It is almost a genetic code written into humankind. That mother-in-law and daughter-in-law never shall coexist harmoniously, for as long as they both shall live. To be a superwife, supermom AND a super daughter-in-law – now that is just pushing it.

Yet surely, there must be a way to ensure that the man caught in the drama of it all – your husband, her son – is spared the trauma of being sandwiched between the two women he loves? Nanz Inc takes a stab at navigating this age-old minefield.

By: Audra Lim

The stories are plentiful. One mother-in-law suggested that her newly-born grandchild cried a lot because he did not like his mother’s milk – this after loudly praising her daughter-in-law immediately after the birth with a “Well done!”.

Another regularly inspects her son’s kitchen and tsks tsks her daughter-in-law for not having enough food in the fridge, not doing the laundry properly and then launches into the all-too-familiar “when are you having kids” rant.

Yet another got chased out of the house by a post-partum-depressed daughter-in-law after incessantly nagging her and forcing her to conform to old-school confinement practices.

Ah, family dramas. What will everyone do without them?

In its basest form, the tension between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is often a result of the difficulty a mother faces in realizing that she is no longer the dominant, or sole female influence in her son’s life. She may also think that her daughter-in-law is unable to do as good as job as her in taking care of the man they both love. More often than not, she really just wants the best for her son; her interferences are commited out of good intentions. And this is the key to tolerating, and even getting along with a mother-in-law who might feel like an albatross tied around your neck sometimes.

For the sake of a better marriage, happier family and all-round harmony, keep these in mind the next time you feel ready to lash out at She-Who-Pokes-Her-Nose-In-Everything:

1. Respect thy mother(-in-law).

At the very least, the fact that she gave life to your husband and took care of him all those years should invoke some form of gratitude. Accept that your husband will forever have a special bond with her, simply because she is his mother. You cannot take her place, just as she cannot take yours. Period.

2. Respect thy husband.

The poor man probably feels like sandwich filling. And it’s not a fun place to be. Instead of giving him flak for being a mummy’s boy and not being on your side, tell him that while you may not agree with his mother all the time, you understand the predicament he is in. Just showing that you recognize the strain he is going through would gain you brownie points for being such a gracious wife.

3. Respect thy family.

The effect of family disputes on other family members can be negative. Remember that your children are witnessing the unhappiness, and can pick up on the negative vibes even if you do not verbalise your thoughts. For their sake, try to maintain peace with your mother-in-law. In the grand scheme of things, it does not matter who wins or loses. What matters is a happy family.

Coming up soon: Mother-in-law tips from successful daughters-in-law.

If you have a story about your mother-in-law, share! Leave a comment!

Related Posts:

• Mother, Lawyer, Ice Cream Maker
• Photo Time With The Kids
• Mummy Vs Daddy: Who Does More?
• Take Care Of Yourself: Get That Check-Up!
• Global Eats At Charly T’s

Today was a really good day for Nanz and I.

We had been hurtling through Jan and Feb like two rockets when suddenly two weeks ago, Nanz said “Hey. What are we doing for International Women’s Day?”

A mad scramble and a half later, my good friend, the beautiful and most lovely Ms Daryl Teo (“Dee” for short), marketing manager of the Lo & Behold Group (they own Loof, White Rabbit, The Shack in Sentosa and OverEasy), offered to host a luncheon for us and 10 of our MVPs (much-valued pals) at the wonderful OverEasy, which is a “diner” serving amazing food and all-day breakfast (yes, truffle egg!).

We gathered at 12 today at One Fullerton. OverEasy overlooks the new IR and the Singapore River/Reservoir. It would have been perfect to be outside had the weather been 15 degrees cooler! OverEasy has a really chilled-out vibe about it– probably why there were quite a number of corporate types blowing off Monday morning steam with a great lunch! A bar divvies up the space into a dining and a lounge area. By night, I imagine the alfresco space fills up with couples and groups of pals hanging out listening to the live band.

As women are wont to do, we sat down and started talking nine to the dozen. Among us were Klessis Lee (a secretary and a mummy blogger), Daphne Ling (a mummy blogger and writer), Sunuja Naidu (editor of Today’s Parents), Cheryl Ng (a web-entrepreneur who used to bring in diaper bags), Novie Tan (an entrepreneur with a trading business), Dr Lynda Wee (a training business owner and educator), and Nanz Inc’s wonderful writers Lianne Ong and Melanie Lee.

It was a casual lunch -but oh what a lunch! Dee is not the Hostest with the Mostest for nothing.

Drink of the day: Mint lemonade
Starters: Nacho chips with 2 dips: guacamole & spicy sausage
Soup: Mushroom and cream of tomato
Salad: Duck Confit Salad (baby spinach, peeled mandarins, cashew and tender chunks of duck)
Shares 1: Truffle Shoestring Fries Shares 2: Baby Burgers (cheese-covered steaks!)
Mains: Linguine with Chicken or Prawn
Dessert: Brownie (with chocolate shavings on top!) and the most perfect Apple Crumble ever.

As you can tell, the food was quite nearly the main event (and comes highly recommended by both Nanz and I – you will not regret blowing your calorie-count here).

As we munched our way to dessert, the conversations around the table were a wonderful mixture of work, family, children, husbands, weight loss (yes, that’s us, eating lunch and talking about lymphatic drainage) and exercise (or lack thereof). This was exactly what we imagined a cosy Nanz Inc gathering should be like.

“It’s fun that it’s just a small group of us,” noted Melanie. True, we could have real conversations in a group like this.

Our photographer Jeff Tan started off being the fly on the wall but pretty soon caved in to the wonderful company and awesome food. He did however work very hard (thanks Jeff) and we made every guest say a line or two about what International Women’s Day means to them, and what they feel are the best things about being a woman. (Of course, some talked about the lunch!) You’ll get to watch those clips soon!

At 1.15pm, SURPRISE! Elim Chew and her manager Ruth Lim and rapper Chitabee showed up! I had invited Elim but Nanz and I decided we should try and keep it a secret (in case the very busy Ms Chew had to bail — she came from a Barclays speech that ended at 12.45!).

Yes you read right — Elim brought her rapper. The woman has her own rapper.

“Other people tells jokes to get the crowd to pay attention, I bring a rapper lah,” she explained. Chitabee is a 22-year-old rap champ who, under the mentorship of Elim, has gone from what others saw as unremarkable, to a young man with his own business. He runs a studio that cuts albums for local acts. Chitabee is hired by Elim to warm her crowds before a speech.

Now, that’s what I call style. (Maybe I should consider a posse of Chippendales dancers to open for Nanz’s next speaking engagement…)

Elim brought the topic of social entrepreneurship to the table. We’re such busy women doing so much — why not think of a way to make our work or business do good while we’re working at it?

Too soon, sadly, the luncheon had to end and the various ladies had to go back to work, back to meetings, back home to the babies.

Thank you all for being there today! Your presence, warmth and comments touched us — do keep telling us how to make Nanz Inc better, and how we can help more women in greater ways.

A big thank you and kiss-kiss to the fantastic staff at OverEasy for giving such amazing service! We’ll be back!

Related Posts:

• Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket
• The Joys Of Being Mobile
• Meeting Social Innovators & Heroes at GSIF 2009
• The Day We Launched
• Elim Chew: Doing Life Better

Happy Women’s Day! In honour of this wonderful celebration of every female in the world, Nanz Inc launches our Superwoman series, starting with how to give yourself the best present ever: Space!

Busy, busy, busy – that’s what the life of a modern Asian woman seems to be about. “Give me my space!” you feel like yelling out to the world as countless to-dos stream in, clamouring for your time. Here’s the news: it’s really up to you to create some room in your life to just Be.

By: Melanie Lee

Your to-do list is never-ending and full of unchecked items, your mobile is ringing off the hook, your e-mail inbox perpetually seems to be flooded and you are starting to feel increasingly stifled and overwhelmed.

However, the fact of the matter is, this is the way that life is going to be most of the time – and the only way to deal with this situation in the long-term is to create some sanity-restoring space in your own life.

Here are some suggestions:

Go slow. Deliberately.
Life is dynamic and unpredictable and there will always be events happening and tasks to do. Realise that most of the time, it is perfectly ok not to complete everything – after all, there will always be new things coming in, and it’s a good thing, because it means that your time is in demand. Don’t rush to complete things just because “you have to” as it will only compromise the standard of work as well as your enjoyment in doing the task.

Live in the present.
The problem with us women is that sometimes, we tend to mope on past mistakes and fret over things that may go wrong in the future. These anxieties really clutter our lives unnecessarily and make us a lot less unaware and productive in the present. By living in the now, we can fully engage with the people and our surroundings and in turn make the best out of our present actions.

Do something different.
Many of us love holidays because it is such a refreshing shift from our hectic lives. We walk around taking in new sights for hours, we spend time talking and sharing new experiences with our loved ones, we make friends with strangers, we rest a lot more. Why not introduce these little changes that you liked so much from your overseas breaks to your daily life? Go for a concert. Try a new sport. Take a new route to work. Chat with someone next to you on the train. These little breaks from our routines give us the space to explore the fun and interesting things this world has to offer.

Have some me-time.
Last but not least, the most obvious way to find that space for yourself is by being alone. This enforced loneliness might seem a little scary and empty, but it’s important, as you need to connect with yourself first before you can find the capacity to let other people and things into your life. It could be something as simple as having a 10-minute catnap, going for a solo work lunch or taking a short walk by yourself after dinner – these brief, liberating moments give you precious legroom to clear your head and feel recharged once more.

Start today and enjoy your Space on International Women’s Day!

Related Posts:

• Designer Cakes For Your Kids
• The Day I Got My Dolly Lashes At Make Up For Ever
• Mother, Lawyer, Ice Cream Maker
• Jo Soh: Designing Her Life
• Super Tech Kitchen

Stand out from the rest of the sombre-looking notebooks with the 15.5” VAIO E Series notebook that comes in a vivid spectrum of colours, patterns and finishes to fit any personality or lifestyle.

For all the fun, entertainment and socialising you can have on the notebook, it’s almost a travesty that most of these devices tend to look so stiff upper lip and dowdy. Thank goodness for Sony that constantly refreshes the features and colours of their VAIO Series models so that us trendsetters won’t feel it too drab to be caught outside using our notebooks. Here are some reasons why Sony’s newly launched VAIO E series is able to stylishly brighten up your life:

Glamourous Glossy

The hallmark of the VAIO E Series is that it offers a one-of-a-kind range of glossy lid coverings that make these devices stand out from the other coloured laptops in the market. Think a slick, transparent finish depth that gives the impression that a glass of full water is about to be poured off the edge. The result? A striking, classy-looking laptop that will definitely get some affirmative you-go-girl attention.

Colours that Come Alive

While Sony VAIO Series products have always been known for their offerings of gorgeous colours, the VAIO E Series offers a vibrant range of seven new colours with evocative names such as Caribbean Green, Hibiscus Pink and Iridescent Blue. They really are as daring as they sound! Absolutely fitting given that the latest fashion trends are all about invigorating bold colours that add some life to the party.

VAIO E Series 15.5” comes in White, Black and Pink only. For the official naming, it is finalised as of “White, Black, Pink”.

Round or square?

It’s not just the shiny colours that make the VAIO E Series notebook so enchanting. There is also the subtly patterned dot or square graduations that lend an air of sophistication and psychedelic fun to the device’s appearance. A little bit of texture is always welcome!

Stylish Ergonomics

The VAIO E Series notebook doesn’t just look good on the outside, its packed with some pretty good-looking functional features as well such as an edge-to-edge isolated keyboard with a built-in numeric pad and a palm rest which is seamlessly integrated with its touchpad, all of which giving the impression that one is using a larger computer in a much smaller outfit.

Beautiful Inside Too

There are many other alluring points about the VAIO E Series notebook that makes it a keeper. For one, it is powered by the Intel® Core™ i3 Processor, part of Intel’s new family of processors, which puts smart performance well within your reach. It delivers solid performance for everyday applications, with the ability to boost speed as needed for demanding tasks. Your Sony VAIO E Series also comes with a whole range of HD Entertainment features such as Blu-Ray, Sony Media Gallery, PMB VAIO Edition and Dolby Home Theater to keep you glued to your notebook for hours!
 

Related Posts:

• Soundtrack To Your Life
• VAIO Media Gallery: Multimedia Whiz
• VAIO NW: Practically A Desktop On The Move
• Partying With The P
• L Is For Love

Writing is not just for the “arty”, it is also a great way to develop self-awareness and appreciation for the life you have and the world around you. Singaporean novelist Suchen Christine Lim, winner of the first Singapore Literature Prize in 1992 with her book, Fistful of Colours, shares her insights into the healing power of writing with Nanz Inc readers. She is also a tutor with the Arvon Foundation , an organization in the United Kingdom that runs residential creative writing courses.

By: Melanie Lee

How has writing changed your life?
Writing has engaged my intellect and empathy, and taught me to see life from the perspectives of others. It has opened many doors to me. Because I wrote 10 children’s Big Books for the Ministry of Education, I had had wonderful encounters with children in school. And because I wrote novels, I was invited to take up writing residencies in Scotland, the US, Western Australia and most recently in South Korea. I’ve had many wonderful opportunities to read my work, discuss and teach writing, live a writer’s life for a few months in a foreign land and re-invent myself. All of these experiences were rejuvenating.

As someone who sometimes teaches creative writing, how do you think this craft has changed your students’ lives?
One winter, when I was writer-in-residence in Iowa City, in midwest America, I was invited to conduct a writing class at a centre for senior citizens. There were eight women and two men in their 70s. All of them declared that they had never written before. One woman in a pink gym outfit even said, “Suchen, don’t mind me if I fall asleep.” She was a farmer’s wife. Among them were a nurse, a gardener, housewives and farmers.

When they started writing in earnest, they found that they could tap into their memories and recalled experiences they thought they had forgotten. The woman in the pink gym outfit did not fall asleep. She wrote a story of her wedding night and difficult life on an Iowa farm in winter in the 1920s, and the group voted it as the best story. This made her so happy that she said she would copy out the story on handmade paper and make it into a book and give it to her granddaughter on her wedding day. Her writing had created such a beautiful gift that would link grandmother and granddaughter forever.

Writing unlocks memories and forgotten experiences so that the mature
adult, through the process of writing. can heal the wounded child in the
past, and reshape the story of his or her life.

Why is writing important for the busy women?
Writing is like spending quiet time with yourself. It is the act of closing the door upon the world or your noisy family. Just for a while, you enter an interior space where you are safe, a place where you can calm yourself down if you are angry or flustered. And you need not stay in this space for very long. Just 10-15 minutes every day or every other day. It is a treat.

Writing “for fun” seems hard for a lot of people. What are some ways one can get started on writing?
Writing does not mean having to write pages. Just write 1 -3 sentences or phrases into a book. For a start – jot down 3-5 things that you feel are blessings for that day. For example: “Last night, my baby slept through the night and I had 6 hours of sleep.” Or “I have 3 friends I can safely confide in.”

Other people like write 2- 3 lines about their feelings or observations or
simply make a record of what happened that day. “Joan brought chicken
stew for me so I don’t have to cook this evening. Yay!”

Don’t sniff at the smallness of the experience or the short sentence. As the saying goes, “Little drops of water, little grains of sand; build a mighty ocean and a pleasant land.” The accumulation of your sentences over 3-6 months will give you a collection of things you might have forgotten, and a picture of your feelings. Personal writing is therapy without having to pay a bomb for it.

Suchen Christine Lim’s latest work, The Lies That Build a Marriage: Stories Of The Unsung, Unsaid & Uncelebrated In Singapore can be found in major bookstores or be purchased online at Monsoon Books

Related Posts:

• Drink And Go Green
• Why A Smart Woman Is Like A Good Laptop
• Work-Life Balance: Make It Happen
• Are You Beautiful… And Broke?
• The Joys Of Being Mobile

Many Singaporean families rely on domestic helpers to care for the elderly and young, as well as handling the housekeeping chores. As an employer of a foreign domestic worker, are you doing your part to ensure a pleasant working relationship with her and helping her adjust to her work life and environment? NanzInc explores how to be a better boss.

By Lianne Ong

In Singapore, there are about 170,000 foreign domestic workers, or domestic helpers, and these numbers have steadily risen year on year. That amounts to one domestic worker in every six households. These domestic workers originate from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, and form a significant portion of the community of migrant workers here.

If you read the dailies, you could be forgiven for thinking that Singaporeans are notorious maid-abusers (not true — FDW complaints have dropped sharply in the past two years, though of course, there will always be the bad example), or that maids could snap anytime and kill your baby/mother/wife (also not true — such cases are extremely rare, which is why they make the news).

If you’re a soon-to-be or first time employer of domestic helpers, here are a few tips on how to start off on the right foot, and how to keep the relationship with your helper a harmonious one. As with any working relationship, if your domestic helper is happy, she is likely to perform better and work towards a longer term of employment. Any relationship is bound to encounter some bumps along the way, but if you make the effort from the beginning, it will go a long way.

Put yourself in her shoes
Not only will there be a new person living in your home, she will be from a different cultural background. Be patient with her, and allow her time to ease into her new environment and be mindful that she may be homesick. In the first few weeks, remember that she will probably have an ‘information overload’, so pace your briefings and instructions to her.

Make sure she gets enough rest
According to Transient Workers Count Too (TCW2), a society committed to creating greater consideration for migrant workers, the most common complaints by domestic workers to their helpline are about being overworked, having no time off and long working hours. Ensure that your domestic helper gets enough sleep each day and be reasonable about the workload she has. Agree mutually beforehand, preferably in a contract, the number of rest days she is to have each month. For more information that will address concerns you may have about giving your domestic helper a day off, visit www.dayoff.sg, a campaign website set up jointly by TCW2, Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (H.O.M.E) and UNIFEM.

Be sensitive to her feelings
Don’t deliberately belittle your domestic helper by criticising her in front of your friends. If you need to vent, do it in private, and if you do have unresolved issues with her, address them directly. Give feedback in a constructive and kind manner.

Prepare the kids
If this is the first time you are employing a domestic worker, explain to your kids what it will be like to have a non-family member living under the same roof. If your kids have been doing a small part of the household chores, for example, bringing the dirty dishes to the kitchen, or keeping their own toys, and this is something you intend for them to continue, explain that this will not change. And lastly, set a good example for them – treat your domestic helper with respect and dignity, and the kids will follow suit. Kids can sense nuances in your behaviour even if they can’t articulate them, so watch your tone of voice and actions when you give instructions or correct to your helper.

For more reading material for employers of domestic helpers, the Ministry of Manpower has published guidebooks which can downloaded here.

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts

Taking a roadtrip with friends while on a holiday is an adventurous and exciting concept – windows down, wind in your hair, discovering new, unexpected terrain in your own terms. However, roadtrips can also severely test a friendship – arguments about directions and what music to play are just the beginning. How do you ensure that your relationships make it though to the end of the journey?

By: Sharlene Tan

It’s been said that you don’t really know someone until you travel with them. So before you hop into the cramped confines of a car with your BFFs, here are some tips that might help your friendship last the miles:

Divvy up the driving
Before you set off, work out how much driving each person is willing to do. Some might be comfortable driving the whole day, while others would prefer to drive two or three hours before switching drivers. Make sure each driver is comfortable with the amount of time allotted to them as well as the road conditions.

Don’t hog the music
First of all, don’t rely too much on the radio. Radio reception might not be good in certain areas, especially if you’ll be out in the countryside. Plus what if the only channel available plays death metal all day, all the time? Have everyone bring along a good mix of CDs or, if your car offers an auxiliary port, load up an MP3 player. Audio books can offer a nice change from the music. For instance, Neil Gaiman reads his own books such as Coraline and The Graveyard Book, which would be entertaining for roadtrippers of all ages, as would the Harry Potter audiobooks read by comedian Stephen Fry. Next, set the rule that the driver controls the music, with each passenger allowed one or two vetoes. (Ed’s Note: I personally rip all Mr Brown’s podcasts on my iPod or a CD and play that over and over on road trips. His jokes always make me hungry though.)

Take plenty of breaks
Driving can be taxing, especially when you’re in a foreign country. And it’s not easy for the passengers either, as being cramped up in the backseat can be quite a pain. So even if no one needs a toilet break, it’s a good idea to stop and stretch the legs and get some fresh air once in a while.

GPS it!
Say goodbye to maps and their inability to fold the way you’d like them to. The GPS unit is the modern roadtripper’s way to go, no matter how convinced you might be of your own navigational skills. A good GPS unit will not only lead you to your destination in the most efficient way, it will also ensure that arguments about directions will be kept to a minimum.

Don’t stick only to the straight and narrow
Roadtrips don’t always go as planned. So take it easy, enjoy yourself and the company of your friends and loved ones. Don’t get too anal about your roadtrip, for there will be traffic jams, unexpected pit stops and hiccups of all kinds. Once in a while, take a long look out the window and marvel at the scenery that you’re passing by.

Related Posts:

• Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It?)
• Meet, Eat, Blog
• Do I Make A Good Friend?
• Why Facebook Is A Woman’s Best Friend

What better way to escape the mid-week ennui than to dream about a getaway? While Napa Valley is what most people associate with California wine country, its lesser known neighbour, Sonoma, offers a less jam-packed, more laidback atmosphere with its many boutique wineries and great restaurants.

By Sharlene Tan

Napa Valley is famous for its big name wineries and highly rated restaurants, but a vacation there can also mean traffic jams, crowds and expensive accommodation. My husband and I, always budget conscious travelers, took instead to neighbouring county Sonoma for our wine country weekend and found it ideal for the pocket yet a delightful treat for the palate.

The best way to experience the wine country is by staying at one of the many bed and breakfasts. We discovered the real meaning of “bed and breakfast” at Vintage Towers in Cloverdale as their breakfasts are some of the best we’ve ever had. During our two-night stay, we indulged in a vanilla and pineapple yoghurt parfait followed by homemade cornbread and Mexican soufflé served with mango salsa; breakfast the next morning began with a poached pear and candied ginger starter followed by cranberry scones and an artichoke frittata. A truly delicious way to kick off a long day of wine tasting.

The communal breakfast table at bed and breakfasts can take a while to get used to, but being friendly to your neighbour might just lead you to great food and wine recommendations – when we were there, one of the guests was a wine reviewer who recommended Arista Winery for its great pinot noir and its beautiful Japanese garden, and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

While Sonoma might not have the more well-known labels that Napa boasts of, its wineries range from the gorgeously landscaped, such as Ferrari-Carano which makes you feel like you’re in a Tuscan villa, to the stark and simple like the family-owned Moshin whose welcoming staff immediately make you feel at home. If you’re ever pressed for a nearby place to stop for lunch or dinner, ask the staff at a winery, as they usually have great suggestions and might even have a list with addresses and reservation numbers.

And we did have the winery staff to thank for recommending Bovolo in Healdsburg, where we oohed and aahed over some amazing home cured meats and great ice cream. Some of our other favourite meals included sandwiches made with freshly baked bread at quirky Della Fattoria in Petaluma and dinner at the very popular The Girl & The Fig in the town of Sonoma – the 45-minute wait for a table passed quickly as we sipped wine and shared a scrumptious cheese platter (a selection of cow-, goat- and sheep-milk cheeses) in their cosy waiting area, and their bistro-style French food is quite divine. It was a truly satisfying end to our all-too-short stay in Sonoma.

A vacation in wine country can be pricey but there are ways to make it affordable. If you can avoid the summer months, there are plenty of discounts to be found, as the bed and breakfasts often offer low season specials. Early spring or even late winter can be an enjoyable time to visit, as the winters are mild and often sunny and the warmth of wood fires are everywhere, and you can avoid the traffic that spawns during the summer weekends. Another way to save is to check the wineries’ websites for discounts off their tasting fees and ask your innkeeper for coupons and recommendations.

Look out for Sharlene’s guide to going on a road trip, on Nanzinc.Com!

Related Posts:

• The Day I Got My Dolly Lashes At Make Up For Ever
• Mother, Lawyer, Ice Cream Maker
• Take Care Of Yourself: Don’t Let Yourself Go
• Take Care Of Yourself: Return To Fitness
• Soundtrack To Your Life

By Lianne Ong

1. BRAD PITT
Whether on the red carpet or off, Brad Pitt’s style is always easy going and never too ‘done’. He has the ability to pull off several looks and styles, making classic looks appear current. We attribute this to his ability to mix things up – a henley tee with a jacket, or the unbuttoned shirt, tousled hair with a classic suit, or even a new hair colour.
And we love how he has embraced his role as a father, choosing leather nappy bags in a sleek messenger style like British brand Storksak’s unisex Jamie design, when he is out and about with the kids in Europe. But what is Brad’s ultimate accessory? His gorgeous kids!

2. GEORGE CLOONEY
When George Clooney came to our consciousness as Dr Doug Ross on the set of ER, it was obvious he would be the closest thing to Cary Grant Hollywood would throw up in a long time. Whether casual outfits or on the red carpet, George Clooney is always dressed appropriately and looking dapper, complimented by the tan he gets living in his Italian coastal villa.

3. BARACK OBAMA
While his wife, Michelle Obama, is often creating fashion headlines on her own, President Obama deserves some credit for his classic fashion sense. While on the campaign trail, he was already dressing for the job, choosing sharp tailored suits, which always looked well cut. A good rule to follow is that he keeps his wardrobe simple, changing things up with a different tie. During family getaways, Obama also sticks to classics like khakis and solid coloured polo tee-shirts. It also helps that he works out daily – which other American president can boast of a six-pack?
We also love that taken some cues from Michelle’s sartorial sense of dressing, exchanging his usual Ermenegildo Zegna suits for American label Hart Schaffner Marx.

This photo? Well, we just love the way he subtly takes off his coat and unbuttons his cuffs and rolls up his sleeves when he wants the American people to feel like “he’s working, the President is working” for them.

4. SEAN CONNERY
The original Bond is the perfect proof that some men get better with age. Even at 78, he was signed to be Louis Vuitton’s latest face in its Core Values campaign. Not many Hollywood stars today have gravitas like Sean Connery – you certainly need some of that to pull off facial hair!
And even if he didn’t look the way he did, with that unmistakable Scottish brogue he could read the phonebook and still capture a woman’s heart – listen to his reading of the Beatles’ lyrics to ‘In My Life’ on George Martin’s tribute to the Fab Four, and you’ll see what I mean.

5. KIM JAE JUNG (centre)
We would be remiss not to include at least one Korean celeb in our list. This singer-songwriter, key member of boyband TVXQ and occasional actor has a huge following. If there would be a style icon who could single handedly influence Asian style, Kim would be given the award for his hairstyles and ever changing hair colour, which have been copied by fans. Don’t let those pretty boy good looks fool you; the young star boasts a toned physique as well.

ED’S NOTE: Lianne’s list is by no means exhaustive… tell us who makes your list and we’ll run another story!

Related Posts:

• Obama For Yo Mama?

Everyone loves the accommodating person who is always willing to lend a helping hand and full of the “can-do” spirit. However, if your plate is piled way up high with deadlines, favours and obligations that are just sapping your energy and time away, then it probably means you’re not saying no often enough.

By: Melanie Lee

The problem with most of us women is that we feel like such baddies every time we refuse something. However, it’s probably worse if you grudgingly agree to do something, but do with such a negative, reluctant spirit, or worse still, keep pushing it aside with vague promises to deal with it “later”.

Remember that you are only one person and that there are only 24 hours in a day. There’s only so much you can do, and that it is important to focus on the things that are important to you rather that spreading yourself too thin and having no idea where you’re heading. Saying no lays the foundation for more direction and better time management in your life.

What Should You Say No To?

Of course, you shouldn’t say no to everything straight away – that’s just plain selfishness. The key idea is that you should make wiser choices and consider these demands on your resources and time according to the following criteria:

a) Do I really want to do this?

We all have our preferences and interests and if you say yes to something you absolutely do not enjoy doing, it will probably cause a lot of unnecessary misery. Also, pay attention to your gut feeling. If you think that by agreeing to give a friend a loan, you will probably never get the money back, then don’t do something that makes you uncomfortable and resentful.

b) Is this aligned with what I want in life?

It’s important to set aside some “me-time” to really interrogate yourself about what exactly you want out of life. Internalize this list of goals so that it can serve as a clear guideline on what things you should say yes and no too. This may just help you steer away from impulsive yeses when someone is pressuring you to agree.

c) Would this make my life a lot more stressful than what it already is?

Sometimes, you even have to say “no” to the things that you want to do if there is simply no more capacity to add this into your already packed life. Overcommitment not only takes away the fun and enjoyment of doing thing that you originally liked, it can also take a toll on your health and state of mind with the lack of rest and hectic pace.

Ways to Say No Nicely

Saying no is never an easy task and if not done in an appropriate manner, can easily ruffle the feathers of the other party. Depending on your situation, here are some suggested approaches to declining delicately:

“I’m sorry. But I don’t have the time to do this right now.”

“I’m afraid I can’t help, but I know of someone who might.” (Be sure that someone is really able and willing to help.)

“I don’t really have the expertise for task X, but I can help you with task Y.”

“Let me think about it and get back to you.” (For the pushy people, but be sure to follow-up and give a clear answer at a later point)

“No.” (sometimes, straight to the point works best)

“I have some personal commitments to attend to and won’t be able to make it.”

Remember: life will still go on and things and people will somehow still fall into place even when you say no!

How do you say No Nicely? Drop a comment and share your experiences with us!

Related Posts:

• Nanz Inc.Com soft-launches on 18 September 2009
• How To Overcome Tech Addiction
• The Day I Got My Dolly Lashes At Make Up For Ever
• Mother, Lawyer, Ice Cream Maker
• Photo Time With The Kids