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travel

Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle

My top packing tips and what I always carry with me when I travel

11th December, 2023

I’ve been lucky enough to go on a few trips this year and each time I try and streamline my packing even more. When I travel I try and keep my luggage as light as possible. I stick to one bag so I have to be really strategic in what I pack and how I pack so I can take all my essentials with me without having to deal with excess baggage. It’s about being practical and also a bit ruthless when deciding what to cull and keep as I want to know that I’ll be able to wear all the pieces I take and not have any that are just taking up unnecessary space.

So here are my golden rules for holiday packing…

Mix and match

It’s all about bringing separates and mixing and matching that way I can take a few items and just rework them for different looks. For example I’ll take a leather skirt which I can then wear with a nice black evening top and it’s fine to go out for night or I can wear it with a white t-shirt and sandals, sneakers or slides and I can wear it throughout the day. It’s all about finding items that are versatile. Also, one thing I’ve grown to love is taking matching sets with me which can be worn as separates. It looks polished but it’s also something I can rework into a few different looks.

Take one versatile LBD

I always take a little black dress because it can be worn with a pair of great flats but can be dressed up in the evening with a pair of heels so it has versatility. Bringing items that are versatile and can be worn more than one way is key to avoiding overpacking too many things.

Limit the number of shoes you take

As for shoes, I pack a pair of sneakers which I can wear while sightseeing and I also take one or two statement heels that can be mixed and matched with different outfits. If you’re going on a tropical holiday obviously a great pair of sandals or slides is a must.

Pack flat

When I’m packing I lay everything flat as I find it takes up less room. And I stick to only one bag. If I find I need to take another bag, I’ll revisit what I’m packing. When we’re travelling with the kids they end up having to take so many things with them—I want to take the least amount with me as possible to make it easier.

 

Minimise beauty products

Beauty products are heavy! So, I try to keep it light as far as what I take with me. As far as beauty goes I definitely always take a great sunscreen, a bronzer, cleanser, a good lip balm, mascara, and makeup remover. And I go with nude nails so I don’t have to keep worrying about any chipping or the polish growing out while I’m away. It’s a much more no-fuss approach.

Always take spare clothes

Having lost my luggage too many times to count I always take a change of clothes in my carry-on in case my suitcase gets lost and I also take items that I can’t lose such as my jewellery in my carry-on bag. I also always take my makeup with me just in case.

Go for comfort

Comfort is key on the plane and my fave plane outfit is pair of straight leg jeans, sneakers or a dad sandal, a loose-ish white tee and or a lightweight sweater (or both depending what time of year it is). I tend to do layering because it’s easy to adjust my clothing to the temperature on the plane. I also take a cosy Louis Vuitton wrap scarf in case it gets cold. Plus I always take a nice roomy tote carry all my essentials.

Tell me—what are your fave travel packing hacks?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion, What I Wore

What I wore on my Euro holiday

4th August, 2023

One of the best things about being on vacation is getting to embrace “Holiday Kate”. I’ve always loved this about going away because it’s a chance for me to experiment with looks I wouldn’t usually get to wear all that often at home, and have a lot of fun with my outfits. I still like to look polished of course, but it’s about injecting some playful touches whether it be a bold print, a splash of colour or some statement eyewear or accessories.

Doing Euro summer is also licence to go big and bold or all out glam, so my wardrobe consisted of a lot of Aussie designers, vibrant accessories, textural elements and a whole lot of colour. I’m always in such a great mood whenever I’m on an overseas getaway, particularly when I’m in a spot such as Taormina in Italy which is a special place for me and has been since I was a little girl so my wardrobe reflects that. I’m all about layering prints and colours, with slightly more muted tones to achieve the right balance for all my holiday looks. Holidaying by the water is also a great time to showcase a lot of Aussie resortwear. From swimsuits by Bondi Born to loungewear pieces by Venroy, there’s definitely a lot to love about the way Australian brands do pieces that work beautifully when you’re in relaxation mode.

We also went to London and Paris on our trip so I embraced a lot of feminine pieces during that leg of our trip, once again largely comprised of Aussie designers. Whether it was a summery striped shirt dress to sightsee or a slinky textured LBD with cute bow embellishments (both pieces by the wonderful Rebecca Vallance) for a night out at the iconic Annabel’s in Mayfair I went for polished looks underpinned by feminine silhouettes and finishes. There’s definitely something magical about holiday dressing…

Pool time in this classic high waisted bandeau bikini with a splash of colour.

Credits: Bandeau bikini top and bottom and sarong, Monte and Lou; Slides, Gucci; Sunglasses, Poppy Lissiman

Heading out with Luke and the girls.

Credits: Swimsuit, Bondi Born; Pants, Tory Burch; Slides, Gucci; Bag, Strathberry

Enjoying a beautiful meal outdoors.

Credits: Top, Cami NYC

All frocked up with Sophia and Grace

Credits: Dress and bag, Fendi; Raffia bag, Loewe; Sandals, Chanel

Grace and I doing prints, prints, prints!

Credits: Dress, Muma World; Bag, Valentino; Slides, Gucci

Love holidaying in technicolour!

Credits: Shirt and pants, Muma World; Bag, Valentino; Sunglasses, Vehla

Such a cute embellished bikini, and these pants by Venroy were so light and airy.

Credits: Bikini, Oceanus; Pants, Venroy; Sunglasses, Vehla

Having a great time at Annabel’s in what has to be one of the most Instagrammable bathrooms in the world.

Credits: Dress, Rebecca Vallance; Bag, Jimmy Choo

Embracing all things Parisian with my family.

Credits: Dress, Rebecca Vallance; Sunglasses, Vehla

Beach time, Spritz in hand with my good friend Michael Brown – what could be better?

Credits: Shirt (similar here), Agua Bendita; Swimsuit, Bondi Born; Hat and Slides, Gucci

 

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Lifestyle

My guide to the Kentucky Derby

22nd May, 2023

When I attended the Kentucky Derby earlier in the month, I received a flurry of questions about attending the event. Everything from how to get tickets to where to stay and what to do in Kentucky. I would definitely recommend adding it to your holiday list. I had such a fun time being there, and I would love to head back again. Next year is the 150th anniversary of this iconic race, so if you’re thinking of going, it’s the perfect time to plan a visit! Here’s what you need to know…

How to get tickets

You can do everything online. Just visit Derby150.com to book your tickets. I’ve also been told that there’s a sweepstake running for the chance to win a Kentucky Derby Trip of a Lifetime. You would receive tickets, travel and accommodation, a paddock visit and race day experience, option to walk the red carpet, tickets to one of the galas and more, so definitely enter!

What you need to know about attending

The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are all-inclusive events that include beverages and dining on both days for all ticketholders except General Admission.

If you’re looking to have a more luxe experience, there are a variety of more upmarket clubs to elevate your time attending Derby and Oaks. I’ve been told that next year there will be two brand new luxury clubs, the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club and the 1895 Club. The Woodford Reserve Paddock Club is a luxury club with tables to accommodate 2,4,6, or 8 guests and upscale amenities while the 1895 Club offers a Curated Chef’s table buffet and private amenities. The First Turn Club Offers a front row seat to the racing and the famous Kentucky Derby Walkover, where contenders and their connections parade along the track from the barn area to the Paddock prior to the big race.

Where to stay

Omni Hotel Louisville

This is where I was hosted during my stay and it was lovely. It’s a luxury hotel centrally located in downtown Louisville, close to Main Street. It’s a great place to be based if you want to check out the city’s bourbon culture and popular distilleries on Whisky Row.

21C Museum Hotel

If you’re an art lover, this hotel is the one for you. Located in downtown Louisville on historic West Main Street, along Museum Row, 21c Museum Hotel is a contemporary art museum and award-winning 91-room boutique hotel. It’s also home to the acclaimed Proof on Main restaurant.

The Galt House

The Galt House Hotel overlooks the waterfront of downtown Louisville (and is the only hotel in the area near the water). It is the largest hotel in Kentucky and it dates back to the 1800s.

The Brown Hotel

A Louisville Landmark since 1923, the Brown Hotel is where the traditional Kentucky dish, the Hot Brown, was born. The Brown Hotel is such a beautiful grand feel to it with its Georgian-Revival elegance and timeless Southern charm.

Where to eat

My advice: get a reservation where you can in advance. Over 250,000 guests head to Churchill Down for the Oaks and Derby, so restaurants can get packed.

If you’re looking for good eats, explore Nulu – East Market Street which is a cute, walkable area near the downtown area with shops, restaurants, bars. Try Biscuit Belly which is a popular biscuits (equivalent to our scones) and brunch spot. La Bodeguita De Mima Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar serves classic Cuban cuisine & cocktails served in a bright, lively locale with a leafy outdoor patio. If you’re after genuine southern fare and brick oven pies, definitely check out Garage Bar.

For other restaurants in the area, try Jeff Rubys which is a nationally acclaimed steak house. Grab a drink at Nouvelle which is  neighbourhood wine bar or for an upmarket take on traditional southern food, try Jack Fry’s which is a high end American restaurant. Sapporo Grill & Sushi is a locally owned, family-friendly restaurant that showcases beautiful quality fish and modern interpretations of traditional Japanese cuisine. Also, add Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen to your must-eat list – this restaurant features an award-winning menu of Southern/American cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails.

What to see

Take a tour on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Louisville is home to 7 of the 43 bourbon distilleries on the tour. Check out the Old Forester – the bourbon used for the classic Mint Julep. If you’re a sports fan, pay a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum – this museum showcases the story of Louisville Slugger baseball bats in baseball and in American history. Also, definitely pay a visit to the Kentucky Derby Museum. Learn how the Kentucky Derby got its start going back to the first Derby in 1875. Guests will walk through two floors of interactive exhibits, take a 30-minuted guided historic walking tour and watch the museum’s signature movie “The Greatest Race.”

 

 

Lifestyle

My must-visit spots in Italy

5th September, 2022

Sightseeing in Rome with Sophia

Italy has always had a special place in my heart as we’ve been going there for family holidays since I was young. Given we haven’t been able to travel for so many years, making the trip there this year with my own family was wonderful. It’s also as magical as I remember it to be. I’ve always loved hearing people’s travel recommendations whether it’s places to stay or restaurants to check out. If you’re planning to head to Italy, these are a few places that got my tick of approval — hope they come in handy!

Taormina

This hilltop town in Sicily has been a beloved destination for my family and I for years. Luke and I even got married there so it’s definitely a place filled with so many great memories. It’s wonderful to now be able to bring my own family there and to see how much the girls love it. Here are a few of my faves.

Places to stay

We like to stay at the Mazzarò Sea Palace which is right on the beach and has a pool so it’s super easy, especially with kids in tow. It’s also right next to the cable car to get into town so it’s an ultra convenient spot. A few other spots that would be great to stay include the Four Seasons San Domenico, Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant’Andrea. For a more budget-friendly option, the Hotel Gallodoro is great and is in a good location.

Places to eat

For coffee and granitas in the morning, definitely hit up Bam Bar. If you’re looking for places to eat that are by the beach I would recommend Il Barcaiolo (great view and seafood aplenty); Il Delfino (so much good seafood); Da Giovanni (beautiful hearty meals and also a great view of the water); Sant’Andrea (expect tasty fresh produce and seasonal dishes).

There are also spots in town that will satisfy any foodie. Try Four Seasons San Domenico (stunning hotel with a number of different restaurants that range from fine dining to casual bar fare, and where they filmed the second season of White Lotus!); Granduca (for the pizza fans!); Raya Restaurant (great pasta and a picturesque setting); L’arco dei cappuccini (great pasta and seafood); Grand Hotel Timeo (this was my wedding reception venue! There are a range of options from bar food to an intimate dining experience with just 16 people).

If you’re in the mood for drinks or a fancy dinner option, my hit list would be Grand Hotel Timeo, Four Seasons San Domenico or Sant’Andrea. If you’re in the mood for dancing, then go to Morgana Bar.

Sightseeing/Activities

A lot of the time we had to make sure activities were child-friendly but luckily Taormina is a great spot for families, couples, seasoned travellers, you name it. I would highly recommend doing a walk around the public gardens which is so picturesque. If you want to work up a sweat do the Mount Etna day trip and walk the volcano. The kids really loved doing a boat tour of the grottos, and also enjoyed doing a cannoli cooking class at Roberto’s.

The famed Roberto’s where the girls did a cannoli cooking class

With Mum and the girls in Taormina

Rome

A bustling cultural wonderland, we were so excited to visit Rome with the girls. There are a number of iconic landmarks to see of course but it’s also a great spot to just stroll around and take in the city.

Places to stay

We stayed at the Villa Agrippina Gran Melia which is near Vatican City. It’s a great spot if you are travelling with kids as you can escape the heat in the middle of the day by hanging out at the pool. 

Places to eat

For an upmarket dining experience we loved Al Moro, which is near the Trevi Fountain. The menu is full of traditional Roman dishes and was absolutely delicious. Traverna Trilussa is all about rustic Italian dishes and is famed for its pasta. Ristorante Nino, which is right near the Spanish Steps, specialises in Tuscan meets traditional Roman cuisine and is more than 80 years old.

Enjoying a tour of the Coloseum

Aeolian Islands 

The Aeolian Islands are north of Sicily and considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sites are stunning and well worth a visit if you’re in Sicily (or elsewhere in Italy for that matter).

Isola di Salina

Places to stay

The Aeolian Islands is comprised of seven islands, one of which is Isola di Salina which is one of the islands we stayed on. Our hotel was called Capofaro and is a boutique hotel which only comprises 27 rooms. It was quite intimate which was a nice change of pace.

Places to eat:

You’re really spoilt for choice as far as restaurants in Salina are concerned. Try Porto Bello (close to the central port of the island, dreamy seafood dishes); La Pinnata del Monsu (lovely ambience and great local cuisine); La Locanda del Postino (serves great traditional Aeolian and Sicilian dishes); Ristorante Capofaro (views are unbeatable).

Activities

I’d highly suggest doing a boat tour around the island as the scenery is gorgeous. It’s also possible to visit other islands for day trips.

Panera Island

Places to stay

We stayed at Hotel Raya, which has a bit of a quirky vibe compared to the other places we stayed at giving it a little extra personality, plus the views are unbeatable.

Places to eat

If you love seafood, Cusiritati is a lovely restaurant to check out. Delicious local fare and the location and service was great.

Island life with the girls

If you’ve visited Italy, what are some of your must-visit spots?

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Festival of British Eventing

1st September, 2022

I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the British Festival of Eventing recently on behalf of Channel 7 Racing and what a fun event it was! Eventing is a riding competition that incorporates three major events – dressage, show jumping and cross country. As a result we spent most of our time enjoying the great outdoors in the Cotswalds and took in a range of different events over the course of a few days. I had to pack looks for a number of different events requiring smart casual attire to slightly dressier pieces, and here’s what I wore throughout the week.

The dress code on this day was smart casual so I went with this look by Viktoria and Woods. These pants are a relative newcomer to my wardrobe and have been such a worthwhile addition. I liked that they can be dressed up or down (perfect for travelling) and styled in different ways. I went for a tie dye tank for a more casual vibe, and simple white sneakers for comfort. A straw hat was a necessity in the sun so I opted for this wide brimmed straw hat by Brixton.

Credits: Top, pants (similar here) and belt, Viktoria and Woods; Sneakers, Burberry; Hat, Brixton; Sunglasses, RayBan

I was attending a welcome BBQ at Mike and Zara Tindall’s house and while it wasn’t a super dressy affair I still wanted to wear something that was polished. I went for another look by Viktoria and Woods, this time around I opted for a pair of white trousers teamed with a knotted singlet and peach blazer. It was perfect for a summer evening as the look was quite breezy and light.

Credits: Blazer, top and pants, Viktoria and Woods; Slides, Gucci

Loving this new season dress by Aje. The sleeves and maxi hem add a polished element but the linen fabric gives it an effortless feel. It also features a great zip feature with an anchor zip pull which I think is all kinds of cute. I added a Louis Vuitton scarf to give it an extra style touch while a Brixton wide-brimmed hat offered some much welcomed shade and sun protection.

Credits: Dress, Aje; Scarf (similar here), Louis Vuitton; Sneakers, Burberry; Hat, Brixton; Sunglasses, RayBan

We were visiting a watership down stud and I went for something light and easy to wear. This Acler dress has been on high rotation in my wardrobe, and I love that it has the polished element of a belted shirt dress while the A-line skirt adds a touch of fun.

Credits: Dress, Acler; Slides, Gucci; Bag, Bulgari; Sunglasses, RayBan

Another outing for these Viktoria and Woods pants for a visit to a local stud farm. I’ve genuinely found these pants to be such a versatile piece and in this instance I paired them with a lightweight blouse. Once again I opted for a comfy pair of white sneakers and finished off the look with a Loewe crossbody bag.

Credits: Top, pants (similar here) and belt, Viktoria and Woods; Sneakers, Burberry; Bag, Loewe; Sunglasses, RayBan

Before flying home I interviewed Elsa Pataky for Sunrise so I went for this matching set by Viktoria and Woods. The rust coloured halter has an elegant feel, which is further enhanced by the soft draping. I am loving wide leg pants and this particular pair is lightweight enough for a summer day, while maintaining the polished feel that I wanted for being in front of the camera.

Credits: Top (similar here) and pants (similar here), Viktoria and Woods; Slides, Gucci

Fashion

The outfit combinations I wore non-stop while travelling

22nd August, 2022

Holiday wardrobes are a funny thing as it’s often the time when you feel like you want to bring pretty much everything in your wardrobe “just in case”. From past experience, the reality is that (believe me I’ve learned this the hard way) I will only ever wear a small rotation of outfits when I’m on vacation. I can stuff my suitcase to the brim with a variety of different looks but I will always fall back on certain combinations that are easy and no-fuss. It’s also never nice dragging a heavy suitcase around from destination to destination so I’ve actually become pretty ruthless when it comes to what I pack. We were away in Europe and the UK for a few weeks on our recent trip, so I knew I had a number of different activities to cater for with London being more about sightseeing, while various destinations in Italy we’re largely going to be about relaxing and spending time by the water. So, what to pack? Well, these are the pieces I brought with me and I can attest to the fact they made getting dressed out of a suitcase so much easier and fun.

Pack separates

Yes, I packed dresses but most of the time I packed a key number of separates that I could mix and match into different looks. I found this expanded my outfit repertoire while I was away but I also made sure that I was working with a particular colour palette. This allowed me to bring separates that could work together in various ways.

Bring good basics

Much like my regular wardrobe at home, basics are king. I can’t survive without a good rotation of basics to form the building blocks of different looks. One thing I made sure I packed a lot of were multiple tanks in various colours to match with pants or skirts. This proved to be a good move as I created so many outfits by just rotating my tanks with various bottoms. Plus they’re really easy to pack and don’t take up valuable suitcase real estate.

Matching sets are a lifesaver

I saw a lot of matching sets while I was overseas and I think they’re a really good thing to add to a holiday wardrobe. My favourite is a shirt and short set in a matching print. I brought some of these and they were good to wear together or separately. For example I wore the shirt with jeans, or the shorts with a tank whenever I wasn’t wearing them together. I managed to create multiple outfits from just one set which is so good when dealing with limited suitcase space.

Consider dual purpose items

I had to bring swimsuits with me of course, but rather than just using them for going to the beach, I was a bit more strategic in the kinds I brought so I could utilise them in other ways. I love using my swimsuit as a top so I opted for plain colours such as black, white, olive and chocolate to pair back with long, flowy pants or skirts or a nice pair of shorts. This also proved to be a timesaver as I could easily go from beach to lunch or dinner without having to fuss around with an outfit change.

Tell me—what are some of your fave failsafe pieces to bring on holiday?

Beauty, Lifestyle

The beauty products I took with me on holiday

8th August, 2022

I always take a tight edit of beauty products with me whenever I go on holiday. My regular routine usually comprises a number of different things both for skincare and makeup but when I travel I always cull it right down. I don’t want to have my entire suitcase taken up by beauty products, plus I also don’t really want to spend a lot of time on doing my makeup or skincare as I want to be out there enjoying myself! So, what made the cut for my trip to the UK and Europe? Here are the standout things I used throughout my break..

Maybelline Nudes of New York Eye Shadow Palette

Taking an eye shadow palette is always such a great idea on a trip as it allows you to mix up your looks without having to take multiple eye shadow pots. This cheap and cheerful buy saw me through the entire trip, from dinners to days out, so it was definitely a smart thing to pack.

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

I’ve been using this foundation for years and I’m still a huge fan. It achieves a flawless finish but feels lightweight and natural, and not that my skin has been caked on with makeup. It was great for my trip as I was dealing with hot, sometimes humid days and my skin always felt comfortable.

Stila Cheek Cream

I love the natural dewy effect of a cheek cream. This cream gave me a natural flushed effect and was definitely the right texture to wear in hot weather. Anything in a powder tends to sweat off and this had lasting power.

Clarins Double Serum

One of the MVPs of my skincare routine. This ultra nourishing and hydrating product from Clarins always leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. It’s helped me get my skin to a great state that I can comfortable go sans makeup when I feel like it.

Hanging out in London

Max Factor Lash Revival Mascara

Another cheap and cheerful buy! I love roadtesting different mascaras and this one has been a winner. It always makes my lashes appear fuller and longer and it’s so easy to find — perfect for when you’re travelling as you don’t want to have to be searching high and low for a really obscure product.

Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronzer

Last year it was announced that the Marc Jacobs beauty brand is no longer but there has been talk recently that it might be making a comeback. Fingers crossed! In the meantime, I am hanging onto this bronzer for dear life. The golden glow it achieves and the fact is smells like a tropical holiday have made me a longtime fan. (It’s obviously near impossible to find now so my other fave alternative is Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush bronzer).

Hourglass Translucent Setting Powder

I always like to set my makeup for the day and this powder by Hourglass works a treat. It’s translucent so its invisibly on the skin and helps to blur pores, wrinkles and lines.

Shop my travel beauty edit
What beauty products do you always travel with?

 

Lifestyle

The organisational tips I found really useful while travelling with kids

3rd August, 2022

In Italy with our girls celebrating our wedding anniversary. Bliss!

After experiencing the biggest travel high after not being able to travel for the last few years, I’ve come to realise just how wonderful it is for the girls to be able to get out of their usual routines and environment to experience something totally new. We spent some time in London, Paris and Italy and it was wonderful for the soul but also for our family in general. The girls had an absolute ball while we were away and it brought Luke and I so much joy to see them having a great time. That said I’ve also realised (much to my delight!) that the girls are now at a really good age to travel. We no longer have to worry about prams, cots, bottles, nappies and lugging half our house around with us so it makes a HUGE difference, particular when you’re dealing with long haul flights and constantly changing time zones. (If you are still in that stage check out this travel post I did when the girls were younger.) That said, the girls are still kids so there were a few things that we found really helpful on our trip to keep everything on track. Sharing some of my tried and tested tips for travelling with kids in case you’re embarking on a holiday with little ones in tow…

Choose your flight times wisely

I purposely chose flight times that were neither too early or too late. There’s nothing worse than trying to rush out at the crack of dawn while trying to corral two children, the same goes for flying way too late and ending up with extremely irritable kids. We made sure to fly at the friendliest hours we could so we got the girls at their most perkiest selves.

Organise transfers

Pre-kids me probably would’ve just hopped into a cab or an Uber as it was easy. I’ve found it’s not so easy now with two kids in tow so I made sure to have transfers to our accomodation locked in ahead of time so there was no waiting around at airports. Also when everyone’s tired and over it, you’ll be so glad there’s a car ready and waiting to whisk you away to where you’re staying.

Do your research

We did tours that were specifically recommended for kids. I think there’s a big difference when a tour is accomodating of kids as generally it’s much more upbeat and energetic to keep little ones interested. I think the girls would have lost interest very quickly if we ended up going on something that was geared towards adults.

Choose accomodation with child-friendly amenities

When staying in big cities, I would try and book a hotel with a pool. That way we could do the sights in the morning and then we could retreat to the hotel pool to escape the heat in the afternoon and also allow for some relaxation time. It ended up getting quite hot in some of the cities we were in so this was a very welcome reprieve, and then we would go out for dinner afterwards.

Make reservations

As any parent will attest, eating out sans kids is a vastly different proposition to eating out with kids so my biggest tip is to sort out restaurant reservations in advance. It’s nice strolling around and choosing restaurants on a whim but when you’re dealing with hungry kids, it’s best to have a destination in mind and a guaranteed table once you get there. We researched in advance and chose family friendly restaurants so we could all have a relaxed time and not have to worry about keeping the kids quiet because we were at a white tablecloth/deathly silence kind of fine dining establishment.

Come prepared with entertainment

I made sure to stock my bag with lots of colouring and activity books to keep the girls entertained at restaurants. It helped to occupy them while we were waiting for food, and helped us avoid screen time at the dinner table.

Document the trip

It’s not a logistical or an organisation tip but one of the best things we did on our trip was have the girls keep a journal while they were away. They loved finding things to put in their journal and writing about their day. I know it’s something that will be looked back on fondly and will be treasured forever.

Tell me—what are some of your best tips for travelling with kids?
Fashion

The biggest trends I spotted overseas

1st August, 2022

I thoroughly loved the fashion in Italy

One of the great things about being able to travel again is having the opportunity to check out what everyone else is wearing on the other side of the world. Most of my trip was spent in places known for their style and this vacation certainly delivered as far as wardrobe inspiration goes. From London to Paris and various parts of Italy, it was a non-stop sartorial journey as I saw great outfit after great outfit, and started spotting trends aplenty. Also, as I was able to enjoy European summer, I got a sneak peek at what’s to come later in the year and I’m already prepping my wardrobe for it! While I loved so many things, these are the trends that I predict will be huge come spring/summer in Australia.

Matching sets

I’m a huge fan of matching sets so I was very pleased to see that it’s a trend that doesn’t seem to be waning in popularity. I saw co-ordinating pieces everywhere, but in particular it was all about a silk shirt and matching silk pants in bold prints and patterns.

Anything mesh

Believe it or not, it looks like mesh is going to be huge. I saw mesh in various iterations from dresses to tops, but it was absolutely everywhere! I do like this as a trend for summer because you can wear a mesh dress without a slip and turn it into a swimsuit coverup.

Woven handbags

A woven handbag is still the go-to when it comes to a summer bag. I saw some beautiful designer options (check out brands like Celine, Chloe, Loewe for some fun pieces) but there were also some great non-branded pieces that made for great carryalls.

Feathers

Want to add a touch of fanciness to your outfit? Definitely embrace the feathers trend. From a feather cuff detail or full on feathers, it adds glamour to your summer look.

Crop tops and mini skirts

While it’s not entirely my thing these days, I did see the crop top and mini skirt combination everywhere. If it’s not entirely your thing, you could tap into it by wearing a crop with high waisted shorts or a mini with an oversized button down.

Which trend do you think you’ll get on board with this summer?

Fashion

Our 10 year wedding anniversary celebration

7th July, 2022

Time flies when you’re having fun, right? That sums up 10 years of marriage for me. Because it truly only feels like yesterday when Luke and I made our vows, and in the decade since, we have been blessed to have such a wonderful marriage, and have built a beautiful life with our girls. Given the last few years we’ve had in the world, it made Luke and I appreciate 10 years together even more, and we wanted to do something special to honour the day. So, what better way to do it than to go to back to where it all happened? Now that international borders have opened up, we decided to make the trip over to Taormina in Sicily where we got married to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. This time around, with Sophia and Grace in tow!

I’ve been going to Taormina with my family since I was kid and it’s a very special place for us all, full of so many wonderful memories. Several years have passed since we were last there (Sophia was a baby the last time!) and it’s still as beautiful as I remember. We decided to honour our wedding day by doing an informal vow renewal and blessing at San Giuseppe church where we got married, followed by lunch at our reception venue, The Grand Hotel Timeo. I can’t tell you how many incredible memories it brought back just being at those places again!

I wanted to embrace a wedding vibe for the day so went for a special ensemble by J.Andreatta in Sydney. I wore the Valentina mini dress from the brand, and loved its nod to the 60s, with the mini hemline and belted waist. Plus I couldn’t resist wearing matching gloves. It was classic, a little nod to old Hollywood glamour and perfect for summer day in Italy. The girls and my nieces wore custom embellished dresses by Santelia Sydney, the deep V back and oversized bow were just perfection.

I can’t really describe the day other than the fact it was truly magical. It was even more special being able to spend it with family and friends. My parents and brother, sister-in-law and nieces and nephew were there, along with my aunty and some other special people in our lives. We had a wonderful long lunch with delicious Italian food and the most amazing cake topped with cream and strawberries. I loved being able to celebrate such an important milestone with my nearest and dearest, and at one of my favourite places on the planet. Plus seeing the girls there, enjoying themselves really brought into focus how far Luke and I had come together, and how many important things had happened in the last 10 years. It also reminded me how thankful I am that our relationship is just as strong, that we’re surrounded by so many amazing people in our lives. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years brings, and the 10 after that… Hopefully, we’ll be able to do it all again when we celebrate 20 years!

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

 

Flashback to 10 years ago….

 

And now…