This week: Sydney > Melbourne > Auckland.

It’s been so good exploring this part of the world again after a year away. The best part of my trip by far has been meeting many folks I’ve known online for years during The Blogcademy workshops.

After traveling so much this year, I’ve realized that it’s the little things that make my day — discovering a great coffee shop, a line of well-branded alcohol(above), and friendly Uber drivers.

Last week was my first time visiting Bondi Beach — we stayed in a little rental right next to the water and though there were some unexpected antics (flighting off cockroaches in the bathroom, realizing my bed was on wheels after I woke up with it sideways one morning), it was a great adventure. The ups and downs are what end up making the best travel stories.

One of my favorite dining experiences in Sydney was at Mama’s Buoi — the food was delicious but the decor really won me over with its bold, clashing patterns.

Ahhhh, Melbourne. Things didn’t quite start out as planned. We had an Air bnb mishap and ended up at a place resembling Alice Cooper’s holiday hideaway, complete with a black leather bed (definitely very different than the photos of what we’d booked). Having no wifi was the final insult so we packed our bags and headed to a nondescript business hotel. Air bnb has some of the best customer service around and promptly refunded our money — companies that go above and beyond like they did deserve major props.

On my second night in town, I went to Gala’s Radical Self Love event and it really got me focused on setting intentions for 2015. This sign summed up the event perfectly: simply, the room was full of love.

The next day, we kicked off The Blogcademy and taught our class at Establishment Studios. I immediately made myself right at home amongst all of the prop rentals. That marble statue was quite heavy. Haha.

A warehouse-sized space filled with rack after rack of color-coordinated props? My idea of heaven.

And, this wall mural!!! Ace.

The best tip jar in all of Melbourne, don’t you think?

One of the best designed places I visited was Greene St. Juice. I’m working on a mini tour of it so you can see more of the shop and packaging soon.

We stopped in Alannah Hill (her clothes are so classic and beautiful) and these statement making dressing rooms definitely got my attention.

I hate waiting in lines but Hopetoun Tea Room was definitely worth it. Some of the best scones I’ve ever had. And, check out that wallpaper!

This lineup of concrete planters at The Grammercy was so rad.

After a lot of fun in Melbourne, I flew to Auckland yesterday morning. It’s time to teach the last Blogcademy class of the year…and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!