#best escape room melbourne

[rushescapegameme]

Why Escape Rooms Are the Perfect Team-Building Experience

 In today's fast-paced business environment, fostering teamwork and collaboration is essential for success. Traditional team-building activities like trust falls or corporate retreats can sometimes feel stale or uninspiring.

Enter escape rooms—a fresh, engaging way to boost team dynamics while also providing an unforgettable experience. Here’s why escape room Melbournehas become the go-to option for companies looking to enhance team cohesion and communication.

Encourages Collaboration

Escape rooms are designed to challenge participants to work together to solve puzzles and complete tasks within a set time limit. This inherently encourages collaboration among team members. In an escape room, everyone must contribute their unique skills and perspectives to succeed. Whether it’s a logical thinker deciphering codes, a creative individual piecing together clues, or a natural leader directing the team, each person’s strengths come into play, promoting a sense of unity.

Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

In an escape room, teams are confronted with complex challenges that require critical thinking and quick decision-making. Participants must analyse clues, make connections, and develop strategies to solve problems under pressure. This environment mirrors the real-world challenges that teams face in the workplace. By honing these skills in a fun, high-stakes setting, employees can develop the confidence and abilities needed to tackle workplace challenges more effectively.

Improves Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful team. Escape rooms require participants to share information quickly and clearly to solve puzzles efficiently. Team members learn to articulate their thoughts, listen to others, and ask for help when needed. This improvement in communication skills can translate back to the workplace, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration.

Fosters Creativity and Innovation

The immersive nature of escape rooms sparks creativity. Teams must think outside the box to connect seemingly unrelated clues and arrive at solutions. This environment encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving strategies that may not surface in traditional office settings. As employees engage in creative brainstorming during the escape room experience, they may discover new ideas and approaches that they can bring back to their daily work.

Builds Trust and Relationships

Trust is a fundamental component of effective teamwork. In an escape room, team members must rely on each other to succeed, fostering a sense of trust and camaraderie. As participants work through challenges together, they bond over shared experiences and achievements. This strengthened rapport can lead to more cohesive relationships in the workplace, improving overall team dynamics.

Creates Lasting Memories

Escape rooms are not just about completing challenges; they are about creating memorable experiences. The excitement and adrenaline of racing against the clock to escape create lasting memories that team members can reminisce about. These shared escape room Melbourne experiences help forge stronger connections among team members, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the workplace.

Accessible for Everyone

Escape rooms cater to a wide range of participants, regardless of their physical abilities or backgrounds. The challenges are designed to engage different skill sets, ensuring everyone can contribute. This inclusivity promotes a sense of belonging and encourages participation from all team members, making it an ideal activity for diverse teams.

Flexibility and Variety

With a multitude of themes and challenges available, escape rooms can be tailored to suit various team preferences and dynamics. Whether your team enjoys mystery, adventure, or horror themes, there’s an escape room experience that fits. This variety keeps the experience fresh and exciting, ensuring that employees are engaged and motivated throughout the activity.

Boosts Morale

Participating in a fun and challenging activity like an escape room can significantly boost team morale. The shared experience of overcoming obstacles together creates a positive atmosphere that enhances overall workplace satisfaction. Employees return to their jobs with a renewed sense of energy and motivation, eager to apply what they learned in the escape room to their daily tasks.

Promotes Healthy Competition

While collaboration is key in escape rooms, a bit of friendly competition can also be beneficial. Many escape rooms offer a race against the clock or compete against other teams. This element of competition can drive teams to perform at their best while still fostering a sense of camaraderie. The thrill of racing against the clock often leads to heightened enthusiasm and engagement, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Final Words

Escape rooms provide a unique and engaging team-building experience that promotes collaboration, problem-solving, and communication while creating lasting memories. As companies continue to seek innovative ways to enhance team dynamics, escape rooms stand out as an effective tool for building stronger, more cohesive teams. By stepping outside the traditional corporate environment and embracing the challenge of an escape room Melbourne, teams can emerge more united and better equipped to tackle the challenges of the workplace together. So why not consider an escape room for your next team-building event? It might just be the perfect solution to strengthen your team’s bond while having a blast!

[landosjpg]

morning runs | ln

the one where your boyfriend finds you fast asleep in your hotel bed when he returns from his morning run.

lando norrix x fem!reader

word count: ~1.0k

warnings: smut MINORS DNI!!!!, porn without plot, somnophilia, p in v, unprotected sex (as always, take care please), slight praise

note: those pictures of him running around melbourne with his shirt off have sent me into a spiral and they're the only thing i could think about for the past two days. i could not help myself.

no matter how many times you travelled long distances, you still weren't used to it; jet lag always kicked your ass every time you went to a race on the other side of the world with lando, messing up your sleeping schedule to the point it ended up knocking you out for the vast majority of the day.

you were trying your best to adapt to the time change, but it always took you a few days to get it right. this year, lando had decided that morning runs were the way to beat jet lag.

he had asked you to join a few times, promising it would be helpful, but the drowsiness made it impossible for you to climb out of bed that early and be productive. that's why he had left all by himself early in the morning, tucking you in and planting a soft kiss on your forehead before walking out the hotel room.

he came back only a few hours later, cheeks flushed and a thin layer of sweat covering his chest, tank top in hand. when he walked into your shared room, he found you were still in bed, in the same position he had left you earlier, sheets sprawled out barely covering your body now.

he softly smiled at the sight before him, the dim light that entered the room from the blinds tempting him to get back in bed with you. he would. righter after taking a shower, he promised himself.

however, he walked to where you were, smiling at your sleepy expression.

"i love you," he mumbled, leaning down to peck your slightly parted lips. he raised his eyebrows when he heard a small whimper leave your throat and you shifted around a little, his eyes scanning your half-naked body.

you were only weating one of his shirts. not that it was something you never did before, but something about tour drowsy state was drawing him in. he sat right beside you on the mattress, trying not to woke you up and his fingers slowly reached for your legs, stroking your bare sking tenderly with the tip of his fingers.

you sighed softly at his warm touch, stretching your body and your shirt sliding up, letting him have a look at your underwear. he moved his hand up, up, up, until his fingertips brushed against the hem of your panties. as if it was muscle memory, your legs slowly spread open for him.

and fuck, was it tempting.

it wouldn't be the first time you woke up to his fingers buried deep inside you or his head between your legs, but he knew this time you were too tired. and he would have stood up and taken a shower if you hadn't whimpered his name in your sleep the second he withdrew his hand from your core. the sweet sound that fell from your lips made him smile, fingers slowly going back to pull your underwear to the side so he could get a proper look at you.

his smirk grew wider at the sight of how wet you were, and when you stirred the second he softly pressed his thumb against your clit, he knew he couldn't just leave you yet. lazily, he got rid of his own clothes, discarding them on the floor and hovered over your body, pulling your shirt up to your hips gently, still not wanting to disturb your sleep.

"look so pretty like this, baby," he mumbled before leaning down to kiss your cheek as he slid his already hard cock between your folds, slowly pushing inside of you only a few seconds later. a low groan escaped his throat as you easily took all of him; the fact that you were so ready for him, even in your unaware state, making him smile once more.

he stilled his body as he bottomed out for a few seconds, his eyes taking in your sweet expression. he brushed a strand of your hair back as he started rolling his hips slowly, his breath getting heavier as you hummed in your sleep.

the groan he let out right next to your ear as you unconciously clenched around him woke you up, making your body squirm in confussion under him.

"s'me, baby..." he slurred, still fucking you slowly and gently. "it's just me, don't worry."

you softly whimpered when you heard your boyfriend's voice and felt his weight on you, chest pressed against yours.

"lando..." the moan that left your lips was low, and you lazily wrapped your arms around his waist, holding him close. your eyes fluttered open only to find out he was looking right back at you. through half-lidded eyes, you could see the slight flush of his cheeks, a chuckle leaving your lips before you closed them again.

"you're doing so good," he whispered, keeping his thrusts gentle, not wanting to take you out of your sleepy state. "my pretty, pretty baby," he added, bumping his nose on yours to kiss your lips before hiding his face in the crook of your neck and spreading little kisses all over your skin.

the build up was slow, whispered praises and sighs being the only sound filling the room that turned into low whimpers as soon as you felt your toes curling, your pussy tightening around your boyfriend's cock, stealing a string of curses from his lips when you felt him filling you up.

after a few seconds, he slowly rolled the two of you on the mattress, your body now on top of his with him still buried inside of you.

"go back to sleep, baby," he murmured, pressing a small kiss to the corner of your lips and pulling the bedsheets over your bodies again, his arms holding you close to his chest, keeping you warm and comfortable.

[planetpiastri]

Imagine Oscar with an American!reader who teams up with Logan to tease Oscar

pairing: oscar piastri x fem!american!reader [no faceclaim, reader is faceless] summary: oscar should have known what he was getting into when he started dating an american. who are we kidding, he absolutely knew what he was getting into. notes: i'm actually in love with this request as an american girlie myself. there's a lot of jokes here that are inside jokes my friends and i make about f1, so i hope you guys enjoy them too. also as a former tgm blog, this is a little bit of a full circle moment hehe

ynusername

liked by mclaren, oscarpiastri, and others

ynusername USA! USA! RRRAAAHHH 🦅🦅🦅

view all 427 comments

mclaren Thanks for hanging out in the Austin paddock with us! 🧡

ynusername thanks for having me!!

oscarpiastri Wow that caption does not fit the aesthetic at all

ynusername sorry pookie wookie snugglelumps you're my bestest most favorite boy thank u for making me din din❤️❤️

logansargeant LFGGGGGGG

username1 oscar cannot escape the americans first logan and now his gf 😭

oscarpiastri I am in a hell of my own choosing

ynusername

liked by alex_albon, logansargeant, and others

ynusername sorry i ate two taco bell soft tacos in less than 90 seconds do u still think i'm hot

view all 338 comments

oscarpiastri Always ❤️

ynusername AWWWWW logansargeant Get a room

landonorris last i checked, taco bell is not part of his racing diet 🤨

ynusername ssh you didn't see nuthin 🤺

username2 okay but what's oscar's order??

username3 i bet yn and logan ordered for him ynusername correct

oscarpiastri Final thoughts: it was good I guess, my tummy kinda hurts, the best part was the soda

logansargeant Yeah that checks out

oscarpiastri

liked by logansargeant, ynusername, and 157,960 others

oscarpiastri My American girl ❤️

view all 1,743 comments

username3 WAAHH THEY'RE SO CUTE

username4 why is he soft launching they've been together for like 3 years now

ynusername ❤️

logansargeant American boy** silly there's a typo in your caption

landonorris oscarpiastri he wants u fr oscarpiastri I know

liked by oscarpiastri, landonorris, and others

ynusername hi australia 👋 thank u for making my forever person ❤️

view all 604 comments

username5 my 😭 forever 😭 person 😭

oscarpiastri I love you ❤️

ynusername giggling blushing kicking my feet

logansargeant Come back I'm bored

username6 yn showing oscar around california and oscar showing yn around melbourne oh i'm gonna barf they're so cute

tagging: @sonder-paradise bc she helped beta this<3

[scribblesofagoonerr]

— Yer' a pair of pests!

Here's another part of chaos fc!

Thank you @alotofpockets to help me out when i need it, big time!

I'm finding writing stuff like this the best thing right now as i can't handle much angst with the current situation i'm dealing with...

Anyways. I hope you enjoy!

pairings: kim little x reader, kyra cooney cross x reader, arsenal wfc x reader

summary: reader and kyra continue to cause mayhem on the trip in melbourne with katie falling victim of their latest prank

"KYRA!" You bolt through the room and literally throw yourself on the older girls back, which took her by complete surprise as you wrap your legs' round her and cling onto her.

You've been lucky enough to escape the watchful eyes of Kim and Steph, making a quick exit out of the room the minute that the press conference had ended, running in the direction of where the rest of the girls will be.

"Y/N/N!" The Australian girl exclaims just as enthusiastically, "Where'd you go?" She wonders.

"I told you that Mother Kimmy held me captive-- Ah, Kyra!" You squeal, taken by sudden surprise as you're body slammed to the ground all the sudden by your partner in crime.

"And the chaos resumes," Caitlin murmers, rolling her eyes as she watches the pair of you wrestle on the floor. "Girls, get up off the floor!"

"More like responsibility," Katie chuckle in amusement, shaking her head as she watches the chaos unfold with you two "kids" in the team.

"Kyra! Y/N! Break it up!" The older Australian girl continues to shout, trying to get in between the two of you to stop mucking about, "Can't you to ever behave? You're supposed to be adults, settling examples here!"

"This is entertainment at its' finest," Vic remarks, watching it from the side as she has her phone out to record it.

In fact, most of the girls had their phones out and where laughing while watching, meanwhile Caitlin still struggles to break it up between the two of you.

"Kyra! Y/N!" Caitlin shouts at the top of her voice, trying to tug your counter part away from brawling with you, "One of you is seriously going to get hurt in a minute!"

"What's going on?" Steph questions, hearing the commotion before she enters the room even though shes' not entirely aware of what's happening.

"Kyra and Y/N are fighting and Caitlins' trying to break it up," Alessia chimes in, motioning to what is happening between you and the two Aussie's.

"And failing," Teyah snickers before she goes to try and goad both of you to continue to play fight on the floor.

"Fighting?" Stephs' eyes widen in shock before she pushes her way forward and tries to take control of the situation, "What're you two playin' at? I swear to god its' like dealing with actual children!" She tries to take a hold of your upper bicep, but your too scrappy for her to successfully to that.

"What's going on?" Kim enters the room and narrows her eyes in your direction, "Y/F/N, get up from the floor, right now!" She bellows across the room to you.

Your smart enough to recognise your captains' voie and listen to what she's telling you to avoid any further direct scolding from her, "Ello there, Kimmy," You flash her an innocent smile, like you've not been causing no trouble.

"Enough trouble, go and get ready!" Kim states, firmly while motioning in the direction of where your own stuff is on the bench awaiting the open training session in front of all the fans.

"Don't know what yer even talkin' about there," You grin cheekily but still do as your told; Sure enough you're a troublemaker, but you know when to listen sometimes.

Your not a complete idiot.

Even if some others' might agree with that.

Following orders from your captain, you get ready to go and join the open training session as Kyra wanders over to sit beside you on the bench, "Did you do it?" You wonder.

"We did it," Kyra grins mischeviously, grabbing her top to shove it over her head.

"Told you we wouldn't let you down, eagle 1," One of the Academy players, Maddie chimes in as she wanders over near to the bench.

"Nicely done, Young Gun!" You state, playfully ruffling the girls' hair.

"Y/N!" You suddenly hear your captain shout aloud to get your attention.

Your quick to hold your hands up in mock surrender, "I-- I didn't do anything!" You insist.

"Quit muckin' around and get ready!" Kim states in a tone that leaves no room for objection, "And leave Maddie alone, don't be dragging her into none of your shenanigans!" She warns with a pointed finger in your direction.

"I-- What? I'm not tryin' to involve her in nothing," You try to justify yourself while resisting the urge to roll your eyes, "And I'm not even causin' any trouble!" You exclaim.

Kim keeps her eyes' on you as she looks at you sleptically, "That's the way its' going to stay, alright? I don't want to be havin' any more trouble from you today!" She all but demands, while you try and protest but you know with the luck shes' still giving you its' jus better to do as your told for once.

That still doesn't mean you won't be a brat about it.

"Borin'," You murmer, sitting down to shove your boots on.

"I heard that Y/N," Kim is quick to hear what you say straight away.

"Good, cos' you were meant too," You remark, playfully sticking your tongue out at the older Scots' women.

"Y/N! Would you stop!" Alessia shouts in frustration after shes' finally had enough of your antics.

"I didn't do out Lessi," You hold your hands up in surrender and try play your innocence.

"Yes you did-- You keep on trying to trip me up!" The older blonde states, glaring at you.

In your defence, you did aim to try and stay of trouble, but it's not always easy and before you know it, you're bored once more and actively causing chaos again.

In this case, it was trying to see how many times you could purposely trip Alessia up before she got annoyed with you.

"What's going on?" Katie calls over to where your stood irritating the older girl with the help of your trusty sidekick of course.

The uproar of course catches the attention of a few of the older players as they look over to see what's going on in the middle of the training session on the pitch.

"Y/N's being a menace," Alessia snitches on you straight away.

"When isn't she?" Teyah chimes in as she laughs in amusement 

"I'm not even doin' anything!" You exclaim, trying to make it seem like your being a complete angel.

Vic can't help but laugh as she walks past, "You're always up to something," She comments.

"Y/N, knock it off!" Kim sends a pointed look in your direction, not even needing to say anything further as you slump your shoulders in defeat to being scolded once again.

"The fox is entering the building," Mini Viv rushes into the locker room ahead of the American after the training session takes place to let you know so you can be ready with the can of silly string that you'd managed to somehow convince Teyah to get for you.

Sometimes you forget that your both the same age.

Oh well.

"Shes' coming! Shes' coming! Shes' round the corner!" Mini Katie burts through the door, after you had her keep a look out for your next target to prank.

"Good work, Young Gun!" You grin at the 17-year-old and turn to Kyra whos' of course been pulled into your scheming mischief, "It's show time," You share a sly grin with the Aussie girl, stood up on the benches in the locker room as you get ready to fire at your target.

"Lets' cause mayhem," Kyra states, more than eager to get the American like the plan is to do.

"Girls-- Ah! What the fuck?!" The two of you fire your silly string in the direction of the player who you thought was Emily, however, you're severly wrong when you realise its' someone completely different.

"Oh shit," Kyra mumbles in realisation, dropping the can straight away.

"Oh shit," You repeat, your eyes widen in realisation of how much trouble you'd be in now.

It wasn't Emily, but instead it was your fellow Irish team mate, Katie McCabe.

Oops?

"Hey, Katie. Are you-- What the hell happened in here?" Steph wanders into the locker room and her eyes widen seeing the scene in front of her as she takes in the Irish girl covered in silly string while you and Kyra look guiltier than ever.

"We thought it was Emily!" Kyra is the first to spill.

"We didn't... We didn't realise you were gonna walk through the door first!" You try and defend yourself, despite how much trouble you knew you would be in.

"What the--" Caitlin walks into the locker room and furrows her eyebrows, confused.

"What's going on?" Emily just happens to walk into the locker room with Alessia and looks around in confusion.

"We thought it was gonna be you!" Mini Viv exclaims.

"Yeah, you were supposed to walk in. Where'd you go?" Mini Katie pouts, realising that the prank had completely failed.

"You girls are dead," Katie seethes, although its' hard to try and not laugh at her when shes' covered in multicoloured silly string.

"Whoops?" You question, flashing her an innocent smile to try and get yourself out of trouble.

"Come 'ere, you little--" Katie lunges at you as your eyes' widen and you try to bolt out of the locker room, but its' blocked off by the one person you didn't want to see walking through it.

"What an earth is going on?!" Kim all but shouts aloud as she takes in the pure chaos in the locker room; The current situation being that Katie is trying to chase you around the room.

Meanwhile, Kyra is being held captive between the two older Aussie girls' who are giving her a grilling about it.

"I didn't do out-- Kimmy, save me from her!" You try and escape in the direction of the Scots' women, making out like your non the wiser of the reason of what happened, "Katies' mad at me for no reason!"

"Yes I am you little shit-- Come 'ere!" The Irish girl still tries to grab a hold of you as Kim at least has some decency to shield you from her wrath.

"Alright, that's enough. Katie, back off!" Your captain tells the brunette firmly, giving that she reluctantly gives in and goes back to her own cubby in annoyance, all while you can't resist the urge to smirk at her until of course Kim looks at you, "And you, what have I told you about causing any more trouble! Silly strong, really, Y/N?" She scolds you.

"I didn't do out, you have no proof it was us," You innocently shrug your shoulders and try to act like butter wouldn't melt while under your captain's gaze.

It doesn't do much to work though.

"I'm not blind, Y/F/N! You sit there, right now and don't even think about moving!" Kim tells you in a firm voice, pinching the bridge of her nose as she gestures to the bench in front of her own cubby instead of yours.

"Oooof, you're in trouble," Kyra taunts you from the other side of the room.

"Kyra!" Steph gives the younger Australian a pointed look.

"Now whos' in trouble," You remark loud enough for others to hear still.

"Y/N!" Kim continues to stare at you with a look that could definitely kill given the chance, "Sit down. Now!"

"Party pooper," You huff and slump down onto the bench, awaiting whatever lecture you're bound to get from the Scots' women given the prank you'd pulled.

In your opinion, it's still definitely worth it even if you are trouble and boy did you know you're in hot water now.

But still very much worth it.

© scribblesofagoonerr

[ouiouibaguettt]

Yellow

─ ⋅◈⋅ ━─┉┈◈❖◈┈┉─━ ⋅◈⋅ ── ⋅◈⋅ ━─┉┈◈❖◈┈┉─━ ⋅◈⋅ ─

ellie carpenter x reader

Y/N is the sister of Alexandre Lacazette here.

words: 2.8k

warnings: slight mentions of bad comments

→ two lovers in australia before the wwc2023!

→ inspired by yellow by Coldplay

Masterlist

 ─ ⋅◈⋅ ━─┉┈◈❖◈┈┉─━ ⋅◈⋅ ── ⋅◈⋅ ━─┉┈◈❖◈┈┉─━ ⋅◈⋅ ─

Look at the stars Look how they shine for you

Arriving at the airport after a 1-day flight. You took out the camera to continue the series of vlogs that you posts every day and which you started the week of the warm-up match against Ireland. 

"Hey guys how are you today? Personally I'm pretty good-" you said before being cut off by your teammate Selma Bacha.

"She's only in a good mood because she's going to see her girlfriend again tomorrow" she said before catching up with Grace Geyoro and Viviane Asseyi to escape you. 

"I mean she's right, I'm going to see Ellie again tomorrow." you say with a big smile before getting back on topic. 

"Anyway, we've just arrived in Melbourne to get ready for the game against Australia on the 15th of July. Honestly, I think it's going to be a tough match,  it's not at the same level as Ireland, even though Ireland had some very good players. So we're going to have to move our asses to try and win the match. I'll make a transition to show you my room at the hotel afterwards," you say before hiding your camera with your hand and turning it off.

And everything you do

Yeah, they were all yellow

Once you’re arrived at the hotel, and found out about the accommodation for the coming week, you were relieved to find yourself with Selma, your partner since the Olympique Lyonnais academy. 

"Yes, Y/N/N, we're in the same room", Selma said, jumping onto your back before bringing you down to the floor with her. 

"Yes I can read Selma" you say as you pushed her off your back to get up. Returning to the room, you take out your camera to resume the vlog. You put your hand back in front of the camera before taking it away to say.

"I'm back! So I'm going to show you the room," you say before starting to show the room. Once you’re finished, you dropped yourself onto the bed to conclude the day's video: 

"Well, guys, that was our beautiful room, so I'll see you tomorrow with Ellie! Sel' do you want to say something?" you asked your flatmate, "Yes, hang on, I'm coming" she said.

*big thump* 

"Sel' ça va?" you asked between two laughs, tears welling up in your eyes as the fall was so ridiculous. 

"Ca va" said Selma, getting up and walking more calmly towards you. "Kisses guys, sleep well, don't forget to support France for the World Cup please, goodbye" she said as she climbed back into bed. 

"You heard the boss, good night and see you tomorrow," you say, switching off your vlog before connecting the camera to the computer to post the video. 

I came along I wrote a song for you And all the things you do

As a player living under the shadow of your big brother, you were used to receiving comments like "you're not as good as your brother", "stop playing football", "well, lacazette's sister sucks lmao", but that didn't mean you were happy to receive these kinds of comments. That's how you found yourself at 2am on twitter and Instagram reading the comments you received every day. These comments made you fall asleep at 5am.

And it was called Yellow

When you woke up, Selma saw that you were still asleep, which was strange because, apart from when you are with Ellie, you are an early riser. It was when she saw the phone in your hands that Selma realised why you still hadn't woken up. So she had the wonderful idea of surprising you. Selma walked over to your camera to start the vlog of the day. 

"Hi guys, it's Selma, I know you were expecting to see Y/N/N, but she's still asleep, she hasn't had the best night, so to change that I'm going to call Ellie, because I know she's already awake, get her over here so she can wake up our favourite person. It's clearly a genius idea". She says as she picks up her phone and dials Ellie's number. 

"Hey Ellie, I'm sorry to bother you but would you like to come to our hotel right now? Because I have to tell you, Y/N/N didn't have the best night of her life. She was still asleep when I woke up, with her phone in her hands, and I think she's been on the internet again to see what people are saying about her," said Selma, worried about you. 

"Don't worry, you're not bothering me. Oh yes, why not, it's a good idea and it'll be good for her not to think about it while I'm with her" said Ellie, going back to her room to get her things, a Matildas tracksuit set. 

"Okay good, and yes, I think so too. I'm going downstairs to let the receptionist know you're coming so you don't get turned away," said Selma as she started to leave her room and head for reception. 

"Ok thanks, I'll be there in 10 or 15 minutes, see you later" said Ellie as she hung up.

So then I took my turn Oh, what a thing to have done And it was all yellow

Once Ellie arrived outside the hotel, she was immediately greeted by one of the receptionists. "Hello, what can I do to help you?" asked the hostess. 

"Hi, I'm Ellie Carpenter, Y/N Lacazette's girlfriend, I've come to visit her. Her flatmate, Selma Bacha, told me she'd told you?" said Ellie, hoping she hadn't given the wrong information. 

"Oh yes, I see, well Mrs Carpenter, your girlfriend is on the 3rd floor, room 312. Have a nice day" said the hostess. 

"Thank you very much, have a nice day too" thanked Ellie before taking the lift to room 312 on the 3rd floor. Arriving at the door of the room, Ellie took out her telephone to warn Selma.

to Selmama

I'm at the door

By the time she had put her phone away, the door opened and Selma Bacha was overjoyed to see her Lyon team-mate here. 

"Ellie" Selma shouted in a whisper as she came to give her a hug. 

"Thanks for coming" she thanked her quickly before letting Ellie into the room. 

"No worries, you know I'd do anything for our favorite person" Ellie said with a heart filled look on her face. 

"Oh that's lovely an digusting at the same time" said Selma smiling before resuming her sentence.

"So, you've got the key card on Y/N/N's bedside table if you need it, I'll go with Grace, Kenza and Viviane. Have a nice day, lovers." she said as she closed the door. Now alone, Ellie took off her shoes, then went straight to your camera to resume the vlog, "Hi everyone, this is Ellie, my moment of glory is going to be short as I'm just going to film myself waking Zoe up" she said as she placed the camera on a piece of furniture so that it was well positioned.

Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones Turn into something beautiful And you know, you know I love you so

"My love, wake up" said Ellie as she sat down next to you and stroked your cheek. 

"Hmm Ellie, what are you doing here, let me sleep, I'm so tired. Give me your jumper im cold and i miss you" you grumbled as you pulled the duvet up over your face. 

"I am here because Im worried about you and because I love you. Now do you want my jumper?" asked Ellie. 

"Yes please give it to me, and no need to be worried i just read those comment last night and I shouldn't have done now cuddles please." you say holding out your hands at her like a baby. 

"Argh Ellie your jumper's all yellow" you complained girl. 

"Don’t do it again baby you are an excellent player okay? So I have to take it back?" questioned Ellie. 

"No, I'm only going to wear it because it's got your scent on it and I missed you, come on come here i ant cuddles please" you say as you put on the famous yellow jumper and grabbed Ellie by the waist to lay her down beside you. 

"I missed you too," said Ellie, putting her hand on you cheek to draw you into a kiss.

You know I love you so

After spending the morning in bed, our lovebirds got up and got ready, although you preferred to keep Ellie’s jumper, to join Caitlin Foord, and Sam Kerr at a restaurant for lunch time. When they got there, you were greeted by whistles because of the yellow clothes you were wearing. 

"That's the last time I wear yellow for you Els" you say with your cheeks flushed. 

"Don't say that, yellow suits your tan" laughs Sam before saying hello. 

"I'm going to leave again if you don't stop" you tried to intimidate the 3 matildas. Once the meal was over, the 4 people decided to go their separate ways, Sam and Caitin heading back to their hotel, and Ellie and you to your hotel, but before you could do so Caitlin turned round to say. "We'll be waiting for you in 6 days Y/N/N, I hope you're ready to lose", narrowly missing the middle finger you gave her.

I swam across I jumped across for you Oh, what a thing to do 'Cause you were all yellow

Having spent the rest of the afternoon lounging by the pool, watching their series, you and Ellie went back up to your room to enjoy a couple of hours together before having to separate for the next month. 

"Why does all of your tracksuit are yellow? That colour isn't on your flag dude it's weird" you asked. 

"I don't know it's not me who create your tracksuit, and- woah hold on miss, did you really call me 'dude'" said Ellie. 

"Yes, I did, what are you gonna do 'du-'" you say before being cut off by two hands coming to tickle her on her hips. "AH- E-Ellie stop it please" you say with tears in your eyes and between two breath. 

"Said you're sorry for calling me 'dude' im your girlfirend not your dude". she threatened you. 

"I-Im sorry, now please s-stop it i can't take it anymore" you say trying to push away Ellie who had ended up on top of you. 

"Ok, Ok I will stop" said Ellie but didn't take her hands off your hips. 

"Why are you looking at me like that" asked the Australian, "Like what?" you replied. 

"Like I've just tied up all the stars in the sky" replied the blonde. 

"You're the most beautiful star" you say with a cheeky grin. 

"Okay softie come here now" replied Ellie drawing you into a kiss before resting her head in the crook of your neck.

I drew a line I drew a line for you Oh, what a thing to do And it was all yellow

When Ellie left, you noticed that she had forgotten to take her tracksuit jacket, so you took out her phone to tell her.

to Baby Aussie You forgot your jacket x

from Baby Aussie I know, I did it on purpose because I know you love yellow, and my stuff so it’s gift xx

to Baby Aussie I hate you, but thank you, I love you!! xx

from Baby Aussie I love you too baby xx

Resting your phone on your stomach, you couldn't help but feel butterflies in your stomach at the thought of having Ellie's jacket with you for the next few days. When it was time for dinner, you had barely got out of the shower so you grabbed the first clothes you could find before putting them on and hurrying down the stairs so as not to be late. 

"Nice jacket, Y/N." Grace told you, laughing along with Viviane and Selma. 

"I didn't know you'd changed nationality" said your coach as he left to sit at the other coaches' table. 

"Huh?" was the only thing you could reply before looking at your clothes, it was when you saw the Matildas jacket that you understood her team's jokes. 

"Leave me alone" you say as you sat down next to Selma who was filming the scene with Amel and Wendie, all posting you in Ellie's jacket, and mentioning the two of you in a instagram’s story. You decided to repost it with "I look good in yellow don't I", before switching off your phone.

And your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones Turn into something beautiful And you know, for you, I'd bleed myself dry For you, I'd bleed myself dry

from @elliecarpenterr yes yellow looks good on you, but my jacket looks even better on you!

from @elliecarpenterr at least the fan are going to be happy with this content.

You saw Ellie's instragram messages as you went back to your room, so you decided to reply quickly before getting ready for bed so you could be in shape for the first training session of the week. At the end of the first training session (which was more of a muscle warm-up) of the day, you joined your foursome before going to the table for lunch. 

"Are you worried about the Australia game?" asked Selma as she bit into her apple. 

"Honestly, yeah, they're monsters mate" said Viviane as she scrolled through tiktok. 

"Yeah I agree with Viv, Sel" said Grace as she played subway surfers on her phone. 

"Yeah same as the other two, from the keeper, to the striker this team is amazing" you say watching Grace play and laughing at the tiktoks Viviane shows you. 

"Fuck, I forgot to post my vlog yesterday! Never mind, I'll continue it for a while before posting it tonight," you say, slapping your forehead. You ran back to your room to get the camera before turning it on and picking up the vlog where you left off. 

"Hi guys, day 3 in Australia, Melbourne to be precise, yesterday I got to spend the day with Ellie as you've seen our stories, today however it's training for Friday's match" you say as you sat down next to Selma. 

"This morning was pretty easy, because it was weight training to strengthen and warm up our muscles, and this afternoon it's little games and matches. Selma, any comments on this morning's warm-up?" you asked, pointing the camera at Selma. 

"It was fun, there was a good atmosphere," she said before returning to her apple. 

"Thank you Selma, Grace and Viv, how did you find this morning's session?" You asked the two other players in front of you. 

"It was cool", "It was exhausting" said both of them at the same time, while you showed yourself to the camera with a face filled with terror at the fact that both of them had spoken at exactly the same time. 

"Wow that was weird don't do speak at the same time again please" you say before you had to say goodbye to your vlog as lunch break had just finished.

 "Well, the break's over, so I'll see you later," you say as you turns off your camera.

It's true Look how they shine for you Look how they shine for you Look how they shine for Look how they shine for you Look how they shine for you Look how they shine

Unfortunately you couldn't finish the afternoon's training session because of a sprained ankle, so you'll have to miss the match against Australia and the 1st World Cup match against Jamaica. You were on one of the sofas in the hotel lounge, in your Olympique Lyonnais shorts and ellie's yellow jumper, when you decide to finish the day's vlog. 

"I'm back earlier than planned, I've sprained my ankle so I'll be away for at least 2 weeks, and yes I can see you coming, yes I'm still wearing ellie's jumper because I miss her and it smells like her. So that's it for yesterday's and today's vlog, be well, be good, big kisses to you tomorrow" yoou say before quickly publishing the video and falling asleep on the sofa in the yellow jumper.

Look at the stars Look how they shine for you And all the things that you do

[spokenitalics]

top 10 books i read in 2022 (in the order i read them)

the master and margarita by mikhail bulgakov: in the 1930s, the devil comes to moscow; chaos follows. almost 2000 years earlier, pontius pilate sentences the mild preacher jeshua to death. also: kind witches, fireproof manuscripts, the greatest love story ever told;

here by richard mcguire: the corner of a living room from 3,000,500,000 BCE to 22,175 CE, the illusion of time, the joys and sorrows of life, the magic of comic books;

lilith's brood (dawn, adulthood rites, imago) by octavia e. butler: humanity is saved from a nuclear apocalypse by a species of hideous aliens who offer an impossible deal to ensure the continued existence of life on earth. in perfect bulter fashion, tons of discussions about hierarchical structures, gender, language barriers, consent, and the vital need to embrace transhumanism;

the faggots & their friends between revolutions by larry mitchell & ned asta: somewhere in between a fairy tale and a utopian political manifesto, a sacred text from days long gone -- the story of a declining empire ruled by the fascist patriarchy, where gay men, lesbians, feminists, and drag queens live communally, produce art, have sex, and await the next revolution;

earthlings by sayaka murata: three young people become aliens to survive the horrors of modern life. provocative, utterly chaotic, equal parts hilarious and sad;

to the lighthouse by virginia woolf: the epic portrait of a family and of an artist;

nona the ninth by tamsyn muir: god is a man, the divine is most definitely feminine, eating someone is the ultimate way to say 'i love you' -- of bad puns, mismatched families, and the horror of your exes becoming besties;

dolore minimo by giovanna cristina vivinetto: the poetic dialogue between a self-born daughter and her mother-self;

the city and the pillar by gore vidal: a gay man in 1930s-40s america grapples with society's (and his own) prejudices and chases an idealized version of his high school best friend and one-time lover down a path of self-hatred and destruction;

loaded by christos tsiolkas: 24 hours in the life of an angst-ridden gay greek-australian boy as he travels through melbourne in search of drugs, an escape from responsibilities, and something resembling love.

[kyndaris]

Onward to the Gong!

Living in New South Wales, public holidays are few and far between with only 11 official days. That being said, not all of them lead to long weekends. And after the Monarch's birthday in June, we poor Sydneysiders must need wait until Labour Day in October before partaking of another extended rest. It's outrageous, I tell you! Atrocious!

Still, in the spirit of adventure and wishing to relive our halcyon days in the sun, me and a few of my friends headed down to Wollongong to enjoy the salty sea air and swan around their city centre, which is but a stone's throw away from the major hustle and bustle that is Sydney. The only major city one really needs to visit when on the east coast of Australia.

Melbourne, who?

I jest. Melbourne is a perfectly fine city to visit or live. It's just...you know, not Sydney.

Although, it should not be noted that a day trip out to Wollongong was not what I'd initially dreamt up for the long weekend. Oh no. Rather, I'd hoped to road trip to the capital of Australia, Canberra, to catch a performance of RENT. The addition of more people to my travel plans, however, scuppered the idea.

What we got instead was a fancy day out with good food and even better company. It involved lounging at a cafe as we devoured a huge breakfast, watched as a car in front of us mount the central curb before swerving across multiple lanes and tailgating the cars in front of it, and also testing our abilities with a devious escape.

A worthy consolation prize, if I do say so myself.

Better than that, we didn't have any time to pay a visit to Shellharbour, where I would have relived the trauma of my many date fails (he was an earnest young man but not, perhaps, what I was seeking in a life partner).

Our small group of adults of mostly over-30s did stumble upon a protest to Free Palestine, however. By then, it was nearing 4 PM. Why it was so late in the afternoon remained a mystery. But the slogans were, admittedly catchy, and it was far better than the preaching we encountered earlier about how we ought to read the Bible lest we burn in Hell. Even some Mormons passing by were caught in the crosshairs.

As for the reason why, I couldn't say. But perhaps different evangelical groups feel like only their own beliefs are true? And all others are corruptions that don't adhere to the correct teachings?

These mild gripes aside, our day trip down to Wollongong was pretty much a success. Even the planning was an exciting endeavour in and of itself. Although, it must be said, trying to negotiate with friends to agree on a date, an activity and location can be like trying to wrangle kittens. It took no small effort to work around people's different schedules and plans.

And while I would have preferred a slightly more challenging escape room than the one we got, it was, in hindsight, for the best. The escape room was at the Breakout Bar, next to Wollongong Central. It was themed with clockwork gears on the ceiling and tables with the entrances to the escape rooms looking like heavy thick-set lead doors. Arriving early, we were given a brief overview of the escape room and the narrative tying all five of them together.

Once we had reviewed the story, we stored our belongings in the locker, plonked on some steampunk-esque goggles and time travelled all the way to Medieval England on a quest to return Excalibur to the stone it had been lodged in.

Although the escape room was one of the easiest available, our group still struggled to solve some of the puzzles. Of note were the unintuitive nature of the nail tower as it was unclear if the key to a nearby bird cage had been released. This was primarily due to the hidden compartment having to be pulled out manually and there was no audio cue to tell us we had succeeded. Quite a lot of precious time was lost where we tried to find a way to open the hidden compartment through other means (as we thought it was activated by magnets).

One other puzzle stumped us terribly too.

Even when we asked for the easy hint, we were left scratching our heads until we looked at the opposite wall.

If ever I should complain about other people being obtuse, I ought to remind myself that I failed to see a huge red and black shield on a wall (although, to be fair, in our group of five, four pairs of eyes also failed to spot it as well).

Still, we managed to escape the room. With time to spare!

Overall, I'd say the escape room was a success in how it got us all to collaborate with its many puzzles. All of us got to contribute our expertise, allowing us to return Excalibur to its rightful place and head back into Professor B's time machine in order to search for his beloved in another time period.

And while Wollongong is certainly no sprawling Sydney, I like to think we enjoyed our time there: from soaking up the sun at Coniston Dog Beach and contributing to a driftwood hut, to nabbing free chips at Grill'd, having a dessert break at Kurtosh, or buying a couple more books to add to my ever growing collection.

Perhaps next we visit the Illawara region, me and my group of friends can look to a few coastal hikes or perhaps take a gander up on the treetops.

If heading south isn't an option, we can always go horseback trail riding instead!

Australia may not be as vibrant as other countries, but there are many a hidden gem for both locals and tourists to discover. After taking some time to explore the main thoroughfare of Wollongong, I can say there's plenty to do and see in the small coastal city that's only an hour away. An absolute steal considering how far other locations can be in the great big giant country I call home.

[midnight-els]

For @tiltedsyllogism 🥰

Inherited Sins is a Lenara POV one shot about her and Sergei's relationship. I put it aside in the run up to S4 but with the Star City news I am so excited to revisit it soon! Sergei is living openly in the US and Lenara is tasked with telling him Margo is alive for Mind Game Reasons. Cue angst about their different relationships to the state, their own relationship, and Lenara's feelings about her role at Roscosmos/as a senior official in the Soviet regime.

Pool Table Case Fic - basic premise is that Phryne investigates a murder with another detective who's Jack's academy best friend. The victim was found on a pool table. Standard post s3/established Phrack shenanigans happen.

I was reflecting recently that I have never published any of my many proper MFMM case fics because I run out of steam on the case bits. This is by far the most developed of those but it's probably only 60-70% done, with the interesting personal bits being finished and the tricky case bits outstanding. It was a really developmental fic for me, taking a lot of the brunt of practice at getting back into fic writing after a few years away, and I do like a lot of the bits in it so I'd love to revisit it when I have time. This time last year I was literally in the middle of doing a big clean up and trimming the case bits back so it could be published when I decided to take a quick break and check out this show called 'For All Mankind' on AppleTV which could surely have no effect on me 🙃

Extracts under the cut

Inherited Sins

“Why, Lenara?” he called from behind her. She stopped, forcing herself back around to face him. “Why what?” “Why this?” “It’s my job.” For the first time in years, Lenara saw Sergei smile. It was barely perceptible, sad and pitying, but she instantly recognised the seeds of that same look he’d always given her when she was being particularly impetuous.  She wanted to smack it from his face. “Do not think I don’t understand,” he said gently. She couldn’t tell whether it was her training or her warring exhaustion and disbelief that stop the instinctive scoff breaking through the surface. Eyes boring into his face, she swallowed harder than she intended to. “On the contrary, you’ve made it quite clear that you don’t.”

Pool Table Case Fic

Snatching her drink back up, Phryne darted in the direction of the back of the house, sensing more than hearing Jack’s sigh as he followed. “No, no Dottie it’s really fine, really. Please don’t -” Hugh was fretting, trying to calm his agitated wife, Mr Butler watching unconvinced, when they entered the room. His left eye was mostly hidden by a rather impressive bruise, with not a little swelling and a cut on his cheekbone to accent it. Poor man, Phryne thought: even as a Senior Constable he still seemed to be suffering the under whims of Melbourne’s crims. “Inspector!” Dot rounded on Jack instantly. Phryne suppressed a smile at his fleeting passing resemblance to a rabbit caught in a headlight. Jack schooled his features into a professional mask and, using an equally official voice, tried to mollify her. “I do apologise for the condition of your husband this evening, Mrs Collins. I’m afraid there was a disturbance at the station, it really couldn’t be helped. I assure you, the situation is in hand now.” “It couldn’t be helped?! Hugh said you had Jenkins arresting a bunch of good-for-nothings. The only thing that boy is capable of arresting is a couple of children who’ve escaped from Catechism!” Phryne again pressed her lips into a thin line, struggling to hold her amusement in. Really, Dot could cow their constabulary counterparts so well they might both as well have been as green as the unfortunate Jenkins.

[blurredblonde]

BUCKET LIST, including the strange, the wild, the weird, and the borderline undoable

Go to a nude beach

spread eagle naked towards the sun

use Pinterest business to do brand links and get any amount of $$ from that alone

go to a pole dancing class

try hot yoga

do a burlesque show in Melbourne

post an animation to youtube

start a webtoon

learn to sew

get an apartment by myself

get an apartment with friends

post a shitty homemade music video in a lana del rey way with the help of friends

get a perm

visit coney island

be 125 pounds

get a the dachshund tattoo

post a vlog like im famous

be a extra in a movie

act in a gay indie movie like norman reedus

go to a gorillaz concert

get a snake

get a record player

meet a sugar mommy

go to a jazz bar alone

get a dressed up like a old hollywood star and go have a night on the town

get my license

own a mustang

ride a motorcycle

go to a mosh pit

go to a rave

get black out drunk

go skinny dipping

publish a art book

own a beach house

get a red gingham bikini

take a slutty picture in a american flag bikini and post it to instagram

go diving with whale sharks

be a art director on a project

do a mural on a wall

complete a painting on an obnoxiously large canvas

make a pop song with no knowledge of music or mixing

work on a big animated film

Do a boudoir photoshoot

party in paris

do a full cosplay

pet a pigeon

get a scuba diving license

explore an abandoned building

kiss a stranger

get in a fist fight

flash my boobs at something

attend a figure drawing class

be the nude model at a figure drawing class

receive fanart of my own characters

create a reel showing school doodles

be the cinematographer for a project

take a history class

be a dive instructor

post a animation meme to a jack stauber song

go on vacation all by myself

have sex

be in a youtube video

go on the video side of omegle

visit japan

go to a film festival

jump off a pier

do a pin-up photoshoot

go to an acting interview

heh

open an online store

do artist alley at a convention

cross country roadtrip with friends

stargaze on top of a car

invest in stocks and real estate

go on a cruise to thailand and thrift there

go to the new york library

visit bora bora

learn to play guitar

draw on the sidewalk with chalk

nurture and take care of a plant

grow my own food

get chickens

join a club in uni

take a pottery class

work out in a gym

surf a barrel

buy a surfboard

meditate for 50 days in a row

travel in a van

fly first class

go on a blind date

buy and fill a photo album book

kiss in the rain

do a thirty-day photography challenge and post the whole thing

explore the woods by my house

go to a ball/masquerade party

host a dinner party

say yes to everything for a day

grow my hair past my ass

become mildly fluent in french

attend golbeins animation workshop

buy an obnoxiously large rug

smell the tomford cherry perfume

get a Brazilian wax

get henna done

go to Brisbane museum by myself

get my i.d

go wine tasting

visit Miami

Meet my online best friend

dine at the ritz

go on a gameshow

do tent camping

win a sweepstake

create a artist porfolio/website

be featured in a gallery

go to okinawa

learn to ballroom dance

ride a horse on a beach/ and or backwards

go to a country club

bake a pie

buy a tourist t-shirt

do a escape room

live in Santa Barbara

stay in cape cod

belly dancing class

get my art viral on tiktok

do a commision

buy a fancy wardrobe

have a room with a slanted roof

sleep in a pool in an inflatable pool

snuggle with nurse sharks

bayonetta mui mui glasses.

go out in a pair of high heels

do a show at a convention

stay at the madonna inn

do lesbian handkerchief flagging in public

do a 'nude' photoshoot

own every sims 4 pack

complete a sims4 generations challenge

play subnautica

swim a motel pool at night

pick a girl from a bar

get a drinks bought for me

smoke a ciggrette

try mixology

get a hickey

have a friend or myself sew vintage patterns

wear a tailored suit

buy real cowgirl boots

bathe in a heart shaped tub

take a rose petal bath

stick a polaroid of myself somewhere public

use spray paint

do a vintage glamour competition

own a house with stain glass windows

go to a cathedral

get pink lace curtains

paint a room

milk a cow

replay Detriot become human

do a live stream

do a lesbian event like a cruise or smth

go to a pride parade

participate on a float in a parade

be a scare actor

act in a play

see a broadway show

shoot a gun

drive a convertible

see lana del rey in concert

do modelling work

do a commercial

buy a sewing machine

drive the road without directions

write a screenplay

submit a film for a competition

pitch an animated show

take a opportunity that scares me

do public karaoke

buy a shitty 2000s camera

get a boat license

buy a boat

go to a random diner

sell clothes on depop

play a drinking game with mates

stay in a hotel with mates

do a draw my life

do a drawing for each section of my Pinterest board

get my fortune told/ future read

buy some mega flare jeans

post a picture of myself to Pinterest/ start a 'me' board

buy some colorful tights

get blue streaks through my blonde hair like aquamarine

drop in on a skateboard

buy a castle

party at Hearst castle

post another fanfic to ao3

dress up in a slutty Halloween costume,its a rite of passage

bake and decorate a fancy cake for someone

[dustedmagazine]

Spice World — There’s No I In Spice World (Meritorio/Tenth Court)

There's No I In Spice World by Spice World

Spice World comes alive in starts and stops. “What a Pity What a Shame,” the first song on the band’s debut LP, crawls its way forward at a snoring tempo, dozing off to sleep and then snapping back awake like it’s lounging on the living room couch. And in fact it was written on one, late at night in the house that guitarists Jonny Burrows and Lyndon Blue share in Fremantle, Australia, where the album was also recorded. The song could be mistaken for just getting going, or finally petering out, at least a dozen times during its five-plus minutes: its intertwining acoustic guitars starting their short climb and then collapsing into final-sounding strums, the skeletal, ticking drums going momentarily still and then picking up again. “Oh what a pity, what a shame. You barely made it to the starting lane,” Burrows and Blue sing in sighing, off-kilter unison in the chorus, their way of acknowledging, perhaps, the song’s strong aversion to steady motion.

The band, which also consists of Julia Suddenly, Rhian Todhunter and Layla Martin, got off to a similarly fitful start. Originally forming as a quartet in early 2021 (with Martin joining more recently), Spice World played a single but well-received show in Perth before drummer Suddenly had to return to Melbourne, all the way on the other side of the continent. Band activities were mostly put on hold, as a result, until about a year later, when she returned over the Christmas holiday and they decided to document the band’s songs. And so, with limited time before Suddenly was due to leave again — and even less recording experience — Spice World took the live approach to recording their debut album, capturing 10 tracks in just five hours and bottling the ramshackle synergy that had made their first show so special. 

The result of that recording session, There’s No I In Spice World, is the sound of dolewave colliding with the K Records spirit. There’s just something about the enthusiastically scrappy manner in which these songs are delivered, and the homespun warmth of the recording, that brings visions of Beat Happening — and the enduring DIY label’s early years, in general — to mind. The pleasingly clunky drumming, the unselfconsciously off-key vocals, the party-in-the-living-room vibe of the thing — it’s all very 1980s Olympia. But Spice World will no doubt remind you even more of the many disaffected jangle bands pouring out of Australia in the early 2010s, especially Lower Plenty and Bitch Prefect, with their offhanded musings on everyday mundanity and the ways one might escape it. Like on “Dying To Go,” when Burrows, in their endearingly nasal tone, ponders “spicing up” their life by faking their own death so they can leave the drudgery of the daily grind behind (the idea hits them while they're struggling to get moving with their day and jamming to some Spice Girls, hence the band name). “Where'd Jonny go, I haven’t seen them in a while?” they envision everyone wondering when they disappear, their bandmates’ voices all piling on top of one another to help pose the question. It’s the dolewave ethos of “less work and more play” taken to an absurdist extreme. 

As shambly and whimsical as these songs are on the surface, they also hit with surprising poignancy at times. “Mountain Pony 20,” the album’s most downbeat offering as well as its best, epitomizes this. On first impression, the song’s wilting guitar work and simple, shaky beat lend it an underbaked aura. But give it a few replays, and some time to settle between your ears, and you’ll find that it packs the kind of gut punch you’d more expect from someone like Townes Van Zandt. Beginning with a lyric about getting high on the couch, “Mountain Pony 20” slowly reveals itself as a meditation on an incongruous relationship, where the couple in question can’t even agree on the color of the mold on a loaf of bread. In the chorus, Burrows’ narrator is confronted by their partner with the question of whether they believe in love. “Because I’m not wasting all my time with you if you don’t,” they warn him. Burrows’ answer, delivered atop the flagging thump of the bass drum as the song is winding down, doubles as a withering self-realization: “Don’t give (your love) to me cuz I’ll tear it down / If you give it to me, I’m going to tear it down,” they sing, and it feels like the ground being pulled out from underneath you.

 Elsewhere, “Trouble” is as relatable a song as you’re likely to encounter about the modern malaise. It’s a midtempo jangler, like most of There’s No I In Spice World, but distinguishes itself with the addition of Blue’s violin playing, giving it some high-lonesome shading. Over its verses, “Trouble” unfurls its list of the many things that Burrows is having a hard time with these days ranging from the everyday (“staying away from the screen”), to the interpersonal (“trying to love you”), to the existential (“trying to see an end”). It might have been easier, and no less accurate, for them just to say everything, but that would be missing the point: shit’s hard right now, man, and we’re all feeling it. Metaphorically at least, Burrows seems to acknowledge this when they sing about walking by a friend’s house that’s “overgrown” and “falling down.” Spice World, on the other hand, seem to have found strength in the struggle on There’s No I In Spice World and it’s a beautiful thing. What’s harder to gauge, based on the band’s minimal web presence and general modus operandi, is whether this is the end or just the beginning? 

Chris Liberato

[17goiingunder]

W.IMBLEDON, 1987.

His appearance at the W.imbledon winners’ gala has become a regular occurrence these days, despite the fact that Dave is only twenty. He greets the members of the Royal Family with a fluid bow of the head and a familiarity in his handshake, and the tuxedo he’s wearing no longer feels ill-fitting and foreign like it did only three years ago. 

Dave Talbot is right when he says playing at W.imbledon is like playing in his living room. This isn’t his home Slam, but the poms have taken him to heart as one of their own. If they can’t have an English winner, then maybe a Welsh-German-Aussie is the next best thing. He’s the new King of Grass, an indomitable force at the very top of the world. Even though every movement makes his sore muscles ache and his dodgy ankle is only held together by a whole wad of sports tape, Dave feels fucking amazing. Winning never gets old.

He holds the trophy aloft for the cameras and poses in front of the pair of Australian flags, set up in honor of him and his compatriot, Sophia. Sure, she’d won R.oland-Garros last month, but nothing compares to the pomp and circumstance that the English do so well. She’s just as wide-eyed as Dave was three years ago, but the grin on her face is unshakable. She’s only a year younger than Dave; this is the age of the young guns. The new generation has arrived, and it’s arrived in style.

The flashes from the cameras are blinding, but Dave’s used to it. Blink, and keep smiling. These photos are going to be on the front page of every newspaper tomorrow, so he hopes to God he looks good. He’s slicked his ginger hair back in an effort to make himself look older, but Sophia had vetoed the Blues Brothers shades he’d intended to bring along. Maybe the All England Lawn Tennis Club doesn’t have the same sense of humor as him. Oh, well.

There’s barely a quiet moment for the two winners, but when Dave manages to extricate himself from a conversation with two older ladies, he finds Sophia standing right behind him. “Oh, thank God. I was looking for you.” He grabs her hand and darts through the crowd. Never mind the fact that he stands at six-foot-three and looks painfully obvious anywhere he goes, he still feels very Bond-like.

A darkened balcony provides a perfect escape for the pair, and Sophia carefully shuts the French doors behind them. “You looked like you needed a rescue.” She laughs.

“Yeah, well, when one of the ladies asked me if it was true that redheads have a higher sex drive, I knew it was time to leave.” Dave shakes his head, scratching a spot behind his ear in slight embarrassment.

“Look at you, Davey. You’re all red!”

“Nah, it’s just hot in there. Too many people, too much noise.”

“Thought you liked that sort of thing. I know what you get up to back in Melbourne.”

“That’s different, though. You can act like an animal in the pubs and no one will pay you any attention. Here, every time I turn around, someone wants a picture or autograph or handshake. It feels like it gets worse every year.”

“Oh, the pains of being a winner.” Sophia smacks him on the arm playfully.

“Fuck! That hurts!” He winces. “You’re a daft cunt.”

“Dave!” Sophia can’t stop the fit of giggles that overtakes her. “You’re not supposed to swear here. It’s a respectable place.”

“Oh, fuck that. I’m half man, half sports tape at this point.” Despite the shooting pain, he gives Sophia a smile of his own. “You’re lucky I like you.”

“Oh, really? Or what?” She rubs the spot on his arm where it supposedly hurts.

“Or I’d have thrown them over that balcony.” They’re looking over Centre Court, the site of their triumph. “Like this.” Dave picks Sophia up, bridal-style, causing her to kick her legs and laugh in mock protest.

“Davey! My hair!” She’d spent three hours on it earlier this evening, after all. “You fucker!” She’s barely audible over the sound of her own laughter. “Put me down!”

“All right, all right.” He puts her down with a chuckle, and leans his arm against the balcony railing. “Sorry about your dress, Soph. You look very lovely tonight, and I mean that.”

“Sure you do.” Sophia retorts, trying to smooth the ruffles on her elegant black dress. A moment of calm falls over both of them, as they admire the view of the stadium. It’s much quieter and much nicer here with just the two of them. The brown-nosers inside are too much to bear. “I’m really happy we won this together, Davey.”

“Yeah. Me too.” His hand goes to rest on her shoulder, and she leans into his touch, resting her head on Dave. “You know this already, but I’m always so proud of you. This is just the beginning.”

“I’m proud of you, too. Always have been. Except maybe when you climbed the stands today.”

“What, did I embarrass you?”

“A little bit.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“No, I guess not.”

He gives an amused snort. “Hey, Soph. I’ve got a stupid idea.”

“What now?”

“We should get married.”

“You’re joking.” She steps away from Dave and cups a hand over her mouth to suppress a laugh. “You’re mad, Davey.”

“A little bit, maybe. But why not? It would be fun.”

Sophia pauses, as if she’s considering the wisdom of explaining to Dave that people don’t just get married “for fun.” Instead, she just shrugs her shoulders. “Just listen to yourself.”

“You don’t have to tell me yes or no right now. We’ve got a long flight home. Think about it.” He’s so cavalier about this whole thing, like he’s too immature to fully comprehend the weight of marriage. “I think we make a pretty good team.”

“I’ll be honest with you, Dave. This wasn’t quite the romantic proposal every girl dreams of.” She cocks her head to one side, trying to figure out what the hell is going through the mind of her childhood friend.

“You’re not every girl. You’re Sophia. You’re a fucking W.imbledon winner, for fuck’s sake.” Dave shakes his head. Never mind the fact that they’d never so much as been intimate, or exchanged “I love you,” or even officially dated. “Just think about it, that’s all I ask.”

“Why? Why now?”

“Why not? I want a reason to come back to Melbourne. You’re— you’re real. You don’t bullshit me. You know me for who I am. You understand me in a way no one else does.” Dave pauses, trying to think of the right words. The copious amounts of champagne he’s consumed aren’t helping. “We could get that house in Prahran you wanted. You know, the one with the swimming pool and the grass court? But, uh, most of all— hey, are you listening, Soph?”

“Yeah. Every word.”

“Most of all, I want to be with you, because there’s no one like you and there’s no one who ever will be like you. You mean the fucking world to me. More than any of this.”

Sophia is silent as she takes in his words, her eyes searching his. His earnestness sends her heart racing, and suddenly all the other sounds around them are drowned out. She can only hear the blood rushing in her ears. “I don’t know what to say, Dave.”

“You don’t have to say anything.”

Sophia wraps her arms around his neck and cranes her head upwards to press a kiss to his lips. They stay locked in that embrace for what seems like an eternity, his arms cradling her waist. Inside, the organizers are probably looking for the stars of the show, but out here, they’re just two kids caught in the heat of the moment. Pausing for breath, Sophia pulls away from Dave, but doesn’t let him go.

“Yes, of course I’ll marry you, you stupid bastard.”

[rushescapegameme]

Level Up Your Home: Crafting the Ultimate Game Room

In the world of gaming, immersion is everything. Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore gamer, having a dedicated space where you can escape into your favourite games can take your experience to the next level.

Imagine a room where every element is carefully designed to enhance your gaming sessions – from the lighting to the furniture layout. Creating the ultimate game room in your home is not just about entertainment; it's about crafting an experience that transports you to another world. Here's how you can level up your home by designing the ultimate game room.

1. Choose the Right Space

The first step in creating your dream game room in Melbourne is choosing the right space. Ideally, you want a room that is spacious enough to accommodate your gaming setup comfortably.

Consider factors like natural light, noise levels, and accessibility when selecting the room. Basements, spare bedrooms, or even converted garages can make excellent game room options. Once you've chosen the space, it's time to plan out the layout

2. Optimize the Layout

The layout of your game room can significantly impact your gaming experience. Arrange your furniture in a way that maximises space and promotes comfortable gameplay. Keep your gaming setup as the focal point of the room, with seating positioned for optimal viewing angles.

Consider incorporating storage solutions to keep your gaming accessories organised and easily accessible. A well-planned layout will not only enhance the aesthetics of your game room but also improve functionality.

3. Invest in Quality Gaming Equipment

The heart of any game room is the gaming equipment. Invest in high-quality gaming consoles, PCs, monitors, and peripherals to ensure smooth gameplay. Choose a gaming chair that provides adequate support and comfort for long gaming sessions.

Consider installing a surround sound system or gaming headphones to immerse yourself fully in the audio experience. Don't forget about lighting – adjustable LED lights can create ambience and reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions.

4. Personalize the Décor

Make your game room in Melbourne truly your own by personalising the décor. Choose a theme that reflects your gaming preferences, whether it's retro arcade, futuristic sci-fi, or fantasy adventure.

Incorporate artwork, posters, and memorabilia from your favourite games to add character to the space. Consider installing shelves or display cases to showcase your gaming collection.

Don't be afraid to get creative – adding unique touches like themed rugs or wall decals can enhance the overall ambience of your game room.

5. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere

Comfort is key when it comes to gaming, so make sure your game room is a comfortable place to spend time in. Choose comfortable seating options like bean bags, recliners, or gaming couches where you can relax during marathon gaming sessions.

Consider installing blackout curtains or blinds to block out glare and create an immersive gaming environment. Keep the room well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature to prevent overheating during intense gaming sessions. With the right atmosphere, you can game for hours without feeling fatigued or uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Creating the ultimate game room in Melbourne is a labour of love that requires careful planning and attention to detail. By choosing the right space, optimising the layout, investing in quality equipment, personalising the décor, and creating a comfortable atmosphere, you can design a game room that elevates your gaming experience to new heights.

Whether you're battling dragons, racing cars, or exploring virtual worlds, your game room will be the ultimate sanctuary for all your gaming adventures. So, roll up your sleeves and start crafting the game room of your dreams – the ultimate gaming paradise awaits!

[vardaancare]

Top 5 Group Based Activities in Melbourne

Effective team building allows people to step out of their comfort zones and learn new things about each other. This can reveal surprising traits that improve workplace relationships, leading to better results.

Melbourne offers a range of team building activities that provide memorable experiences. From the vibrant street art scene to a culinary challenge, these group based activities Melbourne foster teamwork and communication.

1. Wine Tasting Tour

Swap the stress of choosing a designated driver and join a small group of wine connoisseurs on this comprehensive guided wine tasting tour. Taste wines at three top local vineyards and enjoy a wholesome lunch at your choice of restaurant.

Spend the day in the calming countryside outside Melbourne on this all-inclusive Yarra Valley wine and food experience. Taste a range of wines, gin, and beers, stroll through sculpture gardens, and eat at a seasonal restaurant.

Enjoy a relaxing day of wine tasting and chocolate indulgence on this deluxe tour from Melbourne. Explore Yarra Valley’s best wineries and breweries while learning about the region’s culture and history.

2. Heritage Walk

A heritage walk is a unique experience that uncovers the history of a city. This type of tour is gaining popularity, particularly among travelers who want to learn more about local culture. It is also a good way to exercise and stay healthy.

Heritage walks are a great way to discover the city's rich history while exploring the streets. Many of these tours are accompanied by guides who can tell you stories about the city's history.

The Women's Heritage Walk is a multi-layered adventure that empowers women through personal growth, learning, and pushing their limits. It also promotes cultural respect and a global sisterhood.

3. Drumming Workshop

Drumming workshops provide a great opportunity to express emotions, stimulate creativity and build strong communities. They are also a great way to develop coordination and motor skills. For example, playing drums requires a high level of coordination as you manipulate different drumsticks and foot pedals.

In addition, drumming teaches you to work together as a team. This is particularly important in the workplace, as it helps improve morale and reduce stress. Drumming is also a social activity, and most people who play music with other people find themselves bonding quickly.

4. Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is a famous fleet of historical trams that have been converted into an upscale restaurant. These ‘restaurants on wheels’ are the first travelling tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful dining experience. Gliding along the streets of Melbourne, diners can savor a seasonal menu and quality Australian wines at an all inclusive price.

With a decor that resembles the luxury Pullman-style European trains, the restaurant offers an experience that is both cosy and fun. The restaurant’s signature burgundy color and vintage features are sure to make for a memorable meal.

5. Eureka Skydeck Puzzle Challenge

With a view of the city and its landmarks, the Eureka Skydeck offers a unique setting for team building activities. Use clues to complete puzzle challenges promoting logical thinking and observation skills. The experience is fun and educational, helping teams understand the importance of geometry in creating strong structures like buildings or bridges.

A scavenger hunt around Melbourne’s museums offers an engaging blend of cultural exploration and team challenge, while a virtual reality plank walk promotes resilience and collaboration. Alternatively, a team hike in the Dandenong Ranges fosters unity and builds resilience.

6. Escape Room

An escape room is a great way to improve your problem-solving skills. It forces you to pay close attention to detail and search every corner of the room. You’ll need to scour paintings, look through books and lift up the rug to find your next clue.

The experience is also a valuable team-building exercise. The collaborative effort required to solve puzzles within a limited time encourages communication amongst teammates and breaks down barriers that may hinder effective working relationships.

To maximize the effectiveness of an escape room, make sure you select a theme that resonates with your group and plan ahead. This will help to ensure that your guests can accommodate it in their schedules.

7. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Kids can easily get bored when stuck inside, but a fun indoor scavenger hunt is the perfect boredom buster. It encourages socializing, teamwork, and observational learning.

For teams that want to push their physical limits, indoor rock climbing offers a challenge that fosters trust and communication. Similarly, art workshops spark creativity and a sense of shared achievement.

Melbourne’s culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, so a cooking class is an ideal team bonding activity. Working together to prepare a meal promotes communication and collaboration while also building healthy habits.

[lake-narracan2]

Top Estates for Land Sale in Warragul: Discover Premier Estates and Lot Sizes

The Crownlea Estate

The Crownlea Estate in Warragul presents a significant development opportunity for those seeking the perfect blend of suburban tranquility and growth potential.

Located just 93 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, this large-scale development consists of 1,200 new homes, with land parcels ranging from 300 to 700 square meters.

Developed by the Jana Group and marketed by Oliver Hume, Crownlea offers prospective homebuyers a rare chance to establish roots in a thriving community.

Its strategic placement within the Gippsland Regional Growth Area, under the jurisdiction of the Baw Baw Shire Council, emphasizes its importance in regional planning.

Crownlea Estate’s proximity to essential amenities, including schools, parks, and shopping centers, makes it a desirable location for families looking for the best of both worlds—a balanced lifestyle combining suburban comfort with regional serenity.

Whether you’re an investor seeking long-term growth or a family searching for a spacious environment to raise children, this estate stands as a prime candidate.

Warragul’s continued expansion and infrastructure improvements further increase the potential for value appreciation, solidifying Crownlea Estate as a key player in the region’s residential market.

Bloomfield Warragul Estate – Premium Half-Acre Lots

Situated just outside Warragul in Nilma, Bloomfield Warragul Estate offers an unparalleled lifestyle with its premium half-acre lots.

With lot sizes starting from 2,000 square meters, this estate is a haven for those who value space and tranquility.

Developed by Landcore and marketed by Augment Group, Bloomfield boasts an idyllic rural setting without sacrificing proximity to modern conveniences.

The rolling hills and verdant landscapes provide a scenic backdrop for those seeking larger homes, expansive gardens, or even recreational features like pools.

Families will appreciate the estate’s family-oriented design, which is just five minutes away from Warragul’s bustling town center.

Proximity to primary schools, parks, and essential services ensures that Bloomfield offers the best of both urban and rural living.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or room to grow, Bloomfield Warragul Estate represents a unique offering in the heart of Gippsland.

Emberwood Estate – Spacious Living in the Heart of Warragul

Located just over an hour from Melbourne, Emberwood Estate is a thoughtfully planned residential development offering land sizes from 527 to 1,159 square meters.

Set on 35.17 hectares, this estate provides ample room for families seeking space and modern amenities in a picturesque setting.

The estate’s generous parklands, playgrounds, and walking trails cater to those looking for both comfort and outdoor activities.

The proximity to Warragul’s expanding town center and its focus on creating a family-friendly environment make Emberwood a prime choice for homebuyers.

With easy access to schools, shopping, and other essential services, it’s an excellent option for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while maintaining modern conveniences.

Emberwood’s ready-to-build lots are perfect for those wanting a seamless transition into suburban living with a rural touch.

Chesterfield Park Estate – A Decade of Excellence

Chesterfield Park Estate has earned a reputation as one of Warragul’s most sought-after residential developments.

Situated 94 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, this estate is now entering its final stages of development, with large blocks and premium homes available.

Known for its family-friendly environment, proximity to St. Angela’s Primary School, and abundant parks, Chesterfield Park is ideal for families looking to establish long-term roots in the area.

With titles expected by Q1 2024, this estate continues to attract buyers seeking peace and quiet without sacrificing access to urban amenities.

Chesterfield Park’s ongoing success speaks to its thoughtful design and community focus, offering residents a peaceful suburban lifestyle while maintaining strong connections to the Gippsland region.

Lillifield Estate – A Modern Community in Warragul

Lillifield Estate, spanning 53.65 hectares, offers a mix of titled and untitled land with lot sizes ranging from 400 to 708 square meters.

Located 93 kilometers from Melbourne, this estate focuses on family-friendly living with 24 hectares of parks, walking tracks, and open spaces.

Developed by Parklea, Lillifield Estate is poised to house around 2,500 residents across 1,000 lots, making it one of Warragul’s most significant residential projects.

This estate’s modern amenities, including NBN connectivity and quality fencing, ensure that residents enjoy a contemporary lifestyle within a serene environment.

Lillifield’s proximity to local schools, parks, and the town center makes it an excellent choice for families who value both community and convenience.

Parkside Estate – A Picturesque Community in Warragul

Parkside Estate, nestled within the scenic hills of Warragul, offers 171 homes spread over a beautiful 16-hectare site.

With land sizes ranging from 400 to 1,025 square meters, this estate is perfect for families seeking a harmonious blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience.

The estate is surrounded by lush greenery, lakes, and parklands, making it an ideal setting for a peaceful lifestyle while maintaining easy access to essential services.

Located close to Warragul’s town center, Parkside provides proximity to schools, shopping, and recreational facilities.

Developed by Kataland, this community-oriented project focuses on creating a modern living environment that fosters connection and family life.

With titles expected by the end of 2024, Parkside Estate offers prospective buyers a chance to secure a property in one of Gippsland’s most promising residential areas.

Copelands Estate – The Heart of Modern Warragul

Copelands Estate offers a variety of lot sizes ranging from 443 to 3,336 square meters, catering to different family needs and preferences.

Located just five minutes from Warragul’s CBD, the estate provides unparalleled convenience with access to parklands, waterways, bike trails, and sports facilities.

This estate is designed for those who want the best of both worlds—a peaceful country lifestyle with easy proximity to city conveniences.

The estate’s location is a significant draw, as it sits close to Melbourne, the beach, and even snowfields.

Whether for families or investors, Copelands Estate promises a balanced lifestyle with scenic surroundings and modern amenities.

With titles expected by early 2024, this estate is an attractive option for those wanting to enjoy country living without compromising on accessibility.

Waterford Rise Estate – A Family-Friendly Masterpiece

Waterford Rise Estate stands as one of Warragul’s largest developments, offering 1,250 new homes set in a serene, family-friendly environment.

Located just 91 kilometers southeast of Melbourne in the Gippsland Regional Growth Area, this estate blends rural charm with suburban conveniences.

Developed by Baw Baw Developments and marketed by Oliver Hume, Waterford Rise boasts 13 display homes and offers a variety of lot sizes to accommodate different buyer preferences.

The estate’s proximity to schools, parks, and transportation links makes it a top choice for families looking for a modern yet peaceful lifestyle.

With a focus on community, Waterford Rise is a place where families can thrive, making it one of Warragul’s standout residential options.

Whether you’re building your dream home or looking for an investment, Waterford Rise offers unparalleled value in a picturesque setting.

Brandy Creek Views Estate – Scenic Lots with Stunning Views

Brandy Creek Views Estate in Warragul offers prospective homebuyers a peaceful retreat with stunning vistas of Mt. Baw Baw.

Situated just 92 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, the estate features residential lots ranging from 497 to 971 square meters, designed for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle with a touch of luxury.

Surrounded by four hectares of wetlands and neighborhood parks, this estate offers a connection to nature that is hard to find in suburban developments.

With stages 1-6 already sold out, Brandy Creek Views provides a limited opportunity to secure a place in this highly sought-after community.

The nearby town of Warragul offers supermarkets, schools, and a range of amenities, ensuring that residents enjoy both convenience and natural beauty.

For families and individuals seeking a quiet, community-focused environment, Brandy Creek Views Estate is an ideal choice.

Bowen Heights Estate – Spacious Lots for Family Living

Bowen Heights Estate offers large residential lots ranging from 757 to 1,254 square meters, providing families with ample space for expansive homes, gardens, and recreational areas.

Situated 92 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, in the scenic Gippsland Regional Growth Area, Bowen Heights offers proximity to parkland reserves, walking trails, and various recreational facilities such as basketball courts and playgrounds.

Marketed by Just Land Sales, this estate promises a serene yet connected living experience.

Bowen Heights is perfect for families seeking spacious living with easy access to Warragul’s local amenities, schools, and transport links.

The combination of tranquil country living and modern conveniences makes this estate an attractive option for those looking to build their dream home in a community-focused environment.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the size of the land?

Land size is one of the most defining characteristics when assessing its suitability. The square footage of a plot directly impacts its utility, potential for development, and overall price. In Warragul, the variety in land sizes offers something for everyone.

Smaller lots, around 318m², may cater to those looking for minimal maintenance or individuals aiming to build a cozy, efficient home. These parcels are often favored by retirees or first-time homebuyers looking to enter the market without a hefty land premium.

On the other hand, sprawling plots exceeding 900m² provide ample room for more ambitious projects. Families may prioritize larger plots for their future homes, enjoying space for gardens, outdoor living areas, or even extensions.

Larger blocks offer more scope for landscaping, outdoor entertaining spaces, or even eco-friendly features like rainwater tanks. By understanding the exact dimensions of the plot you are considering, buyers can better visualize their future home’s layout and make informed decisions about space for growth or expansion.

What is the price range for land?

The price of land in Warragul varies, typically ranging between $195,000 for smaller blocks to upwards of $535,000 for premium or larger plots.

The location of the land plays a significant role in its pricing. Lots closer to the town center or with proximity to amenities such as parks, schools, or shopping centers naturally command higher prices. For instance, parcels within newly developed or master-planned estates often come with a higher price tag due to the infrastructure and community features built into the development.

The condition of the land itself is also a factor; titled land with access to utilities like water, electricity, and sewage systems can significantly increase the purchase cost. For investors, it’s wise to compare land prices across Warragul’s different areas to determine where the best long-term value may lie.

Factoring in market trends and inflation can also offer insight into whether land values are likely to appreciate, providing a clearer forecast of potential returns on investment.

Is the land titled and ready for development?

The title status of the land is one of the most critical aspects to verify before purchase. Titled land means that the plot is fully registered with the local authorities, allowing immediate construction.

For those eager to break ground and build, purchasing titled land removes much of the uncertainty that can arise during the early stages of development. Alternatively, some lots may still be untitled, meaning they’re in the process of being registered. Untitled land can lead to delays, as the formal registration process might take several months to complete.

Additionally, untitled land often comes with more ambiguity concerning zoning laws or building permits. Therefore, confirming whether your desired plot is titled or untitled ensures you have a clear roadmap for your project.

It is also wise to consult with the land seller or local council to understand how long the title process might take if the land is not yet titled.

Are there any zoning restrictions?

Zoning regulations define how a parcel of land can be used and are a fundamental part of the purchasing process. Zoning laws in Warragul dictate whether land can be used for residential, commercial, agricultural, or mixed-use purposes. These regulations ensure that land development aligns with the overall urban plan and maintains harmony within the community.

Residential zones allow for the construction of homes, but it’s vital to check for any restrictions regarding building height, style, or the density of dwellings allowed. For instance, areas with heritage overlays may impose stricter regulations to preserve the aesthetic or historical significance of the surroundings.

In commercial zones, buyers may be able to establish businesses or mixed-use developments, but these too come with rules that govern parking, noise, and signage. Therefore, understanding the zoning regulations attached to the plot is essential to avoid future legal conflicts and ensure the land can be used as intended.

What is the proximity to local amenities?

Proximity to amenities can drastically increase the livability and appeal of a property. When buying land, it’s important to consider its location relative to everyday conveniences like grocery stores, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas. In Warragul, some parcels are located near the town’s central amenities, while others may offer a more rural, secluded setting.

Families with children may prioritize lots close to reputable schools or playgrounds. Conversely, retirees or individuals seeking tranquility might prefer plots further from the bustling town center, closer to nature or parks. The value of a property also tends to appreciate more in areas where new infrastructure projects—such as shopping centers, public transport links, or community centers—are being developed.

It’s worth considering not only what is currently available nearby but also any planned developments that may enhance the area’s accessibility and desirability in the future.

What is the land’s orientation and potential for sunlight?

The orientation of a plot plays a pivotal role in the design and comfort of your future home. In the Southern Hemisphere, a north-facing orientation is often the most desirable as it allows for optimal sunlight exposure throughout the day, which is particularly beneficial in winter months when natural warmth is a priority.

In contrast, east-facing lots will capture the morning sun, while west-facing properties will enjoy sunlight later in the afternoon. South-facing properties tend to receive less direct sunlight, which can make them cooler but also less ideal for energy efficiency.

When considering land in Warragul, it’s essential to think about the orientation in relation to your home’s design, particularly if you plan on incorporating eco-friendly features such as solar panels. Ensuring that your living areas are positioned to take advantage of the natural light will not only make your home more comfortable but could also reduce long-term energy costs.

Are there any planned developments nearby?

Nearby developments can have a profound impact on both the immediate appeal and long-term value of your land. In Warragul, for example, the construction of a 22-hectare district park promises to boost the desirability of neighboring properties.

Access to green spaces, recreational areas, and community facilities typically enhances the quality of life and, by extension, property values. On the flip side, developments like industrial complexes or commercial hubs could introduce noise, traffic, or pollution, potentially detracting from the attractiveness of the area.

By checking with the local council or real estate agents, buyers can gather information about any planned developments in the area. This helps assess how the neighborhood might evolve and whether future changes align with your lifestyle or investment goals.

What are the current market trends in the area?

Real estate trends in Warragul have been marked by steady growth, partly driven by its proximity to Melbourne and increasing demand for regional living. As property prices in metropolitan areas skyrocket, buyers are looking toward towns like Warragul for more affordable land options without sacrificing amenities.

Monitoring market trends can help buyers make an informed decision about whether now is the right time to invest. For instance, if land prices are on an upward trajectory, purchasing now could mean strong returns on investment. On the other hand, a stable or declining market might indicate a better opportunity to negotiate a lower price.

Additionally, understanding factors such as housing demand, construction activity, and economic conditions in the region can provide valuable insights into future property values.

Is the land subject to any environmental or heritage restrictions?

Before purchasing land, it’s essential to investigate whether the property is subject to environmental or heritage restrictions. Environmental restrictions often apply to plots near conservation areas, wetlands, or flood zones and can impose limits on construction to protect the natural landscape.

Heritage restrictions are designed to preserve historically significant sites and may place restrictions on the type of development or architectural style allowed. In Warragul, certain areas may be subject to such limitations, especially near historical landmarks or natural reserves.

Understanding these restrictions can prevent future legal challenges and help you better plan for compliance with any specific regulations tied to the land.

What additional costs might be involved?

The purchase price of land is just the starting point. Buyers should also budget for additional costs, such as connecting utilities (electricity, water, sewage), site preparation, and landscaping.

In some cases, especially in newly developed estates, the land may require grading or leveling before construction can begin. Fencing, driveways, and other improvements can also add to the overall cost.

Additionally, local council rates and taxes should be considered, especially if the property is located in a high-demand area. By thoroughly understanding these costs, buyers can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure they are financially prepared to turn their dream property into reality.

Originally Published: https://www.lakenarracan.com.au/land-for-sale-warragul-premier-estates/

[pvcwindowsanddoors]

A Quick Guide to Help You Purchase Awning Windows Smartly

Of all the types of windows used in residential buildings, awning windows are perhaps the most popular due to their simplicity and high performance. They work wonderfully in any part of your property and can complement your interior design theme very easily. We have developed a guide to help you know everything about these awning windows.

WHAT ARE AWNING WINDOWS IN MELBOURNE?

Awning windows have hinges on the top, and they open to the outside world from the bottom part. This simple and minimalist design makes these windows easy to operate and clean. Awning windows in Melbourne are available in various sizes and finishes and mostly come with horizontal orientation rather than vertical. You can experience a specialised look and excellent functionality at very affordable rates.

HOW DO AWNING WINDOWS WORK?

Operating these windows is very easy, and you have to crank out the window using the hardware or push it out. These windows offered by Aluplast and Rehau are rectangular and wider than they are high. They provide ultimate shelter with the raised glass portion. Push out awning windows are the simplest, and they offer clean aesthetics for scenic views.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF AWNING WINDOWS IN MELBOURNE?

Every window type available in Australia has some features and disadvantages, and the same goes for stacking doors and windows. Awning windows are better suited for residential properties. They come with some pros and cons that you must consider before getting them installed.

PROS:

Great ventilation and natural light

Allows airflow without debris getting inside

It can be left open during the rain

Unobstructed views of the outside world

Excellent for privacy and security

Affordable, cost-effective window style

CONS: 

Smaller viewing area to look outside

It can be difficult to clean if placed high on a wall

It needs to be cleaned often because of exposure to weather

It can't typically be used as an escape route

WHAT ROOMS ARE BEST FOR AWNING WINDOWS?

Awning windows in Melbourne are ideal when they are placed over hard-to-reach locations. This means you can install them over sinks, counters, etc., and they work incredibly well in smaller spaces as they don't consume too much room. They are also ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, etc., as they provide extra ventilation and light without impacting your privacy. 

For bathrooms and other interior spaces where privacy is always a concern, you can install awning windows with decorative, frosted, or sand-blasted glass. Safety can be enhanced by using tempered glass with your awning windows.

Learn More:

Which One to Choose Between Sliding Doors and Stacking Doors?

What are the pros of using the triple-glazed upvc windows and doors?

[silkohome]

Discover the Best Garden Studios in Melbourne and Across Australia

Discover the Best Garden Studios in Melbourne and Across Australia

Are you dreaming of having a quiet, personal space right in your backyard? Whether you need a home office, a creative studio, or a cozy retreat, garden studios offer a perfect solution. In cities like Melbourne and throughout Australia, more and more homeowners are choosing to install these stylish and functional spaces. At SILKO HOME, we specialize in creating beautiful and sustainable garden studios that blend seamlessly with your outdoor environment.

What Are Garden Studios? Garden studios are small, independent structures that you can place in your backyard. These compact buildings are ideal for anyone who needs extra space but doesn’t want the hassle of building an extension onto their home. Instead of dealing with expensive renovations, you can easily add a garden studio, creating a new, private area for work or relaxation. In bustling cities like Melbourne, where space can be limited, garden studios in Melbourne are becoming a practical and stylish choice. They offer homeowners the opportunity to make the most of their outdoor areas while enhancing the overall aesthetic of their home. Benefits of a Garden Studio for Your Home There are many reasons why adding a garden studio to your home is a fantastic investment:

Extra Space: Whether you need a quiet spot to focus on work or a place to practice your hobbies, a garden studio gives you the flexibility to create a space tailored to your needs.

Increased Property Value: A well-designed garden studio not only improves your living space but can also increase your property’s value. With the growing trend of garden studios in Australia, potential buyers may see this addition as a major selling point.

Quick and Easy Installation: Unlike major home renovations, installing a garden studio is a much faster process. It doesn’t involve complex construction work, and at SILKO HOME, we ensure that your studio is ready to use in no time.

Sustainability: Our garden studios are designed with the environment in mind. We use sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs to create eco-friendly spaces that help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Why Choose Garden Studios in Melbourne? Melbourne is known for its vibrant lifestyle and innovative design. If you’re in Melbourne, adding a garden studio to your backyard is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. Garden studios in Melbourne are becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility and aesthetic appeal.

Whether you want a quiet home office away from the main house or a place to relax and unwind, a garden studio provides the perfect escape. At SILKO HOME, we specialize in creating studios that suit Melbourne’s unique style and climate, ensuring that your new space will be comfortable year-round.

Why Consider Garden Studios in Australia? Across Australia, people are finding creative ways to make the most of their living spaces. Garden studios in Australia are ideal for this purpose. The beauty of a garden studio is its flexibility—you can use it as an office, a gym, a yoga room, or even a guest house. With so many options, it’s no wonder that more homeowners are turning to this solution. At SILKO HOME, we understand the needs of Australian homeowners. Our garden studios are built to withstand Australia’s weather conditions while still offering the style and functionality you need.

The Design Process At SILKO HOME, we work closely with our clients to design garden studios that match their vision. Whether you want something modern and minimalist or a cozy, traditional space, we can make it happen. Our expert team will guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right materials to finalizing the design. We take pride in crafting garden studios in Australia that are not only functional but also stylish. With our custom design options, you can choose features like large windows for natural light, insulated walls for year-round comfort, and eco-friendly materials that reflect your commitment to sustainability.

The Perfect Outdoor Addition A garden studio can truly transform your home. It adds extra space, enhances your property’s value, and gives you a private retreat just steps away from your main house. Whether you’re in the bustling city of Melbourne or elsewhere in Australia, a garden studio is a fantastic addition to any home. SILKO HOME is committed to delivering high-quality, beautifully designed garden studios that meet the needs of modern homeowners. Our studios are built to last, with a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship. If you’re considering adding a garden studio in Melbourne or anywhere in Australia, we are here to help you create the perfect outdoor space.