CHALK At The Yarraville Festival

 

 

Fabulous Yarraville

I can not tell you how much I love my town!  Yarraville makes me proud to be a trader and a resident and I would not live any where else if I had all the money in the world.  I'll admit that there are some negatives to living in Melbourne's inner west - the trucks, the car pollution, the lack of leafy greenness, the tendency towards criminal activity BUT..... what Yarraville also has is an amazing sense of community, a creative heart and a bohemian attitude of 'be and let be' which is refreshing and relaxing.  You don't just say Hi to the shopkeepers of Yarraville, you know their name, their kid's names and probably where they live.  It's just that kind of place.  I have friends in Yarraville ranging from their early 20's to 70 years of age and it makes my heart happy.


At a Traders Meeting a couple of months ago our local Councillor talked to us about the idea they had for developing a Pop-Up Park in the Village - we were all intrigued and keen to give it a go so before we knew it it was underway and last week it was installed to the great excitement of everyone involved.  It is the first of it's kind here in Melbourne and it is an absolute joy...
(note - pop-up park = closing off part of Ballarat St to create a pedestrian only park, fake grass, picnic tables and all)

 Early morning story book reading by the girls from The Younger Sun Bookshop

 

From the time I arrive at 8.45 there are Mums resting in deckchairs while they sip their take-away coffees and their kids play on the grass, by the late afternoon there are people of all descriptions lolling on the grass, sharing a champagne and a chat, and on Saturday night we wondered down to see a movie and the place was buzzing - it was 30degrees at 9pm and there were large groups of people with eskies enjoying a few drinks.  What I found amazing was that at midnight when we left everyone was still there, still drinking, but still very mellow and they were even cleaning up after themselves!  Fabulous.  I have never been more proud of my town. 

The Pop-Up Park will be in place until the end of April and hopefully if it continues in such a positive manner it will be back for an extended period later in the year.  Drop in and visit - it's ace!

Yarraville Village

Found this snap of my local 'hood'.  This is also where my store is so it is nice to think that one day, in decades to come someone might look at old photos of the Village and wonder about my shop.

Why I Love Yarraville

There are so many reasons to love this particular part of Melbourne but this morning was a perfect example of the colour and variety on show.



While Krissa and I sat over our cups of tea this morning at The Corner Shop we watched these lovely ladies across the road. They were fabulous and we commented that although they received double takes and smiles, in general they were treated as a fun but fairly commonplace sight. That sums up Yarraville perfectly for me.

Life In The Village

We took Gidget in for a haircut last week (Maestro, Anderson St Yarraville) and as usual with businesses in Yarraville, everyone was made to feel at home. While Gidg got the treatment, Moondoggie and Gidg's best mate decided to do each others hair. They were given a seat, stool and tray of equipment which, thank god, did not include scissors! Can you just imagine if I had to take little Miss home to her mother with a new fringe?!

If you look in the mirror you can see Kiralee laughing at their skills.

This episode reminded me of a photo I had wanted to post a few weeks ago. I took the kids for their first dental appointment (at Choice Dental , 37 Anderson St Yarraville) and was absolutely amazed and grateful for the care and thoughtfulness with which they were treated. Dr Tim knew they were first timers and took the time to show them everything, give then a turn of the equipment and generally make it a fun experience for them. Moondoggie was even asked to be his assistant when he checked Gidget and had to move the chair up and down. As you can imagine he thought it was 'awesome'.

So once again the traders in the Village have proved what gems they are and I send my thanks for making life for my kids so interesting and fun.

Y.A.F.

Don't forget to drop into the

Yarraville Arts Festival

this Saturday.

Tip of the Week

If you are going to get a flat tyre make sure your car is parked directly outside the local pub where there are lots of men just waiting for an excuse to show everyone how great they are with all things car related.

It also helps if you look particularly bemused by the whole tyre changing thing and are willing to look a little helpless.

In all seriousness, the wonderful local drinkers at the Blarney Stone in Anderson St Yarraville got me out of a fix and I am genuinely grateful. Once again proving that I live in the greatest town in the world! These photos don't do justice to the number of men it took to change my tyre. At one point there were 6 of these treasures discussing the best way to raise the jack, led by the most helpful Bouncer I have ever come across. Thanks Guys!

Pure Baby In A Rocket Ship

We still have a few of these divine Pure Baby jackets in stock and they are just perfect for this less than warm weather we are having. They are quilted and come in 000, 00, and 0. we also have the hats in blue and pink and the leggings in blue, pink and brown.

One of the newer products we have in the shop are the fabulous rocket and castle cubbys.

These play structures are constructed from recycled high-quality cardboard allowing children to develop their imagination and creativity by painting, drawing, or even applying stickers to the outside surface. When not in use they make a great place to store toys.
Each cubby is easy to assemble and packaged flat in an attractive box with a carry handle.

Famous Blue Raincoat

I get very excited these days by the simplest things! This month I've discovered my new favourite place to hang out.

When getting out of the house for an hour is mandatory and there are only so many times you can cope with freezing your arse off at the park.. where else could be better than a warm and welcoming cafe? My problem has always been the issue of 'allowed number of visits per day'. I have realised that if you go to the same cafe all the time then the staff quickly become aware that you have been 3 times in a day.... therefore you need to spread yourself around so no one knows exactly how often you drag your kids to cafes.

As far as Ian and Matt at 'Le Chien' know I am only there every other day....


Here is Matt after discovering my secret



Now that I can add The Famous Blue Raincoat to my list I am pretty much set and can roll from one to another, to another with no one (including hubby) being any the wiser! Clever aren't I!

The Famous Blue Raincoat

MONSTAR

The lovely Fiona from Monstar arrived at the store on Saturday with her arms laden with goodies. As usual her boys tees are fantastic. Here's the owl, and we now have a great robot, a scooter and the babushka doll tee. She has also replenished our dwindling supply of denim dresses for those who have been waiting.