First Published in Onya Magazine July 30 2010

Since our illustrious Sydney based Beauty Writer Olivia Hambrett has departed for sunnier European shores (you can follow Olivia’s overseas adventures here at A Big Life), I am delighted to announce that Onya Magazine’s Beauty Department has two fabulous new recruits.

I am pleased as punch to introduce you to Holly Curtis, our new Beauty Intern, and Bethilee Keamy, our new Melbourne based Beauty Writer.

Holly Curtis is a Journalism student at Monash University, who has completed work experience at OK! Magazine, Primped and Cosmopolitan. Holly also regularly writes on her blog, “Am I There Yet?”

Perpetually organising and constantly writing lists, she finds the misuse of basic grammar such as your vs. you’re more painful than nails down a chalkboard. Interested in all things lifestyle and beauty, she finds incredible joy in beautifully packaged products – especially those that remind her of Paris, which she misses dearly (a girl after my own heart).

Beth had me at hello, or should I say, at her tangerine lipstick. Beth comes to Onya Magazine with experience writing for Mia Freedman, Zoe Foster at Primped and having completed work experience with Cosmopolitan. As a self-confessed beauty junkie she stalks the Chanel runways for the latest and greatest nail colours, spends hours practicing her winged liner application and tries in vain to replicate Carrie Bradshaw’s carefree curls at least once a week.

Somewhere in between a Carrie and a Charlotte, Beth Keamy is a soon-to-be-graduated PR and Journalism student from Melbourne. She is a passionate advocate of the cupcake cause, enjoys colour coding her bookshelf and is often caught obnoxiously correcting the grammar of her friends. Entirely addicted to skim lattes, brightly coloured lipsticks and items of clothing that cost more then her monthly income, Beth spends her days dreaming of New York City, platinum credit cards and finding the perfect spray tan.

Watch this space for some fabulous reviews of Australia’s finest beauty products and beauty trends direct from the runway to red carpet from both Holly and Bethilee.

Yours in all things beauty,

Gaynor Alder | Beauty Editor | Onya Magazine

A monthly post to remind ourselves of all the good and fabulous things in our life that bring us joy – because sometimes in the midst of busy schedules, deadlines and bills to pay, we forget.

My new flatmate – hello disco, vino, self assembled furniture, chats and side splitting laughter.

My new abode and bedroom – think white and ethereal with soft floaty curtains, damask cushions and Audrey Hepburn.

I love my work. I am lucky enough to currently work for a company that I respect, but also love working with them – in particular, my Manager, who treats me like gold – and is also fabulous to share a bottle or two of Sauv Blanc with on a Friday evening.

The mouth watering Osco Bucco in a rich ragout, served on a bed of soft, fluffy and creamy mash at Acqua e Vino in Yarraville, Melbourne – I couldn’t speak for at least an hour afterwards! Think 1920’s decor, a drinks list that is set out in movie scenes and superb friendly service.

Click here to visit the Acqua e Vino website

Reading a book in bed all day after a busy week

Enjoying a bottle of red on a Sunday with said book after drying out all week.

Being surprised with two gorgeous sunny days in the depths of winter.

What are you loving this month?

Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

First Published in Onya Magazine July 19 2010

“Gaynor Alder reviews Elite Hair and Makeup Academy, headed up by industry expert Justine Poniris. Training aspiring Makeup Artists in modern and current industry specific techniques, Elite is exactly as it claims – Elite”

Click here to read full review in Onya Magazine

You could say that Amanda Taylor-Ace is living many people’s dream life – and you’d be right. Amanda splits her time living between Provence and with her family and friends in New Zealand during the French winter. She still walks around smiling and pinching herself that she is living in France, and speaking the language (albeit in a kiwi accent).

Amanda, what do you love about your life?

I consider that I have a perfect life, and I even have my daughter and two grandchildren living less than two hours away. She is married to a charming French man and the children are bi-lingual. My son is a DJ, and often visits from glamorous worldwide locations he has been traveling to. I have many wonderful new friends in the area to wine, dine and travel with, so I feel I am truly blessed. As my friend Roget says, I am a lucky bitch!

When did you first visit Provence and what it is it that you love so much about the region?

I visited Provence over 13 years ago and immediately fell in love with the sights, smells, touches, sounds and tastes – it was though my senses had been deprived my whole life until I discovered Provence. It instilled a new sense of life into me, and after a year in Aix en Provence (where I put my 14 year old into school), I decided without a doubt that I wanted to pack up my life in New Zealand and move to France.

People often ask me what I like about living here and I reply “300 days of sunshine, fabulous cheap wines, beautiful produce and of course the French men, Ooh la la!!” What more could a gal want? There is of course also the fact that Italy or Spain is just over three hours away by car; and Morocco, Greece and Turkey are the same by plane, which appeals to me as an avid traveler.

I am also a keen photographer and I quite often get photos from my trips printed onto canvases to decorate my houses. I particularly like taking market shots of the fabulous produce we have here in Provence – olives, fruits of all shapes and sizes, and vegetables polished to perfection that are beautifully arranged and glistening with colour.

I love local meats such as rabbit, duck breasts, farm reared chickens, quails, lots of different offal, fabulous sausages and of course plenty of wonderful sea food. You can go the market or supermarket and be swept away by inspiration for that night’s meal.

Do you enjoy returning to New Zealand for three months every year?

My time in New Zealand is exciting because I have a new house on Whangamata beach beside my fabulous brother and sister in law, and we just step out onto the beach from the front of the house. We are also keen divers, and we regularly dive off my brother’s boat for crayfish and scallops.

Three months is perfect as I catch up with all my friends and family, have lots of fun in the sun then come back to France when spring has sprung!

Tell me about your experience buying property in France?

I began looking for property and found a little chateau in the Var area owned by an Arab Sheik. We negotiated for a year, but as I was a woman, we couldn’t agree on a fair price. I had a “coupe de foudre” with that Chateau, but all said and done, I am much happier with the two houses I finally bought in St Maximin.

I now own two 18^th century houses both with individual characters, located in a beautiful noted village perched on a hill, with vine covered stone exteriors and a large swimming pool in a private walled garden that receive all day sun.

The houses were basic when I bought them and I have done a lot of renovations, so now they are much more comfortable with additional bathrooms, terraces and new kitchen.

Tell me more about the business you established of renting out your homes for travelers?

I rent the houses out either separately or together for a minimum of a week, but often people rent them for longer periods because there is so much to do in the area. Many rent both houses for special occasions such as birthdays and weddings, so that their family can travel from overseas and stay in the one location together.

The houses are self-catering, but I can also organise chefs, tours, wine tastings, local guided walks and our very popular two week cooking school that I do in conjunction with Ann and Geoffrey Rickard.

We have a number of local chefs who come in to demonstrate Provencal dishes with an unlimited supply of local wines, and then take the group on wonderful sightseeing trips including local vineyards and restaurants. Many have reported that their time staying with me has been a life changing event for them.

Tell me more about the style of your two houses?

The “Maison de Maitresse” was originally known as Maison de Maitre (due to the style of the house), which means House of the Master, but as a joke I renamed it so that it means House of the Mistress (the French are too polite to ask if I am a kept woman).

This house is decorated in a Provencal style and is quite grand with a central staircase running up to the three stories, with bedrooms veering off to the left and right. There is a terrace off the top bedroom with a fabulous view of the valley (although each room has views either over the village or the French country side).

It has a huge terrace overlooking the pool which can seat at least four people, whilst the lower terrace with pergola seats 14 people under the grape vines, and is also a favourite spot for my clients. The lower terrace and pool area are shared with the other house but it all works out well and strangers become friends very easily in the relaxed atmosphere.

The second house is called “Petite Maison” and has lower stud beams and is more intimate, however it still has four bedrooms, and its own terrace that seats ten people. The bedrooms are decorated in a Moroccan style with photos of my many trips to Morocco and colorful fabrics adorning curtained four poster beds. My own bedroom in a private area downstairs looks like a harem – needless to say, it’s full of character!

What are the people like that come to stay with you?

I love the people that come from all over the world, and that I have many repeat clients annually. I have a Professor from the USA who comes for two weeks every year with a group of university students to run a summer school. They have classes every day and exams at the end, but manage to have lots of fun in between. They are always a lovely group of youngsters and a lot of them keep in touch with me after they leave (I think they look on me as some kind of a role model on how to have fun and live your life to the full).

Amanda’s joie de vivre seems infectious, her vivacious personality contagious and her life is an inspiration. This woman is fabulous in anyone’s language.

You can read more about Amanda in a book by Australian author Ann Rickard, “Ooh La La! A French Romp”.

“Take two voluptuous dames d’un certain age, one fond of a romp in the lavender fields, the other an anxious first-time tour operator. Add eight expectant tour guests, throw them together in the French countryside with lashings of good food and wine, and you have Ooh la la! A French Romp.”

Click here to visit Amanda’s website for more information on her fabulous accommodation in Provence. You can also inquire about her two week cooking classes – places fill quickly, so please book in advance.

Amanda Taylor-Ace

“Maison de Maitresse”

6 Place de la Croix,

St Maximin,

Pres d’Uzes’

30700

France.

Image Credit: 1, 2

Fellow Beauty Aficionados,

As there are just too many fabulous new products being launched and an abundance of products to review in my boudoir, the format of “Beauty News From My Boudoir” has changed, and will now run as a series over each month. Here are some fabulous new product launches from Versace, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Mecca Cosmetica, OPI and Bloom Cosmetics.

VERSACE | VERSUS

On Counter: 1st August 2010

RRP: 3oml $69, 50ml $89, 100ml $125

“The top notes of kumquat, star apple and lemon create an inviting chord that evokes energy and personality. The fragrance’s heart is floral and feminine, translated by the dynamic soul of orange flower, the intensity of stephanotis and the luxury of rose centifolia. The dry down reveals the mysterious and seductive essence of the fragrance. An interaction between the sensuality of patchouli and the depth of musk, combined with ambrette seeds.”

CLINIQUE | BRANDIED BRONZE COLLECTION

On Counter: August 29 2010

This new collection from Clinique includes a limited edition Colour Surge eye pallet in Brandied Bronze with new “Super Shimmer” finishes ($66); True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer in Sunkissed that builds up gradually to compliment your skin tone ($49); Cream Shaper for Eyes pencil in Chocolate Lustre ($32); the long wearing Defining Liner for Lips in Sugared Fig complete with a built-in sharpener ($36); Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 available in Sunset, Bonfire, Air Kiss or Fireberry ($35); a creamy and lightweight Different Lipstick in Bronze Leaf ($36);  smudge proof Lash Power Mascara in Black Onyx ($38); and an eye shadow brush made from natural hair, essential for effortlessly gliding on eye shadow ($31).

CLINIQUE | ALL ABOUT EYES SERUM DE-PUFFING EYE MASSAGE

On Counter: 1 August 2010

RRP: $52

ESTEE LAUDER | NEW PURE COLOUR COLLECTION FROM CREATIVE MAKEUP DIRECTOR TOM PECHEUX

On Counter: August 8 2010

Estee Lauder recently hosted events in Paris to introduce Tom Pecheux, their new Creative Makeup Director and to launch the new Pure Colour line, inspired by French women after dark.

“The idea overall is to work closely with Tom on the evolution of Pure Color for the Estée Lauder brand.  What we’re trying to do is to really re-establish the brand’s connection with glamour, style and fashion, [with which] it was always associated. We’re coming back in a new and modern way.” – Jane Hudis

MECCA COSMETICA | EVE LOM LAUNCH

Released: June 2010

Quoted by UK Vogue as having “probably the best cleanser in the world”, it is no wonder that the Eve Lom Cleanser is a must have for top international Beauty Editors, Models and Makeup Artists. Eve Lom is hailed as being more than just a skincare range, but a beauty ritual that transforms skin.

It’s superstar product, the Eve Lom Cleanser contains essential oils to cleanse, decongest and soothe the skin. It is used in conjunction with a specially woven muslin cloth that acts as a cleanser, toner, and exfoliator in one, to purify the skin and leave it glowing with health. This cult cleanser is also suitable for all skin types.

Other products in the range include a Radiance Cream, which is a lightweight and hydrating formula infused with Bulgarian Otto Rose to illuminate and calm the skin; a Rescue Mask for those with problematic skin; Dynaspot which is a spot treatment for break outs; moisturiser with SPF 15+ containing red, green and white tea to enrich the skin; Day Cream to refresh dehydrated skin; TLC Cream which is a rich, comforting and nurturing cream designed for mature skin and an Eye Serum to target not only lines and wrinkles but also puffy eyes.

Click here to view the complete Eve Lom range which is available exclusively at Mecca Cosmetica.

OPI | NEW PINK SOFT SHADES

Released: July 2010

RRP: $19.95

Following the ethereal and romantic trend for Spring, OPI has given birth to a new range of soft pink shades including It’s a Girl, Isn’t that Precious, Pink-a-Doodle and I Think in Pink.

Besides OPI’s fabulous brushes that hold more polish and deliver a streak free finish, it’s the extensive range of colours that really have me tickled pink. I can spend years searching for just the right shade (not too dark, not too light, not too warm or not too cool), which is why I’m excited as a new mother to try these new colours.

OPI | THE SWISS COLLECTION

On Counter: August 7 2010

RRP: $19.95

“Switzerland, the inspiration for this collection; a country known for its delicious chocolates, strong financial stability, snow-peaked mountains, lush glacial valleys and glittering lakes; provides the perfect canvas for the luxurious rich hues covering a broad colour spectrum.  The Swiss Collection by OPI features jewelled tones of shimmery reds, delicate lilac, gold, powerful shades of green, blue and teal.”

This new range includes a dark green (Cuckoo for this Colour), glowing red (Colour So Hot it Burns), metallic pewter (Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous), metallic gold (Find Yourself Glitzerland), blue (Yodel Me on My Cell), rich ruby (From A to Z-urich), vibrant pink red (Diva of Geneva), lilac (The Colour to Watch), grey-green blue (Ski Teal We Drop), warm red (Colour So Hot it Berns), crisp red apple (William Tell Me About OPI), chocolate (I’m Suzi and I’m a Chocoholic), brandy red (Just a Little Rosti at This).

www.opi.net.au

BLOOM | LIMITED EDITION BLOOM ORGANICS BAG

On Counter: Now

RRP: $12.95

Get carried away with this new Bloom Organics Bag. To complete your Bloom Organics collection, purchase this very limited edition organic tote available exclusively from the Bloom Flagship Store or online whilst stocks last.

First Published in Onya Magazine by Bridget Thompson, from her column “Bridget Jane’s Health Diary”.

Foreword: Bridget Thompson, is an accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) and the founder and director of New Leaf Nutrition^®.  Having being an overweight and bullied child herself, Bridget is passionately dedicated to making a difference to the lives of as many people as possible.

“Over and over I hear and see people frustrated about not being able to achieve the health, body and energy they desire. There was a time when I would try to sugar-coat, fence-sit and make it sound all nice-n-easy, however, I now see that perhaps this is a significant source of all frustrations in this area. It is imperative that we all wake up and get real with ourselves. There is NO MAGIC PILL.”

Click here to read full article in Onya Magazine

I entered Safeways supermarket just before midnight with a few wines under my belt, perusing the aisles for something to soak up the state of my inebriation before embarking on the trip home in the taxi.

I decided on half a cooked chicken (but isn’t this story about pea soup, you ask? – well, yes, don’t you worry, we’ll get there, we’ll definitely get there), but thought I would see if there was anything else that took my fancy before I left.

Now, this is the point in the story where I start to take a rapid decline and fall from grace. As I was searching for something else to satiate my wine fueled appetite, I ate the cooked chicken in the supermarket. If it wasn’t embarrassing enough that I had to approach the checkout with greasy fingers, I had to place a tray of cream buns alongside an empty tray of chicken. Oh, you’ve already eaten the chicken I see, says the checkout chick, before quickly smiling and laughing to casually brush it off, as she realises she had spoken out loud, and needed to do something to reduce my humiliation in front of everyone else in the line.

But, if only it ended it there. Reaching into my bag, I felt something cold and slimy. Very cold and slimy. Upon pulling out my brand new Oroton wallet from my $500 Oroton handbag, I was greeted with green sludge. Pea and ham soup with mint to be precise. I had put the container in my bag after leaving work, as I had only eaten half of it and thought I would have it at home for lunch the next day.

The more I pulled out of my bag, the worse it got. My mobile phone was covered in soup. My Gucci perfume was covered in soup. You name it, it was covered in soup. The checkout lady was ever so helpful as she handed me paper towels to clean my possessions, but it wasn’t until I opened my bag, that the real state of my predicament became apparent. It was literally swimming in soup – so much so, and Olympic diver could have scored a perfect ten in it.

Caught between my oh my gosh just get me out of this supermarket embarrassment, and panic about the soup ruining my handbag, I decided to step aside and let the next person in the queue pay for their purchases. I took my handbag to the nearest bin and continued to clean it out with paper towels, or should I say scoop it out with plastic bags.

I returned to the queue thinking I was finally on top of it, ready to pay for my cream buns (which at this stage I had lost my entire appetite for) and opened my wallet, only to be greeted with more pea and ham soup. Situation desperate, I realised I had to make my transaction, depart the premises and never return – stat.

However, I was out of cigarettes, so I dashed across to the cigarette counter, got my Vogue Super Slims and threw them on the conveyor belt along with my bank card, indicating to the lovely checkout lady that I wanted to get this transaction processed as soon as humanly possible.

But, yet again, the Gods of Thou Does Drink Too Much Retribution had not finished punishing me, for Anna (the checkout chick who is such a central character in this story, surely must be referred to by name by now) had her foot on the conveyor belt, and my bank card disappeared.

Anna ran off to get some long handed pliers to retrieve my card which had fallen to the floor between the very narrow crack of the conveyor belt and the counter, whilst ye of long skinny arms (if only the rest of my body followed suit), thrust my arm down to retrieve it, in order to end the ordeal as soon as humanly possible.

As I clutched the card in my hand, I said a silent prayer of thanks to the Gods above (vowing to say ten Hail Marys when I got home). Anna came running back with her pliers at the exact moment I tried to retrieve my arm from the very narrow crack (did I mention the crack was very narrow?) – but my elbow had other ideas. Try as I might, my arm would not dislodge itself without dislocating my elbow.

It was all I could do to not fall to the floor in mortification and embarrassment, which would have been a better option, than having to stand there with my arm wedged halfway down the counter for a good fifteen minutes until the Manager arrived. The queue was growing longer by the minute (seeing that it was late at night and only two registers were open), and the only thing I could do was stare down at the ground, so that no one would recognise who I was. The Manager began flapping about in concern, surely worried that I was going to sue him for public liability.

It was to be a lovely man in the queue who came through to save the day. I looked up for the first time in nearly thirty minutes, and his face shone like an angel. All that existed was him and I, as I blocked out of everything and everyone around me (as though as if I couldn’t see them, they didn’t exist and it all wasn’t really happening). He pulled at the conveyor belt, and it gave ever so slightly, but it was just enough for my elbow to wrangle itself free.

To add insult to injury (I feel that this incident could have coined this term, if it wasn’t for some poor sod before me, who has obviously endured a much more humiliating set of circumstances) I still had to pay for my purchases. With a handbag dripping in soup, and an aching arm, I paid and ran from the store vowing never to return.

Not my finest hour.

Image Credits: 1, 2, 3

I have moved into my fabulous new abode and settling in well (my flatmate is fabulous and I think she is the bees knees). However my schedule is hammering me at the moment – I am “right up against it” as Kath would say. I am woken up every morning by a mind that runs lists of all the things I have to do and a churning stomach.

I am one of those people who is often too hard on themselves. Pushing myself too hard for too long and then wondering why I hit a wall and fall in an exhausted heap. I took a holiday to Perth this month, and it was the most special time with my family and friends, but it was busy, very busy. Upon returning home I have moved and have a relentless in tray that is demanding attention. An intray that no matter how much I beg for mercy from, wraps itself around me like an octopuses’ tentacles and squeezes the life out of me.

I realised when I came back from Perth, that I needed to make some changes so that I could have more balance in my life – and I have. However, I am still transitioning, and I find myself in between my old hectic life and the new calmer, better paced life. In order to get there, I have loose ends to tie up, and things I have to do.

When I write down everything I have on my plate, along with everything I have done in the past month, it becomes blaringly obvious why I feel like I am pushing myself with every last ounce of strength to get through the week. Anyone would collapse under that kind of load.

Lists are my best friend in times of pressure. They calm me, because everything that was swirling through my brain is now on paper. It frees me somehow, and instills a sense of control. I look at them, and reevaluate what must be done, what can wait and what I can do to make my life easier. My to do list seems to relinquish its power over me, for I once again feel in control of it, instead of it running me ragged and pulling me in a million different directions.

Today I slotted all the things I have to do into my calendar. Gave them a date. Took them out of my present, and placed them into my future, so that I can once again breathe easy, and know that, yes they will be taken care of, but in my own good time. My shoulders still feel tense, as though they are carrying the weight of the world on them, but they are definitely loosening. I am slowly breathing out sighs of relief, bringing myself back to where I am and what I can do today, and that is all I really need to be focusing on.

My weekend is booked out. Booked out by me and a serious appointment with my Marian Keyes novel. It’s time for some good old fashioned rest, because unless I push pause, I will be no good to anyone. I vow to keep moving forward with balance as my mantra. I vow to stop taking on so much and trying to do everything for everyone at the expense of myself. Because I love my life. I love my work, I love my writing and I love the people that are in it, and I want more time to devote to those things without feeling like I am trying to hold up a wall of a flooding dam.

Yes, I think it’s time to book myself into a day spa for some pure unadulterated, completely indulgent me time.

I was reading a post by the fabulous Miss Kempson from Sarah’s Style Emporium, and she was discussing what she was giving up for “Dry July” (an initiative set up to raise money for cancer, whereby people get pledges to give up alcohol for the month of July).

Like Sarah, July has been a cross roads for me in terms of evaluating where I am at in relation to where I want to head for the rest of the year. As you may know, I am a fan of life’s little check points and natural rhythms that allow you to pause and check in with yourself. With July being the middle of the year, and having recently returned from two weeks away in Perth, it seems like a good time to refocus.

I love the feeling of a plane taking off, as my life seems to be left behind, far, far behind – I mean, my life couldn’t run fast enough to keep up with the plane, even if it tried. I wave to it on the tarmac as the plane pulls away, and it eventually gives up trying to get on the plane with me, along with my to do list which stops alongside it to puff and pant, and then they wave in defeat wishing me a good time. The break will probably do her good. Maybe she’ll even roll over her super, start walking and drink more water, like she always promises us she will when she gets back, they say to each other.

The beautiful thing about holidays is that they give you clarity and perspective – a fresh point of view that arises because you have put down your pens and pencils and switched your mind off from work and things to do. Returning home after my break, it was clear I was giving too much of my energy away, and it was time to start slashing – cutting back on commitments, getting rid of any dead wood and eliminating any energy drains. So, like Sarah, I am using Dry July to not only cut my alcohol intake, but to give up other things in my life in order to fulfil my goals for 2010 and have more balance in my life.

Here are 3 of the things I am giving up for Dry July:

1) I’m switching off the laptop after midnight (I used to stay up until 2-3am working on my laptop) and I am no longer using it in bed. Instead I will be reading books in bed – such a delightful way to end the day.

2) I’m giving up wine during the week at home (disclaimer: Friday nights are considered weekends). I’m no nun, and have no intentions of being one, and, well, I love a good glass of vino, so I have no intentions of giving it up for good.

3) Overuse of social media. Yes, I know a social media addiction is better than being a crack whore, but I had no idea how much time I was wasting on it that could be spent doing other much more productive things.

What could you give up for July that would improve the quality of your life? Alcohol? Cigarettes? Toxic Friends? Sugar? Chocolate? A bad job? …

After 6 months of sharing a teeny tiny one bedroom apartment with my friend, I am finally moving out into a fabulous and spacious townhouse.

I’ve had a ball staying with my friend, but the level of disorganisation from sharing a space the size of a chicken coop, has relentlessly terrorised my psyche to the point where I found myself on the train today with one leg shaved, and the other unshaved. As a Beauty Editor en route to interviewing Beauty Writers for a magazine, this was indeed a heinous crime (ssssh, please don’t be spreading this around – it could be bad for my cred).

In my defence, I have spent the past 6 months living in an apartment where the walls feel like they are constantly caving in on me. Storing ANY of my beauty product in the tiny bathroom cabinet mirrored door thingy circa 1970 was futile (there was just enough room for his razor, and, ahem, condoms, let alone my tampons or lipstick) so I had to make myself a makeshift beauty cabinet from an upturned plastic box inside his already small wardrobe. My clothes have been shoved stored in whatever nook or cranny I could find.

Mornings have usually been spent rummaging through boxes for a clean pair of knickers or a missing shoe, resulting in me racing out the door feeling (and more than likely looking) like something the cat dragged in. Needless to say, this has not been conducive to being a fully functioning member of society.

I could have had a meltdown over it long ago – hell, I am sure the sheer frustration would have even warranted a fully fledged breakdown at some point (the time I couldn’t find my USB key with the back up of my book after my computer crashed was particularly hairy), but when faced with a difficult situation, nine times out of ten, I go into auto pilot and display the endurance of an African marathon runner, and just get on with it doing the best that I can until I reach the finish line.

Actually, all in all, I have a lot of great memories here and there’s been plenty of side splitting laughter. I think he’s actually going to miss having me around, although I am sure his separation anxiety will be short lived as he starts to revel in not having to share his bed with me, and I will actually miss living here too, well, for about 5 minutes when I realise, oh crap, I have to cook my own meals, but then hop on the phone and sign up for Lite and Easy to deliver them to my door. Seriously, my friend has been a real gem taking me in whilst I was house hunting, and I have been ever so grateful.

However, I am definitely at the end of my organisational tether. No longer can I operate in such a state of disarray, and I am certain that today’s unshaved leg was just one step away from developing some kind of permanent nervous facial twitch, rendering me unable to hold a normal conversation without constantly blinking my right eye whilst my head darts to the right.

So it is with great joy that I will finally be moving into a new home. Can’t you just hear my beauty products and clothes singing for joy as they prepare to depart for fairer shores? My pretty things can happily take their place on shelves, my beauty product will have their own bathroom cabinets, and my clothes will look so beautiful draping from their hangers, that I am sure I will want to mount my wardrobe and make love to it.

The spaciousness of my new place, is surely going to leave me feeling like a princess in a castle – so if you don’t hear from me for a few days, it just means I am swanning about and luxuriating in my new abode in manner of Grace Kelly, and cracking a few celebratory bottles of vino with my new flatmate.

Image Credit 1

First Published in Onya Magazine

“Whilst escaping the 40 degree heat, sipping a mint tea and lounging against some large old cushions behind giant carved wooden doors that opened up into a beautiful old café, Deb happened to notice that one of the cushion covers had a burst seam. Curious of the contents, she began exploring its insides, to discover it was filled with old scraps of fabric. She discreetly started to pull them out and chanced upon a long piece of frayed yet beautiful gold damask fabric. Deb now wears this as a headpiece, and every time she wears it, she thinks of that day overlooking the rooftops of the Medina and the sound of the Call to Prayer in the distance.”

Click here to read the full article in Onya Magazine

I am lucky enough to count some very beautiful people as fabulous friends. For these special people, I will walk the end of the earth – I support, listen, comfort, celebrate, understand and care – because I love them and I want what is best for them.

However, I have come to realise that there are other people out there who take advantage of my good nature. People who deplete me by using me as their emotional dictionary to help prop themselves up and make sense of the feelings and problems that they can’t in their own lives, yet when push comes to shove, are only in the friendship for themselves. It’s time to kick these people to the kerb, and for me to stop facilitating these scenarios.

I’ve known for a long time that I need to be more discerning, and I have been. I’ve been conscious of the people I let into my life, but the wrong people still sometimes seem to slip through the cracks, who end up disappointing me with sickening displays of selfishness that make a mockery of everything I have ever invested into them.

One of the great things about being in my 30s, is that I now have a backbone. I have become more adept at not taking on board other people’s bullshit. I have learnt when I need to stand up for myself, or when to just remove the person or situation from my life with a pffft and a wave of my hand, because life is too short to be letting other people rain on my parade – especially time wasters who prove not to be worthy of my friendship in the first place.

The other thing about being in my 30s, is that I’ve been around the block a few times. Each time I go around, my shoes and handbags may not only get better, but so does my ability to recognise certain types of people, and more importantly which ones to avoid. I have come to value friendship as a precious commodity, and if I was to float the friendships I have with the people I love on the stock market, they would surely have to be worth their weight in gold.

However, there are some high risk bad investments out there to avoid like one of those dodgy pyramid schemes:

• The passive aggressive pain in the ass
• The green eyed monster
• The high maintenance drama queen
• The toxic energy vampire who sucks the life out of you with all their problems and dramas
• The needy and demanding narcissist
• The good time friend (closely related to the false friend)
• Blunt, aggressive and moody people
• Acquaintances that think you are BFFs after meeting one or two times
• Friends you can’t be yourself around

What are your friendship deal breakers?

First published in Onya Magazine

“If beauty is the sum of our parts, then surely it’s the little things like cuticles and well-groomed eyebrows that combine to make a real difference. When it comes to bridal beauty, there is no such thing as too much attention to detail – especially if we are to take our lead from Grace.”

Click here to read the full article in Onya Magazine

Darlings,

I will be holidaying in Perth for the next two weeks – see you when I return from the Motherland.

Image Credit: 1

Are you dreaming of a summer holiday? Lusting after the kaftans the SATC girls wore in Abu Dhabi? Have you always wanted to see the places Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda frequented in New York?

In the decadent spirit of Sex and the City 2, The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide is giving away the perfect package for your next summer escape. Even though we all may not have a Sultan to whisk us away to exotic Abu Dhabi, you will look and feel fabulous wherever you are with these prizes. Including a Sex and the City Hotspots tour for 2 in New York, Colin Heaney Kaftan voucher, Storm London watch, skincare from Clinique and more.

Sex and the City Hotspots Tour in New York (2 tickets) US $88

Stop at “Scout,” the bar owned by Aidan, enjoy cupcakes like Carrie and Miranda, go on location to the art gallery in SoHo where Charlotte worked , shop at the hottest boutiques & stores in Greenwich Village, visit Buddakan the site of Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner and see new locations from Sex and the City: the Movie.

www.screentours.com

Voucher for Colin Heaney Kaftan valued at $500.

Watching the premiere of Sex and the City 2, I was mesmerised by the long flowing kaftans the girls were wearing as they immersed themselves in the decadence of Abu Dhabi. Graceful, sensual and elegant, a designer kaftan is the perfect accompaniment for your next holiday, or even to wear at home when you want to transport yourself to another more exotic location.

“Colin Heaney knows the art of luxury and has created luxury of art in the divinely sensuous high quality silk kaftans, sarongs, scarves and a coordinating silkwear collection. Each delicate piece in the collection is an exquisite alchemy of art, a lifetime investment.”

With 25 years experience as a world renowned glass blowing artist, Colin has turned his innate talent for design to create an elegant and luxurious resort silkwear resort range that reconnects women with their femininity.

www.colinheaney.com

Lyla Watch from Storm London valued at $359.

STORM London has spent 20 years keeping Europe in time and style, and now the brand has launched in Australia. Always distinctive, Storm London designs are created with the individual in mind. “No two watches are the same. Each design is different and with each new season release there are new features. STORM London continues to evolve and invent,” says Rose from STORM London.

www.stormwatches.com.au

Voucher from Misoh Organics for $80

Misoh’s stylish sleepwear and underwear is made from unique fabrics such as organic cotton and bamboo; making their range not only luxurious and comfortable, but eco conscious.

www.misoh.com.au

Anna Sui Rock Me! Summer of Love $89

“Rock Me! Summer of Love opens with optimistic, uplifting notes. The fresh beat of Bergamot combines with Blue Water hyssop and Geranium, playing a chord that captures the heart. Developing into an ultra-feminine, delicious elixir, White Peach and Freesia mingle with a water lily accord, playfully tempting and soothing at the same time. Backed up by the base of Musky Rose and Ambergris accords mixing with Sandalwood, the fragrance turns surprisingly seductive. It’s a Summer of Love, afterall!”

www.annasui.com

Borne Naked “The Traveller” Handbag Liner $35.95

The Borne Naked Traveller is the perfect for decanting your beauty products when you go away – which can only mean one thing. More room in your suitcase for your Manolo Blahniks!

www.bornenaked.com.au

Clinique Even Better Range (Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, Even Better Moisturizer SPF 15, Even Better Makeup) $228

The Even Better range from Clinique targets uneven skin tone, discolouration, aging, hyper pigmentation and dry skin. The moisturiser contains SPF 15 and advanced broad spectrum 3:1 UVB/UVA to protect your skin from the sun; and patent pending scientifically proven technology that imparts higher level of brightness, clarity, luminosity and hydration. Results are amplified when you combine your moisturiser with the Corrector, resulting in more even toned  skin.

Cover and treat your skin with Even Better Makeup SPF 15. Not only will it cover discolouration and even out your skin tone, but the Vitamin C in the formula will treat your skin whilst you are wearing it. It instantly creates a smooth complexion and its lightweight oil-free formula is perfect for warmer climates.

Even though it is comparable in strength to leading pharmaceutical prescriptions, the formula is lightweight and gentle and can be used on all skin types without redness, dryness or blotchiness. It is 100% fragrance free, allergy tested, oil free, non acnegenic, Dermatologist tested and Opthamologist tested.

www.clinique.com.au

Decleor Paris Body Cream $70

Deceor Paris Moisturising Body Milk is a moisturising and firming cream, that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky. Use it on dry areas of the skin such as the elbows, knees and feet. It contains plant oils of meadow foam and copra as well as vegetable proteins and vitamin E.

www.decleor.com

Uspa Tahitian Lime Travel Pack $20

“Uspa is the evolution of innovative results driven products utilising therapeutic quality botanical ingredients combined with modern technology. Uspa incorporates a wholistic philosophy focusing on the physiological as well as psychological benefits of the pure plant extracts incorporated in the products.” This Tahitian Lime travel pack contains powerful herbal complexes and aromatic Tahitian lime balance to create ideal scalp conditions for healthy radiant hair.”

www.uspa-usa.com

Bloom Organics All Purpose Body Balm and Rose Hip Oil $58

The divinely graceful, smart and ever beautiful Natalie Bloom has launched a new line of Australian Certified Organic products to nourish, protect and care for your skin. When listening to Natalie speak at the launch in her Chapel Street Flagship store in Melbourne, I was genuinely inspired by her passion, and impressed with her whole hearted commitment and integrity to create a range of products that support the environment. Bloom Organics represents the growth and success of a brand that is continually flourishing and evolving – not only with the expansion of product lines and colour palettes, but with real heart.

www.bloomcosmetics.com

Napoeleon Complex Skin Renewal Serum $79

Revitalise your complexion with Napoleon’s high tech serum containing a cocktail of tri-peptides that hydrate the complexion, improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

www.napoleonperdis.com
THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Please click here to view current competitions.

Here is an excerpt from Tom Valcanis’ reply to my previous article The Male Species Never Ceases To Amaze Me published in Onya Magazine.

Dear Gaynor,

I read your article on the male “hand-holder” which, in your words is cut from the same cloth as “Dirty Lying Bastard.” I thought it hit upon a very intuitive point – yes, these “hand-holders” are indeed lying bastards; but the people they are lying to is not only you but themselves as well.

Dr. Robert Glover, whom I have mentioned previously, calls this condition vagiphobia. In his words, “Vagiphobia is a syndrome where the penis tries to stay out of vaginas or gets out quickly once it is in.” Riddled with trauma and toxic shame, the male has this seemingly irresolvable tension between the irrational belief that he must be validated by a female by having sex but avoidant of the act itself for a variety of neurotic reasons – be it conditioning in childhood that sex was “shameful” or “dirty” or that direct initiation of sex may cause the female to think he was “bad” or “only after one thing.” Many of these “hand-holders” flirt with girls who are seemingly sexually unavailable anyway – girls with boyfriends or even husbands. When they actually succeed in getting what their exterior behavior is signaling, they find any sort of excuse to run away so as not to confront their own feelings about sex and relationships. Sometimes this is not built up in the home but their communities and the media.

Click here to read full article in Onya Magazine

A monthly column featuring beauty news, reviews and product of the month.

Prada | Limited Edition Infusion de Tubereuse

Release on Counter: 27th June 2010

RRP: 50ml $125, 100 ml $165, 200ml $220.

“The imprint of tuberose full of green buds in full bloom…” Daniela Andrier, Perfumer.

Prada | l’eau ambree parfum de sac

Release on Counter: 27th June 2010

RRP: 3 x 10ml $130

This scent is now available in refillable purse spray. Gold in design, the vaporiser also features an engraved gold plaque listing the parfum’s main ingredients -
Citron, May Rose and Amber.

Hermés | Voyage d’hermés EDT

Release on Counter: 6th June 2010

RRP: $130 35ml, $198 100ml

This new unisex fragrance from Hermés captures the essence of travel. Designed for taking onto planes, the 35ml bottle is also refillable, “making it not just a travelling companion but a sustainable object to house this new woody, fresh, musky fragrance.”

Bvlgari | Eau Parfumee au the Vert 125th Anniversary Edition Sets

This set was created to celebrate the Bvlgari: Between History and Eternity Exhibition. There are only 10 sets available in Australia, which will be sold privately out of the Cosmax Office. Enquiries can be directed to 02 9695 5678.

Laura Mercier | Limited Edition Club Couture Story

Release on Counter: 20th June 2010

Limited edition lip colours in Pink Label and Designer Beige $45, After Hours Lip Glace $42 and VIP Gold & VIP Silver Foiled Eye Colours $45, matched with Laura’s Full Lash Faux Eyelashes $22 and Caviar Eye Liner $45.

Clarins | White Plus HP

Release on Counter: 28 June 2010
All Spots Whitening Corrector 7ml $55, Pearl-to-Cream Brightening Cleanser 125ml $60, Whitening Soft Aqua-Milk 200ml $70, Whitening Pure Aqua-Lotion 200ml $70, Intensive
Whitening Smoothing Serum 30ml $120, Whitening Moisture Day Emulsion SPF 20 50ml $90.

Clarins | Multi Active Night

Released on Counter: 17th May 2010

RRP: 50ml $89

Clarins introduces an anti-ageing night cream to help skin recover its youthful appearance. Available in lightweight Multi-Active Night Cream for normal to combination skin, and richer Multi-Active Night Comfort Cream for normal to dry skin.

Estee Lauder | NEW Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler

Released On Counter: May 9 2010

RRP: $85 15ml

This revolutionary new product from Estee Lauder promises to immediately reduce the look of deep lines upon contact. Advanced volumising spheres containing Hyaluronic Acid and the Wrinkle Lift Restructuring Peptides Complex, help plump and deliver intensive treatment to lines, whilst protecting collagen in the skin. Additionally an advanced optical blend of fluorescent pigments brighten shadows to give skin a more smoother and even complexion.

Elizabeth Arden | Intervene Skin Tone Perfecting Capsules

Released on Counter:May 16 2010

RRP: $79 for 37 capsules

This nightcap for your skin delivers a single dose of pure Vitamin C to treat your skin whilst you sleep. It targets sun damage, stress, age spots and discolouration to transform and energise your skin resulting in a more even-toned, radiant and luminous complexion. Best of all, it is oil free and suitable for all skin types – hurrah!

Headlines Hairpieces | Seamless Volumiser

Lengths and Prices:

30cm $181.50 inc gst,
40cm $205.70 inc gst
50cm $231.00 inc gst

The new Seamless Volumiser transforms thin lifeless and lank hair into thick supermodel locks full of body. It has a unique base line that gradually adds layers to the weft base to create body without adding bulk at the attachment (or a visible seam). It is also much easier to wear, as you only need one piece, instead of 6 to 7 individual pieces. It is made from 100% human hair, and is available in Black, Chocolate Brown, Light Brown, Caramel, Blonde, Choc Brown w. Caramel Highlights, Choc Brown w. Blonde Highlights, Caramel w. Brown Highlights, Blonde w. Caramel Highlights and Blonde w. Choc Brown Highlights.

*** Headlines Hair Pieces is offering all readers of The Modern Woman’s Survival Guide a $20 voucher.

M.A.C | Nicole Thompson, Senior M.A.C Makeup Artists Outlines her Top Products for the Season

Fix Plus Spray $27 – Spritz it all over your skin for a refreshing feel. It is packed with Vitamins and minerals to have you feeling and looking amazing. I will go through at least 3 bottles of this during FW and it’s my most favorite MAC product and it’s also the cheapest! Yay! It is an aqua spritz of Vitamins and Minerals that gives a beautiful glow to the skin. I will use it before and after moisturizing to really lock in that hydration. I will spritz it onto the bodies to give a beautiful sheen and if the model has dry skin I will load up the face with this spray and then massage it in the effect are amazing you want one right!?

Strobe Cream $55 – apply under foundation for an amazing healthy glow. It’s all about beautiful skin this season.

Mineral Powder Natural $46 – Available in a range of Natural skin tones, this powder sets your make-up in place, but is not flat and matte – you look fresh and alive!

Face and Body Foundation $60 – This is the Foundation of choice for MAC artists and also freelance artists and I can’t live without it – dramatic right? It’s just that good. It’s the foundation that doesn’t look like you are wearing anything you just manage to have a healthy glow. Super dewy and super sheer, that’s what we use on the models bodies to even out their skin tone for all the skimpy outfits!

Cream colour bases for $35 in a range of colour mattes is out of my book. it’s all about fresh flawless, sheeny skin and these products are the way to go. Use Pearl or Hush to highlight the skin, and Tint or Mid-tone Sepia to contour ..ahhh!

Prep and Prime Lash $25 – Can’t be bothered putting false lashes on but want dramatic lashes? This is the product to get them! Layer it on before your mascara and watch the lashes grow in length and thickness!!!

Nars | Orgasm Blush and Illuminator

This product that has had so many rave reviews, that I just had to try it to see what all the fuss was about. Good heavens above. Hallelujah. Praise the Lord. I think I just died and went to beauty heaven … that, or I was blinded by the rush as Nars Orgasm delivered its burst of peachy pink goodness. It brought my whole face alive, and its subtle gold fleck imparted a radiant glow that seemed to follow me around all day long. This is one orgasm that sure does deliver the goods.

SKII | Cellumination Range

The two new products from the Cellumination range, Beauty Essence and Deep Surge, are designed to provide crystal clear transparent skin that radiates with a luminous natural aura. “Cellumination uses high-precision skincare technology called the Aura Bright Cocktail to control RGB balance. This potent complex utilises three naturally derived ingredients, that when combined, increase each other’s efficacy – resulting in ‘Aura-Lucent’ skin.” The three ingredients are De-Melano P3C (a form of Vitamin B3), Talapewhite and of course SKII’s famous concentrated Pitera.

So, is this all scientific mumbo jumbo, you ask? I concede, I was a little lost at the RGB balance myself (but that’s only because I never paid enough attention in school … “Gaynor has the potential to excel in Chemistry, if she was only to apply herself more.” The only thing I was interested in applying myself to when I was 16, was the boy whose name I spent the entire class writing all over my pencil case). However, unlike “The Ponds Institute” (its whereabouts unknown, but I’d bet my entire years salary they would claim it was in Switzerland), the scientific research behind this product seems real.

This product delivered an amazing luminosity to my skin, and I will definitely continue to use it in conjunction with my Facial Essence (a former Product of the Month).

Abode Aroma | Gardenia Aromatic Diffuser, Soap and Candle

I absolutely adore scented reeds in a room – but the fragrance in many of them seem to evaporate over time. Gardenia is also a tricky fragrance to emulate – many end up smelling like the inside of a musty old draw. However the fragrance in this range is not only captivating and enduring, but it’s also simply divine. Abode Aroma products are a stylish way to scent your house.

All hail the Queen of Exfoliators! Now, that I have got back up from bended knees, I can tell you that what I worship the most about this fine product is how effectively it exfoliates my skin without irritation.

I have combination skin, so it needs a good regular scrub to clean out my pores, but I also have sensitive skin and am prone to rosacea, thus I must be very careful what I exfoliate with. Dermalogica’s Microfoliant contains rice based enzymes, which gently removes dead skin and unclogs pores, whilst also leaving skin super smooth and bright. What’s not to love?

I’m tired. Worn out. Exhausted. I sit at the keyboard to type and my mind fails to respond. I look at my calendar with resentment. I can’t bare to schedule another appointment. My inbox makes me feel sick. Yes folks, it’s that time of year. Time for a holiday.

A holiday where I don’t have to think about anything. A holiday where I can spend relaxing afternoons that roll into delightful evenings, talking with dear friends over beautiful food and lovely wine. A holiday where I can take it as it comes. A holiday where I don’t have to check my diary to see what I’m doing everyday. A holiday where I can do what I want, when I want and not feel obligated by anything. I need to be free, so I can relax and recharge – because that’s what holidays are for.

That’s why I’m heading home to Perth for two whole weeks this coming Saturday. There will be cherished friends to see and family to catch up with – namely one 6 year old to read stories to, and play board games and beauty salons with (for a mere $5 you can have your face painted or get a massage – and she’ll even take coin).

There are so many people I would love to catch up with when I am home in Perth, and people I may miss because they are coming and going the time that I am there (it seems everyone else is in holiday mode too – you jetsetters, you). If I was to keep a diary of the dates when everyone was free, start a schedule and work myself around it, it would cease to be a holiday. I hope to see you all, but, if we don’t catch up this time, it doesn’t mean I love you any less, and there will definitely be a next time.

Is anyone else feeling the need to hop on a plane and get away from it all?

I am not usually disorganised, nor do I procrastinate. Okay, okay, if you’re ready to come clean, then so am I. So, let me rephrase that. It’s true I’m not usually disorganised, but I do procrastinate. Never at work (I’m one of those super efficient anally retentive nerdy types who gets a thrill out of crossing every single little last thing off my to do list), but when it comes to unpleasant tasks in my personal life, I am forever putting them off for another day. Another day that never comes because these tasks will always be pushed down the to do list, in favour of doing other more important things, or if I am honest again, more pleasant things.

So, week after week when I do my Monday admin at home (see I wasn’t lying about the organised part was I?) I am harassed by those one or two tasks on my to do list that have been sitting there for a good six months. I’m not going away you know. Come on you lazy so and so. Action me. Tick me off. But, no, you’re going to ignore me again aren’t you? That’s right, take the easy way out. Suit yourself. I’ll be back again next week.

I’m not quite sure why I deem some administrative tasks worse than others? But I do know that my pain threshold is always tested if there is a phone call involved. Not just any type of phone call, but specifically, a phone call to a “service provider”. You know those calls when you have to “speak” with an automated menu, and repeat yourself three fucking times to their voice recognition system. If that’s not bad enough, it takes about 15 minutes to finally get to the right menu, and then you are put on hold for at least half an hour, and have to endure the whole “we value your call, thank you for your patience, one of our operators will be with you shortly”. No they won’t, you lying piece of automated crap, because you just said that to me 3 minutes ago before subjecting me to another round of Greensleaves inter-dispersed with your advertising spiel, which quite frankly, I don’t care for. Just answer your frigging phone!

However, I can’t place all the blame on the likes of Virgin and my electricity supplier. Sometimes I just plain don’t want to do certain things. But, I am ready to tackle my procrastination head on. Yes, you heard me procrastination, your days are numbered. Be afraid, very afraid, because today is D Day. I’m sick of looking at you. Sick of you taunting me. Sick of you terrorising my psyche. I’ve found your kryptonite, and it’s name is action.

So, today, I am crossing off EVERYTHING on my to do list.

What makes you want to procrastinate and pull the doona over your head?

Image Credit: 1

The following is an excerpt from a guest post I wrote for “The Soul Princess of Oslo”.

“I met my soul mate back in 2001, and immediately fell head over heels in love – I guess you could call it love at first sight. After a long distance relationship spanning nearly a decade, the object of my affections got down on a bended knee, and proposed my hand in marriage. I finally made the move to be together and since then we’ve never looked back.

Please do forgive me if I sound like I am bragging, but I’m happy to report that we’re still going strong after all this time. So just who is this man? Well, it’s time to come clean and declare to the world that my major relationship is with a city.

What draws us to be with certain cities over others? What is it about a city that has us pack our bags and leave our life behind to move to the other side of a country and even to other sides of the world?  Is it the energy of a city that attracts the people to it, or is it the collection of the people’s energy that makes a city what it is?”

Click here to read the full article on The Soul Princess of Oslo’s blog

Just who is “The Soul Princess of Oslo?” This strong and sassy princess is a self confessed happily single girl living in Norway, who still pines about her time in Melbourne. She started her blog to abate her boredom, and as an outlet for the millions of ideas that run through her mind on a daily basis. When she’s not blogging, you can find her drinking endless cups of tea and spending time with people who inspire her creatively. Not afraid to be opinionated, the Soul Princess of Oslo loves people who are proud to be individuals.