Happy New Year!
2015 has been an incredible year. It’s been full of fun and many lessons. I am confident that 2016 will be even better, I can’t wait!
I’ve totally been slacking on my blog, I apologize! One of my new years resolutions is to share more on my site, so expect more to come this year!
I hope you all had a wonderful new years, here’s to another amazing year!
xx
Okay, so it’s the beginning of November and Christmas decor is in full gear in the United States. It becomes so overwhelming, time flies, and suddenly you’re scrambling to find gifts for friends and family. I thought it would be laid back in Australia, but the decorations around the mall are up and the music is playing! In an effort to help you find the perfect gift for your friends and family with different interests, I’ve made up the perfect gift guide! All you have to do is tie it in a bow an you’re set–I did all the research you need! xx
homebody:
Timree makes the cutest hand-painted ceramics, school supplies, paintings, and many other fun things! I love her company, I went to the store in Newport Beach and it looks like so much fun for paint parties! These make the perfect gift for family members, or friends who want to store their jewelry in a personal dish!
organized:
Gigi New York has a great selection of planners, personal items, purses, etc. I also love Clare Vivier, which is a similar leather accessory company. The fold over clutches are perfect for a night out or on the go. I want every color! Both designers both have a men’s collection as well–for those looking for a gift for your dad, husband, or boyfriend : )
beach-goer:
The Beach People towels have been a hit all over Australia. I even added one to my Christmas list! They are super cute and go great with a pair of mirror shades–I thought these Wildfox ones were fun!
simple accessorizer:
Catbird NYC has the most gorgeous, dainty jewelry that makes the perfect personal gift. I love the stacking rings, it’s fun to collect over time. I’ve been noticing these adorable French-made bracelets by SAB&SAB all over Sydney, they too make the perfect collectible piece!
tech-savvy:
I love Frends headphones (as mentioned in my previous post)! There’s different kinds and colors, and of course provide great sound–I have these ones on my list as well: ). I just recently bought this Boostcase, since my phone dies so quickly here. They have a lot of pretty pastel colors, and the battery pack can be detached when you don’t need it.
scent-seekers:
Palm Beach Collection is a great Australian brand, I have a ton of them all over my apartment here! I also can’t go without my Calypso Bellini perfume. I have the candle for that too–so if it’s hard to order the Palm Beach candle from the US, the Calypso candle is just as great!
beauty queen:
I can’t get enough of frank body scrub–I actually just did my weekly scrub today! It makes to perfect gift and works great. I love the brand, and all of their cheeky descriptions. Glam Glow is a hit! I have both the moisturizing and mud mask and they work wonders! You can find it on Amazon, at Sephora, or Mecca (for all my Aussie readers!)
wow–long overdue post is needed from my trip to bali, byron, and everything in between! Bali was incredible, I would do anything to go back again someday! Here’s a rundown of where we stayed, what we ate, beached, and adventured on our 9 day trip x
Seminyak: hands down my favorite part of the trip. Seminyak is super busy, with tons of fun shopping and amazing food. We had so much fun roaming the streets popping into boutiques and checking out other local venues.
stay: Sahana Villas– we had the most incredible stay at the Sahana Villas! when we walked into our three bedroom private villa it was like walking into a Pinterest pin. the staff was incredible, always available and became family in just three days. the owners were also incredible hospitable, friendly, and made every minute of our trip enjoyable–we even went back to see everyone again on the day we left Bali! 
eat: MAMA San– AMAZING! the food is fresh and flavorful and the drinks are incredible. we went back on our last night before flying back to Sydney. definitely get the crispy pork, chow mien noodles and the fish cakes. you won’t be disappointed.
Sea Circus– a must. try the salt & pepper calimari and fish tacos. and since you’re on vacation, try a pitcher of the guava margarita–yum! 
La Lucciola– the most fresh, delicious Italian food paired with an incredible view of the ocean. carbs AND the beach? heaven! 
Cafe Bali-we went on our first night and it was great. great variety of fish plates, pad thai, etc.! Earth Cafe-great lunch spot. plenty of healthy options and some amazing raw/vegan desserts–less guilt!
drink: Potato Head, KU DE TA 
Ubud: after all the hustle and bustle in Seminyak, Ubud was a nice, quiet escape in the jungle. we had so much fun visiting the monkey forest, practiced yoga at Yoga Barn, the Batuan temple, rice terraces, and relaxed!
stay: Five Elements-just outside town, off the beaten path, lies the most incredible, spiritual and serene retreat. we loved our cabana overlooking the water (with an outdoor tub and shower!). the raw/vegan cuisine was exceptional, as well as the spa services. i tried an energy massage and soaked in a coconut milk bath while looking at the moon rise over the water–is this real life?? 
eat: The Yoga Barn cafe: the perfect pairing after a challenging vinyasa class. there was a wide selection of vegan dishes and sweet desserts. be sure to grab the coconut “bacon” at the checkout–it was out of this world!
Viceroy– on our way to Padang Padang, we stopped for lunch at the Viceroy. woah! it was incredible. the food was super fresh and delicious, paired with a ping pong cocktail! the most incredible part was the view overlooking the forest. if it’s in your budget, i would definitely stay in a villa at the Viceroy. the architecture and landscape are breathtaking, and the service is wonderful. 
Jimbaran/Uluwatu: stay: The Rimba at The Ayana– The Rimba was a great place for the ‘resort’ experience. truth be told, we didn’t spend too much time there. don’t get me wrong the resort was amazing, but we were in ‘villa’ mode and wanted to go see the quieter surf beaches. the perks of staying at either one of the hotels here is priority access to Rock Bar, which is definitely a must go! we watched the most breathtaking sunset while sipping on some drinks…i will never forget how beautiful that was!
eat: since we spent most of our time in Uluwatu, here’s some of our favorite places!
Buddha Soul– hands down, the best breakfast of our entire trip–we went both mornings (and for lunch too!) fresh juices, coffee, and the best omelet. lunch was just as great, laurie had an incredible coconut curry and we had a hand rolled sushi as well. you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Single Fin– we enjoyed a wonderful lunch and sipped wine while overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean for lunch and for the sunset. it was fun watching the surfers paddle out in the beautiful water. we spent the entire day there!
escape: Suluban Beach- after lunch at Single Fin, we ventured down through the rocks onto this little hidden getaway. it was a fun spot to watch surfers trek out and catch fun waves!we watched the beginning of the sunset from the beach and ended it up top (back at Single Fin) with Sangria and some yummy appetizers! 
Padang Padang Beach-the perfect end to a wonderful trip (before going back to Seminyak!) we went for two days in a row, venturing past the beach-goers and vendors over to our own little private hideaway in the rocks. definitely check it out. you won’t be disappointed! 
blonde of paradise 
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