2009 August | Fashion & Beauty

Archive for August, 2009

A VICTORY! PETA change their controversial ad ‘Save the Whales – Lose the Blubber’

Date: 2009.08.24 | Category: Stuff | Response: 0
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You don’t ever expect to smile at an email sent by PETA. But I have just done that. To all the people who voiced their strong disagreement over PETA’s controversial billboard in Jacksonville, Florida, ‘Save The Wales –Lose The Blubber’ we need to pat ourselves on the back.

PETA have bowed down and changed their ad to something else. You can see the new version here and also on their official blog http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/08/controversial_s.php?c=pfstwrb09

Of course they wanted us to know that their previous ad, in which they called fat people whales, that some people were inspired. But I can’t help but think the huge backlash, loss of members who are plus-size and with the impending appearance on Plus-Model Radio with the wonderful Chenese Lewis – may have had something to do with it.

Of course I’m still going to listen to the interview Chenese is doing this Tuesday on blogtalkradio because I think she still needs to ask – What were they thinking? And why did they resort to play ground name calling to get their point across?

If anyone was in any doubt that we have a voice and strength – look no further. PETA don’t back down easy. But we have all made that happen.

It’s a good moment for anyone who has been called names due to their weight.

Here is the email that was sent to me, and I’m sure many others too, who wrote, called and voiced their opinions about PETA’s name calling billboard ad.

Thank you PETA, for seeing sense in getting your message across and changing the offensive ad.

****

Hi Vanessa,

I noticed you recently covered our “Save the Whales. Lose the Blubber: Go Vegetarian” billboard that was erected in Jacksonville earlier this month. As I’m sure you are aware, the billboard has caused quite a stir all over the country. I thought you may be interested to know that we have decided to replace the notorious billboard with a new ad that simply says, “GONE. Just Like All the Pounds Lost by People Who Go Vegetarian. GoVeg.com.”

While some people have expressed their opposition to the ad, we’ve also been inundated with calls and e-mails of support, including from people who are taking PETA’s 30-day Pledge to Be Veg. So many people have contacted us that we decided to post information for people who are interested in losing weight with a healthy, low-fat vegetarian diet on our blog, including a quote from an Oregon mom-of-six who was inspired after viewing the original artwork. You can view this information in detail here: http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/08/controversial_s.php?c=pfstwrb09

“Going vegetarian is the best way to keep weight off and improve your health,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “We’re thrilled that people have been inspired to give a vegetarian diet a try, and we know that they—and the animals—will be glad they did.”

To see the new artwork and get more information, please visit our blog at http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/08/controversial_s.php?c=pfstwrb09

We hope you can use this. Thanks so much and please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Christine

Christine Doré

Marketing | PETA
Introducing Debra Mazda – Shapely Girl

Date: 2009.08.24 | Category: Inspirational people, Motivaton, Vanessa Reece, size-acceptance | Response: 5
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Introducing Debra Mazda

I have just sat and read the bio of a lady named Debra Mazda and I’m close to tears.

Why, because I see someone who is very passionate about reaching out to women who are overweight about the importance of exercise.

Before you get the idea that I’m going to write a post about how we should all be size 0. Please hear me out.

You all must know my stance by now. I believe you should do what you want to do with your bodies– fat and all. But, I also believe we should not ignore the fact that as fat men and women we should try and absorb some of the information given to us about health. Taking it or leaving it is our choice.

Often we hear the words ‘selling out’ when someone in the plus-size community decides to lose weight. I find this really cold and thoughtless. If that person wants to lose weight, change their eating, and get exercise – we should support them in their choices.

However I’m not a supporter of diet companies. They make a lot of money and claim the earth but they don’t properly tap into the mind set of many of plus-size people.

I would rather support people who has walked in fat persons shoes and with honesty says – this is how I changed because I felt I needed to and if you want to know how I did it, and do the same, then please just listen to what I have to say.

I’m not so much talking facts and figures – I’m talking about true life accounts of people who have gotten the benefits of eating better (not dieting) and taking in some regular exercise.

‘Health comes in many sizes’, says Debra Mazda

Today I ate an apple (because I craved one). I had a grilled bacon and sausage sandwich on brown whole grain bread (because I craved it) and then I made a delicious Spanish Omelette with salad and homemade peri peri dressing (because I craved it) I also went for long walk (because I felt like it)

No chocolate or soda for me today, because I have not wanted them – only tea and juice.

I stand before you waiting to be stoned? Oh wait! You’re not going to stone me? Well phew. I won’t stone you if you drank soda or ate chocolate all day either. It’s your choice.

I have no clue what tomorrow will bring. I’m also on the monthly (TMI – sorry) so my hormones are shot to pieces. I have a ton of work to do and projects to complete and I’m also living out of suitcase this week too.

When you have a busy lifestyle, and possibly a family to take care of its no wonder we are far too pooped to get a walk, swim, or work-out in and buy food that offers us nothing long term by the way of goodness. Making healthy choices does take some planning and I have got to admit I’m not the best at planning that part of my life.

Fat and sugar do make us feel full and happy. But is there a way we can slightly adjust our eating habits plus take on board some exercise? I think there is.

So back to Debra Mazda – What a tremendous example of someone who has walked in the shoes of a 300lb woman, fought the head games when it comes to food and also made her life’s work to reach out and help women who want to make the change themselves. Now at size 12 she is feeling amazing. It was her choice to make the change in her life, and I support that.

Swimming, yoga, and walking are my three exercises of choice, but sometimes I can’t get to a pool or yoga class and I find myself sitting in a hotel room somewhere wanting to do something. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to stick on an exercise DVD?

I’m more likely to pick up Debra Mazda’s DVD than anyone else’s because she’s actually knows what it feels like to be a bigger woman.

She’s not a celebrity who just thought making an exercise DVD would be a quick buck. She’s in this for the long haul. Her bio tells a story of a woman who found a new lease of life and empowerment through exercise and wants to share it with those who want to get healthy – regardless of size.

The main problem is getting into the frame of mind to actually do some exercise. I’ve never been 300lbs but I can imagine it must take an extremely strong minded person to have the guts and willpower to go into the gym and attempt to lose the weight. Plus try and introduce foods that will help with the weight loss. Not to be super skinny – but just feel able to take life by the balls in their own way and move with freedom.

Let’s be brutally frank – some of us are fine with taking life by the balls as fat folks. I do! But I feel I may be able to take more of life if I keep in shape – less fatigue and less eating things which may give me a quick rush of energy but leave me feeling lethargic for longer. I think Debra Mazda may have some inspirational words and work outs for those of us who want that extra bit of zing right through to those ladies who want to lose weight but are tired of yo-yo dieting – which we all know doesn’t work for the majority of people long term.

Debra owns Shapely Girl Fitness and her goal is to introduce safe, easy to follow and fun exercise to those people who, regardless of size, what to get fit and get more from their lives.

Debra lost an amazing amount of weight herself. And in doing so she found a new goal which was learning and teaching fitness to people.

In her 30s, she earned a Bachelors Degree in Human Movement and a Masters of Education in Sports Psychology from Temple University.

While it may not be everyone’s goal to lose weight we can’t ignore the fact that exercise does help in so many ways.

On 12th September, 3pm Eastern, I will be interviewing Debra Mazda live on SHF-Radio to see what she has to say about her journey and her work.

I will be reviewing her DVD also for my visitors here on vanessareece.com

Please mark your diaries for the 12th September 3pm Eastern, 8pm GMT and 12 mid-day Pacific for my interview on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/shf-radio

If you’d like to ask Debra any questions during the show then feel free to call in on (646) 652-2270 and the chat room will also be open!

For more information on Debra Mazda go to

www.debramazda.com

“FITNESS COMES IN MANY SIZES”

Twitter: Debra Mazda

Facebook: ShapelyGirl Fitness

LinkedIn: Debra Mazda

Debra Mazda on youtube

ShapelyGirl fitness on youtube

I have just sat and read the bio of a lady named Debra Mazda and I’m close to tears.

Why, because I see someone who is very passionate about reaching out to women who are overweight about the importance of exercise and it just moved me.

Before you get the idea that I’m going to write a post about how we should all be size 0. You know I don’t think that way. I think some people are naturally slim, others naturally big and some of us find we’ve gotten bigger over time and we prefer our shape. So please hear me out.

You all must know my stance by now. I believe you should do what you want to do with your bodies– fat and all. But, I also believe we should not ignore the fact that as fat men and women we should try and absorb some of the information given to us about health. Not the PETA way! I’m taking about someone who is not going to preach but teach. There is a difference. Taking it or leaving it – it is our choice.

Often we hear the words ‘selling out’ when someone in the plus-size community decides to lose weight. I find this really cold and thoughtless. If that person wants to lose weight, change their eating habits, and get exercise – we should support them in their choices.

However I’m not a supporter of diet companies. They make a lot of money and claim the earth but they don’t properly tap into the mind set of many plus-size people.

I would rather support people who have walked in a fat persons shoes, and with honesty say – ‘this is how I changed because I felt I needed to and if you want to know how I did it, and do the same, then please just listen to what I have to say.’

I’m not so much talking facts and figures – I’m talking about true life accounts of people who have gotten the benefits of eating better (not dieting) and taking in some regular exercise.

‘Health comes in many sizes’, says Debra Mazda

Today I ate an apple (because I craved one). I had a grilled bacon and sausage sandwich on brown whole grain bread (because I craved it) and then I made a delicious Spanish Omelette with salad and homemade peri peri dressing (because I craved it) I also went for long walk (because I felt like it)

No chocolate or soda for me today, because I have not wanted them – only tea and juice.

I stand before you waiting to be stoned? Oh wait! You’re not going to stone me? Well phew. I won’t stone you if you drank soda or ate chocolate all day either. It’s your choice.

I have no clue what tomorrow will bring. I’m also on the monthly (TMI – sorry) so my hormones are shot to pieces. I have a ton of work to do and projects to complete and I’m also living out of suitcase this week too.

When you have a busy lifestyle, and possibly a family to take care of its no wonder we are far too pooped to get a walk, swim, or work-out in and buy food that offers us nothing long term by the way of goodness. Making healthy choices does take some planning and I have got to admit I’m not the best at planning that part of my life.

Fat and sugar do make us feel full and happy. But is there a way we can slightly adjust our eating habits plus take on board some exercise? I think there is. I also think we can still enjoy some foods we love. With excercise there are possibilities to keep the curves as well as burn off the excess calories to be healthier.

So back to Debra Mazda – What a tremendous example of someone who has walked in the shoes of a 300lb woman, fought the head games when it comes to food and also made her life’s work to reach out and help women who want to make the change themselves. Now at size 12 she is feeling amazing. It was her choice to make the change in her life, and I support that.

Swimming, yoga, and walking are my three exercises of choice, but sometimes I can’t get to a pool or yoga class and I find myself sitting in a hotel room somewhere wanting to do something. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to stick on an exercise DVD?

I’m more likely to pick up Debra Mazda’s DVD than anyone else’s because she’s actually knows what it feels like to be a bigger woman.

She’s not a celebrity who just thought making an exercise DVD would be a quick buck. She’s in this for the long haul. Her bio tells a story of a woman who found a new lease of life and empowerment through exercise and wants to share it with those who want to get healthy – regardless of size.

The main problem is, getting into the frame of mind to actually do some exercise. I’ve never been 300lbs but I can imagine it must take an extremely strong minded person to have the guts and willpower to go into the gym and attempt to lose the weight. Plus, try and introduce foods that will help with the weight loss. Not to be super skinny – but just feel able to take life by the balls in their own way and move with freedom.

Let’s be brutally frank – some of us are fine with taking life by the balls as fat folks. I do! But I feel I may be able to get a little more from my day if I continue my excercise and eat better things more often– less fatigue and less eating things which may give me a quick rush of energy but leave me feeling lethargic for longer. I think Debra Mazda may have some inspirational words and work outs for those of us who want that extra bit of zing right through to those ladies who want to lose weight but are tired of yo-yo dieting – which we all know doesn’t work for the majority of people long term.

Debra owns Shapely Girl Fitness and her goal is to introduce safe, easy to follow and fun exercise to those people who, regardless of size, what to get fit and get more from their lives.

Debra lost an amazing amount of weight herself. And in doing so she found a new goal which was learning and teaching fitness to people.

In her 30s, she earned a Bachelors Degree in Human Movement and a Masters of Education in Sports Psychology from Temple University.

While it may not be everyone’s goal to lose weight we can’t ignore the fact that exercise does help in so many ways.

On 12th September, 3pm Eastern, I will be interviewing Debra Mazda live on SHF-Radio to see what she has to say about her journey and her work.

I will be reviewing her DVD also for my visitors here onvanessareece.com

Please mark your diaries for the 12th September 3pm Eastern, 8pm GMT and 12 mid-day Pacific for my interview onhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/shf-radio

If you’d like to ask Debra any questions during the show then feel free to call in on (646) 652-2270 and the chat room will also be open!

For more information on Debra Mazda go to:

www.debramazda.com

“FITNESS COMES IN MANY SIZES”

Twitter: Debra Mazda

Facebook: ShapelyGirl Fitness

LinkedIn: Debra Mazda

Debra Mazda on youtube

ShapelyGirl fitness on youtube

Additonal Pictures courtesy of Debra Mazda

Vanessa Reece
PETA Versus The Plus Size Community: The Exclusive Interview on PLUS Model Radio

Date: 2009.08.21 | Category: Inspirational people | Response: 1
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PETA Versus The Plus Size Community: The Exclusive Interview on PLUS Model Radio

PLUS Model Radio tackles PETA new “Save the Whales’ Campaign live on Tuesday, August 26, 2009 at 6 p.m. Pacific.

Los Angeles, CA – PETA’s latest “Save the Whales” ad campaign will be the focus of the next PLUS Model Radio (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/plusmodelradio) with host Chenese Lewis on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. PST. The show will feature PETA Senior Campaigner, Ashley Byrne.

A new PETA ad campaign, which recently launched in Jacksonville, Florida takes aim at overweight people. A huge billboard in the city reads, “Save the Whales. Lose The Blubber. Go Vegetarian.” Next to the words is a rear view of a plus size woman in a bikini that has the plus size community outraged.

About PLUS Model Radio
PLUS Model Radio is the #1 podcast for plus size women! In conjunction with PLUS Model Magazine, the premiere magazine celebrating and inspiring the plus size fashion and plus size modeling industry, the show covers everything curvy for women sizes 14 and up. Hosted by plus size model and actress Chenese Lewis, PLUS Model Radio inspires plus models and curvy fashionistas to pursue their dreams, thrive in their curves, crave modern fashion and shape their life on their own terms, sans apologies.

http://www.plusmodelmag.com
http://www.cheneselewis.com
Nima Beckie – Interview Editor at Skorch Magazine with me on SHF-Radio

Date: 2009.08.21 | Category: Stuff | Response: 0
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Thank you to Nima Beckie for taking the time to chat to me today.

We did have a technical issue half way through but Nima was a sweetheart and patiently waited for me to call her back.

You can listed to the interview below.

If you’d like to contact Nima you can find her on http://www.facebook.com/nimabeckie

and http://www.twitter.com/nimabeckie

For details on SKORCH Magazine please visit

http://www.skorchmagazine.com/

and for their model hunt go to -

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20143006232

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