A great workout tool that is mobile, inexpensive, and highly effective, is the resistance band.  Resistance bands come in sets, each band a different length and stretchability.  The overall idea with resistance bands is to pull the two polar ends away from each other, tightening your muscles and building strength when fighting the resistance.  This tool really helps the muscles to become toned and strong.  One of the major pluses is that it can help to rehabilitate existing problems and prevent injury.  So, put on a pair of plu size bike shorts or plus size leggings, and try these three exercises:

Squats:

Step 1:  Step onto the the resistance band with both feet.  Your feet should be shoulder length apart.

Step 2:  Squat fully, holding the resistance band at your shoulder level, then stand in place.

This will work on your thighs, the back of you legs, your lower back, and especially your butt.

Diagonal Woodchops:

Step 1:  Loop the resistance band under your left foot and step on the band.

Step 2:  Hold onto the band and pull up-back-and to the right.

Step 3.  Make sure that you keep your feet stable and in place.

The Diagonal Woodchop will work those "love handles" that are very hard to tone and are often ignored by other exercises.

Laying Hip Abduction:

Step 1:  Loop one end of the resistance band around your left ankle and loop the other end of the resistance band around the right ankle.

Step 2:  Lie on your back with your legs elevated 6 inches from the ground

Step 3:  Fight the resistance of the bands by moving your legs outwards.

Laying Hip Abductions work the inner thighs and plevic muscles and work on tightening these problem areas.

Resistance bands are a great tool for exercising at home.  They start at around $40, so they are relatively inexpensive, versus a gym membership or a home workout machine.  Resistance bands are used in sports world and phsysical therapist swear by them.

Winter is upon us and it is one of my favorite times of the year.  Christmas, New Years, fun with the family, and of course, being able to wear large coats and jackets and sweaters.  This time of year, I feel a lot more confident in my cute pea coat or my cashmere sweater.  Winter is really the season for plus size women's clothing.

Here are some of the new Winter trends for 2009:

-The colors for this Winter seem to be the obvious black, brown, and other rich/warm colors.  Do not be afraid to add gold to the mix as it is another hot color for the Winter season.

-Over the knee/thigh high boots are in style this Winter.  From leathers to Suedes, the higher up the boot, the better.

-As for outerwear, look fashionable in a cape or a cloak.  It is a very cute accessory that can be used to add flavor and to perfectly match any outfit.

-The miliatry/tuxedo look has morphed with a turn of the century feel.  This means that ruffles and all other British Regency looks are definitely in style.  Also think double breasted slim-cut jackets, waist coats, and tailored vests.

Most importantly, be comfortable, confident, and warm this Winter season.

My husband DVR-ed an episode of ABC's Shark Tank for me and I just recently got around to watching it.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the show, a company that needs funding for their business pitches their model to 4 wealthy entrepreneurs.  The 4 decide whether they want to invest in the company in exchange for equity and the deal is made right there, on the spot.

In this particular episode, a woman by the name of Gayla Bentley, who I totally fell in love with, pitched her plus size women's clothing line. She was charming, charismatic, funny, and someone who I feel represented "us" really well.  Her clothing line was fashionable clothing for plus size women.  She asked for a $250,000 in exchange for20% stake in her company.  She was amazing in explaining the plus size fashion world to these business people.  Gayla explained that plus size women's clothing was a multi-billion dollar a year industry and it represents 60% of women that shop for clothes.  After hearing that, and the fact that she was making about a half a million dollars a year with her line, the Sharks were very intrigued.

Two Sharks end up partnering to invest in Gayla's clothing line and exchange they get 50% of her company.  It may sound like a large portion of her company, but Gayla really got a great deal because she has not only nabbed her investment, but one of the Sharks is a HUGE player in the clothing industry, fully equipped with manufacturers and distribution not to mention connections.

So ladies look out for Gayla Bentley's plus size women's clothing line! 

Yes, swimming is a great exercise.  It burns calories, is good for your heart, it is very low impact, and it effectively tones your body.  But, we all hate it.  Worrying what to wear, how to cover up, how not to feel too...exposed.

Here are a few tips for choosing plus size women's clothing for swimming:

-  Over your swim suit, try wearing plus size bike shorts.  They cover your bottoms, shape your thighs, and are flexible and easy to swim in.

-  You can also wear a swim dress.  They cover a lot more, and have become very fashionable.  They look more like halter dresses than swimming apparel.

-  Accentuate your assets.  Find a suit that captures your curves and highlights your cleavage.  Don't be afraid to hug your curves and show them off.

-  Most of all, pick a suit that is comfortable, and you feel comfortable in.  No matter what, if you think you look good in your suit, you will feel confident at the pool.