Australia’s beloved “Daytime TV Queen”, popular, professional and personable host of GOOD MORNING AUSTRALIA for 11 years, received 3 Gold LOGIE nominations for her work as compere of daytime-variety TV show MIDDAY, hilariously hosted MORNINGS WITH KERRI-ANNE with many memorable guests including an intoxicated John Stamos and famously enticed politician Peter Costello to do the Macarena, a talented Caberet singer and recording artist she was parodied by singer and comedian Gina Riley on the TV comedy show Fast Forward and has sensationally joined the cast in the 2012 season of Seven Network’s DANCING WITH THE STARS… KERRI-ANNE KENNERLY!

FUN FACTS: Partnered by HOT professional dancer Carmelo Pizzino, Kerri-Anne is dancing for LOOK GOOD…FEEL BETTER for which she is patron. The charity conducts workshops for women suffering from cancer to help disguise some of the ill effects of treatment.

To VOTE for KERRI-ANNE on DANCING WITH THE STARS:
CALL 1902 55 77 10 or
SMS KERRI-ANNE to 191 1777

www.BrettWillisCartoons.com

I had the pleasure of spending a very intimate night with entertainment royalty – Dame Edna.

It was in the basement at the Civic Hotel in Sydney where I got to see the very endearing Dame Edna on stage speaking about Jenny Craig and how she, along with her Manager, Barry Humphries will strive to achieve their weight loss goal of 15kgs each.

In hysterics for much of the night, I can’t think of a time I have felt more privileged to have been graced by one of Australia’s greatest living treasures in this very private and rare opportunity. A good 45 minute session with Dame Edna was exactly what everyone in the room needed. Allowing questions from Trevor Ashley, Peter Everett, Mike Goldman and Glen-Marie Frost, Dame Edna answered with quick witted and supremely detailed answers, all with the poise and elegance of a legend.

It wasn’t just Dame Edna who kept the photographers on their toes, the moment the scary Spice Girl Mel B and husband Stephen Belafonte arrived, the sound of flashes and murmurs “Mel, Mel, look here, Mel”, “Oh my God, Mel B is here”, “Wow, it’s Mel B, she looks incredible” filled the room. And it was true. She looked incredible. With a body to salivate over, Mel B lost 15 kgs in 20 weeks after being ambassador for Jenny Craig.

I’ve met many international and local celebrities and I must say, I was a little star struck seeing Mel, but then I actually got to meet her and spend much of the evening with her and her hilariously extroverted husband. Mel B was so much fun, coming out with the funniest one liners, but also being an absolute sweetheart.

Other guests included my long time friend Peter Everett, Channel 10’s Breakfast presenters Andrew Rochford and Kathryn Robinson, Dr Nikki Goldstein, Trevor Ashley, Mike Goldman, Chucky Klapow and the gorgeous Glen-Marie Frost. Below are some photos of the silliness Dr Nikki and Peter Everett got up to with the crazy couple.

What an amazing night – but if you want the X-Rated uncensored version of the night… Contact me privately!

See more photos below courtesy of Esteban La Tessa of La Tessa Photography (including photo of Dame Edna) - www.latessaphotography.com

Australia’s most highly decorated currently serving member of the Australian Defence Force and any other Commonwealth army, a recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia (the highest award in the Australian honours system) in 2010, recipient of a Medal for Gallantry awarded during a tour of Afghanistan in 2006, devoted husband & father of twin daughters, and recently named the new number one ticket holder for the Fremantle DOCKERS AFL club… CORPORAL BEN ROBERTS-SMITH!

FUN FACTS: The incredibly muscular 2 Metre tall Aussie soldier appeared on the cover of Men’s Fitness magazine and explained how his workouts are “built for battle” using combinations of exercises, weights and running that mimic combat demands, and that his favourite workout is the torturous boot camp burpee – a four-step full body exercise used in strength training… yikes!

www.BrettWillisCartoons.com

National Treasure, Dame Edna Everage and her adoring manager, Barry Humphries get serious about their health and pledge to shed 15 kilos each with Jenny Craig. With the megastar and her manager about to embark on their farewell tour, Edna states the dramatic change is necessary in the interests of their health and, as role models, the health of their public.

“Possums, Barry and I both appreciate the influence we have over our adoring public. Just like the Beckhams, people follow and copy our every move. And lately, well let’s be brutally honest, we’ve let ourselves go and haven’t been good role models. I have a wardrobe full of breathtaking gowns but I have to hold my breath to wear them …only three gowns fit me these days. When I’m on stage, I have to suck in my tummy because I fear my dress will burst at the seams. Just like my dear friend Mel B, I too can’t wait to get my pre-baby body back! While that was many years ago, the outcome will be the same with Jenny’s help!

“I’ve always had a nice little double chin but recently it’s turned into a quadruple chin. I want to live a long time and I am ready for Jenny,” said Edna.

Barry Humphries also worries about Edna’s weight. “We were in London recently and Edna’s looks were savaged by one critic in particular who described her as rather ‘tubby’. Well, that was a wakeup call for both of us, especially with our so-called “farewell” tour, ‘Eat, Pray, Laugh’, about to start in June. Consequently, we both take a mild blood pressure tablet and by losing 15 kilos, not only will we look fighting fit, our health will bounce back.”

“We want all of Australia to rally behind us on Jenny’s ‘Edna Forever’ campaign. The message is simple; ‘get healthy, live longer’. Edna is a legend; she deserves to live forever. We may be approaching our early twilight years or as I like to call them, our ‘after lunch years’, but Edna has some sage advice to impart regardless of your age,” said Mr Humphries.

Barry also admits he has his own problems with food and will be supporting Edna and encouraging all men to think about their health.

“I have a problem with food and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Don’t forget if you’re fat, you’re sick. There’s no shame in a man getting help. It’s a shame if you don’t!“

Amy Smith, MD of Jenny Craig Australia and New Zealand is excited about the company’s new ambassadors.

“Dame Edna is an absolute legend in Australia and her manager, Barry Humphries, is equally loved. Their inspiring story to lose weight and regain their health will resonate with people of all ages. You are never too old to fight for your health; it’s there for the taking.” said Ms Smith.

“The Jenny program is the perfect first step. It’s important to understand the programme is not a diet. Each person is provided with a support system second-to-none, regardless of whether they are megastar or not. After an in-depth meeting with your own Jenny consultant where your medical history is discussed, a tailored eating plan and exercise recommendations are given. Each week of your journey you will check in with your consultant to discuss your progress. This is the difference and it’s a system that’s proven to work,” says Ms Smith.

www.jennycraig.com.au

The story of wool continues to be told right across the world, this time with key players of Australia meeting in March to launch the Campaign for Wool for 2012.

The Australian launch provided a melting pot of the wool industry, with woolgrowers, fashion designers and retailers gathering to offer ideas about the further promotion of the fibre.

The Australian leg of Wool Modern’s global schedule – held at Sydney’s historic Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay – includes pieces from international designers Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith and local designers including Collette Dinnigan, Willow, Romance Was Born, Josh Goot, ELLERY, Jenny Kee and Akira. I was there for it’s launch night and I was so impressed. What a gorgeous location, set up and exhibition it was. I urge you to get down there and check out the amazing garments on display… They really are so incredible and really do show you the versatility of wool. You can see just one of the gorgeous displayed here. Here I am with Peter Everett.

Three of Australia’s most talked about interior designers Sarah King, Emma Elizabeth and Henry Wilson have also joined the exhibition’s credits.

Other retailers providing extensive support to the Campaign for Wool include Sportscraft, Kookai, Country Road,Gorman, EMU Australia, MJ Bale and Decjuba.

Wool Modern celebrates the aesthetic, environmental and technical benefits of wool with stunning fashion pieces nested alongside wool-focused installations. There is an exclusive look at the wool archives from fashion designers including Theirry Mugler and Sonia Rykiel, with innovative new pieces from renowned designers and brands including Giles Deacon, Mark Fast, Erdem, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and David Koma among others.

The Campaign for Wool was globally launched in 2010 and is spearheaded by HRH the Prince of Wales. Australia’s key event for 2012 will be the Wool Modern exhibition in Sydney from April 24 to May 1, which also coincides with Wool Week running from April 23-29.

The Wool Modern exhibition will continue its world tour by travelling to Shanghai in October with special Chinese commissions.

For more information on Australian Wool Week events click here.

I’ve been so excited to hear the first track off Missy Higgins new album, The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle.

Unashamed Desire is AMAZING. I love how Missy’s long absence has produced something so great. I’m in love with this song and looking forward to hearing the rest of the tracks in their entirety.

Not only do I love this song, she is also smoking hot! She is looking so gorgeous at the moment. In this clip she looks simply gorgeous.

Stay tuned – I’ll be keeping you up to date on all Missy Higgins news!

This is the Romel Management and Sydney Fashion Blogger Easter shoot which I had the pleasure of producing.

I got to work with some great people on this shoot which was distributed throughout many media outlets.

Many thanks to the gorgeous Antoinette Marie, affectionately known as Sydney Fashion Blogger.

Also a big thanks to;

Model: Zac Smith (at Romel Model Management)

Photography: Ben Scott

Creative Director: Marianne Millard

Hair and Makeup: Roneta Goldstone

Produced by Adrian Erdedi

This gorgeous shoot could not have been created without the support from our sponsors, Cocolo Chocolate, Glasshouse Candles, PAD and Beauty and the Bees.

Below is the rear of the card.

I recently produced an Easter photo shoot which required some props. I sent a call out to some close friends and Clint Hogan Designs came back to me, suggesting I visit a new furniture and design store called PAD in Waterloo.

Off to Waterloo I went to see what this store was all about. I parked the car across the road and looked into the window displays. I immediately knew this place was ME. I couldn’t get inside fast enough to discover the world of rich and rare opulence.

PAD = Passionate About Design. That they most certainly are.

This place is a wonderland of gorgeous pieces, new and refurbished. Intricate patterns, fabrics, designs and collections which all team together beautifully to create the most special of spaces in your home. The photos really speak for themselves.

I’m totally in love with this place. Even just a walk around the store with no intention to purchase puts you into a special space in your mind and emotionally. It is so cleverly laid out, the natural light pouring in from the old warehouse roof, the burning candle scent wafting around the space and the attention to every detail is perfect for waking the senses.

The team at PAD are passionate about providing a complete service for their customers. They are more than happy to discuss the room you are decorating, taking into consideration the colour scheme, soft furnishings and existing furniture pieces to pull your look together. Bring some photos and take advantage of their Interior Decorators’ free advisory service.

If you are looking for a particular piece, or an elusive accessory, they are able to source both vintage and new pieces from their vast network of suppliers. From lamps and armchairs, to mirrors and tables, and everything in between – they will have you covered.

I suggest you get to the store as soon as possible, so you can see, feel and smell the experience for yourself.

Click HERE to see the Easter shoot which I produced for Romel Model Management and Sydney Fashion Blogger.

www.pad.com.au

287 Young St, Waterloo NSW 2017 || Tel: (02) 9698 8150

Opening Hours: Mon~Sat: 10am ~ 5pm || Sun: 11am ~ 4pm

Crack up comedian and for many years Co-Host of Australia’s Number One drive time radio show HAMISH & ANDY on the Today Network, co-host of the channel 7 variety TV show THE HAMISH & ANDY SHOW and the hilarious TV Specials CARAVAN OF COURAGE: UK & Ireland, CARAVAN OF COURAGE: USA, LEARN INDIA WITH HAMISH & ANDY (leading up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games), and the award winning HAMISH & ANDY’S GAP YEAR, plus guest star appearances on TV shows Rove Live, Spicks & Specks and Thank God You’re Here… HAMISH BLAKE!

FUN FACTS: Congratulations Hamish and co-star Andy lee on winning the 2012 Silver Logie Award for Most Popular Light Entertainment Program (HAMISH & ANDY’S GAP YEAR) and Hamish for being awarded the 2012 Most Popular personality on TV GOLD Logie!

www.BrettWillisCartoons.com

THEY ARE BACK! The Queens of Australian television comedy are back with a new movie that is set to blow your Eurotrashy socks off! Well we hope…

Kath Day-Knight and Kimberly Diane Craig née Day head to Europe for a special adventure of love, lust and revolution! Exactly what that means is beyond me – so I’m excited about seeing the affectionately named, Kath & Kimderella in cinemas on September 6.

Joining Kath and Kim is second best friend and fresh out of the closet Sharon Karen Strezlecki, Prue and Trude . We don’t know yet if baby Epponnee-Raelene Kathleen Darlene Charlene Craig, Kelvin Graeme Knight, Brett Dean Craig and will be on the Euro adventure!