And so to shopping, where every magazine and beauty parlour pushes the benefits of looking younger. Magazine headers promise the secret to eternal youth: Look ten years younger in minutes, Revolutionary new lipstick that melts away the years, look younger faster. What irks me even more is that some Beauty Houses, which shall remain anonymous, use 14-year-old models to promote products for women my age… 40 and proud of it!

Here’s what I don’t get Girls….It’s taken me 40 years to become who I am, to mature, to grow up, to figure out my style, and learn to love my body….why would I give up all that kudos, simply to look 14 again? I don’t know about you, but I like my face…..I like the lines that tell my story, that prove I’ve smiled a lot, laughed a lot, and loved a lot. And I’ve cried a lot too, afterall, it’s all about balance!

Here’s what I believe, true beauty is ageless and timeless. If we continue to buy into the beauty myth, it becomes a self-perpetuating prophecy, and none of us, will ever be satisfied! There’s also nothing that a good laugh and a glass of bubbles can’t cure! Tell me, if you could choose, would you really wish to erase part of your story simply to look young again?

Keep Sparkling!

Gretel

A world away at Robina Shopping Town Centre, someone has just bought a new Apple Mac, and the whole store is cheering, whooping and smiling! The buzz of retail continues, mums and bubs spend the morning browsing, golden oldies make the most of the air-conditioning, and the wheels of commerce keep turning. On this side of the world, life is good… the sky is blue, the beaches are sparkling, and the Pacific Ocean is tantalsingly inviting. Why not immerse yourself?

Babe @ the Beach

Many think that Valentines Day is over commercialised and while yes it can be perceived as a saccharine sweet hallmark glorified holiday, the fact remains that you don’t need an excuse to spoil the one you love with something truly special. You know you love getting that magic little surprise off of the one you love.

So to all you Romeos don’t listen to your beloved Juliette’s when she says she doesn’t want anything for Valentines day because what she really means is “I want that gorgeous bracelet I pointed out to you the other day along with 12 long stem red roses” and to all your Juliette’s remember your Romeo might need a helping hand so be gentle, leave some hints for him (like your favourite stores business card next to his morning coffee) Trust me he will notice

Ms Hepburn says “You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you”. If that’s the case then  heres hoping to waking up to something special waiting for you to open in that little pink box .

Until Next time stay Chic in the City, ciao bellas

Nikki Xxx