Five Foot Nothing

Bulletin Board: Another attempt at being up myself

2011-10-17T11:18:00.002+11:00

Major news as to the reason why I'm not blogging as often as I should be on this website is because I'm radiating a huge smile that I wish you readers could see. Here's a picture of my toothsome smile:

The reason why my beaming smile could light up the neon lights of Las Vegas is because I'm now working at Immigration Solutions Lawyers. As many people can tell you, any gig which revolves around your passion is something pursuing.

What I really wanted is a mentor and combining my passion in media and law into one, it was like the universe heard my calls and this job dropped in my lap. The legal industry is still trying the grasp the concept of online media and I was exciting to inject a bit of pizazz into this world. As we all know, making legal related stories interesting is a hard job to follow.

So if you want to follow up on any news related to immigration law, or law in general, just search me here.

Though my profile on the website is not up yet, when it does, I'll definitely show it to you because I like to be applauded with my achievements.

Now, I must get off the soap box before someone else thinks I've become a massive know-it-all.

Happy reading,
5ft0

The Truth About The Truth

2011-08-18T17:27:00.003+10:00

As a student of law, I'm trained to be a skeptic. This is because most of our future clients will most likely lie to us.

We're told from birth lying is bad. Constantly. This is demonstrated in the fairy tale story of Pinocchio, where his nose grows every time he utters a lie. Those cliche sayings such as, "The truth will set you free" and "The truth always comes out anyway" are some other examples where it's drilled into our heads that lying is bed. Even the law will whack us a fine, or even gaol time if we've misconstrued the truth in any shape or form.

However, when it comes to avoiding trouble, or sparing someone's feelings, many will find themselves lying to save themselves. We lie with much abandonment. Even Hollywood would go broke if people didn't lie. Just go to the cinemas and chances are, plots are based on deceit of some form.

The fact is lying is a necessity. We're taught from an early age by our parents to protect someone else's feelings. Like telling Uncle Ned he looks fine in his bathers, when really his stomach hanging over his bathers like a sore eye.

So why do we do it? Because the truth hurts. The pain of hearing a news that you didn't want to hear, even sends the innocent to lie.

No matter how hard we try to ignore or hide from a situation or a person, the lies eventually fall away. Whether we like to believe or not, the truth about the truth? It hurts. That's why we lie.

Happy reading!
5ft0

The Six Month Bludge

2011-06-28T16:53:00.004+10:00

According to the Macquarie Dictionary, the term bludge is:

" n. An Australian, NZ Colloquial term to describe someone who is avoiding responsibilities and almost has no work".

I think this term describes the reason why my blog is remained inactive for the last six months. I have been a bad blogger and I expect it to scream at me at any second now. Who wouldn't scream at someone who hasn't been feeding her favourite confectionery, green apple liquorice? Or go on a six month absence without notice? I wouldn't be a happy lady either.

I shall stop the self depreciating jokes and tell you what's been happening in the last six months.

Until recently, the only sweets I'd been consuming on a regular basis was green apple liquorice. That was until I stumbled onto the quiet streets of Newtown and discovered this little gem:

And until yesterday, I think I consumed approximately 203 pieces of this humble dessert:

Who knew lemons could make delicious desserts? I was taught lemons were acidic little buggers that'll weaken the enamel of your teeth. Maybe it's the copious amounts of sugar used in this dessert, but it has kept me company through the recent examination crisis - where I had to memorise the changes of certain legislations and hear my fellow law comrades moan about closed book exams.

I shall be writing posts which contain more meaningful topics in the near future.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Shortcuts for Christmas

2010-12-24T11:15:00.005+11:00

My cooking skills are elementary. Christmas is the time where you’re suppose to consume glace cherries, plum pudding and turkey. However, I think I’m the only person on Earth who dislikes consuming all of these produce.

Glace cherries repulse me. Their red or green jelly appearance makes me feel ill. They don’t resemble or taste anything like cherries. Even on December 25th, I wouldn’t go near one.

Plum pudding? Its appearance, without the custard reminds me of the content of animal waste, whose diet consists of vegetables and legumes. It’s big and brown and the thought of sticking this into my mouth, also repulses me.

In regards to turkey, I know I can hear readers through Twitter screaming, “But Christmas isn’t the same without a turkey!” This may be true, though I wish I could be consuming other forms of meat like a roast chicken instead.

So I decided to look through recipes for inspiration. Looking at the pictures of food books makes my mouth water. Following the instructions implicity however, is a different story. No matter how many times I re-read instructions of a recipe books, it never turns out the same way it’s shown in the book.

What I should be cooking should resemble something like this:

After reading through recipes to make bolotti bean brushchetta, salmon arancini and pork and chive dumplings, I’ve resorted to doing something which should be considered a Christmas crime. Instead I bought this:

And then pretending I made this all from scratch.

I don’t know why I bother, it’s not like anyone would care. It’s obvious I didn’t make it; I don’t re-stock the fridge with fresh vegetables, meat and fruit. It’s filled with fully-prepared meals and nothing in between. I can imagine my extended family sitting in the table, with my Dad putting on a straight face saying, “This is delicious, Tina”.

Has anyone taken drastic short-cuts to shorten Christmas preparations? Or dislike certain foods which were only meant to be eaten during Christmas? Please do tell me.

Happy reading (& a very Merry Christmas!)
5ft0

**Pictures courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

I'm being up myself again - another blatant promotion

2010-11-29T18:45:00.006+11:00

I know I haven't attended to this blog in a while - but I do have a very good reason for it. Other than end of year exams for uni and partying.

I can now finally reveal the project I'm working on:

I'm just so excited that OntheSOS was launched today. I woke up at seven this morning just to check out OntheSOS. It's pathetic, but I'm excited as a little kid on Christmas Day. I lie on my bed, telling myself to act like a twenty three year old and lay back and not think about it. But I can't resist. My mind was swimming with images of beautiful pictures taken around Sydney as well as my profile. I could picture people looking at my website reading intently, or not even give a toss about it. But I can finally see my ideas coming to life now.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Klingelfuss, OnTheSOS

What are people going to see? My name of course! Along with the other members of the team. But still, I can't contain my excitement at the moment.

Anyway, tell me what you think about the website. To see it, click here. I shall write more soon!

Happy reading,
5ft0

Is the concept of originality dead?

2010-10-30T20:01:00.007+11:00

There's no such thing as originality. The need to be unique is condemned to be a thing of the past.

As a growing amount of authors, singers, designers - hell anyone who's in the creative field is accused of plagiarism these days. You only have to listen to every second song to hear a melody was taken from another song. Modern day films are identical to copies of classical films, we're stuck with the notion that we're running out of ideas. Ever since history was written onto books, we've always reworked themes to suit the context of our times. However, we may have a certain limit to how much imagination humanity has.

These days, everybody is copying everyone else. From chain store brands copying the latest fashion from the catwalks of Milan at the fraction of the price, to television stations copying each other in genres such as food and talent shows. It's not necessarily a bad thing. It encourages participates from both sides to do a better version of a theme. In recent years, the quality of the copy is either similar or even surpasses the original. It's accessible to the ordinary citizen and may bring a multitude of enviable characteristics. There's no need to chime the phrase, "Copy is inferior".

I prefer watching shows like "The 70s Show" than going through a time machine to live in the 70s, because I feel like it's a boring time for me. While plastic flowers will never die and don't require watering. My understanding of copies comes from personal experience.

As a kid, my parents bought a tea towel which featured "The Scream" by Van Gogh. It displayed all the aura a portrait has, as well as being a humble rag which was functional. It also had a ghosting effect, due to a printing fault. The towel was laid out in our kitchen, unlike the pompous 10 inch bullet proof glass.

When I saw the painting years later, it wasn't as magnificent as I thought it was. I missed the grease and vegetable oil that the man his jaundiced glow. What about the scorch mark that left him with one eye? The tea towel of "The Scream" was far better than the original.

The field of creativity has always been plagued by plagiarism and copy cats. Take a look at Britney Spears' version of Joan Jett's song, "I love Rock & Roll", or when Ryan Tedder used the same back tracking for the lyrics to Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce's Halo songs. Even in Copyright Law, there's no law about copying the idea itself - it is only copying the exact final product which will land you in hot water.

Did Chloe or Hermes steal the idea of the 'padlock' to be a main feature on bags?

In my case, if you copy the exact words or pictures from a writer or an artist, that's plagiarism. If you steal from many, it's called research.

Perhaps, the main aim of originality is to be copied. Take a look at the ubiquitous amounts of Louis Vuitton counterfeit bags sold at the markets, or hidden street corners.

We can delude ourselves to believe that our latest project is original - but most of us are born to copy. Even human nature is born to copy - from our bodies constantly replacing skin cells and blood, to the fact that when we reproduce, they're copies of ourselves.

In fact, we are the copies of our own ancestors.

So what do you think?

Happy reading!
5ft0

The Beast Called 'Real Life'

2010-09-23T23:53:00.004+10:00

When I sixteen, my best friend and I had a dream, we detested the school we went to and wanted to leave it as soon as our last year of school came to a close. This plan consisted of us being wealthy in a matter of months of leaving our home town: she’ll be the first person who made millions selling worry dolls and I’d be in New York as a fashion stylist to Anna Wintour.

With the money we had from our fabulous jobs, we would buy every apartment across the globe – whatever we fancied, we could get it.

Even though our lives didn’t pan out the way we imagined, we’re still young. I feel my school girl frivolity is still alive – moving overseas may take a while, but it’s still simmering. There were other things I didn’t expect when I graduated all those years ago, to still be studying at a ripe old age of twenty three.

But what society thinks there should be a certain way to live life? To have a cool job, getting married and own a house by the time we’re twenty five? Are we setting ourselves a deadline that’s impossible to reach? Or are we trying to rush through things because we want to achieve everything now?

Recently, I had dinner with a few friends and all of them were talking about the dilemmas of life. One of them was particularly exhausted after she finished her rant.
“We worked hard at school to go to uni and study the degree we wanted. When we got to uni, we had to study hard to get the jobs we wanted. Then after that, we go back to uni to boost our qualifications. Not only that, but we need to get married. Then once we have kids, the cycle starts all over again”.

Few of the people at the table nodded. On the other hand, I didn’t agree.
“There are other ways to live life. That’s just one life, but you don’t have to live with it”.

“You’re still at uni. Uni life isn’t going to stay forever Tina. Real life has to begin sometime and this is it.”

I think to myself, I’m not going to be a university student forever – but if this is what real life is, it sounds tedious to me. Who says ‘real life’ is all about university degrees, marriage and wearing dull clothes?

Why do we feel the need to rush through our career, marriage and life in general? Do we always need to outdo our peers or is it something more than that?

I don’t hold the answers either –but I’ve observed that people finally reach ‘society’s expected goals’ such as graduating from university or being accepted into a corporate firm – it wasn’t as exciting as they first imagined. To compensate their disappointment, they try another goal such as getting married by a certain age, or some other goal. And again, to realise once they’ve attained it, it wasn’t as exciting as they thought it was.

What do you think?

Happy reading!
5ft0

Breaking up and defriending friends is hard

2010-09-12T11:16:00.004+10:00

Have you tried to sever a friendship with a porcupine?

Me neither.

Ending a friendship takes on many forms: an ugly confrontation, or a polite, “I don’t think this is working out”, or just simply cutting ties with them by not returning their phone calls or responding to their e-mails.

Friendship breakups are a tricky topic. No matter which side you were on, the dumper or the dumpee – they’re fraught guilt and betrayal. Questions such as “What did I do wrong?” infest your mind. It’s quite obvious what they did was wrong – whether they betrayed you or taking credit of your work. Ending a friendship seems harsh. Until recently, there was a time I felt guilty ending a friendship. Let alone defriending an actual, real-life friend on Facebook.

Sure, drifting apart does happen. Instead of talking once a day, it may be once every three months. But the friendship contract in theory, is never-ending.

But actually defriending an actual, real-life friend on Facebook is much more difficult. They might not initially know you’ve defriended. It just appears as a blip on their friend tally. Telling a mate that you don’t like them anymore – just makes you want to drink more vodka. There’s no easy way out. No cliché phrases such as “It’s not me, it’s you” will cut it. With friendship breakups, it’s you. You can’t talk to someone who brings poison to your life. Nor you can be friends with someone who only takes advantage of your good nature.

However, there’s one easy way to tell if you’re doing the right thing. And that’s how you feel. When the person is out of your life, it feels like you can finally breathe for the first time in months. There’s a peaceful calm that comes when severing ties with the person. And GUESS WHAT? You no longer have your mind infested with negative thoughts such as, “Does this person actually like me or not?” because you’re too busy investing into friendships that truly make you happy. It feels easy and you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

You feel so stupid when you should've done it sooner even when Toby the dog knows the friendship is over.

Have you had to break up a friend because it was no longer working out? Or defriended someone on Facebook? It'll be great to know I'm not the only one.

Happy reading,
5ft0

Voting Woes

2010-08-17T21:59:00.006+10:00

I'm not a voting virgin - this will be my second time in voting at a federal election. However, I'm still sitting on the fence on which party I'm going to vote this weekend.

The electorate I live in is a safe Labor seat. Our local Labor candidate is no-where to be found. Their name doesn't spring to my mind immediately. It's embarrassing to admit that.

The Liberal candidate is charming, they've taken the time to mail us glossy brochures in the post - pointing out all the things the Labor's party has done wrong over its three year tenure. While they made the effort to campaign around our local area, something still bugged me.

Maybe it's to do with an event that unfolded a few weeks ago.

I was meandering through the streets of my home town, witnessing an elderly man scavenging the bin and finding a half-eaten pork roll. I decided to get some ice coffee and while I was there, a middle-aged lady with coffee-stained teeth and dandruff-infested hair served me.

I glanced at the poster which had a picture of a potential local candidate. It was hanging on the wall of the cafe. The lady smiled at me and said,
"You should vote for him this election. He's an Asian - only an Asian can understand the hardships we go through".

Digesting what she said, I replied, "Have you tried being Aboriginal?"

The lady had no answer to my question.

Who are you going to vote this election?

Happy reading!
5ft0

Black Love

2010-07-19T22:04:00.005+10:00

Falling in love is a beautiful thing, your heart is in a flutter and thoughts of romance and happily ever afters float around your head, constantly.

However, when you've got the wrong end of the stick when it comes to love, you suddenly don't feel hungry anymore. You don't want to eat your favourite chocolate bar. Your ice cream scoop shaped cheeks are turning bright red. Underneath it all, you feel cold and stupid.

You start doubting yourself. Of course they've got a partner. Of course they have. I'm an idiot aren't I. I should've known there was another person in the picture.

To top it off, you've been patronised as well with the other person saying, "I'm sorry if I led you on. I didn't know I did that".

You stare at the person in silence. The feeling of mortification rises exponentially. Your throat tightens and there's pain hitting in your chest. You really feel like the most dumbest person ever. The person who got completely the wrong end of the stick. You were so stupid in thinking the other person may have had feelings for you.

You feel sick with humiliation. Then you start to be self-conscious how others see you. You're the silly person who didn't understand the difference between Brie and Camembert cheese. You're the person who didn't know Matt Preston from Masterchef wears cravats. Above all, you think you're the only person in the world where people won't take you seriously.

You don't like how you were being treated, so you stiffly stand up and defend yourself. Then before they can say anything, you run out of the room quickly, filled with disappointed tears.

When you arrive home, you feel weary and miserable. Real life sinks in. Home to a place where it still smells like burnt peanuts and piles of bills stacked on the kitchen bench. You call a friend up to distract yourself - you get hysterical if you should purchase a bag from Country Road or Mimco and how you're mystified that people find Justin Bieber talented.

You go to bed forgetting about the whole situation. Only to wake up the next morning, with all the memories rushing back to you like a scary movie. You wake up looking pale and unsteady and wishing you could take a sickie. You want to stay home and watch day time telly, but you don't. You go out and do your normal thing, just because you don't want to be swallowed by the sadness of the situation.

Happy reading,
5ft0

All that Glitters is Gold

2010-06-28T11:32:00.002+10:00

Hands up if any of you have a collection of Little Golden Books on your bookshelf? I had a huge collection of them and my parents would read them to me before I drifted off to sleep. I hung onto these books like some of my other childhood stuffs - like my cabbage patch dolls and Ninja Turtle headbands. One day, my parents were tired of seeing these items choking up with dust and demanded "Clean up all your junk! Plus, we want you out of here when you finish your uni degree".

So I decided to rescue them and tidied up my bedroom. I spent the day re-reading and flicking through the books which I once loved. There were some stories I knew off by heart, like 'The Whispering Rabbit, 'The Poky Little Puppy' and the whole Sesame Street collection. That day, I counted how many Little Golden Books I have, they were 150.

I have to thank the Little Golden Books for a few things. I learnt how to count 1-10 through my 'My First Counting Book'. While sadly I still don't know how to add up the cost of a coffee and banana bread, I am grateful I know the numerical language. While the book titled, 'Old McDonald's Farm' helped me memorise the lyrics to that nursery, as well as seeing what a horse, pig, cow and sheep look like as well. This helped me with my later studies in agriculture.

I've never paid more than a couple of dollars for each one. Though I would like to have the twelve original Little Golden Books that were published in 1942. Right now, I just have 'The Poky Little Puppy' sitting on my shelf.

I still keep my Little Golden Books in my bookshelf. My little cousins, nieces and nephews have a ball when they come to the bookshelf - it's always a mess when they visit.

What Little Golden Books do you have sitting on your bookshelf? Or garage? Or anywhere around the house?

Happy reading,
5ft0

Monthly update, sadly it's true and what talents do you have?

2010-06-16T17:57:00.005+10:00

I'm terrified returning to 5ft0 at the moment.

It's like she's going to scream at me for being a bad mum who's neglected her child in order to study for her end-of-semester exams. Or she's forgotten to give her baby her favourite drink, the humble orange juice.

She's got the right to yell, I've been neglecting this blog because I've been studying for my end-of-semester exams. I feel like in the last three weeks, the amount of white hairs on my head has increased by 200%.

Anyway, I promised to answer questions about myself and Siobhan here's your answer:

I can't imitate accents or people if my life depended on it. Hence, I would've made a bad comedian. My gorgeous little sister however, can imitate anyone she pleases and always tells me how bad I am.

I do have other talents, such as shopping and finding ways to get out of tight situations.

So now 5ft0s, I'll ask you a question: What talents do you have?

Happy reading!
5ft0

** More substantial posts will come soon!

Feel free to ask me anything!

2010-05-21T11:45:00.003+10:00

As this is Friday, I'm thinking about the weekend ahead. It's a mixture of catching up on my law readings, writing essays, working and meeting up with my friends. I'll also be rescuing koalas from the cold weather and making a fool of myself.

The point here is:

Whether it is what I have for breakfast, to what my favourite movies are or you're curious as to how this blog came about - ask away. I'm not going to shy away from any of the questions you post. In fact, this could be fun!

This also serves me a great opportunity to procrastinate on my final law exams too.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Why do we hold ourselves back?

2010-05-16T15:46:00.007+10:00

It’s human nature to hold ourselves back when we’re in a situation we haven’t encountered before. Or even worse, if we’ve been through a situation that’s gut-wrenching and we see similarities to the current situation, we don’t only hold ourselves back, we run. If we could buy a ticket to the Moon - we would head over there to run away from our troubles.

Holding back is a bit like a sailor anchoring their ship to a rock. He takes a rope, ties it securely to a rock, drops the rock into the water and the boat's anchored. The rock will hold the boat in place. It's easier than cooking two minute noodles.

The thought that water and the wind have an erratic personality doesn't cross the sailor's mind.

Then one night, a cyclone hits the coast of the beach. The wind is so strong, it causes the rock to drag across the sea bed by the boat. The sailor who naively believed the anchor would secure the ship now realises his mistake.

As humans, holding ourselves back is a defence mechanism. If we've been through poor past experiences, we will use these as lessons to avoid getting hurt in the future.

However, the more we hold ourselves back, the more we hinder ourselves from future prospects.

So why do we still hold back on our feelings if we're going to experience grief anyway?

Perhaps we just hate the thought of getting a negative outcome out of a situation. Maybe the idea of confronting someone is just too much to handle.

Or maybe letting go of who you are to become the person you will be scares you half to death.

Happy reading,
5ft0

I've Neglected Myself

2010-05-03T22:18:00.005+10:00

I apologise for my absence during the month of April, this includes my friends, family and my great online readers. This year has been excruciating for me. For a long time, I've always put other people's needs before myself.

I didn't express my opinions about anything. Even simple things like "I don't want anchovies on my pizza" just because it was easier to go along with people, then getting a backlash due to my answer.

If there were tasks which had unrealistic deadlines, I'd complete the task straight away rather than telling my supervisor I couldn't handle the work load. I'd rather have duties piled on me than to admit I can no longer cope with the demands set on me.

I'd give up on my weekends to work, rather than admit I need a break - just because I was taught to think about others before yourself. At one stage, I had this idea that I could create more time. It's relentless. There never seems to be enough hours in a day. I wish there were eight days in a week. As a child, I wondered how there were never enough hours in a day and secretly wish I could extend time, just so I could complete tasks set out for me.

Then one day, I gave up being nice girl. Working and studying seven days a week took a toll on my health. I looked myself at the mirror, staring back at me was an image of a girl with red eyes, sunken cheeks and my usual sunny disposition was no where to be seen. I couldn't even pull myself to write or buy milk. I didn't have the energy to log onto my blog and type.

By neglecting this blog, I neglected myself. Attending to other people's needs before my own was something I was taught to do as a child. No one ever told me that it was fine to think about yourself once in a while. In fact, I was taught it was selfish to do so.

So from today, I'm slowly learning that it's fine that you can't complete the 1001 tasks set out by your supervisor. That it's fine to be vulnerable and ask for help support from your friends and family when I need it. And most of all, I learnt that it's not selfish to think for yourself every now and again.

Happy reading!
5ft0

ANZAC Day - Lest We Forget

2010-04-25T10:28:00.005+10:00

Today is ANZAC Day and I want to commemorate the soldiers who fought in Gallipoli in 1915. Some of the soldiers were as young as sixteen - they did this to ensure the security of their country. It is hard to comprehend that. When I was sixteen, I was saving my pennies to gain a fake ID to enter the hottest clubs and bars.

Every time April 25th comes around every year, I can't help but watch the sky darken as the bugle plays the tune of the"Last Post" . My heart vibrates and I feel connected with the young men who got out of their boats and ran towards the beach - not knowing what was going to happen next. Some of the soldiers were as young as sixteen years old. I don't know about you, but when I was sixteen, I was saving my pennies to get a fake ID to enter clubs and bars. Not saving the entire nation.

Sure, many of the young soldiers did it for adventure. Most of all, they did it to ensure the security of their country. The country I'm in now.

The war was senseless, but if it weren't for the soldiers - Australia and New Zealand wouldn't be the nation it is today.

For that, I say:

I also want to end this post with this question, what were you doing when you were sixteen?

5ft0

I'm sorry Sydney

2010-04-11T10:19:00.007+10:00

Dear Sydney,

You and I had a little quarrel before I left you during the long Easter weekend. I was tired of hearing the announcer at the train station saying, “This train has been delayed for approximately five minutes. City Rail apologises for any inconvenience this has caused” for the millionth time. I gave up on finding the perfect cup of coffee. I was getting fed up on budgeting my weekly expenses. With these little flaws, I chucked a tantrum and flew down to this city:

Melbourne. The city vibrates with energy and excitement well into the night. I believe it's to do with the ubiquitous amounts of cafes at the end of every street. Is it now one cafe per person? I drank two cups of chai latte and I couldn't sleep for three days. Is that normal? I wanted to get some shut-eye, but it never happened. Also, I never cooked anything in Melbourne. The delights of Lygon Street kept my tum tum filled for three days.

It is also a city that can laugh at itself. When I was searching around the mountains of vintage accessories at the Camberwell Markets, my eyes glanced over the scribbling sign of a cathode ray monitor which is sold at the total price of:

Melbourne was showing off their International Comedy Festival, especially Swanston Street where the grand Melbourne Town Hall was located. People were glinting their eyes over the portico to examine the huge list of shows of each night. The building's tower were decorated with multiple colours and flags and laughter filled the Melbourne CBD. I laughed so hard at Jeff Green's show I think I peed my pants.

Everything was going along fine until I saw the Docklands ferris wheel - where the Victorian Government spent $40 million on it. Actually that's a lie, it wasn't even a ferris wheel. There was no wheel on it. I scratched myself and wondered, why Melbourne, why? Aren't you content with the amount of comedy festivals, cafes and restaurants you show-off to the citizens of Victoria and tourists?

Then I heard people gibbering in the background complaining how Safeway is now being called Woolworths, and how they refused to call it Woolworths. These name changes are annoying and since I'm from NSW, I can relate to this. There was this shed I affectionately called Grace Bros. One day, some head honcho from Melbourne decided to change the name to Myer. We took it on the chin and went ahead with our chaotic lives. Now you know how it feels to screw over a state.

The honeymoon period was over. I craved for a city that preferred busyness over mellowness. I wanted to be back to a city where the roads weren't all straight lines and ninety-degree angles, or the fact that a city was designed in a grid-like manner.

I know every city has its flaws and I need to accept that. I also have to stop placing high expectations on anything, even innate objects. I act like a pratty school-girl who wanted everything her way. The only thing I can say to you Sydney is:

Always,
5ft0

5ft0 Note: Happy Easter!

2010-04-02T10:58:00.005+11:00

Hey everyone!

All I want to say is:

During the Easter period, I'm heading down to this fabulous city:

For this:

I may sporadically come and type in random posts. However, I'll be officially be starting to write posts again on Tuesday 6th April.

Have a happy easter!
5ft0

P.S - Promise me you won't lose any demerit points during the Easter break. It is double demerit points after all.

The reasons why you shouldn't go to law school

2010-03-28T17:00:00.007+11:00

According to my make-believe statistics, 67% of law students across the world studied law for the money. They all want to live at the right address, swanky neighbourhood and have endless amounts of money. My latest observations confirms my results.

In one of my law tutorials, my tutor asked a simple question, "So why did you choose to study law?"

He went around the classroom and the responses were astounding.

"I chose law because I got the marks to do it".

"To be honest with you, I'm not going to work in law in the future. It just gives me a perspective on life".

"I chose law because I get to wear sexy suits everyday".

"I only chose law because it looks good on my resume".

By the end of the Q&A session, my tutor looked like he wanted to get a hammer, nail himself to the oak table, and throw himself into the sunset.

I was thinking to myself why on earth why they chose a degree they absolutely hated. Then, I realised how much of a goofball I was. I could list the reasons easily here:

1. The impression that you'll earn the big dollars as soon as you graduate from the College of Law. This is A LIE. Unless you start your own law firm, you don't earn a lot of money in law.

2. You work hard at school to get good marks to get into law school. Only to discover law is boring, but you don't want to disappoint your parents by giving up on it so easily.

3. Your parents force you to do law.

4. It looks impressive on your resume. It's not great to do law just for display. Also, if you're not going to use your law degree, it's as valuable as toilet paper.

I know what I've wrote sounds blunt - but it is the truth. How many people study law purely to make their parents happy? Or hell with it, studying other degrees or diplomas for the money, and not the passion?

Or maybe it's silly of me to talk about doing something your passionate about, because you've got a mortgage, a luxury car, designer clothes and alcohol bills to worry about.

What do you think?

Happy reading!
5ft0

Battling with God's Everlasting Creature

2010-03-23T22:53:00.007+11:00

The reason why I haven't been posting as many posts as I should be, is the fact I'm at war. I'm at war with an opponent that's lived longer than humans. This opponent is smaller than any human living on this earth. An opponent which is more numerous than stars in the skies.

Ladies and gentleman, I'm at war with this creature:

I've always been armed with insect spray and a fly squat whenever I see it. Though I found that a cockroach's needs are similar to humans - we eat, sleep, eat, sleep and occasionally, copulate. The only difference is, cockroaches don't have to pay for the rent, electricity and phone bills.

I still can't get rid of the image of a cockroach prancing around the house over left over crumbs of choc-chip cookies I accidentally dropped on the tiled floor. Nor do I enjoy the image of a cockroach hiding in my bed sheets. I have killed cockroaches with many means, even mixing deadly chemicals to get rid of them. But still, these little buggers find any nook and cranny and still invade my daily life.

My war with the cockroaches escalated when I opened the fridge the other day. After dinner, I occasionally have a small bowl of choc-chip ice cream for dessert. As I opened the tub of ice cream, I saw some ugly antennae sticking out of the tub. I gasped. With its brown shell lying in the middle of the ice cream tub, I was disgusted with what I saw. I threw the tub into the bin and realised something.

I've lost the war with the cockroach.

No matter what I do, the little bugger will come to haunt me at any random hour of the day. Whenever a politician is planning on world domination, I can feel it in my bones that the cockroaches are chuckling underground knowing they've won. After all, what other creature has lived ever since dinosaurs roamed around the earth?

Happy reading!
5ft0

I'm no longer making blatant attempts, I am a show-off

2010-03-18T07:42:00.008+11:00

Hey 5ft0s,

I apologise for the lack of creative posts recently as I've been busy with work and this article right here:

Working alongside with this article is fellow colleague, Nic Christensen. A political buff who'll make a great journalist and perhaps editor one day, prepare to see more of his work around the online and print world.

Again, politics isn't everyone's cup of tea - but I can't guarantee you this article may bore you to tears. Free feel to agree with me, disagree with me or even hate me.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Are you a fan of tea or coffee?

2010-03-14T13:49:00.004+11:00

Personally, there's nothing more seductive than an early morning brew - whether it's coffee or tea. Both drinks bring a measure of warmth and serenity to a chaotic world of Blackberry's, deadlines and schedules. It's the taxi-driver's mate, a lawyer's best friend, or a stay-at-home parent's companion.

The only difference in my eyes, is that tea has a spiritual aura surrounding this fabulous drink. While I always imagine coffee drinkers to have foam solidifying on their upper lips, whilst juggling a suitcase, laptop and a Blackberry on their way to work.

I've always wondered why this is the case. Why the coffee drinker has always been mocked and ridiculed for being an addict, while tea drinkers have gotten away with such abuse. It may be the fact that coffee houses in the 17th Century were formed alongside insurance companies to attract new customers. Or it could be the fact we picture coffee drinkers with yellow teeth, a nose which is dipped in espresso and blood-shot eyes. Not to mention coffee takes a significant portion out of one's weekly expenses.

However, tea has gone trendy as well - to the point of being frivolous. Many tea houses now package tea leaves in swanky designer boxes, delicate porcelain teapots, cups and saucers. I'm intimidating to go to tea houses now, in fear that I wouldn't know what white monkey jasmine tea is. I'm much more happy using a tea bag from Tetley and eating it with an apple and pecan cake.

They've also got many interesting concoctions, such as watered downed Turkish apple and cinnamon, white flowery pekoe or green rooibos with berries. It sounds like a lawn mower has gone through his mulch, picked out the odd berries and tree roots from it and brewed it for afternoon tea. I can feel many tea drinkers whose preferred poison is an English Breakfast shaking their heads at the way tea is now being marketed.

For me, my favourite poison is this humble drink:
With the taste of chai, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper and ginger - it's consumed hot and sweet, with the sugar bringing out the full flavour of the spices.

However, I feel chai latte has gone way too sweet for my liking, with cafes scrimping on the spices and increasing the amount of sugar to save money. Or am I merely just imagining such things?

Now it's over to you. Are you a coffee or tea drinker? Do you think cafes are scrimping on ingredients to save costs?

Happy reading!
5ft0

Has the 2010 Sydney Mardi Gras gone too corporate?

2010-03-06T18:45:00.009+11:00

Until Saturday 27th February, the closest thing to attending a Mardi Gras parade was seeing my maths teacher on the news - wearing a fluro yellow bow tie, fluro pink tutu and a glittering wand. Not to mention he was prancing along Oxford Street like a happy lamb.

While that image has now been burnt into my retina, I was still curious to see how a Mardi Gras parade unfolded. As my friends and I were walking along the streets on Sydney, we saw a plethora of costumes and the energy was intoxicating.

By the time my friends arrived at Oxford Street at five o'clock, the street had been transformed into a colourful catwalk, with several parade participants dancing around with the trademark flag. Not to mention, the street was crowded. As my friend puts it correctly, "I felt like a human sausage".

I had to stand at the crowd for three hours before the parade began. After that, the parade started off with the 200 'Dykes on Bikes' riding up on Oxford Street. As the parade continued, I was expecting to see some witty visual commentary on their political opponents featuring in the floats. Instead, I saw advertisements for State Transit, Legal Aid and a few other corporate sponsors. I felt like the Sydney Mardi Gras was more interested in corporate relationships, then community values and local activism.

While there were a few costumes that stood out, like the Thai representative group which showed off their exquisite cultural costume - it saddens me that the parade now focuses on profit. Sometimes, I feel like they've forgotten the days where a parade couldn't go a day without a protest.

For those who attended the Mardi Gras this year - what did you think of this year's events? Am I being naive or have the Mardi Gras have gone too corporate?

Happy reading!
5ft0

*Photos courtesy of Kym Huynh

Another Blatant Attempt At Self Promotion

2010-03-01T07:51:00.005+11:00

Huzzah!
I'm about to do it again!

Feel free to slap me if I become a show-off.

Over at The Punch, I've written an article about banks. It is a topic that most people roll their eyes over whenever they hear that word. I can reassure you that this piece won't bore you.

I can't believe my article is working alongside with David Koch's article about finance! Oh gosh, I'm definitely going to get slapped any minute now.

Another thing, I received an award from Sam on Things, Just Things.

When I first started blogging over a year ago, I thought I would be another blog that was being cool and indifferent, shuffling along cyberspace like a deck of cards. So here's seven things you don't know about me:

1. There was a time where I thought Kindergarten was the only grade in school. This was shattered when I returned from my six week summer holiday and my Kindergarten teacher at the time said, "You're all going to year one today! I won't be your teacher anymore."

As I was trying to grasp this concept, I cried in front of the whole class - because I didn't want to accept there was no such thing as year one. Eighteen years later, I can see how stupid I was.

2. I dislike mushrooms - except if it's chicken and mushroom pide or in pizza.

3. I like the small cases by Pretty in Pink. I have a mobile phone case, iPod case and vanity case in my bag from them. Friends find it hilarious. I prefer to think these as an investment.

4. There was a time where I spent my pocket money on magazines, instead of recess and lunch. I always wanted to read the latest issue of Australian Cosmopolitan - for the witty editor's letter written by Mia Freedman.

5. I love the beach. But I'm always scared of the creatures that lurk in the waters. Australia is a dangerous place, if you're not faced with snakes - you'll be faced with sharks and jellyfishes that wouldn't mind wrecking havoc on your day.

6. I'm currently learning how to play the flute and my cheek muscles are more toned than my tummy and butt.

7. I never understood why people use the phrase "Same, but different". It's useless. It can't be both. It's either the same, or its different. Another phrase I cringe at it's "Definitely maybe". Definitely means you're sure about it. While 'maybe' these days means you're not sure or according to Facebook - you're not going to the party that John Smith invited you too.

I'm going to give the awards to the following people:

Kym Huynh at Kym Huynh
Siobhan at Facets of the Fabulous
Alex at Shut Up Vita
Kate at I'm the worst blogger
Sam at I've never been good with titles
Rob at Go Forth & Blogeth
Gigdiary at Gigdiary

Happy reading!
5ft0

Remembering how to use most obsolete gadgets

2010-02-24T00:37:00.004+11:00

I usually have a good memory. If I hear an inkling that a new technological device or trend is about to invade to Australia – I’ll snap it immediately and use it until it completely falls apart or becomes obsolete. However, I can still remember how to use years after it becomes obsolete. My short history proves this. Here I go:

When I was Year Three, I discovered Windows 95. Being 1995, my first foray into technology was using Encarta Encyclopaedia to do my homework, playing Carmen Sandiego and marvel the fact that a CD-Rom could hold so much information. Today, I’m amazed that I remember how to use all these products.

When I was 10, I got my first Sony portable CD player. I was in awe of a machine where I could listen to music while I was eating lunch at the school playground, as well as carrying a folder of CDs to listen to my music. Today, even though my portable CD player is collecting dust up in the antic, I still remember how to use it.

When I was 11, I was obsessed with Pokemon and in particular, Pikachu. Who doesn’t find the little yellow monster adorable? Today, I still remember the motto “Gotta catch em all”.

When I was 13, the 90s were coming to an end. Backstreet Boys were popular and I had a huge crush on Nick Carter. I had posters of him in my bedroom and prayed to the almighty above that he will come down to Australia and ask me to go out with him. Today, whenever a Backstreet Boys song is played on the radio, I still remember the lyrics to “As Long As You Love Me”.

When I was 15, my parents finally got a 56K modem. It took three minutes to load up eBay. Songs took about twenty minutes to download. Image websites took ten minutes to upload and downloading movies was impossible. Today, I currently use broadband but I still remember how to use a dial-up internet.

When I was 17, I received my first iPod. The screen was black and white. However, I was gobsmacked when the device had a 20GB memory, holding approximately 2,000 songs. Today, I still remember to use an iPod – even though the little gadget has been upgraded around sixty-seven times.

When I was 21, Facebook bursted into the scene and I no longer needed to manually show to my friends pictures of my recent trip to Melbourne. Today, I remember how to use Facebook – even though the widget has undergone changes than Heidi Montag.

But a few days ago, I had to use a technological device that I hadn’t used since I was ten.
I had to walk downstairs to pick up this device from the antic:

I took it down to the lounge room. A friend of mine gave me a video titled ‘The Big Gig’ video as a gift and I was bursting with excitement to watch it.

However, as I placed the VCR down, my mind went blank. I turned around and asked my sister,

“So, where do you put the video tape?”

Happy reading!
5ft0

Slow Times at my 5 Year High School Reunion

2010-02-17T10:18:00.005+11:00

After my previous post, I decided to attend my high school reunion. I had my doubts though: would everyone think I'm still geeky? Would people think I'm a loser because I'm still finishing off my university degree? What am I going to answer when people ask for the one hundredth time, "So, what are you currently up to Tina?"

Dreading these thoughts, I had a plan: I'll hire a double D breasted hooker with lots of make-up and pretend it's me. Only problem was I didn't have $3,000 lying around my home to do that. My friends however, were against this and didn't see why I wanted a hooker to impersonate me. Though they did warn me to not wear a blazer because it would look as if I was trying too hard to impress my classmates. I haven't done anything remotely impressive, but apparently, the blazer was pushing it too far.

When I got to the function room at the Shamrock Lounge in Sydney, N.S.W - perhaps the perfect adult way to reminisce my high school memories - there were people in the room. The lounge was dimly lit, so I didn't recognise anyone.

With $300 tugged into my handbag, I decided to buy a drink. As I glanced around the room, no one's face looked familiar. This was a bad place in finding out what people I knew as teenagers looked like, if they were married, what they do for a living, who went to jail for a while. All the important questions.

Then a man aged in his latest forties came towards me,
"Oh hey Lizzie! What have you been doing since we graduated from med school?"
I couldn't move. My feet were cemented to the floor. I'm in the wrong reunion.
I answered the man anyway,
"Um hello!" I left my hand in a friendly little wave, and smiled around the room.
But nobody smiled back.
"Errm...I've just got to..." I started backing away. "Just go to..."
I turned. And I ran.

As I arrived back down the foyer, I'm panting slightly. Which is not surprising, since I've just done a half marathon along endless corridors, trying to get out of this place. I pressed the button for the lift, then paused to catch my breathe. I straightened my dress, transferred my handbag from one aching shoulder to the other, and began to walk calmly across the foyer towards the door. All I can think about is getting out of this function before anyone can...

"Tina!" comes a voice behind my head, and I froze. Shit. They've got me.
"Hello," I gulped, turning around.
It was a classmate of mine, standing right in front of me.
"Hi Tina, I'm just here to tell you that we didn't book a venue for 5 year reunion - so come down to the bar next door".

This day is unbelievable. Completely and utterly unreal.
I followed my classmate, clasping my beige tote bag tightly. I gave a nervous look to my classmate and I'm already having worrying about this reunion. What if everyone thinks I'm still pimply Tina? What if everyone thinks I'm a trumped-up unemployed uni student with no aim in life?

As I arrived at the bar, there were a few people sipping drinks. To my surprise, I realised a lot of the people attending the reunion had the same nagging thoughts as well. However, I didn't expect to feel that I could happily go back to hanging out with these people. After high school, I was able to seek out friends who had similar interests and ambitions, instead of those who happened to live a walking distance away.

I left at ten-thirty, when most of my friends had other parties to attend. We left the potent mixture of nostalgia and beer behind, realising our futures don't hinge on this reunion.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Heinz - Chicken in a Can

2010-02-14T11:16:00.004+11:00

When Jessica Simpson uttered the famous comment, “Is this chicken what I have, or is it fish?” The workers over at ‘Chicken of the Sea’ must’ve shook their heads in disappointment.

Recently, I’ve been shaking my head in disappointment with Heinz’s new product – Chicken in a Can. Their new tagline? "Real chicken just got interesting again."
To me, it's gotten a whole lot disgusting.

I’m use to eating a succulent roast chicken which has been cooking away in the oven for an hour. Not from a can. I don’t even eat tuna in a can – so chicken is beyond me. The only meat I buy in a can is dog food. There’s something unsettling about chicken that’s been shredded to eternity, resembling more like cat food than chicken.

At the same time, I feel I am being hypocritical. Chicken has been in tinned cans for yonks, think Campbell’s chicken soup, or any tinned can soup with the ingredients chicken mentioned in the list. Or the well-known Spam, where people either like it or hate it. Why should I be turning my nose up when Heinz decides to put pure chicken in a can?

Maybe it’s the ad. It’s awful. I couldn’t think of anything worse that the possibility of chicken nail clippings in my food. Either way, I prefer a good roast chicken over a can any day.

What do you people think about the concept of chicken in a can?

Happy reading!
5ft0

Double Standards for Double Ds

2010-02-11T12:59:00.004+11:00

Sometimes, I don't understand why society imposes double standards for double Ds. In one of my previous posts, I mentioned that Heidi Montag had ten cosmetic surgery procedures done on her, including upgrading her breasts from a double D to a triple D. What was more astounding is that people applaud Heidi for showing off her surgically enhanced cleavage.

Then you get Jessica Simpson, whose cleavage is au-naturale, is ridicule for showing her boobs in public. Recently, Jessica Simpson went out to dinner in a low-cut dress, leading to instant drama in Twitter. To make matters worse, Simpson often posts a picture of herself displaying a lot of cleavage, which caused a serious Twitter backlash. Let's face it, we're obsessed with breasts. You only need to glance a copy at the latest issue of Ralph magazine to realise that.

Though the question is, would people have been offended and insulted if Simpson's breasts were fake? I mean, women with small breasts feel shamed and are presured into having cosmetic surgery to increase their breast size. If that scares them, they can walk into in a lingerie store and purchase a push-up bra. Once they do either of those things, they are allowed to display them for all the world to see - like they're an investment.

Meanwhile, women who are blessed with big breasts are ridiculed and are pressured to wearing high cut dresses and blouses to avoid any attention.

Why should we celebrate one young woman who decides she needs ten different surgeries to make herself look perfect? While another is content with her body, but is punished. How is any lady in today's society expected to feel good?

Happy reading,
5ft0

The Lost Letter from Parliament House

2010-02-08T14:36:00.003+11:00

This letter was found at the footsteps of Parliament House. Before the letter was discovered, witnesses spotted a scantily clad young woman being escorted from the premises shouting incoherent babble.

However, an unnamed source sent the letter to Five Foot Nothing and here it is:

Tony love,

Remember me? It’s Amelia. I’m at Parliament House now. The place is filled with security guards. I’ve only got five minutes to write this letter and not get caught.

Anyway, I was THAT young lass from the Motherland. I think you said you had some sort of promotion in your government job. I want to congratulate you on that. I can’t remember what it was though; I had one too many pints of cold beer to recall anything.

When I first met you, you were coming out of Bondi Beach, looking hot and bronzed. Those pair of budgie smugglers just sealed the deal. I always imagined Aussie lads to be fit like you.

I’m the woman of your dreams Tony dear. I’ll make you breakfast every morning and I’ll save myself for you. I’m glad you’re not a priest. I use to fancy a priest down the road. He was a good-looking lad. It was a pity he only had eyes for Jesus though. He also started talking some nonsense that women should only have sex after marriage. I couldn’t stand a lad who treated women like farm animals. I would kick him into the gutter and give him the finger.

Oh sweetie, I heard you got a little bit of bad press recently. They said you were out of touch, conservative and religious. A night with me and you can easily solve all three of those problems, I promise. The press also said the Aussies prefer that Ruddy sot over you. Blimey, people here prefer Mr Sheen over a bronzed handsome man like you? Unbelievable! I can’t believe they aren’t besotted about your good looks.

I found the press so biased; I decided to conduct my own survey. I know the media can misconstrue things so I made my own survey to put my heart at ease. This task wasn’t as easy as I anticipated. Some of the people I asked to do a survey threw sticks at me. It was humiliating. Someone like you should teach these barbarians some manners! You don’t throw things at people.

While I’m at it, it seems like people think you don’t have any strengths. Silly colonials, everyone has their own strengths. I do too. I have the ability to down five pints of cold beer in eight seconds. It helps when Happy Hour comes to an end. Your strength Tony dear, is your Aussie accent. I fancy a man with an Aussie accent, it makes you manly. Also, I’m glad to hear that you Aussies are still loyal to the Motherland. Good to see you colonials are even more loyal than we are to the Royal Family.

Before we commit to the next step in our fairytale relationship, please tell me that what people are saying about your views on climate change isn’t true. A lot of people I did survey said this. Please, tell me it isn’t true. How else do you explain Antarctica is becoming smaller every year? Think about those poor little penguins! There is such a thing as global warming. I know deep down sweetie, you believe this is happening. Poor thing, this survey makes me realise you cop a lot of flak from the Aussies. Don’t worry dear; people bully other people for no apparent reason.

I don’t want to upset you Tony darling, but here are some of the responses the surveyors wrote:

Ruth, 71, Mona Vale

I find Abbott a hypocrite. He’s a Christian, but does un-Christian things like condemning migrants for embracing their own values.

Larry, 54, Kings Cross

He’s old-fashioned. He’s a homophobic prick who dislikes change. How can you be a good politician if you can’t embrace new ideas? It scares me that the Liberal party voted a leader who is so out-of-touch with current issue.

However, a few people had nice things to say. Here is one:

Amelia, 21, England

Tony Abbott? That man is sex on legs. You Aussies produce good-looking lads. Keep it up!

Oh bollocks! The guards are coming towards m-

A Sugarholic's Diary

2010-02-05T09:53:00.012+11:00

My friend Jane* believes I'm addicted to sugar. I beg to differ. Even though I hide lollies around my room, doesn't make me guilty of being a sugarholic.

Sure, I like sweet food. Everyone does.

7:30 am: I'm busy reading the newspaper. Oooh, sugar! I want it in my cereal.

10:14 am: I'm typing an article for a website. Oooh, biscuits! I grab three of those.

10:15 am: I'm feeling tired. Oooh, chai lattes! I run downstairs to the cafe to purchase this.

12:00 pm: Lunch time. I walk to the kitchen and as I grab my lunch something grabs my attention. Oooh, choc-chip cookies! I grab one.

4:00 pm: Again, I walk down the kitchen. The jar's empty. I say out loud to anyone who could hear me, "Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?" I'm getting stroppy with my co-workers afterwards.

5:00 pm: TGIF drinks! Oooh, I want some lemon and lime bitters with vodka please. I'm happy again.

9.:30 pm: Having dinner with the other half. Oooh, tiramisu. Should I have it? I've eaten way too many sweets all day. Bugger it, have it.

Three hours later, I feel sorry that I divulged in so many sugary foods. I only have two packets of Oreos, a box of Cadbury favourites and Pop Tarts hidden in my room. It's decreased heaps.

Oh bugger it! I open up a packet of Tim Tams and bite both ends, stick it into a mug of hot chocolate and use it like a straw.

In hindsight, I look at this timeline and wonder if I am a sugarholic. Does anyone feel guilty at the amount of sweets they eat at times? Oh please, don't tell me I should attend Sugarholic Anonymous meetings!

Happy reading,
5ft0

P.S - Parts of this entry may be slightly fabricated for entertainment value.

* Names have been changed for privacy reasons.

Did you enjoy High School?

2010-02-03T18:02:00.007+11:00

Recently, I received an invitation on Facebook that my grade was going to hold a belated five year reunion. I thought school reunions occurred a decade after we finished school. I was wrong.

It got me thinking, did I enjoy high school? I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel when I step back through the doors of my high school years in two weeks time. However, I do remember a few things.

I remember that when I was at high school, I didn't have Facebook to distract me. I had Tickle. iPod's were still black and white and I had a huge crush on Adam Brody from The OC.

I remember I was embarrassed that I attended this high school. My school stuck out like a sore thumb compared to other schools in my area. The boys’ uniform resembled an outfit Steve Irwin would be proud of – khaki shirt and shorts with black school shoes.

Unlike other schools in my area, my school had a farm. While most girls my age were too busy stuffing their bras with oranges to make their breasts look bigger, I was milking cows and growing cabbages. While most students came home looking relatively clean, I came home looking like I spent three days down a mine shaft. I had gesso, clay and blue pen marks on my school uniform. My mum threw sticks at me after I committed this offence the twentieth time. As a result of this, I’ve been washing my clothes since.

I remember how I hated looking at myself in the mirror before I went to school each morning. I hated how I had a broad face and almond eyes, and wondered why I wasn’t a tall girl with long blonde hair, with sky blue eyes and a smile so bright, that
could save New York City a huge electricity bill.

My skin had more craters than the Earth's moon. I used any old thing at the local pharmacy to try and scrub it into submission. I would also go to a supermarket and buy foundation to hide my crater face. But as I was hopeless in applying foundation, I didn’t even use it at the end.

School wise? I was an average student - who did enough work to scrape by. My favourite subjects were recess and lunch. I couldn't wait to finish year twelve. I want to escape from all the stupid rules, chemistry and I didn't need sin, cos and tan to navigate my way through life.

Now? I wish someone told me the HSC had the same value as toilet paper. Or that 'real life' doesn't mean you need to be an accountant or a pharmacist to have a steady income and pay the mortgage.

After recalling all these memories from high school, I still want to go to the reunion. Seeing what people are up to these days. Who's married? Who's already got kids? All the important questions in life.

How was your high school days like? Would you go to your high school reunion? For those of you who have, what was the reunion like?

Happy reading!
5ft0

Who wants to win the iPad battle?

2010-02-01T08:12:00.006+11:00

Last time, Apple wanted to sue Woolies because their logo looked apple-y.

Now, Fujitsu wants to sue Apple because they have own the trademark to the iPad. In 2002, Fujitsu released a touchscreen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth phone which looks like this:

It looks like Apple's new iPad which looks like this:

Like most people, I didn't know Fujitsu created an iPad. They even wanted to trademark the iPad name in 2003, but this was suspended at the U.S Patent and Trademark office because ANOTHER company wanted to register this name. This company was Mag-Tek. They wanted to register the name in 2000, only to abandon this process in 2002.

Even a Canadian company invented the breast-enhancing iPad bra. However, I've searched the interweb and I couldn't find the images to this.

Since none of them actually own the iPad trademark, I predict this case would go bust. Compared to what's happening at Haiti at the moment, this stuff is so trivial.

What are your thoughts about this?

Happy reading,
5ft0

A New Way of Looking at Aging

2010-01-28T10:31:00.006+11:00

This particular post was inspired by watching "Iron Chef". It wasn't the cooking that got me - it was more of the commentating of the judges that surprised me. There was this thirty-one year old female contestant who went up against Chen Kenichi (for those that don't know, Chen's the Chinese Iron Chef). What would most of you think when you hear the age thirty-one? In Western countries she would've been considered mature, or in the modelling industry, O-L-D.

Here? They called this thirty-one year old female contestant as 'young'. I thought it was a great way of viewing aging. In fact, in the Japanese culture, you're not considered an adult until your fifty. Their reason? "For the first fifty years of your life, you're learning all the lessons about life. You need to learn these lessons before you're considered an adult".

Different, yes. But thought-provoking. In Straya, we considered adults to be over the age of eighteen, where they're legal to buy beer, get into clubs, drive...all the important life lessons.

If we had a different perception of old-age, would people fear aging? It is a natural process. However, our youth-centred perception of older women in particular, is stereotyped and negative. This is reflected in our use of language, humour and media. Phrases such as 'over the hill' and 'don't be a fuddy-duddy' show old age as a period of incompetence. In jokes - which speaks volumes about societal attitudes - show women as lonely, frustrated and shrivelled up. Even though women live longer than men on average, older men are perceived as being healthier than older women.

Youthfulness is a major incentive to sell products. We're surrounded by media messages about the need - especially for women to stay young. As I said from the previous post, hiding old age is impossible. I'm twenty-three. While it isn't noticeable, I have laugh wrinkles. Even seventeen year olds have wrinkles, but they aren't noticeable. It's normal. We're all going to have wrinkled skin and sagging bodies to mark our old age.

A great example of someone who feared aging is this person. She went from this:

To this:

Happy reading!
5ft0

Y'know how Paris Hilton always talks herself up?

2010-01-22T09:31:00.007+11:00

I'm about to do the same.
Oops.

I don't want to sound like I'm the biggest show-off in cyberspace, but I'm so thrilled that an article of mine is published at The Punch.

I was nervous when I walked into 'The Punch' office. My writing skills aren't on par with the journos there - especially with Penbo and Colgo. But hey, I gave it a shot.

I've got to stop the bragging mechanism right here. Feel free to comment on my post - you can agree with me, criticise me, hate me - whatever. Australia is a democratic country after all.

I have to thank Alex at Shut Up Vita for writing out her thoughts about the Republican v Monarchy debate. Your help was much appreciated.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Prince William doesn't do it for me

2010-01-19T11:31:00.006+11:00

I'm unfazed with Prince William's arrival to Sydney today. I know many girls are in shock that I'm not besotted by Prince William's looks. After watching a shot of Prince William greeting people in New Zealand yesterday, he looks like a pasty pompous prince with a bald patch on his head.

I'm having a crush on this Prince:

Yes, I admit I'm a shallow person and a silly girl on top of that. But he looks like a guy who can laugh at himself. Sure, he's done some stupid things such as wearing a Swastika armband to a party, embarrassing the Royal Family in the process. Or getting caught smoking pot and drinking in 2002.

But today, I'm here to admire the aesthetics of this young Prince.

Happy perving!
5ft0

The Brits Cracking Down on Obesity

2010-01-18T12:11:00.004+11:00

It feels like I've neglected this blog for far too long! But I wanted to hear your say in what you think of this news.

In 2008 in Britain , parents are receiving official letters telling them if their child is has a weight problem under a Government crackdown on obesity.

However, words such as 'fat' and 'obese' will not be used to avoid stigmatising the illness. The word obese apparently makes parents 'switch off' and not take any notice. Instead, words such as 'overweight' or 'very overweight' replace the former.

The measurements used to calculate the body weight of a child is to use the Body Mass Index (BMI) adjusted for their age but parents will not be told this figure. Instead the letter will plot where the child is on a scale from underweight, to healthy weight, overweight and very overweight.

The letter will also accompany with leaflets on healthy eating, 'physical activity' and the health risks associated with being overweight.

I'm on two thoughts with this one. On one hand, is right for schools to give authority if their child is obese...oh sorry, I mean overweight? Or do some parents need to be told what to do?

But here's my piece. When I was doing work experience at a school recently, I'd noticed children's lunch were overloaded with food. I'd started Kindergarten over 17 years ago and the only thing I had in my lunch box was a small bag of chips, a ham, cheese and tomato sandwich and an apple juice.

Today? The kids lunch boxes are filled with a 50 gram packet of chips, double layer sandwiches, a tub of yoghurt, biscuits and a banana. I think to myself, is a child going to eat all of that?

Even worse, when I did notice a student only having an apple and a bottle of water for recess, the teacher was alarmed and said,

"Are you already full from eating an apple?"
To which the child replied, "Yes".

Blimey, haven't times changed.

What's your opinion on this issue?

Happy reading!
5ft0

There's Nothing Wrong to Admit You're Fine the Way You Are

2010-01-13T15:55:00.005+11:00

WARNING!: I personally don't have anything against the beauty industry. I love using oil cleansers, blush, lip gloss, mascara and eyeshadow as much as other girls.

I was walking around at a shopping centre on the weekend, when some sales assistant approached me.

"Hello there! You're skin is so beautiful! You look like Lucy Liu!"
*cue for blushing*
"Oh why thank you!"
"Do you want to improve your skin even more?"
"No, I'm happy with myself".
The sales assistant was stunned.

Is it really arrogant to admit that you're happy with what you got? Do I sound like I'm up myself? I know I won't make it as a supermodel ever - but I'm human. I'm not perfect, and never will be.

I don't understand people's obsession and persistence to obtain physical perfection. I do understand how good it feels to wear a new outfit to a party. I do understand how it feels to get a new haircut. I do understand how it feels when you've picked the perfect lip gloss. Buying the latest anti-wrinkle cream to erase your wrinkles? Or buying whitening lotion to whiten your skin? That I don't understand.

It's amusing how the beauty industry is built on peddling nonsense. Selling products that don't really work to people who don't really need them at prices they can't afford. One moment, you could be minding your own business, daydreaming the day away. Then the next minute, a guy tells you that their face cream will make you look like Megan Fox. You buy the face cream. The next, you discover that's not true. Their face creams make your face greasier, and your wallet lighter. Not to mention you're now paranoid that your face isn't crash hot.

I think one of the biggest mistakes (as women), is that we've bought into the lie fed to us thanks to our celebrity-obsessed, Western-society ideals that teaches us that 'beauty equals perfection'. If we're not perfect...then we're not beautiful.

Beauty isn't about the number on the scale. Or the measurement of your hips, bust and waist. Or your dress size. Or shoe size. Or popularity. Or how fashionable we are. Or our hairstyle. Beauty isn't what the fashion industry says it is. Beauty is not even what the beauty industry says it is.

Maybe we need to re-define the word beauty. There's nothing wrong with liking dress ups, make-up, fashion, getting a new haircut and spa treatments. But those things are just extra stuff, not the true meaning of beauty.

A Wardrobe Purge & Sale Part 1

2010-01-11T23:57:00.005+11:00

I do a wardrobe clean out around two times a year. I go through my wardrobe and either donate or sell the things I no longer use. Most of the time it's because I no longer like the piece, never have used the item or I feel it doesn't suit me anymore. I also clear out things that haven't been worn or used in over nine months.

I have started putting the first accessories up on eBay. The good news? Everything starts at 99 cents!

Click here.

There are more items still to come, especially in the form of bags.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

P.S - My wardrobe does not look like this.

5ft0's New Years Resolution - after this post...

2010-01-07T10:00:00.008+11:00

5ft0's New Years Resolution: To stop writing anything related to customers on this blog.

I love sales, even at the place I work. I keep going back to the rack that has the light denim vest, reduced from $110 to $60. I remember seeing this vest on a magazine and now there's an identical piece out of nowhere - reduced. I can't take my eyes away from them. They're even in size ten - my size.

I'm eyeing them for the one hundredth time when a customer strides towards me. She was holding a silk maxi dress and a white denim mini skirt.

"Excuse me, where's the fitting rooms?"
"They are over here. Just go straight and Margaret will help you out."
The lady looks at the line for the fitting rooms. Over twenty people were lining up.
"Can't you make the line go any faster?"
"No I can't. The other customers are in the same position as you. Waiting for a fitting room to change as well."
The lady sighs heavily.
"Look I've got a party to go soon. I don't have time to wait for the queue."
"There's not much I can do but..."

The lady cuts me off mid-sentence and walks towards the big mirrors at the front of the store. She takes off the grey dress she was wearing and starts trying on the maxi dress. All the customers look at her.

"What?" the lady exclaims.

Panasonic receives a Christmas Slapper

2010-01-03T18:04:00.006+11:00

While many of us were unwrapping 7,000 presents over Christmas and drinking approximately 21,900 bottles of beer during New Years, others weren't so lucky.

CAUTION: To all businesses who are coming up with the next marketing strategy to increase their annual profits - learn from this companies mistake.

During 2008, Panasonic launched a promotion that customers who purchased this:

would receive this:

It's good deal right?

So what's the problem?

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) claims that Panasonic didn't provide information that the bonus Nintendo Wii gaming console is only available to those who had purchased the plasma television between November 23 to December 24 2008.

To me, Panasonic were either incompetent in forgetting to place this vital information to the customers, or they were deliberately trying to save money. Either way, Panasonic are in the wrong.

However, I'm not the judge who's going to hand the final verdict for this.

What do you think?

Happy reading!
5ft0

Season Greetings m'friends!

2009-12-24T21:42:00.004+11:00

Greetings 5ft0s,

Thank you so much for dropping by to this blog - I never expected to have people read this blog, let alone comment on some of my posts.

Right now I'm wrapping approximately 7,000 presents, eating delicious baked ham and downing plum wine. This is my way of celebrating Baby Jesus' birthday. Not to mention my uncle dancing goofy to this entertainer:

Gosh, I feel so superficial admitting this.

Blog wise, I'll sporadically come back to type random posts, but I'll officially restart blogging again on 4th January 2009.

Have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.

All the best,
5ft0

xo

The Self-Defeating Purpose of Cosmetic Surgery

2009-12-17T09:27:00.005+11:00

Cosmetic surgery. The only surgery procedure where patients are allowed to practice their self-diagnosis. These include:

"My thighs touch one another. They jiggle too much."

"I still have eye bags under my eyes".

"My nose looks crooked. It doesn't look straight like Jennifer Aniston's."

These patients are not physically sick, nor are they suffering from a diagnosable disease. Nevertheless, they go to the surgeons and demand to fix up a certain part of their body which they deemed to be a problem. Many patients will show surgeons showing pictures of Jennifer Aniston's nose or Miranda Kerr's cheekbones. At times, I do find it amusing and sad at the same time for these patients, walking into a surgeon's office with absolute certainty that a certain procedure will fix up their ugly bits.

What's unsettling to me is the fact some magazines are reporting on cosmetic surgery and Botox, normalising these procedures even more. I remember flicking through the November 2008 issue of Shop Til You Drop and there was an article titled "Masterclass: Botox". A registered nurse by the name of Rand Rusher who offers advice to those interested in receiving Botox.

When Rusher is asked the question: "When can someone start using Botox?" Her response? "My advice is to do it before you need it, as a preventative measure - it can help to stop wrinkles from arising."

I shook my head at this article. But as Death Wears Diamond Jewellery commented on her recent post, beauty journalists don't have free reign. It all ties in with the advertisers. Sure enough, Rusher was indirectly advertising her own skincare brand, 'Leaf & Rusher'.

Personally, cosmetic surgery is a self-defeating purpose. The aim of cosmetic surgery is too look young and to have a 'better version of yourself'. Many will use cosmetic surgery to physically stop the aging process, but that's impossible. You can't stop aging. However, many are willing to fight this. Why fight something that can't be won?

Happy reading,
5ft0

Customers think it's all about them

2009-12-10T11:38:00.010+11:00

I'm currently working for a fashion chain store in Sydney. The job entails me to fold cardigans. Fold t-shirts. Fold shorts. Rush round after customers who've picked up a skirt and left them lying in the fitting room. Whenever customers crumple a piece of clothing, I have to rush around and put them back again. I don't complain. This is what I'm paid to do.

By ten o'clock, the routine becomes monotonous. It is rather depressing to fold clothes the way the chain store wants it to be. To place different items of clothing into different clothes hangers. At times, I want to scream, "BLOODY HELL! IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BUY IT, DON'T PICK IT UP." I don't. I don't complain. This is what I'm paid to do.

Some customers are polite. Others just see through you when you're a sales assistant. Others simply think you're stupid. I don't complain. This is what I'm paid to do.

However, there are times that you want to laugh at the customer. They put a smile on your monotonous routine. Recently, a lady came up to me, complaining that one side of the shoes was HALF A SHADE LIGHTER than the other. Not to mention, the shoes she's currently holding were identical to the one she already has on.

"You must give me a 50% discount. I like the shoes. It's a shame one half is half a shade lighter than the other," the customer said.
"I'm sorry I can't give you a 50% discount. I can give you a 20% discount," I answered. After all, it was 20% off everything in the store.
The customer's cheeks turned red. Ok, just keep calm. Everyone knows the customer is the troublemaker.
"This is ridiculous! If one side of the shoe is HALF A SHADE LIGHTER than the other, I deserve a huge discount!"
"Is there a problem there?" chimes my manager.
"I want a huge discount for these pair of shoes. One side is HALF A SHADE LIGHTER than the other!"
The customer glares at me, as if I'm some imbecile. The manager sees it and sighs.
"Fine, I'll give you a 30% discount".

The customer begrudgingly accepts the deal. She still mumbles, "They should've given me a 50% discount."

As I place the box of shoes into the bag and hand it to the customer - she still complains. All the other sales assistants look at me and chuckle. I chuckle too.

Happy reading,
5ft0

Shout out: Christian Dior

2009-12-09T00:15:00.006+11:00

Hey my fellow 5ft0's!

Are you doing anything interesting this weekend? If you haven't got anything planned this weekend, skip your way to Dior's First-Ever Exclusive Shoe Sale on this weekend. Up to 70% off on more than 1,400 pairs of shoes. Majority of them have never been released in Australia, until now.

Here are the details:
Saturday, 12 December 2009 - 12:00noon to 8:00pm
Sunday, 13 December 2009 - 9:00am to 6:00pm
Monday, 14 December 2009 - 9:00am to 12:00noon
or until sold out.

Hilton Sydney
Level 4
488 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000

EFTPOS, Visa and MasterCard only
NO cash, Diners or American Express

Terms and conditions:

1. There are no returns, exchanges or refunds if you have changed your mind or if the goods have been damaged by misuse or abnormal use after purchase.

2. Where goods are sold in less than perfect condition, for example where they are shop-soiled, you will be made aware of the fault before you purchase. There are no returns, exchanges or refunds if you proceed with the purchase with knowledge of the fault.

3. It is your responsibility to inspect the goods to your satisfaction before purchasing.

4. No voluntary or express warranties or guarantees are given.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

How to start on the right foot at your new job...

2009-12-04T09:16:00.004+11:00

I get asked this question a lot by friends and acquaintances. Personally, I feel ill-equipped to inform such stuff, as I'm only in my early 20s - but I'll try my best to give a succinct answer to this.

So, it's your first day on the job and you're keen on making a good impression on everyone at work. Because how you present yourself can make or break you.

Here are the right steps in being a kick-ass employee:

1. Treat everyone well: Forget about people's statuses, be polite to everyone. Of course don't be too nice to the boss, you'll definitely be catapulted to the top of everyone's despised list.

2. Avoid areas of gossip: There will be certain areas of the office where people gather around and share juicy tidbits about other colleagues. As tempting it is to gossip about others, it's best to not comment about anyone.

3. Get to work on time: Never be late! Bosses DO notice people who are punctual. Punctuality refers to attendance and the ability to meet deadlines.

4. Walk an extra mile: Take on tasks above and beyond the ordinary. Also, stay in the office if a task needs to be done ASAP. Bosses do recognise effort and will think that you're an intelligent, smart and diligent person.

5. Admit to your mistakes: Take responsibility of actions. If you've done something wrong, it's best to tell the truth. Don't even bother covering up your mistakes or pushing the blame to someone else, it'll backfire you at the end. And no one wants a plan that backfires.

6. Communicate well: Also, let other people speak as well. Don't rush what other people are saying. Sure you may know a lot about a particular subject, but don't shut down on what other people have to say. You could learn a thing or two.

7. Don't be a slacker: If you're boss comes in late for work, it doesn't mean you should either. Do that, you're no better than your boss.

8. Finally, don't buddy up with people just yet. Like high school, just scan the place. You want to make genuine friends, and not people who'll take your tidbits to the gossip table mentioned in step two. If you have a true lunch time, get out of the office by yourself. Though, if your boss asks you out for lunch, you should probably go.

Again, I feel ill-equipped to talk such things, but I hope this helps you out.

Happy reading!
5ft0

5ft0's Birthday

2009-12-01T17:38:00.006+11:00

I apologise for the lack of posts last week, or rather, writing no posts last week. I've been working heaps, waking up at 5.30 am to get to work at 8 am. Imagine doing that, six days of the week.

Anyway, today all I've got to say is:

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

I love birthdays.
I just smile like Cheshire the Cat.
Like this:

And I got this for my birthday:

Oh how silly of me, my friends are taking me to this:

Now, I'll be watching 'The Devil Wears Prada' for the millionth time and drinking lemon and lime bitters simultaneously.

Does it get better than this?

Answer: No.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Addicted to 90s sitcoms

2009-11-19T00:30:00.005+11:00

This is random. I've been watching 90s sitcoms lately. While my top three 90s sitcoms may be controversial, these are my thoughts so don't take them seriously:

1. Friends
2. Seinfeld
3. The Golden Girls

Honorary mentions: The Simpsons and Everybody Loves Raymond.

What I've noticed is that the sitcoms I mention fall into two categories: the classic family sitcom and the 'ensemble sitcom'.

Friends is definitely my favourite 90s sitcom. Who could forget the type Joey's signature quote "How you doin'?" or how Rachel's hairstyle became the most coveted hairstyle? While all those sitcoms listed all have influenced our cultural vocabulary - I do have to say out of Seinfeld and Friends, Seinfeld was revolutionary. It has been completely re-absorbed into our lives. After ten years of being off air, many other shows have taken the Seinfeld template, it's 90-isms and conventions.

With The Golden Girls, the idea was "These people have to live together now, whether they like it or not". This was 66% true with Friends as well, with Joey and Chandler living together and Rachel and Monica living together. But with Seinfeld? They didn't FOLLOW THIS FORMULA. George and Jerry have always been friends. Elaine is Jerry's ex-girlfriend, but the thing is, no one lives together.

Also, no one has a consistent partner, Elaine and George keep on changing jobs, Kramer's schemes don't go anywhere. Seinfeld never makes anything permanent. Take a look at Newman for instance, he is kept as a minor character while successfully spinning his own theories.

With family sitcoms, The Simpsons is a great example pointing out the stupidities of humanity with a little Seinfeldness sprinkled into the mix. Though the difference between Jerry Seinfeld and Matt Groening is that Groening does not known when to quit (or does not care to) and the show has declined for no other reason than the writing no longer produces winning jokes. As far as with honorary mentions, Everybody Loves Raymond definitely follows a traditional comedy formula for the 90s.

So what are your Top 3 90s sitcoms?

Happy reading!
5ft0

I am an inconsiderate person.

2009-11-15T12:39:00.006+11:00

Five Foot Nothing has turned one, and Miss 5ft0 herself, FORGOT TO CELEBRATE IT.

In the midst of all the chaos of what is called uni life, I truly didn't think twice of Five Foot Nothing's birthday.
I AM AN INCONSIDERATE BITCH.
Unbelievable.

It was launched on November 12th and God knows what I was doing on that day. Definitely saving the dodos for sure. Or knitting warm woollen mittens for reindeers for Christmas. Or saving the world by taking pollution down to zero.

Anyway, here's my belated bloggy birthday to my blog.

Happy 1st birthday my little bloggity blog,
Hip hip, hooray!
All the best.

In lieu of this special event, I'm going to take you back to the first post I created. Then laugh at how amateurish and techno-illiterate it looked, and realise nothing has changed.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Humpty Dumpty's Is Now Great Shape

2009-11-09T20:13:00.011+11:00

CAUTION!: You are about to enter the childish mind of Miss 5ft0.

I'm on a roll here. Yesterday, I posted about Sesame Street. Today, I want to rant about nursery rhymes. In particular, this one:

I won't re-write the words to the original of this particular nursery rhyme, because I assume everyone in the English speaking world knows this song. But over at the Mother Country, someone from the BBC decided to change the last line of this famous nursery rhyme to:

"All the King's Horses and the King's Men,
Made Humpty Dumpty happy again".

The BBC changed it for 'creative' purposes. I call it ridiculous. Personally, I don't think children are traumatised when hearing this particular nursery rhyme or any other nursery rhyme.

But there's one thing that a lot of people forgot to ask when listening to this. Just one.

No where in the original Humpty Dumpty lyric, did it mention that Humpty Dumpty is an egg!

Why did we assume that Mr Humpty Dumpty was an egg in the first place? Did the part where Humpty Dumpty "had a great fall" and "Cannot put Humpty Dumpty together again" imply that it was an egg? Just because you couldn't put something together, doesn't mean that it's an egg.

For those in favour of changing the Humpty Dumpty lyrics because the current one scares children, guess what Humpty Dumpty is first before jumping the gun.

Rant over,
5ft0

Same Street, Different World - Happy 40th Birthday Sesame Street

2009-11-08T18:21:00.006+11:00

I have to thank Sesame Street for teaching me a few things. These include:

- Teaching me the alphabetical order and counting 1 to 10 properly;
- That Tina is a fine name, and I don't need to change it;
- That cookies are a sometime food.

As you can see, Sesame Street is turning 40 this year. I loved Sesame Street as a kid, until I was five years old. That's when I decided that the show was for babies.

Until recently, when I had to watch Sesame Street with my baby cousins. Has it changed? The concept of Sesame Street hasn't changed, but the look and tone of "Sesame Street" has evolved. When I was a kid, it was a realistic rendition of an urban skyline, grey houses, garbage bins, the messy graffiti and gritty smudges on the street walls - things which resembled city life so well.

Now? It's lolly-coloured chalk drawings, flowers, butterflies, stars, green spaces, tofu and yoga. Also, Cookie Monster no longer eats cookies because it's a 'sometime' food.

It's changed with the times for sure, with parents obsessive with obesity, racial equality and healthy eating. This is clearly evident with Cookie Monster gobbling vegetables and fruits and declaring these foods as 'Anytime Foods'.

I can understand why Sesame Street made all these changes - but is it necessary? Surely, many kids will know cookies are unhealthy. It's sometimes interesting to watch politically correct parents going overboard with these decisions. I understand why these changes had to be made. But, I wish Cookie Monster would do the one thing he was meant to do - to gobble a handful of cookies.

Happy reading,
5ft0

My First Blog Award

2009-11-03T18:53:00.005+11:00

Thanks to the lovely A from Shut Up Vita , I've received my first blog award ever! You're too sweet A!

1. Where is your cell phone: It's in a grey felt case, buried in my black leather tote bag.
2. Your hair: Long, black and dead straight.
3. Your mother: Likes to make clothes.
4. Your father: Reading up APC Magazines for his next technological gadget purchase.
5. Your favourite food: I don't have a favourite par se, but sushi, Vietnamese rice paper rolls and arancinis are great = ).
6. Your dream from last night: I dreamt that Simon Baker asked me to visit the set of The Mentalist.
7. Your favourite drink: Non - alcoholic: Raspberry Ripe from Boost. Alcoholic: Baileys with milk and ice.
8. Your dream/goal: Definitely merging my passions for media/entertainment and law. I would love to be a music lawyer!
9. What room are you in: My study room. Filled with books, notes, pens, papers, clips and cupcake containers.
10. What are your hobbies: Blogging, gardening and the odd indoor rock climbing.
11. What is your fear: I fear fear itself.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years: Definitely working overseas - as a sassy music lawyer.
13. Where were you last night: At home, eating a mini Magnum and watching GNW.
14. Something you are not: Tall.
15. Muffins: Love a blueberry muffin. I'm partial to a cupcake though.
16. Wish list items: Going to Liverpool, England to check out the Beatles museum; working overseas in the USA as a music lawyer and meeting Simon Baker. I'm being reasonable right?
17. Where did you grow up: Sydney, Australia.
18. Last thing you did: Went to a vintage store and bought some gold jewellery.
19. What are you wearing: Beige tank top and green shorts.
20. Your TV: Not on at the moment.
21. Your pets: Don't own a pet.
23. Your life: It's been interesting.
24. Your mood: Tired, but cheery.
25. Missing someone: Yes. *winks*
26. Vehicle: Don't have one at the moment. I need a new car!
27. Something you're not wearing: Ballet flats
28. Your favourite store: I like a few stores, not just A store. Rodeo Show and Luxe Boutique.
29. Your favourite colour: Royal blue.
30. When's the last time you laughed: Right now actually, watching Friends on DVD at the moment.
31. When's the last time you cried: When a friend of mine left to go overseas over two months ago.
32. Your best friend: My girls = )

Now, I pass my awards to Corrine from Frock and Roll and Sarah Hannah from Death Wears Diamond Jewellery.

Happy reading,
5ft0

Unis turning into businesses

2009-11-02T22:12:00.006+11:00

Fact: I've neglected this blog.
Another fact: I'm a Sagittarius that loves the enjoyment of hardship.
Lie: I'm currently typing this post at Simon Baker's penthouse and sipping on champagne while I type this.

I'm a university student. A regular uni student who attends her lectures and tutorials at all times*. I don't complain. I get my essays, assignments and exams completed - then go home and nap. Or, go to the bar and have a couple pints of beer. I don't pay attention to uni politics. I simply go there to learn.

I'm studying a degree in media and law. Law is an intensive degree and each subject of law requires a two hour tutorial. However, the uni I'm currently attending wants to cut the two hour law tutorials to one hour tutorials. Why? So they don't have to pay law tutors another $80-$100.

To add insult to injury, they won't lower the prices of those law subjects. Nor are they going to lighten the workload for us. Now this is unacceptable.

The uni I attend has just renovated the Arts building - which has the latest technology and futuristic furniture. They are also building a new library which will contain some robots helping us find our books, journals, DVDs and other catalogues. It also has a high amount of international students as well - who would have paid their fees upfront before attending the institution.

Now, the uni is telling us that they don't have the money to pay tutors? Seriously. Paying $80 a week to tutors isn't much, it is only a small part of the total uni budget.

Unis are all about giving students an education to the degree they wish to obtain at the end of their studies. Making sure they understand the basics before they head into the big bad world called the workforce.

Maybe I'm an idealist, but I think it's enough that unis keep on cutting costs for business reasons, and not doing what its purpose should be. Providing quality education for students.

*Again, another lie.

Rant over,
5ft0

Where I live

2009-10-22T14:24:00.009+11:00

I've been blogging for a while now, and I haven't told you where in Sydney, Australia I currently reside. I often thought of my hometown as boring, because I've grown accustomed to my area. It was only recently that a friend of mine pointed out that those who aren't locals are fascinated by the place I live in.

So, I live in a place where one street shall be considered the equivalent to the CBD. In that 200 metre strip, you'll find there's a recurring pattern which starts out like this:

1. A restaurant which mainly sells this:

2. This:

I never understood why there were seven pharmacies alone in this street. But, if I do get sick, I know there's a prescription drug out there to suit my needs.

Lastly, this:

Bit like the ubiquitous amounts of pharmacies in my area, it's the same with mobile phones. It's great that I could select a wide range of mobile phones with brilliant deals.

However, where I live, it's far from the university I currently attend. Some days, I'll have to get up at 5.30 am, just to make to my 8 am lecture on time. It seems anywhere else in Sydney would be closer to my university.

But then, I think of all things I'll miss. The 6 am ritual of purchasing freshly baked bread rolls filled with pork and salad just makes my mouth water.

You will see old women who make Vietnamese desserts, cured pork from home and selling various Asian herbs and spices on the streets during the weekend. At times, I'll strike up a conversation with some of them - but it abruptly ends as they pack their goods in the trolley and sprint away whenever an approaching Council Officer comes along.

Speaking of food, did I mention how I live in a place that's well-known for Asian food? How could I leave the delicious food from around the world which is literally outside my door step?

Then there's this homeless guy that sits at the train station. His black eyes squinting through his square spectacles, mangled jet black hair and a long beard with patches of grey. His skin is dark and uneven. Last year, I gave him some sandwiches. When I turned around, he gave the sandwiches to another homeless lady, then scavenged the bin to find left over Vietnamese rice paper rolls.

You can get sweeped up with the local drama of my hometown - which restaurant makes the best crispy skin chicken, to whose child has graduated from medicine, whose child is now opening up another pharmacy, to other important issues such as who's gain weight, who's lost weight, who's gotten a divorce and most of all, who went overseas recently to get plastic surgery.

I found it hard to describe my hometown in words, but it is a town with it's own quirks. And in the words of Kenneth Slessor, "You find this ugly, I find this lovely."

Happy reading!
5ft0

Food Review: KFC Mashies

2009-10-15T12:18:00.004+11:00

Recently, I tried the limited edition KFC Mashies meal. Here's what it looks like:

I expected the KFC mashies to have a crispy coating, then a soft mash potato centre. Even the advertisements suggested that these mashies would be soft balls of heaven.

Instead, I found that they tasted a lot like deep fried balls of flour. Not even a liberal coating from the little container of gravy made up for that. Their mash potato is passe as it tastes like flour mixed with chicken powder and frankly, KFC should be banned from selling mash potatoes and the latest Mashies, it'll give any person coronary heart disease.

I believe KFC Mashies got this idea from the Dutch meatball snack, bitterballen. It is typically served in pubs and served with Dijon mustard. The outside is crumbed with breadcrumbs, while the inside usually has a creamy meaty texture, with cheese and potatoes thrown into the mix from time to time. Here's what the bitterballen look like:

That certainly looks much more appealing. I shall be trying those soon.

If you're interested in purchasing KFC Mashies for lunch/dinner/afternoon tea - my suggestion? Save your money and purchase a magazine instead.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Apples says to Woolies, "You're new logo is too apple-y".

2009-10-07T18:28:00.007+11:00

Greetings 5ft0's,

I want to ask you a question. Does this logo:

Looks similar to this logo?

Good ol' Woolies insists their new logo is in a shape of a 'W'. While Apple thinks, it looks like an apple and they want the 'Straylan supermarket to stop using the logo.

Any reason? Other than Apple believes that Woolies new logo looks way too similar to their nifty little apple. So the question remains, can Apple really claim an apple? Before I go on, here is the criteria for trademark infringements:

- Similarity of the markings;
- Evidence of actual confusion;
- Likelihood of the expansion of the product line;
- Type of goods and the degree of care likely to be exercised by the purchaser;
- Defendant's intent in selecting the markings;
- Proximity of the goods and;
- Strength of the marking.

The last time I checked, Woolworths was well-known for stocking canned food, frozen food, confectionery, delis, dairy...to stationery and toiletries. While Apple sells iPods, iMacs, iPhones, iTouch - well anything which combines an 'i' and technological gadgets.

Personally, I think this is getting ridiculous. But, I'll leave the question to you. Is Woolies new logo too similar to Apple's logo?

Happy reading,
5ft0

What's your opinion on charging online news content?

2009-10-02T10:34:00.005+10:00

Greetings 5ft0s,

Rupert Murdoch is going to experience a backlash with this idea. A number of independent research studies show this was rated unfavourably amongst those surveyed last week. Even better, Google rejected Murdoch's plan.

In my opinion, publishers will find it very hard to charge for news content because there is so much free content swimming around the world wide web. Sure, the Wall Street Journal, one of the newspapers owned by News Corp started charging its user to read its news online. Some publishers have argued that once upon a time, we paid for a news content. The question is, would you pay for it again?

But seriously, no one would pay for news content, especially if it's coming from news.com.au or ninemsn. There are plenty online news websites which write better content.

I'm curious to know if this scheme goes ahead, how much will they charge users for their content. Perhaps it's like iTunes, paying it per article basis. Whatever they decide, it won't just affect journalists, it will affect us as well.

Charging audience for online news content when they can receive it for free is like charging people to swim at the beach. Or ocean, and it's a huge ocean out there.

Now, what do you think about this proposition?

Happy reading,
5ft0

Kraft, what on earth were you thinking?

2009-09-28T13:56:00.002+10:00

I really want to tell the Kraft marketing department about this. If you want to know what's got me on a tizzy, it's this:

Kraft's intention in iSnack 2.0 was to align itself the new Vegemite product to a younger market.

If they had done their research carefully, 'i' was originally intended to designate anything related to the 'internet', like iPod and iPhone. If there's one thing the Kraft marketing department have demonstrated clearly, is their lack of technological jargon.

How would the conversation go in homes across 'Strayla?
"What do you want on your sandwich?"
"I want a iSnack 2.0 sandwich."
Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.

I can feel the producers from the Gruen Transfer are already making an episode of iSnack 2.0. The name of the episode? Dumbest names companies have come up with.

Now, let me ask you this question. What should the new Kraft Vegemite be called? Certainly not iSnack 2.0.

Happy reading,
5ft0

The 32cm Ice Cream Cone

2009-09-26T11:03:00.006+10:00

I'm not the type of person who's up for a food challenge. However, last night, I did take up a food challenge. I didn't succeed, but I gave it a go.

My friends and I had dinner at Chinatown and to burn off the kilojoules, we decided to walk along George Street. There, we saw this store:

As the curious little buggers we are, we entered the store. Then we glanced over to the sign that said:

This is good value of the century! I was amazed, $2.90 for a 32cm ice cream cone. It comes in three flavours - strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. They also do double flavours as well.

I felt like a giddy schoolgirl when I got my strawberry and chocolate ice cream. Here's the pic:

We marvelled the photos of prior customers who have taken on this challenge. I couldn't believe I was holding a 32 cm ice cream. A bit longer than the 30 cm plastic rulers I use to bring to school. The shop assistant was amused we'd taken the ice cream cone photo shoot.

On the streets, I saw a lot of by-passers raise an eyebrow or asking their friends, "Where did they get that?" It was difficult navigating the 32cm ice cream cone in Sydney CBD on a Friday night. I should add this ice cream melts fast. Really fast.

At the end, I couldn't finish the ice cream. But, I believe $2.90 for a huge ice cream cone was a bargain.

It's definitely worth a go. Even if it is a novelty.

Happy reading,
5ft0.

He doesn't deserve a Ticket to Ryde

2009-09-22T13:15:00.004+10:00

Has anyone been hearing about the Dennis Ferguson case lately? Or rather, how he has been released from prison, to the streets of Ryde?

Right now, the people of the suburb of Ryde, where Dennis Ferguson is currently residing, want him to leave because they believe children are in danger.

I have two thoughts about this. On one hand, I can understand why the Ryde community want Dennis Ferguson out. It is natural for parents, guardians...to worry, or worse, respond violently when a former paedophile resides in your neighbourhood.

However, after watching the Today Show and listening to MIX 106.5 FM with Sonya Kruger and Todd McKenney - Dennis Ferguson has the right to move back into society without people taunting him.

He has served his time in prison. Listening to both media outlets, I don't think society gives sex offenders, thieves, hell anyone who's sent to gaol a second chance in re-establishing themselves in society. There's one thing I know, moving Dennis Ferguson out of Ryde won't solve anything.

What are your thoughts on this issue?

Happy reading,
5ft0

Bars, Boys and All that Stuff

2009-09-22T10:44:00.004+10:00

Bars - a place where professional workers all brood on a Friday night. Some can be so rude. People cutting in front of you in the bar quene. Middle-aged weirdos whose drunken dancing smashes a tray of beer. Packs of young ladies shrieking, drowning out your conversation and people trying to 'hook up' with that hot lass/lad over there.

However, most people attend bars just to blow off some steam. But there is one advice I would like to give to girls (Boys, take heed):

'If a guy who's just spotted you is dumb enough to buy you a drink, then he is dumb enough to be taken advantage of.'

Seriously, if you're interested in someone, please come up to us at a bar and talk. Buying a drink when you haven't introduced yourself to that cute girl isn't going to cut it. Even worse, a girl will take the drink you've just paid for, and run off with the drink, just because you're suggesting other things other than a 'talk'.

Another note to be made? Pick-up lines suck. Girls will always appreciate honesty and a sense of humour as great qualities in a man. A pick-up line seems contrived, which makes it seem dishonest. For women, dishonesty is threatening. Not funny.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Going back to the Motherland

2009-09-16T23:57:00.004+10:00

Greetings 5ft0's,

I have been busy with mid-semester exams and assignments so I'm sorry in advanced in this entry is rather boring.

Like Corrine from Frock and Roll who posted on her blog recently, I too have a friend who's moving to this place:

Yep, to the Motherland. He's going to complete his pHd in Advanced Mathematics over there and I admire him for plucking the courage to leave familiar surroundings and venturing to the unknown. This trip has been planned for a long time, but it was only recently the reality set in. He couldn't believe he made it into a university in the UK, let alone receiving a decent scholarship there.

Saturday will be the last day for my friends and I to see him for the last time, before he jets off to the Motherland. Besides getting pounded by the pound, I'm so happy that my friend is doing something he loves!

Happy reading!
5ft0

The World of Retail

2009-09-10T11:49:00.006+10:00

Retail - a place where school students, uni students, mums, semi-retired workers will work to pay off their weekly expenses. Having worked in pharmacy, fashion and fast food, I've met some interesting customers in my line of work.

Some customers are rude. Some think you should wait for them 24/7 and not to mention throwing bags, shoes and scarves around - and you have to pick up things while they check out other products. Some customers aren't polite. While others won't speak to you in the same manner as they would to their mates because they think you must be really dumb.

You see some of the outrageous ways customers will do to exchange for their purchases. I'll share you one of my experiences:

At one of the shoe stores I previously worked at, a customer wanted to return a pair of heels. I opened the box and a strong acetonic smell hit my nose. I held the pair of heels in my hand, and had black paint on my hands and arms.

"I'm sorry, I can't refund this. You have tampered with the shoes, so we can't take it back."
"Oh no, it's always been like this. I find the soles of the heels are losing colour at a rapid rate".
"You have painted the soles of the shoes. I can't give you a refund because you've damaged the heels".
"You bitch! I want to speak to the manager now!"
I tried to keep a straight face, even though deep down I wanted to rip the customer's hair out.

My manager steps in, seeing the trouble brewing for the back room.
"What's the problem?"
"That bitch won't let me have a refund on the shoes!"
The manager inspects the shoes,
"I'm sorry you can't refund these heels. You have painted the soles of the heels, not to mention, it's still wet".

The customer grudgingly accepts the manager's answer, places the pair of heels in the box, and walks out.

Has anyone had outrageous customer requests during their time in the retail world? I'll like to hear your thoughts, since I don't want to be the only person who's experience such a spat.

FYI: That was the third time I was called a bitch in my life.

Happy reading!
5ft0

What did you have for breakfast?

2009-09-08T11:04:00.005+10:00

In light of Mia Freedman's "What did you cook for dinner last night?" - I'm starting out a new section called, "What did you have for breakfast?"

Most people are eating their cereal, or running to Maccas for an egg and bacon mcmuffin - 5ft0 ate last night's left overs. I had Vietnamese vermicelli noodle salad with spring rolls last night. We made way too many spring rolls for dinner and placed the left overs in the fridge.

I had to make a fresh batch of vermicelli noodles, shredded the lettuce and cucumber as well as getting fresh Vietnamese mint from the garden. With the spring rolls, I had to re-heat them using:

The spring rolls turned out fine in the end too. I should've taken a picture on what my breakfast spread looked like too. But, it resembles like this:

There are two questions I would like to ask is: Do you have breakfast at strange times as well? There are days where I eat breakfast at 1pm because I partied way too hard the night before.

Secondly, do you eat cereal/porridge at other meal times besides breakfast? I've been known to eat cereal at 7pm because I've been too lazy to cook up a simple, nourishing soup for myself.

Am I the only person who is lazy when it comes to cooking breakfast for myself?

Happy reading!
5ft0

P.S - I use the toaster to re-heat my food so much, my parents have decided to buy a second toaster to re-heat my spring rolls, sausages...even slices of pork roast. Ho-hum.

Identity Revealed

2009-09-06T17:18:00.011+10:00

I've been blogging under the name 'Five Foot Nothing' for over ten months. I think it's time to reveal who I am.

If you're interested to see what 5ft0 looks like, look over to the left hand menu and see my profile. I'm a petite person who has squinty eyes, ebony black hair and has no hope of becoming a Victoria's Secret Model.

I'm going to make a proper introduction, it will give insight to the person behind this blog. Ohh...so self-referential.

Most importantly, what's your real name?
Tina.

What are your vices?
Green apple liquorice, chai lattes, vintage accessories and a sucker for Disney Couture jewellery.

What's your horoscope and does it fit your character? I'm a Sagittarius and it fits me to a tee. I took a degree in media because I talk a lot. I took a law degree because I talk a lot. Therefore, I took on a B.Media/B.Law degree because I talk a lot.

Loser! Have you ever worked in the industry? I couldn't disclose this information for a long time because I was working for this company. But now I'm free from the company, I can reveal that I use to work as a paralegal at Ninemsn.

What's your call on this generation debate nonsense?
Honestly, I don't know why we bothered labelling people of certain ages a Baby Boomer, Gen X or Gen Y. Not all Gen Ys are lazy, same with not all Baby Boomers are business savvy.

But one thing I do have to say is that no one holds a monopoly of knowledge. The so-called Gen Y should listen to those older than themselves - wisdom comes with age. And if you're 40, 50, 60 - heck at any age, you could learn a thing or two from your younger counterparts. Knowledge doesn't stop at 40.

You're such a girly girl. I thought you were a feminist: FYI, I am a girl. Secondly, a feminist doesn't have to be a woman who doesn't shave their underarms or legs - they can come in a form of a pint-size girl who spends too much time at the Glebe markets.

What's are your favourite novels?
The two novels I can relate to on a personal level are Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta and The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger.

Are you paid to write certain things about products or opinions?
Of course, how else do I pay for my weekly expense? It's $1000 per word, $8000 if you want me to write a positive outcome for your product/organisation and $10000 for a subject mention.

Please send your cheques to 5ft0 Pty Ltd, 12/34 As If I Would Do That, 666.

Stop being a smart ass! Anything else to add?
I'm a huge fan of The Beatles. My favourite member was John Lennon. Shame he couldn't leave to 64.

So now my fellow readers, just sit quietly on your chairs and wait for me to fill you with random opinions and posts, as well hanging out and playing Monopoly with a zillion other blogs, all wearing Ray Bans being cool and aloof, shuffling around cyberspace like a deck of playing cards.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Book Review: Mama Mia - A Memoir of Mistakes, Magazines and Motherhood

2009-09-05T10:49:00.004+10:00

I couldn't wait to get my nifty hands on this book. I've looked up to Mia Freedman since I was a teen. I was one of those geeks who'd study the master heads of Dolly, Girlfriend, Cosmopolitan - heck whatever magazine I could lay my hands, and memorise the names of the journalists, advertisers, marketers and corporate people working on the magazines.

Freedman's definitely set the bar really high for those who aspire to be journalists, or work in any sector of the media industry - editor of Cosmopolitan at the age of 24, editor-in-chief for Cosmopolitan, Cleo and Dolly at age 32 and now? An autobiography at the ripe old age of 37. Yep, Freedman's always does things a decade earlier than the rest of us.

The book details Freedman's magazine career, her mistakes, disappointments and most of all, she writes about her late-term miscarriage in 1999. It also follows the Nine debacle, where she was a creative services director for about five minutes in 2006.

But what struck me most, was her insecurities - two quotes in the book which pinpoint Freedman to the core:

"For more than fifteen years, my identity had been inextricably linked to what I did. I had a title. A business card. And, for the past ten years, an assistant. Staff. A nice office. A car spot. An infrastructure that supplied me with magazines and newspapers. Couriers. IT support. A helpdesk. I had someone buy my lunch, open my mail, screen my calls, RSVP to all my invitations and make me tea, although I usually did this myself. I'm very particular about my tea." pg. 339.

"I found myself dropped from invitation lists overnight...As pertulant as it sounds, however, even though I went to virtually nothing I was invited to unless I absolutely had to, I still liked being invited". pg. 340.

There, I realised how much Freedman's career shaped her identity. How much she was willing to peddle the Cosmopolitan brand, even though her beliefs didn't coincide with the magazine. She could have continued editing Cosmopolitan - talking about oral sex, partying and 24 ways in picking up a guy for so long. The lesson here is, be true to yourself.

As I was reading through the book, I'd also noticed Freedman had taken excerpts from editor's letters back in Cosmopolitan in 2003, such as the time she wore the fashion director's dress and the time she re-discovered her love for baking after watching Nigella Lawson. Yes, I'm very nit-picky, but I'll let this one side because after all, it was Freedman's words in the first place.

Overall, it is a great book to read. It definitely shows Mia Freedman's personality, hard-working, focused, anxious, self-doubt...oh bugger it, it shows her flaws in detail as well. You definitely see how she's matured from a 19 year old work experience student at Cleo, to a person who's running an awesome blog and having many media students aspiring to be writers look up to her.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Spring has finally arrived!

2009-09-03T21:43:00.004+10:00

Hooray! Spring's finally here! It's been a while where I've experienced 22 degree weather. Then again, Mr Spring hasn't been subtle - he's been peeking about since late August. Peeking around so much, he's has seduced me to buy this product:

L'Occitane Verbena Eau de Toilette Perfume - $69.95

Apparently, it's one of L'Occitane's bestselling fragrances. With a rosy geranium and lemon scent as base notes - I'm not surprised. The smell reminds me of Fanta - I love those crisp, citrus scents.

I haven't been blogging in a while, but my life has been extremely busy. I had an interview with a magazine company recently and I was absolutely stoked I got a call in the first place. It'll be in the advertising division - so I'll be sharpening my skills in persuasion.

I have previously worked in an online media company, not as a journalist, but on the legal side of things. Yes, my days were filled with contracts and all you'll hear coming out of mouth were copyright, defamation, contempt and agreements. It was a great position to be in because I saw how creativity and business merged together. They can't exist without each other. You need to finance your business, but at the same time, you need creative freedom to produce excellent entertainment/informative articles and other needs.

The thing I also learnt was that while many journalists, PRs and producers will try and understand how the copyright laws apply to them - you must remember that their passion for creativity will always be their first passion. Most people will fall in the middle, they'll read the media laws that apply to them. You rarely get those who fall into the extreme - those who are attuned to business as well as being creative. Then there are those who refuse to read the laws that apply to them.

Holy smokes, I sound like a whinging executive. Anyway, whatever happens, I'll be happy with the decision.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Recount: An extra ordinary item to brighten up your day

2009-08-30T15:03:00.005+10:00

I haven't witnessed or experienced anything extraordinary of late, I shall make this post extra ordinary instead. There's this particular recount I want to share with you. I hope my extra ordinary recount will make your day feel extraordinary.

Here it goes:

I enter a department store, there were a rumble of shoes lying there. I glance at the lady beside me, who picks up a pair of black ballet flats with a bow from the pile.

Next to her was a three year old boy, sucking a lollipop. The boy proceeds to grab the pair of flats from the lady. The lady shocked by this action, takes the ballet flats off the boy, turns him around and slaps him on the bottom.

The boy drops the lollipop onto the floor and cries.

Another lady comes running to the scene.

"How dare you! How dare you hit my son!"

"You're son was trying to steal my shoes!"

"How can they be your shoes? You haven't even purchased it yet!"

"They're my shoes. I saw them first. Besides, your son deserves the slap! If you taught your son manners, I wouldn't have slapped him in the first place!"

"Excuse me! You're not allowed to slap my son in broad daylight. I'm his mum, I choose to see what punishment I see fit!"

"Clearly, you're judgment is wrong!"

The ladies start wrestling one another. The boy stops crying, with his eyes glued to the fight.

Two security guards come charging down to the scene. The guards had to restrain the ladies from having another hit, before carrying them off the scene.

The first lady still clinging onto the ballet flats said, "These are my shoes!"

I hope this recount has made your day extraordinary.

Happy reading!
5ft0

The more you date, the higher your IQ

2009-08-26T23:47:00.003+10:00

The last time I went on a date was when I was a 8 year old. I was dating an older man. He was 9 years old. His name was Daniel*. I spent recess pulling out dandelion, filled the styrofoam cup with water and placed the dandelion in the cup.

My attempt in making the date pleasant was unsuccessful. Daniel decided I was a sissy as I didn't know how to kiss him properly on the cheeks. The date lasted 20 minutes. I believe it's the shortest date on record. I should seriously apply for the Guinness World Records for this.

I caught up with my friends on the weekend and we started talking about dating. Since I had little experience in the dating front, I didn't want to comment much. Until, a friend of mine blurted this out:

"I read it somewhere that the more you date, the higher your IQ is".

Now, I don't know what source of information my friend received this information from. I've been searching the world wide web and I haven't found out. However, whoever was conducting this research didn't realise how flawed this assumption was.

Honestly, the more people you date doesn't increase your IQ - it just makes you more aware on the type of partner you eventually want to settle with. Also, with the dating, you are learn to read people's body languages a lot more clearer.

Another thing to point out, what type of IQ test were these participants doing? Each IQ test is different, some questions are mathematically based. Others like myself, wouldn't know the answer to 1+1. Depending on the amount and type of questions used, this experiment really goes down the gurgle.

When I told my friend the flaws of this experiment, she refused to believe me - stated that I'm a cynic.

What do you think my fellow petites?

Happy reading!
5ft0

* Names have been changed for privacy reasons.

Public Transport Etiquette

2009-08-19T18:53:00.003+10:00

I think it's safe to say that the majority of us have had unpleasant encounters while travelling on public transport. After catching the train to go to uni for the last three years, I want to publish a book titled "Transport Etiquette" - dealing with all the things people should and shouldn't do on public transport.

I'm so passionate about this issue, I want to publish a book about it and make millions of dollars out of it. Okay, that's a bit to much, maybe a couple of thousands of dollars at least.

5ft0's tips for travelling on public transport:

1. Offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant or disabled passengers.

Finding a seat in peak hour is a blessing. But, I get so annoyed when commuters don't even notice a pregnant passenger standing on the train/bus etc. Seriously, it'll take the waters to break before anyone notices.

2. Keep loud private chat out of the public realm

Whether done face-to-face or through the mobile, speak in a low tone. Personally, I don't care if Mary got it on with the boss at work, or Jerry spending $9,000 on tyres - people either don't care about your life, or being human, will eavesdrop to hear what you're saying.

3. Turn down the volume of your iPod or MP3 player

I thank God for Apple for inventing the iPod and listening to The Beatles to kick-start my morning. However, not all commuters will share your taste in music. Or, they prefer a peaceful start to their morning. Either way, turn down the volume of your iPod - it shows manners and can save you from potential hearing loss.

4. Move down a seat

With public transport, usually there's join seats. At peak hour times of the day, public transport is naturally packed. So please, if you're sitting on an aisle seat and the person on the window seat has left, you must take the window seat. It's just polite to allow people to have the seat on the aisle.

5. When the person from the window seat wants to get out

Please, please, stand up and allow them to get out. Unless I was twig, I'm not skinny enough to walk through that small space. I don't care what you're excuse is (unless your pregnant) - you have two legs, use them.

6. Don't do things you'll only do in the privacy of your bathroom

Please whatever you do, don't cut your fingernails all over the place. The sound is so awkward, not to mention it's gross and spreads disease.

7. Spread out

If you're boarding a crowded train, commuters tend to stand next to the door. If you are getting off at the next stop, fine. If not, please spread out along the aisle. The doorway has to be clear, so people can safely board and leave. Also remember, to let passengers get off the train before you get on.

Holy cheese and crackers, I realised I sound like a cranky old person - but seriously, I don't want to see fingernails lying on the floor.

Have you encountered any rude/gross/unusual experience whilst catching public transport? At least, I can remind myself I'm a 22 year-old girl, and not a 67 year-old geriatric.

Happy reading!
5ft0

I've found a new way to cook my sausages!

2009-08-14T12:17:00.006+10:00

With the advent of MasterChef Australia and watching Poh, Julie and all the other contestants reaching new heights in their culinary skills - my skills have gone down to new lows.

If any of the judges of MasterChef Australia saw what I was cooking for breakfast this morning - or rather, what appliance I used to re-heat my sausages, I would be given a lecture big time.

Last night, I had bangers and mash for dinner. We made more sausages than the whole family could consume - so I placed the remaining leftovers into a container and put it the fridge.

When it came to re-heating the sausages the next day, I was buggered - so buggered that I couldn't take a frying pan, pour some vegetable oil into the pan and cook my sausages in it. I did the unthinkable, out of all utensils I used to cook my sausages - I used this little humble device:

As I was 'cooking' with this device, I shook my head, realising how lazy I truly am. Seriously, I'm developing a morbid fear of my own laziness. With loads of assignments, note-taking and essays coming up - I've come up interesting ways to cook my food.

Just to put me out of misery, do you peeps have inventive ways in re-heating or cooking for food? Or am I the only person in the Great Land Down Under to have put the Australian culinary industry to shame?

Happy reading,
5ft0

P.S - The sausages tasted great!

New celebrity male crush: Charlie Pickering

2009-08-09T12:19:00.005+10:00

Fact: Love geeky guys! They're cute!
Lie: I saw Adam Brody and Charlie Pickering catch the 380 bus to the Paddington markets yesterday.

When "The OC" was axed yonks ago, I wondered how will I survive without a weekly dose of Seth Cohen. Now, I've found my new celebrity geeky crush: comedian Charlie Pickering.

I instantly fell in love with Charlie Pickering as host of the 7PM Project and one of the team leaders in Talkin' 'bout your Generation. Pickering possesses a superb knowledge of irrelevant pop culture trivia, funny - not to mention, he recently admitted he had a hard time at school because he was a geek.

Charlie Pickering reminds me of The OC's adorably goofy and hilarious Seth Cohen. I fell in love with Adam Brody for his character as the unpopular geek obsessed with comic books. Most of all, I watched it for his eternal love for Newport's snobby little rich girl, played by the perennial cutie Rachel Bilson.

Personally, I'll date a geek over a pretty boy for these reasons:

1. They don't have as many girls chasing after them - hence, geeks have had to use other means to attract girls, i.e. less corny love notes, treating a girl like a princess. Whereas popular guys are use to girls falling at their feet, and wouldn't have mastered the art of the dating etiquette.

2. You don't have to play dumb - or at the very least, don't hide the fact you're a smart cookie. Unlike the pretty boys, geek guys have no insecurities about their manhood, so they don't feel threatened by a smart, capable female.

3. While the popular guys are way too busy picking up that hot girl from Maccas - geek guys have other interests they're occupied with, i.e. sharpening up their skills in chess/computers/comic books/writing. Hence, they have more interesting things to talk about.

4. They're extremely polite - you definitely won't be hearing crass words from these adorable guys.

5. They're smart, hence they can help you with an assignment/exam you are currently tackling with.

6. Geeks may become your bosses, at the very least, working at a high position of a company one day. It pays to be nice.

For the observant readers out there, I know Charlie Pickering is happily married with a wife - but it's just an innocent crush!

Happy reading,
5ft0

Austereo: It's time for a change.

2009-08-08T22:06:00.005+10:00

I can feel the Legal and PR department over at the Austereo network and Network Ten working overtime due to the Kyle Sandilands saga. In particular with the Austereo network, I have no idea why the network didn't realise that their loud-mouth asset could bring the whole network down.

Personally, I feel the whole Austereo network team should've realised they were raising a big problem back in 2000, when Kyle started out as a night-time host at the Hot 30 Countdown. Even then, Kyle was bullying producers around, and criticising other announcers within the Austereo family.

Then in 2005, Kyle and Jackie O got their wish, being hosts of the breakfast show. Of course, they brought it the ratings and advertisers - but also, Sandilands demanded the delay "dumb" button to be taken off. Hence, the people in running the Kyle and Jackie O were in charge of a zoo.

Honestly, the breakfast show can be liken to the things Jerry Springer use to do. What happened over a week in regards to the fourteen-year-old announcing she had been raped as a twelve-year-old is a trademark for Kyle and Jackie O show. A few weeks ago, there was a masturbation competition as Kyle, Jackie's husband and their newsreader all gave sperm samples to see who was the most 'manly'.

Right now, Kyle is shaking his head thinking "Why has this happened to me?" It's a bit like a kid who's been getting away with any sorts of trouble for years from the parents, and now he's suddenly kicked in the guts, wondering why he has been punished.

For years now, Kyle and Jackie O are surrounded by yes-people. Why? People tune into the show, it's the number one breakfast radio show in Sydney. Hence, money is coming into the station in millions.

I hope Jackie O gets a lot of punishment too. She isn't the sweet, serene person perceived on television and radio - if she condones Kyle's behaviour, then she's just a twisted person herself.

My advice to Austereo? It's about time you created a new breakfast show which doesn't resemble a Jerry Springer talk-show.

Rant over,
5ft0

Kyle and Jackie O temporarily ousted

2009-08-02T23:05:00.004+10:00

I think I saw pigs fly today, seriously. The Austereo network finally had the balls to do something.

Now, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O has been suspended indefinitely after last week's lie detector test. For more information, click here.

Personally, I think the Austereo network have reacted to this situation way too late. If you remember the Chaser debacle over the skit about dying children, the group acknowledged they 'got it wrong' and went off air for two weeks. The ABC responded immediately, and the Chasers got their punishment.

At first, I thought the only way the Kyle and Jackie O show would only be taken off air if major sponsorship pull out and ratings drop. However, people power and the web took the show off air - so just maybe...the duo are taking responsibility over what happened last week.

Looks like Kyle can blame the media now.

Happy reading,
5ft0

"Hey, your song sounds the same as mine!"

2009-08-01T14:45:00.007+10:00

As you all know by now, Kelly Clarkson is arguing with RCA Records (a subsidiary unit of Sony Music Entertainment). It's the dispute over her new power ballad - which sounds similar to Beyonce's 2008 hit, "Halo".

Disputes began when Clarkson realised her single, "Already Gone", co written with songwriter Ryan Tedder, was a deadringer of another Tedder produced tune, "Halo".

Now, Tedder has confessed that he gave both platinum-selling signers a tune with the same back tracking. However, by the time Kelly had heard "Halo" and realised the similarities between the tracks, her current album All I Ever Wanted was already in print.

In an interview with Canada's CBC Radio, Clarkson revealed she had been fighting behind the scenes to keep her latest single, "Already Gone" from being released - to no avail. She believed when listeners heard the song, they would be thinking "Kelly ripped off Beyonce's Halo song."

This type of case has never existed before - but as a law student who is interested in becoming a media lawyer, it's riveting stuff!

It is obvious the U.S courts will be heavily relying on the copyright law. I must express, the most important thing any journalist, musician, entertainer (hell, anyone involved in media must know) is that a copyright protects the expression of an idea, it does not protect the idea itself.

The issue here, is the melody behind both "Halo" and "Already Gone". Since Tedder owns the copyright to the melody - then they may not be any charges against him. Personally, I think it's sheer laziness that Tedder decided to use the same melody for both Clarkson and Beyonce.

However, I'm not the judge - so the trial may turn around and announce a different decision.

So Petites, what are your thoughts on this? Should Tedder be charged?

Happy reading,
5ft0

Book Review: L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

2009-07-27T10:11:00.003+10:00

I've been a fan of Lauren Conrad since the first episode of Laguna Beach aired on TV yonks ago. Then I followed Conrad to The Hills, where I learnt "Boys are like purses" and watched the readership for Teen Vogue increase in ten-fold. When I found out she was writing a book, I was torn whether I should purchase her novel. At the end, I did and expected a lot more from the book. Sorry Lauren.

The book was enjoyable. The story flowed nicely and I liked it how Conrad introduced the main characters of the story, Jane Roberts and Scarlett Harp and reading about their adventures around Hollywood. There have been so many novels and drama shows set around L.A, (think The O.C., 90210, Melrose Place, Trading Up, Clueless) and all of them make me want to gag. Luckily, L.A. Candy doesn't do that.

The story follows Jane and Scarlett as they move from Santa Barbara to the busy streets of Los Angeles, California. It follows them as they learn what it's like to live in a big city and seeing how they're thrown into the spotlight and treated as celebrities. The positive part of the book is how Conrad illustrates the behind the scenes look of the world of reality television. I knew The Hills and Laguna Beach aren't 'real'. T.V. producers would throw the characters into different siutations to see how they would react and work through these situations. However, while L.A. Candy was based on The Hills, the characters and storyline are totally different.

I adored Jane Roberts and Scarlett, but I disliked Gaby (definitely reminiscent of Audrina Partridge) and Madison. I kept rolling my eyes everytime their names popped up in the pages.

However, I did not mind the love triangle between Jane, Braden and Jesse. I liked both Braden and Jesse and liked how Conrad incorporated the love triangle into the mix, the way the book ended was abrupt - way too abrupt. Like, "If you want to see what's installed next on L.A. Candy, purchase my second book!" It really annoyed me, but Lauren, just because it's you, I will purchase the next novel because the story is enough to want to keep up with it.

Fans of The Hills and Lauren Conrad will definitely enjoy this book because it's Lauren. It's not one of my favourite books, but it is a decent read for the weekend.

Happy reading!
5ft0

News: Robyn Foyster resigns from AWW

2009-07-23T18:01:00.004+10:00

There have been heaps of changes at ACP Magazines. Hot of the press, Robyn Foyster, the editor-in-chief for The Australian Women's Weekly has resigned.

However, the position has been replaced by current deputy editor of the Sunday Telegraph, Helen McCabe.

Happy reading,
5ft0

MasterChef Australia : Reality TV formula all networks should follow

2009-07-23T16:56:00.007+10:00

Holy cheese and crackers! The season finale for MasterChef Australia was larger than Ben Hur. No really! It attracted 3.745 million viewers, making it the most watched TV non-sporting event since the advent of ratings.

Network Ten have a knack of making outstanding shows out of nowhere. Earlier in the year, Ten had lost Big Brother and Thank God You're Here. I remembered many media critics, especially Charles Waterstreet (columnist for Sun Herald) laughing at the concept of MasterChef. How do you judge taste? Viewers can't taste it he would state. Boy, weren't we all wrong.

The reason why MasterChef Australia is so successful lies simply on its format. Network Ten, along with Fremantle Media are geniuses when it comes to reality TV. MasterChef, like Australian Idol takes the viewers to the very beginning - where the judges are selecting the talented amateur chefs, from the appalling ones.

Overtime, the audience starts building a relationship with the contestants and we understand their background, likes and dislikes. No wonder why we were partial to certain contestants. Any Poh or Justine fans out there?

I believe one of the reasons why MasterChef was so successful was that viewers could easily relate to the contestants. Julie Goodwin, mother of three and a IT consultant - many people know a mother who's juggling family and a career. Justine Schofield, a former sales executive who was recently made redundant. In the current economic recession - we all know someone who's been made redundant from their job.

If other commercial TV networks are interested in creating a reality TV competition show, use Network Ten's format for details. Or else, it could end up like Nine's recent HOMEmade.

Even the website for MasterChef Australia is brilliant. The website is easy to navigate and recipes seen on the show are uploaded onto the website within milliseconds. No doubt new Chief Digital Media Officer, Nick Spooner was behind the widgets of the MasterChef website (Spooner was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of NineMSN).

MasterChef Australia will obviously commence next year. My only concern is, it wouldn't have the same innocence as it did this season. I've already checked out the website where applicants can apply for MasterChef Australia 2010 and the stuff needed to get onto the show include a digital photograph of yourself. Now, I don't know what the criteria was for this year's MasterChef competition, but the pre-requisite of a portrait of yourself is a sign that looks will be taken into consideration. If it is, I doubt it'll attract the massive viewing as it did this year.

What are your thoughts Petites? Am I too cynical?

Happy reading!
5ft0

Primped Product Review: Revlon's New Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

2009-07-17T09:33:00.003+10:00

I had a lot of spare time during my uni break - so why don't I use my free time constructively and write a review for Primped about this new lipstick. Click here if you want to read the post.

However, I had to edit my post due to the 1,000 character limit. Here's my unedited version:

I couldn’t wait to get my little fingers on Revlon’s new Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick. Package-wise, it looks like a lipgloss, so I expected a high sheen gloss. But it’s a lipstick, so there’s no glossiness to it.

The lipstick doesn’t have a smell and I once applied it, it dried within seconds. It was slightly drying, but I found if I applied a lip balm on top of the Colorstay lipstick, I get the glossy feel I like and it gives it extra sheen.

The pigment of this lipstick is rich - so one coat is enough. When I removed it with make up remover, there was still plenty of pigment to take off. Also, the product does live to its claim. It stuck firm through a chicken laksa and a chai latte.

I’ve settled on #1 Nude, as it’s a beautiful taupe shade, with a hint of shy coral pink. It’s versatile and can be worn to work. It’s a great addition to my make up bag for days when I don’t want to go ultra-glossy or to be touching it up meticulously. I salute Revlon for making this great product.

It retails for $24.95 and its found in all leading department stores.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

Bardot: Store Opening

2009-07-13T17:48:00.000+10:00

They've found Michael Jackson's panties!*

2009-07-06T23:03:00.005+10:00

*This isn't a true story.

You realise how much the media are cashing in on Michael Jackson's passing is when they release something like this.

Yes my Petites, the media cashing on Michael Jackson has reached moronic status.

What's next? Michael Jackson's panties? Are they black or white?

Til next time,
5ft0

Fashion Book Review: The Cheap Date Guide To Style

2009-07-06T13:02:00.011+10:00

Hi my fellow Petites!

I'm not a fan of 'style guide' books. There's something cringe-worthy, comical and absurd about a reader following a book, step by step, on how to dress themselves. Trinny & Susannah for instance, have no concept of style - they're fashion magazines in human form.

A couple of months ago, I purchased a copy of "The Cheap Date Guide To Style" by Kira Jolliffe and Bay Garnett. The pink and silver cover with a quote by Sophie Dahl was the very reason I bought the book at Sportsgirl. It was on sale for $14.95, down from $45. Yes, the colour schemes are the same as "The One Hundred" but that's where the similarities end.

The book contains interviews by Karl Lagerfeld, Mischa Barton, Vivienne Westwood and Chloe Sevigny - a sartorial delight for you hardcore fashionistas out there. Personally, I'm not convinced that Mischa Barton style is 'unique' - but that's the only disagreement I'll have with this book.

However, it isn't your typical style guide. It's a completely different skin, it celebrates risk-taking, individuality and being off-beat, if that's your cup of tea. If you're trying to figure out what your true style is - you're better off reading Nina Garcia's "The One Hundred" book. This books is definitely for those who already have embrace the beat of their own style and want to refine it.

The book has zine-feel to it. Which is expected because authors Jolliffe and Garnett penned a style zine called "Cheap Date" - which focuses heavily on secondhand shopping, vintage goods and gained a sizable cult following. Hence, the book version of Cheap Style was published.

The book is peppered with quotes by fashion designers, celebrities and authors. Unlike "The One Hundred" - I feel the authors chose these quotes with careful consideration and reinforces their beliefs in fashion.

I also like the imperfect, scrapbook-like, teen magazine in the 80s aesthetic. Photographs published in the book which taken with a film camera - which gives a feel that this whole book isn't about aspiring to be a high-fashion glamorously dressed indiviudal. Instead, it is an anti-fashion magazine in a form of a book. Of course, by turning away from the glossy world of high fashion, it takes on an alluring chicness and honesty on its own.

This book is great to get style inspiration - though I wouldn't recommend it to someone who desperately feels the need to reinvent themselves, and follows the guidelines of this word-to-word.

Happy reading!
5ft0

Fashion Book Review: Nina Garcia - The One Hundred

2009-07-02T14:01:00.003+10:00

I know I'm late jumping the Nina Garcia bandwagon. From Elle US to Marie Claire US - not to mention her work on Project Runway and Ugly Betty has made this woman well-known on an international scale.

This book lists Garcia's top 100 pieces and items that every woman needs. The positive? Garcia tells women while you can buy clothes and accessories on a regular basis to stay in trend, you can't buy style. Bless her!

Garcia's list is extensive, moving from the staple little black dress, vintage accessories to the trench coat - there's something here for everyone. Though I do disagree on some of the items she's listed in the book - does anyone think leather pants are a classic item?

The book has its flaw - I feel like she peppers her list too liberally with quotes, many of which were irrelevant to her project, as though she doesn't trust her own opinion. I feel her list isn't a 'surprise', I know many people will list things such as jeans, blazer and knee-high boots on their list. Also, while Garcia emphasises that this is HER list, I know many readers will take her advice to heart and copy her style. For instance, wide-leg trousers were on Garcia's list as well. If you're like 5ft0 like myself, you'll look like a penguin wobbling along Antarctica.

However, I do like how Garcia explains why she chose these items on her list, providing a brief history on fashion designers such as Chanel and Christian Dior and the recommended brands for these basic items (although most are high end).

Overall, Garcia's book is like a timeless issue of Vogue, where fad items are non-existent. It's a pleasant read and one that'll definitely send you running to your wardrobe to see what you own and how you can style it.

Garcia is currently working on her third fashion book for HarperCollins. The book titled, "The Style Strategy: A Less is More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart", will be a guide to dress expensively on a budget and will come out this August.

Happy reading!
5ft0

It's been a busy two weeks...

2009-06-30T14:03:00.004+10:00

I completed my internship at a Television Station. It was unpredictable, exciting and golly, I gained so much knowledge during my two weeks there. The day which will stand out most for me, is the day when Michael Jackson was reported to have died from cardiac arrest. I witnessed all the journalists, producers, lawyers – well everyone at the station working overtime to get the latest news to the public.

My adrenal glands were working overtime; I was running around non-stop, only having time to update my blog – before I was whisked off doing a whole heap of duties. Lunch, I forgot that term existed in the 21st Century as I was engrossed with the amount of tasks in front of me. By 6.00 pm, I realised how hungry I was, so I couldn’t wait to get home – eating lamb shanks, roasted pumpkin and rocket salad for dinner.

The verdict? I’m still torn between media and law, as I worked in both divisions during my tenure there. However, which ever field I decide to head into – I know it’ll be something where I bring enjoyment to people.

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett - May you rest in peace.

2009-06-26T10:36:00.005+10:00

Hey Petites!

Holy cheese and crackers - the King of Pop, Michael Jackson and Charlie Angel's star, Farrah Fawcett have both passed away today.

I was listening to the radio at 8.00 am whilst commuting to work - "This report hasn't been confirmed, but it is believed Michael Jackson has been reported dead due to a cardiac arrest today". A brilliant entertainer and may he rest in peace.

However, what got me more than Jacko's death - was the way the media reported it. In today's media sphere, television, radio, newspapers, online, bloggers...whatever medium you are in, you want the news published before any other media organisation does.

The need to publish the latest news first hand, has its pros and cons. Pros? Getting the latest information (duh!) Cons? in haste to publishing the latest information, we sometimes jump the gun way too quickly before getting the full story. Instead of waiting for the 'confirmation' of the report, the media jumps on the bandwagon before making sure the information has been 'confirmed'.

What's even more disturbing, photographs of Jackson being rushed to hospital for the heart attack he had earlier in the day. The idea of taking pictures to recount the event seems insensitive to me.

Once upon a time in the media sphere, it would've been icons such as President John F. Kennedy and the late Diana, Princess of Wales who would have received this massive reception. Now? Celebrities of any calibre are receiving this treatment as well. Just think of Anna Nicole Smith and how American news shows from CBS to NBC and Entertainment Tonight spent over a week on her - from her death to the custody of Danni-Lynn.

Maybe I am a 22 year old who's turning way too conservative, but I feel that the media today is rather insensitive in dealing with the passing of a celebrity. I mean, do we really need photos of Jacko taken to hospital?

May you rest in peace,
5ft0

Style Palace sale

2009-06-24T21:34:00.003+10:00

During my lunch break, I was checking out items on Style Palace - which stocks Australian fashion labels such as Bec & Bridge, Lisa Ho and Samantha Willis.

However, this item from Estilo caught my eye:

Estilo large bag: Was $396, Now $158.40

It's 60% off the original price! I love the triangular leather pieces forming a scale-like effect.

However, I have too many bags. Should I purchase this Petites?

News Report: Generation Z

2009-06-21T16:33:00.003+10:00

On Thursday, the Sydney Morning Herald wrote an article about Generation Z and the characteristics and behaviour associated with this age group.

I can hear many readers saying, “There’s a generation Z? Aren’t they still at school?”

To answer the question, yes. Generation Z’s (or Zeds) are people born between 1992-2005. Online virtual world site, Habbo did a global study of around 112,000 people aged between 13-17 years of age. Their conclusion? Zeds are less inclined to travel the world, aren’t attracted to fame and fortune like their Generation Y counterparts are more family-orientated.

This is shown through Zeds consumption habits – Adidas, Nokia and Nike for instance, aren’t rated well with this generation as sales are going down. While brands such as Jay Jays and Sony Ericsson are on the rise.

I find faults in this study. First of all, we’re in this thing called the RECESSION. Zeds at the moment aren’t financially independent – they rely on their parents to support and take care of them. Parents of Zeds are tightening their wallets to purchase necessities such as food and paying off their mortgages, electricity and phone bills. Buying branded clothes such as Billabong is going to be a luxury - while Jay Jays offers casual and trendy clothes at a reasonable price. No wonder why Jay Jays’ sales are rising at the moment.

Another fault is that the survey was only done by members of Habbo. Usually, this will mean users of the website will share similar interests, beliefs and values. This doesn’t reflect on the 13-17 year age group overall.

The idea of grouping people into different generations is absurd. Personally, putting people into groups just makes commentators (or whingers) easier for them to classify an individual’s characteristics because of their generation, and not because it is a flaw in their personality. Here’s a conversation I’d heard in the workplace once:

“Ohh Bob* hasn’t even moved out of home yet! No wonder why he can’t do things by himself!”
“He’s a Generation Y – they expect everything to fall into their lap”.

Did it ever occur to them that Bob* wants to move out of home? The only problem is money. As a Gen Y myself, I want to move out of my parents home and live my own life. Hell, my parents want me out of their place as soon as I graduate from uni (affectionately of course). However, being a full-time uni student and working at a fast food joint for extra moolah isn’t going to be enough for me to survive in the big, bad world.

I think what people forget when they generalise people into different groups is that generation Y, like every other generation is shaped by the events, developments, leaders and trends at the time. For generation Y, we heavily rely on instant communication technologies such as email, instant text messaging, IM, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to communicate with our fellow peers. So of course, our generation would be more susceptible to the need of instant communication.

Though, there are some things that never change. Peer pressure, the need of security – whether personal, professional or financial, fighting for injustice and developing our individuality is something that all generations will experience regardless of the technological development.

Minty Meets Munt, interning and that kinda thing.

2009-06-17T22:35:00.013+10:00

Again, I apologise for the lack of regular posts.

I am currently interning at a Television Station. A big, proper television station with cameras, films and journalists frantically running around the office to source their tapes and stories. Though, I'm not dealing with news and current affair par se, more of a legal and online focus. I'll be doing this for the next two weeks and so far, I'm loving it.

Anyway, my Petites, I want you to divert your eyes to the Minty Meets Munt collection. They're currently working on their website as they want people to purchase their products online. If you're in Victoria, you're lucky to have heaps of stores stocking Minty's stuff.

For you New South Welshman people, the closest one has been Coco Pony - Shellharbour. Considering 2/3s of NSW live in Sydney - this is inconvenient. Sportsgirl are currently stocking Minty's stuff under the 'Sportsgirl Likes' bar and here are my favourites:

Peaches jacket - $140
Loving this jacket as it has this vintage, glam rock appeal. Purchased this jacket during my lunch break.

Sgt Peppers Coat - $220
I'm an avid fan of The Beatles and I've always wanted a coat that's been inspired by the Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album.

These items are clothing suited me perfectly - so for you Petites out there, if you want to add a bit of pizazz to your wardrobe, Minty Meets Munt is perfect for you.

I'll be blogging soon about my internship experience.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

Rodeo Show are having their sale!

2009-06-16T12:22:00.003+10:00

Hey Petites!

Just to let you know, Rodeo Show are having a 15% off sale from everything at their store. This includes sales item. It's only for one day only - and it's TODAY! The sale starts at 5pm and finishes at 8pm.

Sign up as a member right now to get the exclusive invite. You must present this at the door to receive the offer.

The address to Rodeo Show is:
56 Oxford Street,
Paddington NSW 2021

Happy Shopping!
5ft0

Kookai One-Day Sale

2009-06-09T22:33:00.006+10:00

My two-week hiatus consisted me of typing out 12,000 words, drinking eight cans of V and killing fifteen million trees in the process. However, I have completed all of my assignments for the semester and I can finally relax.

Though, I do have something to alert you my fellow Petites. If you love clothes and accessories from Kookai - you're in luck! If you sign up with Kookai today, you'll receive a VIP invitation to go their one-day sale which is on Wednesday, June 10th.

It's up to 50% off all sales items and 20% off on full-priced items.

So, make sure you get out of work early to grab the coolest clothes in town my Petites.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

A New Change

2009-05-22T15:05:00.008+10:00

Hey my fellow Petites,

I'm sorry I haven't updated this blog in a while - as I have end of semester exams and assignments which are due pretty soon.

However, as I've hinted before - so many things have happened in my life in this last couple of months. For this reason, I'm going to incorporate other topics such as business and law into this blog. Petites, I'm not neglecting fashion entirely - but I feel there's more to life than just fashion.

I know I'm hypocrite for typing all of this, the point of this blog was to show the latest clothes and accessories suitable for us Petites. However, while I still love shopping, Chanel and fashion magazines - I want to talk about more things.

I'm taking a break from blogging for the next two weeks so I can finish off my assignments.

Have a good weekend!
5ft0

Star Icon for 5ft0 revealed.

2009-05-15T10:21:00.006+10:00

At the moment, I'm loving Rachel Bilson's style. She has the fashion column gig in Instyle magazine over at the US of A. I won't say her fashion sense is on par with the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy and Kate Moss. But...she's a style icon for us petite girls. Go petites!

Like moi, Bilson's only three apples tall. I'm in wardrobe envy with her, because she's been looking super-cute lately. I know the girl loves fashion and has a Edie Rose line for DKNY - but Bilson should write a book called, "Fashion for Petites" or "Dressing for the Vertically Challenge" and send it to girls like moi to dress up without looking stumping or overwhelmed with our clothes.

1. Wear a belt to show off your tiny waist. It creates the illusion of curves.

2. Choose clothes with classic shapes and bright patterns. Bilson wears these types of fabrics with basic accessories (think pendants and small bracelets) without overwhelming the whole outfit. Being a petite, she loves her high heels - so buy as many as you can!

3. Buy straight or skinny jeans. I know bootleg jeans are considered a classic, but unless you're around 165cm or more - you'll look stumpy. Straight leg or skinny jeans will give the illusion of longer legs.

4. When it comes to dresses - make sure they sit right above the knee. Any longer, again, you'll look stumpy.

5. With shoes - don't buy shoes that cut off right at the ankle. Same reason as tip number four.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

Love Miu Miu

2009-05-12T22:58:00.002+10:00

I was looking through the fashion campaign for Miu Miu. Kirsten Dunst did the Spring/Summer collection for 2008 and this outfit caught my eye:

I love the vibrant colours and the Alice in the Wonderland theme in this shoot. However, I've been searching everywhere and I can't find the exact replica of this dress. Does anyone know where I can find this dress?

Still searching,
5ft0

Cute Things I Adore...

2009-05-09T18:41:00.005+10:00

I'm like a magpie when it comes to things which are cute and shiny. Actually, there are three things I adore:

Cupcake Lip Gloss Set - $19.95. Available at Opus Design.

I have a weakness for cupcakes - or anything sweet for that matter. This has to be the cutest little cupcake lip gloss pots I've ever seen. My personal favourite is strawberries and cream lip gloss pot. I also love the name tag 'Naughty but Nice' - feels like it describes this product perfectly *winks*.

Shoe Themed Notepad, $15. Available at PeepToe Shoes.

If you're a shoe person, then this notepad is for you! I think it adds magic to any stationery set.

I like a statement necklace and I whenever I wear this necklace around town - I always get comments such as, "Was that necklace customised for you?" "That's such a cute necklace!" and "Can you play with it?"

It may raise a few eyebrows, but this Pan Pipe Flute Necklace by Disney Couture is one I truly adore. They use to be available on My Catwalk for $149, but they're sold out at the moment. If you really like this, your best bet would be eBay.

Anyway, I hope you have lovely things install for Mother's Day tomorrow.

Take care,
5ft0

Shoes Over Boys

2009-05-08T23:41:00.006+10:00

Without any hestiation, I will choose a cute pair of shoes over a guy any day. People may look at me funny when I tell them that - but I've had more crushes on shoes than I do with guys. Seriously...

There are a few pair of shoes I want to get my little hands on really soon. Here are my top picks:

Ravino - Glamour Puss, $169.95.

I love anything with a cute bow - it adds that Alice in the Wonderland innocence to any outfit. It's available in black, beige and navy. My personal favourite is the navy. It's a versatile pair of platform shoes and it's cute! If you're interested, it's available at WantedShoe.

Miss Brazil - Peep Toe Shoes, $275

Patent black heels are still on the rage this winter. I'm loving these amazing cut-out broque style heels from Peep Toe. Ahh...I wish they were on my feet right now. Mimco did a similar pair of shoes called the Achilles heels and it retailed for $499. Seriously, I know which one I would prefer.

Today- Nine West, $139

Another pair of shoes with a bow on it - the Chanel inspired 'Today' shoe from Nine West. It's available in black and beige. Oh dear, I'm addicted to bows.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend my fellow Petites!
5ft0

Anzac Day: Lest We Forget

2009-04-25T11:33:00.003+10:00

Australians are celebrating ANZAC Day. It marks the anniversary of the first military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli in World War One.

I want to commemorate all soldiers who fought for this great nations of ours - if it weren't for them, Australia wouldn't be the country it is today.

Lest We Forget.

News Update: Vogue Australia

2009-04-24T20:33:00.000+10:00

This just in: Vogue Australia have finally got their own twitter page. It's http://twitter.com/vogueoz!

About bloody time!

Fashion News: Wrap-Up for the Week

2009-04-24T17:27:00.009+10:00

Over at the US of A, Whitney Port has released her first fashion collection titled "Whitney Eve Fall 2009 Collection". It definitely has an 80s feel to it, though the downside is that the average dress from her collection costs US$350. Do you think you'd spend that much on Port's design?
On the other hand, Lauren Conrad's attempts in producing a fashion line have fallen bleow expectations, and is now sold at Kohl's (the US version of BigW). The range should cost between $20-$70, not the $220 price tag on some of Lauren Conrad's clothes. Pic below is an outfit from the Spring 2009 collection.
Meanwhile, the Sartorialist and Garance Dore have hit down-under. They're visiting both Sydney and Melbourne. I'm sure Sydney will be dressing up big time to beat our Melbournian counterparts. Be prepared to see an on-slaught of immaculate dressed people on the streets of Sydney next week.
Australian Rosemount Fashion Week starts on 27th April, finishes 1st May.
Vogue Australia twitter page is fake. Damien Woolnough, the magazine's online editor is outrage by this. "We've referred the matter to our lawyers and are waiting to hear back from Twitter". After two fake pages of Vogue Australia, this is truly embarrassing. No doubt Vogue Australia will use a breach in the Copyright Act 1968 and cybersquatting to prove their point.
Sydney designer, Kit Willow Podogornik doesn't need to tweet about AFW, after a two year absence from AFW to show at NY Fashion week, Willow will be presenting her collection on 29th April. Around 60 guests have booked for the dinner.

That's all from me.

Have a good weekend,
5ft0

Chain-Store Wars

2009-04-24T11:33:00.004+10:00

I haven't been shopping in Portmans for a while - but I feel ever since Miranda Kerr is no longer spokesperson for the reputable brand, it's been flying under the radar. Not a good sign when competing with other stores such as Sportsgirl, Witchery and Country Road.

Portmans has been known to make stylish business clothing at an affordable price (take note Cue, David Lawrence, Jigsaw and Saba). The savvy marketing department have decided "You know what? We want 22-30 year olds shopping for our brand". I hope this will bring them out of their rut, at the same time, I don't want them to be jacking up their prices because "it's inspried by catwalk fashion". Seriously, who would pay $219 for these Vibe boots from Sportsgirl?

Anyway, it looks like Portmans are keeping the recession in mind. The Gorgeous Denim collection is a good step for the brand, with jeans retailing at $59.95 - this will walk out the door fast. I also like some of the clothes on sale for Portmans, like this one:

1. Short sleeve Bengaline work dress with skinny belt - $99.95
2. Long sleeve Belted light weight trench- $99.95
3. Flower belt - $19.95
4. Full length opaques black - $14.95
5. Bracelet with flower beanie black - $24.95

With stuff like this, I think Portmans will do just fine.

Happy shopping!
5ft0

Sales at the moment...

2009-04-23T16:53:00.005+10:00

Business Class

Maximillia are having a 25% off sale on all their new stock - including labels such as Sretsis, Karen Walker, Karen Walker Eyewear, Maise, Senada Theory, Lorick, Littledoe and Emma Cook.

Use the code MID25 at checkout!

Some of the items I love include:

Lorick - Oyster Dabney Dress, $623

It was seen on Season two of Gossip Girl and I love the how it's a gorgeous full-skirted dress in an opulent oyster print. Ahh, so pretty.

Seneda Theory, Petite Flower Dress, $622

Another sweet piece from Seneda Thoery, I like the blue silk seam detail, dramatic drop back and the cute puff sleeves.

Economic Class

If you think spending $600+ on a dress is extreme, Bardot provides the latest fashion trends on a beer budget. The body-con dresses are in vogue at the moment, with celebrities such as Mischa Barton and Miranda Kerr heading the field:

Bardot Bandage Dress - $129.95 (available in blue, melon and black)

Bardot One-Shoulder dress, $119.95

Hope these will satisfy your fashion cravings.

Happy Shopping,
5ft0

I'm finally twittering about...

2009-04-23T11:00:00.002+10:00

I know I'm very late in jumping into the Twitter bandwagon, but I finally have my fellow Petites! Feel free to add me and we'll have a fun time twittering away.