Travel: Weekend Getaway: Kiama, NSW

May 14, 2016May 25, 20161 Comment

Looking for a weekend getaway hotspot? Check out Kiama, on the south coast of NSW, approximately a 2 hour drive outside of Sydney. The first reason to head down there is the scenic drive down the NSW coast, with roads taking you through lush greenery one minute then spits you out onto an amazing ocean scene that will keep you challenged to stay focused on the road.

Kiama itself is nestled in amongst a couple of beautiful beaches, with the Kiama Blowhole at the point. A great spot for an active weekend, the Kiama Coast Walk is 22km of scenic fitness motivation if you are up for it! Broken into 3 sections, you can do some or all of it. If you can handle the whole route, it takes you from Minnamurra to Gerringong if you are up for the challenge. Along the way the route include hot spots such as the Kiama Blow Hole (at Blowhole Point), the Little Blowhole, the Werri Lagoon, and Werri Beach.

Kiama is one of those places ideal for doing everything or nothing. With plenty of adventure activities, beaches and fishing, and nearby towns to visit, for those wanting to fill there schedule there are plenty of options. For those wishing to slow things down and hang out in town, there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and relax, and for when you feel like you should perhaps do something semi-active, Kiama has seaside markets every 3rd Sunday on the beach.

Kiama has some great cafe and coffee options. Penny Whistlers is a new option with beautiful water views on Shoalhaven st, complete with a great menu (not to mention licensed if you are in the mood for a long lunch). One of the best things about this menu is that it has options for everyone, from the kale/quinoa health conscious of us right through to the boys (or girls!) just wanting a juicy burger – they have got you covered.

Short Black Coffee, on Terralong st is an award winning coffee spot (and if you need more motivation than that, they use real melted chocolate in their hot drinks….mmmm).

Crooked River winery is a must visit spot, just a quick drive from Kiama. With absolutely stunning views over the vines and also out to sea, the food here is incredible and the wine is so good it gives the food a run for it’s money. Great staff to add to that makes this the perfect place to spend a lazy long lunch!

Kiama has a few accommodation options, but we stayed at The Sebel Kiama Harbourside which was a perfect location with lots of great food options within walking distance, as well as the adjoining pub. Airbnb and Stayz have some local options, as well as some nearby accommodation a short drive away in Gerringong.

Highly recommend if you are looking for a quick weekend break!

Ski: My 5 Favourite Ski Towns

April 7, 2016May 25, 2016Leave a comment

A truly great ski town is a tough formula to crack. It needs the right combination of character & charm combined with enough of the necessities to be functional – and of course it needs to have some banging snow! Here are a few of my all time faves for your Winter 2016/17 inspo.

1.Park City, Utah, USA

When I first went to Park City, a common response was along the lines of ‘What is there to do in Utah? Isn’t it full of Mormons? Are you even allowed to have any fun there?’. The answers to which are: Plenty!; Yes (and all of them lovely); and HELL YES!!! Having been to Park City quite a few times now, I can attest very strongly to great restaurants, a selection of nightlife options that can handle the Hollywood elite (think Sundance Film Festival), outlet shopping for rest days, and most importantly, a great variety of skiing within a short distance.

The 2 crown jewels of Park City are Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort. Deer Valley is a skiers only slice of heaven where the staff are there to nurture and serve you and I kind of feel like they might even offer you a massage if you came off a run looking a little stiff. OK, probably not really but it has a no tipping culture and the staff are trained to go the extra mile for their guests, and you feel the difference!

Park City Mountain Resort is the combination of 2 previously separate ski resorts, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons. These 2 great resorts have now combined into one incredible resort with terrain variety and options for all levels taken to the next level. It is part of the EPIC pass, which means you can buy one pass and ski all over the US and even Japan and Australia within the same year.

But aside from these beauties, there are plenty of other great ski resorts within an hour or so from Park City for those who like a different spot every day! Between Alta, Solitude, Snowbird, Brighton and Sundance just to name a few, staying in Park City leaves you truly spoiled for choice on all fronts.

My all time favourite Deer Valley ski runs

2. Val D’Isere, France

This town was everything I ever wanted from a ski town in the French Alps! An adorable place with dreamy white mountains everywhere. Did I mention the patisseries? Dear God take me back….

La Folie Douce is mandatory to visit for apres ski to experience table dancing in ski boots, live musicians playing throughout the crowd, and a party atmosphere that will make you want to stay forever!! I recommend showing up around 3pm. Dick’s Tea Bar should definitely be on the list to visit as well to kick on into the night if you are keen to go on for longer.

Try something different – learn to snow kite with Oxygene or Fly Mountains ski schools! So much fun.

For great accommodation options have a look at S ki Bonjour – Check out Bonjour Bivouac for the perfect balance of on snow accom with all the hard work taken out of your stay! We had an absolutely amazing time staying here with a great location and perfect set up for our stay. Comfy and cosy, with great hosts and food!

3. Big White, Canada

Big White is a sweet as pie Canadian ski town with a kick ass party vibe to boot and most importantly – the snow is CONSISTENTLY UNBELIEVABLE!!! Accessible via Kelowna (fly in from Vancouver in a about 55 minutes), then a 30-45 minute drive up the mountain. Great terrain options with such epic snow. The haunting first run view of the famous Big White snow ghosts is truly memorable.

Head to Happy Valley (access by skis or car) for Apres ski between 4-6pm to check out great live music (usually Jon Bos Rocks who puts on a really great show). With plenty of great food options you too you are spoiled for choice.

Snowshoe Sam’s is a must visit with great live music and an awesome vibe. To top it all off, the Canadians are pretty much the nicest people on the planet.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown (even without snow) is a town well worth a visit. Whether travelling with a family or a group of friends, this place literally has something for everyone. Plenty of bars, with some amazing secret spot restaurants hidden behind doors with no signs. Known for its action, Queenstown has no shortage of options outside of skiing including bungee jumping, heli skiing, white water rafting, sky diving, jet boating over the Shotover river (not for the faint of heart) among just a very few (check out Viator for some more options).

My favourite spots The Cow restaurant and also a must visit is Fergberger for the best burgers in towns. I assure you, the lines are worth the wait!! A cranking party town, but with plenty of family options, this is another gem with something for every visitor.

With resorts nearby including Cardrona, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak & Treble Cone you are spoilt for skiing options. The only downside is there really isn’t ski in ski out accommodation (or at least there wasn’t when I was there) so you are either looking at a bus trip or a drive up the mountain in a hire car each day (approx. 40-60 mins).

Treble Cone

5. Vail, Colorado, USA

Vail is another absolutely gorgeous ski town that will make you want to quit your day job and move here immediately. Even if it means making next to no money you won’t care because you will live in a perfect village with perfect snow and mostly blue skies every day. This town had been on my bucket list for a while and it was worth the trip!!

(Photo credit @vailmtn instagram)

Garfinkel’s a.k.a Garfs is a must visit – really it is THE place to get to if you want the Vail Experience. Great for après ski drinks, but it was also a great place for a stop off for lunch to grab a refreshing beer after the hard work on the slopes. With plenty of other great options you definitely won’t struggle to find fantastic eating and drinking venues.

Tavern on The Square at Arrabelle is a great spot for people watching as well, especially if you can get there in time to get an outdoor seat around the fire. Another special thing about Arrabelle is the spa…. heaven!!! If you need to take a break from the slopes, this is where to go!

We landed in Denver and drove to Vail, then continued the road trip down to Utah to hit the slopes in Park City courtesy of the EPIC pass as it is applicable here also (as well as for other Colorado resorts Breckenridge, Beaver Creek & Keystone)

Local tip – check out a local ice hockey game if you can for some up close and personal off the slopes action!!

(NOTE: Photos are original unless noted. You are welcome to share but please tag the site or instagram @worktravelskirepeat. Thank you!)

Work: New Year, New Hand Bag!!!

December 29, 2015March 24, 2016Leave a comment

New Year’s Resolution? New Handbag!! This year, save the self analysis and drama, and resolve to get yourself a fabulous work bag that does everthing you need it to and also makes you look fabulous.

My work handbag is one of my most relied upon accessories. It gets absolutely abused. Stretched, hung, overfilled, shoved into airline recesses, shoved around, and generally speaking if my handbag filed a case at the local police station for misuse it may well get a decent hearing! With the New Year approaching (not to mention an amazing selection of sales currently available), why not consider a new bag to get you from home to work to bar and everywhere in between?

I actually run a couple of handbags at a time, mostly because I am fussy enough to bother changing my handbag to match my shoes. My current workhorse most days of the week is a Michael Kors impulse airport purchase I made at LAX a couple of years ago. It is a Hamilton Large tote, which has been a great friend to me. The main thing I consider when buying a new bag for work is space and functionality.

My new work handbag must haves:

Enough pockets to effectively separate my keys, phone, make up and business cards
Enough space to fit my lap top and ipad
Sections!! Ideally the main compartment is divided into 2 sections – one for laptop etc and the other compartment is for the myriad of other things I for some reason need to carry around with me
Shoulder strap – I can’t count how many times this has been a lifesaver. Whilst I prefer to carry my bag on my arm, when I need to juggle a few things that shoulder strap pays dividends

My current squeeze:

Want to stand out from the crowd?

I don’t know about you but I really hate seeing my handbag everywhere. I much prefer it to be classic, yet different enough that everyone who has been to a major shopping centre in the past 3 months probably has one.

For that reason, these 2 brands are very high on my love list at the moment. The Daily Edited and I are in the passions of early love. It is a gorgeous brand I have fallen head over heels with. Check out their Instagram to get why (Instagram @thedailyedited). My cousin introduced me to this brand which monograms its luxury leather products, and I haven’t looked back since. Based in Sydney, and with a 5 day turnaround to Australian clients, what’s not to love?

Check out their monogrammed tote – perfect for work!!

https://thedailyedited.com/shop/pocket-tote/

The second brand, Charles & Keith, is a long time love of mine. With no stores in Australia, you are relying on an airport stopover in Changi airport or somewhere lucky enough to have a store in the airport or on your travels. Reminiscent of far more expensive luxury brands (unsurprisingly, given LVMH has an ownership stake – hello!!), they are an affordable yet individual product that is in my experience incredibly functional, and retaining the high quality required by my abusive handbag ownership style. With great colour options for pretty much every range, I never walk out of this store with just one item. Side note: Amazing shoes and sunnies also, but that is a story for another day.

http://www.charleskeith.com/au/bags/metal-detail-handbag.html

Another brand that is always a safe bet for a solid handbag choice is Oroton. A traditionally expensive brand renowned for their high quality, they also have some great sales at their outlet stores with up to 70% off

Check out a few more of my favourites below – and happy handbag shopping!!

Charles & Keith Gusseted Work Bag (Teal)

Charles & Keith Work Handbag (Nude)

Oroton Alpine Chain tote (Black)

Oroton Henri Shopper Tote (Tan)

Travel: 7 Ways to Travel in New York

November 29, 2015March 24, 2016Leave a comment

New York City is a bustling metropolis with 1.6 million people populating the 87.5km2 Manhattan island alone. With so much to see on Manhattan alone, it can be intimidating to work out how to get from point A to point B while getting the most out of the experience along the way. Whilst most people who have lived in NYC their entire lives probably still haven’t seen everything there is to see, with some strategy and a few hot tips you can plan out your trip to make the most of your adventure!

Hop on Hop off bus

This is a great way to get a fairly quick but inclusive tour of Manhattan. These tours are great options for Day 1 or Day 2 of your trip to get a feel for the hustle and bustle of the city and all of it’s sights, smells, and sounds!! It also helps you to get an idea for places you may like to spend more time at, and even more of a bonus, it will take you past some places you may be happy to see from a bus, check off your list, and keep going onto the next thing (more time for shopping/Cosmos, etc!!).

There are a couple of main companies that run these buses, and with stops all around the city, if you strategically plan your accommodation to be near one of the drop off points you can save some $$ in taxi and subway fares as well

NYC Yellow Taxi

The iconic New York experience -an absolute must (mostly for logistical reasons!), the cabs are reasonably priced and the drivers vary from insulting and offensive to knowledgeable and friendly! Worth it for the experience factor. Just pretend you are Carrie headed off to hook up with Big and jump on in (although if you are off to meet Big he really should have sent his driver, he is off his game).

Hot tip: Make sure you check out google maps before you get in a cab to make sure the traffic is headed in the direction you are wanting to go. With so many 1 way streets and heavy traffic, walking one block across can save you lots of $$$ for minimal effort (also, #exercise).

Uber

Another cheap option to get around – if you don’t have the Uber app set up, all you need to do is download it, set up your details and use the app to order an Uber to your location based on your phone’s GPS. They send a text to let you know your car details, how far away it is, auto charge your credit card and send you a receipt! The Uber app also gets you to rate your driver, which tends to keep the cars clean and the drivers polite! Happy days.

Subway

Another iconic NYC experience, the subway system is comprehensive, efficient, and cheap. Use the subway to zip all over Manhattan, or if you are feeling more adventurous jump on the subway and head over to Brooklyn or beyond (channel your inner Dan Humphries).

Hot tip: Look for accommodation close to subway, and check out their multi trip/weekly options depending on how long you are in the city.

Hotter tip: For motivation on why you should ride the subway, check out the @hotdudesreading instagram account where you will find some VERY inspiring reasons 😉

Water Taxi

After you have braved the subway over to Brooklyn and checked out Dumbo, grab a shake at the Shake Shack, get some epic pics of the Brooklyn bridge and jump on a water taxi for some amazing views of the city, and some wind in your hair. With the US flags on the back this was a really fun way to see a different side of the city.

You can then enjoy the ride for a few stops and hop back off on Manhattan.

Hot tip: The water taxis go most of the way around the island so definitely consider them if you are heading to or from another borough to mix it up from the subway.

Helicoptor tour of Manhattan

For the experience of a lifetime, head on down to the heli port at the south end of Manhattan where you will take off into the skies to have your mind blown.

For a first timer on a chopper, I spent the entire time gaping at view. Central Park from the air was a particular highlight, the contrast of the city and the park are quite simply incredible. The September 11 memorial is another particularly memorable view.

If you are going to spend up on a transport option, this one is pretty special, just make sure to take it all in and not spend the whole time taking photos!!

Circle Line Ferry

Circle Line Ferrys have been featured in hundreds of movies (think How to Lose a Guy in 10 days where they go over to visit the family) and is yet another must do. Personally the trip over was enough for me to check out the Statue of Liberty, I just turned on back around and headed back to the island! Lots of great photo opps of the statue and the island from the water.

Cold tip: If you are heading to NYC in winter, there are 3 relevant words for this ferry trip. LAYERS and FACE PROTECTION!!! The wind rips through you and brings the temp down ten degrees, instigating all sorts of frozen hands/selfie sticks/iphone loss fail situations. So layerr up and keep your tech close!