Christmas gifts for your special lady friend

Friday 10 December 2010, 2:29 PM
By The Team | Posted in Things

Wives, girlfriends, lady lovers and secret passions. If you’re looking for a gift your gal will love (almost) as much as you, here are some suggestions to help you in your hunt.

e.g. etal

If you want to give your beloved something super special, e.g. etal should be among your first ports of call. The store hosts jewellery exhibitions and it does feel like a gallery inside, filled with fine jewellery pieces by Australian and New Zealand artists. Experts are at hand to help you find something that’s just right.

Kathryn Wardill hand-blown glass and oxidised silver necklace (pictured below) $560.

Oxygen Skin Treatment

Not sure what your lady friend would like? Give her something everyone desires: gentle pampering. Oxygen Skin Treatment is all about making you feel and look good, offering treatments, massages and all kinds of beautifying treats.

Choose your package.

Novo

New shoes and handbags are welcome additions to many a female wardrobe. Gift-wise though, a handbag is generally going to be a safer bet. It’s always going to fit, for starters. Novo is a shoe shop that carries a great range of handbags that’s in season, in style and in a reasonable price-range.

The Novo ‘Frill’ tote bag: $69.95

 The Basement Discs

Can’t sing or play the guitar? Got a girlfriend who’s ‘pass out’ is a handsome rock star? You might not be able to serenade her into your arms yourself, but a well-chosen album could be the next best thing.

Our picks include Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, Betty Davis’s They Say I’m Different, anything by Ron Sexsmith (Other Songs is a good starting point) or, closer to home, Brian Henry Hopper (Beasts of Bourbon) and Gareth Liddiard (The Drones) have mighty cool solo albums out right now. Regina Specktor’s Live in London is also worth a look.

The Basement Discs is great for classics and new stuff that’s set to last – just like your love. 1,2,3…ohhhh.

Christmas gift ideas for your brother or your best mate

Friday 10 December 2010, 2:18 PM
By The Team | Posted in Things

Brothers are tricky beasts. You love them like crazy but you don’t want to give too much away on that count – it could be taken as a sign of weakness.

Same with your best mate. You can’t imagine life without them, but you’re hardly going to tell them that. Why would you? You’re mates. Just get them a decent present and let that do the (not) talking.

STREAT voucher

You can be pretty sure you’ll be the only one giving your bro a free feed for Christmas. STREAT is a newish venture serving hawker-style food from a cart at Federation Square. Perfect for before or after a movie at ACMI, a match at the MCG or AAMI Park, or on your way to a gig.

Vouchers available – choose your value

World Restaurant and Bar

This place has a beer menu that runs three pages long and plenty of comfy spots for some tasting. Grab a bite to eat and try a few new flavours – or a simply down a couple of your old favourites. Even better, give your brother or mate a Cider sampler voucher and get him to give you the intel on which brands are best.

Cider sampler voucher (for five ciders) $55

Apres Coast

Let’s face it. Your brother ain’t going to go and guy a pair of slippers for himself. Much as he might secretly covet your dad’s or his best mate’s pair of UGGs, he’s just not going to do it. This is where you can step in. He’ll be ever-so grateful (for once) when he’s down at the beach this summer and a savage southerly blows in.

Classic boots cost around $180.

Flight experience

Many an action movie fans has entertained the idea that, just like Nicholas Cage and co, they also possess an instinctual knowledge of such things as weapon assembly and the flying of planes. Well, in most cases. But one can kind of have the experience of flying a real plane. Flight Experience is a real flight simulator, located right here in Melbourne. Press the buttons, pull the levers – just don’t order the fish.

Flights start at $175.

Q&A: Mr Mirabella’s twinkling lights

Monday 6 December 2010, 1:20 PM
By The Team | Posted in Things

This year marks the ten year anniversary of Mirabella International’s support for our beloved Christmas tree in the City Square. Hot on the heels of Friday’s spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, we talk to Paul Mirabella (aka Mr Mirabella), founder and managing director about Christmas, being energy efficient and taking inspiration from the Griswolds.

What do you love about Christmas in Melbourne?

The things I love about Christmas in Melbourne are all the festive events; the city seems to come alive. The Myer Christmas Windows always put a huge smile on my face, seeing families together and enjoying the colourful displays.

Do you decorate your own home with Christmas lights?

Very much so, I like to display my wares! Come Christmas time, people in my local area and friends always relate my home to the film ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ starring Chevy Chase and the famous Griswold family!

We understand you have a large family - ten grandchildren and one great grandchild – what does the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony mean to them (and you)?

My grandchildren are very proud that the Mirabella brand features so prominently in the Melbourne community, and so am I.

The meaning to them is about having memorable moments filled with joy, laughter, enjoyment with family and friends.

Mirabella is known for its sustainable practices, how did you incorporate these into the brand? And the tree lighting ceremony?

Incorporating sustainable practices is very challenging in today’s business world. We are doing this through developing products that use resources efficiently and effectively, as well as considering green alternatives that will ensure a good future for the environment.

The city’s Christmas tree lighting only uses LED systems and timing devices which activate when desired, so energy consumption is reduced.

What are your tips for making sure that we save energy this Christmas?

• When purchasing festive lighting, explore LED Low Voltage options rather than 240 volt light sets.
• Make sure you use a timer with your Christmas lights to ensure they are displayed when appropriate.
• Remember to turn off all your Christmas lights before you go to bed or before you leave for holidays.
• Spend less on energy costs and more on presents – energy efficient compact fluorescent globes last up to ten times longer than incandescent globes.

9/12 We asked our readers to tell us what lights up their lives at Christmas time and loved reading their responses below. Christmas is a wonderful time of year, don’t you think? Ten lucky people won a pack of Mirabella Fairy Lights to add a little Christmas sparkle to their home. Thanks everyone for entering!