Hummm… – D&G PRODUCTIONS

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Ok team, I’ve been dealing with some feelings. I hadn’t planned to be writing about them, but I can’t seem to write about anything else right now.

So here it is: 9 years ago today I got married. Yup! August 9, 2008… I fell in love and married a great, weird, handsome guy. And today we would have been celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary.

But we’re not. We’re not because we’re divorced. After 8 years together, 4 of those years being married to each other, as we grew up and changed as people, we were no longer serving as positive sources of energy for the other.

bride 2008 — Moi – 2008 as a young bride

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In our early 20s among our different friend groups, we were the first couple to get engaged. The first couple in buy a house. The first to host dinner parties, themed parties, and BBQs. The first to throw a wedding. And the first to get divorced.

It’s been 5 years since we divided up our assets and dissolved our marriage. And in that time, everyone among the friend circle I kept around me have now ALL paired off, moving far far away into their first homes and becoming pregnant with their first (or second) child. While were all in our thirties, I feel like this weird alien among friends who I no longer recognize.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Canada Long Weekend was spent on my balcony watching fireworks and drinking with this couple-friend of ours who got married exactly one month before we did. They’re still together, happily supportive of each other and are proud parents to a gorgeous little boy. Funnily enough, this couple started as a work friend of my ex’s. But it turns out they’ve only kept in touch with me regularly all this time. ❤

As happenstance would have it, one of them bumped into my ex on the streets of Toronto a few days before our hang out…so you know they spilt all the tea with me!

Last summer, I heard through the grapevine that he’d gotten himself remarried. The big news uncovered for Canada150 was that he and his new wife are expecting their SECOND CHILD!!! 😮

This news was a shock. But I wasn’t sad or mad at finding out. I felt genuinely at peace knowing he’s been able to find someone to give him what he wanted in this life. The same feeling I have when I’m sitting as an attendee to a friend’s wedding or baby shower. I’m happy for them. Sincerely.

But then … later like this morning, waking up remembering its not-my-wedding-anniversary … there’s pangs of something that comes over me. Me… comparing their achievements with my own (or lack there of), taking away from what I’ve got going on in my life. 😦

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This long weekend was an oddly busy one for me. It was filled with friend groups on a wide spectrum:

Friday night with a unique Caribanna event specifically for the sex positive, open-minded Cis-Trans-Poly crowd of friends of friends for dancing, performances and late night eating.

Saturday I had brunch with 3 fellow “September Babies” who once were my go-to-hanging-out-and-shooting-the-shit-with peoples, but this year they’ve all found partners and hangouts of “just us” are few and far between.

Sunday I travelled all the way to Oakville to an annual backyard BBQ that has always been known for as boozy-palooza where things get weird….buuuuuut this year she’s preggers and the backyard was filled with more kids than adults.

I feel like this weird alien among friends who I no longer recognize.

It’s hard coming up with gratitude for all the good in your life when chronic pain and leg spasms cloud everything – my life these days. 😦 But I know I’m blessed.

I’m blessed to be able to spend all my disposable income on myself, the pup and the kids I’m a ‘courtesy aunty’ to. I’m blessed to have such diverse groups of people in my life – people I likely wouldn’t have found had I remained a married woman. I’m blessed to own a bit of real estate in the city. I’m blessed that I have been able to travel to cool destinations and write about them. I’m blessed to be able to foster and rescue dogs. I’m blessed to have a job where my employer supports short-term leave with pay. I’m blessed to have everything I need and more at my doorstep: groceries, restaurants, green spaces, beaches, transit, dance friends, live music and bars.

In these 5 years of not being married, it’s given me the room to have a variety of different experiences, to become comfortable with who I am as a person, and has helped me figure out what I want AND don’t want in a life partner. At the same time, I’ve come to the uncomfortable realization that I may not find myself a life partner, and that’s ok too. I’m still working on being ok with this last part. 🙂

Any one else able to relate to what I’ve been trying to say in the word vomit above? Gawd…I hope so. 🙂 Let me know what you think in the comment section…

Stay tuned every Monday and Wednesday for new content, plus throwback posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hope I can count on you to join me then. ❤

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What’s the 411?

Heyyyyyyy… it’s me! I know I’ve been hella quite with zero original content on my blog for a minute.

2017 began and I seemly fell off the face of the earth…according to this space.

Thanks for still remaining a PPMeow! follower, reader, fan, and friend….and for those kind emails sent asking about why such a long absence from writing for this blog. ❤ ❤ ❤

The first half of 2017 has been filled with adventure and struggle. And I’ve been trying to figure out how much of myself I’m comfortable sharing so publicly, on what started out as a fun-fashion-focused forum.

Image may contain: 2 people — The first half of 2017 has been filled with adventures and struggles…

I don’t really deem myself a “fashion guru” or someone who’s opinions on clothes, shoes and the like, really matters. I like what I like. And write about it. That’s all. 🙂 Because of this, it just left me feeling a bit like a fraud running a fashion and lifestyle blog with the recent events of my life taking up so much brain space.

Since my last post … here’s a listing of all the the major things that have happened in the life & times of moi:

Got restructured out of a great team and job after 7-years of being with the company. Yup. Just like that.
Became a beach-bum in L.A., California.
Started a new job with a new company, and re-adjusting to cubical life.
Dealing with undiagnosable chronic pains in the tops of both my feet and legs.
Transformed into a nun for an evening with a self-sewn outfit.
Battled (can continue to struggle with) something called “walking depression”.
Cleaned out my closet (finally!) and donated a bunch of things to charity.
Got a new iPhone 7s with a fabulous camera.
Started a series called “Shameless Bathroom Selfies” on my Instagram channel 😉
Travelled and explored a whole bunch of places in New Mexico.
Flirted with, dated and sexxx’d some boys. 😉
Made major gains with Operation: Apartment Refresh.
Got MRI results that showed a large disc herniation of my spine, and finally given proper meds to manage the pain.
Sold MANY of my beloved heels in exchange for wine was the wise thing to do.
Took a short-term leave of absence from work (doctor’s orders) to really focus on healing and dealing with my spine issues.
Embraced the importance of wellness, rest and self-care…which in my case means regular spending on Physiotherapy & RMT.
Made NEW friends and visited them in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.
Discovered a new product and the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur.
Did various yoga classes for 30-days in June.
Saw NKOTB – BoyzIIMen – Paula Abdul in concert!!!
Attended the Garden Gatsby Party and got caught on camera, in daytime 20s garb, lindyhopping poorly.
Got summoned for jury duty for the first time ever.
Became a fur-mom again to a senior dog named Max…and ever since I’ve been filling up my social media channels with pictures and videos of him. #sorrynotsorry
Had a neuro consult with some uncomfortable real talk.

Phew!!! 😮 That’s a lot of news in one recap blogpost.

So, in addition to the fashion forward fun, what I did and what I wore, shopping hauls, kitchen mis/adventures, product reviews, etc, that you’ve all come to know and love of Petite Plus, Meow! … I’m thinking of trying something new with this blog space and write about some of the above personal experiences … IF there is any interest/appetite out there of hearing it.

I would love to know what YOU want me to tackle first from this list??? Tell me in the comment section below or send me a personal message 🙂

Then stay tuned every Monday and Wednesday for new content, plus throwback posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hope I can count on you to join me then. ❤

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Treat Yo Self!

Canadians know how to make sure they squeeze out as much summer as they possibly can – cuz Winter is Coming and will last 8+ months of the year! 😦

That’s why we gotta make the most of the August Long Weekend!!!!

This was the first time I stayed in town. The streets of Toronto are filled with loads of party people and tons of Americans who come up for Caraibanna ! The weekend is dedicated to TONS of parties happening everywhere and the weather is usually picture perfect!

I was lucky enough to have some RMT benefit dollars to burn – so I grabbed a gf and we drove to Caldeon, ON to spend the day luxuriating at a day spa!

The Millcroft Inn & Spa had an outdoor terrace, indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor whirlpool, an Infrared Sauna, private men’s and women’s locker facilities with herbal steams rooms and showers.

It was the greatest!!!

Plus, they’ve got an award winning resturant – where we had lunch overlooking this gorgeous pond + waterfall. ❤

This was the 2nd summer in my life where I have come to peace with my body insecurities and donned a bikini (aka fatkini)! 🙂

Click here for the 1st time … in my other bikini.

My body acceptance continues to be a journey … but I’m digging how this suit looks on my bod!

It was the Long Weekend in The6ix …. and I was ready for lots of sun with as little clothing as possible. 😜

It’s YOUR summer too – you do you – and wear whatever the eff’ you want friends!

This spa had a number of pools with varying temperatures …. from plunge-cold to hot-tub heat!

And they are yours to indulge in, so long as you book a spa service over $100!

Hello Swedish full body massage! 😉

There were a few kids in the pool (ugh)… but the majority of spa-goers were older couples with all body types represented.

Plus, they’ve got waitstaff that take and bring your drink orders right to the pool you’re in! V.I.P. V.I.P.

How I Got The Look:

Bikini is from last year’s GabiFresh for SwimSuits4All; Sunnies are from Ardene

There you have it – What I Did and What I Wore over long weekend! 🙂

For an easy 3-step guide to getting a bikini bod yourself, scroll to bottom of this post!

Special thanks to Peter Chiem for getting out of your lounge-chair and being my pool-side photographer xo

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Boobs & Bra-blems

Did you know that 90% of women are wearing the wrong bra size!? 😮

Did you know that many women (myself included) also take several different bra sizes, depending on the shape, cut, fabric and brand of the bra.

AND….did you know most women are not entirely symmetrical, meaning they may have uneven breasts! 😮

78348578_l — Photo taken from the article: New York Women Draw Their Own Boobs

Your shape is unique, which makes it sometimes difficult to find bras that are made in standard sizes, work for you. I am desperately in need of a bra-shopping-haul.

Buuuuuuut with the CAD$ being in the toilet right now, cross-boarder shopping and online shopping has been put on pause until further notice. 😦

So I thought we could all use a good ol’ rant about boobs and our bra-blems!!!

Underwires stabbing you in the chest.

Straps constantly falling down.

Riding up back-band.

Oh and a personal favourite: The Quadboob…ugh! #TheWorst

Just writing these few frustrations is annoying enough.

But we – the boob having ones – have to deal with these frustrations on a daily basis, forever!!!

No wonder all of us women agree that ripping off your bra the moment you walk in the door at the end of a long day is THE MOST glorious feeling!

So, let’s look at some solutions to some of these common bra-blems…

BACK BAND RIDING UP

If the band of your bra rides up in the back (i.e. curves towards your neck, not straight across your back), that indicates that the band size is too big.

Solution: Go down a band size.

Remember that the cup and band are not independent; cup volume changes if you change only the band size. And every brand of bras is different … so its best to get properly bra fitted EVERY TIME you’re out shopping for a new bra.

QUADBOOB + UNDERWIRE POKE

Quadboob occurs when breasts spill over the cups, either on the tops or out the sides (like into the armpit area), giving an impression of four breasts. If this happens, generally that means the cup is too small and you need to go up a cup size.

Sometimes even if the cups are the right volume, too wide wires can cause a bra to cut into the breast tissue, making the bra look too small.

If the underwire frequently pops out the bra, the band is too large or the wire has been overly distressed by too small of a cup. Typically, go up in cup size and down in band size.

To avoid underwire betrayal aka poke-outs and try to protect the longevity of your bras ….

you should never put them in a washing machine! 😮

How many of you actually hand wash your dedicates… like your bras?

I have to admit, the best I do is clasp them and shove them into a mesh bag so that I can toss them in with whatever load of laundry is about to be done.

Not a good move if you’re trying to extend the life of your bras.

Did You Know That….

Bras should never be washed in hot water ….

And they should never be put in a tumble dryer….

AND every time they are washed...you should stretch the wet underwire casing just after washing to avoid shrinkage??

Me neither!

I had no idea I was taking such poor care of my bras.

It made me think… am I even putting on my bra the ‘right’ way?!? 😮

ThridLove published a Fit Issue that has a few more tips for ya, if you’re interested.

What are some of YOUR bra-blems?

Share them with me and your solution (if you got any) in the Comments section below 🙂

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Rock The Crop Top

Did ya read the latest in O, The Oprah Magazine? 😕

Who else is tired of being told what they can and cannot wear?

If you want to wear a crop top — WEAR A CROP TOP. If you like it, wear it.

Life is too short. Live your life and stop waiting on your weight!

Be happy in your clothes and with your body just as you are NOW. ❤ ❤❤❤❤❤ #effyourbeautystandards #rockthecroptop #freethebelly #bodypositive

For outfit details, see below:

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An Open Letter To All Of My Friends Who Take Selfies

“Let me take a selfie.”

Blogging is a series of selfies, shared for inspiration, not for vanity. This is a great post explaining how great they truly are.

Thank you The Belle Jar.

The Belle Jar

Dear Friends Who Take Selfies,

I want you to know that I love it when you post pictures of yourself. I know selfies get a lot of bad press, but I think they’re rad. They give me a little window into your life, and you’d be amazed at how much I can get out of one little photo.

I love your pictures because I love seeing what you’re wearing – the outfits you build give me ideas about how to mix it up with my own wardrobe, and seeing you work your shit gives me courage to try clothing that I otherwise might have thought was too outlandish or revealing.

I love seeing how you do your hair and makeup. You look like a hot babe and I wish you would make YouTube tutorials explaining how you get your eyeliner just so. I want you to post pictures every time you change your…

View original post 425 more words

Asia: What To Know Before You Go

PPMeow! turned one year old a few weeks ago … and in an effort to make the most of this New Year, I took a START-STOP-CONTINUE approach to help me focus on what I wanted to accomplish and focus on.

I promised myself to START Shopping Less, to Travel More!

Well…I’m doing just that friends!! I’ve taken the bulk of March off work to explore South-East Asia!

In 2012, I was fortunate enough to finally visit The Motherland (India) …without being limited to strictly visiting one distant relative’s home to another, as I remember doing as a child on our only family trip to Calcutta. This time I travelled with a gf — we took 21-days to explore several cities in Northern and Eastern parts of India, which included: Delhi – Varanasi – Agra – Jaipur – Pushkar – Udaipur – Goa – Mumbai. This was the most adventurous trip I had ever taken – complete with 8 near-death experiences. Click here for a few pics of that fab trip.

That was my first time travelling to Asia as an adult. And in preparation, I did a bunch pre-trip research at that time. Research that I needed to refresh myself on as I prepare for this next visit in a couple of months. So I thought I’d share my tips with y’all in this post 🙂

According to The Rough Guide’s First-Time Asia there are 5 ESSENTIALS to know before you go…

1. Visas & Boarders

A Visa is a document showing that a person is authorized to enter the territory for which it was issued. The country issuing the visa typically attaching various conditions of stay, such as the territory covered by the visa, dates of validity, period of stay, whether the visa is valid for more than one visit, etc. Many Asian countries issue visas free of charge on arrival at major airports and land-boarders. You simply show that your official your passport is valid for at least another six months and that you have a ticket out of the country. India, however, requires visitors to buy a visa in advance before arriving.

This table gives a broad outline of visa requirements in Asia, You should confirm the details of a visa requirements for a particular country before travelling as rules at each embassy changes often. The forms can be lengthy and may require you to hunt down info that you may not know off-hand. So, best to start the visa process early, if you can.

2. Booking the Flight

Once you have your visa application, you can now BOOK A FLIGHT. The travel industry is hugely competitive business so it pay to shop around! talking to a travel agent will help you come up with interesting alternatives within your destination as well. Some of the sites I’ve had the most luck with are Flight Centre; CheapFlights.ca; and SkyScanner.

3. Travel Insurance

Whatever the length of your trip to Asia, it is strongly advised that you arrange travel insurance to cover medial treatment and perhaps the loss of personal possessions. If you get seriously ill or are involved in an accident, your insurance coverage will enable you to get the best care as well as medical evacuation to your home country, if necessary. The insurance industry is also a highly competitive one, so shop around and price compare on websites to help you make your mind up. Also check with your company benefits provider, as well your credit card providers – there might be some cardholder deals available to you for travel insurance. 😉

4. Vaccinations

Preparing for a great trip doesn’t just involve packing right, it also involves preparing yourself medically to ensure your travels are healthy and worry-free while you’re there and upon your return.

This Incredible Map Shows All The Infections That Vaccines Could Have Prevented Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/map-of-vaccine-preventable-infections-2014-1#ixzz3OrGLkI6n

It is wise to get medical advice as early as possible about which vaccinations you require for your trip as many are given as a course of two or three intervals in order to be effective. You also need to find out early about the type of malaria-preventative medication that is recommended for other areas you are visiting as you may need to start taking tablets in advance of departure. While your family doctor may offer some injections cheaply or free, you may want to contact a private travel clinic to make sure you get the most specialized information available.

5. Budget

Last, but certainly not least, is determining a BUDGET. When planning a big trip like this, everyone’s budget will be different and unique to them.

Now, the Western Dollar goes a pretty long way in Asia. Here are a few “sample budgets” to help illustrate top-end…mid-range…low-end begets might work out when traveling to different parts of Asia. Hopefully to give you a better idea of how much things will cost and how much you should expect to be spending on certain things.

Congratulations —- You are now armed with the essentials to know before you go and travel Asia!!!!

Are any of you thinking of doing any big travel this year? Where are you off too? Did you find this post helpful as a starting point to getting your travel ducks-in-a-row? Hope it helped you recognize the importance of planning BEFORE a big trip. Tell me your thoughts in the comment section below.

Ooooh…I’m getting excited (and nervous) for MY big South East Asia trip now!!! I’ll announce the countries I’m planning on visiting this March in my next wanderlust post. Stay tuned friends. xo

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A New Year, A New Start

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!!!

This month (January 6^th to be exact) Petite Plus, Meow! turns ONE YEAR old! I’m truly humbled by the positive response the blog has gotten so far. Thank you.

My very first outfit post, entitled: Peplum, Pencil Skirt and Pink Pumps really shows how green I was to the world of fashion blogging – complete with uncreative title, with no clue what I was really doing in terms of key words/tagging – simply publishing content with no one to read it, basically. Somewhere over the 170 blogpost write-ups of last year (yup…that’s how many there were), I think my personality, charm, wit and modesty 😉 began to come across – or at least I hope it has.

As much as I love fashion – I’ve never felt like an authority on anything fashion related. This Fashion & Lifestyle blog started as a fun outlet – and continues to be a place to capture all those things I’m passionate about, new things I discover and try, thoughts and general musing that take place in my life, with the occasional quote/comic that inspire and amuse me …. shared with readers in hopes that you’ll enjoy them too.

Two years ago, the world as I knew it was turned upside down, and I got an opportunity to reassess and really focus on me again. I began investing in higher quality fashionable pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories – decorating my outside in an effort to uplift my inside. The more ‘grey’ I felt, the more dressed up I would get, sticking to that old adage of ‘fake it ‘til I make it’…if I LOOKED happy and put-together then I’d eventually FEEL that way too. And it totally worked!

The last year of blogging has definitely helped boost my own self-image, self-love, body acceptance and self-confidence. And for that, I am forever grateful. As much as I loved my life last year – I often find myself asking “There’s gotta be more to life than THIS?”

I’m not really one for New Year Resolutions… but this year, my focus is simple: Getting and Staying Happy! 🙂

In an effort to figure out exactly how to get started with this lofty goal I applied the STOP-START-CONTINUE approach to behavioural change. It is also often used in feedback surveys in Adult Instruction (i.e., my day job). In business management before the new year begins management will often ask these three questions:

1. What can we STOP that is not producing the desired outcome?

2. What can we START doing to produce the results that we are looking for?

3. What are we doing that we should CONTINUE doing that is working/producing the desired results?

This same business principle can be applied to our own life in making this year the best year possible. In order for this to really be effective, we do need to set goals and monitor the progress so we can make corrections as they are needed, but this is a good start to turning an idea into action. Better than a New Year Resolution I think 🙂

OK. Now that I’ve explained the concept, let me apply it … and by capturing it on the blog it will keep me accountable to monitor the progress of each item – win:win.

2015 will be the year I will STOP:

Making excuses for people. When people show you their true colours – believe them, the first time. This applies to everyone – friends – old and new, love interests, family members, co-workers and networking contacts. “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who love you no matter what.”
Being overly critical of myself and of others, when it comes to my career-expectations. I need to adjust my expectations – personal fulfilment and satisfaction isn’t solely achieved in or by one’s work-life. And that’s ok.

2015 will be the year I will START:

Shopping Less and Travelling More – with or without a travel mate. Which means I gotta learn to drive. Drivers and pedestrians of Toronto streets, you’ve been warned. Dun dun dunnnn…
Turning off Netflix to read more. Perhaps we can start a virtual book club on PPMeow! Thoughts?
Cooking more using recipes I’ve never tried before. And sharing my culinary accomplishments and fails on the blog.

2015 will be the year I will CONTINUE:

Blogging and Instagram’ing regularly about What I Wore AND What I Did. Outfits of the Day, shopping sprees, fashion collaborations and new collection launches, as well as reviews of the various products I try, events I attend and other lifestyle activities I participate in …especially if for the first time.
Surrounding myself with positive, interesting, enthusiastic, fun people. Motivational speaker Jim Rohn famously said that we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. When it comes to relationships, we are greatly influenced — whether we like it or not — by those closest to us. It affects our way of thinking, our self-esteem, and our decisions. Positivity begets positivity. Negativity….ain’t nobody got time for that.

TA-DAH!!! There you have it. My Action Plan for 2015. Are these things above gonna make me get and keep me happy? Who knows. But it’s a good start for the New Year ahead for PPMeow! 🙂

Hoping this first week of 2015 is starting of right for each of you….and that you’ll continue to follow me & the blog on our adventures all year long.

What do you have planned to tackle and accomplish this year? Taking a look at things in your own life – what can you do to make this year better than last year? Would you try using this STOP-START-CONTINUE approach to help you do just that? Tell me about it in the comment section.

Happy New Year once again, and let me know what positive changes you are making in your life.

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Size Sexy

How many times have you tried on a piece of clothing a size up from your ‘usual’ … and didn’t want to buy it simply because you didn’t like that the tag wasn’t what you wanted it to say?

On the flip side, have you ever cheered for joy in a change room upon finding your body being able to fit into an article of clothing that’s smaller than your ‘usual’ size?

I know I’m personally guilty of both of these reactions.

Society has us so obsessed with our SIZE. Why are we allowing a number on the back of a tag affect us so much? After all, YOU are so much more than just a number.

Sexy is a state of mind. Confidence is sexy. Body confidence does not come from trying to achieve the ‘perfect body, it comes from embracing the one you already got. It has taken me a long time to learn this lesson. I struggle with it from time to time – me and my body confidence are works-in-progress. And I have to say that blogging has been the major contributing factor to lifting my sexy, confident spirit. 🙂

10712765_261897830685969_7370770697336109030_n

Two years ago, I got an opportunity to reassess and really focus on me again. I began investing in higher quality fashionable pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories – decorating my outside in an effort to uplift my inside. The more ‘grey’ I felt, the more dressed up I would get, sticking to that old adage of ‘fake it ‘til I make it’ – if I LOOKED happy and put-together then I’d eventually FEEL that way too. And it totally worked!

Over the last few months of blogging, taking photos of myself all dolled up, researching new designers, writing about trends and ‘how-to’s’, reading and sharing body positive messages and surrounding myself with positive people who actively strive to challenge the status quo — to re-imagine diverse bodies challenging dominant beauty and body ideas…..has shifted and lifted my self image. And for the first time in my life I can confidently say: I’m hella sexy! 🙂

I had the delight of meeting the lovely Miss Tierra Sedgemore, creator of Size Sexy earlier this month. And am thrilled to be one of the Bloggers she connected with to help spread this message of self-love, acceptance and body confidence.

Me and the lovely Tierra Sedgemore, creator of Size Sexy

For the leopard pencil skirt in other looks click here. For the open-toed booties in other looks click here.

Show the world that you embrace and love every curve of your body because you are #sizesexy in one of these fabulous cotton/Lycra blend v-neck tees.

These shirts come in several colours: Black, Cobalt Blue, Soft Baby Pink and Red. At the moment they go up to XXL, but Tierra is working on expanding the sizing and colour options in 2015 🙂

Want your own Size Sexy tee? Click here or buy them from SexyPlus Clothing in Mississauga and become part of the movement!

“Don’t be defined by your size. Be size sexy.” – Tierra Sedgemore

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Body Confidence Canada Awards 2014

September 9th is known as the International Day of Beauty — it was created by the International Committee of Aesthetics and Cosmetology (CIDESCO) and was adopted by the World Congress in 1995. What better day to celebrate body confidence, education, health and community empowerment!

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the 2nd annual Body Confidence Canada Awards – A Toast To Curves held at Panorama. The BCCAs created and run by the amazing Aisha Fairclough and Jill Andrew, of Fat In The City, to celebrate “champions of body confidence, positivity and body diversity in Canada”.Body Confidence Canada acknowledges Canadian based recipients who actively fight against stereotypes that attempt to label marginalized bodies (i.e., fat, radicalized, dis/abled, etc.) as unhealthy, uninspired, and underachieving. Looking around the room that night, there was something incredibly refreshing and empowering being among so many beautiful, confident women of all shapes and sizes. 🙂

BCCA 2014 — The Hosts: Aisha Fairclough and Jill Andrew, of Fat In The City

The evening began with cocktails and incredible views of the city …followed by inspiring speeches from guest speakers and the winning nominees.

The 2014 BCCAward winners included: Ophilia Alleyne, Jewel Kats (absent from photo below), Stefanie Augusteijn of SexyPlus Clothing and Cindy Baker. A honourary award was also given to Dr. Carla Rice, one of the esteemed guest speakers . Each recipient shared a touching experience, who’s words were not only uplifting but resonated with nearly every woman in the room.

For a sample of one of the speeches click here by Miss Stefanie Augusteijn …and her message and spirit of collaboration in the plus community 🙂

10606382_10152359099214087_3824836105238679289_n — The Winners of The 2014 BCCAwards

A huge congratulations to all the winners from Petite Plus, Meow!

And now… a few fun snaps of all the fun had by me and the other lovelies in the room…

10658561_730153790373432_805130899124149515_o — Me with THE sensational, inspiring, well-spoken Jill Andrews. If you haven’t seen her in action…click here for her TEDx Talk: **Fat Shaming and the Thin Epidemic**

Me with THE sensational, inspiring, well-spoken Jill Andrews. If you haven’t seen her in action…click here for her TEDx Talk: **Fat Shaming and the Thin Epidemic**

10480109_730153730373438_8689559779164084496_o — What I wore: Captain’s Bodycon dress from SexyPlus Clothing with peep toed platform heels from *Diesel*

Events like this help support the body positive movement. If you want to help build this event, please nominate someone that embodies what the BCCAs are all about by heading to the website and nominating someone for 2015.

“EveryBODY has a story” – let’s celebrate them!