It can be a bit depressing with the cold , wet and wind but , munters ,think of England .

This is their daily scenario , that , and no showers.

In Melbourne, there is lots to do in the colder months .

Slow food, art shows , theatre and stage , movies , footy , open fires and shopping .

And remember , just when you think it can’t get any colder , wetter , windier , there will be an exceptionally, sunny day , reminding us that Spring, is on the way .

We have already passed the shortest day, and are nearly at the end of June , traditionally the coldest month!.

Hang in there Munters, we will appreciate the warmer weather ,all the more when it arrives.

And remember , when all else fails, there is always shopping.!

wholesale bargains

Julia , is a 48 year old,red haired, unmarried ,Welsh born woman , from Melbourne’s working class west , and an inspirational  munter.

This , is a history making decision , in Australia’s political landscape .

Its a lesson to girls / women / munters everywhere.

Anything is possible .Strange things can happen . Nurture and believe in those dreams !

Just ask Julia!

Julia's work attire as a keen Westen Bulldogs Fan

A small , low powered, scooter, may be an option, to transport Munters.

Easy to park,  and maintain .

An intensive driving course , is required .

Protective clothing, is essential , including the wearing ,of a helmet .

Practical munters , who can ride a pushbike , cycle , pedallie , wheelie etc , should be able to manage,  a scooter .

Its about balance , learning a new skill, using  a practical nature , being safe  ,  owning the ability to try new things , having  the nerve to get out there in traffic .

Not for everyone , but worth a thought, as Melbourne’s roads become increasingly impassable , with vehicular traffic congestion, and finite parking spaces.

Breeze past the road hogs with a smile on your dial,  to your next shopping / lunch destination.

You’ll be able to climb out of the protective clothing , and rearrange the helmet hair , with time on your side .

Not Scooter Wear

Walks in the Park , Tea on the Lawn, Outdoor parties and BBQ’s are a memory as winter’ s cold and wet bites.

Visits to Galleries ,hearty, slow cooked meals in restaurants , theatre attendances and shopping are attractive indoor options.

Munters , get rugged up , seek out alternative indoor activities and get out there!

Just try and stay dry , and play classical music whilst driving.

It helps to quell the inner road rage beast .

Johnny Dexter Gallery hopping Dress

Fur like Warmth

Winter in Melbourne is a good time to hibernate .

Nights are cold and mornings are dark .

Slow cooked , comfort food of soups , stews , casseroles and baked goods all beckon.

Savvy munters will hide the extra few kilos under stylish layers until the warmer weather when they will shed their surplus skin like a butterfly discarding a chrysalis.

Great bargains are available but sometimes the only indication of location are crazed shoppers staggering out a side door clutching a black garbage bag .

tap your way there

Such was the case on Friday in revamped Fishermans Bend , Melbourne.

Gone are the industrial smoke stacks , rusted cranes and concrete expanses of a working port . Sleek grey glass buildings are in place  and they conceal vast areas of merchandise heavily discounted for end of season.

A compass , GPS , or  the new Melways , a snail mail invitation with address on and keen eyesight are all required .

Entering the barn like interior , take on the persona of Myers Boxing Day Sale commando and grab a black shiny garbage bag from a smiling assistant .

Leave through tiny exit door clutching a full bag , depleted credit card , and a  smile on your face and song in your heart.

Mission accomplished . Must have bargains are secured and a cursory glance only is given to those hapless shoppers driving the length and breadth of Lorimer Street.

After all , half the fun of the kill /

Designer

shop is finding it and running it down.

The glorious days of Autumn are but a memory as the temperatures plummet , rain falls and wind squalls chill our extremities.

Time to get out the long pants and boots .Gloves , hats and scarfs are required especially early in the morning.

Our favourite coat may shout ‘ last season ‘ but who cares if it keeps us warm !

The good thing about winter is the hot chocolate , open fire and an excuse to indulge in a few treats as all those layers hide an extra kilo or two!

warm cardigan

The weather is getting cooler . A  footy fans interest turns to watching the game .

Young or old , many a fan likes to wear their Football Jumper , Jersey , Guernsey .

A nice gift idea for any occasion is the humble football jumper.

Eagles Football Jumper

Buy it  for someone you love and watch their face light up.

It can break up the monotony of the working week and help everyone survive Hump Day!

alternative to an egg

Easter is a time of religious significance for many and is celebrated within families around the country.

Chocolate  eggs of all sizes and rabbits , bilbies , ducks etc abound in the shops. From my experience it is best to buy from reputable , big manufacturers who have the name in excellence for chocolate production. In todays market the quality item is not that much more expensive than the cheap inferior items on offer .  After all you don’t want to disappoint young and old alike on Easter Sunday when they discover they have been given an inedible chocolate egg!

For many Easter is the last chance to spend some outdoor family recreational pursuits such as camping before the days shorten and cool down and the weather becomes more unpredictable.Enjoy being in the great outdoors while you can as the glorious weather  won’ t last.

Probably not . However  the proliferation of coffee shops and the patrons drinking coffee in them is massive .

Every shopping strip  boasts at least one coffee shop with tables outside in Melbourne’s good weather.

outdoor seating

Men , women and children are at tables drinking coffee. The menu  caters for the young with baby – chino. Mums are offered soy latte or skinny version sof their favourite tipple to help with weight control or allergy maintenance.

Men conduct business meetings over a short black .

your local cafe?

Young people of all ages go for  ‘just coffee’. They talk , meet , plan and discuss . Its a cheap way for cash strapped students to meet without hefty bills in a place conducive to open discussion. Most can afford the price of a latte’

network at your local cafe'

.

“Lets do coffee “is the new networking tool. Popular , affordable and accessible for all.