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8 Tips For A Lucky Chinese New Year of the Water Dragon 2012

2012-02-01T16:22:00.001+11:00

I love Chinese New Year. Even though I am not Chinese myself, I have an interest in Chinese customs and I like Chinese food. Especially mushroom fried noodles. There's something fun about the whole idea of creating a large amount of luck, driving away evil spirits each year and wishing great bagfuls of money on people.

Tips to make your year lucky:

1. Say Kung Hao Fat Choy ("gong hey fat choy") to your Chinese friends who speak Cantonese. Or Gong Xi Fa Cai ("gong shi fa chai") for those who speak Mandarin. This means something along the lines of "I hope this year you get lots of money/have a prosperous year". I think that's a nice thing to wish people. I haven't done this yet but I fear my pronunciation would be rather suspect (I only learned French, Italian and German at school!)

2. Clean everything!! Clean out the old luck and bring in the new. But be careful not to sweep or clean during New Years or you might clean some luck away.

3. Give out red envelopes with money in them to your family. The amount must be an even number (preferably having an eight in there somewhere!) When receiving an envelope, don't open your envelopes in the presence of the giver. This is said to be bad manners.

4. Wear/buy red clothes. My contribution to this is my incredibly awesome Redheads top. It's very red and therefore very lucky (see below).

5. Light firecrackers to scare away evil spirits. Firecrackers are illegal in most cases, so watching some fireworks might be the next best thing. I may have to settle for party poppers and some sparklers.

6. Display citrus fruits around the house. These are especially lucky and are thought to bring good health for the coming year.

7. Open all your doors and windows and keep the lights on. This is said to bring in the new luck of the new year and let go of last year's luck.

8. Eat long noodles for a long life!!

This year is the year of the Water Dragon. The Water Dragon is said to be ambitious, but the water element tempers the arrogance and pushiness usually associated with the year of the Dragon.

I hope this year is joyful and prosperous for all of you!!
:-)

Rose Quartz

2012-01-23T16:19:00.000+11:00

I am looking for a new lamp for the new year. I love all kinds of crystal lamps, sometimes I think I might buy them all!! But I am particularly fond of this one:

Rose Quartz (height = 6 and a half inches)

Rose quartz is a gentle crystal that eases stress, which is a good thing for most people!!

I love the soft glow of a crystal lamp, there is nothing like it, it can transform the atmosphere of a room.

A word of warning though: I wasn't sure of the size of the lamp because I use metric and this seller was using the imperial system.

....whatever you do, don't go and look up "how big is 6 and a half inches" in Google.

Saving Money on My Shopping Expeditions

2012-01-21T17:53:00.002+11:00

savesavesave.blogspot.com

It’s no secret that I enjoy shopping. Even if I leave the mall without making one purchase, I almost always find it exciting and relaxing to stroll between stores, check out the newest outfits, and look for great deals on items that can improve my wardrobe. But, of course, I very often do make a purchase. I rarely buy more than one or maybe two pieces of clothing in any given trip -- but the costs certainly add up over time.
If you’re like me, then, you’re probably looking for ways to cut back on your purchases when you go to the store. I don’t want to stop going to the mall; I just want to avoid having to take out pay day or Phoenix title loans just to keep my habit afloat. Here are some steps I’m going to take in order to reduce my costs but not my time in the store:

Set Deadlines
If I head to the mall on a weekend morning and don’t have anything else planned for the day, there’s a good chance I’m going to wander around, try clothes on, and ultimately make a purchase. But if I instead plan my mall trips at times when I have commitments shortly thereafter – for example, by going to the mall only an hour before a doctor’s appointment – I can satisfy my shopping itch without giving myself time to make a purchase.

Cash Only
I think it’s imprudent to go anywhere without some money on hand, but there’s no reason why you can’t leave your credit card at home -- especially if it's a store credit card -- and just take some cash in your wallet. This means that I’ll have money if something comes up or if I see something at the mall that’s really attractive and reasonably priced. But I’ll be much more hesitant to buy something unnecessary when I have to count out $20 bills in order to make the purchase.

Stick With Sales
There are a handful of stores that I regularly visit when I go to the mall. On any one given trip, however, I usually make it to only two or three of my six regular stops. With this in mind, I’m going to restrict those two or three I visit to stores that are advertising an ongoing sale. Since most store-wide sales are advertised in the retailer’s entranceway, it shouldn’t be too difficult to weed out the good choices from the bad during a given mall visit.

These are some of the main tricks I plan to follow in an effort to reduce my mall costs without limiting my shopping or my purchasing altogether. If you can relate to my situation, hopefully these tips can benefit you as well.

~ Guest Post ~

Taking Time for You This Holiday Season

2012-01-04T19:24:00.000+11:00

The holidays are here, and for many women that means that the to-do lists are seemingly endless. Not only do we have our normal everyday tasks, such as running the kids to school, cleaning, cooking, and grocery shopping, but we also have additional tasks such as gift shopping, home decorating, and even writing that annual Christmas letter.

Although the holidays are a busy time, it is still important for every wife and mother to take time for herself – for her own sanity's sake and for the well-being of others around her. Because we all know that if mom's not happy, then no one is. So if you are finding yourself wound a little tight this holiday season, give yourself a break and do one, or a couple of the following for yourself:

Hit the Salon

There is almost nothing better than getting a great cut and a fabulous manicure and pedicure to match. If you are finding yourself feeling a little frazzled, pull up Anywho's reverse phone number finder, find the closest salon near you, and book an appointment ASAP. Having that time to be pampered will definitely ease your mind, and will get you looking great for when you are ready to take on the next task ahead:

Go on a Date

If sitting alone isn't a good way for you to de-stress, take a night out with your hubby. There is a good chance that both of you haven't got to spend adequate time together during the holidays, so taking the time to have an intimate evening together can be just what the both of you need to unwind.

Take a Ladies' Night

There is no doubt that you aren't the only woman in your circle of friends that is stressed from holiday planning and preparation. Instead of just taking a night to yourself, consider blowing off some steam with a few close girlfriends and having a ladies' night. Either you can all get dressed up and go out, or avoid the cold weather by sending the kids and hubbies away and having a good ol' fashioned slumber party fully equipped with chick flicks and cocktails at someone's home.

The holidays are hectic. Friends and family members are always dropping by or needing to be visited, there are Christmas cookies to bake, and endless shopping that must be done. Although the holidays are often stressful, they are also often a time of great joy. Just make sure to give yourself some time to enjoy the holidays so that you too can look back with fond memories.

~ Guest Post ~

Christmas Shipping Deadlines 2011

2011-12-17T14:11:00.000+11:00

The last minute Christmas shopping rush is sweeping through the land, causing people to panic and hope that they haven't missed the deadline to get their Christmas gifts delivered on time and in time for Christmas. BestOnlineCoupons.com provides some useful info on shopping, shipping and coupons for all the best Christmas deals for 2011.

Coupon hunters will need to move quickly to beat the looming Shipping Deadlines for Christmas 2011. If you are anything like me, you have left your Christmas shopping to the last minute!

You can find a number of coupons from all your favourite outlets such as Best Buy Coupons, Dell, Expedia, Macys, Overstock and more. You can choose from hundreds of outlets using thousands of coupon codes to get you the best deal and to save time and money in the process!

You can find coupons for flowers, baby products, sporting goods, internet services, arts and crafts and eco friendly gifts. Coupons range from free shipping codes to small to large percentages off popular brand name goods with set dollar amounts off big ticket items and all the best deals on gift cards for that instant gift giving experience. This is a great resource and well worth checking out on your continuing quest for the perfect Christmas gift for 2011.

3 Short Steps to Video IT Courses - Software Training Made Easy

2011-12-15T11:20:00.003+11:00

A number of new bloggers have asked me recently about where to start when learning how to use new software and becoming computer literate. Sometimes the first step can be the most difficult but when I was doing software courses with novices, I was surprised at how quickly they picked things up. Essentially, it's just a computer, and once demystified, it actually becomes fun to learn!

Some of you probably know the basics about computers and using various programs in your daily life. However, software upgrades such as Windows 7 can put you back to square one.

Teach Me Today is a simple, easy to use online learning system for IT Training using video demonstrations, allowing you to start learning immediately. At present, it is available for US and Canadian students only (I'm hoping that they will include Australian students in the future). Subjects include software training for Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access, to a subject such as C++ Programming.

A couple of my readers asked me about the best way to get into C++ and the world of programming. I find that online video tutorial courses are easy to follow and you can pause, take notes and test as you go.

It's 3 easy steps to sign up to get exclusive access to quality software training video content:

Step 1. sign up

Step 2. pick your course

Step 3. start learning

List of courses include: Windows 7 / Excel / Build and Design Games in C++ / Using the Internet / QuickBooks / HTML and web design / Dreamweaver / Photoshop / Publisher / Powerpoint

technorati tags: it training, software training, online courses, learn to use computers, programming training, C , Windows training, software course

Crazy Sales Coupon: Discount Promo Code

2011-12-13T15:39:00.000+11:00

This coupon will get you 5% off your total purchase at Crazysales.com.au

Coupon: XMASPRO

Or for $5 off, use Coupon: XMASCAT11

Stylish Christmas Gift Guide 2011

2011-12-09T17:07:00.001+11:00

Christmas shopping for 2011 is upon us. It's make or break time. But we don't always have to endure the pain of shopping centres and crowds.

Here are my top picks for Christmas 2011:

1. Detox Foot Patches

2. Jimmy Choo Perfume

3. Sheridan Beach Towel

4. Ladybug Handbag Hook

5. Srixon Q Star Golf Ball

6. Bionic Gardening Gloves

7. Star Wars Poster

8. Heller Personal Fan

9. Himalayan Crystal Bath Salts

10. Beach Bag

technorati tags: christmas gift, christmas 2011, christmas gift ideas 2011, christmas gift ideas, last minute christmas, stylish gifts, gifts 2011

Tiger Woods is Back!!

2011-12-08T16:00:00.005+11:00

Woods' win at the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club has been a long time coming. Tiger's fans have been waiting patiently, and Tiger himself has been waiting and striving rather impatiently. It cannot be easy to fall from the world No#1 spot to off the charts in a short space of time. Injuries, a media furore, and more injuries have plagued the former No#1 ranked golfer in the world.

Tiger's last win was at the 2009 Australian Masters. How do I know that? I was there. I saw him put on the yellow jacket at Kingston Heath. I got a sore neck from crouching down and watching between somebody's knees. It was worth it. Tiger was where he belonged, and in my eyes had never really left, just lying dormant until the right time. Some said he had "lost it", "was over", I never really believed it so I kept my mouth shut (my blogging mouth, anyway). Tiger showed some form towards the end of the 2011 Australian Open, finishing third, beaten by John Senden (2nd) and Greg "going for the triple crown" Chalmers (1st). Chalmers, after his win at the Australian Open went on to win again at the PGA at Coolum and is set to put in a fight at the 2011 JBWere Masters next weekend. Chalmers will be set to play key US events next year, so stay tuned...

In that same month, Tiger played a crucial role in the 2011 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, helping to seal the win for the USA against the International Team.

Photo Credit Bay News 9

Currently, Tiger's world ranking has ricocheted from #52 up to #21.

What is to come is yet unknown, but when golf and Tiger Woods get together, it creates eventful, inspiring and perhaps even surprising entertainment.

technorati tags: Tiger Woods, world ranking, australian golf, jbwere masters, australian open, PGA Coolum, Presidents Cup, Chevron World Challenge

Shabby Sheiks

2011-11-22T13:53:00.003+11:00

Just when I thought I'd seen it all, from shabby chicks to shabby chic, along came the Shabby Sheik:

A rustic, shabby sheik timber cabinet. What is a shabby sheik? What decorating movement does it represent? Broken tiles? Ornate but mud covered mosaics? Or perhaps the seller was someone mysterious but well known...

I love the shabby sheik movement, I intend to decorate exclusively in this style.

And, to follow the immortal words of the man himself,

You are what you is

And you is a bad speller

technorati tags: shabby chic, shabby sheik, shabby chick, frank zappa, sheik yerbouti

Shabby Chic for Shabby Chicks

2011-11-10T12:30:00.002+11:00

It's amazing what a difference one letter can make. I've always thought of the term "shabby chic" as a bit of a self gratification session (I'm trying hard not to swear!)

There is also some kind of brilliantly simple diabolical thinking going on here. Whoever came up with shabby chic is one clever monkey. I'm going to take a guess as to what prompted this movement. One woman or man had a garage full of stuff. People came and viewed the stuff at a garage sale and said "wow, your stuff's really old, rusty and the paint's peeling off. I wouldn't give you 20 cents for that rusty oak barrel or that crappy sign that says "flour" that has cobwebs all over it. Your junk sucks."

So this woman or man, after not selling a thing at their garage sale, developed a plan. S/he would put a display ad in the local paper, showing all the old rusty, paint peeling crap in a large country-style room, complete with polished floorboards, lace doileys, white tablecloths, white curtains, another bunch of doileys, a couple of pot plants and a headline for the picture "shabby chic". And thus, the shabby chic movement was created, giving all people from all walks of life the opportunity to sell a rusty bike on ebay for $400 to a clueless yuppie who is willing to buy all your paint-peeling, oxidising junk at premium prices. And everyone was happy.

And hey, if you want to make your place into a Jane Austen on coke meets Barbara Cartland nightmare then go ahead. I have developed an irrational fear of lace, doileys and all-white rooms. And floral bedspreads. So a shabby chic room for me would be like some kind of interrogation room. I'd end up telling everything, even though nobody would be asking me any questions. I'd tell where the gold is buried and the combination to a non-existant jewel safe, just to get out of there. If someone brought out the iced Vo-Vos I might even scream. Or run. Or both.

What I love even more is when people get this wrong. Apparently you can buy a table from a "shabby chick", which is in my opinion, too much information for a simple buyer/seller relationship.

I do appreciate her honesty, though. If you want to create your own shabby chic wonderland, more power to you. Just don't be too surprised if one of those creepy-assed dolls moves when you're not looking.

technorati tags: shabby chic, shabby chick, rustic, provincial, french decorating, home, decorating, rusty, overpriced

Cappuccino vs Caffe Latte

2011-10-24T10:52:00.003+11:00

Have you ever wondered about the difference between caffe latte and cappuccino? Many don't know the difference, including the people who serve them.

Let's start with cappuccino. Cappuccino comes from the Capuchin friars - some say it refers to the colour of their robes, others say it refers to the friars' distinctive hairdo - bald in the middle and hair ringed around the head like a headband. Whatever the reason, we have the wonderful caffeinated beverage, coffee, steamed milk, and a large head of foam topped with a ring or a pattern of cinnamon, cocoa or chocolate sprinkles.

Latte, or caffe latte means "coffee and milk". So, unsurprisingly, the drink consists of coffee and a boatload of milk. This is often served in a glass with a napkin wrap to stop you burning your fingers. It is more similar to a flat white than a cappuccino, only the caffe latte contains more milk. According to Wikipedia, the drink was popularised in Seattle in the 1980s and is still hugely popular today.

Which brings me to my daily battle with take away coffees. I love to drink a take away cappuccino, lift off the lid and lick off the foam and chocolate from the inside. Perhaps not the daintiest look, but that's how I do it. Only a cappuccino can provide this experience, so I order a cappuccino every time I get a coffee.

For some reason, my saying "Cappuccino" sounds distinctly like "Caffe Latte" to the person behind the counter. I walk out only to find that I have a milky coffee and no foam, no sprinkles, no fun. Apparently the rise of caffe latte in Seattle was so powerful, that nobody believes you anymore when you ask for a cappuccino. They think "poor thing, she's obviously not keeping up with the times. I'll do her a favour and make her a latte so she won't be excruciatingly embarrassed."

I would like to release an open letter to my particular local cafe, however this can apply to cafes around the world:

Dear "Barista",
You are actually Italian, so you should know better than to confuse a cappuccino with a caffe latte. I know it's hard for you and that I am the only person since 1989 to ask for a cappuccino since everyone is sooo hip to the latte thing, but I-don't-care. I want my daggy outmoded cappuccino, I want it brimming with foam and chocolate sprinkles. Kindly make mine frothy, I don't want a hot milk with a dash of coffee in it, I don't care if Kate Moss is doing it.

sincerely,
Proud (if not fashionably challenged) cappuccino drinker

technorati tags: cappuccino, latte, caffe latte, cafe latte, capucin, friar, barista, cappuccino vs caffe latte, coffee, cafe

Signs For Your Business

2011-10-05T12:13:00.001+11:00

The sign is often the first thing people see when they come to your place of business. The important question to ask is what does your sign say about you? I have seen signs that appear to be thrown together with sticky lettering and cheap wood. This is the kind of impression you do not want to make with your customers. As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

On the other hand, if you walk into an office, store or other business and see a brushed metal, machine cut logo with spiffy lettering, you will think to yourself "these guys mean business". If you really want to get it done right,

Impact Signs are professional corporate signage specialists a with professional installation and service and no-nonsense quote process. If you are after bronze / metal lettering or custom designs, the turnaround is fast, so you can get back to the business of running your business.

If you want a professionally made sign, Impact Signs is a member of the the American Marketing Association and provide creative, professional solutions to your signage needs.

Who Profiles Your Browsing Habits?

2011-10-04T14:10:00.001+11:00

As you shop, browse and scour the web, have you ever wondered who is profiling your browsing habits?

Once, when searching for a yoga mat and book on Amazon, I became alarmed when I started to see ads appearing on blogs featuring "yoga mats" and "yoga books". Tick one for Amazon, they profile your shopping habits and then try to tailor suggestions based on your previous choices. Some of us find this useful but others will be thinking "what else are they finding out about me?"

Most of us know that Facebook profiles its users. Recently, it has come to light that Facebook is profiling you even when you are logged out of the Facebook homepage. It seems people need to start enabling "Private Browsing" in Firefox, deleting cookies and blocking certain third party applications in Twitter, Facebook and every other social network or shopping site.

But there may actually be a rather ingenious way to ferret these profilers out.

You could try browsing for things you would never normally search for.

As an experiment, this morning I visited the KKK website, looked up Hitler and S.S. Halloween costumes, checked out white power memorabilia and Nazi uniform collectibles.

Why, you may ask? Have I gone all white supremacist / racist / nuts?

No, I was just researching an article for "Inappropriate and Bad Halloween Costumes" for one of my other blogs, "Halloween Holidays".

However, now that I have surfed for these outrageous topics, it will be glaringly obvious if someone has used this information to "profile" my browsing habits.

If I start seeing ads for "Grand Dragon Costumes" or "SS Uniforms" it will be clear that this information has been recorded and used for advertising purposes.

The emergence of Google's new +1 network has raised some important questions relating to privacy. If you have a profile in a social network (Google +1), and then use a search engine (Google) to browse, it is possible that this information will be used in some way to market to you in the future. Worse still, your profile can be linked to certain interests, which may make some a little nervous for those who have done research on offensive and inappropriate topics.

technorati tags: privacy, google, google 1, profile, browsing habits, facebook, social networking,

Gadgets for Geeks

2011-09-01T13:04:00.002+10:00

I am a geek. There. I said it. Sometimes it's important to get these things out in the open so we can grow and move on. So I love anything geeky, be it sci-fi related, gadgety or gizmo-y. Geeky Gadgets is a nifty site with links to gadgets, geeky things and coupons for the online acquisition of gadgets (an important pastime, and a personal fave of mine). There are some fun posts on such wonders of the sacred tomes to nerd wisdom:

I of course have bought, cataloged, memorized and translated this book into 7 different languages, including Klingon. It contains references to Yoda, who has shaped my philosophy much more than any religious organization could manage. It was Yoda who equated fear with anger, and espoused the Ghandi-esque path of non-aggression and zen fighting. After all, if you are an evil angry dude, what do you do when the other dude refuses to fight, or puts down their weapon. Yoda taught the most important lesson of resolving conflict - mess with the other dude's head. A lot.

Geeks need coupons too, so Geeky Gadgets provides Nutrisystem coupon code, Medifast coupons and various other essentials required by a man who shuns fresh air, the sun, vegetables, eats too much junk food and lives in his mother's basement.

I'm looking at you, Warlock.

Dear Mr Ambrose Weckkinbeck

2011-08-31T12:43:00.009+10:00

I seem to be a target for spam lately. Yesterday I got a text message from a ridiculously long phone number reading:
@===@
)"EID" )
/ "Mub /
(arik" (
@===@
I think that @ and = thing is supposed to be a scroll.

It reads:

"May Allah bless U and your family!"

Well that's nice. Couple of points though,

1. I'm not a Muslim, or in fact religious in any way shape or form
2. I'm not rabid enough to text back "die godless A-rab" either

So whatever they were hoping for - ie. "Thank you brother, may Allah bless you as well" or "I will find out where you live and git you just like Osama", they ain't gonna get it from me.

Another couple of points. They can't spell Eid Mubarak properly but they did send it at the right time, as Ramadan has just ended. A little bit of research goes a long way. I'm guessing it's just a run of the mill spam thing, but I can see some people receiving it happily, and sending back "Eid Mubarak blessings to you too. Just one thing, who are you and how did you get my number?" or freaking out completely and throwing the phone over the ranch fence and running in the general direction of Alaska.

My next spam adventure happened this morning when I received a totally official looking (*insert sarcasm here*) email from Mr Ambrose Wekkinbeck. Well, with a name like that I can't help but be reassured of its authenticity. It just sounds like the kind of name you can trust. Not made up at all.

Here is an excerpt of this earnest letter written by good natured people who just want to get my "missing funds" to me so they can sleep at night, knowing they have done the world a great service.

"Due to this lost of Funds of your's which was suppose to be given to you but failed to."

When I studied grammar at primary school, high school and university, not once did I dare consider indulging in any number of these cardinal sins. This person deserves to be tied up in a small room with an audio recording of "Introduction to The Grammar of English" for desecrating a poor defenseless sentence.

Apparently, the object of the exercise is to fleece people out of anything between $180 and $396 to cover "shipping fees" for an ATM card. That's one heavy ATM card. If anyone is stupid enough to pay an exorbitant shipping fee to an illiterate stranger with a made up name, they really can't blame anyone else when their accounts get drained. I guess you could call it a stupidity test.

That said, I feel quite sure there is a special circle of hell reserved for spammers and identity thieves. And I'm not even religious.

They end the last part of the email with "Thanks and God bless you and your family."

Spooky eh?

So, in the interests of reciprocating this earnest outreach of human goodness, here is my response (posted here only, not emailed!):

Deer Mistir Ambrowse Wekkinbecc,

!Git Stuff'd.

yorz sincerelly,
LjPPPPPP

technorati tags: spam, eid, mubarak, text, scam, funds, bank, bad grammar

Quinny Strollers

2011-08-26T16:40:00.003+10:00

I watched a cute baby and his grandad strolling along the street today. It was such a cute scene, the baby was cute, the grandpa was doting... but something caught my eye.

The stroller's name was "Quinny". I immediately recognised it from "Elizabeth" (or was it "Elizabeth - The Golden Age" - I can't remember). Anyway, the term is a euphemism for the female genitalia. Dating back to Elizabethan times, hence the word appearing in the film "Elizabeth".

I tried unsuccessfully to stop laughing out loud. Then I stopped trying and just went with it. Apparently the word is sooo Elizabethan era that it's a cute, sweet and altogether wholesome word again.

I hate to think what strollers will be called in 3010.

technorati tags: quinny, euphemism, elizabethan, elizabeth, stroller,

Classic Swimsuits

2011-08-15T11:19:00.000+10:00

There are certain eras in fashion that just got things right. Take swimsuits for example, some fads went a bit haywire with the high cut idea, and soon women were paddling in the ocean using baby steps and holding themselves together with blu tack and tarzans grip. You feel the need to sneeze but hold it in because you know the consequences. All you need is one large wave to come along and hello embarrassing dive for lost part of missing bikini top...

The trend continued unrestrained, resulting in the much maligned (and equally revered) "Borat Mankini".

But we can take heart in the sensible nature of some designers, coming up with glamourous pin up bathing suits for sensible women:

Vintage pinup high waisted shorts in White Cherry from Pinup Couture
This fancy number comes with matching white cherry sarong.
For some reason the shorts and top are sold separately but I wouldn't advise wearing only one or the other, except on certain beaches!!

Vintage Swimsuit - The Marilyn by Pinup Couture
The classic one piece inspired by Marilyn Monroe. Designed for swimming and/or posing in the desert.

Bettie One Piece Swimsuit
Slightly Gidget inspired, practical for all uses, including adorning light planes (preferably before takeoff!!)

technorati tags: bathers, swimsuit, retro swimsuit, retro swimwear, marilyn monroe, gidget, bikini, pin up, one piece

We're Not Going To Take It - Twisted Sister

2011-08-09T16:15:00.012+10:00

In the 1980s the parent group PMRC (Parents Music Resource Centre) formed from the "Wives of Washington", tried to ban songs containing 'obscene' lyrics, targeting Twisted Sister along with 15 other bands they dubbed "The Filthy Fifteen". These parent groups (one of which included Tipper Gore) attempted to use the courts to censor rock music into oblivion. Had they won the case, the PMRC would have chosen which music is appropriate and not appropriate based on their own particular values. As a result of these hearings, the "parental advisory" stickers were born.

Note: Dee Snyder says one swear word in this documentary. I'm sure you've all heard it before but if you don't want to hear it, don't watch it!

The Glee Project doing "We're Not Going to Take It" by Twisted Sister.
This is not particularly appropriate as music for an "Idol" style reality TV show considering the history and the subject matter of the song.

This song was written to take a stand against the establishment, against narrow minded people and against unfair censorship. It's a song about Rock N' Roll, freedom of speech and the right to choose your own destiny.

Glee on the other hand is paint-by-numbers, establishment-endorsed karaoke, not Rock N' Roll.
And no, pretending to break a plastic guitar doesn't count.

The fundamental problem with this picture is that PMRC would probably have endorsed Glee and its inoffensive, sanitised "Musical Theatre" show.

People on you tube have said that this Glee Project clip "Rocks". They wouldn't know Rock music if they tripped over it.

Here is the link to the actual song, performed as nature intended:
We're Not Going To Take It - Twisted Sister

technorati tags: twisted sister, we're not going to take it, glee project, glee, dee snyder, tipper gore, PMRC, parental advisory, explicit lyrics

Winter!! Uggh!! (Boots)

2011-07-11T17:09:00.000+10:00

Uggh!! It's winter. So instead of saying "ugg" perhaps it's time to start wearing them!!

I'm sure I'm not alone in not liking winter one little bit. But, it is a good time to stock up on essential winter wear. Can you be fashionable AND cold? Methinks so....

Winter Essentials:

Polar fleece blanket

Winter Essential #1: Polar fleece blanket
Perfect for putting over your knees in the car during those chilly early mornings. Use them on the couch, on your bed for extra warmth, the possibilities are endless!

Ugg Boots

Winter Essential #2: Ugg Boots
Keep your toes toasty with fleecy uggs this winter. Comfy for wearing around the house and getting cosy in front of the fire.

For some extra style points, get the Jimmy Choo Ugg

Jimmy Choo Ugg

American Eagle Outfitters Wool Coat

Winter Essential #3: Woollen Coat
If you are wandering around the place and it's 5 degrees outside, it's woollen coat time. I predict a resurgence of wool this year...

Wool scarf

And last but not least, Winter Essential #4: Wool scarf
Protect your neck and ears from the cold with a warm and stylish scarf. Top off your look with warmth and style!

technorati tags: wool, winter, scarf, jimmy choo, ugg, ugg boot, wool coat, fashion, accessories, style, polar fleece, polar fleece

Loser Macaroni Rascals

2011-06-09T17:19:00.001+10:00

As you may already have guessed, I am a fan of translations. Especially when the result fails to convey the correct meaning of what you are trying to translate. Especially especially when that result is funny....

Our friends at TVFix have put together an awesome collection of badly translated tv titles. I feel it is my duty to share them with you:

GLEE = LOSERS
Curious English-Russian translation, however I'm inclined to think that Dave Grohl may agree with this one.

JERSEY SHORE = THE NEW JERSEY LIFE OF MACARONI RASCALS
Only Japan could come up with this one. And I Love them for it. I can be a macaroni rascal myself when I am hungry enough. Oh, not that kind of rascal...

THE BRADY BUNCH = THREE GIRLS, THREE BOYS
This is a German translation, Germans being known for their outlandish wackiness. If they wanted to be pedantic, they should have called it three girls, three boys, one lady, one man and one maid who makes wisecracks. But they probably didn't have enough room...

BEWITCHED = IN LOVE WITH A WITCH
(German translation) I'm sure many people have had this problem. At least they didn't call it "Nose Wiggler"...

MURDER, SHE WROTE = MURDER IS HER HOBBY
Suddenly I'm looking at Angela Lansbury in a new way... She seems so nice and unassuming... This is also a German effort. Again, they must have run out of room from trying to call it "Writing about murder is her hobby"...

KNIGHT RIDER = EL AUTO FANTASTICO (THE FANTASTIC CAR)
I'm willing to go along with this one. That car IS pretty fantastic...

And I've saved my favourite one for last:

THE X-FILES = AT THE BOUNDARIES OF REALITY
French translation. Talk about taking the awesomeness out of a title. Why didn't they just go with "Exciting stuff that nobody ever hears about", "FBI guys with torches who discover weird things", "Nobody believes me that aliens are actually real", or "Even though I have an implant in my head I seem quite normal to passers by". Again, probably a space thing... (yuk, yuk!)

Awesome Feng Shui

2011-05-25T13:41:00.001+10:00

I have somehow managed to strike gold with my Feng Shui search, all I was looking for was plants for balconies and outdoor furniture configurations.

What I found however, was this brilliant gem of what I would assume/hope are erroneous machine translations:

"Feng Shui to help you see how to become Warren"

Good. That's something I've always been wondering about.

"Do not tank, and the home clash fortuna"

Ok, I promise. I won't tank. It sounds kinda dangerous.

"...The toilet, as fierce caused the most scary."

I may just never go in there again.

"...investors are ecstatic, including many never fried anyone"

I know this one, its a Doobie Brothers lyric...

"Non-home Feng Shui is Not Never Trap"

...and hippocampus sends its regards to your kumquat hamster flap.

Following the site's advice to 'fix' a balcony, all you need do is:

"cut the so-called days of evil...just like a knife cut in half the roof..."

Sounds like a lot of work. I think I'll just put in a jade money plant and be done with it.

All text in bold quotations credited to "fengshui-lab.com"

technorati tags: feng, shui, feng shui, balcony, jade plant, chinglish, machine translations

Fair Trade and Ethical Shopping

2011-05-12T12:37:00.000+10:00

After watching a TV show about sweat shops and hideous working conditions for skilled sewers/tailors/seamstresses, I realised that its easy to forget where our clothing comes from while being caught up in the excitement of shopping online.

I don't want to wear a shirt that took some poor worker 2 hours to make in a stinking horrible room. I don't want to be responsible for someone sleeping on the floor under their sewing machine and getting paid 2 rupees for something sold at an obscene profit.

So what is the solution? How do you avoid the sweat shops and give your money to the companies that profit share with their workers? How do you ensure that your clothes were not made using child labour?

The answer? Make the switch to support Fair Trade clothing.

Your purchase can make a huge difference in creating supportive, ethical working environments that empower the workers and fight against poverty, mistreatment and exploitation.

How to check to find out if your latest online purchase is Fair Trade:

1. Look for the Fair Trade logo

2. Go to the company website and check in the "about us" section. If it mentions supporting workers co-ops or profit sharing with the workers, you are on the right track.

3. Check YouTube for videos of the company's profile and working conditions.

4. If in doubt, call the company and ask the questions.

Fair Trade Alpargatas (Slippers)
Supports a worker-owned Buenos Aires Co-operative.

Fair Trade "Wear No Evil" T-Shirt

100% Organic Fair Trade cotton. Made by accredited Fair Trade producers.

You can take this ethos to your everyday shopping as well:

The Ethical Consumer Guide
At a glance, Australian consumers can now check the track record of the companies behind their favourite brands. Your weekly supermarket shop can make a difference.

technorati tags: fair trade, sweat shop, workers co-operative, profit share, ethical shopping, organic, eco-friendly

Chat on Messenger and you could meet Justin Bieber

2011-04-11T17:05:00.006+10:00

This arrived in my inbox this afternoon after a long session of house hunting and going a bit mad. So you can imagine my delight when I received this little gem in my humble hotmail account...

"Chat on Messenger and you could meet Justin Bieber!"

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Or...

....I could embrace a moving chainsaw.

It's really up to me I suppose.

Leaning towards the chainsaw actually... metaphorically of course!!

Mug Mugs

2011-03-24T12:00:00.017+11:00

Vito Genovese by Resart
See more Shots Mugs

I found this hilarious Mug Shot Mug on zazzle today. A mug... with a mug shot... A "Mug" Mug!!! Waahaha!! For some reason I find that extremely amusing. A great way to start the day. Staring into the face of a rather frightening crime boss gangster dude. Still, I don't think I'll get over the idea of having a "Mug" Mug. I think it would make the coffee taste even better...

Melvita Floral Waters

2011-03-23T11:06:00.003+11:00

Melvita have created a beautiful range of certified organic floral water containing all natural ingredients sourced from organic farms. These organic cosmetics are perfect for those who want to move away from chemical-based cosmetics and skin care and support organic farming in the process.

The floral waters are distilled from dried or fresh plants to preserve the unique aromatherapy benefits and healing properties of each plant. French women have used floral waters as part of their skincare for hundreds of years. Perhaps it's time we caught up!

The most popular in the Melvita floral waters range is the Eau florale de Rose (Rose Floral Water)

Rose Floral Water

This delicate floral water can be used for skincare or aromatherapy purposes. The floral water is distilled from rosa damascena petals, known for their astringent and anti-aging properties.

Other floral waters include chamomile for dry skin, lavender for normal/combination skin and cornflower to calm irritated skin and pamper the under-eye area.

If you are thinking of making the switch to organic skin care products, you will be choosing products that are natural, safe, free of petrochemical derivatives.

Best of all, you will be supporting organic farming, using an all-natural product that is free from pesticides and is readily biodegradable.

Buying Skechers Shape Ups

2011-03-23T10:28:00.002+11:00

I have been wanting to try out Skechers Shape Ups for ages now! Finally I got my chance in December last year and I haven't taken them off since! Okay, well I did take them off to sleep. But apart from that, I wear them when I walk short distances, longer distances, I wear them on the treadmill at the gym - basically whenever I get the chance.

Now to address the claims of XF (Extended Fitness) Skechers Shape Ups:

Burns more calories - I can definitely confirm that these shoes help to burn more calories. I have lost around 3kg (6.6lb) since wearing these shoes. And that includes still eating chocolate, ice creams and croissants!

Tones Muscles/Improves Posture - This is the area where the shoes really come into their own. How can a shoe tone muscles? Well, it's all about the posture. The shoes improve the posture, straightening the back and activating under-used muscle groups. Muscle groups I never knew I had, in fact!! Since I've been wearing the Shape Ups, my back is stronger, my calves are thinner and my ankles have become more tapered.

The shoes simulate walking on soft sand, the bottom of the shoe rolling to create a more natural walking movement. The shoes are so comfortable that I find myself creating excuses to go for a walk! My shoes are the XF (Extended fitness) type and they sit at number 1 (lowest intensity) on the burn meter. Check the burn meter for the intensity that's right for your lifestyle.

Burn Meter Ratings

XF (Extended Fitness For Walkers) - Burn Meter #1 (lowest intensity)

XW (Extended Wear - For Working On Your Feet All Day) - Burn Meter #1

AT (All Terrain For Trekking) - Burn Meter #2

SRT (Skechers Radius Trainer For A Higher Intensity Workout) - Burn Meter #3

S2 (Lightweight Design For Super Calorie Burning) - Burn Meter #4

The Original Shape Ups (To Supercharge Your Workouts) - Burn Meter #4 (highest intensity)

technorati tags: skechers, shape ups, buy shape ups, workout shoes, toning shoes, tone muscles, shape up,skechers walking shoes

Havaianas Sandals

2011-03-22T16:17:00.005+11:00

Sometimes, all you want on your feet are a pair of sandals. In the crazy humid weather we've been having, it's the closest thing to having bare feet! So why not be stylish while you're at it? Havaianas' range of women's sandals is extensive, colourful and fun!

There are so many cute styles to choose from, which makes for a rather tough choice! I have tried to narrow down my selection and show my fave five picks (in no particular order - that would be just too hard!):

Fave #1: Fit Style White

This is a classic and classy white pair of sandals, good to go with sarongs, a martini and perhaps a yacht.

Fave #2: Slim Peacock (Navy/Silver)

The peacock eyes are always watching you. It's kinda spooky but I like it!

Fave #3: Fit Style Pink

These are bold, fun and colourful. Gladiator style. What more do you want? And the straps are adjustable too!

Fave #4: Slim Matryoshka

These are too cute for words - the Russian doll motif in pink and dark blue. Perfect for a sunset rendezvous in Hawaii... *sigh*

Fave #5: Summer (Navy Blue)

These sandals are made for beach walking, paddling in the surf... lazing about on the sand... come to think of it, what am I still doing here? I'm off to the beach!

Man Attempts To Save Girlfriend From Aliens After Bad Reaction To Fake Weed

2011-03-21T14:40:00.000+11:00

On the 19th of March, 2011, I catalogued a bunch of files and went shopping.

On the 19th of March, 2011, according to the Salisbury Post, a man named Richard Donald Blanscet was arrested after being chased by the police at high speed.

His reason for speeding?

Well....

Dr Phil apparently came on the TV and spoke to him in a high pitched voice, saying that the earth was under attack from aliens.

So logically, he got in his car, drove over 120 mph to save his girlfriend. From the aliens.

Unfortunately the police (who were "in on it" at the time, according to Blanscet) managed to foil his plans and stop him (albeit in a crash) at an intersection.

Now....

It may surprise you to hear that drugs were involved.

He had smoked "Mr Nice Guy", a synthetic and reportedly legal blend of "natural/safe" drugs.

I'm guessing this is going to skyrocket sales for Mr Nice Guy or get it banned.

Perhaps they should rename it to "Mr Truth Is Out There Guy"

Skin Care by L'Occitane

2011-03-21T13:09:00.003+11:00

As the legend goes, L'Occitane discovered the 'immortelle' flower that never fades and created the Divine Collection of anti aging skincare products.

The most popular of the L'Occitane anti aging skincare range is the Divine Cream. The Divine Cream contains the 'immortelle' flower and myrtle essential oils to create a product that is reported to increase radiance, skin firmness, and skin smoothness.

L'Occitane Divine Cream

Another popular product in the 'immortelle' range is the 'Regard Divin Divine Eyes'. User reviews on the site report a reduction in under eye bags, a brightening of the under eye area and an overall moisturising effect. This eye cream uses buckwheat wax to combat under eye puffiness, ash tree extract to counter under-eye circles and rose floral water to soothe the skin. Only a small amount is needed for each eye so use sparingly!

L'Occitane Divine Eyes

L'Occitane Divine Extract, another popular anti aging skin cream contains vitamin C and parsley extract to improve and even out skin tone, and hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin.

L'Occitane are also giving away two free product samples with every order. You can choose from perfume, skin care creams, face mask and hand cream samples.

BidRivals Online Auction Bargains

2011-02-01T15:29:00.005+11:00

I recently discovered a site called BidRivals. It's an e-commerce website featuring 1500 penny / cent auctions per day.

As soon as I saw a Navman GPS system sell for $15.72, I wanted to know more. The object of the exercise is basically to make BidRivals lose money. Sound confusing? It's not really. Try to pay as little for each item as possible and save as much money as possible on each auction.

The first thing to remember about BidRivals is that you will generally pay a fraction of the retail price. Only a nutter would keep bidding after the price gets to equal or above the RRP. If you don't want to join an auction you can "BuyNow". Read the FAQ regarding BuyNow and auctions before bidding so you are well prepared and understand how it all works.

Auctions can be quick. Some can last as little as one minute. If you are the last bidder when the timer reaches 00:00, you are the winner.

It works like this: You buy a pack of "bids" before the auctions. Then bid on the items you want. Each bid costs 0.67c AUD and raises the price of the item by 0.13c. Each person is allowed to win 4 items each 24 hours, just in case you go a bit nuts with the excitement and try to buy everything at once!

You can set up "BidAgent" for each auction, allowing a spending limit and automatic bidding for when you can't attend a live auction.

Signups at BidRivals can get up to 25 free bids to start the process and new users are eligible to participate in "beginners" auctions for new members only.

technorati tags: auction, bid, auction site, buy, bidding, online auction, shop, shop online, discount, bargains

What's IN and OUT for 2011

2011-01-27T13:15:00.006+11:00

According to Yahoo Style Trends, 2011 has some interesting INs and OUTs.

So, without further ado, here's what is IN and OUT for the coming year:

Vampires - OUT

Well there's a relief. I always thought of vampires as nasty things for slaying with wooden stakes, not as eligible bachelors, but that's just me. The point is, nobody has got it right since the Buffy TV series. It had everything, vampires, Hellmouth, nerds, librarians and awkward nerdy and charming exchanges. It seems that the latest Twilight movies and vampire TV shows in their own heavy handed and lacklustre way have elevated vampires to a desirable status. The point is, vampires aren't really that attractive. They don't tan (no beach trips), they drink blood (so dinner is right out of the question), they are always at risk of turning you into one of them, and they get a bit messy when they go out for a bite with their friends.

Communal Tables - OUT
Well yippee with maple syrup on it!! I could never stand communal tables. It was always a stupid idea. I remember having to endure my own birthday party sharing a table with a bunch of noisy eating crusties because the restaurant "doesn't take bookings man, everyone shares the tables".

Well bollocks to that. If I pay to go to a restaurant, I want a table for one, two or a group. That is, people that I actually want to share a table with. People I actually know and like. The idea of eating food next to complete strangers with questionable table manners is my idea of hell. I'd rather get take away or cook something myself until the restaurants can get it together to work out that people don't actually want to share a massive bench with strangers. If I wanted that I'd go to a mess hall.

Austerity Weddings (ie. Kate and Will) - IN
I'm not sure I can count this $40 million "do" as "Austere". Perhaps the article was being ironic? Maybe it's more austere than $50 million...

Anyway, if you as a slightly less royal person, want to get married, why pay a ridiculous amount like $30,000? Can't you think of better things on which to spend your money?

Option 1:
1 big poncy day, lots of toasters and glassware and a highly pressurised (you HAVE to have a perfect time) holiday. And leftovers bits from the $500 cake. A large bottomless hole in your savings account or credit card.

Option 2:
A set of Callaway golf clubs, relaxed holiday, simple registry do. Money in the bank. Gee, let me think now...

photo courtesy of kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Ballerina Fashion - a'la "Black Swan" - IN
Pulled back hairdos, tu-tus and lots of makeup. Hmmm.
Little does he know it, but I think there's a weirdo guy in Fitzroy who hangs around Brunswick street that's about to become extremely fashionable.

If this takes off, the whole of Melbourne will be like going out for a ciggy at College of the Arts or the National Theatre. I hope that distinctive dancer's walk doesn't take off as well, it kind of looks like Charlie Chaplin on Ritalin. That is, if Charlie Chaplin got rid of his walking stick, was really thin and wore his hair in a bun.

SaveSaveSave's IN and OUT for 2011:

IN

Ferrets
Carmen Miranda fruit hats
Protective padding for idiots who text and drive or walk across busy streets
Leaves
Skin
No nail polish and short fingernails
Roses
Salt crystal and lava lamps
Queens of the Stone Age
Rock N' Roll in general

OUT

Stamps
Flat pack furniture
Australian/American/whatever Idol
Highlighter pens
Grass
Holidays in Ibiza
Guy Sebastian
Dance Clubs
Auto Correct
LOL, BFF, OMG

technorati tags: black swan, ballet, style, in, out, 2011, trends, fashion, accessories, the new black, queens of the stone age, rock n roll, charlie chaplin, carmen miranda, kate, william, wedding

Tabasco Original Red Magic

2011-01-27T10:41:00.001+11:00

This post brought to you by TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love Tabasco Original Red. Ever since I could eat hot things (which was very early indeed!) I developed a taste for Tabasco on just about anything. Recently I have been developing my repertoire to include simple things like toasted cheese sandwiches with Tabasco. It changes a simple toasted sandwich from okay to simply amazing! A lot of people think of Tabasco as "hot" and leave it at that. However Tabasco is so much more than that. A dash of Tabasco can unlock the flavour in all your favourite foods, bringing out the best so you can get the best out of every single bite. Tabasco can bring out the best in virtually any dish, the only limit is your imagination!!

Here is a recipe for my famous "Tabasco Omelette"
3 eggs
dried oregano
parsley
grated cheddar cheese
salt
pepper
TABASCO® Original Red

Mix up the ingredients except for the Tabasco and cheese. Add the cheese on top when the omelette is in the pan, frying.
I usually add the Tabasco just as I am serving the omelette. It brings out the combination of the eggs and cheese to give it that extra zing. I highly recommend this omelette recipe. Add the Tabasco according to your individual tastes. (I use a lot!!)

But the ideas don't end there. Many times when I have ordered a pizza I find it doesn't have the right "zing". Easily fixed! I get the Tabasco out and after a few shakes the pizza is turned into a masterpiece. For more pizza ideas, be sure to check out Pizza Perfected.
For the best food ideas for your next party or gathering, check out the excellent Game-Day Party Menu.
For breakfast and a quick pick me up, I like fried eggs with Tabasco, mushrooms and spinach on toast. You can't go wrong with this combo!

For a snack, Tabasco can spice up anything toasty, cheesy, even antipasto!! (I love Tabasco with olives!)

And for the piece de resistance, my "Tabasco Red Virgin Mary":
Tomato or V8 Juice
Tabasco Original Red
Ground black pepper
stick of celery
Combine and serve with the celery stick (the celery stick also double as a stirrer)
But don't just take my word for it. Try these recipes yourself or come up with your own creations!

QLD and VIC Flood Disaster Relief

2011-01-24T15:23:00.002+11:00

The recent floods in Queensland and Victoria have devastated homes, businesses and lives. When the waters subside, the damage will still remain and there is much rebuilding to be done.

One way you can help Queenslanders is to donate to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal. This appeal is for financial donations only.

If you wish to donate goods/clothing, go the givit website.

Another way to help is to offer accommodation to those affected by the floods: oz flood help

You can also volunteer to help with the flood recovery in affected areas in QLD.

If you have been affected by the floods in Queensland, you can use this form to apply for flood relief.

You can help in the Victorian floods by registering as a volunteer to help with the emergency cleanup, donate funds or offer accommodation to those affected in Victoria.

The most important aspect of donating is making sure your donations go to the right place and to the right people. If you are unsure of any charity or organisation, you need to check out scamwatch and be informed about who is legitimate and who is not.

technorati tags: qld flood, vic flood, flood relief, disaster relief, queensland, victoria, flood, donate, volunteer,charitable donation, flood assistance

Serious Hosting From ServerClub

2011-01-16T19:41:00.000+11:00

I have discovered through experience with my own startup sites that choosing server hosting is much more important than we might think. If you just choose the first hosting plan you come across, it may be cheap now, but it may also cost you in the future. Which begs the question - why do I need a dedicated managed server? The main reason is that with a dedicated server, you will not have to share bandwidth or server space with other sites.

You may be wondering "How could a managed server help me with my website?"
If you run your own internet business or are looking to start up a store or memebership site, you can take advantage of a dedicated server package to add shopping cart software, databases and the like. It basically leaves you free to add features as your business grows. If you do not pick this option, your website may be limited in the future as new technologies become available and more space is needed.

A dedicated server plan can keep your online business running constantly, leaving no room for downtime. You do not want to be competing for bandwidth against other websites and losing out on traffic and customers as a result. Another welcome feature is the added security, firewalls, monitoring and backup service that come as part of the dedicated server package. You can also opt for unlimited hosting and never worry about bandwidth or disk space again. If you have questions you can discuss custom requirements to suit your business and get the best advice to ascertain which plan is the right choice for your website.

The Meaning of Christmas

2010-12-24T20:04:00.001+11:00

Merry Christmas everyone!! Hope it's a great holiday period for all!

I have noticed a lot of people on tv, news and the like repeating "let's not forget what Christmas is about."

By repeating this phrase, it is clear that we have indeed forgotten what Christmas is about and need to be reminded all the time.

The fact that we celebrate the birth and life of an ascetic by buying stuff is a bit beyond me. But then, I run a shopping blog so what do I know...

So we celebrate the birth of Jesus, a non-material man with meagre possessions who wandered the land healing people and performing miracles.

It's not actually about the arrival of a rather obesese, materialistic Coca-Cola manufactured dude in a red suit.

It would be interesting to know the percentages of children who realise that Christmas isn't about getting the new Nintendo Wii so they can gloat to their school friends who didn't receive the latest gadget.

I watched a YouTube video where a kid received a book as a present. His response was "What the heck is this?" It seems that the spirit of Christmas is out of reach for many people.

I hope in some small way, we all find our own peace on earth, whatever it may be.

technorati tags: christmas, jesus, santa, xmas, noel, joy, peace, presents, spirit of christmas, holidays, family

Holiday Gift Bargains from Pier 1

2010-12-22T15:35:00.000+11:00

This post brought to you by Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tis the season to be jolly. And buy a rather large selection of holiday gifts. The feeling of relief when we have bought the last gift, the final tick off the list and it's time to relax. Right now I am looking at stocking stuffers from Pier 1. Plush animals are often a good bet, cuteness being the universal currency of gift giving.

These little fellas are in the $14-24 range. Choose from crocs, zebras and owl or even a monkey!

Being a Scorpio, I am also partial to a bit of astrologically targeted gift giving. According to the "Astrologically friendly gifts" section on the site, Scorpios are one of the most enigmatic signs of the zodiac. Well I already knew that! But I think they have me pretty well pegged, as I am quite partial to a bit of ocean-inspired art and I love plush bed stuff! I can't speak for all Scorpios but I am a fan of all things Conan-Doyle-ish. That is, large mahogany desks, banker's lamps and of course, a beautiful wooden globe.

This globe is a perfect pressie under $50!

For the perfect Christmas gathering, my must have would have to be this "yoga frog" centrepiece (around $25!

Nothing says Christmas more than a meditating frog! Add some peace and goodwill to your table with this serene froggy!

To make you feel even more peaceful and benevolent during the holiday season, for every person who "likes" Pier 1 Imports on Facebook, $1 will be donated to Toys for Tots so that Christmas will be a tiny bit merrier for those less fortunate than ourselves.

My Gym Workout Playlist

2010-12-14T13:11:00.006+11:00

I have settled on a list of songs that not only get me through my workout, but actually motivate me to press the "UP" arrow on the treadmill.

In no particular order, here are this week's tunes:

You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar But I Feel Like A Millionaire - Queens of the Stone Age

Go With The Flow - Queens of the Stone Age

New Fang - Them Crooked Vultures

Good Grief - Foo Fighters

I'll Stick Around - Foo Fighters

Been A Son - Nirvana

School - Nirvana

Awful - Hole

Dirty Boots - Sonic Youth

Incinerate - Sonic Youth

Hell is a Multi Storey Shopping Centre

2010-12-07T09:00:00.000+11:00

Today I tried once more to delve into the world of human shopping. Perhaps it would be quaint, that old world touch, brown paper packages tied up with string, old Mr Gibbons selling candy canes in the hand made sweet shop...

The behemoth of the multi-storey shopping centre loomed above me, taunting me, daring me to go inside...

"We have everything you need here. Join us..."

(say in Dark Lord of the Sith voice)

After 2.7 minutes of being in the shopping centre, the walls were beginning to close in. This place pretty much sucks. There really is no other way of putting it.

So I decided as a home furnishing expedition, I would buy some fabric for some curtains. Simple, yes?

No.

Me (approaching the service desk at a well known and unnamed fabric store)
"Hi, I'm looking for some fabric, it's..."

"The fabric counter is THAT way." The 'customer service' girl points and sulks.

"Ok, thanks."

So I suppose the term "service desk" was some kind of decoy. A fabric shop with a service desk that doesn't help with fabric questions. Perhaps it was the button department.

I found the fabric I needed without any assistance from staff.

Then I took my fabric to the cutting desk.

"I'd like to cut this to approximately the size of a double bed. Do you know how long that would be?"

Cutting desk girl: "About 180cm."

"Okay, and it's how much per metre?"

"18.99"

"Okay, I'll get 2 metres, thanks."

She began to cut, carefully trimming the fabric in a straight line. She kept on cutting, trimming another piece. Hm, perhaps they cut in 1 metre bits, I thought.

"That will be 75.96"

"How much?

"75.96"

"For two metres?"

"Four metres."

"I asked for two metres."

She sighed, then glared at me.

"You said four metres."

"No, really, I asked for two metres."

Still glaring "Oh, and you just stood there and let me cut another piece?" Her aggression was palpable.

My hackles, feckles and any other ekles were well and truly up.
I gathered all my thoughts into one phrase.

....."Excuse me?" Stare....

She backed down a little. "Well, I thought you said four metres."

"No, I said two."

"That will be 37.98"

"Thank you."

Thus endeth the lesson. I will not be doing any more Christmas shopping in shopping centres, as they suck my will to live and make me want to kick in the Christmas decorations. I have decided that the frenetic and rather narky energy of shopping centres is detrimental to my Christmas spirit.

From now on I will be doing all my Christmas shopping on my new favourite shopping comparison site.

With any luck I will preserve my remaining cheer in time for Christmas.

technorati tags: shopping centre, online shopping, fabric, store, christmas, 2010, christmas list, christmas shopping, shopping

Go Ahead: Eat My Dust

2010-12-06T11:09:00.003+11:00

Housework can be a pain so I have decided that I need the best possible equipment for each task. This means that I will not be settling for second best when it comes to hand held vacuum cleaners.

I don't want any ol' fluffy "Tiffany Handy Vac"

I don't want a no-suction, small nozzled, airy fairy piece o' junk.

No, I want the no-messing about, 750 watt super suction bad mother.

The "Piranha"

You don't mess around with a name like Piranha, you know it's going to do the job.

Whatever it takes.

It is the Clint Eastwood of hand held vacuum cleaners.

"Go Ahead. Eat My Dust."

(clench teeth)

"Do you feel lucky? Well do ya? LINT????!?!?"

technorati tags: clint eastwood, dirty harry, piranha, vacuum, hand held vacuum, handy vac, dust buster, do you feel lucky punk

Beware: Naked People Crossing

2010-12-02T17:05:00.000+11:00

At the gym that I regularly frequent, I was presented with a dilemma. It was a question of etiquette and considering I never went to finishing school OR carried a book on my head, I don't know the answer. It goes something like this:

I entered the change rooms, ready to get into my running shoes and trackky gear. This process usually takes me all of about 3 minutes. The girl at the desk gave me my locker key - number 6.

When I rounded the corner, I was confronted by a woman. She was completely stark bollock naked with her arms outstretched, and for some reason, her legs outstretched as well, facing the lockers.

Not only that, but she was spread-eagled in front of a particular locker.

Number 6.

My locker.

I knew she had heard me coming in, a slight tilt of her head acknowledged my presence in her vicinity.

So I hung back, not wanting to approach at this stage.

I have this pedantic thing about not talking to completely naked strangers.

So I thought "well, maybe she just took off her bathing suit. I suppose she'll dry off, get dressed and THEN I can ask her to move."

Wrong!

She stayed where she was. Swaying slightly, not using a towel and still standing like Leonardo's Vitruvian man.

"Oh crap." I thought. "Maybe she's air drying?"

She stayed for what seemed like 15 minutes but was probably more like 7.

Not moving.

Being naked.

Not using a towel.

Swaying.

"Maybe she's like that serial killer guy from Silence of the Lambs. I'm definitely not talking to her until she is at least covered up in a towel or something.

She still didn't move.

"Maybe the Blair Witch is coming and she's been told to stand facing the wall. Maybe I'm next!! Aaargh!!"

This line of thought wasn't helping me.

I had meanwhile changed into my gear, sat down on the bench. Waiting patiently, trying not to look directly at the rather frightening display in front of me.

Then, something bizarre happened. Another woman and a kid came in and started talking to Vitruvian naked scary woman. And she miraculously grew clothes within a minimal space of time.

I chose my moment.

"Excuse me, could I get into number 6 please?"

"Oh, yeah, of course!" she said, like it had been her intention all along. She FINALLY capitulated and moved herself away.

As she disappeared (thankfully fully clothed) through the door with the other woman and the kid, I noticed something else. She wasn't even using a locker. She could have gone anywhere. It's a big place.

So I conclude with my not-so-subtle-plea/order/requirement/mandatory idea:

DEAR-NAKED-AIR-DRYING-SWAYING-WEIRDO-PEOPLE-HAVE-YOU-EVER-A-HEARD-OF-A-TOWEL!?!?!?!?

technorati tags: naked woman, changeroom, weirdo, gym, decorum, decency, towel, etiquette

Top Ten T Shirts That People Should Not Even Consider Wearing

2010-12-01T15:32:00.005+11:00

I have been scouring the world of stupid t-shirts looking for the most idiotic, disturbing and whacked out t-shirts of them all. This is no mean feat. What constitutes a stupid t-shirt? There is a fine line between humour and overshare, witty and obvious. And of course, some t-shirts are just out and out wrong.

You be the judge:
(Warning, slightly non-kid friendly themes... and in no particular order)

1. "It's My Network"

If you need this t-shirt to advertise that you are surrounded by scantily clad women then you probably aren't. My advice to those considering buying a t-shirt such as this, firstly think "would James Bond wear this?" If the answer is no, move along...

2. "Ex Masturbator"

For the love of decency, people! Why are you guys smiling? Is this a joke? Please, please take these t-shirts off... the market.
OVERSHARE MUCH!!!!!

3. "If You Can Read This, The Bitch Fell Off"

Obviously, this is the back of the t-shirt. Clearly designed for motorbike riders.

I'm afraid that my sides have split from the witty subtlety of it all. Can you spell lawsuit?

4. "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right"

All kinds of creepy. Please don't wear it around Star Wars fans like me. The fact that it happened once in the film was disturbing enough.
DUDE-SHE-IS-YOUR-SISTER!!!! Argh!!

5. "I Bought This T-Shirt To Cover Up My Muffin Top"
Um... OVERSHARE!!!!

6. "Mormons etc. Are All Wrong!!"

It's a free country I suppose. But just because you can wear this t-shirt doesn't mean you actually should. P.S. If you must wear it, make sure you avoid churches, mosques and remote temples on top of mountains, supermarkets, pubs, trains, planes and automobiles.

7. "Stop Looking At My Chest!"

Fine, I will stop looking at your chest, as soon as I stop reading the big writing on your t-shirt that just happens to be located in your chestel region.

8. "Don't Bother, I'm Not Drunk Yet."
If you read into the subtext of this, it speaks volumes.

9. Jihad
Do not wear to airports. Or anywhere with jumpy security. You might find they haven't got a sense of humour.

10. Justin Bieber t-shirt

technorati tags: justin bieber, bad t shirts, stupid t shirts, wrong t shirts, weird t shirts, offensive t shirts, funny t shirts, rude t shirts, crazy t shirts, novelty t-shirts, t shirt sayings, retro t shirts, offensive shirts, vintage t-shirts

How To Fix Latency When Recording in Vista

2010-11-29T13:48:00.004+11:00

What is Latency?

When you record directly from a microphone or instrument, the audio signal is sent to your computer, converted into a digital signal and then back into analog and sent to your speakers. This is the process responsible for causing the frustrating "lag" or latency effect, where your tracks are recorded "late". When you play back your tracks, your latest recorded track will be out of sync with the first one. If you have experienced this problem, you will be familiar with this effect and you are probably tearing your hair out daily.

Thankfully there are a number of ways to fix latency in Windows Vista. You can try all of these or just a few to try to fix your latency problem:

1. Upgrade your RAM

The faster your computer, the less likelihood of latency being a problem. As the saying goes, "you can never be too rich or too thin". Or have too much RAM. Get a memory upgrade to at least 4GB if you can and ideally see if you can upgrade to the maximum your slots can take. If you are unsure, speak to your nearest tech head or check forums and manufacturers pages.

2. Download ASIO4ALL

ASIO4ALL is the universal ASIO driver for Win 98SE/ME/2k/XP/MCE/2003/XP64 and Vista/Windows 7 x86/x64. For some, a quick download of this free program is all you will need to fix latency issues. You may need to tweak the buffer and latency sliders until you reach an acceptable level of latency.

4. Upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7.

Unfortunately for many users, Windows Vista is S-L-O-W, notorious for maximizing latency and is known as a problematic operating system for multitrack recording. I'm going to come right out and say it, it is definitely worth the investment upgrading now rather than tweaking away with Vista until you are blue in the face. Windows 7 can help your machine work quicker and easier. The minute I upgraded my laptop from Windows Vista to Windows 7, I instantly noticed the difference in speed.

5. Get an Audio Interface

How does an audio interface improve latency? An audio interface will replace your sound card for the time it is on and plugged into your machine. With direct monitoring, your interface will bypass the latency loop so you hear your sounds in real time.

When I bought my M-Audio Fast Track, I found that it simplified recording into a "plug and play" experience, removed latency and on top of all that, made the recording software fun to use. You can plug a microphone straight in to the XLR jack and guitar leads (or mic leads) plug straight in to the 1/4 in jacks. Once you are plugged in, you just start recording.

The M-Audio Fast Track uses a "Direct Monitoring" (zero latency) button, allowing the user to hear the recorded tracks while hearing the track as you record. For this stage you need to make sure that you have done these two things (important):

* Plug in speakers for monitoring your recordings
* Use headphones to monitor your sound while you are recording

If you have followed these steps, your direct monitoring should work fine.

Minimum System Requirements (PC)

Windows XP (SP3)* or Windows Vista 32/64 or WIN 7

Pentium 4 2.0GHz

1GB RAM

one native USB port

* Home and Professional Edition only. Windows Media Center Edition is not supported.

Minimum System Requirements (Mac)

OS X 10.4.11 Or better

G4 processor**

1GB RAM

one native USB port

** G4 accelerator cards not supported.

Features

- Includes Pro Tools M-Powered Essential software

- Works with most popular recording software--including Pro Tools M-Powered 8*

- 1/4 in. instrument input: Record guitar, bass and keyboards

- Phantom powered XLR mic input: Use dynamic and studio-grade condenser microphones

Stereo RCA outputs: Easily connects to your stereo system or powered monitors

You will need the updated drivers to install the Fast Track on Windows 7. M-Audio has now released compatible drivers for Windows 7 in 32 bit and 64 bit:

MAudioWin732bit

MAudioWin764bit

Installation

* Download M-Audio driver (if you don't know if your system is 32 bit or 64 bit, click the "Start" button (bottom left corner), right click on "computer" and select "properties", "system". Windows 7 will tell you what version you are running.

* Install the driver exe file by double clicking, wait until Windows 7 notifies you that installation has been and the M-Audio icon shows up in your taskbar:

* Plug in your M-Audio Fast Track.

* Plug in your microphone or instrument jack and start recording!

There are more expensive audio interfaces on the market, it just depends on your needs as to which one to buy. In my case, I needed something simple and this interface fitted the bill perfectly. By all means, if you have the funds and the inclination, go for a more expensive model.

Other audio devices worth considering:

Behringer FCA202

Focusrite Saffire Pro 24

MOTU 828mk3

Important note: what works for some people may not work for you. Do your research and get independent advice. All systems are different and results may vary from one setup to another. There will always be a possibility that an audio interface will not work so understand the risks when taking any advice.

Mini Cakes for Mini Dieters

2010-11-11T16:06:00.004+11:00

This is the perfect solution to the diet question:

What treats can I have?

Well, I have come up with yet another diet (I should be launching these as books!) for those watching their weight.

It's called the "Inedible" Diet

1. The treats look delicious
2. The magic of imagery tricks you into thinking you have eaten cakes and pastries
3. They serve an ornamental function as jewellery

**Note: mind you don't try and eat these, they are made from polymer clay!

Mini diet piece #1: Carrot Cake Charm

Mmm. Yum yum! No need to worry about portion sizes!

Mini diet piece #2: Mini Christmas Cookies

Don't mind if I do, I suppose another one won't hurt...

Mini diet piece #3: Cupcake Charm

Do I wear them? Or eat them? Heck with it, I'll just look at them!

And of course, what banquet would be complete without....

Mini diet piece #4: Mini Gefilte Fish

Alright! Gimme the fish already!!

technorati tags: gefilte fish, Christmas, Hanukkah, cupcake, mini cake, jewellery, jewelry, cookies, charm,earring, decoration, miniature

Why Edible Underwear is a Bad Idea

2010-10-26T11:42:00.000+11:00

Disclaimer: although pretty tame, if you are under 18 or easily offended, this is not for you.

I was watching a comedian on TV talking about edible underwear and the concept has floated in my mind for days.

The first question I would ask is "why"?

The second thing that really started to bother me was the "material" from which they are made. This comedian mentioned the stuff that edible underpants are made from and it's been giving me nightmares.

So it's a sticky, sugary, fruity sheet type thing. Designed for.. well actually, I don't really want to think about what they are for. Use your imagination. Or don't. Preferably don't.

The thing that bothers me the most is that you are supposed to wear these things as underwear. I don't want to go into too much detail but there are two problems with this.

1. It's warm down there.

2. Hair

Now if you get someone who is over enthusiastic and tries to take these things off quickly...

Well, only a qualified beautician should be allowed to do that. Under strict, clinical conditions using the proper utensils.

It baffles me how shoving a couple of fruit rollups down your dacks is somehow deemed to be alluring to the opposite sex.

Each to his/her own I suppose.

In any case, if you do ever buy/use/eat?!!?! these things, exercise extreme caution, lest you experience an instant Brazilian.

technorati tags: edible underpants, edible underwear, lingerie, weird, underwear, edible, panties

Recession Proof Software

2010-10-15T09:00:00.001+11:00

If you have just bought a new laptop, or a netbook you don't necessarily want to order Microsoft Office, Windows 7 and various other security software packages all over again.

So what is the alternative?

I found this excellent site called Get the Free Version, which, strangely enough, shows you the free version or equivalent of popular software titles.

Instead of Microsoft Office, try Open Office. It's free. And open source. And did I mention it's free?

Instead of Windows, try Ubuntu. Again, free.

And if you aren't keen on forking out for another Photoshop, try Gimp. Strange name, but it's FREEEE!

For more open source windows programs, you could try Opensourcewindows or Osswin.

Colourful Photon LED SkinTenderizer

2010-10-13T11:43:00.000+11:00

My latest purchase consists of a great new LED photon light device, used to correct uneven skin tone and various other skin concerns.

The device itself is great, works perfectly, I am very happy indeed.

LED Photon Light Device

The part I found most amusing about the whole transaction was the instruction leaflet. Please note, I am not joking and this leaflet really contains these phrases.

"Colourful Photon Skin Tenderizer"

I'm somehow nervous already...

Main benefits

Light waves irradiate skin cells

What the hey?...

Promotes rebuilding of collagen fibers and other flexible fibers

Like cotton? Or spandex perhaps? I've got some old bike shorts need repairing...

And finally,

Please stop the operation in case any stimulated phenomenon

Stimulated phenomenon? What, like my compass and watch stopping on a deserted road?

Trust no one!!!

technorati tags: LED, LED photon, LED light, LED skin, LED photon Skin, red LED, blue LED

Nerd Love

2010-09-23T09:00:00.063+10:00

When geek and love collide, it looks something like this....

Geek Love Poem (The following T-Shirts are courtesy of Think Geek)

Alright, I get the first part, what's with the "base are" bit?

That's not even proper English!

***Holds eyes tightly shut while waiting for inevitable berating comment from Xanthar Doomsayer III (aka Colin)***

Intimate nerd apparel

Please don't blog this. Please. Really.

Love vs chocolate - chocolate wins

For when love is not forthcoming
...or I just prefer chocolate... SORRY!! Theobromine.

Love is... free IT support

I should have bought one of these at age 14...

When 2 geeks fall in love, and make little geeks, there is really only one option:

That's two options. FAIL. *smacks forehead*

And completely unrelated...
Haley Joel Osment I Ain't

I don't think I've got enough space to fit all these t-shirts but I might just have to buy them all. Starting with this one.

technorati tags: geek, humor, funny jokes, funny t shirt, geek love, lol, funny pictures, slogan, funniest t shirts,

New Ebay Updates and Changes

2010-09-22T10:50:00.002+10:00

Ebay has made some updates to include a number of features designed to help the ebayer um... buy stuff.

So the first change includes a diversification of the watch list.

Personally, I love the watch list, it shows me everything I'm GOING to buy. And it always seems to work out that I do manage to buy most of the things on my watch list.

Now we have some new lists:

Watch List (existing)
Gift Ideas (new)
Research (new)
Wish List (new)

So when you find an item you like/love, and you "add to list", you now have a choice:

For me, my watch list IS my wish list but... I can dig it.

The gift ideas list is a great addition - you can be super organised when it comes to birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. This is a feature I will be using frequently.

Research is an interesting one. I thought I was the only person who did research on ebay. Apparently not. I will no doubt use this section as well. This section is appropriate for forming an opinion about a type of product or category. For example, "Windows 7". You can compare prices, types/versions (eg. home, professional) , features etc. before you make your final decision. The research section will be handy for those items that I will be purchasing in the future.

I love the idea of breaking up lists into categories. Too many times I have found myself with 50 watched items and no idea where to start. Now the items can be broken down into bite sized pieces. You can also create your own customised lists (say, the name of a gift recipient or a category). I can see myself having a bit of fun with this!

For more fun with ebay, check out my updated "Let's Go Shopping" sidebar ->>>>>

technorati tags: ebay, ebay changes, ebay updates, ebay australia, ebay shop, my ebay, ebay au, ebay auction, ebay account

Beware the Gorgon

2010-08-23T14:25:00.000+10:00

On my travels this weekend I found myself shopping around for a hairdresser.

My hair has reached the stage where I can make a wig from sheddings and every time I try and sleep it wraps around my neck and tries to strangle me.

During my midday stroll I found a likely prospect:

Medusa Hairdressing.

This is an actual hairdresser, I did not make it up.

After struggling with the idea of getting my hair cut at such a place I came up with some possible sub headings for their display window:

"Our hairstyles kill the competition"

"Stop men dead in their tracks"

"Midweek Discount - Snake Extensions"

"Who Needs Gel When You've Got Stone?"

"No mirrors guarantee"

But is Medusa the best name to really "get people in".
I'm not sure a beheaded snake haired woman who turned men to stone just by looking at them is exactly the appropriate connotation for a supposed beauty outlet.

Don't get me wrong. Medusa was a noteworthy beauty.
It's just that she was headless and stuck in a bag by Perseus only to be brought out to stun warriors into a rather nasty death.

What's Next?

Minotaur China Shop?

Zeus Electrical?

Hellhound Kennels?

Siren Shipping?

Icarus Airlines?

Or how about

Cyclops Optometrists:

"We keep our 'eye' on our competitors"

technorati tags: greek gods, roman gods, hairdressing, mythology, greek mythology, gorgon, medusa,minotaur, zeus, siren, icarus, hellhound, cyclops

Tiger Still Number 1 After WGC Bridgestone Invitational

2010-08-11T15:17:00.004+10:00

Tiger is still number 1. At the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone, he played an excruciating round of 77, topped only by the even more horrendous 78 from Phil Mickelson.

Tiger had a bad day, Phil had a worse one, and Tiger should be glad.

In an "I'm-so-glad-for-playing-the-worst-round-of-my-life-glad-but- I'm-glad-Phil-didn't-score-in-the-top-four-and-knock-me-off-my-number-one-position-glad".

Which isn't very glad.

But... tomorrow is another day. And Tiger is not the kind of player you can just write off because he had a bad tournament. No doubt he will be back to the drawing board, ironing out all the bad shots, analyzing the mistakes and going through everything with a fine toothed-comb until his game is back on track.

Tiger has also decided to play in the Ryder cup if captain Corey Pavin offers him a wild card entry. He has also mentioned that the lack of helicopters and reporters following him around is a welcome change and that his life is starting to "normalize". Perhaps these conditions will herald a return to form for the world's No 1 golfer in the near future.

technorati tags: golf, tiger woods, no 1 golfer, tiger woods no 1, firestone, WGC, bridgestone invitational, golf

Mobility Assisted Transportation

2010-08-11T14:46:00.001+10:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

For equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility assisted transportation, it is not necessarily a good idea to get a cheap deal on the internet.

Each individual is different, and it is important to get a face to face consultation to make sure you are getting the most appropriate vehicle conversion for your specific requirements.

NMEDA is a non-profit association focusing on educating consumers. This is a valuable resource to check if your supplier is a NMEDA qualified dealer.

NMEDA is an association that helps people to find mobility aids and automotive mobility equipment. The association lists dealers and QAP dealers. The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only USA wide accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. A QAP dealer must adhere to the strict rules and regulations in order to qualify for this accreditation. This includes annual inspections and audit processes by an independent auditor, methodical record keeping, 24 hour customer service, certified technicians and welders and adhere to strict safety standards.

The site does not actually sell anything, it simply provides the resources to find the right dealer for you. The site may be of assistance if you are looking for trunk lifts for wheelchairs, ramps, manual hand controls, steering devices, wheelchair lifts, a lowered vehicle floor, raised roof or high tech electronic modifications.

You can also view the videos on the site, covering the topics of mobility solutions and automotive mobility solutions.

If you or someone you know would benefit from this service, NMEDA may be of assistance. You can search on their website to find a qualified dealer near you.

L'amour est un bouquet de violettes - Love Is A Bouquet Of Violets

2010-08-10T09:00:00.013+10:00

I have decided to base this weeks' finds on a theme - a piece of music called "L'amour est un bouquet de violettes" or "Love is a bouquet of violets"

I saw the title for this music in a French film I recently watched on SBS called "The Colonel". Here is a brief description of the plot from Gonz30 at IMDb:

A "Reformed Colonel" is found dead in Paris, a couple of decades after Algeria's struggle for independence was won from France. Lieutenant Galois is assigned the investigation of this murder. She receives the diary of Lieutenent Guy Rossi who served under The Colonel in Algeria in 1956, and has been reported as missing in action since 1957. The revelations found in Rossi's diary go far beyond The Colonel's actions in Algeria, and give an insight on how dirty Algeria's War for Independence really was. Written by Gonz30 - Source: IMDb

L'amour est un bouquet de violettes

The Colonel (Mon Colonel)

The film's subject has nothing to do with my romantic musings. BUT... The title of this song listed in the credits of the film suddenly conjured up images of Paris, images of shades of purple, flowers and well... Love.

So without further ado, here are my picks for this weeks' theme: for lovers of purple and purple lovers(?):

"L'amour est un bouquet de violettes"

Etsy hotpinkchick's violet hairpin design.

Etsy wildgingersilk's Cobalt Blue and Violet Silk Wrap

Etsy envisage's Violet Rose Locket

Perfect for keeping a tiny pic of your loved one (*sigh*) - See, Tiny pic isn't just an image hosting website!!

And last but not least, it's not French, but it's purple. In keeping with the "war film" theme, this poster was made in 1939 by the British Government around the start of World War II. I love this message that still speaks to us today:

Keep Calm and Carry On

The poster was designed as a motivational tool to keep people calm when the Germans finally invaded. As this did not eventuate, this lovely poster has been hidden away, not really seen by the general public at that time. "Freedom is In Peril" and "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory" were predecessors to this wonderfully reassuring poster. It really is hard to imaging the extent of what they people had to endure during that time. The bombs, the rubble, the hiding under the kitchen table or in the basement, the rationing of food. We can draw a lot of strength from our ancestors and how they coped in those days. It makes me grateful for how lucky we are right now. Be grateful for those flowers on your table, for the clear skies at night, for the food in your pantry. And the message still lives: Keep Calm and Carry On.

I think I'll do just that. And put on a nice cup of tea....

technorati tags: keep calm and carry on, purple, violet, France, French, Romance, locket, scarf, silk, mon colonel, the colonel,

For Those About To Diet: We Salute You!

2010-08-09T14:26:00.002+10:00

I woke up this morning with the distinct feeling that I was going to start being healthier. I wasn't sure how, I just wanted to do something to push me in the right direction towards Spring tank top weather.

I made the snap decision to start eating more fruit. Did I start slowly? No.
This morning I had one Royal Gala apple, two Zespri Gold New Zealand kiwifruits, two mandarins and a partridge in a pear tree!!

Ok, without the partridge bit...

Now I am full of fruit and feeling exceptionally healthy. One more Royal Gala apple, some avocado and tomatoes at dinner and I have covered most of the fruit families in one day.

The only thing I'm not sure about... What fruit family is the Cadbury Twix?

technorati tags: fruit, diet, vegetables, fitness, health, fruit diet, diet foods, food diet, vegetables and fruits

Green is the New Black

2010-07-29T16:56:00.001+10:00

Green is the new black. I didn't read this in a magazine, I haven't been to the latest fashion shows, I just decided that I'm right about this.

Why green is the new black:

1. It's easier to see at night (especially light green)
2. It suits a brunette perfectly
3. It makes me think of spring when it is grey and cold and foggy outside
4. It's the colour of money if you live in the US. Australian money would make quite a gaudy 80s outfit.
5. Green is a stylish and classy colour (except perhaps anything in lime green spandex )

So, now that green has unofficially been declared the colour of Melbourne winter, here are a few ideas to get you started courtesy of my Kaboodle Style Board "It's Easy Being Green":

It's Easy Being... by violetlight7

So, the little black dress is now replaced with the little green dress. Enjoy!

technorati tags: green fashion, green clothes, green clothing, green dress, green, green shoes, green fashion accessories, green apparel, kaboodle

Wedding Discount and Coupon Publication: The Little White Book

2010-07-21T12:58:00.001+10:00

I am excited to announce a new publication launching at the beginning of 2011 called The Little White Book. So what is the Little White Book? LWB is a coupon book offering excellent discounts for all kinds of wedding services in Western Australia.

If you are located in Western Australia and planning a wedding in the near future, this is a must-have. WA wedding planners will have the chance to shop locally and receive considerable discounts on the cost of the big day.

The book offers discounts on the full range of wedding expenses - celebrants, venue discounts, hair and makeup, entertainment, jewellery, wedding favours, catering, invitation printing, honeymoons, photography and limousine hire.

There are hundreds of coupons for every conceivable wedding product and service and literally thousands of dollars in discounts.

The advantage for couples planning their wedding is the chance to secure vendors normally considered "over budget". This means an extra special day at a hugely reduced price. You can become your own wedding planner at a fraction of the cost.

This wedding coupon and discount publication will be available from leading newsagents, selected stores and on the website from early 2011 onwards.

So, if you are planning your wedding and want to get some serious discounts, make sure to register your interest for The Little White Book to receive the launch info and to be the first to know where you can purchase your very own copy.

The book is also available for pre-order in 2010. If you are a wedding vendor in WA and you are not yet featured in this book, you might want to get in contact while there is still time.

The book is A5 handbag size (or glovebox size) making it convenient to carry at all times when shopping and planning for the wedding. When it comes to writing the cheques for the big event, these glossy coupons will be worth their weight in gold.

Doggie Jackets

2010-07-19T16:57:00.004+10:00

For the fifth time this month I have seen an all too familiar sight:

1. A dog
2. An absent owner (possibly shopping)
3. A leash fastening the dog to a pole
4. The dog shivering uncontrollably

Why? Because it's COLD!

Dog owners please note: A dog isn't able to dress itself in the morning the way that we do. So, to compensate for this canine inadequacy, us dog owners need to dress the dog in appropriate clothing for the weather. In Melbourne, for example, it has been 2 banshee shrieks close to freezing in Melbourne for the last few weeks.

Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration. Since we don't really get snow or anything. But... some dogs (especially small dogs) have a low tolerance to cold. So if it is 14 degrees outside and you are wearing a scarf, please make sure your dog is dressed too.

It is easy to keep your dog warm and if your dog could speak (yes, I know some do - at least they do on YouTube), it would thank you from the bottom of its shivering heart.

technorati tags: dog accessories, dog coat, dog coats, dog apparel, dog carriers, dog clothing, dog jacket, dog sweater, dog vest, dog sweaters, dogs clothes, dog harnesses, dog jackets,small dog clothes , dog life jacket,dogs coat

When I Get That Feeling I Need Herbal Healing

2010-07-13T13:55:00.007+10:00

No, I'm not talking about that kind of herbal!

This morning I woke up at 4:30am. Then fell back to sleep at about 6am. Not really the essential ingredients for a good night's rest. So I braved the health food shop to find something to pep me up.

I needed something that:

Increased energy
Reduced fatigue
Reduced adrenal burnout
Reduced the effects of stress
Improved the ability to concentrate

The only problem is that feeling like this, I found it nearly impossible to find the dang thing.

Firstly I spotted the magic formula on the shelf. I thought "I'll come back to that after I get my hair skin & nails formula".

Big mistake.

The thing about being scatty and tired and stressed is that you can't remember where you put things.

So to get the vitamins & herbs for my condition I had to try and not feel tired and stressed and scatty. Which isn't easy to do when it is the very reason why I needed the herbs in the first place.

Sometimes life can just give you one big wedgie.

So after stressing my adrenal glands even more in order to find the blasted vitamins, I struck gold after about 8 excruciating minutes.

Voila!

Someone needs to remind me that it's just easier to buy these things online.

Now I need a Panadol.

technorati tags: fatigue fighter, nutrients, herbs, vitamins supplements, nutra life, health vitamins,

SPONSOR POST: Taking Traffic School Online To Clear Your Traffic Ticket

2010-07-10T19:10:00.000+10:00

The Best Online Traffic School?

Link to the course: Online Traffic School
California (and other states)

Traffic Schools (or in some states
Defensive Driving courses) are regulated by a state agency to insure they meet
certain requirements. While all traffic schools might have similar elements,
how they present information and what the reading is like will make a big impact
on how happy you are to spend several hours taking the course.

It usually takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete a traffic school course. To
summarize:

Total cost: $19.95
Time to completion: 3.x hours
- No filler. No annoying graphics, gimmicks, games.
- Information brief and to the point. Well written, easy to read.
- Pages load fast. Easy navigation.
- Simple questions, easy final exam.
- Try before you buy. Great, great option.

Hopefully this
review will be helpful to other people looking for an Online traffic
school.

Links to Taking Traffic School Online: Online Traffic School
California, Defensive Driving
Online

Pour Homme... Or Me

2010-06-22T13:21:00.019+10:00

I was browsing the perfumes in the chemist today, admiring the shapely bottles, imagining the spicy and floral fragrances.

I saw a bottle marked "Go" and thought to myself: Yes. Go-getter, trend setter, that's me, I'll have a spritz of that one.

After a lengthy spray on my wrists I smoothed a bit on my neck pressure point, finished my purchases and walked outside.

Then it hit me.

What is that smell?

It evokes er... I can't quite place it... images of stubble... er... hairy sinks... gravel rash... er... DAMN IT!!!

A wonderous waft came up to my nostrils and I realised that blokey-smell was in fact me.

I checked out the blurb on the Go! website:

"...it not only changes the way you smell but changes the way you feel"

You're telling me.

...Could the hint of violet leaf be responsible for catching that girl's eye or not?"

Probably. I may get a few looks from women thinking "why is that chick wearing aftershave?"

Would it have killed them to put "Pour Homme" on the dang bottle?

I did wonder why it was next to the David Beckham and Old Spice though...

So now, for the rest of the day (and night) I will smell like Eau De Bloke.

technorati tags: joop go, joop, eau de toilette, pour homme, perfume, fragrance, aftershave, perfume for women, eau toilette, men's fragrances, men's aftershave,

Nice Apps and Add-Ons

2010-06-07T12:51:00.003+10:00

Eureka!! Here are a few Firefox Add-Ons and Apps that make life a little bit easier.

I have a sneaking suspicion that every time you log in and out of Twitter, sift through unnecessary emails and cut and paste links, a fairy dies.

1. Bit.ly sidebar - you can get this from the bit.ly home page and drag it on to your sidebar. It shortens your links at the click of a button.

I can't understand why I have been cutting, pasting and opening and closing bit.ly all the time. Duh! Work smarter, not harder!!

2. Hoot Suite - Wow. If you have a couple of Twitter accounts and keep logging in and out, this is the Twitter App for you. Hoot suite has a "Hootlet" bookmarklet for super easy tweets straight from the source page. It has an app for Iphone too (what doesn't?)

Soooo much easier to manage everything. Great if you want to schedule Tweets (for different time zones, for example)

3. Feedly - All-in-one feed App. Imports your feeds from Google Reader and various other sources. Nice!

4. Yahoo Mail Watcher - Doesn't use your username and password in a way that could be compromised. Checks your email while you are doing other things. Notifies you when a new message comes through.

Heaven.

technorati tags: add ons, firefox, twitter, apps, iphone, feed, applications, RSS, news

Hyundai Launches i45 Sedan

2010-06-03T12:12:00.006+10:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hyundai. All opinions are 100% mine.

As of this month, I am on the lookout for a new car. The time has come. I am a little tired of walking in the rain with shopping bags, call me strange but that's just the way I roll.

A good way to check out a new car is to book a test drive. I have done this a few times in the past and it really is the only way of getting a sense of the car's parameters, capabilities and appropriateness for your situation.

For example, size and storage space is important to me. But parking is also important. I love big cars but I need to be able to park in a tight spot without taking too long. The Hyundai i45 sedan fits the bill nicely. The i45 has the fuel efficiency of a much smaller car, which is also a consideration in these energy hungry times. The interior looks quite roomy and luxurious too, with a built in ionizer for purifying the air. I love the overall style and the fact that Hyundai has put it through a gruelling 500 tests before it even hits the showrooms.

My first test would be how quickly it could get me to the nearest golf course!!

To find out more about the Hyundai i45, you can watch Hyundai i45 on YouTube to run through the features and benefits of their latest offering. To make it easier, I have embedded the video:

I think the ad is quite clever. I was watching it on the TV last night and wondering how they managed to make the water shapes - is it computer generated graphics or a computerized water machine?

Non Prescription Drugs Westpac Scam

2010-05-27T14:13:00.004+10:00

I don't know what kind of drugs they are feeding spammers these days...

I will try (and I do mean "try") to translate this latest offering by nutbags pretending to be internet banking admin people:

Dear Westpac Bank user,

Your Westpac online bank account is currently locked color

Really? I usually use Oxy Clean or lemon juice for those really locked in stains...

and only after you identify on the website
your account will be unlocked face and ready for use.

Oh good. There's nothing worse than trying to do your banking with a locked face. That is, if I can identify on the website. Err...

For added security we will send a Westpac SMS protect Code Color
to you pre-registered mobile phone number,
in order to confirm your identity.

Gee. Yeah. That sounds safe, sign me up. I'm so glad they are going to protect me (sic) mobile phone number.

Incidentally, I'd probably want to confirm YOUR identity considering you didn't pass grammer 101 and use US spellings for Australian victims. I mean customers.

Please follow the link below to request your Westpac Protect SMS Code Color.

Clicking a link in an email from a gramatically incorrect weirdo babbling on about locked colors and unlocked faces.

I don't see how that could hurt...

Incidentally, considering their outrageously obvious errors, they might have done just as well with this email:

"Dear Scumbag,

Weed porn ferret miscreant is dulling your online.
Please click your unlocked war scratchings to envelop your baby back ribs

Sincerely,
Scam Bastard Mother Fridge"

technorati tags: bank, funny, email, scam, Westpac, spam, idiot, scams, email spam, bank scam,bank spam

Crazy Hairstyles #2 - Jedward

2010-05-21T14:33:00.006+10:00

I had the underwhelming misfortune of encountering "Jedward" on The Graham Norton show. Did you know, they are called "John" and "Edward" and that the name "Jedward" is a merging of the two names?

Isn't that amazing? Did you also know that a big "L" on your head stands for loser? No? Read on...

I wasn't quite sure what I was seeing. What a strange pair. They are incredibly irritating when they talk. Which is quite often.

I could go as far as to call them precocious twats, but that's just me being nice.

It's really the hair that makes them stand out.

However it has been done before:

Even Vanilla Ice did it before you.

Hey wow. That's the first time I've accused Vanilla Ice of being first. Or original. Eeek!!

So now high hair is back. And it can go a little bit too far sometimes:

I thought this sort of thing stopped in the 80s. The ozone layer. Remember? Did you know that Bon Jovi single-handedly destroyed a 40 metre hole over a New Jersey stadium just from the sprays used in their dressing rooms!

Really? Well, no.

And yes, hairsprays are made from hydrocarbons now, not chlorofluorocarbon. But it's the principle that counts.

I mean, for example, how much do you think Lady Gaga consumes in hair products per week?

Think about it...

technorati tags: for hair, hair, hair extensions, hair style, hair styles, hairstyles, lady gaga, x factor, crazy hairstyles, jedward

Inventor of Words

2010-05-18T01:22:00.013+10:00

I have been reviewing my posts over the years and noticed that I seem to have invented a number of words and/or phrases. No, you say, some of these words were already invented when I posted them. Yeah? Well, I... didn't know about them at the time so it still counts as an authentic invention. I think.

Fun Words and Phrases to Expand Your Vocabulary:

Nad Whack - (Verb)
What happens when you swing your arms while walking and don't realise there is an unsuspecting and rather vulnerable bloke behind you.
Ref: Keep Your Hands By Your Sides At All Times

Runnething - (Verb)
Sort of like running but... more.
Ref: Fresh Pots!!!

The ol' sidewinders - (Phrase)
Something you would be showing if you wore a particularly hideous style of jeans. Hint - it involves hair.
Ref: Bikijeans

Mascara Malfunction - (Phrase)
Doing your makeup too fast.
Ref: Mascara Malfunction

Bunker Rage - (Phrase)
What happens when you land in a massive bunker and simultaneously forget how to play golf. Includes new words such as Graghph and Ruh!
Ref: Bunker Rage

Rasthermathugraaaa!!! - (Noun? Verb? Expletive?)
What you say when you unexpectedly get your first birdie.
Ref: Birdie Comes Before Par

Hannibal Lecter Dinner Set - (Phrase)
Something characterised as highly innapropriate.
Ref: Wacky Gifts for Wacky People

Flavor Wave Alien Incubator - (Phrase, Noun)
That thing Mr T. sells on the infomercials.
Ref: Mr T and the Flavor Wave Alien Incubator

Flame Grilled Microwave - (Phrase, Noun)
Hungry Jack's secret cooking technique.
Ref: Hungry Jacks Flame Grilled Burger

Sadistic Gift File - (Phrase)
List of items to buy for people you either don't like or wish to torment for no reason in particular.
Ref: Sadistic Gift File #1 - Gong Alarm Clock

Shopping 2.0 - (Noun)
When shops and nerds collide.
Ref: Canadian Deal-Finding Website

Shopputting - (Verb)
Un-stealing something. For example, sneaking into a supermarket and putting something of yours on the shelves. Note: At the time of writing this post, I was not aware of the term.
Ref: Security Supermarket Threat.

On-Footpath Shopping - (Phrase)
The opposite of online shopping.
Ref: Deals Direct: An Online Shopper's Utopia

Big Hairy Man Boobs - (Phrase, Noun)
The credit for this one goes to a 6 year old girl telling me and my partner about her Dad.
Ref: From the Mouths of Babes

Goat Bagging Mushroom, Frog's Nest Entrails With Lark's Vomit - (Phrases)
Direct result of writer's block.
Ref: F@ck! F@ck! F@ck!

Bat Faeces Soup - (Phrase, Noun)
A good reason to be a vegetarian.
Ref: Bat Faeces Soup

Wedding Sausage - (Noun, Phrase)
Ok, I didn't make this one up. There exists an actual deli item called 'wedding sausage'. But seriously, can you not see a joke here?
Ref: Saving on Groceries

The Hairy Soup Diet - (Phrase)
Rather effective weight loss diet consisting of soup. With the addition of a hair.
Ref: Waiter, There's A Pubic Hair In My Soup!!

Oh, and for those arriving here through the Google search "pubic hair soup", welcome to my blog!!

And... you need help.

technorati tags: shopping, golf, fashion, jeans, new terms, phrases

Stylecaster Fashion

2010-05-10T16:49:00.005+10:00

It's easy to feel like you are behind the eight ball when it comes to Women's fashion. Sometimes I just throw on the first thing that I see in the morning. Actually, no, that's most days. But sometimes I like to think about what goes into a look, how to accessorise, and all the other fun things that come with being a fashionista.

Enter Stylecaster.com - The site features the most popular look of the day, featured trends in fashion, various types of colour combination for picking the best looks.

Create your own unique style and find out what inspiration keeps the future of style and fashion both updated and constantly changing. Personally, I like to shop, so I was pleased to note that you can shop by designer (just like my own sidebar feature!), or by category such as bags, shoes, accessories etc. I managed to find items such as bathing suits, sunglasses, and of course, my elusive "messenger bag". It will be mine. Oh yes...

The latest fashion industry news keeps us up to date with what is happening with the latest designers and new trends.

And of course, my favourite fashion accessory, funny t-shirts. A bit nerdy, a bit grungy. Just my kind of style...

Brought to you by Stylecaster.com

You Are More Beautiful Than You Think

2010-05-10T12:32:00.002+10:00

This is an airbrushed photograph for a Ralph Lauren campaign. The woman in the photograph is not really that skinny, as you can see in the contrasting photograph. The ad campaign apparently needed airbrushing because the model "wasn't skinny enough".

Airbrushing is a scary thing. It can create a bust, reduce a curvy bottom, get rid of a slightly protruding stomach or erase cellulite. Not only that, it can erase acne, crows feet, skin imperfections, remove freckles and shape eyebrows.

I'll tell you, finding out all this made my eyebrows raise a tad.

But, that's not all, it can also re-shape jawlines, add cheekbones, whiten teeth and the white of the eye, change nose shape, sculpt hair, slim the waistline and remove splotches, jowls, under eye bags and raise eyebrow height.

After these "before" pictures were accidentally released untouched, there were gasps and disdain towards Kim Kardashian for what appeared to be... CELLULITE!!

Aaargh!!!!

Call out the National Guard!!!

Go to code red!!!

In response, Kim Kardashian said "So I have a little cellulite. What curvy girl doesn't?"

Nowadays, people often see a picture in a magazine and take it on face value. Photographs are not what they appear, and are becoming more extravagantly airbrushed as time goes on.

For example, Faith Hill is a naturally beautiful woman. Why do they feel the need to give her the Barbie treatment?

So many times I have heard other women say "oh, I wish I looked like that" when they see a picture of a celebrity in a magazine.

Perhaps they don't realise that these celebrities don't exactly look like that either.

With professional hair, makeup teams, wardrobe consultants, skin technicians, personal trainers, professional photographers and the magic of airbrushing (or some might say, Photoshopping), you would probably look pretty amazing too.

This is not an exercise in cutting tall poppies down to earth. Actors, models, you name it, they have natural beauty and their own uniqueness.

The purpose of this article is actually the reverse - for ordinary women and men to realise that they don't have to be perfect to be attractive. Our expectations of how people should look have reached new heights.

Stars get cellulite, acne, bad hair days and baggy eye days just like everyone else. It's just that we can't see it under all the airbrushing. Some celebrities probably look at their own publicity photos and say "why can't I look like that" when they have just crawled out of bed in the morning.

The debate about airbrushing has caused such a furore that French Elle Magazine has opted to grace their cover with stars without makeup and no airbrushing as a backlash against this worrying trend.

The women featured are shown as who they are.

Sans airbrush.

Perhaps one day we will be kind to ourselves and enjoy being who we are. Without expectations.

Recommended reading:

The Beauty Myth
Succulent Wild Woman

technorati tags: airbrushed celebrity
stars without makeup, airbrush before after, the beauty myth, real beauty, Kim Kardashian,airbrush disaster, Faith Hill, Jessica Alba, Ralph Lauren, model

Nursing Uniforms

2010-04-30T10:58:00.013+10:00

This post is dedicated to a largely forgotten sector of our community: nurses. My partner has been in hospital for the last 13 days for liver and kidney problems and I have been very impressed with the unsung work that the nurses do every single day to help people and make them feel better. My partner is possibly getting discharged this week so this is good news for all involved. I apologise for the lack of posts during this time.

I have been around the hospital so much that I can now tell the role of the medical professional by their uniform. From the department supervisors, to doctors, nurses, cooks, orderlies and cleaning staff.

Doctors, nurses and all manner of hospital staff need the best quality uniforms to keep them looking sharp and up-to-date. Medical professionals looking for good quality nursing scrubs, tops, pants, scrub jackets and twill lab coats have a great range of choices when it comes to medical uniforms.

lab coat

This 37" (94cm) white twill lab coat features a left top pocket, 2 x front patch pockets and pleated back. The coat comes complete with button belt.

V-Necked Top

This basic v-necked top 29" (73.7cm) features a left top pocket, front patch pocket and right accessory pocket for storing small items such as tape and bandages.

Since visiting this site, I have discovered that there is such a thing as "medcouture". Katherine Heigl (from the TV show Grey's Anatomy) even has her own range of medical wear. So it seems that the medical profession and fashion are not mutually exclusive.

Please note that International nurses day is coming next month so along with celebrating the fashion, let's take the opportunity to celebrate all the incredible work that nurses do for others in the community.

One Click Gifts

2010-04-12T10:07:00.016+10:00

Special days have a way of creeping up on you. Before you know it, it is someone's Birthday, Valentine's Day or some other special occasion. And lets face it, not all of us have time to get to the shops to find gifts at the last minute. That's where Gift Cards can give us the unfair advantage. Gift cards give the recipient a wide range of items from which they can choose the perfect present for themselves.

The best part about shopping online is the convenience. You can buy gifts at any time, get special discounts and take delivery without even leaving your computer. No crowds, no traffic jams, no public transport and no headaches. Everybody wins.

Using GiftZip is surprisingly easy. Check out how the Gift Cards work for the complete rundown on how to use the site. You may have a gift in mind, say a Ralph Lauren gift card. Just search for the store logo and click - now you should see this box:

It won't take you long to figure out how to use this feature. Just click on "GiftZip It!" and it will take you to Ralph Lauren's site to purchase the gift card.

Your gift card will then be sent to the email address of your recipient. It can be also sent to your own email address to print for your records.

This is the perfect solution to those last-minute gift panics. Just choose a brand and you can send a gift card in minutes. This is a great idea for the times where you just can't get to the shops or it is just too late to think about hunting around for the perfect gift. It works especially well if you happen to know the preferred brand of your nearest and dearest - they can find exactly what they want and you can provide them with the ultimate shopping experience.

You can also find Gift Certificates for unique gifts. In this section you can purchase gift cards for special, personalized items like t-shirts, baby items, custom printed artwork and charity gifts. I especially liked the Canvas on demand gifts - you can use your own photo and get it printed on a canvas. There is such a wide selection of gift ideas you should be able to find something for everyone. The site contains gift card ideas for him, for her, house, gourmet items and sporting goods.

Hmmm, methinks a golfing gift might be on the cards, if you pardon the pun...

Weird and Wacky Toilet Seat Designs

2010-03-31T12:28:00.016+11:00

Welcome to the wonderful world of weird and wacky toilet seat designs. I used to frequent a cafe in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. The toilets in this establishment were my favourites, due to their pristine cleanliness and due to their crazy toilet seat designs.

I have finally tracked down these wonderful hand-crafted designs so you can make a theme room for your bathroom:

Rubber Ducky Toilet Seat

Rubber ducky, you're the one... who makes... actually I'm going to stop singing now. This would be perfect for kids and the young at heart alike. Rubber duckies are not just for baths anymore!!

BeachToilet Seat

She sells sea shells by the.... dunny.

Do you have a beach house? Do you live near the ocean? Why not create a beach theme for the smallest room in the house. Complete with sand and shells nicely encased in smooth poly resin so you won't get sand caught in an unspeakable place.

Barbed WireToilet Seat

This looks painful, but is actually quite nifty and rather artistic. A bit odd, I must admit but I always liked this design. No need to look out for the redback spider hiding somewhere in the loo, it's already on the seat!

DolphinToilet Seat

My personal favourite. It's blue, it's got little dolphins, sand and shells inside it. It's very er... relaxing.

May the Computer Ornament be With You

2010-03-31T10:49:00.007+11:00

Yoda. He never goes out of style. He has been quoted alongside the greatest philosophers of our time. He has influenced many individuals and created a kind of spirituality adhered to by Star Wars fans and their relatives:

Yoda Computer Bobble-Head Ornament

I couldn't think of a better character to perch atop a computer screen, head bobbing and wisdom dispersing as you do... whatever it is you do on your computer.

Here are a few possible Yoda computer ornament quotes:

"Invoices you must print"

"Porn you must not surf"

"Tweet you must"

"Get off Facebook you will, or forever will it dominate your destiny"

(bobs head)

technorati tags: action figure, action figures, action figures toys, collectibles, ebay, jedi star wars, star wars, star wars action figures, star wars figures, star wars toys, starwars, yoda,star wars accessories

Lumix Life - Focus on Australia

2010-03-17T10:54:00.009+11:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Panasonic Australia. All opinions are 100% mine.

Perhaps you have a passing interest in photography, a driving passion or maybe you are thinking of buying a digital camera for the first time. When I take a photo, I imagine that it will be a classic moment, where the sun is just setting or the scene is just right.

The LUMIX Life Focus on Australia contest gives ordinary Australians the chance to share their creativity with the world.

The requirements are pretty simple:
1. You must be an Australian
2. Shoot with a Lumix camera
3. Take a photo of Australia

And no, I don't mean an aerial shot of the whole country!!

The central theme of the contest is this - what is your vision of Australia? What do you consider to be the heart and soul of Australia?

For some, this conjures up images of Brumbys galloping through the high country, for some it means rock paintings or peaceful waterfalls. For some, it may be a guy in a blue singlet holding a beer. I'd wager it would be pretty easy to find a model for that last shot!!

Whatever your vision, the possibilities are limitless. Australia is an incredibly diverse country and each of us has something special that we consider central to the heart of our country. Knowing me, I would probably take a photo standing on the 3rd hole at Apollo Bay Golf Course on the Great Ocean Road, looking out to sea.

The best photos will be chosen by six judges and displayed alongside works by professional photographers. To enter, visit the site and watch the video for more details.

If you happen to be on Facebook, you can add these guys: Panasonic Australia on Facebook

And remember, LUMIX Life Focus On Australia starts April 1st 2010 - The Video

Yani Tseng Wins 2010 Australian Women's Open

2010-03-17T10:01:00.006+11:00

A big congratulations goes out to Yani Tseng, a.k.a. "The Birdie Machine" for winning the Handa 2010 Women's Australian Open at the Commonwealth Golf Club.

Tseng (Taiwan) shot a 7-under par to score a 66 to beat juggernauts Karrie Webb and Laura Davies on the final day. Speculation about the possible winner included talk of Giulia Sergas (Italy), Laura Davies (UK) and Karrie Web (Aussie). Meanwhile Tseng continued to quietly pummel the course into submission. Suddenly, during the back nine of day 4, people started to realise that not only was she leading the pack, she was streaking away with birdie after birdie. In the last two or three holes, we also realised that nobody was going to catch her, unless they figured on shooting a few double eagles in a row.

She is not called "The Birdie Machine" for nothing. She birdied five holes on the back nine and left the other competitors in a cloud of dust. Chances are we will be seeing a lot more of Yani Tseng in the future.

technorati tags: australian open golf, australian women's open, commonwealth golf club, golf, golf australia, golfers, karrie webb, laura davies, women's golf, yani tseng, melbourne golf

FRESH POTS!!!!!!!!

2010-03-16T12:00:00.004+11:00

This morning at the service station, a combination of sleep deprivation, silght derangement and desperate need for stimulants conspired against me when I saw this sign hanging in the window:

"Coffee. You know you want one."

The sign showed a steaming take-away cup filled with caffeine-laden goodness.

Yeah? Yeah I guess I do want one. Mmmm. Enticing. Hang on, I don't even drink coffee...

Caffeine devil sitting on my shoulder says:

You know you want one...

I haven't had a coffee for over a year. I don't feel the need for it. I'm over it, I'm totally um....

(walks zombie-like into service station. Presses "cappuccino" button, frothy goodness filling my cup and runnething over)

Drinks coffee in 2 minutes flat. Eyes wide awake, and I'm WIRED!!!!

Now I know why Dave says:

FRESH POTS!!!!

Language warning: If you are offended by the f-word used in jest with regards to coffee, don't watch this video!!

technorati tags: coffee, cup coffee, dave grohl, espresso

Karrie Webb Update

2010-03-13T20:52:00.006+11:00

An unusual development in the "no coverage for Karrie Webb on free-to-air digital tv" saga (see my Karrie, Women and Sport post). Days after the 2010 ANZ Ladies Masters Karrie's win suddenly hit the news.

This could have occurred for a number of reasons:

1. The networks forgot about the tournament, then suddenly remembered days later.
2. The Pro Shop's coverage (One HD) sparked a resurgence of interest in womens' golf.
3. Karrie has been recently been "controversially" discussed as Australia's greatest sporting export.

Wins and Awards - Centenary medal, Golfing Hall of fame (the youngest inductee at age 30), Order of Australia - 49 professional wins. (36 LPGA tournaments including 2 U.S. Women's Open and 3 British Open wins, 8 or 11 ALPG tournaments, depending on the reporting, Japan LPGA 2)

4. A representative from digital free-to-air TV read my post. (Unlikely, but possible).

Whatever the reason, it's great to see Karrie in the news again, and tomorrow (money day) we will find out if she add another win to the tally by triumphing at the Handa Australian Women's Open on Sunday.

Nerdy T-Shirts

2010-03-11T09:48:00.009+11:00

Wikipedia's definition about t-shirts describes a buttonless, collarless shirt in which to cover a person's torso. I define it as essential clothing. Without t-shirts, honestly I wouldn't have anything to wear!!

Remember the movie "The Hangover"? Well, the Hangover tshirts are now available. The guys wake up in Vegas with a tiger in the bathroom and a baby in the closet. Just a typical day, really.

The baby is dubbed Carlos because nobody knows its name. And because he looks like a Carlos. His real name is actually Tyler.

Memorable quotes from the film:

Stu Price: We're in a stolen cop car with what is sure to be a missing child in the back. What part of this is cool?
Alan Garner: I think the cop car part's pretty cool.
(quote IMDB)

So, you too can wear the t-shirt with baby Carlos. Possible accessories include a hangover, a tiger, stolen vehicles and amnesia. Only kidding!! Wear with caution.

Other funny t-shirts include the obligatory Lolcats shirt:

And this rather sinister Pac Man t-shirt:

Run Blinky!!

Interesting bit of trivia: Did you know that in the original version of Pac Man, Blinky's actual name was "Shadow".

Karrie, Women and Sport

2010-03-09T12:00:00.002+11:00

Firstly, congratulations to Karrie Webb on winning her seventh ANZ Ladies Masters. It was good to see the free to air channels broadcasting day 1 & 2 highlights and full coverage of days 3 and 4, so well done on that front.

The results of the tournament apparently weren't newsworthy enough for Channels 9, 7, 10 and ABC. Not even Sports Tonight. Oh well, just another victory for the greatest golfer to come out of Australia (and yes, that does include Greg Norman!). I don't suppose it has something to do with it being a "Ladies" tournament. Hmm....

Other newsworthy articles were Lara Bingle's naked scandal, some other footballer duffed up somebody else, and oh yes, Richard Green DIDN'T win in a golf tournament overseas, getting knocked off by Camilo Villegas. But his not winning was more newsworthy than Karrie Webb actually... winning. Go figure.

Karrie Webb triumphed with a blistering course record of 11 under (61), and was a joy to watch. I think the Ladies Masters is a brilliant event. I attended this tournament in 2009 and 2008. 2010's tournament was held on the Gold Coast, so it was a little far to travel over the weekend. It would be nice to have some acknowledgment that the tournament actually happened. It's about time that golfers such as Karrie Webb, Katherine Hull and Laura Davies get their fair share of coverage.

Sooo.... given the lack of proper news coverage, here is iseekgolf's Bruce Young talking to Karrie Webb about her 7th ANZ Ladies Masters Victory.

Buy Mr Flibble

2010-03-05T17:00:00.008+11:00

After a number of enquiries eg. "where do I buy Mr Flibble?" as a result of my last Mr Flibble post, I have finally tracked down the site where you can buy the elusive Mr Flibble puppet.

The site is called Mr Flibble Is Cross, which is an appropriate name as Mr Flibble is very cross indeed. You can buy Mr Flibble, watch Mr Flibble videos and remenisce with all the Mr Flibble related quotes from the legendary episode of Red Dwarf III - "Quarantine".

I have been asking myself the question "why do so many people want to buy Mr Flibble"? After a bit of research (it didn't take long!) I found that the main reason was for fancy dress purposes. That's right, there are a number of guys and girls out there itching to don the red and white checked gingham dress, the army boots, the blonde plaited wig and hat. And this outfit would look pretty silly (what am I saying!) without a Mr Flibble hand puppet to complete the look.

Of course, some people want to buy the puppet as memorabilia. To scare their children into cleaning their rooms perhaps.

Parent: (said in monotone) "If you don't clean your room, Mr Flibble will become very cross. And you know what happens when Mr Flibble gets cross, don't you?"

Kid "Aaargh!!!" (cleans room in record time)

To all the fellow Red Dwarf fans, good luck with your search for Mr Flibble, long live Quarantine and thank God for British comedy!!

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