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The Handbag of Happiness is a collection of rollicking, defiant, real-life stories where self-improvement is satire and life-changing moments are found in the absurdity of our mysterious little lives. From The Bathing Costume of Calamity to The Apron Strings of Lament and The Brassiere of Lovelessness, Alannah Hill shares hard-won wisdom from a career in the fashion world (along with the fine art of stickybeaking). Irreverent, provocative, self-depreciating and witty, Alannah tells us in her own imperfect way how she overcame adversity – and sometimes didn’t, despite her best intentions. In a world full of self-help clichés, contradictory messages and new-puritan rules, Alannah opens her bejewelled handbag of happiness, showing us how being a little bit wrong can sometimes be so very, very right.
'Raw and real and funny and sad – I could not put this book down' – Jane Kennedy 'You might expect fluff and fashion ... what you get is harrowing, full-strength, funny and deeply satisfying' – Zoë Foster Blake Unflinching, funny, shocking, inspiring and tender: this is a story like no other. Alannah Hill, one of Australia’s most successful fashion designers, created an international fashion brand that defied trends with ornamental, sophisticated elegance, beads, bows and vintage florals. But growing up in a milk bar in Tasmania, Alannah’s childhood was one of hardship, fear and abuse. At an early age she ran away from home with eight suitcases of costumes and a fierce determinati...
We’ve all had days when if we didn’t laugh, we’d cry. Whether it’s a domestic drama, career cockup or just a run-of-the-mill disaster, we’ve all been there – no matter who we are. In this hilarious and moving collection, well-known Australians from all walks of life share their stories as a kind of mass therapy; a feel-good tonic for when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan. From Annabel Crabb’s tale of Russian interference in the birth of her first child to Kate McClymont on how to manage mobsters, or Frank Moorhouse on the worst possible Valentine’s Day to Emma Alberici on moving to London with three small children, these entertaining tales of woe remind us that this too shall pass.
An exquisitely photographed exploration of what it is to find purpose, joy and connection in the simple things. 'In a time of infinite choice and possibility, Jodi has provided a grounded road map to becoming a grateful, settled soul.' Alexx Stuart, author of Low Tox Life 'I'm not here to nag you and tell you that you need to live with less stuff. Nor will I tell you that owning less is a sure and certain path to happiness. But let me tell you what it's like to carry all you own with you ... to reduce your consumption and increase your free time and to realise that everything you need in life can fit in a caravan along with those you love most ...' It is natural to fear uncertainty. But what...
"An "inside the room" memoir from one of our most distinguished ambassadors who--in a career of service to the country--was sent to some of the most dangerous outposts of American diplomacy. From the wars in the Balkans to the brutality of North Korea to the endless war in Iraq, this is the real life of an American diplomat. Hill was on the front lines in the Balkans at the breakup of Yugoslavia. He takes us from one-on-one meetings with the dictator Milosevic, to Bosnia and Kosovo, to the Dayton conference, where a truce was brokered. Hill draws upon lessons learned as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon early on in his career and details his prodigious experience as a US ambassador. He was...
“From now on I’m Alan of Trebond, the younger twin. I’ll be a knight.” Alanna has always craved the adventure and daring allowed only for boys; her twin brother, Thom, yearns to learn the art of magic. So one day they decide to switch places. Disguised as a girl, Thom heads for the convent; Alanna, pretending to be a boy, is on her way to the castle of King Roald to begin her training as a page. But the road to knighthood is not an easy one. As Alanna masters the skills necessary for battle, she must also learn to control her heart and to learn who her enemies are. Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil, Alanna’s first adventure begins . . .
How to build wealth the smart way—slow and steady This book will show you how to take control of your finances and grow your wealth using nothing more than a few key principles and commonsense wisdom. It shows you how to let go of easy excuses, stop waiting around for magically simple solutions, set intelligent financial goals, and design an action plan that you can follow through to completion. Using a storytelling approach, it shares the financial experiences of the author and her clients, guiding readers through the tools and tactics necessary to effect positive financial change in their lives. Although focused on personal finance goals, the lessons here easily translate to life itself.
This memoir by a leading Australian playwright casts a shrewd eye over Australian culture and politics. Michael Gurr has written, directed and acted. He's also been a political activist, for causes such as asylum seekers in Australia. He's worked with the Australian Labor Party as a speech writer. He has won a number of awards, including four state Literary Awards for Drama. The diary meshes the personal with the politicalandmdash;from the Dismissal in 1975, through the rise of economic rationalism, net culture, and globalisation to the transformed Australia of 2006. As a playwright and activist, Michael Gurr has been a close observer of Australian politics and culture for more than twenty years. Days Like These is his personal account of a writer's evolution against the backdrop of a changing nation: a clear-eyed, often darkly humorous riff on how the times have come to be out of joint. Michael Gurr is the recipient of four State Literary Awards for Drama in NSW and Victoria. His work has been produced Australia-wide and in the UK and the USA. He was speechwriter for Steve Bracks in the campaign that returned the ALP to power in Victoria in 1999.
Gives you an idea of what it's really like working in the fashion industry including what people do, what they love and what they don't.
Enhanced eBook featuring TWO exclusive videos: a glamorous short film showing Dannii in the glorious 'looks' she chose for the book, PLUS exciting behind-the-scenes footage from the fashion shoots, revealing the style icon herself hard at work. The definitive style guide for women who want to be fashionable, sexy and confident, by thewoman of the moment. Appearing on numerous 'Best Dressed' lists in 2010 - in Marie Claire, The Guardian, Companyand Heatamong others - style icon Dannii Minogue is a role model to women everywhere. In Dannii: My Styleshe shares her fashion wisdom and personal style secrets, all gloriously illustrated with stunning photos of Dannii as she dresses to impress. This must-have style bible helps you learn to love the way you are, focusing on ways to accentuate the positive, and covers everything from great hair and glowing skin to make-up and healthy eating. Dannii shares her tips on red carpet looks and what to wear for every occasion, and offers advice on dressing for your shape and choosing the right accessories. Dannii: My Styleis an inspirational guide to making the most of what you've got and looking your best.