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South Africa

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  • Insta-piration

    Whhaat? @mcdonaldsau dropped 10 new drinks in VIC Whhaat? @mcdonaldsau dropped 10 new drinks in VIC & QLD and I previewed them before they launched 👀☕

here’s what’s new:

☕ brown sugar shaken espresso with oat milk: a classic and I loved how creamy the oat milk made it. one of my faves but I’d personally prefer it slightly less sweet if that’s an option

🥥 choc coconut frappé: I usually don’t even like coconut drinks but this one surprised me and was actually one of my favourites of the night too

🍏 popping green apple & sprite: tangy green apple and sprite over ice with popping pearls that burst. another fave because it was refreshing and fun

🍮 iced golden caramel latte: espresso with vanilla and caramel over ice

🍫 iced velvet mocha with cold foam: espresso blended with chocolate and caramel flavours, finished with cold foam and extra drizzle

🍓 strawberry watermelon refresher: strawberry and watermelon with tangy lemonade over ice, plus freeze-dried strawberries for that little texture

🥭 popping mango refresher: mango and pineapple with lemonade over ice, and the popping pearls make it extra fun

🫐 berry blast & sprite: blue raspberry flavour blended with sprite, topped with cold foam

🍑 red bull peach boost energiser: infused sweet peach flavour, served over ice. easy, summery energy

🐉 red bull dragonberry energiser: blue raspberry and vanilla flavours, topped with frozen dragon fruit

lowkey impressed they’re doing things like cold foam, infused flavours and popping pearls 👀 safe to say there’s some contenders in the drink rotation #mcdonaldspartner #maccas @redbull @redbullau #sprite
    This is what an omakase starting at $450pp looks l This is what an omakase starting at $450pp looks like 🍣🥢

With only 12 seats at the counter, @plus81sushikappo is led by Tokyo-trained Chef Ikuo Kobayashi, bringing Michelin-starred lineage to Brisbane. Rooted in kappo, meaning “to cut and cook,” the experience pairs premium Australian produce with specialty ingredients sourced from Japan 

The 11 courses are a balance of fire and finesse, from straw searing, nigiri, tempura, and comforting warm dishes. Expect some of the highest quality wagyu, tuna and Hokkaido uni, all prepared right in front of you!

Some finer details that elevate the experience:
🍚 their signature sushi shari is offered as bamboo charcoal rice or vivid blue spirulina-infused rice (exclusively from Iceland 😳)
🏆 the restaurant is hidden within award-winning @aizomebar, named Bar of the Year 2025 by @gourmettraveller 
🍷 you can also add a drinks pairing of wine, sake, champagne, rare whiskies or cocktails curated by head sommelier @awinejourney 
🧊 even the ice is hand shaved to order and sourced from Kanazawa in Japan, prized for its clarity and slow melt 😳
🥃 you can end the night in their hidden whisky lounge playing Japanese vinyl from the owner’s personal collection 
🚕 there’s plenty of parking along Jane Street

So, would you book a seat? 🍣

Brisbane foodie | restaurant | food guide | fine dining | luxury experience | date night | hidden gem
    Wishing you all good energy, brave decisions and p Wishing you all good energy, brave decisions and powerful progress for the year of the fire horse 🔥🐎

In the zodiac, the horse represents independence, strength and momentum 🔥 with the fire element, it brings passion, confidence and fearless drive

Comment your zodiac sign 🐀 🐂 🐅 🐇 🐉 🐍 🐎 🐐 🐒 🐓 🐕 🐖 below and I’ll share what this year could mean for you!👇

qipao | red envelope | red aesthetic | luxury vibes | festive friends | celebration style | lunar new year
    NYC ➝ Brisbane 🇺🇸🇦🇺 a new cocktail bar lands in To NYC ➝ Brisbane 🇺🇸🇦🇺 a new cocktail bar lands in Toowong 🍸 @deathandco brings East Village cocktail culture beneath the iconic Regatta Hotel with moody, intimate vibes, expertly crafted cocktails, refined bar bites, and live bands on select nights

brisbane bar | toowong | brisbane foodie | regatta | things to do
    Went for a sunset walk… on top of Brisbane’s iconi Went for a sunset walk… on top of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge 😅 I’m afraid of heights but I can never say no to a good view and a bit of adventure, so when I was invited to do the Story Bridge Adventure Climb at twilight I decided to push through the nerves and I’m so glad I did because it was magical watching the colours shift from sunset to city lights ✨

Honestly, it wasn’t bad at all. You’re fully harnessed in and there’s plenty of room up there… just don’t look down 😉 And yes, my friend volunteered me to be right at the front 😆 which actually helped since standing behind the guide meant I didn’t have time to overthink

Good to know
♿ they’re the first accessible bridge climb in the world so wheelchair users can do the climb too! (how amazing is that?)
🎂 the company just turned 20 so they’re offering 20% off climbs until the end of February
🌉 at the highest point you’re about 80 metres above the Brisbane River, with uninterrupted 360° views across the city

things to do Brisbane | Story Bridge climb | Brisbane skyline | Brisbane sunset | Brisbane adventures @storybridgeadventureclimb
    🔥 Free festival vibes at Queen’s Wharf until Feb 1 🔥 Free festival vibes at Queen’s Wharf until Feb 1 🔥 SupaSocial is relaxed, family-friendly fun with food trucks, pop-up bars, live music and movies. There’s putt putt, lawn bowls, pickle pong and big-screen sport keeping everyone busy 🎉

🎟 Entry is free
📍 Leisure Deck, Level 7 The Star Brisbane
🗓 Until Feb 1 | 12pm – 9pm daily
🍿 Movies: Mon–Wed, 6pm | $5 (booking required)
🏏 Thursdays: Australia’s summer sports on the screen
🎧 Fri & Sat: DJs, headline acts + high-energy social play

things to do brisbane | free festival | brisbane events | family friendly brisbane | what’s on brisbane | brisbane weekends | brisbane fun | brisbane activities
    New year, new escapes ✨ the fun part is planning w New year, new escapes ✨ the fun part is planning what’s next 🤭

Have you booked with @luxury.escapes? They curate premium stays around the world, pairing five-star hotels with thoughtful inclusions like meals, spa time and those little extras you don’t usually get when booking direct.

And if the Gold Coast is on your list (if not, add it! 👀), their @qtgoldcoast package is a beautiful one. Fun retro-glam vibes right by the water 🌊 Which cocktail or mocktail are you sipping under the sun here? ☀️🍹
    Yes the splash is a paid actor 😄💦 Bought the 16 P Yes the splash is a paid actor 😄💦

Bought the 16 Pro before the 17 came out but still pretty impressed by the 5x zoom (equivalent to 120mm lens) on this model. What do you think… or do you upgrade every year for max zooming? 👀

This epic view is at the end of The Spit, Gold Coast

iPhone camera | mobile videography | camera test | Gold Coast | Surfers Paradise | skyline | ocean views | beach life | travel Australia
    lingering longer in the sparkle of the season ✨ ho lingering longer in the sparkle of the season ✨ hope everyone had a lovely xmas and is enjoying the what-day-is-it period before new year 😄 are we meant to take the decorations down yet or…?

thanks @marilynnoir for capturing these sweet moments with my mini-me and such a beautiful space 🤍
    Looking for ✨free✨ festive vibes in Los Angeles? 🎄 Looking for ✨free✨ festive vibes in Los Angeles? 🎄 these spots are great for soaking up the holiday cheer while shopping or dining. Just keep parking in mind but most places usually validate with a spend, while Citadel offers free parking

❤️ The Grove: lively outdoor shopping with a dancing fountain, free tram rides, and festive fake snow at 6 pm & 8 pm during the holiday season
💚 Americana at Brand: The Grove’s sister property, similar in style but larger. They also have fountain shows, free tram rides, and fake snow at 7 pm & 8 pm
❤️ Citadel Outlets: more minimal, but home to the tallest Christmas tree in the area and a festive exterior styled like a massive wrapped gift that’s hard to miss from the freeway. They do faux snow every hour from 5pm - 8pm
💚 Downtown Disney District: not as festive as expected, but still fun to walk through
❤️ Rodeo Drive: a classic LA stop that feels a little more special with the holiday decor

festive la ✨ | christmas in los angeles 🎄 | holiday things to do | shopping and dining los angeles
    A very London red phone booth kind of sparkle ❤️✨ A very London red phone booth kind of sparkle ❤️✨ tip: there’s a red phone booth right in front of the Cartier store on Bond Street which makes it such a great photo spot 😌 this was a past display and I went late at night to get a crowd-free shot (there were still people around but we waited our turn) and don’t forget to bundle up because it gets very cold 🥶

things to do in London | festive London | luxury shopping | London photo spots | Christmas in London | shot on Canon
    Olé to weekends with glowing sunshine and flowing Olé to weekends with glowing sunshine and flowing sangria! 🥂 We spent ours enjoying @olesouthbank’s Barcelona Bottomless Brunch and it felt like a little slice of Spain in Brisbane 🇪🇸 Spain is one of our favourite foodie destinations and it was amazing to soak up some of that relaxed tapas energy here in South Bank. A stroll under the bougainvilleas afterwards made it the perfect weekend 🌸✨

the set includes
🫒 Marinated Spanish olives
🥖 Jamón serrano with crusty bread, tomato & olive oil
🌕 Classic Spanish tortilla de patatas: potato, onion, and egg omelette, fluffy inside and golden outside
🍖  Crispy pork belly glazed with Seville orange

the bottomless options were
🍹 Sangria jugs — Classic Red, Rosé & White Peach
🍸 Cocktail choices of Frosé Fresa & French Martini
🍺 Estrella Damm & Aether Brewing Lager on tap
🍷 Wine, bubbles, rosé & mocktails

💛 Weekends from 11:30am
❤️ $80pp | 2-hour seating | min 2 people
📍 OLÉ Spanish Restaurant, South Bank

#brisbanefoodie #brisbanebrunch #eatsouthbank
    Stumbled upon Brisbane’s oldest building 🛕 The Old Stumbled upon Brisbane’s oldest building 🛕 The Old Windmill has been standing for 200 years and looked even better framed by jacarandas in full bloom! 💜

Over the years, it’s done a bit of everything, from grinding grain and signalling ships to a stint as a convict punishment site and eventually an observatory. Built in 1828, it’s the oldest surviving building in the city and the oldest windmill tower still standing in Australia. Hard to believe this little tower has seen Brisbane grow from a penal settlement into the city it is today 😍

The jacarandas only bloom for a few short weeks each year, usually from late October to early November (which is spring here in Australia). So while the rest of the world is cooling down, it’s already warm and humid in Brisbane 😅
    From babymoon to baby giggles 💕 looks like Byron B From babymoon to baby giggles 💕 looks like Byron Bay is now an annual tradition ✨ @elementsofbyron #byronbay
    easy pace, full heart 💕 @elementsofbyron #byronbay easy pace, full heart 💕 @elementsofbyron #byronbay #getaway
    Dinner under the s̶t̶a̶r̶ bar lights ✨ Dinner under the s̶t̶a̶r̶ bar lights ✨
    Back at one of our favourite retreats @elementsofb Back at one of our favourite retreats @elementsofbyron✨ our first visit was a dreamy babymoon when I was eight months pregnant🌙 now our wild one is big enough to splash and giggle her way around the pools 🥹🌊 Looks like Elements of Byron is officially our family tradition, thanks for giving us memories we’ll treasure forever 🌿💛
    Opening night of CORTEO @cirquedusoleil ✨🎪 @corteo Opening night of CORTEO @cirquedusoleil ✨🎪 @corteo.cirquedusoleil has arrived in Brisbane with dreamlike scenery, soaring acrobatics and a hypnotic dance of strength and grace 🎈

The incredibly talented cast transports the audience on a celebration of life between heaven and earth. Corteo, meaning “cortege” in Italian, follows Mauro, a clown who imagines his own joyful farewell ☁️🌎

Now showing at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre until Sept 28. Tickets via @ticketekaustralia @teg_live 🎟️

Thanks for having us @flourish_pr @kathrose ❤️
    Gold Coast mood lighting ✨ Have you ever stayed in Gold Coast mood lighting ✨ Have you ever stayed in Southport? It’s the quieter side of the coast, but staying here was such a great base and gave us a totally different experience ❤️

📍 Bookmark this for your next stay and  here’s your Southport mini guide ✨

🌊 @meritonsuites Southport was an amazing base. Our king suite had incredible views of the water, even from bed, so we made it a point to enjoy sunset in bed every day (with snacks of course!). On top of that, they have the usual amenities including 24-hour reception and even an indoor AND outdoor pool 🏊‍♀️ The apartment also comes with all the conveniences you need like a fridge, kitchen and laundry (which is super handy when staying by the beach or travelling with kids!). The train is also right out front, so it gets you to all the hotspots and popular attractions. Pro tip: don’t forget to take advantage of the 50c fares!
🐨 A 20-minute drive takes you to Coombabah Lakelands Conservation. Their Koala and Kangaroo Trail let us see kangaroos hopping alongside, a sleepy koala up in the trees, and even a giant iguana that looked like it belonged in Jurassic Park 😳
🍤 Just a 9-minute drive from the hotel, you can catch the pelican feeding at Charis Seafoods every day at 1:30 PM. Dozens of pelicans swoop in 🦅it’s chaotic and so fun to watch! And their fish and chips afterwards hit the spot
🛍️ On the way back you can swing by Harbour Town Premium Outlets, five minutes from the trail. Less luxury labels, more high-street brands
🌊 Back near Southport, The Spit was perfect for a walk along the beach, watching boats drift through the Seaway and catching a panoramic view of the coast 
🎨 HOTA, Home of the Arts, has epic views of the city and it’s free to enter
🍱 We found a few foodie goodies nearby and our fave for the weekend was brunch at Hazel. Their Asian-inspired dishes were so delicious and beautifully done.

Southport ended up being such a lovely base: scenic, relaxing and still close to the best parts of the Gold Coast 🩷

So what do you think, when will you be staying here?
    Happy Ekka Day! 🎉 Ready for a day full of fun, foo Happy Ekka Day! 🎉 Ready for a day full of fun, food, and Aussie traditions? Here are my top tips to make your visit even better 🎡✨

🐐 Want to pet the animals? Go early since the animal zones close by 4pm
🍓🍦 Strawberry ice cream is the unofficial Ekka icon and a total crowd favourite
🍟 Pro-tip: If you’re like me and love savoury, try topping that strawberry ice cream with fries — trust me, it’s next level 🤌
🎟️ Score 2-for-1 rides daily from 9.30am to 10.30am in B105
🌭 Dagwood dogs are also a fan favourite, but maybe I got a dud? I don’t quite get the hype!
🍬 Heard there are loads of free taste testers at the Woolworths Pavilion if you want to snack for free
🛍️ Showbags range from $3–$35. Book online or buy early if there’s one you’re eyeing since some sell out
📱 There’s an Ekka app so you can easily check the full schedule
👟 Wear comfy shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking around the showgrounds
🚗 Parking is $35, so public transport is probably your best bet if you can!
💥 For night shows & fireworks, the best seats are ‘at the back’ on Machinery Hill

Have an amazing #ekka day! What’s your must-do at the show?
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