Those that know me, often see me without a touch of makeup. I have good skin, think we are all made perfect exactly how we are and I just don't think it's healthy to have chemicals constantly on our faces. I'm also lazy and a bit of a perfectionist, so if I'm going to do it, I want to do it properly. So take my recommendations with a grain of salt if you must. However, I think because of this I tend to get more compliments than I would if I wore makeup all the time. People can see the "transformation", or at least that's what my friends and I call it/laugh about. I never get my makeup done ... read more
A Perth-fect Trip + Exploring Margaret River
Sometimes I think it's embarrassing how little I've seen of Australia considering I was born here. I had booked my first trip to visit 10 countries in Europe before I had even flown down to Sydney or Melbourne! Eep! But since then I've made much more effort to get around. And now with work keeping me airborne often, I can honestly say flying around Australia grows old real quick! But I haven't been back to Perth since I was little and as Ben had never been, it was a perfect Easter break trip for us. We enjoyed it immensely and already cannot wait to visit again. The west coast is a sight to ... read more
My Third Bali Adventure
eat. sleep. travel. repeat If you have been following me for awhile, you would know this was my third trip to Bali. All within 2 years. And while I'm all about exploring somewhere new, (hence having travelled to 27 countries), I found it mindblowing that each experience I've had in Bali was so different! The first is an ex that I had waited to end things with until we returned home (I'm sure you can imagine my struggle. No further explanation necessary). The second, a great travel buddy who I had met in Europe a couple years before. And finally, the love of my life, Ben. Even ... read more
Recipe ~ Apple Pie
Almost a year ago, I made my first apple pie for Ben's grandad's birthday. It went down a treat, although I was concerned how it would turn out. Ben even said it was the BEST apple pie he's ever had! Wowzers! As always I never follow a recipe. I get bits from here and there and change up my quantities. Since then I've even had it requested by others for birthdays! I'm sharing it now as I made it again for Ben's birthday dinner party last night. So here is my recipe to create this delicious dessert: Apple Pie Ingredients: Pastry 1 3/4 Cup Flour 150g Butter 1 Tsp Sugar 1/4 Cup ... read more
$1000 for 44k Instagram followers?
So I bet some of you have wondered (I've definitely been asked plenty of times), how did I get all those Instagram followers? Well if you've known me long enough, you would have seen my baby account grow really, really, REALLY slowly. So did I buy them? Haha no! I BOUGHT myself a camera! It was the game changer. (Plus who would waste money on that when they're a shopping addict like me? HELLO! New wardrobe pieces!) I've been a designer for years and I understand the basics of photography. I have a $4000 work camera but there was no way I was lugging something like that ... read more
Best of Queenstown – New Zealand
Ticking off my 27th explored country, I recently got back from Queenstown, New Zealand AKA adventure capital of the world. Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by snowcapped mountain ranges and can I say the photos do not do it justice! Whether you are craving a thrill or feel like rejuvenating, it has something for everyone. While it may only appear to be a small resort town, Queenstown offers four ski fields, 75 vineyards, five international-standard golf courses, a cosmopolitan restaurant and art scene or spoil yourself with a trip to the spa and hot ... read more
Recipe ~ Almond Teddy Bear Cookies
Last weekend I made almond teddy bear cookies for my favourite little girl, Isla Bear's 2nd birthday party! After a couple attempts at batter that was not holding and tasting as good as I'd like, the third turned out great and was a hit! It's super simple, so I thought I'd share! Almond Teddy Bear Cookies Ingredients: 1 Cup Butter 1 Cup Sugar 1 Large Egg 2 Tsp Baking Powder 1 Tsp Vanilla Essence 2 3/4 Cups Flour Pack of Almonds - At least 20 Method: Step 1. Pre heat oven to 180°C. Place butter and sugar into a large bowl and combine with an electric mixer. Step 2. Beat in the ... read more
Destination Cambodia
After traveling down through the Mekong Delta on a speed boat, we reached the Cambodian border for a whole new side of our adventure to begin. The Kingdom of Cambodia holds a thread of pristine white coastline and an interior of emerald jungles. It has a quirky charm and a history that will move you. But in my opinion Cambodia's real treasure is their people. There is widespread poverty, pervasive corruption and yet the people are still all so kind and friendly. Another bonus is everything is so cheap - accommodation, food, transportation and activities. If you are looking for a budget ... read more
Recipe ~ Layered Death By Chocolate Cake
What a hit! This little number went down a treat at my mother and auntie's birthday party last weekend. It has multiple kinds of chocolate included so I named it Death By Chocolate (how creative of me). Be warned though, it can be quite hilarious to cut and serve, but worked out fine. Feel free to contact me if you would like anything made! So as I've had so many people asking for the recipe, here it is: Layered Death By Chocolate Cake Ingredients: Chocolate Sponge Layers 2 layers worth (Mine was 4 layers but I've broken it up so you can make as many or as little as you like): 85g ... read more
Vietnam Diaries ~ Part Three – Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
Northern Vietnam is home to rippling mountains, cascading rice terraces, a sublime seascape it's capital city, Hanoi. This was my part of the trip to plan and I must say the atmosphere would make it a winner alone. Hanoi Hanoi's streets are packed with young crowds all enjoying the local cafes and bars on tiny plastic stools, drinking tea and cracking sunflower seeds. The fashionista in me loved watching the well-dressed women driving by on their motorbikes/scooters. I could easily sit there for hours... but time was a ticking! I am always one for adventure with some culture thrown in ... read more
