Organising Australia Conference: Dorothy Breininger, Sarah Cottman & Karen Koedding

The Organising Australia Conference is about to kick off in Sydney and surrounding suburbs.

And, you can win a double pass to the event!

Australia’s foremost organising experts Sarah Cottman and Karen Koedding are hosting international guest organiser Dorothy Breininger, a regular on American TV show 'Hoarders'. 

The Organising Australia Conference is for you if: you find yourself time poor; are having problems getting organised and don’t know where to start, and want effective techniques to organise your home and office.

I don't know about you, but I am in constant need of staying on top of techniques on how to keep my life in check. And yes, I - ahem - have a little issue with hoarding and colllecting and hanging on to stuff for sentimental value.

The Organising Australia Conference aims to help you organise your home, office and life.

Here's what you will learn:

The women behind the conference aim to make the day fun-filled, where you will:

-       learn the secrets of world class organising experts

-       begin to recognise blocks you may have to becoming better organised

-       identify the benefits of getting in control of paperwork

-       experience a live demonstration of the ‘KOINS’ decluttering method

-       become more efficient, giving you more time in your day

-       leave with confidence and an array of practical organising strategies

Their ‘once and for all’ solutions work in the short term and stay with you forever. No stopping, no indecision, just getting it done!

If this is what you want from your life (um, I do... very much!), these ladies want to share their solutions with you.

If you have an equally organisationally challenged buddy, grab them and go here: 
http://organisingoz.com/join-us/


More about the presenters:

DorothyTheOrganiser is a three-time recipient of NAPO-LA’s ‘Most Innovative Organizer Award’ and has co-authored five organising books. A high-energy speaker, Dorothy inspires her audiences to take immediate action and produce results.

She's an expert organiser and regular on Emmy-nominated TV show ‘Hoarders’, plus has appeared on the ‘Today Show’, ‘Dr Phil’ and ‘The View’ and features in ‘Wall Street Journal’, ‘Forbes’ and ‘O’ magazine.

Sarah Cottman is one of Australia’s most experienced Professional Organisers whose appearances include the ‘Today Show’, ‘Morning Show’ and ‘Kerri-Anne’ as well as ‘SMH Essential’ and ‘Sunday Life’ magazines. Sarah is a trainer and mentor to professional organisers. She is also the creator and director of holistic professional organising firm Heavenly Order. (I interviewed Sarah a while ago for a story on hoarding - see here - and she is exceptional on what she does).

Karen Koedding was Australia's first 'Certified Professional Organizer' and is the founder of international organising firm A Little Elf operating in Sydney and New York. She is Australia’s first 'Certified Professional Organizer; Karen is also a contributing author to ‘Stuff Your Face or Face Your Stuff.'

Event details:

Venues and dates:

Friday 13 September, 9am-4pm Pioneer Sands WOLLONGONG

Saturday 14 September, 9am-4pm Rydges Capital Hill, CANBERRA

Wednesday 18 September, 9am-4pm Wallarah Bay Recreation Centre, CENTRAL COAST

Friday 20 September, 9am-4pm Fairmont Leura, BLUE MOUNTAINS

Saturday 21 September, 9am-4pm Figtree Convention Centre, SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

Price Tickets are $209 which includes the full day conference, lunch and goodie bags while they last (get in and book early!)

For more details go here: http://organisingoz.com

Or see: Heavenly Order's site 'Horder' (get it! - H.Order - clever) here: horder.com.au

And now, to win one double pass to any of the event dates listed about, here's all you need to do:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook blog page

- 'Like' the Heavenly Order Facebook page

- 'Like' the Organising Australia Facebook page

- Share this competition on your Facebook wall

- Comment in box below - or via email at josiegags@optusnet.com.au - on why you very much need to attend this event to learn new skills on organising

*Competition open to Australian residents only

Leaving a violent marriage: real-life story

In light of the shocking photos which have emerged of Nigella Lawson being apparently choked by her husband, a real-life reader of Josie's Juice has come forward to tell her shocking story.

It is confronting, raw, and quite upsetting. Readers are advised it could trigger memories from past - or current - events in their own lives. You can reach out for help here, via White Ribbon. I came across this oath which emanates from this incredible organisation:

Here is her story. She is known to Josie's Juice, but has decided to remain anonymous.

"We were married for just shy of eight years, and we had two kids together. At the time I left him, they were aged five and three.

Looking back and with the benefit of time, the abuse started reasonably early in my first pregnancy - I was being told I was useless as a wife... and frigid and lazy. With my training (background in psychology) I now know it started much earlier than that, with threats of suicide if I ever left him - he was very controlling.

It escalated I went back to work after my second child, with stalking phone calls... from 10-15 a day throughout my work day, checking that I was where I said I was. These then became the norm whenever I wasn't with him - no matter what the occasion.

The lead up to the physical abuse was fairly classic - pushing and grabbing, never when others were around. If bruises did eventuate, they occurred in places hidden by clothing. It escalated to rough sex, often leaving bruises, often hidden.

The final straw was two-fold.

Firstly, two nights before I left, whilst in a rage, he struck out at me with a closed fist. Thankfully, I dodged - and he clipped me as he hit the freezer, leaving a sizeable dent in the door. I fled and locked myself in the bedroom until he passed out.

(I still have that freezer with its dent as a reminder of how fortunate I was to be able to leave).

Secondly, the night before I left - once again, he was in another rage - he had me barrelled up against a door yelling in my face that he dreams of pummelling me until I'm a bloody mess... After which he told me that if he didn't kill me doing that, he was going to take "his" kids into the bush and I'd never see them again.

The following evening after I returned from work, the kids and I collected some clothes and fled to my parents. Thank heavens we had that safe haven - thousands don't. Other than to collect our belongings, we never returned.

Eight and a half years have passed. For many years, I avoided standing too close to men who were much taller than myself as I feared that proximity. It wasn't until earlier this year I felt safe enough to go on a date, let alone trust another man.

It has taken years of intensive counselling to even trust my own judgement regarding men other than my immediate and extended family. 

Thank God I have. I would hate to have my ex damage any chance I had at enjoying life and love again. For a long time, I felt like an injured bird - but they were his issues and in taking back my own power and love of life, I'm stronger than I ever thought I could be.

To tell a woman in an abusive relationship to leave or walk away is easy; understanding how it can happen and how completely powerless that women feels is much harder - especially when it's not something you've ever been exposed to. It happens so slowly you don't notice it, until one day you can't see out of that dark dark tunnel you reside in.

Keep in mind though it's not just women, who suffer domestic violence - men, too, can be victims and are often the silent sufferers.

I'm in a great place now - I have two gorgeous children, a man I not only love, but more importantly trust, and life is pretty bloody good."

SBS Insight: 'Betting on Asia'

'Insight' on SBS keeps coming up with incredibly informative episodes, uncovering topics and worlds not often discussed.

This week, the program puts the spotlight on gamblers of Asian descent. Interestingly, in a public pitch earlier this year, billionaire businessman James Packer said middle class gamblers visiting from China could help reverse the fortunes of Australia’s struggling tourism industry. 

Gambling addiction expert and psychiatrist Dr Timothy Fong says gambling is entrenched in Chinese culture, partly driven by a belief in luck and predetermined fate. Meanwhile, Australian-Chinese businessmen say trips to the casino are a crucial part of doing business and connecting with clients. But it’s not just the well-off who are gambling in Australia’s casinos.

One study shows that Chinese international students studying in Australia are particularly at risk of gambling problems. They arrive here with huge amounts of money for their education and accommodation, and thanks to loneliness and isolation are attracted to the perceived 'glamour' of casinos - sometimes with disastrous outcomes.

Dr Fong says the cultural taboo around problem gambling prevents people from seeking help, revealing that many addicts want to save face and are too ashamed to admit they have a problem.

In this clip, Thang Ngo - an active part of the Vietnamese community of Fairfield in Sydney's western suburbs - says that people from his local community are drawn into the 'high roller' rooms of casinos just as much as rich overseas tourists.

He's right: I live in the area and see the mini bus filled with passengers en route to the casino [for years now it has had blacked out windows, though].

In this web extra from 'Insight' you can see the route it takes in metro Sydney. There's also an extended interview with Jeff Kennett:

http://www.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/webextra/497/Betting-on-Asia

Here is an overview, with guests bios: http://www.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/overview/497/Betting-on-Asia

And you can watch the entire episode online here:

http://www.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/watchonline/497/Betting-on-Asia

Giuliana Rancic - E! True Hollywood Story

E! presents the story of one of Hollywood’s most beloved reporters, Giuliana Rancic - the Australian premiere is Sunday, April 15th 2012 on the E! channel on Foxtel.

Giuliana Rancic’s come a long way since her humble beginnings in Naples, Italy. 


Indeed, she has now become an essential fixture on the red carpet, injecting her own brand of fun to the pre-awards fashion spectacle.


Along the way, with her beloved husband Bill, Giuliana has become a role model, particularly as a cancer fighter and survivor.


Giuliana is on 'E! News' with Ryan Seacrest, as one of the critics on 'Fashion Police' and of course, as one-half of the reality show, 'Giuliana & Bill'.


This has never been 'The Osbournes', though.


From their exciting high-flying careers, to their very public struggles with fertility and Giuliana's cancer diagnosis and battles, the 'E! True Hollywood Story: Giuliana Rancic' is one of the most moving, fascinating profiles you'll see.


Says Giuliana: “You can think of all the horrible things happening to you and focus on that. Or, you can kind of recognise that it’s a bad situation, but then try to find the good in your life and focus on that. So, that is what I do. So, yes, I have breast cancer, yes, I can’t have a baby yet. But you know what? I have an amazing husband. I have a wonderful family. I have great friends. I have my dream job, so life’s good.”


Some highlights from E! True Hollywood Story: Giuliana Rancic:


On elementary school in America
“They thought I was like an alien. I had a weird name, Giuliana with a ‘G’, and no one could pronounce it. Pretty early on one of my teachers changed my name – without asking me – to Julie. She thought that would be easier, with a ‘J’ because ‘G’ was just too complicated.” Giuliana Rancic tells E!


On her career aspirations
“I was in elementary school and we were doing a drawing assignment about what you want to be when you grow up. So I drew an anchor woman that I had seen on TV. I went to the front of the class and I said [in my Italian accent] ‘I want to be an anchor woman.’ And [the teacher] was like, ‘oh, to be an anchor woman you have to speak perfectly – maybe you should think about something else.’ I thought, ‘what?’ I just couldn’t believe it. It was embarrassing and the kids were laughing and smirking and I remember thinking to myself – I’m going to show her.’” 


On finishing graduate school
“Giuliana did not waste any time. We graduated on a Sunday and she had her ticket booked to leave for Los Angeles the following Friday.” Stephanie Shweiki, classmate tells E!


On her husband
When Giuliana heard about an opportunity to interview Bill Rancic, she jumped at the chance. Bill recalls that fateful interview. “Once the camera stopped, the interview just continued and continued. As we were both walking away – I was very shy when it came to asking out girls – I worked up enough courage and I said, ‘Giuliana, would you like to go running sometime?’ She looked at me funny like ‘you loser.’”


Giuliana continues the story, “I thought to myself, ‘wait – a run? That means like 9am on a Saturday, no makeup, spandex, not cute. That’s not how I do a first date.’ So I said, ‘that, or we could go for a drink instead?’”


On IVF treatments
“She was in a lot of pain. I could see it on her face, hear it in her voice and it was a real, real struggle.” Monica Zuriff, Giuliana’s sister recalls to E!


“My sister and my cousins, they sneeze and get pregnant. And I can’t get pregnant to save my life, so it was hard.” Giuliana Rancic tells E!


On her cancer diagnosis
“It’s something that is unfathomable. One day, you’re totally fine. And you’re living your dream and life is wonderful, and then the next day, your whole life changes forever.” Giuliana Rancic tells E!


“I am strong for my daughter. She doesn’t want to see me upset. I know, but inside…oh my gosh…me passera. In the night and in the day I cry, but not in front of my daughter.” Anna DePandi, Giuliana’s mother tells E!


“I’m so proud of her bravery and how she has handled this.” Bill Rancic, Giuliana’s husband tells E!


Don't miss the E! True Hollywood Story profiling Giuliana Rancic’s inspiring story, premiering on Sunday, April 15th 2012 at 8:30pm AEST on E! - and look out for regular repeats on the E! channel.

How Do I Look? US show comes to Australia for a makeover

Dying for a professional makeover?

This is your chance!

The Style network, screening here on Foxtel and Austar, announced today that popular fashion intervention series 'How Do I Look?' and its energetic host and fashion expert Jeannie Mai (who is a total doll - I interviewed her for Josie's Juice), will be coming to Sydney to advise the, um, 'stylistically-challenged' in a special production set just for us in Australia.

To enter, simply go here: www.mystyle.com/sydney

Or maybe it's you that needs the makeover?

Nominate yourself or a daggy friend now.

On each episode of 'How Do I Look?' Jeannie meets with a nominated fashion victim for a candid interview about her inadequate sense of style. Once the fashion intervention happens, Jeannie directs her family and friends – or accomplices – to single out the items that they find exceptionally appalling, and Jeannie disposes of them through the “Ewww Tube” - which vacuums clothes up through the ceiling and out of her life forever.

Following this tough love, the accomplices and stylist hit the shops to create their own distinct wardrobe collection for the 'victim’s' consideration. Without knowing which family member or friend pulled together the looks, the walking fashion disaster discovers a new appreciation for clothes as they choose their favourite outfits from each of the mystery collections.

The candidate then debuts her new look in front of her eager audience in that includes Jeannie, the accomplices and other friends and family.

For this Australian production, this big reveal will take place at a fabulous venue in Sydney (further details to follow).

Jeannie is an experienced makeup artist and fashion expert, and 'How Do I Look' is currently in its twelfth season. After successfully launching her career as a stylist with clients including Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, and Rosario Dawson, she is also frequent fashion correspondent on E! News.

Enter to go in the running to be chosen for a televised makeover - entries close Monday October 3, 2011.

Here is a clip from the show: