QV Hideaway

Happy second day of spring. I had hoped that the rain might have stopped, but in true Melbourne fashion it’s showing no signs of letting up and the show must go on.

It’s Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and the city is abuzz with all the flowers, fashion and frivolity that comes with the season of new beginnings and sunshine. We haven’t seen the sunshine yet, but QV is celebrating a new beginning – that of QV Hideaway.

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Launched last week with a spectacular lunch (more on that later!) QV Hideaway is an urban oasis in a busy city. A place where you can escape the rain, bask in the sunshine away from the noise of the world or enjoy a range of free events in a fabulous setting. Located in QV Square, QV Hideaway is open until September 21.

Qv hideaway

 

qv hideaway

Officially part of the MSFW schedule, curated fashion events, hair workshops, mini makeovers and exclusive sneak peaks are all on the agenda, together with cocktail masterclasses and string garden tutorials for the more crafty among us.

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The gorgeous hub, aptly decked out as a woodland forest, features trees created from sustainable wood, colourful flowers (provided by Flower Temple who are ah-mazing) and a grand centrepiece – a real, live tree! (Seriously!) Together with ‘the birds nest’ (a private nook you can really hideaway in) and a birch covered cafe serving coffee and sweet treats, the QV Hideaway is the perfect spot to escape to in your lunchbreak, or make part of your MSFW calendar.

jason grech dress

A final note on that launch lunch last week? The sun shone (it was divine!) and we ate particularly yummy woodland inspired food by Brooks. A mini fashion show set the tone for the coming season (including a Jason Grech dress with real flowers sewn onto it!) and we experienced a true taste of spring before that awful Melbourne weather kicked back in.

activity schedule

Or, download the PDF here: QV-Hideaway-Activity_Schedule-5

  • 11 years ago
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The Words

Sometimes, trying to write for fun isn’t fun at all.

Words won’t come to you when they are being drowned out by all the other voices in your head and it’s simply too hard to concentrate when the noise is so great.

Writing isn’t easy at the best of times, but when you are wrestling with so many conflicting emotions, putting pen to paper can be a mammoth task.

Recently, my writing has just been for me. Private thoughts and brain dumps of the mind, hidden away in secret folders on my computer. A blank sheet of paper where the voices can escape to, and I can rest my brain for just a little while.

It won’t be forever, but it is the reality of now.

The words will flow again. And that’s when I’ll be back.

  • 11 years ago
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Fabulous Frock Friday

FFF

Fabulous Frock Friday. Dior.

  • 11 years ago
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neoSKiN

Urgh, winter.

The skies are grey, my toes are cold and my skin is literally flaking off my face.

I feel like I say this every year, but seriously, how much colder can it get? And when will my mood improve? The invitation from neoSKiN could not have arrived at a better time. A winter skin refresh? Yes please!

After more than a few cancellations and reschedules (my fault!), I finally arrived at neoSKiN in Richmond on a Wednesday afternoon ready to be pampered. The salon is a lovely space, and you feel relaxed almost as soon as walking in the door. I filled in the mandatory forms, and was shown to a darkened room where my beautician Liane had a number of treats waiting for me.

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Strawberries, blueberries and an assortment of nuts were a yummy boost to my skin routine, with coconut water for hydration. I explained my skin concerns to Liane, and away we went.

The treatments I was lined up for today included microdermabrasion and a neoOxygen facial. So I got my gear off, jumped into the comfy (and warm!) bed, and closed my eyes.

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Liane started with a cleanse, using one of the Sonic Cleansing Brushes, that lightly vibrates and uses a gentle motion to lift dirt from the skin. Then the microdermabrasion which also feels like light scratching, but is effectively removing dead skin cells and clearing pores. I was thinking about falling asleep, when I realised that the music the neoSKiN were playing was quite boppy and enjoyable – no whale noises to be heard. I felt invigorated and relaxed.

The neoOxygen facial involves infusing products into your skin with oxygen, ensuring that they are pushed further into the skin rather than just applying product onto the surface. A pen like device is used and while the product feels cold, there is no pain or irritation involved. The whole process was extremely gentle and if anything, slightly ticklish on the lips!

Liane completed the process on half of my face, then invited me to look at the comparison between the treated side, and pre-treated side. It was incredible that you could see the hydration before your eyes – on your own skin! Liane completed the treatment and I was left to enjoy the berries and nuts, and sit for a moment. Plus spend time admiring my glowing skin in the mirror.

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Liane recommended more vitamin C for my skin over the winter months and of course, plenty of water!

The whole experience was lovely from start to finish. It’s been a week and my skin is definitely less flakey, however a new skin regime takes 28 days to really prove itself, so remember that the next time you try a product and decide it isn’t working after just 3 days!

You can find neoSKiN in Richmond (where I work!), South Melbourne (were I live!) and Williamstown (where I am moving to!) and get in touch on 1300 neoSKiN / neoskin.com.au

  • 11 years ago
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European Night Market, Madame Brussels Lane

It’s Bastille Day in France, and Germany won the World Cup! All hail Europe! Since we are talking all things European, let me share with you one of Melbourne’s newest hidden treasures – the Madame Brussels Lane European Night Market. Pull on a jacket and scarf, and head to 50 Lonsdale street for a feast for the eyes and a treat for the senses.

madame brussels lane

Mulled wine, German Beer, Italian sweets and the smell of freshly baked pretzels fill the air while the live music will keep you on your toes. The laneway restaurants and shops will be trading, together with stalls from 4pm til late, creating a classic European Night Market, much like those adored in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

euro night

Commencing this Friday 18 July and running for 4 weeks, Madame Brussels Lane European Night market is set to become one of Melbourne’s most anticipated events. Head straight from work for post office beverages, or duck home first and let the market be your first stop on your Friday night out. Head to Lonsdale Street (don’t mix it up with the Madame Brussels bar on Bourke Street!!) and get ready for a night of fabulous fun and entertainment!

Map

  • 11 years ago
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Fabulous Frock Friday

The fun of feathers. Fabulous.

white

  • 11 years ago
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So I cut off all my hair

I’m not suffering from a mid life crises. At least, not yet. I don’t think.

I just want a holiday – and apparently a change is as good as a holiday.

So instead I cut off all my hair. (Don’t freak out – I’ve done this before!)

When I made the appointment for the hairdresser, I didn’t know I was going to cut off all my hair. I’ve been saying I’m going short for years – I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to short to mid length cuts that I’ve dreamt about having the guts to do for some time. But last week’s wind, rain and general catching of my hair on my handbag handle was the final straw. I was done.

Sarah Jenna and JacquiAt dinner just a week ago with Jenna and Jacqui. A rare sighting of my hair down!!

I couldn’t be bothered with it anymore. And in searching for a ‘before’ shot of me with my hair out, I realised all I ever did was put it back in a ponytail or a high messy bun. My love affair with long hair was only convenient when I needed a formal do – the time had come.

On Saturday I headed to the BIBA training academy to meet my hairdresser Tom, a long time friend who I went to Uni with (and who introduced me to my partner so I am forever indebted to). Tom has been cutting my hair for a few years now, and as a friend (rather than just a hairdresser), I know he’d never let me do anything to my hair that wasn’t going to look half decent. I showed him the pre approved by the boyfriend inspiration picture, and with a little encouragement from his colleague Dave, the scissors came out.

inspoHair inspiration – so frenchy, so chic!

The first chop at shoulder length was just to make the process of dying easier, and I already felt lighter. Actually come to think of it, I didn’t mind the bluntly cut shoulder length bob, but what was done was done. Blonde hair lined the floor around my chair. Dye applied, a few chapters of my book and a wash before it was go time.

maynehdUm…. perhaps I should have thought this through…

Tom started cutting. And cutting. And cutting. And then there was a razor. I promised myself not to jump to conclusions before he was done – although potentially the look of nervousness in my eyes gave me away regardless. This was SHORT. I panicked just a little bit. I just need make up. And a different top. It will all be okay, I thought. It’s just hair. It will grow back!

sarah afterThe After shot. Not all bad!

And so I rode the tram home, texting my friend the whole way with cries of ‘what was I thinking?’

By the time I got home and started playing, the look was growing on me. A few coats of mascara and a winged eye, a pin here and there, and all of a sudden, it was kinda cute. And I liked it.

Two days later, there is still some adjusting to be done, but I’m pretty happy. I can’t exactly roll out of bed and throw it up in a topknot (short hair takes WORK people!!) and I have several hair donuts that are now defunct, but the people are right. A change is as good as a holiday.

  • 11 years ago
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Fabulous Frock Friday

giambattista valli couture AW 14

Giambattista Valli Couture AW14.

  • 11 years ago
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Cupp Australia

I am notorious for maintaining a pretty average diet. As you will have heard before, I am a massive fan of the three C’s – chips, chocolate and champagne – and not really big on the exercise side of things when it comes to heading out on a cold winter morning in Melbourne for a run, or snuggling up for another 30 minutes in bed. I know this is what I am like, yet when my body starts to tell me that it needs goodness, I’m not very good at listening.

Over the past three weeks, I haven’t been very well. From being lethargic and blocked up, to having everything I eat hit me like a ton of bricks, my body is certainly making itself heard. Which is why it was timely that I heard from the guys at Cupp Australia when I did.

sarah

Weighing up the merits of a juice cleanse to get myself back on track, I was balking at the cost and potential bad taste of the beverages when Cupp came calling. Located on the ground floor of the Manchester Unity Building (corner Swanston and Collins Streets, Melbourne), Cupp has been around just five months but has already established itself as a go to in Melbourne.

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Started by Victoria Pajouhesh, a former lawyer, Cupp aims to reeducate its customers about juicing processes and encourage the eating of healthier food by making it delicious. Diagnosed with the cancer gene that claimed her mothers life, Victoria set about using the learnings she had gained caring for her mum, and putting these principles in practise in her own life. Simple things that she had done to help her mum, like creating vegetable juices, seemed a good place to start, but rather than juicing the fruit and veg, Victoria blended it, ensuring that all the pulp (the good stuff!!) stayed in the drink.

sarah and Vic

Recipes started to pile up and the Cupp menu was created. Blended drinks are made in front of you at Cupp, salads are freshly prepared and sweet treats (created with natural ingredients and rice bran syrup instead of sugar) are decadent. Victoria is constantly trying to come up with new blends to ensure the flavours remain relevant to the season, and keep the taste buds happy.

The small shop that Cupp occupies is about to be vacated, with the team upgrading to a bigger premises across the hall in the next few months. After my chat with Victoria (while I enjoyed an Energise Me juice blend), we took a tour of the beautiful Manchester Unity building – it’s gaspworthy and simply gorgeous in every sense.

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If you are feeling the effects of a not great diet, stress, too much booze or just need a pick me up, try Cupp. You’ll get all the goodness you need (much more than the cold pressed or Boost juices!!) and it will all be served with a smile from the happy staff at the shop.

Looks like I have a new ‘C’ to add to my list!!

  • 11 years ago
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Uni Hill Factory Outlets

Is it cold in here? Melbourne sure has found the thermostat for the city and all of a sudden, it’s well and truly winter. Eek! Being a super cold being, I can no longer feel my fingers and toes, and am seriously considering not shaving my legs until November simply because I need the extra body warmth.

This past weekend I popped out to Uni Hill Factory Outlets, bringing the boyfriend along for the ride, to find some extra layers for the snow season and potentially something to help keep the heat in for the coming months (like gloves, which I should be wearing whilst typing this I suspect!).

While I had envisioned us walking hand in hand through the stores, my other half quickly lost interest in looking at puffer jackets for me and adorable onesies for our niece, and retreated to the sports area of Uni Hill, where Nike, Adidas, Puma and Fila all reside.

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Surf, Dive n Ski seemed a good place to start and while their winter coats were a little light on, this awesome Billabong beach bag would make a bright addition to a winter weekend away – a steal at $14.99.  Emu Australia also stocks Ugg boots here, reduced to $39.99 (just don’t let me see you wearing them outside of your own homes!).

Screen Shot 2014-06-24 at 5.00.45 pmL-R Kathmandu Puffer Jacket, Cotton On (top) and Lonsdale London (bottom)

Fur collars were abound but it was a puffer jacket I was after. Uni Hill had a stack, all ranging in price and quality. If you are after a cheap and cheerful option, head to Cotton On, a bargain jacket at $30 (and they also have ugg boots for $10!). Lonsdale London have a white version (with the fur!) reduced to $44.95 (in store only, down from $159.95) but the award for best jacket goes to Kathmandu. It’s lightweight and not unattractive, and HALF PRICE. $199, down from $399. If you are heading to the slopes, fishing, hiking or overseas, this is the one for you.

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While there, I sussed out the merino wool tees, perfect for wearing under the jacket while at Hotham later this season. If you want black or white, the full price items are great – but if you don’t mind a bit of colour, the clearance rack is for you. Pink, turquoise and lavender are clearly SO last season, and Kathmandu are giving them away at $15 and $20 a pop. More than half price in some instances!

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Leaving my man to play with the handwarmers, I headed to Cotton On Kids, my real go to for kids clothes. My niece was celebrating her 2nd birthday, and I figured maybe she was cold too…. a divine little coat, a jumper and gumboots (total, $35!!) later, and the present was sorted. 3 for $10 cards at Typo finished the job and I collected my bags and my boyfriend, satisfied with another shopping trip done right at Uni Hill.

Uni Hill Factory Outlets
2 Janefield Drive Bundoora

This post was sponsored by Uni Hill Factory Outlets.

 

  • 11 years ago
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