by Candice DeVille | Jul 21, 2014 | sponsors
A sponsored post brought to you by Nuffnang and Uniformdating.com
When I was about twelve years old, my best friend and I packed our little duffle bags with clothes, muesli bars and a box of bandages. We were planning to run away, (on her horse to America) and meet some wounded soldiers we could tend to. Watching Gone With the Wind too many times will do that to a girl.
We never stopped to really analyse where we would meet said soldiers, nor whether they would have the time to meet us. (It didn’t even occur to us at twelve that the whole scenario was a total fantasy; until we were very cold and standing by the top gate).
But now, Australians have a new way to meet people in uniform looking for love.
Uniformdating.com, a prominent UK online dating service, has just launched here in Australia to help people in uniformed professions meet each other. Doctors, Nurses, Firemen, Police; the list goes on. Each of these uniformed service roles bring a unique set of job challenges and hours that can often make it difficult for them to meet Mr or Ms Right.
Being on call, dealing with people in times of crisis, long hours, working in high risk conditions; all of these elements can make meeting the right partner in a relaxed environment pretty darn difficult. After eight years in the UK, Uniformdating.com felt it was time to bring their tailor-made dating solution to Australia, a place where these everyday heroes play a big part in our communities.
But what about the reality of online dating and what does this have to do with me?
I can’t say I have any first hand experience with “internet dating” per se. I do however, have a whole lot of experience in meeting up in real life with people that I’ve met online, and I’ve learnt a lot that I can share. In fact the very first time I meet someone from the Internet, I’d met him on a BBS (bulletin board system) in the days before the internet as you know it! (His name was Phoenix and we met up at the milk bar).
Here is the advice I’d give to anyone wanting to try online dating:
- Go into each exchange with your eyes wide open.
- Never give out your home address, personal particulars, bank details, mother’s maiden name (you get my drift)
- Always organise your first meeting in a public venue and, if you can, make it a group date.
- Make sure that someone knows where you are and when you are expected to return. A great way to do this (and an added security benefit) is to send an MSS pic of you and your date to your contact at the beginning of the night, and another once you’re home safe and sound.
- Be honest about your expectations of what you want from a relationship. There’s no need to go into the first date with a wedding planner, but by the same token if you’re a homebody and you pretend to be into adventure sport to impress someone, it’s going to end in tears.
- Never give anyone money; even if their cat / grandmother / child needs an organ transplant.
- Remember that good relationships take time. You may really hit it off with someone and think you’ll be together forever (this goes for friendships too), but only time will truly tell the measure of a person’s character.
They tell me joining is easy. You can join for free in the standard membership, which allows you to create a profile, upload a video, and use the search function. Once you’ve created your profile you also have access to five free messages with your matches.
To get the most out of the site and all its features, it’s $14.99 a month to upgrade to a full membership. This full membership will give you complete access to all aspects of the site including chat, messaging and upcoming new features.
Uniformdating.com is now open for business in Australia if you fancy finding yourself that special someone. (No box of bandages required)
Disclosure- brought to you by Nuffnang and Uniform Dating
by Candice DeVille | Jul 15, 2014 | sponsors
Brought to you by Nuffnang and Gambling Awareness
There are no levels in this game.
There is no one point that you reach when a timer goes off and says, “You’ve now reached your gambling limit and it may be starting to become a problem.” It is something that those around you can help you figure out a way through. When gambling starts to take over it can lose its shine and start to hurt in different ways.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do you think about gambling every day?
- Do you hide your gambling from loved ones?
- Do you ever borrow money to gamble?
- Do you let bills go unpaid?
- Is gambling affecting your role as a parent?
- Do you think you can use skill to win on a pokie machine?
- Do you gamble to forget your problems?
If you answered yes to any of these questions,you may be experiencing an issue with gambling.
Experiencing problems with gambling is different for everyone and there is no one right answer to finding help; there are many.
Getting help means you can start to take back control of your life. All the things you ‘spend’ while gambling – your time, relationships, money – become yours again. Think about how much better off you could be.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing problems with gambling, there are many ways to get help.
For free, confidential support call Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblershelp.com.au to find the support that’s right for you.
by Candice DeVille | May 15, 2014 | daily outfit, Shopping, sponsors
I went all out today and decided to get into the feel of the Trashy Diva Obi Dragon dress by playing the 1940’s lounge singer role in the studio with Helen. It was the perfect opportunity to road test evening looks for some upcoming Winter’s night events and see just how they’ll work. Often times I plan outfits to go dancing in and I usually sacrifice functionality for good looks. This is one perfect dress that doesn’t ask you to make that choice; just take a good jacket if you’re in Melbourne!
You saw the cute polka dot 1950’s style dress from Trashy Diva last week, well this week I wanted to play around with this new release of the Obi dress. You may remember I first found this style back when I was in New Orleans, and the decadent, floaty silk was too much to leave behind.
Not only is the fabric on these dresses simply gorgeous, but the sleeve design makes them perfect for dancing! No problems stretching, twirling or even over heating. The full skirt flows beautifully and the obi belt design forms part of the dress, so you won’t loose it on the dance floor.
Outfit Details
Obi Dragon Dress – Trashy Diva (kindly provided as a gift)
Red strap shoes – Tony Bianco
Drop earrings – Vintage
Lip colour – Mac Russian Red with Lime Crime Carousel gloss on top.
Swanky Photography by Helen McLean
If you have any questions about their dresses or other things you see on the website, like finding out about fit or care, feel free to ask away in the comments. I have loads of their pieces and have worn them for several years, so I can fill you in on all the little details.
by Candice DeVille | Jun 19, 2012 | 1960, competitions, daily outfit, HANDBAGS, Modern Chic, sponsors
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This is one special daily outfit today. As a part of my role as a Mercedes-Benz Championship blogger for The Race Around the Web, I had the opportunity to spend the day driving around in the hot off the boat, brand new B Class! I think I may have finally found my perfect car with its seriously luxe glam factor. We went a little crazy taking outfit shots for this one because it just felt like the perfect synergy between my own style and how gorgeous this car is.
I fell in love with the sleek curves, glossy red body and plush pale leather seats; but mostly I fell in love with the pure drama of it!
If you want to be in the running to WIN this absolute stunner of a Mercedes-Benz B Class, amongst other amazing prizes, check out the Race Around the Web and the Super Kawaii Mama Championship track now! And make sure to use that “Share” button at the bottom of the post, cause I’ll bet if your best friend wins it, they’ll take you cruising in style too!
Outfit Details
Dress – Original 1950’s vintage lace cocktail dress Similar vintage style lace dress.
Scarf – hand rolled silk vintage scarf
Earrings – Lovisa.
Pastel studded bracelet – Lovisa. I’ve also just bought this pastel two tone studded bracelet to wear with it – so cute!
Gloves Kid leather driving gloves
Tri-tone pastel shoes – Betts new arrivals. These gorgeous Versus multi pastel heels would be a killer match too.
Blush pink bag – Forever New
Sunglasses – 50’s style catseye sunglasses Luella
*All original images by Helen McLean for Vintage Current – Images may be reproduced with appropriate permissions. Feel free to add to Pinterest, Tumblr etc…*
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by Candice DeVille | Sep 17, 2010 | competitions, Shopping, sponsors
I love shoes. And I love shopping. But put these two together and it often results in a heck of a lot of post shopping complaints, tired legs and a box of pain killers.
Yes, I have been told to wear sensible shoes, but its tough when there are so many beautiful ones on offer. I am adding to my collection of more flat-ish shoes, but nothing beats the wiggle inducing stiletto for me. The problem is that you pay for it.
I have arthritis in my knees and suffer from edema.
Without a doubt, the OSIM uSqueeze has made a monumental difference to the amount of pain and swelling I suffer from.
I’ve been trying all sorts of things to help my legs return to their normal selves after a big night out; foot spas, hot towel wraps, even lying with my feet up the wall at 3am after a particularly big night out. None of this has been working very well really, but I the OSIM uSqueeze does such an incredible job the the swelling is almost gone after only 20 minutes!
You’ll remember last month as part of Relaxation August, OSIM sent me a special something to help take away the Hunchback of Notre Dame cramps in my shoulders? This time they suggested a solution for my legs and feet that I just couldn’t resist – the uSqueeze Warm.
This arrived in a great big box on my front doorstep, (which has also proven to be a very handy children’s play thing) and promptly found a home in my living room.
First off I have to say how awesome is it that this model matches my living room furniture?! And given that my furniture is retro-tastic, what are the odds? Anyway, this heavenly piece of kit is a deep red leather with a sort of pouch arrangement at the front to slide your aching feet and legs into. Like so…
Yes, I am in my pyjamas and rollers. This is a proper relaxation effort here.
It has a few simple selections which create a vibration, heat and the most intense massaging rollers you’ve ever felt! Seriously, this is no fairy fingered machine, this is the business. The rollers actually roll and squeeze the entire tops and bottoms of your feet, while another set of rollers squeeze and roll the length of your calves.
It focuses on muscles and pressure points, working them in a kneading motion helping improve lymphatic drainage. The warming feature is so toasty and snug it is even better than having the puppies sit on my feet.
The inside bit where your legs go is a fabric cover that can come off for washing, and opens up with a zipper if you just want to put your feet in and not your whole legs. The whole unit can tilt to different angles depending on how you want to sit, what part of your legs you want to concentrate on, or even tilt all the way around to be a foot rest when it isn’t in use.
But warning – this could very well send you straight to sleep!
Total bliss….
Knowing how much I enjoyed this, and just how many of you are also shopaholic shoe fiends, OSIM has kindly offered to give a special exclusive 10% discount to all our readers yet again!
And do you know what else… after the uPapa hug was such a hit with you, they have offered one of these uSqueeze Warm machines to give away to you too! (Seriously, I’m amazed how much cool stuff I can share with you, it’s the best!)
So here is what you need to do:
GO – to the OSIM site and register your details to enter the draw
WRITE – me a comment with a link to a picture of your favourite shoes (they don’t have to actually belong to you, they can just be wish list shoes)
You have until Friday 1st October to register!
And while we’re talking about winning cool stuff, CONGRATULATIONS to Bianca Gaetani who has her very own uPapa Hug turning up any day now!
** THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED**
by Candice DeVille | Aug 4, 2010 | competitions, Shopping, sponsors
The schedule I’ve been keeping for the last few months has left me a bit weary. In truth, actually very weary and possibly with a hump… I’m suffering from a lack of sleep, not eating properly, running out of clean washing and I think one shoulder is almost touching my ear from mouse induced cramps. High time to call a “Time Out” I think.
While I can’t put my life or my business on hold, I can make a concerted effort to change my ways for a while and so I’m calling in a Relaxation Month. A week to re-group, to get to bed early without guilt, to find those things that will restore the balance in my universe. And I want you to come along too.
I decided to do something that had been on my list for a very long time – find myself a personal masseuse. Oh the luxury! But reality is that the cost of getting a masseuse to rock up to my lounge room each night might just have put me into the poor house, and I’m not sure that they do 1am call outs.
It was then I had one of those “well duh!” moments, and remembered checking out the OSIM store and all their at-home massage products last time I was in Singapore.
OSIM make those massage chairs that are the rolls royce of at home relaxation indulgence. Sitting in one of those to try out in store elicits an almost indecent response from its occupants. But I’d forgotten until recently about all the other goodies they make. So wanting a champagne experience on my beer budget, I hunted out the OSIM uPapa Hug to fix my back and shoulder woes.
The uPapa Hug is built kind of like a shawl type arrangement. It goes over your neck and shoulders and is weighted to stay put and create the best contact with your body. Inside it are tiny little men with great big hammers that give your shoulders a total work out. (They may be motors or something but I prefer to think of the little men in there). It is a simple plug it in to the wall and press the button to go, type of system. You can choose a Relaxing program or a Power program depending on what you feel like, but you don’t have to set anything complex or strap it down to a chair.
Unlike other at home massage products on the market I tried, it doesn’t rely on electronic muscle stimulation which I actually find rather exhausting in itself. It feels exactly like someone standing behind you giving your shoulders either a gentle or vigorous pummelling. As it cycles through its program you can feel the whole area warming up and your muscles melting into a softer, smoother release. Like giving a big sigh.
The other thing that sold me on the uPapa Hug, is that you can move it around all over your body. Down around your lower back, over your thighs, heck even wrap it around your butt if you’ve been doing too much stair master! I’ve been trying for a while to get my back and shoulders into shape as all this time at the keyboard is doing me in. $130 for each physiotherapy appointment (eek!), $90 an hour for a professional massage and even $45 for half an hour at one of those shopping mall massage places…. At those prices I just can’t give my back the constant attention it is so sorely needing. So coming in at $288 RRP, the uPapa Hug was going to pay for itself it no time at all!
With all this in mind, and leaving their store mightily impresses, I contact OSIM to tell them about my plan for Relaxation Month and to see if they might be able to offer my readers something to help us all take a load off this August. They kindly offered to be a sponsor for Relaxation Month, and sent me my own uPapa as well as one to give away! And not only that, they are offering 10% off for each and every one of your who’d like one of these for your own.
So if you’d like the chance to WIN your own uPapa Hug all you have to do is go here and register your details to be in with a chance.
And if you want one all for your very own self (or even to share with all the family) you can get your 10%off voucher here. Just register here and your voucher will be sent directly to you.
Make sure you leave me a comment letting me know you’ve registered (to help me keep track) and also with any of your favorite relaxation tips! Over the month I’ll link back to you and you favorite relaxifying treats!
If you’d like to check them out in store and give them a thorough trial for yourself, you can find a list of Australian OSIM stores here. They have locations in Victoria, NSW and QLD or the online store has loads of options and information.
Over the rest of August I’ll be writing all about my journey for a bit of rest and relaxation in true Glamour Girl style. How I’m managing to do it or otherwise, and re-charging those batteries to keep creating. Yes, there will still be Daily Outfits and lots of other updates, but also lots of hints, tips, trick and recommendations to help you beat the mid year slump that we all too often fall into. After all, one can’t keep their groove without their mojo!
