Rock, Paper, Scissors Tornament

Remember the game that involves two players using their hands to portray either a rock, paper or scissors in order to win?
Well, it just so happens that there is a "World Rock Paper Scissors Society" that actually hosts annual International World Championships! How cool is that?

I have always assumed that RPS is a game of luck rather than technique but according to the RPS society I seem to be wrong!
Apparently, their is no 'randomness' to this game and it is in fact all about subtle technique - check it out and become the next world champion, or simply unbeatable among your friends!

The Secret To Winning RPS

Aussies can enter the RPS tournaments right here in Australia and compete on their home turf, winners taking home a share of the prize pool money!
Also on the Aussie RPS website you can find links to; Lip Sync Comp, Thumb Wrestling Comp and Air Guitar Comp - awesome!

Regretfully, the chairman of the World RPS Society, Wojek Smallsoa, passed away this year forcing the cancellation of the 2010 Rock, Paper, Scissors World Championships.

Official RPS Society
RPS Australia

The Ultimate Closet

If your anything like moi then you often put together outfits in your imagination when trying to decide what to wear. I call it 'creativity' others call it 'OCD'. Whatever.

Imagine no more, I have found the ultimate closet that allows you to virtually put outfits together! You can select pieces that are similar to what you have in your own closet in order to check out your outfit before you have gone to the effort of putting it all on, or simply style an ensemble and then purchase the items online!

This little beauty is called Looklet it allows you to style a model using many different wardrobe pieces and you can even pick the model you want to use depending on your personal characteristics.

Don't forget to check out the very well informed style advice and online magazine!

Happy styling pretties.

The Best Tea

The Christmas season can get a little silly and whilst I love a glass of champagne more often than not we must occasionally put the bottle down and do what's best for the temple.
I'm talking organic, calming, relaxing, stabilising ..

Let's get acquainted with  - AVEDA Comforting Tea

Most people know Aveda for their luxurious range of beauty products and whilst I am a fan (although I do tend to lean towards L'Occitane) I cannot go past or trade on their comforting tea which has been a best seller for the past ten years!
Granted, this tea is a little on the pricey side as it retails at DJ's for $39, but it is simply divine.

Made with a soothing infusion of licorice root, fennel and peppermint, it makes for a sweet and refreshing brew that really does 'steep you in calm'. Drink it hot or cold, day or night, loose leaf or bag - it's always right!

There is one element to this tea that I am very intrigued by; the after-taste.
This tea is labelled as a sweet tea but the taste isn't actually sweet, it's the after-taste that is some-what sweet and extremely desirable. I can't explain what I am referring to here but let me tell you this; the after-taste leaves me with the most foreign and superb taste that my taste buds just adore! The taste I am referring to doesn't kick in until the tea is gliding down your throat and is non-existent when the tea hits your mouth..it's all in the throat! It's a little sweet and sugary, smooth and soothing.

Does this 100% certified organic tea assist in comforting and calming the 'not so' comfortable and calm individual? Yes and I think it has something to do with that after-taste!

On ya' bike and get yourself some tea.. or ask for a sample at your nearest Aveda store or counter!

Bye Bye 'Neighbours'

Did you know that the much loved Aussie TV drama Neighbours is moving!?
That's right, all you Neighbours fans will be waving good-bye to it's long time host Channel 10 and thus will be getting acquainted with the shows new home - the newest TV channel to join the digital revolution - Channel 11!
Rest assured that the time slot hasn't changed.. but some of the cast members might!

Hate to be a 'spoiler' but seeing as though I am an actress it is in my best interests to divulge that some of the shows favorites are moving on during early 2011!
Wave good-bye to characters; Zeke, Donna, Rebecca, Declan and baby India as they all depart in the first half of 2011.

Don't be disheartened Neighbours fans, I'm sure we'll be introduced to new faces that we will all grow to love! Do me a favor though, cross your fingers that it is my face you will have the opportunity to grow to love!

Neighbours, if your reading, make the good-byes easy on the eyes (and pick me)!

Fancy A Frock?

I absolutely must bring to your attention the likes of Asian/New York designer, Vivienne Tam.
Tam's beautifully constructed, feminine and very lavish designs inspired my wardrobe from the first moment I spotted her kimono style dress in the shop window of her Nathan Road store in Hong Kong (think 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' little black dress meets kimono style with colour..purses out ladies)!

When shopping at Vivienne Tam I noted that the designs on display differed quite significantly in that women of all ages and styles are catered for by the one designer and in the one store - she's a thinker people!
Her designs were certainly creatively beautiful, all exposing a sense of feminism in a truly unique way, I would describe her clothing as universal and suitable for 'the first lady' right through to this months 'most desired socialite'.

Just to really push my point on how versatile and differential her line is I will give you a quick rundown of my thoughts when purchasing 2 (of many) garments.
Keep in mind that I often buy clothing on the basis of 'garment suitability'.
Definition: Garment Suitability: The suitability of a garment for particular events and situations, such events are not required to be foreseeable in the near or distant future.
Any excuse will do, OK?

4th Picture, top row (from left): Afternoon high tea with the ladies in a restored old Victorian style building complete with butlers, society women and Christmas lilies, of course during the month of December where Christmas decorations AND macaroons are lavish and plentiful.
Reality: Unless the Windsor Hotel decides to hold an intricate event that I happen to be personally invited to - this dress will not be worn under such circumstances.
Option two: Move to New York and join the cast of Gossip Girl.
For the record, I would wear this dress exactly as pictured below, panty-hose must be sheer black of high quality.

5th Picture, top row (from left): Dinner and drinks at a brand new hot spot on the social scene, teamed with a pair of nude strappy stilettos with a diamante buckle and platform, think Louboutin.
Reality: I do not live in New York, I live in Melbourne and the reality is that no new hot spot cool or sophisticated enough for this dress is going to pop up unless an upmarket hotel refurbs a new restaurant and bar. I will be waiting a while to show off this little number under such circumstances!

I now feel the need to justify my crazy banter and weird 'garment suitability' ideals...
All I will say is 'it works for me, no judgement please'!

Ok, back to Tam!

Unfortunately, Tam's website doesn't cut it and I dearly hope she is planning on undertaking some cyber ronos' soon as online shopping is some-what limited. If you happen to be travelling to Asia or the USA do track down a store and check her collection out.

By the way, the answer to the title of this blog is always 'YES'.

Happy shopping ladies (and gents)!

Bangla Rd Lady Boys

The bright lights were confronting and the music was pumping from all directions, as I looked around all I could see was a sea.. no.. an ocean of people filtering very slowly along the street. Unable to see more than a few feet ahead my natural reaction was to look up, as I did I noticed many second story buildings that housed bars (of sorts), the balconies on the other hand housed Thai woman in skimpy get-ups that danced the night away exhibiting what I am sure was meant to be 'provocative dance moves'. Such 'provocative dance moves' consisted mainly of constant grinding and thrusting against a poll - watching these dancers was quite hilarious and very entertaining to say the least. If anything, they'd have a damn strong core!

Once I managed to maneuver my way further down Bangla Rd (imagine a cattle call) I noticed the one common theme - bars - and many of them, it was interesting to see that each bar was absolutely packed to capacity and beyond.

So, you have a plethora of people walking the street and probably hundreds of bars within a small capacity that are literally packed to the rafters, each bars music blaring and filtering through to the next, Thai locals selling bits and pieces attempting to raise their voices over the music just to speak with you, intoxicated pupils everywhere, grinders and thrusters..what's next?

Allow me to introduce you to the Lady Boys of Thailand.

In Thailand it is not uncommon to come across men who decide they want to be women, some completely and wholly and others who do not venture past the enjoyment of wearing women's dresses and high heels. I was absolutely fascinated and intrigued by the lady boys and my full attention was offered when-ever near. I think it was the notion of a man wanting to be a women, their gorgeous sequenced outfits and amazing ability to walk in sky high stilettos that first intrigued me, from there my curiosity grew.  I neutered such curiosity by ensuring that I was seated by the road side at my fav bar on Bangla Rd, thus I had full view and missed nothing.

The lady boys would parade the streets in groups offering to take photos with vacationers and handing out flyer's in order to promote their cabaret shows, they were very friendly and sociable people, until you referred to them as a 'man'. I witnessed a few 'f-offs' and what I consider to be 'manly range' toward offenders which confirmed to me that you can indeed put the man in a woman but you can't take man outta the man.

Now, if a male friend of mine was heading to Thailand for the first time the only piece of advice I would feel strongly about offering him is; The need to ensure that the Thai lady you may be interested in is in fact a lady! Why? Some of the lady boys are stunning and would never ever be considered or even associated with the male gender. I'm talking Adam's apple removed, breast implants, butt implants and down stairs ...reversed? Changed? Snipped? .. No longer there? Ouch.

On another note, here's an interesting observation for you; It was not uncommon, by any means, to see a male of mature age on a late night date with a lady boy, such mature age men were mostly westerners. Very interesting indeed!

So, why do men become woman in Thailand? After speaking with other vacationers, previous holiday makers and Thai locals it seems that there is one overriding reason as to why; Women make more money on the streets as both performers and dates where tourism is concerned.

Of course, some men are just incredibly intelligent beings whom realise that women rule. You go girl!

Bangla Rd was definitely the most happening strip at night, it was where everybody came together and in some way, shape or form partied the night away.. and least to say it was damn right entertaining.

Only in Thailand folks.

TTFN.




Lady Boys on Show - Bangla Rd



Thailand Street Food

Another travel blog on the topic of Thailand. I am starting to think that maybe I shouldn't have promised a new travel blog every second day - it's time consuming work people!

As I sit here munching away on water crackers, soft and decedent double brie cheese with quince paste to accompany, masdaam cheese, olive paste and a glass of champagne, I think it's only fitting for my next blog to explore the 'street food' of Thailand .. if I can manage to put down the crackers that is.
Before I begin I have to say - isn't quince paste with a soft cheese just the best thing ever? I could honestly eat it on it's own! If you don't know what I am referring to then please head to your local grocer and look for 'Maggie Beer Quince Paste' in the refrigerated cheese section.. pronto.

OK here we go..

You can bet your bottom buck that where-ever you are in the world 'home delivery' is always an option for take out food; for example, pizza or Chinese food. In Thailand such home delivery services stretch out to the likes of global food institution MacDonald's - that's right in Koh Samui and I presume Phuket you can actually have your maccas delivered right to your door!
Another class of food delivery manifests in the kitchens of local Thai women and is then delivered to workplaces, or street stalls rather, in the early mornings via scooter. It is amazing to watch these women each morning ride from stall to stall dropping off breakfast and lunch to their regular customers and collecting their money in return, which is only really enough to cover the expenses incurred and generate no profit. Talk about community spirit!

Other than home/work delivery services you have street stalls which in some circumstances are wheeled along the streets by foot, motorised by scooters or simply sit in the same spot every night. These stalls range from fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and sauces on skewers and of course pancakes - think fresh food grocer/ restaurant on wheels.
Many people, including the locals, tell of stories that see people getting ill from eating street food, even my very own parents have been advised not to eat the street food because only the 'thai people' seem to be able to stomach what they are eating - this comes from locals.

The actual street food looked and smelt amazing, imagine stacks of chicken and beef satay piled high all drizzled with perfectly textured sauce and smelling more than appetizing- hard to resist, right? Well, if you look closely accompanying the chicken are bugs of all sorts (it does happen with outdoor cooking), unclean hands and cooking surfaces, many different noses and mouths breathing all over the food and no refrigeration for either the cooked or uncooked meat (remember, it was hot outdoors). It was interesting to realise that these were the first things I noticed, in my home these things happen on auto-pilot and keep me and my family free from illness or upset stomachs.
The Thai locals eat street food everyday and judging by the high number of familiar faces, they don't seem to be bothered by their cooking habits. Does this mean that the refrigerating fly swatters of the world are just pedantic over-reactors, or is there some sense to our madness? I can't help but wonder.

There was in fact another type of street food that was extremely popular with both the locals and vacationers, you would often find people huddled around the small carts waiting for their orders and walking the streets with the familiar paper plates that their food was served on. I am referring to pancake carts or what I more familiarly refer to as 'crepes'. These crepes were absolutely, amazingly, delicious. You could have them with a variety of fruit and condiments and they were always cooked in a way which left you with an almost moist, crispy but soft piece of cooked dough. My nightly special was a crepe with banana and nutella, I never tried any of the other fruits or condiments because I was totally and utterly fixated on my choice, which in one word was 'per-fecto'!

I never once got sick from eating my crepes - or pancakes - off the street and am quite sure that no restaurant could have beaten the perfection I experienced nightly. My only real regret is not having taken a photo to show you the beauty of the crepes I refer to.

So, I ask you, is the street food in Thailand really 'that bad', or is it us vacationers that have the strange cooking habits and pedantic expectations?

I bid you fare-well, I have a date with cheese.

TTFN - and for those that often wonder this is a term used by the cartoon character Tiger in the animated Disney series 'Winnie The Pooh'. It is a short abbreviation for 'TA-TA FOR NOW'.

So again, TTFN.



The Best Pad Thai Shop

As promised - another travel blog!

On this particular day my morning began at an early 7am, breakfast was had and my usual two hour walk along Patong beach and surrounding areas was enjoyed.
It was some-where between 7am and 9am when I realised it was going to be what we Aussie's refer to as a 'scorcha' and the unusually high number of vacationers hitting the beach before 9am told me that it was going to be a disturbingly busy day in Patong.
In my bid to escape the madness and secure my very own piece of sand and water I negotiated over a fare with tuk tuk drivers and for 300 baht I was on my way to Karon Beach.
The drive to Karon Beach was beautiful, as we drove up the mountain and along the windy roads the elevated views of Patong and the ocean appeared, as the warm wind blew through my hair I looked down at Patong and could hardly believe that the beautiful, serene and seemingly quiet place I was looking down at was the same Patong I had set out to escape.

As I hit the beach in Karon there were three things that I immediately noticed; the women wore g-string bikinis, the men wore speedos and everyone wore coconut tanning oil - this was where the Europeans lived out their hot Thailand vacations (I had actually wondered about the scarce number of Europeans in Patong - pick a boo - found you). Welcome to Thai-Euro friends!

Prior to arriving in Patong I had thoroughly researched the area online and in my online travels through cyber space I had come across an Aussie man's blog whom actually lived close to Patong, the blog covered everything from his opinion on resorts, restaurants and neighbouring areas. I had recalled reading about "The Best Pad Thai Shop" on his blog and was sure that it was some-where in Karon and close-by to the Baan Karon Resort. Readers had actually commented on his blog confirming that they had visited "The Best Pad Thai Shop" on his recommendation and claimed it really was the best ever.
So, it was back in a tuk tuk for me as I was headed for the Baan Karon Resort, as a pad thai lover myself I absolutely had to check out this place and sample what could possibly be the best..or worst..pad thai ever.
So, in the sweltering heat I walked up and down and all around the dingy area surrounding the Baan Karon Resort, I passed many local bars and eateries filled with Thai locals but was hesitant to enter any of them - where were the vacationers?
I decided that one of the eateries could possibly be the place I was looking for as it looked similar to the eatery described on the Aussie man's blog, I must admit I was hesitant to enter as I was unsure whether I would be welcomed by the locals but on the other hand could not bare the thought of possibly missing out on the best pad thai of my life..so in I went.

The first thing I noticed upon entering was that everyone was eating pad thai, I then spotted a small sign on the wall that read "The Best Pad Thai Shop". This took me by surprise as I did not realise that was the actual name of the eatery, I thought it was a mere description the Aussie man used in his blog!
I had found it, hooray!
I ordered my chicken pad thai - hold the shrimps - it was served with crushed nuts and a side of bean sprouts and banana leaves..and yes.."The Best Pad Thai Shop" served the best pad thai...ever.

So I spent the day on Karon Beach, walked up and down a dingy and unsafe road in what looked like a rural area in search of pad thai (I felt like I was a backpacker in Africa), ate at a local haunt where I was welcomed by Thai locals and subsequently decided that Australia has no real concept of pad thai - hold the shrimps.

Until Saturday,
TTFN.

GQ Aussie Man Of The Year

The GQ Australia Men of the Year Awards, in association with Chivas Regal, celebrates the outstanding achievements of Australian men across the fields of culture, sport, style, music, fashion, media, art, design and politics.

This year I am thrilled to announce that Sydney's very own Ryan Kwanten took home the gold for his recent achievements in the film and television arena! Yet another worthy success story that yields the power of one man's dream and his sheer determination to succeed.

Looking fab in Ralph Lauren and sporting the ever so popular bow tie (Thank-you Chuck Bass) Mr. Kwanten looked every bit Hollywood strutting the red carpet and sipping Chivas Regal with fellow nominees Mark Webber, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and others.

Ryan's career was launched on the set of Home & Away where he played Vinnie Patterson from 1997 - 2002, like every serious actor determined to succeed he relocated to the land of dreams (I am referring to LA people) and has achieved internationally acclaimed success for his role on hit TV series 'True Blood', among a bag of films too!

So, the young chap from Sydney had a dream and decided that he was going to give it a ripe old go. Now at the age of 34 he is celebrating the success and realisation that he is literally living that dream and that nothing is impossible unless you decide that it is.

Ryan Kwanten, will you marry me?

Sawadee!

In my world part of the last three weeks have been spent under the many shady palms of Thailand.
In my world Thailand consisted of sipping mojitos in the glorious sunshine, swimming and snoozing poolside cabana style, pampering on the beach where-ever + when-ever, eating amazing Thai food on it's home turf, shopping when-ever, lapping up the joys of the barter system and most importantly; learning about the Thai way of life and in one word it's easily summed up as; Simple.
Jealous? Don't worry, I would be too!

How about Chanel ma'am? What about the latest Dior? Do you like Armani suit ma'am?

My answer was consistently 'no' as I trailed past the many street stalls in Patong, loud screams of 'special price for you ma'am' and 'Rolex, Rolex, Rolex' ringed in every direction and more than anything the hustle and bustle put a smile on my dial.
Patong was where I was to spend only 5 days, followed by Koh Samui and then Hong Kong..I just knew this was the beginning of a new obsession and I could hardly wait!

It was dirty, it smelt really bad, it was noisy, overcrowded and there were no road rules as such: Welcome to Patong my dear friends, a place worth waiting for.

For those who may not know, Patong is a small beach side area in Phuket, Thailand. It is filled with resorts, scooters, tuk-tuks (taxi) and street stalls selling everything from designer copies (you name it they have it), to hand crafted thai home furnishings, children's clothing, souvenirs and much more.
To everyone's surprise shopping was not high on my to-do list in Patong as I had little desire for replica designer hand-bags. My days were spent poolside in my glorious resort sipping ice cold, minty mojitos and on the beach lapping up the manis, pedis and massages (ohh baby).

Let's get back to the "simplicity" part..When I think about life in Thailand I can't help but smile and feel a surreal sense of calmness wash over me, the tall shady palms swaying gently in the not so cool summer breeze, the strong waves crashing into the shore leaving crystal blue waters in their wake, the locals sitting under the palms in groups chatting amongst themselves and waving 'hello' always eager for conversation, people selling bits and pieces on the beach to vacationers and vacationers being plonked on the sand experiencing the mystical hands of the Thai women repairing aching muscles and relieving that thing we go on holidays to get away from.. I think it's called.. stress (eww). Then of course you open your eyes and ears and you have screaming jet skis, soaring boats, car horns, people yelling and selling things and of course without a doubt children screaming and parents screaming back.. but hey.. if Patong was perfect we probably wouldn't know about it, would we?

To your excitement, or possible dismay, I am going to blog about my post holiday!
I have negotiated with the concerned parties and have come to the agreement that one new blog on the topic will be posted every second day as of today..(such negotiations were with myself.. just incase you are wondering I drive a hard bargain)!
See you Thursday Amigos!

TTFN.

Where's your invite?

Behold I have news!
Without giving too much away I can now divulge that I am going to be an official presenter for a well known fashion advocate!
That's right, I will be attending 'invite only' events to interview 'interesting' people and report on the event!
Of course, all the 'official' business will be associated with my brand-spanking new employer but that's not to say that you will all miss out on the glitz, glamour and goss because it's all going to be splashed around right here!

So, who said you need to be 'someone' to get an invite to all 'those' events? You just scored yours and you don't even need to leave the house!

Morning tea in Paree

Cavallini is a remarkable cafe that classifies itself as an artisan bakery, patisserie and espresso bar in North Fitzroy.
At first glance you are greeted by the most scrumptious French pastries that are just sitting in the front window begging to be eaten - how are you even meant to resist when they lure you in like that?
As you walk inside this cafe it just gets better, a counter full of macaroons, tarts, cakes, slices, biscuits and french pastries - all perfectly glazed. There are also an array of lunch offerings that look just as good!
Is this what it's like in a real patisserie because if it is..Expedia here I come!
So, the cakes/pastries are out of this world, but what about the coffee you say, très Magnificent!
You can expect a very well balanced coffee of high quality, it was creamy, hot and had the perfect amount of silky, smooth froth that just looked glorious.
This cafe is small, tables are set for two, it is very cosy and the staff are friendly too.
Would I return? HELL YES. It's not everyday that you find a cafe that lives up to the French word; 'patisserie'.
What I loved the most? The selection of 12 different macaroon flavours all lined up on the counter - the strawberry are to die for AND the tea pot and china my chamomile and lavender tea was served in..so cute.
My tip? Forget about calories and order the lemon tart, it's possibly the best lemon tart I have ever had!

Don't you think it's about time you visited Paree?

Expose

Every blog has it's purpose, genre, subject, target audience, etc etc. I'd like to be upfront and lay my cards out on the table and tell you exactly what 'Save Water, Drink Champagne' is all about (other than saving water and drinking champagne, of course).
One word sums it up pretty well and that word is 'Lifestyle', that's right, I am going to be exploring and reporting on all things;

Fashion and designers
Events (invite only)
Festivals and exhibitions
Artists of all disciplines
Food and wine (or in my case, champagne)
Various aspects of Melbourne's "scene"
My acting/presenting career
People I meet and the places I go

There are many blogs out there ranting about exactly the same things (derr), but mine is going to be a little more interesting..more like an invite only par-tay..why you ask..well stay tuned and I might just announce something totally cool that is going to score you all things 'invitation'.

Au revoir!

Let There Be Light..

It is the very first day of my very first blog (oh, so shiny).

Shall we begin with introductions?

I am Chantal - sparkle enthusiast, champagne drinker, fashion advocate, shoe lover, restaurateur, canine mother, his partner, their daughter, her sister, best friend, lifestyle liver, friendly traveller, truthful writer, was once a lady of leisure, love-a-chat, in-the-know, queen of drama, actress in waiting, an open ear, tentative believer of second chances, organisational power of a wedding planner, old Hollywood, blow waves or blow outs - pick one, snug fitted dresses to the knee, high tea - where the ladies go, city and country, rivers and sea, compassion always, a helping hand, can be less than exciting, loves own company, I think I'm funny, cleaning is stress relief, cooking is love, DIY is pride, entrepreneur, film festivals, girly flicks, vintage china, summer not winter, bargain hunter, researcher of everything, automobiles - the fast type, coffee and paper at my local cafe, take-out is easier, always bargain ... and who said I can't stay in my pyjamas all day?

Who are you?