30 September 2013

Eat Me. Miss Jackson, St Kilda

I just got back from a weekend in Melbourne. I always head down there at this time of year to soak up the AFL footy fever. I had a great weekend and the weather was surprisingly beautiful; well done Melbourne!

Whilst I was down I caught up with friends, several of whom are now settled in the hip suburb of St Kilda. We headed for breakfast at Miss Jackson, a little cafe just off Fitzroy Street. This little place has plenty of character, having retained it's original terrace house layout complete with various rooms and a fire place. The breakfast menu was extensive with a range of delicious things on the menu including spanish eggs, omlettes and a piadina. I opted for the breakfast crumble with poached apples and blackberries.


Best. Thing. Ever.

This was so delicious it was like eating apple crumble for breakfast... but healthier! It came out in a little terrine that was warm from being freshly baked in the oven. The top 'crumble' layer is almond granola and underneath is the stewed fruit. It's topped off with a dollop of yoghurt. So yummy, I'll certainly be dreaming about this one, I wish I'd asked for the recipe. I can also recommend the chai lattes here, they're great and not too sweet.



I'd definitely head here for breakfast if you're around Melbourne and I hear their lunch is pretty good too! I'll be definitely returning on my next visit to Melbs. 5/5

Where: 2/19 Grey Street, St Kilda VIC 3182 (enter from Jackson Street)
Bookings: not neccessary
Phone: (03) 9534 8415

Photos by Krissie

Miss Jackson on Urbanspoon

27 September 2013

Style It. Nighttime Denim

Silver jacket by Witchery, Denim shorts by Billabong, T-Shirt by Saba and Necklace by Lovisa

I was off to dinner last weekend and was having trouble picking an outfit. There were a number of factors to juggle: I was headed to a smart casual restaurant, the weather wasn't cold but wasn't totally warm either and I knew I'd have to walk a fair way from my car so I needed sensible shoes. Enter this little outfit.


Who says denim shorts have to be for daytime? I dressed mine up with a loose black tee, silver fitted jacket and layered necklace (I had wedges on my feet so that made for easy walking!).

What do you think of my outfit? How do you dress in this trans-seasonal weather?

Photos by Krissie.

25 September 2013

Must Have. Prada Candy L'eau

It's been a long time since I've found a perfume I've really liked. Lately most of the fragrances seem to be too floral, too sweet or they tickle my nose. But hooray because I've finally found one I really really love!



This is the latest fragrance from Prada, an updated version of their Prada Candy released a few years ago. Prada Candy L'eau has a softer edge, scented with notes of citrus and flowers on a caramel and musk base. It's soft and sweet but has a 'kick' that balances it out. Joyful and vibrant! $81 - 30ml, $116 - 50ml, $133 - 80ml



Photos by Prada.

23 September 2013

Suitcase. Los Angeles Travel Guide [guestpost]

Our lovely American travel writer Angie Picardo is back today with another guest post for Pearls. Continuing her trek down the California coast, Angie shares with us her hotspots for the bright lights city; Los Angeles.


When people think of Los Angeles, images of movie stars, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and other well-known tourist attractions spring to mind; but within Los Angeles there are many lesser known and inevitably better things to do and see. Outside of the teeming crowds of tourists that flood Hollywood and Venice Beach, you can find the more quirky elements that contribute to Los Angeles’ interesting, cultural, and glamorous history. This unique city has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.


When in L.A. I always make a trek to the J. Paul Getty Museum, located atop a mountain just outside of downtown. Here, you get a breathtaking view of the city from the museums lush gardens which are teeming with dozens of plant life and flowers. Inside the museum’s expansive complex there are several buildings which house a world-renowned collection of European and American art. Vincent Van Gogh’s Irises can be seen there and outside of their permanent collection they continually have new and interesting exhibits on display. The Getty is a trip unto itself, and you can easily spend an entire day viewing the collections and sitting in the gardens.

If I had my way I would visit every single cemetery in Los Angeles, sounds creepy but it is as close as you can get to some of Hollywood’s legendary stars. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is where Hollywood’s greatest stars of eras gone by have been laid to rest. If you go during the day you can walk the expansive grounds, which are beautifully landscaped and include ponds and marble porticos, and visit some of your favorite stars. This cemetery also offers another unique attraction; it has outdoor movies every Saturday night. Make sure you turn up prepared; the last time I arrived with a sandwich and cheap bottle of wine where I looked around me and saw people with camping chairs, tables, delicious food, and everything you could imagine to make a perfect dinner and a movie. I’ll know better for next time and now so will you! These movie nights are very popular, so it might be a good idea to buy your tickets ahead of time online and show up a little early to be sure you get a good spot.

There are other ways to experience L.A’s history that don’t involve frolicking amongst the gravestones; one hidden gem that has received some press recently is the Los Angeles Public Library. Located in the middle of downtown, this building is a registered historical landmark, and before you dismiss this place offhand, let me tell you why it is worth a visit. Architecture buffs: this is a must see. The building was constructed in the mid-1920s and was meticulously designed to exhibit the era’s art deco aesthetic. As was fashionable at the time, the building has a distinct Egyptian theme that is obvious with the pyramid atop the building and the many sphinxes which decorate its walls.

The Griffith Observatory made its claim to fame when it appeared in the classic James Dean film Rebel Without a Cause, and since then it has been a popular spot for amateur astronomers and film buffs alike. Since it opened 67 years ago the observatory has been a main attraction, and despite its age it has been continually revamped to offer the public the latest in astronomical discovery. It currently has the latest projection technology and offers several programs in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, including Light of the Valkyries, which is a really great display showing the beauty of the Northern Lights.


For a bit of local flavor, the city has several popular farmer’s markets to choose from; every Saturday the Hollywood Farmer’s Market offers fresh, local produce along with gift vendors, musicians, and even free balloons for kids. If you find yourself in Santa Clarita, the Old Town Newhall Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday. This market is located outside of central L.A., offering high quality organic produce, specialty vendors and weekly events all without the hustle and bustle of being in downtown Los Angeles. There are numerous other weekly markets throughout the city, so no matter where you are you can be sure to find a market near you.

Street food is an up-and-coming phenomenon in Los Angeles that has a huge fan base. When the food trucks park in Los Feliz every Monday night for dinner, crowds of hungry foodies are there to greet them. They offer cuisine from all over the world; Mediterranean to Asian, you can get whatever your taste buds desire. If for some reason you don’t make it out on a Monday night you can track your favorite food truck using Twitter or lookingforfoodtrucks.com. Of course, there are times when you want to sit down in a pace with a more genial atmosphere than a parking lot allows. Pizzeria Mozza is a delightful Italian bistro that is known for its pizzas and fired squash blossoms; you could also head over Katsuya for sushi (a celebrity hotspot).



It wouldn’t be a trip to southern California if you didn’t go to the beach at least once but the last thing you want is to deal with the teeming crowds and shady characters, so instead head to Zumba Beach in Malibu. It looks like it’s right out of a postcard; scenic, beautiful, and a much better place to lie on the sand and soak up the sun.

Angie Picardo is a staff writer, financial analyst, and content manager at NerdWallet.com, a site dedicated to empowering consumers to save money and make smarter decisions about their personal finances, travel plans, or higher education.

Photos by Wikipedia Creative Commons

20 September 2013

Eat Me. K Bar, Mermaid Beach

The girls and I were long overdue for a catchup so we headed to Mermaid's latest foodie hotspot, K Bar Meze Kitchen. I've had my eye on this place for a while; whenever I finish yoga, which is one block down, it always catches my eye, particularly when my body's limp and I'm starving!


K Bar has a very urban feel with lots of red bricks, timber and even some metal rolling doors. The place was very busy when we turned up on a Saturday night so clearly the positive word has caught on. Settling down on a bench table outside we ordered a drink (the Manhattan's here are very good) and soaked up the buzzing atmosphere. This is a great place to grab a drink as well as a bite to eat. Just looking at it, you would say K bar was primarily a bar and then a restaurant second but that certainly doesn't diminish the food; we ordered a range of dishes to share and were very satisfied.



We selected the dips with turkish bread (their hummus was the most amazing one I've ever had, I must steal their recipe!), salt and pepper calamari, deliciously tender beef ragu and some delightful pork belly. The food was really really yummy and 4 dishes was a good amount for us 3 girls. (Forgive the half eaten dishes in the photo, it was so delicious I dived in before remembering to snap a picture!)

I would definitely recommend this place for when you're looking for somewhere to have a casual drink and bite to eat with friends or boyfriends/girlfriends, and if you're single there's some handsome bartenders too! 4/5

Where: 1/2557 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid beach QLD 4218
Bookings: recommended on weekends
Phone: (07) 5679 2813

Photos by Krissie

Kiva Han Roasting House on Urbanspoon

18 September 2013

Style It. Sequin Shorts + Michael Kors Hamilton

Sequinned shorts by Blur, Shirt by Witchery, Shoes by Sportsgirl, Hamilton Tote by Michael Kors (of course!)

I took my Michael Kors Hamilton Tote for a spin on the weekend (those who know me know that I'm a bit of a hoarder of nice things, I buy them and then I'm too scared to take them anywhere so this was a rather momentous occasion!).


Another example of "you can't go wrong with black and white;" I paired these flashy sequinned shorts with a simple black blouse. Of course my outfit was made complete by this gorgeous bag [so in love].


These are my first pictures with my new SLR camera. I hope you're impressed. I think there's already a massive difference and I haven't even taught myself half the functions yet! Just wait til I'm a whizz.

Photos by Krissie.

16 September 2013

Must Have. Fuji Instax Mini 8 Polaroid Camera


What's not to love about this gorgeous little thing? Not only does it snap gorgeous pictures, but it's a polariod (tick!), portable (tick!), and comes in a range of pastel colours (tick!, tick!). If I hadn't just splurged on my SLR camera I would be grabbing this one immediately.  It's a clever little camera with inbuilt technology that determines the correct light for every shot so you're left with great momentos.

Shake it like a polaroid picture for $99!

Photo by Fuji.

13 September 2013

Suitcase. Mission Beach, Queensland


I had the pleasure of heading up to Mission Beach last month for a wedding. One of my beautiful school friends walked down the aisle atop a hill that overlooked this tropical paradise (it was quite a surreal experience). Having lived in Australia my whole life would you believe I'd never visited North Queensland; the furthest I had ever travelled north was Rockhampton. We flew into Cairns and then drove south to Mission Beach; it's about a two hour drive through sugar cane regions and you'll be astounded by the number of mountains surrounding the area. I felt like I was in a movie in the lush, hilly Asian rainforest.



Mission Beach itself is a small little place but is ideal for a quiet weekend. Don't get me wrong this is a sleepy little town (one evening at 8pm we felt like an ice-cream and asked where the nearest service station was, 30 minutes away we were told!) but for a relaxing few days soaking up the sunshine it's a great place to visit. There are several accommodation options, beautiful beaches and access to the Great Barrier Reef is easy from here. We took a day trip out on a boat to Eddy reef where we saw spectacular fish and coral plus the occasional reef shark! We stayed at Mackays Mission Beach motel, which if you're on a budget is a great choice. The rooms were basic but clean and provided everything you could need for your beach getaway. Castaways is another accomodation option that is slightly more expensive. In my opinion the rooms aren't great but the facilities are lovely with a nice beachfront pool, tropical garden and restaurant on the deck.



The vibe is very laid-back here; you can kick-around and spend your days as you please (we even had beach bonfires everynight!). I would definitely recommend Mission Beach if you're looking for a weekend getaway to somewhere less touristy.

Photos by Krissie

11 September 2013

Plate Up. Ginger Loaf



I must say I do love my loafs, particularly my date loaf. They make such a great morning or afternoon tea snack and are really easy to whip up. I'm stumbled across this Ginger Loaf recipe after a friend at work was talking about eating it as a child at home in NZ. Great, another loaf recipe! And this one doesn't disappoint. Again, it's super simple, moist and light, and really delicious.



What you'll need
50g butter
1 tablespoon golden syrup
1 egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons ginger powder
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup milk

What to do
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a 25cm x 11cm loaf tin. In a medium sauce pan, gently melt the butter and golden syrup together. In a mixer, cream the egg and sugar until they are looking like a smooth caramel sauce. Add the melted syrup mixture and mix together. Sift in the flour, baking powder, ginger and mixed spice and mix well. Then in a jug combine the milk and baking soda and gradually stir this into the mix. Your mixture should be quite runny (like a smoothie consistency). Pour into your loaf tin and cook for about 35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Enjoy warm from the oven with a cup of tea.

Photos by Krissie.

9 September 2013

One Day. 2013's Top Fashion Collaborations

There's plenty going on in the fashion world at the moment with the imminent launch of all the new season ranges. I, myself, have been keeping on an eye on some pretty exciting new collaborations. For those who don't know, a collaboration or a co-lab, is when a designer or brand teams up with an other designer or celebrity icon, to produce a capsule collection that is part of their range. Co-labs are known to be innovative ranges that inject some excitement into a brand's collection. Here are some of the collaborations I'm frothing over this season:

4th & Bleeker for Billabong


Much loved Aussie surfbrand Billabong has teamed up with one of the most influential bloggers around; Alexandra Spencer of 4th & Bleeker. This Aussie-born, New York based model has seen immense success in her fashion career and through her blog; 4th & Bleeker. Alex has teamed up with Billabong to create a fashion-influenced 17-piece range that features mix and match pieces for any occasion; from dining in New York, to beaching in Oz. The collection includes basic tanks and tops that are perfect for layering, it also has flashes of animal prints and stylish evening dresses. Released today, you can shop the collection here.

Whitney Port for Cooper St



Australian brand Cooper St has announced their first ever designer collaboration with Whitney Port; launching this September. The range is said to encapsulate an Australian spring with an LA edge. We can expect bright feminine prints, eclectic patterns, chic pants and sassy cocktail dresses. I can't wait for this one. The range will be available in Myer and select boutiques.

Kendall & Kylie for Pacsun



I know, I know, it's the Kardashians... haven't they already got enough fame and enterprise? Perhaps so but I must say this Fall co-lab is pretty darn cute. This pair of sisters are known for their great style and they've certainly had a headstart when it comes to brand building. The range for American retailer Pacsun has a chic yet edgy Californian vibe to it and features dark colours, leathers, printed tees, washed denim and aztec inspired prints. Their favourite slogan from the range? Kalifornia with a K. Shop here.

Lulu Frost for JCrew



In the jewellery world, iconic brand Lulu Frost, who is known for creating pieces that amalgamate antique and modern elements, has teamed up with American brand JCrew. The collection features a selection of designs that range from chunky bold necklaces and bracelets that feature coloured stones, to dainty, fine rings and chains. Shop here.

Photos by Billabong, Cooper St, Pacsun and JCrew.

6 September 2013

Beach Bag Must Haves for Summer


It's nearly here! And this new-found warmth in the air means only one thing... Beachtime! Growing up on the coast I have so many fond memories of days spent at the beach; riding my boogie board, building sandcastles and making friends with other kids in the water (as an only child this was a neccessity!).


So now that summer's coming again I thought I'd share with you my beach bag must haves for the season.

  • First you need a decent beach bag. I love my Billabong bag, it's plenty big enough to fit my towel, has a little zip pocket for valuables and soft rope straps that don't cut into your shoulders. You can shop it here
  • Next is a favourite bikini, of course! I'm loving neon colours as they compliment your tan.
  • Then some comfort necessities: a nice big towel and a beach pillow. I've had this little blow-up one for years and years. it's such a great idea and makes it so much easier to read your book!
  • Skin essentials include Reef tanning oil (there's nothing better than the coconut scent!) and some Burts Bees lip balm. Make sure you slather your lips because there's nothing worse than when they feel chapped from the sun.
  • Whatever book you currently have on the go, I love reading in the sunshine.
  • And finally your drink of choice, I vote coconut water, it makes everything seem tropical!

Here's to many happy beach days ahead! I kicked off my beach season a few weekends ago with a day at Fingal (above) and Byron Bay then last weekend I was at Noosa. Cheers to sunshine, salty hair, sandy toes and brown skin. Happy Beachin'!


Photos by Krissie

4 September 2013

Plate Up. Iced Tea

Now that the warmth is returning to the air I thought I'd share my recipe for iced tea with you. I love this little drink, it's so American in it's heritage ("would ya' like some iced tea hunni?') and so refreshing. To top it all off it's so simple to make and a jug of it will keep in your fridge for 3-4 days, although I'm sure it won't last that long!



What you'll need
6 tea bags
4 cups boiling water
4 cups cold water
1/2 cup caster sugar or honey
1 orange
Iced cubes
Optional: apple juice or cordial

What to do
Place your tea bags in a tea pot or sauce pan and let them steep in the 4 cups of boiling water with a lid on. Leave for 8 minutes but not a minute longer otherwise the bitter tea flavour will start to come out! Stir in your honey or sugar until dissolved and then pour this into your jug along with the cold water. Leave to chill in the frigde for a little while and serve with ice and some slices of orange. If you want to play with flavours, then try adding some apple juice, it always adds a nice flavour, or alternatively, add your favourite cordial; I find mango goes very well.

Photo by Krissie.

2 September 2013

One Day. Today’s Ten

I’ve had some lovely followers emailing me lately asking me all kinds of questions about my blog and myself. I’m chuffed that you want to get to know me so I thought I’d introduce a new post where I share some tidbits of information about myself that you probably, in fact definitely, wouldn’t know (unless you’re a creepy stalker). Here’s today’s ten.



1. What is your first memory in life?
I was about 3 years old and playing in the bath. I distinctly remember discovering that if I let my arms and legs go floppy they would float to the surface. Amazing. This was quite an epiphany for a 3 year-old. I also remember how scratchy that bath tub was.
2. What has been the best vacation you have ever been on and what vacation are you looking forward to in the future?
New York, New York, New York. I’ve been lucky enough to visit that amazing city twice and have had the time of my life both times. It truly is the most incredible place in the world. If you’ve been you’ll know what I’m talking about and if you haven’t then what are you waiting for, book a flight now! I can’t wait to live there some day.
3.  Coffee yay or nay?
Not really a fan of coffee. I know, I know. Weirdo right? But I worked as a barista for 2 years and I think smelling it everday has just turned me off, so now it makes me feel sick.
4. Flowers or chocolate?
As much as I love chocolate I think if it’s a gift then I’d have to say flowers. There’s something so touching about receiving a bunch.
5. What is your normal bedtime and wake up time?
I’ve always been a night owl so having a job that starts at 8.30 hasn’t exactly complimented my routine but I think I’ve found my ideal times now. I aim to be asleep by 11.30 (this is often hindered by a fantastic book I can’t put down!) and awake by 7.30. Have to get your 8-hours beauty sleep!
6. When going out, do you wear your hair up in a pony tail or down?
I go through phases with this. Up, down, up down. Of late (I’ll admit this most recent phase has lasted for 3 years!!) I wear my hair up in a top knot or bun. Probably about time I change it up again so I’ll say down!
7. Favorite form of exercise?
I have a funny relationship with exercise, although it’s probably the same one as the majority of the population. I go through phases. There will be 2-months of extreme exercise and then nothing for a while. If I had to choose my favourites I’d definitely say pilates, yoga, netball and tennis. Oh and dancing, does that count?
8. Favorite place to shop?
New York!? But if we’re talking in Australia you can’t go past Melbourne. In terms of actual stores I like Sportsgirl, Kookai, Myer, David Jones and Forever New. But honestly my clothes are from so many places I can’t say I have a favourite.
9. Do you have a favourite cuisine to eat when dining out? What is it?
Italian! Pizza and pasta. Oh and some seafood!
10. Favourite season?
That’s a tricky one as it depends on where in the world I am. I love summer but here at home it often rains so winter is kind of my summer as the temperature is always in the twenties. I love winter in New York because it means snow, coats and ice-skating in central park. Autumn is lovely in Melbourne, to see the leaves falling from the trees and Springtime is always beautiful because it means flowers! In other words I can’t choose!

Photo by Krissie.