Budget Fashionista's Cheap, Under-$170 Clothing Wardrobe Makeover

I've taken off 73 pounds, dropped three blouse sizes and four pants sizes. I purged my wardrobe, but since I still plan to lose, I'm keeping my clothing makeover cheap. I'm buying clothes I can still wear at goal weight. Here's my under-$170 fashion upgrade.  Budget Fashionista's Cheap, Under-$170 Clothing Wardrobe Makeover 

Plus-Size Fashion: From Faux-Pas to Fabulous

I've been wearing plus-size clothes since 2004. I lost two stillborn babies and couldn't shed weight. I was depressed and didn't care what I wore. Money was tight and fashion was an easy place to skimp. Consequently, my wardrobe resembled post-garage sale dumpster. I've since lost weight and am back in regular sizes. My mood is improving too. Combating depression, I discovered, meant taking pride in my attire, whatever the size. Here's how to take fat-clothes fashion from faux-pas to fabulous. Plus-Size Fashion: From Faux-Pas to Fabulous

Stop Overdoing It: Work Smart, Relax, Feel Better

I'm a recovering workaholic. Since childhood, I've been an obsessive-compulsive, Type A over-achiever. This hurts me, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. So I'm practicing ways to work smarter, not harder. Though I'm not a Zen Buddhist, I find great comfort in the wisdom of the east. I call my philosophy Catholic Transcendentalism. Slowing, centering, focusing, I accomplish more than I do rushing about frantically. Most importantly, I feel better. HereStop Overdoing It: Work Smart, Relax, Feel Better
's how.

Diet Foods I'll Never Eat After Weight Loss

I'm on a mission to lose 100 pounds gained from antidepressants and postpartum depression. So far, I've shaved off nearly 70 pounds (feel free to cheer!) To lose weight, I've obviously had to greatly amend my food intake. Some diet switches were easy and painless. I'll keep eating even after I lose all the weight. Others I won't touch ever again! Here's my list of worst diet foods and some better alternatives. This is important for losing weight. If you don't like the food, can't stomach it, you'll be much less likely to stick with it. Dieting? Skip These Foods Read more.

Where to Find Free Prom Dresses

Spring means prom season for most high school students. Girls eagerly look forward to choosing their dress and accessories. But what happens if you can't afford a prom dress? Prom dresses are expensive. Donate My Dress my dress is here to help. Donate My Dress, partners with several stores and organizations that collect donated prom dresses and give them a second life. Organizations like The Princess Project, The Magic Wand Project, Becca's Closest, The Priceless Gown Project and local area missions and stores provide free prom dresses for high school girls in need. Donate My Dress operates a database of stores and venues where girls can donate dresses or select a free one. And PLEASE consider sharing if you have prom dresses, first communion or quinceanera, wedding dress, bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses. I gave away several and loved playing fairy godmother! This article is written about free prom dress outlets in Michigan, but the organizations listed operate nationwide (some in Canada and Mexico, too).  Where to Find Free Prom Dresses

How Fat People Are Bullied, Shamed

 "Fat" is one of the most common words in the English language. It's used mostly-negatively to describe, ridicule, shame, preach and value-judge. Being overweight myself, it seems fat people get more than their share of bullying. In college special education classes, we discussed the danger of labeling kids. It pigeon holes them and sets up unhealthy behavioral expectations. Kids get trapped in the parameters superimposed by labels. That concern about labeling doesn't carry over to fat people. Being tagged fat is inescapable, like wearing a brand name or badge you can't take off. Even if we lose weight, if society deems us still-too-fat, the persona follows us.  How Fat People Are Bullied, Shamed

How I Save $1,500 a Year on Family Personal Care Products

Do girls or boys cost more for hygiene and personal care? I've got two of each and they are evenly matched. Each has product preferences. I never minded buying what they liked, but I did it cheaply. Here's how I saved at least $1,500 a year on personal care products for a family of six. And no, I didn't get rid of two kids!  How I Save $1,500 a Year on Family Personal Care Products

Does This Make Me Look Fat? Look Thin With Better Posture

I'm about halfway through my goal to lose 100 pounds. Looking at pictures of myself, I can see why I still look like I did with 50 extra pounds. I sometimes have fat posture. Just as certain things make me look younger or older, some habits make me look thinner or fatter. Here's why and how.  Look Thinner: Break Fat Posture Habits

Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts with Chutzpah!

Well, you did it again. February 14th is right around the corner and you haven't gotten your sweetheart. Don't panic; your friendly neighborhood cupid is here with some fabulous ideas that you can get last minute. Don't settle for kitschy candy flowers. You're no ho-hum guy. You've got moxy! So give your girlfriend or wife a gift with attitude! If you want to impress your lady and gain brownie points, give her one of these these offerings. She'll see how sensitive, savvy and sophisticated a guy you are. And the good news is, none will break the budget. Just visit a local antique store, consignment shop, secondhand store. You might even hit pay dirt with a Good Will. Here is what you are looking for: Last-Minute Valentine Gifts with Style

Watch How You Eat, Not Just What to Lose Weight

I'm about halfway toward my goal to lose 80 pounds. It's been a journey--I've learned many things about dieting. Along with watching what I eat, I'm learning to watch how I eat. Being mindful of eating habits has helped me emotionally and physically. Here are some bad eating habits plus healthier ones. Weight loss is about how you eat, not just what