'The Art of Fluffing' - Karen Creith: Interview

Karen Creith has just launched her first book, 'The Art of Fluffing.'

The coffee table book teaches the simple tips and tricks on how to style your home.

Here is the book cover:

“The Art of Fluffing is my attempt to teach all Australians, regardless of location, budget, creative direction or available resources, to really embrace their style and create their own sanctuary,” says Karen.

She adds, “Interior design is a real passion of mine. I appreciate how a space can change you. There is nothing better than coming home to a place that relaxes you, comforts you and allows you to really feel safe and carefree.”

The easy to read book encouarges learning how to establish your own style, and finding inspiration via Karen’s unique approach to styling it all up, aka "the art of fluffing", while becoming comfortable with the principals of design and executing something beautiful.

A self-made and enthusiast interior stylist and business woman from Parkes in regional NSW, Australia, Karen's aim is to educate and inspire all Australians to create their dream home – irrespective of creative direction or budget.

The opening chapters feature snippets of Karen’s own story of how she came to be a noted interior stylist, published feature writer and ultimately the editor of a magazine bearing her own name.

Here is the Josie's Juice interview with Karen:

Okay, so I consider myself to be hopeless at decorating. I just don’t have the knack. Are you saying it’s something an amateur can learn?

Yes there are certainly steps and basic rules that anyone can follow to start bringing their decorating dreams to life it is just having the confidence to make a start. Most times it is the fear of the unknown that seems to stop people in their tracks. I think with the fact that my book has so many pictures to help as visual aids that the journey should not seem as scary and will encourage that very first step to be taken.  And once you know the rules it is like you have been given a cheat sheet that will guarantee you success in all your future fluffing endeavours.

If I had $200 to spend on home updates, what would you advise I buy?

Of course the natural answer would be to find some gorgeous cushions, throw a few accent pieces in of the must have colour of the moment and instantly a living room can be freshened up and made to feel different but I would like to take another approach. I think the money would be really well spent getting advice and having a consult with a stylist. A home visit with a fresh set of eyes from a stylist may open your eyes to possibilities and styling tips and tricks that may never have even been considered before. This I think will ensure that all money spent on the pursuit of styling in the future will have you absolutely loving the results.

How would you approach a hoarder when decorating their home? Throwing out is not going to be easy…

If you can show someone the possibility of a clutter free life and the joys that can be attached to having a home that you are proud to welcome people into then the pressure of not wanting to throw away items can be lessened. I find if  I try the approach of streamlining the surfaces of one room in a home as an example for what we could achieve throughout the entire home suddenly there will be a substantial shift in thinking. And of course, we also have to get to the bottom of the hoarding issue to make sure that when I leave the problem won’t begin to develop again.

What led you to write this book? What was the catalyst for you?

The Art of Fluffing became to me a natural extension and flow on from my national magazines. They seemed to really appeal to women who have always yearned for a home that they love but felt was unachievable to them for a variety of reasons. I am very passionate that regardless of your finances it is always possible to make a huge and dramatic difference to the way you feel about your home. And if you have a home that you absolutely love to come home to each and every night then it can have such a positive and powerful flow on effect to our self esteem and the rest of the way we approach our lives. Each time I see the joy and excitement on the face of a client after we have fluffed together then I feel so humbled and touched that I have helped them bring their decorating dreams to life. I can see that they can’t wait to start enjoying and spending time in their homes and that is such a nice feeling.

What do you want most for people to get out of this book?

This book is very special to me and hopefully it will be to others as well. The fact that this book also tells my story of the amazing set of events that occurred to give me this opportunity for a career that I never would have ever dreamt possible for myself may also inspire others to just have the confidence to be themselves and to open themselves up to accepting opportunities when they are presented to you. As  women we put so much pressure on ourselves to try and achieve all our dreams at once and sometimes you just need to relax and enjoy the journey along the way.

Each and every time I receive feedback from my readers it makes me so happy and touched that they have enjoyed my advice and found it so helpful in making their homes beautiful places for them to enjoy. So if the book can provide inspiration and then help to othersI will feel a great sense of achievement.

'The Art of Fluffing', RRP $39.95, is available at selected stores and online. See www.karencreith.com.au for more details.

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'Frankie's Girl' - Christmas Cards + Profile on Sarine Badelian

Sarine Badelian knows her stuff when it comes to design. Oh, and food and drinks and fesitivities.

So, the clever art director from Sydney, Australia put all her passions together to celebrate this festive season with a bunch of gorgeous Christmas cards - in different languages!

Says Sarine: "I was searching for foreign Christmas Cards to send to relatives and couldn't find one that wasn't the traditional backdrop of the nativity scene or Santas on sleighs. I wanted to create cards that were fresh but had a handmade charm to them so I hand-drew all the lettering of traditional Christmas sayings that people could connect to. I chose Armenian and Italian as they are the backgrounds of my husband Frank (Italian) and myself, and are a small celebration of our two cultures that have come together."

And here is where you can buy them all.

Here is a preview of some of the super stylish cards:

And you can see all the rest here.

Make sure you give the Frankie's Girl Facebook page a 'like' while you are there.

And you can read more about Frankie's Girl on their etsy page here.

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Fit n Fast and Triumph: Bra Fittings + Triaction Launch

I am now a... well, not gym junkie, not fitness freak... but I do love keeping fit and healthy, thanks to my Fit n Fast-assisted transformation.

But I get a bit funny if the girls are not securely tucked away. On a few occasions during a personal training sesh with my fab Fit n Fast trainer Hayley I'd worn the wrong bra (read: almost every time as I haaate feeling restricted in uncomfy bras) and I'd halt training for a few seconds so I could tuck those puppies back in.

Well. This new little Triumph baby called the 'triaction' bra might just be the answer.

Now, those clever gym people have teamed up with bra company Triumph 'Bounce Free Sports Bra Fittings' held at Fit n Fast Westfield Sydney from 29 October. This three day initiative will be happening in selected Fit n Fast gyms around the country.

Says the Fit n Fast/Triumph blurb: "Sports bras will be tested for comfort, fit and support whilst exercising to ensure perfection is achieved, instigated following the revelation that of 1000 women who had been tested, only 39% would wear a professional sports bra when exercising despite 82% stating they wear a bra in order to protect their bust. 90% of women have something to complain about when it comes to wearing a bra, with over 50% not having had a bra fitting for five years or more.

The Bounce Free Sports Bra fitting allows you to trial bras from the Triumph triaction range (see all the new fab bras below... I am about to trial one!), whilst receiving expert advice from a Triumph Brastylist. The experts will take into consideration your preferred exercise type, breast size and body shape, while undergoing real-time exercise challenges."

Each Bounce Free Sports Bra fitting will take 15 minutes and will happen between 11am - 12pm.

For more on the bra fittings, go here.

Here, is Carolyn Stewart, National Sales Manager for Triumph Australia, who is also a trained BraStylist on the five top mistakes women make with sports bras: 

1. Not wearing a sports bra at all for sporting activities. A regular bra, even if it a supportive bra will not be sufficient for sport. Even an A or B cup woman needs the support of a properly fitted sports bra. The design and construction of a sports bra is very different to that of a regular bra and is made to hold the bust firmly in place, reducing breast bounce while exercising.

2. Sports bras have a limited life and should be replaced frequently. Depending on how often a sports bra is worn and how well you take care of it, a sports bra should be replaced every six months. Elastic fibres break down over time, reducing the level of support the bra offers. 

3. Women misinterpret the firm feel of a sports bra for being too small and end up buying the wrong size.  Where possible, always have a fitting and expect that the bra is meant to feel firm.

4. Not matching the impact level of your sporting activity to the support level of the sports bra.  Most good quality sports bras will be designed with a support level in mind. Women who play netball or run for instance will need more support than a wire free bra designed for yoga and Pilates. 

5. Not investing money in a good sports bra. Always spend as much as your budget can afford as it is like good running shoes.  You definitely get what you pay for.

Go forth and be fitted!

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'Hardly Branson: Seven Days in Space with a Martini' - Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan Interview

Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan is an incredibly diverse writer. I have known Nicole for many years as a publicist extraordinaire. I had no idea she was also such a talented writer.

Nicole has written in a number of genres, and her latest work, 'Hardly Branson: Seven Days in Space with a Martini' is a comedic science fiction in the genre of Jasper Fforde, Terry Pratchett and her favourite writer, the late Douglas Adams, whom Nicole was privileged to interview.

In fact, Nicole's most prized possession is her copy of the Douglas Adams' 'Ultimate Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' which bear the words: "To Nicole, whose questions were much more clever than my answers! With best wishes, Douglas Adams", after she interviewed him for Singapore's Peak Magazine, and Oyster Magazine, at the Intercontinental Hotel Sydney.

Here is the gorgeous and talented Nicole:

What was the catalyst for you to write this book?

Nicole: I have always loved science fiction comedy and having worked in the travel industry for around twenty years, I thought the timing perfect to do this story as there are so many inroads being made into Space Tourism.

Have you always been interested in this genre? Tell me why!

Nicole: Yes I loved Douglas Adams’ who wrote the five book trilogy of 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.' I even had the opportunity to interview him in Sydney and he signed my copy of his book with the words “To Nicole whose questions were more clever than my answers!” Something I will truly treasure, especially as he is no longer alive.

Give us a rundown on the plotline and central characters of the book?

Nicole: “A hilarious expose of the travel industry. Bridget Jones meets the Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy and organises his book launch. The flaws and foibles of a cast of dubious characters are mercilessly mocked. The perfect book to read on your next inter-galactic space shuttle.” So said Rebecca Weisser from 'The Australian.'

The Galaxy is open for business. Who else could have tapped into this market but Earthling, Dick Brampton? Dick Brampton is starting daily flights to Froog. He funded this venture the sale of the Earth to the President of the Galaxy who had no view from his bath tub. Bathing is of the utmost importance to Galactians, so are manufactured views.

The President’s right hand alien, his interior decorator, Rod, was on a mission to create the perfect view. The Earth had just the right colour scheme. Rod travelled to Earth and after seeing a publicity launch with Brampton as King of the World, met with him to negotiate the terms to secure this view.

Doug Dahl an unassuming surfer wanted to find his perfect soul mate. When Brampton launched his flights to the galaxy, Doug decided space was the place for singles. Unfortunately the launch flight was not particularly successful.

Doug landed in a bathtub of a ten foot large green pimply alien Zurm. From the Zurm’s bath to the planet Froog, Doug somehow voyages around the planet  in a variety of styles from depressing public transport, blue bubble taxis with hyper drives and hot pink trion brand spaceships. The search is on for his soul mate. He has no idea that it just happens to be one of the types he is pursued by.

Doug is also interwoven into a conspiracy for Dick Brampton to become president of the Galaxy. One of the most powerful groups in the galaxy, the black BMY driving real estate agents who are after Brampton as he cut the Earth deal before they did highjack the president’s view and demand payment. Brampton fakes his death in order to summon support for the great election.

Who would book most appeal to, and what do you hope for the book?

Nicole: The book is written for a young adult fiction but I hope that in the same way that 'Harry Potter' and 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' have universal appeal over all demographics, that this will have people in their 40s chuckling, as well as the teenagers.

You can buy the book right here on Amazon for Kindle.

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Simply Vera – Vera Wang: Sydney Launch

Australian heritage department store Harris Scarfe launched an exciting new fashion collaboration in Sydney on Tuesday September 25, 2013, with the iconic, world-renowned designer Vera Wang.

The Vera Wang brand has been on the bodies of some of the most famous red carpet and bridal looks around the world.

Known for her modern and sensual designs, the eponymous label has just launched the collection for Harris Scarfe named 'Simply Vera – Vera Wang' into Australia (on sale from October 2013), which comprises a range of contemporary women’s fashion, accessories, bed and bath collections and home fragrance, all capturing Vera Wang’s distinct, romantic aesthetic.

In true Vera style, the collection is inspired by her artful prints, fabrics, textures, and feminine style. With opening price points of $59.95 for a pair of signature ballet flats (I want!) to $69.95 for a beautiful knit cardigan, the Simply Vera – Vera Wang range is all about making the Vera Wang lifestyle accessible to all Australian women. How exciting to finally be able to own a Vera Wang piece if it has been out of your budget until now. Here are some of the beautiful, easy-to-wear pieces:

The Simply Vera – Vera Wang bed, bath and home fragrance collection says 'sophistication' and 'elegance' for everyday living. Consisting of beautiful bed linen to luxurious towel sets and scented candles, this range starts from $19.95.

Harris Scarfe merchandise director Larice Lewis says “We are beyond excited to bring Simply Vera – Vera Wang to Australia and to able to offer such a prestigious brand at a price all Australians can afford. Simply Vera – Vera Wang will be exclusive to Harris Scarfe in Australia and will be an ongoing collaboration. Simply Vera – Vera Wang for Harris Scarfe will be available from the 21st of October online at www.harrisscarfe.com.au or Harris Scarfe stores nationwide.”

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L’Oréal Paris SuperLiner Extensions: Australia

The catseye, the smoky eye, the winged eyeliner look... all of these eye makeup looks have been popular for decades. The look is always on-trend.

The biggest way to draw your way to success is to have the right, precision tools on hand.

I am such a dab hand at a winged liner, I can actually do a mean one while at the stop lights in a car (as a passenger, of course).

And now, my fave cosmetics brand L'Oréal Paris has introduced an extension of products following on from the ongoing success of L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Liquid Eyeliner and SuperLiner 24H Gel Eyeliner, with the launch of three new eyeliners. These new-gen eyeliners are perfect tools to produce catwalk looks. They've stepped up the calibre of cosmetics to create the look.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Perfect Slim Eyeliner RRP $24.45

Says the press release: In one steady stroke, SuperLiner Perfect Slim enhances the shape of the eye with its very precise 0.4mm tip. Providing a stylish and intensesweeping line, this precision felt-tip eyeliner gives optimum control thanks to its grip zone hold. SuperLiner Perfect Slim is the perfect beauty product for your everyday look plus to naturally take` your signature look from day to evening.

Real-life roadtest:
This fabulous, slim-tipped felt-style pen is is the tool to pick up if you want a precision line across your upper lid. It really is foolproof. Pro tip: start off slow, from the inner eye (about halfway across the lid, and sweep slowly to the outer corner, drawing a slighter thicker line as you go. A little flick on the end (you can start slow, then build up) gives you an instant catseye. Practice makes perfect. I adore this little baby... it's now indispensible to my makeup kit.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Perfect Slim Eyeliner is available in Intense Black (below, with the model showing how the end result can look):

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Blackbuster Eyeliner RRP $16.95

Says the press release: Create the boldest eye looks with the mistake-proof SuperLiner Blackbuster. Inspired by current catwalk looks around the globe, SuperLiner Blackbuster is the first marker-pen eyeliner and offers the thickest liner yet for intense graphic lines that can be carefully crafted into perfectly-formed looks and shapes. The dark-as-night ‘black-ink’ formula glides on smoothly, lasts for eight hours and is just as easy to remove as apply.

Real-life roadtest:
Okay, this may look a little intimidating to start with - it looks like a big black school texta! - but give it a go (start slow, and build up the line gradually). It's perfect for more dramatic, far bolder looks. It can still do a less intense line, but gives you a sharper look, quicker. I love this chunky pen! Apply in the same way as the its thinner cousin, above, just keep a steadier hand and draw the line on slower.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Blackbuster Eyeliner is available in Intense Black (below, and the look it can create):

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Silkissime Eyeliner RRP $22.95

Says the press release: With its silky texture, Silkissime Eyeliner allows for precise, sophisticated lines with a touch of silk. The oils used in the product’s technology provide an ultra-soft and ultra-gliding texture for unmatched sensoriality and shine. Plus, the formula’s Light Flex™ Polymer is a breakthrough innovation for flexible yet ultra-resistant smudge proof lines.  L’Oréal Paris Silkissime Eyeliner offers the ultimate silky pencil for a line that glides, shines and intensifies.  Get the most sophisticated eye looks with intensity and shine.

Real-life roadtest:
The test of a good eyeliner is one that glides on beautifully, and doesn't need you to drag it along the lower, inner eyelid, but isn't so soft that it goes all runny and panda-eye on you in five minutes flat. Nope, this baby is perfection. It's a smooth operator and gives a lovely clean line in no time. New makeup bag staple. Love.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Silkissime Eyeliner is available in 601 Seductive Black and 602 Brown Temptation (below in black, and on model showing the look which can be acheived):

 L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Perfect Slim Eyeliner is available from August 2013 in selected pharmacies, variety and department stores.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Silkissme and SuperLiner Blackbuster Eyeliner are available from October 2013 in selected pharmacies, variety and department stores.

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Gelatissimo: 'Sweets of Italy' Winter Range + Reader Giveaway

Winter is traditionally not the time of year you'd think of indulging in gelato, but true aficionados of the stuff don't care... they indulge all year 'round.

This can be said of the people at Gelatissimo, who live and breathe it.

And so, Gelatissimo introduce: Sweets of Italy, their brand-new range of traditional Italian, mouth-watering winter flavours, available in all Australian Gelatissimo gelaterie from July 22 to September 8.

Sweets of Italy, the grand finale to Gelatissimo’s year-long 'Flavours of Italy'campaign, is such an Italiano experience. The range consists of eight flavours, based on the traditional sweets and desserts of popular Italian regions. Each flavour is rich and indulgent – typical of what Italians in Italy expect of desserts in winter.

Hot on the heels of Gelatissimo’s recent success at the 2013 Dairy Industry Association of Australia Awards of Excellence (brilliant!), where they walked away with no less than nine awards for their quality gelato including the top gong for frozen confectionery, the Sweets of Italy range is made with the highest quality ingredients, prepared fresh in-store daily.

I have trialed all the flavours and... yum!

Early fave - before a single taste - was...

Cannoli Siciliani: a sweet ricotta base with crispy pieces of cannoli shells, pistachio nuts and chocolate drops all the way through.

Because... this:

True, right?

No self-respecting Italophile would EVER leave the cannoli...

And you know what, after immersing myself in this flavour, this is the BOMB. 

The other seven indulgent flavours are:

Tiramisu Toscano: a creamy mascarpone base, layered with a coffee dipped sponge and a touch of Marsala wine, dusted with cocoa powder.  

Cassata Siciliana: rich and colourful, this flavour is enriched with pieces of candied fruit depicting cherries and slices of citrus fruit characteristic of Sicily.

Gianduiotto Piemontese: a deliciously smooth choc-hazelnut base, which combines the richness of chocolate with the finest taste of Italian hazelnuts.

Zabaione Lombardo: a delicious smooth and creamy flavour of whipped light custard with a touch of Marsala, topped with dark chocolate flakes.    

Amaretti di Saronno: a ‘bitter’ almond base with crunchy bites of amaretti biscuits in every mouthful.

Torroncino Veneto: a milk chocolate base flavoured with honey and roasted nuts, and enriched with chocolate coated crunchy torrone (nougat) bites. 

Zuppa Inglese Romangnola: an aromatic toffee vanilla custard base layered with sponge soaked in Alchermes liquor, topped with chocolate chunks.

Says joint-CEO of Gelatissimo Domenico Lopresti: “Gelato is a year-round indulgence in Italy. Rather than go for lighter sorbets such as Lemon and Mango, Italians expect rich, warm, dairy-based flavours during the cold months, such as those we have chosen. Our Australian customers can be assured that, with this range, we are bringing them a true, Italian Winter gelato experience, presented in these rich, alluring flavours of Italy.”

For more on Gelatissimo click here.

And, as promised, Josie's Juice has vouchers to win!

Gelatissimo has been kind enough to offer up 3 x $20 vouchers to trial these babies.

So, three winners will each win $20 of Gelatissimo vouchers to spend on this sensational new range.

To enter, here is what you do:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page
- 'Like' the Gelatissimo Facebook page
- Follow me on Twitter here and on Instagram here if you are on these social media platforms
- Tell me in the comments section below why you'd like to win, and which flavour/s you can't wait to try
- Email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au with your address so I have those details if you are a winner
*Competition open to Australian residents only 

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Stolen Recipe Ice Tea: giveaway

Josie's Juice new reader giveaway alert!

A new drink is on the block and it's already making an impact.

Called 'Stolen Recipe', it's an ice tea range that is made with real, brewed loose leaf tea and fruit juice – not tea extract and sugar.

Founders Donna and Borneo created their homemade ice teas in Sydney's Manly, and decided to share their own recipes with the world, so, they say "everyone can enjoy ‘truthfully real’ ice tea – the way it should be."

Stolen Recipe is Australia’s only multi-award winning ice tea, with both national and international awards under its belt. With five delicious flavours available, Stolen Recipe has something for everyone.

Flavours available:
Berry + Pomegranate – (green tea) rich source of antioxidants
Classic Peach – (black tea) classic, refreshing favourite
Lemon + Lime – (peppermint tea) thirst quenching with digestive benefits
Watermelon + Raspberry – (white tea) immune boosting antioxidant benefits
Ginger + Star Anise – (apple & cinnamon tea) digestive benefits

Health Facts:
Real brewed premium loose leaf tea (no tea extract)
Sweetened with fruit juice (not sugar)
100% natural
Premium alternative to soft drinks and juice
No citric acid added
No preservatives
No added cane sugar
No added sweeteners
No artificial flavours
No added colours

Awards received:
FoodBev.com Award (UK - International Award)
December 2012
Best Redesigned Drinks Brand
Food Challenge Award (Australia – National Award)
July 2010
Highly Commended Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Selected stockists include:
Thomas Dux Grocer (NSW & VIC), The Gourmet Grocer Online www.gourmetgroceronline.com.au (national), Nashi (VIC), Vapiano (QLD) and Jus Burgers (WA). RRP is $3.80 each.

Stolen Recipe exports to Hong Kong, South Korea, and UAE.

And, Josie's Juice has one six month supply to give away to one lucky winner. So, that's six cases of Stolen Recipe ice tea - shipped anywhere in Australia - valued at a total of $547.20 (that's six cases at $45.60 each).

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

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page
- Share this link on your Facebook wall
- Comment in box below 
- Email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au

*Comp available to Australian residents only

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