New Year's Eve 2014

Here we are folks. It's #NewYearsEve. We have survived 2014 with plenty of ups and downs, successes and failures, as well as seeing some fantastically wonderful world events along with some deeply sad ones. 

 

However you all experienced this year, it is time to reflect and feel good about what we have achieved and relish in the fact that we are all here now on 31 December 2014 ready for the beginning of the new year.

 

As the sun sets on 2014, just want to take a moment to wish everyone in St Kilda and beyond a very Happy New Year, and looking forward to what 2015 has in store for us.

Photo: Sunset at St Kilda Beach

 

Australia Day Already?

#Christmas was barely over for 2014 and some stores began displaying their stock for #AustraliaDay! It seems a little ridiculous that we seeing the #Australiana paraphernalia for next year when this year isn't even over yet. But then again, it was in October that we began seeing Christmas stuff in retail shops, so one month in advance could be viewed as a little late?

 

The positive side to this is that we all can take four weeks to prepare for 26 January 2015!

Photo: Discount shop on Carlisle Street already displaying Australia Day stock.

 

Photo: The Reject Shop

Christmas Eve Crazy

It's #ChristmasEve! Can you believe it? It seems like everyone is out on this sunny #Wednesday to do all their last minute #Christmas shopping.

There are cars galore out on the streets today and judging by all the honking horns, there are quite a few aggravated people around.

Please drive safely everyone and be kind to one another. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas as a religious tradition, the sentiment of peace and love should still be one that is easily and freely shared. An extra few seconds to wait while someone reverse Parks won't kill you.

Calm your inner crazy and Enjoy your day.

24 Hr Shopping at #Chadstone Tonight

OK, #StKilda, if you're wide awake tonight and still haven't completed your #Christmas shopping, then you're in luck. Chadstone Shopping Centre is OPEN ALL NIGHT tonight, right through until 6pm tomorrow night (Christmas Eve).

 

Even if you feeling like a little bit of a late night outing, maybe this is somewhere to go.  Yes, parking might be tight but after midnight it is usually a lot calmer.  Happy shopping, folks!

 

Photo: Screenshot from the Chadstone website.

 

33°C in St Kilda today.

 

It's a balmy 33°C in #StKilda today and the #StKildaBeach Foreshore is packed with people! It's a great vibe with the majority of people behaving and enjoying the #beach. Some may regret their new shade of red skin tomorrow, but there was definitely the smell of coconut oil in the air!

 

It was sad to see one dog owner with his dog on the sand, which was lying down on its side panting in the direct sun.  We were actually concerned for the dog, despite the fact that #dogs are not allowed on the beach at this time of year. We can only hope that he took his dog to some shade and gave it some water. 

 

It was great to see the St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club set up and keeping an eye out on everyone. They do a great job and we are grateful.

 

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday folks!

Photo: St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club set up their Beach Patrol today.

 
 

 


 

For Lovers of DVDs

Calling all lovers of #DVD. #VideoVision on #CarlisleStreet are having their annual Christmas sale of their Ex-Rental DVDs for just $5! Now that's a bargain!

 

They're at 177-179 Carlisle St, Balaclava, not far from #BalaclavaTrainStation.  You can also find them on Facebook here.

Photo: Video Vision DVD Sale

Glass Merchants

#Sunday afternoons in #StKilda are now becoming a social event during the warm #Summer months. There are many places throughout the suburb where you can catch up with friends and chill out over a latte or a lager.

 

#GlassMerchants in #Balaclava / #EastStKilda had their #fans going blowing a light spray of water throughout the venue [Video: http://youtu.be/41llep8vhKk]. 

This is reminiscent of cafes in parts of tropical Asia where they do this to help cool the place down.  That as well as the brightly coloured #umbrellas hanging upside down over the bar, created a fun vibe, however, but perhaps be sure you put your phones, keys, etc. in your bag under the table if unsure whether these will be effected by any mist.

 

Photo: Colourful umbrellas hang over the bar



Photo: Glass Merchants, Nelson St, Balaclava / East St Kilda



Photo: Fans spray a light mist throughout the venue







Burst Water Main on Carlisle Street

#CarlisleStreet, #Balaclava / #EastStKilda is looking a little wet this afternoon due to what seems a burst water main. This has occurred between Balaclava Train Station and Chapel Street.

 

South East Water has arrived at the location to hopefully rectify this problem as soon as possible. It appears that in one section closer to the train station, the footpath has lifted up and water is gushing out into the gutter, and there is another spot a little further along toward Chapel Street where water is leaking as well.

 

Fingers crossed that this can be fixed quickly so no more water is wasted.

Photo: Carlisle Street looking a little wet due to burst water main.

Photo: Burst water main on Carlisle Street, Balaclava / East St Kilda

 

Las Chicas All Day Breakfast

The #café called #LasChicas on #CarlisleStreet, right at #BalaclavaTrainStation is one place along this strip to get an All Day Breakfast.

 

Today's order was Poached #Eggs with #SmokedSalmon. It was nice enough even though the eggs were a tad on the small side. The service was good though. All the guys were really friendly which made for a pleasant experience overall. 

Photo: Poached Eggs & Smoked Salmon at Las Chicas Café.

Carlisle Street #Christmas Window

Some of the shops along #CarlisleStreet, #Balaclava / #EastStKilda have gotten into the #Christmas spirit.  Yes, OK it's a retail thing but there's just something about seeing a whole bunch of colourful lights and Christmas decorations that make people smile. This little discount gift shop called #Staor, along the strip is one colourful sight at night, on what is normally quite a dark and dull street once the sun goes down. 

 

There's no real theme to the window display, but it's very bright and colourful. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you can't not smile when you walk passed this display (even if it's to have a little giggle!).

 

Enjoy the Holiday Season, everyone.  

Photo: Staor Gifts on Carlisle Street, Balaclava / East St Kilda

World Aids Day

December 1st is #WorldAidsDay.

This post comes a little late in the day, but still wanted to acknowledge it and take a moment to think about all those people living with #HIV and remembering those who have died.

Photo: Princes Bridge displays the very prominent sign for World Aids Day 2014