Cheap Chic City: Melbourne on a Budget

Volunteering @ MIFF

2010-05-30T22:56:00.003+10:00

Love film? Then you love the Melbourne International Film Festival. Offering a bevy of unique and exciting cinema, it's a must for film fans.

The event can be a bit taxing if you're a little light in the pocket however.

Solution: Volunteer! This goes for all festivals: the Fringe, Writers', Food and Wine, and many music festivals are often looking for volunteers a couple of months out from the event (or longer for popular music festivals - it's a good idea to check before tickets go on sale). They usually require you to cover at least three to five shifts, and more if you

Added to the obvious feel-good factor, festivals often allow you to attend a number of events for free, and often throw wicked after-parties to thank the staff. You may even snag a shirt and other merch for helping out. Volunteer at enough festivals, you have a nice little addition to your resume.

Volunteer for MIFF here.

Last Weekend in Autumn

2010-05-27T19:11:00.002+10:00

This weekend the Emerging Writer's Festival comes to an end. There's still plenty to enjoy however, including:

* This weekend Melbourne Town Hall will feature a range of panels hosted by Melbourne's emerging and emerged writers. See the full programme here.

* The Pitch: 'How to pitch your work and who to pitch it to! No-holds-barred advice from professionals.' If you're a writer, this is essential. ($10 full price/ $5 concession)

*The 'Zine Bus will be zooming around town, selling local zines, running workshops and such things.

* Style vs. Substance - Is it what you write, or how you write it? Attend this panel at Town Hall, in Fed Square to find out!

Full details are here

The Next Wave Festival also wraps up this weekend. Enjoy your final fix of off-the-wall arts and performance.

If you're seeking another warm place to hide in the city, with a little artistic stimulation to boot, head to the 2009 Top Arts VCE Exhibition, featuring the best work of the Class of 2009. From photography, and illustration to sculpture and prints, this is a mixed media bevy for the senses. Running at the Ian Potter Centre in Fed Square until June 20.

The St. Kilda Film Festival Kicks off this weekend, featuring $12 tickets for concessions. See some fine cinema from local and selected European film-makers.

Bar of the Week: The Randy Dragon

2010-05-26T18:20:00.002+10:00

The Randy Dragon is down that treasure trove of an alleyway, Flinders Lane. While it's next to Vic Uni, this is no dodgy uni bar. A true lounge, it's dark, quirky and full of wonderfully squishy chesterfields. You never want for a place to sit, and Featuring an Alien in a terrarium, cartoons projected on the wall, and a huge portrait of a gothic mistress, it rocks the dark vibe, not without a sense of humour. You get the sense of an opium den.

Of course, this place fulfills the need for cheap booze too - every night includes a different drinks deal, including $3 wines, $10 jugs, 2 for 1 cocktails, and 'the tub' (everything inside is $5), this bar is handy for a quick drink after work or

Find Your Op Shop Soul

2010-05-25T08:11:00.003+10:00

Vintage dressing has seen a huge revival in recent times. Your humble granny-run op-shop is both a sustainable and wallet-friendly alternative to fashion boutiques and department stores. Dedicated Op-shopper Susan Munro checks out of the scene.

See the full article here.

Join Melbourne's premier op shop blog, I Op Therefore I am, for tips and to share your finds.

Cheap Eats for Staying Warm in Winter

2010-05-21T23:57:00.005+10:00

Winter is a time for delicious food that spreads that winter warmth all the way down to your toes! Favourites discovered lately include: Sahni's Indian in Hawthorn (delicious!), The Soup Place in Centre Place (pictured, next to Hell's), and The Oriental Spoon.

If you fancy some takeaway, but want to get out of the cold, visit Gibson's Wine Store, on Burwood Road, in Hawthorn. I stumbled upon this little gem a few weeks ago, during a flaneuring trip through the suburb. You can order in food, and can even bring your own wine! We had a sip of some nice Pinot, but a sign on the wall assured me it was true!

Weekend Love

2010-05-21T23:09:00.002+10:00

It's getting chilly out there! Rug up with some cool exhibitions, an art festival, and a free film.

The Next Wave Festival continues to blast chilly air into every crevice of the stuffy artistic community. Check out After the Rainbow, a post-modern mash-up of The Wizard of Oz and A Star is Born. I also recommend 'A Good Death', on Sunday May 23, from 5 - 7 PM, in Mary Star f the Sea Church, 33 Howard St, West Melbourne. If seeing performance artists re-enact the grisly deaths of various Catholic martyred saints is your bag, you'll be ensured a bucked of laughs! Odd and strangely funny.

The emerging writer's festival kicked off today, and includes some interesting gems.

The Living Library, this Saturday, gives you a chance to chat to experts on various topics: they are essentially there as a book in fleshy form. You can borrow one of these real-life 'books' for 15 minutes. The living library project at the festival focuses on writing and getting published, so 'books' include Freelance writer John Bailey, Dale Campisi, Editor, and Chris Meade, Director for the Future of the Book, who will be giving advice on blogging and new media in general. For a full list go here.

There's the Page Parlour, in Fed Square's the Atrium, this SUnday - a special edition of the 2nd hand book stall emporium we all know and love.Stuck in a life with... includes a variety of literary giants as interviewed by a famous fan, and members of the audience. This Saturday's edition is Paddy O'Reilly as interviewed by Jennifer Mills. See more here.

The Classic Film Festival @ Docklands is screening a FREE movie from 7pm - 9pm every night. This continues until the 30th of July. Score! Bring a blanket and something to eat and drink.
Sunday Nights - Family Favourites
Monday Nights - The Classics
Tuesday Nights - Scary Classics
Wednesday Nights - James Bond Classics
Thursday Nights - Comedy
Friday Nights - Blockbusters
Saturday Matinee - Family Favourites Saturday Nights 7pm
NOTE: Program subject to change.

Research Participants Wanted!

2010-05-19T17:48:00.002+10:00

Have you considered participating in a research study? I have taken part in two in the last month. One of them required me filling out a short survey on a palm pilot a few times a day, and the second required answering a few questions about my hearing. Both of these required a minimal amount of time, and resulted in gift vouchers and cash.

Where can you find researchers looking for participants? Try classifieds websites like Trading Post, Gumtree, and Leader newspapers. Also Try typing in university institutions followed by 'research participants', 'study volunteers' or 'research volunteers'. eg. 'La Trobe University Research Participants.'

Bar of the Week: Lala Land

2010-05-17T22:12:00.004+10:00

My ideal bar:

*Long Happy Hour - check
*Comfy couches - check
*Music not too loud - check
*Decent smoking area - check

Where?

Lala Land, in Hardware Lane. And I've found my haunt for the winter. You can't beat the Monday - Friday 4pm - 8pm Happy Hour. And a covered smoking area? WTF??
Awesome. (Pic courtesy of Nightlive.com.au)

2010-05-14T10:51:00.004+10:00

This website deserves a special posting. I am in love.

Visit The Happiest Hour for the lowdown on Melbourne's best drinks specials in the city and everywhere else. Truly a godsend for a bar-loving lady like myself. Now I may actually be able to pay my rent.

Cold Snaps

2010-05-13T18:55:00.004+10:00

Judging by the chilling wind whistling down Russell Street this morning, winter is upon us. Season of doonas, dvds and bar heaters, many of us choose to stay at home.
Even so, there's plenty of things going on around town. Get out of your trackie dacks and Ughs this weekend and head on down to one of these exciting events for a rosy winter glow.

The Next Wave Festival is here. From the 13th of May until the 30th, the festival always presents a clutch of gems that showcases Melbourne's best edgy art. This year the festival features roof-top art, fascinating short film and left-field comedy, the greater part of which is entirely free. Get amongst it.

Buddha Day is celebrated in the city with a festival on the 15th - 16th May. Celebrating the birthday of one of the world's most influential spiritual leaders, the event features an art installation in St. Paul's Court, Federation Square, a concert, workshops, meditation classes, Tai Chi , and vegetarian cooking demos, amongst many other goings on.

Fancy warming up with a little dancing? Learn to salsa for free! Classes are 530pm Every Wed and Thu in Melbourne CBD, venue is Syn Bar, Level 1, 163 Russell St, Melbourne (enter via alley behind Hungry Jacks). Bookings are essential in order to balance male and female numbers. To book, SMS 0400 933 285, or visit www.thesalsafoundation.com.au.

This week is National Volunteer Week 2010. Consider learning a new skill, and giving back to the community. Sure to give you a warm toasty feeling inside!
Visit here for thousands of volunteer opportunities.

Autumn in Melbourne Brings Plenty of Fun

2010-04-28T04:52:00.005+10:00

It's cold, you say. It's comfy inside with my heater and DVDs and soup.
Bah! How about one of these worthy pursuits to heat up your Autumn?

The Melbourne Jazz Festival has a bevy of wonderful events running, many of them for free. Witness their daily lunchtime, and post-5pm concerts.

Their opening concert in Fed Square on May 1 between 3pm - 5pm is also free, and features some of the finest acts of the festival.

There's also an all-day festival, The Overground: A Festival Within a Festival, this Sunday May 2.It's only $30, and is a groundbreaking multi-stage event, held in the stunning innards of Melbourne Town Hall. According to their website:

'Overground celebrates the rich diversity of underground musical culture in Melbourne in a day-long event set in the many lost spaces of Melbourne Town Hall. It will be an event where new sounds can be made and heard as the outer limits of jazz and improvisation are explored, incorporating avante-garde, grindcore, big band, expanded cinema, contemporary classical and performance installation.'

Sounds awesome. Will most definitely be there.

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Also coming up, the annual Zombie Shuffle. Operating under the tagline of 'promoting nothing other than the simple pleasures of being undead' this free event will run this Saturday from Carlton Gardens to Flinders St Station. Dress up in your best un-dead attire, smudge on a bit of fake blood and come join the zombie hordes from 12.30pm - 3.30pm this Saturday!

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Mary and Max: The Exhibition has just opened at ACMI in Fed Square. This is an interesting little showcase of the technical and creative processes behind the film. Get along if you are interested in animation, or even if you just need to kill and hour in the city. Good stuff.
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Half-Tix Bulletin: The Man in Black - The Johnny Cash Story - 7pm - Atheneum - $30
Dracula's Dinner and Show - Carlton - 6.30pm - $40
MTC - The Grenade - Playhouse - 630pm - $46

Coming soon: A guide to the best uni bar nights in Melbourne. Cheers!

How long since you've driven in?

2009-11-12T18:12:00.006+11:00

This is the perfect weather for a picnic, a great movie and a a glass of bubbly.
Unfortunately, most outdoor cinemas don't start their seasons until at least next month. What to do?

Here's one idea: head to the Coburg Drive-In. Get a bunch of friends, a picnic and a few beers together and re-ignite some childhood memories.

Showing at the moment is 2012, A Christmas Carol, Twilight, This is It, and a Special Double Feature of Twilight and New Moon on Thursday the 19th.

Tickets are also onsale for the Moonlight Cinemas and Roofttop Cinemas, Swanston St, so get in while you still can!

Exploring Vintage Melbourne

2009-11-11T14:32:00.001+11:00

My new article on Op Shopping in Melbourne has been published here.

I've spoken to the lovely Amelia de Bie from I Op Therefore I Am and Jessica Rae from Melbourne Op Shop Tours who were happy to reveal their tips and tricks for getting the most out of your shopping experience. In my personal opinion, this is the best time of year to head out there, because it's Spring Cleaning Season! I'm fresh back from Savers Brunswick, lightened considerably in the wallet area... el sigh.

If you're a student, remember Sundays at Savers entitle you to 20% off on presentation of your student card. If you make a donation you are entitled to further discounts, and the annual discount calendar is about to be released - only $5 and packed with wonderful bargains for your year-round shopping pleasure. An excellent stocking stuffer, and proceeds go straight to Diabetes Australia.

Festive Season Madness!

2009-11-09T13:30:00.001+11:00

The Festive Season is fast approaching, and with it comes a whole raft of things to see and do for nil to nearly nix! With all that Christmas shopping ahead, you have a few excuses for being skint, after all.

Summer Fun in the City is about to start again - there will be dance lessons, free music, art classes, walks, acrobatics and lots more to do! There's also plenty of activities for kids, so bring along your minors as an excuse to indulge your inner child for a day.

Check out the discounted meal deals and some top restaurants on That's Melbourne's website. There's 2 for 1 lunches, drinks specials and more.

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl holds the well-attended Carols by Candlelight every year - but if you can't afford the $125/45 entry fee, you can attend the rehersal night on the 23rd of December, for a mere $5. Get there early though, as seats go fast!

As for the big day itself, I'm plan on getting a Christmas Orphan's Club together. Yes, all we whom have to work the day before or after, and whose family live too far away to make the hike, shall come together on an undoubtedly boiling hot day in the park for food, wine and god times. There shall indeed be champagne and mezzo aplenty. Tis the season. It's a great way to ensure nobody is left out of the festive madness.

All the $ you save can go towards Boxing Day sales craziness! You know what it's like... every year, never again, then it all happens again.

Guide on gift buying on the cheap is soon to follow.

Pizza Ahoy!

2009-11-07T14:15:00.000+11:00

Melbourne has always been the spiritual home of Italian food in Australia.

Lately, though, there's been a trend towards yummy thin-crusted slices of wallet-friendly delight. Often found in the scruffy chic confines of student/artist haunts citywide, now there's no excuse for skipping dinner.

There's the delightful fare of The Espy Kitchen, in St. Kilda, which has nightly specials - including $5 pizzas on Friday and Saturday nights after 11pm... just the thing for some inter-gig partying. Considering the music often rages til 3am, this is an absolute gem.

The Hawthorn Hotel has delicious $4 pizzas every day of the week, lunch and dinner, plus great student discounts on drinks.

The sister drinking holes Lucky Coq (in Windsor) and Bimbo Deluxe (in Fitzroy) boast an exciting array of $5 pizzas, between noon - 4pm (Mon - Thurs) and after 7pm - 11 (Sun - Thurs).

My favourite is in CBD, tucked away in Snider Lane - dodgy around some smelly bins and you'll find the op shop chic of Sister Bellas is a major drawcard for RMIT students. Witness their $4 pizzas (noon til 4pm, $7 afterwards til midnight)

The Abbotsford Convent

2009-11-06T23:02:00.000+11:00

I've been absolutely borderline obsessed with this place for almost 2 years now.

It's a gorgeous, relaxing happy place. Imagine an English country garden, full of farm animals, bakeries, bars, markets, galleries, natural therapists and artists, no more than a few kilometres from the CBD. The trees are often so high you wouldn't know you were in the grimy reach of a major city.

There is also the incomparable Lentil as Anything, where you pay what you feel for delicious vegetarian fare. They also host various events during the week.

Why does The Convent merit a special mention? Well, this Sunday they're having an Open Day where the artists and agencies will open forth their doors and invite you into their world. According to the website: 'Entry to the Open Day is free and the site will be alive with free music and performance, plus food, coffee and many a lively libation to be had. For more information please see the event listing.'

You can check out the website here

Festival Vollies

2009-11-02T02:26:00.001+11:00

I've absolutely FALLEN IN LOVE with festival volunteering this year.
There's so many benefits.
Including:

1. Meeting Cool People - People from all age groups, backgrounds and parts of town put their hands up for these things. You'll also be likely to meet people with similar interests to you. It's a great way to meet new people if you're new in town, or break out of a social circle that's suddenly decided to go all boa-constrictor on your arse.

2. Giving back to your community - C'mon, it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling inside, you know it! Be a part of Generation Generosity and lend a helping hand to an event or festival you care about!

3. Learning new skills and getting job experience - This is a great way to learn about opportunities in the field, gaining new skills, improving your confidence, and even getting a good reference or two. Make sure you whack all of this on your resume. You'll get brownie points for being involved in your community, and if you're unemployed you are showing initiative for not just sitting on your hands.

3. Getting free stuff - Oh yes.

So far, I've volunteered for The Melbourne Writer's Festival, Fringe Festival and Overload Poetry Festival. All have been exciting, challenging and stimulating events to work for, and I've gotten to experience some great arts events that I couldn't have otherwise afforded in my wildest dreams. Also - they tend to throw not too shabby volunteer parties afterwards. :)

These things usually start searching for vollies a few months before, so you have to be onto it, as demand is usually high, especially for the particularly popular events.

Just FYI: Some of the events are so exclusive that they require quite a bit of experience before they'll accept you, so if you get some work under your belt around this time of year, you'll have a better chance of succeeding in them. These events include: MIFF, The Melbourne Festival, ANY music event, and The Food and Wine Festival.

It's a good idea to do your volunteering in 'chunks'. I've just done mine: I put my name down for Midsumma and The Food and Wine Festival.

Cheap Chic City: A Melbourne Survival Guide for Students, Dreamers and the Tight at Heart-

2009-11-02T02:12:00.000+11:00

Happy Springtime everyone!

Looks like the warmer weather's finally arrived.

I'm Ms. C x3 and I am, was, or have been drunkenly accused of all three of the above at some stage in my life. With the fresh new season comes a little mental spring cleaning, and I have decided it is time to own my bargain-hunting ways!

So here I intend to present you with a guide to Melbourne's best ways to shop, eat, experience and attend on little more than a slender shoestring of a strappy sandal.

Watch this space! :)

Love Ms. C x 3