Stuck for a Valentines’ gift idea for your man? No time to go shopping? Well, The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide has got your cupid’s ass covered. Here are some fabulous ideas that are all available online. Just get your manicured nails at the ready and clickety click on the purple links. Easy. We like that.

1. iPad 2 from Vodafone

2. Steve Jobs autobiography $17.49 on Amazon.

3. iTunes voucher from the Apple store

4. iPhone 4 with Siri from Vodafone

5. Books from Book Depository (free worldwide shipping)

6. Discounted books from Amazon.

7. Personalised Valentine’s Day cards from Moonpig. Only $5.95, printed and posted the same day.

8. Buy a Wine Selectors subscription and have wine sent straight to his door.

9. Magazine subscription from iSubscribe.

10. Choose from over 2500 unique experiences from RedBalloon.

11. A giftcard from Westfield. or shop their 100 online stores with free delivery.

12. Get him a DVD subscription from Quickflix (with the first month free).

13. Clinique For Men

14. Ben Sherman shorts

15. Calvin Klein Underwear

16. Wallet from Saba

17. Tie from Saba

18. Redken for Men haircare at discounted prices

19. View the complete Saba for Men collection

By Michelsen Linn (a.k.a. The Girl in Oslo)

After leaving her heart in Melbourne during her travels as a 20 something, The “Girl in Oslo” returned to her homeland. Whilst she dreams of returning to the hidden laneways, culture and creativity of Melbourne, she has fully immersed herself back into life in Norway. Here she shares with us her favourite things to do and see. – Ed.

The great thing about Oslo is how very small it is compared to other capitals around the world, which means you can practically walk everywhere. But I also recommend that if you choose to visit, that you buy a subway/tram pass for the week and really do some exploring.

Over the years my lovely city has changed into a much more vibrant and pulsating place to live, than it was when I grew up 30 minutes outside the city center (the girl was born in Bærum).

Here are  few links for places I love in Oslo.

ASTRUP FEARNLEY MUSEUM

I am a huge fan of this museum when they show the Norwegian painter Odd Nerdrum and Andy Warhol.

EGER SHOPPING MALL

Eger carries designer goods that you normally don’t get from other places.

CAFE SOR

Enjoy great food and coffee at Cafe Sor in an atmosphere that is really chilled with some great DJ’s.

BLAA OSLO

If you want to go clubbing or listen to a free Sunday concert visit, Blaa Oslo. The vibe is great and you will meet many different people from all walks of life.

EDGEBLOOM 

I would like to introduce everyone to a Norwegian lifestyle brand Edgebloom, owned by two somewhat young men, Joakim Sellberg and Adrian Leversby.

It’s philosophy is that one`s potential aptitude for attaining a great lifestyle is limitless, and if a person dares to think differently they can influence others. Their core values are to live sustainably in balance and simplicity.

They sell everything from shoes to sweaters for both her and him. As far as thoughts behind the designs, Joakim and Adrian describe the clothes as being simple and elegant with a deeper significance. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication says Leonardo da Vinci, and we take his word for it”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelsen Linn a.k.a. The Girl in Oslo, is a 30 something girl that works with computers day, and night. She left her heart in Melbourne as a 20 something, and has been wanting to go back ever since. She is a doer and not a waiter. Lover of books and photography. She believes that everything in life depends on one thing. YOU. If you’re traveling to Norway or want to discover more about Oslo, make sure you visit the Girl In Oslo‘s blog.

Call me Grinch, but I’m not a fan of the obligatory gift giving that comes with Christmas and birthdays and don’t even get me started on the cheesiness of Valentine’s day.

I much prefer to give gifts at random “I saw this and thought of you” moments.

The Awl and The Huffington Post both ran articles on this last month, and I couldn’t agree more.

Let’s face it, we’re adults. Don’t we already have everything we need anyway? If we want something, we generally buy it. I mean an Aston Martin would be very nice (thanks Pup), but you’re not typically going to find the keys to one of those wrapped up on February 14.

Does anyone hold off on a purchase, drop hints and sit around waiting until Christmas or their birthday? Doesn’t that ruin the whole surprise anyway?

This is what makes gift giving under the pressure of a mandatory occasion so difficult. Agree?  Not to mention circling for a parking space, crowded shopping centers, slow walkers, long queues and “unspecified item in the bagging area”. Hideous.

Well, take a load off sugar, because here are some gifts for any time of year and you can buy them online. Genius.

Gifterati

Don’t you hate it when you’re rushing to be ready on-time, in the middle of dinner or giving birth and your phone beeps. A message! Who could it be? Half the time it’s a shop you went to five years ago or Facebook letting you know someone that’s practically a stranger has commented on a photo or sent you a friend request. Whatever.

A Facebook message from a friend sending you a gift from Gifterati? That’s different.

Gifterati allows you to post gifts on your friends Facebook walls which they will then receive in their real-life mail box a few days later. You don’t even need to know their address as they will be prompted for a delivery address as part of the process. Clever.

Gifterati operates throughout Australia and offers a variety of gifts including chocolates, wine, candles, beauty products, donations, adventures and magazine subscriptions.

Estee Lauder Resilience Lift

At 46, Elizabeth Hurley looks amazing and I’m tipping she knows a thing or two about skincare. Yep, I’ll have what she’s having and I’m not referring to Warney here.

Enter the Estee Lauder Resilience Lift collection. Firming, sculpting and radiance enhancing, what’s not to love?  I have the eye cream and this product delivers. It fades dark circles and nourishes and blurs the look of fine lines making the eye area more luminous. The only thing I need to worry about now is – where the hell did I leave my proof of age ID?

Visit the Estee Lauder online store. They are offering free shipping and free samples with every order during January 2012.

MOR e-Boutique

With packaging that demands prime position on bathroom shelves you’ll be sitting pretty with this gift.

Select from luxurious body butters, candles, hand creams, lip glosses, triple milled soaps and Mor (get it). All of them sweet-smelling and fragrant. Oh, as if you aren’t sweet enough sugar buns.

Enjoy free samples with orders over $20 and they also offer 30% discount for the month of each customers birthdays. Ace.

Visit the MOR eboutique and receive 15% discount. Use promo code MOR015 – excludes gift sets and sale items.

Groupon

The perfect gift for anyone who, like me, loves to swan about. Groupon offers new and novel deals every day featuring restaurants, leisure, spa, beauty and sport, all at drastically discounted prices.

Yep, you can relax in an exclusive day spa or enjoy a three-course meal for a fraction of the usual price and the best part is, shopping with Groupon Australia is stress free and uncomplicated.

Gift vouchers allow the recipient to select the Groupon offer of their choice and all you have to do is buy, print and give!

WIN!

For your chance to win one of two Groupon gift vouchers, simply leave a comment below with a unique gift idea.

*First prize is valued at $50 and second prize $20.

Entries close on 16th February 2012.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacinta Richmond is an IT Manager by day, recently completing a Master of Business Information Technology degree, however a stereotypical computer nerd, she is not.  At work she is better known for her shoe collection than her IT skills and when she isn’t working, Jacinta loves nothing more than frocking up and swilling a champagne or two at the racetrack.

She adores good hair days, luxury accommodation, picturesque wineries, dining out and swanning about Melbourne’s newest bars, cafes, restaurants and events. Obsessed with trying the latest in beauty, she can often be found lingering at the cosmetic counters of Myer and David Jones, and of course, day spas are her idea of bliss.

For those of us who have visited or lived in the UK, we all know a number of things:

1. Standing on the right side of the elevator in the underground is a crime punishable by death.

2. Sharing an apartment with 13 other people in London will cost you more per month than the Italian national debt.

3. Marks and Spencer’s fabulous food hall is the only place to shop for gourmet take home meals.

But, there are so many more reasons why Marks and Spencer (or ‘Marks and Sparks’ as it is affectionately known) is an institution in the United Kingdom. Think exclusive designers like Conran tailoring homewares for the high street, style experts keeping you abreast of key fashion trends and new season must haves, tips from wine connoisseurs on M&S TV and sublime recipe ideas to bring out the Nigella in you.

For those of you in the UK, well I have to say is – you lucky doers. Because you can not only swan in and out of their stores, but you can also shop online with free UK delivery for orders over 30 pounds.

Do not fret, for those of you have returned to the motherland after years of living in the UK and are still pining for Marks and Spencer, you can still order from them online and keep abreast of the latest in UK fashions, homewares, gifts and sale items. Because we may not miss jostling for a spot on the train as though the carriage contained a sandwich and none of the passengers had eaten for a month, but we sure do miss the cutting edge designs and clothing.

Or, you can send your friends gifts overseas without having to pay exorbitant amounts in postage and the hassle of worrying whether your parcel will get through customs in one piece. M&S deliver to 80 international destinations, making it quick and easy to send a gift abroad to loved ones from Marks & Spencer.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching on February 14th, why not I say I love you by sending flowers, chocolates or gifts from Marks and Spencer?

Click here to visit the range of Valentine’s gifts and flowers on offer from Marks & Spencer.

Click here for delivery information within the UK.

Click here for delivery information for international deliveries.

By Mala McAlpin

The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide invites you all to a night out with artist and designer Colin Heaney as he showcases his latest collections of exquisite fashion, resort wear and homewares, brought to you by Albert Park’s new concept boutique (or gallery, as the creaters prefer to think of it as) The Nomad Project. Enjoy a glass of sangria as you are captivated by Heaney’s gorgeous collaboration of exotic colours and prints, and not only experience his works but meet the artist himself.

Colin Heaney’s artworks span over a much larger field than just fashion or homewares. Previously, his main fields of choice were 3D sculptures and furniture, including successfully designing his own dream Byron Bay home. Other art medias that Heaney has dabbled in include glass, metals, wood, stone, resin and wax, and his unique and inspiring artworks can be found all over the world. Colin’s resort wear collection, which he began in 2009, has made it’s way into high end resorts and boutiques in the lavish Bahamas, the sunny beaches of Miami other exotic and luscious locations worldwide.

Heaney’s fashion collection includes a wide variety of luxury silk Kaftans, headbands and scarves, glass and silk jewellery, swimwear, leggings and dresses. Each masterpiece is intricately designed and crafted as one highly unique piece of wearable art. Colin’s ingenious print designs are also completely his own works. He simply uses images of his world-renowned glass creations and digitally remasters them to create wonderful and extraordinary fashion. Heaney’s homewares collection will transform any home and suit any decor, including a wide variety of satin-feel, durable cushions, glass statues and goblets. Colin even does prints and gift cards (is there anything this man can’t do?!).

Colin Heaney’s artworks are a true phenomenon and inspiration, and his breathtaking exhibition will be more than worth a visit.

We at the Modern Woman’s Survival Guide would be thrilled for all to attend, as it’s sure to be, in all senses of the word, a very colourful evening. Hope to see you there!

Colin Heaney

The Nomad Project(Host)

First Published in Onya Magazine, January 12 2012

When seeking a bar destination in Sydney, it’s not often that you have to go off the beaten track – for there are a myriad of bars on the city streets that you can traipse into with your Manolo Blahniks and order a gin and tonic. But, if you’re searching for something different, something that beckons you away from the bright city lights with its style, sophistication and substance, then I suggest you seek out the award winning Eau De Vie, hidden at the back of the Kirketon Hotel in Darlinghurst.

The owners describe Eau-de-Vie as an intimate, dimly lit, jazz infused speakeasy created for the discerning bon vivant, that transports it guests back to a forgotten era where great service, cocktails, tommy guns and good times were king. Our Hendricks Tea Party was no exception. Served in high tea style in a Victorian tea pot, myself and my guests were treated to a gin cocktail inspired by the owner’s time from their summer in London. Not only were our drinks expertly mixed by Barry our bartender, we were also impressed with the smooth and seamless service, sumptuous lounges and paramount dedication to quality. Nothing was too much trouble.

Read the full article in Onya Magazine.

By Steph Little

“Ever wondered what really goes on behind the slick facade of the PR world? Strictly Confidential will knock your Manolos off!” Gemma Crisp, Editor of Cleo

Strictly Confidential is the hot debut novel from Sweaty Betty PR founder and Sydney socialite Roxy Jacenko. It’s a fun, fresh read that lifts the lid on the inner secrets of the PR world – the good, the bad, and the downright glamorous.

Jasmine Lewis is a smart young publicist at Wilderstein PR in Sydney. Desperate to get her foot firmly on the PR worlds’ cutthroat career ladder, Jazzy Lou (as she’s known) does the office coffee runs, the 5am starts and even her crazy boss Diane Wilderstein’s dry-cleaning pickups. So far, so Devil Wears Prada.

Then one morning Jazzy Lou gets a 3.30am wake up call – superstar client Raven has fallen off the wagon in a Kings Cross nightclub, there are paparazzi clamouring over each other to get a picture of the star and it’s down to Jazzy Lou to clean up the situation, whatever it takes. But the next morning she’s summoned into Diane’s office and her PR dream is over. Or is it?

Luckily for Jazzy Lou, events conspire to help her pick up the pieces and set up her own PR agency, Queen Bee PR. But even then a whole new world of nightmares get in the way: impossible clients; man trouble; dangerously high stress levels and an unexpected stint in hospital; deceptive employees and even more deceptive former bosses.

Following a monumental PR disaster at the Coco Man of the Year Awards, Jazzy Lou has one last chance to pull things together at Australian Fashion Week. Can she save the day, her career and her reputation?

Now let’s be clear – this book isn’t going to win any literature prizes. It’s full of stereotypes and clichés, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to predict exactly how the plot is going to pan out. But the characters are good fun and if you’re interested in the fashion world you’ll get a kick out of the glamorous setting.

The book also delivers on its promise of being a fun, fast read, absolutely jam-packed full of gossip. And sometimes in life, we all need a book like this. If you’re able to get over the slightly annoying ‘PR’ dialogue being thrown around all over the place (OMG! Dah-ling! That’s amaze!) there’s much fun to be had guessing which of the stories are true and which of the celebrities are based on real-life clients at Sweaty Betty PR.

And it’s impossible not to draw the comparisons between Jazzy-Lou and Roxy Jacenko herself: the high-flying career and cutthroat business tactics, the high profile boyfriend and the enviable designer wardrobe.

Strictly Confidential is the perfect light entertainment for fans of Gossip Girl and Sex and the City.  And stay tuned for a rumoured reality TV show set in the Sweaty Betty offices!

Available to buy now, $24.99. Also available on Kindle, $9.99

If you’re a fan of indulgence, Dubai is the ultimate luxury destination. I stopped over in July and fell in love with the glamour and pure opulence of this city, chock-full of the most extravagant hotels, bars, spas and shopping malls in the world.

Stay

With a myriad hotels to choose from, location is key. Think shops or beach? My trip was in the heat of summer, where temperatures soared above 40 degrees, so I opted for the Al Manzil Hotel in Old Town Dubai – just a 5 minute stroll from the Dubai Mall (where I may have given my credit card a workout… may, meaning definitely).

 Old Town Dubai is immaculate, centrally located and maintains an old-Arabian feel which I loved. In comparison, Dubai Marina on the beach-side of the city reminded me of Melbourne docklands. Enough said.

Shop

The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping destination, boasts almost every major fashion brand in the world. Similarly, the equally impressive Mall of the Emirates is home to designer labels and ‘that’ indoor ski slope.

Having travelled to Dubai via New York, I knew my prices and found a lot of the designer stores were more expensive. The stores offering sales however, were another matter entirely. I’m talking Prada sunglasses for $200 and wait… wait… 50% off Dolce & Gabbana.

The alluring indoor souk at the Madinat Jumeirah resort offers a traditional Arabian shopping experience. Think lantern lit hallways lined with boutique stores, sequined and beaded fabrics and beautiful home furnishings. Outside, waterways surround the resort and waterfront restaurants and bars await.

Beyond the glamorous shopping malls, you can take a scenic abra (boat) ride across Dubai creek to the outdoor spice market and gold souk in the evening. In addition to the obvious, you will find traditional but impractical curly-toed beaded slippers, however, walk a little way past the gold souk and there are tons of market stores selling very wearable ballet flats. They are dirt-cheap too, $6-10 depending on your bartering style. I walked away with four pairs and I even picked up some heels.

Oh, and be prepared to be coaxed by those selling rip-off designer handbags to visit their store, which I might add, will be down a back alley and up 3 flights of stairs..

Wine & Dine

The Souk Al Bahar is located in a beautiful setting on the Burj Lake in the heart of Dubai and offers retail shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Waterfront dining here is a must.

Try Baker & Spice for god-that’s-good Middle Eastern influenced fare; or Shakespeare and Co. for coffee and cake in a chic setting.

Iced tea with fresh mint will quench your thirst, and if you’re looking for something stronger, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to nightlife in Dubai. Many of the bars even offer free drinks for the ladies; that’s right free.

Dubai. It’s glitzy, glam and over-the-top and I loved every bit.

Jacinta Richmond is an IT Manager by day, currently studying a Master of Business IT degree at RMIT, however a stereotypical computer nerd, she is not.  At work she is better known for her shoe collection than her IT skills and when she isn’t working, Jacinta loves nothing more than frocking up and swilling a champagne or two at the racetrack.

Jacinta adores good hair days, luxury accommodation, picturesque wineries, dining out and swanning around Melbourne’s newest bars, cafes, restaurants and events. Obsessed with trying the latest in beauty, she can often be found lingering at the cosmetic counters of Myer and David Jones, and of course, day spas are her idea of bliss.

 Image Credits: 1

First Published on The Flight Centre Blog, 10th November 2011

Flight Centre guest blogger Gaynor Alder is introducing you to five places she always takes her guests when they visit her in Melbourne. Take notes, this lady sure knows her stuff when it comes to her beloved Melbourne. – Sam Locke, Flight Centre.

Melbourne embraced me with open arms, and I’ve never looked back. Why do I love thee so you ask? Besides the undeniable style, culture, cafes, restaurants, bars, shopping, and the European architecture, it’s because in Melbourne you can be whoever you want to be. Come and explore Melbourne with me – the Melbourne that calls to me when I wake up every day, and says, I have secrets, come and find them.

Stop #1 The Spice Market

I distinctly remember the first time I entered the Spice Market. The grandeur entrance swept me off my feet with its opulence and the Middle Eastern inspired decor transported me to another world. I was taken on a sensory journey as I explored the bars and private lounges of the Persian Room and Shanghai Lounge, but it wasn’t until I sunk into my plush couch that I was able to fully absorb the ambience of the stunning and unique surrounds.

“The lavish Spice Market takes its inspiration from the ancient spice route travelled by traders of old, and has been exquisitely furnished to reflect this famous journey from Asia Minor through to the Far East. Honouring the Melbourne tradition of laneways and discovery, Spice Market is entered from Beaney Lane, off Russell St, adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.” – The Spice Market.

Click here to read the full article on The Flight Centre Blog.

Image Credit: 1

First Published on the Flight Centre Blog, November 3rd 2011

“Meet Gaynor Alder, a Melbourne based writer with a penchant for all things vintage glamour. Gaynor is originally from Perth and  has now settled in Melbourne after a long term love affair with Paris. Gaynor is the ‘go to woman’ for all things stylish in Melbourne.” – Samantha Locke, Flight Centre Social Media Manager

When not gallivanting around the countryside as a Travel Writer or being the Style Expert for ‘Art of the Cocktail Hour’, you will find her as Editor-in-Chief at The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide, penning her thoughts and writing of her day to day adventures. During November Gaynor will be sharing her top 5 places to dine in Melbourne tips with us.

First of all, here is Gaynor’s story…

As the great Frank Sinatra sings, Melbourne is “my kinda town”. Well, it has been since 2001.  I grew up in Perth with the beach, hot summer nights, endless heat waves and running under the sprinklers in my bathers. I love that Perth was my childhood and I wouldn’t swap it for anything.

As most “Perthites” do, I had an insatiable urge to spread my wings and travel overseas so at 22, I quit my job and bought a one way ticket to England. The plan? Make it up as I go along. I cleaned out my bank account and exchanged it into pounds, leaving me with just enough money to buy a meal at Burger King in London.

As soon as I stepped off the train at Gare De Nord station in Paris, a shiver ran up and down my spine and tears streamed down my face. London may not have been the city for me, but Paris certainly was. I had spent so much time thinking I was some kind of failure for not being able to crack London, when in fact, I never belonged there, and nor did I ever want to. London was frenetic, cold and masculine. Au contraire, Paris was welcoming, serene and feminine. I think it was what you call, love at first sight.

After gallivanting around the UK and Europe for a year, I returned home to Perth, and experienced the horrible transition most have when returning to the motherland. I did my best to fit back into Perth, but I had outgrown it, and like a jumper that has been put through the wash and shrunk, it no longer fit me. Whilst trying to squeeze myself into a city that no longer felt like home, Melbourne started calling my name. Call it an existential crisis if you will, but I prefer to call it destiny.

I booked a ticket for a holiday to see what all the fuss was about, and Melbournedidn’t disappoint me. I wined and dined the city, whilst swiping and signing my plastic along Chapel St. I was smitten with the European lamps, cobblestone streets, lane ways with hidden bars and cool cafes. By the end of the trip, I was certain of one thing. I was moving to Melbourne.

Keep your eye out for my top 5 places to dine in Melbourne tips coming to the Flight Centre blog during November.

By Pia Andersen from Art of the Cocktail Hour

• RSVP before the due date. A good host will send out invitations well in advance, leaving you plenty of time to respond. So return the favour and reply promptly. It’s tardy to have the host chase your reply.
• Ask what you can do to contribute to the evening. A bottle of spirits or a plate of food is a welcome gesture, as is a small token of appreciation for your host, such as a box of sweets or a bouquet of flowers. It needn’t be extravagant to make an impression.
• Be fashionably late. It’s courteous, not impolite, to arrive 10–15 minutes after the designated start time, as this will allow your host a few extra moments to finalise last-minute preparations. But if you’ll be any later than 30 minutes, be sure to call or send a text message to your host to let them know.
• Lend a hand. You don’t have to make a grand gesture; passing a plate around to other guests or simply returning an empty plate or glass to the kitchen is easy and your host is sure to appreciate the extra help.
• Don’t wait to be asked if you’d like another drink. It’s acceptable to help yourself, just be sure to offer other guests and the host a drink when you’re getting one for yourself.

Click here to read the rest of the article in Art of the Cocktail Hour. Follow Art of the Cocktail Hour next week, when Gaynor Alder provides with you tips for styling yourself for your cocktail hour event.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pia Andersen is a singer, stylist and vintage culture aficionado who is intent on decorating the world with a touch of vintage glamour.  She’s also the beauty and brains behind Sydney’s Vintage Allsorts, a performance based events, entertainment and styling agency.

By Jacinta Richmond

They say eyebrows can make, or break a face. In fact, it has long been widely recognised that the shape of your brows has a huge impact on the overall appearance of your face; and that is why, ladies in-the-know flock to Brow Theory.

Brow Theory are a team of brow threading experts and for those of you still waxing – it’s time to get with the program, because threading will change your life.

The Brow Theory salon is chic and fabulous, much like its owner Bridget Culliney, who is one of those people you immediately warm to.

Now, I thought my brows were in pretty good shape, but it’s amazing what those little pieces of cotton can do. The transformation was remarkable and Bridget and her team had me wondering why I waited so long.

Like your brows skinny? Thick? Want the perfect arch? Threading enables absolute precision and Brow Theory hit the nail on the head, every time.

Threading can be performed anywhere on the face – so you might want to get rid of that moustache whilst you’re there; and with a number of celebrity clients, you just never know who you could be sitting next to…

Oh and my MWSG pic? That was taken pre-Brow Theory(!) They now have me sporting a look that is much more on-trend. In fact it’s the best shape I’ve ever had.

Brow Theory has two locations. Its gorgeous candy-pink and white flagship salon on High Street, Armadale; and the more recently opened Brow Theory at Miss Fox Day Spa, Little Collins Street, Melbourne.

In addition to brow grooming by Brow Theory, Miss Fox can cater to your every need with an extensive offering of treatments including: body wraps and scrubs, massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, lashes, makeup, a blow dry & curl bar, waxing, injectables and tanning – yep, they’ve got the lot. Not to mention the Champagne and Martini lounge where you can sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne (G.H. Mumm, no less) or a signature cocktail. Sapphire martini anyone?

What I love about Miss Fox is the discreet code names they provide for waxing appointments. If you work in an open plan office like me, booking in for a ‘Service Type C’ means there is no longer any need for Paul in Accounts to know about your Brazilian. Handy.

So, will you be seen at the spring racing carnival sporting anything other than a Brow Theory brow shape? I won’t.

Brow Theory website: http://www.browtheory.com or follow on Facebook.

Miss Fox website: http://www.missfox.com.au

By Jenna McCarthy

I have a remarkably happy marriage, and people ask me all the time how I got so lucky. (Not as often as they ask me about autism, vaccines and Jim Carrey, so let’s get something straight before we go any further: Not. Her.)

I used to wonder if it had something to do with pheromones or having relatively low expectations, but after eleven years of wedded bliss I am pretty sure the key is some combination of kindness, respect and my ability to read a road map upside down divided by my husband’s skill at tuning out my nagging.

Okay, fine. We got lucky.

Busloads of studies have attempted to figure out why roughly every other marriage fails miserably. Turns out, the success stories share a few similarities beyond the obvious stuff like “they don’t have sex with other people”.  Here, then, are seven scientifically proven* steps to marital ecstasy.

Be thinner and better looking than your husband.

I have no idea why this works to create nuptial delight but I’m guessing it’s because if you’re fat and ugly you probably never want to have sex, which makes him grumpy and mean because sex was the one and only reason he got married in the first place. (Well, that and pie. Think about it: Most guys will never bake a pie in their lifetimes and from what I’ve seen, they really like pie.)

Of course, I don’t know many women who are dying to have sex with fat, ugly men, so this one remains a bit of a mystery. Still it’s good to know because now you can quit feeling guilty about spending money on tennis lessons and Botox; you’re doing it for your marriage, for crying out loud.

Make sure he does more chores than you do (well, duh) and try to talk less than he does.

I have to admit, if you asked my husband the top three things I could do to make him happier, “shut the hell up for five lousy minutes” would probably be on the list. (But not at the tippy-top. Ahem.)

Don’t watch a lot of chick flicks.

Seems that after sitting through Gnomio and Juliet (or any other rom-com) relationship dissatisfaction tends to skyrocket. Apparently this is because maybe it could happen to you but you realize that it hasn’t and it probably won’t and that fat bastard never sprinkled rose petals on your bed, dammit. At least you’re thinner and better looking than he is.

Don’t win a best-actress Oscar.

I included this one because unlike getting hotter or having your jaw wired shut, it’s actually pretty painless and doable. Personally, I am going to make this a priority in my marriage.

Limit your booze consumption (both of you).

No comment.

Become or urge your partner to become a farmer, nuclear engineer or optometrist.

Evidently every career choice has its own unique divorce-risk profile, with these three being on the lowest end. Dancers and  choreographers are pretty much screwed. You can’t make this stuff up.

Prefer having the car windows down.

I haven’t technically seen a study on this, but do you not fight about this every single time you ride in a vehicle together? And doesn’t
he get all pissed when you want them up and accuse you of being more concerned about your hair than his precious need for non-recirculated air? If anyone bothered to study this, I’m confident the results would back me up.

So there you have it. I do not suggest trying to master all seven steps at once. For instance, if you stop doing housework altogether (to try to tilt his portion of the ratio toward more), you’ll have a lot of extra time on your hands which you may want to spend drinking alcohol. Remember, there’s no rush here. Till death do us part is a really long time**.  

*I may have bastardized the language a bit in some cases but the facts are mostly accurate.

**I stole that line from If It Was Easy They’d Call the Whole Damn Thing a Honeymoon: Living with and Loving the TV-Addicted, Sex-Obsessed, Not-So-Handy Man You Married, which I wrote (and please note that it says the blah-blah-blah man you married, not the one I married. My husband likes it when I point that out). You can find out more about me, my books and how I survived tanorexia on my website.

Yo can also view the new book and video trailer!

By Jacinta Richmond

Calorie counting goes out the window when I’m on holiday. I eat and drink too much and I enjoy every moment of it. That’s what holidays are all about, right? You don’t make friends with salad, let’s be honest here.

However post-holiday, when every outfit I attempt to squeeze into is on the snug-side, I wonder if the cocktail-fuelled dinners were really such a good idea. That’s why, after much holiday indulgence, I recently completed a Schkinny Maninny juice cleanse, and now that it’s spring – official detox season, you might just want to continue reading…

Schkinny Nutritional Cleanse

Day One

An esky containing 6 varieties of bottled juice is left on my doorstep at the crack of dawn. Oh how fabulously convenient. I scoff at the tiny tub of seeds I am also given to graze on and wonder how I am going to survive for 3 days on juice alone.

The juices vary and include fruit and vegetable blends, a tomato and lentil soup and a night-time nut smoothie with almond milk. Herbal tea is also provided. With six bottles to get through, I am downing a juice every 2-3 hours and I find I am not hungry at all.  With all that liquid, I struggle to drink the recommended 2 litres of water – in fact, I don’t drink any water at all, nor do I drink the last bottle of juice. Oops.

Day Two

I rush to jump on the scales and I’ve lost 1.2 kilograms already. My skin looks clearer too. I continue with the juice and my stomach grumbles all day – I have to look at a picture of Rebecca Twigley for motivation. Luckily the cupboards are bare and I recommend you do the juice cleanse when there are no temptations in the house. Believe me, the last thing you need is chocolate biscuits taunting you from the pantry.

Day Three

Last Day! I weigh in again and I’ve gained a kilogram. What the? I haven’t cheated, I promise. I head to the supermarket to stock up on food for the rest of the week. Big mistake – I am tempted by everything in sight. I force myself to step away from the Caramello Koala’s.

As day three draws to an end, a girlfriend calls and suggests a post-holiday debrief over a glass of red… I think about it for 30 seconds and say yes. I mean the day is almost over and red-wine is practically another juice. However, something comes up and she cancels, so I power through. I go to bed thinking about what I’m going to have for breakfast.

Day Four

Ta-Dah! I did it, and funnily enough I am not craving anything. I feel so pure and good. I weigh myself again, and I have lost 1.2 kilograms in total – but the biggest change is in my skin. I am positively glowing and I don’t even need make-up (I wear it anyway of course)

I have 3 left-over bottles of juice (I never did manage to drink 6 in one day) and I end up taking them to work and detoxing for an extra half day. I wait for people to comment on how good I look and… no-one says a god-damn thing. Placebo effect? I wasn’t imagining it! I could see a definite improvement.

Take a peek at the Schkinny Maninny website for more info.

Jacinta adores good hair days, luxury accommodation, picturesque wineries, dining out and swanning around Melbourne’s newest bars, cafes, restaurants and events. Obsessed with trying the latest in beauty, she can often be found lingering at the cosmetic counters of Myer and David Jones, and of course, day spas are her idea of bliss.

Coco Chanel said fashion fades but style is eternal, and I think it’s safe to say that she would have considered manners the height of style. Not the pretend kind of style that uses social status or designer labels to project a certain image, but the real kind that emanates from within and radiates beauty, elegance and class. Don’t get me wrong, I adore a good designer frock, actually, no scratch that, make that, love a good designer frock, but clothing is never a substitute for substance.

I met a lot of people during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, and was lucky enough to have some great conversations with inspiring, interesting and lovely people. Monsieur Richard Lambert, the global ambassador for Cointreau was a particular highlight – polite, charming and genuine. Oui, oui. But some people forgot to pack their manners in their handbags and it left such a bad taste in my mouth, that no amount of fancy cocktails could disguise it.

You see, I don’t do bullshit, and I certainly don’t appreciate being discarded like last season’s fashion, just because someone more “important” comes along, and all of a sudden I become a nobody. And, oh, whilst we’re on the subject of somebodies and nobodies – I’m sure as hell not interested in being considered a somebody by people like that. I’m not saying I want to be your new best friend (I have my own), but I do expect you to display manners 101 at the very least.

I’m not interested in talking with people because of their status, who they know and how important other people consider them to be. I’m interested in talking with people because of who they are. If I have to be Gaynor from XYZ in order for you to want to talk with me, then, quite frankly, I’d rather be having root canal than entertain a false and shallow conversation with you. And I’d rather you didn’t waste my time in the first instance, because I could do without all the pretend before you proceed to offend and disrespect me.

Tonight was the complete opposite. A fabulous dinner party with a beautifully set table adorned with flowers and candles, divine food and great tunes. But they key ingredient was the people. Fabulous people. Genuine people. People who make me laugh. People I love. People worth spending my time with.

Remember, there will always be wankers and pretentious people whose bad manners and smug demeanours will make you want to do a small vomit in your mouth. The trick is to navigate your way around them whilst holding your head high, knowing who you are and what you stand for. Because pretentious people with bad manners certainly aren’t cool, nor do they have style or substance.

Bad manners will always be out of vogue in my book.

What are the struggles you have faced when transitioning from an independent single woman to that of a mother? 


Before we had children, I thought I would definitely want to be a stay-at-home-mum, but after my first maternity leave I realised I wasn’t quite ready to leave my professional life so I returned to work four days a week.

When our second child was born I felt differently; there was so much to juggle with two children and a job and a long daily commute from our home to my job in Dublin. With school looming for my eldest, I had started to think about how long I would continue working. Finding the right work/family balance is a very real dilemma for many mothers.

As a mother, how do you carve out time for yourself? Or is that an unachievable and whimsical fantasy?


It’s tough! In terms of my writing, I’m not sure I could say that I organise my writing time; it’s more a case of grabbing it when I can! I’m lucky to have a wonderful attic conversion which I disappear to when the boys are both in bed or before they wake up. This is where, and when, I have done most of my writing.

I can see that as the boys grow older, and are both at school, it is going to get a little easier for me to have scheduled time to write. For now, it really is a case of stolen time. As a freelance writer, it’s difficult to predict when a piece will be commissioned so when I do get a deadline, I have to re-focus and get my head down.

My blog occasionally gets completely neglected and as for writing my novel, I grab any time I can and try to get as many words written per day as is humanly possible. Sometimes it’s zero; occasionally it’s thousands. My ‘leisure’ time has definitely been sacrificed for my writing. I don’t lounge around on the sofa channel-surfing and I, equally, don’t go to a gym or go running.

I now regard my ‘free time’ as the evenings after the boys are in bed and I use that ‘free time’ to write – sometimes I write for pleasure (i.e. my fiction novel) and sometimes it is for work (i.e paid articles etc). Of course, the boys often want my attention when I’m working – any time I am trying to have ‘me time’ will always be difficult for them to accept at the moment. As I am trying to write this, I have one child sitting on my knee asking me to put his shoes on and the other asking for a drink and both of them needing various other things – it is a fairly typical scenario!

Despite a good G&T, what advice do you have for mothers to stay sane whilst juggling their career with motherhood?


The G&T definitely helps! I think for many mothers juggling careers and family life, we end up feeling constantly guilty – about the children, the house, or our career which, in my case, is my writing. Over the last two years I have become much more realistic about what I can achieve and am better at leaving my writing when I have to, because ‘real life’ takes over.

Society in general, the world over, puts immense pressure on women to be the perfect mum. Modern mums are expected to be all things to all people and the endless coverage of celebrity mums in the media adds to the perception that we, too, should be a size 8 immediately after the birth of our baby and be immaculately presented wherever we go. The reality is very different.

As a result, we put ourselves under enormous pressure which often leads to feelings of failure or inadequacy. My advice is to be the best mum you can be and be comfortable with your parenting skills and decisions; good, bad or otherwise! For me, becoming a mother did result in making a decision to step back from my professional career, but in a roundabout way, it is because I am a mother that I am now in my second career – as a writer – and I couldn’t be happier.

What do you love about motherhood?

For me, being a mum is a whole package – the laughter, the tears, the pride, the frustrations – I don’t think you can separate things out when it comes to being a parent, so I guess I love everything about motherhood: the entire experience. Through my blog and writing career, I’ve fortunately managed to turn redundancy into a great new opportunity which allows me to work at home and have this time with my boys while they are young and still enjoy my kisses and cuddles!  I feel extremely lucky. My children are my inspiration and the basis of most of my subject matter. If it wasn’t for them, I simply wouldn’t be writing.

Do you have any other writing projects in the pipeline?

Always!! The most exciting thing happening RIGHT NOW is that my fiction novel is currently being read by an Irish publisher. It is a complete departure from the blog, parenting or anything to do with my life as a mother which has been a challenge and a fascinating journey. I am keeping everything crossed for a publishing deal – what a dream come true that would be!

Find out more about the ebook ‘Hot Cross Mum – Bitesize Slices of Motherhood’

Read her fabulous, hilarious and honest account of motherhood on her blog, Hot Cross Mum.

Stalk Hazel on Twitter & Facebook.

Tell us more about your ebook?

‘Hot Cross Mum – Bitesize Slices of Motherhood’ is intended to be a humorous, warm and honest account of family life. It is written in a series of short, diary-entries which follow the first year of my journey as I adjusted from the corporate world of deadlines and boardrooms to the domestic world of washing lines and bathrooms!

To quote from the online description, ‘There are many highs; days when she bursts with love and pride for her two boys and days when nothing gets spilt or broken. But there are also the lows; when the days seem endless, the dinner is thrown on the floor and there isn’t any tonic for the gin. Written with a wry humour and honesty which only someone who has lived through the experience of raising young children could do justice to, ‘Hot Cross Mum’ will reassure any parent that it isn’t just them and, apart from anything else, will provide a welcome distraction from the housework!’

Rather than being a straightforward reproduction of the blog, the ebook includes new material, so there’s plenty of new reading for my loyal blog followers, as well as for people who have never seen the blog and discover the ebook first.

What inspired you to start blogging on ‘Hot Cross Mum’?


I started blogging after being made redundant in March 2009. I’ve always dreamed of writing a fiction novel and looked into freelancing as a way to develop publishing credit and to generate some income whilst being at home with my children – I had written nothing, other than tedious management reports up to that point and didn’t even know what a blog was!

My breakthroughs really occurred quite quickly and unexpectedly so it was a bit of a roller coaster ride for a while. At the time I started my blog, my youngest was 15 months – by the time he was two, I’d been approached by literary agents, was blogging for ‘Hello’, had regular freelance work, was being interviewed for The Sunday Times and Irish TV and had started working on a fiction novel.

It was a crazy time really; trying to maintain the momentum which had started and managing two small boys; whilst still adjusting to life at home as opposed to a professional career. Two years on, I consider myself extremely lucky to have found something I love doing which I can combine with being at home with my children. My blog has also given me access to an incredible network of smart, intelligent, motivated women; many of whom have become real friends after starting out as virtual ones.

What can readers hope to benefit from reading your ebook?


Personally, my hope is that anyone who reads ‘Hot Cross Mum’ will recognise a lot of their own experiences of parenting with all its ups and downs and realise that it is not ’just them’ – if I can make people laugh and cry in equal measure, then I will have done a good job! For women, in particular those who have given up a professional career since having children, I hope that they will feel encouraged to read about someone else’s journey and struggle to adjust to life at home.

The following comments from readers of the ebook probably sum it up best:

“I loved this book, it was like having a catch-up with another Mum over coffee, minus the screaming toddler and mess that ensues! It made me laugh out loud and nod in agreement. It’s fun to read but I also found it to be quite inspiring. It made me realise that this time we have with our children while they’re so little is fleeting and precious. Sure, there are some not-so-great times but for the most part it’s a wonderful journey with lots of laughs, cuddles and pleasant surprises. “

“Last night I finished reading your ebook (I downloaded it from Amazon) and I love, love, LOVED it! Truly, it’s a special book. Made me want to be a better Mum!”

Can you tell our readers about Hazel Gaynor, the woman behind ‘Hot Cross Mum’?


Hmmm, that’s a tough question! Perhaps it is best summed up by my Twitter profile ‘Mother, aspiring author and book review blogger for Hello magazine. Partial to a large G&T’! I guess the person I am now is the sum of all the parts of my life so far; a lovely childhood growing up in a rural Yorkshire village in England, my crazy university years, the devastating loss of my beautiful mum to cancer in my early twenties, my year living in Sydney, forging a corporate career in London, meeting my Irish husband in Dublin, having my two beautiful children…..it’s been a busy forty years I’ll say that much!

Where else do you write?

I now write regular features on parenting for the Irish press and am a regular contributor to parenting magazines and websites in the UK and Ireland. I also write for the national Irish writing resourcewww.writing.ieand tutor on ‘Blogging and Beyond’: an online and one day writing course for aspiring bloggers and freelancers.

I recently started a new blog for HelloMagazine.com, ‘Off the Shelf’ which features book reviews and author interviews – this combines my two loves of reading and writing and it’s great to be able to interview the authors and get an insight into their writing life.

Follow part 2 of this interview next Friday, when we talk about more about her transition from single and independent professional woman, to becoming a stay at home mum, wife and freelance writer.

Find out more about the ebook ‘Hot Cross Mum – Bitesize Slices of Motherhood’

Read her fabulous, hilarious and honest account of motherhood on her blog, Hot Cross Mum.

Stalk Hazel on Twitter & Facebook.

Camping, I’m just not that into. I don’t know about you, but I’m quite fond of electricity and fresh running water. Five-star luxury resorts? Well, that’s another matter entirely. Enter The Villas of Byron.

Now, I’ve stayed in some pretty swanky places in my time, but the stunning Villas of Byron are seriously decked out. Think four-poster king-size bed complete with canopy, your very own private heated plunge pool and spa, tropical zen gardens, heated marble floors, WiFi, flat screen TV, DVD, Foxtel, iPod, surround stereo, fully equipped kitchen, BBQ, internal laundry, handcrafted Balinese furniture, outdoor cushion-strewn day bed, silk robes, soothing water features and mood lighting. Yep, no scrimping here. The impressive Villas of Byron will have you open mouthed – jaw meets floor style.

Beyond expectations is the stated objective of The Villas of Byron. Do they meet this objective? You bet they do.  

But it was the 9ft surrounding walls providing absolute privacy that I loved the most. This meant there was no need to bear with other guests loafing around the pool, no jostling over prime-position sun lounges, no noisy kids, no sharing, no being gawked at and no copping eyefuls of flesh you’d rather not see. Yep, it’s all about the walls; allowing you to unwind and retreat from the world in relaxed, casual luxury. Heaven!

Conveniently located, the Villas are just a 10 minute stroll from town where there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you satisfied, and some boutique shopping too. The Buddha Gardens Day Spa is right next door, however it’s Byron’s beautiful beaches that take centre stage and you can sashay to them in just 10 minutes to savor that seaside air and take in the stellar panoramic views.

The exquisite Balinese inspired Villas of Byron are the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, solo retreat or why not book a 2 bedroom villa and indulge in a weekend with friends. Oh, go on. Spoil yourself silly.

Some amazing holiday packages are currently on offer including a girl’s weekend away, honeymoon bliss, cheeky weekend, stay 6 pay 7, midweek escape, babymoon break and long stays. The perfect escape at any time of year, you can salivate over these luxury packages here:

http://www.thevillasofbyron.com.au/packages.html

Oh and brace yourselves people, because you could win a luxury 2 night escape right here at The Villas of Byron! Watch this space darlings, as this Modern Woman competition will knock your socks off.

Ahhh, beautiful Byron… an idyllic paradise all year round – winter escape left me feeling completely rejuvenated. Just keep doing what you’re doing Villas of Byron, because you’re batting a thousand.

Website: http://www.thevillasofbyron.com.au/

Click here to join the Villas of Byron Facebook page

Jacinta Richmond is an IT Manager by day, currently studying a Master of Business IT degree at RMIT, however a stereotypical computer nerd, she is not.  At work she is better known for her shoe collection than her IT skills and when she isn’t working, Jacinta loves nothing more than frocking up and swilling a champagne or two at the racetrack.

Jacinta adores good hair days, luxury accommodation, picturesque wineries, dining out and swanning around Melbourne’s newest bars, cafes, restaurants and events. Obsessed with trying the latest in beauty, she can often be found lingering at the cosmetic counters of Myer and David Jones, and of course, day spas are her idea of bliss.

Holidaying at far-away destinations such as New York and Dubai is all well and good, but airport rigmarole and long-haul plane travel en route to these fabulous locations is not so good…

Putting your laptop, handbag, and shoes into little bins, shoving your carry-on liquids into a zip lock bag, wondering if your fake-tan has exploded in your suitcase during the flight, filling out customs declaration forms, getting your passport and boarding pass out half a dozen times, crowding around the luggage carousel, oh how hideously tedious. The toll long-haul flights take on your sleep, skin and sanity should not be underestimated. Here are some brilliant beauty products that helped keep me sane.

Ella Bache Radiance C Antioxidant Defence Mist

Being cooped up in a plane for 14 odd hours inevitably leads to dehydrated, parched skin. Spritzing Ella Bache Radiance C Antioxidant Defence Mist whenever my face felt dry (i.e. every ten minutes) helped keep my skin hydrated. At 100ml it’s perfect for plane travel – passing the airport carry-on liquid test, and as I spent time in Dubai (read 40+ degree days) I gave the mist a fair workout whilst I was there too.

Remington Straightini

On my first visit to New York I was caught out. I packed my Australian voltage hair straightener thinking a trusty travel adaptor would do the trick, but alas, my straighter only heated to luke-warm. Consequently, I spent much of the time sporting a not so glamorous ‘fro’.

Not this time. The Remington Straightini is so cute. A teeny tiny 15cm ceramic hair straightener with worldwide voltage that won’t break the bank. These babies are so small they are just perfect for travel. A word of warning though – those with thick, long hair looking for poker straight locks – the Straightini is absolutely not for you. Take a full sized version as this mini model will be far too time consuming. Moi? I was happy enough to run with the partially straightened tousled bedroom hair look.

Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper

No one wants to swan about New York with flat hair. Enter Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper. Spray it on damp hair and blow dry for massive root lift and hair that needs its own postcode.  This hairspray is available in a handy 50ml travel size and is not sticky or stiff. Perfect for those that love a bit of oomph at the crown. And guess what? It protects hair from humidity too. Love!

Clinique Clarifying Lotion

A lot of people skip the toner step. Especially when travelling and leaving their room to return home with lots of shopping is of the essence. Not me. I love Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion – it’s so fab at removing any pesky dead skin cells, and I find there’s no need for an exfoliator. So there you go girls, save room that way because no self respecting modern woman would be seen dead in New York sporting anything other than glowing flake-free skin, right?

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

Whilst swanning about in the sun is fabulous, I have a fair complexion and the sun does tend to bring out the odd freckle or two. Ladies, say hello to Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector with clinical trials suggesting a 53% improvement in even skin tone. I didn’t use this product whilst I was away as its active ingredients may make skin more susceptible to the sun (remember the sunscreen peeps). However now that I’ve returned to Melbourne’s winter days, I have been slathering this stuff on like there is no tomorrow. Is it my imagination, or does my skin seem more luminous already?

Jacinta Richmond is an IT Manager by day, currently studying a Master of Business IT degree at RMIT, however a stereotypical computer nerd, she is not.  At work she is better known for her shoe collection than her IT skills and when she isn’t working, Jacinta loves nothing more than frocking up and swilling a champagne or two at the racetrack.

Jacinta adores good hair days, luxury accommodation, picturesque wineries, dining out and swanning around Melbourne’s newest bars, cafes, restaurants and events. Obsessed with trying the latest in beauty, she can often be found lingering at the cosmetic counters of Myer and David Jones, and of course, day spas are her idea of bliss.

When I go on holiday, I like to know the good stuff – the insider nous on where to stay, shop, eat, drink and be pampered; none of this average rainfall business. That’s why my dear readers, I am going to let you in on my personal tips for swanning about magnificent Manhattan.

Soho House

Remember the scene in Sex and the City where Samantha takes the girls to the rooftop pool and they are asked to leave? That’s because the exclusive Soho House is open to members only. Members only? I was miffed. Don’t they know who I am? I am Jacinta Richmond goddamn-it!

Just kidding. I stayed at a luxurious alternative and it’s just across the street.

Click here to visit Soho House.

Hotel Gansevoort

What an absolute pleasure it was to stay at the luxe Hotel Gansevoort. Sleek, sexy and right in the heart of New York’s vibrant Meatpacking district. Whilst it isn’t the Soho, it does have a rooftop pool with knockout city views and the rooftop Plunge Bar was buzzing on the warm Thursday evening I visited (pick your night though, as I noted a queue of younger looking clientele forming outside the hotel late on Friday). Hotel guests of course, do not queue. Life is good.

Click here to visit Hotel Gansevoort.

Yelo Spa

I’m a sucker for trying the latest fads, so I was most interested to read about the jet lag power naps offered at Yelo Spa. Yep, they say just 30 minutes in a zero-gravity experience ‘nap pod’ will cure your zombie-like state and have you ready to hit the city that never sleeps (well, apart from 30 min power naps) in no time. Unfortunately I cannot endorse with a yay or a nay, as my schedule was just too jam packed, but if you do get the opportunity, you absolutely must tell me all about it. Oh, and they even have celebrity client’s… Kourtney Kardashian anyone?

Click here to visit Yelo Spa.

Exhale Spa

When I saw that the Exhale Spa at Hotel Gansevoort had a four-hand massage on the menu, I booked in immediately, only to be told I needed to visit the Exhale Spa in Park Avenue for the four-hander. As my stopover in New York was just 48 hours, most of which was spent shop, shop, shopping, and also eating and drinking in sublime restaurants and bars, I ran out of time. Go ahead and spoil yourself if you do get the chance, as this treatment is typically absent on Australian spa menus. I must warn you though – once you’ve had four, you’re not ever going to want to go back to two.

Click here to visit Exhale Spa.

Fashion

Front-row-centre at the filming of Project Runway New York fashion show at Battery Park, we rubbed shoulders with Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Kim Kardashian. That’s right, my well-connected travel buddy managed to secure us admittance. Love. Her. Work. Anyone jealous? (Hint: The answer is very).

Shop

Purses out ladies, because the shopping in New York is fabulous. I shopped in Soho, on Broadway and the West Village and whilst there are too many to name, here are just a few of my much loved.

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Michael Kors

In a tribute to Michael Kors post fashion show, I visited his West Village store and fell in love with a tres chic oversize black clutch and snakeskin wallet with gold trim. At bargain prices, I am still smiling now.

Click here to visit Michael Kors.

Sephora

Hightail it to Sephora for New York beauty brands with New York price tags. I stocked up on Clinique at a third of the Australian price. (No joke). OPI nail polish is also a steal. Check out the website as this store is every beauty lover’s dream.

Click here to visit Sephora.

Bath and Body Works

I love this store for sweet smelling beauty and most items are around the $3-5 mark. I picked up a vanilla & coconut-milk body lotion, apricot body cream and a salted caramel flavoured candle for a song.

Click here to visit Bath and Body Works.

Aerie

The lingerie at Aerie by American Eagle is pretty, comfortable, affordable and sexy. A classier alternative to Victoria’s Secret which in my opinion, was bordering on tacky; there, I said it. (Sorry Miranda). With bra sizes extending to a DD cup, those with a bigger bust will love Aerie too.

Click here to visit Aerie.

Tipsy Toes

When strutting your stuff around Manhattan, you’re going to need to exchange your heels for flats from time to time, especially when pounding the pavements for designer bargains. Tipsy Toes roll up and fit into your handbag, perfect for when your feet need a rest – but a stylish rest at that.

Click here to visit Tipsy Toes.

Jacinta Richmond is an IT Manager by day, currently studying a Master of Business IT degree at RMIT, however a stereotypical computer nerd, she is not.  At work she is better known for her shoe collection than her IT skills and when she isn’t working, Jacinta loves nothing more than frocking up and swilling a champagne or two at the racetrack.

Jacinta adores good hair days, luxury accommodation, picturesque wineries, dining out and swanning around Melbourne’s newest bars, cafes, restaurants and events. Obsessed with trying the latest in beauty, she can often be found lingering at the cosmetic counters of Myer and David Jones, and of course, day spas are her idea of bliss.