Très Lola

Why Not Wednesday - People Watching & the Power of Observation

2008-11-20T03:04:00.003+13:00

People Watching
Originally uploaded by Gobdol

Lets get things straight right of the bat - we're not talking about creepy stalker behaviour but utilisation of the power of observation. In a world that moves too fast, why not take some time out to slow the pace and observe the goings on around you?

Wikipedia describes observation at the activity of "receiving knowledge of the outside world through the senses". Use your daily observational experiences to grasp a greater understanding of yourself through your relation and reaction to those in your proximity. Take in the motions of others and gain richer gratitude for the experiences you enjoy in your day to day.

Though, observation need not be explored only through watching, but through listening, smelling and touching too. Utilising our other senses may seem somewhat redundant while dealing with the concept of drawing from the experience of observing those around us. However, it is worth remembering that we possess such senses. A simple way to exercise and strengthen our other senses is to close our eyes and hone in on the observations we can still make without our the use of our sight.

Why not:

Take that stool in the window of Starbucks instead of relegating yourself to the far dark back corner. Watch the traffic, the pedestrians, the mums with prams and the suits on their way to and from the office.

Close your eyes while sitting in a coffee shop, guess what the women beside you is drinking. You can smell the strong espresso, but is that a sweet caramel note too? What about the deep delicious aroma of cocoa on a chilly morning... breath deep & enjoy. Decide what their coffee says about them, create characters in your mind.

Take note of the subtly or otherwise of a persons hand when greeting with a handshake. Imagine just what kind of tasks you imagine they have done with their hands.... are their hands tough from years of toiling away in their prized garden... or soft from dedication to Creme de la Mer?

Sit on a park bench with a book in hand, sneakily peering out over the top at the people as they pass. Look at the way they piece together their outfit, draw inspiration and plot your weeks wardrobe.

Sit at the back of the bus, watch as people get on board and write prose about the life you imagine they lead.

Lay in the grass on a sunny day, close your eyes for a few minutes and listen to the conversations around you. (hey, if they're being had in a park, it can be considered for the taking!) Listen too, for the other sounds you miss out on when rushing through your city ordinarily.

Keep an eye out as you go about your day, take one earphone out and stare out, not down, help those who need it - offer seats on public transport, help the person struggling with too many bags, hold the door open for the person with their hands full.

Do you take time out of your busy day/week/life to people watch? Is observation a sorely overlooked simple pleasure and gainful life experience?

Why Not Wednesday - Eat Your Greens

2008-11-13T01:47:00.000+13:00

Green vegetables
Originally uploaded by cityhearts

It is a value instilled in most of us at quite a young age: Green Food = Ergh! But with green being the new black and the way forward we should not let our childhood aversion to greens inhibit us from enjoying a delicious green snack; green foods can be awesome too. Lets not limit the green love to being eco friendly to our planet - let's treat out bodies too. Green is healthy, in fact, if you are feeling a little zapped of energy, in a constant haze of the dreaded three thirty-itis, adding greens to your diet can benefit you greatly as green vegetables ”help support the energy-producing cells and systems of the body” (source: NutriCoach). Your body will love your for indulging in a little green! So, without further ado why not try:

Brussel sprouts drowned in gravy.

Why we love brussel sprouts: they are chockablock full of vitamin A, potassium & calcium. They’re also high in protein & low in calories. Maximum goodness for your body while taking up minimum amount of your daily calorie/energy intake – way to go sprouts!

A pie topped with mash potato and mushy peas.

Why we love peas: they are rich in vitamin C, iron AND protein – long live the mighty mushy peas!

Thinly sliced cucumber on a cracker accompanied by smoked salmon and camembert cheese.

Why we love cucumber: it increases your bodies water consumption and assists in keeping you regular ;) !!

Adding sprigs of fresh parsley to an omelette for a twist on this breakfast favourite.

Why we love parsley: helps avoid bad breath and cleanses the blood.

Snows peas cooked to perfection & salted lightly.

Why we love snow peas: they are a good source of vitamin K1, which, to put simply, means they are good for your bones.

Adding some bok choy to your stir fry. To cook Bok Choy simply bring to the boil a saucepan with water and a small amount of oil (about a teaspoon) - pop your Bok Choy in and leave until soft & the leaves are dark green. Yum!

Why we love bok choy: it aids digestion and contains vitamin A & C. It is also low fat, carb & cal so eat up girls!

Mixing up a healthy salad for lunch, use rocket lettuce, doused in balsamic vinaigrette & topped with freshly shaved parmesan.

Why we love lettuce: it’s an antioxidant.

Slice up a big juicy green apple & enjoy with some sliced cheddar cheese as a healthy snack.

Why we love green apples: they contain loads of vitamins, nutrients, fibres & they taste delish!

Spread avocado on some fresh bread.

Why we love avocado: loads of reasons!

Add some asparagus into your pasta or salad. Or try one of these asparagus recipes.

Why we love asparagus: because it is supposed to help with menstrual cramps (!!! Super food or what ladies?) & it’s great for your heart.

Take a leaf out of Gala's book (see here) and enjoy a liquid brekkie. Blend up a spinach shake & drink up. Want a little guidance? Check out this recipe.

Why we love spinach: it’s rich in vitamins and has a detoxifying effect.

How do you have your greens?

8 Things Every Girl Should Know How To Do With Bicarb Soda

2008-11-12T02:07:00.002+13:00

Old Sodium Bicarb
Originally uploaded by Shoreline

Bicarb, also known as sodium bicarbonate, bicarbonate of soda and baking soda, is an alkaline salt and a compound found throughout nature (the soil, ocean etc). It is great to use around the home because it’s a natural substance that won’t harm you or the environment. It’s also used extensively in everyday foods, so it’s not only great for cleaning, but cooking too! Ninemsn, Real Living

Bicarbonate Soda - perhaps not the most striking of products, not one to tantalise your senses at its mere mention or invoke delight & ecstasy at its sight? However, this humble product is one of great versatility and one that is often overlooked & pushed aside (to a deep dark part of your kitchen cupboard, relegated to gather dust). Bicarb can of course be utilised in your usual kitchen related ways, but there are loads of other uses

01. We all love a good cup of tea, but don't so much love the icky brown stains tea leaves around the inside of our favourite mugs. To remove tea stains, sprinkle bicarb into mug & wipe clean with wet cloth, as usual.

02. For a Green Clean, create a mixture of water & bicarb that is of a paste like consistency. Wipe onto surfaces using a cleaning cloth/rage and use to clean your bathroom or kitchen. This paste can be used on anything from tiles to sinks!

03. Get rid of food odours from your fridge by placing a few small spoonfuls of bicarb onto a saucer and placing it out of the way at the back of a shelf. The bicarb will absorb the odours - freshen up your bicarb every month or so.

04. As an odour zapper - bicarb is also great for refreshing your dishwasher, just pop an amount in the bottom & run as usual.

05. Make some bath oil!

06. Killer heels are fantastic, killer foot odour isn't! To reduce & neutralise foot odour, sprinkle some bicarb in your shoes & you're set.

07. In the same vein, if your feet are feeling a little worse for wear, try soaking them in a solution of water and a small amount of bicarb- it will leaving you with clean, soft & fresh stilleto ready feet.

08. How’s this for a credit crunching hygeine tip - Gargle bicarb with water for a DIY mouthwash!

Ok so that’s it for TL favourite bicarb tips but there are LOADS, infinite (!), possibilities for using this great little wonder product. What is your wonder product? Have you got any great bicarb DIY tips?

Why Not Wednesday - Why Not Get Versatile: Four Ways to Wear a Black Vest

2008-11-06T05:20:00.001+13:00

1. With nothing except an amazing bra underneith, hit the town in the Shane inspired look. Sass central!

vest&jeans by Tres Lola

2. Wear over a plain collared shirt for a corporate day time look that will take you from Plain Jane to Sassy Sally! Corporate fashion need not be boring.

vest+shirt+corp by Tres Lola

3. Add some pizazz to your regular old tshirt and jeans combo.You can dress up this look with a pair of skyscraper heels or go casual with a pair of faithful converse flats.

jeans+vest+streetstyle by Tres Lola

4. Pair your vest with a pair of blue denim jeans and a tucked in collared ruffled shirt. Add a few strings of costume jewellery for a casual yet classic & classy look. Grab a few vintage accessories & you're good to go for a trip to the art gallery. Oh la!

vest+arty+chic by Tres Lola

How do you wear your black vest/waistcoat?

Why Not Wednesday - Get Into The Halloween Spirit

2008-10-30T04:00:00.003+13:00

image001
Originally uploaded by treslola

Even if Halloween is a holiday not widely celebrated in your neck of the woods – why not get into the spirit and host your own Halloween party? If where you’re at does Halloween, then make the most of this occasion and get into the spirit with ghoulish dress ups & some scary fun with your friends. Why not...

Have a go at carving a pumpkin! But don’t waste the scooped out insides - dice the pumpkin up and make up some parcels of pumpkin and caramelised onion wrapped in puff pastry – glaze with milk and pop in the oven until golden & you’ve got yourself a snazzy Halloween party snack. Alternatively, a batch of pumpkin soup will warm you and your guests rather nicely.

Get your mates together & dress up… whether you are heading out to a Halloween party or staying in to watch scary movies, do it in style. Got no one to dress up with? Go it alone & make a photo shoot of it. Set your camera to self timer and capture your outfit in all it’s glory – then come & share it with us here online!

Have a horror movie marathon, invite around all your friends and try not to scare each other too much.

Here is one for the brave: Slick on a coat of black lipstick rather than your usual au natural look… gloss it up & off you go!

Don’t fancy dress ups? Opt for decking yourself out in the traditional Halloween colours: black & orange. Theme it up for the day.

Have a girls night in, if its not too cold, pitch a tent and camp out in the backyard… gather around a campfire (or make do with a group huddle around a torch!) and trade ghost stories and urban ‘myths’ (or are they?!). If it’s a bit too chilly to sleep out, do an old fashioned sleepover party – all the girls, doonas & pillows out on the lounge room floor, go on, you’re never too old for a sleepover!

Are you celebrating Halloween? What will you be dressing up as?

Tips On How To Overcome Adversity

2008-10-26T02:21:00.002+13:00

Truck difficulties - Difficultés de camion
Originally uploaded by Vincent Meyer

We all know the feeling – when sometimes it seems that the whole world is out to get you. Be it for a day, a week, or months on end – we all go through periods where the bad outweighs the good and nothing seems to be going quite the way we would’ve hoped. While the types and extremities of adversity we experience in our lives will vary tremendously from person to person – we all face similar emotional reactions to these adverse situations; it is how we deal with these emotions that varies. Ultimately, we want to deal with our feelings in such a way that we can make it through the difficult times and come out with a more positive outlook, we want to overcome our weaknesses, avoid falling prey to adopting a victim mentality and come out as a stronger & and more supreme version of ourselves. We should take with us the tools we use to gain strength and the lessons we’ve learnt from making our way from emotional low times to high times.

One of the most important factors in overcoming any type of adversity is recognition. Recognising there is a better way to live, that there are people that have been through what you are going through or worse and finally, that you are a person worthy of experiencing the best possible life. Spend some time in your head going over what you need out of life and what you deserve to have in your life. Remind yourself of all your positive attributes, your skills, why you’re unique and decide that you deserve to have all those glowing, gleeful parts of you back – quite moping & moaning and reclaim yourself! Make the decision to shine, despite your hardships and not to suffer because of them. The power of positive thinking is not a new concept, it is a tried and true self help favourite, but it’s so classically spot on in it’s intent. You will attract what you put out- you put out glum and you’ll keep it coming – so start smiling and recognise the difference.

It may sound harsh – but you need to love & respect yourself before you can expect the same from others. People are drawn to those with a strong & positive sense of self – so decide to take the reins in your life and stop relying on other people to boost your ego! Surround yourself with support, if you have the privilege of a close group of friends or family, as it’s always nice to have loved ones to catch you when you fall – but if you feel as though, at this time, you don’t have anyone close by to support you & see you through, realise that you’ll always have yourself, no matter what. Be your own champion, stop relying on others to determine your self worth and enjoy the transition from adversity as a solo endeavour – you will gain emotional strength & character & come out the other side with positively renewed sense of love & respect for yourself.

Another important step in reclaiming positivity in the face of adversity is to not allow yourself to become the victim. When up against emotional or physical hardships it is so simple to allow yourself to become a victim of your circumstances; placing blame on someone or something that is disallowing you to prosper in your day to day. This is the easy road to a miserable rut – so break the mould and decide that you do not need someone elses permission to be happy. Decide that sometimes circumstances can not be helped, but misery and glum will certainly not assist in solving them. One fantastic way to overcome a bout of victim mentality is to throw yourself behind finding a solution. If someone close to you is ill, join in with a charity to fundraise for research into the illness. Be part of the solution. Choose to endure difficult times by focusing on big picture solutions rather than dwelling on your personal difficulties.

Overcoming personal misfortune makes way for happiness, look towards the light at the end of the tunnel and make the most of your experiences. Have you ever experiences unforeseen hardships - how did you deal with these hardships? How has adversity effected you?

Why Not Wednesday v. Steal their style - Film Noir

2008-10-23T00:41:00.003+13:00

Film noir (2)
Originally uploaded by elmiguel

“Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize moral ambiguity and sexual motivation. Hollywood's classic film noir period is generally regarded as stretching from the early 1940s to the late 1950s. Film noir of this era is associated with a low-key black-and-white visual style…” Wikipedia

Wear long black silk elbow gloves.

Use black liquid liner to emphasise you eyes, encapsulate the sexy sultry female leading lady mode in a glance. Emphasise your lips with red lipstick, apply with a lip brush for accuracy & stay.

Ditch your opaques for the day in favour of sheer black seamed stockings. Better yet, go for sheer seamed thigh high suspenders for the ultimate in femme fatale style stealing.

Forget colours & glam it up with sophisticated monochromatic black & white.

Strut your stuff in sky high ankle strap patent black heels.

Show off your curves in a high waisted pencil skirt.

Capture femme fatale character; go forth into today with strong will, femininity and a little mystery - but leave it at that – appropriate only the desirable traits of the femme fatale – no dark, cunning manipulation & murderous endeavours need be applied ;) See Lauren Bacall, not Jane Greer.

Part your hair, slightly left of the centre, and style with neat & precise loose waves/curls. Hold in place with a spritz of strong hold hairspray.

Photograph your femme fatale get up in black & white (& share with a link up in the comments!). Make use of light & shadows in true film noir style. Take a gander at this flickr group for some inspiration.

Organise a girls weekend – hit the vintage / op shops, dress up in your new found pieces, take a series of noir photographs and then enjoy a night with a movie marathon film noir style. Better yet - get the boys in on it too! You won't know your boy friends when they're all dapper as film noir men.

Product Review: Bourjois – Brush Foundation

2008-10-14T20:57:00.002+13:00

bourjoisbrushfoundation
Originally uploaded by treslola

“For a beautifully unified & perfectly smooth complexion”

For years us girls have struggled with a makeup mini crisis: endure the mess of hand application of liquid foundations or the hassle of lugging about expensive makeup brushes to gain a long lasting even finish. French makeup company Bourjois has come up with the perfect answer for the busy yet aesthetically aware girl on the go in the form of their latest offering, Brush Foundation. Coming in a range of shades with one bound to suit your skin colouring, struggle no longer with this top makeup choice.

Put simply, Bourjois’s brush foundation is a liquid foundation with built in brush. It’s easy to apply; using a click button at the base of the handle to release a small portion of foundation straight onto the brush tip. What results is a well blended matte finish without the mess of traditional liquid foundations. By avoiding application with using your finger tips you are effectively ensuring a longer life for your foundation and therefore better value for your hard earned dollar! Application straight from the brush to your face means that no foundation is wasted soaking into your hands.

The convenient and attractive packaging of the product reflects the makeup itself, with its feminine baby pink print on an edgy black backdrop. It is small enough to pop in your handbag but not so small that it would get lost amongst the clutter of your beauty cabinet – or run out after just a few applications.

Just in case you need any further persuasion as to the merits of this great new foundation, Bourjois is a company with a conscious; they assure their public that they do not test their products on animals. Bourjois Brush foundation is available at pharmacies & department stores at a price comparable and competitive to the rest of the high street style makeup market, the key different with this product is that you need not worrying about the expense and bother of buying & cleaning brushes. For more information, see the official website.

NOTES: TL was not remunerated in any way for the above product review. It is a merely an endorsement from a genuine consumer view point. Please do not hesitate the writer with any questions you may have.

Surviving Monday Mornings: 8 Tips to Kick-start Your Week

2008-10-13T23:06:00.000+13:00

Write a list: Organisation can be therapeutic. Get yourself in order for the day.

Take ten & enjoy a cuppa: take out cups have ruined the delight of drinking tea & coffee. It is an experience in itself and if you have the time to savour it, do so! Even if just for ten minutes, take yourself away from it all and enjoy your morning cuppa. Use it as time to collect your thoughts and decide what you’ll do with your day. Coffee/Tea break = the girl on the go’s version of meditation. Escape into your mug, just for a bit.

Journal your day a year from now: this time next year where will you be, what will you be, who will you be? Write a page in your journal in the voice of your future self. Be wild, crazy & ambitious. Dream big and remember that in your life, you are the leading lady and you will be every bit as amazing as you want endeavour to be- you just need to dream it first.

Get perspective & awareness: read a few articles from the world section of the newspaper (or online). Keep in mind what else is going on around the globe right at this very moment and be grateful for your situation. It is easy to be overwhelmed by workload and forthcoming tasks at the beginning of a week but it takes mere moments to realise that chance are, whatever it is we are facing in our week, pales in comparison to the plight of those existing in war torn devastation. It is ok to feel scared, upset and inundated but we should be grateful too.

Pop Muzik: regardless of the type of music you enjoy ordinarily, Monday is not the time for sappy ballads or hard out metal. A good dose of pop goes a long way towards improving your Monday morning mood- go for You Can’t Stop The Beat from Hairspray for a few minutes of high intensity super joy or if that’s a little too bold for your sensitivities then jump on the Motown train and enjoy some old school tunes, I Want You Back & River Deep, Mountain High are some of TL’s favourites.

Stretch it out: grab 2 minutes of you time, lock yourself away in a loo cubicle if that’s what it takes and stretch it out, baby! Reach your fingertips up to the ceiling while stood on the tips of your toes. Yawn a huge big yawn. Stick your chest out, lean back, channel Shane Warne and stretch it out cricket style. You’ll give yourself an instant burst of energy & feel all limber & ready to tackle whatever the morning throws at you.

Twitterverse: tweet it up with the rest of the twitterverse, you’ll find inspiration, consolation & just a whole lot of fabulous. While you’re there, add TL.

Look fabulous: if you have an early start on Monday mornings, make life a bit easier for yourself and pick out your outfit on Sunday night. Lay everything out ready to go & wake up to a fab little ensemble all ready to slip into & strut your way to the train station. Do something a bit quirky & different, tie ribbons in your hair, wear frilly ankle socks, do your shirt all the way up to your neck & use a scarf as a makeshift tie, paint your nails hot pink & yellow. & remember, if everything goes arse up, at least you look cute, right?

How are you handling your Monday morning?

Why Not Wednesdays

2008-10-08T01:59:00.002+13:00

Why not?
Originally uploaded by trasguete

Introducing Why Not Wednesdays. This is the inaugural WNW and the very first weekly feature for Tres Lola. This weeks WNW is an indiscriminate melting pot of quirky merriment – but going forward each weeks WNW will be themed – feel free to submit your theme after the beeeeeep (or alternatively, in the comments).

Mixing up your everyday can make the difference between your week being a dull stint of time with indignant routine or a fun stretch of days between weekends that inspire and excite you. Given the choice, we would all be offering ourselves up for a dose of the latter, right? A spattering of glee, a dash of joy, a great ‘ol sprinkling of fabulous – bring on the everyday! Gain some perspective & look at the big picture – remember you’ve got only got once chance to have an awesome day today – tomorrow’s a new one but why not take Vodafones advice & make the most of now?

Write in pink pen

Paint your nails

Pop some cute stickers on your pc monitor

Wear a bow (tie!)

Tell someone how amazing they look – a stranger, your best mate, your boss – we often think someone looks fantastic but quite often fail to voice our praise & compliments can make your day – so, go on, share the love.

Pass the commute by using a permanent marker to doodle on your takeout coffee cup

Say please, thank you and have a nice day… & mean it

Spritz your favourite perfume in your hair

Write your mum a handwritten letter

Channel your childhood & replace your ordinary hairspray with some glitter spray

Bake some choc chip biscuits & take them into work to share

Try a new handcream

Have a play with your Windows theme and coordinate the appearance with your wall paper

Tie ribbons in your hair

Paint your toe nails even if no one apart from your ever gets a peek at your feet!

Try a syrup shot in your plain old latte

Not use calories as a deciphering factor in selecting what to have for lunch today. Calories = energy, energy = positive – let this be your mantra: enjoy everything in moderation!

NOTE: TL is aware that at this precise moment in time, it may be Tuesday where you are – please appreciate the international nature of the wonderful medium that is online – aussies & kiwis are leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of you (!!!) & so, keeping this in mind, WNW’s will endeavour to be published when it is Wednesday somewhere out there in the big wide world. Sweet as?

Midweek Mayhem Cured With A Sugar Rush

2008-10-02T00:09:00.002+13:00

Fairy Bread
Originally uploaded by Mrs_Bear1981

It’s Wednesday and it seems that the world is in a worse mood then it was on Monday despite being 2 days closer to the weekend. What better to get your heart pumping, blood rushing, fingers typing, feet tapping … then a sweet treat? Introducing – sugar rush Wednesday - where we are kicking back with a delicious tribute to old school kids parties with these top treats to get you through the afternoon at work and well into the Thursday eve! Sound good?

One of the best parts of getting invited to your best mates 10th birthday was that you knew there was going to be a game of Pin the tail on the donkey, followed by some yummy treats like lollies & cocktail franks just to ensure energy levels weren’t too depleted to later enjoy a game of Duck Duck Goose.

Join TL as we pop on our bike pants and care bear tshirts for a jaunt back in time to the land of kiddie party central…. & smile – you’re half way to the weekend already!

Iced Milk Arrowroots (click)
1. Whip up a batch of icing and pop in a few droplets of your favourite food dye (pink, red, blue?!).
2. Ice the base of the Milk Arrowroot biscuit.
3. Decorate with lollies! Try adding a couple of smarties as eyes and a nose and raspberry liquorice or a jellybean as the mouth… pop on some 100’s and 1000’s (sprinkles) for hair and hey presto!

Fairy Bread (click)
1. Grab yourself some white bread, decrust if you fancy.
2. Butter the slice.
3. Cover it in rainbow sprinkles/100’s and 100’s.
4. Enjoy! (& do not utter a single word about calories)

Butterfly Cakes (click)
1. Whip up a batch of your favourite cupcakes
2. Once baked, using a knife, cut a small circle out of the centre of the cake – about 1cm in diameter.
3. Taking the circle cut out – slice in into two halves (this will be used later).
4. Fill the cut out section on the top of your cupcake with either your favourite frosting or some jam & cream.
5. Place the two halves into the frosting/jam&cream – at an angle to bear resemblance to a butterfly’s wings!

What is your favourite kids party treat? And will you be treating yourself to fairy bread instead of a salad sandwich is happy humpday?

Top Tips To Get You Through The Commute

2008-09-30T01:25:00.002+13:00

Public Transport
Originally uploaded by potecina

If you commute to and from the city on week day mornings it would be easy to assume you’d actually gotten yourself lost in a procession of funeral attendees. Long faces looking like they’d belong better on someone who had lost their last friend rather than that of a commuter on their way to the office, pushy fellow commuters who are far to eager to give you a good hard shove in the back to ensure their place in the carriage, suits whose self loathing is matched only by their selfishness – cutting in front of you at ticket barriers and ticket machines….

And so, the joys of city commuting, with a mixture of equal measures immaturity and depression – it is hardly the most positive start to the day – so how does one avoid feeling like they’ve done a days hard yakka before they’ve even set foot in the office? Here are a few pointers… be sure to share your tips in the comments:

Listen to a bit of Michael Jackson on your mp3 player. Then some Bob Sinclair. Then the Time Warp. Smiling yet?

Switch over to Tiny Dancer – secretly imagine how great it would be if everyone started singing along, Almost Famous style.

Pay attention to the scenery that you pass, take black & white photos as you speed past.

Download some podcasts and use your time productively.

Dream up your next blog post.

Smile at the crankiest looking person within eye shot.

Profile your fellow passengers, imagine what they do, who they do (!), why they’re secretly smiling to themselves/looking so cranky. Dream up their story.

Take a pen and paper, get the creative juices flowing, write for a few pages – anything you think of, it need not be a masterpiece (or even make any sense), just write. Scribbles, blog posts, a play, poetry, letters, conversation observations…

Eavesdrop – sometimes people have the most fascinatingly odd conversations (See: Overheard in New York). Don’t feel bad for listening in, think of public transport conversations like a blog, if they didn’t want their story out there, they’d shut up.

Draw up a set of post it notes with kind words “SMILE!”, “Have an AWESOME day!!” … & stick them in different spots throughout the day for others to find.

Got your laptop? Create a slideshow full of all the embarrassingly funny moments from Friday night drinks to send around to the department at work. Make Monday fun for everyone (bar those who over indulged on aforementioned Friday night).

Alright, over to you – The best way to pass time on the [insert method of public transport here] is _________?

Simple Body Overhaul Tips You Need Now

2008-09-26T01:13:00.001+12:00

Cut out all the crap (yes, all)
Go a week without all the extras you usually indulge in. This will allow you to gauge what you miss most and sort out sufficient sized portions to decrease the need to snack on chips & chocolate in between meals. If you still need your snacks, replace the bad stuff with stuff that’s less bad. After a week, reintroduce the indulgent foods you really truly enjoy – and reintroduce them in QUALITY & MODERATION. For example, if you love love love your chocolate, that’s great, but instead of a family sized dairy milk, try a few blocks of dark chocolate.

Replace indulgent snacks
A big mistake a lot of people make when detoxing, dieting, changing food habits – whatever you would like to call it – is that they try and cut certain meals out all together. If your body is used to having a mid morning snack each day, it’s not going to be easy to just skip this mini meal altogether. What should be implemented is recognition of what is a better type of food to have as a snack. Food high in fats, sugars or salts should all be eaten in moderation – so having potato chips every single day is going to have less of a positive effect on your body then say if you were to eat a banana. Try replacing your snacks with some of these healthier options:

Handful of cereal (try Special K, not Fruit Loops)

Piece of fruit or handful of dried fruit (bananas or apricots are a good option)

Sultanas

Crackers (eg. Saltines or Vita Weats) with vegemite

Unsalted Nuts

Greek Yogurt

Strawberries (!! Delicious)

Start carrying a bottle of water everywhere you go
We all carry enormous carry all style bags with us on a daily basis, don’t we? Why not make good use of space and make sure you have a bottle of water with you for when you’re on the go. This way you’ll think to get into the H20 every time you rummage through your hand bag & this will decrease your chances of allowing your body to get to the point of dehydration and which is really great, because when you’re body is dehydrated it can often mistake this for craving food when what it actually requires is a good pint of water. So, more water, less unnecessary snacking – and that’s got to be a good thing on the hips & purse, right?

One Wine, One Water, One Wine, One Water
Lets face it, our generation is a generation of binge drinkers. We are straight laced and fabulous career men & women during the week, but come 5pm Friday the cork is popped and the hair is let down for a good 48 hours. This kind of drinking really takes its toll on our bodies and contrary to popular belief, the calories in our beer, wine and cocktails DO count.

Introduce Incidental Exercise Into Your Day
Exercise by accident! You don’t necessarily need a gym membership to get a decent workout. General consensus is that we should be working out at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes. Ideally we should all be getting active every single day, but so many of us work behind an office desk and spend 8 + hours sitting. So how can we find the time to fit in some exercise?

First of all, forget all your excuses. We are all busy, we are all tired – but if we ignore our bodies, we will all be obese. So pull up your schedule and check out your daily routine… Get the bus? Try walking instead. If its too far to walk the entire way, walk half way and then get the bus for the rest of the distance. You need not do it morning and night, just pick one and start today.

Another great incidental exercise for us office dwellers is to make use of the fire exit stairs. It’s so simple to say we are in a hurry but how much longer does it take for you to climb a few flights of stairs? (Those of you with offices on the 23rd floor are excused – but you could apply the bus principle – walk half, lift half). And as a bonus, it will give you plenty of ‘walking in heels’ expertise, which most of us need, right?

Cut the caffeine down
Like any other city worker, I understand there is no better way to start the day then with a deep breath of the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. But let’s leave it as a kick start to our days and give our bodies a rest from then on. Our bodies get energy from everything we eat, not just the coffee we chug!! Try a banana smoothie instead.

Alright, over to you- what does your body need right now?

The Office Survival Kit

2008-09-19T00:18:00.001+12:00

We girls like to be pretty & prepared for anything – but lets face it, we live in a world where as much time is spent at work as is at home, so how are we to be socially, hygienically, technically and glamorously prepared, in this cramped home away from home that we know as the office?!

Here at TL, an Office Survival kit has been drawn up to ensure we all step into our workplace tres prepared for anything that gets thrown our way – holey stocking, the office flu, 3pm munchies, impromptu after work drinks, coffee breath & dead mobile phone batteries – we’ve got it covered!

Tres BASICS

Lucas Paw Paw Ointment: the essential item that no girl should be without. It is good for just about everything, especially keeping your lips lovely.

Hand Cream: keep your skin soft & fresh after dealing with icky papers/keyboards/phones all day.

Decent Tissues: no doubt your office will supply you with tissues but chances are they an awful 1 ply, try some easy on the nose eucalyptus tissues.

Mints/Gum: to spare the office from your post lunch/coffee breath.

Spare Change: for the parking meter, vending machine, birthday/farewell gift collections.

Tres GLAM

Press Powder: to save your makeup from certain death.

Blush: to look fresh & pretty allllll day long! A freshen up of your blush can really lift your whole look.

Hairspray: to fix crazy frizzy hair suffering from exposure to sub par weather & public transport!

Spare Tights/Stockings: because you WILL get a ladder when you least need it & it’s far nicer to pop on a new pair then have to constantly explain that YES you are aware of the run, thank you!

Bobby pins: to secure aforementioned crazy hair. & if you don’t need them, be assured some other girl in the office will.

Tres TECH

Mobile Phone Charger: because your phone WILL die and it will be Friday afternoon and you really don’t want to miss out on the socialising, do you?

USB Stick: for all those “oh no outlook/internet is down, how do I get blah file to the Janes computer!?!?!”.

Tres REPAIR KIT

Mini Sewing Kit: for when you have a hot date lined up for after work and suddenly realise at 5 to 5 that the hem on your skirt has come unstuck.

Neurofen: to save you from period pain, killer work induced headaches etc.

Cold & Flu tablets: because there will be days when you just can’t bring yourself to take the day off, but you won’t make it past midday without these babies.

Safety Pins: for …. not sure actually, but someone is always looking for one, aren’t they?

Tres CULINARY

Breakfast Cereal: for all those times when you skip out on breakfast to make sure you get your train and then end up feeling ravenous by 10am.

Lolly Jar: because you will spend far more on vending machine/coffee shop snacks if you don’t have that little something to get you past 3:30itis!

Packet Soup: for those awful days when you really don’t have time to stop for lunch, ready in a moment & some are really quite tasty!

What’s in your office survival kit??

Why You Need To Be Your Own Leading Lady

2008-09-11T03:27:00.001+12:00

There is a great line in the romantic comedy, The Holiday, "You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for god's sake!". It certainly provokes an amount of thought on just how proactive you are being in striving to lead the best life you can for yourself. You don't want to be a runner up in this life- you want to be the star! And it makes perfect sense for you to be the star in your own story: why elevate someone else to be the lead in your life? The fantastic thing about stepping up to the plate and being your own leading lady is that it is a very achievable goal for each and every one of us. There is not merely one description to neatly slip your stiletto clad foot into. Your concept of leading lady is a construct of your imagination, dreams, hope & ambitions. It can be as wild as you wish and the character you envision to be striding into the lead possie in your story is bound to be miles apart from the leading lady your best girlfriends dream up. Taking lead role in your life is about actively seeking out your dreams & making the best of the opportunities you create.

"All the world's a stage ..."

++ You've got one lifetime to get it right. So keeping trying until you get there. Want it bad. Live and breath your dreams everyday. It will help pass the mundane routine. Means to an end, right?

++ Find out what makes you happy. Helping others. Buying shoes. Making your own clothes. Travelling the world. Volunteering. Baking cakes. Sewing pretty aprons. Dancing. Writing stories. Working in the big city. Riding horses in the country. Making music. Learning languages. All of the above? Once you've figured out your stuff, do it! Do it as much as you can, do it in a big, bold, insane way. Make it the main part of your life and remember you are JUST as entitled to spend your life doing what you love as anyone.

++ Try harder. Don't let a lack of experience or the fact you do not have a degree hold you back from being who you want to be. Don't cop out with lousy excuses. Push yourself until it hurts. You CAN do it.

++ Break the mold. You don't have to follow a path that has already been carved out. You really are only limited by your own imagination. You can be a musician and a scientist. You can be a fashionista and a librarian. You can bake cakes & cookies & be a lawyer. You can volunteer to build huts in South America and study nail art & hairdressing. You've just got to dream big and decide to make it happen.

++ Get yourself a role model. There are some really fantastic women out there doing what they love and leading the way. It can be anyone from Angelina Jolie who is a successful actress, mother and charitable ambassador or bloggers like Gilda, Loulou or Gala; girls following their dreams & documenting their journey.

++ Create your own social calendar/circle. Don't sit at home waiting for people and events to come to you. You will almost certainly not find the answer to a pumping social life in your living room. Be a social butterfly, call around your friends & organise get togethers. Look up whats happening in your area & get down to the cinema, theatre, gigs, art galleries, festivals. Be a tourist in your own town... you'll be amazed at some of the goings on you were previously unaware of... & you'll have a whole heap of fun, & maybe even meet a few fine new friends along the way.

++ Commit to inspiring & healthy relationships. So many people get stuck in relationship ruts. It is too easy to get caught up and become used to being surrounded by toxic people who put out negative energy that stops you from moving forward to a better place in your life. If your relationships are crippling you emotionally, work on them & talk through them. If they can not be fixed, reconsider whether this person (or people) deserves to be in your life. Living your best life includes ensuring you enjoy prosperous relationships. Form friendships with people that excite you and inspire you every day!

++ Choose a theme song. A song that takes you to your happy place. Your fabulous place! A song that feels like the soundtrack to your best possible life. A song that excites you, pumps you up and makes you want to get up sing, dance & shout with glee. Play it loud & proud into your headphones and strut your way down the footpath - smile to yourself and let people wonder what you're happy little secret is, all the while thinking about your plan of attack to make the world your oyster & fill it with fabulous!

Are you your own leading lady?

Because It's The Little Things That Matter Most

2008-09-09T06:25:00.002+12:00

Day 221 06.16.08 ~ random acts
Originally uploaded by BjdReams

There a loads of movies and books dedicated to the subject of kindness without hope or agenda. It is not a difficult or hard to achieve concept - to do things everyday for the greater good with no selfish intent. It's about conducting your day with common courtesy and simple good manners. Living out kindness does not require massive changes in behaviour or routine, just small considerations with regards to ensuring you keep other peoples feelings in mind while going about your day. And while the ways to achieve this sort of manner of conduct are endless, lets start with a few simple ways you can make someone elses day a little brighter:

Saying thankyou, to the barista that serves your coffee, to the bus driver who lets you off by your workplace, to the drivers that stop to allow you to cross at the pedestrian crossing. Just because it's their job or your right does not mean a simple thankyou is redundant. A smile & kind word can make someones day.

Apologising. Cut someone off? Give them the wave. Step on a fellow shoppers toe in a busy store? Smile & say sorry! Saying a quick sorry can make someone feel a lot better in light of small & often unintended actions.

Holding open doors. Don't just push your way through leaving the door to slam in the face of whoever is behind you, slow down, turn and smile at the person & hold it open for 2 seconds longer! You never know who you're holding it open for... that person could really do with the helping hand... a mother with a pram, a student with their hands full... or just someone not expecting the helpful gesture.

Smiling at strangers. Simple. You don't need a reason. It need not be bold. Just a simple smile as you pass.

Pay for someone elses coffee. Pay for your own & leave a few quid to cover the next persons drink. Way to make someone smile, first thing in the morning!

Giving your train seat up for someone who needs it more. Don't bury yourself in your paper or become all consumed in your music that you miss noticing the pregnant/older/injured person struggling to stand. Jump up & do the right thing... it doesn't matter much to you, but it can make the less abled persons journey a lot safer & more enjoyable.

Listening to your ipod at a level that means the rest of the bus does not need listen too. If only everyone travelling on public transport would adhere to this one. Sometimes metal/techno/euro pop is not what you want to wake up to.

Keeping an eye out for shorties struggling at the supermarket & grabbing down items from those just out of reach high shelves for them. Many a time has a kind little old women injured herself falling after a grand effort to scale the shelves - you can save her ;)

Buying a copy of The Big Issue from street vendors. & tipping them a pound/dollar. These guys are having a rough trot of it, but they are out there trying to do something about turning their circumstances around. So cut them a break and grab a copy of this great publication.

Utilising public recycle bins, rather then just tossing rubbish into general bins, every little helps! At home and at the office most of us have recycling systems set up, but when we are out and about we tend to let the green clean living concept fly out the window. More and more city councils are implementing recycling bins in public areas, so if yours has, make sure to use them.

Giving your old clothes to a charity op shop/thrift store. One womans trash is anothers treasure. Your castaways could be someone elses delightful wardrobe glee or help out clothe someone less fortunate. If it is still good, don't trash it, thrift it!

Donating your time to a local charity. Most charities need more hands then they can get. So if you have a free Saturday morning, why not check out if any groups in your community need a hand.

Bake a cake & share it with your colleagues at morning tea. Bake your cake and eat it too!! It's an easy way to get in with your colleagues.

What random acts of kindness do you implement in your day?

How To Survive A Communal Shower Block

2008-09-03T21:34:00.000+12:00

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?!

Common Misconceptions & Notions Holding Us Back

2008-08-29T07:59:00.002+12:00

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?

Kick Start Your Weekend & Live It Up Mid Week!

2008-08-28T06:29:00.000+12:00

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?

Ending The Pity Party and Soothing Your Soul

2008-08-26T20:51:00.002+12:00

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?

Sock It To You!

2008-08-22T17:35:00.002+12:00

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?

Movie Affirmations: Start Everyday As If It Were On Purpose

2008-08-17T20:18:00.005+12:00

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?