CurveInspire - Part 2

Seattle Pinup Dessi Devine’s Weight Loss Success Story!

March 21st, 2013

Skye

What moment or event started your weight loss journey?

I started after a Dr. appointment. I was fed up with the Dr. I had at the time. He wanted to prescribe me yet another pill to take care of symptoms I was having. A co-worker of mine told me about a Dr. that her cousin had gone to and spoke highly of. So I thought, I haven’t anything to loose. I was taking 6 pills a day and not feeling any better. The symptoms I was having were random severe stomach pain, irregular bowl concerns, sleeplessness, random dizzy spells, depression, anxiety, and leg & joint pain. I had a great experience with this Dr. He took the time and spent 2 hours with me on my first visit! After a full blood work up and long interview process to get my history we discovered I had a severely under active thyroid and food allergies. I changed my diet immediately which wasn’t easy, since my allergies were celiac (better known as gluten) and lactose (dairy!). He immediately put me on a thyroid medication to balance and help it work properly. Within 3 days, I was sleeping without pills, my stomach pain went away, I had energy, and my body didn’t hurt! I wanted to run a marathon!

What was your starting weight? What weight are you at now?

My starting weight was 258lbs! I am now at 185lbs and working to 165lbs as my healthy goal weight.

What was your thought process that made you decide to lose weight?

Health of course. I did not have a history of being over weight. Even with the weight gain I was not a lazy person. This caused a lot of frustration as to why I wasn’t loosing weight and I was only gaining. Once I realized it was my health that was affected, and the symptoms that were so painful subsided and allowed me to be more active, there was nothing to hold me back.

How did you stay motivated?

The diet change was a challenge. But I kept reminding myself that the foods I used to eat were hurting my body. I was feeling so good without it, I started to look at those foods as poison for me, so it was easy to stay away. I started a very easy 15 min exercise program 3 days a week in the morning.

What would you say is the most important factor in your weight loss?

The most important factor in my weight loss is definitely my health. I am off of the 6 pills that I was taking daily! I love to learn new recipes that include gluten free products and dairy free options. I view foods differently. Food was definitely an emotional thing for me. I had to learn to separate emotion from food, and see it more as a fuel and a means to live instead of something that will complete or fulfill me emotionally.

With my thyroid working properly my body was able to metabolize the food I was putting in it. This was a drastic change. More studies revealed a small mass in my Pituitary Gland which is found in your brain. This was scary. After research I found that this condition is common with women who have not had children by the age of 35. I am lucky that mine has not grown and is not considered a tumor at this time. This condition however, can cause to Stroke and Unexpected Brain Aneurysms. In a way it can be a silent killer if gone undetected. After more testing with a specialist, they discovered I have a condition called Hashimoto’s Thyroid-ism. This is a condition where your body attacks the hormones that the thyroid puts into the body. I am being treated with medication currently and am happy to report that my body is reacting positively to them. I have received excellent care through the Swedish Hospital Pituitary Center. I highly recommend that women get their thyroid tested with a simple blood test. They can also check your hormone levels that leads to your Pituitary Gland. With a simple MRI, they can detect any abnormalities.

Describe the diet or healthy eating plan you’re following. Do you allow cheat days?
Lifestyle Change! No Gluten and No Lactose. I pretty much eat a Vegan diet with white meats? Sounds contradictory but I lean towards Vegans products because I know there is no hidden dairy products. Vegetarian products tend to have a lot of wheat so I cant eat a lot of them. Everyday is a discovery, not a struggle. Its a state of mind.
My diet change was and still is emotional for me. I cried in the middle of a bakery that I hadn’t been to for a while when I realized, I couldn’t buy the carrot cake I always used to take to my grandmothers house. She has been gone for 12 years now, but it made me realize the emotion I attached to food.
I still keep away from baked goods. Even the Gluten/Lactose free ones!

What is you exercise plan like? What keeps you motivated?

Well being a Cabaret performer, I rehearse at least 1x a week with my troupe. Before a show, those rehearsals increase! I stick to my 3 days a week; I have found that it works for me. 5-7 days a week just burns me out and its not fun anymore so I wont stick with it. My workouts are what ever I am in the mood for. I have a bunch of different types of videos, so its like a candy basket to pick which one I want to do. I like videos that are fun, have more dancing, and aren’t too long. Most of my videos are 30-45 minutes. On days I wanna cheat, I have 4 different 15 min quick workout videos, so I make sure I at least do them if time or energy is short. I also just started a holistic Yoga class 1x a week, and I love it! It is much more meditative and not your regular “gym” workout. I feel recharged and relaxed when I am done, and I love it!

How do you feel about your curves now?

Honestly, I was in love with my curves when I was bigger. I had an adjustment period when I was loosing. I lost an average of 9lbs a month! It was drastic and coming off fast. I am working to get the tone I had before when I was more voluptuous. But everyday I tell myself a mantra…I start at the top of my head and I touch my body moving all the way to my toes. As I move down my body I tell myself, I love my hair – my beautiful hair, I love my face-my beautiful face…and so on. It helps with the mind body connection and helps to hear it. I learned it from my Yoga teacher and is a great start to my day.

How has your weight loss affected your pinup modeling and burlesque career?

Well, I had to buy new clothes! I did find that my weight loss was drastic enough that I wasn’t being recognized. My show clothes were too big and my once full DD breasts were merely a much less full C/D. Some of my fans were disappointed, as they were in love with the full figured Dessi, but when it all comes down to it I am on earth for me, and if I am not healthy then no one will have Dessi!

Check out Curvy Pinup Bootleg Betty’s Weight Loss Success Story!

March 16th, 2013

Skye

Will you please tell me and my CurveInspire readers your name, city you work in, and facebook or web link?

Hey everyone! My name is Bootleg Betty and I work out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. You can find me on facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/bootlegbettypinup

How long have you been a pinup/What got you into the world of pinup modeling?

I have been a pinup model since 2010 and I’ve loved every minute of it! I was stalking some profiles on facebook one night when I came across a gorgeous pinup photo of one of my friends and I absolutely fell in LOVE! I just had to do it. So I scheduled my first pinup shoot and it just went from there! My best friend and I recently joined forces and formed F&F Pinup Photography, so it’s nice to have my own personal photographer on hand. Find us at:
www.facebook.com/FFPinupPhotography

How did having curves affect you growing up?

I started getting “chunky” about my sophomore year of high school when gym class was no longer a requirement and vending machines appeared in the lunch room. Then I lost it all by the time graduation rolled around. I didn’t really have TOO hard of a time back then. But the pounds piled back on after my first monster was born, so the challenge was on to keep it off once and for all!

How do your curves help you in your career as a model/pinup model?

Oh, I would never be where I am today if I wasn’t a curvy chick! Once I started shooting and posting photos I noticed that people LOVED it! In fact, I think people look up to the idea that I will shoot in lingerie and throw the images out there for everyone to see. I have girls email me all the time asking how to become a plus-size model. I love helping other ladies see their true beauty and get out there to show it off!

What moment or event started your weight loss journey?

I happened to be channel surfing one day and I came across a program called “I Used to be Fat” on MTV. Sitting through this program and seeing someone who weighs 300 pounds lose over 100 pounds in one summer through diet and exercise made me realize, “I CAN DO THIS! What am I waiting for?” I have tried diet pills, crash diets, etc. but absolutely NOTHING works like good ‘ole healthy eating and activity. That day I made a vow to change my lifestyle. I started walking laps around my 5-acre property, I logged into MyFitnessPal to keep track of my food and exercise and the rest is history.

What was your starting weight? What weight are you at now?

Several months back I had hit the 199lb. mark and I said to myself, “Ok, I will NEVER get over 200lbs.” Well, 200 came and went. I finally hit 218lb. last fall and that was my breaking point! I felt so bad that I had let myself go so far and I finally did something about it.
After 4 hard months of work I have lost over 30lbs. and I’m currently down to 185lb. and falling. It feels SOOOO good to know that I will never be over 200lb again! Or even 190lb!

What was your thought process that made you decide to lose weight?

I told myself, “If everyone else can do it, so can I and nobody is going to stop me.” I have LOVED being a plus-size model but I’m ready to fit and healthy. I have gained so much willpower and that has helped me to stay on track.

How did you stay motivated?

PURE. WILLPOWER. And MyFitnessPal. That website/app keeps you honest. You log your food, water, exercise, weight, inches, etc. and it keeps track of everything! You can also add friends on there so there is always someone to hold you accountable. Also every time I thought about eating a 6lb brownie covered in chocolate sauce I pictured the body that I want, the body I’m working for, and that helped me through the craving (and so did sugar-free candy. ).

What would you say is the most important factor in your weight loss? Changed eating habits? Exercise? Changed thinking? Something else?

All of the above! You can’t expect to successfully lose weight (and KEEP IT OFF) unless you factor in everything. You can change your eating habits but you won’t get into shape without exercise. You can exercise and gain muscle but you will always have a blanket of chub over it unless you change your eating habits. And you can exercise and change your eating habits to lose weight but unless you change your thought process and make it a LIFESTYLE CHANGE than all of your lost weight will come right back. I believe that in order to lose weight you need to completely change your lifestyle. Do a kitchen cabinet overhaul. Toss out junk food and soda pop. Not only do you need to do that at home but you need to keep on your “diet” even while you’re away from home, which means fast food is a no-go. Have a turkey sandwich with mustard and no cheese from Subway instead of that cheap heart attack $1 special from McDonalds. Eat fresh!

Describe the diet or healthy eating plan you’re following. Do you allow cheat days?

Basically try to cut out processed foods and sugar. Stick to the outer aisles of the grocery store and try to buy foods with “only 1 ingredient” (eggs, milk, turkey, lean beef, whole wheat breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.). No soda! Drink water instead. Crystal Light is awesome if you don’t like the plain taste of water. Buy yourself a diet cookbook and cook healthy meals for the entire family. But you must remember to check your portions! For example, chicken is healthy and has very low calories per serving, but if you eat an ENTIRE chicken you aren’t helping yourself much! Again, jump on MyFitnessPal and it will assign you to a certain caloric intake for the day (1,200-1,500 calories per day). If you log EVERYTHING you eat than you will be on the right track.
And yes, yes, YES I allow myself a cheat meal every week! We will go and PIG OUT on mexican food once a week and not feel bad about it! I have even found that the carb overload will actually jumpstart my weight loss for the week. And man, do I really look forward to that meal! Mmmm.

What is you exercise plan like? What keeps you motivated?

I started small, like walking the property for 30 minutes a day. Once I did that I bumped it up a bit; walked faster and for a longer period of time. Then I throw in something different a couple of times a week, like riding a bike or jogging. I toss in some weight training if I can. I try to do a variety of cardio throughout the week so my body doesn’t adjust to one type of exercise and slow my weight loss down. Yes, it is hard to stay motivated but I just remember that if I STOP…then I may not want to start back up again. If you get the craving for a bike ride than DO IT! If you don’t than you’ll come up with some excuse or find something to watch on tv instead.

How do you feel about your curves now?

I’m happy! So super happy! I recently did my first photoshoot where I actually showed midriff instead of covering it up with a corset. I have a lot more work to do but I know I have made a huge start. Gotta keep it up! Nothing will stop me now from reaching my weight loss goals. And don’t let anyone stop you, either!

Meet German Plus Size Model Sandy Dietrich!

March 13th, 2013

Skye

Will you please tell me and my CurveInspire readers your name, city you work in, and facebook or web link?

My name is Sandy and I live in Freiburg in the Black Forest, Germany. I work in an advertising agency. My facebook page is http://www.facebook.de/curvysandy and I would love to meet all you sexy curvy ladies there!
How long have you been a model/what got you into plus size modeling?

In 2011 I took part in a beauty contest. ; wanted to be Miss Germany XXL. We had a whole week to prepare and we had to run some challenges, we had photo shoots, catwalk and dance training and a big makeover. Plus size modeling is so much better than size zero modeling. You do not go hungry and you do not have to be perfect. You can just be yourself. That’s why I love to be a plus size model. This business is a little hard for me, since I’m 2 cm too short – but I fight for it!!
How did having curves affect you growing up?

As you see I am curvy AND a redhead and you can easily imagine that this combination as a child was sometimes hard. Do you know Duracell alkaline batteries? The german advertising slogan was “with the copper head” and that was my nickname. Also “fire extinguisher”, Pumuckel and “Pippi Longstocking” were my nicknames too. Children can be very hard, but I was tougher and I prevailed.
How did you accept your curves?

For a long time I did not accept my curves. I tried to lose weight and it worked, but I was not happier than before. I often got a bad temper and became bitter and bitchy. That was not me anymore. I stopped dieting, stopped dyeing my hair black, no more makeup to cover my freckles and I increased again until I weighed 95 kg with a height of 173 cm. And from that moment I began to glow.
How do your curves help you in your career as a model?

My curves are the reason why I even started a modeling career. Without my curves I never had a chance to be such a successful model. I love my curves, and all of them, even those who are not perfect! To all you sexy ladies out there: do not hide - conquer the world! You are all unique!

Meet Curvaceous Pin Up Ruby Moon!

March 7th, 2013

Skye

Will you please tell me and my CurveInspire readers your name, city you work in, and facebook or web link?

My name is Ruby Moon, I work in and around the Orlando and Central Florida areas. My Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/RubyMoonpinup
How long have you been a pinup/What got you into the world of pinup modeling?

I’ve just been doing the pin up modeling for about a year now. But I have always loved the fashion and look of it. What got me into it was, in October 2011, I left my ex who was mentally abusive to me and while we were together he would call me fat and other hurtful names. I finally got the nerve to leave. Then New Years came around and I started to feel much better about myself. I made it my New Year’s resolution to look into Plus Size modeling. I was talking it over with a friend of mine and they suggested because I have a little bit of an edgy look, “what about Pin Up modeling?” I thought that was an amazing idea as I have always loved the look, and I can still be classy, sexy and a BBW. That’s why I love Pin Up so much. There are so many genres of it, and I can still be me!
How did having curves affect you growing up?

I have always been a chubby bunny. I guess I was very fortunate while growing up, I didn’t get made fun of a lot about my curves. They would rather pick on me for other things. Also while in High School I was a cheerleader. I didn’t let my curves get in the way of things I loved doing.
How did you accept your curves?

I always have embraced them. I am on my way now to a better and healthier me. But no matter how thin I get I will always be curvy. My curves are apart of me. I love being curvy.
How do your curves help you in your career as a pinup model?

Well I think that being curvy model has helped me and others in a way where they can look at me and see that I’m real. I am a real woman with curves and I’m not afraid to flaunt them. But no matter what you look like, thin or curvy, the best thing anyone can have is confidence in themselves. I am glad to be an inspiration to others. And I hope to continue to inspire, because truly, the best curve on a woman is her smile!

Meet Curvy Girl Pinup Katty Delux!

February 28th, 2013

Skye

Will you please tell me and my CurveInspire readers your name, city you work in, and facebook or web link?

Hey Ladies! I am reppin’ for the Midwest! I am from Kansas City Missouri, hence my tag line: The Pinup from the Paris of the Plains. Some of my favorite websites/links are:
www.chroniclesofasweettooth.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com
www.facebook.com/kattydeluxfanpage
www.pinterest.com (follow me @kattydelux)
www.modcloth.com

How long have you been a pinup/What got you into the world of pinup modeling?

I have been modeling for a little over 2 years. I was actually “discovered” by Nikki Moreno-Whipple and Candy Cunningham of Vixen Pinup Photography in a store. They thought I had a unique look, and the rest is history! I owe a lot to them for helping launch a dream come true!

How did having curves affect you growing up?

I was actually not curvy growing up. I did cheerleading and gymnastics all throughout school, and didn’t start developing until after a knee injury made me give up all that tumbling and cheering. It was really a dream come true, to have hips and something to fill a bra cup. There have been times in my life when I wish my curves were more ‘slight’, but really, why waste your time wishing you were something else than what you have right now??

How did you accept your curves?

I find that acceptance comes in dressing for your body shape, and making you look and feel your best! Curvy women sometimes like to hide in baggy clothes and fear their shape is not a “wanted” shape. Curvy ladies should always wear clothes that fit! Think nipped in waists, fitted blazers, pants that hug through the hips and flare at the ankle. Also invest in a great pair, or a couple pairs, of shape wear.

How do your curves help you in your career as a model/pinup model?

A vintage aesthetic is one that embraced curves, sizes, and all shapes. I like that I can fill out a pencil skirt on days that I feel like being more sexy, but still pull off a fitted dress with a full skirt on days when I feel like dressing more reserved. The thing that I most love about a vintage/retro closet or foundation is that no one should ever feel like they can’t dress for the shape that they have!

Is it Spring Yet?? Curvy Body Inspiration for Warmer Weather!

February 22nd, 2013

Skye

Who says you have to be overweight to be considered curvy or even plus size?? Plus size models everywhere look curvy, healthy, and gorgeous – case in point, plus models Robin Lawley and Denise Bidot modeling spring ’13 swimwear. Can you believe those styles (and the models wearing them) are really “plus size”?? I guess it’s not such a bad label to have any more! These gorgeous curvy girls girls are my weight loss inspiration for Spring, being toned and slim but still curvy is what I’m always trying for, and these girls are my motivation!

Meet Curvy Pin Up Jen Kaboom!

February 19th, 2013

Skye

Will you please tell me and my CurveInspire readers your name, city you work in, and facebook or web link?

My name is Jen Kaboom. I live and work in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. My facebook is www.facebook.com/jenkaboom, and my accessories business link is http://www.facebook.com/jenkaboomdesigns

How long have you been a pinup/What got you into the world of pinup modeling?

I entered the pin-up world in the summer of 2010. I had always had a love of the lifestyle, and decided to take a chance and enter a pin-up pageant. Although I did not win or even place, and I was by far the largest girl on that stage, I felt incredibly empowered! Being a pin-up gives me confidence, and I feel I inspire others with it, especially when complete strangers say to me “I wish I could pull that off!”

How did having curves affect you growing up?

Well, I was always the “husky kid” or the “plump” one. Or even better, “you’re just big boned.” I LOATHE those 2 words. Those 2 words haunted me until high school! That definitely can put a damper on your self esteem at such a young age. I remember skipping out of gym class so I wouldn’t have to be seen in shorts! When you’re an adolescent, you don’t see yourself as “curvy”, you see yourself as fat, and unfortunately kids will do stupid things like starve themselves so they can look like their scrawny pre-pubescent classmates. As soon as I hit 17, yes 17 ( I was an incredibly LATE bloomer! haha) my waist appeared. With my new found waist, I finally felt like a woman!

How did you accept your curves?

My curves were really quite a blessing! I didn’t feel like that “big boned” kid anymore, I felt like a REAL woman. The kind of women that you would see in movies from the 1940′s and 50′s. The kind of women men in that era would swoon after. Although at 17, I was still a little unsure on how to carry myself, it’s definitely something I grew into and obviously grew to love.

How do your curves help you in your career as a model/pinup model?

My curves are a big part of who I am. I would still be a part of the pin-up world regardless if I had curves or not, but definitely having that hourglass figure is a big plus. Retro dresses fit as they should, I actually have a USE for a girdle (haha!), and corsets compliment, not constrict. I’m confident enough in myself to pursue modelling, and even though I may only be 5’3, and weigh more than 95 lbs, I feel I’m doing the best I can in celebrating ones body, and I hope to inspire others by this.

Meet Curvy Plus Size Model Lady J!

February 16th, 2013

Skye

Will you please tell me and my CurveInspire readers your name, city you work in, and facebook or web link?

My name is Jennifer but I also go by my model name Lady J! I live and work in Houston, Texas! My facebook link iswww.facebook.com/ladyjay23

How long have you been a pinup/What got you into the world of pinup modeling?

I have been modeling since November of 2012. Not a very long time but I absolutely love it! I was brought into the modeling world by the wonderful Coco Bella, who has been a mentor throughout my modeling journey. I attened a Big Girl Bootcamp that she hosted that really gave me an insiders look into becoming a plus model.

How did having curves affect you growing up?

Having curves growing up was really hard. There was constant teasing and humiliation. It was incredibly hard to feel worthy when I was surrounded by constant negativity. But there were a few people that made my everyday easier and happier! My family was a big support system and I thank god I had them through those troubling times!

How did you accept your curves?

After I graduated high school, I found a new sense of self. I accepted myself and the body I was blessed with. I realized that I was worth a whole lot more than what I gave myself credit for, and I embraced my wonderful curves! I couldn’t be happier with myself now, I know that I am beautiful and no one can change that!!

How do your curves help you in your career as a model/pinup model?

I think my curves allow me to represent the everyday woman! My curves allow me to inspire women that feel like they cannot be beautiful unless they are a certain size! I have the privilege of showing women that they are wonderful and beautiful regardless of size!

Meet Curvy Brandi Wine, Pinup Model!

February 5th, 2013

Skye

Will you please tell me and my CurveInspire readers your name, city you work in, and Facebook or web link?

Hi ya Dolls I’m Brandi Wine, I’m a Pin-Up Model, Stay at home Mom to 2 boys ages 13 & 5 & a Full-time College student who lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Please visit my fan page anytime:

https://www.facebook.com/brandiwine23

How long have you been a pinup?

I have been doing Pin Up for about a year now, and I plan on doing even bigger & better things in 2013!

What got you into the world of pinup modeling?

I used to do some modeling about 10 years ago & between kids & life in general sadly it was put on the back burner. Unbeknownst to a wonderful Pin Up/Model named Love B Sinclair, that I met by chance through Instagram, actually got me interested in the Pin Up Modeling! I instantly just fell in love with her, the beauty of her and the Pin Up lifestyle, the open mindedness & acceptance by the people themselves! Honestly, it finally felt like home just where I belonged. I understood it, it was natural, it was like I had found a side of myself I didn’t even know existed.

I started learning & educating myself more about this lifestyle into which I fell for and gained a deeper love and respect for. Also, networking was & is a huge part of my success. I then ran across another beautiful Pin Up/Model named Lily Deathstarr/Mindy Jones who was also a photographer; her and I got together and did a photo shoot and I started posting my pictures on Facebook & other sites/Pin Up sites and it has blossomed from there and continues to do so today. This pink star is going to shine in her golden universe for a long time!

How did having curves affect you growing up?

I was always the biggest girl in my grade school classes. I developed very early, I didn’t get made fun or called names much, thankfully, and as I got older the other girls were developing and so I wasn’t/didn’t feel like such an outcast anymore.

How did you accept your curves?

It has taken a good 31 years to finally learn to accept and respect my curves. The amounts of acceptance I have gained in the past year have gone through the roof! I feel the people I choose to surround myself with like family & friends, the wonderful & insightful fellow Pin Ups/Models and the ever so accepting Pin Up lifestyle and my WONDERFUL, ENCOURAGING & LOVING Fans are what help me to accept my curves! I have learned in such a short time that No, not everyone is going to accept me for my “only know how to act like myself” attitude, my pink hair, my curvaceous curves & my double entendre mouth and that is absolutely ok! Though I may not like it, I have to accept the fact that not everyone I meet is going to accept me for me and I am able to deal positively with that.

How do your curves help you in your career as a model/pinup model?

I honestly believe that my curves have helped my career in modeling, as well helped boost my confidence in myself. Passion, determination, not listening to the negative stereo types is what drives me forward, I do and will continue to model because I love what I do! I hear from people all the time about how I have inspired them and helped them to realize its ok to love yourself & your curves and how brave I am – and I am honored to be able to inspire people of any sex, age or size, I am proud of me & my curves! If I have inspired or helped only one person learn to love themselves & their curves in any positive way then I feel completely accomplished.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday from CurveInspire!

February 3rd, 2013

Skye

Happy Super Bowl Sunday from CurveInspire.com! Curvy girls love sexy singer Beyonce, who is performing today at the Super Bowl Half Time show! I’m sure she will look and sound amazing!