Break out the bubbly: P.S. You’re Beautiful officially launched one year ago today! This is one of the most important anniversaries I’ve celebrated in my life. It feels like a huge milestone for a girl who grew up dreaming about doing something where she could celebrate body-positivity and self-love.
Photo: Geeky Girl Photography
Having this website as a forum to share inspiration and connect with others has helped me grow in all areas of my life. It helped me when I went through the worst breakup ever. It helped me feel strong and confident when I made a big career move. PSYB and all of its contributors and readers have helped me become a better person and I’ve never felt so empowered.
Over the past 12 months, I’ve also met people who have helped me grow and taught me to love myself more than ever. I’ve watched women celebrate other women, supporting each other at awards shows, on social media and at parties. Every person I had the pleasure of working with this year has inspired me beyond words. What happens when we’re there for each other and we boost each other up is pure magic. It creates the most beautiful energy. So I’d like to give some shout-outs to the babes who have been a part of my journey so far.
Fat Girl Food Squad
Amanda (aka Ama) Scriver, Yuli Scheidt and their badass crew of babes over at FGFS have been a huge inspiration this past year. I first connected with Ama last summer and before I knew it, we were hosting our first event togetether (Self-Care Sunday at Le Dolci). FGFS is a constant source of inspiration. When I was featured on their site as part of the Kickin Ass and Takin Names column, I felt like I had truly achieved something great. The best part, though, has been hanging out with these awesome people in person, getting to know them and talking openly about fat, feminism and food. If you’re not following them, you need to step up your game.
fatgirlfoodsquad.com
Twitter: @FatGrlFoodSquad
Facebook: Fat Girl Food Squad
Instagram: @fatgrlfoodsquad
Ama and me. (Photo: Geeky Girl Photography)
Abbey’s Kitchen
I first found out about Abbey’s blog through my best friend, Amanda. They went to school together and Amanda was raving about how much I would love Abbey and her recipes. When I did my Q&A with Abbey, I immediately understood exactly why Amanda is such a fan. Abbey is a nutritionist who’s passionate about being healthy at every size. She promotes healthy habits, but doesn’t shy away from indulgent recipes (like the Lime Curd, Coconut Cream and Meringue-Duo Parfait recipe she shared with us). It’s exciting to watch her brand grow; the world needs more nutritionists like Abbey.
abbeyskitchen.com
Twitter: @AbbeysKitchen
Facebook: Abbey’s Kitchen
Instagram: @abbeyskitchen
Fat In the City
One of the biggest highlights of the past year was the evening I spent at the Body Confidence Canada Awards. I got to hang out with all kinds of body-positive people, making connections and hearing speeches from women who learned to love themselves and share their experiences to help others. It was moving and motivating all at once. Jill Andrew and Aisha Fairclough of Fat In the City, the organizers of the BCCAs, welcomed me (and everyone else in the room) so warmly that the whole night felt like a gathering of friends. Their blog is one of the best sources for Canadian plus-size style. Follow them for instant outfit inspiration.
fatinthecity.com
Twitter: @Fatinthecity
Facebook: FatintheCity
Instagram: @Fatinthecity
I also want to give shout-outs to the incredible Jodie Layne, a writer and sex educator who I had the pleasure of interviewing, and who has taught me so much about what it means to take care of yourself; Piper Kearney, the talented, passionate poet; and Nadia Abhoulson, Tess Munster and Gabi Gregg, three of the baddest bloggers/models in the game whose styles I live for.
And thank you. Your support means everything. Every time a post is shared, liked, commented on or discussed in person, I smile so hard I think my face will shatter. I promise to continue growing and improving, to keep making you smile, making you think and helping you love yourself more than ever.