Project Inner Beauty

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I find it interesting that the standard of beauty is still "tall and skinny". Fashion designers continue to try and perpetuate this standard by hiring skinny women for their fashion shows and photo shoots. If you wear plus size clothing, you usually have to shop in a specialty store, and as my friend has exclaimed on more than one occasion, "I can't find anything cute in those stores!" On a side note, nowadays there are plenty of plus size clothing stores online that do carry very cute styles.

Yes, I could blame the fashion industry for continuing to expose us to images of thin, young, air-brushed models. After all, those magazines are right in your face every time you pay for something at the grocery store. However, it's up to each and every one of us not to continue buying those magazines. Keep reminding yourself that these images are just illusions.
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So true...

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Today I came across the The Inner Beauty Project where women have written empowering letters to themselves, so I was inspired to write this letter too...

Dear Maria,

You are beautiful.  Never forget that.

Yes, you're getting older, but that doesn't mean you're losing that youthfulness and beauty.  In fact, you are much more beautiful now because of your wisdom.  You're much more confident in your skin than you were back in your 20's. People around you can see that.  Read more...

There are many people who say that fashion is not important.  How can they say that when everyone wears clothes?  Believe it or not, fashion is part of our lives and will be as long as we live here on Earth...or they change the laws and decide that we can all walk around naked if we choose to.

Clothes do serve a function.  For instance, rain coats keep us dry during the rainy season and thermals for ladies keep us warm during the winter. Clothes are also an expression of our personality and unique style.  We can tell a story or fight for a cause through our clothing.  So don't tell me that fashion is not important.  Read More...

Once upon a time I would watch the show, What Not to Wear, and criticize it for attempting to transform a woman’s appearance.  I would think, “Let the woman wear what she wants to!  If that’s who she is, why would you want to try to change her?”

Well, I’ve grown up since then and came to realize how the show has helped women go from being a caterpillar to being a butterfly.  I had to admit, that yes, the women looked so much better after Stacy and Clinton worked their magic.  You could see the sparkle come back into their eyes and catch a glimpse of the potential they had to truly shine.  Stacy and Clinton could take a woman who wore frumpy sweats all day and put a flattering dress on her...and we would witness the transformation in an instant.

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We know Victoria Beckham as a former Spice Girl who has gone on to live what many of us would call a very glamorous life.  She's been on the cover of fashion magazines, she gets to jet-set around the world with her good-looking athletic husband, and she seems to have everything a girl could ask for.  However, just like the majority of women, Victoria Beckham has had her own issues with body image. Read more...

There are many factors in our lives that affect our mind, body, and soul.  Maybe it's an abusive boyfriend, worries over money, unloyal friends, or even the types of food we eat -- all this negativity that you face can takes its toll on you and cause you to have a lack of energy, lack of focus, and damage your overall sense of well-being.  Read more...

A smile is a great accessory to have. When you smile, your whole face lights up and you radiate positive energy into the world. A smile indicates that you are happy, friendly, and possess a good spirit. When you smile, your body releases those feel-good endorphins --that is, if it’s a genuine smile! Nobody likes a fake smile ;) Read more...

Although this blog is focused on the topic of inner beauty and I want to inspire women to embrace their individuality, however, I also want women to learn how to enhance their outer beauty as well. Your outer beauty really is a reflection of your self esteem and how you feel about yourself.  Read more...

I just finished listening to the VividLife BlogTalk Radio Show where my friend, Pam Thomas, was a guest.  Pam is an internal beauty coach who supports and helps people eradicate low self-esteem.  I actually "met" Pam through Facebook and I love all her inspirational posts. There are days when those messages are very timely - like The Universe knew I needed that inspiration.

During the show Pam shares her own story about growing up with low self-esteem to the point that she even tried to commit suicide.  She also shares advice and tips on how you can get rid of those voices that try to tell you that you are not beautiful.  To listen to the show, visit: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/vividlife-radio/2011/04/08/your-inner-beauty-with-special-guest-pam-thomas-1

Also, Pam will be hosting an Internal Beauty Bootcamp in the near future.  Find out more information at: http://www.internalbeautybootcamp.com/