Whether your style is alternative, punk, Fem, Girly Pop, Gender Neutral, or Masc, Thick Thrift has a plethora of options from which to put together a wardrobe that inspires, at impressive prices. There are a lot of vintage or up-cycled pieces, which means you can score a one-of-a-kind unique outfit.

What is this Thick Thrift? You ask?

Thick Thrift began as a sidewalk sale. They wanted to give plus size shoppers the IRL experience that so many of us don’t get very often. Over the last year and a half, it has turned into a must-go-to destination!

From the ticket site, Thick Thrift echoes the frustration many of us plus size people face: “Tired of never finding any cute plus size clothes, and only being able to shop online? Thick Thrift is like a plus size dream mall with 60 unique stores to shop from…but instead of typical fast fashions you’ll find indie brands, carefully curated vintage, 2k, and incredible 1 of 1 pieces.”

“Shop with sellers and brands from all over SoCal and beyond carrying only sizes 12 and up. Use our spacious fitting rooms and mirrors for try ons. We’ll also have other vendors selling: Handmade jewelry, Unique accessories, Art, Home goods, Records, Tattoos & piercings, and Food and drinks!”

Now, Thick Thrift even includes people like Tess Holliday and Danny Franzese, with his new stall, Handsome Heavyweight. The Thick Thrift founders are so excited that they are now getting to work with the very influencers that inspired them to start this whole project. 

It is so cool to see how quickly it has grown and shows just how needed spaces like Thick Thrift are for our community. Every stall was packed with plus size beauties. There were countless artists selling their work, good food, and of course, all the clothes!

Thrifting at Thick Thrift

One of the things I love most about thrifting is experimenting with a new style, that might be me, but I haven’t tried it yet. It’s nice to find inspiration through gently used clothes and consider, “Should I try that? Do I want to wear something totally different? Could I pull that off… and even if I can’t, will it bring me joy?”

For me, it is fun to try on styles. See how I feel in them and it always helps when someone compliments my new outfit. I love seeing so many brands show up and share their inspiration, passion and joy of selling clothes and Thick Thrift was filled to the brim with small businesses that do just that!

Rachael Frank exclaims, “It’s so powerful to be around other hot fat people in a room where everyone is dressed so unabashfully themselves. It’s a safe place to be yourself.”

Want to attend the NEXT Thick Thrift on October 26th?

Save the date and get your tickets for the October 26th Thick Thrift Event! Get ready for a costume contest, where the winner will score $100 and an amazing gift basket! Runners up will score some cool prizes as well!

We hope to see you there, bags full and basking in the joy of the LA plus size community!

This article, Get Your Plus Size Thrifting Life with Thick Thrift LA! first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jillian Pfennig.

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If you have never been to an event that is completely judgement-free, I suggest you look into going to one! Pull out the outfit that makes you feel FIRE or the one you have be anxious to wear, but weren’t quite sure where to wear it… an event like this is just the place! 

The Brands, Vendors, and Sponsors at the Fat Brat Pool Party

The Fat Brat Pool Party had so many plus size stalls to shop, and so many cute accessories to elevate your fashion to the next level.

Kute Sis Accessories had us showing out, dripping in waistbeads. 

Chouette Designs is a jewelry brand designed specifically for bigger bodies and they offer a wide range of sizes so “adornment is for everyone”.

Lea Lea Love Clothing offers bright, bold colors that will make us the boss bitch in and out of the office. And Lea showcased her new fall line that will have you rocking out in leather. 

ShopSoftCore had a bathing suit tailored specifically to this event allowing us to showcase our “fat brat” every day.

Baacal has some of the most beautiful prints that will lead us to embrace everything “very demure, very mindful”.

There were also countless secondhand stores, of course including The Plus Bus. We love to embrace and reuse fashion, and find new ways to make it our own.

Overall, the Fat Brat Pool Party was an incredible experience. Whether we came alone, or brought the squad, it was a blast to spend time with old friends and make new ones. Summer might be over, but we can still enjoy “Fat Brat Fall”. 

Any place and time you can embrace yourselves and your community is empowering, so rock the outfit, enjoy your friends and go do that thing you’ve always wanted to do!

This article, What You Missed at the Fat Brat Pool Party! first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jillian Pfennig.

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This appointment and invite-only haven for brides throws open its doors in Beverly Hills, offering a luxurious and welcoming pop-up retail space where every woman can find the dress of her dreams, regardless of size or budget. Stepping into Azazie Studio is like stepping into a bridal fairytale. Crystals twinkle, white flowers exude elegance, and inspirational quotes adorn the walls – all setting the stage for a truly special shopping experience.

The “Azazie Promise”: Personalized Service, Affordable Luxury

Azazie goes beyond stunning gowns. Their core philosophy, “The Azazie Promise,” redefines the bridal experience. It’s about celebrating every body and ensuring that every bride feels beautiful and confident on their wedding day. This commitment is evident in their extensive size range, which caters to brides from 0 to 30.

But affordability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. Azazie’s starting price point of $79 allows brides to find a luxurious gown that fits their budget without compromising on style. A quick browse of their website reveals a breathtaking collection of gowns, each a testament to their commitment to quality and design.

The recent launch party for Azazie Studio perfectly captured the brand’s essence. Guests, adorned in stunning Azazie gowns, buzzed with excitement. A charming embroidery station allowed attendees to personalize clutches with their initials, adding a touch of individuality to their Azazie experience.

Bridal Bliss, Delivered

For brides who can’t make it to the Beverly Hills location, or simply prefer the comfort of shopping from home, Azazie offers a convenient at-home try-on option. Brides can select three different styles to try on in the comfort of their own space, with free two-way shipping. This innovative approach eliminates the stress of in-store shopping and ensures a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Finding the Perfect Fit: No Bride Left Behind

One of the biggest challenges for bridesmaids is finding a dress that flatters their individual body types. Azazie solves this problem with its unique selection, allowing each bridesmaid to find a style and size that works best for them, either online or in-person at the studio.

None of us will probably ever be Katherine Heigl in “27 Dresses”, however, we all know the challenges of meeting the needs of the whole bridal party. Somehow, Azazie has figured it out. This unique concept allows each bridesmaid to find a size and style that works for them in person or online.

But Azazie’s commitment to inclusivity goes beyond size. Recognizing the challenges faced by plus size women in finding dresses with the right proportions, Azazie offers sizing options that cater to a variety of body shapes. This ensures a perfect fit, eliminating the need for expensive alterations and guaranteeing a look that plays up to every curve.

“At Azazie,” says Creative Director Daniel Sánchez, “we’re a line that’s body positive, affordable, and absolutely has something for everyone. We’re all about celebrating everybody at every facet.” This philosophy extends beyond size inclusivity. Azazie offers a diverse collection of styles to cater to a variety of tastes, from classic and romantic to modern and whimsical.

Lean more about the Azazie Studio at Azazie.com!

As wedding season approaches, Azazie is a must-visit for brides seeking a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you visit them via a pop-up event or shop online, Azazie offers a world of possibilities, ensuring that every bride feels like the most beautiful version of herself on her special day.

As we enter wedding season, make sure you check out their limited edition Barbie collection and stop by their new studio so you can find the perfect dress to match your forever partner.

This article, Are You Plus Size Bride-to-be? Dont Miss What Azazie is Up to with Azazie Studio! first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jillian Pfennig.

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The yoga community is split on whether cannabis is good for a yoga practice, but agreed that it’s ultimately a personal choice. I practice yoga often, especially restorative yoga, so I was interested in trying THC-infused yoga to see if it enhanced my experience the way some yogis claim it does. So, I attended a weed yoga event at The Artist Tree in West Hollywood, CA.

Arriving at The Artist Tree in West Hollywood, CA for Weed Yoga

The weed yoga event I attended took place at The Artist Tree in West Hollywood, CA. The dispensary has a dispensary on the bottom floor, a lounge on the second, and an event space on the third. We got there a half hour early to indulge in some cannabis treats before heading up to the third floor for yoga. 

Not knowing what to expect in the lounge, I was overwhelmed with the vast array of options. Their menu separated indica, sativa and CBD. They even had different devices such as bongs, gravity bongs, and vaporizers to rent for the optimum smoking experience– not to mention THC infused cocktails! 

Our server, Clay, was so knowledgeable and welcoming, and he complimented my adorable Old Navy outfit. Clay answered all of my questions and actually allowed me to mix the liquid cannabis into our cocktail myself. Liquid THC concentrate is the prime method used during weed yoga events. 

The THC cocktail was actually very good, and once mixed in, you couldn’t taste the concentrate. But would this actually help me connect mind, body and spirit? 

My Plus Size Experience at a Weed Yoga Event

Heading up to the third floor we were offered another vial of liquid cannabis and it was up to us how we wanted to use it– add it to the cocktail we purchased, shoot it like a shot, or sip on it throughout the class. I decided to mix it into the delicious strawberry lemonade cocktail I was already drinking. 

Laid out on our mats, the instructor, Amy, began the yoga class. The small intimate class was definitely the right environment for this experimental weed yoga. As the experts say, “Yoga is a journey of the self”, and I was beginning to feel more relaxed and centered than before while sipping on my cocktail. 

Moving from pose to pose, I was definitely more in my body than my mind without needing to focus too much, which I attribute to the THC. My mind is always running a mile a minute, so when I normally practice yoga, it takes a lot for me to breathe out all of the distractions. But I 1000% didn’t have to work as hard to calm my mind as I usually do.

After the first half of flow yoga, we moved into restorative yoga, which is something I’ve grown very accustomed to following my past surgeries. This is really where I felt the THC added to my yoga experience. Restorative yoga is all about holding poses for a long time and really allowing your body to breathe through the pose (unlike flow yoga, which is constantly moving). 

As someone always in their head, restorative yoga really challenged me to breathe life into my body as I lay in each pose, and not allow my mind to wander. The second half of the class is where I really felt the THC aid my yoga practice, as I didn’t have to constantly tell my mind to relax. I fell into it much quicker and didn’t find myself adrift as much. I was simply in my body and not my mind.

As the class ended, we decided to hang out at the lounge for a bit longer. Artist Tree is not allowed to serve food in the lounge, so they are partnered with two places where you can order food to be delivered. We ate lunch and smoked the remainder of the joint we bought earlier while enjoying the post yoga feeling in our bodies. I don’t know if weed yoga will become a regular practice for me, but I did get an extra vial to take home and try it again!

This article, Is Weed Yoga Really Worth It? We Tried it and Found Out! first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jillian Pfennig.

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Jeff’s central message is that everyone can travel as they are right now, no matter their size, race or background.

We had the privilege to speak with Jeff about his upcoming show! But before you read on and learn more about this big & tall traveler, take a peek at the trailer of “Never Say Never.”

Tell me why you wanted to make this show?

Jeff: I know what my mission is and this was another strategic way to implement my message.

Why the title “Never Say Never”?

Jeff: I take no credit, that was Nat Geo. I gave them 3 titles that they tested and this title won. It was actually a humble moment, because this title tested better than all the other ones. There wasn’t even a close second, so it made me be like.. okay….yeah.

How did you get into traveling? When was your first trip?

Jeff: The first trip that I can truly remember where I was like, “Hey man, I like this travel thing!” Like going from place to place, it’s actually a little tough story.

My mom was fleeing from Florida to Connecticut because of a domestic violence issue between her and her husband at the time. We took a Greyhound from Orlando, Florida all the way to Connecticut, which was a day or two process.

To be on that bus, to see all those trees, and all these new things, going through city to city, stopping at rest areas and all that stuff, I was like, “Oh I like this! I like this a lot!”

To be honest, I was excited about it. I was like 4 or 5 years old, so it’s not like I knew a lot. I didn’t know the magnitude of what was happening in my mom’s life at the time, but that was very significant. 

So, it was your first sense of adventure?

Jeff: Yeah, my mom wrapped it up like that, like it was an adventure.

Sounds like your mom is a very brave woman.

Jeff: She really is. I owe her so much.

45 countries! What was your most plus size friendly country?

Jeff: South Africa. Doing the different experiences, there were tons of plus size men and women. There were a lot more accommodations made for everyone. I would go to a restaurant and they’d have no arm chairs and I thought that was fantastic. The different excursions I did, I was able to do them without any complications or anything.

Least Plus size friendly?

Jeff: About that.. It has to be somewhere in Europe.

Was it more like an attitude, or like you couldn’t fit in the seats and stuff?

Jeff: Yeah, I’m going more so in that sense. Europe has all these old buildings. Like tiny doors. The people in Europe have been great in the sense of that way. But like arm chairs, plastic chairs, not plus-size friendly.

Most of these South Asian countries are on the same boat, too. And I would even say Vietnam might be, with adding people to it, may be my least plus size friendly place. Mostly the stares. It made me very uncomfortable. I don’t know if it’s because I was black or fat. But I think it was because I was fat because there were some other black people with us that weren’t getting stares.

Have you felt safe traveling as a Black man? Do you do research before traveling to ensure your safety?

Jeff: I actually feel more safe traveling outside of the country than inside the country. I definitely for the most part feel safe. I do my research. A lot of times, I know people that have gone before me and that helps out a lot.

Outside of the Caribbean, I never feel discriminated against. I’ve gotten more discrimination from the Carribeans. It comes from hotel or service staff. I think it’s one of those things, they think white patrons are better, so it’s a bias.

I’ve learned how to cope with it. There are times I’ve stood up for myself, too. And the moment I brought awareness to it, they changed and gave me the experience and the same service that everyone else was getting. 

Do you have a bucket list trip that you would die to do?

Jeff: ANTARCTICA! I really want to do it on the ship. I want to do the passage that feels like we’re about to tip over but we aren’t. People have told me about the absence of sound. You’ll be there and you can hear your heartbeat. Yes, that is something I want to experience! And for me to be able to say I’ve been to all the continents. 

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A post shared by Jeff Jenkins, Nat Geo Travel Host (@chubbydiaries)

It looks like you go on quite adventurous feats during the show… What were you most afraid to try? 

Jeff: Climbing a 70 foot rock cliff. Yes, like literally base climbing. Hands and feet, that’s it! You’ll have to wait and find out if I make it up the mountain, but it was definitely a feat.

The more you went up, you only had a little piece of rock, like you wouldn’t even think you could get a grip on it. It’s actually making me a bit nervous now thinking about it.

Are you afraid of heights?

Jeff: I’m afraid of falling. I love heights if I’m secure. It’s the fear of falling.

Totally get that! What was the most fun?!

Jeff: I got to Sumo wrestle with a former world champion. I trained like a Sumo, the whole thing. The whole purpose was to liberate the thought of shame that might come from being a larger person.

I love the term you use, “Isolation fears.” How can your average chubby traveler ensure they will be able to partake in an activity while traveling?

Jeff: I always say, do your research. Look up the excursion and find out the dimensions, call ahead, the website might even let you know if they have something you can use, or modifications.

I think this show and my message have been that I was one of the first or largest people to do some of these excursions, and these tour operators found out they can easily make a modification. So, we’re hopefully being able to show other tour operators that they can do it, too.

Was there any adventure that you couldn’t do due to lack of accommodations?

Jeff: TV is amazing. And it played to what I already knew what humans were capable of doing. A lot of people say plus size people can’t do this excursion because of safety. But humans are creative.

I mean, there are airplanes, skyscrapers, it’s all about being innovative. Disney does a great job with that, it’s more plus size friendly than any other theme park, you have to be creative and have plus size people in mind when building out an excursion.

Was there any activity you refused or would refuse to do?

Jeff: Bungee jumping is off the list. 

What’s the most unique food you’ve eaten while traveling?

Jeff: In Japan, they put all of the chicken on the stick, every piece. They’ll grill it and barbecue that bad boy. It was really bad… not good. The heart, liver and skin weren’t good, but every other part of the chicken was great. The chicken feet actually weren’t bad, but the organs didn’t work for me.

I also ate a scorpion in Thailand. It tasted like a popcorn kernel. The ones that get stuck in your teeth, it’s that texture and crunch. It wasn’t meaty at all, so it was just hollow. I ate it once and called it a day.

Do you normally solo-travel? If so, why?

Jeff: Majority of the time it’s solo or with a camera person. Sometimes my wife gets to come with me. Although my job is amazingly fun, it’s still my business. It’s definitely work.

What’s your favorite travel accessory?

Jeff: It’s not really a travel accessory, but this phone is my life. I used to travel before iPhones were out. I had to look up Rick Steves books and Lonely Planet just to get my itinerary or to know where to go.

So, to be able to do so much, from transportation, to directions to damn near everything, I’ll never leave home without it.

Also, a life straw is always a good idea. And I love my portable speaker.

Will there be a season 2?

Jeff: We don’t know yet. We’re almost getting to a place where we’ll find out soon.

Where do you hope to go from here?

Jeff: Make more dope content and I’d love to be in a place to make my own shows. Give other people opportunities that I’ve had.

I love your slogan, “Live Life Now!” Do you have any encouraging words to leave with the readers?

Jeff: A lot of times it is just about committing. There are probably so many things you’ve thought about doing, it’s been on your bucket list, now it’s time to commit to it and go for it!

Make sure to check out Jeff Jenkin’s show, “Never Say Never” on July 9, 2023 on Nat Geo!

How cool is this show going to be?! We will be tuned in… will you??

When we think about plus size representation on TV, “Never Say Never” is a cool new addition to what we will have access to. We’ve highlighted various plus size groups on FB centered around travel, and most recently Hiking communities, too!

I hope that this show inspires a new wave of plus size people taking that adventure they’ve always wanted to, especially after watching “Never Say Never!”

Sooooo, watch party anyone?

This article, A New Travel Show Centering a Plus Size Person? Ohhh Yes! “Never Say Never” with Jeff Jenkins is One to Watch! first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jillian Pfennig.

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If you do not know, Insyze is a one stop shop when it comes to all things plus size clothing! Featuring sizes 12 – 40, Insyze focuses on a video first experience where customers share video reviews of items to show what it really looks and feels like. They even offer cash incentives for customers to share their videos and honest feedback. 

“Community is at the heart of Insyze – because we can all lift each other up, support and inspire each other.”

Sylvie Wilson, co-founder of Insyze

This past week, they hosted an intimate Brunch and Bubbles Event to welcome Gia/irl to Insyze.  If there is a go-to dress this summer, it’s got to be GIA/irl. Gia makes fun, sexy and elegant outfits with cut-outs in all the right places, in the most gorgeous colors to make you “POP”, whatever the occasion. 

GIA/irl, founded by Gia Sinatra in the spring of 2022. She has now launched her brand on the Insyze marketplace!

GIA/irl is designed from an “authentic and personal point of view to make plus-size women feel chic and sexy.”

The brand was created to celebrate indie plus size brands exactly like GIA/irl. Started by sisters Sylvie and Danielle, they strive to have community at the forefront of their brand. Sylvie’s husband, James, has also been instrumental in their website design, underscoring their family first approach.

One of the difficulties Insyze faces is finding awesome brands that design stylish clothing for plus sizes. Luckily, they have partnered with 50 brands, and have met some amazing designers along the way. 

They shared their heart-warming story of how and why they felt the need for Insyze. Here is their story in Sylvie’s words:

The Beginning of Insyze

“I want to go back to the beginning… Why we started and how we got here. 

Danielle and I are sisters. We’re originally from the UK and had a very normal childhood until one day in 1998 changed everything. After a year of being unwell and doctors not knowing why, Danielle was diagnosed with a brain tumor. 

At first the doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong and advised my mum to stop letting her eat chocolate – on brand for doctors’ advice, hey.

Thankfully Danielle is still with us. She had a lifesaving operation and treatment which has kept the cancer away – but with some lifelong side effects – one of them being weight gain. 

Danielle has always been plus size and has struggled with body confidence.

When we were in our teens and went shopping together, nothing was available in Danielle’s size, so she would ask me to try things on that she liked – just so she could feel a part of the fashion experience. 

For me, seeing my sister feel bad about herself or left out was unacceptable. I thought, let’s do something about that. 

So, we initially started Insyze as a blog and community page. An inspiration site where you could discover which brands had plus sizes and see other people looking unreal in all shapes and sizes.

Fast forward and now, we’re a plus size fashion marketplace, and are really proud of what we’ve built so far. We’re a bootstrapped company, and the only outside funding we have is from family and friends.”

The brunch was filled with talks of fashion, celebratory toasts, laughter and yummy bites.

As Sylvie and Danielle mentioned how hard it is for female founders to secure funding, and used the phrase, “a bootstrapped company”, we all agreed that we should coin our own term for female founders.

“We pulled ourselves up by the bra straps!”

You can shop plus size fashion now, at Insyze.com

And we know as plus size women, bra straps have to work a lot harder than boot straps!

Have you heard of Insyze? Have you had the chance to shop from them? Let us know your experience in the comments below!

This article, Out & About at the INSYZE X GIA/irl Brunch and Bubbles Event! first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jillian Pfennig.

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Celebrities from Demi Moore to Will Smith have openly talked about whole body cryotherapy, as well as athletes like LeBron James swearing by it for post-game recovery. Not that we should do everything celebrities do, but they often have access to treatments that aid in self-improvement before it’s accessible to everyone.

I found True North Cryo, a local business that specializes in cryotherapy. After asking a million and one questions such as, “Will the hardware from my previous surgeries freeze?”, “Will I fit in the chamber?”, “Can I wear contacts?”, etc, I finally felt comfortable giving whole body cryotherapy a shot, since I still suffer from stiffness, nerve damage and pain in my left leg.

The Sauna Experience Before Cryotherapy

They suggested that I first use their infrared sauna for 30 minutes prior to getting into the cryo chamber. This sauna uses infrared waves to activate sweat glands and detoxify, eliminating toxins. And wow, did I sweat! I grew up always hearing, “Girls don’t sweat, they glisten.” Well, my body must not have gotten that memo, because girl, I sweat! 

But, I actually love sweating, in the right arena, of course. Obviously, I don’t want to be sweating all summer long, but in a sauna, yeah, I love it!

Once, my body was nice and toasty, I dried off and went down to the chamber. I waited for the person before me to finish, while sitting outside a room with the curtain drawn, since most people experience the chamber in just their underwear. All of the sudden, I heard the music stop and smoke began to billow from underneath the curtain and a chill filled the air. Now, I started to get a bit nervous. 

Into the Cryotherapy Machine!

It was my time to pull the curtain aside and enter into what looked like a futuresque time machine or a vessel that would transport me to another galaxy. I’m not claustrophobic, but was I really going to step into a tiny freezing room?! 

I was handed knee-high socks, booties, gloves and earmuffs. Certain extremities have to be covered to ensure that nothing will get frostbitten. Living in Los Angeles for so long, I started flashing back to snow days as a kid in Chicago with all the winter wear, except I had never worn these with just undies before. 

I’m offered a music distraction for the chamber, and without hesitation I request Lizzo, because if there is one constant in my life, it’s that Lizzo never ceases to motivate me to try something I’m afraid to do! The cryo-expert, Natalie, opens the door and more liquid nitrogen spills out, but this time I step right into the source. She closes the door and rolls down the window. At least my head isn’t fully submerged.

Minus 170 degrees! I’m practically naked in -170 degree temperature, breathing and trying to remind myself I can do anything for 2 minutes. Cold air dances its way around my skin, not quite sending shivers, however, I am very aware of how cold it is, almost as if it is refreshing. 

I Survived the Cryotherapy Process!

Before “Juice” even ends, Natalie opens the door, and just like that, the smoke is gone and I’ve survived. I warm up quicker than I imagined and do actually feel a bit energized, although I’m not sure if it’s the cryo or all my nerves. However, hours later, I still feel the energy flowing through my arms and legs.

The experts say exposure to such extreme cold temperatures activates your body’s fight or flight response. In return, this diverts blood flow from extremities (arms, legs), including everything inflamed or injured, to the vital organs to protect them from freezing. Once back at normal temperatures, re-oxygenated blood pumps through the body. This should leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

From my research, I learned that the possible benefits from WBC include:

• Improved sleep
• Relieving chronic pain
• Soothing chronic skin conditions
• Reducing anxiety
• Lowering inflammation
• Boosting muscle recovery
• Elevating mood

Although many doctors and researchers swear by this new trend, the FDA has still not approved it. And as it goes with any body treatment, please consult a doctor to ensure treatment is safe for you.

All in all, I really enjoyed my cryotherapy experience and felt invigorated afterward.

I’m glad to be trusting my body again, that she is capable of so many adventures and this is just one more step in my journey of falling in love with my body. The body I have right now, not the one I had or the one I hope to have, the one I am living in at this exact moment!

This article, Falling In Love With My Body: Cryo What? My Plus Size Cryotherapy Experience! first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jillian Pfennig.

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It actually started before I was fully walking again. My PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, would wake me up in the middle of the night after I dreamt of falling and getting hurt. I had always been pretty adept at experiencing fear, but not letting that fear hold me back… but this fear was different. It was so deep rooted and in ways, debilitating. 

I had been a runner my whole life. I used to go run laps in the park for fun, and joined Cross Country, as soon as I was old enough. I wasn’t the fastest or going to set any records, but it was always something that brought me a lot of joy. I could put in headphones, smell the fresh air, feel the wind brushing against me and RUN.

No rules to follow, I just let my body guide me. Sometimes I would stop and lay staring at the clouds, other times I would take a break and swing at the playground before continuing my run. It was my stress reliever, and time for myself without any distractions. 

That is why it was so devastating when my doctor told me I should not run anymore. That’s what worked for me, it was all I knew! 

Now I was stuck with this deep fear of getting hurt again, and the only way I knew how to move my body and destress was taken away from me. 

In addition to mental therapy, I still needed a way to move my body that brought me joy and find a way to destress. My anxiety wasn’t allowing me to try new things though, so I needed to reconnect to my body before I could start moving it.

How Breathwork Helped Me Find and Connect with my Plus Size Body Again

Breathwork. That was the first step. I know we have all been breathing since we were born, so I was skeptical that “breathwork” could be so impactful, and even more skeptical that it could match the feeling that running gave me.

Breathwork is a breathing technique where you intentionally change your breathing pattern in order to breathe in a very conscious way.

When you slow your breathing to a deep, purposeful breathe, it allows your brain to relax, letting it know you are safe, which allows for the nervous system to calm, as well.

Types of Breathwork: 

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Switching between your thumb and index finger, apply pressure to your right nostril and left, systematically inhaling through one and exhaling through the other one.

4-7-8 Breathing

Count while you breath… Breathe in 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, and exhale for eight counts. This allows your lungs to fully empty, however it might take some practice.

Box Breathing

Count while you breath… Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, and then hold again for 4 counts.

Deep Abdominal Breathing

Visualize your breathing, filling up your body in a deep, long breathe. You should physically be able to see yourself breathe and you follow what feels comfortable to your body.

There are more types of breathing techniques, if you go to a professional that can aid in the process. For all of these techniques, try to limit the amount of outside noise when practicing them, especially in the beginning. 

Deep Abdominal Breathing is my personal favorite because I find it hard to relax if I’m trying to count and I’d much rather be “in my body” than “in my mind”. I also sometimes visualize myself “breathing through my back” because I hold a lot of my tension in my back.

Throughout my practice of breathwork, I have been able to calm my nervous system, reduce my stress and allow myself to move past moments of PTSD quickly, drastically minimizing the frequency of them, as well. If I find myself in a moment where my mind is picturing myself falling or getting hurt, I try to take deep abdominal breaths until it passes.

I have noticed that the more I practice this, the more quickly I can get to the point of relaxation while breathing. I try to start and end every day laying in bed breathing for at least 5-15 minutes, so I am able to begin and end my day peacefully.

As always, trust your own body. What works for one person might not work for another, and ultimately you need to discover what is right for you. 

Now that I have a handle on my trauma and have reconnected with my body, I am ready to find new ways that I can move, that brings me the joy and self-care that running used to give me!

This article, How Breathwork Helped Me Find and Reconnect with My Plus Size Body first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jillian Pfennig.

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Now, I know for most people, especially plus size babes, the thought of being nude in a room full of people, even if it’s only women, does not scream “spa experience,” but I promise it wasn’t an “I forgot my pants nightmare!”

I was personally somewhat forced into becoming comfortable naked around my mom as an adult, due to a horrible injury where she needed to help me shower for months. She has always been under the notion of not only is it just a body, but my body made your body. So, nothing is weird because I’m your mom. Her attitude definitely helped calm my initial anxiety, but this was the first experience we had being fully nude together. 

The particular Korean Spa we went to has the mogyoktang, or nude bathhouse area divided by gender, and then a jimjilbang, or co-ed area where you have to be clothed, and they even give you sweats to wear. Not knowing how the sizing would work, I brought my own robe and clothes, and I am glad I did, because I wouldn’t have been comfortable in how tight they were.

Wrapped in my own robe, I stored my personal belongings, giggled with my mom, took a deep breath and was fully nude, in public! I mean, not public, but more public than I have ever been. My stomach, my stretch marks, my breasts that are no longer as perky as they used to be, all exposed.

I quickly showered and then dipped myself into the hot tub as fast as I could, so at least my body was somewhat hidden, but that’s when I realized, no one cared about me or my body at all.

It was a collection of natural women, with body hair, scars, tattoos and wrinkles, all just enjoying themselves and giving their bodies some self-care. No one even looked up from their own zen. 

I forgot I was Nude at this Korean Spa!

From the dry sauna to the wet sauna, cold plunge, extra hot plunge, and basic hot tub; the funny thing was at some point, I forgot I was nude. I stopped grabbing my robe when I took a break to drink water. I was truly just enjoying every inch of my plus size body uninhibited, unashamed and completely in it’s functionality.

Then, it was time for the seshin, a traditional Korean spa technique that uses a full-body exfoliating scrub. It lifts dead skin and boosts blood circulation. They told us to get into the hot tub 30 minutes before to soften our skin for the scrubbing. Then, they took us back behind a wall and we each had our own section, but again we were fully nude! 

Once laid on the plastic bed, my masseuse began exfoliating every inch of me… and when I say every inch, I truly mean every inch. She was in between my fingers and toes, lifted my arms and repositioned my legs to make sure not to miss a spot. It wasn’t necessarily painful, but it was definitely vigorous.

Occasionally, she would throw a bucket of warm water over me to clean off all the dead skin and then keep scrubbing. I couldn’t even comprehend how much dead skin there would be, but let’s just say it was more than I expected.

There were a few moments I felt a bit self conscious with this women touching so much of my body, but then I tried to relax into it remembering she’s seen being doing this for years. They were in a bra and underwear and were completely professional.

I mean, I’m sure she has seen every type of body throughout the years and was completely unfazed that we were nude. You know that scene in “The Wizard of Oz” where they go to the “Wash & Brush Up” and have a team getting them ready for the Wizard? My mom and I laughed feeling like we were getting the Oz experience.

The treatment ended with a hair wash and conditioning and it didn’t take long after that to forget again at how exposed and nude I was, which I know seems a bit crazy.

Overall, it was such a unique and incredible experience that my mom and I will share and laugh about forever, and I am so glad I didn’t hold myself back because of my insecurities.

At the end of the day, we all live in real bodies. Bodies that droop, sag, scar, change and most importantly allow us to live. We owe it to our bodies, and to ourselves to make the most out of that life and even pamper them from time to time.

Have you ever been to a Korean Spa? What was your experience? Let me know, I am soooo curious if your experience was as freeing as mine!

This article, I Survived Going to a (fully nude) Korean Spa as a Plus Size Babe! first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Jillian Pfennig.

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