Susan Lily New Music


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Friday 21 March 2014

Hair is your self-esteem

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think there is anyone on the planet who doesn't have a strong relationship between their hair and their self-esteem.  No matter who we are or how much or how little we have, hair is a valid part of our happiness. 

I bet there are heaps of people who have had their share of "hair massacres", me included.  It's not hard to imagine then the joy of finding a hairdresser who 
a) understood the above
b) also knew how to cut and style fine hair (my inheritance from dad)
c) taught me how to get the best out of my mop 
d) told the truth and never pushed me into anything and,
e) always put MY needs and wants FIRST.

It was truly the only tragedy about leaving Melbourne that I've had to face.  I'd had the same adorable hairdresser for about 12 years. We'd shared our joys and triumphs and the learning we all do when things go a bit NQR.  She gave great advice and never ONCE forced me to do anything to my hair that I wouldn't be happy with. She will always be the best hairdresser I've had.

Now I find myself, twelve months after I moved, feeling betrayed by a hairdresser over here.  I must admit to being nervous last March.  I felt I was straying into unknown territory until I perchanced on a hairdresser (owner of salon) who seemed to have the same attributes as the dear one I'd left in Melbourne.  She said all the right things "yes, we have Matrix hair colour" (highly recommended by my hairdresser as the brand I should stick with), and "yes, we can fit you in tomorrow".

The first time was great.  I  had the details of the formula to use and she took note and did a great job of colour matching.  I felt like a million bucks!  I had a big grin on my face and couldn't wait to tell everyone I'd found a great hairdresser here.

The second time I ended up with another hairdresser who proceeded to turn my roots an orange/pink colour.  When I queried this the owner of the salon said that I'd wanted it "bright".  Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but "bright" does not mean "light"!  I thought she just meant the colour had become a bit dull and needed a boost with more of the same colour!!!!  She also told me that it was probably the light in the salon that made it look funny and that it would look better when I got home.

Many, many, many tears later my darling man came home and saw the reason for my distress.  It looked like I had a receding hairline and suddenly I felt like I could not go ANYWHERE looking like that!  So now my self-esteem is rock bottom and my darling man could not convince me to go out to dinner.  

Taking him with me the next morning I told the owner she would need to fix it as I was far from happy.  I also made it clear I would not pay a penny more to get it fixed.  She was gracious about it and then proceeded to fix things for me.  I was happy again and decided to give her another chance.

The next time she decided to change the brand of colour and though it was nice it faded to an awful orange.  It looked tacky so I asked her to go back to using MATRIX (the brand I'd wanted in the first place).  Not only that, I found out she did not keep records which meant that the formulas she used were dependent on the day.  I only found this out because she suddenly wasn't there at one of my appointments and I'd been thrown to someone else who did not know me or my hair.

The final straw for this salon owner and my hair was ten days ago.  I bounced in, during my lunchbreak, to make an appointment to get my roots done.  When I mentioned the MATRIX she said that she'd "never used it, and didn't stock it anymore" and it would "be a pain to order in".  This, of course, was AFTER I'd made my appointment.  She also told me I'd need to have an all over dose of colour, even though the rest of my hair still had lustre and great colour.  Something just didn't feel right, but I was too in shock and embarrassed to say anything at the time.

You can imagine how upset I was to think that I'd been lied to and felt rather cheated on behalf of my self-esteem and hair.  Now I was being TOLD what was going to happen without any request or consultation.

By the time I got home that night I decided to do two things.  Firstly, I was going to see where MATRIX colour was used in Adelaide and check them out.  Secondly, I was going to cancel my appointment at the former salon and not go back.

I'm happy to say I think I may have found a new salon.  I'm also happy to say that my hair is very very important to my self-esteem and I will not let any so-called hairdresser browbeat me ever again.

Don't you love a happy ending :)

Thursday 20 March 2014

The Astor Hotel

When I walked into the Astor that very first time it felt like a pub. Now when I walk in here I feel like I'm home. It's that sort of place really, somewhere you can be yourself and be embraced for your uniqueness.

Another thing that is truly special is the number of original acts who play there. From the talented weekend musos to the booked artists for the weekly open mic there's so many stories and beauty for your ears.  Open mic can be "hit and miss" but not here. I vouch there's not one act who won't have you wishing for more.

So, if you live in Adelaide or visit, make sure you drop in to sup on great music and sumptuous food. The staff are helpful and friendly and so are those who frequent the hotel as "locaks".  Drop in, tell them Susan Lily sent you.

Wednesday 19 March 2014

My Favourite Date



I will confess to loving Autumn.  Just like the contestant, in the movie "Miss Congeniality", who said her perfect date was "April 27"  I love that right now I can sit at a table outside a cafe and comfortably drink my coffee and watch the world go by.   With a beautiful spraying of sunshine and slightly cool breeze it's perfect walking weather too. There's a sense of relaxation in Autumn that I feel more than any other season.  

I also love that it's getting cool enough to wear my lovely boots and jackets again, plus rug up with my man. 

Yeah, Autumn rules!  

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Wine and Whisky comedy Show - Adelaide Fringe 2014



I loved these guys! We had an intimate crowd in the red room, which I later renamed the "Pink Hat".  Off we went, on an adventure of travel, family histories and the thing that brings so many people together (some waaaay to close lol) - alcohol.  In a time when political correctness has "taken over the asylum" this is a refreshingly standout show.  Taken on a history lesson as well a reminiscence of times gone by, we couldn't help but be caught up in their enthusiasm for both entertainment and laughs.  McTavish and Dowdeswell have a gift and they love to share it with us all.  If nothing else go see these two lovable and talented comedians; before they are whisked away....or you might find yourself wining alone.  a trillion stars :)

You'll find these lovable lads at the Austral Hotel, each night... in the bar probably :)

cheers!

Who's Your Daddy (The funny Side of Parenting) - Adelaide Fringe 2014


I enjoy a good belly laugh, I also like my comedians to be engaging and honest.  Honesty is the funniest policy and that's what you will find at this show.  With a range of special guests from here and interstate the show remains fresh and alive each performance.  You don't have to be a parent even, just a human , to get a few laughs from this event.  Gifted comics committed to providing the best entertainment will continue to herald this family friendly show. I'm planning on seeing it again this week.  Then I'm gonna ring mum and dad and try to remind them how grateful they should be to have me as a daughter ;).  

Adelaide Fringe Festival
Al Amir restaurant, upstairs on the corner of Frome and Rundle streets - check out fringe guide for times

http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/whos-your-daddy-the-funny-side-of-parenting/480924f1-266c-499c-aabb-b6bc79c002da


Friday 7 March 2014

Sunset Blush Citylimits - Adelaide Fringe 2014



On a rooftop entertaining area last night I was just that: entertained.  The self-confessed lover of all that is purple, Sunset Blush, has brought his show "Sunset Blush Citylimits" to the Astor Hotel.  He took us on a personal journey of life and love, served up with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour.  A rather witty and engaging performer, Blush served up his own brand of musical show to a thrilled audience.   Quick quips interspersed his original songs that added a quality to his show that you sometimes miss out on when the artist doesn't understand how important it is to engage with the audience.  So, if you're looking for a new experience, please get along to see Sunset Blush!



Sunset Blush
10 pm rooftop Astor Hotel
Friday 7th and Saturday 8th March

http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/sunset-blush-citylimits/5b29cd5d-02aa-4358-a99d-8972dc574ecd



Monday 3 March 2014

Sometimes we need to say "Yes"

Here I am, one year on from the day I arrived in my new city and state. On this day last year I'd finally arrived after a gruelling weekend of final cleaning and finding new homes for my furniture. Up to that point I'd not really taken in the enormity of what I was about to pursue. New state, new city, new man, new home were all awaiting me. Now I've made it to one year in my new home with my new man and I couldn't be happier. He took a chance on me and for that I'm really grateful. Sometimes we need to let ourselves be rescued so we can give ourselves another chance. Sometimes we simply need to say "yes".