#FeastOnCarlisle Sign

With all the elaborate #artwork around #StKilda, sometimes a simple sign is all you need. Like this one at the rear of a #café called "Feast" on #CarlisleStreet, #Balaclava.

#Grilld on #CarlisleStreet

Looks like the new Grill'd on Carlisle Street, Balaclava (#EastStKilda) is off to a positive start. There are so many places to eat along this strip now, so opening it back up to a chain eatery is an interesting move.

There was a time when KFC and Red Rooster used be on Carlisle Street, and the only real major chain food store was, and still is, Subway.

Grill'd do have great burgers, which some people have said are a bit over-priced, but if you have not yet tried, it might be worth giving them a go if you live nearby.

 

It is a shame, however, that several small independent businesses and shop were sacrificed to make room for the relatively large burger venue, but time will tell whether locals will continue to like it for the long term. For now, it is something new and exciting.

Wall Two 80 Cafe's new paint job.

Recently the #WallTwo80 café in #Balaclava / #EastStKilda had a little makeover. Gone is that mural artwork on the external brick wall facing Nelson Street. This is what it looks like now.

Are we fans?

The Wall cafe's new paint job on the outside wall.

"Fresh is Best" for #FruitAndVegetables?

Supporting local businesses and buying fresh #fruit and #vegetables are always high on the agenda, but this concerned my friends and I while walking along #CarlisleStreet, #Balaclava the other night.

 

This long standing Green Grocer is a family business with competitive prices, and the staff are always really friendly. But it is a bit of a worry that they leave their stock outside in the little arcade over night (See photo below).

 

This arcade, that is a walk-through between Carlisle Street and the #Coles car park, is locked at night at both ends and has a roof to protect from rain.  However, the metal gates that close each end of the arcade only stop people from getting in. 

 

Surely the uncovered fruit and vegetables are still exposed to wind, dust, traffic pollutants, as well as the strong possibility of bugs and small animals, and cannot be good for the "freshness" of the produce. 

 

Yes, the weather is cooler at the moment due to Winter, but this questionable practice is not very appealing for consumers. Our own experience of buying a bag of Navel oranges was disappointing after having to throw away many of them because they were rotten on the inside, and we weren't able to determine this until cutting each one in half for juicing.  At the time we just assumed it was bad luck that we got a bad bag, but after seeing the same table of oranges left outside overnight, we now have doubts.

 

We took the night photo on a Saturday night and the day time photo was taken on the following Monday. It seems that the tables of produce that normally are on display out front on the Carlisle Street footpath were merely just wheeled into the arcade so they could be locked up. 

 

It is such a shame that they did this because unfortunately my friends and I will now shop elsewhere for our produce for the time being.  It's also ironic that their little signs have headings saying, "Fresh is Best".  Sadly, that has now come into question. 

 

Fruit and Vegetables left outside in arcade overnight.

During a normal trading day, the arcade is open.

 

#StKildaTownHall Lights Up at Night

If you have gone past the St Kilda Town Hall at night in the past week or so, you would have noticed that it is colourfully lit up and displaying large banner photos of different women on its exterior, as part of an exhibition called "The Furies".

 

According to the City Of Port Phillip's Magazine, "Divercity", these depict 12 local women who are survivors of violence and you will be able to see these for the whole month of June!

 

St Kilda Town Hall is on the corner of Carlisle Street and Brighton Rd, St Kilda.



St Kilda Town Hall lights up at night to display "The Furies".

#2XU #Sale at #StKildaTownHall

It's their yearly clearance. This Sunday 19 April 2015 is the final day to get some bargains on 2XU Sportswear. For all those fitness buffs, this is a great opportunity to stock up on things like #CompressionTights which are on sale for $80 each. These normally sell for $139.99 in stores like Rebel sports, so it's a good discount.

 

The only criticism, which has been mentioned by friends and work colleagues, is that they DO NOT give you a proper tax receipt.  Not sure if this is legal or ethical, so it is very disappointing for such a well-known company to do this.  They also have A4 printed signs all around the room stating that all sales are final, and that there are no exchanges or refunds.

 

For many people this probably isn't a big deal because there are fitting rooms setup inside, so you can try things on before you buy them.  If you are buying items for a friend or partner, for example, just make sure you know their exact size. 

 

Still, the very least that 2XU could do is give customers a legitimate receipt. Some of our friends work in the fitness industry and want to claim some of the apparel on their tax, but without a receipt this is difficult.  It is really odd for them not to give customers a receipt, especially when people are spending hundreds of dollars in one transaction. This is nothing to sneeze at. People work hard for their money, and it is only fair to get some sort of itemized proof of purchase. This is probably something to ask Consumer Affairs or the ACCC (The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) about, for those who are concerned.

 

Overall, some of the discounts are worth checking out. Today is the last day of the sale for this year so get on down to the St Kilda Town Hall, on the corner of Carlisle Street and Brighton Rd, in St Kilda between 9am - 5pm.

 

Good Luck!

 

 

 

 

It's #StKildaFestival Today!

Hope you're all ready for it! It's going to be a fun day.

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

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

A Sunny Hump Day in #StKilda

St Kilda comes alive in #Summer! And it looks like Summer is definitely approaching with these gloriously sunny and warm afternoons this week. What a sunny hump day it is today!

 

Daylight savings makes it easy to get outside for a walk or a jog after work since the sun is still out until at least 7:30pm. Enjoy the rest of your day, St Kilda!

Photo: Intersection of Carlisle St and Acland St

New Paintjob for Public Toilets at Coles Carpark, Balaclava

We ALL have experienced those moments when we are busting and just need to find a loo! Sometimes the public facilities are a little scary.

 

These public toilets situated in the Coles Carpark in Balaclava / East St Kilda have recently had a facelift.  They were looking pretty dismal a little while ago, and weren't very clean or pleasant smelling. 

 

The outside received a new colourful paint job which is much better than the ugly dirty yellow that it was before, which made it look like a shipping container!  The inside has been cleaned up too. 

 

When you have to go, you HAVE to go!!  

Painting the Pedestrian Crossing on Carlisle St

They are currently painting the Pedestrian Crossing on Carlisle St, Balaclava/East St Kilda a bright new yellow!

 

This means that there are some traffic delays in both directions so take care while driving along that strip tonight.  Hopefully it won't take them too long to complete.  Having this pedestrian crossing brightly visible will no doubt make this crossing more safe for everyone.

New Planter Boxes on Carlisle Street

It looks like Carlisle Street in Balaclava/East St Kilda is being given a little bit a of a facelift with these new planter boxes.  It's a great idea to help make this strip more interesting and beautiful, and these have great potential, but maybe the choice of plants lets the whole idea down? Unfortunately these ones look like weeds.

 

Seniors Festival 2014

These billboard posters that are currently being displayed in front of the St Kilda Town Hall, are promoting some of the things going on in St Kilda at the moment. Some events are beginning in a couple of weeks at the end of October, but the Seniors Festival is on right now until Sunday 19th October 2014.  This festival is an annual event and is a great opportunity for the senior citizens of the area to get involved in some fun and fantastic activities.  There are still a few days left to be a part of fun in Port Phillip.

 

For more information you can pop in to the Council Offices at St Kilda Town Hall, located on the Corner of Carlisle St and Nepean Highway, or you can Click Here.

Welcome to St Kilda Life

There are many facets to life in St Kilda.  Living in this neighbourhood means to live amongst an agglomeration of people, food, sights and sounds. There’s a lot more going on than what is advertised on a tourist website. Perhaps people want to know all about the public events and activities that occur, and perhaps they want to know about some of the other things that make up this wonderful suburb that aren’t listed on any website. Each is a wonderful story. This blog aims to share these with you from the perspective of a local who has called St Kilda home for more than twenty years.

Away from the tourist spotlight

There are many things going on away from the tourist spotlight that would also be interesting to share with people, whether they are fellow residents or people from other suburbs or countries. It’s always good to know where you can take your dog for a walk without a leash, which places have free Wi-Fi, where public toilets are, and which bar makes a superb Espresso Martini! But it is important to share some of the things about this neighbourhood that are perhaps, not always viewed as being glamorous and exciting, but for some people, they may be worthwhile knowing about. These day to day things also make up life in St Kilda and you probably will only hear about them from someone who lives there and would experience it firsthand.

Let’s share!

This St Kilda Life blog is about sharing. There is a story in every little pocket of St Kilda: from Acland Street near St Kilda Beach, to Fitzroy Street in the west, to Carlisle Street in the east, there is a story waiting to be told and shared.  Each one is an important part of the St Kilda mosaic. Whether it is the bright lights and sparkle of Luna Park, or what old films are playing at the historical Astor Theatre, there are funny stories, serious stories, and some downright weird stories. But all of these are what make St Kilda an amazing and wonderful place to visit. They are also what make it an incredible place to live because it is never boring.  By sharing these stories with you, it is hoped that you will find them entertaining, interesting and possibly even useful when you next find yourself visiting, or living a St Kilda life.

Roadworks in Balaclava / East St Kilda

There seems to be some construction / roadworks happening this morning on the corner of #CarlisleStreet and #NelsonStreet in #Balaclava / #EastStKilda. 

 

This is near #BalaclavaTrainStation. It seems to have something to do with #CitiPower since they have a couple of trucks parked in the vicinity.

 

There are some traffic detours in place around that area for local traffic, but you can still drive as usual along Carlisle St in both directions. Just be prepared to slow right down, or stop.