Female Friendly Blog

Keeping 2011 a positive and happy year

2011-02-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

Into 2011 we find ourselves frazzled from the holidays and actually glad to get back into routine. A fresh year and a fresh start. The possibilities of this year should get you very excited. Unpredictability can certainly throw us off course but it can also turn our lives around to where we want to be. A saying I heard recently made me think. 'If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans'...'But if you REALLY want to crack him up laughing, tell him HOW you intend to do it'.

I am all for goal setting. I believe it is the most important mind petrol we can put in our tank. It gives us direction, motivation and sets in motion the realisation of our dreams... and then, in turn, our reality. Just keep in mind though, despite the most concrete and best laid plans, things happen along the way that you may not be ready for. Some disguise themselves and huge problems and changes that, in the end, turn out to be all for the best. Other things can come along just when you hit rock bottom (of course, the only way is up then anyway right?). These things not only give you the sign that makes you realise 'everything is going to be ok' but they also keep you on track when you are about to brake, pull over, get out and walk away.

So this year, don't worry about all the potential problems that could arise. Remember, 90% of the things we worry about never happen. Just think and focus on the possibilities and live with the mindset that knows, and will recognise, all the amazing opportunities and circumstances that come along.

To get what you want out of life, create the habit of a positive attitude and enjoy watching the success and happiness that comes your way.

6 Steps to a Positive Life

1. Take passionate action towards living your life. Remember, passion and positive attitude are contagious so you are likely to attract some like minded people who surround you and keep you sailing along with a smile.

2. Remember small, positive daily habits compound every day which eventually lead you to the life you live. Read 'The Compound Effect' by Darren Hardy (www.thecompoundeffect.com) and learn how to achieve the big goals you want and can achieve by dissolving the overwhelming feeling of so much to make happen.

3. Believe that each moment is perfect regardless of its outcome. Remember, everything happens for a reason AND in perfect timing. Good can come from everything, no matter how bad it may be at the time. Keep strong, gain strength and use it to become even more determined! Do you really think that life will cruise along without any hiccups ever? If you look at who you are, the bumps along the way have helped you grow as a person more than all the times we simply sat and ate ice cream and played on the beach!

4. Be grateful. Just practice this. Next time life seems to be crumbling down around your ears, stop. Count at least five things you are grateful for and feel your energy change straight away. It could be something as simply as your good eyesight, your dog, your ability to drive a car, maybe that million dollars you won in lotto last week.....seriously, even be grateful for all the things that are about to happen. Just because you haven't 'lived them' yet, know that they ARE coming!

5. Keep a sense of humour. Learn to laugh and this will create a positive attitude. Don't take life too seriously. It can become exhausting. Most things are a matter of perspective so confide in a friend that will get mad with you, cry with you then get the funny movie and chocolate out for you. Life is short and stress will make you unwell (causing more bumps on the road). You'll be so much more attractive with a sense of humour and the ability to laugh away any unhappy or awkward moments. Like all positive dispositions, the people around you will appreciate it too!

6. Life is not what you do, it's who you are. It's not what happens to us, it's how we respond to each situation. Your life is a blank page and you hold the pen. Doesn't that make you smile? All those blank pages to write? Just remember, most importantly, to get those coloured crayons out every now and again and play!

HOW TO SELL TO WOMEN AS CHRISTMAS BEGINS

2010-11-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing to think that it is November 2010 already! As I've said, Father Christmas is coming any day now and the shopping centres are all getting ready to fill up their tills with the money from women everywhere who are already getting a start on present-getting. Sure, with Christmas coming, sales increase because you can offer things now that will make great gifts. Keep in mind though, you are not only competing with other businesses but also on-line shopping this year. So, how can you be sure that you are ready as this powerful demographic of spenders gets ready to walk through your door? Here are some tips that might help you out….

How to Sell to Women

1. Do Not Assume that if a woman appears a little scruffy that she does not have the money to purchase anything of too much value. She could simply be in the middle of school-holiday-meltdown or be purposely underdressed so as not to be pressured unnecessarily on her visit. Simply smile and let her know you are there to answer any questions she might have.

2. Keep yourself presentable and approachable. Dress professionally and if possible wear/model what you are selling. I was in a store recently and a lady has a gorgeous dress on from that store. “I know”, she said “but this was last season and no longer available”….Aaargh!

3. This can be the case in other industry’s. Don’t tell the customer that you personally own “a particular item” and its great. Too bad you don’t stock that item anymore. Grrrr! It’s as bad as telling a customer that what they are looking for happened to be at a sale price… and that the sale finished YESTERDAY!!

4. Be eye-catching and creative. Women appreciate interesting styles of advertising. Approach all women as you would men, knowing they are just as intelligent and many are heads of households or businesses. Women cannot be placed in stereotypical roles when you are advertising. The mother with the pram may be the CEO of a company or that lady in the ugg boots with no make-up may have the day off due to a sore foot and be out looking for a new car!

5. Do not appear intimidating, threatening or uninterested when women approach you for business. A wrong attitude could cost you a sale or client. Never underestimate the sharp intuition of a women and their quick ability to subconsciously read body language in an instant!

I hope that some of these ideas help you in this busy season. Try not to lose perspective during this hectic time of year. Don’t roll your eyes when another customer comes in the door at your busiest moment. Just think, your eyes will roll a lot more if the customers leave you alone, like you might be secretly wishing, at that moment. Just remember, its only November…. practice for the even crazier upcoming December!

Let The Christmas Preparations Begin!!!

2010-11-01T03:28:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing to think that it is November 2010 already! Father Christmas is coming any day now and the shopping centres are all getting ready to hit us with their best gift ideas, stocking fillers and have-to-haves for under the tree.

It’s a good time to think about preparing for the season and the holidays which will be here before you know it!

Christmas shopping...

According to a recent study by Roy Morgan Research, around 60 per cent of Australians dislike Christmas shopping, just 20 per cent plan their shopping expeditions, and the majority of us (nearly 75 per cent) often come home without a single purchase for our efforts. Stress reduction strategies for successful Christmas shopping include:
• Make a list of all the gifts you wish to buy before you go shopping. If you wait for inspiration to strike, you could be wandering aimlessly around the shopping centre for hours.
• Buy a few extras, such as chocolates, just in case you forget somebody or you have unexpected guests bearing gifts.
• If possible, do your Christmas shopping early - in the first week of December or even in November (that means start NOW girls!!). Some well-organised people do their Christmas shopping gradually over the course of the year, starting with the post-Christmas sales.
• Keep a Christmas list on you all the time as you may see lovely gifts when popping to a chemist one night!
Part info taken from Better Health Channel

Try not to fall for the classic sales speels that are said. “This is the last one”…”It goes back to full price tomorrow”…”I can’t hold it, you have to take it now”.. Keep in mind the stores are all competing for your business and they are also competing with on-line shopping this year more than ever. This is good news as competition means more bargains for you and hopefully better customer service than ever. Bargains are everywhere but watch out for your spending as these may be bargains but they STILL cost money!!

Let us know of any business that treats you well despite the hectic season so we can contact them for recognition and Female Friendly™ Accreditation. There are women everywhere looking for some happy salespeople this time of year to relieve the pressure of shopping and services. Start now so your nearly done before school holidays begin and the last minute rush starts. This will help you to enjoy Christmas and hopefully relieve some of the pressure that builds before Christmas Morning!

And for all those parents out there, on behalf of your children, I want to ask that you sneak them out of school one day before the crowded holidays and spend a day in the city visiting Father Christmas making memories that they, or you, will cherish forever. Those little faces won’t always light up when they see funny mirrors, fairy floss, elves or twinkly lights and before you know it they will be all grown up and ‘too cool’ to stand for a photo with a giant rocking horse! So take the time to look into the faces of loved ones as the silly season starts and don’t let the shopping bug distract you from what Christmas is all about!

What Women Want!

2010-09-27T04:22:00.000-07:00

School holidays. Like alot of you, I find the bittersweet luxury I take for granted of working during the week, gets thrown out the window this time of year. Even if you don't have children, alot of the associates you need to be dealing with are often away or stressed out. I must admit though, being forced to stay at home and finally fire up that bob-cat to clean out my children's playroom, has given me the opportunity to read some of the books in my "come outside and watch me mum" moments. Today I was reminded how important Female Friendly was when I was reading a book called "Women Want More" by Michael Silverstien and Kate Sayre 2009. I am determine to give women what they are looking for through the Female Friendly Accredited community of amazing, hard working businesses out there that really understand what Female Friendly is all about.

Sure, this book is not the average reading of a mum taking a break on school holidays. I still find comfort (and escape) in the glimpses of hope that reading magazines give me about celebrity's 'Get Airbrushed & Skinny Quick' diets and my books that are full of recipes my kids will never eat. But my favourite books are ones that can really open my eyes, and simply, teach me something. So bear with me as I share with you a paragraph I read a moment ago which really punches home how important your support is in our growing company.

This is what Female Friendly is all about. Simply looking after women.

"...Above all, women want agents of leverage - ways to find time, save time, free up time. They want businesses with companies that care, listen, and respond to their needs and desires. They want to associate with brands that respect and honour a privileged relationship with the female consumer, they want to align with companies that act as enablers, enhancers, protectors. And when women find a product or service that truly meets these needs, they can become apostles for the brand. They will compliment brands that deliver and will complain about brands that don't. They will share their opinions within their social networks, which can be far-reaching. They can help a company increase its profits quickly and help a brand take root in the society." "Women Want More" by Michael Silverstien and Kate Sayre 2009

I share this with you because I need you to understand how important you are in influencing the way society spends and how much you influence businesses booming. You really have more of an impact than you think. Finding businesses in your local area that reflect "What Women Want" are found not by who spends the most on their glossy flyers or who has the best web site, but these businesses grow strongly through women like yourselves passing on positive experiences to friends and family. Most businesses will tell you that this is the number one way they grow (other than if they get a spot on Oprah!). So ladies, and all those dads, brothers, sons, boyfriends and husbands out there that we hear from supporting us, keep up the good work by letting us know who it is in YOUR local area that needs to be recognised as Female Friendly Accredited. Save each other time and headaches by simply letting each other know where to go. Days of shopping around with your fingers crossed are coming to an end as social networks and communicating with each other has become so much more convenient, instant and, most of all, how many more people you reach these days as your networks have expanded!

Computers with emails and facebook, iphones with texting and calling... all of it is a part of everyday life and it is all very hi-tech and fast paced reflecting our times. It's funny to think though, that despite all of these advanced toys and the high-speed carnival lifestyles we juggle today , there is one thing that guides and directs us and it hasn't changed since the first women in history gave some advice to to a friend. That is the power and influence of the simple word of mouth.

Tips for choosing the right flooring thanks to CARPET MART (Flinders Park, SA)

2010-06-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

With the huge variety of floor coverings available. It can be confusing to say the least. Here are some top tips that will help you make the right decision for your needs.

1. Determine your budget.
Pay as much as you can afford on your flooring. Floor coverings are an investment, and quality flooring will live up to your expectations for many years. A cheap buy is not necessarily a bargain.

2. Think about what flooring would be appropriate for your needs
(What is your expectation of the performance of your new flooring). Think about the amount of traffic through your home, and whether the flooring you are looking at is appropriate to your needs. Luxury looking carpet might look great on the showroom wall but is it appropriate for your family

3. Colour
(If you have gone through steps 1 & 2 then you can start thinking about colour. Again this will be determined by your lifestyle. It is not necessarily true that the darker the flooring the less dirt you will see. Very dark colours will show everything. And of course very light colours can be dangerous around young children, and some adults. It is a rule of thumb, where possible, that when decorating start from the bottom up. Don’t try to match the flooring with your paint colour, furniture, pillows, cushions, bench tops, etc. Choose your flooring first, everything else will fall into place. And whenever possible ask for a Free – no obligation measure & quote in your home. Flooring in our Showroom can look totally different in your home. This is a must and will give you an opportunity to discuss with the consultant the installation process of your flooring.

4. The Final Price
If you are getting competitive quotes, ensure they’re on the same basis: compare apples to apples! Ask for the bottom line figure. The price per metre might sound inviting. (and remember square metre and broadloom metre are significantly different) but does it include everything you are expecting. Do you need your existing flooring pulled up and taken away, do you need help with furniture, is there floor preparation required, does the price include underlay and installation. Will they overlock any lift over carpet pieces into mats for you. And will your flooring be installed in a timely and professional manner. All of these extras can add up at the end of the day, and you might be in for a nasty surprise. Be specific about what you want, and what you expect

Thanks to CARPET MART
269 Grange Rd
FLINDERS PARK, SA, 5025
Phone: 08 8234 8970

Buying parts for your car from Sprint Auto Parts Edwardstown

2010-06-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

Buying parts for your car from Sprint Auto Parts Edwardstown

“I need something to fix my car”.
“What’s the problem and what car is it”?
“It’s broken down and it’s white, I think”.

An extreme example perhaps but it does happen like this at times, and not just with female owners.

Whilst we do our best in cases such as this to determine if we can help with a part or recommend a service agent to affect a repair, the process can be completed faster and with less stress for all parties by having some essential information ready before you shop. In this article we have provided a list of the details you should be aware of and where to find them when seeking parts or information for your car.

What car do you own?

Irrespective of knowing what is actually wrong with your car, unless you know the following information there is little chance of being provided with the correct part to fix the problem. The key things to know are:

1. What is the make & model, i.e. Mazda 3, 4 door sedan or 5 door hatch.
2. What month & year was it manufactured.
3. What is the engine size.
4. Is it automatic or manual.
5. How many kilometres has it travelled.

Items 1 & 2 are the key pieces of information as unfortunately motor vehicle manufacturers do not seem to take into account the vagaries of parts supply caused by changes to vehicle models mid cycle or mid year. It is surprising how many parts can be subtlety altered between say a May and June build date, even though the outside of the vehicle has not changed. Generally, if altered, these parts are not interchangeable between models.

Where do I find this information?

The two key places to source this information are:

1. The owners hand book that is usually stored in the glove box will cover the first three items in the opening pages. These are completed by the dealer at the time of sale. Item 4 should be self evident and item 5 can be noted from the odometer strip contained within the speedometer.

2. Should the owners hand book be missing, items 1, 2 & 3, can usually be obtained by a combination of noting the badges on the vehicle & from the vehicle build plate. This latter item is an aluminium plate fixed to the car at manufacture and is usually in the engine bay attached to the top of a mudguard or the rear wall of the engine bay.

By providing the above information our trained and experienced staff can quickly determine if the part is actually available for your car, whether we have it in stock or can obtain it for you, and finally the price of the item. If we can not obtain it for you (some parts are only available from the manufacturer or no longer produced) we will be happy to suggest alternative sources of supply.

What’s wrong with your car?

It should be noted that whilst we consider our staff to be excellent at their job and they regularly go beyond just selling you a part, we are not a mechanical workshop and do not have the facilities to undertake replacement / repair work, or be able to determine what is actually at fault with your car, unless we have seen the problem before or it is obvious to us.

If you don’t know what the problem is with your car then it is necessary to obtain the advice of a trained mechanic or some one who knows what to look for so that we can provide you with the correct part to enable the repair or replacement to be affected.

If your car does break down and you can’t get it to a workshop, then the best option in the first instance is to call the RAA for roadside assistance.

The team at Sprint Auto Parts, Edwardstown look forward to seeing more “Female Friendly” customers in their store and welcome any feedback on further improvements they can make to ensure the experience is as fast and enjoyable as possible.

Thanks to SPRINT AUTO PARTS
935 South Road
EDWARDSTOWN
SA, 5039,
Phone: 08 8371 4944
Mobile: 0405 521 033

Financial Advice from JUNO Wealth Management

2010-06-28T19:35:00.001-07:00

Financial Advice – It’s for everyone!

Many of us will earn a million dollars or more in our lifetime – but will only manage to keep a small fraction of it for ourselves. Sound financial planning is necessary for anyone who wants to enjoy a secure financial future – no matter what they want to achieve in life and no matter how much money they earn. The earlier you start saving the better off you are in the long run.

Steps to a successful financial future?

1. Work out your financial goals
Decide where you want to go with your financial plan. Start by establishing some short-term goals to help you stay motivated.

2. Work out a budget and stick to it!
Work out where your money is going and how much you can afford to put aside for your future. There are many good budget planners around, so have a look around until you find one that you like. The government website www.fido.gov.au has an easy to use budget planner.

3. Seek advice to establish a financial plan
With the assistance of a Financial Adviser, sit down and establish realistic financial goals. Make a plan of how you will achieve those goals and set a review programme in place to ensure that you stay on track.

How will a financial adviser help me achieve my financial goals?
A financial adviser can recommend strategies that can help you realize your goals. They follow a methodical process to ensure that any strategies that are developed are appropriate for you given your current situation and your financial goals. They review your situation on a regular basis to ensure that you stay on track.

The areas that a financial adviser will look at are:

Maximising cashflow
Debt reduction
Short term and long term savings goals
Investment advice
Personal & family protection
Retirement planning
Estate planning – including Wills and Powers of Attorney
How do I go about choosing a financial adviser?
There are many different financial advisers around and it is important to match yourself with the right one:

Ask a friend for a referral
Most people are referred to a financial adviser by a friend or relative who have had a positive experience.

Look for someone you can trust
Most financial advisers offer a free initial consultation. This gives you the opportunity to meet with the adviser and get a feel for their business and their ability to build a long term relationship to assist you with your financial goals.

Be Prepared
Before your first appointment write down some financial goals. Have a good think about what it is that you want to get out of the process and in the initial interview ask questions about the financial adviser, their qualifications, area of expertise and how they charge. A financial adviser is obligated to provide you with a Financial Services Guide (FSG) on the first meeting, which should outline their educational qualifications, the areas in which they are able to give advice and how they charge for their services.

How much will a Financial Plan cost?
Financial advice is a valuable service, which like seeing an accountant or a lawyer carries a cost. The cost depends upon the complexity of the advice and the level of service that is provided by the financial adviser.

There should be no hidden costs and all cost estimates should be provided to you in the first meeting (which is usually free of charge).

For further information, or for a free initial consultation, please contact Verona on 1300 814 188.

Electrical Testing & Tagging by Female Friendly Accredited Business APT Test & Tag

2010-05-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

What is Electrical Test & Tagging?

The Australian and New Zealand Standards, (AS/NZ 3760), specifies that a safety inspection and testing of all electrical equipment which is designed for connection by a flexible cord to a general power outlet, must be completed regularly.

Why Should I have it completed?

Electrical testing and tagging should be standard in all workplaces. “Every employer has a duty of care to ensure that every employee is safe from injury and risks to health while at work. This is a wide-ranging responsibility, which involves taking action to control risks associated with hazards in the workplace. For all electrical equipment and fixed wiring the employer must undertake hazard identification and risk assessment of these situations, to eliminate the risk of electrical hazards.” (source: Workcover-information Sheet No5)

Under OHSW Regulations, (1995), it is law to maintain a safe working environment as follows:
Section 2.5.7 Inspection of Electrical Plant
Regular inspection and testing must be performed if supply of electricity is through a socket outlet.

Applicable to:

Electrical plant that is

- Handheld
- Moved while in operation
- Moved between operations
- Within an operating environment that could affect electrical safety

Fixed Plant

- Required hazard identification & risk assessment relevant to its use in the intended work environment
- With consideration of information provided by the designer and manufacturer
Source: http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/R/OCCUPATIONAL%20HEALTH%20SAFETY%20AND%20WELFARE%20REGULATIONS%201995/CURRENT/1995.12.UN.PDF
Go to www.safework.sa.gov.au for further information

As an employer you are obliged under OHSW regulations to ensure workplace safety for your employees.
As an employee, you should approach your employer and request that this be done as soon as possible.

Apt Test and Tag will:

- deliver a safety inspection and testing of all your electrical appliances and devices.
- complete a visual inspection for damage especially to the insulation
- check there is no electrical insulation leakage
- complete earth circuit testing
- attach a Tag stating date tested, retest date & serial number.

Testing Frequency is determined by a number of factors. Some items need to be tested every 3 months, some items up to 5 years.

“Ensure your electrical ‘appliance compliance’ with apt test & tag”
Contact Barry Mercer 2 Highland Ave, ROSTREVOR, SA, 5073

Phone: 08 8337 3773 Mobile: 0435 045 581

Smart Marketing Advice from Female Friendly Accredited Business PROVEN MARKETING

2010-05-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Planning
The most important stage of your marketing process is to have a plan. Do you have a clear view of what you want to achieve and how this will occur? Putting a plan in place will ensure all your marketing works together to create a consistent and compelling influence on consumers to buy your product or service and identify with your brand.

Yes they take some time, but you can find a good marketing template at: http://www.business.vic.gov.au/BUSVIC/STANDARD/PC_63397.html

Your marketing plan is likely to include some of “The Marketing Ps”, product, place, price, positioning, packaging, publicity, promotion, the list goes on! In this article, I’ll focus on promotion as a way of marketing your brand.

Promotion
There are three key areas to consider when planning a promotional campaign:

Target market
Message
Frequency
Target Market
Who are you talking to? This might sound simple, but I have so many people say, “Oh we target everyone from 18-80…we appeal to them all!” Quite simply, no you don’t.

There are a set of defining characteristics or behaviours that make your customers buy your product or service. While those things may be difficult to discern in some cases, and you may not have the budget to do market research to find out, consider this:

“If you talk to everyone, nobody listens. Talk to one person and everybody eavesdrops.”

So pick your ideal customer, imagine what her life is like and how your product plays a part in it. Then talk to her. This will focus all your marketing efforts on the right person, and other potential customers will sit up and take notice of you.

Message
Once you’ve discovered your ideal customer, you need to create a message that will appeal to her and cut through the masses of other advertising vying for her attention.

The best way to do this is find your point of difference. A point of difference is something that sets you apart from your competitors. A point of difference gives customers an intelligent reason to purchase your product, but the real key is to connect with them on an emotional level and translate this to action.

If you are not confident to do this, seek the assistance of an expert. They will be able to help you express your point of difference in your marketing communications. They will also be able to create a communications schedule that will reach your potential customers at the right times.

Frequency
Consider your brand and your customers as having a friendship. If you don’t talk to your friends eventually you’ll fade into the background and the friendship will die. It’s the same with your brand. You need to keep reminding your customers that you are the right brand for them.

When the time comes, you’ll be first on their shopping list.

For more information on smart marketing and strategic planning, contact:

Alice Hobbs
Marketing Director
Proven Marketing
p. 08 8342 0873
e. alicehobbs@provenmarketing.com.au

Accreditation Officers Needed

2010-05-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

What an overwhelming response we have had to the girls going 'out on the road' to visit and accredit our Female Friendly Accredited businesses. It just goes to show the power of face-to-face business compared to over-the-phone-email business. How proud our businesses are to show us their lovely show rooms. The girls are greeted and get to know who they are looking after. Suzii and Leeanne are here in Adelaide and personally know the position of all the businesses around Australia. As we are growing, of course we are needing more Accreditation Officers around Australia, in electoral areas, to make sure that our businesses are recognised and taken care of.

If you or someone you know, would be interested in helping us and joining our team, let us know and you will be out and about in the pink shirts helping us find the businesses that make Australia shine.... just like a silver shield!

Not Everyone is a Internt Whiz

2010-05-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

Its amazing to me how so many business people who work in offices, in front of computer screens all day, take assume that ALL business people (or even most people in general) are all up with the latest computer/email/i-phone/any-phone technology.

As Female Friendly develops and we look to streamline procedures etc. so we are more efficient in looking after our accredited businesses and also the women that use them, I constantly need to keep in mind that, like my busy mechanic husband who is under a bonnet all day with greasy hands, not ALL workers get opporunities throughout the day to check emails and receive text messages. Sure, the world is getting faster and more 'with it' tech wise, but getting paper mail and a nice phone call on a land line is still very much apart of our working world.

That's why I love our Female Friendly Girl's Night's Out! All those 'real live' women chatting 'face to face'... Wonderful! An atmosphere that can never, and will never, be replaced by any amount of social networking over a keyboard. Come along one night and see for yourself! Kylie x

Elizabeth

2010-05-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

If you want to know about Female Friendly, you need to know about some of the people behind the scenes. Elizabeth is my sister. She is also the General Manager of Female Friendly... the one that everyone looks at when a question about 'detail' is asked. Update the website? Elizabeth. Newsletter? Elizabeth. Staff structure? Proposals? Need flyers? Email responses? No milk for our morning cuppa? Yep... Elizabeth.

She is 30 years old and engaged to Mark. In true, fashionable cougar style, Mark is younger than Liz but mentally... hmmmm... can I at least say 'on par' without giving him an ego. They are getting married early next year which has given us many excuses to track to Heidleberg Cake shop to taste test delicious cakes (ok... its been quite a few times... you have to be sure though right?). In between the long, muddled hours at FF, she is trying on dresses and booking venues... even making sure that Teo, her four legged dependent, has a cute outfit for the day that only 'Googling' US websites can provide.

I just want to say, for Elizabeth and Mark to have given up their lives and work in Queensland and move here to South Australia just over a year ago, I really appreciate it. Because of her, the exciting things that are about to launch for Female Friendly, are possible and, I have to admit, are also going to be a whole lot more fun to watch unfold.

Thanks Liz.... oh, I mean,... Elizabeth (trying to keep it professional).

See? I DID type this blog myself. Can't speak for the next one though. One guess who will end up with that job!