The Weekender: A Quick Walk to Milsons Park

Just a short note from me this post as I want the photos to speak for themselves...My flatmate and I went for a spontaneous walk one afternoon and I decided to bring my camera along to try out my new wide-angle lens. I love the results and I hope you do too. 

I feel so lucky to call this beautiful place home!

The Weekender: Central Coast

Feat. three girls, a Mini and a dog.

Last October, I took a day off work (my first annual leave ever!) and escaped with a couple of friends for a four-day long weekend up the Central Coast. In true movie road trip style, we jumped into a red Mini Cooper and brought along Finn, my friend's adorable Maltese Poodle. Coincidentally, it has been one year since we had started travelling together after meeting each other on our university semester abroad. Whilst Umina Beach was a little closer to home than Copenhagen (around one and a half hour drive as we were lucky enough to miss the long weekend traffic), it was the perfect getaway after six months of intense work and study.

The three of us (and one dog) stayed in this beautiful cottage. We were a bit apprehensive at first as the preview on Google Maps showed a rundown property and it was a pretty affordable option. When we arrived on Friday afternoon however, we were pleasantly surprised - what you see in the photos is exactly what the little cottage looked like. It is owned by a very friendly lady who lives in the front house (with one welcoming shaggy dog) - her welcome and chats made our stay even better. The property is managed by Accom Holidays Ettalong, who were great communicators and responded to my emails immediately. I wouldn't hesitate to stay at this cottage again if I ever need a place to stay at Umina Beach. Word of warning though, the property doesn't come with wifi. I was completely fine with this as I was keen for a digital detox regardless.

On Friday night, we booked a table at Pearls on the Beach, a contemporary Australian fine dining restaurant next to Pearl Beach, to celebrate my friend's 21st birthday. The portions were generous and we thoroughly enjoyed the entree, mains and dessert. We also watched the pink sunset beforehand - I have waited so long to walk along the soft sand whilst listening to the waves and staring into the pink clouds in the distance!

Of course, a weekend away wouldn't be complete without a coastal hike. We deliberately chose our location for the long weekend based on its proximity to a beach and a national park. We ended up doing a couple of easy hikes through the bush and along the coastline at Bouddi National Park, then taking a swim when we came across secluded beaches. It was definitely the perfect way to recharge!

The Weekender: Four Mindful Ways to Enjoy Bondi Beach

I've been very interested in the concept of mindful living in the past year and a recent visit to Australia's most popular beach served as yet another little reminder to keep my eyes and my mind opened to what is around me.

When my good friend visited Sydney for the first time last month, I became tour guide and set about creating an itinerary for her. Despite wanting to avoid the tourist cliches, we ended up at Bondi Beach  on a wintery Sunday morning. Even though I would normally be deterred by the expensive metered parking and hordes of tourists, I forgot all about it the second my feet hit the soft powdery sand.

So I thought I would share with you four mindful ways I like to enjoy Australia's most popular beach:

1. Do the Bondi to Coogee Walk

Or opt for the shorter Bondi to Bronte walk.

Almost as well loved as Bondi Beach itself is the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte to Coogee. Yes, this boardwalk trail guides you along some of Sydney's most famous beaches. The walk can get busy with locals, joggers, tourists and doggies during the weekends but the views will nonetheless be spectacular.

2. Get in the Water

I'm not the strongest swimmer nor am I a surfer, but I love being in the ocean. Being by the water resets my mind and I often leave the beach feeling revitalised and grateful. And it would seem like I'm not the only one!

3. Check out the Graffiti Walls			4. Eat Fish & Chips by the Water
Lined along the walls of Bondi Beach are graffiti artworks  by local artists. If you don't want to get your feet in the sand or water (but you totally should), walk along the paved walkway and admire the constantly changing artworks. Some of them really make you stop and think about our city and the world we live in, whilst others make you quietly giggle.			I love chips. I love water (see above). So why not put them together? Eating fish and chips by the water is one of the most peaceful and satisfying things in the world (as long as you don't have to fight the seagulls). There are some great unassuming fish and chips shops along Campbell Parade (the road that stretches along the beach).

What are some of your favourite local spots for rejuvenating yourself?