my life: a week gone by

This past week has been an eventful one and not only because of this. In an effort to shake my annual winter slump (it's unavoidable, I just really don't like the cold) I booked in to get my hair done at my new favourite place Mana Hair. I have been there a few times now and each appointment is more fun than the last. It has the best rep on the beaches and the girls there are lovely. 

And hey, if it's good enough for Heidi Middleton (and her current rhubarb-coloured hair), then it's good enough for me. In fact, she popped in for a touch-up while I was there and I couldn't help but stare - she is without a doubt one of the most effortlessly stylish people I've seen. I left in a much better state of mind with a shorter and lighter look - which I love! Change really is as good as a holiday (but that doesn't mean I don't still need a holiday if you're reading this Rob).

my food: Friday night involved unwinding with a few of the girls over Mexican. At Missy Foxall in fact. The food there never fails to impress, but then again I guess I get pretty excited just being out at night these days. I had the chicken tacos and let's just say that approximately 5 minutes after this picture was taken, that plate was telling a very different story.

my family: At least one of our weekend mornings is typically spent at the dog beach. Sandy Bay beach next to Clontarf Reserve is absolutely beautiful.

Even in Winter it's lovely - Scout has a swim and and the boys get to bond over a warm drink.

Cuteness overload

And I just stand around taking pictures.

my life: the weekend edition

You know how we all have that one month in which every occasion seems to fall? May is that for me, so this weekend was a busy one. Rob and I celebrated our seven-year anniversary on Saturday, plus it was my mum's birthday on Sunday. Happy days!

my fashion: I was feeling a little bit fancy (and absolutely freezing as well, might I add) so it was time to pull out the (faux) fur.

I just love this one, which I picked up at the Avalon market day a couple of years back. Also loving these boots which were an absolute steal from Target, but are already dirty from one-too-many days spent at the local park.

my food: We went to St Malo Bakery for breakfast on Saturday. The food there is soooo good, and I just love looking through the sweets cabinet. You can see the chefs baking out the back and the breads are all organic - bonus!

Rob had the Breakfast of Kings as usual (basically breakfast with the lot) and I treated myself to the Brioche french toast. Seriously, if you live in Sydney, this place is worth visiting!

my family: In between all the celebrations there wasn't time for much else although I did manage to squeeze in a walk from Manly to Shelley Beach - beautiful!

We also moved some furniture around the house to accommodate our new couch. Scout is now mourning the days that she was allowed to sit up there with us. To be fair, she is now allowed to sleep on the rug! Ahhhh kids...

Now all I need is another weekend to unwind from this one.

my life: the mini-break edition

So we're up in the Gold Coast for the week visiting Rob's parents. I love it because, besides being lovely to catch up with the fam, it also means a week of no washing or cleaning - it's a nice break, and the weather is (slightly) warmer. But it seems that no matter where we are, the mornings are still freeeeezing! Around the corner from their house is the beautiful Gold Coast Scented Gardens, the perfect place for Noah to play his (current) favourite game of hide and seek.

He was wearing his adorable Adidas hi-tops. Bonds leggings and a hooded bear jacket from Next in the UK (which delivers free to Australia within five days!). I find their clothes are better quality and cheaper than what you get in chain stores here. Definitely worth a look!

I, on the other hand, seemed to pack rather haphazardly and as a result, forgot most of my favourite clothes. I did, however, use this as an excuse to go shopping and pick up this Bonds striped jumper which I'm sure will now be in high-rotation in my wardrobe, if only because of the fact that fleece and stripes could possibly be a perfect combination.

Today we went to see Benny the foal at Rob's sister's place. He is adorable. Me want one.

One thing I am missing about being at home is the cooking. Being away for only a few days had made me realise just how much food I make on a daily basis, and I miss being in my kitchen with a pantry full of goodness, able to cook whatever we feel like on a whim, and knowing that is will be nutritious. And my blender, oh how I miss my blender! I've noticed a huge drop in my energy levels on the days that I haven't had a smoothie or juice, so I'm really looking forward to getting back into that routine. It just goes to show that even on holidays you can't have it all, can you?! Lucky for us, that is the only downside to this mini-break. Now all that's left to do is figure out how to fit a foal into my suitcase.

my life: the weekend breakfast edition

One thing we love to do on a weekend is go out for breakfast. It is the best meal of the day after all, and I love being inspired to try new recipes at home after a great meal at a cafe. One of our favourite places to go at the moment is Armchair Collective.

A cafe with an inbuilt homewares shop is my kinda cafe. The fact that the food is rather delightful as well earns major bonus points. I'm a big fan of the Sonoma fruit toast or the granola, and Rob likes to get the spicy scrambled eggs. My order always includes a Chai latte made with tea leaves, which has way more kick than your standard sugary-syrup variety.

My sister and I have given it the nickname of Chai-POW since it tends to be on the strong side - but that's how I like it! I managed to recreate the POW taste at home with Healing Concepts Mother Earth Chai which I got from my friends online shop.

I make it using either home-made almond milk or rice milk. Before you try it I feel like I should warn you: it's addictive!

Rob and Noah on the way to breakfast.