Why I’m ripping the minus sign off my calculator: the mathematics of women and body image issues
My whole life has been about taking things out of my life in order to make it better. Subtracting weight. Removing blemishes. Getting rid of the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. Reducing belly fat. Banishing negative thoughts. Taking this or that out of my diet. Ignoring my needs, lessening them for the convenience of others. Literally lowering the volume of my voice because too many people have scolded me for being too loud. To say I’m fed up with it is a gross understatement.
Makeup basics from a makeup artist: 5 ways to prep for fall
Makeup-wise, fall is a time of transition between the easy breezy days of summer and the deeper tones of winter. It is also likely that you’ll need to start tweaking your skincare routine a bit. Here are a few things I am loving going into fall…
What happens when your parent dies early
Understandably, in the weeks following Dad’s death, I turned to the internet for ideas and help to process what I was going through when your parent dies early, and, to be honest, I drew a bit of a blank. So, these are a few thoughts on my experience, in the hope that someone else going through a similar slightly “early” loss finds them useful…
How The Addams Family does BDSM right
While it was unfortunately many people’s introduction to the topic, bloggers from all corners of the internet have derided the relationship pictured in Fifty Shades for what it really is: abuse masquerading as kink. But twenty-four years ago, a family comedy centered on a couple who liked to torture each other for pleasure gave audiences a much healthier glimpse at BDSM.
How do you get into cosplay?
I’m a sucker for costuming and drooling over amazing cosplay pictures online. In October my local bike shop is having a “tweed ride” involving riding in period costumes, and I want to use this to give a try at cosplay (Victorian Mary Watson in her badass riding habit, for those who wonder). I don’t have an inkling where to start. I can sew, but should I sew my whole costume? Alter some pieces of garment? Are there tacit rules for cosplaying? Is the devil really in the details?
Tina Fey talks about Offbeat Home & Life on Late Night with Seth Meyers!
This is big news. Maybe even the biggest news in my entire life. Okay, maybe in Offbeat Home & Life’s entire life. Move over that time Pee-wee Herman liked our Banana Dogs. Here comes our news: Tina Fucking Fey reads Offbeat Home & Life! And then talked about it on TV! With Seth Meyers!
Reclaiming a syndrome: embracing vs. cursing its existence
Lots of things get “reclaimed” — body shapes, offensive words, etc. Today I’m doing something bizarre: I am reclaiming disease. I’m going to present you with a narrative that is NOT popular with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: I am proud of and happy with me having PCOS. Because what it gave me is a beautiful, soft, warm, luxurious face and body full of curly, beautiful fur. I am not beautiful despite it. It is part of my beauty.
Become your own brand of fatshionista: finding the self-confidence to rock your curves
I don’t have a thigh gap; in fact, mine are full of cellulite. My hips are wide, my booty is enormous, I have a belly, my arms are big, and I weigh a solid 300lbs — yet people stop me on the street constantly to compliment me on my style. This is how I found the courage to come out from underneath baggy, shapeless clothes and embrace my curves, “flaws” and all.