Miss Rosanna

Local profile - Siobhan Wolff

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:32:00 +0000

While Mother's Day may have been and gone, I always think one of the nicest presents you can give to your mum, your partner, parents or other significant people in your life is a beautiful photograph taken of you and your family. While they say never work with children or animals, photographer Siobhan Wolff does this on a regular basis - she is one brave woman! She also took my children's photographs and as you'll see from her pictures of her own beautiful family, she is a natural with children. Read on for more about Siobhan.

Name: Siobhan Wolff
Occupation: Newborn, maternity, children and family photographer
Lives/works: Kew
How long have you lived/worked here? I have been in the Kew area 8 years

Describe yourself/what you do:
First and foremost, I am a wife and dedicated mother of 3 beautiful children. After having children of my own, I was looking for a professional vocation that didn't take me away from my children and add to the pressure of running a household of 5. My passion for photography has been long lived, and finally I found myself with the opportunity to invest in my passion, with an ever increasing hunger to improve my skills and hence allowed me to start my business. I believe the power of a photograph to provide a memory to last a lifetime is a timeless treasure. I personally have a complete gallery of photographs of my children decorating my kitchen wall, and they truly make me smile every time I walk past them.

Best thing(s) about living/working in Melbourne's northeast:
I am South African born and lived in the UK for many years, and have been fortunate enough to have travelled extensively. I truly believe Melbourne is the best city in the world to live in. I love the culture here, the weather, the people and it is a fabulous place to bring up children.

For more information:
www.siobhanwolffphotography.com
www.facebook.com/siobhanwolffphotography
Mobile: 0406 065 397

The great indoors

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:23:00 +0000

There are a few markets on this weekend. Closer to home, the outdoor Eltham Craft and Produce Market is on this Sunday. I actually bought a gorgeous headband with detachable flower clip from Little Cookie the other week at the school Mother's Day pamper night but I'm happy to see Kirsten sells her wares at this market and if you have a little girl in your life, then these are the bomb!

Image via www.take2markets.com.au

The Take 2 Market is also on this Sunday at the Northcote Town Hall where close to 50 stall holders will be selling their gear. I've still got jacket envy after seeing Rina Chia's zebra patterned vintage number the other week - I think it's a great opportunity to pick up some amazing, one off pieces of clothing for your wardrobe this winter.

Image via www.weekendnotes.com.au

Finally, Love Vintage starts tomorrow at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton and runs all weekend. If the weather stays as cold as it's been all week, then this would be a great day in(side) for all you vintage lovers out there.

A wild life

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:19:00 +0000

We have a bird fetish in our house and I think it's because of the amazing bird life out this way - we get owls who come and sit on our TV aerial at night, marauding cockatoos (such clowns!) attaching the lawn and trees during the day, ducks crossing the road near Warringal Park and everything in between. My son Thomas has now moved on from peacocks and is back into birds of prey.

The Ghost Cockatoo by Darren Gilbert

Speaking of which, the four wildlife artists known as Wild 4 Art - Darren Gilbert, Janet Matthews, Vida Pearson and Rodger Scott - are once again showing at The Light Factory Gallery in Eltham from 16 May - 16 June with the official opening this Sunday from 2 - 4 pm. Gilbert's work included finely cross hatched black and white work and recycled metal sculptures, Matthews' shows animal and bird personalities in pencil, Pearson's work includes strong, colourful linocuts while Scott's work is extraordinarily realistic.

Who's a pretty boy? by Janet Matthews

While the show mainly focuses on birds, there will also be some African animals in the mix as well. Pearson favors big game and birds, Gilbert concentrates on Australian fauna, Matthews draws predominantly Australian creatures and Scott paints Australian and North American birds. Entry is free.

Red Tailed Blacks by Vida Pearson

Nb. Miss Rosanna is The Light Factory Gallery's freelance PR consultant.

Modes of Impact

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Tue, 14 May 2013 01:43:00 +0000

This is the name of an exhibition which is currently showing at LUMA (La Trobe University Museum of Art) and forms part of a partnership Arts Exchange Program with the Alteneo Art Gallery Collection of Video Art at Alteneo de Manila University in the Philippines. Modes of Impact is a selection of video work recently acquired for the Alteneo Art Gallery's permanent collection and represents a snapshot of the current socio-economic and political landscape of the Phillipines and the new urban landscape brought about by globalization and the country's rapid economic growth. Ph: 9479 2111 or visit latrobe.edu.au/luma Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 10 am - 5 pm.

Modes of Impact LUMA image via www.artguide.com.au

Meanwhile, the Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is currently showing Tooth and Nail - cross cultural influences in contemporary ceramics - a dynamic exploration of contemporary artistic practice and cultural influences by Asian and Australian ceramicists. There is also a Curator's Talk by Stephen Gallagher detailing the outcome of a 10 year partnership between RMIT University and educational institutions in the Asian region with a particular focus on the Hong Kong Art School. RSVP 9496`060 or bundoorahomestead@darebin.vic.gov.au

Image via www.bundoorahomestead.com

Local ceramicist Lene Kuhl Jakobsen's wares can now be found at the NGV shop co-inciding with the opening of the Monet's Garden exhibition. Would make a lovely Autumn/Winter's day out in the city now that the weather has started to turn cold...

Image via www.ngv.vic.gov.au

Hello Hollywood

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:35:00 +0000

I was given complimentary tickets by my client Avant Card who is one of the sponsors of Hollywood Costume currently showing at ACMI in Fed Square. So today, I got a chance to go taking as my guest the fabulous Rina Chia (wearing an amazing vintage zebra patterned silk jacket no less!) from Take 2 markets and Miss Moneypenny. Wow! It really is an exhibition you should all go and see. There are costumes from over 80 major Hollywood movies ranging from Gone with the Wind to The Wizard of Oz, Breakfast at Tiffany's to Blade Runner.

Image via www.melbournecreative.com.au

You're greeted in the dark underground space by a big screen showing a montage of images from a series of iconic movies and Nicole Kidman's costume from Moulin Rouge is also displayed up on high. From there, the costumes are grouped into three different 'scenes' which are all broken down into sub-groups. What makes it particularly interesting is the use of screens - every costume shown then depicts the 'head' of the actor from the movie, as well as other talking heads like the movie Directors and Costume Designers. Both Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep have almost one section entirely devoted to them and their costumes over the years. It all makes for one interactive, exciting experience if not on the noisy side given the buzzing screen conversations and movie theme music playing in the background.

I particularly loved a lot of the amazingly detailed and very glamorous gowns from the 1930s as well as a trio of dresses from Chicago, The Seven Year Itch and Breakfast at Tiffany's - the latter two showing how small both Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn's waists really were (tiny!). The men are not forgotten either, with superhero costumes, suits from James Bond movies as well as a whole host of other action movie outfits in the 'Gunslingers & Blades' sub-group.

A tip for visitors: go first thing during the week and to avoid the crowds at the front, I would actually start looking at the exhibition from the back or right hand side of the space. There is also an associated film program 'Gowns by Adrian: Dressing MGM's Leading Ladies' which also starts at ACMI on 16 May offering a rare opportunity to see some of the biggest stars dressed by one of its most talented costume designers from the Golden Age of Hollywood (1930s). Big tick!

Affairs of the Art

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Tue, 07 May 2013 06:28:00 +0000

It's a great name for the title of this book by Katrina Strickland, which is being launched at Montsalvat tomorrow at 7 pm. The book explores the role that benefactors play in burnishing an artist's reputation after he or she dies and includes interviews with those handling the estates of artists including Fred Williams, Brett Whitely, John Brack and Howard Arkley to name a few. The cost is $45 for singles and $55 for couple and includes one signed copy of the book, a glass of wine and nibbles. Prepaid bookings are essential on 9439 8700 or elthambookshop@bigpond.com

Image via www.mup.com.au

Speaking of art, Heide is holding an Art by Twilight event on Thursday 30 May from 6 - 9 pm where you're invited to join them for an evening of art, music and enlightened conversation with artist Fiona Hall and curator Kendrah Morgan to the sounds of Breaking and Entering DJs. BBQ and drinks available for purchase from Cafe Vue. Cost is $25 for adult and $20 for Heide Member/Conc (includes admission and a glass of wine on arrival). Places are limited - call 9850 1500 to book.

Image via Elk Facebook page

Finally I was out and about to day and stopped in at the Elk Accessories retail showroom and head office at 395 Plenty Road in Preston (parking out the front or in side street). You can find the occasional bargain necklace there if you go through the accessories drawers on the right hand side wall and there are some lovely clothes, leather goods and accessories for sale for all the funky mums in your life.

Local Profile - Rosanna Ceravolo

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:25:00 +0000

Well technically she's from the inner west but furniture designer Rosanna Ceravolo's work can still be seen here in the north east at the Home: Reframing Craft and Domesticity exhibition at Hatch Contemporary Arts Space until 11 May (hurry - last days!). And besides, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have someone called Rosanna feature on Miss Rosanna! I love the simple, bold geometric lines of Rosanna's work, which to me is a little Art Deco-inspired. Read on for more.

Name: Rosanna Ceravolo

Occupation: Architect and furniture designer

Lives/works: I live in West Footscray and I work in the cbd.

How long have you lived/worked here?

I have always lived in the inner west. I have been working in the city for the past few years.

Enzo sidetable

Enzo sideboard

Describe yourself/what you do:

Like most architects, I have always been passionate about furniture and product design. Having an architectural background is a great platform for other creative pursuits. I know many architects who have delved into fields such as fashion, art and product design. A couple of years ago, I began work on my debut furniture collection which was released in 2012. Since then I have been working on expanding my product range as well as on commission - based pieces for private clients.

For more information:

www.rosannaceravolo.com

Cruising around

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:50:00 +0000

There's a lot happening around the place this weekend. If Saturday is as beautiful as today, then the Olympic Village Makers Market would be well worth a visit. I've been meaning to get to this one and West Heidelberg is slowly being re-newed along with Heidelberg Heights which is also an up and coming area. Don't forget to visit Jam & Cream if you're in the area and needing refreshments!

Also on this weekend is Nillumbik Artists Open Studios celebrating 25 years. If you're feeling like a cruisy drive around the Nillumbik region - there are 25 participating artists you can see practising in their own studios over three different zones in Nillumbik.

For those of you who like cute, furry animals, it's also National Alpaca Week 4 - 12 May and locally, Sian Rickards of Bee Sew Crafty and Omaru Bed & Breakfast is holding an open farm event to celebrate, Kingsview Alpacas just down the road from Sian at 190 Hildebrand Road will also be holding an event. Contact sian.rickards@gmail.com or call 9714 8796 for more information.

Sometimes chaotic

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Wed, 01 May 2013 05:11:00 +0000

Lots on this coming weekend which I will post about tomorrow. Mother's Day is also coming up and there are a few online retailers that currently have special offers on or are worth a look including Blue Caravan, Elk Accessories and Nicola Cerini. Both Elk and Nicola Cerini are offering a Mother's Day gift with purchase if you subscribe to their newsletter. If you're a lover of design, the new Lightly online shop is also highly recommended.

Mr Rosanna and I took the boys to WaterMarc in Greensborough for the first time last weekend and it was definitely worth going to - the boys had a ball with the water playground but were a little too small/scared to try the biggest water slide in the southern hemisphere! Lots to like - it's all very clean, big and state of the art when compared with a lot of other neighbouring aquatic and leisure centres.

Image via www.heide.com.au

There's a new exhibition which starts at Heide this weekend called The sometimes chaotic world of Mike Brown - I think the name of his exhibition sounds a lot like my life at the moment! More tomorrow.

Local Profile - Mike & Jeanie Hill

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:09:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike (Michelle) from pony & pressed the other week, who is just gorgeous. And in the lead up to Mother's Day, you ladies out there might be interested in their stylish wares. The writer in me also loves the fact that they use typewriter font on their hand stamped silver jewellery. There's also a story to tell in that Mike & Jeanie (Janine) are sisters-in-law and have been best friends since they were 5! Wow! They're also a little shy so no photos of them for today's profile but I can assure you that they are indeed real people. Read on for more about Mike & Jeanie.

Name: pony&pressed (Mike & Jeanie Hill)

Occupation: Well, p&p isn’t our occupation - yet - but with every spare minute we have, we design, and hand stamp to order, gorgeous sterling silver jewellery and gifts.

Lives/works: Heidelberg (& Abbotsford)

How long have you lived/worked here? Mike moved with her husband [Jeanie’s brother!] and young son to Heidelberg in 2011 - a month before the birth of her second son. Moving while 8 months pregnant (and coordinating the installation of carpet, TV antennas and Foxtel, as well as furniture and belongings on moving day) is not recommended to anyone!

Describe yourself/what you do:

pony&pressed hand-stamp your chosen message, date or name onto each gift or piece of jewellery, so you receive a beautiful, personal keepsake for yourself, or gift for a loved one, that is truly one of a kind.

All of our designs are hand-crafted by artisan silversmiths, using only the finest quality sterling silver. pony&pressed is a celebration of the beauty of sterling silver; nothing is quite as special as a gorgeous gift or piece of jewellery made of a precious metal. Each number, letter and symbol on your bespoke pony&pressed piece will be hand stamped, with an individual message of love, lust or friendship, so each piece that comes out of the studio is truly one of a kind.

Our range includes a gorgeous selection of jewellery including bangles, pendants, cuff links and earrings, as well as beautiful baby rattles, combs and spoons; heirloom gifts that will be treasured forever.

Best thing(s) about living/working in Melbourne’s north-east:

The space! The trees! The delightful neighbours! While Jeanie is still the girl-about-town, living it up in Abbotsford, with all the bars, pubs and restaurants that entails, now that Mike and her family are more focused on In The Night Garden than beer gardens, having so much space to spread out and let the boys run wild outside, and having so much verdant greenery surrounding them - not to mention having space for a little backyard studio - is what is best about living in the gorgeous North-East! Also, discovering a real little community in our pocket of Heidelberg has been a wonderful surprise – having neighbourhood children playing on the street, neighbours sharing lemons from their trees, and popping in for cake and coffee. It’s just like an Enid Blyton book – with less funny, old-fashioned names.

For more information about you: We are everywhere on the interwebs! Find us at all of the following online locations;
www.ponyandpressed.com.au
www.etsy.com/shop/ponyandpressed
www.facebook.com/ponyandpressed
www.ponyandpressed.blogspot.com.au
www.twitter.com/ponyandpressed
www.pinterest.com/ponyandpressed
Or send us an email to: ponyandpressed@gmail.com

Around the traps

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:07:00 +0000

While I've not posted a lot lately due to work commitments, I have been managing to get out and about a bit more and I'm loving the crisp, cool mornings of Autumn coupled with afternoon sunshine. I've also been working on an exciting sustainable fashion exhibition called The Ethics of Style which starts on 20 June at The Light Factory Gallery in Eltham and is definitely one not to be missed if you're a lover of fashion and fashion illustration. More on that closer to the time.

Just wanted to mention my local cafe Bien which is run by the lovely Gina with the help of her parents Nick and Helen (who also run a nut stall at the Kingsbury Drive Community Market at La Trobe Uni on Saturdays). I've had a yummy Macedonian dinner at Bien over the summer and they are now offering takeaway Wednesday to Saturday nights until 9pm. You can call 9459 7227 and they are also fully licensed.

What's Macedonian food like? It's kind of like a cross between Greek and Middle Eastern and mighty delicious! The takeaway menu includes dishes from the grill, slow cooked meals, soups plus their burek, bread and dips. A nice one to add to the list for winter!

Nb. Miss Rosanna is The Light Factory Gallery's freelance PR consultant

Home

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:50:00 +0000

I finally made it in to the newly-hatched Hatch Contemporary Arts Space at 14 Ivanhoe Parade, Ivanhoe which is looking great and saw the Home: Reframing Craft & Domesticity exhibition today - a good activity to do on a cold and rainy day.

The new fluoro exterior - hard to miss!

It was great! Well worth seeing and it's a shame I missed the opening attended by 160 people given I was up north in Beechworth. Lots of colour and diversity and a really interesting concept. There are also child-friendly interactive exhibits and an education resource kit for school-aged kids.

Stacks of stacks by Liz Walker

I took a few quick and dirty shots while I was there this afternoon and also wanted to mention the Machine Knitting workshop where you can make your own pretty cool loop scarf on hand powered machines. The workshop is on this Sunday 21 April at Hatch from 10 am - 2 pm just in time for the winter season ahead. The cost is $30 and is all inclusive. Bookings on 9490 4222. Sounds like a good one!

Love this Enzo side table by Rosanna Ceravolo Design!

Bloom

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:43:00 +0000

Autumn may be upon us but it's still nice to think of Spring as well. Two new exhibitions open at The Light Factory Gallery in Eltham tomorrow. Bloom by printmaker Kate Hudson and Under the light by former court artist Lisa Nolan. Hudson's work incorporating native flora is reminiscent of Australian war-time artist Margaret Preston with a slight art deco element to it. Her designs grace the interiors of many Australian homes as well as bag and wallet collections for Catherine Manuell Design.

Flowering Gums by Kate Hudson, Bloom exhibition

Nolan specialises in quick drawing techniques and spent many years as main court artist for News Ltd working on some of Australia's largest and most notorious court cases. Under the light is a major departure for Nolan from her previous life and showcases her beautiful paintings. She has been painting since she was seven years old.

Red turban by Lisa Nolan, Under the light exhibition

Finally, if you're into houses and architecture like me, there are currently tours happening for the Napier Waller house (c.1922) as part of Australian Heritage Week and the Home: Reframing Craft & Domesticity Exhibition at Hatch Contemporary Arts Space in Ivanhoe. For bookings click here.

Nb. Miss Rosanna is The Light Factory Gallery's freelance PR consultant

Beechy Keen

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:43:00 +0000

Well Miss Rosanna is back from 5 glorious days spent in Beechworth. Yes, after a similarly idyllic Easter break last year in Bright, Mr Rosanna and I decided to continue our northeastern adventure in this very beautiful part of Victoria.

Lake Sambell

The boys and I hired a cabin at Lake Sambell Caravan Park and I tell you - the serenity! It was an extremely peaceful place to relax and unwind (after the madness of the Easter weekend which we missed) where we could watch the boys riding their bikes, playing in the playground or being towed around in a trailer on the back of the resident park quad bike every afternoon which was hilarious - a pied piper being followed by hordes of kids on their bikes or in the trailer.

Ford Street, Beechworth

If you're a foodie or a cyclist, then Beechworth is pure heaven. I could only enviously contemplate lunch or dinner at some of the finer food establishments like the award-winning Provenance Restaurant, the Ox and Hound or the French-influenced Stanley Pub in nearby Stanley but even with kids, we managed to eat extremely well. The pizzas at the Bridge Road Brewers were excellent and the boys loved the outdoor playground and Gundowring icecream. I'm not even a drinker but the sampling beers which came out in their own special wooden tray looked mighty impressive. Mr Rosanna quite liked their pale ale and we loved sitting outside soaking up the Autumn sunshine in front of the brewery.

Gorge Scenic Drive - View from the peak

We also had another excellent dinner out at Tanswell's Commercial Hotel (the duck special was exactly that) although the service was a little slow due to understaffing. On our last night, we got designer fish and chips from the Aging Frog Fish Bar - a family box of battered blue grenadier, prawns, calamari, chips and tartare sauce which was definitely a cut above our usual Friday night takeaway fare - followed by a campfire outside looking at the stars and being visited by friendly possums looking for food. While we didn't have time to venture out of town, both the Larder and Beechworth Provender also looked excellent for picking up local goodies for an outdoor picnic. The kids loved the pies and pastries from the ubiquitous Beechworth Bakery (now located in many other regional hot spots) and the old style Beechworth Sweet Company.

Gravestones - Chinese miners

There were also some great retail shops on offer including Beechworth Honey, interesting homewares shops in Frances Pilley (also in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy and Daylesford) which sells French Syrian Tade soaps, Divine Linen and Ikoleji. If your budget allows, Dalcheri and Ardent Alpaca sell beautiful, but expensive, knitwear which is a must if you live somewhere that gets as cold as Beechworth at night and during winter. There was also a great little vintage shop near the Brewery on the corner of the lane way and a couple of antique shops off the main streets which were worth a fossick.

Chinese Burning Towers - Beechworth Public Cemetery

Beechworth is a former gold mining town and while time, and the age of my boys, didn't really allow for any tours of the historic cultural precinct full of beautiful buildings built from granite (which looked like sandstone) - we did manage a ride on horse and cart as well as a walk through both the Beechworth Public Cemetery (where 2000 Chinese are buried and where the majestic Chinese Burning Towers are also located) and the more recently built (along Feng Shui principles!) Chinese Gardens near the cycling trail. We also took the car along the Gorge Scenic Drive which made for some pretty spectacular scenery from the peak.

Beechworth rail trail

The final highlight was attending the Beechworth Farmers Market located high on the hill at the Christ Church on Ford Street - armed with takeaway coffees from Blynzz cafe, we were entertained by the ukulele band and talked to the many friendly locals buying chickens, ducks, flowers, fruit and vegetables, gourmet food and hand-made toys. We didn't want to leave! And I have a feeling we'll be back for more at some future stage. For the moment, it's back to life here in leafy Rosanna.

Hatching an idea

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:52:00 +0000

Well Easter is almost upon us and I was reminded of all things chicken, bunny and egg while decorating Thomas' Easter bonnet for school this morning.

Speaking of which, Hatch Contemporary Arts Space - the exciting new dedicated cultural hub for Banyule located in the renovated Art Deco Arts Space at 14 Ivanhoe Parade in Ivanhoe is being launched on Thursday 4 April from 6 - 8 pm by Cr. Wayne Phillips, Mayor of Banyule Council.

I love the new name, especially given my love of birds, but I also love what the name represents - the birth of new ideas and beginnings. Co-inciding with the launch of Hatch is the opening of Home: Reframing Craft and Domesticity curated by the very clever Claire Watson, which will be officially opened by Cr. Jenny Mulholland, Banyule Council with guest speaker Professor Callum Morton, Head of Fine Art, MADA (Monash Art Design and Architecture). The exhibition will feature 85 works by 55 artists and includes a program of satellite events at other venues around Banyule. This is one not to be missed!

For more information on both Hatch and Home, go to www.banyule.vic.gov.au/arts

Going mental

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 06:44:00 +0000

It's been a while. I've had a manic start to the year so I'm hoping post-Easter (and post-Easter break!) that things will settle down. I've been working for the lovely Pat Mackle at Avant Card for a couple of months now and looking after their monthly e-newsletter, PR, marketing copywriting and advice. The best part is visiting their funky warehouse office in Brunswick once a week to hang out with the gang (and their dogs!). It's kept me busy on top of also handling ongoing PR for one of my other lovely clients in The Light Factory Gallery.

Image via Urban Spoon

I caught up with an ex-manager friend of mine who is also a north eastern local today at my friend Bec's brand new cafe - Becca's Foodstore at 82 Grange Road in Alphington. Bec is a pastry chef who used to run the Station Street cafe in Fairfield and this is her latest venture. Coffees are good, the pastries not surprisingly are fantastic and while I didn't get to sample her savoury food, it also looked pretty awesome and they also do catering. Local mums and bubs, tradies and business people in the area also dropped in while I was there and the fit out is pretty groovy although has a cooler feel with the tiled floor. It makes a nice addition for the good people of Alphington who, along with APTE cafe, are now lucky enough to have two good cafes to choose from.

Image via Banyule Arts & Culture Facebook page

The award winning Banyule Festival is on this weekend so I am hoping to make it to Twilight Sounds on Saturday night to see some live music even if the boys don't make it to later when headline act Mental as Anything play. We'll also be marching along in the Burgundy Street Grand Parade on Sunday morning for the Kid's Arty Farty Fest.

Image via Harvest 'n' Graze Festival

If you're in Nillumbik - the Harvest 'n' Graze Festival is also being held on Sunday 24 March at Montsalvat and if it's a nice day, it will be a pretty spectacular day out on the hill bathed in sunshine. Live music is also on offer and if you're an 80s tragic like me, you'll even catch Pseudo Echo plus other bands. Enjoy!

The Poetry of Dance

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 02:49:00 +0000

Libero by Kate Baker

I spent yesterday visiting both The Light Factory Gallery and Montsalvat in Eltham. Kate Baker: Selected Works and Balkote - Zing up life by Jackie Gorring open at The Light Factory Gallery today and are on show until 14 April. Kate Baker is an established fine art photographer and her beautiful and dramatic black and white photographic prints of a dancer show 'La Poesia della Danza' or 'The Poetry of Dance'. Meanwhile printmaker Jackie Gorring's colourful and fun works using some very interesting materials (Chux wipes!) are inspired by a stay at the Ragini Art Village in Balkote, Nepal - one for modern art lovers. The official opening is this Sunday from 2 - 4pm at the gallery. Entry is free.

Zing up life by Jackie Gorring

I met with jeweller Jeanette Dyke at her studio in Montsalvat yesterday and her work is quite stunning if you are looking for both everyday pieces (I'm a big fan of her silver rings and earrings) or specially commissioned pieces for weddings, anniversaries and other keepsake occasions. She will also soon be holding jewellery making workshops at her studio. I fell in love with her 'peacock' drop earrings inspired by Montsalvat itself and the free range peacocks who wander the gardens - one of which gave me a big fright when it popped its head out at me while I was eating my lunch at The Meeting Pool restaurant. Got to love all the nature out here!

Nb. Miss Rosanna is The Light Factory Gallery's freelance PR consultant.

Ladies Day

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:05:00 +0000

I did neglect to mention yesterday that there's a new manual coffee machine which received 23.5 out of a possible 24 points in The Age's home coffee machine review yesterday - surprisingly it's the Breville Dual Boiler - at $1500 a shot, it should be that good...To be honest, I'd still rather pay under $1000 for a Rancilio Sylvia or Lelit machine which are both made in Italy.

Image via Banyule Youth website

It's International Women's Day tomorrow and Banyule City Council is holding a free 'Sisters in Song' outdoor concert from 6 - 8 pm in the Heidelberg Gardens, to celebrate women in Banyule and globally. There'll be performances by female dancers, musicians and singers and the event is open not only to women but also partners and families. Refreshments will also be available. BYO Picnic food and rug. I might even see you there!

With a twist of lemon...

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:50:00 +0000

Today's Age Epicure is the coffee issue featuring the 10 best cafes in town according to them. In the north, Code Black Coffee in Brunswick and St Ali North in Carlton North both got mentions while in the east Miss Frank in Camberwell also rated. Some more places to visit if you're in the area and needing a fix!

Image via Montsalvat website

I also wanted to mention a few interesting exhibitions. Bodhisattvas, where are you? by artist Hui Chuan Wang opens tomorrow at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre. Based on Chinese ancient wisdom, the exhibition is about searching for the meaning of life in our modern era. Meanwhile, Woven Treasures from Afghanistan also opens tomorrow at Montsalvat showcasing carpets, kilims and textiles collected by Alexandra and Leigh Copeland (as well as vintage rugs which are also for sale). If your tastes lean towards the more exotic, these two are for you.

Image via BAAG website

Finally for nature lovers, Birds of a Feather by Avis Gardner and Liz Walker, exploring the significance of birds on the relationship between man and the natural world, is currently on at the Bolin Bolin Gallery at BAAG (Bulleen Art and Garden).

True North

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:45:00 +0000

Welcome to Autumn - my favourite season of the year. There are a number of events on today and this weekend including the inaugural True North Arts Festival taking place in Reservoir. Check the program for details on events taking place from today until Sunday. A Reservoir local has told me that Lady Bower cafe (which I've previously posted about) is the place to go to if you're in the area.

Blue Light by Sophie Haralambakis image via Bundoora Homestead Art Centre website

Speaking of north, Northern Lights at the Bundoora Homestead Art Centre also starts today. This exhibition celebrates women artists from the northern suburbs 'in a search for the sublime, subliminal and seminal' in their words. Thirty-one artists from diverse backgrounds and backgrounds but connected by location are showing as part of this exhibition.

The Melbourne Ukelele Festival also starts today in Northcote and runs until Sunday. There is an exhibition of custom painted ukeleles opening tonight at Bar 303 in High Street as part of this festival. You're invited to come dressed in the Mexican Day of the Dead at the opening tonight from 6 - 8 pm.

Continuing with all things musical, the Melbourne Didgeridoo Festival is also taking place in Manningham tomorrow at the Mia Mia Aboriginal Art Gallery in Westerfolds Park, Templestowe. Have a great weekend!

Getting a fix

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:54:00 +0000

How nice is it to have some rain today after an absolutely sweltering summer...we're shortly heading into festival season in Melbourne and I'll be posting later this week on some of the more exciting things happening in the north as of Friday.

Image via Melbourne Food and Wine Festival website

I was lucky enough to be shouted a coffee by one of my clients yesterday from Foxy Brown in Westgarth and it reminded me that there's a great event on for all my fellow coffee lovers at The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. The Urban Coffee Farm & Brew Bar is a free event being held at Queensbridge Square in Southbank from this Friday to Sunday 17 March. Melbourne's best baristas from some of our top cafes renowned for their coffee will be on hand serving up takeaway coffees and tasting flights for $3. Coffee-based cocktails and food will be available during evenings.

You'll also be given the opportunity to experience coffee from seedling to coffee cup via the Urban Coffee Farm with 120 real coffee plants growing over an undulating hill. Sounds like a caffeine lover's idea of heaven...

Jazzing it up

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 03:30:00 +0000

Singer songwriter Julia Messenger is performing tonight at Montsalvat's Barn Gallery. Tickets are $25 / $20 on 9438 7712 or at the door. Messenger has previously performed overseas as well as at Bennett's Lane and the Melbourne Recital Centre. She'll be performing songs from singers such as Roberta Flack and Patsy Cline to Nina Simone and Edith Piaf as well as her own compositions. Messenger is the first singer to perform as part of the jazz series at Monstalvat, and this will be the first time she has performed there.

Image via Montsalvat Facebook page

Speaking of live music, it's SLAM day on Saturday in Melbourne so if you get a chance to see some live music this weekend, all the better. Some lucky friends of ours got to see Neil Finn and Paul Kelly in action at the Palais theatre earlier this week and I reckon their 'A day on the green' concert at All Saints Estate in Rutherglen next month would be pretty special.

A couple of markets also on this weekend including Monty and Preston Farmer's Markets. It's going to be a hot one again - have a great weekend!

I want change

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:37:00 +0000

Don't we all....it's actually the name of a new exhibition that opens today at LUMA - La Trobe University Museum of Art and runs until 12 April. The exhibition showcases the work of 14 different artists including Bindi Cole, Ash Keating and MEEK and celebrates two decades of Artistic Defiance, Disapproval and Dissent. The exhibition provides a snapshot of political issues that have occupied artists and their practices over the past 15 years. Opening hours are Mon - Fri from 10 am - 5 pm. Entry is free. Sounds like a good one for the rebel in all of us!

Meek, Begging for Change, spray-paint, 89.1 x 73.5cm. Collection of the Artist.

I've been meaning to visit LUMA for a while as well as the relatively unknown La Trobe University Wildlife Sanctuary where you can buy indigenous plants as well as nesting boxes for our furry and feathered friends. We've had resident possums at our place for a while now and I've heard that even if you do remove them, they end up finding their way back home so the best thing you can do is provide nesting boxes so you can all co-habit in peace!

If you're heading to Bundoora, don't forget there's also Bundoora Park for the kids and Bundoora Homestead Art Centre for the grown ups.

Short and sweet

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 06:26:00 +0000

Wow - it sure has been hot in good old Melbourne town. I hope you've managed to get some relief either indoors or near some form of water. I can't say I've been moving terribly fast these past few days...

A couple of markets on this weekend - the first Ivanhoe Makers Market is on tomorrow at The Livingstone Centre in Ivanhoe where some of my favourite local people sell their wares. I did manage to get to the Christmas market there last year where I bought a number of gifts for friends and family. My tip is to go first thing in the morning before the day heats up.

Ceramics by Lene Kuhl-Jakobsen - Ivanhoe Makers Market

The Suitcase Rummage market is also on at The Thornbury Theatre on Sunday - I've been meaning to visit this one too especially since fellow blogger Emma from Frog, Goose & Bear has previously sold her lovely craft there. I do love an old theatre.

Stay cool people! And have a great weekend.

Mon coeur

noreply@blogger.com (MissRosanna) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 02:31:00 +0000

So it's Valentine's Day tomorrow and if Mr Rosanna and I actually celebrated the occasion, I reckon the Valentine's Day Dinner at Heide would be a lovely one. Reservations are essential if you can still get one. It's on from 6 pm tomorrow night for $98 per person including a 4 course meal and sparkling on arrival. Beautiful!

Miniature heart pendant image via Angus and Celeste website

I thought you might also like these heart shaped pendants from Melbourne creative duo Angus and Celeste for some more Valentine's Day inspiration (I've fallen in love with their bead necklaces and botanic bottles). I've even managed to find a peackock-inspired one!

Like my very favourite Australian stylist, Pia Jane Bijkerk who has written a book called My heart wanders, I have realised I've also got a thing for heart-shaped items...at the last count I had a heart shaped jewellery box, a heart shaped paper weight, a couple of heart shaped crystal pendants and not one but two rings with heart designs...

Image via Murdoch Magazines website

For those of you who are celebrating tomorrow, I wish you a happy Valentine's Day!