The Stray Kitten

On my return from a recent trip to Tasmania, I vowed it was time to practice what I preach, or rather, put into practice everything I'd read about health over the years but hadn't really taken to heart. This move was catalysed by a few things: turning 30, my current state of health, my fluctuating energy levels, poor sleep, lapses into negative thinking. I remember my former personal trainer telling me that food only offers short-term gratification, which is not to be confused with happiness. I would agree, because i've certainly eaten decadently at times and found myself unhappy. Lara Briden's 'Happy Hormones' blog, Harold Lancer, and other sources that escape me right now were also influences. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: So now I'm eating gluten-free (complete elimination at this stage), dairy-free and sugar-free. I'm conscious of being the 'annoying' person at the cafe/restaurant asking for GF/SF/DF grub. Gratefully, my requests have been a

One day during a tutorial, one of my classmates exclaimed that uni is "not about doing well- it's about getting through".  Although he was half-joking, this had been my mantra throughout my undergrad and first post-grad degree.  However, it left me feeling a bit unworthy when I graduated.  I had secretly wished that I had 'done well', not to mention that my transcript was riddled with 'fail-discontinued', and my GPA was a joke. Fast-forward to 2012, I decided to do a masters degree by distance-mode at a different uni.  Suddenly, I got a taste of what it was like to 'do well', and never looked back! So here are my tips for getting an HD; 1.  Find out what the set textbook is for your subject before the semester starts.  Knuckle down, and read it from cover to cover.  If it's all Greek to you, find another textbook on the same subject.  Sometimes, it IS just the book that is the problem. 2.  If you get to choose your essay topic, run it by your l

I've been to Tassie several times, but only recently have come to appreciate the fresh air, fine food, and beautiful scenery. It is only 1.5 hours on the plane from Sydney, so it could be the perfect weekend getaway.  Here are my top 5 activities for a short stay in Hobart. 1.  Salamanca Market Salamanca is by the water and full of character.  It is the perfect spot to have a cuppa, and buy unique gifts and fine food.  The markets are not your typical rowdy affairs with merchants trying to palm off any old crap- they're beautiful hand-made items, and local organic produce.  Try some Tasmanian fudge! 2.  Battery Point This is a historical region, sometimes referred to as the 'Vaucluse of Hobart'.  Here you'll see spectacular water views, and relax at some of the eateries along Hampden road.  Try the Bircher muesli at the Pollen Tea Room for a healthy and delicious breakfast, or a gourmet pie from Jack's for lunch! 3.  Sandy Bay If you're up for a spot of shop

This look was inspired by the MAC Barbie doll that came out aaaaaages ago.  Products listed below! MAC steamy eyeshadow MAC satin taupe eyeshadow MAC knight divine eyeshadow MAC whistle eyeshadow MAC playful eyeshadow Black eyeliner Sephora navy blue mascara MUFE powder MUFE HD foundation Benefit Hoola bronzer MAC Spice lip pencil Maybelline Lip Polish in Nude Flash

Becoming an extra won't make you super-rich, but it can lead to other things that might!  Unrecognisable extras can make anything from 75 to a few hundred dollars a day.  The work isn't always easy- there is usually a lot of waiting around, and some acting ability may be required.  But you'll usually get fed, and meet lots of interesting people! The most important requirement is availability.  If you've got a good agent, you don't want to be letting them down due to other commitments.  You can source extras work from websites like StarNow, however there is no guarantee that they'll pay up after the shoot.  On the other hand, work that you source on your own won't incur hefty agency fees!  Not to mention there are plenty of dodgy agencies who take more than their share, or sometimes don't pay up at all! An interesting look will also work in your favour.  If you're lucky enough to have Afro hair, or be of mixed race, there may be plenty of work for you

Admittedly, I picked the worst time to go to Darwin- Christmas and during the wet season!  All the fine-dining I had carefully planned on TripAdvisor had to be scrapped because nothing was open apart from Subway :S.  Nevertheless, I got to see some of the beautiful sites, and meet the locals. My first experience was buying some supplies on the infamous Mitchell Street. I had planned to go there on a Saturday night to experience Darwin's nightlife, but it was terrifying enough during the day!  When one of the locals pegged a bottle into the ground metres away from me, I knew it was time to go back to the hotel. That evening, I decided to go and watch the sunset on Mindil Beach. The casino was nearby, but it was nothing to write home about.  A few buffet restaurants and lots of poker machines. The following day I went to East Point Reserve and Nightcliff Jetty. It was very humid, so I was very grateful when it started to rain! Finally, a car hire company decided to open for business,