A thirst for knowledge
May 2008

When less really is more

I thought I'd take a different slant on my column this month and explore the "less is more" theory. I've bombarded you all with so many links over the past few months that I am only going to give you 3 this month, just to prove that less really is more.

Advertisement

I have 2 teenage boys who haven't yet grasped the concept of "less is more". In the scary world of teenagers the only concept they understand is more is always better. More food, more money, more girls, more sleep, more fun! When trying to explain the concept of "less is really more", particularly when it relates to the amount of deodorant they spray on, they look at me like I am speaking in Swahili, glaze over and utter the much overused word "whatever" as they stick their head back into the refrigerator!

Perfume for example, is always best when less is used. Remember the days when we almost drowned ourselves in perfume? Occasionally I come across someone who still does this and it really gets up my nose, literally! Perfume is one of those things, like lipstick, which is better touched up through the day, rather than applying your entire day's worth at once.

Speaking of makeup, in particular base/foundation, is another example of when less if more. Who remembers the glorious 80's where thick matte makeup was an essential? Fully made up faces had no depth or contours and more often than not looked like a mask, rather than enhancing your natural beauty! Thank you to the make up Gods for giving us the beautiful make up we wear today. If you are interested in the history of makeup from the 1900's through to today have a look at this interesting site.

Even having less clutter in the home is actually more. Less stuff to clean and worry about means more time for me! The more we own, the more we become tied to our belongings. Remember when we were young and carefree and didn't have to worry about paying bills, washing cars, cleaning the house because the only possessions we cared about were in one small room, in a state of constant disarray? Pure teenage heaven!

Now that I've just finished a three month makeover with Georgie & Hector, I can say with authority that I am walking proof of less is more, in soooo many ways. Less weight on my body is definitely more - more sexy, more fit, more alive! I have a new relationship with food and this is one area where less is definitely more. Smaller portions, more frequent meals and the correct types of foods keep me satisfied and healthy. Even exercise shouldn't be overdone - the right balance is so important.

As part of this makeover I had a styling session with a stylist and again the "less is more" theory proves correct. I have since halved the number of items in my wardrobe and have actually doubled the amount of "wearable" outfits than before. I have learnt to accessorise correctly and again whilst I am more adventurous, I understand the less is more theory here too. Earrings, necklace, bangle and big belt all at once is way too much ... another eighties style faux pas. One "spectacular" item is all you need - your remaining accessories should be simple yet complementary.

In this age of increasing technology and information overload, the less is more theory is working well in the world of hardware, remember the size of the original mobile phones and all they did was make a phone call? Look at them now, tiny and so powerful. Computers have also become smaller and more powerful. Unfortunately the information available to us has become increasingly more as a result of these powerful devices and the ever growing internet.

The end result is most of us suffer from information overload.

As you know I am an uber fan of the internet, but I too become bombarded with information and it can make me quite stressed. I subscribe to far too many newsletters, I have a list of many sites still to visit and my inbox is rarely under 100! I hardly ever read a paper magazine these days and my books are getting very dusty!

Business Page of the Month: If you are having the same problems as I am, this great article on how to reduce information overload.

Handy Site of the Month: This site provides instructions on almost anything you could imagine and most of it is using things you already own. So next time you are wondering how to build a climbing wall in your garage or how to polish up your French kissing technique this is the place for you.

Interesting Fact of the Month: Did you know that approximately 183 billion emails are sent worldwide each day and around 70% of these are spam. Every second at least 2 million emails are being sent. This is definitely one area where we need to adopt a "less is more" attitude.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Leonardo DaVinci

Until next month ...

Jewellery that defines
Selecting that special piece is different for everyone but no matter the budget or style, it is quality that defines. Ashley Douglas has over 50 years collective experience, specialising in quality handmade works including diamond engagement rings, wedding rings and designer pieces.

 

Inspire and enchant
Triumph is a brand that truly talks to women around the globe. It inspires and enchants and makes you feel good about yourself and your body. Whether sexy and seductive, or practical everyday wear, Triumph creates appealing must-have lingerie made to fit the women of today ... more

 

Amazing gifts delivered Australia wide
Whether it’s for family, friends or business partners Beautiful Baskets has a large selection of options from gourmet food hampers to aromatherapy gift packs, from hampers for baby to baskets for the boardroom.

Hear more from Annie on Radio Solutions - 4BC Breakfast with Peter & Ross

Annie Reuss Beakon Services - providing HR & Systems Assistance to Small Business m 0412 505 193 e areuss@bigpond.net.au