FABMAG ISSUE 02 / OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020
UK
Forty & beyond COVER STAR
SOPHIE GARNER “Fashion that shaped me”
MENOPAUSE ISSUE w
we give you the insight to the best products on the market
BREAST CANCER SPOTLIGHT
meet the woman giving breast cancer survivors their boobs back
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR
IN SUPPORT OF COPPADEELPEOPLE CHARITY, RAISING AWARENESS FOR BREAST CANCER, ZEE IS WEARING HER PINKCLOUDINGCO TEE
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ell here we are issue No2! This issue will take us through to December as it covers both October & November. We are shining a light on breast cancer month and Menopause in this issue, so be prepared to take notes if you are suffering with your menopause symptoms. We have some amazing women featuring in this Issue. Sophie Garner is our cover star and we have a couple of new contributors to look out for. Thanks again for dropping by and thank you so much for the amazing response we have had so far.
If you want to contribute, or have a story you think you would like us to share; then details of how to get in touch are at the back of the magazine. We can also be found on our social pages and website. Alix and I are beyond blown away by all the amazing and lovely women out there that we have had the pleasure to meet in our new venture. Thank you w
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CONTENTS 6
CONTRIBUTORS
Meet some of the special ladies who have helped us bring the magazing to life!
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AFTER BREAST CANCER
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CHALITA FROST
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Sarah St Ledger talks to us about the groundbreaking treatments she offers free of charge to breast cancer patients
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Our expert talks menopause and mental health.
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HOME STYLE
Lisa Snare shares her kitchen and bedroom renovation and the inspiration behind them
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GET IN TOUCH How to contact us!
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LAURA MADDEN Your skin & menopause
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COVER STAR
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OUR LADY IN THE VAN
An interview with Sophie Garner, and talking about the “clothes that made” her.
Siobhan Daniels talks to us about upping sticks and living and travelling in her van. 4
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26 LOOSING IT!
We speak to Helen Ponder to discuss and follow her journey of weight loss.
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A shout out to some of our favourite Women on Social Media OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 02
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CONTRIBUTORS LAURA MADDEN Your skin and the menopause Mum of two Laura has 25 years in the beauty industry and is currently in residence at the Suffolk Spa ‘Retreat East’. Laura will be giving us skin care advice for skin over 40 and the best treatments available and also products you can use at home.
SARAH ST LEDGER Spotlight on 3D Areola Tattooing Mum and mum to be Sarah owns the Beautanical garden in the picturesque Lavenham Suffolk. Sarah is a skin therapist and a semi permanent makeup artist. Sarah will be telling us about her work with Cancer patients and answering any of your questions in editions to come.
SOPHIE GARNER Cover star Our cover star this issue is the fantastic singer,teacher, actress and songwriter Sophie Garner from Northamptonshire. Sophie who soon turns 48, Was the first artist to play to O2 Arena and is a Voice coach on ITV’s the Voice Kids. Sophie is a choir master and recently started her own chior and music therapy business called take a deep breath. Sophie has a pancant
THE FACES BEHIND THE WORDS.... CHALITA FROST Your mental health and wellbeing Chalita is a freelance life coach and NLP practitioner who works with both private clients and businesses. Chalita is passionate about people and specialises in one to one talking therapy sessions. Read more in her article about her strategies and effective approaches when dealing with stress, anxiety and much more.
FABMAG fortyandbeyondmaguk UK
@gmail.com
OUR TEAM w
EDITOR Zena Battersby
SIOBHAN DANIELS Adventure awaits I am over 60 and I retired from the BBC last year after 30 years working as a presenter, writer, reporter and producer. I became disillusioned with the increasing ageist attitudes in the media, advertising and society in general. so I got rid of my flat, most of my posessions, bought a motorhome and embarked on a trip around Great Britain challenging ageism and stereotypes of retired pensioners.
for stationary and collects 1970s orignal Sindy dolls. We can wait for you to meet her.
DESIGNER Alix Pamela Shaw CONTRIBUTORS Laura Madden Sarah St Ledger Sophie Garner Chalita Frost Siobhan Daniels
ZENA BATTERSBY Home and Fashion That’s me! Each month I will be giving you my fashion finds, my trend predictions and my style heroes from the world of social media. I’ve worked in the beauty industry and the fashion retail industry as a personal shopper, stylist and retail Manager; so I’ll be using my experience to offer you style advice and predictions of trends and how to wear them. But mostly I want you all to be celebrated and for this to be a space that welcomes everyone.
HELEN PONDER my weight loss journey I’m Helen 43 and live in Bury St Edmunds. I’m wife to Jamie and a Mum to Charlie. I adore my friends and family! I love Cornwall, love the sea, love wine, love cooking, love interiors, love to laugh and I’m on a journey to love me!! 6
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Zena Battersby Helen Ponder
Fabmag UK is a registered trademark and an online magazine publication. Reproduction in whole or in any part is strictly forbidden without written permission from the Editor, Zena Battersby. The views expressed in the magazine are not neccessarily those of the editor. All images used are copyright to the photographers, who have been credited throughout the magazine.
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work of art, changing lives
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ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness month so it seems only right to have a piece focused all around Boobies! At the beginning of 2017, 5 years after qualifying in Permanent Make Up, I wanted to further my expertise and so I attended the intense training in 3D Areola Micropigmentation with Vicki Martin Method VMM, in association with bExeptional Training Academy Medical Micropigmentation Specialists. Whether my clients have
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BY: SARAH ST LEDGER undergone a Mastectomy, Breast Reconstruction, Gender Reassignment or would like to see a bit more definition I am
“BOTH MYSELF AND MY CLIENT WILL SHED A TEAR OR TWO. ITS AN END TO THEIR LONG EMOTIONAL JOURNEY”
committed to helping my clients feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. I understand that the procedure may be daunting, which is why I take time to get to know my clients and to listen to their needs. This is their journey and I’m just here to help them on their way. My goal is to get them an outcome that they’ll love - one that makes them beam from ear to ear when they look in the mirror every day. The highly-specialised and non surgical option to crafting a convincing nipple, Semi-
PHOTO BY BURST.SHOPIFY.COM/@MATTHEW_HENRYCAMPAIGN
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Permanent Cosmetic 3D Areola Micropigmentation creates the illusion of a protruding nipple from the flat surface of the breast. Combining artistic experience and cutting-edge technique I offer aesthetic Areola Reconstruction and repair through Semi-Permanent Tattooing - creating the illusion of a 3D nipple to help clients feel themselves again. Prior to the treatment I offer an initial consultation session to ensure that I understand my clients requirements and the desired look - whether natural, subtle or with stronger definition. Considering skin tone, breast shape and size, I am their advisor and guide working closely with them at all times to develop a bespoke design solution to suit the personal needs and preference. The treatment itself involves gently implanting microscopic particles of Semi-Permanent Medical Grade Pigments into the reticular layer of the skin. I use specialist equipment and the finest sourced needles - with all sanitation, hygiene and
SARAH AT WORK
SARAHS INCREDIBLE WORK IN CLOSER DETAIL.
“I AM COMMITTED TO HELPING MY CLIENTS FEEL COMFORTABLE & CONFIDENT IN THEIR OWN SKIN” safety measures of the utmost professional standard. I usually allow 2-4 hours for the procedure itself. A few days after the treatment the intensity will soften and lighten. I recommend an easy-to-follow aftercare routine, which involves basic care of the treatment area via an application of a second skin dressing. A follow-up appointment to top up the design and colour may be require 4-6 weeks later however, this depends on the clients individual circumstances and requirements. Quite often at the end of the treatment both myself and my
client will shed a tear or two. Its an end to their long emotional journey and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with them and complete that for them. I am BUPA registered so if clients have private health care this treatment is covered by BUPA however privately prices vary from £150-£300. I do however donate 10% of the treatment cost to a charity of my clients choice. w For further information, or to book your free consultation please get in touch via email thebeautanicalgarden@gmail.com or telephone 07891 148262. OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 02
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LOCKDOWN
Anxiety Chalita Frost shares her tips on dealing with anxiety as we head towards another phase of lockdown...
SHOP WITH OUR CODE “NEWA 097” FOR AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT! w
BOOST COLLAGEN, TIGHTEN SKIN AND REDUCE WRINKLES THE NEWA WAY
PHOTOS BY :BURST.SHOPIFY.COM
Radiant skin for your special day
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e are currently living in a world whereby anxiety appears to be something that many people are suffering with. Young children, teenagers and adults of
all ages can battle the effects of anxiety daily. However, there does also appear to be a direct correlation between symptoms of premenopausal/menopause and
rising levels of anxiety. This can have a detrimental effect upon a woman’s well-being, affecting many aspects of life and creating a sense of imbalance. Not only are there physical 4 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 02
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changes within the body to contend with, including aches and pains, hot flushes and weight gain, there are in fact a number of mental changes too. These can include memory loss, concentration issues, mood changes and bouts of anxiety. A woman realising that she is entering a new phase of life can undoubtedly take time to adjust, so it’s imperative that you are kind and patient with yourself throughout all stages.
“ANXIETY APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING WITH”
GETTING INTO NATURE HELPS STABILISE EMOTIONS
that includes regular exercise, is crucial for creating stable emotions and a general sense of positive
Some women may feel sad at the loss of fertility, whilst others may feel relieved that they can no longer become pregnant. Do be
LIMIT SOCIAL MEDIA - THIS CAN GNAW AWAY AT ANXIETIES
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aware of your emotions and take each day at a time. As well as traditional medication such as HRT and herbal medicine that can be combined depending upon symptoms, it is also important to recognise that there are many self-help solutions to alleviate symptoms too. Keeping your mind and body in alignment and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and one
well-being. It’s at this point that we should look to be ‘self-prescribing’ more natural forms of help too. Women should ensure that they are making time and space for themselves daily. In my opinion, this is as important as brushing your teeth! Practising mindfulness and allowing the mind to take a well deserved break can come in many forms including meditation, yoga and reading but also includes activities such as walking, gardening and craft work. Anything that enables you to focus upon the present moment
“PRACTISING MINDFULNESS AND ALLOWING THE MIND TO TAKE A WELL DESERVED BREAK” to create feelings of well-being and relaxation can be impactful in reducing anxiety. Other ways in which to diminish stress and anxiety through these changes are; • Connecting with friends and family - especially those that can empathise with you • Limiting social media - this can
gnaw away at anxieties, leaving you feeling less than ‘perfect’ • Doing things that make you smile daily - however simple • Getting out into nature and admiring your surroundings - a real emotion stabiliser • Practising gratitude consciously focusing on all the positive aspects of your life • And doing something to help someone else - this can provide an enormous sense of happiness But most of all....be kinder to yourself than you ordinarily are. These changes can affect you in many different ways but remember that you are a strong woman who has overcome many difficult experiences in the past, you can get through this too! w OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 02
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LOOK GOOD, FEEL GREAT &
Embrace Menopause Target accelerated collagen loss and skin ageing caused by menopause.
menopause YOUR SKIN YOUR BY: LAURA MADDEN
F PHOTOS BY :BURST.SHOPIFY.COM
or most women menopause usually starts from 45-55 years old and is a natural part of the ageing process. What does this mean for our skin? One of the biggest effects the menopause has on our skin is dryness. Dry skin is a result of a decrease in oestrogen which makes our completion dull and parched. Try skin ceuticals H.A Intensifyer This clinically proven serum designed to restore your hyaluronic said levels for increased firmness, plumping and hydrating effects. Changes in the skin can start during
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“DRIER SKIN IS A RESULT OF A DECREASE IN OESTROGEN MAKING OUR COMPLETION DULL AND PARCHED” peri menopause, the transition phase of menopause. This is where we can start to see hormonal changes resulting in breakouts, specifically to the neck and jawline. Try Pevonia propolis concentrate
This light weight serum is a natural antibacterial, it will heal and soothe and control breakouts. Your skin can become much thinner and more sensitive during menopause resulting in a condition called rosacea, a redness in the skin with visible blood vessels and occasionally red pimples or bumps on the surface. Try circadia tranquil cream and vitamin veil cleanser. A few treatments to try for menopausal skin, • Dermal roller/micro needling for increased collagen • Caci anti aging facials • Oxygen RX facial for rosacea w OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 02
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TAK EA
DEE P
Breath BY: SOPHIE GARNER
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ophie is 47 and lives in Northamptonshire. Sophie has a passion for many things including collecting vintage Sindy dolls from the 70’s. Sophie was the first artist to play the O2 Arena. She acts and Sings and is a coach on ITV’s the Voice. Like so many in the arts, this is a period of huge uncertainty and artists like Sophie are doing everything they can to keep the industry afloat. Here she talks about how fashion and subculture has shaped her life and career over the years. As humans we make social judgements of other people based on what they are wearing, the cut of their cloth. We assume this in our heads before someone has even uttered a single word, yet we know nothing about that person. Growing up I was very conscious of how what we wear impacts on what other people think of us. As a teenager, that age between 13-16 for many of us is not a time we would ever want to go back to emotionally. In 1986, at age 13, I
discovered punk music. I began to dress outrageously. I had a foot high day-glo red Mohican, fishnet tights, bovver boots (Doc martins) tartan mini skirt and a black leather jacket covered in badges of my favourite bands. My make up was heavy and black, influenced by Siouxsie and the Banshees. My teenage years were extremely troublesome. Music and fashion gave me a sense of control and self-protection, in what was a toxic home environment filled with uncertainty and insecurity. I would spend hours with my underwater
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bright yellow Sony Walkman by my side as I disappeared into my own world listening to tapes. This
jive band and working the jazz circuit across the UK and Europe, I dressed completely 1940’s and
jewellery and bold colours such as purple and orange (my favourite colours) worn together. I have
also prompted a creative outlet into writing poetry and songs to express my thoughts and feelings. I still have the book I poured out my inner thoughts into, with its torn and tethered pages. Looking back on old photos of my youth and how I expressed myself creatively, making clothes and standing out from the crowd, I feel a deep sense of pride for navigating my way through that time with no help. I became my own safety net, I had no choice, there was no one else to rescue me. I found my identity through fashion and music. I left school in 1989 at the age of 16. At the time I had the school record for the most missed days in an academic year…77. I can recall the careers advisor condescendingly asking me what I was going to do for a ‘proper’ job on hearing my response “I’m going to be a singer, watch me”. I am now 47 years old and I had the
50’s and developed a love of Carmen Miranda, the Hollywood bombshell otherwise known as the lady in the tutti frutti hat. It was at that time I began my collection of vintage clothing and Bakelite jewellery. What I would give to take a rummage through Iris Apfel’s collection, arguably the uncrowned queen of statement jewellery. If it cannot be seen it is not worth wearing! I like to think of it as fashion not prepared to be silent! I no longer have a Mohican, but my hair is still dyed fiery red and my locks are now very long, no hairspray or back combing required just free flowing hair. Studded belts and badges have been replaced by statement
made my own unique acrylic statement cuffs in an array of colours to match.
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“I EXPRESSED MYSELF CREATIVELY, MAKING CLOTHES AND STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD” final word on that. I have made a full time living since leaving school as a singer, songwriter, vocal coach, choir leader and have an MA degree. What I would give to be able to tell that careers advisor to eat humble pie! My career has taken me across the world form playing in the corner of a smokefilled pub with sticky carpet through to singing for the rich and famous on yachts in casinos and at festivals. Throughout my 20’s and 30’s while fronting a 9 piece jump
“WHEN THE WORLD WENT INTO LOCK DOWN BACK IN MARCH, I LOST ALL MY WORK IN THE SPACE OF 48 HOURS” Since completing my MA last year researching group singing and wellbeing working with brain injury, it is as if I have come full circle. I now run therapeutic music rehabilitation groups for Headway charity, in clinics and residential care homes as well as teaching
song writing to children and adults through workshops. I use singing and music as a tool to uplift and make a positive difference to a person’s well-being. When the world went into lock down back in March, I lost all my work in the space of 48 hours. I have spent the past 6 months using that space and time to finish a lifelong project, writing my first non-fiction book. Unsurprisingly, it is about music. ‘The Creative Song writing Journal’ for 7-12-year olds. A journey of discovery and creative exploration. The book I wish I had had when I was growing up. A book packed with pages of ideas and blank space to express emotions through song. The ability to be able to express ourselves, to reveal our identity is vital for humans however we choose to do it through fashion, music or using our voices. w (IT WILL BE PUBLISHED ON AMAZON IN DECEMBER £17.50 AND PRE ORDER VIA CONTACTING WWW. SOPHIEGARNER.COM) OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 02
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Growing old disgracefully BY: SIOBHAN DANIELS
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or nine years I was a nurse in Leeds before having my daughter and joining the BBC, when I turned thirty, on their trainee reporter scheme. For the next 30 years I was a Presenter, Reporter and Producer for both Radio and Television. During that time I became increasingly disillusioned with the way ageing people were depicted in the Media, Advertising and Marketing. I also felt the older I got the more people started to treat me differently at work often overlooking my views and ideas in the newsroom thinking of
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me as a second-class member of the team. ‘I may have been sixty but I’m an intelligent, articulate woman ‘ I would think to myself and my views deserved to be heard. I vowed that I would do all I could to change the images used to depict older people and do my best to help change the narratives surrounding ageing so that it is not seen as something negative to get old. At the same time I felt that we as a society, were spending far too much time working to earn money to buy stuff we did not really need, or could not really afford, but because we were working such long hours we
had hardly any time to spend with family and friends. It all seemed so crazy to me. With all this in mind I decided that I would get rid of my flat and most of my possessions and buy a motor home and travel around Great Britain to try and dispel the stereotypes of what retired pensioners did and what they looked like. People at work thought it was a joke at first until they realised that I was deadly serious. Many saying, ”you are actually going to do this aren’t you?” A few years ago I gave a talk at a women’s conference
called AGELESS FEARLESS WOMEN, YOU CAN DO IT TOO. I outlined my life really
was to sell up and travel Great Britain in a motor home. I planned to put myself where I wanted to
About a mile from my motor home I stopped at a place on the edge of Loch Morlich, near
from being a nurse to having my daughter. Finding myself as a single mother when she was four. Getting onto the BBC Trainee reporter scheme and becoming a journalist in Radio and TV for 30 years. Taking a gap year from the BBC just before I turned fifty, packing a rucksack and travelling around the world on my own to seek out adventure. Then running two marathons, climbing the three Yorkshire Peaks and climbing Mount Mulanje in Malawi with an amazing group of entrepreneurial women who I travelled over there with to help women in Malawi with their start up businesses and community projects. I even went to Glastonbury with some other 50 something’s and we called ourselves THE
be, not where society seems to think retired pensioners should be. And I still cannot believe I am actually doing it now. I spent £40,000 on my Autotrail Tribute Motor home, which is six meters long and around two
Avimore, it was so tranquil, calm and beautiful. Part of the reason for doing this journey was for me to take a good look at my life and to reflect on who I am and what I really want to get out of my life during my retirement years. During the last few years my belief in myself had been shaken, during the menopause and by how I was treated by my boss at work. I cannot believe I ever allowed myself to be treated the way I was. But when you are going through the menopause it is so hard to fight back. But if I ever see that person again in my life I will give him both barrels and tell him what he did to me and how he made me feel and I never deserved that. The sad thing is he has daughters himself
MENOPAUSAL MERMAIDS and we had such a blast. At the end of my talk I said my next big adventure, when I retired,
SIOBHAN, OUR “LADY IN THE VAN”
“I DECIDED THAT I WOULD GET RID OF MY FLAT AND MOST OF MY POSSESSIONS AND BUY A MOTORHOME AND TRAVEL AROUND GREAT BRITAIN” meters wide. It has everything I need, shower, toilet, cooker, microwave, fridge freezer and heating. I fell in love with it straight away and christened it ‘Dora the Explora ‘ I started my blog and set off into the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. I spent the first week with two friends I had met when I was nursing. The Long overdue girls trip eased me in nicely. I then headed up to Scotland in the winter months so that I could have time for reflection away from crowds of people.
and I wonder how he would feel if a man treated his daughters the same way in the workplace when all they want to do is a good job at work. I feel strongly that a lot more needs to be done to raise awareness of ageism in the workplace and in society in general. I also want to dispel stereotypes of what retired pensioners look like or what they are doing. I know I am lucky that I am being totally selfish and doing what I want to do when I want to do it. That is so liberating for me after so many years of being told pretty much in my working environment 4 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 02
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what I had to do and when and how I had to do it, by a lot of people I did not respect because
to be more awareness in society and even more legislation, to prevent this from happening.
they were so mean spirited. Now I live a simple life and I really appreciate the smallest things and realise the healing power of nature. Too many people lose themselves and their sense of identity and purpose in life when they retire and I want to do the opposite and really find out who I am and what really makes me tick. It was a scary prospect heading out alone. I have done a lot of soul searching and taken a lot of inspiration from things I have been reading and like-minded people I have connected with on social media. I felt I was beginning to get more of a sense of who I was. But the recent breakup of my relationship set me back a bit, I felt a bit rudderless and not as focused for a bit but I can feel my
began recording rainfall levels and
social media, which was a source
extra support in situations like this
I have listened to talks and read a lot about ageism during lockdown and the ways we can try to combat it, especially post Cover-19, because I feel many of the decisions involving older people in care homes during lockdown was ageist. Decisions were made purely on age rather than on need and vulnerability. I feel so much more empowered and confident in the decisions that I’m making now, and I want other women to experience those feelings too. I feel truly authentically myself for the first time and I feel ageless and I am mistress of my own destiny. I want to use my voice wherever possible to try and help change perceptions about being elderly and how we grow old. I want to continue my motorhome travels
resolve coming back to enjoy this adventure and go out and meet people and to experience new things. And to achieve a deep sense of purpose to help others going through the menopause who lose their way and who are facing retirement and life’s changes. For me retirement is definitely an exciting phase of my life and I feel as if my life is moving forward and I am changing, I cannot wait to see what is in store for me. Since I set off I have been all over England and Scotland. I have weathered several storms and high winds, experienced the worst rainfall in February, since they
a Pandemic with Covid 19. I was fortunate to be on a site in Lancashire when lockdown happened in Great Britain and the owner let me stay there for nearly five months. I somehow managed to survive lockdown in the motor home without going totally stir crazy. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes feeling totally lost and other times embracing the fact that I had all the time in the world to do what I felt like doing. I cycled for miles on my EBike, the battery was a god send when there were big hills. I embraced the world of
of support and knowledge. I connected with so many inspiring people who have reaffirmed my desire to challenge ageism and to change the way people feel about getting old. During lockdown I became particularly concerned when there were suggestions that anyone over sixty should stay indoors for their own protection. I was incensed, I understand that it is vital that people who need support get it but those who don’t should not be made to adhere to government commands because they have reached a certain age. No doubt in the future I will be grateful for
as my health and body become less robust. But for now I am able to climb mountains, cycle and walk for miles and I would say I am fit for a sixty one year old. Ok I have a bit of a dodgy knee that gives me gip but that does not mean that I should be herded into the vulnerable category. It is not one size fits all. I want people to look at the whole issue of ageism, because it does not just effect elderly, Ageism means that you are discriminated against because of your age. So younger people can come up against it too. It is something we should all be aware of and address it when we see it happening.
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“I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT STRAIGHT AWAY AND CHRISTENED IT ‘DORA THE EXPLORA ‘
Older people are widely patronised and mocked in society and many are seen as incompetent. This needs to be addressed particularly in work places. The government is forcing us to work longer and wait longer to get our pensions but at the same time attitudes in the workplace are not changing quickly enough. My last few years in my job I had to fight hard to get my voice heard. Older workers are often seen by unfair bosses as having lower levels of performance and less ability and they are often forced out by unreasonable behaviour. They become so stressed they cannot fight the ageism anymore. There needs
as a retired pensioner for as long as I can and write about it. I want to shout from the treetops that life is for living and we can do that at any age. And ageing is a privilege that we should embrace and make the most of without restriction. Put yourself where you want to be in life, not where society says that you should be because you have reached a certain number of years on this planet. w PLEASE FOLLOW MY BLOG; shuvonshuvoff.blogspot.com INSTAGRAM;shuvonshuvoff TWITTER:@SiobhanDaniels OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 02
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LOOSING IT
elen is like most of us in our 40’s. We have no doubt tried lots of different weight loss plans and some how we never see them through. Helen has chosen to share her honest weight loss journey with us over the coming months. Go for it Helen, you can do it! A new start I was supposed to do this just before I turned 40 but the time wasn’t right...again at 41... time wasn’t right...42 I’m sort of ok the way I
BY: HELEN PONDER
me I just loved every mouthful! I’ve always had those funny comments too “Well at least you have a pretty face” and “You’re just big boned” or “Well stop eating the wrong things” and the occasional; “Have you had too much wine in the last month?” These comments
“ONE CHRISTMAS I WAS ABOUT 9 YEARS OLD I ATE A WHOLE BLOCK OF MARZIPAN IT WAS JUST PURE COMFORT”
PHOTO:SHOPIFY.COM/PHOTOS/ VERNE HO
am - I wasn’t!!! Now at 43 it is time and I’m ready!!! I’ve always had weight issues! Even when I was a little girl, I wasn’t little! It’s been with me from a very young age. It’s definitely an emotional relationship I have with food! Happy = eat, sad = eat!!! One Christmas when I was about 9 years old I ate a whole block of marzipan. It was just pure comfort, but I got into serious trouble from my Mum as it was for the Christmas cake! Didn’t bother
hurt and have stuck with me ever since I was young! I know it’s a cliché, but I’ve always been the fat funny friend! I make jokes about my weight before anyone else can - just to protect my own feelings! But I don’t want to be that person anymore! Lockdown has been hard and I’ve put weight on. There seems to 4 be two types of people. Some
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“I’M DOING YOGA EVERY MORNING I’M TAKING NOTICE OF MY BREATHING”
PHOTO:SHOPIFY.COM/PHOTOS/ SARAH PFLUG
have smashed their goals and some, like me have eaten and drank for comfort! A few weeks ago I decided I
HELEN IS READY FOR A NEW START
“BUT I’M GOING AND I’M READY FOR THAT NEW START THE NEW ME!!!” needed a new start I’m doing yoga every morning, I’m also taking notice of my breathing. I’ve suffered terrible anxiety in the past 18 months and this has helped me immensely! But I need to tackle my weight issue so, I’ve re-joined Slimming World, and going back to group - I go on Thursday for my
first group. It will take all of my strength to walk back through those doors, worrying about what people are thinking of me, dreading the numbers on the scales - the list of worries is endless! BUT I’m going and I’m ready for that new start the new me! Wish me luck and watch this space! My name is @slimmingmrsp on my Instagram page where I have written lots of notes of my journey so far! w Helen xxx OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / ISSUE 02
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FABMAGS
LOVES THIS
MONTH w
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With a new season upon us we have loved the changes in tones and clothing that you are all posting. Here are some of our stand out favourite accounts this issue.
DRESSED TO THE MAX We love Maxine’s Joie de vie. Her style and her online videos are honest and relatable. We love her and her Autumn styling this season. @dressedtothemax
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Dressed to the max
PLAYMATE1960
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ANNAS ISLAND STYLE Anna knows just how to put an amazing outfit together. Anna lives on Tresco Island and we have a feeling heads turn wherever she goes!! She even looks stylish when shes open water swimming. @annasislandstyle
Annas island style
THRIFTY THERAPY OOTD. La Vee is a podcast host a thrift store shopper and her grid is never short of amazing outfits. Some people just have a unique style of their own and Le Vee is one of them. Uplifting and colourful you will love her grid too. @thriftytherapy_ootd
Juliana is living her best 1960 and 70’s life though her grid and we absolutely cant get enough of her authentic style. We only wish we had her wardrobe. @playmate1960
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Playmate1960 ROSY RAPTURE The pocket rocket that is Donna AKA Rosy Rapture, brings us out in such nostalgia. Donna loves the 40”s era of fashion and home style. Having just moved to a new cottage we cant wait to see what she does with the place. Good Luck DonDons! @rosyrapture
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WARDROBE OF A MIDLIFE CRISIS Kerry has an effortless style and a great shoe collection. We love her honesty about being a midlife mum and love how she put together her outfits. She also has a lovely front door!! We love Kerry and her outfits. @wardrobeofamidlifecrisis
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the focal point of the room too. Choose different sizes of frame and different designs. It used to be fashionable to have all the same frames on a photo wall, but again
people are getting a lot braver, favouring the eclectic look instead of the uniformed one. House plants!! Oh, how we love houseplants! As a child I remember there being dried flowers and pampas grasses, corn dollies and wicker ornaments on the wall. Its really nice to see the pampus grasses coming back (or
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colour into your home is with accessories, so we have scoured the web and sourced some of the most fun and fantastic pieces to compliments your home. When choosing statement and durable pieces for your lounge or bedroom always spend the most money on your sofa, your curtains and your flooring. If you get this right, everything else will flow. Feature walls have come on leaps and bounds over the years. Instead of block colours people are getting creative with masking tape and coloured paint. Gallery walls are also a great way to change
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his month we are shining a light on Breast cancer awareness and Menopause. The colours associated with those charities are Pink and Purple. We thought that in this issue, that our home-style page should reflect those colours. The easiest way to inject some
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lambs tails I think some call them) I’m relived corn dollies aren’t making a resurgence but I guess there’s still time!! My favourite plants are succulent’s ferns and of course anything I can’t kill after a week, therefore imitation plants do feature in my home. Injecting pink and pastel colours into your homes is on trend ( I hate the phrase but I could think of another.) Of course Cushions, pictures and items around the house will change the look in a few easy steps. If you have a darker sofa, throws and fake furs are a great way to brighten it up. Rugs for the main living space will also lift a darker floor. Lighting and even fairy lights can soften the harshest of rooms. If your budget allows, look at statement furniture pieces. Stand alone chairs or cuddle chairs are brilliant, along with floor cushions. If your dining table is either real wood or imitation wood why not have a look at PHOTOS:/BURST.SHOPIFY.COM
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“COLOUR IS A MOOD CHANGER. DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPERIMENT. GO FORTH AND COLOURISE” Frenchie chalk paints and up cycle something in the room instead of buying something new? Pink and purple are very art deco colours and I’ve found some fantastic accounts for you to take inspiration from. Colour is a mood changer. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Go forth and colourise!! w SEE OVERLEAF FOR OUR FAB PINK AND PURPLE FINDS.
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1. Smeg kitchen appliances, johnlewis.com 2. pink crockery set, eBay from£6 3. Cushions @vinneboyvintage from £10.00 4. Multi-colour sofa @isagold8 bespoke commission 5. Pink telephone @thevermontcountrystore £60.00 6. Ceramic bottles @sejalceramics £18.00 7. Eva two seater cocktail sofa, blush pink,Dumnelm £249.00 8. Pink plus sofa- sofology £899.00
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A L LOW YO U R S E L F TO D I S C OV E R THE BEAUTIFYING PROPERTIES O F C R Y S TA L S W I T H O U R C O N S C I O U S LY C U R A T E D C O L L E C T I O N O F TA L I S M A N S
WELCOME TO YOUR MINDFUL BEAUTY RITUAL TA L I S M A L O N D O N . C O M