Melbourne Getaway

If you follow my Instagram account @_chelsealiz, you may have been wondering why I have flooded your feed with so many photographs from the Melbourne CBD. In fact, over the weekend my friend Jaimee and I stayed at the Crown Metropol; a way of celebrating the end of year twelve. It was something we had planned in advance that often motivated us through the long and tiring VCE exam period. 

Day One: After checking in, Jaimee and I went for a walk to DFO South Wharf where we were amazed by the great bargains offered to us. There were kikki.K cards under $2, Windsor Smith sandals sold for $38, and even Bonds Sloppy Joe Jumpers for under $25. It was every sale- loving shopper's paradise. 

Following the two hours we spent at DFO, Jaimee and I ate dinner at Cervo along Southbank, only to then go and watch the latest Hunger Games film 'Mockingjay Part 1' at Gold Class. It was a film that left us wanting more, and made us look forward to the release of the final part.

Pumpkin ravioli at Cervo.

Day Two: Following an early rise, Jaimee and I began our day at the Conservatory at Crown. This is where we ate breakfast in style, with an array of food to select from. There was Asian and American cuisine, a traditional continental breakfast, and even waffles and pancakes to cater for those sweet-toothed guests. 





















From there, Jaimee and I spent the rest of our day shopping. We went to Melbourne Central, Culture Kings (to buy our brothers Christmas presents), The Emporium, Myer, David Jones, and H & M. Five hours later we were sore and tired from the shopping madness. Though, it does not go without saying that we were successful in our shopping venture, buying Christmas presents for our families, and even spoiling ourselves a little. 

That night we had a late dinner, and went straight to bed, as we were exhausted from walking all over the Melbourne CBD.

Day Three: Like on Day Two, we started the day at the Conservatory and made the most of the buffet in front of us. We were sad that we were checking out, but grateful that we had shared such an enjoyable experience. Following breakfast we walked around the city once more, taking in the beautiful sun before our inevitable return to reality. 

The Conservatory at Crown.

Chelsea Elizabeth xx

Please note: all photographs above belong to myself, and must not be reused without permission by me. 

Homelessness; an Issue That Urgently Requires Our Assistance

Today I visited the Melbourne CBD to do some shopping with my mum. While completely harmless, I was consumed with guilt as I walked past a sleeping homeless man with shopping bags in my hands. Having been the second time I have experienced such circumstances, I feel as though the universe is sending me a sign. I feel as though I have been reminded of my own privileges of being able to purchase clothes to wear, as well as being reminded of the misfortune of others. 

While challenging to see, this confrontation has prompted me to take action. You see, I am not unfamiliar to the notion of homelessness. In fact, someone I have encountered in my own personal life has fallen victim to homelessness due to a drug addiction. While it may be easy to negatively label such people, one must not neglect the issues that they are faced with on a daily basis; the specific circumstances that led to their troubles.

Upon seeing this man asleep, devoid of warm clothes and a blanket on a cold Melbourne morning, I was immediately concerned. I imagined the individual without a home whom I had met in such a situation, and could not help but worry. 

In a bid to assist those underprivileged who would not be able to read this blog post, those who may be sleeping in harsh conditions on this cold winter night, those who are isolated and confined due to potential mental or physical limitations, I strongly encourage you to donate your time and/ or money to a worthy cause. I hope to not pressure or threaten you, but rather to consider the benefits of assisting a foundation that supports deprived individuals. 

I personally appreciate the work of HomeGround Services in their goal to "end homelessness in Melbourne". HomeGround Services' aims is to "get people housed and keep people housed", something I feel is quite necessary to enable individuals, who have previously been homeless, to attain work, health and achieve a sustainable life. 

If you are interested in supporting such a beneficial and inspiring cause, go to www.homeground.org.au/support-us/donate/.

What issue are you passionate about? Leave a comment if you want one of my next blog posts to promote a social justice issue that concerns you and the broader society.

Chelsea Elizabeth xx

Note: I am no way affiliated with HomeGround Services; I am simply putting forward my own personal opinion. 

Sunday Scenes

Hello there, how is everyone? Today I went for a little adventure with my best friend into the city of Melbourne and it was absolutely splendid. I thought I would share some of today's fun with you. 

Nothing but a blue sky in Melbourne*

Catching up with my best friend over a delicious cup of chamomile tea!

Melbourne's latest attraction, H&M

Flinder Street Station

How did you spend your Sunday?

Chelsea Elizabeth xx

*All photographs taken by Chelsea Elizabeth.

Exploring Melbourne...

(Flinders Street Station, Melbourne)

5 Reasons I don't Mind the Heat

Well for those reading this from countries that are currently experiencing Winter; count yourselves lucky. Here in Melbourne, Australia, the weather is scorching hot and I can't help thinking what it will be like tomorrow at school... Anyway, instead of complaining about the heat, I thought I would share with you what I love about it; so here you go!

1. Feeling bad that you can't be bothered exercising? Be like me and blame it on the heat, and trust me, it'll make you feel a lot better!
2. Summer gives me an excuse not to go out and socialise, but to lay around my house reading, and watching my favourite television shows- oh wait, I already do this most days anyway!
3. While they don't bring all the boys to the yard, I love making chocolate milkshakes in Summer with a lot of chocolate topping and ice-cream! I think I'm going to go and make one now actually... Be right back!
4. I love Summer for the beautiful outfit options it brings. Not only can I diverge from wearing jeans and sweaters (which does get boring after a while), but I can finally begin wearing my favourite floral frocks as well as cute sandals and clogs!
5. I love Summer fruits including mangoes, pineapple, watermelon, grapes and strawberries; especially on a warm night!

Well there you have it- why sometimes I don't mind the heat! Let me know what you think, or, if you're experiencing Winter, leave a comment about what you love about it!

Chelsea Elizabeth xx

My Two Weeks as an Intern

You're probably not wondering where I have been because you may be new to my blog, but for those who have a read every now and then welcome back and for those that don't welcome! I have had a little vacation from blogging (not by choice) but mainly due to the endless hours I have spent studying for school- which only begun today. 

As you may or may not know, I recently did an internship at a magazine in Melbourne which was such a great experience and taught me so much about what I want to do in the future! Even though it has been a week (just about) since I finished, I thought I would tell you five things I loved about being an intern!

1. I loved the fact that I was able to travel into the city every day and experience the rich culture Melbourne has to offer. Even when I caught the train and walked that long way from the station to my work, I loved seeing things I hadn't seen before such as little trendy alleyways, cute cafes and not to mention the beautiful shops!
2. I enjoyed meeting new people that all had different things to offer- from stories about travelling, to university experiences; I learnt a lot through meeting others.
3. Being able to see how a magazine actually works was something that really interested me. Prior to the internship I don't think I realised how much work is done behind the scenes such as accounts, advertisement and all of the little things that we sometimes take for granted when we purchase magazines. I loved being able to watch the designers put the words onto creative pages which would soon become the next edition!
4. One of my colleagues told me that by doing an internship, it is probably more educational and you would probably learn more about working in print than at university and I realised that it was true. Just by being there for two weeks, I learnt so much about the different offices and what they were responsible for, the little jobs that make up the magazine and plenty more which I would have never known.
5. Last but not least my favourite part of being an intern at a magazine (very Carrie Diaries right?) was being able to have seven articles published with my name. I never expected I would have the privilege to write for a magazine other than the ones we have at school where you volunteer to write, but to publish something in the real world, for me that was amazing and I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had!

Online editions are available at www.theweeklyreview.com.au

Also have a look at my article on Australian snowboarder Hannah Trigger at www.peninsula weekly.com.au 

I know this sounds corny, but I believe that whatever career path you're interested in; science, medicine, the arts, graphic design- you name it, I think it's worthwhile to just have a go and put yourself out there! 

Apply for internships, for workshops, attend exhibitions- just go crazy and immerse yourself in such things. Not only is it important for getting your name out there and making good impressions, but I also think for me, it was the idea of seeing if I actually would want to pursue journalism after completing my internship which now I know I definitely want to.

So don't be afraid and just reach for the sky because you have the world at your feet!

Chelsea Elizabeth xx

The Uniqueness of Melbourne

Hey there everyone! This weekend, I had the privilege of staying in the Melbourne CBD for two nights at the Crown Promenade which was absolutely exquisite. I am truly sad that I had to leave and must say that two nights wasn't nearly enough, but I am glad I was still able to relax and immerse myself in some new scenery and explore the city of Melbourne as a tourist. 

On Friday night, my family and I went to the Pancake Parlour at Melbourne Central for dinner which was, as you can expect, delicious. I ended up getting the cheese and potato savoury pancake and thoroughly enjoyed it, but slightly envied my Mum who had the spinach and feta crepes which looked amazing! Following that, my brother and I ventured off to the hotel pool and had a swim, and to our luck there wasn't many people around so we basically had the whole pool to ourselves!

The following day my family and I went shopping and then had some lunch in one of the lane ways named Centre Square which was a very diverse experience that I truly recommend as the atmosphere that surrounds you, while you are enjoying your food, is so unique and peculiar to an extent. Following that we all had a rest at the hotel room (Mum and I watched the movie Blue Jasmine which was interesting) and then went down to the pool again, where I relaxed and finished reading Brooklyn, a book I had to read for school. For dinner we went to our favourite Chinese restaurant at the Crown Complex and then today we returned home. 

I thought I would share with you some of the photos I took in the city which I believe highlight the uniqueness of Melbourne and the diversity that is found there. I must stress though that these were taken by me and are original copies and have not been edited in any way!

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below, and don't be afraid to suggest any ideas for future blog posts that I publish,

Chelsea Elizabeth xx

The Best of 2013

Can you believe that today is the last day of 2013? I can't. I mean, it feels like just yesterday I was getting ready to venture off to my best friends house where we would celebrate New Year's Eve in  2012 with a pool party. It's funny to think though, how many things have changed; to think about the ups and the downs of the year, the good times and the bad, and the things that have shaped me into the person I am today. 

Seeing as this is the last day of the year, I thought I'd share with you some of my personal highlights and what made 2013 great for me:

1.  Having my debutante ball- I absolutely loved being a part of such a unique and special night where I got to dress up and feel fabulous!

2. Being a Red Cross Youth Ambassador- It was eye opening upholding the position of Youth Ambassador for blood donations in my school, and it made me realise the urgency for blood donors in today' s society which I was quite unaware of. 

3. Hosting Australia's Biggest Morning Tea- Who doesn't love some tea and scones for a good cause? I can tell you that the morning tea was a success as not only was it raising money for Cancer Council Australia, but it also enabled family and friends to enjoy their morning with lots of mingling as well as some tea and coffee, and not to mention I ended up raising over $200!

4. Family Photo Shoot- As a family, we all united for some family portraits and were also able to have individual portraits taken. I really enjoyed the experience of getting my hair and makeup done and having my outfit coordinated and re-wearing my year 10 formal dress for my individual shot.

5. Staying in the City for Easter- Spending time with my family is something I love doing, especially when we get the chance to have a break and spend time somewhere different. Staying in the city was a great experience as we had the chance to go shopping, catch a ferry to Williamstown and walk around Melbourne like tourists for a change.

I hope everyone has an safe and enjoyable new year and please don't forget to leave a comment and mention the highlights of 2013 for you.

All the best,

Chelsea Elizabeth xx