Yoga and Psychotherapy

Found this really interesting article discussing the pairing of yoga and psychotherapy.  Makes sense to me. :)
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1891271,00.html

Check out Kiyonna Clothing Behind the Scenes

 The themes for this model shoot is Greek Goddess.  In addition there is an interview with plus sized model, Ashley Graham.  19 year old Graham is a size 14-16,  which makes her a very small plus size.  Regardless of size she is very beautiful for sure.

permission for photo use by Kiyonna

Special Sale at Kiyonna

Coupon: 20% Off Everything PLUS Free Domestic Ground Shipping on ALL Orders Over $100!
Coupon Code: LOVEU
Begins: 3/25/10
Ends: 3/31/10

Whitney Thompson wins America's Next Top Model

Some of you may be familiar with the name Whitney Thompson.  Recently she was the winner of America's Top Model and is the first "plus sized" woman to win the title.  Whitney competed in the tenth cycle of the show and was competing against thirteen other women.


As part of the prize package awarded to her for winning Top Model, Thompson received  contracts with CoverGirl cosmetics and Elite Model Management. She also received the cover and six-page editorial spread in the July 2008 issue of Seventeen Magazine.

Thompson said this about her win:

"People always say you have to be stick-skinny, emaciated and unhealthy and I’ve kind of stood up for [being full-figured] my whole life. I’m not going to lose 50 pounds – if someone asks me to do that, I’ll go to another [modeling] agency. I’ve already heard online from boys and girls all over the world who are dealing with eating disorders. They’re thanking me for standing up and saying, ‘I am a plus-size model and I am beautiful.’ This is what people should look like rather than skin-and-bones, which is disgusting and sends a bad message to people everywhere.”

The win is not without controversy. Some "plus sized" advocates believe that she is not "plus sized" at all.  What does this win mean for women?  Is society becoming more accepting or do we simply have a new idea of what it means to be "full figured"?

20 % off at La Grande Dame

"Thanks to all of your support, La Grande Dame has outgrown it’s current offices and is moving into a bigger location. We are very excited about our new spot and want to celebrate!
Since the moving trucks are coming March 14th, we are giving you 20% off for the next 10 days only. The less we have to move, the better, so you get a celebratory sale out of the deal! Simply use the coupon code MOVE10 at checkout for 20% off of your entire order* full priced or sale.

The Winner

Random Number Generator picked number 22.  D. Calvert
Congratulations!  You've one a Giselle Dress from SWAK designs.

SWAK Designs Review/Giveaway February 6th -13th

Have you heard of SWAK Designs?  If not, it's definitely worth stopping by their site and checking out their plus sized fashion.   Sizes start from 1X to 6X and they always have new arrivals.  Dresses, pants, skirts, tops, denim, career wear, outwear are among the many fashion finds at Seal With a Kiss Designs. They even have handbags, scarves and pashminas, and accessories to complete your look.  Their sale rack has deeply discounted items and is always being updated.

It get's even better because SWAK designs offers FREE shipping on orders over $40.   WORLDWIDE!  Yes my Canadian friends, that means you too!

SWAK Designs generously sent me a Giselle Dress to try.  It was the cutest.  The dress was empire style which lets out into a drape.  The sleeves were a nice length and showed a bit of my arms, but not too much.  I got the black dress and a red cinch belt, which accentuated my waist and had a real slimming effect.  The fit was true to size and it is so comfy.  The dress works well for so many occasions and can be dressed up or down.  I wore it to a function and received numerous compliments.

The other thing that I like about SWAK designs is that their models are real curvy women. Nothing bothers me more than shopping for plus sized clothing when the model is a size 10.  They use a number of women with a variety of body types so that you can get an idea of what styles might look best on your body.

SWAK Designs is giving away a Giselle Dress to a lucky reader.  It's easy to enter and you can enter as many times as you would like.  Please remember to put a different post for each eligible entry. 

Here's how you can enter:

1. Sign up for the SWAK Designs' newsletter on the bottom, left side of their homepage.  (mandatory)

2. Follow Voluptuous Canuck's blog and if you already follow just leave us a post stating that. (1 entry)

3.Follow SWAK Designs' Trendy Plus-Sized Blog. (1 entry)

4.  Follow SWAK Designs on Twitter. (1 entry)

5.  Follow Voluptuous Canuck on Twitter. (1 entry)

6.  Follow SWAK Designs on Facebook. (1 entry)

This is the Giselle Dress in Teal.

Open to Canadian and US addresses. Winner will be notified by email and given 48 hours to respond. If not, another winner will be chosen.  Thanks for your participation. Winner will be drawn by random.org on Feb. 13th.