Napping in Prahran and French facials

Over the last six weeks, I have ruthlessly househunted, found my perfect apartment, bought it, packed, moved, unpacked, had housewarming drinks and now planning a feature wall in the beautiful heritage pad I now call home.

I feel like I've aged at least 12 months for each week.

So it was a welcome relief when I had an already scheduled appointment with a beautician that I'd been hearing good things about since the start of the year. Known as the The French Facialist, Christine Clais is indeed our local Frenchwoman extending her knowledge and offering her healing hands by way of facials in Prahran.

Christine is an expert at reading your skin and applying the treatment that best suits you personally. The appointment first entails the standard information collection form followed by a chat about the history of your skin, body, health and lifestyle, plus any concerns you have.

The French Faciliast then goes about doing what she does oh-so-well; looking after your skin. Refreshingly, Christine gives you full permission to switch off when she tells you she prefers to work in silence. This suited me just fine given my exhausted, somewhat shell-shocked post-moving state.

My facial went for 90 minutes, although I can't entirely remember the process - I was simply too relaxed to care about anything at all. But the results were evident when I eventually needed to wake up, sit up and check myself in the mirror (often the scary part after a facial...). My skin was plump, soft, supple and rosy, without any dermabrasion, peels or needles. In fact, if I don't mind saying so myself, I looked damn good!

I was then recommended a few products (sans pressure to buy) that were best for ME: not just my skin type and personal beauty concerns, but also for my schedule (or lack thereof). The products have been excellent for me and I'm enjoying seeing the positive changes in my skin. I'm now counting down the weeks until my next scheduled facial with Christine (aka, napping in Prahran).

If you're sick of never knowing what the right treatment is for you, confused about the array of options available when you visit a beautician, or just looking to make some positive changes to your skin, consider putting yourself in the hands of The French Faciliast. Christine is such a warm, lovely person who is clearly highly experienced - also, her skin looks amazing - always a good sign.

my treatment: 
Le Royal Facial-Signature facial
(90 mins) $195AUD
"This high performance facial features the use of LED light therapy to encourage skin detoxification and cellular rejuvenation. Also includes deep pore cleansing as well as a scalp, face, hand and foot massage. A real journey of total skin, mind and soul rejuvenation."

http://www.thefrenchfacialist.com/
296 Malvern Road
Prahran
PH: 0410 556 557

Another sacrifice, dear?

Think you got it tough? Thank your lucky stars you're not in 14th century Mexico.

It seems when the Aztecs weren't hard at work being sacrificed, they were hard at work making implements to support the process of being sacrificed. Or having their possessions taken from them to pay for 'tax'. Or having their soul tested through a grueling nine trials of the underworld in order to reach the paradise of the north - after they've died, that is. Unless of course they drowned which would guarantee one express ticket direct to paradise. Score.

Sacrifice was a family affair for the Aztecs.

This remarkable civilisation, rich in bustling trade, agricultural technology and, ok, maybe a bit too much of the old god-worshiping via human sacrifice, stamped their mark in South American history over the course of 200 years.

And now they're in Melbourne (eep).

On until August 10, our dedicated Melbourne Museum has brought the incredible history and story of the Aztecs to life (not literally - we hope), in an exhibition that will have you thinking well beyond the realms of your pulled pork taco and Tromba tequila (mmm).

It's cold and miserable outside in Melbourne. Get chills of a different kind and spend the day soaking up the story of the Aztecs at Melbourne Museum. Hot tip: make use of the audio tour.

Aztecs: An Epic Story of Life and Death
Melbourne Museum
Daily, 9 Apr - 10 Aug 2014
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

When LMM comes to town

This time last week I was surrounded by boxes in my Carlton apartment, wondering what the hell I was doing. No one likes moving. Everyone, at some stage in the process, asks themselves 'why exactly did I decide to do this?'.

But tonight, in my very own city pad (and in my very own substantial debt), I'm completely unpacked with everything in its place. Housewarming drinks have been drunken, subsequent mess has been unmessed, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. I mean - the place has a *bath*. Yay!

Most of all, I'm back where I feel most at home - in the heart of Melbourne. Flinders Lane. The town hall clock. Block Arcade. Shanghai Street Dumpling. Paris end of Collins. Spring Street Grocer. Flagstaff Gardens. The nooks. The crannies. The buzz. The energy. Whatever I want, whenever I want it. And so many beautiful buildings.

As you can imagine...there are many city tweets and posts to come...

I've moved back to the city. And I LOVE it.

Truly yours, 

Little Miss Melbourne xoxo 

top image via zazzle.com  - bottom image www.instagram.com/littlemissmelbourne 

Bodytorque: ballet with bite

If you like ballet with a bit of an edge, you have just one more opportunity this season to get to the Arts Centre and witness a series of clever talent emerging from The Australian Ballet.

Bodytorque has debuted in town this season showcasing the works of five aspiring choreographers, inspired by a theme of "DNA", together with the graceful strength, poise and skill of the Ballet dancers.

I loved seeing how each choreographer interpreted the theme, leveraging the skills of the dancers and oozing personality, in a very consumable five performances across 79 minutes including interval.

Fantastic for those looking to see how the next wave of dance is taking shape, or if you're new to the ballet and want something fresh, sharp and snappy to get you started.

Beautiful, eerie and enigmatic. What a thrill!

Bodytorque
Tuesday 24th June, 2014
Melbourne Arts Centre
Tickets online from $41 for students or $71 for adults

More, please.

Last weekend I had the delight of attending a very special Blue Poles wine tasting event being held at Moretons Brasserie in Carlton's north. I use the term delight as it involved beautiful wines, delicious food and lovely company - everything you want on a cold, lazy Sunday afternoon (especially when it precedes a public holiday Monday).

An added bonus was the discovery of yet another sneakily tucked away, humble and gracious French restaurant, as we are fortunate to have dotted all across Melbourne. I just love the subtle French connection undertones we have running through this city.

The wine connection with Blue Poles Vineyard, on the other hand, has been much more virtual having been nattering away with them over Twitter for what would probably be years by now. However, with Blue Poles actually located in the sunny West region of Margaret River, visiting the cellar door is somewhat more than just an hour's drive out of Melbourne CBD. Thus, sadly, I hadn't yet had the pleasure of trying their wines. And now I'm glad that I have.

Over the span of an afternoon a variety of reds were sampled with a generous three course meal from Moreton's Brasserie and a choice of dishes for each course. Naturally, I opted for the house made duck liver pate followed by duck confit, and lastly, CHEESE!

Paired with the pate I sampled the 2011 Teroldego ($30/btl), apparently one of the rarest wines in Australia. Lucky us. Now, I am but a mere novice in comparison to some, but I do like my reds and the "terrr-ol-dego" was deep in colour with a rich flavour of cherries and berries and full of life. I would most definitely drink it again :)

For main, I couldn't resist the duck confit which was perfectly cooked and tasted even more sensational with a 2010 Blue Poles Reserve Merlot. Hands down my favourite wine of the day but oh-so-sadly now sold out so I'm pleased to have had the chance. Rich and full bodied, it complemented the game flavour and crispy skin of the duck nicely. The 2011 Reserve Merlot was slightly spicier with more oak than the 2010 and a dryer finish (2011 was a much hotter vintage season than the previous year). While I didn't feel the desire to entirely guzzle this one quite as quickly as the 2010, it was still very tasty and unlike the 2010, is still available for purchase ($40bt).

We wrapped up the afternoon with our Plateau de Fromage, of what we could fit in after the previous courses, and the Allouran - a Merlot and Cabinet Franc blend mostly of a 70/30% weighting, respectfully. A fairly elegant wine with plenty of personality, my fave was the 2007 for smoother drinking and less of the rich chocolate flavours found in the 2008.

Slowly, casually, lazily, the afternoon went by and we eventually departed Moretons, no doubt to retreat to a couch somewhere for a bit of a doze. That's what I did anyway. What a truly splendid way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

You can find Moretons on Rathdowne Street on the cusp of Carlton and Carlton North. Thank you also to Tim and Mark, owners of Blue Poles Vineyard, for being our wonderful hosts for the afternoon. If you'd like to join their mailing list to hear of specials and other events, do so here and you'll find them on Twitter as @bluepoles.

Bon appetit! 

French Elegance at this year's Eat Street

Catching up with fellow freelancer Sarah Kempson today, I nearly fell off my chair when she reminded me that 2014's Eat Street is next week. I honestly can't believe we are inching towards the end of May already.

But indeed we are, and the time has come to once again frock up and rock up to one of Melbourne's most prestigious foodie affairs held at the Sofitel Melbourne.

Besides the chance to get all fancy, indulge in signature dishes from over 30 renowned Melbourne chefs AND raise money for charity, this year's theme - French Elegance - is also set to appeal to the Francophile in all of us. 

This year's participating restaurants include the likes of:

- Coda
- Cumulus Inc.
- Hellenic Republic
- St Crispin
- No. 35
- The Point
- Huxtable
- Estelle Bar

YUM.

It's also Eat Street's 15th birthday which has, to date, raised over $1million dollars for children's charities. So there are plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Last year was beautiful and delicious and I can't wait to see what 2014 is going to offer us.  

It's going to be glamorous, gorgeous and oh-so-elegant. Now...what to wear?

French Elegance at Eat Street
Sofitel Melbourne
6pm, Tuesday 27th May, 2014
Tickets $160pp

  

My time with the chic and savvy Frenchie, Clio

Last month, the lovely team at Soda Communications asked if I would be interested in borrowing a Renault Clio for a couple of weeks to take it for a test spin. A lover of driving but a true city girl who's opted to forgo having a car in Melbourne, I jumped at the chance.



It came at particularly good timing seeing as I'm usually in Paris at this time of year but have also forgone this while I save to buy myself a shoebox apartment in the CBD. Sigh. It certainly helped ease the travel-less burden while driving around in a French car instead, doing as many French-related activities as I possibly could (sorry about all the Instagram love).

But back to the car. The new Renault Clio Expression TCe 120 five seater hatch is a real little pocket rocket. Small in dimension but roomy inside, she's like the Mary Poppins handbag equivalent for cars, making her ideal for both families (includes anchorage points for kiddie seats) or singles and couples. The 1.2L engine is enhanced with a turbo which comes in handy for when you need to pick up speed with the traffic, and pronto.

Keyless ignition, clever Bluetooth phone and audio, satnav, and super easy-to-operate cruise control all make for a happier, easier driving life. Fuel-wise, you can get around 100km out of 6L of standard unleaded petrol which came in use for some of the country driving we did together - in which she handled very well and was comfortable to sit with for a few hours’ worth of bonding. It did feel like 100km/hour was much faster than normal, maybe as she's so close to the ground.

Being such a neat little package, Clio was easy to park for the tighter spots in the city - phew. As she's a European car, you do eventually get used to using the indicator on the left, and window wipers on the right... A fun feature of the test vehicle is the exhaust sound effects you can choose to make it sound like you're actually on a motorbike, in a rally Renault, or in a hovercraft. Like you do.

Available in a range of colours (because, you  know, that's the most important part - after the turbo), you can also personalise your Clio with a selection of internal and external coloured trims, wheel rims and roof decals. Very chic.

Of course, also always important is the number of 'pockets' in a car and useful drink holders. Clio has all of these but they were a little tricky to get to and the drink holders weren't quite super-sized enough for us Aussies.
But now I'm just getting picky.

All in all, the auto Clio Expression TCe 120 1.2L five door hatch is a high quality, compact coupe, perfect for city and country driving and a bit of fun, from just $19,790 (auto).

Alas for me and my impending mortgage doom, it's back to using GoGet car share which, my friends, almost made me cry when I returned to using it last week. Really.

Many thanks to both Renault Australia and Soda Communications for the lend.

Clio, I miss you. 

You can find out more about the Clio and the specs here.

CHEF the movie - out this week

Set in the states, CHEF is a story of an uninspired chef, a high profile food critic, one scathing review and an ensuing public argument over Twitter – all resulting in the birth of a food truck. It’s almost as if this movie were made for Melbourne.

In cinemas from this Thursday 8th of May, CHEF looks hilarious and is set to appeal to any foodie, hospo, social media addict, taco-truck lover, or simply anyone who’s a fan of Sofia Vergara or Robert Downey Jr. – not to mention Dustin Hoffman, Jon Favreau and Scarlett Johansson for that matter. The all-star cast alone should be a pretty good indication of what we can expect to see, coupled with promises for a “delectable feast of drama and laughs”.

I’ll be taking one for the team and checking it out on Wednesday to report back via Twitter (it's a tough life). Thanks to Studio Canal, I also have 10 double in-season passes to give away which you can use from Thursday 8th May onwards at your leisure. All you have to do is be one of the first 10 to comment on this Facebook post and name one of the food trucks we have here in Melbourne. Easy!

I personally am going to make a night of it and use it as a good excuse to indulge in some tasty tacos before or after the movie (as if an excuse is needed). One thing I wont be doing is going into CHEF hungry…

Bon appetite!


This competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Your personal information is not retained or used for any purpose beyond contact for prize allocation.

H&M hits Melbourne town

One of the (many) things that I love about Melbourne is that it reminds me, so frequently, of some of my other favourite cities around the world - Paris, Barcelona, London, New York, to name a few. So Melbourne is my ultimate compromise for where to live in the world - Australia based but with an international flavour.

But there's been something I've loved doing in each one of these other cities which, up until now, I haven't been able to do in Melbourne. And that is shop at H&M.

 
In case you've been trapped under something heavy and haven't heard the news, H&M have *finally* made their way to Australia and landed in Melbourne. Based on how many of us love traveling and have lived (and shopped) overseas, it wont just be me who's excited by this. 

And apparently it's not just me, if last night's massive VIP launch party is anything to go by. The event was incredibly impressive, organised and synonymous with the H&M brand. More than 1,000 guests entered Melbourne GPO via red carpet last night, reveling in Mumm champagne, canapes and shopping of good quality, stylish pieces at the fabulous prices H&M has been teasing us with for years. And let me assure you, the prices and styles ARE amazing - precisely what Melbourne has been needing and waiting for. Across the multiple levels you can expect to find many different genres of fashion for men and women plus kids wear and Swedish-funky homewares that will leave you craving a full redec.

H&M Australia officially opens to the public tomorrow 5th April from 10am. For the uber keen, join the pre-party at 6am (which I believe is code for 'get in line early') for coffee and juice, L'Oreal Lip Cart to stay pout perfect, plus DJ Anna Lunoe.

Now I just need a new destination to get excited about when I'm overseas. Like...Sephora!

H&M Australia
Melbourne GPO
350 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Om Nom - nom nom nom

I have a friend who, every time we go out for dinner, flicks straight to the dessert menu and insists in all seriousness that we should order sweets for our mains. She hasn't succeeded in her sweet-toothed plight just yet but has managed to convince us to order almost every dessert on said menu when it comes to that part of the night. 

Fortunately, there's a place for people like my friend. It's called Om Nom.

Positioned within the dessert-themed inner city boutique hotel, The Adelphi, Om Nom is the place to satiate that sweet tooth as you indulge in a gorgeous setting. 

The high tea menu has been crafted by French-trained Christy Tania and includes bites like mango and shiso profiteroles, monsieur green tea gateaux and pineapple verinne. No boring stock standard scones here, Christy assures us.

The savoury side of things is accommodated for too with bites like foie gras macaroons, vol au vents and vegetable tempura. Fortunately for the glutards, Om Nom also does a brilliant job of dishing up amazing gluten free high tea, too. 

This High Tea delight is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4pm for $65pp - inclusive with a glass of Louis Roederer champagne. Yum. With it being a boutique venue, bookings are recommended - essential for gluten free. 

Champaign and cake? This is surely what weekends were made for.

Om Nom

The Adelphi Hotel

www.adelphi.com.au

Book: (03) 8080 8888

Coconut oil treats for mums (and yourself)

With all its healthy goodness, I’ve been trying to get my mum into coconut oil for what feels like years. Thanks to Coconut Revolution's suggestion, I can just take things into my own hands and gift it to her for mum’s day which falls on May 11 this year. Why didn’t I just think of that before?

The great thing about coconut oil is that it contains the kind of saturated fats which are converted to energy rather than being stored as fat. Winner! It’s been reported that coconut oil can help with type 2 diabetes, immunity and weight control while also being super hydrating for skin on the outside, too. What kind of woman (or man) wouldn’t want all this?

Treating both inner and outer health, Coconut Revolution products are packed with the nutrients of 100% cold-pressed, organic, virgin coconut oil. Mmm. These guys have harnessed the goodness of coconut oil to create a whole range of products for hair, skin, body and diet - and have also created some mother’s day pressie options accordingly.

They have a choice of gift packs with the lot, hair serums for the mum who loves to primp, Coconut Revolution Night Cream to pamper her while she sleeps, and coconut oil for the masterchef mum (coconut oil is GREAT to cook with and healthier than using olive oil at high temps).

Because life should be easy, you can buy all of Coconut Revolution’s products online at www.coconutrevolution.com.au. I found their news page has some great tips on using coconut oil too, like DIY coconut body scrub - will definitely be looking more into that for myself.

Mum, if you happen to be reading this, you know what you’re getting for mother’s day ;)

Yours, 

Little Miss Melbourne xoxo

PS - If you want to read more about coconut oil health benefits, I thought this article was quite good.

MSO Pops: win a double pass to this weekend's A Journey Through Jazz

This year’s MSO Pops concert series has a distinct Broadway/Musical/Jazz edge to it and is kicking off this awesome long weekend with A Journey Through Jazz. Starring jazz man himself, James Morrison, concert goers will enjoy music made famous by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and more.

A Journey Through Jazz forms one third of the MSO Pops concert series with Teddy Tahu Rhodes on Broadway and American Panorama happening in June and November this year, respectively. It’s a brilliant series celebrating vintage glamour with musical theatre and is set to appeal to us lucky Melburnians whether we’re passionate music lovers or just up for a great night out with a jazzy twist.



To help us enjoy the full series for less, MSO have created a neat subscription package that allows you to buy tickets to all three for a lower price than if you were to purchase them separately. Sounds like a good deal to me. Just hit ‘BOOK SERIES’ on the link below to check out the different pricing options. Better yet, MSO are currently holding a competition for everyone who buys a subscription or a ticket to the first concert to enter the draw to win a trip to ‘the home of jazz’, New Orleans. Cool huh?!

MSO have also kindly offered one of my readers a double pass to see this weekend’s A Journey Through Jazz, for either Saturday 7pm, or the Sunday matinee at 2pm. You just need to make a comment below before 5pm and winner will be selected at random.

This is a great way to kick off what’s going to be a fantastic year of live entertainment from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Get your jazz on this weekend! 

MSO Pops Subscription Series 
7pm Saturday or 2pm Sunday
Hamer Hall, Melbourne http://www.mso.com.au/subscription-series/mso-pops-4/

Never say never

A late night, morning workout and hotel check out meant a late breakfast today in Brisbane.  For a change, I was completely organised and had planned to hit up Paleo Café on Market Street for gluten free paleo pancakes (YUM!).  According to their website, these guys were serving up the good stuff til 11.30am - alas, it turns out you shouldn’t believe everything you read as their breaky stopped at 11am (I got there at 11.20).  Disaster! 

Rapidly getting more hangry (hungry angry) with every heel clad step, I headed for nearby Eagle Street Pier and came across what I thought only existed in suburban shopping meccas - The Coffee Club.  With hesitation (desperate times call for desperate measures), I checked out their menu and veolia – all day breaky, gluten free friendly, plus free wifi.  Tick tick tick.  Even more exciting is that they could accommodate my temporary sweet tooth and make the French toast gluten free – huzzah! 

While the coffee is (unsurprisingly) a little to be desired, the French toast is light, fluffy and delicious.  The service is good enough and the outdoor seating with fresh air, on the water and a view of Story Bridge is ace. 

Just goes to show, never say never. 

Humbly yours,

Little Miss Melbourne xoxo

SBS Chill on CD (and up for grabs)

SBS Chill's new double CD compilation - smoooooth

I love writing. And love my job. But it's made even sweeter when I have some good tunes to listen to which don't interfere with the mechanical workings of my brain. For this, I like something uber chilled and uninterrupted without always relying on my own music - which I often, inevitably, end up singing or apartment dancing to, thus breaking wordy concentration.

In the past, when I've had the TV on and been too lazy to get to the stereo, I've just switched over to the radio channels for background noise. This is how I first discovered SBS Chill and how perfect it is for workaholic night owls tapping away at the crazy hours.

Streaming 24/7, you can now get SBS Chill on digital radio, online, and through iTunes using their new app. Sourced from all around the world, I love that Chill offers a blend of relaxing tunes that let you escape the hustle and bustle for a while and focus on what's going on just with you.

SBS Chill have just released their first double CD, curated by Rob Miller and Christophe Mallet, with tracks from the likes of The Future Sounds of London, Salif Keita, home grown Sarah Blasko, The Polyphonic Spree and Pepe Deluxe. I've been blissfully listening to it for most of this week and love, every time, that it ends with Chemical Brothers' Dream On. Ahhh - so nice.

You can buy the CD or digital download online - OR you could just win one for yourself. I have a copy of the double CD to give away this week, just comment below with what music you love to chill to. Easy peasy. Winner will be selected based on responses and what I say goes ;)

Sublimely yours,

Little Miss Melbourne xoxo

Kasia Dietz Handbags

With Paris on my mind a lot lately (more than usual), I’ve been thinking about last year’s trip when I was lucky enough to meet some fabulous new people who I now call friends.  One of these people is graceful New Yorker-turned-Parisian, Kasia Dietz.  Many expats and design-focused Francophiles are familiar with and fond of Kasia’s bag designs, myself included.  It helps that she is one of those genuine, warm people you meet who radiates positive energy.  Kasia’s story in Paris is one that we might consider “living the dream” – it involves falling in love, moving to the city of lights and making her designing dreams a reality.  With her bags are now retailing in Europe, America and online, it's a story of growing success.  Here it is:

LMM: How did you end up in Paris all the way from New York City? 

KD: My path to Paris began on Prince Street in New York City on an unsuspecting Spring evening. This is where I met my handsome Italian who months later I followed to the city of lights. Once in Paris I thought what better place to realise my dreams of designing wearable art in the form of handbags, surrounded and inspired by so much fashion and art.

LMM: Sounds divine.  What do you love so much about bags and accessories?

KD: Accessories are the perfect complement to any ensemble, while adding a personal touch. Bags in particular are both fashionable and functional, a necessity whether running around town or traveling around the world. 

LMM: What keeps you interested and motivated?

KD: Much like a relationship, a business takes time to grow and evolve. Watching my handbags make their way into and around the world, as my brand continues to grow, is fascinating and empowering.

LMM: And where do you find inspiration for your designs?

KD: My handbags are pieces of myself, reflecting places I've been, cities I love, chapters of my life. I design out of love for that which I see and the world around me, while keeping a woman's needs in mind. My passion for designing is much like a love affair that continues to grow.

LMM: What’s the next chapter in the story of Kasia Dietz?

I’m currently working on a collection of limited edition clutches inspired by my recent travels to Istanbul. The fabrics are gorgeous!  I’m also designing more Pop Art bags to add to the collection since they have been so in demand! 

Find the designs and collections at www.kasiadietz.com. 

If you’re heading to Paris in the near future and feeling creative, Kasia also runs bag design workshops at Sugar Daze Bake Shop and Chez Moi in Paris – it’s fun and the cupcakes are delicious.  

Bisous!

Little Miss Melbourne xoxo

Summer of Prosecco Pop Up: bubbles and beach in the city

If it looks like Prosecco is my new favourite pass time, well that might be just about right.  While I’ve always been a fan of bubbles in general (I think it’s hereditary), I’m loving the clean, crisp, easy to drink nature of good quality Prosecco (like that of the King Valley) for the summer. 

With Melbourne set to do its standard ‘winter one day, summer the next’ thing this weekend, Brown Brothers is keeping things smooth as white sand with a free-entry Summer of Prosecco Pop-Up Event in Richmond. 

A touch of beach glamour brought to our inner city Melbourne, the tucked away, sand-laden, progressive party will be pouring Prosecco, cranking the tunes and serving bite sized fish and chips from tonight through to Saturday evening.   

For a twist on summer in the city, get your best beachside glam-wear on, a pair of flats or wedges, and head to the Brown Brothers Summer of Prosecco Pop Up! 

Railway Place, Richmond
Thursday, January 23, 4pm-11pm
Friday, January 24, 3pm - 11pm
Saturday, January 25, 2pm - 11pm
http://www.notabaddrop.com/summer-of-prosecco-pop-up-event/

Francophiles unite for So Frenchy So Chic

Each year, I travel over to France for my annual dose of creative inspiration, cultural impression and
a good dose of networking.  I usually love going in the cooler months of February or March when the air is still crisp without being unbearably cold for une petite dame.  This year, however, I'm going to be tied up in February and wont be traveling til later in the year.  Sad face.  Fortunately, Renault have come to the rescue and have offered to actually chauffeur and host me as guest to this weekend's So Frenchy So Chic at Werribee Park.  OUI!  The perfect Francophile reprieve!

The French music festival has been going strong for 10 years, although this year will be a first for me.  I'm very much looking forward to kicking back to the finest in French music, food and wine brought to us by Renault and Cartel Music.  On the food front, browse and savour French inspired goodness from the gourmet food stalls or BYO - but leave the alcohol at home; So Frenchy is a fully licensed event (with all the bubbles you can wish for!).  Before you go, check out the music and artists which will be appearing, here. You may also want to enter the competition to win a road trip around France with two return air fares, Renault car hire and 10 night's accommodation...swoon.

So Frenchy So Chic is a family friendly event.  Les enfants under 12 are welcome for free with lots of kids activities to keep them entertained while you soak up the atmosphere.  Gates open at 12 and the event will go til around 8pm.

Get your Francophile on and come down for a day celebrating the French lifestyle in sheer effortless chic.  Fabuleux!

Little Miss Melbourne xoxo

So Frenchy So Chic
Werribee Park
Sunday 12 January, 2014
12noon to 8pm
BYO food ok, not booze

A letter to 2013

 

Dear 2013,

 

I just wanted to say thanks.  I'll be honest, you were a bit of toughie.  But I've been thinking about you a lot in the last few days and I realised just how much you brought into my life.  Along with new friends, new adventures and new experiences, you also brought me beautiful love, if only for a short time.  

You brought me mental, physical and emotional challenges - some of which I've never experienced before.  But they each helped me learn a great deal more about myself, and more about other people.  In fact, you've helped me grow a lot in the last 12 months - and for that, I am grateful.

 

You've paved the way for some rather fabulous goals for your incumbent which I am incredibly excited about.  2014 has a lot to live up to, and I have faith that it will deliver.

 

But now it's time for you and I to say goodbye.  You will always be a part of me.  I will remember you forever.  And I will cheers in your honour tonight with delectable champagne whilst surrounded by great people and having a wonderful time.

 

Farewell 2013. 

 

Bisous

 

Little Miss Melbourne xoxo

 

 

Nobu Melbourne's A Taste of Peru

Traditional Peruvian Pisco Sour

I love a good thirsty Thursday and now stylish Nobu Melbourne is bringing it to us every week with A Taste of Peru – a fusion of South American flavours with Japanese techniques and some damn fine cocktails.  This week I had the pleasure of sampling the menu so I could share the good stuff with you.  What more could a girl ask for in the days leading up to Christmas?  

Rosa Valha - "romantic and sexy blend"

Machu Pichu Smash! Fave.

The cocktails were energetic, fresh and unique with a good balance of tasty flavours and consistencies.  Averaging around $22 a cocktail, I thought this was very reasonable considering the venue (of which I am a new fan, being a previous Nobu Melbourne virgin).  Hands down, my favourite was the Machu Pichu Smash with Brazilian Sagatiba Pura Cachaça, Elderflower Cordial, Lemon Juice and fresh apples.  It’s also fun to say.  

The tapas, share style menu offers tasty numbers like grilled scallops with aji amarilo salsa, king crab ceviche on butter lettuce and 48 hour cooked short ribs.  SO GOOD.  Slightly limited on the vegetarian front if you’re that way inclined but I have no doubt they will be able to happily accommodate your every need. 

Homage to his earlier chef days in Peru, Executive Chef Christopher Shane brings us A Taste of Peru every Thursday night from 5pm at Nobu Melbourne.

You’ll like it if you enjoy casual sophisticated with good food, drink and music.  Check out the menu here.

I’m already planning for more scallops and Machi Pichu right after Christmas…hello holidays! 

Little Miss Melbourne xoxo

48 hour cooked short rib...mmm

A Taste of Peru
Weekly Thursday from 5pm
Nobu Melbourne
Riverside at Crown
Tapas $12 - $35 per dish
Cockails $20 - $35

Have you suffered hormonal amnesia?

I was chatting with a dear friend today who was feeling a little, well, anti-world.  That's ok; it happens.  But she explained that she couldn't quite understand how yesterday she could have easily married the world, where as today she wanted to shoot it.  Without her telling me any more of the story, I knew exactly what was happening.  Hormonal amnesia.

It seems to happen to almost every woman I know, myself included.  Complete and utter bewilderment when all of a sudden our clothes feel as if they don't fit, we are easily distracted or pissed off with the world, we could eat the gross domestic product of a small country - per meal - and everything seems to tick us off, all within a concentrated space of time for ABSOLUTELY NO REASON.  Grrr!

Of course, it's not too much later that we experience a divine penny-dropping moment and realise that we are just due to be slightly hormonal that week.  Or some poor suffering soul has reminded us why we suddenly have a personal vendetta against, well, everything.  The husband of another friend of mine is divinely patient with his gorgeous wife reminding her almost every time why she feels so strangely, abnormally tired from time to time.  Hormonal amnesia, my friends. 

#giggle

This is where I should mention that men (or women) should never - ever - suggest that a woman is in a bad mood thanks to her hormones.  There is no license or negotiation around this.  It's just sheer idiocy.

But I digress. 

As a woman, the concept of hormonal amnesia seriously makes me chuckle.  It's not like we are new to the idea yet almost everytime can't help but wonder what the hell is going on.  How is it that we
forget all the personal symptoms over just a small period of time (scuse the pun)?

One potential positive to all this is that maybe it's a sign of us simply enjoying and being distracted by life - and that we can recognise when something's up.  Or due.  Either or.  If one thing's for sure, we will probably forget again.

Yours,

Little Miss Melbourne xoxo