Founder's Message

APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS BEFORE PLUS-SIZE WOMEN TAKE OVER WASHINGTON, DC

The registrations for our Empowerment Weekend have been coming in, but don't get nervous - WE STILL HAVE ROOM FOR YOU! (smile) And we hope that you will join us on October 20-22, 2000 for the event of the year.

On Saturday, October 21st plus-size women will take back what mainstream society has attempted to garnish from us, and that is our dignity and self-worth. Just because our waist size is larger, and our hips are wider, does not mean that we do not deserve to be treated as equals and human beings. VWC's motto is "Size is Just a Number", and we will prove that when we grace the Hilton Alexandria Old Town Hotel. Our positive presence will confirm that we are a force to be reckoned with.

Various sources state that women size 14 and above, comprise 50-65% of women in America. Recently Marketdata Enterprises, a Florida based full service market research and consulting firm completed an "Analysis of Products and Services for Large People in the US". VWC had the pleasure of participating in this market
research, which included an analysis of clothing, products and services that cater to the growing number of large people. This research was the first of its kind and its findings will have a great impact on the plus-size industry as a whole. Results of this research will hopefully open the door for businesses who want to serve and provide
services to us.

According to this market research states "as of 1998, there were 138.2 million women living in the United States, 115 million of which are size 12 and up." So, that again confirms that WE HAVE BUYING POWER! If we are the majority, why are we treated
as the minority? The "Diamond in the Rough Empowerment Weekend" is just the beginning of what is to come for women of size. It is not that we don't like our "thin" sisters, we just want to be treated equal.

As plus-size women we have to learn to love ourselves and nurture a healthy self-esteem. Not only for ourselves but for the young teenage girls who are looking to us for support and guidance.. To be a plus-size teenager is probably one of the most frustrating experiences one could have. Regardless of size, race or sex, everyone at some point in their adolescent years, may have experienced or have been the
cause of "taunting" or felt out of place because you didn't "fit in". As I converse with women of different sizes, I discover that no woman is truly happy with her body.
Therefore, we should stop beating ourselves up to try to be perfect. The body that we currently have is only temporary and it is not our body that seeks salvation, but
our souls. So remember that the next time you are trying to change for someone else instead of loving yourself just as you are.

Now that the plus-size market is considered a "lucrative" industry, we must be aware of businesses/designers who want to reap the benefits of this market by "claiming" that they now offer plus-size clothing. Are these companies really asking "you" what you need and want in clothing, products and services? Are these particular people supporting events or issues that are important to the plus-size consumer? Or are they truly interested in filling a void in the woman's apparel industry?. As consumers,
WE are the people that determine the success of a "clothing line", because without sales there would be no products and the designers would be out of business. So it's not just enough to add a few more yards of material on a size 8 dress, it's about
providing correctly designed clothing for our body types. It's about truly taking an interest in what the plus-size consumer "really' wants; so remember this the next time you are purchasing clothing with your hard-earned money.

I pray that you will enjoy the rest of your Summer and I hope to see you in October. As always, we leave you with the inspirational message for the month.

Inspirational Message:

"We confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be" Romans 5:2 (The Living Bible)

Peace and Blessings,

Jennene Biggins-Grimsley
Founder and CEO

We continue to receive some wonderful feedback from our readers and we will begin to include those letters in future editions of the newsletter.

Dear Jennene,

When I read this article in Belle, I did cry. I have always believed we were forgotten and overlooked. Plus-size women are very beautiful people, and I applaud you and give you a standing ovation. God gave you the vision to go forth and help other plus-sized women understand that self love is more important than being in a relationship.

May God continue to bless and keep you and your family.

Sincerely,
Juliette S.

VWC appreciates receiving your wonderful feedback and we hope to continue to provide useful information and words of encouragement.

August 25, 2000
Grand Opening of HIPPs ,an upscale retailer offering exquisite fashion for plus-size women. The Grand Opening will be from 7pm-9pm at their boutique located at 2140 Peachtree Road, #240 Atlanta, GA 30305. The VWC staff will be there celebrating with them. For more information call 404-351-9262.

August 27, 2000
VWC will present a workshop at the African American Women on Tour Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information on AAWOT visit their website at http://www.aawot.com

September 27-30, 2000
5th Annual "All American Woman Plus" Pageant at the Airport Marriott Hotel in Orlando, Florida. For more information send an email to aaaw@ecqual.net or visit their website at http://www.ecqual.net/allamericanplus

October 20-22, 2000
A Diamond in the Rough: Empowerment Weekend for Plus-Size Women and the 3rd Annual Fashion Show/Networking Reception will be sponsored by the Voluptuous
Woman Company. Visit their website at http://www.volupwoman.com/conf-pg1.htm

October 28, 2000
DeVoe Signature Events presents "Glamazon"; A Fashion Show for Women of Size.
For more information call 917-356-5569 or send an email to applediva@aol.com

November 10-12, 2000
The 15th Annual Ms. Plus USA Pageant. For more information call 330-649-9809
or visit their website at http://www.plususa.com

December 2000
The 12th annual Miss Full Figured USA Pageant". The prize is $1500.00 in cash, no sponsorship fee required only registration. For more information call 973-643-5913
or 609-572-1151.

The ultimate body "wish list" includes: arms like Angela Bassett, abs like Janet Jackson and the physique of Venus and Serena Williams. "I want a body like that," you say, "but I don't want to get big from lifting weights". Well, have I got good news for you.
Depending on your goals, you can reshape your body through a technique known as body-shaping without the hard body results bodybuilding provides.

For those of you who want to include weight training in your exercise program, don't worry that your body will resemble that of Hercules after a few months. Body-shaping or toning, as opposed to bodybuilding, may be the way to go. There aren't very many
differences between bodybuilding and body-shaping, however. Both programs involve resistance training, healthy balanced meals and various training techniques. Technique is the biggest difference between bodybuilding and body-shaping. Bodybuilders focus on increasing muscle mass through breaking down muscle fibers, which rebuild stronger and bigger body form. Body-shapers use higher
repetitions and less weight to shape and form muscles without adding mass. The following is a comparison of body-shapers vs. bodybuilders:

Body-Shapers
*¨Lift moderate weights for more reps.
*Constant variety of shaping movements.
*3-5 sets for small muscle groups.
*4-7 sets for large muscle groups.
*Each bodypart trained 2-3 times a week.
*45-60 minute workouts.
*30-40 minutes of cardio 3-4 times week.
*Moderate calorie intake with a balance of proteins, fats and carbs.

Bodybuilders
*Lift heavy weights for fewer reps.
*More focus on power movements, with some sculpting movements.
*5-8 for small muscle groups.
*-12 sets for large muscle groups.
*Each body part trained once a week.
*No time limit; bodybuilders go by "feel".
*20-30 minutes of cardio 2-3 times a week.
*High protein, low fat and carbs; high caloric intake.

As more "Sisterfriends" head to the gym to work out, they will learn which body-shaping exercises are needed to receive the body-shaping results they're looking for. While some of us were blessed with a great natural physique, the majority of us
(including myself) must work hard to keep our bodies in shape. But we can do it! Reshaping your body is a natural process, all it takes is the right workout regimen, consistency, determination and patience. Just remember, that a slow and steady pace (fitness plan), wins the race!

To reshape your figure, start by training your entire body twice a week with 30-60 minutes of cardio exercises (at least, 3-4 times a week). Of course, working out is great, and reshaping your body will give you good looking results, but these activities will be a waste of time without the proper eating habits. For optimum weight loss results, work out regularly and eat well-balanced meals. Your goal should be to develop shape or definition while losing unwanted pounds. To lose the weight you want, shed body fat and obtain a firm physique you can be proud of, choose a weight loss plan that works your body, increases your metabolism and burns fat.

Body-Shaping Workout Guidelines
*See your doctor. Before beginning any workout program, get a complete checkup and clearance from your doctor. That way, you can feel confident in taking your intensity to a safe level.

*Warm up first. Always warm up before weight training. Five minutes of any rhythmic activity - cycling, walking, or jumping rope, facilitates blood flow to the muscles and warm them up for the workout. A great way to avoid injury.

*Use good form. Learn the correct technique for each exercise and follow it to the letter. Don't jerk the weights around or try to use too much weight, or you could injure a muscle or joint.

*Weight train 2-3 days a week. Spread out your weight training days so you don't work the same bodypart two days in a row. With the whole-body routine here, take at least one day off from weight training between sessions.

*Do 1-2 sets of each exercise. Beginners can start with one set of each exercise and build up to two sets in a few weeks. You could gradually work up to three sets of some exercises.

*Do 12-15 reps per set for upper body. 15 - 20 for lower body, using moderate weights.

*Choosing weights. For best results, choose weights that make the last few reps of each set a bit of a challenge. If its too easy, your body will stay right where it is; nothing will change.

* Keep moving. Rest periods between sets should be limited to 30 seconds or less.

*Do cardio 3-4 times a week. Again, try to space your sessions through the week, such as on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

*Stretch afterward. After every workout, whether its resistance or cardio training, stretch the muscles you used. Flexibility training helps reduce the risk of injury by keeping the muscles and supporting tissue supple.

*Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's worth your time, energy and, even your money, to hire a personal trainer to educate you more thoroughly. It's easier to develop good habits than to break bad ones.

*Increase gradually. Whether you wish to up the amount of weight you lift or lengthen your cardio sessions, do so moderately. Progressing slowly will lessen your chances of overuse and other types of injury.

Learning to reshape your body can be a trying effort, but identifying the type of goals you want to achieve can bring you the shape you've always wanted. Don't let setbacks discourage you. Learn from them, instead, and empower yourself to create the body type and life you desire.

##Dina Tate is the CEO of Sisters 4 Sisters, a support group for women who want to change their eating habits, and/or want to lose weight. You can visit her website at http://www.sister4sisters.com or email her at dctate@mindspring.com

If your doctor recently diagnosed you with diabetes, you're one of nearly 16 million people in the United States -- nearly one in 17 people -- who have diabetes. About 2,200 new cases are diagnosed each day.

Technically, this disease is known as "diabetes mellitus" -- diabetes from the Greek for siphon, to describe the excessive thirst and urination characteristic of this condition, and mellitus from the Latin for honey; diabetic urine is filled with sugar and is sweet. Physicians and medical books use the term diabetes mellitus, but
colloquially, this disease is simply called diabetes.

There are many types of diabetes, but the three most common are:

Type 1, Type 2 or Gestational diabetes

All are a little different. But everyone with diabetes has one thing in common: Little or no ability to move sugar -- or glucose -- out of the blood into the cells, where it becomes the body's primary fuel.

Everyone has glucose in their blood, whether or not they have diabetes. This glucose comes from food. When we eat, the digestive process breaks down food into glucose,
which is absorbed into the blood in the small intestine.

People who don't have diabetes rely on insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to move glucose from the blood into the body's billions of cells. But people who have diabetes either don't produce insulin or can't efficiently use the insulin they produce. Without insulin, they can't move glucose into their cells. Glucose accumulates in the blood -- a condition called hyperglycemia ("hyper" = too much, "glycemia" =
glucose in the blood) -- and over time, can cause very serious health problems.

Scientists don't know exactly what causes diabetes, but it appears to result from a combination of genetics and environmental factors, including viral infections, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle.

Currently, diabetes can't be cured, but the good news is that the disease can be managed. People with diabetes can live fulfilling, healthy lives.

For more information visit the diabetes website at http://www.diabetes.com they have great information on the symptoms, support groups for diabetics, what you should
do if you are newly diagnosed, etc. Also be sure to visit the American Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-342-2383. They have a wealth of information and resources as well.

Knowledge is power! If this disease effects you or someone you know research all the information so that you can be informed.

Women's News Bureau
The Women's News Bureau is a blend of exclusive PR services & ecommerce news which cater to a growing Internet market, businesswoman to businesswoman. Visit their website at http://www.womensnewsbureau.com/

ItFigures.net
Help with finding the perfect swimsuit for hard to fit bodies. Check out their figure-enhancing body type collection. Visit the website at http://www.itfigures.net

Secrets In Lace
We have collected the finest most fashionable styles around the world and present them here for you to choose from. http://www.secretsinlace.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/fullfiguresalon.html

Women's Suits
The internet's largest website for special occasion dresses and women's suits up to size 34W! Visit their website at Visit their website at http://www.womensuits.com/

Jellyroll's Home Page
A look at life through a BBW's eyes. Extensive links to plus size clothing, resources, health issues and more, but tells what it's like to be a super-size woman in today's "thin is in" society. For more information check out their website at http://www.shulersnet.com/jellyroll/

More to Love Fitness
Size Positive training videos, Exercyber Club, Bulletin Boards, Newsletter and other
great information. Visit their website at http://www.moretolovefitness.com/

Gentle Yoga with Naomi
Relax, Refresh and be your best-Exercise and Relaxation for all ages. Visit their
website http://www.gentleyoga.com

The Plus-Size Teen Directory
Resources for larger teens. Visit their website at http://www.largerteens.com

Lifementoring.com
Success, Happiness, Oneness, whatever you are striving for, isn't achieved in a single, one-time effort. It is rather a process, step by step, one after another, with consistent focus, commitment and inner calmness. This site offers a quote of the day, daily poems of love, a daily motivator and much more.Visit their website at http://www.lifementoring.com

Websage
The purpose of this web-site is to give you that little ‘nudge’ you need occasionally to stay focused on your goals, to cause you to stop and think about who you are and where your life is going. Visit their website at http://www.thewebsage.com

Hands of Man
Plus Size Clothing and Ladies Apparel for ALL sizes at affordable prices plus one of a kind jewelry. Visit their website at http://thehandsofman.com

Divad Image Consulting Agency provides career and business image enhancement services. Specializing in career consulting, home/small business startup, management, and growth services. Visit them at www.come.to/divad or email dica236@aol.com

Central Ohio Plus Size Socials
A new social organization serving BBW's in Central Ohio. For more information email
us at copss@sprynet.com or call (614) 847-9678. Visit their website at http://www.geocities.com/stars67/copss.html

**If you know of any plus-size websites that you would like to share with our newsletter subscribers, please send an email to newsletter@volupwoman.com**

**Share your real life experience - or Share your Love experience!
If you have met your soul mate, significant other or someone very special dating on line,. we want hear from you. Send us a short story of your success to ljohnson@volupwoman.com

Hilton Alexandria Old Town Hotel
1767 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone 703-837-0440/ Fax 703-837-0454

The hotel is located 15 minutes outside of Washington, DC and is convenient to National Airport, major highways, Union Station (Amtrak) and within walking distance of the Metrorail (Washington, DC's mass transit system).

The weekend will include:
*Welcome Packets with "goodies"
*Continental Breakfast
*Workshops
*Luncheon
*Networking Reception and Fashion Show
*Sunday Brunch

Featured Speakers*:
Chyna McGarity Arnold - Professional Plus-Size Model
Venise Berry - Author, All of Me: A Voluptuous Tale Dor-Ne Corset Shoppe
Barbara Harris - Creating the Fabulous You:Mind Body, & Soul
DeLores Pressley - Ms. Plus USA Pageant
Nancy Imelda Schafer - PhenomenalWomen.com
Dina Tate - Sisters 4 Sisters.com
Pam Young - Models Plus International
Cynthia Johnson and Marie Gant, HIPPS Fashion Galleria
*subject to change

TOTAL EVENT PRICE - $139.00 (does not include hotel)

The early registration conference rate is $139.00 (non-members) and $97.00 (members). After September 22, 2000 the conference rate is $169.00 (non-members) and $118.00 (members) and will be based on availability. The conference space is limited, so be sure to register early. Full conference packages including room and conference rates are available.

ONE NIGHT CONFERENCE PACKAGE*
*Single occupancy - $298.00
*Double occupancy - $219.00
*Triple occupancy - $192.00
*Quad occupancy - $179.00

TWO NIGHT CONFERENCE PACKAGE*
*Single occupancy - $457.00
*Double occupancy - $298.00
*Triple occupancy - $245.00
*Quad occupancy - $219.00
*excludes taxes

Full conference packages receive a copy of our Full-Figured Woman's Resource Guide.

VWC
Attn: Diamond
P.O. Box 1172
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172

INDIVIDUAL EVENT PRICES

*Conference Only (no hotel accommodations) $139.00 (savings $31.00)
*Workshops Only (no luncheon, brunch or Fashion Show/Reception $85.00
*Saturday Luncheon $30.00
*Fashion Show and Networking Reception $30.00 Adv ($35 at door)
*Sunday Brunch $25.00

If you would like an order form, please send an email to conf2000@volupwoman.com and a form will be emailed to you automatically. Or you can call 301-890-8301 ext. 2

AIRLINE DISCOUNTS

United Airlines and US Airways have been designated as the official carriers for the attendees of "A Diamond in the Rough:Empowerment Weekend for Plus-Size Women". Service is available into Reagan Washington National (DCA), Washington Dulles (IAD and Baltimore-Washington (BWI) Airports. However, Reagan National Airport is located 15 minutes from the hotel. Discounts of 5% to 10% off the lowest applicable fare are valid for travel between October 18-25, 2000.

US Airways - Call US Airways Group and Meeting Reservations Office toll-free at (877) 874-7687 8:00am-9:30pm (EST) Refer to Gold File
No. 62661613 (Empowerment Weekend for Plus-Size Women)

United Airlines - Call United's Specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. Make sure you refer to Meeting ID Number 527ZO

GROUP DISCOUNTS

Do you have 10 or more friends who may want to come to the Empowerment Weekend for Plus-Size Women? Why not receive 15% off of the registration fee* just for getting a group of 10 or more together for a "weekend getaway"
(*not applicable to VWC members).

Groups of 10 or more receive a reserved table at the Luncheon and Brunch, as well as, special seating at the Fashion Show and Networking Reception. In addition, groups will receive a special welcome announcement in the Souvenir Program.

Group Requirements:
1. All individual registration forms must be received with Group Name on it and member list attached.
2. Individuals already registered cannot be added to a group.
3. Minimum group size of 10 must be met.
4. All refund/transfer policies and deadlines apply.
5. To qualify for a reserved table, group must be fully registered and paid by September 22, 2000.
6. Entire group MUST register at one time. Payments can be made individualy or in a lump sum.

For more information regarding groups, please send an email to rpowell@volupwoman.com or call 301-890-8301 ext. 4

ROOMMATE INFORMATION

We have received some inquiries regarding roommate matching for women who want to come to the Empowerment Weekend but don't want a single room.

If you are in need of a roommate, please send your name and phone number to register@volupwoman.com or call 301-890-8301 ext. 2. VWC will forward your name/email to potential roommates and the arrangements MUST be made at
the discretion of the individuals. VWC does not take responsibility for any indiscretions concerning arrangements between you and your roommate.

ALTERNATE HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

VWC has a limited amount of rooms designated at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town Hotel. And due to the responses from potential Empowerment Weekend attendees we will sell out our room block. However, we still have rooms available at this time.
Nonetheless, we have included a list of additional hotels in the Old Town Alexandria Virginia area for your convenience.

Embassy Suites Alexandria Old Town - 703-684-5900
Alexandria Suites Hotel - 703-370-1000
Best Western Old Colony Inn - 703-739-2222
Comfort Inn Alexandria - 703-922-9200
Comfort Inn Landmark - 703-642-3422
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria - 703-329-2323
Holiday Inn Alexandria - Telegraph Rd - 703-960-3400
Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites - 703-548-6300
Holiday Inn Select Old Town - 703-549-6080
Radisson National Airport (N Fairfax St) 703-683-6000

If you want to stay at the host hotel (the Hilton Alexandria Old Town) you need to get your registrations in as soon as possible.

ADVERTISING RATES

Want to reach hundreds of women at our event? Want to get additional customers for your products, services or social functions?

Well, don't miss an opportunity to advertise in our souvenir program that will be distributed to all Empowerment Weekend attendees and guests of our 3rd Annual Networking Reception and Fashion Show. Not only will you reach the attendees at the event, but women are known for passing along information to their friends or family
which will extend your advertising dollars beyond the attendees of the Empowerment Weekend.

SECURE YOUR SPACE NOW!!

*****RATES*****
The souvenir journal size is 8'x11"

All display advertisements must be camera ready (Black and White).

DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IS SEPTEMBER 22, 2000.
Space is limited so place your reservations early.

Send an email to advertising@volupwoman.com for an advertising order form or call 301-890-8301 ext. 4 Listed below is a copy of our advertising rates:

*Full Page (inside cover) $200.00 (incl. website listing until 12/1/00 on the VWC website)
*Full Page (display ad) $120.00 (incl.website listing until 12/1/00 on the VWC website)
*Half Page (display ad) $75.00
*Quarter Page (display ad) $50.00
*Basic Listing (business card) $35.00
*Website listing (includes company name,website/email and 15 word description) $25.00

***VWC reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that we feel is not suitable for our patrons. No diet or weight loss advertisements will be accepted.***

Our mailing address is:
VWC
PO Box 1172
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172
Phone: 301-890-8301
Fax: 240-465-0529
Website: http://www.volupwoman.com

VWC is also offering a distributor program for people who are interested in selling the Guide to earn extra money. The retail price for the book is $18.95 and we will pay you a $5.00 commission for each book that you sell. VWC will handle all of the billing
and shipping and send you a commission check monthly.

If you are interested in becoming a distributor please send an email to distributor@volupwoman.com

Yes, I would like to order ____ copies of the Full Figured Woman's Resource
Guide at the introductory rate of $18.95 plus $3.00 S/H each.

Enclosed is a check/money order for $______________ OR
Please charge $______________ to my Visa/Mastercard (circle one)
Credit Card Number__________________________________________
Exp. Date:___________
Authorized Signature:_________________________________________

Name:________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________
City, State, ZIP_________________________________________
Phone:_________________________________
Fax ___________________________________
Email__________________________________

**Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery**

Send order form to:

Voluptuous Woman Company
Attn: FFWRG
P.O. Box 1172
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172
or fax credit card orders to:
240-465-0529

An official VWC T-shirt
A copy of the Full Figured Woman's Resource Guide
VIP Seating at VWC Events
30% off Conference Registration (Fall 2000)
30% off Advertising rates for brochures and event programs
50% off VWC Sponsored Events

Send $45.00 for a Two-Year membership via check or money order to:
VWC
P.O. Box 1172,
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172
or to pay by Visa/MasterCard by calling 301-890-8301 ext. 4 or visit our website at http://www.volupwoman.com/club.html. VWC wants to hear your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to contact us at:

Voluptuous Woman Company
P.O. 1172
Burtonsville, MD 20866-7172
Phone - 301-890-8301
Fax - 240-465-0529
Toll-Free - 888-558-7845
Email: jbiggins@volupwoman.com
Visit our website at: http://www.volupwoman.com