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Wednesday 30 December 2015

Mariah Carey and James Packer: Australian Visit First PHOTO

Mariah Carey has touched down in Australia with her boyfriend James Packer - for the first time together as a couple in James's native country.

This is the photo Mariah posted on her Instagram account six hours ago:


Just two hours ago, she was spotted in Melbourne with her new beau - it's her fourth visit to Australia.

This photo compile from the hugely followed Mariah Carey Australia Facebook page - follow them here.


Mariah's Instagram post:

A photo posted by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) on

Pier One Sydney Harbour: Hotel REVIEW

Staying in Sydney? For a Sydney staycation as a local, or as an out of towner?

Look no further than Pier One Sydney Harbour.

It is THE destination hotel in Sydney.

When you think of Sydney, what comes to mind?

That view. The harbour. The Sydney Opera House. The Sydney Harbour Bridge. Heck, even Luna Park thrown in for good measure.

Guess what: you have all of the above RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU.

Pier One Sydney Harbour is situated in Walsh Bay, pretty much under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Well, you know, under it as such, but... the closest to the Bridge in Sydney. The views... are... to die.

Josie's Juice was very lucky to have deluxe room closest to the Bridge booked (it's where Kylie Minogue, and many celebs stay when they're in town, with my guest booked on the same floor with the large balcony room) - and if you want 'Luxe Sydney', ask for this room when booking at Pier One Sydney Harbour.

Imagine having breakfast on your balcony overlooking the water? Yes, this is the view you'll enjoy.

With a queen sized bed - which, wait for it, has a television IN the foot of the bed, so you can snuggle up and watch telly from your bed - overlooking the water, and a separate lounge/dining area, two toilets, a foyer entrance, and ample space, it's luxe at its best.

But I've left the best until last: the full size bath tub overlooking THAT view. So you can soak in style... I mean, you really have to do it right. Order some bubbles, get some soapy bubbles in your tub, and watch the world go by.

Okay, I won't carry on. Let the photos speak for themselves:

A photo posted by Josie Gagliano (@josiegags) on
















And then... The Gantry. The restaurant you simply MUST come dine at during your stay there:


Says the blurb:

The Gantry Restaurant is a destination of sensory discovery, perfectly framed against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Experience the effortless craftsmanship and storytelling woven into our honest and uncomplicated approach to freshly foraged food.

From the moment you step into our world, you can leave the everyday behind. We make you feel at home in tranquil harbourside surrounds, so you can unhurriedly explore the authentic textures and flavours of our craft.

The Gantry offers 360° theatre. From harbour to pier, kitchen to table. You can expect the unexpected.

Step into The Gantry Bar, and you’ll discover a vibrant hub, anchored by an impressively large zinc-clad bar centrepiece. Here, our savvy bartenders blend effortless charm and humour with a large dose of storytelling as they handcraft your cocktail of choice.

Native, botanical and homemade ingredients create surprising flavours that linger delightfully. And for those after a bite, there’s a tempting bar menu with delectable dishes and plates to share.

Everything about The Gantry Bar invites you to stay, unwind and sip away the hours while watching the sweeping, ever-changing views of the wharf and harbour.

More on The Gantry here. With some glorious photos below (my iPhone had a million FAB foodie pics, you guys... and then it went and died... did I back up? Well...)









And more on rooms with INCREDIBLE views here. No words, just photos:



To book, and for more info, CLICK HERE.

Josie's Juice was hosted by Pier One Sydney Hotel.

Tuesday 29 December 2015

Facebook hoax: stock giveaway - Facebook statement

So, yeah.

Facebook IS NOT giving away millions to you.

It's just not happening, no matter what your status update says.

Here is an example of the message you may have seen, or even cut and pasted yourself:

“Mark Zuckerberg has announced that he is giving away $45 billion of Facebook stock. What you may not have heard is that he plans to give 10% of it away to people like YOU and ME! All you have to do is copy and paste this message into a post IMMEDIATELY. At midnight PST, Facebook will search through the day’s posts and award 1000 people with $4.5 million each as a way of saying thank you for making Facebook such a powerful vehicle for connection.”

There is one of a range of similar statuses, including one that claims the giveaway was announced on 'Good Morning America'.)

The official Facebook account quickly confirmed that the statuses were a hoax on December 9, writing, “Friends don't let friends copy and paste memes. While Priscilla and Mark's pledge to give money to improve the world is real, not everything you read on the internet is, and they're not giving it away randomly. Be safe out there, sweepstakes seekers.”
But despite this obvious clarification, which clearly some (MANY!) did not see, hopeful users have continued to repost the status.
Friends, you can quit it now. IT IS NOT HAPPENING.

Monday 28 December 2015

Phoebe Hooke and Sam Burgess: Wedding PHOTOS

In photos just in, Phoebe Hooke and Sam Burgess have shared their wedding photos with TV news outlets (all photos here credited to Paul Suesse). A surprising move, to see them arrive on a news desk, considering they went to great lengths today to shield paps and cameras.

Here are the photos of the couple's wedding day at Bowral, held at the property of Phoebe's parents. Phoebe is a freelance entertainment writer and reporter, while Sam is a rugby league player for Sydney NRL club South Sydney.


Photo: Paul Suesse

Phoebe's stunning Alex Perry dress:

Photo: Paul Suesse
The groom and his groomsmen, some of which are Sam's rugby league playing brothers:


Photo: Paul Suesse

ELLE Australia: Jessica Marais, January 2016

The Australian actress with arguably the best set of eyebrows I have seen - and a mesmerisingly stunning face - is the cover star of Australian ELLE magazine for January 2016: Jessica Marais.

She has spoken exclusively to ELLE Australia about motherhood, shifting boundaries and her next big role in Channel Ten’s new drama 'The Wrong Girl'.

“It’s funny; I think I looked at a lot of my life almost like a script for a long time. Where does this all end up? Instead of realising that the story is just the story and it’s happening and it’s that moment,” Jessica says, in the interview.


The interview, one of Jessica's first after a tumultuous year following her break-up with long- time partner James Stewart, reveals a fresh new start for the very talented actress (did you see her in the TV doc-drama 'Carlotta'? Incredible).


On Jessica, Justine Cullen, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Australia said, “There’s so much to love about our January cover star, she’s super-relatable, down-to-earth and our cover captures an incredible portrait of a woman who is defining what it means to be spirited, stylish and successful in 2016.”


The January issue of ELLE Australia featuring Jessica Marais on the cover is on sale 28 December, 2016.




Wednesday 23 December 2015

'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2' Movie Poster First Look: PHOTO

It's here!

The movie poster for 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2':




It's released March 25, 2016 in Australia, and March 2 in the US.

Here is the trailer:

Teresa Giudice: Out of Prison

In news just in, 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' star Teresa Giudice has just quietly been released from a Federal Correctional Institution, after serving nearly a year in jail.

"She is thrilled that she is finally going home," a source close to the reality star tells PEOPLE exclusively. 

Her lawyer James J. Leonard, Jr. tells PEOPLE. "She is free," he says.




Tuesday 22 December 2015

'Bridget Jones’s Baby': First PHOTO + screen date

It's your first look at 'Bridget Jones’s Baby' (out in the US on September 16, 2016).

Renee Zellweger’s alter-ego is now 43, single, and pregnant and is not sure who the father is. Is it her on-and-off again boyf or the hot new billionaire named Jack Qwant (Patrick Dempsey)?

Here is the first pic of the new cast line-up... no Hugh Grant!

Image Credit: RANKIN for EW
Read more here.

Monika Radulovic explains Miss Universe 2015 Steve Harvey mistake: VIDEO

In a 'Sunrise' Australian TV exclusive, Monika Radulovic - the gorgeous Australian entrant for this year's Miss Universe - shed light on how the Steve Harvey wrong name read out went down.

She says in this video below that fellow Miss Universe contestants on stage could see the autocue, and Miss Philippines WAS listed as the winner. They knew Steve Harvey made the mistake as he was saying the incorrect winner's name, that of Miss Columbia.

She says: "We could see the teleprompter - it said 'Philippines please take your walk as Miss Universe."

Wow. Oh, Steve.

HERE IS THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MONIKA.


Kim Kardashian's New Emojis: PHOTOS + how to get them

Kim Kardashian's new business enterprise is the Kim K's Kimoji app.
YEP.
Until now, Kim has only teased us with a few of the emojis on her Instagram.
Have a lazy AU$2.99? You can downloaded it. Here is the link.
Or, we have them all here of you - see below... you are welcome?
Here was how she announced it on Instagram:
A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on
And then, this:

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on




















Dishes: 2016 Calendar - Restore One Project

Now, this is an exciting - and very worthy - project! If you have not bought your 2016 calendar yet, and you are passionate about food - this is your gift, to yourself or a loved one!

Bringing together 12 of Australia's top chefs including Colin Fassnidge, Massimo Mele and James Viles into a 2016 premium recipe wall calendar made for foodies, where each chef shares an exclusive recipe in their month.

And: it's all for a good cause, with proceeds going to support Restore One who help empower vulnerable women in Cambodia. For more on this wonderful project, see www.dishes.com.au

In basic terms, their mission is to:

To break poverty one community at a time, through:

  • Housing
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Health initiatives

The whole calendar is fantastic - the quality photography will be a treat to turn over a new leaf, for real, each month.

You can buy 'Dishes', the premium wall calendar - with twelve of Australia's hottest chefs - in that link.

And, every month, a top chef presents a new recipe that will be sure to please the most demanding of foodies and - all in an effort to raise money for good! What's not to love? Delicious in every way.

Speaking of delicious, here is Colin Fassnidge on the calendar's cover:



Monday 21 December 2015

Michelle Bridges: Baby With Steve 'Commando' Willis Born

According to WHO magazine, Michelle Bridges has given birth to her first child.

The 45 year old 'Biggest Loser' trainer and her co-star Steve 'Commando' Willis welcomed their baby daughter into the world late this afternoon.

Says the report:

The couple are yet to provide a statement to the media.

This child is Michelle's first and Commando's fourth, but first with the fitness star.

Michelle hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down in the gym, as she’s been posting snaps of herself in gym gear with her bump out while lifting weights.

Here is the mag cover earlier this year:


UPDATED: correction - another media outlet is reporting that the couple had a baby girl.

'Love Actually': 50 things you probably didn't know about the movie

Some things you may not know about 'Love Actually' (from Buzzfeed):

1. Love Actually was never intended to be a Christmas film.
2. Richard Curtis called the film’s first edit “a catastrophe”, and has claimed he was still unhappy with it by the time it hit cinemas. 
3. The film originally contained 14 separate love stories, but four of them ended up being cut.





4. Two of these additional storylines were shot before being abandoned. 
5. One of them was about an African couple supporting each other through a famine
6. And the other was about a stern headmistress who was nursing her lesbian partner through cancer.
7. Curtis wanted to cast a mixture of famous and more unknown actors. Some of the cast members he considered less famous were Martin Freeman from The Hobbit, Mad Men’s January Jones, and BAFTA winner Chiwitel Ejiofor.



8. Curtis’s daughter plays one of the lobsters in the nativity play.
9. Curtis knew he wanted Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson to play the PM and his sister from the very beginning. 
10. Martine McCutcheon’s role was also written for her
11. Curtis first spotted her in EastEnders, which he was a huge fan of. 



12. In fact, her character, Natalie, was originally called Martine. This was changed for the audition to ensure she didn’t think she already had the part.
13. One of the first scenes McCutcheon shot was kissing Hugh Grant.
14. Claudia Schiffer was never meant to be in the film. Curtis wanted to cast someone who looked like her, but he couldn’t find anyone. He ended up offering her the part and she took it.
15. Similarly Laura Linney, who plays Sarah, was cast after Curtis struggled to find an English “Laura Linney-type” actor, so he decided to ask Laura herself.
16. Sarah’s love interest Karl, played by Rodrigo Santoro, was originally meant to be English, but they couldn’t find the right actor. 
17. Curtis had two other people in mind to play Billy Mack and couldn’t make his mind up until Nighy nailed the audition.
18. But he’s never told anyone who the original options were. “I’ll put it in my will,” he said. 
19. He claims that the best bit of casting for the whole film was making Thomas Brodie-Sangster Sam.
20. Brodie-Sangstar says that because he played the kid in Love Actually, girls thought he was cute. But “not in a One Direction way”.
21. He was 13 years old when he played Sam – the same age as his character in Game of Thrones was meant to be (despite the fact he was actually 23 by this time).
22. His dad taught him to play the drums for the film. He still plays now.
23. Hugh Grant, who plays David, and Brodie-Sangster are second cousins. “He’d call me cousin and ruffle my hair,” Brodie-Sangster said. 
24. Bill Nighy has said he feels bad for suggesting that Blue have tiny pricks in his scene with Ant and Dec.
25. He recorded “Christmas Is All Around” in Abbey Road Studios.
26. Curtis originally envisaged the Hugh Grant and Colin Firth storylines being two separate films
27. Andrew Lincoln’s iconic declaration of love using giant cards and a marker pen was inspired by Bob Dylan’s video for “Subterranean Homesick Blues”.
28. Curtis wrote five alternative versions of that scene. He read all of them out to the women in his office, and went with the one they didn’t think was too mushy.
29. Halfway through filming the scene, Curtis’s partner went up to Lincoln and whispered, “You know you’re playing Richard.” Apparently that character was the closest to himself he’d ever written.
30. And there is a man whose proposal to his girlfriend was inspired by that scene.
31. Lincoln has said that pretending to be infatuated with Keira Knightley was “not one of the greatest challenges I’ve been posed as an actor.”
32. When the film first came out, Slate’s film critic called it “too florid, too calculated, too too”.
33. In the UK version of the film, the breakout song was Sugababes’ “Too Lost in You”, which can be heard during Christmas party scene at the art gallery. However, in the US version, this was replaced by a Kelly Clarkson song, “The Trouble With Love Is”. 
34. According to the DVD commentary, the wedding scene in which the band play “All You Need Is Love” from within the congregation was inspired by Muppets creator Jim Henson’s funeral, which Curtis attended. In it, the puppeteers brought along their Muppets and sang a song. 
35. On The Jonathan Ross Show, Martine McCutcheon revealed that she and Hugh Grant used to text each other dirty jokes all the time. 
36. Grant’s PM character was partially based on real-life former PM Ted Heath. Heath was a bachelor, and Curtis had long wondered what would have happened if he’d fallen in love whilst in office. 
37. Grant was very grumpy about having to do the scene where he dances around No. 10
38. The crew tried to get into 10 Downing Street but were denied access.
39. When Julia, Keira Knightley’s character, turns up at Mark’s studio to ask for his wedding video, there is a copy of Rear Window on his shelf. It’s a film about voyeurism and watching people without their knowledge, just as he has been doing.
40. In every Richard Curtis film there is an unpopular character called Bernard, after the now Tory MP Bernard Jenkin won the heart of a girl who Curtis also loved in his youth. In Love Actually it is Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson’s troublesome son. 
41. Olivia Olson, who plays Sam’s crush Joanna, is the voice of Marceline in Adventure Time
42. She also voices a character in the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb. So does Brodie-Sangster, her Love Actually love interest.
43. However they record their Phineas and Ferb scenes in their respective home countries, and so still haven’t seen each other since the Love Actuallypremiere in 2003. 
44. When Olson recorded “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in the studio, producers thought she was so good that people wouldn’t believe it was really her singing, so they asked her to record it again “a little less good”.
45. In 2005 Tony Blair referenced Hugh Grant’s patriotic speech from the film when discussing Britain’s “special relationship” with the USA, saying: “I know there’s a bit of us that would like me to do a Hugh Grant in Love Actually and tell America where to get off. But the difference between a good film and real life is that in real life there’s the next day, the next year, the next lifetime to contemplate the ruinous consequences of easy applause.”
46. Emma Thompson wore a fat suit for her role. 
47. She did the crying to Joni Mitchell scene 12 times in a row.
48. And the crying itself was unscripted. Curtis said: “I just wrote that she goes upstairs, puts on the record, and lets the emotion show. Everything in that scene is just Emma.”
49. Speaking to The Telegraph in 2005, Thompson said: “I’ve had so much bloody practice at crying in a bedroom and then having to go out and be cheerful, gathering up the pieces of my heart and putting them in a drawer.”
50. The word “actually” is said 23 times throughout the film: 22 times by characters, and once during the opening monologue