DIY: Computer Desktop Organiser

The trickiest part about New Year resolutions definitely has to be sticking to them. 

One of my resolutions was to declutter and reorganise my workspace, but as 2013 progressed, my computer desktop was becoming a little too cluttered for my liking! 

So I decided to make use of my desktop background by turning it into my own little DIY desktop organiser.

 It was super easy to do!

Here's my shiny new desktop!

Use your preferred photo editor (my favourite is Photoshop) and find some cute patterns and shapes online. The best part about this DIY is that you can completely customise it to suit your tastes and workflow. Spend a bit of time thinking about which categories will be best for you and your organisation habits – I used: "to do", "urgent", "personal", and "shortcuts".

 But you could use anything, for example: "uni subjects", "renovating", "wishlist", "photos", or "holiday plans".

As a graphic designer I'm a very visual person, so this colour-coded, spacial format is perfect 

for me. What type of person are you? 

You might like to turn your desktop into a table, list, flowchart, piechart, or even a venn diagram!

 

 Much more organised! Yay!

If you decide to declutter your own desktop,
feel free to Instagram us what you come up with!
@stefanhairfashions

 

Healthy Swaps!

Making the smallest changes to your lifestyle here and there 

can really have a big impact over time. Little changes to your diet or lifestyle eventually add up, no matter how small they seem. The Australian government has launched their national campaign 'Swap it! Dont stop it!'

It is full of healthy changes you can make to get you on your way to a healthier lifestyle without losing all the things you love.

Check it out ......http://swapit.gov.au

Below I have listed some of MY favourite food 

swaps that I absolutely LOVE!

♥

Almond flour for wheat flour
This gluten-free switch gives any baked good a dose of protein, 

omega-3s, and a delicious nutty flavor.

Avocado puree for butter
They’re both fats (but very different kinds!) and have nearly the same 

consistency at room temperature.

Natural peanut butter for reduced-fat peanut butter
While they may appear better than full fat versions, reduced fat versions of peanut butter can actually have more sugar — and an extra-long list of artificial additives— than the classics. The coolest thing I did at a health food store in NSW was to actually grind my 

own peanuts to make 100% pure peanut butter.

Stevia for sugar
The natural sweetener stevia is lower in calories and up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. You only need the smallest amount! Stevia is a plant based natural sweetener.

Flax meal for eggs
This one’s an old vegan trick. Mix 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds (aka flax meal) with 3 tablespoons of warm water and whisk with a fork to combine. Now let it sit in the fridge for 5-10 minutes before subbing for 1 egg in any baked recipe. Voila!

Quinoa for couscous/rice
Quinoa is a whole-grain superfood packed with protein, nutrients and all 9 amino acids.

The opportunities with Quinoa are endless. 

Grated steamed cauliflower for rice
Cut both calories and carbs with this simple switch. The texture is virtually the 

same, as is the taste.

Mashed cauliflower for mashed potatoes
Mashed cauliflower has only a fraction of the calories of potatoes and it’s nearly impossible to taste the difference. Got picky eaters at the table? Try mixing half potato, half cauliflower.

Crushed flax or fiber cereal for bread crumbs
Crushing a fiber-rich cereal and mixing it with some herbs makes an easy lower-sodium substitution for traditional breadcrumbs. I use this when making chicken parma!

Lettuce leaves for tortilla wraps
It’s not a perfect swap, but forgoing the carbs for fresh lettuce is a fun (and easy) 

switch that can lighten up any wrap or taco dish.

Quinoa flakes for oatmeal
Cooked with milk (cow, almond, hemp — whatever’s on hand) and some cinnamon, quinoa makes a perfect protein-packed hot breakfast. This is my perfect pre workout meal. I always add berries and nuts too! YUM!

Banana ice cream for ice cream
No milk, no cream, no sugar… but the same, delicious consistency. 

It’s simple: freeze bananas, then puree. 

Andrea xx

Guest Blogger - Claire Parviz

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Dating, Dukan & my Diary.

By Claire Parviz.

 I have had the pleasure of having my hair and makeup done by the wonderful team at Stefan Hair Fashions for about 6 months now, and I must stress, with the amount of events, openings, galas and corporate affairs that fill my diary week to week, it has become like a second home!

When the team asked me to guest blog for their website, my mind raced through all my tales and secrets I have probably divulged to Eric, Bonnie, Milana and all the other awesome Stefan Staff that have glammed me up for my events.

It made me wonder, what are my hottest ‘salon chair’ topics right now?

Three things came to mind - Dating, Dukan and of course my Diary of events!

First of all Dating:

As the editor of Style Magazines I am very much involved in all of our singles mixers and events (we have a huge following of sassy singles and with sections like The Bachelor and Bachelorette and singles comps to name a few) I am surrounding by the ins and outs of dating). Not to mention the fact that I am a single gal about town myself!

Last month, in light of Valentines Day, the topic around the office was old school dating etiquette; and after we all joked about what our dating deal breakers were (some consisted of bad dental hygiene, bad taste in music and lazy language) I composed my very own list of golden dating rules.

1. Arranging your date;

Don’t call for a weekend date on a Thursday –

It’s too late! And please, no texting!

2. Always have a plan;

Be creative! There is nothing worse than being

asked, “What would you like to do?”.

3. Baggage;

We all have it but there is no bigger turnoff than

talking about old relationships and ex-partners.

4. Fresh breath is essential;

Bad dental hygiene is an absolute deal breaker.

5. Dress Sense is imperative;

Hello, I am the editor of Style magazine.

Guys: Please no clothing items such as rude

slogan tees, crocs and ‘harry high’ pants.

Gals: No midriffs, muffin tops or minis that

leave nothing to the imagination.

Dukan Diet

Something’s got to give when you attend events every second night with champagne flowing and canapés coming out of your ears, and particularly after Christmas holidays where I indulged in all of the above and so much more, I thought it was time for a full body cleanse (with of course the intention to lose a few kg’s). 

So I challenged myself to the Dukan Diet. With the help of the trusty book (I may or may not have skimmed through a few chapters like that on alcohol) I have said goodbye to my sugars and carbs and have committed to a strictly protein diet! Watch this space for my progress… I am currently back to the initial ‘attack’ phase after a champagne and cocktail relapse on the weekend!

My Diary

People are always very intrigued by my social calendar of back-to-back events. It is my job to be at the latest and greatest and rubbing shoulders with the new business owners, fashion designers, foodies and corporates around town.

This month I have attended a few note-worthy events I thought I would share with you.

1. David Jones Autumn/Winter Launch.

Brisbane’s flagship QueensPlaza David Jones streamed live the Sydney Catwalk for an audience full of exclusive customers, media and fashion junkies (I am all three). 

2. The premiere of ‘Silver Linings Playbook’.

For those of you who don’t know I am actually married to Bradley Cooper, so of course it was my wifely duty to make an appearance.

3. The opening of ‘Toro’.

From the owners of Deer Duck Bistro, comes a hidden ‘pearl of caviar’ in the suburban and savvy location of Milton. This gorgeous little restaurant and bar is sure to be hottest and latest venue on every socialites lips!

For more on what I have gotten up to, the best competitions, latest events, fashion, lifestyle and beauty news, check out Style Magazines online at www.stylemagazines.com.au.

  

I am always interested to know what readers want to see in the upcoming magazine and of course this blog, so drop me a line: Claire@stylemagazines.com.au.

Until next time-

Claire Parviz, Editor, Style Magazines.

Xo

Incredible India!

Hi there everyone!

I’m Anjali Raj, a 21-year-old gal from Brisbane.

I’m a recent graduate from Journalism and PR at the Queensland University of Technology – a degree which I really enjoyed!

For work I am a singer, a Nova 106.9 Sandman, a promotional brand ambassador and a kids karaoke host – let me just say, I love my jobs!

I have been associated with Stefan Hair Fashions since I was only 9-years-old - singing at launches, awards nights, birthday celebrations, race days and other special events over the years. Therefore, I have formed a special relationship with the company and some of the staff in head office :)

This past week I had the opportunity to complete some work experience at Stefan Head Office, working closely with Kate from the Marketing/PR department. 

I must say I really enjoyed the experience, definitely learnt some new skills and met some really lovely people!

Sooo, I thought I would have a go at doing a blog while I’m here :) 

I’ve decided to blog about my recent trip to India and why I think travelling is so important!

Well firstly, my Dad is Indian so we travel to India every few years to visit all of his relatives over there. A lot of his uncles, aunties and cousins live in New Delhi, so usually we spend most of our time there.

This time we travelled to India specifically to attend my dad’s cousins’ wedding.

 We stayed in New Delhi for 10 nights with the wedding at the end of our trip.

 

Unlucky for me, I developed Delhi Belly in the middle of the trip and was out for about 2-3 days :(  Was not a pleasant experience!

Gearing up to the wedding, the bride and groom held a cocktail party for around 80 friends and family around an outdoor pool area at one of New Delhi’s most lavish hotels.

Might I say those Indians were pretty wild – partying until around 5am! We left relatively early at around 1am after eating dinner at 12am – late dinner hey?

A couple of days later was wedding day……and what a wedding it was! Lots of colour, food, drinking, music and dancing - a lot of fun!

Travelling is great because it gives you a break from your daily life and provides you with the opportunity to engage in new activities in foreign places.

It:

• Provides you with the opportunity to learn about places and  history   
• Connects you with other cultures and people
• Gives you time to relax and take a break 
• Expands your awareness and introduces you to greater diversity 
• Helps you to get to know yourself (and sometimes others) better

If you’ve always thought about going to India – definitely do it! Such an amazing country, full of rich culture to soak up – it’s like no other place in the world. And of course the food is amazing! I’ve got to say Butter Chicken and Dosa’s are my fave!

So, I hope I have inspired you to plan a trip in the near future – go somewhere new, try something adventurous or out of your comfort zone!

Well that’s all from me. Thanks for reading my blog – hope you liked my photos!

Anjali xo

How To : Great Date Makeup!

How To : Great Date Makeup!

Valentines day is upon us! I was spoilt this morning by my partner with perfume and jewellery.
 zTonight we are heading to a movie, so I thought I'd do a little tutorial on my favourite date night look!

Using nine products you can achieve this look and it’ll only take about 20 minutes , so your date wont be left waiting!!

Base

Step 1. Cleanse, tone, moisturise.

Starting with  cleansed skin ensures a smooth application of your products.

Step 2. Primer

Primer is essential to ensure your makeup stays put all night! It smoothens your skin, evens skin tone and provides the perfect canvas for concealer and foundation.

Step 3. Conceal

-          Liquid concealer for under eyes and fine lines

-          Stick concealer for stubborn blemishes/scarring or pigmentation.

Step 4. Foundation

Whether you use a liquid, stick or mineral powder foundation, always start with a small amount and build coverage as you need it.

 Placing a dot of product on the fore head, cheeks, chin and nose.

 Using a brush starting in the centre of the face and working out towards the hair line.

Blend meticulously into all the contours of the face and neck.

For a night time look, I wear my base a little bit thicker to ensure flawless coverage. I find I prefer a dewy finish and only powder my t-zone if necessary.  

Step 5. Highlight/ blush/ bronze

Use highlighter on the top of the cheekbone

    Blush on the apples of the cheek and Bronzer along the cheekbone.

Brows

Have a look at my ‘ How To: brows’ tutorial 

Eyes

To create a sultry but natural look, I replace the dark black shades used in a traditional smokey eye and replace them with a mixed brown palette.

Step 1.

Start with the medium shade and pat shadow onto the whole eyelid, being careful not to extend too far up toward the brow. ( Big brush)

Step 2.

Using the lightest shade, pat shadow just below the brow bone and in the inner corners of the eye.  ( Small brush)

 Step 3.

 Using the darkest brown, pat the shadow onto the eyelid starting from the outer corner of the eye, working inwards along the socket line. ( Angled brush)

 Step 4.

Use the second medium colour to blend all colours ( Medium brush)

 Step 5.

 Mascara ( or false lashes )

Lips

As the eyes are the focus of this look, lips are kept nude with a sweep of simple peach lipgloss or lip balm.

 Have a wonderful Valentines Day everyone!
Remember, if you have a special occasion coming up, you can book in to any Stefan salon and one of our amazing make up artists will be delighted to doll you up!

 Thanks for Reading

Becky xo