prodijee #10 - May 2013

e e j i d pro Issue #10 MAY 2013

Bottoms Up!

How to make the perfect cocktail

Dangerous Fashion Fashion with edge never looked so good

George Houvardas

Rafters hunk opens up!

CREATE THE RUNWAY LOOK We show you how to look like a Supermodel!

Back Stage Pass: Behind the scenes at the Leona Edmiston launch WIN BIG WITH OUR CADBURY, NIVEA, ORLY, NATIO & MUK GIVEAWAYS!

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46 From Chaos to Couture

Burberry steps out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2013 Costume Institute Gala.

50 Living On The Edge Checkout this great new gear from edgy label, Dangerfield.

56 The Secret To a Great Cocktail

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel’s guide to the perfect drink.

60 George Houvardas Packed To The Rafter’s hottest hunk opens up to prodijee.

66 Access All Areas

Behind the scenes at the launch of Leona Edmiston’s stunning new collection.

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70 Dream, Believe, Achieve.

BFFs start a deep breath and throw in their jobs to start the pair’s dream business.

88 The Gift of Love

No supplier wanted to know about online stores when Sydney’s Bianca Kristallis opened her business. Now, everyone wants in.

97 Create the Runway Look.

Maybelline NY’s Nigel Stanislaus shows you how to look like a Supermodel.

106 Bitter Sweet.

Brent Duncan thumbs his nose at the non-believers with a cutting new album.

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REGULARS NEWS 4 What’s Goin’ On 18 Going Postal 20 What’s Hot ROAD TESTS

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34 NIVEA Body Souffle 36 Gatineau Renew 7 Detox 36 Muk Spa Argan Oil Treatment 38 Nikon D5200 41 Ridgeback Cabernet Merlot 42 On The Record COLUMNS

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48 The French Facialist 54 Food Couture 58 Savvy 64 The Peripheral Stranieri 70 La-la land 82 Live Via Satellite 94 Reality Bites 104 Viva Las Vegas ARTIST PROFILE 84 Ovitch

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what’s goin’ on

New deal signals love-all for Sharapova and Porsche TENNIS MEGASTAR, MARIA Sharapova, has taken on the role of brand ambassador for sports car manufacturer, Porsche AG. The cooperation is initially signed for three years and involves a global communications campaign.

The 26-year-old Sharapova is already familiar with the vehicles from Zuffenhausen: as last year’s winner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Sharapova not only took home prize money, but also a white 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.

Born in Russia and living in the United States, Sharapova has achieved victories at all four Grand Slam tournaments in women’s tennis and she was ranked number one for a total of 21 weeks.

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“Maria Sharapova is an exceptional athlete. She combines top performance in her sport with elegance and power. These are precisely the qualities that are embroiled in our sports cars”, said Matthias Mueller, CEO of Porsche AG. According to Mueller, it was not easy to find the right person to be Porsche´s ambassador. “Maria Sharapova is the perfect choice. Her profile and charisma are an ideal fit for Porsche. She is also highly respected around the world and enjoys an outstanding reputation.”

“This is a really special day for me,“ said Sharapova. “I have had the privilege to be associated with some of the best brands in the

world, but now to be a partner with Porsche is such an amazing honour,“ she explained during her presentation in Stuttgart.

For Porsche, the choice of Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador extends its long-term commitment to women´s tennis. The company sponsors the German women’s national team, which competes as the Porsche Team Germany in the Fed Cup, and the Porsche Talent Team Germany, which supports promising young players.

“We are fully committed to these activities for a long term. And with Maria Sharapova, we are now extending our involvement in women’s tennis globally”, Mueller added.

Keds classics launch at Macy’s

KEDS’ NEW APPAREL line has launched at 150 Macy’s stores nationwide (USA) and online at macys.com and Keds.com. The

collection of sportswear separates is inspired by the brand’s all-American heritage, featuring classically tailored staples that coordinate seamlessly with the Keds footwear line. Each month, fans of the collection can shop for new head-to-toe styles that will keep them feeling and looking good as they step out in style.

“The Keds girl is all about energy and expression; she is inspired by clothes that feel classic but fashionforward, and appreciates quality detailing and unexpected finishing touches. We strive to continuously introduce new product for her that is feminine, flattering and spirited, and at an accessible price point,” said Rick Blackshaw, president, Keds.

“Keds and Macy’s share a passion for inspiring girls to look great and feel confident, and we look forward to dressing our fans on such a large scale.”

With silhouettes that feature clean lines, contrasting colors and fun prints, girls have never had it easier when choosing what to wear. Bold blues, reds and yellows speak to a classic style sensibility, while polka dots, stripes and florals add a sense

of whimsy, offering a range of looks.

Priced between $20 and $90, customers can shop for fashionably affordable skirts, pants, knits, wovens, tops, jackets, shorts and tees in Macy’s Mstylelab department.

“We are excited to be the first to offer Keds’ new sportswear collection to those independent girls who are interested in experimenting with fashion,” said Molly Langenstein, Macy’s executive vice president and group merchandise manager for Millennial. “The Keds brand aims to inspire girls to be independent, creative and positive role models, which is a mission that resonates with Macy’s confident and independent shopper. Together, Keds and Macy’s will provide customers with fresh fashion that will make her smile.”

China’s new super mall has it all JIACHUANG GROUP HAS announced it will build an underground shopping mall in Guangzhou.

Part of a four-level development that includes an underground transportation system and underground municipal facilities, the 280,000sqm shopping centre will sit on levels one and two, which is the key focus of the design project.

The precinct will also include shopping streets, a highend supermarket, high fashion department stores, an Imax Cinema, amusement centres, gyms, clubs, spa, banking, a playground and sports fields, including a skating rink. Plazas, sky bridges, sky decks, sky lights, gardens, fountains, sculptures and canals will be key project features, with the design influenced by Broadway, London Garden, Champs Elysee and Rodeo Drive.

Jiachuang Group says the project will be more of a travel destination comprising retail, entertainment, lifestyle, and art experiences rather than just a shopping complex.

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BDO - QLD - finds new home

BIG DAY OUT has found a new home at Metricon Stadium and Carrara Parklands on the Gold Coast. In January, BDO came to an agreement with the State Government that guaranteed the festival’s future remained on the coast and ensuring its economic benefits stay within the region.

The move was necessary to make way for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games athlete’s

village to be built, with preparation and early works underway later this year.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, said the outcome was a win-win for local businesses and festival goers on the coast.

“This decision brings certainty not only for the event organisers but also for other businesses and music

lovers benefitting from the festival,” Stuckey said.

“BDO is a major event for the Gold Coast, which this year attracted 45,000 festival goers from Queensland and interstate, delivering about $30m to the local economy.

“Metricon Stadium is a great choice as the new venue and confirms BDO will remain on the Gold Coast for another five years, which is a great outcome.”

Big Day Out’s CEO, Adam Zammit, said: “Big Day Out founder Ken West, myself and our partners C3 Presents are very excited to be moving into a great new venue for 2014, a year which will see our biggest and best line-up in years.”

“The Gold Coast show is the first stop on the Australian run of Big Day Out dates and for the many international acts who have never visited Australia, it’s always great to fly them into the Goldie first.”

“Our new venue meets the highest of our expectations and standards and we hope will be the home of Big Day Out for years to come.”

Duo’s new garage-pop anthem

GOLD COAST GARAGE-POP band, Bleeding Knees Club, has released its new single, Feel. The anthemic song is the first fresh material from the band since last year’s acclaimed debut album Nothing To Do. Produced by Melbourne-based WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

legend, Lindsay Gravina, Feel is the sound of Bleeding Knees Club gaining confidence and branching out.

From a duo whose first EP was recorded in the back of a shoe shop in their hometown, Bleeding Knees Club have come a long way in their short but busy existence. After a flurry of early international attention, 2012’s Nothing To Do album was recorded in New York City with producer, Dev Hynes (aka Blood Orange). More recently frontman, Alex Wall, unveiled the self-produced

solo record from his gonzo-punk alter-ego, Wax Witches, in February.

Nothing To Do was released last year to a rapturous reception. The duo supported it with two national headline tours in 2012, alongside slots at the Splendour In The Grass and Falls Festivals, as well as their run of chaotic Call The Cops shows with DZ Deathrays and Yacht Club DJ’s.

Bleeding Knees Club will launch Feel on a four-date tour in late May and early June. Joining them as special guests for all shows will be Sydney surf-pop sensations, SURES, who are currently putting the finishing touches on their own new EP. Tour Dates www.bleedingkneesclub.com

Sydney’s the place to be after dark NEW RESTAURANTS AND cafés are leading the growth of after-dark businesses in Sydney, according to new research that confirms the city as Australia’s dining capital and the largest contributor to a national night-time economy worth $92 billion a year.

The first city comparison of Australia’s night-time economy shows the City of Sydney had almost 4,400 businesses in the core food, drink and entertainment sectors in 2011, employing nearly 17,000 people and generating $2.76 billion in sales revenue.

All three sectors expanded in 2009-11, despite tough economic times, with food leading the charge with 12 per cent growth in the number of firms, says the report, prepared for the National Local Government Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee.

The research comes after the city’s launch of its blueprint to develop the night-time economy by 2030: OPEN Sydney: Future directions for Sydney at night.

“OPEN Sydney is the culmination of almost two years of ground-breaking work by the City, and this research reinforces just how important and timely it is,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“What happens in our city after dark is vital to the strength of the broader economy of the city, the state and the country, as well as having an impact on residents, visitors and tourists.

“The next step we’d like to see is an ongoing coordinated approach that includes transport and policing, liquor licensing and tourism, as well as the important services the city provides.”

The city is calling for a high-level taskforce to ensure Sydney’s night-time economy continues to grow strongly and builds on its reputation as Australia’s leading late night destination.

The taskforce would draw on the expertise of retailers and business people, cultural institutions, entrepreneurs and tourism experts to drive a co-ordinated approach towards a healthy, safe and varied entertainment precinct.

Lucky eleven score film funding ELEVEN PROJECTS HAVE been selected by Metro Screen to receive $115,000 in funding through the Breaks - Story to Screen program.

The Breaks funding program is focused on getting stories from script to screen, with a cash production budget, production facilities support and a craft skills development program, including the Story Hothouse and the Directors Foundry.

Over the past three years, Metro Screen has been funding creative storytelling and emerging practitioners through the First Breaks, Break Out and Breakthrough programs.

Supported by Screen NSW and Screen Australia’s RAW NERVE program, the Breaks - Story to Screen program will produce eight short films and three web-based programs by early career film and content makers. Cultural diversity is represented through the range of projects, including content producers from indigenous and multicultural backgrounds.

“These scripts were selected for their strong ideas and potential to develop into an exciting and diverse production slate for 2013,” said David Opitz, projects and productions manager, Metro Screen.

The successful Breaks projects for 2013 are: Il Taglialegna (The Woodcutter)

by Thomas McSweeney and Ross Hubbard.

Pink by Lynne Vincent McCarthy.

Showboy by Samuel Leighton-Dore.

Latte e Miele (Milk and Honey)

by Louisa Mignone and Andrea Demetriades.

Bad Daddy by Elizabeth Taddic and Adam Szudrich.

Touch by Adrian Chiarella Dawney.

Slack by Elizabeth Wymarra.

The Fight by Tom Avery.

Dry Fire by Ngaire Oleary and Alex Williams.

Love Bytes by Tonnette Stanford.

Defendant 5: The Fall of the House of Gunns by Heidi Douglas.

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ZARA HEADS WEST Spanish fashion retail giant, Zara, will enter the Perth, Western Australia market when it opens a $5m dollar store in Murray Street mall. Zara will be the first major international fashion brand to enter Western Australia’s capital city, beating both H&M and Topshop.

Corvette excels on performance & price

US CAR SALES IMPROVE Ford’s April sales climbed 18 percent with gains across the portfolio – cars were up 21 percent, utilities up 16 percent and trucks up 16 percent. Retail sales were up 27 percent.

Meanwhile, General Motors sold 237,646 vehicles in the United States in April, up 11 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales increased 10 percent, fleet sales were up 16 percent and the fleet mix was 28 percent of total sales.

IMG ACADEMY’S 2013 NBA COMBINE/DRAFT PROGRAM UNDERWAY After preparing more than 40 top NFL prospects for the NFL Combine, IMG Academy has kicked off its annual NBA Combine/Draft Training Program. Initial participants include: Kenny Kadji (Miami); Brandon Paul (Illinois); Nate Wolters (South Dakota State); Reggie Johnson (Miami); Romero Osby (Oklahoma); Laurence Bowers (Missouri); Adonis Thomas (Memphis); BJ Young (Arkansas); and Tamir Jackson (Rice).

GOLF’S DRIVING FORCE The Augusta National Golf Club has announced that MercedesBenz will enter into a new worldwide partnership with the Masters, beginning at the 2014 Tournament. An International Partner of the Masters since 2008, Mercedes-Benz will now become a Global Sponsor, joining AT&T and IBM. PRODIJEE.COM WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

GM HAS REVEALED pricing for the stunning new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. The range will start at a suggested retail price of $51,995, while the Corvette Stingray Convertible will start at $56,995. Both prices include a $995 destination fee but exclude tax, title, and license.

“The 2014 Corvette Stingray perfectly embodies Chevrolet’s mission to deliver more than expected for our customers,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The Corvette Stingray delivers a combination of performance, design and technology that very few manufacturers can match, and none can even come close for $52,000.”

Standard features include a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching, 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, and a carbon fibre hood on

all models. The coupe also comes with a carbon fibre removable roof panel.

There’s also an aluminum frame that is 99lbs lighter (45kg) and 57 percent stiffer than the previous model’s structure.

Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, with next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera are also included.

The Z51 Performance Package includes high-performance gear ratios; transmission-cooling system; larger 19in front and 20in rear wheels and tyres. There’s also larger, slotted rotors and brakecooling ducts; electronic limited-slip differential and differential cooling system; unique chassis tuning; and Magnetic Ride Control activehandling system with Performance Traction Management.

Equipped with the Z51 package, the Corvette Stingray can accelerate from 0–60mph (100km/h) in under four seconds.

Brit awards honour innovation THE DESIGN MUSEUM in London recently announced the seven category winners for the annual Designs of the Year Awards.

The awards celebrate the best of international design from the last 12 months.

The seven category winners include GOV.UK, a new British government website that promises to revolutionise governmental online communications, bringing together different government websites into one single site, making it a much easier and user friendly service.

Other winners include the renovation and reimagining of a faded 1960s tower block in Paris, a landmark documentary on fashion icon, Diana Vreeland, a reinvention of the wheel in the form of a unique

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folding wheel that can be applied to bicycles and wheelchairs, and a chair constructed using the latest computer technology.

Pete Collard, curator of Designs of the Year said, “Designs of the Year is the Design Museum’s authoritative review of the most innovative, forward-thinking and culturally relevant projects from the past twelve months. The work selected demonstrates the many ways in which design can transform our physical and cultural landscape.”

The Seven Category winners are: • Architecture: TOUR BOIS-LEPRÊTRE, PARIS - Designed by Frédéric Druot, Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal.

• Digital: GOV.UK WEBSITE – Designed by Government Digital Service.

• Fashion: DIANA VREELAND: THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL Directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland.

• Furniture: MEDICI CHAIR Designed by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi.

• Graphics: VENICE ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE IDENTITY – Designed by John Morgan Studio.

• Products: KIT YAMOYO Designed by ColaLife and PI Global.

• Transport: MORPH FOLDING WHEEL - Designed by Vitamins for Maddak Inc.

Crown Sydney designer chosen Kohn Pederson Fox Associates.

Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture.

Wilkinson Eyre Architects.

BRITISH FIRM, WILKINSON Eyre Architects, has won the competition to design the billion-dollar Crown Sydney Hotel Resort at Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct.

The winning entry (above) beat designs by internationally renowned architects, Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, and Kohn Pedersen Fox. The three firms submitted entries that were considered by a panel consisting of representatives from Crown Resorts, Lend Lease, the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

Crown Resorts chairman, James Packer, described the winning design as, “truly special”.

“When completed, Crown Sydney will be instantly recognisable around the world,” he said.

“Its iconic curves and fine lines celebrate the harbour and create an architectural ‘postcard’ that will help attract international tourists and assist Sydney to compete with other global destinations.”

The final building design will require approval by the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and planning approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

On the design objectives of the proposal, Packer said he wanted the building to be instantly recognisable around the world and to feature on postcards and memorabilia promoting Sydney.

“That’s how you attract international tourists, create jobs and put Sydney on the map,” he said.

Todd Nisbet, Crown’s executive vice president – Strategy & Design, said, “The overriding objective is to introduce a landmark waterfront building to Sydney that is timeless and iconic in nature. The hotel must integrate with the cultural and public space at the heart of Barangaroo South and serve as a destination for both locals and visitors. It must be vibrant and active; celebrate its unique location and position on the harbour; and become a focal point for the western edge of the city that is loved and embraced by Sydneysiders.”

The hotel will have approximately 350 guestrooms and suites. The typical guest rooms will be some of the largest in Australia and the suites and villas will rival the best in Asia. There will be four restaurants, a café, an ultra-lounge, day spa, roof top pool and luxury retail facilities. www.crownsydneyhotel.com

Grey hair a thing of the past

ACCORDING TO THE FASEB Journal, there has been new research that suggests that the loss of hair or skin colour can be corrected by a new compound called pseudocatalase, apparently reversing oxidative stress.

The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

publication says the cure for grey is coming and the need to cover up one of the classic signs of aging with chemical pigments will be a thing of the past.

The research stated that people who are going grey, develop massive oxidative stress via accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the hair follicle, which causes hair to bleach itself from the inside out.

The report shows that this massive accumulation of hydrogen peroxide can be remedied with a treatment developed by the researchers.

What’s more, the study also shows that the same treatment works for the skin condition, vitiligo (a skin

disorder characterised by smooth, white patches on various parts of the body, caused by the loss of the natural pigment).

Karin U Schallreuter, MD, and colleagues, achieved this breakthrough by analysing an international group of 2,411 patients.

“The improvement of quality of life after total and even partial successful repigmentation has been documented,” said Schallreuter.

“For generations, numerous remedies have been concocted to hide grey hair,” said Gerald Weissmann, MD, editor-in-chief of The FASEB Journal, “but now, for the first time, an actual treatment that gets to the root of the problem has been developed.

“While this is exciting news, what’s even more exciting is that this also works for vitiligo.

This condition, while technically cosmetic, can have serious socioemotional effects of people.

“Developing an effective treatment for this condition has the potential to radically improve many people’s lives.”

Pook signs on to Grand Prix of Ameri CHRISTOPHER POOK, A recognized leader in US motorsports, with decades of experience developing venues and events, has joined the Formula 1 Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial executive team as special assistant to the chairman, Leo Hindery, Jr. Pook joins an established executive team, including YES Network founder, Hindery, sports and entertainment veteran, Dennis Robinson, and sports marketing and corporate development specialist, Dick Goldschmidt.

Pook will provide consultation with respect to all aspects of construction, planning and execution of the Grand WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

Prix of America at Port Imperial race.

“I am happy to be working with Chris again after some 20 years.

Chris has a history of great success in Formula 1, which I’m confident he’ll bring to the Grand Prix of America race,” Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, said. “We look forward to working with him to bring F1 racing to New Jersey and New York.”

“The F1 Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial just gained another invaluable team member, who will ensure the race will be like nothing the region has ever witnessed,” race promoter Hindery said. “Chris is a leader with decades of experience

in American motorsports. We are delighted to add someone with his accomplishments and level of expertise to the Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial team.”

Pook founded and managed the famous and successful USA Grand Prix West, which was the first Formula 1 street circuit race in the United States and later evolved into an annual event in the Formula 1 World Championship. He also helped develop other events around the country, including races in Detroit, Las Vegas, Dallas, St. Louis, Denver and St. Petersburg.

The inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial is

Editors release new edition

EDITORS HAVE DEBUTED their new single, A Ton Of Love, taken from the band’s fourth studio album, The Weight Of Your Love, to be released by [PIAS] Australia on July 5.

The Weight Of Your Love is the

follow up to Editors’ two consecutive Number One UK, and ARIA Top 40 Albums, An End Has A Start and In This Light And On This Evening.

Their debut album, The Back Room, has sold more than half a million copies in the UK. It is the first album to feature new members, Justin Lockey and Elliott Williams, following the departure of founding member, Chris Urbanowicz, in 2012.

It was recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville with producer, Jacquire King and mixed

by Craig Silvey.

Tom Smith (lead vocals, guitar, piano), described The Weight Of Your Love as, “having a foot in that alt rock/Americana world” and of “feeling untouchable

at times”.

Recorded mostly live, it contains their most direct songs to date and also features extra production from Clint Mansell on Nothing.

The song was rescored from the original to become what Tom and Ed Lay (drums, percussion, backing vocals) both describe as the centrepiece of the album.

Lyrically focused on love songs that don’t adhere to the traditional love song type, the album has Tom Smith sing in falsetto for the first time on What Is This Thing Called Love.

Editors make a series of high profile festival performances across the Northern summer, including headlining slots at Belgium’s Werchter Festival, Lowlands in Holland and major appearances at 25 festivals across Europe.

In the UK, the band play prestigious slots at Glastonbury Festival, T In The Park and Reading and Leeds.

The band was last in Australia in 2009/2010 for Falls Festival.

ica team

planned for June 2014. The race is expected to generate more than $100m in economic benefits for New Jersey and New York each year.

The race will be run on a 3.2mile (5.14km) course using existing streets in Weehawken and West New York, NJ, along the Hudson River and at the top of the Palisades, with the New York City skyline as the backdrop.

More than 100,000 people are expected to attend over the course of three days. Fans will arrive through a combination of NJ Transit, PATH and New York Waterway ferries. www.gpamerica.com WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

The ingredients of a great festival

CORN, CRANBERRIES, COLUMBIAN coffee beans, coriander, coconut, chocolate and cherries are some of the ingredients featuring in new release brews that will be showcased at Australia’s largest craft beer event of its kind – the Great Australasian Beer SpecTAPular this year.

The three-day event, held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, May 24–26, will feature up to 100 new release brews from brewers across Australasia – and around the world.

While only in its second year, some 12,000 people are expected at the event, which includes live entertainment, gourmet food stands, educational sessions and a beer market with beer and industry related exhibitors selling brews.

Organisers, Steve Jeffares and Guy Greenstone, of the award-winning venues, The Local Taphouse, say breweries put a lot of time and effort into creating their concepts.

In the case of a collaborative brew by NSW based Thirsty Crow and William Bull breweries – Thirsty Crow Head Brewer Craig Wealands says they grated the zest of 30kg of oranges at the brewery for their Oak Aged American Stout with orange zest and espresso.

Coffee is a popular ingredient this year, with Victorian based PRODIJEE.COM WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

Mornington Peninsula Brewery creating a brew that features coffee from local coffee roasters, Common Folk. Tasmanian brewer, Van Dieman Brewing, is creating a Belgian Dubbel infused with cold pressed Columbian coffee beans aptly named Dubbel Shot.

Chocolate is also featured in some of the brews but in ways you may not expect with The Australian Brewery, from Sydney, creating a German breakfast beer combining golden naked oats and chocolate.

Queensland’s Bacchus Brewing has created a white chocolate and raspberry Pilsner, creating what brewer, Ross Kenrick, says is “a nice refreshing and slightly tart finish” to the beer.

Steve Jeffares says GABS provides a platform where brewers can all brew something new or be very creative and do something completely different to what they would normally create on a day-today basis.

“Last year we had watermelon and even rose petal infused beers, and they sometimes end up becoming a permanent fixture. For Kiwi brewery, Yeastie Boys, their Earl Grey tea infused India Pale Ale ended up taking out the People’s Choice Award. The beer proved so popular that they started exporting it to Australia.”

Yeastie Boys are back again this

year with a brew incorporating New Zealand beetroot, called Golden Age of Bloodshed.

Some of the country’s most renowned female brewers have come up with innovative brews, including Sam Fuss from Old Salt Brewing in Victoria. Sam has made a tropical orange coconut porter called Like a Sunrise, while a trip to the US inspired the Two Birds Brewing duo, Danielle Allen and Jayne Lewis, also from Victoria, to create a brew called Taco. It incorporates hoppy wheat beer with corn, coriander leaf and lime.

Peaches, oranges and hibiscus flowers are some of the other ingredients featured this year – and with as many as 150 brews in total to try, there’s no shortage of choice. www.gabsfestival.com.au

Jen beach slapped

POLITICAL PARTY, THE Australian Greens, has accused 2004 Miss Universe, Jennifer Hawkins, of being either naive or wilfully blind when it comes to using some of the most beautiful beaches in the world to promote her brand.

The party’s waste spokesperson, Tasmanian senator, Peter WhishWilson, made the allegation following the launch of her latest swimwear line. He claimed comments Hawkins made to the media about loving clean beaches while conducting her launch at Tasmania’s Bay of Fires beach, came across as little more than shallow and hypocritical.

“The single biggest global pollution problem in our oceans, and on our beaches, is plastic pollution, which often washes up in the form of plastic water-bottles and soft-drink bottles,” claimed WhishWilson.

“Miss Hawkins is the public face of Mount Franklin water bottles, which is owned by Coca Cola – a company opposed to recyclingrefund schemes for these plastic bottles, and whose discarded packaging litters Australian waterways and beaches.

“Mount Franklin and Miss Hawkins trade on the image of health and pristine beaches, but when it actually comes to doing something to keep our environment healthy

NO GONG FOR BILLABONG Billabong has requested its shares be suspended from trade so it can “progress discussions with interested parties”. The Sycamore consortium has made a $287m offer for the company.

Billabong has also held discussions with VF Corporation, owner of The North Face and Timberland outdoor clothing brands, as well as private equity firm, Altamont Capital Partners.

DUCATI GETS NEW BOSS Claudio Domenicali, currently general manager and member of the board of directors at Ducati Motor Holding, has been named as the successor to CEO, Gabriele Del Torchio.

Del Torchio guided Ducati out of an economically difficult phase and to the top of the worldwide premium performance motorcycle segment.

NONI JOINS THE BOARD Award-winning actor, Noni Hazlehurst, has joined the AFI | AACTA board, following the resignation of Sigrid Thornton, who served on the board for two years and is resigning to focus on work and family.

and beaches plastic-free, they’re all at sea – like a good deal of their discarded drink containers.”

Whish-Wilson said he had attempted to meet with Hawkins to discuss the issue but was informed that she was too busy.

“If Miss Hawkins is serious about looking after our beaches, and serious about avoiding accusations of hypocrisy, I would challenge her to use her profile to persuade Mount Franklin to take responsibility for their pollution – and get behind a scheme we know will help clean up our beaches,” he added.

Hawkins was unavailable for comment.

WESTFIELD CAUTIOUS Westfield Retail Trust says Australian consumer confidence is improving, but sales growth remains low. Rents for speciality stores in its shopping centres increased by 2.4 percent for the 12 months to March 3, however rents on new Australian leases fell 4.9 per cent for the three months to March 31.

NO JOY FOR HO High-end Australian fashion retailer, Lisa Ho, has been placed into administration less than a month after the company abandoned plans to float on the ASX. WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

Canadian crooner heads to OZ

CANADIAN SINGERSONGWRITER, Tim Chaisson, is again set to bring his warm, soulful voice, beautiful guitar melodies and renowned violin performances to Australia. On his second visit in 2013, Chaisson will be tackling the national touring circuit with

legendary ARIA award winning artist Diesel, as well as being joined by Hein and Little May for several Sydney dates.

Chaisson will be performing tunes from his previously released albums, including fan favourites from Broken Hearted Beat and treats from current album, The Other Side, which features Too High, a collaboration with renowned artist Ray Beadle.

Having already completed several successful solo Australian tours, Tim won the 2013 Best Roots Album at the Canadian East Coast Music

Awards, was chosen as musical director for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Visit to PEI in 2011 and played at the 2013 SXSW festival.

Known for his golden-voiced storytelling, Chaisson will begin touring with two dates at The Vanguard in Sydney starting on Friday, May 17. He then heads to Brisbane on Thursday, May 23, before heading back to Sydney to perform three consecutive dates, May 24-30, at prominent Cronulla venue, The Brass Monkey.

Tim then travels to Adelaide and Victoria and then back East to finalise his tour at The Coogee Diggers Club on June 16.

Having previously toured with Ray Beadle, Shannon Noll, Ian Moss, Kim Churchill and Jeff Martin, this tour is expected to be full of momentous occasions where Chaisson bares all to his audience and invites you into his world of truth and intrigue.

ELECTRONIC WUNDERKIND, ROBERT DeLong, will bring his genre-bending sound to dazzle Melbourne and Sydney audiences

with his first Australian headline shows, alongside a highly anticipated Splendour in the Grass performance this July.

DeLong exploded into the cultural stratosphere last year with game changing debut album Just Movement (out now through Liberator Music), an ingenious fusion of hypnotic hooks, bursting beats and reflective lyrics that pushes not only boundaries, but the listeners imagination.

The stomping single, Global Concepts, has set Australian airwaves ablaze, earning ARIA Gold certification (almost Platinum), hitting Number 1 on the Australian iTunes Electronic Chart and becoming 2013’s most danceable anthem.

On stage, the Seattle born songwriter loops and fuses beats and melody whilst utilizing a diverse and unique array of tools, including MIDI interfaces, game controllers, keyboards, trigger pads, acoustic drums and electric guitars.

But this isn’t just a cheap gimmick; every instrument DeLong brings on stage serves a purpose and is an essential component of the performance, taking the audience on an exploration of sound and innovation.

His high energy performances have also enraptured audiences at Coachella, Lollapalooza and The Governors Ball, making him one of the biggest buzz artists to emerge from this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival.

Game changer headlines show

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Telco boosts model’s career

HAVING PARTED WAYS with retailer, David Jones, Australian model, Samantha Harris has joined Boost Mobile as a brand ambassador. The partnership

means the telecommunications brand will support her rising career in modelling and signals a new direction for the brand by entering into the fashion arena.

“My job allows me to travel to some of the most amazing locations, and having access to the full Telstra 3G network means that I can call home whenever I’d like,” said the 22-year-old. “I’m also an avid user of Instagram, and Boost Mobile allows me to stay connected with my supporters wherever I am.”

“We’re excited to have Samantha join the ranks of our ambassadors,” said CEO for Boost Mobile, Paul O’Neile. “Not only does Samantha’s star continue to rise in the world of fashion and modelling, she’s a great role model for all young Australians and we’re proud to support her in all her efforts.”

Boost Mobile has recently partnered with Telstra, meaning Boost customers now have access to the 3G Telstra Mobile Network.

Stockdale’s life after Wolfmother ANDREW STOCKDALE HAS released a brand new EP as a prelude to his first self-produced album and tour.

The man who fronted Wolfmother has put out these new recordings under his own name after deciding the mojo of the band needed some readjusting. Stockdale said the heart and soul of the band had shifted from the beginnings; the band started with friends and has since turned into more or less a solo venture.

Featuring all the current Wolfmother members, the team is thrilled with this soul shift.

Stockdale’s Keep Moving EP was exclusively released on iTunes in Australia on April 26 and has been hovering around the Top 10 on the Rock Charts ever since.

The EP features the lead track, Long Way To Go, a boogie fest from start to finish, with all of the ingredients of a great rock shake down. The vocals are present and dry, right in your face layered by

sweet valve guitar tones and crunching Wurlitzer keyboards. The hands are in the air, the maracas are shaking, the road cases are rolling on the stage, and there is something to be excited about. Many say this is just a taste of what’s to come from the forthcoming epic album, also titled Keep Moving, out on June 7 through Universal Music.

On tour, Andrew and the full band will perform old tracks, including much loved Wolfmother classics such as Woman, Joker and the Thief, New Moon Rising and White Feather, together with all the new songs from

Keep Moving.

After the Australian tour for Keep Moving, Andrew and band then jet off to Japan, US, Europe, South America and South East Asia for a worldwide tour, coinciding with the album’s international release.

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prodijee

going postal BIG HAIR IS A NO NO!

Editor Darren House darren@prodijee.com Fashion & Lifestyle Editor Carol Sheridan carol@prodijee.com Art Director Carolyn Stevens Contributing Writers John Anthony Michael Bongiorno Vita Carbone Christine Clais David Dowsey Sarah French Ieva Georges Jon Palmieri Kortney Rae Riely Saville Amy Sommer Joey Sulfaro Contributing Photographers Matthew Wren Andrew Browne John Doig Hair/Make Up Aneta Nastevski Sera Fathers Advertising advertising@prodijee.com Published by: prodijee PO Box 4158 Ringwood, 3134, Vic. Australia info@prodijee.com www.prodijee.com

BE GREEN EMBRACE THE SCREEN!

No trees were harmed during the production of this magazine.

Material published in prodijee is copyright and may not be reproduced by any means of duplication without the written permission of the publisher.

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What’s with the big hair on your cover? I have seen Sarah Godfrey at some events and she is so much prettier than your cover shot. I was really happy to see inside the magazine that you used other pictures of her that show how beautiful she really is.

Shayenne Rogers Airlie Beach QLD, Australia

Ed: Sarah is certainly a very beautiful girl Shayenne, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whilst I am not a fan of the big hair look myself, others love it. We aim to please all of our readers and like to show as many images of people in prodijee as we can.

NOT HAPPY

I went out and got one of those Revlon Suede Lipsticks on your advice and found it to be crap.

My lips dried out and were flakey and peeling for about a week after wearing it for one day. Not happy!

Carrie Marshall Bankstown NSW, Australia

ED: I am sorry that you had a less than perfect experience with the Revlon Suede. Our reviews are always conducted from a personal perspective. It does not mean that everyone will have the same result.

BURBERRY IS BIG BUCKS

I have to say that I love the Burberry clothes for men. Why does it have to be expensive? I would love to wear it all the time.

Ryan McDonald Erskineville, NSW, Australia

Ed: Burberry is excellent quality and has magnificent style, which is why we show it a fair bit in prodijee.

Maybe save up and buy one outfit or garment each year and slowly build your wardrobe that way.

Burberry is timeless!

STYLE BLUNDER?

Other than the opening shot, I would hate to see those Schwarzkopf styles taking on.

They’re terrible!

Jennifer Loxley Bexley, London, United Kingdom

InDaHouse SUPERSTAR

Are you likely to be running any competitions with tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar that you showed in the issue before last?

Kelvin Chan Canterbury, Victoria, Australia

Ed: I wish we could Kelvin, but it is highly unlikely. Keep reading though, as we are running quite a few giveaways in this issue!

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Your review helped me to buy the Canon D20, which I had already been looking at online. I am really disappointed now though - where are the babes with the buckets of soapy water? I thought they were part of the deal!

Joel Couch Plumpton NSW, Australia Ed: Good one, Joel! I share your disappointment. Every camera should come with a bikini model or two. It was a fun photo shoot; we managed to raise a few eyebrows from the neighbours of our fashion editor, having done the shoot in her driveway.

HUBBA HUBBA

After reading Reality Bites, I have to say I totally relate to where Amy Sommer is coming from. I hate going to the gym but I must say, if David Siik was my instructor, I’d be there seven days a week! What more inspiration would you need to get into shape than to stare into his awesome blue eyes. Hubba Hubba!

Lucy Bell Syracuse, New York, USA

Ed: And thanks to the many other ladies who wrote in to express their appreciation of David!

AND ONE FOR THE BOYS

Do you have any more photos of Sarah French wearing a black mini and boots while waving her kitchen knives? That pic is awesome!

Santo Galli Rye, Victoria, Australia

Ed: I wish we did, Santo. I wish we did...

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? Send prodijee an email at goingpostal@prodijee.com

Denying reality THE POPULARITY OF reality TV in Australia mystifies me. I don’t watch it, nor do I have any interest in watching it.

From my point of view, there is much to dislike about reality TV, from the networks’ relentless advertising of these shows, to the manufactured conflict and aggro, to the ‘wannabe star’ contestants who seek post-program media careers without having to do years of ‘annoying’ training. And let us not forget that The Voice ‘uncovers’ global superstars on a nightly basis...

When another reality show promo appears on my TV, and I’m thinking about throwing a shoe through the screen, it’s easy to curse soulless TV executives for dishing up this rubbish (and even more so, when all three commercial networks air reality shows simultaneously), but of course, they wouldn’t do it if people didn’t watch.

But there is, from my point of view, some light at the end of the tunnel. The Voice’s audience is falling, the appallingly bad (and misleadingly titled) Celebrity Splash was cut short due to a rapidly declining audience and House Rules fell well short of the anticipated ratings on opening night.

And to the viewer’s credit, they quickly and overwhelmingly rejected the ironically and optimistically named I Will Survive, The Renovators and the spectacularly unsuccessful, Everybody Dance Now. If viewers knew these shows were dogs, why didn’t experienced, highly paid TV execs?

DARREN HOUSE WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

what’s hot

Orly’s bright start to Winter

IT’S JUST TOO easy to curl up on the couch, under a blanket when the weather gets cold and forget about looking after ourselves. It’s also really easy to look outside, see the grey skies and feel drab and dull ourselves.

Just because it’s grey outside, doesn’t mean we have to portray grey ourselves. Having painted nails always makes me feel better, particularly if they sparkle.

ORLY Professional Nail Care has released its new Flash Glam Winter Collection of prismatic glitter polishes, which will transform your manicure from drab to fab this winter! With multiple ways of wearing ORLY Flash Glam, you can enjoy a manicure with maximum glamour and full-spectrum shine all winter long.

The bright and bold range includes five chunky glitter style shades in fiery tones: * Too Fab: Gold Glitter * Watch It Glitter: Bronze Glitter * So Go-Diva: Chocolate Brown Glitter * Rockets Red Glare: Red Glitter

* Atomic Splash: Gunmetal Glitter Liquid Vinyl: Black Crème ORLY Australia Ambassador and Celebrity Manicurist, Fiona Hay, explained why glitter polishes are in hot demand this winter: “Nails played a very strong role in this year’s New York Fashion Week shows - not only as a beauty look, but fashion accessory. Colours seen on the talons of top models were deep oxblood red, charcoal greys, and lots of metallic and glitters used in a variety of ways, which is why this latest Flash Glam collection from ORLY is right on trend.”

ORIS HAS LAUNCHED the ProDiver Pointer Moon, the world's first mechanical watch that indicates both the lunar cycle and the tidal range.

Inspired by Oris brand ambassador and experienced commercial diver, Roman Frischknecht, the Pointer Moon is a timepiece specifically designed to meet the demands of professional diving.

The Pointer Moon indicates the tidal range and lunar cycle at a glance, using a unique dial design that removes the need to constantly consult external manuals. It also

incorporates Oris' patented Rotation Safety System. This allows the wearer to keep track of a certain time period using a rotating bezel that can be locked to prevent accidental adjustment, and an automatic helium escape valve.

The Pointer Moon’s titanium case is water resistant to 1000m, with special metres-feet scale engravings on the screwed case back. For ease of readability, the sapphire crystal is domed on both sides and has an inner anti-reflective coating.

The new timepiece is available in both northern and southern hemisphere tide range indication.

Stockists: 1300 769 355 www.orlybeauty.com.au

As I have said many times before, I am a huge fan of ORLY polish. It is easy to apply, fast drying, long wearing and comes in an amazing array of colours and finishes. I would like to share the experience with some lucky readers. Email me at carol@prodijee.com for your chance to win one of these beautiful glitter polishes. All you need to do is put the words ORLY GIVEAWAY in the subject line.

Keeping a watch on the moon

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Comfort, quality and style

THE ZOLA COLLECTION, established in 2003, draws inspiration from the latest overseas fashion trends.

Zola shoes are made by hand and the company prides itself on comfort and quality. Their feminine styles, with a vintage touch, give the shoes a personality of their own. Zola Collection is a perfect expression of unique eyecatching footwear with interesting designs that showcase bold attention to detail. The company specialises in the latest designer trends, with a commitment to deliver a variety of styles.

It’s easy being photoready

PHOTOREADY PRIMER + SHADOW is the new eye colour range from Revlon. Adding to the PhotoReady collection, these products make eye makeup easy.

Each kit includes a lid-smoothing primer, three expertly co-ordinated shadows that can be used wet or dry, and a sparkle top coat to give eyes added flare. The palette is designed to take the guess work out of application, with a unique ‘eye shape’ layout and suggested ‘How To’ on the back of each package.

concealer, while protecting skin with Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

SHADES: Light, Light/Medium & Medium Suggested retail price: $24.95 PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator is a lightweight liquid illuminator that instantly brightens

skin, leaving a healthy glow in any light. PhotoReady Skinlights comes in three shades, with an easy-to-use approach. Use alone or mix with foundation to achieve your perfect glow and create a multi-dimensional effect on the skin.

SHADES: Pink, Bare and Bronze Suggested retail price: $ $29.95.

SHADES: Renaissance, Avant Garde, Pop Art, Metropolitan, Bohemian, Graffiti, Impressionist, Watercolors Suggested retail price: $25.95 PhotoReady BB Cream Skin Perfector is a lightweight, multi-benefit BB cream that hydrates like a moisturiser, smoothes like a primer, covers like a foundation, and blurs flaws like a WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

American icons join forces

AMERICA'S GARAGES JUST got a lot cooler with two American icons, Craftsman and HarleyDavidson, teaming up to produce co-branded, special-edition tool storage products, available in Sears stores and online.

As part of its collaboration, the Craftsman brand becomes the official hand and power tool sponsor of the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Celebration.

"Working with Harley-Davidson is a natural association for the Craftsman brand," said Michael

Castleman, president of Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard and senior vice president, Sears Holdings. "With similar roots steeped in the heart of the American garage, we share the passion for the ingenuity and freedom that drive our customers.

Together, we are leveraging marketing, [and] community and product assets to broaden the reach of our great brands, including outreach to both the Craftsman Club and Harley Owners Group."

Three special-edition Craftsman/ Harley-Davidson co-branded tool storage units are available now for purchase exclusively at Craftsman. com, Sears.com and at Sears stores nationwide, including Sears full-line stores, Sears Hometown Stores and Sears Hardware Stores.

All units feature a black frame,

official Harley-Davidson "vintage orange" drawer fronts and official Harley-Davidson decaling, including the Harley-Davidson bar and shield.

In mid-summer, Craftsman and Harley-Davidson will launch other versions of these items to be available exclusively at HarleyDavidson dealers nationwide. The dealer-exclusive assortment of three, four and five-drawer products will feature an all-black design with official Harley-Davidson "Dark Custom" decaling and a load rating of 1000lbs.

"Strategically, Craftsman is a perfect fit for Harley-Davidson," said Mark-Hans Richer, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Harley-Davidson. "When it comes to working on HarleyDavidson motorcycles, our riders crave only the best. That's why Craftsman is now the official hand and power tool sponsor of the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary and beyond."

Craftsman tools will be part of special commemorative anniversary events throughout the summer and fall, including the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and at festivities in Milwaukee on Labor Day weekend.

standard 336kW model by two tenths of a second, and the 358kW AMG performance package variants by one tenth of a second each. The top speed of all variants is 280km/h (electronically limited).

Externally, the C 63 AMG Edition

507 is characterised by a number of exclusive design features, most notably the bonnet, which originates from the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. Darkened styling and new 19” AMG light-alloy cross-spoke wheels are also distinctive on the Edition 507.

Mercedes sets 507’s numbers

MERCEDES-BENZ HAS ANNOUNCED pricing for the new C 63 AMG Edition 507, which will be on sale in Australia in September 2013: * Saloon: $169,407 * Estate: $171,407 * Coupe: $172,407 Pricing is an MRLP, excluding on-road costs and dealer delivery. For drive away price information, consumers should contact dealers.

The C 63 AMG Edition 507 delivers a maximum output of 373kW, accelerating from 0–100 km/h in 4.2 seconds for the Saloon and Coupé models, and 4.3 seconds for the Estate. As such, the C 63 AMG Edition 507 outperforms the WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

Small camera, big features SONY HAS RELEASED what it describes as the World’s smallest and lightest camera with 30x optical zoom range.

While it is tempting to rely on your smartphone for photography, the HX50V gives photographers a strong argument to invest in a dedicated pocket camera. Its wide-ranging optical zoom gives users more flexibility to pick their optimal shooting position, while Optical SteadyShot camera-shake compensation, ensures that image quality is not compromised, even when shooting on the move. Even at 30x zoom, Sony says the HX50V now offers image stabilisation that is twice as effective as the Cybershot HX200V.

Powered by a 20.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ processor, the HX50V produces high-resolution, high quality images with exceptional low-light performance. Working at more than twice the speed of the Cybershot HX200V at full zoom, highspeed autofocus captures fleeting moments for posterity, while integrated Wi-Fi lets you share those special memories quickly and easily.

For more advanced photographers, who like to fine-tune the details of a shot, there’s a dial to adjust exposure compensation, plus a mode dial for other manual shooting settings such as P/A/S/M modes.

There is also a Multi Interface Shoe for attaching compatible electronic viewfinders, flashes, or microphones that can offer better video sound

quality and complement the high quality full HD video shooting and 50p recording capability of the HX50V. The Multi Terminal allows for the use of a remote controller, which will come in handy for closeups and movies.

The X-type lithium-ion battery in the Cyber-shot HX50V, which is smaller than any of its predecessors, delivers 400 photos from a single charge. GPS functionality is also offered on the HX50V with an embedded GPS Log Recording function.

With more people shooting video alongside still photos, the HX50V promises to deliver both with stunning results. It captures beautifully smooth full HD movies (50p) that benefit from Optical SteadyShot (Active Mode) compensation, which reduces camera-shake when you are shooting videos on the move.

Compatible with TRILUMINOS Colour technology, the footage can be enjoyed with rich, natural colours when viewed on any TRILUMINOS Display TV. The Cyber-Shot HX50V will be available in Australia from June 1 for $499 SRP.

Wear a Mustang on your wrist

DETROIT-BASED SHINOLA is helping to mark 50 years of the Ford Mustang with the release of a premium wristwatch. Bearing the exclusive Mustang 50 Years logo, only 1000 of these watches will be sold.

A onetime maker of shoe polish, Shinola is an American brand that embodies strength, passion and quality, and is dedicated to producing American-made products, including watches, bicycles, leather goods, and journals of the highest possible quality.

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The best networking opportunity in the industry • Exposure to more than 20 industry people in one day!

• Multiple models and photographers moving from station to station to a coordinated schedule • Multiple hair and make up looks per model • Designer garments, jewellery and props supplied • Training in posing and industry practice from a professional model • Photography workshop and mentoring by a known fashion photographer

Photo: Daniel Fisher

• Stunning shoot venues – a blend of studio and location, designer and natural • Whether you’re established and have a creative concept in mind or a student starting your portfolio from scratch, Model Success events provide custom portfolio creation from start to finish for models, photographers, hair/MUAs

Portfolio Building Events Register and find out more at www.modelsuccess.com.au

Photo: Adrian Carmody

Photo: Nishimachi Photo: Rey Susanto

Mmmmm... chocolate

WHAT DOES THE word chocolate mean to you? What does your mind instantly think of when someone mentions the word? Do you close your eyes and start to dream of smooth silky chocolate? Do you start to salivate?

I have run my own little survey and asked people what the word chocolate means to them, here is what they have come up with: Heaven on earth; heavenly delight; something amazingly milky; Heavenly, smooth and creamy; extremely sweet; rich; sweet; soothing; seductive; Heaven on your tongue; sheer ecstasy; decadent; to die for; something to bathe in; creamy, smooth and chocolaty; better than sex; it is so good that it should have its own food group!

Whatever this word concocts in your mind, to the vast majority of us, it is a treat; comforting,

satisfying and delicious. There are blogs about chocolate, websites, forums, cookbooks, magazine articles and cooking shows, national and international studies on taste and texture and competitions… the list goes on and on… chocolate seems to be heavily on our minds.

There are even instructions for making your chocolate experience the very best it can be: 1. Slowly peel back the wrapper.

(Not too fast as that will spoil the moment) 2. Gently pull back the foil.

3. Look at the chocolate with loving eyes.

4. Smell the chocolate. It is very important to do this. You have to remember the scent of it.

5. Break off a piece and put it on the tip of your tongue, then move it gently around your mouth.

6. Slowly swallow the chocolate and you just have experienced ecstasy, sweet, chocolaty, creamy, smooth.

During the survey, I also asked what brand of chocolate came to people’s mind first… 100 per cent of those asked said… Cadbury. Not many surveys come up with that 100 per cent answer and I must admit, I was a little surprised. There are so many brands on the market now, but we have all grown up with the Cadbury name. It has always been Cadbury at Easter, Cadbury when you are buying a chocolaty gift and Cadbury when you are treating someone special or yourself.

Now Cadbury has unveiled some improvements to its Dairy Milk blocks range, including a more generous 220gm block size – with the extra joy not affecting the recommended

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retail price. The enhancements are said to be the most significant in the brand’s 132-year history and will be sure to delight lovers of Cadbury Dairy Milk.

The improvements follow the launch of Joyville, the magical and mythical place where Cadbury dairy milk is made. These new changes are in-line with the Joyville philosophy that is all about making the world a more joyful place.

Fresh from the kitchens of Joyville, the famous chocolate blocks will see the introduction of new rounder shaped chocolate pieces, the inclusion of whole nuts in all nut varieties, more generous blocks and a new look, easy to use, resealable pack.

Cadbury has also introduced a new 135g block size, designed specifically with small families in mind, to be enjoyed as a family sharing treat but also ideal for intimate sharing occasions for couples. http://joyville.cadbury.com.au Now, close your eyes, imagine going through those all-important instructions of opening and eating chocolate… are you tempted?

Can you taste that velvety goodness on your tongue? If so, email me – carol@prodijee. com – I have Cadbury gift packs to give away to the first 5 people who send me an email titled CADBURY GIVE AWAY.

Get arty on social media CANON AUSTRALIA HAS announced the arrival of the ultracompact PowerShot N, in limited quantities, exclusively at Ted’s Camera Stores.

The PowerShot N features a super-small, square body design.

It is a compact camera, built for social media savvy shooters who crave better quality photos, effortless creativity and one-touch connectivity to smartphones and tablets for quick sharing.

Injecting every shot with artistic flair, the PowerShot N features a new Creative Shot mode, meaning anyone can impress their friends and followers with unique and creative images that offer a different perspective on a typical scene or subject.

When an image is captured in

Creative Shot mode, the PowerShot N intelligently analyses the scene and determines which, of a host of

creative elements, could enhance the scene or offer a different creative angle.

Toyota’s solution for all

TOYOTA HAS BROKEN away from traditional vehicle design and engineering to produce a visionary concept that combines four cars in one.

The innovative Toyota ME.WE can be configured as a small city car, off-roader, ute and convertible, making it adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyles.

The five-seat, electric, concept car is positioned as an intelligent, no frills response to the ecological threats posed by mass production and the growth of the global car fleet.

A joint venture between Toyota and leading European industrial designer, Jean-Marie Massaud, the car’s name reflects a simultaneous concern for individual freedom (ME) and responsibility towards society (WE).

The goal was ‘intelligent reduction’ - better accommodating the automotive needs of people by eliminating excess, in a package that reconciles driving pleasure with environmental responsibility.

The ME.WE uses materials that are lightweight, robust and recyclable - a tubular aluminium structure, body panels made from expanded polypropylene, and bamboo for the floor and dashboard.

Inside, passengers always take priority over luggage, which can be carried on the roof, protected by a neoprene cover.

The rear luggage space can be extended, transforming it into a platform like that of a ute. The car can also provide the wind-in-the-hair experience of a cabriolet by opening all the windows, including the windscreen.

Instruments are limited to a single screen above the steering wheel that indicates vehicle speed, battery charge, trip information and navigation instructions delivered by a smart phone.

Collaboration with Massaud began in 2011. He said today’s cars have become an accumulation of constraints more than a source of freedom.

“Our lives and needs require more adaptability, simplicity and lightness,” Massaud said. “The car of today should be seen as a personal mobility solution that can deliver more.”

Toyota says there are no plans for the ME.WE to enter production.

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GET THE HEADS UP ON GREAT HAIR CARE HERBAL ESSENCES ADD A RINSE-OFF TREATMENT TO ITS HELLO HYDRATION COLLECTION

EASY AND EFFECTIVE TOTAL CARE BY HEAD & SHOULDERS WITH THEIR NEW COLLECTION FOR MEN The head & shoulders for men collection features Total Care 3 in1 and Hair Retain, both engineered with high performance technology that is said to remove up to 100 per cent of dandruff and also deliver a long lasting, refreshing coolness and scent. head & shoulders Total Care 3 in1 200ml - RRP $5.99

How thirsty is your hair? Now you can really please parched hair, thanks to the all-new Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Rinse-Off Treatment. With its serum-infused formula, this third addition to the Hello Hydration range is specifically designed to replenish lost moisture and keep flyaways at bay, leaving your hair feeling smooth and smelling delicious.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner – 300ml RRP $5.99 each Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Rinse-Off Treatment – 180ml RRP $6.99

THE NEW HERBAL ESSENCES COLLECTION: HONEY, I’M STRONG Experience hair that’s strong enough to rock any style

Do you dare to repair? Get stronger hair with the new Herbal Essences Honey, I’m Strong hair care collection.

Rich with natural honey and apricot extracts, the Honey, I’m Strong collection includes a Shampoo, Conditioner, and Rinse-Off Treatment, all designed to help your hair BEEcome silky strong after just one wash.

Honey, I’m Strong Shampoo & Conditioner 300ml – RRP $5.99 each WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

PANTENE TAKES THE CAKE FOR VARIETY Help reduce colour fade and protect against damage with pantene’s new 6 week colour protect treatment program.

Chemically damaged hair is often stripped of its natural protective F-layer which is why, with every shower, colours are easily washed away. The program helps combat and repair chemical damage and protect colour for up to six weeks.

Pantene’s 6 Week Colour Protect Treatment Program, featuring the signature Pro Vitamin B5 science, combined with the new Liquid Crystal System, helps lock in colour from root to tip by sealing hair cuticles and repairing the surface of damaged, porous fibres to ensure fade is reduced for up to six weeks.

Repair split ends and grow longer and stronger hair with pantene’s new Beautiful Lengths Strengthening Collection The longer your hair grows, the more damage it endures, so give your hair the care it craves with new Pantene Beautiful Lengths Strengthening Collection. The Pro-V Keratin formula helps weak, brittle, damage-prone hair gain strength against breakage, to leave you with soft, healthy and hydrated hair.

Pantene’s Styling Treatment hybrids for nourishing, long lasting style.

The damage caused to hair through styling can often lead to limp, lifeless locks and styles that fall flat before the day is out.

The six new products in the Pantene Styling Treatments range are the ultimate solution to every hair need, combatting the most concerning hair worries for women, including damage, dryness and short-lived hair styles, to condition hair and provide long-lasting style that holds all day – and night.

Pantene 6 Week Colour Protect Treatment Program – RRP $9.99 Pantene Beautiful Lengths Strengthening Shampoo – 350 ml RRP $7.99 Pantene Styling Treatment Mist Soft Curls - 150ml RRP $9.99 Pantene Styling Treatment Creamy Fiber Soft Curls - 60g RRP $9.99 Pantene Styling Treatment Foam Soft Curls - 150g RRP $9.99 Pantene Styling Treatment Foam Smooth Straight - 150g RRP $9.99 Pantene Styling Treatment Mist Smooth Straight - 150ml RRP $9.99

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Rejuvenate the skin and revitalise the mind NATIO’S COMPREHENSIVE NEW ORANGE BLOSSOM RANGE CLEANSES AND NOURISHES THE BODY SO YOU CAN COCOON IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN BATHROOM. COMBINING GENTLE YET EFFECTIVE PLANT EXTRACTS AND ESSENTIAL OILS, TREAT YOUR SELF TO SMOOTH, BRIGHT AND HYDRATED SKIN AS THE MOOD ENHANCING SCENT OF ORANGE BLOSSOM WASHES THROUGH YOUR HOME. WORDS: KORTNEY RAE

W

omen worldwide are increasingly choosing to pamper in their own homes.

This phenomenon is termed as cocooning, and it describes the trend of retreating to the home space. Our busy lives have accelerated this trend with many of us now wanting our time-out at home.

With natural skincare leading the charge, Natio’s comprehensive new Orange Blossom cleanses and nourishes the body, so you can cocoon in the comfort of your own bathroom. Combining gentle yet effective plant extracts and essential oils, you can delight in smooth, bright and hydrated skin as the mood enhancing scent of Orange Blossom washes through your home.

Inspired by the delightful fragrance of an orange grove in bloom and the ongoing popularity of natural skincare, Natio has launched the Orange Blossom bath and body collection. Comprising body cleansers, moisturisers and a scrub, along with hand care to purify and hydrate, the formulations combine the skin friendly and olfactory benefits of Orange Blossom to rejuvenate the skin and revitalise the mind.

Designed as a complete routine to pamper and protect from the neck down, Natio Orange Blossom works in harmony with all skin types, including sensitive, dry, and aged, to deliver vitamins, minerals and nourishment deeply into the dermis.

These beautiful, delicately WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

fragranced products are a delight to use on your skin. They are free of synthetic fragrance and the delicate natural aroma is delightfully invigorating and promotes mood enhancing effects that uplift and harmonise .

The range includes seven essential body products. Natio National Trainer, Linda Riddell, provides tips for getting the most from your home spa experience:

it fresh and revitalised. Lightly foaming, it removes excess oil, impurities and grime with ease.

TIP: Thoroughly cleansing your body ensures you receive the maximum benefit from subsequent moisturisers and treatment products. Lather up in circular motions, from the neck down, to ensure you won’t miss a spot.

Body Soap (125g) RRP $9.95 A luxurious body bar to leave skin cleansed and hydrated. Combines Sesame and Almond Oil to moisturise and Jojoba to soothe and purify, washing away impurities without drying out your skin.

TIP: Use as often as you need to purify and clarify your skin.

Body Lotion (250ml pump pack) RRP $14.95 A fast-absorbing lotion to lightly hydrate and help maintain a healthy moisture balance. Smooth on to nourish skin and give a healthy glow.

Body Wash (250ml) RRP $12.95 A hydrating body cleanser to gently purify and soothe skin, leaving

TIP: If your skin is on the oilier side, opt for the Orange Blossom Body Lotion instead of the Body Butter, as the consistency is lighter.

TIP: Twice a week, gently massage the body scrub in circular motions from the chest down, avoiding the delicate neck area.

Body Butter (210g tube) RRP $16.95 Luxurious and deeply nourishing, this intensive moisturising cream soothes tired, thirsty skin and restores natural lustre.

TIP: Orange Blossom Body Butter is ideal for dry, scaly and ageing skin as it provides a concentrated burst of hydration and creates a moisture barrier between the skin’s surface and the outside elements.

Sea Salt Scrub (210g) RRP $16.95 This finely milled Sea Salt scrub deeply exfoliates and removes impurities and dead skin cells without irritation.

Hand Wash (250g) RRP $8.95 Cleanse, hydrate and protect your hands with this fragrant, antibacterial, low foaming hand wash.

TIP: Germs accumulate on our hands as we touch people, surfaces and objects. Washing them regularly with Orange Blossom Hand Wash refreshes your hands while the fragrance uplifts your mood.

Hand Cream (100g tube) RRP $9.95

Care for hands and strengthen nails with intensive hand cream that deeply moisturises and soothes.

TIP: For an overnight treatment, apply to your hands and nails then slip on a pair of cotton gloves.

MY OWN TIP – at work, keep the pump bottle of body lotion on your desk. Apply to hands as often as you wish and continue your work with the delicate scent of orange blossom.

Available from Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies.

Stockists: 03 9415 9911 or www.natio.com.au

The first person to email me at carol@prodijee.com with the words NATIO GIVEAWAY in the subject line will receive a beautiful Natio Orange Blossom gift pack.

WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

A little indulgence never goes astray SOMETIMES WE NEED JUST A LITTLE BIT OF SPECIAL TREATMENT, NOTHING HUGE, JUST SOMETHING THAT BRINGS A SMILE TO OUR FACE. FOR SOME OF US THAT WILL BE BRONZED SKIN, FOR OTHERS IT MAY BE WEARING SOMETHING THAT SMELLS BEAUTIFUL OR EVEN A SMALL PIECE OF JEWELLERY. WHATEVER YOUR INDULGENCE MAY BE, HERE ARE A FEW PRODUCTS TO INSPIRE YOU. WORDS: KORTNEY RAE

qFRUITIFY YOUR LIPS WITH

INNOXA Electrify your senses and succumb to sweet cravings with the newest additions to the INNOXA cosmetic collection. The Antioxidant Lip Glazes and Invisible Lip Shaper are sure to create a picture perfect pout and add a dash of dewy goodness to your lips.

In Guava, Berry, Tangerine, Apple and Plum, these non-sticky fruit inspired glazes can be paired alone or worn with an existing lip shade.

RRP - $14.95

uWANT A FLAWLESS TAN?

Getting the perfect tan has never been easier thanks to Le Tan Tanning Gel. Enriched with Vitamin E, this soft gel formula gently hydrates and moisturises the skin whilst creating a streak-free, flawless tan.

The soft clear gel contains moisturising Vitamin E and is absorbed quickly, developing in just 4 hours.

There is no reason not to have that sun-kissed look this winter, and

the delicious coconut fragrance will have you thinking that you are on a tropical island.

Available in Bronze and Deep Bronze - RRP $12.99

Stockists: 1300 650 981

Stockists: Myer, Priceline and selected pharmacies.

uBE UNIQUE AND

uCARESS YOUR SENSES WITH SAHARA NOIR BY TOM FORD Tom Ford presents his new fragrance inspired by the mystery and luxury of the Middle East.

Sahara Noir is an Oriental Woody fragrance crafted around a heart of frankincense, an ingredient that has been used for millennia

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in ceremony, offered as a gift of devotion, and worn to enhance beauty. Its balsamic, resinous aroma transports the imagination to faroff lands and evokes a hypnotizing mood of mystery and reverence.

RRP – 50ml EDP - $230

Stockists: 1800 061 326

ADAPTABLE Choose the pieces to put together and create your own special piece of jewellery. Whether it be for a gift or for yourself, you can choose individual pendants, wrist bands, lockets and charms to make a designer range, designed by you.

Plaited Leather Bracelet $39.60 Charm Clip - $26.40 Favourite hello charm - $39.60 Heart Charm - $33.00

www.palasjewellery.com.au

qLIKE ORGANIC AND ANTI-

impurities.

Kosmea’s light, non-greasy moisturising lotion has broad screen sun protection. This moisturising lotion offers a natural 30+ UV filter and provides excellent sun protection. Never forget that the sun can still be the enemy for our skin in the cooler months of the year.

AGEING? Grown Alchemist is a new generation of organic skincare. The formulations are said to transform some of the most powerful antiageing botanical extracts into soothing balms, serums, elixirs and creams for the face, body and scalp.

Grown Alchemist products are Ecocert (an international organic certification body) and Australian certified organic (ACO).

Hand Cream – Vanilla & Orange Peel – 300 ml - RRP $39.95 Stockists: Myer, David Jones, Selected Spas, Beauty Salons and Pharmacies. www.grown.com

Purifying Cream Cleanser - RRP $34.95 (150mL) Moisturising Lotion – RRP $44.95 (50mL).

Available nationally at David Jones, selected Pharmacies and Health Food Stores. www.kosmea.com

qDARE TO GO NUDE?

pLUXURIOUS SKIN CARE IN

A BOTTLE Indulge in Kosmea’s Purifying Cream Cleanser that doesn’t dry out your skin or use harmful chemicals.

The premium, natural ingredients sooth your face with a creamy texture that gently wipes away

Estée Lauder has just released their new Invisible Powder Makeup; a powder that reveals a natural, true colour finish with buildable coverage without looking powdery – it’s your skin, only better. The skinloving, hybrid formula combines all the best features and benefits of powder, liquid and gel textures to smooth and perfect skin - a baked gelee powder that can be refreshed, renewed and retouched at any time of the day.

Dermatologist-tested, nonacnegenic and oil-free with lasting oil-control, this revolutionary powder makeup reduces the appearance of pores.

RRP $68.00

Available in 12 shades at all Estée Lauder counters nationwide and online at www.esteelauder.com.au

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roadtest

Cover your body in soufflé

NIVEA’S DRY SKIN FORMULATION CREATES A MORE YOUTHFUL APPEARANCE I HAVE BEEN trialling the new NIVEA Irresistibly Smooth Body Soufflé. It was promoted to me as something that I was greatly in need of. This product is formulated for dry skin that needs a little extra moisture… definitely my skin … needing (a lot of) moisture and feeling lacklustre.

The Body Soufflé comes in a 300ml tub, great for all over body care. It’s a light cream that has a slightly whipped texture. Of course, it contains NIVEA’s Hydra IQ technology which hydrates by stimulating the skin’s own moisture networks. It also contains the

delightful shea butter that prevents moisture from escaping.

I found the product to be nonsticky and for the consistency, it is very quickly absorbed. My skin felt soft and smooth instantly and that feeling lasted all day. The Body Soufflé is lightly fragranced and won’t interfere with any other fragrance you apply.

I love this product. I have been starting every day with it and my skin is a lot softer, more supple and feels years younger.

Oh yes, I have been carried away thinking about how this product has greatly benefited my skin and nearly forgot to mention the problem I have with NIVEA. They say that if you repeat something every day for 21 days you have now formed a habit. I haven’t found this to be the case for me. As far as moisturising my skin goes, the constant reminder of parched and cracked skin has been my reminder to moisturise day in and day out.

After using the NIVEA Irresistibly Smooth Body Soufflé, and the

wonderful affect it has had on my skin, I don’t have that constant reminder to slather my skin in moisturiser. Thus, I am finding, without that reminder of rough skin, I am tending to forget to moisturise!

I have had to look for another reminder, and that is leaving the tub of product on my vanity! www.nivea.com.au RRP: $9.92 NIVEA Irresistibly Smooth Soufflé is available in Australia from Chemist Warehouse, Priceline and selected pharmacies.

I have some NIVEA Irresistibly Smooth Body Soufflé to give away to lucky readers so that they too can see how good this product is. The first two people to email me at carol@prodijee. com and let me know why your skin is in need of help will receive some of this beautiful product – make sure you put NIVEA GIVE AWAY in the email subject line.

prodijee.com THE NEXT BIG THING IS HERE...

For all the latest news and reviews, together with fashion, health and beauty tips, log on to www.prodijee.com

Detox for your skin in 7 days GATINEAU’S BLURB MAY CONFUSE BUT THERE’S NO DENYING THE RESULT I HAVE JUST found my new MUST HAVE product! It’s a 7-day treatment with an intense detoxifying action that is said to make your skin radiant and to also optimize the efficacy of your daily skin-care creams. It is supposed to be for women aged 25 years and older with tired and devitalized skin (I tick those boxes).

The blurb on this product is that it strengthens cell detoxification by increasing the production of lysosomes needed to reduce the level of oxidized cells and increases the ability to convert cellular waste (proteins) into nutritive elements (amino acids) that promote cellular metabolism.

It has an anti-oxidant action, protecting cells, reducing damage caused by oxidative stress.

It brightens the complexion, de-stresses the skin, boosts microcirculation by stimulating vascular epidermal growth factor production and supplies, leading to a pinker complexion.

With hyaluronic acid, glycol derivatives and sweet almond oil, it nourishes, moisturizes and protects the skin. Over the course of the 7 days, your skin will be very gently exfoliated and cell renewal will be stimulated leaving smoother skin.

Read enough blah blah yet?

To be 100 percent honest, I have never quite understood the philosophy of detox for the skin, well, not where you are just putting on a cream where there is nothing visible disappearing. We all know what a liver detox does, you get an ‘in’ and ‘out’ effect. I understand cleansing skin… using product to wash away grease and grime… rub something on… wash it off… ‘in’ and ‘out’ effect, but what I just can’t understand is how you can just rub something onto your skin… you get the ‘in’, but where is the ‘out’?

When I read the blurb on this product, most of it just went over my head, but that is the case with most cosmetics and skin care products…

I defy any of you to 100 percent understand what any of these products do and why.

What I look for these days is the results. Yes, results can be made up, and we have to either believe or not believe what we are told, but if the said results are something that I am looking for, then I am quite likely to give the product a try.

The results for this product stated that after just seven days, the skin is fresh, aerated and detoxified (aerated and detoxified?) It also said that scientific tests have proven that after seven days, your complexion will be 88 percent more radiant, 98 percent softer and 78 percent homogenous (homogenous?)

It all sounds good (I think) but it also said that 92 percent of women would recommend this product… that’s a big recommendation!

The recommended application for this product is to use morning and evening on cleansed skin under your daily skin-care cream. Easy!

I took the 7-day test. Is my skin de-toxed? I have no idea, but what I do know is this - my skin is most definitely softer, and I think I would have to agree that it is so dramatically softer, that the statement of 98 percent improvement is not out of the realm of possibility. Eightyeight per cent more radiant? I don’t know about that, but how do you measure these things? My skin is definitely more radiant though and homogenous, well, I don’t know what that is so I can’t offer comment.

I do know however, my skin feels wonderful. I have a definite soft pink blush on very clear looking skin. I noticed an improvement after the first day and thought that this was all

I was going to get, but I was wrong, my skin continued to improve over the next six days.

A little truth from me… unless I have been sick, or having a day ‘in’ doing a pamper on myself (when invariably unexpected guests arrive) I wear foundation, bronzer and a touch of blush every day. I can now quite honestly say that I am (and have been) more than happy to go out wearing only sunscreen on my face… a phenomenon that has not happened for many a year.

I am so ecstatically happy with this product that I have to wonder now if I can buy it in bulk!

RRP - $105. Stockist information – 1800 037 076

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Argan Oil tames the frizz

LAST MONTH I introduced you to the new Muk Spa range, a professional range of natural based hair care solutions containing Argan Oil. The perfect fusion of nature and technology, Muk Spa Argan Oil Repair range is 100 per cent free of sulfates, parabens, phosphates, mineral oil and contains no added sodium chloride.

I have been using the Muk Spa Argan Oil Repair Treatment for the last few weeks, and I must admit that this super light, absorbent oil is ideal for thicker hair. It’s formulated to protect the hair from blowdrying, hair irons, chlorine, salt water and sun exposure. It can also reduce hair drying time by up to 50 per cent.

I have been using this product as directed – prior to styling, after shampooing and conditioning, I towel dry and then apply a few drops into the palms of my hands, emulsify and apply evenly to my hair.

Having a lot of fine and curly/wavy/frizzy hair, I have found that this product tames my frizz and without any styling, leaves my hair with natural, soft, wavy curls and a fairly high shine, something that is difficult to get with curly hair. I find that more and more, as I am time poor, now that I am using this product, I am very happy to let my hair dry naturally, something I rarely did before I found this treatment product from Muk. When I do style my hair, I honestly find that it does dries much quicker than before. Apparently the oil sinks deep into each hair strand and pushes the moisture from washing out, thus drying quicker.

I admit to being apprehensive when I heard this, WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

but whatever the reason, my hair definitely dries quicker.

I have also been lucky enough to be one of the first people to try the new Muk Style Stick 230-IR. To me, it’s the ultimate tool for creating beautiful hair.

It utilises a revolutionary strip of powerful infrared lights imbedded into the irons ceramic plate to infuse a gentle heat deep inside the hair shaft.

I have found that this is like no other iron I have ever used. It has tourmaline plates that don’t catch, creating an easy and silky glide as you pass it through your hair. I found that a single pass is all that I need to create soft and shiny hair, unlike others where I am going over and over my hair, obviously not a great thing to be doing.

Whilst I am still in the learning stage, this iron is a lot easier than others at creating curls. I have always had trouble creating the perfect head full of curls with others that I have used, but this one is much lighter and with its 3 metre 360 degree swivel cord, and smooth glide over the hair, it makes the curling process a lot easier.

Some of the many bonuses of this styling stick are that it has a sleep mode, it auto shuts off after 1 hour of use, and if you are travelling, it has a universal voltage which automatically selects the correct voltage for optimum performance wherever you are in the world.

Many of our lucky readers who won the Muk Spa products from our last issue, I am sure will agree with me about the treatment oil, but for those who don’t know the Muk products yet, you can find out more at www.mukhair.com

win more muk!

For those who would like to win an extra special treat, I have one of the Muk Style Sticks to give away. All you need to do is be the first person to email me at carol@prodijee.com with the words Muk Style Stick Give Away in the subject line.

Enjoy responsibly

NOW LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE

CROWD-BREWED TO PERFECTION FIND ARVO ON

f

An easy upgrade to DSLR

IF YOU WANT to know how far cameras have come in the digital age, in terms of performance and value for money, then look no further than Nikon’s new sub-$1000 mid-level DSLR, the D5200.

Featuring impressive image quality and fast autofocus, the compact, lightweight and feature packed D5200 is perfect for photographers looking to upgrade to from a compact camera to their first DSLR. With up to 5 frames per second continuous shooting; sharp, variangle LCD; 39-point autofocus system; 1080i60 video capture and Wi-Fi and GPS add-ons, the D5200 is a capable DSLR that meets the needs of developing amateurs.

It’s not all good news, though.

The pentamirror viewfinder isn’t as large, or bright, as in some other DSLRs, but if you’re moving up from a compact camera, it will be a revelation compared to an LCD. The sensor is around half the area of a 35mm full frame, but for the enthusiast market, at which the camera is aimed, the 23.5×15.6mm CMOS will work fine, as the maximum image size of 6000×4000 pixels allows prints of 51x34cm at 300 dpi. ISO range from 100 to 6400 with expansion to ISO 25,600.

Nikon has kept the controls simple so as not to confuse the DSLR newcomer. As you’d expect in a DSLR of this level, there is no front control wheel and all buttons WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

and controls within easy and logical reach. The dial atop of the camera gives access to full program, aperture, shutter and manual modes, along with a range of preset modes including landscape and portrait, to assist newbies produce great results. To make focussing easy, the camera will automatically select an autofocus point from the 39 available. Manual focus is also available.

The 7.5cm rear LCD is mounted on a hinge; the vari-angle design rotates so it can be viewed from any angle. It can also fold flat against the body facing inward our outward. The screen is sharp at 921,000 pixel resolution, allowing you to review images for focus and manually focus in Live View with precision.

Pressing the “i” button allows you more control over metering, focus mode, flash output and exposure settings, as well as the ability to change the recorded file format, enable bracketing and HDR capture, adjust active lighting, white balance, and JPG output settings, and adjust the ISO. The D5200 also offers impressive video performance, recording MPEG4 in Full HD and 1920×1080 resolution. A stereo microphone sits just in front of the hotshoe, which is very good for most purposes, though wind noise can be detected. Nikon has also provided a 3.5mm microphone jack.

Our verdict: The Nikon D5200 is a quality, well-priced DSLR with excellent video capture.

Nikon D5200 Price: $999.95 (Teds.com.au) Image Sensor: 3.5×15.6mm CMOS. 24.1 million effective pixels.

Metering: Matrix, centreweighted, averaging and spot.

A/D processing: 14-bit.

Lens Mount: Nikon F. Exposure Modes: Auto, Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual.

35 SLR Lens Factor: 1.5x.

Shutter Speed: Bulb, 30 to 1/4000 second. Flash X-sync: up to 1/200 sec.

Continuous Speed: up to 5fps.

Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Image Sizes (pixels): 6000×400 to 2992×2000. Movies: 1920×1080 to 640×424.

Viewfinders: Eye level pentaprism and 7.5cm LCD (921,000 pixels).

File Formats: NEF (RAW), JPEG, NEF (RAW)+JPEG, MPEG4.

Colour Space: Adobe RGB, sRGB. ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 6400.

With expansion up to ISO 25,600.

Interface: USB 2.0, AV, HDMI mini, DC input, external stereo mic, remote.

Power: Rechargeable lithium ion Weight: Approx. 555g (with battery).

genuine Carbon Fibre men’s aCCessories These high quality carbon fibre accessories come in an elegantly presented gift box.

A great gift idea for the man who has everything.

$895.00 plus p&h $129.95 plus p&h

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$39.95 plus p&h

Order yours today by calling 03 9331 2608 or by visiting nobrac.com.au

the wine trail A ripper red for rustic dining WITH JOHN ANTHONY

The WWW (Who, Where & Wine) Ridgeback Wines in the Yarra Valley, Victoria Ridgeback Wines is situated in the cool-climate region of South Eastern Australia, in Victoria’s Yarra Valley at New Chum Gully Estate. Established in 1991, Ridgeback handcrafts wines of distinction, using the best viticulture practices and French Oak maturation.

Tastings by appointment at the New Chum Gully Estate at 20 Howards Road, Panton Hill, Victoria. www.ridgebackwines.com.au

RIDGEBACK CABERNET MERLOT 2004 This bottle of 2004 Cabernet Merlot’s days were numbered. I had been brushing past it for a while, wanting to keep it for just the right time. Well the right time was now. I knew this was a wine that could be enjoyed right now, or left to knock the subtle corners off with further ageing.

I was heading out for a spot of rustic dining and knew the fare was ideal for this wine.

A chilly day proffered an immediate choice of pumpkin and lentil soup as a starter, which I was sure I could smell from the time of arrival. Served with generous proportions of crusty loaf, this soon took the chill off my bones.

Next up was what I was wanting all morning, home style Cornish Pasties served with fresh leaf salad and roasted beetroot. To avoid patrons drowning the crisp buttery pastry and subtle vegetables in sugar/salt laden tomato sauce, they provide a generous side bowl of the most luscious relish imaginable.

The arrival of the main course heralded the opportunity to pour the star of the show, my Ridgeback Cabernet Merlot. As it poured into my glass, I could see the deep colour I was expecting. The scent was delicious, but lighter due to the 50 percent Cabernet to 50 percent Merlot. This wine is a medium bodied and quite smooth wine having that hint of blackcurrant freshness I adore. I did detect a back note of green tannins that quickly reminded me that I could easily have left this wonderful wine to age even further.

I have no regrets in opening this 2004 Cabernet Merlot now as it was delightful and only encouraged me to seek a replacement bottle that I could cellar for a few more years.

Oh! And dessert? Guess who filled up so much on the crusty bread with creamy butter that he could not fit in dessert? Yep – that’s me alright.

Let prodijee know what beverage you would like John Anthony to sample next by contacting John at johnanthony@prodijee.com WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

on the record

THE BOY WITH THE JIGSAW PUZZLE FINGERS - KARL HYDE This single missed the mark for me. In my opinion the artist tried to make his music sound dreamy and melodic but it ended up sounding slow and stagnated. Other than the actual sound of the music, the lyrics are powerful and do paint mental pictures for the audience. This song is about when the artists first moved to Romford and the welcome they received and the feeling of belonging to a tribe. I do feel the lyric’s message is something we can relate to, which makes you feel somewhat connected to the song.

The song ends with the word’s ‘Its not the end of the world’ which I think were powerful lyrics to end on, and gives you a sense of hope.

- Vita Carbone

DEAD CITY RADIO AND THE NEW GODS OF SUPERTOWN - ROB ZOMBIE Listening to the new single from Rob WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

Zombie’s latest album Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor, one can feel the dark overtones, encompassing the metal/rock deliverance of White Zombie, yep typical Zombie, with a slightly fresher vibe.

The songs driving rhythm and pulsating beat create an eclectic and apocalyptic sound, mixed with Rob’s sung and spoken lyrics, fuelling imagery of an underworld abyss.

To really appreciate the song, one needs to step into the mind of Zombie by taking the directors visual perspective via the music video.

Confirming his left of centre approach-like most of the movies he has directed, the video is engaging and whacky with a multitude of zany performers including his wife, all in black and white.

Zombie wrote this album with the intention of eventually turning it into a screen play. If you enjoy the genre then this is for you, otherwise as it states in the song, “nothing ever happens until you medicate”.

- Michael Bongiorno

HOUSE OF DREAMS - BLISS N ESO Bliss N Eso’s song House Of Dreams is a strong comeback for the rap trio since their 2010 number one hit, Running On Air. House of Dreams opens with powerful violin strings that would make you mistake this for something other than a rap song. The song

then delves into some really strong language which makes you feel the rapper’s anger and passion.

As the pace of the rapping picks up, so do the strings and ongoing drum beat. The chorus brings great contrast to the song, with a sweet harmony of voices begging to “Set them free”, showing that House of Dreams is often misleading and the opposite to reality.

DJ Izm features on this single with some memorable scratch solos which breaks up the repetitive beat throughout the song.

Overall, despite rap not being one of my favorite genres, I think this single is a great comeback for the trio and definitely a song that their fans have responded well to.

- Vita Carbone

SUMMER FORGIVE ME - BRITISH INDIA British India’s single, Summer Forgive Me, is one of my favourite songs this band has released in some time. These Melbourne rockers have received an overwhelming positive response from their fans for this single and it’s not hard to see why.

I would describe the style of this song as Indie Rock and an emotional and melodramatic song with a great electric feel to it. It is a song about relationship dramas and winning back someone who has slipped away.

The most powerful part of this song is they sing about something so many people can relate to. The chorus is explosive, with the words,

Summer Forgive Me following up to I can Make you Love Me. - Vita Carbone

FIRE BUG JD MCPHERSON Fire Bug has been described as “timeless, forward-thinking rock & roll” by Rolling Stone. This song is from McPherson’s praised debut album, Signs and Signifiers.

McPherson has managed to recreate a song that transports you back in time and has successfully made it sound retro, not forced or inauthentic. Even the lyrics are a perfect example of how he’s in another era, “I took her to the winter ball and melted all the snow.

That little gal starts dancing and she torches up the floor.”

Having listened to the whole album - Signs & Signifiers - Fire Bug was a highlight for me and made me want to get up out of my chair and start swinging!

- Vita Carbone

THREE WORDS - MATTHEW BOYLAN-SMITH Mathew Boylan-Smith or as most

people know him, ‘Boilo', can be described as the king of the Central West music scene. Having done numerous gigs in Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee and Dubbo, just to name a few, Boilo is now taking his incredible vocals to Sydney.

When I asked Boilo what he loves most about music, he replied “I love its ability to express and convey emotion in a much shorter and poignant way than words alone.”

Having shared the stage with acts like Richard Clapton, Ian Moss, Tim Freidman, Katie Noonan and Sneaky Sound System just to name a few, Boilo is slowly growing a steady fan base.

Boilo’s latest release is a song called “Three Words” which has become somewhat of a Youtube sensation. With Just over thirty thousand views on Youtube, this song has resonated beautifully with Boilo’s followers.

This song involves two people fighting and then realising they were quarreling over nothing and missing the initial chemistry they had. There were many things that inspired Boilo to write this song.

Some of the personal factors were memories from relationships and also events like the passing of his grandfather.

The style of this song can be described as harmonious and with a lilting melody. His vocals are soft and soothing, and are

complimented beautifully by the guitar. Boilo has attempted to capture a more simplistic style of writing by “thinking like a child.”

This has allowed the writing process to avoid the clichés that come with writing love songs. The song has a very positive, however pensive feel.

The future is looking bright for Boilo. He said that he is happy to keep writing and performing and if anything comes of it commercially that would be great, however if not, he still wants to write and perform as it’s something he loves doing.

- Vita Carbone

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it seems to me A great place for the race A

lmost two decades ago, when my predecessors at the Australian Grand Prix were preparing to stage Melbourne’s first World Championship Grand Prix, they chose the slogan ‘What a great place for the race!’ They were absolutely right – more so now than ever.

Melbourne has historically been the opening race of the FIA Formula One World Championship season. This means that each year millions of people worldwide are hungry for their first proper look at the new field of cars and drivers embarking on their nine-month, high-octane journey around the world.

This also means the first racetrack they see is ours: Albert Park in all the splendour of a Melbourne Autumn. Anyone watching as that stunning sweeping aerial shot just before race start on Sunday is beamed around the world can’t fail to be thrilled by the spectacle of F1

by guest columnist, Andrew Westacott racing in such a setting.

For 18 years now Melbourne has revelled in its place in the F1 world, widely regarded as one of the best on the calendar. Ours is one of an elite group of great cities – places like Monaco and Montreal, Abu Dhabi and Singapore – which have either bid to play host to F1 or fought tooth and nail to retain their races.

Only venues such as those can rival ours when it comes to presenting the world’s highest class of motorsport. Views of Melbourne’s cityscape and bay side beaches make a perfect backdrop for the high-speed drama acted out

WITH RIELY SAVILLE

WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

by the finest drivers in the world.

Melbourne makes it all so easy: the circuit is within easy reach of the CBD area, with public transport options available to all. Albert Park’s location puts Melbourne’s astonishing range of restaurants, bars, shops and other attractions within striking distance when an action-packed day at the track is over.

Unlike any of those other great host cities, Melbourne is a true sporting Mecca – and bringing people here is what major events are all about. Major events are a

huge part of the tourism strategy for Victoria.

The Australian Grand Prix is a tourist magnet just like our natural attractions – the Great Ocean Road or the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island. During the Grand Prix, images of Melbourne resonate in people’s minds all over the world. No advertising campaign could achieve the levels of attention Melbourne enjoys when F1 comes to town.

Where else in the world could

you stand on the viewing platform of the city’s highest building and see, all within walking distance of each other, one of the world’s greatest stadiums in the MCG, a Grand Slam tennis venue in the course of a stunning upgrade, a purpose-built soccer ground, and one of the most atmospheric circuits on the F1 calendar? How lucky we are to have all of these world class sporting venues in our home city.

This year we celebrated 60 years

since Melbourne first brought the Australian Grand Prix into the heart of a major city. Eighteen years ago we rejoiced again when Melbourne first became a World Championship venue. It was a great place for the race six decades ago; it was a great place for the race in 1996; and it still is a great place for the race.

Andrew Westacott is CEO, Australian Grand Prix Corporation. www.grandprix.com.au

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From Chaos to Couture T

he Metropolitan Museum of Art 2013 Costume Institute Gala played host to Burberry guests in New York.

Burberry hosted a table at the annual event, which marked the launch of this year’s exhibition, Punk: Chaos to Couture. As part of the exhibition, Burberry showcased a studded leather jacket, lace dress and studded leather shoes, specially designed by Burberry Chief Creative Officer, Christopher Bailey.

Guests included Sienna Miller, Tom Sturridge, Chelsea Clinton, Mark Mezvinsky, Michelle Dockery, Cara

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Delevingne and Mario Testino.

Burberry created their exclusive capsule collection to celebrate the event. In keeping with the theme - Punk: Chaos to Couture – and taking inspiration from the Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2011 season, the limited edition collection is available exclusively at the Burberry Soho and East 57th Street stores in New York.

Pieces include leather jackets with stud and zip detailing for both men and women, with looks completed by limited edition spiked shoes for women and a classic white t-shirt for men.

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t s li ia c a f h c n e r f e th The ten top tips to reduce skin ageing Y

ou are never too young to start caring for your skin, in fact, the younger you are when you start, the easier it is to form good habits.

Looking after your skin doesn’t need to be time consuming either, read my tips below, form your habits and care for your skin now.

1. Practice good daily skincare basics. A regular skincare regime can delay the ageing of our skin by keeping it well conditioned, hydrated and nourished. A daily facial routine should include cleansing and moisturising twice a day. Look for products containing anti-ageing ingredients such as vitamin C, peptides or Epidermal Growth Factor.

2. Use a sunscreen. Excessive sun exposure causes skin damage and promotes the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation marks.

For maximum efficacy, make sure you apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.

3. Exfoliate your skin and use a face mask at least once a week. You only need 15 to 20 minutes a week to give your skin extra glow and vitality. So, put your feet up, scrub and mask your skin: you won't look back!

4. Diarize at least 3 hours of ‘me time’ per week. Taking time out for reading, resting, meditating or just

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by Christine Clais

doing nothing is crucial to give your skin time to repair and regenerate.

It is also a good way to reconnect with yourself and re-assess your life to make sure it still fits you!

5. Exercise regularly. Moving our body not only makes us feel better and happier about ourselves but also increases our blood and lymphatic circulation, leading to better skin health. So why not take up a new form of exercise, but only

one that appeals to you and that you might enjoy!

6. Get rid of unnecessary stress from your life. When we are experiencing stress, our body

7. Eliminate any form of added sugar from your diet. Eating too much sugar damages the skin proteins that are responsible for keeping us looking youthful. Make a habit of reading food labels and look out for all forms of hidden sugars: they are everywhere!

switches to "fight-or-flight" mode, a built-in survival mechanism that redirects the flow of blood to the heart and muscles at the expense of our digestive system and our skin. As a result, our skin becomes chronically starved of nutrients and oxygen, making it more susceptible to ageing.

8. Eat a minimum of 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruit each day. This will contribute to your body being more alkaline and lead to a better functioning of your organs including your skin. Choose from the amazing selection that nature gives us and pick fruit and vegetables of various colours (this will ensure a balanced intake of essential phytonutrients).

9. Eat more RAW foods. The more we cook food, the more we damage its vital nutrients. Embrace the "RAW food movement" that is currently taking the world by storm! Eating RAW means eating food that is uncooked or heated/dehydrated at no more than 118 degrees so as to

preserve all its goodness.

10. Have a regular professional facial. Treat yourself and your skin to a treatment with a reputable facialist. Think of a facial as being a thorough "work out" for your skin.

It is also an excellent opportunity to have your skin professionally assessed and a good chance to be recommended the right products for your needs.

Christine Clais is a Frenchborn skin expert, award-winning facialist, educator and the author of "Transform Your Skin Without a Needle". Christine educates women on the importance of skin care and the fundamentals of caring for your skin from the inside out. www.thefrenchfacialist.com WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

Mad Mad Judy Coat - $188.00 Middle Finger Tee - $48.00 Wasted Time Pant - $88.00

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n o g n i v i L the edge MODEL: KIA ROSE HAIR MAKE UP ARTIST: SERA FATHERS

S

tep into a Dangerfield store and you will be faced with a lot of choices, from the latest fashion trends to skulls and crossbones!

Peeking through the door, you may think it’s a place where only punk rockers would go, but venture a little further and you will discover the latest in Rockabilly and Bette Davis style dresses. You will also find ‘60s inspired fashion for guys and girls and a lot of leather and fur, all with edge. This a store where you can get the most feminine of lace dresses but see how to team

them with Doc’s and studded leather jackets. There are all kinds of clothes, jackets, pants, skirts, dresses and accessories like ties with skulls on them, striped socks, punk patterned stockings and awesome satchels. This place is eclectic and quirky; the fashions are different, but not too different. The clothing is unique in its design, materials and colours so you won’t look like every other person walking down the street. www.dangerfield.com.au HeeHaw Dress - $128.00

Lucky Ducky Sweater - $78.00 Love Me Like A Reptile Skirt - $78.00 WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

Hooligan Dress - $88.00

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Case of the Lace Dress - $118.00

Croc Rock Biker Vest - $98.00 Scotland Road Shorts - $78.00

Greedy Girl Dress - $98.00

Animal in Me Jacket - $158.00 High Tea Dress - $88.00 WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

food couture For culinary couture, try a stylish High Tea A

nother month has passed and it’s already May... aah, comforting Autumn weather. With the Sun not so prominent and the winter chill just around the corner, it’s the perfect atmosphere and temperament for a ladies high tea.

Perfect for christenings, a Sunday catch-up with the ladies, a hen’s afternoon or a kitchen tea, it’s the ideal setting for you to glam up in your favourite designer frock or add a fancy dress theme and channel your inner child. Nothing says fun like a cupcake party in the garden setting, complete with costumes, fairy wings and oversized jars of boiled lollies and cotton candy.

High tea is simple to prepare and with the right setting and styling, can be revamped from a standard afternoon tea into a fabulous affair that is sure make a lasting impression. Go all out with decorations, create something that is unique to you, whilst maintaining relevance and style. Three tier cake stands are a must - style your white platters with textured and coloured paper from your local arts and crafts store. Don’t be scared to get out your old candle holders and jazz up with some new scented candles. Invest in one or two oversized glass jars and fill with your favourite sweets. Always keep the colour of the lollies in theme with your chosen decor.

Whilst I appreciate the traditional trimmings of a high tea, I like to sex up the favourites with a dash of modern flair. Scones are a must but are far more appealing with a hint of cinnamon and a generous handful of juicy date pieces. Serve WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

by Sarah French

with a homemade raspberry jam and maple vanilla cream. Matched with a gorgeous pot of freshly brewed peppermint tea, the humble scone has been transformed into a taste sensation.

Add style and flair to your savoury favourites to transform your regular rolls into gourmet delights.

Alaskan king crab and green apple remoulade is a gorgeous filling for your sourdough petit baguettes. My special is always poached chicken with roasted pine nuts, herbs and hand whipped mayonnaise; a crowd pleaser to say the least.

For a gluten-free option, both of these fillings can be turned into

petit cocktail salads. Simply serve in a stylish glass; add a slice of avocado and mini fork.

Compliment with a few glasses of fancy French bubbles and you are off to a great start.

Cocktail tarts and sausage rolls are a great place to start your hot selection. Lamb, harissa and olive petit sausage rolls are a modern twist on a traditional favourite.

Served with a chilli jam and minted yoghurt, this dish takes you on a flavoured journey that leaves you wanting more. Stopping at one bite

just simply isn’t enough.

No high tea would be complete without a selection of bite size desserts. Cupcakes are number one on the high tea list - easily made and more easily decorated.

Get as crazy and bright as you like. My all-time favourite is a mini deconstructed banoffee tart. The perfect way to end a savoury feast, this petit dessert is small in size and big on taste. If eyes are not rolling in the backs of heads after every last morsel is devoured, I will eat my words.

Styling and eating aside, the most important thing is to have

fun. Get creating, cut loose in the kitchen and make sure there is a true sense of you in your flavours and your presentation.

Until next time, Stay Fabulous!

Sarah French is a Sydney based International Chef. www.sarahfrench.com.au 2. Melt the butter in a saucepan and set aside 3. Using a food processor or blender blitz the biscuits to a semi fine crumb. Add salt and melted butter and mix until combined.

Set aside and refrigerate 4. Place cream, vanilla and maple syrup into a glass or plastic bowl and whisk to medium peak

DECONSTRUCTED BANOFFEE TART Makes 6 regular or 8 cocktail portions

5. Set your stemless wine glasses out and place biscuit crumb in bottom of glass. Fill about a 1/5 of the glass or a couple of generous tablespoons 6. Next spoon 2-3 tablespoons of caramel into the glass on top of the biscuit base.

Repeat process with cream leaving a 1/5 of the glass for the banana

Ingredients

* 150mls pure cream

* 2x200gm condensed milk tins

* 1 tablespoon maple syrup

* 375gm digestive biscuits

* 1 vanilla bean - seed

7. Slice the banana into long rounds and place lightly on top of cream

* 3 ripe but firm bananas

8. Shave chocolate on top of banana with a fine micro plane.

* 100gm good quality chocolate bar

9. Serve, and enjoy the moans and groans of delights from your guests

* 180gm unsalted butter * 2 teaspoon sea salt

Method 1. Place tins of condensed milk in a pot and completely cover with water. Boil on a rapid heat for three hours. Tins must remain covered with water at all times so you will need to top up as required. Once caramel is boiled refrigerate and let set overnight or for at least 6 hours

Tip

Making caramel a day ahead is best.

If you don’t eat banana, substitute with fresh berries.

Tart is best served in a stemless wine glass taking up only 2/3 of the glass. ©Recipe prepared by Sarah French WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

THE SECRET TO A GREAT COCKTAIL WHENEVER IN LOS ANGELES, WE NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DROP INTO THE BEVERLY WILSHIRE HOTEL’S ‘THE BLVD’ RESTAURANT TO ENJOY AN EXPERTLY CRAFTED COCKTAIL OR TWO. BUT FOR THOSE WHO ARE YET TO EXPERIENCE THE SHEER PLEASURE OF SPENDING A LAZY AFTERNOON SEATED AT THE BAR, WATCHING LIFE GO BY ON RODEO DRIVE, DARREN HOUSE ASKED ‘THE BLVD’ GENERAL MANAGER, JEREMY HARGROVE, HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT COCKTAIL AT HOME.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CHILL GLASSES? We chill our beer glasses in a glass cooler. Our martini glasses, we fill with ice and a bit of water for each cocktail made. It takes a bit longer, but incorporating water and ice into the chilling of the glass is essential for the crisp flavors of the martini itself.

SHOULD YOU ALSO CHILL THE SHAKER? We do not chill the shaker, but we condition them with ice for about 30 seconds before making the drink. This helps maintain the temperature. A bit of ice melt is necessary for the cocktail, it helps bond the ingredients and alter the flavors in a positive way.

DO ALL COCKTAILS NEED TO BE SHAKEN OR IS IT JUST FOR SHOW? Not all cocktails need to be shaken, but some do! Our S’mores martini requires a dry shake of an egg white before the wet ingredients go in. This helps emulsify the whites and creates a smoother consistency for the cocktail.

DOES SHAKING AFFECT COCKTAILS THAT CONTAIN SODA? Yeah, it makes a bomb! Kidding, but we shake our cocktails sans soda and incorporate them at the glass stage.

SHOULD COCKTAILS CONTAIN ICE? I think most cocktails should contain ice, otherwise it is a large shot. I do not think all ice is created equal, and we prefer large chip ice or large cube ice for our rocks cocktails. The surface contact is lower, so you get a more luxurious mouth feel in the drink.

SHOULD YOU IMPROVISE ON AN ESTABLISHED COCKTAIL RECIPE OR ARE THEY SET IN CONCRETE? My philosophy is to always know the basics, but without improvements, nothing new would ever come.

I think that is what cocktails are all about, there is WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

something sexy and timeless about creating a cocktail, a throwback to speakeasies.

HOW MUCH DOES THE SEASON IMPACT ON COCKTAIL CHOICE? Seasons affect our cocktails in every way. We use seasonal fruits and herbs to create drinks that are relevant to our guests and our surroundings. This creates a nice

synergy with our food menus as well.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR COCKTAILS AT THE BVLD? Our most popular cocktails are our infusions. We experiment a lot with barrel aging whole cocktails, and infusing unconventional spirits with unconventional flavors. Right now, we have a cocktail made from

spirits all within 100 miles of our property. It is a margarita of sorts, but with a twist, we use unoaked whiskey in place of tequila, and we finish it with Meliora Pinot Noir.

This is one of our top sellers right now.

You can follow Jeremy on Twitter @jeremy_hargrove http://theblvdrestaurant.com/

Try these two Beverly Wilshire favourites Recipes by Jeremy Hargrove, General Manager, The Blvd Restaurant, 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, USA - Phone: 310.385.3901

S’MORE PLEASE 3oz Tru Vanilla Vodka (local) 1oz housemade toasted marshmallow simple syrup 1oz cream 1.25 oz chocolate 1 egg white Dry shake with egg white Add vodka, marshmallow syrup, cream, shake.

Rim martini glass with choc syrup, graham cracker crumbs Strain drink into prepared Martini glass.

Garnish with toasted half marshmallow

ITALIAN WHISKEY 1.5 oz Slow Hand Whiskey 1.5 oz Fruit Lab Orange Liqueur 1.5 oz simple syrup 1.5 oz fresh squeezed orange juice 1.5 oz fresh lime juice 1.5 oz Meliora Pinot Noir Combine all ingredients into a shaker, leaving out the wine.

Shake vigorously.

Prepare rocks glass with fresh ice.

Strain cocktail into prepared rocks glass.

Pour wine atop drink tableside.

Garnish with floating Mandarin Slice.

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savvy Forget the wait, the future is right here, right now!

E

ver since model, actress and all round badass Milla Jovovich hit our screens in The Fifth Element back in ‘97, wearing nothing but Jean Paul Gaultier fashioned bandages, I’ve had a serious Sci-Fi girl crush!

A sweet sixteen years later, fashion seems to be taking cues from her adorable, 23rd Century character’s attire… I’m sure you’ve already noticed the insurgence of brightly coloured hair and the overwhelming popularity of the ‘Bandage Dress’ (worn frequently by stars such as Kim Kardashian, provocatively showing off every curve).

Now we can soon look forward to wearing ‘Leeloo’ inspired sleek, racy harnesses, such as those recently appearing on runways at NYFW by designers such as Jason Wu, BCBG Max Azria and Ann Demeulemeester - a unique, daring and modern accessory.

In fact, it’s futuristic themes all round in the lands of both clothing and accessories, with plenty of metallic and hi-shine pieces in radical designs making a statement.

Robotic rainbow reflective lenses are appearing in sunglasses by the likes of Ray Ban, Marni and Cavalli.

And get used to seeing plenty of clear and coloured plastics, including some very exhibitionist clear purses and boxy shaped clutches currently trending - strictly for girls with nothing to hide.

Another thrill for the brave… you’ll probably die and go to shoe heaven when you lay your eyes on Tom Ford’s latest sexy, cyborg inspired designs, which J Lo recently rocked on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. I certainly did. Absolutely jaw dropping!

Mr Ford has also embraced another, more quirky trend, WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

by Riely Saville

hitting the runways at present… a fascination with bees! Now I’m not sure where this came from but if you look around you’ll see plenty of honeycomb inspired patterns and prints, as well as mesh inserts, veils and hats to cover the face. ‘Bee Keeper Chic’? Hey, who am I to question the masters?

There’s plenty of inspiration to be found in the limitless patterns of nature. If you dig this trend, take a moment to drool over the cleverly titled Alexander McQueen Bee Collection. And the oh-so-pretty veils and headpieces by Nerida Winter.

In other trends, there’s just no shaking the Monochrome Madness.

The perfect contrast of Black & White is here to stay in variations of minimal tones, bold stripes and chessboard inspired checks. Throw in a little of the classic houndstooth for good measure and you’re good to go.

Digital prints are also in for the long haul. One designer I was smitten with when I wrote my first column, Mary Katrantzou, is certainly still the leader of the pack in this department. She continues to innovate with her exceptional prints and architectural shapes. I have eyes for Rodarte and Peter Pilotto, too.

Now the only thing missing is that nifty little device that Leeloo holds up to her face, and with the click of a button, BAM – an instant full face of makeup! Hurry up inventors of the world. I’d like two please… Hey, a girl’s gotta dream. To infinity and beyond!

Get your savvy on!

Riely Saville is a Queensland based entertainer and fashionista. www.epiccreations.com.au

3.

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George HOUVARDAS ACTOR AND CO-RESTAURANT OWNER, GEORGE HOUVARDAS, KNOWS ALL ABOUT BALANCING WORK AND PLAY. BETWEEN HIS ROLE AS CARBO ON LOGIE AWARD WINNING SHOW ‘PACKED TO THE RAFTERS’ AND WORKING AT HIS FAMILY’S RESTAURANT ‘PIATO’, GEORGE LIKES TO TAKE TIME TO APPRECIATE THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE. VITA CARBONE SAT DOWN WITH GEORGE TO FIND OUT EVERYTHING FROM HIS IDEA OF THE PERFECT DATE, TO WHAT WE MIGHT FIND IN HIS BEDSIDE DRAWER.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVISE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? I don’t think you can ever go past ‘an early bird catches the worm’. I like to get up early and make the most out of each day.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO HANG OUT IN SYDNEY? I hang out a lot in Manly - mainly Hugo’s and Wharf Bar, to name a few. I like to surf when I have the time.

Living in Seaforth is great because there are literally six beaches within running distance.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR IDEA OF THE PERFECT DATE? I’m probably the worst person to ask, however there has to be plenty of laughter, drink, great food and it has to be relaxed. I don't like to fine dine on a first date, I’d prefer bar situations where it’s more chilled. I would definitely never go on a blind date.

NAME THREE THINGS THAT WE WOULD FIND IN YOUR BEDSIDE DRAWER? Well I don’t have a table, but I have books, notepad and an ipad next to my bed.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE FOODS TO EAT AND COOK? I like to do a lot of cooking at home on the Weber. I cook pretty much three times a week on it and love my roasts! I cook anything from lamb to chicken.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO YOU IN LIFE? I would say my family, friends and sex.

WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY? There are a lot of things that make me angry... incompetence, slow drivers, bad drivers, and people turning up late to work. I’m a very punctual person when it comes to work.

CAN YOU PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL WOMAN? She has to be driven and definitely has to be funny.

I would preferably like them to be taller than me, because if we did go down the road of children, it would give my kid a chance of having better height than me. So basically someone who is funny, taller than me, driven and great with animals and kids.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY IN A RELATIONSHIP? No WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

IF I COULD WRITE YOU A CHEQUE FOR $1M WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT? I would invest it wisely and try to make another million out of it. I would definitely go on a holiday. I’ve always wanted to go into the airport and buy the next flight out of Sydney, first class of course.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST AND WORST QUALITIES? My worst quality would be my attention span, which is about five minutes. I also swear a lot, and probably my inability to settle down, in terms of relationships. My best quality would be my work ethic IF YOU COULD EMULATE ANY ACTOR’S CAREER, WHOSE WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I’ve always liked Eric Bana and would compare my career to his. The reason being, he started off on a show called Fast Forward as a character called Peter and was a comedian. He then made the transition from funny guy to a highly respected dramatic actor, which is where my career is going. He can now pick and choose his movies, which is ideal for an actor.

I also admire Daniel Day-Lewis, who picks one film every three years, which I think is great because he doesn’t oversell himself.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS POST PACKED TO THE RAFTERS? There are no definite plans, however, I basically want to end up in film, writing, producing and acting. I see myself being involved in acting for the rest of my life. I also enjoy working in my family restaurant just as much as films, I enjoy working with my brothers, drinking WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

with customers, and think it’s important to find the right balance between work and play.

DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE THAT BALANCE AT THE MOMENT? At the moment it’s all work, and when we play it’s usually to a silly extent.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? In terms of personal achievement, I would say owning a restaurant with my brothers for six years and still talking to them is an achievement. We’re still mates and we’ve been working together since I was 12, so it’s been 19 years of working together. I’m also proud of the work we’ve done on Packed To The Rafters, which will probably go down as one of the most popular shows Australia’s ever had - well, it’s going that way anyway.

WHAT MIGHT PEOPLE NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’m a keen gardener, I love my herbs, lemon trees, fertilizer; I get right into that. I find it very peaceful.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CRAZY FAN STORIES? When I was living with my parents two years ago, I kept getting envelopes that had magazine pictures of myself with love hearts around my head and female lingerie inside. It happened about three times. I still don’t know if my was mates or not sending it to me.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 20 YEARS? Hopefully debt free, and I would like to own my own production company. Hopefully, our restaurant is going well and my family is happy. I’d love to be able to have a weekend off where I can have the whole family over for a big barbecue.

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i r ie n a r t s l a r e h ip r the pe Tiny island mecca is a place to indulge A

s the ferry approaches the pier, the anticipation of a colourful and eclectic band of travellers hits fever pitch. The Sun is shining, and as I unplug my headphones mid-Clash, there is a scramble for bags as we disembark. Welcome to Koh Phangan, the home of the infamous Full Moon Party.

Every month, partygoers from around the world descend on this tiny island mecca, to indulge in dance, drink, and passion, from dusk till dawn. Anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 people in peak periods, the sands of Haad Rin beach are infested with hedonistic travellers revelling in the freedoms present.

Even the pool at my hotel resembles an American frat party, with a DJ, drinks aplenty, and halfclad sun dwellers chanting mantras for the forthcoming evening.

As the crowds herd toward the beach, locals everywhere offer glow sticks, drinks, food, and face/ body painting (remember, if you do this most hotels charge a fee for laundry affected!) Once you have paid the mandatory 100THB entry fee (which apparently aids the cleanup), you are confronted by sound, sand and an array of amusement.

I have decided to head left, up to the quieter northern end of the beach, where Mellow Mountain bar overlooks the strip, offering a great perspective of events. I have myself a drink whilst in a hammock, gazing at flickering light and taking in the swirling sounds.

Time to head down to the beach for the traditional lighting-of-therope welcome sign. The scent of kerosene fills the night air as the

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by Michael Bongiorno

flame lights a welcome to one and all.

The party swells and people consume buckets everywhere.

Buckets are filled with Thai whiskey or vodka, mixed with Coke or Red Bull and ice. So many bars on the beach, each one with a stacked sound system, and DJs; the air is filled with trance, drum and bass, techno, and reggae, each with its own clique of groups dancing as one.

I am intrigued as to why a line has formed nearby, and on investigation, I find two local males twirling a long fiery rope.

Intoxicated males and females go in to jump the flames in pairs or by themselves, in an effort to win the applause of those present. It is amazing how many are burnt, and

WITH RIELY SAVILLE

find recovery in the sand or sea. with the rising sun’s rays and the Just across from here is a slide sight of hundreds of bottles strewn from the roof of a bar. People across the beach, amongst passed climb a rope lattice and then slide out ragers. I am off for breakfast, down, most face plant into the coffee, and a Chang (beer) before sand below. some well-earned kip.

As the night tempos in waves, As long as you’re careful, you will people can be seen taking refuge be safe and have great time! in hastily set up recovery or sleeping areas, sectioned off by caring locals, some caring enough to pilfer valuables! And wow, the sea temperature must be rising with many exposed males and females relieving themselves!

Michael Bongiorno is a Sydney My crazy night draws to an end based writer and entertainer.

HOW TO GET THERE: Catch the ferry from Koh Samui Big Buddha Pier to Thong Sala Pier Koh Phangan ride - 45 minutes. Plane from Bangkok to Koh Samui - 1 hour.

WHERE TO STAY: Best Western Phanganburi Resort, 6 Haad Rin Nai Beach, Koh Pangan Tommy Resort 90/13 Moo 6, Haad Rin Nok Bantai, Koh Phangan.

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ACCES

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SS ALL AREAS PRODIJEE TAKES YOU BACKSTAGE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE EXCLUSIVE LEONA EDMISTON SUMMER COLLECTION, HELD AT SYDNEY’S SUPERB CATALINA RESTAURANT.

D

ip your toe in the water... plunge into Sydney food at its freshest best and Sydney Harbour at its most spectacular.

Catalina in Rose Bay is a unique restaurant experience, but it also recently played host to the new summer collection of one of Australia’s leading fashion designers, Leona Edmiston.

Sydney’s fashion society and media were welcomed with canapés and champagne on arrival and later treated to a seated dinner where glamorous models walked between the guests before posing en masse.

The Leona Edmiston label is regarded as one of Australia’s best exports. International recognition has led to celebrity endorsements from Kristen Davis, Maria Sharapova, Heather Locklear, Susan Sarandon, Deborah Messing, Elle Macpherson, Tyra Banks, Mary Hart, Rachel Hunter, Melissa George, Emma Bunton, Drew Barrymore, Emilia Fox and Paula Abdul.

Obviously au fait with showcasing and providing her designs for the crème de la crème, Leona chose Schwarzkopf to provide hair care for models parading her garments.

Schwarzkopf is one of the best known brands in the world, with the company’s Professional division holding a top four position among salon exclusive brands.

“This year Leona Edmiston’s Summer Parade took guests on a journey to the Cote d’Azur and the French Riviera, so we needed to ensure that the hair also evoked feelings of the South of France and the style and luxury that it’s famous for,” said hair director for Schwarzkopf Professional, Scott Sloan.

“We kept the hair quite clean and sleek with a ponytail that hinted at a sixties influence through using a bit of height in the back. Ponytails are always on trend, but it was nice to mix this one up a bit to really give it a glamorous edge. Smooth finishes and wrapped bases for this variation ensured the look was ultra-chic and feminine, but through adding volume to the crown and sweeping the front across the forehead to provide just a glimpse of earlobe gives the look one of effortless chic - so very French!” www.schwarzkopf.com

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la-la land Tinseltown’s favourite pastime - fame spotting H

ollywood is known the world over for its prosperous television and movie industry.

But what many don’t know, is that Hollywood is also home to a flourishing theatre community that brings their unique, creative talents to live stage productions.

Lately I’ve been attending many standing-ovation worthy performances and witnessed how the power of the arts can inspire contrasting emotions in its onlookers.

One of my favourite haunts is the Elephant Theatre as it never disappoints. A play I saw recently was the staged revival of Harry Gibson’s adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s cult classic novel, Trainspotting. It was a tremendous production. All of the actors were strong, but the actor playing the role of Sick Boy caught my attention in particular.

It took me a while to realize that I have seen him in other works before, because of how much he had changed physically between projects. Jonathan Roumie lost more than 20lb (9kg) to play the role of Sick Boy. After seeing the play, I couldn’t resist learning more about his approach and preparation for playing this character, as well as some of the other parts I’d seen him in.

Jonathan’s first experiences as an actor came in the form of a few plays in high school. Not having any intention of becoming a professional actor, he went on to study film in his home town of New York City, with the desire to get into special effects (having an illustration background). He spent some time in the Art Department but then became intrigued by the Locations Department and went on to a successful career as a location WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

by Ieva Georges

scout, where he worked on many studio films such as Spiderman 1 and 2, I Am Legend, Zoolander and many others (check his imdb profile).

Early in his production career, he had an interest in doing voice-over work, having been gifted with the ability to mimic and do accents.

This eventually led to working on three seasons of MTV’s animated series, Celebrity Deathmatch, providing more than 25 voices for numerous clay ‘celebrities’ who would fight to the death, including Russell Crowe, John Malkovich and George W Bush.

A few years later, he landed his first role in a movie, called

Prime with Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman. At this point, he decided to transition out of production and into performing. Subsequent film highlights include working with Sam Mendes on Revolutionary Road and playing a lawyer friend of John Cho in the Indy Korean gangster film, West 32nd. Television included a recurring role as a scheming private investigator on the soap, As the World Turns, a mafia bad guy on Law & Order and on the flip side, the voice of a few characters on nickjr.’s animated children’s show, The Wonder Pets!

Three years ago, he realized it was time to take his career to the next level and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full time. I was quite surprised to learn that, with all the work Jonathan had done up to this point, he hadn’t considered moving to Los Angeles earlier. In these last three years, he has shot two Indy features, one in which he played assassin and actor, John Wilkes Booth, in a movie called Saving

Lincoln, and the other playing an L.A. Sheriff in K-11. He also worked on another soap, All My Children, three video games, including the forthcoming Lost Planet 3 and most recently a pilot for NBC, called Joe & Joe & Jane.

My introduction to his theatre work began last summer at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, with an original oneact play called Anaconda, where he played a muscular, tattooed convict that was abused as a teenager and grew up to murder his abuser.

He came across as an intense, constricted and broken human being who had a limp and what appeared to be a stiff neck, or shoulder injury.

The emotional preparation was also especially intense, since the play dealt with bullying, a subject most kids are familiar with.

By contrast, in Trainspotting, he was a gaunt, bleach-blonde, slinky party-boy who seemed always on the verge of an overdose. Losing weight was only one element of his external preparation, which included a very loose, limp physical posture.

He also adopted a Scottish accent, and in doing so, his whole speech intonation changed, which made the accent sound authentic.

Regarding the weight loss, it took him about 3 months to gradually drop 20lbs. He took his energy

intake down from about 2000-2500 calories/day to 500-1000 calories/ day, in addition to lots of exercise running for an hour and half, as well as body weight exercises. Sometimes he lost close to 2lbs a day! In his character prep for Trainspotting specifically, he did hours of research, watching documentaries on heroin addiction, speaking with former heroin addicts, and then ultimately relating to the darker elements of his own personality to get to the place needed to bring the character of Sick Boy to life.

When asked, one of his favourite approaches to the craft, is to use sense memory, which Jonathan had learned (“properly” he says) from Eric Morris, who is one of his mentors.

With Anaconda, Trainspotting, Saving Lincoln and all his other roles, he has thoroughly enjoyed getting to push himself physically, mentally and emotionally in order to reach new levels in his work.

When I asked Jonathan what the future holds for him, he responded that he’s looking forward to taking on even bigger and more challenging roles in films, television, theatre and voice-over.

I’d say this is one actor with a very bright future indeed.

Ieva Georges is a Los Angeles based actress TV presenter, model and talent agent. www.imdb.me/jonathanroumie www.jonathanroumie.com

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DREAM BELIEVE ACHIEVE IT TAKES COURAGE TO LEAVE A SECURE, SUCCESSFUL CAREER TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS, BUT FASHIONISTAS DONNA LONCAR AND CARLY JOLLY KNEW IT WAS A CHANCE THEY HAD TO TAKE.

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DOCA’MOI BEAUTIFUL, FUN AND BUSINESS SAVVY, DONNA LONCAR AND CARLY JOLLY ARE MULTITASKING BUSINESSWOMEN, TAKING THEIR ONLINE FASHION ACCESSORIES STORE TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.

D

onna and Carly have been great friends for a long time, and they have both always had dreams of a life involving fashion and beauty.

Donna has always had a love of fashion and as a child loved to dress up, sing and dance and Carly, though admittedly growing up as a tom boy, has always loved beauty, trailing along with her mother at a young age to the beauty parlour which was where her love for this field was born.

The two friends were looking for a career change at the same time and found a common passion in fashion, in particular fashion accessories.

Both girls left professional and profitable careers to follow their dream of having their own business in fashion and beauty. Donna has had more than 13 years of sales experience, spending most of that time leading a sales team for the biggest sporting brand around WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

the globe. “Loving fashion was one thing, the love then turned to curiosity and then a new dream! To depart such a great career and to start all over again was the biggest risk, and now, months down the track, I can say it was definitely a risk worth taking. Life is too short to not try to achieve your goals and dreams”, said Donna.

Carly had studied beauty in Melbourne and then worked on a cruise ship where she visited London (furthering her studies in beauty), Alaska, Canada and parts of America as well. She has always had a passion to make people feel and look beautiful inside and out but admits to wondering what other possibilities were out there.

“The decision to start this new chapter in my life came easily, knowing I have the opportunity to use my dedication and experience to cross over and enter the world of fashion. I am able to incorporate my devotion to making all women

feel beautiful, whilst styling them to look their best. It is easy to love your job when you make women feel as good as we do,” said Carly.

“There were a few factors that made me make the final decision, but ultimately it’s great to be able to start this. When we established the brand, we were both still working in our other roles, but it wasn’t until we actually left those jobs that we had the time and the energy to pour into this business, to give it the time it deserved.

Added Donna: “I’ve had people say that it’s a huge move. People ask me, ‘You have come from manager at ‘three stripes’ - what are you doing here?’ It’s quite funny, I laugh every time. You have to make a sacrifice, life is just too short. Not having that safety net (of a steady job) forces you to make it succeed. It drives us to want to move things more quickly, put more energy into making it work.

“We didn’t want to rush into it,

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either. We didn’t want to just throw it out there and see what happened.

We are very much excellence orientated in everything we do and we want everything to be perfect.

Things can’t always be perfect, but we try our hardest to make sure everything is as good as it can be.

While the girls work well together, Donna says they are complete opposites. “I am very detailed and I can get very frustrated if it’s not exactly how I have pictured it, whereas Carly brings a different level - it will be fine, don’t worry about it.”

Carly and Donna spent months discussing their ideas and coming up with their company name. “We really wanted something that stood for who we are and what we are passionate about in life, which is finding and loving our inner and outer beauty as women.”

Their theory was simple “DO” Donna, “CA” Carly, “MOI” Me or myself. Thus the name DOCA’MOI was decided and the business established.

The girls did their research, found their suppliers and set up their WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

online store, but quickly realized, that having a store is one thing, driving traffic to it is another. Friends and friends of friends loved the products the girls supplied, but urged them to do parties in their homes to showcase their jewellery and fashion to more people. Donna and Carly took this suggestion and have run with it, very successfully.

Since starting their party plan part

of the business, the girls have been run off their feet, admitting that their first party was “a bit overwhelming, but good overwhelming”.

“We go along to the person’s house, set it up like a shop, and show people how to style. Our first party generated four more parties and it has gone from there.”

The team is now in hot demand for parties, football club ladies’

days, high-teas and corporate events. The girls have also found that there are huge numbers of women who want to be stylish, but need assistance in creating their look.

“It’s not because they are not creative; they are time poor, they have kids, they have careers, they have all these things that keep them busy and they don’t have the time to style an outfit, and themselves, the way they would like.”

The girls build relationships with their customers by talking about themselves, their backgrounds, their brand and their products. They have found that women like to be styled, shown what goes with what, to see where a necklace will sit on them and how long or short it is.

“When we are presenting our brand, it’s about the style and if you look good and you look the part, you feel good and confident.”

The products are all there for everyone to look at, touch, feel and try on. Donna and Carly take their full range of product to the parties, and while the customers can (and do) purchase at the event, they also get to take their goods home on the day, which is very unusual for party plan type businesses where you usually buy and wait for weeks to receive your goods.

Party participants also get discount vouchers to spend at a later time; this has driven a lot more traffic to their website.

“We will also go to someone’s home and style them for an hour,” explained Donna. “Carly, with her beauty background, will do their nails and give them a bit of pampering. They get a lot of information and advice in that hour.”

Donna and Carly have found that in this industry, most online stores will show a picture of the item but not show how it will sit when worn. Having their jewellery and accessories styled in photos gives customers a much greater appreciation of what that item will look like on them.

“It’s nice to see how and where the jewellery sits and fits. For us WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

to show it on a person shows customers more variety.”

All products from DOCA’MOI are sourced from Australia and the girls keep up with the latest trends and colour ranges. “It takes triple the time to deal with offshore suppliers.

We want to look after our customers in a speedy manner. We want to fill the customers need quickly. We are very happy with the way that runs, we want speed to market.”

These focussed and success driven young women have listened to their customers, they love feedback and work with what people want. They do their own marketing, photography, graphics work, lighting for their displays and present their ideas in creative ways.

They see their future as being in a bricks and mortar store and designing their own products, but for now they are busy getting known, getting their name out there and looking after their customers.

They are wisely formulating ways of selling their products and driving customers to their website instead of sitting back and hoping it will happen, as many others do.

To be styled, book your party at home or corporate event, you can contact Donna and Carly – DOCA’MOI at: www.docamoicollection.com.au www.facebook.com/DocamoiCollection http://followgram.me/docamoi

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live via satellite A European escape in the heart of Beverly Hills F

riday, 1pm in Beverly Hills, CA, I am thinking, ‘What the hell am I doing at the office whilst everybody is doing lunch?’ In the blink of an eye and a snap of my wrist, it came to me… Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and those delicious garlic buttery Escargots! You got to be kidding me, there was only one place to go and I was OUT of here.

As Jeffre, my driver, pulls up to the valet of the Beverly Canon Gardens, the allure and beauty of Bouchon rests upstairs in the fine dining area designed by Adam Tihany.

Mosaic tiles lay the groundwork of the grand hall where handpainted murals decorate the walls and classic globe chandeliers cast soft illumination on the crowded tables. Stunning, high ceilings barely contain the lively sounds of clinking wine glasses, silverware on plates and engaging conversation.

I had to remind myself that I wasn’t in Paris, and that it wasn’t a lovely Parisian dream with my dream girl, Salma Hayek, by my side…

Bouchon is a way of life, a love affair of food brought to Beverly Hills by Thomas Keller. Dining here is like you have just been taken to the Palace of Versailles on an affair to remember. The aroma from this Thomas Keller French Bistro masterpiece was just sublime…

French onion soup, pâtes du jour, flat iron steak with French fries.

Greeted at the door by debonair Frenchman, Thomas Marini, the maître’d who is an Antonio Banderas lookalike, escorts me to my regular table. I settle in for an afternoon of French delight with a couple of kisses and hugs and “Good to see you again” from the locals of the Beverly Hills ‘Super Mafia Agencies’.

My Friday afternoon cocktail WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

by Joey Sulfaro

aka Mr Caffé Shakerato is a whisky sour, straight up in a martini glass with Bouchon’s famous marinated cherries. Before I could get settled in at my table, in swings assistant manager, Deanna, with my cocktail, and of course, my favorite Sicilian pistachio nuts and the famous Bouchon epi baguette with butter. If you are not salivating yet, get ready because it gets much better than this.

I have buckled down into position at Bouchon HQ and Deanna knows my order of freshly shucked cold moules (mussels). They also have mussels served traditionally, steamed in white wine and served with french fries. I prefer the cold ones; ordering 3 dozen at $7 per dozen is superb value and ever so

tasty. This is followed by my steak frites flat iron steak with French fries.

It is a shoulder cut, rolled in herbs and caramelized shallots with maître d’hôtel butter.

As I look around the room, it is pumping with CAA and William Morris Agency players, all trying to do deals. There’s also a few high rollers and, of course, the incognito, Louis Vuitton-shaded, Cartier diamond-encrusted, Beverly Hills housewives, all power-playing each other with kisses smiles and Hollywood tête-à-tête.

My moules arrive; these little black beauties are a cold, crisp taste of the ocean, served with a seafood and ketchup dipping sauce and Bouchon’s famous Epi baguette. As I slip away in my mind, I was sitting at the Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc on the Côte d’Azur, watching the nouveau riche playing on their mega yachts. What a brilliant taste and flavor of this Mediterranean dream, smack down in Tinseltown.

I was thinking that my steak was so favorable and luscious, a little bit like that red headed beauty,

Christina Hendricks from Mad Men, where she constantly teases you with her luscious lips and ample breasts‌OMG bliss. Who needs a dessert when this thought is freshly running rampant in your head?

But as the local Beverly Hills babes arrive in search of the world famous, Thomas Keller macaroons, a salty caramel, coffee or raspberry slice of French heaven, I am tempted, but only with my final touch, mastered by the chief sommelier, Alex, who knows how to make my Caffe Shakerato perfectly with no need to instruct.

My day is complete 5:35pm.

Beverly Hills trade is still open and I need to go back for my 6pm meeting, but I have a smile on my face with a memory of Viva La France‌ Kudos Team Keller!

If you are in the Napa Valley, NYC or Vegas make sure you visit Bouchon or their delicious bakery when you are on the go.

Ambience = 8.0 Service = 8.5 Food = 8.5

Shakerato = 9.0 Cost = $$$

Joey Sulfaro is a Sydney and Beverly Hills based foodie and celebrity manager. www.satelliteagency.com

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OVITCH GAROUA, CAMEROON

PHOTOS: Michel Benoit, Samuel Mallet, Franck Jonville

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? Growing up, I primarily lived in France. But, when I was a young kid I also spent 2 years on Mayotte, a French island in the Indian Ocean. I also frequently travelled to Greece with my parents. My best memories are of Greece and Mayotte, but due to my recent studies, I have been given the opportunities to travel a lot and visit countries of Latin America, Africa and Oceania. I currently live in Garoua, Cameroon, where I am working as an engineer for a national project in the water sector. Garoua is located in the middle of nowhere in Central Africa. It is like an oasis where you can find hippopotamuses in the middle of the city.

Amazing!

WHAT MODELLING WORK HAVE YOU DONE? My best experience was modelling for the London Fashion Week last year. It was a catwalk for John Peter London, the famous English couturier. I have also done some part time jobs for English and French clothing designers, and I have helped some photographers develop their portfolio.

WHAT WORK DO YOU WANT TO DO? I would like to be a full-time model, giving my best in that sector so that I don’t have any regrets. I would like to work with a famous couturier in the high fashion industry, as well as continuing my engineering work.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MODELLING? I have been modelling for two and a half years. I started when I got my engineering diploma (master degree in development).

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MODELLING? I was working as a waiter in a French restaurant when somebody told me I could easily find a job in modelling... well, I said "why not?� I like being an actor so I considered I could have fun doing that kind of job.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT MODELLING? First of all, modelling is a very fun job, and an easy way to make friends and interesting contacts in a world I am not used to. I like to be an "actor" or to be the "special one" when I'm modelling. I think modelling tells a story without words. You can show movement in a still picture, and I think that it is incredible to be able to have that skill. I love having the opportunity to become someone else, just for a few hours. For me, it's fun and exciting to play those parts, while incorporating a piece of myself into it. Finally, it gives you a great deal of confidence in the everyday life and you simply feel better!

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I believe I can find a good balance between the fashion industry and engineering. The latter gives me the opportunity to travel to developing countries, but I would enjoy visiting western countries with my modelling jobs.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? Except modelling and traveling, my other interests are tennis, swimming and trekking. I am a fan of tennis and I try to play at least twice a week here in Cameroon. I play piano and guitar as well.

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES AND WHY? The biggest influence in my life is my best friend Tony, who I consider my brother. I met him 6 years ago and have spent most of my time traveling with him. He now lives and works in Central Africa, like me, and I try to visit him regularly. I have a big project with him - to open a Hostel in South America! I hope I can realize this dream... thanks to modelling!

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The Gift of Love BIANCA KRISTALLIS LEARNT MANY LESSONS WHILE BUILDING HER ONLINE STORE; EACH DAY SHE WAS PRESENTED WITH A NEW ONE! BIANCA WAS PREGNANT WITH TWINS WHEN SHE STARTED THE BUSINESS AND THOUGHT IT WOULD ALL BE TOO HARD, BUT WHEN SHE RECEIVED A MASSIVE CORPORATE ORDER FROM ONE OF THE BIG BANKS SHE RETHOUGHT THE IDEA, REINVESTED THE MONEY BACK INTO THE BUSINESS AND IT’S BEEN GROWING AND THRIVING EVERY YEAR SINCE. WORDS: DARREN HOUSE

B

een invited to a wedding, need to say thank you, or make an impact with a loved one? Someone just had a baby? Or do you want to say ‘well done’ to an employee, business associate or colleague? No problem. From wine to food and toys and everything in between, there is a one-stop-shop for anyone who wants to impress with their gifts but can’t be bothered with the shopping and stress part!

Pamper Hamper Gifts is the brainchild of Sydney businesswoman Bianca Kristallis. The business began in 2004 and has taken the gift giving experience to a whole new level, with innovative ideas and creations, designed to leave an everlasting impression with every buyer, receiver and browser.

Bianca has sourced products from top rated companies including Wedgwood, Vera Wang, Waterford, Missoni Home, Logan Wines, Veuve Cliquot, Donna Hay and MOR, and has succeeded in identifying precisely what customers want when it comes to gifting and making an impression. It’s a business that will

take the stress and effort out of buying gifts. It doesn’t matter what the occasion, or what your budget is, they have it covered. From gift selection, quality control, delivery and wrapping, Bianca has thought of it all. She will even write the card for you.

With a background in advertising, media and hospitality, Bianca often went to trade shows to see her clients display their products and would look at all the gorgeous things, thinking about how she would like to work in the gifting field. One day she received a dated hamper of not-so-interesting things, “I was mortified but inspired.

It dawned on me that there was definitely a space in the market for a more glamorous style of gift hamper” said Bianca.

Bianca knows what people want when it comes to gifting but there has also been a lot of hard work involved with researching, asking questions, educating herself about online retail, networking, speaking with her accountant, finding amazing designers and developers

who were on the same page. “I knew that if I was going to begin a business with an online shopfront it had to be amazing and that I needed to invest quite a bit of money to do it. I was once told by a mentor you must “speculate to accumulate”!”

Moving from a stable job with steady income, to starting your own business is a huge step, particularly when, as Bianca did, you love your job. Bianca was working at ACP Publishing, she had worked her way up the ladder but her partner at the time wanted her to work for him, so she finally made the decision to leave ACP. “I wasn’t passionate about working in his field. It was so boring and I hated it. I wanted to do something on my own, so that was a great time to do it. I wrote a business plan while working for him and voila! It came together! My passion, my idea, it all started to make sense, I was on a roll. I was lucky I had money coming in whilst developing Pamper Hamper Gifts, which helped as it gave me security WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

in case it didn’t work out. So many times I thought it wasn’t going to work out and nearly caved in, but my tenacious drive made it happen.

“In the early stages of the business, no one wanted to know Pamper Hamper Gifts. It was like ‘Internet? Online? What? Sorry, we only sell to shops.’ I was trying to educate wholesalers for many years that my business is a shop, however it’s online! I would give my spiel, ‘You need to realise that the internet is the way to go, bricks and mortar will be non-existent one day. We will all be shopping online.’ I was

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laughed at.

“Buying stock at trade shows nine years ago was a struggle. My idea was new, crazy. I remember one wholesaler said ‘sorry I can’t sell to you, internet, ha-ha that’s funny!’

I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she was rejected in that dress shop. Now, this particular wholesaler follows me at the trade fairs and chases me, calls me, emails me catalogues. It’s funny how the tables have turned, and now I’m being begged to sell their product.

I’m happy though, it’s flattering to know I was on the mark about the

future of online shopping.”

Going with gut feeling turned out to be the best thing Bianca could have done. She was meticulous with her planning, she had a target market she wanted to attract and played on that from the start. She was careful to not over capitalise and went into everything with her eyes wide open, feeling confident, positive and sticking to her business plan and structure.

“If I hadn’t researched and written a business plan I don’t think I would have succeeded, it was just so important to have the right foundations and build on them from the get go.”

In the early stages, Bianca was very cautious to make sure she didn’t share too much information with people about the website and business. “People have their feelers out all the time, waiting to steal someone’s idea,” she said.

Arranging the business side wasn’t the only hurdle Bianca had to deal with. “I started it all on my own with no assistance. I was pregnant with my twins and juggling the world around me whilst trying to get Pamper Hamper Gifts off the ground. To be quite honest, I was surrounded by negativity and people telling me how silly I was to pursue

“I'm my own boss, I'm a mum, and I run my own show. I have no one to answer to.

I love it!” something that was so difficult. I think the constant lectures from family telling me to get a normal job and look after myself and my twins, just made me want to make it work. I like to do the opposite of what I’m told.

The rebel inside me fought to pursue my passion and follow my dreams. Look at me eight and a half years on!

I’m my own boss, I’m a mum, and I run my own show. I have no one to answer to. I love it! I’m very proud that I didn’t cave in and sell my business in its earlier stages.”

The biggest challenge Bianca has to overcome in the day-to-day running of the business is breaking away from the computer, mobile phone and iPad. “When you have an online business you never really seem to get away from your work – you’re always surrounded by gadgets and your emails are right in front of you. I’m WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

always monitoring the traffic on the site via the back-end system, I get excited when I see the different levels of customers searching and buying and get even more excited when I see returning customers. I have well over 200 emails to attend to daily and they are pretty much replying to customers and wholesalers. The emails consume me, and yes it’s hard. I find myself cooking and emailing at the same time quite often.

“I’m the ‘Queen of Multitasking’.

Sometimes when there are important things to get done and I need to be with the twins it’s a real struggle.

Time management is something I am always striving to perfect. There has to be a healthy balance between family and business.

“As you can imagine, my to-do lists are horrifically long! I was trained to do them from my days in event management and advertising.

They really do assist, and the sense of relief when I get the job done is like kicking another goal. I feel like my time has been put to good value when I know I have achieved my daily tasks. It’s all about time management and control, I’m my own boss so I have to be organized

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- super-organized, but at the end of the day I manage and I actually surprise myself that I get it all done!”

Pamper Hamper Gifts is growing every day, but it’s with caution and stability. Bianca follows customer demands, trends and the economic climate, but sometimes plans do not fall into place and there has to be a back-up plan.

Bianca admits to feeling very fortunate, learning a lot working in 5 star hotels and the media. She cautions people who think it’s easy and reminds them that you won’t make money overnight. You need

to plan ahead, research, set goals and believe in your product. It is important to know your customer base and come up with your own personal and authentic ideas. You must also keep on-track with your forecasting and spending, invest in marketing, PR and maintaining customer service, and to put any spare cash back into the business.

Creating an easy shopping experience for her customers is a priority for Bianca, “Our hampers are designed, ready for someone to purchase. The aim of our site is to take the stress away for the shopper

so that all they have to do is search, click, buy and send! It’s so simple and straight forward and such an easy service for the shopper. Once they finish their purchase, the stress of having to buy a gift for someone has left their mind - we take care of it!”

There is a lot in the pipeline for Bianca and Pamper Hamper Gifts. “I just crossed off a major point on my business plan and opened my first showroom. It’s a very exciting step for us and a convenient way that our local shoppers will now be able to pick up from us.

“At this stage it’s not open to the public, but customers can pick up. It’s more of a large workshop/ showroom - everything happens here under one roof! We are already working on the next bit of expansion; however it’s still in the planning stages.”

“Having your own business is truly rewarding, as it’s yours. You have the flexibility to work the hours you choose and you never have to feel obligated to anyone but yourself!

I love that I can make all my own business decisions and that, if I need to call for advice, I have millions of contacts that would give me their opinion and knowledge any time.” www.pamperhampergifts.com.au

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reality bites A life before wrinkles, Botox and Photoshop magic T

he headshot of me to the right, is an old one taken to promote the one hit I managed to produce in documentary film, Waco: The Rules of Engagement (I still swear the other films were as good, by the way). I’m using this photograph still because; 1. I’m lazy and cheap; time and expense for another headshot?

Nope.

2. I don’t look this good anymore.

3. And because I didn’t enjoy the looks, pictured here, when I had ‘em.

My skin was pretty damned flawless, even before Photoshop did its magic, and back then I’d discount the compliments about it.

Dumb! That forehead, as smooth in person as in the photograph before thoughts of Botox filled it why didn’t I enjoy it?

One of the flaws that I accurately acknowledged before the photo and now - where most of the Photoshop artist spent her time - are the very dark circles under my eyes - ‘allergic shiners’ as doctors call them. (Tips, besides Photoshop, for those who share this dark affliction/

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by Amy Sommer

woe/stain are supplied here, with more to come in future pieces). So, ten plus years later, I look at this photograph and try to justify the stupidity of not enjoying the face that was mine when I had it.

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent,” is one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s (pictured far right) oft quoted phrases. Why did I consent to letting my insecurities’ reign? Media influences? Youthful ignorance? Nope, just my own damned shortcoming.

Learn from my mistake (I’m only focusing on one of ‘em in this column – more to come in future commentary about how reality bites) and try to look at yourself in the mirror the way you would look at a loved one.

I should’ve enjoyed those compliments I received back then, instead of discounting them, and then staring at the mirror in search of yet more flaws. Now, I’m using this headshot to attest to the fact that I did have that visage back

in the early part of this century… before the 20lbs I’ve gained, the children and lines I’m suppose to justify by saying I’ve earned them.

So, as I write about my perspectives on life, liberty, beauty and anything else that Carol and Darren deem worthy, remember, don’t look at old photographs and think of what might’ve been, because, “For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, ‘It might have been’.”

Take the words of John Greenleaf Whittier (pictured right) to heart - enjoy the you, you are right now. Perfection may be an ideal but... and this life is full of them... excellence is achievable, so strive for it and enjoy the you, you are right now!

Yes, read my words and those of others,and maybe try some of the products we discuss (writing may pay badly but hey, it’s a job), but don’t buy them to change yourself - none of them are miracles, even those that we endorse. “To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are,” said an unknown wise person. Use beauty products to enhance your beauty and enjoy it more.

But enough about me and my pep talk… let’s talk about a very real beauty flaw… my allergic shiners.

“If the area under your eyes looks like someone punched you, it’s a sign of nasal congestion,” said Dr

Gary Rachelefsky, Director: Center for Asthma, Allergy, and Respiratory Diseases at UCLA (pictured left).

“It’s frequently seen in individuals who have hay fever (aka nasal allergy),” elaborated Rachelefsky, who authored Free Your Child from Asthma when treating my equally nasal-challenged daughter. So, while I blow my nose and seek Rachelefsky’s counsel about other ways to clear my nasal passages, I turn to more superficial remedies… and have actually found one that helps.

Dermalogica is an American, privately held company, that makes excellent lines of skin care products.

The Ultra Soothing Eye Serum is one of their latest, and one that my ‘mature’ skin is enjoying. The eye area is some of the most sensitive skin on our bodies and those of us whose immune systems mistakes a little pollen for the plague, need extra help in that vicinity.

So if your under eye area bothers you, try this Dermalogica product – it will likely help and certainly can’t hurt. But, don’t count on it to change how you look dramatically – this or any product can improve your looks but they will never make you perfect. Stop wasting time looking for flaws in the mirror, don’t

discount the looks you have or the accomplishments you achieve, enjoy this moment and all the others you are in now. Don’t wait to appreciate what you have or who you are through the often-melancholy lens of nostalgia. Enjoy the you, you are right now.

Amy Sommer is a Los Angeles based writer and publicist. www.PissantProd.com WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

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CREATE THE RUNWAY LOOK with Maybelline New York N

igel Stanislaus, make up director for Maybelline New York, created these looks for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Sydney this year. Nigel focussed his attention on colour palette combinations, often using textures of soot, brown and pewter, giving strength to the eyes. He also used modern and minimalistic luxe finishes, creating luminosity, structure but simplicity in tones of taupes, greys, pearls and cream. You too can have the runway look by following the Maybelline face charts. All products are available for purchase at www.maybelline.com – www.maybelline.com.au or your local Maybelline counter.

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EMMA MULHOLLAND

EyeStudio Color Tattoo in Audacious Asphalt

EyeStudio Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze

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Volum' Express Falsies Mascara

Baby Lips Loves Color Lip Balm in Berry Crush

HARYONO

FITme Bronzer

Baby Lips Loves Color Lip Balm in Berry Crush FITme Blush in Light Nude

Dream Fresh BB Cream Color Tattoo Too Cool

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NEW GENERATION

Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow in Bold Gold

FITme Foundation

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Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in Iced Chocolate

Mastershape Brow Pencil in Blonde

WATSON X WATSON

FITme Bronzer

Fit Me Blush in Medium Pink

Mastershape Brow Pencil in Blonde

Volum' Express Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara

Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in Iced Chocolate

Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in Mirrored Mauve

Superstay 14HR Lipcolor in Perpetual Peony

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WE ARE HANDSOME

Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in Gleaming Grenadine

Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow in Edgy Emerald

Fit Me Blush

Eye Studio Hyperdiamonds Eyeshadow in Bronze Diamonds

FITme Foundation

Line Express Eyeliner WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

Volum' Express Falsies Mascara

www.kellystephens.com.au

viva las vegas

Sin City’s set for a long hot Summer W

inter has disappeared here in Las Vegas; we totally missed Spring and have gone straight to Summer, where temperatures are set to soar to 110°F (43°C) plus over the next few months.

Whatever the weather here, there is always news, drama and excitement to report.

Former Mr Las Vegas, Wayne Newton, is losing his beloved 50-acre ranch, Shenandoah. It is about to be sold off, leaving Wayne looking for a new place to live. Sadly, his voice has gone beyond its use-by date, as has his fortune. There were plans to convert his estate into a West Coast ‘Graceland’, showcasing his 50 years in the business, but these have sadly fallen through.

Much loved Australian group, Human Nature, have moved to a new and more luxurious showroom at the Venetian Hotel/Casino, just up the road from their previous residency at the out dated Imperial

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by Jon Palmieri

Palace hotel. Also doing well for themselves are Australia’s male exotic dancers, Thunder from Down Under, and Chippendales, who continually pull in full houses of both male and female guests.

Cirque Du Soleil has hit on a winning formula having some of the hottest shows in town, including O at the Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, The Beatles Love at the Mirage and the new Zumanity, which replaced their non-performing, too expensive Elvis tribute at the new Aria complex in City Center.

Current Caesars Palace Coliseum headliner, Shania Twain, is filling the 4,000 seat theater on a regular basis during April and May, and Celine Dion fans await her return in June. Donnie and Marie still attract a full house at the fabulous Flamingo where they WITH RIELY SAVILLE have had residency for the past four years and, if the Flamingo management have their way, they will perform there well into their senior citizen years.

Other Broadway shows still in town are the Jersey Boys, performing nightly at the Paris Hotel/Casino and the surprise hit Million Dollar Quartet highlighting the true story of four rock ‘n’ roll legends having a jam session in

1956 at the father of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sam Phillip’s recording studio in Memphis Tennessee.

For those young enough not to be baby boomers, the four were Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and the king himself, Elvis. For those of you who have not seen the show, be prepared to stand and dance during the whole performance as the music pounds and shakes Harrah’s showroom to its foundations.

On the restaurant, scene this town still strives to attract the

greatest chef’s the world has ever seen. Foul-mouthed, self-confessed bad boy, Gordon Ramsey, has a new abode at Caesars Palace forum shops, with his English themed, Pub and Grill restaurant situated alongside noted chef, Michael Richard, highlighting the finest in French Cuisine dining.

Over the street, at the exotic Venetian/Palazzo hotel casino’s ‘Superbam’ man, Emeril Lagasse, impresses diners with Delmonico’s Steakhouse, serving the best in New Orleans style cuisine, while

Italian superstar, Mario Batali’s B & B Ristorante satisfies the most hardened food critics. I almost forgot to mention superman, Wolfgang Puck, who has not one, but two restaurants in the complex.

Speaking of fine chef’s, I almost swallowed my tongue when the beautiful Giada De Laurentiis walked by, getting the royal tour of the new Caesars Palace Bacchanal Buffet. I think that we may have another superstar coming to the Las Vegas restaurant scene.

We eagerly await your visit

to our town and remember, “What happens in Vegas doesn’t necessarily stay in Vegas”. At least not on my watch!

Jon Palmieri is a Las Vegas nightlife identity and man about town.

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bitter sweet INDEPENDENT ARTIST, BRENT DUNCAN, WITH HIS BLEND OF 80’S ROCK AND MODERN ELECTRO MUSIC, HAS BEEN FEATURED AS ‘ARTIST OF THE MONTH’ FOR PERTH RADIO. HE HAS BULLETED TO NUMBER 83 ON THE TRIPLE J CHARTS, DONE UNCOUNTABLE INTERVIEWS FOR RADIO AND MAGAZINES, AND HAS NOW RELEASED HIS SECOND ALBUM ‘A NEW LEVEL’, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN AN EASY ROAD. BRENT TALKS OPENLY WITH PRODIJEE MAGAZINE ABOUT THE DIFFICULTIES HE HAS ENCOUNTERED BEING A MUSICIAN.

M

aking a name for yourself as a progressive musician is tough enough when you are living in a major city, but when you are born and raised in a country town, it’s damn near impossible.

That revelation wasn’t lost on Brent Duncan, who packed up his guitar and dreams, and moved to Melbourne from the Victorian Gippsland town of Traralgon, when it became apparent to him that opportunities were much greater in The Big Smoke.

“When I first moved here, the plan was to make it big in the music field,” said Brent. “There wasn’t much work back at home and not many opportunities for music, so it made sense to move to Melbourne.

I don’t mind it here, it’s good because you are always busy and there is always something to do, but I’m not a fan of the whole busy lifestyle, I like peace and quiet.”

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The move started to pay dividends almost immediately. In 2008, Brent released his debut EP titled Rocket Boots, receiving an honourable mention at the American Indie Top 10 unsigned band requests.

Two years later, he featured on a premier compilation CD, released

by Down Under Thunder team.

The CD was distributed to 500 independent radio stations, colleges and universities in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, America and the UK. The record featured some of the best new up and coming artists from all over the world.

Later in the same year, an independent internet radio station, Global Thunda Network, featured him as their Victorian October/ November artist. His song Dance in the Rain got airplay, as did an interview about the release of his upcoming album.

Rising Magazine showcased Brent in 2011 as one of the five

artists in its premier issue that promotes new artists, musicians and photographers. After 13 months of recording his album, it was released to iTunes, Amazon and 25 other major online retailers in November 2011.

Brent’s second studio album, featuring songs Music is My Drug and Summer’s Night, is a blend of rock/alternative/electro and was released during February this year.

While all of this sounds wonderful, and it is, the journey hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Brent has suffered at the hands of bullying with so-called friends and some other musicians who feel the need to put him down and make distasteful comments on Facebook and YouTube.

While initially surprised and disappointed by this negativity, Brent says he has turned it into a positive.

“It used to get to me, but it doesn’t now, I focus on what I am doing. I write about those things

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and then if I put the song out there and they hear it… well, there you go! I thanked these people on my website; the people who have put me down have made me more determined. When I have asked them why they do it, they say that they are jealous because I’m doing well. I’m just doing what I do. I’m not trying to impress people.

“I am much more excited about the new album, it is a lot more honest than the last one, and I have a good feeling about it. The songs are not so experimental, they all fit together nicely and the message of the album has a lot of revenge and attitude in it. I have noticed a lot of things I have written for the CD are saying the same sort of thing. Almost like saying ‘my success is my revenge’ I get sick of everyone with their opinions and putting me down, it’s more like an ‘up you’ CD. After so many people put you down, you kind of want to prove something to them. It’s like a release point. Instead of going to therapy, I write it down on paper and get it out that way. That’s the good thing about music; you can get your feelings out.”

Finding that release was important, as at age 17, Brent was diagnosed with a heart condition, which stopped him pursing his other love, playing Australian football. The condition put him in hospital about 20 times during 2012 and makes him very lethargic. So far, there hasn’t been much the medical sector has been able to do for him for the condition. “I’ve learnt to take it easy and not strain myself with anything. I have WWW.PRODIJEE.COM

to not stress, as stress makes me sick. It’s hard being away from my family when I’m sick, but they are only a phone call away.”

With the new album, comes the need to promote it via live gigs, and though Brent admits to suffering huge nerves when he performs, he says the stress and nerves he feels when playing doesn’t have any adverse effect on him.

“After all the stress and nerves, it’s such a great feeling, a real buzz when the crowd really gets into the music. I don’t like performing on my own. I play guitar but I prefer not to when I am singing because I find it too hard to focus on two things at once. I’ve got an electric guitarist that I perform with. I like that. I like electric because I like the sound of it. The songs are all for electric guitar, they are rocky and upbeat.”

Being an independent artist can be hard work, but Brent takes one step at a time and does what he has to do to get his music written and recorded.

“I just do something new every couple of months. Something just sort of comes from it. One thing leads to another and then you are doing a lot of different things. An interview might lead to radio and then that might lead to getting a manager; one thing leads to another.”

For now, Brent will continue doing his studio sessions with Four4ty Recording Studios in Eltham, Victoria. “There’s just one guy there, I arrange the songs and show him what I want. He throws in a few ideas as well, which is good.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. A lot of the time he will tell me to make some change, and he is very often right, I can see what he is trying to get at and it comes out better. But there are times that I disagree with him, too. It pays off, he plays the all instruments himself too, so I don’t need to hire any musicians. I found him through

research on the internet. I phoned him and got a really good vibe from him. He is young and casual. We work well together.”

“I get sick of everyone with their opinions and putting me down.

The album has a lot of revenge and attitude in it - it’s more like an ‘up you’ CD”

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prodijee.com THE NEXT BIG THING IS HERE...