Medstudent barbie

Born To Die

2012-01-27T23:38:00.000-08:00

Favourite song* at the mo, Lana Del Ray - Born To Die Think most girl have felt this way with someone...

* + the music video is a piece of art

Prof's Study Tips For Students

2011-10-31T21:38:00.000-07:00

Got some great study tips from one of our Paediatric professors yesterday for all those studying medicine (well you can apply them to any course really):

After seeing a patient or having a tutorial go home that evening and study extensively around that topic from your text book, focusing on signs you picked up. The next day, 10 min before you start your other work, go back to that patient and look for the extra signs and symptoms you read about*.

Use more than one text book. Different textbooks teach different sections differently so you may get great notes about pneumonia from one but better notes about gastro in another.

When you're struggling to study: rather than reading for study sake, read as an examiner**. That is: look through the chapter for questions an examiner might ask about that topic i.e. definitions, classifications, important things on history, clinical signs you may illicit on examination, differential diagnosis, investigations and management. Write these out as quick point-form notes*** (makes later revision much easier).

If you're studying and have any valuable tips you've picked up along the way, PLEASE SHARE!

*Principle: Revision, revision, revision and the age old study technique of "see, hear, write and DO" (in order on increasing memory reinforcement)! For something to really stick you've got to revise the topic within 24 hours, then 7 days, then again during exam revision.

**This method really helps when you're bored, lacking motivation and need to get your studies focused i.e. those times you find yourself reading this first line: "this is a common disease" over and over again!

***Other than this I never make study notes anymore, in fact I haven't made any in years! In my opinion they're just a waste of time: you're wasting valuable time making pretty notes instead of actually studying and getting the info into your head; if they're messy you'll never read them again; you've tricked yourself into thinking you've studied but actually you've just had a arts and crafts session; you may accidently write something down wrong and then spend ages revising a mistake and lastly a text book is the best study note anyway - nothing you make will look or be as good!

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

2011-10-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

My sister used this famous quote in a speech recently. I found it so inspiring, I thought I must post it up on my blog to encourage those out there (if there is anyone who still reads this blog) to keep standing out from the crowd:

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented, and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.

It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

It's often said to have been quoted in a speech by Nelson Mandela but this is not the case. Rather, it originated with author Marianne Williamson.

ENT: What I Heard On Rounds, Update*

2011-08-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

ENT

This cauterizing stick is $#&%!

Serena/Slave wont you go to my car and get me my one?

SERENA

(apprehensively - this guy is giving me my marks after all)

Sure, which car? Where is it parked

ENT

(hands keys over..)

Its the black Maserati on the bridge, doctor's parking

SERENA

(awkwardly trying not to look suprised and impressed aka super casual)

Ya sure, cool

....later that day

ENT

Listen I've got to leave early, I'm doing this advanced driving course at Kyalami, ya it came with my car

MY EAGER HOSPITAL PARTNER

Wow that's awesome!

ENT

Ya, I'm doing a drifting course with Ferrari

SERENA

....

ENT

I'm taking everyone for lunch, lets go!

...Next day

ENT

Check this Samsung pad thing I bought

SERENA

Ow that's not as cool as an iPad

ENT

Oh I've got an iPad, 1 and 2 already, sitting in my draw at home

SERENA

Well then why did you buy that?

ENT

(Not really listening to a word I say anyway)

... Got the kinect for Xbox 360, now that is one piece of equipment...

MY HOSPITAL PARTNER

(drooling with admiration)

...arghahph

ENT

... It's in my home cinema, problem is it records everything you do, so got to watch where you put your hands, know what I mean...

ALL THE MALE DOCTORS AROUND

Hahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahha

ENT

.... You'll see when you get into private Serena, you'll have so much cash you'll end up buying every gadget just because you don't know what to do with all that extra money

SERENA

(No I'll buy stilettos - starting with the Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 patent-leather pumps)

*I thought I should add this in. In theatre whilst removing an invasive fungus from a young girl's skull the same surgeon commented that while in private he would charge about R60,000 to do this procedure (it was a 4 hour dangerous procedure and there was brain & nerve to dodge) this girl was "getting it for mahala" (zulu slang for 'free of charge').

This ENT, although very successful in his career and can drive around in any car he likes (was test driving a Ferrari Italia the other day), has the most beautiful bed side manner and is gracious to every person he comes into contact with, from lousy medstudent to high-profile prof. Not all doctors are as accomplished or rather, as wealthy and might not have Ministers of Parliament as patients but yesterday I saw him treat a street cleaner with the same kindness he would a celebrity. That kind of character in a man is rare and I admire it - he deserves every cent.

Interview with a Medstudent Barbie: Harriet

2011-08-13T04:03:00.000-07:00

This is something new that I'll be doing, interviewing other Medstudent & Doctor Barbies who's style and brains I'd want to pick. First up is Harriet, my BFF/sister-from-another-mister!

Harriet and her Labrador, Jelly.

Harriet, what were your matric subjects and how many A’s did you get?

Maths, English, Afrikaans, Biology, Science and Art - 5A's and 1 B

Wow you're a genius! ;) How did you get into medicine?

I was provisionally accepted in Standard 9.

I did a lot of community service and involved myself in as many activities as I could at school. I was a prefect, head of house, I did hockey and lots of art activities.

I think my real advantage was that I won an art scholarship to The Design School. I stipulated this in my application and argued that I already had a future in art secured and paid for, but I would still choose medicine over it any day.

Try doing debating, art, sports and lots of community service to get into medicine. Route for youself in your application and point out why you are different from the other applicants.

Ok, enough of the admin lets get into the important stuff!;)What are your favourite beauty & makeup products?

In terms of beauty products I love Dermalogica's Dermal Clay Cleanser, you can use it as a mask or a cleanser and it makes your skin so smooth and spot free + their Multivitamin Power Firm for eyes it great! When it comes to makeup I love almost anything from MAC. Especially their 'Peaches' blush, it looks great on sallow skin tones. I also love their Dazzleglass lipglosses, which make you look pretty and fresh even with minimal makeup. 'Naked Lunch' is the perfect eyeshadow shade for a natural look.

I'm obsessed with 'Naked Lunch' too - actually I think you were the one who introduced me to it! Any skin care regimes?

I use a combination of Neutrogena and Dermalogica, but I want to get into Restylane products longterm to prevent my skin from ageing.

Sudocrem is an amazeballs must have for any girl! It's a zinc based cream that heals just about anything from sunburn to spots and small scratches. I put it on every night before bed on trouble zones and they are clear by morning.

Restylane is the business and Sudocrem a MUST-HAVE for the odd breakout agreed!

Where are your favourite shops in JHB?

Rozanne and Pushkin in Rosebank the Zone - they always have adorable little dresses! I also love Jenni Button's sleek elegant looks. I have to say that my most favourite shop ever is Zara, which is coming out sooooooooon in JHB! Bye bye savings!

Books you love: (IE WHY MEN LOVE B&*#$%)

'Why Men Love Bitches' - it's an essential on every girl's bookshelf. Get it. You'll thank me!

Favorite restaurant, bar and club?

I love Thomas Maxwell in Parkmore, really rich yummy food! Corner Cafe in Craighall is great for lunch or a light supper as well, great cozy atmosphere. I like going to The Office for a drink on a friday night or sometimes The Baron on Fredman to meet up with friends. Don't have a favourite club at the moment! I wish I could take the people that used to go to Manhattan, put them in Clapham and get the DJ from Tokyo Star!

So I know you love baking, tell me, what do you like to bake the most?

I love baking cupcakes and desserts like Lemon Meringue Pie or Tiramisu. I have Martha Stewart's Cupcake book which I luuuuuurve. Baking is such a great hands-on creative outlet.

Medicine is very demanding, how do you de-stress?

I walk my dogs in the park near my house and sometimes I go there by myself and sit on the swings. It's very peaceful being in nature and in silence after the craziness of the hospitals. Otherwise I listen to meditations on my ipod or sit and draw. Vampire Diaries is also a great destressor ;)

I try and keep medicine out of the other areas of my life so I spend time with non-medical friends and have other interests outside of medicine. Otherwise I would go crazy! The most important thing to me is having fun and not taking myself too seriously!

You’re in a great relationship but have such a busy life, any relationship tips?

It's hard studying medicine and being in a relationship sometimes because my time is so limited. Holidays and events are always limited by calls and studying so it can be frustrating for both my boyfriend and myself. I often feel guilty about it, but my boyfriend is supportive and understanding.

We try to make the time that we have together really good by constantly reminding each other why we love each other and keeping the romance alive. We set aside date nights at least once a week where we can reconnect after a stressful week.

It's easy to fight a lot when you get stressed out, but it's even easier to say sorry and move on swiftly, especially when you know that what you fighting about is silly. It's really important that the person you are with accepts that your time is limited and your life is stressful when you are a med student and that they support you fully.

Okay lets get back to the medical stuff. You’re a straight A girl how do you study, talk me through this step by step.

It really depends on how much time I have. So if I have:

A month to 2 weeks before - I would summarise my lecture notes or text book notes onto A2 size paper. Usually I summarize one weeks worth of stuff onto one side of the A2 paper and the next week on the back etc. This way when I need to remember something I think about where it is on the page in my mind.

I draw pictures next to my notes and use different colours. It really helps me to use visual stimulation to remember things. I make up weird stories about drugs and syndromes. The best way to study is by using as much of your brain as possible to process the information, that way you make lots of connections. Making up weird stories and drawing little pictures uses your right brain, the normal writing etc uses your left brain.

I will go over my summaries maybe 3 times before the exam.

The way to really test yourself is to teach someone else the material (even if it's your dog). Saying something out loud means you are seeing it, saying it and hearing it - using more of your brain.

A few days - the day before - this is when it really helps to have someone you can study with. Teach each other and also make up crazy stories. Say everything out loud and repeat the important stuff. If something's really tricky make a post it and keep coming back to it. There's no time for making notes at this point, so keep it verbal and make the assosciations and stories really imaginative.

Any advice for people wanting to study medicine?

First of all decide if this is really what you want to do! It's very stressful, not just because of the volumes of information, but also very emotionally stressful. Be prepared to feel stupid and belittled almost all the time, doctors are hard on other doctors and especially on students.

You will cry, A LOT. Be prepared to see death, suffering, violence and sadness and know that in many cases there is nothing you can do about it.

Be prepared for your marks to be way lower than they were in school - everyone in your class is super bright now.

Be prepared to give up your social life to a large extent, not all your friends will understand when you turn down their 10th invitation because you are on call again. Medicine is not just a career, it becomes your life. Wherever you go you will be a doctor, people will need you and ask for your help and expect you to get it right. Dont do it for the money or the prestige - neither are worth it!

If you are prepared for all of this and you know that this is what you really want to do and you want to dedicate your life to other people then go for it! It can be unbeliveably rewarding, academically and emotionally. The satisfaction of doing your first procedure or helping your first patient or just making someone's pain a little better is amazing. At the end of your life you will know that you made a difference, that you helped your fellow man.

Get your applications in early, really market yourself, get involved in sports, cultural events and do lots of community service!

Thanks so much for doing this interview with me dollface! xxx

Blooming Marvellous

2011-08-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

"Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day - like writing a poem or saying a prayer." Anne Morrow Lindbergh

I love keeping flower bouquets in my room, if I could I would buy a bouquet a week!

The florist I frequent the most would have to be:

Dunkeld Fruit & Flowers

(R30 for deliveries)

Address: Dunkeld West Centre, 279/281 Jan Smuts Avenue

Tel: 011 341 0343 or 011 341 0101

I could browse and smell around here for ages and they have a huge selection of florals. Once you've chosen the flowers you like someone will arrange them in a beautiful bouquet for you!

Flowers at Dunkeld

Roses at Dunkeld; Stems with blossoms adorning the table at a cocktail evening I had at my place

Once Home:

Best Way To Cut Flowers:
Flowers keep best when cut with a sharp knife (un-serrated) and plunged immediately into water. Always make a cut on a slant, as it exposes more stem surface area.
Remove leaves that will be under water in the arrangement.
Do not remove thorns from roses as it tends to shorten their life.

When the flower stem is cut, a small air bubble forms at the end of the stem and is trapped. This acts like a barrier and prevents more water from getting up the stem - even if you replace the stem in water.
To prevent air bubble blocks, make a new stem-end cut while holding it in water. A small droplet of water will cling to the stem end as you transfer the rose to the vase. This prevents the bubble from re-forming.

Ways to keep cut flowers longer:

Use plain, lukewarm water for most cut flowers, but use cold water for bulb flowers, such as daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips.
Change the water every 2 days - don't just top it off. This is the single most effective thing you can do to keep your flowers looking fresh!
Keep flowers out of direct sunlight, and move them to a cool place at night.
Give daffodils their own vase - daffodil stems give off a compound that is toxic to other flowers.
Keep cut flowers away from fruit, which releases a gas that causes flowers to age faster.

How To Prolong Your Flowers Life:

All commercial floral preservatives contain the basic components of the life support system for the cut flower: a biocide (to kill the bacteria that insert pores into the stem & thus inhibit water from getting to the flower), an acidifier (helps water move up the stem more easily), and sugar (flower food).

I used this mixture every second day for the blooms I bought last week Sunday and they're still looking gorgeous!

Credit for tips to: Marion Owen, Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul

Summer Señorita

2011-07-27T03:15:00.000-07:00

Vogue Espana

Penelope Cruz, Vogue US, June 2011. Dolce & Gabbana lace-and-cotton body suit; and lace corset dress

Pool Side Glamour

2011-07-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

Barbie Goes Backpacking - Bright Bags for College

2011-07-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

image: Garance Dore

I'm looking to buy a few bright bags for work. I usually use a messenger bag but I fill it with so much stuff that by the end of the day it's given my shoulder a partial subluxation. They're fine as overnight bags when on call though.

I really love the colours of the new Kipling range and I might just get the matching fanny pack too... I've never been a huge fanny pack fan but it's growing on me! These ones are chic and practical and anyway who would say no to a Louis!

Bright Pink and Powder White Kipling Seoul Backpacks with Laptop Protection, Kipling fanny pack, Louis Vuitton fanny pack

Speed Racer: Louis Vuitton denim fanny pack with tassel, Ashish studded fanny pack

Acid Trip: Sonia by Sonia Rykiel yellow bag, Chanel quilted purse, Dsquared2 backpack, See by Chloé nylon key chain (on yellow bag);

L.A.M.B. graffiti bag, LeSportsac yellow bag.

Kipling backpack, See by Chloé tote

images: Teen Vogue

Backpack For:
Macbook Pro/iPad
The odd textbook
Pencil bag
Small makeup bag of essentials (concealer, bronzer, lipliner, liquid-liner, mascara, lipgloss)
Perfume and deodorant
Johnson's and Johnson's cleansing wipes
Alcohol hand sanitizer
Tissues
Sun lotion + Raybans (for the odd venture outdoors)
Car keys

Litmann stethoscope

Otoscope and ophthalmoscope

Protective glasses

Lunch box

Water bottle

Moleskine weekly notebook and ruled notebook

Quick Access Fanny Pack For:
iPhone
iPod nano
Country Road Sharni Zip Around wallet
Neutrogena Norwegian anti-aging hand cream
Clorets Eliminator chewing gum
Pen, pencil + mini Stabilo Boss highlighter
Bobbie Brown Lip Balm SPF 15
My new Kodak easytouch digital camera!

Summer Time, June 2011, Vogue

2011-07-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

I love everything about this summer editorial!

Bum Wish List: A Pair Of Reebok Easytone Sneakers

2011-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

I found out today that a fellow medstudent started wearing Easytone Reeboks* on call to tone up her butt while she works and my first thought was: WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?! It's pure butt genius so I'm buying a pair this weekend! Hey if I'm going to be on my feet all day running around like a slave I might as well make it worth it!

*Up to 28% more of a work out for your butt and up to 11% more for your hamstrings and calves!

Check out the video - you'll want them even more! I'm such a sucker for advertising sometimes.

Now to just to choose the colour...

My favourite apps currently on my iPhone & iPad home screen:

2011-07-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Netter's Anatomy Flash Cards (great as a study guide + the anatomy pictures are perfect for explaining things to my patients); Oxford Handbooks (I have one for every speciality & they are perfect for prepping for surprise tutorials); Micromedex; Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary

Style.com (Vogue app - coverage of every major collection); Twitter; GoReader (my favourite RSS/google reader to keep up to date with all the blogs I follow)

2Do; Watsapp; MoneyBook (to monitor my spending- I ignore it most of the time)

Pages (this really is the most beautiful mobile word processor); Blogsy (best blogging tool for iPad); iStudiez Pro (keeps track of my University schedule, assignments and grades)

Restaurant Review: Bellagio In Bluebird

2011-07-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

Went for dinner last night to Bellagio, an Italian seafood restaurant in the Bluebird Shopping Centre (Corner Athol Oaklands Rd & Corlett Drv). I've been there a couple times and I love it! My mom and I actually got a little tiddlywinks there once on what was supposed to be a quick lunch before a pedi appointment, too funny - she'll kill me if she reads this!

Anyway back to the review - the restaurant has a casual yet elegant ambiance, perfect for a ladies lunch, or dinner date. My favourite dish is the Linguine with clams (a very generous portion I might add), garlic, white wine and tomato. They also boast a sushi and tepennyaki bar + an extensive wine list...

*Winter plus+: Blankets are on the back of the chairs to wrap around your legs and keep off the chill.
**Average price/person: R150 (inc. starters, mains & wine)
***Spotted: Angie from Lucky Pony

Nail Porn By Luxury Nail Artist, Sophy Robson...

2011-07-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

Going for a mani in an hour and taking this chart with me as inspiration. Think my manicurist might develop a brain infarct if I show her this though... Hey, I've got to make boring scrub outfits look a little exciting somehow!

Editorial Dissection: My favourite things in "Style Hunter," Vogue UK Aug 2011

2011-07-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

August Shopping List

2011-07-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Mommy In Monolos

2011-07-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Sarah Jessica Parker by Mario Testino for Vogue US August 2011

Summer Sunnies @SunglassHutSA

2011-07-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

In love with these tortoise shell Dolce & Gabbana cat-eye sunnies with gold rims.

Available at Sunglass Hut.

ENT Week 1 Has Been So Much Fun - Career Possibility??

2011-07-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

Quick phone pic of Thursday's ENT clinic outfit - trying to chanel Addison Montgomery in a Mango suit dress with Mango nails.

It's quite tricky dressing in a hospital. You've got to look smart but be able to work in a setting that often involves body fluids... I'm sure you can imagine the sartorial problem that creates! The male doctors all wear suits and ties but the woman, I don't know, they generally look sloppy and most op for black slacks and pumps. Us girls have to get a uniform going, I personally love suit dresses - they're conservative, fitted and professional. If I know I'm going to get dirty I'll put on a plastic apron. Ta-dah!

Shoes:
Kitten heels - you can run in them, wear them all day and look chic!
Stilettos are a no no. They can look gaudy in a clinic and are completely impractical for manual labour.
Pumps just make me feel short and frumpy.

Hair:
Smooth and styled. In the morning I quickly blow-wave my hair and then pin it out the way into a bun, french twist, chinon or slick pony tail. I just use 3 pins.

Make-up = Simple:
-Bobbie Brown Under Eye Concealer to hide circles form all- nighters
-A touch of BB tinted moisturizer
-BB Bronzer
-Curl lashes & apply mascara

**Top 2 photo's taken with my new Kodak camera! Whoop Whoop!

First Sight Of Graduation Day!

2011-07-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

In support of The Green Cape Town Fashion Week

2011-07-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

In their attempt to go green they're not printing any press releases which is not only sustainable but admirable. Check out Africa Fashion International here - http://www.afisa.co.za/

The images from the #CTFW 2011 campaign are beautiful!

Joburg Bloggers Evening was BA-NA-NAS!

2011-07-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday evening whilst avoiding studying and browsing through Marie Clairvoyant, I happened to stumble across a notice inviting all Joburg blogger's for some tea and cake at Wolves, Corlett Drive. I had already made plans but decided to cancel everything and go check it out... Needless to say it was a great decision!

My sister, who also dabbles in blogging (see her blog here: Tiger's Eye) was supposed to join me but caught a flight to Cape Town instead, so I went alone which was kind of daunting. Walking into a room of fifty woman you don't know who are all stylish, talented and who's blogs' are well known and successful was pretty intimidating! However, within minutes Angie from Lucky Pony had pored me a glass of red wine and girls were coming up to me to introduce themselves (and their blog). Awkward greetings soon turned into long conversations, giggles and friendships made. I had such a lovely time, drank lots of wine, ate delicious red velvet cupcakes and discovered new and exciting blogs to follow!

I like how Sarah from The Angelheaded Hipster put it: "Not too many people understand the passion(or obsessiveness) of blogging and here, in one room, were people who got it."

Wolves hot chocolate mustache and one of their famous red velvet cupcakes (only R12).

Super sweet Sindi-Leigh of Just Let Them Eat Cake looked gorgeous in a high-top bun, coral kaftan, rose-gold embroidered scarf and LV sling bag. I especially liked her long lilac nails and intersting gold rings.

The lovely Lou whose blog I can't seem to find yet and Amy with her cute half-moon mani.

Everyone was a photographer last night, including me!

Lou, Roxy of City Girl Searching (click link to check out her cool pics of the night) and I made friends quickly. They even let me keep all my stuff in their handbags because I hadn't brought one (I cant stand carrying a bag when I go out - which was a bit silly of me because I lugged in my sister's pro-camera, my Moleskine reporter's notebook, a pen, car keys, lipgloss and my iphone.) Thanks girls, you saved the day!

Just when I thought the evening couldn't get any better, I was fortunate (blessed actually) to win a Kodak 'easy share touch' camera! It's so cool! Not only does it feature a high res touchscreen LCD screen; HD video recording with on-camera editing; face recognition; and artistic effects (perfect for grainy blog pics), it also has a an awesome 'share' option where, with the touch of a button, it tags and shares pics with social- networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and Flickr!

For the list of all the lovely local bloggers who attended and their blogs click here.

A big thank you to Angie, Nicki and Natasha (of Raising Men - who posted that she thinks my blog is beautiful and can't get off it -very kind of her) for organizing a wonderful evening!

Oh and thanks for not jumping me in the parking lot for my Kodak Angie!

Clinique Review

2011-07-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

*By word of mouth I've heard this stuff is brilliant but will do a review update on 'Even Better' in 2 weeks time to let you know if it's working as promised.
It also featured on Marie Claire's '25 Best Beauty Products 2010' list!

Como Uma Deusa

2011-07-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Modern day tribal.

High ponies all the way!

Giselle Bunchen Vogue Paris June 2011

All you need are the boots and some sea salt

Gisele Bundchen Vogue Paris April 2011

Ow ya and whatever I said about only wearing dresses this winter and refusing to wear pants, I'm over that!

Sally Hansen Review

2011-07-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have a bit of Sally Hansen addiction! These are the ones I've bought recently:

A couple of weeks ago (6 to be exact) my nails were at the hyponychium (informally known as the "quick") so I decided to go on a nail-growing mission and now my tips are 5 mm long! Everyone thinks they're fake, which is great. Here's how I did it:

1. Shape* (file nails in one direction from each side of the nail towards the centre to prevent splitting)
2. Cuticles (soak and push back when moist with cuticle stick)
3. Apply nail growth formula or base coat
4. Apply two coats of nail polish (I like red** it looks great on short nails and hides any imperfections so I'm not tempted to fiddle with them whilst they're growing + they look pretty so it's an incentive to keep at it)
5. Add top coat and then cuticle oil*
6. Get some 'nailspiration' pics and keep them on your desktop, these were mine:

Ok, who's looking at the nails anyway.

KEEP AWAY FROM THE MOUTH! Think: "... long and pointy, long and pointy, long and pointy!"

*I carry an emery board and cuticle oil with me so that when I'm tempted to bite I use the board and not my teeth to fix the snag + I rub cuticle oil in now and then. It's almost like chewing gum instead of smoking. Sounds gross but those who bite will understand!
**This step is essential

Here are my (real) nails at the moment (view and weep):

Now I just have to give them a bit more of an oval, pointy shape and voila!

pictures: vogue and sally hansen

Dreaming Of Beautiful Skin

2011-06-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

*By the way: you can get Acnevelle from Skin Renewal clinics. I go to the one in Parkhurst. It takes at least 8 weeks to see improvements though...

My Studying Essentials

2011-06-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

I think after 6 years I can call myself a professional studier and if my dream to become a plastic surgeon is to come to fruition it seems I'll be making a career of this studying thing!

Just finished my surgical rotation, here's what's been on my desk whilst studying for exams:

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Red Carpet Style

2011-06-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

This one is my favourite!

Visuals thanks to Just Jared

Tribal White, my current raison d'être

2011-06-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

I love this headdress! *Wear to party with LWD (Little White Dress)... casual no?

There's that faux fur Mongolian jacket again!

Vintage Inspiration

2011-06-23T03:20:00.000-07:00

Ultra glam! Faye Dunaway the morning after the Oscars. I'm trying to figure out how I can pull off a silk gown and stilettos? On the lookout for a creme-yellow silk wrap-dress + a pair of vintage silver and black strappy heels!

Watch the video below to achieve the messy high-top bun yourself.

2011-06-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit of a piercing addict (have 8 already thanks to a moment of Kate Moss inspired madness - see here) so I get excited when I find new locations to pierce! Love this one she has through her inferior crus antihelix (don't know what else to call it). I like how it's hidden in her ear...

I've learnt though, that the thing with piercings isn't necessarily the location but the actual piece of jewelry. However, I've yet to find a jeweler in Johannesburg who sells pretty piercings like these - the only ones they sell around here are those awful glow in the dark jobs you find in dingy tattoo parlors!

Yankee Candles

2011-06-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Really love this brand of candles, bought one a few months ago and it lasted ages! Plus they fill the whole room with a scent that really does smell as it claims.

Bought these in Sandton yesterday, they're about R240 each:

World's Most Precious Shoes: Guiseppe Zanotti Heels Set With Chopard Jewels

2011-05-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Anja Rubik, in Emilio Pucci at the AmfAR's Cinema Against AIDS Gala, Cannes.

Gems and old jeans...

Formal Wear Cut-Outs: Show Some Skin

2011-05-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Style Look Book: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge

2011-05-26T02:53:00.000-07:00

Prince Harry and Kate Middleton at Prince William's Order of the Garter investiture, 2008.

Official engagement portrait by Mario Testino, Kate in a white Reiss
dress.

Her legs are like... perfect! Treadmill tonight!

Wearing an Issa short-sleeved black wrap dress and tan courts whilst shopping on Kings Road in London. Not sure if I'm a fan of the court shoes...

*love Michelle's nails, perfect length!

Kate in Reiss again.

What's Big, Grey and Fluffy? A Must Have Mongolian Faux Fur Coat!

2011-05-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

I Refuse To Wear Pants This Winter...

2011-04-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

...only skirts, tights and stockings!

The sartorilist, Garance Dore, Gossip Girl

Trauma, Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Day 1

2011-04-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

Not going to be taken seriously with this pouting pic.

Started my trauma rotation yesterday. Everything was all hunky-dory until about two hours in when I started feeling really faint, I couldn't stand for longer than 10 minutes and I'd need to sit down. Which, as you can imagine, in a trauma unit is very frustrating and made me feel a bit useless + I'm on a diet (not really, just watching what I eat because I haven't had time to gym). What was worse was that I ended up running to the bathroom and then passing out in the corridor. Thankfully a very sweet nurse found me, picked me up and then continued to follow and dote on me the entire shift, watching me like a hawk in case I fell over again! Here's me a 5ft.2 doctor with a baby face trying to be taken seriously in a serious trauma unit and then I go and pass out! Arg!
I think I'm used to seeing sick people in all sorts of states but seeing a live person on the brink of death, not breathing and pouring out blood profusely is a completely different vasovagal experience on it's own!

It's interesting to see the experienced trauma guys on call switch off and go into the zone, they're like terminators on a mission (search and destroy the pathology) which I can imagine must be pretty scary for the patients. Another thing that amazes me is the amount of people who get shot, stabbed or thrown out their cars in this town! I'm blessed that I've received my medical training here in South Africa where maybe our high rate of violent crime deters most but for me it provides an ideal environment to receive the best training in the world in trauma and emergency care.

"In a sand-coated tent hospital, Navy doctor Mark Hernandez, right, checks on a Marine whose leg bones were shattered by an improvised explosive device (IED). The hospital, part of a surgical and trauma unit, was originally designed to break down quickly and follow frontline action. Because fighting has congealed around specific cities and towns, many such portable units have abandoned tents for more permanent facilities." Mantra: I will be as hard core as these guys!

Well I eventually had to get over myself (and my diet), bought a coke and got my hands in. I worked my butt off for the rest shift and got a great compliment from the trauma surgeon on call in the end!

I remember during an episode of Boston Med how one nurse would treat every patient like they were a relative. Every old man like her dad, every young girl like her sister and she inspired me to do the same. It makes you very protective of them and gets rid of all laziness and mediocracy. Yes it might be tricky if they die or the prognosis isn't favorable but in the words of C.S Lewis:

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."

"Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained."

My trauma course packs and Moleskine notebook where I jot down everything I learn. Finding the big (not so portable) A4 guide is a bit silly because I can't carry it around in my backpack - talking about backpacks I'm still searching for the perfect one that's comfy but matches all my scrubs (difficult endeavor).

Beauty Review: REN & Clarins Masks

2011-01-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

After an intense week back at medschool I could tell my skin was in need of some definite TLC! Being product obsessed I was given truck loads (not really but a substantial amount) of lotions and potions as Christmas gifts. So last night I tried two new products and without a word of a lie I woke up this morning feeling like a new woman! My skin was literally glowing! Didn't even need to wear foundation... Yes, these were that good!

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask:

This little bottle of gold juice is designed to renew the complexion by removing dead skin cells (I was glowing, not shining - key difference), reduce the appearance of fine lines (which I don't have yet but prevention is better than cure, right?) and dramatically improve skin tone (my skin appeared more even, less blochy) whilst getting rid of blackheads and blemishes (not one in sight)!

I love it! Don't think I'll ever use another mask!

Clarins Skin Smoothing Eye Mask:

I love eye creams but a mask is extra luxurious, this one contains:

- Serrated Palmetto: decongests, prevents swelling.

- Wild Rose: drains, prevents puffiness.

- Rice Starch: absorbent, promotes a matte appearance.

- Chicory extract: smoothing, energizing.

- Apricot: moisturizing.

- Rose Water Concentrate: softening

I once read an interview with some high-end magazine editor (think it was French Vogue, not too sure) who in her forties was praised for her lack of crow's feet. She blamed the early use of undereye cream & had bought her first bottle at 21! You can imagine reading that at the tender and easily influenced age of 19 how eye-cream crazy I went! Upon every visit to the chemist I would attempt to slip eye lotions into my mom's shopping basket & she would in turn promptly put them back on the shelf. The nagging eventually paid off because I got one for my 20th birthday and have been hooked ever since. If it makes any differnce only time will tell - watch this space...

*Note: My great skin could be due to the 3 week beach holiday, morning runs, drinking lots of water and eating way too many berries but the mask really was great & pepped up my skin the whole day.

First Week Back at Medschool & I'm Feeling A Bit Trigger Happy.

2011-01-07T03:58:00.000-08:00

I've been on a bit of a blogging hiatus over the holidays, if anyone may have noticed, attending to my alter ego- the one who isn't a medstudent. The holidays were great while they lasted but now it's back to medschool & loosing the tan I so diligently worked for the past few weeks.

Week 1 of 5th year has had it's ups and downs. UPs: receiving my first oto & ophthalmoscope (the accessories are everything); and DOWNS: writing an exam on emergency medicine skills today -which wasn't so bad. It's probably been the most exciting week of medschool ever, I could possibly save someone's life now. Wow I sound like such a medschool brat!

Way too eager

Emergency Medicine is all about pneumonics (HHH, ABCD or CAB, and OMI GOSH), algorithms, CPR & the Defibrillator (which I'm trying to convince my parents to get/invest in for the house- you never know someone might drown or have an MI*). Also shaped up on my suturing skills & am now one step closer to being a surgeon!

Here's my personal favourite pneumonic of sorts (I really do use this every time I pack my clutch before a night out**):

Dont forget to drink a glass of MILK filled with Vit C!

M - Money
I - Identity Document / Driver's License
L - Lipgloss
K - Keys
& Vitamin C - Cell phone

*For the non-meds: MI = heart attack - but we're never allowed to say that because "the heart doesn't attack"
** Yes I am the biggest dork - the geekiness has reached it's saturation point!

Gisele Bundchen for DT Magazine

2010-12-02T03:58:00.000-08:00

Featuring one of my favourite supermodels, Gisele and shot by the equally great international photographer, Mario Testino, I'm going crazy over this dirty Terminator inspired editorial!

Now to think of an appropriate occasion where I can wear torn fish nets and smear grease on my face... Tricky, might have to stick with the grungy jewelry and dirty hair for now.

Eva Longoria Harper's Bazaar Russia

2010-12-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

Kirsten Bell for WWD

2010-12-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Great style tip: “I tend to favor (clothes) that make me feel like I’m playing a character" - Kirsten

Baking Day: Montbazillac Jelly With Berries

2010-11-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

Forget wobbly bunnies and jelly teddies - this is an elegant pudding for gourmet grown-ups from Eric Lanlard's show Glamour Puds.

"Jellies were always an important part of a beautiful dessert display in French society.
Elaborate copper moulds were used to set the desserts, but this one uses a rectangular terrine shape, so it can be sliced and served with beautiful red berries."

Eric

Mine turned out gorgeous!

*Ingredients :
5 leaves of gelatine, soaked in 75ml of cold water
425 ml Montbazilliac wine/ or another sweet wine
1 lemon
1 vanilla pod

*For the fruit:
200g of small strawberries
225g of raspberries
200g of redcurrants, blackcurrants or whitecurrants, left on the stem
100g blueberries

Method:
1. First wash and prepare the berries.
2. In a saucepan place the soaked gelatine leaves, along with the water and heat until the gelatine has dissolved. Then whisk this into the Montbazillac wine, along with the juice of a lemon and the seeds from a vanilla pod.
3. Pour the liquid into a jug and allow it to cool ~ while it cools, arrange a layer of mixed berries on the bottom of a terrine mould, then cover with about half of the wine mixture so that the berries are just covered with the liquid. Place in the fridge and leave to set for about 45 minutes.
4. Once the jelly has set, add the remaining fruits on top of this set jelly layer and pour on the remaining Montbazillac mixture. Place again in the fridge and leave to set.
5. When you are ready to serve, turn out the terrine by dipping the mould very briefly in warm water and inverting it on to a serving dish. Use a very sharp knife (also dipped first into hot water) to cut the jelly into slices. Serve with extra berries.

Forever living on the Wild Side

2010-11-18T01:24:00.000-08:00

In Case you thought your outfit was a bit over the top

you had on too much jewelry

long, oval & turquoise nails wouldn't match anything in your wardrobe

that suit was a bit too wild for work

braids and beads are so nineties

RATHER JUST IMAGINE YOU

live in an exotic jungle tribe where you wear armor on your shoulders, feathers in your hair, rings on every finger and Jean Paul Gaultier is your chief!

(pictures courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2010 Couture - Vogue)

2010-11-16T22:39:00.000-08:00

"I try not judge my doctors by the art work in their waiting rooms."

A Deadly Misdiagnosis: Can Millions be Saved from TB?

2010-11-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

Patients queuing for treatment in a TB clinic.

Medicine rarely provides magic bullets, but, for the first time, a technology has been developed that might help countries like India (and our own South Africa) escape the endless cycle of mistaken diagnoses and haphazard treatment.

A company called Cepheid, based in Sunnyvale, California, now makes a device, called a GeneXpert, that allows doctors to diagnose TB in under two hours—without error or doubt. “The machine is so powerful that it could help end tuberculosis and I don’t think that is an exaggeration.’’

An editorial three months ago in the New England Journal of Medicine also raised the possibility that, with proper use of this device, tuberculosis—a disease that has been around since the days of the Pharaohs—could be eliminated...

... Because the test looks for the TB bacterium itself, rather than for antibodies, latent infections don’t confuse the GeneXpert as they do blood test.

“It is a system that removes the guesswork from one of our most deadly diseases.’’ Unlike the sputum technique, the molecular approach is straightforward: a patient spits into a cup, and the sample is placed in a cartridge that looks much like the pods used in many espresso machines. A computer examines the sample’s DNA to see if it contains the genetic signature of TB. Results are available within hours.

The GeneXpert can even determine whether the bacteria are resistant to rifampicin, the most effective and widely used component of the four-drug cocktail commonly prescribed for TB."

The best part: “As long as there is electricity, the tests could be carried out by unskilled workers in any village."

**Felt so strange putting up this article & the picture shortly after posting on affluent Milanese woman and polka dots. I love the art of fashion and I love Medicine - I look after the sick because I can't bear to see them sick; and I do think it's possible to balance the two. German designer, Karl Lagerfeld thinks intellectuals have let sartorial standards slip and now dress like 'slobs,' so I try dress well to show I honor and respect my profession.

What do you think?

Ah Milano... Kitten Crazy On The Street

2010-11-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

Love those Valentino kitten heels shoes so much I even tweeted about them a while ago.

GREAT MIX OF PRINTS:

Mui Mui kitty print shirt & diamond polka dots...

leopard ('kitten print' again) & polka dots

(saw a pair of shoes exactly like these on sale the other day and now kicking myself I responsibly saved the money for petrol instead, argh!)

*Wish List: those amber link bracelets!

My bff is going to be obsessed with these polka dots if I know her...

(pictures courtesy of The Sartorialist)

Bring on the Bleach Baby

2010-11-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

"I’ve got the impression that the following months are going to be washed out. Everything comes out in the wash. And I’m not talking about ... hair. The jeans are a sky blue of years passed, the pinks are pale, the greys are pearl and let’s not even talk about beiges or khakis who are going to invade this entire blog so that you’ll beg me to find a more lively color to wave in front of you."

Garanace

So I've gone a little wash-out obsessed, I've even washed out/varnished my hair and lightened the tips (thanx to Lauren Conrad inspiration as usual).

I think my hairdressers (yes there are more than one) must find me unbearable, because I often come in with a portfolio of pictures of the look and colour I want (blame Medical School & our deeply ingrained OCD mantra) and I've been cheating on my stylist! In fact I'm scared to go back because he's going to see the colour on my tips and know it's not his work.... Ahhh!!! But I need him to do my roots and trim -he's the best with a pair of scissors... Such a dresser debacle!

Faded... Like a pair of old jeans that have been washed, worn and left in the sun to dry.
It's...

Wonderful! I love it so much I had to post a pic! And I love my hairdresser! I mean hairdressers!

*I do get really embarrassed to put up pics of myself but it seems lots of blogs do it so I'm going to try personalize a bit more.

Ideas to Update Your Black Tights

2010-11-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

great dinner look:

ankle-skimming leggings + well-fitted cocktail jacket + simple black pump heels (loving stacked heels at the mo)

*hair - min effort blow (for a less made-up feel)

(Zara Look Book - November 2010)

Angels Backstage at Victoria's Secret 2010

2010-11-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

When Michael Bay directs the commercial for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show you just know there's going to be lots of military hardware, explosions and (yes) a helicopter! Even the soundtrack is 'Merchant of Death' from Iron Man...

*Well Victoria's secret was originally founded by a guy & intended for men willing to buy lingerie for their woman - so the ad does makes sense.

This year's show is based on a Night of a Thousand Fantasies, with several themes including:

'Wild Things' - Exotic Tribal/jungle/safari (my favourite)

'Country Girls' - More romantic & feminine

'Tough Love' - A rocker chic, tough, sexy & strong look

'Game-On' - Whimsical & sporty

'Heavenly Things' - Uber glam & dramatic

and 'Pink' - Colourful, youthful & happy

(tommy ton backstage pics)

Wish List: Hermès Transparent Crocodile Carryall!

2010-10-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

Hermès in the hands of master tailor, Jean Paul Gaultier.

Vogue

Some MANspiration from The Sartorialist

2010-09-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

aviators + threaded neck piece + amazing jacket + perfect neck line + all blue = subtle & hot

Update your summer shorts: think more sleek & less homeboy, buy them short but not tight, and keep the front flat with the leg openings narrow.

This guy just looked so fresh & laid back but still oozing style; love the hair cut, cropped torn jeans & linen loafers.

Can we eat to starve cancer & adipose tissue (fat)?

2010-09-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

William Li presents a new way to think about treating cancer and other diseases: anti-angiogenesis, preventing the growth of blood vessels that feed a tumor. The crucial first (and best) step: Eating cancer-fighting foods that cut off the supply lines and beat cancer at its own game

Click play & watch the video or go to the TED talk here.

Below I've created a quick view of all the foods Dr Li's studies have found to have anti-angiogenic qualities.(Print and take to the grocery store/chinese market on your next shopping trip)!

Obesity: adipose tissue/fat is highly angiogenesis dependent and grows where blood vessels grow. So can the angiogenesis inhibitors (AI's) in these foods cut off the blood supply to fat too and therefore shrink fat? The answer is yes! In mice studies, obese mice lost weight when given AI's which regulated healthy set points.

Enrique Iglesias WOWW! My mobile uploads...

2010-09-24T02:47:00.000-07:00

09 September 2010. We went to the opening concert for the T20 cricket championship at the Emmarentia Botanical Gardens where Enrique Iglesias performed and locnville opened (to equivalent hysteria). We almost got knocked out by a couple of high school girls and some 40 year old groupies for squishing to the front but it was worth it(Dont worry we made friends eventually and there was enough space for all of us)!

Want flat abs? Watch what you drink!

2010-09-24T01:28:00.000-07:00

There are many ways that alcohol can get you into trouble. It doesn't make you feel full or decrease the amount of food you consume.

In fact, alcohol encourages your body to burn up to 36 percent less fat, makes you store more of the fat you eat and inhibits your body's production of hormones that help burn fat and build muscle.

If you can't pass up your pinot, limit yourself to two or three alcoholic drinks a week. Water may not be as exciting as 'Weiser, but drinking about eight glasses of the clear stuff a day has a lot of benefits.

Water helps keep you satiated (often what we interpret as hunger is ?really thirst).

It flushes the waste products your body makes when it breaks down fat for energy or when it processes protein. And it transports nutrients to your muscles to keep your metabolism clicking. Otherwise, the best drinks you can have are low-fat milk and green tea (or, if you must, two glasses of diet soda a day).

-Woman's Health

Alexander McQueen Memorial

2010-09-22T03:13:00.000-07:00

Fashion's royalty paid their last respects to the late designer Alexander McQueen in an incredible parade of his creations.

Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss joined actress Sarah Jessica Parker, designer Stella McCartney and American Vogue editor Anna Wintour for the moving ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

Anna Wintour; legendary editor of American Vogue, wore a coat embroidered with gold birds from McQueen's preview Spring/Summer 2011Collection, the first under the full control of the label's new creative director, Sarah Burton(who surprisingly is not related to Tim Burton.)

One of Alexander McQueen's long-time muses, heiress Daphne Guinness, wore a vintage McQueen dress with teeteringly high black platform boots from his Autumn/Winter 09 collection

Sarah Jessica Parker wore a black frocked coat from the preview Spring/Summer 2011 collection with buckled stilettos and a clutch bag from A/W 10

Kate Moss teamed a leather dress from McQueen's Spring/Summer 2008 collection with an Yves Saint Laurent smoking jacket and Louboutin stilettoes - despite the fact that Alexander preferred his clothes 'pure', never mixed with other designers. Moss was a close friend and muse of McQueen for more than a decade

Naomi Campbell in a typically bold feather jacket and high boots with floral detail from the Autumn/Winter 2010 collection - McQueen's very last

-The Daily Mail

Wish List: new ipod nano!

2010-09-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Multi-Touch display lets you tap to play and swipe to browse.
Built-in clip: you can walk, run, ride, or dance with your favorite songs on your sleeve (or pocket, jacket, or bag). The album art of the song you’re listening to fits perfectly on the display.
Genius.
A built-in FM radio that you can pause and then tap again to continue where you left off.
Smart ways to stay fit. The nano boasts a built in pedometer that keeps track of your steps and helps you meet your fitness goals. Just clip it on and walk on. You can create a daily step goal and check your progress when you upload all your data to the Nike+ website.
A 24 hour battery life
Voice Over feature that allows you to control your music without looking at the screen, by telling you the name of the song or artist.

Picture courtesy of Apple.

Summer 2010 Street Notes

2010-09-02T10:37:00.000-07:00

'Style makers traded in their sloughy T-shirts for silk button-downs'

'Straw hats, summer's answer to the fedora'

'The red lip, as big on the street as it's been on the runways'

'Despite the heat, denim, often head to toe, was an essential'

'Cutoffs keep getting shorter'

'Leopard spots, the new neutral'

Tommy Ton's (JakAndJil)

My Top 5 Emmy Awards 2010 Red Carpet Picks

2010-09-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

Nina Dobrev, in Zuhair Murad, with Brian Atwood shoes and Chopard jewels.

January Jones, in electric blue Atelier Versace, with Miu Miu shoes and Cartier jewels (NBC’s commentators unfavorably nominated her for 'Worst Dress Female' — but really, what do they know? It brought some welcome edge to the red carpet.)

Rose Byrne,in Grecian goddess Gucci with Bochic jewels.

Julie Bowen, in J. Mendel, with Neil Lane jewels.

Jayma Mays, in Burberry, with a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and Neil Lane jewels.

The Science of Yoga

2010-08-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Through the practice of yoga can a person learn to control such physiologic parameters as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory function, metabolic rate, skin resistance, brain waves and body temperature, among other body functions?

And is there evidence to support doctors prescribing yoga and meditation?

Megan Fox goddess gown

2010-08-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Megan Fox recently married long time fiance Brian Austin Green on a beach in Ka’upulehu, Hawaii. Barefoot and carrying a bouquet of white Gardenias & roses, she glowed in a strapless Armani Prive' gown with a 16-ft long train that billowed beautifully out around her. Bunches of flowers were scattered in the sand at the picturesque sunset ceremony.

dont hate the player (or the electrolyte-enhanced hydration)

2010-07-31T03:53:00.000-07:00

I hate that I'm a sucker for advertising but when I saw this smartwater Ad Campaign with Jennifer Aniston it made me want to go for a run, do a yoga a class, pick up my skipping rope and buy a bottle of smartwater!

Olivia Palermo ASOS Magazine Autumn/Winter 2010

2010-07-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

30 Things every woman should have and know by 30

2010-07-12T11:07:00.001-07:00

'By 30, you should have:

One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
A youth you’re content to move beyond.
A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
The realization that you are actually going tohave an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
The belief that you deserve it.
A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know:

How to fall in love without losing yourself.
How you feel about having kids.
How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
When to try harder and when to walk away.
How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
How to take control of your own birthday.
That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
Why they say life begins at 30.'

Pamela Redmond Satran

Dream Cheating

2010-06-30T01:22:00.000-07:00

It’s happened to many of us. You’re in a great relationship and then some random memory slips into your subconscious and you wake up feeling incredibly guilty from your dream cheat. Now of course you didn’t do anything wrong, but some dreams seem so real that you can feel like you’ve been unfaithful…

You can dream cheat with a complete stranger, an acquaintance or worse yet, an ex-boyfriend…

So what’s a girl to do? Do you confess your sleep sins or push them aside?

Click title to continue reading...

Olivia Palermo and Johotness

2010-06-30T01:10:00.000-07:00

Ah, to acquire a boyfriend so absurdly perfect that he amiably color co-ordinates his (gorgeous) man-about-town outfit to your (equally gorgeous) girl-about-town get up.

Kirstin Cavallari

2010-06-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

Dirrty Glam Magazine, June 2010. This publication tries to glamorize a raunchier edgy look

Kirstin-Elias Tahan

Bloodstream by STATELESS

2010-06-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

Bloodstream by STATELESS

Jessica's Alba, Tatler, June 2010

2010-06-29T03:51:00.000-07:00

Love the knockout pony and silk dresses (click on pics to enlarge)