TAG

Taking up VanityMakeup's tagging everyone
Shampoo - John Freida "Sheer Blonde" shampoo and conditioner
Styling products - John Frieda Sleeks and Glosses and John Freida Glossing balm
Shower gel - LUX but i forget what it's called "Lumousity" or something??
Body moisturiser - The Body Shop, Body Butter in "Strawberry"
Deodorant - Juicy Couture "Viva La Juicy" (mmmm...doesn't smell as good as i though it would for $120)
Fake tan - none
Cleanser - Clinique 3 step skincare system
Toner - Clinique 3 step skincare system
Exfoliator - Dermalogica "Daily Microfoliant"
Primer - None
Foundation - none
Concealer - none
Powder - MAC Studio Fix in "C3"
Highlight - MAC "Vanilla" Pigment
Eyeshadow base - MAC 'Fresco Rose' Paintpot.
Eyeshadows - MAC "Swish" on the lid and "Woodwinked" in the crease
Eyeliner - MAC Technakohl liner in "Photogravure"
Curler - Manicare
Mascara - CoverGirl Hydrofuse Lash Exact
Lipstick - none
Lipgloss - MAC Dazzleglass in 'Extra Amps"
Nail colour - Cutex 'French Pink"
And i tag everyone

12 Brazilian Self-Empowered Woman

Dear Followers,

Do you know what Gymboree founder Joan Barnes, Nobel Prize-Winning author Doris Lessing, entertainer Dolly Parton, and actress Meg Ryan, have in common?

You'll get the answer in the next post, but in the meantime I want to share with you the story of an amazing Brazilian woman named Marina Silva. Silva was her country's environmental minister after Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (no relation) was elected in 2002. But she resigned her position with da Silva's Worker's Party and joined the Green Party, where rumor has it that she may be a condidate in next year's Presidential election. If she runs and wins, she will be the country's first female president and the country's first black president.

These days the idea of a woman who is running for a poilitical position is no longer earth shattering, but Silva's story is an amazing tale of a Self-Empowered Woman at her best. Hard as it is to imagine, Marina was one of eleven children born to parents living in Seringal Bagaco, a community of rubber tree tappers. Her mother died when she was eleven and two younger sisters later died from measles and maleria. As a child, Marina walked nine miles each day to help her father collect rubber from trees. Seriously ill from hepatitis and illiterate, she left home at sixteen and took a bus to Rio Branco where she hoped to receive both an education and medical attention. She worked as a maid, enrolled in a course for illiterate adults, and finished primary school. During school vacations she returned home to help her father collect rubber, and ultimately graduated from university at age 26 with a degree in history.

The governor of her home state of Acre, when asked about the fact that she had switched political parties answered "Marina is a person that earned her own wings, and it is not surprising to discover that those who have wings can fly."

Good news- THE BOOK is scheduled to go on sale from Amazon.com on Sept. 15th. Looking forward to your comments...

Haul 4

Hi

So i mentioned in my last post that i was going Summer wardrobe and accessory shopping and yesterday was a huge success! I feel that i bought a lot of really cool items that i can imagine myself wearing this Summer. I got some Gladiators which i was very excited about.

So i bought A LOTTT of clothes so i have decided to pick out some of my favourites because i don't want it to get boring just seeing dress after dress just in different colours (not that i bought the same dress in multiple colours or anything...)

Nevertheless, here are my favourites!!

Jay Jays Shirt: $19.99

MAC Swish eyeshadow $32

Solid Gold Dancer creme shadow $3



Prestige $5

BeDazzled mini shorts: $34.95

Dress $39.99

Gladiators $30

$90 for chain and $160 for pendant

SUMMER!

So as the weather is getting hotter, Summer is getting closer and I am getting more excited!

I adore Summer for many reason such as summer boys, beach, summer dresses, the sun is always out, eating icecream, mall with friends, summer dances, mini shorts, cami's, new summer wardrobe full stop, cheerleading competitions are always more intense in summer, your more active therefore a lot healthier than in winter, swimming, walks to the park, markets, oh my gosh...there is just SOOOO many reasons to LOVE Summer.

So i guess the point of this post is to say that Summer is coming up therfore tomorrow i am going to 3 different major malls that are close to me (all Westfeild) that have many many different clothing shops in them and i am going in search of my Summer wardrobe.

Each year i tend not to wear my Summer wardrobe from the previous year (unless its like a GORGEOUS item that i can't part with) because i don't enjoy wearing the same clothes over and over as it tends to get boring.

So tomorrow i am going clothes, shoe and accessory shopping...maybe a little make up (who am i kidding-do i ever say no to make up?!?). I am going to be seeing mini dresses, bright t-shirts, candy coloured accessories and Gladiator sandals.

So excited and am getting prepared for a LOOONGGGGG day of shopping (approx. 8-9 hours).

Can not wait and all i have to say is...GET READY FOR A HAUL!!!

Jordy,
xx

11. Title IX

Lisa Ling
(Photo: Amshelleys 20's)









Dear Followers,

Did you know what U.S. Army General Ann Dunwoody, jockey Julie Krone, TV journalist Lisa Ling, and writer Anna Quindlen have in common? These amazing women, like the others in Chapter 11, were comfortable (rather than frightened by) taking risks.


The major news story of the week is the death of Senator Ted Kennedy, and whether Republican or Democrat, today's women all owe him a big Thank You for his work as a key supporter of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This bill helped balance the amount of money spent on men's and women's sports.

Mary Jo Kane, director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sports at the University of Minnesota said "...he always argued for ...making sure that young girls and women had equal opportunities on the sports field...He understood that the world of sports is not just about who wins and loses, but the kinds of experiences that young girls had been denied for centuries."

Female stars like Sue Bird, Crystal Bustos, Mary Decker, Lisa Leslie, Michelle McGann, Dara Torras and Venus and Serena Williams could not have enjoyed the success they did 50 years ago.

Exciting news! Today I received the first bound copy of The Self-Empowered Woman. Finally, both Tony and I can exhale - hope you'll think it's as impressive as we do...

UPDATE

Hello

So it has been over a week since i last posted. (In fact is has been 9 days) So i believe i owe you guys an update.

Again, this is because of Cheerleading but don't worry our comp is on Sunday so after that i should have a lot of spare time on my hands.

Before i begin my update have you seeen juicystar07's room tour....her room is gorgeous!

I have been hauling a few major things like televisions, handbags, bookcases and clothes.

But they are all almost a week old so unless someone requests i believe they are all too old to mention unless i do a collective haul. (That i might do)

*I have been renovating my room (nothing major just moving things around and getting new stuff).

*A few carnivals that I have had to attend and cheer at due to being a Spirit Squad member.

*Lots of cheer practice

*And then just lots of school and homework

TOP 5 THINGS IM IN LOVE WITH RIGHT NOW

1. Chanel Wallets

2. Guess Purses (Their new collection is AMAZING...I had to stop myself from walking out of the shop with the WHOLE collection.

3. Louie Vuitton luggage (great for my recent travelling)
4. Alex Perry dresses (Best. Dress. I. Own)

5. Swarovski Jewellery (Let's just say this was the brand i splurged on this month....)

P.S How cute is the Baby Bloom collection, i have been craving it all week and can't wait for Saturday when i stop by Myer!
Just don't tell Libby...she's my friend who found out that last Saturday i ranked up a $1849 shopping bill (this girl is good at finding prices and calculating them) and is now insisting i make that much before i spend any more...although i agreed, she won't find out unless she read this :)
In my defence it was all the Guess, Alex Perry and Swarovski.
Hey, a girl gotta live!!

Jordy,
xx

10. Men and The Self-Empowered Woman

Dear Followers,

I received a very interesting comment from a male "bleader" who wondered why a man would be interested in a book that profiled high-achieving women. Not surprisingly, I have a few answers to that question.

First of all, it's important to remember that every male has been influenced by females--grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters, teachers, etc. The more accomplished these females are the more likely it is that boys can grow up to be sensitive, productive members of society. In the NY Times magazine article I referred to (number 9), Kristof reported that one of the reasons rape and other crimes against women were so prevalent in Africa was because so many boys had escaped the socializing influence of family bonds.

Secondly, most men coexist as adults with females in the workplace, and whether the interaction is with a secretary, an account executive, an attorney or a concierge it can only help matters to have an understanding of (and, preferably, an appreciation for) the different aspects of women's lives.

Thirdly, when it comes to emotional attachments a father, husband, brother or son will interact better with female family members once he learns to respect differences and applaud accomplishments. The impact of a father (grandfather, uncle, brother, etc.) on a girl's life in absolutely profound, yet all too many males simply don't know how to be a positive influence. Why? Usually because they're not aware of what a girl really needs in order to become a fulfilled adult female. Any man who genuinely cares about helping a little girl grow up to be all that she can be needs to read this book.

The days when fathers urged their daughters to "hide their light under a bushel" are (blessedly) over, and The Self-Empowered Woman can serve as an eye-opening introduction to the amazing things that little girls can grow up to do.

Finally, the five exercises at the end of each chapter are relatively gender free. Before the manuscript was sent to the printer I had three men read it carefully, and they each confessed that the questions touched areas of their own lives that needed to be reexamined. As to the question of how to persuade men to actually BUY the book, I only wish I were wise enough to know the answer. Perhaps untold numbers of wise women will give the book as a gift to the men in their lives...

Today's quiz is what do U.S. Army General Ann Dunwoody, jockey Julie Krone, TV journalist Lisa Ling, and writer Anna Quindlen have in common?

Still looking forward to your comments...

9. Self-Empowered Rant

Dear Followers,

The book jacket is finally in a frame and Tony will place it near my other book jackets this afternoon. Seeing it on the wall makes it all the more real...

Started this morning (like every Sunday) with the NY Times and was very disturbed by the magazine cover story, which was titled "Why Women's Rights Are The Cause of Our Time." NYT columnist Nicholas Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn have been at the forefront of calling attention to women's issues, particularly in other cultures. The magazine was full of statistics and articles about the problems that women (particularly in Africa and the Middle East) endure. For example, did you know that the United Nations has estimated that there are 5,000 "honor killings" a year, and the majority take place in the Muslim world?

There was also a moving article about a hero of mine, Shamsia (an eleven year old girl in Afganistan) who was walking to the Mirwais Mena School for Girls on the outskirts of Kandahar when she was attacked with acid by Taliban men who disapprove of education for females. Today, she has raised scars on her face and her eyes are too damaged for her to be able to read, but her illiterate mother and father supported her. In Shamsia's words, "My parents told me to keep coming to school even if I am killed." No wonder I never take a woman's accomplishments for granted!

Were you able to guess what model Janice Dickenson, recording artist Fergie, writer Jacqueline Mitchard and artist Louise Nevelson have in common? They, like so many high-achieving women, endured "Hard Times." Of course, the difficult situations most women face don't hold a candle to the challenges chronicled by Kristof in his new book "Half the Sky," they are still character building and mettle-testing.

Thanks for the comments...

8. Self-Empowered Woman Progress

Dear Followers,

Julie Powell referred to her blog readers as "bleaders" and acknowedged that their interest and support helped "Julie and Julia" become a success. Believe me, it really does make a difference (especially for someone accustomed to seeing her words on paper instead of a screen) to know that you are out there reading my words.

Here's today's quiz: do you know what model Janice Dickenson, recording artist Fergie, writer Jacqueline Mitchard and artist Louise Nevelson have in common?

I've got a long "to do" list for the weekend, and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the new issue of Forbes Magazine to see whom they've chosen as the world's 100 most powerful women. Next on my list is getting a cover of THE BOOK framed and placed near my other book jackets.

Looking forward to hearing from you...

7. Nancy Drew

Dear Followers,



All the necessary changes have been made to the manuscript and within days I should have a firm publishing date to share with you. Needless to say, I'm psyched!

A few months ago The New York Times ran an article about the importance of Nancy Drew books on Sandra Day O'Connor (Chapter Five of my book), Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sonia Sotomayor. Did you know that the Nancy Drew books were actually written by several different authors, but published under the collective name of Carolyn Keene? Were you a fan of Nancy Drew? Bookworm that I am, I must admit that I've never read a single Nancy Drew mystery because I was too interested in the real-life stories of non-fiction characters.

Were you able to figure out what Beyonce, cartoonist Cathy Guisewite, ballerina Darci Kistler and golfer Michelle McGann have in common? Each of these women were lucky enough to have someone in their life who believed in them, and we all need a mentor, a role model or (as I label it Chapter Four) "A Supportive Someone."

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Nancy Drew or on whoever in your life believed in you...

Lady Gaga, so-called fashion icon

Lady Gaga, so-called fashion icon


Modeling refreshment or celebrity that overreacting?
Lady Gaga, so-called fashion icon!
Lady Gaga, one of the most popular songbirds at that moment, not only draws attention to itself with the music, but also with the unusual fashion style.

Lady Gaga, so-called fashion icon


While some people called Lady Gaga because of her fashion appearance, which would represent a real refreshment in the show-business world, as the fashion icon, but the vast majority of people believes that the singer’s style is too cheap and easy to overreacting in its' outfits.

Lady Gaga, so-called fashion icon


Latex, skins, shirts, huge sunglasses, wig platinum are just some of the singer’s trademark. Somehow we are already accustomed to the singers is relevant not only voice but also other things that attract attention. Celebrities address to this different – from scandals to the scandals, the various campaigns and such or other improper behavior. Lady Gaga has embarked on this with the unusual fashion style. If you look at the photos, I can say that to me personally I like this style, mostly, I see only the extreme and in such different masks and “fireworks” from the breast.

Lady Gaga, so-called fashion icon

WEEKEND OUTFIT

Hello stranger

Yes, it has taken me since Wednesday to get my weekend look up!
I am just so busy with Cheerleading because we have a competition coming up where we are performing our stunt and pom routine so it's getting a little hectic...anywayz here is my outfit for Saturday when i went shopping! (Oh my gosh, i have forgotten to do a haul as well: must do that)


I went really neutral and didnt use any foundations or powders (i am trying not to break out as much as possible) and did a neutral eye with a bright red gloss.


Shirt: Jay Jays Hello Kitty Collection
Jeans: Beach Doll

Cardigan: Supre
Bangles: Diva
Purse: Guess (for my purse ladies, yes it's real)

Jordy,

xx

P.S Will try and get a haul up but it was only a few MAC eyeshadows and a shirt so no biggie if i forget cause it wasn't that much.

6. Numbers and The Self-Empowered Woman

Dear Followers,

Today's question is: what do Beyonce, cartoonist Cathy Guisewite, ballerina Darci Kistler and golfer Michelle McGann have in common?

Everyone who knows me is well aware of my math phobia, but in spite of that shortcoming I found myself focusing on the numbers involved with this book project. They include:

• Four amazing women profiled in each chapter
• Five thought provoking exercises in each chapter
• Ten amazing women (and their achievements) listed at the end of each chapter
• 16 months from first dictating session till finished product
• 17 traits and 17 chapters
• 30+ years of paying really close attention
• 137 books cited in bibliography
• 238 women mentioned in the book
• 297 manuscript pages

Just wanted to share with you a lovely email message I received from Casey Gauntt (I've known Casey and his wife Hilary since the early 1970s) who sent these words to help calm me down in the middle of one of my many mini-meltdowns. He wrote: "Fear can be a terrific motivator, but don't let yourself get twisted up by it...you are too close to the finish line with your book, so please stay focused on that. And keep the faith."

Still looking forward to your comments...

5. Team Self-Empowered Woman

Dear Followers,

Well, the weekend is over and it's time to bring you up to date on the status of The Self-Empowered Woman. After a lot of howling and moaning (me) darling Tony once again rode to the rescue and spent all day Saturday emailing the "error" changes to Amazon's Booksurge. Much to our surprise (and delight) they answered and essentially said that they would have corrected proofs back to us by this time next week. Amazing!

Jacqueline Whitmore came over today to give me another blogging tutorial - I hope you'll like the changes. In the space for my photo I chose instead to insert a picture of Tony and me taken on one of our Boston trips. As I was reading Julie Powell's "Julie and Julia" I came across a passage that described Tony's importance to this project: "He was my partner. It occurred to me...that my husband was doing more than just enduring this crazy thing I'd gotten myself into, doing more than being supportive. I realized this was his Project too...he had become part of this thing. There would be no Project without him, and he would not be the same without the Project. I felt so married, all of a sudden, and so happy." Those of you who know us well know that Tony does all the typing, all the email retrieval, and all the nerve-soothing when I have one of my many frustration-fueled meltdowns.

Now to answer last blog's question: what do comedienne Sandra Bernhard, U.S. Olympic Softball Medalist Crystl Bustos, TV and movie writer/director Diane English, and actress Sandra Oh have in common?

These women all followed their own dream even when others (i.e., family) thought their lives should take a different direction.

Looking forward to your comments...

QUALITY OR QUANTITY?

Hey everyone,

This is a crsis that is staring me in the face at the moment...quality or quantity???!!!

I have a fair bit of spare cash laying around at the moment and can't decide what to spend it on!
I am left with an two choices, A and B.


First Choice (A): I spend it on OPI, MAC, CHANEL and DIOR. These are all pretty pricey brands, especially in Australia! So I would only be getting a few items from what money i have but be FULLY satisfied that i am getting the best quality but feel guilty cause of the price...


OR


Second Choice (B): I spend it on cheaper brands like BYS (similar to NYX), E.L.F and you know, drugstore (Maybelline, CoverGirl, Loreal....). I will get a lot more items with the money that i have but only be semi-satisfied because although it was cheap, it may not be the best quality...

Oh and there is always the option of saving but that wouldn't be any fun now would it!




I am thinking that in the long run getting the more higher end brands is going to benefit me more...don't you love how benefit is one of the high end brands..okay of topic!
What i mean is let's try and transport ourself 1 year into the future. Now let's take a look at our make up collection (oooo pretty)...now what do you see. It's either A or B!

A: An average sized collection of Mineralize Skinfinishes, Dazzleglasses, Studio Fix's and OPI nail polishes. This collection has taken you a year to build and is worth a lot of money but you know if you keep collecting you will get your dream collection (same products, just more of them)

or do you see

B: An enormous collection of E.L.F eyeshadows in every colour, every Maybelline mascara ever created, BYS pallets in stacks and an overflowing draw set of no brand lip products. This collection has taken you a year to build and has cost you a bit of money but you still dream of MAC and Chanel and are faced with this same problem ALL OVER AGAIN!!

I'm not sure what to do but before i figure it out let me correct some errors:
1. Jordan, makeup can't be kept longer than a year so unless you love bacteria....
2. You asked them to tell you their opinions and then rave on about yours?
3. Transporters aren't invented yet!
4. This post is way too long

Please express your thoughts to me:
Some of you may be experiencing the same thing or have experienced the same thing

Tell me how you sorted this situation out or how you are sorting it out.

Much appreciated

Jordy,
xx

4. Production headaches of "The Self-Empowed Woman"

Dear Followers,

In an effort to make sure that The Self-Empowered Woman can go on sale in September I've spent the past week carefully rereading every word of the galleys sent to me by Amazon/Booksurge. By noon today (Friday) I was ready to throw all 297 pages out the window in frustration. Three other people proofread the manuscript before Tony and I typed in the last changes and yet on this latest go round I still found things that need to be changed.

This weekend's project will be deciding which mistakes were mine, which were theirs, and which ones don't really have to be altered. This production part of publishing is not nearly as much fun (for either me or for Tony) as the research.

For today's question, what do comedienne Sandra Bernhard, U.S. Olympic Softball Medalist Crystl Bustos, TV and movie writer/director Diane English, and actress Sandra Oh have in common?

One follower suggested that yesterday's women (Czechoslovakian tennis player Martina Hingis, Brazilian writer Clarice Lispector, Canadian singer Anne Murray, and Italian film director Lina Wertmuller) all had lengthy names. Nice try, but no cigar. These achievers were lucky enough to identify their life goal or dream at a young age, which is a trait that can be really beneficial.

I started "dictating" the book on Mother's Day 2008 and finished twelve months later. Compulsive researcher that I am, however, I've continued to collect stories about additional high-achieving women, and now have over 100 additional names (like Sonia Sotomayor) to add to the 238 that already appear in the book.

Your comments are really welcome, and I look forward to our online conversations...

SO MANY CHOICES!

Hey

So, i am asking for your help....i don't know what to buy!
I am going to MAC again very soon and want to buy a few things, at the moment here is what i have in mind.


1.) "Like Venus" Dazzleglass ($42)


2.) "Baby Sparks" Dazzleglass ($42)


3.) "Swish" eyeshadow ($35)

All opinions and advice will be much appreciated!

ALSO, i am thinking of getting the OPI "Polish Brights" collection ($80)
Summer is coming up and this was the "in" collection in America for Summer. Plus, all of the colours are GOURGEOUS!!

3. The Shared Traits in "The Self-Empowed Woman"

Dear Followers,

So far I've been quizzing you about American women who are high achievers and today I'll answer the first two questions.

Do you know what writer Maya Angelou, comedienne Ellen DeGeneres, singer Gloria Estefan and actress Demi Moore have in common? They all fall under the category of accomplished women who learned - at an early age - that they couldn't depend on Dad. There are countless reasons why a father might be unreliable - death, illness, divorce, distance, you name it. But a lot of admirable women learn that losing a father's support usually brings with it hidden benefits.

(Photo by WNYC)

Do you know what author Judy Blume, actress Geena Davis, TV newswoman Andrea Mitchell, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have in common?

These women (who have each succeeded in areas that seem to have nothing in common) share a love of and involvement with music. I found it amazing that close to the surface of many Self-Empowered Women is an enduring relationship with music, and in my book I explain this connection.

Intrigued? Today I'm going to go abroad and ask you about women from foreign locales. Do you know what Czechoslovakian tennis player Martina Hingis, Brazilian writer Clarice Lispector, Canadian singer Anne Murray, and Italian film director Lina Wertmuller have in common?

The idea here is to convey the idea that when it comes to women of achievement it doesn't really matter where they come from or what they set out to accomplish because they all share certain traits.

One trait I wish I had a better grasp of is the new, high-tech world of e-publishing. This week's main activity has been re-re-re-reading the manuscript for The Self-Empowered Woman so that it can go on sale in September. Meanwhile, poor Tony types my blog at the end of each day and I try not to be like Julie Powell (Julie & Julia) as she wonders if any readers are really out there in cyberspace...

NEW MASCARA

Recentley i started using Maybelline Great Lash because i finished my CoverGirl Lash Exact. But I HATE the Maybelline Great Lash wand, so i use my CG Lash Exact wand with my Great Lash and it seems to work pretty well.

Still, i would rather a new CG Lash Exact because it is my ABSOLUTE favourite!!!

When i went to get another CG Lash Exact as a back up, i saw the Maybelline Define-A-Lash and decided to check it out.

If you want reviews on any 3 of these mascaras, just request and i will defientley do one for you!

Haul 3

This post is going to be a Hello Kitty haul, stuff that i picked up yesterday at this really cool store that stocked a lot of Hello Kitty! Worry not, it is authentic Hello Kitty merch!

Hello Kitty purse (it has straps they were just inside the bag)

This really cute box that you lock using codes.


This cute photo frame!

Hello Kitty wall clock

Hello Kitty make up towel (to wipe brushes on when spot cleaning etc.)

Hello Kitty diary (to keep in my handbag)

I am so pleased with all of this stuff as it is soooo cuteee and wasn't too expensive if you think about what some Hello Kitty stuff is sold for.

AMUSE REVIEW

Hello,
I was recently sent some lip products from a company called Amuse, asking me to review their products. It's nice to do a post other than a haul for a change..

They are an American company that distributes cosmetics, specifically makeup. You can purchase their products from their website (http://www.amusecosmetics.com.au/). Amuse is produced and packaged in California.

I was sent 3 lipsticks and 3 lipglosses.

LIPSTICKS IN:
Plum
A very deep red.
MAC DUPE: Brick-O-La
Atomic Tangarine
A peachy tan.
MAC DUPE: Jubilee
Cherry Blossom
A cherry pink.
MAC DUPE: Lickable
OVERALL:
Amuse lipsticks come with a mirror on the side for handy use. Amuse lipsticks are very soft and moisturising. They seem to glide on. However, the softness means that melting could be an issue.
RETAIL: $16

LIPGLOSSES IN:
Brilliant Rose
A Rosey, natural pink.
MAC DUPE: Perfectly UnOrdinary Dazzleglass Creme
Amaranth Magenta
A metalic finish, baby pink.
MAC DUPE: There is nothing in my MAC collection that i can refer to. This seems to be a rare gloss.
Jazzberry Jam
A dark plum with hints of dark pink.
MAC DUPE: Star Nova Lustreglass
OVERALL:
Amuse lipglosses are double sided; one side for colour and the other for gloss. Very comparable to the "Maybelline ColourStay Shein" lipgloss range. The pigmentation is, in fact, amazing. Very glossy and long lasting.
RETAIL: $12

Swatches

In conclusion, Amuse seems to be quite a nice brand. I have not heard of them until now and was a bit hesitant when they emailed me offering me some products to review. However, i set up a postbox and was pleasently surprised when i recieved them a week later.

Also, yesterday i recieved some products from The Colour Institute after they stumbled across my blog and saw that i had bought some of their products previously. They kindly offered to send me some more in return for an honest review.

Which reminds me, these are my true thoughts and opinions on the products. In no way have i been trapped into giving them a good review.

JORDY,
xx

2. 17 Traits of "The Self-Empowered Woman"

What do author Judy Blume, actress Geena Davis, TV newswoman Andrea Mitchell, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have in common?

On each blog entry I plan to tweak your curiousity about the women I've included in my soon-to-be published book The Self-Empowered Woman. By this time next year, I predict that much of the "mystery" about high-achieving women will become mere common knowledge. Finishing the book and sharing my research with all of you is a real thrill, and I'm counting the days until I have a finished book in my hands.

Who would have ever thought that Ms. "I hate computers" would be looking forward to each evening's blog time with Tony, my very supportive husband. A million years ago when I lived in L.A. I had a newspaper column called "A Woman's Place" that ran on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When a visiting publisher from NY read my pieces while at his breakfast table he decided that the story they told deserved to be in book form, which is how Diary of a Divorced Mother came to life.

When Tony and I went to see "Julie & Julia" over the weekend I realized that composing a blog and writing a column are pretty similar. So here I am, anxious to share with you the decades worth of research and reading about high-achieving women that will soon be published in book form.

Before you know it, you too will begin to keep track of which traits (from the 17 included in the book) apply to which women - or even to yourself.

I really look forward to your feedback.

1. An Introduction to "The Self-Empowered Woman"

What do writer Maya Angelou, comedienne Ellen DeGeneres, singer Gloria Estefan and actress Demi Moore have in common?

If you are interested in or intrigued by the life stories of accomplished women, then you've landed on the right blog. My name is Marilyn Murray Willison, and my new book (The Self-Empowered Woman) addresses the question: What circumstances and characteristics help create a high-achieving woman?

Together we can use this space to examine the lives of accomplished women around the world, and at the same time I can share with you the lessons I've learned about publishing my own book for the first time (my four earlier books were published the conventional - old fashioned - way).

Please visit my website http://www.marilynwillison.com/ to learn more about my background, and I look forward to hearing your answers to the question that will appear at the start of each blog entry.

If you've ever found yourself fascinated by a high-achieving woman's remarkable life - think Coco Chanel, Golda Meir or even Cher - then you're really enjoy our time together.

IM ON THE WEB

Hey everyone,

Just blogging to say that i am on the Girlfriend magazine website!
Check it out...
http://au.youth.yahoo.com/b/girlfriend/40430/short-stack-live-lounge-vip-winnerpics/

UPDATE: I am also on the TV HITS magazine website!
http://au.youth.yahoo.com/b/tv-hits/921/short-stack-live-lounge-vip-winnerpics/

UPDATE: I am also on the Take40 website
http://www.take40.com/artists/photo-galleries/16574/short-stack-perform-in-the-take-40-live-lounge%21

Jordy,
xx

PEOPLE I LOVE ON YOUTUBE

Hey everyone,

This post is going to be about people i LOVE on youtube. These people i love talk about makeup; they do hauls, reviews, collections and tutorials. I can literally sit on the computer for hours on end watching these people.

Here is my top 3, so it is a short list of the people who i can honestly say that i have watched EVERY SINGLE one of their videos.

1. Juicystar07
Blair is so pretty! I ADORE HER! There is just something special about her. She has sooo much talent and i can sit there for hours watching her videos and constantly seeing if she has uploaded more. By the way, her hauls are amazing and she works 3 jobs to pay for everything!

2. VanityMakeup

The only Australian i see talking about makeup! Nicole does awesome tutorials and is so gorgeous and talented. She has a darling little brother that helps her with her videos sometimes and i can really watch her videos and get something from it because most of the products and stores she talks about are here in Australia.

3. Allthatglitters21

Elle is beautiful and her life is amazing. She has like an internship in New York City or something and just like her sister Blair, is so talented. She does the best reviews and i am jelous of how many freebies she gets.

So they are my top 3 YouTubers. I watch every video of these girls and really look up to and adore them.

Yes i did mention in each girl's description that she was talented. And i know it started sounding untruthful and just put there to look good, i cant really find the word. But i honestly mean that these 3 girls have talent!

Jordy,

xx

P.S Gosh i love Friday nights!!

LUX BODYWASH REVIEW

Hey everyone,

Firstly, YAY IT'S FRIDAY!! (TGIF)
Secondly, I might not be going to MAC tomorrow because something has come up.

Lastly, this is a review on LUX bodywash!!

The LUX bodywash i recently hauled is in Luminous Touch for only $6 on special!

It is called that because the definition of luminous is radiant and bright so apparently it has skin brighteners in it that make your skin glow. To be exact it says on the back of the bottle that it wraps your skin in a light reflective veil of shea cream and delicate skin brightners, leaving your skin with a beautiful glow you can see. This is my second one, as i am just finishing up my first but i had it in a different selction, Dancing Light.

Ingredients: Let me tell you, you can see this glow/illuminator they talk about, it's called glitter! It's unbelievable! When i get out of the shower i actually see myself glittering! It has Shea Cream in it which i hear is EXTREMLEY hydrating and softening. As for the skin illuminators, i think it might just be glitter but i really like it.

Packaging: Their packaging is SO cute! You can see the glitter inside the bottle and you can almost imagine what it does to your skin. The label is beautiful and resists coming off in the shower, which is a problem i have with some of my shampoos. (and its high end stuff like De Lorenzo)

Quantity: On usage you only need a small amount onto a cleansing puff as it says 75+ washes, and i believe it because a little goes a long way with this body wash and you get 400ml so it is quite a big bottle.

Overall, I am really enjoying this product. I am a glitter girl so it's perfect for me and I feel that my skin is getting softer everyday. The only downside is that the glitter doesnt last very long, so when i wake up the glitter from the previous night's shower has decreased in quantity. But then again maybe it is for the best. I don't want to go to school looking like a disco ball!

Jordy,
xx

MAC STUDIO FIX REVIEW

Hey everyone,

This is going to be a review on MAC Studio Fix in C3, it retails for $48 from Myer.

So basically it's convenient, it's in a compact with a mirror. There is a sponge underneath in a seperate compartment (the foundation part lifs up to reveal a sponge underneath) but of course you don't use that because bacteria can grow on it so i use a brush because you can always wash a brush but you can't necessarily wash a sponge.

Although it has talc in it, it doesn't seem to clog you pores and it hasn't broken me out yet and i have been using it for a while so at the moment i believe that this is a great product.

The only downside is that it dries my skin out a little bit so using a moisturiser is a necessity for this product. You should probably be using a moisturiser anyway as a base, so that it fills in any pores and creases, creating a smooth surface for you powder.

It is a light texture powder so this is perfect for summer when you don't want to be putting on heavy liquid foundation and sticky concealer. It is just a very light and natural powder foundation that leaves you feeling refreshed whilst evening out your skin tone.

That is all i can really say about MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation so far.

Jordy,
xx