On a cold, overcast weekend in Amsterdam we hopped on a train to Paris. From Amsterdam it’s only 3.5 hours and the time flew by, sending the world into a blur of flat countryside and the occasional cow.

We arrived to equally cold and overcast weather in Paris but we were not to be deterred because after all, we were in Paris!

We found our accommodation, dropped our bags and set off to explore. There was a touch of sun in the late afternoon as we crossed the Sine but it didn’t last long.

We spent our time tracking down delicious coffee, I would recommend La Cafeotheque de Paris, for it’s laid back vibe and tasty coffee. Ben wasn’t keen to see the Eiffel Tower, but rather to traverse the city on foot, and by metro to discover it’s hidden gems. It sparkled with christmas lights in the evening bringing us closer to the understanding of a white christmas.

This weekend was just a taste and we definitely plan to return in warmer seasons.

On a recent trip to Melbourne I had the opportunity to visit the Collingwood Children’s Farm and Abbotsford Convent and see some amazing autumn colours that Brisbane’s trees rarely show.

The beautiful old buildings of Abbotsford Content have been 60% restored and, even as a work in progress, it’s inspiring to know the site is now inhabited with studio and office spaces and venues for performing arts. On the fourth Saturday of each month the convent hosts a Slow Food Farmers’ Market and there are several permanent places to eat such as vegetarian restaurant Lentil as Anything which trades on a ‘pay-what-you-want’ model.

The Collingwood Children’s Farm was also a pleasure to wander around, even on a cold, rainy afternoon, being on a farm, only 5km from the city of Melbourne was a magical experience. The smell and sounds of farm animals and fresh air on the seven hectare site made me feel like I had been transported to another time. It really made me want to slow down and take it all in.

And a big thank you goes to my amazing friends, Sean and Sandy for bringing me to this delightful place!

My birthday is the day after Australia day so I always take advantage of the long weekend and go on an adventure! This year our friends Sean and Sandy had just moved to Melbourne so it was the perfect excuse for a visit. On our arrival the weather was initially cool but by the Monday it had heated up to 37 degrees, it really was four seasons in one weekend!

One of the highlights of my birthday was visiting Domaine Chandon, a beautiful estate of rolling green hills and grape vines as far as the eye could see. We went on the tour of their facility to learn about how they make their sparkling wine (you can’t call it ‘champagne’ unless the wine is from the Champagne region in France!) It was interesting to see the different parts of the process and stand in the eerie quiet of the cave-like room where they store the vintages, a room also lined with riddling racks (for clarifying the wines).

Of course being a trip to wineries there was plenty of wine to be tasted and bottles to purchase! We also went to the Blueberry farm and winery (where we purchased a fortified Blueberry wine) and the White Rabbit brewery for lunch. Happy birthday to me!

Sandy, Sean and I standing near the vineyard!

Did you know… planting rosebushes near the grapevines offers an early warning of problems as roses are more susceptible to diseases.

Sandy, in her new outfit purchased from Princess Highway the previous day, peering into an antique store that was unfortunately closed, but had such an amazing door! We were intrigued…

Australia day at St Kilda beach, with a sunny sky and cool breezes blowing across the water. The locals were out partying in their summer clothes (although we Queenslander’s thought it was still cool). There was a large speaker playing the Hottest 100 and one of my favourite songs from last year, Reflektor by Arcade Fire made it into the top 20!

Ben and I had so much fun with our friends Sandy and Sean and we will definitely be back soon, you haven’t seen the last of us Melbourne!

I had a short but lovely beach break at Burleigh Heads and did a little location scouting for an upcoming shoot which I’m excited about!

The scenery is amazing: the ocean is a gradient of vibrant blues and greens and the headland is a dense forest edged with large black volcanic rocks, beaten relentlessly by the incoming waves. I am keeping my fingers crossed for good weather next week!

Breakfast by the beach, pancakes with banana, raspberry sauce and melted chocolate, yum!

I will never stop chasing rainbows.

The second part of my Sydney trip involved visiting my close friend Nicole (pictured above), who was my housemate while living in Toronto. Nicole is a nurse in Paediatric Intensive Care and is very passionate about her patients. She is also an amazing baker who has made many delicious birthday cakes including a s’mores cake and the most delectable black forest cake I have ever tasted!

Our first outing was a trip to Bondi Beach. If you follow BNE Style’s Instagram you will have seen my appreciation for Sydney’s abundant street art! At Bondi I was excited to find a wall of art facing out towards the ocean (the Staffys, pictured below, were my favourite).

As it was too cold to swim we ate fish and chips and went on an adventure along cliffs, with breathtaking views of the ocean and surfers below, to Bronte Beach.

On another outing we explored the historic Rocks area (where the buildings were built with mainly sandstone, hence the name). It used to be a slum during the early settlement and although many of the buildings were destroyed some have been restored, and are now used as residences and tourist attractions.

One of my favourite childhood books was Playing Beatie Bow (by Ruth Park) which is set in the Rocks area in 1873, and walking through this area brought the world from the book to life!

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them”

And what visit to Sydney would be complete without seeing the beautiful and historic Queen Victoria Building? This building was constructed between 1893 and 1898, originally designed as a shopping centre, it was then used for a variety of other purposes until its restoration in 1986.

I am currently in Sydney visiting my American friend, Julie (pictured above). She has great personal style, is especially fond of vintage shopping and isn’t afraid to take risks with her clothing.

Julie is a passionate ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher who is also fluent in Spanish and loves to travel (we met in Peru!) Her love of baking delicious cookies and cooking in general makes visiting her such a pleasure.

It was a hot Saturday in Sydney but we decided to walk to the Surry Hills Market, which specialises in handmade, second-hand and recycled goods. Although I didn’t find any bargains Julie found 2 items of clothing for only $5 each!

I love the hidden street art in Sydney and the old buildings that have so much character. I dream of living in an old vine covered building with cast iron railings…

The rest of the afternoon consisted of reading in the shade and enjoying the rooftop patio as the sun set with a lovely glass of wine (I was wearing Julie’s adorable red hat which was a gift from one of her students).

3 days in Melbourne was not enough! Although it rained on the first two days and was cold and windy on the third (my Portmans coat pictured above kept me fashionably warm) I can’t help but love the character of this city. I could have spent the weekend just exploring the streets and taking photos of the many beautiful old buildings and discovering the street art hidden in each alley.

I shopped (Topshop and Dangerfield were highlights) and ate (Lux Bite, as featured on Master Chef has desserts to die for and Grub Food Van in Fitzroy was warm and cosy) and drank (I loved the hidden non-profit cafe and bar called Shebeen).

My monochrome gang, in the alley against a brightly coloured mural just off Chapel Street.

Lux Bite for decadent indulgences.

Enjoying a little Grub in Fitzroy, the open kitchen and herb garden outside made me feel at home, my sister  (pictured) said the milkshakes were delicious!

I will be back Melbourne! There is so much more to explore.