Lucy with Nanthees, the tech guru who spent most of yesterday fixing the website.
by MIA FREEDMAN
You know how Wednesday is hump day?
We got in a day early this week when Mamamia.com.au crashed for, oh, I don’t know exactly how long but MORE THAN 5 HOURS.
It was a weird feeling. When you’re working on a website that isn’t there. We went through all the stages of grief:
1. Shock: “Oh my God! We’re down! We’re down!”
2. Denial: “No way! The site CANNOT be down!”
3. Anger: “Fuck this! How can the site STILL be down?”
4. Depression: “This is a disaster. The site will never go up again. There’s nothing we can do.”
5. Reconstruction: “Maybe I could go and get some lunch? Or a cupcake.”
6. Acceptance: “The site may not come back for hours.”
7. Hope: “Think of all the unposted content we’ll be able to use tomorrow instead!”
Eventually (aka 5 HOURS LATER), the site came back up. Not before Managing Ed Jamila’s mum emailed her to say “Darling, I think your site is down. Is there anything I can do?” I love that woman and her kindly offer of civilian help.
We also welcomed a new member to the MM team this week. Jasmine Garnsworthy will be working on our e-commerce site, Mamamia Shopping which will be launching very soon. [Text continues after the gallery]
Meet Jasmine. She's lovely.
She’s also going to be contributing some fashion content to Mamamia, as we seek to portray all kinds of women – shapes, sizes, skin colours, ages & abilities – in our style posts.
THAT MEANS YOU. Get busy with your camera-phones and camera-cameras people and start snapping your favourite outfits worn by you or your friends. It can be a whole look or just a particularly delicious item, preferably with you in it and ALWAYS with details of where it’s from (even if it’s old, it’s still nice to know where it came from). Just email it to jasmine@mamamia.com.au.
Here are some examples of the kind of shots we’re looking for (scroll through the gallery for more pictures):
Jamila wearing a Karen Millen top.
There is no change to our content mix. Wait, there is. We’re posting a bit more. But we’re not dumbing down. We’re not fluffing up.
Our commitment to a diverse mix of content is as strong as our commitment to portraying a diverse mix of women. I’ve always believed strongly that being interested in a bit of fluff – celebrity news or fashion or beauty – doesn’t mean you’re dumb (it also doesn’t mean you can’t ALSO be interested in politics or news etc). And NOT being interested in fluff doesn’t automatically mean you’re smart.
Light and shade, my friends. Light and shade.
What’s happening in your world?
Comments
321 Comments so far
http://www.theage.com.au/olympics/news-london-2012/secondclass-olympians-fume-over-team-gender-bias-20120719-22bb7.html
“Australia’s women basketballers have confirmed they also had different travel arrangements to the men’s squad for the journey to London. While the Boomers went in business class, the Opals made the long-haul trip in premium economy – and that was an upgrade.
“The Opals have won silver medals at the last three Olympics, won bronze in 1996, and are hell-bent on winning gold in London. The Boomers, by comparison, have never won a Olympics medal.”
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Can you make it so that when you comment on a post, the page automatically scrolls down to where you were after it has refeshed? Like the Daily mail one does…
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Yes!! I so agree with this suggestion. To be honest, the main reason I don’t comment more is because I can’t be bothered scrolling back down to where I left off (lazy, I know!). Pretty please, Mia
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Today we were the lucky recipients of a random act of kindness. I work in the city (Perth) and due to work commitments was unable to get a full days leave to take my kids to the circus. So my mom, who has never used public transport here, offered to bring the kids into the city so we could go to the 11:00 performance.
Long story short, she started chatting with a lovely lady on the bus en route to the trainstation, and once they got to the city and we realized that our rendezvous wasn’t going to work out and my mom started to panic(and my cell battery died!) this lady got off the train with them, took them to the bus port and then onto a bus which delivered them all safe and sound to a frantic me 2 miles away. And before I realized what just happened she disappeared!
Thank you dear lady in yellow for taking the time out of your day and doing this for us complete strangers! We made it to the circus and were able to spend a wonderful couple of hours together thanks to you.
I hope that we run into each other when you come south to Willetton again, so I can at least thank you properly.
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OMM: Pantyhose. So sick of holes and ladders on first wear. Ladies tell me your secrets. What brand pantyhose should I be buying?
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I used to buy nice ones from target but found they always pulled quickly, then I started getting cheap ones ($5ish) from Woolies that lasted weeks. Not sure what brand, they were in a green packet, that was a few years ago now tho.
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I buy mine from coles and there isn’t a ladder in them yet! I bought mine a few months ago.,…
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OMM QUESTION: I am ready to start trying for a baby, and wanted to know if there are any tests that show you how fertile you are. E.g. How many eggs etc. Are there any you can get for a man too? I want to know how good my husband’s sperm is! (that sounds really weird)
I’d love some advice from mums/mums-to-be. My mum lives in NZ and it’s difficult to talk to her about these things with the time difference. (I live in the UK)
XO
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We tried for about a year and nothing happened, then my doc sent me for fertility tracking. You basically go for blood tests first weekly and then daily so they can track your cycle….then you get a phone call from a friendly lady at the lab informing you in a pleasant voice that “today is a good day for intercourse..”
And then, well, you do it. Worked for us on the first cycle!
Good luck to you!
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Great advice, thank you!
XO
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I would just start trying first and if nothing happens in say 6-12 months to then start getting tested etc. i’m nearly 8 weeks at the moment and it only took us 2 cycles, we didn’t expect it to happen so quickly!
The other thing i an suggest is to take Elevit, or folate. This is recommended for people trying and you keep taking it right through until you finish breastfeeding
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Yes, I’d heard about folate supplements! I will get me some of those now!
Thanks for your advice.
XO
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OMM: Well, honestly, I just want to yell, ‘holy shitballs it DOES get better.’ For the first time in a bit over a month I have had some days where I have felt like I will get over my partner leaving. It’s still really hard and hurts a lot but even having a few good days where I genuinely enjoy my alone time has been amazing. The long road ahead now seems a little easier to travel.
2nd OMM: Sometimes the Internet can be a really nasty place. Nothing in particular has happened but sometimes it just surprises me how horrid people can be when they having the safety of being ‘Anonymous.’ Even on general news articles it can feel like people are there just to argue and put others down. I have been trying to remember all the awesomeness that comes from people on the Internet too.
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Good on you H. Glad to hear you’re doing better!
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Thanks!
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Here’s an interesting article which ties in nicely with the piece on MM from earlier this week, about making adult friends:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/fashion/the-challenge-of-making-friends-as-an-adult.html?_r=3&pagewanted=all
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OMM: Am a SAHM with a new baby and in no hurry to go back to work. Hubby starts a new job soon with a 3pm start. I am really concerned abou the amunt of time we wll ed up spending together and that he may cramp my style and routine! (i dont want to mis my mamamia catch ups whilst bubs sleeps!) sometimes when he is home he can get bored and then decied to criticise me and pick fights for no reason over stupid things. I dont want him being home to drive me back to work ealrier than planned! I will still go out and do my normal activities and playdates (coffees lol) and he is happy for me to do that andthink he will enjoy his alone time But i am concerned about pedi so much time together! Am very happy for him though as this job is a great opportunity for him and our baby is so lucky to have his dad home to spend time with him.
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Make sure he has one on one time with bubs, and you go out and do stuff!! that way you wont always be together… send him out on chores!! My hubbie works from home and whilst at times, its hard, it has been an absolute blessing to have him there with our little one.
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Is it just me or are the thumbs up missing from this post? I haven’t read the comments yet so appologies if this has been asked and answered.
OMM is how much I want a job I’ve just seen advertised. I need to get my application done by Saturday. Fingers crossed!
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I need help mmers.
My husband has been severely depressed for almost 2 years. It is effecting us as a couple, us as a family, and I at my wits end. Ee have tried everything we can think of to help him but nothing works. He knows he has depression but refuses to see a dr or talk to anyone or even read anything about it. Seriously, i love this man SO MUCH but i am ready for him to leave because it is so hard tip toing around him all the time. And he doesn’t interact anymore with the kids – he has never kissed our 12 month old. Please, please, if anyone has experienced this please tell me what to try!
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Could you leave for a while? Go visit someone for an extended stay without him? That is what it took for my husband to realize I wasn’t going to put up with things anymore. I told him for years that things needed to change but he didn’t take me seriously until I left for a while. We didn’t break up, I just explained I needed some time away and went to stay with relatives in the country. He was already on anti-depressants before I left but was still very apathetic about doing anything (eating right, exercising, spending time with the kids etc). Not having me or the kids around seemed to make him realize that if he didn’t take some action he would be alone permanently.
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Hi Anon 12
I am so sorry you’re going through this. There are quite a few organisations out there who support people with depression, including their families, like Beyond Blue. Please call one of them and get some ideas and support.
Best of luck to you
xx
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this is good advice. i don’t necessarily agree with walking out on him. if he is severely depressed he needs helps. ring beyondblue and seek advice. he needs to be medically assessed as soon as possible.
sometimes having a child can bring back some hurtful stuff from childhood or he may be suffering from post natal depression.
i would also suggest telling anyone who is close to him and/or you. ie. your parents or his. depending on what relationship he has with his family i think you should let them know things aren’t great.
the most important thing is to act on this tomorrow. get advice and then follow what they say. i have been there, it isn’t fun AT ALL but you can work through this.
all the best
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I really feel for you. I had a friend who’s husband was depressed & it took her calling him on the possibility of marriage over if he didn’t address it, for him to finally get himself to someone who could help him. Men just don’t want to know sometimes, even when they do know that there’s something just not right with how they’re feeling/living.
I agree with ChelleBelle, get onto one of the professional sites (I’m sure you’ve googled them before) & call someone for strategies/ideas on how to help him to finally help himself. It’s ironic that he’s been depressed for almost 2yrs & you have a 12month year old. I mean absolutely no offence, but wonder did he want to have this child? Or were there other circumstances around that time that may have triggered his depression? I ask because my father had depression & he had a major breakdown when I was small after his mother died. Sometimes when we have unreconciled feelings about something it can fester into depression if we are wired that way.
I hope your family can get through this together, Anon 12. My thoughts are with you.
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Two years and his behaviour is unacceptable ie; not kissing your baby. You’ll have to be really tough and give him a deadline that if he does not see a GP and a councellor (both will be necessary) you will leave.
Relationships Australia are fantastic and very affordable. Time for tough love. Good luck xxx
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You are not alone – my husband has depression and luckily after about 1 year of me going through what you described, he decided to take antidepressants. It made such a difference. But actually, there is something else that made a bigger difference – exercise. I also suffered from post natal depression, and exercise really does make help. Perhaps you can encourage him to get outdoors more – even go for long walks together with the baby – and make him carry baby in a sling or backpack because you are ‘not strong enough’. This will make him get outdoors, do some exercise and make him feel manly and like you need him.
Although I’m sure you feel like leaving, I think threatening this could make him feel worse. But you do need to tell him how it is affecting you though.
Good Luck! Xx
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Great suggestion re. the exercise and yes, even the thought of his wife leaving would undoubtedly make him feel worse.
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Thank you all so much. Yes, we think it is PND, he had it after our first child but nowhere near this severity. I’ve spoken about it with him and I’m getting onto mens line for advice. I know we are all strangers but your kind words have helped more than you know.
Thank you all.
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So happy to hear you have started the ball rolling with getting some support. I sent a detailed post but unfortunately it didn’t ever show up on mamamia (very frustrating), as my hubby went through the exact same thing and has just come through the other side. Your husband will too with a support person in yourself who is committed to seeing him get well. Sending you all the light & love in the world for this journey.
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Hi MM, I have a couple of suggestions:
I wonder if we could have links that list all the stories published by week, or even by month. Perhaps right down the bottom of the front page you could click on, for example, ‘Week beginning 15 July 2012″ or “July” which would take you to a page listing all titles for that timeframe. It would just make it easier to catchup for times when it’s hard to log on for whatever reason.
Also, I wonder if it might be an idea to ask for volunteers to proof read stories?
One more suggestion: A page which is specifically for feedback. Similar to the one where you can always leave feedback regarding sponsored posts, in that it is sort of active always, but something that is more about ideas and feedback in general (and possibly even galleries aren’t working/like buttons don’t appear type comments?)
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Great ideas Allison! Thank you!
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Like!
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Really missing everyone on Mamamia.
Been really busy on iVillage but can’t tell you how much I miss coming to chat here. Soon. Soon.
In the meantime please join our Facebook page – even if it’s just so I can say hi to your avatar
https://www.facebook.com/iVillageAustralia
xxxx
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Hi all,
I’m looking for some help and advice. I’ve just found out that I have an ovarian cyst. It’s quite large, about 5 cms in diameter. I’m told that they are very common, has anyone had any experience with them, treatment etc? going to see the gyno tomorrow but would love to be armed with some knowledge before i go
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Me! Had soo many. Sometimes they just keep an eye on them and they go by themselves. Sometimes they need to be removed but they are very rarely dangerous. THey can however cause a lot of pain – well they did for me.
Good luck xx
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I used to get them all the time but mine always ruptured – usually in middle of night – and incredibly painful requiring emergency hospital visit.
They put me on the pill and that stopped them plus the endometriosis. If your’e not on the pill, ask about that. good luck x
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I’ve had one too, years ago – they just did a follow up ultrasound & it had gone down itself, hope this is the case for you, good luck!
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I got one when I was pregnant with my first baby. I waited until she was born to have it removed, and they ended up having to take out my entire ovary as the cyst was quite big (7cm in one dimension). To be honest I felt very sad about that… but apparently it doesn’t affect fertility at all, as long as the other ovary remains ok.
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I’m in agony right now, having spent last night in emergency with excruciating abdomen pain, not unlike contractions but it never goes away. After ultrasounds, both internal and external, blood and urine tests, it appears I have ovarian cysts. Have been sent home with strong painkillers and instructions to come back if things don’t improve in the next day or so. But now I’m home, I’m wondering if a cyst has ruptured. Planning to visit GP tomorrow if it’s still painful. Will get a referral to my gynaecologist and get his opinion. Am hoping it all just goes away…….
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Thanks everyone, that all sounds pretty good hoping it just does go away by itself! Have been on the pill for years and year and just came off to start trying for our first, maybe that did it!
becauseimthemum that sounds just terrible!! The only thing that my Dr stressed is that the pain shouldn’t be too intense because that suggest a rupture even just a small tear. I would most certainly be heading off to your GP for a second opinion. Hope it starts to improve for you soon. xx
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PS- I’m just loving iVillage Lana!!! Everyone at work is hooked
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Thanks CC. Have made an appt today to see the GP
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I have had them on and off for ten yrs or so. At the start they would just drain them via a needle. I filled up a 300ml bottle once! But it came back so I went through a stage of getting them surgically removed.
They aren’t dangerous but can be very painful so keep an eye on them. Hope this helps x
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Im staying anon for this, but I have two more days left of my internship. I’m currently home sick wi a mixture of headace, period pains and a bad flu!! And I just want to say I love where I have been interning over the last few weeks. The ladies I work with are amazing and I have learnt so much!!! Before I left home for the day… My boss made me sit then she gave me an iPad!! OMG!!! I’m so excited and stoked and really happy that they think I was such a valuable person within the team, even though I was/am an intern!! I kinda dont want to leave and go back to uni but I know I will have the best 6 months of my life
and then traveling around Asia!!!
It’s great knowing that I’m going to work in the right profession, I know have a long way to go but their advice and compliments have given me the confidence I need to know that I will get a job next year!
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Have you been interning at Mamamia?
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Hahaha no…. A PR firm
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OMM: what the near future has planned for us! Hubby did his medical and now we are waiting to here back from the company….when he starts and where……could be still WA or could be QLD……………limbo limbo land!!
Rather excited today to receive some online purchases yay!! Alannah Hill Bag and a floor length skirt from ASOS for a Charity Ball in a months time
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This is going to make me sound horrible but…I’m a bit over being bombarded with images and links for “causes”, particularly the recent ones (don’t want to specifically name it but those on social media are probably aware of it). I was just invited to a “light the candle event”. I just feel it’s a little insensitive to invite someone with a brain tumour to commiserate the death of someone from a brain tumour. Perhaps I’m being oversenstive today, blobby is aching, and tomorrow I see the neurologist to get the resutls of my MRI but still….
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Hi oopsyboops, I agree and I don’t think you are def not being over sensitive at all.
Good luck tomorrow
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Thanks Gypsy. I’ve just seen someone refer to it as grief porn – which is a good term for it. It’s tricky, on the one hand I was surprised at how much messages of support actually mean, so I am sure all of this is good comfort for the family. But on the other hand, changing your profile pic, or lighting a candle for people you’ve never met seems just… voyeuristic?? Why not do something practical like make a donation to an appropriate charity??
And on my little rant, I put something similar on my fb page and now I am copping grief for it and I’ve offended people. Sigh. Can’t win.
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You know what oopsy, I agree with you. I was thinking the same thing yesterday. Could it be therapeutic for the family? I personally don’t understand why they would want all the little details out there for the world to read. Though I’m completely sceptical of Facebook and don’t have a single photo of my 18month old little man on my profile. I like a bit of privacy.
And good luck with your results, hope you get nothing but positives!!
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I imagine in this instance the family never expected it to go viral the way it has. I know that I keep my blog pretty much up to date with the ins and outs, but then I usually only have about 30 people reading it lol (the max I’ve had is about 140, pretty chuffed about that lol). I know that people often jump on a cause that resonates with them, and sick kids always do. But sometimes it gets a bit too much.
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oopsyboops, what is your blog link if you don’t mind providing it??
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Miss V I cant’ reply to your comment, but here is my blog post for anyone interested:
http://morebananas.blogspot.com.au/
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You sound far from horrible! You sound completely rational and normal.
Take care of yourself. Will be sending all my positive thoughts to you for your appointment tomorrow
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Thanks Lana, hope you aren’t working too hard over there!
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Thanks for your comment and your insight as someone who is speaking based on their personal experiences. I for one have found the page in question to be both heartbreaking and inspirational, both educational and surprising. Like you said I’m sure the author had no inkling that it would ever get as huge as it did, but for me it has been overwhelmingly positive. I am inspired to not sweat the small stuff and to hug my own kids a little tighter and a little longer.
Wishing you nothing but good news tomorrow and good health into the future
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Goodluck for the results, chickadee xx
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Are you allowed to use ‘fuck’ in your responses because I’ve been holding back for fear of being Alert Monitored!!
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That depends. If you are saying “fuck you Mamamia” then you will probably need to hold back, yes. But if it’s more of a general “fuck the world!” kind of thing then you should be okay!
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Hahahaha, I love it
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Good, because I still can’t see the fucking ‘like’ button!
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Like!!!
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OMM: We are thinking of having a baby in the next year or two (our first). We currently have health insurance (just a young singles type basic policy). My question is: do we go on a ‘young couple planning a family’ type of insurance plan, or do I (as the ‘mum to be’) just get family planning cover and leave the husband on his basic cover. Also, what difference is it going to make re: having ‘pregnancy’ cover or not – I mean practically. If I intend to go to a public hospital, does it make a difference? What are the benefits etc? … I just cant get my head around this health insurance stuff … argh.
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KFS, my husband and I have separate health cover. I inquired about family cover or couples cover or whatever they want to call it, when we started living together (before we got engaged), and the insurance company rep I spoke to said it was financially better for us to keep our individual insurance.
Ring your insurer and see what they suggest, and then ring a couple of other companies to compare. They’ll all be able to answer your questions about the specifics of each policy – they should be able to give you a fact sheet or a table to allow you to compare their different levels of cover.
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Hi KFS – I’m with Bunny… my husband is on a ‘general’ cover while I have all the pregnancy and hospital stuff (both registered as singles)… we found this saved us about $200 per month. I’m not sure how the health cover thing works in regard to the public health system (not quite up to the baby part in my life yet!) but I know from friends that often with the private medical bits and bobs there’s often a gap and this various between individual practitioners. Good luck!
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We stayed on single cover and upgraded mine to include maternity and then changed to family cover towards the end of the pregnancy.
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We’ve kept ours separate & I’ve gone public both times but managed to get a private room (they don’t guarantee it though)… it was so worth it just to have the private room. Good luck!
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No real advice on how to do the cover, but on going private or public – it is up to you. If you go private, you get to see your own ob throughout, more than likely get a private room etc etc. If you go public you go through the hospital clinics (and they can vary in terms of what they offer, some offer you the same midwife, some don’t etc).
For me, the big thing was when something went wrong. I spent 8 days in hospital at 32 weeks and being in a private room was bliss for that. Plus having my OB there for the whole time was great as she knew my history, and I trusted her completely.
But there are out of pocket costs for going private, so if you don’t want to do that at all, then maybe really think about private health. Sorry, it is a hard decision.
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If you plan to have your baby in a public hospital the difference will be whether or not you go as a pubic patient or a private patient. As a private patient you can have your doctor of choice.
I know from our experience when our baby required surgery having private cover made a difference to when he was operated on. We were in the same surgical waiting room with public patients waiting their turn and hoping to have their surgery that day. One child has already been waiting since the previous day. As we had private cover our baby went first.
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As someone who works in IT I know the feeling of the site going down, it is not nice. Alcohol helps. When I noticed your site down and was going to contact but thought the 1000th message telling you the site is down wouldn’t help much.
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Craig – you IT people amaze me. The IT guys here at MM had us barging into their office every 5 minutes, like we were on automatic rotation “have you fixed it yet? And now? Now? Is it fixed? Just so you know, we really need it fixed…” Poor blokes. But they did get a LOT OF HUGS and CHEERS when they got us back online again! Xx
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Find their currency. Mine was alcohol and chocolate.
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So that explains why I didn’t get my email. I actually had to search for your site. Shock, horror.
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Ah, I wondered if you guys at MM were feeling OK – there has been no mention of cupcakes for ages. I wondered if you were all sickening for something, not eating them (or anything, really – no mention of FOOD.)
But the cupcakes got a mention in this post.
All is well.
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Don’t Xanthe. Not a week (read: day) goes by without cupcakes. And m&ms.
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Ahhh… breathe…. in the past week my kids have had a combination of croup, bronchitis, fevers, middle ear infections and head colds. We have 4 trips to the doctor, 4 to the chemist and one 2am dash to the local hospital with the youngest one. Followed by a trip to the hairdresser with older child, who sent me away because said child had nits. Brilliant week. Brilliant.
On the updside, I saw the movie Hysteria and it really made me laugh (as well as gasp at the way women were treated back then!).
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Oh, Cordeline, that is massively craptacular! Best wishes for better times asap xx
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Oh Cordy *hugs* What an uber shite week. Much love an hugs for a better next week xx And wine. And cupcakes!
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Awe thanks Picardie and HM.
It’s no different to what a gazillion other families go through at this time of year. FWPs really in light of what others go through, it’s just that I feel knackered from it all!
Don’t worry, I’ve got a nice bottle of red to open tonight! And Madeleines which I just made!
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Doesn’t matter how many other people are going through it – periods of illness can be hell on earth. Enjoy your treat!
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ah I never think sick kids are fwp, especially when they involve hospital trips. Hope the wine was good! hugs to you
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It can only get better xxxx
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On My Mind: my sister was all set for her homebirth, but it’s been discovered as of yesterday that she has low amniotic fluid levels. Low enough to warrant an induction in hospital that starts this evening. Everyone is grappling with getting their heads around where we’re all going to be and how it’s going to be different (IVs and CTGs, no waterbirth, the lack of ‘homeiness’ in a hospital setting etc). Her private midwife will be there with her, as well as her husband and myself (I’m also a midwife) and while of course nothing is as important as a healthy and happy outcome for mother and baby, trying to shift the picture in my head from ‘homebirth’ to ‘hospital birth’ isn’t all that much fun, and my sister is having a hard time of it too. A hospital room is pretty much her idea of hell, and moving there from the wonderfully decorated, colourful and relaxing atmosphere of the room she’d set up at home is a big mental shift.
All a matter of just moving the goalpost from ‘homebirth’ to ‘normal birth’, and I’m sure it’s all going to be fine, but it’s never fun having prepared nine months for something to have it taken away (for very legitimate reasons) right at the end of the game.
Wish us luck! I figure if Miranda Kerr can do it with a nine pound baby, my sister can do it with a seven pound one!
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Good luck!
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Thank you!
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Sorry if I’m sounding like one of those ‘it’s all about the birth, not the baby’ people. We are all, of course, desperately thrilled that within, say, 36 hours, the first grandchild will be here, so please, please don’t shoot me down over the internet! It’s just difficult to wrap our collective heads around the change in plans.
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I’m loving the light (TomKat etc) and shade. I need regular ‘lightness’ – tis a very pleasant diversion!
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So excited about mamamia shopping
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So am I, and I have absolutely no money!! Window shopping for me.
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I love filling my internet cart up with everything I want (NEED) and then not clicking “continue to checkout”
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Need a bit of beauty help from MM readers. I need to buy a new moisturiser. Have previously used Estee Lauder, I am about to start IVF so need all the cash I have for that and not my vanity.
Can people please recommend a decent chemist/supermarket brand?
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Do you need a day or night cream? For day I have an olay complete defence daily moisturiser with SPF which I love. I also use Neutrogena daily defence moisturiser with SPF sometimes though I can’t find it anywhere in Sydney at the moment. Lots of luck with IVF xo
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I can’t find that bad boy anywhere in Brisbane lately either, IT’S DISAPPEARED.
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It’s the same in Sydney anon – I’ve looked for in my so many chemists, supermarkets and pricelines!!! It’s still on the neutrogena website though so I don’t think it’s been discontinued. I’ll be so disappointed if it has
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For body: coconut oil. For face: rosehip oil.
You only need 3 drops of oil to do your whole face – one tiny bottle will last you ages.
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How do you get the oil to spread over your whole face? Mine just soaks it up. My hands too.
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Cetaphil.
Moisturiser and cleanser.
Your face will not break out using these. Pretty much guaranteed.
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Neutrogena and Olay have a great reputation for fantastic products that do their job at budget prices. And if you want something simple and fragrance-free (if you have sensitive skin) you can’t go past Cetaphil, which most dermatologists highly recommend.
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I love neutrogena ( I have a sensitive skin one ) and I also love Biore moisturisers.
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As a pharma sales rep,years ago I asked a group of female dermatologists what they used. I expected pricey brands and they all used QV or Cetaphil. I’ve used QV ever since, for the last 12 years!
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Aveeno (from Coles) is wonderful. I use it on face and body.
Good luck with the IVF!
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Simple is great. And cheap!
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Feeling very sad for a school friend that has been murdered in Cairns.
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Oh my. I’m so sorry to hear about this.
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Oh no. So very, very sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you.
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I am confused. Still. You females say over and over again, including the Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, that “diversity” is extremely important which is why businesses should have equal numbers of females. It seems the need for diversity is utterly NOT important to females. This site does not have one straight man working there. Funny that. Would someone give me the definition of “hypocrisy”?
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I’m pretty sure there are several straight men working in the background… not that it should matter what their sexuality is.
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The CEO at MM is a straight man.
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Actually Roger, just off the top of my head – there are at least 5 straight men working at Mamamia (one of whom is the CEO). Most of them are very camera shy which is why you won’t see them very often in the gallery!
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This is such an inappropriate comment. What the hell does someone’s sexuality have to do with anything. Put your manners back in your pocket!
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So if a man is gay he is a woman?
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How do you know the site “does no have one straight man working there”?????
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Oh Roger. With that attitude and the wild assumptions you make I think you’d better get used to being confused and a little bit mad about a lot of things in life.
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Hmmm ok I know I already posted and wasn’t planning on necessarily posting about this but some advice might be useful:
So I went off the pill roughly 3 months ago due to it making me a bit crazy (moody, irritable, crying for no reason etc.) and I have been feeling better in terms of all this BUT as soon as I got off I had my period, then I had another one about a month later but then nothing…. I got the feeling this week that I was getting it (always have the same feeling about a week before I’m getting it) but then nothing happened! I’m just wondering is this normal and is it just my body adjusting?
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I would hazard a guess that your body is just adjusting to new and different hormone levels. If your periods continue to be all over the shop though, probably a good idea to see your GP.
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Thanks zepgirl, I thought as much…
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Hi Cinnamon – what you got when you first came off the pill, wasn’t actually a period but a break through bleed – from going from very high hormonal levels on the pill, to very low as your body isn’t in its own cycle yet. It can take up to three months before all your body bits (ovaries, hypothalamus, pituitary etc) start communicating again and you start having a normal cycle.
If you are really concerned though, absoutely 100% go to a good GP, family planning clinic or gynae to ease your mind
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Thanks Guest, I guess I will wait a bit longer to see what happens and see my GP if things don’t go back to normal.
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Booked in to get my hair cut and coloured tomorrow. I have been meaning to get it cut for a bit now, I think the last time I got it cut was almost 3 months ago (can’t remember exactly) but now my hair is doing that thing where I just can’t wear it down, which for now is ok I guess since the weather has been hot but still it just doesn’t look right if I wear it down… no shape or style to it! Anyway it was just bugging me and even my husband who is always saying hairdressers cost too much money has been saying for me to get it cut, so I called up and in the process decided to get it coloured too and since I’m impatient I booked in ASAP!
Anyway been googling cut/colour all day but just making myself confused so I’ll see what the hairdresser suggest tomorrow.
Also I have my friends wedding towards the end of August in Toronto, I probably should have waited to get my hair cut/colour closer to the wedding time but as I said I’m impatient! Been looking at booking hotels for the wedding, only going to be there for 2 days since husband and myself have to work but so far everything in the downtown area has been super expensive! My friend has a hotel that is closer to her house in the suburbs (the wedding is being held at her parents house) and has blocked off some rooms in that hotel for wedding guests that are coming out of town. This option is much cheaper than staying downtown but since it’s in the suburbs there’s not much to see or do (wanted to get in some site seeing as well).
Anyway overall I’m just excited about my friend getting married so hopefully we can book something soon.
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Mmm… Canada. Would love to see it, but alas, we are days away from being stuck in the US until May next year. Damn Homeland Security and their weird rules! Hope you find a place!
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I have a feeling we might just take up my friends offer of staying in the hotel near their house. When it comes to hotels my husband is the fussier one of the two of us, he has to have a gym and gets annoyed if the room is too small. As for me as long as it’s not some bug infested place then I’m ok, especially if it’s only for 2 nights and we are out most of the day/night anyway. I don’t really want to be spending $400 – $500/night which is what most of the downtown hotels are quoting, just for 2 days! Plus we will be driving there so will have a car if we want to drive downtown etc.
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Feeling pretty happy that for the first time since I had my kids my CREATIVITY is truuuuuuly back!
Last Saturday, standing in the middle of the grocery store, I INVENTED a dessert! Came home, made it and shared it with the world!
AND IT WAS DELICIOUS!
I’d started to think that the “creativity” part of my brain came out with my placenta but then BAMMMMMMM!!
Middle Eastern Eton Mess:
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Um, Phoodie. Details please!! That looks amazing!
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Hey Lucy!!! Ye of Wittner boots with gold glitter like me!
You will find all the deets here – http://www.phoodie.wordpress.com – RIDICULOUSSSSSSSSLY good and phat phree! (Kidding about the fat free, but definitely yummy!)
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Phoodie I got this post in my email (happily subscribed to your blog) and was very intrigued!
Sounds yum
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Good on the subscribers!!!!
BUT the REAL question is “Have you “LIKED” Phoodie on Phacebook?!?!?!!??!
http://www.facebook.com/phoodieblog
You still have 2 days to enter and WIN my phirst ever competition!!
You are such a phab loyal phan! What’s your blog address but the way?!!?
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Phoodie, I am going to have to check out your blog simply because you write awesome posts!
And the phood looks pretty good too.
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Hehehehehehe! It’s phans like you that keep me cooking!
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Hahaha this reminds me of when I made a scrap book for my Dad’s recipes called ‘Phil’s Phabulous Phood’!!
Love your work Phoodie x
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hehehe! Phantastic!!
Thank-you!
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Phoodie, just want to let you know I made gozlome (your recipe) on Sunday and it was awesome. I’m useless in the kitchen, so I was VERY proud (as was my husband) when they actually worked!!!! Thanks x
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This makes me SOOOOO happy!!!
Well done! 
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What do you mean your creativity is back? Where has it been?!! I seem to remember a pretty awesome 50s inspired birthday party and a 48 tier pancake cake!!!
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Oh you are too nice! I dunno, I really just felt pretty good that I came up with a recipe in the middle of the grocery store in a few mins!! The other recipes were planned over days/months!!
Thanks for your support 
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OMM is all the Mamamia advice that has been good for me
Months ago I was publicly contemplating going off the pill and onto Implanon. I had heard all the bad stories, but also read some great first hand stories and took the plunge – and I love it! Im a very different person, because clearly my pill has been giving the the crazies for years
luckily no negative side effects so far, so I’m eternally greatful to all the people who gave their personal insight into Implanon!
The other bit of advice that has put me on cloud 9 was a few weeks ago when I said I needed to ‘dump’ some bad friends, and didnt know how. I again got great advice from MMers and a few emails later I have those toxic people out of my life
What a wonderful community MM is!
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My apologies, I appear to have overdone it on the smiley faces! Ah well at least they illustrate my goofy grin accurately!
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I’m been thinking about the implant as my pill does make me crazy, but I’m too scare I’ll end up being one of those bad stories. So good on you for taking the plunge!
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I was a bit scared too, but my Dr explained that if i hate it, i can simply have it removed, wheras if i went for the injection, i would have to wait for it to wear off.
Definitely be very upfront with your Dr if you have any concerns, and they should point you in the right direction
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I had my 3rd one inserted earlier this year and so have had an implanon for about 6.5yrs – highly recommend it! I too hated the pill, this was such a big relief!!
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What a great comment! Love hearing this sort of feedback Cait, glad that everyone gave such wonderful advice.
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On my mind today?
These delicious brownies I made that my colleagues and I are currently enjoying!
Slutty brownies- one layer of cookie, one layer of Oreo and one layer of brownie. Epic.
http://mybloggableday.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/slutty-brownies/
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Also on my mind: the massic gym session required to help burn those babies off!
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Thank you for making me aware of these brownies. I think I’m in love.
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Ive made them a few times. Always a hit!! Eat whilst warm with either cream or ice cream!!
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Wow, these are amazingly similar to the brownies made in this blog post
http://www.thelondoner.me/2011/06/slutty-brownies.html
You must be brain twins with the Londoner.
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She credited and even linked to the Londoner in her blog post so not brain twins
As for the brownies, I’ll be making these babies tonight. Thanks Bec!
Off topic but do Aussies actually drink milk on it’s own? ie plain milk?
I’ve asked for it a few times at restaurants or at someone’s house and have received several strange responses.
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I drink the odd glass of milk at home (I did so more when I was younger) particularly with chocolate.
But I probably wouldn’t order it at a restaurant, I don’t know why not though?!
I’ll tell you what, next time I’m at a restuarant I will order a glass of milk in the name of research! Watch this space.
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I wish I was brain twins with Rosie from the Londoner.
I wish I was body twins even more!!
But yes, I did link to her fabulous post because that is where the recipe and inspiration came from!
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OMM: trying to buy a car!
I am a single parent, who works part time and is slowly building up some savings.. I am trying desperately to get a car loan so I can buy a car (new or used) and I am having trouble finding anywhere that will accept my application, due to the fact that I am renting and have a dependant, and only work part time.
The frustrating thing is, I know I could afford the repayments, it is just getting approved which is the drama!
Does anyone have any reccommendations or advice/experience?? I am sick of having to walk everywhere and I am sure my daughter is too
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Stacey do you have someone who can go guarantor for you on a loan who is ‘gainfully employed’ or has assets?
From my years in debt recovery I dealt with car finance, and there are some bad lenders out there, who would lend you the money, but not give you a ‘fair’ deal on your loan, or the car.
My advice is just buy what you can afford. I bought my first car with a lot of preexisting damage (just scratches etc, which diminished the value, not the reliability) for $2000, and got 3rd party/fire/theft insurance. I think i spent $2500 in total because i was in my late teens. It was the freedom i needed, without a loan, and without the car ‘owing’ me anything.
I have friends who have bought a $500 car off the side of the road just to get them by (as long as it has rego).
Good luck
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Car loans are hard to get for lots of people, tried a personal loan?
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Actually, that’s a good idea. I’ve done both the personal loan before and a car loan. With the car loan, they like to try and leave you with a balloon payment at the end. No fun.
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Thanks for the insight! I think that’s what I will have to do, just buy a cheap one with my savings that can get me by. I am so unsure of what to look for in used cars and am so scared of buying a wreck that will break down constantly
but I guess that is actually a lot better for my situation ATM, I have no problem with not being in debt haha 
more research to be done I think! Thanks 
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Hi Stacey, go with a good solid brand ie; Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda. Others will have more recommendations. The good thing is that you can buy a fantastic car second hand now for really good price. You need to check the kilometres and how many past owners.
What is your budget? Then we can make you some model recommendations. x
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Well at the moment I am able to spend liket two thousand, so I am obviously not looking for something too exciting! This phase of my life is stretching the funds (single, mum, student, parttime work, no family support)..
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I have a fair amount of experience with buying used cars…and independent vehicle inspections are worth their weight in gold.
The suggestions by Louisec are good ones…but as a word of warning, Honda and Mazda, while very good cars, are two of the most expensive brands in terms of replacement parts (outside of European cars, anyway!) Toyota and Nissan are great ideas to check out!
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What shld she look for around 2k?
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You can get NRMA (or whoever it is in your state) to have a look at any used cars and they will give you an assessment of them and if they are mechanically sound etc (for a small fee)
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Stacey, have you thought about the car share companies? They are fantastic. You pay about $100 per annum and then you just pay for the hours that you use the car and it’s really cheap. And they have them located in different areas so not far to collect and drop off. and they are all brand new cars.
So then you don’t have to pay for rego or insurance or worry about it breaking down. the one in Sydney is called Go Get but I know there are others.
http://www.goget.com.au/
What area are you in? This may be good for a while until you can afford your own.
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Could you buy a second-hand car that you don’t need a loan for?
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I am so sick of hearing about 50 Shades of Grey on facebook. One particular person I know keeps going on and on about it. Feel like saying WOW your husband must SUCK in the bedroom.
OMM: People who pretend they are CRAZY BUSY. “OMG things have been SO crazy busy! I’ve been flat out. Haven’t had time to think!” When really all they are doing is taking the kids to school, housework, cooking, shopping, after school activities… hello? First world problem?
TV show REVENGE – I couldn’t wait to find out what happens in the finale next week so I looked up the plot recap from the USA. All I can is OMG! Can’t wait to see it all play out next week. Love a trashy melodrama.
Justin Bieber. Go away now please. Thank the heavens my children do not like him.
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It was my 2nd step father’s birthday yesterday. He died on suddenly Christmas eve . I was very close to him. I’ve never met my biological father. My first stepfather was a violent alcoholic, but my 2nd stepfather treated me like his daughter and I called him dad. I miss him.
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hugs to you
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Thinking of you xx
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OMM: A whole new me?? We moved apartments on the weekend and a funny thing always happens when I move house. I imagine a whole new me, for example I imagine myself always hanging up my clothes in my new place, never letting the laundry basket build up, always hanging up my towel etc…I am not a very neat person at all so this is a very new and improved version of myself. Inevitably I will fall back intol old habits but for now I am 3 days in and excited at having kept this up for 3 days!!
Also OMM is my younger brother and the huge job my parents have done. Today is his birthday and he is now 26. He was born with brain damage which makes his original birthday a very life changing day in the truest sense of the word for my family.
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Bride Body, this made me laugh. I think I have the ‘New Me’ disease too – like if I buy that pair of boots, my wardrobe will be complete and I won’t need anything else. I imagine myself clicketty-clacking down the hall, breezing out the door more easily in the morning, confidently facing the day. HA HA. Hopefully you will keep up your new tidy habits!
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Loved Mia’s hair this morning on the Today Show. Looked lovely. The team has some beautiful clothes, shoes and so on…fun! Love Jamila’s style too. What was she talking about on Today Tonight?
I do like the Winnie the Pooh saying too – it is important to appreciate and enjoy each day.
Need to find a place to live within the inner west of Sydney and not sure what schools to look at (Kindy) and which to avoid. I’ve heard of a couple of good ones and one to avoid..they are not taking in people from outside the catchment, so that really restricts where I look for a place to live! I don’t know much about the schools in the area – are there websites (other than myschool) that are helpful in providing information about schools?
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I’m searching for a special needs school in Sydney, and am finding the education department website brilliant. I also simply cold call the school. I find that gives you a great feel for the community.
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Hey LaLa
People call me JamJam – I feel we should be friends.
How hot did Mia look on the Today Show?!? Outfit and hair of the week.
I was on TT talking about Miranda – the chic in Tassy who has been living in a tree for 4 months to protest against logging of the native forest.
I tried to do you MM-ers proud and talked about political stunts and what works and what didn’t but then… ah, I also had a lot of questions about how she goes to the toilet. But surely we ALL DO! Right?
Xx
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Balmain, Summer Hill & Erskineville are all well reputed and ranked primary schools. You can research here:
http://bettereducation.com.au/school/Primary/nsw/nsw_top_primary_schools.aspx
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I saved it!
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My boyfriend of more than 2 years and I went on our first overseas holidays for 6 days and we broke up in the middle of the trip. He is my first boyfriend but i really thought I was going to marry him. I’m scared of not recovering from the heartbreak but I am trying so hard to be optimistic
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So sorry to hear that Kadeybob, a broken heart is agonising and sadly there isn’t anything that makes it feel better apart from time. I’m going through exactly the same thing at the moment and it is so hard but I promise you will recover from this! My only advice is to lean on friends as much as you need to, don’t be afraid to ask for help and just be as patient and kind to yourself you can. The bad news is that it’s going to take a long time but the good news is that you will feel better.
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Oh you poor thing. Trust us you will feel better, you will get over this. Keep telling yourself this because it’s true.
I know what it’s like, we are so sure he was the one. There will never be anyone else. I felt exactly this way with my ex, we’ve been broken up two years now and I feel ok. It took a long time, but you do recover.
Go to a counceller Relationships Australia are fantastic and very affordable. Talk to people. Stay away from him, no contact at all or it will take so much longer to recover.
And get support on here, there is loads of it. And so many women who’ve been through this and come out the other side.
Best wishes xxx
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Oh, Kadeybob, the same thing happened to me about a month ago. I can’t believe it was only a few weeks ago that people were telling me it will get better. I promise, it will. It takes a long time but you will slowly start to feel it get better (I’m only just starting to see the tip of it). In the mean time; let it hurt, because then you know the relationship meant something.
I agree with the no contact comment because we did the whole ‘we’ll see how it goes and if we can get back together/be friends’ thing and it just hurts so much more. Just give it time and you will eventually enjoy your free time again. Talk to friends and family if you need to. Distract yourself the best you can. Big hugs xxx
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oh my gosh, that was my first post ever on mama mia and im so touched by the replies i got. thankyou so much everyone, you guys are truly awesome
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Hmmm…second time lucky? Posted this already but the Internet has taken it…somewhere…?
OMM: I have been recommended by my gynecologist to try out the Mirena to see if it helps with a couple of issues I have. I like the sound of it but I have never used any sort of hormonal contraception before and I’m a bit nervous about possible side effects.
I have had 3 children and am not planning on any more so the birth control side is a bonus. Has anyone used Mirena and how did you find it? Positive/negative?
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Most people I know who have it LOVE it! Though I know a colleagues wife had to have hers removed because it gave her dreadful headaches. I understand that is quite rare though.
Good luck!
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I am using Mirena and very happy. Just warning you that (for me) the “insertion” was EXTREMELY uncomfortable!!! I’ve had 3 kids too and my doctor was quite shocked at how I behaved – when I was hyperventilating with the pain, she kept saying “but you’ve had 3 children without drugs!!! what is going on!!!”
Thank god it stays in for 5 years or so!!!
Otherwise really happy with it
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VERY painful insertion – I agree withe Rebafe. I hated the Mirena from that minute on….
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Love it! Insertion was a bit painful but not too bad – certainly much better than childbirth, and it’s only momentary. I haven’t had any problems since and only light spotting when my period is due. Love it!
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I was told I would need to have mine done under a general because I had c-sections.
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The insertion was so pleasant i almost asked for another one. (several vbacs)
and the iud hormonal thing is awesome (no periods YAY) but it takes a while to settle into its little routine.
every body is different – I rave about it but others i know have had ongoing spotting.
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Thanks to everyone who commented on my citizenship difficulties on last week’s post. I had some really helpful information and hope to get my citizenship before the end of the year.
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OMM: got a haircut and had a very thrifty weekend!
I’ve always had long hair, and I had threatened to cut it for awhile. I look young for my age and I suspect the hair doesn’t help. It now sits just above my shoulders (which isn’t short for some people, but is the shortest I’ve had it). For the uninitiated short-hair wearer…any tips on how to make my blow dry last longer? I have very soft hair, and while the strands are fine, I have lots of them. It looks awesome when I first blow dry, but droops a lot soon after.
We did garage sales this past weekend…my husband found one where the guy was the same size as him (not all that common) and got 3 shirts, 3 pairs of pants and 2 Nike jumpers for $7 total! Rescued a bike that was left kerbside for freecycling and picked up some cheap used appliances (kettle, toaster, etc) to put in the band library so we don’t spend so much on lunch. Yay for benefitting the wallet and the environment!
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Sorry for when my second similar post turns up…this one just appeared about a hour after cyberspace ate it…
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Rach I wanna see your hair hehe! Just got your email
I’ve had my hair about shoulder length or shorter for a while now, so when it starts to grow beyond that it really starts to bug me! My hair is also naturally curly (I straighten it most of the time) and it is THICK! Which is very annoying when I go to the hairdresser because without fail every time they comment on it! Always need to get it thinned out while I’m there. Do you use mousse when you blow dry? That might help?
As for garage sales sounds like you picked up some good stuff!
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Will try for a FB pic sometime this week.
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Omg, I think you just described my sister! At this very moment, she is at the hairdresser getting her super long (amazing) hair cut to above her shoulders for the first time since she was a kid (she’s 21). I think I’m more anxious about it than her! (I’m so jealous of her hair, mine is thin and doesn’t look good when it gets too long). Do you like the shorter cut or miss your long hair?
As for keeping your hair looking good, dry shampoo is amazing for refreshing the blowdry and giving it some more lift. Also try hair powder/’magic dust’ (Zoe Foster raves about it). Try using volumissing mousse or a root-boosting spray (or both) before blow drying to give more lift and hold. I do all of these things and it seems to work on my fine, wavy shoulder-length hair!
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Schooling options for my boys for next year, they have autism non-verbal and there are so many things to go through, makes my head spin
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These vitamins that taste like lollies, designed for children – finally a product available that provides adequate amounts of all the vitamins your child needs, that you’re not (but should be) providing them in their diet! Awesome…
Unbelievable.
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where is the image I uploaded?
I’m still unable to “like” anything or see them when I am logged in as me, too :/
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ahhhh
sorry for not just editing or deleting the other posts – I can’t do that either…
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see, I’m not sure about these (or any other brand). Really? Is it just a marketing ploy? I would love to know if children really need these? I have yet to have my gp or any other qualified health professional recommend them. Yeah sure, kids don’t eat much, but unless they are ONLY eating chips all day surely they are getting enough?? jmho.
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I’m going to MELBOURNE tomorrow!! Lots of shopping, drinking, eating and general lovely-ness with my three best friends!
I’ve been several times so already have a plan – but does anyone have any “must see/do” things I may have missed?
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There’s the Napoleon exhibit at the NGV that I think is awesome. You should give that a go and check out the permanent collections too while you’re there. Then, if the weather’s good, you can just walk through the parks across the road or along southbank by the river.
There’s this new-ish food truck phenomenon that’s awesome. You have to follow Taco Truck, Gumbo Kitchen or Beatbox Kitchen on facebook to see where they’ll be for the day and then you follow them to the most amazing food that’s really affordable. If you want to go to the restaurants that don’t take bookings like Mamasita or Chinchin, go at 5pm and no later. Seriously. Enjoy!
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Mamasita… Yum!
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Heya MMers!
Happy hump day. Been a big week full of lots of WTF moments.
As many of you know I’ have been a dating tragic for a while, and of late have taken a bit of a hiatus because of ‘one douche too many’ syndrome. Tiny Tim who became Tiny Turd msgd me out of the blue the other night to apologise for being a douche. Which, although was a nice surprise, he still went on to justify why he had been a douche and became more of a douche when I didn’t fawn all over his apology. Which is funny, except that it is almost exactly what another guy I had gone out with a few weeks back did – almost to the letter. Messages a few weeks later – I miss you, I’m sorry I was a douche, but I still feel justified in my douche-like behaviour…So – I feel like not only am I a douche magnet, but for some reason I am contributing to the universe in making douches look at their behaviour?? I have no clue…I need a cupcake….
And to cap the week off, I have finally called time on my long standing on again off again best friend. We went to school together, got married the first time and had first babies at the same time etc etc. She has had a rough few years and I have really tried to be the friend she needed. The last few years we have had a couple of spectacular fall-outs, and I really have tolerated a lot more that I maybe should have because I know she has been hurting, but just this week I realised something. She is supposed to be happy at this point in time, but she is still incredibly judgmental and derogatory about things. I pointed this out to her as it was something that hurt my feelings, and then copped this barrage about how I am miserable anyway and that it must be all my problem and she’d never live where I do, there are more dickheads out my way, comments about my weight, my health, my relationships with others etc etc etc. I spoke to another good friend of mine to gain a little perspective, and her comment hit me in the face. Good friends don’t throw your insecurities in your face.
And I stopped and though hard. And realised something. Its her, not me.
So after her 7 text messages, two phone calls, aggro voicemail and numerous facebook messages, I told her ENOUGH. Just because she can mount an argument does not mean she is right. And you know what, all I feel at the moment is relief. Sweet relief.
So if anyone is looking for me, I will be avoiding not happy people and looking for a never ending supply of cupcakes
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She’s a bully, pure and simple. Maybe that’s why you’re feeling that sense of relief?
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Well done Haven Maven! I “broke up” with a friend a few years ago as she was draining me dry. It was a relief. Still is. And as for the douche-bags… back my dating years I had my fair share until one day my now husband didn’t offer up the usual load of crap and just was – and is – wonderful. There is hope. You are doing the absolute right thing by standing up for yourself and not accepting their douche-bagginess! Well done you!
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OMM: have so many pregnant friends at the moment, total baby boom! This means I will have lost of baby showers coming up, and I would love tips for fantastic gifts – I don’t have kids myself and am very new to this!
I like the idea of getting something that will be really useful, and also maybe something for the mum-to-be.
What fantastic gifts have MMers received?
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I’m in a baby boom too! My favourite gift parcel to give is a couple of my favourite books from childhood, a pair of snuggly pyjamas and a handmade softie (if you like to sew like me!) – it’s the perfect “good night sleep tight” parcel. Or a big box of handy bits and pieces – nail clippers for babies, wipes, washers, towels, wraps, themometer, bibs etc (and of course chocolate for the Mumma and Papa to be or really nice Aesop massage or hand cream). Or my last option is something themed – for example if the baby will be old enough for swimming in the summer get a pair of little swimmers, swimming nappies and a cute hooded towel. Baby gifts are so fun!
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my stepsis is currently preggers with the first grandchild, my mum bought a lovely wicker style basket and every week buys baby supplies to add to it – think cotton balls, baby shampoo/conditioner, wipes, nappy cream, teething gel, baby panadol. All the stuff she will not know she needs until she needs it at 3am when the shops are closed and she has a feverish, teething baby on her hands. Good luck! baby shower shopping is fun.
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How exciting! I’ve only had a couple of friends who’s had babies, and I always do up a little package with bits and bobs from the baby aisle in coles (baby shampoo, wipes, nappy sacks etc) plus one low-cost ‘fun’ thing to liven it up i.e. Dr Seuss book or a onesie or a small plush toy. Always seems to go down well and comes a across as a good mix of cute and practical.
If you want something a little flashier, Burts Bees is a lovely “all natural” bath & body company that do really cute baby range of bathtime products + “mama bee” products you could pop in too.
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When I was pregnant, I personally was worried about money as I was taking time off work, and therefore didn’t spend too much on the essentials, ie bought alot of cheaper brands and just the basics.|
A few of my friends pitched together and splashed their cash on the expensive stuff that I never would have justifyed for myself haha, it was a lovely surprise and from the mum’s point of view, you can buy her anything she wouldnt normally spend too much on that only she would enjoy!
Not for everyone but if you have any friends money-stressed or anything then it might be a nice angle to come from!
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oh yes, some of the more expensive, nicer baby things (like gaia) I would never buy, but if people buy for me are just lovely.
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My practical gift suggestion is a huge box of newborn sized huggies. They are expensive and the new mum will appreciate it.
And the gift for the mum to be is a subscription to a glossy mag that she loves. I loved getting House & Garden from my SIL. Turns up every month and its perfect for when baby is sleeping.
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I reckon check first with the newborn nappies. We bought so many we still had heaps left after the baby had gone up a size.
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same! I had a big baby she grew very fast, resulting in excess newborn nappies! Wouldn’t hurt to plan ahead and buy the bigger size, one or two sizes up, no one else will have these as gifts and the New Mum will appreciate it down the track as one less thing to spend money on as Bub gets bigger!
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http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/dclarke1192/m.html?hash=item4ab8d30303&item=320928416515&pt=AU_Nappies&rt=nc&_trksid=p4340.l2562
I love love love these nappy wallets. They fit about 3 nappies, wipes, bags and best of all fit into my handbag and they are so well made too. I love them. Also I love bonds stay on socks. Not very exciting but the only sox i will now buy!
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OMM: Moving into a new apartment this weekend!
We’ve been living with my Dad for nearly 5 months after relocating interstate. This is the last step to finally settling in. I honestly didn’t think it would take this long but after 1 month of no work for me (by choice) and two months of no work for partner (not by choice!) it took a long time to catch up financially.
I have loved living with my Dad. I will really really miss and am feeling a bit weepy. 25 year old with separation anxiety!
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OMM: My contract at work runs out in 6 weeks and I have no where to go yet. I’ve tried applying on SEEK for several jobs but either get no call back or a ‘no thank you’ email. They all seem to want to pigeon hole me as “Construction industry appropriate only” because I have been in it for 5 years. Never mind that I worked in recruitment for 6 years also and can obviously fit into corporate too. I’m getting a really bad taste in my mouth with recruiters. All I want is a job! Some security! A simple EA or PA role with a good company and standard pay. It’s so diheartening.
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I have had NO good experience with recruiters.
I didn’t bother with them and only applied for direct jobs. And it worked.
I find they have a checklist and if you don’t tick every box they don’t bother. Even though most people are very flexible with their skills. It really makes no sense.
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was exactly the same- recruitment agency’s just waste so much of your time. I skipped over any of the jobs they offered and opted to apply direct jobs only, which worked!
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I’m with you on the pigeonholing. I have a very varied CV, which seems to result in a ‘not quite enough of the specific skill we’re wanting’. Sigh – whatever happened to an employer seeing an all-rounder as a GOOD thing?
Good luck!
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OMG, yes. Specialisation is necessary in some cases, but being generally excellent at many things can be super handy and an even greater asset to the company. We are people, not machines.
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