Pienza Cocktails at Idyllium Bar
If there was one way to kick off a mega weekend of wedding celebrations in style, that’s exactly what we did with sunset drinks in the old town of Pienza on Friday 30th August. With the wedding party of over one hundred people arriving in Italy for the weekend ahead, my brother and his bride-to-be hosted welcome drinks in this dreamy location overlooking the Tuscan countryside.
It was the most fabulous occasion with a breathtaking backdrop as the evening sun treated us to perfect golden hour hues.
We had the entire back terrace at Idyllium to ourselves with a selection of bubbles, wines and beers served by our own barman who kept everyone’s drinks flowing. With its prime location and flawless service, it’s no wonder this cocktail bar is known as one of the best in the region.
I had such a wonderful time hanging out with my family and friends of my brother’s, some of which I hadn’t seen for years! Sipping our bubbles overlooking that Tuscan landscape with my awesome cousins by my side, I couldn’t have been happier at that moment.
Pre-wedding excitement was certainly on a high and I was extremely prouder of my big brother for bringing together so many loved ones here in Italy for the occasion.
As the night drew in, it was soon time for the groom to say goodbye to his fiancé the final time before their wedding the next day. Joining us for dinner just around the corner, it was a special meal together as a family of five before he became a married man.
And so is evident from the wavy photo above, I knocked back a fair few proseccos as the night continued and we enjoyed another delicious Italian meal involving plenty of bread and pasta. I wore my electric blue lace cap sleeve Lipsy dress for the occasion with stiletto nude heels. These proved quite the challenge when walking the cobbled streets of Pienza, however I had my sister and future sister-in-law by my side to give a helping hand!
What an evening it was and terrific welcome to what was to become the wedding of the century. Idyllium; A romantic interlude…let the wedding day commence ❤
Entering through the glass doorway laden with green plants and pots, we are greeted by welcoming staff who seated us to our table tucked away around by the artistic wall display of wine bottles. 
With an extensive menu showcasing the best of Tuscan flavours served with an elegant twist, I was torn by a number of dishes. For a starter I opted for the goats cheese tomato salad and for secondi the ‘spaghetti di zucchine su cream di piselli’.
After choosing a local red wine from 2010 to accompany our meal, we were treated to a tasty amuse bouche of fish pate alongside a gourmet basket of breadsticks, flatbreads and fresh breads. Served promptly after this, the salad starter I chose featuring plenty of goats cheese in different rinds was a taste sensation.
With a hum of fellow diners including locals and foreigners alike, wine continued to flow as our waiter insured glasses were topped up and Daria came over to have another chat between courses.
Soon our secondi was served and once again presentation made for a feast for the eyes as well as our bellies. Despite choosing an all vegetable based main, my zucchini spaghetti in a veloute of green peas was packed full of flavour. I also had a try of my cousin’s homemade gnocchi which too was delicious.
To finish my Dad and I shared the chocolate cake a la Daria served with custard and chocolate sauce, the perfect end to a perfect meal.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this wonderful restaurant to anyone visiting the region who is looking for authentic local cuisine served with a touch of elegance. Ristorante Daria certainly does epitomise the best of Tuscany – its energy, culture, food and friendly locals.
Our villa and grounds at Borgo Poggiardelli in the heart of Tuscany was exquisite with the infinity pool and water well completing such quintessential Italian surroundings. Wearing my new Lack Of Colours rancher hat I too was feeling very European.
My usual morning routine on holiday consists of an am workout, followed by a quick jump in the pool to cool off before sitting back to enjoy my morning coffee – given the heat I often opt to make it iced!
If I’m not reading a magazine or plugged into my current favourite podcast (Venetia Falconer Talking Tastebuds), I try to make the most of catching up and just hanging out with my family. And that is what I consider to be bliss; chilling with my loved ones, listening to music and having a laugh like old times.
Bliss; perfect happiness, great joy.
Up in the clouds on the long journey back to the UK, I can’t help but feel nostalgic reflecting on my experiences and achievements accomplished on my time in Aus. I’m so incredibly lucky to have my family and the life long friends made down under, who I have shared so many beautiful memories with.
As I head home to England for a few months, this certainly isn’t the end of the road for my Aussie life as I return to Sydney for the New Year and my 25th Birthday in January…so Ciao for now Aus, it ain’t over yet!
We strolled the Bondi to Bronte beach walk as we devoured our delicious pots of refreshing acai and caught up on life.
When we reached Bronte it was time to grab an arvo coffee. We went to Huxton’s Cafe on the main drag where it was hard to resist the indulgent array of stunning cakes, fluffy doughnuts and largest lamingtons I’d ever seen!
Of course a trip into the city wouldn’t be complete without a bit of retail therapy too. I visited Newtown to have a good browse of the eclectic mix of vintage and outlet stores where I finally purchased the perfect dress for my brother’s wedding at the end of the month. Opting for an authentically Australian made peice, the dress was only $69 from the Melbourne brand Ache.
One final stop by Paddington for the afternoon and I inevitably ended up in my favourite shoe boutique on Oxford Street. Zomp sells hundreds of covetable designer shoes at a discount price, making it hard to resist adding to my ever growing shoe collection anytime I visit the store. In search of a pair of heels to match the dress for my brother’s wedding, I bought this stunning pair of Senso satin copper pink mules down from $200 to $95.
Going back to where it all started in the Paddo hood was the perfect way to end my last weekend here in Sydney for a while. It won’t be long before I’m back in town again though, no doubt strolling the beaches in the Australian summer sun with an acai bowl in hand and good friend by my side ❤
As a good friend of mine is one of the team behind this new hotspot, we visited the cafe this Friday evening to experience it firsthand (and see our friend in action of course!) Dropping in on a blustery winter’s evening, we were greeted by toy wombats and kangaroos as we took our seats on the wooden benches. At 7pm on a Friday night the place was already packed out.
The menu is super simple with their famous cheeseburger taking pride of place as star of the show. We began with the Curry Roo Party Pie, a novelty for me as I’d never tried kangaroo meat before. Whilst this delicacy has struck a nerve with some customers, roo meat is actually very sustainable as there is an abundance of wild kangaroos which get killed and discarded of anyway.
That’s not to say this restaurant isn’t vegetarian friendly though – the mixed greens served on a smashed potato salad are delicious and the cheeseburger can even be made veggie with a mushroom pattie.
Bush cafe has certainly filled a gap in the market when it comes to traditional and somewhat ironic Aussie fare. Whilst the interiors reflect the outback with sandstone walls and wooden table tops carved by locals, the nostalgic menu feels like you’re in the company of true Australians at home – well done lads, keep it real!
Its been a pleasure enjoying the beauty and convenience of the homely neighbourhood of Lavender Bay. For the first time here in Australia I had a room to really make my own and decorate with the eclectic mixture of ornaments and memories collected along my journey so far. From the lovely candles gifted to me from my friend’s company the El Collective, to the awesome tribal necklace passed on from my Auntie, I like my pieces to have a story behind them.
Having said this, I can be guilty of getting too comfortable and therefore find change a difficult thing to accept. It wasn’t easy making the decision to move out and spend my final month in Australia back down in the Southern Highlands, however a chance to wind-down and rest following such an exhausting first half of the year is just what I need! As my job in the city finished up last week and the lease was up on the flat, the timing actually couldn’t be better to escape the city.
I will be starting fresh on my return to Australia following my brother’s Wedding and spending some much needed time back home in the UK. It’s been a rollercoaster over the past six months here and the stresses of full-time work have certainly taken their toll. So here I find myself back in the picturesque Southern Highlands spending quality time with my boyfriend and friends before flying home. No doubt I will still be back in Sydney for a few weekends over the next month to catchup with friends and family, go to the beach and have some nights out at my favourite bars too!
On leaving Lavender Bay I take with me many fond memories from a whirlwind of a time residing in such a stunning corner of Sydney. I feel privileged to have discovered a hidden gem of the city and will be back to visit Wendy’s Secret Garden for summer picnics and arvo drinks with friends. For now though I say goodbye and welcome new beginnings for my next adventure…on we go.
Whilst on the face of it my role often appears to be the thankless job, it can be the most rewarding hosting successful events or being of assitance to team members when they are under client deadlines. In my view, the employees in my teams are my clients, so supporting them to reach their full potential and keeping team morale high is my goal.
Our Christmas in July party that evening left the office very bare on Friday for my last day. However my Manager treated me to brekky at Back Row West and that afternoon also put together a delicious cheese board including popcorn, dark chocolate and berries – yum!
I was presented with a huge card filled with so many lovely messages, along with a leaving gift of a gorgeous blue leather KiKi-K planner embossed with my name in gold lettering.
The teams gathered around to say farewell and some very touching words were said about all the hard work I have put in over the past six months. It’s pleasing to know that all the hours and commitment to the job haven’t gone unnoticed and I have made a difference to the agency in my short time there.
From having my head stuck in a spreadsheet for hours on end, to serving up countless platters of food and topping up the team’s wine glasses on a Friday arvo, it certainly has been a blast – Cheers opr Agency!
‘Dream big, work hard, stay focused, and surround yourself with good people.’
With sweeping views across the harbour and CBD skyline, I feel very fortunate to have made this journey on a daily basis. The fresh air and exercise in the mornings always gets me motivated for work and physically exerts my body before many hours sat at my desk.
Located on the North shore, Wendy Whitley’s Secret Garden boasts the best view in town of the iconic Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Luna Park and CBD skyline all in one. With the most stunning sunsets and breathtaking outlook over Sydney, I still find myself in awe every time I take a stroll down to the waters edge.
The garden is open to the public and free of charge to visit, yet remains a hidden gem of Sydney. An old railway runs right through the centre too adding character to this perfectly formed oasis.
A number of foot paths and steps wind around the garden leading to little spots ideal to setup for a picnic or even doing a morning yoga stretch. There’s always new areas to discover and I loved this wall mural I found on my latest wonder through the garden.
For anyone visiting Sydney or locals just looking for an alternative to the heaving beaches in summer, Wendy’s Secret Garden is the place to be. As well as taking a stroll with my morning coffee on weekends, I’ve often grabbed a pizza with friends and we’ve walked down to enjoy the sunset from the most magical spot in Sydney…Golden hour at its best.
Dani Aneka 