Interviewing Zac Efron

Scott Hicks, Zac Efron & Taylor Schilling

I shall never wash my hand again. Zac Efron touched me. He shook my hand when I interviewed him on the red carpet at The Lucky One premiere in Adelaide, and suddenly I understood why thousands of screaming fans showed up to see him.

Considering I only vaguely knew who he was a couple of weeks ago, it's been an interesting journey seeing how Adelaide has embraced this Hollywood heart throb (myself included), and what charisma and sparkly eyes will do for a film.

Of course, Zac is far too young for me, and isn't really my type, but it's funny how easily you get caught up in the excitement of it all.

Steve & I on the red carpet

To back track a little, I was able to do some red carpet interviews on Thursday night last week when Adelaide-based director Scott Hicks brought his new film to town.

The acclaimed director (of Shine fame) wanted Australia to host the film's premieres ahead of the US and Europe, which was a pretty big deal.

As Adelaide's cinemas aren't perhaps as grand as some of those interstate and overseas, I wasn't sure how the whole red carpet thing would look when rolled out at Event Cinemas in Marion, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The whole cinema level (up the escalators) was transformed.

Roadshow brought staging, red carpets (obviously) and barricades from their interstate premieres, which made the area completely unrecognisable.

The thousands of screaming female fans certainly set the scene as well.

I have honestly never heard anything like it and my throat was sore for hours afterward for trying to speak over the incredible high pitched waves of fervor.

The fans packed in for a chance to see Zac!

I was only able to have a really quick chat to each of the stars - Zac Efron, Scott Hicks and Taylor Schilling - but it was enough to see each of their star qualities, and how their passion for their jobs has taken them far. They were all incredibly professional and friendly and it was quite a buzz to have their attention even if only for a minute or two.

I am extremely proud of Scott Hicks and all he's achieved, but most of all I'm impressed that he hasn't forgotten his roots and how delighted he was to showcase his home town to the lead actors in his upcoming film.

Style Insight: Steve (pictured above with me) was wearing Armani & I was in a new season Liza Emanuele tunic.

Photography for Glam Adelaide by Alice Healy. Full gallery here.

Review: Sweet Briar B&B, Clare Valley

The dam & the windmill out the back

Over Easter we were lucky enough to get away for three nights in the beautiful Clare Valley. Being surrounded by vineyards, bushland and serenity was just what the doctor ordered.

As it was a last minute decision to go away, we found ourselves taking the only accommodation available - a new B&B called Sweet Briar, just 3kms up the road from the Clare County Club. The reason it had remained vacant was the unusual lack of photos on their website so nobody was willing to book sight unseen. Except for my mother of course.

Well, the dive into the unknown worked out splendidly. Sweet Briar was fabulous.

The front of Sweet Briar

Nestled amongst its own vineyards (which the owners make wine from of course), we were treated to a large three bedroom home, which had a wrap around veranda along the front and side (in typical old South Australian style), spacious rooms, a little extra room off of our bedroom complete with bunks (but we just popped Ivy's portacot in there) and a large extension off the back which housed a second bathroom/laundry, and open lounge/dining area with combustion fireplace. 

It would be fair guess to say the owners also use the house, as the little extras were all thought of. There were condiments in the kitchen, napkins, soy sauce, plenty of cooking pots & pans, plus other handy items.

The view from the lounge

There was a dam out the back, so if you have young kids make sure you keep an eye on them, but it provides a beautiful view and there are plenty of walking tracks around the place to keep you exploring.

The B&B is also located right on the Riesling Trail, so bring your bike along & make the most of what the Clare Valley is renowned for.

As much as I carry on though, I'll let a few photos I took explain the rest for you.

The bottom line is that if you're looking for a great place to getaway with up to 3 couples (and a couple of kids), this is a great place to do it with some good wine, a roaring fire and a beautiful view.

To book or for more info visit http://www.stayz.com.au/108516

The view to one side of the house

The King size suite

The lounge area (TV is off to the left, dining to the right & two more big lounges are behind me)

Didn't get time to enjoy the big bath but did enjoy the space in the bathroom!

Another view of the lounge

 The second bedroom (which has the additional room off to the left of the bed)

The kitchen (small but perfectly country with every convenience except dishwasher)

Beautiful sunsets enjoyed from the veranda

A quirky little place to enjoy a red wine & a view of the vineyards