A fake country mouse in the Yarra Valley

Although firmly a city mouse (find me a small town where you can get karaoke and dumplings after midnight...), in 2012 I embraced several opportunities to explore the country side around the Yarra Valley. I've always wanted to be one of those people who beholds the country air, who takes weekends away to replenish and restore (and no, that's completely separate and nothing to do with my aforementioned vices of karaoke and dumplings).

I've been to the Yarra Valley many times in my 6 years in Melbourne, but it would be a bit remiss of me not to disclose that the purpose of those visits was the unbridled consumption of Yarra Valley wine. I SUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY.

But alas, 2012 must have been the year that nature has resonated with me and I found myself doing some lovely country walks and exploring other things around the area...

Photos from a hike (ok, walk. OKAY! STROLL!) around Badger Weir. Now, I wouldn't want you to think that I am just some idiot with an instagram account who is always spoiling opportune moments by whipping out her iPhone, but alas, it's true and it's best that we are honest with each other about my shortcomings.

Just a beautiful autumnal tree near St Hubert's Winery, who do a delicious Chardonnay, by the way (haha! I said visiting the Yarra Valley wasn't always about wine! I LIED!)

Hazeldene Manor, visited by moi for hen's weekend. This place was gorgeous and so peaceful, save for my screaming "IT'S GORGEOUS! AND SO PEACEFUL!" for the duration of the weekend away.

And some other non-winey favourites around the area...

Yarra Valley Dairy , which offers some pretty divine cheese. True story - a couple I know once went away for an anniversary and decided to skip dinner and just eat cheese and goodies from this place for sustenance. Of course, I couldn't possibly disclose their identities but I can tell you that I loved their terrine and I think my boyfriend ate a whole block of the goats cheese in ash.

Tarrawarra Museum of Art has culture. ALL OF THE CULTURE. Featuring some pretty fanastic modern art, its design also won Alan Powell the Premier's Design Award in 2004.

Badger Creek Blueberry Farm just because 1) I enjoy blueberries and 2) I enjoy blueberries.

Sometimes, I just like to eat ALL OF THE THAI FOOD

I'm always on the look out (stalk? No, we'll say 'look out'. Sounds nicer) for great Thai or Vietnamese restaurants. I particularly love those that avoid daggy decorations (I'm looking at you, fake ivy and menus with pictures of the food) or unflattering fluorescent lighting (because sometimes, it's nice to enjoy a meal with your friends without looking like a sallow-skinned heroin addict).

We spotted The Thai on Chapel a few weeks ago and since then, I have incessantly pestered in a manner that would put Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka to shame asked my boyfriend to take me. Of course, being a modern dame, I am perfectly capable of taking myself but showing up with a bottle of wine for just one person tends to attract the wrong kind of attention.

Now, by way of warning, it does not have a liquor licence. Well not yet, anyway. So if you happen to show up on a Friday evening with a bottle of Riesling in tow then you will have to just drink it in the park later on after you've finished your meal. 

This place is cute as button. The decor is adorable. The staff are gorgeous. Seriously. I wanted to eat the whole evening up with spoon. Servings are on the small side but are more adventurous than bog standard pad thai offerings. And it's cheap SO YOU CAN JUST KEEP ORDERING FOOD FOREVER.

I'm hoping that they get a liquor licence soon, because I really want to take my friends there. I don't want to suggest that they are all raging alcoholics (OK, I do, but let's pretend I dont), but I think it's just the perfect place for a very casual weekend dinner. It's at 76 Chapel Street (down the Windsor end) and you can see other people getting excited about it here.

So I went on a plane and forgot to pack enough clothes. Oops, etc

So I have tagged this post as 'see', though perhaps it should be more aptly tagged 'buy'... You see, I am on holiday in Perth. Living in Melbourne, I was not prepared for, oh, consecutive days of 35 degree heat.

I used to live in Perth and am somewhat (happily) surprised when I return to find little boutiques, bars and cafes opening up. In Mount Hawthorn I discovered The Annex....

In the interests of not melting into a puddle in manner of the Wicked Witch of The West, I indulged with summery options. Yes! I need these if I am to survive! AND I walked away from a pair of Dita sunglasses which framed my round, slightly sunburnt face. WITNESS THE RESTRAINT!

For Perth dames, The Annex is at 145 Scarborough Beach Road, Mt Hawthorn.

Puppies

Sometimes, there is no better feeling than patting a puppy. Holly isn't really a 'puppy' per se. More a 'slightly demented 5 year old dog with predilection for eating pegs'. Nonetheless, there are so many feelings you get from petting her. Peace, gratitude, and simplicity.

Arthur is a different kettle of fish. He's a little ball of complexity and loves cuddles more than dinner, walks and terrorising cats combined.

We adopted them both from the animal shelters and, in retrospect, were lucky to stumble on fur babies so special.

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