Tesalate towel: PRODUCT REVIEW

Jacky Lam and Volkan Ozbek are the founder of Tesalate, and they say about their clever invention:

 

"We put a lot of love and passion into making every product great. But we always want to strive to make it better. So we would very much love to hear your feedback (especially criticisms)."

 

Nothing to criticise here at all!!

The Australian duo started the company less than two years ago, and have resonated with countless customers... including me! (See above for the design I have - yep, a towel for two which I've used as a picnic rug! See HERE for my TikTok video on that).

Tesalate is proudly Australian designed, and the founders add:

"The idea for Tesalate came to us when we were taking a hike to a secluded beach at the Royal National Park in Sydney. When it was time to head back, our towel was wet, heavy, and worst of all sandy. We started questioning if we could make a towel that not only performed much better but looked amazing too."

After 18 solid months of their idea germinating - "researching, designing, stressing, crying and laughing" - they launched Tesalate at Bondi Beach Markets.

The success was immediate and HUGE!

"From those humble beginnings, Tesalate has grown faster than we could have imagined and has sold to over 70 countries in its first 12 months."

You can't wish anything but good luck and good vibes always to these incredible self starters!

Tesalate is so versatile: I keep mine in my car always as they are perfect for picnics, my coverall to keep things in my car cool, my blanket when I am transporting something and I want my car leather seats protected (told you it's versatile@!), even as a blanket for back seat car riders who get cold, and of course... for random beach trips!

Order yours HERE.

And get excited with these inspo pics below:

 

More benefits of the Tesalate towel, taken straight from their website:

  

It's actually antimicrobial

When you expose a moist towel to bacteria, for example from your sweat or a yoga mat, it provides an excellent breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria. Tesalate workout towels have a safe antimicrobial additive built into the very core of the fabric. Antimicrobial means they are effective against not just bacteria but also the growth of fungi including mould, mildew and algae.

 

No more smelly towel

 

Tesalate have learnt from years of developing their beach towels how to make a fast drying fabric. When you combine this with their new antibacterial features, Tesalate workout towels will remain smelling fresh. Say goodbye to smelly towels in your bag.

 

Holds up to 1 litre of water

Tesalate beach towels are capable of holding up to 1 litre of water without dripping. How? 200 times thinner than a single human hair, our Absorblite™ fabric can absorb much larger quantities of water than the regular beach towel. It’s the superior choice for your next swim, surf or dip.

 

Dries in half the time of a regular beach towel

Rapid-dry was a feature high in Tesalate's priorities when it came to revolutionising the beach towel. The functional innovation of their Absorblite™ fabric means that Tesalate beach towels dry in half the time of a regular beach towel.

 

No more heavy, bulky towels

The Absorblite™ fabric is purpose-built to be compact and lightweight (even when wet) for ultimate convenience. 

Whether you’re opting for the standard or oversized, the Tesalate beach towel can fit easily in your tote, backpack or travel bag. Just roll it up and go!

Love that for you. Love that for me.

 

Order yours HERE.

 

Swiish Shopping: Sally Obermeder and Maha Koraiem's Site - LIVE!

Is there anything TV host and author Sally Obermeder can't do?

Nope.

'Style' and 'shopping' are the perfect alliteration words for the gorgeous inside-and-out Sal, and now she and her equally lovely and stylish sister Maha Koraeim have included a shopping site on their fashion and lifestyle site called 'swiish' (which, by the way, stands for: stylish women inspiring inner strength, health and happiness)… and the stuff is all beautiful, handpicked and affordable.

Here are the gals, two peas in a pod, these two. Last week, when I interviewed Sal and we talked about Maha, she said about her: "My parents did good when they gave me my sister."

Here are some gorgeous examples of what's on offer, below.

And you can buy this gorgeous top here.

And this super cute playsuit (argh, legs for days, Sal!):

You can buy that right now, right here.

And they also sell things! Homewares!

Check this out… I want!

And you can buy this here. 

The April store with all these wares (and much more!) is up until the end of the month, and then they will launch all May stock with new wonderful bits and pieces, at the beginning of May. 

A new month will see a new mix of fashion and beauty (beauty launches in May!), homewares and smoothie stuff (to complement the duo's 'Super Green Smoothies' hardcopy book launch next week. The e-verison of the book is already available).

You can shop the whole range here.

'Effie’s Classic 90s Hits' CD: VIDEO

Heeeere's Effie!

Did you hear the announcement from Effie Stephanides today?

Here it is:

I’ve just signed a record deal. 'Effie’s Classic 90s Hits' is the ultimate compilation album on 2 CDs. Flashbacks guaranteed. Pick up a copy at JB Hi-Fi and Sanity this weekend or grab a signed copy from Social Family Records now: bit.ly/EF-SFR #effiesclassic90shits #gotarecorddeal #musicindustrylookout
Posted by Effie Stephanides on Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Says Effie (aka uber clever and funny Aussie-Greek comedian Mary Coustas) in her announcement to media and fans:

"Hello, good thanks. It’s me… EFFIE.


Yes, the Stunning Megastar slash Cultural Icon.

Fellow boofheads, I have exciting news that will have youse dancing in the streets... to quote my good friends David and Mick...

Yes. I’ve signed a record deal! Genius I know. None of youse will be surprised but I have been chased, sleazed on and schmoozed for years to release an album. Of course the only condition being that I don’t actually sing on it. If that works for Britney it can work for the Effster.

This piece of ‘must have music’ is called, ‘Effie’s Classic 90s Hits’. It’s a collection of my favourite songs from that unforgettable decade.

CD 1 is to get you on your feet, busting moves.

CD 2 is to get you on your back, to make a little music of your own - if youse hear me knocking.

Dance away to MC Hammer, En Vogue, Paula Abdul and Real McCoy. Or get all loved up to Michael Bolton, Boyz II Men and Peter Andre! It’s unbelievable.

If you want it hard - buy the CD or if youse want it soft - download it from iTunes. I’ll give it to you any way you like it.

If love slash lust doesn’t find you after playing this album – please, see a doctor.

It’s gonna be huge people. And I thank youse in advance for my ARIA award. It has a special place next to my beloved Logie.

‘Effie’s Classic 90s Hits’, two CDs for the price of one and half. When it comes to CDs I don’t mind being called cheap."

Effie’s Classic 90s Hits – physical and digital album released on 17 April, 2015 through Social Family Records

Follow Effie on social media here:

www.facebook.com/effiegoodthanks
www.twitter.com/effiegoodthanks

Here's the tracklisting (HOW GOOD is 1990s music!?)

CD1 – On Your Feet!

1. C&C Music Factory – Things That Make You Go Hmmm
   
2. En Vogue – Free Your Mind
   
3. Ini Kamoze - Here Comes The Hotstepper
   
4. MC Hammer – You Can’t Touch This
   
5. Dee-Lite – Groove Is In The Heart
   
6. Guru Josh – Infinity
   
7. Paula Abdul – Opposites Attract
   
8. Kris Kros – Jump
   
9. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Boom Shake The Room
   
10. RunDMC – It’sLikeThat
    
11. Snow – Informer
    
12. RealMcCoy – Another Night
    
13. MarkMorrison – Return Of The Mack
    
14. MontellJordan – This Is How WeDoIt
    
15. R Kelly – She’s Got That Vibe
    
16. Genuine – Pony
    
17. LaBouche - BeMyLover
    
18. Dr. Alban - Sing Hallelujah
    
19. Kulcha - ShakaJam
    

CD2 – On Your Back!

1. Maxi Priest – Close To You
   
2. Michael Bolton – How Am I Supposed To Live Without You
   
3. Vanessa Williams – Save The Best For Last
   
4. Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
   
5. Silk – Freak Me
   
6. SWV – Right Here
   
7. Boyz II Men – I’ll Make Love To You
   
8. Peter Andre – Mysterious Girl
   
9. Diana King – Shy Guy
   
10. Brownstone – If You Love Me
    
11. Toni Braxton – You’re Making Me High
    
12. The Tony Rich Project – NobodyKnows
    
13. Groove Theory – Tell Me
    
14. Az Yet – LastNight
    
15. Backstreet Boys – As Long As You Love Me
    
16. Brandy – I Wanna Be Down
    
17. Next – Too Close
    
18. ColorMeBadd – I Wanna Sex You Up

You can buy the album right here.

Did you see Effie on the 'Today' show this AM? Here it is:

Today I was on TODAY. Did youse see me? For all the sleepyheads, watch it again right here. #earlyhotbird #effbomb! #EffiesClassic90sHits
Posted by Effie Stephanides on Thursday, 16 April 2015

Pumped to hear the music? Here's a taster:

Apple - Happy Holidays - The Song: VIDEO

Ah, Apple.

You did it. Moved me - and probably millions - with this fantastically nostalgic ad, currently playing on Australian TV, and worldwide.

The blurb:

This holiday season, give the gifts of creativity, music, art, thoughtfulness, and generosity. A gift from Apple has the power to inspire in countless ways.
http://www.apple.com/holiday/



Excellent, huh? Well played, Apple.

And now, the story behind it, from real life musician Dana Williams:

oo.com.au - your online store. Plus, WIN Sony headphones!

Last minute Christmas shopping? Don't fret!

While online deliveries are near-impossible now that it's Christmas Eve, you DO have post-Christmas sales just around the corner. And that means online of course, too!

I have heard of the Australian site oo.com.au for a while now but not ventured there much, simply because I am not a huge online shopper.

But it's SO damn easy on this site. And all the goodies are so, so good!

The crew at OO sent me these Sony babies to trial and packaged it all up and delivered it, to replicate the experience a shopper would get from the site.

Packaged in a huge white box with a bow, in tissue paper, the hot pink Sony headphones opened and enjoyed in two seconds flat.

And, you can WIN your very own set right here, thanks to oo.com.au and Josie's Juice.

More about the headphones here from the oo.com.au site, and below, details on how to enter:

The Sony MDR-XB400 Extra Bass Headphones give your music an extra boost in the bass frequencies for a rich sound you'll love. The Advanced Direct Vibe Structure provide an acoustically tight seal over your ears for superior sound isolation and deeper bass. The diaphragm design is also optimised for expansive and clear mid-range frequencies, so you get across the board quality sound.

In sassy black and pink with flat-folding design and tangle-free cord, you'll want to take these with you wherever you go.

Features

• Sony MDR-XB400 Extra Bass On-Ear Headphones
• Loud and powerful with excellent sound isolution
• Power-packed 30mm driver units for crisp mid-tones and booming bass
• Flat-folding design for easy portability
• Tangle-free serrated cord
• Acoustic tight seal for sound isolation
• Bass and mid-range frequencies boosted for quality balanced sound

Specifications

• Type: Closed, dynamic
• Driver Unit: 30mm, dome type (CCAW Voice Coil)
• Frequency Response: 5Hz - 22kHz
• Power Handling Capacity: 1000mW (IEC)
• Impedance: 24 ohms at 1 kHz
• Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
• Plug Type: Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug
• Cord Length: 1.2m, Y-type
• Colour: Pink
• Model: MDR-XB400
• Brand: Sony
• Please note: This product comes with a 12 month Sony Australia Warranty

Want your own set right now?

Here is the link to buy them now - discounted, of course!

Here's all you need to do to enter and be in the running:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page

- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter if you are on the social media platforms. Also, share the Sony headphones prize photo on my @josiegags Instagram page by taking a screenshot of it, then using these hashtags: #regram #josiesjuice #competitions #giveaways #prizes #Sony

- Share this link on your Facebook wall

- Comment below on why you'd like to win these Sony headphones, AND email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au so I can contact you in case you are a winner (so many people forget this step and don't enter a valid email address below, and I spend lots of time trying to track you down, or simply give the prize to the next person - not fun for anyone!)

(If you find it hard to comment below because your device won't let you - sometimes that happens on an iPhone, for example - simply send me your entry and address via email at josiegags@optusnet.com.au).

*Competition is open to Australian residents only

Victoria's Secret parade 2014 photos

Just in, photos from the 2014 Victoria's Secret fashion parade (all photos from VS).

Follow the convo on social media with #VSFashionShow

Ariana Grande sings at the parade

Taylor Swift sings at the parade

Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Watch: VIDEOS

Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake star in Apple's first ad for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus… but you can't see them!

The two sing "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," aka the theme from '2001: A Space Odyssey' in the ad, which features the two stars' hands, but not their faces. The ad's tagline? "Bigger than bigger."

Here it is:

And here is the Apple video explaining the new phones:



And now, the Apple watch (NOT called the iWatch, as some sites are reporting):



The iPhone will be available in Australia on 19 September. The Apple watch will be on sale from early 2015.

Are you keen?

Here's a short rundown of the phone comparisons, below:

The iPhone 6 is:

- larger and flatter than previous iPhones
- it's 6.6mm thin and almost 12cm high

The iPhone Plus is:

- almost 14cm high, and only 7.1mm thick.

- it includes a few extras not included in the iPhone 6, including: a fitness tracking chip inside the phone that can tell if you’re running or cycling, and optical stabilisation for removing camera shake, especially in low light situations.

Both phones are faster — and their batteries last longer.

Best development ever. Apple claims the new phones, which are available in gold, silver and grey, are four times faster than the original iPhone.

Both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone Plus are 50% more power efficient for increased battery life. Apple says they expect the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to outlast the iPhone 5S by at least an hour while browsing on Wi-Fi.

And the Apple watch features:

Apps are a key feature of the Apple watch. It tells the time (yes!), it's a communications tool, and health and fitness device - in one.

It comes with two apps which gather data like your heart rate, and can provide a daily snapshot of your activity and fitness goals. The Apple watch also shows you (via apps) where you parked your car, hotel apps that allow you to check in from the Apple watch, and an Apple Maps app gives you directions.

There will also be three different Apple watches: the standard version, the Sports model, and the Edition model - the latter of which is made with 18 carat gold. Yep.

Thinking of upgrading?

Optus will this week begin offering $200 toward an early termination fee plus about $250 credit for trading in an old smartphone.

And Telstra has announced they will be offering the same deal as Optus, effective from September 16. They are also removing their 'New Phone Feeling' fee - the $10 a month fee which allows customers to upgrade to a new handset in 12 months, rather than the usual 24.

So, if you can't wait, that's effectively $200 towards allowing customers to start their new iPhone plan around three months early, at no extra cost.

When the iPhone 5 went on sale two years ago, it's estimated that 1.5 million handsets were sold in the next few months - and now, those buyers would be looking to sign new contracts.

Miranda Kerr for Royal Albert Lookbook

In news to excite Miranda Kerr fans, the entrepreneur model is coming to Sydney to showcase her about to be released Miranda Kerr for Royal Albert range.

The absolutely beautiful just-released lookbook is below, posted on Facebook with this announcement:

"We're excited to announce that Miranda Kerr will be appearing in Sydney on Friday 16th May to launch her new Royal Albert collection. Stay tuned for more details! Prior to the event Miranda will be hosting an exclusive morning tea. The first 50 people to purchase $199 of Miranda Kerr product on our website will each receive 2 tickets to this private event. 
Miranda Kerr products will be available online on Friday 2nd May 2014 >>> www.royalalbertchina.com.au

 

Sky Zone Australia: WIN tickets, valued at $160 each - 15 to WIN!

Sky Zone. The first time I saw this concept was on 'The Real Housewives of The OC'. Yes, I know. A reality TV addict right there.

So when I was approached to come trial it next week with the kiddies, I jumped (ha!) at the chance. More on that next week!

This is the first Sky Zone in the Southern Hemisphere, and it's set to launch in Sydney.

The cool thing is, Sky Zone is offering Josie's Juice readers the chance to come trial it! With your family. For FREE!

A little more about Sky Zone:

Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park and it will launch on May 1, 2014.

At over 3000m squared, Sky Zone Alexandria (Sydney) will be the largest trampoline park in Australia.

Located in Alexandria, Sky Zone will have 170 connected trampolines and will be a fabbo place for children's parties, dodgeball, fitness classes and more.

Sky Zone is the founder of trampoline parks worldwide, first launching in 2004 in the United States.

“Aussies are gutsy, love the extreme and aren’t afraid to have fun, so to partner with the world’s industry leader in trampoline parks and bring Sky Zone to Australia was an easy choice,” said Michael Schreiber, CEO of Sky Zone Australia and Strike Entertainment.

Boasting 180 interconnected trampoline-wall courts, the world’s premier trampoline park will incorporate different zones throughout the centre including the ‘Stratosphere’ where people can free jump, ‘The Pit’ which will be the ideal flip and fall destination and ‘The Wall’, for the serious jumper and adrenalin seeker.

“Sky Zone is already the number one, biggest and best trampoline park worldwide. The launch of Sky Zone in Australia will shake up trampoline parks as we know them and will add something special for the people of Sydney,” said Mr Schreiber. “It’s about the laughter, freedom and fun you can only experience when you give yourself over to the action.”

Sky Zone Alexandria will have the ‘Altitude Canteen’ serving a health focused food and drinks, complete with a viewing platform where people can watch the action. 

“From teenage skaters who like nothing more than to flip out on their skateboards, children and families celebrating birthdays, fitness enthusiasts who want to burn calories by trampolining, dodgeball fanatics up for the challenge and adults ready to unleash their inner child, Sky Zone gives everybody a reason to go jump. While fun is important at Sky Zone, so is safety. Sky Zone Australia has followed in the footsteps of the U.S. parent company and is setting the benchmark high for Australian industry safety standards. We have a strong stance when it comes to safety and we are working tirelessly to ensure Sky Zone is a safe place where people can have fun,” said Mr Schreiber.

And so, the reader giveaway!

The doors to Sky Zone open next week, on Thursday May 1, and Josie's Juice readers can come in and attend a one hour long session the day before they officially open to the public.

Held on Wednesday April 30, this event will allow you to be the first to come in, test out all of the facilities and have fun!

This one hour session will be between 12pm and 1pm on Wednesday April 30, and Sky Zone Australia and Josie's Juice are offering 15 family passes (four people for each pass) to Josie's Juice readers.

Each family pass is valued at $160 and includes bouncing, entertainment and the Peter's Ice Cream Mash Up Station. YUM. And FUN! Total prize value is $2400.

Enter now! 

All 15 winners will be announced next week, on Tuesday April 29.

Here's all you need to do to enter:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page

- Share this link on your Facebook wall

- Follow me on Twitter and Instagram if you are on those social media platforms

- Share a photo of this comp on your Twitter and Instagram accounts

- 'Like' the Sky Zone Australia Facebook page (and Instagram and Twitter if you are on there)

- Comment below on why you'd like to win (if you have more than 4 in your family, just let me know… can accommodate)

- Email me at: josiegags@optusnet.com.au so I can contact you if you are a winner

*Competition closes on Tuesday April 29, 2014 and is open to Sydney residents only.

Here is a US video on what it all looks like: