Girls Weekends Away Blog

Well girls it’s confirmed, a new study of 300 Australian women by Klick communications on behalf of Vibe hotels; found that 2 in 3 women want to spend more time with their girlfriends but are tied up with work and kids!
The new study of 300 Australian women aged 25 to 34 reveals that:
• 2 in 3 women want to spend more time with their closest girlfriends, but blame work and kids as the main culprits for preventing them from doing so
• For both singles and women in a relationship a ‘lack of time due to work commitments’ topped the reasons at 39%, followed by a ‘lack of time due to family commitments’ at 21% for those in relationships
• When it came to travel, a staggering 3% of the women surveyed who were in a relationship spent their holidays with female friends versus 89% who spent them with their partner
• This is despite the fact that 68% of women in the survey had known their closest girlfriend longer than their boyfriend or partner
• Only 23% of the singletons we spoke to spent their holidays with female friends
Lisa Phillips, Director of Marketing at Vibe Hotels, said: “Our research confirmed what we already knew as busy working women ourselves; that Australian women are feeling the pressure of work and home life on their friendships. That’s despite the fact that our girlfriends are often the ones we’ve known for the longest.”

So you now have the research; you have access to the Girls Weekends Away website, blog and Facebook page; So what better excuse do you need to hang out with your besties?

 

Yes girls it once was a Mortuary but thankfully that was a very  long time ago. The only thing that remains now of this buildings past is it’s name. This establishment is quirky and oozes warmth and charm. I have eaten here a few times and can I say on this visit the food was outstanding, thanks to a new Chef. For entree my friend and I shared the duck confit and walnut croquettes with duck parfait  and shiraz black pepper jelly and Sesame and pepper calamari. The croquettes were  outstanding, so good in fact that I am still craving them now! For mains I had the Pasture Fed Gippsland Tenderloin which was cooked to perfection, it basically melted in my mouth. My friend had the Roasted Pork Belly which was served with cider stewed apples and a pickled mushroom salad, with each bite my friend almost replicated the scene from when Harry met Sally. The wine list had a good selection and the staff were friendly and attentive. I can’t wait to get back to try the roasted pumpkin risotto with almonds crème fraiche and honey or even the The  Hawthorn (a waygu burger).

This new menu is to die for…To visit the website and see the menue  Click Here

Why not give in to temptation and get two adult tickets to attend Taste of Melbourne’s annual premium food and wine festival ($50 value) for $25.

 

Enjoy foodie heaven, when Taste of Melbourne brings together the city’s finest restaurants, for an unforgettable gourmet experience, all under the one beautiful, heritage-listed roof. From September 15-18, patrons can indulge their palates by sifting through the mouth-watering menu of dishes prepared by Melbourne’s most exciting chefs. Appreciation of coffee, cheese, fine wine and cocktails is enhanced with expert-led tastings, tutorials and the occasional dance off when things get heated over a parfait appreciation session. Follow the three ‘S’ motto and sip, sample and savour the gastronomic delights of the Taste Producers Market Just  Click Here. to enjoy… YUMMM.

Yes it is possible to have a great day in Sydney for Just $50 and here is How:-
- Breakfast, egg and bacon roll with coffee at picturesque Circular Quay $6.50
- Public bus to Bondi Beach $4.30 each way ($8.60)
- Swim in the ocean, FREE added bonus Lifeguard Watching
- Back to City for Lunch in China Town, Super Bowl has a Huge Bowl of of noodle soup with dumplings, prawns and pork for $10.50
- Then stroll down George street to the Rocks; wander down the cobble streets and hidden laneways and explore the shops..Free  and
- Now you’ve worked off lunch; it’s time for dinner, we suggest the First Fleet Bar & Bistro, where you can get a steak or chicken burger for $12 and with your change from $50 treat yourself to a glass or two of wine!!

 




 
Girls, I went to see Love Never Dies last night and while I loved the original Phantom, the show is not what I would call a  Phantom 2. The plot has a few shocks, but in some ways is reasonably predictable, I did though feel that the end did not leave me with the dramatic imagery of the original Phantom. The music was well structured and the songs told the story well and the Lead, Ben Lewis was amazing, his voice and range just carried the show. The stage production was visually stunning, it did though lack the mystery and suspense of its predecessor. The problem I had was that the Phantom this time seemed to have mellowed, being seen more than not and the mystery and suspense of the first Phantom void in this production. When the show ended I was a little stunned and felt that something was missing, I just can’t put my finger on it. Anyway it is a good night out, and maybe I was expecting far too much. Anyway go have a look and you be the judge.

Well girls they say that there is only one thing as good as sex….and that is Chocolate and there is plenty (chocolate that is) at the North Wharf in the Docklands. Ladies this is the 4th year that the Chocolate Rush Chocolate Festival will educate, indulge and challenge your palate. You will get to experience all there is to know about chocolate while experiencing offers by Australia’s finest chocolatiers and pastry chefs. While there you can take a class or visit the chocolate market where you can talk to the chocolatiers, sample and taste what’s on offer and buy some of your favourites to take home. Yummm.. There are Chocolate Demonstrations on the chocolate stage throughout the day and then for something different why not try unique handmade chocolates with black truffle imported from Italy. Also there is an exclusive range of European truffle products, including truffle honey, truffle salt and truffle cavier. Plus fresh black Pengord truffle, truffle ice cream and truffle eggs, chocolate truffle mousse, truffle oil and truffle mustard. Heaven!!!

Then after all that chocolate you will need somewhere to rest your head so why not stay in the Docklands.
Here are some ideas :-

Docklands private collection


and


 

 

Boutique Accommodation

When: 13th and 14th August
Where: Shed 4 @ Open Channel, Victoria Harbour, North Wharf Road, Docklands
More info go to:  www.chocolaterush.com.au.

 

The ladies of Le Tableaux Burlesque  have invited people to dress up in 1920′s and 30′s attire to get you in the mood before the show. Unlike most stage shows the crowd becomes a part of the show and creates a backdrop, settting the mood and tempo of teh times. For those adventurous few thare is an opportunity to dance and participate and Girls this is definitely an an extravaganza. Soiree follows the story of sheltered traveller Gilbert Humpnickle who discovers more than just a garden party as Revolt is transformed into a bacchanalian playground. Watch as he falls prey to burlesque temptresses and fiery femmes fatales. Drunk with desire, Gilbert will discover that in the Soiree nothing is as it seems and that the fork in the path can lead to much more than a garden party. So are you willing to follow in his footsteps?
Location
Revolt Melbourne Artspace
12 Elizabeth Street
Kensington 3031
Contact details www.revoltproductions.com/melbourneevents/byevent/SOIREE1
 Date & times 16/07/2011, Saturday: 8 pm – till late

 

Okay girls Euphoria is on every Saturday night at the High Fidelity Bar, and just could become the best night life experience in Melbourne. With plenty of music and atmosphere plus a dress to impress philosophy this is almost a retro experience. The best thing yet is that there is free entry and Bubbles for all us girls, only if you get there before 10:30. 

So where is this : The high Fidelity Bar, 461 Bourke St, Melbourne
Doors open at 9 and remember it is a Dress to Impress event.

Girls this may not be something that I would (these days) want to do but I know that there are many of you that still have plenty of energy in those dancing shoes and plenty of personal stamina to go the distance. This is definitely not for the faint hearted,and you will have to be willing to party party party...Mmm maybe I could reconsider??

P.S. there are asian and local tours as well.. 

Endure the pain, sweat and tears of over 250 of the world’s best tennis players, going head to head in the country’s most prestigious event, the Australian Open. Vying for the number one position will be the sport’s greatest athletes, including Federer, Nadal, the Williams sisters and Clijsters. After enjoying the games, find yourself a spot at the Heineken Beer Garden or Jacob’s Creek Wine Bar and kick back to the sounds of live DJ’s, bands and more. The Australian Open is more than just a tennis event, it is one of Australia’s largest entertainment events that you just can’t miss! And if you want to stay around the city Check out these deals from our Cheesy friend Mr Cappa at Quickbeds for some great deals from as little as $100 a night And remember this Sale ends 30^th January, 2011

 

If you want something different this New Years Eve try the Burlesque Bar where this year there will be  ‘LIFE IS A CABARET,’ a burlesque-inspired ode to all things CABARET! Featuring some of Melbourne’s most talented burlesque and cabaret artists, they will take you back to where Liza began.

Complimentary drink on arrival, canapes, door and costume prizes…and a live 2 hour burlesque and cabaret show that will have you singing and dancing your way into 2011!. Dress to impress or get into the mood with some era inspired costumes; anything from 1920′s flappers and gangsters to 1940′s dapper dans and dames are encouraged. Or throw out your inhibitions and spread some burlesquey corset and lingerie-clad love!Tickets are $65, and are limited so better get in fast! 42 Johnston Street  Fitzroy.  Telephone: (03) 9415 8088

Girls, as promised we will add some more Spring & Summer ideas to have fun in the city. Here are a few more bars to enjoy.

Madame Brussels – Bourke Street
The darling of Melbourne’s balconies is Madame Brussels. The décor;  the feaux lawn, lawn furniture, staff in old fashioned country club outfits. All makes a casual drink feel like a fancy dress party. Why not enjoy cucumber sandwiches, delightful frosted cupcakes and a Pimms on the terrace.

The Deck, Mercantile Place- Cnr Flinders and King St
The Waterside Hotel opens its deck at nights. This open air deck is huge and boasts a barbecue, comfortable outdoor lounges and unique views of the city. On Tuesdays, nibble on a gourmet pizza and wash it down with a beer or glass of wine for a mere $10.

Match Bar + Grill – Swanston Street
There’s nowhere quite like Match in Melbourne – although it does have sister bars in London and Ibiza. This swanky clubhouse comprises a restaurant, cocktail bar, lounge and ‘Wine Wall’ (just insert credit card). But Match’s pride and joy is its sprawling, partly-covered deck overlooking the State Library lawn, where you can do some people watching

Well Girls, here is another Melbourne Spring/Summer thing to do.

Every Wednesday Collins Quarter will have you salivating over their spit.
Yes, yummy rosemary and garlic lamb wraps with yogurt and tomato salad!  for just $7.  Yes, every Wednesday’s from 5pm in The Magnolia Courtyard of Collins Quarter, a perfect place to sit with friends after work and enjoy a glass of wine and a chat, they have a Spit.
Where: Collins Quarter 86a Collins Street Melbourne 3000.
Yes another hidden secret in Melbourne.

Girls with warmer weather coming and no need to be indoors why not meet up with your friends and head for one of Melbourne’s rooftop bars. But which one you ask ???  Well, to help you decide over the next few days we will post some suggestions and remember some of these are hard to find but well worth it once found.

So here are three to start with:
- Siglo Bar- Spring Street Melbourne
With one of the most impressive views in the city, Siglo is the icing on the cake for the building that houses “The European” (ground floor) and “The Melbourne Supper Club” (level one).  Siglo offers an elegant, sophisticated balcony experience with an extensive drink list. Perfect for before or after theatre drinks

- Red Hummingbird – Russell Street
With Flamboyant but tasteful décor, an array of actually comfortable couches plus generous cocktail mixes is enough to get noticed in the Melbourne bar scene, but when you add an awesome but small rooftop bar to the mix, you get a great place for a night out. Look for the red bird cage on Russell Street to find the entrance to this lovely spot.

- Sarti, hidden in Russell Place
This is a sophisticated spot for those who like their al fresco authentically Italian. Boasting a seriously urban view and extensive wine list, Sarti offers a stylish, quiet nook to hideaway in the middle of the city.

Girls as the spring weather slowly shines upon us (I wish) you need to freshen up your spring wardrobe and revisit all that the Melbourne CDB has to offer. We suggest you find a well positioned hotel, so that during the day and at night you never have to walk to far to get to where you need to be.

We chose the Mecure hotel for our recent visit. The Mercure hotel is perfectly positioned at the top of Spring Street opposite the Treasury gardens. The advantage of this hotel is that it is close to trams (the free city circle tram stops right out the front) and is less than a minute walk to the Paris end of Collins street. It is also close to the theatre district, less than a ten minute walk from china town,  funky bars and cafes like the European. Transport is at your doorstep, with Trams and buses to various city fringe outlets all less than a ten minute walk away. The hotel has all of the necessary amenities and is the perfect place to stay while exploring great Melbourne attractions like Federation Square, the MCG and Parliament House. The hotel is clean and has a funky little bar and restaurant downstairs. A special mention to Josh from Tasmania (our attentive bar tender) who was friendly professional and kept me entertained while I waited for my friends to arrive. There was only one downside; the bathrooms are very small, so if you need going out Mirror time, then I suggest you schedule it!  For more information on the Mecure, go to their web site  at  http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-2086-mercure-melbourne-spring-street/index.shtml