Ariluv blog

Kiyonna 60% off sale = merry Christmas Ari

2011-12-18T20:01:00.001-08:00

Oh happy day! To show appreciation for reaching 60,000 likes on Facebook Kiyonna is saying thank you by doing 60% off some selected styles with the promo code FB60K until Monday 12/19/11.

http://m.facebook.com/home.php?__user=562307080#!/photo.php?fbid=10150422099832016&id=78908492015&__user=562307080

I'm so excited, Kiyonna has great pieces that are pretty, classy and feminine which is right up my alley. I purchased the ruched tank in cherry polka dot and plum.

http://www.kiyonna.com/plus-size-clothes/21111804

Hope you take advantage of this offer I'm so glad I did

Happy Holidays and happy shopping, from Ariluv to you!

Outfit of the day business casual

2011-02-02T21:17:00.001-08:00

Outifit of the day

I've been meaning to post more of my work outfits cause often times looking cute but professional is a girls biggest challenge.

Apparently I was a NY & company girl today.

The necklace is from NY & company $20

Sweater NY & company I bought it so long ago I honestly don't know how much I paid for it.

Skirt is from (you guessed it) NY & Company it was $9 on the clearance rack, talk about a steal :)

Black cotton leggings $7 from NY & company

I couldn't get a shot of the shoes but maybe I'll attach a pic later. Anyway they were $10 from oldnavy.com

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Outfits of the day

2011-01-03T00:03:00.001-08:00

I have several OOTD today since I went shopping so enjoy!

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See and download the full gallery on posterous

All dressed up

2010-12-30T18:30:00.001-08:00

Felt like putting a little more effort into getting dressed today than I have been lately. Having a newborn makes it hard to put that much time into it but the husband was home to help with the little one.

I apologize in advance for the photo quality. I didn't have the best lighting. Anyway I feel totally 80's in this outfit but that's okay because I am totally 80's.

The jacket is from torrid. The dress is from a little store in Montebello CA called Fashion Q Plus. Wish they had a website but I'm afraid they're not that high tech yet. The leggings & necklace are from New York & Company & the flats are from (of all places) Wal-mart.

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See and download the full gallery on posterous

Merry Chrismahannakwanzika & a happy new year!

2010-12-30T16:48:00.001-08:00

Wanted to stop in & wish everyone a happy holiday!

2010 has been a rough year for a lot of us. I pray this upcoming year will bring blessings & strength to you & yours. Happy New Year! Xoxo ~Ari

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The maxi dress

2010-05-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

If there's one item every plus size lady needs in her wardrobe (other than a slimmer) the maxi dress is it. The maxi dress is a great way to get a soft feminine yet glamorous look without trying to hard. Not to mention a maxi dress is flattering on just about everyone, what a great way to accentuate your curves.

Here are a few of my favorites and several variety's.

This is a great summer maxi dress, perfect for a sunny day on the beach $39.99 at www.onestopplus.com

For those of you who don't like sleeveless dresses here's a beautiful dress with sleeves!

Grecian maxi dress $108.00 at www.Kiyonna.com

This is a fun flirty maxi and at $28.99 you can't afford not to get this one

Ring strap crossover maxi at www.Onestopplus.com

Here's another dress from Kiyonna.com that I love this is the "Glamour maxi" for a more dressed up look $128 at Kiyonna.com

Ok I know I have a lot of Kiyonna on here but they could seriously be your one stop shop for maxi dresses and this one is pretty to not include.

Nikki ruffle maxi dress $89.00 at www.kiyonna.com

And last but not the least this dress is perfect for even your most formal event.

Celine chiffon maxi dress $128 at Kiyonna.com

Nude plus size beauties

2009-10-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

After receiving a flood of positive response to a photo of plus size model Lizzie Miller in September Glamour magazine is at it again, with not just one but seven nude plus models in it's November issue. In a recent article Glamour magazine pledged to feature more realistic looking women in their mag from now on and it seems they're working hard to stay true to that promise.

Now I know there are plenty of people who will look at this pic featuring plus models Crystal Renn, Amy Lemons, Ashley Graham, Kate Dillon, Anansa Sims, and Jennie Runk and Lizzie Miller and say "they're not really plus size" or "those women are skinny" but you have to realize this is plus size in the terms of the modeling world which differs greatly from real life. When you think of it in terms of the models we're used to seeing on the pages of fashion magazines (which are usually a size 0,2, and sometimes a size 4 but not usually) you can clearly see that a size 10 woman is in fact a huge contrast.

I'm not saying that they couldn't have used larger models but this is definitely a step in the right direction not only for plus models or plus size people in general but for everyone. All of us could use a healthy dose of body acceptance whether you're a size 2 or 20 and seeing more realistic models in the pages of our favourite magazine will only help reinforce that.

Here's the link to Plus model magazine's nude plus model editorial that featured a size 16/18 model NSFW
http://www.plusmodelmag.com/General/plus-model-magazine-article-detail.asp?article-id=123232196&page=0

Tips for plus modeling when you're not industry standard

2009-09-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry this took so long I know I promised this post a while ago. Anyway here goes.

First off I'm assuming you all know what the term industry standard means. If you don't know the industry requirements for plus models read my previous post "All you need to know about plus modeling"

But what if you don't the industry requirements? Say you're 5'7' or you have a tattoo or two, is it absolutely certain you will not get modeling work? The answer is no. While chances are slim to none that you'll get signed by an agency you can still get work and make some extra cash.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying you'd never get signed it's just not likely and it depends on your own unique scenario. I could probably get picked up by an agency if I lost a few dress sizes. At 5'8' (which is short in plus modeling standards) it would be hard for me to be singed seeing as I'm a size 18. My chances would be much greater if I were a size 12 or 14.

So let's get started.

First make yourself a modeling profile to get yourself out there. There are sites like OMP (one model place) and Model Mayhem where you can make a free profile and don't need professional pictures. They also allow you to network with photographers, wardrobe stylists, make up artists and other models. I've made quite a few contacts through Model Mayhem and they also have a casting section where you can search castings by country, state and city.

Go to all your favorite plus clothing websites and see if they have info on how to submit to model for them. Torrid has online submission information right on their site so does Fashion overdose.com and most clothing websites don't have a specific height requirement and if they do it's usually not as strict as most agencies.

Ditch the diva attitude. I can't tell you how many aspiring plus models I've seen act a fool and accuse people of being haters when they were just offering advice. Often times the person offering the advices is someone who is in the business or at least knows a bit about it and now will never work with said diva model 'cause of her bad attitude. Wannabe plus models are a dime a dozen and the plus modeling community is small. Very small you never know who you could have just told off. Probably someone who could have helped you further your career.

Go to any and every model search or casting call you can. Many plus magazines such as Skorch, Plus Model magazine and Venus diva are always looking for new faces and often hold model searches. As well as clothing designers and clothing websites.

Don't get discouraged if you don't get chosen for a model search or casting. You're not going to get every job you go for just move on to the next.

Stay realistic. If you're looking for fame and fortune plus modeling is probably not the thing for you. Most plus models even agency ones still have to work a day job. Just realize you won't be able to retire off of plus modeling and in the beginning you'll probably end up spending more than you make.

Plus modeling is not for everyone but it is super fun and awesome to know that you can show people you can be beautiful at any size.

Carmakoma.com

2009-09-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

I just found out about www.Carmakoma.com today and boy let me tell you! Now this is how plus fashion should be done here in the US. Carmakoma is a plus size line designed by two Danish clothing designers Angelica Weiss and Heidie Lykke.

Carmakoma offers some extremely chic fashionable pieces that U.S. lines seem to lack.

Just take a look at this black strapless number. So cute, the perfect thing for night out dancing. This dress is on sale right now for $34.62 which is a steal (the original price was $115.19)

Here's another hot dress on sale as well for $34.62 (was $115.19) This dress is so versatile I could pair it with some leggings and heels or some knee high boots.

Next is a very pretty purple wrap dress. This one is a little bit more at $95.96 but it's still reasonable. This would look great with some gold or silver strappy heels and chandelier earrings.

Last but definitely not least is Carmakoma's hallo jacket. I ablsolutely love this piece in fact it's my favorite from the entire site. I've been looking for a new plus size jacket lately and have only found boring grandmaish styles. This jacket is a wonderful edgy breath of fresh air and at $172.88 there's no reason any plus size fashionista should exclude this from her wardrobe.

I hope you all enjoyed this post and encourage you to go check out www.carmakoma.com right now. We need more designers who understand plus size women love chic edgy fashion too!

Plus size fashion is boring

2009-09-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

I blog about plus size fashion a lot and lately I've been really bored with everything that's out there. I don't know about you but I want clothes to inspire me. I want something new and exciting. Is there anyone out there doing this for plus size fashion?

Ok now I'm going to make you all work a bit. I want you to tell me your favorite plus designers and give me examples of what your fashion type is whether it be plus or not. And how about some designs you wish they made in plus sizes.

Now is your time to tell me what you want let's get it out there.

Ok now I'm excited let's get started!

Figuresque.com

2009-09-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hey all I was fumbling through the pages of the Skorch magazine mini mag (well virtually anyway) and found an ad for Figuresque.com

I'd never heard of their site and being the plus size fashionista I am, I decided to take a look. They carry sizes from 1X to 6X which I think is great since so many "plus size" clothing sites don't carry sizes that large.

Then I notice they don't have models modeling the clothes and the lingerie photos are stock photos with straight size models. Now if any of you follow me on twitter you know I can't stand when clothing sites don't have models in the clothes and or have straight sized (not plus size) models when they exclusively sell plus clothes. It usually bothers me to the point where I can't even continue browsing the site much less buy anything but this time it was a little different.

They have a decent selection of cute tops in 1x to 3x and the prices are pretty nice. I must say I was disappointed in the 4x to 6x top selection as well as the dress and skirt selection. Not much too see there.

Over all I'd say this is a site I would shop at and return to. The prices are right with cute, trendy and feminine pieces. They don't have everything you need for your wardrobe but what site does? They definitely do have some very cute items that will pull your wardrobe together nicely.
So go check 'em out www.figuresque.com is Ariluv approved!

P.S. If anyone reading this is associated with Figuresque.com please try and get some plus models on the site. If you need help with this I'll be glad to lend a hand :)

I was actually able to get passed the no plus models thing because I notice they have some pretty cute tops and shrugs including this one.

The $24.95 price tag made it even more appealing I mean c'mon people we are in a recession. This shrug is the perfect thing to pair with a cute dress or dress up a tank and jeans. Definitely not as boring as most shrugs I've seen or even own.

I also loved this ruffle black shrug. I have the perfect strapless olive green dress to go with it. Also $24.95

I know the plus clothing market is over saturated with kimono tops but I would actually wear this one. So pretty and it's only $25.95

Last item is this black lace top. This piece is so feminine and pretty I just had to feature it and the best part it's got the right price $25.95

Michael Kors and Calvin Klein plus lines!

2009-08-31T07:24:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness Michael Kors and Calvin Klein have plus lines now available at select Macy's, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdale's! I am so excited about this I cannot even begin to tell you! This is definitely a step in the right direction toward the definition of plus size fashion.

This Calvin Klein dress is on sale right now at Macy's.com for $69.99 (was 139.99)

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=379450&CategoryID=44726

This Michael Kors dress is on sale for $69.65 (was $99.50)

Unfortunately I have to go but go check out these lines ladies! www.Macy's.com I'm especially liking the Calvin Klein line

Plusologie shoot

2009-08-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hey, hey, hey! Here are some behind the scenes pics from the plusologie.com photo shoot. The site launches 09/25/2009 I can't wait to see the clothes on the site it's gonna be hot!

Enjoy!

Me before I got my hair did

Samantha getting her makeup done

The beautiful Silvia getting her makeup done

Let's get some shoes. Let's get some shoes, let's party!

Samantha all done up

Me with full hair and makeup

Queanna doing her thang!

Silvia again

Christina posing

The shirt dress...

2009-08-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

Wasn't planning on blogging tonight but came across this dress on NYandCompany.com and couldn't resist!

I love this dress and the best part? It's end of Summer and Fall fashion ready.

For a warm Summer night I'd pair it with some sassy heels like these from Jessica Simpson ($98 at torrid.com)

And some big dangle earrings

These are $10 on Torrid.com

For a more fall look I'd pair it with stocking like the ones in the pic. Some maryjanes or boots
and a cute scarf around the neck.

Links

www.NYandCompany.com

www.Torrid.com

2009-08-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I have some exciting news for my friends in Canada (especially the plus size ones). I recently found out through a friend that there are a lot of online plus size clothing stores who do not ship to Canada for whatever reason. I'm located in the U.S. and am glad to offer shipping services to Canada. If you see something you want on a website that doesn't ship to Canada let me know and I will have it shipped to me and then forward it on to you.

This process will take a little bit longer than standard shipping but it's nice to at least have the option where you otherwise wouldn't have
If you're interested please contact me at Ariluv83@gmail.com

Here are a few plus size stores that don't ship to Canada

Fashionbug.com

Zappos.com
Bloomingdales.com
Evans.co.uk
Forever 21
metrostyle
Jessica London
Avenue
Lane Bryant

All you need to know about plus modeling

2009-08-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

I get asked a lot "How do I get into plus modeling?" so I decided to do a post on it.

First off what is a plus model? Most people think that if you're a plus size woman you can automatically be a plus size model, not true. There are lots of requirements to be a plus model. In the same way not many people qualify to be a fashion model, there aren't many plus women who are within the requirements to be a plus model. Plus models are basically larger versions of their straight sized model counterparts. They still have to have toned bodies, be proportioned, photogenic, have good teeth and yes they still have to be...Wait for it here it comes...They still have to be tall. I've had lots of girls ask me if they could make it as a plus model and they stand at 5'5' with platforms on, sorry honey but this is one requirement that most agencies will not budge on.

Some links with great information on getting started in plus modeling.

www.plusmodels.com
www.newmodels.com
http://www.venusdivamag.com/Pages/how-to-be-a-plus-size-model.asp

This is a thread in the Model Mayhem forums but it's filled with industry professionals who know their stuff. If they give you advice please take it 'cause they know what they're talking about.
http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=336178

General requirements

plus models range in size the most common are 10, 12, 14, and 16 (sizes 8, 18 and 20 are also used but not as often) with size 10 and 12 being used more on the east coast and size 12-16 on the west coast

Height requirements for plus models are 5'8-6'0 (although many agencies requirements are 5'9-6'0)

Beautiful face and good bone structure with a nice smile (that includes good teeth)

Toned well proportioned (bust, waist and hip measurements should be about 10 inches apart 42,32,42 etc) bodies with minimal cellulite, stretch marks and flab

In demand look (translation you must have a current look but not too trendy and not overtly sexy the plus modeling industry is conservative) think Talbots and Lane Bryant.)

clear skin

minimal tattoos if any

must be photogenic
Age ranges from 16 to usually 35
As far as age plus modeling depends more on how old you look not how old you are since one of the benefits to being plus size is we don't age as fast plus models have a much longer shelf life than their straight sized counterparts. At 26 I wouldn't even be ancient by straight modeling standards I'd be extinct.

So those are the requirements for being a plus model. It's probably a lot harder than a lot of people think it is to be a plus model. Please note the requirements above are industry standard requirements.

Here are some examples of agency signed plus models

If you don't fit the industry standard for being a plus model stay tuned. My next post "So I don't fit the industry standard. Now what?" will be all about finding work when you're not industry standard and without an agency. I'll offer tips and information on how to get yourself out there.

More to love

2009-08-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

I missed the original airing so I watched it on hulu later therefore I'm a little late jumping on the more to love bandwagon. So in case you haven't heard more to love is Fox's new reality dating show where all the females are plus size women, hence the more to love title.

I mus admit first off these bachelor type house full of crazy women chasing after one guy who just wants to jam his tongue down everyone's throat reality dating shows are usually not my thing but here goes.

Ok so first thing I notice is this guy Luke Conley is not that impressive to me. Ok he's got a decent job but big whoop there are plenty of men who have good jobs what makes him so special? Second thing I notice is he's chubby wtf?! Please don't get me wrong I have nothing against heavier guys I've even dated one or two I just don't get why they couldn't get a thin guy. Seems like they're trying to say fatties can only date and be attracted to other fatties. I know that's not right, most of the men I've dated including my fiancée are thin. What I want to know is why the hell I need to see him eating and saying he loves food. He's heavy I get it Americans think that everyone who's fat eats a lot but I don't think Fox is doing the plus community any good by playing up that stereotype. Ok so now that we've met the dude let's meet the ladies.

Ok seriously these introductions are taking too long. Why do they need to start off with 20 chicks? Must say I do like some of these dresses though. Ok Christina needs to do a little growing up and realize that guys don't pay attention to her when she's out with her thinner friends because of he self esteem issues not her size. Did Heather really just say she's never been in a relationship because of her weight?! Honey the only thing keeping you from a relationship is YOU, weight has nothing to do with it. Heather's got a hot dress on just wish she had the confidence to go with it. Now Amanda is saying she didn't even have a prom date because of her size, I'm sensing a trend here. Just a second, why are all these chicks crying?

Did Anna just say someone who could love me for who I am? She's gorgeous what the hell is she talking about? Why is everyone acting like he's the only man on the face of this planet who likes curvy girls? Natasha said looks are shouldn't be the most important thing, I've got news for you miss plus women are hot and there are plenty, let me repeat plenty of men who love women with curvy bodies. The thought that most men prefer thin women is a myth. I've been on plenty of dates and know of plenty of men who love curvy chicks, my size has never stopped me from being in a romantic relationship. It's not about size it's about confidence without it even the thinnest girl would be overlooked. Confidence is the answer to the question "what she's got that I don't" we all have those days when we feel we look like crap but having the confidence in yourself and the fact that men are attracted to you is the key you need to get the attention you crave.

So I think I've seen enough of these introductions to realize these women were picked not because of their size but because of their insecurities about their size. This is really very frustrating for me being a plus woman who is confident and who knows that I'm sexy and that there are plenty of men who prefer my body type to others. It frustrates me because I haven't always been this comfortable with my size especially when I was a teen. It's hard for me knowing that there are young girls who are plus size who are going to watch this show and think that this accurately portrays the plus size community and how men view them.

I commend Fox for actually having this show and I will continue to watch to support them even having plus women on tv but I think they could have done a much better job. It's disappointing to me that instead of portraying plus size women and the men who love them the way it really is they decided to go for drama and exploit the insecurities of these few women who don't know any better. These women shouldn't be trying to be in a relationship based on their baggage alone. I'll watch again next Tuesday but Fox will be receiving a letter from me.

Fashion Aid LA

2009-08-01T17:22:00.001-07:00

Ok so I'm a little late posting this Fashion aid LA stuff (it took place in December) but only a little. First off let me tell you what Fashion Aid LA is.

Every December the *Kierrah Foundation puts on a Fundraiser/Toy drive to help lend support to women who are former foster children who aged out of foster care and some have children of their own now. The fashion show was produced by Parris Harris and included designers such as Curvy QT, Stop Staring, Fashion overdose, Delisiana and more. My friends Lisa, Sommer and I walked for a few of the designers.

Below are some pics from the event hope you enjoy!

Oh btw Mr.T was there how cool is that?! Funny story, my Dad saw Mr.T in the restroom and told him he looked like a young Mr.T! To which Mr.T replied "Thank you" Lol my dad is crazy.

*To learn more about the Kierrah Foundation or possbily donate go here http://www.kierrahfoundation.org/

MoLAA spring gala 2009 fashion show featuring designer Eduardo Lucero

2009-05-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hey peeps!

I got a few more pics from the show you can take a look at however the photographer only sent me pictures of me. I'm going to see if he can send me more pics from the show besides I want to see the other pics anyway enjoy!

Making my way down the runway

Striking my pose at the end of the runway. Thought I was going to fall forward off the front of the runway for a sec right before that but thank God I was ok :)

This was taken after the catwalk

What a gorgeous dress Eduardo is amazing I'm seriously gonna stalk this boy!

MoLAA's spring gala and fashion show featuring designer Eduardo Lucero

2009-05-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Geez it's been a little while since I last posted hasn't it? Well I've been busy with work also moved into a new apartment oh and I was in a fashion show recently. The show was a part of the museum of Latin American art's (MOLAA) spring gala '09. LA designer Eduardo Lucero created original outfits for the show based on works of art from MoLAA's current exhibits. My fiance said the show was amazing. I'm giving his opinion since I didn't actually see the show myself. I was too busy y'know getting ready and junk. They did have a photographer and videographer for the show so I can't wait to see the pics and video. Until then I suppose you and I both will have to use our imaginations. Below is a slideshow of a few behind the scenes photos sorry there would be more but I forgot my memory card like a dummy plus I was too busy getting ready the whole time.

blue

2009-01-27T21:47:00.000-08:00

One of my most recent paintings. I did this with watercolor.

In need of some help

2009-01-18T01:16:00.000-08:00

Ok so I need to learn to use a sewing machine for an upcoming project I'm going to be doing. I want to buy a sewing machine as soon as I can but if anybody has one and is willing to teach me a few things I would be ever so grateful. I could feed you for your time. Everyone know I make some bomb tacos! So let me know if you can help :)

k thx bye

Our tax dollars put to use

2009-01-04T21:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, nice to see how the bailout is helping these poor sinking financial companies. Doesn't it just bring a smile to your face knowing you helped rescue the banks from certain doom?

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/12/30/85952/148/913/678437

Target pantyhose fail

2009-01-03T23:18:00.000-08:00

Ok I usually like Target. It's Wal-mart I hate (yet somehow always end up at).

Seriously though, is it too much to ask that a pair pantyhose that claim to fit a woman 25 lbs heavier and 4 inches taller than me be able to fit me. Am I the only one who thinks those little charts on the back of the package should stop lying to me and just admit they don't fit girls my size?

I don't care if your pantyhose are not plus friendly but please don't claim to be if you aren't. It is so frustrating to open up a pair of nylons and instead of getting them on easily you feel like you're stuffing sausages. It's not bad enough I get home with something I can't use wasting both my time and money, but then I get frustrated and often have to go bare legged because I thought I could trust that darn package. Shame on me for falling for it, but no more. No more will I use untrusted brands of pantyhose I'm sticking to my guns and buying several pairs of just my size pantyhose so I don't have to go through this again.

So ladies if you are a plus size lady and for some odd reason want your pantyhose to fit I recommend Just my size and I suggest you steer clear of assets brand.

If you know of any other brands that don't fit when they're supposed to please let me know and by all means let me know if you find a brand that fits great as well.

*Edit* The other brand I got from Target that claimed to fit me and didn't was "Solutions" by Hanes

Bye bye 2008

2009-01-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

So 2008 is done and gone. It had it's ups and downs but in the end 2008 turned out to be a interesting and life altering year for me. Some new relationships were formed, some were dissolved and some were rekindled ;)
I've met some people who I have made parts of the year great. Joella, Sommer, Joe and Lisa to name a few. I've also reconnected with some old friends Kenny, Beverly and Jennifer.

Most of all though I am most grateful for Jimmy and I reuniting. For those of you who do not know Jimmy and I are engaged. We were together about seven years ago and recently got back together (If you care to hear the back story about us I will go over it in another blog).

Jimmy being a part of my life has been nothing short of amazing. If you would have told me at the beginning of 2008 that I'd be engaged and madly in love by the end of the year I would have asked what you were smoking. It's funny how he resurfaced right when I was for once totally happy and secure in my singleness. Yup mighty funny. Only thing left I can say about Jimmy is I'm very glad we are together (Chorus of Reunited by Peaches and Herb pllays in my head) and I have been very blessed to have him.

Now in Nessy news. Vanessa is now six years old! Oh my gosh I know this sounds lame and cliche but she has grown up so fast. She's in first grade now and excelling in school and all other extra curicullar activities such as sports and piano. She is growing at an alarming almost non-human rate. She is going to be a very tall girl. I can barely hold her now and I've got some muscles on me. I could swear just yesterday I was able to hold her in one arm while she stared up at me with those gorgeous hazel eyes of hers (gonna be a heart breaker that one is). She has blossomed into a fantastic young girl. She is intelligent, beautiful, fun, but most of all kind and loving.
Oh gosh here I go sorry. I sound a bit boastful now but I've not meant to. Honestly I'm not neccessarily speaking of Vanessa in a prideful way but in pure amazement. This little girl amazes me all the time with how awesome she is. So please forgive me if I seem to be boasting it's not that way at all I just still can't get over who Vanessa has turned out to be. I'm extremely happy that she is who she is and I know she still has a lot of growing to do but I'm very excited to see what comes next for her.

Ok lastly let's about careers. 2008 was actually a pretty good year for my modeling. Funny thing is this is the year I've taken the most brakes and done the least to find work for myself.
I was featured in the July issue of venus diva magazine which was pretty cool since the swimsuit pic they used was from my cruise to Ensenada I took for my birthday.
I have also booked a recurring fit modeling job for a company called Trunkettes. They make swim trunks and swimwear for girls and I must admit when I first heard that I thought ugly frumpy stuff I'd never wear. Another surprise their stuff is actually cute and I would wear it. I've also been working regularly with a plus size clothing designer and her website. She contacted me on Model Mayhem for a trade shoot. I modeled for her and was paid in clothes for the first shoot but after that she'd offered to pay me which was awesome. It's nice to be working even when I'm not actively seeking work.

As for my day job I'm currently working for a reproductive clinic in Pasadena. I'm also currently looking for a new job. That's all I'm going to say about that.

All in all 2008 sure had it's bumps but I learned and gained a lot this past year and I'm thankful for everything God has done in my life thus far.
All I can hope is that I will continue to grow and learn. I am looking forward to seeing what 2009 has got in store for me.

Here's wishing you a happy and blessed new year!

Love Ari