The Chaser= Bad Taste Comedy

I was as shocked, disgusted & appalled at The Chaser's recent comedy skit (and I use the term comedy VERY loosely)
When I first seen it I had tears in my eyes and I felt sick to my stomach.

Funny it was NOT!

It makes me sad just thinking about it. Their apology even worse, please could you at least remove the smirk from your face?

Maddison was in ICU Neonatal Unit for the 1st 6 weeks of her life and for someone to make a mockery of that is just disgusting.

I challenge you to go in and spend your EVERY waking second in there for 6 weeks and tell me the parents and the kids aren't deserving.

You know, you come across angry & rude people everyday for the most trivial reasons. But the people inside any Children's Hospital are the most positive, genuine & happy people you will ever meet. If anyone has a reason to have a chip on their shoulder it is these people. But they don't!

When I would walk to Maddison's room I walk past kids with cancer, kids with head braces, children being wheeled into surgery ALL day long.
I get to ICU and they are doing CPR on a baby and I can't see which cot they are around and I pray to god it's not Maddison and I'm so scared and grateful that it's not her, but it is someone's baby. Then I feel guilty for being relieved that it's not Maddison,another Mother isn't so lucky. I seen babies die everyday and you see their families crying and completely in despair. Tell me they are NOT DESERVING!

Instead of being at home, being sleep deprived and being swamped with visitors. I am able to 'pat' my girl and on a good day I can hold her for maybe 5 minutes. I am learning how to put a nasogastric tube up my baby nose down into her stomach just so she can eat. Watching her in so much pain and she is hysterical but I can't pick her up.
Where everyday it's a count down to try and wean her off oxygen, morphine then eventually Panadol. Then drug free, that's a great day. Now it's getting her to feed on her own.

But I got to take my daughter home. I'm one of the lucky ones and I feel so lucky so grateful that I can. Having seen so many that haven't been so lucky.

SO please Chaser Boys I challenge you to face every parent that has empty arms and heavy hearts that their baby isn't deserving!

D.I.Y Manicure's & Pedicure's

OK that's start with your Hands

You need a file & cuticle stick

1. File your nails, the most common is square and just round off the edges. Make sure your nails are all the same length.

2. Put some olive oil on your cuticles then push them back with your cuticle stick.

3. I usually finish with just clear coat just because color lasts 2 seconds and I don't have time to repaint and chipped nail polish isn't a good look!

Moisturize your hands as often as you think about it. Aveda have a travel size hand cream that I keep in my bag, I love it.

Manicure- You'll want to file your nails once a week. I usually only do my cuticles once every 2 weeks.

Now your Feet!

To save you time & money!

You will need a foot file, nail file, Block Buffer & cuticle stick

1. File your toe nails & use your block buffer over your whole nail until smooth (it smooths out the surface & removes those ridges you get in toe nails)
2. Put olive Oil on your cuticles
3. File your heels until they are nice and smooth.
4. Go back to your cuticles and push them back.
5. Exfoliate your feet (I just use my body scrub)
6. Paint, I put color on my toes it lasts!
Tip: Use a base coat, 2 coats of your color and a top coat. Try to use only about 2 to 3 strokes when you paint each nail. It will look much more professional!

Pedicure's- You will only need to do this about once a month! However I file my feet once a week and put moisturizer on them every day.

DO NOT- Ever cut your cuticles. They grow back faster and harder.If they are dry put oil on them everyday and push them back whenever you think about it.

DO NOT- Use a razor on the dry skin on your heels. I know beauty therapists do this ALL the time. It's because it's quicker and easier (would you want to file forever on someone else's crusty heels?)
The skin grows back just disgusting. Drier, thicker and it's wrong!

I have used the Ped Egg in my honest opinion for $60 it's no easier or better then the $8 foot file.

It is so easy to do your own Manicures and Pedicures. Once you're in the rhythm it will take no time at all, 20 minutes you'll have happy hands and feet!

Let me know how you go!

Lost You in Motherhood?

A friend of mine just asked this:-


Does anyone else feel like they have lost "themselves" since having kid/s? Don't get me wrong, I love both my kids very much, and often sit in wonder and stare at them, proud of myself, but I still feel like I've lost something in order to have them...

Yes, and this is why I drink! Ha.

There are so many aspects to this so I’ll start from the beginning:-

Pregnancy- Just when your career is going exactly how you want it too, you find out our pregnant, which is great, fantastic you’re just delighted.

Then you realize that ‘OH Ok’ so my life changes NOW, Mmmm didn’t really think of that!
But that’s ok I can get over the feeling of having a hangover for 3 months and if I thought my thighs were big before that’s nothing compared to what they’re going to get! Just when I think my breasts really couldn’t get any bigger, Oh hello they are.

Then you here your partner say ‘I don’t know if I’m ready for this’

All you want to do is say F@#K Off you have 9 months to get used to the idea! My life has changed NOW! They think just because you’re woman you’re not scared and afraid because hey isn’t that why God made Eve?

But we’re still positive and every time someone says ‘Oh your whole life is going to change & you may not want to come back to work’ and you’re like what do you mean how hard can it be, I’ll be back at work full time when that baby is 6 months!

Meanwhile your partner is still having Friday night drinks with the boys, feeling great and pretending that your fat arse doesn’t bother him ‘Because you’re pregnant’ even though you stopped looking at it in the mirror months ago!

Then you have the baby and the adrenalin in pumping and although you haven’t slept for more then 2 hours you’re still pumping because if you stop you’re going to crack.
Your support network which you thought you would have an amazing one, but soon realize that they aren’t available at 3am and they do work during the day most days.

Meanwhile your partner is back at work still life hasn’t really changed apart from the 2 hours at the end of their day. But nooooo I can’t change that ONE dirty nappy because it makes me feel sick!
Hello I have felt like I was going to throw up for the last how long????????
‘And plus you know, I have to get up and go to work and I’m sooo busy at the moment. So I just want to sit down for 5 minutes.’
I’m sorry haven’t you sat down all day, had lunch break, spoke to somebody and actually finished a conversation?

After 3 weeks and the adrenalin has long gone the visitors have stopped coming over you come crashing back to reality and that’s when you start to think ‘You have lost yourself’

So YES we do give up a piece of ourselves as well as our pelvic floor, our self esteem, our bodies, our breasts and peace and quiet.

But this topic is FAR from over. I think we’ve only just begun. So stay tuned…….

It’s ALL About the Shape!

How many times have you said “I don’t get it? It’s my size how can it not fit?

OR

“It’s my size but it’s tight across the back?”

It’s NOT the wrong size it’s the wrong shape! You can wear a bra that is the perfect size but if the shape isn't right it's going to be really uncomfortable for you.

Let me break it down for you!

ALL bras anywhere are 3 basic shapes.

It’s the materials, colors and quality that vary.

Plunge Bra are the triangle shaped ones. These are good if you are full up the top in other words: your breasts haven’t gone south.

A common error in these bras is that they create space in the top.

THIS IS NOT GOOD! It will create bounce and where bounce there is is NO support.

In saying that though they are still a very handy bra to have for those tops with a plunging neckline.

Example Of a Plunge

Balcony Bras are great for smaller cups A to D it will give you lift and shape and make them look fuller. It’s also great for the women who have lower set breasts its way more flattering to your body.

Also if you have wider set breast so if you've said "This bra is my size but it's tight across the back" this bra is awesome!

Example of a Balcony

Balconette Bras-It's the in between it’s kind of like your sweetheart neckline. It’s more then a balcony but less then a plunge. These are great for bigger busts whether your full or even if they have gone south. They give great shape, lift and will give you the support you need so you won’t want to rip them at the end of the day. I love this cut it suits the majority of women!

Example of a Balconette

Look for a shape that brings them forward, you don’t want them under your armpits!

1. It is uncomfortable

2. It will make you look bigger then you are.

Do you need to find you Bra Size?

You may need to see my Bra Dictionary.

FAQ's on Bra Problems

Common Problems

Is your bust spilling over or bulging under the cup?
The cups are too small, and you will need a larger cup size.

Are the straps digging into your shoulders and leaving indentations?
You may need to loosen the straps. Or, the cups may be too small, pulling the bra downward and creating tension in the straps, and you may need a larger cup size.

Are the straps falling off your shoulders?
Most likely, the band size is too large and you will need a smaller band. It’s also possible that the bra has lost its elasticity. Or tighten the straps.

Is the band riding up your back?
The band is either too large or needs to be tightened. Adjust the band so it’s not so loose or you may need a smaller size.

Are the cups in your bra gapping?
If you’re not properly filling out the cup, then the back and/or cup size is too large and you will need a smaller size.

Is the wire in your bra digging or poking you?
If your bust is being forced to find somewhere to go, and you are being poked by the under wire in the process, then the cup size is probably too small and you will need a larger size.

Fact,
Quality materials not only look great but ensure optimum comfort and support and a longer lasting bra. It will also give you shape and you won’t feel the need to rip your bra off the first chance you get

Care Instructions,
• Hand Wash your lingerie or place them into a wash bag with the hooks done up.
• Dry them inside so the color doesn’t fade and the materials remain soft.

Beauty on a Budget OR the Time Poor

I have decided to write a series of Beauty Tips for anyone you is time poor and/or on a budget.
For those who don't know me I am a Hairdresser by trade (and a very good one ;-) even if I do say so myself) turned Beauty & Health girl.

What do they have in common with Bras? They ALL make you feel good, great in fact. People ask me ALL the time about tips on hair, make up, skin and the most common thing I hear is "I don't have time"

Here is a tip make time!

I will share my secrets with you on looking after yourself for less time and money.

Lesson 1,

Skin Care

To prevent aging & get glowing skin you MUST do the following:


Daily:
Cleanse- clean your skin really well.
Moisturize- In the morning use a SPF everyday even around your eyes (eye creams don't have any sun block so unless you want crows feet around your eyes use SPF)
Eye Cream and a nourishing moisturizer at night.

Once to Twice Weekly:
Exfoliate & Mask

It seriously takes 5 minutes, exfoliate & put the mask on before you get in the shower. Then just before you get out take the mask off.

Now what skin care range do I recommend?
I have worked with every exclusive brand known to man. My favorite is- Paula's Choice

Why? It is a simple no fluff range that works. It doesn't have all of the neck, bust creams and all the others fluffy creams that will never work. It gives you what you need.
Best of all it's so cheap anyone can afford it. You can become a member for $10 and get a huge discount all the time.
Paula is the author of 'Don't go to the beauty counter without me'
Now she has her own range.
I got a cleanser, exfoliater, mask and moisturizer for AU$100 which I think is very good.

If you want nice smells and fluffy eye, neck, bust creams and don't mind spending a little more. I really like Elemis the smells are divine and they are really good. And based on all natural ingredients.


A range should last you about 6 to 8 months. You will notice a big difference after the 1st time but it gets even better!

Lesson 2, I share with you How To Get Happy Hands & Feet! DIY manicures & pedicures.

How To Measure Your Bra Size

My Bra Size Guide is so good it's ranked Top 3 in the world!
We all know that 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong size bra. Blah Blah Blah!
I will show you how to get the right size AND shape for you!

Upon my extensive research, I have found that finding your correct bra size isn’t as easy as one simple measuring system.

Generally speaking it differs from smaller to larger cups. My measuring technique is similar to others however we have tweaked it to ensure a perfect fit. Steps 1 and 2 are generic for both smaller and bigger cup sizes, though Step 3 is for smaller cups and Step 4 is for larger cups

1. Band Size
Wrap the measuring tape around your rib cage snugly just under your bust. Make sure you’re wearing a good fitting, non-padded bra while measuring, measure in inches. If it’s an odd number go down one. Use the Band Size chart below to convert your band size.

• Bras stretch in the back; your bra should fit firmly on the loosest hook when new;
• Band is level from front to back;

Band Size

Australia	8	10	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26
UK & US	30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48
Europe	65	70	75	80	85	90	95	100	105	110

2. Cup Size
Wrap the measuring tape around your breasts. Measure in inches the fullest part of your bust. Simply subtract your band size from your bust measurement and that will give you your cup size. Use the chart below to find your cup size.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

AU

A

B

C

D

DD

E

F

G

H

-

-

-

UK

A

B

C

D

DD

E

F

FF

G

GG

H

I

USA

A

B

C

D

DD

DDD

E

F

G

H

-

-

EU

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

-

-

-

-

3. Smaller Cup sizes A - D
You have converted your measurements and have both the band and cup measurement. Now to tweak! Go up in your band size and down in your cup size.

For Example:
Band Measurement: 32 inches = Australian Size 10
Bust Measurement: 35 inches
Cup Size: 35 - 32 = 3, Equals a C cup
Bra Size: 10C

NOW go up a band size and down a cup size = 12B

4. Larger Cup Sizes DD Cup & Up
You have converted your measurements and have both the band and cup measurement. The band sizes are generous so remember you want it to be a snug fit.

For Example:

Rib Cage Measurement: 34 inches = Australian Size 12

Bust Measurement: 40 inches

Cup Size: 40 – 34= 6 Give’s me an E Cup.

Bra Size: 12 E

NOW YOU KNOW YOUR BRA SIZE, WHAT SHAPE IS BEST FOR YOU?

FAQ's Questions on Bras

You can also watch my video

Any questions? Email me braqueen@gmail.com

Bottoms Size Guide

SIZE	DRESS SIZE GUIDE	WAIST (INCHES)	HIPS (INCHES)
S	8-10	24-27	34-37
M	12-14	27-30	37-40
L	14-16	30-33	40-43

Me, My kids and I

I have spent so much time lately thinking about my business and everything that goes with it. That I have to stop and give myself a little reality check!

Yesterday I posted a Smilebox which I love because it's quick, free, they look great and people love them.

I have 2 girls Maddison is 2 1/2 and Milly is 5 1/2 months.

Maddison is my girlie girl who could seriously talk the leg off a chair. There is nothing she can't say and who is far too intelligent for her own good. She loves dressing up, Barbie & painting her nails! And LOVES to cuddle.



Milly is much cruiser then Maddison doesn't really fuss too much but will let you know when she's not happy! She is really tall (she didn't get that from my side!) must be a throw back from somewhere! Right now all she wants to do is stand and be in where the action is.



I love it when you first go in Milly's room in the morning and she is so happy to see you. She Goo and Gaa's and full of smiles it warms your heart.

Maddison walked up to me the other day and said " I love you Baby!" and those random acts of affection can just bring a smile to your face.

So after my light bulb moment over the weekend I am now making it my mission to enjoy the present and start enjoying the journey and stop worrying about just getting to the other side.

I am looking forward to sharing the journey with you and please I love your comments so feel free to share...

My Family

Make a Smilebox slideshow