I ♥ Canberra

Canberra often gets a bad rap for being a “boring” city. I am often questioned by people "... but what do you do there?" I think the problem lies in the fact that even though Canberra is the capital city – it is a small city and you can’t have the same expectations of it that you do of cities more than ten times its size. Sydney has a population of 4.5 million compared to Canberra’s 350,000 and you really can’t expect the same experience when visiting the two. When you come to Canberra you have to come with an open mind and I think if you are able to do this you will really be able to appreciate the culture and hidden gems the city has to offer.
Culture

If you are an art and/or history lover you could easily spend a weekend in Canberra visiting the museums and art galleries. A personal favourite of mine is the portrait gallery. Not only do I find the works engaging but the new building is a delight to spend time in. If you can only fit in one museum I definitely recommend the War Memorial. It has an atmosphere that I can’t quite describe but hours can be spent there soaking in the history.


Other places that might interest you are the National Museum, which I believe has been renovated in the last year – plus you get to see Phar Laps heart. There is also the Australian Mint, Questacon, National Gallery of Australia and plenty more.


It is also worth checking out if there is anything on at the theatre whilst your here. In addition to the Canberra Theatre Centre there is the Street Theatre and a number of other local theatres.


Shopping

If you enjoy shopping at malls Canberra has really stepped things up in recent years. My favourite shopping centre is the Canberra Centre as it has a variety of department stores to high end retailers. The newly refurbished Belconnen Westfield is also worth a look. There is a DFO at Fyshwick which can be a bit hit and miss but if you’re a bargain hunter its worth heading out to.


If you want to shop a little more off the beaten track there is a great number of local boutiques to check out. I would recommend heading to Lonsdale Street in Braddon were there is a great range of more unique stores, I definitely recommend checking out The Burgoseis Pig. Areas such as Manuka and Kingston also have alot more boutique stores and also some great cafes if you feel like a wander. I would also suggest checking out Alice be Curious in New Acton and a vintage clothing store in Lyneham called Alice’s caravan.


You would be hard pressed to come to Canberra and not be able to find a market to visit. My personal favourite is the Gorham House markets on Saturday’s from 10am – 4pm. They are a little quirky and alternative and often have some great second hand finds. Other markets include the handmade markets held every three months, the Old Bus Depot markets held from 10-4pm on Sundays and the Hall markets held on the first Sunday of every month.


The great outdoors

A great thing about Canberra is you really get to experience all four seasons of the year. If you want to escape to a beautiful Autumn landscape then Canberra is perfect. Want to experience a sweltering hot Australian summer day then come here in January. Not only does the weather provide beautifully articulated seasons but there is heaps of ways to get outdoors and experience it.


Lake Burley Griffin is always beautiful to walk around but if you want more of an adventure try out one of the numerous tracks that make up Namadgi National Park. If you want a work out a walk up Mt Ainslie always seems to do the trick. This winter there will also be an outdoor ice rink in the middle of Garema Place, I am the worst skater in the world but I am tempted to try it out.


Food

Canberra really has some delicious food, and I don’t really have enough room to go through all the places I love so I have decided to stick to my favourites. On a budget I definitely recommend the Burmese Curry House in the city, delicious curries for $7 with rice. I also recommend Blue Olive for lunch as they have really delicious sandwiches, my favourite is the Rembrandt – chicken, pesto, capsicum and mushrooms yum! You may also want to grab a hamburger from Brodburger which is currently located by the lake at Bowen Park but is moving to Glassworks later in the year.


For the sweet tooth I would recommend trying out Dobinsons in the city which has delicious tarts, its hard to resist whenever I walk past. Silo in Kingston also has yummy pastries. If you’re in Manuka pick up a Creme Brulee from Zuccheros. There is also Koko Black and Max Brenner locations around the city. If you are a tea lover please go to Adore Tea in Gold Creek it is one of my all time favourite places.


There is no shortage of dinner choices depending on what your in the mood for. If its Italian I would recommend Belucci’s in Dickson (get the mars bar parfait for dessert).I have also heard Italian and Sons in Braddon is superb and have enjoyed some lovely meals at Le Rendezvous in Manuka. If your more in the market for Asian cuisine I would recommend Jimmy’s Kitchen for Chinese, Pho Phu Quoc for Vietnamese and Lemongrass in the city for Thai.


For more fine dining my favourite place to go is Ellacure in Bruce. Delicious food and friendly staff, if you have enough people the banquet option is great. I have also had nice meals at Urban Pantry, La Cantina and Pulp Kitchen. I have also heard really good things about Pod food at Pialligo and Grazing out at Gundaroo.


I hope that this has showed you some of what Canberra as to offer and if you find yourself in the city I definitely encourage you to make the most of your time here. If you are ever visiting and want to know anything feel free to email me.

Top 5 Healthy snacks

I only have two weeks left of seeing my food coach and I thought I would share some of the food I have now made part of my weekly plan. Today I am starting with snacks as this has probably been one of the things I have had to change the most. It is so easy to graze on lollies, or just buy a chocolate bar at the shop so I try and keep one of these snacks in my handbag. At work I am often tempted by the lolly jar so its a good idea to have some healthy choices on hand.

5. Avocado on toast – so easy but so delicious. This is my current go to breakfast. I add a pinch of salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon

4. Be natural trail bars – these are my favourite muesli bars. Full of whole grains and are really filling. I highly recommend the honey flavour, but berry is good as well. I usually have one of these for morning tea with a cup of Lady Grey Tea.

3. Lucky mixed nut boxes – I love nuts and can eat them until a whole bag is gone. These handy little boxes reduce the amount I can eat in one sitting and are also really filling.

2. Berry and banana smoothie – unfortunately with the price of bananas these are currently only berry smoothies. I just throw in a bag of frozen berries, 1 cup of skim milk, a table spoon of honey, 2 table spoons of low fat yoghurt and a few ice cubes and blend.

1. Skinny Cows - this is my naughty snack but a good alternative to full fat ice cream. My favourite are the ice cream cookies, yum! However being a big mint lover I had to try these.

What is your favourite healthy (or not so healthy) snack?

Black & White

Cardigan: Jeans west// Shoes: Kmart// Skirt: Dotti // Stockings: Sussans// Top: Myer// Ring and Bow: Sportsgirl

This is the outfit that I wore on Saturday. I am still loving this cardigan but decided that it needed to paired with something other than jeans. I very rarely wear white, as I usually end up getting it dirty. This Saturday was no different literally an hour after taking these photos Brendan spilt coke all over my skirt. Luckily my sister is a genius in the laundry and got the stain out. I think I will avoid white for a little while until I am ready to brave it again.

On another note I have totally lost my healthy eating mojo. I don't know if it is the cold weather or being stuck in an office 9-5pm but all I do all day is eat and think about what I want to eat next, help!

Big City Life

Sydney has always been one of my favourite places. I can still remember being about 6 and going to Sydney for the first time. I was from a 3000 person country town and the city was just a whole new world to me. I couldn’t believe the buildings, the cars and the people. I fell in love instantly and still get a little flutter of excitement when we start driving into the city.

This trip was extra special getting to celebrate Brendan’s sisters 21st. We went to a delicious restaurant and then out for some drinks and dancing. We then spent the Sunday with my sister and her partner having fun in the delicious Sydney sun a stark contrast to the current Canberra blizzard!

♥ Sister and I ♥

♥ Sunday Gin & Tonic ♥

♥ Brendan and I ♥

♥ Shopping ♥

♥ Happy ♥

♥ Harbour Bridge ♥

Burnt Orange

Dress: Zara // Stockings: Sussans // Jacket: Myer // Bag: Mimco // Head band: Cotton On// Shoes: Big W

Whilst in Sydney this weekend I managed to pop into the new Zara store for a quick peek. I tried to go last time I was in Sydney which was about a month ago but it was just too crazy. The shop was just absolutely packed with people, there was clothes thrown everywhere and the line for the change rooms was really long.

This time it was still really busy but definitely more civilised, I went a little crazy and bought two jumpers, a pair of pants and my most favourite item this burnt orange dress. I wore it to work today and it felt so good to have a little bit of colour amongst the awful wintery weather. I got lots of lovely compliments too which made for a nice day. Sometimes really high cut pieces don’t suit me but I think this one is ok and flatters my waist. I think I would like to wear it every day.

I hope everyone is having a nice start to the week, we have severe weather warnings at the moment for wind and rain eeck!

Roadtrips

Brendan and I travelled up to Sydney on Saturday for his sisters 21st Birthday. It also meant that I got to see my sister because she lives there too.
Anyway the point of this post is to say that I really love going on road trips. Listening to music (even if you can’t agree on a station), eating snack food and just generally being able to have time together to chat and laugh.
We decided to stay the Sunday night too which meant that we had to leave Sydney at 5am to get back for work at 8.30am on Monday. That wasn't so much fun, I slept, Brendan drove, he is a good kid.
Oh and um 300 followers, woot woo, so excited! Thanks to everyone who takes the time to stop by here, I really do appreciate it and feel so blessed to be part of such a wonderful community. I feel a give away coming up soon...

Stocking filler

Stockings: Sussan // Shoes: Big W // Cardigan and Scarf: Gift //Dress: Tokito

 I have literally been through about six pairs of stockings in the last week, each ending up with a run or a hole. It is absolutely infuriating to start the week with more than enough stockings and to end it with none. I decided enough was enough and that I needed to invest in something that wouldn’t get a run after one wear.

I heard good things about stockings from Sussan from here and also a good friend of mine so I went to investigate in my lunch hour. I bought two pairs. One plain black and one grey with a print that I am very in love with right now. There nice and thick which makes me think that they may not rip as easily as cheaper brands and they are pretty warm as well. My only complaint is that I did have to yoink them up a few times during the day. They are kind of expensive the grey pair was $20 (they had a $5 off sale so they came down to $15) but I think it will be worth it if they last the distance. Do you have any stocking recommendations I am willing to try anything?

I hope everyone has a marvellous weekend; four day working weeks are divine, I am very happy to be at the weekend again.

A happy heart

Necklace: Betsey Johnson // Blazer: Dotti // Skirt: Portmans // Top: Myer // Shoes: Big W

I really feel like I am kicking butt this week. Far too often we concentrate on the things we aren't doing right and give ourselves a really hard time over little things that are often beyond our control. Lately I have decided to try and concentrate more on the things that are going right, the things that make me happy.

This week I am happy about a number of things....

♥ Blogging more regularly, having more fun with my blog and meeting new people

♥ Exercising like an Olympic athlete (slight exaggeration) but I am going to the gym regularly and am on day five of the 30 day shred and it feels good

♥ Paying off my credit card, woot to no more debt

♥ Making a concious effort to cut down time in front of the TV

♥ Learning that its ok to say 'no' to things and not feel guilty, very liberating

♥ Paying $10 for a punnet of strawberries because they looked to good to resist

What are you feeling good about this week?

Pining for adventure

I realised today that it has nearly been two years since my trip to Europe. This means it has been two years since I have been travelling overseas which makes me sad as I think I honestly feel happiest when I am travelling and exploring, being on an adventure. Two years ago my friend Zoe and I managed to visit 13 countries in 40 days getting to taste test lots of different places. I can't wait to go back and visit places in more detail. Looking through photos tonight has got me all reminiscent of what a good time we had and itching to go again. Completely off topic, it also makes me wonder if I should go blonde again? Here is a small sample of some of my favourite photos from the trip. 

Locations from top to bottom: London, Paris, Bus in Berlin, Switzerland, Rome, Venice, Orvieto, Monaco and Florence.

To market

Yesterday I headed to the Canberra Handmade markets. It was such a fun way to start the long weekend and there was so much good stuff. I was pretty reserved though and just bought a really gorgeous 'M' brooch and a new shower cap that has pretty owls on it. I also ate my first macaroon! The consistency was not what I expected at all but it was really yummy and I am looking forward to trying other flavours. I then went and helped my friend buy a new bed. After testing out so many beds coming home to my ten plus year old mattress was pretty depressing.

Shoes: Kmart // Blazer: Dotti // Dress: Dangerfield // Ring: Diva// Headband: Gracie Bella Butterfly: Brooch // handmade markets

Saturday night I got to hang out with three of my high school friends who were down from Sydney for the weekend. We ate good food, drank nice wine, and laughed about all the things we have got up to over the years. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful group of girlfriends who I have had in my life for ages and think I will for a long time, so many good memories.

I love that we don't have to go to work tomorrow, long weekends are quite possibly the best invention ever, so happy birthday to the Queen and thank you for the day off!

Back to work

Blazer: Valleygirl // Shirt: Target// Skirt: Myer // Neclace and Ring: Diva // Shoes: Big W// Bag: Nina Anthony // Watch: Sharp

This outfit actually reminds me of my old school uniform. We had to wear dark blue kilts with a light blue shirt and a maroon jumper and dark blue tie. It sounds pretty horrendous right? I think it is only the blue skirt that brings back the memory.
Winter is truly here in Canberra with a max temp today of 9 degrees eeck! As soon as I took these photos I was covering up in a big coat, scarf and gloves. 
I was back at work today and am starting to feel much better. I just hope that my sickness for Winter is over and done with now. Tonight I am going out for dinner and then to the theatre to see In the Next Room, which I think will be really interesting. I love going to the theatre but don’t get there often enough.

"Sick" photos

Still sick unfortunately. I ventured out to get essential supplies this morning, as seen above, and they seem to be slowly working. I have to say the one good thing about Brendan and I being sick is getting to spend lots of time together being lazy and watching lots of movies and TV. I am trying to drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit so  I can try and join the world of the living again tomorrow. There was a great article on Smaggle today about feeling better when your sick during Winter, definitely worth a read.

The lovely Bianca from Goodnight Little Spoon tagged me to share my top 5 must haves (at the moment). This seemed like a fun little tag and perfectly timed. Play along if you like, in the comments or on your blog.

In my kitchen....

+ Feta 

+ Tomatoes

+ Earl grey tea

+ Balsamic vinegar

+ Peanut butter

In my closet...

+ Blazers

+ Oversized wool jumpers

+ Thick gloves

+ Coloured tights

+ Turquoise jewellery

In my bag...

+ Tissues

+ Lots of lipgloss

+ Stamps

+ Dettol hand wash

+ Sultanas

On my tv...

+ The United States of Tara (so good, addicted!)

+ Real housewives

+ Sons of anarchy

+ Game of thrones

+ True Blood

In my google reader...

+ Superficial Girls

+ Here comes the sun

+ Memoirs of a thing called life

+ JE SUIS; Jehanne

+ Biocoastally

Application addiction

This post is bought to you by my head cold and inability to take any photos. Brendan and I are both sick which sucks as there is no one to look after us, we just keep looking at each other and feeling sorry for ourselves. I just spent the last 18 hours sleeping and am starting to feel a little better.
I have really only just started using applications on my phone, I know I am a little bit behind, but these are the ones I am digging at the moment (does anyone say digging? It must be my current state of delirium).

Image Source

Instagram  - I love photos, and how simple this application makes it to share them. I am still getting use to remembering to post photos on here but I love checking other peoples photos in the mornings. I think it can give you inspiration for what you want to do with your day as well.


My fitness pal - this is a great little tool that calculates how may calories you should be eating a day based on your weight, height, how much you exercise and how much you want to lose. It then has a really extensive diary that allows you to keep track of what you eat. Its really easy to use and best of all free.


Cut expenses lite (aka reminder of how broke I am) - if you are trying to budget or work out where all your money has gone by the end of the week this is the perfect little application. Its a great way to figure out where your wasting money or where you can make cuts by recording every thing you spend over a period of time.


Flixster - Brendan and I can never agree on a movie when we get to the video store. We can literally stand and look at the movies for 20 minutes with out making a decision. This is a great tool to have to look up movies to see if we will like them or find out what is good.


Pocketbooth and Shakeitphoto - I always try and have my camera with me to take photos but you cant deny the convenience of taking photos on your i-phone especially when there are so many fun apps. These are my current favourites that I have recently downloaded but I also love good old Intstagram as well.


Do you have applications that you love? I am definitely up for finding some new ones to try out. For now though I think I am going to curl up and watch some Real Housewives, illness is an excuse to watch bad tv right?