Ladies of the Blogisphere - A

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/SsszAheeA5I/AAAAAAAAAMY/UGyE4EqYG2A/s1600-h/tggs_banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/SsszAheeA5I/AAAAAAAAAMY/UGyE4EqYG2A/s320/tggs_banner.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Name:</span> </b><br /></div>A.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/SunCMzcsGcI/AAAAAAAAAQI/zoL_XqvKAFk/s1600-h/outfit2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/SunCMzcsGcI/AAAAAAAAAQI/zoL_XqvKAFk/s320/outfit2.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><b style="color: #a64d79;">Age:</b><br />23, almost 24!<br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">Blog: </b><br /><a href="http://theglamourousgradstudent.blogspot.com/">The Glamourous Grad Student</a><br /><b><br /><span style="color: #a64d79;">How did you choose your blogs name? </span></b><br />Well, I'm a grad student, and at the time I was trying to go in a more glamourous direction with my style! So it made sense. Not sure what I'll do when I graduate though!!<br /><b><br /><span style="color: #a64d79;">How long have you been blogging for:</span></b><br />It's been almost 2 years<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">How did you come up with the concept of your blog? Or has it evolve over time / Do you write based on your own experience or does a lot of research go into each post: </span> </b><br />I started blogging just to keep track of my thoughts about my own style. In college I didn't really have a sense of who I was or how I wanted to present myself to the rest of the world and when I started grad school this started to change, one realization at a time. I didn't want to forget those lightbulb moments (like when it suddenly hit me precisely why jeans were never going to work for me no matter how militantly the fashion magazines proclaimed their necessity) so I started the blog as a place to jot them all down! It has definitely evolved as I have also grown. I still write about my own experiences but I also feel more confident giving my own opinion or advice, and putting my own experiences into a broader context.<br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">What keeps you inspired to keep blogging / Where do the ideas for you posts come from:</b><br />I keep blogging because every day through all kinds of media, women are presented with the most ridiculous standards and the most baffling and contradictory messages about lifestyles, fashion, beauty... Everything! It seems to me that our society moves the goalposts of what it means to be attractive and successful and whatnot to often that it's impossible to be ever reach them and most of the time they're not where you want to be anyways. My ideas come from my own experiences of taking a more personal, individual and somewhat more reliable approach to feeling beautiful, stylish and happy by discovering what works for me.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/SsszxEUAWAI/AAAAAAAAAMg/tOkmNMMq87w/s1600-h/at_Versailles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/SsszxEUAWAI/AAAAAAAAAMg/tOkmNMMq87w/s320/at_Versailles.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">What are the three blogs that inspire you the most:</b><br />I am inspired by Sarah Von of Yes and Yes, who is just so incredibly natural, witty and adventurous. I read a lot of blogs, and enjoy them all in different ways, but Sarah is the one of a kind. <br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">What have you learnt from having your own blog:</b><br />Well, I know a heap about HTML that I didn't know before!<br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">What would you say is necessary for a successful blog:</b><br />I think it really depends on what successful means to you. Is it a large following, a small but loyal readership, an active community of commenters? Do you want a blog that you can earn a living from or one that is recognized and linked back to be other bloggers, or one that is noticed by PR people who'll send you free goodies? Success means different things to different people. In most cases though, strong content, regular updates and a clean, uncluttered blog design is always helpful.<br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">Why do you think your blog is so popular: </b><br />I don't really think of my blog as being popular... Popularity was never a goal of mine when I started blogging. I just wanted to write down my thoughts. With hindsight perhaps that was what made my blog a little different. I'm not a fashion expert, I've no professional knowledge or education in the fashion world. I just write from my own experiences and I think other woman relate to what I write. <br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">Do think that you will continue blogging when you leave varsity and enter the working world:</b><br />Good question! I really have no idea.<br /><b><br /><span style="color: #a64d79;">From your blog, we all know you are a graduate student busy with your PH D (correct me if I’m wrong), what field of study are you in and what made you go into that field and what year are you? </span><br style="color: #a64d79;" /><span style="color: #a64d79;"> If you could have any career in the world (other than what you are studying), what would it be and why: </span></b><br />Yes, I'm a PhD student, hopefully finishing up in the next year or so. I'm a scientist, and what I do just suits my personality very well. I like logic, and am really analytical, so I actually enjoy working with numbers and statistics. I'm geek chic and proud of it! Also, academics are such a lovely lot to be around! In an alternate universe, where I had a head for business, I could totally see myself owning and running a patisserie bakery. <br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">Who taught you about fashion and style:</b><br />I approached fashion and style in a really left-brained kind of way. I've been known to use equations for permutations to work out how many outfits can be made from a collection of clothes. When I first got into style I became very observant of what other people were wearing. On the street, on TV shows, in movies... I would visit The Sartorialist a lot and analyze the photos I liked to see what it was that I liked in them. It all made me very aware of what's out there, style-wise, and what I like and don't like.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/SunA84uAaYI/AAAAAAAAAP4/FzGNCuNQgTs/s1600-h/outfit1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/SunA84uAaYI/AAAAAAAAAP4/FzGNCuNQgTs/s320/outfit1.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">What are your basic wardrobe essentials:</span> </b><br />Cami tops and knits for layering, figure-hugging skirts, medium-heel shoes and boots and cute coats.<br /><b><br /><span style="color: #a64d79;">What is your fashion mantra:</span></b><br />I try to follow Coco Chanel's advice: "A girl should be two things... classy and fabulous"<br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">What are your top shopping tips</b><span style="color: #a64d79;">: </span><br />Research! Use the internet to see what's in stores and avoid disappointment and impulse buying.<br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">What does your daily make up routine consist of:</b> <br />Not a whole lot, really! I like to keep my daytime makeup pretty, natural and minimal. I use concealor, foundation powder and a pretty blush, a stain and some balm for the lips and a little neutral shadow, liner and mascara for the eyes. <br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">What is your evening/going out make up routine:</b> <br />I don't go out much so I don't have a routine for this! I might line my eyes a little heavier or wear a jewel-toned shadow, but I still keep things pretty simple, even at night.<br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">Aside from writing and your blog what are your other interests and hobbies:</b><br />I love baking. Cupcakes are my specialty but I'm branching out into pies! I like to swim and cycle too, and like to run once the scenery's nice! I like to hang out with my dog, and my darling boyfriend of course. I also quite like to dance but I've never had a scrap of formal training. I'd like to change that!<br /><br /><b style="color: #a64d79;">I love reading and am always curious as to what peoples favourite books are, what is your favourite book:</b><br />There's a special place in my heart for Sherlock Holmes!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/Sss0HvtammI/AAAAAAAAAMo/WX72i6znsRE/s1600-h/eiffel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/Sss0HvtammI/AAAAAAAAAMo/WX72i6znsRE/s320/eiffel.JPG" /></a><br /></div><b></b><br /><b><br /><span style="color: #a64d79;">What is your favourite food:</span></b><br />I love Chinese food and could pretty much have it every day.<br /><b><br /><span style="color: #a64d79;">Of all the places you have traveled with is your favourite place and why:</span></b><br />Paris and Vienna are my favourite cities, places where I feel very at ease and at home.<br /><br /><b><i> - PLEASE NOTE: All pictures are property of The Glamourous Grad Student and may not be copied without permission.</i></b><br /><br /><i>*eLLa* </i><b><i><br /></i></b>

Ladies of the Blogisphere - A

Name:   A. Age: 23, almost 24! Blog: The Glamourous Grad Student How did you choose your blogs name? Well, I'm a grad student, and at th...

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The Importance of Education

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/Su_YSHy7uvI/AAAAAAAAAQw/yaDVdZ7Pafs/s1600-h/580591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/Su_YSHy7uvI/AAAAAAAAAQw/yaDVdZ7Pafs/s320/580591.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>Investing money in education is never ever going to be a waste. Essentially, you are investing in yourself and turning yourself into a sellable commodity. While having a sterling education will not by any means guarantee you a job but will definitely put you way a head of the pack in terms of "hire-ability". <br /><br />Choosing what to study can be a daunting task and very overwhelming as there are so many options out there. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering what to study:<br /><br /><ul><li>what are specific set of skills and talents<br /></li><li>the long term monetary success of your chosen career, are you skills more suited markets in other countries<br /></li><li>the future prospects of your skills, will they last the test of time, continual learning and education is important<br /></li><li>Most NB of all – will you enjoy your job, do not choose a career based on prestige and money<br /></li></ul>Whilst many students are lucky enough to have parents who pay for their tertiary education, there are also many who don't and need to find avenues of self finance. <br /><br /><b>There are 3 main options open to you:<br /></b><br /><ol><li>Yourself – start working from when you are in school, take a part-time job and save up. Continue working through college. There are many students who support themselves this way. <br /></li><li>Bursaries and scholarships – the best way to find information about these are to check with the institutions you are applying to and apply for as many as you qualify for. Competition can be very tough. The facts that go in to selection are things like: needs, family assets, family income, the course you are applying for, and your marks and ability as a student. Another option is to approach large companies write letters to them/emails and include a copy of your CV, references and photocopies of your qualifications. <br /></li><li> Loans – when all else fails there is always the option of taking a loan. This is what is called a good investment; you are investing in your ability, potential and skills. But, remember debt is still debt and has to be paid off. Always try to borrow the minimum by taking a part time job and supplementing your loan. <br /></li></ol><b>Options for loaning money:<br /></b><br /><ol><li>Your parents employers: many employers will give interest-free or very low interest loans to employees to help educate their children<br /></li><li>A future employer: if you are fortunate enough to find someone who will employ you after you have qualified they will often assist you with a loan. Sometimes they even allow you to wok the loan off by working for them for a certain amount of time after graduating in place of paying the loan back<br /></li><li>Your parents' home loan: home loans have a very low preferential interest rate of up to 3% below the prime rate at which the bank normally loans money<br /></li><li> Banks: student loans are offered by almost every bank with low interest and they often have a package deal bank account with lots of perks<br /></li></ol><b>How to qualify for a bank loan:<br /></b><br /><ol><li>The amount you can borrow – this depends from bank to bank and on what you are going to study<br /></li><li>Interest rates – this also varies according to the course you are going to do, one that leads you to becoming a highly paid graduate with get you lower interest rates, unfair I know. However, all rates for all loans are below prime and postgraduate students often get interest rates that are half the prime rate. <br /></li><li>Loan repayment periods – if you are a full-time student you have to pay the interest on your loan monthly and pay the actual amount in the same amount of time as it took you to study your course once you graduate. If you are a part time student you are required to pay both the interest and start repaying your loan while you study.<br /></li><li>Security – you have to have someone, like a parent, to sign surety on the loan if something happens and you can't. You also have to take out life insurance to cover accident death or disability so that the bank still gets its money back.<br /></li><li>If you fail or drop out – if you fail you will not get a loan for the next year and if you drop out you have to pay back the amount just as if you had finished.<br /></li><li>Other benefits – banks usually have special student account packages which lets you take advantage of loads of different benefits offered by the bank. However, be very careful if they issue you with a credit card, it's not free money, its more debt. <br /></li><li>Renewal – you have to renew you loan each month by sending your exam results to prove you passed as well as proof that you have registered as a student for the following year.<br /></li></ol><i>How are you guys financing your studies? Are studies as expensive overseas as they are here in South Africa? Where any of you lucky enough to get bursaries and scholarships? Leave a comment!<br /></i><br /><i>*eLLa* </i>

The Importance of Education

Investing money in education is never ever going to be a waste. Essentially, you are investing in yourself and turning yourself into a sella...

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BLOG CARNIVAL

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/Su1OHpqiuJI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ohOtwPLX8gc/s1600-h/hWlreEGvjq9zpz16H7c6ofdxo1_500_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rDDO2quPfZk/Su1OHpqiuJI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ohOtwPLX8gc/s320/hWlreEGvjq9zpz16H7c6ofdxo1_500_large.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/723300">Image</a><br /></div><br />In the month of December *eLLa* iNsPiReD is going to be hosting a Blog Carnival.<br /><br />Theme: Best of the Blogisphere<br /><br />Time: 10 AM  (Time Zone +2:00)<br /><br />Date: 1 December 2009 <br /><br />Place: *eLLa* iNsPiReD<br /><br />Invited: EVERYONE<br /><br />So, how it works is that anyone and everyone can submit articles that fit with the theme. The theme, Best of the Blogisphere, means that the article are going to be the favourite and most populr articles from your blog that readers go back and read over and over or are the type of post people print out and use as a resource. New, never been posted before articles are most welcome. I'm looking for a mix of fun and frivolous, informational and even a little serious. Any format is accepted, lists, point form, poems, quotes, pictures, long article, short articles. Each posts with have your blogs name and URL prominently displayed at the top of the post giving the writer full credit.  <br /><br />Guidelines:<br /> - All articles will be read and selected by me<br /> - Not all articles will be posted<br /> - Please state the date and URL of the post at the top of your entry<br /> - Please state clearly if the article is a newly written, never before published piece<br /> - Each blog may submit no more than 10 posts<br /> - Each participant must write a short post during the month of December stating that they are taking part<br /><br />All entries must be emailed to me at <a href="mailto:ella.inspired@gmail.com">ella.inspired@gmail.com</a> You can either attach the post in word format or list all your entries with their specific URL next to it. I will inform all applicants of the article I am going to post and the dates they will be posted. Only posts received prior to the closing date will be featured.<br /><br />CLOSING DATE: 22 NOVEMBER 2009 (SUNDAY)<br /><br /><i>I really hope all of you will take part, am looking forward to seeimg all your entries. This is a great opprtunityto get your blog out there to new readers. What do you think of th</i>e <i>idea? Are you going to take part?</i>

BLOG CARNIVAL

Image In the month of December *eLLa* iNsPiReD is going to be hosting a Blog Carnival. Theme: Best of the Blogisphere Time: 10 AM  (Time Zon...

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