While plus-size women are divided on using the word "fat," I think we could all use a little extra love in this big, bad world when we're curvier than the average woman. Thin or... not so thin, we've all had experiences with the haterz out there. Yuck!

I recently read about a "fat acceptance crusader" who is working on a film called Fat Girls Float, which is a "film about fat women in a thin-centric world." Kira Nerusskaya, the independent filmmaker working on this project, makes no apologies for her 300 lb. frame-- and she testified in front of the Massachusetts state Senate about weight discrimination.

I think this sounds like a fantastic project! I would definitely watch it-- I am sick of body judgments and would love to see something that explores the world of larger women in-depth (as well as the men who love them).

Does this sound interesting to you, too?

I've had some emails recently inquiring about what I'll be getting myself for the holidays, and I thought I would share with you. Usually my husband and I don't do traditional gifting thing-- I give presents to my family, and they send me things, but I usually prefer to shop for myself after the holidays for the best deals.

That being said, I do love to make lists, and that includes holiday ones of things I must buy when they go on sale. Call me crazy, but it calms down my "need to have it!" cravings pretty significantly. I thought I would share a snippet of my plus-size holiday wish list:

1. Black Tights: I need a pair of opaque, thick black tights. I have cellulite around my knees (weird? probably), so I don't like the sheer stuff.

2. Boot Flair: The 2 Bandits, my favorite boot accessory label, is making new boot embellishments that are plus-size friendly. Their new "Riders" are a chain design that loop around the back of your heels. So hot!

3. Pretty Lingerie: Why wait to get in shape for the New Year when you can look a thousand times hotter in a 5-minute undie change? I vote yes for Evans London.

4. Silk Shirts: Silk, especially when affordable, is such a hot buy. eShakti has an entire silk blouse section on their site, and this floaty number will hide my turkey 'n' stuffing belly.

5. Coin Purse: Because I haven't used one in 4 years, and really should start! I like this daring one on ASOS.

Anything you like on my list? What about for you?

Sometimes I like to highlight awesome user answers that catch my eye. Here is one that fits into that whole "personal/professional mission statement" thing I'm thinking about these days. Don't cram yourself into a box!

From Guest MaryB on "What's Your Fave Fashion Tip?"

I happen to love wearing black, but it's not necessarily the go-to flattering color for everyone. I think it's good for plus-size women to embrace color, especially the ones that are most flattering. If you look incredible in pink (or purple, or yellow, or whatever), wearing that may be more "slimming" than black could ever be. Don't shy away from stripes and patterns, either. I think it depends on the size, style, and placement of these things. Experiment!

I haven't been wearing nearly as much black this year. What about you?

I am so sick of New Year's resolutions. I'm already thinking about them, but you know what? I'm going to make one, and only one, to get me through 2010: I want a mission statement to give me purpose. I was recently reading over at one of my fave blogs, What I Wore, and in her first newsletter, she said:

My purpose is to use my empathy and quirkiness to inspire and encourage women to feel good about their bodies and self image and express confidence in themselves.

Forget the 10 pounds to lose, the silly beauty rules, and make something pithy that represents how you live, and what you live for! Easier said than done, but as plus women, I think it's an important step to total self-acceptance.

Has anyone ever done this before?