Christmas comes early at the ‘Women in Media’ lunch

It’s an annual event and an invitation much sought after by Melbourne’s media girls – the Women in Media Lunch at Crown. That’s not just because Crown’s Ann Peacock always puts on such a wonderful day with superb food and champagne, it’s the company invited AND the incredible goody bag you stumble home with after a day of indulgence…

Last Friday we gathered at SILKS restaurant where the staff prepared a stunning feast of delicate dishes that blew my diet out of the water… not that I cared one bit!

In this case, the photos I took will best tell the story of how the day panned out so let’s take a look:

We gathered on the balcony of Crown's SILKS restaurant.

We gathered on the balcony of Crown’s SILKS restaurant.

The Dream Team from the Blo Bar were on hand to style lashes and hair for those who'd rushed to make it on time

The Dream Team from the Blo Bar were on hand to style lashes and hair for those who’d rushed to make it on time…

PR guru Kerry O'Brien and Gold FM's Brigitte Duclos get the full treatment from the Blo Bar crew

PR guru Kerry O’Brien and Gold FM’s Brigitte Duclos get the full treatment from the Blo Bar crew

Age journalist Suzanne Carbonne gets an eyelash lift from the Blo Bar crew

Age journalist Suzanne Carbonne

Media gals Alice Coster, Wendy Tuohy and Rebecca Maddern

Media gals Alice Coster, Wendy Tuohy and Rebecca Maddern

The room's decor was stunning, including the highlight - a towering floral peacock

The room’s decor was stunning, including the highlight – a towering floral peacock

Ornate peacocks sat atop the decadent floral arrangements...

Ornate peacocks sat atop the decadent floral arrangements…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And it didn’t take much to work out the inspiration behind the theme of the day…

 

The stunning peacock arrangements paid tribute to one of the hardest working among us, Crown's Ann Peacock

The stunning peacock arrangements paid tribute to one of the hardest working among us, Crown’s Ann Peacock

Never too old to sit on Santa's knee - me and Herald Sun columnist Wendy Tuohy

Never too old to sit on Santa’s knee – me with Herald Sun columnist Wendy Tuohy and Santa!

A highlight of the day was the entertainment – songs performed by a young man with one of the most beautiful voices I’ve heard – 11-year-old Beau Woodbridge. You’ll get the chance to hear him too when he performs at Carols By Candelight with David Hobson on Christmas Eve. And yes, you may have recognised his surname. His father is none other than tennis great Todd Woodbridge.

Star of the future 11-year-old Beau Woodbridge

Star of the future 11-year-old Beau Woodbridge

Recognise these faces?

Recognise these faces?

Dee Dee Dunleavy, Kate Langbroek, Brigitte Duclos, Jane Kennedy and Rebecca Maddern get into the festive spirit!

Dee Dee Dunleavy, Kate Langbroek, Brigitte Duclos, Jane Kennedy and Rebecca Maddern get into the festive spirit!

As lunch drew to an end, Ann wheeled in early Christmas gifts for all... a trolley-sized goody bag!

As lunch drew to an end, Ann wheeled in early Christmas gifts for all… a trolley-sized goody bag!

The Waiting Room bar at Crown

It all ended too soon, so for those of us who wanted to kick on, we headed downstairs to The Waiting Room bar.

Martinis anyone? Jane, Kate, Dee Dee, Rebecca and Ann Peacock at The Waiting Room

Martinis anyone? Jane, Kate, Dee Dee, Rebecca and Ann.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Got my trolley home without being too trollied...

Got my trolley home without being too trollied…

The trolley contents spilled over the table… a never-ending stream of surprises

The trolley contents spilled over the table… a never-ending stream of surprises

Here’s some of my favourites:

A mini bottle of Moet - my favourite champagne!

A mini bottle of Moet – my favourite champagne!

Luxury skincare from La Prairie

Luxury skincare from La Prairie

A new Burberry lipstick - LOVE the stylish platinum packaging.

A new Burberry lipstick – LOVE the stylish platinum packaging.

Vintage Princess white leather and silver cuff

Vintage Princess white leather and silver cuff

Swisse Vitamin samples

Swisse Vitamin samples

A box of The Muesli sachets

A box of The Muesli sachets

An elegant Simply Vera candle by Vera Wang, Harris Scarfe

An elegant Simply Vera candle by Vera Wang, Harris Scarfe

Beautiful make-up from Benefit

Beautiful make-up from Benefit

Cool summer nail colours from Nine West

Cool summer nail colours from Nine West

Make-up and blow-dry voucher from Blo Bar

Make-up and blow-dry voucher from Blo Bar

Milky Foot treatment

Milky Foot treatment

My kind of self-help book

My kind of self-help book

 

Whitening cream and skin evaluation voucher from Liberty Belle

Whitening cream and skin evaluation voucher from Liberty Belle

Plus there were movie passes from Roadshow and Palace cinemas, all adding up to possibly the best-ever goody bag I’ve seen. Huge thanks to Ann Peacock, Crown and all the sponsors for such a wonderful day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fit Fix Diet Plan – an overview, plus more sinning…

I’ve had a bit of feedback that getting this FIT FIX Diet Plan in dribs and drabs is a bit messy and you’d like to see it laid out in its entirety to get a clearer picture about what’s going on. Again, I reiterate that this is a diet I’ve devised for myself as an experiment and you really should check with someone who knows more about these things than me (like a doctor) before embarking on this program.

Here are the basic rules:

FIT FIX DIET RULES:

Sugar-free lollies ARE allowed!

Sugar-free lollies ARE allowed!

1. Things you can’t eat: potato, rice, bread and products with more than 5% sugar content. (the sugar rule doesn’t apply to wine or the one day you are allowed chocolate!)

2. You must write down everything you eat and count calories. (sounds boring but I have an easy solution for this!)

3. You must exercise every day for a minimum of between 45 minutes and an hour. I am going to aim for spin classes four days a week, plus two lots of abdominal classes and two sessions of body toning or weights workouts. If you don’t go to a gym, you can ride a bike, run and do toning exercises at home.

4. You must weigh yourself every day.

5. You must have three alcohol-free days a week. I calculate my week starting on a Sunday.

6. You can have one day off the regime per week where you eat what you like and ditch the calorie counting.

THINGS YOU’LL NEED:

My Net Diary I-Phone App

My Net Diary I-Phone App

1. Scales to weigh yourself.

2. Scales to weigh the food you eat.

3. An I-phone or device that can use the My Net Diary App. This is my secret weapon in the fight against flab. It means you can easily put in all your measurements and target weight and it will calculate how much you should safely eat per day in order to lose weight. Add in everything you eat to keep your calories quota in check!

 

 

WEEK ONE – FOOD PLAN

SUNDAY-TUESDAY – Start with a 3-day juice fast to put you in the right frame of mind for your new weight-loss mission. For more tips about juice fasting, see blogs dated from November 19th. ( http://jenniferhansen.com.au/?p=4566 )

WEDNESDAY 

Celery snack

Celery snack

Breakfast – The Muesli (50 grams) with skim milk, (100ml),  Greek yogurt (50g) and frozen berries (25g).
Snack – 2 celery sticks
Lunch – can of Sirena basil tuna, lettuce and spring onion
Snack – Tamara sugar-free yoghurt with berries (small tub)
Dinner – Bolognaise sauce – NO PASTA, plus two glasses of red wine

 

THURSDAY 

Keeping it simple - ham and cheese on Vita-Wheats

Keeping it simple – ham and cheese on Vita-Wheats

Breakfast – Uncle Toby’s Quick Oats sachet with 125ml skim milk and 1/2 a cup of frozen    raspberries
Snack – 2 celery sticks
Lunch – 4 Vita-Wheat 9-grain biscuits with 2 light cheese slices and ham
Snack – Earl Grey tea with 30ml skim milk and an apple
Dinner – Left-over Bolognaise sauce

 

FRIDAY

Basil chilli tuna salad

Basil chilli tuna salad

Breakfast – Oat Bran pancakes
Snack – hard-boiled egg
Lunch – Tuna salad with can of Sirena chilli-basil tuna, chopped lettuce and 2 spring onions
Snack – Cup of tea with skim milk and Tamara sugar-free yoghurt with berries (small tub)
Dinner – Grilled chicken fillet and broccoli

SATURDAY – Day off. Eat what you like!

 

WEEK TWO – FOOD PLAN

SUNDAY

Scrambled eggs and ham

Scrambled eggs and ham

Breakfast – 1 cup scrambled eggs and 2 rashes of bacon (or ham)
Snack – celery or carrot
Lunch – Sirena chilli and basil tuna, lettuce and spring onion salad
Snack – Tamara berry yoghurt (small tub)
Dinner – Grilled marinated Steak and broccoli

MONDAY – Juice Fast Day

TUESDAY 

An easy and tasty snack

An easy and tasty snack

Breakfast – The Muesli (50g), low-fat Greek yogurt, skim milk and frozen raspberries
Snack – 2 Cruskits with onion/chive Philadelphia cream cheese
Lunch – Cold beef, lettuce and tomato salad
Snack –  Body LoCarb Bites (chocolate protein balls – still under the %5 sugar rule)
Dinner – Stir-fry garlic prawns and veggies

 

 

WEDNESDAY 

Breakfast – Berry smoothie (using Swisse Slim Shake protein powder), Greek yoghurt, frozen berries and skim milk
Snack – 2 sticks celery
Lunch – Ham, spring onion and tomato omelette
Snack – Tamara sugar-free berry yoghurt (small tub)
Dinner – Mongolian lamb stir-fry

THURSDAY (LOW-CAL intake day)

Avocado tomato Cruskits

Avocado tomato Cruskits

Breakfast – Oat Bran pancakes
Snack – Herbal tea,
Lunch – Mashed avocado (50g) spread over 2 Light Cruskits topped with four cherry tomatoes
Snack – 1 apple
Dinner – I chicken pattie with papaya salad

 

FRIDAY

Breakfast – Uncle Toby’s instant oats with berries
Snack – Hard-boiled egg
Lunch – Chicken tikka pieces (about 125g + 166 calories) I buy it pre-made from the supermarket and heat it up in the microwave. Simple.
Snack – Tamara sugar-free mixed berries yoghurt (small tub)
Dinner – left over chicken patties and papaya salad (recipe listed in Wednesday’s blog)

SATURDAY – DAY OFF. Eat what you like!

WEEK THREE – FOOD PLAN

MONDAY – Juice Fast Day, (juices from Pressed Juices)

TUESDAY

BSC Lo Carb Bites

BSC Lo Carb Bites

Breakfast – The Muesli, yoghurt and frozen berries
Snack – Hard-boiled egg
Lunch – 4 Vita-Wheat 9-grain biscuits with 2 light cheese slices and ham
Snack –  Body LoCarb Bites (chocolate protein balls – still under the %5 sugar rule)
Dinner – Pesto salmon grilled with broccoli

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast – Berry smoothie (ingredients as per above)
Snack – 2 celery sticks
Lunch – Sirena tuna, lettuce and spring onion salad
Snack – 2 Cruskits spread with onion/chive Philadelphia cream cheese
Dinner – Cold beef salad

THURSDAY

Salmon portions

Salmon portions

Breakfast – Oat Bran pancakes
Snack – Yoghurt
Lunch – Peppered Salmon portion (pre-packed from supermarket – 217 per piece) and 1 carrot
Snack – 1 apple
Dinner – Grilled fillet Tandoori chicken with broccoli

 

 

 

FRIDAY

Breakfast –  Uncle Toby’s instant oats with berries
Snack – 2 celery sticks
Lunch – Mashed avocado (50g) spread over 2 Light Cruskits topped with four cherry tomatoes
Snack – Yoghurt
Dinner – Grilled flake and salad

SATURDAY – DAY OFF. Eat what you like!

So there you have it! Three weeks of a food plan completely mapped out for you. I haven’t specified weights for all the food servings, as you can be flexible – as long as you weigh your food and record the details in your I-Phone My Net Diary App and keep under your daily calorie limit, you’ll be fine.

Most days listed have a food requirement UNDER the calorie limit, which allows you to add in snacks or larger meals, depending on how hungry you are. And you can drink wine – as long as (again!) you stick to your calorie quota.

Sampling Shane Warne's new '99 Not Out' exclusive beer!

Sampling Shane Warne’s new ’99 Not Out’ exclusive beer!

 

There will be days when you sin. I do – often…

Take last night for instance. After a fabulous party at Club 23 at Crown, where I very much enjoyed not only trying a new beer cricket legend Shane Warne helped create himself, aptly titled 99 NOT OUT,  (very nice, it is too!) but I also had a couple of wines…

Now, the biggest problem with alcohol is how much it sabotages your will-power. Hence why we NEED at least THREE alcohol-free days a week.

 

Evidence...

Evidence…

I thought I’d been reasonably well-behaved with my food intake yesterday. Even at the party, where there was a wonderful array of delicious finger-food, I was restrained – only having ONE item – a small peking duck pancake. But then I woke up this morning and found THIS on the kitchen sink along with the dirty dishes, yet to be tidied up…

Yep, I’d demolished what was left of the cookies and cream ice-cream. ALL GONE.

As I always say, you just have to pick yourself up and start all over again… At least my weight has stayed down below the 70kg mark – now on 68.2kg. So I do think the FIT FIX Diet Plan works. Especially if you actually stick to the rules… Let’s see if I can get to my goal weight of 64kg. I’ll keep plodding along and document how this goes just to keep me accountable. I know it’s hardly riveting stuff, but it’s working for me, so selfishly, I’ll stick to blogging about it too. I’ll add new recipes, confess my sins and answer any questions you might have. Stay tuned!

 

 

 

Some people don’t believe she’s REALLY my Mum

When I tell people my Mum rarely drinks, never smoked, doesn’t swear and often goes to Church on Sundays, people raise their eyebrows and question where I came from. Okay, so I don’t smoke anymore, but really, I’m not THAT bad!! We just do some things differently…
Regardless, we spend a helluva lot of time together because our families are close and Mum and my wonderful stepfather Ken, do an enormous amount to help out on the home front. They even walk the dogs for us when I’m strapped for time. (I know – I’m spoilt.) When the kids were very young, they’d have sleep-overs at Grandma and Papa’s practically every Friday night so Fletch and I could have a social life. (Again, yes, very spoilt…) And if Mum babysits, I often arrive home to find the ironing all done. (Okay, I’ll shut-up now…)
But I also have siblings – two older brothers and a younger sister – so most of the family get-togethers involve lots of relatives with aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and fabulous, noisy mayhem. So the one day of the year I get Mum all to myself is when I take her to the annual Crown Mother’s Day Lunch. It’s always a very special day and we both feel very lucky to be included.
Mum and me heading off to Crown

Mum and me ready to head off to Crown

This year’s event was at the uber cool Mr Hive restaurant at Crown’s Metropol Hotel. Ken even drove us in – bless him – so we didn’t have to bother with parking or a taxi.
Mr Hive Restaurant at Crown

Mr Hive Restaurant at Crown

As we walked out of the lift, you could hear the buzz from the restaurant – the place bursting with excited conversation as we arrived – everybody trying to get around to as many people as possible before we took our seats. The room looked stunning, each table adorned with a beautiful floral arrangement.
Host Ann Peacock

Host Ann Peacock

As always, Crowns’ General Manager of Public Relations, Ann Peacock was there, stylishly dressed and greeting everyone with a warm smile. Knowing what Annie was going through, with her mum, Susan, battling cancer, I knew it must be a tough call. It was the first time in sixteen years I’d been to the lunch and not caught up with Susan. For Annie to see everyone there with their mums and not have her own by her side must have been bloody awful.
Yet still she took to the podium and made her annual Mother’s Day speech. Bravely, she spoke about her Mum’s ordeal and what Susan and her family were going through. Every year I take a tissue to this lunch because something emotional happens and I’m a big sook. But this year I wasn’t alone. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when Annie finished and was met with a standing ovation. She spoke with grace and dignity, her words of love and pain, direct and honest. God knows how she didn’t fall apart… I’m betting she’s inherited a good dose of her mother’s strength.

If there’s no greater love than that of a mother for her child, you can imagine the feeling in Hive over lunch – all these mothers with their children – to whom they have given so much love and support, enabling their kids to get to where they are today – it’s a pretty powerful vibe.


Jules Lund with his mum, Judy

Jules Lund with his mum, Judy

Here’s a photo collection of some of the mums and their sometimes famous off-spring – starting with radio host Jules Lund, whose mum was giving him an earful over his new piercings – all part of an on-air dare. Jules has promised Judy he’ll have them removed as soon as possible. And yes, there is also one just under his lip – it’s not clear in the pic.

Brigitte Duclos with her mum, Shelia.

Brigitte Duclos with her mum, Shelia.

Jane Kennedy and her mum, Jill

Jane Kennedy and her mum, Jill

Heloise Waislitz and her mum, Jeanne Pratt

Heloise Waislitz and her mum, Jeanne Pratt

Patti and Lauren Newton

Patti and Lauren Newton

Andrea Moss and her mum, Diane John

Andrea Moss and her mum, Diane John

Lauren Phillips with her mum, Liz Coningsby

Lauren Phillips with her mum, Liz Coningsby

Tania Buckley and Janine Minnici

Tania Buckley and Janine Minnici

Tim Campbell and his mum, Heather

Tim Campbell and his mum, Heather


Anthony Callea and his mum, Santina

Anthony Callea and his mum, Santina

We were lucky enough to be on the same table as the delightful Anthony Callea and his partner, Tim Campbell – both famous and talented in their own right and a gorgeous couple. Mum wanted clarification though – she couldn’t believe Santina was Anthony’s mother. ‘She’s far too young!’ Mum exclaimed.

A highlight of the day was hearing Anthony and Tim sing together, along with leading vocalist Susie Ahern – a truly spine-tingling moment. And when Anthony sang ‘The Perfect Fan,’ for his Mum, the tissues came out again and there was another standing ovation.And then there was another standing ovation…

And then there was another standing ovation...

And then there was another standing ovation…
I could relate to that song. My Mum has always been my perfect fan, as most mothers are of their children – whether they’re in the public eye or not.
I was part of an acting workshop recently where some of the students revealed stories about traumatic childhoods where they were abused by their parents. Shocking stories that made me sad and angry. And also very, very grateful. I have only ever known huge love and support from my Mum. I remember when I first started reading the news and Mum would phone me almost every night to tell me what a brilliant job I had done – even when I hadn’t.
Dessert anyone?

Dessert anyone?

Before we knew it, it was time for dessert. Whoa – now THAT’S what I call a dessert! That’s one thing Mum and I DO both share – a love of sweet treats.
As we tucked in, I looked around the room at all the other mums and felt quite smug. There were lots of other lovely mothers there, but quite frankly, I know mine’s the best of them all. It’s just not debatable.
(Love you, Mum. xxx)

Happy Lamb Day… I mean, Happy Australia Day!

I declared myself a vegetarian when I was nine. It all stemmed from a bad case of food poisoning. I was convinced the cause was ‘bad meat’, so went off it for a bit. Then I decided it was ‘cool’ to tell everyone I was a vegetarian. Which led to much scoffing and disbelief – especially from my older brothers. Determined to prove them wrong, I stuck to my guns and didn’t eat the stuff till I moved out of home into a shared house NINE YEARS LATER where it was easier to feast with the tribe.

Australia Day Lamb Dinner at Breezes, Crown

Australia Day Lamb Dinner at Breezes, Crown              (photo by Michael Tan)

Truth be told, I’d been craving red meat all those years I lived at home. BBQs were hell. I secretly salivated over the aroma, wishing I’d never been so loud with my vegetarian boast. These days I don’t need to pretend anymore, so was delighted to be invited to the annual Australia Day Dinner hosted by the nation’s lamb ambassador, the inimitable Sam Kekovich.

 

Being a balmy evening, the crowd gathered in the courtyard to soak up some Aussie sun, sipping pre-dinner drinks and devouring lamb nibbles before being invited into the marquee. Here are a few of the lucky ones invited along:

The host, Sam Kekovich, caught up with Amber Petty

Of COURSE, the host, Sam Kekovich was there and caught up with one of the guests, Amber Petty

Paige and Stephen Quartermain

Paige and Stephen Quartermain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donna Demaio and Michael Wooldridge

Donna Demaio and Michael Wooldridge

Alyce PLatt and Ally Fowler

Alyce Platt and Ally Fowler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luke Dennehy and friend

Luke Dennehy and Kirra Bothwell

Vicki Paulin with Gerard with Kathy Doherty

Vicki Paulin with Gerard with Kathy Doherty (photo by Michael Tan)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richar

Kate Neilson and Michele Phyman

Magali and Brad Nonnenmacher

Magali and Brad Nonnenmacher (photo by Michael Tan)

 

 

Guests were then ushered into a beautifully decked out marquee, lined with Aussie flags. Sam’s voice could be heard above all, welcoming his special guests and telling everyone how he’d cut short his holiday in New York to make sure he could be at the dinner. It couldn’t be an official lamb occasion without the man – he’s been the face of Aussie lamb for years – known for his signature rants and politically incorrect sense of humour.

The Australia Day Lamb Dinner

The Australia Day Lamb Dinner

Not long into the function Sam introduced his latest lamb campaign – LAMBNESIA. He’s calling on all Australians to take the test and see how ‘Australian’ you really are. Just click on to the Lamnesia website at http://lambnesia.com.au to take the test – it only takes a minute or two and is a bit of fun.

There were games to be had on the night too – ‘Celebrity Head’ where ‘real’ celebrity guests were invited on to the stage and take part – Stephen Quartermain one of the quickest to spot his alter ego was none other than our Grand-Dame Edna Everage.

Playing 'Celebrity Head'

Playing ‘Celebrity Head’ (photo by Michael Tan)

Guests enjoyed a fabulous feast – the entree of lamb ravioli was particularly scrumptious – washed down with some fine wine, supplied by d’Arenberg.

d'Arenberg Shiraz

d’Arenberg Shiraz

 

Although normally a chardonnay fan, I found the Shiraz complimented the lamb perfectly. And if you peer closely enough through the glass, you can see the little fella on the other side that I took home as my souvenir from a highly entertaining evening. Happy Australia Day!

 

(p.s. Yes, I KNOW Australia Day is in 3 days time – just kicking off festivities early!)

 

Australia’s Women in Media Unite – A Day of Laughter and Tears

Helen Reddy

Helen Reddy

 

‘I am woman, hear me roar,’ sang Helen Reddy in 1971 and let us never forget the power of that anthem. Yes, it was a WOMAN who was the first Australian to write a Grammy Award winning song. And yes, Reddy made waves with her Best Female Performance acceptance speech, thanking ‘God, because She makes everything possible.’ A true legend.

 

 

It was a case of WOMAN POWER in abundance at Crown yesterday, where General Manager of Public Relations, Ann Peacock, hosted the 14th annual Women In Media Christmas Lunch. Men have had their boys’ clubs and coteries for centuries and I ‘Thank God‘ that Ann came up with this concept to recognise and bring together the biggest power players in our communication industries for an annual event. We’re talking about our best known journalists, PR powerhouses, media managers, TV and radio personalities and yes, even a couple of bloggers. (My, the stories I heard… )

Breezes Restaurant at Crown

Breezes Restaurant at Crown

 

The lunch was held at Crown’s Breezes restaurant, with champagne served outside on the patio  under the sun to kick-start the day.

 

 

 

Brigitte Duclos, Santa and me

Brigitte Duclos, Santa and me

Of course, it’s not Christmas without Santa… Re-living our childhood, I was delighted to test the strength of Santa’s knees along with my oldest and dearest buddy, Brigitte Duclos, (GOLD FM Breakfast radio host) who has been a close friend since we met in kindergarten, many moons ago…

Me - top left, and Brigitte - middle row, far right

Me – top left, and Brigitte – middle row, far right

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dee Dee Dunleavy

Dee Dee Dunleavy

 

And while there were lots of laughs to be had, with many keen to jump Santa, (including the delightful Dee Dee Dunleavy who I’m thrilled has found another radio gig – this time with 3AW on Sundays, along with her loyal cohort Grubby) there were also plenty of serious discussions about the state of the media industry, and what the future holds for those who’ve taken redundancies and chosen a different path. Questions abounded about traditional media versus new media and how to make the two work together. Others talked about the battle of  juggling work and motherhood. And the old chestnut reared it’s ugly head – you know, sexism in the workplace and how it impacts on women.

 

Pristine before the mob descends...

Pristine before the mob descends…

 

As the chatter grew, I snuck inside the marquee to check out the table setting which I’d glimpsed through the plastic. Wow – what a picture! A cacophony of pink florals and Christmas trinkets scattered strategically down the centre of the table, perfectly accented by old-worlde wooden school chairs, painted in pastel hues. It almost seemed a shame that guests would soon be ushered inside to upset such perfection.

Personalised Christmas decoration

Personalised Christmas decoration

 

 

The attention to detail was meticulous. Each guest had their spot marked with a delicate glass Christmas ornament encasing a silver bird, with attached personalised name tag.

Women in Media lunch gets underway at Breezes

Women in Media lunch gets underway at Breezes

 

 

Then in one big rush, the hordes swooped and amid a clattering of chairs and clinking of glasses, it was ‘game on’! But the crescendo of noise subsided when Ann Peacock took to the podium and began to speak, recognising that one of the fold was missing from the table. A hush fell as Ann paid tribute to the late, legendary publicist Suzie Howie, who recently passed after a long battle with cancer.

 

 

 

The late Suzie Howie

The late Suzie Howie

Ann quoted Suzie’s famous words that she penned herself when she knew she wouldn’t be with us much longer. ‘I have had a terrific life and am so grateful for the fun, the excitement and the wonderful people who have been a part of it.’

Remembering Suzie, Ann spoke of her incredible work ethic and how she continued to work right up to the end. Ann met Suzie when she was just 17 years old,  and counted her as an important role model and inspiration. ‘Time and time again, she displayed her tireless motivation and attention to detail that she paid her clients. I miss her laugh, but she has left us with so many happy memories. Suzie was a true leading lady and those memories will live on.’ Happy memories yes, but those of us who knew Suzie were still reaching for our tissues. I also knew Suzie for more than 20 years and was particularly grateful for her support and kindness after I left Channel Ten.

Crown General Manage Public Relations Ann Peacock

Crown General Manage Public Relations Ann Peacock

 

Ann also acknowledged every guest at the table and recognised the hard work done during the year, but said now was a time for celebration – a chance to kick back and have fun. But she also reminded us all, ‘What goes on in the room, stays in the room!’ Standard.

In ending, she encouraged everyone to take to heart a final message from Suzie, to stay positive.’Enjoy life. I have,’ she quoted, from the inimitable Ms Howie.

 

And enjoy ourselves we did! After main course, James Reyne inspired many to sing along as he performed several of his greatest hits, including Reckless.

Singer James Reyne

Singer James Reyne

Events queen Judy Romano

Events queen Judy Romano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judging by the photos of everyone, I think we all took Suzie’s message on board. Here’s a collection of shots from the wonderful Women In Media Lunch. And I must say I very much enjoyed taking pictures of some of the print media girls for a change, who are usually on the other side of the camera. Although Suzanne Carbone and Mik Grigg from The Age declined being snapped, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. Which is fine, although somewhat curious…

Jo Hall, Amber Petty and Kate McGrath

Jo Hall (Channel Nine Newsreader), Amber Petty (columnist, blogger and publicist) and Kate McGrath (Channel Nine News Chief-of-Staff)

 

Alice Coster (Herald Sun) JulieKiriacoudis (Herald Sun) and Sarah Gale (AMPR publicist)

Alice Coster (Herald Sun journalist) JulieKiriacoudis (Herald Sun photographer) and Sarah Gale (AMPR publicist)

 

Danni Minogue and Inge Burke (Village Roadshow)

Danni Minogue and Inge Burke (National Publicity Manager, Roadshow Films)

Kate Langbroek, Sascha French, Ann Peacock

Kate Langbroek, (Nova radio host)  Sascha French (Nova radio producer) and Ann Peacock (Crown General Manager Public Relations)

Michelle Stamper (Channel Nine Publicist) and Ann Morrison (former head of AMPR)

Michelle Stamper (Channel Nine Publicist) and Ann Morrison (former head of AMPR)

Kate Keane and Kelly Black (Channel Seven Publicist)

Kate Keane (Kate & Co. Publicity)  and Kelly Black (Channel Seven Publicist)

 

Car boot jam-packed with Goodie Bags!

Car boot jam-packed with Goodie Bags!

Ann had warned us during her speech that we’d face a challenge carrying our Goodie Bags home. I didn’t register the PLURAL attached to the word BAGS at the time,but check this out…

Yep, not one, but FOUR Goodie Bags were given to each guest at the function.

 

 

I mentioned earlier that thing about attention to detail, didn’t I? Here’s another one. Crown even provided helpers to carry our bags to our cars… I know, I know. I was damn lucky to crack an invite. Thanks Ann! And I bet you’re all dying to know what’s actually IN the Goodie Bags, right? I will let you know, but enough for now. That can wait for the next blog, coming soon. I’m all for girl power, but seriously, I’m too exhausted now from just carrying the darn things through the door.

 

 

 

Something original for the races ‘POPS UP’ at Crown

The Spring Racing Carnival is underway, so time for some fun and frivolity, hey? I’m sure that’s what thousands of Victorians are thinking. Although when you look at the statistics, the money generated by the fashion and tourism industries during this time is staggering – well into the millions of dollars – so in fact, it’s a very serious business.

I’m sure a lot of that money comes about from people (like me) who leave race-wear shopping till it’s almost too late, then splurge in a fit of panic-buying. Because really, getting any kind of an outfit organised for the Spring Racing Carnival is a bit of a nightmare. Life’s already a circus act of juggling ten balls while snow-boarding down a roller-coaster (can you book the dentist, pick up the dog food, phone your Dad, visit your sick friend, write a best-seller, do the accounts and bring in the washing – all in five minutes please?) so finding time for fashion is a bit an indulgence. Usually it’s a last minute affair with a combination of things from years past, spruced up with perhaps a new necklace, worn in the hope that no-one will recognise your recycling efforts.

This year I tried to be a bit more efficient and actually phoned a milliner two weeks ago (I thought well in advance) only to hear her practically snort with laughter and say I was waaaaaaaayyyyy too late. Seriously? Yep. She was all booked up and worked to the bone. I didn’t bother trying anyone else, thinking I’d get the same reply. So that little task went to the bottom of the ‘to-do’ list and I imagined at some point, I’d madly dash into David Jones or Myer and grab anything they had left off the shelf – probably the day before Derby Day.

The LK Boutique & Richard Nylon Spring Racing Emporium

The LK Boutique & Richard Nylon Spring Racing Emporium at Crown

 

Then – JOY – an easy solution arrived in my email box. Balls had been falling off my roller-coaster ride all week, so I sighed with relief. Surely THIS was the answer to my all-important hat problem? One of Australia’s most prestigious and talented milliner’s, Richard Nylon, was to exhibit and sell his designs as part of a POP-UP shop at Crown and I was invited to a preview.

(For those of you who aren’t up to speed with the concept, a POP-UP shop is a temporary store set up for a short-term purpose in the middle of a permanent shopping establishment)

 

 

 

Richard’s wares would be show-cased alongside the very fancy jewellery of LK Boutique – their joint project entitled, naturally, The LK Boutique & Richard Nylon Spring Racing Emporium.

The LK Boutique & Richard Nylon Spring Racing Emporium

The LK Boutique & Richard Nylon Spring Racing Emporium at Crown

Many a fashion expert has dubbed Richard Nylon as Australia’s best milliner so I do think the chance to wear one of his pieces to the races and actually pick one off the shelf, is a rare and wonderful opportunity. Not to mention convenient!! In fact, I think you could justify your purchase by arguing that his hats are in fact, works of art. And what price a rare work of art?

 

Richard Nylon and Amber Petty

Richard Nylon and Amber Petty (trying on one of Richard’s designs)

 

Besides his talent, I adore Richard’s innate and original sense of personal style. He stands out in a crowd with his penchant for perky caps, colourful costumes and neck-ties. Sometimes I wonder whether he would have been more comfortable living in a by-gone era, but am glad he’s in the here-and-now so we can enjoy the benefits of his creativity.

 

 

 

James Kennedy of LK Boutique with Ann Peacock

James Kennedy of LK Boutique with Crown General Manager, Public relations, Ann Peacock

 

Hosted by Crown’s endlessly elegant Ann Peacock, several other well-known faces also came along to the launch to enjoy a glass of champagne while deciding which hats suited them best.

Kim Watkins, Ginny Gibson, Toni Skaife

Kim Watkins, Ginny Gibson, Toni Skaife

 

 

 

 

 

Canape or fascinator?

Canape, jewels or fascinator?

 

 

 

Checking out the range, I voted the evening head-pieces (surely these ARE art… ) and lady-bug necklaces as first past the post when it comes to style. But enough from me. I’m going to let the photos of Richard’s stunning work, along with some LK jewellery, speak for themselves.

 

Crimson plumes by Richard Nylon

Crimson plumes by Richard Nylon

Pill-box Love hat by Richard Nylon

Pill-box Love hat by Richard Nylon

Blue pleats with feather fringing by Richard Nylon

Blue pleats with feather fringing by Richard Nylon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pink and white feathers by Richard Nylon

Pink and white feathers by Richard Nylon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evening headpiece by Richard Nylon

Evening headpiece by Richard Nylon

 

 

Neon magic by Richard Nylon

Neon magic by Richard Nylon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diamond Butterfly by LK Boutique, $7200

Diamond Butterfly by LK Boutique, $7200

Quartz and diamond Lady-Bug necklaces $3500 each

Quartz and diamond Lady-Bug necklaces by LK Boutique, $3500 each

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what did I pick? Well, choosing something so EARLY suddenly felt a bit odd… Where else would I get that adrenalin rush from putting it all together at the last minute? So I didn’t pick anything. I’m going to live dangerously and come back next week. (plus I need to colour match with outfits!!)

As an added bonus for customers, LK Boutique is offering a 30% discount on selected items, such as the Diamond Butterfly necklace to the right which is usually $9000. The POP-UP store, LK Boutique & Richard Nylon Spring Racing Emporium, will be open until Stakes Day. Happy shopping!