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Kween Krush
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So, The Fairy Tales Lied…
A promise to only share the truth, when it comes to stories about Prince Charming, Ugly Stepsisters, Evil Queens & Happily Ever After.
Tag: Feminist
Meet CARMELA CONTARINO: The Power Kween Behind 'So The Fairy Tales Lied…'
January 24, 2019 March 4, 2019 by So The Fairy Tales Lied...	♥ 0 Leave a Comment
How much do you really know about Carmela Contarino: the woman behind your fav fem blog 'So The Fairy Tales Lied…'?
Did you know she's Australian? (From a small town called Bunbury, Western Australia.) But spent her 20s in Sydney and now resides in London? Yasss, she's a big city gal now!
Did you know as a child, she was chubby, rocked an afro/mullet, had too much body hair and was teased mercifully for looking a 'bit like a boy'? Luckily, this birthed oodles of personality, a wicked sense of humour, a resilient attitude and effortless unique style: hello headscarves and colour clashing!!
Did you know as a young girl, Carmela was a competitive dancer and had her own Hip Hop/Funk/Jazz dance school (which opened the door to 200 students) at 19? These days though, she mostly dances like Ellen.
Did you know at the age of 24, she also had her own breakfast radio show in the biggest commercial market in Australia? She's met and interviewed most A-list celebrities but she has also worked most minimum-wage jobs too, like being a hairdresser's receptionist, waitress, bartender and shop assistant. Yep, she can pour a mean beer! She's now the talent booker and entertainment content producer for the Bauer Media Group in the UK looking after radio (KISS/Magic/Absolute), print (Heat/Closer) and digital.
Did you know she auditioned for Idol, X Factor, Big Brother but ended up casting talent for those TV shows instead? Carmela's vice now is drunk karaoke: better known as Trashioke.
Did you know at the age of 33, she's never really had a 'proper' boyfriend? (No one she's introduced to her parents or brought over to the family home for Christmas lunch.) Cue the numerous awkward convos with Uncles: "So do you have a special man in your life? Or woman?"
Did you know her idols are Bette Midler, Whoopi Goldberg, Lena Dunham and Taylor Swift? Because, obviously.
Did you know she's still close with her friends from primary/high school? That group and the people she surrounds herself with today, are the inspo behind #STFTL.
Of course you don't! Because 70% of stories on 'So The Fairy Tales Lied…' are about and written by other wonderful, fabulous and brave women and men (which Carmela couldn't be more proud of).
So, how did Carmela end up being who she is today? Is it the roller coaster of her colourful past?
Why does she champion and cherish other women so fiercely? Why is her mum one of her best friends?
Why does she have utter compassion for the underdog or someone down on their luck?
Find out as Carmela exclusively opens up about her world to Greg Stocks on his podcast 'Life Chats With Greg'.
Carmela is an Aussie in London with wanderlust. A TV/Radio rebel. Fierce feminist. Loud laugh-er. Emotional eat-er. Pop culture cat. Red wine wooer and karaoke kween. She hopes that her experiences are just like yours, funny, warm, loud, raw and that maybe you can figure out this thing called 'life' together. #YasssKween 🙌🏼
AustraliabunburyCareerCarmela ContarinoEqualityfeminismFeministLifelondonLoveMediaRadioSelf-CareSelf-DoubtSelf-LoveSelf-RespectSydneyTelevisionTruthTVunited kingdomwomen empowering womenwomen supporting women
Kween Krush: LUCY FORD "Red Carpet Realness, Showbiz Secrets And Viral Victory."
December 5, 2018 February 5, 2019 by So The Fairy Tales Lied...	♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Kween Krush alert!! This is where we celebrate everyday women for being complete badass Wonder Women.
Roll out the red carpet: Lucy Ford, we have a blockbuster premiere-size crush on you! Yep, not only are you the coolest cat on the scene, who's interviewing the cream of the 'movie and music' crop. But you're totes adorbes. We love the cut of your jib (dat effortless style sista) and you've seriously got your finger on the pulse when it comes to what's hot and what's not. Not to forget to mention, the best taste in boybands and cult chick flicks. And forgive me but we can't not mention Reece Witherspoon and that viral moment, riiiight? But, once the internet falls in love with you, what happens next?
So… let's start from the very beginning. How did you come to be one of the most prominent entertainment reporters in the UK?
Well, that is very kind of you to lie like that! In all honesty, I was extremely lucky to get where I am today. I did a postgraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism after university, and the aim was always to end up working somewhere in entertainment. I worked in local radio news for a bit before moving to Istanbul to work for a world news TV network. Whilst I was there I applied for my job (kind of on a whim) during a very quiet late shift. Despite having no experience in showbiz or with celebs, my now-boss took a chance on me: and the rest is history!
Was showbiz, showbiz, showbiz always what you thought you'd end up doing when you 'grow up'? Is this your dream gig?
I always wanted to work in entertainment: I don't think I ever realised that my kind of job actually existed, let alone was an actual option. It totally is my dream gig, which feels crazy to write! I get to sit in the room with people who I've been a fan of, sometimes to a ridiculous extent, for years. Occasionally, they disappoint, but even then, it still feels very surreal.
Does being a reporter/journalist/content producer have you travel the world a lot? Besides Istanbul, have you always lived and worked in the UK?
Part of the reason I wanted to become a journalist was because I didn't want to do a job that limited me to one country. I grew up moving all over the world, so at this point wanderlust is kind of in my blood. I worked as a journalist in Turkey for a bit after university, which was amazing. Since becoming a showbiz journo I've been lucky enough to get sent abroad to America and Europe for press trips. I would love to live abroad one day, so this is the perfect test run!
I'm sure at times, the entertainment game can be all glitz and glam but what are some things people don't know about working in media?
It definitely is not glamorous: well, at least for the journalists involved! A lot of people think working premieres and award shows means you actually get to go to the events, but the reality is that you stand around for a few hours outside, talk to celebs for maybe 2-3 minutes and then head back to office to turn it all around. In the Summer it's ok, but as it heads into Winter those nights can be pretty brutal! Of course, there are worse things that I could be doing, but when you have those nights where you can't feel your fingers, it can be pretty grim!
What's the biggest misconception about your day-job?
Probably that I spend all day becoming best pals with celebrities? Definitely not the case! Actually, chatting to celebrities is quite a small part of my job, and when I do chat to them there's definitely no time to strike up a friendship! A lot of people also assume that my life is basically like that scene in Notting Hill where Hugh Grant ends up interviewing Julia Roberts for Horse and Hound. Whilst I do spend a lot of time at hotels interviewing celebs, there's definitely about 10 people in the room with you, and you have an aggressive countdown clock the whole time: it's pretty hard to get any inside jokes in when there's someone literally counting down the minutes in front of you.
What part of your career are you most chuffed about? And what are some of the pinch-yourself highlights?
Basically, that I get to meet my heroes! It's pretty much as basic as that. I am a fangirl at heart, and have obsessed over celebs and their work for basically as long as I can remember. Getting to sit in a room with Reese Witherspoon and actually hand her the dissertation on Legally Blonde that I'd written was probably a moment that I will never, ever top. Also Oprah was in the room, so yeah, it's pretty much a peak life moment.
I feel like a bit of a fool, interviewing the 'interviewer'. What tips or tricks do you have when it comes to asking the big questions to a room filled with A-Listers?
It sounds so basic, but just remember that they are real people. The minute you take them off the celebrity pedestal, it makes it so much easier to try and have a real conversation. Of course, there will always be people you can't keep your cool in front of (looking at you, Harry Styles), but more often than not it's easy to relax in front of them. I think it's also really useful working at a company where celebrities come to us, to our own building. Seeing us at work, and seeing them interacting with their team and ours, makes for a much more human interaction. When it comes to tips on how to get the big questions in, structuring your interview is really important. If you know you've got a question that could go either way, save it until the end. That way if they shut it down, you can get out of the room quickly!
Have you ever had an awkward celeb-fail?
Oh lots! Sometimes how you think something sounds in your head sounds completely different out loud. There have been a few rude celebrities that really didn't seem to like chatting to me, but all in all I have been lucky. I did call Henry Cavill 'Harry' to his face though, which wasn't great.
You're also now a presenter on heat radio. How do you feel about being in the spotlight? Or being filmed? Do you ever get self-conscious?
I HATE being on camera. If there's one way to keep an ego in check, it's regularly being filmed sitting opposite the most beautiful people in the world. In terms of presenting, that's been such a fun accident. I never, ever intended on doing any kind of presenting, but the team over at heat radio have been so supportive of me, and actively encourage me to do more. It is cool finding out you're quite good at something you never thought you'd even enjoy.
How important is it to you to portray body confidence? Do you ever feel pressured to look or dress a certain way?
Body confidence is something I've always struggled with. I've always been the biggest one of my friendship groups, and whilst that doesn't really bother me anymore in my day to day life, sometimes having to edit a video of yourself in detail when you're having a bad day can be quite tough. I don't actually feel like I need to dress or look a certain way, which is nice. I'm lucky I work somewhere that actively promotes us bringing ourselves into what we do: so if one day I want to dress really smart, I can do that. Likewise, if I want to show up in the baggiest of t-shirts and trackies, that's also fine.
I do think it's really important that 'average' sized bodies are shown in media. We see a lot of representation at either end of the spectrum, but there is an awkward middle ground where most of the population sits, that doesn't get seen a lot. I am a size 16, and I'm happy that I get to have a job on camera.
I can also see you're fast becoming the Kween of Twitter, what do you like about social media and what do you hate? Have you ever been the target of online bullying or trolling?
I love so much about the internet. If you couldn't already tell, I was an indoor kid and basically grew up on the internet (where my tumblr peeps at?!). There are massive downsides to Twitter, we all know them, but there's so much I adore. I've made some really good friends from Twitter that I have shared interests with. I've also been able to take part in really meaningful interactions with people about a variety of topics. I get to be part of a shared conversation with people who like the same things as me. I also credit social media with making me as socially conscious as I am. I've learned so much from hearing diverse voices that I'm sure I wouldn't have heard in my day to day life. Also, people on the internet are just hilarious.
I've actually been lucky when it comes to trolls or online bullying. Even when I went viral, 99.9% of the comments were supportive and kind, and the rest were shot down very quickly. You do get the odd comment that lingers, especially when you're having an off-day, but the positives for me truly outweigh the negatives.
https://twitter.com/lucyj_ford/status/973572079000915968?s=21
What does going viral feel like? What goes through your head the moment you realise 'you' are blowing up around the world? Does it change anything?
It's a really strange feeling! I always hoped that, if I ever went viral, I would reply to anyone who wrote to me. The reality of it is that you just can't! I had to turn my phone off at one point, because it just got so overheated cause of the notifications. It got a little bit ridiculous. I was lucky though: the response to my dissertation was 99% positive, which I feel like is unheard of on the internet. That's what happens when women come together to fan out over chick flicks!
What happens hours, days, even weeks after it?
The funny thing about going viral is that it is over literally in a couple of days. The first day was absolutely crazy, and I couldn't do any work because I was just transfixed by my notifications (sorry, boss!). But then, around the third day everything went back to normal. In a way, I was really grateful that I still had a job to do, as it let me get away from just staring at my screen. It was a really fun experience, but I also think it's important to keep some perspective.
Speaking of the bad world of web, any predictions on what is going to be huge in the next 6 months? What's the next big thing in music/film?
I have no idea and if I had my way all anyone would do would be watch BTS videos and Harry Style's album documentary on repeat for a year!
We now live in a post-Weinstein world and surrounded by feminist movements like #MeToo, can you relate to any of this?
I am extremely fortunate to never have encountered any real trauma in the sense of #MeToo, which is why I feel so constantly horrified by what so many women, and men, have had to suffer in silence with. I'm so grateful to live in a time where hopefully more victims feel safe to come forward, and feel hopeful that I can learn more and more about feminism as time goes on.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn1wkKhhfyp/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1iobg5t5qawa0
I get the impression you're a proud feminist, is this true? If so, what does 'girl power' mean to you?
Oh man, I am the proudest of feminists! Gals are great! I love learning about feminism, and its various histories and the ways in which it became part of our society. I did my dissertation on feminism and female representation in film, and I think I might be the only person in history who looked forward to going to the library to work on their thesis.
Girl power to me can mean anything and everything. I want all women to feel like their voices are heard and are meaningful, so long as they don't actively harm minorities or other women. Sometimes you get a fitted sheet on your bed first time around and feel proud: that's girl power! Sometimes you stand up to your boss, or talk down ignorance: that's also girl power! Women, and men, fighting for equality is such a basic thing, and we still have so much to work on, but I'm encouraged about the conversations we're having.
Anyone who knows you, also knows you have a fierce obsession of all things boybands and 90s/early 00s chick flicks. Indulge for a moment and tell us some of your ultimate favs.
Oh boy, how much time do you have?! Well, of course Legally Blonde is my ultimate, but I can probably recite word for word Bring it On, Ten Things I Hate About You and Clueless. Honestly, I will never get bored EVER of watching those films. In terms of boybands, I love *Nsync. It is my greatest regret in life that I never saw them when I lived in America at their peak. That pain will live with me forever.
Name one female movie character that changed your life or inspired you to be who you are?
I've got to say Elle Woods, right?!
What would your biopic be called?
Probably something like 'Desperately seeking snacks'.
Since we're on the love-train, what women are you krushing on at the moment?
Always, and forever, Amy Adams. Give that woman a damn Oscar already!
You must be so stoked of what you have achieved in your life so far… what's one thing you would now tell your younger self?
That your trauma will make for great character building. You're funny and kind, and that is because you had to learn to be strong. The people who picked on you most will also be the ones DMing you to hang out any time they see a picture of you with a celebrity, so you can take some pride in that! Also, don't get so obsessed with that one guy at uni: he's gay.
What would 6 year-old and 16 year-old Lucy think of the 26 year-old Lucy today?
I think 6 year-old Lucy would be utterly confused and probably just get distracted by the nearest snack.
16 year-old Lucy, well, she'd be in absolute shock. 16 year-old Lucy didn't have the best time. She didn't have the nicest experience at school and wasn't sure who she was. I think socially anxious 16 year-old Lucy seeing 26 year-old Lucy working and living in London, talking to people for a living and surrounded by people who love and care about her would probably cry (she cried a lot). 16 year-old Lucy would also want to know whether 26 year-old Lucy had met David Tennant yet (she hasn't), so I've probably still got some things to work on.
🐥: @lucyj_ford
📸: @lucyjayneford_
Carmela has only been working with Lucy at Bauer Media for a handful of weeks but it was girl-love at first sight. Carmela is constantly in awe of how freaking cool Lucy is when placed in any high pressure celeb sitchu. But mostly Carmela is utterly impressed with how quickly Lucy has managed to put up with her awful out-of-time singing and constant "Lucy, can I show you something" in the office. Watch this space peeps, Lucy Ford is a name you'll be hearing A LOT more of in the future!!
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Prince Charming: CHARLIE FOX
November 20, 2018 November 22, 2018 by So The Fairy Tales Lied...	♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Prince Charming alert!! This is where we celebrate the kick ass men in today's world who are setting the bar high when it comes to love and respect.
Introducing Charlie Fox:
1) Describe yourself in three words:
Well, I had to take an online quiz to figure this out, but it only came back with empathetic. I would add creative and curious (like the cat, not curious as in strange, then again…).
2) What do you think a modern-day Prince Charming is?
To be honest in this day and age it sounds suss! I imagine Donald Trump thinks he is a 'Prince Charming', but hey I get it! Can I add 'low attention span' to the above answer? It is just 3 words….?
Ok, so a modern PC would be a man who understands not just women, but humans. I think to understand women you have to try to understand all the sexes. To do this you need to have tons of EI (emotional intelligence) and according to my old workplace when EI was the 'must have' corporate fad of the moment and they tested me for it: I had boatloads.
I've spent most of my life working in radio, dealing with high profile egos and to do this you need boatloads of EI! (that's EI not E… although that could also help).
Ok, so I've veered off topic again, the simple answer is understanding. Understand what drives females; why they are the way they are. I find all women interesting and fascinating, so I treat them with respect and a slight bit of awe.
Also please understand, I believe a Prince Charming should be a Prince Charming to everyone, not just females. But of course, for the #TheFairyTalesLied I'll stick to women.
3) What's one piece of advice you would give to young men?
Again, understand women!! Well at least try. Think about this young man, a little girl is usually treated like a princess because, well let's face it, little girls are so damn cute (in a baby bunny rabbit kind of way). Bear in mind, I have a son not a daughter, so parents of girls may not agree with me on this.
The little girl grows up to be a young girl and starts to go through puberty, then the period arrives. At which point, putting myself in that young girl's sparkly sneakers for a moment, I would be thinking… 'You've got to be fucking kidding me!? I bleed!? For how long?? How often? Fuck off!!!!!' All of a sudden the cute little bunny rabbit must feel betrayed and horrified. Surely there's some mistake???
Here she is at her most vulnerable emotionally, trying to look attractive while battling the old raging hormones, acne and then the period happens. Monthly. Faaaaarck me!
So this alone makes me (and remember the website quiz I took told me I am empathetic and don't forget, the EI part) have enormous respect for young girls, even though some appear to be batshit crazy, I know they have good reason.
Ok, so after that kick in the guts my young male friend should we talk about what it feels like to be penetrated? Why are you squirming?
And just to top it off, after all of that, the girl is now a woman, and pregnant. After watching my wife (whom I am proud to say is a #STFLKween) go through this fun 9 months, my level of respect for women could go no higher!
Childbirth? OMFG!!! The horror!
I don't want to bring religion into this (well obviously I do) but not only would the christian God be male, he would also be misogynist! Surely, there has to be a way to make life easier for women. Men have none of these problems! Imagine if you were sitting down with a clean sheet of paper to create the human race and went "Right, I'll have 2 sexes for humans, to procreate, the male will stick it in here for amazing pleasure, the female… well fuck it, I'll make her life a bloody misery!!"
When it comes to females procreating, wouldn't eggs be a better solution? Really not my field. But, if I was a woman and made it to heaven, the first thing I'd do is punch God in the face.
Naturally, at this stage, the young man I was giving advice to would be backing away going "Ok, dude, I've gotta be somewhere…"
The point is, try to put yourself in the place of the human you're dealing with. Have a think about how easy the male gets it compared to the female.
And then think about everything else girls/women have to go through. Jackson Katz, a social researcher, asked men what they do on a daily basis to avoid being sexually assaulted. Then he asked women.
Just awful! Once again. Men don't think, because it doesn't happen to them. But they can always be aware!!
4) What does feminism mean to you? Would you call yourself a feminist?
To me, it is standing up for women through fairness. There has been a lot of great stuff to come out of the #MeToo campaign. Not the least of which, was calling out these pricks that gave all men a bad name like Weinstein. I hate that people stood up for them because they're powerful, celebrity or worst of all 'creative'. Don't mention Woody Allen please.
For me, one of the really helpful things for men was the notion that 'it's not ok to have a mate who talks about women like they're sluts without calling them out on it': this is literally once again misogyny. Why are you hating on women?
For some reason (and it seems to start with young boys), you're not a real man unless you point at girls and go "I'd love to have my way with that dirty bitch!". Whoa! Dude!! Hang on, you want to think about that statement? Do you have an IQ of 3? Seriously.
Feminism also means equality. In every way. To be honest, I've been lucky working in radio, where some women earn more than their male partners (on-air and off-air). I like to think I treated everyone equally on my staff; although it was and still is a corporate battle wages-wise.
But being a huge fan of Twitter and tech, I follow a lot of geek girls & tech journos. They are forever pointing out horrendous inequalities. Like, serious female scientist being ignored for awards or even basic recognition. Uni scores being marked down for scholars because they're female.
I don't understand it. I am always outraged. White male privilege is a serious problem.
Yes, I call myself a feminist.
5) Which Kweens have influenced you? How did that make an impact on your life/career?
Well apart from my mum Edith, my aunt Aggie and of course, my beautiful wife Ronni; whom I hired not because she was incredibly beautiful and sexy (and still is) but because I thought she was a hugely talented communicator on-air (and still is).
And aside from the 60s boyhood crushes on Barbara Eden (I Dream Of Genie) and Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched), I tend to go with current gals. Mainly, because I have a shocking memory and spend so much time on Twitter!
I guess, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, JK Rowling are all amazing humans. I love intelligent women, who are not afraid of a fight, who stand up to (male) bullies and destroy them (verbally).
My current crush right now is Jacinda Ardern: The New Zealand Prime Minister. She is all those things and more. And gave birth while running the damn country!
Amanda Keller, who I worked with at WSFM in Sydney, is an incredible woman and with an astonishing talent. Once again, Amanda is bright, quick witted and a great role model for women (and men to be honest).
6) What are your working relationships like with women?
I pushed hard to get female announcers/presenters on-air. There was a lot of male push-back. They said "Research shows even women don't like female announcers/presenters".
Bullshit. It never seemed to bother the U.S stations. They were 50/50.
I prefer working with women. I find them more dedicated and capable of giving great feedback. I guess because women are naturally more empathetic and have lots of emotional intelligence. Whether they are behind the scenes or on-air, I just like working with them more. Radio is all about communication, and I think women excel at that.
7) What do you hope for men and women in the future?
Simple, equality. Not because it's enforced but because men wake up to themselves and try to understand the injustice that has prevailed forever and is still in place.
8) Which fairy tale character, do you most identify with? Or who would play you in a movie?
Well animated it would be Shrek.
Otherwise, I would be all of the three bears, all played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Scarlett Johansson would play a kick-ass Goldilocks. Pretty much like her Black Widow character in Marvel. The bears would get what's coming to them for being so whiny and self-centered. Actually, maybe Scarlett is playing me in this… hmmm definitely needs more thought.
Charlie Fox has worked in Sydney radio for a long time but only at three stations, 2SM, 2MMM & WSFM (where he also looked after The Edge 96.ONE); all were #1 radio stations. He was Group Program Director of the MMM network, until he chucked it in to start his own web design company (NetHead): with clients like KFC and network TEN. Charlie then spent a year setting up a streaming radio station in New York before returning to Australia as Content Director of one of the world's very first streaming music video stations thebasement.com.au. In 2013, Charlie won 'Best Program Director' – Metropolitan at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards but apart from radio, he also loves tech & gaming. Charlie is currently a gentleman of leisure.
When it comes to the radio legend that is: Charlie Fox, Carmela can testify to all of the above and more. What Carmela cherishes the most about Charlie though, is not that he simply was the first man to give her that lucky big break in radio (which changed her world forever). But it's the other things, that she's sure, Mr Fox is not even quite aware of.
Let her indulge…
Carmela once caught Charlie mouthing the words 'Thank you for Carmela' to another radio acquaintance (who had recommended her to him). Proving that not only can he nurture talent but be gracious about them being in his company at the same.
Charlie was the first male boss that Carmela wasn't afraid to be herself around: if anything, he encouraged it. Proving again, that women don't need to dumb themselves down or look a certain way to be noticed, that good men will always see beyond that.
Even after 'not' working for Charlie for 5+ years, he would still pick up the phone whenever she would call out-of-the-blue and be more than happy to help her.
Charlie was consistently firm but fair, he knew just how to empower Carmela, and also how to handle her wild 'potty mouth' ways. 😉
Charlie Fox is a great human. The only criticism that Carmela would have towards him, is that he is 'too' great. So much, that she struggled with the many bosses that came after him (especially the male ones in radio), because nothing would or will ever compare to being guided and trusted by the one and only, C-Fox.
Naturally, Carmela is beyond thrilled that Charlie Fox is the next #STFTL Prince Charming.
#MeTooAustraliaCareercharlie foxcreativeDademotional intelligenceempathyEqualityFamilyfeminismFeministHarvey WeinsteinHusbandLifeLoveMediaMenprincePrince CharmingRadiorespecting womenSydneyTruthunderstandingunderstanding womenwomenWorking With Women
Kween Katch Up: ANGIE & YVIE
October 15, 2018 January 8, 2020 by So The Fairy Tales Lied...	♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Ever wanted to eavesdrop a little more on a conversation between Bachelorette/I'm A Celeb AU/Gogglebox stars Angie & Yvie? Well, you're in luck!! Because TV's most adored duo just got totes personal and interviewed each other.
Angie asks Yvie:
1. If you were a man, what would you want your name to be and what kind of man do you think you would be as opposed to the kind of man you would wish to be?
I definitely want to be called Bruce. And I'd like to think I'd be a feminist. But let's be honest, I'd be born a white man into a white man's world, so I'd probably bang heaps of bitches and spread my legs on public transport while talking over everyone. How much fun would that be??
2. What's your biggest regret in life?
That I didn't spend more time with my mum in the 12 months before she died.
3. Do you still believe in soul mates and do you think you'll find yours?
Hmmmm, I do believe in them. I think we get a lot of soul mates in a lifetime though. Lovers, friends and family. I feel I've met a few already and I'm yet to meet more.
4. What's one thing you would love to change about yourself? Not looks-wise, but spiritually/personality-wise?
I'd love to be better at confrontation.
5. What do you hope for your future?
That women start running things. That the world would finally realise if they handed things over to us, for just five years, we'd fix it in two and enjoy our work for the next three. Then we'd see if they want to get men to run it again.
Yvie asks Angie:
1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
That changed quite often, depending on what stage I was in. When I was really young: I wanted to be an artist/poet (even though I could only really draw stick man and rhyme honey with bunny). Then when I was a tween: I wanted to host my own television show (like Rove Live) and rescue the gorillas. And then after that, I wanted to be a director for important documentaries or a theatre director!
Loosing the people I love. I've come to realise (after recently losing people close to me) that I'm petrified of death. And not making something of myself.
3. Why do you think we're here?
To love and be loved and to share our experiences with the world. To make connections with people and to make a difference in lives; even if it's simply by making someone laugh all the time.
4. When and how do you think you'll die?
I always thought I would die before 30, as I could not see life past that. I never thought how it would happen, I just have always thought I wouldn't live long. Hopefully it's falling asleep to my favourite tv shows with heaps of dogs around me and with everyone knowing how much I god damn love them!
5. Do you think you have more than one true love in a lifetime?
Yes. I have already had so many loves in my life. There's all types of love, so I believe we get hundreds of that 'one true loving' feeling!
What are our favourite gal pals up to now?
Well, these two spunks have just smashed Australia's 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' plus 'The Bachelorette' and I couldn't be more thrilled!
#STFTL had a feeling these beauts were going to blitz it and that it was only a matter of time till Australia would fall in love with two of the best.
Watch this space! I don't think this is the last we're going to see of #AngieAndYvie.
📸: @angie_and_yvie
🐦: @angieandyvie
F: Angie and Yvie
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Guest Kween: YEN HOANG "How Miss Independent Learnt To Love."
October 1, 2018 October 2, 2018 by So The Fairy Tales Lied...	♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Hi, I'm Yen. I am a girl that's super independent. I grew up believing in my strength, was taught to think that I am bold, that my words carry weight and can help change the world. I learnt that I am a force to be reckoned with when I'm standing on my own two feet, and when I must decide, for myself, I know what I want.
Throughout my early 20s, I had everything: a semi-successful startup brewing, found the greatest group of people I still call my best friends today, moved to the other side of the world, travelled alone and graduated in the top two percentile of my university. Yep, all before 22.
I always knew I was super independent, it probably came with being the eldest sibling and a Virgo (think Beyoncé, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Sheryl Sandberg: just to name drop a few). 😉
I was used to walking fast, spending my own money and opening my own doors. I learnt to trust myself and knew who I was through falling down and picking myself back up. I found my niche in the world, paving my own way, presenting my own smile and sense of self to whoever I met. I wasn't used to balancing myself with another person. I wasn't used to needing someone, or allowing anyone to help.
My independence definitely contributed to the destruction of my relationships in my early 20s too. I drove men crazy because I didn't let them do everything for me. I didn't let them cater to my every need. I refused to let them pay for every date.
I sometimes wouldn't let them be the manly-man, the savior, the strong suitor that they so desperately wanted to be for me. It's wasn't on purpose; it's just because I was used to being my own savior. Someone even told me to 'pretend and be a little less independent, just so they can feel you need them'.
Somehow, something still didn't feel right. And along the way, I lost my independence: I became that friend who disappeared off the face of the earth because she got a boyfriend. But I fell into this trap, of believing I had to dumb myself down just to make a boy feel better about himself.
My last breakup reminded me how much I needed to put myself first again and regain everything I knew about being independent. Although that breakup shattered my world, it was a sign that I wasn't meant to be in a relationship with anyone else but myself.
Maybe it was a time for me to fix myself and change. Appreciate myself more and to never make the same mistake. To achieve more goals and more importantly find happiness. To hopefully one day understand, that I'll attract the right things when I have a sense of who I am.
I had spontaneously decided to accept a job in London (the other side of the world) and pack up and leave within weeks. I had lived in London back in 2011 while studying there and had always called it my 'home away from home', so when the offer came through I couldn't reject it. I called my best friend and told her I was coming, and recalled saying "I have nothing to lose". I didn't make plans to come home, or let alone have a plan? I was ready to accept whatever it was that the universe had installed. I felt so free.
The week my visa appointment with the UK consulate got booked: I met a guy who I never imagined would mean so much to me today. You see, I was so focused on my life that I was completely blind-sided; a relationship was the last thing I was looking for. On our second date, I had no choice but to tell him I was leaving the country. I felt like I owed this to him and was super nervous delivering the update. That's when I knew, I really liked him.
I asked for answers "Why throw me a bone now universe? I am about to go on an adventure of a lifetime! Do you want me to stay in Melbourne?" I even went to church and a temple to find clarity. I have never felt so vulnerable in my life.
I still left for London and to my understanding we weren't official. But the distance didn't change how we both felt about each other. Sure the different time zones were hard but we made it work. Last minute, I booked a flight home so I could surprise this guy on his birthday.
I was super super nervous, I mean, who was I to him to do that? We weren't even official or anything exclusive! I knew I was taking a big chance. I guess that's the whole issue with being independent yet a hopeless romantic too. Naturally, we then agreed to a long distance relationship because he acknowledged my dreams and supported it no matter how tough it was going to be.
You see, when you fall for a girl that's independent, you will get frustrated. She's used to doing things for herself and by herself. She's used to following her own rules, making her own decisions, being selfish with her time. It will take a bit for her to get used to putting someone else first, to moulding her life to shape both yours and hers together. Don't get me wrong, she won't have trouble loving you, but she might, at first struggle to let you in.
A long distance relationship ended up being the best thing for me. I learnt to prioritise a relationship; scheduling in calls with confusing time differences, improving communication skills and letting someone into my life, knowing I can still continually work on myself.
I learnt to let the small things go, had to invest a lot of trust in someone, believe that not all guys are bad (something that doesn't come easy for me), to compromise and have patience, extreme patience. And finally, I learnt that when time and luck crossed paths the universe would find me a guy who will fall in love with my driven, spontaneous, independent character.
Go travel the world, battle your demons, set up a business, find people who value your heart and yours will attract. Don't apologise for working hard, for having goals and being independent: we need more girls like this.
When the right person comes along, they will support you unconditionally and when you do come across that person, know that you deserve them.
I hope you love yourself enough to recognise the things you don't like about your life, and I hope you find the courage to change them. And I hope somewhere out of the unexpected, a person comes along who will love and support you on your journey too.
Yen started her career in public relations with aspirations to work in the fashion industry, she became curious with e-commerce and technology and evolved her career to where she is now. Awarded Australian Best Young Marketing Talent (2016) for spearheading numerous innovations in her field, she is a passionate marketer with an entrepreneurial edge focused on overachieving outcomes. Competitive at heart, she never wanted to settle for just a nine-to-five job and saw an opportunity start her own business while still working a full-time job. People often mistaken Yen to be quite timid on first impression, but little do they know that she enjoys confrontation, is super opinionated and will definitely shut down dickhead behaviour (if she sees it). Her upbringing has been quite colourful (a story for another time) but as a result she is now super passionate about raising diversity issues (in every form) and empowering young girls to chase their dreams through running mentorship programs and teaching at a university outside of her side hustles.
@yhoang
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Prince Charming: DANIEL LEACH
September 23, 2018 September 24, 2018 by So The Fairy Tales Lied...	♥ 1 Comment
Introducing Daniel Leach:
**Before we go near these questions: anyone who knows me knows I hate to talk about myself or talk myself up. And yes, that may seem strange for someone who works in the media industry but it just seems so foreign to me. So let's see how this all goes… nothing too hard please, Carmela!**
Generous, altruistic, sports-mad.
Being a 'Prince Charming' isn't to do anything radical. It's treating everyone the same and that's not a religious way of thinking (of which I am not anymore), or a philosophical way of thinking, it's just common sense. So for guys, it's about treating women the way you would want to be treated. You don't want to be thought of as inferior, you don't want to be thought of as unimportant, so why should a woman be thought of in that way?! It's simply about fighting for everyone.
Sometimes men can act a certain way to impress others (particularly other men). Just be yourself. I know that's not always an easy thing to do but if your mates are acting up, talk to someone about it. In fact, just plain talk. I wish I had done more of that growing up. It's seems like a weak thing to do but it's such a strong thing to speak out and sometimes, admit your own faults.
I fight for a lot of females that I know. Ones that I work with, ones that I trust, ones that I love. Does that make me a feminist? Maybe. I try to be more a humanist.
The word feminism gets a bad rap, when all it really means is to even up the playing field. For everyone to be treated equally but in order to do that, you need to blow up the norm; which is that men are given a lot of benefits in life compared to women.
It's the same with African-Americans in the USA with their 'Black Lives Matter' movement. It is all about equality for all, but in order to make their point, they have to point out that (the bulk of) white lives have mattered more than black lives for such a long time.
The big thing for me is just to have good values and treat others with respect; that will always lead to being a champion of women. It's important as well for fellow women to have women's backs too.
5) Which Kweens have influenced your life? How did that make an impact on your life/career?
I grew up with two older sisters and my mum, as well as my dad. Before going to the Kweens: my father Kelvin is an incredible man who worked (and still works) his backside off to allow our family to be able to live a great life.
But we're talking Kweens, so I have to start with mum, Marilyn. She stayed at home, ran around after all of us, tried to appease my stupid ways as a young kid, made so many sacrifices for both me and my sisters. I know I've disappointed her at times (they're easily the toughest moments) and I know there's times where she's thought I'm an absolute idiot but she's always backed me in, given me support and been there for me the whole way.
Both my sisters, Rebecca and Carly are incredible mums themselves, but also bloody clever people. They also taught me about respect and hard work (that was definitely not a trait I had as a school kid, that's for sure!)
The great thing of being around women at home meant I was comfortable around girls at school. Not in that way… I have a lot of female friends from high school that I'm still close to nowadays, who are always wonderful to be around and I also learn from too.
I have a really strong working relationship with women in our company, whether it be in management, to strong fellow announcers/presenters and people inside sales and admin.
Partly because of my upbringing at home and through school, I've always worked really well with other women. If you can't work with women well, you'll lose 50% of the workforce and that's not all that impressive…
I've been lucky to have some amazing ladies who have led the way. My last two direct bosses inspire me a lot and are amazing at getting the job done.
One of my best mates (and I know she won't want me to talk about her) I've known for a decade now, she has been a work-mate of mine and also my boss at times. I'm indebted to her in what she's done for me, how much support she has given me in work and in life, but also just sharing life's small fun moments as well.
Corny, I know, but it's all about men and women being equals.
I of course would be a supporting character. So let's choose Sebastian from The Little Mermaid: there to offer advice and be a comforting ear (well, for the second half of the film at least).
And if someone's going to play me in a movie, it better be Jack Black, preferably from the School of Rock era.
Daniel Leach is currently the workday announcer and sports broadcaster at Triple M for Regional Western Australia, part of the Southern Cross Austereo group. He's had the opportunity to live his childhood dream of being a sports commentator for AFL, Basketball, Athletics, Motor Sport and more, as well as being a 2-time ACRA (Australian Commercial Radio Award) winner for his sports broadcasting, which included sports coverage of the Western Australian Women's State Basketball League Grand Final back in 2012.
Sports aside: Daniel is also known around town as a bit of a local hero. Dan is always the first to put his hand up to help or to shine a light on a worthy cause and not to forget, will always stop and talk to anyone on the streets, including my father (who doesn't like 'anyone' but has a lot of time for Dan).
Daniel is the ultimate gent and someone Carmela has had the extreme pleasure of working with on two occasions throughout her career (which were all the more richer and enjoyable because of Dan).
Leach is not only the true meaning of a sports freak (seriously) but has an effortless knack of being the funniest and kindest guy in the room. He loves a chinwag, will gossip with the best of them, can pick a 'tune' and is not afraid to show you up on the d-floor with his moves.
Daniel Leach is no secondary character but the leading man in most people's lives. For a guy who spends most of his time celebrating others, Carmela is thrilled to give Dan some well-deserved love and recognition in return as 'So The Fairy Tales Lied's' next Prince Charming.
@thesportsfreak
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Kween Kulture: ILIZA SHLESINGER 'Elder Millennial.'
July 30, 2018 August 25, 2019 by So The Fairy Tales Lied...	♥ 0 Leave a Comment
"Whatever kind of woman you are, you're quiet, you're fat, you're small, you're big, you're tall, you're loud, you don't know much, you got a gill: whatever kind of woman you are, you are right! That's it. Whatever you've chosen to be, whatever you want to be, you are correct in being that, as long as you're happy."
"If you are the shy type, if you are the wallflower, if you are the shrinking violet, if you are another floral metaphor that has to do with being an introvert, my point to you is, you don't want the guy, who wants you, because of that energy."
"In movies it's not the strong girl, the funny girl, the brave girl, the smart girl, the loud girl, the opinionated girl, who gets the hot guy. It's always the quiet girl, the new girl that gets like, 'Channing Tatum'. It's always the girl that doesn't realise how beautiful she is. Which by the way, that Hollywood archetype… bullshit!"
I feel like Iliza has been sitting in my head for the past year. Her opinion on how women are represented in fairy tales and movies are just spot on, or at the very least thought provoking. Not to forget to mention her take on dating, women hitting on men, women wanting babies and the rejection that comes along with it; I could quote her (and will) for days. This is a MUST WATCH!!- Carmela Contarino
"A big part of the reason women don't hit on men is that women aren't seen as equal to men. Therefore when we step out of a traditional feminine role and do something alpha and hit on a guy and he rejects us, it hurts that much more."
"Another big part of the reason that women don't hit on men, is because men typically don't find strong women attractive. They love venerability."
"If you ever date a man that says he's an alpha, he's a beta. A lion doesn't tell you he's a lion." #eldermillennial
— Sabina ♛ (@sabiinachka) July 25, 2018
"I enjoy witty banter, I just put a downpayment on a boat, and I don't hate my daddy! Onward!" #Eldermillennial
— Megan Conlon Cregge (@tweetsformeg) July 25, 2018
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This Kween is on the 'gram!
Oh #Brad, just admit #Angelina was the biggest mistake you ever made! #TeamJen #Always 🙌🏼
#WereAllGettingTheBus 😭 @sexeducation THANK YOU for an incredibly important and empowering second season. 🚌🙏🏼🙌🏼 @emmatmackey @aimeelouwood
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Growth game strong! 💪🏼
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THIS woman is saving #Australia right now!! She has raised $20 million in 2 DAYS! @celestebarber 🙌🏼👏🏼 Head to her page for the link to donate or to share and create awareness. 💵💷💶 #PrayForAustralia #ActForAustralia
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The Kweens of the castle!
Meet CARMELA CONTARINO: The Power Kween Behind 'So The Fairy Tales Lied...'
Kween Krush: BREE TOMASEL "From Hiding My Humour To Going Viral!"
Kween Krush: ELLIE ANGEL-MOBBS "I'm An Endo Warrior!"
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