The Wise Say It Well...

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best"

YouTube Magic

They've been going around the Internet for days now and have become so popular that clips of their performances are all over YouTube's homepage. So what is it about 2 little girls in pink tutus that have caused such a stir? If you don't already know, click below to find out...
(*performance starts at 3mins25secs)

Sometimes I wonder where we'd be without the invention of YouTube and other similar entertainment mediums? Shows like Ellen for one would be without countless hours of Internet-based content and little 8-year-old girls like Sophie would still be singing into hairbrushes in front of their bedroom mirrors. Justin Beiber would be your average teenage boy and we as consumers would probably find ourselves with a lot more time on our hands to do the more 'important' things in life.

YouTube has launched careers, escalated business profit margins and essentially provided a medium whereby anyone and everyone has the potential to become a star. Today it seems that your average 15 minutes of fame is more like 15 seconds, but even that seems to be an appealing prospect for thousands, if not millions of people who have created a videos and posted their finest (or most embarrassing) moments.

YouTube is in many respects an extension of the reality-TV epidemic and if nothing else, it provides a free platform for ordinary people with exceptional talents to showcase them to the world. Just like many aspiring music artists before her, I have no doubt that we have not yet seen the end of Miss Sophie, with her big voice and even bigger personality. Watch out world- a new YouTube diva has just been born!

Bloom-ing Amazing...

It was a cosy night-in a couple of months ago, when my cousin and I sat down next to an open fire and watched Jeff Leathams TCL hit Flowers Uncut.

It was the first time I’d seen the show, but my cousin, who is in her own right an incredibly talented florist, was excited to show me the unique style and endless possibilities when your budget is limitless.

Leatham’s show documents his team’s journey, as they add colour and floral finishes to world-class events worthy of royalty. From Paris’ Palace of Versailles to the luxurious Four Seasons George V Hotel, Leatham’s style is the perfect mix of simplicity, beauty and elegance as he combines clean finishes with solid blocks of colour.

While trawling through his website, I was literally tied up for hours flicking through his portfolio in amazement. Although his repertoire essentially consists of only using 5-6 different varieties of flowers, he is able to constantly arrange them in a way which brings individuality to each event. Here is a small collection of some of his most beautiful designs and while I tried incredibly hard to cull, I'm sure you'll soon understand my dilemma...



[ Eva Longoria-Parker's Wedding]



[ Flavio Briatore]

[ Suzy Menkes and Wynn Opening Gala ]

[ Aspen Wedding ]

[ Newport Beach Wedding ]

[ Dom Perignon ]

Post-It Perfection...

Who would have thought that such a breath-taking display of creativity could all stem from the humble Post-It note?

Each time I watch this clip I can't help but notice different patterns and designs, as I struggle to fathom the countless hours which went into creating such a spectacle. 

One of the reasons I love this clip is because from the moment I watched it, I was instantly transported back to a small town I visited in Italy, called Verona. Aside from being home to a replica of the Colosseum, it's also where the balcony made famous by Romeo and Juliet resides.

Every day, hundreds of people visit the courtyard where the balcony and a much-loved statue of Juliet can be found. As seen in the pictures I took below, the walls of the courtyard entrance are covered in messages, pledges and love notes from people seeking luck in love.

Speed Dating Uncovered...

As a singleton for the majority of my adult life, I've always been intrigued with the complexities and etiquette of Speed Dating. Armed with my close friend, (who on the night was referred to numerous times as my "wingman"), I decided to take the plunge and tick off number 9 on my list of 25 Things To Do Before I'm 25.

In the days leading up to my first Speed Dating experience, I found the reactions of my friends and colleagues fascinating when I mentioned how I would be spending my Friday night. Most were a little stunned at my attempt to do something so taboo, while others laughed in disbelief or contrastingly sat in anticipation for more details. Regardless of their reactions however, very few of them were willing to put their hand up and come along.

My mentality leading into this social experiment was simple. I would consider myself a 'normal', creative, interesting young woman with plenty to offer a partner...I just happened to be single. In my mind, it didn't seem unrealistic to assume that I'd surely meet other young men, who for whatever reason were single too. I hadn't thought that was too much to expect, right?

Apparently, I was wrong!

Friday night rolled around and I had picked up my wingman on my way into the city. When we arrived, we were confronted by a rather sterile space with sparse seating and dim lighting. The host sat us down at our own tables and offered us champagne. I'm not a big drinker, but at the time, a glass of whatever was on offer would have gone down perfectly. As potential dates came streaming in, I felt like a preened puppy on display at a local dog show. I suppose everyone was looking for that instant connection with someone before the 8 minute speed dates commenced, but instead all I found myself doing was glancing over at my friend who amusingly had "get me the hell out of here" written all over her face. Her sudden lack of enthusiasm was somewhat amusing.

However, I was determined to have a good (and at the very least interesting) time, so I threw all my preconceived ideas out the window and went into each date open minded. If there weren't any emotional or romantic connections, I figured there was the potential for a friendship or two?

The group of men were diverse to say the least. There was a landscaper, a physiotherapist, an IT consultant, an advertising project officer, a music teacher and an unemployed driving instructor.

Heading into my first 8 minutes with bachelor number 1, I tried to steer clear from having a set approach to each date, but to rather let things happen as naturally as possible, like a normal conversation I'd have with the guy who makes my coffee in the morning or packs my groceries at the supermarket. I didn't want to feel like I was interviewing the guy and I didn't want him to feel like he was being interrogated. However, I soon realised that when you're sitting a foot away from a person who's giving you one-word answers and isn't initiating any conversation, that's a hard rule to stick to!

My personality and the skills I've learnt through life experiences and employment opportunities have made it easy for me to converse with most people, irrespective of where they're from or what they do. In the realm of Speed Dating, it was like I had a full house and I knew I was going to win! Unfortunately, some of the men I met looked like they had lost the hand before even sitting down at the table.

1 glass of champagne, 3 canapes and 8 dates later, we handed in our 'interested or not' cards to the host and awaited to hear contact from potential matches over the following days. Desperate for a debrief, my friend and I avoided further awkwardness and left shortly after the formalities concluded.

It's unfortunate that I didn't have a more positive experience Speed Dating, because I'd love to be in the position where I could confidently say to other single friends "go for it, it's a fun night and you never know what could happen?". I suppose I can still say that, but I truly believe the success of an event like Speed Dating is heavily based on finding the right night for you. Being able to identify the 'type' of person you're looking for and pick an appropriate night to accommodate your interests, is going to significantly increase your chances of finding a match.

Call me crazy, but if someone invited me to another Speed Dating night, I think I'd probably accept. Speed Dating provided me with the opportunity to meet and talk to people I would never interact with in my usual circle of friends. Sometimes when you've exhausted your option in an environment which is familiar and safe, throwing yourself into something new can surprisingly bring unexpected results. Or, at the very least provide you with a great story to share at your next dinner party!

Don't Settle...

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle."  

The September Issue

After months of hearing reviews about Vogue's documentary The September Issue, directed by R.J Cutler, I finally managed to sit down and indulged in a little in fashion education of my own.

The film follows Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of US Vogue magazine and her editorial team as they work towards creating their annual and highly anticipated September issue.With a single nod of her head, Wintour has the ability to make or break a new designers career or alternatively have the world stop and take notice. If you make it into Vogue, you've made it in fashion and the September issue is the piste de resistance, weighing almost as much as a telephone book.

For years Wintour was seen as a poker faced fashion magnate, who's look was never complete without a fringed bob, floral dress and over sized shades. Then Hollywood made The Devil Wears Prada, a film in which Wintour was the inspiration for Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly. The Devil Wears Prada, as expected, is heavily embellished and over exaggerates the relentless and unrealistic demands of Wintours perceived persona. However, I found relief in discovering that Wintour is far from the monster she's made out to be but rather a smart, savvy and incredibly respected business woman who has excelled at her job for over 20 years. The September Issue reinforces the fact that to survive in a cut-throat industry such as fashion, where one day you're in and then next you're out, you have no choice but to play hard-ball or go home.

Watching Wintour as she tours design studios, critiquing as she goes, it becomes quite clear just how influential her opinion is. When she asks the chief designer at Yves St. Laurent where the colour was in his Winter collection, he tries to pass off a dark green as "emerald", while Prada's pieces were considered "too heavy". Needless to say, Wintour was not impressed and both fashion houses returned to their sketch pads.

"Fashion is a religion.

Vogue is the bible."
- Anna Wintour

Without a doubt though, the documentary is lifted by Vogue Creative Director, Grace Coddington who contradicts every expectation you'd have of someone who works in fashion. Fiery red hair, sans make-up, flat sandals and a frumpy black dress is Grace's signature look, but it's her impeccable eye for editorial spreads and artistic vision which is sheer brilliance. Coddington creates while Wintour edits and it's their constant daily tussles over the right balance of art and commerce which has made Vogue the institution it's been for over 2 decades.

[Wintour and Coddington at Paris Fashion Week 2008]

In a world which millions of fashionistas would die to have access to, Wintour's daughter, Bee Shaffer, a law student is candid about her inability to understand the obsession her mother and much of the world has with fashion. To her, clothes are a necessity of life, rather than being a motivation for life. It's a reality which at times is uncomfortable to watch but provides an intriguing balance to a rather superficial world.

[Wintour and Shaffer]

For me, the value of this documentary is how it validates fashion as art and the sheer beauty of whats  being created by Coddington. Women don't buy Vogue to dress like the models, they buy it for fashion inspiration and an indulgence into a world that most of us will never experience. Couture is impractical but Vogue provides insight into the fairytale world of fashions most cutting edge and at times, bazaar creations. In my opinion, anyone that's expecting more of a fashion magazine is asking to be disappointed. However, this documentary for me, did not disappoint and anyone with a slight interest in fashion or editorial magazines for that matter, should check it out.

September Is All About...

September is without a doubt my favourite month of the year and already, it's brought with it some exciting new changes with plenty of fun times ahead.

A few days into Spring and Mother Nature has already been teasing me with beautiful warm weather, sunny weekends and a chance to turn around my winter wardrobe and whip out a summer frock or two.

September and I work well together because...



[...it's my birthday month- and yes, Red Velvet cake is my favourite]



[...outrageously good dance tracks are released]

[...the warm weather allows you to wind down the windows and sing at the top of your lungs]

[...there's nothing better than a colourful bloom]

[...it's time to dust-off your flowy maxi dresses]

[...and treat yourself to a pedicure]

[and because...it's the start of warmer weather and longer daylight hours]

I've Got A Crush...

[...on beautiful bits and bobs.]

[...on the simplicity of the human body.]

[...on a winter wonderland.]



[...on living bold.]



It's All About The Little Things...

Last month, Beyonce graced the cover of Essence magazine, and the 29-year-old R&B superstar revealed a side to her crazy life that got me thinking about my own. She quotes...

"I had talked about taking a vacation before, but always ended up in the studio after two weeks, so no one believed me. This time, though, I was serious. I was going to give myself a year to do the things I never get to do. Simple things like play with my nephew, pick him up from school, visit museums, go to concerts, see some Broadway shows, learn to cook a meal and spend time with my husband… Yes, I needed some relaxation, but I wanted inspiration too, from regular everyday things. They did not have to be over-the-top productions. I was looking for tiny moments that would speak to my heart and make me smile…"

Sure, there aren’t many of us who can (in our prime years) take a year out of our lives for a ‘break’, but we can certainly rethink the way we spend our days and the importance of the tasks we perform.

How often do you hear people say “if I had... I would do...” closely followed with a rather large “...but...”! I personally hear it on a daily basis amongst friends, colleagues and even family members. People are missing out on some of life’s simple pleasures and experiences simply because they can’t find the time. I understand it’s hard juggling the tasks and responsibilities of everyday life- heck I can barely find the time to breathe some days, but that to me is enough to spark some concern. It’s as though we get so preoccupied with life that we forget to live it!


With all that being said, I started thinking about how I choose (and yes, most of the time it is a choice) to live my days. Do I maximise my weekends or quiet nights at home? What ordinary things would be on my list if I had a year off from work? What do I always seem to put in the ‘when I have time’ basket?

So, true to form I decided to compile a list.
This second half of 2011 I plan on making the time to...

• Watch Gone With The Wind
• Bake a souffle
• Sort out my itunes library
• Read my magazine subscription in the actual month it arrives
• Label my shoe boxes
• Have a Tapas Dinner Party with close friends
• Hike Mt. Lofty
• Spend time with my God-sister
• Create a photo album of my overseas trip
• Go wine tasting in the Barossa Valley
• Eat my way through Adelaide's restaurant scene

The "twenty-something crisis"

We’re all too familiar with the term “mid-life crisis” and while it’s generally associated with outrageous spending, some questionable life choices and out-of-character decisions, I’ve often wondered what triggers it? If I was to guess the top 3 causes, I’d likely go with relationships, work and money, but surely there’s got to be so much more to it than that?

I have a theory, or would at least like to coin a new term called “the twenty-something crisis”. Next month I’ll be turning 24, and while many of you reading this are probably thinking “what can she possibly have to complain about at 24?”, I’m sitting here thinking “where the hell am I headed?”, which is a terrifying question because I have absolutely no idea!

I’m the kind of person that lives by the book and I’m convinced it’s just part of my DNA, much like my inability to be spontaneous. So, following high school I did what I thought was ‘right’ and went to Uni. Half way through I realised I didn’t particularly enjoy my degree but once again the ‘right’ thing to do was suck it up and finish (after all, nothing that’s worth anything ever comes easy, right?). After uni I made the best decision of my life so far and jumped on a big jet plane which took me to the most amazing parts of Europe and North America. It was an incredible but incredibly tough 18 months...and I loved it. Eventually, the adventure came to an end and I’ve now found myself working in a job I like but don’t love and wondering “what the hell am I going to do next?”

I believe there’s that point in your mid-twenties where life suddenly gets serious and you’ve got to start thinking about setting yourself up for the future. If you asked me on the day of my high school graduation where I’d be at 24, I would have confidently said something along the lines of “...pursuing a career I was passionate about and in love with an incredible man”. Idealistic and naive, you say? Perhaps, which is probably why my reality is something quite different? I’m constantly facing the daily tug of war battle in my mind of ‘do I stay where I am- living a rather complacent yet secure life, or do I go and look for something bigger and better?’

I’m convinced that the older you get, the quicker time seems to fly-by. When I was at school, the summer holidays felt like they went on for eternity, but now, I find myself counting every precious hour of my holiday allocation in the working world. Nobody wants to wake up in 5 years and think to themselves “where on earth did the time go and what do I have to show for it?” despite that exact situation happening more times than we’d probably care to admit.

I was telling my 33-year-old girlfriend the other day about my “twenty-something crisis” theory and she, like many of us, is living a very different life than what she had wished for. Marriage and babies were a big part of her plan, but with love being the one thing we can’t control, she’s found herself still looking for Mr. Right and no closer to her happily ever after. Does that make her a failure though? In my eyes, of course not!

While writing this post an important thought came to mind: “Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to replicate a ‘normal’ timeline of events, when everyone’s life is so different?” I feel incredibly lucky to be raised in a generation and world where a women’s role isn’t confined to the kitchen, nursery or domestic realm. Women today have the power and ability to shun old-school ideals and stand proud, knowing that their journey is within their own control. It’s not just ok, but evidently possible for women today to aspire to become a female Head of State, Media Mogul or CEO of a multimillion dollar company. Forbes has just released their annual World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list and I for one believe it represents the increasing strength and prominence of women in the corporate world.

When it comes to dealing with the pressures in your 20’s, or any age for that matter, perhaps we should simply sit back and enjoy our lives for the right reasons, rather than constantly comparing it to what society deems to be ‘normal’. Normal doesn’t exist- not when it comes to body image, relationships and definitely life! Maybe the sooner we adopt that line of thought, the quicker those things we desire so badly will fall into place? And in the meantime, we could all take a leaf out of Carrie Bradshaw’s book and adopt the following mentality...

“Have fun, that’s what your twenties are for, your thirties are for learning the lessons and your forties….are for paying for the drinks.”

Fashion Imitating Life

It's a gray, overcast afternoon here in Adelaide and as all great pictures do, this combination put a huge smile on my face and warmed up my day. Suddenly I found myself transported to the town of Burano, Italy, donning a bright, beautiful dress and sipping a refreshing beverage or two...pool-side of course!

Who really has the Power?

I went out for dinner with my colleagues last night and like many conversations, the topic of relationships came up. We discussed a theory I hadn’t thought about before- the shift in the balance of power between men and women and how it changes over time.

Let me explain...

When you’re a teenager or in your early 20’s, girls have all the power. They head to night clubs dressed in little bits of material accompanied by a whole lot of skin. At the beach they’re in little shorts and a bikini top, and while it shouldn’t be done, teens are arguably the only ones who can get away with a mini skirt and ugg boot combination in the middle of winter. Team this with a young man’s raging hormones and their ultimate desire to prove their worth to the ‘wolf pack’ and boys are like putty in a girl’s hand.

Exit your mid 20’s and begin heading towards the frightening 3-0 and all of a sudden the shift of power changes. Single women begin thinking about life partners and subconsciously their biological clock starts ticking a little louder than before. Women are now on the offensive, attacking eligible bachelors like a prey of lions feasting on a carcase. And while women play survival of the fittest, men are discovering just what a hot commodity they really are. Suddenly the pool of ‘potentials’ becomes bigger as men ponder on the options of older, younger or similar aged women? By this stage in a man’s life, the pimples have gone, scrawny bodies have filled out nicely and there is plenty of money in the world to be made.

When you become a thirty-something woman, the power can shift one of two ways. As I’m still in my 20’s, this information has come via hearsay and I cannot prove its accuracy. However, I’ve been told that if you’re married and have a child then you’ve gained the power back, and by power I mean sex. “Honey, I wouldn’t be so tired at the end of the day if you helped with the washing” or “I don’t even have time for myself anymore yet alone pleasing you”. Children, a mortgage, household duties and maintaining romance are key ingredients used to make the delicate cocktail called ‘married life’.

So, say you’re not married or in a committed relationship at thirty-something...have you reached your expiry date? I’d hate to think that was the way I felt in my 30’s, but observing society as they walk the streets, dine in restaurants or go about their everyday activities, I can understand how women can form a complex. Single, attractive and successful men in their mid to late 30’s are like gold. Most of the good ones are either married, gay or dating someone who resembles your former, fabulous twenty-something self. In this instance, men have regained the power.

So what comes next? You’re in your 40’s, either single, married or considering signing up to an online dating site. Once you reach this age bracket, do both sexes wave the white flag and call a truce? I mean, if you’ve reached 40 and have spent the past 20 years looking for that special someone without any success, aren’t you just tired of looking and ready to get off the dating merry-go-round? That ride can be exhausting, even for a wide-eyed and hopeful young lady like me.

I’d like to think that in 30 years time I can look back on this post and laugh. Laugh at how young women, including myself worried about things we really can’t control- love being the first thing that springs to mind. Laugh at how this theory on gender and the shift of power was all wrong. And laugh knowing that if we’re confident, comfortable and happy individuals, then we’ll always have the ultimate power, no matter the circumstance!

Generation "Y Not?"

As I perused my local newspaper last week, I came across an opinion column discussing the differences in how dating has changed over the generations, specifically the methods adopted by those in the always controversial Generation Y.

Generation Y is comprised of people born between 1982 and 2003. Unfortunately for me, the content of my handbag blatantly proves where I fit, with my mobile phone, ipod, and laptop constantly weighing me down. Gen Y for better or worse are obsessed with the immediacy of information and have no problem being contacted through social networking mediums 24/7.

My generation represents the good and the bad associated with growing up in a technologically advanced and ever changing world. In school, we copied information off whiteboards and projection screens as opposed to blackboards or through the dying art of dictation. We have shrugged off the humble spelling bee for alternatives such as the iphone application Words With Friends and forget about a paperback. "What's that?" many nowadays would ask? Instead, we'd much rather watch something on our TV, computer, phone, ipad or Kindle!

The article Dating Before Facebook written by radio host Jules Schiller, focused on how dating methods have advanced from the 80’s and into the new millennium.

I recently met someone who just ‘clicked’ with me and during our Skye conversation the other night I subconsciously found myself scanning Facebook for any additional information I could find- secretly hoping their profile had loose privacy settings in place. While failing to unearth anything incriminating, shocking or off-putting, I later sat there a little stunned at my actions. The fact that the instant my new friend divulged their surname, I was online faster than I could blink made me question the way we (GenY) communicate, and whether or not social media has in fact hindered our ability to converse the old fashioned way?

I ask: "when was the last time you heard of someone going out on a blind date?" If I'm being honest, I don't really think they even exist anymore. Besides, if we Google our own names, why wouldn't we do the same for a potential date? At least we know what we're getting ourselves in for, right? And while speed dating could perhaps fall under this category, you can now filter your options. For instance, when I was working in London, my local bar ran speed-dating nights, specific to the ‘type’ of person you were looking for. Being a city bar, there was a night for young professionals, one for those of an Indian background and another for the Black community. An efficient way of dating if you know exactly what you’re looking for, but as I watched from the sidelines as the participants awkwardly communicated, I wondered if the art of dating had turned into less of a spontaneous act and more of a calculated experiment?

Dating in the 80’s would have presented obstacles which don’t really exist today. If every time a guy wanted to talk to me he had to call the house phone and in turn face the fear of my dad answering or question whether my sisters were secretly listening on the other end of the line, things would have been very different. Would relationships progress slower than they do today if we didn't have the ability to text, instant message or call someone with complete privacy at any time of the day or night? With the fast-paced lives of today’s society, it’s almost as if we substitute physical dates with our ability to keep in contact with others via an electronic device. In saying all that, knowing how easy and quick it is to send a simple text message and still not hearing from a guy is enough to make a girl go crazy!

Yet with all things in life, there is a yin to this seemingly unappealing yang. Almost every week I hear a story of two strangers who have found love thanks to the help of the internet. Nowadays, distance is no obstacle with programs such as Skype, which allow us to talk and see our loved ones for free! Even as a technologically savvy youth, I am still amazed by how it all works and in my eyes it is one of the greatest gifts to come from this medium. We must also acknowledge the realm of online dating, bringing people from seemingly unrelated worlds together. When you've exhausted all options in your small country town, local city bar or workplace, the internet allows us to meet people from walks of life we would never venture to on our own.

As easy as finding love and communicating through technology may be, I think it also makes it harder to move on once a relationship turns sour. Remain friends with them on Facebook and you'll be subjected to status updates you may not really want to hear, such as: "John is now in a relationship", or "Jane is having dinner at (enter local, romantic, dimly lit restaurant) with Jack". I've seen such status' affect my friends who are still not quite over their ex's and I wonder how much easier life would be if they just never knew?

While writing this post, the romantic in me has been bursting to come out. It's all well and good to have an extensive catalogue of ways to meet people and communicate, but I fear that on some level romance is being forgotten. Do people ever have those sliding door moments anymore? That chance encounter with someone new while travelling on a bus route you don’t usually catch or in the coffee line at a different café? And let’s not forget the humble hand-written letter. People can argue with me all they like, but an email or text message just isn’t the same or nearly as personal.

I think the real challenge Generation Y face is to find the balance between new school and old school methods of finding love. If we are able to step back at times and recognise that there are other, often better ways of dating which don’t include a technological device, then I think more of us would be in the position where we could potentially have our cake and eat it too...and let’s be honest, who doesn’t like cake?

Album Of The Month...

Maxwell BLACKsummers' night

1. Phoenix Rise

2. Playing Possum

3. Help Somebody

4. Fistful of Tears

5. Stop the World

6. Love You

7. Pretty Wings

8. Cold

9. Bad Habits