Ever Australia: Most Comfy Moccasins... Ever!

Winter is COMING!

And that means comfy footwear and warm feet.

One of the country’s largest UGG boot producers – Ever Australia – has added a new collection to its stunning range of footwear, and suddenly you have your perfect trans-seasonal footwear, sorted.

Using premium quality materials and the finest craftsmanship, Ever Australia has re-invented traditional footwear and has launched, drum roll please... the all-new Candy Moccasin range!

The Candy Moccasin range includes four beautiful colours (we tried it in the baby pink hue), breathable and extra water-resistant suede uppers, comfortable and very soft leather inners, and a hidden 3cm heel to add a little spring to your step. The flexible material makes the shoe comfortable to wear and with the PVC jelly-like sole. The makers say it’s like walking on clouds... and we totally agree.

Adding even more attention to detail, the design of the sole is inspired by Picasso’s abstract artwork and incorporates the Ever Australia logo. So very clever!

Complementing the sole, the ribbon on the top of each Candy Moccasin is also PVC, adding another distinctive feature to the traditional style.

Zoe Lu, Ever Australia Marketing Manager says, “We have re-created the traditional Moccasin style to reflect the contemporary wearer. Our customers love our quirky designs and we’re so excited to launch the new Candy Moccasins this March. The variety of colours and textures are the perfect way to add some fun to any outfit for day or night, and work or play.”

Influenced by trends from all around the world, with a creative design team and talented craftsmen, Ever Australia continues to develop unique designs of the highest standards for each wearer to express their individual style with distinctive pieces.

On sale now, the the Candy Moccasin range details:

RRP: $122

Colours: Yellow, Blue, Pink and Harbour Mist

Website:  https://www.everau.com.au/

See Josie's Juice Instagram HERE for more snaps.

Monika Radulovic: Interview + PHOTOS Novo Shoes, Hypoxi and Miss Universe Australia

Monika Radulovic is one of the freshest, most exciting faces to come from the Miss Universe campaign.

The 24 year old beauty, born in Zavidovici (Bosnia and Herzegovina), made her mark at this year's Australian Miss Universe event, held in Melbourne on June 5, at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Here is the moment Monika won the title:

Her parents - Goran and Vinka - are of Bosnian Serbian ethnicity, and her family came to Australia as refugees from the Bosnian War when Monika was four, after fleeing the country with her parents at the age of two when the Yugoslavian war erupted. After living as refugees in Denmark for one year, Monika’s family migrated to Australia when she was just four. Monika is multilingual, speaking English, Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian and a little Macedonian.

Monika is representative of the new wave of pageant entrants, turning the concept of 'just a pretty face' on its head: educated, accomplished, ambitious, health and image conscious, and very business savvy.

In line with that, exciting news just in for Monika is that she is the new face of hugely popular Novo Shoes brand.

Here is a campaign shot of Monika, with more beautiful Novo photos below:

Monika is also an ambassador for Antler Luggage and Elucent Skincare, as well as Novo Shoe, and is set to feature in national campaigns for all three brands. She is also featuring in press for the Hypoxi brand, where she has experienced treatments (Josie's Juice did last year, too, and is about to get back on the horse...) 

Josie's Juice is thrilled to have interviewed Monika about her exciting new life since winning the title to represent Australia. The young woman follows on from past Miss Universe delegates including Jesinta Campbell, Rachael Finch, Laura Dundovic, Erin McNaught, and of course, Jennifer Hawkins.

Monika graduated with Honours in Psychology at the University of Western Sydney, and has hopes to continue her post graduate studies, undertaking a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.

And after her success as Australia's winner for Miss Universe (she beat 34 other ladies to the title at the annual Miss Universe Australia pageant), she will represent our country when the global Miss Universe winner is announced later this year.

The pageant is owned by Donald Trump and NBC, and we think Monika has an exceptional chance of winning the whole thing. Yes, we're calling it...

Can you believe the Miss Universe telecast is the second most watched event in the world, with over 1 billion viewers, following the World Cup broadcast.

Miss Universe Australia has had two international winners: Kerry Anne Wells in 1972 and of course Jennifer Hawkins in 2004. The international Miss Universe pageant date this year, and location, is yet to be announced.

And, another point of difference with Monika: she is the first ever Miss Universe Australia contestant to have been crowned while engaged (as far as organisers know!). She is set to marry Alesandro Ljubicic, a celebrated local contemporary artist, though no date has been announced yet (no doubt, after the Miss Universe ceremony).

You can follow Monika on Facebook here.

See more about Miss Universe here.

Follow Novo shoes on Facebook here.

Josie's Juice: How did you start in the world in pageants? Was it a conscious step, or did it all just lead to that path?

Monika Radulovic: As a child and teenager, I couldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would become Miss Universe! But it all fell into place really naturally. For me growing up, education has always been really important so I made the conscious decision in high school that I wanted to go to university. I studied psychology and when I completed my honours degree I decided to take a year off to give my mind a rest after all those years of studying and work as a model full-time. Although I really loved the industry, I get like I had a lot more to give then just being a model, and thought Miss Universe Australia was an amazing platform to allow me to do that! I'm still so humbled an honoured to think that I have been given this incredible opportunity!

JJ: How do you keep genuinely upbeat in such a competitive environment based on good looks, education, and personality?

Monika: One of my favourite quotes is "A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it- it just blooms." This basically sums up the mantra and attitude I have towards the Miss Universe competition (and life). I try not to compare myself to others, but instead focus on being the best Me that I can be; being a good person, being kind to others and embracing what makes me different and unique. I think that's such an important thing all of us need to remember when we start comparing ourselves to others.

JJ: How are you feeling in the lead up to Miss Universe, and how are you preparing?

Monika: I’m so excited! We are still waiting to hear the official announcement of where and when the pageant will take place so there's still a big element of surprise! I've got a wonderful support team of amazing professionals helping me prepare in all components of the competition; fitness, catwalk, interview skills and more.

JJ: Tell me more about your new Novo campaign?

Monika: I'm so honoured to be the face of Novo Shoes! It's so wonderful to support an Aussie brand like Novo, and I love the fact that the shoes are so on-trend but very affordable. It means all budding fashionistas are able to rock the trends without breaking the bank and I'm all for that! Shooting the spring/summer campaign was fantastic- the whole crew was incredible, and there are so many sexy, fun and playful shoes coming for Spring and Summer!

JJ: Tell us how Hypoxi has helped you in achieving the shape you want to be?

Monika: The staff at the Hypoxi studio at Mascot have been so wonderful working alongside my training program and healthy lifestyle to ensure I'm the healthiest and fittest I can be on the international stage. The machines combine high and low pressure with exercise to aid in targeted fat burning in stubborn areas. They also increase blood flow throughout the body to improve the skin tone and texture, so I've really noticed a difference in the firmness and glow of my skin!

JJ: Your family story is incredible: tell me your earliest memories of your time before you came to Australia? And how did you find growing up in Australia?

Monika: I was really young when I came to Australia so I don't remember much before we arrived. It was a really difficult time when we first arrived to Australia since we literally had nothing except the shirts on our backs, but my parents shielded me from all of the hardships we faced so all the memories I have are of a really nice, normal childhood. I'm so grateful for my parents and everything they sacrificed to make sure my brother and I had a better life; they truly are my heroes!

JJ: How are your parents reacting to your success? And your sister?

Monika: They are all really proud of me! They have always said the most important thing in life is being a good person, so as long as I strive to do that, everything else will fall into place. They were really moved and emotional to hear how much I praised them in my interviews; they think they just did what any parents would do in that situation.. They are so humble they don't even realise how amazing they are!

JJ: What is your long term goal with where you want to take this new career, and have you imagined possibly winning the title for Australia?

Monika: At the moment, my long term goal is solely focused on this year and making sure I am the best ambassador for our beautiful Australia as I possibly can be! I definitely think Australia deserves to win the international title so I am striving to do it for all of us!

JJ: Who is a style icon? And a business icon?

Monika: A style icon of mine definitely has to be the iconic Audrey Hepburn. Her style is so timeless and I'm in awe of her effortless elegance. She was so charming and graceful, and those qualities really captivate me!

A business icon who I really respect is Elle MacPherson. She is not only one of the most successful supermodels of all time, but she has also proven herself to be of the most savvy successful businesswomen too! She has founded numerous successful business ventures following her modelling career, and her innovation really inspires me to keep achieving outside the box!

Barnardos Australia: Peter Pan Op Shop Summer Sale

Gosh, I love a good op shop. You just never know what you're going to find. And Sydney's best is back:



I randomly ventured into an op shop in Newton a few weeks ago and found a brand new pair of black Sandler heels for $20! The same store gave me a pair of white, I-wear-them-to-death, perfect-heeled wedges I wear non-stop.

And now, the twice a year event from Barnardos Australia is back!

For over 70 years, Sydney buyers with a social conscience and an eye for fashion have been returning twice a year to trawl through the chic array of top-end items at rock bottom prices.

All proceeds go to Barnardos Australia to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

So, go ahead and bag a guilt-free bargain from the treasure trove of unique pre-loved designer and vintage clothes, shoes and accessories from the wardrobes of leading Sydney fashionistas, as well as brand new designer wear and end of season stock.

Barnardos’ supporters sass & bide have once again committed to donating rare fashion treasures and samples from their latest collections. OH MY!

To date, the sales have raised over 1 million dollars for leading child welfare charity Barnardos Australia. Here are all the details:

WHAT:                                Peter Pan Op Shop Summer Sale

WHERE:                             Paddington Town Hall: Corner Oxford Street and Oatley Road, Paddington.

WHEN:                                Wednesday 29 October – Friday 31 October, 2014.

OPENING HOURS:           Wednesday 29 Oct   9.30am – 3.00pm

Thursday 30 Oct      9.30am – 3.00pm

Friday 31 Oct            9.30am – 1.00pm

WHO:                                   The Peter Pan Opportunity Committee is a volunteer group who raise money throughout the year to directly benefit the vital programs and services provided by Barnardos Australia.

WHY:                                   To raise money for Barnardos Australia to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

ABOUT Barnardos Australia: Barnardos Australia is one of the nation’s leading child

protection charities. A non government, non-denominational charity, we have been at the

forefront of child protection for over 130 years. We believe all children deserve a safe and

stable home. We work with families and communities facing issues such as violence,

poverty, mental illness and homelessness to keep children safe at home. Barnardos

extensive range of services include, family and domestic violence support, mental health

support, emergency accommodation, parent education, counselling, foster care and 

adoption. Our evidence-based research and dedicated caseworkers and carers ensure 

Barnardos is well equipped to fully support, care for and nurture children in need.

For more information or to donate visit: www.barnardos.org.au

Here are some more pics from the fabulous, frugal, fashionable event:

And my fave photo:

Peter Pan Op Shop fashion parade 1959

Nickelodeon SLIMEFEST 2014: PHOTOS - part one

Nickelodeon’s (Nick’s) third annual SLIMEFEST unleashed the most slime of all time to 9000 kids and families in two epic shows at Sydney’s Olympic State Sports Centre today!

LA based, home-grown heartthrob, CODY SIMPSON and his sister ALLI SIMPSON flew in from the States to headline the slimy mess fest, alongside stars; JUSTICE CREW, US songstress,  SABRINA CARPENTER, THE COLLECTIVE, RICKI-LEE and SAVAGE.

RICKI-LEE set the tone for the slime-thirsty crowd when she opened the show with three stellar performances. SAVAGE then burst onto the stage and rocked the house with Swing! and Freaks. JUSTICE CREW followed with electrifying performances of Everybody, Boom Boom and Best Night. THE COLLECTIVE entertained the crowd of thousands with their newly released single The Good Life as well as a special cover of MEGHAN TAYLOR’S All About That Bass. U.S. sweetheart SABRINA CARPENTER made her first Aussie performance debut before a GIANT ZORB BALL unleashed a slime eruption which helped to smash the Guinness World Record for Most People Slimed in 24hrs!* (It was super-fab to see my old friend Chris Sheedy from Guinness World Records at the door of the venue, click-click-clicking away counting all the people streaming through!

Cody’s sister, ALLI SIMPSON rocked the house with her world performance debut before festival headliner, CODY SIMPSON had the sea of slime-soaked kids wanting more after performing Summer Shade, All Day, La Da Dee andPretty Brown Eyes.

It was non-stop slime moments in between the high-energy performances. Nickelodeon hosts, LUKE and WYATT (these guys are hilariously funny… I asked them in the media room later if they ever switch off… Wyatt told me that maybe in the cab at 7.30am coming to the event, but other than that… no) took to the stage to tell the slime-hungry crowd that they had brought in a creature to help them slime the most kids of all time – the SLIME SLOTH! 

The SLIME SLOTH’s main job was to sniff out any kid that wasn’t doused in green and slime them, with the help of his awesome team of kids known as THE SLIME SQUAD!

After the SLIME SLOTH and THE SLIME SQUAD gave kids the sliming of a lifetime, LUKE and WYATT  called on  JUSTICE CREW and  SAVAGE to help them wheel out THE SLIME CANNON, which fired off tonnes of slime across the entire arena.  The Guinness Book of World Records for Most People Slimed in 24 hours was finally broken with a show-stopping sliming of Cody Simpson.

In an uplifting moment, MICHELLE BRIDGES and COMMANDO STEVE dared the sea of thousands to pledge what they will do to show they care, for Nickelodeon’s Dare to Be Square, Dare to Care campaign. Inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants, Nick invited the kids of the world to band together and “throw a square in the air” in celebration of positivity, optimism, and individuality.

Kids were also encouraged to pledge what they “dare” to do to make the world a more positive place – whether it’s daring to care for themselves, their friends and family, the environment or  for those in need. MICHELLE BRIDGES and COMMANDO STEVE then dared for kids to be happy, before stars ofTHE VOICE KIDS took to the stage and sang a very special rendition of the most uplifting song of 2014, PHARRELL WILLIAMS’ Happy against a backdrop of squares and dares sent in by kids across the nation.

This year, Nickelodeon partnered with Nice Events, a new company produced by the Directors of BigDog Creative and Killrockstar Entertainment, focusing on family and youth entertainment.

A one-hour special featuring highlights from the show will air exclusively on Nickelodeon this coming Monday, 29 September at 5pm.

To attend SLIMEFEST in Melbourne (the first time in Melbourne!), go here for info and tickets.

*The official Guinness World Record title is Most people gunged/slimed in 24hrs.

Here are some sensational photos from the 2014 SLIMEFEST in Sydney, showing the stars in action on stage and backstage on the orange carpet (orange is Nickelodeon's signature colour).

For more pics, see the part two of this blog post. All photos from Nickelodeon Australia and Getty Images.