We have selected our finalists, and it’s now up to you our readers to pick the winner.

Alysha Holder

I’m currently studying my 3rd year of my degree- Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Psychology. I am obsessed with fashion, and in particular vintage. I believe that almost nothing is made as it used to be, which is why I’d rather shop vintage than high-street! I buy and sell vintage myself, and am currently working on opening my own online vintage store, and my vintage dedicated Twitter: @Find_me_Vintage , where I share the best vintage and fashion around, and absolutely love to promote small vintage businesses.

As a student who spends five days a week at uni, seven nights a week studying, three days a week working, and every other bit of spare time I have working on my amateur vintage business, I believe that if I didn’t try and romance the everyday it would all be a little bit overwhelming! If it weren’t for the little things (my first cup of coffee, spending my last $50 on my favorite tea leaves, the day the new issue of Vogue comes out…) I’d probably turn off my alarm, and pull the covers over my head rather than face another day of stress! Sometimes that means wearing a pair of ridiculous heels and my favorite dress to do a simple day of errands- but in the end, if you don’t live everyday like it’s a Friday night, then you may as well pull those covers over your head and press ‘snooze’!

Bianca Bell

I am a full time mum with a beautiful 3 and a half year old princess which I love to bits! I have the most amazing husband who works so hard for us all. I always try to make time for us all as a family to go out and enjoy this beautiful world we live in. I also make sure I make time for just myself to relax and unwind from the joys of having a child full of beans   One important part of any healthy relationship is definitely to Romance the Everyday whether it be simply by leaving a little love note hidden in my husbands work esky or once our daughter has gone to bed set up some candles and have a glass of champagne and enjoy a chocolate fondue. I love to romance the everyday as we all seem to get stuck in this busy life of ours and its these little romantic things you do which keep the love going strong.

Jasmine Eastwood

To sum me up in a few words I am a collector, artist, skateboarder, star gazer, comper, movie and music addict, gamer and bargain Hunter! I love creating new things and experimenting with my style. Romancing the everyday makes me feel special so I’m always looking for new ways to add a bit of love to everything i wear, do, say, create and think! {https://www.facebook.com/jazlovestoskate}

 

 

Shannon Male

I am a day dreamy, optimistic, disorganised mother of two intent on injecting interest, positivity and funkiness into my home, my life, my family and the world. I am a huge fan of my incredible children, impossibly in love with my partner and completely devoted to making our simple lives as sweet, tight, sparkling and love filled as possible. I am into crafts and art in a big way, and focus on recycling and up styling. I like to make an ugly duckling or throw-away item into something unique, functional, and eclecticly pretty. This is what gives me swells of satisfaction! I want to encourage people to look at everything they may throw away with a new, romantic light.

 

I love to romance the everyday because the “everyday” is what is sacred to me. Seeing the people you love after a work day – how amazing is that?! Put on purfume, cook a funky meal, paint the kitchen red on a whim. It is the intricacies of life that really make an impact on me, so I believe these are the things that should be fun, funked up, glamourise, glitzed, bejewelled and colorised. This is why, for example, I like to make something as “everyday” as a soap dispenser  - as beautiful and lovely as it can be – And yes, everytime I wash my hands… it IS a bit special!! {even when most of the time its scrubbing up after a few horrid nappy changes!!}

 

Rachel Kapsalakis

 My name is Rachel Kapsalakis, I am 40 years old, married and live in Melbourne Victoria. I love music, animals {cats especially}) and cooking. You could say they are my passions. My husband is Greek so we live to eat, not eat to live, as I did before I met him. I am highly passionate about life and getting the most out of it and this is helped by my good sense of humour, bubbly nature and ability to see the bright side of even the gloomiest situation.

I don’t set out to “Romance my Day” but I’m thankful for what I have in my day. Each day is a very special day if I can find joy and comfort in everyday life!My husband was diagnosed with lung cancer before Christmas and had part of his lung removed, he is now recovering well and we have vowed to celebrate life and embrace the spirituality of our senses and be thankful for everyday we have together and explore what the world has to offer! I find great comfort and inspiration from sheinspires.com.au and highly recommend this website to everyone! It gives me the encouragement to carry on even when I think all is lost or hopeless!

 

 

Karlene Forrest

I’m a mostly stay-at-home-mum to our four year old son. I work one day a week doing administration for a small family-owned business in Morningside and also do administration for my husband’s audio visual business. We’ve just moved to acreage so I’m getting used to gardening, making the daily trek to the letterbox and dealing with snakes and spiders. We’ve only been here three weeks and already had a snake in the house. Horrifying for a city girl!

We romance the everyday when we can. This photo was taken a couple of months ago at a Sunday brunch we had at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. On my first date with my now-husband he told me about all the brilliant things he had done, the places he’d been and what he’d achieved so far. He asked what my hobbies were and I said “hhmmmm…..I really like eating out at restaurants and like to do it often”. What a goose! But that’s my idea of a great night – great food and great company. Now with a family and less income than the corporate city days, we do more picnics. I love discovering new foods at delis and master four is trying more foods than most other kids his age.

 

VOTE FOR THE WINNER

Voting closes on April 18th.

 Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The prize details are as follows:

• Return business class airfares for two people from Sydney-Tahiti-Los Angeles flying Air Tahiti Nui.
• 7 nights luxury accommodation in Tahiti.
  • 6 nights stay in an overwater bungalow at the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort.
  • 1 night stay in a twin-share room at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort.
  • 7 nights stay in a twin-share room at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City.
  • $5,000 spending money.

Did someone just say business class?! Laying poolside in Tahiti? Swanning about in a bikini in Bora Bora? Floating around in a kaftan in sultry tropical weather? Spending money to shop in LA? Swoon!

You’re definitely not alone if you’re drooling over the dream holiday combination of relaxing in the tropics and shopping up a storm in the states. “So, how to enter, how to enter?” you ask.

Well simply subscribe to or renew your  subscription from a select range of magazines with MagShop. Yes it’s that easy darlings. And why not consider entering by purchasing a subscription as a Mother’s Day gift?

Think of popular titles such as Australian Women’s Weekly, Woman’s Day or Australian House & Garden; or for the more style conscious mother, how about Harper’s BAZAAR or Belle?

If you’re one of those super organised peeps who purchased all your gifts for the year ahead in the Boxing Day sales, why not purchase your own subscription? Stay up to date with the latest in luxury travel with Australian Gourmet Traveller, get yourself travel ready with Good Health, or get your suitcase in top fashion condition with the help of Madison & Shop Till You Drop.

The win win? Not only will you put yourself in the running to win this uber fabulous competition, but you’ll save money on the annual costs of your magazine habit, and your monthly fix will be delivered free of charge straight to your door.

Visit the MagShop Mother’s Day promotion for details on how to enter and full terms and conditions.

The countdown to the official launch of the Teenage Girl’s Survival Guide is on! With just 3 days to go, we’re celebrating by giving away an amazing prize each day until we launch on Monday April 2nd.

Today’s prize is a unique deck of cards created to synchronise with your intuitive energy and access the power of inner guidance. A list of inspirational messages written on 108 individual cards that are shuffled and drawn randomly to reveal words of encouragement, revelation, insights and answers.

Each tweet counts as one additional entry.

Today’s prize is a set of skincare from the Dermalogica Clean Start Range valued at over $160.

// Ready Set Scrub

A dual-action masque/scrub that purifies and gently polishes the skin, Dermalogica Ready, Set Scrub made from clays of bentonite and kaolin pulls excess oil from skin and cleans deep to help control shine. Silica in the formula exfoliates dead skin cells and gives the skin a smoother brighter finish whilst menthol soothes and calms the skin with a cooling effect.

// Wash Off

Dermalogica Wash Off is produced for teens and is a foaming skin wash designed to clear away dead skin cells and extra oil from the face and body. Salicylic acid in the formula helps to minimise acne formulation whilst orange peel is used to energise and refresh. This formula also includes licorice extract to soothe and calm young skin.

// Welcome Matte SPF 15

Dermalogica Welcome Matte SPF15 is a lightweight lotion that defends against UV rays without an uncomfortable heavy or greasy feel. Salicylic acid in the formula help to minimise acne formulation for youthful skin while oil controllers help minimise shine without depriving the skin from moisture.

// Hit The Spot

Dermalogica Hit The Spot helps minimise breakouts. This concentrated spot treatment with benzyl peroxide helps to stop break-out causing bacteria’s in the follicle as well as clear the skin. Zinc sulphate helps to eliminate bacteria whilst liquorice and burdock extract hydrate, soothe and calm.

Click here for entry details.

The countdown to the official launch of the Teenage Girl’s Survival Guide is on! With just 7 days to go, we’re celebrating by giving away an amazing prize each day until we launch on Monday April 2nd.

Today’s prize is Bobbi Brown’s Beauty Rules, a guide with not only tips for makeup, but also with advice on how to love your teens (and that’s what we’re all about here at the Teenage Girl’s Survival Guide).

“Renowned makeup artist and best-selling author Bobbi Brown launched her sixth book, Beauty Rules, a fresh, energetic beauty bible for young women. Bobbi Brown’s goal is to help women “look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident.” And true to this philosophy, Beauty Rules was written to help young women learn the beauty basics, then get creative and experiment with their look – and ultimately find their own style. In celebration of her new book, Bobbi designed a limited-edition palette. Take a peek.”

HOW TO ENTER

For entry details, click here to sashay on over to the Teenage Girl’s Survival Guide.

You’re soaking in your bubble bath, sipping on your bubbly champers whilst chatting to your bubbliest girlfriend on the phone, but you’ve still got a big bubble-shaped hole in your heart. What could possibly fill it? Chocolate of course; BUBBLY chocolate!

Cadbury is the classic choice; the royal purple wrapping is always a guarantee of amazing quality. Recently I’ve discovered a new and exciting flavour from the geniuses at Cadbury – Bubbly Dark.  It is a mouth-watering combination of rich, bittersweet dark chocolate with the light texture of air bubbles, making it a match made in heaven.

If the pictures aren’t convincing enough, let me remind you of the health benefits of dark chocolate. It is high in antioxidants, has a low glycemic index and can even improve cardiovascular health!

And Bubbly Dark is made up of bubbles of air. Air contains zero calories. It’s a win-win!

This is definitely at the top of my list for curing niggling chocolate cravings. Bubbly Dark adds an extra touch of indulgence to the pantry (or bedside table, wherever your secret stash lives…), or the coffee table if you’re feeling generous enough to share the chocolaty love.

“The Peony Pavilion is a deeply romantic tale of the power of love over death that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Written at almost the same time William Shakespeare was penning his own classic, The Peony Pavilion remains one of China’s most cherished stories.  With magnificent sets, exquisite costumes and a full corps de ballet, The Peony Pavilion is a large-scale choreographic fusion of western classical ballet and traditional Chinese dance.

Making its European debut to sold-out audiences at the Edinburgh Festival, The Peony Pavilion promises to be one Melbourne’s dance highlights of 2012. The performance is also making its Australian debut in the official Year of Chinese Culture in Melbourne.”

Visit Arts Centre Melbourne for more details.

HOW TO WIN

Leave a comment below and tell us what’s your favourite ballet of all time and why.

Entries close at 12:00pm March 12th, 2012.

Prep & Prime. Your skin needs to be in tip top condition before you even think about taking beauty slap anywhere near it. Moisturised skin will also act as a magnet for your foundation. MWSG recommends Gatineau’s Nourishing Day Cream.

Radiate. To create a luminous glow for the cameras, apply a radiance mask before your make up and then mix some illuminator in with your foundation. MWSG recommends Gatineau’s Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Mask.

Set. For long lasting foundation without compromising your dewy finish, sweep a light dusting of translucent powder over your face. MWSG recommends Tom Ford’s Translucent Finishing Powder.

Contour. Under the cheekbones, the top of the forehead and under the neckline should be defined with bronzer to contour your face. Complete by dabbing cream blush on the apples of your cheeks. MWSG recommends Benefit’s One Hot Minute.

Highlight. A smokey eye is a must, but you don’t always have to use grey. Why not try browns or purples? MWSG recommends Benefit’s Big Beautiful Eyes which comes with an eye primer.

Define. It’s all about definition for the eyes, and a perfect line across your top lid is a must to make your smokey eye pop. MWSG recommends Benefit’s Magic Ink Jet-Black Liquid Liner.

Emphasise. If you can’t apply falsies without stabbing yourself in the eye with your tweezers, then you’ll need a hard working mascara that creates lashings of volume. Dior’s New Look Mascara is a game changer.

Perfect your pout. Nothing screams drama and glamour like red lipstick. Whilst it’s high maintenance, it’s fabulously worth it. MWSG recommends Estee Lauder’s Hydra Lustre Signature Lipstick in Divine Red.

Polish. Pay attention to the little details and the rest will take care of itself. Manicured nails and conditioned cuticles are an absolute must. MWSG recommends OPI’s Pink Aphrodite.

Volume! Forget super straight locks and think big, bouncy hair. Pump up the volume with mousse (yes, mousse! Zoe Foster swears by it) prior to blow drying. MWSG recommends Sebastian’s new Whipped Creme.

WIN

For your chance to win 3x Revlon Custom Eyes Mascaras & 20 Taut Collagen Masks with a combined value of $250, create your own red carpet face and hair.

1. Register your entry via the form below.

2. Post your picture via one of the following methods using the following tags:  #redcarpetglamourcomp & via@themodernwoman

• Pin it on Pinterest
• Tweet it on Twitter
• Upload it to your flickr account
• Email it to us via competitions@gaynoralder.com

Entries close March 31st 2012.

Ethics Statement

MWSG is committed to integrity and honesty in beauty journalism, and all of the above products have been reviewed by Gaynor Alder to ensure they meet the high standards of promotion. You can read more about our ethics in relation to our beauty features here. Essentially, if we don’t love it and wouldn’t buy it ourselves, then it won’t be published here.

Image Credits: 1

We here at MWSG are passionate about romancing our every days and celebrating the present by injecting it with beauty, romance and glamour. Doing one simple thing a day that turns simple into special.

Drinking tea out of beautiful french cups. Putting flowers on your desk. Decorating the dinner table even when it’s not a special occasion. Showering with gardenia soap. Lighting candles. The smell of oriental lilies wafting through the house.

Over the month of March, we want you to think of ways to romance your every day and take pictures of them. You can upload your photos to flickr, upload via Instagram, create a mood board and pin on Pinterest, tweet them or publish them on your blog.

Okay, so here’s the scoop on all the fabulous prizes the winner will receive …

MOR Cosmetics

This prize pack comes from MOR’s newest Essentials Collection which features five succulent fragrances. Our goodie bag includes the ‘Neroli Clementine’ fragrance set, featuring Soap Bar, Hand & Body Lotion, Hand & Body Wash, Hand Cream, Fragrant Candle and Body Butter.

MOR describes their Neroli Clementine range as ‘Fresh Neroli and sweet Clementine rest atop a base of bright Yuzu and candied Orange.’ Not only will these leave your entire body feeling fresh, pampered and smelling absolutely divine but MOR’s gorgeous packaging (as per usual) is sure to make a lovely statement in your home. Click here to visit the MOR Cosmetics Online Boutique to see the rest of their divine products.

Benefit Raising Eyebrows Book

“When you’ve got fabulous brows, heads will turn! Lucky for you, it’s never been easier or more affordable to get your brow’s looking their best.” All you need is expert tips and advice from the Benefit Brow Bars and Cameron Tuttle for an instant facelift.

Borne Naked

Borne Naked is supplying a trio pack of their miraculous Borne Naked Liners. These little beauties will not only organise all of your handbags, but protect them from spills, lipstick smudges or other handbag-related disasters. Available in three sizes they are perfect for any sized handbag. They are discreet and have a place for everything including makeup, keys, phone and everything else you choose to carry with you. Now instead of unpacking and repacking every time you want to swap bags, simply lift out the liner and insert into another bag. Easy!

Phoenix Mini Kaftan by Colin Heaney

This piece is yet another genius work of art by Colin Heaney. It comes in a gorgeous unique print using almost every colour imaginable. Phoenix is a truly stunning amalgamation of deep purples, pink and sunset orange, perfect for an exotic vacation and sunset cruises.

(One size – RRP $120.)

Alannah Hill Hair Clips

We love the romance and vintage whimsy of Alannah Hill’s designs here at The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide, and we have two gorgeous beaded clips to grace your hair. Team them with the perfect red pout, fishnet stockings and red shoes and you’re ready to hit town. Alannah Hill style.

Revlon Custom Eyes Mascara

Long and luscious lashes are yours with this uber fabulous mascara from Revlon. It has a twisting action to reveal two different brushes to create two different effects – you can choose between long and defined, or long and dramatic for extra va-va-voom. It’s a gel based formula containing vegetable waxes which help build volume sans flaking and smudging.  It’s a tried, tested and much loved mascara at MWSG HQ.

Skin Virtue

Skin Virtue is a leading Australian skincare brand specialising in advanced dermatological products that produce effective and lasting results on the skin. Pure Re-Surfacer is a resurfacing cell renewal exfoliator – a gentle emulsion that will effectively buff away those unwanted dead surface cells responsible for dull and thick looking skin, leaving you with a smoother, firmer skin texture, less fine lines and wrinkles. Pure Line Repair is a rich and deeply penetrating eye cream to provide that boost of moisture to the dry and delicate skin around your eyes. This will immediately soften fine lines around your eyes and significantly reduce puffiness and dark circles.

108 Lifetiles Guidance Cards

108 Lifetiles are a set of contemporary guidance cards designed to help one trust their instincts and listen to their own inner guide. Many of us rely on others opinions, standards or expectations to make our choices and guide us through life, but 108 lifetiles are a simple and easy way for those to build their confidence, seek an alternative perspective and even fulfill their highest potential.

Evolvex

Evolvex.com.au is a furniture website where you can custom-design your own dream piece. We have a $60 voucher for you to get started! Start by choosing from a range of templates to help you on your way, then pick your own colour, size, shape and everything else in between. Once you’re happy with your creation it will be delivered straight to your door.

Ethos Design | Online Interior Design

Ethos Design is an interior design company offering various ‘kits’ for you to initiate a complete home makeover from the comfort of your own computer! Ethos Design helps you get started with new ideas, inspirations and of course shopping lists of everything you’ll need to create the perfect home decor for you. Ethos Design has given us a massive $249 ‘Re-fresh Kit’ which uses your existing room, furniture and contents and gives you brand-spanking new ideas for a new layout, furniture, themes and everything you’d possible need to achieve your dream room.

Face of Australia

Face of Australia Cosmetics have provided us with 7 wonderful additions to our prize pool, including the following:

• Colour Max Eyeshadow Quintette: 4 gorgeous colours that can be applied wet or dry, contain rich pigmentation for bright, dramatic colour and even contain a step by step application guide! Glide-on colour will not fade or crease throughout the day.
• High Definition Liquid Eyeliner: No mess pen applicator will provide precise and dramatic definition to your eyes. Sets within seconds and is water resistant.
• Glamorous Lashes Mascara: Contains Vitamin B and Olive Oil to moisturize and protect delicate eye lashes. Lengthens and fattens lashes for a bold and elegant look that is quick drying and water resistant.
• Pressed Bronzer Powder: Lightweight, smooth and gives even coverage and a buildable, healthy golden glow. Comes pressed in a portable compact.
• Lip Quench Lip Stick- Contains enriching Jojoba oil and Shea butter to not only provide gorgeous long lasting colour but moisturize lips that most lipsticks dry out. Also protects your lips with SPF30+.
• 2 Luxe Nail Enamels: Advanced formula will dry within 60 seconds and is 3-in-1 to include base coat, colour and top coat. High gloss, chip resistant and formaldehyde free.

•  tanGo Tan Removal Glove is the world’s first spray and self tan removal clot. It’s formulated with a polyamide fabric contains no nasty chemicals, in fact all you need to do is add water and rub it on – tan be gone ready for your next perfect layer of faux sunkissed skin.
• Smiink Semi Permanent Cosmetic Eyeliner Pen in ash brown with a duo reversible tip to provide an even application that lasts for up to 24 hours. Made from 100& water based vegetable dye and High Q vitamin ink, and are also enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E.
• Create texture and a natural wind swept-just-spent-the-day-at-the-beach look with Purepact’s Thyme & Clary Salt Water spray.
• Purepact Lavender Softening Mask is an organic nourishing and conditioning treatment containing lavender, peppermint, wheat and keratin. Combining nature and science, Purepact products do not contain any sodium laurel sulphate or any of those other nasties.

• Herbal Essences Colour Me Happy shampoo infused with Moroccan Rose and Passionfruit Nectar to protect coloured hair
• Herbal Essences Colour Me Happy Conditioner injected with hydro-activated silkening ingredients
• Nice’n Easy Hair Colour in Natural Lightest Golden Brown for permanent coverage of greys
• Pantene Nature Fusion Root Lift Mist to give your hair oomph, lift, body and bounce

$600 Worth of Taut Collagen Infusions Masks

With over 52 masks, there’s one for every week of the year! The Taut Gold Standard Collagen Masks glide onto your face, infusing it with concentrated collagen and intensely hydrating your skin. Leave them on for seven to ten minutes to allow the mask to deeply penetrate into the layers of your skin.

NEW Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex

In clinical trial conducted recently, a massive 82% of women agreed this product dramatically reduced the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles in just minutes after the initial application. Wrinkle Revolution provides intensive moisture and anti-aging complexes to the skin without women having to resort to painful and expensive injectables. Dermatologically tested, Olay Wrinkle Revolution is to be used twice per day after cleansing, is incredibly soft and smooth and will not cause blockages or blackheads.

Comvita Olive White

The Brightening Hydrating Lotion is a lovely light but deeply moisturising rich lotion that not only hydrates but fights signs of aging and even, lightens and brightens your skin! Dark spots and discolouration are also reported to be reduced. Olive White is incredibly natural and environmentally responsible, containing Manuka Honey and Olive Leaf Extract, and has even been awarded the prestigious Natural Seal Certification by the international Natural Products Association (NPA). They have also included their Brightening Spot Essence. This little beauty is a concentrated emulsion designed to dramatically reduce pigmentation, uneven skin tone and dark spots.

Body for Women

Body for Women LoCarb is the perfect range for those women who eat when they’re bored, eat out of habit, have far too many snacks or just want to shed a few extra kilos. We’re throwing in selection of bites, bars and protein shakes for those habitual snackers and new years resolutions involving losing weight. Body for Women bars and shakes (mix with milk or water) are high protein, low carb and taste just as great as those naughty chocolatey snacks that will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free. No fasting involved!

Complete the following entry form to register in the competition:

• Use #romancingeveryday and via @themodernwoman as tags when you post your photos.
• You don’t have to romance every day during March – you can romance as little or as much as you like.
• Each posted image is considered one entry, and you can enter as many times as you like.
• We will be selecting 12 finalists on April 1st, and the readers of MWSG will be choosing the winner via a poll commencing on April 10th. We also have two very fabulous surprise runner up prizes.
• If you’re a finalist you will be featured in an article that will accompany the voting poll, with a profile and a link back to your website/blog should you have one – because we are passionate about promoting women with style & substance on MWSG.
• Finalists will be announced on April 1st 2012 at 7pm.

Click here to view terms and conditions of this competition.

The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide would like to make a special mention to @fatmumslim for inspiring this competition. Her current #Marchphotooftheday project has peeps taking photos all around the world. We love the creativity she has inspired which is why we wanted to create something similar here at MWSG that inspires people to do something we are passionate about. Whilst Fat Mum Slim’s photography project isn’t an original concept, her themes for taking photos every day are. Love. Her. Work. Why not hop on over to Fat Mum Slim to find out more?

To celebrate the launch of Shelley Craft’s fabulous new fashion app, Hanger Nation, The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide has teamed up with The Olsen Hotel in Melbourne & Hanger Nation to offer:

• A night’s accommodation at The Olsen for 2 people (including breakfast) on the 28^th February
• 2 x tickets to the launch event of Hanger Nation at The Olsen
• Meet and greet with Shelley Craft before the event
• Champagne in the room
• $500 shopping spree

You and a friend will join Shelley and guests for bubbles, canapés and smooth tunes at the luxurious poolside of The Olsen, as she shares her favourite autumn/winter pieces (as featured on her Hanger Nation mobile app) in a ‘Winter Warmer Parade’.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Click here and like Hanger Nation on Facebook

AND

2. Click here and follow The Olsen Hotel on Twitter.

AND

3.

Leave a comment below to tell us who your favourite Australian fashion designer and why?

BONUS ENTRY

If you would like to increase your chances of winning, you can take this additional step to count as another entry. Simply copy the below and tweet on Twitter:

Win $500, a night at @theolsenhotel, meet @Shelley Craft & attend the exclusive @hangernation launch Entry deets here http://tiny.cc/nw289

Each time you tweet, it counts as 1 additional entry. You may tweet up to 5 times per day until the competition closes on the 26th of February.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

You must complete steps 1, 2 & 3 to be eligble for entry.

The accommodation at The Olsen must be taken on the 28th of February 2012 and can not be redeemed at a later date.

Entries close on February 26th at 12:00pm. The winner will be notified via email on February 26th at 2:00pm.

By Mala McAlpin

Do you have Australia’s worst hair – past or present? Yes, that’s right we’re creating a “Hair Hall of Shame”. Send us a picture for your chance to win one of 3 prize packs containing full size Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment. See below for entry details.

Pantene recognises that many of us avoid using luxurious conditioners and nourishing hair treatments as it leaves our hair feeling weighed down as if half of our conditioner remains, despite thorough rinsing.

A Pantene survey has shown 40% of us ladies do not use treatments to avoid this very feeling, and 1 in 4 will knowingly damage their hair by avoiding conditioner to keep their hair feeling lighter. Pantene Aqua Light uses a new cutting edge formula to designed to rinse out within seconds, and cleanse and nourish your hair without leaving it flat, limp, weighed down or dry; just extra clean, extra soft and extra light hair that you can swish!

Pantene Aqua Light range includes 3 incredible new products for 3 easy steps to swishable light hair:

Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo 350ml, RRP $7.99

Cleanses hair without leaving it dry and rinses out in seconds- contains no silicones that weigh down hair.

Pantene Aqua Light Conditioner, 350ml $7.99

A lightweight conditioner which gently treats the hair, but also washes out super speedy and leaves no residue.

Pantene Aqua Light Lightweight Nourishing Treatment 200ml, RRP $9.99

A nourishing treatment which takes a tiny 2-3 minutes to moisturise hair, but won’t leave any residue in even the finest of hair.

Pssst… I took the liberty of purchasing Pantene Aqua Light and I can honestly say it lived up to ALL it claims. Now, my hair is very thick. Extremely thick. Horse tail thick (so I’ve been told). So I was very pleasantly surprised after using Aqua Light and blowing my hair dry at how very light it felt.

I was also happy that despite the claims that it leaves no residue, it definitely didn’t leave my hair dry either. My first thought was how utterly, utterly CLEAN my hair felt, soft and yes, light! After I worked my shampoo into a luxurious foam, I placed my sudsy hands under the flow of water… and the shampoo vanished. Miraculous.

I’m not going to lie, I was slightly doubtful if the conditioner was up to the job, and whether it would leave my hair dry, but this certainly wasn’t the case. The conditioner felt very thick when I applied it to the palms of my hands, and it more than adequately moisturised my hair, and again, rinsed in seconds and left no trace.

HOW TO ENTER

Simply complete the form below and attach a photo of your worst hair moment.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

By entering this competition, you consent to your photo and first name being posted on our Facebook page in an album called “Hair Hall of Shame”. Your photo may also appear here on The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide.

Please do not post your picture directly to our Facebook page, as this is in violation of Facebook’s competition rules.

This competition is open to Australian residents only and closes on February 23rd 2012.

Image Credit

By Mala McAlpin

Makeup Store is a leading cosmetics franchise with over 160 stores all over the world, and has recently launched it’s newest store at our very own Myer Melbourne! The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide is now giving one lucky lady the amazing opportunity to win a one-on-one, private lesson with Makeup Store’s Head Creative Artist and General Manager, Maria Gabriel, as well as a very special gift from Makeup Store Myer.

For over six years, Maria has managed the operations of three Makeup Store boutiques and seven Myer stores in Australia alone. She not only manages this incredible number of stores but also directs fashion shows, creates innovative looks for their models and single-handedly trains her experienced staff from her stores to pass on her extended and worldly makeup knowledge to others in private lessons.

From Janet Jackson to Gwen Stefani, Natalie Bassingthwaite and Pink, Makeup Store’s colourful products are becoming a growing trend among Australian and International celebrities. Residing in Sydney, Maria does not often make it to Melbourne’s not-so-sunny shores, so this is a rare and wonderful opportunity to learn from a world-renowned makeup artist not to be missed!

You’ll need to get in quick, because Maria is making a whirlwind visit to Melbourne this weekend, and entries close this Thursday.

HOW TO ENTER

1. If you haven’t already done so, like The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide.

&

2. Leave a comment below  telling us why you want a private make up lesson with an expert make up artist.

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.

This month’s Tell Us And Win features not one, not two, but SIX gorgeous prizes for one lucky reader from the fabulous Napoleon Perdis, valued at $122!

Weather you’ll be sultry or sassy this summer, you’ll never run out of options with four Napoleon Eye Shadow Duo’s, one Rainbow Pallette complete with a whopping 15 succulent shades as well as Napoleon’s Contour and Highlight Pallette. Give yourself those high cheekbones you’ve always wanted and that perfect summer complexion.

What is your favourite summer beauty treatment and why?

There is one product that instantly jumps to mind: fake tan. As soon as the weather reaches a top of 25 degrees celsius, we are all surrounded by fake tan. I myself am not a particular fan, as I sometimes find my pale skin quite endearing. This and the fact that I’d like to think that lathering ones self in either tan-in-a-can or popping into the salon for a spray is not the only way to celebrate the welcome of summer! Maybe a luxurious body wrap, a soothing massage or a deep cleansing facial is more your style.

Competition Now Closed

They are offering one lucky reader a fabulous ‘Get Set for Summer’ Pamper Package valued at $579! You’ll win:

• A summer of spray tans (6 x spray tans)
• Infra Red Sauna
• Morrocan Rose Full Body Exfoliation
• The Ultimate Detox Body Wrap.

If you are the winner and not able to attend the spa, you will receive a hamper of products valued at RRP: $500 instead. Included in the hamper will be products from Les Sens de Marrakech, Tweezerman Payot, INDIO and Osaine.

Fleur de Lyns is also offering 20% off our online store for ALL Modern Woman’s Survival Guide readers. The code to enter at the checkout is: MODERNWOMAN.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Like The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide Facebook page

AND

2. Like the Fleur de Lys Facebook page

Please note you MUST like both pages to enter. If you’re already a fan of either page, then you may tweet about the competition to be considered for entry (be sure to include @themodernwoman to log your entry via Twitter). 

The competition closes on December 3rd 2011.

FLEUR DE LYS SPA PACKAGE TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Fleur de Lys will issue the winner with a gift certificate to the value of $579, to be used exclusively for the treatments outlined.

All treatments must be redeemed in two transactions (excluding spray tans) at the Fleur de Lys Medispa in Woollahra, Sydney.

The winner must make their own travel arrangements to and from Sydney.

Voucher must be redeemed within a 3 month period from the date of issue. Any unused amounts after 12 months will be forfeited. No change will be given from any remaining value.

Fleur de Lys requires a minimum of 1 week’s notice to guarantee availability of appointments.

A ladies handbag can be used for many things. It holds the basics like our wallet, keys, sunglasses and diary, but often it turns into a home for our makeup, tangled jewellery, pens, and old receipts. If you’ve ever asked yourself  ‘where do all the bobby pins go?’, check the bottom of your handbag, you never know what you find down there!

If you’ve got a less-than-organised handbag, then Borne Naked has the competition for you! All you have to do is snap a photo of your messy handbag and you’ll be in the running to transform it into a beautifully organised one, thanks an $800 prize pack featuring Pink Corp, Moxie, MOR Cosmetics, Tipsy Toe and more.

There are four ways to enter:

1. Email a picture and your name to competitions@BorneNaked.com

2. Post your picture on the Borne Naked Facebook page with the following comment “I have Australia’s most unorganised handbag!”

3. Post your picture on Twitter and tweet “I have Australia’s most unorganised handbag! #BorneNaked”

4. Create a video of your ‘Messy Handbag’ and post on YouTube.

Entries close 2nd November.

Every week someone will also win a Borne Naked handbag liner valued at $24.95.

For more information go to www.bornenaked.com

Want to win a VS Sassoon Goddess Slimline Hair Straightener valued at $156? Well, we here at The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide want to know what your can’t live without beauty product is?

Regular readers will know that I have a thing for beauty products – in a 12 steps kind of way. In the midst of any emotional crisis, besides having my psychic on speed dial, you will find me knee deep in as many products as I can get my hands on.  Moisturisers, face masks, serums, you name them, I love them all – the fancier and prettier the packaging, the better. I am a marketer’s dream. I believe all the claims on the labels, that retinol will vanish my wrinkles and the peptide formula will take years off my face, because, well, I want to.  False prophets perhaps, but products are my religion and my faith is unwavering.

This regular weekly compeition closes on Friday September 30th. Click here to view other competitions.

Want to win a VS Sassoon Goddess Slimline Hair Straightener valued at $156? Well, we here at The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide want to know who your favourite woman is from the vintage era?

It’s no secret that I adore vintage glamour. I can’t go past Grace Kelly’s effortless elegance, Audrey Hepburn’s timeless style and Ava Gardner’s seductive sophistication. This was an era where women were ladies – they wore hats and gloves just do their grocery shopping, put their hair in rollers every night and never left home without red lipstick.

To enter, simply leave a comment below and tell us who you love from the vintage era and why?

This regular weekly competition closes on Friday the 16th of September. Click here to view other competitions.

Want to win a VS Sassoon Goddess Slimline Hair Straightener valued at $156? Well, we here at The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide want to know who inspires you and why?

The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide is passionate about showcasing women of style and substance - fabulous women, past and present, whose spirits move and inspire us. From Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Edith Piaf, Tamara De Lempicka, Florence Broadhurst, Billie Holiday to modern day marvels.

They follow their hearts.

They express a beauty from within.

They have a clear defined sense of self.

They have grace and style.

They have unstoppable spirits.

They push boundaries.

They live by their own rules.

They have an immeasurable strength.

They are real.

To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us who inspires you and why?

This weekly competition closes on Friday the 9th of September. Click here to view other competitions.

Art of the Cocktail Hour are giving away 16 pairs of tickets the Designer Series plus access to the VIP Platinum Bar for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.

“The MSFW Designer Series, the hallmark runway event of the season, delivers exceptional designs from Australia’s pre-eminent fashion talent. Be tantalised over four nights by the season’s latest collections, styled to perfection, all within the impressive setting of the Melbourne Town Hall. You will also be able to enjoy Cointreau cocktails in the exclusive Platinum Bar.

These runway events will open your eyes to new and inspired fashion trends and we have 4 pairs of tickets to each of the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9pm runway shows.”

The 16 lucky winners will be notified by 31 August by email or phone.

Click here to visit Art of the Cocktail Hour for the entry form and full details.