CONTACT ME!



Want to get in touch?
Email me at themilitantbaker@gmail.com


I'd LOVE to hear from you!
xoxoJes

145 comments

  1. Thank you. You stick your neck out in a world where nasty people think it's cool to attack you, but you still do it. You stand for the things that you believe in. As it happens that I believe in a lot of the same things, I want to simply say that I appreciate it. Also, you're delightfully sexy. But mostly, thank you.

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  2. My purple does not stay in my hair. However, I have had incredible staying power from Special Effects brand's pink colors. It looks bold for a few months and then fades and still looks pink.

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  3. Thank you. I really needed to hear this... and because of you I'm wearing my bikini to the beach next week!!!

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  4. Just found your site and wanted to say - you rock!! Thank you for empowering all women everywhere!!

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  5. I have big thighs and really want to wear cute dresses but I have no idea what to do about chafing!!! Do you have any tips?

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    Replies
    1. I sometimes wear shorts, but more often than not if I'm worried about it I'll keep baby powder in my bag:)

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    2. Okay, I have to share...the best thing ever for thigh chafing that my best friend taught me: Anti-perspirant! It totally works. I use degree deodorant/anti-perspirant, and you just swipe it all around the thigh areas that rub, and voila! Totally saves me from wearing little (hot and sweaty) bike shorts under all my skirts.

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    3. Even better (for me) than antiperspirant is this stuff. Seriously, I love it so much. It has changed my life. http://www.etsy.com/listing/76827787/1oz-secret-shield-skin-barrier-balm?ref=shop_home_active

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    4. There's this thing made for runners/athletes and it is literally an anti-chafing stick. You can get it at any sports store or running store. I use it for when I wear dresses and shorts!I use Body Glide, but there are other brands out there. It isn't sticky, has no color, and doesn't feel heavy :)

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    5. I use a stick that is like deodorant, but specifically designed for chafing (usually in runners). The brand I use is Body Glide and it can be bought at most sports stores or running specialty shops. I use it when I wear dresses and shorts and it does wonders!!!

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    6. Stop using antiperspirant or deodorants with aluminum or parabens; the chemicals accumulate in your tissues and are a cause of cancer. Read the labels, look up ingredients, educate yourselves to the dangers. No need to be a victim of the chemical industry. Organic corn starch works.

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    7. my company created this AHHMAZING anti-chafing cream (made with corn starch and tapioca root starch) that dries as a powder. no more sweaty underboob or raw thighs for me, i absolutely love it!

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  6. I am wondering how you get on with shopping for clothes. I am a size 16 and 5'1". I get so frustrated when clothes shopping because nothing ever seems to fit right. It's too big in one spot and too small in another, too short or too long, or just doesn't flatter my very curvy figure the right way. I can spend hours shopping and come out of it with only two items. My size has me dreading clothes shopping.

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  7. I am a gorgeous, tattooed, mom, girlfriend and kick azz friend and by the way I sing like a muther fucker and oh yes FAT. Like supersized fat. I spent most of my life hating myself until about 7 years ago. The freedom that comes with realizing your inner awesome is amazing and you being so young and "getting it" is an inspiration. I am following you and recommending everyone I know do the same.

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  8. I just spent an hour reading your blog and enjoying all of the pictures and challenges on it. You're awesome! Thanks!

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  9. I was wondering if I could become a baker babe?

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  10. I fucking love your blog. As a body-conscious twenty-something living here in Tucson, in the sweltering heat, I always worry about what I can and can't wear, lest I be judged by the masses. But after reading six pages of blog, I begin to wonder just how badly I need to be okay with myself.
    Thank you for being you. If I hadn't found this, found you, today, I'd probably continue living my life as though I wasn't worth a thing. You may very well be the first step in me being a better me. And that makes my heart sing. ♥

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  11. Just found your blog through Pinterest! You are awesome, amazing and extraordinary! So happy to find you and can't WAIT to read through your whole archive.

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  12. Thank you Thank you Thank you. My daughter sent me your site and I am so grateful to her for it. You are showing the world that we are all BEAUTIFUL, SEXY, DESIRABLE and so much MORE!
    I have been a fat girl for a long time and put myself thru hell to loose the weight that others have told me I needed too. All along hating myself even more because I couldn't.
    I don't want to be thin - I want to be healthy and that has to begin with me Loving myself first!
    Thank you for helping with that. You site is AMAZING! and I am definitely sharing it!

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  13. Loving the words and the pictures...xo missy

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  14. I will start off by saying I am 5'8" 110 lbs......and I have self-image issues just like every girl in the world. I love how in one of your write ups you said all girls have rolls. As a stick figure with no bum or boobs I will tell you I have been jealous of women with curves many times. There are no ecards that say bones rock! there are no blogs for girls who have to work to gain weight. I feel like your blog is talking to all women and saying its ok to look the way you do. I thank you for that. I guess what I want to say is; Ladies, curves or angles it doesnt matter. We all have scars, insecurities, and jealousies.

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  15. Thank you for some of the blogs you have posted. They have inspired me and have helped me to start to heal from all the hurt that I have endured through my life. I am sure I sound like everyone else, but honestly you are a very inspiring person.

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  16. Hey lady,

    Just got into your blog and I really love it. You might like mine, too. I think we're totally sympatico. Thanks to you I went out and spent a chunk of change on some hot ass clothes (including a sweater with horizontal stripes!) today. Thanks for reminding me that every woman deserves to feel sexy no matter her shape. XO

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  17. I am SO glad I found your blog through an article reposted on XOJane! I live in Phoenix, and have a blog myself. I am going to read everything on your site! I've been looking to make my blog reflect my feminist sensibilities more directly, instead of as a secondary message. You have been very inspiring!

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  18. Also - How can I become a Baker Babe??? YES!!!

    ~Ella

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  19. Absolutely adore your blog, been reading it for a while now - in fact, gave you a shout out in a recent post of mine, in reference to challenging accepted fashion norms! Thought you'd be interested to know.

    Stay rad.
    -Shay

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  20. HI Lady,

    Thanks for doing what you do! I wanted to share a project I am currently working on. I am a photography student working on a series of nudes called Zaftig.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/meddlingmelanie/sets/72157633383606947/

    Also, yay cats!

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  21. Thank you for inspiring me! All my life I've been taught by society to hate my body, to strive for thin. Fuck society! Last year I almost died from a kidney infection, if God thinks I'm worth saving, than I must be perfect just the way I am. So this year for my 26th birthday I'm wishing to fall in love with myself and know that I'm beautiful & worthy of love at any size. Thank you for showing me I'm right. :)

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  22. Oh, PLEASE, please... do this! Please urge every woman over a size 10 to purchase an item (new or used) with an Abercrombie & Fitch logo (the bigger the logo, the better) and sew it (or otherwise secure it) on to an item of their clothing! If thousands of women did this, and then showed up in pictures and videos all over the internet, it would make me ridiculously happy!

    http://elitedaily.com/humor/the-10-most-ridiculous-things-mike-jeffries-ceo-of-abercrombie-fitch-has-said/

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    1. No. I will not line the pockets of a fat-hating man.

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    2. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/abercrombie-and-fitch-homeless-brand-readjustment_n_3272498.html

      Glad someone is doing it! Greg Karber is AWESOME!

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  23. I am in love with you. Your blog, your pictures, your BodyImages. I've spent hours on all these gifts that you have given to the internet--to me--reading and thinking and learning. And thank you for telling me I'm beautiful. I am. I need the reminder, though.

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  24. Thank you so much! Wish I had found you and this amazing, inspiring blog years ago..
    Cheers from Germany :)

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  25. Just stopped by to say you are awesome! Your posts always brighten my day, quite literally with all the super cool photography.

    As someone who's spent years hating her body, people like you are have taught me to start loving it again. There aren't enough words in the world to fully express my thanks for that. :)

    <3

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  26. Love your posts! Keep up the great work!

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  27. Love your blog, especially your satire of the A&F photos! Well played, sister! Keep up the awesome work! You have fans in Phoenix.

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  28. You are an awesome person, and say the most wonderful things big people need to hear to make them feel good about themselves. I don't have many people that i look up too but i think you are now one of those people that make me feel good to be me. Thank you soooo much for the words you write. You are a wonderful and beautiful person, Insisde and out.

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  29. What religion were you growing up?

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  30. Your ink is beautiful! Where did you get your tats?

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  31. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Judging by the above comments you hear this all the time; but, I want to be your friend-- YOU. ARE. AMAZING!
    -Heatha

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  32. Well done Jes for standing out for larger women! You have inspired me never to hide under clothes because I'm a larger size! You are a truly beautiful person. You rock! Much love from across the pond!

    xx

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  33. You are awesome.

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  34. I just discovered your blog through Jezebel and wanted to say thank you. Growing up as a six foot tall, plus sized girl was difficult and left me with a lot of emotional baggage that I carried well into adulthood. I've worked hard over the years to learn to be kinder to myself and it's so nice to know that I wasn't alone and to see such a wonderful example of an intelligent, beautiful woman who has struggled with similar feelings. As a native Tucsonan who hasn't lived there in years you've made me proud of my body and my hometown. Thank you for doing what you do.

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  35. you are awesome!! let's take this viral - p.s. my workmate is an abercrombie and fitch model' and she gets in trouble with them even just for lightening her hair because it is not 'natural' they are so anal about their 'natural' look. and yet they do not embrace natural body types.

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  36. i just found your blog today and i am up til nearly 2am reading it. you are awesome and badass and amazing and fuck knows what else. cannot wait to whack on a crop top and some tiny shorts (when it's warmer...) and show off my body in all its glory.

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  37. Thank you, you are amazing! :) And kudo's for the way you got your message across, very civilized. \o/

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  38. To all you Big Beautiful Women out there,

    There are men who love BBW's. Have faith, if your looking for a man, behold there is a man looking for you!

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  39. I applaud your willingness to speak out for others who are too afraid to fight the negative, damaging comments of those in the fashion industry. When I saw the photos, my first impression was not to notice size. I first noticed a strong, brave woman.

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  40. Hi,

    I think what you are doing is very commendable and love your blog. I am an semi-pro photographer and have been working on a series concept that the shots I see on your blog are very close to what I want to do and have given me encouragement to do it.

    Thanks
    Steve

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  41. I love your blog ! :) Greets from Belgium!

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  42. I love what you have done with the A&F faux advertisement. However, I have just one question. Do you not like big men? I get the impression that you feel it is alright for women to be big but not men. I get this impression because of the very underweight male that you chose to pose with. I myself am a big girl who appreciates her teddy bear of a boyfriend. I just feel that maybe you should have shown some love for our cuddly teddy bear men.

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  43. You are such an inspiration! Keep continuing to stand up for what is right. Thank you for being an amazing role model. (: By the way, you are absolutely beautiful!

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  44. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! You are encouraging and someone to look up to. I'm so happy I saw your pictures yesterday and found your blog tonight!

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  45. I just want to send more love and happiness your way. I think you are brave and beautiful.

    I think we, not L, but larger women, can't help but be offended by having ANOTHER person tell us that we are not attractive. But here's the thing (or at least one of my things), I am not a child anymore. I don't need to wear labels (other than my lovely Coach bags). I don't need to be anything other than who I am, which is a mother, wife, attorney, advocate, friend, community leader, book club attending, wine drinking person who enjoys her life.

    Mike Jeffries, who is 69, can say or do whatever he wants with his business. It does not and cannot effect me. Other than I won't let my children shop there b/c THOSE labels are not worth it!

    Continue to be brave and change the world when and wherever you can!

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  46. Amazing! That fucking rocked my socks.

    Just. Wow!

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  47. Thank you! All I can say! Thank you!!

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  48. Hello Militant Baker!!
    I read a article about you today & saw a clip, then looked for your blog and found a gift waiting for me. I am so enjoying all that you have here. You are so intelligent, talented and inspiring. Thank you so much for your blog.

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  49. Being fat is not something to be proud of, it's dangerous to your health. Being "proud to be fat" rather than "lose weight and be healthy"...that's a far more dangerous message than Abercrombie & Fitch for trying to define beauty with a number. I'm not being mean, I'm trying to help you. We can make all the excuses in the world for being fat but the fact is, people don't eat right, they don't exercise, they make all the excuses in the world for their physical appearance and instead of doing something about it, they give reasons not to. Get help, you can do it.

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    1. It is not your place to tell someone what to do with their health or weight. Mind your own business if you do not like it.

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    2. And what is your excuse for being stupid? Could you please read more, and stop being so stupid! If you worked more crossword puzzles, and practiced more math equations, maybe this would help you with your stupidity! You can make all the excuses you want, maybe you did not catch on the first time you were taught fractions, so what, you can still learn now and correct your defect! Being stupid is really dangerous, someone could take advantage of you and get you to give them all your life savings, stop being so stupid and get more educated! Get what I mean???? I am just trying to help you be a better person!

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  50. Ahahahahahaha! Fat is disgusting! You are pathetic, trying to get everyone to accept that being obese is "sexy." Instead of focusing so much time and effort trying to get people to accept your gelatinous blob of a body, you could be working out to lose cellulite. I, myself, find it amusing that you fat people want acceptance and pity for being so unappealing when you don't HAVE to look like that. Any health complications that arise from your weight problem shouldn't be treated, as it is only condoning your behavior.

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    1. Instead of focusing your time and effort on trying to make someone else feel bad about themselves, maybe you could be working on your own self-esteem so you don't have to put others down to make yourself feel better. What are YOU insecure about? Beauty is skin deep, ugly is what's inside.

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  51. I think it's clever that you satirized the A&F campaign, but you shot yourself in the foot by using a skinny male model.

    As female plus-size modelling is quite a common occurrence in the industry (I understand it's not standard hence the satire of A&F) but plus size male models are just guys who work out heaps and are big from muscles and not from weight, I think you missed the point by using a skinny male model.

    All I took from your blog was that it's not okay to exclude plus size women but plus size men don't matter.

    Sorry but I hate sexism as much as I hate sizeism.

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  52. Sweet. More like you, please.

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  53. I have read many of your articles after seeing your A & F statement on yahoo. I love them and am really inspired by them HOWEVER, the langauge is a little cringing to me. Your writing is amazing and your point is well received with out the use of the colorful langauge. I feel you will reach more people by taking the profanity out. I would love to show some of your blogs to a few teenage girls I know but, I can't do it with the profanity. :-/

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  54. I love what you've done with those photos! Personally can't stand A&F because of their "exclusive", popular-kid image. Women need to feel beautiful for who they are, regardless of size or age or social standing. I tell my 2-yo daughter every day that she is beautiful, and that being smart and sweet makes her even more beautiful. As for myself, I am now a size 5 and experience something akin to reverse discrimination amongst fuller-figured ladies. They don't realize there was a time I was a size 14, and hey - I have my flaws too. The point is: beauty is beauty, and we should all feel comfortable seeing that in ourselves and others. Thank you for what you do!!

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  55. I just saw on yahoo the "ad" you did in response to A&F and I have to say I thought it was funny but made a point. I am a guy but was married to a BBW and love big girls and just wanted to say "way to go".

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  56. Just wanted to say thank you, not for the A&F letter (although that was fantastic and if im being honest..made me tear up a little) but mostly i want to thank you for helping me with my constant struggle against the "fat women are worthless" society/world we seem to live in. It's people like you who inspire me and give me the courage to believe that I too may be worthy of love, and not from someone who doesnt treat me well or that i dont love and have to "settle for" but for thinking I deserve the best love, the love I want. It's sad that at almost 30 i am still struggling with these feelings, but our culture, media and companies are so good at instilling that message into everyone, even if you yourself dont believe it, it's still hard to act accordingly because of the shame and judgement etc. Anyway You (and your tatts!) are gorgeous. Thank you for proving to the world that fat women can be intelligent, desirable, confident and important! Even if it does take everyone else a while to catch up :)

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  57. It's really amazing how somehow we no longer take responsibility for our actions and then blame people who call us out. Let me give you an example: I'm a very un-proud smoker. There is no reason I should be proud right? There no reason I should feel comfortable "with who I am." Who i am is a person who has a problem and there is nothing I should feel "positive" about because (drum roll) I have the power to change it. YES! It's true! I can change an unhealthy behavior! Believe me I'd rather have the world accept me because them changing is easier than me changing. Is there a way to make that last sentence bold? That seems to be chubby peoples new crusade: Make the world change. Meanwhile cholesterol meds, blood pressure meds, blood thinner meds are all minimal cost thru my insurance (because there are so many chubby people) and I have to pay full price for Chantix, the stop smoking pill. Yes, that's correct: if i want to stop my destructive behavior I PAY full price. If chubby people want to keep eating until diabetes gets them, no big deal lets put em on low cost meds. How is this right? It's such a shame that we're moving to a society that says "Accept me for who i am" instead of us looking at ourselves and saying to ourselves "I am fat but I and only I have the power to get to healthy weight and live healthy. I can change for the better."

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  58. Just read your letter to Mike Jefferies- phenomenonal! You rock on oh so many levels!!!

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  59. You're awesome and that A&F satire, just brilliant!

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  60. Thank you so much for all of your well-positioned attacks on the "women must be skinny" theme. My late wife, loved her dearly, was always on the chunky side (isnt that a coy phrase). She was warm and soft when I held her, not a bag of bones. She was fun, had a great sense of humor. She was artistic, always expressing her creativity. But she had a friend (?was she really) that constantly politely criticized her for being a size 14. Then she started losing weight, she was overjoyed that she could finally live up to her girlfriend's expectations that "men only really love skinny girls". She kept losing weight, getting down to 120, then 105, then at 85 lbs. she was hospitalized with bullemia. She couldnt stop. After 6 months of treatments, her body would not let her stop purging and she died at 83 lbs of heart failure. Girls, don't let your friends slowly kill you with their own insecurities.

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  61. I'm really impressed about your writing and I hope to read a book from you one day. Society give us the way we should be since we're born, just by the gender that they gave us. It's a constant battle, and you chose one that will help a lot of people to rise and shine. Keep going and continue to don't give a shit about people who tell others that they should fit in the mold.
    :)

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  62. I'm really impressed about your writing and I hope to read a book from you one day. Society give us the way we should be since we're born, just by the gender that they gave us. It's a constant struggle, and you chose one that will help a lot of people to rise and shine. Keep going and continue to don't give a shit about people who tell others that they should fit in the mold.
    :)

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  63. Forty years in the making, I now have a real life role model. You are truly a beautiful person in every way.

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  64. Just ran across your pictures. You look great!

    Mark (Calgary, Canada)

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  65. Kiddywink, you just follow your heart! You are doing great!
    BTW I have an English accent ;)

    Jane in Milan, Italy

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  66. Oh, and in case nobody mentioned it .... LOL ... Your photos are the best!!!

    Jane

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  67. Damn,you write well. Any short stories or a novel in the works?
    Thanks for the pleasure of reading you.

    Juanita

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  68. My, but you write well. Any short stories or a novel in progress?
    Warm thanks for the pleasure of reading you.

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  69. I know I'm only 15 but I've been suffering through alot of body/mental issues and it really helps that I came across your blog, like a lot. Thank you so much, you are such an inspirational person and personally I think your utterly beautiful :3

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  70. You are so awesome and inspirational, let God just give you everything 'cause you helped me a lot when I really needed it and for that I thank thee :3

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  71. May I just say, I am so fucking happy I found your blog! Thank you!

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  72. Thanks for that really "cool" article and photos!:)

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  73. Wow after I saw you did the Abercrombie and Fitch post, I thought...this is the BEST response I've seen so far, and posted it all over my facebook...

    So I'm quite surprised to learn you live in the same city as me and were both plus size models :)

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  74. First, let me plead...never...NEVER discontinue this blog. I've read a few of your posts and I want to just cry and cling to you and say "thank you" over and over again. I'm a large lady who has hated herself for years because of it, and has listened to every slight and every "concern troll" and every advice people have given me. I've even taken to heart some of the stuff people do to themselves because "it works for them", as if they're telling me it should work for me, even if they haven't said that (does that make any sense? It's 2:42 am here and I'm typing this alone in the dark in bed).

    Your blog has told me everything that I used to not dare believe was true...and I love how you back up everything with proof! I get so sick and tired of all the "concern" people have shown me (parents, doctors, friends, husband, etc). I just want them to leave me alone and maintain my health by myself. I think I've gotten this big BECAUSE I've listened to everyone else. I started dieting at the age of 16 and I've been yo yoing ever since. I've done the WW plan 2 and a half times (the third time was just a huge failed attempt as I found ways around the system hehe). Both times I lost weight quickly...and both times it all came back and brought friends. I began WW (at 16) at 170 lbs...I now (at 30) weigh 287 lbs...yeahhhh. So now, I'm just trying to live relatively healthy (exercising mostly, primarily to make my muscles stronger...I'm weak as jello). I refuse to cut out whole food groups and I refuse to eat tiny portions if I'm hungry...hell no, if I'm hungry I'm gonna eat!

    I'm trying to love my body, I really am...right now I'm currently in a self loathing state, having seen my naked body in the bathroom mirror before a shower. That's why I'm here right now, trying to find solace in your wonderful blog. I'm finding it. You never disappoint. I love you, Jes! You're a godsend. That's why I'm imploring you, NEVER discontinue this...even if you get too busy to update, please keep it online so people like me can read it. I need this blog. I need it so much!

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  75. I just kind of stumbled upon your blog and I fell in love with it. You're fantastic, and I can't wait to just scour the whole thing and soak up all your love, because it's pretty great. I thought it was a crazy coincidence because I was born in Tucson and now am going to the UA for school, crazy small world, right?

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  76. Hi, I'm 15 years old. I absoluty hate my body, I think I'm ugly, nobody ever called me "beautiful", not even my dad. I always cry because I know people make fun of me because I'm fat, and I try to ignore them but I can't. My friends make me feel so ugly, and I try to love myself... I just can't.
    I found this blog on tumblr, and I have to say: you're fantastic. Thank you. Thank you for making me realize I can be pretty too... you're beautiful.
    (I'm from Argentina, so sorry if my english is not good!)

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  77. I am so proud to see you doing what you did in the face of Abercrombie. You are AWESOME. keep rocking the activist spirit. Wish I could join you for that activism. I love what you are doing, keep it up, don't let haters get you down.
    -James

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  78. Thank you So much for doing what you did in the face of Abercrombie. It takes guts to do what you did and to put yourself out in front of all those haters. Just know you're really making a difference. keep rocking the activist spirit, I wish I could join you.

    James

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  79. You made me realize my inner awesome. Now instead of hating myself and dieting every other day, I am embarrassing who I am. No more thinspo blogs, now I follow you and other body positive people. <3 You changed my life.

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  80. to echo everyone else: you kick ass. but you know this. i was wondering if you had a list somewhere of where you obtain all those kickass pieces of clothing that you wear? do you have favorite shops that a fellow fat girl might be interested in?

    xoxo

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  81. Miss Baker,
    I nominated you for this blogger-to-blogger Liebster Award. It's a way to tell you I think your blog is cool and I think others should check it out too. You may have heard and/or received said award in the past, which would be well deserved. Plus it's got a cool ‘patch’ you can add to your site. So here's your gold star for you!
    Your site inspires me in a lot of ways: to think, to write, to love myself. It does me good :)
    http://321pounds.com/2013/06/19/liebster-award/
    Keep on blogging! You're great!

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  82. I found you through Pinterest. You are my new favorite.

    Twinkle
    (Yes! It's my real name.)

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  83. I just wanted to thank you for changing my life. My whole life I've felt like I didn't deserve to be loved, but you changed my view and now I know that just because I have this extra fat on me, doesn't mean I'm not as important as any one else in this world.

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  84. Can I just say that I need a friend like you in my life - someone who is out there and unafraid, and not afraid to speak about anything on her mind. I only came across your blog a few months ago, and I keep coming back. Thank you for what you do and the person you are - honestly. I get through days with more smiles on my face than frowns now because of you.

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  85. Can I just say that I need a friend like you in my life - someone who is out there and unafraid, and not afraid to speak about anything on her mind. I only came across your blog a few months ago, and I keep coming back. Thank you for what you do and the person you are - honestly. I get through days with more smiles on my face than frowns now because of you.

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  86. thank you for being my hero! I wish you could photograph me one day, I want to feel as beautiful on the outside as your blog makes me feel on the inside
    :)

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  87. thank you for being my hero! I wish you could photograph me one day, I want to feel as beautiful on the outside as your blog makes me feel on the inside!

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  88. You ALWAYS make me smile. You're my inspiration. Thank you for giving me the courage to start my own blog about fashion and my curvy ass's place in it!

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  89. I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your Blog. I've been thinking about plus size modeling for a while now and didn't really have the guts to do anything about it until I found this page. You've helped me find the confidence that's been locked up inside, to grab this by the horns and go after it. you're a Beautiful Inspiration:)

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  90. You are incredible, beautiful, inspiring. and many, many more wonderful things. I am one of those people who prefers curvier women, i just love all of the curves and dips and that walk only bigger women can do. So thank you for your inspiring words and i know they will help women so start seeing themselves in a different light. your words should be displayed on every billboard.

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  91. You are incredible, beautiful, inspiring. and many, many more wonderful things. I am one of those people who prefers curvier women, i just love all of the curves and dips and that walk only bigger women can do. So thank you for your inspiring words and i know they will help women so start seeing themselves in a different light. your words should be displayed on every billboard.

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  92. Jes, an article I thought you might dig (I did!)
    Fashion first when plus-size styles hit runway
    by Dominica Lim
    September 10, 2013
    Designer makes history when her plus-size clothes presented at New York Fashion Week
    http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/9/10/fashion-first-whenplussizestyleshitrunway.html

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  93. I used to be able to comment on your posts then not too long ago it all changed and now there is a warning that Internet Explorer is not compatible with Disques, or something. But click on the troubleshooting and I can only see half of the writing. Even so I tried following their suggestions and nothing works. What am I doing wrong?

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  94. I love you. I love your blog. Thank you for being such a BAD-ASS INSPIRATION! You are truly a force of good and light for the world. Thank you.

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  95. I love you. I love your blog. Thank you for being such a BAD-ASS INSPIRATION! You are truly a force of good and light for the world. Thank you.

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  96. You probably charge way too much than I could ever afford for pictures, but I would love to know your pricing and if you're ever in the phoenix area. I absolutely hate pictures and having to take family pictures. "What kind of pose were you thinking of?", umm make me not look so fat. LOL. You'd think photographers should all know how to make every-body look good.
    Sigh

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  97. I've seen your blog once before, now I'm really seeing more of it. You're awesome! love your views on gender issues and body image. cats are fucking awesome, keep doing what you do.

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  98. I just recently found your blog, and I am in love. As a fellow sufferer of PCOS, and a larger girl, I've recently lost quite a bit of weight, but I'm still struggling to love my body. I am in a new relationship with a guy who likes me as I am, and was still attracted to me when we first met at my heaviest. His appreciation of my body has helped a lot, but most of it has been myself. My childhood was similar to yours, and my twisted sense of my body has evolved from that. I was a D cup by 8th grade, but probably the thinnest id ever been. I did not know it. I've learned the hard way to love me as me, and it's a slow struggle. Thank you for your words and showing that only you can love you and that's all that matters!

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  99. I've always been a chubby kid, or as I like to say now "thick." I played sports as a kid and was still chubby and currently am. I've balanced my weight at what I pretend to be a "healthy" size 14 and have always, and still kinda feel too big for society. Anyway, I have a boyfriend that loves my curves and I'm starting to do what I love to do and I don't care that I don't use splenda and I experiment with candy but this overworked barista likes to bake and I wanted to share that with you. Please just poke around and if you have any ideas I'd love to hear em! Forgive the Huey Lews & The News reference. I can't help it.

    http://hip2bakesquare.blogspot.com

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  100. Jen you are an inspiration to me. I'm currently going through the uphill slogging-through-chest-high mud-dodging-enemy-fire-trying-to-juggle-six-chairs-while-writing-a-novel climb to accept my body, cellulite and all. I have my bad days when I look at myself in the mirror and feel like I should just climb back into bed; but they're fewer and farther between than they used to be. On those bad days when I cant manage to slip into my favorite sexy dress and sky high heels, ready for my runway, I read your blog and it makes me able to scrape myself up and keep slogging on. It makes those sideways glances and "whispered" comments a little easier to ignore and hold my head high and keep walking. Thank you so much for what you do.

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  101. Hi! I'm not going to pretend we're on good enough terms that I get to call you by your first name or give you a cute nickname, but my name is Julia, and I'm really glad I found your blog. I never understood how to appreciate my body. It was hard for me to not just harden myself and blame myself for my own flaws. I mean, it's still going to be a really long way off before I can look myself in the eye and say "You know what? Fuck them. I'm awesome just as I am." But I feel like I finally found someone with whom I can empathize. I suffer from PCOS, or at least did when I was younger (idk if that was something one really grows out of or if I just got really lucky with the birth control a couple years ago). I was also diagnosed with BPD when I was in the Army (along with a nice batch of generalized anxiety disorder with "depressed mood" and PTSD from MST)... And I just kind of want to hug you because I finally feel like it's all okay. Yeah, I'm fucked up. But I'm not alone in this fucked-up-edness... So, thank you for letting me know that I'm not alone anymore. I'll be sitting here, rooting for you all the way. ^_^

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  102. A good friend sent me to your blog..she knows me well. My name is also Jess I'm 51, about to finish my degree, just got my first tattoo and have always struggled with the struggles you touch on. As soon as I'm done with school..I'll be back to read back through your blogs. Just started my own business and thinking about a blog of my own! Blog on, Jes!

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  103. Dear Amazing Jess,
    Have you met the Willendorf Goddess (Venus of Willendorf--fertility goddess) She was integral to my journey to body love and acceptance. With the added bonus that she (SHE) is one of the oldest religious/spiritual artifacts that has been found and is likely from a matrilineal society (28,000 and 25,000 BCE).

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  104. Love the shots, and the female model is so drop dead beautiful.

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  105. Dear Jes,

    I saw a post about "Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls", and read it and loved it. Funny part is, my friend from NYC posted it. Thinking how trendy she was, as I sat here in my Tucson, Arizona home would have NEVER guessed that this revolutionary blog was probably written less than 50 miles away from me! So because you are a Tucson native like myself, and as I have been to New York, Philadelphia, and around the east coast, all known for being the trend setter in everything, I would like to say that you are the FIRST and the BEST trend setter I have come to learn about and proud to say that you are from my hometown. :)

    I really hope more and more followers come to learn and know about you because girl, you're killing it!!!!!!!!!!

    XOXO,

    Maggie

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  106. Dear Jes,

    I read your "Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls" from a friend from NYC had posted on their wall, as I sat here in the comfort of my Tucson, Arizona home, not knowing that the post had probably been written less than 50 miles away from me! As a Tucson native who moved to the east coast, I have always noticed that the greatest bloggers begin there and these types of blogs make their way west.

    And that is why I have to tell you that your blog is revolutionary, a part of something greater and that you are someone that a lot of us are looking up to for guidance. You are the FIRST and BEST great blogger from Arizona alone to be so widespread as for me to hear about it from a New Yorker before a Tucsonan, and that is why: you're traveling a lot further than you think. Lastly, I want to thank you for just being you, which is awesome. You rock!

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  107. Hi Jes!

    I am also a mental health professional and I found your blog through a colleague who does a lot of work with Health at Every Size. I just wanted to say that I love, love, love your blog. I work with college students and see SO many beautiful amazing people who loathe themselves because of their body shape and size. It breaks my heart and I want them all to read this blog!

    I am on my own journey of body acceptance, even though I am a lean/athletic build and fit into society's standards of what is "acceptable." I have always felt "fat" and have wasted so much time and energy obsessing about my looks. I am learning to love myself radically and to say fuck it to society's constrictions on how I should look/dress/eat/exercise/behave/speak/think/feel. Because when all is said and done, controlling our bodies is a way of controlling our lives and our fabulous selves. I am learning to stay away from the scale, eat what makes me feel good (sometimes it's chocolate and sometimes it's a big ol' pile of kale), give my body the activity it needs (sometimes it's a long nap and sometimes it's a kick-ass trail run), and focus on my awesomeness rather than on areas where I don't measure up to someone else's arbitrary standards for beauty.

    So THANK YOU for your bravery, your heart, and your positive voice!

    Maggie

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  108. Jes... In all honestly, I can guess I may be physically "smaller" than you; But I would kill to have your body and confidence! Seriously, as a woman who has struggled with her weight for years, even just your pictures change everything for me. You are GORGEOUS, confident, and so darn true to who you are. This is the life I am looking to live, and you are helping more than anything. Being in a commited relationship, I feel there is "nobody to impress anymore," so I finally tried trying to impress myself, instead of others. It was a major turning point! Thank you so much for all of your kind, wise, and encouraging words; They have done more for me than you will ever know.

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  109. I am so SO glad that i accidentally stumbled across this blog.
    This is fantastic. You are inspiring and have so much spirit.
    I love this.

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  110. I am so SO glad that I stumbled across this blog by complete accident.
    This is fantastic. You are inspiring and have so much spirit.
    I love this. Keep doing what you're doing.

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  111. I love your BPD post. Can I link to it on my blog using the graphic?

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  112. Oi... You're hard as fuck - you triggered tears with that BPD post. It feels good to read what you wrote, to know you exist and thanks for reminding me we're savages for persisting and growing in spite of BPD.

    None of us should ever give up and my heart goes out to those who couldn't stand in loneliness.

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  113. diggin' on all the changes to your blog-- and the whole militant baker empire thing going on. excited to tune in to your youtubes channel for militant mondays. it's just getting better and better. and bigger. :)

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  114. I stumbled upon one of your articles on a friends wall and it spoke to me. As a fat girl (happily engaged!!) I appreciated the self love that you promote. I wanted to share an experience with you that I recently had. As my fiancé and I were heating things up in the bedroom he ripped the tank top I usually wear for our private time. I immediately tried to cover up and he asked why. The next thing I knew he had the shirt off and I was sobbing about him seeing my naked body in the light of day. He proceeded to tell me that he loved me for me and that was never going to change. I always try to laugh it off when he tell me that he loves my fluff. The links in your 14 things article helped me continue to overcome my insecurities about my body and realize that yes, my fiancé knows I'm fat and still wants to be with me. I am 29, have had multiple partners (some smoking hot!) and never once have I been completely named without some sort of shield wether that be candlelight, no light or a teddy. Your blog is just a just affirmation to love me for me just as much as he does!! Rock on and I look forward to reading your blogs! Thank you

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  115. I stumbled upon one of your articles on a friends wall and it spoke to me. As a fat girl (happily engaged!!) I appreciated the self love that you promote. I wanted to share an experience with you that I recently had. As my fiancé and I were heating things up in the bedroom he ripped the tank top I usually wear for our private time. I immediately tried to cover up and he asked why. The next thing I knew he had the shirt off and I was sobbing about him seeing my naked body in the light of day. He proceeded to tell me that he loved me for me and that was never going to change. I always try to laugh it off when he tell me that he loves my fluff. The links in your 14 things article helped me continue to overcome my insecurities about my body and realize that yes, my fiancé knows I'm fat and still wants to be with me. I am 29, have had multiple partners (some smoking hot!) and never once have I been completely named without some sort of shield wether that be candlelight, no light or a teddy. Your blog is just a just affirmation to love me for me just as much as he does!! Rock on and I look forward to reading your blogs! Thank you

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  116. I came across your blog, I don't remember now from where. But I'm glad I did. I feel that you are so brave, so much braver than myself. I need to stop hating myself and find the inner sanctuary. It eludes right now. Just divorced and that threw my self confidence in the crapper. But I'll get it back, one day. Thank you for being you.

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  117. I just love you and everything about your blog. I love the body positive stuff and just how you speak your mind. I am a curvy girl myself, and am confident in being me, but I just love to hear about everything you post and what happening in the media, newest plus size fashion links, etc. And now I want more tattoos after todays post :) Thank you for sharing your blog.

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  118. Hi! This blog is absolutely incredible! :) I wanted to share my own project with you. I had gotten to a point where I was "scared" of my own appearance, and I avoided looking at myself or taking pictures as much as possible. It got so bad that I basically lost touch with what I look like. This project makes me take a picture of myself every single day, as a form of exposure therapy. So far, it's working! :) www.364selfies.com

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  119. Jess. You are Rad. That is all.

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  120. Jes, you have been instrumental in helping me overcome my self-hatred. I still have a long way to go, but if it wasn't for you, I would hate my body every day. Now I only hate it every other day :P. Progress! Thanks for reminding me that bodies are bodies, and that I don't have to be a sex object in order to be useful.

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    Replies
    1. jacqueline you ARE beautiful lady.. try for every third day now instead of everyother day ;)

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  121. I have been reading your blog for a few weeks now, and just this morning I ran across your Ted Talk on youtube. I just HAD to leave you a note saying how awesome I think YOU are, and how much I love what you are doing.
    I just discovered the fatosphere/body love/HAES world about a month ago and holy crap has it changed my world! Thanks to you and others like you (Ragen at DanceswithFat, Lesley at xoJane, and others) I have finally begun the journey of loving myself. Thank you so much for being here and being loud and proud; what you are doing DOES make a difference.

    If your travels/speaking engagements ever bring you to the Kansas City area, look me up because we should totally hang out!

    And I totally ordered my first fatkini for this summer!

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  122. I've been a follower of yours for some time now. Your ability to rock the Body Love image with style, grace and some kick ass determination, makes you a force to be reckon with. So, I have a request for you. I'm a freelance artist and lately, have been trying to work on a series of drawings dedicated to role models I feel are a blessing and gift to the Body Love movement. I am currently working on a drawing of Jen McLellan of Plus Size Mommy Memoirs. I would love to be able to draw a picture of you. If you would like to see my Facebook art page to see the type of art that I do, here's a link to my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/TheCordialArtist You can message me on FB via my art page if you are curious and interested in this. Thank you so much for being you! <3

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  123. I love and appreciate your blog so much. Am a fellow struggling 25 yr old girl with BPD diagnosed 11 years ago at fourteen after a psych ward hold, depression, social anxiety and last but not least anorexia. Your honesty and total fearlessness to share your raw emotional truth is inspiring and so very much appreciated for its relatability.

    If you want to check out my site:
    http://inbetweenrealityillusion.com/

    Would love to hear back from you,
    schoenthalsarah@gmail.com

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  124. Dear Jess, THANK YOU! seriously, it's the ONLY words to describe how i'm feeling towards you right now. I stumbled upon your page by accident, i must admit honestly. I was trying to find inspiration for ANYTHING that would help to inspire my fall/autumn fashion needs. OK bottom line is I seriously have NO fashion so my needs are many *lol*. Google is a pain, like all search engines, when it comes to finding plus size models actually~get this~modeling the clothing that retailers say they create their designs are. Seriously, you'd think with as "many obese ppl" as the US *world*, has the clothing designers could actually find plus size models for their clothing line. I HATE to look thru plus size clothing lines and only see a skinny little heifer modeling the attire. WTF? really? I want to see what the clothing looks like on women MY size, not the skinny minis of the world *which yes, i once was*. I almost want to scream, no i actually have screamed, cursed, yelled at and almost threw my laptop across the room when the only models are itty bitties. I know what the clothes look like on them. Hell, turn on the TV, open a magazine or pull up any fashion site on the web and yes there they are. How about this really weird notion, IF YOU ARE TARGETING YOUR CLOTHING TO PLUS SIZE WOMEN/MEN, USE FRIGGIN PLUS SIZE MODELS!!!!
    But this truly is not why i began writing to you. I wanted to let you know just how much you have touched my heart. I am a size 22, i'm OLD 43, I've got 4 children from 24 to 10 yrs old, and I'M FAT! I haven't always been fat. I was small in my younger days. Until i was 32 and last preg and medical issues required mega doses of steroids.= BIG MAMA~ I'm not happy BIG GIRL at all. BUT i wanted to say thank you for letting ppl know that big doesn't mean wear a moomoo and hide in the background. you are indeed a beautiful woman in all aspects of the word. i've seriously got tears running down my face while reading/watching your site. You are an inspiration to all women of any size, shape and age! THANK YOU I hope i can learn to love me and my body one day too! you have given me the courage to actually TRY to look what i consider pretty too! ;) lotsa love and nothing but mega success to you in all your endeavors in life~cindy dye

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  125. Hi. My name is Janis, I am from the Philippines and I am a plus size. You are an inspiration and my hero. You, the curvy fashionista and tess holiday helped me accept my perfect flaw. It helped me love myself. I am not ashamed anymore to wear bathing suit. And not scared to whatever the fuck I want that the society think a fat girl shouldn't do.

    Thus I joined a body positivity called Project 100.
    100 brave women, different sizes, different story but one goal, and it is to advocate self love and body positivity and inspire other women and men.
    I really hope you'd take a look at it.

    https://facebook.com/project100ph/

    Have a great day. And i am very thankful for your blog. Continue to inspire more people!!!! Xoxo from the islands of the Philippines

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  126. Confidence in my body is not something I can say I have ever had. You inspire me. I see your pictures, and I see someone with a body like mine, and I think about how beautiful and confident you are, and I want to be that. Inside I know that to do that I am going to have to seriously break out of my comfort zone. I want to step away from my everyday baggy jeans, hoodies and tees. I want to learn how to dress my body. Im going to start work this new year to learn to be the woman I want to be, not the one ive fell into.

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  127. Thank you. You are an amazing person, Jes. I'd love to hang out with you one day.

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