#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.

 

#BikeShare #StKilda Locations

#Melbourne Bike Share is becoming more and more popular with #tourists and residents, with bike stations popping up all over the city. In St Kilda there are now three locations where you can pick up or drop off a bike. One location is right in front of #LunaPark.  See the map below for the other locations.

 

Wearing a bike helmets is law in #Australia and even though some of these blue #bikes come with courtesy helmets that are passed on by previous users, so if you get a bike that comes with a helmet, then you just leave this helmet with the bike for the next user to use.  Alternatively, you can buy your own blue helmet from selected 7-11 and various retail stores across Melbourne for only $5! For tourists, these are fantastic souvenirs as well!

 

These are such a great way to see the city as well as being a cheap mode of transport.  For more information, check out their website http://www.melbournebikeshare.com.au/

#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.

Fitness First on Alma Temporarily Closed

The #FitnessFirst gym on #AlmaRoad is currently closed for renovations.

 

For those that don't know where this is, it is on Alma Road in East St Kilda between Chapel Street and Westbury Street, opposite Alma Park.

 

They are apparently refurbishing the pool and the entire entrance areas, which is well-needed.  Having lived in St Kilda for nearly three decades and having once been a member of the then St Kilda Fitness, one can remember that the indoor 25m pool was looking old even ten years ago, so it will be exciting to see the upgraded one!

 

The whole gym is closed until 18 January 2015 (which is only a few more days) but the pool works are scheduled to continue until the end of the month.

 

For more information, check out their website. http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/find-a-club/st-kilda/

 

Photo: Fitness First on Alma Rd closed for renovations

 

Saving the Trees

It's such a shame that some of the #trees along our #StKilda streets are being stolen or vandalised. Why would people do this? However, it's great that something is being done about it by the council, and by the looks of these trees on Alma Road it is working. This looks like a good choice of tree too.

 

Well done to the City of Port Phillip for being proactive.

Photo: Protecting the street trees on Alma Road.

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

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.

 
 

 


 

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

 

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

Rainy Days and Mondays

From such a beautiful red #sunset last night to a grey and rainy #Monday today.  That's #Melbourne for you! Karen Carpenter sang about "Rainy Days and Mondays" always getting her down, but don't let the weather get YOU down. Have a good week, everybody!

 

Photo: Grey and cloudy sky for Monday 24 November 2014

 

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

St Kilda 4G Coverage (Vodafone)

#MobilePhone service and coverage in #StKilda has always been pretty good, except during major #Events like the #StKildaFestival when voice and data access is always VERY limited. This is probably due to the number of people in the area at the one time. But it's great to know that the major phone companies like #Vodafone are doing their best to keep us connected. Let's hope their 4G network and service is as good as their advertising!

Tram Stop Advertising

Vodafone 4G Coverage for St Kilda

Flooding on Alma Road

Due to last night's heavy #Rain, some of the local streets experienced some minor #flooding today.

This is #AlmaPark West on #AlmaRoad in #EastStKilda. The flooding was severe enough to affect parking along the street. Not quite sure what this old guy was up to, but perhaps he was trying to unblock one of the drains. You got to love the locals trying to help the neighbourhood!  Thank you, Sir!!



Local man tries to unblock drain on Alma Rd, East St Kilda

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.