Suitcase. Oahu Roadtripping Part 2

Day 2 with the car and can you guess where we were headed? Why the North Shore of course! Having worked at Billabong many moons ago I was well familiar with the waves of the region and its easy going lifestyle.

Suitcase. Oahu Roadtripping Part 1

My mum will attest to the fact that I have very itchy feet when travelling. Never one to just sit and read a book for too long I always feel the need to be out exploring and as such I didn’t want to make the mistake of coming all the way to Hawaii and never leaving Waikiki. The answer? Hire car.

Eat Me. Dining Delights In Waikiki

Being an avid lover of poke bowls, I was looking forward to trying the real deal in Hawaii, that and so much more. From light island Japanese-inspired cuisine to more stereotypical American burgers and fries. Whatever your tastes, you’ll find something here in Waikiki.

Suitcase. Welcome To Waikiki

It’s been a long time between travelling adventures for me. As a self-confessed wanderluster, going 18 months without a long haul flight is surely an [unwanted] record in these last few years.

But here we are. A new adventure under my belt and I can’t wait to share it with you. Read on for part 1 of my Hawaiian adventures... aloha.

Suitcase. Travel Tips: The Best Flights To Book

Living in Europe really did teach me how to be a savvy traveller. Between working full-time, freelance travel writing, and trying to squeeze in a leisure or a work trip, I didn’t have any choice other than to be smart with my adventures.

In 2 years I think I took something like 125 flights. Some trips were for less than 48hrs, fly after work Friday night and jet home late Sunday eve. The time constraints made it so important for me to make the most of my time in my destination. How? Well, choosing your flight time is crucial.

I was pretty much always on the first or last flight of the day. A dawn flight was always the best option out of London on a Saturday morning (don’t cringe, I’m about to explain why!), whilst coming home, anything after 7pm was preferred. In Australia, the same deal applies. Why? Watch (or should I say, read) and learn…

Eat Me. Au79, Abbotsford

If you find yourself with a rumbling tummy around breakfast time, I have just the spot to share! Take yourself for a little adventure to Abbotsford, past the grungy factories and along the picket-fenced streets right to the door of Au79.

Must Have. Summer Reads

I'm an avid book reader. Always have been. Way back in Year 2 I remember winning the reading award, having read more than double the amount of books of anyone else in my class! What can I say? I started early.

With summer's arrival tomorrow comes many beach days, and what do beach days call for? Why a good book of course! Check out some of my favourites that I've read lately...

Must Have. 3 Spring Summer Trends To Invest In This Season

With only a few days until spring dawns here in Australia (can I get thank goodness!?), I’m celebrating by sharing some of my favourite new season trends from the beauty and fashion worlds. So wave goodbye to winter and get set for sunnier skies with these trending favourites.

Suitcase. A Weekend In The Blue Mountains

Since there’s no Europe trip on the cards for me this year, Australia has had big shoes to fill as the destination to satisfy my wanderlust. Last weekend a new adventure was on the cards, a trip up into the picturesque region of the Blue Mountains.

Suitcase. A Taste Of Tasmania

I first visited Tassie waaaaay before it was trendy. Rewind to the mid-2000s and this teenager [who was yet to be bitten by the wanderlust bug] fell in love with its historic charm. I remember sitting on the pier, imagining myself in some sort of periodic novel, written by the likes of Emily Bronte. What can I say? Its magic and charisma really did have an effect on me…

Plate Up. Tiramisu

Coffee. Chocolate. Creamy goodness. There's little wonder this Italian dessert literally translates to pick me up. It's a bolt of energy in a simply scrumptious package. One of best friends is Italian and she's currently visiting Australia for the first time, staying with me in Melbourne. On weekends I'm busy playing tour guide, showing her all the sights. But my benefit is even better. She's teaching me all the Italian cooking classics. Starting with this one...

Suitcase. A Weekend In Wilson's Prom, Victoria

Last weekend it was time to escape the city. We were headed for greener landscapes and clearer water down at Wilson's Prom, 3hrs south-east of the city. Not being the camping type myself (I've successfully managed to reach the age of nearly 28 without having to spend a night in a tent!) we holed up at a friend's beautiful home in the hills behind Inverloch, ready to set off bright and early Saturday morning.

Must Have. Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Apologies for the very long hiatus. What can I say?... Well I'll tell you the truth.

Firstly, summer here has been so amazing that I've been attempting to be outdoors at every possible opportunity rather than working away inside.

Secondly, something has clicked for me lately and I've really started to believe it is so bad to spend your whole life staring at technology and screens. So I've been trying to make a conscious effort not to check my phone every 2 minutes, not to Google every little random life question I think of [what sound does a panda make?], and not too binge on too much Netflix. [With the exception of The Sinner - that I highly recommend!].

But what better thing to draw me back for a blog post than Valentine's Day! And not because I'm all lovey dovey, but because I love shopping, delicious dinners, red roses and gift ideas!... So without further adieu, whether you're buying for him, for her or even a treat for yourself, check out my top picks for Valentine's Day gifting this year. Lots of love...

Plate Up. Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies

Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your house?... I personally think it's hard to beat.

When it comes to a spot of Sunday afternoon baking, biscuits are pretty much my go-to. I love how simple they are to make and they tend to stay fresher for longer than cakes or muffins, meaning they're great to pack for lunch during the week.

As far as bickies go, these are somewhat healthy thanks to the wholemeal flour and oats. You could even replace the dark chocolate with raisins if you wanted...

But where's the fun in that?

One Day. The Melbourne Summer Checklist

It's the most wonderful time of the year!... And even if that doesn't mean snow for us here in Australia, the summer season, and Christmas, is a favourite of many - including me! In the spirit of exploring my [somewhat still new to me] city, I thought I'd better pop together a list of all the things you simply must do if you're a Melbournite [or a visitor] this season!

Plate Up. Traditional Gnocchetti Spatzl

My heritage on my mum's side is Italian; northern Italian that is, right up near the border of Austria. A little town called Trento. As fate would have it, one of my best friends who I met in London in 2014 is also from the same region. She comes from Merano, a quaint village merely 30mins drive from Trento.

I've been lucky enough to visit the region twice now, most recently this year. Every time I go, I spend the weekend with her family, eating possibly the best [and largest amount of] food in my life. Last time I was in town, this little dish was on the menu.

Eat Me. Lunching With A View At Park Hyatt Sydney

To dine at Sydney's Park Hyatt certainly puts you in good company. Frequented by celebrities, dignitaries and prominent figures alike, it's no secret why they go...

It really is the best.

With its enviable view of the Opera House and its prime location nestled under the Harbour Bridge, this hotel's magnificence speaks for itself... But I got to experience it for myself last weekend, and despite the fact that it was a rainy, dreary Monday, The Dining Room at Park Hyatt still glinted with promise.

Eat Me. Rooftop Brunch at Zephyr, Sydney

Waking up in a king size bed [tangled in some of the softest sheets] overlooking Darling Harbour was a real treat last weekend. And the day was only going to get better... It was time for brunch, on a rooftop nonetheless.

Suitcase. A Weekend Away - Hyatt Regency Sydney

Having not been to Sydney since February, it seemed I was overdue for a visit! Time to escape the onslaught of rainy weather that whooshed in through Melbourne last weekend and jet for sunnier skies...

Home for the weekend was the lovely Hyatt Regancy, who has just celebrated their 1st birthday.

Must Have. My Christmas Wishlist 2017

Is that sleigh bells I can hear? I hope you've been extra nice because it's nearly Christmas! To help you take the guesswork out of gifting this year - I've popped some helpful suggestions below - whether it's for someone else or a treat for yourself - these luxe pieces can't wait to be unwrapped...