Claire Halliday's Feature in "Madison" Magazine

Cracking open the July 2011 issue of Madison magazine, what did I spy? Veteran magazine writer and all-round nice gal, Claire Halliday, is in the list of contributors.

When I interviewed Claire for Becks and the City late last year (read the post here), she shared how she didn't know what she wanted to do straight out of high school and got her big break on an article about crime scene cleaners.

Well, she's now completed two books and written for the likes of Girlfriend, Women's Weekly, Marie Claire, and Madison, including this article, "Is the Home Ownership Dream Dead?".

Head to page 76 of this month's mag to read it. Given I've been on several sides of the housing affordability debate (unable to afford a home, working in a housing area of government and now paying off a mortgage), I'm glad Claire's brought this important issue to light.

Fabulous and thought-provoking all at once. I'd love to write this type of article.

How I Plan My Blog

The artsy purple image above is of my Smiggle notebook. Isn't it cute? Here's a sneak peek into how I use it to plan Becks and the City...

Whenever I'm sitting in a cafe or out and about and have a spare second, I pull out my notebook and indulge in a spot of blog planning. I write to-do lists of ideas for posts, goals of how many Google followers I want to reach and marketing ideas (giveaways, new widgets etc). Rather than being a chore, I really enjoy it.

These ideas don't always make it into Becks and the City as the blog evolves -- I lose enthusiasm, they become out-of-date or I'm just too lazy -- but it's exciting to dream up these concepts, as most of them become a reality.

Because I'm a visual person, I also draw little sketches of how I envisage the blog should look in the near future, like the one below from two months ago...

So far I've completed the revamped portfolio section (although I ended up using Google Documents to store my scanned articles online rather than similar service, issuu), but am still working on the other features:

• Beautiful pictures
• Press
• Reaching 500 followers
• E-magazine
• "For Sex and the City Fans" labels

Hopefully they'll be completed soon.

What do you think? Which of the above features would you like to see in Becks and the City? How do you plan your blog?

Fabulous Fridays: 24 June 2011

Usually green repulses me, but I couldn't pass up the gorgeous emerald tones in this vintage-style picture. Here's more absolute gems...

• What's your exotic dancer name? I typed in "Becks and the City" and it dubbed me "Trouble". Ha!
• I was obsessed with this movie as a kid, mostly because of the striking shoes. The beginning of a lifelong pattern?
• Airport snobbery. Not everyone who buys a cheaper fare is a bogan, dudes!
• Nutella fairy bread? Best. Idea. Ever. Amusing how the standard recipe has twelve steps. What is this, Fairy Bread Lovers Anonymous?
• Lady Gaga is a legend and this song is legendary. Love.
• The ten worst horror movies of all time. I dunno, Frankenhooker and Cannibal! The Musical sound entertaining to me. I would've added anything with Gwyneth Paltrow in it, personally.
• Top pick at Topshop right now -- this cobalt dress.
• Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I'd feel pretty smug about this if I were Kim K.
• My nail polish obsession knows no bounds. Latest discovery? Mermaid nails by Cupcakes and Cashmere's Emily Schuman are a must-try.
• And you thought I could go more than two weeks without mentioning LEGO. Sucker. This combines my plastic brick and New York obsessions. Awesome!



Have a weekend that will make your friends green with envy. xx

Fabulous Fridays: 17 June 2011

Okay, I've recovered from last week's huff and things aren't really so dreadful. In fact, they're quite good considering it's Friday and it's fabulous...

• Rachel Hills on mentors in the media industry. Essential reading for writer types.
• You'll be laughing all the way to your strip search by Customs -- crazy suitcase stickers. My pick? The kidnapped stewardess.
• Totally hot choreography to Ricki-Lee's "Can't Touch This". Best song on the Sex and the City 2 soundtrack.
• This cute solar radio turned up in July's all-Aussie edition of Shop Til You Drop magazine. Keep handy for the zombocalypse.
• A brief history of drag queen bingo. Fascinating stuff. On my bucket list.
• I'd certainly "turn the ass" if I was this close to a volcano erupting. Interesting in light of the Chilean one currently causing havoc to air travel across the globe.
• Slightly gory in a clever, fuzzy sort of way. Pipe cleaner sneaker art. Win!
• I can't get enough of the whole bath and bubbles combo. How to make your own fizzy bath bombs.
• He'll heart the wrapping even more than the gift when you use this paper.
• I've seen pictures of 3D street art before, but these are even more amazing, especially the white water rafting piece. Spectacular.

Here's to sending the fabulous meters off the charts this weekend! : )

Health Words for Writers

Ready for a healthy dose of health-related words and phrases for your writing? Look no further...

Nutritious, delicious, weight loss, fitness fad, sports, biology, diet, lean, muscle, mass, gym, yoga, pilates, cardio, strain, tear, sprain, breakfast, juice, power, strong, goodness, wholesome, fat-free, glycaemic index (GI), stretch, warm-up slimming, bulk up, cool down, protein, vitamin supplement, physical, exercise, training, flexibility, dance, athletics, running, sprinting, jogging, power walking, strolling, couch potato, relaxation, meditation, wellbeing, fighting fit, skipping, muesli, transformation, eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, healthy, self-worth, self-esteem, confidence, psychology, repetitions (reps), sets, kilojoules, calories, cholesterol, drugs, medicines, fluids, core strength, drink intake, eat, dissolve, tablets, capsules, sweat, glow, perspire, jump, genetic, overeating, over-indulging, expanding waistline, workout, hyper-extend, stiff, sore, serene, calm, pumped, hold, release, clench, straighten, bend, unfold, unfurl, tighten, loosen, grip, steady, wobbly, stability, up, down, lateral, doctor, nurse, physio, chiropractor, podiatrist, surgeon, joint, pain, stress, ligaments, tendons, curvature, body, mind, spirit, hospital, program, regime, plan, schedule, junk food, points, fats, oils, vegetables, starches, bread, dairy, calcium, dental, flu, cold, hot, menopause, menstrual, period, iron, folate, digestion, breathe deeply, improvement, goals, achieve, pivot, step, twist, bounce, lengthen, hamstring, spine, thigh, calf, bicep, tricep, abdominal, metatarsal arch, heel, achilles tendon, quadricep, shoulder, diaphragm, injury, illness, marathon, hiking, fresh air, positive attitude, mend, thin, fat, toned, emotions, natural living, hormones, ageing, routine, therapies, pregnancy, pharmaceutical, ayurveda, hypnosis, soul, energy, counselling, healing, aromatherapy, homeopathy, massage, naturopathy, harmony, science, alcohol, caffeine, fertility, care, burnout, dehydration, sleep, glasses, anxiety, depression, kilograms, tension, essence, herbs, headache, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, buddhism, life, antioxidants, fatigue, immune system.

Got more? Send them my way by commenting below and I'll add them.

"The Carrie Diaries"

So, is The Carrie Diaries all it's cracked up to be? I set out to answer this question.

I call myself a massive fan of Sex and the City and its writer, Candace Bushnell. I've won myself two box sets of the TV series, own the deluxe wedding collection edition of the first movie, soundtrack of the second movie and several of Candace Bushnell's other novels. I've even themed my blog and hens' weekend around the show. Why then, when the author released a book about main character Carrie Bradshaw's high school years did I wait so long to read it?

I was scared.

Well, scared and lazy, but mostly scared. After the epic crapness of certain moments in the Sex and the City 2 film (formerly mortal gay enemies, Stanford and Anthony, getting married, Charlotte and Miranda's terribly patronising confessional about how privileged mums have it so tough, etc), I was afraid this book might suck hard as well, especially as a prequel. How can you ever create suspense in a book where the audience knows the ending? Deeply suspicious.

I've now read it and can tell you, it being a prequel isn't a problem, as the only character you'll recognise from the TV show is Carrie, so Bushnell was free to take the other characters where she liked -- swapping partners, killing them off, whatever. Actually, I lie. Without being a spoiler, one of Carrie's three New York City besties makes a cameo appearance in the novel and it's a doozy. One of the best parts of the book, in fact.

The downside, I've gotta say, is that young Carrie sometimes feels like an imposter. In several scenes, she's dishing out cookies to her boyfriend, whipping up coq au vin for her family and generally making like a regular Martha Stewart. Remember her neglected kitchen in the series, using her oven as storage, telling Big that fondue was the only recipe she'd ever mastered? Hmm. It feels like her voice is right, but certain character traits are inconsistent with the TV series. Young Carrie on the swim team? Really?

If you ignore these nit-picky details though, it really is an enjoyable story. It accurately captures in-depth aspects of female friendships, manages to tie up all lose threads of the storyline without being too predictable and keeps delivering action at a steady pace.

Rating: 7/10.

What did you think of The Carrie Diaries? Rate it or hate it?

Fabulous Fridays: 10 June 2011

Well, some plans that were already taking a frustratingly long time now look like being put off until I'm so old all I do is watch MacGyver reruns while growing my post-menopausal beard. But I'm not bitter. Much. Enough moping, onto the good stuff...

• Overwhelming desire to do this today. Watch out.
• Being a taxi driver is a stressful job? Really? Crazy Taxi indeed.
• When the world gives you the sh*ts, use it to run your farm. It's the new lemonade.
• My latest hare-brained scheme to get fit? Hula-hooping. You know you want to. Check out this chick, who seems to be YouTube's yogi of hooping. Some great tips.
• Most of Alice's bucket list will be granted. Hooray for the Internet!
• I wish I could sit at a piano, mash keys and make it sound this good. Chooka is a legend!
• Useful advice, methinks -- save money on the boring stuff.
• Send a friend a bunch of virtual flowers and make their day. I'd certainly love an online bouquet today. ; )
• Until the inevitable day when I grow a real one, I can practice by making my own beard and wearing it like this. Not your normal blog.
• Token happy link. That's all you're getting. Use it wisely.

I prefer my motto, "Don't worry, be snappy". And my beard's better than Bobby McFerrin's. Have a happy Friday!

Luxe Blog: Making Magique

Looking for a new luxe blog to lust over? Head to Making Magic, about an American girl in Paris...

Haleigh's living the Carrie Bradshaw lifestyle if our heroine had stayed in Paris with the Russian, minus the heartache and broken necklaces. I'm deeply, deeply jealous.

Fortunately, she shares her dream location and fashionable aesthetic with us through her blog, Making Magique. It had been a while since my last visit, but it's certainly had an upgrade from its previous already top-quality look.

From first entering the site, it's clear you are in for a delightfully pretty experience. Part fashion blog, part aspirational city experience, there are large, gorgeous photos of cocktail outings, day trips and luxurious lounging at home, complete with French outfits and perfect backdrops. The harmonious blue title, colour scheme and cutesy Eiffel Tower background all complement the content without being overwhelming.

Perhaps most attractive of all, however, are the oversized widgets on the sidebar, from the irresistible "Follow Me" graphic, to the drawings of macarons, poodles and strappy heels. It's all easy to navigate and invites you to stay longer in this girly blogscape. There's an extensive blog roll to check out her fave similar sites, recent posts, trends, categories and archives all neatly arranged. With so many entry points to the blog posts, you'll be trapped here clicking away forever, but won't mind one bit.

Aside from looking top-notch, the content is everything a fashionista could wish for in a virtual trip to Paris. Her city guide is just magical and I will certainly be consulting it before touching down in Paris (hopefully in the near future). Dining, shopping, must-dos, treats and nightlife are all covered in the most delicious way possible.

My Favourite Posts

Try these fabulous Making Magique posts to get you started:

1. My Paris (Aforementioned city guide.)
2. Latest & Greatest (Ballerina tights, lip-shaped phone!)
3. "Only Photograph What You Love" (Tutus and strawberries.)
4. Joyeux Blog Anniversaire! (Cupcakes and confetti.)
5. Chaussures (Socks with bows and shoe heaven.)

Okay, enough gushing, just visit already and enjoy the French fairytale come to life!

Fabulous Fridays: 3 June 2011

Today was a blissful celebration of Fridayness, with an SK-II facial, sushi lunch and shopping. It can't get much better than that, or can it?

• A Glee sing-along to an absolute classic.
• Michael Cera learning how to fist pump like a guido from the Jersey Shore cast.
• Mix explosive drinks in your garden shed like granny used to make. How to make ginger beer.
• A blog about people's deepest, darkest confessions on postcards. Addictive.
• My Mr Big is right into Formula 1, so here's a tribute to last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo in true Beck style:

• Butter London nail polish -- less chemical nasties and more hot colours to love. I'd like magenta "Twee", please!
• Sophie Kyron jewellery (especially this necklace) is modern, amazing, stunning. Ignore the price and simply admire the artistry.
• We're really hurting for great inventions if the eraser is on a list of 101 best gadgets. Unless you call it a rubber, and then it's darn funny. Snigger.
• Hello Kitty Hell blog. Like Regretsy for the hypercute cat.
• Salsa -- the dip has always appealed to me far more than the dance... until I saw this vid.

Hello Lover!

 Irregular Choice "Cortesan floral bar" shoes



Pants on or off, Friday can't be beaten. Hope you're enjoying yours!