WELCOME TO 2011 NOEL EDITION OF BIG SISTER MAGAZINE

 

BIG SISTER Magazine is a life style magazine for the curvy and plus size women in the society. BIG SISTER is available in prints and the first of her kind in Nigeria, West Africa. 

BIG SISTER MAGAZINE TEAM

FOUNDER/EIC

Elsie-coco Utong

Advisory Board

 Mario-Ackan

Ekom Ekpo

Dora Okure

Special Contributors

 Cassy Jones-Mcbrde

Naomi Wilson

Aekay Otu

Tayo Akin
Ann Michael
Jonah Ekpikens
Vivian Hwata

Portia Amankwash

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Thank you, scroll down and happy reading!

THANK YOU AND HAPPY HOLIDAY TO YOU ALL!!!

It seemed just like yesterday when i wished my family members and friends merry Xmas and happy new year and,just like that,I can't believe year 2011 is gradually drawing it's curtains.

I was wondering the better way to celebrate with all our numerous fans world over and so, I decided to make this noel edition of BIG SISTER Magazine available online for their reading delight in any part of the world that they may be.

I thought since it was that time of the year again where families come together to bid the year fare well, it would be wise to make this edition more of a family affair and so in this edition, I share with you an interesting interview I had some time back with the Krimi sisters. Fidelia an ex-miss big queen and Franka, the last woman standing on MTN Project Fame season 2. After my timeout with the sisters, i noticed one similar thing about them, a carriage of good self confidence.

As a life style magazine designed to be the best companion and guide for the curvy and plus size sisters in our society, we are not relenting effort in guiding you  even in this holiday season . Our regular columns offers some useful tips to make sure you maintain a healthy life style.

As the Xmas season rolls in, a lot of people are beginning to panic about their eating habit, but our perfect nutrition  column  shares useful tips on eating healthy and  our fitness column also suggests some exercises you can engage in.  We want you to have a memorable and exciting holiday and so, our tourism/travel column  suggests a few tourist attraction spots to visit if you reside in Nigeria. Style & Beauty column provides some must have in your wardrobe this holiday. Our male personality Mongezi  Buthelezi Boo is a South African brother in the plus size industry, find out all about  him in our column Men we hate to love.

As we wave good bye to 2011, I want to thank God the Almighty for His grace and faithfulness all through. Against all odds, it was a wonderful and challenging year, a year in which my long term goals were achieved and dreams came alive. Special thanks to my family, friends and everyone that contributed to the birth of Big Sister Magazine. To our foreign partners in the U.S. The International Fuller Woman Network, Miss Big World, Nigeria, the plus size industry as a whole  and to the numerous fans of BIG SISTER Magazine, a million thanks to you all, indeed, you’ve been a great inspiration, this is just the beginning, our best is so yet to come.
Happy holiday to everyone, see you in the New Year.

 
Elsie-coco Utong

 FOUNDER/EIC

and the BIG SISTER Magazine Team


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LETTERS FROM FANS SO FAR (FROM YOU TO US)

LETTERS FROM PREVIOUS EDITIONS




With my hands on my chest, I want to say a big thank you to each and every one of you that took time out to write to us. We had you in mind, that is why we are here for you. Thank you for believing in BIG SISTER Magazine, please keep the mails coming,  it will help us improve on our coming editions.Thank you and God bless you. 

BIG SISTER (COVER STORY)

‘My Life  after MTN Project Fame West Africa’

-KRIMI

MTN PROJECT Fame is no doubt one of biggest singing competition in West Africa, over the years, the show has produced great talent across the continent, one of such products is Franka better known as Krimi in the MTN PF academy. Krimi who is in her 20's is an alumni of the season two edition, during the show, she proved to people who think size is a constraint that she was simply good and that won her  the  fourth highest vote making her emerge as the last woman standing with a cash price of one million Nigerian Naira. As a number one fan of Krimi during her days in the academy, I was curious to know what life was like after the show, so this  noel edition BIG SISTER Magazine, your truly Elsie-Coco presents to you the brilliant interview I had with her, sometime this year and she gladly led me into her world.

I would love to have an sight of your family background?                                                               

KRIMI: My name is Krimi Johnson. I am from a family of eight which includes my father, mother, and six kids. We are four girls and two boys and happen to be the number four. I am from Taraba State,(north) Nigeria, and my mum is from the Yoruba tribe (West)  which makes me a mix breed.                               

 

Where did you school?                                     

KRIMI: I schooled in the Polytechnic Ibadan and also schooled in Lead City University also in Ibadan where I majored in Politics and International Relations. I did my youth service in Osun state and presently, I live in Hyattsville, Maryland in the United States of America.                                                                        

  

Before you entered for MTN PROJECT Fame season 2 competition, were you singing?                                                             

   

KRIMI:Before I entered project fame, I was singing in the church, I sang in concerts and I sometimes did backup singing, mostly I did backup for most artists. I had a band that did the whole hi- life thing for weddings and parties.

                                                                                                

At what age did you start singing?
 
KRIMI: I was about 9 years old when I started. I  remember the first big program we had then in Katsina in the north, I was so shy when they told me I was going to lead the children choir and I did a great job, and after words singing became a part of me.
 
What made you enter into the MTN PF competition?             
   
KRIMI: I remember that day I was going to, eat Amala with my friends and I asked my friend for her phone to make a call but she refused, so I bought an MTN recharge card, then I saw the adverts, I was thrilled but still didn't want to go, so my elder sister Fidelia, Miss Big Queen, went online and filled the form, and then took me there and that was it.                                                           

 

         with elder sister Fidelia.pix courtesy Fidelia

How was it like making it into the academy after the various screening"                                                       
KRIMI: Honestly it was tough, after the Ibadan stage, which I was the only one chosen (and incidentally, that was their first time of coming to Ibadan) I was called to Lagos where I met twenty-four incredible singers and then they screened again to eighteen and then I fell in the bottom six where they had to pick the final fifteen, but I thank God because, He did it all, that was it.          


          In the academy. photo credit MTN PF2 

What was your experience like with your fellow contestants in the academy?              

KRIMI: Being the plus sized in the academy then, it was really challenging because we had the so called slim and sexy girls with great voices, but I still stood out and thanks to West Africa for helping me do that, most times I had do extra things like dancing and some funny things but I thank God for making it work for me.                                                

 Who were your closest pal?  
                                              
KRIMI:  Okay, I was close to every body in so many ways, I had Madonna as my friend in the house and I had Sametta a my mummy. I had David as my brother, and Mike(the winner) as my trouble friend. He was always looking for trouble every where. It was all fun with Denice,Dami Desmond, Zoe, Jenifer, Savanna,Tari our Tom boy, Nicolas was also troublesome and Anis. In short, I was close to every body, we all had fun I tell you.                        

 Performing during the MTN PF Photo credit: MTN PF2

While the academy, can you recount your best performance and worst performance? 

KRIMI:   My best was 'Don't cry for me Argentina' by Madonna, and my worst was the African week, and I sang along side Lara George.

Two years gone by since MTN PF2, what is the experience like?
  
KRIMI:  It has been great and I tell you, right now every body wants to marry me, the fame is good, and it's real, the buzz is good, and its big, meeting people and going places.                                                        

Any album plan ?                                            

KRIMI: My album is on hold right now but I am working on a project in America.

You seem to have this great carriage and good dress sense that some plus size sisters don’t have, what’s the secret? 

KRIMI: My secret is wear what fits you and not what people wear, and be proud in it.

 Message to the plus size sisters who seem to suffer from a low self esteem?

KRIMI: Get up and, and do something good with that sexy body that the Lord has given you, beauty comes from the inside, you need to feel the beauty before people see you and tell you.  Last word for fans and supporters of Krimi? KRIMI:I love you all but Jesus loves you best.               BIG SISTER MAGAZINE QUIZ        QUIZ FULL NAMES Franka Krimi Johnson WEIGHT A.        99 KG + B.        100KG + C.       200KG + I AM MORE OF A.        A Miss Goodie Two Shoes B.        Happy-Go-Lucky Girl C.       Extremist I CAN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A. MY BLACKBERRY PHONE B. MAKING UP C. EAR RINGS       TRUST ME, I’M SO HOT ON: A. NATIVES B. CASUALS C. CORPORATES All of the above DEAD OR ALIVE, I WOULD LOVE TO DINE WITH A. MONIQUE B. BRENDA FASSI C. FELA ANIKULAPO-KUTI         I’M CRAZY ABOUT: A. PETS B. FASHION ACCERSORIES C. PERFUMES

PLUS MODEL

‘My body size motivates me

-Fidelia KRIMI

 After my brilliant interview with Franka (on our cover story) I was curious to meet Fidelia, her elder sister (who by the way could pass for her twin sister). Fidelia who is an ex-plus size beauty queen, remains a plus size advocate and in her words, 'My body size motivates me', she had a lot to inspire fellow big sisters out there. Enjoy the excepts of the interview brought to you by yours truly again Elsie-Coco Utong.

 
profile:

Name: Fidelia Krimi    

 Location:    Abuja, Nigeria

Relationship status: In a relationship                                  

Height:  6ft  

Weight:  100kg       

Size:     22       

Have you always been on the big side as a child?

FIDELIA:No, but there were strong 50-50 tendencies of me being big.

How?

 

FIDELIA: My father is tall and big and so is my mum, so, I had tendencies because it runs in the family.

So at what age did you start  putting on weight?

FIDELIA:When I was about fifteen or sixteen years old.

Has your weight ever depressed you in anyway?

 

FIDELIA:Ironically, it has been motivating me.

I can do anything I want to do and there is nothing a slim woman can do that I can’t do.

I swim, I dance.

When it comes to fashion, what do you feel comfortable wearing most?

 

FIDELIA:I wear what makes me feel good

especially, casuals

but I feel sexy in dresses.

The mistake plus sized ladies do is

wearing what this slim ladies wear

and in the process the look horrible.

If we are plus sized, then we should dress our look.

Winning Miss Big Taraba State why did you enter for the competition?  

FIDELIA:I was in Ibadan when someone called me up for the Miss Big Bold and Beautiful Nigeria, 2010.

I went in, made it through the finalist but unfortunately wasn’t crown the queen.

Then, after a long while, my sister called me up from Adamawa told me about the Miss Bold and Beautiful Taraba. And I was cool with it, even though I didn’t buy the form with my money, I gave it a try and I won.

Having participated in two plus size beauty pageants, did you feel more confident of yourself most especially, seeing people bigger than you in size?

FIDELIA:I have confidence even if, it is with a size 12. I’m not easily intimidated.

What was the whole experience like?

  

FIDELIA:I had fun. I’m from Taraba and it was more like a vacation trip since I had not traveled home for a long time. I had little trips and treat. I had a sponsored trip to the U.K as well, it wasn't a big affair though, but i hope they work on something better.

 

 

As a single plus size sister, who is your ideal man?

 

FIDELIA:I like men with height or possibility taller than me. I don’t really like short men but if he’s smart and intelligent, then no problem. He must love me more than myself.

As regards to relationship with the opposite sex, has s your weight ever been an issue?

FIDELIA:He must have seen me before  coming to me. If he wanted  a slim lady, then he should have gone  for Naomi Campbell. I am not asking him to carry me.

What are your hobbies?

FIDELIA:I enjoy dancing , swimming and also interacting, taking. I sing little too.

  

What is your final word to some big sisters out there who have a low self esteem?

FIDELIA:The real African woman is not slim. It’s a stigma that people attach to the plus sized that makes them feel uneasy.

You  are beautiful and lucky  to come as a full option.

Fat is not an ailment, but when  you are not exercising, then there  is a problem. Don’t forget to move around to stay healthy, do what you enjoy doing very well and have fun

 Be yourself. You may have one thing God has deposited in you that will bring a change to this great nation,

So rock and roll big sis,

flaunt it, because at the end of the day its all about you.

Big is beautiful.

Big is African.

Big is actually Nigerian. 

PHOTO COURTESY: FIDELIA

Health & Fitness (Exercise)

USEFUL EXERCISE TIPS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON


Even as the holiday season begins, do not get lazy about it stocking your stomach to large portions of food, drinks and sleep, try increase your physical activities during this holidays season. Exercise can burn up a few calories, reduce holiday stress, and renew your energy level. Here are a few simple exercises that you can start with;

                                                              CYCLING

If you have a bicycle, you can ride round your neighborhood early in the mornings or in the evenings, you can also use the cycling machine at the gym. Cycling can burn up to 700 calories in an hour. 

                         
                                                              BRISK WALKING

 

Photo credit: Oprah.com

As the season begins, always take a brisk walk around your neighborhood mostly in the evenings at least 10-30 minutes per day. This will help balance your fitness.

                                            DANCING 

        Picture courtesy  Adina Gamal(left)

Engage yourself activity by dancing this holiday season. Dancing is a great way for people of all ages to get and stay in shape. Besides being fun, dancing has many positive health benefits. Following are the top 4 health benefits of dance, flexibility, strength, endurance and a sense of well being. Like we always say, it's not about slimness, but about fitness, please stay healthy and fit!

A Guide to Eating Healthy During the Holiday Season.

 

Perfect Nutrition

Food is such an important part of any celebration while enjoying the seasonal festivities.For many people, holiday weight gain is a reality. In case you wish to find a real solution to healthy eating during the holiday season, here are a few strategies for avoiding those extra holiday pounds without shunning the festivities. You do not have to feel deprived this season , just make compromises and better choices.

Healthy Eating Habits

 Tasty Alternatives of Alcohol

Drink more of fruit juice or water instead of alcohol and ice creams during the holidays.  You can still have one glass of soda or eggnog at supper, but you should avoid chugging numerous cans of coke throughout the holidays.

                                Laying Off the Sweet food

Skip all the chocolates and candies if you can and replace with a piece of fruit instead. Yes, that may sound lame, but your body will thank you in the end. If the thought of noshin' on an apple sends shivers down your spine,  why not grab a few mandarin oranges or slice up a mango as a special holiday treat? Remember that you can always grab a handful of dried cranberries, apricots or pineapple slices too!

  Avoiding Fatty Food

Try to avoid buggers and chips as much as you can. To compensate for those high-calorie foods, go for oods that are high in soluble fiber (such as fruits, vegetables, barley, oats, and legumes) slow the transit of food through the upper digestive tract, making you feel fuller for a longer time. So eat a delicious apple or crisp carrots as a snack rather than grabbing a handful of chips.

  

Everything in Moderation

Remember that you don't have to cut out all the tasty treats from your diet that are circulating at this time of the year - it's just a matter of "everything in moderation." Instead of piling your plate with turkey and all the fixings, take smaller portions. If you're still hungry after dinner, go back for a second round of veggies. And if you want a couple of chocolates, go for it. Just don't end up sitting in front of the TV watching holiday specials and finishing off a whole box on your own!


TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY!
The holiday season is the toughest time of the year to maintain healthy eating habits. Try to enjoy yourself without overindulging. Remember that moderation is the key to calorie control. If you eat more than you had planned, get back on track the next day and set realistic diet and exercise goals for a healthier New Year!

PLUS COMMUNITY (UPDATES)

TIPS ON BECOMING A PLUS SIZE MODEL 

 

        A model from the 2010 International Fuller Woman Network                      

 

        The late Mia Amber on the runway

Half of the mails we receive from our fans have to do with modeling and we thought it was necessary to give them tips on how to become a plus size model. Becoming a plus-size model may require a little extra height and an ideal size range, but you'll also need drive and a tough skin to make it in the industry. If you've got what it takes and you're interested in plus-size modeling, review the basics to get started and get your portfolio out there.

  Create Your Portfolio:     
When you're first breaking into the industry, you won’t need a full portfolio to begin making inquiries. Instead, concentrate on photographs that show your natural beauty and that aren’t particularly staged or posed. Aim for at least one high-quality face shot and a full-body shot in simple, flattering attire.

Note: If you have poor-quality photographs, it's advised to arrive at the agency without photographs. If you are a beginning model and show potential, many agencies will understand.

Contact Agencies: You'll need to get in touch with modeling agencies to jumpstart your professional career, but educate yourself about the "right" agencies. Check out potential agencies' reputations with other professionals in the industry, and never pay fees to apply or sign onto an agency.
Call the top three agencies in your area and schedule appointments to meet. On the day of your appointment, wear comfortable, semi-casual clothing that fit well. Consider wearing a pair of kitten heels to add a little extra height without being overly obvious.
Attend an Open Call: Open calls can be an overwhelming experience, particularly if you find yourself in a large group of hopefuls.

Some agencies may have you fill out an extensive form before speaking with you. You will need to identify your contact information, interests, measurements, and experience. You may also be measured by the modeling agency representative.

Smile, and don't let any criticism get to you. As you attend more casting calls, you could hear comments on your headshots or figure. Simply say thank you and move on.

Know that if you do get signed, you'll be expected to create a portfolio, as well as comp/zed cards. While this is a substantial cards, do not pay an agency to be on their website, to be represented, or to attend their school.

Plus Size Modeling Requirements
While you may need to fit into a certain size to become a plus model, that's not all. Plus models are generally 5'8" to 6' in height, and wear a size 10 and up.
Other guidelines include:

A proportional figure

Shapely legs