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Wednesday 31 December 2014

Lessons of 2014: What I Know Now, By Josie Gagliano

So much has happened to me in 2014, and I know that SO much has happened to you, too.

How do I know this?

Here's something I recommend you do.

Stop what you're doing. Go to your phone. You've taken lots and lots of photos throughout the year, right?

Have a scroll. No, have a good look. Start from January 2014, and look at all the dates and take a moment (or several) to immerse yourself in how you felt in that moment. What compelled you to take that shot. Why it made you happy. Or sad.

I had a look at my iCloud a few nights ago, as I felt compelled to post all those photos I took but never quite got to post on social media. There must have been a reason for that. Most likely: I was having too much fun enjoying the moment that I didn't have time to post it.

One thing I did see in each and every photo - posted or not - is the joy (or sadness) in what I snapped. I also saw, in action, the lessons I learned, the mistakes I made, the deep sadness I felt, the intense joy I shared. But, those lessons. Oh, those lessons. They were HUGE. The biggest life shift of my 42 years on this beautiful planet. I have written them here. For me. For you. For my children. It's honest, and they are MY lessons, but I reckon you get can lots from them, too:

- Do not expect someone to understand your grief. YOU are the one going through it. However, DO expect the loveliness of people to completely envelope you, to hug your hurt back together (even momentarily), to listen to you, to watch how you are doing and tell you they are thinking of you, to step up, to bring you food and love and words of hope. These are all the bandaids that will help you back on your feet. When you are all healed up (though still licking your wounds) you will look back and say, 'Wow, that person! Such a quality human being. They understand deep vulnerability and utter nakedness and they did not turn a blind eye, take advantage of that, nor made me feel bad in any way for needing them'. This, my friends, is the essence of life. It is easy to 'do' life when all is rosy. Life is a series of parties and fun and celebrations. Much, much harder when shit hits the fan. The people who come to you to offer up any help they can are gold. I would naturally say here 'keep them close', but it won't be hard to keep them close because trust me, they want to be where you are anyway.



- On the flip side, it is okay to let people go. Friends or family who do not want to be a part of your life should be let go gracefully. They tell you they are ready to leave by their words, but more obviously, by their actions. Mourn them as if you would a death. Grieve the end of that relationship, recall all the good stuff, appreciate it and smile when you remember it. It was special at that time. Then let go of the bad stuff. It will give you peace, help you sleep soundly, and you will have no regrets. Sometimes strong bonds come to an end. The moment you accept that your life will be happier.

- Say yes to help when you are grieving, and before those final moments of a loved one's life when you inevitably fall apart. Friends offered to be there for me when my mum was in hospital and before we found out she was terminal. I refused for a moment because I didn't want to bother them. This serves no purpose. Perhaps you get to be right about not needing anyone, but that's pretty much it, and when you think about it, it's kinda silly. Yes, put people out. Yes, allow them to come running. Yes, ask them to leave their lives and families for a few hours to be with you as you start to fall apart. If you know you would do this for them, expect the same of them.

- Let go of the anger you hold inside you, associated with people who have not reacted the way you expected while going through your grief. This does not mean you won't have the opportunity to tell them how you feel later. Chances are they know what they have done, and they are avoiding you, to avoid talking about it. You will get your chance. Just wait. The truth inside you should not stay silent. Why should you pretend? Stop selling yourself short by not validating yourself and your feelings by making them feel better about their mistakes, their shortcomings, their inability to reach out. Thing is, they ARE able - it just makes them feel uncomfortable. That's their problem, something they need to work on, not you.

- Again on grief. If you expect something from someone, and they have let you down find the opportunity to tell them, at some point. My yardstick: if someone has my phone number, and hasn't picked up the phone to offer, at the very least, condolences for my loss, well, I know I now have to look at how close I think I was to them, how important I am to them. They will seek out your phone number, even, if they really want to reach out. Not reaching out when you have some kind of relationship is NOT normal. This is not the new acceptable. Facebook does not cut it. Neither does an SMS. People who have known me, and my mother, for years and have not reached out have given themselves permission to diminish my grief, to not validate what I am feeling, and they have convinced themselves, 'Oh, she's fine.' Not fine, not right, not acceptable. NOT the new normal. Don't move your boundaries of expectations just because someone has moved theirs. It validates their choice when actually, you do not agree with it. In the midst of all that, accept this is not your 'thing' to work out. It's their thing. Let. It. Go.

- Do give yourself permission to change your way of being because people have shown you they will not run for you. This is different to changing your WHOLE self. Because the essence of you can remain. It should. In the early days of my grief, I thought: 'Why should I change now?' Um, because I'd be a fool to do any different! It would not be natural to be available and open and ready to comfort someone who has abandoned you when you needed them most. Do not let time gloss over what happened, make you write a different story in your head, make you don those rose coloured glasses. Throw those damn things away! Be aware and present and remember how things made you feel at the time. Do not downplay your feelings or you will do yourself a disservice and disrespect yourself in the process. Keep being the person you are, don't change to suit others. This sounds so high school, but it's true.

- Keep some distance from people you love if they do not give you what you crave - themselves, their company. Sometimes they just need some distance from you to understand how very special you are. Once the pattern is broken, with you reaching out and them just reacting to that, it gives them time to contemplate how valuable you are in their life. Or not.

- Be angry. Be pissed off. Stand up for what you feel. Anything else is just selling yourself short, not being true to yourself. Protect your heart. If you don't, nobody else will.

- Protect those you love. At all costs. This means not enabling gossip in your own home by cultivating a thinking that tells that person: yes, you can put shit on my family, and it is okay. It is NOT okay. You worked hard to create this family. Don't ever give anyone the right to feel they can destroy that by asking you to create waves in your own home. A happy home is of paramount importance, especially when you are responsible for the emotional wellbeing of your children. It is up to you to ensure your home remains happy. This is not Pollyanna advice at all - my kids see conflict, see bad stuff. BUT: they see things resolved, see that the world is good again. It's my job as a parent to protect them from people who do not wish us well. Sometimes, these people come disguised as people who care. Again, the actions of those around you are telling. Let that speak volumes. Let that do the talking.




- Treat your marriage or relationship like gold, and the golden moments will happen daily. Stop inadvertently sabotaging your own relationship, stop throwing your partner under the bus, be publicly and privately supportive of your life mate, love completely and honestly and speak up when you feel what you feel. Festering on anything is boring and immature and petulant and serves no purpose. Love honestly and openly and your relationship will be the best thing you wake up to every single day. You'll wonder how this person became so fabulous, so supportive, so wonderful. Ah, they were there all along, my friend. You just opened up your eyes to the beauty of having someone in your corner. A person like this is one of life's true gifts.

- Remember all the good stuff that happened to you. Appreciate it deeply. Give thanks and gratitude to whichever God you pray to, whoever and whatever you believe in. The universe has looked after you, blessed you, guided you. Be thankful for what you have, and believe that more good stuff is on its way.



- Accept that bad situations will happen, and they were actually inevitable. You did not bring them to a head, you did not cause the unrest, they were going to come to conflict. This does not mean you are shirking responsibility. No, it means that something was stewing, something was bubbling and that something had to give with all that festering; it was inevitable. Some people like to resolve the issue, really get to the crux of the problem in order to restore peace. And some people do not. What you MUST know is this: they have already made up their mind about you and the situation. This is not fate - this is a conscious decision by one of the two parties. Best to accept this gracefully, live peacefully, and move on.



- Grieve the departed, then 'let them go'. Always recall the good times, treasure the memories, how they made you feel, what they did for you, your history together. But do recall the bad; if they were ill, accept that it was time for them to go, that the universe saw fit to have them rest for eternity. It is infinitely harder if that person was young - how does one reconcile that? I do not have the answers for that one. I do know, though, that people I admire who have mourned someone who has died way before their time do it with grace and poise and much love and nostalgia about all the wonderful stuff. Follow suit. It's the only way to be in order to be sane.

- Surprise yourself by letting things deflect, let them roll off you. Let Teflon be your nickname. I constantly shock myself at how little I give a shit about people's opinions of me, whether they make them known, or if they are thinly veiled attacks but pretty damn obvious to you. Remove yourself from toxicity, especially when it becomes obvious you are being asked to trawl through someone else's emotional baggage. This saying says it all for me:



- And finally, live life loud. If that's not really you, live as loud as makes you comfortable. But do not let go of opportunities which are the stuff of memories later. For you, for your partner, for your kids, for your parents. Those last people, your folks: appreciate them and show them lots of love. It will make them soar high, and love you in return. When one day they are gone the pain you will feel will be deep. However, it is tempered by knowing you loved them deeply, appreciated what they did for you. What you give, you get in return ten-fold, manifested in various wonderfully good-karma ways. Appreciate life and all it offers. It is all there for the taking. We just need to continue to recognise that. Every. Single. Day.

And then… this quote I saw just yesterday. It feels like I have been waiting a whole year to discover it:

Tuesday 30 December 2014

Sofía Vergara and Joe Manganiello: Engaged. Ring PHOTO

In celeb news just in, it has been confirmed that Sofía Vergara and Joe Manganiello are engaged.



Confirmed by E! News, the exceptionally good-looking pair - who became inseparable after they first started dating in July this year - have yet to publicly announce the news, although a source tells E! News that the True Blood actor proposed on Christmas Day. 
"I've never seen two people so truly in love," a source says of the engaged lovebirds. "The way they talk to each other, touch each other. It's incredible."
The two quickly became quite serious after of Vergara's engagement to former fiancé Nick Loeb.

And here is the ring!

Photo: Splash News

Best News Bloopers 2014: VIDEO

News bloopers are the best.

Those serious news reporters with a mic… then shit goes wrong. Some champ complied a whole year's worth of this stuff, for 2014. Watch:





Monday 29 December 2014

'The Lone Ranger': 'Wheel Of Fortune' Quickest Guess Ever - VIDEO

Could this be the quickest 'Wheel Of Fortune' puzzle ever solved, with the least amount of letters? Apparently, it is! It's world-record stuff.

Watch the just-in, soon to be viral video. Matt DeSanto - he's about to be a very Googled name. (He's just signed up to Twitter @Matt_DeSanto - I think he's preparing…)







Saturday 27 December 2014

Gelatissimo Eat-In Desserts: Menu and PHOTOS

A few weeks ago I had a day out at Bondi Beach with the family and thought I'd treat them to some gelato at Watsons Bay. The Gelatissimo store is located a stone's throw away from the water, and nearby park, so that's where we headed.

The team there had let Josie's Juice know that they had just introduced a brand new dessert menu at their store and they wanted to have us come and enjoy all the new treats.

And the eat-in desserts are worth the trip, wherever you are in Sydney!

Currently only available at the Watsons Bay store (and said to be rolling out in the other Gelatissimo stores in the new year), here is the whole menu and some tantalising photos to whet your appetite.

The range is tagged with 'Share The Love' and it's food-love you'll really want to share and immerse yourself in. Bring your date, bring your family, do it solo… just go indulge.

Here's what you can enjoy right now (and check out the Instagram photos @josiegags for my picks for the day… tip: the noughts and crossed dessert is an absolute hit with the kids… all those flavours! And you can give them permission to play with their food… then eat it!). Ready, set, drool.

SINFUL SCATTERED SUNDAE $10
Three scoops of your gelato of choice served on biscuit crumb with raspberry coulis, nuts, fan wafers and melted chocolate.

POPPING BELGIAN WAFFLE STACK $10 (below)
Two scoops of your gelato of choice served between three toasted waffle pieces served with raspberry coulis on a biscuit and popping candy crumb.



PAVLOVA SYMPHONY $10
A playful combination of petite meringues, three tastes of your chosen gelato with fresh strawberries, mascarpone cream, assembled with raspberry and passionfruit coulis and presented on biscuit crumb.

SUSHI GELATO (3 PIECES) $7
Two flavours of Gelato Sushi served on a biscuit crunch. Either our signature Chocolate Sorbet gelato rolled in Coconut, with a decadent cherry sauce, or our Pannacotta gelato rolled in chocolate sprinkles with a caramel sauce centre.

MILK AND COOKIES $10 (below)



For kids young and old, three tastes of your chosen gelato flavours sitting on a biscuit crumb, each served with a bite size cookie, paired up with chocolate milk.

ALL ABOUT CHOCOLATE $12
Discover the new terrain full of mouth-watering chocolate tastes including; brownie, chocolate mousse, bourbon truffle, tart, honeycomb, cluster of ‘nutty’ white chocolate served with raspberry coulis, biscuit crumb and a warm melted chocolate.

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES $8
Game on, the plate is set with ten mini scoops of your chosen gelato flavours served in individual mini cups positioned on a game board platter. A dessert that you can challenge your friends and family with.

BALLS IN A BUN $7
Just as it sounds, and easy to eat with one hand. Three flavours of your favourite gelato nestled in a sweet brioche bun, delicious.

Pop Danthology 2014: Daniel Kim Mash-Up of Songs - VIDEO

Little tip. Play this on loop at your New Year's Eve party. Set. Done.



Daniel Kim. I bow down. Epic.

Published on 15 Dec 2014, it has had over four million views to date.

And, his message to fans:

“POP DANTHOLOGY 2014” SONGLIST, LYRICS, FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD:
http://danielkim.mixedinkey.com


Anthony Callea: 'The Prayer' and 'Mary's Boy Child': Carols By Candlelight 2014

If you're not moved by this, check your pulse. Even if you aren't Catholic/Christian/religious.

Just performed at the 2014 Carols By Candlelight by the inimitable Anthony Callea, it is powerful and moving. 'Mary's Boy Child':



And then, this happened at the end. 'The Prayer':



Said Anthony when he posted the performance the next day on social media:

"Christmas Eve performance of The Prayer.... I was SO bloody nervous as the pressure was on!"

It was the first time he'd sung the song for which he is renowned… in 10 years.

It was Anthony's debut single and is the fastest-selling single by an Australian artist, held the number 1 spot on the ARIA Singles Chart for five weeks, a record for the debut single of an Australian Idol contestant, and was the second-highest selling Australian single of the last decade.

Anthony, you smashed it, then and now.






Son pays off parents' mortgage for Christmas: 'Merry Christmas': joeytrombone - VIRAL VIDEO

Everyone is talking about this. A son pays off his parents' mortgage for Christmas. Set to go viral.

So, so good. Watch and share:



One word. Parents. That's all.




'LeAnn & Eddie' on Foxtel - VIDEO

Has this couple intrigued you as much as they have me?

LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian have been in the headlines almost as soon as they met on set of made for TV movie 'Northern Lights'.

And now, for the first time, the Grammy-winning singer, and her Hollywood actor husband are giving fans a revealing, fun glimpse into their private and professional lives.


The show, called 'LeAnn & Eddie', depicts this modern celeb couple, who are clearly in love, and juggling responsibilities while enduring the tabloid spotlight on their relationship.
Surrounding LeAnn are her straight-talking mother, Belinda, and her two best friends, Liz (a total California mum) and Rendee (her long-standing Southern "sister").
Other cast members include Eddie's Cuban parents, Hortensia and Carl, and Eddie's assistant, Terrell, who may not be the best at his job, but who is certainly entertaining to have around. Whether weathering external pressures, Twitter mishaps, tabloid gossip or domestic squabbling, LeAnn and Eddie manage to keep each other grounded.
LeAnn Rimes exploded onto the country music scene in 1996 at the young age of thirteen with her smash hit 'Blue' (which seems like light years ago), which quickly earned her the respect of Nashville royalty. After years of well documented personal ups and downs throughout her teens and 20s, she ultimately achieved a celebrated music career.
Recently, however, Rimes's career became overshadowed by the scandal surrounding her highly publicised on-set affair with actor, Eddie Cibrian, while both were married to other people. As LeAnn and Eddie got divorced and fell in love, they not only had the tabloids, paparazzi and blogs to contend with but also Eddie's ex-wife Brandi Glanville, who took to media outlets to tell her side of the story. Throughout the ordeal, Eddie and LeAnn got married, and now Eddie shares custody of his two sons.
Here's a sneak peek of the show, with Australian screen details below:
And here they are talking about their new show with US talk show host Wendy Williams: 



And with US show 'The View':



'Leann & Eddie' starts Wednesday January 7 at 9.30pm on Arena (Channel 105) on Foxtel.

Friday 26 December 2014

'The Real Housewives of Melbourne' - Season 2 Intro + Promo: VIDEO

'The Real Housewives of Melbourne' season two opening clip has been leaked… and we have it here for you. (The promo is coming… it was on during the RHOM reruns today, and I promise I will get it for you).

I know #RHOMelbourne fans - you are welcome.



The Real Housewives of Melbourne promo shot of the season 2 cast

Apple - Happy Holidays - The Song: VIDEO

Ah, Apple.

You did it. Moved me - and probably millions - with this fantastically nostalgic ad, currently playing on Australian TV, and worldwide.

The blurb:

This holiday season, give the gifts of creativity, music, art, thoughtfulness, and generosity. A gift from Apple has the power to inspire in countless ways.
http://www.apple.com/holiday/




Excellent, huh? Well played, Apple.

And now, the story behind it, from real life musician Dana Williams:











Wednesday 24 December 2014

oo.com.au - your online store. Plus, WIN Sony headphones!

Last minute Christmas shopping? Don't fret!

While online deliveries are near-impossible now that it's Christmas Eve, you DO have post-Christmas sales just around the corner. And that means online of course, too!

I have heard of the Australian site oo.com.au for a while now but not ventured there much, simply because I am not a huge online shopper.

But it's SO damn easy on this site. And all the goodies are so, so good!

The crew at OO sent me these Sony babies to trial and packaged it all up and delivered it, to replicate the experience a shopper would get from the site.

Packaged in a huge white box with a bow, in tissue paper, the hot pink Sony headphones opened and enjoyed in two seconds flat.

And, you can WIN your very own set right here, thanks to oo.com.au and Josie's Juice.

More about the headphones here from the oo.com.au site, and below, details on how to enter:

The Sony MDR-XB400 Extra Bass Headphones give your music an extra boost in the bass frequencies for a rich sound you'll love. The Advanced Direct Vibe Structure provide an acoustically tight seal over your ears for superior sound isolation and deeper bass. The diaphragm design is also optimised for expansive and clear mid-range frequencies, so you get across the board quality sound.

In sassy black and pink with flat-folding design and tangle-free cord, you'll want to take these with you wherever you go.

Features

  • Sony MDR-XB400 Extra Bass On-Ear Headphones
  • Loud and powerful with excellent sound isolution
  • Power-packed 30mm driver units for crisp mid-tones and booming bass
  • Flat-folding design for easy portability
  • Tangle-free serrated cord
  • Acoustic tight seal for sound isolation
  • Bass and mid-range frequencies boosted for quality balanced sound

Specifications

  • Type: Closed, dynamic
  • Driver Unit: 30mm, dome type (CCAW Voice Coil)
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz - 22kHz
  • Power Handling Capacity: 1000mW (IEC)
  • Impedance: 24 ohms at 1 kHz
  • Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
  • Plug Type: Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug
  • Cord Length: 1.2m, Y-type
  • Colour: Pink
  • Model: MDR-XB400
  • Brand: Sony
  • Please note: This product comes with a 12 month Sony Australia Warranty


Want your own set right now?

Here is the link to buy them now - discounted, of course!

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


- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter if you are on the social media platforms. Also, share the Sony headphones prize photo on my @josiegags Instagram page by taking a screenshot of it, then using these hashtags: #regram #josiesjuice #competitions #giveaways #prizes #Sony

- Share this link on your Facebook wall
- Comment below on why you'd like to win these Sony headphones, AND email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au so I can contact you in case you are a winner (so many people forget this step and don't enter a valid email address below, and I spend lots of time trying to track you down, or simply give the prize to the next person - not fun for anyone!)

(If you find it hard to comment below because your device won't let you - sometimes that happens on an iPhone, for example - simply send me your entry and address via email at josiegags@optusnet.com.au).

*Competition is open to Australian residents only

'Entourage': The Movie - TRAILER

Just in.

'Entourage', the much-anticipated big-screen version of the award-winning hit HBO series, reunites the show’s original cast, led by Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven.


Movie star Vincent Chase (Grenier), together with his boys, Eric (Connolly), Turtle (Ferrara) and Johnny (Dillon), are back…and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold (Piven). Some of their ambitions have changed, but the bond between them remains strong as they navigate the capricious and often cutthroat world of Hollywood.


ENTOURAGE will release in Australian cinemas on June 4, 2015.


Here is the official trailer (the first of many, no doubt):




And the (American) teaser movie poster (it'll be released in the Australian winter):






And this is the BIG reason I am excited about this movie. Two words: Ari. Gold.

Tuesday 23 December 2014

The Katrina Dawson Foundation + Beyond Blue for Tori Johnson

It's tough to think about what happened this time last week in Sydney. It's hard to believe a hashtag - for #Sydneysiege - was even created for our beautiful city. Tears flow when one thinks about something that should never have tarnished our beautiful Sydney.

And now, on the day of the memorial services for the victims of this horrible event, Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, a new foundation has emerged to honour Katrina - and a site set up for Tori via Beyond Blue.



Here is what the just-launched site says:

To preserve and honour the memory of Katrina Dawson and all she achieved, we want to establish the  Katrina Dawson Foundation. The Foundation will be focused on the education of women and former Governor-General The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO is the founding member. 

We have been touched and deeply honoured by the genuine tributes to our darling Katrina. We have been sustained by the extraordinary love of our family and friends, here and afar. Katrina’s friends and colleagues have given us unbridled support and have been a great source of strength. We also feel that we have been surrounded by the warmth of a city and a nation as we all struggle to come to terms with the tragic events of this week.
Katrina has inspired so many people to ask us what can be done to preserve and honour her memory. After much thought, we have decided to establish a charitable foundation in her name, which will be known as The Katrina Dawson Foundation. The Foundation will be focused on the education of women and former Governor-General The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO  will be its founding member.
Katrina was a light in so many lives. She shone in so many ways. And she made the most of every opportunity she had. It is our hope that out of her senseless death we will, through the opportunities the Foundation will provide, bring meaning to the lives of other amazing young women.
The site is here: http://thekatrinadawsonfoundation.org
And the you donate directly if  you click on the page, or go straight here: https://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dawsonfoundation
For the family of Tori Johnson, they have requested any donations you wish to make go directly to Beyond Blue. Go to: beyondblueinmemoriam.everydayhero.com/au/torijohnson
Here is what the site says:

beyondblue has been contacted by Lindt Australia and the partner of Tori Johnson. Tori Johnson’s family has requested that donations made in Mr Johnson’s honour go to beyondblue. At their request, a website has been set up for this purpose: beyondblueinmemoriam.everydayhero.com/au/torijohnson
beyondblue expresses its deepest sympathies to Mr Johnson’s partner, family and the Lindt team. We are humbled and honoured by this gesture, and all money raised in memory of this courageous young man will be used to support people and families living with depression and anxiety.


On the page itself, it says about Tori Johnson:
Tori always believed in helping others and always taking a positive approach. In this spirit we have started a fund to raise money for beyondblue, a fantastic cause that Tori’s family have chosen to support.

beyondblue is a national initiative to raise awareness of anxiety and depression, providing resources for recovery, management and resilience. All those that knew Tori are deeply grateful for any support received.

Jimmy Fallon, One Direction & The Roots: "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (Classroom Instruments): VIDEO

Stop what you're doing and watch this just uploaded video of: Jimmy Fallon, One Direction & The Roots: "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", playing classroom instruments (it's set to go mega-viral):






Nelly, Lupe Fiasco & B.o.B tour of Aus & NZ 2015 - WIN Tickets!

The concert for three musical powerhouses is about to hit Australia - and Josie's Juice readers have the opportunity to see this fantastic event by winning tickets right here. Two double passes are on offer at each of the Australian concerts, and the one New Zealand concert. Read below for more. (UPDATED 5 Jan, 2015: ONE DOUBLE PASS ON OFFER TO WIN for the Perth show, and TWO DOUBLE PASSES on offer for the New Zealand show).

Double Grammy award-winning rapper Nelly will be touring Australia and New Zealand with Lupe Fiasco and B.o.B for the ultimate hip hop concert, and arena shows will be in Australia and New Zealand from 8 January to 17 January, 2015.


With over 21 million albums sold, the tour marks Nelly’s first visit to Australia in four years, and first ever arena tour. Joined by Lupe Fiasco and B.o.B, the trio will kick off the tour on January 8 in Sydney, finishing up in Perth on January 17, playing at a variety of stadiums and arenas nationally. 

Here are the Australia-wide dates:


Sydney: 8 January, Qantas Credit Union Arena

Newcastle*: 9 January, Panthers

Brisbane: 10 January, Riverstage

AuCkland: 14 January, The Trusts arena

Melbourne: 16 January, Sidney Myer Music Bowl

PERTH: 17 jANUARY, HBF Stadium

*Nelly & B.o.B only for Newcastle show


You can buy tickets NOW (selling fast!) through: www.epicpresents.com.au

And to find out more about the concerts, go to: www.epicpresents.com.au

Follow and join the social media conversation here: #Nellylupebob2015

And follow the tour on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/nellybobtour


And now, the Josie's Juice reader giveaway!

Here is all you need to do to be in the running to WIN one of TWO double passes available to win for EACH of the Australian shows (so, 4 tickets are up for grabs at each show), and TWO double passes available to win at the one New Zealand show:

- 'Like' the Josie's Juice Facebook page

- Follow me on Instagram and Twitter if you are on the social media platforms. Also, share the Nelly, Lupe Fiasco and B.O.B photo on my @josiegags Instagram page by taking a screenshot of it, then using these hashtags: #regram #josiesjuice #competitions #giveaways #prizes #Nellylupebob2015

- Share this link on your Facebook wall (so other people can see it, and also enter)

- Comment below on why you'd like to win a double pass to the concert, and indicate which concert you'd like to attend, AND email me at josiegags@optusnet.com.au so I can contact you in case you are a winner, and include your phone number in this email (so many people forget this step and don't enter a valid email address below, and I spend lots of time trying to track you down, or simply give the prize to the next person - not fun for anyone!)

(If you find it hard to comment below because your device won't let you - sometimes that happens on an iPhone, for example - simply send me your entry and address via email at josiegags@optusnet.com.au).

*Competition is open to Australian and New Zealand residents only. Australian residents are responsible for their own travel to and from the venue, and New Zealand residents are responsible for their own travel to and from the venue.

Good luck! Tickets will be drawn closer to the event date.

And now, some musical highlights from Nelly, Lupe Fiasco & B.o.B: