Women's Interests

So you’ve bought your maternity wear, set up the nursery and you’re all set for the arrival of your new bub. There may be one concern weighing heavily on your mind — where exactly will the money come from while you are away from work after having the baby? Should you speed up your recovery and limit your time with the little one? Do you hope that you can scrape enough together from one income to make ends meet?

Photo: Senator Kate Lundy

In 2011, the Gillard government made a move to reduce the financial stress of a new baby to Australian families, with the introduction of the Federal parental leave program. Recognising that many employers in the country don’t have a parental leave scheme, the Government introduced an initiative to support families and also bring Australia up to standard with many other developed countries around the world. Read more… » «The Government Maternity Scheme — How Can it Help You?»

There is nothing more exciting than having a new baby on the way. The anticipation, the debates over names, the guessing whether you will have a beautiful little boy or girl, all make this period one of the most amazing experiences of your life. And preparing for the baby to arrive is a bonus that will really amp up the excitement levels and make the arrival of your new little family member even more highly anticipated.

Photo: Conor Keller

After heading out or online and filling your baby wardrobe with gorgeous maternity wear, filling the new supplies closet with enough diapers to last for weeks and reading all the baby books you can find, it’s time to get out of the organisational phase and into the joys of nesting — creating a beautiful haven for you and your baby. Your baby nursery can be one of the most amazing decorating jobs you ever undertake in your house — because it invites rather than deters the adventurer, the fairytale lover and the child inside who craves bright colours and big pictures. Read more… » «Creating a Nursery that Takes Your Breath Away»

Although summer is here and we are trying our best to make the most of any hot weather that comes our way, it’s already August and autumn feels just round the corner. That means a drop in temperature, the likelihood of wind and rain and a definite need for a new fall coat. Buying a coat for autumn can be a tricky business, especially if you’re low on funds. Your best bet is to invest in a high quality yet versatile coat or jacket that will see you through both autumn and winter, keeping you cosy when the weather is poor but not too thick and heavy to weigh you down and cause you to overheat should milder temperatures prevail.

Online retailers such as the Ellos Store allow you to browse through a wide range of jackets and coats before you make a final decision. The female autumn/winter jackets on offer at Ellos include mid-length coats, stylish blazers and long trench coats. Depending on the main situations in which you will be wearing your coat, you need to pick a suitable style for your needs. A sophisticated trench coat will look smart for travelling to and from work, whilst a casual but insulated parka may not scream catwalk style but will definitely keep you warm and dry. Read more… » «Buying A Coat For Autumn»

We all know that while horse racing tips and track conditions and odds and bets are all common elements of horse racing in Australia, the most exciting aspect (apart from winning, of course) for us girls is deciding on an outfit. Race-day fashion has become such a lynchpin of racing culture in Australia that it has spurned an entire industry.

Photo: avlxyz

Myer’s ‘Fashion on the Field’ events at the Melbourne Cup Carnival and the presence of race-day photos in major fashion magazines throughout spring shows that there is indeed a big market for fashion at the races. With the spotlight shining so brightly on what we wear to the races, the pressure’s certainly on to get it right! Here is your guide to creating the perfect race-day fashion statement. Read more… » «Crafting the Perfect Outfit for the Races- For Women»