Not Your Average Makeup Tutorial By Colleen Hanrahan: VIDEO

I do love to watch a makeup tutorial for new tips and tricks, but in this instance... well, the how-tos are not quite what you expect.

Cat Coyne writes a satirical blog under the pseudonym Colleen Hanrahan - she's a chick who hails from Boston, who loves to post videos online.

Her latest post is this makeup tutorial below, offering up some very unique advice. Like this:

On choosing the right lipstick: "The most classic color you could pick is a frosted pink. It's my favorite because it's classy and it also looks like cake."
On turquoise eyeliner: "I don't know who said less is more. More is more."
Here is the clip:


She says to intro the video:

"hi huns its me, youtube sensation, colleen hanrahan from boston, mass. wanted 2 cheer u up with a makeup tutorial brought 2 u by yours truly. its the only one you will ever need. TRUST."

Follow more of this madness, click here.



Zelie Bullen: 'Love Sweat & Tears' - Book Review By Jess Daniele

Here, a guest review from an avid bookworm, Jess Daniele, on the new book by Zelie Bullen - lovingly co-written by her sister, first-time author Freda Marnie Nicholls - called 'Love Sweat & Tears'. Here's the beautiful book cover:



Says Jess:

"I have one word for Zelie Bullen’s memoir 'Love Sweat & Tears' – amazing! From the start of this inspirational story the reader is transported into the wonderful world of the true animal lover as Zelie, with the help of her sister Freda Nicholls, gives us an insight into her childhood, growing up in Australia and her forays into the movie arena which carried her across the globe.

"In her frank and honest voice, Zelie Bullen shares with the reader her difficult childhood, peppered with loss, which would have defeated many an ordinary mortal. And yet Zelie survived, with the pure and touching love for the animals lucky enough to come under her care sustaining her through many tough life experiences. And not only did she survive but went on to achieve so many wonderful successes to come to the point she is today – possibly the most successful stuntwoman in the world.

Even to a person like me who does not have much of an affinity with animals, this was an easy read. Not just because of the down-to-earth language in which she chooses to present her story, but more so because Zelie’s experiences were so many and varied that I wanted to keep reading more just to find out what wonderful adventure she would have next. She provided so much detail that I felt I was experiencing with her the western shows at Movie World; her friendship with royalty; with the the added bonus of a behind-the=scenes peek into the making of some of my favourite movies such as 'The Legend of Zorro', 'Charlotte's Web' and 'War Horse'. All of which left me with a renewed amount of respect for people like Zelie -  the trainers of the animals involved, whom I had pretty much taken for granted before reading this book  I also admit to silently cheering for her as she finally discovered true love of the human kind in her marriage to Craig Bullen and the subsequent birth of her son, the aptly named Colt.

To look back on a life such as this must feel like a great achievement – to be able to write about it is the true reward. Zelie’s strength and determination is evident in every chapter, but it is her extraordinary love for animals which is the pivotal thread running through this memoir that makes it truly worth reading."

Zelie Bullen's book'Love Sweat & Tears' is out now.

'A Table For One' - Paul Hayes: Recipe E-Book

I love a good cookbook as much as the next enthusiastic home cook.

However, I have piles of books which don't get as much love as they should, quite simply because I think that cooking a special meal just for me (I have the most adventurous food tastes in our little family of four) is a tad too laborious.

The thing is, I cook every single night (unless we have leftovers) and I while I love it and know my repertoire inside out, I wish I could develop it a little more, especially when it comes to meals for me. And yes, extend that to my family, so their tastes move along in a similar direction to mine.

Enter 'A Table For One'. The author of this brand new e-book is Paul Hayes -  and here is the elegantly simple cover:


I wrote about Paul earlier this year as he was actively writing for his blog of the same name.

Now, this clever man has turned his engaging food blog posts into an enticing e-book.

Paul says:

"Most cookbooks are written for meals that serve four or six people, which is fine if you have to cook like that all the time. But I cook regularly just for myself, and I know a lot of other people do, too. In fact, what are called 'single-occupant households' are the fastest growing demographic in cities all over the world. And we all have to eat!

The books that are out there for people cooking for one can be pretty grim: lots of things like boiled eggs and toasted sandwiches. In fact, most of them come from the perspective of cooking being a necessary evil. I wanted to take a new approach, and celebrate the many pleasures to be found in cooking for yourself.

I don't think we need to be trying to reproduce restaurant food at home, but I do think that it's possible to eat well without resorting to a constant diet of takeaways and frozen dinners. That's where my book comes in – it's all my solutions, created, tested and tweaked over years, all in one place.

When I started putting my recipes online as a place to store them, I was immediately encouraged by people from all over the world. That's when it hit me that I should put all my favourites into a book that people could read on their iPad or Kindle, devices that are incredibly useful in the kitchen.

The book is pitched at all kinds of cooks, even beginners. You don't need a lot of skill or fancy equipment to cook well, just start with a few great ingredients and be guided by a tested recipe and the judgement of your senses."

Here are some delicious examples of Paul's fantastic handiwork:


I have already downloaded this fabulous e-book and it's now a huge source of inspiration for my daily meals.

The recipe list is beautifully simple and utterly delish. Think: leek and camembert risotto, Parmesan-crumbed pork chops, truffled mac and cheese, plus lots more. Mouth is watering! And: banana-maple bread pudding, blood orange semifreddo, and flourless Toblerone cake, plus many more sweet treats.

There are 'make it easy' meals, 'bright sides', 'creature comforts', 'weekend winners', even 'DIY extras' to learn how to make, like dukkah, chermoula, and za'atar (I adore the last one... in my ethnic suburb it's a real staple on Lebanese pizza).

And for littlies with big tastes and appetites, Paul has created a slew of yummy recipes too: cajun chicken nuggets, corn and zucchini fritters, and lamb meatballs... to name a few. Bravo, bello!

You can download this book right now at the Amazon Kindle Store - click right here - for a tiny $3.19. YES!

And at the Apple iBookstore - click right here - for just under five dollars ($4.99).

The best (under) five dollars you will spend on food. Download it now and stop your drooling!

Celebrities Impersonating Celebrities on 'Ellen'

This is classic 'Ellen'... celebrities impersonating celebrities - ending with the funniest impersonation of all: 'Saturday Night Live' star Kate McKinnon 'being' Ellen.

Watch:




Tim Mathieson Speaks On Julia Gillard's Defeat: "Life moves on"

In exclusive footage obtained by Nine News, the partner of Australia's ex-Prime Minister Julia Gillard has spoken for the first time about the events of the past 36 hours.

And it seems he was sitting down to watch the State of Origin like many of us! (see footage link below).

He says to Nine News:

"It's been an amazing three years personally for me having gone to the royal wedding and met the Queen in Buckingham Palace, gone to Washington and met the Obamas, to China, all that sort of stuff.
"Also just getting to live in both the premises, The Lodge and Kirribilli, has been an amazing privilege and an amazing experience.
"For Julia, she's done incredible things which I'm sure in time will be shown in a much better light than it has been lately."
He said he only found out his partner's hold on the top job was under serious threat while he was preparing to watch the State of Origin.
"Yeah, bit of a shock," he said.


James Gandolifini Funeral: Jamie Lynn Sigler Breaks Down + Baldwin Tweets

James Gandolifini's heartbreaking funeral has just taken place in the US and some sad images have emerged, including his TV family visibly distraught at the service.

This picture, from Daily Mail UK site, shows Jamie Lynn Sigler hugging a fellow funeral attendee and crying. So sad.






Video from the funeral, via Mail Online UK:



There is also some controversy emerging about Tweets sent out at around the time of the funeral.

This story claims that Alec Baldwin's wife Hilaria was tweeting at the same time the funeral was taking place.

Here's a pic from the story:




Often, stars will get an assistant or a company to send out tweets, but in this instance, Hilaria has stated:

This afternoon, she claimed she didn't have her cell with her, tweeting: 'FYI I don't believe in bringing phones into a funeral and I never did and I never would.'

The Daily Mail says: "Sources close to Hilaria insist to Mail Online that the couple left the ceremony early through a side exit because Hilaria was feeling 'faint' in the heat and she tweeted from her car on the way home. It's unclear exactly how long they stayed."

For more, click here.


'Fifty Shades of Grey' Film Release Date: Confirmed!

This just in!

The release date for the 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' book to movie adaptation has been announced by the Focus Features, the studio behind the film.


And it is... below:





Yes, August 1, 2014!


Focus Features announced this in a press release on Thursday (US time); the film will hit North American cinemas on Friday, August 1, 2014, with opening dates around the world to be revealed at a later time.


No word on WHO will be playing Christian Grey nor Anastasia, although there has been MUCH speculation.


The author of Fifty Shades of Grey E.L. James herself tweeted, "Good morning all. Hot news - we have a release date!"
This news comes a week after it was revealed that Sam Taylor-Johnson is on board to direct the movie.
She told E! News exclusively: "I am excited to be charged with the evolution of Fifty Shades of Grey from page to screen. For the legions of fans, I want to say that I will honor the power of Erika's book and the characters of Christian and Anastasia. They are under my skin, too."
Stay tuned.

Michelle Obama on Instagram

The US First Lady is now on Instagram.

Interestingly, when The Huffington Post wrote about this social media news an hour ago, Mrs Obama had only 23 followers...


Now, at time of publishing this blog post, she'd amassed 6460 followers (and rising by the minute).

You can follow Michelle Obama here.

Are there any Instagram people you love to follow? Share in comments box below!

Jared Leto Candy Magazine Drag Cover

Talk about an extreme (for magazine pages) makeover.

Here is Jared Leto on the cover of Candy magazine July issue, in drag.




Here's what he usually looks like:



The shoot is by renowned photog Terry Richardson.

Here's more from the spread:




These pics come shortly after Leto wrapped shooting on 'The Dallas Buyers Club', in which he stars as a transvestite named Rayon. The movie will be released in the US on December 6.

Amazing transformation, huh?

'What R U having?' Viral video

This soon-to-be viral video moves me to tears. Watch:



Did it move you also?

Says the YouTube description of the video, which went live on 6 May 2013:

Couples are used to preparing their world so their children have all the opportunities they had. So, what if the next child born into your family was lesbian or gay. What would that child be missing out on? Have you thought about that? Marriage Equality for LGBTI people is still something that has yet to be achieved in Australia. So maybe it's worth helping prepare the world for the lesbian or gay child that you might have in the future by asking your representative to help change the laws to allow full marriage equality today. This video has been commissioned by Shelley Argent, Australian National Spokesperson for the Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG). Visit www.whatruhaving.org for more information about the campaign.

Being gay is not a 'lifestyle choice'. It is inherently within you. It's in your DNA. And I truly believe that those who are critical of challenges faced by the gay community are vocal because their own child have not been dealt the blows a gay person is dealt. You wouldn't sign up for the discrimination they are dished. And supportive parents of the gay community feel their childrens' pain. They are and always will be their precious babies. This is what this video represents to me.

What about you?


Kevin Rudd's first message to the public as Prime Minister, 2013

This just arrived in my inbox:



Josie,

In recent years, politics has failed the Australian people. There has just been too much negativity all round. There’s been an erosion of trust.

Negative personal politics has done much to bring dishonour to our parliament but done nothing to address the urgent challenges facing our country, our communities and our families.

In fact it has been holding our country back.

This must stop, and with all my heart that is the purpose that I intend to pursue as Prime Minister.

I want to acknowledge the achievements of my predecessor, Julia Gillard. She is a woman of extraordinary intelligence, of great strength and energy. She has achieved much under the difficult circumstances of minority government.

Every effort I have in my being will be dedicated to uniting the Australian Labor Party. No retributions, no pay backs, none of that stuff. It is pointless, it is old politics.

Together, we can win and defend all that Labor has achieved in the past six years. Join the campaign today or click here to donate.

Thanks,

Kevin



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Australian Labor Party
G. Wright, Australian Labor, 5/9 Sydney Avenue, Barton ACT
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Google "gay" or "marriage equality" = rainbow! Plus, Kristen Bell proposes

Google "gay" or "marriage equality" and watch what comes up... a rainbow!



As Global News reports, the rainbow pops up when searching  “gay,” “lesbian,” “homosexuality,” “LGBT,” “marriage equality,” “bisexual” and “transgender,” as well as searches for gay pride celebrations.

Says this LA Times story:

The rainbow of colors became the standard symbol of the gay community in the 1970s. In 1978, San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker designed a flag with eight bright stripes.
Each color has its own symbolism, as Slate reports: "pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for the human spirit."
This is in line with Wednesday's US Supreme Court rulings, striking down the federal Defence of Marriage Act and California's Prop. 8 prohibiting same-sex marriages.

As usual, Twitter was a fabulous barometer for the sentiments felt by stars.

Actress Kristen Bell tweeted to her fiance Dax Shepard:

"@daxshepard1 will you marry me? Xo #marriageequality #loveislove" - Kristen Bell to her fiance, Dax Shepard. The couple previously said they'd wait to wed until it was legal for everyone.

The couple previously said they'd wait to wed until it was legal for everyone. Bless.


My Genie Pants

I've been seeing these baggy pants quite a bit lately & I've had mixed feelings about them.
Ya know, A real love/hate relationship. 
Let's refer back to my Celeb Gossip where I posted these two pics of JBiebs & Gwen.
Obviously one is hideous (JBiebs) And the other is totally rockin! (Duh.. Gwen.)

When I found these pants at SexyModest Boutique I HAD to have them!
They're the perfect mix of the baggy pants, but tight around the lower legs. Like Genie Pants. They are lightweight, so comfortable & I love how you can dress them up or down. Wear them as pants or rolled up as capris.
I paired them with my Famous Basic Tee from SexyModest Boutique as well!





 
Pants: SexyModest Boutique  Basic Tee: SexyModest Boutique Shoes: Forever Young Shoes 
Sunnies: Urban Outfitters

You can find these pants by clicking the SexyModest Boutique Button on the right hand side of my blog- Hurry & get your pants before they are SOLD OUT!

XOXO
 


Kevin Rudd to challenge Julia Gillard for the Labor leadership June 27

In news just in, Kevin Rudd will challenge Julia Gillard for the Labor leadership tomorrow morning, Thursday June 27 2013.

To read more, click here.

Are you team Rudd or team Julia?

Or... team Abbott?



"I crochet. Julia knits. Big. F-ing. Deal!" - Rina Ferris On Julia Gillard's Knitting Photo

"I crochet. Julia knits. Big. F-ing. Deal! Paul Keating polished clocks, Howard wore a stupid tracksuit, (Costello polished Howard's nob,) Hawke drank beer - but the hobbies of these "blokes" weren't called into question."

This is the fabulous comment by Rina Ferris, an Australian entertainment publicist who does not mince words, in relation to these just-released 'The Australian Women's Weekly' magazine photos of Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard:



She posted this comment on her Facebook feed, supporting this opinion piece by writer Amanda Blair titled 'Why I Don't Care If Julia Knits.'


The article starts:

"Australia. Put the needles down. The knitting needles that is. The furore over the Prime Minister Julia Gillard being photographed for The Weekly click clacking her way through a Cleckheaton Kangaroo pattern has me truly gob-smacked.

So what if she has a hobby? Everybody has a hobby and some would argue strongly that at the moment she needs this hobby — her stress relief, her little piece of sanity and calm in a crazy world more than ever.

The media hounds are in a feeding frenzy accusing Ms Gillard of taking her eye off the political ball and instead focusing on the ball of 8 ply. Seriously? Do you honestly expect her to be in Prime Ministerial mode 24/7?"

Click above for the rest of the piece.

To prove her love of crochet, Rina posted THIS photo on her Facebook feed, with a caption:

Proof of my crocheting expertise:




Pretty impressive, Rina!

Rina, and likely many women (although I obv. can't speak for them all, nor can I give you specific numbers!) could not give a toss that Julia knits. Me included. Darn it, I wish I could knit properly... I am one of those people who starts a scarf, and then it all goes pear-shaped... in every way.

And yes, I know, I know... it's a very specific image of Julia being projected to us, and The Australian Women's Weekly has delivered an image we are now ALL talking about. Mission accomplished.

Oh, look... I am not silly. I know it's a way to skew our perception of her. I really don't mind. I'm not a fool. And neither are most people.

I like seeing this version of Julia.

Just as I liked seeing her glammed up for the Mid-Winter Ball last week, with beautiful finger waves in her hair and a bright red lip.

What? She can't run the country, and look beautiful?



So, what do you think?

Is this brouhaha utterly over the top?

Sonia and David 'Mornings': 'Celebrity Apprentice' Parody - VIDEO

I watched this send-up this morning, on 'Mornings' on Channel Nine, and truly could not stop laughing.

Frankly, they had me at the Mark Bouris narrow-eyed stare and the Deb Thomas coiffed hair...

Watch as Sonia Kruger and David Campbell - co-hosts on 'Mornings' who always demonstrate such fabulous chemistry and comic timing - take on the roles of magazine legend Deborah Thomas and Mark Bouris, ahead of the grand final for the TV show.

Watch:



Who do you think will win?

Roxy Jacenko, John Steffensen, Stephanie Rice or Jeff Fenech?

How good are these two?

Photo: 'Mornings' Facebook page

High-Low Lovin

You've seen this same blush pink top paired with jeans so I thought I would pair it with something more dressy! I've always loved these high-low skirts but I've had a hard time finding some that are long enough.
This skirt is a TOTAL GEM!




Playing around with Spencer.

Shirt: SexyModest Boutique (Click Banner on sidebar for link!)
Skirt: UrbanWear at Gateway Mall (New Store and SO CUTE!)
Shoes: Steve Madden

XOXO


'All I Know': Mary Coustas Book

When I received a copy of the new book by Mary Coustas called 'All I Know' a few weeks ago, I immediately flipped opened the cover.



Was it that Mary Coustas? The funny one? Who created the inimitable 'Effie'
, the big-haired 'wog' who quite possibly burned a new hole in the ozone layer with her overuse of hairspray?

Why yes, it was!


But then I read the subhead: "A memoir of love, loss and life from Australia's favourite comedian."


My heart sunk. Oh no! Who died?


Several people close to her heart, it became apparent.


Says Australian actress Naomi Watts about Mary's new book:


"Mary's book is a reminder that we don't have to be alone with grief. Her heartbreak and inspiring story is a lesson to all of us on how to live life to the fullest even in our most difficult moments. I loved it."

The book begins by painting a colourful picture of Mary's childhood in Collingwood and Doncaster, under the shadow of her father's mortality, and ending in sunny Bondi, supported by a tight circle of girlfriends who got her through a death even more painful.


In the book, Mary takes the reader on a journey through three deaths that changed her life forever.


Here is an excerpt from her incredibly powerful story, as told to 'The Good Weekend':


Six weeks after George and I were married, I found out that I could not have children. A laparoscopy revealed that I had blocked fallopian tubes. Our honeymoon was brought to a swift end by an unanticipated and massive blow. I was told my only option was IVF. I was completely winded emotionally.

The shock of hearing the news that I could not have children naturally ricocheted in me for months. My future as a mother was now at the mercy of laboratory long shots.

But fall pregnant she did.

She continues:


On the day of my pregnancy blood test in December 2010, the only time I wasn't within earshot of my phone was when it rang. I was in the bathroom - on the toilet, to be exact - when I heard Nathalie, my close friend since childhood, yell out as she was running towards me, "It's your doctor!"

I froze. I couldn't get up. I couldn't move.

I managed to open the door slightly just as Nathalie passed me my phone. I sat there with my trousers around my ankles and with my heart skipping beats, trying to listen with my fertility tone-honed ears for clues. The confirmation came - third sentence - I was pregnant! The exact words were, "We have great news, Mary. I'm pleased to say, it's a positive result. You're pregnant."

The story continues with a heartbreaking, devastating outcome.

To read more, click here.

Mary's book is utterly raw, moving, and it is so upsetting to read of Mary's ordeals.

The woman who gave us a gazillion laughs from the days of her 1987 ground-breaking stage show role in 'Wogs Out of Work' (where 'Effie' was born), and who followed this up by five seasons of the TV sitcom hit 'Acropolis Now', has already written a book, one on self-help for teenagers titled  'Effie's Guide to Being Upyourself.'

Feel free to comment below on Mary's story. 

'All I Know' by Mary Coustas will be available from June 26, 2013 (RRP $24.99).


'Twerking' - What Is it? Plus, Twerking to Classical Music [NSFW Video]

Have you heard of the word 'twerk' or 'twerking'?

Have you wondered what the heck it is?

A music video staple, it's a dance move demo'ed by Beyonce and Miley and Kendra... and now, a just-released video on 'The Huffington Post' shows a twerking mash-up... to classical music.

Watch this not-safe-for-work (NFSW) video:






















So. You wanna learn how to twerk? You're in luck. Watch this video tutorial, which has already received six million plus hits:



And... here is the new Miley Cyrus video for 'We Can't Stop', featuring lots of twerking:



Miley Cyrus twerks with stuffed animals


Twerking to classical music


The how-to-twerk video tutorial