Just so you know blogettes, I have not gone anywhere but am just currently experiencing a delay in my writing thoughts/posts. No, it’s not writer’s block, it’s just that I have a few things I’ve needed to attend to in the last couple of months (like saving some mula on my Internet bill) and finding that perfect writing job, you know the one where I become a beauty editor and dictate what you next put into your beauty case?
In the mean time I will be posting you updates on my life and the things I am thinking about. Today I have been thinking alot about one of the women I look up to so much, Miss Zoe Foster. If you hadn’t heard this lovely young lady who is very quickly becoming one of the most famous beauty writers in the world, was beauty ed at Cosmo for a few years, then beauty director at Harper’s Bazaar and now Editor-In-Chief of Primped.com.au, 
oh and ah did I mention she has her own book? Air Kisses, is about a girl who wings her way into becoming a beauty editor and gets dumped by her boyfriend via text message, she decides to get her own back and you can only imagine what happens next…? Well, you could keep imagining or you could go nab yourself your own copy from any good bookstore and at $32.95 you’d be stupid to be sitting there staring at the computer screen – go buy yourself a copy you silly girl!
I’m on my way to Borders right now. Toodles!
Peace Out,
Girl Next Door xoxo
P.S If you've just had lunch/dinner and you're craving something sweet, then head to Zoe's blog, for a dollop of fat free fruityness, it's the perfect way to relieve that choccie craving (minus the calories)!
Monday, 30 June 2008
Airy Fairy Thoughts
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Is Yoga really that good for you?
I’m one of those chicks you’d refer to as a Gym-Junkie, no, I’m no anorexic but I do care about my body, what I put in it and how I treat it is one of the most important parts of my life (isn’t it everyone’s?). I’ve been a member of Fitness First for nearly 4 years now and in that time my relationship with the gym has had many stages.
Starting out I just couldn’t get into it, I started going with my friend Bec at lunchtimes, then before work – meaning, getting out of bed at ridiculous hours of the morning and even tried the after work workout. It was just all bad timing, I had nothing to work towards, then I scored myself a full-time boyfriend and it was time to think about how I wanted him to see me and how I felt about my body. Slowly, I started to lose weight, tone up and regain my confidence. Now that I’ve been going for so long, I’ve stopped seeing results, it’s like my body is telling me it’s time to change my workout and move onto something that will start showing results again, you know, mix it up. My mum has always told me (and I hate to admit it, but, mum’s always seem to be right!) I need to get into Yoga, not only for the body benefits but the mind and spirit ones too.
I’ve always thought of Yoga as the easy way out of exercising, the cheater’s guide, if you like. I mean, how can you possibly burn calories when all you’re doing is stretching? Although on the other hand, Madonna, Geri Halliwell and many more trim celebs swear by the Ancient Indian art.
I will continue to trial the DVD and let you know what the results are, if I start seeing any more. The teacher on the DVD says that if I practise the DVD regularly I will start to see and feel the difference. I have already noticed there’s a sense of calmness in my body and my day when I combine Yoga into my morning routine.
Maybe my Mum is onto something?
Peace Out,
Girl Next Door xoxo
Monday, 2 June 2008
Choice lovers beware......
I was doing my fortnightly shop with my boyfriend this morning and we always make a list – you know so we don’t ‘blow our budget’, what we buy is pretty much the same week to week. The necessities for us go a little something like this: bread (gluten/wheat free and normal), milk, vegies, fruit, rice noodles, sultanas, nuts. From week to week we’ll sometimes buy something a little naughty as well, whether that be a tub of ice cream (Connoisseur or Sara Lee), pack of lollies (Natural Confectionery) or a block of chocolate (Swiss Dark) – we usually go for the same brands each time and don’t think outside that square unless absolutely necessary.
I know when my parents go shopping they reach for the brands they know as well, if dad wants a choccie biscuit he’ll reach for the traditional Tim Tam, if mum wants some coffee she’ll reach for the Nescafe traditional flavour. I mean why wouldn’t we, we love the brands and quality we’re getting and there is no need at all to think outside the square – especially if we don’t have a lot of funds to support our decisions.
Which brings me to my point – why do brands such as Tim Tam feel the need to keep introducing more and more flavours of the biscuit when everyone already loves the original flavour? I know for a fact that the new range of Tim Tams aren’t doing well, honeycomb clusters and mocha clusters are bombing at the checkout so have been moved to the ‘on special’ rack at the start of any old aisle. They’re left to expire on their shelves in the hope that someone walking through the cereal aisle will look past their ‘list’ and grab a pack just coz they’re ‘on special’. But the thing is, the reason they were moved to that aisle in the first place is coz they’re not even being picked up.
In a world where variety is the spice of life is there in fact too much choice?
Think about when you head down to your local Gelatissimo or Cold Rock Ice Creamery, there are about 30 different flavours to choose from (at least!) then you can choose what cone you want it or whether you want it served in a cup, what toppings you want on or inside the ice cream. Don’t know bout you but, take me back to the good ol’ Neapolitan ice cream days where the only flavours to choose from were chocolate, strawberry and vanilla.
Do you think dropping all the choices we have these days (the ones we don’t ‘need’ but ‘desire’) see a drop in the amount of cash we’re ringing up at the register?
Today we have never had so much choice and although a range of choices is always good I do believe 2008 marks the year that obesity has well and truly hit rock bottom – literally. In the year 2000, the Australian population alone had over *47% of women and 63% of men overweight - that was 8 years ago - imagine what that percentage is like now. Don’t even get me started on the United States. I really believe that if we did get rid of all the un-necessary choices in the market right now – i.e Pizza Hut and Domino’s ever expanding pizza flavours, random milk/juice/cordial flavours and yoghurt/desserts our world would be a happier and less greedy place. If the supermarkets went back-to-basics and used the ingredients that were all made and produced from the land, soil and animals the world would be a better (and less pudgy) place to live in.
Let me know your thoughts.
Peace Out Food Lovers,
Girl Next Door xoxo
*Info courtesy of Nutrition Australia (2000)
Saturday, 24 May 2008
The discoveries of the world waiting to be made......by us!
“Riding on camels and donkeys at sunset, sailing down The River Nile on a felucca boat, smoking Shisha, dancing with a Nubian tribe and visiting mummy tombs…”
No I’m not on drugs, I just received the most magical postcard in the mail from my bestie who is currently riding a wave of unbelievable experiences. Packing up just 4 weeks ago and leaving her dream job in a bid to discover new cultures and explore this amazing and magical world we live in.
If you hadn’t guessed from the extract of the postcard I printed, my soul mate (in a bestie) is in historic Egypt – oh what I would give to travel to such an exciting place! As Ancient History was one of my favourite subjects back in school I know the history of the place is just unspeakable. In the 20cm postcard Phoebe sent me, I can almost smell the aroma of the musty, 38 degree, arid, desert. Apart from the fact that exposing yourself to a country like Egypt you jeopardise you health; the experiences had and seen are far worth the sacrifice of clean water and food.
Although I have been lucky enough to live a few overseas family holidays in my time I know I haven’t even begun to see the world. Vague memories of California, Detroit, Hawaii, Paris, Italy and Spain are stamped in my memory and photos take me back to those moments in my life that can only be described as incredible.
The only thing that stands between me and my next trip is 6 months, that’s right I’ve decided that life only comes around once (not to mention you 20’s) and it’s time for me to break free of my Northern Beaches bubble and do the one thing that I am best at; have fun!! I swear if there were jobs in having ‘fun’ I’d be the Director!
On the 23rd of December 2008 (at approx. 3.15pm) I fly out of Sydney and into New York City (JFK Airport where I meet my bestie Phoebe), for 13 whole days we’ll explore the shopping, sites and food that NYC has to offer – did I mention I’ll be in the city that never sleeps for Christmas AND New Years Eve? Oh, it must have slipped my mind! Then on the 4th of January 2009 (at approx. 9.15pm) I’ll wave goodbye to Miss Liberty, fly out of NYC and into London, Heathrow Airport (at approx. 1.25pm, 5th of January). The plan is to stay in London where my dear friend Phoebe will be living. For approx. 15 days – give 5 more perhaps, where we’ll never give up on the good times - Spice Girls style. It’s what we really, really want – zig-a-zig ah! Sounds like a whirlwind of fun – right? I know you're getting super jealous right now but you know what you can all do it too! Its just a matter of finding the right moment, friends and money to make your dream a reality! Whatever it is just do it coz you only live once! 
Here’s to 6 months of saving and enjoying every minute of it!
Peace Out,
Girl Next Door xoxox
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Goss galore!
I promise you that whenever I get a chance now I am on here coming up with potential story ideas and ways that I can keep your undivided attention – even those days where I don’t post!
There’s a couple of things I wanted to touch on today, firstly that scandal that’s hit the entire media circus of Sydney. What all began as a simple story in ‘The Sealed Section’ in CLEO mag – just a few loved up couples showing their affection towards eachother and being kind enough to share it with us. One parent complained to the school where Lynne Tziolas taught at (who probably hasn’t had sex. Ever. Not even to conceive her child) complained to Narraweena Public School’s principal and in one afternoon one of the most loved teachers in the school was given the boot. The story first featured in The Manly Daily (my local paper) over a week ago on the front page (Friday 9th of May 2008 to be precise) as you may have guessed not much happens round The Northern Beaches and I’m not kidding you – every issue of The Manly Daily since that first one has had some update of the incident. Whether it be about the many petitions that the parents and friends associations are starting to get Tziolas back on the books, yesterday it was all about how one child (in year one) started a petition to get her teacher back. Being an intern at CLEO nearly every week, I am outraged at the accusations towards such an influential and empowering mag.
Thanks to smh.com.au for the picSince when has a 9 year old even taken interest in a mag with as old as a readership as CLEO mag – in saying that I mean these kids are barely reading Girlfriend and Dolly – let alone CLEO. I have the issue sitting right next to me and the shoot has been done in very good taste – I’m not that into perving on naked couples but, hey, it has to be said – they look hot. Not that you can even see ‘anything’. Pfft with whoever is being so close-minded! Get over yourselves!
I’d love to know your thoughts on the scandal!?
Next thing – the count down to the Sex and the City Movie is on! Only 23 days to go!! Can you wait? Coz I know I can’t!! Did I mention I am visiting the before meantioned home town of NYC? No?! Oh well, let’s just say the city that never sleeps and myself will be getting very acquainted in approximately 7 months from now (and yes, that is Christmas and New Years!)!!!
The awesome foursome looking trendy as in down town NYCThe last of my yarn ends on one of the most anticipated series returns of the year (not) Big Brother 08 – yawn! Despite being very excited to see how Kyle and Jackie O tackle The House I was a little disappointed. I mean, what’s with the house mates this year??? Kyle and Jackie O I love you both long time and congrats on the new gig, but, I’m just a bit confused by the bunch of freaks that are in there this year? All Dixie does is eat and sleep, Saxon – well he was the first evicted and that says it all, then there’s Nobbi – who’s probably the most entertaining out of the lot, grandma needs to take a trip back to her home town and Blondie needs a slap across the face straight back into reality, right after slap Princess Sparkles back there too. Corey is probably the most interesting in there and even he annoys me how he doesn’t want to get under anyone’s skin – he really shows how young he is when he declines tasks from Big Brother. Not that I’m watching it or anything – this is just from speculation forums you know – hehe??
Love, love, love these entertaining/glam hosts but the housemates are another story......Anyways Bloggettes please send me an email about anything – what you’re doing if you’re enjoying Thoughts, if you miss me writing often. Any of your thoughts would be lovely. Thoughts@live.com.au
Peace Out,
Girl Next Door xoxoxox
Sunday, 4 May 2008
"Why would you wanna watch over-weight people lose weight?"
"Umm, because it's inspirational for a start! Watching people overcome their fears and obstacles helps you get through your own. Why do you think the 'reality' of such a series does so well and is worth thousands of dollars? Like, duh!"
Just a little extract from a conversation my boyfriend and I were having with one of his friends a couple of weeks ago. Obvi, we were discussing the show where transformations are a reality and over-eating is merely a thought (and for those who took the plunge an extra 6 hours in the gym)from last week's 'Temptation'. I am of course referring to one of the biggest make over shows currently invading our prime time hot spot: The Biggest Loser.
Finishing up last week the monster of all shows took us through 3 months of 12 overwieght Aussie's and their journey's. The trainers (what I would do to train with them!) Michelle Bridges and Shannon Ponton delved into the contestants private lives and brought out the reasons behind what exactly made them 'fat' and brought their problems to the surface, somewhere where Australia could see them too. They overcame their obstacles with hard work and determination and showed the nation how strong they really are. Then, in all their glory, new outfits (and spray tans) came out onto the stage on Thursday night and flaunted their brand new bodies to Australia.
Although I love this show I do have to question it. These people are thrown into an extreme exercise and eating routine as soon as they enter the house - there was one week where the two teams got to choose their meals for the week. The choice was either cabbage or unmarked tins of food. Never in the outside world would they ever be faced with this dilemma. It's unrealistic. Surely a task where they were sent to the supermarket to pick out their own ingredients for meals for the week would have been more educational for them?
And what about the 'Temptations', where the contestants were faced with meals of up to 3000 calories? In an attempt to gain Immunity for the week (to stay in 'The Game') they would gorge themselves on the first thing they could get their hands on. This was happening right up until the second last week of the reality show. Then they'd be punished in the gym for up to an extra 6 hours that night. I feel like running til I can't run anymore when I eat a Maxibon sometimes but do I actually do it? 60% of the time, that answer is no. They shoudl be teaching the contestants it's not evil to eat something 'bad' from time to time, we need to otherwise our cravings will get the better of us and we'll end up eating that whole block of Cadbury Dairy Milk or that whole packet of Tim Tams.
The exercise routine they were involved in was up to 8 hours every single day of the week. That's alot of exercise for someone who's never set foot on a treadmill before, sometimes I find it hard to get up the energy/motivation to go for 20 minutes and I'm a gym-junkie!
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An inspirational weightloss from Sean
In past Biggest Losers many of the contestants have put the weight straight back on as soon as they're back home. It just goes to show how easily and quickly they can slip off the band wagon, as quickly as they jumped onto it. Take a contestant from this year, for example, Sean who's starting weight was 174.6kg - one of the biggest on the show to begin with, his goal weight was 94kg. He's now at 94.8 and looks like a different person - I didn't recognise him when they brought him out on the finale night! He lost almost 100kg in 3 months. It's not healthy to lose weight so fast - if you spoke to a personal trainer they'd tell you 1-2kg every 2 weeks is what's healthy. Remember the fireman last year? He was super thin when he was on the finale but has now put a few kilos back on - enough for us to be able to notice. Even the gorgeous Fiona from 2006's series has put some of it back on. I have spoken with alot of my friends about this - even ones that are personal trainers and they don't really rate the show for this reason. It should be part of the program that when they get out of The House, they get involved with a personal trainer regularly and get as much nutritional help as possible. Cause the journey isn't over yet - it's not even close. They've been lucky enough to be monitored for the past 3 months, their next obstacle is to keep away from the kitchen in the coming months.
Don't get me wrong though, these people have come a long way. Losing weight when you're that overweight takes alot of courage and determintation. The amount of weight each and every one of the contestants lost is inspirational - my congratulations goes out to them and all of their families - best of luck in the future guys, now you can go on living a long, and healthy life.
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The Yummy Mummy all of Oz are talking aboutSunday, 20 April 2008
What is the meaning behind true success?
Fresh out of a screening of Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion (in my loungeroom) has got me thinking about something that has plagued my mind for the past 5 years – ever since I left high school. I was always the unlucky one at school, I got teased for my foreign last name, wasn’t exactly the dux of the school and had one too many a-hole guys make my life in high school something that I would rather not remember.
I finished my High School Certificate (HSC), got my UAI – which I was planning on taking to uni to do a communications degree with – although it had other plans for moi: a grand total of 33.4% left me in a bit of a rut. I called my friends at the place I had spent my last 3 school holidays: Girlfriend Magazine and within 48 hours I had my dream job at my fingertips. No longer was I the ‘nobody chick’ who had the non-reciprocal crushes on the cutest boys in primary school or the girl who lusted after being in the popular group. I was me and being myself is what got me the most amazing first job anyone could ever think of. I had it all: The Job which of course equalled Success. I can even recall the day I got my first set of business cards, complete with my mobile telephone number on them. I went out to my usual Thursday night hang (Northern Beaches A.A) and handed them out like it was going out of fashion. By the end of the night one of my friends came running up to me screaming, “Bella, I was just dancing on the d-floor and could feel something under my foot, I picked it up and there was your business card stuck to the bottom of my shoe.” I couldn’t have wished for more. I was in my element. Until I started to take my 'success’ for granted. Those Thursday night pub trips became a habit that were far too familiar. Getting home at the crack of dawn was a normal part of my life, which left Fridays not exactly at most productive. Little did I know that what I was doing was actually not that normal at all and putting my job in major jeopardy. After being close to losing one of most amazing experiences of my life, I was given an ultimatum. Pull up your socks, focus on the job you have or move over, after all a million girls would kill for your job. It was the slap in the face I needed and I got out of my toxic habits and back into a routine where I could perform at my absolute best.
I bet those of you who knew about my first job are very surprised: the glitz and glamour of having an amazing job is not as easy as it seems. Lesson One: Success is not about what you’re doing, it’s about how you’re doing it.
I could name you about 10 women who have shaped the meaning of success for me over the past 5 years. Out of those 10 I'll share 3 with you.
Number One: My Mum. There you go thinking ahead of yourself again – no my mum and I have not always had the most perfect relationship, infact there are times in my teenage/adolescent years where I think she could have killed me (figuratively speaking). I haven’t exactly been an angel all my life and have put my mum through some tough times, not to mention everything she has experienced herself. Without going into it into detail I can tell you that I have never seen such determination. My mum has single handedly started up her own business and still has time to be a mum to me, my brother and my sister. Did I mention that 6 months ago she had severe Chronic Fatigue and could not even get out of bed? Now that's what I call success. Or my best friend, we’ll call her Phoebe (he he), made me realise something quite spectacular just the other night; for the past 5 years I have been trying to work my way up the magazine ladder, my dream is to one day be a beauty writer/editor for a magazine in Sydney/New York/London. The past 18 months of my life have revolved around this dream. Phoebe explained to me her move in the next 2 years – having just given handed over the reigns of Junior Fashion Ed at Girlfriend Magazine this girl was at the peak of her career, although that was her dream, now her dream is to travel the world, explore new places and people and enjoy life. She doesn’t care what job she has as long as she’s earning enough money to have fun. Another amazing success story.
And, how about the many women who I have been given the privilege to work with over the past 5 years – how they’ve followed their dreams and how success has shown up on their doorstep. My ex-boss, Miss Sarah Oakes – now ex-Girlfriender who had a dream to make Girlfriend Magazine Number One (Dolly has always been Number One according to logistics) in the space of 3 years she took a magazine that many girls glanced at to making every teen who reads Dolly pick up Girlfriend instead and become as passionate as she is about it. Now only 450 copies are separating the two mags. Talk about close! Now current Editor of Cleo Magazine, future Editor-in-Chief of every woman’s magazine possible (OK maybe not gospel yet but anything is possible).
Do you smell success? Coz I certainly do. All the things these women have in common?
They have followed their dreams.
They have helped me understand my dreams and even if I don't have them right now that's OK. What would a dream be if it was all wrapped up and given to you straight away anyways? What's important is that I have dreams. Even if I turn up to my 10 year high school reunion working at McDonalds. As long as I stay true to my dreams, I am successful. Like so many of the women I look up to.
You know who you are.
Peace Out,
Girl Next Door xoxo
