Let's Talk About.

Let's talk about 'Let's Talk About'. It's no secret that I am television obsessed, and when it comes to television there's nothing I love more than supporting quality, Australian made content. Presto, the Australian based online streaming service, shares this viewpoint. Speaking at the Melbourne screening today, their pride in being able to provide a platform for 'Let's Talk About' was palpable, saying that their decision to support this series was an immediate yes.

Created and produced by father/daughter duo Bryan and Matilda Brown, the series revolves around Claire and Ben, facing the challenges associated with becoming parents, all while being in a new relationship.  They're short on money, scared and unsure, but as they embrace their new life - "the never ending roller coaster" they grow together to form their own unique, family dynamic with a lot of humour and heart. Ben's journey to becoming a father is particularly sweet.

And one of the series' most interesting aspects? It's short form. Each episode runs for 3 to 6 minutes, so you can have the joy of binge watching an entire series without any of the guilt (well, let's be honest, when it comes to watching television I never really feel guilty). It's easy to think that the short episode length means compromises on story line or content will be made, but there's nothing superficial about this series. It was surprising to see just how much you can fit into these bite sized and snappy episodes, from heated, emotion fueled conversations, to some really sweet and touching moments. Despite covering ~9 months in approximately 40 minutes of footage, it never feels like the story line's moving forward too quickly, the episodes have a lovely flow and sense of continuity.

'Let's Talk About' premieres tomorrow, the 30th of October exclusive to Presto. Luckily for you their 30 day trial subscription means you can watch it for free by signing up here ! (While you're there also check out their previous work, Lessons From The Grave. It's brilliant).

- Miriam

*Mosaik does not take credit for the images used in this article.

This is the Good Stuff: Beauty Edit

Skincare: Thursday Plantation Nurture Oil: Bio Perfecting $9.40
Thursday Plantation Nurture Oil is a blend of 8 natural oils, vitamins, and antioxidants. Prone to dry skin and the occasional break out, I was surprised by how quickly this product turns around the quality of my skin. When I commit to using this daily, within a week my face is noticeably clearer and softer. Just be warned, it's very oily (I don't know why that was surprising to me when I first started using this), so I'd recommend this oil only for night time use after all your make up has been removed.

Body: Aesop Protective Body Lotion SPF50  $40
Holy Trinity of sun protection (SPF 50, UVA & UVB)? Check!

Light on skin? Check!

Minty fresh fragrance? Check!

Hands: Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Recovery $30

I could rave all day about Crabtree & Evelyn's Hand Cream, but it's their under appreciated Hand Recovery scrub that makes the biggest difference for me. It's got crushed pumice stone, and essential oils to leave scaly and dry skin feeling seriously soft. Apply their hand cream after that, and voila, perfect, soft hands. (You can also use this product as a foot scrub).

Nails: Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Intensive Cuticle & Nail Therapy 15ml  $16
Working in retail used to mean constantly chipping nails that were impossible to grow, but after using this product those days are long gone. Enriched with panthenol and keratin, apply this daily and you'll be left with shiny and strong nails.

Lips: Hurraw Lip Balm $3.79 USD (factor in conversion + shipping)
I was already hooked when I heard Hurraw's lip balms are made up of completely organic, vegan and raw ingredients but it was their flavours including Earl Grey, Chai Spice and Green Tea that got me clicking straight onto 'add to cart'. The full collection can be purchased through their online USA based website, however a large number can be found through Australian based vegan sites if you want to avoid exy shipping rates.

Make Up: Too Faced Cocoa Contour Kit $59
There are many make up items that hold a special place in my heart at the moment, but the Too Faced Cocoa Contour Kit gets a special mention because it's taken me so darn long to find. With skin as pale as mine, contour powders usually end up looking muddy, or overly orange, but the Medium Cocoa shade in this set is perfect. With the help of the mini kabuki brush it's easily blended into the skin to give natural definition and shape, and yes, the powders smell like chocolate.

Make Up Remover:  Coconut Revolution Organic Coconut Oil Beauty $14.95 for 250ml
In our previous 'This is the Good Stuff' Beth recommended this, so I went out, got myself a bottle, and I am a massive fan of this too. Use a teaspoon of the oil with warm water and you're good to go. It's all natural and leaves the skin feeling soft and really smooth. I also recommend the 250ml size because the oil will harden when cold and it's easier to squeeze out.

Brushes: Real Techniques ~$20 per brush
Despite seeing these brushes used all over YouTube I was skeptical. I had invested in high end make up brushes that didn't do anything special for my make up application, so I thought it was pretty much a lost cause, especially considering the Real Techniques brushes significantly more affordable price tag, but these are fabulous. The powder brush is the largest and fluffiest brush I've ever seen, and the expert face brush leaves a smooth and flawless foundation application. 

All in One Wonder Product: Dr Bronner's 18 in 1 Liquid Castile Soap  $6-30 size depending
You can literally clean anything with this liquid soap, from your face to your household floor, this soap does it all. Don't believe me, look it up, you can even brush your teeth with it! I use it as my make up brush cleaner because it's all natural, fair trade and smells much nicer than the majority of chemical filled brush cleaners in the market.

- Miriam 




* Mosaik does not take credit for the image used in this article

**I've tried to ensure the products featured on this list are all cruelty free (unless testing is required by law), if you know otherwise, do pass it on to us and I'll remove it.

Traumatised Youth.

I am no expert. I cannot give you a step-by-step procedure on how to deal with traumatised youth. One thing I can tell you, though, is that the most powerful form of therapy is human love. In my involvements with traumatised youth, I have learned that positive relationships are an agent for gradual but monumental change. 

It has always been my philosophy when working with youth that any form of undesirable behaviour is a by-product of something bigger. Take a teenager who is going through regular psychological, physiological and emotional change, and then add extra stresses to the equation - behaviours are bound to be magnified. Sometimes it is better to assess the situation and take a moment to ask 'are you okay?' before jumping to conclusions and fuelling the young person's episodes. You can never fully understand what another person is going through.

From the way I see it, if you have the emotional capacity and the heart to commit to a short- or long-term journey with a traumatised young person, you do all you can to ensure that you create a 'safe place' for them. The little wins that come out of a few words of encouragement, or a simple 'well done' may seem transient, but can stay with them for a lifetime. I have worked extensively with victims of neglect and self-harm, and no matter how hard the cases seem, I try to go in with the mindset that these young people are 'growing up' at a faster rate than others their age because they believe that getting older means gaining freedom and escaping their situations. The problem with this, though, is that traumatised youth, without positive relationships, often reencounter the trauma they experienced when they were younger. The psychological scars that these young people have cut deeper than most, and can last a lifetime if they don't obtain the tools to make sense of their experiences. When someone can give them the time to understand the pain, it is only then that the healing process can begin. 

They will test you. Almost every traumatised young person I have worked with has tested my boundaries when I first met them. From being asked to help patch up self-harm scars as a way of letting me know about their adversities, to running off to see if I will follow and ultimately 'care' if they have gone, my behaviours and reactions are constantly being assessed, whether I realise it or not. These youth are too often surrounded by adult relationships that fail to help them make sense of their being and the world in which they live. If you can pass their initial 'tests' and make it known that you will be a reliable adult that will be there when they need you, their emotional wounds will, hopefully - little by little - begin to improve.

What I find most important in my work with traumatised youth is the capacity to love. Obviously keeping the relationship professional, there are a number of ways you can show these young people love - saying good morning when you pass them in the corridor, smiling at them, acknowledging their achievements no matter how small they are, or even printing out a completed piece of work that they do and keeping the hard copy on your desk. It is these little acts that teach young people what love is - it is creating a connection, making them realise their potential, and fostering a positive and lasting relationship that speaks volumes of love. Because, ultimately, love is what traumatised youth crave; it is what makes them recognise their self-worth and gives them a reason to want to better themselves. If you can provide that love, you hold a power that is greater than you ever realised.

I still have not even come close to understanding exactly how to deal with traumatised youth, but all I know for sure is that if you can assure them that they are safe in your presence, and if you can provide unconditional support and a healthy working relationship, you are half way there. You cannot love yourself unless you have been loved and are loved. The capacity to love cannot be built in isolation, so if you can give that to someone who is unfamiliar with the concept, you are already making a difference.   

“Fire can warm or consume, water can quench or drown, wind can caress or cut. And so it is with human relationships: we can both create and destroy, nurture and terrorize, traumatise and heal each other.” - The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, Bruce D. Perry.

-Nicole

UMMTA's 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum'.

After the success of UMMTA’s Thoroughly Modern Millie in May, we were thrilled to return to see A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’s opening performance last Friday night. While we knew nothing about the play itself in regards to the plot or characters, we knew the standard of UMMTA's past productions meant we were set for a brilliant night. 

On the surface, it’s a simple boy meets girl tale, but A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was utter chaos from beginning to end – and we mean that in the best way. The exaggerated characters were brought to life by the brilliant cast, bringing abundant energy and excitement to every scene. Chris Anderson as ‘Pseudolus’ was a stand out, drawing the audience into the tale from the very first song, and making them an accessory to the dysfunctional drama. Jeremy Russo as 'Hysterium' and Lachlan Grey as ‘Miles Gloriosus’ also held our attention with their dramatic characterisation.

Praise is also in order for the Artistic Team. Clever twists on the original play such as Erronius wearing running shoes and a Fitbit, and the nod to Les Miserables in the opening song, provided a nice balance to the hysteria, and were delivered with quick wit and skill by the cast. 

There really is "something for everyone" at this brilliant show, and we really can’t recommend more strongly that you come and see it. You’d probably be willing to pay 1000 minæ for a night of quality comedy and entertainment, but luckily for you student tickets are only $25.

The show will run until the 24th of October at the Union Theatre, and you can grab your tickets here.

- Miriam, Beth and Alessandra

*Photos by Ben Fon

India.

When you say the word India it seems to signify something greater- there is a mystery to it, something undiscovered. People go to India in search for of love, in search of faith, in search of themselves. I was going purely for the experience, to embrace an entirely different culture, one that was extremely foreign to me.

Upon returning I have learnt that India is indescribable, it can never be condensed to a few words because India can only be truly captured through the experience of being there and being present. It is ever changing, filled with noises and smells and colours that clash and assault the senses, and finally decide to co-exist. It is a place of extreme contradictions; everything is considered holy but nothing is sacred, poverty is contrasted by extreme wealth, the old more conservative India is juxtaposed with the new emerging India, rapidly embracing the contemporary world. 

Do: Take Photos/Travel in a Group/Travel by Tuk Tuk/ Camel Rides/ Hikes/ Watch the Sunrise/ Dance with Gypsies in the Dirt (Basically everything)

Take photos of everything, all the time, always. No, really. India is so beautiful you can't, not record it and photos are great for your post travel depression when you get back. Travelling with a group was so much fun as well, it made everything more exciting and you feel so much safer. You make new friends and bonds that will last forever and it gives you an excuse to drink a Kingfisher beer every night (it's totally cheesy but its also completely true).

Tuk Tuk Rides are the equivalent of Disneyland's Wild West ride in India and the main form of transport and camel rides are not as popular but just as fun!

Go hiking to get another perspective of Indian cities. It's so easy to get carried away in the busy Indian streets but an early morning hike up the surrounding mountains of Pushkar definitely gives you perspective and a sense of calm in among the chaos. It is those moments between light and dark in India that bring the most enlightenment. Dawn and dusk. Dancing at dusk with the gypsies in the dirt was also an amazing experience. You completely let go of all your inhibitions and surrender to India. 

Stay: Narain Niwas Palace 

Narain Niwas is situated in Jaipur and is an oasis, an absolute heaven and a the hotel you should splurge on. Some of my favourite moments were spent just sitting on the Havelli porch watching the peacocks strut around and the busy street in the distance or spending the last few minutes of sunlight relaxing in the pool, or waking up to a beautiful painted ceiling every morning. 

Eat: Carefully (!)

Be super careful about what and where you eat. Eating in the hotel is usually safe. While I was there I ate only vegetarian dishes which is mainly the cuisine anyway but even that can be unsafe; yes I got food poisoning and yes it was the worst and yes everyone got sick but we all survived (and to be honest it was kind of worth the risk for the amazing curries).

Shop: Local Markets 

Local markets are always the place to go for jewellery, homewares, handwoven material and lots of other knick-knacks.

Handy Tip: XE currency app 

The app that stops anyone from ripping you off.

- Alessandra 

The Power of the Written Word.

I can’t quite pinpoint the time in my life where I became so inspired by writing, but as I left school and started finding myself as a person, I began to realise the overwhelming power that the relationships in my life had on shaping me and my decisions. I also began to realise how therapeutic and reflective I found the process of writing to be. For me, I find it a lot easier to express myself through writing, so any spare time that I have is normally spent writing, reading, or reflecting on the positive relationships and things in my life. Over time, I began to develop a great love for writing to other people when they least expected it. There's something really beautiful about giving someone something that has no materialistic value, but can so aptly highlight human value. Like a pen between your fingers, detonating like a million little stars across the night sky, one day you too will form galaxies that shine forever over those who need of you, and then, light will feed itself back to you. Writing, in all its forms, is both a gratifying and wonderful process. 

My good friend, Shaun, recommended a book for me to read called One Million Lovely Letters by Jodi Ann Bickley. He knew I would love it, and I did. It is a semi-autobiographical novel that contains recollections and letters written by and to Bickley when she contracted a serious brain infection that would change her life forever. She had two choices at the peak of her illness: either to give up or to do something meaningful with the time she had been given. She decided to create an organisation where people who feel they - or someone they know - need to hear unexpected words of kindness can request a letter. One Million Lovely Letters follows Bickley’s inspirational journey to recovery that is an uplifting testament to the power that words hold in healing the heart and the mind.

I am a big believer in acknowledging people’s ‘little wins’ or beautiful qualities. Whether it be writing letters to people when they least expect it, or cramming little notes on the inside covers of books that I give to people, I think that people never expect but really appreciate when they have written recognition of someone noticing their impact on the world or their unique qualities. It is a simple but powerful act to write down your feelings about how you see other people – you can never fully understand what other people are going through, and to take the time to write down a few carefully thought-out words that might seem fleeting to you could have a monumental impact on another person’s life. The beauty of the written word is that people can return back to the words in moments of their life when they are feeling down or uninspired. A few words have the power to change everything. 

As I was reminded when reading One Million Lovely Letters, “sometimes people need to be told they are amazing, to drown out the negativity and the fear. Sometimes when someone else isn't feeling strong you need to be extra strong for them. They need you to tell them that they can cope, they can get better, because so much of healing is about belief, about positivity and determination.”  Pens are weapons so unassumingly powerful; the influence of the words you craft can have an impact of epic proportions. All you need to do is have the courage to start writing.

-Nicole