by Sarah Blinco | Feb 4, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations, Travel Live Learn in the media
**this competition is now closed**
Writing competition 2014 Are you inspired?
–> this competition has now closed <–
Want your first piece of published work to appear in print for thousands of readers to see? We’re hosting a brand new competition for under 20s! SIX talented content creators from across Australia will each WIN a media star prize pack including:
1. Your piece published on the widely read travel and lifestyle site, www.travellivelearn.com and subsequent promotion throughout our associated media and education networks. This will also serve as a published piece which you can feature in your portfolio!
2. A personalised digital career mentoring session with a trainer and media professional from Media Bootcamp who will provide suggestions on what you could be doing now in pursuit of your dream career in media, magazines, communications or publishing.
3. A winner certificate.
4. A copy of popular Aussie media (radio, print, television) personality, Meshel Laurie’s new memoir, The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny.
5. And a chic fragrance from So…?
What are you waiting for? Enter now and showcase your talent to Australia and the world!
THE RULES
You must be an Australian resident aged between 16 and 20 to enter. If you are turning 16 this year you are eligible to enter also. You will submit a piece of written work, no longer than 500 words. Your piece can be any format – interview, poem, fiction, essay, personal story… anything you like, but it must relate to the theme “INSPIRE”. Entries open Tuesday 4 February and close Friday 28 February at 5pm EST. Entries will be judged by a panel of published authors and representatives from working Australian media, and will be critiqued on creativity and uniqueness, how compelling they are, quality of writing, attention to detail and presentation. The decision made by the judges is final, and there will be no revision of this decision. Stories must be your own original work. You confirm that your entry has never been previously published or broadcast in any form such as a book or eBook. However, you may enter work that has been published on your personal blog, but not elsewhere. You may not enter work that has previously won a prize. One entry per person only. Incomplete forms or entries will not be accepted. Copyright in all submissions to the competition remains with the respective entrants. However, entering the competition allows Sugoi Media and TravelLiveLearn.com the right to feature any or all of the submissions in any of our associated publications, websites, social media and/or in any promotional material connected to this competition. Entrants will be added to the Media Bootcamp mailing list but may unsubscribe at any time. If you are a winner, physical prizes will be posted to you via Australia Post. Promoter takes no responsibility for lost-in-the-mail prizes. Prizes are not transferable for cash, and cannot be transferred to another person. Please note, The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny does include mild use of coarse language and adult themes (drug and sexual references); Winners will be required to confirm that they/their families are happy to receive it (if not, the prize will not be replaced with another). Digital mentoring session comprises an email exchange(s) featuring personalised advice and action points with particular reference to winner’s goals. If you win, you are the only person who can redeem the prize. By entering it is understood that you agree with these terms and conditions.
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This competition is brought to you by Sugoi Media, Media Bootcamp, Get it Magazine, Get it Media, TravelLiveLearn.com, Hot Tamale Media Australia Pty Ltd
by Sarah Blinco | Feb 4, 2014 | Travel blogger destinations
We watched Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine over the weekend which lived up to its promise of being a character driven comedy/drama with wonderful performances, but with an ending that left a little to be desired. In fact, the ending was so odd that I was driven to the Internet to see what others had to say about it, and regardless of us not loving (nor hating) the film, my partner and I have been talking about it ever since. [SPOILER ALERT] The film seemed to end in the same place it began, with Cate Blanchett’s character, Jasmine, mad, sad and alone. Are we to assume that’s how her life remained?
Many of the reviews I read mentioned this story somewhat mirrors that of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, but as I’m not overly familiar with it, I’ll leave the rest up to your judgement once you’re familiar with both pieces of work. As far as this film goes though, essentially it tells the story of Jasmine who has experienced a colossal fall from grace. In reality the character isn’t the nicest of human beings, but Cate’s portrayal makes Jasmine just that – very human, and therefore you do indeed feel much empathy for her. Cate Blanchett is simply wonderful in the film, and in my view, deserves the awards she’s won for it so far, including a Golden Globe.
The numerous reviews I read about Blue Jasmine talked of Jasmine’s departure from New York high society and her inability to cope without money or status; she has few skills to apply to the workplace, but doesn’t fit well in the workforce anyway. What I haven’t read about however, is that I felt the character represented one of those people who has a chance to start again, but they’re so consumed by their own misery that they can’t get over unreasonable dislike or judgement of other people, and they certainly can’t recognise an opportunity to embrace positive change. Sadly, they are unable to acknowledge the past and own its horrors and mistakes, and therefore get caught up forever in an unrealistic vision of the future, mad, sad and alone.
Blue Jasmine, also starring Alec Baldwin, Peter Sarsgaard and Sally Hawkins, I think is worth seeing. There are characters in it that you’ll recognise from life, and who you’ll possibly develop a new empathy for. If nothing else, Cate Blanchett’s performance is worth seeing the movie for. And I’d suggest, the film offers lessons in what not to do when you’re given a second chance, as hazy as it may appear.
If you’ve seen it, I’d love to know your thoughts and theories? Drop me a line in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter.
By Sarah Blinco
by Sarah Blinco | Feb 3, 2014 | Creative travel experiences
As a follow up to yesterday’s musings on lack of motivation, I decided to take action, and am excited to say I feel back on track. I didn’t this morning however, but following these steps, I’ve been humming along nicely.
1. One piece of advice I mentioned I’d read about on how to get motivated now, was to do something first thing that inspires towards your goal.
With that in mind, I listened to a webinar re-play on “being productive” by the lovely Melanie Duncan. In it she shares her top 10 tools that will make you ten times more productive in less than a week.
Hopefully you can listen to it HERE, but if that link is expired, sign up for her mailing list at melanieduncan.com and I’m sure there’ll be another opportunity for you to learn with her soon.
2. Geared up following an hour on “productivity”, I thought it was important to take heed of one of Melanie’s key messages on ‘focus’, so decided to dedicate twenty minutes to getting my head in order.
This really helped:
3. One of the tools Melanie mentioned in her webinar is Focus @ Will which captured my interest because it blends music with neuroscience studies, and promises to deliver tracks that increase attention span by up to 400%! So important when you have to spend your day writing… and focussed (sometimes really hard!). I’m presently trialling it – so far so good. It’s quite classical, but apparently that’s conducive to concentration and productivity, so I’ll stick with it.
Do you have a comment, suggestion or advice? Please do share in the comments or drop me a line on Facebook or Twitter.
Sarah Blinco
by Sarah Blinco | Feb 2, 2014 | Being a digital nomad and working abroad, Travel blogger destinations
I’ve been finding it difficult to get started lately. It’s unusual for me, but this does happen on occasion. Like many of you, I work for myself, I’m really busy and my to-do list is always extensive.
Each day it includes a merry mix of all the elements I’m meant to include in life – fitness, nutrition, meditation, keeping an eye on my goals, managing clients, calling my mum, caring for the dog, paying my bills and writing. Lots of writing for work! Usually it’s because I have so much to do that I speed through things in an attempt to get everything done, but this past week or so I just can’t seem to find the motivation to conquer it. I skip out on going to Pilates, emails are driving me insane so I often procrastinate on them, and same with many of my social media tasks. I end up stuck on mundane tasks that I don’t have to think much about, but I’m left in the evening with either a lack of excitement about the day that’s just been, or I’ve not ticked off much of my to-do list.
I don’t like either situation, and neither is ‘me’. I am usually very good at time management – if I could just keep from feeling fuzzy headed and lacking enthusiasm! I’m also at a point in my business where I’m working a LOT but I’m working at bringing in new clients and money, working on the business, pitching etc. Consequently I’m working all the time but for little financial return. I don’t mind this, but I think it’s potentially getting me down a bit. Can you relate?
I’ve identified:
1. I reckon I’m lacking in support and contact with others, and therefore am left floundering on my own for most of the day.
2. My list of things to do is too big, and I’m getting overwhelmed, and therefore instead of starting, I’m struggling with where to start.
3. I’m also quite tired so potentially something health-wise I need to rectify.
I bet I’m not alone on this front though. Does anyone understand how I feel? Do you have any advice?
I’ve taken a step toward my goal of building my online business and also digital networking by signing up to a 30 day blogging challenge with the Simple Blogging Network. I hope that by doing this I’ll be pushed along to blog more/regularly but with the bonus of receiving engagement and feedback, and also the opportunity to interact with others.
I’ve also done a bit of Sunday afternoon reading about getting motivated when you’re struggling, and have discovered a couple of interesting articles. One is a couple of years old, but really helpful, 16 Ways to Get Motivated When You’re In a Slump, by Loe Babauta. From this piece I gleaned that I am probably focussing on too many things, although, it’s hard to narrow that down when the items on my list to follow up on each day are about building the business and hopefully bringing in dollars.
And in amongst that, I need to fit in health and fitness time which is an important goal to me at the moment too (but often put on the back burner if I’m ‘behind’ with work). Nevertheless, perhaps narrowing my goals is something I need to address sooner rather than later, so I’m working towards a more defined ‘something’ rather than a whole heap of things.
From these one or two narrowed goals, I liked his suggestion of looking for something each day to inspire towards those goals, for example, if fitness is important, or even a goal of ‘getting motivated’ is critical, then reading something about these things in the morning to get fired up about it is a good idea.
Another feature I enjoyed was this one from The Huffington Post by James Clear, with particular reference to exercise, but I think the tips apply to many situations. He discusses the “pre game routine” that’s “so easy you can’t say no”. It’s kind of like taking baby steps towards getting going, and creating a routine so that the day – or what I’m meant to be getting into each morning – is shuffled into motion without a hitch. So, perhaps my pre-blogging routine is to settle in with a cuppa and just write for 15 minutes…
Anyway, food for thought, and I at least feel a little better about being proactive about solving this issue. Who knows, maybe with Monday morning tomorrow I’ll be back on board. Feedback and comments always welcome though.
Sarah Blinco
by Sarah Blinco | Jan 22, 2014 | Asia-Pacific, Travel blogger destinations
Verde Restaurant Sydney delicious Italian
The last time I was in Sydney I mentioned on Facebook that I’d enjoyed the best meal of my life. A number of people have since asked if I was joking, but actually no, I was totally serious.
On a mission to discover a Sydney beyond the tourist traps, Cooper and I found ourselves wandering just under ten minutes from our Potts Point accommodation (or King’s Cross station as a landmark) to a suburban restaurant surrounded by beautiful tree lined streets and swimming with aromas of Italy.
Our noses led us to Verde Restaurant & Bar, recent winner of three prestigious Chef’s Hats. As the sun set across the city, we wandered into this very elegant, intimate establishment – a stunning, heritage listed Victorian building, situated on the corner of Stanley and 115 Riley Street within an area renowned as being East Sydney’s ‘Little Italy’.
Our usual dining routine is this: Take a seat, choose a main, perhaps an entrée if really hungry – both of which would be dishes familiar to us; scoff meal, leave full and with any luck, feel generally satisfied.
At Verde Restaurant Sydney however, because we had arrived just prior to the evening rush, we had the pleasure of chatting to Antonio Ruggerino, owner and head chef (pictured below), who insisted we try it his way. Antonio is one of those truly passionate Italians who is as enthusiastic about food as he is knowledgeable.
He’s worked for a variety of excellent restaurants all over the world, but told us his real inspiration stemmed from a love of hanging out – watching and learning – in the family kitchen as a child. Antonio’s always loved food, and was smart enough to follow this passion into an adult career.
And how could we resist anyone who said to us he wanted to “Feed us like we’re true Italian family”? Deal.
So began our foray into tasting smaller portions of a wide variety of dishes (entrées, mains and desserts) featured on the Verde menu rather than one or two larger items resulting in our usual predictable outcome.
As we enjoyed a divine glass of sparkling wine, we eagerly anticipated what would emerge first. A large plate brimming with samples predominantly from the entrée menu appeared in no time. Take a look at the menu HERE, and as your mouth waters, let me assure you these taste even better than they sound.
The Zucchini flowers filled with ricotta and spinach are divine, and the chilli dusted calamari melts in your mouth. We tried about ten different items however, and each offered a taste phenomenon that had us longing for more in between expressions like, “wow”, “how did he do that” and “that’s sooo good”.
One thing we loved about Antonio’s food is that it wasn’t overdone. It’s not ‘too fancy’ – it’s actually quite simple cuisine but tasty and perfectly prepared, cooked and matched with complementary ingredients.
Then came a round of options from the mains menu. The Gnocchi (home made), Mozzarella di Buffalo, parsley, Tomato Sugo was to die for – a delicious explosion of tomato and cheese flavours and alluring textures. I had to be restrained from licking my plate. We also tried Confit of Duck Leg with herb Gnocchi, Caramelised Balsamic Pear which to our absolute shock, we loved. We’re not really big fans of duck, but this meat was tender and not gamey at all, and the pear’s sweetness was a perfect accompaniment to the other flavours emanating from this course. Like everything he gave us, this was plate-lickingly good!
We continued to indulge in whatever came our way, and our eyes grew wide with glee when a plate of dessert treats emerged, my favourite being the Crumble Apple & Cinnamon with Caramelised Almonds and Vanilla Gelato. OMG! I was so enamoured of this dish that I only scraped a mouthful or two of other sweet delights that Cooper had quickly devoured while I wasn’t paying attention.
The entire meal wasn’t a meal, but a culinary experience. We tried food we would never have ordered therefore we enjoyed encountering something new! And we left feeling entirely satisfied but not sickly full. It seems Antonio really does know his stuff, not just flavours that will suit one’s mood or even the weather outside, but he understands portions too.
It’s about the experience
The reason this all came about, is because Antonio prides himself on being a master of selecting cuisine he instinctively knows diners will love, but that we wouldn’t order for ourselves. It’s disappointing to him that people miss out on these kinds of experiences, so much so he is now encouraging diners to let he and his team take charge. Don’t worry about decision making – entrust your experience to him, and for a fraction of the price of a traditional degustation menu, anyone can put Antonio’s skills to the test – and you really should, because we bet you’ll be surprised and delighted every time. Drop into Verde, tell Antonio what you or any of your party don’t eat, and he’ll then serve you the best meal of your life. Simple and delicious.
If you’re seeking an authentic Sydney experience and a quality place to dine where Antonio serves up his very own perfect, traditional southern Italian family recipes, we’d encourage you to try Verde. It’s just lovely! There’s a marble bar too, and an extensive wine list; private areas for functions, and many cosy options for you, friends, family and colleagues.
Buon Appetito!
Sarah Blinco
