Buzz Lightyear Saves the Day.

A Disneyland Adventure. Buzz Lightyear Saves the Day.
If you must watch Disneyland on Ice then proceed with caution. Although there were ghosts, pirates and wicked witches, the most feared element was the ease of falling asleep throughout the entire production. At a steep price of $40 per person expectations admittedly were quite high. Although after a glace at the kids it was obvious even they were more intrigued by their light chasing toy.
Plot: Disney favourites Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto - decide to take a vacation of their own and enjoy Disney’s most popular theme park attractions. Their journey is quickly interrupted when Sleeping Beauty villain Maleficent kidnaps Minnie and Daisy. Mickey and Donald seek The Incredibles to save the day.
Highlights: All Disneyland Theme Park highlights were evident. This included 'It's a Small World', 'Space Mountain', 'Main Street' and as a special touch the fireworks spectacular! If you can't get to Anaheim then this is next best thing.
Although The Incredibles saved Minnie and Daisy, Buzz Lightyear's extraordinary figure skating skills saved the show.
Lowlights: Heavy, padded costumes restricted the characters to waving at the crowd with little room to show their figure skating skills. Although there were a lot of spectacular elements to the show, the main disappointment however was the lack of pizazz and humour. If Disney losing it's touch? *1/2

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Fire or Ice.
The much anticipated movie did not disappoint. As possibly the better of the movie released so far in The Twilight Saga, Eclipse laid down all their cards: friendship, love, marriage, achievement, betrayal, war and truth.
Plot: If any girl was to have both werewolves and vampires battle for her protection it was to be Bella (Kristen Stewart). Sitting pretty at the apex of the love triangle between the cold-bloodeWilld vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and the always shirtless and perfectly toned, warm-blooded werewolf Jacob (Taylor Lautner), Bella must choose between ice or fire.
In one scene the apex lay in a tent on the top of a snowy mountain in which Jacob must keep Bella warm. It becomes increasingly clear who should Bella choose, but as she recites Robert Frost's poem in the beginning “From what I've tasted from desire, I hold with those who favour desire.”
Highlights: As always the perfectly toned and AMAZING colouring of Taylor Launter will sure to delight any girl. A new hottie steps onto the scene, Jacob's friend. Be sure to watch out for him... you can't really miss him!!
After the decline of popularity of RPats in New Moon it is good to see him regain his feet in Eclipse. The charming, stand-by-me attitude exuberated through the novel is finally seen on screen.
Lowlights: Sometimes what is right is not always right for you. This statement came as an extreme disappointment when wanting to like Jacob ever so much. Although welcomed Jasper's Texan accent was a bit left of field. **

Karate Kid. Jacket On/Jacket Off
The love child of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jaden Smith shines on screen as Dre in the remake of the 1980s movie. The relocation to China also aids the success of the movie. Amazing shots from the top of the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and a mountain temple provide a mysterious and exotic sense of place. Those needing a light nudge to visit China should see this movie.
Plot: After Dre's mother relocates to China as a career move, Dre is faced with language, cultural and friendship barriers. The maintenance man/Kung Fu maestro (Jackie Chan) helps Dre overcome these barriers.
Highlights: The cinematography is not to be missed. The standout scene was when at the top of a mountain temple a lady meditates at the edge of cliff with a snake following her every move.
Lowlights: Shouldn't it be called 'The Kung Fu Kid'? ***

KC & CC xx

Naming and Shaming of Australian Celebrities

WITH the announcement of the 2010 Primetime Emmy Nominations last night, Australians across the globe felt an immense sense of pride. Toni Collette and Rose Byrne will represent the Australian acting talent and the Australian WWII series, The Pacific received 24 nominations. However, the talk of the blogosphere is the snobbery of Simon Baker and Rachel Griffths.

Western Sydney born actress Toni Collette was nominated again for her role as Tara Gregson in United States of Tara. Although Collette had won the award year, punters are putting their money on Glee star Lea Michele to take out the gong. I will also be cheering for Broadway star Michele.

Inner-West Sydney born actress Rose Byrne was also nominated for best supporting drama actress with her role in the thriller Damages. Last year, she narrowly missed out to Cherry Taylor, who played the president on Fox drama 24. Critics are claiming this year is not looking much better for Miss Byrne.

The Australian series The Pacific, based on the adventures of 3 US marines during WWII, came at the top with a total of 24 nominations, including the awards for outstanding casting, visual effects, make-up, costumes and picture editing. However, not a single actor was chosen for a nomination. This of course includes Melbourne born actress Isabel Lucas. Australians are claiming The Pacific as their own since Seven Network invested in the project for the right to broadcast it in Australia. At AUD $134 million to make it was Australia's most expensive production in history. Australian crew members nominated for Emmys for their work on The Pacific include art director Richard Hobbs, casting director Christine King and make-up artist Chiara Tripodi. Although it should be noted that the mini series was spearheaded by Americans Steven Speilberg, Bruce McKenna and Tom Hanks (also narrated). Those heavyweight names surely couldn't hurt either?

It is a shame though that Tasmanian Devil, Simon Baker, was largely overlooked for his role in the drama series, The Mentalist. A year ago Baker was TV's golden boy, picking up a nomination for lead actor in a drama series for his super sleuth role as Patrick Jane. However, when nominations were revealed on Thursday in Los Angeles he was left out. Although, he will sure be a dazzler at the annual event.

Brothers and Sisters actress, Rachel Griffiths was also snubbed for a nomination at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Although, the Melbournian played a major role in this seasons series she was still overlooked to actresses such as Byrne and The Good Wife actresses Archie Panjabi and Christine Baranski Mad Men actresses Christina Hendricks and Elisabeth Moss. Well at least she has Frenchman Luc's shoulders to cry on.

New Zealand born actor Russell Crowe has been claimed as one of our own as too has Hawaiian Nicole Kidman and New Zealander Keith Urban. It then puzzels me why as Australians we are so quick to claim others as our own and then when they do not invoke the Australian 'spirit' we throw them back out into the Pacific so quickly.
At one stage we claimed New York born actor Mel Gibson as one of our own. Having moved here at age 12 Gibson's first American film was not until he was 28 years old, which in Hollywood standards claim he sould have already starred in a $20 mil movie and already be managing his own merchandise.

Nonetheless, we were proud of the fact that he attended Sydney's prestigious acting school NIDA and later invested millions into creating a brighter future for the school, his breakthrough role was in the Australian movie Mad Max and he was apart of the movement dubbed "The Australian New Wave" by film critics. However, with the recent domestic violence allegations made against him by his former girlfriend Russian Oksanka Grigorieva, Australians have been quick to refer to him as being another arrogant 'American'. If Gibson returns to his former glory will Australian's reclaim him? This is yet to be known.

xx KC&CC.

Romance at a Midnight Flea Market.

IS there anything more romantic then a night time, vintage market? Ever since I saw an episode on Lipstick Jungle where Victory and Rodrigo shopped at a night market in NYC, I have been intrigued.

(Sophie Monk at Melrose Trading Post 3/09)

I recently ventured to NYC where I went on a hunt for a night market. It was early January and I walked from 32nd & Park to W 39th & 9th in search of a bargain at Hell's Kitchen Market. When I got there however, there was no one there. Apparently even fashion vendors are not brave enough to sell in the snow. Who knew? I was then pleasantly surprised when I after having dinner at Kat'z Delicatessen, where Sally in 'When Harry Met Sally' famously said "I'll have what she's having," I spotted a night market near Little Italy. Under the stars and dancing to smooth blues music I began my hunt for a NYC fashion bargain. I found a gorgeous, cream vintage YSL bag. Although the atmosphere was right I could find better bargains on Canal Street.

I then travelled to LA when I was told about Melrose Trading Post. Held at Fairfax High School every Sunday the sleuth of bargains, celebrity hunting and scrumptious food filling is explored.

There I found the vendor of peacock headbands that is stocked at Urban Outfitters & was modelled on the Jessica Alba and MK Olsen. Usually sold for $24 at Urban Outfitters I bought the headband for only $8.
I also discovered a wicked,gold, Tiffany & Co., palm tree necklace for $5. In my mind why buy a tacky souvenir from Stars on the Boulevard when you can buy a gorgeous trinket that epitomises LA perfectly?

Now although there were bargains to be found, the atmosphere just wasn't quite right. Melrose was too structured for any romance to be felt.


I then discovered the Farmer's Market at The Grove in LA. Having been there during Mardi Gras the New Orleans food stall was busy,busy,busy.

There were jazz performers with diners dancing around covered in Mardi Gras beads and people eating frogs legs and actually thinking they were nice. Although, there weren't that many bargain, fashion stalls the atmosphere was too AMAZING to care.


A recent visit from a friend Annmaree Lindfors, founder of 6101 Productions and professional dancer based in LA, I was informed about Australia's Flemington Swap and Sell Market. Having stayed up all night to hit the market at 2am when the vendors were setting up, admittedly Annmaree looked like a total wreck.

Although when she showed me her bag of bargains, I was already planning my next trip to Flemington. Her purchases included a wicked RLP bag for $5, a cosy, red cardi for $2 and the most AMAZING $30 faux coat that I invokes the like of Rhianna or Carrie Bradshaw. To be there at 2am to beat the hawk-eyed hunters Annmaree described the event as more of a crazy NYC sale at Loehmann's then a fun-filled vintage night market.

Which brings me to Melbourne's Queen Victoria Night Market. Although I haven't been there for quite some years, the memory still lingers on.

Outside the market you will find food stalls filled with yummy, choc-dipped strawberries, delicious, Spanish paella and authentic and pesto gnocchi for cheap as chip prices. Then undercover the fashion hunt begins. On my venture I discovered a gorgeous NYC vintage dress, inexpensive, new UGG boots and vintage jewellery that put the NYC night market to shame.

Vintage night markets will always have a place in my heart. Have you been to one lately?


KC & CC xx

Surviving Winter Through Rose-Coloured Glasses

The beyond chilly conditions have got me feeling a little romantic as I daydream about sleigh rides through a snow covered field with my beau- the cold painting my cheeks pink. Now, while he assures me that the sleigh is out of the question that certainly does not mean that I can't indulge in winter's cosiest, rosy treats.


Clinque Moisture Surge Gel
Winter certainly is not kind to our skin and this is an all-time favourite of mine. The light water-based gel never fails to hydrate even in the driest conditions and is great as a moisture mask while lounging with the ladies with a glass of red and some classic Audrey. 50ml $34

Smith's Rosebud Salve
This cult balm is perfect to achieve soft, kissable, rose-tinted lips. Its also great for chapped skin, blemishes, and rough cuticles and hands. It was first made 1982 and the cute packaging satisfies our love for vintage. $12.95 from adorebeauty.com.au

Terry Eclat- Eclat de Rose

This luxurious tinted moisturiser comes in four complexion-matching shades. The rose-scented lotion is the perfect illuminating, ultra-moisturising skin treatment. $129 from meccacosmetica.com.au

Stila Convertible Colour
Unless you are lucky enough to jetset to somewhere tropical... brown isn't natural. Embrace the pink with this award-winning multi-purpose product. The cream blush will give your cheeks the perfect rosy pop and also doubles as a cute lipcolour. $35 Stila Cosmetics

Aesop Rose Hair & Scalp Masque
Enhanced with hydrating rose petal extract this intense weekly hair masque will make your hair forget its winter and shine in all its glory. $32 from David Jones

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not Box
This cute chocolate game promises to give the answer to our destiny and our true love. I already know the answer.... I love you chocolate! $16 from Max Brenner



KC & CC
xoxo

Fashion Designers Going to Longer Lengths To Reflect Female Rise to Power

Proving skirts can be utterly fabulous in any weather. The Fall NYC 2010 runway showcased below-the-knee A-line skirts are the must-have item to combat Mr. Frosty. Oscar de la Renta and Marc Jacobs showed how to wear the comeback item with finesse so that the modern fashionista can still show of her feminine wiles while remaining toasty warm this winter. Creating a leaner silhouette and showcasing those hard-earned, toned calve muscles these beauties will definitely be at the front of my wardrobe.

With the appointment of Julia Gillard as the the new Aussie PM, it's only fitting female's embrace the power skirt to wear in their powerful roles. Gillard was sworn in by Australia's first female Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, at Government House in Canberra on June 24th. Gillard is supported by other powerful female Labor politicians including: Nicola Roxon (Minister of Health and Ageing), Jenny Macklin (Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs ) and Senator Penny Wong ( Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water). Not to discount Newcastle's representative in New South Wales Legislative Assembly and the NSW State Government Minister for Tourism, Jodi McKay.

How to Wear a Below-The-Knee, A-Line Skirt:

1) Texture can liven up an old trend. Oscar de la Renta's green, tweed, below-the-knee, A-Line skirt freshened the look with colour and vivacity.

2) Modernise the old trend. Marc Jacobs signature ankle socks and heels wore with skirt notched the 50s era power skirt to a 2010 fashionista staple.