But not a s much as Sharon Perkins from Beaut Vintage…

I noticed Sharon’s website Beaut Vintage when she dropped by to comment on Laura E’s most recent post. I liked the site so much that I asked her to share a little bit about herself, her love of vintage dresses and her gorgeous vintage fashion website. Here’s what she had to say…

My passion for vintage

For as long as I can remember I have always had a passion for vintage – long before it was deemed cool – and before uncool was cool, growing up in the 80s I loved nothing more than to play in the dressing up box that was my mothers wardrobe.

60’s dresses & micro minis, 70’s ethnic tunics & slogan T’s -she had the most amazing clothes coveted from her years spent in London.

Growing up in Ireland there were very few ‘vintage’ shops around however plenty of markets – my nan used to bring me to these hidden away places in the city where the floors would be piled high with clothes and shoes, where it was every woman for herself!

I can only compare it to being a spectator at a shark feeding frenzy…grannys battling it out literally nose-diving into piles of garments in the quest for the ultimate find…I guess it instilled my love (and game) of the treasure hunt!

Collecting vintage has always been to me what favourite hobbies are to others, I love that these clothes & accessories have a history, a story and act as a cultural expression of a time gone by.

Being a hoarder I literally had and still have tons of pieces accumulated over the years.

My first dabble with selling vintage began as a subsidy whilst studying -I practically paid my way through Art College by selling in markets in Dublin, Ireland.

In my working life from event production to retail management I continued to collect & sell vintage. I knew this was what I wanted to do full time, this led to my sister and I setting up Irelands first vintage online store in 2006 which became and continues to be a great success!

Having lived in Melbourne previously I was eager to return and to provide and bring my love of vintage fashion to the virtual dressing up table.

Creating your own signature look

Mass market fashion has never really appealed to me, I love providing vintage as an alternative choice for women where they can create their own signature look with one off pieces that will always be in style as opposed to the latest fashion trend.

It has taken nine months (yep it’s a baby) to get Beaut Vintage off the ground and has been a lot of hard albeit enjoyable work!

At Beaut Vintage women can avail of collections sourced from right across the globe each piece being handpicked on exclusivity, quality and beauty.

SPECIAL OFFER: Sharon is generously offering Gorgeous Things readers a 25% discount – just use the code GORG25 when you order

I’m a firm believer in sustainable fashion and also offer a revamped range-one off pieces that have been reworked from ‘daggy to darling’ with a contemporary twist!

There is so much to love about vintage for me it ticks all the boxes: authentic, unique, beautifully crafted, eco-friendly and great value for money.

I hope I can provide a great service to the gorgeous women of Australia for many years to come!

Don’t forget Sharon’s special 25% discount for Gorgeous Things readers – use the discount code GORG25 at the check out to recieve your discount.

♥ ♥ ♥ I want this one >>> my favourite party dress on Beaut Vintage

BROWSE around Beaut Vintage and if you find something you like – take advantage of our exclusive saving.

Or leave Sharon a little message below if you like her clothes and the website – I’m sure she’d love to know what you think!

So it was really no surprise when a chance meeting led me to Nikki Durkin, founder of the soon to be launched fashion swapping website 99 Dresses – Your Infinite Wardrobe of Free Fashion

I’ve got nothing to wear

If you’ve got a wardrobe full of clothes and nothing to wear, this site could really help you to get your fix of something new without the credit card binge, hangover.

There’s two things that you really need to know about 99 Dresses

1. Nikki’s idea for sharing and swapping clothes with friends and beyond through a website is exactly what I want. I’ve been to a few clothing swap parties which were great. You get to expand your wardrobe without reaching for your wallet. The problem is – there’s never one on 2 days before an event that I need a new dress for! Nikki has solved that problem for me by taking the concept online.

2. Nikki only left High School last year! She’s now in her first year at university. Even though I don’t want to make too much of her age, as I don’t really believe that it’s relevant if you have a brilliant idea and the gumption to pull it off. I find her idea and passion for pursuing it, more inspiring than her age. But hell yeah – she’s only 18!

   

Re-use, re-duce, re-cycle & save!

99 Dresses fits perfectly with the Gorgeous Things mantra of looking fabulous and feeling great naturally and I’m seeing it as a sustainable choice for expanding your wardrobe and getting rid of clothing that you no longer want, need or even fit into.

The site launches in a couple of weeks but check out what’s been happening on Facebook on the Anyone Want Free Clothes page.

And sign up to be one of the first to start swapping clothes – for FREE! Go to 99 Dresses to Sign Up

I’d be keeping a very close eye on this website…

I’ve been experimenting since then, trying to make a less than Sinful Banana Bread. The first step is to change the name from ‘Bread’ to ‘Cake’, this automatically reduces the calorie content as you no longer feel inclinded to spread it with butter. Funny how the thought of spreading cake with butter just seems far too decadant but the exact same recipe with ‘Bread’ in the title can be toasted and covered in fat with minimal fuss.

So, here’s my Gluten Free Banana Bread/Cake Recipe for all those of you who get a funny tummyfrom all that Wheat Flour.

• 125g Melted “I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter” or Real Butter
• 125g Raw Sugar
• 2  Free Range Eggs
• 225g Simple Baking Mix (or gluten-free flour)
• 4 Very Ripe Bananas
• Tsp Cinnamon
• Tsp Baking Powder
• Tsp Bi Carb Soda

Preheat Oven to 180c
Grease Loaf Tin

Squish Bananas in a Small Bowl
Add Sugar to Butter in another larger bowl and mix until combined
Add Bananas to Sugarey Buttery mixture and combine
Add Cinnamon to Baking Mix
Add Baking Mix, 1/3 at a time to wet ingredients and stir until combined

Pour mixture into Loaf Tin and Bake for 50-60 minutes

Allow to cool and then remove from Loaf Tin

If you’ve made Banana Cake, make a cup of Tea and enjoy a slice.

If you’ve decided to call it Banana Bread then whack it in the toaster and smother it with butter. Yum!

1. Use products that smell great and have minimal chemical content. This will lift your spirits (instead of gassing you and giving you a headache) and ensure your skin is protected from drying and allergic reactions.

2. Playing uplifting music when you are doing tasks you don’t enjoy will make them all the more easy to manage. We recommend Motown or the Bridget Jones soundtrack but whatever puts you in a good mood will do the trick.

3. Get yourself a cute apron. Think the domestic goddesses of the 50’s who took such pride in their domestic chores. It’s simple psychology; it’s been proven that if you smile for long enough when you feel down, you’ll start to feel happy. So, why wouldn’t it work for cleaning, put on the apron, think domestic goddess and before you know it you’ll be on the phone to McMahon & Tate asking what time Darren will be arriving home for dinner.

We’re not suggesting you become a Stepford wife, not by any stretch of the imagination, and we’re not trying to set the feminist movement back 50 years. We figure that if you’ve got to do these chores then you may as well attempt to make it enjoyable for yourself. It’s something to think about anyway.

Photo credits: Geraldine Mills

NB: This post was first published in 2007 but it’s one of our core messages so I thought we’d give it another run with the launch of our new site.

by Angela Stewart

Homebirth Rally 7 September 2009, Canberra ACT

Recently, on a very cold, wet and dull Canberra day, my close friend, her four year old daughter and myself joined more than 2000 others to protest against federal government plans that would see homebirthing effectively made illegal.

Our participation began listening to Fluer Magick, an Indigenous woman, perform a special welcome ceremony at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, in front of Old Parliament House.  Despite the weather  the mood was determined and jubilant amongst the crowd.  It was amazing to be part of this energy.

We then marched up the hill to the lawns of new Parliament House, and gathered – under a sea of umbrellas – to listen to a range of speakers.  There were many speakers including Homebirth Australia Secretary Justine Caines, Family First senator Steve Fielding, Greens senator Rachel Siewart, Liberals Sophie Mirabella, Ian MacFarlane, Andrew Laming and Gary Humpries – all spoke in support of allowing women the right to choose homebirth.  It was wonderful to hear Sarah Buckley MD, a GP and mother of four – all homebirths speak.  Sarah is the author of “Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering” a leading book on homebirth and calm mothering.

At times it was hard to hear over the excited chatter of friends spotting friends, children sharing their own forms of protest, and the rain… but it was a wonderful experience to be surrounded by so many people willing to ignore their discomfort to stand up for what they believed in.  The crowd was made up of all ages, stages and makes of people.  Babies slept soundly in slings, prams or at their mothers breasts, children ran around and dodged the rain, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, sisters, friends and future parents stood firmly – for several hours – to make themselves heard, and support the leaders of the homebirth movement.

It was incredible to feel the warmth and hope amongst the crowd on such a bleak day.  Although homebirth was not a path that I took – I consider it for my second birth until I knew I was having twins – it is a choice that I had, and would like my daughters, nieces, sisters, friends and all of the future mothers to have.   For me it was as much about protecting my right to choose, and preserving that right for future generations.

If you are interested in the progress of the protest, and homebirthing www.homebirthaustralia.org has up to date information.

If there is something that you are passionate about, or you are simply wanting to protect your right to choose, I would encourage you to stay in touch and informed – I am very proud that we pulled on our waterproof boots and braved to the weather to stand up and be counted.  What moves you???

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- Want to know how to get luscious locks without all the chemical nasties?

- Maybe you have sensitive skin that reacts to conventional beauty products?

- Or, perhaps you want to know how to bring your abundant inner beauty to the outside?

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Here’s 32 Tips & Tricks to do all of that & much more!

DOWNLOAD NOW – PDF (500kb)
32 Natural Beauty Tips & Tricks from Gorgeous Things

Hey there pretty lady! While you’re here – why not join the Gorgeous Things Facebook page and mailing list for regular NEW TIPS & TRICKS

You may recall, I met the lovely Martina Hughes, Founder of Tantric Blossoming at the Mind Body Spirit Festival in Sydney some time ago. Martina recently wrote an inspiring post for the Gorgeous Things blog as a bit of an introduction to Tantra.

It might interest you to know - Martina’s post was the most read item of our Newsletter that month. So I know that many of you are interested in the subject and learning about the benefits of connecting with yourself and your partner on a much deeper level.

Your interest and my own curiosity has lead me to sign myself up for a Tantric Blossoming course and I’ll be sharing my experiences with you here on the blog.

To be honest, I’m quite apprehensive about the whole thing. I grew up in a household, like many of us where intimacy and sex weren’t really discussed and if they were it usually came with some kind of fearful warning. I’m not saying our parents got it wrong, they themselves grew up in a time of greater conservatism than you and I. Sometimes though, evolution needs a bit of a kick in the butt to get to the next level.

I’m looking forward to breaking down a few of my own barriers and I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and maybe even one day – take it yourself.

Right, I’m off! Feeling brave…

http://www.sustainablehouseday.com/

160 amazing homes are being opened to the public to inspire and motivate us all to think sustainability and energy efficiency. Just go along for a mooch around – I’m going to.

Thanks to our gorgeous friends at Eco Voice for the reminder of this great event – we love their newsletter. Check it out for great tips and eco friendly events, products and services.

http://www.ecovoice.com.au/enews/enews-66/eco-news-6.php

by Megan Faulkner

I’m sure we have all had those nights before an important event, lying awake sleepless, thinking of things to do, to then check off in the morning.  During one such evening recently, where reading provided no respite, I came back to the basic principles of meditation I had learnt.

I focused on the simple act of breathing slowly…in, and…out,  and after a few rounds found myself feeling sleepy, my consciousness shifted and because I was lying down I fell asleep.

This led me to ponder the question – ‘Can meditating be better than sleep?’ I have heard that some Buddhist Monks can go without sleep for days by practicing extended periods of meditation, with the result being a clearer and more efficient and effective mind.

The difference is that sleep is a state where the conscious mind is no longer active, the body rests and the senses no longer respond to external stimuli. The brain remains active but in a subconscious state. http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/sleep-disorders/archives/intro.htm. However, meditation is a state where consciousness is heightened through focusing attention to concentrate or consciously clear the mind of thought http://www.meditationsociety.com/what.html.   Meditation certainly doesn’t replace sleep for most of us but you will probably find that you feel refreshed after meditating like you do when you have a sleep.  Although practicing meditation in or before bed can bring you to a more relaxed state where you can go to sleep more easily, it’s primary function is to bring you to a higher state of consciousness so it is practiced in a seated position.

So the next time you are lying awake, or sleeplessly ruminating, try focusing on your breath. Allow each inhalation and exhalation to be come gradually longer technique that.  Try this lying down or seated by your bed and hopefully the result in sleep or at least a less busy mind.

Anyway, we all know there was nothing frivolous about Elle Woods in Legally Blonde – and there’s nothing frivolous about wanting to take care of your skin and presenting yourself in the way that’s increases your confidence.

We know it’s tough times ladies, money is tight and something’s gotta give. So I thought I’d share with you how I’ve cut back trips to the salon by doing some treatments at home. There’s 3 recipies your can DIY for salon quality results and save yourself a packet in the process.

What I’ve had to do is divide the procedures and treatments that I enjoy into 3 categories.

1. Essential Professional
2. Essential DIY
3. Treats

Essential Professional Treatments & Procedures

We all have different levels of skill when it comes to DIY beauty treatments and I’ve decided that these are my ‘don’t kid yourself’ procedures.

• Eyebrow Shaping
• Lash Tinting
• Monthly Deep Cleansing Facial
• Nail polish application for special occasions (I’m a big smudger)

Essential DIY Treatments

I can handle these on my own and when it comes to value for money – these are best done at home.

• Weekly Facial Exfoliation & Mask
• Weekly Body Scrub & Moisturising
• Skin softening Epson Salts Bath
• Mini Manicure & Pedicure (I have a professional do the nail polish if it’s a special occasion)

Treats

Request these in advance from your family and friends for Birthdays & Christmas – then you have the added excitement of looking forward to them.

• Half Day Body Scrub, Massage and Facial – should be about $250 – $350 so ask 5 or 6 of your girlfriends to club together on this for your Birthday, they’ll be glad the pressure’s off to choose a gift. Or perhaps all pick a day that suits you and celebrate everyone’s Birthday at once.
• Full Day of ‘The Works’ – This is best requested from husbands and generous boyfriends for Valentines Day and Anniversaries. A word of warning with this package; make sure you do it on a day where you don’t have to go out that evening. I promise you – you won’t want to go anywhere after a full day of pampering.

3 Salon Treatments for less than $10!

Skin Softening Detox Bath

1 cup Epsom Salts
5 drops of your favourite Essential Oil (suggestions – lavender to chill, citrus to energise)

Relax in a Hot Bath for 20 minutes – Epsom Salts are made from Magnesium Sulphate and are the perfect ingredient to relax muscles and move toxins along so they can be removed from your body.

Gorgeous Things Body Oil – the secret recipe for a gorgeous sheen without the slime factor

Equal parts – Jojoba Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflow Oil & Almond Oil

Mix together as needed or buy yourself a 200 ml dark glass bottle and combine equal arts of each – must be stored in a cool, dark cupboard. Gently turn upside down a few times before each use.

Sublime Winter Scrub

1/2 cup Raw Sugar
1/2 cup Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil
5 drops of your favourite Essential Oil (suggestions – night: patchouli, day: lime)

For super soft skin – combine all ingredients in a small plastic container and apply in the shower with a face cloth. This scrub is not for your face – raw sugar is waaay to scratchy and will make your face red raw!