Academy Award nominated Scott Hicks (Shine) returns to Australia to direct this poignant drama of fatherhood, starring the talented Clive Owen. It follows Joe, a wise-cracking British sports journalist, living family life in regional South Australia. In the wake of his wife’s tragic death, he finds himself in a sudden state of single parenthood with six-year-old Artie. With turbulent emotions swirling, and Joe’s elder teenage son coming to stay, he’s faced with raising two boys in a household devoid of feminine influence and an unabashed lack of rules. United by unspoken love and in search of a road forward, the three multi-generational boys – father and sons alike – must each find their own way to grow up. Take a look at the official site for a trailer, this movie looks wonderful.

So you would like one of the 10 double sneak peak passes? They are valid for Friday 6th,Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November in participating cinemas across the country. All you have to do is be in the first 10 to submit your RSVP hopscotchfilms.com.au/RSVP/blog/ That’s it…super easy! *psst* if you miss out, keep an eye on All for Women later today

Telstra has released a new site, Mum 2.0 to give Mums a digital makeover and help bring them up to speed on using technology to stay connected with family.

New research reveals that 70 per cent of Australian mums currently use social networking websites to keep in touch with their family; however 81 per cent of these users admit to having fears and insecurities about using such services, according to Telstra’s State of the Nation Report. And it is not just mums in their 20’s and 30’s who are using social networking sites, 45-65 year old mums are adopting technology as a way to stay connected.

Despite Aussie mums’ desire to use social networking sites to stay connected with their family, their children don’t see these sites as a way of connecting with their parents. Children over 16 years old are most likely to decline friend requests from their parents to avoid the embarrassment of baby photos and grammar corrections ending up on their homepage.

Telstra State of the Nation report revealed nationally:

* 81 per cent of Aussie mums have fears and insecurities about their use of online social networking.
* 61 per cent of Aussie mums use Facebook regularly – 47 per cent of these mums use it daily and 14 per cent use it at least once a week
* 65 per cent of Aussie mums contact their immediate family via online social networking at least once a week.
* More than 47 per cent of mums aged 45-65 used social networking websites to view their children’s pages.

The digital makeover comes by way of a series of 6 clever tutorial videos. A must watch even if you aren’t in need of a lesson. As well as a facebook page with more tips

The Telstra Mum 2.0 program is giving mums the right tools and advice to connect with their family and friends in today’s online world.

Mums can register for a “Digital Makeover” online so they can complete their training and become an accredited Mum 2.0, enabling them to feel more confident to more effectively communicate with their kids on social networking sites. Visit Telstra Mum 2.0 for more details.

The threat is growing with around 4.4 million Australians (26 per cent) having now been affected by identity theft, up from 3.8 million (23 per cent) for the same period last year.

Identity fraud occurs when thieves steal identifying details from victims by raiding their bins, by stealing their mail, through internet phishing scams or by convincing them to divulge personal details in person or over the phone.

The Facts

• 75% of Australians throw out enough personal information, such as credit card statements, in their rubbish and recycling to put them at risk of identity fraud
• 87% of Australians are concerned about identity theft
• According to The Australian Federal Police (AFP), identity fraud costs the nation up to $4 billion a year
• When it comes to concerns about identity fraud, women fear financial loss, poor credit rating, feeling personally violated and embarrassment far more than men
• 81% of middle Australia (household income $40k – $69k) are most likely to put themselves at risk of identity theft by throwing out personal information such as utility bills and credit card statements
• Personal information such as your date of birth, address, mother’s maiden name and passwords are now as valuable as money. This is enough information for a fraudster to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, loans and much more.

Visit Stop ID Theft for more information on ways you can reduce the risk of identity theft. You can take the online Identity Fraud – Are You At Risk? Test to assess how safe your identity really is.

But wait, there’s more!

The give away isn’t over just yet. If you can spare a few minutes to fill in this survey you have a chance to win another $250 Coles Myer voucher..easy!

Fill in the Survey to Win

The survey closes 14th October and only open to Australian Residents.

Party plan is a term synonymous with fluffy slippers, a host with a lounge room of giggling women, and sadly pyramid schemes. For years this vehicle for making money has been pushed aside, defamed, ridiculed and the butt of jokes. But who’s really having the last laugh? In a tough economic climate, this time tested means for making money has become the salvation for many. Party planners are laughing all the way to the bank, these everyday people who have put aside their prejudices and joined world wide recognised brands like Mary Kay, Tupperware, Creative Memories are making money, flying in the face of a recessionary tornado.

Why are party planners so successful? Simple, they sell everyday products consumed by everyday individuals, in everyday homes, all with the convenience of home shopping. In a time poor society, home shopping has becoming increasingly popular, akin to shopping online but with the added benefit of personal customer service.

According to the worldwide federation of direct selling this billion dollar industry, boosts annual sales of US$114 billion generated through the activities of more than 62 million independent sales representatives members world wide. Even former US president Bill Clinton, recognises the merits of the industry, officially endorsing the direct selling industry, saying ‘Direct selling strengthens the US and its economy, providing an opportunity for a better future’. In fact so popular is party plan, it is estimated, a Tupperware party starts somewhere in the world every 2.3 seconds;

‘Putting aside the statistics, there are too many success stories, to deny the industry its due merits. Well known author Robert Kiyosaki, of the bestseller, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, recognises the benefits offered by direct selling. He has been quoted singing the industries praises, he says ‘A business in direct selling is the ticket to what I call freedom money’. Where the average person can enjoy the benefits of financial success without the hassles associated with a traditional business’.

A complete misunderstanding of party plan, is probably the main reason why it is not readily considered as an alternative and safer option to start a business from home. Each and every day, across world small business owners are hitting the wall, sinking considerable amounts of capital, chasing their entrepreneurial dreams. Whereas a distributor has the opportunity to make money, with the support and stability from multi million dollar icons like Avon who have successfully weathered several recessions.

There are several reasons why party plan could work for you;

Flexibility work life balance

Party plan allows you to work the hours you want and when you want. Party plan consultants are rewarded according to the effort they exert. Mums in particular are empowered to work around their family’s busy schedule and commitments.

Equal opportunity

One of the endearing and compelling merits of party plan, is the underlining non-discriminatory nature of the industry.’ No prior qualifications are required to ensure success; you need only possess, commitment, determination and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Low Cost

Party plan provides anyone and everyone with an opportunity to realise their entrepreneurial dreams, this is in part because the cost to start a business as a party planner, is much more affordable than buying the latest designer pram. This is an important point, many budding entrepreneurs want to start their own business, but lack the capital to do so.

Low risk

Going into business for yourself, means you are not only risking personal capital you are exposed to a plethora of business related worries and stress, it can be very overwhelming and very risky. Party plan provides quite the opposite opportunity, you are exposed to a limited risk because you don’t bear the burden of the managing the company, your role is to simply support the company as a party plan consultant.

Free support

Party plan not only represents a relatively lower risk, party planners receive free training and enjoy the benefits of a well established business, including the support of a national marketing campaign, brand recognition and the strength in established systems and processes. Party planners are free of the cumbersome troubles that plague business owners, they are more empowered to get on with the job of building their business.

Passive income

Party plan offers the opportunity to earn passive income. Passive income is money you are entitled to without actually having to work for. For example once you sell a product to a customer, every time that same customer reorders, you will be entitled to a commission on the sale. Alternatively you could gain leverage by building a team, earning commissions from the sales made by your team. Most party plan companies empower their party planners to build teams – that’s money for jam.

For less than the cost of a designer pram, anyone and everyone can ‘Give it a Go’. Party plan is unequivocally the only equal opportunity where, few barriers to entry means no one is discriminated against, from the less educated to the Rhodes scholar, the defining point between success and failure is attitude.

For your chance to win a copy simply leave a comment telling us what other books Sonia has written. Visit her site Show Mummy the Money for hints.

Competition closes Friday 2nd October. Entry only open to Australian Residents.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers for Australian Women, with 1 in 9 expected to be diagnosed by the age of 85. The NBCF’s research into prevention and cure is helping to create better treatment options and improved outcomes. In the last decade, deaths from breast cancer have decreased by approximately 22%.

By attending an event, holding a breakfast at work or at home, or simply by spending your spare change on a pink ribbon, you can make a direct contribution to stopping this disease that affects mums, wives, sisters, girlfriends and their families.

Here are just a few easy ways that you can support the work of the NBCF:

Pink Ribbon Breakfasts

Anyone, anywhere around Australia can host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to support breast cancer research, so spread the word! Celebrity chefs and NBCF ambassadors, Peter Evans and Michael Moore will be sharing their yummy pink breakfast ideas throughout October. Of course if you like a sleep-in, why not have a brunch or afternoon tea? Your only limit is your imagination!

Since it began in 2003, more than 20,000 Australians have held a breakfast and helped raise over $10million for research. The aim is to take this figure past $13million this October so lots of enthusiastic brekkie hosts are needed.

An exciting new way to join in the fun is the option of holding a Virtual Breakfast! You might be overseas, too time-poor to hold an actual breakfast or just prefer the convenience of online fundraising. Setting up your own Pink Ribbon Breakfast page at www.pinkribbonbreakfast.org.au where friends and family can donate to your virtual breakfast is quick and easy (and there’s no washing up to do afterwards!)

You can raise money through gold coin donations, food sales, raffles and auctions, with a Pink Ribbon Breakfast the perfect excuse to get together with friends and family and support a good cause at the same time. All hosts will receive a Host Information Booklet with fundraising ideas and suggestions to make your breakfast a scrumptious success.

Registrations open from mid-August, and Breakfasts can be held throughout September and October. Visit Pink Ribbon Breakfast for more information.

Pink Ribbon Day

Rock a ribbon this October and show that you’re a supporter of breast cancer research. Every ribbon sold helps take us one step closer to prevention and cure so wear it proudly on Pink Ribbon Day, Monday October 26. But it’s not just ribbons – there’s a funky new bauble bracelet, and for the guys, a ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ button badge!

Street sales of the pink ribbon will take place around the country on Friday October 2, and through select retail outlets.

Pink Products

Looking to ‘pink up’ your breakfast or fundraising event? Then log onto NBCF’s online shop www.pinkribbonshop.org.au, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reliable delivery throughout Australia means you can order anything from a pink ribbon t-shirt, to balloons and mugs, and have them conveniently bought straight to your door. NBCF merchandise makes a thoughtful gift, and with every purchase, you’re contributing directly to helping us find a cure.

Our merchandise isn’t just for the ladies, with the black polo with subtle pink ribbon a great way for men to show their support for the cause; of course, there’s a pale pink version as well! There’s a whole range of unisex items to suit both the chef and the sportsperson, with a new design striped pink apron, oven mitt and tea-towel set getting you ready for your Pink Ribbon Breakfast, while pink sports socks and wrist sweatbands will keep you cool on and off the court.

Or visit the list of retailers selling special pink items with percentage of sales going to breast cancer researc.

It’s the perfect excuse to go shopping, without the guilt! Visit www.pinkribbonshop.org.au today.

Global Illumination

The brainchild of Ms. Evelyn Lauder, Global Illumination sees famous icons worldwide lit pink to promote breast cancer awareness. 2009 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Estee Lauder Companies Global Illumination campaign in Australia, with the Sydney Opera House and Federation Square in Melbourne turning pink, with many more to come!

The official launch of Breast Cancer Month will take place on Thursday September 24, with an exclusive cocktail event in Sydney on this date, with various other fundraising events around Australia during October. Visit Global Illumination for more info.

Tell us if you know of any other Breast Cancer Month events.

Are you sitting down? Good….did you know that there are just over 100 days till Christmas!

Are you like me, and leave everything till last minute, so it’s too late to organise a lot of the great present ideas. You always say next year will be different..but it never is. Let us all pledge to make this year different!

I have a super great gift idea right here. You could even win a $200 voucher to make a fabulous gift for free!

Clickonprint is an Australian owned company, based in Queensland offering a range of fun photo printing products at a great price.

Don’t leave your photos hidden away on your memory card or hard drive. You can put together a beautiful photo book from as little as $29.95!

I love the idea of putting together a recipe book with maybe your Mum’s or her Mum’s recipes together in a book, with photos, what a special gift and memory that would be. Would be great for wedding pictures, or holiday snaps..just about anything really.

Making your own book is easy. You just download the Clickonprint software, and you will be designing your own photobook in no time.

They can also print your photos on a canvas, calendar or you could even make your own Christmas cards.

For your chance to win a $200 Clickonprint voucher, let us know what kind of photobook you would make.

Entry open only to Australian residents. Entries close Monday 28th September 2009 6pm.

Last week the family set out for Dubbo Zoo, which is around 370km/5hrs from Sydney.

On our way, stopping off at Bathurst for a spin around Mount Panorama was a must. While the Koleos isn’t a sports car of beefy V8 it certainly still has some balls for a 4 cylinder car, as I have come to discover at many a traffic light .

Mums will know, even for just one night, how much crap comes along with a family of 5. A bag each of clothes, and toys, and teddies…your pillow. Nothing gets left behind. Jamming all this into our car can sometimes be a bit of a squeeze (though the large woofer in the boot of our car does not help) There was plenty of space in the boot for all our stuff. The spilt tailgate makes it easy for even the kids to get their stuff in and out. The nifty retractable cargo cover hides your mess, and keeps it all in where it should be.

All the new cars are bragging about their fuel efficiency and “greenness”, I was interested to see just how much we could squeeze out of the Koleos. The car has a 65lt fuel tank, and we were able to get over 600km from a full tank. I was pleasantly surprised,  there was a lot of steep hills coming over the mountain. I drove most of the way, and according to “some” I am a bit of a lead foot. Apparently it’s all thanks to the CVT (continuously variable transmission). Reading over the specs on delivery, eyes glazed over and I thought Mmm right whatever, means nothing to me, I’m not going to notice. Basically it means the car doesn’t change gears like a regular auto, and it is a little weird for the first few days because you actually do notice.

No roadtrip is complete without the music, the iphones were packed with lots of tunes. The Koleos we are driving comes with a standard AM/FM stereo, 4 speakers with CD player with a handy AUX input (the Privilege model comes with a Bose 7 speaker system with woofer). It had some big shoes to fill, my husband is a bit of a car stereo nut. Any new car we get, the sound system is usually ripped out and replaced within a week. I don’t mind it a little loud and window rattling myself For a basic system, the sound is fantastic, even at high volume there it is clear with no distortion. The steering wheel controls are super handy, no need to take your eyes of the wheel to fiddle with the stereo.

All great stuff, but for a long car trip with kids, I think THE best feature has to be the tray tables in the back.

It kept the kids quiet for ages, drawing and colouring and playing games. Also was handy for  the laptop so that they could watch some TV.

We went on Zoofari at Dubbo zoo and had an absolute ball, you can read more about it with all the boring holiday snaps at my personal blog.

Have you entered the Renault Koleos Giveaway for your chance to win a brand new laptop, or 1 of 2 $100 Gift vouchers?

]]> http://www.allforwomen.com.au/2009/08/renault-koleos-roadtrip/feed/ 2 http://www.allforwomen.com.au/2009/08/renault-koleos-roadtrip/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AllForWomen/~3/GXeaIEwZnSQ/ http://www.allforwomen.com.au/2009/08/tasty-tuna-challenge/#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:48:21 +0000 Leigh http://www.allforwomen.com.au/?p=708 I was recently Invited to join a recipe challenge for John West’s new Tuna and beans. Yes, I know how strange that sounds, I thought the same thing. What a weird combination!

The Tuna and Beans come in 3 flavours Three Beans, Roasted Capsicum & Three Beans and Capsicum, Sweet Corn, Red Kidney Beans & Chilli. They come in 185g tins with a cute little spork, great for a snack on the go. You can check out more info at John West, along with the farting tuna vid..it’s a must see (you knew that joke was coming, right?).

We had the Sweet Corn, Red Kidney Beans & Chilli flavour, and on it’s own from the can it was actually quite yummy!

The challenge was to come up with a creative dish using the new John West Tuna. Me..the packet mix queen! Food blogger I am not, but umm OK, I’ll give it a go. So I have been trying to come up with something..anything. Beyond an obvious Tuna rice salad..I had nothing.

Then last night, during pizza night manpet thought..lets put it on a Pizza! Stay with me people..truly I am not mad.

I make my own dough, but you could also use those pita type prepared bases from the supermarket.

We added some..

• tomato pizza sauce
• 1/2 the can of tuna
• A mix of tasty, parmesan and mozzarella cheese (of course you could just use some light tasty and not the extra bocconcini on top to keep it a little more healthy )
• Red onion
• Roma tomato

There are lots of different things you could add, some basil perhaps..but the possibilities are endless.

And voilà here we have tuna pizza. It.was.awesome! We ended up making 2, as the kids loved it. Makes a change to the usual boring ham and pineapple they usually want.

Now, your challenge if you choose to accept it is to give the Tuna and Beans a go for yourself and make your own creations. Head on over to Nuffnang and claim your free samples! And let us know what you come up with.

I do a lot of driving for work, sometimes 150km in a day so it has given me a chance to get very familiar with her (a car that pretty has to be a her, yeah?)

Having played with all the goodies, the feature I am really enjoying right now is the speed limiter. This is awesome! Every car should have one. But then it seem not as many drivers are interested in actually doing the speed limit like I am, but that is a whole other rant. Being a P plater, I can’t afford to be caught speeding. No second chances, you get busted and you lose your licence. And let me tell you, it is SO easy to speed in this thing, you are doing 80 before you even realise..in a 50 zone..opps.

Once you turn it on, all the controls are on the steering wheel. Up and down to select your desired speed, and that’s it. The car will not allow you or it to go over that speed. Easy as!  Of course, there maybe situations where you need some extra speed to avoid danger, so you put the peddle to the floor and this will disengage the limiter.

Being a 4WD, no test would be complete without out a bit of 4 wheel action. The car has an auto setting, which will detect the best setting for the conditions, which is 2 wheel for regular driving and then it will change to 4 wheel when need. But there is a switch on the console and you can lock it in 2 or 4 wheel if you prefer.

We went to explore some fire trails in Kurrajong which are part of the Greater Blue Mountains Drive. This is a fantastic idea, beautiful drive, I urge all Sydney folks to check it out, get out there and experience some of our backyard, you don’t know what you are missing. Most of the drive can be done in a regular car.

The track was an easy drive, which was great as we have never been 4WDing before. It took about an hour, but was over too soon. We loved it so much, have some more tracks planned to explore Friday and over the weekend.

Next week we are off on a road trip to Dubbo and Western Plains Zoo on Zoofari. Really looking forward to that, If I survive the kids and the Homer GPS asking “Are we there yet?!”

Have you entered the Renault Koleos Giveaway for your chance to win a brand new laptop, or 1 of 2 $100 Gift vouchers?