Depending on why you are going, Ireland has something for everyone, from party havens, to historic monuments, to interesting sites, and much more. Most require no bathing suit, so you don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable in your own skin. In addition, you will have new and interesting stories to tell about your spring break, aside from everyone’s cruise and beach story. This way, you can be different, but still have a great time.

There are dozens of famous historic sites here, including castles, villages, ancient libraries, and breathtaking scenery. If those aren’t enough for you, consider fun and interesting sites like the Blarney Stone, especially if you want an instant imaginary boost to your speaking abilities. The “gift o’ the gab” is a great reason to visit the beautiful and imposing castle, and the world-famous rock on top is just icing on the cake.

Parts of Ireland are also party central, and the Irish are known all over the world for their partying capacity. From interesting and unique alcohol flavors to party-friendly atmospheres, spring break is just another reason to get together for this vacation haven. Here, you can be yourself, and no one will be bothered if you do not bring your bikini. The only thing to remember is that Ireland does have very strict drinking and driving laws, so you will want to keep a designated driver or the number of a local taxi service handy when you plan to drink.

Keep in mind that, like most overseas destinations, you will need a passport to travel to Ireland. Do this early to avoid problems, and consider registering with the United States Embassy for safety’s sake (regardless of where you decide to go). They can point you in the right direction for places to stay, and give you a lot of helpful information about the area in general, including any relevant or pertinent safety tips. On average, the crime rate in Ireland is mostly restricted to typical petty crimes toward tourists, such as purse snatching, so being careful is the key to any good vacation.

Unlike the crime rate in destinations like Mexico, Ireland has very few problems with terrorists, drug lords, cartels, or similar problems these days. The abduction rate in Mexico increases every year, but it still remains a very popular tourist destination. You have enough to worry about with deciding what to wear when you travel, weight limits/restrictions on your means of transportation, and comfortable traveling accommodations. Adding worry about kidnapping or terrorism ruins the relaxation of any vacation, regardless of how much “fun” is available overall.

Being plus sized should never mean that you cannot go where you want to go. However, people can be cruel, and what fun is a vacation where you feel out of place amongst even friends? Choosing somewhere neutral is a great way to enjoy time away from home and/or work, and locations that offer fun for everyone are the best neutral locations. Ireland has so much to offer anyone who visits, regardless of weight, so consider somewhere that is interesting—and different—for your next vacation, spring break blowout, or honeymoon destination.

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Let’s face facts: Very few advice columns offer information or education that helps a plus size couple. It seems to be a taboo subject to think that anyone who is intimate can be plus sized, too, so sex advice especially is hard to come by. Here are some tips for spicing things up with your special someone, from a plus size perspective:

Be Realistic:

There are many fun and interesting ideas for sexual fun and games out there, but some are just not doable for plus size people. However, there are dozens of lingerie shops that cater to larger couples, especially on the Internet, and most offer discreet shopping from the comfort of home. Do not get discouraged at the typical lingerie store that offers only sizes 0-10 in the most fashionable nighttime styles, find somewhere that has clothing that is sexy and attractive in your size.

The same goes for the many sex-help books available. Be realistic with yourself and each other about what you can and cannot do. Not everyone is attracted to role-playing games, even among the most beautiful people. If the atmosphere around this intimate time is stressed and strained, it loses much of the intimacy and enjoyment. Being realistic will keep things fun for both of you.

Stay Comfortable:

No matter how much pressure to perform is out there, knowing each other’s limitations is important. This intimate time together is all about love, not pain or difficulty breathing. If something is too painful, or uncomfortable, never be afraid to tell your partner. True love is not about this type of sacrifice, and the only time pain should be a part of intimacy is when both partners are on board with the idea.

Focus on each other:

Don’t worry about what society as a whole thinks of your intimate relationship. There is absolutely no reason that two plus size people should not enjoy each other just as much as any other couple. Rather than putting yourself through the anxiety of public opinion, focus on that special someone. Learn what makes them happy, and dedicate yourself to making each other feel special however you can.

Ignore conventional rules:

Most people think that being intimate is all about what is going on in the bedroom. This false perception of love is not limited to the beautiful and thin couples out there, and, in fact, most plus size couples feel this even more keenly. Keep in mind that there is no unwritten rule that says you must be ready for the bedroom if you desire intimacy. If one or both of you is not ready for that step, don’t take it. There are other ways to develop an intimate bond without feeling pressured to have sex, especially early in the relationship.

Being a plus size couple has drawbacks, but as long as you are realistic, honest, and open with each other, there is no reason why the relationship cannot have just as much spice and romance as any other couple. Learn to do things together that develop intimacy, and build the relationship on solid ground, and enjoy having someone special to spend life with. Do not feel limited by society, or public opinion, or even Hollywood’s perception of what is romance.

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Do I really need this? If you can’t say yes, don’t stop. The majority of overweight people are emotional eaters. We eat because we are bored, tired, lonely, upset, excited, or just because we don’t know what else to do. This adds to a weight problem, and drains our wallet as well. If you aren’t honestly hungry, go on past that fast food joint and head to the track instead. Walk off those emotions, and burn the calories.

Can I afford to eat here? While a shrinking budget and expanding waistline do not go hand in hand, they are often progressive problems. Honestly ask yourself whether you are hungry enough to need a buffet instead of the dollar menu. Saving money by not eating out can help you afford something more valuable, like a gym membership.

Will this fit with my diet choice? If you are dieting, eat somewhere that offers diet-friendly menus. This can include salad bar or low-fat choices. Low-calorie options are on most major chain menus these days, even at trendy and popular restaurants. Greasy, calorie-filled foods are not the only option to get more for your money.

Can I make this cheaper at home? It’s more work to fix food for yourself, but it often costs less. You are less likely to overeat if you are forced to do the work, too.

Answering simple questions like these will help you make better choices when you are faced with the decision of eating out versus going home to eat, waiting to eat later, or even what to select from the menu. Making healthier choices will start helping you lose weight, and feel better about yourself. You should never skip eating because of what people may think of you, but it is essential to establish good eating habits that will encourage you to live a smarter and healthier life.

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1. Avoid drinking soda with your meal.

One ‘happy meal’ can already fill up your entire required daily calorie intake. Don’t add more insult to injury; drinking water is the best option. Add some lemon to the water or order unsweetened tea or coffee instead to cut down calories.

2. Have your meal prepared in a ‘lighter way’.

If possible, request your food to be broiled or steamed instead of fried, with less sauce on the main dish and less dressing on your salad.

3. Go easy on the condiments.

Meals served in fast foods outlets are often high in sodium. Reduce your risk of hypertension by avoiding the use of more salt. It also helps if you remove the salt bottle on your table to so you wouldn’t be tempted to sprinkle extra salt on your food.

4. Read the menu carefully.

Healthy eating also means making informed choices. Ask what ingredients are used if not clear and how the dishes in the menu are prepared. Veer away from deep-fried, Alfredo, battered, au gratin, creamy, and breaded dishes as they are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium.

5. Watch your portion size.

This is very much like watching your waistline size. A smaller portion size controls your caloric requirements, so avoid super sizing your meals. Don’t finish a big serving by yourself, share it with somebody or take it home.

6. Steer clear from buffet tables.

Buffet setting is one of the best exercises in practicing self-control. You can still enjoy your food however, make sure you have more servings of fruits and vegetables and resist the temptation to make another helping especially if you are feeling full.

Remember that this is a lifestyle change. Soon you’ll conclude that healthy eating isn’t as hard as you think it is. In the end, it is you that will benefit from these healthy practices and you’ll begin to lose that plus size image.

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Look for shirts and dresses with an A-line pattern. These accent your waist, and are great for bustier women, as they minimize the cleavage and maximize the curve appeal. A flowy dress or top under the A-line will minimize the tummy, and make hips appear smaller as well. They are comfortable and roomy, without feeling or looking like a circus tent.

Choose colors and fabrics that work well with your complexion, not simply your favorite colors. You can visit a makeup counter to find out what season’s colors work best for your skin tone, eye color, and hair color, and choose fabrics and prints that work for you, complementing your best features. Although most advice columns for plus size women recommend sticking with navy or black, these are not flattering on every full figured woman, and dressing like we are heading for a perpetual funeral is not an exciting or trendy fashion statement.

As most critics are fast to point out, it is best to avoid horizontal stripes, as they make your waist and bust (and behind) appear much larger. Diagonal or vertical stripes are slimming, but avoid fatter stripes as they can make you look more bulky, especially if you have a bigger bust. A combination of wide stripes and thin stripes is attractive and flattering, and pinstripes are always a great choice, especially for a fashionable and dressy suit.

Floral prints should be kept to a minimum, and avoid the fat, showy floral prints that are often found on plus sized clothing. Prints should be smaller, and color patterns should suit you, not clash with your hair or skin tone. While it can be very flattering and beautiful to add a corsage or hair accessory with a larger flower, avoid them on shirts, dresses, and skirts. They accentuate the parts of your body that you are trying to minimize or hide altogether.

Most plus sized skirts offer a split for comfort and style, but be wary of the split when sitting, as they tend to pull open. Choose skirts and dresses with a minimal split in comparison to the length of your legs. Make sure that the split comes no higher than your knee, in order to avoid unsightly gaps that expose too much leg (or worse). Skirts should be worn at about calf length, to maximize height and minimize the appearance of cellulite, especially at the thigh and behind the knees.

Finally, geometric patterns are very flattering for plus sized women. Colors should cooperate well with each other, and with your skin tone, hair color, and eye color, creating a very neat and fashionable outfit. Pair with slacks or jeans that fit well. If you wear the pattern on a shorter dress, add a pair of cute leggings that match to slim and lengthen your legs. Complete any of these looks with a pair of comfortable and stylish shoes that fit well.

Flattering fashion styles for a plus size body are available at a wide variety of retailers, and once you know your measurements, you can even choose online shopping for a more convenient shopping opportunity. Choose the right styles and shades, and you will look fabulous, no matter what size you wear.

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Plus Size Beds

What makes plus size beds appropriate for overweight people is the heavy duty steel frame construction, reinforced springs and increased height for ease of movement. The Companion HD is a head and foot adjustable, heavy duty bed. This bed provides a weight capacity of 600 pounds and could be ordered as a twin, full or queen size. A hand control is available for comfort settings. Another suggestion is an air bed such as JamesAir. Air beds give you the ability to adjust the firmness desired by increasing or decreasing the air volume.

Plus Size Mattresses

When purchasing a mattress, plus size people need to consider the thickness, material and firmness of the mattress. Foam, latex and spring coil mattresses are some examples. Generally, the foam and latex mattresses are a better choice since they lack the coils which could wear down over time causing discomfort and back ache. The Ultra 400 deluxe bariatric latex mattress is specifically designed for extra large people. This mattress supports individuals weighing between 300-400 pounds. Sizes range from twin, full, queen and king.

Plus Size Chairs

If you are looking for a practical chair, the Snowball 500 is a good bet. This chair is stackable with a 26” wide opening and 500 lbs capacity. If you’re searching for an office chair, the Throne High Back 400 will give you 400 lbs capacity along with arm rests and full swivel.  The Parsons chair is also a good and sturdy choice having a weight capacity of 1,000 lbs. Also, the Pride XXL Mobility is a 600 lbs chair that offers a heavy duty lift actuator. For your patio and outdoor furniture solutions, the Exeter 500 steel chair will give you the comfort and reinsurance of 500 lbs capacity.

Plus Size Bath Furniture and Toilets

There are a variety of plus size bathing and toilet furniture on the market. The Big John toilet seat is a popular brand having a 1,200 lbs capacity, the largest contoured seat on the market and a universal design that works with any round or elongated toilet. Oversized bathtubs and shower chairs are also available in plus size.

Not all expensive plus size furniture mean better quality. Speak to the sales staff, ask questions, compare prices and don’t forget that it comes down to comfort and durability when choosing the right plus size furniture.

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You must give your children quality time. Your job supplements the family income, but you shouldn’t let it get in the way with your children’s needs. Spend time with your kids – read to them, talk to them about their day and play games with them. It’s not important what you do, or how much time you spend – what counts is being with them, when they need you, and even when they don’t. You need to demonstrate your love and affection every chance you have.

A family vacation is a must! The family that travels together stays together. It’s does not have to be Paris or Rome. Sometimes you could just take a weekend off, head to some place on the outskirts; a simple location can work wonders too. What counts is that your family is together, doing things together. Keep your work at arm’s length during that holiday; ensure that work-related calls and emails do not interrupt you. We’d recommend that you finish all pending work before heading out if possible. Don’t worry about the new upcoming project or tight deadlines you have. You’ll do better work after a quality weekend away with your family.

Shop together and take your children along. If you have an older child, and have a baby as well, your older kid can help you with buying the baby products. Appreciate his/her suggestions; this is also a good way you can teach him about basic parenting and established a stronger bond. When money permits, buy something nice for the family. That PlayStation might be just a bit expensive, but if your children been really supportive all throughout, helping with chores and doing their own homework, give the occasional rewards to keep everyone happy.

Set aside time for your husband or wife. Do things which you both enjoy. For example, go for walks when you’re free, cook dinner together, watch TV and spend time together when the kids have gone to bed.

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1. Dress from head to toe in one tone – clothes which are a dark color like black, dark navy or dark red to aubergine gives the illusion of a slimmer figure because dark colours absorb light . Don’t wear shiny material in dark colors

2. Wear clothes that are the right size. Saggy, baggy clothing looks a mess and tight clothes will wrinkle and hike up when you move.

3. Avoid stretchy fabrics except for intimates: these cling to all the wrong places like boobs and sticking out bellies. Lycra in outer clothes, silk, rayon, and other jersey fabrics that have a sheen are the worst offenders. Look for tailored clothing: well cut pants, for example, are a great investment and are worth having made to measure.

4. Love Lycra in lingerie. Plus sizes need more than just their men to hold them tight! Pantyhose with Lycra, control tops / bras , body shapers, or whatever intimates you feel comfortable in that keeps everything in one jiggle-free place.

5.  Wear heels. Being that bit taller helps balance your width.

6.  A long length coat can hide a lot of humps and bumps and is much better than chunky sweaters.

7. Stand straight and be aware of your posture. Look at yourself in a three-way full-length mirror. If you hold your body up straight instead of slouching you’ll add at least an inch to your height.

8. If you are wearing pants a shift dress top will create a sleek line, as long as it is a heavyish material, not too soft like silk, which would cling and hike up.

9. If you must wear stripes, vertical rather than horizontal for a plus size dress, but the other way about if you are wearing a striped top over big bottomed pants. Make sure the top is broader shouldered, and that the stripes are wide rather than narrow to keep in visually in sinc.

10. Don’t wear high contrast color combinations, your figure breaks into too many elements and cuts short the illusion of leanness.

11. Don’t buy over-tight clothes. If your jeans are painted on to get them to fit, give in and buy the next size up !

12. Dress in younger sharper styles. It’s a human nature thing that people automatically associate age [ and older, "stuffy" styles ] with fatness.

13. Buy low-rise pants and jeans. They sit down on your hips and don’t cut into your sides and tummy. As well as extra comfort they are also very flattering because they conceal your behind but don’t force your love handles sidewards, making your butt look smaller.

14. To enable you to smile find something you love about yourself and flaunt it! Let down your hair and just focus on something that makes you feel great about yourself because in actuality no one other than you probably noticed that you put on a couple of pounds. And remember – Plus Size is now the normal.

Source: www.plussizeusa.com

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According to Wal-Mart, “So many of the women who shop at Wal-Mart today fall into the plus size category. The buyer is already there, whether she’s buying groceries, toys, clothes for her kids. So we really wanted to create a plus size destination for apparel for her.” This year, the New York fashion show displayed the spring collection, ranging in sizes from 16 to 28. Price range is $6 to $22.

In spring, 2010 the store will offer suggestions on how to mix and match pieces. If you’re a Large Size Living avid reader, you will not need to follow the mix and match signs since the latest fashion tips are here! So, if you are looking for your plus size favourites head to your neighbourhood Wal-Mart for more plus size clothing choices, affordable prices and increased selection.

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Overweight people are termed as lazy, self indulgent and lacking in self discipline. Young women are taught at an early age that exterior beauty is more important than anything else in their lives. Meanwhile thousands of women will die this year of bulimia and anorexia nervosa. What the media hype and the movies have done to affect the mentality of women and make them want to be thin added to that. A horde of body treatments that promise you unbelievable answers to weight problems is quite sad.

Being obese does not make you less beautiful or attractive. Often you’ve heard people say, “But I don’t like being fat” or “no one likes being fat”, not just that, plus size people will turn their heads away when they meet other obese people.

You can be obese and still be the most beautiful person in the world!

Why compare yourself with others? “No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.” (Proverb) You are unique and you have your special gifts. Being obese does not take those away.

Associate with people who spread positive vibes.

It is worthwhile to remember that to keep the self-esteem high, associate with people who have a positive perception about you. Those that drain you of your energies and talk negative to you and about you, especially reinforcing that you are fat and ugly are toxic. Evaluate their frienship and you’ll soon realize that you’ll be better off without them.

Obesity and self-esteem – The vicious circle

Another point to remember is that obesity and self-esteem can become a vicious circle, where obesity creates low self-esteem and visa versa. When you have low self esteem you tend to eat to make up for it. This furthers damages your self-esteem and it takes on the form of a vicious circle.

Is your value system right?

To break this circle, you must make sure your value system is in the right place. Do you value your spouse only because he is financially wealthy? Has he lost interest in you because you are no longer the thin person you used to be? Remember your integrity and love for a person comes through when you stay with them through thick and thin, through the happiness and the sadness. Will you stop loving your spouse if he suddenly had a downfall in his career? Lastly, love yourself first and foremost because only then can you love others!

Source: http://www.selfesteem2go.com/obesity-and-self-esteem.html

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