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Our proudest Australian celebrity exports!

With Australia Day fast approaching, our minds are on the Aussie celebrities who are currently taking over the Hollywood scene, as well as those Down Under icons who are still taking home the big awards.

While we are proud to see our own doing well on an international platform, it’s even more humbling to see them keep the down-to-earth attitude we’re famous for, even when taking home Golden Globes. We’re looking at you, Cate Blanchett!

Check out who made the list of Aussies we’re admiring right now…

Our proudest Australian celebrity exports!

With Australia Day fast approaching, our minds are on the Aussie celebrities who are currently taking over the Hollywood scene.

While we are proud to see our own doing well, it’s even more humbling to see them keep the down-to-earth attitude we’re famous for, even when taking home Golden Globes. We’re looking at you, Cate Blanchett!

Check out who made the list of Aussies we’re admiring right now…

Chris Hemsworth

There’s no better way to demonstrate the Thor mega-star’s Down Under humility than his recent banter at the Golden Globes.

The hunky ex-pat was presenting an award with retired Formula One champion Niki Lauda when Niki took off his hat, showing his bald head, and complained of looking bad.

Chris was quick to embrace him in a manly hug before saying in his thick Aussie accent, “You look bloody good to me, mate!”

Margot Robbie

The relative newcomer has kicked off her international career with a bang after landing a part beside Hollywood heavyweight Leonardo DiCaprio in the Martin Scorsese film, The Wolf Of Wall Street.

The 23-year-old is following up her breakthrough performance with a starring role in Craig Zobel’s Z For Zachariah, a comedy with Will Smith called Focus and a romance, Suite Francaise.

Geoffery Rush

Talent like this doesn’t come around too often and in this case was born in a little suburb called Toowoomba, Queensland.

This unrivalled Australian actor and producer has landed almost every movie industry award achievable, including the acting triple crown of Oscar, Emmy and Tony award.

In 2012 Geoffrey was named Australian of the Year and is the president of Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts.

Nicole Kidman

Most of us have been following this Aussie beauty since her first Australian movie roles, where she appeared as a young, innocent-faced girl with curly, red locks.

We’ve watched her grow up through her movies from, BMX Bandits, Days of Thunder, Far and Away, Moulin Rouge, The Others and Cold Mountain.

Aside from being made a Companion of the Order of Australia, we love her because she married our other favourite export, singing legend Keith Urban.

Simon Baker

This Australian heart-throb is no stranger to the acting world.

Simon got his start on Australian television cult classics E Street, Home and Away and Heartbreak High. But it was his good looks, charm and undeniable talent for acting that made him a big name in Hollywood.

He has starred in the popular television series The Mentalist and The Guardian and appeared in the movies, Land of the Dead and The Devil Wears Prada.

Miranda Kerr

This Aussie model has certainly made a name for herself as one of the most beautiful women in the world. She was the highest paid model in 2013 and exploded onto the celebrity scene after scoring Orlando Bloom as her leading man.

Although the couple are separated, Miranda is star enough in her own right to still be photographed wherever she goes. She most certainly isn’t doing Australian tourism any harm either!

Liam Hemsworth

When he and Miley Cyrus ended their engagement after her overtly sexy performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, gentleman Liam walked away without spilling the beans, much to the disappointment of Miley’s detractors.

And old-fashioned charm seems to be Liam’s theme. He has made a name for himself playing likeable leading men – in The Last Song and The Hunger Games franchise. His international star is on the rise and we can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for him.

Kylie Minogue

We first fell in love with Kylie when she was playing little Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours and watched her take over the music scene with her catchy tunes.

She’s had us spinning around, doing the locomotion and infatuated is with her famous gold, hot pants.

And even though this Australian icon no longer lives here, she will always be Australia’s darling child!

Jesse Spencer

Jesse’s big break came to him unexpectedly when he landed the role of Dr. Robert Chase in the huge American television hit House.

From humble beginnings, Jesse grew up on the set of Neighbours before finding international success and we haven’t been able to lure him back home since.

He’s now working on another American drama series Chicago Fire, this time as Lieutenant Matthew Casey.

Isla Fisher

This funny girl has floored us with her continued rise to fame in some of Hollywood’s biggest comedy blockbuster films.

Isla started off her acting career, as so many other Australian actors did, on the set of Home and Away. She has gone on to star in Scooby-Doo, Wedding Crashers, Confessions of a Shopaholic and most recently The Great Gatsby. We will be keeping an eye on her to see what she lands next.

Olivia Newton-John

This Aussie face needs no introduction. Most of us can’t see Olivia without humming the soundtrack to the movie Grease.

She is a breast cancer survivor, a doting mother and a four time Grammy Award winner. It wouldn’t be a far stretch to declare that she is probably the most well-known, and liked, Australian export of all time.

Toni Collette

Born into a working-class family in the western suburbs of Sydney, Toni’s is the Australian success story we’ve all loved following. And while her talent has always been undeniable, no-one could have predicted the extent of her achievements.

She has earned her stripes with extraordinary performances in Muriel’s Wedding, The Sixth Sense, About A Boy and Little Miss Sunshine. And she won Best Actress at the Emmys and Golden Globes for her role in US TV phenomenon, United States Of Tara.

Ryan Kwanten

Remember Vinnie Patterson from Home and Away? That’s right, the man behind the loveable Australian television character took over US screens in the hit HBO series, True Blood.

Ryan landed a lead role in the vampire hit playing Jason Stackhouse and as a result, has become a household name in America.

We are excited to see what comes next for this exciting Aussie actor.

Cate Blanchett

Golden girl Cate Blanchett recently collected two of the most distinguished awards in the US movie industry, winning Best Actress in a drama at the Golden Globes and the top Screen Actors Guild award for her role in Woody Allen’s film Blue Jasmine. She is now tipped to take home her second Oscar.

Cate’s poise, elegance and professionalism has earned her respect from some of Hollywood’s most powerful players, and raised the bar for all other Australian actors who are following in her footsteps.

Hugh Jackman

We don’t really need to explain why Hugh Jackman ended up on this list. The handsome Aussie can sing, dance, act – and also happens to be a great husband. This Academy Award nominee and philanthropist is the perfect man to be representing us.

Hugh is known for his leading roles in such films as Wolverine, Van Helsing, Australia and Les Miserables, and has also long been adored for his stage work in the likes of The Boy From Oz.

Joel Edgerton

Hailing from the same town as Toni Collette, loveable Joel Edgerton made it out of the suburbs and into the big time.

With parts in Star Wars, Warriors and The Thing, Joel then followed up with a role in Baz Luhrmann’s remake of The Great Gatsby.

Despite his success, Joel is a humble man who loves to spend time in Australia and is an active ambassador for Aussie non-profit The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Keith Urban

You could be forgiven for missing Keith in his early days, when his country music star shone brighter in Nashville than at home, but we’re sure you know lots about him now.

The smooth and talented musician married Australia’s sweetheart Nicole Kidman, melted our hearts as resident Mr Nice Guy on The Voice, and now sits as a judge on one of the world’s top talent shows, American Idol.

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Catriona Rowntree’s top five luxury escapes

Catriona Rowntree’s top five luxury escapes

Catriona Rowntree

If you’ve always wanted to visit a health retreat, but not known where to start this one’s for you!

Travel expert Catriona Rowntree has done the hard work for you, selecting her top five retreat destinations to kick-start a healthy 2014.

Five Elements – Bali, Indonesia

One of my favourite places to rejuvenate in Bali is Five Elements – a healing centre founded on Balinese traditions. Nestled alongside the sacred Ayung River, this health retreat offers Balinese therapies, a Living Foods Dining Room and Bamboo Mandala Pavilions for sacred arts healing. At Five Elements you will learn to love and respect life and leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Chiva-Som – Hua Hin, Thailand

Heralded as the ‘Haven of Life’ on the Gulf of Thailand, Chiva-Som is one of my favourite invigorating health retreats. This little slice of heaven will re-set your mind and help you focus on living your life in a more mindful way. Chiva-Som is a one-stop self-restoration service with expert professionals, including: naturopaths, fitness instructors, spa therapists, nutritionists and alternative health practitioners.

The Banjaran – Ipoh, Malaysia

If you are looking to re-set the clock in Malaysia, you can’t go past The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. This therapeutic wonderland is located in the northern state of Perak, cradled by 280 million-year old towering limestone hills, lush rainforest, regenerating geothermal hot springs, natural caves and cascading waterfalls. I can guarantee you this natural oasis will dissolve your daily stresses and set you well on your path to wellbeing.

Kamalaya – Koh Samui, Thailand

For relaxation and time-out in Thailand, book a stay at the Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort. Centred on around a monk’s cave that once served as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat, Kamalaya is the essence of balance and calm. I love this resort’s array of therapeutic and health facilities. Wellness programs on offer include: detox, stress and burnout solutions, yoga, , fitness and weight control, naturopathy and an extensive range of holistic medicine, spa and healing therapies.

Cabarita Ocean Health Retreat – New South Wales, Australia

If you’re looking for somewhere to relax a little closer to home, check out Cabarita Ocean Health Retreat in Casuarina, NSW. With luxurious suites, Cabarita a great place to kick start a healthier and more relaxed lifestyle. My favourite feature of this retreat is its specialised suites, which are designed to represent various overseas countries.

Cabarita offers a variety of services such as yoga, health and wellness consultations, counselling, mind and spirit classes, beauty treatments and bike riding. As a lady who enjoys Australia’s beaches, I love this resort’s close proximity to the ocean, allowing guests to wander the shore at sunrise and sunset. Reduced booking rates are currently available for a limited time on the Luxury Escapes website.

Note: Catriona Rowntree is the brand ambassador for Australia’s luxury holiday deals site LuxuryEscapes.com.

Related video: Catriona Rowntree explores Tweed Valley, one of NSW’s most beautiful secrets.

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Best-dressed at the SAG awards

Another day, another glamorous awards ceremony and Hollywood's leading ladies didn't disappoint on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild awards at the weekend.

Another day, another glamorous awards ceremony and Hollywood’s leading ladies didn’t disappoint on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild awards at the weekend.

Aussie golden girl Cate Blanchett – who took home the best actress prize – looked stunning in a blush pink Givenchy gown while Sofia Vergara dazzled in a heavily embellished Donna Karan Atelier frock.

Who gets your vote for best-dressed?

Cate Blanchett, Amy Adams, Sofia Vergara, Helen Mirren and Isla Fisher.

Lupita Nyong’o in Gucci.

Sandra Bullock in Lanvin.

Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior.

Sofia Vergara in Donna Karan Atelier.

Claire Danes in Vionnet.

Isla Fisher

Julia Roberts

Mariah Carey

Jennifer Garner

Portia de Rossi

Kaley Cuoco

Camila Alves

Oprah Winfrey

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Funeral held for mum and daughter who died in Bali

Noelene Bischoff and her 14-year-old daughter Yvana, who fell fatally ill at a beachfront resort in Bali. Image: AAP.

Noelene Bischoff and her 14-year-old daughter Yvana, who fell fatally ill at a beachfront resort in Bali. Image: AAP.

Approximately 300 mourners were told of the inseparable bond between Noelene, 54, and 14-year-old Yvana, who died in mysterious circumstances shortly after arriving for a holiday on the Indonesian island on January 4.

Family and friends paid tribute to the mother and daughter, who were remembered as horse lovers with an appetite for exploring the world together.

Noelene’s colleague and friend Linda King said the sudden deaths of the pair had come as a shock to their family and friends, and the wider community of Gatton in the Lockyer Valley.

“We should know that bad things happen to good people, but we are surprised,” Ms King told mourners at the service at the Gatton Baptist Church earlier today.

“If they had a choice they would’ve gone together. There was always the twosome.”

Kevin Bowe remembered his beloved sister-in-law and niece, and said: “You will never be forgotten”.

Noelene and Yvana had become violently ill after eating at a restaurant less than 24 hours after checking into their beachside resort, and there has been speculation that toxic fish may have led to their deaths.

A memorial service was held where Noelene and Yvana lived on the Sunshine Coast earlier this month before their bodies had been released by the Balinese authorities. Their bodies were finally returned to Australia last week.

The Queensland coroner has completed autopsies on their bodies, but the results will not be known until next week.

Noelene and Yvana will be laid to rest later today at the Gatton cemetery alongside the grave of Noelene’s father Don Bischoff.

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Cate Blanchett wins another award

Cate Blanchett continued her winning streak on the weekend, taking home the prize for best actress at the Screen Actors Guild awards.
Cate Blanchett with her Screen Actors Guild award for best actress.

Cate Blanchett with her Screen Actors Guild award for best actress.

Cate, 44, beat Meryl Streep (August: Osage County), Sandra Bullock (Gravity), Judi Dench (Philomena) and Emma Thompson (Saving Mr Banks).

The actress looked stunning in a blush-coloured full-length gown but it was her acceptance speech that got everyone talking.

“For those who voted for me, I thank you, and for those who didn’t, better luck next time,” she said, deadpan, before being cut off by the teleprompter telling her she was out of time.

“Twenty-nine seconds? Matthew McConaughey spoke about Neptune and I think I can have five seconds!” she joked, to raucous applause.

Cate is hot favourite to win the best actress Oscar in March, after her performance in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine won her the Golden Globe, the Critics’ Choice and the Screen Actors Guild awards.

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Prince Harry quits helicopter pilot role for desk job

Prince Harry has quit his job as a helicopter pilot to take up a more sedate office-based role in London.
Prince Harry in Afghanistan.

Kensington Palace made the shock announcement on Saturday, revealing Harry had “ended his attachment” to the Army Air Corps, effective immediately.

Harry – who spent three and a half years working as an Apache pilot – will now take up a Staff Officer role in London.

The office-based desk job will be based in central London and will involve coordinating Army projects and commemorative events.

It will be a good deal less exciting than Harry’s previous post, which allowed him to serve in Afghanistan twice.

“Captain Wales has reached the pinnacle of flying excellence as an Apache pilot, particularly in Afghanistan and, in the process, has proved to be a real inspiration to the many Army Air Corps officers and soldiers who have come to know him so well over the last two years,” Harry’s commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Tom de la Rue said.

Harry is said to be disappointed by the move, but reportedly understands it is his duty to support his grandmother the Queen as she gets older.

Her Majesty’s advancing age has already impacted Prince William’s career ambitions – he was forced to resign his post as a search and rescue pilot last year to devote more time to royal engagements.

Harry’s new job has also sparked anger in the UK, with critics upset that the $4.7 million spent training Harry to be a pilot now appears wasted.

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Actress Laura Linney becomes a mum at 49

Actress Laura Linney becomes a first-time mum at 49
Laura Linney attends Women In Film's 2013 Crystal + Lucy Awards in Beverly Hills last June. Image: Getty.

The US actress and her husband Marc Schauer welcomed a son, Bennet Armistead Schauer, on January 8. It is the first child for the couple.

“Mother and baby are happy and healthy,” Linney’s spokesperson told People magazine.

Linney, a three-time Oscar nominee who featured in the romantic ensemble film Love, Actually and was the star of the star of TV’s cancer comedy-drama The Big C, married Mr Schauer in 2009.

Linney did not announce her pregnancy and has stayed out of the public eye in recent months.

One of her last public appearances was at the 2013 Women In Film’s Crystal + Lucy Awards in Beverly Hills last June.

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How Zara Phillips’ daughter will grow up

How Zara Phillips’ daughter will grow up

She doesn’t know it yet, but the newborn daughter of Zara Phillips and former UK rugby captain Mark Tindall is going to live a life only a privileged few ever experience – with ponies, a nanny, acres to play on, royal schooling – and a hands-on mum to boot.

Zara, the Queen’s eldest granddaughter, gave birth on Saturday morning in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The proud parents are yet to announce the name of the bub, the Queen’s fourth great-grandchild and 16th in line to the throne.

But her equestrian star mother has been open about how she plans to raise her daughter. Being born into the royal fold means baby Tindall will grow up with tradition and privileges to burn, but her laid-back mummy is intent on giving her a classic country childhood with ponies and lots of pets.

And while Zara says she will employ a nanny to help care for her daughter, she also wants to be a hands-on mum.

“I love cooking and will definitely cook for the baby,” Zara told The Australian Women’s Weekly.

The Olympic silver medallist, who left the hospital a few hours after giving birth, is eager to get back to her career in eventing, and recently moved to a cottage on the estate of her mother, Princess Anne, to make that easier.

Anne’s 295ha Gatcombe Estate in Gloucestershire houses Zara’s horses, meaning the new mum will be able to spend more time with her baby while she works, training her racehorses and eventers.

This also means that Princess Anne will be on hand to dispense motherly help and grandmotherly cuddles.

The baby, like her mother, won’t bear a royal title, and will simply be known as Miss Tindall. But when it comes to her education, she will have only the best, likely attending the same school her great uncle Prince Charles and mother attended – Gordonstoun in Moray, Scotland.

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The Duchess of Cambridge’s brother in embarrassing pictures

Look away now Kate! Dozens of embarrassing pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge's younger brother James Middleton have surfaced on social media.
James Middleton embarrassing pictures

Dozens of embarrassing pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge’s younger brother James Middleton have surfaced on social media.

James Middleton, 26, is shown partying with friends in the images – posted on Facebook – wearing a dress and even a sumo wrestler suit.

In one shot, he appears to be trying his hand at pole dancing, while another sees him flexing his muscles on the beach.

It’s not the first time a member of the royal family has been caught out in pictures posted by friends online – Prince Harry, his cousins Beatrice and Eugenie and his girlfriend Cressida have all had embarrassing photos published.

Unlike the old days, when pictures like these would have been catastrophic, party snaps only serve to increase the popularity of today’s young royals.

James is pictured in a polka-dotted dress, and a sumo suit.

Kate and her brother James in 2007.

Enjoying a few too many on St Patrick’s Day.

Pole dancing at a nightclub.

James emerging from the surf in an undated Facebook image.

Messing around in a haystack at a farm.

Posing with friends after a New Year’s Day dip in the North Sea.

James partying with a blonde companion.

Carrying a female friend during a Lake District mini-break.

These images of Harry’s girlfriend Cressida Bonas were publishing several years ago.

Cressida was just 19 when these cheeky snaps were taken.

Cressida partying with friends in Verbier.

Images of Beatrice from a 2007 holiday were published on her friend’s Facebook page.

In this image from Beatrice’s Facebook page, she mocks her royal wedding hat.

Beatrice at her Spanish holiday villa in 2007.

Beatrice with an unnamed friend in 2007.

The picture of Beatrice’s sister Eugenie ‘twerking’ was published on Instagram last year.

Beatrice’s boyfriend Dave Clark on a boys’ trip to South Africa in 2006.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie with their mum Sarah Ferguson and other revellers.

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Beyonce performs at Michelle Obama’s 50th birthday party

Michelle Obama's 50th birthday party featured a Beyonce performance and plenty of dancing.
Michelle Obama with her AARP card on her 50th birthday

President Barack Obama acted as MC and was spotted sipping from a martini glass before giving a toast to his wife, while daughters Malia and Sasha joined 500 family, friends and celebrity guests to celebrate the special milestone of the First Lady, affectionately known as Flotus.

Mrs Obama wore a flowing red blouse and pants and was in a “very celebratory” mood all night, rarely leaving the dance floor, according to the Chicago Tribune. “It was such a fun, fun party,” a guest told the paper.

Former First Couple Bill and Hillary Clinton, Sir Paul McCartney, singer Jennifer Hudson, US Attorney General Eric Holder and Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, were among the celebrity guests from the worlds of politics, business, and entertainment who attended the party.

The East Room of the White House had been transformed into a disco, according to reports, with a DJ playing a selection of R&B and contemporary dance music and keeping revellers on the dance floor until well after 3am.

Beyonce, who is a close friend of the Obamas and sang at the President’s first Inauguration Ball in 2008, performed with a full band for 30 minutes and sang hits including ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’and ‘To the Left’, according to reports. R&B singer John Legend crooned Happy Birthday.

Guests had been advised to wear comfortable shoes and “dancing attire” and to eat beforehand as the party – which began at 9pm – was light on food but heavy on entertainment. Save-the-date notices sent out in December declared there would be “Snacks & Sips & Dancing & Dessert”.

Despite the secrecy surrounding the event, some details were leaked via social media as guests couldn’t contain their excitement. Beyonce uploaded a series of photos to her official Tumblr account of herself, her daughter Blue Ivy and her mother Tina arriving at the White House, and playing with the Obama’s dog Bo.

On Friday, her actual birthday, Mrs Obama tweeted: “Excited to join Barack in the 50+ club today… check out my @AARP card! –mo” with a photo of her grinning while holding up her membership card to the US retirees association.

While there has been no official word from the White House about her birthday soiree, Mrs Obama has been open about embracing her half century.

“I have never felt more confident in myself, more clear on who I am as a woman,” she told Parade Magazine last August, when asked about turning 50. “But I am constantly thinking about my own health and making sure that I’m eating right and getting exercise and watching aches and pains. I want to be this really fly 80-, 90-year-old.”

Mrs Obama also recently admitted she would not rule out having plastic surgery in the future.

“Women should have the freedom to do whatever they need to do to feel good about themselves,” the First Lady told People Magazine. “Right now, I don’t imagine that I would go that route, but I’ve also learned to never say never.”

Beyonce wore a tiny gold dress for the occasion.

The singer arrived at the White House with her daughter Blue Ivy.

Beyonce plays with the Obama’s dog Bo.

The singer’s daughter Blue Ivy also befriended the First Dog.

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