Happy New Year

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Happy New Year Beautiful YOU!  I hope your 2010 is filled with love, magic and happiness.  May it be your best yet.

New Years Resolutions Diets: Part Three

This is the third post in my three part series on New Years Resolution Diets.  You can read part one here and part two here.  You will find it beneficial to catch up on those two posts before reading this one.  Thanks to all my Beautiful You readers who have been travelling with me thus far.

I spoke a great deal in part's one and two about how diets genuinely do little more than see our bank balance go down.  For those who want to lose weight though - where does this leave things?  If the 'answer' is not dieting - then what is?  At the end of part two in this series I asked anyone who wanted weight loss solutions to ask themselves a very important question - the question of "Why" they wanted to lose weight.  I feel reasonably confident to say that most people want to lose weight because they are either a) unhappy with their body or b) need to lose weight due to health concerns.  Many times if b) is the reason why, a) may also play a role in the weight loss desire.

For anyone who is unhappy with their body but genuinely does not need to lose weight because of a health concern, this is actually an issue of self esteem, body image and confidence.  If you feel this may be you, I implore you to recognise that very few people are genetically geared towards a thin body type.  Beauty, health and vitality come in all shapes and sizes and you do not need to be a certain dress size to experience the positive body image and outward glow and health that comes with that vitality.  Please don't spend your hard earned money or precious thinking space on ways to lose weight when you don't need to.  Instead, read all you can about ways you can develop your body confidence and self esteem.  You might like to start with any topic here at Beautiful You related to body image and self esteem or any of the body image blogs linked here as well.

For anyone that falls in the category of needing to lose weight due to health concerns, please ensure firstly that these health concerns are genuine.  Do not be scaremongered by BMI testing, businesses that claim to have your best interests at heart, or the message that just because you are not thin, this means you must be unhealthy.  Genuine obesity related health concerns can only be diagnosed by a doctor and the wider media and advertising world should play NO role in this potential diagnosis.  If you are worried about your health - do seek out a doctor's advice, but even then I wish to say you need to be wary about any prescribed diet.  If it involves any of the factors mentioned in part two of this series - see another doctor, as they are grossly behind the times when it comes to understanding the psychological and physical complexities of weight management.

So...what's the big health and weight loss secret that doesn't involve dieting or extreme exercise?  I don't think it's a secret at all really - just something so often overlooked and not talked about enough.  It's balance.  Striving to lead a life that is as balanced as possible in all its aspects - food, exercise, sleep, relationships, self, work, leisure.  Note I mention here that this is not just about food and exercise.  For far too long now I believe we have been fed the overtly simplistic notion that the 'answer' to weight loss is "eat less and exercise more".  Problem is - that just ain't workin' for the majority of people - in fact, it's making things worse, because it does not see them as a whole person, or recognise that our health and well being is so much more than just what we eat or the exercise we do.  It has created an obsession with food and exercise for so many people, and the belief that these two things are the key to weight loss dreams.

So...what do I mean by balance and living a balanced life in this context?  Put simply, balance is about calmness, equilibrium, gentleness and at all times treating yourself with the utmost love and respect.  I believe that if we could all just encourage ourselves to seek and live this balance, that any concerns that may exist about our weight (whether purely psychological or about weight related health concerns) would slowly, but powerfully, correct themselves for a lifetime. 

What does this balanced life look like?  It involves wherever possible -

- Ensuring you get sound, restful sleep, that sees you awake refreshed and energised.  Without this you reduce your ability to think positively about yourself and have the energy required to enjoy life at its fullest.

- Never letting your body be ravenously hungry, often something that occurs when dieting.  This is a sign your body is out of balance and could lead to bingeing and feeling desperate for sustenance.

- Finding fun physical activities that move your body in a life affirming way.  This balance concept does not involve exercising for weight loss, only for health and well being.  It certainly would not see you exercising to exhaustion or extreme.  It also does not have to involve 'traditional' forms of exercise, but instead could be something like dance classes, tai chi, yoga or walking a dog.  I truly believe there is at least one, if not more, fun actitivies like this we can all find to be part of our lives.  If you haven't found yours yet, please keep searching.

- Weather permitting, spending at least a small part of your day breathing fresh, outdoor air.  This is particularly important if you work in an environment where you are indoors all day.

- Blessing your body and life by eating mindfully.  This is the greatest balance related way that can see food be something that is enjoyable and pleasurable in your life.  It will involve you learning to listen to and love your body in such a way that you will not abuse it by eating too much or too little, or using food as a way to medicate yourself due to potential feelings of loneliness, loss or depression.  If you have not heard of mindful eating before The Centre for Mindful Eating is a great place to learn more.

- Give back to another life force other than people.  Nurture, feed and water, a plant, a garden, or a pet.  They will bring beauty to your life.

- Develop relationships that allow you to be your one true self and never detract from your self esteem.  If you need to balance this part of your life by shedding anyone that dismisses you or puts you down - do not be afraid to do so.  You don't need anyone in your life that does not believe in you.

- Don't push yourself too hard.  Being frantic and frazzled is not balanced and often leads to eating on the run or not eating at all.  It also impacts on your sleep, mood and relationships.  Understand sometimes that taking things easy and going slow is perfectly ok.

- Indulge yourself with things that make you feel beautiful and special.  You might be a manicure or pedicure person, like getting facials, or your hair blow waved.  Massages are wonderful too.  This is all a part of balanced self care.

- Every now and again just do 'nothing' and do not feel guilty about it.  Have a nap in the afternoon, sit outside in the sun and have a long, cool drink, read a trashy novel, watch your favourite tv show.  "Veg out" to balance all those times when you are so busy.

- Revel in the uniqueness of your outward self by never comparing your body to others.  Why do so when you are a beatiful entity on your own?  Comparisons will lead to unbalanced and negative thoughts about not only yourself, but potentially others as well.

- At all times nurture positive belief, affirmations and self thoughts that place you at the centre of your world and being.  By doing this you are not being selfish, but instead are cultivating a belief system within yourself that you deserve to treat your body with the utmost love, respect and attention.  This one thing alone, in aiming to lead a more balanced life, could completely change your life for the better. 

So...there you have it - my personal and professional belief that balance is the key to weight related concerns.  I truly do believe that anyone who tries to incorporate these balance notions in their life will have a more positive and vibrant outlook and enjoy a glow and vitality that will see them be a powerful life force. 

It is important to recognise however, the journey to or achievement of this balance will not necessarily see you, or anyone else, become thin.  That's not the idea here.  What it will see for yourself is greater self esteem, positive body image, mindful eating and exercise for health and wellbeing, that should lead to your natural body shape.  For some, this may mean no weight loss at all, because no weight loss was what your body was naturally asking for.  It may have been only something you thought you needed, to be more attractive or confident.  Instead of losing something, ie. weight, I hope you instead gain peace of mind and a quiet, balanced confidence in yourself.

For others of you, it may mean a change in body composition because you were out of alignment and balance.  As mentioned, this will not necessarily mean you become thin.  There are many different natural set weights and body compositions, and remember, healthy bodies come in all different shapes and sizes.  If you achieve greater balance in your life as a whole, your body shape will also naturally balance itself to where it is most healthy and vibrant for you.  You will not need a bathroom scale to tell you when this has happened or is happening.  You will feel it in your heart, soul and mind.

As we come into the New Year, if you set but one resolution for yourself that may be related to your weight, body, diet or weight loss, I hope it will be one that is about balance.  I know it is not easy, but finding more balance in your life can be a gentle journey of self discovery that could change you for the better forever. 

Whatever 2010 holds for you I hope it is a year where you nurture your inner self, believe in your inherent qualities and live each day with passion, balance and vitality.  You so deserve a year that is as wonderful and special as you are.

New Years Resolutions Diets: Part Two

Earlier this week I posted the first of this now three part post on the very powerful pull towards dieting at  new year.  It's a great idea to read that post here before launching into this second part.

It never fails to amaze me how pervasive the diet and weight loss industry machine is at this time of year.  The television ads are screaming that we 'need' this fat blasting pill or weight loss program and all our dreams of happiness and success will come true.  Even the morning tv shows are filled with outrageous stories on the need to go on a soup diet to shake that post Christmas eating.  It's insidious and designed to do nothing more than get people to spend a load of money on false promises that will harm their self esteem and relationship with food and exercise.

Many of these diets and weight loss programs will be marketed to people in a disguised form, trying to give the impression they are not actually a diet, but rather a needed healthy lifestyle change or program.  Please be very careful about these 'traps.'  If in doubt or confused by the marketing hype, this is my personal list of things to be wary of.  If any diet, program, health initiative, lifestyle change or fat loss product tries to get you to do any of the following - please be aware it is a fad, dangerous and harmful to your mental and physical health...

- Anything that involves an invasive short term procedure like this one

- Anything that attacks your self esteem and body image like this product

- Anything that involves you spending large sums of money

- Anything that involves you weighing and measuring every piece of food you eat

- Anything that involves you taking to a 'consultant' that has no psychological or nutritional qualifications

- Anything that is so nutritionally deficient you are required to take large amounts of supplements

- Anything that involves you exercising more than 30 mins on average per day

- Anything that requires you to eat large amounts of pre-packaged food

- Anything that involves the cutting out of entire food groups

- Anything that involves the replacement of a regular meal with a liquid shake, bar or the like

- Anything that is mostly liquid based, often disguised as a detox or cleanse

- Anything that warns you in advance you will feel hungry when you start it

- Anything that recommends you don't eat three meals a day with snacks

- Anything that involves diet, weight loss or fat loss pills

Are you aware of any other things to look out for?  I am certain there are more, so please leave a comment and share your wisdom with others.

Now that we are at the end of Part Two of this triple post (originally just a double but it's had such a great response on Facebook and Twitter I thought it worth going into more depth) I hear you asking - 'But if dieting is not the answer to weight loss - what is?  How do I do it?'  I'll be posting Part Three to this series tomorrow and to give you a little heads up, it's going to centre on the very powerful concept of BALANCE, involve doing radical things like sleeping well and encouraging you to get a manicure or a massage.  WHAT?  Yes - a manicure and a massage!

In the meantime though for anyone who truly believes in their heart they need or want to lose weight I have a question for you to ponder.  Instead of asking yourself "how" can I lose weight, ask yourself "why" do I want to lose weight?  It is a much more soul searching and potentially life enhancing question to ponder.  Who knows.  The answer you find may just change your mind about your current weight loss desires all together.

See you all tomorrow.

Beautiful You Interview

I was thrilled to recently be interviewed by Margarita Tartakovsky from Weightless about my work in the body image and eating disorder field.  What a lovely opportunity!  Thanks Margarita. 

You can find the interview here including some of my top body image tips.

New Years Resolutions Diets: Part One

Hard to believe it, but the 2009 year is nearly over.  Only a few days to go and we will be entering into a new decade.  As with the beginning of all new years, millions of people the world over will set new year resolutions in the coming days in the hopes that the 'magical' first day of the year will bring them willpower and the ability to achieve what they want most.  An overwhelming number of these resolutions will be related to weight loss and a desire to be thinner.

More often than not, I fear these resolutions to lose weight will be fraught with heartache.  The first heartache comes for the simple reason that diets don't work.  Any achieved results are usually short term and unsustainable.  When the diets tried fail, this sees the self esteem of the dieter plummet.  This breeds an ongoing worry and obsession with their body, usually leading into the desire to diet AGAIN to change their weight or shape, despite the fact the first, second, third or tenth diet they have tried did not work.  It is a vicious cycle that grips millions of people worldwide hurting their self worth and their hip pocket with every new diet book, weight loss plan and meal replacement bar purchased.

Why do we keep doing this to ourselves?  I think the answer to that is highly personable and entertwined with someone's self esteem and body image, but there are also wider societal ideals at play here.  The current 'thin culture' we are bombarded with would have us believe that once thin, we will be happier, sexier, more successful and attract the man or woman of our dreams.  It is a powerful construct that sees the dieting and weight loss culture have such a hold over so many, even though this fantasy construct does not necessarily come true.  I should know.  Been there.  Done that.  There is then also the role of marketing with many diets 'disguised' as detoxes, eating management programs, cleanses and the like.  But - let's get this straight - they are all diets and as we undoubtedly know, are bound to bring about the heartache I first spoke of in this post.

In Part Two of this post I hope to empower you with ways to recognise these dangerous fad diets and offer you my perspective on the best way to utilise food and exercise in the process of taking care of our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health.  So...hold off on those plans for a strict new dieting regime for the 1st and keep enjoying those Chrissy leftovers.  I just may have an alternative for you that doesn't involve a diet or a disguised diet in any way, shape or form. 

Sunday Sunshine

Thanks Winston - indeed they are.  The jolly man in the red suit has done his thing, the reindeers are resting and children the world over are playing with new toys.  I hope your Christmas was as magical and wonderful as you.

This card is available for purchase from Quotable Cards.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to Beautiful YOU and your most near and dear.  I send blessings to all my readers and say thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you have shown my little blog this year.

Just like the print says, do keep calm on the big day, but be merry too!  You so totally deserve that.

This cheeky print is available for purchase from Stellar Susan.

Happy Hump Day

Pssst...there's only two sleeps to go!  'Tis the middle of the week and Santa is due Friday. 

Just on the off chance you are a little behind with your Christmas cheer and decorating I have some found some help for you.  Iris and Fern are here to save you with their Christmas Tree Decorating 101 Class.

Here's a few snaps of them in action.

Fabulous girls!  Looking good.

The 'A Cat's Christmas' website is filled with photo's of Fern and Iris' decorating skills in action - they really are amazing and so cute.

Thanks for making my hump day happier Iris and Fern.  Hope Santa is very good to you both. 

Warwick Foundation Fundraiser

Some weeks ago I posted a Beautiful You Interview with the amazing Sam Lehmann, founder and CEO of The Warwick Foundation - Australia's only charitable organisation supporting young adults through their cancer journey.  It's an amazing Foundation doing such great work and I am thrilled to be part of the Warwick Team as a board member.

Last night, in partnership with the launch of the new beer garden at Rembroza in Brighton, the Foundation held a fundraiser.  There was great live music, a carnival atmosphere and a heartfelt speech by new Foundation Ambassador model Rhys Uhlich.  He was so delightful!

Here are some special snaps from the afternoon.

Moi, TWF General Manager Jade McKenzie, CEO Sam Lehmann

Quiz Mania's Brodie Young & TWF Ambassador Rhys Uhlich

Lovely TWF Volunteers

Rhys & Partner with Sam Lehmann

If you know of any young Australian aged 18-40 who is currently battling cancer please go to The Warwick Foundation website where they can access information and support.  While you're there you may just find yourself inspired to get involved in their wonderful work!

Monday Magic...

Only four sleeps to go!

Let's hope Santa doesn't end up napping all night with this adorable little girl and manages to make his way

around the globe.

I hope your Christmas plans are going well.  This is such a magic, but somewhat manic, time of year.  Hope you are taking care of yourself.  The home stretch to Christmas Day is nigh. 

This adorable print is available from Dudadaze.

Dudaze's blog.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

I decided a few weeks back that I wouldn't put up a post about food related issues and Christmas, but I now feel somewhat compelled.  It seems as though the dieting and weight loss industry never takes a holiday and my eyes and ears are being constantly bombarded with messages of how mince pies are the devil's handywork and if your drinking champagne it most definitely needs to be the low calorie kind.  Please spare me!

All of this talk about how to have a 'lite' Christmas, not put on weight, or even lose weight over Christmas, has a sinister undertone.  Some will say the messages are necessary and positive in attempts to address the 'obesity issue,' but I disagree. 

All these stories about how many calories there are in 3 slices of turkey and that it is a 'wiser' choice to have a piece of fruit than plum pudding sets people up with a mindset that is riddle with guilt, depravation and confusion towards food.  This is of course 'perfect' timing as we head towards January 1st and the day of the year that millions of people the world over will start a diet which inevitably, as most diets do, see them put back on any weight they lose and sometimes even more.  Hence, the dieting and weight loss industry wins again with people down on themselves for not having the willpower to 'stick to it,' continuing to be unhappy with their body and of course feeling the need to purchase more diet books, pills and potions to adress their 'problem.'

Surely a more sensible approach to supporting people to have a balanced relationship with food is by simply be mindful of exactly that - balance.  Christmas is a magical time that is filled with many wonderful things, including food that is usually not eaten at any other time of the year.  Surely it must be ok on this one day for people to then relax and enjoy such food as part of the festivities of Christmas, instead of being told it's horrifyingly fattening and should be avoided at all costs.  In the grand scheme of a year or even a life, should we not be able to throw away the kilojoule counters and scales for just one day?  Is that really too much to ask!?

I genuinely don't think it is, and in fact, for anyone striving to have a happy, balanced relationship with food (regardless of their current weight or shape), this is an absolute must.  It is perfectly ok to eat lovely Christmas food on Christmas day, just as it is to have a sausage sizzle on Australia Day, chocolate at Easter and a cupcake at a child's party.  Once we get into a mindset that screams to us you can NOT eat that special food at a special time, this depravation sets us up to potentially binge later, feel depressed that everyone else is enjoying food we are not permitting ourselves to enjoy and even setting ourselves up for the psychological torture that goes with an eating disorder.

So...my beautiful friends.  Please don't diet this Christmas.  It is absolutely ok to roast those potatoes, whip up that gravy and put chocolate shavings on your trifle.  Please do so in the joyous spirit of this time of year knowing that you deserve to enjoy all parts of the festive season - including the seasonal food.  Do so not with a mindset that you will begin a diet at New Year.  Do so because it means that allowing yourself to eat Christmas food without guilt or remorse, means that you are enjoying a balanced relationship with food.  It also means you will have a delicious day.  Something I know you undoubtedly deserve.

Nuffnang Christmas Party

I dragged my hubby along to the Nuffnang Melbourne Bloggers Christmas Party Friday night on an unseasonably cold, wet and windy evening.  It was incredibly tempting to stay at home but I am so glad we went if for no other reason than to see my beloved with a name tag on that said Beautiful You! Now that's support for you!

There were actually many more wonderful reasons I am glad we went - the chief one being meeting so many passionate and committed bloggers who send their messages out to the world.  It was fascinating and such fun to meet -

Nicole from Planning with Kids and with 5 children I have no doubt she does need to plan everyday.

Candice from Super Kawaii Mama who radiates vintage style.

Sarah from 100 Dates a brave social experiment if ever I have heard of one!

Joyce from Mel: Hot or Not who will tell you what's going down in Melbourne town.

Check out the blogs of these lovely Melbourne ladies who are all writing and doing great things.  Thanks to Nuffnang for allowing what can be at times a rather isolating, at home or desk pursuit, the chance to meet up with some other great bloggers.  One of these days if enough interest suffices I may just throw a Beautiful You party for all my followers and commenters!

Saturday Sunshine...

I think "L" just became my favourite letter!

What more do we really need to do in life than fill our days with Living, Laughing, Leaping, Loving, Learning and Listening?

Whatever you may be up to this weekend I hope you squeeze in at least one of these "L's."

This inspirational print is available at dazeychic.

Dazeychic's blog.

Why Fitness Centres Didn't Exist In The 50's

A darling friend sent this clip to me via email this morning saying she thought I would enjoy it and boy was she right.  It was titled "Why Fitness Centres Didn't Exist In the 50's" and if you watch it you will clearly see why!  Dare you not to smile or tap your feet...



What a brilliant example this is how to move your body in a way that is fun, energetic and life affirming and most importantly, doesn't involve any contraption like an ab-cruncher. Bonus points for the fact the men look so dapper and the women so vintage fantabulous.

Although the music is rock and roll the dancing you see is actually lindy hop - sometimes known as swing dancing.  I used to do quite a bit of swing dancing a few years back and I found it to be the most wonderfully fun thing to do - and so great for my body image.  It is not a style of dancing that requires you to be any particular size or shape and I often saw women and men on the dance floor who were all shapes, ages and sizes.

I don't dance nearly as much any more as my hubby is a scaredy cat about dancing in public.  I think I just may have to get him over that fear and drag him out sometime very soon!

Happy Hump Day

How goes your hump day? Wednesday that is - mid week!

I think this ancient proverb is so true.  What can seem insurmountable in one moment or hour or even day, can be overcome in the next moment, hour or day.  If feeling a little misty today I hope you can see or feel sunshine somewhere very soon.

This cute card is available for purchase from Quotable Cards.

Training, Dancing And Living With Hannah Cranage

I am delighted to present this interview with the lovely Hannah Cranage.  Hannah is a personal trainer with a BIG point of difference and is also a very talented dancer and survivor of an eating disorder.  Thanks Hannah for being 'Beautiful You.'

Hannah, you work as a personal trainer. Tell me how you became interested in health and fitness.  Having come from an active family with a strong sporting history, fitness was always a part of my childhood. After years of gruelling dance training and in the midst of recovering from a 10 year battle with anorexia and bulimia, I embarked on what I saw as a personal ‘education’ lesson in the hope of better understanding the physiology behind the body and how it functions. I walked away from my studies with so much more and the transition into health and fitness felt like a natural progression.

You are a very talented dancer and were in the top 100 of the first season of So You Think You Can Dance! Tell us about that experience.  So You Think You Can Dance ignited an excitement around dancing in Australia that I had never seen before. Although I was accustomed to the mental and physical challenge that comes with auditioning, top 100 week far exceeded any previous experience I had had, but one that I definitely look upon in a positive light. With intensely long days and more than a few sleepless nights, I took comfort in the knowledge that I was not alone in my fatigue or nerves.

I remember dancers lining the corridors, rehearsing after 14 hour days. It was sheer passion and determination that allowed people to push through such exhaustion. Although always more of a fan of the studio than the stage, it was an honour to work alongside so many talented dancers and choreographers throughout the week. It is something that I will always remember and cherish.

What is your philosophy on health and fitness?  My desire as a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Teacher is always to maintain a strong focus on ‘training for life’; meaning health, fitness, longevity and fun! This can be quite challenging at times as many clients request assistance to ‘improve’ their bodies by way of weight loss and/or gain but I monitor improvement not by scales or measurements, but by performance and general fitness. I think it’s really important to find the reasoning behind why someone may want to engage in hard training and dangerous dieting, as such things put the body under enormous pressure and are not healthy. Education in this instance is paramount, as although someone may achieve a desired result initially, there is no longevity, with weight gain at a later stage almost guaranteed. Although I LOVE goal setting with my clients, a direct focus on weight loss and/or gain is not something I incorporate in my sessions, instead preferring to concentrate on the amazing things the body is capable of as opposed to how it looks.

How do you think overcoming an eating disorder has helped shaped you and your work?  Recovery has not only shaped the person I am, it has undoubtedly defined the way that I choose to live, love, work and play. I have become incapable of working within a field that I am not passionate about and I have learnt to listen to my body and appreciate what it is capable of, while ensuring that it has enough fuel and rest to function at its best capacity.

Can you share the most influential thing that helped you get well?  The most defining moment in my recovery was undoubtedly learning to separate myself from the eating disorder and removing the enormous weight of guilt I felt that was driving self destructive and punishing behaviours. This separation came about due to the support of a number of wonderful professionals who worked extensively with me, helping to build me up, whilst tearing the eating disorder down.

I have since discovered an inner peace, life balance and self awareness that I never thought would be possible for me, something I truly believe we all deserve and can achieve. Every now and again I can catch myself having negative thoughts about some foods but as quickly as the thought comes it is gone again. It’s these moments that I realise I have won and I am free of the eating disorder.

Monday Magic...

A bird with a french fry?  Now THAT"S happy.  This is my happy challenge for today; a very busy working Monday.  Will you make it yours too?

This cute print is available for purchase from dazeychic.

Dazeychic's blog.

Party Girls Come In All Shapes And Sizes

How do you feel when a special envelope arrives in the mail? Handwritten. Pretty colour. Not a bill.

Do you go “Yay! Party! Wedding! Ball!” or do you shudder, thinking “What am I going to wear?” or “I’m going to be the fattest person there.” For many women social events are not the fun occasions many assume them to be and at this time of year there certainly are alot of them.  Many women are not at all joyous about going to office Christmas parties, drinks and New Year gala's and more often than not, this negative feeling is centred on them feeling not attractive or good enough.

We shouldn’t be surprised that many women feel this way. We live in a society that places an incredible amount of emphasis on what women look like, especially their dress size, body shape and age. Any deviation from perfect is sold to us as a flaw that needs a product to ‘fix’ it. Cellulite cream anyone?

I think it’s time that we resisted such pressure and dusted off our party frocks at this special time of year. These are my best tips for learning how to embrace your inner party girl:

- Always remember that if invited somewhere this has happened because someone loves you. Yes – you. That’s something to feel great about. Your company is wanted and desired.

- Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. A futile exercise as no-one can be as special as you due to your utter uniqueness.

- Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you need to buy an expensive outfit. A few months ago I went to a formal occasion where I complimented a woman on her dress. She told me it came from an op shop and she had worn it five times. Total class.

- Do not go on a crash diet to lose weight for the ‘big event.’ Diets can lead you to feeling so drained that you can’t enjoy more than half a glass of champagne or the goat’s cheese canapés. A waste. They can also lead to serious physical and mental health complications. Please avoid at all costs.

- Be yourself. You have been invited somewhere because of the real woman you are. You don’t need to pretend to be anyone other than your real and true self.

- You are beautiful before you put on any glitzy dress or red lipstick. Such things can feel appropriate for some women to wear on a special occasion which is fine, but remember that your real beauty lies beneath all those things. You are gorgeous before you step out the door and that should give you all the confidence in the world.

Make it fun and get out their ladies! The end of year party season is already upon us. Your life is a gift to the world and you deserve to shine.

What I'm likely to look like if you invite me to your next party.  Not quite sure where that cigar came from though.  Anyone of my friends reading this - feel free to remind me!

Learning To Love Our Mum Bodies

I was thrilled to be asked by the parenting blog Childhood101 to write a post on supporting Mums to feel proud and confident of their bodies and develop a deeper understanding of how our own body 'issues' can sometimes impact on our children.

You will find the full article and some helpful tips here.

If you are a Mum, particularly of a young child, I highly recommend Childhood101 as a great blog to link in to regularly.

Saturday Sunshine...

When was the last time you made a wish?  Go on!  It just may come true...

This lovely print is available for purchase from Lucky Blue Bird Art.

Saturday Sunshine...

Absolutely it is!  Don't hide your beauty, talents and giving nature away.  Be proud of who you are and your unique contribution to the world.

This very cute poster is available for purchase from Todd Parr.

Saturday Sunshine...

Indeed you are. Always remember that you are never alone when you love and respect yourself.

This inspirational print is available to purchase from Jess Gonacha.

Jess Gonacha's blog.

Saturday Sunshine...

Sometimes in life it feels like we have to 'be' so many things to so many people.  Really, all we need is to be an embodiment of love from which our true self will shine.  Be love.  

This beautiful print is available for purchase from Erin Jane

Erin Jane's Blog

Inspirations For Beautiful You

I am about to start posting regular thoughts, images, sayings, quotes and inspirations here at Beautiful You for all my lovely readers.  They will not be detailed blog posts - simply the sharing with you of lovely things that I hope will make your day a little brighter. 

Wishing you much beauty in all of your days...

Everyday Glamour

I wanted to alert Beautiful You readers to the 'Everyday Glamour Challenge' that is taking at place at Childhood101.  This wonderful blog has a particular focus on Mum's and children and is filled with great tips, ideas and information about parenting.  It also happens to be have been awarded the Best Parenting Blog in the Asia-Pacific Blog Awards.  Well done Christie!

I love that Childhood101 this week is helping Mum's to think about their own self care and putting themselves first (even just a little bit!), as so often as a Mum we know it is hard to squeeze in a shower and a sandwich during the day when taking care of little ones, let alone a pedi and mani!

My number one tip for injecting some 'Everyday Glamour' into your life is to wear at least one thing every day that you absolutely love and that makes you feel amazing when you put it on.  This of course can be different every day - such as bright red lippy, a favourite pair of earrings, a loved pair of jeans or socks.  I don't believe being glamourous means that you have to spend tonnes of money.  Some of the most beautiful dresses I own have been amazing vintage finds from op shops that have cost me as little as $5.00.

Most of all I think it important that all women, especially Mum's, know that you deserve to feel glamourous and beautiful every single day, even if you don't leave home.  By treating yourself well this will undoubtedly boost your self esteem, body image and confidence - both things that I am sure you will agree with we could do with more of.

Beautiful Gifts for You!

One of the great joys of my 2009 year has been establishing and writing Beautiful You.  It has been amazing so far and I thank every person who has read these pages, commented and followed.  You are part of the Beautiful You family!

As it is currently the most festive time of year and the season for giving, sharing and expressing our faith and love for one another - I have some gifts to say thankyou for being part of the Beautiful You community.  They are not just any old gifts either!  Both of these prize packs consisting of a tote bag and packet of illustrated gift cards, have been designed especially for The Butterfly Foundation by Sportsgirl.  All proceeds from the purchase of these products go towards supporting Australian's with eating disorders and negative body image.  Beautiful all around!  If you miss out here please do support this wonderful cause by purchasing the bags and cards in any Sportsgirl store nationally or online.

To be eligible to win one of these gift packs consisting of a cotton tote bag and gift pack of cards you need to

1. Be a follower of Beautiful You with Google Friend Connect and

2. Share with me in a comment your best hint or tip for making it through the festive season with your body image, self esteem and sense of humour intact! 

It would be so great to have lots of hints and tips shared as I am sure many people would find them useful.  Please note I welcome entries from Beautiful You readers from overseas.  I share the love globally here!

All the very best with your entries which must be submitted by December 17th.  Winners to be announced December 18th.  Good luck!

Beautiful Madison Women

In October this year Madison Magazine featured a plus size model for their 'Body' issue.  Editor Paula Joye blogged that Madison were committed to regularly showing women of varying shapes and sizes and that they would never publish diets.  Both great things.  For their January issue Madison have commissioned some famous Aussie women to pose nude.  It seems that Glamours own plus sized model shoot and the outpouring of body image love for Lizzi Miller has been quite an inspiration.

I think the photo's are beautiful.  I'm sure they have probably had some photoshopping wands waved over them, but it's still lovely to see women of different shapes and sizes in a prominent magazine spread.  I particularly love the bravado of Bianca Dye who states "The whole point of this was to show that women in the media, with a public profile, have all kinds of different figures.  It's OK to look like this. I'm still a good person; I make people laugh on the radio and who cares?"

Bianca: "What I hate...is when people cast judgment over other people's bodies when they have no idea what is going on behind the scenes"

I also wish to express admiration for Fiona Falkiner who has certainly had her fair share of public body image battles.  After losing a dramatic amount of weight as a contestant on The Biggest Loser and then putting nearly all that weight back on again, it seems now Fiona has finally found a weight and shape that feels right for her and is carving out a successful career as a plus sized model.  She certainly is not as thin as she was when she finished the show and I think she looks amazing.

Fiona: "I have accepted and embraced the body I have - curves and all."

Tiffani: "I was at a red carpet event when a radio host stopped me. 'That dress looks really great on you.  So do those stretch marks,' she said referring to my boobs. I replied with a polite 'Thankyou, I hear every woman has them,' then walked off."

Kate: "Now in my mid 30's I have alot of respect for my body.  For years I gave it a really hard time - pain, humiliation, illness - so I have to give it enormous credit for coming out of the experience alive."

While I do like the magazine spread and what it's trying to achieve, I must admit to loathing the way the Daily Telegraph has reported on it.  Why is it necessary to proclaim that this story means "the size zero backlash has arrived."  How gross and banal.  Such reporting only serves to say that if we embrace people other than a size zero, this then means that body shape is not ok.  That's not what this is about at all. Many people are naturally thin, just as many people are not.  This should be about encouraging people to have an appreciation for their own particular size and beauty and recognise that it is possible for everyone to feel great about themselves not matter what dress, jean or bra size they may wear.  It should not involve beating up on any particular 'size' and therefore person.

The article also mentions this ridiculous Marie Claire competition that asked readers to 'vote' on their favourite body type from a range of women ranging from thin to what would be considered a plus model size.  Once again, this serves no purpose except to get women to compare body types (a known killer of positive body image development) and 'pick' what is best.  Don't you get it media?  The best body shape for anyone is the one they feel happy with and can only be chosen by them, not you.  No-one else gets to judge or vote on what that body shape is and we don't need you to tell us people supposedly 'prefer' women to not be too thin.  That's not newsworthy at all so why the nasty competition? 

The only merit I can see is if you are going to use it to somehow influence fashion designers and their choice of sample sizes, but I think both you and I know that is not the case.  What other positive purpose it could possibly serve I fail to see, so why not just leave the body comparison and vote casting behind and instead just concentrate on putting beautifully diverse shaped women on your pages on a regular basis.  That may actually do some real good.

All images from the January edition of Madison Magazine.