The UK’s No1 lifestyle magazine for curvy women www.justasbeautiful.co.uk
Jan/Feb 2011 Issue 33
Fagun Thakrar Hollywood’s latest British import
Body Image
for all occasions
“Am I good enough?”
Cocktails & Drinks
Ethical Fashion
Get the party started
What about us?
The Dress Menu
Win a £2,000 prize!
What you should pick and how to choose
48
8 ISSN 2045-2950
price £4.75
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Contributors PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR RONNIE AJOKU publisher@justasbeautiful.co.uk Telephone: 020 8453 7185 DESIGN WATERMARK CREATIVE LTD CONSULTING EDITORS JANE KENYON (Body Image) NANCY STEVENS (Style) FEATURES RONNIE AJOKU JANE KENYON NANCY STEVENS MICHAEL GAZE NGAIRE TAKANO SIOBHAN HICKEY BARBARA FRODSHAM OLGA GONZALEZ-RAMOS ANDREA BALDWIN editorial@justasbeautiful.co.uk FASHION & BEAUTY CHARLOTTE LEVY fashion@justasbeautiful.co.uk MICHAEL MENDES beauty@justasbeautiful.co.uk PICTURES PELHAM TURNER GENERAL ENQUIRIES Telephone: 020 8453 7185 Email: info@justasbeautiful.co.uk www.justasbeautiful.co.uk
JANE KENYON Jane Kenyon is a serial entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and coach. Jane’s passion to help women and young girls shine is contagious. She is also the Founder of www.wellheeleddivas.com and www.girlsoutloud.org.uk. See www.jane-kenyon.com NANCY STEVENS Nancy Stevens is the Founder of Altered Image, an independent Image Consultancy whose ethos is ‘make the best of ourselves without dieting or surgery’: www.alteredimagemk.co.uk BARBARA FRODSHAM Barbara Frodsham is a talented breakthrough coach and specialises in helping people to transform their thinking, allowing them to take themselves to the next level: www.momentous coaching.com SIOBHAN HICKEY Siobhan Hickey studied Journalism at Dublin City University. An astute blogger, she currently writes her own blog www.justalittlebitskinny.blogspot. com
Just As Beautiful is produced by LONDON BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLISHING, 24-26 Arcadia Avenue, Finchley, London N3 2JU. 0208 453 7185. © 2010 all rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner or any language, in whole or in part, without prior written permission is prohibited. All material in this magazine, both print and digital issues, is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate, based on the best judgement available to the authors, and readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. In addition, the information and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of every contributor to Just As Beautiful. Just As Beautiful acknowledges occasional differences in opinion and welcomes the exchange of different viewpoints. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. Subscribe to Just As Beautiful by visiting www.justasbeautiful.com or www.justasbeautiful.co.uk All other enquiries, call 0208 453 7185
4 www.justasbeautiful.co.uk
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Welcome
Editor’s letter I
t has been four years since Just As Beautiful started and what a ride it has been. Over the years you have supported us and helped make the world listen to our message – that you are beautiful, no matter what size you are.
The launch of our last issue (the first time we went to print) was widely reported in the national and international media and led to the debate on whether the UK needs a magazine for curvy women. Our answer is a resounding YES! As one of the panellists on ITV1’s Loose Women put it, if other magazines had been more inclusive in the first place there wouldn’t be the need.
Many of you wrote in and telephoned with your messages of support
From The Times to The Daily Mail, national newspapers reported on our breakthrough to the point that when some people tried to be negative about our goals, many of you wrote in and telephoned with your messages of support. We took onboard what everyone had to say. The majority things said (or written) about us were nice, and some not so nice. But constructive criticism is always welcome and we would be wrong not to listen. So we have made some changes, not least of all to the design and layout.
Winter Fashion: Winter warmers and party dresses? We’ve got it all covered in our fashion pages.
Those that chose to debate on whether our name was patronising or not failed to realise what we are all about. Just As Beautiful is more than a name. It is a statement of fact, the fact that every woman, no matter what size, colour or creed is ‘just as beautiful’ as any other woman. Don’t you think? We believe that this issue is our best yet, and that we would constantly improve because we listen to what you have to say. So get ready, sit back and enjoy the read. Compliments of the season and thank you all so much. We couldn’t do this without you! Ronnie Ajoku Publisher/Editor-In-Chief
www.justasbeautiful.co.uk 5
www.speedosculpture.com
Jan/Feb
Contents Features
Relationships
ON THE COVER
40 Dear Olga
8 Fabia Cerra
A story of victory
11 Rising Star Twilight Video Vixen
34 Ethical Fashion Where are the larger sizes?
44 Fagun Thakrar Breaking into Hollywood
16 Get The Party Started Drinks for all occasions
20 Cocktail Ideas Interesting mixes ON THE COVER
48 Paul Rankin
ON THE COVER
50 Paul Rankin’s Recipes
What to wear
26 Pull The Wool Over Woollies
28 The Dress Menu Pick and choose
yourself
in
Food & Drink
Fashion 23 Looking great for all occasions
1 2 Believe
30
Our chosen celebrity chef Something special
Home 53 Home Comforts 57 Ideal Home
Health ON THE COVER
12 Am I good enough?
Party wear
Learn to love yourself
22 Body MOT Stay healthy
36 Aqua Aerobics We take a look
Beauty 42 Beautylicious Latest products
best buy 3 5 Cover model: Lara White, www.sinclairmanagement.co.uk Clothes credits for cover: Ruby corsage one shoulder dress: price £29.99; www.newlook.co.uk Main cover photo: Pelham-Turner: www.picture-hollywood.com
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Inspirational
Photograph by Pelham-Turner: www.picture-hollywood.com
One shoulder pleat dress: price £15.00 ww.newlook.co.uk
To read more click here
She shot to fame when her risqué burlesque performance on last year’s Britain’s Got Talent took her to the semi-finals, despite a wave of complaints. Since then, Fabia Cerra has gone on to do so many things – things she never believed possible given her unfortunate life experiences www.justasbeautiful.co.uk 9
Model Story
Rising Star Photography: Tawny Horton
Undoubtedly, Twilight is one of the biggest movie sagas ever to be released, capturing fans from all over the world. As millions ready themselves to snap up copies of the newly released third instalment on DVD and Blue-ray, we caught up with plus model Joan Fowler from Los Angeles, California, who was featured in Sea Wolf ’s Violet Hour from the Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack. The films – based on the Stephenie Meyer books – have now become a favourite for Joan and she felt honoured to be a part of it. “I was really happy to be a part of the video for Violet Hour off the Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack. It was a great song and I loved that they used it in the scene with Bella’s birthday party, a critical part of the movie. The whole soundtrack is great. The songs really fit the feel of the movie. I never knew how much I was going to love the movies and books until I was in the video. Now I can’t get enough Twilight!” Joan began modelling while at California State University, Northridge, where she earned a bachelors degree. Her course involved fashion shows and instead continues on page 47
To read more click here
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Health
Am I
Good Enough? With unrealistic images of models gracing covers of most magazines, it’s no wonder why many women in the UK appear to have hang-ups. Jane Kenyon takes a closer look at how this affects our self esteem.
A
llow me, as a big, beautiful curvaceous diva, to rant a little…
We are enough…. Pick up any glossy magazine on any day of the week and by the time you have turned the last page you can be forgiven for feeling a little inadequate. The airbrushed images and messages simply support our unrealistic goals of perfection. The messages are powerful and very subliminal. If you brought your attention to the content once in a while, it’s likely even after a cursory glance, you will be thinking… • My hair is not long or thick enough • My nails are not strong or long enough • My lashes re not full enough • My stomach’s not flat enough • My teeth are not white enough • My skin is not smooth enough
Add to this the pressure to lose your baby weight within weeks, be a yummie mummie, a vixen at work, a siren at home, a well balanced career girl with domestic goddess tendencies, and a supermom and it is not difficult to understand why so many of us are in the throes of an all out identity crisis permanently! When did we become ‘not enough’?
The average model is now thinner than 98% of the female population. The average dress size in the UK is 16, yet a size 12 model is considered plus size.
• My skin is the wrong colour • My nose is the wrong shape • My lips are not full enough • My boobs are too small and not pert enough • I have too much cellulite • I am the wrong size, shape, weight and my silhouette is all wrong!
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Your interpretation If we do not love ourselves, how do we expect men to? They are bemused by our body battering. They want our feminine curves, our soft bodies, our vulnerabilities. Quite often they feel powerless to convince ourselves of this. They don’t care if we have a tummy or cellulite (most would not even
be able to point to this if their life depended on it!), they would not even notice if we put on a few pounds or stones in some cases, and I challenge you to evoke even a millisecond of recognition on the subject of orange peel skin! What we interpret as imperfections men cherish as our uniqueness and our vulnerability. They don’t want to change this, they love this. They know it is unreal and impossible to look like a supermodel. Their logic and common sense tells them this is fake – even the supermodels don’t look like the magazine covers in the flesh. They care not a jot about this. And maybe, just maybe, they feel threatened by all this talk of perfection, because it may be their turn next?? If you demand perfection in all things, what does that say about you? How come they can see that the models are fake yet we refuse to believe? Our body hang-ups are ours and ours alone. If we hate looking in the mirror and can say nothing positive about our reflection, then we are simply chipping away at our self esteem. How can we be role models for our daughters with self hatred screaming back at us? We need to step up and own this issue. We need to find the courage, our voice and inner strength to stop disfiguring our authenticity and stop feeding our insecurities with hate, drugs, surgery, addictions,
To read more click here
True Story
Lassies in
Lingerie
Joan Stuart who sadly lost her battle with cancer earlier this year
Daughters become ‘calendar girls’ in memory of mum
I
n memory of their mother, Joan Stuart, a lingerie and fashion store worker who sadly lost her battle with cancer earlier this year, Audrey Mackay and Rhona Stuart joined a host of Highland beauties in modelling for a charity lingerie calendar. The calendar, entitled Lassies in Lingerie, was the idea of the late Joan Stuart’s former colleagues at Dingwall-based Off the Peg, and features carefully selected real women from the Highlands shot against some of the area’s most iconic backdrops, including Cairngorm Mountain and Dores beach on Loch Ness. Joan’s two daughters, Audrey Mackay and Rhona Stuart, from Ross-shire, joined a group of volunteer models in casting off their inhibitions to appear in the calendar, which was photographed by Gillian Glover MacLean and sells for £10 ‑ with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support. Audrey and Rhona, who feature together as the faces of October – the month of their late mother’s birthday – felt it was important they step out of their comfort zone in order to honour their mother’s memory and raise money to help other cancer patients and their families. “If it wasn’t for mum I would never have considered doing something like this, but she was such a fun loving person. I know she would have loved to know that Rhona and I were getting involved.
October
y y Macka rs Audre Stuart a & Rhon
ughte Joan’s da
“Losing mum made us realise that life is short and you have to make the most of everything, so while it was a bit daunting to think we were going to appear in our underwear, knowing it was in mum’s memory made us want to do it,” said 36-year-old Audrey.
“It made me realise that it shouldn’t take someone in your family being affected before you decide to do something for a good cause like this. I never expected anybody in my family to go through what mum did, I waited until it was on my own doorstep to get involved in fundraising – but it is something that everyone should be doing.”
Rhona, 33, added: “I did the calendar shoot in memory of my mum – she was always enthusiastic, so much fun. I wanted to honour that memory of her.
To launch the calendar, Audrey and Rhona took to the catwalk on Thursday, September 30 at the Heathmount Hotel in Inverness, alongside 11 other beauties from across the Highlands.
I did the calendar shoot in memory of my mum – she was always enthusiastic, so much fun. I wanted to honour that memory of her.
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True Story
March
meron
a Lynne C Jaim
e Sm
July
ith
The fashion show was streamed live over the internet from www.offthepeguk.com, and guests at the gala launch were invited to bid for things associated with the locations featured in the calendar including a signed Ross County FC football and a weekend break with Highland cruiser hire company Caley Cruisers. “We are so excited to be launching the Lassies in Lingerie calendar – which we believe really does showcase the true beauty of the Highlands. Through Joan’s experiences as well as those of other family members and friends, we all know how wonderful Macmillan are and this project is about giving something back,” said Off the Peg’s Alison Macleod. Macmillan Cancer Support Area fundraising manager David Cameron said: “Proceeds from this project will go to support people on their cancer journey. Without the support of people like the Off the Peg team Macmillan Cancer Support would not be able to provide this vital help to people affected by cancer.”
January
Jane W edderb
urn
To purchase a copy of Lassies in Lingerie, visit www.offthepeguk.com For further information on Macmillan Cancer Support visit www.macmillan.org.uk
cDonald
r e b m e t p e S
Fiona M
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Fashion
Look great
for all occasions!! Being fashionable in winter can sometimes be difficult but you still need to look your best. Style guru Nancy Stevens shows how you can stand out from the crowd.
A
ttending occasions during the winter months can send many of us into a flat spin, thinking: “what am I going to wear?” Do I need yet another black frock? And do I need to go on a crash diet? The answer to all three is, negative!
There are some utterly divine frocks available now and, in a variety of stunning jewel colours. Personally, I think black’s a tad dull unless it’s well and truly glammed up with serious bling or with this season’s hot look, pearls, pearls and more pearls. The Boudoir look, which consists of pearls, lace and a bit of sparkle is utterly gorgeous and suits everyone. Beware though! If you’re not olive skinned, wearing black can make you look in need of a blood transfusion! Be daring though, go for a dress with colour. Monsoon has come up trumps for posh frocks and value for money, and in some ranges they go up to a size 22. I’m also loving Yours Clothing, and there are some stunning jumpsuits, dresses and an array of fab party wear at very affordable prices. At the more expensive end of the pricing scale Anna Scholz, has some fabulous, dresses which are designed for the curvier figure. I think it’s heartening when a woman is designing for women because, let’s face it; no one understands our bodies like we do. Style-wise, the Empire line is still the most flattering style for all body types. If you are truly colour-phobic, try a dress in creamy lace or blush pink which is very kind to most skin tones, but don’t forget the lippie! Wrap-dresses in luscious rich jersey fabrics and if black really is your security blanket, then flash the coloured tights and don an SJP corsage to brighten up your look.
Garroway Navy Maxi Dress – £180, Monsoon
If like most women, you don’t have time to do ridiculous Madonna-style (and let’s face it, who wants to look like her?!) workouts at the gym and therefore aren’t keen on your upper arms, here is the perfect dress, really elegant and timeless. Ensure you have the correct underwear for your dress, and if you have a larger bosom and are contemplating hanging loose, don’t cause a storm in a D-cup ‑ wear a strapless bra. In an ideal world, having a bra fitting in-store is best and I would recommend Bravissimo for this as they
To read more click here
www.justasbeautiful.co.uk 23
Fashion
Heads you win Our favourite bit of winter is the need for hats. There are myriad to choose from and, like shoes, it doesn’t matter how much you ate over Christmas, they will still fit. Hurrah. ats can be used to lift any outfit – try adding Internacionale’s pretty corsage-adorned trilby or Littlewoods’s herringbone hat to an ordinary trouser suit, and suddenly you have a slightly cheeky, look-at-me outfit. We particularly love the retro cloche hat from ASOS.com, while Jane Norman’s faux fur hat is designed for women who like to sweep into places safe in the knowledge that everyone’s eyes are on them. The love for knits is showing no sign of abating, as is evident in the hatwear department. There are 3
4
8
1 Jane Norman. Faux fur Cossack hat, £12. 2 Accessorize. Sequin trilby, £25. 3 Mint Velvet. Cable beanie, £19. 4 Marks & Spencer. Grey beanie, £7.50.
girly ones, like A|Wear’s pale pink beanie complete with bow, Marks and Spencer’s soft grey hat and Republic’s light blue cable knit hat. Mint Velvet has a traditional cream beanie, while those looking for a bit more inyour- face colour should get themselves to River Island.
2
For those who prefer the more rugged approach, with a fashionable twist naturally, should shuffle along to Matalan for a tartan trapper’s hat or splash out on a sheepskin hat from Ruby & Ed at Shudoo. 5
9
5 Shudoo. Ruby & Ed sheepskin hat, £50. 6 Internacionale. Corsage trim trilby, £8.99. 7 Republic. Miso beanie cable hat, £8.99. 8 ASOS.com. Cloche felt hat, £18.
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6
10
9 Matalan. Woven furlined trapper hat, £6. 10 L ittlewoods.com. Herringbone hat, £15. 11 A|wear. Knitted bow detail beanie.
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All photography courtesy of PRshots
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Fashion
One shoulder play suit (red): price £12.00; www.newlook.co.uk
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Feature
Why does
ethical fashion seem undetectable in the plus size market?
These days it has become hip to use the words ‘Ethical’ and ‘Sustainable’ in the same sentence while talking about mainstream fashion. But why is there very little attention paid to this trend when it comes to larger sizes? Ngaire Takano investigates
B
efore we proceed, let us gain an understanding of what two of these words truly mean as they have become buzzwords and perhaps even diluted. “Sustainable” and “sustainability”, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary in essence means “able to be maintained at a certain rate or level”. In a more practical sense regarding fashion it means “conserving an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources”. “Ethical” by Oxford Dictionary relates to “moral principles”, “avoiding activities or organisations that do harm to people or the environment”. In essence it depends on how you choose to interpret ethics and sustainability. It helps that there is an increasing awareness and shared knowledge available by means of the internet, individuals, brands and designers championing the way. However, there is still an underlying stereotype that anything ethical and environmental is perhaps a little alternative and of inferior quality. At the same time, what is ethical for some may not be so for others. It’s perhaps finding a balance and being receptive to change in how you buy and even view fashion. In recent years various leading clothing brands have been noted in the media for poor working conditions of staff, animal welfare, environmental impact and the increasing demands on farmers. This has all been driven by the fast-pace demands of the ‘high street’. There are brands and retailers that claim to make a conscious effort, but realistically they only encourage shorter life-cycles, fast fashion, and mass consumption – with bigger profit margins for themselves. This conflicts with the aims of the raw material suppliers and even the manufacturers and their desire to be paid a fair price in return. In order for them to make a reasonable profit, flexibility needs to be given whilst forging strong working relationships with the retailers. However, it appears that some retailers request corners to be cut, with even smaller margins to make cheaper clothing.
used) does not always break down very well and can be harmful to the environment. As clothing is cheaper, the need to replace quicker is all the more present. Yet this has not always been the case. 10 or even 20 years ago, fashion was in some ways more respected as there was a conscious awareness of quality. Clothes were more expensive, yet they lasted longer, which meant they could be handed on, redesigned or simply modified for further seasons. The benefits of international markets were not as developed as they are now, and there was reliance on what was being manufactured closer to home, rather than further afield. Being fair Ethical fashion designers generally look at the whole production process – working with local communities or independent manufacturers and supporting them long term. Pricing for materials and even wages are equally considered, along with the wellbeing of the staff and, in some instances, their local community. Then there are the environmental aspects, focussed on reducing waste and minimising pollution. With the availability of greener and renewable energy supplies, more operations are looking at less chemical output across all areas of production. There is also an emphasis on ensuring animal welfare standards are included and that they are not treated as a single production commodity. Newer items are also being produced by recycling used materials and there is a conscious decision taken to reduce packaging.
This has a knock-on effect on environmental issues as landfills get crammed with cheaper clothing that (due to the nature of materials
There are now many eco-fashion labels and designers producing wonderful clothing, though these tend to cater for smaller sizes, from 6 up to a 12, or rarely, size 14. As I have an unconventional body, I find myself fluctuating between a size 16 to 22, depending on the clothing label – which means I can’t fit into any of their clothing. For sometime I have been looking for ethical fashion garments (other than T-shirts) and find it quite challenging. Although there is now a greater selection of fair trade, organic cotton, organic bamboo and sustainable woollen clothes on offer by high street retailers such as
34 www.justasbeautiful.co.uk
To read more click here
Health
Aqua Aerobics could be just what you need Words Siobhan Hickey
T
he reasons not to exercise far outweigh the ones to exercise in minds of many. There’s something good on telly, I want to relax after my long day at work, and the list goes on. The thoughts of moving after dinner (further than to reach for the remote control) are about as torturous as the thoughts of childbirth. In short, exercise is that thing that skinny, athletic types do to maintain their size zero figures, while chewing on a solitary stick of celery. When I was in school I joined the basketball team, but after a few seasons of being the team bench warmer, I realised that competitive sports were not my forte. I was far more concerned with if I stepped on my marker’s toe than if my shot went in – and this does not a good competitor make. As a result of this, I spent the beginning of my twenties thinking that sports were for ‘winners’ and the gym was for the ‘skinnies’, which in turn meant that climbing a set of 6 stairs was enough to reduce me to a 36 www.justasbeautiful.co.uk
glistening ball of sweat. This being my reason to start the fitness overhaul. Exercise isn’t about losing weight, contrary to popular belief. This actually came as quite
I spent the beginning of my 20’s thinking that sports were for ‘winners’ and the gym was for the ‘skinnies
shock to me after spending years of looking at the diet and fitness regimes that grace the pages of many a magazine. For every piece of lettuce consumed, one is expected to run a
mile in an effort to counteract the effects of the devious, calorie laden leaf – and other such nonsense. I started to exercise again to improve my standard of living. So that I could use the stairs leading to my office as opposed to the very, slight slope of the wheelchair access route. It took trial and error to find the right form of activity that I enjoyed. What is it? Aqua Aerobics is exactly that – aerobics in water. It is a form of resistance training that people of all sizes, shapes, sexes and ages can enjoy. I went along with two friends (for moral support; being far too shy to set foot anywhere I considered public in a bathing suit by myself) and I have no shame in admitting that this was my first attempt at any movement that went beyond walking from shop to shop in the local shopping centre. I soon lost my embarrassment and got into the mood of the class when I realised just how different each and every one in pool was.
Health
Aqua aerobics combines many different ‘land’ techniques such as aerobics, walking, running and jumping jacks but, surprise, in the water. Many other classes also include the use of ankle and wrist weights, floats, and what I can only describe as weird flipper-like gloves that add a little extra resistance to the workouts to let you ‘feel the burn’.
Swan Lake... (I have some serious imagination issues but not to worry, I hope to re-enter reality’s atmosphere sometime soon). The third being that because you’re in water,
The results I’ve been going to my aqua aerobics class once a week for the last 6 months, and I have to tell you girls, it has been great. It felt so good starting a new hobby which wasn’t all about how I looked or what I weighed. A hobby where I can be me and reap a hell of a lot of benefits from it too.
Please note that you do NOT have to worry about looking ridiculous. Everyone is wearing the dreaded swim hat. Everyone is worrying about their swimsuit shifting revealing a little too much secret garden. Everyone is jumping and splashing about in the pool like Flipper after a caffeine binge. And trust me, no-one is looking at YOU!
I loved the light and petite feeling of being in the water. It made the jumping jacks feel like I was a ballerina in Swan Lake
I am not ashamed to tell you that the day I made it to the top of those office stairs without feeling my face burn up with pure exhaustion, I had a proper Rocky Balboa moment with the air punch and Eye of the Tiger resounding in my brain. Security seemed a little alarmed by this but a cheeky wink later and they soon forgot about it.
The first thing that both amazed me and filled me with glee was the wonderful energy from the exercise but without the sweat! There is very little chance of overheating because the water cools you down. The second thing I loved was the light and petite feeling of being in the water. It made the jumping jacks feel like I was a ballerina in
Six months on, I am still a happy curvy size 18 but now I can tick that healthy box too. Aqua Aerobics, “here’s lookin’ at you kid”! your muscles are constantly being soothed throughout the exercises which means that the usual next-day soreness and stiffness is hardly there. www.justasbeautiful.co.uk 37
Reader Competition
Win a £2,000+ prize courtesy of Maria Lynne Photography • Half-day photoshoot • Hair and makeup • Framed image from session • Lingerie • Dinner • Night at a 5* Hotel “When I mention that I am a boudoir photographer it often conjures up rather risqué mental images, and invokes some raised eyebrows. But for me, the best photos are the ones that tease, tantalise and leave you guessing. Stopping short of overtly sexual poses, models show a flash of thigh or a cheeky curve of breast under beautiful lingerie. Boudoir images of curvy girls look effortlessly sensuous and beautiful with none of the harsh lines and angles that can make similar images of a traditional waif-like model seem awkward. The most satisfying part of my job is the sense of self confidence that this imagery gives to women. Seeing themselves look provocative and alluring, and having the chance to act out their inner va-va voom sex appeal to its full potential in front of a lens does wonders for morale and self belief. So, is boudoir photography simply soft porn for women? There was a brilliant line in the TV series Mad Men where Peggy Olson, waiting for a male colleague to finish reading a porn mag so they can get on with some work says: “Stop looking at women
who can’t look back at you.” In boudoir images, the woman is looking back at herself reflecting her own beauty, sensuality and self confidence. What could be further from porn than that?” Maria Lynne Maria Lynne Photography Lifestyle, Wedding and Boudoir Photography Studio 12, 90 Floodgate Street Digbeth Birmingham B5 5SR www.marialynnephotography.co.uk For your chance to win over £2,000 + prizes courtesy of Maria Lynne Photography, answer this question:
Which part of your body are you most uncomfortable with and why? Send your answers to beauty@justasbeautiful.co.uk putting ‘My Body & Me’ in the subject header. Deadline for entry 1st April, 2011. UK residents only. www.justasbeautiful.co.uk 39
Relationships
Dear Olga Olga Gonzalez-Ramos is a proud Latina plus size model, actress and motivational speaker who hails from New Jersey. She is also the Lifestyle Editor of www.dailyvenusdiva.com. If you have any questions or would like her to look into your issue, send an email to: dearolga@justasbeautiful.co.uk
Should I Tell My Friend I Dated Her Man?
Q
Dear Olga, I have a dear friend I have known for years. We lost touch and reconnected recently. She is the closest thing to a sister that I have. She invited me over to her place for a party and I met her boyfriend. The only problem is, I dated him a while back. I still don’t understand how we both dated him when he is from out of town. I guess it is a small world after all.
He hasn’t told her and I haven’t told her either, but I know we should. After that party he called me and he was even flirting with me. He left me and moved on, I didn’t. I still have a crush on him, but he is totally into her. He told me he wants to marry her. I haven’t called her in a long time. I don’t know if I should just stay away or tell her the truth. Please, talk to me on this. TX
A
Hi TX, Girl, how in the world did this happen? Okay, let’s focus here. Friendship is sacred, especially if you have years of being close. But you did mention that you hadn’t been in contact for a long time. People change and friends, sad to admit, grow apart. That is life for you. I am happy you found her again and yes, you better tell her you dated him. He sounds like a class ‘A’ jerk to me and you should be grateful that he is out of your life. If she is smart she will stay away from him. Sweetie, come clean and let her know. You don’t have to give her any details that will make you uncomfortable. Just that you dated, you cared for him and he broke your heart. If she still chooses to date him or, even worse, marry the fellow, then it’s on her. Don’t be surprised if you aren’t invited to the wedding. This is a touchy subject. You have done all you can here and stayed away from him. He is your forbidden fruit. Focus on going out with other friends and meeting Mr. Right. I am wishing you all the best and sending you a much needed hug. Curvaceously yours, Olga 40 www.justasbeautiful.co.uk
Relationships
My Man Has Become A Shadow Of Himself
Q
Dear Olga, I’m tired all the time from working two jobs, because my boy-friend got fired from his job and we needed his income. This was a year ago and he hasn’t tried looking for a job. I beg him to get a job and our talks turn into bad fights. I get home beat and the house is messy. His friends come over to play video games and they eat and drink everything. He is 28 by the way and I am 25. Why is he still playing video games all day long?
I love him but I am not his mother or his maid. I get panic attacks when it’s time to put the key and open my door. He has let himself go, gained weight, and doesn’t even shave. I am at a loss. He is making my real cute apartment look like a half way house. My family has told me to put him out but I know he has no place to go and I do love him. Any suggestions or ideas please Olga, throw them my way. Thanks girl. Annita North Arlington, NJ
A
Dear Ann ita, Gir l you a re amazin g. So prou and live a d of you w comfor ta up with th orking tw ble life. N is. I know o jobs to o t cool how you love h during his make you your man im and it hard time r bills is acting, I sh ows by ho s. will be stra w you are Baby gir l, ight ta king care sometime of him s love is n you have o t enough. I tried com am not sa municatio suffering fr ying to rip n and it h om depre as not wo him out o ssion sinc a mess an rk f your life e d e . It sounds he lost his d not eve but to me like n keeping job. The fa outside h he may b c u t p that he is elp. Perha w it h e h is personal ps you ca home all hygiene is n reach o day, makin Not sure u n g t o to someo t good. H if you hav e may ne ne in his fa e given him get a cale ed mily to he an ultimatu ndar and lp y ou with th m m a rk a date but that ti not helpin is. down wh me has arr g around ere all of days are o ived. Sit n h is e ver. xt to him video gam Offer to fi , es, mess c x up his re reating an sume and day for his d star t ema friends to iling his re come ove just can’t sume to c r and play come and ompanies. video gam go as they Create a es that is please. If you see cer tain approved no change by you. Th then put shouldn’t ey h im have to w out. You c ork two jo annot live b s in to take ca Keep me a dir ty ho re of a gro updated o me, and y wn man. ou n this gir l visit and h and I am ave a seri from New ous talk w Jersey too ith his guy. LOL. . I might h ave to pa y you a
www.justasbeautiful.co.uk 41
Beauty
The Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser - £50ml, £3.99
Removing all traces of makeup, even the most stubborn lashings of mascara, Cold Cream Cleanser deeply cleanses skin to reveal a radiant complexion, and can be used as a nourishing face mask to add some extra moisture to tired, dehydrated skin.
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42 www.justasbeautiful.co.uk
Beauty
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RoC® Multi Correxion™ Day and Night Cream £29.95 RoC® Multi Correxion™ Eye Cream £21.99
www.justasbeautiful.co.uk 43
Food & Drink
Culinary
Forerunner
His restaurant, Roscoff, won the first Michelin star awarded in Northern Ireland and since then Paul Rankin has gone on to become one of the most recognisable celebrity chefs on our television screens today. Ronnie Ajoku meets the man behind the fame
A
s one of the longest standing and most successful chefs on Ready Steady Cook (BBC 2), Paul has also appeared on X Factor: Battle Of The Stars (ITV1), The Good Food Show, Step up to the Plate (BBC 1), The Great British Menu (BBC 2), Local Food Heroes (UKTV), Saturday Kitchen (BBC 1) and Ten Mile Menu (ITV 1) to mention a few.
48 www.justasbeautiful.co.uk
Now the owner of Belfast’s popular Cayenne restaurant has teamed up with Heinz to launch a brand new interactive website www.heinz.co.uk/ secretingredient, to encourage cooking tasty recipes from scratch using that special ‘secret ingredient’, Heinz Tomato Ketchup! The website gives people the chance to cook-along with Paul Rankin as he demonstrates how to cook the perfect recipes using the ‘secret ingredient’.
“It’s a lovely thing to do really, to encourage people to cook with ketchup. It gives it a sweet, sour, salty savoury richness. It’s very good to give something a lift. Heinz asked me to get involved, simply because I’ve been doing this for years and have had such a high profile with it. I understand the whole thing about trying to make simple food which is convenient for the family.
To read more click here
Food & Drink
THE HEALTHY WAY TO FRY
I
magine being able to fry a batch of real home made chips with just one tablespoon of olive oil. Sounds too good to be true? Place up to a kilo of freshly cut chips into the cooking pan, measure your preferred oil with the scoop provided, pour it over and then set the timer. Patented technology circulates hot air around your fries, whilst the paddle evenly disperses the oil. The result is chips that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with only 3% fat content. With Tefal’s Actifry, you can use whatever oil you like – including a mix of oils such as olive oil, rapeseed and flax – all of which have their own individual health benefits such as a high level of Omega 3 and 6.
It can equally be used for cooking frozen chips, scampi, chicken drumsticks, stir fried vegetables and everything except the base can go into the dishwasher and there’s no oil to filter after frying. It also comes with a recipe book! The Tefal Actifry is an essential gadget for healthy eaters. Price: £199.99 (RRP) www.justasbeautiful.co.uk 53
www.speedosculpture.com