Vivid Sydney

I was so enthralled by the Vivid Sydney 2 years old during my gals trip I vowed to bring my kids (especially AJ) there one day.  So we finally did this year as a 3-day long weekend getaway.  To be perfectly frank, having to see what I saw 2 years ago, this year Vivid was rather disappointing.  It was still amazing by all means but not as good as the one I had been to.  Nonetheless, it is still a great experience for AJ.  Arwen was too young to enjoy and she was already building her castle in the air while we were checking out the lights.  Oh and I should also mention that this was Arwen's first overseas trip (not counting when she was still in my tummy lol)!

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney as our home for the weekend

Found this little Malaysian eatery and we quite liked it

Finally get to try the famous Water Melon cake and Lychee cake

HOT 'N' TROPPO from Pancakes on the Rocks and it was huge!

Moeraki Boulders

The alien eggs...or so they called.  They are actually spherical stones as a result of shoreline erosion.  However for me, the main attraction there was the Moeraki Boulders Cafe.  I fell in love with the cafe yonks ago when I first visited Moeraki, and coming back here again with my kids was rather magical.

AJ is 7!

His very first birthday after becoming a brother! And his first in Timaru too!  What can I say? The little man is not so little anymore.

This year, as we were so busy and overwhelmed with the move, we told AJ that we may not be able to throw him a party this year.  He asked if he could have a few besties over for a small party (or to put it simply, a playdate!)

So we had 3 kids over, got some pizzas ordered and they were happy as larry!  I was lucky I still managed to track down a baker to make him a cake.  That topped the day!

We then asked AJ to pick a place for a family dinner to celebrate, much to my surprise, it was Lone Star!  I was expecting McDonald.  Oh well, what do I know?  Children are never predictable.

Lone Star it was then.  

We have never been to the Timaru branch but what a good pick!  We were in awe with their food and service.  Their monthly special of duck confit was heavenly!

The team even gave AJ a little surprise (how thoughtful!) - a pavlova cake with a candle!  Thank you Lone Star for making my son's special day super special!

A year older...a year wiser

Due to family commitment, we celebrated a few days in advance at this restaurant - Bennys Again.  It was a lunch affair.  I dug out this bright Alexander Wang number that hubby bought for me when I was 5 months pregnant.  And that was more than a year ago.  Luckily it fits perfectly!

On the real day, hubby and I dashed out for a quick lunch at The Oxford.  Simple meal but an enjoyable one.  To date, I am still thinking about the mushroom pasta.  It was divine!

Melbourne | The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

The first travelling Tramcar Restaurant in the world, how could we miss?  We wanted an early dinner session but I was that few minutes too late and that particular session was sold out.  So we eventually opted for a 4 course luncheon.

As I stepped into the tram, I was totally in awe of the Victorian style interior.  The maroon velvet seats, glamorous drapes and decors exude pure elegance.

The tram traveled around Melbourne while serving we enjoyed our meals.  The food was of average in my opinion, it was the whole experience that topped the marks.  I couldn't flaw their service.  Their friendly and spirited staff made the whole journey a pleasant one.