Lilly's Life

I do like a picture or two or ten

2013-05-14T22:46:00.002+10:00

Every day I take pictures (mainly with my phone) of people or things that amuse, disturb or amaze me.

Most of these pictures never see the light of day but they all end up on my computer. It's like the story of my day to day life without words. In fact my 'phototaking' came in very handy recently when I needed to have exact details about what I was doing over a few days 18 months ago. I couldn't remember but I only had to look at my photo library and memories came flooding back.

I thought I would share some of the photos I took today. Like most days, it pretty quickly goes from the sublime to the ridiculous. I am just so easily distracted.

The day started out pretty ordinary. Nice view. Nice boat. Nice bird.

Then. What. A. Nice. Mess.

I've never seen a traffic jam on water. I am not sure how you manoeuvre your boat out of that mess as they are jammed in that space like sardines (sorry photo is blurry as I was driving at the time.....I know....all shades of wrong...).

Then, a little later these people appeared in front of me while I was crossing the road. I was curious. Why do the smooth guys always get the girls? I wondered whether the answer would be revealed on the other side.

And it was. Clearly smooth guys have no shame, that's why.

I hope they are getting well paid to walk around like that though. The things you have to do to earn money.

My friend and I then started talking about the silliest jobs we have ever done. We laughed till we cried. Then we talked about our first serious jobs. They didn't end well for either of us which was fortuitous really.

She was an apprentice hairdresser. One day she was washing someone's hair and lost control of the hose and it sprayed two clients all over soaking their clothes. Her hairdressing career finished that day. My first job was in a credit union processing payroll deductions. Somehow I broke the computer system that had been operating quite happily for the previous 10 years. All the records disappeared never to be seen again. I have to admire my then boss. He did not lose his temper. He just walked up to me and said through gritted teeth, "Go home, NOW." I did and I stayed there and decided to go to University instead. What about your first jobs. Silly ones? Any disasters?

Then I came upon this sign. It took my interest moreso because it was parked outside a medical centre. Thankfully on closer inspection it was for the Vet Clinic up the road. Although come to think of it I know a few people who would benefit from taking up the offer....pronto...

Then I visited the Bank which is a rare occurrence as normally I do my banking online. I was standing in front of the teller window and happened to look down and see this sign. It made me take a step back. They are not really encouraging customer confidence are they? Apparently, if the bank is getting robbed some kind of large metal plate barrier drops down (think beheading). Does anyone else think that is a nasty accident waiting to happen?

Crazy! Although, the devil in me could find lots of wonderful uses for such technology. I would be covering that sign and encouraging certain customers to lean a little closer...Aren't you just glad I do not work in customer service?

Then I noticed this look in a store window. Is it me or does anyone else think that today's fashion stores are catering solely for street walkers? Look at these pants with the sides cut out of them. What the hell? Do people actually get out in this stuff in broad daylight? I truly must be getting old because then look what I found next.

Chanel's latest handbag. Yes ladies just get your kids hula hoops out of the attic and turn them into the latest fashion. This is Chanel's new beach bag apparently. Can you imagine carrying that in a crowd, on the bus, out for drinks, dinner, to the beach? NO!!!! Although it probably turns into a shade cloth quite easily given it is so large and obtrusive. Or maybe it might turn into a portable boat which clearly might be quite handy in my neighbourhood.

So see? Ridiculous picture taking is my thing. And that's just some of the pictures I took before lunch...... At least now you can see why I never get round to do any blogging..........

I don't belong in the real World

2013-04-23T10:07:00.000+10:00

I come from Planet X.

Oh, you knew that already? Well, I never. You should have said something.

I had to learn this fact from the Daily Show - definitely my kind of satire.

This video is the first of a three part series on Australia. It is on gun control so do not watch it if it may trigger something for you....

Frivolity aside though, don't you think we have a lot to learn from each other? Country to country, person to person?

I think we bloggers know better than most that no matter what part of the globe we come from we share more things in common than not. Right?

~~Planet X~~ Australia has a whole lot to learn from other countries. And right now New Zealand, our nearest neighbour is teaching us a thing or two.

And while I know there are Aussies out there who believe that NZ is from another planet, we still need to take a leaf out of her book. Oh be damned, we should just grab the whole bloody book. And run with it.

You see Gay Marriage has just become legal in NZ.

And even though it's a tiny country of 4.4 million people (no, I have excluded all the sheep), it happens to be very progressive in the ways that count.

NZ was also the first country in the world to grant women the vote in 1893. Imagine. It took Australia another 18 years to do the same, the USA till 1920, UK 1928, Italy 1946, Bahrain 2001.....

So I am assuming, based on history, that it's going to be a long time before our government passes similar same sex marriage legislation. (Note, there are about 12 countries that have passed similar legislation now, including Canada).

If you want to be convinced watch this NZ Member of Parliament make a very entertaining pro-gay marriage speech. It's truly superb no matter what your views on the topic.

I so wish our Parliament could not only be that progressive but our politicians be that funny .....I might actually take them all a bit more seriously then.

Powerful hey?

______________________________________________________________
Update 28/4 - for anyone interested here is Part 2 and 3 of the Daily Show's three part series on Australia. Just be assured that our politicians are no better than anyone else's though.

Dear Kim Jong-un

2013-04-13T23:20:00.000+10:00

I guess you expect us to be trembling in our boots given your war mongering rhetoric and threats to fire nuclear missiles at anything that moves.

But.........

Someone has got to hold their head above the parapet and tell you that you are acting like a right goose, you mad little egotist, you.

For starters, let's take your squeaky propaganda machine and all those photos and videos you keep releasing of your very powerful army.

Honestly Kim, I'm not sure your PR campaign is really working for you. I am trembling and crying alright - from laughing so hard.

(Readers you may need to turn the sound down as the commentary is something to behold and migraine worthy).

Ninja soldiers? Really? In a performance that rivals any self respecting high school acrobatic team you've got fly kicks, left-right jab combinations, body flips, tuck and rolls, and, of course, leap frogging.

It is difficult to tell whether your soldiers are training for hand-to-hand combat or the national cheer leading championships.

However, I am intrigued by one thing. How do they keep their hats on while doing those rollovers? Seriously. Clever.

And I was completely gobsmacked when I saw your female soldiers. At least gender equality is alive and well in your neck of the woods because women get to wear those big hats too.

Oh....hang on though....look at their feet....they also get to wear some pretty big heels as well.

I am not sure four inch heels will make them combat ready Kim but they sure do look catwalk ready. Sweet.

Female soldiers patrolling along the banks of the Yalu River, near the North Korean town of Sinuiju opposite the Chinese border city of Dandong.

Anyway, it's all a smokescreen right? While you keep your countrymen starving of food and reality, you've probably gone out and bought yourself some more nukes with borrowed money while growing yourself another chin.

Is that what your temper tantrum is all about little Kimmy?

The rice crops have failed, you overspent at the nuke factory and now you're desperate for a handout?

Well I hope America and South Korea ignore you and your big brother China teaches you a lesson you won't forget about dummy spits, diplomacy and capitalistic ventures.

And speaking of the latter, I have a money making idea for you.

Why don't you just drop the bombs (no, not literally) and dance to a different tune.

You could become the star of your own reality TV show.

It would be comedy gold, truly.

And best of all, it will give you more bang for your buck and become just the hit you're looking for.

Imagine this for a minute, if you will Kim. YOU could become the new Psy.

Psy may be dominating the World right now, putting South Korea on the map for younger generations and making millions along the way, but you could easily knock him off his perch.

And best of all we know how much you love a bit of competition with South Korea.

You already have the Psy(chopath) part down pat, have all the right moves and those girls in uniforms will make better window dressing than they do soldiers (Robert Palmer is no longer around to quibble about conceptual copyright).

And don't worry in the least about a lack of talent. Psy has shown us that talent is totally overrated.

And, when you succeed in knocking little Psy off the front pages of the tabloids, the rest of the World will finally take you more seriously and give you some respect man. You will explode across the World.

See, solving World Peace is just too damn easy. Has Hilary's successor been announced yet?

Just call me the Thief Whisperer

2013-04-02T11:55:00.000+11:00

A Shocking Liar

Or Totally Paranoid

It all just depends on what you conclude after reading this post.

Graffiti aerosol artist Sofles's handiwork.

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with public transport. I see its value in cities but I just think that the people who really need it are often the ones who are the most at risk when using it.

This was really evident to me when I lived in Scotland. I often caught buses to get into Edinburgh from the little village I was living in. And I felt really sad about the large number of elderly people who had to catch the bus because it was the only way they could get out to do their shopping.

It took some of them a long time just to climb in and out of the bus. And then they often had to stand because younger people would not offer them a seat. They then had to try and hang on to something when the bus was braking constantly all the while juggling their walking sticks, shopping bags and trolleys. Anyway, to this day I really do not like to see elderly or vulnerable people travelling alone on public transport and I always keep a watchful eye out for them.

I personally have never had any cause for concern using public transport and I often use trains no matter which city I happen to be in.

On Saturday I caught a near deserted train into the City in the middle of the day.

I sat in the end seat in the "Quiet" carriage and noticed only two other passengers in the front of the carriage.

I kept my sunglasses on as the sun was shining brightly through the windows. I put my earphones in and sat back to have a relaxing journey listening to my favourite tunes.

After two stops, I saw four teenage boys step on board and walk towards me one after the other. The first boy walked straight through to the next carriage. The second boy sat down in the seat opposite me and said he was "going to stay put."

The third boy sat in the seat in front of him and the fourth sat next to me.

Of all the seats that were available in the carriage they chose to sit right on top of me.

I immediately became uncomfortable.

They talked amongst themselves for a minute or two before the young guy sitting next to me turned and asked, "Hey, what brands do you like lady?"

What brands do I like? Lady?

I told him that I was pretty sure that we would not like the same brands at all.

He looked about 15. He then started reeling off a list of brands such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike etc as though he had learned it by rote.

"You know what I mean?" he asked.

I told him that sure I had heard of the brands but I was not into brands and they were way too expensive for me.

He turned to me and said, "Well you sure don't look like a lady that doesn't like brands. Look at you, you're wearing Prada sunglasses."

Truly, who notices brands?

They're quick I will give them that. Yes, I was indeed wearing Prada sunglasses but with my hair covering the logo.

I quickly told him that a friend got them for me in Thailand and they were knock offs (lie). Instinctively I held onto my bag and phone a little tighter.

I took off my glasses and held them in front of me and said loudly. "They're great don't you think? Just like the real thing. Maybe you could get the brands you like over there for next to nothing too."

He then told me he was dressed in all new Ralph Lauren gear and then his mate told me that he was dressed from head to toe in Tommy Hilfiger.

I am not sure what reaction they wanted. If any.

I told them that they were pretty lucky to afford clothes like that (all the time thinking that they probably had nicked them from the local department store).

"Oh that's because I am a lawyer", came the smartass reply.

His mate said, "You can't say that you idiot, you've got to go to college to do that".

"OK", he said, "I'm a thief and I paint trains."

And that I guess was probably closer to the truth.

He shifted closer to me forcing me to move as close to the window as I could get.

Trying to break his current thought patterns (thank you Edward de Bono), I told him that my best friend's son is a graffiti artist and he paints trains all over the world and gets paid lots of money to do it. I said, "I bet he wears all the brands you guys like and doesn't have to steal to get them."

"What's his name then?", two of them said in unison.

"Ummm, his name is um, .....Daley Wilson (a big fat lie)" I offered.

"No", the guy sitting next to me said. "What's his tag?"

"Mmm", I said, "I am not really sure. Tell me a few and I will see if I remember."

Vinson, Sofles, SIROC, they yelled out.

"I think it's the second last one, that sounds really familiar." I said.

"Wow, lady, that is amazing", the boy next to me said. "You really know him? Wow, you know Sofles?"

Well I know of him now, anyway.

They then got up one by one and I hoped that meant that they were getting off at the next station.

"See you then lady, have a real good day. Say hello to Sofles for us when you see him next." one of them called over his shoulder.

As they were walking towards the door they stopped to look at the map on the wall, so I took a picture of them with my phone. Bits of kids with their flash gear on that look pretty harmless, no?

Notice the one in the middle has his collar up so you can see the Ralph Lauren logo - I thought only old men wore that brand.

The two teenage girls at the front of the carriage each turned around and gave me a knowing look. I said, "Jesus Christ" and breathed a big sigh of relief.

These kids really scared me.

I just wondered what they saw when they picked me out to sit down next to. Alone? Am I now one of those people I used to feel sad about on Scottish buses?

As the train pulled out of the station I looked into the next carriage and noticed familiar caps. They did not get off the train at all, they had just moved to the next carriage.

I would have loved to tell them what I really thought but I decided to engage with them and use the only thing of any use that my ex taught me, Bullshit Baffles Brains.

I am not sure I will choose a deserted carriage to sit in any more though. My intuition wasn't telling me positive things about these kids...I got the menacing signal loud and clear. That has not happened before, ever, and I have met all kinds of strange people on public transport and on my travels.

PS Sorry Sofles, whoever you may be, for using your name in vain. I think it was for a good cause and just so you know, you clearly have some influence. Please use it really, really wisely because we truly have some **(*)(*)*)*) up kids around.

24 hours and 17 seconds

2013-03-22T12:22:00.003+11:00

Plane window photos...can never get enough of Mother Nature....

Last Wednesday I went overseas for 24 hours and I have to tell you that I thought I was pretty clever trying to fit everything into 86,400 seconds.

Well, that was my thinking until I landed anyway.

And then the smugness was pretty much wiped off my face when I saw first hand how much Mother Nature can pack into 17 seconds.

As I left the Airport Arrivals Hall I was relieved to find there was one last cab on the rank. The driver opened the door and in that unmistakable Kiwi accent, said, “Welcome to Christchurch love, where are you off to then?”

“Bealey Avenue", I said as I fastened my seat belt.

As we manoeuvred through the congested airport traffic, I looked for his ID on the dashboard. It's a habit I've gotten into since getting into an unauthorised cab in NYC once but that's a story for another time.

This cab driver's name was Hohepa. "It's a Maori version for the name Joseph" he later told me.

He asked me what had bought me to Christchurch. “Work, just work.” I said.

Of course what I didn't tell him was that I was also very curious about how the City was recovering from the big Earthquakes, the last one back in 2011.

As I looked out the window at the passing urban landscape it was not hard to see the impact that a 6.3 magnitude earthquake can have. The scars were still fresh. There were empty blocks of land where houses once proudly stood, intricate scaffolding holding up homes and kilometers of high wire fences displaying danger signs to keep nosey visitors out.

As we passed the shell of this Church, I asked Hohepa how everyone was doing two years on.

“We’re getting there”, he said, “but it's so ridiculously slow and frustrating. The CBD is like a ghost town. It is eerie. We have lost our heart and soul."

Hohepa told me that the CBD is fenced off and all the remaining buildings are being slowly demolished. He said that this damage was nothing compared to the hundreds of uninhabitable homes to the east of the City which are on land which can never be built on again.

He looked at me in his rear vision mirror and said, “You know it only lasted 17 seconds don’t you? 17 horrific seconds.”

I asked him what he was doing when the quake hit and he told me that he was driving a passenger from the Airport and the car started rocking violently from side to side.

"In seconds, the roads were ripped open with all this thick silty sludge seeping through", he said, shaking his head from side to side. "Buildings had fallen on buses and cars and you could see bodies under the rubble. It was a war zone and the noise was unbelievable."

We travelled in silence for a couple of minutes and, not wanting to cause any distress, I changed the subject and asked about the unusually warm, balmy weather.

However, it seemed Hohepa was having none of that. He wanted to stay on topic and tell me about the darkest day of his life.

He told me that he waited in his car for what seemed like hours and eventually made it home. The house was so badly damaged he sat outside on the footpath waiting for his wife to come home. She had texted him earlier in the day to say that she would be home around 6pm.

Six o’clock came, nothing. Seven o’clock came, nothing.

I started to move uncomfortably in my seat hoping like hell that he was going to say she made it home at 8 o’clock.

He didn’t, because she didn't.

She died in the CCTV building in the CBD along with over 100 other people.

As we circled the city centre, he pointed out the empty block of land where her office building once stood. And where she lost her life.

All gone, no sign of life or a building that once was

“I am so sorry, I really am.” I said. Somehow, there were no right words.

I wondered, perhaps out loud, how he managed to drive visitors around every day when questions about the earthquakes were never far from anyone's lips.

He said he was used to it as his passengers talk about 'it'. Even the locals. He told me about a conversation he had had with a passenger two weeks earlier. He picked up a guy from the Airport and, as expected, the conversation quickly turned to the earthquake and its aftermath. The passenger asked him if he knew anyone who died in the city building collapses. He said, yes he did and the passenger asked him their name. He gave him the name without revealing it was his wife. The passenger said, “Oh yes, she was the sixth last body I identified in that building”.

Confronting stuff.

Hohepa dropped me off at my Hotel and I wished him well. I really hoped our conversation had not caused him yet another restless night.

Later that night, as I sat relaxing on a couch watching the news, I felt a slight rumble and the building move. I held my breath. I read that Christchurch has had more than 11,200 aftershocks since the earthquake 2 years ago. I am guessing that figure is now 11,201.

The next day I got the chance to walk around the high wire fences surrounding the CBD. It is a shock. I tried to imagine what the city centre looked like when I visited 12 years ago - something like this picture below. I remember the iconic Cathedral in the heart of the city very well.

Now the CBD looks like one large demolition site. It is deserted apart from unstable buildings, rubble, large pieces of machinery and a myriad of workers in orange jackets and hard hats.

And that iconic Cathedral? It's not so grand anymore without its steeple.

Click on the image to make it larger

When disasters hit, we see the live images on TV, we feel for the people involved, we donate money to appeals and then we somehow... forget. One disaster is replaced by another. And Life goes on.

Except, of course, for those who still live with the destruction day in day out.

BUT, and its a BIG BEAUTIFUL BUT, against that grey dusty rubble stained backdrop the signposts of renewal are emerging too.

There are brightly coloured pots with blooming flowers strategically placed along the edge of the wire framed CBD. They make you smile. And more incredibly, there is a temporary mall called RE:START at the edge of the city centre with 40 stores housed in old shipping containers (there is a picture of these containers in the previous mosaic photo stacked up outside a building). The containers have been painted bright colours and configured in architecturally interesting ways. So very, very clever.

It's hard to imagine these temporary buildings are made out of old shipping containers...clever!

And while it must be hard for locals to look for, let alone see any silver lining quite yet, I am sure that every visitor to the City clearly sees the sprouting seeds of hope.

I am also sure that on those return taxi rides to the Airport the conversation is all about the fantastic progress being made. I certainly know that was the conversation I had with my taxi driver.

I just really, really hoped that the taxi driver I was having the conversation with had been Hohepa.

I salute you Christchurch and all that call you home. You are incredibly brave and resilient. Better days will return.

And next time, I will stay longer than one day. Time has no meaning after all unless we choose to give it significance.

Dear Gen Y and Z..ers...

2013-02-28T16:52:00.000+11:00

This is an apology of sorts because I know I've been far too quick to judge you.

I am one of those 'oldies' who shake my head every time you teens and 20s cause a violent riot to quickly ignite or a rave party of thousands to mushroom just by sending a few text messages around to your friends.

And I always roll my eyes and consider you pathetic when I see you screaming, fainting and scratching each others' eyes out to get your hands on one of Simon Cowell's latest manufactured pop sensations, like One Direction. I mean seriously, didn’t this band shoot to fame overnight based on phone votes and cute hairstyles?

But all that was last month.

This month I've changed my tune and now have more sympathy for you.

Because I now know where you all get your bloody pathetic and stupid behaviour from.

Two weeks ago the gorgeous home grown legend Barry Gibb, the only surviving Bee Gee, and the second most successful songwriter in history (Paul McCartney being first) was in town for the unveiling of a statue of the young Gibb brothers and the opening of a themed walkway dedicated to the band in Redcliffe, QLD.

It was very much a Gibb family affair; a reunion of the Gibbs young and old (his mother is 93), with special thoughts for the brothers no longer with them.

The event was also about acknowledging Redcliffe, the seaside town northeast of Brisbane that the Gibb family migrated from England to, and which Barry Gibb described as their "paradise".

"We wouldn't be here without Redcliffe," Barry told the crowds. "This was our environment, this was where the music was born."

I’ve always loved the Bee Gees - well since their second coming in the 70s anyway. Theirs was my very first album and Barry made my heart flutter. Seriously, look at him - Harry Styles has nothing on him.

But of course now at 66 he is old enough to be your grandfather. Imagine.

Barry’s appearance attracted big crowds. There were thousands of fans waiting to catch a glimpse of him and many lined up overnight in the rain to get a good position - no mean feat for people whose average age was probably 60.

However, as the day wore on I witnessed something extraordinary. Senior citizens started to morph into screaming teenagers. They were yelling, crying, laughing hysterically, taking photos on their phones and texting their mates. They did everything they could to manoeuvre themselves to the front of the crowd and to see their idol up close.

Nothing was an obstacle for them. They pushed babies and strollers out of the way in their quest for a touch or autograph. They were armed and dangerous. No, not with shoes or flares like you guys use. They used walking sticks, zimmer frames and wheelchairs without much thought for other people's limbs, to make a path through the maddening crowd.

It was an eye opener.

There was one woman dressed up in a garish Gibb hat any 5 year old may be proud to wear who pushed past me muttering that she had spent the night waiting in the rain. As she shoved me hard in the ribs in an effort to get past me she said, "I've been a Bee Gees fan forever. I'm going to kill for an autograph today!"

And I truly believe she meant it.

Thankfully, when I was just about to use my elbow in a self protective move, the Gibb tune Staying Alive popped into my head and I quickly moved out of her way.

Now I know who taught you kids everything you know.

The generations that came before you.

So I'm taking back all the eye rolling and negative comments. Although, in saying that I do still have one question for you, How Deep is Your Love? Really.

Because I can comfortably predict that none of you will be fighting over One Direction in 50 years time.....no, seriously, they are nothing like our Barry....and the Bee Gees. Nothing at all.

'Bee Gees Way' overlooks the Redcliffe Jetty and foreshore between Redcliffe Parade and Sutton St. Brisbane.

I am speechless...

2013-02-22T13:18:00.000+11:00

The most shocking part about the following advertisements from the 50s and 60s is that some of us may have already been born when they featured in the press......they are in our time.....so much for the good old days.......

I was doing some research in the National Library a while ago on the early editions of a major women's magazine and developed a fascination for the advertisements used in the 50s in particular. Clearly after the war, females needed putting in their place (given they capably took on most jobs while men were off fighting and had to give them up on their return from war).

These ads had me shaking my head....I wonder what people in 50 years time will be saying about today's advertising and our place in society.

Babies drinking cola? Surely not..

This one is my personal favourite...if you cannot read the print let me know and I will include it here ...you wouldn't believe they could get away with putting it in print....

What do you think? Does it surprise you too?

How many cartons of milk did you say?

2013-02-19T13:15:00.002+11:00

I opened the fridge this morning and counted.

There was Rice Milk, Almond Milk, Skim Milk, Lactose Free Milk, Full Fat Milk, Long Life Milk…….for three of us who live here and for the others who frequently drop by.

Choice is so overrated!

So now do you see Bill? I know you asked me if I was ever going to blog again before deciding a new theme for 2014, but the fact is I'm clearly wasting all my time in the supermarket choosing which of the 173 types of milk products is the absolute right one for me and everyone else.

So, in the interests of living a more productive live, I’m just going to do it.

Get a cow of course. Milk on tap. Perfect.

Then there may be time for blogging.

As it is, I suffer from that transient of all diseases, social media lethargy. It comes and goes. Someone was so concerned that I never use my Twitter account they decided to hijack it and send their own perverse tweets out on my behalf. Thanks YW for giving me the heads up. I have deleted the account altogether. And now Facebook has gone the same way. Deleted. I just cannot get into it and could not be bothered.

As for the blog? Well I sometimes entertain the thought about deleting that too but it’s like leaving your friends and a lot of history. I. Just. Cannot. Do. It. However, I might start a new, private one where I can say what I want about things like gun control, ~~annoying people~~ and difficult subjects without getting threats of a bullet in my head.

Aside from spending inordinate amounts of time buying milk, I also went to my daughter’s fabulous birthday party. It was a 1920s theme which I personally felt pretty comfortable about because being a certain age I knew I had most decades covered and just had to reach into my wardrobe and find something passable for the era. I would love to show you more pictures because everyone really went all out with their costumes but I do not have anyone's permission to post photos (but will add them here if and when I do).

And speaking of doing it, is anyone else wondering what Nike is going to do about its Just Do It trademark? First, it had Tiger ‘doing it’ with anyone and everyone, then Lance ‘doing it’ with drugs to make himself invincible and now the Blade Runner has been allegedly ‘doing it’ with a gun and cricket bat. Perhaps Nike needs to spell out exactly what it wants its million dollar athletes to do for them.

As for me, I'm going to just keep doing it some more and will pour most of that milk down the sink. I am going back to basics and buying organic full cream milk only. If it was good enough for my grandparents then its good enough for me given the small amount I drink. Anyone who wants anything different can bring their own.

Yep, it’s now a BYOM establishment. Anyone know any friendly cows? (on second thoughts don't answer that).

And please don’t get me started on any other foodstuffs……it really has all got totally ridiculous. We are making life incredibly complicated for ourselves.

___________________________________________________________________________

This one is for those who live in Melbourne.

Yesterday afternoon, Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton joined Premier Ted Baillieu and Deputy Premier Peter Ryan to launch a television advertisement for Go4Zero - a campaign that aims to reduce violence of all kinds in the community. Join in and say NO to Violence in any form.

You can join the conversation on the Go4Zero Facebook page www.facebook.com/go4zero (if you facebook that is)

Water seems to be the theme for 2013

2013-02-01T16:35:00.000+11:00

When I decided to just “roll with it” this year I didn't expect to be put to the test quite so soon.

The Australia Day (national day) long weekend proved to be an interesting one.

In the lead up to our national day on January 26 I'd been thinking about writing a post about what it was to be Australian. For a couple of reasons, really.

First, I overheard a Engish woman tell her husband that the cruise (we were just on) was catering solely for Australians not for other nationalities and that even the entertainment was for the "Australian sense of humour". We speak the same language, eat the same kind of food and watch the same TV shows...but are we really that different?

And second, I read a review of Les Miserables in the London Guardian and the film critic noted that "as Australians, Crowe and Jackman probably have a particular 'feeling' for the convict culture that lies behind Hugo's novel". I mean really?

Britain may have settled Australia to make it a penal colony in the 18th century but this doesn't mean that all future generations can identify with that kind of suffering as though it's in our DNA. While history shapes us, a lot has sure happened in the many generations since then.

As it happened, I never got to write that particular blog post because Mother Nature decided to interrupt. She sent ex Cyclone Oswald for a visit (there is such an entity as an ex cyclone, who knew?) resulting in substantial rain, high winds, widespread flooding and damage across northern Australia.

Brisbane City

These really strange bubbles washed up on the beaches and roads on the Sunshine Coast caused by the cyclone

Oh dear, an instant river in suburban streets...canoes are the order of the day

The worst we experienced was having no electricity, ripped up gardens and trees down here and there. Others have not been so lucky and flood damage has hit some towns very badly resulting in not just the loss of homes but also the loss of life.

Going without electricity for a couple of days gave me pause to contemplate what being an Australian actually means (along with kicking myself for not learning more survival skills when I was a Girl Guide - I desperately wanted a cup of coffee but didn't know how to rub two sticks together, lol).

Now, I think that being an Australian just means you are plain lucky. Nothing more.

We live on the biggest island in the world, surrounded by water and beaches with a pretty interesting history that goes back millions of years. We have space and the freedom to move around as we please. We are blessed with so many opportunities. And yes, we have just enough creepy crawlies and natural disasters to keep us on our toes.

We get to take our sunshine, freedom, peace, a classless society, jobs, mateship, health care, social security, a great standard of living and most of all, electricity and water, for granted.

See? We are probably just as lucky as many other countries and far luckier than many others.

And next Australia Day, come rain, hail or shine I will embrace being born lucky and give thanks to my British, Polish and German ancestors for having the guts and foresight to make the long journey here. No matter what Mother Nature dishes up.

Oh yeah, as well as being lucky, most of us are really good swimmers.....for obvious reasons really.

Tell me, when you hear or read the words Australia or Australians, what do you immediately think of? (be honest - we also have thick skins...must be all that sun..then rain..we are weathered like old boots).

_________________________________

And if you want to see what that sea foam did to roads and see some of our idiot drivers (yeah we have lots of them here) watch this video. Please note that there is swearing at the end of this I think so you may want to turn the sound down...

Les Miserables, they say,

2013-01-24T18:01:00.003+11:00

is a very moving film.

And it seems my nieces, Caitlin and Taylor were moved in somewhat different ways when they saw it this week.

This pic, taken as they were walking out of the cinema by their sister Erin, is the best film review ever.

Absolutely no words required.

And sweet Taylor, your reaction won me over. I am going to see it next week. I personally love a good cry.

Has anyone else seen it yet and what was your reaction?

________________________________________________________

Thank you to Joanna at the Fifty Factor for the great Christmas giveaway I won at the end of last year. It is a beautiful hand made decoration courtesy of Attila the Mom and Highland Roses Design Studio. The Studio is a privately-funded project that provides individuals who live with disabilities and/or mental illnesses as well as their family caregivers an opportunity to step towards independence through the sale of their own arts and crafts creations. They accept no grants or government funding, and are working to become self-sustaining through their own endeavors. Each distinctive ornament is produced by several sets of hands---all working together to create something special! Now, I am all set for Christmas 2013.

Rolling in the deep

2013-01-22T18:19:00.000+11:00

Happy 2013!

I know, and not before time.

So tell me, how are your New Year's Resolutions working out for you?

As for me, I've already achieved one of my resolutions rather prematurely.

And it's only January 22.

I have managed to eat ALL the calories I planned to consume for the whole of 2013 in just a 21 day period. I repeat 21 days.

I know, that is actually quite an amazing, if not a rather shameful, feat isn't it?

I would take a bow but I can't bend down that far anymore...

You see, I've been all at sea for the past few weeks so I apologise for leaving the blog high and dry and seemingly all washed up.

I've been rolling around the Tasman Sea visiting the beautiful New Zealand.

In this.

The Sun Princess.

The Sun Princess

A Princess cruise ship – yes, the same cruise liner that featured in the Love Boat TV show last century (and if you don't know what I am talking about then this blog is not for your demographic at all).

While Captain Stubing was nowhere to be seen and the TV show clearly bordered on the fanciful, my first cruise was fantastic for many reasons. It was plain sailing all the way which was not hard to achieve considering the staff to passenger ratio was 900:2100.

Well plain sailing most of the way. Apart from that 24 hour period towards the end of the cruise when I actually thought we were heading for the rocks. I now understand what the term 'batten down the hatches' actually means. All I know is that the answer to sea sickness is to keep horizontal in between sipping plenty of of colourful drinks in long tall glasses. And.... eating green apples. Who knew?

Of course I was full of good intentions about blogging. I could have, should have and would have BUT I found it incredibly difficult to type with cutlery permanently in my hands. I mean there were the restaurants, the grill, bistro, the pizzeria, the bars, the patisserie…….I was between the devil and the deep blue sea deciding where to eat next as opposed to thinking about what to write next.

I think the majority of those 900 staff had to be chefs and kitchen staff. Because the gym, from the vantage point of my deck chair, was never that busy at all. Let's just say that the nautical terms beached whale and wide berth have now taken on a deeper meaning for me. They say that with experience comes greater understanding and I am definitely feeling it.

I knew I was going to be in trouble the moment I opened our cabin door and saw this little welcoming gift.

Chocolate covered strawberries (I couldn't even wait to take the photo before I had to try one).

After much tooing and froing, I decided just to throw caution to the wind and 'enjoy'.

Food aside, I also discovered something quite interesting for us mature folk. During some high jinks on New Years Eve, I found out that if you stand on the top deck of a massive cruise liner in the middle of high force winds (possibly just short of a tornado) anything loose on your person is blown to the back of your head somewhere. This strangely enough includes not only your clothes, hair, cobwebs and cocktails but also your jowls and wrinkles. It leaves everyone looking like they've been strangely 'refreshed'. So now I'm investigating whether to purchase an industrial fan instead of saving for surgery (I really am not serious about the surgery but the fan is another matter).

But, best of all, along with the great company, I had the most relaxing sleep ever. I have had terrible insomnia for a long time. It made me extraordinarily happy even though my daughter didn’t quite understand my hysteria. That is probably because this 'happiness' may have been caused by a combination of good sleep and cocktails but...it was all fun.

My mother came with us and it is no surprise when she said, "Do not put my picture on your blog".....I cannot imagine why.

I will leave you with a couple of pictures of New Zealand – I know, there is nothing worse than other people’s holiday snaps but I am sure one of your New Year's resolutions is to show greater tolerance for others so......I would like to help you achieve it.

New Zealand is so beautiful, whichever way you look at her. She was without doubt, the shining star of the show. If you ever get the chance to visit. Do it. I will post some more pictures of my holiday in my Photos blog in the next couple of days (compulsory for family but the rest of you get a free pass).

Auckland

Akaroa

Dunedin

It is true, even NZ sheep are spectacular.

I really miss ~~being waited on hand and foot~~ the ocean, but it is great to be on Australian soil again.

However, in saying that, it is so incredibly hot here that I think the coast is clear - the notion of an industrial fan is definitely not out of the question or in the least questionable……now.

“The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea.”

--Isak Dinesen

So true!

And thanks Sun Princess for recharging my batteries and inspiring my theme for 2013 - Just Roll With It.

Bring it on 2013!

Internet meet Daddy Long-Legs...Again

2012-12-18T18:18:00.000+11:00

Thanks very much for your varied views on yesterday's post. I appreciate everyone's well considered and interesting comments. It has given me a lot of 'food for thought'.

Today, I wanted to move on and repost a lighthearted post. It is one that for some strange reason gets lots of views every month from all parts of the World. I'm not really sure why. Maybe people are interested in deadly animals or something.

Some people think we Aussies spend our lives wrestling crocodiles, stepping on deadly spiders and wearing snakes around our necks as some kind of fashion accessory. (Yes Sarah, that would be you!) A myth more than likely created by the popularity of Steve Irwin and Paul Hogan before him.

While we love the outdoors, we don't all wear khaki or carry huge knives just in case we stumble upon a deadly creature. The Land Down Under is home to many of Earth’s most venomous creatures, such as the inland taipan (whose venom is 50 times more toxic than that of the king cobras) and the box jellyfish where death can occur within three minutes of being stung.

Strangely though, many Australians are unaware that they are sharing their backyard with extremely venomous animals. While the animals in this country may be much more deadly than anywhere else in the world, they are treated with the same amount of thought and respect that others may give to water moccasins or the black widow. Their presence is accepted and there is an unwritten rule that you 'don't mess with the wildlife'.

Like most Australians, I've had my own share of 'wildlife encounters', but only with the world's most deadliest animal.

Which one?

No, I didn't get up close and personal with a BEAR even though they kill up to 10 people across the world each year

Or SHARKS which kill 100 people a year

Or BOX JELLYFISH which kill 120 people a year

Or HIPPOPOTAMI which easily outpace humans on land and kill 150 people a year

Or ELEPHANTS which kill up to 500 people a year

Or BIG CATS which kill around 800 people a year

Or CROCODILES which kill around 850 people a year

Or SCORPIONS which paralyse their prey and cause 2,000 fatalities a year

Or SNAKES which cause up to 125,000 deaths a year.

No, the only animal which has caused me grief and which kills up to 3 million people a year

is the

mosquito.

See, you really don't have anything to fear in visiting Australia. Other than the 17 hour plane flight to get here.

Warning: Please don't frighten the children by clicking on the spider image without warning them - the old boy has a surprised look on his face and very hairy legs!

Dear America

2012-12-17T11:28:00.002+11:00

The World shares your sorrow and grief about the horrific massacre of innocent children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

My sister and I were talking about it yesterday and tears were running down her face. As a teacher of 30 years she could only imagine the terror faced by the teachers and the children in those frenzied moments.

However, at the end of it all, no matter who you speak with, the same question keeps getting asked.

Isn't there anything that you can do about gun control?

I am not trying to be critical of what many consider as the greatest Nation on Earth but I just do not understand your gun culture at all.

Perhaps you can shed some light on it for me.

Why do one in three Americans need to carry a gun? Why is it 15 times more likely that I will be shot dead in America than here in Australia? Why would your average suburban American householders have the need to have automatic Glock and Sig Sauer pistols, which can hold up to 30 rounds in their clips?

Surely, no private citizen needs that kind of firepower. Or do they?

I can understand that these weapons may be a logical choice for soldiers whose goal it is to kill a lot of people in a short time but what purpose are they for your ordinary citizens.

In coming days, America’s powerful National Rifle Association will no doubt cough up its old line that it is “guns don’t kill people, people kill people”.

However, surely it is a no brainer that if you want to reduce gun related deaths you have to reduce the number of guns and the type of guns considered legal.

Guns are everywhere it's true. And all countries have had their share of gun massacres. Us included.

However, Australia now has the most restrictive firearms legislation in the world simply because its citizens demanded it following the horrific Port Phillip massacre which occurred here in 1996 where 35 innocent people were killed.

Our laws banned semiautomatic and automatic rifles and shotguns. Australia also instituted a mandatory buy-back program for newly banned weapons (the government bought the guns back and destroyed them).

In light of the Aurora, Colo., massacre in August this year, the Washington Post wrote about the impact of Australian laws to instigate greater discussion about greater gun controls in the USA. The impact of our laws has been debated left, right and centre. All I know is that we have not had any futher 'spree killings' like the Port Phillip massacre since this time.

However, I do not believe it will be as easy for you to introduce tougher gun legislation.

Particularly given the public comments made by some of your politicians over the past few days.

For example, I just heard on the radio that a prominent Republican congressman believes that arming teachers would be a better solution to the violence than gun control.

“I wish to God she (school principal) had had an m-4 in her office, locked up so when she heard gunfire, she pulls it out….and takes him out and takes his head off before he can kill those precious kids.” The Texan congressman Louis Gohmert said on Fox News. (An m-4 is a similar military style semi automatic weapon to that used by the killer).

That is truly insane. Just insane. Where will it all end?

The reality is many parts of the world are going to be watching you closely over the coming days and months and wondering why there is absolutely no substantial political debate in your country about why it is ok for anyone to bear arms of any description with no substantial checks and balances in place.

To me, a civil war in Syria where 40,000 people needlessly die is not that much different from a 'war' in a civilised country like yours where more than 30,000 citizens are killed by guns each year.

Any controls that are put in place that make it more difficult for evil or mentally ill people to wreak havoc and violence on innocent people has to be a good thing. Surely.

I understand that criminals will do whatever it takes to obtain guns and kill people. No law will stop them. However, if laws stop or decrease the 'spree killings' of innocent people, particularly school children, then that has to be a worthwhile outcome. Doesn't it?

User ID:

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Maybe I am missing something or just plain naive. I would be very interested to hear the views of my American readers who may be able to shed some light on why they think there are more registered guns in the USA than there are citizens. Why do so many people think that is normal and ok to have guns in their home like it was just another household appliance?

RIP the beautiful innocent children and teachers of Newtown Connecticut.

12. 12. 12

2012-12-12T23:23:00.000+11:00

So that makes it 13 days until Christmas.

Psst....and 18 days until THE CRUISE....thanks for asking..you were about to ask anyway, I am sure....

I am fairly positive I know one person who cannot wait for the next 13 days to fly right on by.

And that person would be our local shopping centre's Santa Claus.

Those guys have got to have one of the toughest jobs around don't you think?

I walked into the centre today and passed the sweet faced Santa Claus walking the other way.

I am sure he was on his way home to get out of that suit and beard and have a nice cold beer.

After all, it's Summer here and he is a bit overdressed for the warm weather.

However, what do they say about the best laid plans of mice and Santas?

As he was just about to go out the exit doors, a small boy ran after him, yelling, "Santa-aaaaaaaaa.....Santa-aaaaaaaaa."

Santa turned around and spoke to the excited boy.

The boy then made a grab for the bell and Santa handed it to him so he could ring it "once".

Mistake.

The child ran off with the bell.

And Santa quickly followed in hot pursuit.

He asked for his bell back and the child refused.

A tug of war ensued.

Santa on one end of the bell and the child on the other.

The child kicked and screamed.

Santa won. He always does.

That child has a lot to learn.....although if he is lucky, he may well find a large shiny bell of his own under the Christmas Tree.

And Santa is probably on the cusp of seriously considering alternative employment options for 2013.

And who would blame him.

                              ______________________________________________

While I was in a coffee shop today, I overheard a woman talking about her family's Christmas plans. I listened in (oh ok, I eavesdropped) just because I love to know what other people do on Christmas Day.

Chirstmas is a big deal in my family. We usually go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve (and no I don't go to Church regularly but I like to for special days), have a late breakfast on Christmas, open gifts (Christmas music of course) and then meet at a family member's home for Christmas lunch - which doesn't start until about 2 at the earliest. Because it is hot, we usually have lots of sea foods, cold ham, turkey and salads although sometimes we have a hot meal. Then we usually break from eating at some point, to hand out Kris Kringle gifts (one member of the extended family buys one other member a gift), then its dessert time. And lots of music, games, catching up, lazing around.......eating some more. You know the drill......the addition of 5 kilos overnight.

How will you be spending the holidays?

                                      _______________________________________

Also, the winners of the Holiday Music giveaways are: Tashabud from The Big Picture blog and The Secret Agent Woman from Blog Incognito - congratulations ladies and enjoy.

This is a call for all the Christmas music lovers

2012-12-04T10:53:00.000+11:00

to come out of the closet and support the cause.

I mean, it can't just be me can it?

Because it seems that one sure fire way of clearing a room is to turn on your favourite Christmas album.

It's worked for me. Plenty of times.

For years the only Christmas music I played was Bing Crosby - and I am talking from my 20s up.

Oh yes, as soon as that Christmas Tree went up I forgot about my favourite rock music and on came Bing.

Ah.... Bing....

Oh Holy Night indeed.

Of course, I was teased unmercifully. And still am.

I am not embarrassed to admit that I would play the album at least twice a day for at least 3 weeks and I never got sick of it. Ever.

Unfortunately, everyone else did not share the same view.

Many plans were hatched by 'the haters' to dispose of Bing in the most undignified of ways.

And I was offered bribes that would have even made Nigerian officials stand up and take notice.

Not me.

I was resolute.

It was Bing and me against the world.

In fact it has only been in the last couple of years that people have managed to convince me to try something new.

Just because it got a bit lonely with just me, Bing and the Christmas Tree.

So, in the spirit of Christmas, I bought something new.

Michael Buble.

Nice, easy listening and kind of like Bing but with a Canadian accent.

However, as I've since discovered, he is as equally polarising, if not more so.

Then, in my quest for Peace & Harmony, two vital ingredients for any holiday season, I went searching for other Christmas Albums.

Oh my, just look at the choice. Every artist has a holiday release.

Even Rod Stewart? I like Rod but no, not sure I can.....go rocking around the Christmas Tree...noooo.

Mmmmm, perhaps it is not the artist that people dislike, but the tunes that people get tired of.

Perhaps you either like Christmas music or you don't. As for me I am looking for something new.

What about you? Are you a Christmas music 'liker' or 'hater'?
_________________________________________________________

And of US and Canadian readers you also get to participate in a Giveaway.

By leaving a comment on this post TWO people have a chance to each win TWO Christmas music releases for the Holiday Season. LUCKY YOU!!

The first is my favourite MARGO REY (and my family may be thrilled to know she has released some holiday music too). Love her! Her holiday EP is called This Holiday Night. Her original single of the same name. “This Holiday Night” is already gaining momentum and recognition from the Billboard charts. Margo is currently on a month long tour in the US with Dave Koz and Sheila E now through to December 23.

I have downloaded this already, just beautiful!!!!! And I particularly love her rendition of Silent Night.

The next is AAA artist SHAUNA BURNS and her holiday album is called A Winter Gathering. She brings her Celtic twist to the holiday classics like "Carol of the Bells" and "Silent Night". Really haunting and beautiful.

Entries close on Midnight 10/12/2012 (PT). I mean you have got to have time to play it before Christmas, right?

Thanks to Mile High Productions, Los Angeles (online and social media marketing for the entertainment industry) for the prizes.

The winners were drawn by random.org on 12/12/2012 - Congratulations to Tashabud and Secret Agent Woman for winning the holiday albums.

WINNERS - 12 DAYS of GIVEAWAY

2012-12-03T11:15:00.000+11:00

Congratulations to the winners of the 12 Days of Giveaway!

I hope you all enjoy your prizes.

All winners have been contacted by email and have 5 days to respond or new winners will be selected.

Thank you very much to everyone who entered the giveaways. I had a huge response and had so many great answers that I had to use Random.org to assist choose the final winner in a couple of the giveaways. Two giveaways have consolation prizes for that reason.

I am sure I will be holding some more giveaways very soon. (In fact, I am holding another one for USA and Canadian readers tomorrow.)

DAY 1. $50 LEAF Store Voucher - Simmone Penhaligon,VIC

Note: LEAF will give all Lilly's Life readers a 10% discount for any purchases made until December 17. The code to use at checkout is LILLYS10

DAY 2. Pandora Earrings - Maxine Haestier, NSW

DAY 3. ETSY Products
Love Shop - Brigitte Nieberl, QLD
Love Letter Designs - Tina Subo
Vice & Velvet - Annie Fogarty

DAY 4. BLURB Book Voucher - Helen, Poetry Matters Blog, USA

DAY 5. My Best Friend is a Bag - Jill Geiblinger, QLD

DAY 6. DYMO Letraset      - Margaret Drew, SA
            DYMO LabelMaker - Alex Franks, TAS

DAY 7. Amazon vouchers - Anne-Maree Adams, NSW
                                           Michael Thompson, VIC

DAY 8. Marvel Earrings - Christine H, Christine's Blog, Canada
            Consolation       - Kate B, Shambles Manor blog, Scotland

DAY 9. Simply Clean Products
Felicity Mazurek
Tracy Harris
Taylor Fogarty
Sheila Marie
Alanna James

Vinyl Design - Aleta O'Brien, USA
Vintage Chenille - Claire Lewis, VIC
Forget Me Knot - Alannah Shore, QLD

DAY 10. Groupon Voucher - Chantelle Trantalis, NSW

DAY 11. Silver Forge - Vicky Westra, Westra World Blog
                                     Abby Lee, WA

Note: The Silver Forge has offered all Lilly's Life readers a 10% discount for any purchases made until Christmas. The code to use at checkout is LILLYSLIFE10

              Koko Lane - Alwyn Foster, VIC

DAY 12. Beauty Products     - Michael Traficantte, WA
              Consolation prize   - Kirsten Wallace, VIC

What does a Rhino have in common with me?

2012-11-29T21:24:00.001+11:00

And if you guessed we can both be cows.......I don't really care if you have a good point or not, turn around and keep walking.

My niece recently went on a school trip to South Africa and she made some very cute videos of the local wildlife.

Here is one of her videos of a Rhino cow and a calf.

Rhinos are not only cute and have thick hides, but they also have bad hair, poor eye sight, a great sense of smell and excellent hearing.

And they also eat for a large part of the day.

I read that and watched the video, and it all seemed a little bit too familiar for my own liking.

Particularly right now, after my own recent excursion into the wilds of South Yarra (Melbourne).

I blame my daughter entirely. Oh yes siree.

She told me she had ordered six 'special' Christmas decorations from a certain design store which she had to pick up on Christmas Eve.

Design store.....Christmas decorations....

I couldn't work out why she had to wait to pick them up, so I thought I would check out the store myself given I was in the neighbourhood.

Talk about a jungle. I had to fight my way to get out of there.

I finally managed to walk out with a waddle that any self respecting Rhino would be extremely proud of.

The store is Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio.

My kind of grazing land.

I finally found the decorations she ordered. Highly coloured baubles.

Highly coloured EDIBLE Christmas baubles to be exact.

Imagine.

They are made from white Belgian chocolate filled with chocolate coated pop rocks (??) and raspberry marshmallows.

Instant Sugar Coma anyone?

This store is like a modern day Willy Wonka Factory.

The open Kitchen looks like part Science Labatory. Amazing works of sweet art (click on picture to enlarge it if you dare)..

You might be surprised to know that I took a risk and tasted quite a few different products. I really had no choice. It would have been incredibly rude to decline the offers of samples would it not?

Now, the only discouraging part about my trip to Sweet Studio is that I now want to totally change my Christmas menu plans.

At this stage, I am thinking of making it much simpler and having - Chocolate, Chocolate and more Chocolate. I mean, you can't really go wrong, can you?

And that leaves me with another dilemma - my holiday wardrobe. I have had to entirely rethink that as well.

At this stage, I'm thinking Kaftans, Kaftans and more Kaftans. Colourful ones, naturally.

So what is your favourite food over the holidays? Family favourite? Something new?

And no, the store's clever owners are not paying me in money or chocolate to talk about them. Their amazing works of art speak for themselves. They also have an online store so that you can make a total rhino of yourself in private.

_______________________________

The 12 Days of Giveaway ends at Midnight tomorrow night, Australian Eastern Standard time. Please enter if you haven't already. It's not like I'm going to make the winners read all my blog posts for the next five years or anything.... Good Luck everyone. Winners announced late on 1 December 2012. I will knock at your door with the good news (settle down, I mean via email - you don't need to tidy up the house on my account).

Don’t be afraid to speak out

2012-11-26T11:52:00.001+11:00

Waiting...and watching...for the inevitable pounce - photo courtesy of my brother (taken in Vietnam)

When I left school I had a job processing people’s social security entitlements. I came into contact with lots of women who were claiming benefits because they were fleeing domestic violence.

After hearing story after story, I became quite cynical and would try and guess how many weeks it would take before they were back with their violent partners. I used to shake my head and wonder how women could be so stupid. I mean r-e-a-l-l-y, getting dragged into such an horrific situation was one thing but how hard could it really be to leave someone who was abusing you.

I was all of 18 and clearly didn’t know a damn thing about anything.

Many years later I got the lesson of my life when I found myself in the exact same situation as the women I was so judgemental about.

I was in another country thousands of miles away from family and friends. I finally realised the meaning of the words ‘trapped by circumstance’. I was so terrified that I became paralysed with fear and incapable of protecting myself. Sometimes getting away from violent situations is not as easy as it would seem.

Yesterday, was the International Stop Violence Against Women Day or White Ribbon Day as it is called in Australia.

And I did not want the day to go past without acknowledging it.

However, rather than discuss the victims or perpetrators of violence I wanted to mention the important role that bystanders to such crimes have.

Simply because most people who see, hear and know that abuse is occurring (the bystanders), often turn away and choose to do nothing.

Do you know that a third of women (and some studies say up to a half) will experience physical or sexual violence by a man at some point in their lives?*

White Ribbon Day is about encouraging people, particularly those of the male persuasion, to stand up and say enough is enough when it comes to violence against women.

And yes, let's not forget that men are victims of violence too. It is just that women are more likely to experience violence at the hands of men they know and in their own home. Men on the other hand, are more likely to experience violence in public places at the hands of strangers.

Turning a blind eye to any kind of abuse is apparently so common that it is known as the Bystander Effect. We see it, hear it and yet we turn away because we don't want to get involved.

I've been guilty of it myself. I was on a Qantas plane a few years ago and a woman across from me was verbally abusing and smacking her toddler son. All the passengers literally held their breath, squirmed in their seats, made faces at each other and hoped that someone, the air hostesses or anyone, would come forward and do something. I spoke to one of the air hostesses and asked her if she could have a word to the lady or try and distract the baby. She said they were not allowed to intervene.

What, in abuse of a child?

Doing nothing is condoning what is happening, surely.

We cannot assume that someone else will do something. We cannot assume that it is a lover's quarrel, teenage prank, innocent play acting, that someone deserves it or it's just none of our business.....

The impact of violence costs this Country billions each year. It is herefore everyone's business.

If it is dangerous to intervene, then ring the police and report it. Eventually something will come of it even if not on that occasion. At least there is some record of a complaint.

Getting involved is hard I realise. You have to be brave. And very careful.

As a bystander, what would you do in the following situation?

This is a video of a French tourist being abused last week on a bus in Melbourne because she and her friends were singing a French song.
LANGUAGE WARNING: DO NOT PLAY AT WORK OR IN FRONT OF THE KIDS.

Would you have done anything to help, particularly given other passengers seemed to join in the abuse?

I am ashamed it happened in this city. Red necks live everywhere. There are You Tube videos such as this in cities all over the world.

What would I have done?

I think I might have directed my attention to the victim not the abusers. I may have asked her to stop singing and spoken to her and tried to calm it down that way. Or even got off the bus with her to diffuse the situation. I would not have engaged with the abusers though.

The police are apparently following this up given the abusers have now been identified from the video footage.

The bottom line is violence is wrong and we need to stand up and say so. Sometimes it will fall on a bystander to step up and do something. We need to be ready to make a difference.

Bridge over troubled waters

2012-11-21T13:43:00.002+11:00

Normal transmission resumes.........

I was standing on a balcony of an inner city apartment block in Melbourne yesterday taking some pictures. As you do.

I have looked out on this view many times before but something caught my eye that I've never noticed before....

It wasn't the bridge

or the traffic

but something under the bridge

Mattress, lounge, tables, clothes hanger, makeshift kitchen - someone's home - river view, prime position mmmm

Sometimes we look and look and can't see what's right in front of us.

I'm not sure what to think. Is it a choice? The occupants seem to be resourceful and have made a home for themselves. However, I guess they must think this is safer than living on the streets. It surely is pretty private. I just hope they're not restless sleepers - it wouldn't take much to roll off that mattress and over the edge to the water below. And that might be an incredibly dumb way to go.

______________________________________

And speaking of dumb ways to go - you so have to watch this....

This is not some cute new song but a public service announcement from Victoria's Metro Rail in reponse to the increase in needless deaths on railway tracks and crossings.

It's becoming a You Tube hit.

Will this cute video get through to people?

I can tell you one thing, I haven't stopped humming the song since I played this. Dumb ways to die indeed.

12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAY - DAY 12

2012-11-18T15:00:00.000+11:00

It's the final day of the 12 Days of Giveaway.

Thank you to everyone who has joined in the fun so far. Entries to all Giveaways close at Midnight 30 November 2012 AEST.

So, are you wondering what today's prize is?

I can tell you that the Giveaway is worth $425 for one lucky winner.

I may have misled you slightly when I told you at the start of the Giveaways that the thing I really like above all else is jewellery.

The truth is, that it is not the only thing.

I really like Makeup a whole lot too.

Colour plays a big part in my life and it was no wonder that I studied theatrical makeup as I always loved 'colouring in'. I just moved from paper and walls to faces.

This week I was looking back at some of my early blog posts (cringe…) and I came across one which listed my top beauty products of all time.

And, interestingly enough, I still think much the same. While I like trying lots of new products I still have some firm favourites. Simply because they work.

GIVEAWAY

One person will win 11 of my favourite beauty products which have a value of $425. The products will be fun to use or could be great gifts for others.

And I promise that even though I have joked on this blog many times before about the power of Spac Filla, it did not make the list!

The products are:

1. AMAZING FACE by Zoe Foster

Yes, this beauty product is a book. Zoe is a former Cosmopolitan and Harpers BAZAAR beauty director. She shows some clever beauty tricks, reviews various products and gives useful how-to-do-its. This is the next best thing to having your own personal makeup artist on tap. It really is an excellent resource no matter how long you have been wearing makeup and no matter how good you think you are at applying it.

2. YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch by Yves St Laurent Beauty

One of these highlighters is sold every 10 seconds across the World. So either this brand’s marketing is excellent and we are gullible or the product actually works. And after using it for years it really does work. With a few strokes under eyes, around mouth, eyelids, forehead (wherever you like, as there are no real rules) your skin is instantly illuminated, so you look rested and refreshed—even if you’ve been up for hours. One thing most people get very wrong about these illuminators is that they are not concealers. It is applied after your concealer and foundation (if you wear one).

2. CLARINS BEAUTY FLASH BALM

This is Clarins' best-selling product which helps eliminate signs of fatigue in a flash! Instantly moisturizes, brightens and tightens your skin so it looks rested and relaxed. It is perfect to wear alone or it also can prep the skin for perfect make-up application.

3. PALMERS CCOCOA BUTTER NATURAL BRONZE TANNING MOISTURISER for the Face

I prefer using a self tanner on my face rather than using foundation. It has to be one designed specifically for the face though. When your face is tanned, your eyes are brighter, your teeth whiter and you look really healthy. This is a good one to use and is a great price. The other favourite I have which is far more expensive is Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning for Face.

4. MAKEUP BRUSHES

An artist does not usually paint using their fingers so when it comes to makeup I find it best to use a brush to apply foundation, blush, eye liner etc. The difference it can create to your makeup application is worth the effort. This is a set of four of my favourite makeup brushes. One for foundation, one for blush, one for lips and one for eyes.

5. BOBBI BROWN LOG-WEAR GEL EYELINER

This is possibly my favourite product of all time and can be used by people of all ages. The eye liner has the precision of liquid liner and the flexible feel of a gel. It is a water-resistant formula and can go from subtle to bold depending on how it's applied. My personal colour favourite is Caviar Ink, a deep black-brown but there are a fw different colours available.

6. VASELINE PETROLEUM JELLY

No, I am serious. Really. It deserves to be on the list. It is a great beauty product. It can be used on your lips, cheeks, face and even on the driest parts of your body. As you may already know, it is also used by models to prevent lipstick from sticking to their teeth – and it works wonders for that purpose. If you have particularly dry skin on your face, all you need to do is slather a generous amount of Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly and its moisture will be restored in no time at all.

7. MASQUE SOIR DE FETE

This Elle Bache mask is my favourite. If your skin needs a ‘pick me up’ before a special occasion then here’s your mask. It not only reduces any redness or blotchiness but it also smoothes skin and imparts an instant radiant glow, making it ideal for use, before you apply your make-up. It always makes my skin feel wonderful.

8. ALMAY EYE MAKEUP REMOVAL PADS

These round pads doused in eye makeup remover can decrease your eye-makeup removal time by 600%. Hands up who hates removing their eye makeup? These are convenient and oil-free. They remove eye makeup in one easy step with no mess.

9. MAYBELLINE NY GREAT LASH MASCARA

Most makeup artists I know use Maybelline mascaras. I like more expensive mascaras like Dior too but I always come back to Maybelline. It creates natural looking lashes. Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara combines waterproof technology with a creamy formula that is quick and easy to apply.

10. CLINIQUE ALMOST LIPSTICK

I have a few favourite colours but Clinique's Luscious Honey is universally flattering. It gives lips a sleek soft finish and it is a glossy, sheer, non-staining lip colour.

11. NARS Orgasm (blush)

So, as it happened I couldn't keep the list to just ten products. This is a gorgeous colour blush (looks very pink here but is not) and it suits most people. It is a long term favourite of mine.

All the products will be given to the winner in a gorgeous white cosmetic bag.

TO ENTER

Complete the form below. Tell me your favourite beauty product or your best makeup tip or maybe even your worst makeup disaster?

Those entrants who 'like' Lilly's Life Blog's Facebook page will also gain a second entry to this giveaway.

Terms & Conditions.

12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAY - DAY 11

2012-11-17T21:56:00.000+11:00

Day 11 is all about looking for the silver lining.

And all things silver is what you will find today. There are two giveaways and prizes for three lucky readers with a total value of $190.

1. The Silver Forge

The Silver Forge is a shop which sells unique and beautiful sterling silver jewellery: earrings, rings, pendants and custom bespoke gemstone jewellery commissions all handcrafted by Ruthie Gray.

Ruthie from Brisbane has been goldsmithing for over four years, and is currently enrolled in a year long intensive goldsmithing training course. All her pieces are made entirely by hand using traditional methods and hand tools in her own studio at home. She is very happy to take custom orders for any jewellery (in silver or gold) you would like made, and is also happy to work with you to create a design for your dream piece.

Ruthie's great-great-great grandfather, her great-great uncle and her great-grandfather were blacksmiths, so she is definitely carrying on the family smithing tradition in her own small way!

GIVEAWAY

TWO vouchers worth $35 - one each for two lucky readers to spend at The Silver Forge online store.

TO ENTER

Visit The Silver Forge and choose what you would buy if you won. Submit your entry using the form below.

2. Koko Lane

This is definitely one of my favourite gift stores in the World. Especially when it is decorated in all of its Christmas glory. Take a look! There is something for every occasion.

Koko Lane is located in Church St, Richmond, Melbourne. I promise that you will not be able to walk past it without going in for a browse. It is just beautiful.

GIVEAWAY

$120 worth of gorgeous silver Christmas decorations for one lucky reader.

TO ENTER

Submit the entry form below and tell me what kind of decorations you like on your Christmas tree.

For an extra entry, 'like' Koko Lane's Facebook page.

Terms and Conditions

12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAY - DAY 10

2012-11-16T14:07:00.000+11:00

Day 10 Giveaway open to Australian readers only, sorry.

"Are we nearly there yet"? I can hear you all saying.

Nearly. Day 10.

And Friday too - time to unwind.

So, how about going out to dinner?

In today's Giveaway I wanted to talk to you about Groupon. And Melbourne Restaurants.

Groupon, is one of the fastest growing companies in the world. It is a deal based website that really is the best way of eliminating the ''FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) which plagues most of us. Well, me anyway.

Let's face it. No matter what city you live in or visit anywhere in the world there are so many options. The choice of what to do and where to go can be overwhelming. Groupon shares deals each day with its members and highlights thrilling experiences that only cost a fraction of what it would cost normally if you went and arranged it yourself. There are savings of up to 70% on attractions and events right across all cities.

I was recently offered a voucher by Groupon to try one of its Melbourne restaurant deals. I love to eat and besides it was an opportunity to try somewhere new and find out how Groupon works.

Melbourne has thousands of restaurants and eating well is very easy here. However, there are so many options and often I take the easy way out and go somewhere familiar that I've been to many times before.

I signed up to Groupon (easy) and then went to check what Restaurant deals there were today. There were nine and they ranged in price from $19 through to $69 (savings of up to 70%).

I decided to try a small Vegetarian Indian Restaurant recently opened in Hawthorne called Only Vegetarian Kitchen which is inspired by India's all vegetarian state Gurjarat.

I bought the deal online and immediately was able to access the voucher. It cost $29 for two for a vegetarian feast (seriously - are you worried for me?). It would normally cost $88.90 so that is a saving of $59.90. Two hundred and eleven vouchers had already been bought by others so I figured it must be ok.

The process was simple and straightforward although there is a lot of small print to read about the terms and conditions set by the restaurant - so be sure to read it before making a purchase. For example, sometimes you cannot make a reservation on a weekend or a specific time.

I rang to make a reservation for tonight and had no problems. I was asked just to text the voucher number and security code (from the voucher) to the restaurant. All too easy.

Only Vegetarian Kitchen is within walking distance to Glenferry train station and easy to get to. It's a small place which is brightly decorated and quite homely. We were greeted on arrival by a very friendly waitress. I handed the waitress the voucher and she accepted it without question.

The staff seemed friendly througout our meal although they seemed a little tentative about their roles. I guess this is hardly surprising given the restaurant is new.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian Indian cuisine. The deal we bought was for an Authentic Vegetarian Indian Feast of entree, unlimited mains, dessert plus lassi. Rather than explain how it would be served the staff seemed to assume we knew. They just bought out the food and we found we had to ask them a lot of questions about what we were eating.

However, the food was very good and it was most definitely authentic. The veggie vindaloo and aloo masala were one of the best I've had. We had two small main dishes but the staff made no mention of any other dishes. We also were not offered a choice of dessert either. The meals were sufficient for us and quite filling but I know that many people may be disappointed that it was not quite the feast they were expecting.

The restaurant also does takeaway and this seemed quite popular with people while we were there. I certainly would get takeaway from them in the future.

It was fun and I will be trying Groupon again to discover more restaurants. My only advice is to make sure that you are very familiar with the contents of the deal and discuss it with the Restaurant staff before the meal is served to make sure everyone knows what is going on.

Overall, I am very happy with my first Groupon experience and will try some more deals.

Now what about you?

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GIVEAWAY

Groupon has given a $100 voucher for one of you to win. Now that is exciting and even more so because you get to spend it on any deal you like in the nearest Australian city you live. Shopping, travel, meals, whatever!

TO ENTER

Go to Groupon and choose your city at the top of the page (or Capital City nearest to you) and tell me what deal you would buy (of course it changes daily so it may not be there when you win on 1 December). Submit your entry below.

12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAY - DAY 9

2012-11-15T18:40:00.002+11:00

It's Day 9 of the 12 Days of Giveaway and I hope you have a cup of coffee nearby (or maybe something even stronger perhaps) as there's lots to show you today.

There are four different Giveaways with a total value of $200 for up to EIGHT winners.

All giveaways close at Midnight on 30 November 2012 ÁEST so you still have lots of time to look around and see what you would like to win. You can enter one giveaway at a time if it's easier.

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1. SIMPLY CLEAN

I never get excited about cleaning but when some products arrived for me to try from new company, Simply Clean, I got very excited.

I repeat. Cleaning. Products. Excited. Me.

And stranger still, I could not wait to try them out. ~~I know, for all you who know me, miracles can happen.~~

Just look at them though.

The range is divided into Kitchen, Bathroom and Microfibre Cloths and each product is individually labelled and colour-coded to indicate which area and surface it is to be used for. What a creative yet very practical idea.

This pack contains blue bathroom floor sponge cloth, yellow bathroom scourer, red toilet scourer and yellow bathroom scrubber

This pack contains green kitchen sponge cloth, blue kitchen floor sponge cloth, green kitchen scrubber and green kitchen scourer

This pack contains 30cm x 30cm cloths for stainless steel, dusting, glass and kitchen.

These great products came about when Mum of three, Victoria Fulford, was sick of seeing her family use the cloth she’d used to wipe up the baby’s breakfast mess, to clean the kitchen counter. She decided to do something about it and thus, Simply Clean was born.

A first of its kind in Australia, Simply Clean products are designed to promote safe hygiene practices in the home and office and help protect users from the risks of bacteria (very necessary given that Mythbusters concluded that the kitchen sponge is the number one source of bacteria in the house).

These products are sold in Woolworths nation-wide, RRP $6.99 per pack. For more info, go to www.simplyclean.me And congratulations Victoria, they are really needed. Could you please now do something similar for the hospitality industry at large because they could really do with some help in this area too.

GIVEAWAY

FIVE lucky readers will each win three packets of the cleaning products shown above (RRP $21).

TO ENTER

Tell me one of your best cleaning tips (I could do with some ideas). Submit an entry form at the end of this post.

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2. VINYL DESIGN

The next giveaway is from Vinyl Design which sells amazing vinyl products for the home. They have a fantastic range of vinyl wall stickers to decorate any space. You can reinvent and transform your home, office, kid's bedroom or playroom, adding color and style to your interiors. Vinyl Design wall decals are made of matt vinyl, a very flexible material easy to apply and to remove.

They also sell Vinyl Tees which is their new range of organic men's t-shirt; they're designer and hand printed on ethically made and environmentally friendly t-shirts. They have original graphics, they fit nicely and the light weight cotton is a comfortable to wear. Vinyl Living is their latest projects and includes a range homeware and textile for you and your house: here you will find hand printed canvas bags for your shopping, strong canvas cushions covers and tea towels all designed and produced in Australia!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader will win the Two Funny Penguins Wall Decal (RRP $35) below from Vinyl Design

The decals are very easy to apply and they won't leave any marks on`the wall upon removal. This prize pack contains 2 penguins. Penguins size: 25cm height (9,8 inches); plus how to apply instructions.

And while we are on the subject of penguins I have to show you this little video my niece took on a school trip to South Africa a few weeks ago. You will want to play this over and over again or perhaps go and win yourself your very own penguins from Vinyl Design instead.


TO ENTER

Go to Vinyl Design's online store and tell me what product you would like to buy for your home. Submit an entry using the form at the end of this post.

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3. VINTAGE CHENILLE

The third of today's giveaways comes from Etsy shop Vintage Chenille. The shop owner, Leah, makes the most stunning quilts and adorable soft toys for children.

Leah discovered the craft of patchwork using vintage chenille and began collecting it to make her baby girl a quilt and now apparently just can't stop!! Lucky us! She also can create something especially for you as 99% of her creations are unique because of the character of the vintage fabric. Mmmm, I wonder if she could make me a penguin?

You can visit Leah's shop Vintage Chenille here and her blog Hand Made Bits and Pieces.

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader will win one of Leah's Christmas themed Scotty Dogs ($19) (yes we have the animal theme going today!) How adorable is this toy!

TO ENTER

Visit Vintage Chenille and tell me what your favourite item is in the shop and submit your entry at the end of this post.

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4. FORGET ME NOT

The final giveaway is from Etsy shop Forget Me Not. I love the name of the shop and I love the items in it even more. I think we should all be putting pen to paper again rather than doing everything online. You will find some beautiful stationery and accessories in this store.

Forget Me Not has cards, tags, notelets, notebooks and more. I have ordered three different items in the last couple of weeks since I discovered the shop. It is great quality and unique. There are some really gorgeous Christmas cards and tags that are original and one of a kind. These products would make lovely Christmas gifts ~~for me~~ and everyone else.

GIVEAWAY

One reader will win $40 worth of items of their choice from Forget Me Not.

TO ENTER

Visit Forget Me Not and tell me what you would like to win. You can submit your entry at the end of this post.

Thank you to Simply Clean, Forget Me Not, Vintage Chenille and Vinyl Wall Art for providing their beautiful products for giveaways. My family thanks Simply Clean for giving me such great products to try and for making me clean the house so thoroughly too.

12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAY - DAY 8

2012-11-14T22:59:00.003+11:00

Do you need a bit of a pick me up and some sparkle in your life?

Today I have a Giveaway from Marvel Earrings.

GIVEAWAY

10 pairs of earrings from Marvel Earrings at a value of $150.

Each pair of earrings is custom made and you will never see another pair the same. They are made with various coloured beads and have gold and silver hooks. The winner will receive a varied selection of earrings similar to those shown in the following slide show.

TO ENTER

Submit the form below and tell me which pair of earrings you would like to wear.

Entries close at Midnight on 30 November 2012 AEST. Terms & Conditions

12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAY - DAY 7

2012-11-13T22:44:00.000+11:00

Is 7 your lucky number? Well let's see.

First, I have a couple of questions for you.

Do you know the name of the international store which sells 300,000 products a day (up to a peak 3.6 million products day before Christmas) resulting in a third of the world's ecommerce sales?

And, do you know what day it is 41 Days, 21 Hours, 11 Minutes and 16 Seconds from now?

Well when you figure that out you might want to come back and submit an entry into Day 7's Giveaway. Besides, you don't want to be the only one in the World not shopping at this store for the holidays do you?

GIVEAWAY

X 2 (ie TWO WINNERS each receiving a $100 gift card)

TO ENTER

Go to Lilly's Life's Facebook page and leave a comment about what present you are hoping for this coming holidays. Funny, serious, wishful thinking, whatever. Just have some fun. And if you don't have Facebook you can email me at lilly@lillyslife.com and tell me.

Please note that you can only enter this competition once. Entries close at Midnight 30 November 2012 AEST. Terms & Conditions.