Simple Saturdays
Just winding down after another busy week at work meeting various deadlines as well as hosting and attending lots of events. As an assistant in PR, my job involves a lot of planning and organising for events, an area I love to get involved in as it’s an opportunity to collaborate creatively with others and utilise my skills in managing and hosting.
So when it comes to the weekend, sometimes there’s nothing better than taking time out to enjoy simple pleasures. I never have chance to make my favourite bowl of oats during the work week, so for Saturday brunch I indulge in a beautiful bowlful packed with plenty of fruit, cinnamon & nut butter. My current preferred choice is Almond Pistachio Butter by the 99th Monkey, a Melbourne brand which uses only natural products to create a range of yummy spread combos.
Getting in my loungewear and in direct line of the air-con (it’s over 30 degrees here in Oz at the moment!), I settle in for the night in front of Graham Norton with a glass of vino. How lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful home too amongst the art and eclectic interiors. Cheers to the weekend wind-down from Lavender Bay ❤
Arriving at midday on Australia Day, the cafe was bustling and there was a little wait for a table. Finally we bagged our spot on a bench right by the window with prime view of the harbour and clear blue water splashing on the rocks right by our feet.
I ordered my classic long black with a dash of hot milk and for brekky I chose the granola bowl served with soy soaked chia, mango, berries and edible flowers. Exquisite presentation and delicious flavour combos matched with top coffee, I left well fed and ready for my birthday celebrations!
I would be keen to return to try another one of their tempting all day breakfast combos which initially drew me in on their popular Instagram feed. Celsius certainly serves up all the goods with a varied food menu for all tastes and perfect coffee to match the dreamy location.
Kicking things off on the Friday, it was fun and games in the office as we hosted an Australia Day morning tea, followed by my idea to start the weekend early with an Ozzy ‘Dolley Trolley’ in the afternoon serving VBs straight from the Esky.
That evening, my boyfriend met me after work and we went for rooftop cocktails at Smoke bar in Barangaroo. After a stroll around Darling harbour, we settled in a bustling bar with live music to enjoy some food and watch the sunset.
Saturday morning it was time to face turning 24! I had a long video call with my parents back home who I miss a lot, but was delighted to be with my boyfriend who surprised me with a cute bike – I can’t wait to ride it to work over the harbour bridge.
Leaving my flat at Lavender Bay, we were greeted with breathtaking views of the harbour as hundreds of boats took to the water in honour of Australia Day. We were off for birthday brunch booked at Celsius Cafe over in Kiribilli, somewhere I have wanted to try out not only for the beautiful food, but for the unique setting right on the wharf.
We then ventured into town to Bondi Junction, grabbed the essential case of VBs and walked over to Centennial Park. Our group of mates had a great base under the shade of a tree where beers were already flowing and a game of cricket was well under way…cue an English gal showing the Ozzy boys how it’s done!
The day finished with more drinks and a feed at The Nelson pub in Bondi. Not at all the birthday I had envisioned, but undoubtedly the funnest and most enjoyable way to soak up the sun, celebrations and festive atmosphere of Australia Day in Sydney…Cheers to 24!
Meeting my friend after work, we browsed the beautiful exhibition before stopping off for a glass (or two) of wine. I was in awe of the use of space as the beautiful art on display was such a contrast juxtapose to the raw, cumbersome interiors of this ancient building.
The Crystal Cloudscape built from thousands of sparkling chandeliers was exquisite and the eye-catching hanging metallic mobiles twinkled majestically against the exposed brickwork. However these hold a deeper meaning as on closer inspection they contain shapes of a teardrop, bullet or gun to symbolise the polarising gun occupancy prevalent in American culture today.
We then spent the evening winding down over some delicious Spanish tapas and a few glasses of Pinot Gris. We were treated to a pear parmesan rocket salad and polenta chips courtesy of my lovely landlady who is the head chef at Cosecha and finished the night with a little cheese board.
As an arts and culture hub, this space at Carriageworks attracts a variety of eclectic people to create a buzzing, friendly atmosphere welcome to anyone and everyone. I certainly can’t think of a better way to spend my hump day evening!
One of my favourite pieces is the shell anklet which I had been looking for to wear day-to-day during summer. Also pictured here are the selection of rings, a gold choker, twisted detail earrings and scarf headband all from SheIn.com.
So here I find myself in the home of an artist turned chef and all round creative who has refined this beautiful space into a home inspired by her life of travels. Every corner of the flat is tastefully put together and has a story behind it to be told, from the opulent mosaic bone china to the side stool found on a street corner!
A couple of weeks prior to my move, this original framed print of John Lenon was purchased and placed as the centrepiece above my bed. To compliment such a dynamic piece, my Auntie gifted me this incredible tribal necklace which I’ve placed in prime position on my chest of drawers.
Adding my own personal touches to the decor with my ballet shoes hanging off the mirror and boat hat placed side by side with the necklace, I wanted to reflect the eclectic theme which is echoed throughout the flat. I feel so inspired by my surroundings nestled here in the hidden timeless pocket of Lavender Bay, Sydney.
Spending my weekends browsing the markets, trying another new coffee shop and meeting my friends for avro drinks in one of the quintessential pubs, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. However such an exclusive postcode comes at a price and an opportunity arose to live with a family friend in Lavender Bay. Given the idyllic location and beautiful apartment on offer, I decided to take the leap from central Sydney to just over the bridge…
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Dani Aneka 