Record label Rice Is Nice added a little sugar with spice and got Good Heavens

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It all began with talented Sarah Kelly, originally of The Red Sun Band, who had a treasure trove of demos, enter Rice Is Nice who put her in touch with former Wolfmother survivors Myles Heskett and Chris Ross.

Then, BAM! Musical Magic!

Their first appearance at their darling labels night at the Annandale was a mini taste of great things to come and their launch last night at the Landsdowne was a beer soaked, swaying, hot pool of awesomeness.

Check out their first single here: http://www.riceisnice.net/artists/good-heavens/

And be sure to grab a copy of their new album Strange Dreams (HERE http://www.riceisnice.net/store/), your ears will thank you.

- Mac

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Well then this video is for you. Created by the delightful Sunnie Brooks of the great beauty blog: http://sunniebrook.com/blog/

Watch, Learn and Enjoy.

- Mac

*****

]]> http://flyaroundmyprettylittlemiss.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/prada-why-are-you-so-gosh-darn-good/feed/ 2 runway flyaroundmyprettylittlemiss 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 http://flyaroundmyprettylittlemiss.wordpress.com/2012/06/19/skin-care-when-the-cooler-winds-come-a-knocking/ http://flyaroundmyprettylittlemiss.wordpress.com/2012/06/19/skin-care-when-the-cooler-winds-come-a-knocking/#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:43:39 +0000 flyaroundmyprettylittlemiss http://flyaroundmyprettylittlemiss.wordpress.com/?p=1634 ]]>  Don’t let old man winter ruin your lovely skin.

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I am probably going to sound crazy, and I know a lot of you will disagree with me on this. I love winter more than summer. Yep, I said it. It’s out there, I am at my most happy when snuggled down under half a dozen sheets and blankets, buried under coats and scarves and strutting about in thick socks tucked into wintery boots.

My reasoning being that in winter, when I’m cold I can always add more layers and get warmer, but when I’m hot in summer I can be as naked as can be and still be boiling.

Therefore as the chilly weather creeps up on us down in old Sydney town we need to start getting savvy about our health, our skin and our wardrobes. These three will help you embrace the cold better than a polar bear in a blizzard.

Today I’m going to cover

SKIN CARE

Face

I am going to break face up into two parts; Morning & Night.

And all I can speak from is my point of view. A point of view with combination skin, but particularly dry skin in winter that needs a little extra TLC during those very drying cool months.

Night:

Now a side note, I am actually in the midst of hunting for a great thick rich night cream, because at the moment I’m using my day cream. It is doing an alright job, but it just isn’t thick enough I feel to last me a whole night.

L’Oreal Derma Genesis

I got sent this little bottle and I have been sticking to it ever since. Four months down the track and I just don’t really find that this is wonderful, it is just a little to light for what I want. HOWEVER I do love it in Summer. But for winter I am still searching for the best thick cream.

Morning/Before bed:

Cetaphil daily facial cleanser

I have tried and tested several dozen cleansers throughout my life and everything and they always made me break out or dry me out and always leave my skin feeling stretched out. So I went back to basics and Cetaphil is a sworn favourite among everyone. Please make the switch your skin will love it.

Nivea Daily Essentials for Oily & Combination Skin

This cream has been my life saver. My t-zone has always been a problem for me and the rest of my face gets extra super dry so I need something that caters to both especially in winter. This cream is so rich and light I don’t break out, and goes wonderfully under my makeup. Plus it has an SPF 15 (not the 8 that the picture has, sorry old photo).

Lips

My lips in winter need sooooo much TLC I feel like I’m in a needy relationship.

I had been using my Clinique Chubby stick but been finding that unless I really covered my lips in it half an hour into it and they would be screaming for another cover.

So I went on the hunt for a richer creamier something with a little colour kick.

Revlon Colourburst Lip-Butter in Cherry Tart

These Lip Butter are exactly that, BUTTERY. They give a lovely tint and feel so lovely even after it has sunk into your lips.

Blistex

This has been my nightly saving grace for years. I lather it all over and around (the trick is to go all around your lips) before I go to bed and I wake up with soft smooth lips. Although my little tub is almost empty, so I may try out a mates advice and move onto PawPaw.

Body

Neutrogena Norwegia Formula Body Moisturiser

This is the best best best body cream. I adore it. My skin soaks it up like a sponge, it isn’t oily it doesn’t linger like some creams that never sink in. So grab a bottle and put it on right after a shower ever single night.

*****

Now please feel free to share your creamy secrets especially night creams and please everyone make sure to take care of your poor soft skin during the harsh wintery months.

- Mac

Time you met a clever new friend of mine…

1.              Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from and how did you start creating your art.

Hi Mac – thank you for having me here.

I’m originally from Hong Kong, but grew up here in Sydney, Australia. I started Art, like all kids, back at home or in school. But life has an unusual way of being distracting… It wasn’t until I had an art teacher by the name of Mrs. Rudzis in the second-half of high school, that I really believed that I could do this.

2.              As a previous COFA student myself, how did you find the learning experience there?

I do think that a school is only as good as the students they are having, so in that sense, I learnt a lot more from my fellow classmates than the actual curriculum. I majored in painting/drawing, but have since branched out into creating sculptures and art installations too. I had a lot of fun, but to say I had even more fun since I left, would be even more true.

3.              How did you develop your particular style of art creating?

The year of 2008 is when I actually believed I started my career as an artist. Everything before then, was just me fumbling around, learning as I was going.

Basically, I was still finding my ‘story’.

Everything made sense to me when I attended an artist’s residency in the Arctic Circle (Kemijärvi, Finland). I had arrived during the season of the ‘midnight sun’, a time when the sun never sets due to its location, and for about two weeks I had a lot of trouble sleeping. It all clicked into place when I re-imagined my life as an old man (I definitely felt like it), looking back upon his life beginning from childhood, all the while living it and still growing older.

4.              Did living abroad in USA, Sweden, Finland and Norway have any impact on your art style or presentation?

The USA was my first place for an artist’s residency. It really helped open my eyes to the type of work I was eventually to create. It wasn’t until my trip to Scandinavia in 2008 though, that this all happened so quickly. I had found a place where people could understand me, where we listened to each others stories, all the while having an aesthetic which made sense to me. Scandinavians have an extremely developed sense of style and creativity, and being in this calm, melancholy and peaceful environment, it is as much a necessity for the people there as it is a part of my personality.

5.              Your art is delightfully playful, is the art just as fun to create as it is for me to look at?

I’ve always liked how children have a hidden layer beneath their innocent exterior, and it’s with this in mind, that I try to give the viewer a playful outlook, while discretely hiding a darker side.

I love making Art very very much, but there are definitely days when my ‘zen’ is disrupted, but more so because of the process of being an artist. If it was just about being creative and having it shown, it would be easy-peasy. The middle parts of this is what is very difficult sometimes. Music really helps out when this happens. It makes everything all right again.

6.              How long does an artwork take to create, for example my personal favourite the water bottle?

My paintings take approx. six months each, layering ten litres of acrylic paint on top of one another with the use of a toothpick as my tool. My drawings take a few days to a week. And as for your favourite piece, I can’t actually remember…….ironic isn’t it? Knitting and crocheting is my most ‘moody’ part of my artistic practice – some pieces can take a few hours, some days and weeks on end. Most of that comes down to my relative inexperience in it (…I’ve only been knitting and crocheting for the past 3-4 years).

7.              Do you think the fuzzy line between craft and art is finally being crossed by gallery spaces, or do you still find a barrier when people see you aren’t making painting or sculpture?

Let’s just say the fuzzy line is still very fuzzy…but maybe less so with some people than others. I’ve found that different countries have varying perceptions of what is acceptable in Art, and this in turn gives their general public a more complete or incomplete view of what they deem as art or craft. Europe is more progressive in this way, but I think we’re on the right track…..and I think we’re going to see less of a barrier as people become more ‘educated’ about it. It all just comes down to seeing it, feeling it and becoming more familiar with it.

8.              What is the greatest experience you’ve had as a result of your art?

If I’m to be honest, I’m hoping this will be something that hasn’t happened yet!

But to choose something from recent years, I’d say it’s just being able to connect with people who see what I see. When old couples cry, young couples leave happy, or little children dance in front of my artworks…….I know that what I do is relevant. I guess being understood is what makes me most happy. Finding others who feel the same as you do, is simply one of the best feelings in life.

9.              Where do you see your artistic future going, or where would you like it to go?

I’d like to go as far as I can. If it means I can have my dream home of a lighthouse by the sea with a lovely family, and a seperate place high up in the city, I think I’d have achieved a big part of my dream.

I can’t speak on behalf of all artists (that’d be pretty stupid of me to do), but I make Art not to be famous or well-known. I simply want to do what makes me feel alive, feel whole, and if I’m able to continue to do this, for as long as I’m alive…….this is what I want. I want to be happy.

~ To keep in touch (Website & Facebook page) ~

*****

First watch this:

Now that we all accept that we are crazy we can appreciate the genius that is ASOS.COM My absolute favourite site for online shopping, and as long as you know your measurements you can’t go wrong. Especially when it is free shipping to practically anywhere (or more importantly Australia).

This is now your go to place: ASOS WOMEN’S SHOES

And this is why…

The Perfect Ankle Boot

The Perfect Brogues

The Perfect Ballet Flats

The Perfect Sandals

These are the golden quad. You have one of each of these and you are set.

Asos.com makes it super easy to find quality products that are both on trend and totally unique.

Each of these are leather, all under $100.

Build up the basics in your wardrobe and you will have all you’ll need to mix and match for any outfit come rain, hail or shine.

ENJOY!

- Maca

*****

Hair loss is one of those subjects that most people associate with men; however, the truth is that there are thousands of women all around the world suffering from hair loss too. If you are one of these women, you might find that there isn’t really much advice out there or anything that you can do, and this shouldn’t be the case at all.
Dealing with hair loss can be more difficult for women than men in a lot of cases, simply because of the lack of attention and help out there. In this article, we’re going to address what you should do if you think hair loss is a problem for you and how you can start to treat it.

Understanding that you aren’t alone

The first thing that you need to understand is that you are not alone. There are actually millions of women out there that are suffering from some form of hair loss but most of them will keep it to themselves. This is usually due to a fear of embarrassment or simply not knowing where to turn. As well as this, hair loss in women in not as socially acceptable as it is for men which makes the experience so much more difficult for women.
As soon as you understand that you are one of millions of women all around the world that are suffering from hair loss, we hope you will at least start to feel less alone.

Getting help

Once you have realised that hair loss might be a problem for you, you need to seek help. We recommend that you make an appointment with your local doctor/GP and he/she will be able to let you know more about the problem. Your doctor should be able to recommend a treatment for you or at least tell you more about the problem and refer you to an expert.
Many people (women especially) feel too embarrassed to go and see their doctor about hair loss which is something that you need to combat. Hair loss is just as much of a medical problem than anything else and if you don’t treat it as soon as you realise there is a problem, you might find that your hair loss spirals out of control when it could have been avoided, or at least helped.

Using hair loss products

Now, there are a lot of different hair loss products out there on the market and we’ll be honest, many of them are pretty pointless. However, there are some that have been proven to work such as Rogaine foam. It is highly likely that your doctor will recommend a hair loss product for you depending on the root cause of your hair loss problem.
Getting this advice from your doctor is absolutely paramount as there are different causes of hair loss in women so without this advice, you could be treating your problem with the wrong solution. hair growth supplements might also be recommended by your doctor and often, these can have more of a positive effect than many of the hair loss products out there.

Keeping on top of your treatment

Once you begin any kind of treatment for your hair loss problem, you need to keep on top of it. By this, we mean you should make sure that you are applying/taking the treatment when you need to and that you are monitoring the results. If you find that there has been little or no improvement after a vast period of time, you NEED to consult your doctor once again and possibly go for further testing.

Conclusion

Hair loss is not something that you should be embarrassed about as it really does affect a huge number of women all around the world. By visiting your doctor and finding a relevant treatment as soon as you notice a problem, you will be able to minimise the damage that is done.

Author Bio: This post was written by Joshua Hardwick of HairLossGeeks.com; a site dedicated to anything and everything related to hair loss. If you enjoyed this article, check out our guide to the best hair growth products for women.

Kim Manning is a talented artist with a genuine enthusiasm and originality to her work.

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1. Tell me a little about your art and how you got started/where you studied?

I’ve always been artistically inclined. Some of my earliest memories are of mum chucking a box of crayons and blank paper in front of me. I even remember stealing some black house paint as a baby and Pollock-ing up our (then) white bathroom walls. Growing up in the bush outside of Tamworth, drawing and painting were always a great way to occupy my time because activities were limited and it was often difficult to meet up with friends. I definitely favoured visual arts throughout primary and high school and I would try to incorporate artistic elements into all of the other aspects of my schoolwork too. I would always find excuses to draw in class, even on the desks! My teacher actually liked them so much that she told me I didn’t have to clean it off! But it wasn’t until I began studying at Sydney University’s College of the Arts that I began to paint. I completed my BVA last year and am now getting through my honours year. SCA’s campus is a lot of fun. It’s a visually beautiful and inspiring atmosphere but being an old psych ward, can get a bit creepy too…Especially during late night access studio hours! It’s been pretty great so far. Must admit, I’d like a little less theory and a little more studio time though!

2. Your paintings have a somewhat salacious theme, what is the inspiration for this?

They certainly do! I never used to paint such controversial subject matter (although, to be honest, I don’t think it’s an easy task to be controversial at all in the contemporary art world). Until about halfway through my second year at SCA, I was exclusively painting visually appealing images of attractive females or objects. There was no challenge when viewing my earlier paintings. You got what you saw, an aesthetically acceptable, purely decorative image, and there was no need for further contemplation. I began to feel as though my works were merely fulfilling a superficial purpose. This is when I started to think about creating works that sought to challenge people’s perspectives and perhaps elicit an array of responses from my viewers. I also wanted to depict discomforting scenarios as a means of contradicting my tedious and meticulous painting methods (I am a perfectionist Virgo through and through). I decided to turn to the world of pornography as a source of inspiration. I use magazines, films, and the internet as constant reference points. Over time, my intentions and reason for engaging with this theme have altered slightly. Initially, although still slightly abstracted, my paintings were quite obviously pornographic depictions. I would find an image or a still that I was interested in compositionally and render it in a colour block style. However, they have become increasingly abstracted and ambiguous. The idea of perversion and the feeling of shame a viewer might feel upon recognising the scenarios depicted is a notion that I am dabbling with. For the viewer, knowing that the image they think they see could simply be their own imagination (conjuring sexually exploitative ideas in their mind due to familiar or suggestive shapes and forms) is an appealing concept to me. I now find that the process of camouflaging pornographic scenarios almost to the point that what is presented is unrecognisable to be more satisfying than painting in a more representational manner for the “shock factor.” This is because the works are not completely realised at first glance. I like that this ambiguity provokes discussion and also appeals to a broader audience.

3. What kind of art are you hoping to pursue in the future?

Honestly, I can see myself working with this theme for a while to come. There hasn’t been a dull moment so far. I am constantly challenged and there are always obstacles to overcome. However, I have just recently begun to introduce a different kind of confronting element to the already pornographic works. The idea of grotesque and horrific imagery is starting to make a subtle appearance in a few of my drawings and paintings. So I guess you could say that I am working towards producing pornographic/horror hybrid works. The reason behind this is completely media related. It is amazing just how desensitised I have become with regards to explicit pornography since working with the theme. This raises more important issues such as censorship, tolerance thresholds and the accessibility of exploitative imagery in the media. Often absent-mindedly searching for pornographic reference images in a public space, I tend to forget that I’m working with a subject that’s considered taboo. It isn’t until I notice all the disapproving glances shooting at me from passers- by that I remember the importance of discretion. To an extent, getting caught out like this can make me feel perverted. So the idea of guilt or shame with regards to my work is twofold. I experience it just as much as my viewers. The introduction of horrific imagery stems from the same idea. I have been exposed to and obsessed with the overall genre of horror and idea of terror since I can remember. Watching countless R rated films and serial killer documentaries from an inappropriately young age has completely desensitised me to most media that is intended to be frightening. Hence, this idea of desensitisation (as a result of too much media exposure to a particular subject) is a theme that I have started to explore in my work. Because of this heavy reliance on the accessibility of various media for my source material and inspiration, my practice is firmly grounded in a contemporary context.

4. The new space at the Tate Gallery at the Toxteth Hotel in Glebe is just starting out, what do you think of the space? And how do you think your paintings will work in the space?

The Tate is a great space! It’s extremely comforting to know that there are people out there, encouraging struggling students to exhibit their work in commission- free galleries. The space also offers rent-free studios to artists from a range of disciplines and backgrounds that may not have this luxury in their own home or at university! The result is a forming network of young, creative like-minded people who will support each other and continually encourage the importance of the arts. Spaces like the Tate are so important and wildly beneficial to young artists as they are a bridge between Sydney’s arts education system and the (often) impenetrable art industry. The physicality of the space is very practical. It is one big long white wall. I have been to a few shows there since it has been running and have noticed that with the exclusion of nooks and crannies, the flow of people is much more manageable than in other spaces. You can start from the left and thoroughly contemplate each work with ease until you get to the end. Because of this set-up, I think my pieces for the show will work very well in the space. I will be exhibiting paintings and drawings from different stages of the past 2 years. Although they are cohesive in terms of subject matter, they vary in terms of visual appearance. The long wall in the space is beneficial to my work because it enables a sort of chronological view of my progress, which I feel is an important aspect of my practice and the direction I am headed in.

- Mac

HORROTICA is Kim Manning’s first Solo Show and opening night is 25th April 2012 at the Tate Gallery in the Toxteth Hotel in Glebe. Please come one come all!

This guest post was written by Ella Davidson of Coupons.org. Coupons.org provides consumer saving tips as well as coupons and savings for a vast number of top retailers.

No matter where you live, you will find that beauty is an aspect that many people focus their efforts on. It may surprise you that there is not one routine that everyone follows – especially when you take into consideration how many countries there are in the world. Many traditions and products have been handed down through generations of women with the sole purpose of preserving beauty regimens. The result is that many different countries have produced top products in their markets and they deserve a mention as producers of top beauty products.

Top Beauty Products to Try

Across the world, there are natural resources available in areas that are not necessarily available in our own respective countries. Here are some of the top ingredients that make spectacular beauty products:

• Dead Sea Mud in Israel – always touted for its natural healing properties, many companies use a percentage of Dead Sea mud in their products to promote natural healing. AHAVA is one of the more popular companies that incorporates not only Dead Sea mud into their beauty masks, but also takes advantage of the mineral content of the Dead Sea salts. AHAVA sells products such as facial and foot masks, luxury bath salts, soaps and shampoos that are formulated with natural remedy in mind.

• Beauty Products in Switzerland – Switzerland is famous for many things, one being their emphasis on beauty. There is no one product that sets Switzerland apart; rather as a whole, it is their emphasis on the all natural. This means that there are no paraben preservatives used, most products are dye free as well as fragrance free. Arbonne is a company that epitomizes these values and carries it throughout their line of beauty products. Arbonne beauty products can be found for sale throughout Canada and elsewhere.

• Manuka Honey in New Zealand (and parts of Australia) – A relative of the Tea Tree, the Manuka Tree is harvested yearly by bees and turned into Manuka honey. The result is a honey that is very high in antioxidants and is antibacterial in nature as well. This honey can be used in multiple applications, including internally and externally. It is used in hair glosses, facemasks and also in body scrubs. These products can be found around the world, but because of the abuse of the name of Manuka honey, you should always check the list of ingredients to ensure it is actually included in the product, not just on the label.

The top beauty products listed above fall into the category because of their effectiveness and uniqueness. With women becoming more informed each day about the ingredients that go into their products, it is important that manufacturer’s stay true to their roots and these companies and products have proven to be consistent over the years.

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It may sound strange to most, but winter is by far my most favourite season. I adore wearing big jumpers, scarves and hats. And there is nothing better than rugging up on the couch with a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate and having a long dvd session either alone or with a friend.

So as the (barely even there) summer now comes to a close, I am in happy autumn and moving slowly towards my happy weather. Coldness.

It’s time to get all the coats out of storage, dig the jumpers out from beneath the drawers and pull out all the boots.

However it may also be time to update your lovely collection with some new looks. So I have put my favourites together for you to peek at:

Bari Cable Knit - Cream

Jumpers like this work great over anything really, but with the new peter pan collar trend they are simply adorable.

Clemence Poesy G Star Raw

I just bought these jeans and I practically hug them every chance I get. They fit right, and you can actually move about in them without dislocating a knee (that happened to a friend! how awful).

Faux Fur Scarf - ASOS

Fauz fur is super cosy and kinda feels like a Muppet is giving you a hug. I dig that.

Alexa Chung in Ballet Flats

As a total shorty I was a little hesitant about buying such flat flats, but boy oh boy are they comfy. Country Road has a range of completely leather ones with wonderful soles that will set you up for a few seasons.

Leather Peter Pan Collar

The best collar around I think. And you don’t even need a whole shirt. There are some great DIY tips going about the internet on how to make these cute little collars.

Here is one right now: http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/peter-pan-collar-necklace-diy-.html?cid=6a00d8358081ff69e20167611d701f970b

So get comfy this cold season and embrace all that winter has to offer, sadly we don’t get snow, but that won’t stop me twirling about like it is. Heck I may even go ice skating. Like the disco kind they do on Fridays! Oh boy now I’m super excited.

- Mac