Above: Inspiring products and window displays from Manon
Location: 294 Park Street, South Melbourne, 3205.
Phone: 03 9686 1530
Email: info@manon.com.au
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Mademoiselle Manon
Discovering Manon was like stepping into France, via South Melbourne. This gorgeous little boutique has everything from French-style plimsolls in a rainbow of colours, French beauty pampering products, unique clothing, bags, homewares and gifts. All products have a tasteful, non-fuss feel so release the chic mademoiselle in you and make a visit!
Above: Inspiring products and window displays from Manon
Location: 294 Park Street, South Melbourne, 3205.
Phone: 03 9686 1530
Email: info@manon.com.au
Above: Inspiring products and window displays from Manon
Location: 294 Park Street, South Melbourne, 3205.
Phone: 03 9686 1530
Email: info@manon.com.au
My Melbourne Music - MSO in the bowl
“Get there early…apparently last year people were locked out because it was so popular!” were the words of advice from my friend regarding the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) concert at the Sidney Myer Bowl last night. This was the first of four MSO concerts that will take place over the next couple of weeks, each with their own theme, such as ‘Opera Showcase’ or ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
The friend who issued the advice of arriving early plays in MSO so trusting her previous experience we arrived, picnic blanket and snacks in hand an hour before the event started. We claimed a spot on the hillside, looking down into the bowl and set up our picnic headquarters. The free colour programme issued to each guest on entry provided several pages of information on the concert, keeping us informed, entertained and excited while we waited for the event to commence. Details on the composers, the conductor and special guest, Maxwell Foster were included in the programme.
The theme of this concert was ‘Romantic Favourites’ and included Verdi’s The Force of Destiny: Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Brahms’s Symphony No. 1. The conductor for the evening was Lutz Koehler, who is currently visiting Australia from Europe. Koehler has extensive experience; he was a professor at Hannover Hochschule for 25 years, Professor of Conducting at the Berlin University of the Arts and has most recently been appointed Professor of Conducting at the Escola Superior do Musica de Catalunya in Barcelona.
Maxwell Foster, winner of the 2008 ABC/Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards made a special guest performance on piano. Having already completed an AMusA in Queensland, Maxwell has moved to Melbourne to study with Rita Reichman and attend the Australian National Academy of Music. Maxwell has been invited to perform with numerous Australian orchestras and with such extensive talent, has a bright future ahead.
Above: MSO tuning before the concert commenced
As evening approached and the clear-blue skies darkened, stars emerged and the surrounding lights of Melbourne grew bright. This was the perfect setting to relax and listen to a beautiful selection of pieces. The crowd were friendly and relaxed, consisting of people of all ages but bound by a common love of music.
Above: MSO during the evening
This concert was recorded for later broadcast nationally on ABC Classic FM.
Other concerts in the series include:
Concert 2 – ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Sat 20th Feb 7pm
Featuring Smetana’s The Bartered Bride (Overture) and My Country: The Moldau and Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and Slavonic Dances (Selection).
Concert 3 – ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Weds 24th Feb 7pm
Featuring Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (excerpts), Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1, R.Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks
Concert 4 – ‘Opera Showcase’ Sat 27th Feb 7pm
Featuring work from Bizet, Wagner, Mozart, Verdi and many more opera greats.
For further info, visit the MSO website: www.mso.com.au
The friend who issued the advice of arriving early plays in MSO so trusting her previous experience we arrived, picnic blanket and snacks in hand an hour before the event started. We claimed a spot on the hillside, looking down into the bowl and set up our picnic headquarters. The free colour programme issued to each guest on entry provided several pages of information on the concert, keeping us informed, entertained and excited while we waited for the event to commence. Details on the composers, the conductor and special guest, Maxwell Foster were included in the programme.
The theme of this concert was ‘Romantic Favourites’ and included Verdi’s The Force of Destiny: Overture, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Brahms’s Symphony No. 1. The conductor for the evening was Lutz Koehler, who is currently visiting Australia from Europe. Koehler has extensive experience; he was a professor at Hannover Hochschule for 25 years, Professor of Conducting at the Berlin University of the Arts and has most recently been appointed Professor of Conducting at the Escola Superior do Musica de Catalunya in Barcelona.
Maxwell Foster, winner of the 2008 ABC/Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards made a special guest performance on piano. Having already completed an AMusA in Queensland, Maxwell has moved to Melbourne to study with Rita Reichman and attend the Australian National Academy of Music. Maxwell has been invited to perform with numerous Australian orchestras and with such extensive talent, has a bright future ahead.
Above: MSO tuning before the concert commenced
As evening approached and the clear-blue skies darkened, stars emerged and the surrounding lights of Melbourne grew bright. This was the perfect setting to relax and listen to a beautiful selection of pieces. The crowd were friendly and relaxed, consisting of people of all ages but bound by a common love of music.
Above: MSO during the evening
This concert was recorded for later broadcast nationally on ABC Classic FM.
Other concerts in the series include:
Concert 2 – ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Sat 20th Feb 7pm
Featuring Smetana’s The Bartered Bride (Overture) and My Country: The Moldau and Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and Slavonic Dances (Selection).
Concert 3 – ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Weds 24th Feb 7pm
Featuring Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (excerpts), Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1, R.Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks
Concert 4 – ‘Opera Showcase’ Sat 27th Feb 7pm
Featuring work from Bizet, Wagner, Mozart, Verdi and many more opera greats.
For further info, visit the MSO website: www.mso.com.au
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
No longer covert: Coventry Bookstore
I have been a huge fan of reading since I was a little girl. As an only-child, reading was a great way of entertaining myself without driving my parents crazy. Reading fascinating stories indulges the imagination and is a beautiful way to be absorbed into another world. Not surprisingly, my love of reading and books has resulted in a love of book stores. One of my favourites in Melbourne is Coventry Bookstore, unsurprising located on Coventry Street, South Melbourne. Dangerously too close to my work, my half hour lunch break simply slips away whilst browsing the shelves of this inspiration haven.
The warm interior is crammed with gorgeous books that will inspire. There is an amazing selection of “coffee table” style books with stunning photography on a range of topics such as interiors, fashion, travel, nature and architecture. However, more “serious” books, focusing on topics such as business, self improvement, current affairs and health are not neglected and nor is fiction forgotten.
Above: Coventry Bookstore
A couple of books I spotted in Coventry Bookstore that I am longing to read include:
Source by Janine Burke explores the common threads that inspire a group of renowned artists and writers. Melbourne: The Making of a Drinking and Eating Capital by Michael Harden appeals because of its Melbourne focus and the historical aspect of how our cultural habits have changed when it comes to drinking and dining.
Above: Books Source and Melbourne: The Making of a Drinking and Eating Capital
There is truly something for everyone in this treasure trove of text and within a half hour lunch break you can be transported to another world of dreams and possibilities.
Address: Coventry Bookstore, 265 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Phone: (03) 9686 8200
For other Melbourne bookstores, visit: http://www.manic.com.au/melbourne.html
The warm interior is crammed with gorgeous books that will inspire. There is an amazing selection of “coffee table” style books with stunning photography on a range of topics such as interiors, fashion, travel, nature and architecture. However, more “serious” books, focusing on topics such as business, self improvement, current affairs and health are not neglected and nor is fiction forgotten.
Above: Coventry Bookstore
A couple of books I spotted in Coventry Bookstore that I am longing to read include:
Source by Janine Burke explores the common threads that inspire a group of renowned artists and writers. Melbourne: The Making of a Drinking and Eating Capital by Michael Harden appeals because of its Melbourne focus and the historical aspect of how our cultural habits have changed when it comes to drinking and dining.
Above: Books Source and Melbourne: The Making of a Drinking and Eating Capital
There is truly something for everyone in this treasure trove of text and within a half hour lunch break you can be transported to another world of dreams and possibilities.
Address: Coventry Bookstore, 265 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Phone: (03) 9686 8200
For other Melbourne bookstores, visit: http://www.manic.com.au/melbourne.html
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Southbank says G’Day to Today
My morning jog was bought to a halt by a group of on-lookers gathered to see Channel Nine’s Today show hosted live outside the Crown Casino complex on Melbourne’s Southbank this morning.
Under brilliant blue Melbourne skies with the Melbourne Aquarium in the background, hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic both looked incredibly fresh-faced for 7.30am.
Above: Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Richard Wilkins
Richard Wilkins (or ‘Dickie’ as he was affectionately called by the crew) interviewed legendary Motown group The Temptations. Best know for songs such as “My Girl”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg" and “Pappa was a Rollin’ Stone” the group boast a total of 21 number-one hits.
Richard discussed the glory days of Motown and the passing of Michael Jackson with original group member, Otis Williams. The group are in Melbourne for tonight’s launch of the Motown event which will tour Australia. The event celebrates fifty years of Motown and along with The Temptations, artists such as The Four Tops, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Martha and The Vandelas and The Miracles will perform. Special performances will also be given by Joan Osborne, Ian Mos and Jimmy Barnes.
For more information on the event, visit: http://www.liveguide.com.au/Tours/638959/The_Four_Tops_The_Temptations_Mary_Wilson_The_Supremes_Martha_and_The_Vandellas_The_Miracles_Joan/The_Motown_Event?event_id=638959#details
Above: Richard Wilkins with Motown group, The Temptations
The show was bought to a close with Masterchef winner, Julie Goodwin and her delicious recipe for the Buttermilk pancakes with caramel sauce.
Despite Julie’s helpful hints to guarantee the perfect pancake, calamity Karl managed to destroy Julie’s handiwork by creating ‘pancake balls’ – you need to FLIP ‘em Karl!
spread the pancake mixture in the pan...
move it a little this way...
and a little that way...
Et Voilà!
For more information on Channel Nine’s Today Show, visit:
http://today.ninemsn.com.au/
Under brilliant blue Melbourne skies with the Melbourne Aquarium in the background, hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic both looked incredibly fresh-faced for 7.30am.
Above: Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Richard Wilkins
Richard Wilkins (or ‘Dickie’ as he was affectionately called by the crew) interviewed legendary Motown group The Temptations. Best know for songs such as “My Girl”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg" and “Pappa was a Rollin’ Stone” the group boast a total of 21 number-one hits.
Richard discussed the glory days of Motown and the passing of Michael Jackson with original group member, Otis Williams. The group are in Melbourne for tonight’s launch of the Motown event which will tour Australia. The event celebrates fifty years of Motown and along with The Temptations, artists such as The Four Tops, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Martha and The Vandelas and The Miracles will perform. Special performances will also be given by Joan Osborne, Ian Mos and Jimmy Barnes.
For more information on the event, visit: http://www.liveguide.com.au/Tours/638959/The_Four_Tops_The_Temptations_Mary_Wilson_The_Supremes_Martha_and_The_Vandellas_The_Miracles_Joan/The_Motown_Event?event_id=638959#details
Above: Richard Wilkins with Motown group, The Temptations
The show was bought to a close with Masterchef winner, Julie Goodwin and her delicious recipe for the Buttermilk pancakes with caramel sauce.
Despite Julie’s helpful hints to guarantee the perfect pancake, calamity Karl managed to destroy Julie’s handiwork by creating ‘pancake balls’ – you need to FLIP ‘em Karl!
spread the pancake mixture in the pan...
move it a little this way...
and a little that way...
Et Voilà!
For more information on Channel Nine’s Today Show, visit:
http://today.ninemsn.com.au/
Monday, February 15, 2010
Easy as BBC
Australia offers some great beers, but it is always fun to broaden your horizons and try something different. The Belgium Beer Cafés in Melbourne are “unofficial embassies of Belgium and promote Belgian culture, beer and cuisine in an authentically Belgian environment.” Five draught Belgian beers are on offer: Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Leffe Blonde, Leffe Brune and Belle-Vue Kriek and “A unique nine step pouring ritual ensures the perfect pour.”
Above: BBC's beer selection
Source: www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com
There are two Belgium Beer Cafes (BBCs) in Melbourne: Eureka, Southbank and Bluestone, St Kilda Rd. Both offer the same beer, wine and food selections. The Eureka location is a perfect for a relaxing drink whilst sauntering along Southbank. The Bluestone premises are located in a historic bluestone building established in the grounds of Vision Australia and have a vast beer garden entrance. This is the perfect rendezvous point to catch up with friends on sunny afternoons. Both premises also have live music playing every Sunday.
Above: BBC Bluestone's expansive beer garden
Source: www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com
For a light dinner a shared pot of mussels are essential. They are available in five different flavours just to confuse you! It is advised to share the massive pot with a friend though – each pot comes with sliced bread and chips with mayonnaise (oh so European!) so are extremely filling.
Above: BBC Eureka on Southbank
Source: www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com
To enhance your beer drinking experience, BBC hosts some great events to enrich your knowledge of beer. Numerous beer courses are scheduled throughout the year and the next one is coming up this weekend. Introduction to Microbrewery Beers will be held Saturday 20th Feb at Beer DeLuxe in Fed Square. A special guest brewer will introduce his range of beers and explain how they have been developed.
The BBC also has a Cycling Club which offers a pretty sweet deal for members. For $30 annual membership, members receive:
•a Cycling Club water bottle
•Belgian Beer Cafés’ Melbourne food and beer vouchers (2 vouchers, per person, per visit can be redeemed)
•monthly complimentary breakfasts; and
•a discount on the Belgian Beer Café's own distinctive cycling kit
For those not into beer, the Belgium Beer Café has some great wines on offer from their frequently updated wine list. However, it is worth ordering a beer just to observe the unique pouring process.
Take advantage of the free live music and drop into a BBC this Sunday for a unique taste of Belgium.
For more information on beer courses, food/drink menus and live music line-ups at BBC visit:
http://www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com
Above: BBC's beer selection
Source: www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com
There are two Belgium Beer Cafes (BBCs) in Melbourne: Eureka, Southbank and Bluestone, St Kilda Rd. Both offer the same beer, wine and food selections. The Eureka location is a perfect for a relaxing drink whilst sauntering along Southbank. The Bluestone premises are located in a historic bluestone building established in the grounds of Vision Australia and have a vast beer garden entrance. This is the perfect rendezvous point to catch up with friends on sunny afternoons. Both premises also have live music playing every Sunday.
Above: BBC Bluestone's expansive beer garden
Source: www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com
For a light dinner a shared pot of mussels are essential. They are available in five different flavours just to confuse you! It is advised to share the massive pot with a friend though – each pot comes with sliced bread and chips with mayonnaise (oh so European!) so are extremely filling.
Above: BBC Eureka on Southbank
Source: www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com
To enhance your beer drinking experience, BBC hosts some great events to enrich your knowledge of beer. Numerous beer courses are scheduled throughout the year and the next one is coming up this weekend. Introduction to Microbrewery Beers will be held Saturday 20th Feb at Beer DeLuxe in Fed Square. A special guest brewer will introduce his range of beers and explain how they have been developed.
The BBC also has a Cycling Club which offers a pretty sweet deal for members. For $30 annual membership, members receive:
•a Cycling Club water bottle
•Belgian Beer Cafés’ Melbourne food and beer vouchers (2 vouchers, per person, per visit can be redeemed)
•monthly complimentary breakfasts; and
•a discount on the Belgian Beer Café's own distinctive cycling kit
For those not into beer, the Belgium Beer Café has some great wines on offer from their frequently updated wine list. However, it is worth ordering a beer just to observe the unique pouring process.
Take advantage of the free live music and drop into a BBC this Sunday for a unique taste of Belgium.
For more information on beer courses, food/drink menus and live music line-ups at BBC visit:
http://www.belgianbeercafemelbourne.com
Sunday, February 14, 2010
One big Spoonful of Blues in Brunswick
Wandering aimlessly one Sunday afternoon led us to Transport Hotel in Fed Square. The windows were fogged up and vibrating from within. We ventured in for a look and stumbled across one of Melbourne’s great bands, Spoonful. Since then, many a lazy Sunday afternoon has been spent at Transport Hotel - drink in hand and foot tapping to the cool bluesy beats of Spoonful.
Band members Andre Warhurst (guitar, vocals), David Lord (harmonica, keyboards, vocals), Kit Warhurst (drums, vocals) and Paul Winstanley (bass) are set to release their latest album, Straight Out of the Gate at Penny Black, Brunswick this coming weekend - this will be one awesome gig!
Above: Spoonful Straight Out of the Gate album launch
Source: http://www.myspace.com/spoonfulblues
Above: The Spoonful band members
Source: http://www.myspace.com/spoonfulblues
Have a listen to Spoonful at http://www.myspace.com/spoonfulblues
Straight Out of the Gate album launch: 20th Feb, 7pm @ Penny Black, 420 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Band members Andre Warhurst (guitar, vocals), David Lord (harmonica, keyboards, vocals), Kit Warhurst (drums, vocals) and Paul Winstanley (bass) are set to release their latest album, Straight Out of the Gate at Penny Black, Brunswick this coming weekend - this will be one awesome gig!
Above: Spoonful Straight Out of the Gate album launch
Source: http://www.myspace.com/spoonfulblues
Above: The Spoonful band members
Source: http://www.myspace.com/spoonfulblues
Have a listen to Spoonful at http://www.myspace.com/spoonfulblues
Straight Out of the Gate album launch: 20th Feb, 7pm @ Penny Black, 420 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Union Lane will brighten up your day
One of the joys of living in Melbourne is never knowing what you are going to stumble over next. I now carry a camera everywhere I go to capture new and inspiring ideas.
Whilst on an early morning run this week past Union Lane, I was stopped in my tracks and could not resist stopping to snap some pics…
I stood for a few minutes to absorb this magnificent street art. The colours are sensational and there are stories within stories. This type of street art is the perfect way to brighten up a drab alley (and my morning!). The little note stuck to the wall with gaffa tape was also an amusing addition…
Thirsty for a little more info on Union Lane, I came across the Red Bubble Website – what a great philosophy! Check it out:
http://www.redbubble.com/groups/melbourne-graffiti
Whilst on an early morning run this week past Union Lane, I was stopped in my tracks and could not resist stopping to snap some pics…
I stood for a few minutes to absorb this magnificent street art. The colours are sensational and there are stories within stories. This type of street art is the perfect way to brighten up a drab alley (and my morning!). The little note stuck to the wall with gaffa tape was also an amusing addition…
Thirsty for a little more info on Union Lane, I came across the Red Bubble Website – what a great philosophy! Check it out:
http://www.redbubble.com/groups/melbourne-graffiti
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