Our NEW blog site

For those who have been missing this blog, catch up with us on:

http://www.rosemarysnotebook.blogspot.com

Looking forward to your visit.

We've moved!

If you've been wondering why there haven't been many recent "posts", it's because we've moved!

We are now at:  http://rosemarysnotebook.com

Please visit and become a regular "follower".  We'll make you very welcome.

Getting ready for the beach/pool

It's getting a bit warmer, well Spring is taking it's time in arriving, but the sun when it does come out gives us a fair indication that our Summer is going to be a hot one! Quite hot!

So perhaps it's about time we thought of how we see ourselves when it comes to dressing for the beach or the pool. Because too often we get all "het" up and talk ourselves out of enjoying summer as much as we could, all because we feel we have to hide behind voluminous garments that hide our figures.

In dressing appropriately for the beach or pool, is it too much to expect that we, the plus sizers, should be free to wear what we choose, within reason of course, without being subjected to all sorts of rude comments? It's not as though we go around pointing the finger at slimmer women and discriminating against them. So why should others do that to us?

You know, there's no reason whatsoever. It's about time we realised that it's not our problem, it's theirs!

The sooner we get to the point of being comfortable with our figures and size, and enjoying life which includes sunning ourselves as well as swimming during the warmer months, then the happier we'll be. And when we're happier, then we'll be more confident. It's a natural progression of steps in gaining self esteem.

...... © 2010, Jen A

First Spring Shopping Day!

The weather may not be quite as we would like it, but then Springtime is never known to be quite what it supposedly should be! The sun peeped out behind the clouds back on Father's Day (3rd September) only to hide again and since that time we've had plenty of Spring rains. Lovely for the gardens, and quite lovely for the opportunity of spending more time in the kitchen or the local coffee shop. Who needs an excuse to meet up with a girl friend or two and have coffee 'n cake?

Three of us ventured out last week to visit the local store/showroom of Kita Ku. Many of you will recall we've mentioned this lovely place a number of times through our newsletters. Well, we weren't disappointed in our visit this time either - they had lots (and we mean lots) of beautiful, wearable, trendy, affordable clothes. Many of last seasons were going out at "petty-cash" costs (such as $5). We all bought up for our "first Spring shopping spree of the year".

So why not visit Kita Ku's website yourself and see what they have. Also get onto their mailing list for news of their special sales and events. This is a beaut way of spending a lovely afternoon with friends. http://www.kitaku-australia.com/

Comfort food!

There's "comfort food" and then there's "comfort food". And all of us, from the Prime Minister down to the old gentleman who lives down the street, has our favourites. Even people like Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson.

One that comes to mind easily is Sausages and Mashed Potatoes, or as it is more commonly or popularly known, "Bangers and Mash". I see where it has become the all out favourite in Britain particularly during the economic down-turn.

And whatever you may think, (and I can hear some of you say, yuk when you look at the photos), it is a delicious and filling meal. That is, if it is cooked properly and if it is presented properly. Why even my dear old Mum was able to throw a couple of snags (sausages) on the plate with a dollop of mashed potato, and we kids would be straining at the bit ti get stuck into "dinner".

I can't think of when I've been disappointed at a serving. Until I had a spot of lunch at Stallions yesterday. There it was on the menu (for kids alas, but I've heard that anyone can ask for whatever's on the menu as an adult serving and expect to be served), so I figured, yes, it's bangers and mash for me today. Even if it's just a teeny tiny serve!

Well it fronted up, and if I'd served this to my kids, they would have thrown the plate at me. The above photos tell a story and even though the first four have come from the internet (with full acknowledgement to the owners of the photo copyrights) they also tell it how it is when it comes to serving up simple tucker like bangers and mash. Or how it should be. But take a good look at the fourth (bottom) photo - this is a photograph of the ACTUAL meal I was served. And before I go any further, please take note that this was an "ADULT" serving!

You'll see what I mean by "you don't always get what you expect" even though you pay for it. This meal cost me $12 - so what? There are local places and I'm certainly not talking about McDonalds or KFC where you can buy a good meal (even 2 course, either soup and mains or mains and sweets) for $12 in nice surroundings, accompanied by table linen, a house wine (on the house) for $12. Why didn't I go to one of those? Simply because it's nice to try out something new. But again back to the photo. You can even see the "grease"or "fat" that the sausages had been cooked in, smeared across the plate (to the right). This serving and plate presentation, did not endear me to the restaurant at all.

And what's this got to do with being a blog on a plus size site? Everything. Because all of us have to eat. It matters not that we are size zero or size 20. And sometimes we need a bit of "comfort food". But not greasy food (even the mash was sitting in grease!) thrown on a plate and served up as though it were part of King Henry VIII's banquet!

We think we'll regularly re-visit the subject of food and "comfort food" a bit more often within this blog. There's nothing quite as good as a bit of constructive criticism!

Bright and Flashy!

Strolling through the local shopping mall this morning I couldn't resist stopping and having a look at s rack of "inexpensive" jersey garments in all sizes. From what I've seen around the place, younger women are wearing these as part of a layered look - you know the sort of thing, pants, shirt or tee shirt and then the coloured short garment on top. Those that I saw this morning were sleeveless, with a deep round neck but a nice amount of fluid "give" in the garment itself (in other words it sits over the tummy rather than constricts it!). When I say short I mean if it were worn without the pants, then it would come above the knees.

But everyone seems to be wearing these garments at the moment. And I've got to say they're quite attractive. They're young at heart for the older woman, and she can get away with wearing them just as easily as her daughter or even grand-daughter. I think in the case of this mode of clothing that it's one style for all. No one looks out of place.

And that's good for us - the curavaceous girls/women of today's world. Feeling as though we're the same as other women.

Curves on the catwalk!

At last! There are some of us who thought it'd never happen. But it has - and where else but the Big Apple?

Last week New York hosted a fashion show! So what you might ask. Well, included in this fashion show were fabulous frocks, fripperies, fanciful feminine garments and everything in between, for the plus size woman. The major host OneStopPlus.com showed some of their beautiful garments on girls with curves.

A few examples above.

Now all we have to do it get the Australian fashion industry "on side" and realise that curvaceous women not only want beautiful fashion, but we deserve it!

LOVE without ATTACHMENT

A lot of my friends (and even casual acquaintances) tell me that even though they surround themselves with lots of "positive" messages about self-acceptance, and plenty of healthy self-talk, there are times when they feel "out of place" and not quite sure of themselves, especially when it concerns relationships.

This is a favourite piece I have repeated and reproduced over many years through my newsletters and small booklets. I hope you will find it encouraging in your personal life.

Love without attachment!

After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul

And you learn that love does not mean leaning,
and company does not mean security

And you begin to learn that kisses are not contracts
and presents are not promises

And you begin to accept rejection
with your head up and your eyes clear

with the grace of an adult,
not the heartache of a child

And you learn to build you life on NOW
because tomorrow is too uncertain

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much

Plant your own garden and decorate your soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers

After a while you learn that you really have infinite worth.

...... Author unknown

Sunday afternoon 'n cake

"Interested in going to a cake tasting?" My girlfriend asked.

She must have known even without asking that I would be all for it! The fact that the funds were to go to two special charities was an added incentive.

So we drove up further into the lovely Dandenong Ranges hills (lovely one day and perfect the next! whatever the season) to a small hamlet called Kallista (the meaning of which is "most beautiful"). The small mechanics hall had a large sign outside "The Cake Committee". On entering we were greeted by lots of happy faces, a number of tables with pretty vases of spring flowers (camellias, daffodils and daphne) and ladies in the kitchen already to serve cups of tea and coffee - all in readiness for guests to sit and taste some of the lovely delights and enjoy a cuppa.

Interspersed along the major front trestle table were and interspersed with lots (and I mean lots) of the most delicious, cholesterol laden, cakes. Chocolate, lemon, tirimasu, banana, Black Forest, lemon curd, lemon meringue, strawberry roulade, and tiny bite sized strawberry meringue/macaroons. Ladies wielding sharp knives quickly set about cutting slices and guests very quickly took advantage of some of their favourites.

As my girl-friend said, "what a very sensible way to spend a Sunday afternoon!" I couldn't agree more.

Travelling in comfort for the plus-size person

I've just returned from a quick visit to Sydney. A surprise visit to share in my brother's birthday celebrations! I had a wonderful time, even though I only spent two days in Sydney. While I had left Melbourne having grey skies and rain, I arrived in Sydney to find even more grey skies, rain and bitterly cold. But that certainly didn't dampen my spirits!

But I thought you'd like to know something about air travel today. In the past even travelling by the more expensive airline Qantas I've had to request a seat belt extender. In fact a number of longer trips I've done to the West I was most uncomfortable with Qantas - it was almost as though the seating had shrunk from the previous time I'd flown with them!

But on other occasions I travelled with Virgin Blue and found the seating comfortable and the seat belts were sufficiently long enough to enfold my ample curves!

The same this time. I did request a seat belt extender as I entered the plane, but I found to my delight that when seated, the seat belt once again fitted! I was ecstatic!

I'm a great observer of people and situations, as you probably are aware by now, and I saw many business men of ample size and sort-of-ample sizes who fitted in comfortably to the Virgin Blue seats. Suffice to say I've heard from many other businessmen that they have had a few difficulties when travelling with Qantas over time too.

Is it that Virgin Blue have realised their seating is required for slightly wider, taller and heavier passengers these days? Whatever the answer, I have to say the trip to Sydney and back was great! (Even taking into account the fact we flew through storms both ways).

Photograph from Bug.co.uk, on the internet

Spring is here!

Spring is here the grass is 'ris
I wonders where the flowers is!
(a little rhyme that we used to sing when we were kids).

Today is the first day of our Spring (here in Australia). The gardens are a picture, with flaming blooms on camellias, magnolias, the Australian wattles (so many different ones). Cuddled into the soil and breaking forth are the hyacinths, the snowbells, the jonquils and daffodils and the absolutely lovely tulips of every colour. I see also where the clematis are trying valiantly to break their buds and burst forth (I don't know the colour of this creeper as yet as I only moved here earlier this year, entering into Winter) but it is enticing me. The prunus and early blossom trees are out and pronouncing that they are a force to contend with.

But Spring always and also reminds me that it's time for the plus-sizers or the curvaceous ones, to burst forth from their dreary and dull winter colours and to shout to the world, hey look at me, I'm beautiful too!

We claim the right to look as attractive as any other woman (of every other size), given that we can actually buy lovely coloured clothing, (or should I say that it is actually available). So come on suppliers of plus-size clothing, get with the colour palettes and give us some fantastic choices. Even if we wear them with basic black pants and jackets. Let the jewels shine!

Plus-size clothing for young-at-heart-women

Further to my most recent blog, I've discovered another Australian supplier of plus size clothing, and the clothing of this company WRAP goes up to 36!

This company is situated in Mentone, Victoria, and certainly seems to cover a wide variety of garments - just what we need!

Visit their site and see for yourselves. http://www.plussizedclothing.com.au/

Have you noticed?

What do you think about the design and variety of clothes for the plus size woman?

I'm particularly interested in the perspective from an Australian point of view. Each season my hopes build up that we're going to see some really good styles, good colours and good fabrics. And each year, I have to admit I experience disappointment. Not that everything on sale is bad, but the majority I have to say lacks imagination.

Even some of the better labels seem to be undergoing a shrinkage phase. By that I mean shirts and tops are no longer tunic length or knee length or even mid-thigh length. They're back up around the waist or four inches lower. Now these may look good in photos, especially when they're modelled by women who have a nice figure (and let's face it, many plus size women do have nice figures and even dare I say it, flat tummies). But for the rest of us, there comes a time when a "saddle" appears. It sits nicely between the waist and the thighs and it can range from being a "bit" to a darn LOT.

This means that the shirts and tops might sit nicely around the bustline and even the waist, but .............. The lower your eyes take in the reflection of the garment in a long mirror, it's obvious to all and sundry that this saddle is protruding under and beyond the shape of the top or shirt. How many plus size women look at the profile or side view in the dressing room mirrors at stores these days? How many plus size women look at the rear view reflection in the dressing room mirrors these days? Come on, be honest. A lot of women we know NEVER look at the side or rear view.

Not doing so has a couple of consequences. They don't see themselves as others see them. And they do a dis-service to themselves by not being aware of how the garment looks. Because I think it's about time we showed the courage of our convictions and made stores and retailers aware that we're NOT happy with garments that they sell, and which are NOT made according to most of our needs.

As a postscript to this post, I'd also like to add my comment relative to the fabric we see everywhere today. There's something called "mesh" which is being sold through the small discount outlets in shopping malls, and this fabric is seen in the much more expensive lines being sold through the major retailers. It's used as tops, and as a top layer in skirts and pants. It may well be a practical fabric, but it certainly is not an attractive fabric. It looks what it is - a second class stretchy fabric that pretends to be a good quality material. It really isn't. It stretches - sure. But it also goes out of shape. It also tears easily, and a number of women associated with our newsletters have complained that inadvertently they've managed to tear holes in this mesh fabric even by putting the garment on. I don't know where this fabric is "made" but it sure doesn't appear to be made locally. For a country known around the world as the grower and supplier of beautiful cottons, linens and fine wools, we're subjected to some mighty awful fabrics here.

I'd like to hear what ladies in other countries think.

© 2010 Autumn P of Victoria

Those dratted scales!

No I'm not talking about music scales,
but the dratted weighing machines

If you're anything like me, you've probably thrown out your bathroom scales years ago - they're certainly not our friends and will take great delight in belittling us and our "feelings".

But I'm talking about when you do to the Doctors, or even more importantly, if you have need to go to hospital for any reason. That might be from getting an eyelash taken from the corner of your eye, to major surgery. They will at some time during the admission process, weigh you.

Now, don't get me wrong. I realise they need to know your weight, if only for the reason of how much anaesthetic to give you, should you need surgery. But I don't like the way many nurses seem to find enjoyment in loudly repeating your weight as they take notes. It's not as though everyone in the hospital is deaf, surely.

I'm sure you can tell many stories about inconsiderate hospital staff. I've had nurses very quietly look at the scales and make a note, and I've had strident nurses bellow once if not twice my weight as they write it down. Do I sense a fiendish satisfaction in their faces as they do their best to embarrass me?

I've been caught up with the obnoxious BMI debate and I'll not go into that at the moment, but the way in which plus size women are treated by a lot of hospital and clinic staff is no longer tolerable, in my opinion. It's time for us to stand up for who and what we believe in - ourselves, and actually say what we think - without being militant or nasty, that is.

So I've composed a short letter - constructive criticism I call it - that I attach to my medical details whenever I have to change clinics, or attend hospitals for checkups and so forth. I set out the fact that I am an adult woman, larger than some and smaller than others, and that my weight is very personal. I point out that I have learned to live with my weight, and that should it be necessary for staff to check/recheck my weight, then could they please give me the courtesy of doing it quietly. That would prevent me becoming embarrassed, not by my weight but by their rudeness, and it would allow them to do their job competently and efficiently. They'd have the numbers or figures they need, and there'd be two happy people. Me and them (the nurse and the hospital).

Updating some of your favourite garments

For to our blog on getting your favourite clothes "altered" to fit your ever changing body shapes, here are a few tips.

1. Find someone who has expert knowledge and is competent in all aspects of sewing, not just hems and simple quick fix solutions.

2. Find clothes from within your own wardrobe that can be brought up to date by doing the hem, taking it in or re-shaping the shoulders. Subtle alterations can make clothes look more "fashionable".

3. Don't personally do complicated alterations unless you're confident in your skills. However even if you try and can't finish the work, hand it over to a professional.

4. Before you alter new cotton clothing or a pair of jeans, wash or dry-clean them first according to the label to allow for shrinkage.

5. When you hem, pin both legs as one leg can be shorter than the other. Get someone else to pin your clothes.

6. Look into getting something tailor made for your size and shape. It may not be as expensive as you think.

For those of us who ARE plus-size, the advice in point 6 is really wise. Too often we spend time and energy in searching for something that we have a good idea on what we really want, only to take on second best. And even then it may need alterations.

Therefore if you have nice fabric and even a pattern (not necessarily in your size), take it along and have a chat with someone who you've seen or heard recommended. Talk to them about what you'd like as far as a tailored garment to suit YOUR body and shape.

We know it sometimes takes a while to find someone who "understands" the more curvaceous figure, but a really good dressmaker is worth more than her weight in gold.

(Hints 1 through 6 copyright Knox Leader, July 20, 2010)

Fashion Make-Over

Do you have clothing in your wardrobe that you've grown out of? Or perhaps find some of them to be too big?

There's no doubt our bodies change shape over the years, and while we may not actually "lose" weight, often we will notice that our clothes don't quite fit the way they used to, or should do. Following pregnancy and the birth of a baby quite a few clothes need to be altered too, and this can help the budget especially when the garments are favourites.

While it's expensive to have your own personal dressmaker, a lot of women have taken up the challenge and now offer "alteration services". These range from sewing hems on jeans, pants, skirts as well as putting new elastic around the waistlines. However, a lot of these people actually do dressmaking and have found a valuable market in providing their services to the every-day woman who wants to upgrade her wardrobe without having to buy new clothes.

As a very proficient, qualified dressmaker said recently, "knowing someone's body and shape is the key to doing good alterations work". A good alteration expert can tell if the shoulder is dropped and the hip is high and remake garments taking into account all the important aspects of a good fitting garment.

Suggestions may range from changing a hemline by not merely following the fashion, but looking at the vertical line of their height and to judge according to the hemline, and that good tailoring makes it more fashionable. Adding darts can make all the difference from a dowdy looking garment to a smart, stylish fitted garment - even if you are plus size!

Above all, tailoring to YOUR body can better the look of the garment, making it appear superior in quality and cut.

"It doesn't have to be Chanel - it can be Target. But if it fits well, you look good and you feel good.", says Frances Le-Caria of Camberwell, Victoria.

Are there foods that turn fat into energy?

You may be surprised at some of the foods
that govern how quickly you turn calories into energy.

We know that our body uses energy and burns fat when we are doing physical activity and digesting your food, but do you also realise you continue to burn fat even while you're at rest? And there are a some foods that can actually speed up metabolism that have additional benefits.

* Grapefruit lowers insulin levels that trigger fat storage. It is also rich in fibre and your body burns extra calories breaking it down.

* Green tea contains a powerful antioxidant (EGCG) not present in black tea. It stimulates the brain and nervous system to burn more calories.

* Yoghurt contains high levels of protein and requires a lot of energy for processing.

* Almonds contain essential fatty acids which help metabolism - in moderation.

* Coffee has caffeine, which does give you a boost. Just ensure you don't exceed two or three cups a day, or you risk a host of side effects, including irritability and jitters.

* Turkey meat is protein rich, builds lean muscle and causes the body to burn extra calories.

* Apples are high in fibre, low in calories. Apples help you stay full for longer so you eat less.

* Spinach is a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, iron and vitamin C.

* Beans, low in fat and packed with protein and fibre, keep you full for ages.

* Capsicums and peppers contain capsaicin which causes the body to burn calories for hours after ingestion, pepping up the heart rate and metabolism.

* Broccoli contains a highly effective metabolism boosting team of nutrients; calcium and vitamin C.

* Oatmeal fibre takes a long time to break down, lowers your body's insulin level and speeds up your metabolism as a result.

* Soy milk is loaded with calcium, which helps boost your metabolism. (Stay away from the sweetened varieties though).

* Curry like capsicum, increases the amount of calories your body burns.

* Cinnamon helps your body metabolise sugars more effectively and maintain steadier blood sugar levels. It can also help lower your cholesterol.

This information has been provided by Nutrition Australia (www.nutritionaustralia.org)

Dressing to suit the season

OK, it's sometimes difficult to find clothes for the plus-size and shoes/boots for the wider foot.

One source of clothing that quite often gets missed is that of direct marketing. One of my personal favourites is Innovations at www.innovations.com.au


The latest catalogue has a couple of items that might take your eye. They've certainly appealed to me.

First of all, a lovely reversible cape.

The next item are warm cuddly shower proof boots.

Visit their website and have a look through their catalogue.

So just what does size zero really mean?

http://www.pro-thinspo.com/size0.html

If you've been wondering like me, just what size zero is, then I've found the answer (well half an answer) - from a reputable source.

A US size zero model is equivalent to a UK size 4. This is where things get a bit "iffy" though - some think that the UK size 4 is equivalent to a size 6 in Australia while others disagree?

Have you got any ideas?

Aiming for "perfection"!!

When is thin TOO thin!

According to Australian psychologist Professor Jane Usher, women's health expert from the University of Western Sydney, women should stop striving for so-called physical perfection because even those who have it, aren't happy.

56 models and 53 non-models were questioned by London's City University. The results showed that models felt their lives were out of their control, and that their bodies were there only aspect they have power over. This resulted in unhealthy physical obsessions and low self-esteem.

Professor Usher said, "they suffer incredible anxiety because they can't stop trying to control their bodies with dieting exercise and purging."

So here's the rub. Most of us think that models feel really good themselves. That doesn't seem to be the case after all.

(Photograph from the Internet)