BellesPlus.com

Am I getting old and ugly?

2012-02-14T03:47:00.000-08:00

Honestly there is now one thing that worries me more than being a Plus Size..... getting Old.

I’m serious.

I’m even thinking that losing weight might not be such a good idea. I might wrinkle more and faster.

When I see a picture of myself, it’s the first thing I notice. Am I greyer or not? Do I look my age (no I won’t tell you!) or younger?

At the same time, I am trying to convince myself that I am not as old as it seems. It would work if..... I didn’t have kids! They remind me my age with so much pleasure.

Well tell me what you think.

The Old Mama or La Vieille (same thing in French) as my kids like to call me, does not look too bad, NO?

You know what I need from you.....

(Compliments maybe?)

Hardcore Exercise

2012-01-04T17:07:00.001-08:00

You know what? Sometimes I am tired of talking about us, us, US = PLUS SIZE. I wonder if I define myself to much as a Plus Size and will not be able to define myself otherwise.

I’ll tell you why. 10 days ago I started exercising during the week. 3 hours of Socaramba and Afrocaribdance on Saturday is a little hard core when you do nothing else during the week.

So.... after going 6 months to Goodlife Fitness and paying 12 months, you know what I mean, I wanted to try something FREE and EASY to go to.

I started with Chuck, my boss (he is a bit “different” like all of us in this job), climbing stairs. IT SOUNDS EASY? Thing is, we are on the main floor and there is 17 FLOORS. Yep 17!

Chuck does it 3 times. Up and down, up and down, up and down.... with weights and push ups at each end. And there’s a rule: you have to touch the door with your finger on the main floor and on the 17^th floor! Told you: he is different.

So here I went. Super SLOWLY. Almost died on the 5^th floor. But eventually made it to the top.

I did it every day for 10 days and as always almost died on the .....5^th floor!

As if it was not enough, I added some jogging with neighbour Natalie.

Oh I forgot to tell you: I want to lose weight!

Guess what happened:

1. I have back pain from... probably doing a bit too much exercise. I am not as young as you anymore. Natalie, don’t say a word, I know what you think. YOU TOLD ME.

2. I lost 4 pounds in 10 days. I was so happy but for whatever reason went to a Chinese buffet yesterday and had pizza and cake tonight! So it is probably all back in.

So, back to my purpose, I think that losing weight scares me to death. I don’t see any other reason for my behaviour. What would I do with BellesPlus if I was skinny (although it would take me some time to get there)? What would I wear? Would I look like everybody else? Would I lose my “difference”? Funny when they say that we are now the majority!!!

At least nobody will dare to say that I am lazy!!!

See you soon,

I am mean.

2011-10-31T05:22:00.000-07:00

Funny how we are. Don't lie I know you're all like me Plus Size Women (and others actually).

As I was entering a restaurant, I see a Plus Size Woman coming out: "This one should eat at home and check what she eats instead of going to a restaurant" I SWEAR THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT!

Okay, that's mean but you can’t go in life being nice all the time. Plus I THOUGHT IT NOT SAID IT!

Back to my story:
I went in, sat down, and ordered a delightful apple-caramel pie loaded with vanilla ice cream JUST FOR ME.
HUMMMMM THAT WAS GOOD.

Of course I know what you think: “she has nerves his one judging others and then binging on her own as if life was coming to an end.

You won’t believe that it did not even strike me until after the pie.

Oh and maybe as I was entering the restaurant, she, the Plus Size Woman, thought the same thing….

Interesting how we judge and “feel” the judgment from others.

Have you ever tried to be conscious to your thoughts and realize how much you judge yourself and others? Try it it’s mind blowing.

Have you ever wondered why you feel relieved coming home and suddenly relaxing your stomach?

BECAUSE you have no eyes on you.

Catherine LG

What a day in my Plus Size life!

2011-10-13T03:31:00.000-07:00

This one was such a roller coaster I thought it was Full Moon!

But no, just a weird day.

So, let’s remember why I love my life:

My Mom is French, I mean French from Paris (here we say the worst type except my Mom and well my family). Actually from Normandie. I know Kaila, in English it’s Normandy. But what did you expect from a Crazy French Chick (not Cheek I know)? It does not sound the same to me if it’s Normandy. So Normandie it is. And it explains why I love cows! Oh let me tell you, they don’t like Plus Size Women in France.
My Dad is Mauritanian. No, I won’t tell you where it is, figure it out yourself. Okay, capital is Nouakchott, does it help? I should mention that Mauritania is the country where men most LOVE BIG WOMEN in the World?
Oh now you’re listening.

My husband is from Cameroun. We were there recently and I loved it.
I dance with great women mostly from the Caribbean but also from here. I am the biggest but also the oldest at the Afrocaribdance . And STILL DANCING my heart away! Thanks Suzan for who you are.
My son plays hockey in a team where there is various nationalities (taking over THE Canadian Sport). Actually one dad is from Fiji Islands, immigrated to New Zeeland before moving to Canada where he met his Jamaican raised in Ottawa wife! How much fun is that!
A lady co-worker from Timmins - not sure if it is on any map (just kidding – go find it) – became a grandmother of 2 twin girls last week.
My favorite co-workers are 1. Adena who used to be so politically correct before she became a bitchy pregnant woman who put her name on the bathroom door so that she has it reserved. And 2. Crazy Canadian Chick Kaila who tries (with Adena) to teach me good English (I can’t tell the difference between Chick and Cheek and Bitch or Beach)
And I can’t lose weight because...... I HAVE BellesPlus.com. How weird would it be if I was skinny!
And I would not leave you alone in the Plus Size World. I am nice like that.

Catherine LG

My First Encounter with Needles.

2011-08-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

This year? Well, let’s see:

I have been hypnotised (I’ll tell you about it later)I have finally tried Pilates after wondering what this strange word was hiding (torture?)

I have been to Cameroun, Africa (I miss it like crazy).
And, at last (we’ll see about that):

I have experienced..... NEEDLES IN MY BACK!

IT IS CALLED ACUPUNCTURE.

Yes, I met Dominic Vallée, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

www.acupunctureinottawa.com

He is as fascinating as he is passionate about his work.

If not, why else would he have quit his profession and studied Traditional Chinese Medicine for 5 years in Victoria and 2 years and a half in South Korea?

Oh and just look at his picture, you’ll read passion in his eyes.

When I met Dominic, he offered me a session to see his work in action. Excuse me? Acupuncture? WOW AND WHAT ELSE SHOULD I DO TO GET BUSINESS?

So I went, RELUCTANTLY.

Dominic’s first question? Why would you go see an acupuncturist? (Good, we don’t start with needles)
I don’t know... Oh yes. A few months ago, I was exhausted for no obvious reason. Went to the Doctor. He exhausted me even more with tones of questions to conclude..... that he had no clue! See you next time (when I’m better???)

Of course, Dominic Vallée, after a few questions figured out what was wrong. The moment has now arrived.
I lay down without a word (unusual for people who know me) trying hard to NOT visualize the NEEDLES. I can hear loud in my head the ripping of the bag holding the NEEDLES.

And.... AAAAAAH. At the 1st one I ALMOST JUMPED OFF THE TABLE. WHY? I don’t know, I DID NOT FEEL A THING!

I can’t even tell you how many needles Dominic planted in my back. 10? 20?
What I do know is that hygiene is crucial for him. New needles each time. No recycling.

My mind is now wandering here and there, verifying inside my body that every organ is working properly. I nap for a while, wake up, my head is heavy (Doctor, did I snore?). I feel regenerated, calm, at peace (from what?)

Whatever you have (go check the list of things he can cure on his website: www.acupunctureinottawa.com), go see Dominic Vallée. Or call him, he is super nice. You’ll be impressed.

Acupuncture in Ottawa
#305-411 Roosevelt Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K2A 3X9

(613)421-6500

I felt the pinch right on my Love Handles!

2011-07-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

I heard a funny comment today: I was politely asking a co-worker if she had been hot yesterday (40oC) and you know what she answered? "NO not really, because I don't have much fat on me. IT LEFT ME SPEACHLESS... And what on earth did she meant?

I felt the pinch right on my love handles. As I was not saying anything she left and I started thinking. I HAVE A BIG SECRET. HEN HEN, I know you want to know it....... I don't care at what my co-workers say, AFRICAN LIKE BIG WOMEN LIKE ME. NA!

I just wish they ALL KNEW. I don't want it to be a big secret. The World should know that YES some (a few million) of people actually find BIG WOMEN BEAUTIFUL.

Catherine LG

www.bellesplus.com

Size 20 and Size 4 discussing with Size 6.

2011-06-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

Last night, I (size 20) came home and found my young adult daughter (size 4) in interesting conversation with her girlfriend (size 10 but wears size 4) about finding her (girlfriend size 10) a BOYFRIEND:

(Size 10 but wears size 4): “Oh I need to lose weight; I’ll never find a boyfriend LIKE THIS! You, Madame, are already married (forgetting that I am now a size 20 married to a man who met me when I was a size 22), and you, Marie (size 4), you are almost married.”

Of course, I said:
“And why do you think that you can’t find a boyfriend because of your size? I don’t think that size really matters when you FALL IN LOVE.”
And on and on and on...

Well...Then, the next morning, I was having breakfast at a restaurant with my friend Kaila (size 6? I might get in trouble here), when the waiter comes and starts TAKING MY ORDER (me size 20) while LOOKING NON STOP at Kaila (size 6?).

I thought it was a coincidence and then.... HE DID IT AGAIN! I was shocked!

When I breathe deeply and look back at all that, well, you might think that I am overextending my thoughts but I truly believe that we come in a package deal that will appeal or not to the man of our dream.

B..’s problem (size 10 wearing size 4)? She does NOT take care of herself: She is a beautiful girl who hides it behind:

Hair rarely clean and with 3 or 4 different colours;Clothes way too small for her figure (the Muffin Look), Yellow teeth (at age 24),

And you would not seat in front of her when she eats (disgusting).

That’s her look and IT SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT HER: not confident and certainly not looking for a boyfriend!

My problem at the restaurant? Kaila is cute, blonde, always well dressed, and naturally charming when she talks to people.

CAN’T BEAT THAT!

Catherine LG

I AM THE ULTIMATE CANADIAN!

2011-04-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

If you think that you are a REAL CANADIAN, THINK AGAIN! I AM THE ULTIMATE CANADIAN!

I do country skiing (when not in an arena, which means once a year). I recently bought snowshoes (loved it) and was forced to try curling (for the people who don’t know what curling is, don’t ever watch it on TV unless you have insomnia). I have to admit, it was fun.

BUT, Can you beat this?

I spent 12 hours in an arena over 2 days watching my son (nicknamed “PK” as in PK Suban, as his mouth is always opened) play Hockey. First season of contact hockey (not fun although it seems to be good for my abs). 6 hours in the car back and forth from home to the arena. And 3 hours complaining about it and about the body checking and kids being hit and hurt!

Yesterday, for lunch we went to a restaurant. Looked at the menu. On TV, they say that caesar salad is not as healthy as it looks, so I went for a burger....... with mushrooms for my daily veggie intake.

Today, back at it, went for ... Mac Donald’s. I swear I haven’t been there for years. Had.... a burger.... with mushrooms for my veggies. Love mushrooms. With lots of mayo.

I wonder why all the other hockey moms are skinny? Maybe they don’t make it to all the hockey games..... maybe they are not real Canadians, like me: the ultimate Canadian.

I can’t believe I am saying this: Go HABS Go.

Catherine LG

2011-04-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

We, Canadian, need to lose WEIGHT!

Have you noticed?

Sure you have. It’s everywhere in the news.

We, Canadian, need to lose WEIGHT!

It’s the new thing, THE 2011 Discovery.

Wish they had asked us, Plus Size Women. We could have told them a while ago.

So why is it in the news again? For who?

So OKAY, let’s say WE, Plus Size Women, AGREE (it’s a free country and do you know that some people actually like being Plus Size???)

HOW DO WE DO THAT? HA!

Oh yes, In the News, they tell us that WE, Plus Size People, have to get moving: WE HAVE TO EXERCISE.

YOU DIDN’T KNOW??? Do you get it? They are not talking to us Plus Size Women.

They are talking to Everyone –(minus) Plus Size Women.

BECAUSE WE KNOW WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING TO LOSE WEIGHT.

Most of us have been trying for ages if you did not know!

So how are WE (not I) going to lose weight?

Let’s face it, this is a societal problem, not just OUR problem.

Why?

Picture of a typical Mom’s (Plus Size?) Day:

Get up at 6am. Prepare Lunch bags for the kids. Get ready. Kids go to school, Mom and Dad go to work.

Work until noon. Noon to 1pm, Mom vegges because SHE THINKS SHE IS ALLOWED ONE HOUR OF VEGGING PER DAY(?)

5pm. Rush to pick up the kids. Feed them quickly. Bye Honey, see you later: Hockey for the boy, Gymnastic for the girl and...... lots of driving for the parents.

Back at home and still wondering how to squeeze an hour of exercise in that routine!

You need to take time for yourself you know, it’s not just about the kids, you know, blablablablabla.....

OH too stressful, I need a chocolate barre*.

*As my friend Kaila put it: it's not because you're uneducated that you make those mistakes, it's because you're French! Thanks Kaila, friendship is good!

Caza's Cuisine

2010-11-19T03:30:00.000-08:00

I met Caroline Cudmore from Caza’s Cuisine thanks to..... my son! Yes our sons have been playing hockey in the same team for 2 years.

Oh la la, I know it’s funny to picture me in an arena. But guess what: after 5 years, at least I don’t wear my plus size snow pant anymore when going in arenas.

Yes I know, please don’t laugh.

You know how hard it is when you are an immigrant and you have to support your son’s dream to play in the NHL?

Okay now you are wondering what does Caroline have to do with our Plus Size world. Well I can tell you that she is skinny enough to get on my nerves AND blonde.

NOW You want to know more about Caroline and, tell the truth, you want to see what she looks like. Well....

Well... Caroline is super nice and frankly not always quiet like on that picture.

You should see her dancing or with her famous anti fashion boots!!!

Plus, she is the kind of woman that you could picture cooking in your kitchen, a glass of wine on the side (you too) while discussing about life, like two old friends.

Let me tell you the story. I learned just recently that Caroline is a personal chef. DA! So much for our chitchatting before and after the hockey games.

A personal chef means that she comes to your place, with the grocery s’il vous plait, cooks for you and your family, then packs it for the week and freezes it IN YOUR OWN FREEZER to enjoy!

The royal treatment!

Is it good food? I don’t know. All I can tell is that Caroline brought duck rolls and meatballs to our last hockey party (for parents only, kids vexed in bed, babysitter studying in the basement).

I tried the first roll then the meatball and discreetly stood next to the table pretending to chitchat. Suddenly nobody’s watching. I make a move to approach the rolls, smoothly, ni vu ni connu. I take it delicately, put it slowly in my mouth. Oh mama mia, THOSE ROLLS ARE DIVINE.

Is it good? YEAHHHH.

So for us Plus Size or others, she cooks healthy meals, discusses the menu with you and makes sure that you have a well balanced menu.

Call Caroline and tell her that you know me: 613-816-8705

Bon Appetit!

I went to the Fuller Woman Expo in Toronto

2009-10-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

I went to the Fuller Woman Expo in Toronto a few weeks ago and...
I LOVED IT. I ALSO ENDED UP IN THE FASHION SHOW and....
LOVED THE EXPERIENCE.

But I will start with the next day when I met... Monif C., http://www.monifc.com/ and Laura from Lola & Gigi, http://www.lolaandgigi.com/, at her Warehouse/Boutique (can't decide to call it a warehouse, it is way to nice).
Do you know them? NOOOOO? Well you should.
It felt so good to discover new styles, sexy and chic. At least I KNOW that I have less chance of crossing MY dress on someone else's body!!! And yes I bought the famous Monif C.'s convertible dress.
Monif C. is a designer and has a Boutique in New York. She sells online but I preferred to buy it at Lola & Gigi to save on shipping costs.
Check out their website and I'll hear your Oh Ah Wow.
Oh before I forget, check out my pictures on Monif C.'s website, I am so proud!

Far left: GPS(1) Cindy Bourassa (Miss Canada Plus 2005),
Far right: Monif and Laura from Lola & Gigi in a black dress.
(1) GPS: Gorgeous Plus Size

Have you seen this black coat?

Do you know what I love about that Monif C. dress? It suits Plus Size Women and NOT Small Size Women! This is what we want. Not a small size dress with more material!

It does take a little bit of practice to wrap the dress nicely and... some help at the beginning.

And here is the Fuller Woman Expo
and some of the nice and creative people I have met:

The coat I am wearing on the picture is from a brand new manufacturer from New Jersey, La-Dans Closet.
They have issues with their website right now but check them out regularly: www.la-danscloset.com (I bought that coat, loved the colour, the style).

Here is another coat from Designer La Tresa (left) my dear friend Emilienne on the right (she pushed me to go in the fashion show).
I was really excited to discover new stores and share what I found with you ladies.
Here are a few:
Sexy Plus Clothing, online store, "mobile" store and a location in a flea market in Toronto
Curvaceous Consignments, with 2 locations in the Toronto area.
Full Fabulous Figures, Labrador City, NL (where else could I have found her? Another Catherine.
Oval Clothing, Pittsburgh (carrying Petite Plus Size).

FOR YOU LADIES, I LOVE THIS ONE: MERMAID OR WHALE?

2009-09-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, in a large French city, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym.

It said: THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID OR A WHALE?

A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.

To Whom It May Concern:

Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans). They have an active sex life, they get pregnant and have adorable baby whales.

They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselveswith shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Barren Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia.

Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs.

They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans.

They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.

Mermaids don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis.

Fish or human? They don't have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them not to mention how could they have sex? Therefore they don't have kids either.

Not to mention who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?

The choice is perfectly clear to me; I want to be a whale.

P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver and a coffee with my friends. With time we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room it distributes outto the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are Enormously cultured, educated and happy.

Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, Good gosh, look how smart I am.

Gone – Goooooooooone

2009-08-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

Did you notice? I did not change anything on BellesPlus in 2 weeks, nor answer any email.
Well I was gone. And when I say I was gone, I WAS GOOOOOONE. Camping. Just camping. I LOVE CAMPING.
This is the only moment that I forget about everything; I am “in the moment”. My “to do list” seems so far away and useless. You don’t even think about your life because..........
YOU DON’T THINK AT ALL!
The only thought I had so far is about you my Plus Size Ladies; Reflecting about body image and weight loss. I feel so good I forget to think about my body.
I JUST LIVE.
I don’t care about how I look as long as I am comfortable to walk around, go to the beach. And I don’t care about exercising because I walk around and go to the beach. And I see a lot of Plus Size Women like me walking the dog and going to the beach with the kids.

Actually that’s how I met Susan, at the beach, with her dog.
I had seen her many times around and she caught my attention. She was always active, I never saw her sitting. She was beautiful and natural. That's the type of big beauty I like, natural, not trying to be different, not pretending. Just natural.
I was shy (stupid me) to talk to her, but the last evening I could not go without introducing myself.
Susan was so warm; I instantly regretted to not have talked to her earlier. You can tell by her voice and the way she carries herself that she is a strong woman. She has to, with 4 boys and a dog. You see the island in her back, on the picture? She swam there back and force in the afternoon!
She looked so comfortable in her body, I wonder what she has that a lot of big women don't have? A loving family? a husband who would not want her any different? Or is it just IN HER? Susan, please share your secret with us.
You know what? She made me think about Africa. Over there, I was always surprised that Plus Size women would not look floppy and sad. But that’s because they had to be active, go to the market, walk to visit neighbors. And honestly also because it is a beauty asset to be big there (or used to, I haven’t been in Africa for 16 years).
Maybe that’s what life is about.
Having more of those moments.
Enjoy “being” rather than trying to “fit”.
I have found in my trailer an old magazine (body+soul, September 2007), you know the one that you read over and over, rediscover every year. I was reading an article (When less is more by Cheryl Richardson) where she talks about “addition by substraction” to add more meaning in our life.
“We look to improve our life by adding something: a bigger home, more social engagement, a new passionate hobby. But a high-quality life often has more to do with what we remove. A lot more”.

This is my story of the day.
Catherine LG
Ottawa, July 18, 2009

The DIET series: #1

2009-07-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

To go on diet or not to go on diet: That is the question!
I was reading Beth story on her battle to lose weight posted on her website/blog: www.theplussizemommy.com, sad but oh so common.
Since then I started to reflect on who do I know who have been on a diet (every single person I know!) and who has kept the weight off (nobody I know!)
Quite puzzling, indeed! (I love this word in English, indeed)
Are you like me? Each time I see an add to encourage us to lose weight I get skeptical. Especially those with pictures of a dieter taken before and after. I can't help to look really close to make sure the "before" and "after" person look alike (never too sure) and always wonder if they are still like the "after" or since then went back to the "before". Who knows....
As I said nobody I know as kept it off.
Well... there is actually 3 people who have lost weight that I know or that I can easily verify if they are for real and still on track, which might give us our 3 ways (no magic, sorry!) to lose weight:
- my friend Chantal has gone through bypass surgery and has lost a lot of weight. (I'll try to get from her the "before" and "after" pictures).
- Roslyn Franken (www.roslynfranken.com) offers counselling services based on her own experience(pictures of her "before" and "after" on her website), "Helping you make realistic, attainable AND sustainable changes for Healthy Eating, Postive Living and Effective Weight Management." (I can easily verify that she has kept the weight off, she lives in Ottawa).
and
- Louise' programme (in Vancouver area) at The Body Exchange is all based on.... Fitness (Louise runs bootcamps for plus size people in various locations in and around Vancouver, BC) and her last newsletter features Martin Hill who has lost 85 pounds! (I will tell you later if he kept it off)
Told you, no magic there, it's a lifetime battle and we, deep inside, all know it. Sorry Beth. But interestingly enough I guess a little bit of the 3 solutions used together would probably be ideal.
Ain't you excited? I have found the solutions that will solve our problems...
Okay, I know what you think: no energy to go ahead and do it! Yep that's the first part of the problem. We kind of know that there is solutions out there, that it won't be easy, that we'll have to work on it forever, BUT YET, most of us don't jump on it. WHY? why not take the chance?
Stay tuned, I'll address all that in the following articles.

This is my story of the day.
Catherine LG
Ottawa, June 25, 2009

The Two Rising Suns

2009-07-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a text that I wrote a while ago, but after a discussion with a PS lady, it reminded me that it could be still useful.
Enjoy!

Recently, I received an email that outraged me!
A lady I know shared with me that she is always struggling with her body image.
AND GUESS WHAT? SHE IS NOT EVEN A PLUS SIZE!
In my Plus Size mentality I had never imagined that the “other” women were struggling too! Okay I am naive.
So that’s it, I AM AT WAR.
AT WAR with what we think about ourselves.
AT WAR with our self “Bad Mouthing”.
AT WAR with this idea of perfection.
I wish I had a perfect body too, believe me, whatever it means...
But ladies, today I have looked around and here is what I saw:
On each body I looked at (ladies of course), there was something that I would have exchanged: Too skiny, butt too small, nose too long, boobs too small, boobs too big, nice body but did not like the face, etc.... And yet, the lady with the too small boobs might think that only her nose is too long!
WOW that gets complicated!
Do you get the point?
Okay so stop for a minute and think: What if you had just moments to live and all those moments would form your life.
What it you were wasting all this precious time with your unhappiness.
Remember, as far as we know, we only have one life to live.
So here is an exercise:
Get in front of the mirror (a big one), lock the door and get naked.
I am not joking.
Then just PRETEND that you have the PERFECT body. No don’t close your eyes. Look at YOURSELF and BELIEVE that you have the PERFECT body.
Don’t we usually say that to be loved, you need to love yourself first?
What if all we needed to be loved and desired was to BELIEVE that we are BEAUTIFUL.
If it doesn’t work, go by pieces. Discover which part you really like and let go of others.
And BELIEVE that someone somewhere loves this part of you.
You don’t think so?
Listen to this:
When I was younger, one of my friends already had a lot of stretch marks on her butt. And you know what her boyfriend said? They look like two rising suns....
That was my thought for the week.
Catherine LG

2009-06-25T04:07:00.001-07:00

PLEASURE PLEASURE PLEASURE
I feel guilty! I have not even visited BellesPlus for weeks. I have abandoned my creation.
So wrong. But I was just so tired.
Or maybe you know how sometimes life seems stagnant but YOU KNOW that something is going to come out of all that “just living” moment.
You can’t think for days, your brain feels empty and then, it strikes you. The “OF COURSE” moment. Everything comes clear.
It came a few minutes ago, as I was reading a small article: Plus-Sized Yoga Classes -- Seriously?!
Life is too short, I don’t want to feel uncomfortable anymore and if it takes to go to a plus size yoga class, why not? I personally won’t go because at 46 (my point is coming) I HAVE DECIDED THAT I DON’T CARE ANYMORE ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE THINK.
I always say that the only thing I look for in life is FUN.
Well I have discovered that I look for more than fun, I LOOK FOR PLEASURE. Every single minute of my life. PLEASURE PLEASURE PLEASURE PLEASURE (Sing it and Dance it to make it real).
No more of stopping my PLEASURE because of what people think. I DON’T CARE, now that I am on the other side of life.
I started reflecting on pleasure last week when at a conference with my coworkers, I had a blast dancing with one of my a little bit older than me coworkers (I am trying to be polite in case he reads it although just the idea of him on BellesPlus makes me laugh). HE DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO DANCE AND HE DOESN’T CARE. We danced with others all night. But you should have seen the young ones, dancing precociously to maintain their image. Oh gosh, I would not like to be 20 again! (I swear)
I probably made a fool of myself (although I think I am a good dancer), but I had so much PLEASURE.
And in all faith I truly believe that PLEASURE is bringing me LUCK. Everything I have asked the Universe (seriously have you read The Secret?) is happening since that evening of pure Pleasure. You know the type of moment where you forget that you exist, you just ARE and LIVE.
A bit too.... psychic for you? I can be like that some times, but you know what I think? No matter what you say, what’s important is to believe in it.
This is my story of the day.
Catherine LG
Ottawa, June 11, 2009

2009-06-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Living Your Dream Without Borders!

I just met Andi (by email) when she contributed a great addition to our stores, Equestrian Collections.
I figured she was riding if she was so interested in this store! Dah!
Well, I want you to discover Andi and her passion. I find that truly inspiring.
You know what the lesson is, right?
Live your dream and don't look back, nothing must stop you and certainly not your weight.

I will let you read what Andi sent me, it says it all!

"The spotty one in the pic's is my old guy, now 27, who I've had since he was 2 - and I'm still riding him. I started riding very early - I remember having riding lessons before I remember starting school (and I'm now over 60).
I used to do more competitive stuff like showing and I've done both English and western riding, trail riding, cattle penning, driving, some eventing and jumping but now mostly like just trail riding, doing clinics and generally messing about with the horses.
I've been a samurai rider in a Japanese movie and have had riding holidays in England and in Spain.
Am I obsessed about riding? Well maybe.
Before buying Bar all those 25 years ago, I'd be cleaning my tack that I still owned and my son would tease me, singing "A dream never dies, just the dreamer..."
I've always been a "traditionally built lady" (as they say in "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" books) and for years had to suffer through trying to find suitable riding togs, but then I discovered 1824 - and Kerrits (my all time favorite riding pants - they fit, are comfy and wear forever! And come in cool hound's-tooth patterns and colors, and in both winter and summer weight.) Anything else you want to know?"

Well if you do want to know more about riding, send me an email and I will forward it to Andi.

And THANKS ANDI for sharing your passion with us.
So long..

This is my share for the day.
Catherine LG
Ottawa, May 20, 2009

2009-05-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

Carole and Cora’s diet!

I know, I know. This is pure jealousy! What can I say, I can’t help it.
I’m sure all of you have gone through that “moment” in the past:
2 ladies at the office decided TO GO ON DIET.
YET YOU ARE THE BIGGEST PERSON IN THE OFFICE.
You look at them, look again and think: WHY?
Yeah, yeah, I know, to be healthier, to feel better (have you noticed that no woman would say to look better?). At their previous size I would have felt better already.
NO
I’ll tell you WHY they did IT:
To annoy you.
To make you feel ashamed.
To make you feel that you should be THE ONE doing IT.
To make you feel bad when you eat your CHICKEN & FRIES when they are eating SALAD.
Cora even brings SALAD at lunch for the both of them!
I am telling you, THEY GET ON MY NERVES!
And the COMPLIMENTS? I could die!
Oh you look good!
Oh look at her!
WOW you look incredible!
Even me I say all that good stuff. And you know WHY?
BECAUSE IT’S TRUE!
CORA, CAROLE, YOU LOOK GREAT!
And I love you.
And Yes, I am jealous but I KNOW it has nothing to do with YOU.
Of course, WHY you did it has nothing to do with me.
YOU DID IT FOR YOURSELF.
And WHY I don’t do it has ALL to do with me.
But your diet reminds me everyday that I don’t know WHY I AM NOT GIVING IT A TRY although I KNOW that I would feel so much better.
Carole, Cora,
YOU GO GIRLS!

This is my thought for the day.

Catherine LG
Ottawa, May 1st, 2009

Krista Henderson

2009-03-16T05:20:00.000-07:00

Meet Krista. I found her website www.plusperformancefitness.com while surfing the internet.

She is impressive and I must admit that I feel a little jealous. Krista is a Personal Trainer & Online Fitness Coach from Toronto.

She is a plus size full of energy and truly passionate about fitness.

Her philosophy is simple:

She believes anyone can start being fit and active right away, that you don’t have to wait until you’ve lost 15 lbs!

While going through her website, it reminded me that I have so much my priorities in the wrong place.

When I had planned to do my 10 minutes on the treadmill, I thought: Oh, I need to finish to wash dishes before I go, let me clean the table, it will just take a few minutes. Yes, I KNOW you understand what I mean.

Comfort me and tell me I am not alone. Why do we put everything before ourselves?

I have asked Krista a few questions and here are her inspiring answers:

1. When you are exercising around smaller people, how do you live through the way they look at you? I know that a few of my friends would not join a gym because they are scared of the looks they would get, or wear a bathing suit.

I wrote an article on this topic called “Surviving the Gym as a Plus Size Woman”, in which I identified 3 tips: Setting Goals, Find a Fitness Mentor and Dress the Part.

You can view the article here:

www.plusperformancefitness.com/Articles____Books.html

I wrote the article over a year ago, and after re-reading it, I still believe in my approach. I don’t believe that gym members really are “judging/looking at you”, if they are, it’s because they are drawing motivation and inspiration from you. Most people are focused on their own workout. On the off chance, someone is judging you, take comfort in knowing that they are ignorant and misguided, and you are not like them.

I strongly encourage everyone to have a Fitness Mentor when starting out – someone to guide you, ask questions, help you through plateaus etc.

2. How do you keep going everyday? when most of us give up and regularly have to start all over again.

I am a big believer in setting activity goals i.e. walking your first 5km, to keep you motivated. If you don’t put the time in, you may not be able to successfully complete your activity goal, and that would be a huge disappointment.

It’s best to be self-motivated, but sometimes we need a kickstart and that’s where a little external motivation is helpful. Signing up for a charity 5km, bike ride etc. where you fundraise and keep people updated on your training progress gives you some accountability and the desire to follow through because people have sponsored you.

By the time you have completed your fundraising activity, you’ll feel so amazing, physically, mentally & spiritually, you’ll have developed your inner self confidence to want to maintain a daily fitness routine, and even take on other bigger challenges.

On days when life is a bit stressful my inner voice starts chatting away and I could easily talk myself out of not going to the gym. In those instances, I remind myself that when I workout, I physically feel better, and it’s time to start breaking the workout into small little steps, and only focus on one step at a time.

Step 1: get to the gym
Step 2: get changed
Step 3: do the warm up
Step 4: do the first 5 minutes of the main set of the workout

By the end of step 4, I’m usually fully focused on my workout. If not, I just break it down into 5-10 minute intervals. It’s easy to create a lot of unnecessary stress when we start thinking ahead of what needs to be done, rather than being present in our workout.

3. What are your favorite equipment for cycling or running (and to prevent injuries)?

I have 3 key pieces of equipment for all my workouts:
- Polar Heart Rate Monitor – I workout smarter when I use heart rate training, instead of perceived exertion. Heart Rate monitors come in all models and prices, but you can find a good basic one for under $100.

- Enell Sports Bra – the best bra around, no chafing and it works well in the water when I’m swimming in triathlon races

- DeSoto Power Shorts - they are available up to size XXL, which fits size 24. They are compression shorts that are used to support groin and hamstring muscles (yes women have a groin muscle). They also provide warmth to the muscle which makes them less prone to strains and pulls, protection against chafing and rashes on your inner thigh, and helps keep the sweat away from your body.

Last week, I have reached 46!

2009-03-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

SCARY! SCARY AGAIN! AND EXHILARATING.

I feel that I can’t make mistakes anymore; I have to get it right at first try. I can’t jeopardize the time that is left to me. I have to realize every dream that I have or at least take the path and see where it takes me.

I have to live FULLY every single moment of my life.

That’s how I have decided to do it:

I took a Socaramba class Saturday morning and I enjoyed every (painful) minute of it.

SO SOCARAMBA IT WILL BE

EVERY SATURDAY FROM NOW ON.

I have promised myself to let go of my inhibitions and enjoy life as much as possible. Finished the shyness (nobody believes me when I say I am shy).

It took me 46 years to understand that I won’t procrastinate if I am passionate about what I do.

So far so good, I have had an extraordinary “REBIRTH” week.

I am now doing what I have preached (including my kids) for so long:

I take my life and what I have done with it up to now as a starting point, recognizing that it is not so bad after all, instead of wanting always more. I will continue building on it by just enjoying every moment. Opportunities will come by themselves.

Have you read The Secret? It basically says that whatever you want you can get.

Sounds easy? You might be surprised to learn that the most difficult part is not what to do to get what you want but from far getting to know exactly what you want.

For the most part it took me a year to decide what was to be more important for me and where I should put my focus. Believe me it is far from a goal achieved, it looks more like a continuous process with doubts all the way.

Life is to complicated!!! HAVE FUN WITH YOURS.

That was my thought for the week.

Catherine LG

Ottawa, February 18, 2009

The Dancing Bellies

2008-12-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

I was travelling from Canada to Dallas, Texas, and of course, my flight was delayed.
I had a few hours to spare at the Toronto Airport and guess what I did, seated comfortably?
YES I WATCHED ALL THE BIG LADIES crossing my path. It has become one of my favourite activities.
I saw some beautiful ones, but not so many well dressed, I have to admit. There was always some part that did not work with the rest. Either the bra was not supportive enough or the shirt was too tight, or too short, and THE BELLIES WERE DANCING!

Now I’m gonna be frank. Please don’t leave shocked, read ‘till the end and remember that this is between us ladies, nobody else is listening.

I HATE DANCING BELLIES! I don’t think that being Beautiful means being Natural in all circumstances. I know, we can’t be beautiful at all times.

But isn’t it fun to FEEL BEAUTIFUL at all times?

I like the DANCING BEHINDS (well nothing we can do about it, not like we could stop them), but the BELLIES, I can’t help it. And I always notice them. And I can’t take my eyes off them.

Now bear with me.

I have a belly gravitating towards the floor too (it’s called aging!) so, believe me, I know what I’m talking about.

I find BIG WOMEN beautiful naked. Not half naked with stuff created for small women.

Actually, if you want a sexy outfit for BIG WOMEN in the bedroom, go ask Senegalese women, they know it all! Beads around the belly, dancing and noisy (the beads) to remind the gentleman what’s hidden there, and a small “pagne” (rectangle material that you wrap around you) to hide what he has to imagine. It suits every size. Clic on the picture to get educated by Senegalese artists on this highly important subject.

Okay, back to my subject.

Why not wear proper plus size underwear that keeps everything together? Nobody will know that you are not wearing a string and it will make you look much better.
Don’t worry, I am not saying that you should look like a skinny person, guess what, you are not! But you have to know your “assets”.

Nobody is perfect and we all need a “touch up”: make up, hairdresser, hair removal, etc... So don’t give me the Natural Beauty thing.

The tight underwear that goes up on the stomach, I see it as a temporary liposuction.

When you are back at home, don’t think twice: Wander in your Beautiful Naked You.

That was my thought for the week.

Catherine LG

Ottawa, November 24th, 2008

2008-11-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

Go visit this new and much needed Portal! http://www.bellesplus.com/ will help you find stores offering Plus-sizes throughout the World!
Whether you are travelling to another city or just looking for something local, http://www.bellesplus.com/ will help you find shopping resources including stores, addresses and products that they offer. Help me in making this portal even more complete by providing links to stores offering plus-sized products. To do so, please click on “Register a Website” and submit a store offering plus-sized products.

I want to honour all Plus Size women who struggle with their weight because of their health or because of their environment. Forget what others think! Cherish yourself like no one can, buy the clothes you deserve, and make yourself feel good. BIG Women should feel beautiful, attractive, and sexy!
I want you to discover the positive perceptions and realities of being overweight! Did you know that in parts of the world, being BIG is synonymous with beauty? I have created this website so that we BIG women will have a place to feel welcomed and accepted as they are. This is a place for the negative to transform into positive because life is short and we all need to live it to its fullest. Let’s make your life as pleasant as you can! My goal is to make it easy for you to find the plus-sized products that you are seeking! Help me in making it happen

Catherine's Corner November 1st 2008

2008-11-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

I am BIG. Use the word you want, plus-sized, full figure, voluptuous, fat – politically correct or not – I am BIG!
During all those years that I have attempted to lose weight, diet after diet (I have done them all), I have learned to live with the body I have and actually now love it with its imperfections. I even find it kind of artistic.
At age 18, I had the chance of leaving my home of France, where most people resent extra body fat, to Senegal, Africa, where most people prefer full figure women. After having been ignored by the young men in France, suddenly all eyes were on me! Imagine my shock. That was the first time in my life that my self-esteem had been given a boost.
Look at the picture of me when I was 18. And I thought I was obese!. Through this experience , I have learned that you can be perceived as “ugly” in one place and beautiful in another. What really matters is how you see yourself and how you feel from the inside.
I know the words that make you feel less beautiful and ashamed; I have heard them many times. But most of the time, the negative comments actually come from ourselves. “Negative self-talk”, brings us down. And all too often, it gets worse. We succumb to those negative thoughts by not going to the gym because we think everybody is staring at us. We feel ashamed with our doctors, hairstylists or aestheticians. We’re buying clothes that hide us, or avoid shopping altogether. Sometimes we are our worst enemy.
Have FUN, enjoy life however you are, wherever you are. You deserve it as much as anybody else.
Be present to your life and “Remember that we have only moments to live.” (Full Catastrophe Living, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.) Make your life beautiful from the inside out!
And..... Welcome to my Plus-sized world!
Ottawa, November 1st, 2008Catherine LG