The scorching 40+ degree temperatures didn't stop me making my way through Melbourne, although it did save my pennies... as shopping in a heat wave is not my idea of fun. I did a quick Hawthorn visit to Maiike store and some lunch at Liar Liar ....(At the Woodsfolk was closed which i was a bit sad about)....I then called it quits and hit our amazing suite at The Prince for an afternoon nap, before catching up with hubby for a walk by the beach and a yummy ice cream...He booked me a relaxation Facial at Aurora Spa and then we wandered up to GoldenFields for a delish asian inspired dinner by talented chef Andrew McConnell.
The next day we had coffee at our long time fave Il Forneio before heading into the city....Hubby off to work and i hit a few stores around the City and found the cutest little caf called Alice Nivens for yet another coffee and cake. After wandering a bit around Flinders and the Lanes, I escaped the heat at the Ian Potter Gallery to check out the Melbourne Now exhibition which was great! I then snuck in my last lunch (alone) at Movida with a yummy cuttlefish, chickpea & mint salad and fresh tomatoes before hitting the airport....short, sweet but a full night sleep and no food prep....priceless!
The little miss and I headed down to Melbourne for a few days to visit hubby. At 6 and a half months she kept up with me on the shopping & cafe trail...I think I drank more coffees than a columbian! Anyway, thanks to my new best friend 
As promised, here is the happiness find on the Gold Coast! It is little but has such a great mix of flowers, candles, vases, paper, art, bone china etc...not to mention the very cute spray painted bike out the front. Even a little menu outside with some coffee or drinks to revive you and think about some purchases....loooove! 
We just returned from our fab holiday on the Gold Coast! 27-30 degrees everyday...lots of swimming, relaxing & dining. We ditched Cavill (lost its touch since Schoolies) and found some great little Caffeine hideouts around Mermaid, Nobby's & Broadbeach. Our fave was Elk - pics 1 & 3 (20 min walk from our apt to Elk at broadbeach ) - funky cement & peely walled caf with the big Elk on display, vintage glass vases with cute sprouting flowers, pastel coffee cups & great big juices and breakky/lunch menu. Another fave at Mermaid beach is Vintage Espresso - pics 5 & 6 (I read in Naked (the Gold Coast guide) that "If Frankie mag opened a cafe, this is exactly what it would be like")! - 70's furniture, vintage mirrors, porcelain figurines, arty crowd and great coffee! The new Oracle development at Broadbeach is a winner too! We attended the first of 
Our Annual Noosa trip is over for another year...Stunning weather, amazing meals & beautiful National Park Walks...here I reveal my top 10 must do's. 1. Trio of sorbets at the lovely 