L O N D O N 

 T O 

 S Y D N E Y 

Last Sunday, Deb arrived in Sydney (yay!) on business for three days. Nic and I jumped at every opportunity we had to spend time with her that in the end, we moved into her hotel suite. It was so good to see Deb, we picked up where we left off (two and a half years ago) - eating until our belly buttons popped, chatting until the wee hours of the morning (slight exaggeration), laughing so hard our cheeks hurt... Ohhhh, how I miss that girl! x.

 H A P P Y  N E W  Y E A R ! 

Wishing you a happy and very healthy 2012 - I can't wait to see what the year has install for all of us! I thought I'd share a few photos of my New Year's Eve celebrations at Cafe Sydney with Uncle Ervan, Uncle Marcus and their friends from Germany :) How did you welcome 2012? Do you have a New Year's resolution(s)? If so, what is it/are they? Do you have any tips on how to keep it/them? I'm absolutely hopeless at it! x.

All images taken on my Samsung Galaxy II.

A few Saturdays ago, Dan and I celebrated his birthday with poached eggs and toast (corn fritters for moi) at Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore. It had been a while since we last saw each other so there was lots to talk about including life as a twenty-five year old and Dan's big move to London. I'm yet to turn twenty-five but already, it's funny where life takes you. x.

After brunch, Bridge and I checked out William Street Fashion Festival. The cool kids were out and about; sipping their lattes, walking their dogs, sitting on sofas outside shopfronts singing along to John Farnham... How cute is Bridge's yellow sweater? x.

On Saturday morning, Bridge, Juz and I caught up for brunch at Viva Cafe*. Though it was a drab day, the large windows let in light that was ideal for shooting. I purposely didn't bring my G11 so I could test the camera on my new phone... I got a tad excited with the Vignette app! I fell in love with the cafe from across the street. The decor is cool (I love the retro tables), the waiters are friendly and the food is yummy (I don't like telling people what to order but you have to try the Reuben sandwich). It also doesn't hurt to be in good company! Hope you have a great start to the week (I can't believe it's almost October). x.

 *Bridge and Kiki raved about this place a while back so I was keen to check it out.

Yet, another food post.

Yesterday, Uncle J and I ate lunch at Youeni Provides. I'm not a big fan of the midday meal but this place has changed my mind. Like Revolver, it is situated on a funky street corner with notice boards to greet you upon your arrival. I love the white jugs that water and freshly squeezed juices come in, the French ceramic salad bowls, the super tasty and tender pulled pork sandwiches (the bread is aaaamazing) and the cute guys behind the counter... definitely worth a second visit! x.

Yesterday, I took Mum to my favourite cafe for brunch. I love everything about the place: the street corner, the noticeboard outside the front door, the textured upholstery, the ornate cups and saucers, the little timer that comes with the custom blend teas, the coffee, the fresh bread and muffins, the music, the friendly waitstaff... Such attention to detail. x.

A rooftop picnic... phwoar! Via.

I can't believe how quickly the weekend flew. Time flies when you're having fun! Over the past two days I have fallen in love with British Bulldogs, eliminated carbs (bread, pasta and rice) from my diet, sold homemade biscuits and toasted muesli, finished reading 'The Beautiful and Damned', discovered a cheap and cheerful Japanese restaurant, started reading 'Master of the Game' (I created a must-read list by default), participated in the Pub2Pub Fun Run, and drank tea/ate Anzac biscuits. Hope you had a wonderful weekend and have a great start to the week! x.

P.S. Check out this post about personal blogging. Interesting!

On Monday, Benji and Bridget got engaged! YAY! Last night, several of us gathered at El Loco to celebrate the fantastic news/wish the couple well before they fly out to the U.K. Congratulations guys - we're so happy for you! x.

I just synced my BlackBerry to my Mac for the first time in ages and found a number of photos I had taken over the last five months. Several weeks ago, The Little Burrow received its first wholesale order and my best friends wanted to mark the occasion with a celebratory dinner at Jazz City Diner. I left my camera at home so captured what I could on my BB - they turned out better than I expected! x.

Out of all the photos I've taken of Bridge and Juz, this is my favourite.

Onion rings and sweet potato fries for dinner...

Pecan Pie for dessert!

Last Saturday, Dan and I caught up for brunch. I arrived at Lumiere forty-five minutes early so I ordered a pot of tea to help me relax*. By the time Dan rocked up (on time) I was totally sweet but he wasn't. He needed his morning coffee... both of them, at the same time. What a pair we made that morning! x.

*I was feeling super anxious all week and I don't know why. Bridge thinks it could have something to do with the full moon. I hope so as it (the moon) has disappeared this week.

Two weeks ago my cousin, Nicole moved back to Sydney after living in London for several years. Nic took me under her wing when I moved to London in 2008 becoming the big sister I never had. Since her return, we've caught up for breakfast, lunch and dinner (on separate days). It's so nice to have her back! x.

The kids at Avenue Rd cafe are serious about spoons...

While Nic is serious about breakfast.

 A mid-morning coffee from The Penny Royal.

Ragamuffin bake on premise and produce THE best savory muffins in town!

Nic with her spinach and ricotta muff.

My pretty pumpkin and beetroot kind.

A perfect way to spend a perfect day!

Yet another (spectacular) meal with Dan! This time we headed to Potts Point for coffee and eggs. It was ah-may-zing! The waitstaff were friendly, the coffee smooth, the servings large, the bread so good it warmed your heart (and belly)... I simply must take you!

After brunch, Dan and I checked out the Young Australian Designers Market in Paddington. I expected big things but no. Nada. I walked out disappointed/frustrated/ashamed of the Australian fashion industry. Michael Kors... Inspired... Bondi Beach. Whaaaat? Where were all the 'fashionistas' that Tommy Ton photographed during AFW? People keep telling me "Australian fashion is getting there..." Where exactly? More importantly, when are they getting to wherever they are going? *Sigh* Come on Australia, step up your game! x.

P.S. Dan bought a beige woolen scarf from a store-that-must-not-be-named on Oxford Street. At first he wasn't keen on the colour but he totally rocks in it!

Last Saturday Mum and I spent some quality time together. We had breakfast in Annandale then went shopping in Chatswood and the city. We rarely get to hang out (due to my hectic schedule) so we made the most of it. We blasted Bread, Elton John and Fleetwood Mac in the car, took our time at Clover cafe, visited Bridge at work, queued for the ZARA change rooms, bought groceries... it was lots of fun! x.