Category: Review

My Little Kitchen

One of the best things of being away is doing things that you don’t normally do. On our recent trip back to Australia my partner and I got up at 5am each morning and went for a walk along the golden Gold Coast beaches. At home we would always enjoy a lie in but the sun is up so early in Queensland we didn’t want to waste a second. We would then on our way back home stop and have breakfast. I’m not going to lie one of those breakfast dates did happen at Macca’s. Don’t make that face- we were on holiday and hotcakes are my WEAKNESS!

But then on one of our ‘breakfast dates’ we came across a lovely little place called My Little Kitchen. Located just off the beach in Broadbeach it had a beach vibe and decor to suit.

My sister and her husband opted to join us on this morning so we all had high hopes of a yummy breakfast. They had a small selection of tables outside with a bigger area inside. Obviously most people opted for outside which is what we did. They boasted great coffee but as none of us drank coffee I can’t comment on it. What I can comment on is there amazing smoothies!

I had the Very Berry Blast and it was possibly the best smoothie I have ever had berries, yogurt, almond milk and ginger. The right pick me up for early mornings. I could literally dink this smoothie every day of my life.  The deliciousness didn’t stop there. We tried a few things off the menu- my partner and brother in law had the eggs beni, my sister had the DIY breakfast board and I had the Caramel Belgium Waffles. All are thoroughly recommended and were delish! For a look at other things they have on the menu you can find here http://www.mylittlekitchenbroadbeach.com.au/mlkmainmenu

It was so good that I also had lunch there the very next day. We had tapas which isn’t on their online menu.  I am not sure if that is a regular lunch option or not but it was available when we visited. We had the most amazing squid and prawns. Team those up with the smoothie mentioned above and I would be set for the rest of my life. Almost 2 months on and I still am thinking about them.

On both visits the service was great and welcoming. The only down side is that the bathrooms are shared with a hotel next door and it all just felt a little odd. Other than that the decor was relaxed, great artwork (by a local artist) on the walls which is also for sale and the food played to all the senses.

For the Gold Coast the prices were reasonable however the exchange rate to pounds did push it into the higher breakfast bracket. Another issue that we found in both Australia and NZ is that some places add on a public holiday surcharge to bill and this can range from 10%-20%. As we were away from the 23rd December to 10th of Jan we did seem to have a hell of a lot of public holidays. Something to bear in mind if you are travelling to these countries over the festive season.

If you find yourself on the Gold Coast then make sure you do stop by its a great little find and trust me you won’t regret it.

 

For more info – http://www.mylittlekitchenbroadbeach.com.au/

 

 

Waitomo Glowworm Caves- Glow my pretties glow 🐛⭐️

This was literally one of the best things I have ever seen in my life. Like EVER!

We had driven out of Auckland and we’re heading to Hobiton in Matamata but alas as soon as we got there they were sold out. Note to anyone planning on going defo pre book! So at risk of going a whole day with only seeing the scenery from the road (which was pretty awesome) I got online and booked tickets for Waitomo Glowworm Cave. It was about and hour and half drive there and super easy to find.

Collected our tickets just in time and then went to wait by the door to be let into the most amazing place.

Waitomo was first explored in 1887 by Chief Tane Tinorau and Fred Mace. The deaper they explored they suddenly found themselves thinking they found their way out of the caves and that night had fallen. They soon realised it wasn’t the stars they could see but actually Glowworms. The Arachnocampa luminosa is a glowworm species found only in New Zealand and are the species found in these caves.

The tour started with a walk through the caves and talk about the background and history of the caves and area. All the guides are descendants of Cheif Tane Tinorau and his wife Huti. In 1989 The land was given back to them and they can work, receive a percentage of the ticket prices and even get married within the caves. Our guide was fab she knew so much, really clear and engaging and just made the tour run smoothly. She said that it’s a family business and pointed out several other guides as cousins and uncles.

Your first experience of the glowworms is in a few little caves where you can see small clusters of them and also then with lights on so you can see the long strings they hang off. This is just giving you a little taster for the main event.
After looking through the caves the final part of the tour is spent in pitch black, on a rope pulled boat in complete silence. It should have been a eerie but it wasn’t. Slowly the guide pulled the boat along using the roaps above and suddenly the cave roof was illuminated in blue. It was like the most amazing star display within touching distance.
I was staring at the roof with my mouth open in awe whilst also wishing no glowworms fell off into my mouth. Thankfully they didn’t. We weaved around the caves and the concentration of glow worms just got larger and larger. It was there was a million galaxies above our very heads. Unfortunately you aren’t able to take photographs but the images are etched into my memories so clearly.
You then come to a small cave just near the end when you are able to take some photos. I promise in this very black picture there is something glow worms. Turn the brightness up, zoom in and squint and you’ll see them 😂
Glowworms in Waitomo Glowworm Caves
You then get m off the boat in the bottom of the gorge and make your way back up to the entrance still not believing what you’ve just witnessed.
The cost was $50NZ per person and we were there for around an hour/hour and half. You don’t need to be overly fit but there is walking and steps so wear appropriate walking footwear if possible.

This really was a bucket list activity and if you are in the North Island ensure you plan to visit. You won’t be disappointed.

Check out their website for stunning pictures within the cave and more details
http://www.waitomo.com/Waitomo-Glowworm-Caves/Pages/

shire views of matamata

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Autumn goals at Newark Park 

Oh I do love autumn 🍁🍂🍃🌾

The other half and I went off in search of finding some pretty autumn colours. It really is such a gorgeous time of the year here. The initial destination was supposed to be Westonbirt Arboretum but it was to busy and we were to impatient to wait for an hour. So we got our trusty TripAdvisor to see what else was in the area and that’s when we found Newark Park.

What a fabulous place to visit. The house, the grounds, the view and the service by the staff that work or volunteer there.

Whilst it offers something different to Westonbirt if you want to see some beautiful autumn views then this is a great alternative that is less busy and far more charming. If you are in the Cotswold do make sure you out this on your list.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park

Inspiration 

I wanted to go out and see something in my local area today but as per most people I’ve seen a lot of the key places. What’s a girl to do next- well if your me you go onto Instagram and look for inspiration.

I live in Somerset in the UK so went onto @loveforsomerset feed and saw a pic of this fab light house in Burnham on Sea .

Nice little walk along the beach and 100 or so photos later and now I’m here sharing with you. Goes to show you gotta keep uploading your travel pics you never know who’ll come across them and set off in your footsteps 👣👣👣🌏

Maverick and Goose take to the skies

My other half loves machines. And I mean LOVES machinery.

So for his birthday this year I got him an experience that could add to his long list of machines that he’s driven… or in this case flown.  He was going to fly a plane.

Luckily the day of the flight was a crisp sunny day so no chance of being rescheduled. When we arrived we were able to pay an extra £25 for me to also go up and sit and the back. I then assumed the position of official photographer. Obvs.

Our pilot knew the area where we lived so had planned a route that would take us over and around the point of interest for our area and also over the village we live in. As soon as we were in the air the controls were handed over to my partner and then for the next hour he flew the plane. I could see by the pure joy on his face that I may have started him off on a very expensive new hobby.

Seeing the fields, towns, villages and lakes from up above is just beautiful and reminds you actually how big the world is. Even in your small part of the world.

The team at Bristol and Wessex were amazing. Really informative, professional and great at teaching my Maverick through the whole experience.  For an hour flight it was £189 plus the £25 for  me to go up as well. They have other options including a half an hour trial and an hour land away.  |Check them out here http://www.bristolandwessex.co.uk/

Being able to do this experience as well (without the risk of me trying to fly- me driving  a car is bad enough) was amazing. We’ll long remember this over any material item I could have brought for him for his birthday.

It was really a beautiful way to see the area you live in and silly me I have started something now.. he’s booking up a trail lesson to fly a helicopter when we are on the Gold Coast later this year.

Hidden Gem- The Subhouse, Wells UK

Its been a bank holiday weekend here in the UK (exactly the same as Public Holiday just a more British way of saying it) and my other half and I went and enjoyed a day in Wells.

Wells is in the South West of England and is home to the Wells Cathedral, Bishops Palace, markets and is also where the film Hot Fuzz was filmed.  We live just down the road so it was bit of being a tourist in your own area type of day.

My other half had been told about a newish restaurant and we thought we should check it out for lunch. And oh my was this suggestion a good one.

You wouldn’t have known it was there walking down the street kinda like one of the secret bars that keep popping up everywhere. Locate in an all old sub station on a very unassuming street opposite a hideous night club and next to a car wash was the black door that took you to meat heaven.

The atmosphere, décor and communal seating  had been cleverly thought out and all made you feel comfortable, relaxed and like your at home just with way better food.  The staff added to this and we had fantastic service.

The food is mostly burgers, wings, ribs, sticky, saucey and pure delish. My other half opted for the biggest burger on the menu (thinking it may cure his hangover)  and I had a spicy chicken wrap. Both of these were amazing. Super tasty, full of flavours and just  hit the spot. They stock a lot of craft beers and ciders which due to aforementioned hangovers we didn’t try. I did however have a Bounty Hunter milk shake which came with the added bonus of a bounty bar (big thumbs up from me).

Upstairs they have a bar which I am assuming they have for the evening and two games rooms one had Mario Kart on and the other had a foosball table. Beautifully quirky! After speaking to some friends I’ve also heard they do amazing cocktails so will need to go back one evening and give these a try.

Everything was reasonably priced and between the two of us cost under £25.

If  happen to find yourself in this lovely little city then make sure you stop by The Subhouse. Who knows we might be sat on the table next to you- I’ll  be the one with the pink carnation

 

Check them out here- http://www.thesubhouse.co.uk