Hello World!

Well…. here it is. My first REAL blog in the REAL world. Those of you who have gone before me, know exactly how I feel. It’s kind of like having stage-fright. That butterfly feeling in your tummy right before you are about to step out on stage on opening night to perform to a full house. That feeling of pure fear and utter excitement rolled into one. That’s how I feel right now.

I guess the right thing to do in my first real post is to introduce myself. Forgive me if this starts sounding like an online dating profile!

My name is Katrina Peall and this is my blog called Sista With Style. I’m originally a Bundaberg girl who has moved around the sunny State of Queensland with her teaching career over the past 18+ years. In December 2012, I settled in Brisbane to be closer all the opportunities the ‘big smoke’ provides. I have no children but I do have one fur baby. My favourite animals are giraffes. I have been in the S.E.S. for over 10 years, can drive a boat and wield a chainsaw. I am a bit of a foodie, therefore love to cook, but don’t like coffee or bananas. You will often find me at some sort of event, whether that be a concert, a play, a restaurant or cafe, a market or festival, a gallery, at the football, or visiting family and friends.

In October 2013, life threw me a ‘curve ball’. I had just settled into life in Brisbane when, BAM! I heard 3 little words no person should have to hear…. YOU HAVE CANCER! Whilst receiving treatment, I had some time on my hands to ponder life and do a few things I just never got around to doing. One of those things was to write a book. I planned and I researched. However, publishing my writing into a touchable paper book never quite felt right. That’s when I discovered blogging. Blogging means I could write smaller ramblings in a short time frame, rather than going through the lengthy and in-depth process of publishing a book. This suits my personality and my lack patience (I’m the first one to admit my patience is not my strongest quality).

So what will I write about, I hear you ask? The simple answer is… on the stuff I know (and maybe the occasional thing I don’t)! For example, over the past 9 years, I have run a very small, “hobby” beauty business where I would give women the opportunity to change their lives (even if only in a small way) and learn about beauty secrets. I have also learnt many beauty and fashion secrets during my cancer treatment with access to programs such as Look Good, Feel Better and those at the Kim Walters Choices Centre in Brisbane. Experiencing cancer first hand also means you become experienced in dealing with matters of self confidence, resilience, acceptance and how to be happy (I’m still not perfect at it, but I’m better than I was). I am also a big believer in that being involved in your community, the wider world and giving back (or paying it forward) feeds and nurtures the soul, which in turn, builds happiness from within.

I feel I can positively uplift, inspire and impact on the lives of women by blogging about fashion – particularly for the curvy body (as that’s what I have!), travel, lifestyle, personal growth, confidence, empowerment, community work, the occasional cancer reference*, and I’m sure a few other things thrown in for good measure. Basically, anything I can think of to make you SHINE and become the best version of yourself, regardless of whether you are a plus-size or not. A cancer warrior or not. So we can all become a SISTA WITH STYLE!

Are you with me, Sista?!

This is me! Off to the theatre – 17th October 2015. Wearing a Crossroads Jumpsuit, Dream Diva sequin bolero and jewellery by Louvisa. The glow-mesh clutch was by Nutrimetics 3 Christmas seasons ago.

* Any cancer story is a reflection on my cancer experiences only. Each cancer experience is uniquely different. My words are in no way to be taken as medical advice. Should you have any concerns, please seek professional help as I am not a medical practitioner.