Currently in Melbourne we're experiencing what is playfully referred to the arctic vortex. In other words, our coldest winter in about 30 years. So the Yarra Valley Hot Chocolate Festival really couldn't have come at a better time.

Winter Tropics

Winter has set in here in Melbourne but that doesn't mean you can stay in bed for the next three months. As tempting as that sounds. Located in the centre of Melbourne, QV have created an amazing Summery Tropical Retreat for you to hide away from the cold Winter weather! Last week they launched this little oasis with a spectacular opening night featuring Polynesian musicians and dancers, delicious tropical cocktails and nibbles and tempting chocolates.

Winter Nights

The other night I went out to dinner with my best friend from primary school who's down from Brisbane, where she now lives. I've managed to see her two times in one year which doesn't normally happen, but I think the awesomeness of Melbourne is drawing her back. We decided we wanted to go out for Asian food, which there is definitely no shortage of in Melbourne, but somehow managed to find one that wasn't very good. My friend said her meal was good, but they brought out my meal 15mins after hers and the chicken in the curry was cold. It tasted okay, but we definitely could've done better.

House Of Cards | S/S13 Swamp Monsters | Interview

I recently had the opportunity to interview Ashiya Omundsen, founder of the  Brisbane label House Of Cards for another blog, however due to unforeseen circumstances, it didn't get published there. So I decided rather than let a good piece go to waste, I'd publish it here. Check out what Ashiya had to say about her Spring/Summer 2013 collection Swamp Monsters.

Luna 1878

I'm assuming if you live in Melbourne, you've been to the Queen Victoria Markets during the day, and they're fine for passing some time but they're not great. There are always so many cheap and crappy touristy products which really aren't worth your time. But come nightfall, the markets transform into a local artists and designer paradise. The Luna 1878 Markets is a series of night markets during winter at the Queen Victoria Markets, and I went along to the 3rd night. 

The Light In Winter

Each year in June "The Light In Winter" is exhibited at Federation Square in Melbourne to celebrate winter and the magic it brings. It aims to bring together the creative brilliance in Melbourne to create a whimsical art piece for everyone to see. This year there was a illuminated see saw with the light following the lowest point of the seat. There's a video further down of us discovering this.

A Day In The City: Part 2

If you haven't read Part 1 click here.

After lunch, we hiked across town to The Carlton on Bourke Street but on the way found a new art installation in the Myer windows in the Bourke Street Mall celebrating the 150th Birthday of the Melbourne Zoo. Each window had a big elephant in it with a variety of masterpieces, one of which was painted by my animal counterpart, Mali. 

A Day In The City: Part 1

Today was one big day of sampling some of the little (and mostly free) things that Melbourne has to offer in one afternoon. We started our journey in Sportsgirl because they were offering free manicures and had professional nail artists on hand to spruce up your fingertips (pun not intended). 

Raise The Roof

Today I was lucky enough to be invited to the Australian brand Wish's '60s bohemian inspired winter 2012 collection preview, even though I'm not a fashion blogger. I was joined by my partner in crime Bambi Loves Shoes and together we ascended the many flights of stairs to Hub Melbourne on Bourke Street.