What do you think? RALPH worthy?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
How much to spend on keeping up appearances?
I was at a Thai restaurant with some girlfriends on Saturday night when we started talking about getting our hair permanently straightened. My friend Kate had just had it done in the city, at a “bargain” of a place ... for 300 bucks.
Kate’s started getting her manicure and pedicure there too, because they do it a little cheaper than her ordinary beautician - although she still confesses to a mani-pedi habit that costs her around $800 a year. She gets a spray tan once a month or so for special occasions like the races or a wedding for $40, gets her legs waxed and her eyebrows shaped, her hair highlighted, wears nice jewellery, gorgeous perfume, looks after her skin, has a typical girl’s makeup stash, has a couple of good handbags, and is eyeing off a pair of boots for winter - and wondering if she can afford them at just under $300.
Thing is, Kate’s not an unusual for a city girl, and she’s certainly not overly primped and preened. She likes the latest fashions but she doesn’t wear designer head-to-toe. She’s never had botox or an expensive spa treatment like most of the girls we know, and she gets the bus to work.
Kate and I gave up somewhere around the green curry working out how much she spends each year on looking pretty much the same as every other woman working in her office, at a law firm in the CBD. Kate joked that every time she gets a pay rise, there’s another new piece of essential ‘upkeep’ that’s conspiring to keep her broke, and a long way from putting a deposit down on a unit - something she’s been trying to save for since she graduated six years ago.
Thing is, I think Kate’s drama is a common one. We’re now expected to spend so much looking good, that we almost have to work to keep up the illusion that we’re successful. Because now, success has a ‘look’. And it’s an expensive one.
Now I know what some of you are thinking. Just give up on all the expensive trendy beauty and fashion trappings, girls, and save the spoils? You’re just copying Hollywood, Kate, surely professional city girls here don’t have to spend a small fortune to simply keep up appearances? You might be half right, but the awful truth is that there’s an enormous amount of money per year that goes into keeping women looking good enough for them to feel confident and secure in their workplace. I’m not saying it’s right. I’m just saying that it has never been more expensive to be a professional woman in this town.
It’s no wonder men are more likely to own property younger. And die with more money. They’re not dropping $150 every time they see their hairdresser.
Jo Townsend is a broadcaster, reporter and TV producer. Check out jogirl.com for more from Jo.
How much of your income do you spend on your looks?
Do you feel under pressure to keep up with appearances?
Have your say by commenting below ....
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Honeymoon Plans
I had a really bad dream last night about my wedding! I had a lame dress from my wardrobe as my wedding dress, old shoes, I didn’t have my nails done and we hadn’t organised the wedding night accommodation or the honeymoon! I’m so glad it was all a stupid dream. It’s the 2nd one I’ve had since I got engaged. I always have this feeling in my dream that the wedding isn’t special enough and it’s a big disappointment. Stupid negative thought! My wedding will be spectacular and amazing!
It’s less that 16months away now. So far we have booked our ceremony and reception venues and made a rough guest list. People keep saying to me “oh the next 12 months will go so fast”
Should I have more done at this stage? I honestly feel like its ages away and I won’t really bother with much until early next year. Over 12 months my taste will change and fashions will change.
One thing I really REALLY want to be amazing is the honeymoon. As I am only ever going to get married once, I want it to be a truly beautiful and romantic experience (cheesy as that may sound haha!)
My first idea was to go to the Whitsunday Islands. After looking through package deals I was disappointed with what you get for the money you pay. So the next idea is Thailand. Shane and I haven’t travelled much so Thailand would be fun! The penthouses and private beach villas there are so gorgeous! You can get in room massages for $10AUS for an hour. We want to eat bugs and weird food at the markets and I want go shopping for Chanel handbags. Drinks are super cheap, like $2 and I want to ride an elephant.
I’ve also just found some absolutely breath-taking places in Mexico! My jaw dropped when I saw these places! OMFG!!!
Obviously it’s like triple the price of Thailand (flights and accommodation) but it’s got me wondering, is it worth it? Should we save the extra money for this once in a life time experience and event? I don’t have any married friends so I don’t really know how to make this decision. Read reviews online?
Part of me says “go for it, you only live once, it’s your honeymoon, spoil yourself” and part of me says “you can be anywhere in the whole world, as long as you’re with Shane, you’ll be happy”
What is your ideal Honeymoon location?
It’s less that 16months away now. So far we have booked our ceremony and reception venues and made a rough guest list. People keep saying to me “oh the next 12 months will go so fast”
Should I have more done at this stage? I honestly feel like its ages away and I won’t really bother with much until early next year. Over 12 months my taste will change and fashions will change.
One thing I really REALLY want to be amazing is the honeymoon. As I am only ever going to get married once, I want it to be a truly beautiful and romantic experience (cheesy as that may sound haha!)
My first idea was to go to the Whitsunday Islands. After looking through package deals I was disappointed with what you get for the money you pay. So the next idea is Thailand. Shane and I haven’t travelled much so Thailand would be fun! The penthouses and private beach villas there are so gorgeous! You can get in room massages for $10AUS for an hour. We want to eat bugs and weird food at the markets and I want go shopping for Chanel handbags. Drinks are super cheap, like $2 and I want to ride an elephant.
Part of me says “go for it, you only live once, it’s your honeymoon, spoil yourself” and part of me says “you can be anywhere in the whole world, as long as you’re with Shane, you’ll be happy”
What is your ideal Honeymoon location?
I going to be an interior designer!
I’ve decided to study interior design and decorating YAY! I can’t wait to get started…
I love black and white and clean crisp lines. Think Futuristic Porn Pad = Sexual.
I also love the girlie and vintage style
My fav at the moment is African influence, I love the warm colours and animal print.
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I love black and white and clean crisp lines. Think Futuristic Porn Pad = Sexual.
I also love the girlie and vintage style
My fav at the moment is African influence, I love the warm colours and animal print.
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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Something new to try
I just got this Hello Kitty Body Mist - Bubblegum.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! People come into my office sniffing the air like "omg what is that yummy smell" haha
Monday, April 19, 2010
Ben's 21st - Cupcakes
Last weekend was my friend Ben's 21st, as a money saving gift I decided to bake him some cute cupcakes! He is in a rock band so I though the music notes and guitars were quite fitting :)
Friday, April 16, 2010
I think I'll do some baking this weekend...
Raspberry and White Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 150g butter, chopped
- 200g dark eating chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (220g) caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 eggs, beaten lightly
- ½ cup (75g) plain flour
- ½ cup (75g) self-raising flour
- 100g white eating chocolate, chopped
- 150g frozen raspberries
- Preheat the oven to moderate (180°C/160°C fan-forced). Grease a deep 19cm square cake pan, line base and two opposite sides with baking paper.
- Melt butter and dark chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
- Stir in the sugar and vanilla, then the eggs, sifted flours, white chocolate and raspberries.
- Spread the mixture into prepared pan; bake in a moderate oven for about 35 minutes or until just firm. Cool in pan.
- Turn out; cut into squares.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Hair Trends
Apparently these are the hottest 2 hair styles at the moment.
I prefer long hair, it's so feminine.
What do you think?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Commando Steve: No Excuses!
A show I love to watch is Biggest Loser Couples. I don’t usually follow reality TV (if you can call it that) but I think this show is great because people who are unhappy and unhealthy are shown new ways to improve life and be healthy. It’s very positive and the results are always so amazing. You can watch episodes here http://www.thebiggestloser.com.au/
The 2 main trainers, Shannon and Michelle are so awesome! I love them!
I also really like Commando Steve. He has a no-nonsense approach to exercise and it’s refreshing in a world full of the-latest-and-greatest-diets. He has just written a book called “No Excuses!” which I think I might buy – only $24.99 ;)
Here is some info about him…
There's big. There's big and strong. There's big and strong and fit. And there's Steve Willis. Steve Willis, aka COMMANDO STEVE, is the uncompromising, unsmiling, military-style trainer on Channel Ten's massively popular show, The Biggest Loser. Commando Steve is also a much sought-after coach in the CrossFit program and a world-class CrossFit athlete, who was ranked 4th in the gruelling 2009 International CrossFit Games in California. Discover the man behind the sunglasses in this fascinating autobiography. Commando Steve describes his early athletic prowess, his time as a real-life commando in 4RAR and how he came to be on The Biggest Loser. He also reveals what makes CrossFit such a hi-octane, dynamic and effective training program and demonstrates nine fundamental exercises that will forge elite fitness. Ramp up your motivation, think like a champion and learn from a master coach. From now on there are NO EXCUSES.
… and he is kinda hot (hehe)
The 2 main trainers, Shannon and Michelle are so awesome! I love them!
I also really like Commando Steve. He has a no-nonsense approach to exercise and it’s refreshing in a world full of the-latest-and-greatest-diets. He has just written a book called “No Excuses!” which I think I might buy – only $24.99 ;)
There's big. There's big and strong. There's big and strong and fit. And there's Steve Willis. Steve Willis, aka COMMANDO STEVE, is the uncompromising, unsmiling, military-style trainer on Channel Ten's massively popular show, The Biggest Loser. Commando Steve is also a much sought-after coach in the CrossFit program and a world-class CrossFit athlete, who was ranked 4th in the gruelling 2009 International CrossFit Games in California. Discover the man behind the sunglasses in this fascinating autobiography. Commando Steve describes his early athletic prowess, his time as a real-life commando in 4RAR and how he came to be on The Biggest Loser. He also reveals what makes CrossFit such a hi-octane, dynamic and effective training program and demonstrates nine fundamental exercises that will forge elite fitness. Ramp up your motivation, think like a champion and learn from a master coach. From now on there are NO EXCUSES.
… and he is kinda hot (hehe)
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