MUMMY OF STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

How to: look like a bronzed goddess

2012-01-12T09:35:00.000+11:00

Twilighting

2012-01-11T12:49:00.001+11:00

I will be the first to admit that I don't 'get' the fascination with Twilight and all that goes with it. The whole phenomena is quite a worry really, especially Twimums... seriously? Ladies, if your 16 year old daughter is into something then you stay well clear of it. Scary! For your daughter... and the rest of us! Just saying!
I would rather this: Rowan Atkinson with Robert Pattinson in a vampire/ werewolf themed version of Black Adder.. yes!

It would look something like this:

In the meantime, I will be praying with Snow White:

Buuut... if you are someone inclined to be into Twilight and the whole vampirish werewolves thing. We have a copy of "The Twilight Saga: The official illustrated guide" and newest book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, Charlaine Harris's "Dead Reckoning".

Now all you have to do to win this is try to convince me why should I get into Twilight in the comments below and Like us on Facebook and/ or if you are on Twitter tweet this "I'm trying to convince Kellie to get into Twilight so I can win some bloody books http://www.mummyofstyleandsubstance.com.au/2012/01/twilighting.html"

Good Luck! Competition closes 10pm on the 29th Jan.

Happy & healthy? Then who cares!

2012-01-11T10:04:00.002+11:00

As I was cleaning up after dinner last night (as one does), I had ACA on the tv in the background, when the story on Julie Goodwin tweaked my interest View story here.
As you probably have heard by now, Julie posed on the cover of a well known Australian weekly magazine in her swimsuit. Great, we all say... power to her for having the self confidence to do so.
However, Julie has come under scrutiny from columnist, Ros Reines of the Sydney Telegraph... again! Going by ACA's interview with Ros, she isn't exactly a Paris, Milan, New York model herself and it looks to me like she has had a face lift and botox (seriously, her face doesn't move the whole time she was on screen and her mouth looks like it is forced to move when she speaks!). So what right does it give her to mouth off and bad mouth other women? Ros also took a swing at Deborah Hutton regarding her 'photoshopped' Women's Weekly cover.
Does it make her feel better about herself and her own self worth or is it just to create publicity for her column? There must be a million other things Ros could write about.. healthy eating and the effect on our bodies and minds, perhaps? Surely, there are other more news worthy topics going on in the world she could have an opinion on than criticising others?

To me, Julie looked like the average 41 year old with her height and body shape. Julie isn't fat, her weight is mainly distributed around her middle, like a lot of middle aged ladies of her height and shape. I love how Julie describes herself as a 'teapot'; short and stout.
When are females going to accept that we are all different? We all aren't like models and celebrities who starve themselves and work out for hours a day to stay stick thin and who are usually tall to go with it. The typical diet of a celebrity is scrambled egg whites for breakfast, grilled or steamed fish or chicken and salad or steamed vegetables for lunch and dinner. That cannot be healthy. Gwenyth Paltrow has had to change her diet because living on a diet like this for years had given her Osteoporosis.
Living like the celebrity/model is just as unhealthy as someone who is overweight or obese, yet we criticise the healthy 'curvy' female (who eats sensibly and exercises daily) and accept the unhealthy acts of the 'perfect or ideal' female, as it is seen as the 'ideal or society norm' to be that way. Anyone else see something wrong with this picture? It is no wonder women have such low self worth and strive to be unhealthily thin. We all come in different shapes, sizes and heights. Wouldn't the world be boring if we were all the same?

THIS is how we should all think about our bodies:

What are your thoughts?

Mermaid or a whale?

2011-10-05T19:15:00.000+11:00

I was perusing Facebook, as one does, and came across this fantastic post and had to share (which I have added below).

I must say that I am definitely a whale and quite proud of it. Which are you... a mermaid or a whale?

A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:

"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.
They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.
They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.

Mermaids do not exist.

But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?
They would have no sex life and could not bear children.
Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.
And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?

Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.

At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.

We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.
We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.
Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I ?! "

Positive thinking + the law of attraction

2011-09-28T19:36:00.003+10:00

I have recently worked out, if you are happy and positive with your life, you will attract the things you want to happen into your life. Yes, it has taken me until I hit 36 years of age to work that out! I wanted to share this 'epiphany' with you, as I know a lot of women are struggling with their lives at the moment and I hope this will help in some way to make a difference in your life.

If you whinge and complain about your life and are in a constant negative state of mind, then you are going to attract negative things and events into your life, which then turns into a negative vicious cycle. Negative actions and thoughts then turn into negative events, which attract MORE negative events and the circle repeats itself. YOU are the one who needs to turn the negative cycle around and turn YOUR life into a more positive existence. You are the only one who has the power to change YOUR life and how you live it.

For me, positive things started happening when I removed myself from an unhappy marriage. I moved into a brand new home that I love and is in a nice area. I love my boys, work, friends and family. Life is great. So much so that good things keep happening and for that I am quite thankful. Friends who have known me for years are commenting on how I have never looked better and how much they have never seen me so happy before. I'm not saying that bad things don't happen in my life, quite the contrary actually, but how I deal with it has changed dramatically. Things happen in life that you don't have any control over, so you can't let it affect you personally. You deal with it and move on.

I was just reading an article by Carmen Honacker regarding the law of abundance and attraction, the article gives a better definition of how you can make that change for yourself.

"I think the whole confusion starts with the fact that people tend to believe so many things. And what they believe is usually based on surroundings, teachings, social standards and upbringing. Neither one of these beliefs may actually be based in reality, but that doesn’t make them less real for those who are caught up in them.

Sometimes, people have gotten angry and defensive when I tell them that the power to manifest what they want lies solely within them. They’d insist I was withholding the steps on how to do it. I would get to hear, “yeah, I get that it is up to me, but how do I do it? Why can’t you tell me the secret to happiness?” Nope, this is not made up. I literally got almost these exact words thrown at me on more than one occasion and each time I would repeat myself “it is all up to you.”

In theory this sounds very easy, and I think that’s why people get so frustrated when it’s pointed out to them. There’s comfort in not being able to control one’s destiny, which also offers endless excuses to not be able to control one’s own impulses, responses, words, whims, emotions and thoughts. Apparently, we are all just pinballs, knocked around by life and some unseen force no one quite understands and definitely can’t control or exercise power over.

So the question is, how does one change one’s thoughts? It starts with the determination to do so! One really has to want to change, which usually means they’d have to be at the point where they’re willing to do pretty much anything to make it happen. They must have hit that proverbial “rock bottom” and be tired of their own inauthenticities, stories and their own BS.

Who we think we are, how we view ourselves, and what we believe we can/cannot do not only manifests in our lives but also is that which others see about us. This is why confidence is so important, and this is why those with low self-esteem work almost as a repellant towards happy and successful people. This is why not only the most beautiful or even most talented person will get the job, deal or awesome partner but the one who believes in themselves the most. Some may whine and say that this isn’t fair. Alas, I never said that living one’s dream is easy. And as I have said a million times before, most things worth getting in life are not easily attained and often consist of an uphill battle; at least for a while.

Success and happiness won’t knock on our door while we sit on our butt, whining about the stuff we don’t have and all the things that went wrong in our past. Our weight won’t magically shrink while we sit on the couch and eat another burger with fries. We won’t get that six-figure salary, while doing nothing to improve our knowledge and delivering the bare minimum, expecting a miracle or hand-out.

It’s human to get beaten down, disappointed, depressed, discouraged, sad and angry or maybe act unkind at times. But what defines a master of his/her own destiny is the fact that this is not their main mode and they don’t remain that way; alas, they are not stuck but free to create what they truly want to manifest. They don’t keep making excuses for why they can’t do what they need to do, they don’t complain about how hard it is and how bad they have it; they simply do. And when they suffer or hit a slump, they do so with grace, kindness and dignity. You can always tell true character by how a person handles pain.

I aspire to be that person. I want to be that person so much that I have undergone not only severe changes in the past years but, most importantly, have worked my butt off. I have been privileged enough to have had (and still do have) friends, managers, co-workers, or other inspirational people in my life that encourage me to live the life I wish to create.

I’m still working on it and I still get it wrong at times; after all, it’s so easy to fall back into my old and learned behavioral patterns. So, “being happy” truly is an everyday choice and sometimes, still an uphill battle.

I guess one could say that true happiness and success is achieved when one finds peace and love for oneself without being a doormat or without taking abuse. In the end, it all boils down to balance within you. Balance is the key to it all."

What do you think? Do you believe how YOU perceive yourself and what you do attracts others and positive things into your life? Tell me about how changing your attitude to your life has changed your life.

$250 for a bird poop facial?

2011-08-01T12:11:00.000+10:00

Madonna's moisturiser is made out of placentas (yes, seriously!), Angelina Jolie smears caviar on her face and it seems Victoria Beckhams' secret to smooth perfect looking skin is by using bird poop... yes, you read right... bird poop! Nightingale poop to be exact, from an island off Japan. The poop is dried into a powder and added to a rice bran/ milk mix. The facials cost $250 and you would only have to travel to New York to have them, if you are really keen.
However, if you don't have $250 and a private jet to jet off to New York on a regular basis, I highly recommend the Olay ranges to maintain a youthful glow. Olay's Total Effects and Pro-X ranges recently won the ACP 2011 Australian Beauty awards readers choice catagories. So they must be good, right? Well I believe they are and here is why:
1. Olay Total Effects (RRP $32.49 for 50ml)
My grandmother used Oil of Olay for years. She had really good skin for her age and swore it was from regular use of Oil of Olay, so who was I to argue with that? Olay was recently compared to expensive prestige brands and it was proven Olay was actually as good, if not better than the prestige brands. I would have to agree with that one.
Olay Total Effects provides the benefits of:
1. Line Minimisation: Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles
2. Nourishing Moisturisation: Soothes dry skin.
3. Tone Enhancement: Evens skin tone for more balanced color. 4. Gentle Exfoliation: Smoothes and evens skin texture 5. Pore Refinement: Minimises the appearance of pores 6. With Anti-Oxidants: Helps protect skin's moisture barrier. 7. Subtle Lifting: Hydrates for firmer skin appearance.

2. The new Olay to be included into my beauty routine is the Olay Definity Tone Correcting Anti-Ageing Foaming Moisturiser SPF15.

Heading toward the 36 years of age mark, in the last year I have noticed light brown patches and uneven skin tone starting to emerge. Erm yes, thank you addiction to the outdoors and the sun! Thankfully, I found this little gem.
I use Olay Total Effects before bed and the Olay Definity Tone Correcting Anti-Ageing Foaming Moisturiser SPF15 in the morning.
Olay Definity Tone Correcting Anti-Ageing Foaming Moisturiser SPF15 is an aerated serum foam that actively combats the appearance of skin discolouration. The lightweight formula is absorbed quickly and penetrates to condition the skin. Glucosamine complex, formulated with N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide, helps even skin tone and reduces the appearance of dark spots and red, blotchy skin. All products in the Olay Definity range are RRP $39.95.

For the more mature skin, you can try Olay's Pro X range. Olay Pro-X Anti-Ageing Starter Protocol (RRP. $99) is an introduction to a three-part daily program. It contains an Age Repair Lotion SPF 15, Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, and Eye Restoration Complex. All products have been professionally tested and are designed to be used together to fight the affects of ageing.

Do you know how Olay came to be? You will be saying "Aww" when you read the story behind the brand:
"Olay is a product truly born from love, as it was created by a man as a gift for his wife. In the 1950s, chemist Graham Wulff saw his wife Dinah’s frustration with the thick, waxy beauty creams that came in shoe-polish tins. They left her skin looking greasy, and they certainly didn’t fit with her feminine sensibility. Graham wanted to create a new beauty product for her— one that could not only moisturise her skin, but also leave her feeling beautiful and feminine. Together, Graham and Dinah fine-tuned everything from absorption and texture to the delicate pink shade and instantly recognisable fragrance. At last, the legendary Oil of Olay Beauty Fluid was born. Within five years, Olay was enjoying phenomenal success in South Africa, and in 1959 expanded into England, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada and Germany. Today, Olay is one of the most recognisable brands in the world. Yet through all the changes and innovations, the philosophy upheld by Graham Wulff remains just as relevant as ever: Help women look and feel beautiful. That’s a potent formula for success." How sweet, is that? If that story, and the fact that Olay are fantastic products, doesn't prompt you to try Olay then I don't think anything would!
So it just goes to show, and proves, you do not need to spend a fortune on good skin care and the best thing, they are available anywhere you normally shop. Supermarkets, Kmart, Big W, Target, chemists and Priceline stores nationally. To find out more about the Olay ranges, please visit their website: www.olay.com.au. While you are there, have a look at the free Olay UV monitor app for your iphone. Now there is no excuse to protect your skin from the damaging rays. Alternatively, you can find the app on itunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/olay-uv-monitor/id403962442?mt=8#

Parent Emotional Intelligence and Resiliency survey

2011-07-26T14:23:00.001+10:00

My friend, Elizabeth Barber is studying for the award of the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honors) course being undertaken at The Australian College of Applied Psychology and she requires 150 parents to fill out a questionnaire regarding parent resilience and emotional intelligence. The questionnaire doesn't take long to do and will help in future studies into parenting. It would be very much appreciated if you complete the survey.

For doing so, you could win a $150 Westfield voucher!

Please fill out the survey here:

http://www.research.net/s/parent_resiliency

Thank you!

ADHD and medication.. our story.

2011-07-08T13:09:00.001+10:00

There has been a lot of negativity and narrow mindedness in the media recently regarding ADHD, kids/ people with disabilities and mental illness. People can be so judgmental of those less fortunate than themselves, without first thinking of what the person they are judging are actually like or why they are the way they are.

Is it from misinformation or lack of education in society? Or are people just becoming more judgemental/ negative about others in general? Whatever the reason, it isn't right and shouldn't be the accepted normality. So I am going to tell my story and hope it can shed some light on what living with a child with ADHD is like.
I have two special needs children. Josh (16) has ADHD. Thomas (9) has Aspergers Syndrome, which I have previously written about here.
As a toddler, Josh was always getting into everything and had to be constantly occupied or he would be into something he shouldn't of been. And before you say "Oh but that is usual for a boy to be like that", yes it is but Josh was to the extreme! He would climb anything and everything, he would have meltdowns constantly, he couldn't sit still, he would constantly cry on road trips for being restrained in his car seat.... the list is endless. I had to have everything locked or hidden. I had to watch him when he was playing out the back as he would scale 6 foot fences!
I remember one day, I was having a shower and came out to find him gone. The little bugger had moved the chair over to the front door and undone a chain bolt and a deadlocked door... I could not find him anywhere. Remember this is a 2 year old child! I was frantic... after walking down the street and trying to find him, I went home and called the police and explained what had happened. I felt like the worst mother ever. I walked down the street again to find Mr, happily walking back home with the owner of our local milkbar. Lucky he knew us and luckily we lived in a relatively quiet area. I would hate to think what would have happened if we lived in a busy area. Being a sole parent, working part time, and doing a business degree with a child with ADHD wasn't easy. I really thought and was terrified the police would of contacted DOCS about that incident. What is the saying 'That is sent to test us, only makes us stronger' is so true. I think I am a better person for having dealt with what I have over the years.
Mind you, until Josh was 6 or 7 I had thought it was just 'normal' boy behaviour and he was just a 'difficult' child. It wasn't until Thomas was moving into toddlerdom (and I was looking for answers on why he was the way he was) that I realised Josh had characteristics of a child with ADHD in Dr Christopher Green's book, Toddler Taming. At this stage, Josh was a lot worse and having regular meltdowns and not doing well at school. We had holes and marks on the walls from his temper. I took Josh to our GP to obtain a referral to a pediatrician. Contrary to popular belief, ADHD is not as easily diagnosed as the media make it out to be. Most pediatricians will rigorously test the child before they make a full diagnosis. I had to fill out a 5 page questionnaire which had 200+ questions on it and I had to rate each statement on a level of 1-10. Josh had a few trips to a psychologist for testing and only then did we get a diagnosis... 6 months later. It was a hard decision to make whether we put Josh on Ritalin at 6/7 years of age but I am so glad we did. It was hard initially because he was on the short acting tablets, which he had to have twice a day. Once it was shown to be effective, he was put on the long acting Ritalin and then eventually Concerta (which has less side effects than the Ritalin LA). We copped a lot of negativity from family about putting him on medication but once they saw what a difference it had made they soon changed their tune.
ADHD medication will not work on a child/ person who doesn't have ADHD. It will actually have the opposite effect on them, which I have always found intriguing. How could a drug with speed in it actually calm a person with ADHD down but hype a person without ADHD up? I guess it is because of the chemical make up of the brain of someone with ADHD.
Having watched the ACA story on Tuesday night, I was appalled by how narrow minded people are. You cannot say a child with ADHD is 'just a naughty child' and lacks discipline (which a lot of people see children with behavioural problems as being). It is incredibly difficult to discipline a child when they are having a meltdown, as the child isn't in the right 'frame of mind' to listen to you. They are essentially in their own world at that point of time and no yelling, smacking or reasoning will change that. If anything, it makes them worse. I was appalled by one mothers family who had threatened to call DOCS because the mother had put her ADHD son on medication. There is still so much stigma around regarding ADHD. I'm glad ACA raised awareness and medication is required and helps a great deal of ADHD diagnosed kids regardless of the opposing arguments in the story.

FACTS:
ADHD is a neurological disorder, where a certain part of the brain doesn't function the way a 'normal' brain would. It is also caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, much like a person with depression has .
It is NOT caused by 'bad eating habits', 'bad parenting' or environmental factors (such as BPAs, immunisations, having used phenergan as a baby (Josh's father said that is why Josh has ADHD.. as I used phenergan when Josh was teething as a toddler... idiot!), not being breastfed etc. ADHD is something someone is born with.
Kids with ADHD usually grow up to do more 'hands on' type of work and learn by 'doing' rather than being shown what to do.

I truly believe that if we hadn't medicated Josh, he would of turned out to be a totally different person to who he is now. Josh has turned out to be a well mannered, hard working, sensible young man who I am incredibly proud of. He starts an apprenticeship to become a chef next month. I am so happy he has found his 'niche' and what he wants to do with his life (which I had no idea of what I wanted to do at 16 years of age). Josh has been off his medication since Christmas. Now that he is older, he can control his actions and because he has a more hands on role, he can channel his excess energy into that. His pediatrician actually told us when he was little, when he got to this age and was doing what he wanted to do he wouldn't need his medication and he was right. His ADHD was exacerbated by being in a classroom for hours on end and being bored from not being interested in what he was being taught/ doing. Of course, when he got home it all the frustrations/ hyperactivity came out then and that's when we had to deal with it. Plus his meds only lasted 6- 8 hours, just enough to settle him at school. So we had a double whammy when he was home. At the worst point we had to give him a short acting Ritalin to calm him for a few hours after school, in which time I would take him outside so he could 'let off steam', so to speak before the meds wore off again and he could go to bed.
So there is our story. Before you judge a parent or a child with ADHD, think before you say something. There is always a story behind everyone and every situation.

Miss DeJour

2011-05-30T14:27:00.001+10:00

OK, we all hate 'that' time of the month, yes? We also hate squashed tampon boxes and loose tampons in our handbag, yes? Not to mention loose in our pockets, which fall out at the MOST inopportune time... erm.. ok so that might of just been me. Helloo... in the middle of a busy cafe!
Now we have a better option! Miss DeJour tampons come in a discrete, cute zip lock bag. No more bright, gaudy boxes or loose tampons! How gorgeous is the packaging? Very glamorous, yes?

Chic, savvy and stylish, the Miss De Jour range of tampons launches in stores from March 2011.

“Miss De Jour tampons are packed in fashionable boxes to help make women feel a little bit glamorous in a time when they might be feeling a little bit icky. We’ve also packaged them in handy zip lock bags, which means the tampons don’t end up rolling around in the bottom of our handbags, which most of us can relate to,” Director and Owner, Ms Kristina Allen said.

An inspirational business woman, highly creative and the brains behind De Jour; the first Australian sanitary brand by a woman, for women, Ms Allen is launching the sassy new brand, Miss De Jour, to cater to the ‘Mademoiselle’ market of Australian women.

Ms Allen, 43, began her career in advertising, paving an enviable career as Art Director before changing tact some 13 years later to begin De Jour in 1998.

“Like many big breaks in business I recognised a market gap in the sanitary products’ space that spoke directly to the female market. Such as - who she is, what she aspires to… and I was confident I could deliver a product that would meet the customer’s sanitary requirements as well as fit with her value set,” Ms Allen said.

“I looked around at what was on offer and didn’t like the options. The available tampon packaging was loud and gaudy, the purse packs unhygienic and the advertising insulting,” she said.

Rather than accept the status quo, Ms Allen used her creative nous to design the De Jour brand, which launched to market in 1998.

Miss De Jour, and De Jour, is available in supermarkets across Australia as well as Priceline stores and other usual sanitary product outlets.

Ms Allen has her own David and Goliath story to tell – taking on the male dominated big guns and coming up trumps.

She believes the secrets to her success include knowing the target market, filling a gap in the market, and importantly delivering a quality product that works, is price competitive and appeals to its audience.

Ms Allen also goes beyond the standalone product by sharing tips, advice and information on the De Jour website, and Miss De Jour Facebook page related to various women’s issues including but not limited to PMT, cystitis and thrush.

“I like to look at myself as a big sister. Perhaps that’s why I’ve launched a new line of De Jour, we’ve been on the market for over 10 years now – little sister’s all grown up and it’s her time to shine. Today’s women care about their careers but not to the neglect of their femininity. I’ve kept their values top of mind when designing both De Jour and Miss De Jour. Miss De Jour is part of a sisterhood brand that knows what women want and can deliver a product that delivers on it,” Ms Allen said.

“The packaging is also such that the man in a girl’s life won’t be embarrassed to be seen with Miss De Jour in his shopping basket – in fact, he’s likely to feel good about it as other women shopping will be familiar with the brand and think he’s a grand boyfriend indeed!”

To try Miss DeJour for yourself, register on the Miss DeJour website http://www.missdejour.com.au/ for a free sample!

Plus thanks to Miss DeJour, one lucky reader will win a years supply of Miss DeJour... how fabulous is that? All you have to do is tell us your tampon horror story by 5pm Friday 3rd June. ENTER HERE!

Good Food and Wine Show Melbourne

2011-05-30T12:38:00.000+10:00

Succumb to your senses at the 2011 Good Food & Wine Show which kicks off in Melbourne, Australia’s food Mecca, from Friday 3 June to Sunday 5 June, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf.
This year will also mark the tenth anniversary of the Sydney Good Food & Wine Show, which will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday 1 July to Sunday 3 July.
The scrumptious line-up at this year’s Show, held annually in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and
Brisbane, will include a selection of Australia’s finest food and wine over three jam-packed days, and feature all the attractions Show-goers have come to love alongside some exciting new additions.

Back behind the hot plates in the Fisher & Paykel Celebrity Theatre will be leading chefs, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Matt Moran, Manu Feildel and Tobie Puttock, cooking up a culinary storm with new recipes and tantalising ingredients.
Let your taste buds indulge in new flavours, breath in the aromas and soak up the knowledge of some of Australia’s most loved food and wine experts and enthusiasts as you experience the special Show features on offer in 2011.
FAVOURITE SHOW ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:
Learn from the masters in the Fisher & Paykel Celebrity Theatre
Australia’s leading chefs, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Matt Moran, Manu Feildel and Tobie Puttock, will showcase their newest culinary creations and share their secrets to help you become your own king (or queen) of the kitchen in the much-loved Fisher & Paykel Celebrity Theatre. Watch and learn as they take centre stage to show you how to perfect your cooking prowess.
From pot to plate...
You’ve watched the celebrity chefs prepare their mouth-watering dishes, now step into the new Macro
Pantry from Woolworths. Get your fingers on the chefs’ recipe cards to learn how to re-create their
delicious meals at home, and then grab an exclusive hamper stocked full of great tastes and products from the Macro Range.
And farm to fork...
Discover a journey of tastes and flavours from some of Australia’s leading gourmet and artisan producers without leaving the Show at the Regional Producers Market. Take your tastebuds on a gastronomical adventure and discover luscious gourmet produce from some of Australia’s most popular regional food destinations.
Swirl, sniff, sip and sample...
Put your palate to the test by securing a seat in the intimate Riedel Wine Theatre. See, smell and taste
Australia’s top drops from some of our most famous wine regions as you learn about grape growing secrets handed down from generation-to-generation.
Want to delve deeper? Be one of only 20 participants at one of the six daily tutored wine sessions in the Riedel Decanter Bar with Australia’s leading wine makers.
Seduce your senses with the complexities of carefully selected cheese tastings and learn to appreciate the language of cheese in the CheeseMatters Discovery Session.
Cheese guru, Naomi Crisante, will take you through the steps to perfectly match various cheeses with wines. Prefer an amber ale? She will also give you the insider’s tips on selecting the right cheeses to match your beer of choice.
Back by popular demand, the BeanScene Coffee Experience is exclusive to the Melbourne Show, offering coffee classes, competitions, on-site roasting, domestic espresso machine tips and latte art demonstrations.
Leading Australian coffee experts will be on hand to share their knowledge of coffee as you enjoy the
samples. It’s literally a show within a show.
Meet the Meat *Exclusive to the Sydney Show*
Australia’s most exciting and unique butcher, Victor Churchill, will join the Sydney Good Food & Wine Show for the very first time. Catch a glimpse of the interior workings of a replica butcher; take home premium products sourced from Australia and France; purchase prepared hot and cold dishes from the working kitchen; or learn the tricks of one of the world’s oldest trades in a hands-on butchery class at the Victor Churchill Butchery Experience.
Back to basics...
Jump into the Sunbeam Kitchen and get your hands dirty in one of the delicious, hands-on classes. Master the art of making espresso and texturing milk at a Home Barista Skills session; or learn how to make, bake and decorate scrumptious cupcakes at the Cupcake Making class.
Wine and dine in South Australia... without leaving the Show
Indulge in a cellar door-like experience from one of the Yalumba family’s most loved wineries without leaving the Show. Exclusively designed for the Good Food & Wine Shows, the Oxford Landing Estates Restaurant will offer beautifully prepared dishes using some of the best South Australian ingredients complemented by a glass of Oxford Landing Estates wine. It will be the ideal spot to rest your weary feet or catch up with friends while you visit the Show.

Show dates and tickets
Melbourne - Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 3-5 June
(Tickets on sale 4 March)
Sydney - Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1-3 July
(Tickets on sale 4 March)
Perth - Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, 15-17 July
(Tickets on sale 6 April)
Adelaide - Adelaide Event & Exhibition Centre, 7-9 October
(Tickets on sale early July)
Brisbane - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, 4-6 November
(Tickets on sale early August)
Tickets for the special Masterclasses and Celebrity Theatre are limited and sell out early, so get in fast!
Bookings via Ticketek on 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au
For further information on the Good Food & Wine Show visit www.goodfoodshow.com.au

5 lucky readers can win a double pass to the Melbourne show, courtesy of the Good Food and Wine Show. Entries close 5pm Tuesday 31st May. Tell us why you would like to experience the Good Food and Wine Show for yourself? ENTER HERE!

Berlei Bra Recycle

2011-05-15T07:11:00.001+10:00

Due to the overwhelming generosity from the women of Australia, the Berlei Bra Recycle Program returns in 2011! In the month of May, Australians have the opportunity to support women at home and those who are less fortunate around the world!

In 2010, Australian women came together to donate over 40,000 bras to the Berlei Bra Recycle Program throughout Myer stores nationally and over 200 specialty stores – weighing a phenomenal 2.34 tonnes!

This initiative helps to reduce landfill, creates employment opportunities in developing nations and helps other deserving women to access of a basic necessity.

On top of this, for every 10 bras recycled, $1 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA). With my mother having had an aggressive form of breast cancer, I urge you to donate all of your clean, unwanted bras to this fantastic cause at Myer and specialty stores. It is also a great way to clean out your underwear drawer.

Bras are one of the most highly sought after items for women in developing countries and the Berlei Bra Recycle Program allows women in developing African countries such as Kenya, where half the population lives on less than $1 per day, the opportunity to own something that has long been out of the reach, a bra. Most Australian women wear on average just three of 8 to 20 bras in their drawers.

With the help of BCR UK and no cost services from Australian courier company TOLL, recycled bras will be delivered to developing African nations and sold at an affordable price to local women. Not only does this initiative help to reduce landfill, but create employment opportunities in developing nations – and help other deserving women to access of a basic necessity. Plus, for every 10 bras recycled, $1 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA).
Simply pop your clean, wearable and unwanted bras into the special Berlei Bra Recycle Bins in Myer department stores and over 200 specialty stores around Australia and a cycle of support and giving begins.
And help spread the word and begin the cycle of support for women in Australia and around the world.
The Berlei Bra Recycle Program runs from May 1st to May 31st, so get recycling! Visit the Berlie website for more details: www.berlei.com.au.

Westfield transforms clothes shopping online

2011-05-14T10:28:00.000+10:00

How can you shop your favourite fashion brands from your favourite retailers and never have to step out the door? Westfield has launched its brand new website that can help you translate clothes into fashion – all from the comfort of your own living room.

British stylist, Gok Wan and his team of stylists were excited to announce the brand new Westfield website that lets shoppers browse over 250,000 items across more than 2,000 brands, from one convenient online location. Choose your favourite styles for dresses online and great peep toe shoes, then check out via Westfield’s safe and secure payment system and get all of your items delivered to your door. We’re certain anyone can be a fashionista with all of the gorgeous outfits and styles available on westfield.com.au, where you’ll find unlimited brands with one check-out.

The new 'face' of Hugo Boss

2011-05-01T22:19:00.000+10:00

Hugo Boss will be launching a new mens fragrance in July and have signed up Jared Leto as the 'face' for the new fragrance.
The company made the announcement via its Facebook page, revealing it would release more information about the deal in coming weeks.

“HUGO inspires men to succeed through creativity, which is something I’ve aimed for my entire career. Like the HUGO man, I look for inspiration in everything around me and seek out unusual and unexpected things and experiences,” says Jared.

While the 30 Seconds to Mars singer has been seen with many different looks from eyes made up with heavy eyeliner to pink mohawk hair, he is likely to go for a more clean cut appearance for the HUGO fragrance campaign.

I must admit I was jumping up and down with excitement... you see I have had a slight obsession with the lead singer and Hollywood actor for over eight years now.

Admittedly, when I first became a fan of his band, 30 Seconds to Mars, I didn't realise how sexy and hot the lead singer was. I was too busy listening to his eargasm voice! To tell you the truth, I didn't even know who he was until I did one of those lame "Who is your celebrity boyfriend?" questionnaires on Facebook and the picture accompanying it had me hooked... erm.. especially after I had Googled more pictures. I've since learned he is the total package. Incredibly intelligent, funny with those blues eyes... hello!

So having said that, I think the new campaign is going to be very sexy. Although, who could forget the last campaign with Ryan Reynolds for 'Boss Night'? Oh my!!

I think Scarlet Johanson is a silly girl for giving up Ryan and shacking up with Sean Penn.. but that is just me.

Here is the commercial for Boss Bottled Night:

Very sexy commercial, yes? I hope the new commercials with Jared are just as hot. What do you think of the commercials and Hugo Boss fragrances? Is it wrong that if a guy walks past wearing one of the Hugo fragrances I want to jump him? lol Do you like guys wearing fragrances?

Oh and just for the perve factor... here is another picture of Ryan Reynolds.

DIY Wifi Thongs??

2011-04-27T20:40:00.002+10:00

OK, I am all for Do It Yourself projects and thought this was ingenious! I mean, Nike has an inbuilt chip in their running shoes which monitors your heart rate and pedometer to monitor steps taken, which then transmits to your iphone. So why couldn't you add a wifi device to your thong, right? Well, this guy has tried it.. see for yourself!

Yes, it maybe a tad uncomfortable under your foot and yes, you will probably break the Telstra mobile wifi device when you go to walk on it but it is the ingenuity and inventiveness that counts! Erm, doesn't it?

The warning message at the end is funny... hmmm on second thoughts, maybe just carry the Telstra wifi device around with you.

Post sponsored by Telstra.

DIY Wifi Thongs??

2011-04-27T20:37:00.000+10:00

We love Gok Wan!

2011-04-08T22:41:00.000+10:00

Who could not know who Gok Wan is? Fashion expert, award-winning TV presenter, author and all round national treasure, Gok Wan has taken the fashion and TV world by storm and has become one of the UK’s most sought-after entertainers. He made his mark by giving women the confidence to appreciate their bodies, whatever their size and encouraged women whatever their shape and size to strip for the nation!
We know Gok as the fabulous stylist and presenter on the tv show 'How to look good naked'. 'How to look Good Naked' is the inspirational fashion series that shows women how to look fantastic with their clothes on or off no matter what their body shape.

Gok was recently in Australia for Westfield and here he is for your viewing pleasure:

Westfield Style TV

2011-04-06T20:32:00.005+10:00

We all love to watch lovely ladies getting made over and these two videos will definitely make you green with envy! How fabulous would it be to meet with a stylist and find out what suits you and which latest fashions and looks would be perfect for you.

Here is Megan being made over by Westfield stylist, Trish:

Here is Trish talking about Megan's makeover and why she loves being a Westfield stylist:

Here is Lou being made over by Westfield stylist, Jo:

Westfield TV episode 5

Watch fashion tips by Jo from Westfield here and why she loves being a Westfield stylist:

Post sponsored by Westfield.

How to Get: Sexy tousled hair

2011-04-05T22:21:00.000+10:00

THE key look for the season is sexy 'just got out of bed' tousled curls but how do you get it?

Here I share with you how to get the sexy tousled hair:

1.Wash & condition with Herbal Essences tousle me softly shampoo and conditioner

2.Mist Herbal Essences tousle me softly spray gel through wet hair

3.Braid wet hair

4.Let your hair air dry

5.Expert tip: do the first 4 steps at night and sleep on the braids

6.Use a flat iron like a curling iron and curl diagonal sections of hair

7.Spray with Herbal Essences tousle me softly hairspray for touchable, lasting hold

And here is a video by celebrity stylist Charles Baker to show you how it is done:

What do you think of the look? Do you think you will be trying it?

Style leaders

2011-04-05T21:10:00.000+10:00

I love fashion and it is always interesting to hear from designers and fashionistas about what inspires them to design and wear the gorgeous items they do.
Style Leaders sets out to recognise and showcase fashion-forward consumers and designers, celebrating their style and influence on fashion.

Westfield believe fashion has a wide circle of inspiration. 'Style Leaders' features contributions from every aspect of the fashion industry. Westfield haven't just been talking to the designers, the photographers and the stylists; they've been talking to the fashion buyer. Westfield have been asking what inspires the buyer, what motivates them to choose one look over another. What's their personal view?

These unique, documentary style videos highlight how we're all a part of the fashion industry. We all inspire each other, and our individual choices don't just inspire us, they inspire the designers themselves.

The concept of 'You Inspiring Us, Us Inspiring You' is at the very heart of Westfield's Autumn Winter 2011 campaign. We hope you enjoy it. We especially hope you're inspired by it.

What did you think? Which designers do you admire or like to wear?

My favourite designer is Leona Edmiston. Leona's dresses are the epitome of femininity and fashion but also incredibly flattering at the same time.

Which look/s do you love for Autumn/Winter?

This post is sponsored by Westfield.

Is Khloe keeping up?

2011-03-30T12:01:00.000+11:00

Ok, I admit it! I'm a celebrity style stalker and one of my favourite celebrities is Khloe Kardashian
a) because Khloe is gorgeous
b) she has a similar body shape to mine. Both tall and curvy
c) she has a similar style and taste in clothing to myself ie. heels, boots, jeans, dresses and jackets.
Er... Yes, I admit I have never seen an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians (as I'm a tight butt and won't get cable) but I still like reading about the goings on with the family.
Anyhoo, I was perusing the interwebs scoping out Khloe in winter outfits for style inspiration and I was shocked and disgust when I found this picture (right) with an article attached banging on about how 'fat' Khloe looks... Please! There is nothing wrong with Khloe's in-proportion curves (well apart from her VPL... have you heard of Spanx, darling?) ! I can only imagine how Khloe feels when she is compared to her tiny sisters... Khloe is 5ft 10 (178cm), Kim is 5ft 2 and Kourtney is 5ft. So of course when Khloe is standing next her teeny, tiny sisters she is going to look amazonian! Khloe has trouble staying in shape and her yo-yo weight is so tough to control that rumours of her being pregnant keep resurfacing in the media and press. As soon as any celebrity puts on a bit of weight, she is immediately labelled pregnant! A womans weight can fluctuate between 1- 5 kgs a month due to hormones, fluid retention etc. so it's not uncommon for a woman to look slightly pudgy around the tummy occasionally. If we all lived in the celebrity world we would be 'pregnant' every month! The magazines will make up anything for a story, won't they? I rarely read 'trash' mags anymore as most of them are full of made up stories. How many times can magazines be sued for printing lies before people will stop buying this tripe (Yes, New Idea and Woman's Day... I am talking about you!)? The sad thing is, most women who read these magazines believe it! Aarg! I would hate to be a celebrity and have your every move, look and weight scrutinised all the time!

“I think my weight is my biggest lifetime struggle,” Khloe confesses in a video published on her blog. “My weight is always going up and down. I’m always fighting that.”

Khloe says that, although she believes she’s learned to control her obsession with weight, the public opinion still gets her down, making her feel insecure about her figure. “Other peoples’ words do come and hit you hard,” she admits. “I feel like no matter what I do, I never look good enough to everybody else,” she says. Last year, her self-esteem was so low that she started referring to herself as “the fat one“. She revealed that her body issues began when she was little because her colleagues used to call her fat and ugly. Apparently, these words seem to have stuck in her head indefinitely. I think a lot of woman have these issues too.

Now the Kardashian girls are ~~flogging~~ erm endorsing weight loss meal replacement products, which has seen Khloe lose 20 pounds but how long can she keep it off for and before she goes back to the weight she was when she starts eating normally again?

Celebrities should be promoting healthy eating and exercise, not dangerous meal replacement products. It's sad that the Kardashian girls feel they need to resort to using these products to fit into the 'ideal' and not be themselves. How many teenage girls are going to go and buy the weight loss products because the Kardashian sisters promote them and kick off a life long yoyo dieting circle? What message are we sending our kids when they are constantly bombarded with ads etc pushing them to lose weight and that you need to look 'Trim, taut and terrific'? That unless you look like the person in the ads or a celebrity you aren't 'perfect'?

As soon as one embarks on an unhealthy new wonder diet, yes you lose weight but then put it back again (and then some) when you start eating normally. Diets like shakes, meal replacements, drinking coffee all day (remember when this was the favoured 'diet' of Nicole Ritchie and the Olson twins?) and Beyonce's fav. lemon detox diet are not only bad for your health but can reek havoc on your metabolism, even slowing it right down to nearly non existant. Constant yoyo dieting (Hello, yes Oprah and Kirsty Alley Im talking about you!) is also incredibly bad for you but we keep on doing it. Why? because we are trying to keep up with 'ideal' way to look.
Yes, I am guilty of yoyo dieting and being a coffee addict it was easy to jump on the 'drink coffee all day and only have one meal a day' bandwagon but it is incredibly unhealthy and I was constantly tired.
Why are women constantly judged and scrutinised by their weight and looks? No wonder so many women aren't happy with how they are! We all have different body shapes and sizes. It also annoys me that the 'ideal' is a size zero in America with celebrities/models, even though a huge proportion of Americans are obese. Do these two coincide? ie. because women are made to feel so bad about their weight, they eat to compensate for feeling inadequate? Then try to lose it, only to put it back on again? And the viscous yoyo dieting circle begins!
People also forget that the images we see in magazines are usually photoshopped to the hilt and the celebrities are usually under 5'6 with a tiny build to start off with. So really those of us who are taller and have a regular or bigger build are deluding ourselves to think we will ever be able to be that skinny, be able to maintain it and be healthy because really it isn't! Living on fruit/ vegies and working out for a few hours+ a day isn't good for you either. There has to be a healthy balance with all things in life and eating/ exercise is the most important thing to keep in balance. Everything in moderation!
I have learned that I will never be a size 8 or 10. I have a hourglass or 'cello' shape body and tall (175cm), so I am happy to be the size 14- 16 I am. If someone doesn't like the shape I am, then stiff. That is their problem!
I have come to the stage in life that I think there is more to life than worrying about my weight and constantly analysing what I eat and how much exercise I do everyday.
I am on a Gluten/ Soy free and low GI diet for healthy reasons (dodgy thyroid) and I exercise everyday to ward off osteoporosis (which is hereditary, my mother has it) but life is for enjoying... so what if I have the occasional dessert, cake or some chocolate?
What do you think of the celebrity ideal of the size zero? Have you learned to accept your weight and body shape you are?

Super styling with Westfield

2011-03-22T15:30:00.000+11:00

Fashion should always be easy, fun and fabulous because ‘style’ is about looking and feeling great, whatever your age, lifestyle or body shape.   But how do you tap into your own stylish self? Connect with a stylist of course!

One of my favourite stylists is Australia's own, Donny Galella. Having been an avid reader of Donny's website and blog http://www.donnygalella.com.au/ for a while now, it is easy to see why he is called Australia's own Carson Kressley. Donny also appears on 'LifstyleYou' channel on Foxtel and blogs for the LifestyleYou website.

What I love about Donny is his passion for helping the everyday Aussie feel good about themselves through fashion and boy, does he do it well! Donny’s extremely down to earth nature combined with his innate understanding of the real Australian consumer, gives him the extraordinary ability to style his clients, no matter their shape, size or shopping budget.. Donny's makeovers are simply amazing! Speaking of which, you have to watch these fantastic make over videos Donny has done Westfield (Donny is Westfield Australia's official stylist).

This is Donny speaking about his experiences from being a stylist:

Here is Donny making over Corrie from Retro Mummy:

Did you know all Westfield Shopping Centres have personal stylists like Donny? What? You don't? Shame on you! Of course they do and being the approachable, passionate and enthusiastic stylists that they are, the Westfield Stylists can help you make the most of your wardrobe within your budget. Their style mantra is that fashion should be comfortable, accessible and above all, have you looking and feeling your best.  

Westfield Stylists empower you to understand fashion and make it work for you. They teach you how to discover pieces that highlight your best assets, so you’ll have all the inside tips to mix these with your current wardrobe to create your own signature style.

To find out how to find a 'new fashionable you' go to the Westfield Fashion Services page.... go on.. you know you want to!

Find everything you need to know about fashion, trends and the latest in store with Westfield's range of fashion services. Whether it be a Personal Styling Session, a Style Workshop or a tricky question for our online Westfield Fashion Stylist, we have all you need to create your perfect look.

Hair makeover and Pantene Clinicare

2011-03-14T21:46:00.001+11:00

I was recently invited to go to Sydney by Proctor & Gamble and Saunders and Co PR for the launch of the new Pantene Clinicare range, so I decided to make a weekend of it. After all, it is not everyday I get to go to Sydney.
Saturday saw me enjoy a tour and high tea at the gorgeous Sir Stamford hotel with their lovely Sales manager, Olivia (post to follow shortly). Quiet night in with room service, a long hot bath and cable tv as I had been up since 5.30am that morning and battling the remnants of a cold. It was so lovely to be able to relax without hearing "Muuummm".
Sunday was a gorgeous day of being pampered at the Benefit boutique in Oxford Street, Paddington. I had my brows waxed and tinted, my makeup done and a play with the products including the new 3D Bella Bamba blush (which is fabulous!). Next was lunch with the lovely Sam of Sassi Sam fame. Then onto the gorgeous Magnolia Square markets for a wonder around, such gorgeous products and people. If you get a chance, I highly recommend attending one (see their website for details). Shopping in Oxford Street was next on the agenda, such gorgeous designers along the shopping strip including Charlie Brown and Alannah Hill. Coffee time in a cute cafe strip along Stanley Street. Back to the hotel for a quick change, then off out for dinner.
Monday saw me check out of my hotel and picked up by a chauffeur driven Audi to the gorgeous Barney Martin Salon in Surry Hills to try the new range of Pantene's Clinicare products. I felt very spoiled indeed.

Stylist Van started off by washing, conditioning and treating my hair with the new Pantene Clinicare range, which I must say is AH-MAZ-ING! Clinicare is a joint project between Pantene and Wella to bring you six years of meticulous research and development, the Pantene scientists and Wella stylists have successfully developed Clinicare’s exclusive Ultimate Repair Blend formula. The nano-level approach that was taken in the development phase enabled the scientists to specifically address the hair properties of ageing hair. Aging hair you ask? Yes, as we age so does our hair! Scary, isn't it?
So not only do we need to moisturise our skin regularly, we need to look after our hair as well! In one month, Clinicare can repair damaged hair. I have been using it for just over a week now and my hair is so soft and smooth. Fabulous! Clinicare also doesn't weigh down the hair like the old Pantene's of yesteryear.
Clinicare is available now from Supermarkets, speciality stores and pharmacies nationally.
Pantene Clinicare Micro-Repair Revitalising Shampoo
250mL RRP $14.99
Pantene Clinicare Micro-Repair Revitalising Conditioner
250mL RRP $14.99
Pantene Clinicare Micro-Repair Revitalising Rinse Off Treatment
5 x 15mL RRP $19.99
After the fabulous wash and treatment, Van blow dried my hair and then using curling tongs created gorgeous curls. I have never had curls before, so it was a lovely change and I was wrapped with how gorgeous my hair looked.

This is the before pic.... dead straight and dry, especially at the ends.

After: Soft, shiny, bouncy curls!

Gorgeous, yes? I wish my hair looked like this all the time!

The finished look. On my way back to the airport in the back of the chauffeur driven Audi.

Once at the airport, I was walking along the outside of the shops, I hadn't shut my purse properly and my cards fell out onto the floor. Normally this wouldn't cause a hassle but when you have six inch heels and a pencil skirt on and can't get back up, then it is a problem. I had to crawl over to the nearest window and pull myself up, not terribly dignified I can tell you! Just as I was doing this I turned around to see a group of guys on a travellator smiling at me. I pointed to my feet and said 'heels'.. They said "We were going to come over and help you!". Ah yeah, thanks guys! I quickly bought a NW magazine to hide behind for the next hour (Don't you love the 'stars without makeup' features?)!

Back on the plane and back to Melbourne to my usual life. It was lovely while it lasted.

Thank you to Saunders and Co PR, Proctor & Gamble and the Barney Martin salon for this fantastic opportunity.

*Disclosure: Pantene Clinicare Shampoo, conditioner and treatment was provided free of charge by Proctor & Gamble to trial.

Autumn styling with Birdsnest

2011-03-07T22:42:00.000+11:00

You have probably already heard or have seen us raving on about our favourite online store, Birdsnest, before on Twitter or Facebook.. No? Where have you been, lovely? Birdsnest is THE place to go for ALL of your fashion requirements. With over 120 suppliers which allows them to bring you the most desirable and affordable names in Australian fashion and accessories including Esprit, Seafolly, JAG, Ladakh, Wish, Charlie Brown and Metalicus, why would you go anywhere else? And Birdsnest just don't cater for the fashionably stylish ladies out there, they also have kids and menswear!

The lovely girls at Bridsnest have given us their styling tips for Autumn:

Texture is key

Time to have some fun with this seasons prints, furs and romantic fabrics. Jazz up an outfit with military inspired details and snuggle up by the fire in warm chunky knits. Perfect for the more curvaceous body shapes as layering can hind a multitude of sins and will have you looking and feeling fabulous. Animal print is also a key look, if your not too keen on wearing too much of it try a scarf or a cute pair of ballet flats.

Skirts

Long or short….your wardrobe should be filled with flirty feminine skirts this winter. Create an elongating silhouette with wrap around long skirts, a must have for this season. Perfect for those with legs or simply team with heels for a contemporary look. For the more daring out there the mini skirt is making a bold comeback and is perfect for showing off those gorgeous pins. Or if you want some in between length, just below knee length a la Mad Men styling (which is HUGE this season).

Shoes

What girl doesn’t love her shoes? Create height with block heels and add interest with big buckles and bows. Team back with your long skirts and cargo pants for easy style. Balance out your curves and add a touch of sophistication with a divine pair of square toed shoes, a wardrobe must have!

Colours

Lift an outfit with a flash of orange and a touch of animal print to highlight your favourite body part. Warm browns will compliment many skin tones and team navy for a gorgeous classic style. Camel is THE colour to wear this season, there are gorgeous blazers, dresses, bags and shoes in this colour and it is a very easy to wear colour which goes with anything.

Actil Autumn Winter 2011

2011-02-20T22:04:00.002+11:00

INTRODUCING ACTIL AUTUMN WINTER 2011

I am a linen and homewares addict, so I was excited to hear Australia’s first name in bed linen, Actil will re-launch in the Australian market this February 2011. My mum would only use Actil linen when I was growing up (somewhat like my Sheridan addiction).

Established in 1942, Actil was the first Australian company to produce bed linen. Now in 2010, Actil is one of Australia’s finest traditional brand names and a familiar part of Australian life. With a strong
brand heritage that people know and love, Actil (Australian Cotton Textile Industry LTD) will once again come to life with the exciting launch of its new AW11 range.

Elegance, simplicity, style, purity, freshness, reliability...welcome back Actil!

Offering fresh, desirableand timeless designs at great prices, Actil understands that every home is different. The new winter range of quilts, sheets, towels and accessories, inspires to create the dream bedroom and bathroom with classic patterns that reflect Australia’s natural beauty.
The Actil designs create a warm and inviting place in the bedroom this winter capturing the essence
of craftsmanship and enduring style. From large scale floral fashion weaves to traditional damask
and stylised motifs, it’s all about detail.
Quilt covers are treated with innovative techniques including pleating, rope, gilded gold and textured detail.
The colour palette for AW11 features washed monochromes, rich reds and wintery metallic, creating the ultimate indulgence in the bedroom.
Accessories available include beautiful coverlets, cushions and bed skirts in a variety of colours
complementing the range.
Actil First Line range of sheets became a house hold name – a ‘must have’ in the 1950’s.
Guaranteed 100% cotton, these 300 thread count sheets are hotel quality, extremely durable and soften with repeated washing, still promising the same freshness and ease of use today.
Available in Snow and Linen. $149.95 for Queen size.
Actil’s Roemer sheets are an easy care range that come in a variety of colours and offer effortless
co-ordination. At 300 thread count, First Line sheets feature a twin satin stitch detail and are
available in 8 fashion colours. $139.95 for Queen size.

For the bathroom, the Haydon Towel is made from 100% cotton with Egyptian cotton pile, available
in 12 rich wintery colours including rouge, garnet, moss and suede.
This Actil staple is priced at $27.95 for a Queen towel.

Timeless designs, exceptional detailing and finishes make Actil the first choice.

Actil Autumn Winter 2011 range available from February 2011, for stockist information
1800 625 516 or visit www.actil.com.au

Playtex 18 hour bras

2011-02-11T08:14:00.002+11:00

Support is a beautiful thing!

Playtex bras have been supporting women for over 75 years.

Playtex is the trusted intimate apparel brand that provides solutions for women with

specific fit needs. Particularly when it comes to full figure & full support –Playtex understands

women and addresses the changing fit needs they experience in life.

The latest range includes a wide selection of 18HOUR bras with cushioned comfort

Straps, Minmising Bras, Wirefree Bras, Bras that smooth back and side bulges and even bras made using

moisture management fabric to keep you cool and dry.

Playtex have worked to provide a finely tuned range catering for the individual and varying needs

of women of every size and shape.

Stocked in Myer and David Jones stores nationally.

The Facts: FYI

1. When your weight goes up or down by as little as even 2kg, it’s time to refit your bra. When your clothing size changes so does your cup size!

2. Never over wear your bra or it will lose its structure and form – just like shoes. Rotate your bra selection to provide at least one day of rest for every day of wear.

3. If your bra feels uncomfortable or doesn’t support you, it’s time to buy a new one. The average lifespan of a bra is 6 to 9 months. For larger cups it’s 3 to 6 months.