Nominate Me for a British Plus Size Award 2016

After being nominated for "Best New Blog" at last year's awards, I have truly got the bug and I am asking you kind folk to nominate me (please note if I'm successfully shortlisted, you will then have to vote for me as a second stage too)



The category that I would like to be nominated for this year is..

 "BEST PLUS SIZE SOCIAL MEDIA"

Just click the link below and type in the following name to the relevant box;

"@kat_v_henry"

http://www.britishplussizeawards.co.uk/nominate-for-2016/

Social media to me is my forte. It's the area in which I excel at.  Of all the things that I'm doing on this roller coaster of a journey, social media is the thing that I put my heart and soul into. Networking and spreading an utterly positive message across all of my social media platforms gives me so much pride.   I believe that social media when used correctly can be a powerful tool to inspire and elevate people all over the world. I want people to look at my content and feel empowered. I strive to show myself in an honest light. You will see real life Kat in all her imperfect glory as well as glam Kat which I love to show is not the only side of me. I am not afraid of being unapologetically myself, showing people that you do not need to conform to societies standards to be happy, healthy or successful.

I want my social media to make a difference in your life, even if it just makes you smile for a second.

You will find only positive vibes & love on my platforms.

------ xXx -------

 Of course there are a tonne of other categories to nominate also so please use this chance to nominate your favourite blogger, model, brand, plus size event etc. If you love em...nominate them!!

Simple as!

Xx

#SBxLFW - Social Media Takeover for Simply Be at London Fashion Week


Check out the fantastic array of beautiful creativity and individuality that I saw today; the final day of London Fashion Week;

#StreetStyle from #SBxLFW - my Social Media Takeover for Simply Be Fashion at London Fashion Week (#LFW)

Posted by Katherine Henry on Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Here's a look at what I wore...



Today was so much fun.  I got the chance to speak to a lot of people, it was fantastic to hear what inspired people's looks and why they were coming to #LFW.  Unfortunately Freemason's Hall was closed so I only got to see the happenings at Brewer St Car Park, but I was not missing out. There were so many gorgeous trends on display, that I was simply spoilt for choice.

I got the chance to try out Periscope. If you didn't catch the live streams don't worry you can check them all out below;

Periscope <LIVE> Sneak Peek at Simply Be's flagship Oxford St Store

Periscope <LIVE> with @SisimissVIP from SisiTV with @Kat_V_Henry & @simplybeuk for #LFW #SBxLFW

Periscope <LIVE>  with Recklezz & Soleaux with @kat_v_henry & @Simplybeuk for #LFW #SBxLFW

Thank you +Simply Be for having me...
Let's do it again sometime ;)

#ShowUsYourSass; My Day in Denim with Simply Be UK

You just cannot help but wiggle when you find that pair of jeans that make you feel fantastic!

These "Kim" Bootcut high waisted jeans from +Simply Be do just that.

I've taken the same pair of jeans and I'm gonna show you how I styled them from day to night.

But first let's get the important stuff out of the way.

These jeans have a super-soft texture, which is fully machine washable.

They're cut to be high waisted and on my 5ft 4 frame they fit comfortably around my waist.  I always do the crouching test with any new pair of jeans to see how they fit around my back. I was pleasantly surprised, most jeans sag around the waist exposing way too much booty for my liking.   Not these bad boys, they stayed snug round my waist.
I'm wearing the regular length and to be honest they are a little too long at this length for me to comfortably wear without heels.


They're available in three colours;

They come in three lengths too;
Short; to fit inside leg 27 inches/69cm (Product Code: HH034XM)
Regular; to fit inside leg 29 inches/74cm (Product Code: CL572XM)
Long; to fit inside leg 31 inches/79cm (Product Code: CL715XM)

Sizes ranging from size 10 to 32.  I am wearing a size 18, I am between a size 18/20.  I generally wear a size 20 in most trousers but in these I have opted to size down for a better fit all round.

Here's my Day look; I opted for a smart/casual look that I could wear out in the day.








My Night look using the same pair of jeans;







You can check out the #ShowUsYourSass hashtag to see some other gorgeous bloggers showing you the array of different denim styles on offer at Simply Be.

Have you tried these jeans?  What do you think of them?

xXx

Disclaimer
The review above is based on my own opinion of the product and I own all creative content of this post. These items were sent to me by Simply Be UK for review purposes.




Miss British Beauty Curve 2016 Contestants; Meet Alexa


Next up in the "Meet the Miss British Beauty Curve 2016 Contestants" series we have returning contender, Mrs South West Curve 2016; Alexa


Name: Alexa Denman
Age: 30
Which area are you representing? I am Mrs South West Curve



Single/Taken?  I have been with my wonderful husband for 7 years and we have been married
for nearly 3.

What made you want to enter MBBC? I took part in MBBC last year and absolutely loved
every minute of it, before the pageant in 2015 my self-esteem was at an all-time low, my
mental health was suffering and I wasn’t in a good place, I decided to enter MBBC because I
have always wanted to be in a beauty pageant and thought it would help me with my
confidence, I was not expecting it to give me what it did, it was one of the most amazing
experiences of my life, I made some wonderful friends and felt the most confident I have
ever felt MBBC gave me my life back and I cannot thank them enough for that, so I am doing
it all over again this year as it is something I absolutely love.


Is MBBC your first pageant experience? MBBC was my first pageant last year, I am doing two
more pageants this year as well as MBBC again.


Describe your character in 5 words. 
Ambitious, Kind, Passionate, Helpful, Stubborn.


You can earn extra points from making public appearances, have you made any so far?  Do
you have any in the pipeline?
I haven’t made any appearances yet, but I plan to make the
most of any local events coming up that I can wear my sash to, I was in my local paper for
last years MBBC and I am hoping to be in the paper again for this years.


What does winning the crown mean to you? It would mean everything to me, to me it’s not
just a crown and title but a responsibility, a responsibility to inspire all women that it doesn’t
matter what size you are we are all beautiful, I would be so happy if I won, on a personal
level it would feel like I have finally been able to show everyone who thought I wasn’t good
enough that I can achieve my dreams, I would use my title to help other women feel good
about themselves and show them that size is just a number, I would love to help all women
feel good about themselves and feel confident.


Do you have any hidden talents? 
I can sing and dance.



Who are your sponsors? Me 


If successful you would become one of our Sister Queens, what qualities can you bring to
our family? 
I can bring passion and dedication to the wonderful sisterhood of queens and hopefully my personality will shine through.

What inspires you most about the MBBC Queens? They are all beautiful women in their own
right, they have all worked tirelessly to inspire other women and they are so humble, they
truly are inspirational and why I love this pageant.


How have you found the experience so far? I love everything about the MBBC experience, I
have loved meeting all the new contestants in the MBBC facebook group, and reminiscing
with the returning contestants from last year.


Are you looking forward to the 5th year anniversary event? Have you started shopping? I am
really looking forward to it, I haven’t started shopping yet but will do very soon, I can’t wait.


What message do you have for women who are thinking of entering in the future? DO IT! It
will be the most confidence boosting experience of your life, you will make wonderful friends and it’s a chance to achieve your dreams, embrace every minute of it.

I wish you the very best of luck Alexa darling
xXx

You can connect with Alexa and be kept up to date with her journey;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.denman.9/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexandraJD26/

Miss British Beauty Curve 2016 Contestants; Meet Nickey




Next up in the "Meet the Miss British Beauty Curve 2016 Contestants" series we have the representative from my very own County; Miss Surrey Curve 2016; Nickey.

Name: Nickey Bruce
Age: 24
Which area are you representing? Surrey 



Single/Taken? Taken 

What made you want to enter MBBC?
It was a long journey of acceptance for me, and now I finally feel like I have the confidence to love myself and MBBC is proving this to myself more and more. MBBC for me is about spreading the word about self-love for everyone and banishing body shaming. 

Is MBBC your first pageant experience?
My very first! I'm so nervous!!! 

Describe your character in 5 words.
Silly, bold, lover, humorous and clumsy! 

You can earn extra points from making public appearances, have you made any so far?  Do you have any in the pipeline?
I've done the local paper, hoping to do radio! 
I'm doing the Endo-March on 19th March for endometriosis awareness as a sufferer myself! I'm hoping to do the walk for the British Heart Foundation too. Hoping to do race for life and lots of other charity events in my mind!! 


What does winning the crown mean to you?
I wouldn't say it's for me, well I would say it would aid me further in my self-love journey. But mainly, I want to do it for the young men and women who see a certain size to be seen as perfect, it would mean the world to portray a positive plus size role model for our younger (and older!) generations! Everyone can love themselves! 

Do you have any hidden talents?
I'm a black belt in Karate and I have a meaaaan twerk on me. The rest of my talents can't be mentioned before the 9pm watershed!!! 

Who are your sponsors?
I don't currently have one but I'm hoping that will change soon!!

If successful you would become one of our Sister Queens, what qualities can you bring to our family?
Friendship, humour and a whole lot of loving


What inspires you most about the MBBC Queens?
Well, MBBC queens are who inspired me to go on my journey of self-love - that I think is the most important influence any one person can have on someone. I owe my confidence to these ladies.

How have you found the experience so far?
It's not sunk in yet!! I've been going at 100 miles per hour trying to work, do university interviews for my masters and MBBC - one day soon I'll have time to sit and think! I am loving being part of such a positive group of girls and I cannot wait to meet them all! 

Are you looking forward to the 5th year anniversary event? Have you started shopping?
The closer it gets the more excited I'm getting. I've started looking around for dresses but considering making my own because I want some styles quite unique to me! - that's another talent, I'm a master on the sewing machine!

What message do you have for women who are thinking of entering in the future?
Just do it! Once you've considered it, just do it! What's to stop you.. You will only love yourself more in the long run!

Thank you Nickey - I wish you the very best of luck gorgeous x

You can connect with Nickey and be kept up to date with her journey;

xXx

Miss British Beauty Curve 2016 Contestants; Meet Stef

Next up in my "Meet the Miss British Beauty Curve 2016 Contestants" series we have
Miss Derbyshire Curve 2016; Stef.

 Name: Stef Dixon
              Age: 29

       Which area are you representing? 
       Derbyshire


      Single/Taken? 
      I have been with my boyfriend for 2 years

          What made you want to enter MBBC? I went to The Curve Fashion Festival and met all the           ladies.  I didn't think I'd have a chance at all but Kat talked me into it, and I just thought in the end   why not  it's an experience for me . MBBC will be and already has been a huge learning curve for     me and  more steps forward in believing in myself and regaining my confidence.

        Is MBBC your first pageant experience? 
       Yes

       Describe your character in 5 words. 
       Cheeky, fun, caring, imaginative, bubbly

      You can earn extra points from making public appearances, have you made any so far?  Do you have any in the pipeline? 
     I do have a few in the pipeline, including a charity fashion show, which is my 1st experience with anything like that. My main sponsor is girls and curves closet I have been there this week modeling some of her new stock.

     What does winning the crown mean to you? 
    For me, I suppose its confirmation that actually I don't have to be like everyone else to be worth something. I can be me and girls like me, who were never girly girls, can be in pageants, they can be models, they can be how they look and love it! I had a really tough few years and lost so much confidence and my self belief. Winning the crown would be beyond amazing, its an opportunity to do so much good.
   
      Do you have any hidden talents? 
      I am pretty crafty, and I'm a qualified cake decorator

     Who are your sponsors? 
     I am sponsored by a local shop Girls and Curves closet who sell plus size fashion. But so far I have other sponsorship from Premier record Fairs and Glossop Business Network as well as some family friends.

     If successful you would become one of our Sister Queens, what qualities can you bring to our family? 
     I'm honest and friendly... and honestly I have a pretty unique outlook on life.. I'm often surprised by myself lol I like to think I'm always there if someone needs me for any reason.

     What inspires you most about the MBBC Queens? 
      Just how fab they all are! They truly show that you can love yourself and be proud no matter what.



     How have you found the experience so far? 
     So far the girls have been lovely, it took me a while to accept my place and I have been terrified since I did, but its also really exciting.

      Are you looking forward to the 5th year anniversary event? Have you started shopping? 
     I have started my shopping! I'm really excited but so nervous too. I think the 5th anniversary event will be something special.


     What message do you have for women who are thinking of entering in the future? 
    As I said it took me a while too accept through doubting myself, could I really do it? Was I good enough? But I decided if I didn't take that leap I would never know and it's amazing being in contact with so many strong confident ladies who really do love themselves for everything that they are. It's amazing to see other people who are like me being so positive and that is contagious, MBBC will be a huge confidence boost the whole process is everything it should be too show women of all shapes and sizes that it's ok! I would say Go for it...


      Thank you Stef, I wish you the very best of luck babe xx


You can connect with Stef and be kept up to date with her journey;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdixon86/
Instagram: http:/instagram.com/stef_msd/





Miss British Beauty Curve 2016 Contestants; Meet Demi-Louise

Next up in my 'Meet the Miss British Beauty Curve 2016' Contestants series, we're speaking to Miss Kent Curve 2016; Demi-Louise...
Name: Demi-Louise Bailey
Age:19
Which area are you representing?
I am representing Kent.


Single or taken? 
Single
What made you want to enter MBBC?
I've been following the pageant for a couple of years now, but the age limit was 18. Soon as the entry forms was released and I was 18 I entered right away.
Seeing all the positive feedback from former contestants and the positive impact it had made upon their lives made me want to enter.
Right now, I feel I am in a good place to represent my county in this national final. 
Is MBBC your first pageant experience?
No, this isn't my first pageant experience. I've had a lot to do with pageants since 2013. However this is my first national.

Describe your character in 5 words?
Friendly, bubbly, positive, opinionated and loyal.
You can earn extra points from making public appearances, have you made any so far? Do you have any in the pipeline? 
I have been making appearances;
My local paper & local radio.
County paper & county radio.
Miss European Team England Selection.
Peter Pan showing IPA 
Appearances I've got lined up;
Miss Sheppey Selection
Miss Sittingbourne Selection (Hopefully)
Another local radio
Charity quiz night
Into the Woods hair show 2016 
What does winning the crown mean to you? 
To me, the crown would mean everything.
These past few months I've been going through a rough time with relationships and more importantly the relationship with myself. But I've come out the other side and I'm in a good place right now.
I live in a run down area and it's not often that someone or any one for a matter of a fact does anything good - I want to be able to change that.
I want to be the change, I would like to see. I'd like to be able to help people on their journey for self love too. Mine was a rough journey but I've got here now and I couldn't be happier. I've gained a lot of weight recently, but I'm the happiest I've ever been, I've got a confidence I've never had before and a smile I've not seen in such a long time.
2016 will be my year for good things!


Do I have any hidden talents? 
I love, love, love to sing. 
Who are your sponsors? 
Cuddles 'n' Bubbles pet shop & friends and family. I'm generally a chatty person, being an hairdresser and all so I decided to do a sponsored silence. (This was the hardest eight and a half hours of my life.)
If successful you would become one of our sister queens, what qualities can you bring to our family? 
I'd like to say I could bring my personality to your family. A kind and loving touch. An ambition to want to help people. I can be out spoken, but I know when to be & I always stand up for what I believe in, I think it's something anyone can benefit from. 
What inspires you most about MBBC queens? 
The one thing that inspires me most about MBBC queens is the way you all glow, your sheer confidence and pure sass. 
How have you found the experience so far?
My experience so far has been overwhelming, I won't lie.
As soon as my article went public, I got so much attention and at one point it was too much. But with the reassurance of my beautiful fellow contestants I came back twice as strong. I'm still adjusting to people approaching me, especially when I'm wearing my sash and making appearances - but I'm taking it in my stride. I've only met yourself (Kat), however after speaking to most of the girls I'm realising how family like we all are and I love it.

Are you looking forward to the 5th year anniversary event? Have you started shopping?
Of course I'm excited!!! I've got a countdown on my phone and everything! I love the pageant build up. Shopping? I'm almost done.


What message do you have for women who are thinking of entering in the future? 
Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it!
If you want to be welcomed into a family of warm loving girls then do so! If you're not feeling so confident and need a boost, honestly do it.
I know the thought of such a thing can be so scary, my heart was palpitating so hard when I sent in my application I almost fell out of my chair - but I've gained so much confidence and I feel great about myself now. I'm 100% looking forward to meeting all the girls along the way. 
No matter your shape, your size, your race, your gender. You are gorgeous. Take the steps to see the change in yourself. This could be one of them.
Thank you Demi-Louise, I wish you the very best of luck babe x
You can connect with Demi and be kept up to date with her journey;

Miss British Beauty Curve 2016 Contestants; Meet Charlotte-Hannah

First up in my series of interviews with this year's Miss British Beauty Curve contestants, we have a lady who has one of the kindest hearts I know.  

Meet Ms Gloucestershire Curve 2016; Charlotte-Hannah.


Name: Charlotte-Hannah Phillips

Age: 35

Which area are you representing? 
Gloucestershire



Single/Taken? 
Single (very much so!)

What made you want to enter MBBC? 
To feel better about myself.  To learn to love myself

 Is MBBC your first pageant experience?  
No – I was fortunate enough to take part in 2015 and I’m stoked to have been awarded
‘Ms Congeniality’ by my fellow Ms contestants.

Describe your character in 5 words:
Complex, gregarious, generous, supportive & self-doubting

You can earn extra points from making public appearances, have you made any so far?  Do you have any in the pipeline?
I’ve been in the local magazine, Tewkesbury Direct, supported  the ‘Tewkesbury
in Bloom’ quiz night and I am going to take part in the ‘Tewkesbury Big
Weekend’, the ‘Tewkesbury Vintage Fair’ and the ‘British Heart Foundation
Regents Park Run’.

What does winning the crown mean to you? 
The culmination of a journey of acceptance. I've slowly learnt to love who I am, to accept my faults and flaws and rejoice in my achievements and capabilities.


Do you have any hidden talents? 
I’m a painter (acrylics mostly), I bake (I do a mean lemon loaf cake and orange
chocolate muffins!)  and I sing a mean jazz standard and musical theatre number
(favourites being Peggy Lee’s ‘Fever’, ‘I  got the world on a string’ or ‘Black Coffee’, or ‘Shakin’ the  blues away’ from Love Me or  Leave  Me or ‘So Long, Dearie’ from Hello Dolly)! Well, you did ask!

Who are your sponsors? 
I’m currently working towards sponsorship from two Gloucestershire based
clothing retailers and a Tewkesbury based salon that I’m a huge fan of.
   
If successful you would become one of our Sister Queens, what qualities can you bring to our family? 
Integrity, humility, empathy and a genuine appreciation of the qualities of the
ladies who’ve won before me.

What inspires you most about the MBBC Queens? 
The strength that they embody and empower in other women. An amazing gift.

How have you found the experience so far? 
I love every moment of the MBBC experience. The meeting new people, the
camaraderie of fellow finalists, the ‘real-ness’ of the ladies and the beauty of the
souls (as well as the bodies) taking part.

Are you looking forward to the 5th year anniversary event? Have you started
shopping? 
I’m very much looking forward to the 5th anniversary of MBBC. My only regret was not having found it earlier! I’ve already started shopping and have quite a few things already bought. But there is always room for more!

What message do you have for women who are thinking of entering in the future? 
Do not procrastinate! If something inside of you tells you to enter – do it. Don’t by swayed by the demons in your own head, don’t be put off by negative forces from outside – just do it. I promise you that it’ll be the best thing you will do for yourself. 


Thank you Charlotte-Hannah, I wish you the very best of luck suga xx

You can check out more about Charlotte by checking out her blog

BGP Presents...Paradise Guys Unzipped Show

bgp
Do you know about Big Girl's Paradise? 
It's a London based Plus Size club event that takes place on the first Saturday of every month.

Now for the uninitiated, BGP is a fantastic night out on the town, a real chance to let your hair down and boogie with your friends in a fun and safe environment where you can comfortably be yourself without fear of judgement.  Just lovely vibes and awesome music. BGP is frequented by newbies and regulars alike but it's mainly made up of the following;  Plus size ladies & men and people who like plus size ladies and men.  What is there not to like about a night that caters specifically for the plus size community!

So, about this "Unzipped" show, you ask...tell me more about that!

On Saturday 5th March 2016 BGP will be hosting a fun-filled steamy evening including;
  • Top Drag Act; Ava
  • 3 Hot Male Strippers; Tyson Brown, Danny Boy & Richard Cane


PLUS...

  • All your usual BGP goodness; Curvy Kittens and all your party jams provided by DJ Tiff & DJ Shaggy

Tickets currently are being sold at £26 per head and the price includes;
Show/BGP club entry and a basket meal.

The Show is for WOMEN only between 7pm and 10pm and Gentlemen you are invited to join us for the regular BGP party from 10.30pm onwards for a price of £15.

The night takes place in the usual venue of The Slug & Lettuce, 25 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8AA.

Tickets are LIMITED Availability, so if fancy bringing all your mates to watch a fab Drag & Strip show then party the night away after make sure you take advantage of the offers I have for you...

The team are running a special offer for Mother's Day; Buy one ticket and get a ticket for your Mum half price! (Advance Ticket Holders Only)

But wait....I have an even sweeter deal just for you my precious Kittens.

Use my discount codes to get a reduction off your ticket price and if you want to bring your Mum you can still get the offer above.

Use code: KAT29 to slash your entry price from £26 to £21

Use code: KATMUM29 and you can get your entry price for £21 and your Mum half price at £13

These tickets will still get you entry to the show, BGP club and a basket meal.

THERE'S ONE CATCH...

This code expires on 29th February at Midnight so make sure you use it while it lasts!

Payments must be made in advance ONLY using PayPal; Payment@biggirlsparadise.com
If you don't have PayPal - send me a message and we can sort out an alternative method of payment.

Do not miss out on this fab offer - the night is gonna be amazeballs - hope to see you there!

Xx