Passionfruit and Prunes

JORD Wooden Watch

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 00:33:00 +0000

I've always kept it simple when it comes to accessories and and the only piece of jewelry I wear everyday is my great-grandmothers gold wedding band (nope, I'm not married) so when my Jord watch arrived in the post, you can image how thrilled I was to add something fresh to mix things up a bit. My first impression was how perfectly the strap fit my wrist and even though I had sent my measurement, I wasn't certain if the strap would be quite right, turns out they were spot on. Secondly, I adore wood. I think the colour and texture of wood generally whether it be flooring, tables, furniture - anything really, adds so much depth and texture to a look and the Jord watch is no different. It goes perfectly with neutral tones for the colder months we are still enduring. I use the term enduring lightly, I do live in Austin, Texas after all and we all know winters here are a delights, but I do continue to sport chunky, neutral knits despite the warm Texas winters. I don't think the photos quite do the watch justice, it really is a stunning piece in person and as someone who has a tendency to be late, the large watch face assists me in becoming more punctual. Photographed below is the stunning Frankie Zebrawood & Navy. If you'd like to win a $100 gift code for a Jord watch for a a significant other (there are designs for both the men and women in your life) or someone in the family, scroll to the bottom to enter!

ENTER HERE TO WIN A $100 GIFT CARD

Luxury Wooden Watch

Weekend City Guide: San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Wed, 18 May 2016 03:58:00 +0000

Does anyone else absolutely love it when one of your best friends moves to a new city that you're desperate to visit? I certainly do! My bestie had barely unpacked her bags before my flights to San Francisco were booked for a long girly weekend. Here is my mini 3 day city guide to San Francisco which I'd like to preface by saying that 3 days is not enough time to explore all the restaurants, neighbourhoods and quirky gems that SF has to offer but I was content with all that we were able to cram into such a quick getaway.

Friday {Day 1}

We rented bikes first thing Friday morning from Park Wide bike rental and set off along Marina Boulevard toward the Golden Gate Bridge. Standing atop the Golden Gate Bridge admiring the rugged coastal beauty of SF with the accompanying financial district in the distance was a spectacular moment. It is one of those iconic landmarks that is as imposing and wonderful in real life as depicted in photographs. I felt happy I got to experience this moment with two of my oldest and dearest friends in tow. We continued on a straight road to Sauselito to enjoy some well deserved lunch at Bar Boche and bask in the California sunshine.

Other places to eat/drink:

Mission Chinese for the world's most delicious tea-infused rice and tasty Chinese food in general

Chubby Noodle {tip: try the spicey Garlic Noodles}

El Techo for cocktails and beautiful sunset views

Saturday {Day 2} - Napa Valley

We decided to spend 1 of our precious 3 days in SF touring around the world famous Napa Valley with Platypus Wine Tours. One minor oversight on our part was forgetting to eat breakfast, which in hindsight was not the best way to start off a full day of drinking a copious amount of wine. They say eating is cheating, but in this case, I would recommend eating a hearty meal before embarking on this wine-fueled adventure. I enjoyed exploring the small, boutique wineries who made us feel at home and spent time educating us about their wine making process. We visited St Claire Brown Winery, Hopper Creek and Razi Winery.

Sunday {Day 3}

The highlight of Easter Sunday {aside from wearing matching Easter socks with bunnies on them} was spending the morning in Cow Hollow wandering along Chestnut and Lombard Street admiring all the pretty shop fronts. We brunched at Rose's Cafe (the coffee cake is an absolute must!) before heading to Haight-Ashbury for a good dose of bohemian vibes and more shopping. California is renowned for it's wonderful weather and we certainly got very lucky over the weekend. We headed to Golden Gate Park to soak up some vitamin-D and channel our 5-year-old-selves. We found a pretty patch of daisies and sat in the sunshine making daisy chains, and proceeded to wear them, before riding the carousel. True and long lasting friends are people who you can be free around, people who will make daisy chains with you, frolic in public parks with you and be the only other adult riding a carousel with you. Those are the best types of friends and being able to get together and be silly makes travelling to new cities even more special.

Summer Vibes with Vagabond Beach

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 17:08:00 +0000

With the warmer season swiftly approaching, I could spend hours choosing summer essentials that I'll use throughout the long Texas summer months. Seeing as this is our first summer in Austin, and given it's already starting to heat up, finding pretty, good quality pool necessities is a must for the many days I plan on spending by the pool or swimming in Barton Springs. A bikini, beach towel, sunglasses and a hat are my 'must haves' to help my delicate English-self survive the high temperatures of Australian and now Texas summers. I love stumbling upon new brands for any of the these items and I recently fell in love with Vagabond who sell the dreamiest rounded towels that are perfect for anything from a picnic in the park to lying on a tropical island with a good book. How beautiful and feminine is this rounded towel with a classic blue and white print? Anything blue, white and with a bold print magically makes its way into my stockpile of summer accessories and I'm happy to have this pretty addition for my first full summer in Austin, Texas.

In collaborate with Vagabond Beach

Weekend Series: New York City

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 04:14:00 +0000

I'm a city girl and even I find New York City slightly overwhelming. The city is on a frequency that I haven't experienced anywhere else, nor do I care to, as I'm certain NYC is the only place on earth that can pull it off without its population spontaneously combusting from being permanently on overdrive. I should have prefaced this post with the obvious statement: I can't image myself living in New York City, I'm not a robust enough human for life in the super-fast lane; however, on the flip side, I cherish every {temporary} trip to the Big Apple and fall slowly more in love with the city a little more every time I go. My sister moved there 5 months ago, and given Austin to NYC is considerably closer than Brussels to Perth, it's safe to say I plan on making regular visits to see her in the City. Thus, assuming this won't be my last trip {based on the hopes that my big sister will indeed have me as a lodger in her home} I've decided to start a NYC mini-series on here for all the delightful spots I encounter on each visit. Starting with this post, I hope to grow this little series with every trip to NYC and share how I spend my time wandering the city like a local with locals.

Brunch in Nolita

Oficina Latina, 24 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012

Williamsburg Bridge

Drinks at the dog-friendly Luck Dog in Williamsburg

Lucky Dog, 303 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Kinfolk Coffee

Kinfolk, 90Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11211

Strolls through Washington Square Park

Gasoline Alley Coffee

Gasoline Alley Coffee, 325 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012

Grand Central

Weekend City Guide: Los Angeles

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 01:36:00 +0000

Someone once told me that L.A was a place to live and not visit. I must say, I disagree. Behind all the flashing Hollywood lights and tourist-trap t-shirt stands, L.A has a youthful energy with so many little gems waiting to be discovered in each of its different neighrhoods. One thing I would recommend is to make sure you've updated your itunes with some new tracks because it will take a tad longer to get around than you're probaly used to #LAtraffic.

I've put together an itinerary of our long weekend in L.A a few weeks ago. I felt that we needed more time to get a real sense of everything the city has to offer and I hope to return before too long.

Friday: Dinner at Lucques

These images were not captured by me, found on Lucques gallery.

We arrived into L.A quite late on the Friday after a busy week of work and wanted to enjoy a nice dinner with a few cocktails in a cool neighbourhood not far from the hotel. After receiving an epic list of recommendations from a few friends, I made a reservation at Lucques which was exactly what we were looking for. A dimly-lit, exposed brick, foodie heaven is what comes to mind when I think of Lucques - dining here was the perfect kick off to a wonderful weekend. The servers were warm and attentive, they refilled our bread basket three-times which is probably a massive faux pax in this part of L.A but, whatever, I eat bread and I have no regrets about it. I ordered the pan roasted ling cod and Matt ordered the braised beef short ribs which he described as 'the best ribs he's ever had'.

Saturday:

Morning: my other half doesn't function without a strong coffee in the morning, so we ventured out on foot from our West Hollywood hotel, to find a caffeine fix and stumbled upon Coffee Commissary. Coffee #1 and Matt was already thrilled that coffee in L.A ranks higher than coffee in Austin. First win of the day.

Late morning/afternoon: Santa Monica
After breakfast, we spent a few hours walking along the iconic Santa Monica pier embracing all the tacky tourist stalls and food vendors. A day by the sea is not complete without a traditional hot-dog, or veggie-dog in my case, and I was overjoyed Jappa-Dog offered a veggie option for those plant-based foodies wanting to get in on the yumminess. We walked off our veggie-dog induced coma by walking along Third Street Promenade. Note to self: don't go shopping after scarfing down a hot-dog and then attemt to fit into small items of clothing.

Evening: We had a very "L.A moment' on Saturday evening. I won't bore you with the detail but essentially, we waited in traffic for 3 hours in a failed attempt to make it to Griffith Observatory for sunset. When we finally made it to the entrance we realised the park was closed and had wasted an entire evening stuck in traffic. What does one do in moments of such despair? Eat pizza.

DeSano Pizza Bakery, 4959 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, 90029

Sunday:

Morning / early afternoon: Parts of L.A are known for its creativity, we felt those quirky, eclectic creative vibes {which reminded me of Austin} while exploring Venice beach and Abbot Kinney Blvd. I've mentioned this before on a previous post, but whenever I explore a new city, I try to image which neighbourhood I would live in if I were to move, and for me, it would be this one. I could have spent an entire day moseying in and out of each boutiqe, admiring the residential streets and walking along the wonderfully hectic Ocean Font Walk. The top of my list, for breakfast, would be Gjelina, an ultra cool, Cali style cafe which serves seriously dreamy and delicious food. Since our internal clocks were still running on Central Time, we arrived here at 9am, and not long afterwards there was a line out the door. This is a spot for early risers, unless you're willing to wait up to 45 mins for breakky and coffee, which, unfortunately, my body can't handle.

Gjelina, 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles, 90291

Blue Bottle Coffee, 1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice CA, 90291

Late afternoon / evening: head over to Downtown's Grand Central Market for a late lunch/early dinner. The market was an instant hit as soon as we walked in, there are a variety of vendors selling every kind of food. I went for the vegan Ramen Hood option which was delicious, even the egg from the ramen dish below was molded with vegan ingredients to look real. We couldn't leave L.A. without paying a visit to the iconic Hollywood Hall of Fame, so we headed there after Grand Central Market to walk off dinner and play the tourist.

Ramen Hood, Grand Central Market, 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles 90013

{RIP David Bowie}

Monday:
Morning: There are few things I love more than a beautiful sunrise, and even fewer things worth getting out of bed at 5am for. Watching the sun slowly rise over the mountains onto the sprawling city from Griffith Park was a magical moment. The view from Griffith park has the best views of the downtown skyline and the iconic Hollywood sign, and to see the soft, peachy tones of morning's first light shine on both sights made my trip to L.A feel complete. I truly think you can see any city in a new light when you wake up early enough to see the sunrise over it.

After sunrise we took a ride along Rodeo drive and stopped to grab a coffee, we were hoping that since it was still so early we might have spotted some celebs on their early morning coffee runs, but alas it was not meant to be.

Among L.A's many awesome breakfast spots is The Hart and the Hunter which happened to be located within the hotel we stayed in, the Pali Hotel. We came back here for breakfast and to pack up our stuff before 11am check out. Oh, and of course we found a bright pink wall and jumped in front of it.

The Hart and the Hunter, Pali Hotel Melrose, 7950 Melrose Avenue, L.A 90046

To finish off, we spent the rest of the afternoon at Manhattan Beach as logistically, it's close enough to the airport so we could make out 5:30pm flight without fear of getting stuck in insane L.A traffic. Once we arrived at Manhattan beach, I felt this place was a best kept secret no-one had told me about. I wished we had spent more time here as it reminded me of Australia in so many wonderful ways. This is definitely a neighbourhood I will be exploring during my next visit.

Where to Stay in L.A: Palihotel

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 04:02:00 +0000

After a delayed arrival into Los Angeles, an enormous line to rent-a-car, and the notorious L.A traffic, I felt relieved to finally arrive at our home-away-from-home for the Valentine's Day long weekend. We somehow found ourselves in what felt like The Grand Budapest Hotel combined with a 1940's French cabaret lounge. The Palihotel emits so much character from the moment you walk through the door and it continues to do so throughout the hotel. We wanted a quirky, cool, boutique vibe for the long weekend, a place that combined playful ambiance with a romantic edge and we certainly got everything we were hoping for by staying here.

The Wes Anderson inspired decor continues throughout the hotel, the walls in our room were a dark teal which contrasted against a funky cork feature wall and sat atop golf-green carpets. The lighting and stormy wall colouring created a dim, romantic vibe for cuddling up in bed and watching a {french black and white} film. We had a cosy Queen room {rates starting around $240 per night} which was fine for the two of us, it had a small space to hang coats, shoes and leave large items to de-clutter the main room area, a small en-suite bathroom and a cosy bedroom with the prettiest vintage pink sofa and a large window spanning almost an entire wall.

I find that small, thoughtful details are what make staying in some hotels a wonderful experience. Every day during our stay, I noticed something new and quirky that made me smile and I'm certain that if we were to go back, I would notice things I hadn't spotted the first time. Even thoughtful details such as providing earplugs in the bedroom was a nice touch given that noise from one of L.A's busiest streets, Melrose Avenue, can at times be heard in the room. A small price to pay for a prime location in one of America's biggest and liveliest cities. Whenever I'm booking somewhere to stay, especially in a city as big and sprawling as L.A, location is key. For us, the Palihotel was perfectly located in a cool part of West Hollywood, walking distance to trendy shops and restaurants and a charming black and white cinema just around the corner.

Mornings before coffee are a struggle whether one is on holiday or not, but luckily for us, the hotel has the sweetest little on site café, The Hart and the Hunter, with a delicious breakfast menu and excellent coffee. It's a light, bright, welcome retreat for a morning pick-me-up before a busy day of urban wandering.

The Palihotel offers great rates in an historically pricey neighbourhood of L.A, a prime location for exploring such as large city, endless amounts of character, cosy rooms, cheap parking and a café inside the hotel. We left feeling fulfilled and happy to have found such a gem amongst the wonderful craziness that is Los Angeles.

http://www.pali-hotel.com/

Perth Guide

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 04:42:00 +0000

Perth is one of the happiest cities I've visited. The locals enjoy an easy-going lifestyle nestled within what feels like a secret southwest corner of Australia that seems to inject happy vibes into the atmosphere. Any place that is home to the most cheerful Quokka {technically Rottnest} must be special. And Perth is certainly special in many wonderful ways. After having called Perth my home for over 3 years between 2011 and 2015 I'm thrilled to share some of my favourite spots; a mixture of hidden gems and popular local favourites.

1. BREAKFAST
It's no secret that Aussie breakfasts are some of the best around with Aussie-inspired cafés popping up in big cities like London and New York. Well, in Perth, I always feel spoiled for choice - there are a handful of places that just seem to get it right when it comes to the most important meal of the day and here are a few of my favourites.

Tropico North Beach {105/109 Flora Terrace, North Beach, Perth 6020}

Little Bird Cafe {100 Lake Street, Perth 6003}

Babooshka {7/189 William Street, Perth 6000}

Other yummy breakfast spots include:

The Hardware Store Cafe & Eatery, 117 Brighton Road, Scarborough, WA 6019

The Wild Fig Cafe, 190 The Esplanade, Scarborough, WA 6019

Typika, 331 Stirling Highway, Claremont WA 6010

Mary Street Bakery, 507 Beaufort Street, Highgate, WA 6003

Sayers Sister, 236 Lake Street, Perth WA 6003

Uncle Joe's Mess, 74-76 King Street, Perth 6000

Flora & Fauna, 4/70 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge WA 6003

2. COFFEE

I honestly had no idea before moving to Australia that coffee was such a big part of the Aussie culture. Coffee snobbery is high and the standards are even higher, thus the best coffee in the world can be found in Australia! There are excellent coffee shops scattered all over Perth which range from charmingly cosy to minimalist cool - whichever you prefer, the coffee will be excellent. Gordon Street Garage {pictured} is located around the corner from where I used to live and it remains one of my favourites, such a lovely spot to take a laptop, book or friends and spend a few hours drinking coffee and eating an array of delicious baked goods.

Pixel Coffee Brewers {2/226 Oxford Street, Leederville, WA 6007}

Gordon Street Garage {16 Gordon Street, West Perth, WA 6005}

Driphouse {772A Hay Street, Perth, WA 6000}

Other charming coffee shops include:

Lowdown, 16a Cloisters Arcade, Parmelia House, 865 Hay Street, Perth 6000

Addison & Steele, 1/448 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth WA 6006

Little Matcha Girl, 4/10 Preston Street, Como WA 6152 - I haven't actually been here but I've stalked them on Instagram and it looks amazing!

Engine Room Espresso, 450c Fitzgerald Street, North Perth WA 6006

3. SUNSETS

Being located on the West Coast, there is no shortage of places to watch uninterrupted views of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. This is certainly what I miss most about living in Perth and something I cherish every time I visit. One of my favourite things to do is grab take-away fish & chips {my mouth is watering as I type*} and sit on the beach with a blanket to watch the sun go down. No doubt the sky will turn into a kaleidoscopic array of pastel pinks, purples and oranges and you'll have one of those "I'm so incredible happy to be alive" moments.

North Mole Lighthouse {North Mole Drive, North Fremantle, WA 6159}

King's Park

Scarborough Beach

Other lovely sunset-watching spots include:

Crawley Edge Boatshed, Swan River, Crawley, WA 6009

South Perth Foreshore, South Perth WA 6151

Matilda Bay, Crawley WA 6009

Bathers Beach, Fremantle WA 6160

4. BEACH

During our return trip this January, one of the things I was most looking forward to was spending much needed time by the sea. Perth is so perfectly position on Australia's west coast that the city has so many options when it comes to beach therapy. There are calmer, more protected spots along North Beach; popular, fun spots with cafés and eateries at Cottesloe beach; and more isolated quieter spots at Leighton beach. Leighton is also great on a windy afternoon to watch the kite surfers ride the waves while the sun is setting. I would suggest driving up and down the coast, do some exploring and find your perfect spot. For those spending a while in WA, I would recommend driving 'down south' to WA's south-western region for wine tasting and equally beautiful beaches. Check out my ideal itinerary for exploring further south along Western Australia.

Cottesloe Beach

North Beach

Leighton Beach

5. COCKTAILS

The restaurant and bar scene has changed dramatically in Perth over the last few years and I love exploring new, trendy bars that seem to pop up all over the city. The CBD has some upscale bars that give other big cities a run for their money. Northbridge/Highgate have some trendy spots for the wannabe-hipster in all of us and then there are the beach bars for a more laid-back, day drinking vibe.

Cottesloe Beach Hotel {104 Marine Parade, Cottelsloe WA 6011}

The Beautfort Street Merchant {488-492 Beautfort Street, Perth WA 6003}

Cottesloe Beach Hotel {see above}

Other trendy cocktail bars:

Petition, {Corner of Barrack Street & St George's Terrace, Perth WA 6000}

The Stables Bar, 888 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000

Clarences, 566 Beaufort Street, Perth WA 6050

Sneaky Tony's, 1 Russell Avenue, Chinatown, Perth WA 6000

The Dominion League, 84 Beautfort Street, Perth WA 6000

Scarborough Beach Bar, 1 Manning Street, Scarborough WA 6019

5. OTHER PERTH SPOTS

If you need to take a break from the beach {in my case, this is typically due to sunburn}, there are lots of alternative ways to fill your time. I particularly enjoy walking around the cultural centre in Northbridge which is home to the WA Museum and Art Gallery of WA. Perth Fringe festival occurs from the end of January to the end of February and it's my absolute favourite time of year to be in Perth. Pop-up bars and venues appear all over the city and people generally seem merrier.

Street-art: Perth has some really great street art scattered around, sometimes it takes walking down a shady-looking alley to find, but if you're into urban art then you won't be disappointed.

Hyde Park: Early mornings are the best time to visit Hyde Park, watching the park wake up with soft rays of early morning light is so magical. It's one of the most peaceful spots in the city with locals practising yoga, thai chi or just meditating around the lakes.

Neighbourhoods: Some of my favourite neighbourhoods in Perth and ones worth exploring include, Leederville, Mount Lawley, East Victoria Park, Subiaco, Claremont and Fremantle. Each is home to cafés, boutiques, books shops and restaurants and each has its own distinct charm.

6. ROTTNEST

Rottnest is one of my favourite places on earth. Not only does the happy little island radiate relaxed, peaceful vibes, it's also breathtakingly beautiful and home to everyone's favourite fur-ball, the quokka. Visiting Rottnest was among my top bucket-list moments for 2015, if you've got a trip to Perth on the cards, make sure to visit Rottnest, it's simply perfect in so many ways.

Lessons Learned: January 2016

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 02:27:00 +0000

I learnt a very valuable lesson early on in 2016, two days in to be exact. That lesson was to always ALWAYS check what visa requirements you need before entering a country. Why would I possibly need a visa to enter Australia? Not me, surely. I lived and worked there for three years and I'm a British passport holder. I've been coming in and out of Australia for years, I'll be absolutely fine. - I told myself assured that I was right, I'm always right. WRONG. I embarrassingly was not granted permission to board the flight bound to Perth from Abu Dhabi and felt a million miles from anywhere remotely familiar. Well, as fate would have it, my long-term work visa {a 457 visa which I used while living in Australia] granted me access to and from Australia without the traditional tourist e-visa, however, with that no longer valid, I was subject to the tourist e-visa like everyone else. Waves of sadness consumed me as I watched all the jolly holiday-makers boarding my flight to sunny, beautiful Perth and there I was banned from entering and not having a clue whether I would make it there at all. Once the despair wore off and my wonderfully optimistic boyfriend {who stayed with me in Abu Dhabi despite my episode of visa stupidity} convinced me that we may as well enjoy our impromptu adventure to the UAE's capital, I began to get that tingly feeling of excitement. One that emerges from the prospect of exploring a new city. I already knew what was on the agenda for our 20 hour stay in Abu Dhabi. I had seen {read, stalked} photos of the jaw droppingly beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and wanted to see it for myself. Photos cannot accurately portay the calming and celestial beauty of this Grand Mosque, it's something one must see in the flesh to fully appreciate every aspect of it's spendor.

2015: Travel Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 16:33:00 +0000

I began 2015 wandering down the quaint streets of Brugge indulging in exquisite chocolate and absorbing all the pretty little details of this picture-perfect town. I can't quite believe it's been almost a year to the day since that trip and looking back over 2015 makes me feel elated and grateful. Four continents, eight countries and countless flights molded into one wonderful memory of a year that encompassed new adventures with friends and family. It was the perfect combination of visiting new places for the first time and feeling mesmerised by sheer beauty and returning to other cities for the second time and seeing it in a new light. New years are for new beginnings and new opportunities as you really never know what's around the corner. If someone had asked me a year ago whether I'd be living in Austin now my answer back then would have been no. In celebration of surprises and unforeseen adventures from the year I've created a bucket list of 15 special moments from 2015 to do in 2016. Happy New Year everyone!

1. Climb all 366 steps to the bell tower in Brugge, Belgium.

2. Visit Lake Ballard in the middle of Western Australia.

3. Spend a weekend village hopping in the Cotswolds, England.

4. Go to Paris for the French Open.

5. Enjoy mint tea while over looking the rooftops of Marrakesh

6. Wine tasting in the Chianti Region

7. Spend a day cycling around Rottnest Island

8. Look out over NYC from Top of the Rock.

9. Enjoy cream tea in the English countryside.

10. Watch the sunset over Monaco.

11. Attend the centuries old Il Palio in Siena, Italy

12. Fall in love with Chefchaouen, Morocco.

13. Watch the sunrise over Nambung National Park, Australia.

14. Visit London in the Spring.

15. Move to a new city.

Austin: brunch favourites

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 04:26:00 +0000

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day and Austin has no shortage of breakfast and brunch spots for those idyllic weekend mornings. A recipe for a wonderful morning includes coffee, *insert any breakfast option here*, and a pretty space to relax and read the morning's paper. Here are a handful of some of my favourite Austin spots for the most important meal of the day. My family arrive into Austin this weekend for Christmas and I can't wait to share a few of these gems with them over the next few weeks.

1. Cenote

I adore how quintessentially 'East Side' Cenote is. This cafe is set in an old house with creaky wooden floors and traditional features with a huge patio to enjoy the year round warm weather. I would recommend getting the breakfast burrito {stamp of approval from my other-half} or a breakfast sandwich which are bigger than expected and would keep you full until the afternoon.

2. Blue Dahlia Bistro

Blue Dahlia is located about 100 meters from my apartment and lures me in regularly with its parisian baguette sandwich. Any item with the words baguette and dijon on the menu are a winner, and luckily for me, this is the tastiest baguette sandwich I have eaten outside of Paris. For a lighter start to the day, try the parfait or fruit cup {photographed}.

3. Café No Sé

Café No Sé takes me back to Perth, and for that reason I absolutely adore it. The combination of rustic white-washed walls and light wooden features mixed with turquoise tiles and bright open windows is reason enough to get brunch here. To top it off, the food is delightfully tasty. Both Matt and I ordered the granola which was the perfect ratio of granola to yogurt to fresh fruit with a subtle ginger taste for an added kick that makes it stand out from other granolas I have tried.

4. Elizabeth Street Cafe

I'm naturally drawn to quaint little spots that remind me of pretty European cafes and Elizabeth Street Cafe is one of those rare gems in Austin. Typically, I order one of three things when I venture out for brunch: breakfast tacos, eggs, or granola. In this instance, I looked no further than item #2 on the menu and my mind was made up. There is no better combination of yumminess on earth than nutella, banana, creme fraiche and candied hazelnuts. Furthermore, to eat all of this deliciousness within a single fluffy crêpe is a breakfast-lovers dream. I can't comment on any other item on the menu at this time as I have eyes only for the nutella, banana and candied hazelnut crêpe.

5. Rockstar Bagels

I'm a bagel fiend. Give me a toasted bagel with {jalepeño} cream cheese daily and I'd be happy. This spot in east Austin is great for breakfast on-the-go or to pick up and take home. There isn't much seating available for a slow morning of reading the New York Times but the bagels are tasty and cream cheese comes in abundance. My only criticism is the lack of cream cheese options {*cough* jalepeño cream cheese} but the chive cream cheese is exquisite! And, if my mind serves me correctly, I seem to remember Matt drooling over the bacon cream cheese. Happy bageling.

6. Hillside Farmacy

Another local favourite of mine both for its food and decor is Hillside Farmacy. The different shades of green, mirrored walls and old wooden cabinets rekindle memories of its original use as a pharmacy during the 1950's and give it a special vintage vibe. We ordered the granola, BLT Benny and 2 coffees - a recipe for happy brunching.

7. Launderette

I visited Launderette recently and despite the wait {approx 15 mins} I instantly adored it. For the first time ever I actually welcomed the wait as it gave me the opportunity to explore the boutique shop conveniently located on site in an adorable airstream and home to little treasures {i.e. prints, jewelery, gifts, candles etc.} I went with two friends and between us we ordered buttermilk pancakes, cold smoked slamon and fried oyster florentine. To my surprise, my favourite of the 3 options were the buttermilk pancakes. I've been raving about them to anyone who will listen and I can't wait to take Matt there for brunch so we can enjoy a simple, yet delicious stack of fluffy, delicious pancakes. Another winner was the cream cheese filled Danish pastry - I've been daydreaming about it since last Sunday and I'm hoping it will make another appearance on the pastry menu soon!

8. Breakfast tacos

Taco Deli {photographed} & Cisco's. No caption needed - breakfast tacos speak for themselves.

Café No Sé

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 01:10:00 +0000

I've been exploring the Austin coffee scene for a few months now and this is by far my favourite aesthetically. As superficial as it sounds, I love a space that is appeasing to the eye and makes you feel as if a lot of detail has gone into planning it. Even my boyfriend who doesn't {always} take notice of pretty subtleties said this café was 'an intagrammers day dream' - and yes, I couldn't agree more. The space made me feeling instantly happy and light, a retreat where you could easily spend hours browsing through the large selection of magazines or tucking into a good book.

Upon entering I instantly fell in love with the large communal dining table sitting pretty in centre stage above a sea of turquoise tiles giving the place a laid-back, beachy vibe. The white wooden chairs and rustic white-washed walls took me back to Perth. I felt I could have been eating breakfast at Cottesloe beach on one of those perfect Australian summer days.

Most importantly, the food and coffee were delicious. Matt and I both ordered the whole grain granola + greek yogurt and honey {avocado toast was a close second}. The seeds gave it a crunchy texture that blended well with the creamy greek yogurt and honey. The subtle taste of giner mixed with fresh raspberries, blackberries and strawberries was the perfect combination for me and a great choice when you're craving something fresh and light to start the day. I will certainly be going back for seconds.

Summer Favourites: Top 5

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 20:15:00 +0000

In honour of the last day of summer 2015 I want to recap on some of the spectacular places I visited this summer. Hopefully my top five summer destinations of the year will inspire you to start planning for summer 2016 - it's never too early to dream and plan for those desireable summer holidays!

1. Siena for Il Palio

The highlight of my summer this year was attending the unforgettable horse race, Il Palio, an event which has been in people's calendars for over 500 years. Il Palio transports you back to medieval times; the customs and traditions surrounding the event have not changed since the 14th century. The spirit and energy emanating from each neighbourhood (contrada) is palpable and emotions of the local Sienese run high as they passionately show pride for their contrada. The flags, emblems, contrade colours, songs, banquets and general merriment {and rivalry} leading up to the event make stunning Siena even more magical than normal. We decided on a whim to watch the race from the Torre contrada and I will never forget the moment when they actually won! Were were so overjoyed to be part of this crazy occasion and feel like family to a contrada that erupted into tears of joy and celebration that lasted through the night. It was one of those bucket-list moments collected on your travels that you can share with family and friends for years. Il Palio is a must-see event and be sure to choose your contrada wisely because watching the race from the winning neighbourhood will make you feel a sense of patriotism for an obscure neighbourhood in Siena that you didn't even know existed. If you want to get an authentic idea of the fierce passion and unabated sense of pride held by the Sienese people for their beautiful city then add Il Palio to your to-do list for summer 2016.

2. Paris

I've always had a love affair with Paris since spending time there with my family during the summer holidays when I was little. As I've grown up and got to experience Paris on my own and with friends, the magic of the city never ceases to amaze me. Paris is bursting with such happy energy during the summer; people dine and drink coffee outside, the gardens are in full bloom and watching the Eiffel tower light up at dusk fills my heart with so much happiness. The long summer nights are perfect for exploring the different arrondissements and watching the moon reflect off the Seine as you stroll along the river. The beautiful red roses in Square Rene Viviani provide the perfect backdrop for a summer picnic full of eclairs and other French treats. Everything about summer in Paris is so dreamy and magical, if you haven't experienced it yet then definitely add it to your list for next summer.

3. Monaco

My visit to Monaco was brief {1 day & night} so this is as much a reminder for myself to plan another trip possibly for next summer. From what I saw of Monaco, I think the small Principality has a lot to offer for a summer destination: beautiful beaches, stunning views, people/car/yacht watching and plenty of yummy spots to dine and drink. Basically, it ticks all the boxes for a European summer destination.

4. New York City

Summers in New York City are blissful, fun and busy {in a good way}. Despite the sweltering heat, I've always enjoyed spending time there during the warmer months. It's true that my trips to NYC are made better by the fact that my best friends lives there and she always introduces me to new restaurants, bars and cool places to visit. This July I walked across Brooklyn Bridge for the first time and felt inspired to be walking across such an iconic landmark and seeing the stunning view of Manhattan that people often dream of. I ventured to the top of The Rick to watch the sun set over Manhattan on a warm summer night and to feel the buzz and vibe of NYC, a feeling that can't be replicated anywhere else. My favourite parts of the city are the West Village and Soho. I love getting lost amid the quaint brownstones and stumbling upon little coffee shops and delicious ice creameries {Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream *drool*}. Not that I need an excise to visit NYC but since my sister will also be moving there soon I'll most certainly be spending more time in NYC next summer.

5. Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is one of those places that can't be describes on paper and photos only give people a small glimpse into the city's character and profound beauty. If I had to pick a favourite destination for this year, this would be it. Chefchaouen soothes the soul with the calming power of the city's powder blue walls and breathtaking scenery of the Rif mountain range. I would recommend visiting in early summer before the heat becomes too harsh and it's still pleasant to walk around outside. My number one tip for visiting Chefchaouen would be to charge your cameras beforehand. This is the most photogenic city and a perfect summer destination for all the adventurers, foodies and photographers out there.

Marrakech: Top 10

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 19:09:00 +0000

Simply uttering the name Marrakech sends ones senses into overdrive by invoking memories of the sounds, smells, tastes and sights of this enchanting city. The Medina is a kaleidoscope of bright and beautiful colours. I loved the contrasting blue sky against the terracotta Medina walls against green cacti and palm trees: layered colour blocking, a photographer's dream. I loved getting hopelessly lost in the labyrinth of alleyways and souk stalls, buying dried fruits {and eating my body weight in dates} and taking in the hustle and bustle of life that vibrates at a different frequency in a city that makes chaos seem exciting and strangely alluring.

1. Souks
Explore the maze of covered souks and embrace the art of haggling, it will inevitably happen. Also, keep an eye out for treasures and leather goods for a bargain price. I made the mistake of carrying only hand luggage and regret not checking in a suitcase stuffed with exotic carpets, lanterns, cushions and leather poufs, ideal for re-creating a Moroccan-style haven back home.

2. Nomad
We came here several times during our stay in Marrakech, we were drawn to the 360 degree views of the Medina and the exquisitely tasting food and wine. Nomad is a quiet retreat from the madness of the souks downstairs and the perfect spot to watch the city turn a golden hue as the sun dips below the horizon.

Nomad, 1, Derb Aarjan, Marrakech Medina

3. Minaret & Jardin Koutoubia
This is the tallest landmark in the Medina and while non-Muslims cannot enter inside the mosque I would recommend walking around the gardens and admiring the architectural beauty from the outside.

4. Jamaa El-Fna
Blitz your senses with a visit to the main market square which comes to life after nightfall. It is filled with food stalls galore {a cheap and tasty dinner option} offering everything from sheep heads to kale smoothies, lots of options for the adventurous foodie. After food-stall-hopping, check out the snake charmers or listen to traditional Berber music by one of the many live performers in Jamaa El-Fna. If the chaos proves to be too much, opt to watch from a distance at one of the many rooftop restaurants surrounding the main square.

5. Palais de la Bahia
The Palace is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture with several long courtyards surrounded by thick columns. The simplicity of the symmetrical layout combined with the intricate Moroccan-style carvings and tiles will leave you speechless. The detailing in impeccable.

6. Kosy Bar
A rooftop cafe close to Palais de la Bahia, Kosy bar has a wonderful view of Marrakech with a bonus view of nesting stalks on the adjacent building. The cocktails are a little pricey but the fresh mint tea is a delicious and refreshing alternative.

Place des Ferblantiers, Rue de Berrima, Marrakech

7. Jardin Majorelle
A tranquil botanical garden located in the new city and painted a vibrant cobalt blue, Majorelle gardens is a peaceful retreat from the hectic Medina. It is one of the most colourful and beautifully-kept garden oases I have visited on my travels. Take your time strolling amid the cacti, towering palm trees and exotic flowers or sit under the gazebo to admire the pretty, pink water lilies.

8. A Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains
I've always been an advocate for escaping the city and connecting with nature even if only for a day. The Atlas Mountains are a short drive from Marrakech and an excellent way to experience Berber culture and see a glimpse into rural Moroccan life.

9. Traditional Hammam
Despite popular belief, stripping down to ones skivvies is not compulsory when attending a traditional Moroccan Hammam. I adopted the awkward Western bikini-wearing approach, which will attract some looks from the locals, but saves you the mortifying experience of being exfoliated by a small Moroccan lady whilst also being but-naked in a hot, confined space with your close friend and sister. I'm far too British and bashful for that kind of nonchalant nakedness. However, it's an experience one cannot forgo whilst in Morocco, you will leave feeling refreshed, exfoliated, smelling of argan oil and with silky smooth, cherub-like skin.

10. Mamounia
One item on my list which I didn't get to experience and which I'm saving for my return trip to Marrakech is a day at the luxurious Mamounia. I dream of exploring the palatial hotel {spa, gardens, pools & cuisine} and feeling like an Arabian princess.

Postcards from Chefchaouen

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 14:49:00 +0000

It's been about a month since I visited Chefchaouen and my goal of 'one blog post per week' failed miserably over the last month. My temporary blogging hiatus has been mainly due to my jam packed travel calendar over June and July so you won't hear any complaints from me. In a way it's nice to write a travel post one month later as I get to go through all my photos of Morocco and relive parts of my holiday all over again.

Chefchaouen was my absolute favourite city we visited in Morocco and it's easy to see why. The soft, powder blue and white walls give the whole city a calm, celestial feeling, It's undoubedtly the most photogenic city I have ever visited.

The best way to see the city is by getting lost in it. Guides will approach you and give you an excellent price for a day tour but we decided to explore ourselves so we could take our time and take plenty of photos (read, obsessively). In a desperate attempt to convince us that having a guide was the best option, the guides told us the city was unsafe to walk around and that people often get lost - this is untrue. Our group, three girls, felt incredibly safe taking little alleyways and narrow off-the-beaten-path-looking streets. The locals are warm and friendly and the medina is small and easily navigable. It's impossible not to instantly fall in love with this dreamy city, next time I hope to spend a few nights here and have time to try the excellent cuisine famous to this part of Morocco.

Paris Summer Guide

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 21:50:00 +0000

This Paris summer guide is by no means all-encompassing or reflective of all the wonder and charm Paris has to offer. My dream one day is to live in Paris for a short time, learn French and become familiar with all the distinctive hidden gems and treasures that make Paris so magical. Until then, this is simply a mini-guide to the city and how I spent the majority of my long weekend there in early June. Luckily for me, my trip coincided with a burst-of-summer heatwave with temperatures in the high twenties {low 80's} and cloudless blue skies. I've had a life-long love affair with Paris since spending summers there as a child and this trip rekindled my profound love for the city and all things Parisian. I've left out the obligatory bucket-list museums and churches like the Louvre, Musèe d'Orsay and Notre Dame only because I've visited Paris before and I prefer to occupy cold winter days with warm museum visits. This post is all about summer in Paris: long days, picnics, coffee and beautiful Parisian gardens.

1. Strolls along the Seine

Thankfully I went to Paris with a friend who enjoys walking as much as I do. Although I bought a five day metro card {for €35} I didn't get as much use out of it as I initially thought because the weather and scenery were too perfect not to walk everywhere. We walked for hours, zig-zagging across famous bridges, taking in the stunning architecture and stopping for ice cream before continuing on. Walking along the river is the most pleasant and efficient way to see the city by foot since all of Paris' iconic sites are less than a stone's throw from the banks of the Seine.

2. Jardin des Tuileries

Tuileries is the ideal garden to sit, relax and eat ice cream on a hot summer's day. The park is situated between the Louvre on one end and Place de la Concorde on the other. Its central location makes it a dreamy retreat after a full day of museums and lines of tourists. Jardin de Tuileries is sandwiched between breathtaking Parisian architecture and lined with beautiful statues just in case you need another dose of art during museum breaks.

3. Coffee on Boulevard Saint-Germain

My perfect start to the day is a warm summer morning which includes coffee and breakfast on Boulevard Saint-Germain. I love sitting outside sipping my coffee and watching the passersby go about their day. This cafe is excellent for people watching and ideally situated next to Louis Vuitton with a perfect vantage point for admiring their window display.

Cafè de Flore, 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

4. Roland Garros

One of my favourite things about summer is watching the tennis. Grab a picnic, a bottle of wine and find a spot in the sun to watch the French Open. Watching the tennis at the foot of the Eiffel Tower was definitely a 'pinch me' moment. Hopefully next year I can get myself organised in time to attend Roland Garros properly.

5. Pâtisserie Hopping

La Pâtisserie de Gilles Marchal, 9 Rue Ravignan, Paris 75018

Dalloyau, 2 Place Edmond Rostand, Paris 75006

Being the glutton that I am, food, especially sweet treats, genuinely make me very happy. A trip to Paris would be nothing without indulging in the buttery goodness of croissants, pain au chocolat and other delicacies on display within the hundreds of Pâtisseries in Paris. I personally like to live by the rule of an-éclair-a-day whilst in Paris. Warning: try not to make the same mistake as I did by attempting to eat an èclair in record time which resulted in getting hazelnut cream down my white dress. Luckily, the èclair was worth it!

6. Square René Viviani

Square René Viviani is the most romantic little square, I couldn't think of anywhere more idyllic to spend an evening with my other half. Since this trip was in the company of a dear friend, our time was spent eating and siteseeing without much focus on love. However, since I plan to come back to Paris with my other half, I made a note of all the romantic spots to visit as a couple and this was by far my favourite. Surrounded by red roses in full bloom and Notre Dame in view, it would be the ideal spot to have an evening of cheese and wine with the person you love.

7. Champ de Mars

It's wonderful to know that no matter where you sit in Champ de Mars you will always have an uninterrupted view of the Eiffel Tower

8. Dinner in Place Victor Hugo

Whenever I'm in a new city I always like to play the 'where would I live' game (assuming funds were not an issue of course). For me, I would choose the 16th arrondissement preferably somewhere within walking distance to Place Victor Hugo. It has a buzzing energy that I didn't encounter in any other part of the city. Restaurants and bars were full of people chatting and enjoying the warm summer evening. It was less touristy than other parts of the city and my friend and I felt like local Parisians enjoying a nice meal and glass of wine.

Romeo Restaurant, 6 Place Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris

9. Montmartre

Spend a day getting lost along the narrow cobblestone streets of Paris' bohemian neighbourhood. With so many quintessentially Parisian cafès and pâtisseries it's easy to wander around for hours stopping at different cafès along the way. There are also plenty of small boutiques and shops if one feels so inclined to buy gifts for themselves or family. If that doesn't do it for you, go for the view, it's the best in all of Paris.

10. Jardin du Luxembourg

My absolute favourite park in Paris. It would be impossible to leave here without feeling happier than when you arrived. The summer months are warm with pretty flowers in bloom all around the park. I took a long stroll around Jardin du Luxembourg and enjoyed how green and colourful it all was under the bright blue sky. There are plenty of green chairs scattered around the park so it's easy to find a place to read a book or just relax while enjoying the beauty of Luxembourg Palace.

11. Cheese and Wine in Odéon

Stop for cheese and wine in one of my favourite areas, Odéon. It's such a pretty part of Paris to walk around, great for walking off all the cheese and bread happily sitting in one's belly.

Ambassade de Bourgogne, 6 Rue de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris

12. Paris at night

There is something truly magical about seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, it made me feel lighter and happy to see an iconic site twinkling against a deep blue sky just before night falls and the sky turns completely dark. The hour or so after the sun has set but before night falls is my favourite time to see Paris. That moment when you notice the twinkling Eiffel Tower and glimmering street lights reflecting off the River Seine is a special one to add to the memory bank of happy moments.

Parisian Doors

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 22:05:00 +0000

One of my favourite things about visiting European cites, especially Paris, is wandering down (preferably cobblestone) streets with no particular destination in mind. For me, that's the best way to discover hidden city gems and beautiful Parisian doors. It's no secret that Paris has some door stunners and anyone who shares a door obsession will understand the impulse to photograph every pretty door in their path. Here are a few of my favourites from this week in Paris.

A day in the Cotswolds

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Sat, 23 May 2015 17:37:00 +0000

The Cotswolds is probably one of the most beautiful places to go in England. The region is full of quaint little towns and villages nestled into the heart of the English countryside - a pastoral daydreamer's fantasy. The stone cottages turn a soft golden colour in the late afternoon sun and budding wisteria hangs delicately from garden archways. There is something truly lovely and happy about walking through these quiet villages taking in all the picturesque scenery and getting a feeling for simple, rural life.

Lower Slaughter - Upper Slaughter walk: we started in a village called Lower Slaughter and walked one mile through a country field to the even smaller village of Upper Slaughter. After wandering around the village and admiring the beauty of a postcard-perfect spot, we walked back to Lower Slaughter and had lunch at the Slaughters Country Inn. A cozy, 17th century Inn with low lying ceilings and a wonderful terrace overlooking the River Eye.

After lunch we drove about 20 minutes to the bigger town of Chipping Campden where we enjoyed browsing around local artisan food stores and boutique shops. My purchase of the day was a box of clotted cream fudge and a handmade, wild-fig candle. We ended our pleasant day in the Cotswolds with afternoon tea at The King's Hotel on the high street in the centre of town. The beauty of the Cotswolds lies in its simple, rural charm which tricks you into believing you're on the set of Downton Abbey.

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The Pinnacles

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Thu, 14 May 2015 11:45:00 +0000

It took me so long to tick the pinnacles off my list, but as most things that take time, it was worth the wait. There was something about the soft, candy-coloured sunrise, eerie silence and towering rock formations that made walking through the pinnacles feel like being on the surface of another planet. Nature's wonders never cease to amaze me and watching the horizon light up with the pinnacles in the foreground was a highlight of my time in Western Australia.

We arrived at 6am to watch the sunrise. The gates to the national park are open all night and day for those keen enough to experience the desert by night or early morning. Don't be fooled by thinking it never gets cold in Australia {I have fallen for that many a time}, temperatures drop at night and being so exposed can leave you with chattering teeth and no feeling in your fingers. In preparation for watching the sunrise in the cold, we brought a picnic blanket to sit on, a wool blanket to keep warm, a portable mini gas burner, moka pot, mugs and breakfast snacks. Sipping coffee and snuggling up to the man I love in the middle of an iconic desert watching the sun rise is one of those treasured memories. It's those moments we all seek on our travels and adventures, ones we can add to our catalogue of happy moments.

Pixel Coffee Brewers

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Sun, 10 May 2015 12:10:00 +0000

Like most of my favourite cafés, Pixel Coffee came onto my radar after I stalked their delicious-looking cakes and pastel coloured coffee cups on Instagram. Word of the café newbies spread quickly on the Perth coffee scene and like a lot of people, I was eager to taste their specialty coffee and tasty treats on offer. I wasn’t disappointed. Pixel Coffee is a wonderful little café pleasing to the eye with an abundance of fresh flowers and pretty pastel touches {always a win in my book}, excellent coffee and healthy, raw treats galore.

{2/226 Oxford Street, Leederville, Western Australia}

Itinerary: Perth & South West, WA in a week

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Thu, 07 May 2015 07:53:00 +0000

Exploring South Western Australia with my best friend in tow has been high on my list of things-to-do, but always seemed unlikely given the distance between where she lives {New York City} and Perth. I was so delighted when Ashley told me she quite spontaneously booked a last minute trip to visit me and would be in Perth a month from when she booked her flight. It’s no secret that annual leave from a busy New York City job is sacred, as most New Yorkers treat themselves only to long weekends every now and again, so I wanted to ensure each day Ashley was in Western Australia was filled with a balanced combination of adventure, relaxation, fun and of course plenty of wine. I’ve put together this itinerary which captures most things I love about South West W.A in only one week.

Arrival day: Luckily, Ashley’s flight arrived in the early afternoon which gave her enough time to drop of baggage, wash, change & feel human again, enjoy a cup of coffee and get to Leighton beach just in time for an afternoon glass of wine & nibbles at Bib & Tucker before enjoying what I love most about living in Western Australia – walking along the beach and watching the sun set into the Indian Ocean.

{other recommended sunset-watching spots: King’s Park, South Perth Foreshore, Crawley boat shed, Matilda bay, North Mole Lighhouse}

First full day – Rottnest Island: this was my favourite day of the whole week. Cycling around Rottnest with a backpack full of snacks and cold beer, stopping every few hundred meters to take in the beauty of the island and finding secret, secluded beaches to stop and soak in the sun.

Second day: We set off early for our three-day road trip to Margaret River making a stop to walk along the famous Busselton Jetty. This broke up the drive {and Taylor Swift on repeat} nicely, giving us the opportunity to walk the 2 Kilometer Jetty, get some sun and stretch our legs.

In the afternoon I booked us on a Kangaroo Safari tour. A visit to Australia is not complete without seeing Kangaroos hopping around freely and happily in their natural environment. Even after living here for 3+ years, I never tire of seeing kangaroos, I think they are beautiful animals and so vital to experiencing Australia.

Third day: Wineries, wineries & more wineries! Need I say more? I think not. Our favourites were Laurance Wines, House of Cards & Wise Wine.

Fourth day: We visited Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to take in the beauty of the rugged coastline and deep blue colours of the ocean. Cape Leeuwin marks the intersection of the Indian Ocean with the Antarctic Ocean, one of my favourite spots along the South West coast. After this we drove into Augusta to enjoy some tasty fish & chips in the small but quaint seaside town.

Fifth day: clear blue skies and higher temperature than the previous days meant a day at the beach. In the morning we went to Meelup beach to enjoy the calm turquoise waters. After a few hours we headed to Dunsborough, stocked up on picnic supplies and enjoyed a beach picnic and a swim at Dunsborough beach before driving back to Perth in the late afternoon.

Sixth day – Fremantle: Spent a leisurely day exploring the markets, admiring the colonial architecture and relaxing at Bather’s Beach.

Departure day: After a busy non-stop week, we decided to spend the last few hours in a more relaxed mode. We went to one of my favourite places for breakfast in Perth, Little Bird Café, and then took a stroll through Hyde Park where we picked a nice, sunny, grassy spot to take in the last of the sunshine before Ashley embarked on her 30+ hour journey back to the Big Apple.

Rottnest: A little piece of paradise

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:39:00 +0000

Whilst there are no shortages of beautiful beaches and rugged coastlines on the mainland of Western Australia, it is safe to say Rottnest offers something quite unique. Visiting the island gives me the feeling I’ve been entrusted with the knowledge of a secret gem that lies just 30 minutes from Perth. With pristine beaches, an untouched interior and home to the famously happy quokka, I can think of no better way to spend a day, or two.

Little Salmon Bay: A postcard-perfect spot on the south side of the island. Somewhere to stop for a swim or simply to admire the magical shades of blue.

Getting around: One thing that makes Rottnest so peaceful is the lack of cars, congestion and traffic. Cycling is the best way to get around the island and makes it easy to stop for a quick photo. You can add a rented bicycle to the ferry fare and will receive it once you arrive on Rottnest.

Quokkas: bundles of cute furriness native to Rottnest and reigning champions of Happiest Animal on Earth title.

Salt lakes: beautiful, still water on the salt lakes {located in the interior of Rottnest} reflecting the bright blue sky.

Bathurst Lighthouse: another picturesque spot to go for a dip.

Lake Ballard, WA

noreply@blogger.com (passionfruitandprunes) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 22:00:00 +0000

I always try to secure a window seat whenever I fly as I love nothing more than watching the world below go by and seeing how quickly landscapes can change. The fifty-minute flight from Perth to Kalgoorlie was an eye-opener showing off the vastness of Western Australia. In such a short flight the landscape changes from ocean coast line to infinite stretches of farmland before seamlessly transitioning into the Australian outback. There was one bucket-list item that couldn’t be missed during a weekend getaway to visit friends in Kalgoorlie: Lake Ballard.

I wouldn't bother wearing shoes when visiting Lake Ballard, the chances of them getting lost in thick mud are high and the squelchy feeling of mud mixed with salt crystals between your toes feels surprisingly pleasant (people pay a lot of money for that kind of exfoliating mud treatment!)

Exploring this unique gallery on the bed of a dry salt lake with no other humans in sight, except for our party of four, was a serene experience. That being said, we should have checked the local website beforehand which announces road closures due to rain. It turned out that the road was closed online but open in real time so our unpreparedness/spontaneity (read; foolishness) paid off as we got the entire lake and artscape to ourselves. What stuck with me the most about the intricately crafted sculptures was their relationship to the whole geographical setting. Both the dry lake and the sculptures have a mutual relationship that enriches the experience of visiting Lake Ballard. We were lucky enough to visit the lake after rainfall which gave the landscape a surreal feeling and an appearance of walking on water. The untouched, wet mud left a trail of our footprints as we wandered from one sculpture to the next, when we climbed to the top of snake hill to get a panoramic view I could see the path of footprints we had taken to view the sculptures and it made me feel like we left a little bit of ourselves within the artscape. The whole experience was wonderfully magical.