July 20, 2014

girl gone international.


moving across the world and starting a new life is not foreign to me. i've been lucky enough to spend an equal amount of time (10 years) in both australia and the UK before i was 20. i've spent valuable time with both sides of my family and been immersed in different cultures and histories. i'm thankful for my international experiences earlier on in life and also the international relationship that my parents have shared for 37 years. so when my sister and i both met european men in the summer of 2012, it wasn't a shock for my nearest and dearest as it seemed we were just following suit. after a few months back in our homeland we had both decided to pack up our lives in australia and board flights (a few weeks apart) to begin a new journey across the world. this experience has not only brought us closer but given us the inspiration to follow our hearts and our dreams. when dale, the assistant editor of girl gone international and dear friend of my sister asked us to take part in an interview about living and loving abroad...i was truly humbled. this journey has felt like second nature to me, so it often feels a little too 'notebook' when i do have the chance to share it. but hey, bring on the gosling love story i say!


http://www.joomag.com/magazine/girlgi-girl-gone-international-issue-6/0207505001405005081






July 12, 2014

city (love of my) life.


just when i think we've discovered all there is in our city, she just keeps on surprising. it wasn't love at first sight when i arrived 2 years ago on my first trip to holland. fast forward 8 months and she was to be my new home. we've been going steady for at least a year and a half now and even on her off days, i love her. below are a few current favourites that i think you should know about.


check out her uber cool skyline.


this city loves its mint green architecture...as do i. 


the weekend market in town never disappoints for vintage finds. ever.


over in katendrecht you can find my favourite cafe POSSE and some fabulous warehouse architecture.


the view from the fenix food factory. home of great ciders, cheese and frites. nice view too.


my first trip to the zoo. never been a huge fan of them but this sanctuary supports a lot of cool creatures.


namely, these guys.


kralingen does good vintage...


and waterside views.


aloha bar at the iconic tropicana has sunsoaked views over the river...


and mint memories of its waterpark history.


let's not forget they have fabulous furniture worthy of joining my collection.


dim daily in the city is our favourite place to get a serving of some unbelievable laksa which we lovingly call, heaven in a bowl. the california roll is also the best in town.


one of my favourite stations in holland that now stands proudly as a popular roffa icon. she always looks stunning against a bright blue sky.


the pastel tones of the centraal station bike storage are like riding through a candy coloured dream.


the kralingse plas not only soaks you in nature but is only a 15 minute bike ride from the centre. i'm lucky enough to have this in my backyard.


summer florals.


i'm no stranger to florals. infact, there was once a time that i swore i'd never love a man more than i loved my vintage floral sheet collection. thankfully, i've learnt to happily balance the two. fabrics, kitchenware, teacups and more fabric fill my home and my heart. i'd like to share a few favourite finds from my latest thrifting adventures in london town and my city, rotterdam. these cities sure know how to spoil a girl.


happy tablecloths and kitchenware. 


one of the biggest and best teacups i've ever found. 


tablecloth love. 


mini owl cake anyone?


happy tiles that i couldn't leave behind.


yet to find a project for them, any ideas?


this beauty now lives happily on our dining room table. found on brick lane.


some midwinter gems from my aunty's local charity shop.


my apron collection grows. going to need a few for my future venture.


oh england, you do pottery well.


some pillowcase love.

July 6, 2014

memory making.


two weekends ago the boy and i boated our way across the north sea to fair ol' england. it has been a few months since we graced her fair shores and even longer since i was reunited with my parents. my family made their way to my aunty and uncle's home where we celebrated my grandmother's 89th birthday. it's no surprise that Kit is one of my favourite muses and continues to inspire me with her strength, sweet tooth and cheeky charm everyday. as dementia cruelly takes over, these gatherings and the quiet moments had with her over a cuppa, are memories i will treasure far beyond both our lives. i am reminded everytime we meet that distance is no match for the love i have for my family. london, your memories, weather and sights were wonderful as always. see you again soon! 


south bank wanderings in the sunshine.


THE most amazing scotch eggs i have ever laid eyes on/devoured in all my time.


donut deliberations at spitalfields.


brick lane colours.


two of my favourite things.


cutting the cake.


summer time in the city.


spitalfields colour splash.


on the dinosaur hunt.


pattern hunt.


breakfast clubbing.


market wandering.


sweet as cherry pie/fab ice lollies.


fabric delights.


souvenir scouting.


playing favourites.