September 30, 2014

Surry Hills Festival


On Saturday, 27 September 2010, Surry Hills held it's annual festival, Surry Hills Festival, along Crown Street and a mini market on Marlborough Street and had bands and stalls within Ward Park, Shannon Reserve & SHNC and The Velvet Cave along Bourke Street.

The weather turned it on for Surry Hills on Saturday and was shinning down for everyone to enjoy. After a delicious bunch session with my friend at Reuben Hills we wandered up to Crown Street where the festivities were.

All the cafe's along Crown Street were busy with people having brunches, lunches and coffee and Messina had its usual line down the street as it was ice cream weather. I had initially thought that the roads, especially Crown Street, would be closed off to traffic but it wasn't which was a shame as there was a lot of people walking along the street. It would have been really good if the organisers had arranged for the roads to be closed off and made into foot traffic (feedback to the organisers for next year).

Other than the roads, the festival was a lovely and fun day out for everyone who got involved. The Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre was able to raise funds with volunteers collecting donations and it was fabulous to see the local retailers, artisans, and cafes promoting themselves. There were bands playing throughout the day and night, there was a fun dog competition, a pop-up library, a bicycle powered science party and much, much more.

The festival really catered for everyone from friends, couples to families and it was great to see everyone come out and enjoy themselves and getting to know their local and if not their local, a new area. Surry Hills showcased it's relaxed persona, the artistic vibe it has and the delicious food and drinks it produces.

We pretty much spent most of our day and night just wondering around the streets of Surry Hills checking out all the retail stores and snacking at all the eateries. I can't wait till the next festival or an event to be held at Surry Hills. 

Surry Hills is so central to many neighbouring inner city suburbs and so easy to walk around. If you're around in the area I recommend you spend a day and night exploring the area; I promise that you won't be disappointed. 





Hope you had a fabulous sunny weekend wherever you were.

Jo x

September 28, 2014

Reuben Hills

The weekend in Sydney has been fabulous; the sun has been out and shinning on everyone and everything. Surry Hills had the Surry Hills Festival on Saturday which I'll write a little more about in a separate post.

Prior to going to spend most of the afternoon and evening enjoying the sights of the Surry Hills Festival, I went to have brunch with a special girlfriend at Reuben Hills  which is located in the back streets of Surry Hills. I've been here a few times and it would have to be one of my little favourite local. The coffee and food here is just amazing and the customer service is pretty good. Oh, and I love their aprons!


I ordered my usual skim piccolo and this time had ordered the "Avocado" with coriander and lime on sourdough toast and they sure aren't short on the avocado! My theory in ordering this "lighter" brunch meal was so that I left room for all the other amazing food I was going to eat at the festival - forward planning is key!


My friend had ordered the "Soft baked eggs" with goats curd, spinach,ranchero and rye. The minute I saw her dish come out, I had food envy. Something that happens quiet often so I suggested that we "share" our meals so that we can both taste a bit of everything. Is that something you do? I know it's something that I do a lot; I just love to share food which means that I get to try a little bit of everything on the menu.


One dish on the menu that keeps bringing me back would have to be the "Doggs breakfast ice cream sandwich with salted caramel", who doesn't love ice cream for brunch? To be honest, ice cream any time of the day is perfect for me. If you haven't tried this dish at Reuben Hills, I totally recommend it and if you need someone to come and help you, just let me know and I'm there. 


If you haven't been to Reuben Hills and looking for somewhere to chill, have great coffee and decent food, I would say this is a place you need to check out. If you have been, let me know what you think of the food and again, if you want someone to come and share the Doggs Breakfast with, I'm right there with you all the way!

I just love brunching and even if I've been out late the night before I somehow manage to wake up to get to brunch; the commitment I have to brunching is serious. What's your favourite place to brunch? Let me know as I'd love to check it out or the next time you go brunching, call me and I'll come and join you.

Hope you had a fabulous sunny weekend. Looking forward to summer!

Jo x

September 25, 2014

Love is alive

Received one of the most exciting news; a dear beautiful friend of mine recently got engaged to a wonderful man. I remembered the first time she told me that they had started dating and I've been lucky to share their journey in the last couple of years as they grew together as a couple. 

I wanted to dedicate this post to them as a congratulations to their special moment and to wish them the world as they share the next chapter in their lives. I'm so happy for them both and I'm honoured to be travelling along with them as they plan their engagement and wedding in the near future. 

Personally, I'm a little old school when it comes to love and I believe there is love for everyone. I look forward to meeting my Mr. Right and fall in love and it's moments like these, through my friends, that keeps me believing. 

To Amanda and Adam: you're a beautiful couple and I'm so happy for you both. Thank you for keeping it real and reminding me that love is alive and it does exists.

Love you both!

Jo x


September 24, 2014

Smile! Art & About Sydney

Today was just meant to be a normal Wednesday hump day where I get up in the morning, go to bootcamp and go to work to do my normal day's work. So, what made today's little hump day a little random? Art & About Sydney was what made my hump day a little more random, a little more interesting, a little more fun and seriously put a smile on my face (as well as others who got involved).

For lunch, my friend and I ventured out the office with the intention to go to Freedom Furniture end of lease sale to see what I could get for my home and on the way, we decided to see one of the Art & About Sydney events that is currently set up outside QVB (in front of the statue) - Us by James Dive, The Glue Society. 

What is "Us by James Dive, The Glue Society?" It's a temporary photo studio where people of the street take part in a school class photo with people you've never met before! So, a class photo with randoms (well, I did have my friend, so I did know one person in the whole class). At first I was a little hesitant but once I got in there and we had to line up from shortest to tallest I was ready for my photo.

While standing there listening to the directions and waiting to find out where I should stand, I'm there fixing my hair and trying to make sure that my clothes is straight and my jacket is looking crisp and there is nothing in my teeth when I smile. 

Class of Wednesday 12.25pm 24th September 2014
It took me right back to school when we had to get our class photos done as well as individual photos. I remember the girls would spend so much time in the toilets making sure that their hair was looking good and we'd sneak in make up that we've taken from our sisters or mothers to cover up those pimples and spots. Those were the easy days!

As random as this moment was, it was a really fun moment which I'm really glad to have experienced. It brought together a group of strangers (around 21-25 people) to work together, stand together, and just simply smile together. The most simple act of kindness is a simple smile and yet it can be the most difficult thing of people to do; especially to strangers.

To smile together with a bunch of strangers today at lunch was one of the most amazing things I have done and one that I really enjoyed and want to go and do it again with a different group of strangers. Maybe you could be a stranger in a class photo with me? 

Get out there, enjoy Art & About Sydney and most importantly from this exhibition we need to smile more, we need to smile to strangers because the most smallest and simplest act of kindness can change the mood of someone dramatically. 

If you see me out and about, smile and I'll smile back - this is something I'm going to do more often. 

Jo x


September 23, 2014

1st Birthday Party

What's not to love about a kids first birthday party? You seriously have to love everything about it; the cake, the theme, the decorations, party pies, sausage rolls, cordial, fairy bread and enough sugar to fill an Olympic pool! Oh, and not to forget, the kids!

On the weekend I attended my friend's second child's first birthday party held at a lovely neighbourhood centre out west of Sydney. The theme was bowties; come dressed with a bowtie around your neck or in your hair and join in on the fun!

It's amazing how adults just love to get dressed up even if they whine about it for days, but once at the party, they love it and walk around showing off their outfit. 

The rainbow cake made by Camielle     Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014
My friend, Camielle, has her own blog site, Gen-Y Mum (seriously go check it out); she blogs about being a mum to two beautiful boys, a wife, travel and finance. Although, I would have to say, she is also a great party planner having gone to a few of her events. 

She had planned Kai's first birthday for weeks and had handmade the bowties for the invitations to the rainbow cake! What an awesome mum! This was seriously better than a MacDonald's birthday party we use to have. 

One of the best things she organized for the adults was a food truck! Yes, you read correctly, she organized a food truck that parked out the front for us to have lunch. The truck provided us with sliders, fries, corn and vanilla & salted caramel milkshake. I didn't even know you could hire these out for parties and what an fabulous idea (something to keep up my sleeve next time when I have a party). 

                                                                                   The food truck                          Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014
Sliders and Fries
It was a beautiful afternoon watching innocent kids play and have fun and the adults just catching up and having a laugh. I personally can't wait to have children and party plan; just got to meet Mr right! Happy Birthday Kai; thank you for inviting me to celebrate a milestone with you.

In the meantime, go check Gen-Y Mum's blog as she has plenty of great advice and tips for parents and anyone wanting ideas on travel and finance and everything in between. 

Jo x

September 19, 2014

Oh Mary's

Last night I went to dinner with a stunning and lovely girlfriend at the famous Mary's in Newtown. My friend and I initially met through work and are still working together but our friendship outside has just grown and grown.

We've travelled overseas together to Japan in the middle of their winter! Brrrrrrr, but it was a lot of fun and something that we keep reminiscing about and keep saying that it's a place we want to return too, in the summer though! Tokyo was also where we both "randomly" bumped into Bruno Mars! Although it's a moment we can't prove because he wouldn't take a photo with us, it's a moment that we'll share forever.

Back to Mary's in Newtown....Not sure if you have been there but I have been there a few times and I would have to admit that it's the Mary's Burger that keeps bringing me back. Located at 6 Mary St, Newtown, Mary's looks like a converted church with the original floor boards. 

Walking down the dark street at night, the only way you notice Mary's is the doorman standing at the front guarding and ushering the queue of people in and the "red light". Red lights at the front of what looks like a church doesn't normally go hand in hand but it seriously works in Newtown and is perfect for Mary's!
Once you enter through the doors, you walk into a stunning wood and stone bar with a busy kitchen on your left and walls lined with their drinks and food menu. The place would have to be the first 'church' designed for hipsters! We then make our way up the stairs to the dinning area where they seamlessly manage to get everyone seated and feed semi quick without feeling rushed. Love it!

Between two girls we knew what we wanted the minute we sat down (well, probably from the moment we walked through the doors!), so we promptly order two Mary's burgers (which comes with a side of fries), half a (fried) chicken and mash and gravy. Oh, that gravy!  

We then do what any two girls would normally do while waiting for their feast. We chat and goss about our days and around us, customers come and go; waiters and waitresses are bringing food and drinks and turning the tables quicker then you'd take your underwear off. The music is loud so it's lucky you're sitting close to your friends to hear each other talk. 

Finally, our food and drinks arrive! Time for the feasting to begin. Not sure how many of you do this, even though I'm really looking forward to biting into that burger, instead I start dipping my chips into the potato and gravy (oh the gravy!) - potato on potato! The time comes for the burger to be demolished and it was inhaled! Still a very tasty burger and it would have to be one of the best I've had in Sydney to date; reminds me of the burgers that are made in America - take me back to New York!

Photo Credit: Anonymous 
I can't dismiss the fried chicken, it is very tasty and perfectly crispy, but my heart does belong to the Mary's burger - you win. If you haven't been to Mary's, I strongly encourage you to go, and if you have, invite me along to dinner with you!

Mary's is opening up a take away shop in the CBD which is due to open very soon (Sept/Oct) at 154 Castlereagh Street, Sydney - way too close to work! I will have to double my bootcamp attendance!

Jo x

September 17, 2014

Bye.....

Today I say bye.... It's not the most easiest thing to say or physically do, especially when you don't want to say it. Some will say maybe it's easier to say "see you later" and that is what I had hope to say but today I don't, today I say bye. 

Seven years ago I was given a second chance at life. I'm not sure why and how I  "cheated" death, but I did and I'm here writing this post. Oh, I just realisd what I  wrote; I'm not writing a goodbye note on my life. Don't worry about that, I love my life and want to continue living it to the fullest. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is a reason for me being here and able to live a fun life; I'm not sure why but I'm here. One thing I have to accept is that when something isn't working out or going to plan in your life then it's probably best to let it go; say bye.  

Saying bye is one of the most difficult things to say and accept and I've been processing this for the last four days now. I tell myself that I'm strong and that I can do it but I have to admit, it is one of the most difficult thing for me to do. It makes me sick thinking about it. 

How do you handle saying bye? How do you accept something you don't really want to accept? How do you process the change that is happening and is also yet to occur? How do you accept that the fight and hope is over? 

So many questions and so many emotions; so many so that I know these may go unanswered. How do you handle this? 

So, I tell myself once again, you're strong, you've fought hard and you've carried hope but you need to continue living your life. Who knows what the future will hold and what will happen next. All you can do is to focus on the present moment and flow with life. 

Today I say bye ..... 

Jo x

September 14, 2014

Just Write!

I recently shared with a close friend that I have started a blog. Yes, this blog is still a 'secret' to many of my friends. Why? Hmmmm, I have absolutely no real reason why, I just haven't told all my friends, but starting from today, I'll start sharing something that I am enjoying.

My beautiful friend is an avid reader and a lover of poems. We were sitting at work discussing my recent love of writing on my blog about the things I enjoy doing and just writing in general. I guess if you know me, you would know that I didn't really like to write, I was more of a visual person who just loved pictures to tell a story. I still am that person but I am a new person on a new journey who recently discovered a love for writing.

As Arianna Huffington, from a talk I had recently attended, pointed out "if you want to write, just write; as you'll never know who will read it (around the world)". My friend mentioned a poet by the name of Charles Bokowski (1920 - 1994) who wrote a poem titled "So you want to be a Writer?"  The poem is just beautiful and goes to the core of why I started to write or blog; in short it basically states that if you want to write, then write from your heart. If you have a burning desire to write then write; don't write for money, don't write for your family and friends to read first, don't write for fame, don't write like someone else:

"when it is truly time,
and if you have been chosen,
it will do it by
itself and it will keep on doing it
until you die or it dies in you.

there is no other way.

and there never was."

So I write because I have a desire in my life's journey to write. I write because I enjoy it. I write because it makes me happy. I write because I want to share. I'll keep on writing until I die or it dies in me. 

Happy reading!

Jo x



September 13, 2014

Volunteering & Eveleigh Markets

Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014
Spent my morning taking in the sights and sounds of Eveleigh Markets located at Redfern where the Carriageworks are located. It's a stunning community farmers market held every Saturday from 8am - 1pm, where you'll find the most amazing local, fresh, organic and artisan produce including beautiful flowers on offer. 

This is one of my most favourite farmers markets to come to every Saturday where I can taste many of the delicious food; including, steak sandwiches, cupcakes, organic breads, muesli, fudge, coffee and many many more! Other than tasting the many variety of food, I also do my weekly food shop here as I know that the produce is local, fresh and I'm supporting the local community.

Early start at Eveleigh.  Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014.
Beautiful fresh flowers at Eveleigh. Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014
Today was a special day at Eveleigh; I spent my morning volunteering for OzHarvest, a charity close to my heart and a charity that I believe in very much. OzHarvest is essentially a perishable food rescue organisation collecting quality excess food from many food providers including supermarkets, farmers markets, major events such as The City to Surf, and cafes to name a few; it is then delivered to over 500 charities to provide a nourish meal to those in need. 

Photo Credit: OzHarvest
I've been volunteering for OzHavest for a few years now and every moment has been fun and enjoyable. There are so many events to volunteer at and it's provided me with the opportunities to attend many events (The CEO Cook-Off, The Good Food Month, The Yoga Festival in Bondi) that I wouldn't normally attend and also meet many talented and fun chefs.

Why do I volunteer? Well, I find it so rewarding; a reward that money can't buy! The feeling you get when volunteering is indescribable; you just have to spend time doing something that is not for you and you'll know what I mean. Every time I've volunteered I've walk away feeling so good about myself and knowing that I have been helping (feed) someone more than me.  I'm lucky that I earn an income where I'm able to purchase food and provide myself a nourishing meal; there are many people out there, children to adults, young to old, who don't receive a meal and don't have the funds to provide for themselves so this is where OzHarvest truly helps and supports them. 

Another positive aspect of volunteering is the wonderful people I have met along the way. I've been fortunate to meet other volunteers and have made fabulous friendships, the OzHarvest staff, many of the providers such as the providers as Eveleigh Markets, many celebrity chefs and the most amazing experience is meeting the general public and speak to them about OzHarvest, what we do and why I believe and support them. 


Taylor Square Christmas Markets 2013.    Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2013
CEO Cook-Off at Carriageworks 2014.   Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014.
Think.Eat.Save. 2014 @ Martin Place.  Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014.
If you don't already, I encourage you to volunteer. You can find out more about OzHarvest, by clicking on the links, or find an organisation that is close to your heart, means a lot to you and you support because when it's something you believe in and something you're passionate about, it's not a chore, it's a desire to want to spend time helping.

I would love to hear about your own volunteering experiences and who you support. Please let me know by leaving a comment.  If you're exploring Eveleigh Markets, come find me at the OzHarvest stand; I would love to meet you!

Happy volunteering!

Jo x

September 12, 2014

A Date with Arianna Huffington

The beautiful Arianna Huffington.
Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014
On Wednesday morning, 10 September 2014, I was treated to a very special breakfast hosted by Business Chicks at the floating Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour. Guest speaker Arianna Huffington of Huffington Post, spoke passionately with a fabulous humour about aiming to 'thrive' rather than 'survive'.

A question she asked the 1200 attendee's was something I have been asking many people "what does success mean to you?" I've always personally said that success should have its own personal meaning to you and it will be different for everyone. For me success means being able to enjoy a life that makes me happy; this includes having great friends and family around me, the ability to continue to travel the world, enjoying and sharing good food, the ability to volunteer more and just simply enjoying life to the fullest.

I was delighted to hear that Arianna also had a similar view on success. She said that it's definitely not working until you don't have a life and money doesn't define your success.  It holds truth that if you work 24/7 with the aim to make money then you'll lose out on the family, friends, relationships and living your life because you don't have time for anything else. I believe that working hard does pay off but I also believe in work-life balance and that you can have it all; it's a balancing act, which is life! Busy should not be worn as a badge of honour.

All the fabulous attendees settling in.  Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014.
She discussed the four pillars to thriving and one of them really stayed with me. "Giving", it's a shortcut to happiness and one of the greatest ways to connect with other people. She emphasised that we should be moving away from being competitive with each other and start working collaboratively. Giving back to others create a cycle and the more we can turn this cycle around and around the happier we will be with life. Even giving something small, such as flowers, to someone can create a happy and positive change in that person.

Give someone some flowers.  Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014
The entire talk resinated with me and I could keep writing but I think it would be best for you to attend one of her sessions if you do get a chance. What really resinated with me from Arianna's talk was to keep doing what I'm doing with my blog. She stated that "self expression is the new communication" and if you want to write then just write as you never know who is going to read it. To be honest, when I start my blogging journey, I really didn't and still don't have a end plan of an expectation; all I know is that I wanted to start a blogging journey of my life and share it and since starting I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. 

A few points made by Arianna that I want to live consciously by:
  • Getting enough sleep - this will increase our productivity and happiness
  • Setting your intentions for the day - big and/or small
  • Bringing gratitude into everyday life - even at your toughest moment, you'll realise that you will always overcome them
  • Meditation - learning to be in the present 
  • Don't be at the mercy of technology - I love Instagram so this is a challenge for me!
  • Life is shaped from the inside out
  • Remove what isn't serving us.
Dear Arianna, your talk is one of the most inspiring talk that I have been to in a while. I walked away from your session feeling positive, confident and strong and wanting to get home to blog blog blog. I just want to write and even if only a few (thousand) read my posts I hope that I can inspire them to live life, enjoy every moment and hope to create change that makes people happy. 

I hope to meet you again one day and learn even more from you; thank you for being so inspiring!

Jo x


September 11, 2014

R U OK?

Today is R U OK? day. To all my friends, family, colleges and blog-freinds, R U OK? It's the national day to check in with your friends, family and even work colleges and ask them if they're OK. A conversation with someone, even if small, can change a person's mind and emotion.

As I continue to grow up in life and learn about people and myself, I've learnt, and still continue to learn, that everyone has their own issues or situations that they are going through. As close as someone maybe to you and you may truly believe that you know someone, they could be hiding their feelings and concerns to themselves, but on the surface level, everything seems fine. 

What can we all do to check in with someone? My suggestion would be to simply "inspire conversation", "inspire communication" and "inspire trust". For many people, it is difficult to talk or communicate about their situation and left untreated, I believe, the situation gets bigger than what it really is. 

I'm not an expert on depression or nor am I a psychologist, but what I have learnt is that issues left untreated becomes a disease in itself. I would encourage people to find someone they trust and talk to them about anything that is of concern to them; no matter how big or small they think the issue is. Just talking to someone can release tensions and allow situations to be viewed from a different perspective. 

Get out there and ask R U OK? and if you're someone that wants to talk to someone, I encourage you to reach out and talk. Life isn't designed to be difficult; but how you handle it and live it, is in your control. 

Jo x

September 07, 2014

For the Love of Cheese

Over the weekend I attended the Kristen Allan home cheese and yoghurt making course held at the beautiful Cornersmith Picklery in Marrickville. 

The three hour class is kept small with 12 people which meant that everyone was able to work together and have a go at making the tasty cheese and yoghurt. The class starts off with everyone sitting around a communal table sharing freshly made ricotta cheese drizzled with olive oil, fresh labneh also drizzled with olive oil and nigella seeds sprinkled on top and both served with fresh baked bread and Cornersmith's own pickled carrots and gherkins; oh and a couple of bottles of biodynamic pink bubbles! 

I loved how the class started in this style; it allowed everyone to not only try the cheeses we were about to make but it also meant that we were all able to meet each other and get to know a few strangers in the next three hours and have a bit of fun!


Kristen Allan is a beautiful cheese maker who effortlessly shares her journey into how she began her life into cheese making and really oozes her passion for what she does and so passionately enjoys. While we sit and enjoy the delicious food, Kristen explains the cheese making process and what we're about to learn; ricotta, yoghurt and labneh.

We're all provided with our own recipes and a pen to take additional notes and then break into groups of three to start the ricotta making process. While the ricotta is slowly heating and cooking, we learn about flavouring and ways to cook and serve ricotta. During this time, Kristen provides us with a sweet and tasty whipped ricotta served over apple slices and drizzled with The Urban Beehive honey - OH.EM.GEE. is all I can say about this "healthy" dessert and it will definitely be something on my home menu!
Making ricotta.   Photo Credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014
This cheese making class really educated me further on the use of and types of milk and cream to use and as one of my key passions of shopping local especially at some of our many farmers markets. Sydney has some fabulous farmers markets and local businesses who produce and provide healthy and chemically free produce and I really encourage you to support them and shop with them. Not only will you be supporting local but you'll also be keeping healthy knowing that you're putting real food into your body.

We were so lucky to walk away from the class with everything we made; ricotta, yoghurt, labneh, muslin to make more labneh at home and our own ricotta basket! If you enjoy cheese and yoghurt and just cooking in general, I really recommend this class and the other many classes held at the Cornersmith Picklery. I know that I'm keen to attend their Jam and Preserve class next!

To Kristen Allan, thank you for a fun and passionate class. Your knowledge and passion for what you do and your support for your providers really show and I really admire you for that. 

To Cornersmith Picklery, what an awesome space and concept you have and I look forward to spending more time there and learning new things. I love how you find ways to using everything rather than having it go to waste. 

Photo Credit: Broadsheet
Now...off to buy a big pot and jars for my yoghurt!

Jo x

To My Father....Happy Fathers Day

Dear Dad,

Happy Fathers Day! Happy fathers day to all the fathers out there, whether biological, step, or adoptive. If you love and care for a child, it doesn't matter if your blood is the same, what matters is the love and care you provide. 

I'm a lucky girl to have a father who loves and cares for her so much. So much so, I know he'd do absolutely anything for me. Nothing is too hard or difficult for my dad, he is always there.

My dad and I have an unusual relationship; a relationship that is hard to explain but a relationship that only we understand. We can sit together in silence for hours and we can be apart for years, but he is always my dad and I'm always his baby girl....no matter how old I am, I'm always his baby girl. 

Enjoy fathers day with your dad today or remember the great times with your dad!

Jo x

September 03, 2014

Bringing Customer Service Back!


Have you notice lately that customer service has just disappeared somewhere into a black-hole? I've noticed that it's rare to experience great customer service and when you do, do you tell people about it? Bad customer service is always expressed, but good (or even great) customer service is unspoken of and therefore goes unnoticed. 

Surprisingly, this isn't a dig about bad customer service; true I did have a poor experience to begin with to write this post, but I wanted to share with you that giving a second chance to a business or even someone can show that the business or person can change.


I frequent Pablo & Rusty in the city, either for my morning coffee, lunch and even business meetings. Initially, when they first opened up, they were still working out the process and flow and as time went by they found their groove and the cafe oozed a funky buzz that isn't really seen in the city centre. The wait staff are friendly and accommodating; the food is delicious and the coffee is amazing!

Back to the customer service story so that you have a bit of a background; there was one afternoon I decided to go for a coffee with a friend. We sat down and ordered our coffee, and due to our timing, asked for them to be put into takeaway cups, just in case we had to up and leave quickly. Normally this has never been an issue as they have always been accommodating. However, on this occasion, it just wasn't meant to be; even after a bit of a conversation with them, they just wasn't going to provide me with my coffee in a takeaway cup!


I walked away disappointed and dishearten. I really enjoyed going to this funky cafe in the city but also felt upset that my request was "too hard" for them even when I was happy to pay the cost of eating in prices. So I decided to send them an email to provide them with feedback, yes, a unhappy complaint feedback about my experience.


The very next day I received a reply back from Sam in their head office acknowledging my feedback and not wanting to return, apologising on behalf of the company and wanting to resolve it as soon as possible. To give them a "second chance" she offered me a pre-loaded gift card to use at any of their stores.


True to her words, she sent me the gift card with a beautiful hand written letter (handwritten is so rare!) a few days later. It did take me a few weeks to return, but I did return, and I've been back frequently ever since. Their customer service has been impeccable and they have gone out of their way to assist.


It just proves that giving a second chance does work. People do make mistakes and many of them are unintentional, so it pays to give people another go because you'll be pleasantly surprised!


Yes, I did send an email back to Sam to let her know that I have returned and I'm impressed with the improved customer service. Win/win for both myself and Pablo & Rusty! Although, I must say, I do miss the "Health Shake" that you use to have on the menu and hope it has a come back soon.....but the Cashewnut Shake is amazballs! 


Photo credit: Pablo & Rusty

To Pablo & Rusty: thank you again for listening and acknowledging my feedback. It's really refreshing to see that you do take onboard your customer's feedback and actually make a change. Credits to you and your staff!


Happy customer!

Jo x


September 01, 2014

Girls Weekend.....in Melbourne

Love locks on the foot bridge.  Photo credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014. 
It was a long weekend for the girls and I, and we decided to take a flight down to Melbourne for a weekend of food, shopping and sightseeing (and more shopping for some). I've been to Melbourne many times either for a long weekend visiting friends or for work and I just love going down to Melbourne for its diverse culture and most importantly the food, fabulous coffee and rooftop bars. 

The weather really took centre stage and the sun was shinning and the rain stayed away for us. There were seven girls staying at an Airbnb accommodation in Southbank which was only minutes stroll into the city centre. 


Chocolate treats. Photo credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014. 
For the first time I didn't really go shopping but instead enjoyed returning to some of my favourite food stores with one being Koko Black. They would have to be one if my favourite chocolate shops and I keep wondering when they'll open an official store in Sydney (hint hint). 

This time in Melbourne I was able to try out two new food venues: The Hardware Sociètè in the city and Dead Man Espresso in south Melbourne. 

The Hardware Sociè was a 40 minutes wait but it was seriously worth the wait and you can grab a take away coffee while waiting. The interior is a cross between rustic and "cute" with butterfly wallpaper, a wall with hanging teacups and a beautiful bright yellow tile wall. The wait staff were friendly, knowledgeable and eye catching and the food service was very quick - they have planned it very well and efficiency is key! 

Hardware Société: butterfly wallpaper, yellow tile wall and hanging lights.  Photo credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014.

Hardware Société. My breakfast of sauté mushroom, roast duck in pastry, poached eggs and a salad of apply, hazelnuts and watercress. 

Hardware Société. Cute tea cup and pot set.
WOW! Have you been to Dead Man Espresso? If not, you should! We were lucky to get seated straight away and they were able to accommodate the large group (additional two new Melbourne friends joined making it a total of nine people). The coffee was tasty and strong (just the way I like it!) and the food was delicious. I ordered the "Avocado" which was smashed (the hipster way) and topped with goats cheese and pommygranite. WOW is the word that I'll use for this dish; it was so tasty with a mix of salty (the cheese) and sweet (the pommygranite). It was also fabulous to see that they use and sell a lot of local produce and products here (support local!) - it has my tick of approval! 


Dead Man Espresso. The "Avocado"    Photo credit: Dreams & Sparkle 2014.
A weekend trip away with seven wonderful friends can be challenging as each person is different, independent and very strong but being flexible does make the trip much easier. I learnt that I can be very patient and that small 'things' are just that, 'small'.

I look forward to my next trip down to Melbourne again soon. If you live in Melbourne, please do let me know as it would be awesome to meet up for brunch!

Jo x