Livia: Thanks Samantha for your time. For those who don't know you, can you tell our readers a little about your background, your famous Sydney Morning Herald Blog and how you came to write your book? Sam: I write a daily Sam and the City blog for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age online. It's about dating, sex and relationships. I came about writing the blog after living in New York for a few months, and realised that the New York dating scene was something that was heavily explored in the US media but there was nothing like it down under. I set out to write stories about the Australian dating scene and it simply grew from there. The book, Luv n Txt, is a small gift book, delving into the proliferation of the use of technology to score a dating. These days we use technology to flirt, date, break up, make up and communicate. Plus there's a whole new language of text! People no long flirt face-to-face as much, they flirt phone-to-phone.

Livia: What's your 3 best tips for girls in the dating scene?

Sam:
Chuck out that Checklist
Many of us are so picky these days that we're not giving enough men a chance. We're not getting out there and dating different "types" of men. Instead we're sticking to what we're conditioned to, and what we know. Yet obviously if we're still single, that hasn't worked out! Keep an open mind and don't be disheartened if you've had a bad date. There are plenty of fish in the sea. And if he's not your Mr. Right, just use the simply motto "Next!"

Meeting
Forget the regular way of meeting men - although bars and clubs are always a lot of fun with girlfriends - do something different! I think the best way to meet someone who shares common interests with you is to actually go out and do it. Take up a course, sport or hobby. Join a group, learn something new, and you'll be surprised at the types of people you meet there.
Learn to cook, a new language, a sport, rock climbing, they're all great ways to meet other singles. Plus don't rule out the new-fangled "meet market" which includes Speed Dating, RSVP and other online services. I know many a couple who are happily hitched from meeting over the internet.

Know Your Worth
If you're in a relationship and you feel like you're being mistreated, or that the relationship is 90% hard work and 10% fun, get out of it as soon as you can. Relationships are meant to be easy most of the time. That's what romance and love is all about. I've seen way too many girlfriends being mentally bashed around by blokes who think it's their right to treat them badly. No-one has to put up with that, especially early on in a relationship. When the signs are there, it's time to go.

Livia: How much time you spend on yourself a day? (Beauty, personal development, fitness etc.)

Sam: I try exercise around 45 minutes per day, makeup and hair for me takes about 5-8 mins (I am shocking) and I try to get my highlights done around once a month. I like to read a lot and will generally take out an hour to read in peace and quiet.

Livia: What is your regular beauty routine?

Sam: I make sure I wash my face morning and night with an exfoliating cleanser, to ensure all my makeup comes off. I also drink a huge amount of water and try to eat fresh foods whenever I can. Once a week I like to give my skin a breather from any makeup and I do a face mask. I always wear sunscreen and I generally try to stay out of the sun!

Livia: Do you have a favourite beauty product that you can't live without?

Sam: My Nars foundation and Mac lipgloss in Prrrr.

Livia: Do you have a home beauty remedy that you swear by?

Sam: Conditioning my hair and wrapping gladwrap around it to keep the moisture in. Putting an ice cube on a pimple generally helps, and getting a good amount of sleep whenever I can.

Livia: What sort of products or treatments do you splurge on and why?

Sam: I splurge on massages when I can get time to have one. That's about once every six months! I like going to a beautiful spa and doing the whole shebang: a sauna, massage, manicure and pedicure. It's absolute bliss.

Livia: What's the best piece of beauty advice your mother gave you?

Sam: My mother always said to stay out of the sun, look after my hair and moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. She has the softest skin ever.

Livia: In your hectic schedule, what do you do to relax?

Sam: I like to go for jogs in the street or along the beach. Relaxation for me is hanging out with friends while watching Australian Idol and switching off my mind. When I am stressed, I do breathing meditation, Pilates, and hit the gym as often as I can.

Livia: Do you have a favourite perfume at the moment?

Sam: Dyptique, a French perfume, is my favourite because it has such a unique smell. Whenever I wear it people always comment

Be sure to visit Sam's Sydney Morning Herald Blog: http://blogs.smh.com.au/lifestyle/samandthecity/