Gomi and Aussie mummy bloggers

Hello all!

Because everyone else is doing it I'm being a "sheeple" (sheep people- someone following the herd) and throwing my 2cents into the ring.

For those out of the loop GOMI stands for "get off my internets" and is a snark forum. (Snark being snide remarks)
There has recently been a topic about Australian mummy bloggers started and many of the big names have been mentioned in fairly unfavorable terms.

It has a heap of panties in a twist in the blogosphere.

It sounds twisted..

(and I know that this wont go down well!)

BUT

.... (Pause for effect..)

I love GOMI.

I have read a heap of threads including the one about Aussies and because I adore lists I'm going to tell you why.

(IF you are still reading that is)

1) As a fledgling blogger it pretty much sums up a lot of do's and dont's, especially in regards to transparency of post types (eg sponsored posts vs review posts) It turns out that I'm not alone in my frustration when reading a post on someone's blog and discovering in the fine print at the bottom of the page that it is indeed a sponsored post and financial remuneration was received to post it. Not that I'm against bloggers getting paid for what they do. It's by no means easy money I imagine. However I would like to know in the first line if its a sponsored post (paid for) or a review post (products received) or a mix of both (products and payment)
*note- if you are ever unsure about any of my blog posts and the motive behind them PLEASE leave me a comment and ask!! I would hate to be a hypocrite!

2) I have discovered a heap of fantastic blogs that I would not have found otherwise via the links and naming of them.

3) Mixed in with all the snark is a lot of praise. When something is liked it is shared. (Referred to as SOMI, stay on my internets)

4) Bloggers don't always get a lot of feedback. People just stop reading a lot of the time. It's nice to get an insight as to why.

5) It makes me feel validated in my decision not to include anything about my daughter or husband. Yes I'm currently on top of my high horse but each to their own and what works for some may be a deal breaker for others.

Really I just see GOMI as a giant international brainstorm session and anonymous feedback form. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and by reading them you can learn a lot.

So signing off for tonight. I'm off to google product placement fauxtography ideas (jokes!!)


Much love
Cie

Is serious blogger an oxymoron?

Hello hello!

Stupidly spent last night online until way too late rather than making the most of having a whole bed to myself for the night and I started thinking while reading some articles about blogging about what sort of direction I would ultimately like Pathetic to Pinup to go in.
While many of my ideas were pretty far fetched on the reality radar (like being sponsored by a pinup clothing company or shoe company to attend blog conferences in Australia and overseas while supplying me with amazing items to test out and giveaway enabling me to be completely decked out to enter miss pinup Australia....Not very likely right!)

I did start to ponder the ideal of a "serious blogger" and if its really an oxymoron much like military intelligence.

Blogging in Australia from all accounts is a vastly different ball game to being a well known blogger in the USA. I'm guessing none of us are making 7 figures a year from blogging alone.

So to be a "serious blogger" in Australia what is the criteria that needs to be met?

I would love to know what should be added to this checklist. (And therefore how I stack up)
Which Australian bloggers would you class as serious bloggers and why?

Hopefully things will get cleared up for me ;)


Much love

Cie

Taking it all off...My hair colour. Review and giveaway

Disclaimer- This is not a sponsored post... However the products used were sent to me as a gift as well as the giveaway product. :)

Now that that is out of the way and I've done the right thing by letting you know how I got the product I used in my hot little hands (Don't you hate when bloggers don't mention that until the end of the post, if they even mention it at all. LAME!)

I was sent a spiffy little package from a hair product company breaking into the Australian market called Jo Baz. From what I can find in google searches its already readily available in the UK but only just making its way into the great southern land.


I was sent 3 boxes. One of max strength hair colour remover, one of normal strength colour remover and their keratin based hair straightening product. The max strength remover is the one I used today.

Jo Baz Max Strength Hair Colour Remover

 

Some back story...I have been colouring my hair in some way or another since I was 13. I'm now 26 and have no idea what my natural colour is. My last colour I put in was a black permanent home colour. It had started to fade slightly to dark brown but there was no way I was going to be able to update my colour without growing it out or bleaching it as nothing would have coloured over it.

The JoBaz hair colour remover was easy to use. It gives simple step by step instructions that although they take a while to complete wasn't fussy or complicated. It was super stinky so make sure you use it in a well ventilated area but it was by no means intolerable. And the results were pretty surprising.

Before.

After!

My hair feels slightly dryer than usual when wet but no significant damage that I can detect and it still feels soft and silky now that its dry. I didn't even need to put a treatment through!


Now for the fun bit. I have a box of the normal strength colour remover to give away. The catch is that you need to review it for the Jo Baz peeps. So have you had a hair colour fail recently that you need help with or like me you have gone too dark and now want a change?
Comment below with your story and I will announce the winner in 3 weeks time when I review the straightening product (need to give my hair a bit of a rest)
Make sure you also like the Pathetic to Pin up up facebook page (here)


Jo Baz is available from Priceline in Australia if you want to try it out :)


Much love

Cie
xox

The obligatory New Years resolutions post. And as usual it late.

As usual my posting schedule thing is all shades of fudged up but whatev's as the cool people say or something-or-nothing.

I'm hoping for 2013 to be a big year for me and my little family. Little madam starts full times school, the husband is all systems go in his new job and I've managed to get through 4 months of full time work without any major stuff ups. Yay!

The big goal for this year is to buy our first house.
Smaller more personal goals are as follows in simple list (meaning at the end of the year I can cut and paste to see how many I actually have done, I also LOVE lists!
- lose another 12-15kg
- make a patchwork quilt for little madam
- find a super cheap second hand furniture place to buy furniture to make over. We sold most of ours before leaving Darwin to reduce storage costs. Local perth locations, ideas and suggestions accepted!
- grow my hair out so I can finally learn to do victory rolls
- master the use of liquid eyeliner
- post on here at least once a week
- watch less tv
- spend less time on Facebook
- spend more one on one time with the husband. (I hate referring to as him like that but can't think of another name for him...also open to suggestions)
- make pathetic to pinup bigger and better with awesome new things to show you all and maybe some Vlogs in the future so you can actually HEAR all the crap I come out with rather than just reading it :)

What are your goals for this year?

Much love

Cie

What NOT to do as a customer.

Hello lovelies

It's heading into that time of year that those of us in customer service roles dread.
The silly season.
Ugh!

So as a public service to all others, who like me are pretty much living at work over the next couple of weeks, I figured I should compile a what NOT to do list for customers.

As much as the things listed seem like common sense to avoid, they are all examples given by others I know (as well as my own experiences) so common sense may not be as common as it should be. I couldn't make this shit up if I TRIED!

1) While you are being served get off your bloody phone! It's rude and transactions take longer when you aren't listening to the person serving you. Also don't tap your fingers at us. Or worse.. Click at us!

2) Fitting rooms are NOT toilets. Hiding a turd under a pile of clothes won't solve the problem either!

3) Following on from number 2, fitting rooms aren't a private space for you to have a "hand relief" session over multiple pairs of women's underwear. (The police were called for that one)

4) Don't try on clothes while "aunt flow" is visiting an you have no grasp on personal hygiene.

5) DON'T expect to return items that have been used or soiled. Clothes reeking of cigarette smoke or worn UNWASHED underwear cannot be returned. The undies riding up your crack while you were wearing them doesn't make them faulty!

6) FYI. The oldest looking staff member is not always the manager.

7) Don't ask the person serving you super personal questions. Whatever someone's sexuality is, is NONE of your business.

8) Don't ask the pregnant woman serving you if she's keeping the baby just because you have assumed she's 16 when really she's 22 and married.

9) Don't poo in pot plants

10) Sex in change rooms isn't cool.

11) DONT strip down to your jocks to show the bartender how much weight you have lost.

12) If your child has an accident in a store. Clean it up! Or at least let someone know. Don't a) cover it with a notebook or similar. b) park your pram over it while in the store an then wheel out a trail of crap behind it. c) wipe their backside and leave the wipes behind as well!

13) Ask if there is a bin, DONT put your empty cup wherever you feel like.

14) DON'T comment in the size, shape or appearance of the person serving you unless it's a genuine compliment.

15) DON'T get snippy when greeted at the door. It's our job. As long as its genuine and happy...stop bitching.

16) Yes we will try to up-sell. Again...it's our job. Take it in good humour.

17) We aren't babysitters. Supervise your own bloody kids! I don't know you an I don't know your kids so don't leave them alone in the store!

18) If its obviously busy please try not to get cross with us. We are as frazzled by the whole season as you are. Remember we also need to fit in our own Christmas shopping at some stage when we aren't helping you with yours!

19) DONT dump your money on the counter then rudely push it towards us to pay. Be a freaking human and HAND it to us!

20) If you see someone with staff ID tags or uniform while in line for the loo don't start complaining about a product they stock. Write to head office. We don't choose our products. Especially DON'T continue the conversation/complaint from the cubical next to us. Wee time is ME time!


Enjoy your Christmas shopping folks.

And remember to be nice. If you are in one of the many shopping centres in perth it could me serving you...and I'm a right bitch!

Cheers
Cie


Ps. Don't get me wrong. I actually really enjoy my job and 99% of my customers. The other 1% give me great material to blog about.

The reality of domestic abuse. Part 3- Interview

To finish up my 3 part blog series on the reality of domestic abuse I was lucky enough to get to interview Chris Allen, Author and White Ribbon Day ambassador.

Hope you all enjoy :)

Cheers

Cie

xox

-Can you introduce yourself without using the term "I" ;) 

Chris was born and raised in Perth, Western Australia, the son of a Welsh father and an Australian mother. He is the middle child of five, with two older sisters and two younger brothers. His career to date has been predominantly military and law enforcement. Most recently he has been focused on his emerging career as a writer of thrillers. His married Sarah in 2008. They live in Sydney and have two young sons, Morgan and Rhett.

-What made you want to get involved with White Ribbon Day as an ambassador?

I was lucky enough to be brought up to respect women by default, both by my parents and at school. In fact, I remember being given a book called 'Gentleman Junior' when I first started out at an all boys school in Perth. We learned the basics very early on! It's so important. On top of that I have two older sisters who are both strong willed and confident women. Our home was always busy and my sisters friends were always around. So, I was lucky that my early years gave me a solid foundation in being respectful towards women.  

In my later years I've felt a responsibility to contribute in some way towards ensuring that young men grow up with similar values and that respecting women becomes their default position. I now have two young sons and that responsibility, in my view, has skyrocketed as a result. By becoming a White Ribbon Ambassador, I'm able to provide an example to my sons, both at home and publicly by declaring my commitment, speaking on behalf of White Ribbon and, most importantly, looking after their mum and showing them exactly what it means to respect women every day.    

- Being a former defence member (me too!) You were in a male dominated environment, What do you think is the general consensus of Australian men and their thoughts on violence against women?

 

Honestly, I believe that the majority of men are fundamentally against any form of violence against women. Sadly, however I believe that the line becomes blurred when totally unacceptable behaviours are popularised within certain pop-culture contexts like movies, reality TV or - closer to home - social settings where drugs and alcohol are a factor.

That said, it's important to note that White Ribbon believes in the goodness of most men. It believes that good men reject violence against women and are willing to act to prevent it. White Ribbon believes in the capacity of the individual to change and to encourage change in others. Hence, the importance that the White Ribbon movement places on men providing the leadership to other men to change. 

 

- What changes do you think can be made to prevent continuing violence against women? Mindset changes? Legal changes? Etc

Violence against women in Australia is a grave problem.

• One Australian woman is killed every week by a current or former partner.
• One in three women over the age of 15 report physical or sexual violence at some time in their lives.
• One in four young people have witnessed violence against their mother or step-mother.
• Two thirds of women who experience domestic or family violence are in paid work.
• Domestic and family violence is the major cause of homelessness for Australian women and their children.
• According to KPMG, violence against women and their children cost the Australian economy $13.6 billion in 2009 and unless appropriate action is taken to prevent violence, that sum will increase to $15.6 billion per year by 2021.

The White Ribbon campaign focuses its efforts on primary prevention. In other words, it works to change our culture to stop the violence before it occurs, with activities in schools, workplaces and the broader community.  This is exactly what I was saying earlier about getting the message through to young boys in their most formative years.  In the meantime, it's all about awareness, demonstrating a zero tolerance attitude in your daily life and, above all, setting an example to others.

The violence perpetrated by men against women must stop – and it’s up to men to stop it. Good men can not and will not sit on the sidelines while those they love come to harm.

 

- How can everyone get involved in white ribbon day?
White Ribbon Day should be considered an opportunity to revisit and renew your commitment to stamping out any form of violence against women. For those new to White Ribbon it should be considered the beginning of a lifelong commitment.   Most importantly, White Ribbon Day is much more than just talking about violence against women on one particular day of the year. The Foundation's work is constant and requires ongoing commitment from everybody:

White Ribbon comprises a number of primary prevention programs to engage a broad range of Australians.

The Ambassador Program

White Ribbon Ambassadors are the leaders and faces of White Ribbon, men and boys who have made a commitment to take an active role in ending violence against women. Ambassadors are at the front line of the Campaign; from all walks of life, they are passionate advocates for social change. White Ribbon now has 1900 active Ambassadors promoting the Campaign in the Australian community.

Ambassadors demonstrate this commitment by:

• wearing a white ribbon or wristband on White Ribbon Day and encouraging others to do the same
• sharing the White Ribbon message within their networks and through social media
• highlighting the importance of respect for women and attitudinal change
• nominating other suitable men as Ambassadors
• hosting, attending or speaking at awareness-raising and fundraising events
• encouraging community groups, local councils, workplaces, men’s organisations, sports and services clubs to get involved in the White Ribbon Campaign, and
• drawing on personal and professional contacts to extend the White Ribbon message.

The Breaking the Silence in Schools Program 

White Ribbon’s Breaking the Silence in Schools Program began in 2009 and is now applied in 90 schools throughout the Sydney region. Due to the program’s success, White Ribbon is now working on expanding this program nationally.

The program works to inspire principals to strengthen the culture of respect in their schools; builds on existing personal development and anti-bullying programs; and provides training and resources to school leadership.

The Workplace Program

Workplaces can play a powerful role in shaping attitudes to women. Violence, whether it occurs in or beyond the work environment, damages the wellbeing of working women and their productivity. It may also impact negatively on the reputation of the organisation and its bottom line.

The White Ribbon Workplace Program supports workplaces in preventing and responding to violence against women. The Program calls upon organisations to take steps to promote safe workplaces by making changes to organisational culture, practices and procedures.

The Program achieves this by:

• building workplace awareness
• increasing staff and managerial knowledge and skill to address issues of violence against women, and
• recognising proactive and innovative steps being taken by workplaces.

Raising awareness

Every year White Ribbon runs an awareness campaign about the issue of violence against women and the role men play in preventing this violence. In 2012, White Ribbon is encouraging men to stand up to violence against women with the knowledge that thousands of good men have got their back.

White Ribbon’s new campaign highlights that men can challenge their mates, and others, in a way that does not endanger their own safety, knowing there are many good men who support their actions. The change starts with good men standing up and letting the perpetrators know that violent attitudes and behaviour towards women are never acceptable in any circumstance. 

BIO

Chris Allen is a writer who says that he likes to write escapist action thrillers grounded with a liberal dose of realism.

He is a former paratrooper who served with the Australian, New Zealand and British armies. He retired as a Major when injuries precluded him from further military service. Exiting military life, Chris transitioned into humanitarian aid work during the East Timorese emergency, served with three law enforcement agencies in Australia, protected Sydney’s most iconic landmark in the wake of 9-11 and between 2008 & 2012 was the Sheriff of New South Wales, one of the oldest law enforcement appointments in the land.

Now a full-time writer, Chris is exploring film interest in his stories while he completes a full series of Intrepid action thrillers.

You can find out more about Chris here: 

intrepidallen.com 

facebook.com/intrepidallen

 

 

 

The reality of domestic abuse. Part two- Factual

Welcome to part two.

I figured that a topic as heavy as this should be broken into a few parts. More so for me than just for you guys. It's a challenging topic to do justice.

When I finally got away from my douchebag ex I was lucky enough to have a supportive family and no permanent ties to him, like children.
Other women faced with this aren't so fortunate.
The belongings we owned together, or that were mine and too big to fit on the trailer were left behind. Anything to avoid further contact or conflict. He had a heathy bank account (as my money was used for day to day expenses as I was paid in cash, taxed cash but cash all the same.) I was left broke and with continuing bills.
Many other women have to face their abuser regularly to hand over their most precious "asset", their children.

This is usually a time of high stress (Understandably) and many times the control and intimidation continues to be directed at them during these hand overs. Many women I know in this situation are terrified they will not get their children back.

Domestic abuse mostly follows a cyclic flow chart.
Sadly the most dangerous time for any woman is when she actually decides to leave. The loss of control sends the abuser into a tailspin and they lash out.

If you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship and wanting to get out, please, please, please make a plan. Talk to your local police, women's shelters, family anyone but get armed with as much information as you possibly can.


Part 3 of the reality of domestic abuse series will be up shortly.

Much love

Cie
xox