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:

Victoria's Secret: Sydney QVB store opening soon

Okay, breathe Victoria's Secret aficionados.

In the most fabulous Valentine's Day news, the first Australian Victoria's Secret retail store will open in mid-March 2014, according to elle.com.au

There is indeed a smaller version of the store at Sydney's airport terminal, and this one will be a similar format, selling underpants only, as well as VS-branded makeup, fragrance, and accessories, and be available to non-travellers.


Excited much?

I am.

I don't really do online, although I have bought VS goodies online in the past.

I like to touch and feel and poke and prod.

Will you be visiting the store? Are you a fan?

Katy Perry Killer Queen Oh So Sheer Fragrance Released

Katy Perry is kinda perfect right now.

From her utterly breathtaking rendition of 'Yesterday' for 'The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute To The Beatles', to her flawless makeup for the event (below), Katy Perry is a visual and aural delight.

And now, Katy Perry has added to her beauty portfolio with her just-released fragrance 'Katy Perry Killer Queen Oh So Sheer.' Here is the beautiful bottle:

Katy Perry’s second Killer Queen scent has beautifully captured the essence of the daring first, signature fragrance, with this new offering a fresher take, and inspired by a ultra-feminine bouquet. This new take on the original is perfect for Katy Perry fans looking for a lighter, more translucent scent. And it is indeed highly wearable and beautifully sheer.

This new essence opens with opulent accents of purple plum infused by a beautiful blend of mulberry, blackberry and elderberries, so still a bold fragrance touch.

At the heart of the scent: the signature bouquet of graceful rainbow plumeria and precious red velvet flower, with radiant accents of purple freesia and lilac for a more ethereal version of the floral essence.

As the fragrance unwraps, the richness of natural patchouli heart is softened by a magnified veil of silken cashmeran and creamy liquid praline, creating an addictive, yet weightless sensuality.

The whole effect is really quite delicious.

Katy Perry Killer Queen Oh So Sheer Eau de Parfum 100 ml is $59.

Available from 7 February from Myer, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and selected pharmacies nationally.

For stockist information call 1800 812 663.

'Frankie's Girl' - Christmas Cards + Profile on Sarine Badelian

Sarine Badelian knows her stuff when it comes to design. Oh, and food and drinks and fesitivities.

So, the clever art director from Sydney, Australia put all her passions together to celebrate this festive season with a bunch of gorgeous Christmas cards - in different languages!

Says Sarine: "I was searching for foreign Christmas Cards to send to relatives and couldn't find one that wasn't the traditional backdrop of the nativity scene or Santas on sleighs. I wanted to create cards that were fresh but had a handmade charm to them so I hand-drew all the lettering of traditional Christmas sayings that people could connect to. I chose Armenian and Italian as they are the backgrounds of my husband Frank (Italian) and myself, and are a small celebration of our two cultures that have come together."

And here is where you can buy them all.

Here is a preview of some of the super stylish cards:

And you can see all the rest here.

Make sure you give the Frankie's Girl Facebook page a 'like' while you are there.

And you can read more about Frankie's Girl on their etsy page here.

'Music For Mum' CD giveaway - FIVE to win!

I know, I know. You're hoping for a damn good gift for Mother's Day this Sunday.

Well, how about winning a gift for yourself?

'Music for Mums' is a fabulous new Sony Music Australia release, and it features artists like: Dido, Jessica Mauboy, Pink, Fergie, Delta Goodrem, Whitney Houston, and more.

And: Josie's Juice is offering up FIVE of these 3 disk set CDs to win, for Josie's Juice readers!

Enter now... and receive the CD when the disappointment of bad gifts subsides. I kid, may you get all your heart desires on the day when mums everywhere should be appreciated and acknowledged for all they do, all year 'round.

To enter, here is all you have to do:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page (click top right hand corner)
- Share this link on your Facebook wall
- Comment in box below telling us why you'd love to win this CD and where you'd play it
- Email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au with your address, so I have it on hand in case you're a winner.
*Comp available to Australian residents only

Palm Beach Collection - Quince Scent: WIN one

Palm Beach Collection - the prestigious candle brand - has now introduced a new quince scent.

Ancient traders claimed that one ripe quince could perfume an entire caravan, and the same effect can be experienced with a Palm Beach Collection quince scented soy wax candle or diffuser, as the fruits’ intoxicating aroma infuses any room it occupies.

The sophisticated and ethereal new scent was inspired by founding brother and sister duo Kirsten and Mike’s travels through Europe, and visits to some of Paris’s most respected boutique perfumeries.

“Quinces are a mystery to many, we found ourselves constantly reminded of this scent on our travels through Europe last year. Inspired by its intoxicating scent we grew to appreciate why for centuries the “golden apple” has been so treasured and wanted to create something special for our customers,” says Kirsten.

Here's how the team behind Palm Beach Collection describe the new quince scent:

"It weaves a story of ancient Greek mythology, a virgin bride would delicately nibble a Quince to ‘perfume her breath’ on her wedding night and Paris presented Aphrodite, goddess of love with a Quince as a symbol of love, marriage and fertility. Sweet fruits and white florals create this luscious and sophisticated fragrance, melded with a honeyed undercurrent and spicy exotic notes. Rhubarb, passionfruit, white peach, and quince are blended with white jasmine and lotus blossoms to create a striking and unique elixir."

Quince will be available across the entire Palm Beach Collection range including the Mini Collection, Standard Collection, Deluxe Collection and Diffuser Collection.

Quince by Palm Beach Collection is available now from all stockists Australia wide and online here.

And, Josie's Juice readers can win one of the new Palm Beach Collection quince scent deluxe candle, valued at $109.95. Here's all you need to do:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page
- Share this blog post on your Facebook wall
- Comment below on why you'd like to win this candle and where you'd light and enjoy it
- Email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au so I have your details if you're a winner

Valentine's Day gift ideas

Valentine's Day: yes, we know it's considered a commercial and all that, but wouldn't you love to receive one of these?

Go on, drop a last-minute hint now:

Tans combs: these divine, hand-crafted combs (see: http://www.brightwood.com.au) include a range of hand-finished, heart-shaped combs, which look as divine as they feel through your hair.

The 'love nest' comb is particularly beautiful. See: http://www.brightwood.com.au/products/love-nest-ii

Bloom: two free mini nail polishes with every Bloom purchase over $60. See http://www.bloom.net.au/

Loverdose, the new sweet-as fragrance from Diesel.

Go forth and lap it up!

Last minute Christmas gifts

Last minute Christmas gifts?

All sorted!

Christmas candles

Even if you are not huge on decorating your table at Christmas, place a scented candle on your table setting and it looks like you have gone to a huge effort!

Glasshouse has re-released the ever popular Limited Edition ‘Night Before Christmas’ Triple Scented Candle. Inspired by plum puddings and the treats your grandmother traditionally cooks up, Night Before Christmas combines blackcurrant, plum, lemon and lavender. $39.95, call 02 9757 3080 for stockists or see: www.glasshousefragrances.com

The Yankee Candle range of candles always seriously test me – do I light it or eat it... yes, the scents are that true to life. Their Christmas range – Christmas Cookie, Christmas Cupcake, Cranberry Chutney, Happy Christmas, and Mistletoe Fig – are no exception, and are all a snip at $19.99 and available online at www.yankee.net.au

Palm Beach Collection is an exquisite new eco-friendly Australian lifestyle product range and they have released this limited edition ‘White Christmas’ candle. $37.95, see www.palmbeachcollection.com.au for stockists details Australia-wide.

Beauty gifts

Wanna really spoil the lady in your life – or spoil yourself? This Estée Lauder by Michael Kors Christmas Collection set (in silver; gold and pewter versions also available) includes a vibrant palette of rose, plum and berry for lips and eyes including: a face compact featuring Pure Color EyeShadow in Candy Crave, Sandbar Beige, Iridescent Violet, Sugar Cube, Pink Flash, Polished Platinum and the Signature Silky Powder Blush in Pink Kiss; Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Pink Parfait; Pure Color Gloss in Star Pink; Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx; Estée Lauder Golden-Mirrored EyeShadow Brush; and Estée Lauder Golden-Mirrored Blush Brush. Available for $125 (with a value of over $275) from selected Estée Lauder counters nationwide, and at www.esteelauder.com.au, or call 1800 061 326 for stockists.

The Lanolips rosy red hue called ‘Apples’ is the perfect stocking filler for girlfriends – but make sure you keep one for you. Addictive and highly effective, this gloss will add zing to your festive season makeup look. Or choose the just-for-Christmas colour called Mulberry, designed to deepen the shade of your natural lip colour. $13.95, and available at Myer, David Jones, and selected pharmacies Australia-wide, or call 02 9663 4277 for stockists.

Something Little Special, by Amy Clarke

Meet Amy Clarke. She started 'Something Little Special' around a year ago, with beautiful examples of her clever handiwork here.

A woman of many talents, her 'day job' is as graphic designer at radio station NOVA969, but Amy needed a creative “me time” outlet outside of work, and decided to start her own stationery company.

Something Little Special is just that. Amy specialises in designing pre-printed invitations and greeting cards for all occasions. Anything from the children’s birthday party (make that double the invites for my twinnies), to a hen's night (oooh, I remember those!), or even high tea (yes, please!).

Says Amy: "I combine my love and passion for design, paper and parties and put all that I can into making some beautiful products. I make sure I print onto 100% recycled paper, which also suits the rustic style of invitations I create - bonus! I feel that it's important to be conscious of the product you're using, and having something chemical-free around little kiddies is far better.

"I have always loved stationery and paper. I could spend lots hours and money in paper shops. However, I find these days that invitations are becoming too impersonal, with just a click on Facebook or an email invite. I feel that people need to hold and appreciate an invitation for a special occasion. I’m trying to bring that personality back into parties!

"My products stand out because they are so unique. My love for florals, animals and beautiful colours make my invitations completely original. My goal in the near future is to open up a little quirky paper shop. It’s as simple as that. I could sell gorgeous patterned paper, stationery, knick knacks and talk to people all day long! How fun!"

Now that is completely infectious enthusiasm. And I must admit I have always been a little envious of that kinda skill and creativity. Cooking, yes. Creating quirky cards and artwork... not capable. But Amy is.

The Kiddies Party Pack (pictured) is one of her best sellers, and features 15 birthday invites, 15 custom birthday lolly bags, and 15 thank you cards. The Party Pack costs $35.00 and you can buy it on www.somethinglittlespecial.com.au

Then there are the baby shower invitations, in a yellow hue, for those who don’t know the gender of the baby/ies (Best. Surprise. Ever.). They come in a pack of 15, including envelopes, and are only $18.

All Amy's greeting cards are $3 each, and include this cute zebra greeting card, one of her best sellers, as well as the quirky deer thank you card (my fave), with the text connected to its antlers.

For more info and to buy Amy's cards, see www.somethinglittlespecial.com.au/

F*ck Valentine's Day! Or, ahhh Valentine's Day...

Aaargh! Valentine's Day!!

Or... ohhhh, Valentine's Day!

Depending on which side of that dreaded love fence you sit, it's either the stuff of nightmares or the day you've been waiting for all year (especially if this time last year you were single).

But don't be fooled that this day is any less 'stressful' for the loved up.

Depending on your 'relationship status' (thanks Facebook, for forcing us all to define it), it also raises many other modern-day quandaries: is your f-buddy meant to crossover to boyfriend-status on this dripping-with-expectation day?

And is your de facto/live-in BF meant to propose today?

And if so, where? In your teeny apartment amongst takeaway boxes? Or on a white-sand beach somewhere exotic? On the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb along with 4,000 other couples who've already done it? Or in a crowded restaurant surrounded by other usually-not-that-romantic-lovers?

See, there is pressure everywhere, people!

In my humble opinion, if you've been with your man for years and expect grand gestures, you'll be disappointed. My boyfriend would make a huge effort - think teddybears, flowers, cards, the whole catastrophe - and yes, after years of haphazard dating and relationships, I thoroughly lapped it up. This continued well into our early married years. Workmates can attest that I'd receive singing balloons at work, delivered to reception, with my work pals egging me on to carry them from the reception desk to mine, then carry them home on the train (I'd always decline on the latter challenge... I mean, seriously!?)

Last year, with two year old twins and no babysitter and the opportunity for hubby to work that day, I found myself at a dear friend's nephew's birthday party with the kids. We had a quiet meal later and a glass of wine together - and I loved it.

This year, not much romance is planned. With no babysitters on tap and work to attend to during the day, it's expected to be another night at home with those I love. I've suggested the four of us go to a food court later (I wouldn't dare think of disturbing other couples at exy restaurants with the shenanigans - and tantrums - of three year old twins) and share a meal together, where we can make mess, noise and still feel like we've "done something."

Not that it honestly matters. All year 'round we do romantic stuff for each other. But it's not what you think...

On Saturday, hubby did the kids' baths so I could slip out for a pal's birthday drinks. Now that's romance to me. And I make his fave meals every day of the week. Nothing says love more than that.

This article from my fave news site The Punch is the best piece I've read on the oft-dreaded day.

It's hard to pull out the best paragraph from it, but I will start with this one:

"Usually when you go out for a meal, there’s a slim chance that you’ll be challenged to keep your dinner down because of the rouge couple in the corner who spend more time eating each other’s tongues than their mains. However, when 7pm on Feb 14 hits, if you’re not copulating on the table, you’re the odd one out. It’s nauseating. I’d rather be lying on the couch watching rubbish I’d never admit to IQ-ing, than trying to swallow my Steak Diane in a sea of 15 couples waist deep in foreplay."

And this one:

"If you’re single and you don’t have a date on Valentine’s Day, that doesn’t make you any less of a person, and if you’re in a relationship where you have to wait till the middle of February every year to get your partner to put in a little effort, it’s probably time you packed your little handkerchief on a stick and set off for greener pastures."

To read the whole article, go here:

http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/this-valentines-day-spare-a-thought-for-the-cynical/?referrer=email&source=Punch_nl&emcmp=Punch&emchn=Newsletter&emlist=Member

Valentine's Day: it's either: "F*ck Valentine's Day!" or "F*ck, Valentine's Day." Wherever you sit, there is hope! It's called February 15...

Valentine's Day - last minute gifts, part two

Selling for the past few weeks - and especially released for Valentine's Day - is this little number.

Australian jewellery designer Chrissy L has released three limited edition "Valentine Desire Collection" pieces.

Each 'Desire Set' comes with the gorgeous pearl selection as well as the (I want one!) jewel-encrusted bow which can be worn on the necklace or separate as a lapel clip-on (I'd wear it attached to a gorgeous pair of black heels).

The set comes packaged in a blingy Glomesh clutch - I have one of these and I love using it as a mini clutch.

For $89, one of these (including the bag) is yours.

The Desire Valentine Special is sold exclusively online at www.chrissyl.com.au and will be available until stock is sold out. You won't get it by V Day if you order today... but you will get reserve brownie points when it does arrive...

Valentine's Day - last minute gifts, part one

Left it too late for Valentine's Day? Convinced you didn't want to be swayed by the commercialism? Fair enough... but now you feel like crap!

Don't fret. Although ordering gifts from this site today won't get delivery tomorrow, you can let your lovely one know somethin' special is on its way.

http://everythingbutflowers.com.au/category/961-valentines-day-gifts/

Coco Ribbon: your new gift shopping destination

Coco Ribbon’s hotly anticipated new online boutique, CocoRibbon.com is now live - and it's a real feast for the eyes. Where does one start? It's all so yummy!

An emporium of the beautiful and unique, expect to see Coco Ribbon’s lavish own-label fashion and covetable gifts.

Founded in 2002 with the opening of its UK Notting Hill boutique specialising in all things feminine and fun, Coco Ribbon’s ethos was to inspire and indulge anyone who visited with wonderful and hard-to-find things.

Soon Coco Ribbon became a girl’s best friend and in 2007, evolved from a boutique into a brand designing its own range of Bohemian-luxe fashion, cosmetics and gifts.

Creative Director Alison Chow has lived in Hong Kong, New York and London over the last 12-years, and is now residing in Sydney is excited to share her product finds, inspiration pages and global girl's guide.

My fave picks from this page?

That too-chic grey scarf, those 'LOVE' letters for my wall... and those too sexy red knickers.

The best part is that the prices are not too exy at all.

A little hint: send this blog link to your partner pre-Valentine's Day...

For more, see: www.cocoribbon.com/