Lady Gaga Engaged: Ring PHOTO

You may have heard - Lady Gaga has just announced her engagement, to actor Taylor Kinney - on Valentine's Day… Here is Lady Gaga and Taylor in September last year (photo cnn.com)

Ah, what a hopeless romantic! The couple have been together for four years.

But have you seen her ring?

She posted the heart shaped whopper on her Instagram page… it's gorgeous!

He gave me his heart on Valentine's Day, and I said YES!

A photo posted by @ladygaga on Feb 16, 2015 at 1:06pm PST

RedHotPie.com.au: 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' - WIN Tickets!

A new survey by RedHotPie.com.au, Australia’s hottest online dating and social networking community, reveals that over a quarter of Australians (26%) have been inspired to recreate scenes from the racy novel 'Fifty Shades of Grey.'

(Haven't seen it yet and want to? Here's your chance to go to an exclusive screening tomorrow night, in Sydney. Read on for more, below).

The RedHotPie.com.au poll, which surveyed over 1000 respondents, comes ahead of Valentine’s Day on Saturday and this week’s release of the much-anticipated movie version of the best-selling tome by E.L. James.

Women are most susceptible to the ‘Fifty Shades Effect’, with over two-thirds admitting to enjoying a spanking (68%) and three-quarters taking delight in being tied up (75%).

The 'gentler sex' is also far more likely to embrace BDSM, a term to describe a variety of erotic practices, from domination and role-playing to the use of bondage: just shy of three-quarters of women (74%) fantasise about this kind of bedroom play, compared to only 63% of men.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, men are starting to feel the heat, with nearly a quarter (24%) admitting to being under pressure to perform well between the sheets on Valentine’s Day.

Unfortunately, despite their eagerness to please, Christian Grey has perhaps set the benchmark a little high and fewer than one in five women say they have better sex on February 14.

(Oh, C'MON people! Good sex should be happening all year 'round, right? Right?!)

Not to be undone completely, when it comes to sex toys (vibrators, nipple clamps & pleasure balls), men are more likely to get stuck in than women - nearly two in five (38%) are keen to give them a try, compared to less than a quarter of women (22%).

And there you have it, folks!

And now, thanks to RedHotPie.com.au and Josie's Juice, we have one double pass for one lucky Sydney reader.

Here are the details:

• Two tickets
• For: Saturday, February 14
• At: Palace Verona Paddington - 17 Oxford St, Paddington
• 7pm for drinks, eats, etc
• 8pm screening

More details: on arrival at the cinema, make your way to the Oxford Street entrance. A RedHotPie staff member will greet you, take your name and give you your double pass.

On the night, if you have any trouble finding the event or getting your tickets, the winner will be given the number of the event liaison.

The prize not only includes entry to the VIP movie event, it also includes entry to the exclusive 50 Shades Of Grey after-party being held at Eleven Nightclub in Paddington, which kicks off after the film at 10.30 pm. When you arrive at the VIP Movie Event, you'll be given a wristband which will get you entry at the after-party.

Follow the conversation on Twitter and Instagram here @redhotpie

And now, how to enter (winner will be drawn on Saturday 14th February, so winner must provide a phone number and email address in addition to commenting below, so you are easy to reach).

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page

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

- Share this link on your Facebook wall

- Comment below on why you'd like to win this double pass 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, and the Sydney winner is responsible for transport to and from the event.

Valentine's Day memes

Valentine's Day memes.

Take your pick.

Nicko's Kitchen: lobster with lime butter - Valentine's Day recipe

Last year, one of the Valentine's Day gifts my husband bought me was... a whole lobster!

I loved it! I thought it was such a clever gift - one step up from chocolate, and something I devoured for two days. He doesn't eat seafood (I know!) so I got to relish the whole crustacean myself. And yes... I gave him a lovely gift in return.

This year, I kinda hope he gifts me the same thing... so I can make this fabulous recipe below: 
lobster with chive and lime butter sauce, served with cucumber, avocado and rocket salad.

It comes from Australian YouTube sensation 'Nicko's Kitchen' - one of the most watched online cooking shows in the world. Nicko's Kitchen has daily shows appearing on YouTube and across 20 food blog sites over the world. Here's Nicko:

Watch for the lobster recipe below:



Looks delicious, huh? You can follow more of Nicko's recipes here.

Coco Ribbon - Valentine's Day online shopping destination: beautiful gift ideas

Okay. I will admit I am not only a jewellery aficionado (make that, obsessed with stunning jewellery - the more costume-y, bling-y, show-y, the better) but I do like to be gifted a bauble of some description for Valentine's Day from my other half. Any piece from this collection from divine online destination Coco Ribbon... yes, that would make me a happy girl.

Feast your eyes on these pieces from the Amber Skeats collection.. then scroll down for more details on how to buy and a little more about the story behind the Coco Ribbon brand.

Oh, and send him this link on email (or on his Facebook wall!) so he gets the hint loud and clear...

To buy any piece from this collection, click right here.

And take a look at the Coco Ribbon homepage... you will be tempted by the gorgeous fashion and gifts on offer on the site.

More about the Coco Ribbon brand:

It was founded in 2002 as an award-winning boutique with a celebrity following in London's Notting Hill; today, Coco Ribbon has evolved into a Bohemian-luxe fashion brand and online gift emporium.

With impossibly beautiful fashion pieces - think opulent prints, colours and embellishments - and covetable cherry-picked jewellery, accessories and gifts from around the world delivered in their gorgeously presented chocolate and turquoise packaging, it's hard to resist Coco Ribbon.

Alison Barton Chow is the founder and creative director of Coco Ribbon, and is originally from Sydney, and has lived in Hong Kong, New York and London since 1996. Visiting Coco Ribbon you'll see she shares her creations, finds and inspiration on the site. A perfect, relaxed online shopping experience.

Yellow Tail Bubbles and Pink Bubbles Giveaway: five double packs to win

Do you really, truly need a reason to celebrate love this week? Should it not be every single day?

While, yes, this is true I will defintely be celebrating Valentine's Day - for me, it's a chance to tell my husband how much I appreciate him.

Oh yeah: and pop some bubbles!

The kind folk at [yellow tail] is helping Josie's Juice readers celebrate love by offering FIVE double packs of their famous - and delicious - 'Bubbles' and 'Pink Bubbles' to all who are loved up. Kinda like a his 'n' hers treat for lovers of a fine, bubbly drop.

All the details on how to enter are below. Be quick: winners' names will be drawn on Monday, and [yellow tail] will deliver the double pack to you as soon as possible [it may be a tad later than actual V Day, but don't worry - you can celebrate twice. Wink].

A little more about 'Bubbles', above:

REGION: South Eastern Australia.

WINE: [yellow tail] Bubbles is made with grapes sourced from the highest quality vineyards. The fruit is picked early and handled as gently as possible. To maximise freshness and retain bright fruit flavours, Yellow Tail use modern cold fermentation technology. The bubbles are added using the Charmat process (tank fermentation) where the wine then undergoes a secondary fermentation at low temperature in pressurised vessels to create the fresh and vibrant flavour profile. Alcohol: 11.5%.

FLAVOUR: Bubbles are described like this by [yellow tail]:  they "explode with millions of fine, dancing bubbles that create a fresh and creamy mouthfeel. A fruit basket of lemon, lime and citrus flavours creates a refreshing and soft wine with a light and crisp finish. Enjoy it nice and cold!"

Say [yellow tail]  "This is no champagne-wannabe. This is sparkling, bubbly goodness ready to brighten up ordinary moments, every day."

And a profile on 'Pink Bubbles':

Pink Bubbles

REGION: South Eastern Australia.

WINE: [yellow tail] Pink Bubbles is a delicious blend of white varieties with a touch of Shiraz. The fruit is picked early and is handled as gently as possible to minimise skin contact and bitterness. The wine is cold fermented to retain bright fruit flavours and then clarified. Using the modern Charmat process (tank frmentation) the wine then undergoes a secondary fermentation at low temperature in pressurised vessels to create the sparkling wine. Alcohol: 11.4%

FLAVOUR: [yellow tail] Pink Bubbles has a soft creamy palate thanks to millions of tiny bubbles. Each sip is full of strawberries and spice flavours. Enjoy it nice and cold!

Okay, so how to enter:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page [click 'like' on top right hand corner of this page
- Share this link on your Facebook wall
- Explain below in the comments section why this Valentine's Day [yellow tail] double-bottle gift pack will complete your romantic day with your partner.

Entries close on Monday 11 February, 2013. Competition open to Australian residents only.

Valentine's Day - what it means to me. What does it mean to you?

Valentine's Day.

The very words used to send me into a spin.

And not the 'swooning' kind of dizziness.

No, when I was single and hopeless in all matters pertaining to love (read: choosing the wrong men) it was a day I detested. It only served to remind me that I was not happily ensconced in a couple, not loved up, not being showered with gifts as a token of my partner's appreciation.

One year, I hated Valentine's Day so much - some idiot I'd gone out with decided he was choosing between me and another girl... and he chose the other girl - I wanted to run and hide.

My best friend Vena knew this, and that day she did one of the most romantic friend-love things ever... she ordered a chocolate arrangement, and sent it in a taxi straight to my workplace.

I was in shock, totally blown away. This was the grandest of gestures, and it came from someone who loved me and knew me inside out.

It sounds cliched but I knew then that love was everywhere... it just manifested in different ways.

Two weeks later... I met the love of my life. Now my husband.

I must admit - and my workmates will attest - he'd send grand balloon arrangements to my work and flowers and all sorts of loved up madness. I'd get a tad embarrassed but I knew it was something I'd hoped for when I was single... and the gifts probably wouldn't last long.

I was right, but it didn't matter. These days we exchange a card, maybe some chocolates, maybe just a kiss and a hug. Last year we - my husband and three year old twins and I - went to dinner together. Pointless, really... not enjoyable to wolf down food while kids are yelling.

So this year... very low key, probably nothing at all.

But after a trying year I am grateful we are together and still kicking along.

And that to me is the biggest gift of all.

BUT: Valentine's Day also gives you the right to be downright pissed with how love has turned out for you (for now).

If so, let this clip inspire you:

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...