Australian Fashionista

Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA


Joined September 26th 2007

Number of Posts:
25

Number of Comments:
30

Karma:
8



I love to learn new things and discuss relevant issues

About Me
My passions: * Protecting our Environment * Global Issues * Dancing * Style / Fashion * Friendships & my animals * Persuing my goals * Increasing my knowledge & new interests

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Recent Posts

Alive & Guilty

June 18th 2008 08:30
Hi there

Yes I now have an 'important' job where I no longer get to express my orbles on a weekly basis *sigh* but I hope to rectify this shortly.

Please don't take my blog away!..

Thanks
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Depression affects us all in many ways so I thought I would share some really simple, really effective ways to overcome the daily battles many of us face.


1. Music - listening to music can move, inspire or motivate us so listen to music which moves you on a regular basis. It can be a mood elevator and you can listen to whatever you choose, and (with modern technology) wherever you choose.

2. Sing - following on from no. 1, this is equally as important and somewhat more effective. When you sing you activate your diaphram which releases the tension we often hold in this area. It also fills an inherent need we have to 'join our voices' with others which may be activated by instinct. Why it works, not important, it works, so go somewhere private or jump in your car and stretch those vocal chords!
Singing also allows us to express anguish and other emotions we may not normally give in to or express in day-to-day life. It's another way to release this pressure which can hold us down if we bottle it up.

3. Meditate - you don't need to be spiritual or religious to feel the benefits of switching off your mind and breathing deeply. When we are stressed or anxious, we often hold our breaths or take more shallow breaths without even noticing. Practising deep breathing once a day will allow us to recognise when we aren't getting enough oxygen (or not breathing properly) and fix this by using the methods we have learnt from meditating quietly.
Use a quiet space along with soothing music or sounds if you like. Sit or lie down, try to breath deeply into your stomach and your lungs will expand second. Hold for 3 seconds then release slowly. After doing this a few times your body and mind will relax. If you have busy thoughts then concentrate on the sound and feel of your breath to clear your mind.



4. Avoid drugs or alcohol - it may seem like a quick fix to relax or wind down but drugs and alcohol will definately make the situation worse. Drugs & alcohol impair our judgment and often inflame minor issues. They also have a 'down'side equal to any good feeling achieved, they can cause depression and other mental health problems.

5. Perform Charity - whether it be doing a favour for a neighbour, volunteering for an organisation, visiting an aged care facility or cleaning up your local area, charity work is as rewarding an activity than many realise. The feeling we get from doing something for others or the environment is what is missing from many of our daily lives, sometimes working in jobs that we don't find satisfying or performing tasks which are menial and repetitive.
Give it a go!

6. Exercise - want to get some of those good endorphins you've heard so much about? A natural 'antidepressant' is produced by our bodies after we exercise, and the more we do, the better we feel. Don't go too hard, just do something you enjoy eg. swimming, bikeriding, jogging on the beach, walking your dog, playing cricket with some friends, the possibilities are numerous.

7. Aromatherapy - one of our senses that we don't always pay attention to is smell. The subconcious effect of aromas on the mind are instant. Try smelling flowers when you go for a walk or purchase some natural essential oils from a health shop (they will have much more info). Perhaps try burning some incense if you find it helps you relax. Choose smells which are relaxing to you and avoid any which bother you.



8. Medication - if you are prescribed medication by your General Practitioner, never stop taking it without medical advice. Stopping certain medications suddenly can have dangerous side-effects. If you are unsure about your medication or treatment, always consult a professional first.

9. Ponder Positively - take a look at those less fortunate. Do some research on the homeless, or third world population. Things instantly appear much better than they seem when we focus on the reality of situations. It is sometimes the emotional attachment we apply to the world that makes it seem hard to bear.
Think about the many things you have to be thankful for, perhaps your health, family, artistic ability, individuality, all these things and more are to be infinitely grateful for.



If all else fails, please smile

Please note: the above ideas are not the advice of a professional or meant to be used in place of professional treatment. If you think you may be suffering from or know someone who may be suffering from depression, please visit www.beyondblue.org.au call their info line on 1300 22 4636 or contact your local GP for more information.

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Feeling Foggy?

March 3rd 2008 08:38
Tips for a sharper mind,


brain food eat right books





Many of us feel that we’re not as mentally sharp and focussed as we’d like to be. We may have trouble with concentration and ‘foggy’ thinking or we may worry too much and over-react to situations. And it’s not ‘all in your mind’. You know that your nutritional status can affect the way your body functions but you may not realise that it also affects how your mind works. What you eat is what you think!

Like any body organ, your brain needs plenty of fluids and nutrients to perform at it’s best. It also needs some ‘down time’ for recuperation after periods of mental pressure so adequate sleep every night and time for rest, relaxation and recovery is vital.

Nutrition for your brain

• Drink more water

About two-thirds of your body is water and nearly three-quarters of your brain. Hot weather, exercise, caffeine-containing drinks, diuretic drugs, air-conditioning and heating can easily dry you out. Dehydration is subtle and thirst is not always a good guide. Signs that dehydration may be affecting your brain include headaches, fatigue and ‘foggy’ thinking. Drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses of water daily helps to keep your energy levels and thought processes at their best.

• Eat enough protein

Messages between the nerves in your brain are sent in the form of chemical neurotransmitters and these are made from amino acids derived from protein foods. You need to have a healthy protein intake to provide essential amino acids that your body can’t make. Good sources are animal foods, soy products, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

• Stabilise your blood sugar

Sugar and high-carbohydrate foods can cause your blood sugar to rise sharply and then drop too low an hour or two afterwards. When your blood sugar drops, your brain and nerves malfunction, causing sudden energy slumps, sleepiness, faintness, headaches, irritability, emotional outbursts and loss of concentration. Eating high-sugar foods provides only short-term relief and can actually worsen symptoms by causing a rebound dive in blood sugar. Keep you blood sugar stable by eating regular meals, cutting down on quick-release carbohydrates and eating more high-fibre and protein foods. B vitamins, chromium and magnesium help carbohydrate metabolism and stabilise your blood sugar levels.

• Build a better brain

The essential omega 3 & 6 fats are vital for nervous tissue structure and must be eaten in your diet. Omega 6 fats are in nuts, seeds, margarine and most vegetable oils but omega 3 fats are found in small quantities in a limited number of foods, mainly oils from fish, flaxseed, canola and soy. The omega 3 fats, EPA and DHA, found in fish oil but not other oils, are highly concentrated in the brain. DHA is the main structural fatty acid in the brain and helps make neurotransmitters that regulate mood and memory.

Brain tonics… natural approaches to clearing a foggy brain

• Brahmi – think better

A herbal brain tonic traditionally used in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine, brahmi has a restorative effect on thinking ability and memory. It appears to increase protective brain antioxidants, improve nerve transmission and lift moods and help the body adapt to stress. A study of people taking brahmi found that it reduced anxiety and improved their ability to learn and remember.

• Ginkgo – get more blood to your brain

Poor blood flow, more common in older people, impairs brain function and can cause memory, learning and concentration problems. The leaf of the ginkgo biloba tree, one of the most ancient trees in existence, is traditionally used as a herb for improving circulation to the limbs and head and boosting brain function. It has been found to interact with neurotransmitters and help protect nerve cells from damage. In a study of middle-aged people, ginkgo was found to significantly improve memory.

• B vitamins – boost your brain power

B vitamins boost energy production in brain cells and support your brain’s neurotransmitter system. Vitamin B1 helps nerve transmission and gets rid of lactic acid that irritates nerves. Vitamin B3 helps produce serotonin and histamine, important brain chemicals that regulate memory, learning and moods. Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid are needed for making neurotransmitters and the insulating sheath that surrounds nerve fibres. Low B vitamin levels have been linked to apathy, irritability, anxiety, mood and personality changes, poor memory and mental confusion.

• Glutamine – energise your brain cells

Your brain and nerves need a steady supply of glucose to function normally but, when blood sugar drops, the amino acid glutamine can step in and covert to glucose to keep your brain functioning normally. It also converts to glutamic acid, important for learning and memory and for making GABA, a calming and muscle-relaxing neurotransmitter.

rights reserved by goldenglow.com.au
For more information please see the Golden Glow website

sleep well brain power


Don't forget to get 8 hours of sleep for optimum performance!

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International Year of Sanitation

March 3rd 2008 07:58
It has been announced -

International Year of Sanitation

[ Click here to read more ]
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Welcome back

February 15th 2008 09:02
Hi everyone, Happy New Year! And Happy Easter!

Yes it has taken me a long time to get re-settled after moving house, job, all sorts of office hassles etc but it's good to be back in the blogging world once again


[ Click here to read more ]
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Welcome Back!

February 15th 2008 09:00
Hi everyone, Happy New Year! And Happy Easter!

Yes it has taken me a long time to get re-settled after moving house, job, all sorts of office hassles etc but it's good to be back in the blogging world once again


[ Click here to read more ]
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Thank You Mr Rudd!

December 13th 2007 21:50
Japanese Slaughter Whales for
Image Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/2007/05/22/1929749.htm


Article from the Daily Telegraph


[ Click here to read more ]
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1,000 to die

December 5th 2007 21:49
Glimpse of a Whale
Last Glimpse of a Whale


On their journey, the humpbacks, like hundreds of thousands of other whales, face a range of threats including ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, pollution and the impacts of climate change.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Bargain Shopping - Fashion in Victoria

November 4th 2007 07:11
In and around Melbourne there is a mecca of Fashion Shopping.
But it is really hard to know nowadays what is on 'Sale' and what is just an advertising campaign to get you in the door.

[ Click here to read more ]
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Favourite all-Australian Fashionista couple Sass & Bide have made a return to Australian Fashion week after a long four years abroad.

They are showcasing a line of Eyewear - their debut range, being the latest addition to their label which is well-known for edgy streetwear and pop-cult clothing designs


[ Click here to read more ]
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Recent Comments

PS - I thought that the PayPal company effectively bought ebay which would explain the quick change in policy (self interest). I'm no expert in business but wouldn't they just have to merge the companies to avoid this little hitch?
It's not that different to "Safeway Petrol Stations"... Bummer...

Hi Cheryl
Great Post! I was just one of the frustrated & helpless so it's great to see something may be done about this.

I was looking for the asterix reference to your first paragraph after notification;
issued a draft notice proposing to revoke a notification* lodged by eBay International A.G. on 11 April 2008.
but couldn't find it. Am I blind?

Comment by Australian Fashionista
on $1 a day.. some good news for a Friday

February 17th 2008 05:14
I guess it's up to each individual what they spend their "expendable dollar" on.

Comment by Australian Fashionista
on $1 a day.. some good news for a Friday

February 15th 2008 09:10
Hi Louie

It is a nice thought actually as I'm sure we could afford it but I'd be willing to do without more than that - as always it's the efforts combined that would make this achievable.

Funnily my partner told me the other day that it would only take a dollar a day for us to pay of a $1,000,000 house (a lot of days though!)

Comment by Australian Fashionista
on Why is eating less red meat green?

November 4th 2007 06:14
Thanks J - it IS supposed to be healthier.. I thought we were omnivores but supposedly Americans eat more meat than anything else! Processed meat is now reported to give us cancer. Damn wish I didn't love salami.

Techno - Huh??!

Comment by Australian Fashionista
on Is it ever too BIG?

November 3rd 2007 00:16
Thanks Cibb for the article reference. That was really interesting and a very Sad Realisation that I AM A SLAVE OF THE CORPORATE MARKETING world

My eyes popped when I saw a friend's wedding and engagement rings recently. They are everything they are 'supposed to be'. The 4 C's, The ridiculous price tag...
Recently my boyfriend wanted to buy me an engagement ring but instead I talked him down to a large silver & zirconia love ring valued at $30! The ring I bought him cost more.
Yet as I look at my beautiful silver rock studded glory, I worry that my heart doesn't race like it did when I saw my friend's ring. If it was real would it make a difference?
The other thought that DOES make a difference is how I would feel if I had to spend 2-3 months salary on my boyfriend - not so much fun then ladies!
I certainly won't be wearing something on my person valued at the average retail of my car!

AF, Confused.

Comment by Australian Fashionista
on Short Title and Keywords

November 2nd 2007 11:47
Hi J

I was reading a blog/article on msnbc.com tonight and they had above their ads "Story continues below" and a down arrow.
Do you think we could put something like that into the orble?
Cos we love our ads but we love our blog stories too.

Best regards

Sophie

Comment by Australian Fashionista
on Wax On...oh crap...Wax OFFF@#$%!

October 30th 2007 21:52
Hi there - great post!

It's hilarious cos it's True!
Since being unable to find a beautician not (a) trying to use strip wax on "those areas" or else (b) trying to take my pay check along with the hair, I have settled for depilatory creams. They have ones now which take five minutes and wash off in the shower (not to stinky like they used to be either).
I'll settle for stubble after 3-5 days (it WAS smooth) over a heart-racing, palm-sweating visit to the waxing lady nowadays. Am I a wuss? Or not vain enough?

Sophie

Comment by Australian Fashionista
on Mobile Blog - Needs Server Details

October 29th 2007 09:21
Hi J

No worries, It does say it can be hosted elsewhere but they may still support the web/host/network???

I can give you the address if that helps..

Thanks!

Comment by Australian Fashionista
on Paddock Hair Styles 4-8

October 26th 2007 06:16
Hi Rosemary

Thanks for that. I've heard they like to live with sheep and I always thought they were JUST GORGEOUS but unfortunately not the snuggly pet I was hoping for.
Guess I'll just stick to puppies

Thanks again - very informative.

Sophie