thecurvylifestyle

[thecurvylifestyle]

No One Does IT Better Than A Fat Girl.

Body flaunting & booty shaking that is. Watch one of the most empowering, entertaining, and inspiring feel-good videos you'll ever see. Who says dancing is only for skinny people?

Sometimes, it is important to exceed the limitations we've set for ourselves. These kinds of moments are perfect for finding out who we really are and how much we love  ourselves.

Fat is just a word to describe our bodies. Sexy is the perefect word to describe our attitude! There's no shame in loving our bodies and flaunting every single flab of fat we have. Get up and shake that booooooty!

XX,

[thecurvylifestyle]

Wanna know the story behind the 600 pesos? Read it here. Now.

[thecurvylifestyle]

Curvy Blog: The Day I Dropped 600 Pesos (Yes I'm That Girl)

To start off, I would like everyone to know that I and my boyfriend are in no way affiliated with Spinnr, Smart Communications, or Alabang Town Center. We had no idea that this was going to happen to us. We’re just regular people that happened to be in the right place at the right time.

May 11, 2014; Sunday, was one of the craziest and happiest days of my life. That day is a testament to the saying, “Everything happens for a reason” and yes, good things can happen when you take a leap of faith. It was just a regular Sunday for us. We did the usual, went to mass, and afterwards headed to the mall. My boyfriend didn’t even want to go to ATC in the first place, but I pushed him. He actually wanted to go someplace else, but there was some great force pulling me to this direction, and once we got there the rest was history. (Prizes: Spinnr shirt, Spinnr headphones, Yell Portable Speakers, Iphone 5C, Ipad Mini, Patron Tickets to Taylor Swift’s Red Tour, a ginormous red velvet cake).

For people saying that the whole thing was a fake or that I was an accomplice, you guys are totally wrong. It took us hours to even notice something was happening right there.  When we saw the box and Marvin (the guy in red), we knew something was up. I’m not going to lie, coming from a Marketing perspective, I had an idea that this was some kind of gimmick or social experiment. Coincidentally, it was Mother’s day so we thought the experiment had something to do with women’s rights or women’s health.

To shell out 600 pesos is indeed an insanely ridiculous request especially in the kind of economy we’re having at the moment, so I’m going to be honest with you -- that day I had no money in my pocket. I owe all of this to my gut, to the fact that I trusted it, and to the fact that my boyfriend and I trusted each other immensely. The truth is he only had 800 pesos in his wallet. He was very doubtful. Who wouldn’t be, when you had that much money left in your pocket, right? We still had to eat, pay for gas, etc. We are only middle class individuals struggling daily to live within our means. Giving up that 600 meant putting ourselves at risk big time.

For most people to think we didn’t deserve what we got because they think we’re already well-off or we already had those things, here’s what I have to say: Just because we’re in ATC doesn’t mean we’re as well-off as the people living in Ayala Alabang. This video is just the tip of the iceberg, that is our life. We do things because we want to, not because we’re expecting to be rewarded in return.We decided to risk majority of the money we had just because. Because hearing the phrase “leap of faith” made me feel good. Because that moment absolutely felt right.

Our thinking was that, if it went to charity then good for us, great for everyone. If we didn’t get anything in return or if we didn’t get our money back, well we would have suffer the result of the choice we made. Plain and simple. I think in this life, this kind of mentality can either be a blessing or a curse. Maybe I’ve earned enough good karma for this moment to turn out into such a wonderful blessing -- a really really really really really wonderful blessing.

WATCH OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE

After we won, even more crazy things happened to us, to say the least. It made my relationship with my boyfriend stronger, and it made us more aware of the blessings that are continuously pouring into our lives. This whole thing taught me to never ever fail to give back, because that’s what being human is all about. I am much more fearless now, and more thankful than ever.

For people asking about what happened to the prizes? I’m just going to say that this experiment has changed and touched more lives than it should have. Since leaving home and moving to the South, dropping that 600 has been one of the most surreal and life-changing experiences I’ve had so far.

To Sir Ron,the rest of the Smart and Spinnr team, and to Joe Josue of The Lightswitch, thank you so much for being so amazing and kind. May God bless you everyday! ;)

[thecurvylifestyle]

Curvy Cooking: Rainbow Graham Bites (Graham Balls) - A Fun Recipe For Kids And Kids At Heart

I was browsing through Instagram when I came acrossthis delicious looking food post by Danica Condez about Graham Balls. I and my friends were so intrigued by how it looked, and the instructions were pretty simple, so we decided to try and make some on the spot. We ended up making the fluffy rainbow version of this sweet and mind-blowingly amazing treat.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

2 packs of crushed Graham Crackers 1 300 ml can of condensed milk 1 packet of powdered milk

We also added Nips (local version of M&Ms) and mini marshmallows. (You can add anything you like.)

PROCEDURE:

Place the crushed grahams into a bowl. Add the Nips and marshmallows. Stir in some condensed milk. The amount of milk will depend on how sweet you want it to turn out. Remember, you already have chocolate in it so don’t overdo the milk. Add in an amount enough to make the crackers moist. When you’ve mixed everything, start shaping them into balls. Don't forget to dust your hands with some of the powdered milk for the mixture not to stick to your hands too much.This is the fun part - definitely a great way to bond with your kids or friends.

When you’re done with the balls, roll them in powdered milk. Place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. (I actually couldn’t wait. I took a bite even before they were chilled, and I was blown away. I had to literally sit down because it was so crazy good. Not exaggerating.)

[thecurvylifestyle]

Food Rave: Wai Ying Fastfood - The Chinatown Experience

Craving for authentic and affordable Chinese food? Head on over to Chinatown in Binondo, Manila and check out the wide array of restaurants there. Our favorite spot is  Wai Ying Fastfood, located at Benavidez St.

At night, when almost all of the shops are already closed, and cars are silently parked along the sidewalks, you will find a flurry of people going in and out the only busy establishment there.

My dad and I are regulars here, because this is the only place that can truly satisfy our Chinese food cravings. Yes, you will find a lot of restaurants in every street corner in Binondo, and it's easy to just pick out the nicest-looking or nearest, but Wai Ying is the real deal. If you're looking for something fancy, then this is not the place for you. But if you're looking for a spot that serves legit Chinese comfort food, then this place is absolutely perfect.

Wai Ying is a real dive if you look at it. I mean there are no fancy silverware and fine china. From the outside you can smell the aroma of fried food. Yes, the kind of smell that sticks to your hair and clothes. The tables are small and are close to the wall, and despite the two floors, it still feels cramped because the place is packed all the time. Don't expect the service to be perfect either, you're not in a five star restaurant for crying out loud. I mean there a lot of things to complain about this place, but no one seems to care, and everyone seems to keep coming back.

The beauty about this joint is its authenticity. Just being there and being able to soak up the frenetic energy of the place is an experience in itself. No diets allowed here, because their affordable and tasty dishes will force you to succumb to your appetite.

Whenever we visit, we make sure to plan out our menu for faster service, but if it's your first time I recommed the Pork Asado, Soy Chicken, and this Tofu Dish in sweet broth that is just absolutely divine (not sure what it's called though)!

Personally, my Chinese meal cannot be complete without a serving of Siomai. I also got to try some Chicken feet. As a kid, I wasn't really adventurous when it came to food (and a lot of other things), and now, as a 20-something, I've decided to make it my resolution to try new things even if that meant I had to devour some odd-looking delicacy of some sort. I took up my dad's challenge, and surprisingly, crazy bird feet tasted pretty normal. It was cooked in a thick sweet red sauce with just the right bit of spiciness. My first bite freaked me out a little when I remembered I was eating Chicken feet, but I still went on. I'm not sure if I'm going to try it again though. Haha.

After two servings of Shrimp Chong Fan (fried rice) and more than 5 servings of viand, we were all stuffed. My cousin and I even ordered Milk Tea, which tasted pretty normal (tea with milk and ice). I like their hot tea better because it tastes like Sampaguita. It's the perfect drink to wash everything down.

After paying our bill, we were all too eager to stand up. Our bellies were all so full, and it felt like such a relief to stretch our legs and breathe a little. I think I made the wrong decision to wear jeans, because after all that eating, I didn't have enough space in my pants anymore. Haha. While walking back to our car, we stopped by one of the fruit carts, and my dad bought a Pomelo. Ho ho, the eating hasn't stopped yet. At least Pomelo can help in our digestion. And that was how we ended our Chinatown experience. Yep, this little curvy will definitely be coming back for more.

Full Disclosure: The Curvy Lifestyle is in no way affiliated with the restaurant featured above. This is not an endorsement. We payed for our meals.

[thecurvylifestyle]

Curvy Cooking: Quick 'n Easy Tuna Rice

TUNA. My go-to fish when I'm hungry or hung-over or just craving for some comfort food. No endorsements here whatsoever, but I think the best canned tuna in the market so far is Century Tuna. It’s tasty and healthy, and it’s a brand I’ve supported for years now. 

Back in high school, my friends and I would usually hang out at my place during weekends, and since my dad wasn’t around most of the time, we would grab a couple of drinks and just lounge around the house. Other times, we would stuff our faces with food, and this recipe was one of our staple dishes.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Serving: 2-3 persons

2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 large white onion, minced 1 180g Century Tuna Flakes in Oil, drained 1-2 tbsps of freshly squeezed lemon or calamansi juice (depending on the amount of tuna you’re using) 1-2 cups of steamed rice 1 sprig of basil, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste Egg (optional) Chili flakes (optional)

PROCEDURE:

First off, do not throw out the the tuna oil. Sauté the garlic in 1-2 tbsps of said oil until slightly brown, add in the onions and sauté for a few minutes until they start to caramelize. Pour in the tuna, basil, and lemon juice, then simmer for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Add in the rice, make sure to mix everything well. Pour a bit of the remaining tuna oil, just enough to coat then rice. Season with salt and pepper. If you like your dish hot, you can add a pinch of chili flakes, or if you’re into something challenging, use the Century Tuna Hot and Spicy variant. If so, ditch the pepper, but still don’t forget to mix well. If you’re addicted to breakfast food like I am, create a hole in the rice, and pour the egg inside.

You can either a) bake the dish or b) proceed cooking in the pan. If you're always pressed for time like I am, go with option B. (If you in case you decide to go with option A, bake the eggs for 6-8 minutes at 400F.)

Cook the egg over low heat for 5 minutes with the pan covered, or just until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from the heat,then season the egg with salt and pepper as well. I use Trader Joe’s Tropical Pepper Sea Salt. It’s delicious.A pinch of Iodized salt will do too.

This dish is one of my all time favorite dishes, and my friends love it too. It’s filling and can be eaten any time of the day. Personally, I like it better when it’s cooled a bit, because then you can really taste the bold flavors. 

[thecurvylifestyle]

Curvy Cooking: Basil Beef Rice + (Thai Basil Vs. Italian Basil)

I've always pondered the difference between Thai and Italian Basil. I've always thought there weren't any differences except for the fact that they come from two different places. I was wrong. Here's what I learned from my research:

I love Basil - its smell, its flavor, and the way it adds depth to any dish. For the last 3 years or so, I have somehow mastered its taste, and I try to incorporate it in some of the dishes that I make. 

This Basil Beef Rice recipe was inspired by Masterchef Season 3 Winner Christine Ha's Thai Basil Beef. Due to the limited resources at home, I had to improvise, and here's what I came up with.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

(Serving good for 3-4 persons)

Ground beef

1 Red bell pepper

1-2 Red Onions

4 cloves of Garlic

Thai Basil

2 tbsp fish sauce

1 tbsp Muscovado sugar

1 tbsp Oyster sauce

PROCEDURE:

Start off by mincing your garlic and dicing the red pepper. Chop the onions as well. Heat a skillet over medium heat, and add 2 tbsp of Olive oil. When your oil is ready, sauté  the peppers. Add in the garlic and cook them until they’re golden brown. Make sure not to burn them, okay? I hate the taste of burnt garlic.

When the garlic is ready, add in the basil and onions, and allow them to caramelize for a bit. In case you don’t have Thai Basil, you can use Italian, but make sure to add some mint to get the strong Thai taste. After a few minutes, add in the beef and cook until it’s brown. Simmer for a minute or so, and start adding the condiments. Fish sauce can make your dish quite salty, so don’t overdo it. I add a tbsp and a half of sugar because I love how the sweet and salty flavors clash beautifully in my mouth. Lastly, add the oyster sauce and simmer for a few minutes.

Voila, Serve with steamed white rice or nachos. Enjoy. Perfect comfort food for a rainy day or a lazy weekend.

[thecurvylifestyle]

Curvy Cooking: Tuna & Green Bean Salad

It took me years to appreciate vegetables. Even now that I'm an adult, there are still certain veggies that I'm not a fan of. But since there's a huge difference between fat and being curvy, (which I'll talk more of in future posts), as those who have been gifted with extra pounds, we definitely have to train ourselves to eat healthy.

I am not going to lie. I love food and food loves me. We are in a serious long-term relationship. We also have to keep in my that every good relationship should always be a balanced one.

I was never a fan of vegetables, but I had to learn how to eat them, and this dish helped me through the whole process. This simple salad has definitely changed my mind about the way I thought of salads.

Hey, if you’re not an expert cook, don’t worry because there won’t be a need to burn the house down. It’s quick, easy, and extremely delicious. I got this idea while watching Everyday Italian with Giada De Laurentiis. She is amazing.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

1 cup of French or green beans 1 canned tuna 1 cup of baby potatoes 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (or 2 normal tomatoes, cut into circles)

Dressing:

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (or depending on your taste) 3 gloves of garlic, minced 1 whole lemon Oregano Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE:

I decided to use green beans and normal tomatoes since I already had them at home. Prepare the vegetables, don’t forget to wash them. Scrub the potatoes if necessary, no need to peel them. Boil the potatoes until they’re soft, and blanche the beans in the same liquid you boiled the potatoes in. Chop the beans to your preferred size, I usually cut them into pieces the length of my pinky. For the tomatoes, slice them whichever way you like, it looks prettier when they’re cut round, though. Once your done, combine the tuna and veggies, including the tomatoes ( which is a fruit, of course).

For the dressing, combine the olive oil and garlic into a bowl. Roll the lemon using your palm to release the juices. Slice the lemon, and add all the juice. Season it depending on your taste, oregano or any other herb is optional. Once you’ve combined everything, whisk hard, until the mixture becomes frothy. Add to salad, and toss with your veggies.

[thecurvylifestyle]

Curvy Blog: What The World Needs

Finally, the world is beginning to embrace the power and fierceness of full-figured women and men. Regardless of weight and size, we are all human beings worthy of love, respect, and friendship. I know we live in an age where beauty is oftentimes dictated by whatever we see portrayed by the media. Sometimes we are too consumed by following the norm and fitting in that we forget how to stand out.

Not everyone will appreciate our giftedness (if there is such a word). There will be more people that will be appalled by our round asses, big thighs, bellies, and muffin tops. People will get dismayed at how we parade ourselves, wearing our skin freely and happily. Go ahead, parade who you are freely. Be thankful for that extra padding, be thankful because you are you. 

Yes, there will be days when our strongest enemy will be ourselves. That's  normal. We are not perfect. Our bodies are not perfect, but not just ours. We were all made with flaws. What truly matters is who we are on the inside.

Let's not be fat-shamers. Especially not  to ourselves.

Now's the time to stop hiding behind old and frumpy clothing. Black isn’t the only color choice for us. Let’s celebrate our bodies, and make a stand. 

No one should ever be judged based on their size and weight. We should only judge people on how big their hearts are.

We should serve as role models not just to each other, but to the younger ones who need a sense of self-worth and respect. We should start creating a world where our children will learn to love regardless of one’s size, color, gender, or race.

Society needs full-figured role models so that they can learn how much love we can carry in our extremely plump hearts. All this should begin within ourselves.

From your curvy gal,