After gracing the bustling CBD's of both Sydney and London, cult winemaker McGuigan is installing its enormous, interactive vineyard in Melbourne. The congested City Square will be transformed into a rustic and unspoiled country setting, complete with tastings and wine appreciation sessions from October 8 - 11. If, like myself, you've always wanted to raise your pinky whilst knowingly swivelling your glass, or are sick of wildly throwing around the words 'flavour' and 'intensity' accompanied by fervent gesticulation to impress, then this evocative installation is not to be missed. Check out their website for details.

There’s just something about animated experimental graffiti that I find perpetually intriguing – and the above is no exception. Painting straight onto the public walls of Beunos Aeres and Baden, enigmatic artist Blu is a harbinger of the progressive animation movement. His works are evolving expressions of the naïve and occasionally disturbing natural state of humanity. Child explores the organic nature of the entire life-process from birth to rebirth and is interposed with neonatal imagery that gradually climaxes to the strong visual of the parturient woman. It’s a simple enough concept, but the quirks of Blu’s visual style coupled with Maledetto’s music ensure it’s a captivating representation of a journey common across humankind.

 

Do you have a heart? Is there a muscular organ pumping blood rhythmically throughout your body at the present instant? If the answer is yes - and I’ve already made the rather educated assumption that it is - then there is no way you can possibly ignore the irresistible plea of a deserted animal. Adopt a Pet is an RSPCA online initiative that allows you to view animals awaiting adoption in shelters nation-wide by searching for specific breeds, colours, sizes and characteristics. Pets are already micro chipped and de-sexed where necessary and experienced staff are always available to offer advice about animal selection and care. If you are considering extending the camaraderie in your home by welcoming a new member, then there’s no reason not to assist a worthwhile animal charity in the process.

If you’ve ever fancied yourself to be a bit of an undiscovered talent with the humble pencil and paper, then perhaps its time to step out of your sheltered doodling-on-the-train box and into the life drawing class at Sydney’s Arthouse Hotel.  Sure, the whole drawing naked models in a room full of strangers business may initially seem more like a nightmarish scene from the Armageddon then an idyllic evening of artistic accretion - but that’s the whole point. Life drawing is as much about overcoming embarrassment as it is exploring the dynamic intricacies of the human figure. The Arthouse’s Dome Restaurant and Gallery Bar is an attractive recluse for the relaxed sessions, overflowing every Monday night from 6 – 8.30pm with amateur artists ranging from businessmen to university students. Entry is $3 at the door and drinks are well-priced, but you do have to bring along your own materials. Definitely worth a visit.

When the purse strings are beginning to get painfully tight and when a visit to the local Salvo’s proves to be a bit of a splurge (it happens and I've been there), then it’s time to whip out the old arch nemesis of creatively challenged women everywhere - the sewing machine - and do it yourself. But don’t fret, this time the painfully bulky appliance and convoluted instruction manual need not be your only friends (or fiends, as the case may be). Burdastyle is an online heaven for the seamingly challenged (pardon the pun), full of free and simple sewing patterns that range from reusable grocery bags to swimsuits; as well as forums, hints and tips and an easily decipherable guide to your machine's seemingly innumerable flicks and switches. With new patterns added weekly, it’s no wonder the site boasts over 90,000 registered members. Now the only hard bit is threading that evasive needle.

We live in a society which unashamedly pursues an almost cult-like infatuation with celebrity culture. The daily activities of us laypeople (myself included) are frequently interpolated with above healthy dosages of those coveted kids that are the rich and famous. If you’re sick of indulging in rumour rag mags and the questionably jocular images of Perez Hilton et al – but can’t quite shake the habit – then maybe its time to inject some substance into your hobby and check out online blog Ecorazzi. Founded in August 2006, it celebrates the latest in ‘green gossip’, keeping you up to speed with celebrity-related environmental, humanitarian and animal rights issues. Who knew Paris Hilton takes regular bike rides (you may ask who cares, but that’s beside the point), or that Pamela Anderson is partnering with a Middle Eastern royal family to create an environmentally friendly hotel? Exactly. Take a peek and read up on what the icons of pop culture do for the greener good.

Sometimes you feel like nothing more than embracing the adolescent elation that accompanied your very first kiss and dancing wildly around your bedroom (curtains drawn of course). Reminiscent of MGMT's infectious electro-pop and the childish sing-song of Matt & Kim, Boston five-piece Passion Pit is the perfect accompaniment to life's momentary snippets of delirium. The solo-project-turned-band is the brainchild of Michael Angelakos and has just been signed to the coveted Frenchkiss Records, with an EP due for release in September. Christened after a slang term for the drive-in movie theatres where teenagers engaged in 'extra-curricular activities', Passion Pit deliver explosive tunes characterised by an almost desperate immediacy. Cut the coffee and get an instant pick me up the old fashioned way - turn the volume up so loud it hurts.