COMPETITION** WIN ONE OF TEN BARS OF CADBURY DAIRY MILK MOUSSE BARS

It’s no lie that women LOVE chocolate, and I don’t mean love in a lovely dovey puke fest way, or in the seven-year itch way. I simply mean in the til death do us part way, and in sickness and in health – you know feed a cold etc

It comforts us when we’re down, doesn’t answer back and never lets us down! So this is why my friends I’ve teamed up with the guys at Liquid Ideas to provide ten of my lucky blog readers with a bar of the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Mousse bars – They’re delish!!

Cadbury, Australia’s most loved chocolate brand* has introduced a new chocolate indulgence with Cadbury Dairy Milk Mousse and like your comfiest track pants, scented candles and favourite hydrating mud mask, you may want to keep it out of sight to enjoy in those rare moments you have all to yourself…

 Utilising European chocolate making techniques, Cadbury Dairy Milk Mousse features unique triangular-shaped pieces of smooth and creamy mousse encased in Cadbury Dairy Milk milk chocolate. Available in chocolate, hazelnut and caramel, Cadbury Mousse is perfectly designed to savour slowly – the ideal indulgence for those precious “me-time” moments.

Which to choose?! Decisions, decisions

We’ve all got those little things best kept hidden away from our loved ones – the obsession with The Notebook, celebrity crushes circa 1990 and any mementos of ex-boyfriends (which is becoming increasingly hard with pesky facebook! You know!). Then there are the things that are just too special to share, like your “good” moisturiser – although you suspect he sneaks some when you aren’t looking…

 Now, Cadbury Dairy Milk Mousse joins the list of things that you probably want to keep all to yourself. Let’s face it, he just won’t appreciate that delicious, rich mousse the way you do.

 Ten things you might want hidden…

1.  Your Cadbury Mousse block – seriously, do you really want to share?
2. Expensive shampoo – he just doesn’t need, deserve or understand it. Give him soap.
3. Box sets of Gossip Girl – he hates it, you know it and fear he thinks less of you if he knows you love it…he does. So hide it.
4. Photos of ex-boyfriends. No explanation needed.
5. Mix-tapes made for you by ex-boyfriends (see point four above).
6. Old celebrity crushes – he doesn’t need to know you used to be into Take That – it’s not cool. It’s even less cool to know that deep down you STILL love them … best kept hidden.
7. Your Twilight books and DVDs. You’re not a vampire and not a teenage girl – it’s weird to him.
8. Mud masks. If he sees you in that it might be indelible in his memory forever…
9. Scented candles – best enjoyed on a quiet night in with the girls.
10. Your expensive night cream – he won’t use it sparingly the way you do so get him the cheap stuff from the supermarket. 

Now the only dilemma is where to hide your Mousse…

 Spoil yourself with Cadbury Dairy Milk Mousse, the all-new indulgent chocolate block that’s simply too good to share – now available from Coles, Woolworths, SUPA IGA, Big W, Target, Kmart and other select retail outlets RRP $4.20

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*Source: Nielsen Scantrack, 2010; Millward Brown

To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell me in 25 words or less, if you could create any flavour , what it would be and why?

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Thanks!!! Excited much!!

 

I like to be described as a girl with spirit (the spirit I am referring to is vodka!)

I also like to be described as original (I’ve found thought that it isn’t always in a good way, you know the way people are described as question marks? Well there you go!) I found out however that originality is also something that you can be rewarded for, yyippeeee!

I guess writing down my every whim, insecurity and boy drama does count as being somewhat original in my own way, maybe. So when I came across the 2011 Stoli Original Fund campaign I figured I’d spread the word! (After all who doesn’t want to be in with a chance of pocketing $1,000 – show of hands… thought so!)

Do any of you have an original or inspirational idea? Why not unleash your creativity in the original fund competition to be in with a change to win a grand!?

The 2011 Stoli Original Fund rewards genuine originality, whether it’s launching a unique recyclable fashion label, starting a vertical neighbourhood garden, or starting up your own fabulous blog (ahem), as long as it’s original you’re in with a chance to win the cash from the Stoli Original Fund to help realise your dream!  

 How you can get involved:

Over the next five months (May-September 2011), The Stoli Original Fund will give three members of the public the chance to put $1000 each towards their prized, original idea.

Frederick Duarte, Brand Manager, Suntory Australia says: “Stoli is the world’s most original vodka and we want to reward the genuine originality of Australians with the 2011 Stoli Original Fund. We’re excited to uncover some real talent and by offering a platform to showcase original ideas, we hope to help original people unleash their dream idea and turn it into a reality.” 

To enter, entrants must upload to the Stoli Vodka Australia Facebook page an image that captures their original idea, along with a 200 word or less blurb explaining what the original idea is, why it is original, and how a $1000 Stoli Fund could help make it happen. The Stoli team will shortlist the five best and most original ideas of each three rounds and the Facebook community will decide the winner by voting for their favourite – the entry that exemplifies originality, creativity and general genius! To enter and for full details visit http://facebook.com/stolivodkaaustralia

So what are you waiting for? I think my idea will centre around making guys reply girls text messages – never mind the $1,000 Stoli Original Fund prize, I recon I’d be eligible for a Nobel Peace Prize if I invented that! Ha!  

Terms:

• Entries for the first Stoli Original Fund (of three) are now open. ‘Like’ the Stoli Facebook page for more
• Entrants can upload their original idea at http://facebook.com/stolivodkaaustralia
• Entries for the first round close on May 23 with the final winner announced on June 17
• The second round of The Original Fund competition will launch at the end of June 2011
• The third round of The Original Fund competition launches in August 2011
• Unsuccessful applicants are permitted to re-submit the same, or different ideas to each fund search
• Entry is open to residents in Australia over the age of 18 only

Date night? The only nights I don’t have a date are days ending in day! (Not through choice I might add!) Erm…

I’ve recently updated you about meeting various lovely fellas, I’ve built them up to be the desirable catch of the month – only they slowly (or quickly) morph into the slippery worm at the end of the hook that got too big for its boots!

Yes, it’s no lie, the guys that I meet generally read like a who’s who guide of human dating crap! I’m starting to sense a trend here.

After watching the movie ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ it made me think that you really are damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t! I guess what everyone has been saying is true, “If it’s meant to be it will be!” whether you play the game, act like you’re not interested, make the first move or tell them that they had you at hello… when they’ve literally just said hello! I haven’t gone that far… yet! Give me chance, ha!

Then there’s the exception of course, which I found myself caught up in just last week. After exchanging numbers with the lovely Neal I was confident he’d call! We got on well and I was hopeful… Only four days passed and it was now Thursday and I hadn’t heard. I had my girlfriends giving me the lovely advise with the best intentions: Maybe you put your number in wrong? He’s probably working a lot after his break; maybe he lost his phone and really wants to get in touch.  A likely story!

Only I logged on the trusty book of face that night and low and behold, who did I have a friend request off, yes, yes that’s right: Neal! He’s also sent a message asking how my week had been, explaining that his hadn’t been that great, he’d lost his phone on Anzac day and had been in bed ill for the past few days. Phew. So cool as a cucumber I decided to accept the offer and reply after my morning coffee the next day, didn’t want to appear too eager did I?!

Only I did reply the next morning with a casual chatty message about him not being able to handle the pace etc. Only it’s now a week later and I still have reply, I give up!

There is a slight part of the story I am missing: whist filling in Jenny on this tale last Saturday I was showing her the message to gauge her thoughts (as all women do!) yes we over analyse we know this! Just the same as we know guys like to watch football and play fight – it will remain one of worlds mysteries t hat cannot and will not be changed! I digress, anyway I have a pesky (crap) phone that is very sensitive, as I clicked on his name, it brought up his profile instead of his message, only as I pushed the button to go back to messages, I only bloody well hit ‘Poke’ didn’t I! The ONE button you CANNOT undo on a smart phone! FAIL!

Suffice to say I’m left wondering as to whether he will get in touch, whether I should just bite the bullet like I did in the first instance (you know the whole “do you have a GF” extravaganza!) and send him my phone number via FB?

Ahh the trials and tribulations of a single woman! It appears I’m not alone either! According to new research commissioned by leading Australian group buying website, www.spreets.com.au, it revealed that 71 per cent of survey respondents don’t go on a regular ‘date night’. (hmm I wonder if their reason is choice, I doubt it!)

The online survey, which involved 567 Australians aged 16-65 years from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra, also revealed that respondents typically spend between $51-100 on a date, apart from people in Canberra, who only spend $5-50.  (Seriously I think I am dating the tightest morons! I dated a guy for a couple of weeks and all he bought for me was two glasses of wine!)

For those participants who do have a regular date night (the lucky sods!), Saturday is the most popular day of the week, followed by Friday. I’m not actually a fan of Friday or Saturday date nights, I much prefer mid-week! I guess beggars can’t be choosers thought right?

According to Dean McEvoy, CEO Spreets, those that do have a regular date night are looking to the Internet as their source of inspiration. “Finding new or exciting things to do has never been so easy with group buying websites like Spreets, and the survey shows that 88 per cent of respondents are turning to the Internet for date night ideas,” he said.

“Dating doesn’t have to be a costly experience either. The way group buying websites work is that they do the research to identify something interesting to do in your city, and offer users significant savings”.

Here are the five tips for making ‘date night’ successful by Spreets:

1.     Commit to a set night of the week – decide which night of the week works for you and your partner and try and stick to it as much as possible.

2.     Variety is the spice of life – it’s easy to go to the same Thai restaurant and order the same noodle dish every week, but there are hundreds of different places you can try, and things you can do.  If you’re going for a meal, then go to a different suburb, try a new genre of food, or order something you wouldn’t normally do.

3.     Budget – there’s no need to spend lots of money, either set yourself a budget and stick to it or alternate a pricey outing with a low-key date.  A low-key option is to make a picnic and go to a scenic place, or take advantage of the discounts offered by group buying sites like Spreets which offer up to 90% discount on restaurants and experiences.    

4.     Have fun – try to forget about all the other stressors in your life and just enjoy time alone with your partner.

5.     Make an effort – get dressed up and make an effort for your partner, a little bit of effort can go a long way.

If only it were that easy!

Casual to commitment: Is it possible?

 I  have been doing quite a bit of research of late into the whole dating game to ensure that I keep the content fresh and relevant – no one wants to read a dull and boring blog do they?

 I’ve been busy in the world of new job mode since last Monday. Great team and lovely people, I’m really excited to get stuck in! As such however my dating life has most definitely taken a hit with wrapping up one job and wanting to make a great impression in the new job.

 Quite surprisingly for me the man in my life for the past two weeks has been the gym (might I just add I’m not bragging here, it is the first time I have set foot in a gym since January – and that was only for week. Before that I can’t even recall!).

 Anyway, the ones that you are interested in, you know the men in my life that I have been updating you about, are well, pretty much, dead in the water. Here’s a quick synopsis for you viewing pleasure! (I notice how a lot of my posts are poking fun at my own misfortune – This, my friends I fear will be case for quite sometime as I try my best to figure out what goes on the other sex’s minds and challenge and tackle the Sydney dating scene head on!). For those of you that are single and live inSydney– you know what I’m talking about…

 Where were we? Oh yeah, update!

 Ten year crush – I went on a boat party with all of my lovely friends, he was also there with his friends. I had a merry time cruising around the harbour and drinking wine. I headed down to the bathroom to sort out my rain drenched hair after a sudden downpour, I asked a girl if I could borrow her comb (as you do). The girl asked me where I was from, I told her. She asked my name and asked if I knew Dean (ten-year-crush) quite surprised I said yes, I was seeing him over Xmas. Only her face changed, she was currently seeing him!! Abort the mission, abort the mission!

 Dean had neglected to tell her that I and he had hooked up, so every time we’d met up, as friends I might add, she thought that we’d been hooking up. Cue tears and cocktails at sunset! Dean was not happy with me, although as far as I’m concerned I did nothing wrong, other than tell the truth! That’s one down! Next:

 Paul (half Maltese, half English) – I text him after receiving missed calls at 4am on a Saturday morning saying that I wasn’t looking to be that with him and if that’s what he’s looking for I’m not the right person! I got a reply saying: “I’m sorry who this is, I lost my phone!” Likely story, how many girls has he got on the go to not know who that would be from! I told him it was me and he called immediately saying that a rendezvous was long over due! Despite my better judgement we locked in a date, I was excited… Until low and behold he bailed at the eleventh hour – despite him apologising profusely and saying he would make it up to me, I have not heard anything since – that was two weeks ago.

They’re dropping like flies, honestly! With regards to The Kiwi Poet, I see him out and about literally EVERYWHERE I go, a snapshot of the places we’ve both been in the past two weeks, completely coincidently:

 Randwick Races

The Sheaf

Beach Road Hotel

The Paddington Inn

 There has just been nice chit-chat since that text, think I can safely say that ship has sailed…

 So all this has got me to thinking, can you start-up a relationship with a causal hook up? If guys see you as that in their eyes, will they ever see you as girlfriend material? Is it best to hold back with the ones that you feel something for to see if it could develop into something else?

 I’ve been single for nearly four years now and I am non-the wiser! With flicks out at the moment like ‘Love and Other Drugs’, ‘No Strings Attached’ and ‘Friends with Benefits’ does it give false hope to single ladies all over the world as they dream that their ‘hook-up’ guy will realise that he’s got something good and doesn’t want to let it go. This I fear doesn’t happen too often as why would they want to stop having their cake and eating it too??

 Whilst I was doing my research I came across the following article on Cosmopolitan.com.au – think it raises a very valid point!

 Convinced your one-night-stand will disintegrate the morning after? Think again…

You may roll your eyes at the plot of the new romcom No Strings Attached where Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman play friends with benefits who start to fall in love. Because, really, how often does that work out? Well, according to a surprising new study of 321 couples, more often than you’d think. Researchers found that 17 per cent of couples now begin as a hook-up. Study author Anthony Paik also explains that these couples reported being just as happy as those who waited longer to get frisky.

Easy does it
Part of the reason hook-ups are more likely to turn into relationships is because the stigma has faded. “It’s become acceptable for women as well as men to have casual sex,” says couples’ therapist Pepper Schwartz, author of Finding Your Perfect Match. With no stigma, those guilt hangovers are fewer and further between. Plus, guys don’t instantly dismiss you as girlfriend material after a hook up (and vice versa). Going into a romantic encounter with zero expectations also helps keep you relaxed, says psychologist Debbie Magids, co-author of All the Good Ones Aren’t Taken. “When you are on a date, you’re more self-conscious about what you say and do,” she explains. “Whereas when you’re hooking up, you don’t care as much about how you come across, so you tend to be yourself.” As a result, your booty call has a chance to see the real you.

The tough part
Unfortunately, maintaining zero expectations gets harder the more often you sleep together, says Schwartz. And since 83 per cent of couples don’t start things off with a bang, the odds are pretty high your late-night rendezvous won’t segue into happily-ever-after. However, if you’re feeling it, and you think he might too, look for clues he wants more, like calling you more than once a week or asking you to brunch the morning after. To turn up the stakes, Schwartz suggests inviting your hook-up to do couple-y things, like go to a concert with you. Then see if he reciprocates with similar invitations. At some point Magid says you need to have a conversation to make sure you are on the same page. “A hook-up can definitely lead to a long-term relationship,” she says, “But you have to be willing to take a risk to clarify where you’re headed first.”

(Source: By Korin Miller http://www.cosmopolitan.com.au/Can_you_go_from_hookup_to_happily_ever_after.htm)

Words fail me (kind of)

So we’ve all had our fair share of dating disasters, what just me then? Ok! Well I certainly have – further to my lovely guest blogger’s post last week, it got me to thinking about who I’ve dated in the past and when I’ve had those WTF was I thinking moments!

Whether it was low self esteem, blinded by someone being ‘nice’ to me, or just the wrong person at the wrong time – there has been some guys that I’ve dated that are so left of centre that I actually judge myself.

As much as I joke about the Kiwi Poet and The Crier, I at least really liked them for who they were, if I had my time again I would probably still date them and make the same mistakes as its all life experience right?!  Apart from the odd couple, that I wouldn’t go as far to shake a stick at as it would be a waste of my energy, seriously!

There was this one guy in particular that wasn’t ideal, not ideal at all! (That’s putting it mildly!)  I was seeing him about a year and a half ago, where do I start?  I used to work with this guy and thought that he was a genuinely nice person, after dating him for a couple of weeks a series of events saw the mask slip very, very quickly!

It all started when he left me on my own in the cinema as he had a tantrum because he didn’t realise it was a work thing and not just me and him. Oh and then amongst other thing, there was the time that he stole my car… yes that’s right you read correctly  – on NYE I drove to his friend’s house party in N Sydney so that he could use it to drive to work the next morning. Only he had another one of his insecure episodes that night so I decided that I didn’t really want him to take my car without me being there… too late he ran off and disappeared with the keys and I didn’t hear from him for 12 hours.

That was until he phoned me the next day to tell me he’d ‘accidently’ put petrol in my diesel car, when I asked him if he’d driven it since he made the mistake – he said “no!” Only he was lying and had actually driven for 2km before breaking down – it was the lovely lady from Green Flag that had to phone me to break the news to me as he was too scared!

To his credit, he did pay for the engine to be fixed and then sent me flowers to say sorry (yeah flowers?!). Cue a barrage of sorry texts saying how much he’d screwed up and how he wanted another chance – Perhaps not surprisingly, I didn’t want to entertain him anymore, so I politely told him that it wasn’t going to work. Cue crazy stalker person alert! He phoned about a million times and sent me the most appalling messages, the icing on the cake culminated in him telling me how I would never be loved as I am from a broken home, charming!

It got me to thinking about my friend and guys they’ve been seeing, they too have been out with their fair share of, what can I call them, ‘non-desirables’. I guess like my guest blogger pointed out, we are there for our friends through the good and the bad times because we know that if it were to come full circle we know they would be there for us in a heartbeat.

My friends were a god-send; they provided advice and listened to me when I need someone to talk to. I am also the same when it comes to my friend’s needing advise – I tell them what I honestly think is for the best and make sure I’m there for them no matter what they decide to do – whether I agree with it or not – because that’s what friend’s do.

Here’s the e-mail for your viewing pleasure that the crazy stalker person ( I refer to him as this as he no longer represented in anyway shape or form the guy that I was seeing) sent to me the morning after the night of abusive text messages. (Note the subject – yes I am being serious, this is what it said word-for-word)

“Subject: Please read this it’s not mean…

Im sorry for the things I said on Friday night.  I don’t mean them, I said them out of anger.  Your right and I’m man enough to admit when I’m an idiot.  I’m really in a bad way.  I know you’ll think I’m doing this in an attempt to meet you or whatever but I’m not.  Your right we don’t belong together.  I think deep down your a genuinely beautiful person.  I am really sorry for that comment about your parents its got nothing to with anything I said it out of anger.  I have just realised that if I get a call from either of these jobs they are going to check my references regardless.  I have your name and number as the XX reference, key to either job.  I leave it in your hands with how your going to respond to them. 
 
The logistics job will be full on but its primarily broking so obviously very serious, its more sales though amazing potential etc.  I’m sorry I have to put this on you.  The reason I ‘hate’ you so much is because I wanted you more than you wanted me.  I haven’t felt attached to someone so quick and it hurt.  I can’t just go to being friends with someone I really care about, that’s why I was so mean etc.  I want to be a part of your life but I think it will only end up hurting me and then you more. 
 
I hate the way I treated you I really do I wish only the best for you and really do believe you’ll be somebody for sure.  Of course you know this but I needed to correct that.  I know I said you won’t but you will be fantastic at whatever you do.  You have achieved what you want on your own in another country without family.  Seriously weldone.  I hope in my life I will be just as fortunate.  Take this as what you want but you literally have the power to give me or not give me a job. 

Regards,”

In this instance – words fail me… yes, yes I know!!!!

To Dye for

I achieved the unthinkable this weekend, a feat that I never thought I could do despite my best efforts, people have put bets on my success (the majority on failure!) I showed them ha! I stayed in for both Friday and Saturday night! Thank you, thank you very much!

Now this may not sound like something to shout about, but it is my friends, let me tell you that it is! For the two years and three months I have resided in Sydney not one weekend have I not been out on either a Friday or a Saturday (and most probably for the year before that when I lived in Manchester!). Beyond waking up with no hang over I actually surprised myself… I enjoyed it!

Don’t worry I’m not going to become a hermit and start campaigning for this kind of behaviour to become more frequent or start announcing to all that I’m a changed woman, no, no, no! I am simply saying that it will be happening far more frequently.

However, I feel it is important to add that I have been out every day since Saturday – so I guess not too much of a great achievement?

Sunday I once again frequented The Ivy – 10 year crush was there, swoon! We’ve spoke though and decided we’re better off as friends, story of my life (nod and smile, nod and smile!).

I then headed to Bondi to catch up with my girls at Ravesis. Ravesis is a bar based on Bondi’s Campbell Parade, floor to ceiling glass walls allow bar dwellers to watch the world go by as they tuck into their drinks. On a particularly sunny day you can spot the guys ogling the hotties as they walk by. In fact even on one occasion the lovely Sally and Julie were walking past and the guys each held up score cards out of ten, charming (but we like it!).

Marks out of ten?

The only thing that really irritates me about Ravesis is the change in bar prices when you head upstairs into the ‘cocktail lounge’ it’s the exact same bar but the prices are about 10% dearer on average. If you then leave the bar and buy a drink at the other bar, they won’t let you in until you’ve finished it – not cool!

I digress, so I met up with the girls and got myself a glass of wine – cue putting the world to right and general banter. After we’d been there about an hour, three of our guy mates rocked up (one of whom who I’d pulled a few weeks earlier). They’re a nice bunch of lads but PLAYERS through and through. One of said boys actually received a punch to the face from one of my lovely girlies (who wasn’t in attendance that day) after she caught him shagging a girl in the bedroom of a party – a party he had gone to with her after they’d been seeing each other for a few weeks! Another story for another time, but you get the kind of boys I mean.

So we all sat around chatting for a couple of hours and then went on our merry way home.

Monday – Cooked for everyone didn’t I –Yes I am a domestic goddess ahem!

Tuesday – Went to Pyrmont for dinner with my lovely friend, who I haven’t seen for too long! We polished off a bottle of vino over an amazing Thai at Bangkok Station. Amazing food and really cheap – I had the Chilli Basil Stir-fry with Chicken – Amazing! Highly recommend and its BYO too, bonus! Then we headed to a stunning small bar called gallon – BIG FAN!

As you walk in it’s like you’ve walked into a quaint French cafe at midnight – candlelight and ambient surroundings lead you to a lovely outside area. I will go to sample the menu soon – watch out for the review! I’m sure it will be to ‘dye’ for. Now, no, that isn’t a grammatical mistake – it’s a leading statement as I’m interested to hear your thoughts on a certain predicament of mine…

I’ve been seeing a lovely guy recently; things have been going good, no complaints at all, only I see to have a habit of picking at the slightest things until they become unravelled.

Ok, I used to be a brunette, well I went to the dark-side for six months last year for a change. I then went back to my blonde-ish roots in September last year. Now my friends are pretty split as to which they prefer, half prefer me blonde, half prefer brunette. Now the problem lies herein (yes I probably am being overly superficial and over thinking things – but it’s my blog so I can say what I want, ha!) – the guy I’ve been spending time with has seen a picture of me when I had brown hair and he liked it, a lot. He said he actually prefers it. Which is of course lovely – However he has also said on several occasions that he prefers brunettes and those brunettes are his ‘type’.

Now I am normally laid back about these things, but I guess this doesn’t sit well with me. Now I do this all the time and probably need to be told to get a grip (and it is probably why I’m still single). But… am I right for this to niggle at me and make me think that he doesn’t like the way I look now? Answers on a postcard please….

Guest Blog – Just put it down to experience

I never thought I’d admit to being ‘experienced’ at the age of 24. By experienced, I don’t mean because the rubber on the tires of my ‘bike’ have been worn thin enough for the metal to scrape on the ground and hurt everyone’s ears. No, no, no – What I actually mean is, that I think It’s safe to say that I’ve had my fair share (experience) of guys in different, what’s the word… categories!

Keep on peddling

I’d like to think that we all know what I’m talking about, the typical ‘type’ we all think (no we know god damn it!) that we have and love: the hunk, the skinny, the blonde, the tall, the handsome, the rugby buff head to the ping pong player (if that’s your style obviously!). Maybe your type is even the teary type like ‘the one that got away’ or the really nice guy who we love but ‘we’re not in love with’. Finally is it the ‘cheats’ (sad face) who you’ve found yourself forgiving, maybe one time too many?

 Whatever it is, and for whatever reason, it would appear that I’ve stumbled across a few, and some – twice!?

So for those of you who know me, this hard faced northern girl, with a back bone to boot and an eye brown lift she could put a dog down with, could this be the reason why!?

Well… over fantasist I’m a realist. A firm believer in “The grass isn’t always greener”, and “I’ll try ANYTHING once” (don’t worry, I’ve never been taken home in a police car… yet) and most of all and most importantly a human being.

It is a bit of a mystery to me, but what I feel really gives us woman the barrier, the strong willed character, the brush off attitude when it comes to men and of course, the stereotypical ‘type’ attitude that we all have or have once had. Not to mention those good old rose tinted glasses when you suddenly realise at a later date that the guy you’ve been seeing for the best part of four months is actually totally possessive, obsessive, insecure etc – Just me then!? Jesus tonight!

Is it the fit but Welsh guy, the cockney who’s a bit too tall and wears a hard helmet? The footy player who’s a total hunk but stood you up when you’d arranged dinner… because he had a girlfriend the whole time…!? OR is it because, the morning of the day you woke up, you were in a good mood?!

When I’m in a good mood, I’ll sing myself to work skipping along to my iPod. I’ll smile at people in the street. I’ll even acknowledge the guy in the coffee shop who knows my usual (Skinny Latte – large!). I may even, at a push (just jokes of course) talk to the colleagues you may not have a lot in common with and of course, let a guy buy me a drink at the bar after work (standard!).

On the flip-side, when I wake up in a bad mood: It is important that people in general don’t – talk, laugh, look, smile, blink, breathe, email me, suggest we hang out and most of all even ASK to buy me a drink… at… the bar*!! (*lifts scary put a dog down eye brow!) Come on, I can’t be the only woman like this. If I am, I request that you don’t tell me and let me live in blissful ignorance, because my friends, I might consider killing myself. Let’s face it; if I am indeed out there on my own, I’ve got two hopes – Bob Hope and No Hope! Nah, just touching on (just a few) of the moods we all know we can be in from time to time.

So in question, do we really have the ability to have a ‘good judge of character’ or does it depend what kind of mood we are? Don’t get me wrong, I have a barrier that would ultimately stop the a buff head footy team touching down, and a very short fuse when it comes to sleaze bags who are practically slipping in their own slime! I suppose you could say I’ve learnt a lot from a taste of some of these ‘types’ of guys who I’ve crossed, maybe learnt how to handle myself in these sleazy situations, be less naive or obviously just think, nah – don’t trust any guys, they’re all jerks!

It’s like everyone has a friend who’s completely loved up – and it makes you sick. You know the type – that friend whose guy showers them with gifts and is totally fit and has party tricks up his sleeve blah blah bleedin blah and don’t we know about it! But you remain happy for them, because, well, we are – aren’t we!? Flip reverse, we all have a friend who we know is too good for the little twerp she enamoured with for one reason or many, and again, we keep our thoughts to ourselves (guilty of not before now!). Why? Well let me tell you: because firstly, we don’t want to get into confrontation with a friend and someone end up upset, and of course, if this chick is totally warped by this little punk’s spell, not even a punch in the face will make her change her mind – She’ll realise for herself, one day!

So what do we do then? How do we eliminate these guys into knowing, or how do we let our barrier down and chill out so we can get to find out if the guy I met at the weekend isn’t a complete tool and is worth spending a bit of time with?

Do we:

1. Give ourselves a few options and have a few in toe until one drops off? A friend of mine let me into a bit of a method; Have 3 guys on the go at once with the first one being the ‘regular fling’, the second being the guy you ‘Like spending time with’ and last but never least (I say that, but subconsciously you’ve already put them in order of fitness… no!?) the one who you ‘talk to on a regular basis’. With them slowly moving up the rank, one drops off, one comes on etc etc.

 

1. Stick with our stereotype “Male Requisition Form”. Ticking the boxes off in your head as you get further and further into the date; Is he fit? (don’t even tell me that isn’t the first one!) Good clothes? Not Welsh? Has Facebook?  (stalking purposes obviously!) Good job? Nice car? Nice hair? Right size? Nice shoes? Sporty? The list is endless! I’ve even met a guy wearing a high visible jacket  and thought “I wonder if he’s going to bother me in the day by emailing me… well, NO, the lad is in a high viz for god sake – probably can’t even use a computer! (Alright that’s probably the harshest thought I’ve had, I’m not a total cow – honest!) But can you see how much thought we put in to these things! How many have been ticked? Is he worth a second date? Oh god ladies, we’ll never get anywhere like this other than in a right tizz because Mr Perfect isn’t here yet!

 

At the end of the day, we all hope to find the perfect guy. And the only few words I can think of to describe the perfect guy for me, remembering that every guy is different, is “He who considers me”. What do we till this happens? My own answer is, HAVE FUN! However you want to. You don’t need to be hurting everyone’s ears with the sound of metal from that bike with the pretty little handle bars to do this either… (but even if you do, SO!) Even if he is 19 years of age (G to the U to the you know who you are!). Or he isn’t your usual ‘type’. I’m not saying get into bed with every guy you meet, but what is actually wrong with having people come in and come out of your life, adding to your experience of your socially chaotic life! Well in my eyes, absolutely nothing.

YOU chose what mood you’re in daily. YOU have the ability to “judge your own character”.

I'm talkin' to you

We’re only young in life still.

My face or yours?

I remember when I used to watch a show in the UK called ‘My Face or Yours’, hosted by comedian genius Jimmy Carr. It was a show where couples would go on together to be pitted against each other to find out who is in fact the hottest. They would not only rate themselves against other people, but also each other. At the end if they guessed correctly as to who is the ‘hottest’ they won a car or something – it was a long time since I watched it so the finer details escape me! Here’s an overview of the format from Wikipedia anyway so that you get the drift.

Round 1

Two contestants, usually a couple, had to choose who they think are the most attractive of two random individuals when their pictures appeared (the people in these pictures usually also are in the audience). If their choice was consistent with that of the audience, they win money.

Round 2

The contestants then have to choose who is the most attractive out of two celebrities, again winning cash if their opinion matched that of the audience.

Round 3

A special guest (of which there are four usually consisting of a stranger, friends, workmates and sometimes a celebrity) joins the contestants and they have to decide who is more attractive between the special guest and one of the contestants. If their choice was consistent with that of the audience, they win money.

Round 4

Finally, the two contestants had to decide who was the most attractive out of each other, winning if they guessed the same as the audience.

Jimmy Carr and June Sarpong

Not at all a superficial show…

The sad thing is that me and my ex actually used to bicker over who would win the ‘poll’. It used to really irritate me that he would never say me. He was so cock-sure that he couldn’t even be as gent and say of course they’d chose you lovely (even if he was just humouring me) he has to make his point and stick to his guns.

All this reminiscing lark got me to thinking about my recent relationships – a major part of my attraction to a guy is their looks (amongst other things: humour, intelligence… height etc). When I actually got to thinking, my check list of the ideal man is not only ludicrous – I doubt this person even exists.

A recent article on Cosmopolitan.com.au written by Jane Hollier discussed the effects that your looks can have on relationships. The opening sentence caught my eye:

“Things we worry about on the first date: food stuck in our teeth, what to wear, who pays the bill, and looking too…pretty?”

It isn’t something I have ever been concerned about I have to add, however the article goes on the state:

“According to a study in the UK, if you’re more attractive than your man, your relationship is destined to fail. Researchers studied over 100 couples that had been dating each other for different lengths of time, and concluded that if the man was more attractive, the relationship was safe. However, if the woman was easier on the eyes, one partner was more likely to prematurely evacuate from the relationship.

“Researcher Dr. Rob Burriss says there are a few reasons why this could be: attractive women are more confident and won’t cling onto the relationship; attractive women think they can pick and choose; attractive women prefer short-term relationships because it’s easier for them to move on, and it could end due to jealous behaviour from the less attractive partner.

“But wait, there’s more. According to Dr. Burris, if the female is the less attractive partner, they’re more likely to enjoy a long-term relationship because they “may have to make do with what they have.” “

Wow! So it got me to thinking, is this the same if the guy is hotter?

I have not dated guy, or stopped dating perfectly lovely guys in the past because they’ve not go t the right colour hair, they don’t have any drive or and they’re not tall enough (my 6’ 2” bench mark was always hard to top!) amongst other ridiculous reasons.

Pretty much what I look for...

You know the kind of things I mean, have you seen the Friends episode where Chandler admits that even the smallest of things can turn him off a woman – ‘mascara gloop’ being a prime example (oh and who could forget his worry about his current girlfriend finding out he had a third nipple and then him freaking out over her wooden leg!).

Despite looking for the ‘perfect guy’ and all the desirable traits, here I am still single and not meeting a genuine nice guy.

I guess it’s what they call growing up, I have had the dawning realisation (I always get there in the end) that yes – he might be 6’3”, yes he might be tall dark and handsome, he might make me giggle – but why do I constantly get stood up, he not call when he says he will or find him going off the radar for weeks on end. (Not mentioning any names here, ahem!). Maybe, just maybe because he can?

I figure, my check list is quite similar to a lot of women’s check lists out there. (Oh how against the norm am I? Tall, dark and handsome – never heard of anyone having that as their type before) I started seriously thinking:  how about I start looking for someone that yes, I’m attracted to, yes makes me laugh, yes is driven but also – perhaps most importantly treats me right and is a gentleman. It’s not about compromising here; it’s about looking at the bigger picture.

Would I rather be with an Adonis that other girls swoon over when they clock him, thinking inside “he picked me, yyiipppppeee”  closely followed by an insecure after thought “back off bitches he’s mine!” or would I rather be with a lovely cute guy that everyone who meets him loves and treats me right?

Let me pose that question to you… answers on a postcard please!

It’s Monday morning again a little bit too soon!

So last week was somewhat of a big week, a managed to bag myself a great new job, yyyippeee (very excited!)! Then of course there were celebrations all round at the big event at the Argyle on Friday, cocktail fun ahoy! CarniArgyle didn’t disappoint, I will be frequenting again for sure!

Then there was a little festival called Future, you may have heard of it? It is the festival with MGMT, Chemical Brothers and Pendulum headlining? (Not that I got to enjoy any of it! I only went and got asked to leave didn’t I!) 26-years-old and asked to leave a festival – was not impressed (think my little brother was a little bit less impressed than me considering he had only had two beers!)

Security on a power trip – less than ideal! Surely it is standard that people are expected to be merry at a festival?? In the UK if you’re looking a little too intoxicated they take you to a tent, give you water and feed you. Over here they simply rip your bands off and you don’t get a say in the matter. There goes $165….

The fun continued despite my altercation, everyone descended to our humble abode to continue the party into the wee early hours on Sunday… Following a great night of drinking, chatter and banter I took myself of to bed.

To say I wasn’t so sparkling when I woke up was an understatement! I literally didn’t move from the horizontal position all day, it wasn’t too bad however as I had company in the form of a male species – silver lining and all that. So after another great weekend it’s suddenly Monday morning again a little bit too soon.

Another of many great things about Sydney, is the fact that if you wanted to do something every night, you literally could (I don’t think your liver or bank balance would be too happy about it however). Since moving here two years and three months ago I never fail to be disappointed by the events of each weekend, they get better and better as time goes on.

Despite this I have decided that I am going to made a conscious effort to try to stay in more over the next few months – I have a month long trip to the UK in July for my best friend’s wedding, so need to save save save.

It’s so funny, when I lived in the UK I found it much easier to save, a lot of my friend’s are in relationships and lived nearby so it was much simpler to just ‘stay in’ if times were tight, or you just wanted a rest, ha! In Sydney it is a completely different story. I can probably count on one hand the number of weekends I’ve stayed in since landing in the land ‘D’n Under’ (that’s probably being over generous is I’m honest). I’ve found myself looking to sign up for long distance runs to motivate myself to stay in and not go out. Otherwise the quest to go out, party with my friends and meet new people is just too strong – damn you will power why do you hate me so?!

So let’s see how I go on hey! I’m going to try and experience the finer things in Sydney and believe me there are lots of them! – Art galleries, restaurants, scenic walks, beaches and dancing/ cooking classes to name a few. Don’t get me wrong there will still be a fair share of bars and restaurants that I frequent, I just figured it would do me no harm to mix it up a bit.

If any of you have any recommendations, give me a shout! I’m all ears!

Can’t make it to Rio for the carnival? Fear not The Argyle brings it to Sydney!

Salsa much??

I have always wanted to go to the carnival in Rio – it is on my bucket list! Carnival atmosphere, half naked ladies and guys strutting their stuff, lost in the moment, celebration, rejoice! Unfortunately finances and work mean that it will not happen for quite some time, so in the meantime there is a bloody good alternative!

The  Argyle – a fave haunt of mine is celebrating the carnival and all things Latin with CarvivArgyle, oh did I mention alcohol aplenty and Sydney Siders letting themselves go! (Probably me and my mates, trying to show them how to salsa the ‘right’ way after a few too many tequila’s OLE!)

Tonight I will be frequenting this slasa-tastic event (man I am on a roll with new words this week) as The Argyle, based in The Rocks in Sydney is transformed into Rio.

This is going to be a great night at The Argyle and the biggest celebration of the March-long CarnivArgyle festival.

Ole!

The month of March sees CarnivArgyle. Off the back of a one-night event in 2010 they don’t miss a trick and have decided to extend the celebration to a month! Yippee for us!

The month-long celebration is a nod to all things Latin American, from food, to dance; to drinks (we like this – if it were a Facebook ‘Like’ button I’d be all over t like a fat kid on cake!).

I recommend you head on down as everyone will be the carnival mood, plus tonight it’s Friday and the start of the weekend! I am hoping to bump into LOTS of hotties that are all over the salsa get up! Want to know more reasons why you should go?? It’s free!!!

If you can’t make it tonight, fear not my child! Entertainment will continue throughout the month and will include dance and drumming shows, live musical acts, Latin-accented DJ sessions, as well as interactive samba classes and tequila tastings each week.

However, the action is set to reach its peak tonight with the launch celebration on, when the party will continue late into the night (if I have anything to do with it).

On Friday and Saturday nights, a late night BBQ will serve up chorizo ‘hot dogs’ with jalapeño salsa.

In contemporary tapas restaurant Argyle Bazar, renowned chef Miguel Maestre has transformed the offering to accommodate the  Latin American theme with an array of specials added to the menu.

So what are you waiting for head to The Argyle tonight for a Rio- style evening extravaganza with churrasco, tequila and sequinned ladies dancing up a storm?