http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/There are worse things in the world than being fat. Or lardy, a chubster, a fatso, voluptuous, curvy, cuddlesome, obese, overweight, roly-poly....This blog celebrates the curvaceous beauty. I'm going to be posting inspirational links, musings, photos of cool curvy girls, and daring you to realise that there is life beyond Weightwatchers.en-EUMokoFeed10http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/a3/8ee722943adffcd731368a5d933b3e_160x200.jpghttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/enough-of-the-real-woman-7031346/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-09-24:/2009/09/24/enough-of-the-real-woman-7031346/Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:26:59 +0200 <p>Or perhaps - <strong>Daily Mail Watch Day Two.</strong></p> <p>Every other day, some lazy dullard of a Daily Mail writer takes a picture of a minor celebrity wearing a lovely dress and then replicates the picture with a model who is at least a size bigger and usually looking uncomfortable. The article is usually captioned with, "How a REAL woman looks in so-and-so's dress"</p> <p>Why?</p> <p>And what's with the 'Real Woman' nonsense? It invariably stirs up the entire female readership "So I'm not real because I'm a size ten and don't eat doughnuts all day" and the people with nothing better to do than speculate on the dress size of the model, "There's no way she is a size 12, she must be at least a 16."</p> <p>Are celebrities all holograms or figments of our imagination then? How exactly do you think you qualify to become a 'real woman'?</p> <p>Answers on a post card please....</p> <p><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1215599/Myleene-Klass-fishtail-dress-A-real-woman-wears-2-500-Kyri-creation.html">Myleene Klass in a pretty frock - apparently she isn't *real*</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/enough-of-the-real-woman-7031346/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>curvydaily-mailreal-womenmyleene-klasshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/enough-of-the-real-woman-7031346/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/spas-for-curvy-girls-7031162/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-09-24:/2009/09/24/spas-for-curvy-girls-7031162/Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:50:55 +0200 <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/582/3931582_23f1a1d834_s.jpg" alt="070131 Candles and flower"><br>Going to a spa is supposed to be an absolute treat. A relaxing, sensory experience that makes you feel pampered and cared for.</p> <p><strong>Paper Pants</strong></p> <p>But all too often, a spa or salon visit can be marred by the ignominy of having to strip off in front of a barely-out-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 potential embarrassment 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...</p> <p>So, with this in mind, and not to mention the ‘can’t quite get the robe done up’ or ‘towel? This is what you call a TOWEL?’ scenario, 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.</p> <p><strong>Wall of silence</strong></p> <p>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!</p> <p>Sharon Scott, from Champneys, told me,</p> <p>"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.</p> <p>“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.</p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>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!</p> <p><strong>What about the towels and robes?</strong></p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/582/3931582_23f1a1d834_s.jpg" alt="070131 Candles and flower"></p> <p>Next to respond was Ragdale Hall, another popular and well-known 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>“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.”</p> <p><strong>Sensitive spa</strong></p> <p>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 2008. 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!”<br> <br>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!”</p> <p>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!”<br> <br>“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.”<br> <br>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,</p> <p>“No, scrap that - the majority of our clients are women who are normal!”<br> <br>Champneys: <a href="http://www.champneys.com/"><a href="http://www.champneys.com/">http://www.champneys.com/</a></a><br>Ragdale Hall: <a href="http://www.ragdalehall.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.ragdalehall.co.uk/">http://www.ragdalehall.co.uk/</a></a><br>Eastthorpe Hall: <a href="http://www.eastthorpe.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.eastthorpe.co.uk/">http://www.eastthorpe.co.uk/</a></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/spas-for-curvy-girls-7031162/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>eastthorpechampneysragdale-hallspahttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/spas-for-curvy-girls-7031162/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/the-top-spas-for-curvy-girls-going-to-a-spa-7031068/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-09-24:/2009/09/24/the-top-spas-for-curvy-girls-going-to-a-spa-7031068/Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:38:57 +0200The top spas for curvy girls Going to a spa is supposed to be an absolute treat. A relaxing, sensory experience that makes you feel pampered and cared for. But all too often, a spa or salon visit can be marred by the ignominy of having to strip off in front of a barely-out-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 potential embarrassment 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... So, with this in mind, and not to mention the ?can?t quite get the robe done up? or ?towel? This is what you call a TOWEL?? scenario, 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 well-known 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!? Champneys: http://www.champneys.com/ Ragdale Hall: http://www.ragdalehall.co.uk/ Eastthorpe Hall: http://www.eastthorpe.co.uk/ <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/the-top-spas-for-curvy-girls-going-to-a-spa-7031068/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/the-top-spas-for-curvy-girls-going-to-a-spa-7031068/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/the-joy-of-the-diamante-legging-7025536/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-09-23:/2009/09/23/the-joy-of-the-diamante-legging-7025536/Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:25:41 +0200 <p>There, I said it. If you'd told me a couple of years ago that I'd even own a pair of leggings, let alone find myself extolling the virtues of said eighties throwbacks on a publicly accessible forum, I would have been mildly insulted. But now I'm hooked.</p> <p>It's not just leggings either. Search the Dorothy Perkins site and you'll find many variations on a theme. <a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?beginIndex=0&catalogId=20552&storeId=12552&categoryId=176004&parent_category_rn=155405&langId=-1&top=Y">Jeggings</a> (leggings that look like jeans) and <a href="http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?beginIndex=0&catalogId=20552&storeId=12552&categoryId=176003&parent_category_rn=155405&langId=-1&top=Y&intcmpid=LEGGINGS_TREGGINGS">Treggings </a>(leggings that, you guessed it, look like trousers) being a couple of them. </p> <p>If you look at the Simply Be website there's a <a href="http://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/product/window/show.action?LpgUid=11181588&cm_re=DALHomepage-_-S3-_-leggings">legging for all occasions</a>, my personal favourites being the leggings with gold buttons on the ankles, because for some reason they are a thicker material than standard leggings and you don't get the horrid 'see skin through stretchy material' problem. If you're especially brave you can opt for shiny and lacy leggings too. Plenty of skin showing through the lacy ones but at least you know that it's meant to.</p> <p>Evans has quite possibly got my favourite leggings though. <a href="http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/0f5180ac#/0f5180ac/48">Leggings with a diamante trim</a>. Oh yes, I think I'm-a-gonna have to bag me a pair of those ready for Christmas parties. These totally and utterly appeal to my girly love of all things shiny and I *want* them. </p> <p>Leggings and T-shirts were the staple housework uniform of the 1990s but I also remember wearing them to work with longline jackets and HIDEOUS popper-crotch bodies that were ubiquitous in the early 90s. I also had my mum in stitches yesterday telling her about how I wore one on a girls' night out to the classy establishment that was once called Hollywood's in Ipswich.</p> <p>I was decked out in a long flowing skirt, black body and a sheer blouse over the top. I shudder at the thought of that ensemble but that's not the point. So I was a little bit under the influence and dancing on a podium with a random strange man, when I felt that feeling of dread as one by one all the poppers gave way in response to my energetic podium gyrations. Ahhhh, what the hell. I reasoned that I could get away with hopping down onto the dance floor and secreting myself in a dark corner, then surreptitiously reaching under the long skirt and doing them up. If I walked across to the ladies' the damn thing was only going to end up bunching up around my waist and I'd have to queue for ages.</p> <p>Trouble was, I didn't do the surreptitious bit very well and the story of my indiscreet wardrobe malfunction still gets relayed to this day.</p> <p>So, leggings = Yes. Bodies = "Never again in this lifetime sweetheart..."</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/the-joy-of-the-diamante-legging-7025536/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fashionsimply-beleggingsdorothy-perkinsevanshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/the-joy-of-the-diamante-legging-7025536/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/anna-anna-anna-what-are-you-doing-7016426/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-09-22:/2009/09/22/anna-anna-anna-what-are-you-doing-7016426/Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:37:58 +0200 <p>I've been a fan of Anna Scholz for a while now. She's always seemed to me to want to make clothes that flatter and inspire bigger women, and I've hankered after owning one of her designs for a while.</p> <p>I'm so disappointed with her latest offerings though.</p> <p>Kaftans? Get outta here!</p> <p>And would you get a look at those colours and patterns. It's like Evans circa 1989.</p> <p>To be fair, I think Anna is trying to channel a bit of a late sixties/early seventies hippy vibe. But I'm not buying it - quite literally not buying it. It's just *too much* I'm afraid. I'm not one of those lemon faced fashion editors who thinks that fat people should wear black and stay out of sight wherever possible...if you want to wear funky prints and neon brights then you go for it, sister. But I just don't think the collection is (a) flattering or (b) attractive.</p> <p>Am I being unfair? What do you think?</p> <p><a title="Look Book Anna Scholz 2009" href="http://www.annascholz.com/AW09brochure/flipviewerxpress.html">Look Book Autumn 2009</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/anna-anna-anna-what-are-you-doing-7016426/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fashionplus-sizeleisureanna-scholzlondon-fashion-weekhttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/anna-anna-anna-what-are-you-doing-7016426/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/queen-simply-be-s-fame-is-spreading-7016342/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-09-22:/2009/09/22/queen-simply-be-s-fame-is-spreading-7016342/Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:20:53 +0200 <p>...well only throughout Suffolk, but since when has that been the point? I was called yesterday by Radio Suffolk, who wanted to feature the Mark Fast London Fashion Week story from the point of view of someone who thought bigger models was something we should be pleased about.</p> <p>Of course, I jumped at the chance like a little terrier, and this morning I got to say my piece about the whole thing. Of course I made the point that there was an element of PR involved, with the Walks Beyond the Catwalk exhibition only opening on 18th September. But I also tried to push the point that the catwalk wasn't really a place where we should expect to see a sea change in model sizes. Catwalks, my lovelies, aren't even meant for people who shop in Next or Monsoon. They are a back slapping, self congratulatory luvvie fest designed for fashion editors and the in-crowd to "Oooooh" and "Aaaaah" about an inappropriate creation that doesn't even look good on a size 00 Albanian teenager.</p> <p>Don't get me wong, I love the catwalk shows. I love 'Project Runway' and I pore over Grazia every week even though it annoys the crap out of me. But much as I applaud what happened with the size 14 models this week, I'm not under any illusions that we're about to be swamped by Beth Ditto-alikes, bursting lusciously from domino print dresses and strutting their wobbly bits like they mean business.</p> <p>It's in the interest of the fashion industry to stay elitist. The people at the 'everyday' end of the market will cater for the curvy girls, because they know they have to diversify to stay afloat. As the models get skinnier, the people buying the clothes are getting bigger and the High Street needs to reflect the needs of its customers. But London Fashion Week isn't about Top Shop and Dorothy Perkins. It's about showing off. It's about 'the collection' that might be picked up by Harvey Nicks or Harrods but most of us will only see on the pages of the supplements dedicated to telling us what's 'in' and 'out' next season. So while we might see the occasional model with a discernible shape, I genuinely don't believe for a minute that introducing size 12 and 14 models is going to become the norm. Wouldn't it be fab if it was though?</p> <p>The Interview:  <span><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_suffolk/"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_suffolk/">http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_suffolk/</a></a>  (James Hazell, 22 September. I'm first on at 9:40)</span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/queen-simply-be-s-fame-is-spreading-7016342/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>curvybody-imagefashionlondon-fashion-weekmark-fastplus-sizehttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/queen-simply-be-s-fame-is-spreading-7016342/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/queen-simply-be-introduces-daily-mail-watch-7003873/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-09-20:/2009/09/20/queen-simply-be-introduces-daily-mail-watch-7003873/Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:15:59 +0200 <p>I love the Daily Mail, in a kind of horrified can't-help-myself kinda way. I can't resist reading it online for the bitchy comments, whether it's the 'I'm only writing this because it's what our readers expect' vinegar that's poured on anyone too old, wrinkled, unmade up or fat....or the completely vacuous, uneducated and often parrot-fashion comments added by readers who have been indoctrinated by said scandal rag into thinking everyone that isn't like THEM is automatically A.Bad.Person and should probably be banned.</p> <p>Reading their celebrity updates and reader comments is a bit like watching 'What Katie Did Next'. You know it's bad for you. You know you shouldn't do it. You know that it's probably going to make you really cross. But you do it anyway. </p> <p>I thought I'd take my obsession with scowling at the Daily Mail Online and use it for my own entertainment, and hopefully yours. I need to keep this blog updated and I'll get plenty of material from the DM. So, today's best articles and comments:</p> <p><strong><br> <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1214799/London-Fashion-Week-stylist-resigns-designers-decision-use-size-14-models-show.html">Mark Fast</a></strong></p> <p>The Mail's take on the drama surrounding Canadian designer Mark using three enormous size 12-14 models on the catwalk at London Fashion Week was surprisingly subdued. It's a Sunday though, so the chances are a lot of the reader comments haven't got through yet, but nowhere were the models described as 'fat' in the article (well, come on, how could they be?) although they did use inverted commas for the words 'normal sized' about the girls. Ahhh well, maybe they were sensing a bit of a bandwagon to jump on - and given Alexandra Shulman's recent request for bigger sample sizes for photo shoots, they might be backing off where size 12 and 14 women are concerned.</p> <p>The best comment so far is:</p> <p><em>"I don't blame the stylist at all. Nice clothes, but this is London Fashion Week, not Butlins and modelling should be left to the pros. I wouldn't consider these girls 'curvy' in the traditional sense - without a waist on any of them, i think 'round' would be a better description. They look like they've been cast from Supermarket Sweep." </em></p> <p>Yesterday they were having their usual digs at Natalie Cassidy for daring to go out in anything except a reinforced tent<strong>,"Natalie Cassidy prepares for her big night... let's hope her outfit is more flattering than yesterday" </strong> but they'll be reserving their most poisonous comments for next week when Nat makes her full Strictly Come Dancing debut...</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/queen-simply-be-introduces-daily-mail-watch-7003873/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>strictly-come-dancingdaily-mailnatalie-cassidyhttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/queen-simply-be-introduces-daily-mail-watch-7003873/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/mark-fast-and-the-indignant-fashion-pack-7003621/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-09-20:/2009/09/20/mark-fast-and-the-indignant-fashion-pack-7003621/Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:37:23 +0200 <p><a title="MarkFast1" href="http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2009/09/19/mark-fast-brings-plus-size-models-to-london-fashion-week.htm"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/728/3916728_da7cc03281_s.jpg" alt="Image from Grazia"></a>So, you thought body con was just for the size zeroes among us, and that no designer worth their credentials would ever put a woman with a bum in one of their less forgiving designs? Well, think again girlfriend, Mark Fast has been causing a ruckus at London Fashion Week by daring to mix it up a bit and use 'plus size' models in his catwalk shows, filling out the skin tight dresses in a way that a faceless Eastern European teenager could only dream of.</p> <p>He paraded his collection on a selection of models that did include the stereotype half starved looking models but then exploded three curvaceous size 12 and 14 girls onto the catwalk, proudly strutting their feminine form in totally unforgiving body con creations that left some of the fashion faithful steaming in disgust that he'd actually dared to use bigger women to show off dresses that, let's face it, look better with something to cling to.</p> <p>His stylist, obviously more used to dealing with unchallenging shapes, had a diva strop and left stylist Daniela Agnelli and casting director Natalie Hubbard to take over.</p> <p>Amanda May, managing director for the Canadian designer, said there had been "creative differences" with regards to the casting of the three larger models. But she added, "We wanted women to know they don't have to be a size zero to wear a Mark Fast dress - curvier women can look even better in one."</p> <p>What do you think?</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/mark-fast-and-the-indignant-fashion-pack-7003621/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>curvylondon-fashion-weekbody-imagefashionmark-fastplus-sizehttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/mark-fast-and-the-indignant-fashion-pack-7003621/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/08/21/how-much-do-we-love-bridget-jones-6774619/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-08-21:/2009/08/21/how-much-do-we-love-bridget-jones-6774619/Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:38:56 +0200 <p>I know I probably shouldn't admit to it, being the sassy, sorted thirty something that I undoubtedly am, but I couldn't help but be just a little bit happy that Renee Zellwegger will be donning the big pants (and presumably about three stone in weight) again to reprise the part of everyone's favourite neurotic chubby singleton, Bridget Jones.</p> <p>I think I love Bridget just for the line in The Edge of Reason about spending her time with two men following her break up from Mark D'arcy - one called Ben and one called Jerry! Not to mention the fact that every film has Colin Firth in it, in a wet shirt, so who's complaining!?</p> <p>The debate over whether it's healthy for Renee to chubb up every time she plays Bridget will no doubt be played out again and again in the media between now and the end of next year, when the next instalment is due to start fliming. But actresses LOSE weight to play movie roles all of the time and nobody bats an eyelid. </p> <p>Anyway, it's not just me, is it? I know most of my male friends seem to think that voluptuous Bridget, even in her granny pants, is way sexier than competitive-dieting Renee. What do you think? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/08/21/how-much-do-we-love-bridget-jones-6774619/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>renee-zellweggerbridget-jonesgranny-pantshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/08/21/how-much-do-we-love-bridget-jones-6774619/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/08/13/fashionista-6716970/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-08-13:/2009/08/13/fashionista-6716970/Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:43:09 +0200 <p>You might still be wearing your flip flops and sipping Pimms but it won’t be long until London Fashion Week gets all of the fashion editors excited about what’s hot for spring - and the release of the autumn collections on the high street. </p> <p>Trends for Autumn 09 include the one that we’ve all been trying to avoid – or is that just me – the eighties shoulder pad revival. They pad appeared in all its dramatic glory in a lot of the catwalk collections for autumn 09, and there’s no escaping its influence. </p> <p>It’s not just about the eighties though – look out for classic sixties influenced tailoring – apparently trouser suits are a hot fashion trend and the classic Audrey Hepburn dress looks set to replace the garish prom dress. The Oli fitted black stretch satin dress (£44) channels Audrey perfectly and is available up to a size 22. And this cute little corset dress (£45) is available up to a size 20. All you need is a nameless cat and a tiara.. </p> <p><a href="http://www.oli.co.uk/Web/main/home.asp?N=0">http://www.oli.co.uk/Web/main/home.asp?N=0</a></p> <p>Tip: When you’re shopping with Oli, use their ‘shop by size’ feature, to find clothes in a size 18, 20 and 22.</p> <p> I’ve even spotted an Azzdine Alaia inspired body con skirt and corset top in Caryn Franklin’s Simply Be collection - and Evans are currently selling this season’s tulip skirts in hot pink. I love body con...not so sure it’s forgiving of those with chunkier thighs but hats off to any Just as Beautiful stylista with the guts to don the bright pink Evans tulip skirt.</p> <p>Velvets and luxe fabrics will be a massive hit as the nights draw in – stuff the dreary economic climate and wrap yourself in something that feels good and looks opulent. Check out the fabulous ‘Billion Dollar Babes’ collection for City Chic at <a href="http://www.citychiconline.com/DRESSES-c11.aspx">http://www.citychiconline.com/DRESSES-c11.aspx</a> if you want to add some glamour to your wardrobe – the purple chiffon is to die for and purple is another trend to look out for in coming months. </p> <p><strong>Summer Sales...</strong></p> <p>The current gossip is that this year’s summer sales are likely to be spectacular, so get in there if you’ve booked a late holiday somewhere warm, and make sure you snap up some of the more stunning summer finds before they’ve all gone.</p> <p><strong>Autumn Previews</strong></p> <p>Simply Be previewed their autumn collection in June and it’s a cracker. I’m a real fan of Joe Brown at Simply Be, I love the slouchy jeans and cosy touchy feely jumpers, and the autumn collection is no disappointment. The boho look from the early noughties seems to have returned with a fabulous ‘Autumn Skirt’ (£40) and the Essential Skirt (£45). Both of these add a touch of gypsy chic to your wardrobe and teamed with the gorgeous beaded top (£50) they’ll see you through a rainy September in style. My advice to anyone buying from Simply Be is get in quick – most of the funkiest, on trend pieces sell out in the most popular sizes really fast.</p> <p><strong>iStylista</strong></p> <p>I thought I would try the new iStylista website, as it looked fun and – well it was rude not to. I duly logged my details and gave them my email address so that they could spam me until the end of time. When I logged in, I was a little over excited to see that the size options went up to a 28. Fantastic. The idea of the site is that you tell them a bit about you, and the site recommends lovely things that will suit your shape, size, colouring and budget. I lied and told them I could spend up to £300 a month of clothes, and I sat back to wait for all my recommended outfits.</p> <p>The first item that came up was a Sass and Bide dress. Now, I wasn’t 100% sure but I didn’t think that Sass and Bide did plus sizes. Intrigued, I clicked on the cute dress and found that it was available in up to a size 12. Totally and utterly pointless, then? The inoffensive ‘lives not knives’ T-shirt which was apparently suitable for my age group was ‘one size only’ (because we’re all one size, clearly) and the jersey halter neck top was only available in a 10. At this point, I got bored of iStylista. The idea is great but if you’re a plus size, finding anything that you can actually wear is going to be a thankless task!</p> <p><a href="http://www.istylista.co.uk">www.istylista.co.uk</a></p> <p>A much better bet if you’re plus size is the really useful know my size - <a href="http://www.knowmysize.net/">http://www.knowmysize.net/</a><br> This site does a quick trawl of all the high street retailers and tells you what’s available in your size (up to a 22) and then puts them all into nice neat little categories. So In a size 22, under party wear/dresses there are quite literally pages and pages of gorgeous party frocks that all come in a size 22. I could have spent hours browsing, and spent an absolute fortune. So it’s thumbs down to iStylista, and a massive thumbs up for Know my Size...</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/08/13/fashionista-6716970/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>evansbeth-dittolondon-fashion-weekfashionsimply-behttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/08/13/fashionista-6716970/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/07/21/beth-ditto-the-collection-6561571/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-07-21:/2009/07/21/beth-ditto-the-collection-6561571/Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:13:23 +0200 <p>OK so I would have loved to have commented just as the collection hit the stores on July 9 but I was (ahem) off to Italy on holiday and I have to confess that my thoughts were more on Italian ice cream, paradise beaches and gorgeous Latino men to worry about Beth's foray into the fashion world.</p> <p>Well.</p> <p>I've seen it now and I can hardly contain my....disappointment. OK, so the prom dresses are cute, but to be honest, that's really all I liked. I wanted sexy, contemporary and something I could wear without being sniggered at. Another issue is that most of the collection is so well OBVIOUSLY Beth Ditto, it's like going out in a Chanel number plastered with "This came from Chanel" - and although I love my labels, I don't actually feel the need to announce the fact that I bought an Evans Beth Ditto dress to the world. Go out in that domino dress or leggings and it's like you're copying someone else's look rather than developing your own sense of style. I love Beth but I dont actually want to look like her. Is it wrong to say that?</p> <p>The collection is compact and I suspect Evans only commissioned Beth to design a limited number of pieces because they thought they might not sell. And I'll be surprised if they do, because the bulk of the collection would be fine for jumping around on  stage being a pop diva but it might just get you pointed at if you wear it to a nightclub in Ipswich. Trust me, I've been in most of them.</p> <p>I'm not one for advocating that fat girls hide their figures in baggy tops and voluminous tents - but I'd suggest that purple spotty leggings look bad enough on skinny legs, let alone big ones. Am I being harsh? I'd love to hear your opinions...</p> <p><a title="Beth Ditto at Evans" href="http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=20554&storeId=12553&categoryId=173484&langId=-1&top=Y">Beth Ditto at Evans</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/07/21/beth-ditto-the-collection-6561571/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fashionevansbeth-dittohttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/07/21/beth-ditto-the-collection-6561571/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/20/new-look-not-very-inspirational-for-plus-sizes-6348770/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-06-20:/2009/06/20/new-look-not-very-inspirational-for-plus-sizes-6348770/Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:25:33 +0200 <p>New Look have always been a bit of a dead loss as far as I'm concerned for plus sizes. Well, locally, anyway. The shops in Cambridge didn't stock the Inspire plus size range at all ( presumably there are no fat people in Cambridge although there's never a shortage of the smallest sizes in Ted Baker & Karen Millen) and in Ipswich the selection is pitiful to say the least. Although the shoe selection is pretty fab.</p> <p>Anyway, it's come to light that the store routinely charges extra for the same jeans in a size 18 as it does in a 16.</p> <p>The store claims that while it does its best to absorb the extra costs involved in making bigger fashions, there are some items where it has little choice but to charge a higher price.</p> <p>Can they really justify £2 extra for bigger sizes? Maybe we should start a 'Bums4Justice' like the Busts for Justice that managed to lobby M&S to reduce their surcharge on bigger bra sizes. Just think of the extra profit they are making out of women that to be fair, New Look don't make a great deal of effort to cater for anyway. What do you think?</p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/20/new-look-not-very-inspirational-for-plus-sizes-6348770/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>new-lookplus-sizefashionhttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/20/new-look-not-very-inspirational-for-plus-sizes-6348770/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/beth-ditto-does-evans-6331466/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-06-18:/2009/06/18/beth-ditto-does-evans-6331466/Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:35:17 +0200 <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/516/3607516_86b268de27_s.jpg" alt="bethevans">We're all looking forward to getting our hands on the new Beth Ditto collection at Evans - which is is set to launch on Thursday  9th July. So widely anticipated by a fashion forward fat pack are Beth's designs, that Evans have set up a separate website just for her. I've complained about Evans far too many times so I've got everything crossed that Beth has revamped the whole Evans 'if you can do it in bright orange tiger print, do' philosophy and come up with some real style.</p> <p>The capsule collection will be influenced by the eighties and includes clothes, accessories and shoes. Get it while you can as it's pretty likely that the collection is going to fly off the shelves (and website) if the designs are actually any good!</p> <p>Key items include draped jersey tops, oversized knitwear and many of the pieces will be inspired by vintage pieces found on Beth's travels.</p> <p>It's about time the high street started to cater for plus size women who actually have a sense of style, so let's hope that this new collecion is as funky as it promises to be, and that it's the start, if you'll pardon the expression, of something big!</p> <p>Stranger things have happened...</p> <p><a href="http://www.bethdittoatevans.co.uk/">Beth Ditto at Evans</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/beth-ditto-does-evans-6331466/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fashionbeth-dittoevanshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/beth-ditto-does-evans-6331466/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/choose-choos-6331221/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-06-18:/2009/06/18/choose-choos-6331221/Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:57:30 +0200 <p><a title="choos" href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/choos/3607437"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/437/3607437_3b0bb0bcf4_s.jpg" alt="choos"></a>If there's something that puts a smile on the face and a skip in the step of every woman, whatever her size, it's sexy shoes.</p> <p>It doesn't matter if you can't get into anything in Top Shop, or that the assistants in Karen Millen look down their noses at you if you so much as step over the threshold, there's always shoes. And handbags. So it's great news that Jimmy Choo is coming to an H&M near you!</p> <p>Wait for the mass stampede as shoe loving fashionistas of all shapes and sizes fight for the last pair in a six.</p> <p>Prices for these little beauties  will start from as little as £30 for a pair of ballet pumps, and the top of the range Choo is going to be a reasonably justifiable £170.</p> <p>The average Jummy Choo will usually set you back at least £400 so if one of the 200 Choo-stocked H&M stores is near you, I would start queuing now!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/choose-choos-6331221/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>shoeschoofashionjimmy-choohttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/18/choose-choos-6331221/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/12/just-as-beautiful-6291039/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-06-12:/2009/06/12/just-as-beautiful-6291039/Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:40:55 +0200 <p>Some stop press news for you - yours truly has been appointed editor of <a href="http://www.justasbeautiful.com/">Just as Beautiful </a>- and I'm going to be looking for inspiration, comment and ideas from my faithful blog readers.</p> <p>What really gets your goat? What would you like to see more of? What are the burning issues that matter to you? Are you a big girl with something to say? Do you have a recommendation that you want to share? Would you like to appear in the mag and say your piece?</p> <p>PLEASE get in touch.</p> <p>And subscribe to the magazine - it's free! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/12/just-as-beautiful-6291039/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>just-as-beautifulcurvyplus-sizefashionhttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/06/12/just-as-beautiful-6291039/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/09/we-heart-natalie-cassidy-6086183/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-05-09:/2009/05/09/we-heart-natalie-cassidy-6086183/Sat, 09 May 2009 13:03:03 +0200 <p><img src="http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/image-library/port/376/n/natalie-cassidy-slutty.jpg" alt="Natalie thin" width="125" height="190">I know, another Eastenders themed post and I don't even *watch* it all the time.</p> <p>I've just seen another 'Natalie Cassidy is fat again' style newspaper bashing, and I thought I'd post this mainly because I've always liked her, and also because Nat was on the front cover of one of the first ever magazines I managed to get published in (yes, OK, it was Slim at Home, but the article was about fattism!)</p> <p>Anyway, I digress. I was almost disappointed with Nat when she did the whole weight loss DVD thing. Not just because I thought she had 'sold out' - weight loss is a personal thing and if she felt the need to punish herself into a size eight with two hours exercise a day and laxatives, who am I to object? But the real issue was that I could see it failing. She always seems like such a fun loving, sociable sort of girl, and a strict diet/fitness/laxative regime doesn't sit well with a sociable lifestyle!  Most on-off dieters can identify with the feeling a celeb would get after they have pummelled away their weight issues with a drastic diet, and their first thought is "I know, I'll do a DVD, that way I won't be tempted to put the weight back on." With mere mortals it's the fear of our friends, work mates, and family giving us a disapproving look when we start to gain weight again that we think will keep us on the straight and narrow. But it doesn't usually stop us, even if we don't have a camera lens to deal with on a regular basis! </p> <p>Alas, even celebs are only human, and it all comes tumbling down because although they *think* that the mere thought of letting people down by gaining weight again, and being judged for it (as they undoubtedly will be) will stop them ever getting back to the size they were...IT DOESN'T WORK. It just makes you excessively worried about what faceless journalists and members of the public think about you. As Natalie said;</p> <p><em>"I don't think I'll sit in Soho and eat a burger. Not without looking over my shoulder."</em></p> <p>How sad is that? <img src="http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00419/natalie-cassidy_280_419964a.jpg" alt="Natalie bigger" width="140" height="242"></p> <p>Personally I think Natalie looks lovely at a size 14. What the hell is wrong with a size 14 anyway? She looks happier than she did when she was working out and sucking her stomach in for every passing paparazzi. Let's hope she doesn't start yo-yoing like so many other stars who are more famous for their weight fluctuations than their last acting role (are you listening, Kirstie Alley?)</p> <p>Natalie - stay as you are!!!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/09/we-heart-natalie-cassidy-6086183/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fitness-dvdnatalie-cassidyyo-yo-dietweighthttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/09/we-heart-natalie-cassidy-6086183/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/08/hooray-for-sexy-lingerie-6081505/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-05-08:/2009/05/08/hooray-for-sexy-lingerie-6081505/Fri, 08 May 2009 13:57:58 +0200 <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>Good news for any girl fed up with trying to find sexy lingerie - <strong>Simply Yours</strong> has launched a fabulous spring summer collection of plus size shapewear and sexy swimwear.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>The new range does away with the notion that girls with cleavage to die for and a bootylicious behind just want to cover up their assets. No, honeys, we want to enhance what Mother Nature (and in some cases, Ben and Jerrys) gave us with underwear that shapes our curves and gives us support where we need it most. </span></span><span><span>The whole collection is online at  the </span><a href="http://www.simplyyours.co.uk/home"><span><span>Simply Yours website</span></span></a>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span>The launch is being supported by a national TV advertising campaign, and a  stylish new ad, which evokes 1940s glamour.<br></span></span><span><span> </p> <p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><br>The collection covers all you can think of in plus size shapewear, from bras, corsets, slips and knickers, to swimwear and nightwear. Sizes range from 30-50 with cups A-JJ and up to 56 and K and L in selected sizes.</p> <p>The helpful people at Simply Yours have even come up with a guide to finding your perfect bra size, so that you get the absolute best va-va-voom possible from your new glam shape wear. Vive la curves!</span></span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/08/hooray-for-sexy-lingerie-6081505/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lingerieweightplus-sizeshapewearsimply-yoursshape-wearhttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/08/hooray-for-sexy-lingerie-6081505/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/08/want-to-be-in-a-magazine-6081280/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-05-08:/2009/05/08/want-to-be-in-a-magazine-6081280/Fri, 08 May 2009 13:10:52 +0200 <p>If you've ever wanted to strut your stuff in a magazine, and fancy getting paid for it too, I've had a request from <strong>That's Life! magazine</strong> for big, beautiful and happy girls to appear in real life features.</p> <p>She says:</p> <p><em>"So many of our real life stories come from people that have dieted or had surgery to achieve a slim figure. What you don't read about as much are bigger girls that are proud and happy about their weight. We are looking for potential case studies that might fulfill this brief. The more unique the story the better. Perhaps a previously slim woman has found that putting on weight led her to happiness! Or perhaps being a 'big' is essential to her job or relationship."</em></p> <p>If you're interested, let me know through the blog and I'll pass your details on. If you want to appear, you'll have to be OK with your name and picture appearing in the magazine... Have fun!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/08/want-to-be-in-a-magazine-6081280/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>thats-lifemagazinehappycurvybig-and-beautifulfathttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/08/want-to-be-in-a-magazine-6081280/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/07/busts-for-justice-6076198/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-05-07:/2009/05/07/busts-for-justice-6076198/Thu, 07 May 2009 16:29:15 +0200 <p>Another attention grabbing headline, and a cause that I'm sure all voluptuous, well-endowed girlies will want to - ahem - support.<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/chocolate_daisy/beckie.jpg" alt="Beckie" width="230" height="310"></p> <p><a title="Busts 4 Justice" href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18589103563">Busts4Justice</a></p> <p>Busts 4 Justice is a Facebook group set up by a group of bigger boobed women - who are threatening to storm the M&S AGM to protest over the discrimination handed out to those of us blessed with a bountiful cleavage.</p> <p>Apparently our bigger bras require 'more engineering' than those that support boobs of less than a double D, so they charge an extra £2 per bra for the privilege of supplying us with the over the shoulder boulder holder monstrosities that they actually *do* stock in our size. (Oh,and is anyone as fed up as I am with never being able to find matching knickers in a size that fits? If I have big boobs, the chances are that unless I am a beautiful freak of nature or surgically enhanced...I have a BIG BUM too!)</p> <p>Beckie Williams - a size 34E - has warned M&S that the group will take their campaign to shareholders at the AGM in July. She said:</p> <p>"They haven't listened to us as customers, so now maybe they'll have to listen to us as shareholders.'</p> <p>'Marks & Spencer is Britain's biggest lingerie seller so we want them to change their pricing for all the women affected. I still don't think they can justify this charge since many of their rivals charge the same price regardless of size.'</p> <p>Join the Facebook Group and crusade for bra equality!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/07/busts-for-justice-6076198/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>brabusts-4-justicecurvyboobsfacebookcurveshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/07/busts-for-justice-6076198/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/07/fat-girl-has-sex-shocker-6075619/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-05-07:/2009/05/07/fat-girl-has-sex-shocker-6075619/Thu, 07 May 2009 14:32:16 +0200 <p><a href="http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/chocolate_daisy/?action=view&current=hev.jpg"><img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/chocolate_daisy/hev.jpg" border="0" alt="Heather"></a></p> <p>Bet that got your attention!</p> <p>All you fabulous at whatever size you are girls are probably roling your eyes in disdain at that headline though. Of course fat women get their fair share of bedroom action. I'm far too coy to talk about my own body count but let's face it, you'd think that nobody over a size 12 was allowed to get naked if you read some of the comments about the latest, frankly stupid, storyline about Eastenders' Heather Trott discovering she's pregnant.</p> <p>Now, this isn't to say that a storyline about a character who hasn't been with a  man (that we know of) since George Michael was still playing straight, falling miraculously pregnant at the first sniff of bedroom action isn't a tad unrealistic. Let's face it, she's a big girl on the wrong side of forty and she's pretty statistically amazing if she fell pregnant from a lone one night stand. But that's not the issue. It's the horrified "Who would sleep with Heather?" sharp intakes of breath you read across the Internet if you are a sad case like me who actually reads that stuff.</p> <p>Some of the choice comments:</p> <p><em>"Whoever was insane and sick enough to bed her shoud hang there head in shame then run a mile"</em></p> <p>(maybe that contributor should run back to school for some spelling & grammar practice?)</p> <p>The general consensus seems to be that anyone who could be responsible for the latest potential new resident of Albert Square must have been drunk at the time of his or her conception, or desperate. Because nobody in their right mind would ever want to sleep with A.Fat.Bird!</p> <p>If it wasn't so damn ridiculous, it would be insulting. Have any of these witty social commentators actually looked around and noticed that there are mums of every different size out there? Most of us know that it's actually much harder to conceive when you're medically underweight than overweight simply because your body decides you can't possibly be trusted to support a baby if you have no fat reserves, and shuts off your periods to make sure.</p> <p>And what's more, it's annoyed me for some time that the token fat bird on a soap has to be stupid and greedy as well. Obsessed with George Michael, with no dress sense and a personality that just screams "Slap me!" Of course, you could just tell me I take things too seriously, and I'd reply that I only really care when I watch the programme and wear away my precious tooth enamel by gritting my teeth at the script writers' portrayal of 'Hev' as a total moron with limited social skills and very dubious taste in headbands.</p> <p>It still annoys me though. As does the fact that we're allowed to ridicule fat people because they clearly have no feelings. I hope this daft storyline gets used to a good effect, and shows that Heather isn't automatically going to be a useless mother who feed the baby chips and cheese  'because that's what a fat mum would do.' It would be bloody great if one day there was a really foxy, classy, intelligent and witty woman on 'The Square' who all the men lusted after, but who just happened to be a size 16 plus.</p> <p>Fat people as the butts of biscuit jokes is SO boring.</p> <p>What do you think?</p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/07/fat-girl-has-sex-shocker-6075619/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fateastendersheather-trottfattismhttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/05/07/fat-girl-has-sex-shocker-6075619/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/03/21/just-for-a-giggle-5802075/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-03-21:/2009/03/21/just-for-a-giggle-5802075/Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:42:33 +0100 <p>...I saw this and it made me laugh :-)</p> <p>From The Onion: <a href="http://www.theonion.com">http://www.theonion.com</a></p> <p><strong>WOMAN UPSET AT HERSELF FOR FEELING HUNGRY</strong></p> <p>"Telling friends that she "just ate a huge thing of yogurt four hours ago," local woman Vanessa Stroud chided herself Tuesday for feeling hunger, a natural urge experienced by all living creatures to ensure they consume the sustenance necessary to maintain metabolic processes and other vital biological functions. "God, I have no willpower at all," Stroud said regarding her inability to go without nourishment of any kind until the start of bikini season. "It's just my stupid brain telling me I need to eat when what I really need is another three-day cleanse." Stroud was later seen swatting her own hand as it reached out for a blueberry muffin." </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/03/21/just-for-a-giggle-5802075/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/03/21/just-for-a-giggle-5802075/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/14/go-beth-5572811/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-02-14:/2009/02/14/go-beth-5572811/Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:34:50 +0100 <p>Why we should all love Beth Ditto.</p> <p>Because she just-doesn't-care. So she's a fifteen stone short arse but hell, she's going to get it all out there, flaunt it, and annoy the hell out of the Daily Mail readers. Shall I let you in on a secret? There's a regular contributor to the Daily Mail comments pages (I know, it's a guilty pleasure, reading the comments...) and his name is Ricky T. He always contributes to any discussion on older women or fat women. He hates both, and thinks anyone who isn't a size ten or under 35 is just past it and no man will ever find them attractive - apparently it's biologically impossible for a normal man to be attracted to a woman over 35-40 because she can't have kids any more and looks old. Charming.</p> <p>I've met him. He told me that (no offence) he could never find a woman over a size ten attractive. To my face. And there I was, all size 20 and 36 years of me! Anyway, I don't know if he thought that his little revelation was going to hurt me, but I was utterly relieved, being as he was short, fifty something, and appeared slightly bumbling and ineffectual to me. </p> <p>Real men are attracted to women who are beautiful - whether they are size eight and beautiful or size 32 and gorgeous. But I digress. Just thought I would mention that because he's commented on this story:</p> <p><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1145131/15-stone-Beth-Ditto-launches-Love-magazine-nude-shoot.html">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1145131/15-stone-Beth-Ditto-launches-Love-magazine-nude-shoot.html</a></p> <p><img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/chocolate_daisy/beth.jpg" alt="Beth Ditto" title="Beth Ditto"></p> <p>Beth rocks! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/14/go-beth-5572811/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>proudentertainmentfatbody-imagebeth-dittohttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/14/go-beth-5572811/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/13/no-matter-how-much-you-weigh-you-re-still-too-fat-5565502/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-02-13:/2009/02/13/no-matter-how-much-you-weigh-you-re-still-too-fat-5565502/Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:08:36 +0100 <p>Another chunk of wisdom from Nacy Hayssen....</p> <p>"I'm so tired of seeing "weight loss" this and "flat ab" that. It's out of control!</p> <p>The message that the media implies through TV,<br> magazines and the internet is:</p> <p>"No Matter How Much You Weigh, You're Still Too FAT!" </p> <p>Let's stop the insanity ... your scale cannot determine your happiness! </p> <p>According to a recent Prevention Magazine/NBC Survey, 60% of American women have dieted or are on a diet and 44% of women refuse to be photographed in a swimsuit. </p> <p>How is it that women have learned to hate their own bodies so much in our country?</p> <p>There is no "right" or "wrong" size to be. </p> <p>Just be happy with the size you are, just they way you are- right now. The unattainable illusion of one perfect weight has been chased after long enough - now is the time to break the pattern of self-hate that Hollywood has encouraged. </p> <p>Today is the day for you to make the change in your own mind and accept yourself in spite of what the scale says, or maybe even because of it. </p> <p>The truth is you are uniquely you, no matter what size you are."</p> <p>Amen to that! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/13/no-matter-how-much-you-weigh-you-re-still-too-fat-5565502/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>body-imagefatacceptancesexyweighthttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/13/no-matter-how-much-you-weigh-you-re-still-too-fat-5565502/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/love-is-all-around-5558842/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2009-02-12:/2009/02/12/love-is-all-around-5558842/Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:02:18 +0100 <p>I pass this on to you with love - it came to me in the Beyond Chocolate newsletter and I thought it was too good to keep to myself...Happy Valentine's Day to you all :-)</p> <p><strong>Love is all around you...</strong></p> <p>February 14th is nearly upon us so reflect for a moment on Cupid, the mischievous mythological child closely associated with the feast of St Valentine. Imagine, if you will, that rather than shooting his love-filled arrows at our external admirers (and I'm sure we all have many!), he takes aim and fires straight at you...</p> <p>How hard do you find it to love and appreciate yourself? For many women, complimenting and nurturing those around us comes easily but accepting praise or recognising our own value can raise an almost impenetrable mental shield. Far easier to accept the voices of the 'body demons' who tell us our waists are too thick, our legs too stocky and our chins too many in number! </p> <p>So this Valentine's Day, send some love in your own direction with two little experiments:</p> <p>* Start by just noticing the judgements you throw at yourself each day. Build up to quashing the gremlins of self-criticism in whatever way works for you.<br> * Send a card to yourself. Pick four complimentary words that describe your face and body. Are you voluptuous, dynamic, healthy or strong? Smooth, elegant, athletic or rounded? Add them to the box below then print it out, read it and believe it at every opportunity!</p> <p>Enjoy!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/love-is-all-around-5558842/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>lovevalentinesbody-imagehttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2009/02/12/love-is-all-around-5558842/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/17/looking-for-inspiration-5049943/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2008-11-17:/2008/11/17/looking-for-inspiration-5049943/Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:25:12 +0100 <p>It's not often that I quote anything from the Daily Mail unless it's annoyed me, but I spotted this today and thought it was my duty to bring it to your attention!</p> <p>"Being a size 16 fashionista is not as easy as it sounds. Apart from Vivienne Westwood, many designers stop at a 12, the national British average in the Fifties. Even High Street chains are not as forthcoming in fashionable 16s as they are for skinnier 12s.</p> <p>What is this fashion conspiracy all about? Don't designers and retailers want curvier women to wear their clothes (which explains why shoes and bags are such moneyspinners) or do curvier girls not want to wear high fashion? </p> <p>We asked the celebrity stylist Marcella Martinelli to pull together key seasonal trends, not for the usual model size 10 but for a size 16." </p> <p><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1086372/Can-fat-fashionable-Celebrity-stylist-MARCELLA-MARTINELLI-finds-possible-wear-high-fashion-size-16-plus.html">Can Fat Be Fashionable?</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/17/looking-for-inspiration-5049943/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fashion-fat-plus-size-style-relentlessly-positivehttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/11/17/looking-for-inspiration-5049943/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/06/sexy-at-absolutely-any-size-top-tips-4827462/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2008-10-06:/2008/10/06/sexy-at-absolutely-any-size-top-tips-4827462/Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:48:07 +0200 <p>We all want to feel sexy, and the good news is that we all can be...it's all a matter of attitude and self confidence. More than one person has told me (and this is from men as well as women) recently that the media hype about fat people is a lot of drivel, women can be just as gorgeous if they are well padded as if they are skinny. It really is all about walking into a room, and being YOU.</p> <p>But there are a few things you can do to enhance that inner poise, and the brilliant Nancy Hayssen has compiled a top ten list of her own feel sexy tips if you're looking for a little boost in that department. And the best thing - none of them involve eating nothing but celery for a week, drinking slimming tea, expensive 'inch-loss wraps' or wearing 'slimming colours' - enjoy the tips I've posted here, and e sure to visit Nancy's site for the rest...</p> <p><img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/chocolate_daisy/nancyhayssen.jpg" alt="Nancy" title="Nancy" align="right"></p> <p><strong>1. Make the Most of Your Shape</strong></p> <p>Do your clothes fit your body type, and are you feeling confident and sexy in what you are wearing? Keep in mind that sexy clothes can even be conservative, as long as you feel your best and carry yourself with poise! </p> <p>Accessories such as sexy heels, eye-catching belts, trendy sunglasses or that perfect Little Black Dress can make your night perfect before you even head out the door. Don't be afraid to take bold risks with your style; stand out in a crowd!</p> <p><strong>2. Be Confident</strong></p> <p>Are you standing up straight and looking people in the eyes? When you hold yourself with high regard, others cannot help but take notice and treat you with that same respect and interest. For a moment, imagine how you come across to stranger at a party: </p> <p>Are you friendly and interesting? Do you look angry and unapproachable? Are you hiding in a corner, avoiding any contact at all? While being confident may not come naturally, it is a skill we all can develop.  Use mantras such as "You are sexy!" repeated in your mind until you believe them. You'll be amazed at just how quickly you are convinced it is true!</p> <p><strong>3.  Relish in Some R & R</strong></p> <p>Have you had enough rest at night, and are you planning a vacation or spa day soon? Remember that the time you invest in yourself is time well spent, as you renew your energy and build your confidence to move ahead in life! </p> <p>Even a simple bubble bath can be a relief after a hectic day, and that much-deserved time alone is priceless. While family and work are certainly important, you can only feel 100% sure of yourself when you are energized. </p> <p>Save up your pennies if you have to in order to afford a day of relaxation away from all the stressors of your daily life... you will not regret spending the money on yourself!</p> <p><strong>4.  Lighten Up!<br></strong></p> <p>Can you lighten the mood in an instant? Do you always have a story to share? One of the personality traits most often admired is confidence in awkward situations.  The grace it takes to get a conversation going, the patience that is needed to endure a boring talk and the creativity required to get people to enjoy their surroundings: these are all qualities to be working towards. </p> <p>When you can bring lighthearted fun into a situation, your confidence becomes key. Before you enter a social situation, keep in mind that your own sexy self esteem may be just the element needed to get everyone else in their own best mood. Don't underestimate your powerful gift!</p> <p><strong>5.  Have a Sexy Mantra<br></strong></p> <p>Have you repeated your sexy mantra to yourself daily? Do you look in the mirror and remind yourself of just how sexy you really are? Be your own biggest fan, and others will follow. Know that you are sexy, desirable and interesting, and do not be afraid to remind yourself of that each day. </p> <p>Say to yourself "I am a sexy woman" over and over again. </p> <p>You will begin to believe it soon enough! Always remember to carry yourself with an air of sexy confidence and never, ever talk yourself down from that high. Begin today and you will thank yourself tomorrow!</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.nancyhayssen.com/">Nancy's website...</a></strong></p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/06/sexy-at-absolutely-any-size-top-tips-4827462/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/06/sexy-at-absolutely-any-size-top-tips-4827462/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/05/a-thousand-apologies-4823089/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2008-10-05:/2008/10/05/a-thousand-apologies-4823089/Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:10:57 +0200 <p>I am so sorry for being lax in my updates on the Queen Simply Be blog. If I said that not only have I recently become single again, spent two weeks in Australia, moved house and been ten days without Broadband (and not daring to up or download anything that wasn't strictly necessary) would you forgive me?</p> <p>As this is a weight and body image related blog, I thought I would talk a bit about something personal to me for a change. Like a lot of people, especially women, as my personal life started to disintegrate badly over the summer, in more ways than one, it affected how I was with food and eating. My weight stopped being important - even though I was body image positive before anyway, I'd still had the wobbles every now and again. Funnily enough, just as my worries and thoughts about being single again in my mid (Oh OK, late)thirties started to bite, the fat thoughts disappeared. Would I find anyone who liked me for who and what I am, despite being chubby? You know, who cares? If someone doesn't love me for who I am rather than the dress size I wear, surely they aren't worth it?</p> <p>Anyway, I stopped worrying about eating and concentrated on sorting my life, work and new flat out....and completely lost my appetite. For the first time since I can remember, I had to remind myself to eat, in fact on a lot of occasions I had to make myself eat because I just couldn't be bothered otherwise. And yes, the weight has been falling off me - I only know this because my curious mum encouraged me to weigh myself, and the results elicited a "bloody hell!"</p> <p>But it didn't make me feel better about being single or worse that I weigh what I do. It was and is just a number to me. In fact, since I did that, and reported back to an impressed mother, I've had no desire to do it again. I did get my appetite back on holiday, but I thought to myself "I don't have to prove anything to anyone" and what happens to my weight happens. I've naturally started following the Food Philosophy ideals of eating abso-bloody-lutely anything I want, and enjoying it. If I'm not enjoying my grilled chicken and veg, I'm not going to force it down just because it's good for me. And if I fancy pizza - and having moved perilously close to a Pizza Hut that takes online orders for delivery - I will have it. So there. I had left over dessert for lunch and breakfast the other day. So what? I don't have to cook for anyone else now, it doesn't matter if they've had a hard day at work and want feeding. If I want a sandwich for dinner, I'll have one. And if I have PMT and feel light headed and rubbish and want a pizza blowout, the same applies.</p> <p>As for my body image, well I can't deny I haven't thought life would be easier in the future, relationship wise, if I were a couple of sizes smaller. But I did the newly single thing and bought some new clothes and underwear to cheer me up recently (mainly because I was amazed at the selection of really cute bras in M&S and Debenhams right now...what an improvement...) and as I was trying them on I thought "I hope I don't lose too much weight, too fast, or else all this stuff will be too big for me!"</p> <p>Well, I have to save pennies, don't I?</p> <p>So there you have it. It's just how the whole upheaval of the last few months has affected me, it probably affects some other women differently. But it's onwards and upwards for me now...repeating my mantra of 'Relentlessly Positive" I will get back to you and let you know how things progress....But remember Fat girls ARE fab too!!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/05/a-thousand-apologies-4823089/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>fat-fab-relentlessly-positivehttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/10/05/a-thousand-apologies-4823089/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/08/18/aquot-sexy-is-a-state-of-mindaquot-4602385/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2008-08-18:/2008/08/18/aquot-sexy-is-a-state-of-mindaquot-4602385/Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:26:58 +0200 <p>This came through to me from Nancy Hayssen - and I thought you might like to share it! Nancy receieved this message from a woman called Sabrina, who said:</p> <p>"I am a singer/songwriter/poet and I like to put various things up on YouTube. </p> <p>Recently, I got a message on YouTube that read:</p> <p><strong>"You are psycho. Like I needed to see a FAT WOMAN dancing to an <strong>*</strong>** record!!!" </strong></p> <p>Well, despite basically feeling good about myself most of the time, it was as if he or she had slapped me in the face! It almost seemed as though the viewer was more offended by the fact I was FAT than anything else...as if large sized women aren't allowed to have fun with YouTube videos!</p> <p>Well, I thought and thought and came up with an answer back. I made a NEW video where I am dancing to surf music... <strong>IN MY SWIMSUIT!</strong></p> <p>I figure no one is gonna tell me, at age 47, what I can do or what size I MUST be in order to win their approval. I think it's great you are out there giving the important message to girls and women to LOVE OURSELVES despite our body sizes." - <strong>Sabrina</strong></p> <p><strong>So, what's the lesson here?</strong></p> <p>The media tends to promote sexiness in our culture as a very limited selection of the public. In magazines, television and movies, sexy is tall, thin, toned and tan.</p> <p>Those of us who are over the "ideal" image in any way: very tall or short, dark- or pale-skinned and especially full figured are out of the running. </p> <p>Right? Wrong!</p> <p>Ask most men on the street to tell you what sexy is: they will list things like "confident" or a "curvy woman."</p> <p>Sexiness comes in many shapes, sizes, colors and personalities! The ideal of beauty has evolved over time, from Rubenesque "round" bodies being the epitome of a healthy, wealthy and sexual woman to the emaciated catwalk models of the '90s who looked like a meal would do them some good - the public is swayed by societal standards of what constitutes sexiness.</p> <p>The American ideal of beauty has especially seen many phases of development over this century as television, movies and the internet smother us with computer-altered pictures of stars looking unrealistic.</p> <p>Some men are attracted to women with big breasts, long legs and slim bodies. Many others are drawn to the complete opposite... curvy bottoms, large breasts and fat all around. And neither is wrong. We are all sexy. </p> <p>One thing I have learned from years of asking the tough question of what makes a woman sexy is: <strong>"Sexy is a State of Mind." </strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.nancyhayssen.com/blog/">Nancy's Blog</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/08/18/aquot-sexy-is-a-state-of-mindaquot-4602385/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>nancy-hayssenhttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/08/18/aquot-sexy-is-a-state-of-mindaquot-4602385/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/08/17/embrace-yourself-you-re-you-4600465/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2008-08-17:/2008/08/17/embrace-yourself-you-re-you-4600465/Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:15:29 +0200 <p><em>"You can look great in a swimsuit and still be a heart attack waiting to happen. And you can also be overweight and otherwise healthy. A new study suggests that a surprising number of overweight people — about half — have normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while an equally startling number of trim people suffer from some of the ills associated with obesity."</em></p> <p>This little snippet was in the <strong>San Fransisco Chronicle,</strong> and to it I reply "Yawn...you don't say."</p> <p>The report goes on to add:</p> <p><em>"The first national estimate of its kind bolsters the argument that you can be hefty but still healthy, or at least healthier than has been believed.</em></p> <p><em>The results also show that stereotypes about body size can be misleading, and that even "less voluptuous" people can have risk factors commonly associated with obesity, said study author MaryFran Sowers, a University of Michigan obesity researcher.</p> <p>"We're really talking about taking a look with a very different lens" at weight and health risks, Sowers said.</p> <p>In the study, about 51 percent of overweight adults, or roughly 36 million people nationwide, had mostly normal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood fats called triglycerides and blood sugar.</p> <p>Almost one-third of obese adults, or nearly 20 million people, also were in this healthy range, meaning that none or only one of those measures was abnormal.</em><br> <em>Yet about a fourth of adults in the recommended-weight range had unhealthy levels of at least two of these measures. That means some 16 million of them are at risk for heart problems."</em></p> <p>So don't let anyone give you *that* look, you know, the look we all know we get from thin people who think they are morally superior just because they can eat Kettle Chips without it showing up on their thighs. </p> <p>If you take care of yourself, eat well, exercise enough, live well and sleep well, you're probably just as healthy as that size ten looker on the train munching a Twix. Or the person watching you disdainfully as she picks at her salad (no mayo.)</p> <p>We are all individuals. We are not a dress size, our weight or a statistic. Embrace your individuality. Stop reading diet magazines and eating 'dust.' Live a bit, and enjoy your life. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. </p> <p>And if you're interested, you can read the full article <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/08/11/national/a130013D78.DTL">here:</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/08/17/embrace-yourself-you-re-you-4600465/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>heart-diseaseweightdietfathealthhttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/08/17/embrace-yourself-you-re-you-4600465/#commentshttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/07/31/an-invitation-from-beyond-chocolate-4523504/tag:fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk,2008-07-31:/2008/07/31/an-invitation-from-beyond-chocolate-4523504/Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:14:43 +0200 <p><strong>Desperate dieters need women like you!</strong></p> <p>Train to run Beyond Chocolate Drop Ins near you and offer women in your area an intelligent alternative to those depressing slimming-club meetings that simply don't work!</p> <p>10 reasons to join the Chocolate Fairy Training Programme starting January 2009...</p> <p>1. Be part of a growing community of women who've decided to ditch the diets forever<br> 2. Make a real difference to hundreds of lives<br> 3. Do something interesting and worthwhile - not to mention fun!<br> 4. Learn new skills and develop a thriving business with hours to suit you<br> 5. Earn some extra cash<br> 6. Get involved in your local community and be a positive role model<br> 7. Give Weight Watchers, Slimming World and other diet-industry dinosaurs a run for their money and feel the freedom of never having to count calories, weigh portions or calculate points ever again - and share that with other women<br> 8. Do the Beyond Chocolate E-course for free - it's included in the training!<br> 9. Work with Sophie and Audrey, founders of Beyond Chocolate, and fellow Chocolate Fairies-in-training, and get all the support you need on our dedicated online forum<br> 10. Start 2009 doing something you know you'll still love doing in 2020!</p> <p>For more information on the training, including, dates, costs and how to apply, visit <a href="http://www.beyondchocolate.co.uk">www.beyondchocolate.co.uk</a></p> <p><strong>Interviews coming up:</strong></p> <p>London: 8 September 2008, 3.30pm to 5.30pm<br> Beyond Chocolate HQ: 10 Rosemont Rd, London NW3 6NE</p> <p>Manchester: 4 October 2008, 3pm to 5pm<br> The Castlefield Hotel, Liverpool Road, Manchester M3 4JR</p> <p>Email: <a href="mailto:info@beyondchocolate.co.uk">info@beyondchocolate.co.uk</a><br> or<br> Call: 0844-800 1926</p> <p><a href="http://www.beyondchocolate.co.uk">www.beyondchocolate.co.uk</a></p> <p>(Please tell them where you heard it first....) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/07/31/an-invitation-from-beyond-chocolate-4523504/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>dietshealthfairychocolateweighthttp://fatgirlsarefabtoo.blog.co.uk/2008/07/31/an-invitation-from-beyond-chocolate-4523504/#comments