10+ Winter warmers
Posted on | June 20, 2010 | No Comments
Photo credit: Wiffygal’s
As the weather starts to get cold and winter approaches we all love to keep warm, and with food there isn’t much difference. I have a great selection of winter warmers that will suit most tastes.
- Carrot and Ginger Soup Recipe
- Leek and Stilton Soup Recipe
- The Ultimate Pick Me Up Soup Recipe
- Cullen Skink Soup Recipe
- Vegetable and Bean Soup Recipe
- Wild Mushroom Soup
- Smoked Haddock and Corn Chowder Recipe
- Cock-a-Leekie Soup Recipe
- Cauliflower, Broccoli and Mustard Soup Recipe
- Left Over Soup Recipe
All soups listed above are curtesy of Britishfood.about.com
For those of you that like the low fat version of soups a list in the link provided brought to you by lowfatcooking.about.com.
Tast.com also has some lovely recipes that are their low fat collection. Take a look and you will be surprised at what you will find.
Enjoy the colder whether and if you have any soups or recipes that you think my readers will enjoy please send them in and I’ll post them up on the site.
Bubba’s Veggie Garden
Posted on | June 13, 2010 | No Comments
Photo credit: Andrecarol
We consume so many foods and don’t really know what is in them; yes I am talking about fresh vegetables and fruits. Chemicals are still used all over the world on crops. As many of you already know I am married to a wonderful man who just so happens to have a green thumb.
My husband has created our very own veggie patch as well as some lovely herbs. The reason I am telling you this is because they are chemical free and will no doubt be the yummiest tasting vegetables you will ever eat. So I thought I would write a post on the benefits of having your own vegetable garden.
Whilst it costs money to set up and maintain your garden it can ultimately save you money with your grocery bill. Not to mention the fresh produce you have in your back yard that you can come home from work, go outside pick your lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber, along with some parsley or basil to create a wonderful salad with your lean chicken, fish or meat. On the other hand you might be feeling the cold like I am and come home, dig out some carrots, beans and even potatoes and leaks to create a warm comfort food soup, infused with a little chicken or beef or lamb it will warm the most fussiest of hearts.
The main point of this post is to show you that you can eat healthy and have fun watching your vegetables and fruit grow right before your eyes, then think of many different combinations to make a healthy, low fat meal that is also packed with nutrients. This will assist you in losing weight because you have these foods at your doorstep (well in your back yard) anyway.
Now I realise that some of you are not much of gardeners – neither am I really, however I see how my husband’s eyes light up when he plants something from a seed and it grows into a lovely healthy vegetable that we can eat. I am more of a herb gardener – you can do this in pots and they look lovely on a window or balcony.
Photo credit: Mfoley25
By having herbs and vegetables in your garden you can really make the most wonderful meals and you will know they are fresh because you picked it from your own garden. So why don’t you give gardening a go for the pleasure of watching something grow, for the peace it gives you, the health aspects and not to mention that gardening is a great exercise for you to do without you even knowing it – and it certainly doesn’t feel like you are slogging it out in the gym. I hope this inspires you all to start growing something of your own. I would love to hear your success stories.
Here are some helpful sites for you to visit that will help you set up your own gardens with the help from the professionals.
FAT Bashing
Posted on | June 12, 2010 | No Comments
Photo credit : Slipper04
Yes, I am writing about this subject again because after doing some research I found this very interesting article on the subject. You really have to read it as it outlines issues that are very important to us all. Attitudes may or may not change and every one has their own opinion BUT come on people you have to understand what us fatties face every day. Being obese is not a choice I can tell you from personal experience, however things are not that simple as cho0sing or not cho0sing to be obese.
When are we going to stop apologising for being who we are, we still have the same colour blood as everyone else, have arms, legs, hearts. It is the time to stop all this fat bashing. Every time I go into research mode and find new and intersting articles – it could be about a fashion question like ‘why can’t the over weight ladies find nice clothing? It turns into a fat bashing. Ahhhh I am mad that is for sure but in any case you really have to read the article because it has many points and I think you will find it interesting.
Please let me know what challenges you face by commenting.
Your weightloss Journal
Posted on | May 15, 2010 | 8 Comments
Photo credidt: Ayomide
We all know how hard it is to stay on track with weight loss programs and how easy it is to fall off the wagon. I have been off the wagon for quite a few months. I think I had gotten to the point that I just plain gave up on myself. There is light at the end of the tunnel and I think these simple documents will help you too. I have put together some simple documents that are ready to use just by printing them. The documents I have created are food journal, exercise log and weight loss chart. I will start my own journal on Monday so I will be struggling along with you all.
Sometimes we tell ourselves that we can’t do this anymore and give up, but the truth is that when I keep telling myself I am doing this instead of I can’t do this it really does help. Positive statements and thought patterns really do work when you are trying to achieve something, like weight loss. I hope these tips and documents help you too. Lets take the challenge together, I expect you all to tell me how you are going, and I want all of us to support each other through this.
Low Gi (Glycemic Index) Diet
Posted on | January 28, 2010 | 3 Comments
Photo credit : bautistalh
There has been extensive research into Low Gi (Glycemic Index) and how it affects our body with weight loss. PCOS is common in women and the experts have associated a Low Gi diet as a great way to combat weight loss, Diabetes and of course PCOS. For me personally I am trying to incorporate some recipes that you would cook everyday and convert them into Low Gi meals.
You can search the Low Gi database in the link above to obtain your favourite recipes with Low Gi in mind. I am taking my own advice and doing just that. My weight struggle has been a long and heat breaking battle. I have tried everything under the sun to lose weight, change my lifestyle and just generally be healthy. I have also been diagnosed with PCOS and it has definitely not helped me to lose weight.
Every case is different and in my case it has been very difficult to manage my eating patterns, not to mention the constant pressure I have to try to fall pregnant. It has been like a vicious circle. I have read a few books on Low Gi and found that it may just assist me in losing weight, and ultimately fall pregnant.
Another great book to read on Low Gi is (Gi Feel Good – Health & Weight loss) by John Ratcliffe Dip. TCM, Grad Dip Psy. Very interesting reading as well as great recipes and food charts with Gi numbers beside them, just like the chart on www.glycemicindex.com with high, medium and low Gi as a guide. This book gives you an insight that you may not have even thought about but explains the ins and outs of the process.
Other useful websites are:
Overindulgence
Posted on | January 24, 2010 | No Comments
Photo credit: Tojosan
I find it especially difficult on special occasions and parties when it comes to food, alcohol and smoking. I tend to almost always overeat, drink too much or even smoke much more then I usually do. The result is not much fun.
You may ask yourselves why do we do this? Why do we let it happen when we know that it is bad for us? The questions are endless but the real thing we should try to ascertain is what can we do to stop ourselves.
The above link shows us what overindulgence is and what kind of help can we get for it, plus some helpful tips of how we can avoid doing this to ourselves. I am the first to admit that when I get depressed over what ever it is, I tend to turn to food and over do it.
Then other times I am really good, but the times I overindulge out weigh the times I am good. Not to mention exercising, which has been minimal in the last 6 months.
I guess in this instance I can relate to all of you whom overindulge and understand what drives you to do this. Obesity is not an easy thing to have to live with and for me my fear of actually succeeding is a big part of why I am still obese. This may sound strange to you, but there you have it ‘my fear determines whether I lose weight or not’.
I would be interested to hear your story of what triggers you off to overindulge so please email me your stories to katly@big-girls-dont-cry.com.
Some great video tips of how to handle those holiday parties when it comes to food and alcohol will give you some to plan for at the end of 2010. Good luck – I will be attempting to take all this on board myself and will let you know how it goes at the next party or gathering for a special occasion.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2010
Posted on | December 24, 2009 | No Comments
Dear loyal readers, I would like to thank you all for your input into this site over the years and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. I hope to see you all in the new year to come. Hopefully I can get my act together and write more often. Your support has warmed my heart. Thank You All!!!!
What a LEMON!
Posted on | November 8, 2009 | 6 Comments
Photo credit: Ahmed
Many of you may have heard of the Lemon Detox Diet and how you can lose weight and cleanse your insides. The link will give you all the information from their website, but I am here to talk about how I think that replacing all your solid food with three drink replacements isn’t the answer.
Sure you can do this but I don’t know about you but I would be starving and break it. Therefore you won’t get the bennefits and you just wasted your money.
There are so many miracle diets on the market, pills, drinks, meat diets etc, but what we are all forgetting is that none of these are the answer really because you need to eat, and you need to exercise.
You need to do this every day of your life, I know because I have not done it for a while. My eating has gone to the dog house, exercise is non exsistant and what I and everyone else should do is figure out a routine for you that you can stick to.
This post isn’t giving you facts and figures, the site can give you that. I just wanted to voice my opinion about all these crash diet plans. I am sure they all mean well and I am sure some of them work.
What happens when you stop – but haven’t changed your ways, I’ll tell you what happens you put all the weight back on and then some.
There are however some great uses for the lemon, below are the uses I have found.
10 Eco friendly things to do with lemons
Some of these links may overlap but you will definately get the general idea. When I think of lemons I think refreshing. So even though the Lemon detox diet isn’t exactly what I think will help you acheive weight loss and keep it off there are many other great uses for the Lemon.
New Start
Posted on | November 8, 2009 | No Comments
Hello All
I wanted to say that I had a big response for the interview I did with BGM Models, it was great to do and I wanted to thank Darrianne and the girls for taking part.
In the next few months I will be experimenting with video posts, I have a very special relative that will be helping me with this and the aim is to do a series.
It is no secret that my weight loss journey has completely failed, I have stopped going to the gym, I have gained 20 kilograms and am not only back to square one but back a few more squares.
Everything went belly up and I became very depressed with everything that happened to me and also my not getting pregnant has taken its toll on me. I don’t know what will happen next but I think I am ready to start again.
I hope you all keep on supporting me and please comment – I treasure all your comments as it helps me get through the day at times. The other times it just puts a glimmer of hope back into my life.
You may know the very inspirational Angie all the way, I read her blog every day and whilst she didn’t help me to keep going, at the same time she gave me that glimmer of hope to start again.
These video posts are a new project that I want to work on and I think it will be great for me to get stuck into something and at the same time I think that you all will be interested and inspired by them as they will be real and show my inner strength, that I lost for a while but am getting back now.
Till then please continue to come and visit me any time and remember you can always email me. I would love to hear from you.
Interview with BGM Models
Posted on | October 1, 2009 | 1 Comment
This year I was lucky enough to interview the amazing Darrianne Donnelly whom inspired me with the dream that anything is possible no matter who you are or what size you are. She has tackled the modelling world with I guess criticism but always had the courage of her convictions to carry her to where she is now. Darrianne has worked with clients such as Avon, Commonwealth Bank, Special K, Big W, Myer, Mysize, Maggie T, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Today Tonight, and Australian Women’s Weekly. All featuring plus size models.
Darrianne only too well knows what it was like growing up being a plus size child, being told that she has such a pretty face if only she would lose some weight. We have all heard that one right? Despite this Darrianne worked in this Industry for over 10 years before staring BGM Models. Since then she has not looked back.
Darrianne suggested that I check out an article about Symantha Perkins, I am sure you will all think of her as a role model as I did. She is also at BGM. It’s not just about fashion but feeling great within and letting you shine and show the world that you don’t have to be wafer thin to succeed. I guess that is what this interview was all about for me, successful women that are plus size.
I hope that the interviews I have prepared below will inspire you all to follow your dreams and never give up on what you want out of life. You can be successful and plus size and to shine as the goddesses you are!
I thoroughly enjoyed doing this interview because I wanted to capture the things that people may not know about the modelling industry and to find out about the person as well as their work.
Please welcome Darrianne, Natalie and Elizabeth.
Darrianne Donnelly
Who is your favourite designer?
Nicola Waite designs for women who want contemporary styles with beautiful fabrics that move and flatter the fuller figure.
What is your favourite colour and why?
A fabulous bold and vibrant red has and will always be my favourite colour, as I love anything that makes a statement. Red lips, red nails and a red car makes for a great look!!
What is your favourite destination in the world and why?
Positano in Italy would be one of my standout destinations, we were on a 6 week world tour 5 years ago and we had been travelling to London, Paris, Venice, Rome etc and whilst they are amazing locations when we got to Positano it felt like we had arrived in our own special piece of paradise.
It also helped that we were staying 5 nights in the same bed and that we had rented an apartment and as crazy as it sounds being able to boil water, add an egg and have breakfast with crusty bread that was delivered by the most amazing young Italian man certainly added to the atmosphere of the place.
There is also this wonderful artist who paints daily in the main area at the bottom of the famous staircase in Positano, I stopped to admire his art-work and told him that he did a great job, off we went to Capri for the day and on our return the artist was packing up for the day and I noticed that he had painted my self and my husband into the painting consequently we brought the piece and it hangs in our house, I see it every day as a wonderful reminder of an incredible time.
Whilst on your travels, who was the most interesting person you have met?
Last year in April we celebrated 30 years of marriage and we went to China for 10 days, Shanghai, Beijing and Xian which is famous for discovery of the Terracotta Warriors this is considered one of the great architectural finds during the last Century.
The story goes that the chief of the village sent four young lads into the fields to dig a well and had they not dug in the spot that they had chosen they would have missed the entire discovery by as little as half a metre as they dug up a broken head at the very furthest point of the entire excavation. We went to the ‘ dig’ in Xian to view the Terracotta Warriors and one of the original lads who is the last survivor that found the ‘pit’ was at the museum on the day we visited and was sitting behind the desk signing books, whilst I did not actually meet him I did get a signed book of his story.
Also when we were in Beijing we met 84 year old Bob from Queensland with his wife 79 year old Flo, we were climbing the Great Wall of China this day and we had set off very early as it was a 2 hour drive and would be quite hot when we got to the wall. All the young people in their 50’s set off on the climb as did Bob and Flo and when we got to the top as we all gasped for breath and admiring the fantastic view Bob did the Irish jig and sang songs he was so energetic he put us all to shame he was a true Aussie character.
Who inspired you to do what you do and in which way?
I was not inspired by anyone one person I think that my inspiration or rather passion was driven from a young age and a determination that comes from within from people that I met growing up. The 60’s and 70’s was an interesting time and I always knew that I would do something that would somehow make a difference, I just did not know then that it would be modelling that would map my journey.
I started modelling at 30 years of age as being a ‘bigger model’ was just beginning to happen and for 10 years I had a wonderful time doing fashion parades and photographic work, turning 40 was the when I actually considered opening my own agency as I could see the demand for larger models was increasing.
BGM Models (formerly BIGgals Models) was launched because I was determined to see a change in attitudes to using larger models and to encourage young girls to see a balance of models which would inspire them to have a good body image and to feel good about themselves. The inspiration and why I continue being the director of BGM is that I still love it when a new model comes to the agency and we get them a great photo shoot on location, fashion campaign or a model is signed to an international agency such as Ford Models New York it makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Natalie Wakeling
Natalie’s stats
Size: 14
Height: 175cm
Bust: 102cm
Waist: 83cm
Hip: 103cm
Bra: 14C
Shoe: 10
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Green
What was it like working in New York at Ford Models?
Working with Ford models and being in close contact with the directors and bookers on a daily basis really cemented the fact that Modelling is a career that needs to be looked after and nurtured by the right agency.
Modelling can still be a career, even after once you have achieved certain personal milestones.
You may be a great model but if the team behind you does not know your direction you may just become another pretty face in the crowd. I felt lucky to be represented by such an important agency and to have the support of my mother agency Darrianne of BGM at home to pick things up where they left off.
I had some amazing experiences, as it was such a whirlwind adventure having left my husband and two year old back in Miami while I gave International modelling my last shot by spending 10 days in NY. I flew into New York, met with Gary Daikin, signed my contract on the same day and was sent to a stylist the next morning in preparation for castings.
It was a busy time meeting and greeting clients. Unfortunately I was regarded too skinny for the plus size market and failed to crack the big time due to my size 14 frame. Needless to say I still loved every moment and managed to get one amazing booking which was shot in the snow on the top of a building in the middle of Manhattan. It was actually the first time I saw snow as well.
Did you feel like you were under scrutiny by your peers because you were a plus size model?
Back here in Australia it was the complete opposite as this was the first time a model over a size 8 was being featured in Editorial magazines and I guess from a stylist and photographers point of view I was huge and something they had to learn how to deal with.
At times you would arrive to the shoot and they would say oh you must be the make up artist: and you knew all too well that they were thinking this cannot be right? She so is not the model is she? It did not take very long though for the general public to realize that they liked seeing something a little bigger and a little more like themselves and thus forced editors to feature real women on a regular basis.
Where was your favourite shoot, and why?
One of my favourites was a cosmopolitan shoot shot at Manly with six spunky guys on location. Directed by Amanda Newman who was the fashion editor at the time, the brief for the shoot was taken out of a Vogue Italia. No expense spared and the dresses were beautiful (even though they did not fit me since they were samples) I felt like a million dollars. It was an eight-page spread and something that has not been repeated in an Aussie Magazine since.
Fashion is something that you know you want from a very young age. I am the youngest of four daughters so as you can imagine I have seen it all and could not wait to put my own stamp on the fashion world.
What made you decide to do a Jeans label?
With all my sisters and mother in the fashion Industry it was only natural that one of us make the garments instead of buying them. It was on my second trip to New York that I saw the huge potential for the Plus size fashion Industry and how we lagged behind here at home.
Jeans were always a struggle for me as I have an apple body type and always wished the waists were not so small. Once I started investigating the process I fell in love with denim and knew that this was what I wanted in the next chapter of my life. To make curvy women happy to wear denim again!
How has your success changed you?
I still feel as though I am on the journey to success, I try to enjoy the little milestones within my business or personal life along the way. I have had a good friend tell me that I have not changed since we went to school together; I think I am still a bit of a rat bag. Success should give one the privilege to help others.
Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth’s stats
Size: 14
Height: 175cm
Bust: 104cm
Waist: 79cm
Hip: 112cm
Bra: 12D
Shoe: 10
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Which do you enjoy more being a plus size model or a thin model?
PLUS SIZE! Hands down. I always loved modelling and the feeling of being on set in front of a camera but the pressure that came with being there was tremendous. I began to enjoy things less and less because I was always afraid of being told I was putting on weigh or getting to set and the clothes not fitting. Now that I am on this crazy wonderful adventure in New York I am constantly thankful that I not only achieved this success by remaining true to myself but that I am able to enjoy all the great restaurants and cuisines that New York has to offer!
How does New York compare to Australian modelling?
The plus size industry is well and truly established over here. In Australia I was reluctant to say that I was a model because a whole discussion and explanation of ‘plus size’ would inevitable for sure. Believe me, I hate the label! Here I feel I can say model and people don’t bat an eyelid. I think that America has a better handle on the diversity of sizes and shapes that women come in.
To that end they also have a better handle on ethic diversity than we do in Australia. Apart from that there is just a lot more work here. They have a much larger population to cater to and so every day I learn about different companies all over America that are designing for women with curves.
What are you plans for the future?
I plan on staying in the U.S at least another year. Just enough time to see out the horrible economy!! I love my job and life in New York City, it is very exciting but there truly is no place in the world like Australia. I miss my family tremendously and I miss the lifestyle of Australia. My plans ultimately… I would like to work in T.V- I love being a model but I also have a lot to say!!
What is the most exotic place you have been to in your travels?
Hhhmmm Tunisia was an amazing location. I was living in Milan at the time and I was asked to shoot a catalogue and a magazine editorial in Tunisia over a one-week period. We didn’t need the whole week to shoot so I got a vacation in a couple of amazing hotels as well as some wonderful pictures. We were shooting in the middle of a desert on sand dunes and on a salt field. Just brilliant!
What is your favourite design house and why?
When I shop I am always looking to flatter my figure. I like pieces that strike a balance between being fashionable and just plain comfortable. I tend to stick to basic, clean lines and good tailoring. When you have those timeless pieces in your closet you can have a bit of fun each season with trends or accent pieces.
For knickers and singlets you can’t go past Bonds, especially the prices! If I am going for a statement and I really want to splash out I love lingerie by Agent Provocateur. Camilla does some absolutely stunning kaftans that flatter any figure and are just perfect for standing out in a crowd. When I am travelling and I want to feel particularly glamorous I will throw one over my bathing suit. I think Alex Perry’s designs are to die for but I would love to see him launch a plus line- we need fabulous eveningwear too!
Natalie’s jeans are phenomenal! I am always receiving comments on them here in the U.S. Paige denim also has a plus line that is wonderfully fashionable and comfortable. I tend to shop around and see what’s out there rather than sticking to one particular brand. I can tell you that I think the plus industry has a long way to go in terms of adequately representing its customers. There needs to be a whole lot more options out there that are made for young, fashionable women as well as more representation in the media.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Darrianne for her participation with this interview as well as Elizabeth and Natalie for their time and effort.