WELCOME TO NOEL 2013 OF BIG SISTER MAGAZINE

It is that time of the year again that we are counting down to a brand new year. While some of  us would count our blessings for the out going year, some may choose frown and get depressed over  dreams in the various aspects of their lives that just never came alive. It is even worse that December is about to welcome a brand new year in a matter of weeks and days. To you, it might seem like your world is at a stand still, and you don't have a sense of fulfillment. We all have had that feeling at one point in time. I have had my own bitter tale, I was never quite happy with the way some things are turning out in my life and career but in recent times, I feel more in control and have learnt to cope with this by realizing the end of the year does not mean it is over. I am celebrating big and small wins regardless of unfulfilled goals. Above all, i am grateful to God for the gift of life and sound health and i think you too should be grateful to God.

So many started this year with us and are never here today. For us to be amongst the living is a prove of    hope for a better tomorrow. So brace up, it is not over until it is over!

This is a special edition as this is the last for the year. It was a challenging year I wouldn't deny but through it all, we stayed strong and dedicated to the brand and mission with the help of God, who always has our back. Special thanks to all our fans, we have noticed a growing fan base on our social networks. Thanks for taking time to like our page, posting comments and sharing our features, even inviting people to like the page and also telling people about the brand. We can not thank you enough, you are simply the best and we truly would not have come this far without you. God bless you all.

This is edition offers you useful health and lifestyle tips for the season. We hope you would find every feature interesting. We are excited about the coming year as we promise to give you the very best of us, just like we promised in this out going year. For next year, so many things and changes will be taking place and we want you all to be a part of it as we do not intend leaving anyone one out.

Compliments of the Season and see you in 2014, God's willing.

Elsie-Coco

Editor/Founder for team Big Sister Magazine

MEET OUR COVER MODEL, ELLA OF MBWN 2012

 Our very first encounter with Ella was at the 2012 at Miss Big World Nigeria Beauty pageant where she was one of the twelve contestants that came to discover who they truly were. We noticed her smiling and cheerful nature. She came up second in the competition that year. Fast forward one year after, we spotted her again at the MBWN 2013 edition, this time not as a contestant, one as one of the panel of judges at the show. From where she sat, we saw a more confident beautiful woman, as an alumni of MBWN, she had discovered her true identity. Big Sister Magazine, ends this year's edition putting her on the spotlight. We present to you Santa Ella.
 
The secret behind your smile?

The secret behind my smile is God. Whenever I think of his love for me, the life and good health he has given to me, I give a big smile. And building smile on my face helps me release an inner joy words may never be able to qualify.
Can we meet you?
I'm Emmanuella Egoigbo, from Idemili south of Anambra state. Was born in middle eighties. I grew up to love entertainments, cus for me it is the best platform to express the most inner part of me. My Academic background has been of much influence on my style. I studied law in Madonna university Okija, where I got my LLB. I guess that's the much I can pull out at a glance. Lol!!

 Why did you enter for the mbwn2012? 
 I entered for Mbwn because I wanted to meet with the confident pretty ladies with something extra. Girls who appreciate their size, just like I do appreciate mine. 
  
Attending the 2013 Mbwn as a judge, how did that make you feel?
I felt honoured to be one of the judges. It's not easy to walk on stage you know, I was on that same stage in 2012. 

Can u compare ur edition and 2013's edition?
 Seriously I can't compare. My edition we had taller and prettier ladies than 2013 edition. Lol!!

 The greatest lesson the competition taught you?
Don't ever allow anyone to make you feel inferior and always be confident.

 What have you been up to since the competition?
A coupled of things. I have been working on my movie productions.

  
How do you see the plus size industry in Nigeria?
The plus size industry is growing, we have not gotten there yet. It's still a growing industry that has come to stay. Plus size designers and models are coming out daily.

Haters say plus size brands promote obesity, do you think that is true?
Wow! Plus size brands promotes size acceptance and embracing our curves. They don't promote obesity. Every woman is not built to be slim you know.

What is your greatest wish for the industry?
My greatest wish for the industry is to be bigger and better in all aspect. I also want to keep seeing the plus size models walking the runway.
 
It is Xmas season, what does Xmas means to you?
  Christmas for me is a season of reflection, a season of pure undiluted love, because I do know from Sunday school days that Jesus was given to us as a love package. Guess we ought to let the love go round in the Christmas season ans always. Since is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  How is your typical Xmas day like?
Go to church and thank God for bringing his son Jesus Christ. Clear day with a conscious decision to plant smiles of anyone I come in contact with.
  
Any xmas wishes for yourself?
  Sure! I wish myself merry Xmas, a prosperous life, good health, grace, happiness and more years to come.

Much more love for the people around me.

Your  top  new year goals

I want to be better than I was the previous year because I believe success isn't a destination rather it's a process. I don't want to regret my mistakes and error for they all build up to make me today. Above all, I simply desire to be better than the previous me.

PROFILE

Full Names; Emmganuella Egoigbo

State: Anambra State-Nigeria

Statistics: 50, 46, 55

Height: 5:7

Hobbies: Dancing & Reading

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL: If I am to host your favorite celeb on Xmas day, I would love to prepare Ukwa (African Breadfruit) for the person.
 
  Ingredients:
4 cups of ukwa
Potash (akanwu) a spoon full
Fresh pepper (about 5)
Ogiri (optional) (a local ingredient)
Season cubes
Salt to taste
Red oil (5 to 10 cl)
2 cups of maize (optional)

Another Lonely Xmas?-Diary of a Big Sis-Star...musings of a curvy single sis

                                                       ANOTHER LONELY XMAS?

The moment I  flipped the calendar page from November to December 2013, my mood suddenly switched into a sad one. I flung myself on the bed, and staring at the calendar page as though it was a television. I couldn't believe I have spent eleven months already of the year, the better part of the year as most people would say. It is still like magic to me because I can remember when we said happy new year to friends and love ones.
I was still thinking on it when a text message came into my phone, go through my phone, I realized  a friend had sent me a happy new month and compliments of the season message!
What, Xmas already in the air! I shook my head.
So the year is gradually drawing the curtains. Time sure flies and it waits for no one. To most people, year 2013 was really a good year, and to some, not so good. So how would I rate year 2013 on a scale of one to ten? I quickly reached my diary(my best friend) and, went straight to the first page and there I found the resolutions I had written for the year. Funny enough, that was the first time I was checking it after writing them down when the year was fresh.

I smiled at the long list in front of me. Some resolutions I realized I kept, and many I didn't keep and my goals, that was the most interesting part, I didn't achieve any!
None!
There wasn't no change of job, no new business offer, nor even new certifications. What happened to the number one goal I was looking forward to? The one that seem to top the list all the year in year out. My love life! It just chooses to remain on that top spot, same old boring and unfortunate story. I am still waiting for the day some other goals will knock it off  that top spot. Then I will see the effect of my prayers and fasting. For now it seems the Almighty is just refusing to look at my direction and, He seems not to be tired of my plights. Anyways, It isn't about my bitterness with God. It's about the reality that the year is about to end and my status remains unchanged-SINGLE.

I thought, Xmas 2012 was going to be my last one as a single sister. I was thinking that by now, my Prince Charming would come out from his hiding place, show up in my life and sweep me off my feet. Sincerely, I was actually looking forward to Xmas 2013 because I had imagined it to be a different kind, the one i would have spent in my home with "my new family". Xmas decorations, Xmas treats, dinning and wining with in-laws and friends. I was not leaving out the aspect of even carrying my own bundle this season. That would have seem to be the perfect Xmas gift to my boo, a heir.
All hope isn't lost all the same. I believe in miracles and i know there is certainly an Almighty somewhere and He is full of surprises.

Read my weekly features on www.facebook.com/bigsistermagazine..
Zizi
Catch ya!

EATING HEALTHY THIS SEASON

                                                 
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!

GO FLORAL THIS SEASON-Trendspotting

 

 It is hard to resist the floral trend as they are still a toast in the fashion scene. A floral number would make you feel girly and sweet anytime and day. For this season, whether you are wearing them in dresses, floaty gowns, tops, skirts, trousers or shorts, choose one that reminds you of every bouquet you have received capture the essence of beauty and you will surely look blooming beautiful.

STYLE ICON-Meet the lady behind Makani Couture

Makani Couture is a plus size fashion line based in Nigeria. The brand is out to promote curvy women and boost their confidence and also design wears that make them stand out at events. They recently started a modelling agency for curvy women. Big Sister Magazine hooked up with Stephine Chinelo Oduenyi, the creative director and she spoke to us exclusively on her brand.
Excepts:

Can we meet you?

My names are Stephanie Chinelo Oduenyi..

I graduated from Madonna university Elele Campus In 2008 . I studied microbiology.
I currently work in a telecommunications company while also running my fashion line, MAKANI COUTURE.

What inspired into the fashion business?

Well while growing up I had always loved to dress up and make people look good. I always dreamt of having my own boutique, beauty fitness and spa plaza.... still have that dream though..... so I thought to myself why stock up a boutique with other peoples designs where you could. Design you own piece and let your creativity speak for you when People wear your designs, so that is how this whole fashion thing started.

How long have you been in the fashion business?

That should be one year and 2months now

What inspired the name MAKANI?

MAKANI was crafted from my names AMAKA ODUENYI, remember I told you I have so many names?

Tell us about Makani couture?

Makani Couture is a Plus Size Fashion Line, which Looks towards bringing different contemporary styles that flatter the curves of a llus size lady.in the fashion Industry.

MAKANI COUTURE is basically trying to set an example of respect for size diversity in the Fashion Industry where the plus size can be recognized as much as the slim fit ladies fashion wise. I look forward to providing the plus sized with the widest selection of contemporary styles.

Let me make a point clear here..... MAKANI COUTURE designs for every fashion loving women out there irrespective of their body sizes though  PLUS SIZE MODELS are the brand image of MAKANI, so in case of adverts, fashion shows. MAKANI COUTURE uses plus size models to promote her brand.. this is basically a way or carving a niche for the plus size in the fashion industry. You can call it REWRITING FASHION.

What fabrics do you work with?

I work with all sorts of materials from Ankara to jeans to chiffon to lace to damask to swede to linen. I love to work with stretch materials more because. It helps boost curves of a curvy lady. But I work with any unique fabric I like.

Tell us about the fashion shows you have been part of?

I have attended for fashion shows this year so far. I have one more to wrap up the year with. . This year I attended NIGERIAN STUDENT FASHION DESIGN WEEK (NSFDW) in June? Same month I attended CYNOSURE MAGAZINES FASHION FUSION, I attended BEATS OF STYLE FASHION SHOW in October and NIGERIA MODELS CONVENTION AT ABUJA in November. And by December 15th I will be showcasing a GLITZ ON THE RUNWAY SEASON 2.... a celebrity based fashion show.

Last year I attended only one fashion show that was briefly after MAKANI COUTURE was born. It was the ANAMBRA FASHION WEEK HELD Marble ark Hotel AWKA... I brought ORIGINALITY to the runway and obviously won the BEST DESIGNER at that fashion show.

When will you be officially launching the brand?

If I say I havent thought about this several times then I would be lying to myself, well my fingers are crossed. I am still trying to pentrate the industry, Then my launch will set.so for now, launching my line is still in the pipeline.

Your highest moments since you started the business?

First was after my showcase at Nigerian student fashion design week, there was so much love from the audience and I got the attention of all mag/media present. They hustled just to get me interviewed and. also to take different snap shots of me... I FELT LIKE AN ACTUAL CELEBRITY.(Laughs)

Second was When I received my certificate of participation and honor from Nigeria Models Convention.

third also when my clothes were used on location by some of their casts at LEKKI WIVES SEASON2 Series.

Who are your client?

My clients are every fashion forward lady out there trying to make WOW statements at every event attended putting more highlights on the curvy women.

Tell us about any upcoming event?

Glitz on the runway/fashion recognition award is a celebrity based event which will see loads of celebrities walk the runway and also receive achievement awards MAKANI COUTURE will be dropping classy never seen before designs. That will definitely capture the audience... just keep it locked down and mark the dates on your calendar. ..15th DEC at troy lounge beside oriental hotel.

How do you see the fashion industry when it regards to plus size women?

The relationship between the fashion industry and fuller-figure women is at a standoff, but as the fashion world is growing vast there is also going to be more room for the plus size.
We at Makani Couture intend to put a change to that and see Plus Size Models walk the Runway ,stun at events and get more recognized in the fashion/entertainment industry.

People of criticize owners of plus size brands that they promoting obesity, what's your take on that?

(Laughs) @obesity that is funny, well I preach promoting the plus size brand because come to think of it, every one on planet earth cannot be slim, so we still have to cater for the fashion needs of the plus size woman, yet I don't preach obesity.  I still think ladies should eat healthy, exercise regularly and be fit. Obesity isn't really a good thing though. But saying we are promoting obesity is rather absurd. I will pretend I didn't even hear that.

Some big sisters out there have a low self esteem due to criticisms everywhere, what do you have to tell them?

Low self esteem shouldn't even your dictionary ladies. The first step is for you to begin to see your self and your curves as the best there is. You need to begin to appreciate and love yourself first that way you can overcome low self esteem. Another advice is for you to know the kind of clothes that flatter your body type that way you ooze confidence each time you step out. As a plus size lady, you need to be comfortable in your skin.

How do you see Makani brand in the next five years?
My brand in 5 years...I see a brand that would have gone international. Clothing de cream de la cream of the fashion industry both locally and internationally. I see a brand that in 5 years will be sharing the runway with top fashion icons and most importantly. A brand that would have penetrated the size fashion deep I to the roots of the fashion iduatry.

How can people order for your clothe or get in touch with you?

You can reach me on my email
makanicouture@yahoo.com
Or call me on 08127809416 or 08032363431
Twitter: @stephnelo
Instagram: stephmakani
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/makanicouture

Am still trying to get my website up and running.

                                                          Makani Couture on the runway

Useful Exercise Tips for the 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!

Holiday Spots to visit in Nigeria

The holiday season is gradually setting in again. Just in case you are wondering where to visit, remember Nigeria is blesses with hot attraction spots so no matter what part of the country you reside, take advantage of this holiday and visit some of this interesting and historical tourist spots.

 

National Art Theatre - Iganmu, Lagos State

 

Yankari Park -Bauchi State        

 

Obudu cattle ranch, Cross River State

 

                                           The Old Residency Museum - Cross River State

 

Ikogosi Warm Spring - Ekiti State

 

Kainji Lake

                                    

                                        First story building in Nigeria, Badagry, Lagos State  

Olumo rock, Ogun State

2013 TOP PLUS SIZE EVENTS

They were events that was publicized by almost every plus size brand social networks. It was about sleepless nights by the organizers, it was about the hard work and so much money invested with little or no support/sponsorship. It was about the gilt and glam and above all celebrating and boosting the self esteem of the big sisters. We present to you in pictures, a recap of some of the most popular events in the plus size industry locally and internationally for year 2013.

 

IBOG Plus Size Modelling Agency official launchin Lagos, Nigeria.

 

Miss Big & Beautiful Africa

Miss Big World Nigeria

 

Full Figured Fashion Week

Plus Fab Winter Collection launch S.A

 

Fuller Figured Bridal Expo, U.K.

Fuller Woman Expo, Canada

Miss Big & Beautiful Caribbean

Miss Curvaceous SA