip treatment and hand cream that contain SPF. Try Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl Hand Cream with SPF 25 ($28, Bloomingdales) and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15 ($22.50, fresh.com)
n Do’s and Don’t’s
Kourtney Addison
Don’t use hd powder when you’re expecting to be photographed. Powder keeps you shine free and cool especially during the summer but what about when you’re photographed and that strange white cast shows up underneath your eyes? HD powder is great on film, not so much on flash photography. Use a light reflecting powder such as Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder($34,narscosmetics.com) or Laura Mercier Universal Loose Setting Powder ($35, Blue Mercury) Do invest in a setting spray/ refresher mist. You don’t have to melt like your ice cream during the summer time. Using setting sprays or refresher mists to keep your skin and makeup cool and refreshed. Use before skin care and after makeup application to lock down your look. I love Avene Thermal Water($18,drugstore.com) and Caudalie Beauty Elixir($49,Nordstrom)in the summer time. Don’t sleep in your makeup! Just don’t! I prefer using a makeup removing cleanser at night such as Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Cleanser($23, Ulta), But after a night of merrymaking when you just want to fall into bed, keep a pack of Makeup Remover wipes near the bed such as Sephora’s Express Cleanser Wipes ($9, Sephora) or Boots No. 7 Quick Thinking Wipes ($6.99, Walgreens). This isn’t a stand in for regular nightly cleansing but it’ll do for up to 3 times weekly use.
Confidence
Model: Myriam Vernon Swim Suit: https://www.swimsuitsforall. com Photographer : Miguel Dian
I
am fascinated by the image of women with generous curves.
curves that give life to clothes, I’m out standards with the smile in more.
Loving your body helps to increase its Style is a matter of “size” because beauty. without; you pass unnoticed. I have a body that does not leave indifferent, the
Love, Myriam
“I have a body that does not leave indifferent, the curves that give life to clothes, I’m out standards with the smile in more.” Myriam
Myriam Vernon Website : http://www.myriamvernon.book.fr Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/myriam.vernon.officiel Instagram : http://instagram.com/myriam_ vernon E-mail : myriam.vernon.officiel@gmail.com
I LOVE ME
Confidence
“Onlookers could no longer rob me of my joys!� Brittany Furr
Brittany Furr Atlanta based +Model @furrfur Instagram.com/furrfur
Brittan
Jantzen Swimwear
http://jantzen.com/collection.html
ny Furr Jantzen Swimwear http://jantzen.com/collection.html
I
Onlookers could no lon- 2. Strip down to the bare minimum and body! The reason I ger rob me of my joys, I dance in front of the say relearned is behad an endless supply. closet mirror. cause I sadly enough For someone interested forgot. Others opinions in relearning to love their 3. Repeat this‌ I guarantee you will ruled my worwld. Once body - I've got a few easy gain all the I decided to do what I steps: confidence in the enjoyed (colorful nails, world. funky hair, bodycon 1. Download the song Love, dress, and printed fabrics) "So Fly" by Elle in life, then I saw the Varner. @furrfur Instagram. difference. My blis oozed www.ellevarner.com com/furrfur through my pores. relearned to love my
Confidence
“Whether I’m curvy or skinny, my body still takes me places I’ve never imagined!” Cassandra
W
hy I am in love with my body: I’ve always been athletic and been in love with my thick thighs, I call them Thunder and Lightning. In college, I stopped playing sports and felt lost. By my junior year in college, my heart had been broken
and I went into a deep, dark drinking period. I would drink five days a week and my muscular body began deteriorating. By my senior year in college, I had no muscle tone and was sick 3 weeks out of every month. One day, after a long night
of drinking, I realized I had wasted my entire day because I was recuperating from the night before. I couldn’t work out, I was eating greasy food (what I like to call the drunchies) and I wasn’t bettering myself in any way. That was when I
Cassandra McCulley stopped drinking. My body began to feel better-feel happy. I was working out longer and harder, I was fueling my body with nutritious food and slowly I grew to be the best version of myself. I learned to lift weights, and benched 105 pounds after
only 3 weeks! I imagined the possibilities and places my body could take me if I let it. I love my body, because no matter what it endures, it can always find that extra SOMETHING to push harder and do better than the day before.
Whether I’m curvy or skinny, my body still takes me places I’ve never imagined, and THAT is what’s beautiful.• LOVE, @ cassandra_mcculley
Confidence
Moddel: Erica Nelson Instagram: @rvngeofhotpink Swim Suit: Monif C
Eric
“It just got to a point where I decided not only will I go on vacation but I will wear that two piece! !�
ca Nelson
I
am in love with my body because when you love your body first, your worries of other “bodies” doesn’t matter. Being confident in the skin you are in is hard, so getting to this point was not an easy process at all. I have lost a lot due to insecurities. I couldn’t go on vacations, look myself at myself in the mirror, or wear what I wanted to wear because I didn’t love myself. I was convinced that once I was smaller I would be beautiful.
It just got to a point where I decided not only will I go on vacation but I will wear that two piece! I will wear my crazy lip colors! Why? Because I love it and I feel great. I love my body because no one has criticized this body more than me... and if this body can take that, please tell me what I can’t overcome? And I am all for change but that takes time so my mantra: I love myself today and will appreciate myself tomorrow!
“I AM IN LOVE”
Confidence
“My curves represent the strength of a full-figured Classic Woman!” Cara P.
I
Grew up an Amazon woman with Curves, Height, and Legs for days. I could look at myself in a mirror and tear apart my reflection but it is only a distorted funhouse mirror talking in my head. I wont listen to any voice screaming anything but “You look Hot”. Seeing myself on the pages of catalogs
made it all make sense. I am beautiful and these photos I see of myself are the proof I needed to believe it. I May have thicker hips and thighs than anyone I know but my thick thighs carry me with strength through life’s journey.
My curves represent the strength of a full-figured Classic Woman. I love my body. It carries me through life inspiring other plus size woman to see themselves as beautiful. For now this Thick Chick will keep turning heads and keep
Model: Cara Pastore twitter: f22Studio Instagram: f22studio Facebook: Caramia f twentytwo Website: www. bookmyface.biz Photorapher: Michael Foster www.imagesbymichaelfoster.com
Cara Pastore dbanging to the beat of my own drum. I am Thick and embrace every bit of my body for it. Love, Cara P.
“I love my body!�
Confidence
Model: Tai’Tiana Jackson Website: www.tmariestyles.com Instagram: @tmariestyles Facebook: wwww.facebook/tmariestyles Photographer: Gebel Baucham Instagram: @gebeltarik87 Swim Suit: @lanebryant
“I no longer felt the need to confine myself!” T. Marie Styles
Tai’T
Tiana Jackson
M
ost of my life I’ve had the pleasure of being different from the majority around me. My height, gap and weight have set me apart from others, which as a child I hated at one point. My mother always told me I was beautiful and drilled that into my mind for me to understand the true meaning of it. One day when I was a preteen something just snapped in me and I no longer felt the need to confine myself behind clothing, smile with-
out my teeth showing,
or wear flats. I embraced
and fell in love with everything that was different about me. I have learned to love my body because it’s the only one that I will ever have. We are all flawed, but beauty comes from all places. Standing in the mirror daily, I am in love with my body more and more from every stretch mark, roll, and every other part of my physical self. I see it as a form of beauty that also strengthens me
and makes me better everyday. Modeling has become something I pursue because of self love, and also my personal style blog which I have created from my love of fashion, which is also a love that grew more once I accepted my body. I only hope to show others that you can too be in love with
your body no matter how many curves you have!
WHY I’M “CURVACEOUSLY IN WITH MY BOD I
love my body, from the way my thighs touch to my voluptuous hips to even the rolls on my back. I LOVE MY BODY!!! But I have to honest for many years way before I found my true confidence I hated my body, I was neglected it and I just wish I had hips like Beyoncé and a flat stomach I can show off. I was unhappy with how my stomach looked as will as the rolls on my back. I can tell you for sure now those days are over, yes I still have that stomach I used to hate and those rolls on my back. But I learned to accept, appreciate and love my body. I only have one body with ten fingers and toes, Iam alive and that’s what mattered the most. My legs that I thought was just too big, I appreciate them now because of them I am able to stand tall and face all of my fears. My arms I used to c omplain about, I use them to hug the ones I love, I learned to love every inch of my body. Why pretend to be someone
N LOVE” DY BY: CONFIDENCE IS YOU
you can simply be yourself? God designed us to be unique and to be individuals with our own identity but we let the voices of those with narrow minds make us feel different and instead of loving ourselves more, we just wish we can look like Kim Kardashian with a nice shape and a big butt. Stop being afraid to be who you want to be, stop thinking of what others may say about you and be yourself. I couldn’t go living my life hating on something god created. I had to learn to love myself which I did, I had to appreciate every part of me so someone else can appreciate it as well. It wasn’t easy but you have to know that there is only one of you and there will never be someone like you. Yes we all have flaws and none of us is perfect but you have to love who you are for you just the way you are. Loving myself truly brought me the happiness that I deserve, I was miserable always comparing myself to others. Be yourself, love yourself, appreciate who you are and know that you matter. I couldn’t go living my life hating on something god created. I had to learn to love myself which I did, I had to appreciate every part of me so someone else can appreciate it as well. It wasn’t easy but you have to know that there is only one of you and there will never be someone like you. Yes we all have flaws and none of us is perfect but you have to love who you are for you just the way you are. Loving myself truly brought me the happiness that I deserve, I was miserable always comparing myself to others. Be yourself, love yourself, appreciate who you are and know that you matter.
FASHION
Designer of the Quar
Vivian Dinkins VDinx D
By: T. Saun tsaunde
V
ivian Dinkins-Stith has captured the art of plus fashion. Her designs are eye catching, jaw dropping and elegant. She is a humble designer with a talent that is out of this world. It is for these reasons that we crown Vivian Dinkins-Stith, CEO, VDinx Designs as the Designer of the Quarter. T. Saunders: How did you get into the business of designing full figured swim suits and clothing? Vivian: As a 6 year old, I wasn’t satisfied with the dresses that my dolls wore. I remember feeling annoyed because the clothes were boring and plain, with no color or style. As I got older, designing my old clothes on paper became a passion and later I began constructing my own pieces.
Wear design their suits to cater to the everyday curvaceous woman? Vivian: Most of my pieces are designed with the “boy short” look which targets those “extra fluffy” areas. Majority of the time, the back underarm area is a concern as well as the stomach area. Colors, textures and patterns are great ways to hide or camouflage them. I think knowing what your best assets are helps to select the right beachwear.
T. Saunders: Majority of women are self-conscious of certain target areas such as their thighs, arms, butts etc. How does VDINX Swim
T. Saunders: How do you feel about the growth of the curvaceous fashion industry? Do you feel majority of the companies
today are just designing plus fashion just because there is a market for it or do you feel like designers really have a love and passion for their plus lines?
“I am Vivian: I started designing plus size afraid clothing when no chances a one else wanted the env too back in 2005. It later became a in the n contagious phecurv nomenon in which women were accepting themselves for who they really were. The diet industry is a multibillion dollar business and now women are “flushing” those pills and “ripping the runway”.
rter
s-Stith Designs
nders ers@curvaceousredemption.com
I am passionate about the movement and it’s more than just a dollar for me. It’s everything the industry said “no” to. Finally we can be proud and smart about the choices we make. After dom not ing the research, the need is so to take there. One thing and “push is universal, we all need clothes. velope”
name of ves.”
T. Saunders: What sets VDINX Designs apart from Vivian: VDINX is fresh, forward and innovative for the plus size woman. The days of moo moos and maternity dresses are long gone. Hot colors, textures
and designs sets us apart from all others. I am not afraid to take chances and “push the envelope” in the name of curves. I strive for tasteful sophistication which can appeal any woman. T. Saunders: Tell us some history behind VDinx Designs and a little about yourself. Vivian: I am a PhD student with a concentration in health. My first love is fashion but the smart thing is to be as marketable as possible. Therefore, my professional background in health has always sustain my passion for fashion. I have a full service fashion house in
Tucker Georgia just 20 minutes north of Atlanta. T. Saunders: What can we look forward to in the future from VDINX Designs? Vivian: More fashion forward clothing for all shapes and sizes!!! T. Saunders: What advice would you give to an up and coming plus swim wear designer? Vivian: My advice is to remain focused, stay true to your own style and research the business as much as possible. Don’t expect to get rich but eventually you will live comfortably. Know trends and textiles. Stay ahead of the fashion game! •
FASHION Swim Suit: VDINX Designs www.vdinxdesigns.com Model: Bree Guyton www.facebook.com/plusmodelbree Instagram: Curvymodel_Bree Photography: My Miracle Moments Makeup: Bertina Bailey MUA
Swim Suit: VDINX Designs www.vdinxdesigns.com Model: Red Lady Zebra Facebook: Red LadyZebra Photography: My Miracle Moments Makeup: Bertina Bailey MUA
FASHION Swim Suit: VDINX Designs www.vdinxdesigns.com Model: Bertina Bailey MUA Facebook: Bertina Bailey Instagram: @taj_mestizo Vine: Viva La Taj Twitter: Viva_La_Taj Photography: My Miracle Moments Makeup: Bertina Bailey MUA
Swim Suit: VDINX Designs www.vdinxdesigns.com Model: Etuaje E. Mestizo Facebook: Taj E Mestizo Instagram: @taj_mestizo Vine: Viva La Taj Twitter: Viva_La_Taj Photography: My Miracle Moments Makeup: Bertina Bailey MUA
FASHION Swim Suit: VDINX Designs www.vdinxdesigns.com Model: Tyjen Jennings Facebook: Tyjen Jennings Photography: My Miracle Moments
Swim Suit: VDINX Designs www.vdinxdesigns.com Shanta McClurkin Patrick. www.facebook.com/ focabeauty Instagram: Focabeauty Email:focabeauty@gmail.com Curve Appeal Network: http://curveappealnetwork.com/members/ShantaPatrick Photography: My Miracle Moments
FASHION
Swim Suit: VDINX Designs www.vdinxdesigns.com Model: Etuaje E. Mestizo Facebook: Taj E Mestizo Instagram: @taj_mestizo Vine: Viva La Taj Twitter: Viva_La_Taj Photography: My Miracle Moments Makeup: Bertina Bailey MUA
Swim Suit: VDINX Designs www.vdinxdesigns.com Model: Bree Guyton www.facebook.com/plusmodelbree Instagram: Curvymodel_Bree Photography: My Miracle Moments Makeup: Bertina Bailey MUA
VDINX DESIGNS 4880 Lawrenceville Hwy, Suite 7 Tucker, Georgia 30084 Social Media Sites: www.vdinxdesigns.com Facebook: Vivian Dinkins Stith Instagram: @vdinxdesignsatlanta
FASHION
“Fashion Fades but Style is eternal.” -Yves Saint Laurant
FASH FORW PLU
www.fashionforw @fashionforw
Model: Cara Pastore Facebook: Caramia F Twentytwo Instagram: F22Studio www.bookmyface.biz Makeup: http://www.m-a-r-a-z.com/ Photography: www.angelaphotography.
HION WARD US
wardplus.com ward_plus
DARE TO BE BOLD AND SEXY
FASHION
FASHION FORWARD PLUS SPOTLIGHT
“FASHI SIVE. T TO THE
CURVACEOUS R PRESE
FASHION FORWARD PLUS SP Ever so often I look for what I like as far as style and fashion via the people who follow my Instagram page @fashionforward_plus I held a contest where a few women were asked to showcase their looks. There were four ladies in total who took the page by storm! I was able to ask a few questions based on their style. Here is an excerpt into what they had to say:
C
herice: What two words would you use to describe your Style?
Ivory: -Eclectic with a vintage twist Cherice: What are your favorite fashion essentials? Ivory: -A great pair of heels, a pop of color and tons of rings.
FOR MORE OF THIS INT VIEW WITH IVORY, PLE VISIT WWW.FASHIONF WARDPLUS.COM
Cherice: Who do you draw your style inspiration from? Ivory: Editorials in magazines, fashion geared Tumblr pages, blogs/bloggers and street style. Find Ivory Jinelle on Instagram (@ivoryjinelle) and her blog: www.ivoryjinelle.blogspot.com
ION IS A MUST! IT’S INTRIGUING, IT’S SENSUAL AND EXPLOTHERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY FASHION BRINGS LIFE E SOUL... IT’S EXHILERATING!” CHERICE, CEO FASHION FORWARD
REDEMPTION ENTS
POTLIGHTS OF SUMMER 2014
TEREASE FOR-
Ivory Jinelle BASED: CALIFORNIA
FASHION
FASHION FORWARD PLUS SPOTLIGHT
“FASHI SIVE. T TO THE
CURVACEO
CUR
FASHION FORWARD PLUS SP LAKENYA “KENYA” COTRELL BAKER BASED: TENNESSEE
C
herice: What are two words to describe your style? Spotlight: Chic & Comfortable Cherice: Have you always been confident about your style? Spotlight: I’ve always been confident about my style. Regardless of what others my think or say as long as I’m happy about my appearance, that’s all
that matters. Cherice: What’s your favorite staple piece? Spotlight: Definitely has to be maxi dresses or maxi skirts. It’s funny, I’m only 4’11 but I love how long pieces look on me. I love the flow of a maxi dress or skirt.
love how long pieces look on me. I love the flow of a maxi dress or skirt. Cherice: Fashion inspiration?
Spotlight: My fashion inspiration definitely is My Mother. She’s a walking statement everyday. Doesn’t Cherice: Fashion inspiramatter how she feels or tion? what’s going on, she alSpotlight: My fashion inspi- ways well put together. She ration definitely is My Moth- doesn’t just wear what’s er. She’s a walking statement the latest, she has style and grace. everyday. Doesn’t matter
FO IN KE WW WA
ION IS A MUST! IT’S INTRIGUING, IT’S SENSUAL AND EXPLOTHERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY FASHION BRINGS LIFE E SOUL... IT’S EXHILERATING!” CHERICE, CEO FASHION FORWARD
OUS REDEMPTION-
RVDEMPTION
POTLIGHTS OF SUMMER 2014 Cherice: Fav Fashion quote? Spotlight: “Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live” --Gianni Versace
OR MORE OF THIS NTERVIEW WITH ENYA, PLEASE VISIT WW.FASHIONFORARDPLUS.COM
FASHION
FASHION FORWARD PLUS SPOTLIGHT
“FASHI SIVE. T TO THE
CURVACEO
CUR
FASHION FORWARD PLUS SP
MARCH
C
HERICE: What two words would you use to describe your Style? SPOTLIGHT: I can’t really some it up with two words, but I’ll refer to my style as elegant with a fearlessly sexy plus-size twist. CHERICE: Which places are your favorites to shop?
FOR MORE OF THIS INTERVIEW WITH MARCHEL’LE PLEASE VISIT WWW.FASHIONFORWARDPLUS.COM
SPOTLIGHT: I love to shop at Thick Chic Boutique, Windsors, F21, ASOS, Xpressions, Macys, DSW, and LuckiCharmz.com CHERICE: What are your favorite fashion essentials?
ION IS A MUST! IT’S INTRIGUING, IT’S SENSUAL AND EXPLOTHERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY FASHION BRINGS LIFE E SOUL... IT’S EXHILERATING!” CHERICE, CEO FASHION FORWARD
OUS REDEMPTION-
RVDEMPTION
POTLIGHTS OF SUMMER 2014 HEL’LE HAYES at the same time. I love her confidence and grace as a curvy woman.
bASED: CALIFORNIA
SPOTLIGHT: My favorite fashion essentials are necklaces, rings, sundresses, and cute comfy heels. I am a sundress freak! CHERICE: Who do you draw your style inspiration from? SPOTLIGHT: I draw my style inspiration from my sisters. It’s funny to me, but they would always make fun of my fashion sense. They still do, but I’m getting better lol. My sisters make me want to dress better just so I can shut them up! My baby sister takes a different approach with me. She hired herself as my personal stylist and often helps me put things together for certain occasions when I really want to achieve a certain look.
Whenever I have fashion questions, she is my “goto girl”. I also draw a great deal of my style inspiration from a few of my favorite plus size fashion bloggers such as Nadia Aboulhosn, Kristine (TrendyCurvy.com), Chante’B. (everythingcurvyandchic.com), and last but certainly but not least, celebrity wardrobe stylist GooGoo Atkins. I also admire the incredibly beautiful actress LisaRaye McCoy. She is the goddess of all things in white, the one color that most women are afraid of because it is known to make you look bigger, but everything she wears is tasteful, beautiful, elegant, sexy, and conservative all
RELATIONSHIPS
B
eyond anything you
read concerning beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and fitness there is one thing you must have in an exorbitant amount. As cliche as it sounds it’s selfworth. I cannot tell you any more than any other self help article or publication. I cannot tell you any more than the quotes you scroll through on Facebook, or the constant inspirational Instagram pictures that tell you to love yourself. What I can tell you is that each moment of your life you have to be your own superhero. Trust me when I tell you no one is coming to save you from yourself. When you own
Self-Worth Is Yo
By: Be
that single thought, your entire life will, hear me, will change. What I can also tell you is that when you begin to truly understand yourself from the inside of your soul, you will change. Ask yourself questions such as why do I feel the way I do? Why is my outlook on life this way? What makes me feel hurt? What makes me feel ‘less than’? I tell you to do this because in order to get to the root foundation of your essence you have to ask the hard questions. I don’t know what your answers will be but whatever they are, they will lead you to self-awareness which there is no price on.
In the moments you take to read this tell yourself how strong you are because you made it to where you are at today despite anyone or anything that was sent to destroy you. Tell yourself that the pain from yesterday will not be carried over to today. Tell yourself that because you control your thoughts that you control what you feel. And today you choose to feel bliss. Today you choose to feel beautiful. In the moments you take to read this tell yourself that you are unbound, free, and devoted to loving yourself before anyone else. Yes,
Model - Shanetelle Leverett Instagram: @nikaleverett Photography: J. Clic Instagram : @JCLIC
Your Superhero
ella Alexis
that show up in your life. Life is a mirror and we all need to start polishing our personal before. Tell yourself this peers, and coworkers define mirrors. Be kind to yourself. because the truth is when you our emotional self. Remember We know as women the world the moment comes for you to sometimes we as women often is cold. We’ve always got look in the mirror, or for you relate what someone says to to live up to someone else’s to lay down to sleep, no one how we feel. However what image of a great mother, wife, else is fighting the opinion we feel can be manipulated by sister, daughter, child, friend, battle for your mind but you. our internal self view. We are or lover. Understand me when You answer to yourself. Your the masters of our souls so we I say no one’s self-image is soul is composed of your will, determine how we feel. We lie more important than your thoughts, and the circumstanc- to ourselves daily so be good own because no one is in your es and situations that led you to yourself. Loving yourself mind but you. to today. means telling the truth to yourself, even when it hurts. So in the moments it has Even though we as women Loving yourself means undertaken you to read this if you cannot control how others standing you don’t have all the take nothing from it, take one see us, what they say to us, or answers, and you’re not going thing. The way we see life what they feel about us; what to get it right all the time. And happening to us, is a symptom we can control is how we let you know what? That is okay. of US. You can change whenthe worldly views of everyone It’s the less than loving things ever you want to. from our relatives, friends, you tell yourself in the dark
RELATIONSHIPS
Lose Yourself...How To Get O MODEL: Shanetelle Leverett Instagram -- @nikaleverett PHOTOGRAPHER: J. Click Photography Instagram - @JCLIC
“I used to love without fear a long time ago…. when all I ever wanted was love” STOP…. Think about it! No seriously think back to that time in your life when you loved so innocently…. no fear, no guilt. Maybe it was your first love, your college sweetheart, or even your current significant other. It doesn’t really matter who it is or was, but we all had that feeling at one point or another. Remember how pure it was, remember when you woke up with him or her on your mind and went to sleep feeling or hoping to feel him or her in your bed. You felt like you never wanted to lose that lustful feeling, like everything was just right, and like he/she could do no wrong! You found pleasure even in the awkward “physical” moments, you found something cute about the “jealous” moments, and you found comfort in the making up after the “fighting” moments. Yes those were good times until.......
Out Of Your Own Way In Love! By: Troy Spry “Somebody came around and tried to hurt me, tried to make me feel like I was unworthy, took a pure love and tried to make it dirty” It happened…somebody you really love did something that hurt you terribly. It made you question whether or not it was ever worth it. Was swallowing this pill called love, really worth this side effect called pain? The disappointment lingers on…. you ask…what did I do wrong? Why would he or she do this to me? Did he or she ever really love me in the first place? Your heart like a volcano erupts with anger, overflows with lava tears, and calms into ashes of bitterness. It hardens…your mind and your heart makes an agreement and vow NEVER to love or trust again. “Had a paralyzing fear of facing failure, and I couldn’t love you perfectly without fear in my head” You met somebody! He is great…. looks good on paper, interviews well, and even performs the job well! Something must be wrong though…he is too nice…he doesn’t have enough swag. Not to mention he calls you everyday and he always wants to spend time with you…. he is just too “needy!” You begin the superficial self-handicapping because there is no way he is who he seems. Furthermore remember you promised yourself you weren’t getting into anything serious and you damn sure aren’t doing that love thing again. He tells you he wants something more…the fear sets in…so you call him and have the “friend zone” conversation. “We should just be friends.” Yeah that’s what you told him. He agreed because his pride wouldn’t let him tell you he was devastated. All he really wanted was to love you how you deserved to be loved and for you to return the favor. He continues to call, but slowly and surely the phone calls come less often, and the wanting to see you comes far and few between. For some reason the less he calls the more you think about him. You miss his smile, his conversation, the fun y’all had, and how comfortable you felt around him. You think, “maybe I liked him more than I thought, maybe we should have been more than friends.” Months later you see him…he sees you…but then you look at his left hand and clinching his hand is the illusion of you, but the reality of her who he just made his new queen. “Something awkward about the selflessness it takes to, give love and the good that it makes you!” Stop…Think about it! Go back to the first paragraph of this blog, remember those times, and do yourself a favor and get out of your own way! Stop letting the fear of being hurt again overshadow the joy in the love you could have. LET GO…and stop letting your past cheat you from your future. The fear is real and letting go isn’t easy. I GET IT, but the new person in your life doesn’t deserve to be hurt by the old situation in your life! After all holding on to your love won’t make giving it away any easier. “I had to lose myself, so I could love you better…. lose myself in love!” Those lyrics were from Marsha Ambrosius song “Lose Myself.”
RELATIONSHIPS
IS HE MINE.....OR A
By: Amanda 1. He never calls or text unless it’s for a booty call or he needs something. A man who only calls you when he needs something is not looking for a serious relationship. He is using you for his own personal gain and you are just the woman of the moment that he is contacting to fulfill his present needs whether it be physical, emotional, or financial. This type of man is not looking to be with you for a lifetime he is only thinking about the present time. 2. He always cancels dates and has excuses for why he does not call or spend time with you. This man is clearly either not interested or has someone/something else that is occupying his time. The worst mistake a woman can make is to chase after a man. If he likes you and desires a relationship with you he will make time for you. If he has no value and respect for your time, he is a waste of time. Model: Bella Brown Instagram: @ bellabrownplus Facebook: Bella Brown Plus www.bellabrownplus.
W
3. He never takes you out on dates. On top of that, you have never met any of his family or friends. If he never takes you out in public, and you have never met any people who are in his life, this is a red flag. A man who wants to be with you, has no problem showing you off to the world. I am not saying he is going to instantly introduce you to family. But a good sign he is really into you is when he starts Iintroducing you to family. A man who does not take you out in public may have something to hide. He may not really be your man and this may be the reason why he does not want to be seen with you.
hen feelings and emotions are involved, sometimes women tend to have blurred vision. Men always send clear messages and as women, it is up to us to recognize the signals a man is sending in order to determine if he is worthy of our love. If you are looking for a relationship and more than just fun times, it 4. When sex is the only thing you have in common. is important for you to determine if you are compatible. If you are looking for a Don’t get me wrong sex is wonderful, but if there is nothserious relationship, here are 10 warning ing more you have in common with a man beyond sex, signs that he may not be the one.
AM I WASTING MY TIME?
a Henley then he may not be the one. For women, sex is emotional. Often, women get lust and real love confused. A man can have great sex with you, but this does not mean he loves you. There is a difference between love and lust so don’t get it twisted, or you may be setting yourself up to be hurt.
8. A man who lies to you.
5. A man who disappears for long periods of time and then comes back like nothing ever happened.
9. A man who does not take care of or mention his children.
A man who takes long absences from contacting you is definitely wasting your time. He is not dependable and definitely not someone who will be there for you in your time of need. 6. He wants to change you. A man who wants to tell you where you can go, how you can act, who you can have as friends, and what you should wear. Beware of this type of behavior. This is the type of man who wants to strip you of your personal identity and mold you into what he wants you to be. This is not a healthy relationship. Anyone who does not want you for you is a waste of time. If he can’t accept you as you are then he is not worthy of being with you. 7. A man that has no respect for you. This is the type of man who will call you or show up at your doorstep all hours of the night knowing you have kids or priorities such as work.. This is the type of man who uses disrespectful language and does does not show you the same respect that you show him. Always demand the same respect for yourself that you show for others.
If you are always catching him in a lie he is not worth it. A man who cares for you will always tell the truth. If he will lie to you once he will do it again!
If you are dating a man and he has a problem with providing for his child or never spends time with his children this is major sign to run in the opposite direction. How can you consider building a family with someone who can’t even take care of the family they already have. If his children are not a priority then this is really good food for thought. Because should you one day have a child by this man and it does not work out you will be responsible for that child on your own. 10.
A man who has no vision.
This is a man who has no dreams or goals. This is the type of man who is complacent with being where he is and has no desire for more. This is the kind of man that lives at home with his momma or can’t keep a job. If you are a goal oriented woman this is a recipe for disaster and this will not work. No woman who has her own wants a man who has nothing. I am not saying a man has to be the richest man in the world because we live in a world now where there are a lot of woman that make more money than men but I am just saying you want someone with a future if he doesn’t know what he wants and where he is going he can’t be the man you deserve.
FEATURE
MOST SUCCE
DEV
Growing up in a family that faced economic disproportion, Devine knew what it was like to not have the best life had to offer. However, he utilized that situation and those feelings to influence himself to become the educated Big Handsome Man that he is today. His Ivy League education was one of many accomplishments. Throughout the course of his life, Devine has stumbled across many high powered positions that has helped pave the way to his self-discovery within the curvaceous community. He spent years in the entertainment industry. Not only was he an artist within a rap group called Top Notch that has opened up for a multitude of mega-celebrities such as; R&B group SWV, Rap artist Keith Murry, iconic Wu-Tang Clan and many more. He was a manager, promoter and is currently an A&R Director for Konnect Media Group. Through his musical excursions, he has worked with several high caliber artists such as; Atlantic Records rap group Junior Mafia, rap sensation Special Ed, Jerseylicious co-star Alex Prisco, DJ Dice and Rap Moguls Redman and Method Man, just to name a few. An entrepreneur by heart, Devine’s most attractive characteristic is that he develops a strong passion for learning different aspects of his situations, to help elevate his growing empire. His latest addition was the evolution of Curve Nation, LLC. While attending various club events, Devine saw the need for a home for curvy women to enjoy the night life without facing the stereo types and feeling like a minority. “I just wanted to create a place where plus size women can enjoy the nightlife and feel sophisticated and beautiful,” says Devine. So being the true business man he was born to be, he observed different party promoter’s set ups and he studied the maturity level of how people viewed plus size individuals within the club scene. “New York is my hometown. It’s a place where you had choices of which club you wanted to attend. Whether it be a club in New York, New Jersey or underground, you had somewhere where you could go and feel at home while you enjoyed yourself and let your hair down. This is the type of atmosphere I want to create for the Plus Community,” expressed Devine. It was that very statement
ESSFUL PERSON BY: T. SAUNDERS
VINE
that motivated him to develop a plan that would change the true meaning of body acceptance within the “plus” club scene. That’s when Devine gave birth to Curve Nation, LLC and after that moment, his life has not been the same. Curve Nation, LLC is growing in a way that puts them in the forefront of many plus organizations. What sets Curve Nation apart from the rest, is their vision and determination. As of today, Curve Nation has taken an oath to give the curvy community what they have been longing for, which is a judgment free atmosphere. “I noticed that there are more judgmental people within the plus community verses an average size community. The atmosphere is lacking size acceptance and people are not feeling comfortable. When you offer people a different environment from what they are accustomed to, criticism begins and you have to fight harder to make them understand what acceptance really is. I won’t stop fighting until size acceptance is created within the nightlight industry,” stated Devine. It is that mindset that pushed Devine to create the “First Annual” Curve Nation Plus Size Expo. Devine really stepped out of the box and put together a lineup that includes the star of NUVOtv’s hit show - Curvy Girls and plus model - Rosie Mercado; Plus legendary, CEO and Founder of Full Figured Fashion Week - Gwen Devoe; Lifetime’s own Double Divas Molly and Cynthia of LiviRae Lingerie and Kelly Glover of Big Curvy Love and 50 Fat Dates. The expo took place July 11th, 12th and 13th, 2014 in Orlando, Florida. The event was such a huge event that it immediately inspired Devine to start planning the 2nd annual expo. In addition to this extravagant event, Curve Nation is working on a clothing line and a gentlemen’s lounge in the near future. With the mission to inspire and build self-confidence, it is without a doubt that Curve Nation is here to shake up the curvy communities’ one event at a time. When asked if there was any advice he would like to offer rising entrepreneurs, he simply replied; “Do not be afraid and go for what you know. If you are compassionate about what you are doing, nothing can or will stand in your way. There’s room for improvement if you stick to your guns and do what you are supposed to do.” Devine is a born leader, who possesses defiance, strength and dignity. If is for all the accomplishments and dedication that we are pleased to honor him as our Most Successful Man of the Quarter.
FITNESS
A Curvac Sexy All Y Rou
By: Tatiana “Fit W
HOW TO KEEP YOUR BOOTY ROUND AND FIRM AS YOU L
LET TATIANA SHOW YOU HOW TO B
A ceously Booty Year und
With Curves” Scott
LOSE WEIGHT
BE “FIT WITH CURVES” THIS SUMMER!
FITNESS
You Don’t Have to Lose When You Choose to Los The muscles in your butt are just like any other muscle in your body; you have to work them in order for them to get bigger, stronger, and more defined. Doing cardio is amazing for placing your body in a calorie deficit and burning fat; however cardio alone is not going to allow you to build all the muscles in your butt to keep it round and lifted, so you have to incorporate weight training and body weight training.
Curvy Weighted Step Ups With A Knee Up 1. Stand up straight while holding dumbbell’s in each hand or a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) and stand upright behind an elevated platform. (such as the one used for spotting behind a flat bench). This is your starting position.
Your Curves se Weight 2. Place the right foot on the elevated platform. Step on the platform by extending the hip and the knee of your right leg. Use the heel mainly to lift the rest of your body up and 3. Place the foot of the left leg on the platform as well. Breathe out as you execute the force required to come up. 4. Step down with the left leg by flexing the hip and knee of the right leg as you inhale. Return to the original standing position by placing the right foot of to next to the left foot on the initial position. 5. Repeat with the right leg for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.
FITNESS
Fit With Curves Incline Bench Split Leg Booty Kick Backs
1. Start off laying with face down on top section of incline bench, making sure your back is flat with hands grasping the sides 2. Knees should be locked, and toes pointed and flexed towards you. 3. Slowly kick back legs contracting your glutes or butt until your body forms a straight line. 4. Slowly return to starting position and repeat.
Fit With Curves Booty Building Codes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Code 1, section 1: You must squat Code 2, section2: You must deadlift Code 3, section 3: Plyometrics help burn fat without compromising muscle Code 4, section 4: You must incorporate body weight and weight training Code 5, section 5: If you don’t use them you lose them
BOSU Ball Smith Machine Split Squats 1. To begin, place a BOSU ball in front of the smith machine. Then, set the bar on the height that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it. 2. Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side (palms facing forward), unlock it and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso. 3. Position your legs by placing one foot slightly forward in the center of the BOSU ball and extending your other leg back and place the top of your foot on the floor. This will be your starting position. 4. Slowly lower making sure that the knee of the foot that is on the BOSU ball never goes over your toes.
Fit With Curves Top 10 Booty Lifting Exercises 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Squats/Hack Squats Cable abductors Weighted Donkey Kicks Good Mornings Straight leg dead lifts
6. Vertical Leg Lifts 7. Cable Glute Extensions 8. Lunges with a Glute Extension 9. Hip Thrusts 10. Walking with wide strides at a huge incline
HEALTH
How Should Our Tips on Eating O
By: Michael The
I
have always received text and emails from clients and friends asking “Hey Mike, I’m here at this restaurant… what should I order?” Half the time I can answer you on the spot the exact dish to get, other times I may be google-ing the restaurant as we speak! Remember eating healthy is a choice! So do NOT tell me you had a BIG MAC because you had no other choice. This means you chose to think about McDonalds, you chose to drive over there, you chose to ignore everything else on the menu and pick the BIG MAC and then you chose to eat it! Now assuming we did not go to a fast food restaurant, let us see what healthy options we can pick from our menus and what healthy habits we can implement in our lifestyle!
When eating out and the server ask us “What would you like to drink?” We can always choose water; water with lemon would be optimal seeing the benefits of lemon! Now when the waiter asks “Would you like any appetizers?” review the menu. If this is a restaurant you have never been to then maybe the entrée portions are too large or just too small. Therefore see if any appetizers are some sort of side salads. If you’d like order a side salad with the dressing on the side. When the appetizer comes do not put the dressing all over the salad, remember you wanted it on the side for a reason! Dressings are mainly going to be fats and 1 gram of fat has nine calories so let’s try and hold back
on the dressing as much as possible, maybe a little drizzle will do for flavor with lemon.
“Reme eating h is a cho do NOT te had a BIG MA you had n choic
Ordering our entrée: When ordering the entrée we always want to be balanced! This means a balanced Michael “The portion of Aria protein, carbohydrates and fats. So would it make sense to order Steak, with rice and bread? Or fish tacos with beans and chips and salsa? NO! Let’s look and the steak, rice and bread. Here we have protein which is our steak, remember steak carries more fat than most protein therefore we have some
Plate Look? Out
e Nutritionist Arias
of our fats in there as well. Rice is a carbohydrate there fore would it make sense to get another carbohydrate such as bread? NOPE! Let’s look at the Fish ember tacos, beans, healthy and chips and salsa. Fish oice! So alone is a ell me you good source protein but AC because of also a very no other great source of fat, salmce.” on contains Nutritionist” more fat than as a steak; therefore you fats are counted for already. However unless you are just eating tortilla and fish more than likely the sauces in the tacos are also high in fat! Now beans are a great source of carbohydrates, they also contain little protein. However our tortilla is another source of pure carbohydrate, so it would not make
Every protein at a restausense to get beans with it. rant is pretty much lean, so Along with that we have what does this mean? Well chips which are fried tortilet’s say we order chicken llas with salsa; both are filled breast, it’s highly doubtwith carbohydrates and fats. ful that this chicken breast So we have a meal of pure will come alone just with a carbohydrates, fats and very garlic seasoning! Therefore little protein. Make the dish a lot of the times they do colorful! Make sure a large marinate or add sauces to portion of our entrée is always the lean protein. Therefore vegeta-bles. This will make our chicken breast turns sure we are trying to reach our into triple the calories that vitamin and mineral intake for we do not need; which the day and also provide great brings me to my next point. taste with a better feeling of fullness and satisfaction. Customize your entrée! This means tailor it, if you Let’s avoid eating with our are ordering that chickhands. What this means is let’s en breast with mushroom try and order something that Alfredo sauce all over it, we can eat with a fork and simply ask the waiter to not knife. Eating with our hands put any sauce on our eninvolves finger foods or burg- trée! Always let the water/ ers, fries, sandwiches, etc. waitress know your concerns about the entrée. Make sure we always shoot for a lean protein!
HEALTH
How Should Our Plate Look?
Tips on Eating Out
Would you rather eat your delicious calories or drink them? Something that we tend to ignore is our drinks! Sometimes we order some sort of tea or lemonade but have no idea that in this drink we are consuming extra calories. More than anything drinks will carry carbohydrates, so your typical lemonade carries around 20 grams of carbohydrates. This means that one drink is nearly 100 extra calories! Would you like a refill? Think about it! Always ask for grilled, baked or boiled on the menu. We definitely want to stay away from fried or battered! One great point I read from CNN.com is to always order first! (Leslie Wade, CNN) “By ordering first you do not have to hear what others are ordering and possibly be influenced to change your mindset. Instead if you order first you may influence your nutritional habits around others”!
H E
Continued.......
L H
A T Y
If the waiter/ waitress is giving you a hard time about customizing your meal and you do not want to leave the restaurant, then you can simply add “I am very allergic to’_____’”. Example, Waiter/ Waitress “oh we cannot take the mushroom sauce off the chicken”. You “Oh well that’s too bad I am severely allergic to it and they have done it before!” Waiter/ Waitress “Oh ok! Let me see what we can do!” Always remember the customer is always right! These are just a few small tips that will help you become a healthier you everywhere you go. Resources: 9 Ways to keep it healthy while eating out. Leslie Wade, 2009, January 31, 2013.
FITNESS
TRANSFORMATION OF THE QUARTER
Marisel Kleppen
FITNESS
Wife! CR: Describe your childhood.. Were you always heavy? Were you active? Were you Bullied? Marisel: Growing up in a Hispanic household, if you weren’t chubby, you weren’t healthy. My parents enrolled me in ballet, gymnastics and karate but I never really “loved” it. I did get picked on but I would always manage to brush it off.
Marisel Kl
Motiva
“As I lose weight, m confidence soars.” Marisel Kleppen @motivated_mamacita
Ahh, High School! I think this is the most crucial time for all girls. There’s always the mean girls and crushes who don’t like you back. During these years, I was a size 14, Which is “fat” by most standards; but I was confident so the snide comments never truly affected me. CR: How has your weight affect your relationship outcomes? Marisel: I’ve always dated men who preferred BBWs so there was never a point in any of my relationships when I felt less than adequate. CR: At what point did you say to yourself, I need to lose weight? Marisel: I always wanted to lose weight but I wanted an easy way of doing it. I’ve spent a fortune on pills and patches and shakes and would lose some weight and then gain it all back. It wasn’t until the birth of my second child that I committed and started losing weight the healthy way. CR: What regimens did you take to lose the weight?
Marisel: I started my journey by walking on the treadmill for 15-20 minutes each day but then I was curious about the indoor cycling class and started to participate. The first classes were a struggle and I couldn’t keep up but I also never gave up. About a year ago I started lifting weights and now I do a combination of weight lifting and cardio. CR: Describe your darkest moments Marisel: Many don’t know this, but I had bad postpartum depression. I hid it well. I felt fat and lonely because I’d be alone with two
leppen
ator!
Mother!
my
CR: What advice would you offer young and older women that are suffering obesity and have low self-confidence?
keeps you motivated. Creating a fitness/accountably IG account also helped me tremendously. It has provided encouragement and support.
CR: If you could change Marisel: Believe in yourself! anything about the past what Never give up! Set small goals would it be? and celebrate those small goals as you reach your ultiMarisel: I think I would have mate goals. As well, ignore started earlier. the scale (easier said than done). Celebrate non-scale CR: Is there anything else CR: Now that you have lost victories such as strength, that you would like to say to the weight, do you feel like endurance and dropping dress your followers? your confidence is still low? sizes. It’s important to find likeminded people. Having a Marisel: Make small changMarisel: As I lose weight, my fitness friend or your spouse es. Doing things too drasticonfidence soars. join you during workouts cally, sometimes sets you up for failure. �� babies A LOT. My husband is a firefighter and works 48 hour shifts and my mother lives in Miami and cares for my autistic brother. So I had nobody!
HEALTH
Weight Loss: Is Cuttin Carbohydrates the an
By: Michael “The Nutritionist” Arias
I
f I were looking to lose weight and I were to ask someone in the gym or anywhere “hey what should I do to lose weight besides exercise?” the majority will more than likely say “eat right man, cut out your carbs”. I remember on my weight-loss journey EVERYONE was telling me to cut out carbs, even articles in major fitness magazines! However although this may seem like the quickest response, is it really the best and only way to lose weight? What happens when we eat the carbohydrates again? Do we have to always be afraid of carbohydrates then?! First off what exactly are carbohydrates and why are we cutting them? Well carbohydrates are mainly compounds that are composed of either single or multiple sugars. The name CARBOHYDRATE literally means carbon and water. Basically they are an ideal nutrient to meet our body’s needs, feed our brain, help keep our body lean, keep our digestive sys-
tem on point, and feed our nervous system. If carbohydrates are this important to our body then… why in the world are we cutting them?
and he tells me to cut my carbs because I am eating too much of them and he tells me to eat more protein. So I do! I cut the carbohydrates It is not our fault, many fitness for a good week, step on the scale, and OH magazines today and popular books and diets lead us to be- SNAP! I LOST 7 POUNDS lieve that this is a “fattening” IN A ingredient and this becomes WEEK! very misleading and confusThis ing. Carbohydrates have the cutting same amount of calories in carb one gram as well as in one thing gram of protein; therefore a “lower carb- high protein diet” is workwould make hardly any sense ing!! So I at all. Carbohydrates do how- keep doing ever carry less calories in one it, I continue gram compared to a fat gram; to cut more and more remember 1 gram of carbohy- carbs until wait, I am not drates is 4 calories and 1 gram losing as much weight as I was in the beginning, in fact of fat is 9 calories. Therefore I have stalled! I feel exhaustit is essential to have a baled all the time, constipated, anced diet. But let me show moody, I’d have a hard time you why the concept of “cutsleeping, and my cravings are ting carbs” became popular crazy! What do you think will in this familiar scenario that happen to me in a couple of many can relate to: Say I want to lose weight and weeks? I go to a “Personal Trainer”
CAR
ng nswer?
s Eventually our body says “Dude I need carbohydrates to function properly or else I will fail!” So the body demands this macronutrient, it doesn’t care what your goals are, the body is made to protect itself so it will hold on to whatever you have left and start using protein (muscle) as a form of energy to survive! This is why we feel we hit a “plateau” in our “low carb diet” when really our body is just protecting itself. Eventually when you do eat a carbohydrate food source our body will literally say “CAAAAARBS!!! YEAY!! I AM SO GOING TO HOLD ON TO THIS!! BECAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN
RBS
“I remember on my weightloss journey EVERYONE was telling me to cut out carbs, even articles in major fitness magazines!” MICHAEL THE NUTRITIONIST
YOU’RE GOING TO FEED ME THIS AGAIN!”… and now we have trained our body to hold instead of utilize. So why did the weight-loss work so well i n the beginning of the “LOW-CARB DIET”? Okay ladies and Gents, keep this in mind because it is important , 1 gram of carbohydrate holds about 3 grams of water. So say I cut out 20 grams of carbohydrates how much water am I losing?! So where is the weight-loss really coming from…our body-fat or water? Sad to say but the
whole time we were on our “LOW-CARB DIET” we were playing more with water than losing body-fat. So the main key point we want to take in is that you do NOT want to completely shut off one of the main macronutrients we need to survive; the carbohydrate. References: Frances Sizer (2008). Nutrition: The Science of Eating.
Disclaimer, Michael is not a physcian. Please consult with your Doctor, before starting your weightloss journey.
WE LIVE SUCC HEALTH DRINK OF T
Tropical W Ingredients
2 cups of waterm 5 Strawberries
1 medium lemon
1/2 to 1 cup cocon Directions
In a blender or n ries and waterme seconds. Slice lem your glass. Pour lemons. Garnish
www.welivesuccessful.com
CESFUL THE QUARTER BY: SHARONDA STEWART
Watermelon Blast
melon
n
nut water
nutribullet, place strawberelon. Blast/blend for 20-30 mon. Add all but 1 slice to watermelon mixture over with remaining lemon slice.
Contribu Kourtney Addison (Kourtney has been working as a freelance makeup artist and beauty consultant for 8 years. Follow her on instagram @__luxe for more tips and product recommendations.
Tatiana Scott
Tatiana Scott holds a degree in Exercise Science and is an
avid fitness/nutrition blogger, certified personal trainer, nutritionist and owner of Fit with Curves. She creates and customizes meal plans to meet all her clients’ needs from marathon runners to vegans. She studied nutrition in her undergraduate program at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. Stay on the lookout for much more from her in 2014, her first eBook, workout videos, seminars, and much more www.fitwithcurves.com and on Instagram @fitwithcurves
Amanda Henley
Amanda has just discovered her love for writing. She is a co-owner of Curvaceous Redemption Magazine and has a heart of gold. She is aiming to take the curvy world by storm, one edition at a time. Amanda can be reached via facebook at www.facebook.com/amanda.henley and Instagram @msamanda03.
utors Bella Alexis
“Bella Alexis is a freelance creative writer and makeup artist. Though graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Management writing has been a passion of hers since childhood. With many freelance short stories under her belt, Bella Alexis continues to write everything from her novels in progress to poetry, and short stories. When she’s not writing raw philosophies for life on a daily basis, she is reading about life’s universal mysteries, and daydreaming about her next tattoo. Bella currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama.” She can be found on IG at @bellaalexis.
Yanika Nicholas
I am the founder of “Confidence Is You” as well as the author of the book: “Confidence Is You: From Fashion To Flirting, The Plus Size Guide In Having Confidence In Everything You Do”. My Goal Is To Inspire and Motivate All Girls Around The World To Love Who They Are, Know Their Worth and Be Confident. I am down to earth, kind and full of life. My passion is destined to greatness and I am determined to reach my goals as well as help others. Yanika can be found on Instagram: @confidence_is_you, via Email at confidenceisyou@ gmail.com and via her blog at www.ConfidenceIsYOU.blogspot.com
Cherice Scott I’m a daughter, sister, friend, scholar, and businesswoman who is born and raised in Brooklyn, NY (Home of Biggie and Jay Z) with an eye for fashion and writing. My love for social media has taken me from a hobby into living in a dream world of fashion blogging sprinkled with glitter! My goal is to strive for perfection with my career, taking leaps and bounds to promote self-acceptance within all women.
Troy Spry
Troy Spry is a certified life and relationship coach and a “Reality Expert”. A graduate of Winthrop University, he studied Psychology and officially began the study of human behavior. Troy started a blog called XKLUSIVE THOUGHTS as a way to invite the world to share the many interesting thoughts and conversations he had about life, love and the lessons they taught him. He is known for his straightforward, and sometimes brutally honest approach. However, his words are always full of sincere and genuine longing to inspire which has made him a respected and sought out voice on the social media market and speaking unit. His popular blog, inspirational morning messages, lunchtime discussions, and personal one-on-one relationship and life coaching have landed Troy a position as an official staff writer for the worldwide known website BlackAndMarriedWithKids.com and for celebrity matchmaker Paul C. Brunson. Troy is a dating expert and contributor for DatingAdvice.com & BlackMenRock.net has also listed Troy as a premier coach. Troy’s mission is simple: to inspire individuals to first become better people so that they can become better mates, create better relationships and ultimately help to build better communities. Troy can be found on Instagram @xklusive5 and on his website at www.xklusivethoughts.com
Michael Arias
Michael has done studies all over Texas, Barcelona, Turin, and California. Michael has a B.S. of Science in Health and Wellness, Personal Training Certification, Fitness Nutrition Certification, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Certification, Food Microbiology Certification, and counting. This nutrition specialist crafts meal plans to accommodate varying health levels and restrictive dietary issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, rehab, cancer, or just how to be comfortable with ones physical appearance while enhancing their health! His main motto is: What’s the point in living healthy, if you can’t LIVE!
Model: Peach Michelle Godfrey website: www.peachofficial.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/peachofficialmusic Instagram: @peachofficialmusic email: peachofficialmusic@gmail.com or peachthemodel@gmail.com
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