I have been searching the internet for tips on my dogs behaviour, good and bad, just to learn more about being a better owner/parent but couldn't find anything of value.

Finally I have found a blog by Dr Joanne Righetti who is a specialist in animal behaviour. Dr Righetti answers so many questions pet owners have including off leash behaviour, socialising, grooming, anxiety and so much more.

Find the answer to your Dog/Cat or pet problem here.

When people hear that I make my living as a professional organiser they are always quite amazed – but pleasantly so. If I had a dollar for every time someone has said “oh my mother/brother/uncle needs you!” I would be a very rich woman indeed.

Everyone knows they need to declutter, but many don’t realise the implications of what will happen when they finally do. Some can do it on their own and some need a helping hand from someone like me, but whichever way you do it everyone in your life will benefit.

So in no particular order, here are my top four reasons why decluttering will improve your life – and the lives of those around you!

1. Improving your mental state

How many times have you heard this gem: A cluttered home is the sign of a cluttered mind! Well it’s true. Decluttering your home helps to free your mind, to think clearer, and to be less stressed. An organised house supports organised thinking and a more positive attitude.

2. Improving your finances

Ask yourself these questions:

How many times have you bought the same thing twice because you couldn’t find it the first time?

How many times have you bought “bargains” only to find you don’t need them and they then clutter up the house?

How many times have you misplaced bills so you had to pay late fees?  Or lost Lotto tickets that could be big winners? Or cheques that haven’t been cashed?

How much money have you found under that pile of papers on your desk?

3. Improving you and your family’s health

You have more energy. As the draining energy of clutter diminishes the positive energy of becoming clutter free increases so you feel better.

There is less “stuff” around the home collecting dust or being a trip hazard.

The house is much easier to clean – and easier to keep it that way.

Fresh air can circulate helping you to breathe.

You will feel less inclined to scream at your children when they can’t find things!

4. Improving your social life

Imagine this perfect scenario:

You can find your kitchen bench tops again so you can cook.

Your dining room table is clear so you can sit down to dinner with family.

You are no longer embarrassed to have visitors around for a BBQ.

Guests can stay overnight or for a week in your spare room (if you want them to!)

Most importantly, being clutter-free and organised gives you more time for things you want to do: cooking, exercising, reading, family time, taking a bath – YOU time!

These are just four areas of improving your life when you take the courage to declutter your home – there are literally thousands more. So what are you waiting for?

For many women a wedding gown is beyond a dress – it encapsulates their dreams of married life and peerless beauty. The quest for perfection can be both daunting and angst-ridden; what all brides need to remember is the best dress is one that reflects their personality and flatters their body shape.

Research is a good place to start: buying magazines, looking at fabrics, and cutting out images and swatches of inspiring elements can all inform your gown designer or bridal wear retailer of the sort of look you desire.

There are many advantages to having a dress made exclusively; the main one being it will fit perfectly. But many gown designers require six months notice or more – and at least four fittings – so be sure to plan ahead. When buying off the rack, most shops carry a range in standard sizes that can be altered according to your measurements. Alternatively a retailer may order a gown in for you, and arrange fittings as required.

For brides who start the gown design process with a preferred fabric, their selection will dictate the shape, drape and cut of a dress, as well as the season and time of day it is worn. For brides who have a preferred silhouette – from billowing ball gown to slinky sheath – the fabric will need to be chosen accordingly.

Whether a gown is soft or structured in shape, a major consideration is the neckline. Like hemlines, necklines signify fashion trends and are a central point of focus: from high-necked to strapless and off-the-shoulder, there are variations to suit every woman and body type.  

The back of the wedding gown can also make a significant impact. Details such as ruching, gathering, folds, stitching, beading, jewel embellishments and plunging back-lines, can add drama to a bride's overall look. For traditional brides, bustles and trains – attached or removable – are a major consideration in the design of a gown.

 QUICK TIPS

• Most brides lose weight in the last few weeks before the wedding so make sure your dress can be altered right up to the last minute.
• Take the shoes and underwear you intend to wear on the day to your gown fittings.
• White can be a difficult colour to wear – try ivory, cream or pastel hues as an alternative.
• Some wedding ceremonies last up to an hour and guests will spend that time looking at the back of your dress, so give all aspects of your gown due consideration.
• Remember: the most extraordinary gown can be ruined by excessive beading or ornamentation.
• The crumb-catcher – an outer layer of fabric that encases the bodice – enhances a small bust and provides additional support for a large one.
• If you are on a tight budget and need to buy off the rack, sales are a good time to buy samples and end-of-season dresses.

Article from Real Weddings.

Well it is nearly the beginning of wedding season and one of the most important factors of a wedding is the cake. Wedding cakes can cost an absolute bomb from the fresh flowers chosen to decorate to the intricate hand painted figurines to sit on top.  It can take a full week or even longer to put one of these things together...I should know, I made the Mrs' 5 tier wedding cake monster pictured here.

It ain't an easy task and by george it takes a heck of your time.  If you're getting married this year you might be interested to see what they are saying the trends in wedding cakes are going to be.  Here are the top 5 of 2010...

1. High Tea Style Minature Cake Plates.

 Opting away from a cake altogether, couples are looking into patisserie style miniature cake platters to lay on each table letting the guests decide what they would like from the assortment.  There is a token tiered stand holding these miniatures on a cake table for the bride and groom to do the official toasting.  Can be a money saver too depending on which cakes you choose.

2. Frilled or Laced Fondant.

Imprinted fondant icing to resemble the brides lace or to give it a fabric look is in for 2010.  There are even some places that will paint on the same lace print as the dress in a contrasting colour - most popular being black on white.

3. Fresh Fruit.

There is nothing more delectable then having tropical fruit or berries mounded on top of a white cake.  The colours are spectacular and the fruit can serve as a fruit platter on the guests' tables at the end of the night.  Nothing going to waste.  Some opt to have a cheese cake while others keep to the traditional fondant covered tired cakes.

4. Shape - Square or Hexagonal.

Round and oval cakes are out with plain squares and edged lines in.  Tiers are a must however decorations can range from simple fresh fruit arrangements to hand painted lace features.

5. Buttercream.

With couples not saving onto their top wedding cake tier for first anniversaries anymore, gone are the traditions of opting for thick fondant icing.  A more enjoyable buttercream is becoming the norm.  It is a lighter fluffier icing which shows texture.

If you are considering another style we would love to hear your thinking.  Drop us a line to let us know what you're doing.

You can also see a collection of styles at www.cakesbyjennifer.com.au

Image credits:

http://www.highsocietea.com.au

http://www.carriescakes.com

http://www.weddingmagazine.co.uk

http://www.sweetretreat.ca

http://www.sedonaweddingcakes.com

I was gifted with a facial voucher for Missy's Place in Willoughby, Sydney for my birthday by a very good friend of mine ms Kylie, and I finally had the opportunity to find out what all the fuss was about.

I went with Kylie and another friend and my first thoughts were 'oh no' it is on a main road - then we walked inside and I was instantly taken to "skincare heaven". Calming decor with smiling faces and welcoming voices set the scene for what was to be a wonderful experience.

I am a bit of a facial professional - that is, I get them every few weeks and I am very fussy on what is done and how it is done to even the type of room I am in. I was happy they used Dermalogica along with La Prairie and had high expectations.

We were escorted up some stairs and directed off to our rooms and our beauticians. Once the door opened to my room all I could see was warmth, space and a duvet (doona) on the facial table.

I had the lovely Emily treat me to the most devine facial one could dream of. There is a required skill to cleanse and exfoliate someone whilst making them feel just as relaxed as if you were massaging them.

The best part of the facial was the extensive face and neck massage - I struggled not to fall asleep as her hands melted all the stress away. So wonderful.

Once my glorious facial was finished, I met up with the girls downstairs and we were greeted with herbal tea and cookies! This is the first time that has happened after a facial and I was very impressed. We weren't rushed out either which was so refreshing.

I give Missy's Place a 5/5 for quality, atmosphere and service. If you want to get yourself a facial visit Missy's Place for more information.

Do you have more than one handbag and always forget to transfer something across each time you switch? Or worse still keep buying things for each bag?

I realized that it was becoming an expensive exercise to buy up to 5 of everything for each key handbag that I used. So I thought I would try out a handbag organizer by Borne Naked that I had heard so much about.

Opening the box was quite an exciting time, I had so many expectations for what the organizer would for me, thinking to myself where was this 10 years ago when I first realized that I would never be happy with just one bag!

I decided to take the opportunity to clean out my bad and prioritise what I really need (and use) in my handbag. Then I dumped everything into the organizer it took me about a week before I realised I wasn’t using it to its full potential.

So I sorted my bag into “regular” items and “temporary” items. I then placed the regularly used items in the bag liner and started to use the allocated pockets in a tailored fashion. That is, I realised I could use the mobile phone compartment for my Dictaphone as I always have my mobile (and purse) with me so I will automatically take that wherever I go. I recommend adapting the organizer to your individual needs.

The bag liner was originally created for moving between bags, although it has organized my bag so much I can highly recommend this for anyone that owns one bag….or more.

Since using the Borne Naked bag liner, and being so affordable starting at $24.95, I have decided that I need at least two  – one for personal organizing and one for business. When I go to a business function I often don’t need as much in my bag as I do in my everyday life.

I also found out that they do mini organizers, travel organizers and ones that have all the “necessities” in there for you. There are ones for mums, party girls, beach girls and more.

I can’t go back to life before my organizer.

To check out the selection of bag liners available, visit the Borne Naked website.

This roundtable discussion offered an interesting insight into the many complex views on this issue and its potential impact on both the consumer and supplier.

In summary, some expert advice for consumers collated included:

• Come prepared with a budget outline
• Ask as many questions as you can of your supplier so that you receive the level of service you’re expecting
• Ask exactly what you get for your money and what are the extra charges, if any
• Be transparent and say it’s for a wedding. This will help the supplier to understand what extra work is going to be required
• Research supplier reputation: Websites, forums, social media and through word of mouth

Check out the video from the Roundtable:

For the full report check out the CHOICE Website.

Do you have any tips for the bride-to-be?

My best friend (Maverick my puppy) was given then chance to trial a brand new type of Dog Food. It is called Yoghurt Plus and as most fanatical mothers of new dogs know, there are some great components within natural yoghurt that can really help the growth of your puppy - well these guys have added that to dry food.

I kept a journal of how the new food went down with Mr Maverick.

Day One

Mr Maverick didn't know what hit him. He doesn't generally like dry food (kibble) although on this occasion he inhaled the food - I mixed it with another dry food to see how it would go and it went well. I thought this was just fantastic - a little suspicious but fantastic.

Day Two

Same thing again although starting to realise that my precious little boy was getting a bit of an upset stomach and having lots of wind! But on the other hand - I started to realised that he body/skin didn't smell as much as it used to. This was something I had always wanted to resolved and seeing as though I am unable to wash him often (as it ruins their coat) I was pleased.

Week Later

A week had past and Maverick stomach was still upset. I tried mixing the food with another brand to see if this would change things and it did. I just realised that the ORGINIAL food he was eating was giving him the wind and NOT the Yoghurt Plus.

Two Weeks Later

I took Maverick to the vet for a check-up and discussed the food changing regime and was reminded that changing food suddenly can upset a dogs tummy. Well now everything was making sense.

After many days of trialing Yoghurt Plus I have now settled into giving it to Maverick for Breakfast. I thought it was appropriate as it was "yoghurt" to let him have it for breakfast everyday.

Downside? He now doesn't want to eat the boring dry food that I used to give him.

Rating: 4/5 - I say give it a go.

I think it's about time some of these label messages need to be explained. Take for example this new product range from Uncle Toby's - Fruit Fix.  The product description says they are 99% fruit ingredients, each snack counts as one serve of fruit, contains no artificial colours or ingredients, are a source of Vitamin C, folate and fibre, and are Heart Foundation Tick Approved. 

So...you're thinking these snacks are healthy right?  Well look at what these claims really mean and make up your own mind.So lets start with 99% fruit ingredients.  Think that's pureed real fruit?  Guess again.  Fruit ingredients can range from the sugars found in fruit through to parts of  the flesh.  So when the first ingredient says 'fruit juice concentrate' this simply means concentrated fruit juice.  And we all know fruit juice is loaded with  sugar albeit natural sugars, so when in concentrated form - this just means they are using the fruit juice as sugar to sweeten it - naturally.

One serve of fruit is equivalent to 125ml of fruit juice or one medium piece when it comes to Australian guidelines and Food Law.  So as long as a product contains this quantity of 'fruit ingredients' it can say just that. What you're missing out on from eating these processed fruit products is all the fibre and antioxidant benefits in the skin and flesh.

I find it funny that company's push these products and then write comments like "when choosing a snack, we believe fruit is the best choice" but these products "can add variety and enjoyment to your day".  It's like they feel some guilt in leading the consumer to purchase these products thinking they are a healthy substitute for fruit.

So do I see these as an equivalent to a piece of fruit - no, no i do not.  Not only do they resemble a lolly in the chewy sweet texture and mouth feel, but they bear no physical resemblance to the fruit they contain.  Who has ever seen a stick shaped pear?  What messages are we sending the children of tomorrow.  And how are we affecting their development?  Without chewing 'real' foods their jaw and tongue muscle development can be delayed affecting speech. Not to mention having the potential to increase dental caries because of all the concentrated sugars and stickiness of the product getting trapped between teeth.

But then there is a flip side.  In lunch boxes these products keep well.  They dont get bruised or change appeal and usually get eaten.  With 61% of 4-8year olds not eating enough fruit (according to CSIRO) and only 1% of 14-16year olds eating their recommended intakes, these products may have a purpose.

So whats the verdict?  If you have the choice of eating fresh fruit over these processed fruit containing products - pick the fresh.  Use these products as treat products - meaning occasionally include them in your diet.

I'm sure you have heard the hype that has been around for a while now surrounding the antioxidants in chocolate providing health benefits.  But is all chocolate the same and how much do you have to eat to get these health benefits?  Is it all just a farce or can eating chocolate actually be good for you?

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans and just like any plant food they contain antioxidants called flavonoids.  Research using chocolate looks at the effects of these flavonoids on health.  So far the results have shown a weak but protective effect against heart disease.  No results however have conclusively shown that by eating chocolate you can reduce your risk of heart disease.  What you need to keep in consideration is the amount of fat, sugar and energy found in chocolate and whether this outweighs the potential benefits.

Not all chocolate is the same and the more cocoa it contains the more antioxidants it has.  Cocoa itself is a very bitter food but in chocolate when combined with cocoa butter, sugar, other flavours and emulsifiers, turns into a palatable food.  Chocolate with the most antioxidants is of the darkest varieties with the highest cocoa content. The amount of dark chocolate that you need to eat to reap the health benefits is unknown although the more antioxidants you eat the better the benefit.  this doesn't mean you should be eating chocolate non stop.  The best food sources for antioxidants are fruit and vegetables.  But including some dark chocolate in your diet shouldn't make you feel guilty, after all - it all adds up.  Enjoying your food is all part of a healthy balanced diet.

Image Credit: Babble.com