Category: Lifestyle

Springtime Sunday at Belmore Falls

September 19, 2018

As the trees blossom and the days grow longer, Australian summer is just around the corner. All winter I’ve craved that salty skin and beach swept hair from days spent down the coast and I can’t wait to be firing up those BBQs again to enjoy freshly cooked seafood paired with my favourite summer drink – mojitos! So with the warm weather already gracing our doorstep this weekend, we decided to grab some picnic food, hop in the Land Rover and head for a day trip to the beautiful Belmore Falls.

Edit 2Edit 1Being a Sunday the spot we had planned on going was busy with people, but luckily we knew of another place a little more off the beaten track. We found a deserted section of the river, set up our hammock and got some chilled tunes going on the speakers. I couldn’t think of a more idyllic scenario than sitting by that stream all afternoon enjoying my flask of coffee and reading my book in the hammock.

Edit 3Edit 6Whilst there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, a gentle spring breeze took the edge off the strong Australian sunshine. Soon enough though we’ll be swapping our coats and flasks of tea for swimwear and refreshing cocktails as we make weekly trips to the abundance of stunning rivers and lakes the Southern Highlands has to offer – Spring has sprung!

Edit 5

French Feels at Mount Ashby Estate

August 21, 2018

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s beautiful Southern Highlands, who’d have thought such authentic European ambience could be discovered. Combining a passion for antiques alongside French cuisine to accompany exquisite wine produced on the estate, Mount Ashby exudes classic style which together formulates the idyllic setting for a weekend leisurely lunch soaking up the charming Australian countryside.

Edit 11.jpgEdit 7Owners Chris and Sally Beresford pride themselves on creating the perfect setting in which to enjoy the immaculately kept estate as you graze on a delectable French inspired menu carefully curated by Sally herself. Whilst guzzling a glass of wine and soaking up the sun, you can explore the vineyard and get to know the majestic family of geese making their characterful presence known on the reservoir.

Edit 8An impeccable taste for French interiors is also reflected in the antique centre next door, in which Sally exhibits her antique tables made using trees imported from France. With a background in the rag trade and regular trips to Europe to scope out original pieces, Sally brings together antique furniture alongside touches of modern elements to formulate her unique style. This compilation of the old and new to accompany exclusively curated tables has drawn the attention of prestigious publications including Vogue and The Financial Times, establishing Beresford’s name in interiors from the highest of crituques.

Edit 9.jpgWith such attention drawn to Mount Ashby amongst socialites of the Southern Highlands and beyond, the estate is set to grow with a new event space being built to accommodate increasing demands of weddings taking place on the property. Set amongst the vineyard overlooking the reservoir, you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque, romantic setting to take marriage vows. Meanwhile, the Pallete Cafe with its new summer special menu continues to bustle on the weekends, firmly proving itself as a little taste of France within the sweeping hills of Australian farmland.

Edit 10.

Carrot Cake Oatmeal

August 9, 2018

With a bit of time on my hands I decided to have a play in the kitchen and create something different for my brekky this morning. You’ve probably heard of zoats which are made using courgette (or zucchini if your Australian) to bulk out the volume of your porridge bowl and get in those extra micronutrients. However with some left over carrots and dates knocking about, I chose to create my own carrot cake oatmeal recipe.

Edit 1.jpgI kept it very simple and the result was so delicious it was like eating desert for breakfast! My new obsession with rice milk really topped the dish off like the whipped cream to accompany a carrot cake. If I had gone to the supermarket and shopped for this recipe I probably would’ve over complicated it, but by just using what I had to hand, I discovered the perfect combination of ingredients – Sometimes less is more!

Edit 3Method:

  1. Cook a cup of oats with 2 cups of water over the stove.
  2. Add most of the grated carrot and chopped dates leaving a little for topping, and continue to simmer gently.
  3. Once the oats are thickening up, add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. You may want to add more honey at this stage if a sweeter taste is required, but the dates should sweeten the mix enough.
  4. Dish up in a bowl and decorate with the leftover grated carrot, dates, cinnamon and drizzle of honey. Serve with a side of heated rice milk to pour over just before enjoying in the sunshine 🙂

Freedom, Just do it

August 8, 2018

As I sit here in a quaint Southern Highlands town on the other side of the world to my friends and family, I find myself in a bit of a predicament. I’m between jobs having finished up at the farm I was working at for 6 weeks and now I’m on the hunt to find farm work to complete the rest of my 3 months needed for a 2nd year visa in Australia. It’s only been a few days since finishing my previous job, yet I’m already getting itchy feet and feeling uncomfortable with this limbo I’m currently in.

Edit 7.jpg

Since landing in Sydney Australia I haven’t stopped and always had a job or two pinned down. I’ve always been more than happy in my own company and don’t have trouble finding something to occupy my time; whether its working out and going for a walk, or scrolling Pinterest for the latest outfit and recipe ideas. But as I have a few days to myself here in the beautiful Southern Highlands I’m finding it more difficult to switch off and enjoy the time out. Following a conversation with my mum and best friend from back home however, I was reminded of all that I have achieved so far and how hard I have worked just getting to this point alone.

Thank fully I’ve made some amazing friends who have helped me out with somewhere to stay and by simply asking around, I already have contacts to people who own farms or know of those who do. So as I continue forward and pursue my hunt for another farm job, I will remind myself that I have the freedom to aim for what I want and I can make these goals my reality – ‘Just do it’.

 

 

Lost and Found

July 8, 2018

It was never going to be easy plunging into countryside life surrounded by people I didn’t know having felt so at home in Sydney with family by my side. Packing my bags to come to the farm, I had no idea how different it would be in contrast to my comfortable city lifestyle…wifi in the cafe only, what was I going to do!? It was a bumpy start during my first few days and I have to admit it felt very lonely as I struggled to download anything I could at the cafe to watch back in my room – I just wanted home comforts and company! However by persevering and diving into work around the farm with enthusiasm and willing to learn, I quickly got to know the wonderful people who work here as they showed me the ropes and made me feel so welcome. Edit 7Now just a week and a half in I already feel like I’ve been here for ages and despite the bitter cold, farm life is in fact good fun! I’ve made some truly great friends and last week I was taken on the most beautiful hike in Kangaroo Valley. We began on a trek upstream where we found stunning waterfalls and lush rock formations, before heading to Drawing Room Rocks for an uphill walk and afternoon bathing in the glorious sun overlooking the scenic landscape. It was so refreshing chatting to fellow travellers and like-minded people about their adventures and future plans after farm work.

Edit 9.jpgThe more I’ve explored the area and local towns, I’ve realised that this region is a mirror image of my hometown back in England. Speaking to many of the locals and going to the village winter festival has confirmed how much this place actually reminds me of home – I truly have landed on my feet! By dedicating myself to the hard work and making the effort to build great friendships, it’s amazing how much can change in a week. I’m already looking forward to my next day off so I can discover more of the area and make the most of my surroundings in the idyllic Southern Highlands of Australia. Travelling is certainly a game of feeling lost before unexpectedly finding yourself once again.

 

Go on, burn a while

June 24, 2018

Time can be a strange thing; on one hand it flashes by, yet on the other it feels like yesterday that I landed on Australian soil. Six months has passed and it is now time for me to venture off to the Southern Highlands for farm work in order to gain my second year visa. I’m incredibly lucky to have secured the job through the pub I work at which owns a farm just an hour and a half out of Sydney. I will be living and working there looking after the animals, harvesting fruit and veg and waitressing in the farm shop cafe…sounds less like farm work and more like a holiday get away!

Pic04041

I don’t doubt that I will be back in the city very often given that I have my base here at my Auntie and Uncle’s in Paddington. I have so much to thank them for and owe them for making me so welcome and accommodating me in my initial months here in Aus. But I can’t wait to return to Sydney following my time on the farm to secure a place to live and have the most incredible summer! The farm will be a new experience so I hope to embrace my time there and soak up every moment as I have done so far this year.

Having to leave town for a few months has made me realise how many incredible people I have met and lifelong friends I have made already. Despite being the other side of the world, there are always people that have my back and friends that are so encouraging and excited for the journey I have ahead of me. In my opinion you get out of a friendship what you put in, which is why in the week leading up to me leaving I have made the effort to catch up with all of my friends, whether it’s over a quick coffee or cracking open another bottle of red and making a night of it! So as I pack my bags to plunge head first into country life, I remember all of the wonderful people I have to return to in Sydney and many unwritten tales yet to be made on my adventures down under…’go on, burn a while’.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Off the beaten track bars, Sydney

June 21, 2018

Getting caught up in city life and always heading to the same bars and restaurants we know is something we’re all guilty of. Being in the beautiful city of Sydney for a while now (and often sticking to my local neighbourhood of Paddington or Bondi for a night out) I decided it was time to explore and discover some new bars and restaurants a little less well known. Using the online publications Concrete Playground and Timeout I mapped out a bunch of bars to try which are highly rated and only known through word of mouth.

Finishing work in the CBD at 5pm, I couldn’t think of a better place to meet my friend and start the night than Establishment. With its uber chic interior and city worker vibe, this was the perfect place to kick things off. As a Merivale owned bar it was the June happy hour 5-7pm, so we got going with two Espresso Martinis half price! If I’m honest the bar staff were under pressure for the happy hour, so our Martinis didn’t have the best creme, but certainly quenched our thirst after a day in the office.

Edit 4

Next we had a short walk over to The Rook, which after asking a few people we found the entrance to – an elevator at the bottom of what looked like an apartment block. This hidden rooftop did not disappoint with a brilliant wine selection, old school music tunes playing and atmospheric lofty vibe. We guzzled a glass of Montepulciano red wine and were tempted by the delicious aromas of lobster and chips from the kitchen.

Going from rooftop to basement, we walked over to Baxters. With it’s entrance behind an alley and down an old fire escape, this underground speakeasy whiskey bar is super exclusive with a buzzing vibe. The walls behind the bar are stacked ceiling high with hundreds of whiskeys and it feels like a step back in time with the barman climbing the ladders to select your tipple. We couldn’t get enough of the freshly blended apple as a mixer for our whiskey – I won’t have my whiskey any other way now! Hopping next door, we had a quick drink in The Duke of Clarence. This typical British style pub was very warm and cosy and beautifully decorated like the drawing room of an English country home. We enjoyed our glass of wine in front of the warming fire with a bowl of complimentary smoked nuts.

Edit 3

Having completed a good round of the CBD bars, we caught a cab up to Paddington to devour yet another glass of vino at 10 William Street. This small wine bar in the heart of Paddo offers a range of delectable Italian tapas alongside an extensive wine list. A favourite for locals with its intimate yet bustling ambience, it feels like you could’ve stumbled off a street in Europe as you sit knee-to-knee with fellow diners.

Deciding it was time to get some food to soak up the concoctions of wine and cocktails we’d consumed, we visited Cheeky Burger! This late night joint sells simple burgers done well in a trendy American style setting. We halved a veggie mushroom burger and pulled pork burger and it was agreed that the veggie choice was a clear winner! To complete our evening we popped next door to The Paddo Inn to have one last drink. This pub is a local haunt and always busy with regulars no matter what night of the week.

Edit 5Overall I was happy that we got to explore so many bars off the beaten track which I will be keen to visit again. My favourite find was The Rook with its top secret elevator entrance and offerings of lobster to enjoy alongside that perfect glass of wine. It’s also been a fantastic month for the numerous Merivale bars across Sydney, as they’ve been offering their 49% off drinks 5-7pm everyday throughout the month of June – Bottoms Up Sydney!

Australian Eats: Poke Bowls

May 27, 2018

When it comes to health food trends and the latest fitness movements, Australia is constantly leading the way. Sydney isn’t short of its health food cafes offering all day breakfast menus with delicious superfood dishes, including eggs done anyway you could imagine, beautifully presented acai bowls and tempting sweet treats made from raw, natural ingredients. One of the newest cuisines which has pleased the palette of Australians this year is Poke bowls, a traditional Hawaiian dish originally made by fisherman using the trimmings from their catch of ‘ahi’ tuna. Despite the authentic fresh fish sashimi topping, shops offer Poke bowls anyway you like with different meat alternatives such as chicken and numerous fresh toppings of salads, seeds, pickles and dressings.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERASo with my $10 promo code for Uber Eats and having never tried the local Poke shop here in Paddington, I decided to order in from the comfort of my own home! Taking inspiration from the imaginative street favourites on the menu, I decided to build my own bowl which consisted of the following: Cabbage (You can have noodles, rice or quinoa as alternative bases), Yellow Fin Tuna, Radish, Cucumber, Edamame, Yellow Beetroot, Toasted Sesame Seeds and a Coconut and Chilli Lime Dressing.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe delivery was super quick and came accompanied with all the essentials including chop sticks and extra dressing on the side. All of the salad was fresh and beautifully presented in the bowl, making it almost too good to eat! I enjoyed my Poke bowl sat out in the evening sun of Paddington, revitalising me with all the essential vitamins and goodness my body needed after a long week of work and perhaps a few too many glasses of red wine on Friday night!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Next Step

May 24, 2018

So here I find myself moving onto my next adventure here in Sydney. Life has been in fifth gear the past month as I took on a temporary full time job as Office Assistant at my auntie’s PR company, whilst continuing to work at the pub part time also. Although this was a challenge for me having never worked in an office before, I learnt so much and really enjoyed every minute. Despite finishing my position in that role last week, I got a call from my Manger this week offering me the receptionist job for the next month whilst they find someone permanent for that role too.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAHaving got this brilliant news that I will be back in the office for another month, I new exactly how to treat myself in celebration: shoes! The local shoe store Zomp here in Paddington on Oxford Street is a shoeaholic’s dream, stocked with covetable brands including Senso, Django & Juliette and Beau Coops. The sale is always fantastic and I was lusting after another pair of mules which I could wear in the office. I had my eye on a pair of studded Senso heels, however they didn’t have my size and they were too high for work. So I spotted these black velvet mules by Django & Juliette; perfectly stylish and chic, yet still comfortable and practical for the office. Reduced from $160 to $65 I couldn’t resist!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThese gorgeous shoes made a perfect addition to my current mule obsession. A few months back when it was my birthday, I purchased these almond ruffle mules by 2 Baia Vista from the Zomp store too. The suede ruffle detail on these are super cute and the quality of the shoes are worth the price tag. Finally I gained a pair of Prada heels from my auntie who brought them second hand for only $70! She got the cobbler to add the ankle strap which makes these high heels easier to walk in and far more comfortable.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERASo with my updated collection of stunning shoes, I can’t wait to pair these with outfits for the office. I’m a true shoeaholic so I can’t think of a better way I could’ve treated myself. Now here’s to the next step of my Australian adventure most definitely made in style in my fabulous new kicks!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Back to my roots

April 28, 2018

Sometimes it takes a little distance from something to realise how much you enjoy it. Once I began full time training and dancing became my job, I lost the passion for my skill and no longer danced with any intention or feeling. As hedonistic as it sounds, it really is essential to love your art and pursue it with true intent if you’re going to make a career of it. So having been in Sydney for a few months now, aside from a weekly ballet class, I hadn’t done a Lyrical or Contemporary class for a couple months! This is where my devotion to dancing lies as I find these styles allow me to express more freely, especially when accompanied by a good song. Recently attending a Lyrical class at Sydney Dance Company gave me a renewed sense of satisfaction and positive energy from dancing which I haven’t felt for a long time. The teacher was fantastic, starting the class with a technical warm up and stretch, followed by a beautiful routine to Sia’s remix of ‘We don’t have to take our clothes off’. Nothing beats a well choreographed routine which reflects the lyrics of the music and gives you the movements to truly reflect the mood of the song. I loved every minute of the class and it really did take me back to my roots of dancing with true joy and sentiment.

Pic03349.jpgPic03350