I'm reading: Air Kisses by Zoe Foster

There's nothing quite like getting a new book and even more so if you had to order it online and wait patiently for it to be delivered but hazaah!! today is the day and my copy of Air Kisses by Zoë Foster has just arrived.

I am sure you've already got the message by now that I am obsessed stalker-like fascinated really interested in the work of some of Australia's high profile magazine personalities so if anything it's more of a surprise that I haven't bought this book earlier.

For those of you who haven't heard of Zoë Foster, she was a beauty and lfestyle editor at Cosmo before she took on the role of beauty director at Harper’s BAZAAR. She was also the author of beauty blog bible fruitybeauty and is now the editor-at-large of primped.com.au. She also writes fiction in her spare time (who really has that much spare time?!?!) and this is her first book.

When art goes mad

This stunning bovine (aptly named Miss Beau Vine) just raised $8,750 at the CowParade Charity Auction. I have to ask, where would you keep her?

As much as I support charity events of any kind, I can't imagine finding space for this particular piece of art in my living room.

Win tickets to the Tinker Bell movie

Attention to all of WA’s stylish mums! If you’d like to take the family to see a special sneak preview of Disney’s Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue all you need to do is comment on this post and tell us why you deserve to win.

Make sure you comment before 5pm (WST) on Monday July 26 for your chance to win one of five passes, each valid for four people to attend the special preview screening at Event Cinemas Innaloo (formerly Greater Union) in WA on Sunday August 1. The winners will be announced here on Tuesday.

My first experience of Bikram Yoga

When a friend invited me to try a Bikram Yoga class last Saturday, I have to admit I was really nervous. For those of you who don’t know anything about Bikram Yoga it is basically a 90-minute yoga class which takes place in a room heated continuously to 40 degrees.

As someone who hides inside on the couch with the aircon full blast when the temperature hits 35, it was a big mental challenge. I have to admit there were times I thought I was going to die, where I had to fight the overwhelming urge to run screaming from the room in to the now welcoming winter air, but I persevered.

So what was it like? It was hot. It was very very hot. I don’t sweat when I exercise, but I think their estimates that you lose around 1.5 litres per class is about right. I actually had sweat drip of my forehead mid-pose (sorry maybe too much sharing). Not to mention the fact I spent a good portion of the day in the bathroom after attempting to drink the three litres of water recommended before undertaking a class (definitely too much sharing).

After what seemed like hours, but was most likely only 30 minutes, I started feeling light headed and had to sit out for a few poses. I actually think my decision to sit out for five was a welcome one to others as several people followed by lead. I struggled to get back to my feet as I felt I was light-headed but soon the class moved to poses that were mainly in a seated or lying down position and this helped get me back in the game.

I found a lot of the poses very difficult to achieve, but the way the class was run everyone was encouraged to try as best they could and do what they could. I found that really positive and I didn’t feel anyone was pushed beyond their own abilities.

So did I enjoy it? I have to say no, that while I was doing it I didn’t enjoy it but I did find the benefits noticeable. I was able to stretch far further than I could normally and I felt I had a challenging workout – both physically and mentally. I have never been a sweaty person, but I have to confess it was pouring off me within minutes (By the way I chose a picture of what I think everyone looks like after the class instead of a glam yoga pic).

So would I do it again? Tentatively I am saying yes, I think I will give it another go this weekend. Although I found the class a mental challenge, I had the best nights sleep of my life afterwards and I have found myself feeling calmer and more relaxed since. These are very good things for me.
I will keep you posted of the experiences after class two. They say it gets easier each time, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Share your experiences with Bikram Yoga Perth. Did you love it or hate it or like me are you somewhere on the fence?

Men don't understand postnatal depression

Post-natal depression, like most forms of depression, is a topic few people talk about. Beyondblue the national depression initiative has discovered men actually know very little about Postnatal Depression (PND).

According to the new study, fifty per cent of men believe women get postnatal depression because they have unrealistic expectations of motherhood and 25 per cent of men believe having PND is a normal part of having a baby. A whopping 28 per cent of men think that PND will go away as the baby gets older compared to 17 per cent of women.

Likewise 24 per cent of men believe that looking after a baby comes naturally to women, while only 14 per cent of women thought this was true.

Deputy CEO of beyondblue Dr Nicole Highet says the recent research indicates men need more information about mental illness during pregnancy and after the birth of the baby – especially ante- and postnatal depression and anxiety.

Depression and anxiety are not a ‘normal’ part of parenthood, they are illnesses – but with the right treatment, most people recover.

To help address this issue beyond blue and Ngala have launched a booklet HeyDad – Fatherhood – first 12 months, aimed at increasing awareness around issues new parents are likely to face.

“This booklet will get critical information to new dads during this important stage of their lives – the advice and practical tips are invaluable. New parents often get used to the symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety - such as lack of sleep, irritability and the inability to cope – and too often it’s put down to the ‘baby blues’ and treated as if it’s a normal part of parenthood,” Nicole says.

Ngala CEO Rae Walter adds: “The whole family is affected when one member of the family has depression or anxiety. Ngala encourages parents to seek support and work as a team to minimise the impact on their children.

“Early brain development, changes in relationships, the importance of attachment, play, sleep and breastfeeding are all issues that fathers may not have explored before the birth and this booklet provides a ‘toolkit’ to help new families manage change.”

Find out more about the booklet here.

It really worries me that there has been two major studies released this week showing how widespread and misunderstood depression and mental illness can be. Have you experienced a mental illness in your life and if so how did you deal with it?

Get your bronze on

If you’re like me and the sun does nothing but turn your skin into sunburn, you can’t go past a good bronzer. On August 8 Elizabeth Arden are releasing a new range including a mineral bronzer called Pure Finish Mineral Bronzing Powder.

It is available in medium and (for a limited time) deep and includes a mini folding kabuki brush that fits into the compact. 7.7g $68.00

Winifred & Bance turns three

Inglewood vintage purveyors Winifred & Bance are celebrating their third birthday. The business was first launched in 2007, when vintage lover Delilah Carter decided to share her passion with the stylish residents of Perth.

If you love the feminine silhouettes of the 1950s, have a penchant for the drama and glamour of the 1980s or are passionate about 1990s grunge, you have to check out Winifred & Bance.

To celebrate their birthday the store at 850 Beaufort Street, Inglewood will be having a birthday sale from next Tuesday (July 27) until Saturday, July 31 with up to 50% off some items. www.winifredandbance.com

92.9 announces radio telethon

We are all familiar with the annual telethon that takes over the TV for one weekend every year, but now it’s taking to airways with a new partnership between 92.9 and Telethon.

The breakfast team will be choosing a vital piece of equipment that PMH needs and encouraging listeners to help raise the funds. Once the funds have been raised a new piece of equipment will be selected and the process will begin again.

Telethon General Manager Steve Mummery says he is excited about the project. “To have Lisa, Baz, Sam and in fact the entire team who work at 92.9 behind this project says so much about their commitment to being part of the Perth community.”

Austereo General Manager Linda Wayman said: “This is an important and unique project for the 92.9 team and we know our listeners will embrace the opportunity to be a part of the Kids Appeal.”
If you want to make a donation you can call the Kids Appeal Team Phone Room on 9382 0192 or go online at www.929.com.au.

Frightening figures on mental disorders

One in four young Australians aged 16–24 years had a mental disorder in 2007, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. I find these statistics terrifying, particularly in regards to the lack of help sought for these conditions.

Anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting 15% of young people, with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder the most commonly experienced anxiety disorder (8%).  Substance use disorders affected 13% of young people with harmful use of alcohol the most common substance use disorder (9%).

Around 6% of young people had an affective disorder with bipolar affective disorder and depression (3% each) the most common affective disorders.

Almost one-third of young women had a mental health disorder compared with around one-quarter of young men. Young women were more likely to have anxiety or affective disorders while substance use disorders were more common among young men.

Young people with a mental disorder were more than five times as likely as those without mental disorders to use illicit drugs or misuse legal drugs; twice as likely to be current smokers and around 1.5 times more likely to drink alcohol at least weekly.

Around 17% of young people with a mental disorder had a severe level of impairment, with the remainder having a mild or moderate level of impairment.

While the prevalence of mental illness is relatively high in young people, they have a relatively low use of mental health services. Just less than a quarter of young people with a mental disorder had used mental health services in the previous year. General practitioners were the service most frequently accessed by young people with a mental disorder (15%) followed by psychologists (10%).

Of young people that did not access services, most (85%) did not feel that they had a need for any type of assistance.Young people with a Substance Use Disorder were the least likely to use mental health services.

I'm at a loss here, what do you say to statistics like these? If you or your loved one suffers from a mental disorder - don't be too afraid to seek help. There are people who can help from your GP to a range of dedicated mental health practitioners. www.beyondblue.org.au

Celebrating 100 posts of WA Style

Although this is technically the 101st post, I wanted to take this moment to celebrate reaching this pivotal first milestone. I hope you have been enjoying WA Style and will keep sticking with us for the next 100 posts and beyond. If you like the site, I hope you will show your support by becoming a follower by clicking on the icon on the right hand side of the page and by commenting on the articles. Don't forget to tell all your friends about us as well!

I choo choo choose you!

After my post on Saturday about Net-a-porter I confess I went a bit nuts myself with their sale and I thought I'd share a few of my purchases with you. I have to say I was impressed that after ordering Saturday night everything arrived safe and sound (and beautifully packaged) yesterday. Not bad for shipping from London to Perth! Now I just have to find somewhere to wear them...

Upcoming release: The Last Airbender

I saw a trailer the other day for upcoming movie The Last Airbender and I had to wonder, why I haven’t heard a lot more about this film? The fact it is coming to us from M. Night Shyamalan, is almost enough in itself to normally guarantee a barrage of press.

Due to release in Perth September 16, this film does look like a bit of a deviation from M.Night’s usual scary topics but it is still firmly bedded in the supernatural. The movie is set in a world where nations are divided into air, water, earth and fire and the denizens are able to manipulate these elements to their own needs. When a war breaks out one young man, Aang, discovers he is the last person left who can manipulate all the elements and sets out to save his war-ravaged nation. Check out the trailer posted above.

This does seem like a very different film for M.Night so I am reserving my opinion until I see it. What do you think of the trailer. Hit or miss?

Bananas slimming friend or fattening foe?

Did bananas in pyjamas lull us all into a false sense of security as children? Are bananas actually contributing to the battle of the bulge or are they as healthy as the industry would have us believe?

I have seen the banana get a bad wrap in a lot of health magazines of late and it seems a lot of us are confused as to whether bananas are good or bad for us, so I did a little investigation.

According to www.calorieking.com.au - my go to source to check out the good and bad of my food choices – a medium sized banana (170g with the skin on) has 99 calories and contains just .1g of total fat. However, it also contains 21.8 grams of carbohydrates. On the plus side it contains 12% of a recommended daily intake of dietary fibre.

So what does this mean? In comparison a medium sized orange (230g with the skin on) has just 68 calories, contains .2g of fat and 13g of carbohydrates with 16% RDI of dietary fibre. A 170g apple has 83 calories, contains 0 fat and 18g of carbohydrates with 16% RDI of dietary fibre.

So really the outcome is if you are on a strict calorie or carbohydrate controlled diet an apple or orange is better than a banana, but despite its creamy texture bananas really aren’t the source of all evil. Interesting though they actually do have about the same number of calories as a Tim Tam – although naturally the Tim Tam has 25 times the amount of fat… a shame really.

On behalf of the Australian Banana Industry accredited nutritionist Glenn Cardwell says: “Bananas don’t make you fat. In fact, bananas contain virtually no fat. They contain protein, and are packed with a variety of other nutrients including carbohydrate for energy, fibre, vitamin C, and the wonderful B group vitamins such as folate and vitamin B6.

“A ripe banana will have some fruit sugar, but it comes with plenty of fibre and essential nutrients. The sugar in fruit is not unhealthy or fattening because fruit, especially bananas, are one of the most filling foods you can eat.

“Sugar needs to be kept in perspective. Sugar, in sensible amounts, is not bad; it’s an energy source. Many processed foods can be singled out as not good for you because they contain high levels of sugar. But for most people, having small amounts of sugar is not harmful, and naturally occurring sugar in fruit is part of a nutritious diet.”

So that’s that then. No need to shield your children’s eyes from the horror of bananas dancing around in their nightwear. Like most things, bananas are healthy in moderation.

Breaking news: Zara heads down under

You will have to forgive me for using the words 'down under' in a headline, but I am just so darn excited I can't help it. I just heard the exciting news that the boutique that has long turned European women into doyens of modestly-priced style is coming to Australia.

Next year Zara will be hitting our shores and I am keeping my fingers, toes and knees crossed that a store will hit Perth as part of that first rollout.

In case you've never been lucky enough to head to Europe and experience Zara yourself, it is essentially the shop packed with all the latest on trend fashions and must have staple pieces but much, much cheaper.

The funny thing is I came across this glorious news when reading mainstream media articles about Zara being set to 'murder' Australian fashion. Really? Since when is the chance to buy reasonably priced good quality black pants the death of Aussie business? I can't see it myself, I think a bit of healthy competition and a bit more variety on the shopping front can only be a good thing. Read more about the 'death' of Aussie fashion here.

What do you think? Do you think the opening of Zara is the best news you've heard all year or is it the end of Australian fashion as we know it. Comment away people, don't be shy!

* Image from zara.com 

Big high five for toys for sick kids

I wish I had known about this fantastic project when they were still accepting donations, but at least I can give these guys a good pat on the back for their success now. Children at Princess Margaret Hospital will think Christmas has come early on Friday when Hoyts and ToyBox International give them a huge delivery of brand new toys.

Spending most of their time in hospital means that days can get monotonous and tiresome for kids at PMH, many of whom can’t leave their beds to visit activity rooms. To brighten their days, West Australians showed just how generous they are and donated more than 300 toys to the Appeal that ran from June 7 – July 11.

I am not quite sure about the method of presentation though. Renae Wauhop and Lia Tapper, who placed second and third in the Miss Universe Australia Crowning Ceremony in Sydney last month, will be the ones delivering the toys. Is this meant to be an extra gift for all the young lads coped up in hospital?

Sorry, shouldn’t knock anything to do with giving toys to sick kids. As Renae herself says: “These kids spend most of their time in hospital, so if we can put a smile on their faces with some brand new toys, it makes a world of difference.”

Love at first bite

On Amazon Twilight fans can now buy Love at First Bite an 'unofficial' Twilight cookbook. I am not quite sure what to say about this one... don't they know vampires don't eat?

Here's the blurb from Amazon: "Brimming with mouthwatering recipes, brace yourselves, and bring your very best table manners, and appetites. Don't forget your forks. Beautiful Bella Swan will be serving up some scrumptious delights to satisfy even the pickiest, puritan "vegetarian" vampires.

"Intertwined in the pages of Love At First Bite, The Unofficial Twilight Cookbook, you will find Bell's Lasagna, Harry's Famous Fish Fry, Mushroom Raviolis, Red Velvet Cake, Blushing Bella Punch, and much more."

Oh dear. It's even been written by Gina 'Meyers'. It seems this book has definitely found a market though as Amazon is now showing this item as sold out. If you do want to order you can do so here or here. What do you think - has this taken the Twilight craze just a little bit too far?

Paula Joye launches Life Styled

If like me you’re a bit of a glossy addict, I won’t have to tell you who Paula Joye is and I won’t have to tell you twice to check out her new website.

For the rest of you (shame) Paula Joye has been a significant name in the glossy magazine market with ACP for around the last 15 years. Most recently the editor of national women’s title Madison, Paula has now left ACP and gone out on her own with online offering Life Styled. I think it is a given that ex-magazine editors (myself included) can't just give up working on magazines even if we no longer have one to work on...

It is still in its very early days, but her newsletters are well worth a look. I have received about three so far and each has been full of great fashion and beauty news as well as tips and advice from her years as an editor and beauty editor as well as tips from celebrities, models, fashionistas, stylists and make-up gurus she has met along the way. 

At the moment it is just the regular newsletter, but Paula assures readers in her latest update there will be a website up and running soon. If you haven’t already, head to www.lifestyled.com.au to sign up, it's worth the effort.

A six-figure publishing deal at 18

I've always loved writing about a good success story and there's no doubt 18-year-old Melbourne-based author Alexandra Adornetto qualifies. With the release of her new book Halo, she has secured a lucrative three book deal in the US, sold the rights to her book in over 15 European countries, and is set to begin a national book tour of America in September.


Did I mention she's just 18? Alexandra first came to public attention at the ripe old age of 15 when her first book, The Shadow Thief, was published. Did I mention this was a book she wrote when she was 13?  This is now Alexandra's fourth published novel and she has two more in the works to follow up Halo.

Here's a bit from Alexandra about her incredible experiences:

"Before I went to New York to meet with publishers, I was constantly reminded of how difficult it is to get published in the USA, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. My agent called my hotel the morning after our meeting and told me that Feiwel and Friends were offering a national publicity campaign and a national tour, which is rare for unestablished authors.

"I was so grateful that they saw enough potential in Halo to organise something like that. It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m travelling all around America in a couple of months.

"The idea for Halo came about quite suddenly. I hadn’t intended to move into YA [young adult fiction] and was working on a science-fiction novel for younger readers when I had this idea about a novel written in the voice of an angel adjusting to life on earth. I thought it would be interesting to have the heroine as the supernatural creature and the male protagonist as the human boy in contrast to the current trend. I ran the idea past my publisher, Lisa Berryman, thinking she would dismiss it entirely. I was very surprised when an email popped up in my inbox that read: “Drop everything! We’re running with this idea!”

"After that, I became totally engrossed in the Halo project. I enjoy writing for readers my own age and Halo was the perfect transition. In Halo I was able to include all the emotions and experiences that come with being an adolescent and a lot of the conversations and the relationships are based on my own real-life experiences.

"Right now, I am putting my energies into next two installments in the series, Hades and Heaven, so readers are not disappointed."

Although so thrilled for Alexandra for her incredible success I have to admit, I am jealous. Yup, I am. What do you think? Have you ever met an 18-year-old who has inspired you with their success?

Vampire spoof movie on its way

I guess it was only a matter of tine before someone decided to take a potshot and the growing vampire phenomenon. Here is the trailer of upcoming film release Vampires Suck - think Scary Movie for the current vampire film genre.

Find out more on the website www.vampiressuckmovie.com. The movie will be releasing in Perth on August 28.

Net-a-porter turns ten

I discovered Net-a-porter a few years ago at the recommendation of an art director and ever since it has become my favourite destination for window shopping (and the occasional splurge). This is one of the few high end designer fashion sites I have found that will ship to Australia and it is packed with absolutely lust-worthy items.

This site has certainly become a huge financial success and is this week celebrating its 10 birthday. The other reason I am choosing to mention it now is that if you haven't checked out the site before now is a great time to log on as they are having one of their fantastic sales where you can buy the latest designer gear for anywhere between 20 and about 60% off the normal price and I am talking great brands like Christian Louboutin (my personal favourite), Chloe, Jimmy Choo, DKNY, Burberry, etc.

Check out the sale here. Also watch their great 10 year anniversary video here.