Just As Beautiful - July 08

The UK’s first free Lifestyle Magazine dedicated to the plus-size woman

JULY 2008 Issue 18

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Anita Cox Credit Crunch Hair Tips

Ms Kentucky Anna Scholz

Plus 2008

Fashion Tips

Claire Young’s BIG Payday Spas for Curvy Girls

Dancefloor Diet

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3. Nile Graham: Big Debate 5. Diet On The Dancefloor 6. Ms Kentucky Plus 2008 8. Size and Style 12. Life After 5 A Day 13. Credit Crunch Hair Tips 14. Sarah Clark: Top Spas 17. Anna Schotz: Fashion Tips 22. Diet On The Dancefloor: Meet The Stars

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The BIG Debate Does size matter?

By Nile Graham

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ince our last visit to this subject, I have researched some of the women's mags that covered the 'Fern debate'. What I found was that in the vast majority of cases, those who thought she was wrong to 'hide' her surgery and only talk about the diet and exercise part of her weight loss regime felt 'cheated'. Seeing her as some iconic figure of the fuller figured celebrity appeared less of an issue than the 'fact' that she had made a choice not to reveal her surgery. There is some empathy with that feeling, and, as some of you pointed out, she did not have to appear in articles talking about dieting at all. That might have made it more palatable. In the June 2008 issue of Woman's Own magazine, Fern is quoted as saying “I didn't lie and there's no need to. I don't want to let anybody down but a girl likes to keep something to herself.” That being the case, as many of you and others in magazines point out, she should not have been seen to infer it was all down to “will power”. Also, it seems that the fact that she is the face of Ryvita also goes some way to infer that it was all down to diet and exercise.

Does this now mean that she's out of the fuller figured club? If you've been a 'fatty' are you one for life (regardless of how slim you may have become)? One woman I spoke to, who underwent the surgery and has so far lost over 5 stones, admitted that she hadn't told anyone in her family apart from her partner and one or two close friends because she didn't think she would get any support. “They would just say that I took the easy way out after not being bothered to give dieting a real chance, or some of them would try and say that I'd been pretending to be happy as a fat girl because they are big and would feel I'm judging them. “The fact is, I was happy most of the time. But, like anyone of any size, I had my down days, especially when I went out shopping and couldn't find youthful things to fit me within my budget. Some of my family treat me differently since the weight loss and it upsets me. I'm no different to the person I was before surgery apart from feeling happier due to many of the aches and pains I had being less severe now. I don't understand what their issue is.

Maybe it's jealousy or fear. I just wish they could be proud of what I've achieved and leave it at that,” she said. But she also spoke of the pain she went through as she developed a complication: “It was awful. I thought I was going to die. One minute I was biting into a very small piece of pizza and salad. A piece got lodged in my stomach and I began to throw up. I couldn't eat or drink. I had to go to the A&E and it was a load of drama there as no one from the surgeon's team was available to tend to me, and so a regular nurse tried poking a tube down my stomach. I went crazy and told them to leave me alone until someone who knew what they were doing was available to see me. “I spent four days in hospital on a drip until the blockage went and I was able to drink and eat a little without throwing it back up. I became vary wary of what and how I ate from then on, but it's not always easy to remember. I've been a big girl for a long time, so my habits are very strong and I have to keep reminding myself to eat consciously”.

At 35yrs old, Clare had been almost 25 stone and despite the complication was clear that she would do it again because of the 'benefits' she feels it has afforded her.

NG

Let me know what your experiences have been and whether you are considering having surgery, and what issues or questions are coming up for you -be they about the surgery or the social side of things.

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We will come back to this issue as there has been a bigger response than can be included in this one article. I want to do the subject justice.

Nile Graham is a life coach and personal development expert and can be reached by sending an email to her at: [email protected]

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DIET ON THE DANCEFLOOR

SHIMMIES ONTO LIVING FOR SUMMERTIME

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IVING's new dance show with a difference, Diet on the Dancefloor, picks up on the current craze of dancing yourself fitter and slimmer, as ten participants all in need of losing weight, pair up with dance pro partners in a bid to boogie away the body fat. Sequins, sparkle, weight loss and emotional and physical bumps and bruises are all to be expected as they aspire to lose weight the fun, glamorous way, demonstrated and judged by Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Hardy, who waltzed Mark Ramprakash to victory, and Matthew Cutler, who partnered last year's winner Alesha Dixon. The participants will be judged on fitness, technical style and panache but who will waltz away with the Diet on the Dancefloor 2008 crown?

Karen Hardy, judge and teacher said, “Dancing is one of the best ways to get fit and versus the monotony of the treadmill, definitely the most fun! The series will hopefully show everyone that this is the time to get up off the sofa and put those dancing shoes on.”

but also their improving fitness, weight loss and how they carry off their sensational dance outfits. The three judges will be on hand to teach new steps, holds and dances and leading UK Sports Physician Dr Catherine Spencer-Smith will try and transform every aspect of the contributor's diets and lifestyles in their bid for fitness. Matthew Cutler, judge and tutor said: “Diets are always front of peoples' minds, especially with the current obsession for the perfect body, and dancing is a passionate, energetic way for people to keep fit. It will be fascinating to see how

Each week, as they fight for the ultimate title of Diet on the Dancefloor Champion 2008, the contestants will have to learn a new dance each week, from Bollywood and Cha Cha Cha to the Salsa and Tango, and perform it in front of the judges; Karen, Matthew and top Sports Physician Dr Catherine Spencer-Smith. The participants will be judged not just solely on their technique and style of the dance, as well as a weekly 'lift and hold',

the participants step up the pace as they shed weight, and their energy increases.”

Ms KENTUCKY PLUS

Kathy Luttrell is the reigning Ms Kentucky Plus. Just As Beautiful caught up with her to find out what life is now like as a plus-size beauty queen and her views on size and self esteem in society.

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athy is the first to admit that her current profile has changed her life in several ways, the first being her exposure in the media: “I have made several public appearances and have also appeared on the big time television station, WHAS 11 with a segment dedicated to me being Ms Kentucky Plus America 2008 during a news at noon feature. I have been on the front page of The Pioneer News, which is a local newspaper in the county that I work in. I have also been on the front page of the big newspaper The Courier Journal, which is in the county where I live, and I had a fullpage spread in the features section of the same paper.” But the media appearances are not the only thing that she has been enjoying since winning the

pageant. Kathy has also met several high-profile people too, and has started using her influence for the better -especially in terms of self esteem. “I have met my governor and attended several fundraisers that help promote my platform which is Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect. I have done several photo shoots with different photographers and also met and had my picture taken with Heather French Henry, who was the Miss America 2000 winner (who is also from Kentucky). One of the biggest ways it has changed my life though is that it has opened up more doors for me to have the ability to help promote positive self esteem in plus-size women and meet and speak with plus size women about loving your body no matter what the size is on the tag in your favourite dress,” she said.

Kathy, a single mother of two recently graduated as a paramedic and now works in Emergency Medical Services, helping the sick, injured, and dying. Despite being busy Kathy does try to maintain a healthy balance with her home life and new-found celebrity: “I was and am a single mother of two beautiful daughters, Estashia and Triniti. I tend seek out every opportunity I can to promote the realization to today's society that beauty and success definitely does come in sizes bigger than a 2, 4, 6, 8, or even a 10 or 12. I also play sand volleyball, softball, go to the gym and take acting classes – while doing what I can to promote my modelling and acting career.” It was during an online search for plus-size activities that Kathy came across what was to become her

eyes and see that the population being over 60% plus size, want to see more plus-size heroine's in the blockbuster movies and that we plus-size models and actresses can do just as good if not better acting than our small size counterparts... Romance does not only come in small sizes either... I not only want to represent the plus-size industry, I want to help other plus-size women who are affected by society's negativity in size acceptance to learn to love their body and themselves; and do not let anyone's views of them determine their self worth. I would like to be able to give speeches and talk to groups about size acceptance and promoting positive self esteem, not only in women but also in our children and men.”

destiny: “I was searching the internet looking for plus size events and competitions and found the Miss Plus America pageant system. I have always wanted to see plus-size divisions in all pageants and when I came across this pageant dedicated only to plus-size, I immediately had to check into it and then decided I wanted to become a part of it,” and she is glad she did so.

Kathy has several messages for big girls out there: “I have several messages I would like to pass on to other plus size women out there. The first is, remember that you are beautiful inside and out and that the tag size in your dress does NOT determine your self worth. Secondly, know that beauty and

Kathy also plans to use her influence as a plus-size beauty queen to help women suffering from low self esteem and to spread the message that big can be beautiful: “I plan on using my influence as Ms Kentucky Plus America 2008 to make as much progress as I possibly can in getting out in the public's eye and showing that size acceptance is extremely important because beauty and success does come in the sizes of 18, 20, 22, 24 and even size 30. “I also want to work on the fashion industry because over 60% of the population is plus-size and we like our clothes to be just as nice and trendy as the size 2's and 6's. I also want to work on getting the entertainment industry to open their

success does come in plus-size, no matter what society or the general public wants to try and set a limit to. Additionally, get up every morning, look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are indeed beautiful and

that you can do anything that you set your mind to and that any negativity or obstacles you might come to face are only mere roadblocks on your path to show everyone that you are who you are. Just because you are not a size 4, 6, or 8 does not mean you don't have the right to shine. Be yourself and hold your head up high and know that you are a part of society's elite the plus-size elite and let that knowledge help lead you over those roadblocks; so that in future instead of roadblocks they will be merely bumps that you know you can handle and let yourself shine through,” she said. Kathy's dedication cannot be denied and is aided by her belief that “beauty and success come in all shapes and sizes and colours. There is no one in this world any better than the next. Sure, you may have more money, better clothes, longer legs and a smaller waist, but that does not make you better than the next person. Beauty is not only on the outside, beauty comes also from the inside. The plus-size population is not here to try and take over all things. We just want to simply be accepted as people too and be given just the same opportunities as the girl next door for more often than not, we are the girl next door, plus-size and proud.”

Size and Style with Lisa Marie and Jennygirl

Now, to some of you the idea of a community for the big and beautiful may be foreign. For us, it's our daily life. Lisa Marie owns Club Bounce, the most successful Plus Size Nightclub in the US and judging from the daily requests for her to expand to other regions and countries; we are guessing that there is nothing like www.clubbounce.net anywhere else in the world. Lisa Marie also coowns www.hourglassfashions.com with Jennygirl. It is a plus-size fashion superstore with sizes ranging from XL up to 12x which now delivers to the UK. Lisa Marie was recently featured on the WE Channel's Secret Lives of Women, discussing the club, the clothing store and how she went from being a shy overweight girl to a successful BBW Entrepreneur. Jennygirl works as a photographer at Club Bounce and designs some of the styles you see every day at www.hourglassfashions.com . In today's fast-paced world it's so easy to get lost in our own lives and our own problems and experiences

that we forget there are others out there with a whole different perspective. We are here to show you a bit of our life and what we encounter, living in the United States as plus-size women. Here in the US we are lucky to have an established community for BBW's and at Club Bounce we have a place where all plus sized men and women can come and feel comfortable and adored just as they are.

Most recently, Club Bounce held a Fetish Ball theme night. Once a year, we celebrate the naughty, fetish side in all of us and let it all hang out -so to speak. Men and women came from all over the US for this event, some coming from as far as Detroit, MI and Portland, OR. Hourglass Fashions provided some of the costumes and

styles shown in the accompanying photos and as you can see, we are not shy when it comes to our bodies. We had a spanking station, a foot worship station and even a stage show of strong, beautiful BBWS spanking a naughty slave. The crowd gathered at the end of the night for a Best Dressed Mistress contest. The cheering was loud and long as they watched these brave women strut their stuff on the stage for all to see. A winner was named by crowd applause and our hearts were warmed by all the confidence these ladies showed. We know confidence is something that is hard to come by for most plus-size women. If Club Bounce can help a woman feel good about herself, make them stand up and enjoy the experience, then Lisa Marie's vision for her club is a success. We love to break down barriers and show the rest of the world that we can do anything you can do…and most of the time we do it better! People crave a sense of belonging and we give that to them. Maybe it's that sense of freedom y o u

get when you know you aren't being judged as soon as you walk in the door, but it's nice to see everyone come out of their shell. We are told by society that fat people are lazy and they don't take care of themselves. Well, as you can see, we at Club Bounce are breaking those stereotypes. One look at the beautiful curves filling up the dance floor and you will see for yourself. We have realized that just because we are 'Fat', we don't have to sit at home and hide. Lisa Marie lived her life in the shadow of others for a long time and came to the realization that this was no way to live. Life is too short to sit on the sidelines, waiting for experiences to happen to you. Don't wait any longer, no matter where you live. We in the US may have started this size-acceptance movement, but it doesn't need to stop here with us. Break those barriers and stereotypes. Buy a sexy outfit and show off your curves instead of hiding under mountains of fabric. You can go out there and start living your life, enjoying every minute like it was your last. If you would like to see the photos from the Fetish Ball or any of our other great club nights, please go to

www.clubbounce.net and click on the photo link at the top.

To view our fun and flirty fashions go to www.hourglassfashions.com .

BBW Limos

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after leaving his wife and children to start a gay relationship. The only thing holding him back from total happiness is his weight. Unlucky in love Amy has suffered the heartache of being engaged twice with both ending in disaster and heartbreak. Amy is desperate

Amongst the contestants hoping to boost fitness and achieve their weight loss dancing goals is 21-yearold Ed, a wannabe boy band member who is desperate to ignite his career, but feels his weight is holding him back. Thirty-nine year old Dale has changed his whole life

to shed the weight, get fit and regain her confidence to find true love. Dr Catherine Spencer-Smith, Judge and Sports physician, said: “In today's society the importance of exercising is highlighted by the growing levels of obesity in the UK.

This show is all about moving away from the conventional ideas of how to lose weight by giving exercise a fun, glam twist which will hopefully inspire others”. In addition, there will be challenging costume changes each week and on hand to help the contestants is stylist and mentor Nick Ede (LK Today, GMTV). He will be sourcing

outfits that work for each dance and try to help them conquer their fears over the revealing clothes; clothes that over the weeks will become smaller and more daring, as they shed pounds. Will there be tears and tantrums or will the contestants accept that by overcoming this challenge, they are on their way to achieving their goals to a fitter, more svelte self?

Diet On The Dance Floor is aired at 9pm, Wednesday's on UK Living

Life after Five a Day Post Party Weekend Report By Julia Thomas

Last month I wrote about our ambitions to include five-a-day in our annual girly weekend away, and I'm very glad to say we kept to our schedule (although it was hard). The Strawberry Dakari's were delicious, served on the Saturday lunchtime whilst wearing pyjamas. We included Bacardi, orange juice, lots of fresh strawberries, crushed ice, probably a dash of vodka and I seem to remember cranberry juice being added as well. Lots of good things in there -cranberry juice is essential to help keep cystitis at bay. A couple of Dakari's later we were ready to tuck into the watermelon. Very dedicated to her task, my friend went to the greengrocer and asked for a nice watermelon which wasn't too big and would sit nicely on its end, and he delivered the perfect specimen. This was put in the garage for about four days with a funnel pressed in the top, being fed vodka on a regular basis so that it would seep through the flesh. It worked ok, but being careful girls we cut it short of the seven days recommended thinking it may spoil the melon flesh. (We now think it would have been OK and would have avoided some of the flesh being practically pure vodka). We didn't complain though as we sucked the rind dry and threw it all around the chalet. We had our Bucks Fizz on the Friday after we arrived, but omitted the orange juice (so that was a failure I guess, very nice it was though). Amazing how you can still put on make up even though you have had several glasses of the fizz without the bucks. This is a knack we have developed over the years

(you just choose the 70's weekends as being the decade taste forgot, if you have bright blue and pink eye shadow in a flourish across to your earlobes). It really doesn't matter. We had our pizza and even slipped in some salad along with the tomato sauce and mushrooms, topped off with some beer with lime stuffed into the top. All in all, I think the five-a-day adventure was pretty successful and we have already booked another for next year.

julia Thomas is the owner of leading website:

www.curvychicks.co.uk

A down side to your five a day is texting your partner at 02:45 (am) to tell him that you love him, then at 02:48 wondering where your reply is; forgetting that you have gone into 70's weekend time which is totally out of sync with the rest of the world, then again at 03:00 saying something else unprintable. (He did, however, enjoy relaying the texts to me when I got home…) Another down side was that I came home and had to go to the doctors as I appeared to have caught a chest infection (that seemed to have burnt out some of my brain cells). I found myself picking out the wrong words and staggering around with the coordination of Ozzy Osbourne on the Monday and waited at a crossing in the car on a green light. To cap it all, about an hour ago I put on the umpteenth load of washing and on autopilot scooped a measure up and threw it in the dispenser. Sounds OK doesn't it? Only we stopped using powder in our household about a year ago in favour of the concentrated liquid stuff. I had scooped up a measure full of dried dog food and thrown it into the drawer. Big sigh, my partner and kids enjoyed that at my expense. Would I advocate our unhealthy five-a-day? Well, once in a long while I think you can be forgiven for letting your hair down -I hope so anyway and if isn't, then that's alright as it's going to be 30 years since we left school next year (eek!). So that's a good enough excuse to do some more research, and I may have recovered by then (only just)!

Credit Crunch Recipes for

Stressed Tresses Celebrity hairdresser, Anita Cox, has some handy tips using household items that can help repair damaged hair and leave your tresses looking gorgeous.

with a boost. How to make it: Use one glass of bitter beer as a finishing rinse, once or twice a month Seriously rich conditioner Good for: stressed tress that have been repeatedly over heated, using straightening irons too often can make your hair frizz.

Clear it out shampoo Good for: getting rid of product build-up that makes hair look dull and scalp itchy. How to make it: add between three and five drops of pure tea-tree oil to your normal shampoo and use every other day. Shine on conditioner Good for: dry, damaged hair that's had too much heat treatment. How to Make it: mash up a ripe banana or and egg and mix with a few drops of almond oil. Massage into clean hair, then leave for 15 minutes before rinsing out. Beef it up beer rinse Good for: Fine hair that could do

How to make it: Mix together cup of your normal conditioner with cup of runny honey and 1 tbsp of almond oil. Pour over clean, damp hair and work in. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Quick colour boosters Tea is great for playing up your own colour. For each treatment, make a strong brew then rinse the solution through your hair ten times, catching the rinse in a bowel before pouring back onto your hair. On brown hair: Black tea will bring out chestnut highlights. On blonde hair: Camomile tea will add a beautiful golden sheen to natural blonde and highlighted hair. On red hair: Rose-hip tea. Use a good handful of leaves or a couple of bags to the best colour.

For more information visit: www.anitacox.co.uk; Anita Cox 40 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1EE; Telephone: 0208 225 8888

The top spas for

curvy girls By Sarah Clark Going to a spa is supposed to be an absolute treat. A relaxing, sensory experience that makes you feel pampered and cared for.

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ut all too often, a spa or salon visit can be marred by the ignominy of having to strip off in front of a barelyout-of-her-teens, size ten therapist who clearly hasn't seen what's under a fat person's robe before...and step into paper pants that feel like cheese wire. Not only that, but paper pants look absolutely ridiculous and believe me, when you're a size 22, the only thing you can think about for the duration of a treatment is “please God, don't make me cough.” Can you imagine the p otenti a l em b a rra s s m ent factor of splitting your paper knickers mid bikini wax? Oh no, please never let that happen to me. One wrong move and the silly pants are toast... There is also the 'can't quite get the towel/robe done up' scenario. Here's an example. I went in search of fat-friendly havens of relaxation, places designed to make even the chubbiest among us feel like princesses for a day. The first thing I was met with was a wall of silence. I approached several well known spas direct, and the only one to come back to me straight away was Champneys. Now, I've been to

Champneys myself, and although it was some time ago, I do remember enjoying the experience. I sampled the delights of Champneys at Tring, the 'original Champneys, and was pleasantly surprised that both my friend and I felt totally at home there. Neither of us are a size ten, and my friend admitted at the time that she'd entered the spa with some trepidation. I'd already been to several spas and knew the drill by then, but you still worry when you go to somewhere as swanky as Champneys that it's going to be very exclusive and everyone is going to be thinner than you! Sharon Scott, from Champneys, told me, “Champneys are happy to welcome women of all sizes. We do have extra large robes, slippers and towels, and our therapists are used to dealing with women of every size and age. “The paper pants are one size but they are designed to fit all. As you are probably aware they have elastic at the sides so the paper area is not designed to cover the whole area anyway.

“I believe many of our treatments would make any women feel good. The body treatments that make the skin feel soft are particularly good. We have a fabulous body treatment called Bed of Roses – this begins with a full body exfoliation followed by an application of body butter. While it's being absorbed you relax and enjoy a massage of the feet and scalp, which will leave you feeling cleansed, nourished and soothed with the gentle fragrance of rose.” Although experience would lead me to believe that the one size pants may just about fit all (but they certainly aren't comfortable if you have a backside big enough for its own postcode), I'll give Champneys the benefit of the doubt just for telling me about that gorgeous treatment! Next to respond was Ragdale Hall, another popular and wellknown spa, and the winner of the Professional Beauty Residential Spa of the Year 2008 Award. Vicky Taylor told me that Ragdale positively encourages people of all sizes, and likes to think they are catered for. On the practical side, she assured me that not

only does Ragdale offer variable sized paper knickers (so they do exist after all) but that their towels are all bath sheet size and they have robes suitable for all sizes too. To make things even more welcoming, for people who really are what she described as 'larger than average', Ragdale have specially designed larger treatment couches, so that presumably the bigger clients don't feel the need to cling on to the sides for dear life to avoid the horrible “I'm going to fall off this thing if I so much as move” feeling! Vicky added that Ragdale offers so many welcoming, pampering treatments that would make a larger lady feel amazing, she couldn't pick just one. “We like to provide a cosy, welcoming place for our visitors to enjoy, and we aren't intimidating at all,” she told me. “Ragdale Hall is a very lovely environment...for everyone.” Another spa that makes the grade when it comes to catering for curvy lasses is Eastthorpe Hall, not surprisingly another winner in the Professional Spa Awards this year. Sam Pearce, one of the partners at Eastthorpe waxed lyrical about what they offer larger people. According to Sam, a delighted Eastthorpe Hall client recently said that one of the things she loved about Eastthorpe Hall is that “it isn't run by 18 year old twigs!” Eastthorpe believe that one of the reasons they have been winning awards is because of their sensitivity to clients of all shapes and sizes. One

particularly favourable review was written recently by a journalist who hadn't undressed in front of anyone at all for the last 14 years and after realising how safe and secure she felt with her therapist (Nicola – the spa manager), she was relaxed and peaceful enough to have a treatment. Sam told me: “She is now a regular - and we can't keep her clothes on!” She added: “We don't do one size fits all treatments here, because we just don't believe in them – and we even have

ladies in cancer remission who are so relaxed here that they throw off their wigs and prosthetic boobs and throw caution to the wind!” “Life would be so boring if everyone were the same, the stereotypical image of women in the media is totally unobtainable - we actually offer a treatment called Space - this treatment can be performed with the client fully dressed and the results are phenomenal - we have a Mongolian Yurt in the grounds

that is just for you, totally private and just wonderful. To us size isn't an issue and it never has been. We know that we make clients feel comfortable in their own skin, whatever shape, size, colour or orientation.” Eastthorpe Hall goes as far as to say that the majority of their clientele are actually on the larger side – and as a last comment Sam added: “No, scrap that - the majority of our clients are women who are normal!”

Sarah Clark runs www.relentlessly-positive.com a website dedicated to encouraging a more positive outlook on life.

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If you’ve got it

flaunt it!

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ndisputedly the leading designer in the plus size market, Anna Scholz, who trained at Central St Martins along side Antonio Berardi, Robert Carey Williams, Tristan Weber and Giles Deacon. Scheduled to appear in the cult TV shopping show Mary Queen of Shops. In the programme which airs in early June on BBC 2 Anna works with Mary Portas to introduce sexier fashion consciences clothes for the curvier woman. Anna has also appeared on BBC 3’s Find Me the Face when the two presenters were set the challenge to find a new curvy super model. Apart from her own mainline collection Anna has been part of the Designers at Debenhams campaign and currently consults for Simply B the UK-based mail order phenomenon. Where she offers an affordable diffusion collection of fashion, shoes, swim wear and lingerie. Celebrity fans include Macy Gray, Gabrielle, Dawn French, Roseanne Barr, Lisa Riley, Alison Moyet, Jocelyn Brown, Queen Latifah and more recently, Adele. Here Anna offers her Top Ten Tips for Curvy Girls

1

If you have a generous bust, don’t be afraid to show it off. If you’re trying to minimise your bust line, stick to square necklines.

2

Make use of in-house brafitting services. If you have a substantial bust, wearing the right bra will take pounds of your figure.

3

If you wear something that tents down from the bust you will make yourself look much bigger than you are. By slinging a belt around your waist or hips, you give the illusion of an hourglass figure. Don’t hide those curves!

4

Ditch the hold-in knickers. Instead invest in some good flesh coloured underwear which is much more comfortable in the summer heat.

5

Don’t be afraid to wear pale colours you don’t have to live in black.

6 7 8

Cover larger upper arms with a pretty shrug or bolero top.

The boho look is great for the curvier lady, as long skirts are in fashion rather than just being a cover-up. Don’t be afraid to show of those legs, it’s not just the size 10’s who have the best pins. Try wearing your hemline on or just above the knee...and remember that, high heels can also lengthen the legs, so don’t just wear flats!

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If you’re heading for the beach invest in a kaftan. You won’t feel too trussed up and it covers a multitude of flaws.

Get your head around your curves and enjoy them. Remember, the average woman in the UK is a size 16. Don’t be embarrassed by your shape make the most of it.

Anna’s full collection is now available online www. annascholz.com or you can call 0208 964 2040 for your local stockists..

Relax, you're in good hands… 124 Anerley Road, Anerley London SE20 8DL Tel: 020 8659 8702 Mob: 0793 04 966 04

Plus size bridal, bridesmaids, Evening and Prom. Prices start from: £595.00. Book a styling consultation and design your own dress!

[email protected] www.ouiido.com

Try as many dress as you want in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

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By appointment. Closes at 8pm on Thurs.

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Diet On The Dance Floor Meet The Stars Karen Hardy: Karen Hardy is instantly recognisable as one of the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1), having won the competition in 2006 with partner, cricketer Mark Ramprakash. Karen is also the former UK, International, World Masters and British National Champion of Latin American dance. Karen has been dancing since the age of five and turned professional in 1994. She went on to win numerous worldwide competitions before retiring from competitive dance in 1999. She then moved into dance teaching and adjudicating and was awarded the coveted title of Teacher of the Year in 2002 and 2003. Karen has appeared in numerous TV shows including the Channel 4 series Faking It (Series 4), and came out of retirement to join the third series of the BBC 1's television series Strictly Come Dancing. Karen is married to her long time partner Conrad and they have a three year old son.

Matthew Cutler: In recent years Matthew has achieved success and nation-wide recognition as a dancer on BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing, but it is the last series of Strictly that Matthew will be mostly remembered for. He sensationally partnered singer Alesha Dixon and danced their way to victory beating actor Matt Di Angelo and his dancer Flavia Cacace in a final that was watched by 11.4 million viewers, giving a performance that was described by the judges as "flawless".

Matthew described the win as “a dream come true”. Matthew's love for Latin American and Ballroom dance started when he was just eight years old in a local church Hall in Southend, Essex. With a passion of dancing instilled, Matthew went on to conquer the world of Latin and Ballroom competitive dancing winning over 30 national and international competitions and going onto become World and European Champion with his partner Nicole.

Dr Catherine Spencer-Smith, Sports Physician: MBBS DRCOG MRCGP MSc Sport Ex Med MFSEM(UK) Dr Catherine Spencer-Smith is a Sports Physician at Pure Sports Medicine in London. Formerly a G.P, Catherine has been working with a wide range of people involved at all levels of sport since 2000. She was a sports physician at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, has extensive experience in Marathon Medicine, and is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Rehabilitation at Bangor University in Wales. She has been a Sports Medicine advisor to several television productions, and she regularly writes for publications such as '220 Triathlon'. Through her work with Bangor University, she has gained experience in exercise for people with medical problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis and obesity. She is keen to help people who want to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle, or those who have previously shied away from sport and activity, perhaps because of their size, fitness level or a history of joint problems.

STYLIST / MENTOR Nick Ede: An expert in celebrity, fashion and lifestyle, Nick has worked with some of the biggest celebrity and lifestyle names in the world. Nick was most recently seen as a judge on Project Catwalk 3 for Sky One, offering views to the contestants and working along side host Kelly Osbourne. He is the lifestyle expert on GMTV and LK Today as well as being the celebrity correspondent for the hit Canadian entertainment show, E! Talk Daily for CTV. Nick's other onscreen TV credits include; Jordan and Peter Laid Bare (ITV2), Michelle and Andy's Big Day (ITV2), Taste (Sky One), the Russell Grant show (Sky One), Pete's

PA (LIVING), Richard and Judy (Channel 4), Secret Life of Celebrities (Five), Celebrities Exposed (ITV2) and Deadline (ITV2). Nick also runs a very successful bespoke celebrity lifestyle agency where he facilitates the lives of celebrities and private clients working on a wide range of projects from press to PR, fashion, styling, interiors, events and weddings and has recently launched his new website www.ihatemylook.com

Diet On The Dance Floor

Give yourself

some credit By Callie Carling

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As a holistic therapist, I am always keen to keep a close eye on the financial markets. After all, a downturn in our economy usually heralds a slowing of business for complementary therapists as

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The latest news shock has been Marks & Spencer's announcement of 5% losses in just three months. Now, I have my own theories on that, not least that they have stopped stocking over size 24 clothes on their shop-floors. Maybe we've voted with our feet and taken our “fat pound” (what a phrase!) elsewhere? No, surely that cannot be the whole reason behind their downturn in profits. …

So you can imagine my surprise – and delight - when I came across research from the United States indicating that despite the US economy heading into a recession, the natural and organic sector of the cosmetics and toiletries markets has seen a 20% increase.1 These figures are in sharp contrast with the traditional beauty and skincare markets, who have seen a 7% decrease in sales from April – June 2008.2

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The credit crunch seems to be spiralling out of control and if financial experts are to be believed, what we have seen so far is just the tip of a very deep iceberg. But who needs to be reminded that we should have saved for a rainy day while everything was plentiful? Not me! There's always another beautiful pink handbag waiting for me to release it from captivity or pair of uncomfortable, impractical shoes waiting to be exercised on cobbled streets.

people cut back on 'luxuries', particularly beauty product sales which are the first to take a sharp nose-dive as we batten down the hatches.

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What a summer – full of doom and gloom, while the sun tries her hardest to shine! Try as hard as I might, it is proving to be impossible to blank out the escalating credit crisis. Each night I am convinced the supermarket staff perform a mad dash around the store, changing prices on the shelves. How else could tins of mushy peas have gone up 17p in just 2 weeks?! Enough of my obsession with mushy peas …

What a huge difference in sales figures! A sure indication that we are slowly moving away from the chemical-laden beauty products of yesteryear to a more natural way of caring for our skin. Big brands, in common with the smaller skincare companies, are finding that organic and natural personal care products are a real winner with today's savvy, educated customer who closely inspects labels for any suspicious-looking ingredient in a

move to sweep their lives clear of toxic products. I have to put my hands up and admit that discovering the wonders of natural and organic skincare was more than just a happy accident. It coincided with a time in my life where my skin was very unhappy and, as a single mother, money was in short supply. A friend introduced me to the wonders of rosa mosqueta (rosehip) oil but at something like £14 for 30ml, including postage, it was a steep price to pay for a moisturiser yet it made a huge difference to my complexion and I began to feel that my face was actually my face again, rather than a piece of antique, fragile parchment paper. Learning more about oils and suitability for different skin types became something of an obsession with me, as did finding products which would do the same job but at a more affordable price. The research paid off handsomely when it came to training as a holistic therapist, including the immeasurable difference which special, organic oils had made to my skin. Although we may be starting to feel the pinch of the credit crunch, it does not mean that we have to stop treating ourselves and our bodies to kisses from Mother Nature's divine garden. Far from it! With so much interest in keeping ourselves looking beautiful without harming ourselves or our environment, I receive many, many enquiries from people who know of

my passion for keeping skincare as natural as possible. The most common question is “what types of oils can I use on my skin?”. To fully appreciate our own unique skin structure and what works for us as individuals, I now offer a personal service* where specially-selected organic oils are hand-blended for you, and only you! Beautifullypresented with hand-written labels in blue PET recyclable bottles, they are a gift to yourself and also a perfect idea for presents.

Personalised skincare really does not need to cost the earth – either in terms of our ecological and environmental factors, or in terms of pennies! Why not give yourself some credit and investigate the amazing possibilities out there in keeping yourself looking beautiful, at minimal cost to your purse and our world?

* Holistic Feathers personalised facial oil blends - from £4.99 (30ml) plus postage, initial consultation fee applies. Personalised body oil blends are also available, just £7.99 (75ml spray bottle) plus postage. We also stock Raw Gaia raw, organic, vegan, living skincare products.

1“The North American Market for Natural & Organic Personal Care Products: Market Assessment and Forecasts” – Research

and Markets, posted on Business Wire.com, 1st July 2008. 2Karen Grant, Global Industry Analyst for Beauty,

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printededition/monday/business/ny-bzcov5746928jun30,0,7153722.story, Keiko Morris, 30th June 2008.

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Claire Young Lands Top Job After Apprentice Remember Claire Young that was favourite to win BBC's ‘The Apprentice’ this year but lost out to Lee McQueen? Well, Claire has clenched a £100,000 a year job at Birmingham City Football Club. Claire, who notably said she'd rather kiss Sir Alan Sugar than a snake, caught the eye of Birmingham FC's Managing Director, Karren Brady, in the interview task. She told Sir Alan that if he doesn't hire Claire, she would - and made good on her offer. According to Claire, the total package is worth more than what she would have got from Sir Alan. Well done!

The Competitors: Amy Saunders – 10 stone Age: 29 Single Amy was dumped by her fiancé last year just a few months before she was due to get married … she even had the dress and honeymoon booked. However this was not her first attempt at marriage as she was engaged before. Since

the break-up newly single Amy has been picking up the pieces of her life and now feels it's time for a fresh start. Learning how to dance has been one of her life-long ambitions and if lucky enough to win Diet on the Dancefloor she would be able to start the new phase of her life w with a sense of achievement. She is a strong and determined lady who has a softer side and will cry over the smallest thing. She gets along with most people but if someone is rude to her she won't shy away from confrontation.

Carlene Moreno – 14 stone Age: 24 Carlene loves to be the centre of attention and can be prone to the odd strop if she isn't! Appearance is essential for Carlene and she openly admits to be being 'shallow' … but she doesn't care. She would like to lose weight so she can wear nicer clothes and borrow outfits from her thinner friends. She has been with her husband for eight years and wonders how he puts up

with her constant tantrums and arguments over her weight. Her food downfall is takeaways as she NEVER cooks – even after her Weight-Watchers meetings she'll treat herself to a curry. Outspoken but honest, Carlene isn't afraid of telling people what she thinks, whatever the consequence.

Kimberley McLean – 13 stone 2 Age: 23

disappeared. Prior to giving birth Odette was a size 8 but post-baby her size has shot up to a size 14 and now she just can't shake off that baby weight. She's desperate to lose the weight and get her muchneeded self esteem back. Odette has a real passion for dance and will thrive on the challenge of a dancing competition – although her speciality is mostly in the grinding of hips and shaking her booty to reggae and dance-hall music.

Party-loving yummy mummy of two loves to flirt and be the life and soul of the party. She's always on the look out for 'fit' men when she goes out clubbing with her mates and admits she gets a real buzz from pulling men. Kimberley fell pregnant twice accidentally but fell in love with being a mum despite

Dale Gunston – 14 stone Age: 39

confident to those she meets – but deep down she's shy and insecure and constantly doubting herself. Scared of meeting men due to her size, Laura hopes that this opportunity will boost her selfconfidence and prove to her family and more importantly herself, that she can achieve anything when she puts her mind to it.

Successful business man Dale always said that by the time he turned 40 he wants to be thin and fit and hopes that taking part in Diet

Odette Leigh-Wright – 11 stone 4 Age: 23 ending her relationship with the children's dad. Being a mum has not stopped her living an actionpacked single women's life and by taking part in Diet on the Dancefloor she hopes to show mothers everywhere that you CAN be sexy, look good and feel fabulous even if you do have children. Confident and bubbly Kimberley admits her over-confident personality can annoy people …

Laura Barber – 12 stone Age: 26 Northern single girl Laura hopes that by entering Diet on the Dancefloor she will get back her selfconfidence that she lost through years of bullying at school. Her motivation for taking part in the show is that later this year Laura is travelling alone around the world for eight months and is terrified of having to fit into a bikini at the beach. Laura is a bubbly and outgoing girl who appears too

Odette is one sassy lady with attitude from South London! Since giving birth to her baby girl a year ago Odette feels she has lost her 'sex-a-tude' – sexiness mixed with attitude. She claims she still has the attitude to match her bright red hair but her sexiness has all

on the Dancefloor will help him to achieve this. During the past few years his life has changed dramatically – he left his wife and his two children, after coming out and is now currently living with his partner Mark. He lost everything in his life but has now turned round the situation around and is good friends with his ex-wife and is even attending her wedding. Turning 40 has always been a major turning point for Dale and he's determined to shape up to mark the occasion. Working in a high powered desk job has made it difficult to exercise as much as he likes and now Mark feels the weight is slowly but steadily

creeping on. Mark has a fierce competitive streak and relishes the chance of beating his competitors to be crowned winner of Diet on the Dancefloor.

boobs'. Mark hopes that by taking part in Diet on the Dancefloor will bring out his sporting competitive streak and believes he has the fire and determination to win the competition.

Edward Collins – 15.5 stone Age: 21

Marlon Williams – 18.5 stone Age: 24

body shape and size. His dream is to lose the weight and bring out the person he is destined to be …. a superstar!

Marlon is a semi-professional icehockey player that failed to make the team last season due to his rapidly increasing weight. He still lives at home with his family and is laid-back and easygoing but can be lacking in motivation and often come across as lazy! A natural

Mark Jones – 18 Stone 6 Age: 34

Edward is a wannabe boy band member from East London who dreams of one day having a successful music career but feels his weight is holding him back. His main passion in life is singing and songwriting but feels his performance is hampered by his increasing weight gain since he gave up playing semiprofessional rugby. He detests the cheesy 'Westlife' style routines and would love to learn how to dance properly. A real mummy's boy Eddie still lives at home with his mum who raised him single-handily and sees the show as a means of securing a better life for the both of them.

Mark is an ex semi-professional footballer from Liverpool. He piled on the pounds when he was forced to stop playing football due to an injury when he was 28 and is now determined to get fit and lose weight so he can find his true love and create the perfect family life he is longing for. Also from Liverpool, Mark loves to crack a joke but recently feels the joke's on him as his friends have given him the nick-name 'tits' due to his 'man

charmer and flirt, Marlon is currently looking for love, but is finding it hard as the type of girls he wants to attract are just not interested in him. He puts this down to being overweight so he's determined to tone and shape up to pull the woman of his dreams.

Jaiden Michael – 16 stone Age: 25 Celebrity obsessed Jaiden is a cheeky Scouser with a big ego. Confident and cheeky, Jaiden loves to mix with the Liverpool celebrity and fashionista set and aspires to be the new Perez Hilton due to his daily on-line celebrity gossip blog. He loves fashion and works hard on perfecting his variety of 'looks', some of which don't work because of his

Diet On The Dance Floor is aired at 9pm, Wednesday's on UK Living

THE PLUS-SIZE SPORTS AND DANCE INITIATIVE

www.plussizesportsdance.co.uk

This is a British initiative to get more people who are considered overweight or obese to exercise in environments where they are comfortable; among people that they can identify with. In other words, if you feel too shy to take off your clothes for swimming lessons or any other sporting activity, but really want to get involved in sports with like-minded people, look no further.

For further information send an email to:

[email protected]

www.goutfree.co.uk

THE PLUS-SIZE SPORTS AND DANCE INITIATIVE www.plussizesportsdance.co.uk This is a British initiative to get more people who are considered overweight or obese to exercise in environments where they are comfortable; among people that they can identify with. In other words, if you feel too shy to take off your clothes for swimming lessons or any other sporting activity, but really want to get involved in sports with like-minded people, look no further. For further information send an email to:

[email protected]