Suitcase. Travel [in] style

I guess you could say I’m a bit of discerning traveller – carry-on luggage = impossible, coach is so crowded and anything less than 4-star and I’ll probably unwittingly wrinkle my nose.

I’ve never been camping; the idea of going without a bathroom for several days in the wilderness, with all kinds of bug-friends sharing my sleeping bag gives me the creeps. I’ve not stayed in a hostel, to my way of thinking, spending some extra $$’s for a bit of decadence is a far-more worthy investment. The concept of backpacking makes me weary just thinking about it; the idea of carrying all your possessions around on your back sounds not only exhausting, but impossible. How could I possibly fit everything into a backpack? I have enough trouble getting my luggage under 20kgs for a week in Melbourne, not to mention the excess shopping I have when I return. So as much as I would be open to giving it a go, I honestly don’t think I could possibly do it!

The world of comfortable travel is much more my niche. There’s something so nice about a lovely hotel room; a wardrobe to hang your clothes, soaps and bathroom products (which I often pinch, I’ll admit), the option of buffet breakfast, cocktails by the pool, smiling concierges there to help you make plans, 1000-thread-count sheets to soothe your sun-drenched skin and multiple pillow sizes (if you’re like Goldilocks and I, and need to find one that’s justttt right!).

I understand that there are those of you who would say that camping and staying in a hostel is so much fun with your group of best friends, but wouldn’t it be just as good, if not fun-er in a hotel with some luxuries to play with? But if there’s someone who wishes to take me on an amazing weekend (not of the luxury kind) and change my mind I’m more than willing. Step right up!

Must Have. ASOS Ox Blood Embellished Dress

I’ve got a bit of a colour crush on this Ox Blood trend that is on the runways for the upcoming season. It’s a red with a bit of ‘oomph’ or put more simply I suppose you could say wine. Plus, it looks great on blondes and brunettes. I think this dress is the perfect way to wear the season’s favourite colour. This little number has enough detail to stand out yet maintains classic and flattering lines. An ASOS bargain $130.

Photo by ASOS.

Eat Me. Hanaichi Broadbeach

Wandering around Pacific Fair last week I stumbled across my lunch – Hanaichi; a Japanese restaurant that, in a bid to stand apart from all the rest, doesn’t serve sushi! Now being the naive Australian that I am, I was a little unsure as to what else constituted Japanese food that didn’t involve seaweed-wrapped rice. But, I was delighted to find a range of quality, healthy food. Dishes included teriyaki chicken, Japanese curry, udon noodles and tempura. Full menu found here.

Hanaichi is a bit like Japanese fast-food, whilst there are no burgers or fries involved, there is a basic menu, the food is super-speedily made and is served in paper bowls… Ok I guess the similarities end there, but if you dine at Hanaichi you will see what I mean; it’s casually delicious food, and a total bargain.

I ordered a small chicken teriyaki with rice, and trust me it is more than enough unless you are used to eating a small child at meals. A word to the wise, unless you are a serious fan of pickled-anythings, I would steer clear of the yellow thingy on the left; no idea what it is but it tastes a little strange. Chopsticks abound for the co-ordinated few, otherwise there are forks-a-plenty for us westerners. Hanaichi's are in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne. 3/5.

Where: Shop 46 Pcaific Fair, Hooker Boulevard Broadbeach QLD 4218
Bookings: not necessary
Phone: (07) 5526 9522

Photo by Krissie.

Plate Up. Potato and Leek Soup

I absolutely love food and pride myself on that fact that I have tried so many things, which is why it’s so strange that I had never had potato and leek soup. I thought it was about time I tried it, and how better to do it than make it myself! I’m pleased to tell you it was so delicious! I would actually go so far as to say it was the nicest soup I’ve ever had! This is the perfect recipe to make up a big batch and freeze it in portions for later, it’s tastes just as good reheated as it does freshly made. Enjoy!

What you’ll need:

1½ cups chicken stock

1 cup vegetable stock

1 tablespoon olive oil

50g butter

4 medium potatoes, chopped coarsely

1 large leek, sliced

100ml cream

2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

1 tablespoon finely chopped dill

What to do:

Heat oil and butter in a large saucepan, cook potato and leek, covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat, simmer, covered for another 15 minutes. Cool.

Blend or process soup in batches until smooth. Return soup to pan and add cream, stir over medium heat until hot. Serve bowls of soup sprinkled with herbs. Serves 5.

Photo by Krissie.

Must Have. Chloé Holly Enameled Ring

I absolutely love enamel jewellery. I’m not sure if it’s the colours they offer or the contrasting finishes, but the style has stolen my heart. The trend was, of course, made famous by Hermès with their enamel bangles but now it's Chloé's turn. Fitting perfectly with the traditional Chloé understated, ever-chic aesthetic this pretty peach hue will be an everyday-wear classic. $130

Photo by Chloé.

Eat Me. Café Andiamo Melbourne

This Melbourne trip I finally got around to eating in the iconic Degreaves Street. Degreaves is an eponymous Melbourne laneway opposite Flinders Street Station known for its café culture and shopping. The backstreet has been used in many an Australian film and television show. There are lots of cafés and restaurants to choose from. This time I found myself sitting at Café Andiamo after their menu caught my eye. All the cafés front onto a central seating strip down the alleyway. As I settled in for my coffee I felt like a true Melbournian. The place had such a great feel.

I ordered Strawberry Crepes for breakfast. I’m not normally a sweets-for-breakfast kind of gal, but I absolutely love crepes (although can’t stand pancakes). These ones were pretty darn perfect, perfectly thin and airy. They were served simply, with strawberries and vanilla ice cream, and not drowning in any syrup thank goodness. I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast and the people watching that Degreaves offered. This is now on my favourites list, I’m looking forward to going back to try lunch and dinner. 5/5

Where: 26-28 Degraves Street, Melbourne 3000
Bookings: not necessary
Phone: (03) 9650 8060

Photo by Krissie.

Plate Up. Pear & Almond Tarts

I must say, I didn’t think something so simple could taste so good, but this really does! I served it up for the family and was met with a collective “mmm”. I won’t waste time talking about, just go away and cook it! You’ll be impressed. Serves 4.

What you’ll need:

1 sheet puff pastry

1 large pear (nearly ripe)

30g butter

2 tablespoons caster sugar

1 egg yolk

1/3 cup crushed almonds (you can use ground ones, but I smashed whole almonds with a rolling pin and the chunks were delicious)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

10g butter, extra

2 teaspoons caster sugar extra

1 tablespoon apricot jam

2 teaspoons icing sugar

What to do:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Have butter at room temperature to soften. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Cut pastry sheet into quarters and place on the oven tray, about 2cm apart.

Put butter, caster sugar and egg yolk into a bowl. Mix together with a spoon. Stir in almonds and extract. Spread this mixture onto each pastry square, leaving a 1cm boarder. Wash and dry pear. Slice all four slides thinly until you reach the core. Overlap slices on top of almond mixture. Melt the extra butter and brush over the pears. Sprinkle with the extra sugar.

Bake for 12minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden. Microwave jam until warm and brush over the tarts. Dust with icing sugar and serve with cream or ice-cream if desired.

Photos by Krissie.

Must Have. Emilio Pucci Feather-Embellished Jacket

This jacket is a classic beauty, plus if you are anti-fur it’s a great alternative. Part of the Fall/Winter 12’ collection this luxurious textured cover-up exudes sophistication. $2800, it’s currently number one on my most wanted list.

Photo by Emilio Pucci.