The Loved Ones Australian Premiere

The Chief and I were lucky enough to score an invite to the Australian premiere of The Loved Ones.

(The scariest/funniest/tripiest movie I have seen in a long time.)

I have a strange relationship with horror movies, technically I hate them. I'm the girl in the cinema clinging on to your arm in the really scary bits. (that's if I'm looking at the screen)

I'm actually usually hidden under my jacket or looking at the ground, rocking back and forth with my fingers in my ears humming to myself to be honest.

But I do love a good party and I really love Aussie films (the cringier and campier the better) so I was really excited when I read that the The Loved Ones promised to be like "Pretty in pink meets Wolf Creek," how could I resist!

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Play the trailer! Its spooky and scarily good!

Before the film started, director Sean Byrne introduced the cast and lead actress Robin Mcleacy even wore a "Prom" dress for the occasion. We were all warned to get to know the person next to us quickly because we'd soon be clinging on to them- I was scared before the opening credits started to roll. 

I then spent the next two hours with my nails dug into the Chief's arm and my jaw agape. It was the most gruesome, blood curdling film I have seen in a long long long time EVER! With a thumping soundtrack a sexy young Aussie cast and some slick sick scenes, the whole audience were obviously engrossed. We jumped, moaned and screamed in unison.

Director Sean Byrne and cast Robyn Mcleavy, Richard Wilson and Victoria Thaine

I won't be able to think about school dances and unrequited teenage love the same way again. I don't think I will be able to look at tiara, use a nail gun or listen to Kasey Chambers' 'Not pretty enough." again either.

The Cargo Bar was the venue for the after party and as we entered we were greeted by zombie like "victims". Lucky for me the drink for the  night was my new favourite Green Fairy Absinth which did a great job of quelling my shot nerves

If you're into edgy and smart films with a big dose of horror and black comedy, you won't want to miss this one. The Loved Ones opens nationally in select cinemas November 4.

JLo's twins debut for Gucci

If the rumours are true Beyonce and Jay Z are having baby, which means the the Pinkett-Smith's and the Joelie-Pitt's are about to have some stiff competition for most talented/beautiful/fortunate celebrity family.

However, another family that could give them a good run for the title is Jennifer Lopez and her husband, Marc Anthony and  their little twins Emme and Max. 

Gucci seem to think so too and have snapped JLo and her twins for their new children's campaign.

Cute kids no? Apparently litte Emme does her own styling, when I was 2 I didn't know the front from the back or if my shirt was my pants. I also didn't own anything from Gucci until I was 22, so these little cuties are way ahead of me already.

*pics from Dailymail.co.uk

Going in for the chop: Rocking the pixie crop

I didn't grow my hair long until I was 17. I rocked the classic "china doll" for all of my childhood and teenage years. (Except for  when I was 12, I wilded out and tried the "bowl"- it was very Martika)

Since 17, I've maintained that if my hair doesn't touch my boobs it's too short. I call this phase my Samson stage. I've carried the phobia of loosing my locks (power) around for years and its turned me into a nervous wreck/spoilt brat when it comes to hair salons. Lucky for me now (and lucky for unsuspecting stylists) my friends now do my hair. This way I can be as ridiculous as I want with my hair demands and they can put me in my place when I am too much of a diva. 

Michelle and Anne both look beautiful with shorter dos

But this year I've noticed that short hair, especially the pixie crop, popping up all over the place. Some of my most favourite ladies have gone for the chop and I am loving it. The cut is just so flattering and feminine, something that my inner Samson finds completely conflicting. And just look at Miss Kelly Rowland, she ditches the extensions and her wow factor skyrockets! Just look at her, what a fox.

Emma and Kelly go from "pretty" to AMAZING!

And now, my beautiful friend Katja, who also happens to be my hairdresser/Finish best mate/all round super hottie has chopped her hair and WOWZERS!! Just look at her!! (YEP she really looks like this people, and no she isn't a Scandinavian pop star)

       Katja before                   Katja after

My jaw smashed on to the floor when I walked in and saw Katja with this new crop. When she cut it, her hair was half way down her back and golden blonde. And now cropped right at her a ear and platinum. Totally Roxette and completely stunning!

I am now considering going for the big chop and Katja has given me these great tips about loosing the do:

Katja's big chop tips:

1. Look at lots of photos and decide what style you like

2.Print lots of photos and take them to your stylist- they will be able to talk to you about what suits your face and hair type

3.If your hair is long and you are uncertain (like me) about cutting your hair- wear it short for week. Fake it with pins and hair ties to see if you like it.

4. So your hair won't frizz too much, get your hair treated with a deep conditioning treatment before cutting it.

5. If your hair is thick/curly/wavy, get it chemically straightened. This way your do won't "poof" out like a mushroom and will be easier to style in the morning.

6. Once it's cut short, don't wash it every day. Second day hair usually has more texture. Texture is great for the Pixie

7. If you hate doing your hair and don't really like to style it, Pixie dos aren't great as they require lots of maitinence. Cut it gradually and into a bob first.

8. If you don't have one, buy a straightener before you go for the chop. It will become your biggest styling friend and take all of two minutes to use in the morning.

If you live in Sydney, you can get Katja to sort your hair here (yep boys and girls)

Chocolate crimes

When I was 6 I stole a Freddo Frog from Franklins. I was shopping with my Mum and remember asking her if she would buy it for me.

I don't remember why she said no, but she did and I remember the distinct feeling of absolute devastation. I also remember my heart thumping right out of my chest as I left the shop with the Freddo stuffed up my shirt.

By the time I got home, the stowaway Freddo had melted and was  squishy and smooshy in its packet. I couldn't bring myself to eat it- mostly out of fear of getting into trouble. I threw my stolen, melted Freddo in the bin and I never went back to that Franklins with my Mum either. I was convinced if I did they would know that I was a Freddo thief.

I never stole anything again, my Mum used to say thieves go blind and lose their hands and I never wanted that.

I was never punished for stealing that Freddo and although I am confessing now, I have gotten a way with it.

In Iran right now, a 21 year old man has been sentenced to a year in prison for stealing chocolate and cocoa from a Tehran patisserie.

Sharia law in Iran enforce amputation as punishment for repeated thefts. As well as 12 months in prison, the young Iranian man's hand will also be chopped off. I guess my Mum's saying is true in Iran. I count myself pretty lucky that I live in Australia.

The High Tea Party

Ladies who lunch fascinate me. Is their existence a full time commitment to shopping, facials, mani/pedis and gossip? And what and who do they gossip about?

Miss P and I got to find out first hand when we attended The High Tea party for an afternoon of finger food and facials.

We arrived at The Westin hotel to see it transformed into an estrogen love in. Miss P remarked when we registered, "I have never seen so many women in one spot, what a sensory overload."

A sensory overload indeed, it was a "hello dahhhling, love your shoes, love your hair, is that your real tan?" mega fest.

The High Tea party's website describe the event as "a gorgeous excuse to catch up with the girls." What it was, was an maze of hair, make up, fashion, alcohol, shoes, facinators and high tea. (and what woman doesn't like sugar and cute little cakes and sandwiches)

It was great to see Mums, Nanas and Daughters all there together on the day getting their hair and nails did and actually all pretty much talking about boys. "As you get older love, the conversations just get dirtier," one lovely Nana said to us. 

The highlight of the day for me wasn't the unlimited girly things to do, although I'm a sucker for a french manicure, it was hearing from Tracy Bevan, best friend of Jane McGrath and co-founder of the McGrath Foundation.

Tracy had us all spell bound with tales of her beautiful friendship with Jane. She told us about the promises that Jane made her keep during her battle with breast cancer too and the entire room was simultaneously sad but also inspired by friendship and determination.

Jane was only 31 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and Tracy urged us all to diligent when it came to looking after our health. She also told us about the amazing work that the McGrath Foundation do and the commitment to providing breast care nurses to more women who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

A day of girly indulgence with an underlining message about the importance of health and friendship was a great way to spend time with ladies who lunch.

Guylian Belgian chocolate cafe and "200 Pounds Beauty"

I am obesessed with ageing. Even when I was 19 I was using anti wrinkle creams( Yes I know its ridiculous)

When Ms Mash was producing something for a cosmetics company that focussed on botox and other scary sounding injectables I was extrememly excited. She stills pokes fun at my "ooooh botox" comments.

Today we headed to the Korean Film Festival to see the film "200 Pounds Beauty," Ms Mash quips: "If I have to hear about you wanting to get lipo after this Ames, we might have to reconsider our friendship."

The literal translation of the film's title from Korean to English is being beautiful is agonising. The movie is such a cute little romantic comedy about a part time phone sex operator and part time singer who under gos a complete body re haul in hopes to launch her career and to get the boy she loves to notice her.

Strangely though, we learn that plastic surgery is apparently really popular with young women in Korea. I find its acceptance confronting. Cheery pop songs blare as  the lead character Hannah is bound tight on a surgery table after she's been poked, proded and chopped at- it was a little disconcerting in some parts.

At least "200 Pounds Of Beauty" was a light hearted and well meaning comedy, it was like the Korean Shallow Hal, with pop songs.

Determined to become our own versions of 200 pound beauties we headed straight to the Guylian Belgian Chocolate cafe for some post movie comfort eating.

Who goes to a chocolate cafe to order just lunch anyway? To be honest, the Quiche Lorraine that I ordered and the smoked turkey bouquet moines(fancy name for an average baguette) that Ms Mash got, was so so. Nothing great but nothing bad, just kind of average. Which is a little disappointing considering they were both around $14 each. 

After discussing the pros and cons of boob jobs, botox, bum lifts and finally liposuction our plates of Tiramisu and "G Forrest" arrived. (Both $15.25) With that, our lunch was redeemed with what Guylian does best, desserts and chocolate.

Ms Mash and I decide that we like Korean films, if we come back to the Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe that we should only order chocolate and I promise Ms Mash that I won't get anything injected into my face or sucked out of my body until I'm atleast 40.

Korean Film Festival

Deny Opera Quays

Until Oct 5

Sydney Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe

Shop 10, Opera Quays
3 Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000

My mum told me this one too. Tried and true advice

From the cutest blog: stuff no one told me