Lily's is relatively new to the neighborhood yet she is fitting in just fine…read more I appreciate her honest opinion about whether or not clothes need adjusting and how she is honest about what the process will entail, justifying how the price matches the labor. I've had a dress taken in to give it more shape, pants hemmed and tops altered. Being open until 6.30pm on weeknights means that your clothes aren't held hostage until the weekend, which is great for those of us that work full time. If your clothes need a nip or tuck I recommend calling in to Lily's.

Fitzroy Learning Network is located right opposite the Fitzroy Town Hall and provides support and…read moreeducation with a focus on those in poverty or facing social exclusion. FLN offers courses in arts, immersion programs, literacy, maths, CALD and much more. I had the opportunity to volunteer here through a program at work and am so glad I did! I helped from 8:45-1:30pm for a day - Frank (teacher) taught a class of about 10 that day and volunteers helped with reading, writing, and math skills. Don't be scared if you don't have a Masters in English or mathematics! This place is friendly and students come from all sorts of background and hardship. Ever try learning and living in a new country where you don't speak much of the preferred language or have not had the opportunity to learn about how to save or buy items at the grocery store? These are the things we helped out with and I would love to go back here again in the future as I met lovely people that communicated with their eyes, hands, and smiles. No matter what backgrounds students came from, everyone put in hard work and helped each other out though hardly anyone spoke the same language!

MCIE is a registered training organisation that offers courses such as hospitality, childcare, aged…read morecare and business located between the famous Victoria Market and Errol Street. Well known for industry connections, the trainers that I have spoken to here are patient and helpful. A few cool things about MCIE: -Diverse group of trainers with a whole range of worldwide experience -Commercial Kitchen -Early childhood and education simulation room -Aged care simulation room The campus has a computer lab, and 2 lunchrooms. You can often see staff sharing a lunch room with students which seems to really build the friendship. This is a great place to meet local and international friends and study something you are interested in.

For the first time baker, knowing what to do can be a little daunting. Especially if all you've got…read moreis a breadmaker, a bag of gluten-free flour and a desperate need to eat something toasted. This was the situation I was in a few years ago when I first discovered that I was a coeliac. Unfortunately for me "desperate need" doesn't translate into discovering a talent for dough. You know you've failed when your dog steals the bread only to return it once he tastes it. So it's lovely that there is a specialist baking shop that can help. There are classes available, a large range of specialty mixes and flours, advice, appliances, cake decorations, gizmos and whatsits galore. And at the end of it you have bread - now with pride at being self-sufficient.

I loved my time as a Star student so it is has been so incredible to see so many of my friends…read moredaughters attend the school and love it as much as I did. The school moto "facta non verba" is at the heart of encourage the students to be action orientated, to follow their passions and work towards achieving their own personal goals. I would highly recommend Star of the Sea to any parent seeking a supportive and encouraging environment for their daughters secondary education.

I used to go to school here when Mrs Jones was the principal. Great school with a great reputation…read moreif I still lived in Melbourne and had a daughter I'd definitely send her here. It's an all girls catholic private school by the way.

OK I admit it. I want to be the ethnic version of NIna Simone. Or has Nana Mouskouri captured that…read moreniche already? Darn it! Anyway, back to reality. Late last year I decided to go back to regular singing lessons and improve my voice as it has gotten a little rusty. The venue itself I am not a huge fan of (it's located behind the Spud Bar on Chapel Street and smells a little like sweet potato) but the couple of teachers I have had have been great - the lessons are for $80 for one hour or $50 for half an hour. Most of the time you spend 20 minutes doing warming up exercises before kicking off into song renditions. I have been coming for six weeks and have already noticed an improvement in my voice. It's also meditation as you have to focus on the present and everything else goes out the window. They also teach different styles, but I focus on jazz melodies From Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday. Recommend it if you're prepping for vocal exams, or simply as a hobby as well.

The yard in Princes Hill Primary is open to all on the weekend. The feature here is the small…read moreAstroturf area around the back of the main school buildings that has a running track around it. This space is the perfect spot for a friendly game of soccer with friends, or if you're there on a day with like-minded individuals, you can get to know your neighbours better with a friendly match. Whereas nearby Princes Park may have more space, it's the confined nature of this makeshift pitch that's the main appeal - the ball won't break free and roll into other peoples' games.

Life changing ceramics store... Say what? Guild of Objects is an emporium of handmade homewares and…read morefor an avid tea drinker like myself, finding the right tea mug can change your life. I like to call it a 'hug mug' - it has to be the perfect circumference, texture, colour and height. Not an easy mission. I found an abundance of spirit mugs here! Melbourne is creative and proud of it - and this quaint ceramics shop celebrates local makers by exclusively selling Victorian goods. And good they are! Incredible actually. I fell in love with so many pieces that I bought 10 of them that I am prepared to cart home back to Perth. Turbulence, please be kind to my new ceramic friends. Located in North Melbourne, they also offer beginners workshops and community drop in days. Next door is a sunny cafe called Beatrix that looked to be brimming with delicious homemade cakes. Take one home as a perfect accompaniment for your first cup of tea in your spirit mug discovery.