Fridays' Interiors

Going for a mini vacation to the Whitsundays with the girls next week, and I'm in a holiday mood already! Saw these photos of an old Queenslander in Byron Bay, and the house- epitomises how I feel right now. More than "country style", I feel that old Queenslanders exudes a certain... Charm, of the Aussie spirit. I love how the space is made up to look a little undone, or more of an organised mess. I don't know- I guess my heart's already in Whitsundays. Although I'm staying in a backpackers, this is exactly how I imagined a vacation to the Whitsundays should be(; x

 photo credits: desire to inspire

Fridays' Interiors

Was taking a break from my report and doing some research on Sydney, when I chanced upon this Sydney inner city home. When I saw the first picture of the living room, I couldn't believe how much beauty could fit into a single space. At first glance, it looks like museum, or a show room, with all the pretty paintings, ornament, and accents... But, I love how warm and cosy it looks at the same time. There's so much beauty in this house that flows effortlessly from one room, to the other. My favourite space has got to be the kitchen. All that wood, granite, steel coming together, and it's amazing how you could have a "centrepiece" in a kitchen, of all places! 

 photo credits: desire to inspire

Hello Winter

Wearing: Trench Coat (Uniqlo), Shirt (Zara), Jeans (Miss Selfrige), Necklace (Lovisa), Bag (Mango), Boots (Zu)

It was officially the first day of winter last Saturday, and nothing could get gloomier than the cold, made colder by the rain. Of course, the pavement scattered with fallen yellow leaves was a sight for sore eyes; the photos really don't do it justice- but I love how the mustard yellow Mango bag (borrowed from my flatmate) go so well with this little bit of prettiness.  

Thankyou Water.

A week ago, I went to a talk by Daniel Flynn, founder of Thankyou Water- An Australian social enterprise which helps to provide safe water for people in developing countries such as Cambodia and Uganda. At 19 years old, when most of us are more interested in getting through school, or generally, partying and having a good time, Daniel had the idea of turning Australia's $600 million bottled water industry, to help/be part of a solution for the 900 million people in developing countries, who do not have access to safe water.  Come to think of it, it is pretty stupid, to pay $2 or $3 for a bottled water, when most of us could easily get clean, potable water from the tap. So, why not come up with a brand of bottled water, which you could buy, and help people have access to safe water at the same time. Thankyou Water is the brain child of Daniel and his friends, and they are committed to providing  water, for 900 million people in developing countries who do not have access to safe water. Do take a minute and watch the video, and visit Thankyou Water's website- It is truly an amazing story, and a really good cause. x

Of all things frangipani.

One of the things I love about being a tourism student, is the opportunities to go on site visits to the different areas in the tourism industry, and get a chance see and learn more, from the industry players. Got a chance to go to the lovely Emporium Hotel with the school; and it's just such a wonderful experience that I have to share; Hope you'd enjoy, x

1) Emporium Hotel Brisbane, Brisbane's first luxury, award winning boutique hotel, located at 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

2) There is a recurring theme, and use of frangipani throughout the hotel. Subtle hints of the flower were used from the frangipani leaf shaped structure at the front desk, to frangipani laser cut window panes, to the custom made carpets! When asked, the reason for the use of the flower is due to the fact that there were many frangipani trees on the property, which serves as an inspiration to owners Anthony and Francine John

3) A lovely view, of the Emporium Precinct.

4) The Emporium Suite, we were told that Mrs. Francine John had played a huge part in the interior design of the hotel. Every where from the main areas, to the rooms;  it is a must to get a nod of approval from her, before any design/decor is changed.

5) The gorgeous ensuite; definitely in love with the use of mirror and marble.

6) Molton Brown facial/bath products; only the best for their guests!

7) The jacuzzi/bath; adjacent to the balcony;

8) View from the hotel

9) Finding a little slice of Paris, here in Brisbane- A quaint little French patisserie; beside the  hotel. I was told that the pastries here, were fantastic! The scones and brownies served for tea were definitely marvellous. 

138 Boundary Street

Jamjar 
138 Boundary Street
West End
+61 7 3844 3395

The Jamjar is a place that you'd go once, fall heads over heels in love with that place, and keep going back. The first time I went to the Jamjar was about a month ago, and I was promised of a great breakfast (and experience). Boy, was that right- The first thing that hit you, when you walk to the back of the cafe was the Walls. The walls were so colourful, and every inch of wall space was sprayed with graffiti.  A quick look around the Jamjar and you can see that the backyard/shed was so quirkily done up, it seems like random furniture were bought and put together. It certainly doesn't seem like your average breakfast place, but the Jamiar, isn't by any means, average. Good looking food, sells, and the Jamjar knows that- Each time the waiter brought plates of food into the shed, people would be looking at the different dishes and you could see that everyone was enthralled. This is what eating out, what good food, is about. Looks good at first glance, creates a conversation topic, and when it is tasted, creates a flurry of excitement around the table. 

Looking at my cup of coffee; you know that your day would be instantly better, and the Jam Jar has one of the best coffees around; This time round, I had the-

jamjar potted free range duck (think spreadable), apple & rhubarb chutney, orange & cherry jelly, cornichons, toasted ciabatta, micro herb salad

I just had, to copy and paste that description to this post. Doesn't it just sound amazing? (Go on to the Jam Jar's website on an empty stomach, do try, I dare you;p) To be honest, it wasn't like anything that I've imagined; but this was even better. It was after lunch, and this was so delicious, so savoury, I just wished I had more sourdough to go with.

I was brought to the Jamjar by a friend (thanks Jen!), and this time round, bringing Junki & Mayu to the Jamjar was just so, satisfying, for a lack of better word. To see their faces when they stepped into the backyard, and to see their faces and they saw their food, was one of those, warm feeling in the pit of your stomach moments. You, there, reading this post; and if you're in Brisbane, you definitely, have to bring a friend or friends, to this place.

Definitely one of the must dos, while you're at West End.

500 Boundary Street

Bishamon Japanese Restaurant 
500 Boundary Street
Spring Hill
+ 61 7 3832 3888

1) An assorted mix of sashimi; although Bishamon is less of a sashimi/sushi restaurant, the sashimi were really fresh, and the octopus sashimi was definitely one of the best (springiest) that I've had in a long time. 

2) Wagyu Beef Tataki; although it was thinly sliced, you can still taste the aroma and flavour of the beef. Thanks to my dear Japanese friend, Junki, I've learned that eating the tataki with the pickled onions and vegs on the side, makes it so, so, much better. 

3) Salmon Teppanyaki w/ braised eggplant; this is a dish (sans the teppanyaki part) that my mom often makes for dinner back home, and it definitely made me miss home (and her). The salmon was so succulent, and the flavour of the fish, eggplant and light gravy works perfectly together. 

4) Scallops Teppanyaki- As you can tell, the scallops were really succulent; but it's a shame that the buttery sauce that the chef had cooked it with, had ruined the freshness of the scallops. Personally, I'm a fan of scallop sashimi/tataki; so it was a bit of a disappointment. 

5) Kim, and Junki; It's thanks to him that we've tried Bishamon. As the saying goes... Go where ever the locals go to(; 

6) The Happy Singaporeans, x

7) Was a little surprised when I saw Deep Fried Chicken Wings at the top of the Specials menu; but, throughout the evening, I've seen so many people ordering that dish, and it looks just amaaazing. (Well, it is, deep fried, greasy, yummy, chicken wings;p

8) I've always held a deep fascination for brick walls; and the interiors of Bishamon definitely reminded me of those in Melbourne. It may not be an authentic, Japanese restaurant, but the food, definitely is. 

9) Many of you can probably relate to this; but when you go into Chinese/Thai/Indian/Japanese restaurants overseas; you may not always get food, that are, what you normally get back home. Singapore Noodles, anyone? (Never understood that dish; what is that anyway? We never have Singapore Noodles in Singapore-ever. But I digress...) So, when you are in a particular restaurant; and 90% of the customers are of that particular ethnicity, you know that you've got a winner. A quick check on google showed many customer reviews singing praises of Bishamon; and even our particularly picky Japanese friend gave his nod of approval for this restaurant. Hence, even if it is a particularly long, uphill walk from the city to Spring Hill, I know, that we'd be back again. Or, at the very least, I know that my good food obsessed flatmate, Kim, would drag me there. x

1b Oxford Street

The Jetty Oxford
1b Oxford Street Bulimba
+ 61 7 3899 6113

1) Best to make a reservation before you go. According to my friend, Jen, it's incredibly busy during breakfast hours

2) The breakfast menu is quintessentially Aussie; think quirky names, and quirkier ingredients coming together, making a gorgeous breakfast for you to kick start your day. Think sourdoughs, sausages, egg benedicts, poached eggs, and lots of veggie. 

3) It's hard to find awful coffee here; I love my skinny flat white; and the aroma of mine is enough to make any coffee addicts quake in their boots. (Either that or, I'm having a serious caffeine withdrawal as I'm writing this.)

4) Don't be fooled by the gorgeous Instagram effects; definitely a lovely Sunday morning- a clear, pretty blue sky, with a gorgeous view of the jetty. 

5) The lovely people I have brekkie with; what early risers we are; (waking up at 7 for this.)

6) Due to a series of unfortunate event(s), Kim had her breakfast doggie-bagged; (there were eggshells in her scrambled eggs, and the staff were really professional about it- Not charging Kim for her portion, which is a plus. As my Service Management lecturer will say, "Good service recovery there!) 

7) My lovely Salmon Cake w/ poached eggs, bacon, tomato, sweetcorn, cheese and watercress. The salmon croquette was really perfect; and the sides were a great accompaniment to it. 

8) Love this cutie and especially his brown, spotted, freckly snout. 

9) Located at the Bulimba Jetty; (the inspiration of the restaurant's name I suppose;) One thing I love about Brisbane is the history of the place. It may not be as old, or as fancy as the other European cities; buildings/structures like this is really what you see scattered across Brisbane. There's definitely a certain sense of nostalgia about this. 

Another sun soaked season, fade away.

For the past week in Brisbane, there have been rain and thunderstorms; on somedays, it's really sunny one minute, and the next, the sky is grey. With that, summer is coming to an end, and it's finally time to bring out our knit wear and boots to welcome fall. As we were getting ready to leave the house in the morning, it was when I realized that my darling flatmate and I had actually donned the brightest, most summery skirts in our closet- Couldn't resist the photo op that presented itself; and I'm so glad that the photos turned out fabulously in the lovely, summer/fall evening. Hope that everyone's had just a lovely Sunday as the one I had, xx

Toga Party 2012

The new semester kicked off a bang, with a huge, 3 500 strong attendance to the largest Toga Party in the world (yes, we actually got into the Guinness World Record this time round...) It was raining heavily all day and night- and we were drenched even before we got to the party. Still, being a college student in my last semester at uni- I don't see why not. The sheer number of people at the venue, dancing, going crazy was just, spectacular- definitely one of the best uni experience, ever <3 

Melbourne Street Style

Jess & Bridget, Degraves Street

Lily, Manchester Press

Manda, Bourke Street

Jack, Opposite Flinders Street Station

Danielle, Degraves Street

Sophie, Flinders Lane

When it comes to Australia Street Style, most people would think of Sydney, as a place to see and be seen, as it is to the fashion scene in Australia, pretty much like what New York City is to the US, and London is to the UK; well, you get my picture. However, being the second largest city in Australia, Melbourne has a lot to offer too. Collectively, Melbournians are a well dressed lot, and though they emulate a casual cool vibe as a whole, their individuality definitely shines through. You can see individuals putting a unique stamp on their outfit; either from their hair, to their make up, accessories, clothes or shoes. And definitely, their tattoos. I have to mention the tattoos. Melbourne is a great place to take street style photography as you get inspired all the time, and it helps a lot that the people are friendly and open with getting their pictures taken. With the gorgeous scenery, great cafes, shopping, and then this, it's definitely a must, to go back to the city! xx

Of good cafes, and good company.

Long, long, long awaited Melbourne post; it is definitely a city which I would love to go back to.

1. First meal in Melbourne, we had really good, beef Pho at Chinatown
2. One of the best, Soy Chai I've had, so much so that my friend, Kim, is now a convert. If you're in Melbourne, do head down to The Journal @ 253 Flinders Lane 
3. The start of a 5/6 hours drive to the Great Ocean Road, to see the 12, now 11, Apostles
4. The gorgeous view of the cotton clouds and the horizon, where the sky meets the ocean is something which I'd never forget;
5. A little rest stop at the Devil's Elbow; definitely cool to be able to chat with a burly Harley rider.
6. I think everyone in the car heaved a sigh of a relieve when we finally, saw the Apostles. Still, the view, is definitely worth it. (But would I do the road trip again? Probably not.)
7. What's better than a red velvet/salted caramel/carrot cake cupcakes? MINI-sized ones, apparently!
8. Inspirational quotes stuck on bright yellow potted plants, sitting side, by side, outside the cafe? This is a preview of what is to come inside the cafe. If you happen to be in the area, Manchester Press is definitely a great place to pop by and have a chat with your friends. Quirky interiors with an equally charming set of staff, what's to hate about this place? You can find them at: 8 Rankins Lane
9. But the walls along Hosier Lane are sprayed with graffiti and street art; Some of them are just artists' signatures, some have got political meanings; and some (which are my favourites), have got a deeper meaning to them.
Sprayed beneath a piece of work; it says,

Even though I appear ugly and misunderstood, I'm treasurable to those that allow me to hang around 

And my favourite,

When we get old, we'd know everything too

10. Our last day in Melbourne should end off with a hearty breakfast, of course, no less. Headed to one of my favourite haunts in the city, Degraves Street, to have a good meal of Smoked Salmon w/ Poached Eggs on Toast. The alley is lined with cafes serving good food and coffee, and as you can imagine, it is a fantastic place to people watch. 

As you can imagine, Melbourne is a great place to take street style photography, and I have some, lined up for the next post! Won't be long, I promise! xx