By Ellen Warren - Tribune News Service
Lizzo performs onstage during the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022, in Los Angeles, California.
Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET/TNS
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am a young plus-size woman. I am comfortable with my size and am taking advantage of the increasing number of fashion companies offering “extended” size options. My problem is my mom, who keeps harping on my weight. Telling her that I am comfortable and confident in my size and that she’s hurtful doesn’t do any good. Do you or your readers have any words that will resonate with her and end her fat-shaming?
Dear Melissa: I applaud you for understanding yourself better, it appears, than your mom. While I might not have the right words that will turn mom’s criticism off, there are some songs that support your good attitude. Here are two that I can’t get out of my head: Meghan Trainor’s “All About that Bass” (“Yeah, my mama she told me don’t worry about your size/ She says boys like a little more booty to hold at night/ And no I won’t be no stick-figure, silicone Barbie doll/ So, if that’s what you’re into/ Then go ahead and move along”), as well as Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” (“It’s bad b**** o’clock, yeah, it’s thick-thirty/ I’ve been through a lot but I’m still flirty”). And be sure to check out the music video of the Lizzo song on YouTube. Awesome. Let’s hear it for body positivity. It’s definitely in the air.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I finally found a mousse that gives fabulous body to my very fine and thin hair. It’s called got2b Fat-tastic Instant Collagen Infusion and was made by Schwarzkopf. The problem is that it’s been discontinued and I’m almost out of it! Does anyone know of a mousse or other hair product with collagen? I dread the day (coming soon) when I won’t have this to use! Thanks for any help from your readers!!
Dear FLMH: Good news, kind of: You can still buy your product (which is often unavailable) on amazon.com for a whopping $57.99. But there is a new version of the stuff, got2b Volumaniac Bodifying Mousse (cq) by the same company for $5.99, also on Amazon where there are other got2b products besides mousses that might suit your needs. As for any discontinued products, it is worth checking eBay.com where you often find them — at inflated prices. And here are some other mousses formulated for fine hair that you could try: DevaCurl Frizz-Fighting Volumizing Foam (devacurl.com, $29; amazon.com, $28) and Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam (aveda.com, $25; amazon.com, $24.99).
Michele B. writes: “For the woman looking to pack light: She needs to ask what she REALLY needs to take. I travel for three weeks in Europe and I can carry all in a carry-on and a small backpack. Your advice on clothing was spot-on. But most women go nuts when they get to accouterments! Makeup: Go to Ulta and get a small 3-4-color pallet, a mascara, a liner and a lipstick. All will fit in a sandwich bag! You don’t need 30 eye colors and 12 lipsticks! Get a comfortable haircut and take just a hairbrush and maybe some mousse or sea salt spray to add style with a round brush. Only pack earrings 2-3 pair, tops. No need to take the family jewels!
From Ellen: All good advice. Here’s the most important thing I learned on my recent three-week trip overseas: Never check a bag! Research the carry-on luggage size maximums of every airline you’ll be using and do not exceed them! Buy a smaller suitcase, if necessary. Many airlines subcontract lost luggage complaints to incompetent, understaffed companies with appalling results and lines so long you’ll need a sleeping bag as you wait to file that loss/search complaint!
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