A Change Will Do You Good

Hello all!

People usually change their hair to signify a new point in their life. When I graduated high school, I cut my signature long locks into a shoulder-length bob (It is funny how this style would become the hair trend the following year). 

As I am leaving my teens, I feel that I am finally coming into my own. I am feeling really good about this semester, and the rest of my degree even. This is when things in my life start to take off, so I would like to change my hair to commemorate that.

When I told our Dad that we were going to change the colour of our hair he said, “Well you and Claire have never done anything really outrageous before.” Which is true, and is why I am making such a big deal about dyeing my hair a totally normal shade. 

For me, this is one of the biggest, spontaneous thing I can do, bar buying a ticket overseas without the proper amount of money saved.

Likewise, Claire is also feeling like she is coming into her own. Double major of media and cinema studies finalised, and a volunteering gig under her belt, the future is taking shape and possibilities are opening up. 

Also with the help of Pintrest, (typical), I have figured out my style, and am in the process of re-vamping my wardrobe. It's out with the old and in with the new. While us dyeing our hair is the most outrageous thing we have ever done (thus far, we still have our 20s for more outrageous adventures. Like moving overseas! But that's a discussion for another day....) this is also an opportunity for our outsides to reflect our insides. 

Reaching Peak Claire and Grace!

Three semesters left of university. With jobs, volunteering and blogs happening, they are going to be wild. And of course, there are the endless possibilities of what to do AFTER Graduation. We are excited for what is yet to come. 

Claire isn't 100% blonde yet, but we are on our way! And there is still more to do for Grace, but dyeing your hair and finding a hairstyle that suits you is a process. We are proud to say that is has begun.

Stay gold!

C & G xx

21.6.15 | Claire

Sunday the 21st of June, 2015.

Good morning! We were off to the train station at 9:30am, and it was quite the brisk morning. Also, I debuted my new bag, which I purchased at the op shop on Saturday. It's a carpet bag in the style of a bowling bag. It's perf and I'm so in love. (Plus it was only $8!)

Brunch at: Brighton Shoolhouse

We shared the Glee Club Pancakes (blueberry and ricotta pancakes with a scoop of white-chocolate ice-cream, bacon and maplebutter)

 It was delicious. Sorry for the lack of pic, we were just too eager to eat it all!

We had brunch with our fave, Lizzie. She's moving to Boston on Saturday, so this was a bit of a last hurruh for a while. We are going to miss her immensely.

OOTD Grace:
Bag from Collette (similar), Shoes from Target, Scarf from boohoo.com and coat from K-Mart

OOTD Claire:
Dress form JayJays forever ago, Coat form Target forever ago, Hat from Target (recently), boots from Target, bag from The Shop of Op on Chapel Street.

Photographic proof that Lizzie has been in our apartment.

Hard at work or hardly working? We spent the afternoon on the couch, under a mountain of blankets watching The Lizzie McGuire Movie and The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. The perfect movies for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

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Hello, all!

This blog is a learning process for us, so we are still trying to get a feel for what type of posts we want to do. So here is the first post of a new approach: a photodump/A Day in the Life. Often we feel like we don't know what to post about, but since this blog is about our lives in Melbourne, why not document it this way? So let us know what you think, there will be more to come!

Stay Gold,

Claire

A Post About Grocery Shopping | Claire

Hello, all!

EXAM PERIOD IS AT ITS END! 

I (Claire) finished last Wednesday, after having 4 essays due in 3 days (living the fast life), and Grace finished today! For all of you who have also finished, congratulations! May your days be spent in bed binge watching Netflix/Stan/Presto (ok, let's be honest. We're all using Netflix, aren't we?) as your life is free from academia once more. 

And to those of you who are still going, YOU CAN DO IT. But ugh, studying is the worst, isn't it? Remember to take breaks and don't work yourself too hard. Passing is important but so is your health. 

With swotvac and exam period, we were two very busy bees. So much so, that by the end of last week we had no washing powder, had squeezed the last bit of toothpaste out of the tube, and all we had to eat were 2 minute noodles, soup, and mac and cheese. All great food options, but not ideal to live off. When you have so many essays to write, grocery shopping just doesn't seem like an option. So last Friday morning, when I was enjoying the start of my Uni break and Grace had a couple days until her next one, we wrote a list, took our personal shopping trolley (this nifty thing from ikea), and set off to our closest Coles. 

Now, if you haven't already gathered, Grace and I live out of home, and so grocery shopping is up to us. Planning meals is probably the hardest part of independent living, as well as finding the time to go to the supermarket (check out  part one of Grace's adventures in the kitchen here). However, grocery shopping is Grace's favourite time of the week, and I will have to agree. You see, we have a routine. Every Saturday morning we clean the apartment (somewhat) and then we go grocery shopping. This is the same routine our Mum has back at home, which we helped with and carried through with us here. (Thanks, Mum <3) 

We really enjoy grocery shopping, but we are not sure why. Is it the freedom to put whatever food you want in the trolley without someone to say no? (Kind of. We still stop each other from getting unnecessary food items from time to time. Remember to keep an eye on that budget!) Or is it the "adult-ness" of it? It is all so grown up, doing your own grocery shopping. We think this must be it. 

Moving to Melbourne and having our own apartment/routine in the city is something we have always looked forward to while in high school. Is that weird? Perhaps we watched too many movies/TV shows growing up. But which TV show glorifies being an adult? Because Suddenly 30 (That's 13 Going on 30 for you non-Australians), definitely doesn't. Maybe it's our love of watching YouTubers and their vlogs... 

Nonetheless, trivial things like going grocery shopping makes us happy! It's like we have control of our lives, and being twins, I guess being independent is more important to us... even if we are being independent together, it's more like we get to ease into it together. Grace has been doing the independent life longer than I have, since I was at a residential college on campus last year and all of my food was prepared for me (shout out to the kitchen staff!), so we help each other. 

If you have made it this far with a post about grocery shopping, we love your dedication!

We don't have that many tips with grocery sopping, other than always look for specials, and even then, check all the price tags and see what the cheapest option is. Just because it is on special, doesn't mean it is the cheapest option. Also, try and plan your meals for the week before you go. That way you can stay focused and get what you need, as well as get in and out of there without wasting 10 minutes staring at a shelf. 

All in all, we appreciate the trivial things in life. We are so happy, and lucky, to be able to living in Melbourne and have this as our life. Like, we are living the dream, basically. Living in Melbourne with jobs, great friends, and studying what we love at a University we love. We are so grateful to have these opportunities. So yeah, we are happy we get to go grocery shopping. It means we are growing up and are at a place where we can afford to do that. Which is pretty special. 

Now that we are on Uni break, let's see if we post more! Here's to hoping!

Stay Gold,

Claire x

Theatre Kid Life: Tech Week Starter Pack

Hello all, 

It's time to talk about something that we love with a passion and is a major part of our lives: MUSICAL THEATRE.

Boy oh boy do we love our theatre. We love it so much that I have done 6 shows in the ensemble and 6 shows in the backstage crew. I'm not quite sure what it is that I love so much about it. Maybe it's how the cast and crew (ok, more like the cast, and the crew, which sometimes crosses over. The division is real), all become super close and bond in the way only hours upon hours of rehearsals could provide. Or maybe it's the live-ness of it all. Everything is happening, the set changes , the performance, the music, right before your eyes. Music! Talent! Creation! Oh my goodness. 

I've just finished a 7 show run with a student theatre group at our Uni. This is a show that I have been working on since February, as one of two Assistant Stage Managers. It was an amazing, hands-on experience that required me to work throughout the whole process, rather than just turn up one week before the production and learn all the set changes. I was one of two people in charge of props, which is something I haven't done before, as well as ASM backstage. I had never done a 7 show run before so it was a lot of hours, but so worth it.

As mentioned above, this was not my first theatre production. After doing this many shows, you start to know what it is you need to survive Production Week aka Tech Week. 

Production Week is the week leading up to opening night where you move into the theatre and you rehearse with all elements finally together (props, set, lighting, sound, costumes, make-up, the whole razzle dazzle). However, this always takes a few days to get right, and it's when most decisions are made, so Production week can be tedious, hence why it's also known as Hell Week. But no fear! Because I know exactly what you need to make it through. 

TECH WEEK STARTER PACK

1. Backstage Crew

This is me from when I was crew for Legally Blonde! I used pink lipstick and a pink pen because whoever said orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed.

A plain black jumper: This depends on when your production is running, but for me, production season is during the cooler months, and you're going to need to rug up, you backstage ninja. Mine is a large zip-up hoodie from the men's section at K-Mart. One pocket has a hole in it but it keeps me warm and disguised throughout the show's run.
An extension to this is black jeans, black shirt and closed toe black shoes. Plain black. There can be no other colour or any traces of white on there at all or else your clothes will be gaffed. (It's serious business, yo. You cannot and are not supposed to be seen by the audience.)

A small torch: Backstage in the wings is dark. It's dark, and the only light you have is one or two blue lamps. This is so the audience cannot see what is in the wings and thus ruin the illusion or detract from the performance. And if you're going to try to co-ordinate set pieces, props, follow along with the script, read or running sheet, find out what the hell is that on the floor and who the hell is that lurking in the corner? (Oh, it's a cast member, don't worry), you're going to need a small torch. And don't forget the blue cellophane, because those lamps are blue for a reason (it's a less harsh/bright light)

 This is my torch. It's a mini Dolphin that comes with a clip for me to clip to the belt loop of my jeans (black, like everything else/the backstage crew's soul) and the cellophane is actually a blue gel for the stage lights, held on by gaff because that's all I could find on opening night in the wings during a show.

Sugar: Lollies. Packets and containers of them. Get a stash. Get party mix, snakes, Skittles, MnM's, etc. Something small, something quick to eat, and a lot of them. Because you will get hungry, and you will need the energy. Tech week can have you in the theatre all day and late into the night, and then you do it all again the next day/night. You can try to eat healthy during tech week, and it can be done, but you will be craving sugar and McDonald's, and about every junk/comfort food ever. But just roll with it. You are excused for this week. 
Thank goodness for $2 Allen's Lollies specials at Coles <3

Pen/Highlighter: You will forget things, and things in the run will change. This might be a prop, a task you have to chase up, a set piece you need to assign to someone, etc. Notes will be taken, because this week is all about sorting all elements out in order to make the show run as smoothly as possible and the best it can be. If you don't have a pen/pencil/highlighter, you might forget something. Above is some of my notes from two of my running sheets.

2. Cast

Claire as Clarice the Jet (Dress Rehearsal)

Pineapple Juice: Juice is another source of sugar. However, pineapple juice is also really good at opening up your throat for singing. This is something I picked up when I was in the cast and it has become a constant presence. (Lollies also applies here)

Stockings:This one is for the ladies.If you are required to wear stockings, which, if your legs are even the little bit exposed, no matter how long or short your costume is, you will be, you will need spares. Because ladders will happen, and you cannot go on stage with ripped stockings, unless the role requires it, am I right, ladies? Tip: spray your stockings with hairspray to prevent ladders/also works to stop ladders from spreading.

Bobby pins: You will need them. Trust me.

Foundation: Stage make-up is big, bold (and beautiful). You will generally be asked to bring foundation that is one or two shades darker than your skin tone for this purpose, otherwise the stage lights will wash you out and the audience won't be able to see your face. Embrace the cake face, darling. 

These photos come from two of my past productions as a cast member. The photo credit does not belong to us.

All in all, Tech Week is where all that bonding you have been doing at rehearsals and production meetings comes in handy, because then you're able to a. keep each other sane and b. it really shows when you're all able to work together and create the best show ever. It is stressful, it is exhausting, but when you finally get an audience in the theatre, and you hear the applause, it makes it all worth it.

And finally, please please PLEASE be patient with everyone. If you're a cast member, please listen to and be patient with the crew. You may have been rehearsing for weeks/months but the crew only have one week to learn everything. Also, it's for your own safety, if a big set change is happening. Crew, please be patient with the cast, they are excited and tired just like you. You're all in the same boat, but it'll all work out fabulously. AND BE KIND TO YOUR PARENTS/HOUSEMATES. And thank them for supporting you. Patience and gratitude goes a long way.

Stay gold!

Claire xx

Girls on (and behind) Film | Claire on women of the film industry

Hello, all!

Something exciting happened today, and I have a lot to say.

Rose Byrne is basically one of my favourite women/people in the world, and this morning I found out through DailyLife (my everything) that herself, fellow Australian actress, Gracie Otto, and three other Australian women (Director Shannon Murphy, Producer/Publicist Jessica Carrera and writer/actress Krew Boylan) have founded and started an all-female production company in Sydney called The Dollhouse Collective. Basically, I just about shut down when I read the news, and I have been freaking out about it all day.

The Dollhouse Collective, from their website

For those of you who don’t know, I am a journalism and cinema studies student, and a big feminist. I want to work towards increasing the representation of and celebrating all-women in all aspects of the film industry (Whether it be in journalism/critiquing, acting, directing, producing, working in the film crew, writers, editors etc etc). 

This is because there is a distinct disparity between female representation and that of males, which is for no reason other than the fact that females have been oppressed for far too long. In fact, when Hollywood was created back in the beginning of the film industry, women played an important role in directing, producing and other behind-the-scenes work. In particular,  Mary Pickford was one of the most famous women in the world during the 1920s, as an actress, director and film producer, and co-founded United Artists and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (aka The academy aka The Oscars). So why did the men take charge and push women out of these roles? The potential was there! (But you know, women weren't “supposed” to work back then and there has been inequality in the work place ever since).

And let me tell you, majority of the students in my cinema studies class are girls, including our tutor, but yet all the readings are written by men, and all the films we are studying are male dominated. Literally, all the films we are watching are sausage fests. There are so many girls out there who love to talk about and read about film, but it’s all from a male’s voice. And I’m tired of it, to be honest.

I adore Reese Witherspoon, and her all-female production company Pacific Standard (Gone Girl, Wild), and I also adore Rose Byrne, so hearing that she and others have created an all-female production company in Australia, a film industry that is often overlooked, (also the country in which I live) obviously makes me freak out. I am so ecstatic about this and joined the mailing list as soon as I could. 

The Dollhouse Collective in the May 2015 issue of Vogue Australia

The Dollhouse Collective’s mission statement reads, “Five filmmakers committed to exploring the creative boundaries of film, TV and theatre. We champion change, we value relationships, we advocate artistic collaborations. We are risk takers, friends and passionate storytellers.” 

The production company, according to DailyLife  and the group’s launch-interview in May’s issue of Vogue Australia (what a perfect way to announce the company, I am in awe/framing the article as we speak/read), is dedicated to producing and supporting film, television and theatre productions that feature strong female roles, as well as encouraging and assisting with each other’s projects. It is literally, as Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls would say, ladies celebrating and helping ladies. And that’s something that we all must do. How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying may boast about the greatness of the “Brotherhood of Man” but watch-out bros, the Sisterhood is here.

Reese Witherspoon and Pacific Standard co-founder, Austrlian, Bruna Papandrea (left) for Vanity Fair, 2014

There has been quite a dialogue about actresses speaking up about the lack of, and wanting strong female lead roles, and the film industry’s treatment of females in the media lately (including Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchette), which is where such production companies like Pacific Standard and The Dollhouse emerge from. However, while there is a lack of “strong” female leading roles for white women, there are even less leading roles and roles in general for ladies (or any gender) of different races and ethnicity, as evident in this years Oscars , which is also something that should be remembered. This is a good step forward, though. And I am so gosh-darn excited.

All in all, I am very passionate about the cause, and I just had to share it with you all. Ladies, y’all are amazing, beautiful and strong as hell, and I love you dearly.

Now to figure out how to get The Dollhouse to hire me after Uni...

Extra Resources:

Ava Duvernay, director of Selma
Why Representation Matters
Gina Rodriguez Golden Globe acceptance Speech
"This award is so much more than myself. It represents a culture that want's to see themselves as heroes."
Women Directors Twitter
#MakeItFair (points out the gender-gap in the film industry)

And there are so much more, but I can't find them at the moment.

Stay amazing!

 Claire. x

Oscar Watch 2k15 | Claire's Thoughts and Picks

Hello friends!

So, as we have mentioned previously, we take the Oscar's very seriously, and leading up to the awards show Grace and I have attempted to see as many of the Best Picture nominations as we can. AND THE AWARDS IS ON MONDAY!!! How thrilling. 

As a reminder, these are the films nominated for Best Picture:

- Whiplash

- Birdman

- American Sniper

- Grand Budapest Hotel

- Selma

- The Imitation Game

- Boyhood

- The Theory of Everything

Grace and I have been able to see 5 out of the 8 nominated films. This is due to a. time (Boyhood goes for 3 hours?) b. money (darn you cinema prices!) and c. the American Sniper trailer makes us uncomfortable, so we’ll probably watch it at some point in the future, but we feel like we might find it confronting at the moment.

I don’t like to think of myself as a film critic, and often times I say that I do not wish to be a film critic, but who am I kidding? Everyone’s a critic. And besides, it’s hard not to be one when you love films as much as I do, and cannot help but spout off all your thoughts, likes and dislikes in a stream of consciousness as soon as you walk out of the cinema, all the way home. With that in mind, what will follow are my attempt at collating these thoughts into a formal review. Also, I only took notes on my phone directly after The Imitation Game so the rest are just off my memory (forgive the vagueness). 

Sound good? I hope you're all as excited as me.

THE IMITATION GAME

“Are you paying attention?”

The opening dialogue surrounds you in the darkened cinema and it feels like the speaker (the unmistakable Benedict Cumberbatch) is addressing you, the viewer, directly. Are you paying attention? Because you should be, the movie has started. The story has begun and in a few short hours, you will learn. This is The Imitation Game, and this is Alan Turing’s story.

The Imitation Game is a movie that needed to be made. The story of Alan Turing and his machine that cracked the seemingly unbreakable Nazi code Enigma in World War II is a story that many know in passing, and even then, this may be limited to history buffs, philosophy students (The Turing Test, anyone?), and perhaps even the older generations, who were around when the top secret information was released to the public, long after Turing’s death. By telling the story in film with stunning and well-known actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing and Keira Knightley (Both with spectacular performances. Knightley as Joan Clarke positively shines with strength, surrounded by a predominately male cast. You go Keira, we love you Keira), this true story has been re-vitalised.

This movie has something for everyone: It’s a WWII tale, a history lesson; it has suspense, a code to crack, a smart and independent woman, (love?), quick wit that will get anyone to laugh, and exposes the injustice that homosexuals once suffered (not that life is 100% perfect for them, even now). The movie is also filled with brilliant slices of film-work that will make any film fan freak out (The opening dialogue ALONE, which is actually a nugget for a later conversation. MOVIES!!!). The opening line “are you paying attention?” is a hint, for the film is told in non-linear form. Weaving in and out from “present day” where Turing is being questioned by police about his homosexuality, his childhood as a strange boy, struggling with his sexuality and brilliant mind and the core of the film, being recruited by the British Government for a top-secret mission to crack Enigma.

True-Story films and Human Struggle/Triumph films are a favourite of mine, and of The Academy’s (12 Years a Slave, Argo, The Kings Speech, just recently), so it's no surprise that it got the nomination. It is a brilliant movie, however, there is some part of me that just thinks some of the emotion in key scenes, such as when they crack the code, fell short. I cannot deny that there is some part in my mind that thinks the film lacked in the extra mile.

WHIPLASH

Where do you begin with Whiplash? It’s the movie that makes musicians either wish they practiced more or make them want to run screaming. I’m not sure which, yet.

Whiplash is a film about first year drumming student at a prestigious music conservatory, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), and his desire to a. make it big and b. earn the respect of music conductor Terrence Fletcher in The Best (capitals are needed here) jazz band at the school. Fletcher (played by the intense JK Simmons) embodies the Take No Mercy mixed with Treat ‘Em Mean, Keep ‘Em Keen approach to conducting: that is, throwing chairs at drummer’s heads, threats and intimidation. So, you can understand why the film might make any musician run scared. Simmons’ control over his face, body and voice is phenomenal. How could one remain that angry yet controlled for such a long time?

This is an intense film.

That being said, while this film can be enjoyed by a variety of audiences, it’s definitely a film for musicians. Most of the action takes place in band rehearsal, and rarely is there a scene without a music book or music stand (Ah, memories!) Literal blood, sweat and tears goes into Teller’s performance.  And yes, he is doing his own drumming! (With the help of editing, of course. If anyone attempts those solos all in one, they might literally ruin themselves.)

The point to this review? Basically, it’s a very intense film. The jazz band and drum-focused score complements well with Birdman, if you were to do a double feature (like we did). I really enjoyed it, and it did make me think “Why did I never play my cello until my fingers or knee’s bled?” which is dangerous thinking. While I understand passion, please look after yourselves musicians! But I guess that’s just the power that movies have over you.

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

Oh wow, I saw this movie the day it came out, last year. So, it has been a while. But basically, all you need to know is this: Grad Budapest Hotel is so obviously Wes Anderson it’s almost mock-able. BUT I LOVED IT. The performances by all in yet another outstanding ensemble cast were superb. The story of concierge Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes) and his Lobby boy, Zero (newcomer Tony Revolori), as they are on the run in light of the death of Budapest Hotel resident Madame D (Tilda Swinton) and a missing, valuable painting. It’s fun! It’s colourful! It’s entertaining! And of course, there are plenty of “from above” AND “centered shots”! (I highly recommend this mastercut)

With 9 nominations (matched only with Birdman) this is a high contender! Budapest and Birdman will be battling it out for most of the night, and let me assure you, I will be keeping score. See how many each win in my Oscars Recap next week!

Disclaimer: Graceful nor Claire own any of the images used in this post.

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So there are three of "reviews", of sorts.

Keep an eye out on Sunday for the other reviews and find out my favourites to win.

THE ACADEMY AWARDS is on Monday the 23^rd (Sunday the 22^nd in the US, but time difference) and will be aired on Chanel 9 at 12:30pm and will be repeated on GEM at 8:30pm.

Until next time!

Claire x.

Award Season & Claire Really Loves Movies

Hello, all!

You may have seen on our Twitter that our second favourite time of the year is upon us: AWARD SEASON! And my oh my, do we love Award Season. This probably comes from our love of beautiful gowns, celebrities and watching things on screens aka Movies and Television. 

Award season came at such a convenient time for us when we still lived at home, since all the ceremonies and red carpets were televised on Austar/Foxtel, during the school holidays, while Grace and I were sitting at home bored and/or avoiding doing holiday homework (a plus about University: No more holiday homework!)

Unfortunately, since we no longer live at home and we must stay in Melbourne for work etc, we cannot watch the award ceremonies this year (except for the Oscars, which is televised on free-to-air tv thank goodness), we shall be doing what Claire (me) did for the Tony Awards last year: Constantly refreshing twitter as each of the awards are given and wait for Buzzfeed to update their Winners post. This method worked quite well for the Golden Globes last Monday.

The Golden Globes are very exciting to me, because it celebrates TV AND Movies at the same awards show! And Tina Fey & Amy Poehler hosted 2 years in a row.

Also, it can give you a good indication as to what might receive Oscar nominations. So, there was I last Monday, computer on my lap, Twitter and BuzFeed open and constantly refreshed and 2015 planner by my side, listing which films I need to see, the release dates, and where I can see them (As well as documenting what won Best Motion Picture Comedy/Drama, TV series Comedy/Drama as well as the acting categories. It's a very detailed system. 

Today the nominations for the 2015 Oscars were announced, and I am making it my mission (and by default, Grace's) to see as many of the films nominated for the Best Motion Picture Oscar as I (we) can before the award ceremony (which, thank goodness, is on the week before Uni starts. Last year I had classes and had to avoid all social media and wait until the repeat at 9pm to watch it).

The films are:

- Whiplash

- Birdman

- American Sniper

- Grand Budapest Hotel

- Selma

- The Imitation Game

- Boyhood

- The Theory of Everything

(What a sausage fest. Where are our ladies at? And how come Selma wasn't nominated for any acting awards? The Academy/The Oscars are very problematic.)

Now, we have already seen Grand Budapest Hotel and The Imitation Game, so that leaves us 6 films to go. We are also adding to the list Reese Witherspoon's new movie, Wild, which she is nominated for Best Actress (by the looks of the trailer, we feel like it might have been snubbed, but we will see)

Now, going to the movies these days is so expensive. Like, as dedicated Village Cinema's people, it costs us $25 for snacks alone. Insane. 

BUT here are some tips to get discounts/see as many movies as you can for a cheaper price:

Find out what day your cinema offers a student discount (most of them do)

For Village Cinemas & Hoyts, these days are Tuesday's. 

At Cinema Nova in Melbourne, on Monday's you can get tickets for $7 for any session before 4pm, and $9 for any session after. 

It's amazing. On Monday Grace and I are planning on going to see Whiplash AND Birdman just because $7 tickets.

So there is our second tip: If you are trying to see a lot of movies like us, take advantage of the cheaper prices and make it a double feature. Cheap tickets, yo!

Award season is also about the fashion! Who can forget Lupita N'Yongo absolutely slaying the red carpet last year? What a goddess.

As the season continues, we'll be sure to share with you our favourite looks, (just because) and keep you all updated with our film viewing progress.

You can also keep updated with our Twitter and our Instagram account.

And this has been our longest post, yet! 

I just really, really, REALLY love movies, guys.

Stay fab!

Claire x

Viola Davis, what a Queen.

Emma Stone

Anna Kendrick