FAT MOM: How did this happen and what am I gonna do about it?

 

"You have a big belly like my mommy," my beautiful and brutally honest child said to her school teacher. "It jiggles when you walk. It's funny."

She did not mean any harm. My daughter actually does like my "squishy pillow" but the teacher didn't see the humor when she asked to meet me after school.

I planned to be a "normal" mom by kindergarten, but it didn't work. Now we're looking at third grade and I'm still FAT MOM. But not for long. I've decided it's time to lose the baby weight. After all, it's way past time don't you think?

When it comes to looking good - or even decent - as a fat mom, it's no easy fete. Consider these ladies who tried out some clothing that used a NOT REALLY fat model. These pics appear in the article available here.

CELEBRITY PREGNANCY: Nautri Naughton is expecting her first child

(FatGirlLovesCake.com) - It feels like yesterday that I first met Nautri Naughton on the set of private taping of the movie, Notorious, but if I'm honest with myself it's been years.

She was so sweet. She thanked me for coming out and giving her love because at the time she was catching hell from the Queen Bee herself, Lil Kim, who she portrayed in the movie on the life of Christopher "Biggie" Wallace.

Now my old buddy is about to be a new mom! She and her boyfriend, Ben, are pregnant. I couldn't help but wonder what she's eating and what wild food cravings she is having. I'm not surprised to learn she is keeping things healthy.

"I love kale and strawberries and pineapples, but I've been eating Cup of Noodles, which I haven't had since college," said the soon-to-be first time mom. "I really want salty and spicy," she said.

Of course, that made me think of the Ramen Recipes I share with my readers in my upcoming cookbook. Here's a sample recipe:

PLAYING with WIGS: Switching Up Your Style

(FatGirlLovesCake.com) - I've always loved my hair. I've enjoyed a wig or too as well in my day but the truth is I just feel fake wearing wigs. it's like you're cheating yourself if you don't allow your real hair shine from time-to-time. I've never like weaves as my face and scalp are too sensitive for synthetic hair. That's why I recently made the decision to be completely natural. But before I did, I had a little fun with some wigs. Check it out:

As grey hair has been my birthmark, I don't mind coloring my hair, which I'm about to do in the next few days.  I'm excited to be sponsored by a hot new company to help me style my real hair. I really think that a woman's hair is her crown and while I've been going through a lot in my personal life, I'm ready to showcase my own hair and all it's glory.

HAIR SHE GOES: Knicks Chicks fashion report brings out the BIG HAIR

(FatGirlLovesCake.com) - As I'm about to pull of all wigs and weaves for good, I couldn't help but be reminded of how out of control - yet fabulous - rocking your own hair can be. Check out my buddy as she showcases her hair.

Thrift Store Haul: Spring 2017 try on session

(FatGirlLovesCake.com) - They say no good deed goes unpunished. Boy can I relate to that. Recently, after an argument with the seriously sexy but incredibly sensitive man I'm dating, he swiped his Metrocard and hopped a train. We've argued before I once or twice I've walked off and he's followed me or vice versa. But this time I just didn't feel like doing it. It's important not to let people treat you opposite of how you feel you deserve to be treated so I let him board the train without me.

I wasn't really upset, but he was. I was more like "It's Spring." It's no secret that men have issues in the spring but if I'm honest, so do I. For some reason, men gravitate to me MORE in the Spring than in the Winter. Considering that I'm a full sized hottie, you'd think it would be the other way around but it's not. As I was walking from the subway, I remembered that there is a Goodwill store a couple of blocks away that he and I sometimes go to. It's one of the things I love about him: Goodwill dates. He has such a rare and unusal look that the thrift store suits him better than a mall, which he ironically lives across from. He once took me in there and picked out the cutest outfit and coat for me. It was a really special gesture that I've never forgotten.

So, it felt odd to be in the store without him but I realized we both needed that break. And since I'm overdue for a Plus Size Spring Haul, I figured "Now is as good a time as any to do the haul and take my time." Here's what I found.



PARTY CRASHING: I crashed a PRIVATE party and it was awesome!

(FatGirlLovesCake.com) - I was minding my business typing out an e-Book recently when a party promoter began decorating the hotel space around me. It became clear that there was a party coming but I didn't really know what was happening.

As soon as the music started, I knew I wouldn't be able to sit still for long but I vowed to continue my self imposed writer's retreat that I do each year. I give myself five random writing assignments and do it in 24 hours. Today, I was set to do an e-book (check), a short erotica story based on true events and transcribe an exclusive interview I'd done recently with hip hop pioneer Roxanne Shante (which took place in the bathroom of a green room at BB Kings in New York City.)

I wasn't I was gonna get it all done in the alloted 24 hour period but when I sat down to write I was surpisingly very productive. That was until the eBook was lost when the computer crased. Luckily, I was able to print out the e-Book before the crash so I'll have to add typing it over to my already overwhelming list of writing tasks.

 

I was still typing when I saw Tanisha's mom stroll into the party in an amazing all white outfit, I couldn't ignore it. She made the outfit look amazing and held it down for Plus Size Divas everywhere. By accident, I crashed the party and I'm so glad that I did. Take a look at the photos. Please support Tanisha's Video Diary Season 2 on YouTube.com. The first season features Roxanne Shante, Jam Master Jay's son, TJ Mizell, Tanisha's Video Diary and more!

GROWN AND SEXY: A mini plus size lingerie guide for sexy fun

www.FatGirlLovesCake.com) - Recently, I realized I had been neglecting myself. I was reminded that self care is as important as anything else. So, I prepare to bring my sexy back I wanted to share some super sexy plus size  finds with you my loyal readers.

 

PRODUCT REVIEW: REN Skin care finally helped me with my dry skin

Fat Girl Goes VEGAN! My #OneWeekChallenge in pictures

(FatGirlLovesCake.com) - I've identified several restaurants in NYC, grocery stores and food products who are sending me food for this challenge. Stay tuned to see how I do!

FASHION INFLUENCERS WE LOVE: Met Stylist Christopher Michael and Fashion Blogger Payton Sartain

FULL NYFW Runway Schedule is HERE: Click to view

(www.FatGirlLovesCake.com) - As I prepare to celebrate this blog's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY on September 10, 2016, I have the urge to look back upon the last 364 days in wonder. I can't believe this blog is still going as I created FatGirlLovesCake.com as kind of a parody of my life but then realized how needed it is.

Thanks to this blog, I have had some amazing experiences (Oscars), featured awesome and inspiring celebrities including FatGirlLovesCake.com's first blog post ever with NANCY O'DELL, accepted a 30 Day Online Dating journey and met some really awesome bloggers along the way.

That's why I wanted to do the Blogger Master Class and include tips, factoids and fun encounters with some of the coolest, richest bloggers I've ever known. I'm starting with PAYTON SARTAIN, a Life & Style blogger who I met a Manhattan hotel yesterday at the end of the night before NY Fashion Week officially kicks off. I'd love to tell you that her pics are photoshopped to make  her look amazing but honestly, she's much prettier in person. She's such a sweetheart, too, with an innocence that is refreshing.

I'll be adding to this post all week long as NY Fashion Week goes on. Stay tuned! Also follow along on Twitter @FatGirlLoveCake!

FASHION WEEK: Kanye West kicks off #NYFW a day early

(www.FatGirlLovesCake.com) - Kanye West took over RANDALL'S ISLAND for his Yeezy Season 4 run way show. It was definitely memorable. The heat took out some of the models, press and VIPs. I ended up at a happy hour drinking wine to recover (wink.) See all the pics.

I ATTENDED the VMAs and fell in love with Drake's classic man kiss

(www.FatGirlLovesCake.com) - I've never been a big Drake fan but after being an eye witness to his sexy speech and take charge kiss to Rihanna at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, I've upgraded my relationship goals.

SERENA WILLIAMS gave me her bra

(www.FatGirlLovesCake.com) - I'd be lying if I said hanging with Serena Williams at her bra event at Macy's in NYC was the first time I've met her. I've been in the media game for a long time, so I've had a lot of opportunity to see her up close. Still, her August 25, 2016 event was by far one of my favorites.

I was so excited for her as a business woman and role model. She was very composed and looked amazing even as fans got a little crazy when she bent down and poked her booty out to hug a six year old friend.

When the event was over, I spent some time with the spokesperson from the bra company. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the bras go up to a size "I." So we're going to do a sumthin sumthin with them.

Stay tuned. For now, here's some more pics and a video or two. Enjoy!

UNINTENTIONAL BACHELORETTE: Inside my online dating journey

(www.FatGirlLovesCake.com) - I am relunctantly back in the dating scene. Actually, let me correct that. I'm dipping my toe into the pond. As part of a 30 Day Online Dating challenge, I decided to sign up for a few online dating websites and see what happened. I abandoned one site within two days. I hated it. The other was just too intense for me. The men wanted to rush into marriage and while marriage and being in love is a life goal, I want to take my time getting to know the man I bring into my life. So, I've primarily focused my attention on the third dating website. It's been a lot of fun chatting with people online but I wasn't ready to meet people in person. I've met a few - including one I really like and have high hopes for - but for the most part I was just chatting until the dating challenge required me to meet at least 15 guys in person. Some of have been "drive by" coffee dates and others I met for happy hour. One got a little physical....Stay tuned.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Melissa McCarthy of Ghostbusters

www.FatGirlLovesCake.com - Considering that I pretty much started my blog at the same time that Melissa McCarthy started her clothing line, it seems only right that I get this exclusive with her majesty herself.

HOLY COW: Kim Kardashian is producing her OWN reality TV competition for #FashionBloggers

(www.FatGirlLovesCake.com) - My new besties Kim Kardashian West continues to inspire the SHIT out of me. Sorry for cursing but nothing I could say could explain how excited am about it. I'd lying if I said I've always been a fan. But I'm a huge fan now thanks to her mobile mogul mentality.

FULL SCHEDULE of RUNWAY SHOWS: New York Fashion Week 2016 full fashion show schedule

WEDNESDAY 9/7

9:00AM-10:00AM Cinq a Sept (Chriselle Lim will be taking over @cinqaseptnyc and Snapchat @cinqaseptnyc, as well as posting on her own social channels for the brand): presentation

9:00AM-11:00AM Adeam (@adeam): presentation

9:00AM-12:00PM Jeffrey Dodd (@jeffreydodd): presentation

Beginning at 10AM Misha Nonoo (@mishanonoo): live lookbook on Snapchat with Refinery29.com

9:00AM-6:00PM Alejandra Alonso Rojas (@alejandraalonsorojas): presentation

10:00AM-11:30PM Rachel Comey (@rachelcomey): show

10:00AM-4:00PM VISVIM (@visvim_official): presentation

10:30AM-12:00PM Claudia Li (@claudia_li_official, also check out Polyvore's social channels -- Claudia will be taking over to promote the show and the launch of their e-commerce): presentation

11:00AM-1:00PM Sachin & Babi (the brand will have a special performance by dancers from Ballet Beautiful, check out the action @sachinandbabi): presentation

1:00PM Parsons MFA Show at Made NYFW (@parsonsfashionmfa and livestream available here): show

1:00PM-3:00PM Kaelen (@kaelennyc): presentation

2:00PM-4:00PM M. Martin (@mmartin_official): presentation

3:00PM Yeezy Season 4 (season4.tidal.com) : show

3:30PM-4:30PM Whit (@whit_ny): presentation

5:00PM R13 (@r13denim): show

5:00PM-7:00PM Frances Valentine (@fvalentineny and stay updated with the event hashtag #HeadOverHeels): presentation

6:00PM-7:00PM OAK (@oaknyc): presentation

8:00PM VFiles (@vfiles and livestream available here): show

THURSDAY 9/8

8:30AM-12:30PM Donald J Pliner (@donaldjpliner): presentation

9:00 AM Nicholas K (@nicholaskstudio): show

10:00AM-11:00AM Charles Youssef (@charlesyoussef): presentation

10:00AM Noon by Noor (@noonbynoor, follow their Snapchat: noonbynoor): show

10AM-11:00AM Ohlin/D (@ohlinofficial): presentation

10:00AM-6:00PM Tomas Maier (@tomasmaier): preview

11:00AM-12:00PM Brock Collection (@brockcollection): show

12:00PM-1:00PM Creatures of the Wind (@creaturesofthewind): show

12:30PM Supima (former Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo, will be the NYFW host @supima_cotton): show

1:00PM-3:00PM Haus Alkire (@hausalkire): presentation

1:00PM-3:00PM Timo Weiland (@timoweiland): presentation

2:00PM-3:00PM Hellessy (@hellessy): show

2:00PM-3:00PM Orla Kiely (@orlakiely): presentation

2:00PM-3:30PM PH5 (@ph5official): presentation

3:00PM Desigual (@desigual): show

3:00PM-4:00PM Marissa Webb (@marissawebbnyc): show

3:00PM-5:00PM Helen Yarmark (@helen_yarmark): presentation

4:00PM Creatures of Comfort (@creaturesofcomfort): show

5:00PM-6:00PM Josie Natori (@natoricompany): presentation

5:30PM-6:30PM Ulla Johnson (@ullajohnson): presentation

6:00PM Cynthia Rowley (@cynthia_rowley): show

6:00PM Adam Selman (@adamselman): show

7:00PM-8:00PM Thakoon (@thakoonny): show

8:00PM-9:00PM Phelan (@phelanofficial): runway performance

FRIDAY 9/9

9:00AM-11:00AM Novis (@novisnyc): presentation

9:00AM-1:00PM Jil Haber (@jillhaber): presentation

9:30AM-10:30AM CG (@cgstudionyc): show

10:30AM Australian Fashion Labels (@ausfashionlabels): presentation

11:00AM-7:00PM Rubin Singer (@rubinsinger): presentation

11:00AM Yigal Azrouel (@yigalazrouel): show

11:30AM FRAME (@frame): presentation

11:30AM Club Monaco (@clubmonaco): presentation

12:00PM Kate Spade New York (@katespadeny): presentation

12:00PM Zimmermann (@zimmermann and livestream available here): show

12:00PM-1:00PM Tanya Taylor (@tanyataylor): presenation

1:00PM Jason Wu (@jasonwu): presentation

2:00PM Elie Top (@elietopofficial): presentation

2:00PM-3:00PM Area (@areanyc): presentation

2:00PM Milly (@milly): presentation

3:00PM Cushnie et Ochs (@cushnieetochs): show

4:00PM Akris (@akrisofficial): show

5:00PM Chromat (@chromat): presentation

6:00PM Monse (@monsemaison): show

6:00PM Nicole Miller (checkout @nicolemillernyc for a behind-the-scenes look in NYFW): show

7:00PM Tommy Hilfiger (@tommyhilfiger): show

8:00PM Tadashi Shoji (@tadashishoji): show

9:00PM Baja East (@bajaeast): show

SATURDAY 9/10

9:00AM-10:00AM Paul Andrew (@paulandrew): presentation

10:00AM Lacoste (follow @lacoste or check them out on Periscope and Facebook Live): show

10:00AM-11:30AM Self-Portrait (@mrselfportrait): presentation

10:00AM-12:00PM Adam Lippes (@adamlippes): pesentation

11:00AM Jill Stuart (follow @jillstuart and livestream available here): show

12:00PM Eckhaus Latta (@eckhaus_latta and follow along on Twitter using #eckhauslatta): show

12:00PM Rebecca Minkoff (be sure to checkout @rebeccaminkoff and their livestream, as ninety percent of what you see on the runway will be available in stores immediately!): show

1:00PM-2:00PM Ryan Roche (@ryanrocheny): presentation

2:00PM Tibi (@tibi): show

3:00PM Dion Lee (@_dion_lee_): show

330pm-430pm Banana Republic See-Now-Buy-Now (@bananarepublic): presentation

4:00PM Christian Siriano (@csiriano): show

5:00PM Jonathan Simkhai (@jonathansimkhai and livestream available here): show

6:00PM A Detacher (@adetacher): show

7:00PM Band of Outsiders (@bandofoutsiders_la): show / men’s and women’s

7:00PM-8:30PM Simon Miller (follow their instagram for a behind scenes look at putting together a New York Fashion Week presentation with Simon Miller’s Co-Creative Directors, Chelsea Hansford and Daniel Corrigan): presentation

9:00PM Alexander Wang (@alexanderwangny and livestream available here): show

SUNDAY 9/11

10:00AM Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham): show

12:00PM Tome (@tomenyc): show

1:00PM Hood by Air (@hoodbyair): show

1:00PM-3:00PM, Veronica Beard (@veronicabeard): presentation

2:00PM, Erin Fetherston (follow @erinfetherston and livestream available here): show

2:00PM Sies Marjan (@siesmarjan): show

2:30PM-3:30 PM J.Crew (@jcrew): presentation

3:00PM Tracy Reese (follow along on their instagram / twitter / and Facebook page): garden party presentation

4:00PM Jenny Packham (behind-the-scenes on their instagram  and Facebook page): show

4:00PM Gypsy Sport (@gypsysport): Show

4:00PM-6:00PM Scotch & Soda (follow @scotch_official and livestream available here):

5:00PM Altuzarra (follow @altuzarra and livestream available here or here): runway show

6:00PM-7:15PM Morgan Lane (@morgan_lane): presentation

7:00PM Prabal Gurung (@prabalgurung and view the livestream here): show

8:00PM Opening Ceremony (@openingceremony): show

MONDAY 9/12

9:00AM-6:00PM Sophie Hulme (@sophie_hulme): preview

9:00AM The Row (@therow): presentation 

10:00AM Carolina Herrera (@houseofherrera and livestream available here): show          

10:00AM-6:00PM Lee Savage (@leesavage_nyc): presentation

11:00AM  Jeremy Scott (@itsjeremyscott and livestream available here): show      

11:00AM-1:00PM Rosie Assoulin (@rousie_assoulin): presentation

12:00PM  Lela Rose (@lelarose): show    

1:00PM Proenza Schouler (@proenzaschouler and livestream available here): show    

2:00PM-3:00PM Ji Oh (@jiohny): presentation

2:00PM Rosetta Getty (@rosettagetty): presentation

3:00PM 3.1 Phillip Lim (@31philliplim): show        

4:00PM Oscar De La Renta (@oscardelarenta and livestream available here): show          

5:00PM Thom Browne (@thombrowneny): 

5:00PM-7:00PM Edie Parker (@edie_parker): presentation    

6:00PM Zero + Maria Cornejo (@zeromcornejo): show        

7:00PM Zac Posen (@zacposen or check out the Neiman Marcus livestream of the show on Facebook Live ): show   

7:00PM-10:00PM Kenzo (@): cocktail and screening         

8:00PM Rag & Bone (@ragandbone): show

9:00PM-10:00PM DKNY (@dkny): show

TUESDAY 9/13

All Day – Haney (@HANEYOfficial): collection will be launching on Instagram

9:00AM Tory Burch (@toryburch): show

10:00AM Julianna Bass (@juliannabass): presentation

10:00AM-5:00PM Jil Sander Navy (@jilsandernavy): presentation

11:00AM Vera Wang (@verawanggang and livestream available here): show

12:00PM Rodarte (@rodarte): show

1:00PM Sally LaPointe (check out the show, backstage, first looks & behind-the-scenes interviews @sally_lapointe): show

2:00PM Dennis Basso (follow the official instagram @dennisbassonyc & Dennis Basso himself @dennisbasso as well as the IMG livestream on NYFW.com): show

2:00PM-4:00PM Alice & Olivia (@aliceandolivia): presentation

2:00PM-4:00PM Gabriela Hearst (@gabrielahearst and lookbook images will be available online afterwards): presentation

3:00PM Beaufille (@beaufillefashion): presentation

3:00PM Monique Lhuiller (@moniquelhuiller): show

4:00PM Chaira Boni La Petite Robe (@lapetiterobemi): show

4:00PM Coach (@coach and livestream available at coach.com): show

5:00PM-7:00PM Mansur Gavriel (@mansurgavriel): presentation

5:00PM-7:00PM By Bonnie Young (@by.bonnieyoung): presentation

5:00PM-7:30PM Nanette Lepore (@nanettelepore): presentation

6:00PM Betty and Veronica by Rachel Antonoff (@bettyandveronica): presentation

7:00PM Brandon Maxwell (@brandonmaxwell and runway images will be available on gettyimages.com): show

8:00PM Narciso Rodriguez (@narciso_rodriquez): show 

WEDNESDAY 9/14

9:00AM-6:00PM J. Mendel (@j_mendel): presentation

10:00AM Michael Kors (@michaelkors): show

11:00AM Delpozo (@delpozo): show

11:00AM-1:00PM Kimora Lee Simmons (@kimoraleesimmons and follow Kimora on Snapchat: kleesimmons): presentation

12:00PM Naeem Khan (@naeemkhannyc): show

12:00PM-1:30PM Brooks Brothers (@brooksbrothers): presentation

1:00PM Bibhu Mohapatra (@bibhumohapatra): show

2:00PM BOSS (@hugoboss): show

2:30PM-4:30PM Laquan Smith (laquan_smith): presentation

4:00PM Anna Sui (@officialannasui): show

4:30PM Derek Lam (@dereklam): show

5:00PM Marchesa (@marchesafashion): show

5:00PM-7:00PM Adrienne Landau (@adriennelandau): presentation

5:30PM-7:30PM Flagpole (@flagpole or follow along on Snapchat: flagpolenyc): presentation

6:00PM-7:30PM Theory (@theory__): presentation

7:00PM-9:00PM Alison Lou (@alisonlou or follow on Snapchat: snapalisonlou): presentation

THURSDAY 9/15

10:00AM-6:00PM Calvin Klein (@calvinklein): presentation

2:00PM Marc Jacobs (@marcjacobs): show