Highly doubtful

I have a bad habit of seriously doubting myself sometimes. It's like a little bit of an anxiety attack every time I write a story, a blog entry, or voice a (hopefully) fabulous idea. You see, no matter how much thought or effort I put into some projects, I seem to always have this niggling feeling in the back of my mind that someone else has already done it, and done it better! I hold others (those who's work I admire) up on a pedestal and can't seem to accept that maybe, just maybe, people feel that same way about me.

Working in a creative industry where there is no black and white answer, no right or wrong way of doing something, the boundaries can become really fuzzy. Am I spending too much time on this? Does this headline sound as good as the one that ran in that other (competitor) magazine? Does anyone even read what I write?

Everyone has their own style but I tend to float around a bit... I see lots of things I like, done in ways I find interesting, and I try to meld parts of that with my own way of doing things. I'm not one of those completely individual, I'm so-cool-and-I-know it types, even though I envy their confidence. And whether people like to admit it or not, there is an element of copying is in everyone's work in the creative industry. Ideas don't always just stem out of thin air - we take inspiration from the things around us. The people we meet, the books we read, the people we meet, the conversations we overhear on the train.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but you've got to know when to stop. In high school most of the girls in my friendship group were fiercly protective of their "individual" wardrobe. It was a heinous crime to turn up to the beach/ a party wearing the same top/ dress/ pair of jeans that so and so wore just last week to that huge slumber party. You just didn't do it. No-one wants to be called a copycat.

That's why I admire friends/ writers/ artists/ musicians that truly take a stand, go out on a limb and expose themselves for the world to see, and scrutinise. Thankfully, I have with time, stopped proof reading my work a thousand times before filing it, and changing my mind a thousand times (damn Libra indecisiveness) about how I want to do something.

The best part about growing up is learning and growing into yourself. Finding out who you really are, what you really like and actually having the guts to come out and admit it. To throw off stereotypes and old negative thoughts and to find what really makes you happy. And to get a little bit personal now and then... like I have just totally done!

If you're doubting yourself about something right now, don't worry so much. Go with your gut - women's intuition is (almost) never wrong! : )

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Cute website

If you're lucky enough to be jetting off overseas sometime soon, you might like to check out Ciao Bella Travel. This cute Australian shopping site specialises in what they've called "single shots" - the allowed portions of essential carry-on beauty products like moisturiser and toner, as well as penty of cute mini beauty products, oh and of course, the clear bag you'll now need to carry these products on the plane with you.

They also have a great range of luggage - carry on bags, laptop bags, totes and travel wallets - travel guides, and other travel goodies.

I'm loving their cute range of shoe and lingerie bags.

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Use what you've got

A very wise friend of mine once said: "Life gives us exactly what we need to get where we're supposed to go." And if you think about it, this one little sentence sums about just about anything that's ever happened in your life! Instead of concentrating on the things we don't have, we should be focussing on what we do. There's a reason some opportunities pass us by, or certain people come into our lives. If you were really meant to get that job, you would have. Or if you really are meant to be with that person for the rest of your life, you will be.

You've got to use what you've got to make your own path. And sometimes you need to just sit and wait a little while to know what you're supposed to do. I used to think Rome had to be built in a day, so to speak, and am still a little guilty of pouncing on new ideas with a little too much gusto... and then realising I need to slow down and reflect first. But as my boyfriend tells me, at least I'm motivated and inspired by things around me. He compliments me on my initiative (even though sometimes I go off on tangents and he probably switches off to what I'm saying)! Well, he can only be so interested in my latest obsession can't he?

If life has given me this passion then I'm going to use it! I read a fantastic quote while considering this topic for today's blog that sums it up perfectly...

"Unless you’re willing to have a go, fail miserably, and have another go, success won’t happen." Phillip Adams

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New week, new hairstyle

I'm not one for shying away from new hair do's - nothing too extreme of course - but in the last couple of years I've gone from long blonde, to shoulder length black, back to to long blonde (after many months of dealing with a hideous black/brown/blonde transition), and on Friday night I decided to go back short again. I love short hair - it's so much easier to manage and you can do so much more with it. My inspiration? Cameron Diaz in the holiday with a little bit of the "pob" a la Victoria Beckham's longer at the front, shorter at the back 'do.

Now I just have to improve my blow-drying skills... and I might even go a bit shorter next time. Why not? It's only hair!

My hair stylist, Elizabeth at Cast Hairdressers on Oxford St, is the best!

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I want...

Fleur Wood's house (as seen in Marie Claire magzine)! The stained glass windows, the dining chairs and table settings... absolutely beautiful! Actually, just to have a house would be lovely...

Exciting news!

OneTeaspoon designer Jamie Blakey is collaborating with Le Specs to design a retro range of sunnies for Summer 2007. And who said Ray Bans were the only must-have specs of the year?

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I'm totally hearting...

This gorgeous beauty idea! Rainbow eyes were the hottest trend at Fashion Week, and this example with aqua and lilac (one of my fave colour combinations) is not too OTT. Might have to try it out this weekend...

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I ♥Cupcakes!

How gorgeous and melt-in-your-mouth delicious are cupcakes?! The pretty frosting, cute decorations... there's just something special about a cupcake. Which explains the recent resurgence of the baked treats, with specialised stores popping up all over the place. Ever since Sex in The City began worshipping Magnolia Bakery in New York, people have beome obsessed. US chain Sprinkles Cupcakes has even started selling their signature mixes to the public so you can recreate the little goodies at home (available in the US only).

There are several high quality cupcake stores around Sydney. My Little Cupcake in Neutral Bay is a personal fave (we have used their cupcakes in several shoots and they don't last long in the office). They have three sizes, starting from $1.70 each, in either vanilla or chocolate sponge. They also have luscious lamingtons made with their special recipe which come in a variety of pastel colours, topped with shavings of coconut. Yum!

Cupcakes on Pitt, are a bit more extravagant in the flavour and decoration stakes, ranging from Lemon Meringue to Honeycomb and Tiramisu. At $3.50 each, they're great for a special treat.

In Brisbane, check out Cupcakes By K. They have a special "Crocs Rule" cupcake! And these gorgeous cupcakes came from Jan Power's Farmers Markets, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm.

I've even discovered a blog all about cupcakes - now these girls are obsessed!

Does anyone else have a craving for a cupcake... ?

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My life is set to music

I was thinking...
Isn't it amazing how you can forget people's names, or the answers to a test, yet you can recite every word of Natalie Imburglia's "Torn"? Once you know a song, your brain just seems to store it in a specially made song compartment for future use! Perhaps we have radio's repeated playlists to thank for this... or drunken nights singing (or screaming) along to your favourite songs at the local pub.

I was thinking...
How cool it is that one single song, or a band, or muscian, can take you to a different place in your life, or remind you of someone you once knew. I have songs that scream "high school prom", "going out when I just turned 18", "my obsessed with The Doors phase" and "all-time happy songs". You could create a thousand playlists on your iPod to take you right through your life.

I was thinking...
There are no real "super" groups or bands anymore. Sure there are HEAPS of great bands, good singers and cool songs... but does any star today really have the status of The Beatles, Madonna or Michael Jackson (in his day)? Music is so recyclable now... click, download, click, play, click, delete... shuffle 10,000 songs instead of playing your favourite classic albums.

I was thinking...
How hard it would be to choose an absolute top 10 favourite songs of all time. But I've tried! I could have listed 100. (I'm sure it will change as soon as I think of a great song I've forgotten) See my list below and add a comment to let me know what you would choose : )

1. Tiny Dancer, Elton John
2. Drive, Incubus
3. Hello I Love You, The Doors
4. Cailin, Unwritten Law
5. Fast Car, Tracy Chapman
6. Diamonds on The Inside, Ben Harper
7. Don't Speak, No Doubt
8. Landslide, Fleetwood Mac
9. With or Without You, U2
10. My Friend, Groove Armada

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Angry days

Yesterday started out like a normal Sunday... we were heading out to have some breakfast, but when we walked up to our car in the "secure" car park, we discovered a window had been smashed in, and a few little things (like work keys) stolen. Being broken into is bad enough, but this was the second time it had happened in the past year! So I knew I was in for a bad day.

You know, those days where nothing seems to go right. When every little thing irritates you to no end. When you just want to scream your lungs out and hit something really hard. Well, yesterday was one of those day. I call them my "I hate Sydney" days. When I hate everything about the city - where I live, the people on the street, the people who can't drive... I generally hate everything for the entire day.

Of course I know I'm being a bit of brat, and continuing my sullenness on purpose, but I don't care! There's nothing that could make me happy on a day like this - not even chocolate. Yesterday I snapped at my boyfriend for no reason, took my mum on a very cranky car ride, and generally just wanted to go home and go to bed so the whole day would be over!

I think there's something about being around your family that allows you to get away with this type of behaviour too. I would never act like this at work, or while with a group of friends. When we're with the people we're closest to, our true colours really come alive. Thankfully, they love me no matter what, and after a good night's sleep, I can put the whole awful day behind me : )

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Tourist in your home town

My mum is visiting from the Sunshine Coast this weekend to celebrate her birthday tomorrow (Happy Birthday mum!) and the best thing about having an inter-state visitor, is the opportunity to be a tourist too. Our plans for the weekend include going to the ballet tonight - mum is very excited about seeing a show in the Opera House - then some shopping tomorrow followed by pedicures for both of us, and a delicious dinner at Pazzo on Crown St, Surry Hills.

But all mum really wants out of this weekend is to go for a drive, see something new. And there's so many great destinations to choose from! We could travel down the south coast, take the scenic ocean road to Wollongong and over to the blow hole at Kiama. Or perhaps head north and visit Palm Beach. Then, there's always the choice of a day trip to the Blue Moutains or the Hunter Valley too. When you come from a small town, seeing anywhere different is exciting!

The great thing about doing touristy things in your own town is that you get to see it through an outsiders' eyes. Why not try a new restaurant, do a scenic walk you've always thought about doing but never done, visit local attractions (like the aquarium), discover new markets or join a tour bus or boat (they always provide great information)? You'll see a new side to the city!

Have a great weekend : )

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Josh Goot - What do we think?

Josh Goot's range for Target was officially announced today, even though it has been on the grapevine for a while now. Here's the top piece from the budget-conscious range - the grey marle trench. But my thoughts are, if I'm not rail thin, will any of his clothes suit me anyway? Let's see if the hype lives up to the Stella McCartney mahem.

PS. If you're still sad about missing out on Stella stock - go to the new Target store in Broadway shopping centre (in Sydney). They've got plenty of it on sale... including the everyone-had-to-have-it trench at $100 off.

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I'm loving my new shoes

I took advantage of Payless Shoes' "buy one pair, get the second pair 1/2 price" deal last night, purchasing these patent Mary-Jane platform heels (mine are black - great with black tights), and a cute pair of zebra-print ballet flats. Only $65 for two pairs of shoes. Bargain!

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Asking for help

When I first started working full time, like most graduates, I was super keen to impress and wanted to show my bosses how fabulous/ capable/ professional I was. I absorbed as much information as I could, took on extra tasks, always offered my assistance, and was rewarded with pay rises and promotions. But when it came to the point when I was working two people's jobs and putting in 12 hours per day, I started to question what I was doing.

To cut a long story short, the lesson I've since leaned is there's nothing wrong with asking for help. It shows you're human! You can't possibly know eveything, so use the resorces you have around you. And you don't have to do everyone else's job, just your own. Asking questions doesn't mean you're dumb, it shows you're interested and want to learn all you can. Asking for help shows initiative, not defeat.

And work is not the only area where this applies. Many times in life we can become so bogged down with problems and worries but we don't want to "bother" our friends and family, and therefore are taking on too much. The irony is that these people are your support network - they want to be there for you in your time of need. In fact, they feel special and important when you ask them for help... or to simply listen to your worries.

So if you need some help, don't be embarrassed to ask : )

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Leo Buscaglia

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Hot trend: Headbands

This season we say bye bye to the beloved Alice bands that were the essential hair accessory of '06, and hello to pretty satin, and jeweled headbands.

My personal fave is Marc Jacobs' mesh bands, adorned with chunky sparkling jewels. You can grab a rip-off headband like this at www.shopintuition.com for US$48 (or US$60 for the satin version) but personally, I think you can get the look yourself from Spotlight with the aid of a nifty glue gun for a fraction of that price... I plan to check it out this weekend and see what I can come up with!

Prada's satin turban-style headbands may have raised a few eyebrows when they first debuted, but already stars are wearing them at any opportunity (see MK&A) and you can bet there will soon be copycat headbands in stores across Oz. Again, if you're willing to spend a bit and want one now, Shop Intuition has copies for US$105.

Flapper-style headbands are also going to be huge for more formal events : )

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Cute website

About a year ago I interviewed the Astro Twins - identical twin sisters, Tali and Ophira Edut, from New York - who have created a loved-by-celebrities horoscope business. Their website www.astrostyle.com is super cute and has everything to "de-sign" your life, as they call it. You can discover more about your star sign, read your horoscopes, learn about numerology and chinese horoscopes, and even get a free sample reading.

I'm not one of those obsessed-with-star-signs people, but I do think the characteristics of the signs usually ring true... and it's a bit of fun to read your horoscopes.

My description? "Libras love to be surrounded by art, culture and beauty in a soft, harmonious environment. You love good food and expensive things. Lovely Libra knows how to charm but behind your dimples and sweet personality, you're a fighter. Libra is the sign of the scales, and you can't stand anything that's unfair or unbalanced. You love a designer outfit as much as you adore a good debate. You'll stand up for justice, and you'll do it with style."

Hmmm sounds pretty good to me!

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Appreciate what you've got

As I was watching The Lost Tribes on TV last night, I was torn between scoffing at the teenage girls' struggles with roughing it like they've never known, and wondering exactly how I would react if placed in the same situation with a TV camera in my face. What it did make me realise was how silly and materialistic a lot of the "necessities" we have to have, really are.

Over indulgence is never a good look - especially when it comes to eating and drinking. But it's also extremely unnatractive to see people overindulging in ridiculous luxuries everyday (like most celebrities). Sure, I'd be emotionally distressed if I was deprived of running water, electricity and a soft bed... but I'd like to think I could survive for quite a while without the little things like a hair straightener, or internet connection, or coffee.

For the "contestants" on The Lost Tribes, one thing's for sure - they'll return home with immense gratefulness for their little luxuries. They will have learnt to appreciate what they've got, and hopefully appreciate the amazing tribes they have been living with, and how they can live with so little, yet be so happy. I think they're extremely lucky to experience such a thing... even if they were going through hell at the time. And I also think it's a lesson everyone should learn.

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"A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour." Anonymous

Good news day?

Is it just me, or does anyone else find the news completely depressing. I don't know whether I simply read and watch the news more these days, or that horrible crimes are on the uprise, but it seems there are so many shocking stories simply slotted in with the latest news on Paris's jail sentence, or the federal budget!

Some headlines today include:

"Cleaner photographs kids on toilet"
"Cop murderer shot disabled teen"
"Mum sold daughter for $US3000"

Gee, they all sound like delightful stories, don't they?

Recently we've heard news of two 16-year-old girls murdering their friend without remorse, two young men from Brisbane stabbing a teenager to death before beheading him and using his head as a puppet, and the MySpace dual suicide pact. Disgusting. Disturbing. Depressing.

Sometimes I feel the need to switch off from all media and focus on nicer things. TV is crap most of the time anyway. Don't even get me started on current affairs shows! I'm not going to attempt to ponder why these horrible crimes are happening or why TV shows like CSI continue to make money of such "fictional" crimes, almost every night of the week. I personally think it's a sad reflection on our society when some of the top rating TV shows are full of violence and sexual crimes. No offence to anyone who enjoys these shows, but I'm just not into them.

I'm not going to go all "puppies and sunshine" on you, but I think we'd all do better to switch off the TV, get outside, be in the company of people we love, eat, drink, talk, laugh and simply enjoy life. And let's all hope that we never have to be involved in anything like the terrible crimes of late.

Have a happy and safe weekend : )

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Rate it or hate it?

Time to get involved, readers of "Notes"! I rant and rave about fashion most days, but I want to hear what you think of the following celeb looks. Do you rate 'em or hate 'em. Post a comment and let me know (it's easy to get a login name).

Cameron Diaz visiting TRL studios.


Carmen Electra at the launch of her book "How to Be Sexy".


Rihanna at TRL studios.


America Fererra (Ugly Betty) at Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People Party.

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Live Earth

Sydney will be kicking off the 24-hour Live Earth music event to take place around the world on July 7 and yesterday artists were announced. If you haven't heard of Live Earth yet, it's kind of like the Live 8 concerts that took place a few years back to help Make Poverty History. This time around, Al Gore is hoping his Live Earth concerts will help educate the world about global warming and other environmental issues.

I'll definitely be buying tickets to see the newly-reformed Crowded House, Jack Johnson, Wolfmother, Missy Higgins, John Butler Trio, Sneaky Sound System and many more! Tickets are $99 (including free public transport for the day) and go on sale next Friday, 18th May at 9am through Ticketek.

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Friends for different stages

You've probably read that chain email that talks about having friends for a reason, friends for a season and friends for life (if you haven't, you probably get the gist from my mini explanation anyway). It's one chain email that has always stuck in my head because it rings so true. I believe everyone comes into your life for a reason. As you grow older, you make friends and you lose them. But when I look back at some of the friendships I've enjoyed, still have or have lost, I realise that many of my friends were there for me at different stages of my life.

There were friends to get me through high school, friends to teach me to step outside my comfort zone, friends to work with, friends to travel with, friends to live with, friends to party with, friends to spend hours on the phone with and friends who are always there making me smile. As a teenager, when friendships went bad I would always think it was the end of the world (I'm not big on conflict to start with). And as I went through my late teens and early twenties, and another couple of friendships dissolved for various reasons, I started to see it as not such a bad thing after all.

I realised that as we get older, it's natural to grow apart from some people - how are you meant to know who you'll still have stuff in common with as an adult, on the first day of high school? I've come to accept that even though friendship break ups can be painful, sometimes they are for the best. It doesn't mean that you didn't have a great friendship with them at the time, or that you didn't learn from each other, but simply that it's just time to cut your ties.

A close friend of mine likes to live by the motto: "only spend time with people who make you feel good." And it really is as simple as that. For some friendships, the dynamics might change because you change jobs, move house, start a new realtionship or make other friends. There's no point hanging on to something that doesn't work anymore just for old times sake.

Now, the people I count as friends in my life are there because I value them and they value me. And it's the nicest feeling in the world : )

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Logies Misses

I didn't watch the Logies last night (was watching The Holiday on DVD - so good!) but after trawling through the pic agency sites to check out who was wearing what, I'm not too impressed. Maybe it's just me, but every awards show tends to be a bit dissapotining in the fashion stakes... perhaps they simply try too hard (or they need a new stylist, pronto). Here in no particular order are my least faves:

Someone must have forgotten to inform Avril that the Logies is a black tie event... either that, or she couldn't give a stuff... and if I was her, I probably wouldn't either.

Young Indiana usually has quite cool style but this silver number does absolutely nothing for her.

Whoops! Looks like Ada missed her fitting appointment. Surely she would never have worn a potato sack that's three times too big for her on purpose. Would she?

If she knew what was good for her, Brooke Hanson wouldn't have worn a dress that resembled Ursula from the Little Mermaid!

Is it just me, or does this one remind you of something you would have found on the bargain rack at Dotti circa 2001?

And ordinarily you wouldn't imagine Jennifer Hawkins ever looking bad in something but I have to say, this white creation has done it.

Oh Jessica, didn't you read the bad reviews Cameron Diaz copped when she wore this dress to a recent premiere?

I'm sorry but there's only four words for this - Mutton dressed as lamb.

Ugh! Who invited Malibu Barbie?

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Designer collaborations

If you want to bag yourself a piece of Kate Moss's Topshop collection jump online now! Go to www.topshop.com and click on the Kate Moss Collection to check it out - just remember the exchange rate and $25 delivery fee. I sadly don't have any money left after my great Queensland weekend but if I did I'd purchase these cool swallow sunnies!

PS. If rumours are correct then the next Designers for Target range will come from up-and-comer Josh Goot! And Lily Allen has just signed a deal with New Look to have her own celebrity designer range in the UK. When will it end?!

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