dreaming of a winter getaway

wow is it hot here in little perth, on saturday, after a week of 40 degree heat the temperature reached 42.7 degrees, that's about 109 fahrenheit. its the kind of heat that makes air conditioners stop working. you can fry and egg on the sidewalk, no joke and the little bit of breeze is so hot it makes your eyes water. 

don't get me wrong, i love the summer and appreciate how easy it makes life. heading to the beach early and having mint julep garden parties is wonderful. but this heat wave has left me longing for another kind of extreme. where you can sleep with out sweating and wake up refreshed. 

images style files 

Tuesday Tunes

i love this song.. cant stop playing it, so looking forward to the whole album which is out next week in OZ.

Hudson, Aron & Ashley's Potential Travelogue Part Three

Alice Springs & The Northern Territory

Its a bit of a diversion, stop over in the Northern Territory, fly into Darwin, 'drive to the rock', but it is one of the most historically significant sites in Australia. Uluru is sacred to the Anangu people of the region and is said to be one of those 'life changing' experiences. Listed as a world heritage site, this spot is in the centre of Australia and it home to many 'dreamtime' stories and possibly the best places to see the stars in the world. If you are stopping in the area, you will need to organise for a tour and accommodation as there are strict regulations as to where you can camp and set up 'site'. The area around Uluru is home to a spate of springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings.

(image source unknown)

Western Australia

Leaving the Alice, via Darwin, head to Western Australia and prepare for some serious 'road time'. The largest state in Australia, 965, 000 square miles to be exact, you are sure to experience the 'real australia', from the desert, to the kimberly, to the ocean, the country, to the wine regions and the city.

For your journey I suggest a kick ass playlist of Australian classics like, Angus & Julia Stone, ACDC, Men at Work (I come from a land down under), tie me kangaroo down boy, waltzing matilda, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Powderfinger, INXS, Silverchair, Sarah Blasko, Abbe May, Kimbra, Gotye and new comers Boy & Bear.

Fly into Perth and start your adventure, stay at 'Riverview Hotel' or 'Eight Nicholson' for a real perth experience and to ensure that you are in the 'heart of things' allowing you to can catch the public transport network with ease. 

Stop by the Subiaco Bookshop (best bookshop in Perth), 113 Rokeby Road Subiaco and pick up the 'Wall Paper Guide to Perth' or buy online here. Then begin your journey... 

(Mrs S & Sherbet in Maylands)

(Cafe at Nell's Emporium, Mosman Park)

(Best Duck in Perth, Good Fortune, Northbridge)

(Theatre in the Park at 'Hole in the Wall', Subiaco)

(Pearl of Highgate Barkey, grab a picnic basket and stroll to Hyde Park for a Picnic with Hudson)

(Explore the Perth street art scene with a coffee from 'Mini Espresso' after a stroll down London Court)

(Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club)

(Maya's for Lunch & Corner Store)

After the shopping in Freo, stop by 'The Attic' for a coffee, before exploring some more and finishing the day at Little Creatures or Whisper Wine Bar.

Margaret River and The Wine Region

Words are not really needed to describe this area, it is a must for every traveller, some of the worlds finest wines can be tasted at the Cellar door, I suggest Pierro, Vasse Felix, Knee Deep & Voyager Estate.

The Kimberley, Broome & Kununurra 

Drive back to Perth and head to the airport to fly to Kununurra to where you can base yourself at El Questro  to explore the top end of Australia. Places to see and explore are vast and varied Monkey Mia, to swim with the Dolphins, swim with the Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef. For more amazing trip ideas, visit Tourism WA.

(Cable Beach Club)

(source unknown) 

You can head to Broome and stay at the amazing Cable Beach Club Resort and ride camels along the famous Cable Beach.

From Broome you can drive to Darwin, and from there fly out to you next destination, be that Bali or somewhere in Thailand having explored all of Australia.

Aron, Ashley and Hudon's Potential Australian Travelogue; Part Two

Melbourne

From Sydney travel to Melbourne, a city that many describe as one of the most interesting in the world. Its diversity astounds even the most seasoned travelled, a picture says a thousand words, so here are a few.

If you are looking for an amazing guide to this city, try this one and 'experience Melbourne like the locals'.

Tasmania
From Melbourne to Tasmania, 'the island on the edge of the world'. This little spot has recently had its name in the lights for the controversial new MONA, Museum of Old and New Art, which in itself is a great reason to take a trip there.

(Images from the SMH of the MONA)

In and around the Hobart area you can visit Mt Wellington, where you can expect to find the most beautiful panoramic views of Hobart. Cruise the Derwent river, travel to the Huon Valley to walk through the tree tops at the Tahune Airwalk and spend a day on Bruny Island, exploring the native forests and meeting the locals. Whilst you are in the South, explore some of the many wonderful wineries, many locals suggest that you stay for the weekend; when the Salamanca Market is on, adding a very european village like feel to the community.

(Mt Wellington and Hobart Harbour, source unknown)

Whilst I have not had the pleasure of visiting Tasmania, friends live there and there are always talking about the wonderful wine bars (small bars) and restuarants in Launceston and Hobart. But if there was only one place that you could go on your Tassie adventure, I would suggest this spot - Cradle Mountain Lodge for a gorgeous, romantic and relaxing break. Whilst you are staying at Cradle Moutain Lodge, make sure that you try Stillwater, one of the finest restaurants in Tasmania and explore the area.

I can't wait to explore Tassie, for myself, if you have been there, let me know your thoughts and recommendations. Ashley and Aron, I would love to hear your feedback.. no pressure! ha ha ha

Ashley, Aron and Hudson's Potential Australian Travelogue; Part One

Australia is one of the most diverse and exciting countries in the world. Aron & Ashley of Hither and Thither have said that they are planning a four week holiday and my mum and I could not think of a better place to explore for four weeks. So in order to inspire them we have prepared a 'travelogue' so they can get an idea of what australians would recommend to travelers!


Brisbane
Start by flying into Brisbane from LA, begin your adventure in an exciting and resilient city. A year on from the devastating floods that claimed the lives of 19 people, you can see why people are flocking to this city! It is alive with positive energy, to begin  drive up to Cairns and head to the great barrier reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. 

Image (source unknown)

 

Head back to Brisbane and begin exploring with your tastebuds!


From Brisbane’s riverside dining precincts to the lively urban villages and laid back charm of Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim, Brisbane’s wining and dining is always exciting, modern with an eclectic twist.

Prepare for a culinary experience that is as diverse as the people who live here, with an innovative array of fine dining, hip contemporary restaurants, exotic international cuisine and laid back cafés, pubs and bars – all served up in dazzling city riverside locations, buzzing urban villages and elegant historical buildings.

The Scenic Rim and Country Valley draw an endless procession of visitors to the region for its wineries, country stays and small town charm - the menus can be as simple and as charming, or challenge the city’s best restaurants.

Moreton Bay is famous for serving the freshest and world’s best seafood straight from the ocean – be sure to try the incredible Moreton bay Bugs. With some of the world’s best farming areas nearby; you’ll be enjoying the new season’s fresh local produce to 
match the incomparable seafood. Check out visit brisbane  - where the above this info is from, for more brisbane ideas.


Make sure to take Hudson to Australia Zoo to see the koala's and then hire some bikes and ride around brisbane, before heading to your next stop.... 

For more information check out Tourism Brisbane here. 

Sydney 

Travel down to Sydney where you can just loose yourself for days, just walking around the city. You must go to Bill's in Surry Hills for breakfast and lunch. Checkout Icebergs, make sure you book because if you don't they wont seat you! The below are a few happy snaps from my adventures, (the bottom shots are the view from icebergs cocktail lounge) 

From Bondi, head back to the city and be sure to explore Paddington. Head to Pyrmont to see Adriano Zumbo's amazing dessert store (images below). Alternatively you can travel to Balmain, to his original store, you can take the Ferry from the Harbour and give Hudson a thrill. 

(images - source unknown)

Other things to do is early morning breakfast at Bourke Street Bakery (my fave) before a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Arts in the Harbour. Do a tour of the Opera House, and any of the walking tours that are on in August! Then head back to the Harbour which is also gorgeous by night.

Sydney is an culinary gem, David Leibovitz did the most incredible post on Sydney Dining, read it here. I never made it to Porteno (amazing churros), I will be going back to Sydney just to try it out!! Last time I was in Sydney with my family, we did a tour of the harbour by night on the ferry. Its fresh and really surreal!

Part two will cover, Melbourne and Hobart. Two of the most elegant and culturally astounding cities in Australia. 

new years day, pancakes and poolside

best way to spend new years day, relaxing by the pool after the most delicious pancake brunch made by my lil' sis. this year is going to be amazing, thanks for a great day everyone! x

holiday postings, happy new year, and all that

so i'm a little behind in my holiday postings, got carried away with the festivities and being merry. now the new year is here and i'm still attempting to share the last of my 2011. christmas day was wonderful, spent with family and friends. eating torkey and watching holiday movies (thanks for the special color edition of holiday inn mum!).

What was so beautiful about this christmas was that it was not as hot as the last two (40 and 45 respectively) so we were able to enjoy all the wonderful food and drink without the heat killing us and our appetites. so yes i did eat a little too much and maybe drank a little too much, but it was all worth it. hope that you had a wonderful time?

making christmas pudding

last year i started making christmas pudding for christmas lunch, using delia smith's recipe. it is the most perfect pudding and such fun to make. after you put in all the wet ingredients, tradition says that you call the whole family in to stir the pudding and make a christmas wish. a little cheesy, but sweet and fun none the less. the pudding was steamed for about ten hours and served with rum custard! it was amazing!