There is very little joy in showering in communal washrooms, but from time to time, in the lives of wanderlusting nomad types, it must be done. Communal shower blocks can range from manky pits, inducing fear & turning the stomachs of even the most hardened travellers, right through to those that are more on the 'clean, simple and not too scary' end of the scale. The first step is to decipher which category the communal showers you are considering use of fall into. If it is the former, then perhaps a better consideration would be to pick up some baby wipes, a can of deodorant and some dry shampoo - travelling proves just how long, if pressed, one can go without hot running water as a means of staying clean. If the shower block looks like it could be braved, than there are a few basic tips you can follow in order to have an experience that is not entirely grisly:

THONGS
aka flip flops, jandels, pluggers etc
Wear them. No matter how clean it looks, these are an essential item. You can't see the icky germs that spread fungal foot diseases, but chances are you'll see them on your own feet if you go for a dip without thongs. When sharing foot space with fellow communal shower buddies, it is better to be safe than sorry - foot fungus is one thing you DO NOT want to be sharing, right?

PLASTIC/CALICO BAG
This is for your bits and pieces (ie. clothing & shampoo). Most showers will only have one hook (obviously designed by males), very few will have bench space to leave you clothing on and the floor of a communal bathroom is the last place you want to be putting your clothing. To solve this problem of space, take with you a plastic or calico bag, hang it on the hook and pop all your bits and pieces into the bag while you shower.

PROPER ATTIRE
Wear shorts and a singlet or as little as decently possible. As previously mentioned, space is a hard to come by commodity in the communal showering business, so taking in as little possible makes for a much more pleasant experience. A towel and some fresh knickers plus whatever you are wearing (inclusive of thongs) should do it. If you try changing in and out of jeans or long pants you'll end up with wet pants... which isn't too pleasant.


Where is the oddest place you've had to shower & what are your top tips? How long have you abstained in order to avoid showering in a place that looked as though you'd come out dirtier than you went in?!

Dream. Conviction. Love.
Originally uploaded by luos3r

"Look at you... You're already better than you think." (Jude Law in The Holiday)

Adoption of victim mentality used as an excuse to wallow rather than prosper.

Not accepting accountability for actions. Denying fault means nothing is learnt.

Using the term 'losing' when referring to weight. We are not losing weight, rather, we aregaining life.

Not truly believing in the power we have as individuals to provide massive change for the better. Many small changes compound to provide enormous change.

Whinging as an attempt to right or justify a wrong. Merely a poor reflection of self.

Having the tools to flourish but not the focus to see things through.

Believing too often the spiteful utterings of those around us. Their words are a reflection of themselves, not of us.

Lacking decisiveness & conviction to allow marvellous plans become marvellous reality.

Having too strong a conviction in the notion that whatever will be, will be. Not taking responsibility for the outcome of our life.

Ignoring our curiosity. Asking too few questions.

Not treating treats as treats. Enjoy everything in moderation.

Identifying the error of our ways is the first step to overcoming the barriers we come up against in our journey towards success & positivity.


What misconception is holding you back from prospering? What do you do to snap yourself out of negative routine?

Is the daily grind starting to, well, grind? Is Monday simply day 5 of the countdown to Friday? Does your life seem like all work and no play? If so, it's time for a shake up! Who says week days need consist only of work, eat, sleep, start over?! It's time to kick start you weekend: starting MONDAY. Enjoy & make the very most of you leisure hours. Here are some top tips to get started:

Celebrate a day well done with a glass of wine.

Spend a few hours watching your favourite television program or movie, uninterrupted. Turn off the mobile & laptop ...now kick back & relax.

Have a long soak in the bath, bubbles mandatory.

Stop by your local pharmacy & grab some face masks & hair treatments. Super cheap & top way to spend some time pampering yourself! While you're at it, moisturise from top to toe and paint your nails - enjoy quality me time.

Have dinner by candle light, romance yourself!

Have dessert & enjoy it.

Call a friend & plot your attack on the social scene for the upcoming weekend.

Dress up, do fancy makeup you wouldn't dare try regularly & take photos.

Dye your hair a new colour.

Write a letter to yourself, on pretty stationery, reminding yourself of all the fabulous things going on with you at the moment.

Stalk your local pet shop & play with the puppies.

Go to a coffee shop & sit for a nice long latte. Coffee is not just for the AM!

Drink tea out of fancy vintage tea cups.

Get a blender & some fruit and start experimenting with new smoothie flavours for that burst of natural energy you need each morning.

Dance to your favourite guilty pleasure music (PCD? Girls Aloud? Celine Dion? Shania Twain? Spice Girls? Mika? Elton John? Choices truly are endless!) in some knee high socks, your fave knickers set & high heels. Be sure to close the curtains to avoid your neighbours getting an unexpected show!

Listen to songs from your favourite musicals & imagine you're the star - pump up the volume & have your own mini karaoke fest. (TL loves & recommends: You Can't Stop the Music from Hairspray, Time Warp or Sweet Transvestite from Rocky Horror Picture Show or Downtown, Don't Leave Me This Way, Go West, Hot Stuff, I've Never Been To Me from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert)

Try on outfits for work, mix & match with your casual stuff and go for some bold accessories & pretty shoes. Take photos of your favourite ensembles to stick up on your wall for dreaded I-have-nothing-to-wear mornings.

Leave work before dark & watch the sunset.

If you live by the ocean, swing by on your way home & stare out into the azure abyss.

What do you to unwind / live it up mid week & avoid the slump of the daily grind?

DSC03551
Originally uploaded by treslola

We've all had days or weeks where the most attractive option seems to be that of staying in, wrapped in a doona, wallowing in our own self loathing - so how and when should we be snapping out of our pity party for one? Well, with enthusiasm & pizazz... and now's good.

The first step is identifying why you're feeling down. It could be entirely obvious, like a break up, an unsuccessful job interview, arguments with your family or friends. Or it might not be... is it that you are experiencing a general feeling of depression or that your feelings are part of a bigger problem that cupcakes in the park simply won't solve? If it is the latter, then it is time to start taking yourself seriously. Depression is painful and frustrating but fortunately there are ways to move past it - so if you are feeling down constantly or for reasons that you simply can not pin point, or if you find yourself gleeful one moment, only to be in the depths of despair a moment later - then haul yourself over for a chat with someone you trust or better yet, go see your GP. It is a huge step towards a better life and one you should be very proud of making - depression is not something to be embarrassed about - it is a problem that goes unrecognised for far too many young people & with only one life to make fabulous, there is no time to waste feeling down.

Once you've identified the things that are causing you to be less then your usual fabulous self you can decide upon a solution. The greatest thing about being discontent if life is the realisation that there are so many exciting ways forward and that the only way is up!


Chicken Soup For The Soul
Just as important as formulating long term plans and crafting exciting ambitions. You need to get your heart pumping and start feeling positive. Oprah recently said something that really struck a chord in regards to this striving to feel good, "Your feelings ... that's your soul talking". How wonderfully simple & true! Here are some quick and simple ways to start fixing those feelings that are reflections of your discontent soul - so that you can then start moving towards a more positive outlook:

Get creative: relieve yourself of negativity by placing your focus on doing something creative, rather than wallowing over the same depressing thoughts over and over. Whether your forte is baking, making jewellery, scrapbooking, webdesign, creating movies, singing, dancing, redecorating your home, writing poetry or prose - you are limited only by your imagination. So start now & put all your energies into creating something beautiful, amazing & unique.

Get your feelings out. Write them down or make a video. You need not share your feelings but simply getting them onto paper & out of your mind is a good way of telling yourself that your feelings have been acknowledged and that there is no need to continue to dwell. But writing them down you can also reflect back upon them and realise that you do not want to go down this road again - that you want to do better for yourself by being happy & positive.

Go for a walk. Even better if it's in the sunshine. Physical activity gets your heart pumping & makes you feel good. Enjoy the beauty that is the world. The trees, grass and sky. Discover a part of your neighbourhood you don't often see. Enjoy a sunset and contemplate the bigger picture.

Eat Chocolate. It's been proven that, in moderation, dark chocolate is actually good for us! Enjoy a few blocks of a really great quality dark chocolate... or a few truffles. It's a treat to yourself and one you need not feel any guilt over!

Make new friends. The most common piece of advice people give as to how to make friends is to join a club. Now, as a 20 something female who isn't too into sports or knitting or religious, what sort of club is it that we should be joining? GREAT question. Clubs are overrated (just TL's humble opinion). Classes on the other hand.... why not try yoga or pilates if you need a calming influence, a cooking class can be fun, salsa lessons tend to be rather popular... but if these are still not quite your cup of tea there is always getting a new job, some flatmates, volunteering or jumping online (online communities can be a wealth of super fabulous people & remember the old saying strangers are just friends you've yet to meet!).


Big Picture: Decisiveness
"The ability to make a decision is the force field that allows you to move forward in your life" Oprah

We get into ruts and moods of self loathing for any number of reasons but the solution to moving into a state of greater contentedness & appreciation for our own lives lies in decisiveness. Put simply: No matter how big or small your problems are, the only way to move past them is to make the decision to do so. Common sense, but as the saying goes, it is easier said than done.

One way that is pivotal in the process of moving towards what you want is in making it a real option for yourself. Realise that this life is the only one you get and despite what anyone may have ever told you- the world truly is your oyster and you can be whoever you want to be & do whatever you want to do. You are only limited by the barriers that you put up for yourself. The most successful people in the world are so because they believe in themselves and have pushed for what they want - you would be hard pressed to find someone truly successful that just had that success fall into their lap.

So make a plan. Write down what it is you want. It may be anything: Be happy single. Go to college to study literature. Live in a big city/move to the country. Make new friends. Find a style that feels like my own. Travel to Samoa. Learn how to salsa. Open a boutique & sell your own designs. Learn to be a barista.

Once you have decided what you want you can start looking at all the ways you can achieve this goal.

Do you need training? If so, are there specialist colleges or classes, can you get funding for your course & start today or will you need to save up, are there scholarships available.

Do you need on the job experience? Start writing letters & sending out your portfolio - dazzle people with your enthusiasm, roll with the punches & don't lose hope.

Do you need a business plan? Research others in your industry, speak to people, think about all the situations you need to cover, use the internet to learn more.

Do you need to save you pennies? Get a job, part time or otherwise, start drawing a plan for your goal (be it travel or college), write yourself a budget & stick to it!

Will all this plotting and planning to occupy your mind, before you know it you will be so preoccupied with moving towards something new & exciting that your pity party will be long over! And sure, things will get tough and sometimes the answer will seem only to lie at the bottom of several mugs of hot chocolate (and there is not a thing wrong with that for a quick fix). But remember to be strong and decisive & go get what you want. Most importantly realise that your wildest dreams & most ambitious goals are nothing short of what you what you truly deserve.

What do you want? What is your pity party quick fix?

DSC03847
Originally uploaded by treslola

As far as accessories go, socks are severely underrated. With the abundance of options offered to us by retailers, we should no longer view socks merely as a means of warming our feet & avoiding the evils of foot / boot odour (!). We should be embracing socks in all their patterned, coloured glory, wearing them with pride & showing them off with confident delight. Not only are socks are simple way to do up your outfit but they are also quite a cheap addition to your wardrobe.

As with most accessories, there are plenty of options as to how you wear your socks (obviously, on your feet is a good start) and with experimentation and over time you'll find your own personal sock accessorising style!


Where to Sock Shop
A great place to start is a department store such as Kmart, Farmers, Big W, Myers etc. They tend to have a wide variety at hard to beat prices and you will often find sale bins & mark downs. If you are lucky enough to have smaller feet you might even be able to sneak a peak in the kids section - they get spoiled with some wonderfully cute sock choices!! Otherwise, head for the ladies underwear section and let the sock fun begin: pick loads of varieties and styles, from retro cute to patterns, to basics, to bold colours - don't be "safe" or stick to the one colour or type of sock - be open minded and think about how you could wear certain socks to contrast or enhance your existing wardrobe.

Chain stores such as Dotti, Glassons and Supre also have a selection of socks in current season styles & colours. Even if you usually try to avoid "trend shopping" there are often a few great basic style socks that can be found for a decent price at chain stores, such as black or grey knee highs or cute argyle socks.


Types of Socks & How to Wear Them
There are loads of different types of socks with different lengths, colours, patterns and materials on offer. When shopping for socks, getting a wide variety is important but so to is considering your current wardrobe & shoe collection. For instance, if the majority of your shoes are boots that come to mid calf height, a good style of sock would be knee or thigh high - any shorter & they would be hidden away!

Knee High socks are a versatile choice as they look fantastic peeping over the top of a pair of winter boots and equally as wonderful teamed with a pair of flats, emulating school girl or asian street fashion.

Argyle patterns are hot for replicating a vintage school boy look. Try with some grey shorts and a white ruffled blouse, add braces if you're feeling a little bold!

If you are looking to add a little something to an all black outfit, a bold colour such as royal blue or red can be just the accessory to lift from blah to bling.

Mid Calf length socks can look really cute with a pair of plane mary jane style heels. Use a cute pattern and work it! See above picture for an example.

Plain coloured ribbed socks can be a great addition to your corporate wardrobe. They are simple enough to be acceptable in an office environment, but stylish enough to add a little pizazz to regular corporate get up.


Tips

Have trouble keeping your socks up? Wear them over opaque stockings, or relive your school days by using a (non toxic) glue stick to stick them to your leg (!) or use a loop of elastic (you could use a thick rubber band or hair tie) to sit around the top of the sock (folding down over the elastic to conceal).

If your thighs are a problem area for you, try knee or just above knee socks rather then thigh highs to avoid finding 'thigh love handles' hanging over the top of your socks ;)

To ensure your socks last, treat them with care and if they are detailed or a little flimsy take the time to hand wash them rather then putting them through a rigorous machine wash with the rest of your clothing.

Dedicate an entire drawer to your socks and only your socks. Not just a corner of your underwear drawer... this way you'll have more space to keep then tidy & find just what you need, when you need it.

If lovely long legs is what you are after, grab yourself a pair of ribbed tights/long socks... they give the appearance of legs that go on and on and on and on and onnnnnnnnn!

Get the right size - too big is certainly not a good thing when it comes to socks. Make sure the ankle of the sock sits on your ankle, not half way up your calf!


How do you wear your socks? Have you got a favourite pair?

The Sorcerer's Hat
Originally uploaded by iceman9294

Movies are made with the intention of entertaining us. Some are to inform us too, while others exist with the sole intention of making us happy and allowing us to escape, if only for 148 or so minutes. A lot of films can be dismissed too quicky when they actually hold the key to some fascinatingly insightful and thought provoking ideas. Quotes and messages can be overlooked due to the big budget of the film, or the genre by which it is classified - chick flicks and romantic comedies, for example, can truly be a treasure trove of memorable (albeit corny) mantras.

The best way to start each day is in a position of strength and the way to do this is through adopting a mindset of positivity from the moment you open your eyes each morning. You determine your own path and this is important on a day to day basis, not just when planning long term or looking to the future. A simple way to put your mind in the right place at the start of each day is through using affirmations and your favourite film quotes can make for some inspirational affirmations. Films have been carefully scripted - they are meant to be meaningful but are open to your own personal interpretation too, so take what you will from it and make it meaningful for you. Now, a few to get the ball rolling...


"I've only got one life, I want it to be a happy one" (Connie & Carla)

This little gem is from the film Connie & Carla (which is well worth a watch, it is tres fabulous). It is about enjoying life and realising that every minute that passes is one you won't get back. It is about making the most of now and ensuring you are having the best experiences.


"Start every day as if it were on purpose" (Hitch)

Now, if THIS quote isn't the single most fabulous thing to chant to yourself at the start of each new day, then can someone suggest what it? Start your day the best way you know how. Do what works for you - plan, eat breakfast, drink a bowl latte, go for a run, sit in the park & write, sleep in, listen to your favourite song while trying on 6 outfits, write a to do list, wear ribbons in your hair...!


"I just figured if I was going to make the world a better place I was going to do it with cookies" (Stranger Than Fiction)

This is about doing things for you - if you want to be a degree educated research analyst, if you want to argue cases in a court of law, if you want to own a cupcake parlour, if you want to be a veterinarian - do what you want FOR YOU and be who you want FOR YOU. Determine your own path and daily actions and do it because it is the best choice for you to make. Having an ivy league education doesn't make you any more accomplished or a better person than if you were to open a bakery or start a dog walking business or travel the world pulling pints to fund your trip. Step outside the mould & carve your own future. Forget what the world thinks & really concentrate on what you think & feel. Start today.


"Use death as your motivation to live better ... it is a surety" (Unknown)

Not too sure where this one came from, but if you aren't too fatalistic about deriving meaning, than it certainly could be looked at as a little boost of motivation! You all know the old saying, there are two sure things in life: taxes & death. Work with it. Say, "YES I'm going to be a goner one day ... but I'll be damned if I'm remembered as being anything short of FABULOUS!". Do something everyday to make someone else smile. Be who you want to be - dress how you want to dress, follow the career path you want to pursue, travel to the countries you long to see, take art classes, sit in the park for hours - live all your dreams no matter how big or small they may be - you've only got one chance.


What are your favourite movie inspired affirmations? How do you make the most of every single day?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY G+Wendi!!!
Originally uploaded by chocolate monster mel

"I just figured if I was going to make the world a better place, I was going to do it with cookies" Stranger Than Fiction


Life has a strange way of taking you to places you could never have imagined... and in ways that you never thought possible. Plans are cast aside to make way for incredible and unexpected journeys of realising dreams you never knew you had. 5 years plans are good to have, if even for the sake of creating a self assuring safety net to the tune of I-know-what-I-want-I-know-where-I'm-headed, a way of asserting some sort of control over existence and contribution to the world.

Plans allow you to describe yourself as ambitious and driven, striving towards something bigger, something better, something great. But sometimes finding yourself on another road, a world away from your 5 year plan, can be more fulfilling than anything that could possibly have been planned. That is not to say we should forget about fostering any kind of ambition and throw away carefully drawn up plans with reckless abandon. Rather, it is with an open heart & mind that we should go forward - enjoying the journey with ambition.. and flexibility.

Make Plans, Lots of them: Plotting & planning can be an exhilarating experience. Putting all your dreams and ambitions to paper is rewarding - the first step in actualising your dreams is saying them out. So write them, yell them, do them! Don't just write those which you perceive to be 'doable', write everything and anything you want to do with your life. Don't be afraid or limit your possibilities. Your life is a one time sort of a deal, so you best be making it a damned good one, right?

Be Open Minded & Embrace Change: Now that you've got your plans down, be willing to let them change or happen in some sort of backwards order. Who knows how your life will pan out - you could travel the world when you are 22 years old and complete a degree at 40. You could hit the big time with a career opportunity at 25 or you might have children at that age and realise career super stardom at 45. You might cram it all in before your 30 and then retire to a different lifestyle all together after that. You plans and actions give you some solid foundations by which to live but if other opportunity present themselves don't be too quick to turn them down just because they don't fit into your life plan. You might just end up living your best life by accident...

Create Your Experiences: While being open to opportunities is a super positive situation to embrace, it is equally as important to create your own. You can't stay curled up in your doona watching reruns of your favourite TV show & expect the world to come to you! (though this is a great way to pass SOME of your time) Putting yourself out there, experiencing new things or partaking more in those things you love are how you can create your own path. If you want to be an entertain, start busking or take classes. Don't wait to be "discovered". If you want to be a vet, volunteer at an animal shelter. Be proactive and bring your dreams into reality- it's up to you to make your life happen in a big & fabulous kind of a way.

Be Truly Present: This idea follows on from the previous. Once you start putting yourself out there and creating these great experiences, you need to enjoy them. Looking to the future is vital, sure, but there is no joy in constantly plotting & planning with disregard for what you are experiencing now. So it is with one eye on your sparkling future, and the other on your fabulous now, that you should go forward & celebrate life. Focusing too heavily on your past or future depletes your emotional energy & consequently your capacity for being truly present in the now.


What do you want to do with your life? Are you doing what you expected you would or have you found yourself on another path? How do you WANT to make the world a better place?

Shanelle goes shopping:)
Originally uploaded by ☼ giselaw's photostream

Shops, boutiques, thrift stores, super sales, malls, promo banners, music, people, bargain bins, window displays - us girls can get led astray & somewhat sidetracked in the pursuit of the discovering ultimate new additions to our wardrobes; but we can take steps to helping ourselves not end up in Shopaholics Anonymous & with a bad case of fashion induced debt!

A good starting point is to take heed of the words of the utterly delightful Ms Dita Von Teese, as reiterated recently through the equally delightful Miss Corinne. Now, say aloud:

"'I won't buy anything unless it's more amazing than what I already have on.''


...now theres some words to live shop by....


Mix it up: go into stores you don't often frequent, or ones you've never once stepped foot into before. It will open your eyes to a whole world of fashion possibilities that you hadn't imagined. Even swanky stores you haven't previously shopped because, say, it tips the scales a lot on the side of 'way out of my price range', your truly never know you luck- most stores have bargain bins, sale items, or more affordable versions of their style in the way of accessories like jewellery, scarves or brooches.

Shop with friends: not the ones you always shop with. The ones that have a fab sense of style and with whom you've not shopped with before. Don't be afraid to ask a girlfriend out for a day of hitting the shops & stopping for juice breaks - You'll discover boutiques, thrift stores or wee corner racks you never knew existed, you'll discover new ways to wear old favourites and most of all you'll have fun & stop each other from any potential tragic sale induced fashion indecisions.

Try Lots On: there is some stuff you will simply adore when you catch it on a mannequin or hanging on the shelf but once its on you... disaster? On the other hand, there are some items you will think are a little kitsch, but for one reason or another you'll give it a chance & head on out to a change room for a round of dress ups & hey presto, you've found an absolute winner. Pick up a whole truck load of stuff, stuff you love, stuff you like, stuff you would never usually think to buy... & try it ALL on. Don't worry about the change room girl giving you dirties when you hand her the 8 items you're not taking - that's what she is paid for. Trying your items on before heading to the till will ensure you are getting whats right for YOU, rather then whats right for the plastic mannequin in the store window - not all trends work for all people - your wardrobe, your style - TRY IT ON!

Surf Fashion Blogs: there are some truly inspired girls & guys out there in the blogosphere. Check out fashion bloggers that post their style in way of daily outfit shots & join Chictopia for a whole community of inspirational fashionistas... you can even share your own style!

Daily Outfit Photos: start doing daily photos of your outfits. Or at least a-few-times-a-week-outfit-photos. It will help you get a real sense of your sense of style and in turn will allow you to develop your style. That and it will be loads of fun to look back over in the months & years to come. It'll be a chronicle of your personal style - like a journal of your wardrobe <3 Grab your camera, join Flickr or Chictopia and get started today.


What do you do to stay on style target & avoid the common pit falls of shopping for clothes?

Nice, France
Originally uploaded by snapbits

As women we are quite quick to harshly reprimand ourselves over trivialities that we percieve to be negative and consequently spend a lot of time laden with irrational guilt. This prevents us from giving the best and most positive version of ourselves to the world. There certainly is some truth in the old saying if you don't love yourself, no one else will. It's time to relax the rules and be nice to yourself, physically and emotionally.


01. Spend an afternoon playing dress ups & discover or refine your personal style. If you feel as though your wardrobe needs an overhaul, make a trip to your local thrift store and pick up a few additional pieces on the cheap. Work out what you love to wear, not what you are used to wearing: What flatters your shape? Do you love skirts or are jeans your thing? Do bold bright colours fill you with delight or is a monochromatic chic look your enchantment? Looking good is feeling good and feeling good is looking good; it is worth getting a clear picture of your personal style. So thrift shop or dig through your wardrobe, dress up, take a bunch of photos of your favourite outfits and write yourself a personal style mantra in your journal or make a big poster to pin up inside your wardrobe. (also see article: How To Develop Body Love)

02. Grab a crayon & some paper and finish this sentence "I love my …………. !". Simple body affirmations like this are fundamental to developing an encouraging body image and vital to establishing a more positive overall level of self esteem. Particularly considering the amount of time us girls tend to spend focusing on whats wrong with our bodies. Embracing our unique characteristics (and realising that what looks good on your best mate or your favourite celeb will not necessarily look good on you), not only builds self esteem but it also allows you to radiate the glow of a girl who is comfortable with her body and loves it for what it is. (also see article: Detrimental Female Behaviours - Judge & Compare)

03. Do something indulgent that you have never done before like getting a french manicure, a full body massage or a facial.

04. Commit to going for a long walk around you local area for an hour or two, every weekend. It's a great way to get to know your area and to keep fit. Make it a social event by inviting along your best mates or you mum.

05. Eat fresh strawberries for breakfast. (also see article: Why You Should Be Eating Breakfast)

06. Learn to cook a healthy stirfry full of asian greens and lean pork or tofu (if you are vegetarian).

07. Journal positively everday. Write about the kitsch things you see, the compliments you receive, how you feel you about yourself in general, what you achieved, what made you smile, what got you out of bed. Fill your journal with photos and drawings from or representing your day so that upon later reflection you can be filled with positive memories. Try to write something everyday, no matter how seemingly indescript or simple.

08. Indulge in some "ME" time. Turn off your phone, take a long hot bubble bath and read a good book.

09. Don't make plans before midday on Saturday morning. Enjoy a sleep in and allow your body to become rejuvenated and refreshed after a long hard week.

10. Replace your alarm clock beep with a nice song, wake up in style. (TL loves waking up to Jay check out her website for a free download!)

11. Another ME time exercise: Go spend time in a coffee shop, order a fancy coffee and grab a newspaper or magazine & stay a while... have a coffee break with yourself!

12. Enjoy your food. Don't read the back of the box or ask the waiter to take out the whatever, order a regular latte instead of a skinny, don't think too hard & quit punishing yourself!

13. Pay it forward, think of it as earning karma points.. & enjoy the feel good sensation you good from doing something nice for someone, for no reason at all!

14. Take yourself down to the park on a sunny day, lay in the grass and watch the clouds go by while thinking about all the great things in life.

15. Journal your achievments - compliments, promotions, certificates, travel, moments of discovery (just realised your life passion?), savings goals, sporting personal bests, creating your own jewellery/clothing/scrapbook/baked goods.

16. Bake yourself some cookies or cupcakes. Decorate and frost them. Lick. the. bowl <3

17. Buy/pick yourself some flowers. Wear them in your hair, decorate your apartment, po on your desk at work.


What do you to remind yourself how awesome you are?

The general consensus is that, as far as consumerism goes, our generation are savvy and well informed. We consider ourselves knowledgeable enough to not be swayed by flashy campaigns and gimmicky products - but are we? And if we are persuaded by a campaign, say, a television commercial ("TVC"), does this mean we have been duped just because we have fulfilled the objective that the advertiser was aiming to achieve - or are we simply making an advised decision based on an option that has been well presented to us?

Television campaigns have the ability to work with potential consumers on a number of levels. They can introduce products to us or reinvigorate our interest in existing brands. They have 15 to 30 seconds, in most cases, to get across an idea and sell us a product. There is no time for build up, the TVC must be conceptually exciting and make a lasting & positive impression in order to convert to passive viewers to consumers driven sales. There are some TVC's worth every cent they cost to produce in that they will be remembered for months or even years to come. There are however others, that will do more detriment to a brand then anything else. For example, this commercial for Nando's certainly grabs the attention of the viewer, but for all the wrong reasons, the result is cringe worthy:



On the other hand, there are commercials that are simplistic and demand our attention is positive ways. This TVC for Cadbury is one such example, it was enormously successful in the UK in exciting the public once more with the Dairy Milk brand causing huge growth in product sales and consequently is now being aired around the world, check it out:



Another really great advertisement is this one for Telecom. It is a New Zealand advertisement for a telecommunications giant and makes use of their own technology coupled with the latest single from homegrown band, Elemeno P. The concept is innovative & the result is impressive, take a look:



Finally, this TVC is brought to you by a beer company now reknowned for their inventive & ultimately effective (BIG) advertisments that are now old enough, in TVC relativity, to be deemed classics. Take a look and you'll soon see why (hint: it involves a man, a leotard, leg warmers, flash dance & beer). Enjoy...



So what is your take on advertising - are we being duped or are you thankful for an advertisement that introduced you to a wonder product you otherwise would not have found? What is your favourite advertisement & why is it so great? - link us to youtube if you can, sharing is caring!