Posted by Sue Lill
Elwood is one of the many ‘hidden secrets’ of Melbourne. It is a mixture of young and old, shabby and chic. It oozes charm and sophistication and 'dagginess' too.
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| Photo taken from inside 'Sails on the Bay' Restaurant, Elwood |
Elwood beach is a hive of activity and gives residents and visitors a stunning venue to:
- Exercise
- Walk their dogs
- Reflect on the day
- Meet friends and socialise, and
- Sometimes just stand in awe of a wondrous sunset!
Ormond Road Shopping Village is one of the many ‘strip shopping’ gems in the area and below are my thoughts on three (3) of its shops:
- Review 1
Bella Inspirations
Whether I am walking to the local shops to buy boring stuff like milk and bread, I always seem to walk past the shop ‘Bella Inspirations’, even if it isn’t on the same side of the road as the supermarket!
The visual merchandiser does a stunning job. Sometimes I will just look in the window to see what’s new - from beautiful scarves and bags, to upside down umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and skincare products beautifully presented. When I have more time I walk in and feel like a kid in a candy shop. There is so much to see in such a small area. It sells cards, even some items of Lounge Apparel clothes, candles, skincare products, jewellery, calendars, perfumes to name a few.
It is a place that you know you will find cards and presents to suit most of your friends and family. Indeed, it is a place to buy something special for yourself!!!
There is always a ‘specials’ section which is perfect for picking up bits and pieces for the ‘present drawer’ – you know the place you store things ‘just in case you need a present at the last minute and haven’t got time to fly around to find just the right thing!’. Or, and I am sure this is not you, but perhaps someone has forgotten a very special person’s birthday, anniversary or even the fact that they are flying out to Europe next week and you need a little something for the party tonight???
For me, Bella Inspirations makes a visit to the supermarket much more pleasurable . . .
98 Ormond Road Elwood Vic 3184
Naughts & Crosses
Bubbles emerging and escaping from an alleyway on your way to Bella Inspirations certainly causes you to stop. Toddlers in prams reach out their little arms and hands to grab the bubbles and laugh and giggle as their parents discover the source.
Big people like me are also drawn to the source probably because it evokes memories of childhood. Perhaps also the phrase ‘What the . . .’ comes to mind.
Grandparents must be thinking where can I buy one of those machines!!!
It is a brilliant marketing idea to draw people to the shop situated just down the alleyway where more visual wonders are to be had.
So you know what to do if you are in the area, just follow the bubbles and you may start laughing and giggling yourself. You don’t always get that when shopping online!!!
- Review 3
The Leaf Store and The Leaf Store Florist
‘delicious shopping – personal delivery – share your food passion’
As you enter this store you feel as if you are being taking back in time. It has a wonderful ambience and dedicated clientelle.
No matter if you need the salad items or vegies for tea tonight or are having friends over for 3 course meal you will find everything you need – and more – in this store.
It has recently expanded but still has the same relaxing and ‘old world’ charm. Another change has been to move the florist area which used to be at the front of the shop. I used to love purchasing my goodies at the cash register and taking in the most wonderful floral smells that just wafted in the air.
Now a few doors down you will find The Leaf Florist full of stunning flowers.
Both are worth a visit!
Address – 111 Ormond Road Elwood
Facebook.com/theleafstore
Twitter.com/#/theleafstore
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