Girls Weekend.....in Melbourne

Love locks on the foot bridge.  Photo credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014. 

It was a long weekend for the girls and I, and we decided to take a flight down to Melbourne for a weekend of food, shopping and sightseeing (and more shopping for some). I've been to Melbourne many times either for a long weekend visiting friends or for work and I just love going down to Melbourne for its diverse culture and most importantly the food, fabulous coffee and rooftop bars. 

The weather really took centre stage and the sun was shinning and the rain stayed away for us. There were seven girls staying at an Airbnb accommodation in Southbank which was only minutes stroll into the city centre. 

Chocolate treats. Photo credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014. 

For the first time I didn't really go shopping but instead enjoyed returning to some of my favourite food stores with one being Koko Black. They would have to be one if my favourite chocolate shops and I keep wondering when they'll open an official store in Sydney (hint hint). 

This time in Melbourne I was able to try out two new food venues: The Hardware Sociètè in the city and Dead Man Espresso in south Melbourne. 

The Hardware Sociètè was a 40 minutes wait but it was seriously worth the wait and you can grab a take away coffee while waiting. The interior is a cross between rustic and "cute" with butterfly wallpaper, a wall with hanging teacups and a beautiful bright yellow tile wall. The wait staff were friendly, knowledgeable and eye catching and the food service was very quick - they have planned it very well and efficiency is key! 

Hardware Société: butterfly wallpaper, yellow tile wall and hanging lights.  Photo credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014.

Hardware Société. My breakfast of sauté mushroom, roast duck in pastry, poached eggs and a salad of apply, hazelnuts and watercress. 

Hardware Société. Cute tea cup and pot set.

WOW! Have you been to Dead Man Espresso? If not, you should! We were lucky to get seated straight away and they were able to accommodate the large group (additional two new Melbourne friends joined making it a total of nine people). The coffee was tasty and strong (just the way I like it!) and the food was delicious. I ordered the "Avocado" which was smashed (the hipster way) and topped with goats cheese and pommygranite. WOW is the word that I'll use for this dish; it was so tasty with a mix of salty (the cheese) and sweet (the pommygranite). It was also fabulous to see that they use and sell a lot of local produce and products here (support local!) - it has my tick of approval! 

Dead Man Espresso. The "Avocado"    Photo credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014.

A weekend trip away with seven wonderful friends can be challenging as each person is different, independent and very strong but being flexible does make the trip much easier. I learnt that I can be very patient and that small 'things' are just that, 'small'.

I look forward to my next trip down to Melbourne again soon. If you live in Melbourne, please do let me know as it would be awesome to meet up for brunch!

Jo x

You're Beautiful

This is my first post for my blog and I'm excited to be sharing a really sweet post with all (even if not many people will be reading this as yet). 

I'm writing this post from Melbourne. Arrived today with my girlfriends for a lovely and fun girls long weekend and personally to enjoy all the yummy food. 

Onto my sweet post; whilst walking back to South Bank along the river, a man walked towards me and my initial thought was that he was going to ask me for change and at the same time I was searching for change in my pockets. 

Then, to my surprise, the following comment came from his mouth "Excuse me, I just wanted to tell you that you're beautiful." 

I was instantly blown away by the lovely comment from him and noticed that my mood lifted and I smiled like I've just been handed an ice cream on a hot day! 

I was quick to judge; there are sweet and decent people regardless of situations and we should embrace all that come towards us. 

To the Melbourne man I met today on the street, thank you for the lovely compliment and really making my Friday! 

Have a lovely weekend. 

Jo x