Miss Universe 2011 pageant

Miss Universe 2011 update, Schedule and Events:

Miss Universe pageant, will be held at the Credicard Hall, in São Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011.

>>Miss Universe 2011 contestants in swimsuit Part 1
>> Miss Universe 2011 contestants in swimsuit Part 2
>>Miss Universe 2011 contestants in swimsuit Part 3
 
The 60th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant, will be held at the Credicard Hall, in São Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011. Ximena Navarrete of Mexico will crown her successor. 89 contestants are participating in this year´s pageant, surpassing the previous record of 86 contestants in 2006.

Schedule of Events for Miss Universe 2011:

9/01: Visit to Casa de Zezinho / Vila Country

9/03: Runway Show at The Week, the biggest Gay Night Club in Sao Paulo

9/04: Visit to Vila Maria Samba School

9/06: Personality Interviews Group #1

9/07: National Holiday / Personality Interviews Group #2

9/08: Media Interviews / Preliminary Competition

9/09 – 9/11: Rehearsals

9/12: Dress Rehearsal (2 pm) / Live telecast (10 pm, local time; 9 pm EST)

9/13: Departures

Ultimate Wedding Planning Party - August 25. Plus, WIN tickets!

The Ultimate Wedding Planning Party - now in its fourth year - is just that: the ultimate partner in planning your dream day. Having attended last year, I can vouch that this is one truly breathtaking do. It's not your standard, expo-y bridal fare here.



If you are planning on getting married, and would like to inject some class and style into your wedding day, you simply must attend.



To be held on Thursday August 25, at the iconic Sydney Opera House (just wait until you see the Opera marquee set up that night - spectacular!), the night promises champers and canapes, runway bridal shows and designer tips, wedding planner know-how - even a celebrity dancer couple on hand for bridal dance demos (Dancing With The Stars dancers, Carmelo Pizzino and Alana Patience... take a bow).







Magazine editors and floral designers, cake experts... even the woman who gave Oprah Winfrey her most photographed caftan - it's all here.



For more about the event, go here: http://www.ultimateweddingplanningparty.com/



And if you'd like the chance to win one double pass, simply tell us in a few sentences why you absolutely need to come along to the bridal event of the year. Send your answer to the email in the 'contacts' tab on this blog.



The tickets (a double pass , valued at $160) will be highly sought so snap to it!

Organic Expo & Green Show 2011 + WIN TICKETS!

Back in Sydney for its seventh year, the annual Organic Expo & Green Show is back.

Over 200 exhibitors taking part, representing the very best from fashion, beauty, health, food, wine, lifestyle, gardening plus much more.

Kylie Kwong, Tobie Puttock and other chefs will be demo cooking, showing visitors to the event how to make a delicious feast using fresh organic produce.

WHEN: Saturday August 6, open 10am - 6pm and Sunday August 7 open 10am - 5pm

WHERE: Hall 3, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour

WHO: With a huge variety of products - fashion, beauty, food, wine, gardening, homewares and baby products – there’s something for everyone. In addition to Kylie Kwong and her fab cooking demonstrations, gardening gurus Costa Georgiadis and Jerry Coleby-Williams will be there, plus beauty chef Carla Oates who will reveal how to make your own skincare products at home using the ingredients from your fridge. What a brill idea!

At the Organic Expo & Green show you can indulge in:

• A huge selection of organic food, both fresh and packaged
• Sip on delicious organic wine, beer and spirits
• Watch and learn from celebrity chefs as they prepare delicious meals using the best fresh organic ingredients
• Spoil yourself and try out the latest beauty products and treatments
• Play with the kids as they pet the baby farmyard animals and pot up their own veggie seeds to take home and watch grow
• Explore the sustainable fashion, homeware and building exhibitors to find out how you can live a greener lifestyle
• Listen and ask questions to experts in the 'speakers corner' with advice and tips on gardening, nutrition, kids health, wellbeing and the latest in natural living

COST: Buy online to avoid queues at the door; see: http://www.organicexpo.com.au/

General pass $18; 2 day pass $30; family pass $55 (2 x general + 2 x kids); concession $15 (kids 12-16, seniors & students)/under 12 are free.

PLUS, WIN! Josie's Juice readers can win tickets to the event - we have five double passes on offer!

The double pass will be valid for EITHER Saturday August 6 or Sunday August 7. Winners can collect tickets from the Trade Registration & Ticket Collection Booth next to the entrance to the show.

To enter, simply send an email to: josiegags@optusnet.com.au with your full name. Simple! Be quick...

Mia Freedman, Today Show, Cadel Evans, and 'Hero' = Mayhem

Did you see the interview with Mia Freedman on the Today Show this morning?

I did. And I nodded in agreement the whole time - while pausing for a few seconds to Tweet my sentiments about it all.

The gist of the segment - which you can view in full below - is that while Mia understands Cadel Evans's accomplishment (winning the Tour De France - the first time ever by an Australian) she doesn't understand the need to call him a 'hero'.

I agree. And this from someone who lives in a house where there is a shrine - no, a whole room - dedicated to Liverpool Football Club. My husband is a huge fan of the English Premier League club, and when I rang him to get his opinion on this debate, he said:

"I think that yes, Cadel should be called a hero. He acheived something in a comp that is highly regarded, something never acheived before by an Australian. It's a test of endurance. Sure, yes - he is a hero."

Was he angry about my opinion differing from him? Nope. Because he recognises it's just that - an opinion.

Am I pleased an Aussie finally won this coveted race? Yes! Does it fire me up and inspire me? Not even a smidge.

I asked myself, what if it were the Australian soccer/football side winning a World Cup match. Yes, that would excite me - I may even stay up for it! But would I call the team 'heroes'? Hell no.

The feedback on Mama Mia has been a mixed bag, but much of it has been nasty. Mia indicates she can't recall ever being so abused about a topic.

She says: "I think pursuing a life doing something you’re good at for the benefit of yourself is not heroic. It’s not a BAD thing, I’m not dissing Cadel (of course not!) but the idea that a sports person should be idolised because they can ride far or jump high or swim fast is, to me, a bit odd. I guess I’m just flagging the fact that if you do well in sport, the country and the media stop to worship you in a way that doesn’t happen to anyone else for doing anything else.

As Mia said this morning on the Today Show: "I just don't care... He's a man - who is paid a lot of money... To ride a bike."

"To call him a hero...?"

"Did he save anyone's life? People who are sports people do it for their own reasons."

Maybe that's why I am not stirred by this either.

You can read Mia's reaction to it all here: http://www.mamamia.com.au/news/cadel-evans-is-he-a-hero/

And watch the Today show clip from this morning here:

INTERVIEW: Scherri-Lee Biggs - Miss Universe Australia - talks Nude By Nature

Since Scherri-Lee Biggs was crowned Miss Universe Australia earlier this month, the 20-year-old model and communications student from Perth has secured a contract with hugely popular makeup line Nude By Nature.

Biggs also won more than $25,000 in prizes, and has earned the right to compete in the Miss Universe World finals to be held in Brazil on September 12.

Last year’s winner (and fellow Nude By Nature ambassador) Jesinta Campbell has said a record of more than 10,000 women registered for the contest. The comp's popularity is far from waning.

And the Nude By Nature line keeps expanding. Here, Scherri-Lee Biggs talks to Josie's Juice about the global comp, the popular makeup line, and her desert island makeup staple.

Miss Universe is judged on looks and substance and intelligence - though how do you feel about the ‘looks’ part?

I think when in amongst all the preparation the ‘looks’ part kind of falls to the wayside. Yes you’re hitting the gym when you can and eating well, but i tend to do that for energy and wellbeing. I do enjoy taking care of myself, beauty-wise. It’s something I enjoy, I’m very interested in great skin care products and I like painting my nails when I have a free minute. I think it’s always good the present yourself with pride.

What do you hope to achieve during your rein as Miss Universe Australia?

Right now, the focus is definitely on the international final. I feel it rather a large responsibility representing my country well and trusting that everyone back home will be proud of my efforts.

After Brazil, I’m keen to get stuck into my role at home. I hope to get out there and meet as many interesting people as I can, I want to be inspired, I want to be involved in my community and offer my assistance as influential role. I would like to speak to young girls and offer advice on confidence and happiness. I am currently aligned with Toybox Charity and would like to continue my work with them.

How do you feel about being involved with Nude By Nature? What appeals to you about the brand?

I love it! And I seriously mean it! After being introduced to Nude by Nature I haven’t looked back. The great thing with nude by nature is that you don’t need many products and you can create a beautiful flawless natural look with very little effort. Beyond the great makeup, it’s a fantastic company to be aligned with and I’m proud to represent. They use natural ingredients that I am honestly happy to promote to anyone.

What is your fail-safe, ten minute makeup routine?

Oooh, I like this question, because I usually only have 10 minutes, if that! Prime up your skin with Nude by Nature natural primer, as it will hold this 10 minute makeup all day and also help smooth it out. Keep foundation light and lightly conceal the t-zone and under the eye contour; bronze figure-three shapes down each side of the face, keeping it under the cheek bone. With the nude illuminator, highlight cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the brow and 'cupid's bow' for a really fresh appearance.

Use a light fresh pinky gold on the eye (I’m not very good at eyes, so I keep it extremely natural, haha), lashings of a good mascara. Finish with the Nude By Nature Finishing Veil. Grab your bag... and ruuuun!

One Nude By Nature product allowed on that imaginary desert island: what would it be?

Illuminator... buuut in my head I have this really great castaway themed shoot going on where I’m all dewy sweaty on a life raft, but somehow have managed to accumulate a closet of designer clothes for my time on the island!

For more on the brand, see: http://www.nudebynature.com.au/

Maxim Australia Launch - Social Photos

The attendance numbers for the Maxim Australia magazine launch party - held on Tuesday July 20 - was testament to how well known the international brand is. And how Sydney folk will brave torrential rain and strong winds to attend an event with clout.

In fact, the Australian edition of Maxim is the 25th edition of the magazine, globally.

Says editor Santi Pintado in his editor's note: "Maxim arrives to serve your every want and need. Our mission is to make you laugh, make you think and make you fall in love with God's greatest creation - women."

There was plenty of that kinda eye candy on the evening of the launch event: Nikki Phillips, Jesinta Campbell, Bella Serventi, and the mag's own gorgeous fashion editor Livia Tassanyi.

With plenty of booze flowing throughout the night (the Maxim Russian Standard Red Devil custom created cocktail – a combination of Russian Standard Gold and raspberry gelato, garnished with ruby red craisins cocktail, complete with its the Maxim devil's horn-topped swizzle stick) plus Canadian Club & Dry, Pure Blonde, Two Italian Boys, POM Wonderful and Red Bull.

The delish canapes came from Toast Events, and the event was MC-ed by Andrew Voss, while DJ duo The Faders and Australian singer Zoe Badwi kept the crowd entertained with their performances throughout the night. The Polite In Public photobooth was also on hand for guests, who wore angel and devil themed props, taking home snaps from the evening.

On my way home, I snuck a peek into my goodie bag and as I had a quick flick through the launch issue of Maxim (there is MUCH to read, peeps - the column by Chris Lilley and the one by Kyle Sandilands were very entertaining reads) I was thrilled to see Josie's Juice fave men's undie brand Sly Underwear in the Maxim Top 10. Winning!

For more, see: www.maxim.com.au

Diesel Swimwear Opens Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim with SKYY Vodka Collaboration

Diesel Swimwear has opened Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim with a SKYY® Vodka collaboration.

Diesel introduced its S/S 2012 swimwear collection during the South-Beach based event with a splashing runway show at the “Cabana Grande” to kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. The show saw Diesel partnering with SKYY® Vodka for an extravaganza at The Raleigh on July 14th.

Special guest on the runway was Kristin Cavallari (The Hills), as she unveiled Diesel and SKYY Vodka’s capsule collection: four eye-catching pieces inspired by the vodka’s iconic cobalt blue bottles and logo graphics, infused with strong Diesel influences.

In line with the main collection, the male swimwear line is defined by hardware, check and stripes. The line for women is a reinterpretation of denim in every aspect: a denim look effect, embroideries, buttons and rivets, and laces-leather effects.

The runway show then merged into the official kick-off party of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, presented by SKYY Vodka, with IMG and Mercedes-Benz, at the Raleigh’s pool deck and oasis, featuring Diesel Island. Special cocktail mixes by SKYY (yum) added to the beachy feel, partying to a DJ set by none other than Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr.

Cavallari's fiancé Jay Cutler chilled out in the audience with NFL player Chad Ochocinco.

PHOTO CREDIT: Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com

Rhymes Kids Music Festival Australia

If you were a music festival goer (gumboots, ripped denim, straw hat, lollipops) before the kiddlywinks came along and crave some semblance of a festival set-up for your mini-mes, this festival is for you. And the family.

It's called the Rhymes Kids Music Festival.

Rhymes Tour Director Adam Coward says: “Kids Music has made massive leaps forward with modern musicians becoming parents and wanting to create new genres and styles that not only their kids will like, but, they can enjoy just as much”.

'With K(indie) Rock' and 'KidHop' emerging as new genres (oh yes, where have you been?!) the musical worlds of parents and their children are kinda getting muddled. Yikes!

“We’ve seen this convergence happen in kids movies” says Mr Coward. “Shrek, Toy Story, Madagascar, Megamind, they are engaging the adult mind as well, allowing parents and children to sit together and enjoy the movie experience. We’re now seeing the same thing with music and it’s very exciting”.

For example, one of the acts at the Festival is Electric Lunchbox (Sydney), with complex harmonies, brilliant samples, effects, and lyrics that promise to leave little ones sporadically repeating them throughout the day (is that a good thing?). Meanwhile, Spikey & Friends (Byron Bay) will get rocking out to “Caterpillars Turning into Butterflies”.

Then there is Brett Campbell (Caboolture) with “Scary Monster” which takes you back to childhood memories of gurgling monsters in the drain (what? That's a myth, then?!)

These will no doubt be surprise packages amongst the big drawcards of perennial favourites including Hi-5, Zing Zillas, LazyTown, Justine Clarke, old fave Peter Combe - the man who started it all in Australia and is now making a big comeback.

What we are most looking forward to as a family of four is giving our kids their very first 'festival' experience, with fab music running on multiple stages (yes! multiples stages!) all day.

Check the site for where the 'headline acts' will be playing (in addition to the above acts, there will be Yo Gabba Gabba, Ben 10, Angelina Ballerina, Raggs, Tweenies, and more). The event will also allow emerging young music artists a stage in front of up to 10,000 to demo their new style of kids' music.

Plus, there will be lots of great interactive extras at each festival like magic light shows, silent dance discos, and cool exhibitor/'have a go' zones.

Thousands of tickets have already been sold and the rest are selling fast.

The tour dates are:

SYDNEY 17 JUL
MELBOURNE 30 OCT
BRISBANE 22 JAN

See http://www.rhymesfestival.com.au/ for more info on the event and on ticket sales.

Shirt Bar opening - social photos

Sydney’s sharpest gents converged on Sussex Lane on Tuesday 14 June to toast the opening of Shirt Bar.

A combined small bar and retail precinct, Shirt Bar is a fusion of fashion and fine whisky that comes together to create a cosy and relaxing social experience in the heart of Sydney’s new financial district.

Having been in the shirt business for two generations, leading Australian shirt company Kentia has been exploring ideas to create a retail concept that would allow them to showcase their brands whilst interacting with customers on a new level.

“The retail business is changing dramatically, and we feel that this new landscape is about more than just purchasing a product, it’s about adding more to a customer’s experience.

Shirt Bar is the culmination of this and it’s incredibly exciting to finally bring the vision to life," says owner Justin Marmot.

Reinforcing their reputation for exceptional customer service, specialist knowledge and high-quality products, Shirt Bar treated all guests at the exclusive launch event to a custom fitting, after which each person took home a shirt they personally chose for themselves.

Acoustic duo The Silver Lining entertained guests while they enjoyed aged scotch whiskey varietals from Chivas Regal, as well as Peroni beer, Mumm Champagne, Saint & Sinner wines and Diplimatico rum, along with cheese and antipasto platters, miniature gourmet pies, and affogato and home made chocolate biscuit brittle for dessert.

VIP guests included Masterchef judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan, actors Alex Dimitriades and Salvatore Coco, hairdresser Phil Gallo, former model and fashion week frontman Miro Kubicek, stylist Livia Tassanyi, and Chivas Regal brand ambassador Ben Davidson.

Shirt Bar is located at 7 Sussex Lane, Sydney, and is open: 10am – 6pm Monday to Wednesday; 10am – 10pm Thursdays and Fridays.

For further information on Shirt Bar, visit http://www.shirtbar.com.au/

Pics by Wes Nel at Hobogestapo

2011 Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year - Jayne Wild

Sydney’s Jayne Wild was announced as 2011 Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year on Monday – the first female to win the award three times in the awards’ 26-year history.

As part of the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards, held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wild beat five other top Australian hairdressers to take out the prestigious title. She previously won the award in 2008 and 2004.

Her team at Wild Life hair also won Salon Team of the Year and her new salon in Milsons Point won Best New Salon Design. Wild Life apprentice, Kim Jones, also won Apprentice of the Year, meaning the Wild Life Team took home an amazing four of the fourteen awards up for grabs.

Celebrating their 26th anniversary this year, the annual Hairdressing Awards at Hair Expo are the longest running and most respected awards in the Australian and New Zealand hairdressing industry. They set the industry standard across both countries and represent the pinnacle of hairdressing excellence in the southern hemisphere. I have attended several times - many as part of the Cream magazine crew, who produced a Hair Expo mag - and am always blown away by the creativity and inspiring ideas in motion.

With over 10,000 visitors flocking to Darling Harbour over the Queen's Birthday long weekend it's still the biggest and best.

Don't miss it next year!

Everybody loves Joe Avati - including Phil Rosenthal

The faces are familiar, and if you're a true comedy fan, you'll already know who they are:

It's our Italo-Australian funny man Joe Avati and writer, creator and director of the long-running hit TV series, "Everybody Loves Raymond" Phil Rosenthal, the latter in Sydney as a special guest of the Sydney Film Festival, ahead of the screening of "Exporting Raymond".

Joe Avati is of course renowned as Aussie/Itie comedian and TV presenter, now a virtual household name after successfully touring his award-winning show Il Dago all around Australia since early 2007, as well as hosting SBS TV show “Food Investigators” (Joe is also a food scientist!) and building a very successful 20-year career based on his own over-bearing, very funny Italian relatives – just like Raymond's in his hit-show!

Phil is here for the Australian debut of his feature, “Exporting Raymond”, all about attempting to make a Russian version of "Everybody Loves Raymond", with hilarious results.

Phil asked Joe what would make a funny Australian version of the hit series. Joe says his own nonna would have to be a central character. She "can’t operate technology... dips a piece of bread into the oil after she uses the George Foreman Grill... and every day, she asks me when I’m getting married like a good Italian boy."

Joe has enjoyed huge success in North America, and one of his greatest fans happens to be Ray Romano’s wife - she even owns copies of Joe's DVDs and CDs.

Joe is currently touring Sydney with his Il Dago co-stars George Kapiniaris, Simon Palomares, and Jason Chong in their final season of the award-winning sell-out show Il Dago II: Now With Noodles.

For more info on Il Dago, go here: http://www.joeavati.com/ildago/

For more on Exporting Raymond, go here: http://sff.org.au/films-container/exporting-raymond/

(Photo credit, Phil and Joe: Andrew Siwak)

To see the trailer of this flick, go here:

Marie Claire Red Dress Campaign - social photos

Last night, editor of marie claire Australia Jackie Frank threw open the doors of her home to help raise awareness about heart disease in women at a star-studded Red Dress campaign event.

Heart disease is still the biggest killer of women in Australia (yes, it's true!), so to help raise awareness about the disease and support the Heart Foundation, marie claire invited a host of celebrities and fashion designers to join forces on 'matters of the heart.'

Guests included Jennifer Hawkins, Megan Gale, Miranda Otto, Ruby Rose, Sonia Kruger, Pia Miranda and Sophie Lowe, all Red Dress campaign ambassadors, and all featuring in a stunning 11-page reportage story in the July issue of marie claire, photographed by renowned fashion photographers Harold David and David Gubert.

The celebrities showed their support for the cause by wearing gorgeous red dresses designed exclusively by Australia’s leading fashion designers, including: Alex Perry, Dion Lee, Collette Dinnigan, Ellery, Willow, Lisa Ho and Ginger & Smart.

My fave was reporter Sally Obermeder, swathed in a stunning red gown and sporting a glorious baby bump.

"marie claire is very proud of our long-term association with the Heart Foundation and this important cause. We will continue to champion the cause, which takes the lives of so many women we love - our mothers, sisters and friends. Despite the fact it is the number one killer of women in Australia, it is also one of the most preventable diseases, so raising awareness and education is paramount," says marie claire publisher/editor, Jackie Frank.

The one-off red designer dresses will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the Heart Foundation. They can be viewed and purchased online at http://www.marieclaire.com.au/ right now.