Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sydney International Food Festival 2010

October is food month in Sydney and it's also my birthday month - which makes it my favourite month of the year! In the last week I've been enjoying plenty of great food and drinks with my family and friends to enjoy Sydney's yummy range of restaurants and cafes and to make the most of food festival events which were drawing to a close.

As you can see, the food was amazing but needless to say, it's the company that made it all the more memorable! My personal favourite for the week was the 3 course brunch at Hyde Park Barracks Cafe this morning - the final day of the food festival - we definitely saved the best for last!

Here's a run down of my scrumptious week of plumping:

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Bavarian Bier Cafe
Bavarian Tasting Platter
A great selection of meats and condiments - love the variety. Don't forget the Beer and Schnapps!

Guylian Cafe
100% Pure Pleasure 
Belgian Chocholate Mouse with Almond Panna Cotta and Guylian Shiny Icing
I didn't order this but it looked so pretty and apparently it's heaven for a chocolate lover!

Wagaya
Salmon and Scallop Box Sushi
Ordered via a touch screen menu and one of my favourite sushis ever!

Sugar Hit - Bel Mondo
Poached Pear, Medjool Date, Hazelnut Praline Ice Cream, Spiced French Toast and Butterscotch Sauce
Inside Scoop: Bel Mondo will be continuing Sugar Hit in November with a Chocolate Fondant Special! The atmosphere, decor, views, vibe and of course, desserts are amazing so don't miss out!

Pyrmont Bridge

Little Rock Cafe
Bacon and Eggs with Hash Brown, Grilled Tomato and Toast
Birthday breakfast at my favourite local cafe!

Let's Do Lunch - Glass Brasserie
Roasted Pork Belly with Swede Puree, Roasted Apple, Fine Herbs
Good food and wine, fancy venue and first class service!

Grill'd
The Almighty 
Grilled 100% Lean Beef, Cheese, Bacon, Egg, Beetroot, Salad, Relish & Herbed Mayo
A true blue Aussie burger - and healthy too!

Let's Do Brunch - Hyde Park Barracks Cafe
Course 1 - Homemade Granola, Vanilla Yoghurt, and Poached Fruit
The granola was really good but the yoghurt was a little sour.

Let's Do Brunch - Hyde Park Barracks Cafe
Course 2 - Eggs 3 Ways - Egg, Chorizo and Roast Tomato Tart; Feta, Spinach and Mushroom Omelette, Ciabatta; Ham and Eggs Benedict, on English Muffin 
Gourmet eggs at it's best! They all complemented each other very well.

Let's Do Brunch - Hyde Park Barracks Cafe
Course 3 - Raspberry waffles, white chocolate sauce, vanilla gelato and berries
Not too much and not too sweet. A perfect end to our brunch!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

OPI Spring/Summer 2010

The weather has been temperamental recently but when it manages to peep through, there's nothing like the feeling of Spring sunshine, blue sky and blooming flowers! I love changing my nail polish palette from dark and sombre blacks and navies to bright and vibrant blues and greens when the weather starts to warm up - especially on my toes which contrast perfectly with my favourite pair of brown Havaianas!

My brand of choice has always been OPI and I love reading their seasonal colour tips:
          
This coming Spring everything is short and green!
Nail shape for 2010 is squoval, not square and not oval – squoval.
Shrek Forever After

The 2010 “Colour of the Year” is a beautiful tropical turquoise.
The turquoise of spring and summer is complemented by violet, to add a sense of romance.
Swiss Collection

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Boy Meets Girl

Looking for cute anniversary ideas? I found a great site while I was online shopping from my dorm in America and have yet to find something similar here. Boldloft features various cartoon series in different items such as matching pillowcases or mugs. Here are some of my favourites...

Say I Love You - Mugs - $US27.00
Everyone needs a little reminder during the day of their lover, and these "his and hers" mugs will remind you both of what's on the other end of that line! Whether you are together or a distance apart, they are perfect for reminding you both to say I love you each and every night and each and every day.

From My Heart To Yours - Pillowcases - $US36.00
Show your loved one your sweet and endearing side! "From my heart to yours , I want you to know that my love follows you wherever you go."

Monday, October 25, 2010

Chocolate Cafes

Everyone loves a good sugar hit at their favourite chocolate cafe once in awhile. I'm not a chocoholic myself but I love indulging in a quality hot chocolate or a delicious plate of waffles with strawberries and icecream every now and again.

Here's a list of some well known chocolate cafes in Sydney that will hopefully help you hit the spot for your next chocolate craving...

Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe
The Rocks, Circular Quay
Try the Guylian Affogato (Espresso, Guylian Liqueur Shot, & Vanilla Icecream)

Lindt Chocolat Cafe
Martin Place, Cockle Bay Wharf, George St, Miranda
Try a selection of their Delice Collection (I love Strawberry and Pistachio)

Max Brenner
Blacktown, Bondi, Castle Hill, Manly, Newtown, Paddington, Parramatta, St Ives, Sydney
Try the Tutti Frutti Waffle (Waffles, Chocolate, Vanilla Icecream, Strawberries and Banana)

San Churro Chocolateria
Bondi, Chatswood, Glebe, Macarthur, Miranda, Parramatta
Try the Churros with Melted Chocolate Dip

the chocolate room
Parramatta, Wetherill Park, Sydney CBD
Try the fondue (chocolate, strawberries, banana, marshmallow, sponge fingers and wafers)

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Double Take

When I watch movies, I always notice the tiniest details in the set director's choice of room furnishings and decor as a medium for expressing the character's life and personality. Many of it goes unnoticed but as a whole, most scenes are complemented by the furniture and the colour scheme and the quirky little trinkets that purposefully reflect the director's vision of the character's world.

One of my favourite movie sets is Holly and Gerry's New York City apartment in PS. I Love You. In looking up ideas from this scene, I found my new favourite movie design blog, Bandelle, that has a series called Double Take which shows you how to recreate looks from your favourite movie interiors! They have other categories too - check out Fashionable Films.

Double Take: PS. I love you
Ideas on how to recreate Holly and Gerry's apartment

Saturday, October 23, 2010

The Heart Truth

Heart health is something that has recently become a very important issue to me and my family. I have found these sites very helpful in providing answers and guidance to a healthier heart and a longer life. More often than not, it can affect us or the ones we love without warning and therefore it is important to be aware and active in maintaining a healthy balanced life.

The Heart Truth Campaign: A Campaign for Women About Heart Disease
Fashion Week 2010 Red Dress Collection Fashion Show

The Heart Foundation
Australia's Leading Voice on Heart Health

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Bonjour Mes Amours!

I finally got around to designing my blog. A place where I can build a collection of all the beautiful things that I find online and don't want to lose or forget. 

My bookmarks were getting out of hand so what better way to spring clean than to start fresh and build a virtual scrapbook to share with you all. 

I hope you enjoy and find some inspiration amongst all the wonderful ideas to come...