CONFESSIONS OF A FAT GIRL

Being Part of The Burrito Project

Growing up in Los Angeles and now working in the epicenter of Hollywood, it's pretty easy to forget about the world outside of our little bubble. And so it was a privilege and honor to join some co-workers recently for a night out with The Burrito Project. It really affected me and so I wanted to share it with you here. 

TBP began a few years ago as a group of friends, meeting monthly to commune with one another and share quality food with the disenfranchised people of Los Angeles. Today, it is made up of several chapters across Los Angeles, its surrounding areas, and throughout the country, which each take responsibility for meeting, purchasing, production, and the distribution of fresh burritos. Their aim is to serve as a message of hope for the homeless population that have been neglected and ignored.

Despite the reasons for these people’s displacement, The Burrito Project offers them warm food without judgment. There is no sermon or lecture but there are handshakes, hugs and stories. While they do not claim to be a solution to a big, often forgotten problem, their project is an inspiring starting point that hopefully motivates all those who come in contact with them to make a difference.

It's this simple thing we did that almost seems like nothing and it makes such a difference. You just show up, assembly line about 100 burritos and then you caravan to a location to serve them to those in need. Those people have come to expect and appreciate TBP and line up in anticipation. The burritos get handed out in no time, and before you know it, you're turning people away. 

The people who run the program rely on donations to buy the food but often buy it themselves. The kitchen we used was in a community center at a local park -- a dodgeball league rents the indoor court for practice and their rental includes the kitchen, which they don't use, so they allow TBP to utilize it. 

I was really moved spending time with this special group and I plan to go back. Whatever gifts they may share with the community during their regular meet-ups, what they shared with me was immeasurable as well. 

To learn more about The Burrito Project, please visit their website. They regularly post updates and meeting invites in their chapter Facebook groups. You can pay a visit to the chapter I met up with in West Los Angeles here.

No matter what city you may live in, it’s important to remember that valuable lesson we all learned as children: SHARING.

What's on the Web? Saturday Night Surfing

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Are you home on a Saturday night like me? I'm not ashamed to admit I rather enjoy a Friday or Saturday night in (or hell - both!) because I am so freakin' busy during the week. I think by this age, you see more value in rest time than partying, right? Of course, at this age a lot of my friends are married and parents, so it's not so simple to summon one and all to a bar... 

Hence I am doing s'more web stumbling and this time I've come across another plus size-friendly option! 

I Dare to Be began as a mere eBay shop and has grown to a full, independent online shop. Founded by four creative, passionate designers, Jax, Shezza, Trevor and Sam; they wanted to create and sell fabulous, unstructured/semi structured, comfortable clothing for "real sized" women. I was intrigued by their lack of conformity. They do not try to fit into "mainstream" style but instead try to create beautiful, wearable works of art with asymmetric lines, crushed fabrics, luxury yarns and quirky detailing. And they ensure all of their garments are sized to look "fantabulous" on all ladies of all shapes and sizes.

And uniquely, they offer you as much help as you require in either discovering their particular style of clothing, adding pieces to your already existing wardrobe, or helping you create a totally new look. 

Their looks are different to be sure, but sometimes a little different goes a long way. Here are some of my favorite looks (I think their tops is their strongest department and some of these items are a steal via their Summer Sale):

Three cheers for the up and coming designer! I wish them luck as they grow and build their company. Note: They are based in the UK so shipping may take a bit but it's free to the U.S. and Canada on orders over $250. 

What's Up, Friday? Show Me That Smize

You guys are so amazing. I write almost a post a day lately and I know most of them are reviews or sponsored but it's still always 100% my opinion and my voice and I know you guys know that, and you keep reading, commenting and sharing, and that in of itself is amazing. But when I write something truly personal like I did yesterday, and you read it, comment on it and share it - and you like it, it fills my heart with so much warmth and happiness, I don't even know how to process it. 

So thank you so much for the incredible feedback. It just makes me want to write like that more often and I promise I will do so. 

But for now, here are the things that made me smile this week -- other than your kind words. 

Did Claire Huxtable have the best facial expressions or what? 

1. Who's following this whole World Cup thing? The madness overtook me for the Germany/Brazil match this week -- when Germany utterly SPANKED the poor, poor Brazilian team, scoring five goals in 30 minutes and two more, ending the game at 7-1. Insane. The fans were openly weeping in the stands. 

And then this. 

Internets, you win. This is hilarious. 

2. Speaking of hilarious, I've recently become a cat humor fanatic. I guess we all know by now I'm a psychotic dog lady, but cats provide such wonderful humor -- I really can't get enough. So I quite enjoyed this Buzzfeed list my friend posted on my Facebook wall yesterday: "29 Cats Who Failed So Hard They Won." #14 is the best -- the music is perfectly timed. I won't post it here -- you can go discover it for yourself. But do enjoy this little guy, who is failing wonderfully and making me squee:

3. Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" is back on the air. It's one of my all-time favorite shows. Seriously. Problem is, I inevitably end up spending nights throughout the summer glued to YouTube watching dance videos. Like this one, which is amazing.

 

The choreography with the baseball caps in tangent with the music edits is terrific.

4. Alas, a moment of silence, if you please, because Crumbs Bake Shop has gone out of business. Originally a delicious cupcakery with extraordinary creations, it went too big , too fast and became rather like a factory with less fresh tasting goodies, I'm afraid. They gave their stores and staff little notice to pack up and leave before locking all the doors for good and it all seems so depressing to me. It used to be my fave and I'll miss it. 

5. And lastly, as we head into the weekend, I offer this video as a warning to many. Confront your loved ones. Stage interventions. Get them the help they need. Introduce them to "Selfies Anonymous."

 

Good looking out, guys. Mind your filters.

Fat Girl on a Hot Day

Three cheers for air conditioning!!! Amiright?! 

You see, when you're overweight, every moment spent in the cool, sweet envelope of air conditioning is a gift. Because when you are heavy, curvy, fat - whatever term you use - you have to abide by a somewhat irrational code of conduct. You make new personal policies for yourself. 

You have to accept that when it's hot, you're going to be sweaty and uncomfortable. Ya just are. You might own a maxi dress or three, but you may not wanna wear it because your thighs will rub together all day. Or you'll wear shorts under your dress and that's not exactly a temperature solution -- you may as well wear pants. 

And are you a busty girl, too? What the hell can you do about cleavage and under-boob sweat? Nothing, that's what. 

You'll probably put some makeup on. Because pride. But you know it's only a matter of time. Your face is gonna be red and that shit is melting right off your face. Oh well. 

You accept that your hair may look prettier down, but if you're going to survive the day without shaving it off, it's going up in a pony tail. Or a bun. And it may not even be one of those pretty, perfect sock buns. It's that "get this shit off the back of my neck before I find a razor" bun. 

Short shorts are OUT OF THE QUESTION. (Personally, I won't wear shorts at all. But that's me.)

You accept that bathing suit shopping is going to suck. And that bikinis are probably not going to happen this year. Or ever. But you find something practical, with a skirted bottom, and hope it's not a far dash from where you drop your bags to the pool steps. 

But you accept that when you have great friends, they don't judge you, or even find it unusual, when you show up to a BBQ in 97 degree weather, wearing black pants and a baggy, three-quarter sleeve top. They love you anyway and don't try to talk you into going swimming, or care that you have some sweat going above your lip. You've accepted this is your style and so have they.

You accept that sometimes, it's okay to look ridiculous and have a great time anyway. You accept that it's probably smarter for you to drink water and stay really hydrated and thank god no one thinks you're lame for passing on a round of shots or a cold beer. 

You accept and you move on. You rationalize, you make decisions, you keep your chin up. 

A fat girl on a hot day is the mayor of her very own village. 

Head Downtown to The ESPYS Experience

Before we all tune into The ESPYS on Wednesday, July 16 (9pm EST on ESPN), here in Los Angeles we have a pretty special opportunity to be a part of the experience with a series of special events downtown at LA Live.  From 12 – 6 pm, The ESPYS Experience will have events and activations free and open to the public leading up to the show.

Events include a dunk contest, a mascot dance off, performances from the world famous Jabbawockeez, one of my faves, ZZ Ward, and a special surprise, superstar performance. Wanna know who it is? GO CHECK IT OUT! 

But first, this epic mascot dance off from Jimmy Fallon, a couple weeks ago. Seemed relevant. 

 

Be sure to come early to get a free limited-edition gift bag. Fans will also catch a glimpse of the athletes and stars as they walk  down the red carpet to the big show. Which is really all I need to be convinced. Because hot guys in suits.

Swoon.

We're so lucky to live in Los Angeles, where opportunities like this pop up from time to time. It would be a shame to miss it! And please let me know if you attended and enjoyed the festivities. You may just seem me there as well. You'll recognize me -- I'll be the one stalking any guy remotely resembling a professional hockey player. 

The Greyhound Bar and Grill - Burgers, Blondies and Beaujolais

Disclosure: Part of this meal was hosted. 

I hardly know where to begin. At the very least I should begin by telling you the Greyhound Bar and Grill recently opened in Highland Park, a historic Los Angeles neighborhood near Dodger Stadium. And I should tell you that The Greyhound was founded by James Bygrave, Matt Glassman and Ryan Julio, who hail from the infamous Father’s Office in West Los Angeles and have made this neighborhood pub more than just a neighborhood pub. And they have a terrific happy hour - probably the best one in their hood - and the atmosphere is comfortable, tasteful and friendly. 

So I guess that is a good beginning. But actually, on second thought, I should begin where we did - with the wine. 

Greyhound has an impressive wine list in that they only feature old world wines -- wines that come from Europe. You will not find Napa Valley's best or the latest hipster wine from Paso Robles. You will instead find a small but fine tuned menu to serve flavor profiles, not categories. For example, no one there is going to ask you if you prefer a Cab or Syrah. But they'll ask you if you like a fruity or peppery red. They have set out to get Californians to drink non-Californian wine. A daunting task, but I think they can do it. And I think you should let them. 

I sampled two red wines -- I couldn't say which I liked more. I basically could have swam in either one all night. 

I was really resistant to trying any white wine. Frankly, any white I drink leaves me with heartburn so I've just always avoided it. But I expressed this concern and they were not intimidated. They brought me a white wine so amazing I've not stopped thinking about it since -- I even mentioned it to my parents, who know I don't drink white wine, but recognized this one and were not surprised I liked it as much as I did. 

Now, I should explain we were invited to try the wine and dessert, but I was not totally satisfied with that. Because for starters, we were hungry and also, the second we heard about raves about the Greyhound burger, we could not resist trying it. My friend and I each ordered one.

I must confess, I've never been to Father's Office. As much as I enjoy a good burger  - and I really, really do - I've never felt a lure toward it. But I know how everyone says it's the best in LA, etc. And it may be -- I don't know. What I do know is, however simple it may appear in that photo, that is one of the BEST BURGERS I HAVE EVER HAD. No joke. My friend (who came with me) and I still talk about it. The meat, the cheese, the BACON (OMG THE BACON - it's cured in SCOTCH)... I'm glad we paused for a meal. I'm so glad I had that burger. If you don't like wine and you don't like dessert (in which case, we need to talk - send me an email so I can judge you), just go and have the burger. 

And then, once I'd caught my breath and my wits returned, we had to (it's a tough life) sample some of the amazing desserts from famed Burbank bakery, Quenelle. 

The red velvet cake is beautiful to look at and consequently, almost a shame to eat. But we maneged! The pam sugar blondie is just ridiculous. It's absurd. Nothing so simple looking should taste so... complicated. It's really wonderful. One of the servers told us "it's the best thing you'll ever put in your mouth." 

Perhaps this is a "Come to Jesus" experience.

(Did I mention Jesus is just a half block away? We found him. That's me in the palm of his hand.)

I don't spend too much time in Highland Park but a place like this could convert me. I'm excited to bring it to your attention and I look forward to introducing it to all of my friends. Kudos to all of the owners on an fantastic collaboration. 

More:

• Located at 5570 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles 90042 - lots of street parking
• Official website
• They have a Tumblr - it will make you hungry
• Follow them on Facebook and Twitter

 

What's on the Web? Introducing Brand Boudoir

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

I'm rather infamous for my internet bookmarks (ok, maybe famous to, like, four people), among them a varied collection of shopping sites which I am always adding to. In this new series, I endeavor to share some sites based across the pond with American readers. I'm quite a fan of shopping online overseas where they provide a lot of plus size-friendly options.

Brand Boudoir is a fabulous online shoe source. The online outlet began in the fashionable heart of Central London in 2012 and boasts fast international shipping and discounted prices. And another very cool feature -- in addition to the usual credit card and paypal options, you can take advantage of Amazon payments with their checkout.

I took the liberty of picking out some of my favorite styles.

Pictured above: Eloise suede pumps by Ash, black Dr. Martens (a classic!), leopard print "trainers" (I love it!) by Ash, Sam Edelman suede ankle boot in taupe.

The site also carries mens and kids shoes as well as accessories including bags, hats and scarves, and you will find absolutely amazing deals in their clearance section!

They do have a sister site with more current styles but some shoes never go out of style so why not dedicate some time to an online outlet shop? It's a terrific way to save some money and exploring a UK vendor will bring a little spice to your life, amiright? You'll be able to tell everyone your shoes were purchased abroad. Go ahead - get a little bougie. ;) 

 

What's Up Friday - Super Special 'Merica Edition

Happy Independence Day!!! Hooray for fireworks! Food! Booze! A THREE-DAY WEEKEND! 

All good things, people. All good things. 

It's all about patriotism up in this blog today. In honor of the holiday at hand, this week's "What's Up" is dedicated to some pretty American... stuff. 

1. From Buzzfeed - "23 Shameless Ways To Get Drunk That Are Actually Brilliant." Gems like adding vodka to Slurpees, for example. Or my personal favorite: "If you drink nothing but vodka with Emergen-C you will literally live forever."

2. Are you sitting down? How about some APPLE ENCHILADAS A LA MODE, people? Because nothing is more American than apple pie and here in Los Angeles, few things are more American than Mexican food. Click here to get the recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie.

3. Country music? 80s era hair band power ballads? With these powers combined.... Country singer Justin Moore just released a new single this week. A remake of Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home." But it's no ordinary remake -- he's remixed it so that Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil is singing the background vocals, which is pretty genius. And I kind of dig it. It would be easy for a rockstar like Vince Neil to turn down something like this -- it's a pretty country tune done this way -- but it's cool he not only embraced the single, he's actually performed the duet live with Moore previously.

 

Bonus points for all the other members of Motley Crue making cameos. 

4. More good eats. I wanted to share one of my favorite BBQ time recipes as well. Plus, it has bacon in it and what could be more American than BACON, right? So have a look at this recipe from Home Cooking Memories for bacon cheddar potato salad.

Try it and you'll dream about it at night, I promise.

5. And to conclude, what video is better suited to inspire us all than this genuine moment of American pride from President Bill Pullman in alien ass-kicker, Independence Day.

 

Sigh. 

Did you think I wasn't going to mention Hobby Lobby? Please. This week, the Supreme Court determined in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby that for-profit businesses can get religious exemptions to insurance coverage of contraception. I wrote this paragraph nineteen times, I swear, but I just can't seem to put how I feel about this into words eloquently enough that seem worth publishing. But I can tell you quickly that I find it despicable, inequitable, unethical and immoral. And you should read this article for more. 

Ok, got that out of my system. Time to get a drink, have some apple pie, crank up the music, much on something bacon'y and kill some space invaders! WOO HOO! 

Have a SAFE (seriously - cause even though President Bill Pullman is some realness, what I said about killing aliens was a joke, y'all) and happy, fun, fabulous Fourth of July!