<![CDATA[Lifestyle Articles]]> en-us Wed, 25 May 2011 14:02:44 GMT [Saved Search Name] <![CDATA[Two Parents Gives Educational Edge]]> Children raised in a two-parent families do best at school, a conference has been told.

A "world family map" compiled by the Child Trends research centre was presented at the World Congress of Families in Sydney on Thursday.

It examined families in 45 countries around the world, including Australia.

One of the report's authors, Dr Brad Wilcox from the University of Virginia's National Marriage Project, said it showed that in most of the developed world children are more likely to thrive academically when they have two parents at home.

Dr Wilcox said 80 per cent of Australian children were growing up in a two-parent family, which he said gave them access to the "love, security, attention and financial resources that brings".

These children were more likely to excel in reading and less likely to be held back at school than the children of single parents.
"It's clear that the two-parent family gives a child a leg up in education," he told the conference.

However, he said the report had some "surprising results".

"We found that children from a single-parent family in some developing countries such as Egypt were more likely to be enrolled at school," Dr Wilcox said.

The World Congress of Families was founded by the US-based Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society.

AAP
]]> Fri, 17 May 2013 06:13:26 GMT <![CDATA[Baby Bonus Cut Birth Boom]]> The federal government's decision to axe the baby bonus could lead to a mini-baby boom over the next 10 months as mothers vie to give birth before the change takes effect.

The measure to save $1.1 billion over five years from March 1 next year was announced in the budget handed down by Treasurer Wayne Swan.

Couples trying for children will miss out on the $5000 baby bonus unless they can beat the deadline, although some may be eligible for the replacement increase to the Family Tax Benefit Part A.

Under the benefit change, eligible families will receive a $2000 boost for their firstborn child and $1000 for subsequent children, as long as they aren't accessing the government's paid parental leave scheme.

Mr Swan says the changes are aimed at making the family payments system more sustainable and welfare groups say the bonus decision will better target struggling families.

The government will also make it easier for working mothers with children born close together to qualify for the paid parental leave scheme for subsequent children.

Parents will be able to count time on the government's parental leave as work, under the work test.

Single mothers, who were slugged with welfare cuts in January, when they were forced off Parenting Payments and on to the Newstart Allowance, will be disappointed there won't be much financial relief.

Many were left $60 to $100 worse off and had hoped for a $50 a week increase to the dole.

Labor said the payment rise was too expensive but welfare recipients would be allowed to keep an extra $19 a week from part-time work before payments were affected.

Australian Council of Social Services chief executive Cassandra Goldie said the government had failed to reduce poverty.

"Each year we fail to act, this gaping hole in our safety net grows," she said.

The National Council of Single Mothers chief executive Terese Edwards said single parents would continue to struggle.

"They had pinned their hopes on this budget thinking that their story had been heard," she said.

Indexation pauses on family payments will continue, saving $1.2 billion over the forward estimates.

Other measures from January 2014 include changes to the age eligibility for Family Tax Benefit Part A, which mean families can claim money only up to the end of the calendar year their teenager completes school.

Teenagers could receive Youth Allowance once their families are no longer eligible for the family payment.

But people living temporarily overseas will only be able to claim family-related payments for one year not three, while they're away.

The government also confirmed it won't proceed with increases to Family Tax Benefit Part A announced last year as part of a plan to "spread the benefits of the mining boom".

St Vincent De Paul chief executive John Falzon was disappointed.

"You could well be forgiven for feeling like tonight's budget is less Robin Hood and more Sheriff of Nottingham," he told reporters in Canberra.

AAP



]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 06:03:29 GMT <![CDATA[NAPLAN Testing Begins]]>
National literacy and numeracy tests begin across Australia on Tuesday for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

The NSW Board of Studies said primary school children would sit four tests covering numeracy, reading, writing and language conventions - spelling, language and grammar - while high school students would sit five tests, including two tests in numeracy.

Tests begin on Tuesday and would continue on Wednesday and Thursday.

Results and student reports would not be available until September.

AAP


Let's hope our kids do better than some of these ones...


]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 07:47:18 GMT <![CDATA[Mother's Day DIY Gifts]]> Fri, 10 May 2013 12:36:12 GMT <![CDATA[Students Chosen To Be The Principal]]>
Many young students dream of what they would do if they ran their school, even just for a day.

A few will get the chance in June under the national student "principal for a day" program.

Primary and high school students will get the chance to switch places with their principal for the day, maybe leading a school assembly, attending a staff meeting or visiting classrooms.

The Principals Australia Institute is behind the program and hopes it will increase the community's appreciation of school leaders.

"As a principal, I know how important it is to provide young people with opportunities to stretch their capacity as thinkers and leaders," chief executive Jim Davies said in a statement on Monday.

"My hope is that "Student Principal for a Day" will inspire young people to consider a career in education - or to even become a principal one day."

Schools that want to participate can register online at www.sp4d.edu.au before May 28.

AAP
]]> Tue, 07 May 2013 06:32:08 GMT <![CDATA['Road Pricing' To Cut Traffic]]> Photo: HWT Image Library

Making Aussie motorists pay to use roads would ease traffic congestion in the nation's major cities and help boost economic productivity, a report has found.

The Grattan Institute report found a system of road pricing would also be a good way to raise funds for better public transport, such as better bus services.

The report, Productive Cities: opportunity in a changing economy, said the system could take the form of road user charges, congestion charges, or time-of-day tolling.

It found that charging motorists to use roads would result in "a more efficient use of road space" and ultimately help to lift labour productivity.

"In order to address traffic congestion, it is not enough to rely solely on building new roads without also paying attention to managing the demand for road space," the report states.

Road pricing would "also go some way towards raising the revenue needed to increase the capacity of public transport".

However the report conceded that governments would have to spend "political capital" to implement such a system.

It also urged governments to build more homes in established suburbs, saying rising house prices meant many blue-collar workers risked being locked out of areas that offered the best access to jobs.

"This will be good for the economy and good for the fair go," the report found.

AAP]]> Mon, 06 May 2013 06:47:09 GMT <![CDATA[Own Your Own Scottish Island]]> Photo: apaddleinmypack.wordpress.com

A small Scottish island has been put up for sale for STG2.5 million ($A3.82 million).

Tanera Mor is the largest and only inhabited island in the Summer Isles archipelago 1.5 miles off the north-west coast of Scotland.

The 800-acre island is currently managed by Lizzie and Richard Williams, who took it on from Mrs Williams' family, the Wilders.
The Wilders bought the island in 1996 after selling their dairy farm in Wiltshire.

Mrs Williams said it is time to give someone else the "privilege of looking after the amazing place".

Talks with the local community over a buyout were held but it has now been put on the open market.

Mrs Williams said: "After many happy years of calling Tanera home, it is time for someone else to have the privilege of looking after this amazing place.

"We hope that whoever owns the island in the future will enjoy the same warm and co-operative relationship with the community that we have for the past 17 years."

 travelknitter.wordpress.com

Estate agents CKD Galbraith described Tanera Mor as a "flourishing tourist enterprise and superb family residence", with a guide price of 2.5 million.

It has nine residential properties, a cafe, post office and three jetties.

John Bound, of CKD Galbraith, said: "The chance to own your own Scottish island is extremely rare and with Tanera Mr's thriving tourist enterprise coupled with being a truly spectacular place to live, we expect to receive a lot of interest as it goes on the open market.

"With on-going support and commitment from the local Coigach community, Tanera Mr offers a truly fantastic prospect for interested parties who will very much have the island's heritage and sustainability at heart as well as a fantastic life style."

PAA
]]> Mon, 06 May 2013 06:36:08 GMT <![CDATA[Fashion Inspired By The Great Gatsby]]>
3 years in the making- the fashion industry has had plenty of time to build up a groundswell of excitement and we are certainly seeing it in the art-deco inspired fashion and jewellery hitting the runways as well as the shelves in the lead up to the film's upcoming debut in 3D cinemas May 30.

In classic Luhrmann style- wife Catherine Martin worked alongside Miuccia Prada to create the lavish Jazz-era costumes that the cast say felt more like items from their personal wardrobe by the end- if only they got to keep them!

Take inspiration from the classic looks above and recreate the Roaring 20's style at home! Whether it's a bold print, lowered waist line or touch of art-deco-inspired jewellery, click through our gallery below for ideas.



Watch The Great Gatsby film official trailer, find out more about Great Gatsby Director Baz Luhrmann and listen to the phenomenal music line-up for the Great Gatsby soundtrack

Fashion images sourced from: www.refinery29.com, www.jewellermagazine.com, www.thegreatgatsbymovie.com.au, www.tiffany.com.au
]]> Mon, 06 May 2013 07:30:49 GMT <![CDATA[Mothers Day Technology Top 10]]> Mother’s Day is less than 2 weeks away and you’re pretty sure a bag of Pot Puri won’t cover it this year – we've compiled the top 10 technology gifts for mum this year.

1. Digital Radio
For More Info Click Here
Digital Radio listeners ship continues to rise, and lots of great stations like WS4Kids available – from a portable to a nice new mini hi fi – there are lots of great digital radio options.


2. Vinyl Turntable Converter 
For More Info Click Here
(convert all your records to MP3 – available form Big W and other retailers starting around $60)


3. Robot Vacuum Cleaner
For More Info Click Here
While you’re away it does its thing – mapping out the room and making sure it gets every spot.  You can tell it the rooms to miss or areas to do more often. When its running low on batteries, it goes back to its base to recharge then continue.


4. Phone/iPad/Tablet Cases
For More Info Click Here
We take our phones everywhere, so why not let mum accessories with different cases to match her bag or clothes. Lots of colours, different patterns and materials all pretty cheap. There are plenty of places to buy cases too, most shopping centres have a store or there are more specialised stores online too.


5. Kindle or eBook Reader
For More Info Click Here
Know that your mum loves reading a good book – eReaders like the Kindle are brillant! Easy on the eyes for extended reading, great outdoors and batteries that will last for weeks + all your books are on the reader and available instantly. Not sure whether you want to be giving the Mother’s Day gift version with 50 shades of grey pre-loaded??


6. Digital Camera
For More Info Click Here
Yes, I know every device has a camera – but giving mum a high quality point and shoot camera means no more running out of film and lots more great shots of you all sharing time. The quality is amazing and the prize cheap as chips…. A quality easy to use camera will start at about $100


7. Setup Skype 
For More Info Click Here
If you live a little further away from your folks than you would like – Skype video calls are perfect. Great quality, Free and able to be setup with limited technology needed. 


8. Pod Coffee Machine
For More Info Click Here
Having fresh coffee doesn't need to be expensive or messy these days with the Pod coffee system. George Clooney is ambassador for Nespresso, not sure if he comes with it or not cause the packaging does say a strong, dark, rich Italian included. Prices start at around $70.


9. iPad Kitchen Stands
For More Info Click Here
A lot of people are cooking recipes straight from their iPad – but covering your ipad in egg yolk and flour is not clever. There is a big range of iPad Kitchen stands – hang your ipad off an overhead cupboard, slide into a sleeve to keep it clean. If you love cooking but want to keep a clean ipad – this is what you need. 


10. Digital Heart Rate & Exercise Monitors.
For More Info Click Here
If mum likes to keep fit – have a think about one of the great heart rate monitors on the market – they connect to watches or iPhones and can be programmed to look after your work outs, record time or distance too. 



]]> Thu, 02 May 2013 07:30:40 GMT <![CDATA[Australia Lags Behind Promoting Women]]> Photo: unwomen.org.au

Australia lags behind much of the world when it comes to the number of women in business leadership positions.

The Randstad Workmonitor Report shows that only 38 per cent of Australians surveyed said that female employees make up at least half of the leadership positions at their current employer.

This compared to 63 per cent in India, 54 per cent in Hong Kong, 48 per cent in the US and China, and 43 per cent in the United Kingdom. Almost two thirds (65 per cent) of the Australians surveyed also said it was more difficult for women to be promoted to leadership positions.

Randstad managing director Asia Pacific Deb Loveridge says Australian business leaders need to ensure there are legitimate career paths for both men and women. "While we have traditionally embraced diverse working environments, in an increasingly global marketplace it's vital Australia doesn't fall behind the rest of the world when it comes to having balanced leadership teams," she said.

But it was not all bad news for Australia with 73 per cent saying their company actively encouraged female employees to pursue leadership roles, compared to 57 per cent globally. Australians remained cautious on the merits of management quota with only 55 per cent believing it was an effective way to propel more women to senior positions.

Younger workers were greater believers in quotas than older employees, with 65 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 saying they were useful compared to only 45 per cent of those over 55. More than half of the Australians surveyed (57 per cent) also said that working part-time hinders career progression, compared to 54 per cent globally.

Younger workers were the most wary about the impact of part-time working arrangements on their career, with 61 per cent believing it would hinder their progression. Randstad's Workmonitor surveyed over 13,000 employees, aged 18 to 65 and working a minimum of 24 hours a week in paid employment, across 32 countries during January.

The survey was conducted via an online questionnaire.

AAP

]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:46:18 GMT <![CDATA[Top 5 Tips For Styling Your Home For Autumn/Winter]]>
Briana Forster, Creative Director and Interior Stylist of interiors and giftware store Watermelon Red, gave us her best tips for transitioning your home in to the cooler months.

The Autumn/Winter season may seem dreary outside- but that's all the more reason to really relish the indoors! Give your home a hibernation-worthy makeover with Briana's
Top 5 Tips For Styling Your Home For Autumn/Winter.

1. Play with texture to create atmosphere and drama - think alluring velvets, plush wool carpets or whimsical sheers.

2. Although the rest of the world might be hibernating for winter we still need to enliven our spaces. Style spaces with fresh sprigs and sculptural foliage, reflect gardens and views with statement mirrors. It's too cold to go outside so bring the outside in!

3. Mirror the a change of season. At this time of year nature gives a wealth of inspiration providing a palette of caramel, olive, rust and copper to work with. Revamp your look by working in textiles and décor throughout the home.

4. Create a bedroom sanctuary, a world away from the cold and dreary outdoors! Make this space luxurious and inviting by layer textures in blankets, linen and soft furnishings. Add creative and ambient lighting that invites you into the space.

5. Give new life to your living space with a statement rug. Consider texture and tone for practicality but throw all caution to the wind by choosing stand out designs that will really lift the zone, creating a unique and eye catching space.





]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:49:49 GMT <![CDATA[NZ Recognises Marriage Equality]]> Photo: Getty Images

Gay marriage is legal in New Zealand.

The 77-44 vote in parliament on Wednesday night was greeted with cheers and applause from packed public galleries and kicked off celebrations around the country.

New Zealand is the 13th country to legalise gay marriage and the first in the Asia-Pacific.

More than 1000 Australian same-sex couples say they will cross the Tasman to tie the knot. "Now that marriage equality is only three hours away there will be a flood of couples flying to New Zealand," said Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Rodney Croome.

Youtube: nzheraldtv

NZ Labour's gay MP Louisa Wall promoted the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill and it was passed on conscience votes, with no instructions from parties. Prime Minister John Key was one of those supporting it.

MPs have been under intense pressure from churches and moral conservative lobby groups during the past few weeks but the final vote was almost identical to those cast during the bill's previous three stages. "Excluding a group in society from marriage is oppressive and unacceptable," Ms Wall said when she launched the third reading debate. "This is not about church teachings or philosophy, it never was. The principles of justice and equality aren't served if the key institution of marriage is reserved for heterosexuals only."

The Green Party's gay MP Kevin Hague said he had been with his partner for nearly 29 years. "Until this day a basic human right has been denied us," he said. "The consequences of this bill will be that same sex couples will marry, transgender people will no longer have to divorce, prejudice and violence will be undermined, the world will be a better place and absolutely no one will be any worse off."

National's Maurice Williamson, a strong supporter, said he had been appalled by some of the lobbying. "I had a letter saying I was going to burn in the fires of hell, some of the bullying tactics were really evil."

 @williamson_nz A photo taken from my Electorate Office this morning. A Gay Rainbow? A Sign none the less.

NZ First leader Winston Peters again called for a referendum. "Some say there is a groundswell for change, but how do we know that?" he said. "New Zealand is supposed to be a democracy and what we are about to do is circumvent any expression of public opinion."

Mr Peters and his MPs voted against the bill. Nearly all the MPs who spoke in the debate supported the bill. One who didn't was National's Jonathan Young. "History has invested significant tradition in marriage and I believe we should maintain that tradition," he said. "This issue isn't as clear as some people think, many are struggling with it and the community is more divided than this parliament."

Although Wednesday night's vote put the bill into law, gay couples who want to marry will have to wait a while. The Department of Internal Affairs which handles births, deaths and marriages has been given four months to get its act together and prepare the procedures and licence forms.

Ms Wall expects there will be a rush. "The first week of August could work for a lot of people," she told NZ Newswire.

AAP
]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:36:54 GMT <![CDATA[Who Will Be Australian Number 23rd Million?]]>
The 23 millionth Australian, due to arrive next week, could be a baby called Jack or even a young Pom.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) says the nation's population is set to hit 23 million people on April 23 at 9.57pm (AEST), but there's only a 40 per cent chance he or she will be home grown.

Migrants make up 60 per cent of Australia's population growth, with the UK accounting for one in five arrivals. If number 23,000,000 is born locally, there's a slightly better chance of it being a boy, with 105 males born for every 100 females, and Jack their most popular name.

Australia's population is increasing by 1048 people per day, or by 1.7 per cent a year, which equates to one new Canberra or three new Darwins per year.

The ABS now forecasts the population will exceed 40 million in the late 2050s.

Australia's median age has increased nearly five years from 32.7 to 37.5. Western Australia is the fastest growing state, while Tasmania's population growth rate is contracting. Tasmania's population increased by just 500 people last year, while WA is now growing by more than 1500 people per week.

More people are moving interstate to Queensland, while NSW had the highest departures to other states, with 1900 people leaving each week.

AAP
]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:57:54 GMT <![CDATA[Aussies Drink To Get Drunk]]>
Two in five Australians - and more than 60 per cent of young adults - are drinking to get drunk, a survey suggests.

The annual alcohol poll by lobby group Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, found 77 per cent of Australian adults are drinkers. Typically, half of their number normally have three or more standard alcoholic drinks at a sitting.

The survey, released on Thursday, says 75 per cent of Australians agree that the country has an issue with alcohol abuse or excess drinking. Some 63 per cent of Generation Y respondents admitted to drinking to get drunk, compared to 40 per cent of adults overall.

The foundation's chief executive Michael Thorn said the survey findings highlighted the need for alcohol reforms, such as increased liquor pricing and advertising bans. "Governments around the country seem unwilling to take action, yet this poll again makes clear that Australians recognise that alcohol use results in devastating harms," he said.

The survey found that 61 per cent of people would support health warning labels on alcoholic drinks, while 64 per cent back a ban on alcohol advertising on weekdays and weekends before 8.30pm.

AAP

 ]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:46:06 GMT <![CDATA[Mix102.3 congratulates South Australia's Mother of the Year!]]>
Mix102.3 is proud to partner with Barnardos to celebrate everyday Mums, like the South Australian Mother of the Year, Hasbia Cesko.

The Barnardos Australia’s Mother of the Year Awards showcase what everyday Mums and great women can do for our children and our communities. They allow Barnardos to highlight what the world can be like for children and we hope to inspire all mothers and all people to extend the same love and care to our future – our children.



Hasbia Cesko was nominated by her son, Emir. Emir’s heartwarming nomination (in original form) is below:

My mother was born in Bosnia. She had me when she was just 19 years old. She had my sister in the middle of the Balkan wars, 1994. My dad was in the army, so she spent her early twenties carrying my sister on her back, me by her side, fleeing from bullets, bombs, soldiers all while having little to no food.

We all managed to survive and immigrate here in 1996. She started out working in a meat factory, then she did cleaning. After a few years of cleaning she bought a cleaning franchise from Academy Cleaning Services. She went on to buy a cafe, which she eventually sold to buy a bigger and better cafe.

Unfortunately this cafe turned out be a bad investment and she had to sell it soon after, making a substantial loss in the process. She then bought a Yiros shop which she still owns today and thankfully it does really well. So my mum survived a war, worked up to 15 hours a day, 7 days a week, all to provide us with a life she had no chance of having herself. All this work has taken its tole on her body and she is in pain a lot of the time and doctors can't seem to find a way to stop it.

Despite this she is always bright, funny and upbeat. All her hard work has paid off because this year my sister starts University, doing a course in psychology. I bought my own business right out of high school, with help from my parents, which I still own. My mum is my hero and she should be mother of the decade, but I'll settle for the year.

Head to www.motheroftheyear.org.au for more information.]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:40:16 GMT <![CDATA[You Are Beautiful]]> It's hard not to fall in love with Dove's latest campaign which sets out to prove that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

While it can be hard to see past our own prejudices when looking in the mirror, the experiment asked seven real women to do just that.

Sitting down with a sketch artist, each lady was asked to describe in intimate detail how they look.  Separated from view and unable to see the women, the artist proceeded to sketch a portrait unbiased - except from her view.

Check out the portraits above...

The same artist was then asked to sketch the same women... but this time as describe by a stranger they had met earlier in the day.

The difference is truly astonishing.

See each woman's reaction as the portraits are unveiled...


Of the campaign Dove says:

"Women are their own worst beauty critics.  In fact, only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful.  Dove is committed to building positive self-esteem and inspiring all women and girls to reach their full potential.  That's why we decided to conduct a compelling social experiment that proves to women something very important: You are more beautiful than you think."


Join the conversation at: #wearebeautiful


]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:30:00 GMT <![CDATA[Does He Hear Baby Crying?]]> The "maternal instinct" notion gained scientific backing more than three decades ago through two experiments, one of which found that women were nearly twice as accurate as men in identifying the cry of their offspring.

But the new study says men and women are equally skilled at this - and accuracy depends simply on the amount of time that a parent spends with the child.

Scientists led by Nicolas Mathevon at the University of Saint-Etienne recorded the cries of 29 babies aged between 58 and 153 days as the infants were being bathed. Fifteen of the babies were in France and 14 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The idea of sampling cries in Africa and Europe was to test whether local culture and family habits affected outcomes.

All the mothers, and half of the fathers, spent more than four hours a day with their baby. The other fathers spent less than four hours daily with the child. The parents were asked to listen to a recording of three different cries from five babies of a similar age, one of which was their own. There were two sessions of experiments.

On average, the parents were 90 per cent accurate in identifying the cry of their own baby. Mothers were 98 per cent accurate, and fathers who spent more than four hours with baby per day were 90 per cent accurate. Fathers who spent less than four hours daily with the infant were only 75 per cent accurate.

Parents who were exposed to other babies each day - a characteristic of the extended family in Africa - were 82 per cent accurate.
The study, which appears in the journal Nature Communications, says the "maternal instinct" hypothesis is flawed, as the studies from the late 1970s and early 1980s failed to take into account the amount of time the fathers spent with their kids.

In biological terms, men and women are "cooperative breeders", so the idea that one gender is better than the other at a basic mechanism to protect the baby is incongruous, it suggests.

"Both fathers and mothers can reliably and equally recognise their own baby from their cries," it says. "The only crucial factor affecting this ability is the amount of time spent by the parent with their own baby."

AFP
]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:09:52 GMT <![CDATA[The Best Logies Looks]]>
Westfield's National Stylist Madelin Tomelty gave us her inside tips on the best Logies looks.

Who was on trend and how can you recreate the look?




1.    Pink- Carrie Bickmore

Carrie Bickmore decided she would be pretty in pink at this year’s Logies in this Steven Khalil dress. The velvet gown with lace inserts added a slightly gothic edge to the candy-coated gown, in keeping with this winter’s Gothic Romance trend. The cut is gorgeous on Carrie and accentuates her svelte figure while the popping hue is perfect for her bubbly personality.





2.    Classic- Elka Graham

This dress is both contemporary and classic with its streamline shape and structural shoulder detail- a bold and beautiful choice by Elka Graham. The fitted style shows off Elka’s killer bod while the fishtail and slight train adds a glamorous Hollywood edge. The white is gorgeous with her dark features and I love the addition of the deep berry lipstick, a must-wear hue for this winter. Love this classic and elegant look?



3.    Metallics- Jesinta Campbell

Metallics are one of the biggest trends going this winter and Jesinta Campbell wears it well. I love the navy hue and her choice of black clutch- one of my favourite colour combinations. Nothing screams star power and glamour more than a sparkly, shiny gown and the plunge neck on this number adds some sex appeal too.


4.    Lace- Melissa Bergland

Melissa Bergland is bang-on-trend in this red carpet number. Lace and especially black lace is back in a big way this autumn/winter. Wear it in a purely romantic way, or add a rock or gothic edge with some bling or leather. Melissa has picked a great dress for her figure and her personality- the two most important things to consider in any outfit! The lace skirt is a great length and the open neckline is feminine and flattering. Her red hair gives this outfit a fun, rock edge.


5.    Red- Samara Weaving

My pick of the bunch. Samara is a knockout in this stunning gown by Logies favourite, Steve Khalil. Matching Carrie Bickmore’s velvet fabric but this time in a delicious cherry red, Samara ticks numerous fashion trend boxes in this gorgeous gown. The long sleeves, lace detail and eye-catching colour make this a red carpet winner. I love the simple styling of this outfit- the dress speaks for itself and needs next to no accessories.



6.    Structural- Zoe Foster

We are seeing a lot of white on the red carpet this year and this gown is a great example of just how beautiful winter white can be. I love this two-piece number on Zoe. The beautiful, pearlescent bodice is a real head turner and works famously teamed back with its matching slinky skirt. The diamond drop earrings and bare décolletage perfectly complement the dress and make for the perfect balance of glamour and elegance.
]]> Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:31:03 GMT <![CDATA[Get Your Car Roadtrip Ready!]]>
Well don't worry if you don't know where to start- just check off our Top Ten Tips to Keep You Safe on the Roads these Holidays!

1.    Check your tyre pressure.

Make sure you check the pressure in your tyres before you leave and also take a tyre-pressure gauge with you. Properly inflated tyres will help you drive more safely in poor weather conditions and reduce the risk of a flat tyre. Also check that your tyres are not bald and that they are in good shape.

2.    Check your brakes.

Make sure your brakes are in working order and appear clean. Have an auto service centre check the front and back brakes for any type of damage, wear, splitting and rust to ensure they will be in good working order. Making sure your brakes are in good condition could prevent an accident.

3.    Change your oil.

An oil change should be done every 5000 km and will help to protect your engine and make sure it will run properly. During an oil change, most car service centres will inspect your car and look for any other problems.

4.    Check your brake fluid.

You are going to need your brakes working properly if you want to stay safe. Checking the different fluids under the bonnet of your vehicle is essential to keeping your car running properly and your engine running smoothly.

5.    Pack a car-related emergency kit.

Make sure your kit has a small torch, wiper fluid, jack, tyre iron, oil, jumper cables, blankets and any other items you might need in case you break down or have an accident. Keep it in your car’s boot car for easy access.

6.    Make sure there are no petrol leaks.

Look under your car to ensure there are no leaks underneath. Keep your car filled with petrol during your road trip because you never know if or when you might get lost or how far it might be to the next petrol station.

7.    Check all lights and indicators.

Have someone sit inside your car and turn your blinkers on along with the emergency signals to make sure they are all working. Make sure all of your headlights and brake lights are working correctly.

8.    Fix your headrest.

This might not sound very important but it really is. Making sure your headrest is in the correct position before a road trip could help prevent a back or neck injury, so make sure your head and neck are supported properly.

9.    Make sure you have a spare car key.

Keep this on you at all times in case you lose your keys or lock them in your car. This could save you both time and money.

10.    Check all seat belts and other restraining devices.

To prevent yourself from getting injured, always check your seat belts before you start your road trip. Make sure your seat belt fastens securely and that all restraints for children work properly as well.

And don't forget to take your car to a Bosch Car Service Centre when you're home to get it back in tip-top shape!]]> Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:12:33 GMT <![CDATA[How Do You Battle Gastro In Your House?!]]> Naomi Cook who is totally bent on reducing the spread of gastro this winter and has shared her tips for a happy, healthy household with us.

As you’ve most likely seen and heard, there is a current pandemic of a highly infectious type of gastro, Norovirus. Australia has already been hit and cases are expected to escalate to epidemic levels this winter.

But there is hope! Unlike colds and flu which can be spread through ongoing coughs, sneezes and runny noses continuing for days (or weeks), it is actually pretty simple to prevent the spread of gastro in the community.

Here are just a few really easy things we can do:

1. Stick to Governmental Guidelines:

These recommend ‘resting at home’ for 48 hours after the last symptom (be it a bout of vomiting or, more likely, a loose bowel motion). So, no work, no school, no day-care and no ‘extras’. I’m being serious, I bet there are loads of mums reading this who have a tale of the ‘recently sick with gastro kid’ running around the playground, or going to a swimming pool. I for one once rapidly removed my daughters from a playground, where a Dad, letting his four kids frolic next to mine, admitted being up all night in the Emergency Room in the Hospital with his youngest, because he would ‘not stop throwing up!’. Gaaaah!


2. Reducing spread at home:

This can be tricky knowing how infectious the Norovirus is, but you can reduce the chances by keeping one bathroom for the sick, cleaning vomit spills and areas around a vomit with diluted bleach (0.1%) - if the areas will tolerate it. Handle linen slowly and cautiously to avoid shifting particles into the air. Avoid vacuuming an area where a vomit occurred as this will make the infectious particles air-bourne, circulating them very efficiently all over your home. Wash your hands frequently, particularly after dealing with infectious secretions. And finally, you could consider conducting a through clean of the house (with bleach where possible) 72 hours after the last case of illness.

3. Don’t invite friends over:  

If you have had gastro in the last few days, visitors could be exposed to persistent virus particles in your house. Encourage friends to alert you if they have had gastro recently at their house too and don’t be shy about refusing to go! It’s natural for kids to want to see their friends after they’ve been sick, but nobody wants to give their best friend Gastro.

4. Don’t prepare food for anyone if you have gastro in your house:

Food Handlers are often required to wait 72 hours before returning to work after a bout of gastro, so keep this in mind. As mums, (especially one’s like me with no immediate family to help out) we may have no choice but to prepare food for our own kids in-between bouts of vomiting and trips to the loo, but you might want to consider wearing latex gloves while doing this. And of course, thorough hand-washing after using the bathroom and before going anywhere near food is absolutely essential.

For more information on Gastro and Naomi’s “Stop Gastro Spread” Campaign have a look at www.nursenaomi.wordpress.com]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:26:07 GMT