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While being able to spot the difference between a Jimmy Choo and Manolo is a talent in itself, here at Sincerely Sarra we like our viewers to be educated on major issues and events occurring within the community and on an international scale. After all, there’s nothing more appealing than a woman who has both beauty and brains.

 

Take note from fashions most hailed leader, Coco Chanel, who famously declared “knowledge is power.” Staying true to the great Chanel, this page has been created to allow our viewers to take a break from googling the latest Vogue or Kim’s K’s new diet, and instead become educated on world events. You might find a cultural festival that you can add to your bucket list or finally understand what the nightly news is talking. As the girls guide to everything, we think its important to have a wardrobe filled with Hermes but a brain filled with intelligence… x S

"There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who has intelligence." 

-Valentino

The Butterfly Foundation spreads its wings to create awareness for body image and eating disorders around Australia. 

La Tomatina leaves tourists red faced… literally!

We like our viewers to be as culturally educated as possible. Who wouldn't want to travel the world and experience some crazy adventures! This week, La Tomatina tops our bucket list to fulfill our childhood dream of starting a food fight! La Tomatina in Spain is the food fight to end all food fights. Particpants literally crowd the streets and throw tomatoes at each other all in the name of fun. This year's festival however, was rocked by  theft and robbery. Sincerely Sarra investigates how a simple, fun food fight could morph into a crime scene...

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The five tips below are recommended by Dr. Alexander to combat body insecurity and maintain a healthy, happy lifestyle.

 

  • Remember that what you see in the magazines, TV or on billboards are digitally enhanced to achieve perfection. They do not reflect reality.

  • As you grow older, it is natural for your body shape to change.  You should not be ashamed of your body as it evolves.

  • Starving yourself is the worst possible way to lose weight. As long as you are healthy with an appropriate BMI, the numbers on the scale are irrelevant.

  • We are unique because we are different. Trying to look like someone/thing that we are not ruins our true, natural beauty.

  • Take five minutes of your day to appreciate who you are, what you have and how special you truly are.

 

 

As poor body image and eating disorders continue to rise, the Butterfly Foundation commenced its #loveyourbody campaign to encourage all Australians to love, accept and nurture their bodies.

 

As of 2013, 1 in 20 Australians had experienced some form of eating disorder, with 52% of the female population aged 11-25 suffering from body anxiety.

 

Shelli Hayes from the Butterfly Foundation said the portrayal of the “perfect body” within the media had created a plethora of physical insecurities among Australian youth.

 

“Young girls especially, read these magazines and think they need to look like that in order to be ‘perfect,’” she said.

 

“We have long tried to battle the issue of poor body image, but still have so much to do.

 

“Eating disorders have become so common, especially in our youth, that bringing awareness to the issue is imperative.”

 

Despite the Federal Government introducing a new voluntary code of conduct discouraging the use of digitally enhanced images by the fashion and beauty industries, society’s fixation with aesthetic appearance has generated a guild of youth determined to alter their own genetics.

 

Personal trainer, Torren Greenwell, revealed the majority of his teen clients have a misconception about their body, attempting to achieve the unhealthy and unrealistic.

 

“Time and time again my young female clients will come to me saying they need to lose 5 kilos fast,” he said.

 

“They have no awareness of their natural body shape or the importance of feeding the body the nutrients it requires to be healthy - instead they want to be a size 0 as soon as possible.

 

“I am a huge advocate for eating well and exercising to maintain a healthy balance and I believe that’s the way to go.”

 

Through workshops, counseling and support hotlines, the #loveyourbody campaign improves body satisfaction by challenging societal ideals of shape and size.

 

Gold Coast teen Bonny Rotol, 19, was on the verge of an eating disorder before seeking help from the organisation.  

 

 

Brave teen Bonny Rotol, 19, discusses her journey to accepting her body. 

 

“I was pushing myself to the extreme, thinking I would be happier if I lost 10 kilos.

 

“I was miserable and consumed with weight loss so my parents took me to the Butterfly Foundation where thankfully they taught me how to really, appreciate and love my body. I know so many girls who are unhappy with their bodies and it’s scary, you really forget how to live when you’re so miserable with your appearance.” 

 

Psychologist Dr. Sally Alexander said its imperative that young girls are educated to love their bodies to prevent depression, self-harm and eating disorders.

 

“Its so much more then being able to fit into your jeans… this obsession with body image and perfection can lead to serious, serious health and mental disabilities,” she said.

 

“I applaud the Butterfly Foundation and their efforts to combat a very serious and toxic issue destroying our youth.”  

 

If you need support, please call the Butterfly Foundation hotline on 1800 33 4673 or visit there website at:  http://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/

 

Fitness expert Torren Greenwell, recommends  exercising daily and consuming a nutitional diet to establish both mental and physical health. 

Image:  Greenwell's bootcamp sessions, Coolangatta. 

Shelli Hayes from the Butterfly Foundation  said the #loveyourbody campaign is fundamental in encouraging self-esteem, confidence and healthy attitudes. 

"I had become so obsessed with losing weight and looking skinny,” she said.

The worlds most famous food fight, La Tomatina, has been tainted by illegality after this year’s festival saw a substantial increase in theft. 

 

Visitors from around the world lined the streets of Bunol, Spain to take part in this historic tradition but tourists were left furious after their possessions were stolen.

 

Australian resident Susan Dunn said her festival experience was ruined after she was robbed during the historic tomato fight.

 

“Before the event even begins, there’s stalls scattered throughout the streets where you can purchase food and memorabilia so I was wearing a fanny pack that had my wallet and hotel keys in,” she said.

 

“The streets were just packed and I was feeling very claustrophobic so I made sure my bag was secure as I thought it would be safer on me then anywhere else.

 

“About 20 minutes into the tomato fight, I was having the time of my life but I suddenly felt someone rip my bag from my waist and because I was being pushed in all different directions, I couldn’t even see who had stolen it!”

 

Dunn revealed she had spoken to other tourists who had also been robbed amidst the chaos of the food fight.


“Some of my friends had their watches ripped of and their lockers broken into to take money… its just disappointing that such a fun event could be ruined by the actions of others,” she said.

 

With over 15,000 tourists descending upon Bunol every year, La Tomatina has morphed into an international attraction described by the New York Times as the “craziest most spectacular food fight you could dream of.”

 

Despite its fame and recognition, Gold Coast travel agent Beverly Gurney believes the latest incidents of theft will taint the festivals reputation.

 

 “From our customer feedback, there definitely has been an increase in robbery during and outside the event,” she said.   

 

“However, it should be noted there are several precautions that should be followed to safeguard your belongings and simply losing something during the event should not be mistaken for theft.”

 

While some had an unfortunate experience, tourist Trent Lawson said the festival was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

 

“It was crazy… if the opportunity arose, I would definitely do it again!” he said.  

 

La Tomatina for 2015 is set to be even greater, with tourists already booking their holidays to take part in the worlds most famous food fight!

Susan Dunn red faced after participiating in the La Tomatina festival. 

10 tips to stay safe during La Tomatina…

 

  • Do not carry any belongings/possessions during the tomato fight

  • Don’t wear anything you want to wear again in the future (unless you look good in red)

  • Arrange a place to meet friends/ family after the event. With over 15,000 participants you are bound to get separated.

  • Although you may want to take photos during the event, be cautious that a camera/phone can be destroyed easily or lost given the massive crowd.

  • Protective eyewear such as swimming goggles is advised.

  • Always wear enclosed shoes.

  • Clothing can get ripped so make sure you have something appropriate underneath.

  • To avoid feeling claustrophobic or crushed, try to remain on the outside of the crowds.

  • If officials tell you to stop, stop!

  • Remember that the food fight is for fun!

 

 

 

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