The Lost At E Minor team love a good old G&T at the end of a busy week, so when Hendricks invited us out in Sydney to celebrate our beloved beverage of choice we jumped at the chance. Little did we know that we were off to a curious and unusual night to discover the 11 different botanicals that make up Hendrick’s Gin. And what more appropriate a venue to venture into the Botanical Unknown than Sydney’s beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens.

The night treated us to the weird and wacky: venturing down a garden path lit only by candle light, we were greeted by a theatrical affair with ladies swooning in bath tubs, a Flowering Punch bubbling with dry ice and served in a signature Hendrick’s tea cup (so rad) and 1920s props a plenty for some playful fun. For Hendrick’s lovers such as us, this night set us on a path to the peculiar unknown – just as we like it.

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If you’re wandering the streets of Potts Point, Surry Hills or Darlinghurst, in Sydney, over the next few days, you may happen upon, as I did, a beautiful love letter from the 1940s. Sydney psychologist, artist and hopeful romantic, Alexandra Ehrenberg, has collated and transcribed a series of love letters from the war times of the past in the hope that it will spark a shift in how we address and express love.

With each featuring unique handwriting and authentic vintage stationery, the eight letters have been blown up into posters which are lining the inner East Sydney streets.

Featured on the posters is the hash tag ‘#linesoflove,’ which Ehrenberg has created to encourage viewers to not only re-post the romantic sentiments of the reconditioned letters, but also inspire them to share their own thoughts or dedications to their loved ones on Twitter or Instagram.

‘So many these days seem to be creating art or memes that are cynical, critical or ironic, with messages such as “I love the Sh*t out of you” and alike.

‘While this humour, of course, has its place, I wanted to create an art project in response to the modern day manner in which we address and express love. There is so much lost when love is reduced to such a trivial state and a lot to be learnt from re-visiting how it was done before us.

‘I wanted to gather letters from a time when writing was an art form. With these letters, in particular, being from times of war there is also an added depth to the sentiment’.

Written by soldiers and marines who had no idea if, or when, they would ever see their wives, girlfriends or families again, the letters in the series poignantly and poetically express genuine love.

As a result, ‘lines of love’ is as pure as it is beautiful, thanks to the sincerity of the words and the obvious intimate connection between the sender and the recipient.

Ehrenberg hopes this will encourage readers to do the same. See the map below for where you can stumble upon the ‘lines of love’ yourself.

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The Cullen, located in Melbourne’s stylish South Yarra, is one of three boutique hotels in the Art Series Group, which dedicates hotels to individual artists such as Australian greats Adam Cullen, John Olsen and Charles Blackman.

This beautiful boutique hotel experience immerses the guest in the aesthetic style of the artist. In The Cullen’s case, the work is dedicated to the Australian icon, Ned Kelly. As you make your way through the hotel, you can discern Cullen’s empathy for the bushranger and his disdain for the law.

While South Yarra boasts some of Melbourne’s best eateries, it’s hard to go past the Gramercy Bistro for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gramercy brings a little slice of New York to the trendy Melbourne suburb, from the chop chop salad to the Reuban Sandwich. And you know it must pass muster when your local South Yarra bestie recommends it ahead of any other restaurant in the area.

Beautiful signature beds, perfect location, stunning views, unique artwork and fabulous food. What more could one ask for in a hotel experience? I’ll be back.

We stayed at the hotel courtesy of Mr & Mrs Smith. You can book Smith hotels via (1300-89-66-27) or at mrandmrssmith.com.

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When the UK Indie Trio The xx announced they were returning to Australia for a quick capital cities tour, I was more than a little excited. Trembling, in fact.

Having discovered them for the first time at Laneway Festival in 2010, The xx’s biggest challenge this time around was all about how to adapt to becoming the hottest act.

Could they retain the sense of intimacy that made them so special in the first place, while tailoring the live show to the size of venue their immense popularity now demands?

There were other problems – their shows sold out in around 15 minutes, and getting a ticket was luck of the draw.

Although there was skepticism around the venue choice in The Hordern in Sydney – howls of delight rang out across the sold out crowd as the dry ice surrounding the three shadowy figures evaporated to reveal a giant ‘X’.

Their isolated and emotive sounds filled the space, as Jamie xx’s multi tasking skills continued to amaze – playing keys, drum pads, percussion and steel drums.

The trio played a well-balanced mix between their self-titled first album and their recent release Co-Exist interspersed with a swoon worthy cover of King of Tomorrow’s ‘Finally’.

Full setlist:

Try
Crystalised
Chained
Reunion
Far Nearer (Jamie xx cover)
Sunset
Fiction
Reconsider
Missing
Night Time
Swept Away
Shelter
VCR
Islands
Infinity

Encore:
Intro
Angels

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Until recently I didn’t realize you could become a loyalist to your barista. If you’ve discovered one good coffee roaster, where’s the need to discover another, right? Wrong. I now know what it feels like to “cheat” on your barista. Corduroy is much more than your typical hole-in-the-wall espresso joint. Nestled on Foster street in Surry Hills (between Tios of late night Tequila fame and the old Hotel Hollywood) a Little Marionette family gem has been quietly going about their business for the last year or so.

Opened by Marionette roaster, Ben Stronach, and managed by Nigel Park, the espressos pack a punch as do the avocado and smashed eggs on sourdough and the scrumptious little chocolate tarts. Everything at Corduroy is effortless and chilled, right down to their slow cooked sandwich of the day. It looks like there may be no going back.

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The Australian summer is upon us, which means fabulous beachside parties and ice-cold cocktails. Enter Australian designer Georgia Osborne, who has launched her first Summer collection and new online store just in time for the season.

The intricate handcrafted embellishment, French lace, leather, hand beading and luxurious flowing silks transport you to the Moroccan streets, which inspired this timeless glamour. Osborne – who refined and developed her skills with the likes of Alannah Hill and Rebecca Davies – describes the Georgia Osborne woman ‘as someone oozes elegance and style, [and] appreciates quality and timeless pieces that make her stand out from the rest’. Personal faves are the Little Marrakech Dress and the Casablanca Blouse. Rock Glamour inspires Georgia Osborne’s Winter 2013. And she’s teamed up with Lost At E Minor for a Christmas Treat …

TO WIN: Suggest a name for a piece in this new collection and the one Georgia likes best will not only become a part of the Winter collection but the person who came up with it will win a $300 Georgia Osborne gift voucher just in time for Christmas! Get those creative juices flowing. The competition closes on 20th December, 2012. Leave your suggested name in the COMMENTS Section, below this post.

Entries open to all people, worldwide.

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Gorgeous, delicate and feminine are the words that spring to mind when you first land your eyes on Australian fashion designer Binny’s 2012/13 Spring Summer collection. Inspired by friends and their stories; Sunday at the Polo; long lunches in the sun; and Sicilian ceramics in warm kitchen light, the collection is created from embroideries, lace cut-outs, and leather trims. My favourites are Balleriacs with Jacques, Blood Orange Martini, and Woods Well, which Binny was kind enough to dress me in for our recent Lost At E Minor party.

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Pink Lou Lou is an Australian jewellery label born from a friendship necklace in the shape of Tasmania. You can’t help but swoon over the delicate bracelets, necklaces, charms, and rings. Skye Campbell has created pieces which are inspired by times past and each piece of sterling silver and gold has me hooked. Primary coloured enamel rings, peach, apple and pear charms, and beautifully understated bracelets. The Christmas wish list keeps growing.

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Everyone loves a good dress up, and sometimes, less is more. On a summer holiday across the US and Europe, two Aussie blokes developed an idea that came purely from having too much fun in the sun. Glasses with Moustaches are the first cab off the rank in the range and we were lucky enough to have Swaggers launch unofficially at the Lost At E Minor party. Let’s just say they were a hilarious hit, but we’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

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Sometimes you come across an artist who really touches your soul, whether it be a painter, a dancer, or in this case, a musician. My good friend, Stephen Hunt (yes, he played Matt Hancock on Neighbours and, yes, he is famous for being one of just 200 people to successfully swim the English Channel in aid of HIV/AIDs) has finally released his debut solo EP, entitled Listen. Lyrically, he tackles some heavier topics, but the sun-kissed acoustic guitar melodies, intertwined with unfailing positive vibrations, midrange piano punctuation and a light drumming groove, sends you swaying into a melodic calm.

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A freak torrential downpour and hail storm on the first day may have turned Splendour in the Grass’s temporary home of Belongil fields – in NSWs beautiful Byron Bay – into a virtual slip ‘n slide. But that didn’t stop anyone from rocking their gumboots off. The rest of the weekend bought sunny days and loads of phenomenal local and international acts. The crowd crammed the GW McLennan tent to see opening act Chet Faker; Gossling’s angelic voice soared far across the mud-soaked lakes; while The Beautiful Girls (in one of their last shows ever) sent a chilled out crowed into a swaying spin.

The much anticipated Lana Del Ray disappointed. She should take some lessons on stage presence and cheeky crowd pleasing antics from local boys, The Hilltop Hoods. Also, notable mentions to one of my all-time favourite Swedish indie pop acts, Miike Snow; English three piece Band of Skulls; and, of course, Jack White, who swapped his all-lady band members halfway through his set, confirming his status as the current King of Rock. And what better way could there be to close out such a psychedelic and diverse festival then swaying and hugging with a stranger while singing along to The Gossip’s We are the Champions? Splendour, till next year.

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If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Splendour in the Grass in NSW’s beautiful Byron Bay this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, then make sure you download the new Splendour in the Grass 2012 iPhone app, which is available in the App store. If you’re an avid festival goer, you’ll agree this is an awesome new addition to festivals in recent times, especially those that go over multiple days. The best bit is that you can plan out your day, assign alerts, track where your mates are, and make sure you avoid as many clashes of your must-see acts as possible. Smashing Pumpkins, Bloc Party, Miike Snow, The Kooks, Lana Del Ray, Beautiful Girls … oh my, so many (too many?) AMAZING acts this year!

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I came across Australian designer Dannika Zen last year, instantly falling in love with her Road Boots. It’s simple, stylish and super comfortable. Little wonder the collection sold out in a matter of weeks. Following a stint in a high-end fashion house in Berlin, Dannika Zen returned home to Australia three years ago with a desire to make her own clothes. Her strengths lie in hand-crafted leather wear, mentored by an Italian leather craftsman with 40 years in the game. The 2012 Voyage 2 collection consists of beautifully crafted pieces utilising a variety of fabrics in eclectic ways. And the Road Boot is back! I’ve just managed to get my hands on a second pair, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want them in every colour, too.

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The contemporary and elegant Blackman, in Melbourne, is the newest hotel in the Art Series Group. As is the theme of the Art Series, the hotel celebrates one of Australia’s most influential artists: Charles Blackman. Having visited The Cullen six months prior, I was taken by the way an artist’s work can so significantly change the feel of a room.

While The Cullen had a darker undertone, The Blackman felt quite dreamy and magical as a result of the artist’s unique take on Alice and Wonderland present in every room and corridor. It was hard to miss Blackman’s true romantic and whimsical nature. Positioned on bustling St Kilda Road, The Blackman is well situated for both business and leisure: a stones throw from Melbourne’s CBD and its iconic laneways, a leisurely stroll away from the Botanical Gardens, and a short tram ride to shopping meccas, Chapel and Greville Streets.

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A new love has seen me spend more and more time in Sydney’s Deep South, Cronulla, and consequently, I’ve been watching with interest the stylish refurbishment of the suburb’s iconic Old Library. A project two years in the making for Mario Kalpou, this place is set to revolutionize the beachside suburb’s food and entertainment scene.

Launching earlier this month, The Old Library’s interior offers an understated sophistication that borders on homely, with some beautifully quaint old-school library features cleverly intertwined. The attention to detail is striking, right down to the restoration of original windows and subtle logos on the Arancini Ball paper. This is a destination restaurant with a delectable, rustic Italian menu: think quail and duck, stuffed zucchini flowers, and prawn and chilli pasta.

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Having been to many a festival in the past, but never a Homebake, I was excited about my first time experience, and to say I was impressed would be an understatement. What a fabulously different festival experience!

Such a wide variety of ages: from your classic old rockers (there to see Grinderman and Icehouse), to your hipsters (also there to see Grinderman and Icehouse, but with some Architecture and Helsinki and Pnau thrown in for good measure), to everyone in between. Personal favourites of the day were Illy (especially It Can Wait, featuring Owl Eyes), Drapht (particularly the collaboration with 360 and 1200 technics wowza!), Icehouse, and who doesn’t love a bit of Triple J artist of the year, Goyte, with some Kimbra. Homebake is exactly what it claims to be — a day dedicated to remarkable Australian and New Zealand music.

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The fabulously stylish Cullen is one of three boutique hotels in the Art Series Group, which dedicates hotels to individual artists. Australian greats Adam Cullen, John Olsen and Charles Blackman are the first three to be honoured in this way.

This wonderful boutique experience is not for the faint-hearted traveller. As a guest you are immediately immersed within the aesthetic style of the artist and Adam Cullen’s work is quite confronting. The hotel boasts a series of work dedicated to a new twist in the classic Australian tale of Ned Kelly. As you make your way through the hotel, you can discern Cullen’s empathy for the bushrangers and his disdain for the law.

While the hotel boasts two fine restaurants (dumplings and tapas), it’s also situated in the upmarket Melbourne suburb of Prahan, so an array of the best dining and shopping (Chapel street and my favourite Greville Street) experiences, including the famous Prahan markets, are within walking distance.

The Art Series Hotel Group is currently a major sponsor of Out Post on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island, a Sydney Harbour Trust project celebrating street art from around the world. Out Post finishes up on December 11, and with over 55,000 people visiting the island since the exhibition opened early November, I’d encourage those who haven’t been out yet to check it out.

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There is no subtle way of saying this: I have never been to Homebake. Ever. It has never really appealed to me. Yes, I love Triple J. Ye,s I love local music. But Homebake was always just a little too grungy. Then I saw this year’s line up. Yes, after cancelling in 2010, Australian music festival Homebake is back in full force for 2011.

If Pnau, Goyte, Kimbra, and The Vines are not enough, add Cut Copy and Lady Hawke and I’m now frothing at the mouth with excitement. Homebake 2011 invites you to kick off Summer in style playing host to the best new local and international talent while also paying homage to some legends, such as Nick Cave, who will be fronting for Grinderman.

If the music isn’t enough of a draw, Homebake also plays host to a film and arts festival. And brand new this year is a comedy stage bought to you by The Sydney Comedy Festival.

Tickets are still available, so hop to it. They sold out in 2009, and with this star-studded line-up, it’s likely to sell out again. And quickly.

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As our taxi made its way up Claudio Coello in Salamanca, an upmarket district in the heart of Madrid, I turned to my travel companion and smiled. If the quiet elegance of the tree lined street, home to boutique shopping and trendy cafes, was anything to go by we knew we were going to be in for a treat with Hotel Unico.

Hotel Unicos’ transformation from a 19th century mansion into a newly renovated 44 room, 5 star hotel four months ago was the project of Pau Guardans, the creative entrepreneur behind luxury urban hotels such as the Grand Hotel Central (Barcelona) and Hotel Miro (Bilbao).

Upon walking into Hotel Unico, you are struck by the classic and stately character of the original building which is perfectly blended with modern furnishings, as well as a stunning art installation by famous Spanish sculptor, Jacinto Moros, whose work is featured in some of the world’s greatest museums.

An early run or bike ride through Parque del Retiro (Madrid’s answer to Central Park), followed by a delicious breakfast in the hotel’s private garden, is a great way to start your morning. Spend a whole day being enthralled by The Prado or Reina Sofia. Hotel Unico is within walking distance of all of these attractions.

Oh, and if you’ve got a slight shopping addiction (like me), you will be side-tracked from day one by Salamanca’s mecca of designer boutiques: from international brands such as Christian Louboutin, Chanel, and Madrid’s own Loewe, to an abundance of lesser known Spanish designers.

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Ibiza has long been known as being the island that never sleeps and this years biggest hotel launch, Playa d’en Bossa’s five-star Ushuaia Hotel defines this to a tee, offering the ultimate playground for grown-up party people.

Arriving in the early evening, we were hit with the full force of the festival-sized stage, which can be seen from the front doors of the hotel, flanked by numerous security guards filtering hotel guests from paying pool party punters.

In the four months since Ushuaia opened, its pool parties have become infamous, with big name DJs and bands playing the poolside stage. The night we were there, Bob Sinclar was headlining, supported by French house maestro, Diego Miranda, and thousands of fans packed the stage and pool area.

Ushuaia has a unique Alice in Wonderland mixed with Bali feel, offering everything you need for the ultimate party, from swim up rooms to a grand suite equipped with decks for aspiring DJs, and a full service day spa available 24/7.

From our balcony we could see Diego in full swing and the 4,000 plus bikini-clad crowd was pumping.

Ushuaia really is the hotel that does not sleep. And it’s unlikely you will either.

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