You know that feeling when you step out of the shower, and you feel like a brand new person?  Isn’t it one of the best feelings in the world?  Your skin is warn and damp and soft.  Your hair is dripping but clean and smells great.  You feel renewed, refreshed, and ready to take on the world.
 
But have you ever had a shower, where your roommate flushes the toilet, and the water changes from hot or cold water on you, shocking your system...or perhaps the steam just becomes too much, and you cant see an inch in front of your face?   But then the steam settles and the water returns to normal.  You lather up, washing away the past, and step out feeling better.   In many ways, life can be like a shower.... 

​I’ve recently stepped out of my own metaphorical shower.  For a while I couldn’t see through the steam…everything seemed distorted.  The temperature of the water was constantly changing, and shocking my system, from hot to cold.  I slipped, stumbled, and caught myself.  But in the end, I washed away the negativity, and stepped out of that shower, feeling the damaging, harmful, thoughts and feelings circling down the drain, and a fresh new version of me is emerging and ready to face a brand new day.  

​Within the past year, a lot has changed.  I’ve changed.  I make no secret of my struggles with my mental health.  I find talking openly and honestly about it is the best way to deal with it personally. My mental health struggles are a part of me, and will never be gone, however, a year ago I felt I was at one of my absolute lowest points, but now, I feel like I am starting to once again gain a grip and handle on my life again. 

It started with a bout of intensely stressful times.  I went through a physically and emotionally traumatic ending of friendship, which brought up a whole other set of problems, and triggered some terrible memories with it.  Not only that, but before Christmas, my 2 year old dog Cash, suddenly stopped being able to use his back legs, and he had to have emergency spinal surgery, which took months of recovery and rehabilitation, and cost almost $10K (Thank goodness for credit cards and pet insurance!).  Hard times bring out peoples true colours, and I become vividly aware of who really was there for me and who wasn’t. This caused me to slip into a bout of depression, that, ill be honest, I’m still fighting to get out of.  This depression resulted in a medication change, that took my appetite away completely.   I have always had a healthy appetite and love of food.  Not having an appetite at all, is a new thing for me.  It’s a struggle to eat.  My husband and family members have gotten in the habit of calling me during the day to remind me to eat, as, I just quite simply forget about food most of the time.  But I still make sure to eat every day, throughout the day.  I try to treat food now, as more of a fuel, and am very much aware of what I am putting in my body now, so I’ve been eating a lot more delicious summer fruits and vegetables.   And trust me, I’m not starving myself by any means.  I may not feel hungry, but if you put a juicy burger in front of me, you can bet it will ALL be eaten up.  And those midnight munchies haven’t gone anywhere. My love of cooking hasn't gone anywhere either.  

 But, my mental health, has not been my only health concern lately.  A lot of you may have noticed a recent shift in my weight.   This has been for many different reasons, some of which I don’t even really understand myself.  Its been a confusing time.  My body is changing, and I'm not in full control of it.  It’s been a mix of emotions, as I have had many comments, from congratulations, to disappointment in my weight loss.  In reality however, I don’t think my weight should be the focus of anyone's pride, congratulations, or regret.  I am worth more than a number on a scale, and why do so many people feel entitled to comment on ones weight in general?  ​

​So, instead of dodging the comments with uncomfortable looks or snarky clap backs, I decided to own up to it, talk about what I do know, and come clean about the whole thing.
 
 First of of, I wanted to remind you that weight loss is not inherently good OR bad.  There are SO many different circumstances that could lead to someone losing weight.  It isn’t always because someone is working out and eating great and wants or deserved to be congratulated on.  Weight loss, OR gain, can sometimes be due to health concerns, stress, trauma, medications, and dozens of other reasons.  ​For me, It has been a wide variety of reasons, some of which I'm still trying to figure out.  I’ve lost almost 75lbs since last Fall.

​I’ve also been dealing with some other health concerns, that, I won’t go into to much detail about, because I don’t actually know what’s going on!  All arrows seem to be a thyroid issue (overheating, over sweating, feeling dizzy, hand tremors, extreme exhaustion, and of course, the appetite loss and fast weight loss.) but I’m having a hard time getting answers, tests or referrals, and just a hard time trying to figuring out not only the medical system, but also, my body.  I took most of April and May off work for a couple of reasons.  I felt like I couldn’t work and give my best effort.  I would either be ready for a nap 30 min into a photo shoot, or, I would be drenched in sweat, and melting all my makeup off, the moment the lights were turned on.  A part of me feels like I have a new body, that I don’t even recognise.  Another part, remembers that this is the body I’ve always had, and its not always been perfect, in fact, far from it! It got me through some very difficult times, and I am so grateful for my body regardless of whatever state it might currently be in.  I also realise, that this new body, may not BE my permanent home.  In life, if you live in a human body, it will change, for many reasons, and once/when I figure out exactly what happening with my body, my weight may shift again.  I may lose more weight, or I may gain some back.  The funny thing, is its not up to me, and I have to be OK with simply taking care of myself the very best that I can, and being grateful and content with how my body looks at the end, as long as it is healthy.

​During this time, it has been so important for me to be very aware of my unconscious thoughts, as well as, being aware that not everyone has the same unconscious thoughts.  Its also been a reminder that not everyone stops to think about what they say either.  I am challenging myself to take a moment to think before I speak, as I really wish people would do the same.  Sometimes things can slip out that don’t mean to offend or cause problems, but taking that extra moment to think about others, could change the vocabulary completely.  Even thought I have told people that my weight loss is due to health concerns, there are some people that continue to congratulate me on it and tell me how wonderful I look now that I’ve lost weight.  While I don’t think these people MEAN to cause such a reaction, in my mind, I instantly think “what did they think of me before?”  “do they not care about how I feel?”  or “Did they even listen?”.  When in reality, the reasons for their reaction could be any reason from ignorance, to uncomfortableness, to confusion, or…in rare cases, they are just being rude.
 
 I’ve also had disappointment in my weight loss.  As a curvy model, some of those curves that people are used to seeing, are disappearing.  I’ve received a lot of comments and messages expressing disappointment in my new body.  I've been told I've lost my appeal, and that my old body was better. I've been called gross, a sellout, a stick, and unattractive.  I would like to ask these people, do they think my body and weight is simply there for their enjoyment and entertainment?  I certainly don’t see it that way.  I am a model, and my body is a means of creating art.  I AM a work of art regardless of my dress size or the number on a scale.  My weight does NOT define me!  I know I cannot please everyone all the time, but a little empathy and critical thinking goes a long way.  We can’t always understand everything, but asking thoughtful questions and leading with kindness in our hearts is always a good place to start.  But if its not YOUR body, my advice, is to keep quiet unless asked.    

Now, I'm not saying that if you notice a weight shift in someone not to say anything, but first, I want you to pause, and think about what you are going to ask/say to them.  Is it necessary?  Is it kind?  Is it true?  Sometimes, saying nothing IS the appropriate thing to do.  If someone is eager to talk to you about their weight…they will…trust me.  But if you do want to ask, first think about your question, and maybe try to re-phrase it into something that opens up conversation instead of instantly putting a label on them and their weight loss as “good” or “bad”.  Questions like “how are you feeling”, or, “tell me what’s new” are often the only thing you’ll need to say to get the conversation flowing.  But I also must say, if you don’t know the person well, or you are commenting on someone’s photo online, just leave it alone.  Weight and health is no one’s business but the individual and whoever they decide to share said information with, and their personal health care team.  Since it can be SUCH a personal thing, and very different in each and every case, its best to keep your mouth shut.  It can be an extremely triggering and dangerous thing.  You would hate to congratulate someone on their weight loss, when in reality, they haven’t been eating, or are trying to recover from an eating disorder.  Or perhaps, like me, they have been sick and don’t know what is going on or why their weight is so drastically changing.  These questions can be extremely personal and triggering based on what the person is dealing with and their own filter of the world.  

​This particular blog post and photo shoot was very important to me.  I have been wanting to write it for months, but never knew exactly how to form it, what to say, or if I even wanted to open up.  But then I thought of that fresh feeling of washing away the negative intentions and fears, and stepping into a clean, safe, and warm environment.  I am coming clean.  I am baring part of my inner self, in hopes of creating a dialogue around how we treat weight loss/gain, not only in ourselves, but in others.   This shoot, and its images, to me, signifies a new start.  But a subtle new start, like the start of a day after using new amazing shampoo.  I feel ready to take on the day.  I have washed the negativity down the drain.  These photos, with no makeup or hairstyling, no retouching or editing, signify the nakedness and raw beings we sometimes all need to become in order to start over.  I didn’t want this post to be accompanied by “Before and After” photos, as that isn’t what its about!  These real, raw, photos, show ME.  My skin, my curves (yes…I still have them!), my face, my nose, my hair.  I am raw and real, but recognisable as ME.  Regarless of the body that I am in currently, I still love myself, and my body, and really, deep inside, nothing has changed. I'm still Ruby, and I still ROXX!  Day by day, shower by shower.  

Lady V, based out of the UK, is one of my FAVORITE places to shop for adorable summer dresses.  They always are coming out with adorable new prints, and their Spring collection was NO different.  I had such a hard time narrowing my favourites down, but finally happily decided on these 3, and I haven't looked back!  I've already worn all the dresses multiple times, and always get stopped and complimented whenever I wear them out!  

The Isabella Dress is a classic pinup silhouette with its sweetheart neckline, flattering capped sleeves and full flared skirt. This dress also has lovely edging and a button detail, which I love, along with a matching skinny belt!!  With the array of Blue Tit Birds, pink peonies, and butterflies against a white background.  The Isabella Dress is a versatile piece that  falls below the knee and is fastened with a concealed zip on the back. Available in UK sizes 8 – 30!!!

The Lyra Dress is probably my personal favorite from Lady V.  And when I saw this Lotus Flower Print, I knew it HAD to be in my collection.  Dark Florals are a HUGE trend for Spring/Summer 2018, and this one was a perfect match for me!  This is the perfect evening Lyra Dress for those Spring/Summer nights! This dress features stunning multi-coloured Lotus flowers against a black background, a full 1950s style flared skirt, with a flattering cross-over bust, short sleeves and a sash that ties at the back.  Only the best quality materials are used in Lady V dresses, and this Jersey is so soft and has excellent stretch. This dress is not lined, and is available in UK sizes 14-32.

I am SO happy Spring has Sprung!  Spring is my FAVORITE season...the sun is shining, the flowers and blooming, and the FASHION IS SO CUTE!!!!!!

Here are 3 spring tops from Shein, that not only are perfect for Spring time adventures, but also, wont break the bank, so you can stay fabulous for not a lot of money!  

Not only that, but when you spend $59 on regular priced plus size clothing, and use the code RUBYROXX20 for 20% off your purchase!  Shop HERE!

This ADORABLE mustard yellow top is the perfect addition to my Spring wardrobe.  It is SUCH a cute, bright colour, of the shoulder (which I am obsessed with), pleated, and so light and flowy!  It doesn't lose its shape or pleats, and is so comfortable for either a casual lunch, or a night on the town!

Anyone that knows me, knows that GREEN is my favourite colour to wear!  I love how it pairs with my hair, and eyes, and I always feel like a million bucks when I wear Green.  This top is no different.  Not only is the material thick and sturdy, but the colour is gorgeous, and check out those BELL SLEEVES!  Asymmetrical tops are so eye catching, I always get so many compliments whenever I wear this out!  This is a show stopping Spring top for SURE!  

One of my favourite WINTER staples, is the Sweater Dress!  I LOVE this piece, as it can be worn as a dress, OR, as an adorable, off the shoulder, loose sweater!  Oh the possibilities.  This sweater is super casual, and SUPER soft!  The perfect addition!  Who doesn't need a great black sweater, especially one that can be worn as a dress too!!!!

​Everyday, women and men all over the world are put into a box.  A box ruled by numbers.  Dress and pant sizes, weight, BMI’s, calories, and many more.  Not only these, but we are ruled by test scores, mortgage payments, likes on our most recent post, price tags and more. Well I am here to ask you to join me in a movement.  A war is raging on these numbers, and it is time to remove yourself from that box and a life ruled by numbers, and free yourself to live a life of freedom, happiness, healthy living, and, most importantly, self love and respect.

This blog post was quoted in Simply Be's Body Positivity Superstars Post!  For more amazing, inspirational quotes and people, check out their blog post here: 
​ www.simplyme-blog.com/2018/05/01/body-confidence-plus-size-swimwear/

The suit features 
​* Tropical floral print
* Ruched front
* Control mesh
* Soft cup
* Mid scoop back

You can purchase this amazing suit, or ANY of the other Miraclesuit's available at UKSwimwear.  

I recently found a new shopping destination, where curvy clothing is PLENTIFUL (seriously...SO much variety), affordable (nothing over this post is above $30!), and ADORABLE!   These pieces have all been worn by me already on multiple occasions, and I cannot WAIT to shop the site again soon!  Here are my 5 favourite pieces!  Follow the link, and use my coupon code RUBYROXX20 for 20% off your order of $59 or more on plus size clothing!!!  SCORE!!!

 Use coupon code RUBYROXX20 to get 20% off 
​based on original price and ONLY valid for the order over $59 of plus-size items

I've been a fan of Archie comics for as LONG as I can remember.  I remember when I was really young, they had Baby Archie (do you remember?).  My mom was an Archie fan as a kid too, so when she saw Baby Archie, she just had to get it for me and my sister to check out!  I for one, was hooked right away, and the next trip to the super market, I saw the BEAUTIFUL Betty and Veronica on the cover of a Double Digest, I knew I had to have it.  I collected ALL the comics over the years.  Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Archie and Jughead.  I even collected all the spin off comics like Jose and the Pussycats, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.  I  have a picture somewhere of me in my Betty and Veronica PJ's, with ALL my Archie Comics lay out on the living room floor, with me in the middle.  I think I had over 500 comics and other memorabilia!  The photo was in the back of one of comics, which at the tender age of 12, was like, major stardom!!!  If only I could find that photo now ;)  

I remember the first time I saw Cheryl Blossom in a comic.  I had ALWAYS wanted red hair (this is before the days of dying my hair), and I always thought she was the BEST character.  I loved her spunk, her energy, her independence, her CLOTHING, and especially her HAIR!

Veronica (Belle) first came to me with the idea of doing a Riverdale inspired shoot (as we all love the show now too obviously!!), but with a CURVY, Betty, Veronica, and Cheryl.  How could I say no!  The only thing I noticed about Archie Comics growing up, is that the bodies (of course, they are cartoons) are totally unrealistic.  Everyone (except for a few older characters) are thin, tall, and "perfect".  Wouldn't it be great to give Riverdale a dose of CURVES?  A dose of reality!  What do you think the Archiekins would say?  I think he could handle some curvy babes, don't you?

Xoxo
​Ruby 

I’ve loved Archie comics since I was a kid - literally, I had hundreds! - so my dream to portray the iconic Betty Cooper (but bigger and better wink) finally came true! Of course, Veronica and Ruby were my dream team for Veronica Lodge and Cheryl Blossom! The cherry on top was having Sarah Sovereign shoot it, especially in an old-school diner! No matter what we were feeling that day, everyone brought a playful, upbeat energy to the shoot. For one day, we were all living in Riverdale, and no one was fighting over any Archie’s

Carly Stone

Thank you so much to our AMAZING clothing sponsor, Betty and Veronica Clothing, for supplying these amazing, quality, BEAUTIFUL items to make our Riverdale Themed Photoshoot even BETTER than we could have expected.

Also a huge thank you to our assistants for the day, Danielle and Siobhan.  We couldn't have done it without you.  <3  

Read to the end to view my personal favourite photos from 2017!

  Well.  The year has come to an end yet again, and I must say, I'm rather relieved.  I love the new year, as, to me, it signifies a fresh start, new beginnings, and leaving the past in the past.  And I don't know if I've ever felt that to be more true than this New Year.  

2017 started out with high hopes, a list of professional goals (which I'm happy to say I nearly completed!!).  Professionally, 2017 was a fantastic year!  I worked with and collaborated with some fantastic creative people...worked with some fantastic companies, and brands, and continued to write, create, grow, and expand my mind and career.  I reached 2 million followers this year on Facebook, and nearly 250K followers on Instagram!  I started my membership page, and my Patreon, and thanks to your support, am able to create more content for you to enjoy!  I am so thankful for all your continued love and support this year.  It means the wold to me.  For that I will pop the champagne, and raise a glass to my amazing support system.  My fans, followers, family and friends.  I would be nothing without all of you!    

My 2018 Calendar, (shot by Lanaya Flavelle Photography, and amazing MUAH by Ashley Paints Faces) sold better than any other year!  Signed copies totally sold out, but luckily you can order an unsigned copy, which comes with a free digital copy, for only $25!  Get your copy HERE

Personally, the year started with the shocking loss of a friend, taken far too soon, in a freak accident.  My mom's health took a turn for the worst as well in January.  She had us worried, and was in so much discomfort, for apparently, no reason.  Thankfully, she is now feeling much better in that regard, although they are still struggling with a firm diagnosis.  In February, I got to escape the world for a while on my Honeymoon, with my new Hubby, to Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Miami/South Beach!  I was lucky to travel this year, to Arizona (twice!) Vegas (twice as well!) LA, Seattle, Spokane, Salt Spring Island, and a few other little weekend get away's here and there. I travelled both for work and pleasure, but I also however, had to cancel a couple of trips this year, due to circumstances beyond my control.  I am however hoping to travel more this year, so hopefully I can make up those cancelled trips!  

I also had some health changes this year.  My mental health continues to be a daily struggle.  It seems the older I get, the more intense it gets.  Some anxiety and depression was circumstantial, most, was just my brain being a bully.  I finally found a good blend of medications that work well for me and my mood, pared with other forms of healing like counselling, and meditation.  A side effect of my new medication, is lowered appetite, and, due to my VERY low appetite, and a large amount of stress, I have lost 50 lbs since the start of the year.  I'm feeling OK about the loss of weight, as I feel I still look great, and I feel a little better too!  I didn't try to lose weight, but sometimes your body just takes care of things and does whats best.  I listen to my body, and what it craves.  Since I've been eating less, I've also been way more conscious of what I actually AM eating, so my diet has become far healthier.  Just a reminder however, that someone else's body and weight is no ones business, unless they share their concerns with you and ask for your opinion.  I got a lot of comments and questions asking me about my weight.  Weight loss isn't always a good, or planned thing.  You can never tell someones health just by looking at them, or, what is causing a change in weight. Unless someone is asking for opinions or help, its no ones business but their own's, and their Doctors. 

I also got glasses this year!  I was the ONLY one in my family who didn't have glasses already.  I knew eventually I would need them, and hey, I made it 32 years!  And I LOVE my glasses!  Just another way to accessorise my outfits!   

When I wasn't working, I spent A LOT of time at home this year.  Due to my mental health struggles, leaving my home that I love so much, and my puppy, well, it just becomes less and less appealing.  I'm so thankful to those friends (and photographers for that matter) that came to my place to hang and and/or work!  You have no idea how thankful I am for people like you.  And thank you to those who have checked in with me when they noticed me slinking away into seclusion.  Its so nice to know I have friends who care about me, and you have no idea how much I care about you.  

Speaking of friends...there were a lot of changes in friendships this year,  My circle is much smaller and very different than it was at the beginning of the year.   A lot of my close friends no longer live in Vancouver, so I miss them terribly and think of them daily.  Some friendships have faded away or apart, and some toxic relationships were ended. And that's all OK.  This is a really personal and sensitive subject for me, as my friends are my family, and, although I likely don't say it enough, they are so important to me and loved by me.  As we get older, and our lives get busier, sometimes we outgrow people, or lives drift apart.  Or circumstances happen where its harder to get together.  Its a sad but true part of life.  I always imagine however that true friends are there when you need them, no matter the distance or time its been since you've seen them last.  At the start of 2017, there were people in my life, who I thought would be there till the day I die, who now, for a wide variety of reasons, are no longer in my life.  I went through a lot this year on a personal level.  From being manipulated, lied to and abused by someone I totally trusted, and thought was a friend, to seeing peoples true colours come out when I really need them, or when things got tough.  Its funny how fast things can change.  People, ideas, circumstances, everything really.  There has been so much loss, sadness, heartache, and betrayal this year...for everyone...the whole world! All I know, is that as hard as the hurt this year has been, I have learned some very valuable lessons, and also, in turn, have become much closer to other people.  New friendships have formed, and existing, deserving friendships have been fostered, and have grown and blossomed, and I am so thankful for that.  I am also thankful for the lessons I've learned, and the clarity and gratitude I now feel and see for those who love me, and I love in return.  Ive grown SO much this year.  I cannot remember a year in my adult life that I've been through so much personal growth and self discovery.  My husband and I both lost friends, and family this year, but in return, we are even more thankful for each other, and other, deserving relationship in our lives.   There are just some things that nothing but an internet quote can quite express.  ;)

One of the biggest news stories, and movements of 2017, was the #MeToo movement which shone light on the problem which is sexual harassment and assault. Nearly every woman I know, has been effected by such terrible events. It happens in ALL industries, not only the entertainment industry. It effected me personally, as I have been the victim of sexual assault, and harassment, on countless occasions.  In fact, I even had to deal with unwanted sexual advances and assault, earlier this year by someone I trusted and thought was a friend.  It happens every single day on line, and has happened more times than I care to remember in person. Since this was such huge news, It made me think a lot, and it brought back a lot of buried and suppressed memories for me from years gone by.  It also made me realise the truth about certain situations in my life, and basically sent me down a very deep spiral of depression, shame, and guilt.  To be honest, I`m still not out of my depression, but I am so grateful to this movement, as it made people finally stop and take notice of this monumental problem.  Women and victims are banding together, and abusers are finally being called out and held accountable for their actions.  Women are becoming braver and stronger and standing up for themselves.  It is time this ended, and I am so glad to be here to witness this change taking place in front of our eyes.  Although its been a rough road mentally, Its about damn time this happened!!!!  And while were talking about sexual harassment, let me just say, just because I love lingerie, and am a lingerie model, who is in touch with her sexuality, and enjoys taking sexy photos, that doesn`t make me any less deserving of respect and kindness.  It does not make it ok to leave rude, aggressive, or sexual comments.  These actions will not be tolerated on any platforms by me, and all culprits will be blocked and reported immediately.  

In November, the love of my life, my puppy Cash, had to have emergency spinal surgery.  He started screaming in pain one night, and when we took him to the ER, were informed that he needed surgery.  He had 2 ruptured disks in his spine, and 2 others that were about to rupture.  He was already starting to lose movement in his back legs due to pressure on his spinal cord.  If he didn't have surgery to release the pressure, he could be permanently paralized.  Of course, we agreed.  Cost didn't matter.  We have pet insurance.  And we are SO thankful for that pet insurance, as we got most of the cost of the surgery back...however we still had to pay the bill up front.  So I am also so thankful for credit cards, and my parents, who, although were out of town throughout all this, were able to help us financially during this unexpected financial hardship.  

I am SO happy to say that after 6 weeks, Cash is doing so much better!  He is walking on his own again without assistance!  He still has a bit of trouble with his back legs, and may walk with a bit of a wobble from here on out.  He still needs some physio and rehabilitation, but considering what he has been through, he has been recovering like a champion!  Thank goodness.  I don't know what I would do without Cash.  He was also trained and registered as my ESA (emotional support animal) this year, so that he can travel with me, to help me with my anxiety.  I honestly think I need him more than he needs me. Seeing him in pain, and not being able to help or explain anything, was complete torture and living hell.  I am so grateful that he is recovering as well as he is, and that we are so blessed to live somewhere where we have access to that kind of veterinary care.  His 6 week check up is tomorrow morning, and were expecting nothing but continued progress for our little monkey.  Thank you so much for all the concern and messages about my little guy.  We appreciate it and love you all so much.   

Normally  I love Christmas, but this year, due to everything else, I just wasn't feeling it.  Cash was requiring daily rehabilitation, and I couldn`t leave the house, or Cash`s side for more than an hour.  We were all so tired, and I was very stressed and depressed.  So December this year was spent, mostly at home, with loved ones, taking care of each other, and reflecting on the past year and the year to come.  The few days before New Years were spent in Seattle, visiting good friends, shooting some gorgeous new sets with amazing new creative collaborators, and getting excited to say goodbye to 2017, and WELCOME to all the blessings that 2018 is sure to bring.  I am hoping for nothing more than continued growing health, and continuing to have an open heart and open mind to love, friendship and life.  I will strive to better myself, mentally, physically, as well as spiritually.  I will continue to expand my career and endeavours...My husband gifted me some online photography courses for Christmas so that I can learn how to take better photos, not only of my self, but perhaps of other beautiful women and creatures as well!  I will guide my heart and intentions with kindness first, and leave judgement for the very last resort.  I will continue to try and see the good in everyone, but will also be content with my circle being smaller, if that's what is necessary to keep it loyal and true.   I will strive to continue to spread a message of self love, realistic body expectations, kindness, and smashing mental health stigmas.  I hope to write more, speak more, and have as many opportunities as possible to spread my message and voice.  I want to get RIGHT out of this depressed funk Ive been in lately, and put my energy into bettering myself and the world around me.  

2017 had many highs and lows, but it's very safe to say, that I'm pleased to see 2017 go, and to welcome in a fresh year, and a fresh start in 2018.   Thank you for following along on my journey, and I wish you all the health, love, and happiness you deserve in 2018.  xoxo Ruby.  

Lady V London is one of my favourite brands for vintage style dresses.  Not only are they well made (in the UK), but the styles are so flattering, and the prints...I mean come on!  Look at the birdcage dahlia print on the Liliana Dress.  I also love this style for the off the shoulder cut (obsessed!!) and the full skirt that hits me just below the knee.  Perfect!  I also paired the dress with a old belt for a couple photos as I loved the contrast.  It was a bit small on me however, so I decided I was more comfortable without the belt...but either way, the dress is stunning!  

The second dress, the Ursula dress in teal polka dots, is the perfect addition to my closet!  I love the classic polka dot, but with a bright pop of colour (we all know how much I love colour!).  The neckline on this dress is so flattering, with just the perfect amount of cleavage, but I paired it with a cable knit cardi to keep the fall chill off my shoulders!  SO CUTE!  

Check out Lady V London HERE!  So many cute prints and styles.  And they have sizes from UK 16-32!!!!  I wear a 16!  Happy Shopping!!!!