Thursday 18 April 2013

Wednesday 17 April 2013

The best of the best: Coachella

Oh to be a Coachella Maven! The fashion standard is set by the A-list, the music is the best of the best and it runs over two weekends in the middle of the dessert. It's so random you can't help but love it!

Here are a pick of my favourite Coachella outfits, proudly brought to you by the disgustingly good-looking Hollywood set who makes "Casual Chic" look too easy!

*Apologies in advance for the overuse of the "!! "Coachella get's me a tad hyper.

I don't normally like a matching ensemble, but there is nothing, in my eyes, that Kate can do wrong, therefore I love it! Damn her awesomeness! (and those boots!!)

Lesson 1: Always strut with your shoulders back!


I have never dissed any of Diane Kruger's oufits NEVER!! So I am choosing to think that this photo was simply taken from a bad angle and her skirt really doesn't blend with her legs in such an ugly colour. Nope, must be the lighting.

p.s has Pacey put on weight?? Still cute!


YES I have already included a pic of Kate NO I don't care. She.is.awesome. 

Does nobody tan anymore?? Love the hat, love the boyff.. that's all I got for this one. 
Lesson 2: tan is your friend.

I hate that I love this but I doooo! The bright statement top rocks and I'm pretty sure there is a rhyme about orange and purple not going well together but it's RITA ORA in all her crazy hair glory. So whatevzzz!

I.love.this.so.much!! 
It's like a flashback to the 70's with all that lace and leather. 
Suddenly carrots are looking super tasty compared to my cupcake.. I want those legs! Mmm... carrots!
Love.

So simple, tanned legs, great hat, super cute!

Pink hair YEAH YEAH!!  
The floral is too cute for words and her bag. sunnies, shoes and bracelets really work! I could not put together a better outfit if I tried. I don't know who she is but she's my new icon.

Photo's courtesy of vogue.com and harpersbazaar.com 








Tuesday 16 April 2013

Bachelor Of The Week: Blake Worrall-Thompson


This week's Bachelor not only has a body that could make you melt (please divert your eyes upwards) BUT also the brains to go with it!

If you haven't seen him on Foxtel's hit TV show "Eat Yourself Sexy" as the resident trainer, then you really are missing out! 

When he is not running his own Personal Training business "Ministry of Wellbeing" (check it out here) Blake can be found playing footy, surfing and hanging out with the "lad's".

It's enough to make you want to go do some push-ups... ok.. not really.. but perhaps watch him do some anyway.. 

HH&H was lucky enough to discover that there is plenty more to this fit looking fellow than just a pretty face (and did I mention body?!)..

Who is your current Idol and why?

I’m not entirely sure I have an idol exactly but there are definitely people from many walks of life that I look up to and respect. There’s one person in TV (entertainment), another in fitness, a good mate of mine has an awesome relationship with his wife, and another bloke who’s great at life balance. 

What are 3 qualities you like in a girl?

I like a girl that can keep it real and keep it natural. There’s nothing more appealing or attractive to me than a girl whose looks are natural. Unfortunately there are too many gorgeous girls who coat themselves in too much make-up. . There’s no need! I think chicks are so much hotter when they go natural!

I also like a girl who can keep it balanced, chilled and fresh. I’ve been in a few long-term relationships that were way too stressful. It did nothing but create a toxic environment! So unnecessary. Keep it relaxed, keep it balanced and keep it fresh – try new things! Life’s too short to do otherwise.

 If you could play any character in any movie, who would it be?

Definitely MacGyver. He is a secret agent, a hero, has a cracker of a mullet, spent all day saving lives. That guy had it all. I’d be surprised if any bloke didn’t want to be MacGyver.

 Are you a boxers or brief boy?

I'm a briefs boy during the week for work, and boxers on the weekend. Wearing boxers at work or during workouts causes all types of problems!

What's currently on your nightstand?

Not much! I do my best to keep my bedroom clean. Two books, my iPod, keys, phone, wallet, a three wise monkey’s homeware piece and an oil diffuser thingy. 

What was the last song you downloaded?

Can’t hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. This dude has some serious talent. His album is awesome.  I have this song on repeat at the moment, such a feel good song and I just don’t seem to get sick of it.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Doing the TV show "Eat Yourself Sexy” alongside the lovely Sarah Wilson on Foxtel’s Lifestyle You was probably the best thing so far. I’m living my dream when I combine my two passions – fitness and TV! I look forward to my next project in TV!  

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A dog maybe because they’re always happy and enjoy simple things? That’s me!

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them?

I reckon the Dalai Lama would be a pretty interesting guy. After I got over my initial stage fright, I would be keen to just chill with him (because he is a massive chiller) and talk with him about balancing life and keeping happy.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?

I’d take an AFL footy, Bear Grylls because without him I would probably last less then 24 hours. I’d probably just curl up into a fetal position and cry because I wouldn’t know what to do. I’d also take my dad because I know he’d be able to take the weird stuff that Bear catches and turn it into something edible.  





Monday 15 April 2013

Monday night's will never be the same again..


I have discovered a secret Monday night hot spot that will easily wash away those start-of-the-week blues. 

I should warn you that it is hard to find, but once you enter through it's discreet passageway you will discover a world of swinging 60's beats, all the hotdogs you can consume, a cocktail list that puts any New York bar to shame and a cosy movie night vibe with a bunch of hipster randoms that will make you wonder why you are loving your Monday nights SICK.. Seriously!

Curious as to what I am talking about? It's the latest bar to hit Surry Hills called "Soda Factory" and every Monday they hold a movie night with free popcorn, $5 drinks and $5 hot dogs. It.is.awesome!!

Last night the movie of choice was "Zoolander" and everyone packed in to set up camp on a comfy lounge or cushion on the floor to watch  the really, really, ridiculously good looking Ben Stiller work his magic on the big screen (see what I did there!). 

The divine miss Jessica and I arrived early to secure good seats, however we were slightly puzzled when we arrived at the address listed on their website only to find an abandoned hot dog store.What the heck?? 
So we stood there looking like loons until a group of locals, walked on in to the store, opened what seemed to be the fridge and walked through it into a bar. Yes that's right, the fridge is indeed not a fridge, but a cleverly disguised door! Sherlock, I am not!

Don't be fooled... it's not a fridge!

Once we got over our embarrassment of not knowing that the fridge was the door (duh!) we made our way to the bar and ordered one of the many hot dog options on the menu to chow down over a catch-up. 

Now be warned, you may be tempted to stick with the original hot dog (bun, frankfurt, cheese, mustard, snore!) but branch out, go on, live a little!

We both chose the "Johnny Drama" which consisted of a bun, beef frankfurt, bacon, sour cream, avocado and tomato salsa. Yes it probably took a year off my life with all it's artery clogging, fatty goodness, but you know what.. it was worth it. Delish!!

I would steer clear of the house white wine however (not good!) and settle for a delicious cocktail. That is what they are famous for after all. They do jugs that can be shared between two for $25 and you are guaranteed to feel a slight tipsy buzz while watching the movie. Although it's no "Orange, Mocha, Frappacino!" Ok, enough with the Zoolander jokes.

As far as eye candy goes I would have to give it an 8/10. Personally I have moved on from my "hipster" phase (apart from Matt Corby who is a GOD and flawless in every sense!) and onto my "Prep" phase (who doesn't love a collared shirt and fitted blazer). However, if hipsters are your thing then you have hit the jackpot. 

All in all a fabulous night, and a great break from routine. Check it out!!

Soda Factory
16 Wentworth Avenue
Surry Hills










Sunday 14 April 2013

Derby Day Daaaaaarling!!


Early last week I was comparing the Polo to the Horse Races, so off I trotted (get it, trot... like a horse! ha) to Royal Randwick's Derby Day to see for myself exactly which I prefer.

Well dear readers, I have to say it is a tie. I love both the Polo and the Horse Races equally. There is a lot that differentiates them. For example, the Polo usually only has two games per day and each game goes for 90 minutes. The horse races run all day and in quick sprints so you can weave your way up and down the track all day without missing a thing. Total.

I have to say Derby Day was a much classier event then some horse races I have been to in the past. We were lucky enough to have media tickets which allowed us into the Member's area, including the Veuve garden (oh la la) and we "may" have snuck our way into a tent (surprisingly snore worthy), however, I have to say out on the lawn in front of the track was my absolute favourite place to be.

Everyone is in a great mood, the boys are suited up and the sparkles are flowing. It's a great vibe and a lot of fun!!

The key to Derby Day, dear readers, is to come dressed in your finest black and white outfits, and unlike the Polo, heels are a MUST!

Do not, I repeat, do not, make the mistake of wearing a brightly colored dress like I have done in the past. You will be tut-tutted all day and who doesn't enjoy taking part in a theme. Also, when it comes to fascinators and hats, just say YES!! At what other event do you get to plonk something fabulously flamboyant on your head?!

I was very lucky to be invited to the media call in the Vogue/David Jones/GQ Style Stakes tent and not only did I score myself the latest copy of Vogue (hurrah!), but also a quick interview with the divinely stunning David Jones Ambassador Samantha Harris (Video to come, so stay tuned!).



Here are Samantha's three top tips for the races..

1. Wear a comfortable pair of heels. Every girls loves to pick the perfect shoes to go with the perfect outfit, but if you haven't worn in a pair of shoes, don't bother. It is a long day and you don't want to spend it in pain.

2. When it comes to putting on your hat or fascinator, get the hairdresser to put it on for you. They will place it so it will sit correctly and it won't fall out during the day.

3. Just have fun!!

Oh Sam! I am seriously girl crushing on her at the moment! Not only is she crazy tall and flawlessly beautiful, but she was surprisingly lovely and so well-spoken! Totes besties!

Here are some more tips to help you work that Race Day like nobody's business!

1. Always wear heels

2. Don't take your heels off. Under no circumstances. Don't be "that" girl holding her shoes on the walk to the taxi line. Suck it up, drink a pain-numbing glass of sparkles and soldier on! Ooh also invest in some foot pads that you stick into the sole of your shoes. They work wonders.

2. If you are wearing a dress that can't be worn with a bra, go to "Bras' and Things'"and pick yourself up some adhesive uplift stickers. Seriously they are easy to put on, hide the fripples, and keep your bustier in place the whole day. Ahh-maze!!

3. Stick to the theme. If it's Black and White, wear black and white! Who doesn't love a theme?? Have fun with it!

4.  Invest in a mani and pedi. You will be holding a drink of some form, so why not show-off those pinkies!

5. Freshen up your makeup at the sponsored stands placed around the racecourse. Let's face it, you're going to smudge or wear off your makeup during the day, and yes you may feel a little silly sitting in the makeup chair, but you get expert advice and you save the embarrassment of popping up in a facebook pic looking a little worse for wear.
Derby Day was sponsored by Clinique and they even give you a little gift bag filled with makeup goodness (loving life!)

6. Attend the after party. Everyone is in fine form, there is a DJ, and you can dance however you like because everyone is too tipsy to judge.

What I wore:
- Dress by Trelise Cooper (black and white theme)
- Chanel handbag (circa 3 seasons ago, but what I love about Chanel is that it never goes out of date! Oh Coco you know the way to my heart.. just not my bank balance)
- Black high heels from Tony Bianco. Super high, yet they still made me look like a midget next to Samantha humpfff!

Whoever said French sparkles doesn't give you a hangover... lied!!

Healthy week starts NOW!

As I do every Monday after a rather naughty, calorie-ridden weekend, I vow to go on a health kick and make it last all week. Normally it lasts until about 3pm Monday afternoon when the sugar cravings start, however this week I WILL stick to it!!

In preparation for this health kick I have put together a list of meals that are deceivingly good for you, which doesn't really make sense because they taste too delish to be healthy. 

 If you would like to go on a health kick as well, why not get some meal inspiration below..

Super healthy, naturally energising breakfast


Rye bread with low-fat ricotta cheese and an abundance of healthy toppings. You can mix your lunch up with natural sweet AND savoury. YUM!


Wholemeal toasted sandwich with low-fat ricotta, avocado and spinach leaves.


Spinach, mushroom, egg cups. So easy!

Swap the sugar cravings with a healthy juice!

Friday 12 April 2013

Cocktail of the week: Sangria!



Reasons why I love Sangria:

1. It is potent!
2. It's Spanish and anything Spanish is sexy!
3. You are forgiven for saying Spanish words whilst drinking it. Ole!
4. It is wine AND spirits
5. It has fruit in it so you can pretend it's healthy.
6. It tastes delish!
7. It is SO easy to make!

It is Saturday and it's been a long week, so you deserve a delicious cocktail to help get you into the weekend spirit.

Why not give this recipe a try..

SANGRIA!!

What you will need:

-  1 Orange, quartered, each quarter thinly sliced crossways
-  1 granny smith apple, cored, quartered, each quarter thinly sliced crossways
-  3/4 cup Cointreau
-  1/4 cup caster sugar
-  2 x 750 ml bottle of red or white wine (whichever you prefer)
-  2 cups chilled lemonade
-  1 cup ice cubes, to serve

Method:

Step 1
Place the orange, apple, Cointreau and sugar in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill and allow the flavours to develop.

Step 2
Add the wine, lemonade and ice cubes to the fruit mixture. Use a ladle to transfer the sangria to a jug. Pour among 8 serving glasses. Serve immediately.


Tip: Berries also make a nice replacement for oranges. Actually you can pretty much put any form of fruit into Sangria and it will still taste delish!





Thursday 11 April 2013

My icon: Iris Apfel


Is this not the most fabulous female icon you have ever heard of!!

Iris Apfel is a 91 year old fashion maven hailing from New York who describes herself as a "geriatric starlet".

With an impressive resume that includes interior design, fashion muse, and eyewear creator,  Iris' life has been far from boring. She sits front row at the major fashion shows, has been the cover girl on many international Fashion Magazines and attends all the A-list New York events.

Iris developed a cult following in 2005 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art held an exhibition of Iris' flamboyant outfits titled "Rara Avis: The Irreverent Iris Apfel".

Following this exhibition, at the spritely age of 84, MAC cosmetics named a collection under her name,  designer Jimmy Choo named a sandal in her honor and she even brought out her own eyewear  and handbag ranges.

In a world that is obsessed with staying youthful, Iris defies all odds and has a refreshing take on life. She sees style as a personal choice and dresses only to please herself. She points out that fashion is fun and shouldn't be taken too seriously.

I love that Iris reminds us that you are never too young or too old to accomplish something. The world is your oyster, and all that jazz!

Here are some of my favorite Iris quotes..






Tuesday 9 April 2013

Bachelor Of The Week: Andrew Maciver



Apart from being really, really, ridiculously good looking (yes I quoted Zoolander, what of it!) this part-time model is also an entrepreneur, voice over artist and actor.

If you are wondering where you have seen his face before, Andrew has featured in a number of advertisements for Myer, David Jones and King Gee, just to name a few.

Hailing from the Northern Beaches, Andrew is a lover of nature and enjoys all outdoor sports. 

Oh and did I forget to mention, Andrew completed Officer training in the Army Reserve and runs his own health food company. Yes ladies, this is a man who has it all! 

Want to know more about this dashingly handsome man?? Read on..


Who is your current Idol and why?

President Obama. Despite being left with a mess he managed to stand tall, orates brilliantly, inspire others and achieve what he set out to achieve.

What are 3 qualities you like in a girl?

Confidence, happiness and athleticism. Confident that she can give everything ago and hold her own in a crowd. Happy so that she sees the good things in life. Athletic so that she is strong and healthy.

If you could play any character in any movie, who would it be?

It would definitely have to be an action film. Standing up for what is right and being a motivator for the other characters.

Are you a boxers or brief boy?

I’m actually a boxer brief guy. I like the security of having things together without the material moving.

What's currently on your nightstand?

Books on nutrition and a candle.
What was the last song you downloaded?
Saturday Night by Cold Chisel. I was in a car with friends after dinner, a mixture of guys, girls and a dog, it was Saturday night and we attempted to sing it ha.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I would have to say pitching a tv show with myself as the host to the Food Network in New York.
If you were an animal what would you be?
Hopefully a small fluffy dog that a woman can’t keep her hands off, cuddling and kissing. That or a dolphin, free and playful.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them?
My idol Barrack. I would say “Well done mate, keep up the good work and don’t be afraid to do something extreme".
If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?
Survival would be foremost so a quality knife, a hammock, and large tarpaulin to use as shelter and collect rain water.



Monday 8 April 2013

Is Polo the new Horse Races??


There is nothing I enjoy more than sunshine, French sparkles, men in collared shirts and a lovely picnic spread. So with the sun shining last Sunday, Emelie, Bronte and I packed the car with a plentiful picnic (we may have gone overboard with the cheese plate) and jumped on the highway straight out of Sydney to the Windsor Polo grounds for the Australia vs England game.

If there is one thing I have discovered about the polo, it is that there is an abundance of.. well.. how do I put this... MEN. They come dressed in their finest structured coats, collared shirts, leather boots and if you are lucky you may even spot the odd chino pant. Mustard seemed to be the colour of the day. I'm not sure how I feel about this yet, but I think it is growing on me.


So as you can imagine, the Polo is always a tricky event to dress for. If you look too dressed up you will be laughed at, if you are too dressed down you stick out like a sore thumb, so getting it right is a little stressful. What you want to achieve is an "easy chic elegant" look. I normally choose to go with a flowing maxi dress and wedges, or a cute summer dress and flats are also acceptable.

However, if there is one piece of advice I can give you it is DO NOT WEAR HEELS!! Under no circumstances, even if your house was alight and the only thing you managed to save was a cute dress and heels. NO! There is nothing attractive about trying to cross a polo field in heels that are constantly sinking into the grass. YES it is funny to watch NO you do not look good. 

Another dandy piece of advice is not to overindulge on the sparkles. When you are sitting in the sun, gossiping with the girls it can be tricky to keep track of how many glasses you have consumed over the duration of the day. There is nothing worse than standing up and realising you are more than a little tipsy. Don't be that girl! I know I have, so trust me, I know what I am talking about.

A few glasses of sparkles + a camera = trout pout

Another tip is take part in the mid-game divot stomping. It is a hoot! Plus it is a great way to get out and mingle with everyone (and by everyone, I mean boys!). There is nothing more tantalizing than watching a group of handsomely dressed peep's stomping on hoof marks in the ground.

My final piece of advice when it comes to the Polo is this.. if you have the opportunity (or means) to spend the day in a sponsored tent then do it! Tents are a great place to mingle, the champagne is flowing,  the finger food is a plenty and you can simply sit back and enjoy the day. No fussing about with spilt champagne on the picnic rug, or trying to find a good spot to set up for the day. It is all done for you.

I should also mention, that it is not a necessity to actually watch the game of polo. I have been to quite a few tournaments so far and I am yet to watch a full game or actually understand the rules. So don't feel silly if you're not actually sure what is going on during the match. Perhaps just comment every now and then with "great shot" or "that's a fine looking specimen he has there".

Let's be honest, you are never going to read this.

A rainbow over the field.. the perfect end to a glorious Sunday 

Sunday 7 April 2013

The most amazing meal you will ever have!!



Now, I know I tend to get a little over-excited when it comes to food. There is nothing I enjoy more than a lovely dinner with lovely friends. So it was a cold and rainy Friday night that brought the gang and I to Yulli's Restaurant, Surry Hills for the gorgeous Vee Vee's birthday dinner.

Now I have to be straight up with you, when I heard it was a "Vegetarian" Restaurant I wasn't overly thrilled. However, upon strong recommendation from Simon, we all ordered the banquet menu. Here I was thinking "great I can't wait to feast upon a meal of rabbit food" but oh no dear readers, I am not joking when I state that this dinner was quite possibly the best meal of my life!!

Seriously, Yulli's should be awarded a medal for making healthy, meat free food taste so delish!! I may have over indulged and eaten everything that was placed in front of me. To the point where I thought they were actually going to have to roll me out of the Restaurant, but it was that good.

There was Edamame and Coconut money bags served with a pineapple sweet chilli sauce, falafel balls served on betel leaves with a spicy tomato chutney, Salt and Pepper tofu, steamed leak and ginger dumplings, Porcini mushroom and haloumi Pizza, and for dessert there was a platter of chocolate brownies and caramel cheesecake. Yes that's right, I had died and gone to Vegetarian heaven.

Amongst my dining companions that night was a country boy who was brought up on sturdy roast dinners, some divine English friends from the land of the sunday fry up, and the bestie and I who thrive on a carnivorous diet. So to see everyone embracing the concept and actually enjoying it was a treat!

If you feel like trying something different I highly suggest you check out Yulli's. You won't be disappointed!

http://yullis.com.au/


Saturday 6 April 2013

Freedom...

All of a sudden I have an urge to buy a caravan and take off... why you make be asking.. I think pictures will answer this best..






The Perfect Cocktail Recipe for your Saturday night

I love cocktails, LOVE them. So when it comes to a late night beverage, you can't go past an Espresso Martini. It has just enough caffeinated kick to help you stay out long past your bedtime.

Wanting to try one for yourself?? Here is how to make it..

Enjoy!


Friday 5 April 2013

The Great Gatsby


Is anyone else excited about the release of "The Great Gatsby"??

All of a sudden I want to break out my finest 20's flapper dress, my mink coat and darling pearls!

Once again it looks like Baz Luhrmann has produced a visually stunning movie. The costumes are out of this world, and let's face it, anything featuring Leonard DiCaprio is sure to be entertaining to say the least.

Another thing I am loving about this movie is the remake of Amy Whitehouse's song "Back to Black" performed by Jay-Z and Beyonce. A very unique take on a beautiful song.

Unfortunately we still have to wait until the 30th May to watch the full version, however check out the trailer below.

Excited is an understatement!


Wednesday 3 April 2013

Bachelor of the Week: Sandor Earl





This week's Bachelor is sure to make a girl go weak at the knees! With crystal blue eyes, a face that could make you blush, and a body that... well... I don't think it needs explaining..

When he is not running around the football field, playing for the Canberra Raiders, he can be found enjoying a good coffee or during the off-season, at the beach (it's a little too far from Canberra).

Wondering why he looks so exotic?? Sandor is of Hungarian, Maori and English descent. Oh la la!

Who is your current idol?

My current idol, hmm that is a hard one. Off the top of my head I am going to say The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) he is a beast! He trains hard and kills it in his movies. I would love his life at the moment ha!

What are three features you look for in a girl?
Natural beauty, Independent attitude and haha probably a good cook.
If you could play any character in a movie, who would it be?
Umm I will go with Channing Tatum's character in "Magic Mike" or Brad Pitt in "Troy".
Are you a boxers or briefs guy?
Definitely briefs. I'm usually always training so boxers get a bit ennoying!
What is on your night stand?
Candles, a lamp, framed pictures of mum and myself, and my mates bub.
What was the last song you downloaded?
It was "Tonight" (Best you ever had) John Legend ft Ludacris
What has been your career highlight so far?
Probably the opportunity to play Finals Football with the Panthers and Raiders. It had a great atmosphere and was a great experience.
If you could be any animal, what would it be?
Definitely a Tiger, top of the food chain!
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them?
David Beckham maybe or Micheal Jordan. I would just ask them to tell me some cool stories from there lives!
What are 3 things you would take on a deserted island?
A knife, Wilson volleyball and some shoes!



Tuesday 2 April 2013

Cosmopolitan Magazine



As Australian Cosmopolitan Magazine is celebrating it's 40th Birthday this month, I thought it only fitting that I write a little post.

It was at this Magazines Sydney offices that I started my first internship in the fashion department and where I had my first official interview for a Journalism position.

I think it is safe to say, out of all the internships a fresh-faced University student could have secured, I sure got lucky!! I "may" have harassed them with pleading emails until they actually let me come work for them, but hey, it's a cut-throat world!!

So for one-day-a-week for a whole year I drove from Bathurst to Sydney, to spend a day sorting out fabulous clothes in the fashion closet, running around Sydney picking up the latest styles from designers, helping out on fashion shoots, picking up lunch orders and photocopying the latest trends from worldwide magazines. Yes, woe is me and all that jazz!!

It obviously had it's bad days along with it's good. There is nothing more tedious then masking-taping the bottom of shoes so that they can be sent back to the designer after a shoot, or steam-cleaning a closet full of clothes, but you know what, I loved every minute of it.

My time at Cosmopolitan Magazine taught me that girls could have their cake and eat it too. There was nothing wrong with wanting a career that far exceeded the 9am - 5pm working hours, as long as you enjoyed it.

I think the thing I was most shocked about, and this may sound a little outdated, was that most of the girls at the Magazine weren't married or shacked up with children in their late 20's, early 30's. Wow, a life outside the traditional? I loved it!

During my time at the Magazine I was given lots of opportunities to expand on my career. I sat front row at a fashion show, appeared in the Magazine for an article, got to style my very own fashion shoot and had a say in what clothes worked with an outfit ensemble.

I was very lucky to work under the amazingly gifted and trusting Fashion Editor Nicole Adolphe who gave me my first reference when I applied for my first job at Channel Nine's travel program "Getaway" I think she played a big part in me getting the job!

It was at Cosmopolitan that I learnt what it was like to work under a deadline (stressful!), how to make tights work with any outfit (hey, this was a few years ago, give me a break!), how to work alongside others, rather than against them, and being surrounded by such awesome role models I learnt how important it is to have something to strive towards, such as a promotion or to simply be able to sit back and appreciate a piece of work once it had been published.

I absolutely loved my time at Cosmopolitan Magazine, and what it lacked for in financial payment, it sure made up for in motivation, learning, growth and experience.

To read about the inspirational careers of the Five Editors that had a say in what Cosmopolitan Magazine has become today, click here.. http://www.cosmopolitan.com.au/40th-birthday/2013/3/the-editors/#.UVqImY6eOFK