EDITOR Linda Koch
ARTWORK & DESIGN Emily Galvin
CONTRIBUTORS Annaleigh Koch Tamsyn Wrann Ellis Guy Christopher Wheatley Matthew Wheatley Betty Pamper Nicky Rockets Amanda Attwood Georgina Grogan Mary Wilkinson Lilly Ashford Jennifer Owens Mark Henderson Oliver WIlson Smudge the Dog
0845 872 1473 www.bgpmagazine.co.uk
www.ukplussizeevents.com DISCLAIMER: All text and layout is the copyright of UK Plus Size Events. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review. Although the magazine has endeavoured to ensure all information is correct at the time of going to print, prices and availablilty may change. This magazine is fully independant and not affiliated in any way with any companies mentioned herein.
Selection of stand spaces available WARNING - Missing this event may seriously damage your social life!
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in this issue
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8 14 18 43 46 48 53 66 69 75 78 80
British Plus Size Awards 2014 Cover girl Sian Yapp Find out more about Miss Plus Size Internatiobnal 2015 Mentor, Sian Yapp Wrap up warm this winter Perfect Party Make Up with Georgina Grogan Party season - Be the best dressed Betty Pamper’s guide to beat the January blues Treat yourself this Christmas BGP Magazine’s exclusive lingerie shoot with Curvy Kate Mary Wilkinson’s Pamper Party 3 Festive treats, perfect for Christmas Stocking Fillers - Get that someone special something special! O’Christmas tree - Our favourite seasonable baubles Who are you? George, Sarah & Mel meet Grayson Perry
EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to our BGP Magazine Christmas issue, I just cannot believe where this year has gone! Here we are at Christmas already, full of festive cheer and rounding up the year with a great winter shoot on page 18, and we introduce a couple of our Miss Plus Size International 2015 finalists, Jodie and Roberta who were shown the modelling ropes by our cover girl, the lovely Sian Yapp. Treat yourself to some lovely lingerie from Curvy Kate on pages 53, modelled by our very own Sabrina. We have so much in this issue, recipes, stocking fillers, and some great Christmas decoration ideas. I hope you enjoy issue 9 of BGP Magazine, and if you would like to contribute please feel free to email us hello@bgpmagazine.co.uk A very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Linda Koch x
BRITISH PLUS SIZE AWARDS 2014
Possibly the greatest plus size show on earth! On Saturday 22nd November, we were priviledged to attend the fabulous British Plus Size Awards 2014 - an outstanding night of glitz, glamour and inspiration.
H
osted by the gorgeous Matt Johnson, the champagne was flowing and the entertainment was brilliant. From dancers to comedians, it was just a fantastic night out, with so much plus size positivity and beauty in one room. The awards kicked off on the red carpet, with photo opportunities by the awesome Nicky Rockets, and it was clear from this point why fashion bloggers deserve their titles. There were some of the most incredible dresses and accessories! We also
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loved Hayley Hasselhoffs embellished navy gown. Major fashion envy! Then through to the reception to be met by handsome waiters with trays of bubbly. This was a great opportunity to meet and greet with other guests and celebrities, and a couple of the Big Girls Paradise famous Paradise Guys, happily posing for pictures. Once everyone was seated we were served with a delicious three course meal, finished off with coffee and petit fours. Our glasses were continuously filled with wine and the waiting
staff could not do enough for us, very impressive! The show kicked off after the meal was cleared away, with a fantastic flamboyant performance by the fabulous Dance Flavourz, who wowed us with their extravagant costumes and over the top sparkle, we loved it! We then moved onto the first section of the awards where Matt welcomed onto to the stage a variety of people from within the plus size industry to present the awards to the well deserving winners. Lots of cheers and tears, it is about time people and brands were recognised and rewarded for their achievements, and for what they do for the plus size industry in this country. There were further performances by the simply beautiful singing voice of Bethany Churcher, who graced the stage with an angelic rendition of ‘Run by Leona Lewis’. The hilarious Ashleigh Owen had the audience in stitches throughout her performance, and was one of our absolute highlights of the evening. The Big Ballet UK honoured us with a magical ballet performance proving that
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you do not have to be a size zero to be a ballerina, their choreographer Daniel Jones did an amazing job, so graceful. Rosie O’Sullivan, wow just wow, she honoured us with a preview of her new single ‘Crazy Beautiful’ which will be out next year with her debut album. Closing the show we had the fantastic larger than life Blobby Williams, a Robbie Williams impersonator, and we have to say, the best we have ever seen! He had people up on the floor dancing throughout his cheeky performance. All in all, this was an awesome night in amazing company and we just cannot wait for the next British Plus Size Awards 2015 which takes place on 21st November 2015 in London, for more information please visit the website www. britishplussizeawards.co.uk. If you can’t wait until then the Curvy Convention on 16th and 17th May in London which will be an awesome weekend of everything plus size with a spectacular show on the Saturday evening all for just £10 for more information on this event www. curvyconvention.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHER EMILY GALVIN MAKE UP ANNALEIGH KOCH HAIR TAMSYN MARY WRANN
S
ian Yapp is a beautiful young woman, who after appearing as a finalist in Miss Plus Size International 2013 has since gone on to become a plus size model, and is now a Mentor for the finalists of Miss Plus Size International 2015. BGP Magazine met up with Sian to discuss life as a plus size model, mentor and more! How did you enjoy your BGP Magazine photoshoot? I had a Fab time shooting with the BGP team and the two Beautiful models Jodie and Roberta. The team are lovely to work with and make you feel so comfortable. Shooting on location can sometimes be a bit of a struggle, however we definitely lucked out with the elements that day, it was beautiful!
How do you feel about being the mentor of the class of 2015 for Miss Plus
Size International finalists? I’m Glad I was asked to mentor the finalists, as I’d like to show them that even if they don’t place, they can still achieve and be successful in whatever goals they set for themselves.
What have you done with your modelling since the pageant, and do you think being in the pageant helped to raise your modelling profile? Since coming out of the pageant and moving to London, I was signed to an WWW.BGPMAGAZINE.CO.UK - 15
agency where I have worked in TV, had the opportunity to collaborate with some fab photographers, models and companies for photo shoots and catwalks. Without the pageant, I wouldn’t have made the contacts I did to give me the push and confidence in myself I needed to make the move and put myself out there.
If you could do it all over again, would you, what changes would you make, if any? Yes! The only thing I would change would be to not put so much pressure on myself and to enjoy every second of it. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in things that you wouldn’t normally. Every now and then you have to step back and have a reality check.
What advice would you give the contestants? Don’t stress yourself out trying to be who you think people want you to be, be you. You were chosen because of who you are, which is important! Go through this process with the mind set of meeting new people, having fun and gaining confidence. If anything else comes from it, it’s a bonus!
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get into plus size modelling? Develop a thick skin and a strong determination. As
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much as the plus size industry is growing, there is a lot of competition out there. You will get knock back after knock back, it is up to you to keep on pushing and getting yourself out there.
You are also a Curvy Kitten at Big Girls Paradise, tell us about this? This is one of my favourite things to do. Not only because I get to play dress up, but because I get to meet likeminded people who are just out to have a good time. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of.
Has being in the pageant changed your life? The pageant has changed everything. I’ve gone from working in bars and pubs in my home town with very low self-esteem, to living in London, doing something I never dreamt I’d have the opportunity to do as a living and loving every second of it, I feel very lucky.
How does your family feel about your modelling career? My family are Amazingly supportive of me and my work. I could not wish for a better support network than who I have surrounding me, constantly encouraging me to go for what I want to do, reminding me to remain myself in the process and forever being the voice of reason. For that I can’t thank them enough!
If you could change anything about the plus size industry in the UK what would it be? For me, there is a lot of negativity towards what is deemed Plus size, to the point where people are shaming bodies because they personally don’t deem them Plus size. The sashion industry has definitely come a long way in using models over size zero for campaigns. However we have not come far enough, and in my opinion I think our goal should be not just about seeing plus size models in the public eye, but every size model out there.
We completely agree! Thank you for coming and we look forward to seeing more of you in the future! You’re welcome, it’s been great!
Mark Heyes Ava Collarless Check Coat at Marisota
Ribbed Sleeve Red Jumper, £22.00 from Curvissa Hooded scarf Model’s Own
WRAP UP
THIS WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY GALVIN MAKE UP ANNALEIGH KOCH HAIR TAMSYN WRANN MODELS ROBERTA WILSON, SIAN YAPP & JODIE FOLLEY
Round Neck Green Jumper, £45.00 from Curvissa, Orange Knitted Coatigan, £60 from Elvi.co.uk, Scarf model’s own
Opposite page: Sian: Checked Long Sleeve Blouse - £30.00, from Curvissa, Navy Textured Coat, £85.00 from Elvi, Blue Denim Jeggings,£35.00 from Elvi, Extra Wide Fit 2 Tone Floral Blue Wellies, £54.99 from Jileon Jodie: Round Neck Green Jumper, £45.00 from Curvissa Claire Richards Exaggerated Collar Fit and Flare Purple Coat, £90.00 from Fashion World Black Jeggings £35.00 from Elvi Green Spotted Wide Calf Wellies, £34.99 from Jileon Hat – Model’s Own Roberta: Orange Knitted Coatigan, £60 from Elvi.co.uk, Ribbed Sleeve Red Jumper, £22.00 from Curvissa Blue Denim Jeggings, £35.00 from Elvi, Extra Wide Fit Purple Wellies, £54.99 from Jileon Introducing Smudge the dog
Checked Long Sleeve Blouse, £30.00, from Curvissa, Navy Textured Coat, £85.00 from Elvi, Blue Denim Jeggings,£35.00 from Elvi,
Round Neck Green Jumper, £45.00 from Black Jeggings, £35.00 from Elvi Wide fit Boots from Evans
Claire Richards exaggerated collar fit and flare purple coat, £90.00 from Fashion World Checked long sleeve Blouse, £30.00 from Curvissa Hat – Model’s Own
Ribbed Sleeve Red Jumper, ÂŁ22.00 from Curvissa Blue Denim Jeggings, ÂŁ35.00 from Elvi, Wide fit ankle boots from Evans
Checked Long Sleeve Blouse £30.00, from Curvissa, Navy Textured Coat, £85.00 from Elvi, Blue Denim Jeggings,£35.00 from Elvi, Extra Wide Fit 2 Tone Floral Blue Wellies, £54.99 from Jileon
Checked Long Sleeve Blouse, £30.00, from Curvissa Blue Denim Jeggings, £35.00 from Elvi Riding boots from Evans Opposite page: Round Neck Green Jumper, £45.00 from Curvissa Claire Richards Exaggerated Collar Fit and Flare Purple Coat, £90.00 from Fashion World Black Jeggings £35.00 from Elvi Green Spotted Wide Calf Wellies, £34.99 from Jileon Hat – Model’s Own
Orange Knitted Coatigan, £60 from Elvi.co.uk, Ribbed Sleeve Red Jumper, £22.00 from Curvissa Blue Denim Jeggings, £35.00 from Elvi, Extra Wide Fit Purple Wellies, £54.99 from Jileon
Extra Wide Fit 2 Tone Floral Blue Wellies - £54.99 Extra Wide Fit Purple Wellies - £54.99 Green Spotted Wide Calf Wellies - £34.99 All from Jileon Wide Calf Wellies
Taupe Twig Print Shirt £35.00 from Elvi Black Denim Jeggings, £35.00 from Elvi,
Ribbed Sleeve Red Jumper £22.00 from Curvissa Woven Striped Skirt £42.00 from Curvissa Scarf: Model’s own
Green Printed Shirt - £35.00 from Elvi, Elvi Black Pleated Maxi Skirt £45.00 from Elvi, Scarf model’s own, Riding boots from Evans
Punto di Roma Dress - £29.99 from Bon Prix Necklace – Model’s Own
Maroon Rustic Printed Jersey Dress - ÂŁ45.00 from Elvi
How to get the perfect
PARTY EYES with Georgina Grogan
The talented and beautiful Georgina Grogan from Award winning fashion blog, She Might Be Loved, shows us how to recreate this amazing party look, perfect for any Christmas party! WWW.BGPMAGAZINE.CO.UK - 43
STEP 1 - Prep your eye with Smashbox’s 24 Eye Primer before using a light pale colour from your Makeup Revolution Iconic Dreams Palette across the lid buffing it in.
STEP 2 - Take a light brown colour through your crease and blend out, do this a couple times until you’ve built up enough depth.
STEP 4 - Go back in with the darkest brown throughout the corner of your crease to really add definition.
STEP 5 - Take a flatter brush and pat the gold across the lid and blend lightly.
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STEP 3 - Taking Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade fill in your brows how you prefer them, for me, that’s quite a dramatic brow. Don’t forget to blend and add a brow mascara to keep the hairs in place.
For more beauty and fashion tips, visit Georgina’s blog at www.shemightbeloved.com!
STEP 6 - Using Makeup Revolution’s Felt Liner, create a dramatic cat eye and wing out to elongate the eye. I lined the entire length of my lid to disguise my false lashes.
STEP 7 - Finish off with your favourite
pair of Red Cherry Lashes and create a glowing base with MAC Studio Fix, Collection Concealer, The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Highlighter, Max Factor Blush in Natural Glow, Max Factor False Lash Effect and finally, the perfect Winter lipstick, MAC Diva. WWW.BGPMAGAZINE.CO.UK - 45
Boohoo Plus Jemma shift dress - £40
ASOS Curve Exclusive skater dress with embellished top - £55
Lovedrobe embellished peplum pencil dress - £55
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Get dressed up for...
Yours Clothing Red shift dress with jewelled neckline £40
Boohoo Plus Ellen neckline shift dress - £35
Pink Clove Cassie Gold studded skater dress £26
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Betty Pamper’s GUIDE TO
BEATINGthe JANUARY blues Christmas is over, our bottom appears to be made entirely of cheese and our bank balance quietly whimpers every time you check it. It’s no wonder so many of us feel a bit flat at the beginning of the year. I call it the “Mehs” Its not depression which is something else entirely it’s just a general malaise. I’m a great believer in “move a muscle, change a thought” (it’s a quote I stole from Liz Taylor) so when I feel the black clouds gathering around my head I allow myself a good day to wallow (no one can be Mary Poppins every day not even Mary Poppins who I’m sure occasionally sat at home and ate a family pack of malteesers with a gin chaser) and then I take action. Here are some of my top tips for kicking the butt of the January Blues.
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Switch What You Are Reading As a real book worm I get very caught up in whatever I’m reading. January is not the time for revisiting Anna Karenin. Russian suicide lit is not widely recogonised for its restorative qualities so cast Tolstoy aside. Sometimes you need to just read something uplifting and creatively stimulating switch to a fabulous thriller or wallow in some mindless chick lit or an epic fantasy. Immerse yourself in another world a few pages at a time and feel your mood lift.
Switch Off The Computer When I’m circling the bell jar the last thing I need is to spend too much time on twitter/facebook/blogger. I actually need to clear everyone out of my head and just reconnect with the spooniverse. Log off, call a real life friend and leave the house.Social media can be a wonderful thing but when you are feeling dissatisfied it has a tendency to shine a light on everything that is annoying you. Not every experience needs a hashtag to quantify it.
Make A New Playlist
I’m not someone who can put on an Abba track or Katrina and the waves “I’m walking on sunshine” and feel happier. My inner goth just finds obviously upbeat music a bit, well depressing I do however have a few songs which my go to tunes for good vibes.These include Barbra Streisand’s “Don’t rain on my Parade” and Fleetwood macs Rhianna which makes me want to put on a floor length dress with stars stuck to my eyebrows (and this dear readers is good) Whether its music that invokes happy memories or just fills you will a can do sensibility, blasting out some music can work miracles.
Pamper Yourself It’s a sad fact that we often take better care of others than we do ourselves. Why do we only light the lovely scented candles or use beautiful china when we have friends over for tea? You wouldn’t dream of ignoring your pet if they looked to be in pain, or “forget” to feed your child but how many of us have put off making doctors’ appointments for ourselves because we are so busy or not eaten properly because the day “got away from us” Treating yourself well tells yourself and the world that you are deserving of this treatment and is a pretty powerful statement. Ranking your needs equally with your other daily demands is not only important it’s savvy. A well looked after, pampered you will perform better, live longer and yes be happier. its common sense. So don’t be a martyr. Light the candles, lavish on the body butter and treat yourself like the goddess you are.
Get Real Finally if all these steps refuse to budge the blues I give myself a metaphorical slap around the face. My family are healthy, my friends are lovely and my cats and pug are magnificent. The rest is just jam and much like jam can occasionally go mouldy so shouldn’t be taken too seriously. This is not quite the same as “counting my blessings” which always makes me want to rebel as it sounds a bit holier than thou and is often used to make genuinely depressed people shut up, no ‘getting real’ is the punk rock version of counting your blessings. It acknowledges that your current mood sucks but offers a dash of perspective for you to ingest with your self pity pie.
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So... there you have it. A few tips to help you over the January hump. 2015 is going to be epic! Betty Pamper writes the daily blog www.pamperandcurves. blogspot.com
ROSIE O’SULLIVAN NEW ALBUM OUT 2015 Somthin’ About Nothin’ 10 AMAZING TRACKS | WRITTEN & PRODUCED BY ROSIE
MOTOWN, SOUL AND POP Features ‘Crazy Beautiful’ as performed at The British Plus Size Awards
MODEL SABRINA BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY GALVIN HAIR AND MAKE UP ANNALEIGH KOCH
Looking to treat yourself this Christmas? We love this stunning lingerie collection from award winning lingerie brand, Curvy Kate!
Treat yourself to
Something
Special...
Gia Blush
Princess Black
Smoothie Black
Smoothie Ruby
Daisie Ruby Print
Gia Black
Ritzy Ruby/ Spice Babydoll
Time to...
RELAX WRITTEN BY MARY WILKSON
What could be better on a cosy winter night in, with the rain clattering on the window, wind howling and the fire blazing, than a full pampering session entirely to yourself? (or with friends, if you’re less of a hermit than me!) This is my idea of a perfect night in.
I
1. Passionfruit Fragrance Body Mist, N Spa 2. The Dragon’s Egg Bath Ballistic, Lush 3. Coconut Body Scrub, The Body Shop 4. You’ve Been Mangoed Bath Melt, Lush
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think most people are under the impression that you can only get that uber relaxed floating feeling if you fork out a tonne for a day at a spa. And I am here to tell you this is lies! All lies! There are thousands of products out there to suit every personality and every budget. Whether you like traditional flowery scents, tropical fruity scents, indulgent chocolates, or nostalgic sweeties, there’s something that can and will make you feel fantastic. These are my favourites, all available to buy now. If you’re anything like me, a pamper night must start with a good long soak in the tub and there are loads of products
available to make it extra spesh, bubbles are so 20th Century, now, it’s all about floats, fizzers, bombs and melts. Lush have some amazing bath products, with a huge range of delicious smelling, sweetie inspired bath bombs and melts. My favourites being The Dragon’s Egg Bath Ballistic, looks exactly like a giant gobstopper and smells completely divine, sweet, sugary and fruity, it will take you back in time to simple childhood heaven. For a more grown up treat, go for the ‘You’ve Been Mangoed’ bath melt, with this tropical treat you’ll feel like you’re lounging in a giant smoothie. For a great exfoliator that leaves skin soft and smelling amazing for hours afterwards I love The Body Shop’s range of body scrub. It’s available in about 10,000 flavours but coconut and peach are my personal faves. I’m always looking for alternative shampoos, and whilst researching I bumped into this little beauty at The Body Shop, Ginger Anti Dandruff shampoo, which is perfect for a winter night in, with spicy aromas reminiscent of Autumn and Christmas, and Parkin, obviously, who doesn’t wanna smell like cake? Or maybe that’s just the Yorkshire in me! To take care of your skin post soak, there are what seems like infinite amounts of oils, lotions and butters, but, have you ever tried the joy of body milk? The wonderful minds behind Soap & Glory have created a body milk so delicious smelling it will take
all of your power not to lick your hands. It has a beautiful silky texture and leaves your skin super soft and smelling of oats and almonds, there’s a wonderful scent of country farmhouse breakfast that won’t leave you feeling guilty for the sausage butty you’re actually going to have come morning. No pamper night is complete without significant dedication to your feet. I love a foot soak (even if it is with bubble bath in the washing up bowl). Invest in a foot tool or massager (both available at most larger Boots and Superdrug stores), it’ll leave your feet soft and fresh after a hard day, a much loved feeling if you spend a lot of time on your feet. As a refreshing change from the usual peppermint foot potions, Burt’s Bees offer a lovely coconut foot cream. And don’t forget that pedicure! Pick some beautiful nail polish to go with. I’m currently loving Barry M’s Countess 351, it’ll take you back to sparkly party tights of childhood Christmas parties gone by! To end the night a sumptuous leave-in conditioner or hair mask will leave your hair soft and shiny, letting that luxurious feeling seep into another day. And very last, but of course not least, to ensure you get a good, long night’s sleep, both Boots and The Body Shop do a wonderful range of Deep Sleep products, my favourite being Boots’ Deep Sleep drops, just a few drops on your pillow will help you wind down and naturally drift into sleepy bliss. For a little luxury every day, these are my favourite, budget friendly products;
Radox muscle soak, which will soothe any tired limbs after a hard day and give you that post spa floating feeling. coconut oil, post shower for that holiday skin feeling. Superdrug’s Cherry and Almond Shower Gel, at only 99p this is an absolute stable item of mine, all the luxury and none of the price, you’ll wonder how it’s possible for anything to smell so good. Passionfruit body mist by N Spa for when your perfume’s running low and so are your funds. I cover my scarves in this so I’m ready to go! Of course, luxury is entirely personal, for some it means time with friends, for some it means time alone, for some it’s chocolate, for some it’s a glass of wine. So make sure you get all your favourite products and indulge in a tranquil night in from the cold this winter. Enjoy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mary Wilksinson is a plus size fashion blogger & illustrator from Bradford. You can find her blog at https://channellingliz. wordpress.com/ and http:// sallycherrytree.wordpress. com/
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festive treats
Cinnamon Cookies INGREDIENTS METHOD
150g self-raising flour • Set oven to 160C/ Gas Mark 3 150g Plain flour • Cream the butter and sugar together 2 tsp ground cinnamon until light and fluffy and slowly mix in 125g butter the egg. 100g sugar 1 egg • Add the flour and cinnamon to the mixture to form a dough. • Place on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Roll out to a 5mm thickness and cut out into Christmas shapes. • Place onto a greased baking tray and bake for 10-15 mins or until golden brown. • Leave to cool and then decorate with with icing and optional sprinkles!
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Red Velvet
Cupcakes INGREDIENTS METHOD
120g Butter 300g Caster sugar 2 eggs 250ml buttermilk 2tbsp red food colouring 1 tsp Vanilla extract 1 ½ tsp Bicarbonate of soda 1 tbsp vinegar 250g Plain flour 5tbsp Cocoa Powder 1 tsp Salt
To Decorate
Buttercream ( 100g Butter, 200g Icing sugar) and decorations
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• Preheat oven to 180C/ Gas Mark 4 • Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy • Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, food colouring and vanilla, then stir in the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. • Combine the flour, cocoa powder and salt, and stir into the mixture. • Spoon the mixture into cake cases and bake for 20-25 mins. • To make the buttercream, place the butter into a large bowl and beat until soft. Add half of the sieved icing sugar and cream together. Add the remaining icing sugar and mix until buttercream is a fluffy consistency. • Once the cupcakes are cool, decorate with the buttercream and any other decorations you desire.
Festive Rocky Road INGREDIENTS
250g dark chocolate 150g milk chocolate 175g butter 5 tbsp golden syrup 220g rich tea biscuits 150g glace cherries 180g mini marshmallows
METHOD
Top Tips: Add crushed peppermint candy canes and edible glitter to give your rocky road an extra Christmassy feel, or try using white chocolate and dust with icing sugar for a snowy look!
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• Place dark and milk chocolate in a saucepan. Add the butter and golden syrup and cook on a low heat until all melted. • • Remove from heat and place biscuits in a freezer bag and crush with a rolling pin into various sized pieces and add to the chocolate mixture. • • Add the glace cherries and mini marshmallows to the chocolate mixture. • • Crush the candy canes in a freezer bag with a rolling pin and fold into the chocolate mixture. • • Pour mixture into a lined baking tray and leave to refrigerate for 2-3 hrs. Yum!
Looking for the perfect little gift to put in a Christmas stocking? Look no futher! Here’s a few ideas to get you started!
For her: Dotcomgiftshop, Vintage ivy bamboo travel coffee cup - £6.95, Very.co.uk Knitted slipper socks - £11, Hotel chocolat Christmas bauble chocolates – £7, The Body Shop – Frosted Cranberry bath sprinkles - £7, Gettingpersonal. co.uk Personalised Keep calm and carry on shopping mug - £9.99
For him: Hotel Chocolat Chilli Chocolate penguins - £7, Burton, Man Up! Skills book £10, Sainsbury’s Men’s Mug and socks - £10, Gettingpersonal.co.uk Novelty sports golf balls - £9.99, Tiger stores – Table football - £6
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For kids: 10 little birds Pink piggy night light £3.95, Heatons Novelty Christmas onesie (3 – 7 years) - £8, Debenhams Bluezoo Christmas socks (2 pack) - £5, Marks and Spencer Christmas sound book £7, Debenhams Cuddly Reindeer - £10
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Decorating the Christmas tree is one of our favourite parts of the festive season! Here are a few of BGP Magazines favourite tree decorations! Dotcomgiftshop Starry Red star Christmas decoration, £2.95 Paperchase Strawberry decoration, £5
Sainsbury’s Acorn bell decoration, £2 Dotcomgiftshop Starry Red star Christmas decoration, £2.95
Paperchase Gold glitter deer £2.50
Monsoon Gingerbread man decoration £5.00
M&S Gold Vintage Heart Decoration, £2
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Tempation Gifts Gold Beaded Pears Bauble, £3.19
Asda Knitted Jumper bauble £2 Not On The Highstreet Glass Bauble Hanging Tealight Holder, £3.50
eBay Green tinsle reindeer tree decoration, £6.99 Dotcomgiftshop Small green rustic snowflake heart, £4.95
Paperchase Pink sequin bauble £2.50
Asda Doughnut bauble, £2
BHS Pink bonbon tree decoration £2.50
Asda Pink Owl Bauble, £2
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BGP Magazine talks in the documentary
WHO
Sarah’s story:
“
When meeting Grayson and the filming team, I was so excited as I was a fan of his works and him. He explained he was looking to create a piece which showed what the plus size world was about, and to show how all these elements make up the plus size community, and provide a positive representation of a community member. Me, George and Mel were interviewed and sketched by Grayson so he could find out more about us, the community, and get an accurate portrait of who we are as individuals and as a group. On the day of the piece being unveiled, I remember the suspense, and coming round the 80 - WWW.BGPMAGAZINE.CO.UK
corner and being speechless and overwhelmed with the intricacy and detail in the pieces presented before us in three amazing clay forms. Grayson explained he wanted us to be like the fertility goddesses worshipped 100’s of years ago, almost like the Venus of Willendorf but also have representations of our community involved in the piece, so the clothing the sculptures wear are covered in fashion, plus size models/ celebrities and food. Grayson said he doesn’t want to portray the plus size community as being obese and unhealthy but just show what we represent as a strong community and I think he has done a amazing job. We are standing proud in the national portrait galley until march next year.”
George’s story:
“
In 2013, I was approached by Linda Koch CEO of UK Plus Size Events to see whether I would be interested in meeting the artist
s to Sarah, George and Mel about their appearance y ‘Who are you?’ with eccentric artist Grayson Perry.
O ARE YOU? Grayson Perry to discuss a new programme he was doing in regards to identity. I cannot tell you how excited I was... Grayson has always been one of my favourite artists. When we met it was like meeting an old friend, he was warm and very interested in who I was and what we represented as plus size ambassadors. Grayson took time to listen and also shared with us his personal experiences and struggles in life. When Grayson came to the Miss Plus Size Intl boot camp weekend last year, he was like one of girls. When we were invited to the unveiling of his Artwork, I was emotional and blown away on how he captured the strength, smiles, beauty, fashion and colourful dispostion of a true plus size woman. I am so honoured to have been one of his muses, and to have scupltures of us placed in the National Portrait Gallery is an unbelievable feeling. As a woman who is nearly 50, that tries to be the difference I want to see in this world, I feel this helps me on my journey. Identity is a powerful word, and Grayson’s show helped us all look within ourselves, and I am happy to say I know mine. Dear Diary - Oct 2014 “ A Prize Winning Artist name his artwork after me.. “
Mel’s story:
“
I was so excited when in 2013, Linda Koch approached me and asked me to be a model for Grayson Perry, and I’m so honoured to be sculptured by him as a plus size woman. We did so much more filming for the show, but as there was so much to fit into the hour long episode a lot was edited out. I just cannot express how grateful and lucky I feel to have been chosen by Grayson to be one of his subjects and to have my fantastic portrait exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London until next March. I honestly feel so blessed! Grayson is such a warm, lovey man and a fantastic artist.”
You can find the sculptures at the National Portrait Gallery in London until March 2015. WWW.BGPMAGAZINE.CO.UK - 81