If I Hit $1000 Tonight - I Go To Work In Sequins:: Frocktober

I've got this thing happening - I wore pants for the last few days, just to ensure I could get through the whole of Frocktober in nothing but frocks. It mightn't sound like much, but by the last days, wearing frocks becomes a bit of a drag. Honestly. Try it!

So tonight I've issued the challenge: if I hit $1000 in funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, I wear sequins to the office tomorrow. I work in a business park. Am I painting the picture?

Want to sponsor me? Go on! Help me inch closer to that magic $1000.

If I don't hit it tonight, I'll have to instead wear my ugliest frock. And truly - it is really, really ugly.

Sponsor me here, please!

In Preparation For Frocktober:: A Haircut with Desmond & Molly Jones

So I got my hair cut today! Cue loud cheers, dancing and a ticker tape parade. Maybe some pinatas too.

Amazing, considering I haven't had it cut since May. That's so crazy-town because I really, really love having my haircut. And washed. And blow-dried. It makes me want to curl up in a ball and sleep. 

I decided that before Frocktober starts, I had to get myself ready - and what better way than with a haircut.

Ages ago the good people of Desmond & Molly Jones invited me to their salon. I was never able to make it, months passed, and I decided it was time to get a chop. I loved the look of the salon, and they sounded like my kind of people, so I booked myself in with Kate for a cut, et voila! I feel like a new woman.

I am so glad I visited. Besides the deliciously beautiful name, it's a treasure trove of eye candy. Mirrored benches, rosettes adorning the walls, a gold pig, and people that make you feel as though you've been friends for years. I even got to take our new worms there (more on that later) much to everyone's amusement.

It is amazing how having a great hair day can put not only a bounce in your hair but a spring in your step. Kate not only gave me a great cut, but also some great tips on getting the world's biggest dreadlock (aka brat's nest) out of Tiny's hair (more on that later too), and my hair smells like my favourite Evo products. 

Desmond & Molly Jones
98 Albion Street
Surry Hills, NSW
P: 02 9281 2100 


Disclosure: I paid for the experience. I loved the experience. I wanted to share. I'd totally recommend a visit! 

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I've got 5 days of with my family. That's pretty awesome. Mid school holidays, and it's so nice to spend time the four of us at home. Not much to do, nowhere to go, it's actually my idea of bliss. 

School holidays are pretty rad. 

To keep my smalls busy, I've booked them into a MAKE.PLAY workshop at Object Gallery in Surry Hills for tomorrow. I think they'll love playing and talking worms, who wouldn't? 

And while they're doing that Matt and I are going to hang out together in Surry Hills. Squeeee!

I'm getting my haircut. Double squeegee! 

I'm listening to that song above, like it's nobody's business, and this one too. 

Our landlord wants to inspect our house - we've lived here three years and had one inspection and they're calling it a routine check up. HA! Anyway we're kind of freaking out because our house is what I'd classify a grade A pigsty. It's so small and there's nowhere to put anything. Someone. Send help. 

Frocktober 2013:: Let's GO!

If you're a long-time reader, then there's no doubt you've heard me banging on about Frocktober. And I'd love you to sponsor me. Please.

Without question, it's my favourite time of the year. It is when I get the crazies and wear a different frock for every single day of October. 31 dresses in 31 days. Except it's more than 31 dresses because sometimes I frock up to go out at night. What the frock?!

So if you've never heard of Frocktober, you're probably thinking - what the frock is Frocktober?

Well my frocking friend, it's to raise awareness and money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Last year I raised almost $5,000. This year I'm hoping to blow that out of the water and raise even more money for this most excellent charity.

Why? Because I'm a woman. But not only that. Ovarian cancer is an insidious disease, often known as a “silent-killer” as symptoms are vague and often strike without warning. Unlike many other cancers there is no early detection test.  Consequently ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in its late stages and only 20%-30% of woman survive beyond five years as compared to a 80-100% survival rate when detected early.

So please sponsor me this month - every dollar counts, and I'd be ever so chuffed if you gave up a coffee ($5) to help me reach my target! 

Favourite Find:: Love&Lustre Liberty Nighties

My sisters and I grew up with a healthy appetite for Liberty. Those iconic prints always looked perfectly pretty on a frock. The prints are just as fresh and beautiful today. 

When I saw that Australian brand Love&Lustre had created a collection of Liberty nightdresses - well, hello Liberty. It was love. 

For years I've been into PJs. However as we creep into Summer, nothing beats going to bed in a cool cotton nightie. And certainly not in such an iconic print. 

Totally going on my Christmas wish list. 

From left:
Love&Lustre Liberty cotton nightdress - Anna's Garden $99.95 (my favourite in that cool green print); Lucy Daisy $99.95; and for something a little more special - go silk with the Blue Rose $239



**Favourite Find is my new *thing* where I share something I fancy each week from an Australian retailer. They're not paid spots, it's truly things I find that I dig and want to share. And they all lived happily ever after. 

The Emmys: Carrie Underwood, Sarah Silverman, Eric Stonestreet, January Jones, Sarah Somebody and the other woman from Modern Family

 Sponsored by Mattel and coming to a toilet cistern near you. Carrie Underwood, so close. And yet. 

Sarah Silverman's dress allegedly cost $60. I hate to be the one to say it, but it looks about as much as that. It's boring. Not red carpet appropes, and I'm just not into this. Fine for everyday, but not for the Emmys.

 Surely Big W could have afforded him a size up?

 January Jones - perfect hair, make-up and dress. She nailed it. 

 YES! YES! YES. Pantone colour of the year - emerald, done well on the red carpet. I love this dress. 

I am over fishtails. I am over nude frocks. But I love this so much. It looks like it would be fun to swoosh around in all night. Although I'm not sure if I'd be able to eat more than a bread roll. And that would make me a bit cross. 

The Emmys: Cat Deeley, Moreena Baccarin and Some Other People I Don't Know

Cat Deeley, usually flawless, but this? Are you auditioning for Star Trek? It's the only way I can justify this frock choice. 

Swoon. Morena Baccarin, the epitome of grace and beauty - there's no more beautiful sight than a blossoming pregnant belly. Well to me anywhere. This is pretty well near perfection. 

 I've got one tip for this lady. A slip.

And this one? Out with her brother and showing off her granny panties? Get a slip.

 I love this. But trim the hem. A common affliction these Emmys. 

Is she on the red carpet, or is she about to go exercise in her perforated evening gown? I know it's sport luxe, but I can't help but think of Tena Lady. 

The Emmys: Big Bird, Sophia Vergara, Zooey Deschanel, Persian Carpet Sale, Elisabeth Moss, Someone's Granny's Upholstered Armchair

In a sea of safe, this dress is a real standout. Yes it reminds me of Big Bird. But yellow never fails to make me smile, the cut is beautiful, it's frothy and feminine and I just have to love it. However while I love the yellow - it appears she's got a LEGO wig on (moreso in other images), and I'd love to ruffle up her hair a little. 

 We get it Sophia Vergara. You have an incredible body. Yep. Recognised. Acknowledged. Please, next awards ceremony, wear a different dress - this *yawn* is getting predictable. 

This is pretty, and lovely, and charming and a whole lot of other insipid, gushy words. And if Zooey was mother of the bride, I'd be happy. But she's not, so where does she get off wearing the dress of a 50 year old? Bring back the 50s cuts and flirty skirts. 

 Sometimes all you can do is lie on the ground, do a few rolls and wear a Persian carpet to an event. At least no one else is going to be wearing the same. 

 It's well-documented how much I love Elisabeth Moss. Supremely classic in black and white, I can't fault her. 

What part of dull grey, ill-fitting, assymetrical, lacey dress sounded appealing?

The Emmys: Amanda Peet, A Gangster, Rose Byrne, Laura Dern, And Two Other Women

I usually really love Amanda Peet. But this dress hurts my eyes. It's like a Katy Perry song in fabric; hot then it's cold; short then it's long; sheer then it's opaque. It's got multiple personality disorder and I can't love it. 

 What is this? A gang sign by the Little Mermaid?

Rose Byrne, how I adore thee. Ye canne nevere putte a foote wronge whene it comes to fashione. You are like a pale coral dream. 

And you played so nicely with Laura Dern who I think looks like a coral dream. However both your dresses were inflicted with too-long-hem-itis. Hopefully they recover in time for the after party.

 It's like she's one of those people who dresses up half groom, half bride. Except she's gone half-cocktail party, half-formal - because she didn't understand the dress code. Or maybe she only wanted to shave one leg. I can totally understand that and send my commiserations. 

I have no idea who this is, but besides her feet being attached to the wrong legs, I love the dress. Simple, elegant, great colour. Winning. 

The Emmys: Lena Dunham, Zosia Mamet, Not Amber Valetta, Kelly Osborne

It's that time of the year when I get to critique dresses. You know I love it. Now let's get into this thing. 

 Look. I really dig Lena Dunham. I love 'Girls'. I love her. I love everything she stands for. She's cool, intelligent and sassy. I dig that. And I really want to dig this dress. I really do. In fact I do love the dress - however if I was asked to trouble shoot I would say - raise the hem a little unless you're multi-tasking appearing at the Emmys and sweeping the floor; I'd wear a more graphic belt; I'd up the ante on the accessories. A big cuff. A fabulous clutch. A statement earring. I don't know, but it looks a little lacklustre, and I want lustre.

 Zosia Mamet is awesome. Ok. Let's get that out of the way. But I see her dress has the same hemline problem as Lena's. A little too long. But that's not the problem here. It looks like she got a car bra and put it on her dress. The dress is great, but the little boobie highlighter is less than great. It's taken this dress from winner to sinner. It looks like her boobies might be peeking through there so they can get a look at the paparazzi too. 

 Is it Claire Danes or is it January Jones? Claire? January? Claire? January? Ok it's Claire. I love the dress, and usually I go MEH at nudes, but this is so pretty. But the hair belongs on North Shore Sydney in the 80s. Do you know how many North Shore mummies are now looking for their bobs Claire? Clearly you've stolen them and you're wearing a bob to the Emmys because you can. 

I first thought this was Amber Valetta and it made me think of when I was 19 and met her at work function, and got completely covered in nervous rash - this red blotchy rash that rises from my chest to my hair line in blotches and makes me all hot. It's incredibly attractive, as you can imagine. However this is not Amber Valetta, it's someone else, and I've never met her, so I didn't even need to tell you that piece of my embarrassing history.

I feel like I need to talk to Kelly Osborne about the colour spectrum and about complementary opposites and the like - and how these are not complementary opposites, but in fact like you rolled Estelle Getty for her wig before you got to the red carpet. I am done with the purple. The dress however is really, really sensational. 

Ruffalo, Paltrow - Well This Looks Good

Fruity and Fabulous:: By Jodie Nicholson

Pineapples are hot property right now. I'm not talking your topless variety from your local fruit and veg, or even the tinned rings from the supermarket. I'm talking pineapple motifs. If you haven't noticed, I don't know how you missed it, unless you've been hiding in a compost bin - and then I completely understand. Or do I?!

I was delighted, spellbound and instantly in love when I spied Jodie Nicholson's pineapple in progress (PIP) on Instagram. Here was a woman, with her bare hands, a needle and floss, creating a pineapple in all its spiky, yellow glory. 

Isn't it awesome? I want to show the world what Jodie's been making because I LOVE IT SO MUCH! 

And now she's turned her attention to melons. Dirty mind. Watermelons people. 

You must click over to Instagram and have a look at her beautiful handiwork as she documented the fruit salady goodness being created. 

And if you're in the market for this unique handmade pineapple piece of art - it's a steal for less than a pineapple - get it, get it?! (ie less than $50) - you could hang it on your wall. Look at all those teeny tiny stitches - so much work - who couldn't fall madly in love with these? They'd look so great hung together on the wall (plus that tassel talks to that watermelon, and it's lurve people, it's lurve).

Jodie has generously offered PMM readers 15% off until September 30 - just enter PMM15 at the register. 

Why The Hypoxi Radio Ad is Poxy. In Fact. It Sucks.

There's a radio ad on at the moment for Hypoxi. 

Before we get into the ad, let me talk about Hypoxi. Hypoxi is, in my book, a load of codswallop. It's meant to be a weight loss thing, but looks like an 80s computer that you stick your legs in and apparently - shazam - your cellulite will disappear. See why I think it's a load of bollocks?

I might as well get the Atari 64 out and stick my pins in and see how that goes. Probably just as effective. Call me cynical, but Hypoxi - don't call me maybe.

In my book - if you want to tone up - diet and exercise. Not a poxy Hypoxi machine. 

But anyway, I digress. Back to the radio ad. 

It starts off something like:

"Ladies, what shape is your body?" 

(Pause)

"Ooooh, that's a lot of pears."

And then it goes on to talk about the merits of poxy Hypoxi. And on it goes.

The premise being - pear-shaped women = ouch. Poor you. But we can do something about it. We can fix your pear-shaped body. 

Well I'm here to say - screw you Hypoxi ads and your petri dish for breeding insecurity in women. Women already have enough insecurities without you planting a seed of doubt in our minds. 

I'm a pear shaped woman, and I don't need you to validate - or even erase my shape. For all you know, I might be totally happy being a pear. I love pears. Juicy, tasty fruit that they are. I'm ok with being a pear. 

I really detest this ad. And whenever it comes on, I'm pretty sure my blood pressure goes up. 

Who comes up with these ads that are targeted at making you feel bad about yourself? I for one am not going to align myself with a brand that makes me feel like poo and guilts me into trying their product. I won't buy a thing from them. 

Pear, apple, banana, kiwi fruit, mango - whatever shape you are - don't feel ashamed ladies! 

And this, my friends is why I think the Hypoxi radio ad is totally and utterly poxy. You can have your Hypoxi and jam it. 

Favourite Find:: Everingham & Watson Tea towel

Stop the press people. 

Stop the doggone press. 

It's not every day I tell you about prawns. Or tea towels. And happily, today I am combining both subjects into one happy blog post. 

This - enchanted reader, is probably the best tea towel you're ever going to see. 

Ok. Big call. But I am a bit of a tea towel lover. I love a good tea towel. I hate a crummy tea towel. Don't go the raw prawn on me. This is a keeper!

Or it could be a giver, because it would make a totally great hostess gifts (do you guys give these, because I give these because I think it's fun!) or Christmas gift. Heck - Kris Kringle just got cool! 

Everingham & Watson Prawn tastic tea towel $29

**Favourite Find is my new *thing* where I share something I fancy each week from an Australian retailer. They're not paid spots, it's truly things I find that I dig and want to share. And they all lived happily ever after. 

It's Been Quiet Here

But not quiet on the home front.

For example - Tiny slipped over in the bathtub last night. Matt took her up to ER with a nice little gash in her chin. I sat waiting for news. They sat waiting for five hours. She finally came home with her chin glued. Poor sausage.

I'm back into exercise. I know. Stop the press. I got sick and had to cut my C25K short momentarily. Instead of exercising I began pinning exercise motivation. I became obsessed. This served only to make myself feel even sicker, annoyed, sad I wasn't exercising, and to motivate others. Well it's not all bad, right?

In other ground breaking news, the house is a mess, I need to start organising a birthday party for Tiny, and Christmas is now only 99 sleeps until Christmas.

Just saying. 

Please send help. SOS. 

Favourite Find:: OneWhiteSunday Necklace

Who doesn't love a pastel? I am the first to say that I am a bit crazy for pastels - see last week's Favourite Find.

Just like a scarf, a necklace (for me) can change an outfit. I hang mine in the hallway, and on my way past in the morning, I choose one and pop it on. Each day I choose something different. I am so crazy like that. 

I was pretty excited to find this little beauty from OneWhiteSunday today. The prettiest palette with a graduation of shapes, like Fruit Loops meets caveman - and for the win! 

There are lots of other beauties - I love this too - looks like cubist fairy floss. 

OneWhiteSunday Pastel Stone necklace $42


**Favourite Find is my new *thing* where I share something I fancy each week from an Australian retailer. They're not paid spots, it's truly things I find that I dig and want to share. And they all lived happily ever after. 

HOLY COLLAB!!! Celine Dion VS Daft Punk VS The Bee Gees = MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!

Obsessed? Maybe.

Loving it? HELLZ YEAH!

Can this Daft Punk big love ever end? Not with Celine dancing it out, that's fo' shizzle!  Check out those moves. And *that* suit!! 

And the Bee Gees homage? Sheer brilliance. 

This Will Make You Happy.

And if it doesn't? I can't help you.

Who can't love this? It combines Daft Punk With Mario Paint Composer - whatever that is, well whatever it is it's Super Mario! This is a match made in 'Get Lucky' heaven. My 8 year old is going to love this!

Would it be a good time to tell you I've already listened to this three times? 

Favourite Find:: McKean Studio Silk Scarves

I love a good scarf, in case you hadn't ever noticed (in which case, how did you not notice this?!). For me, a scarf is an easy way to spice up an outfit, add a bit of personality, and best of all for me - colour!

When I was younger I used to scour the markets searching for souvenir scarves. I collected Canada, New Zealand, Fiji, and a couple of others that I can't quite remember. I have a bit of a *thing* for souvenir scarves - and clearly a thing for souvenir scarves of places I've never been (except for NZ, I've been there).

Sydney-sider Megan McKean, illustrator/designer/owner/maker has created a dreamy range of cotton-silk souvenir scarves digitally printed with her illustrations inspired by her travels.

Can you imagine my glee?

But if you're not into wearing scarves, then these are beautiful as a framed artwork, or the perfect gift.

And the palettes are so fruit tingle-y beautiful, I can imagine they'd work well with my wardrobe.

McKean Studio Palm Springs, California silk cotton scarf $75 (other cities available)


**Favourite Find is my new *thing* where I share something I fancy each week from an Australian retailer. They're not paid spots, it's truly things I find that I dig and want to share. And they all lived happily ever after. 

Finding Flowers In The Garden:: Bored At Home

I've had three days in bed. Do you know how bored I have become? I sleep. I wake. I sleep. I wake. I blow my nose. I have a cup of tea. I watch some iView. Then I fall asleep again. And then I do it all over again. 

Today was the first time I'd stepped foot outside during these past few days. That sunlight - wow! And kapow! 

The highlight was getting up to put some washing in the washing machine. High times friends, I am telling you what. Except, really, the highlight was as I was walking back inside - I found these orchids growing in what I would classify 'the ugly part of the garden'. This is the section that the landlord thought might look good with native flora - and it might, if every year it wasn't covered in a camellia heads, a wasteland of rotting petal corpses.

But these orchids were like a gift. Highlight of my day. 

What's been the best bit of your day?

PS - Sam Stone, how was P!nk??

Fully Sick

Last week I was giving myself a pep talk.

On Monday, when I felt the sting of a sore throat - I started positive affirmations such as "I am not sick - and I am not getting sick."

On Tuesday, I felt a little lousier, but still continued with the affirmations.

Wednesday, much the same. Thursday my voice morphed into a drag queen. Friday, ditto. Saturday I felt completely lousy, but bucked up for a friend's birthday soiree, although that throat, my head, meh. And Sunday, bloody Sunday - I wake feeling pretty much how I think rat shit feels. Like rat shit.

I am so sad and mad! I was up to week three of C25K. I was having fun at training. And then I got sick, and I have barely moved off the couch today. Covered in a blanket, with a box of tissues, some Difflam, and iView. I. Am. So. Bored. 

I've given Matt an IOU for Father's Day. For a retake. I had plans - and he wound up on cooking, kitchen and kid duty. 

Please. Tell me something exciting.