Holiday...

If you've checked out my Instagram lately, you would know that I've been on a (short but beautiful) summer holiday! To find out where and for a sneak preview click here.

Details coming soon...

One night at Crown

So, if you read my previous post, you would have realised that Mr. Pre works with an awesome company - the chocolate tour was part of their annual conference and so was staying the night at Crown Metropol with dinner at Rockpool Bar & Grill for employees and their spouses/partners. We got to stay the night on the highest floor with a city-view room! What a great way to spend the weekend. It was like a mini-vacation. Even just one night at a nice hotel even if you don't leave town with great food, wine and a good view can help recharge those batteries. I highly recommend it. Here's a glimpse of our stay on the 26th floor and dinner...

This photo doesn't do justice to the beautiful piece of meat that was on my plate. Also, since we were so many of us, we got all the sides on the menu, this was just my first serve. 

What a great weekend it was of good food, wine, chocolate and all things indulgent! 

But now time to stop looking back and start looking ahead. I'm going away for a bit this weekend. This time on a proper getaway not just a mini one (still short though, only a week, but holidays are never long enough). Watch this space for updates...

The Chocolate Tour - 2

It's a cold, wintry night and I'm sitting on my couch, snuggled up next to the heater, sipping coffee and watching Confessions of a Shopaholic. Quite a perfect setup. But I can't help but think about this amazing weekend I had a few weeks ago...I've been meaning to share but just haven't gotten around to it. Until tonight, because all that's missing in this perfect setup of mine tonight is some chocolate! Which brings me to the Chocolate Tour I went on, again (remember I did this last year?). No, I'm not a crazy chocoholic (just a shopaholic). It was organised as a team-bonding activity by Mr.Pre's work. Fun idea, isn't it! So here are some pics from the day...

Statutory Warning: Below images contain some decadent delights and are not suitable for persons with a delicate willpower and trying desperately to shed winter weight by avoiding and not consuming decadent delights (this includes me) - so what the heck, go ahead and enjoy this eye-candy...

Our tour began this time at the new Cacao Lab at the Strand where we were given Hot Chocolate Shots.

Hot Milk Chocolate Shot

We went to Koko Black in the Royal Arcarde, of course.

Taking a little break from all the chocolate, I stopped to admire the beauty of the architecture of the Royal Arcade. I love this place. Makes me feel like I'm living in the 1920s.

There were a few other choco-licious stops we made along the way including Haighs and the Fair Trade store. We ended the tour with a complimentary hot drink and dessert at Theobroma in Melbourne Central (I took my dessert in a take-away container as I had had enough chocolate for the day - yes, there is such a thing as too much chocolate).

Mocha at Theobroma

But after all that sweetness, I needed something savoury. What better than Jimmy Grant's chips with oregano, garlic oil and feta right next door at the Emporium foodcourt! Yumm!

I'm in love with these chips! They're my new guilty-pleasure! (Now you know why I'm trying so desperately to shed those winter-kilos!)

Alright, now for the decadent delight I promised....just kidding ;) - it's my outfit for the day.

Floral Bomber Jacket: *$25 (Portmans)

Grey Marle Tee: *$10 (Dotti)

Bow Necklace in Soft-Gold: $19.95 (Portmans)

Embossed Jeans: $49.95 (Zara)

Bag: *$53 (Forever New)

Black Ballet Flats: $12 (H&M)

Outfit Total: $169.90

* = sale prices

The Chocoholics Tour was just as enjoyable the second time around as well. I highly recommend doing it just as a fun weekend activity with your friends if you are looking to do something different without spending a fortune or travelling far and wide.

You can find their details here.