Writer's Block

So thanks to one of my readers, I have a very complex post that is not ready to post yet. I've been looking at my screen for a half hour trying to think of a nice topic for today but all I can think about is the post that is incomplete. So, I am going to show you cool things from the internet.

Loanato has some really great inexpensive jewelry. Included in her collection are these awesome landscape rings!

Moerkey is a fabulous artist who creates beautiful work out of recycled metal. I want it all. My mind exploded when I looked at his work.

Calling all nerds! Modcloth sells some awesome bed sheets that are sure to impress any dorm room to say the least.

If I could afford it, I would fill my life with anthropologie. It's a love hate relationship because they do not sell plus size clothes. If I ever lose the weight though--I'm going there first. Anyway, they also have a beautiful home décor section. It's amazing. I want all the things.














Alright dearies, looks like that's it for me today. My husband came down with the flu so I'm going to cuddle up with him and reread Harry Potter tonight in the outfit I picked out. OR mayyyybbeee pjs. Either way have a wonderful new year and see you in the AM!

Lots of love,
Samantha the fatulous!

Resolutions

As tomorrow is the big night and the start of a new year, it's time to start thinking about the things we wish to improve upon and what we wish to let go of. The resolution, a tradition in our society, is always what is most important to us--or what we think is most important. Relationships, weight loss, jobs; but I believe that something is VASTLY being unconsidered.

Loving yourself should be everyone's main priority. Consider, that if you love yourself that others are more likely to see your potential in every way. It starts with you. If you believe in yourself, you will have confidence in that job interview. You will have the means to be yourself in social situations, attracting potential lovers. You may even gain the drive to go to the gym and work on your health.

I think many people, especially people who do not have great self confidence, end up falling into a pattern of trying to make others happy to gain approval. I fell into this for years. In the end, though, it wasn't enough. Yes, it's good to have support from loved ones. But, no, you can't rely on it. People are unpredictable, uncontrollable. They may not show you the love you want or expect. You are only in charge of you.

So how do you do it then? I'm no expert and the journey is different for everyone. But I can tell you what worked for me. I want my readers to make a list of 10 activities that make YOU happy that doesn't have to do with pleasing anyone else. It may be harder then it sounds. And it's important to have some activities that are more than just sitting around. You need to do something, live, in things that make you happy.

1. Go on walk with headphones and observe surroundings
2. Paint
3. Play Kingdom Hearts
4. Photograph nothing in particular
5. Cook something new without directions

6. Sing and dance loudly and poorly in private
7. Write poetry or a story
8. Read
9. Go rollerblading or ice skating
10. Sew

me hahahahha

And to be clear, you don't have to be good at something in order for you to enjoy it. Half the battle is to learn. To learn to be better, to feel better. To know that in everything you do, you're the best you that can exist because you're doing things you love.

That you are more than enough.

So whatever you do for the new year, I hope you are surrounded by loved ones, and that you can count yourself as loved.

Lots of love,
Samantha the Fatulous

Hidden Treasures on Etsy

Etsy is a great tool for the plus size community! It offers the opportunity for custom made and one of a kind outfits. It offers statement pieces that you could never imagine in your size. It offers varying prices for every fatsionista! Looking for them however, can be quite difficult. So here are some options that prove there is hope out there in the etsy universe!

1. Jibri is fantastic. I love love love her clothes. She knows how to cloth a plus size lady. From color blocking, to long peplum shirts and skirts, to puffy shirts... Genius, pure genius! I'd say this is a more high end look. It may be out of your comfort zone but consider taking risks. These looks are stunning. I am obsessed.




 

2. betterbetterfashion is sweet and more low key. The designer pulls from different decades to create a mix of mod and cultural clothes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The clothes are not only practical for everyday

wear, but they're super inexpensive. I really like

the creativity in the designs. Love it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Tamar Ziv is cool, it's funky and really fun. The prices are what you would expect, very reasonable. The designed are exploding with color and expressions. It's fabulous. I love it! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 AFRA is a knitter's paradise. Perfect for this season, the designer has everything from sweaters to hats to scarves that double as mittens. Check out their cute owl fingerless mittens below! Love love love!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 That's all for me today!

Lot's of love,
Samantha the Fatulous
 
 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Hair Products I can't live without

 I have unruly knots in my hair. Beauty Protector detangling spray is a must have. It's 100% Vegan as well as paraben and sulfate free. Not only does it immediately smooth out my tangles, it also protects from heat infused tools. I curl my hair almost every day so it's essential to protect my precious locks. A little goes a long way, I'm talking 4 sprays for the entire head max so the bottle will last you forever.

Serge Normant Dream Big hairspray makes not only the back of your head, but your entire look ridiculous. It smells amazing... and gives amazing volume and hold. It's never sticky or hard to the touch. It's easy to tease after application to make your hair look perfect.

Buying curling irons can be tricky... If you're looking for a more natural non Shirley Temple curl... This might be your wand! It heats up fast and is super easy to use. Be careful of the end though with any wand. I have a pretty circle burn mark.

Proganix Repair serum is awesome for the winter. You can't use it every day so it's such a nice treat when you can. You can feel the difference after one use it's insane.

Davines is famous for their hair products. This smoothing shampoo tames the frizziest of hair as well as detangles and strengthens. It smells like figs and I can't get enough of it. I love this so much.















That's it for today!

Lots of love,
Samantha the Fatulous

New Years Traditions and Trends

Everyone wants to put their best foot forward (which is apparently the right by the way) on New Years to start the year out with good fortune. We all have our traditions we follow... Kissing at midnight, wearing a new and exciting outfit, or even flaming whiskey shots! But what about the rest of the world?

Well in Peru, people FIST FIGHT before the clock strikes 12 to resolve their issues and start the year out with a clean slate. This is a thing... There is a festival and everything.

In Spain, it is customary to eat 12 grapes within the first 12 minutes of the new year. Each grape represents a wish, just hope that none are sour as it speaks ill of whatever you are hoping for!!!

In Romania, people dance around in bear suits to ward off evil spirits. I want to do that so much.

In Ecuador, they burn photos to let go of the things they do not wish to bring into the new year. Don't have a photo? Make a list and burn baby burn!

Apparently, wearing red underwear brings love, while yellow prosperity. And if you wear them inside out till midnight, it ensures plenty of new clothes.

Speaking of clothes, many countries believe that wearing white will bring peace and protect them from evil spirits in the new year! If you would like to try this tradition, here are my reccomendations:

This number from ASOS is timeless. The lace accents add an extra touch of sexy. I would add a fun colored belt around your waist with a matching pump to really make a statement.

This number can be found at Eloquii is currently 40% off! I always enjoy a little sparkle!


















If you're not into wearing white or are accident prone... Here are some colorful choices:

Found at Eloquii, this outfit is sexy and makes a statement. The semi sheer top is super in right now, as well as the crop top. The pencil shirt is form fitting and quite flattering. I highly recommend going for this look!

Go super girly in this dress that you know you will wear again. It's currently in stock at Modcloth between sizes 2-26.

I'm super into the 20s so I had to include this number from Simplybe. They had others but I realized I promised color. So if you dig the look but don't want this gold number check them out!

For something a little different, check out this dress from Navabi! The clothes tend to be more expensive from this website but they're also super high quality. If this is too expensive for you but you like the look I can help you find an alternative. Color blocking is super in right now.














That's all for me today! Till tomorrow...

Lots of love,
Samantha the Fatulous

Learn The Difference

I am not fat. I have a lot of excess fat, but I am not fat.

This is for all my readers, because everyone has their personal battles.

I had a hard childhood and started binge eating when times were at their worst in middle school. I'm not using my hardships as an excuse, no. I know I earned each pound. I was not in a good mental state to stop. I would leave home, which often was in turmoil at the time, to go to school and have THOSE boys--you know the ones--attractive, rich, in charge... just torment me.

One in particular would get me alone and force himself on me. Our parents were friends and I didn't have a good excuse to tell my mom that I didn't want to be alone with him. He would do these things then turn around at school and call me a fat, prude, loser. Everyone listened and I was pushed into silence for a long time.

What's worse is that when you hear it each day, you give up on yourself. "You're fat," "Fatty," "Fat fat fat." And I hated myself.

Many of my friends ask me why I listen to my headphones wherever I go. I'm considered a social person and as such it doesn't make sense to hide behind music. Well the truth is, when I don't wear headphones people sometimes yell "fatty" at me outside their cars... from their dorm rooms when I was in college. Everywhere. So I block it out.

And my family means well, but they just kept hurting my feelings by buying clothes a size too small. Or buying food they knew I didn't like, instead of the healthy choices I did.

Then there are times, like going to the mall with your friends. You know you are going to spend the day watching them try on clothes and look for any outlet to feel involved... So you pick out clothes for them. You never know if they notice or not, usually no one brings it up.

I think the word 'fat' hurts so much because they are summing up your entire being into one thing. One thing that is considered undesirable.

But listen, I am more than these experiences... And so are you.

I would like to point out that almost everyone is concerned about their weight. And I work on mine, you should work on yours. But not for those "perfect boys." Not for your family, or your friends or those random strangers who are too bored with themselves that they need to attack others. You need to do it for you, for your health.

And you need to realize that when someone calls you fat; that everyone has a certain amount of body fat. It does not define you. You are so much more than your weight. You have thoughts, and talents, and dreams. Please, once you are finished reading this blog, I want all my readers to make a list of everything they are. I will do the same.

I am a comedian
I am unashamed
I am a friend
I am a sister
I am a wife
I am a counselor
I am a painter
I am a poet
I am an adventurer
I am a designer
I am an activist
I am a philanthropist
I am a scholar
I am a wild child
I am a dancer

I HAVE fat.

But you know what? It's taken a long time, and I changed the way I viewed myself. I love myself and I love my body. It's MY body, and I CAN lose the weight if I want to. That's my choice. We cannot change people's reactions to the plus size community overnight. But you CAN change how it affects you.

Be you
Get dressed for you
Work out for you
Live for you

Be damn proud to express who you are because if you don't you're doing the world a great injustice.

Lots of love,
Samantha the Fatulous

True Captions for Holiday Movies on Netflix

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! Happy day to those who do not! Samantha the fatulous here writing from the road in my Christmas sweater!

I spend a lot of the holiday in the car with the hubby so I'm keeping myself entertained! Do you ever watch holiday movies and think that if you took away the Christmas cheer its be super creepy? Hear me out...

An alcoholic pretty little liar chokes to death on a martini olive then haunts her manager into throwing her a goodbye party instead of a funeral. Oh and the protagonist accepts a marriage proposal by another man while on a date with Chad Michael Murray. Big mistake.

After a perm goes wrong, Melissa Joan Hart goes insane and kidnaps a man twice her strength and brings him to a cabin in the woods 20 miles away from civilization.

A woman with a shopping problem finds a little girls letter to Santa and stalks a family and attempts to enter their lives in desperation after her parents cut her off.

They wanted to make a movie about sexy bounty hunter from Jersey. They needed a gimmick... Christmas! Let's shoot scenes in a Christmas tree farm!

A completely oblivious woman fails to realize that Aaron Samuels has been there all along... I mean his hair was looking sexy pushed back the whole film HELLO!!!











That's all for today! Lots of love,
Samantha the fatulous

Wide Calf Boots and Where to Find Them

We have been pretty lucky thus far when it comes to lack of snow this winter. But lesbehonest--it's coming. We need to be ready. Now, it's easy to resort to UGGs: They're comfortable, they're easy, they're socially acceptable in New England. I'm not hating on them, they're awesome in my opinion. But there's more out there for you my curvy ladies!

Most boots cannot fit my calves. Many times, while I was working in the Prudential Center, I stopped in to a shoe store IN A DRESS to try and dance open legged into cute leather winter boots. Yes, I made a scene. I was basically doing the Tootsie Roll while making loud whimpering noises among Boston's wealthiest families.

This is why I enjoy online shopping so much. Trying things on in the comfort of your home is so much better. Also, you can (and should) measure yourself before you order. Every site has a size chart. Pull it up and measure yourself--easy peasy.  The same rules apply to the miracle known as wide calf boots. I will show you a few great options so you can avoid the tootsie roll. Unless you're doing it on purpose then have at it.

Avenue, Reece Stretch Back Riding Boot, ON SALE for $50.00

Avenue has a large selection of wide calf boots. This particular pair has a stretch but firm backing AND zips up the side. They're easy to put on so no tootsie roll! Oh and it comes in two colors.

















Nordstrom, Total Motion Suede Boot, on sale for $179.90



This is a gorgeous boot. There's a stretch backing, a zipper up the side, and a mini wedge. The suede is glorious. I love this boot and I must move on from it.















Jessica London, Suede fringe boot

I always admired people who can pull these off. Maybe I should follow my own advice and take a risk, eh? Well I didn't add a price because there's a range depending on what you buy AND it's on sale. Too confusing. This boot comes in four colors and zips up the side. I dig it!















I haven't decided whether or not I will be writing tomorrow as it's Christmas yayyyy. To those who celebrate and to those who don't--I hope you have a very special day. I personally have four houses to go to so I will be dancing to some Christmas tunes and having a jolly ol' time.

Till next time

Lots of love,
Samantha the Fatulous

Not All Lipsticks Are Created Equal

So I decided to test all of my lip products, and compare their health benefits, if any, as well as their price. The title is slightly misleading as I am not JUST testing lipsticks. But it sounded better that way.

1. The Lip Bar Crimson Wonderland, $25.00

This luxurious color comes from a company that prides itself on being bold. It's a gorgeous red that lasts and has little smudge issues. The line is HAND MADE from all natural products. In my opinion, this is the red everyone wishes they could own.













2. Model Co. Party Proof Lipstick Coachella Crush,$17.00

First off, the first thing I noticed from the brand is that the lipstick smells amazing. That's not usually your first thought when it comes to similar products but I digress. This product is so... so juicy. A little goes a long way with this line. Because of it's thickness, it does last a long time... However note that it easily smudges at first so just try not to move or do anything with your lips for a while and give the product time to settle a bit.









3.Hikari Cabernet, $13.00

I probably use this lipstick the most. For me, it goes on easily and stays put. I have no issues with smudging. They do not test on animals and for those with allergies, they list every single item that is used to make each product in the description. The product also blends beautifully with something that has a little more sparkle.













4.French Girl Organics, Cerise, ???

Great news for her, sad news for us... The owner of French Girl Organics is taking a break for the holidays. Once she comes back, however I highly suggest everyone try this brand. The tint is a subtle shimmer that works to heal your lips as well as look pretty. It has a nice peppermint smell and all the ingredients are listed on the back of the tube. One of my favorites.










5.Vincent Longo Lip and Cheek Stain, My Sunshine, $24.00


Talk about long lasting, this is your product. Once it's dry there's no shine, though so if you're looking just to darken your lips this is your products. Mix it up with a shimmery gloss to change up the look!
















6.(PLA)BEAUTY, Hero, $22.00

This is one of my favorite glosses. It makes your lips feel full and there's always a nice shimmer. Unlike many glosses, it's thick enough for the color to be present and it's not too watery.

MAN, this company began with a strong woman turning a sad story into something beautiful. She lost her first daughter to an infection and the 2nd only weighed 3 pounds at birth--but she survived! A portion from each purchase goes to children's hospitals around the nation, but mostly to the Atlanta Children's Hospital.

AWWWWW


 

1.SMASHBOX, Be Legendary Long Wear Lip Laquer, $24.00



This could be mistaken as a lip stick with shine it's so strong. I love it. It dries as a stain for up to eight hours. And what's better is that sometimes stains dry funny, this one doesn't. Two thumbs up!

















2.Cynthia Rowley, Valentine Lip Stain, $20.00

It's a cute tube packed with a punch. As you can see in the picture, the stain goes on thin but is extremely bright with a touch of shimmer. So cute.

Cynthia Rowley designs a lot actually. It's all adorable. I approve.













3. W3LL PEOPLE, Nude Rose Bio Extreme Lipgloss, $23.50


This gloss straight up smells like someone took candy canes, crushed them, and shoved them into this little tube. But really though. As you can see it's more liquid than color but it's super great for your lips. This is great for a more casual look I think. Or perhaps some layering... To give what you're wearing a little bit of shine!















4.From The Lab, LIP COLOR STICK NO. 337, $17.95

From The Lab is such a cool company. They use stem cell research on fruits and vegetables to get the most out of their nutrients.

This particular product blew my mind. You'd expect a crayon to be hard and more dry... But this stick melts into a creamy lipstick substance. It also keeps your lips moist. I approve.











5.Pixi Beauty Shea Butter Lip Balm, PIXI Pink, $8.00

A chapped lipped girl's best friend. This is like basically all shea butter with a little color pigment. So perfect for healing your lips. As you can see, it's actually quite pigmented for being lip balm.

LOVE LOVE LOVE












6. MANNA Liplocked, Lucky, $24.00

It's a stain. It's a gloss. It's a primer! It's a must have in my regular make up regime. This product is amazing on it's own, and it's great for dulling a lipstick that's just too bright for certain occasions.

The owner of the line is all about female empowerment as well. Who runs the world?

...Girls with this MANNA liplocked









I had another page of 6 lips products but honestly it felt like too much. I had a lot of fun retrying my favorite products out today and I hope I've inspired some of you to try these amazing products out! You should know that I am not compensated for any of the products I recommend, I just genuinely like them. To end this post I wanted to find a sweet Beyoncé 'Who Run The World' gif but they were surprisingly hard to find unless you want a hair flip and some shoulder shruggin'... But I finally found this gem:

Lots of love,
Samantha the Fatulous



PS my cat is trying to find her color: