Brisbane through Instagram

I spent a glorious long weekend at home (home is where the heart is, right?).  Made all the better by a suitcase of gifts that my mother bought me from overseas (including half the Zara store in Novi Sad it seems) and lots of hazelnut Milka.

I've been self loathing of late (am suddenly confused about EVERYTHING and am doubting every decision I make) so the weekend really hit the spot.  Dad had some rare time off work and we made the most of it eating a lot, chatting lots and walking lots. Bliss.

Brisbane from GoMA

Surrealism Exhibit at GoMA

White chocolate & raspberry brioche from Freestyle Tout

You know Brisbane is growing up when Chanel comes knocking

Cupcakes from Shingle Inn

Hazelnut gelato from Arrivederci Pizzeria

Season's first mango

Valentino Retrospective - Brisbane

On my most recent trip to Brisbane I was very, very fortunate to get a couple of hours to visit the Valentino exhibit at GOMA.  I am so so proud of my home town for the major coup away from Sydney and Melbourne, both cities who claim to be the fashion capitals of Australia.

I would have liked a little more time at the exhibit perhaps, but the time I did have I thoroughly enjoyed.  Chances are I will never again be this close to haute couture.  Valentino was always my mum's favourite and quickly became mine and this exhibit featured some of his most memorable and iconic items.

Unfortunately they had run out books (I always buy way too many books at museum gift shops), but I did manage to sneak in some iPhone photos to share with you all.  Exhibit runs until 14 November.

the water looks so dirty after 3 weeks of non stop rain!

My absolutely favourite dress.  

the beading and the workmanship is exquisite. 

THE dress jacqui kennedy wore when she married aristotle onassis

Snippets of my weekend at home...

Cupcakes at Cream

Coffee & breakfast at Campos Coffee

Mango fruit salad made by dad

An unforgettable visit to the Valentino Retrospective

Gelato at Caffe Milany

Endless amounts of reading in the sunshine in New Farm park

Delish Italian at Il Posto

.. and a return to cold Melbourne...

Brisbane Culinary Adventures

Hello all!

Over the weekend I made a quick dash to Brisbane to spend some time with my parents.  I haven't seen them since January and was missing them a lot.  Even though we've lived apart for 3 years, it has not become any easier.

One thing we always do, is eat out when we're together!

We decided to go to Il Posto in Paddington for some yummy Italian.  The decore and menu are simple, the service always excellent and the food YUMMY!

I had the Duck Pasta a.k.a. pappardelle all’ anatra - duck & porcini mushroom ragu, fresh parsley, thyme...

And even though we always intend to have dessert with dinner, we make a bee line for Freestyle Tout.  Without a doubt the best and most generous desserts you will EVER have for under $15!  I'd say it's a dessert platter!  And the coffee is very good too - this coming from a picky coffee drinker. 

B and I are going up together for the long weekend next month, so lots of food again with mum, dad and lil bro (who only comes with us when B is in town, as he's "too cool" read: an 18 year old boy.

My creme brulee in the centre, served with an amazing vanilla ice cream and berry compote and a raspberry sorbet.

And that's mum's apple and raspberry crumble, vanilla custard, berry compote and more vanilla icecream.

Emporium - Brisbane

I'm flying back to Melbourne tonight and they're saying it's meant to be 17C over the next few days... which means my idyllic week in Brisbane is all but over.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my cousin at Brisbane's Emporium.  I love how far Brisbane has come.

A lazy 2 hours was spent over Mojito's and tapas at The Depot.  The weather was perfect with a slight breeze... What life in Brisbane is all about.

The Emporium is a hub of cute little stores and restaurants.  I love that in Brisbane you can go to the one place and find everything edited to well.  I found lots of wonderful little pieces, but sadly just walked away with a cute little notebook.

If you've got a sweet tooth, you cannot go past Freestyle Tout a cafe dedicated to desserts.  The creme brulee is the best I've ever had and I've had a lot!

I can also never visit without a peek at the wonderful couture bridal gowns at Darb

They are an amazing work of art.

And then there's Jean Brown.  Amber has done a wonderful thing to fashion in Brisbane.  She has three stores - two at the Emporium, one for clothes and one for accessories and another little store at Tatersall's Arcade in the Mall. 

The pieces are wonderfully selected and Amber also offers a mail order service.

Next time I'm here I'd love to stay at the Emporium Hotel.

I'm more into minimalism, but for a change, I'd love to stay somewhere this opulent.