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I love a cafe that offers more than just a a cup to drink out of and a chair to sit on, and at this location the novelty is a window that let you peep through and observe the roastery - not that you will doubt this coffee is fresh. If coffee is not your thing, a selection of teas is also available, including Toby's estate signature blends and no matter what the time of day or how much I have previously eaten, I cannot resist ordering from the menu (if you're a breakfast fiend like me you'll love the muesli with fruit compote). Whether you're a student needing a break to boost your productivity or someone just wanting a new place to try, I recommend this as one of my favourites. Toby's Estate Roastery, Cafe and Tea Emporium Hours: Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Famished Girl , Relaxin' Girl
Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens provide an easy day trip from Sydney. They're close enough that a visit doesn't require a great deal of planning, yet far enough removed from city life to make you feel refreshed. Located high in the Blue Mountains they are cool climate gardens with amazing views, perfect for a summer excursion. Plants are grouped geographically, so you can take a miniature walk around the world, visiting places like the North American woodland or a heath and heather garden. These surroundings will relax you more than any country manor, and only a small admission fee is charged. Barbecue facilities are available, so you can organise to meet some friends there for lunch. Or visit the restaurant for a meal or morning/afternoon tea. TIP: Stop in Bilpin on the way home to pick some fresh fruit from the numerous orchards. Mount Tomah Gardens Hours: Restaurant: 61 2 4567 2060 Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Relaxin' Girl , Travelin' Girl
Pepe's Paperie carries beautiful unique stationery. A visit will have you scooping up a bundle of cards to post out for occasions you never thought to celebrate, purchasing coloured paper, ribbons and seals to make invitations with, and journals to record events. The selection is so irresistable you'll think twice before merely firing off an email when you need to communicate. Search for this store, hidden away on the top level of Westfield's in Bondi Junction, and find paper to treasure. Tip: You can buy stamps at the Australia Post shop on the same level of the shopping centre, so you'll be ready to post off those cards immediately! Pepe's Paperie Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Shopping Girl
Silver Service taxis are a strangely kept secret in this city. Why doesn't everyone travel in style? While the design of regular cabs seem to assume all passengers are very drunk and will try to assault the driver, Silver Service cabs suit the girl who likes the nicer things in life. There are no ads on the exterior to make you feel like you're hitching a ride on a billboard. But instead, you can relax on the black leather seats and flick through the latest home design magazine, often found in the back seat pocket, as you speed through the morning chaos. With a fleet that includes the Mercedes E200, how can you resist? Silver Service Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Fancy Girl , Travelin' Girl
In my opinion, if you have to go to great lengths to explain the style you want, you're in the wrong place. A hairdresser should give you a fantastic cut just by looking at you, no instructions needed. After all, they are the experts. This is the type of treatment I have always found at the E Salon. In additon, you'll get an excellent cappuccino and enough current magazines to keep you occupied all day. You wouldn't expect anything less from a salon run by a family of Italians, would you? Refurbished in February, the new salon has already gained media attention. It has a spacious, minimalist design that still manages to retain the atmosphere that you are relaxing with friends. In fact, the environment created is so good my husband comes with me to every appointment, even if he doesn't have one himself, just to read a magazine, sip a coffee and chat in Italian for an hour or so. If a salon can get a man to do that, it has to be great! Hint: Always make your next appointment before you leave. E Salon Phone: 61 2 9487 8011 Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Pretty Girl
While classified as scandinavian, the sign outside reading "boss of scandinavia" and accompanied by a red and white flag emphasises this is a danish restaurant. The wooden interior and low lighting gives a cosy atmosphere to dine in, and service is prompt and very sweet. Viking shields and helmets decorate the walls and a selection of books will ensure you are an expert in scandinavian history before your meal arrives. Continue reading"The Gourmet Viking, Newtown" Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Famished Girl
The store suits all budgets, with tiny glass perfume bottles for under ten dollars looking as beautiful as the range of candeliers hanging from the ceiling. Ask about locally made products, which include the painted artwork. liley & liley Phone: 61 2 9958 3575 Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Shopping Girl
In addition to all the standard supplies, in much more fashionable patterns than you'll find elsewhere, there is an assortment of unique items, such as coloured rubber bands that are in the shape of animals. I also love the brightly coloured storage boxes, that make you wish to take every object from your home and office, and pack it out of sight in a clearly labelled box. They also run workshops on organizing your paper flow and, as I mentioned before, with supplies from here work is (almost) a pleasure. kikki.K has a number of stores and stockists in Australia, and products can be purchased from their website. kikki.K Phone: 61 2 9904 6519 Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Shopping Girl
In addition to its convenient location, in the centre of Sydney near both shops and city icons for tourists or skyscrapers and transport for business travellers, Sheraton on the Park scored five stars with me for the following reasons: The Gallery Tea Lounge - Afternoon tea is a passion of mine, and it is offered here in a chic contemporary style you won't see often. I recommend skipping lunch next time you want to meet with someone and instead indulging here with a tiered tea tray served with a Max Brenner hot chocolate. The bathroom - I love a hotel with a large bathroom, so opening the door to reveal a large bath, plenty of room to spread out my makeup and lots of space made me extremely happy. Not to mention the marble, which made me feel like a celebrity, and the warm colours (why do other hotels insist on icy white bathrooms?). The gym - Forget those tiny rooms with a token bike and an all-in-one exercise contraption. The gym here has a huge range of equipment, television screens to keep you occupied and spectacular views of the city can be seen from the pool. A personal trainer can design creative programs for either in the gym or outside enjoying Sydney. The Executive Club - For wireless addicts like myself I recommend paying extra for this. Not only can you surf the web to your hearts content, but you get a complimentary breakfast and pre-dinner snacks and drinks. Even with the distracting views out over the city, I got much more work done from here than at the desk in my room. The smiles - Two towering angels of hospitality mark the entry to this hotel and must do more than just show the taxis where to pull up, for the staff here are the friendliest in the world. The smiling seems to be infectious too, with guests always greeting each other in the lifts and corridors. So, either it beats Disneyland as the happiest place on earth or it is one of Sydney's best pickup spots. Whichever is correct, its a good recommendation. Sheraton on the Park Phone: 61 2 9286 6000 Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Travelin' Girl
Walking into Colour Me Mine I was like a kid in a candy store as choosing seemed impossible. The shelves hold an abundance of ceramic articles, from sophisticated sets of expresso cups to decorative Halloween pumpkins. A dedicated fan of hot drinks and all things related, I finally settled on a teapot and teacup. Then the fun started, how to decorate my object d'art? A pile of scrapbooks packed with pictures chosen to inspire is provided to help you decide on a colour scheme and design. If you're a not a natural artist you need not fear that your lack of talent will be revealed. A range of stamps, stencils and stickers are provided, and the instore consultants, all artists themselves, will advise you on what works, what doesn't and the which techniques will make you ideas look fantastic. Painting the ceramics is relaxing and you can easily chat as you work. Your article will be finished in just one evening, it is not a place where you must commit to weeks of classes. That said, I doubt you will be content with just one visit. Before leaving I made a booking for a morning workshop next month to make Christmas decorations. Pricing includes a $16 studio fee and price of your chosen ceramic piece, starting at around $10. However, if you are feeling thrifty you can make some beaded jewellery. For this the studio fee is waived and pieces start at around $5. TIP: Enquire about any special events that are being hosted. Currently a Paint and Pamper Ladies' Night is being promoted, in addition to ceramics painting you can enjoy relaxing music, complimentary herbal tea, a free five-minute head and shoulder massage and a 20% discount for a neighbouring hair salon. Colour Me Mine Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10.30 am - 9.00 pm and Sunday 10.30 am - 7.00 pm In Australia, Colour Me Mine is unique to Crows Nest. However, for other global locations check the website. Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Scene Girl
Made by chefs Adam and Michelle, the cupcakes are light and fluffy with icing that is the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. But the oh-so fabulous toppings are what makes these babies a fairytale delight, evidenced by the admiring crowd outside with noses pressed to the shop window. Eight standard flavours are made daily that I have to share: tiramisu, orange jaffa, honeycomb, vanilla, chocolate, peppermint, white chocolate and strawberry. These are accompanied by a variety of specials that increase in number as the week progresses, following the pattern of our sugar cravings. Cupcakes are also made for special occasions with some tempting Halloween ones available at present, and I am sure more will appear for Christmas. "I hear this is where to come for indulgence," the next customer announced as she walked through the door, she sure was right. Come join the queue. TIP: Order the cupcake and coffee deal for $5. Cupcakes on Pitt Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Famished Girl , Fancy Girl
The trail through Gore Cove Reserve takes you into woodland, mangroves and rainforest, and predominantly follows a creek, with the sound of the water relaxing you more than the average stretch class. A variety of wildlife can be seen, or at least heard, along the way and if you walk across the bridge through the tree canopy look out for a pair of Tawny Frogmouths that nest here every spring. For the best experience, bring a picnic with you and continue on to Berry Island where picnic tables are situated with a fantastic view of Sydney harbour. Too full to take the trail back? No worries, Wollstonecraft station is just 5 minutes walk up the Shirley Road. Gore Cove Reserve Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Active Girl , Relaxin' Girl
Books cover floor-to-ceiling shelves and display tables in the centre of the room, and with wooden floors and a spectacular fresh flower display this bookshop is not just functional, but visually appealling. Staff have a reputation for being helpful and enthusiastic, so ask for assistance with your selection and for information on author events, which are commonly held either at the bookshop or in association with Woollahra library. In an adjoining room is a fantastic children's section, where you are tempted to spend an equal amount of time wowing over illustrations, reminiscing over pop-ups and debating whether to purchase that Famous Five book you never read in Enid Blyton's series. TIP: For opening hours that suit the working girl, visit Lesley McKay's second store in Potts Point that is open until 9pm from Tuesday to Friday. Lesley McKay's Bookshop 14 Macleay Street Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Shopping Girl
While you may be content wandering the floors and appreciating the exhibits, there are also many events on. Listen to a celebrity talk, watch a film screening or go on a guided tour of either the temporary or permanent exhibitions, you won't have time to do it all. Confused? Then sit yourself in the Art Bar while you decide what to do next and listen to live jazz. Here I ate penne with fresh pesto, some tomato and basil salsa on sourdough and could have stayed for the remainder of the evening, except a number of other exhibits were yet to be explored. Art, talks, concerts, jazz and films, and did I mention it's all for free? TIP: When you're done, catch the courtesy bus that leaves every 15 minutes for Martin Place instead of walking to the station. Art After Hours Every Wednesday from 5-9 pm Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Scene Girl , Thrifty Girl
Parkers is foremost a nursery, and you can buy anything from mature trees for an estate to, for us apartment dwellers, plants for indoors or on the balcony. There is an array of gorgeous colours and scents to wander about and experience, and the homewares store will make it hard to leave without a purchase. I came away with some beautiful glasses with dragonflies embossed on them. Continue reading"Parkers, Turramurra" Link to this article | Written by rebecca | Filed in Relaxin' Girl |
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