My Review Of Jasper Hotel - Melbourne
If you are looking for a flashy, posh and bustling hotel where men constantly hold Blackberries to their ears, wear business suits and carry watches even more expensive than their vintage Rolls Royces, then this is not that place for you.
But, if tranquillity and personalized service is what you are after, then Jasper Hotel is your mini goldmine, conveniently located at the tip of Melbourne's CBD.
The reception staff must have been anticipating our arrival, as upon walking in they greeted my boyfriend and I by his name, which is unusual since he has a Middle Eastern, excruciatingly hard to pronounce, but all the while exotic name.
Tim, the manager escorted us to the elevator and showed us to our room. I have always stayed at large, more bustling hotels and never had I been treated so attentively by the reception staff.
Very refreshing.
The rooms were clean and well presented. Our beds were made each morning, and toiletries adequately replenished.
The hotel was conveniently located across the road from a major tram station, allowing us instant access to every angle to beautiful Melbourne city.
I preferred that we were not located directly in the heart of the CBD, as it allowed us to walk and discover gorgeous boutique restaurants and book stores that we wouldn't have visited otherwise.
Breakfast was amazing!
I did not even have to try the food to decipher this, as Jasper Kitchen was hustling and bustling morning after morning after morning after morning. The gorgeous aromas of fresh bread and coffee wafted through the lobby and into the elevators, and my boyfriend and I just couldn't wait to devour our meals. I must say, the poached eggs are simply fantastic!
Finally, I would like to thank Karl, who organized an airport shuttle bus for us within a few hours, when one would generally need to give 24 hours notice.
I would definitely stay here again, and recommend anybody who is looking for a quaint and down to Earth haven that is close to but far enough from the shops (just in case you run out of money) give it a try!
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Thursday 17 February 2011
A Letter to my Sixteen Year Old Self (inspired by the novel of the same name)
Dear Caroline,
Just because you have a lot of clothes it doesn’t mean that you are stylish, so stop buying! You already know this, but I feel that I need to remind you. Rummaging through cheap Asian stores in Darling Harbour trying to find the cheapest and brightest item before anyone else is are not going to make you feel or look better. The same goes for "Vinnies." I know you tell yourself “its for charity” but the junk you buy doesn’t fit, and in a few years, after mum’s incessant hassling, you are going to throw out about 5 rubbish bags full of them. Sponsor a child instead.
Another piece of fashion advice is to stop wearing skiivis! They don’t look good! You think your boobs are too big and that, I understand, and that skiivis conceal them, but they in fact make them appear much bigger and rounder. Also, and probably most importantly, stop buying them in light colours! You are going to review photos and experience a real “what the hell was I thinking” moment, whilst hating the people around you for not tackling them off you thread by thread.
Stop looking back when it comes to love! I know that you are ferociously in love right now, but the truth is, dear girl, he does not love you back. You are wasting your time and energy and quiet frankly Aleen is sick of hearing your poems. The two of you will laugh about this in a few years, but for the time being it is really annoying her.
This is not to say that you shouldn’t fall in love, because you will, and it will feel wonderful! But, you should also learn when to fall out of it. Do not sacrifice your time and beliefs for people who only put up with you. Stand up for what you think is right, and when you have had enough say so. This will make people respect you, and most importantly allow you respect yourself.
Follow your intuitions, they almost never fail you. In fact, you are going to “meet” (if you have not so already) the man that you are going to want to marry because you did.
Like yourself. I must warn you that you are going to gain a heap of weight, but this is only because you do not like your body. Accept it, embrace it and you will find that things will change. I do not want to disclose too much but lets just say your boobs drop down to a 12B.
Be patient with you sister; she is going to surprise you. Right now, she is the 13 year old brat who mum is begging for you to take everywhere, but she is going to grow into a very determined young lady who, believe it or not, drives a better car than you! She will never stop taking your clothes, so it is most important that you keep hiding them (and remember where you put them).
You are going to learn that you parents are people too. They are doing the best they can so just be patient; especially with your mum. She is about to go through a lot so just be there for her. Although you don’t know it now, she is very intelligent and is going to set up you future in a way that will shock everyone.
One thing I will commend you on is your hard work. Well done on achieving great results at school, this will help you a lot in the future. Speaking of which, stop worrying, things have a funny way of falling into place.
Keep in touch with old friends. You will be amazed at how you can so easily pick up where you left off.
Do not settle for the first car you come across when you are shopping for a brand new one, despite what your dad says.
And lastly, and probably most importantly, cheap jeans fit the best!
Love always,
Caroline
Just because you have a lot of clothes it doesn’t mean that you are stylish, so stop buying! You already know this, but I feel that I need to remind you. Rummaging through cheap Asian stores in Darling Harbour trying to find the cheapest and brightest item before anyone else is are not going to make you feel or look better. The same goes for "Vinnies." I know you tell yourself “its for charity” but the junk you buy doesn’t fit, and in a few years, after mum’s incessant hassling, you are going to throw out about 5 rubbish bags full of them. Sponsor a child instead.
Another piece of fashion advice is to stop wearing skiivis! They don’t look good! You think your boobs are too big and that, I understand, and that skiivis conceal them, but they in fact make them appear much bigger and rounder. Also, and probably most importantly, stop buying them in light colours! You are going to review photos and experience a real “what the hell was I thinking” moment, whilst hating the people around you for not tackling them off you thread by thread.
Stop looking back when it comes to love! I know that you are ferociously in love right now, but the truth is, dear girl, he does not love you back. You are wasting your time and energy and quiet frankly Aleen is sick of hearing your poems. The two of you will laugh about this in a few years, but for the time being it is really annoying her.
This is not to say that you shouldn’t fall in love, because you will, and it will feel wonderful! But, you should also learn when to fall out of it. Do not sacrifice your time and beliefs for people who only put up with you. Stand up for what you think is right, and when you have had enough say so. This will make people respect you, and most importantly allow you respect yourself.
Follow your intuitions, they almost never fail you. In fact, you are going to “meet” (if you have not so already) the man that you are going to want to marry because you did.
Like yourself. I must warn you that you are going to gain a heap of weight, but this is only because you do not like your body. Accept it, embrace it and you will find that things will change. I do not want to disclose too much but lets just say your boobs drop down to a 12B.
Be patient with you sister; she is going to surprise you. Right now, she is the 13 year old brat who mum is begging for you to take everywhere, but she is going to grow into a very determined young lady who, believe it or not, drives a better car than you! She will never stop taking your clothes, so it is most important that you keep hiding them (and remember where you put them).
You are going to learn that you parents are people too. They are doing the best they can so just be patient; especially with your mum. She is about to go through a lot so just be there for her. Although you don’t know it now, she is very intelligent and is going to set up you future in a way that will shock everyone.
One thing I will commend you on is your hard work. Well done on achieving great results at school, this will help you a lot in the future. Speaking of which, stop worrying, things have a funny way of falling into place.
Keep in touch with old friends. You will be amazed at how you can so easily pick up where you left off.
Do not settle for the first car you come across when you are shopping for a brand new one, despite what your dad says.
And lastly, and probably most importantly, cheap jeans fit the best!
Love always,
Caroline
Thursday 3 February 2011
Social Media and SMEs
A decade ago the Internet was thought of as a giant encyclopaedia, used by students for their homework, whilst their parents called up the Internet company, pleading to block any sites with the phrase “xxx” in them.
Today the World Wide Web is utilised differently. As a keen and active user of this great marvel, I can distinctively argue that it has evolved into a giant social networking forum, where anybody anywhere can log on and immediately communicate with people around the world.
The Internet is used by almost everybody; and this is not to just indicative of newer generations. People are shifting the way the consume media to be completely digital, and with it’s increasing affordability and availability, this technology has become the best platform for marketing and advertising for small medium enterprises (SMEs). Gone are the days where people sit in front of the television and watch streams of advertisements that may be targeted to them, generally switching channels. Instead, the personal nature of the Internet allows for material to be directly targeted to users based on the personal information they have submitted into social networking sites, making the campaign for that particular SME successful.
Digital social networking also allows for the immediate delivery of information. Any Internet user will come across review sites and/or snippets, where a consumer may upload their feedback about a product or service even whilst trying it out. It is also important to note that their thoughts may not always be positive, but businesses have to be willing to deal with such a negative aspect of social media.
The Internet is everywhere. With the evolution and subsequent perfection of wireless web services and smart phones, consumers are arguably suffering an “information overload.” Users are automatically “buzzed” as soon as a company uploads a new dress on facebook, announces a sale on twitter, or responds to their request on ebay. This incessant vibration in the user’s handbag or pocket constantly reminds them of the company and their product or service, further enforcing that social media sites are very effective as a marketing platform for SMEs.
Relationships are built and enhanced through constant social network updates and uploads. Many SME owners post comments, videos and images of subjects that concern their business on pages such as facebook and twitter in an effort to appeal to others within their community. No longer is it the product, which is being advertised, but rather the personality of the business itself. For example, a sporting goods storeowner may post the results of the Australian Ashes, or the AFL, or even announce their support of a local charity, touching base with communities interested in these sports, therefore exposing their business name.
Social networking has proven to be an effective advertising platform for SMEs, as it means that people of the same demographic and interests throughout the world may be targeted. It’s dynamic, fast and evolving nature means that people are kept up-to-date with the offerings of companies, as they are constantly exposed to their marketing campaigns, fuelling interest and subsequent sales. Social networking sites also pave the way for new online communities, who through becoming followers of a particular business, may develop an invested interest in it’s success.
Today the World Wide Web is utilised differently. As a keen and active user of this great marvel, I can distinctively argue that it has evolved into a giant social networking forum, where anybody anywhere can log on and immediately communicate with people around the world.
The Internet is used by almost everybody; and this is not to just indicative of newer generations. People are shifting the way the consume media to be completely digital, and with it’s increasing affordability and availability, this technology has become the best platform for marketing and advertising for small medium enterprises (SMEs). Gone are the days where people sit in front of the television and watch streams of advertisements that may be targeted to them, generally switching channels. Instead, the personal nature of the Internet allows for material to be directly targeted to users based on the personal information they have submitted into social networking sites, making the campaign for that particular SME successful.
Digital social networking also allows for the immediate delivery of information. Any Internet user will come across review sites and/or snippets, where a consumer may upload their feedback about a product or service even whilst trying it out. It is also important to note that their thoughts may not always be positive, but businesses have to be willing to deal with such a negative aspect of social media.
The Internet is everywhere. With the evolution and subsequent perfection of wireless web services and smart phones, consumers are arguably suffering an “information overload.” Users are automatically “buzzed” as soon as a company uploads a new dress on facebook, announces a sale on twitter, or responds to their request on ebay. This incessant vibration in the user’s handbag or pocket constantly reminds them of the company and their product or service, further enforcing that social media sites are very effective as a marketing platform for SMEs.
Relationships are built and enhanced through constant social network updates and uploads. Many SME owners post comments, videos and images of subjects that concern their business on pages such as facebook and twitter in an effort to appeal to others within their community. No longer is it the product, which is being advertised, but rather the personality of the business itself. For example, a sporting goods storeowner may post the results of the Australian Ashes, or the AFL, or even announce their support of a local charity, touching base with communities interested in these sports, therefore exposing their business name.
Social networking has proven to be an effective advertising platform for SMEs, as it means that people of the same demographic and interests throughout the world may be targeted. It’s dynamic, fast and evolving nature means that people are kept up-to-date with the offerings of companies, as they are constantly exposed to their marketing campaigns, fuelling interest and subsequent sales. Social networking sites also pave the way for new online communities, who through becoming followers of a particular business, may develop an invested interest in it’s success.
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