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Monday 31 December 2012

Kim Kardashian Pregnant: Kayne West confirms

Kanye West has announced that he and Kim are expecting their first child in 2013; the family tells E! News that Kim is about 12 weeks along.

E! online has just confirmed this via their site.

For more, click here.


Saturday 29 December 2012

Tony Grieg Dies - Channel Nine Special

Legendary cricketing commentator Tony Grieg died today.

Greig's wife Vivian released the following statement: "Our family wants to extend our gratitude for the support and condolences we have received and would ask for privacy at this very sad time."

Greig is survived by his wife, Vivian, and two young children, Beau and Tom, and a son, Mark, and daughter, Sam, from his first marriage.



The former England cricket captain and veteran Channel Nine commentator died after suffering a heart attack. He was 66.

Greig played a senior role in Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket revolution; his voice was distinctive in cricket broadcasting. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in October. He suffered a heart attack at his home today and died at about 1.45pm (AEDT).


Channel Nine will pay tribute to Tony Greig in a News Special tonight at 6.30pm.



To read more, click on this link: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/tony-greig-dead-20121229-2c06b.html

[Photo courtesy SMH]

SodaStream: product road-test

The kind folk repping SodaStream gave me a SodaStream 'Genesis' drinks making system to give a trial run and I was intrigued.

See, we were never a carbonated drinks kinda family. And while many of my school buddies 
bragged about using SodaStream in the 1980s, and I saw the pink and green bottled fizziness that came from a SodaStream at kids' parties, I'd never trailed one.

Dating back to 1903, SodaStream has stayed relevant in today's market with their focus now on healthy beverage options. It's sold in over 30 countries worldwide, and SodaStream products have made their way into over eight million households, and produce over 600 million litres of carbonated water each year.

With more than 35,000 points of sale around the world, including 175 'target stores' nationwide, it's pretty much everywhere! Sodastream products are available at more than 60,000 retail stores in 45 countries.



So yes, I thought... why not? Let's give it a go. Here it is:



I was given the unit plus the new 'Night Spirit' drink flavouring pack - which includes mojito, magarita, cuba libre, cosmopolitan, gin and tonic, and caipirinha.

Margaritas are my fave so that's the one I ripped open first.

The unit itself is super easy to put together - but I insisted on having the husb on hand in case it got a little tricky [I won't lie, I'm hopeless with following instructions in a box].

All you need to do is pop the cylinder [provided in the box; refills are available in stores] into the system, place the bottle [filled with chilled water] in the slot, give the button a few presses of carbonation, and you're done.

The result is quite delicious. Here it is:



I still have some non-alcoholic margarita stashed in the fridge but I plan on ensuring it lives up to its namesake tonight and add some alcohol.

Next on my list is trialing the cosmopolitan - and then I'll move onto other drink flavours in the range. I am kinda hooked now.

What I do love is that it saves on bottles [keep using the same one after you're done], it requires no electricity or batteries. And it really is super easy to operate. Plus, the flavour options are endless.

The SodaStream Genesis sells for RRP $99.95.

For more info, click here.

Friday 28 December 2012

'Shadow Pico' - One Direction parody of 'Gotta Be You' by 'Bad Lip Reading'

The new 'Bad Lip Reading' video has just been released... and it's a beauty [and def kinda weird].

Poking fun at uber successful UK boy bad One Direction', the BLR mob have created an excellent, so-bad-it's-good parody of their new song "Gotta Be You."

Watch:



Have you seen the original version by the boys?





Thursday 27 December 2012

Demand A Plan: Stars Speak Out Against Guns

Have you seen this yet?

It's a viral video featuring US stars "demanding a plan" n guns, in response to the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Watch. It's powerful and confronting:



For more info, go right here: http://www.demandaplan.org/

You can even sign a petition on the site, to be sent to Obama.



[Pic credit: E Online].

Obama hug - the story behind it: Barbara Walters interview

Remember THIS photo? Now the Obamas tell the story behind it. See clip below:









Just moments after the 2012 presidential election was called for President Barack Obama, his Twitter account produced this now iconic photo, a picture of the president and First Lady Michelle Obama embracing, with the caption "four more years."
It broke records on Twitter and Facebook as the most-shared photo of all time.
In the clip above the Obamas sat down with Barbara Walters from 'The View' and ABC News to explain the image, and chat about lots of other topics.

Wednesday 26 December 2012

Christmas depression - when the festive period saddens and disappoints: what to do about it

You may not think the two words above go together - 'Christmas' and 'depression', but if you've experienced the lows which come as a result of such sky-high expectations during the festive period, you'll get what this blog title is all about.

The reality is that Christmas is such an intensely high pressure time, laden with expectations from within yourself and from modern Western culture [Gifts! Fun! Keeping up with the blasted Joneses!] about how you should feel on this day - which, you'll remember, is actually all about celebrating one of the most important days on the Christian calendar.

In any case, you'd be in serious Catholic denial to not acknowledge that, religious or not, it's about families and couples and taking stock of end-of-year accomplishments, and hanging with people you perhaps don't get on with, and an overload of food, and OTT imbibing of booze.

Sadly, if you've just lost a family member and there is an empty chair at the table, or have been through a marriage breakdown, or your ex-partner has the kids for the day, or you are longing for a child and it hasn't happened yet, or a parent is seriously ill, or if you're working abroad... it's tough. Really, really tough. In fact, for any of the people described above: Christmas seriously sucks. And could quite possibly send you into a spiral of depression, a black hole you can't see out of.

It is especially on a day of high expectation like Christmas that you need to seek help. Speak to a relative, or a close friend, someone who you know will get you and what you are feeling.

If that's not possible, a call to Lifeline is essential... vital, even.


Because while everyone else is having fun - and very likely not having as much fun as you think they are - you are left feeling deeply lonely and alone. Talking to someone at this time is crucial to your mental wellbeing.

It's no surprise magazines and online news portals run stories on depression at this time. Read them, heed the warning signs, and do something about it immediately.

Call Lifeline on 131114 - they are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year [yes, Christmas day included].

For more info, click here.

Boxing Day sales - online or bricks and mortar? My Gosh Celebrity score!

I am not much of a 'sales' person? Well, the thing is, I am... just not when everybody else is doing it. I know, I know: that's the whole point of shopping the sales - it's a herd mentality, with people madly rifling through 'stuff' and you're meant to get in amongst it and join in the fun. Except it's not real fun most of the time, is it?

Battling traffic, finding a parking spot, elbowing crowds, waiting for change rooms, lining up at the cash register, carting it back to the car, battling car park backlog... you get the picture. I once went to a department store Boxing Day sale - except I think it was the day after Boxing Day and it was a suburban store, not the city store. I waited outside the roller doors and then went the full throttle mad dash as soon as those doors lifted. Nobody else really ran - and I did it for sheer fun and silliness. I just wanted a watch for my husband and I was always going to get that particular one - I didn't have to fight anyone for it. But gee it was fun knowing I got my hands on it first.


Which brings me to the obvious alternative: online shopping. I have always been a more touchy, feely person... and I do love [read: obsessed with] sales... In fact I am renowned for being a champion shopper, scoring pretty much everything at 40% off or more [60-70% off is not uncommon for me].


So, the notion of online is still sorta new for me. But I totally get the thrill of receiving packages after a fruitful online hunt. And it's so very exciting to hear the doorbell ring and see the postie holding a package addressed to me.


So I was more than a little chuffed when online shopping site Gosh Celebrity offered up a $200 voucher to Josie's Juice to go forth and spend.


Gosh Celebrity is an online fashion store launched by Rebecca Lau in 2007. The savvy businesswoman saw a gap in the market for fashion-forward and affordable clothing, and set about combining her love of fashion and celebrities to create one of the first few online stores in Australia. Since then, goshcelebrity.com.au has been the go-to online hub for hungry-for-fashion-now fashionistas, and has been featured in various magazines including Cleo, NW, Famous, ShopTil You Drop and Cosmopolitan as well as on TV and radio.


Local celebs love themselves a bit of goshcelebrity, including Sophie Faulkiner, Lara Bingle, Emma Lung and Sonia Kruger.


Fast delivery of overseas fashion trends and looks straight off the runway, plus a reputation for offering ‘luxe for less’ and celebrity style, plus very excellent customer service has now made this site a fave for online shoppers... and now, I am new devotee.


So: what did I get?


These! This Blessed Are The Meek rose gold top:



And this too-gorgeous, on-trend bright colour pop blazer from Honey & Beau:


I can't wait to get delivery of these babies... I'll be sporting them within a day or so!

The best part? Gosh Celebrity is on sale right now.

Yup, you can buy two items of clothing on sale - and get 20% off both sale items!

And you can shop by brand, shop by trend, or shop the sale. Go!


UPDATED: Here are my two items from Gosh Celebity, received today. I love. Do you love?


If you like, don't miss out... hop to it on the site and go nuts. There are some a-mazing dresses on the site for NYE. GO!

Christmas gift letdown - what to expect when you're [not getting what] you're expecting

Did Christmas leave you a little deflated yesterday? Like this card from those UK funsters 'Modern Toss':
Truth is, when we are given a gift which makes us think: "what on earth were they thinking?" there's a certain element of disappointment. It's not necessarily related to the monetary value of the gift, more so the fact that you don't feel 'gotten'. That the gift was random, not thought through, not contemplated enough [I know, I know... it's so 'first world problems'].

It also makes you question: how well does that person know me anyway? Do they listen to my cues and hints and general banter about things I like and would like to own?

What did you receive yesterday? Was it what you expected? Was it perhaps better than you expected? Spill!

Friday 21 December 2012

The Great Gatsby - trailer number 2

This is the just-released trailer number two for the highly anticipated Baz Luhrmann movie 'The Great Gatsby.'

Watch:





Are you excited to see it? It will be released in Australia on May 30, 2013 - two weeks after its release in the US.

Thursday 20 December 2012

Bradley Cooper has five nipples - Ellen show

On Ellen's show yesterday Bradley Cooper revealed... he has five nipples.

Watch the hilarious first part of this clip:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy




Time magazine 'Person of the Year': Barack Obama

The Time magazine 'Person of the Year' is: Barack Obama. Here is the just-released cover:


It's the second time he has been bestowed this honour in magazine publishing. The first time was in 2008 when he was president-elect.

Here is a photo essay of '48 Hours with Obama'.

http://lightbox.time.com/2012/12/19/48-hours-with-obama-times-person-of-the-year-2012-by-callie-shell/#1

What do you think of the magazine's choice?

'The Motherhood' feat. Fiat 500L - viral parenting rap video

A TV ad for the Fiat 500L featuring a 'mummy rap' is going viral... 

It features lines like this:

"I express, like the best, from these holes in my chest. Wear a nursing bra, like a bulletproof vest… Work versus home is a mental combination, with my elbows deep in infant defecation.'

Watch:






Wednesday 19 December 2012

'Gossip Girl' Retrospective - who is 'Gossip Girl' + fashion highlights

Did you watch the 'Gossip Girl' finale? If you're a fan... then of course you have!

Here is the special retrospective with screened just before the last ever ep. Here it is in its entirety:



And so... who is 'Gossip Girl'?

After 120 eps we finally find out: it's... Dan Humphrey.


Yes, the infamous narrator and blogger who has chronicled the lives of Blair, Chuck, Dan, Serena and Nate over these years is Mr Humphrey. 
 
In the finale, star-crossed lovers Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf finally marry, and... some seriously delicious fashion moments were had.

Here are just some over the series [starting with THE finale dresses]:









What's your fave moment from the series? And outfit?

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Leah Da Gloria: 'Project Runway Australia' 2012 Finalist - Interview with 'Josie's Juice'

Did you watch the finale of 'Project Runway Australia'?

Seeing the path all the designers took throughout the weeks, then seeing the fruits of their labour demonstrated on the catwalk to an audience who were all heavily scrutinising and critiquing, all the while under the reality TV microscope was a fashion and reality TV aficionado's dream.


Throughout the whole series, the one designer who always impressed me and spoke to the aesthetic that I appreciate the most was finalist Leah Da Gloria [her background is Portuguese from her father's side, and South African from her mother's side]. Here's Leah, below.



And so, I was super keen to interview Leah for Josie's Juice blog - and she was just as keen.


So here we are, the first Q & A with Leah post-finale, finalist for 'Project Runway Australia' 2012:


Congratulations on getting to the final four – how did you feel when you knew you’d be able to show the country your collection?

Thank you! It was a surreal feeling, I think the nerves really hit me at challenge number nine, because that was the point at which the finale was within reach. Getting to the finale meant that I had achieved what I had set out to do entering into this competition.


Your collection was simply beautiful – tell me about how you were inspired to create the pieces you did? And what was your favourite piece? Also, which famous designer has always excited and inspired you?


I spent about three weeks researching for this collection. I needed to develop a concept that I could extract a lot of visuals and textures from. The ocean inspiration contained all the elements I needed: rich colours, interesting textures and movement. The haute couture shows in Paris always inspire me. 


I see a niche in Australia for this sort of high-end glamorous design. The term 'Haute Couture' is like 'Champagne' - it can only be used if you are based in France. Here it is still 'champagne' but we call it 'sparking wine'. I guess I'm doing the fashion equivalent, ha!


If I had to pick my favourite designer at the moment I would say Stephane Rolland, and for ready-to-wear, Alexander Wang.


How did you and the guys feel when you found out the rules had changed this year and two eliminated designers had the chance to come back in the comp? And how did you feel when Christina was chosen?


At the end of the day we all realised going into this that it's a competition with twists and turns to be expected. It certainly was a shock but a relief once I knew that the original three were safe. I was happy for Christina - she's a talented designer and a good friend.


How long did you have to create your collection? And when was the final winner chosen [how long have you had to keep it a secret?]


I had four months to create the collection and I had to keep everything a secret for about six weeks.


Tell me more about your background – where did you study, how long you have had your business, and what are your contact and social media details. For readers wanting to contact you for gowns, is it appointment only?


I began sewing as a kid, just for fun. I studied at Sydney Institute of Design graduating in 2007 with an Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design [I was in the same graduating class as designers Dion Lee, Chris Esber, and Sara Phillips]Since then I have worked for several top names in the bridal industry. I left my full time job in March this year to be a part of 'Project Runway' and for the last few months I have been creating custom bridal gowns. At this stage, I'm appointment only. My future plans are to have my own couture boutique. 


My contact details are on my website: www.leahdagloria.com.au 


Twitter is: @leahdagloria


My Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/leahdagloriacouture 


And Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/leahdagloria/


Have you had increased interest and business since being on the show?


In my industry, word of mouth is priceless and the exposure from the show has been amazing.

What would you say to people wanting to follow their fashion designer dreams?


I would say: if it's something you are passionate about, then go for it.

What next for you?


I am currently working on a new collection which will be purely bridal and available made-to-order. It will be launching in February/March 2013.

And here is Leah's stunning collection, which featured on the catwalk for the 'Project Runway Australia' finale. Every single piece is breathtaking. 





















Which is your favourite piece from Leah's collection?

Here is her collection in motion - the clip from her actual televised parade:


Photo credits:

Portrait of Leah by Gina Milcia
Fashion portraits by Kris Baum http://www.krisbaum.com/

'Thinking the Unthinkable': the 'I am Adam Lanza's Mother' post

You may have heard about or read this post by an American mother Liza Long, who has a son with an as yet diagnosed mental illness, written in response to the shooting at Newtown, Connecticut. She says in her blog post. 

It is now viral and being quoted as the 'I am Adam Lanza's Mother' blog post, but it was originally titled 'Thinking The Unthinkable', for her blog page called 'The Anarchist Soccer Mom'.

Here is an excerpt from the post:

"I am sharing this story because I am Adam Lanza’s mother. I am Dylan Klebold’s and Eric Harris’s mother. I am James Holmes’s mother. I am Jared Loughner’s mother. I am Seung-Hui Cho’s mother. And these boys—and their mothers—need help. In the wake of another horrific national tragedy, it’s easy to talk about guns. But it’s time to talk about mental illness."

The first part of her piece is below:


Thinking the Unthinkable

Michael holding a butterfly
In the wake of another horrific national tragedy, it’s easy to talk about guns. But it’s time to talk about mental illness.

Three days before 20 year-old Adam Lanza killed his mother, then opened fire on a classroom full of Connecticut kindergartners, my 13-year old son Michael (name changed) missed his bus because he was wearing the wrong color pants.


“I can wear these pants,” he said, his tone increasingly belligerent, the black-hole pupils of his eyes swallowing the blue irises.

“They are navy blue,” I told him. “Your school’s dress code says black or khaki pants only.”

“They told me I could wear these,” he insisted. “You’re a stupid bitch. I can wear whatever pants I want to. This is America. I have rights!”

“You can’t wear whatever pants you want to,” I said, my tone affable, reasonable. “And you definitely cannot call me a stupid bitch. You’re grounded from electronics for the rest of the day. Now get in the car, and I will take you to school.”

I live with a son who is mentally ill. I love my son. But he terrifies me.

To continue reading, click here.

What do you think? Please feel free to comment below.

Monday 17 December 2012

Awkward Family Photos: Christmas pics. Plus, Kardashian awkward Christmas photos

You've got the yearly, heavily Photoshopped Kardashian Christmas card [like these, below]. Indeed, this year the 2012 family Christmas card had several members actually Photoshopped in [Scott, Lamar, and Kendall]:







And you've got hugely 'awkies' Christmas cards, like this offering from the Huffington Post site, taken from 'Awkward Family Photos'.

Here are some below, but you must click link below for more Xmas goodness... and right at the end you'll see some rather hilarious Kardashian awkward cards, which they also openly laugh at. Enjoy...






For more hilarity - which were submitted by their own families to 'Awkward Family Photos, so you know, don't feel bad laughing at them - click here.

And, then there are the Kardashian Xmas cards from years gone by...


Have you had any awkward festive photos produced? Is this a 'thing' you and your family do every year?