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Thursday 31 May 2012

Kate Winslet: Vanity Fair Italia, June 2012: "I am sincerely grateful for my buttocks"


Kate Winslet is so proud of her curves, she has declared to Vanity Fair Italia June 6 edition [it's weekly in Italy]: "I am sincerely grateful for my buttocks."

In the magazine interview, she is also asked: 'Do remarks on your weight bother you?'

"No more. It's one of those things I learned quickly to ignore. Once it was different, it hurt me. When I was twenty I pretended it didn't bother me, but I felt very bad, I did. In front of journalists and the public I acted superior, but I was dying inside. Now everything is different. It takes time, but you can learn it."


For more on the Q & A, and to see more pics of Kate, go here:

Kmart: Guy Russo interview - "We've served 20 million more people in last 3 years."



I like a retail MD that says what we're thinking: that most Aussie mums (86.4%, in fact) are under financial pressure and have had to reassess spending.


That's what MD of Kmart Guy Russo [above] acknowledges, and this figure has climbed enormously since similar Roy Morgan Research in July 2011, where 78.7% of mums reported being under financial pressure.


In fact, according to this poll, 85.5% of mums say they have to sacrifice spending on themselves to keep up with necessities, and 57.1% say increases in prices of electricity, fuel and other household costs have impacted enormously on the family budget.


Mums are cutting down on beauty products, clothes for themselves and home décor in favour of spending what they have on their kids and food (nooo! But in all honesty, yes... this happens in my house, too).


Mr Russo says Kmart has reduced the prices of many products across the store by around 30% over the last eight months and has just dropped prices again on another 330 products, demonstrating Kmart’s commitment to keeping prices as low as possible for Australian consumers.


Mums have said they want a retailer to understand they are doing it tough – 72% of mums think that it is important that retailers they shop with regularly understand the increasing financial pressures that their family budget faces.  69.9% of mums think it is very important to shop with a retailer who understands and supports them in difficult times.


Guy Russo took some time for an interview with Josie's Juice to answer some questions: 


"About a year ago, we decided that instead of complaining about what was happening with pricing on ‘the outside’, we decided to look at ourselves internally. What we know is that Australians are paying too much at retail level, and the retailer should be part of the solution here, by finding ways to reduce their prices at the cash registers.


"So I have actually turned this on its head by saying, well instead of blaming this on the economy or outside factors, what is it we can do to remove costs in doing business, and then drop our prices. Because if we drop our prices – which we have done significantly since we last met you at the Broadway store opening [late 2011], we end up getting more value for our customers, which is crucial when its time for them to have to tighten their belts and really save money.


"My starting point is forgetting how bad the econony is, and just remembering that there is stuff that mum needs and dad needs, and the kids need; we’ve got to find ways to keep finding ridiculous, gob-smacking prices and deliver them to people. Like $8 jeans, and cups and saucers for $1, and girls and boys t-shirts for $4.


"Everyone thought, it can’t be done! The good news is: we’ve done it.


"And, we’ve dropped our prices by 30 per cent since last year – and that’s every day. We don’t discounts anymore, we just drop prices.


"And now we are dropping prices even more in next few weeks.


"What l've learned is that I think every other retailer is overcharging, and now I get it. We had the wrong model for four years.


"And in the last two or three years - by putting price as king - we’ve served about 20 million more people."


But: how on earth is Kmart still staying so profitable, I ask Guy.


"It’s a volume game in the end. The formula is simple, but it’s very difficult to execute, I think. The formula is that you buy direct - that’s the most important thing. If you have many middle men you’re paying every one of the those middle people before the product even gets to your back door.

"So, step one is buy direct. We always bought from overseas, which meant we always had four or so people between us and the factory. The second thing is, buy volume. And what I said to the buyers is, instead of having 50 styles of jeans, which denim retailers proudly show off, just bring those 50 styles to 10, and then back them in volume.


"And so when you buy volume of a few items, you then can buy them at a lower cost because you’re dealing wih the supplier direct, and then sell at the lowest price. And that's the last part of the formula. 

"And what retailers do: they don’t sell at the lowest price because they want to do this things called 'sales', which I am dead against. Sales mean mum comes in at '30% off this weekend', and those sales are forcing the consumer to buy when the retailer wants the customer to buy, versus selling them at a low price 365 days of the year.

"David Jones and Myer could do the same thing with their products instead of trying to trick mum into a mid season sale, and soon as the mid season is over - which who knows when that is, as there seems to be one of those sales every three weeks - they then bump the price up twice.

"Not only are Australian retailers charging too much, I think that model is so out of date, and if you listen to the results - which they publish every quaerter or every month - they’re all complaining about margins and sales being down. The problem is internal not external; they’re running off an old model that is based on tricking comsumers on when and what to buy. 

"Whereas we take the simple approach of low prices every day of the year. Our challenge is to find the right products because we've got to make sure you have what the consumer wants. We pick the everyday items, things that people need every single day.

So, what’s next for Kmart?

"Continuing to find lower prices for consumers. Mum is so selfless – she feels the financial frustrations and pressures, and we know that.

"I don’t want my team to ever let go of finding ways to help families save money. This price journey for me is very important. As is the quality, and the ethical sourcing, which I very a big thing right now. 

"Consumers want to know that when we're sourcing from overseas we're buying products from overseas that are using reputable labour. And the factories are treating their staff right.

"Price, quality, and ethical sourcing are a must for me.

"If I found any factory doing something that was not acceptable to global standards, I would stop dealing with them immediately.

Below are some of the bargains you can nab at Kmart. 

And here are some of the more recent price changes:


- an entire men’s outfit for $22 (was $27)
- women’s jeans $8.50 ($10)
- eight-piece non-stick Hudson cookware $29 (was $39)
- women’s plus tees $7 (was $10)
- two kids singlets $4 (was $5)
- Five litre stainless steel slow cooker $19 (was $25). 


For more, see: http://www.kmart.com.au/ or go visit your local Kmart store!


And check out this page FULL of lower prices: http://www.kmart.com.au/LowerPricedProducts.aspx



Insight SBS: Polygamy - the full episode

Did you miss the episode of Insight on the topic of polygamy?


Post-controversy yesterday, the three most talked about interview subjects - Marc Glasby and his two partners Belle and Dorothy - went to ground and halted all interviews. And there were plenty of interview requests.

Although it’s outlawed in this country, polygamy is practiced in Australia. In fact, in some indigenous, Muslim and African communities, having more than one wife is a long-standing and legitimate cultural norm.

Insight looked at modern day polygamous relationships, and asked whether polygamy is more natural for humans than traditional monogamy, what it’s like for children growing up in those households, and how the spouses negotiate jealousy.

Watch these clips; this one features Marc and his partners:


And this one, of Dhalulu, an Aboriginal woman:


Dhalulu is an Aboriginal woman who grew up with seven mums, including one who was only five years older than her. Dhalulu thinks it is a really positive thing to live in such a large family, as everybody is able to look out for each other, and you’re never alone. She believes the values and knowledge she received from her seven mums has made her the person she is today. Dhalulu’s husband is a non-indigenous man, so she is the sole partner in that relationship.

If you want to watch the whole show online, go here http://www.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/watchonline/479/Polygamy

More about Belle Glasby and Dorothy Loader: they are identical twin sisters and are both in a relationship with the same man in Perth. Separated at birth, the twins were reunited three years ago. Soon after, Belle’s husband, Marc Glasby, fell in love with Dorothy and the three have lived in a polygamous relationship ever since. The women separately spend alternate nights with Marc. Dorothy and Belle are both Christians and think "God would be pleased that the relationship makes them all so happy."

Other guests on the show included Witiyana Marika is an Aboriginal elder and has two wives. A founding member of Yothu Yindi, Witiyana was raised in Yirrkala, a remote community in the Northern Territory. Witiyana says it is part of aboriginal culture for men to have multiple partners in order to form larger clans and stronger families. He says the women are treated equally and says there were a lot of positives about growing up in a large extended family.

Eman Sharobeem is a psychologist and community worker and believes religion can subjugate women into accepting polygamous relationships. She talks to hundreds of immigrant women each week and says jealousy of “co-wives” in polygamous relationships is a common complaint. She says some women are often driven to the point of mental health breakdowns because of it.

Polygamy is a very normal part of life in the Sierra Leonean community in Australia, according to Tony Kamara. He grew up in a polygamous family, with his father having two wives. He remembers the jealously between the wives and fearing his father would leave his mother for the other wife.

But he also enjoyed having a big family and lots of siblings. Tony doesn’t want a polygamous marriage himself because of the “hassle” of looking after two families.

Fatimah Youssef says polygamy is common in her local Lebanese Muslim community in Sydney. She isn’t in a polygamous relationship but says she sees other women enjoying the benefits of polygamy, such as housework help, financial support and companionship. She says God allows polygamy because God “knew that man was weak” in terms of fidelity.

Insight is hosted by Jenny Brockie and airs every Tuesday at 8.30pm on SBS One. The last episode airs next week.

To connect with SBS, go here:

Kai Aiyub for Magnolia Silver Jewellery: on sale today

Kai Aiyub for Magnolia Silver Jewellery. It's here - and it's on sale today!


Celebrity stylist and fashion guru Kai Aiyub has designed his very own jewellery line for Magnolia Silver Jewellery. Here's the lovely Kai:




The Kai Aiyub for Magnolia Silver Jewellery range will be stocked in Magnolia Silver Jewellery stores nationwide and online at http://www.theiconic.com.au/


Kai’s debut collection is inspired by the life of “a girl called Lola”, whose search for adventure, fame, and love lands her in Los Angeles. The 12 piece range reflects her relaxed Venice Beach lifestyle, her shopping sprees along Melrose and her dreams of being an “It” girl on the red carpet in Hollywood. Oh, to have that kinda life...


Here are all the divine pieces, below. I am lucky enough to own the Lola's Dream necklace, and it's going to get loads of wear - no 'saving it for special occasions'... this beautiful, sparkly, star-themed, tri-necklace with mother of pearl accents needs to be seen. Which is your fave piece?



Described by Kai as having “a vintage feel but with a modern vibe”, the collection is designed for girls who love their jewellery pieces with a point of difference, and a quirky vintage style.


The collection is officially released today, in stores and online, with prices ranging from $49 to $150.


More about Kai Aiyub: he has worked in the Australian fashion industry for almost a decade as a fashion and beauty editor, a celebrity stylist, a designer and a TV personality.


As a leading celebrity stylist, Kai has worked with the likes of Esther Andersen, Sonia Kruger, Zoe Ventura, Lincoln Lewis, Matthew Fox and his idol Jessica Rowe. 


In 2009, Kai took on the role of design director to create and launch the fashion brand ‘Gossip Girl the TV series by Kai Aiyub’ for department store Big W. 


As Network 7’s resident fashion guru, Kai’s weekly segments, Kopy Kat Kai/Mega Makeovers/Style Squad/Beat the Stylist, have become popular segments on the show. 


And more about Magnolia Silver Jewellery: 


Launched in 1996, Magnolia Silver Jewellery has grown to become the world’s largest silver jewellery retailer in the world, with more than 150 stores worldwide, including 28 locations in Australia. Specialising in sterling silver Magnolia has 25 designers from around the world, with all pieces handcrafted using 925 sterling silver and semi-precious stones. And Magnolia bring to their stores more than 500 pieces - each month! Each piece has a one year, unlimited product warranty - a rarity in the jewellery industry.


The origins of the brand are interesting: a young jewellery maker travelled to Italy in search of inspiration. And he strolled the streets he came across a magnolia tree. He was inspired by the beautiful blossom: and the Magnolia brand was born.



With stores in Australia, Canada, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and the UK, Magnolia plans to have 300 locations and 2,000 employees worldwide by 2013. Wowsers!

You can become a Magnolia member here: http://www.magnolia-jewellery.com.au/ClubMagnolia.aspx

And click 'like' on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/magnoliasilverjewellery and follow them on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/#!/MagnoliaAUS

To see and buy the pieces, go here: http://www.magnolia-jewellery.com.au/Stores.aspx

David and Victoria Beckham: Interview magazine and Elle UK magazine


Victoria has appeared as cover girl of German Interview magazine...


 And husband David in his Elle UK shoot:



Are you a Victoria fan? Or David fan?

Jessica Simpson: first baby photos - Who and People magazines

The first Jessica Simpson baby photos are here!

Here is the cover of Australia's Who magazine:


And on the cover of the US, sister publication People magazine:


She said on Twitter: "I am so in love with baby Maxwell. I want to cry every time I look at her. Motherhood is by far the best thing I've ever experienced.

She adds: "I'm addicted to buying headbands with massive flowers for Maxwell on etsy! She is insanely beautiful I can't help but play dress up!"

For more, go here: 


And pick up this Friday's edition of Who magazine.

Wednesday 30 May 2012

The Amazing Race Australia 2012: the teams


The Amazing Race - highly addictive viewing every single time.

Especially the Aussie version.

Tonight, it starts again. On Channel 7, 9pm.

Ones to watch: Michelle and Jo - the identical twins [and both cheerleaders - and both airline hostesses].

Then there's James and Sarah - he's a bar manager; she's a beauty salon manager. She's a 'cougar', he's a young 'un.

Lucy and Emilia - the Italian sisters. They do everything together: live, work, the lot.

The engaged couple Kym and Donna. So retro.

Joseph and Grace - the genetically blessed brother and sister duo.

All will be fascinating to watch.

And all will combust under pressure, and trade insults.

Bring it.

The Amazing Race Australia screens each Wednesday on Channel 7, at 9pm.

[UPDATED: new time: Mondays 7.30pm, on Channel 7]

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis: "I was absolutely shattered." Real-life story

Today is 'World MS Day.'



It's a day for multiple sclerosis awareness, and if you are like me, you have little idea what it looks like, how it shows itself, even if you have a diagnosis.

You can go here for all the info you need.

I spoke with a friend of mine who has MS. She is 41. Her name is *Chantel.

Here is her story:

"I was diagnosed in February 2009.

In 2006, I lost feeling to the right side of my body and after tests the doctor thought it was MS but never diagnosed me with MS, as it was the first attack.

I thought I'd had a stroke; it took me nine months to get feeling back. MS attacks people in different ways; it could be blurred vision, numbness. If it attacks your spine, well, you are confined to a wheelchair.

I have a friend who has blurred vision as well, and in December she just couldn’t talk. She lost her speech and she is still slurring but on the road to recovery.

With my next attack, my vision became blurry, and after tests they diagnosed me with MS.

The test doctors conduct are MRI and lumbar punctures, and with the MRI they can see lesions on the brain.

When they checked my eye, one pupil would dilate when a light was shining, while the other didn’t react.

I still remember that day - a bunch of med students were in the examination room and they were amazed when this was happening... but it was very scary for me.

They put me on steroids to try and help the sight back, but my nerve is damaged. They diagnosed this as 'Optic Neuritis.'

How did I feel when I was diagnosed? Absolutely shattered.

I did not know much about it at first, but the more I read on the internet, the more I learned.

And it was a really scary feeling.

I try and be positive and push myself, but I get tired very easily, and I get frustrated as I lost sight in one eye so it can be real hard at times.

I get depressed and I have come off my medication for no real reason.

I need to inject myself three times a week and I came off the MS medication thinking it will probably be okay but by me not taking it, but there are risks of me having another MS attack and it can happen anywhere and without notice.

The worst thing is my kids [she has two daughters] - it affects them too. The more I say to them "I’m okay", the more they know I am not."

Do you know someone with MS? Feel free to share stories here.

*Not her real name.

Bethenny Frankel's new talk show 'Bethenny', produced by Ellen Degeneres

Ellen Degeneres's friend Bethenny Frankel was just on the Ellen show in the US [the ep will screen in Australia today on Arena TV at 4pm, with repeats throughout the next 24 hours, and tomorrow on Channel 9 at midday].



In this clip, Bethenny announces that she has just moved her entire family to Los Angeles for her brand new talk show [simply called 'Bethenny'], produced by Ellen herself.

It premieres in the US on June 11, and Ellen and Bethenny give the audience a first glimpse.

I would so watch this show. When are we getting this show here? [Foxtel... are you listening?]

Prince: his ONLY Australian interview - Triple M 'Hot Breakfast' radio

So, this morning the Triple M 'Hot Breakfast' team were lucky enough to score the ONLY Prince interview in Australia.

Co-host Eddie McGuire surprised Prince with an on-air wake up, call thanks to the help of in-studio guest and prankster, Damaris Lewis,  his back-up dancer on his tour, seen below with the radio team.


Having only just finished a secret gig in Melbourne a few hours before, not only was he a great sport to take the call, but he continued to chat and joke with Eddie McGuire, Mick Molloy and Luke Darcy.


In fact, he said during the exclusive phone convo that his Australian tour has "been my favourite tour to date."


Listen to the full  interviews, here. The first is with Damaris, the second is with the one and only Prince. You can hear his croaky, sexy morning voice. What a good sport.


And you can tune in to the Hot Breakfast Show from 6-9am Monday to Friday on Triple M and plus catch up with the latest at http://www.triplem.com.au/


Can this guy be any cooler?

Read my review of Prince's FIRST Australian concert here [with incredibly close pics]: http://josiesjuice.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/prince-first-sydney-concert-report.html

And listen to the radio interviews here [Prince comes in at around the 2.50 minute mark]:


'The Dictator' cast: uncensored chat with Carrie Keagan

This was just sent to me by Carrie Keagan's US interview crew: an uncensored chat with some of the cast of 'The Dictator'. I adore Carrie's off-the-cuff interview style:


[Warning, NSFW - not safe for work - language... put the volume low]:


Chrissie Swan on her weight: "Why can't it just be kilos?" Australian Women's Weekly story

Three cheers for Chrissie Swan.

One of the original co-hosts from Channel Ten's morning show 'The Circle', one half of current radio show 'The 3pm Pick-Up [with Yumi Stynes] and all-round HILARIOUS girl, is the Australian Women's Weekly cover girl, for the June issue, out today.


She talks about 'the fat issue'... and TV shows that centre on that:

"I never bought into that, 'I am fat, and therefore I am bad' way of thinking," she tells the June issue of The Australian Women's Weekly, out today.

To read more, go here.

I am off to buy the magazine right now...

And some 'gold' Chrissie moments [including this one... who else could grab Kim Kardashian's butt and get away with it... except Chrissie!]


And this one... nobody tells a story like Chrissie [this one's a beauty. Always wear your undies, people]:

Tuesday 29 May 2012

'Bethenny Ever After': season 3, on Arena

Bethenny Frankel.

That woman is a machine.

If you know and love her you won't need the back story, and you'll be excited she is coming back to Australian TV screens tonight.

Ahead of the Arena premiere of season three of 'Bethenny Ever After' [tonight on Arena, at 8.30pm], here are some of her best moments so far:




And her 'Closet Confessions', where she pokes fun at her 'Real Housewives of NYC' castmates, is pretty damn funny:





Will you tune in?


'Bethenny Ever After' season three starts tonight on Arena (Foxtel) at 8.30pm

Monday 28 May 2012

Best proposal ever? Isaac's live lip-dub proposal

The newest viral vid sensation: "Isaac's live lip-dub proposal"






Says Isaac:


"On Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012, I told my girlfriend to meet me at my parent's house for dinner. When she arrived I had stationed my brother to sit her in the back of an open Honda CRV and give her some headphones. He "wanted to play her a song"...

What she got instead was the world's first Live Lip-Dub Proposal.


Enjoy!"



Watch:





So very cute!


What was your proposal like...? Did it top that production?

Delta Goodrem: Vogue Australia, July 2012. Plus video from shoot



Oh, Delta.

Can you shut up your naysayers any better than killing it in a Vogue Australia photo shoot?

I think not.

Bravo, Ms Goodrem.

And bravo, Kirstie Clements, in this, her last issue for the iconic magazine, after being at its helm for eons, making it the title it is today.

Says Delta, in the July 2012 edition of Vogue [on sale Wednesday June 6], of her relationship with ex Brian McFadden:

"There is so much I’d like to say. I was really unhappy and I didn’t know how to get out. I learnt. I got there in the end."

Goodrem dated singer and TV judge Brian McFadden for seven years, with the pair engaged to be married. They called it quits last year.


Adds Delta, on being single: "I have so much love to give that it's hard for me to say [no]. I'm very affectionate and so I'm just happy to be single and meeting different people and just enjoying being a 27-year-old."

See the behind the scenes video from the shoot:


Photos: Vogue Australia.

For more, see: http://www.vogue.com.au/

And to subscribe to Vogue, go here: 


And to read more on Delta on 'The Voice', go here: http://josiesjuice.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/delta-hate-over-it.html