When the urge to slow down takes over, to reconnect with my family and nature, to feed my soul, the Blue Mountains call.

In less than a two hour drive from Sydney you are completely transported to another place and experience.

Here’s a list of the satisfying things we got up to on our recent family short break.

Accomodation

On previous visits we’ve have stayed in all sorts of places from Parklands, to Fairmont Resort, to quaint little cottages. This visit we stayed in a gorgeous 1920’s cottage, Evelyn Cottage, perfectly located in a quiet street near the heart  Katoomba and we absolutely loved it! Update: Evelyn Cottage no longer seems to be available.

The house was characterful and tastefully furnished throughout. From the artwork, to the beautiful plants, to the luxurious bath, lovey linen and electric blankets …. No detail was spared! We really appreciated our little breakfast package and cheese and fruit platter. The coffee machine got a workout too!

Isn’t it gorgeous!

Activities

Given I can’t get enough of the crisp, fresh air and mesmerising, serene scenery, our activities always centre around bush walks, preferably featuring waterfalls along the way. I can highly recommend these two breathtaking walks.

Wentworth Falls Undercliff-Overcliff Track

Three Sisters walk to Leura Cascades

On a tip from a friend, we paid a visit to the Logan Brae Orchards, in search of their renowned home-made apple pies, and where we also picked up a box of the most deliciously sweet and crispy apples. Tip: They only open weekends and get in early so you don’t miss out on their apple pies!

Next visit to the Blue Mountains I think I’ll grab a Scenic World’s Unlimited Discovery Pass and check out The Scenic Skyway for the dizzying views, The Scenic Railway, The Scenic Cableway or take a wander along the The Scenic Walkway at the valley floor.

We might also revisit the amazing Jenolan Caves too or maybe a spot of abseiling!

Eateries

You really are spoilt for choice for fab eateries in the Blue Mountains.

Before heading off for our big hike of the day, we enjoyed a satisfying and tasty breakfast at the cute Pomegranate Cafe in Katoomba.

For lunch, you could find us at one of two incredible bakeries –  Hominy in Katoomba (highly recommend the lentil and vegetable pie, custard tart, choc-hazelnut cake- everything really!)  and Bakehouse on Wentworth in Blackheath (just discovered this place, we all had the Tender Beef and Gravy pie and can’t wait to come back to taste more of their tempting offerings).

Then there was that irresistible Devonshire tea at The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba. What a pleasure and relief to come in from the cold and feast on these delicious scones surrounded by old-world charm in front of their fire.

For dinner on the first night we visited Leura Garage with our standout meals being the pizza, paella plus desserts (yep, that’s a Macadamia and Sticky Date Pudding I’m about to dip into!).

The second night we went for Modern Asian with a very relaxed vibe at Basil Nut Cafe and Restaurant where the food was sensational! I would highly recommend the Duck and Eggplant Curry pictured below!

Have you visited the Blue Mountains? What are your favourite things to do?

For other local Sydney short break ideas check out my review on the beautiful Hunter Valley here.

Bren x

If you read my previous blog post then you would know that I was tentative to leave my family and go, but go I did to celebrate the wonderful 40th milestone of my beautiful friend Jo, without a clue of what awaited me.

After an easy 5hr flight from Sydney (I got upgraded to the seat with leg room, always appreciated when you are 5ft 9) and started and finished my fab book, The Woman Who Stole My Life by Marian Keyes. We landed around 9pm to the hustle and bustle and beautiful warmth of Bali.

We arrived at our accommodation around 10pm, so our best bet was to grab a bite and drink at the oh-so-swanky W Hotel just down the road. Given my very distant history as a bit of Sydney nightclub/dance party lush (think circa Goodbar, Kinselas, Blue Room, Rat Parties), I’m not adverse to a bit of uber- fabulousness and the W Hotel had it in spades. With it’s absolute beachfront setting, landscaped gardens, tiered swimming pool, modern lounge beats and cocktail service, we had officially arrived. It’s worth noting that as ‘visitors’ to the W Hotel, we had to sit in a designated area of the resort, which is totally fair enough if you are a customer paying the huge $$$ it costs to stay there. As you can see there was really nothing to complain about : )

Bali sunsets are breathtaking.

Running two business, a family and focusing on making wholesome meals from scratch for my family means shopping is something I’ve chosen to let go of in my general life. But when you go to Bali with some hard core shoppers (and hagglers!), you surrender and make the most of that energy and interest!! We explored all different types of shopping particularly while we were in Seminyak. From market stalls to funky little boutiques, to beach stalls. We shopped hard, then rested hard whilst nursing cocktails.

This is one of my favourite dresses, it’s got a gorgeous cut out in the back you can’t see. Bag, necklaces, bracelets, belt, also new : )

When we weren’t shopping, we were relaxing at our accomodation, Petingest 501 Seminyak

Or one of many funky beachside cocktail bars or beach side bars such as this vibrant Spanish beach bar, La Plancha.

Or eating at one or another fabulous cafe or restaurant.

Cafe Organic’s speciality was their smoothie bowls, smoothies and chia puddings – so good!

Sisterfields was my favourite breakfast place.

The Bircher Muesli with saffron poached pear, raw date & chia seed granola, yoghurt and ramutan honey was divine.

But the Blueberry & Ricotta Pancake with pistachio & pumpkin seed granola, cultured butter and Canadian maple syrup was the real highlight with everyone digging their forks into this beauty. Lucky we ordered two.

For Jo’s birthday dinner, the tropical setting and beachside location Kudeta was the perfect backdrop for a special celebration and the food was super – delish. I shared the lamb shoulder for 2 with smoked eggplant, cucumber yoghurt, fattoush salad and grilled flatbread. Afterwards we couldn’t resist a bit more lounging around the pool followed by a walk on the warm sand with a dip of our toes in the ocean.

After 3 nights in Seminyak,  it was time to set off on our next adventure in Uluwatu, around an hours drive away. We had heard so much about the sheer beauty of the place and the resort we were staying at, and it didn’t disappoint. The vibe was totally different from Seminyak. As soon as we arrived at the incredible Alila Resort we were washed over by the peaceful energy. The air seemed fresher and the natural surroundings,breathtaking. No shopping here!

I had to pinch myself.

Our private pool!

Guest pool.

Mainly just relaxing and reading.

And ordering in.

And visiting more super cool places for dinner and cocktails like El Kabron Spanish Restaurant & Cliff Club which is positioned on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Felt like a movie set.

The paella was to die for.

And catching elevators down to Sunday’s Beach Club for more relaxing, swimming, eating and cocktails.

On our final night at the Alila, the manager invited us for private drinks and canapes at their newly opened annexe. Check.It.Out.

Not too shabby huh : )

It’s not to say the trip went without hitch. Let’s just say 6 gals for 6 days, different personalities getting to know each other doesn’t come without, well, at least an itsy bit of drama. Also, after travelling to the airport for our night flight home, we discovered the flight was delayed for 5 hrs (departing now at 3am!) then waiting in the check in queue for hours, then being told our flight was cancelled for 24hrs! (Note: won’t fly Jetstar to Bali next time, might give Garouda a go). Dodgy taxi drivers, exhaustion, sunburn, confusion and kids needing to be sorted back in Sydney for the extra day. None of this could dampen the incredible time I had in Bali…. on my own!!

The taxi driver who returned us to the airport couldn’t believe that in that whole time we had only visited Seminyak and Uluwatu. When I return I’ll be seeking a more spiritual experience. I feel drawn to Ubud and the more remote Bali locations. I’m dreaming of waterfalls, rice paddies, temples, traditional markets, volcano treks and more stunning beaches. 

I was more than ready to see my kids once back. Daily texts from them kept me happy and connected, but there’s nothing like kissing their beautiful soft faces and seeing the love in their eyes. Now I’ve done it though, going away on my own will feel like a piece of cake next time. Though my next goal is to get a holiday with just the hubster and I. Gosh we need it.  Not as easy to orchestrate, but where there’s a will…

Bren x

My friend knows me well enough to know that apart from the odd weekend away,  I have rarely gone away without my family.  So she texted me this invitation…

“Bali – 5 nights- I know it’s probably impossible for you but wanted to let you know as you’re more than welcome to join the girlie holiday”

My reply…

“You’re right, such a long shot!”

And these are all the things which instantly ran through my head…

But I run two businesses.
Who’s going to get the kids to school and back?
Who’s going to make them breakfast, recess, snacks and dinner?
Who’s going to take them and pick them up from their activities?
Who’s going to be there when they need a chat?
How’s my husband going to get extra time off work when we are already going to a cricket competition in the October school holidays?
But I barely see my husband, I’d rather be going away with him.
BUT I DON’T KNOW HOW TO BE AWAY FROM MY KIDS!!!

And there it was.

For all the excuses in the world the truth is, I don’t know how to be away from my kids. And they don’t know how to be away from me, and they certainly didn’t want me to go. 

For the last 12 years, I have lived and breathed motherhood. Sure I’ve worked for the last 4 years which has connected my soul to the world in a very meaningful way. I also have a wonderful social network which keeps me nice and busy. But number one, I am a mother and a homemaker….and I love it. Who the heck am I without that anyway? 

So, one very wise friend asked (ordered?) me “not to overthink it” (she may have seen this pattern in me once or twice before!).

At the same time my husband was really encouraging me to go too.

So with this little push, I allowed my mind to ‘go there’ and started to entertain these thoughts…

It might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to go Bali because my husband is not inclined to take our family there.
It should be ok for my husband to take a few days off work seeing as he works such long hours.
It will be good for me (or so everyone tells me!).
My kids are older now, it’s not like they are babies, they’ll be fine.
It will be fun and nice to take a little break from life.
All the other ladies going have kids and they can manage it.
I deserve it.

So I slowly became open to the idea, and I allowed my subconscious to guide me to figure it out. It took me weeks to make the decision. So long in fact that the other girls had long been booked and organised for the Bali trip, and they had to sort out squeezing me in to their accommodation! (Thanks Jo!).

Though my kids want this for me as they want me to be happy, I can see them fretting about me leaving.

I must admit the sense of freedom and breaking away from duty, duty, duty is and the relentlessness of domestic life is starting to wash over me.

It’s interesting how you can be happily carrying on with the routine of life, until something makes you stop and think about things philosophically. Seemingly small triggers which end up making you look deep within, understand, question, challenge and which sometimes lead to taking personal risks (no matter how small). I’ve been asked to holiday with friends several times before, but barely entertained the thought as clearly I was nowhere near ready. This time I was ready to explore.

Amazing isn’t it how it’s not just our kids who keep on growing, but we keep growing with them.

I leave soon and I’m excited! Already dreaming about which books I’ll take on the trip. One of my favourite activities is to disappear into great fiction when on holidays Do you have any recommendations? Please pop them in the comments for me!

I have a feeling taking a break for myself will be much easier next time around. I’ll be sure to fill you in on how I go.

Bren x

Peace and quiet and freedom, I’m talking about, not a working internet connection, though there’s no way to disturb tranquility quite like your Wifi bludging on the job!

So, when Hubby took the kids away for a few days to allow me to fully concentrate on a busy work schedule, I made the most of it. Granted, it felt kind of odd initially. Not having the family around for an extended period of time is very rare, and it’s not something I seek out. But as the general background noise flittered away, as did the feeling of responsibility to anyone but myself, I kind of got into it and my displacement disappeared. Ok, ok, not having to repeat myself every five minutes and a lack of screeching also helped!

My first (excrutiatingly difficult) decision was to go for walk. A sense of peace washed over me. How naughty – an afternoon walk. I never do this! Working all day, spending time with kids and/or prepping dinner is the usual fare in the afternoon.

It was liberating knowing I  had  nowhere to be. I could stop and talk to locals (not in a creepy way) as I meandered around the coastline without worrying that I had somewhere to be or duties to perform at home. How good is taking your time, arriving home and pouring a glass of wine (I didn’t want to spill any while I was power walking), and relaxing with a movie on TV?

All in ‘me’ time.

I have friends who semi-regularly take themselves away to a health spa, or holiday with their friends. They can’t recommend it highly enough, and it’s only natural to be just that tinsy bit jealous. But for one reason or another, I’ve found it difficult to seperate from my kids and family, whose company and presence I love so much. Whether part of the reason is being uncomfortable separating from routine, or a mother’s sense of guilt, or something else, it’s something I’d like to explore. After all, ‘me’ time is an important part of all our lives, and more than just a morning walk before re-entering reality.

After a few days on my own, which included shopping and catching up with friends (in between and after work!), I can more clearly appreciate the benefits having some downtime and breaking away from the routine. Yes, even from the family every now and then! Now, it’s not like I want my three children … er, husband and two children … galavanting around without me on a regular basis. It just happened to work out that way this time.

It sure is nice to focus on yourself and unwind with a sense of freedom occasionally.

No responsibilities. No guilt. Just me.

Bren x

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You know you really need one when the increasingly looming departure date feels mentally like it will never arrive. You never quite know how you’re going to survive those last few days without passing out or dead-legging a kitten. But you do, and like a school assignment that is handed in three minutes before being due, your mind and well being are suddenly cleared for take-off!

It’s like magic, which coincidentally describes Noosa to a ‘T’. Our home away from home feels like a warm embrace and a snugly blanket all in one. A place where all deadlines, troubles and responsibilities are denied entry, and we can exist and relax as a family. Stunning beaches reflecting the clear Sunshine Coast skies, wonderful weekend markets, a good book or two, fighting relaxed kids … it doesn’t get much better.

The best part is that there are no timetables. It’s nice when your biggest decisions revolve around pool, beach, and whether to take in the unbelievable sunset from your apartment, or do so over a cocktail!

Fortunately for us, we had our own (river) beach at the end of Noosa Sound, where we would swim, play cricket on the grass, or, mostly, build sand castles. Not just any sand castles, though! An infatuation with another guest’s expert sand castles led to the kids inheriting the spade, trowels and other utensils. We literally spent hours fashioning Inca temples and castles, with the kids honing their ‘stair’ technique without breaking focus.

When we headed for the beach, which was most mornings, the north-facing Main Beach and (more secluded) Tea Tree Bay (main picture) didn’t disappoint. Gentle, rolling waves were perfect for body surfing, boogie boarding and learning to ride a board. Hours passed with what seemed like the blink of an eye.

As a quick thought, I’m often asked about non-toxic sun blocks. Here are the two highly recommended ones we took with us:

Dr Mercola – A natural sunscreen, which is great for the whole family and is free of chemical fragrances, parabens and nanoparticles. It gave great protection for all of us, though but I found the 30+ a little hard to wash off the skin without a good scrub in the shower (if you have an Enjo glove mitt, it gets it off in seconds).

You can buy the Dr Mercola sunscreen from Health Oasis and the Enjo mitt here.

And I love using Mutki which is a tinted 15+ sunscreen, it is also free of any nasties and is safe to use all year round. In fact, the healing antioxidants in it are always good for the skin.

The coverage was perfect and felt like velvet on my skin, giving me an even, subtle coverage. The colour I used was a medium tint, but it also comes in fair. I used this on the days when I was traipsing around Eumundi markets, shopping on Hastings Street or walking to a cafe for breakfast or lunch.

The beaches being so close to Hastings Street is always a bonus. Home to boutiques, cafes, restaurants and ice-creameries like the amazing Massimo’s, you’re never short of a good sticky beak, snack, or, in my husband’s case, a good coffee!

A highlight along the strip is Bistro C, which has gorgeous views overlooking the beach, and picture perfect for sipping an unforgettable coriander-infused vodka cocktail! A couple days later I enjoyed a mouth watering breakfast there with some of the best wellness warriors the coast has to offer .

For us, a trip to Noosa is not complete until we’ve toured Eumundi Markets – again. And we never get tired of it! Wonderful stalls with clothes, jewellery, furniture, home wares, organic produce, palm reading, caricature drawings, homemade muffins and cakes and coffee await. Not to mention the BEST seafood paella this side of Madrid!

We spent a day recreating a previous holiday to Maroochydore, less than an hour south. There we stalked the Cotton Tree Markets, which are a fraction of the size of Eumundi, though we ended up buying more. Go figure! I tracked down my apron lady and stocked up on some sweet, original aprons for my School Holiday Kids Cooking Classes, before popping down to the ever-sweet Cotton Tree Beach………

The kids are old enough to swim out to the sand bank now, which was an adventure. Or, they could allow the delightful little circular rip drag them out and back to shore within minutes.

My favourite part of every day, though, was watching the sun start to sink on behind the mountain on the horizon each evening. We would have to quickly grab a glass of wine because it was quick to set, but oh so calming …

I read Room by Emily Donoghue while I was there and, as a bit of a claustrophobe, it was quite a confronting and uncomfortable read. But I found the story of a 5yr old boy and his mum who lived in a small (11ft square) locked room totally compelling. I fell in love with the mother, and felt it was a lovely comment on the protective, nurturing love of a mother, and the amazing bond with her child.

I needed a couple of days break after reading this book before I started the transportational The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, a magical, dazzling and deeply romantic ride I didn’t want to get off.

How often do you find the time to read a couple of books in a week these days?

It’s nothing compared to the time we get to spend together as a family, though. I can’t wait for the next one … hopefully slightly longer!

Bren x