Full-Figured Diva

One, Two, Three!

2012-01-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

Dress|Ashley Stewart - Shoes|Jessica Simpson - Clutch|Ashley Stewart - Accessories|Random

Hey Divas! I hope everyone is having a fabulous week! This outfit post is one that I was really hesitant to share. For some strange reason the pics didn't come out to good....hence the reason why I only posted 3!

It's been in the high 70's low 80's these past couple of weeks in Cali, so I'm able to get away with wearing this dress:)) I have my fingers crossed for cooler weather. I'm sooooo ready to wear a pair of tights, my sweaters, and boots. (sigh)

Happy Thursday!

Side note: I've been having some issues trying to post on certain blogs lately . For some strange reason when I click on comments....NOTHING HAPPENS. My computer just sits there...staring back at me. I don't know if it's Blogger or my computer. Either way...it sucks!

What's Cooking | Fancy Banana Pudding

2012-01-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Lovers!! I hope you ALL kicked off 2012 with a BIG BANG!

During the Holidays, I ran across this AMAZING recipe for Fancy Banana Pudding over at BeautyFash and I decided to give it a try. Every year for Christmas my family gets together for breakfast and dinner. We stuff our faces, watch the game, have cocktails, mingle, laugh, ~~then stuff our faces again.~~ For dessert I usually bake cuppies, but this year I decided to change it up a bit and made this Fancy Banana Pudding. All I can say is that this pudding was the talk of the evening! Nothng but rave reviews from friends and family. This recipe is definitely one for the books!

Here's what you will need!

Ingredients:
2 Boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 Box Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 Box Nilla Wafers Cookies
1/4 Cup Confectioner's Sugar
2 Tablespoons Sugar
2 Tubs of Whipped Topping, thawed
4 Cups Cold Milk
1 Stick of Butter
4-5 Ripe Bananas Thinly Sliced
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

You will also need a spring form pan for this dish. The ones normally used for cheesecakes/tarts.

Melt the butter!

In a bowl, add the 2 Tablespoons of sugar to the breadcrumbs

Pour in melted butter

Mix well to combine

Spread the buttered graham cracker crumbs in the pan. Be sure to push up on the sides. The sides will not be perfectly even, but don't worry....this will give your banana pudding a little character

Bake the crumbs in the oven at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or until golden brown.

-In another mixing bowl, add your pudding mix and confectioner's sugar

-Pour in the cold milk

-Blend on high for about 2 minutes. The pudding will be soft set

Add in the whipped topping and mix a minute more to combine

Add in the other bucket of topping and mix well

The pudding/topping mixture will be nice and thick

Meanwhile, the crumbs should be golden brown.
Remove from the oven and put in the freezer while you slice the bananas

Cut banana slices really thin

Grab the crumbs from the freezer and start to assemble

-First, add a layer of pudding mix

-Then an even layer of banana slices

-Then the Nilla Wafers

Repeat 2 more times for a total of 3 layers. Start with pudding and end with pudding

Let this chill in the fridge for AT LEAST 24 hours. This gives the Nilla Wafers a chance absorb the pudding and get soft and yummy

After 24 hours, loosen the spring on the pan and remove the sides.

Enjoy!

Thank You to ALL my loyal readers/followers & lurkers for sharing and making 2011 an AMAZING year for me. I look forward to another fabulous year of blogging and continuing to give you all

"A Peek At Life Inside My World"!

xoxo

Faux(y) Lady!

2011-12-06T20:13:00.000-08:00

Hey Divas! I hope everyone is having a great week so far. I finally got a chance to take some pics before the sun went down and I wanted to share them with you.

It's beginning to feel and look a lot like Christmas around here and I absolutely LOVE this time of the year. I enjoy all the decorated houses and yards colorfully lit up at night, spending time with my loved ones and all the delicious food that comes along with the holiday. December also gives me an opportunity to reflect on the year coming to an end and consider and plan for the new year approaching. I'm enthusiastic about the new year and what GOD has in store for me.

Until we meet again my loves...May the Joys of the season fill your heart with goodwill, LOVE and cheer!

Top-Ashley Stewart | Faux Fur & Boy-Friend Jeans-Torrid | Shoes-Marshalls | Accessories-Random | Purse-LV

Leopard and Dots and Jean....OH MY!

2011-11-16T21:03:00.000-08:00

Hey Divas! First and foremost I would like to say "Hello Lovers" to ALL of my new followers! Thanks for following and thanks for your lovely comments. To my OG followers....Thank you ladies for your continued support and love!! I really appreciate you all:)) It's a little hard for me to take pics due to the time change. It gets dark around 5pm (which sucks)...but I promise...I will find the time and start posting a little more often. Until then.....be FEARLESS....be FASHION....be YOU!

[Skirt-Burlington | Jacket-Ashley Stewart | Booties-Burlington | Accessories-Random | Clutch-Thrifted]

Class Reunion...

2011-11-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas! Just wanted to share a couple of pics from my 20 year Class Reunion (that I never posted) which was last month on the 9th. The reunion kicked off on a Friday at Yen's Sushi Lounge which consisted of a night full of karaoke, great drinks, laughter and catching up with old friends. Saturday night was the actual reunion at the Proud Bird and I wore this cute little one shoulder dress (pictured below) that I picked up at Forever 21. It was perfect for the 80 degree weather that night. Sunday we ended the reunion with a picnic on the quad of my old high school. It was a weekend full of nothing but GOOD TIMES!!!

(These pics were taken from several different cameras so please forgive the quality...etc. etc. etc.)

Happy Howl-o-ween!

2011-10-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

Unpredictable

2011-10-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas!!! I hope you're ALL having a great weekend soooo far!

Even though the calender says it's Fall...It still feels like Summer out here in Cali. Yesterday it rained for about 15 minutes out of the blue....and today it was in the high seventies. Soooooo unpredictable I tell ya!!
I must admit....I'm a little jelly of those who actually get a chance to experience all four seasons. The forecast says it's suppose to rain next week and I'm definitely looking forward to a change in weather! Until next time....stay fabulous lovers!!

A "tiny" Splash Of Color!

2011-09-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

Have A Great Weekend!!

Phenomenal Woman

2011-09-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies.

I say, It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Excerpt from Maya Angelou Phenomenal Woman

Payless

2011-09-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

These days, it truly does feel good to pay less. That's why Payless ShoeSource has become the go-to retailer for designer shoes at affordable prices by fashion designers such as Christian Siriano (of Project Runway), Lela Rose, Isabel Toledo, and the new brand to the site Brash. Although the Christian Siriano line isn’t exactly like his runway collection (pictured above...which I absolutely LOVE) he does offer sizes up to a 13, which is a plus...especially for women with larger feet. Be sure to check out the above designers and their amazing collections HERE at Payless!

Women’s Ella Cross Strap Wedge Boot Silvia Tcherassi for Payless $64.99

Women’s Emilia Ankle Wrap Pump Silvia Tcherassi for Payless $59.99

Women’s Iris Shootie Christian Siriano for Payless $54.99

Women’s Karissa Platform Mary Jane Brash $34.99

Women’s Komet Platform Pump Brash $29.99 Reg. $34.99

Women’s Pearl Platform Pump Christian Siriano for Payless $59.99

Hello There LOVER.....

2011-09-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas...I hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend so far. Just wanted to share a couple of pics with ya to let ya know I'm still alive!! I don't know what it is, but I haven't been in the mood for taking pics or blogging much lately (hence the lack of post). I'm really hoping to get my swag back soon. Until then...stay fabulous lovers!!

Have a great weekend!

Thank You...

2011-08-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas....THANK YOU ALL for your beautiful birthday wishes! Each comment really meant a lot to me! Thanks to each and every one of you for making my day a little brighter!

Much Love!

xoxo

Dress-Ashley Stewart | Shoes-GUESS | Purse-Louis Vuitton | Accessories-Random

Be sure to check out my "Global Style" feature over at 4-Lexi!!

THANK YOU ladies for the awesome feature and allowing me to showcase my style!

Like Fine Wine...I Get Better With Time...

2011-08-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today is my 38th birthday and I must say...I'm feelin' like a million bucks!! Last night I invited the fam over for an early celebration which consisted of drinks, hors d'oeuvres, dominoes, music, dancing, gifts, great conversation, chocolate strawberries, red velvet cuppies and a lil bit of karaoke. Noting but good times!! Happy Birthday To Me!!

Jumper-Pretty Woman | Shoes-Bakers | Clutch-Ashley Stewart | Accessories-Random/Gifted

You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, and as old as your despair.

~Douglas MacArthur

____________________________________________________________________________________

Real quick shout-out and a big fat THANK YOU to Inez over at Style Chic 360 for the AMAZING feature. Be sure to check her out!! Ms. Inez is F I E R C E...and such a sweetie pie!! Love her to pieces!!!
xoxo

Have a great week!

I Believe....

2011-07-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you learn to appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself...and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

~Marilyn Monroe

Have a great weekend!

And The Winner Is...

2011-07-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas and Gents! THANK YOU to everyone who participated in a "Few Of My Favorite Things" Giveaway!

Shakiyla over at I Wanna Be Fierce is the lucky winner!!

Congratulations Diva!

_________________________________________________

I purchased this dress about a month ago at Ashley Stewart. When I first saw the dress..I thought...HA..what a cute little cotton dress....but when I saw the price tag $49.99 I thought to myself..ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! I definitely wasn't paying $50 for the dress. I waited 2 or 3 weeks and the dress was marked down to $14.99. Now that's what I'm talking about baby!!!

Dress-Ashley Stewart | Shoes-Jessica Simpson "Dany2" | Sunnies-Nordstrom | Accessories-Random | Purse-?

Happy Monday!

La Di Da Di...

2011-07-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

You a bad girl and your friends bad too...you got the swag sauce you drippin' swag-gue!!
(lyrics from Beyonce "4" - Party / La Di Da Di)

I can't seem to get this song out of my head! Definitely one of my favorite cd's at the moment! If you don't have "4" by Beyonce.....I highly recommend picking it up! This weekend all of my friends are attending Jazz Fest West in San Dimas...but I decided not to attend. The heat is unbearable..and my hot flashes would be having hot flashes....soooooo my weekend will be filled with popcorn, bon bons and Life Time movies:/

Have a great weekend!!

Dress-Torrid | Shoes-Jessica Simpson Cheetah | Clutch-Ashley Stewart

What's Cooking | Banana Nut Muffins

2011-07-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

[Recipe adopted from The Food Network]

Hey Divas! For the past couple of weeks my bff has been asking me to bake some banana nut muffins...so today I finally decided to whip up a batch and try this super easy recipe I found over at The Food Network. The muffins are super moist and left an aroma throughout my house that was out of this world. Definitely a recipe worth trying out!

Enjoy!!

Total Time: 27 min.
Prep: 7 min.
Cook: 20 min.
Yield:12 muffins

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 overripe bananas
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts chopped ( I used walnuts)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and lightly butter muffin tins or use paper liners

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Mash 2 of the bananas with a fork in a small bowl so they still have a bit of texture. With an electric mixer fitted with a wire whisk, whip the remaining bananas and sugar together for a good 3 minutes. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla and beat well, scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice. Mix in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Fold in the nuts and the mashed bananas with a rubber spatula. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins to fill them about halfway. Give them a rap on the counter to get any air bubbles out.

Bake18 to 20 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, it's done. Cool on a rack.

Let cool for a few minutes before turning the muffins out. Serve warm or at room temperature.

A Few Of My Favorite Things "Giveaway"

2011-07-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas! Happy Tuesday! Today I am excited to announce another Diva-Licious giveaway with a "Few Of My Favorite Things". Just a little sumthin' sumthin' for YOU... my beautiful readers/followers. You don't have to write a long paragraph or anything like that. All you have to do is (1) make sure you'r e a follower of my blog (via Google Friend Connect) and (2) leave a comment below with your email address so I may contact the winner. I will be picking a lucky winner Monday, July 18th from random.org.

Aroma Therapy Energy-Mandarin Lime Body Lotion (travel size)
Lift your spirits. Mandarin Essential Oil stimulates your senses to help wake you up. Lime Essential Oil helps lighten your mood to instill a sense of optimism. This ultra-creamy body lotion contains Natural Soybean Oil to nourish and moisturize skin and Glycerin to attract moisture to skin.

Dark Kiss Signature Collection-Fragrance Mist (travel size)
Lavishly spritz Bath and Body Works refreshing fragrance mist all over your body to leave skin lightly scented with the fragrance of Dark Kiss, a seductive blend of voluptuous berries, tempting blooms and night musk to unleash your most primal passions.

Dark Kiss Signature Collection-Body Lotion (travel size)
An exclusive Signature Body Lotion formula, fortified with powerful ingredients like super conditioning Shea Butter, fast absorbing Jojoba Oil and protective Vitamin E, hydrates skin with moisture that lasts all day. It's non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and completely to leave skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished, making it the perfect daily moisturizer.

Citrus Flower Candle (1.6 oz.)
Meyer lemon, sparkling mandarin, and orange flower layered with sweet jasmine and green verbena

Have a great day!

My Very First Time.

2011-07-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas! I hope everyone is having a great day so far!
Would you like to know how I feel about being "plus size" or who inspired me to start my very own blog?!?

Be sure to visit The Fashion Fiend and check out my very first interview!

Thank You Kasey for the AMAZING feature!!

I would also like to thank ALL of my followers from the bottom of my hearth. Thank you for your support, and putting a smile on my face with your sweet comments and visits. Each and every one of you are special to me in your own way.

Much Love!
xox

Soaking It Up.

2011-07-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas! I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I would like to thank Strictli Hair and Church Girl Chic for the amazing Blogger Awards. Thanks ladies...I really appreciate the LOVE :)) The weather out here in Cali has been pretty amazing and I'm soaking it all up this weekend! Have a great week and stay fabulous!

Be sure to check out Full-Figured Diva on Facebook and don't forget to "Like" me HERE :)) Thanks!

Dress-Burlington | Sandals-Target | Accessories-Torrid | Purse-Ashley Stewart

My Independence Day!

2011-07-05T01:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas!! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July! Yesterday I spent the day with my family eating BBQ, snacking on watermelon and sipping on strawberry daiquiris. We ended the evening by gathering in the front-yard with the neighbors and watching a beautiful display of fireworks!!!! It's always nice spending time with family and friends! Have a great week and stay fabulous!!

What I Wore: Top-Avenue | Skirt-Ashley Stewart | Shoes-Jessica Simpson | Purse - Hermes

Yep....That's Right!

2011-06-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Yea buddy.....that's right!!! Ain't no shame in my game! Chillin poolside sippin' on a lil sumthin' sumtnin'! A couple of years ago...I wouldn't be caught posting pictures of me in a bathing suit...BUT this is ME....ALL of me....and YEP.....that's right....I'm rockin' my $10 bathing suit from Old Navy! Ha! I would like to give a special THANK YOU to everyone who has visited my page since my last posting. I had over 500 views in less than 24 hrs. So all you ~~lookie loos~~..(~~our lil secret...I'm one too~~) thanks for stopping by and umm hmm... I see you!!! Have a great week and stay cool!!

I'm baaaaaaaaack.

2011-06-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas!!!! I know....I know!! It's been a minute since my last post......BUT ya girl is Baaaaaaaaackkk! I'm walking with a lil extra swag in my step today due to my amazing massage yesterday @ Massage Envy in Manhattan Beach. Shout-out to Henry!!!!! Homie definitely knows how to put in work! The weather out here in Cali is really starting to heat up. I think it's gonna be one hoooooooot summer.....Stay fabulous and keep coooooool my lovelies!!!

Have a great week!!

Vegas Baby!

2011-06-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas! I hope everyone had a great weekend! As I previously mentioned I spent my weekend in Vegas. Friday evening after arriving, we had Patron shots, showered, went to dinner, had Parton shots, bowled, had Patron shots, gambled, had Patron shots and enjoyed the beautiful scenery inside the hotel and YES....had more Patron shots. Saturday....unfortunately we were 1 woman down. My bff was out of commission due to our hard partying the night before....so we left her to rest and headed for the strip...but the heat made it absolutely impossible to spend more than 10-15 minutes outside. We walked from one hotel to the next and it was a wrap. We ended up at Cosmopolitan, found a restaurant inside, had lunch...a couple of drinks and did a lil more gambling. After a couple of hours at Cosmopolitan...we headed back to the hotel, freshened up, then headed out to party. There's nothing better than spending time with those you love. This was one road trip I won't forget. Nothing but good times with my crew!!

On another note.....I would like to give a shout-out and big Diva THANK YOU to Trice over at "High Heels Good Meals". She awarded me with a Lovely Blog Award! THANK YOU Diva! Be sure to check Ms. Trice out! Baby is fierce!! I also found out today that I was featured as one of 35 Black Style Bloggers You'll Love over at "Black Style Central"! THANK YOU BSC for the AH-MAZING feature. I am extremely honored and thankful!

(Sorry for the picture quality. Unfortunately I didn't use my Canon Digital Rebel )

Hot....hungry and barefoot - Barstow Outlets

Bellagio Lobby - Check In

My cousin and male bff

Cheers!

Bowling

My lucky 5¢ machine!

New York New York

Bottoms Up!

I definitely don't remember this picture....BUT I obviously stay ready for the camera (lol)

Patron shots....compliments of Scottie

No more drinky drink for me!

THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU to my current followers

and WELCOME...WELCOME...WELCOME to ALL my new Divas. Thank you for your Love, Support and Beautiful comments! I appreciate each and every one of you:)) - FFD

Casual and Comfy.

2011-06-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas! I know we all have outfits that are super casual, super comfy, and don't need ironing. Well..this is one of those outfits. I threw this on to meet my family for dinner at Yang Chow (one of my favorite Mandarine and Szechwan restaurants) to help celebrate my cousins birthday. The party will continue this weekend when me and the crew head to Vegas. All I have to say is...WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS....STAYS IN VEGAS!!! Stay tuned for the Hangover Part III :))