Feature of the Month

Anne Baird

The Creator or Goddess Cards

Anne Baird The Creator

The Card that Started it all (You're a GODDESS not a nymph!)

Goddess Cards

    Inspired by women of her past.  Set to motion by the love she held for her daughter.  Anne Baird created Goddess Cards.  Fun, Sassy, Funny, and of all things Feminine. An accomplish author and freelance journalist Ms. Baird has successfully broken down some walls.  Now with goddess cards she reaches out to women everywhere. Empowering them with positive thoughts and kind words.

     No matter what type of woman you are, you can find a card to represent you.  One that reminds you of a special friends.  Makes you want to smile, Finally.

     I know for years it has been hard for me to find a card that featured a plus sized person that was positive and not rude or ugly.  I haven't found one until I found Goddess Cards.

Take a look I know you wont be disappointed.

www.goddesscards.com

Click Here to Enter this months Free Raffle and Win

Anne Baird's set of 12 Goddess Zodiac Cards!

Three of the 12 Zodiac Goddess Cards You Can WIN!

Give to your friends on their Birthday. Keep one for Yourself.  Either way they are a great PRIZE!

Leo                     Virgo                    Libra

Interview with Anne Baird

LargeInCharge.com: What is your name?

Goddess Cards: ANNE BAIRD

LargeInCharge.com: Where are you from and what is your current Location?

Goddess Cards: I LIVE IN WEST VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA. WE HAVE AN APARTMENT OVERLOOKING THE BURRARD INLET, WHERE WE SEE SHIPS GO SAILING PAST, WHERE SEAPLANES FLY OVERHEAD, AND WHERE TRAINS GO RATTLING PAST ON THE RAILWAY HEADING NORTH. IT IS AN INSPIRATIONAL PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND THINK.

LargeInCharge.com: Do you consider yourself a Person of Size?

Goddess Cards: MY SIZE IS 14. ALL OF US ARE PEOPLE OF SIZE! SOME ARE BIGGER, AND SOME ARE SMALLER. IT IS WHAT MAKES HUMANITY SO INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL! THE INCREDIBLE VARIETY...

LargeInCharge.com: Who is the owner of your company?

Goddess Cards: I AM. I AM THE ARTIST, WRITER, AND OWNER OF THE COMPANY. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE LIFE OF MY COMPANY, I APPROACHED HALLMARK AND SOME OF THE GIANTS IN THE GREETING CARD INDUSTRY, HOPING THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS OF PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION. HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED IN CARDS LIKE MINE, THAT ARE AFFIRMATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS OF THE DIVINITY OF ALL WOMEN. SO I TOOK IT ON MYSELF. THIS WAY, I HAVE CONTROL, AND CAN CREATE WHAT I TRULY WANT TO CREATE FOR WOMEN.

LargeInCharge.com: Tell us about your company?

Goddess Cards: IT IS A SMALL COMPANY, WHOLLY OWNED BY ME. MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND HELPS ME WITH SHIPPING AND TAKING THINGS TO THE PRINTER. I ALSO HAVE A MAJOR US DISTRIBUTOR - NEW LEAF DISTRIBUTING, CO. THEY ARE A NEW AGE COMPANY, INTERESTING IN PROMOTING THINGS THAT ARE CONCERNED WITH SPIRIT, HEALTH, AND WHOLENESS. I LIKE THEM A LOT. I HAVE A FEW REPS ON THE GROUND. AND I SELL QUITE A BIT THROUGH THE INTERNET, WHERE I HAVE A WEBSITE - WWW.GODDESSCARDS.COM. I ALSO SELL CARDS TO LOCAL STORES. I AM NOW CARRIED IN ABOUT 100 STORES ACROSS THE U.S AND CANADA. AT PRESENT, MY LINE CONSISTS OF ABOUT 80 CARDS, AND IS GROWING. I HOPE TO REACH 100 THIS YEAR.

LargeInCharge.com: How did your company begin?

Goddess Cards: IT BEGAN BY A TOTAL FLUKE. I HAVE ALWAYS MADE CARDS FOR MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER, AMANDA, WAS IN HER EARLY 20'S, AND WAS DISTRAUGHT OVER BEING "FAT" AT SIZE 14 OR SO. (IN LOS ANGELES, YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO RICH OR TOO THIN. SHE WAS NEITHER.) SHE IS TOTALLY GORGEOUS, SO THIS REALLY UPSET ME. I MADE A CARD FOR HER WITH A BEAUTIFUL, VOLUPTUOUS WOMAN LYING NAKED UNDER A TREE. SHE WAS TOTALLY CONFIDENT IN HER BEAUTY. BEHIND HER, THREE ANORECTIC NYMPHS WERE DANCING AND LOOKING SPITEFULLY AND ENVIOUSLY OVER THEIR SHOULDERS AT HER. THE CAPTION READ, "SO YOU'RE A GODDESS, NOT A NYMPH! GO, GODDESS!" SHE LOVED IT. A FRIEND SAW IT, AND SUGGESTED I GO TO SEE HER COUSINS IN L.A. WHO HAD AN ONLINE CLOTHING STORE FOR PLUS-SIZED YOUNG WOMEN. SHE THOUGHT THEY WOULD LOVE THE CARDS. THEY DID. THEY ASKED ME TO DESIGN A LINE OF CARDS FOR THEM IN 67 WEEKS TIME, THAT THEY COULD TAKE WITH THEM TO A BBW CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. I DID. THAT IS HOW I GOT STARTED. ONCE I STARTED, I NEVER STOPPED. IT BECAME MY PASSION. BECAUSE I REALIZED THAT THERE ARE MANY WOMEN OUT THERE WHO ARE ASHAMED OF THEIR BODIES FOR SOME REASON OR ANOTHER, AND I WANTED TO TELL THEM, IN MY CARDS, THAT THEY ARE GORGEOUS, AND THAT THEY SHOULD LIVE THEIR LIVES WITH JOY AND PASSION.

LargeInCharge.com: How did your company get its name?

Goddess Cards: I WAS HARD PRESSED TO COME UP WITH A LINE OF 8 CARDS WITHIN 6 WEEKS. SO I TOOK THE NAME "GODDESS CARDS' FROM MY FIRST CARD FOR AMANDA - '" SO YOU'RE A GODDESS, NOT A NYMPH." IT WASN'T UNTIL LATER THAT I REALIZED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS NAME, AND GREW INTO IT.

LargeInCharge.com: Does your company have a motto or slogan; and what does it mean?

 

Goddess Cards: GODDESS CARDS - "BECAUSE EVERY WOMAN IS A GODDESS!" I THINK THE MEANING IS SELF EVIDENT. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT EVERY WOMAN IS A GODDESS. EVEN THOUGH SHE MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT. SHE NEEDS TO RECLAIM HER DIVINITY, BECAUSE IT IS THERE!

LargeInCharge.com: How long have you been in business?

 

Goddess Cards: 5 YEARS.

LargeInCharge.com: Tell us about your products for people of size?

Goddess Cards: ALL OF MY CARDS. NOT EVERY WOMAN DEPICTED IN THE CARDS IS A WOMAN OF SIZE. THIS IS BECAUSE I BEGAN TO GET LETTERS FROM WOMEN WHO WERE THIN, OR NOT WELL ENDOWED, BEGGING ME TO REMEMBER THAT THEY WERE GODDESSES TOO.

BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT TOTALLY, NOW MY CARDS ATTEMPT TO SHOW ALL KINDS OF WOMEN. HOWEVER, THE FEELING AND THOUGHT BEHIND EVERY CARD IS FOR EVERY WOMAN. I NO LONGER THINK OF WOMEN IN TERMS OF THEIR SIZE. I THINK OF THEM AS GODDESSES IN WAITING. THAT IS WHAT I SPEAK TO. NOT THEIR SIZE. IT IS TO THAT DIVINE SPARK IN EVERY WOMAN, REGARDLESS OF SIZE, SHAPE, ETHNICITY. I CONFESS HOWEVER THAT MOST OF MY WOMEN ARE WELL ENDOWED. THAT IS BECAUSE I LOVE TO PAINT AND DRAW CURVY WOMEN. I FIND THEM SO BEAUTIFUL...

LargeInCharge.com: What made you decide to make this/these products?

Goddess Cards: MY DAUGHTER AMANDA, AND SIZE-APPEAL, THE ONLINE CLOTHING STORE AT FIRST. NOW, I CREATE THE CARDS FOR ALL WOMEN. BECAUSE I KNOW VERY FEW WOMEN WHO DO NOT HAVE ISSUES WITH THEIR SIZE - WHATEVER IT MAY BE. I WANT TO STRESS THAT, IF YOU ARE A HEALTHY SIZE FOR YOUR BODY TYPE AND PERSONA, YOU ARE GORGEOUS. (I DO NOT WISH TO AFFIRM TOTALLY UNHEALTHY LIFE STYLES, THAT THREATEN THE VERY LIFE OF A WOMAN. BUT SO OFTEN, THAT KIND OF COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR STEMS FROM LOW SELF-ESTEEM. THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO SHORE UP, AND
AFFIRM.)

LargeInCharge.com: Who designed the item/items?

Goddess Cards: ME.

LargeInCharge.com: Are you currently looking for other products for people of size to add to your company?

Goddess Cards: NO. I HAVE ALL I CAN HANDLE TO GET MY OWN PRODUCT OUT.


LargeInCharge.com: What is the style of your products, what are the different types?

Goddess Cards: MY PAINTINGS ARE RICH AND DETAILED. OFTEN BASED IN MYTHOLOGY, IN THE CASE OF THE LEGENDARY GODDESS LINE.

THEY ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT FROM THE USUAL CARDS YOU SEE IN CARD SHOPS TODAY, WHICH ARE OFTEN MINIMALIST, OR CREATED WITH STICK-ONS OR COLLAGE - WHICH IS FREQUENTLY DONE BY SWEATSHOPS IN ASIA. MY CARDS ARE UNIQUE IN THAT THEY REPRESENT A UNIQUE VISION OF WOMEN. AND THAT IS THAT THEY ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL, AND EVERY ONE IS CREATED BY ME, WITH MUCH THOUGHT AND LOVE. I THINK IT IS MY LOVE FOR THE WOMEN I SPEAK TO THAT MAY MAKE THEM DIFFERENT.

LargeInCharge.com: Does you company affiliate with any distribution companies?

Goddess Cards: YES. NEW LEAF DISTRIBUTING, CO.

LargeInCharge.com: Do you have a website and a hardcopy catalog?

Goddess Cards: YES. WWW.GODDESSCARDS.COM AND I HAVE CATALOG SHEETS.  I DO NOT HAVE A HARD--BOUND CATALOG, BECAUSE THE LINE IS GROWING TOO FAST.

LargeInCharge.com: How do we obtain a hard copy catalog?

Goddess Cards: YOU ASK FOR IT.

LargeInCharge.com: Tell us about any up & coming products for people of size?

Goddess Cards: I HAVE JUST DONE A CARD FOR WOMEN FIGHTING BREAST CANCER, CALLED "BEAUTIFUL DANCER". IT IS A CELEBRATION OF THE SPIRIT OF WOMEN WHO ARE CONFRONTING THAT DISEASE. I AM HOPING TO FINISH A LINE I JUST STARTED, BASED ON THE WORK OF DR. WAYNE W. DYER, CALLED "THE POWER OF INTENTION." I HAVE ALREADY DONE THE FIRST ONE, CALLED "LOVE IN ACTION." THERE ARE ALWAYS CARDS COMING DOWN THE PIKE. AND AS I SAID, THEY ARE FOR ALL WOMEN - INCLUDING WOMEN OF SIZE. THESE HUGE ISSUES ARE NOT SIZE-LIMITED. I WAS AMAZED TO FIND THAT FRIENDS OF MY DAUGHTERS, WHO ARE SLENDER, ACCOMPLISHED, AND BEAUTIFUL, SO OFTEN FEEL UGLY AND INADEQUATE. NOT ENOUGH. THAT IS WHAT I TRY TO COMBAT - FOR ALL WOMEN.

LargeInCharge.com: Overall, What are your best sellers?

Goddess Cards: YOU GO, GIRL. THREE GRACES. JUMP FOR JOY. GYPSY HEART.  KUAN YIN. DEMETER. THERE ARE MANY...

LargeInCharge.com: Has your item/items ever been showcased on Television or in Print?

Goddess Cards: NOT YET ON TV. I DID HAVE A NICE REVIEW IN THE NEW AGE RETAILER LAST YEAR. AND I HAVE HAD LOCAL COVERAGE IN OUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER. I NEED TO DO MORE WORK ON THAT.

LargeInCharge.com: What are the ordering options that customers have?

Goddess Cards: THEY CAN ORDER ONLINE, IF THERE IS NO STORE LOCALLY THAT CARRIES MY LINE. OR THEY CAN GO TO MY WEBSITE, CHOOSE WHAT THEY LIKE, AND ORDER FROM ME DIRECTLY, USING MY EMAIL ADDRESS. THEY CAN PAY BY VISA TO ME. OR THEY CAN PAY BY VISA OR MASTERCARD THROUGH MY WEBSITE.

LargeInCharge.com: How long does it take for a purchase to be received?

Goddess Cards: IT DEPENDS ON CUSTOMS AT THE BORDER. I USUALLY SHIP THE CARDS FIRST CLASS. (SHIPPING IS CHARGED AT COST.) IT USUALLY TAKES 7-10 DAYS TO THE USA. IN CANADA, IT TAKES ABOUT 5 DAYS.

LargeInCharge.com: What are your refund options if an item is not satisfactory for a person of size?

Goddess Cards: NOBODY HAS EVER ASKED FOR A REFUND.

LargeInCharge.com: What are the most important elements to creating a product for people of size? Quality, decoration, style, colors?

Goddess Cards: QUALITY. BEAUTY. COLOR. HEART. ALL OF THE ABOVE. I SPEAK AS AN ARTIST, OF COURSE.

LargeInCharge.com: Do you feel more companies will start catering to people of size?

Goddess Cards: I CERTAINLY HOPE SO. THE DOVE CAMPAIGN JUST CAUGHT UP WITH ME THIS YEAR.

LargeInCharge.com: Would you say the reaction from the Plus Sized community has been positive?

Goddess Cards: VERY MUCH SO. I HAVE HAD LETTERS FROM WOMEN FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TELLING ME THAT THEY WERE OVERJOYED TO SEE CARDS THAT SHOWED THEM IN SUCH A LOVING AND POSITIVE LIGHT. ONE WOMAN WROTE ME FROM RORATANGA, AND SAID "THAT LOOKS LIKE ME DANCING ON THE BEACH!" BUT THAT CARD SELLS TO WOMEN FROM ALL OVER. NOT JUST RORATANGA!

LargeInCharge.com: How has the internet helped your business?

Goddess Cards: IT IS BEGINNING TO GROW. IT HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME, THOUGH. BUT I BELIEVE IT IS COMING.

LargeInCharge.com: What can the readers at LargeInCharge do to help support your business?

Goddess Cards: BUY MY PRODUCT. TELL THEIR FRIENDS ABOUT IT. GET THE WORD OUT THAT EVERY WOMAN IS A GODDESS, AND THERE IS A CARD COMPANY OUT THERE THAT CELEBRATES THAT.

Thank you for Reading The LargeInCharge Feature

Please send thoughts and comments to

articles@largeincharge.com

Cover Model of the Month

Stacey Mclean - ThicChic

Stacey Mclean - ThicChic

Interview with Stacey Mclean - ThicChic

LargeInCharge.com: What is your name?

My name is Stacey, and My webname is Thikchic.

LargeInCharge.com: Where are you from and what is your current Location?

I'm from Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada. Also known as "WINTERPEG". I was born and raised in a small town about 11 minutes from the American border, most of my family resides back in the country. My town consisted of a little over 600 people and I grew up on a grain and cattle farm.

LargeInCharge.com: Can you give us some information about yourself (Age, Height, Size, Nationality, Marital Status, Children, etc.)?

I just turned 23 in March, I am 5'7 and around 295 lbs. I'm a bit of a mutt when it comes to nationality, I'm a mix of everything. Half french, part icelandic, part scottish, part english. I'm currently single and looking!

LargeInCharge.com: Were you a big child, or did you gain weight later in life?

I was always a large child, starting from around the time I was 5. My parents slowly started noticing me filling out around that time and I was always the biggest girl in my classes. I remained chunky through high school maintaining at around 240lbs, and through university I sat at around 220lbs. In the past two years I've added my extra weight mostly because I stopped starving myself. I used to eat once a day and work out when I weighed 220lbs. Now I eat what I want, when I want and I love myself.

LargeInCharge.com: (If you were a big child) How did you feel growing up as a large child?

It was very hard being the largest kid in all my classes. I was also painfully shy so that didn't help much. Fortunately my town was small enough that the kids in my classes all felt very close to each other and I received minimal teasing because of my size.
 

LargeInCharge.com: What made you decide to enter the LargeInCharge model search?

I was e-mailed by a fellow bbw webmodel named "Destiny" and told about the model search and she suggested I enter. I entered that same day, and was quite surprised to be picked!!

LargeInCharge.com: Do you have any experience in modeling? If so tell us about what you have done.

My first modeling experience was when I was 19 for a morning talk show here in Winnipeg. I used to work for a plus size clothing company and they contacted me to model for a stint on TV to promote their clothing. I accepted and we had a lot of fun showing off their excellent clothing and our fabulous curves! After that I entered a few plus size model searches, but never won. In August of 2005 I was inspired by the beautiful webmodels on fat-forums and dimensionsmagazine and soon decided I wanted to open up a bbw website. My site thikchic was opened by the end of October. So far its been a lot of fun, and a great learning experience. Its helped me become even more comfortable in my own skin and I'm proud to be a part of the bbw webmodel representatives.

LargeInCharge.com: It takes a lot of confidence to model... What has given you the confidence you have?

I've always been proud of who I am since entering adulthood that confidence has never been an issue for me. I stopped comparing myself to others and started looking at how great I really was. I was different from all my friends because of my size and I soon realized that that in itself was an asset. I didn't want to be like everyone else. I've always found women that are larger to be the most beautiful creatures on earth and am so pleased to be one of them. I realized that I would never been 120 lbs because my body wasn't built like that and acceptance is half the battle.

LargeInCharge.com: Did you find it a hard journey to be accepted for your size?

Fortunately no, I've had boyfriends that appreciated my size and always made me feel beautiful. Half my family is large, so I was never an outcast and I have the most supportive friends and circle of "fat" girlfriends that I could ever ask for. My best friend Brandy has been a great supporter in my "larger then life" career. She has supported me from day 1 and even takes my pictures for my website.

LargeInCharge.com: Do you find acceptance among your family and friends?

Absolutely. My mom always comments on how I'm "overly proud" of my chubby figure. I find the best way to ease people and to open up to someone is to make little jokes about yourself. It seems to let people know that you're not ashamed of yourself and you are fully away of your plus size body. Instead of feeling ashamed and humiliated when you're shopping with your girlfriends in a regular size store, pull out a skimpy little top - hold it up against your fleshy curves and say something like "What the heck! I'd need about 4 of these to fit over my chest!"

LargeInCharge.com: What would you say inspires you most in life?

The thing that inspires me the most is my family and my friends. I've been surrounded by fabulous full-figured women all my life, and they have always inspired me to be myself and be proud.

LargeInCharge.com: What is your primary job?

I'm a cosmetology, esthetics, makeup art and hairdressing student. I'm fairly close to being done my schooling and I'm hoping to open up my own salon someday. I quite enjoy making people feel better about themselves. I wish more people believed in themselves physically and if I can help one person feel beautiful for a day, its all worth it. My website is something I do on the side.

LargeInCharge.com: How did you get into this line of work?

I was introduced to fat-forums by a great friend of mine who also happens to be a Fat Admirer. He thought I would make a great webmodel and would thoroughly enjoy it. I posted a few pictures of myself on the forums, and was contacted by another webmodel and her husband and she offered to build a website for me. My friend Martin took me under his wing for the first 4 months and really showed me the ropes and the mind of an FA. He filmed my videos and took my pictures whenever he could. I am so thankful to him for everything he did.

LargeInCharge.com: Do you find acceptance in the work force?

I've never had an issue with acceptance in the work force. The most fulfilling job I ever had was working for a plus-size clothing company as a sales representative. At the end of the day, there was nothing more satisfying that watching a young full-figured girl walk out of the store with a smile on her face. I worked with many interesting plus size ladies, and it was great to have a group of friends who REALLY understood what it was like to be big.

LargeInCharge.com: What changes do you believe should take place for Large People in the work force?

I believe there should be less stereotypes about large people. Most of us are perceived as lazy, not in control of our lives and that is simply not the case. There are people like me and probably many people who are reading this who simply enjoy being larger. We like the way it feels, the way it looks and how it makes us feel.

LargeInCharge.com: What do you think about the fashion industry for big sized clothing?

I have seen many EXCELLENT clothing lines for plus size fashion, but many of them originate from the United States and I have limited access to them. I think there needs to be more funky, diva, sexy clothing for younger large women in Canada.

LargeInCharge.com: Where do you regular shop for your clothing?

I regularly shop for clothing anywhere that carries plus size. I frequently check out Addition-Elle, Cotton Ginny, Rickis, Wal-Mart, and Penningtons as well as many online stores like biggalslingerie.com and lanebryant.com, babyphat.com, sizeappeal.com

LargeInCharge.com: What do you wish to see change with the fashion industry?

I wish to see stores open specifically for plus size women aged 18-30. It seems recently plus sized clothing stores have expanded their stock on younger fashions, but always seem to be behind the fashion industry by a year or so. I'd like to see updated hip clothing and clothing to make us feel sexy. Lets accent our features with the clothes we wear and show off our beautiful curves! If we stop hiding behind baggy pants and oversized t-shirts, perhaps society will view larger women differently.

LargeInCharge.com: What changes do you think will happen if plus sized modeling for men and women were to expand?

An incredible amount would change if plus size modeling industry were to expand. Unfortunately young adults and teenagers are influenced by the fashion industry in terms of body size. If larger men and women were being displayed in fashion magazine and runways, young people would soon realize that you don't have to be 110 pounds to be beautiful. They would stop starving themselves and being obsessed with their bodies.

LargeInCharge.com: Tell us some of the places you buy your clothing from.

The two main places I buy my clothing from are Addition-Elle and Penningtons. They both carry a line of clothing known as MXM which specializes in younger fashions. They have also started carrying sexier lingerie and bras. They have a wide variety of casual and career clothing as well.

LargeInCharge.com: Look at Size acceptance five years ago... look at size acceptance now. What changes do you see?

I see a huge difference in the way people are starting to look at larger people. Recently there have been articles and news reports about how obese society has become and all the physical dangers of that. I've also noticed larger celebrities coming forward and expressing their confidence and pride about being plus size, which I believe has been giving the plus size community a positive image despite all the press.

LargeInCharge.com: What changes do you think will happen five years from now with size acceptance?

I believe that "fat is the new black". Size acceptance is growing larger everyday, and in five years we will be noticing a much more confident spread of teenagers and pre-teens who will hopefully carry that confidence into future generations.

LargeInCharge.com: Tell us about your goals as far as modeling and other interests.

My modeling goals are very simple. I want to do the very best I can possibly do. I want to gain exposure by self-promotion and learn the tricks of the webmodel business. Day by day I learn a little more, and piece by piece I incorporate it into my career. It takes time to master the arts of photography, lighting, advertising and the countless computer related skills...but I am more then eager and willing to do so.

LargeInCharge.com: Give us a sentence that inspires you.

To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act. - Anatole France (french novelist 1844-1924) Anatole has inspired me with this quote for many years and it keeps me remembering that I must act on my dreams and make them my reality.

LargeInCharge.com: Can you tell us about an inspirational moment in you life that made you feel good about your size.

There are so many...its hard to pick only one. I would have to say

LargeInCharge.com: Is there a person in your life that makes you keep going?

There are many wonderful people in my life that keep me going. Most of all is my friend Brandy. She has always been supportive and understand about everything I've done in the past. She has been a god send in helping me with my website. She encourages me, gives me ideas, and does anything she can to help me succeed.

LargeInCharge.com: What advice would you give to other people of size who want to model?

I would say go for it!! Get your face out there and start talking to people. Its a fun and exciting career and is very rewarding.

LargeInCharge.com: What plus size figure do you admire?

I really admire curvy figures. I find figures with large hips quite attractive, it really doesn't make a difference what size tag they wear... but the shape itself. There are COUNTLESS webmodel figures that I admire many of which are smaller bbws, and many which are SSBBWs

LargeInCharge.com: What would you like to tell the LargeInCharge readers about yourself.

I would like to tell the readers that I am very much an everyday person. I grew up as a tomboy on a farm in a very small town and I couldn't be happier to be representing this magazine. It is all very surreal to me and it was all possible because of you, the readers.

LargeInCharge.com: Describe yourself with one word.

Loyal.

Thank you to UberRussmanDesigns for Being ???? Design Sponsor

Thank you for Finding out more about our Cover Model

Please send thoughts and comments to

articles@largeincharge.com

Raqui's Spot

This months Subject:

Summer Time and your Big Body

articles@largeincharge.com

Summer Time and your Big Body

 

     THE HEAT!!!! is it hot enough for you yet?  Heat waves and humidity are affecting everyone.  Some of us are running outside to get away from the heat.  Others are sitting inside hoping to stay cool.  Either way the summer time heat will affect your body in different ways.  Moisture gets trapped into fold's, heat bumps and rashes sometimes occur. Going outside all the time? You might earn yourself a sunburn.  What summer products are best for every big person to have.  I have collected some helpful tips and products that will help you deal with summer time and keep your body comfortable.

 

Some of these Items I have recommended in past issues but they are so good I have to do it again!

 

	Noxzema is an old product and most of you know it as an acne fighter.  But many of you don't know that Noxzema is great for Sunburns.  It cools the skin down keeps it moisturized and heals it quickly.  So keep some on hand during the summer
Vagisil Powder	I have used this in the most sticky, wet humid weather and I still smell and feel great. It keeps you dry with out chafing your skin. I used to switch between creams and powders to prevent my skin from becoming dry. Especially under breasts and belly. Still I dealt with chafing and dryness that was uncomfortable and painful at times. With this powder I no longer have to suffer.
	Cortaid is a brand of Hydrocortisone cream. But you don't have to stick to this brand.  As long as the cream is a 1.0% Hydrocortisone cream your good to go. I have even found Hydrocortisone cream at the 99 cent stores.  It usually cost between two to four dollars at any drugstore. This cream is great for heat rashes and rashes in private area due to moisture and rubbing.  It is perfect for insect bites and rashes from allergies etc.  It can be bought over the counter.  I personally like the cream better than the petroleum based one.
	Winter time is not the only time our lips suffer.  The heat and sun causes damage to our lips as well.  The skin is so delicate that it needs special protection. I use Blistex medicated all year long it is great for the small cracks you sometimes get.  It keeps them moist all day.  I apply after my bath at night and in the morning after I brush my teeth.  I keep it in my pocket and instead of licking my lips I use my blistex. www.blistex.com  I like Blistex medicated lip balm, lip ointment, and lip medex the best.
	I like the Coleman coolers.  Especially this type.  I use them as a seat on the beach and they hold up great.  This particular model is 56 gallons, has wheels so it is easy to roll, and a plug at the bottom you can pull out to drain it easy.  you can get it at any Kmart, Wal-Mart for about $30.00.  There are bigger models also, I suggest you don't go below a 56 gallon if you plan on using it as a seat like I do.  It is another convince you can have when traveling.
BUY YOUR MAXXDADDY NOW I have used my MaxxDaddy this summer and it stays in my vehicle at all times.  It is not very heavy and I was able to set it up and put it away quite easy.  Having a comfortable and strong place to sit at all times has made this summer much more fun.
	I have always used a towel wrapped around my neck. But this item that I found last year is much better.  It wraps around your neck and keep you nice and cool.  Below are websites you can purchase items like this. Neck Cooler -  http://sparklingearth.com/products.asp?category=100034 Neck Cooler -  http://pages.prodigy.net/volksware/volksware/cobber.htm

    

Raqui

Thank you for Reading Raqui's Spot

Please send thoughts and comments to

articles@largeincharge.com

Russell's Review

Big World Character Review

     My mission here at Large In Charge is to finally answer those questions that we may never even realize to ask. Characters that are often portrayed in movies, shows, cartoons, and everything else that portray anything relating to the BBW /BHM community. You ever wonder why there are no big people in the matrix. I mean what, No body eats there? They can't blame it the food. Or why we're always under some type of scrutiny whether we realize it or not. I'm here to finalize all answers and give you nothing but a honest accurate opinion about characters portrayed in such entities.

articles@largeincharge.com

Michael Clarke Duncan

Whole Nine Yards 

Dare Devil 

Michael Clarke Duncan: 

     Some of you know him as “The Kingpin” in the horrible movie adaptation DareDevil, he played a good character in the movie. Everyone else is to blame. And Most of you know him as “John Coffey” in the Green Mile ( Very Good Movie ).  The Movie where he was put in a prison of the same name of the movie. Who had special abilities from above. “Faith healing” they called it.

     He was raised by his single mother in Chicago, In the South Side. He grew up around drugs, alcohol you know the works. Fortunately he was one of the ones who hasn’t succumb to the dark side of the world. He really didn’t want to concentrate on being in school. He wanted to play football for his high school. Unfortunately his mother would not let him because she was afraid of him being hurt. So he followed another direction Acting, his dream.

     He graduated from his high school then went into college. He had a job at a gas company digging ditches for them. Sooner or later he ended up quitting that job and just headed into Hollywood. He worked as a bodyguard. ( Big surprise ) He is a big dude. 

     During that time he often landed small roles in movies and shows. But in 1998 he landed his role in the hit movie Armageddon, The movie about an earth shattering asteroid was on a collision course towards our planet.” Nothing would survive the hit, Not even bacteria “. –an excerpt from the movie. He played along side one of my favorite actors Bruce Willis. But his big epic performance was in the movie Green Mile. Explained in the top of the article. He has done a hell of a lot of movies, shows, cameos. I mean if you look at his resume, you would see a lot of roles he played. From the Planet of the Apes, to the Scorpion King.

     He as you might be able to tell is a big positive in the BBW / BHM community. He has achieved a lot in his lifetime yet he seems to be a humble person.  As we all can see he is a big person.  This means that anyone can do just the same no matter how big or how small, what is your race and color, how wide, long, you know, whatever you think is a depreciative factor of yourself. That you can make it as well as everyone else. I think that he is a very funny guy as well. Just his reactions alone in certain situations just set the mood for comedies. You can check out some of his more funnier roles in “the whole 9 yards” and his latest role “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”. He a big Plus.

     Again thank everyone for your submissions. Thanks for reading. And I'll see you next month.

Thank you for Reading Russell's Review

Please send thoughts and comments to

articles@largeincharge.com

This months Subject:

This months Subject:

New BBW BHM Opportunities

New BBW BHM Opportunites

     We here at LargeInCharge always get some of the most interesting email.  This month with my girl Raq's help I have been able to get some of the great opportunities for BBW's and BHM's.  This is a mix and match of some of the most recent news going around the net.  Hope you enjoy and take advantage of some of the great things going on.

Sweet Dreamz Plus Sized Calendar Model Casting

THE SWEET DREAMZ PLUS SIZE CALENDAR IS BACK FOR 2007. Our ladies have graced television and print, letting the world know that the Plus-Size woman can be a sex symbol. 

 

OPEN PLUS-SIZE MODEL CASTING – Aug, 20th 2006  12PM – 4PM

 

WOMEN – SIZES 14 AND UP

MEN – BHM ( BIG HANDSOME MEN)  BTM (BIG TALL MEN)

Auditions are open to MEN AND WOMEN.

• WOMEN – 2007 SWEET DREAMZ PLUS-SIZE/BBW CALENDAR. 
• WOMEN AND MEN – FOR BLACQUE SOUTHERLAND’S  UPCOMING PLUS –SIZE /BBW “PIN-UP BOOK”  (name tba)-release fall 2007
• WOMEN AND MEN – PLUS-SIZE/BBW FASHION SHOW  IN SEPTEMBER 2006.

 REGISTRATION FEE: $10.00.

OPEN MODEL CASTING CALL – Things to know:

 

•  HSSA, INC  has no height  requirements to be considered as print model .

• HSSA,INC does not require participants to have any formal modeling experience to be considered.

• You must bring a (head shot and body shot) or comp card with you to the Model Call (the photo will not be returned).

• The audition will consist of you showing the judges your runway walk (4 min. max audition time) .

•  No appointment is necessary to audition. You may come at any time during the time slot 12pm -4pm.

• MODELS PARTICIPATE ON A ‘VOLUNTEER’ BASIS. Non-monetary packages are given to the models chosen to participate In these projects

AUGUST 20^TH, 2006

 

URBAN IMAGEZ STUDIO/FIRE MAGAZINE

208 PARKSIDE AVE. 2^ND FL.

Brooklyn new york

BETWEEN OCEAN AVE AND FLATBUSH AVE.

Click here to see the 2006 SWEET DREAMZ CALENDAR SITE  also check out

SMOOTHZPRODUCTIONS
For further information call 718-455-4453  or contact us via email: hssainc@aol.com  or models@sweetdreamzcalendar.com

Diva for a Day Pamper Party

Host: denise@blissfulelegance.com

Location: The Event Loft

15 W 28th Street Suite 10B, New York, NY View Map

When: Saturday, August 12, 11:00am

Cost: $75.00 per person

Isn’t it time to relax, renew, and rejuvenate?

Hit the Salon get a mani and a pedi

Have a massage, get a sip and then I’m ready Gotta take time out And my real ladies know what I’m talking about It’s just one of those Days!

Take a tip from Miz Whitney and experience the Ultimate Spa Experience at an upscale Manhattan loft with Blissful Elegance’s first annual Diva for a Day event!

Diva for a Day will celebrate curvaceous women and their fabulous friends with a day of pampering that will include:

• Spa treatments by Expectations Spa 1/2 hour massage & Facials

• Complimentary appetizers and cocktails

• A Diva "Duffle" with over $50.00 worth of products and information

• Other "INTERESTING" Surprises

• Special signature cheesecake from Annie Mae’s Cheesecake

• Fashion show, produced by Gwen DeVoe of DeVoe Signature Events, featuring designs by Diva Shop and  Michi Knitwear

• Robbyne Kaamil will sign copies of her new book Real Divas Don’t Burn Out • A Special signature Scent by TruButter

• Delicious Desserts by Debbie’s Soulful Sweets

• Image Consulting by A New You Image

• Question and answer session with "The Professor"

• Just added Bombay Sapphire

Diva for a Day will be hosted by hilarious comedian Robbyne Kaamil, author of Real Divas Don’t Burn Out: A Modern Woman’s Guide to Stress, Drama and Everyday Fools.

A portion of the proceeds from Diva for a Day will be donated to The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization.

http://bedivaforadayny.mollyguard.com

Ms. Full Figured New York Pageant

JT Productions Presents

Ms. Full Figured New York Pageant

 

Come on out to the Ms. Full Figured New York Pageant. Who will be crowned he next Ms. Full Figured New York and win over $5,000.00 in Cash and Prizes.

Sunday August 13, 2006

Holiday Inn Midtown

440 West 57th street, midtown NY, New York

 

doors Open 4 PM show time at 5pm SHARP

VIP seating $80.00

General Seating $40.00

At the Door $50.00

 

Celebrity Judges Panel

Phillip Whitney - Actor

Lisa Durden - Talk show host

Beauty Deep Couture - Designer

and many more

Your Host Tyrone Shablis and Kyle Amercrombie

 

For More information call: 1-973-372-1064

Email: JTPROD@aol.com

BBW Philly Pageant

Applications now being accepted for our 7th annual BBW pageant
 

Sunday September 24, 2006

Gallerie ISADA - Philadelphia, PA USA

www.wilkesproductions.com

Contact us for an entry form or
Click here to enter online
Compete for our largest prize ever
of cash and prizes!

Just added, 3 days - 2 nights vacation in one of 9 different resorts...

Following our all day event the "Full Figure Market Expo"
an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products or services to the general public and the plus size community

Click here for Expo information

Thank you for Reading Jay's Spot

Please send thoughts and comments to

articles@largeincharge.com

Papi's Peace

This month's Article:

How to Mack Part III

How to Mack - Part III: Eye See What U Mean 

Macking is the game and everybody's playing

And as long as you believe what they saying

Consider the a M.A.C.K. and with no delay

They are gonna get all the play

Ice Cube - “Who’s The Mack”

     OK. For the past couple of months we have been learning the art of macking, or how to socially approach members of the opposite sex. Up to this point we have been preparing, practicing, and training. Last month we covered: having a positive mental state, considering your physical appearance, choosing an appropriate venue, playing to your strengths, and again, practice.

     As you socialize more, gain confidence, and become comfortable, you will be able to approach anyone anywhere. Even so, it is ALWAYS good to get a leg up, be properly informed, and gather insight. Wouldn’t it be easier to know that someone has an interest in you before you approach them for conversation? There are many tips to attraction, but let’s focus on numero uno . . . the eyes. It has been said the eyes are the window to the soul. Eyes tell no lies. This is true. There are physical behaviors ones eyes display that can be uncontrollable signs regarding someone’s feelings. It has also been scientifically proven that increased eye contact increases conversation. ("Here's Looking At You" Has New Meaning: Eye Contact Shown To Affect Conversation Patterns, Group Problem-Solving Ability - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/11/021122073858.htm )  So the importance of PROPER eye contact cannot be overstated. That is why this month’s Peace is entirely dedicated to the eyes.

     Three things about your eyes to consider from the get-go: The pupils of our eyes dilate and get bigger when we see something we're attracted to, larger, dilated pupils are seen as more attractive than smaller, contracted pupils (Pupil Size, Affect and Exposure Frequency - http://www.sbp-journal.com/journal_detail/561 . Hess, E. H. (1965). Attitude and pupil size. Scientific American, 212, 46-54), and we like people that like us.

     When we see someone or something we like, our pupils dilate and grow larger. This is an involuntary and uncontrollable physiological occurrence. It is almost like our eyes are getting bigger to take in more of the pleasant scenery. So a lot of times you can tell if someone is interested in you by the growth and expansion of their pupils. At the same time, if you see a woman’s pupils contract while looking at you, she may be not be attracted to you. I say a lot of times and may because different factors may be at play, including the bright sun or dim lighting. Also be cognizant of the person’s original pupil size, which can be different for different people. This can still be a sign that you have already piqued her interest.

     My second two points tie in together. Scientific studies have shown that dilated pupils are more attractive than contracted ones. Therefore, there is a cyclical nature to this whole process. A young lady finds you attractive. As she looks at you, her eyes contract. When look back at her, she looks more attractive because of the contracted pupils, and your pupils contract. See how it works? Pretty cool, huh? That is why I say we like those that like us. Besides that, it’s general common sense. When someone likes you, it makes you feel good. It strokes your ego. It boosts your self esteem and confidence. Remember Papi’s entire goal here is to boost your confidence, right? So, if you want someone to like you, simply like them.

     Now, using these principals look at different situations and understand them better. Why is a candlelit dinner so romantic? The ambience? Think about that. A very dimly lit room causes the pupils to dilate and both people become more attractive to each other. Throw in some wine to enhance the effect. Yes, alcohol dilates the pupils and relaxes you, making you become more uninhibited. Great scene, isn’t it?

     A couple more visual indicators of interest? Blinking. Quick blinking usually indicates discomfort. Slower blinking indicates relaxation. When you first look at her, does she disconnect the contact quickly, without emotion on her face? She may not be interested. Does she look down, then look away? Chances are she is feeling you!

     Now don’t let these tricks interfere with your overall mission to have pleasant eye contact. You do not want to stare. That makes people uncomfortable. Don’t look for more than a few seconds. Pay attention to her eye and brow movements. Notice the smile of acknowledgement and return it back to her.

     You have effectively found someone that is probably interested in you and have made them more comfortable and much more approachable. Half the job of meeting them is complete. Now, walk over to her and . . .

I will continue next month.

Have a great one and remember Papi loves you!

PEACE!

Thank you for Reading Papi's Peace

Please send thoughts and comments to

articles@largeincharge.com

Good 4 U Food

Recipes for Good... Healthy Food

By: Xander - The Food Dude

You got time to Lean, You got time to Clean

     I used to work for a chef that was obsessive compulsive about constantly cleaning the kitchen. At the time, while spending another Monday, the day we were to be off, cleaning and scubbing the kitchen down it seemed to be a little overkill. Ok, to be perfectly honest, it seemed to be a lot of overkill. Every time there would be a lull in the table setting or service, a kind-hearted, but very driven chef would remind us of the mantra, “You got time to Lean, You got time to Clean. Sometimes on a very rare occasion, it would come out softly like a whisper. Most often, it seemed more like a bark from an overbearing taskmaster. Point blank, the guy wasn’t Satan trying to make my life a living, raisin fingered hell. No, he was more interested in food safety and customer enjoyment.

     About two years after I started working for him, he started entailing with more responsibilities. Always the mantra at then end of every meeting. When I left the restaurant a few years later having finished grad school, I thought, “finally, no more mantra, no more raisin fingers !” After that I took a job as a head chef for a restaurant. The place was, to put it lightly, a mess. Worse yet, nobody there seemed to mind. I told the owner there was several concerns I had, the foremost being the cleanliness of the facility. He said that they had tried to keep things clean in the past but staff came and went so often that it was difficult to keep a schedule of duties beyond that of cooking. So I set about the next six months cleaning, teaching the staff to maintain skill and not compromise safety to themselves or the customer. After six months we almost were to a good point. At that point, I received another offer for a larger restaurant as the manager and took that position. After two weeks of being on the new job I went back to my former kitchen to find that everything was as if I had never been there. A month later they were shut down from a health department inspection and the owner decided to sell out.

     I find more and more the relevance of what I learned in the kitchen has even more relevance in my life. You got time to lean, You got time to clean isn’t just about the kitchen, it’s also about us. I’ve realized that in times when I get bored, its not that I don’t have anything to do, I’m avoiding what I have to do. Since those years gone by, I’ve realized that I can never complain about ever being bored. Life, Health, Love, Career, Family, each of them is a full time job. I have no right to say I’m bored. Its those time when I need to clean myself, get rid of some the garbage and dirt on me and in me. God knows there are always things that I can do better or be better at. I just have to be willing to look adjectively at myself and see what needs to be cleaned. I also learned the cleaning process is an everyday task, not just a once every six months. Unless it becomes an integral part of our lives it will never be a priority. Do I ever get bored ? I wish I had the time to get bored. Do I ever say the mantra in my kitchen. Count on it..

     These days whenever I get unfocused, I can almost hear that kind-hearted task master whispering his mantra in the back of my mind. He was right then, and now.

Until next time, many thanks for reading, and God Bless You All.
 

Xander - The Food Dude

Xander's Recipe of the Month

South Western Chili Chicken

Ingredients:

1 1/2 medium onions, chopped
3 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans with liquid
1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn with liquid
1 small can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)


Directions:

     In a slow cooker or Crock-Pot, add all ingredients except cilantro, combine well, and turn on high setting for two hours. Reduce to low setting and cook for additional 5 hours, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish each serving with 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional). Serve immediately.

 
Per Serving: 1 cup
Yield: 8 Cups
Calories: 174
Carbohydrate: 24 g
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 2 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Sodium: 79 mg
Fiber: 4 g

Thank you for Reading Good Food 4U