What happens when we meditate every... single... day.

I’ve decided to be my own guinea pig in a little experiment. All it will take is lying flat on my back for a few minutes each day.

Let me explain: I’ve used meditation since a teenager, on and off in my life, when I'm feeling anxious and even when I’m feeling great. I know that however I feel, the calmness and clarity that comes with meditation makes me feel even better. Meditation can serve as an anchor, grounding us back to our own true desires and feelings and blocking out the irrelevant noise of the world. 

Even Harvard researchers say, "There is a true biological effect".

My favourite morning walk meditation stop.

So if it feels soooo good, why the heck don’t we all do it more? I want to show you, honestly what happens if we really commit to this every day, because I have a feeling it could be amazing.

I got up a little earlier every day for a week to meditate for at least ten minutes, to give myself the gift of doing nothing and seeing what happens if we, busy people FIND the time.

"Meditate. Breathe consciously. Listen. Pay attention. Treasure every moment. Make the connection." Oprah Winfrey. 

Monday: I went to bed at 9:30 Sunday, so I wouldn’t have trouble getting up early. I meditated at a time which suited me. Some say you should do it first thing, but the aim here is to "just do it" and make it consistent and easy.

I had breakfast, walked the dog had my usual takeaway latte, came home and got down on my mat. I did some basic yoga before meditating for about 15 minutes. I listen to a playlist which makes me relax. 

Feelings: This practice slowed down my morning. I felt refreshed and clear. 

Tuesday: After another early night, I followed the same routine. Then, I simply lay flat on my back. I listen to music and then slowly relax every part of my body, consciously thinking about each area. I concentrate on breathing and repeat mantras I like. Saying in my mind things such as ..."I am peaceful in my body, heart and soul". 

Feelings: If I could use one word to describe how I felt during the day, it would be "clarity". My intuition was crystal clear. I didn't second guess decisions, such as going in to chat with my boss about my work. I just did it. I spoke with him honestly and it had a great outcome. 

Wednesday: ​I meditated for about 15 minutes today again. 

Feelings: The morning didn't exactly go smoothly today. On the way to work, I had a little bingle in the (boyfriends!) car. How I dealt with it was what mattered. The crash and the damage was minimal, but I was still shocked and it was a stressful situation.

I was calm and kept it in perspective. Although I felt guilty (it was my fault, sorry boyfriend!). I told myself it wasn't on purpose and this moment wasn't going to ruin my day. I called my boyfriend straight away and firstly, I told him I love him and that I crashed his precious car... In that order!

Thursday: Ahh I'm running late and I didn't have time for more than a few deep breaths on the couch before work.
Feelings: I felt guilty for missing this morning.. what will i say on my blog!? Well no one's perfect and I'll do it after work. Today there were terror raids in Sydney, which makes for a buzzing newsroom. I found it harder to quiet my busy mind later in the day.  

Friday: Hooray for Friday! I meditated for about ten minutes before work, but again found it a little harder to keep my mind clear this morning. 

Feelings: Today was a busy at work again. I was consciously getting one task done at a time without being overwhelmed. 

The Weekend: You'd think it would be easy to find time to meditate on the weekend, but with less of a routine it can be difficult. Still, I meditated in the mornings. I know I'd find it harder in the afternoon, when i have a nice glass of red on my mind! 

Feelings: I take each moment as it comes, I catch myself when I get too caught up planning and looking ahead.

"The power is in you. The answer is in you. And you are the answer to all your searches: You are the goal. You are the Answer. It's never outside." Eckhart Tolle. 
​

What now...?

After truly committing to an everyday practice, I feel I can't go back to my "now and then" meditation. I kinda knew this would happen!

When I begin my day with meditation, I feel clearer, more connected to my own feelings and intuition. 

Ultimately, I believe meditation makes us more clear about who we are and what we TRULY want. It helps us connect with the present moment. It sounds like a miracle pill.. but it's free and it's ours whenever we want it. 

Peace out. 

xx

JT

A chat with Sandra Sully

Sandra Sully is one of the most respected newsreaders in the country. Warm and shining on our screens, it's easy to assume that Sandra's life is perfect. But away from the news desk and bright lights, Sandra is facing a big personal challenge.   

Only those closest to Sandra have known that her husband Symon has moved to New Zealand. Living an ocean away from the one you love can't be easy, but the couple is making it work.

Sandra has always been a generous mentor to me and I'm grateful she chatted so honestly about love, health and her career, from one Queensland girl to another.

Jessica: Sandra, you’re newly married, you love your work, you look fantastic and healthy, you must be pretty content in your life at the moment?
Sandra: I am, but I have to say, life isn't without challenges. For me, in the last year and a half my husband has moved to New Zealand, so there is lots of travel across the ditch every other weekend, or he comes here. There’s also a lot of juggling with my step-daughter. It's my reality but I think you have to embrace what you have to do. 

I'm a glass-half-full type of girl and I think you have to see the positives in everything. Most people don't know that my life has changed dramatically, with my husband taking a job in New Zealand. It's pretty crazy but I'm happy and he's happy.

I remember when he said to me 'babe this is a great job and I'd really love to do it but how are we going to be?'.  I said 'well if it's what you want to do, we'll make it work.' So far so good!

Jessica: So it's going well?

Sandra: Yes, he's really loving the job and we've both fallen in love with New Zealand. You just never know where life will take you....it’s great. 

Jessica: You must be very good at balancing it all, having time for yourself and each other?
Sandra: Well it's never going to be perfect, but time management is the most important thing. If you stick to the priorities in your life, and for me it's my husband and my family, then you just accept you're not going to be able to do everything. 
My step-daughter is a real gift. All of a sudden in the last 4 or 5 years, wow, I've got a little girl in my life. I have to think about making sure I have food in the house to make lunches!

Jessica: Does having a little girl around keep you grounded
Sandra: Absolutely, she's 9 going on 29. She's my new little friend and am very aware of my new responsibilities.  As much as I like and need order around me, I just love when I am with her that I just switch off my phone or my iPad and spend time with her. We have lots of fun together and a child in your life changes your perspective in a really lovely way.  She is good for me.

Jessica: So you're forced to switch off?
Sandra: Yes, since Symon's moved over there, I can, at times, work longer hours but then I can shut it down as quickly.  People often say will say to me “gosh you tweet a lot”, but I do switch off on the weekends and when it suits.

I'm only online as a ‘news person’ though and try to keep my private life out of social media. Someone once said to me, if people can't see the picket fence people will always trespass, so I try to create those fences so I and others know the boundaries.

Jessica: What is me-time for you?
Sandra: I've been getting back into pilates. I've had a nagging injury and it's taken me five years to get to the bottom of that problem, so pilates is all I can do at the moment.

My guilty pleasure is movies, reading, sports and some trash TV. When I'm with Symon, we walk a lot, go to the gym, but just spending time together is pretty fun. 

Jessica: For many women, it takes a while to work out exactly what ‘works’, when it comes to nutrition, beauty and health. Do you think you've 'got it'? You sure look like you have!
Sandra: I'm probably the most unfit I've ever been in my life and I don't have it worked out. I hate feeling unfit and unhealthy but am slowly getting it all back on track.

I used to be a fitness trainer before I started journalism, but lately I haven't been able to run at all. I'm not there yet, but life is a work in progress.

Ultimately, the best thing you can do for yourself is try to eat well and get lots of sleep. I think I'm having an affair with sleep, it's the best tonic. 

Jessica: At Chanel Ten you have really driven social and digital media and you have your own online newspaper, #shortblack. Is an online presence important to you?

Sandra: I saw a need to be involved early on, for the newsroom and for myself. I have found it quite rewarding professionally and many opportunities have come as a result. I think you constantly have to up skill and I have learned a lot. It's given me an extra focus. It doesn't mean I'm the guru but I love it. 

Jessica: What would you tell others starting out in our industry or to girls who want to find success in their chosen career?

Sandra: When you work out who you admire, work out why. Determine what are the attributes that set them apart, then try to be honest with yourself about what you need to work on. I’d also say, life is full of tangents and opportunities - embrace them!

Ten has been through a lot of upheaval and at times I've struggled with survivor’s guilt. Then I think, I'll keep going as long as I can, and remember it's not what drives me. 

I do it because I really love it. I don't ever want to be seen as 'hanging on'.  When I am not enjoying it, either in front of the camera or behind it, then I might move on to something completely different. 

I don't live in fear, I just accept that it's television. 

*****

Fortunately, television is full of warm people like Sandra but she is one of a kind - a Queensland girl at heart, juggling her life, career and family but still spending time helping the next generation of women succeed. 

She isn't pretending to have it all worked out, but will pass on what she does know to help others and that is a gift.

xxx
JT

Brushing your teeth 'mindfully' can change your life. Really!

I've just returned to work after a few lovely weeks off relaxing, skiing, enjoying great food and red wine.. but unfortunately, I caught the standard post-holiday Monday-itis, just innocently walking to work. 

Holiday fun. Can't not be 'in the moment', learning to ski!

"I won't have another peaceful holiday break for ages!" In that moment, I switched the playlist on my phone to my chill-out list and remembered that EVERY single day can be peaceful and 'easy' if we make it that way.

Being in the present moment, enjoying the walk to work, the music, the scenery is practising 'mindfulness'. It might sound 'woo woo' but science recognises the benefits.

Bondi psychologist, yoga, mindfulness teacher and great mentor of mine, Melissa Podmore (checkout her website below) explains:

"Mindfulness is a life skill that can assist anyone of any age to connect with essence of Life. Children are essentially very mindful from birth. We see this as we watch a two year old explore a set of car keys for example, the are completely present and engaged with what they are doing in the present moment- this is Mindfulness."

Researchers have found practicing mindfulness can effect the brain waves. It can..

• Soothe anxiety
• Decrease everyday stress
• Improve focus and concentration
• Improve awareness of self-defeating thought processes
• Help people to be less reactive and to unpleasant experiences. 
• Develops self-awareness and self-compassion.
• Helps many become more aware of the world, people and experiences around them, shifting focus from the past and future. 

The mindfulness mission is spreading, (yay), with a new educational movement led by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, training teachers in the skills of mindfulness and mindful living to share in classrooms in Australia and around the world. 

It can be useful to so many different types of kids because the teachings are't specific to one religion, with mindfulness approaches in the bible, in buddhist and other teachings.

Melissa says:

"Unfortunately as schooling starts children are conditioned to become more regimented and simultaneously they often can become overstimulated by technology, and so their skill of mindfulness deteriorates."

Here's some tips from the experts which you can use today to become more present..

• Do everyday activities mindfully, such as brushing your teeth, walking, working out or having a shower. Actually feel the water, rather than thinking about your to-do list.. or you may as well be at work already. 
• Put your phone down. Trying not to fill every empty moment by checking emails and instagram. Now this one is hard!
• Practising bringing  thoughts back to your breath in stressful situations.
• A regular yoga and meditation practice can build mindfulness
• Experts suggest, when thoughts come, notice them and take your mind back to the present moment. Just like in yoga.

Being in the 'present moment' is essential in yoga.

                   Hmmm, stopping for a tea break, and enjoying it slowly...

I hope you're able to enjoy being present this week.

Incase you're wondering.. I recovered from my Monday-itis. Phew. In fact I'd say, mindfulness is a miracle cure.

It's lovely to be back to an office, which feels a little rowdier since I left. Back in a creative vibrant newsroom, which despite what you might expect, can also be a very peaceful place. 


Namaste. 

xx

JT

*Here's how to reach Melissa Podmore: www.vibrantpsychologyandyoga.com.au

Hands up if you're a creature of habit...

I have to admit, I'm definitely a 'creature of habit'....

Hey, I've learnt what works for me, and I know what I like, especially when it comes to eating well.


I recently had the opportunity to try out a cleanse with Eat Fit Food. They make beautiful fresh meals, created by chefs and nutritionists and deliver to your home.


I was looking forward to the parcel arriving at my door, but when it but when it did... oh dear.

For the next two days "someone else" was going to decide what I eat!? My go-to healthy snacks are off the menu and my morning breaky routine will be turned upside down, my whole world might fall apart... kidding (kind of). 

So anyway, I tucked into my first meal. A delicious salad with lots of seeds and saltanas. There that wasn't so hard. Actually, it was quite delightful!  

Delish seedy salad was my first Eat Fit Food experience. 

I love, love, bliss balls. My fridge is always stacked with dozens of the things. Just ask my boyfriend.. he's happily my taste tester!

Like many of you, I eat yummy healthy food at every meal, but this cleanse reminded me that sometimes, you just need to mix it up. 

This idea popped up again at a gorgeous dinner event at Kitchen by Mike, with a panel of experts. A cardiologist, chef and a nutritionist- Cassie Mendoza-Jones.

My kind of health professional is one who gives practical advise, wrapped in compassion and understanding. That's just the kind of nutritionist Cassie is. 

Here are the little take away tips which struck a chord with me. I feel we can always improve our health when we 'know' more. Casey says:

• Your body should have thirty different foods a day.. yep 30!

• Don't be afraid to add salt.. himalayan sea salt, that is. Cassie says, if your body's craving it salt, sprinkle to some warm water in the morning, your porridge, bread, whatever. This is Cassie's top "super food", full of vitamins.

• Eat/use the 'whole' egg. That means the yolk and the white. Your body won't absorb the white if you don't have the (good) fats in the yolk. 

• Mix it up. It can be easy to fall into a pattern of having the SAME lunch at work every day, the SAME greens with dinner, but she says, even if it's healthy food, your body needs a variety of good food to receive all the nutrients it needs. 

Cassie also gave a great example of what 'not' to do. Have you had almond milk for breakfast, almonds as a snack in the morning and then again in the afternoon... without even thinking about it? That's a lotsa almonds right? 

So this week, thanks to the wonderful team at Eat Fit Food, I've enjoyed messing up my menu! Practising being comfortable out of my comfort zone. I'm inspired to make new salads at home, and whip up some different snacks. 

Having said that, I'll still always love peanut butter and porridge and dark chocolate (not all together mind you!) and I won't apologise for eating a lot of all three in my life.

mmm porrige will never get old. This is an Eat Fit Food creation. I now add different nuts and fruit to mix mine up.

Wishing you all a happy healthy week. 

 xxx

JT

Here's Cassie's website by the way:

www.elevatevitality.com.au


And Eat Fit Food:

www.eatfitfood.com.au

Facing losing a "dream job"

I always try to leave my viewers with a warm fuzzy feeling. I can find a happy ending to most stories, this one is no exception.. I'm relieved to tell you.

Lights, camera... shooting a piece to camera at Westmead  Children's Hospital's new cancer centre.


My much loved newsroom is in the midst of brutal round of redundancies. I'm fortunate to be keeping the job I love. The only job I've ever wanted to do, but with cuts at Ten so deep, every one of us was forced to think about what we might "do" next.


The past few weeks have been emotional, but for many of us, not just because we’re worried about finding something else, we all have skills and are resourceful people, for many, there’s a niggling feeling that we’d be losing not just a "job", but a part of our "identity".


We remember our first story going to air, our hearts racing during our very first live cross. These experiences are a big part of our own "story".

This never happens! Interviewing pretty Ruby Jacenko about "going dry".. and the camera lens breaks. Oops...


All of our friends are in telly, cameramen are our confidants…  and how will anyone know what to do with our hair without the amazing hair and makeup girls! This is a genuine problem ;)

Some of the most talented journalists I know, who have been made redundant, survived and thrived, tell me this can all serve as a reminder-  that we are all much “more” than our jobs. Even if it's "a really damn good one!".

A TV boss who I admire a lot, said simply, "stay positive" and "remember most artists do their best work when they're down and out".

It's advice which helped her, when she was made redundant, years ago.


****


If my experience can help anyone who's in a similar situation, or who finds themselves here at some point, here is what I'd say to you:



*Believe that what is "meant to be" will be. Corny, but it's true. Don't resist the situation or outcome that you can't control.

*Be positive but also be at peace with the worst case scenario, knowing that you will be okay either way and that you are valuable.

*DO NOT get sucked into the negativity in the office. Rise above it and change the subject.

* It's important to surround yourself with the most positive peaceful people in your life during this period. My boyfriend was my rock and my girlfriends made me laugh.

*It's totally okay to feel a roller-coaster of emotions- happy and positive and then in tears, moments later.

*I tried to remember that if the worst thing happens, I will still be the same person, with the same family, friends and skills, EVERYTHING doesn't change.

*If you're struggling, be open, tell people your not coping, see a councillor, whatever works for you, but don't be ashamed to admit it's hard!



****



I know Ten will make a comeback (stay tuned, it will happen!) and those who left, will make their own comeback.

We will still be creative, compassionate story tellers, but with a clearer idea of who we are and some inspiration to do even better.

See I told you.. that's a pretty happy ending.

xx

JT

Dreaming of a sleep in?

It's something we get between the sheets and do... every day if we're lucky.

But do we really give "sleep" the credit it deserves?

Researchers have long known that sleep basically makes us smarter, but a New York study, for the first time has come up with hard, physical evidence that sleep increases our ability to learn.

A London researcher has recommended that workers should have hour long nap times during the day, to increase productivity. Wouldn't he be a nice boss!?

My own quick office poll (perhaps a little less researched!) found, most of us don't get the recommended 8 hours sleep a night. Instead we think we'll "catch up" with our sleep on the weekend. Do we ever really do this?

Don't we go to bed later on the weekend… after a dinner with friends or a few wines anyway?

Many would admit to being more impatient without sleep, so a lack of hours clocked can also affect our relationships and performance at work.

I'm focussed on getting a few nights of 8 hours a week. It can be hard to change a habit like this, but it's a rather lovely little challenge!

A great tip is from a yoga instructor, it works. If I can't sleep, getting out of bed and doing just a few yoga poses in another quiet room really helped me when I was doing early morning television and couldn't get to sleep early.

My favourite is lying with my legs up against the wall for a few minutes, sounds weird (looks odd too!), but it gets the blood circulating but it's also super relaxing.

For me, winter is the perfect time to get into this good habit, because it gets so dark so early getting cozy is that much more appealing, don't you think?

Sweetdreams.

 JT

Xxx

About "quitting Sugar"...

As I set up to interview Sarah Wilson in her simple sunny home, She 's distracted with a bowl covered with a tea towel, sitting on the edge of the kitchen bench. 

"Move anything you need to, just not this bowl" 

Sarah is tells me she's growing a probiotic in her kitchen, it's a living breathing organism and it shouldn't be moved around. 

Sarah lives what she sells. Her fresh, tanned beauty is the perfect ad. 

Between takes at Sarah's sunny place.

I wanted details about this "quitting sugar thing"... I eat very clean, but just cannot eliminate my two squares of dark lindt each night. 

It’s what helps me be “good”, knowing I can have a little sweetness and that I’m not depriving myself. 

But the good news is, according to Sarah Wilson, the author of "I Quit Sugar" you don't necessarily have to deprive yourself to find your healthy happy place and not be a slave to the white stuff. 

Sarah want's everyone to eat when their body needs to eat, feed it the nourishment it deserves, not too  much, not too little and not obsess.

She says she doesn't constantly think about her next meal or sugar hit, or fret about calories, because she's no longer addicted.

I spoke to Sarah about the new film “Fed Up” (by the producers of The Inconvenient Truth, see the link below.) about American's addiction. The way they're going, this generation will be the first to die before their parents. 

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aCUbvOwwfWM

Sarah says it's a film Australians need to see, because the same thing is happening here. 300 000 people have done her plan and her book is a New York Times best seller, so people are starting to get an inkling.

For me, the "take away" is we have to be our own health researchers, and advocates. With so many mixed messages, we have to be smart about the choices we make.

I used to crave sugar. When I was single, sometimes I’d have wine and dark chocolate for dinner. (Each week you can read “new research shows” these are good for you!) After my trainer gave me a healthy eating plan a year ago, I‘m balanced and healthy and in the right place for me.

Sure I still love chocolate, but don't long for the weekend when I can eat cake. 

Here's what works for me:

*The best lesson has been, rather than punishing my body, I think about nourishing it and listening to what it needs and doesn’t need. It really does work itself out when I have that mindset. 

*I'm always working at ignoring any mixed messages about food and not worrying about what others appear to be doing. 

*I only eat what I really love. I pack my lunch for work every day because I don't want to have a disappointing meal or have to make a choice to eat something which isn't good for me.  

So anyway, as I left Sarah's place after the interview, she gave me a peek at what was inside that mysterious bowl, under the tea towel.. a strange looking milky liquid, which she tells me looks funky but tastes yum. It's in her wonderful cookbook if you're interested... 

Who said clean living is boring?

xx JT 

Here's the story which went to air by the way:

http://youtu.be/fFygMPPrT18

Love Me Tinder: What I learnt about the modern hook-up

When it comes to dating, it really is a jungle and just when you think you know what you're doing, the whole landscape

changes!

An eligible male friend of my boyfriend was over for dinner the other night. Excited about being newly single, he's keen jump in try it all, to find a nice girl.

He's just discovered Tinder.

My boyfriend, his friend and I sat on the couch swiping through the girls on his phone, the "yes's", "no's" and the "why not's".

For those of you not on Tinder, (and there are a few left out there!).. it's a bit like a game, you cross or tick someone based on their photos. Your profile is hooked up to theirs by proximity and shared interests linked though your Facebook page.. it seems pretty shallow at first, but stay with me...

Now while I think I CAN help pick out the sweet girls for our single friend, when it comes to "picking up" a girl, obviously this isn't my field.

You can't walk up to them and buy them a drink can you.. !?

So, I asked my wonderful neighbour to come to the rescue. Nikki Goldstein, who happens to be a sexologist, shared some Tinder truths.

Now there are four of us on the couch.. breaking down an app.

According to Nikki, men should get straight to the point and ask out a girl they like. It makes sense, you'll only know if you really like someone when you meet them in the flesh. Ofcourse the first meeting should be in a public place.

Think about the profile picture you're using, you don't want to be overlooked, just because of an old/daggy pic!

No one should be ashamed to be on Tinder. It's becoming more acceptable. More than half of us have tried dating online or would consider it a viable option to find a partner.

So here's Nikki's thoughts on this crazy-popular dating app...

Who is on Tinder?

"Originally 'everyone' was on Tinder and I think everyone still is but not all of those people are active. It is generally for the people that are too busy or don't feel like going out to bars to meet people. 

They might be a bit shy or even just simply opening up more options. Unfortunately it has become a bit of a booty call ground. Many people a

They might be a bit shy or even just simply opening up more options. Unfortunately it has become a bit of a booty call ground. Many people a
re on Tinder because it's easy to pick up. Instead of going out and flirting with someone they can click on their phone and find someone 'easy' to sleep with
 straight away (how great for guys in winter, lol). 

Online dating has become more acceptable but there still is a stigma?

"Heaps of singles are on it but there is also this belief of "why can't you meet a person in real life?" But the thing is it's becoming harder and hard because of technology. 

We are becoming so reliant on on line dating and apps and communication on Facebook and twitter etc, that we are needing these avenues to date because it has become socially acceptable to do it online and not in the flesh any more. 

Maybe if it wasn't so acceptable and there was more of a stigma more people would be switching off and going back to the old fashioned way. We need to find a happy medium that we have not yet achieved yet and I'm waiting for the moment where what becomes acceptable is old fashioned values where a man was a gentlemen and made quite a bit of effort to ask someone out. 

Would you rather me clicked on on an app along with a bunch of other women.... or be the one in the street that takes his breath away.. so he has to approach you?"

For me, I like that my boyfriend picked me up at a bar, the old fashioned way. But the truth is, if I met him on tinder, I would have seen his handsome pic, he'd probably use a killer line and I'd still be swiping right for "YES!".

Our dating friend by the way, is still enjoying Tinder and if you're lucky,  you might meet him on there. ;)

XX

JT

Arthritis at 23.. outrunning the pain

I'm so fortunate to meet people who amaze and inspire me in my job as a  reporter, every day.

Small children, parents, the elderly digging deep, facing their health struggles with strength and often even with warm smiles.

They're always most generous, kind people to interview, even though those in the midst of serious health battles, might rightfully not want to talk or be sensitive.

Most come out the other side, wanting to help others.

Kyle Eddy is one of them. The keen, handsome young sports-lover was diagnosed with debilitating arthritis at 23. His body was swollen, he was in too much pain to get out of bed, he was depressed and at first, felt helpless.

But then he found his own answers and helped himself... 

Today he's training for the city to surf run in Sydney.

His fighting spirit is worth a look. Check out the interview below. 

(The audio on my questions isn't great, but I think Kyle's answers tell the story.) 

xx

JT

http://youtu.be/UBwUjL07MH0

Kyle Eddy, happy and healthy. 

A Hong Kong Weekend

Hello lovely readers,

It seems as though many of us have just returned from little holiday breaks, or relaxing long weekends. Sometimes that extra day of downtime, makes me feel more cool and calm for weeks.

Though, my weekend away wasn't exactly about relaxing.. more an amazing Hong Kong whirlwind adventure!

I feel like I now have me feet (and my mind!) firmly back home and I want to tell you all about it.

I love exploring new cities, eating the food, understanding the culture.. Oh and squeezing in a bit of shopping of course.

I collected lots of Hong Kong tips from friends before I went, so now I'm paying it forward- here's my list of must do's:

Real deal Hong Kong food:

I touched down in the morning, so after a nap, at about 11am.. it was dumpling-o'clock! We went to a Luk Yu Teahouse on Stanley Street. I'm not usually a dumplings for breakfast kind of girl, but with the encouragement of my boyfriend, I dove right in. Yum!

Prawn dumplings are my favourite. I love the fun picture menus, being able to see exactly what I'm ordering- no need for "food envy".

Make sure you go before 11:30am to guarantee a table because you can't book.

Delicious dumplings. 

Date night:

My wonderful boyfriend and I had a gorgeous date night at Felix in the Peninsula Hotel at Kowloon. We had beautiful food, wine and amazing dessert. If I'm at a great restaurant and there's something extreme and chocolaty, it's a definite "yes" to sweets which I'll share with my boyfriend. Life is too short. 

Extreme chocolate desert.

The menu is presented on an iPad, which again, I love because you can really see what you're ordering, you know when you can't really imagine what a dish is "like"?

Book a table at the window and watch the light show, with lasers flashing across the buildings in the city centre. 

Drinks:

The bar at Sevva is great rooftop spot, in the heart of the action and a great place to take in all the city lights. Perfect for holiday snaps and a cocktail. 

Amazing rooftop spot for a cocktail.

Ladies Lunch:

My boyfriend had to work for a bit, so I took myself out on a date. It was me, my thoughts, my instagram and some fashion magazines.

I went to the Mandarin Grill at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. A beautiful light lunch in a lovely fresh, elegant, formal setting. It would also be great for a girls lunch or a date. 

Seafood on the menu for my "me date".

Shopping:

Before I left, with a trip looming, to a city with so much shopping potential, I made sure I stashed a little cash away, for holiday "investments" I call them... 

When I go away, I love buying classic pieces which I know will make me smile for years, rather than trendy impulse buys which I'll forget about. It's always great when things are a little cheaper than they are at home.  

I've had my eye on a beautiful McQueen silk scarf for a while and I finally made this one mine at the gorgeous department store, Lane Crawford.

My pretty new "Hong Kong scarf".

I love Balenciaga, and held off buying a new purse until this trip. There are no stores in Sydney, so with one on every corner in Hong Kong, I was in heaven. I fell in love with this little pink number I saw online a few weeks ago, and since we finally met in Hong Kong, well it must be fate.

This was fate. Seriously.

What shopping trip is complete without gorgeous shoes?

Being a "pink girl", these Saint Laurent heels really "popped" out at me. I want to wear them with everything!

I just can't take them off ..

It wasn't all 'fun stuff".. I did buy an exceptionally practical bag for work. A beautiful navy Michael Kors oversize tote, which fits my iPad and my little work lunchbox, perfect!

My "practical " purchase.

I also found some great cheap and cheerful earrings in one of the many jewellery stores too. Great to dress up a basic black top or dress. 

Pretty costume jewelery.

Sundays:

A stroll around the city on a Sunday is fascinating. The roads seem empty, but the parks, pathways, even the gutters and roads are filled with thousands of gorgeous women, chatting, taking photos, sharing packed lunches and giving each other manicures...

Sunday is "maids day off". No need to spend money or be in a beautiful setting, all you need is a home-packed lunch, your girlfriends and a bit of gossip to bring to the table, no doubt. Girl bliss.

Until next time..

Settling in for the trip home. 

Hong Kong has a great big-city vibe, the four days was perfect for me, enough to experience the city and head back home feeling like the luckiest girl in the world to have seen it.

xx

Jt