FLOWER POWER

The F word. Floral. I bought this MINKPINK top last year. I adore the neckline and pretty pink print. Pair with leather shorts, ankle boots and you're ready to go.

H IS FOR HALE

I wanted to share a few photos from the December/ January '13 issue of NYLON. I had to buy a copy after seeing Lucy Hale as covergirl. I am a huge fan of Pretty Little Liars. I was late to jump on the bandwagon but after watching the first two seasons within a few weeks I was hooked. It is a perfect mix of twisting storylines, drama, mystery and wit. I love the styling of this shoot, especially the cover. The messy braid, cuffed denim shorts and blazer are relaxed and effortless. And I adore the House of Holland sweater.

CITY BY THE BAY

Pier 39 - View of Alcatraz - Oakland Bay Bridge from The Embarcadero - Coit Tower on Russian Hill - Golden Gate Bridge

After our Portland experience we jetted to San Francisco. We spent our time shopping around Union Square and exploring along The Embarcadero including Pier 39. Unfortunately tickets to Alcatraz were sold out during our visit but we were able to take photos from the pier. On our last morning, after we picked up our hire car, we drove to the Golden Gate Bridge. It was 12C, I was wearing shorts and fog covered most of the bridge. I was determined to see it though and I am so glad we got there, even though it was a quick visit. My favourite memory of SF, and maybe the whole trip, was having dinner at the Cheesecake Factory above Macy's overlooking Union Square. The thick fog weaving in between the skyscrapers made the view so magical. Unfortunately I didn't take a photo on our SLR but I will include an Instagram version in an upcoming post. We also ate almond milk pancakes at Little Griddle on Market Street. They were so incredible and I have since been on a mission to find a cafe that makes them at home. There was something special about San Fran. I loved the sea air, the fog in the early mornings and late afternoons, the hills and trams. Another city I could easily see myself moving to.

PARISIAN CHARM

Aroma's Noosa

On Saturday I took my mum and her friend to one of my favourite cafes along Hastings Street in Noosa. Aroma's has become a popular spot with its Parisian-style wicker chairs and mini marble top tables. It's also a great place to relax, enjoy an almond croissant and watch the passing parade. A tiny part of Paris right on Noosa's doorstep.

It has been a month since I began Raincheck for Timbuktu and I would like to thank all of you for your words of support and encouragement. A huge thank you also to my good friend, Aleena, for my lovely banner. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram.

SUNDAY LOVE

Surfers Paradise skyline from Coolangatta - Coffee thickshakes - Black Coffee Lyrics flat white - Big breakfast

I took these photos during our Gold Coast adventures last weekend. In between a drive to Coolangatta and incredible thickshakes, we ventured to Black Coffee Lyrics for Sunday breakfast. The cafe is in the heart of Surfers Paradise down a slightly sketchy alleyway. Don't let the location fool you though, once inside it's hard to believe you're still in Surfers. Eclectic and modern art lined the brick walls and long wooden tables filled the establishment. During the morning breakfast rush, the cafe was buzzing with energy. My camera died before I could take a photo but my brekky, the bircher muesli, was amazing and came served in a jar. If you go make sure to order the bircher and a flat white. Sunday morning perfection.

PORTLANDIA

Washington Park - International Rose Test Garden - Gardens - Apricot Rose  

PDX, P-Town, Stumptown, City of Roses. Next stop on our US trip was Portland, Oregon. Ace Hotel in the historical Pearl District was our residence for three days. Ace was a mix of modern and eclectic style, reasonable price too considering the area. There was an old school photobooth in the lobby and Stumptown Coffee Roasters next door. Needless to say, I was in love. Pearl was abundant with refurbished boutiques, cafes and art galleries. Powell’s City of Books, America’s largest independent bookstore, became my haven. We spent most of our time there and for lunch we’d head to Saint Cupcake for a salted caramel special. I discovered salted caramel in Seattle and became addicted. Voodoo Doughnut in Old Town was also a kooky place for a sweet treat and close to Portland’s trademark White Stag sign. We ventured to Washington Park’s International Rose Test Garden on our last day. The flowers were stunning and smelt incredible. From the gardens we also had a view of Mount Hood. Even in summer the peak was covered in snow. Universal was filming NBC’s Grimm during our visit too which added to my excitement. Portland certainly had its quirks but was filled with a unique vibe. It was an entertaining city and a must-do in the Pacific Northwest. 

EMERALD CITY

Pike Place Market - View of Bainbridge Island - Market Theatre gum wall - Local street art

Seattle was a city loaded with mystery and charm. The cooler foggy weather gave me the chance to drink more coffee too which, let’s face it, is never a bad idea and as the birthplace of Starbucks I was not complaining. We stayed in Belltown which was an edgy, arty part of town. It was an easy walk downtown to Pike Place Market which, on a Sunday, was sensory overload. The market was the centre of the city, full of smells, noise and people. Due to the cloudy weather, a few locals said not to worry about the Space Needle. Instead we walked around, snapped a few photos then headed to the EMP Museum which pays homage to Seattle’s local music acts, including Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. As for cafes, Victrola Coffee Roasters in Capitol Hill made a great latte and Local 360 in Belltown served incredible vegan buttermilk pancakes. We also stopped by Ltd Art Gallery which displays a selection of modern, pop and surrealist work. Seattle was a city alive with diversity. It was embracing and proudly unique. A city I would happily visit again.