Category Archives: Social Commentary

7 Habits To Guarantee More Stress

7 Habits To Guarantee More Stress

We all know life wasn’t meant to be easy. We got that brief long ago. But you know what? We also contribute to the degree of stress we experience on a daily basis by continuing to repeat old, negative behaviours and putting up with our own worst habits – like these: 1. Not letting go… Continue Reading

A Tribute To Emma Betts

How Emma Betts Taught Us All How to Live

Over the last three years, I was privileged to get to know a beautiful young woman. Her name was Emma Betts. Emma Simic. I’m sure you already know her. She’s really become quite famous – but in a way, NONE of us would ever want to be. When I first met her, I naively thought… Continue Reading

A Total Stranger Made My Day

A Total Stranger Made My Day

It’s quite fascinating, isn’t it? How we struggle to openly share a story that made us feel great? Because we worry people may think we’re up ourselves – or worse – find it hard to believe? And why is that? Because it’s so rare that people actually share the good stuff. The positive stuff. The… Continue Reading

Hospital Chic – Look Good, Feel Better!

Hospital Chic – Look Good, Feel Better!

I have never felt very confident about taking selfies. I mean let’s face it, when you work from home most days, or spend the rest of the time in hospital, you don’t tend to get overly “dressed up”! I just figure no one is going to be feeling very inspired by my daily uniform of jeans,… Continue Reading

Communication Skill Styling

Communication Skill Styling

How often have you chatted to someone and found yourself somehow mimicking their communication style in order to make them (or yourself) feel comfortable and on the same level? If your answer is “never” then may I politely suggest that perhaps you need to address this further? Because this is a very important communication skill… Continue Reading

10 Minutes With…Emma Betts

10 Minutes With…Emma Betts

  I first heard about the brave and beautiful Emma through my friend Bec (Rebecca Sparrow – one of my very first interviews for this “10 Minutes With” series. If you’ve missed that one you can read it here.) Emma is Bec’s babysitter and her story had already touched my heart, yet I didn’t actually… Continue Reading

There’s. Slim. Thin. And Too Thin. Or is there?

There’s. Slim. Thin. And Too Thin. Or is there?

I’ve sat on my skinny ass –  and on this post – for a few days now. Resisting the urge to “weigh in” on this issue for a number of reasons. As one who herself falls into the too-skinny category and is often judged because of her weight, I usually avoid topics that involve judgement… Continue Reading

But You Don’t Look Sick!

But You Don’t Look Sick!

Did you happen to see “In Your Face” on Australian Story recently? It was the story of Robert Hoge, a man who was born with a tumor where his nose should be and with severely deformed legs. Throughout the story (which you can read more about here) Robert talks about living a life that’s defined by his looks. “It’s hard to… Continue Reading

The Thing About Fashion Tabloids

The Thing About Fashion Tabloids

You know what I hate? You know what I hate? Fashion and Beauty tabloids. Oh, hang about. Hate is probably a poor choice of words.  And don’t get me wrong. While I do love looking at pretty pics and reading about the latest “must-have” products, what I don’t love is the way many editors rely on attention… Continue Reading

How Do You See Yourself? A Lesson In Self-Image

How Do You See Yourself? A Lesson In Self-Image

Mirror mirror on the wall…. When Style Counsel launched (way back in 2004) I had a reason for choosing that name. I was never really interested in helping women follow fashion. I was always more keen on teaching them the two other things which I’ve always felt were  far more important: 1. Style. 2. Confidence. Continue Reading