Event>Festivals> FUTURE Music Festival 2015

The Journalette's Festival Experience...

“I’m getting too old for this,” I thought to myself as I squeezed into my LAST pair of fringed denim shorts that actually fit me (I should’ve been at the gym “shredding” months before the event, I know!) Paired with a cute lacy top, sunnies and sneakers – I think we’re ready! Well everyone else is, while I’m still stuffing my shoulder bag with all my festival “necessities” - meaning basically everything I own. Which brings me to my first tip – bring as little as possible! Phone, tickets, ID, cash, cards and that’s about it!

I’m going to be honest here, I’m not really a “festival” kinda gal – I mean I LOVE music, I can’t go a day with out dancing (be it at a class, in my room or randomly between shopping aisles when no ones watching. I’m kidding…I’m actually not.) I just think it’s something you experience in your teens - early twenties or until your festival phase is fulfilled. But there are those that continue to party well into their senior years and good on them – if they are fit enough for Future Music Festival they deserve some kind of seniors discount! Although it would feel a bit weird getting your “gabber” on with your Grandpa. Cringe-worthy moment right there!

And boy are there a lot of cringe-worthy moments at music festivals, both good and bad – so, let’s get straight into the good stuff!

Can't go wrong in Floral, Lace and High-Waisted Shorts!

THE FASHION: When I say you can rock up in ANYTHING to a music festival you literally can dress up as whoever, whatever or even don close to nothing during festival season.  From Spiderman to Indians to Nuns and Unicorn Onesies there really are no rules. But there are those few that do cross the line…how do you ass? I mean how do you ask? 

Definitely putting the ass in class.

Enough said.

The most prominent trend this season were those beautiful metallic tattoos, John Lennon shades, 90s chokers, crotchet tops, denim overalls and tie-dye all over! For the guys, it was snapback hats, bucket hats and their shirt either on or off. And hey, if their bodies looked close enough to Ryan Gosling’s, I wasn’t complaining! Just lay off the fake tan, buy some shorts that actually fit you and maybe you’ll attract the right kind of attention. Actually this goes for both girls and guys – I wish I could go to one, just ONE, music festival where you can’t tell whether half the girls have either too much tan on or fell into a pit of dirt! Then comes in the damaged hair extensions, overly luscious lashes and face full of make up to add to this severe case of festival fever.

I’m not saying you are unattractive if you have extensions, lashes or wore make- up – that’s perfectly fine! Just don’t go OTT as I have seen in the past and in the future, or at FUTURE? You know what I’m trying to say! But honestly, you are all natural beauties and that should be embraced! Express yourself with the “less is more” approach when it comes to your skin and “be humble” when it comes to your wardrobe! So my tip here is do not try to resemble anyone from Jersey Shore, Geordie Shore, or contestants on the makeover show Snog, Marry Avoid! (p.s. please tell me I’m not the only one who secretly loves watching Snog, Marry Avoid!? Kidding!! I’m actually not.)

Ever heard of Futuregram...well now you have!

Amazing Marketing with the iPhones!

Moving on to the LINE-UP! Meaning the acts, bands, International DJs, singers, whatever you want to call them – you came here to see at least one of them! And this year’s line up did not disappoint…so many stages, so many artists, it’s kind of hard to keep track of where to go and what time you have to leave one stage to make your way to the next! My younger brother is a DJ that’s into his “doof-doof” music so I decided I would try to enjoy the “Future Dome” room along with his girlfriend. “Shouldn’t be that bad…” I thought as we made our way to the car-wreck themed stage and before you could say “techno” the beat had dropped and I stood there. Unable to move a muscle because everyone in this room has decided that it’s OKAY to kick and bounce from side to side, in every direction, all up in yo face! *snaps fingers* Oh no, I did not sign up for this, ain’t nobody got time for dat! (Sorry, I had to say it!) When did this style of dancing/”gabber-ing” become the norm. I felt like everyone was on….okay that explains it. My younger brother laughed as my face said it all, Help me!!! I’m being attacked!!, and his girlfriend clearly agreed. Next room please!!

Dude...Where's my car? The Car Wreck Themed Future Dome

And you know what makes me even happier than music…

FOOD! (Yayyy!!! Kidding, I’m actually not.) You think with all that dancing there wouldn’t be any time for a nice cup of hot chips and an ice cold Smirnoff! Well, for The Journalette there is always time for dat! (Again, I’m sorry) and nothing gets between me and my food. Ever.

We made our way to a soft patch of grass with a beef pie in one hand and hot chips in the other – since I’m on a new healthy diet and all… Look, in my defense there really isn’t any option for healthy food other than freshly squeezed orange juice from the little orange home, I mean dome, across from us. How cute! They even gave us free samples. (Maybe they were trying to tell me something?) Although I didn’t end up buying juice as water is always the best form of hydration during festival season. Sorry Juice Boy.  All I need is some high quality H20 (Please tell me you’ve seen The WaterBoy!?)

Chips Stands and the Kinder Surprise-looking Orange Juice Stand

As the Sun goes Down... Enjoying the beautiful sunset before the real fun begins!

As the afternoon sets in it really does become so much more of an experience as you prepare for the leading artists – the HEADLINERS! Now I’ve seen Avicii once before, Afrojack and The Prodigy so as the day turned into night my excitement began to realllllly set in. So, who was I waiting for you ask?

No, it’s not Sigma.

Or 2 Chainz. (getting warmer)

2 Chainz rapping away... Lamborghini Mercy!

Okay I’ll give you a clue. His stage name rhymes with Steak!

Did you say Steak!?

NO I SAID DRAKE!

DRAKE!!!! And I could not WAIT!

I made sure our group of four knew we were NOT missing him nor was I going to be ten miles away from the stage. No, sir! My mission was to get as close as possible to the Canadian-born rapper, singer, song-writer, hottie!!!

So after 2 CHAINS set we squished our way as far as we could go until I literally could only smell a concoction of sweat, B.O., alcohol, smoke and excitement! We waited….and we waited…made conversation with a few randoms…wondered what Drake was doing backstage. What I’d say to him if I ever met him…(I’m Kidding! I’m actually not. Come on, I’m not the only one who pictures these impossible scenarios/fantasies in my mind right?)

And then it happened, he came on stage AT LAST and all I saw was, was, a bunch of arms waving in front of me, a few selfie sticks too and about a thousand phones recording and snapping every moment of the show. I think a girl in the crowd got so excited she *ahem * urinated, I think is the word, herself. Yep, right there. Just peed right near us. OH no. I DID NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS! I did not wait all day in the sun. sweating, dancing, eating, dancing, selfie-ing, dancing, laughing, eating more, waiting, waiting, waiting to get to this moment. No.

Crowd of over 42,000 behind us and...my frizzy hair of course!

I just needed to be lifted up into the air and saved from this sticky situation. Literally. And you know what the answer was. Shoulders. I. love. shoulders. I got to watch the majority of the show on the shoulders of my big bro and it was the BEST! And you know what! All that day-dreaming about Drake floating over to me actually came true! Okay, not entirely but in the form of a flying fox! He beamed over us and landed even closer to me where I got some ah-mazing snaps! (Jokes I was way to crazy and excited to deal with a camera and Drake – I just wanted to enjoy the moment you know!) So I left the photography skills to my brother as he is a professional photographer after all.

I got my eyes on you! Drake casually "flying" over us.

He sang all of his hits, spoke to people in the crowd, really interacted with the audience and I just didn’t want him to leave the stage! He was definitely worth the wait and I would do it all over again if I could! I definitely got time for dat! (Did I really just say that again!? Sorry!!!)

No, Drake YOU look so beautiful tonight! 

As the festival drew to a close and I stood in the crowd hoping he would come back for an encore (which I had to be continuously convinced that he wasn’t) we made our way home. 

Who said you can't mosh in a Wheelchair!? I LOVE THIS PIC!

Not before grabbing a double sherbet dipped ice cream cone (Sherbet’s good for you right?) and dancing to the last few minutes of Avicii’s final set, fireworks and fun! So, if you’re planning to go to Soundwave, Field Day, Stereosonic, FUTURE or any music festival for that matter as long as you’re with a great bunch of people you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable experience! Besides, music is ageless so I might be seeing you at the next FUTURE Festival…don’t worry I’ll make sure I’m shredded next time.

Final Tip: If you ask anyone to take a photo of you this will be the final result. Enjoy!

Xoxoxox

The Journalette

Event> Launch Party and Exclusive Screening > #50shadesrevealed

Fifty Shades of Grey - Exclusive Australian Screening

Special Event Review – Not a GREY moment!

“Well this is going to be embarrassing..” I thought to myself as I scooped my hair over my lanyard against my LLBD (the extra L for LEATHER…We are watching the first screening of Fifty Shades after all!)

So what’s all the fuss about? And why so embarrassed Journalette!? Well we all know what the Best Selling Novel is about and if you don’t then…ahh I’m blushing already! Please just, “Google it!” Okay – you can tell I’ve rarely watched anything like this, let alone on the Silver Screen (Or should I say Grey Screen! Okay enough with the “grey jokes!”).

So, let’s get to business –

What: Launch Party and First Screening of Fifty Shades of Grey

Where: Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

When: Wednesday 11^th February 2015

Dress Code: Chic

TJ’s Rating:

Making our way to the “Champagne Reception” along the red, I mean black carpet with the usual backdrop, set up the perfect entry for guests and local celebrities alike. Photographers lined up, every kind of lense imaginable waiting to shutter the likes of Johnny Ruffo, Michael Dorman (Wonderland), Sophie Faulkner and Sophie Lowe just to name a few!

On the Black Carpet in Leather and 50 Shades of Tie Dye

After taking our first snaps of the night little did we know we would be in for more photo opportunities ahead. I really didn’t know what to expect as I entered the Main Event Hall. It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Dimly lit by soft chandeliers and starry fairy lit walls, old-fashioned pinned leather sofas, black, white and grey hued lights weaved through this elegant but playful party.

Grecian-like Hall meets Fairy Lit Walls and Beautiful Chandeliers

Is that live music I hear? I follow my ears and the sweet sound of Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love” sung in a sultry, jazz tone alongside a suited pianist. I could watch this all day sipping on that peachy fizz everybody seems to be drinking.

Speaking of, where is my drink? I’ve spent so much time exploring this sensual set up that I’ve forgotten to grab a glass. As a result the Signature Peachy Champagne has run out and everyone's happy with standard Sparkling and canapés.

 

The amazing entertainment and being summoned to take a photo with Mr Grey

A large poster of Mr Grey centres the room and everyone is taking snaps leaning on him (as we did), pulling cute faces or pretending to smack the back of his pants! Haha! The #fiftyshadesrevealed photo (in black and white, of course) is sent from the main photographer to a representative’s iPhone and then sent to you to share with all your friends on fb/email/etc! Great marketing and social media strategy right there – I really love this idea.

#fiftyshadesrevealed! Our Professional pic ready to share with the Social Media World

I ask the well-dressed waiters what is in the canapés and it is so LOUD I can’t hear a word of her reply. I eat it anyway (because I’m a such risk-taker, right?). Pumpkin, fish and bread in one tasty little treat. Not bad at all.

We spot Angela Bishop and the Channel 10 News Team chatting to a few more celebs and then back to the camera to cover the event.  And what an event it was – it felt like a mix of a black and white themed cocktail party, wedding reception and “Gossip Girl” set all in one! The music, the décor, the chandeliers and just trendy, sensual vibe was beyond my expectations. The only miss was it was really humid inside so everyone opted to fan themselves with their lanyard to cool down (and I’m sure they would be using it throughout the movie as well!).

Channel Ten Reporter, Angela Bishop and Guests on our way to the cinema

As it drew nearer to 8:00pm we made our way to the cinema to be seated and presented with a goodie bag filled with well, goodies! Mud House New Zealand Pinot Gris (more wine!), OPI “Embrace the Gray” Nail Polish, Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam, Sydney Seaplanes Flyer and Blackmores….Men’s Performance Multivitamin….(awkwardddddd!)

Speaking of awkward. What I’ve been trying to tell you (or not tell you) this whole time is that the reason I am “oh-so-embarrassed” is because I’m all seated, the Launch Party has been amazing so far and I’m about the watch Fifty Shades of Grey with…my brother!?

There I said it. MY. BRO.

He wanted to watch it, I obviously was dying to see it first, we got tickets, so family first right!? And you know what – IT ACTUALLY WASN’T BAD.

The sex scenes are nothing compared to what I feared nor what it’s been hyped up to be. And, we’re mature adults, right? Well, at least I am? Right? Right. It wasn’t weird, the movie was amazing and I would recommend any lover of rom-coms, chick flicks or a good night out to see it!

A stream of Social Media from the Black Carpet before the film began...Hello Mr Ruffo!

The sexual content is definitely blown out of proportion and as much as there are some scenes with a blindfold, handcuff, whip, feathers and melting ice - that’s it! The music is probably the sexiest part as tunes from The Weeknd set the whole mood of many provocative scenes. Definitely worth buying the sound track! Amazing!!!

Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) and Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) are the perfect mix of innocent meets intense and when the two become intertwined they both lose themselves in what seems like “just a physical relationship.” Since he doesn’t do “chocolates and flowers and all” (I’m hoping he’ll change his mind by next Valentines!) what he does do is fly her around in his helicopters, jet planes and chauffeur her to wherever she pleases (YES, pah-lease!). Their physical relationship seems to cross many boundaries after he introduces her to his playroom.

My favourite line…

“What playroom? Like your Xbox and stuff?” – Anastasia

“No Anastasia, No Xbox, I’ll show you...” –  Christian

Opens the door and her facial expression is priceless! (Just watch the movie and you will see!)

Having brothers myself that is definitely something I would say and I’m sure a lot of women can relate to when it comes to a man’s “play room” or “man cave” as they like to call it these days.

Within the movie you don’t really know who to feel more sorry for – Anastasia, who has surrendered herself to Christian both physically and mentally by falling in love with him as a result of his confusing nature. Or Christian who can’t seem to let her completely into his world as well as his troubled grey matter, his mind! (Okay that was my last grey joke, I promise!)

In the final scene you are left hoping that there is more dialogue as the elevator doors shut abruptly, keeping you in heightened suspense for the sequel. Let’s hope the sequel, let alone the whole trilogy is just as good as the original! LOVED. IT!

Even if you’re thinking “No, it’s a bit too risqué” or “it isn’t my thing” – trust me it’s not that bad! And I watched it with my "bro" so that’s saying something!

So now, I am not one bit embarrassed, BUT I definitely know what all the fuss is about! Fifty Shades, you have passed with flying colours and Mr Grey, I’ll see you in my dreams (with flowers and chocolates this time).

"MR GREY WILL SEE YOU NOW" Centrefold aka Selfie Central!

Xoxox

The Journalette

  

Cafe>The Grounds of Alexandria

The Grounds of Alexandria

Address: Building 7A, 2 Huntley St

Alexandria NSW 2015

Phone: (02) 9699 2225

Hours: 

Mon - Fri 7:00am - 4:00pm

Sat - Sun 7:30am - 4:00pm

Breakfast served before 11:30 am 
Lunch served from 12pm onwards

Menu: Everything from Mediterranean to Australian inspired meals to freshly baked breads, cakes and tarts as well as jams and coffee beans to take home! (It is a restaurant, café, bakery and coffee roasting facility after all!)

Main Entrance to "The Grounds of Alexandria

Gorgeous Garden and Communal Tables at "The Grounds"

Atmosphere: What I love most about this place is the fact that it is literally like being in two places at once! Positioned in the busy, grey streets of Alexandria, you would think that it was just another factory building fading into the bland backdrop of brick walls – but what once was an old pie factory (Remember Four’N’Twenty pies!?) has now been transformed into anything but boring and grey! Beyond the bricks is a bright delight of food and flowers with a farm-like flair waiting to be discovered. Once you set foot onto “The Grounds” you will immediately feel like you have been teleported to a mini-town under the Tuscan sun.

On one side is the barnyard fit with a communal tables, a playground, farm and florist with beautifully blooming flowers and ferns cascading over, under and around every corner – creating a relaxing green dream under a rustic roof.

Country-Chic Style Seating Area 

Then there is other side, where the food is served, the bread is baked and the coffee is brewed as the homely, vintage, country-like theme extends throughout the interior of the café/restaurant/wonderland.

Service: Kind, professional but sometimes seem aloof – as if they are counting down the hours until their shift ends (Not sure why, if I worked there I would make up reasons to stay later and sleep under stars amongst the garden beds!)

Price: $6 - $19 for a gourmet reasonably sized meal

               $4 - $8 for drinks both eat-in and takeaway

TJ’s Rating: The reason I keep coming back to this place is not just because I want to try literally everything on the menu but because “The Grounds” is not just a place “to eat and to drink” but it is truly an experience of escapism. It’s not somewhere you go just to have a quick coffee and bite to eat – one, because by the time you’ve found parking twenty minutes has disappeared and two because once you have been seated you may have had to wait another half hour!

But people don’t usually mind the wait as you’re presented with a buzzer and are free to get lost in the garden, sip on a locally roasted latte and curl up next to Kevin until your buzzer goes off!

Our three dishes on a romantic table of flowers and tin-bucket cutlery

Did I mention they have a famous pig called Kevin? They have a famous pig called Kevin! Kevin Bacon to be exact. (I’m not even joking, haha!) Along with Bradley the Sheep and his farm animal friends that caused headlines after being stolen from the farm and just recently returned to their rightful owners of “The Grounds”. Kevin Bacon is always the star of the show as crowds of children and a paparazzo of parents surround the stall, clutching camera phones and ready to snap the latest pics of Kevin and the kids!

Kevin Bacon chilling by his Cubby House

I have to admit I also felt like a serial photographer as I whipped out my iPhone as soon as our perfectly presented plates were served. I came here with two of my food-loving friends on a random weekday for breakfast and we were lucky enough to find parking and be seated within minutes (Sorry, Kevin!).

My friends were feeling fruity so they ordered the Bircher Berry Trifle ($12) and the Seasonal Fruit Salad ($14) with freshly squeezed Orange Juice each ($6.50).

I wanted to try something new and different from the breakfast menu so the “Sweet Pea Falafel” ($17) seemed to tick all the boxes! I also had an Orange Juice ($6.50) as I didn’t want to seem too adventurous for a Tuesday morning.

"Bircher Berry Trifle"

The presentation of the trifle was by far the most impressive out of all the dishes as a glass cup of bircher oats, almonds, coconut and sunflower seeds layered lavishly amongst vanilla yoghurt, summer berries and rhubarb compote. And the taste was equally lavishing and filling!

"Seasonal Fruit Salad"

The fruit salad was served on a board with a shot of vanilla bean yoghurt and side of honeycomb. The presentation was simple and stylish, the fruit was fresh and delicious but the yoghurt was so light, creamy and full of flavour that you just. Wanted. More! (Next time we’ll order an extra five shots of yoghurt on the side.)

"Sweet Pea Falafel" and Orange Juice in a Jar

And then there was my “Sweet Pea Falafel” that was well worth the phone photography before it was devoured. Three sweet little falafels sat comfortably next to two poached eggs drizzled with house made mint yoghurt and an heirloom tomato and herb salad. It all looked so pretty and tasted, well, pretty awesome too! So what to eat first? The falafel or the egg? The two combined created a crunchy yet soft and tasty mix of flavours but it was the mint yoghurt that added that boost of refreshment.

Each juice was served in a cute mason jar with ice and a straw. Again, so refreshing and so cute! (I have never described a beverage as cute before so that’s a first!)

Overall, “The Grounds” is seriously one of my favourite places to go for breakfast, lunch or dessert. Don’t get me started on dessert – if I wasn’t so full from breakfast I would have gladly devoured one of the many slices of heaven!

Cakes, Pies, Tarts, Repeat! :D

There are literally rows upon rows of desserts to chose from that I wouldn’t be surprised if you came here solely for the lemon meringue pie, berry ricotta cheesecake or super-stacked strawberry tart glossing with sugar glaze! (Yum. Seriously. I will be back really soon.)

For an adventure that makes you feel like you are far from Alexandria, or Sydney for that matter, go to “The Grounds”! It will take you on an experience that is tasteful to all the senses and keep you coming back to eat, drink and take photos of the scenery as well as the sensational food. It’s no surprise that valet parking will soon be available at this super-popular, super-cool, super-sheike little barnyard town! (I’m pretty sure it will have it’s own postcode next!)

P.S. Say hi to Kevin for me!

Xxx TJ