From recipe books and kitchen wares to cooking shows and restaurants, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has established himself as the go-to man for all things culinary. And next month he’s set to hit our shores for the first time since 2010.

The focus of Oliver’s trip Down Under is to promote the importance of nutritional food and the power of community as part of his ‘Jamie’s Ministry of Food Australia’ tour. “Figures given by the National Preventative Health Taskforce show that being overweight or obese affects over 60% of Australian adults and 25% of Australian children,” explains Jamie.

“The total financial cost in Australia of obesity alone, not including overweight people, was estimated at $8.3 billion in 2008. The most recent projections indicate that there will be an extra 6.7 million obese Australians by 2025. This frightening statistic clearly demonstrates an urgent need for action!”

Kicking off in Brisbane on March 3, Oliver will start his trip with a visit to his Australian Ministry of Food operation – a centre open to anyone and everyone wanting to learn how to cook easy and cheap nutritional meals from scratch – before he heads to Sydney to visit his restaurant, Jamie’s Italian, which opened in October last year. He’ll end his tour in Melbourne where he will speak at a live event alongside Australian food journalist and TV personality Matt Preston.

Rumour also has it that Oliver will make a special guest appearance on the latest series of MasterChef Australia.

What do you think about Jamie Oliver’s call to action for Australians to be more proactive about health and nutrition?

Proud parents Beyonce and Jay-Z released the first photos of their daughter Blue Ivy Carter last week. Fans of the pop queen and her rapper husband were surprised and delighted by the couple’s move to bypass the hundreds of magazines and media outlets offering them lucrative amounts of money for a photograph of their baby girl, instead opting to select and release five free photos on a Tumblr blog: Hello Blue Ivy Carter.

Among them are photos of Beyonce and Jay-Z tenderly cradling their one-month old and close ups of the little girl who already looks a little like both her parents. The couple added a note that read: “We welcome you to share in our joy. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this beautiful time in our lives, The Carter Family.”

In an era of all things digital many proud parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles and friends have followed the Carter family’s cue and gone online to share the cuteness of a new arrival. Some dedicate endless albums on Facebook to their new little one, while others start blogs, Twitter and Instagram accounts when their baby is little more than a few weeks old. In addition to framed photos and albums, some traditionalists craft scrapbooks, keep a journal, make a book of firsts or a time capsule.

Why not tell us how you shared the arrival of a special new baby into your life and family?

Is your hair lacking luster and shine? There are many factors that can influence the health of your hair including diet, stress, weather, chlorine, medication, pollution, heat styling tools and chemical treatments. While some of these can’t be quickly overcome there are a few ways to help tackle common hair ailments to get your hair back on track.

Dry hair tends to be dry and brittle. This can be caused by a number of reasons including the over use of hairdryers and styling tools like tongs and straighteners. Get into the habit of applying a hair protectant beforehand, which will help seal and protect hair from the damaging heat produced by styling tools. Shop for a nourishing shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for dry hair and get into the habit of using an intensive hair treatment or mask once a week at home. Take care not to overshampoo hair as it can strip hair of essential oils; hair care professionals advise that washing hair two to three times a week should suffice.

Oily hair is the result of sebaceous glands in the skin becoming hyperactive and producing too much sebum. Those with oily hair should avoid oil-based hair styling products and treatments, instead choose a shampoo and conditioner designed to nuetralise and re-balance the hair. Oily hair can be the result of hormonal imbalances or a diet that is too high in trans and saturated fats. Speak to a healthcare professional for dietary advice and to recommend supplements – such as zinc or vitamins for hair, nail and skin that may help tackle the problem.

Dandruff is believed to be caused by a yeast micro-organism called Malassezia, which inflames the skin’s top layer resulting in the scalp shedding dead skin cells in the form of flakes. Dandruff is easily treated with a medicated shampoo and conditioner, while those persistent dandruff should look to incorporate these as a regular part of their hair care routine.

According to Galaxy Research data from November 2011- Australian women are spending a staggering half a billion dollars trying to get into shape at the start of each year and most never get anywhere near their goals.

Some of the ladies in Lasoo HQ made the resolution to better manager their weight and health and have been taking actionable steps to keep on track with their goal.

One particular fitness activity that happens at 7am in the Lasoo office is Zumba- a latin dance -inspired fitness program. While others are still at home sleeping, these Lasoo ladies are up, dressed in their fitness gear and ready to shake their fat away. With maracas in hand they line up and follow the instructions of the Zumba teacher who randomly shouts words of encouragement from the television screen.

Other days, our resident fitness instructor Mr T takes a break from his sales role in Lasoo and takes a bunch of us out for a gruelling exercise regime which often leaves us returning red faced and exhausted. But it is worth it because many of the team are still making strides towards their fitness goals.

In 2011, 49% of Australian women made New Year’s resolutions to better manage their weight and health. 7% gave up in the first week of January.

The secret of our success? Teamwork! It really helps when you are working towards a goal with friends. So if you are struggling to keep your fitness resolution- grab a friend, get some exercise equipment and get fit together!

Have you kept to your fitness goals for the New year? What are your fitness success secrets?

Ever bought something and it wasn’t quite right?

Did you know that as a consumer you have rights to ensure the products and services you buy meet a certain quality standard?

Luckily, there is now a website that is helping consumers know the different avenues they can take to make sure they get what they are entitled to when it comes to shopping.

The ACCC is an independent authority of the Australian government that regulates and protects consumers and businesses under Australian law. They have just released a new initiative ‘Repair, Replace, Refund’ to educate consumers about their rights!

The website has lots of useful tools and resources to help you understand your rights: http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/consumerrights/

There is even a fun ‘Problem Solver’ to guide you in the next steps you can take: http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1024824#acccWorkflowWizard1Path:1

Do you know your rights as a shopper?

It must be said that I was very excited to be reviewing celebrity chef Stephanie Alexander’s The Cook’s Companion.  Nicknamed the ‘kitchen bible’, this cheerful multicolour-striped tome is both impressive and intimidating. While I like to think I am a bit of a Nigella in the kitchen, I probably wouldn’t be able to hold up too well against even the youngest of the aspiring cooks on Junior MasterChef.

Putting my culinary insecurities aside, I was focused on making the most of my time with The Cook’s Companion – much to the delight of my friends and housemates. Organised by ingredient, former restaurateur and food writer Alexander offers invaluable advice on ingredients, cooking techniques and kitchen equipment. First published in 1996, Alexander has, over the sixteen years since it first release, added 300 recipes and 12 new chapters to the cookbook. Featuring close to 1,000 recipes, The Cook’s Companion incorporates recipes spanning the basic through to the more complex and would suit new and experienced cooks alike.

Simple, clear and easy to follow, Alexander has compiled an essential cookbook that celebrates the uniqueness of Australian cuisine and is more than suitable for everyday cooking.

Have you ever walked past a cute cat or dog, given it a friendly pat and wished that you had one of your own? If not you, your kids may make it their personal mission to pester you for a pet after hours of playing with your neighbour’s cat.

There’s no doubt that pets are highly rewarding, giving their owners endless love and companionship (as well as a decent excuse to get out and take the dog for a walk) but they are a long-term responsibility that require a lot of time, energy, money and commitment. So before you rush off to the breeders or animal shelter and take home a new dog or cat, it’s worth considering:

· It’s going to take time. Different pets require different levels of care.  Dogs and cats – particularly puppies and kittens – require a lot more TLC than say a goldfish or guinea pig. Do you have time in your life to play, exercise, train and groom your potential new pet?

· Money, money, money. Pets can be expensive, so do the math. Take into account the initial costs such as registering and desexing your pet, accessories like collars, toys, flea and worm treatments and ongoing essentials like pet food and veterinary bills.

· Commitment. The old adage that ‘pets are for life’ rings true. Dogs and cats can live anywhere between 12 and 20 years. Making the decision to own a pet is one that should be for the long term and not taken lightly.

· Space issues. Consider the size of your home and garden – is there sufficient room for a cat or dog to sleep, play and explore comfortably? Also be sure to check your lease (if you rent) some landlords simply don’t allow pets on their properties.

· So you’re ready and able? Next up is the fun part­­ – choosing your new pet! Do your research. Speak to family and friends who own pets, your local vet and visit the RSPCA online for information and resources on finding and caring for the right breed pet for you and your family. Enjoy!

It’s Tropfest this week! The largest short film festival in the world celebrates its 20^th birthday this year. Founded by award-winning actor and director John Polson, the first event was an informal short film screening for 200 cast, crew and friends at the Tropicana cafe (from which the festival takes its name) in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst back in 1992. Inspired by the turnout at the first event, Polson groomed and grew Tropfest into one that now attracts a live national audience of 150,000 people and over one million television viewers.

This year, Tropfest invited filmmakers of all backgrounds and experience to make and enter a short film (not longer than seven minutes) featuring the ‘signature item’ of a lightbulb. From over 700 entries, 16 finalists are selected to compete for over $100,000 in prizes. The shortlisted films are shown at free Tropfest screenings being held nationally on Sunday. While the main event takes place at The Domain in the Royal Botanical Gardens, Tropfest will also broadcast via live satellite links to major outdoor events in Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Surfers Paradise, Wollongong and New Zealand.

Who not arrange a Tropfest party or picnic with family and friends? Host a gathering at home and watch it on TV or grab a blanket, bottle of wine and food to share and head to the event in your city. Pubs, clubs and community centres often get in on the fun hosting their own unofficial screenings, so if you don’t live near one of the events why see what’s happening down at your local. You might just be inspired to enter your own short film next year!

Visit Tropfest for more information on events and screenings taking place in your capital city.

Guest Blogger Reservoir Dad gives us a glimpse into his life and shopping with his son.

I’m thinking about condoms as I’m pushing a trolley loaded with about $300 worth of groceries through the local supermarket. Toddler Tyson, who’s in the child seat, is storing about another $20 worth of food internally and that’s because I’ve fed him an insane amount of food including – but not limited to – a bag of grapes, a banana, two yoghurt tubes and half a packet of dried biscuits.

Apart from stuffing him with food I’ve also let him spray a bottle of Lynx deodorant at the eyeballs of any people that attract his attention on the various product packaging. I believe this will help him to develop the mace-spraying skills he’ll need to survive as he grows up on the suburban streets of downtown Reservoir.

The food and the Lynx has done a great job of distracting him to this point but with only one aisle to go, and a few items still left to procure, he’s screaming to get down and reaching back into the trolley to find launch-ables and because I tend to snarl and bark involuntarily whenever anyone messes with my food I remove him from the trolley, place his furiously pumping legs on the shiny linoleum flooring and watch as he hits the ground running, completing a series of fishies before charging head first into a ladies handbag.

I’m already frustrated – because I’m shopping – so when she looks disapprovingly at one of my greatest ever creations I say, with a warm smile, ‘Hey, maybe you should shop online…’

She turns with her nose up and walks on and so I add, ‘I’d give you the finger but that would be rude…’ and there we are standing in front of the condoms…

Reservoir Mum and I have four children, who we love, but we’re almost certain we don’t want any more. For the past four months, since the birth of Maki, I have been suffering incredible pressure to get a vasectomy – not from RM so much – but from my mother in law and several old ladies from her aqua aerobics class. I should just book in and get it done, I know that, but I don’t want my mother in law to think she was the one that convinced me to do it and so I’ve made a decision to use condoms until my vasectomy has become a less popular topic at the local pool.

The song playing over the stores PA system is ‘Rock The Casbah’ by Clash, which is excellent because it’s helping me to concentrate as I’m sorting through the several different kinds of rubbers on offer. They’re all from the Lifestyle Brand and the ones that initially appeal to me are Ultra Thin because I assume they’d make sex feel better for me, Ribbed because I assume that would make it feel better for RM, and Large because I want the checkout chick to assume I have a large penis. It takes me a few minutes to decide that I can’t decide which one to choose and so I throw a packet of each one in to the trolley, find Tyson a few aisles down spreading a packet of washing powder over the floor, and then head to the checkout with him safely back in the child seat.

The checkout chick is between the ages of 16 and 20, is wearing a hijab and a name tag that says Sara, and although I like her immediately – she has a nice face – I’m starting to feel a little weirder about the condoms.

‘They’re finally playing some cool tunes in your supermarket,’ I say, as Sabrina Salerno singsBoys (Summertime Love) and Tyson starts handing out random items from the trolley.

Sara smiles at Tyson and I start unpacking all the items around the condoms. My plan is to place them on the conveyer belt between the toilet paper and the packets of tissues and to then turn back to the trolley just as she’s about to scan them. This plan is completely thwarted when I hear Tyson yell ‘lollies!’ and find him holding up the box of Ultra Thins to Sara who takes them, smiles again, and says ‘I don’t think they’re lollies.’

‘No!’ I scream instinctively, snatching them out of Sara’s hand. In a split second two things happen inside my mind – I realise I’ve revealed my nervousness about the purchase and I reason that I have to speak immediately to cover it up and convey some sense of cool. ‘What?’ I say, looking over-confused, ‘He thinks they’re lollies…?’

Sabrina Salerno sings passionately as the seconds pass and I am left with no option but to sheepishly hand the condoms back to Sara. She takes them nonchalantly and scans them and is about to move on to a packet of Cruskits when I whisper, ‘Wait, I have two more packets of those…’

I hand her the Ribbed condoms first and the Largecondoms second and when Tyson reaches out desperately and pleads to get his ‘lollies’ back a craziness overcomes me and I say, ‘I don’t really need that many condoms… I just couldn’t decide… you know what they should do, Sara, is make a combo… I mean if they had a large, ribbed, ultra thin condom to sell, well… it’d be walking right out the door… impossible to keep up with the demand…’

Sara looks over her shoulder to make sure she’s not the only person in the supermarket with the condom psycho as Tyson scream, ‘Lollies’ again.

‘You better give him one of them,’ I say, resigned, ‘Or he’ll just get louder.’

When she hands him back the packet of Large’s I say, ‘Good choice,’ warmly, and then we complete the transaction without another word, as Sabrina croons for more boys, as Tyson picks frantically at the plastic wrapping around the box of frangas, as I decide to hurry up and get that vasectomy.

Kylie Minogue has been a busy little pop princess of late. Recently inducted into the ARIA Music Hall of Fame, mentoring and performing alongside contestants on Australian X Factor and this year celebrating 25 years in the music industry, Minogue is set to return to Australia to perform at the 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras after a fourteen-year hiatus. As February marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of her eighth fragrance, Pop Pink Sparkle, it seemed appropriate we give the Aussie starlet’s perfume a critical sniff.

Packaged in a petite bright pink flacon, Pop Pink Sparkle is a woody floral fragrance developed by perfumer Vincent Schaller (who also worked on her Showtime scent). It features notes of pink pepper, apple, peach, gardenia, Bulgarian rose, Tahitian gardenia, marigold, sandalwood, ambrosia and musk.

As its name suggests, Pop Pink Sparkle is a sweet and fun fragrance well suited to its bright champagne-bottle style packaging. It’s easy to imagine Minogue spritzing herself with this scent before she hits the stage to perform a pop number dressed in a mass of sequins and feathers. Best suited to the young or the young at heart, this is a fragrance for glamorous girly girls who like a sparkly, short-lived scent for a big night out of dancing and playing.