A Dash of Colour

I don't like to exercise at weekends. Weekends are for lazy lie-ins, relaxing brunches and lying on beaches. But not last weekend. I've been intrigued by The Colour Run (technically 'Color' but I can't bring myself to spell it like that) since I saw a bunch of commuters covered in paint getting on my tube in London. So when the run arrived in Sydney, I had to get involved.

It's a 5k run, so nothing too taxing and we'd been forewarned that it's generally full to the brim of families and social walkers so not to expect anything serious, which was fine by us after a boozy BBQ the night before. The event guide stated we needed to collect our packs a few days before the event but we didn't have time, so we trekked to the Olympic Park super early to get our packs.

We were too keen. We were one of the first on site with several hours to go before the run and so ended up whiling away the time eating lunch on the grass and attempting (and failing) to apply our temporary tattoos.

Once the race kicked off, we were pumped after a warm-up zumba class and blaring chart music and keen to run. Running however, was pretty tricky. As predicted people were more set on walking and jogging and so we tried intervals of both interspersed with tunnels of colour where we were sprayed with various paints.

After 45 minutes we emerged at the finish line looking unrecognisable. I had well and truly embraced the theme of the day and was covered from head to toe in all shades of neon. 

We joined the crowds for the Festival of Colour finale and threw packets of powder into the air to create a cloud of rainbow shades above our heads. 

I spotted several girls who had covered their hair in cling film before the race began and mocked them for 'not getting into the spirit of it'. However, it's now almost a week later and my hair is still tinged pink. Maybe they had the right idea after all. 

A Film With A View

I've been dyyyying to see The Wolf of Wall Street ever since I saw the trailer last year and it's safe to say my expectations were high. I'd read several articles, heard rumours that 'it's just not as good as the book', but all in all I was ready for an Oscar-worthy performance from Leo and a top-notch movie. 

Such a movie event deserves to be seen in an epic setting, and so my friends and I headed to the St George Open Air Cinema with magnificent views of Sydney Harbour. 

Just look.

We set ourselves up with a glass of champagne (naturally) and a selection of food and watched the sunset over the beautiful Harbour Bridge and Opera House before taking our seats to watch the film. The screen lay flat so as not to spoil the view and slowly rose vertically in time for the opening credits. 

Wolf of Wall Street did not disappoint. Leo was at his best and the film offered moments of comedy, sadness and several 'did he really do that?' moments. I'm such a lover of the cinema but this really was the epitome of movie experiences. The incredible scenery combined with champagne, great company and a truly great film is not to be beaten. 

Tuesday Evening I Was

...zen.

I've never been inspired to try my hands at yoga. I'm more of a get-the-heart-pumping-and-get-sweaty kind of girl when I exercise as I like to feel like I've really achieved something. Yoga always seemed too slow and controlled for my liking so I always dismissed giving it a go.

However, Lululemon hold a free yoga class on a Tuesday evening at Bronte Beach, and so when my friend suggested we give it a whirl, I couldn't really say no. Since moving to Australia, I've adopted more of a try-anything-once attitude and so this slotted in nicely. We drove down to Bronte Beach (in my friend's Audi Convertible, no less - pretty nice for a hot summer evening in Sydney) and found a spot with beautiful scenic views and within the grasps of the sea breeze. Considering I'm not a yoga-pro, I didn't have my own mat, and so quickly claimed one from the teacher. 

I'm suspecting that the moves were not particularly challenging considering the nature of the class, but I managed to twist and turn my body into various positions (notably the downward facing dog) and was forced to test my balance (not good...).

After an hour or so, I think I can now say that I know yoga isn't really for me. I can't quite get on board with all of the 'umms' and 'ahhs' and 'connect your body with the earth' lingo and I still felt the need to run home afterwards owing to the fact that I hadn't worked up a sweat. However, I could feel a tug in my right shoulder with each move - a pain that has been annoying me for several weeks now - and felt encouraged to finally do something about it (any excuse for a massage). 

The class was great for a little taste of the yoga culture and I wouldn't rule off going again. I did feel genuinely relaxed listening to the sound of the ocean as we stretched and I can now tick off another activity on my list. 

Happy New Year

Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014!

And what a way to say farewell to what has been a truly amazing year - sitting in Beare Park across from Sydney Harbour and watching the fireworks after years of oggling them from my TV screen in England.

We set ourselves up for the day complete with picnic blanket, eskee (or cool bag to us Brits) chock full of alcohol and treats and a good view and whiled away the day sipping champagne and playing cards.

We were treated to a series of firework displays throughout the night, building up to the finale when the clock struck midnight. As the first major city in the world to hit New Year, Sydney is always under pressure to deliver. And it didn't disappoint.

I must admit, I was slightly jealous to see that London was treated to the world's first edible firework display. Sounds weird - a concoction of strawberry flavours, banana confetti, peach snow and enormous 'zesty Spanish orange' bubbles. But I would've loved to have been there. Luckily, there's always next year and I'm already excited about what both cities will pull out of the bag.

Happy New Year! 

On Sunday I Was

...by the sea.

Well, the harbour to be precise as I dined at Cafe del Mar's rooftop terrace at Darling Harbour. I was kindly invited to sample the food and cocktail menu and enjoy the views over the harbour whilst their new Sunday Sessions vibe played out through the afternoon.

Cafe del Mar is renowned for it's hollistic Mediterranean beats, churning out some of the hottest DJs in Ibiza since 1975. I've sat at Cafe del Mar at the water's edge in Ibiza and experienced this for myself, so the Sydney offering had a lot to live up to.

It's not the easiest location to find but once you've figured it out, you can see why the spot is perfect for the aptly titled cafe. Sitting outside is definitely the way forward - otherwise you're missing all this. 

We began with a cocktail (Cafe del Mar-tini, naturally) and basked in the sunshine while we sipped. With the sun shining on us and the Sunday Sessions DJ spinning relaxed dance music, it was clear that everybody was having a good time. The 'cafe' was busy and the atmosphere buzzing and lively as groups enjoyed wine and cocktails over a variety of Mediterranean nibbles, from chorizo to shellfish. 

We started with the cured meats and tomato bread, padron peppers and charmoula chicken. The chicken especially, served in lettuce leaves with a wedge of lime, was refreshing and sat well with our cocktail. 

We had a small wait for our mains, but considering the amount of food we'd devoured for our first course, we didn't mind. The DJ plays music outside next to the bar at the perfect volume so you can listen to the tunes whilst not having to shout conversations over the bass. 

For our main course, I had artichoke and fennel barigoule (the waiter told me this meant 'sauce'), mascarpone, ligurian olives and polenta. I did feel a tad daunted by the menu when I first flipped it over. Everything sounds a bit fancy but once you get past the long words, the food is really tasty and fresh. We also tried the sauteed spanner crab linguine with zucchini flowers and bottarga (see what I mean?).

A truly relaxed and happy Sunday afternoon.

Sunday Sessions

Cafe del Mar Sydney have partnered up with Pulse Radio Finely Tuned to curate the most enviable of line ups for their Sunday Sessions. From 2-10pm every Sunday this summer, they will bring you the tastiest House and Sexy Deep House tunes in town. Bookings will be essential to guarantee you get a spot and get looked after in true warm Mediterranean style.

12 Days of Christmas

Day 8: Christmas Treats

It's really quite inconsiderate that bikini season falls at the same time as Christmas in Australia. For me, Christmas is a time to over-indulge and gorge on fatty treats until I need to lie down and the health kick starts in January. Not here though. Here, I have already started my healthy eating far too late and there's no time left for gym memberships or boot camps before we have to hit the beach.

But just in case you are in the mood to indulge this Christmas, try one of these tempting treats (and deal with the guilt afterwards)

1. Messina Ice-cream (salted caramel and white chocolate all the way...) 

2. Sparkle Cupcakes 

3. Starbucks Gingerbread Latte

4. Lindor Gala Chocolate Celebration Gift Box

5. Coles Finest Mince Pies 

12 Days of Christmas

Day 7: Stocking Stuffers

As I said before, I love waking up to the sight of a packed stocking stuffed with presents of all shapes and sizes. Guaranteed, a couple will be my standard yearly delivery of socks (thanks, Santa) and a Terry's Chocolate Orange or two (that's breakfast sorted). But just occasionally, Mum and Dad...I mean, Santa...comes up trumps and there's something a bit special in there.

I wouldn't say no to one of these...

1. Snowman Shea Duo from The Body Shop - $24.95

2. Watch from The Horse - $129

3. Glitter Puff Nail Art - $11.43

4. Kenzo Patterned Scarf from Far Fetched - $490

5. Lindt Maxi Ball - price varies