Who would have thought that a social media networking site, that started out with a flash idea from a university whizz kid, would have exploded into the world phenomenon it is today? Facebook helps us to not only keep tabs on our ex’s, but to branch out and network with people and companies we would otherwise not be in contact with. Facebook has opened an endless amount of opportunities for local and international businesses all over the world, and here at Caroline Serviced Apartments we have been sure to jump on the band wagon!

We not only use Facebook to stay in touch with previous, current and future guests, but we give guests the opportunity to experience our apartments. Jump onto our fan page to find out information about up and coming events in Melbourne, tips on what to do while you stay, check out new photos of each property, score yourself a great freebie (yes we have competitions ALL the time, you can even win a FREE night at one of our beautiful apartments!) or score a discount for your next stay. Feel free to hit up some of us local girls to find out what we like to do in our spare time so you can begin to plan your holiday!

It’s as easy as becoming a ‘Fan’. Click the following link and your on your way Facebook fun!:

http://www.facebook.com/CarolineServicedApartments

So what are you waiting for? Endless discounts and prizes await….!!!

Melbourne is full of diversity, in every possible way; food, entertainment, people!

The vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere of this historic site has endeared the Market to Melburnians for 130 years. The Market is probably best known for its huge variety of fresh produce. Almost 50% of the Market area is dedicated to the sale of fresh produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, chicken, seafood and delicatessen products.

The remainder of the Market is used for variety and speciality goods, with Sundays being the most popular day for this category. On Sundays, the hustle and bustle of the weekday Market gives way to a more relaxed and leisurely family day. Queen Street is closed and converted into an outdoor cafe area, with children’s rides and other activities.

The Market is divided into Market Precincts; Deli Hall, Elizabeth Street Shops, F shed laneway, Vic Market Place Food Court, Fruit & Vegetables, The Meat Hall, Organics, General Merchandise, Victoria Street Shops & the Wine Market.

My personal favourite thing about the  ’Queen Vic Market’ is the ‘Suzuki Night Market!‘ Every Wednesday night from 5:30pm ’til late the market is filled with people gathered to watch a variety of live entertainment, and enjoy the fully licensed bars where you can select from a range of Victoria’s regional vineyards. Taste their best vintages by the glass or bottle on the night or take some home for the cellar. If your looking to relax there is an area dedicated to mind, body and spirit - enjoy massage therapists, visit tarot and aura readers, reflexology and iridology practitioners.

Wednesday's Night Market

Take it or Leaf it

Melbourne in Autumn is spectacular. With the temperature dropping a little, the winter fashion hitting the stores and the city filling up with colourful Autumn leaves. We’ve decided to celebrate not only Autumn, but also the city of Melbourne in our latest competition.

Here’s how to win:

• Become a Fan on our Facebook Page
• Go to a favourite hangout or landmark in Melbourne (or your hometown)
• Take a creative or funny photo of yourself or a friend holding an autumn leaf (or leaves)
• Post it to Caroline Serviced Apartments Facebook Page: Here’s how to do this!
• Get all of your friends to ‘Like’ your photo. Fan Photos can be found on the left hand column, beneath our photo albumns, information and list of Fans.

The photo’s with more than 50 ‘Likes’ or votes will all be included in our Autumn YouTube Video as finalists and also go into the draw to win…..

• Two nights accommodation in our 4.5 star luxury apartments
• A surprise ‘Welcome Pack” on arrival
• A winery tour of the Yarra Valley for 2 people
• 4 x Daily Metcards (Public Transport passes)

Anna from our Brighton property getting into the Autumn theme

In this competition we would love for some of our in-house guests to get involved:

To be instantly included in our finalists, you must take a photo within one of our apartments at either South Yarra or Brighton. Show off your room, your balcony or your view!

All finalists will be announced on Monday 10th May via our YouTube Channel, and the winner will be chosen at random from the finalist entries on 17th May 2010.

Only one photo entry per person, so get creative and have some fun… and send us your best autumn leaf pic!

• For a Summary of the competition Requirements, check this PDF: CSA Autumn Leaf Competition Summary
• For Full Terms and Conditions, see this PDF: Take it Or Leaf it Rules

Unleash the “mad man” in you – the creative wordsmith – a marketing guru; and come up with a tag line for Caroline Serviced Apartments.

To help you please find the definition of “Tagline” as follows:

A tagline is a variant of a branding slogan typically used in marketing materials and advertising. The idea behind the concept is to create a memorable phrase that will sum up the tone and premise of a brand or product or to reinforce the audience’s memory of a product.

We will choose one winning entry that best sums up Caroline Serviced Apartments in a short catchy tagline! This winning entry will recieve 2 nights accommodation in our 1 Bedroom Premium Apartments (can be at either our South Yarra or Brighton property) and a welcome gift on check in. The winning entry will also be featured in Caroline Serviced Apartments’ marketing Campagin in 2010 - be rewarded for your contributions!

To enter: 1. Become a Fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/CarolineServicedApartments 2. Post your tagline on our wall 3. Enter as many times as you want 4. Enter before the 15th of January 2010 5. Sit tight and wait for annoucment of winner on the 18th of January 2010.

Get the feel for what we’re about through these avenues; twitter, facebook, blog, website, youtube, flickr – Click on each of these hyperlinks to get to our profiles!

Here comes the small print – by entering this competition you agree to forfeit any intellectual property rights for use of tagline to Caroline Serviced Apartments.  Also – we will ask you to do a Video Testimonial after your stay with us which you must say yes to! : )

Here are some of the World’s most famous taglines to get your creative juices flowing!

1. Got milk? (1993) California Milk Processor Board

2. Don’t leave home without it. (1975) American Express

3. Just do it. (1988) Nike

4. Where’s the beef? (1984) Wendy’s

5. You’re in good hands with Allstate. (1956) Allstate Insurance

6. Think different. (1998) Apple Computer

7. We try harder. (1962) Avis

8. Tastes great, less filling. (1974) Miller Lite

9. Melts in your mouth, not in your hands. (1954) M&M Candies

10. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. (1956) Timex

We want to make mention to all our entrants and their efforts; how amazed we were by the buzz this competition has created for Caroline Serviced Apartments. Here were the “mug shots” we received over the course of the 7 weeks…

Lets recap all the entries…

Entry by Gail Acott

Do you recognise that face? Gail, good work on bringing the “Cat Lady” to the races, dressed to kill!

Entry by Anthea Cook

Anthea, you really gave it a great shot with taking a bland old coffee cup and turning it into a princess for a day! We loved this “mug shot” and the millinery skills you showed! Maybe a new skill discovered???

Entry 1 by Jan Mcrobie

Jan Mcrobie's 2nd Entry!

3rd Entry by Jan Mcrobie

Entry by Jan Woodward Wilson

Jan Woodward Wilson using optical illusion to create her entry into our “mug shot” competition! Super clever we say! And what a beautiful cheeky smile : )

Entry by Karol Thomas

 Karol, you are a star for entering this “mug shot” in the last hours of the competition. Pity it wasn’t entered sooner as it could have been a real contender for the winning spot!

Kirsty, this entry of yours is so great. Did you do the illustations yourself? Just a “couple of mugs” going to the races… : )

Entry by MissJay Cee

MissJay Cee!!! OMG… is this cute little button yours? So amazingly delightful! We love this kitty cup!

Entry by Tiana Caitlin Kiloni

Tiana, we know how much you wanted to win this competition and we really thought you were going to do it with this fabulous entry! Taking the theme and running with it! Make sure you enter our next competition!

Entry by Kriss Barr

And finally… our winner Krissy! With close to 200 comments and likes on this entry, her fashion on the fields display won her 2 nights acommodation in our serviced apartments, $100 dining voucher, champers and chocs on arrival and a late check out. Congratulations Krissy! Your efforts are rewarded and can’t wait to welcome you to our property!

Thank you all for entering. We really appreciate everyone for their time, their participation and their enthusiasm. Stay tuned for our next upcoming competition. Any suggestions are always welcome!

2. Think of something you could give to the receptionist on check in that is not an obvious suck up, but a gesture of your generosity that she could possibly reciprocate on check in.

3. Do not ask out the receptionist on a date!

4. Do not ask straight out for an upgrade – instead you could possibility say “Are you guys going to be over booked in your standard rooms tonight? and if so what would be the possibility of me being one of those people to upgrade?”

5. Always be willing to listen to what the receptionist has to say – the more polite you are the more she/he will look after you!

6. Feel free to pop down and say hi for a quick chat during your stay.

7. Always be willing to take the time to fill out the comments card  - or praise the receptionist through writing if you have been treated well. This inspires the staff member to remember and continuously look after you. We will look after anyone that takes the time to do this now and in the future.

8. Never claim your own self importance!

9. Always look the receptionist in the eyes

10. Treat the receptionist like you would like to be treated!

Remember  - the better relationship you have with the staff at the accommodation property, the more benefits you will receive without having to pay for them. Apply this here and within life!