King George Square has been converted into a mini Alpine village with food and beverage stalls lining the concourse outside Town Hall; from churros and donuts to Gluhwein and chai lattes, this little village doesn’t quite match that of those you’ll find in the Swiss Alps, but it’s a enough of a taste to make you feel like you haven’t totally missed out on the magical winter experience that our European mountain dwelling counterparts get to enjoy for 4 months on the calendar.

Following a rather disheartening false start on opening day (with a blown chiller valve), things at Alpine Winter Festival were soon back on track as the temps around Brisbane hit some all time lows – perfect timing!

MM and I took a burn around the ice on the long weekend after summonsing up some Dutch courage with a mug full of Gluhwein, included in our ticket for skating and skate hire ($35pp).  The open air ice rink sure is a novelty and it’s the first time Brisbane-ites have seen anything like it in their own town.  Perched in the middle of King George square under the towering clock of Town Hall, the ice rink is such a spectacle it’s practically stopping traffic on Ann St.

The skating experience is an act in survival of the fittest, as kids, adults, kids in adult bodies and small orange plastic seal pups scuffle around in fits of hysteria and unorganised chaos for 45 minutes.  MM stuck close by the barriers, white knuckles glowing and a look of sheer terror on his face as the weekend warriors blazed past him.  Showing my skating prowess I ducked and weaved amongst the other wanna-be queens of the ice and twirled with finesse unsurpassed by my fellow skaters….no, really, that’s how it went….

With a sigh of relief that we’d survived the skating experience, we ditched our hire skates and wondered the alpine inspired village in search of some winter treats.  MM and I can’t go past the German Sausage Hut (no matter what the season), so we stopped in there for a kransky and bread ($7), accompanied by an ice cold beer as we did some serious winter wonderland people-watching.

The Alpine Winter Festival has brought young, old and in betweeners out of the woodwork this winter and added a buzz in the city which you don’t usually see this time of year.  Don’t expect it all to be smooth sailing however – the skate hire and cloak room processes could do with some refinement and the skating itself is a mess….but I think it’s all worth it for a touch of winter magic.

The Brisbane Alpine Winter Festival runs until June 26^th; you can buy tickets online or at the ticket office in the alpine village.

• Alpine Winter Festival Brisbane – King George Square, Brisbane CBD info@winterfestival.com.au

 Voucherbook is a compilation of 2-for-1 offers for use at 25 different restaurants in and around Brisbane. 

Each of the venues featured in Voucherbook represents a diverse array of countries, cultures and culinary traditions – from the French inspired Crepe Café at Southbank, to Jatt Flava Indian cuisine in Fortitude Valley and La Kasbah Tunisian restaurant in Woolloongabba.

Voucherbooks can be purchased on line for $29.90 plus postage, with a shipping time of 3-7 days depending on your location.  

Great opportunities to explore the not-so-main-stream cuisines and venues around town are on offer – just make sure you read the fine print and advise the staff you have a voucher at the beginning of your meal.

The team at Voucherbook have been kind enough to offer BNE: HOT or NOT readers the chance to score a FREE Voucherbook to share exciting dining experiences with friends and family in 2011.  

We have two Voucherbooks to give away.  Just send me an email – cazM@bnehotornot.com with your favourite dining location in Brisbane.  Your name will go into the Lucky Donkey Cart of Dreams, from which our two winners be drawn and announced on Monday 20^th December.  Good Luck!

• Voucherbook – www.voucherbook.com.au

Known to his mignons as The Don, Lukeus Povis has made such an impression with his mobile beans that he’s opening a new Cart El Coffee right in the heart of the CBD on Monday 1^st November.

To celebrate the new location and really kick things off with a bang,  Cart El Coffee are having a promotional ‘free stuff day’ operating from 6.30am to 6pm to ensure the Brisbane public well and truly know who to go for great coffee on the run.

The Don and his boys pride themselves in providing great coffee at great prices through prompt service, providing time-poor, caffeine- needy customers the best takeaway coffee experience. 

Cart El Coffee uses a signature triple origin blend consisting of 100% organic fair trade & rainforest alliance Arabica coffee.  Their medium to dark roast sounds to me how one might describe the perfect man:  Central American (sweet and full bodied), South American (sweetness and tartness combined with a good body) and a hint of Sumatran (exotic and spicy!).

For lovers of espresso, kilos and kilos of beans will be on standby at Cart El Coffee for the grand opening of the new CBD venue, as will various flavours of syrups for those who like their coffee with a sweet twist. 

Not fussed on coffee?  There will be free club cinnamon and vanilla honey chai lattes being handed out courtesy of Bondai Chai Latte, and for those who need a hit of anti-oxidants, the Cart El Coffee specialty 80% cocoa hot chocolates will also be on offer free of charge.

Samples from the Byron Bay Cookie Company will also make a cameo appearance for the event, as will bags of goodies from Amore Fine foods and Pastry Perfection.  Mmmmm muffins….

Make a noise down at the Cart El Coffee cart and you may even get famous.  There’ll be a professional photographer from 7.30am to take caffeine-fuelled photos of the event and if you get snapped, you’ll be able to tag yourself on Cart El Coffee’s Facebook page to win a complimentary coffee on your next visit.  Keep an eye out for the lucky spot prizes too….

• Cart El Coffee – 102 Adelaide St, Brisbane CBD

I have a couple of double passes for the new film The French Kissers for special advance screenings on Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December, before the main release on 26 December.

The breakout comedy sensation of the 2009 Cannes International Film Festival, and the surprise smash hit of the European summer, The French Kissers is the debut feature of acclaimed graphic artist Riad Sattouf – a rollicking tale of a pair of teens far removed from the cool crowd, as they suffer the endless embarrasments and minor triumphs of their first sexual longings.

If you’d like to go, just pop me an email at jetsettingjoyce@gmail.com with your name and mailing address and the winner will be drawn randomly. Good luck!

Just a reminder that Eco Fashionista’s first Brisbane trunk show will be held at Red Sea Gallery, New Farm, on Thursday 26 November 5-8pm in conjunction with the award-winning New Farm day spa Outshine.

Check out clothing and accessories brands such as Good Society, Sublet Courtney, Beyond Skin, Minna, Fifi Bijoux and Ashley Watson, many of which are not available in Australia.

To get into the Christmas spirit, 10% of the profits from all sales through Outshine and Eco Fashionista on the night will go to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

If you’d like to attend the free event, RSVP at info@ecofashionista.com.au and just mention that BNE: HOT OR NOT sent you.

Check out the review and pictures from Eco Fashionista’s recent trunk show in Melbourne here.

Over a soy latte Alex chatted to me about fashion, living eco-conscious and being a business-owner with a young toddler.

Alex, how did Eco Fashionista come about?

Eco Fashionista was launched almost a year to the day my son Max was born. Max’s arrival (and the huge sense of responsibility that arrived with him) was the catalyst for me to make a bigger commitment to being “green” – and, ever the keen shopper and fashionista, I realised the “greening” needed to extend to my wardrobe!

As I began to explore whether there was such a thing as “designer eco fashion”, I became so excited about the amazing labels I was unearthing – many of which weren’t available in Australia and in the one shopping destination. If I was going to seek out these chic pieces for myself, then why not share the love and let others in on my discoveries? I believe most people want to be eco-conscious about their lifestyle, but they also don’t want to give up the things that matter – such as style, quality and individuality. And that’s where Eco Fashionista comes in….

With so many fashion designers out there, how do you select the stock for Eco Fashionista?

A lot of brand research lies behind Eco Fashionista’s collection and the designers must demonstrate serious design and eco credentials.  How they achieve their “eco fashion” mission differs – from using organic, sustainable or vintage fabrics,  eco-friendly production, making small quantities to order or by hand and ensuring fair work conditions. We have given ”eco attributes” to each piece in our collection with these symbols.

Where do you turn for eco-fashion inspiration?

I’ve always devoured fashion magazines, and it’s wonderful to see titles like Vogue, Madison and Marie Claire now turning out green glamour and eco chic issues. I also read the stylish Australian eco fashion magazine Peppermint, and inspiring eco fashion blogs -  Eco Stiletto and Green Lashes and Fashion just to name two. For high-end designers with a conscience, it’s hard to go past Philip Lim (who launched his “Go Green Go” line in 2008) and Stella McCartney.

What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?

Three words have guided me over the last few months  – patience, perseverance and perspective. Having a clear vision of your business and its direction is essential, but equally important is the flexibility to adapt to the challenges that will be inevitably thrown at you. I’ve also had to learn that sometimes I am not the best person for the job! You need to concentrate your energies on your strengths, and in areas where you lack experience or skills – delegate or outsource if /where you can.

What are you wearing at the moment?

I’m wearing one variation of my “home with Max” uniform - Good Society jeans, Sublet Courtney top and  Beyond Skin Tilly floral ballet flats. It’s all about comfortable style these days.

I do love to dress up when I get the chance though! My fiancé and I have a rare dinner date tonight, and I’m looking forward to wearing my Minna Maria vintage print dress, accessorised with a pendant from fair trade jeweller Fifi Bijoux and Ashley Watson’s super-soft recycled leather oriole clutch.

Eco Fashionista’s first Brisbane trunk show will be held at Red Sea Gallery, New Farm, on Thursday 26 November 5-8pm in conjunction with the award-winning New Farm day spa Outshine. Even better, 10% of the profits from all sales through Outshine and Eco Fashionista on the night will go to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

If you’d like to attend the free event, RSVP at info@ecofashionista.com.au and just mention that BNE: HOT OR NOT sent you.

Check out the review and pictures from Eco Fashionista’s recent trunk show in Melbourne here.

Welcome to the first BNE: HOT OR NOT giveaway! I have a couple of double passes for the new film The Boys are Back which are valid for all major cinemas during the film’s theatrical season, even with ‘No Free Tickets’ listing.

I reviewed the film recently and gave it a NOT, but that’s not to say that you’ll feel the same way. My movie date buddy, various mainstream press reviewers and the Toronto Film Festival all loved it. Why not judge for yourself – I’d really like to hear whether you agree or disagree with my views.

If you’d like to go, just pop me an email at jetsettingjoyce@gmail.com with your name and mailing address and the winner will be drawn randomly. Good luck!

These days, cycling seems to be one of Brisbane’s favourite past times and the city has a lot to offer when it comes to cycling routes, paths and facilities.  Cycling is a lifestyle choice and it’s like vegemite – you either love it or you hate it. Without entering into the controversial debate of motorists vs cyclists, I’ve got a touching tale to tell about a ride held annually to raise public awareness of cyclists on our roads.

In November 2007 a tragedy occurred on one of Brisbane’s most popular cycling routes at Mt Coot-tha.  In an accident during a standard training session, one of the Brisbane cycling community’s well known members Ian Perkins was involved in a fatal head-on collision with a motorist.  I didn’t know Perko, but I heard of the tragedy the day it happened as news like this travels fast in these circles.  I can’t begin to imagine how witnessing such an event would leave you feeling and God knows it would be nearly impossible to get back on your bike.

In true Aussie spirit though, Perko’s team mates and the extended cycling community came together just days after his death and held a memorial ride on the popular “River Loop” to honour their mate’s life and courage.

Now, two years on, Perko’s family and friends with the extended cycling community gathered again to celebrate his life and raise awareness for cyclists.  The 200 strong peloton departed for the River Loop from MB Coaching’s headquarters in McDougall Street, Milton, at 5.15am in the presence of a police escort.  What an invigorating yet humbling experience it was to ride with such a large group of people, all gathered to achieve a common goal.  Most cyclists have experienced one or more near-misses with cars in their time and on those occasions you realise just how vulnerable you are.  On last week’s memorial ride for Perko, no one was racing.  There were no prejudices about how shiny your piece of carbon was.  There was minimal added wank-factor that is often synonymous with cycling.  How refreshing!

We don’t often take time to reflect on how precious life is, and it’s unfortunate it takes a tragedy to remind us of this.  Thanks to MB Coaching for organizing the ride and providing Perko’s mates the chance to remember and celebrate his life and The Lifestyle.

• The Annual Perko Memorial Ride, MB Coaching, 12 McDougall St Milton +61 7 3367 2488