This is most probably the billionth blog post raving about the Grounds of Alexandria located in Alexandria Sydney on 7A/2 Huntley Street. I’ve even read that this is one of the most instagramed places in Australia so I’ll admit it now -I did do a foodgram and it doesn’t even do justice to how delicious and lovely the dish was!!!


So the love story goes something like this....
Despite the overcast day, my girlfriend and I still made the journey (my first visit) to the Grounds with an empty stomach ready for some feel-good food. We actually had an outfit planned the night before (don’t judge) because 1. Alexandria being in the inner city is full of hipster, stylish people and 2. We were going to head into the city afterwards to check out the new Sephora store and for a little Chrissy shopping!

I know what you’re thinking, cut the talk and show the pictures which I totally agree! So instead of boring you with my attempts at describing how lovely the whole place was, just enjoy the pictures (cause I know we all skip the text for the photos)!
Note: I did refrain from taking too many photos because that was waaay too mainstream there :D

A little florist on site with displays just
spilling onto the walkway - so lovely!

This was the sink for the bathroom, as if
this isn't so country old fashioned I love it!

The courtyard lies beyond with a fountain
where the little kids play

Yes they have a small animal farm and yes
Kevin Bacon is the resident pig :P

Guess who!

There are a few choices for eating at the Grounds, you can choose to dine in the restaurant-style cafe or buy from the little kiosk and enjoy your munchies at the courtyard. Service was so lovely at the restaurant-cafe we ate at (including tres good looking waiters). You get a little buzzer like at the bistro that will buzz when your table (no need to reserve) is ready for you = keep exploring instead of waiting in a queue! Peerfect!

The menu was organised into Breakfast – small and substantial (til 11:30am),Brunch and Lunch (both from 12pm)! They were quite strict (in a kind/reasonable not “you die” kind of way - don’t worry) with the times so sadly one could not order a lunch at 11:30am L

But we did spend a good 10 mins having a long think about what to order because man that was a tough decision! Too many delicious choices!!! We had a look the other tables on the way in to see what dishes looked yummiest – which was all of them!!

My friend's "Petuna Salmon" order for brunch = MEH!!

Oh Lordy - behold the "Healthy Plate"
It definitely packed a punch for the sweet tooth too! I mean check out
that little shot cup of green juice! How do you say no? 

Along the main walkway there’s a wagon selling fresh fruits and homemade lemonade in yellow, pink and peachy colours! We also saw a donut wagon but it wasn't in business at the time!

Now let me put my two cents worth here – that Grounds Granola (as it was called) was actually the substance of my wildest dreams. You tip in the mini milk jug and that’s when the party at the taste buds began. It was your ordinary breakfast transformed into a breakfast of the Gods. Despite the name Healthy Plate and the appearance of assorted fruit and the granola – it was definitely filling!


So what are you waiting for, book a brunch/lunch date with your girlies or mum/grandma on your next free day. Boys take the special women of your life (girlfriends, mums and grandmas) to impress! The place is literally a little archaic, rustic world of its own in the midst of the city and my friends have been raving about this place since forever. We used to fantasize the time when we would finally make the visit (how else do you get through boring uni - you think of your food tours of course)!!!


This is just one of those places you hear so much about and need to see for yourself! There's something for everyone!
Go on a little adventure this weekend!

Until next time!
Mimi xoxo

The Summer To-Do: Suggestions to keep you sane during the long break

No one really owns these types of calendars I realised!

There's a hundred and four days of summer vacation and school comes along just to end it! But the annual problem of our generation is finding a good way to spend it! Like mayb-

Only joking two problems with the above: 1. As much as we wish we were Phineas and Ferb -we're not cool enough (duh!) and 2. Countries like Australia don't get all our holidays in one massive dump!!


So how do we spend said holidays! More like how do we spend said holidays on a budget? We don't want to be dreading how bored we will be after surviving exams! No! No one wants that because look you will be regretting that when school/uni comes back!

So I've collected a few ideas because I don't think Google does a good enough job when I search 'things to do for teenagers in Sydney'. I get the zoo, Westfield tower look out and apparently need a lot of money just to enjoy myself. Mr Google how wrong you are here!

So here are some ideas that should hopefully hit the right spot for most of you (hopefully doesn’t hit the pocket too hard either)! I cry if I've made you read all this to no resolve of your boredom dilemma!!


1. For the uni student: Catch up with high school friends over a cafe lunch cause you’ll have too many stories to share about uni survival (Bear Grylls style) the last thing we want is hot food going cold and cardboard consistency! Cafe’s are great and there are plenty of healthy options which I love and which totally gets cancelled out by that milkshake you order but hey, caramel milkshakes for the win!

I just wanted to say here that QUINOA is the
BOMB!

2. Catch up over shared frozen yoghurt! The sort where you get to choose the flavours, portions and toppings! Or even ice-cream for any froyo haters who think it’s overrated and that three froyo stores on one street is overkill! Tip: go halves in pay, eat three quarters: P


3. Sand proof Picnic at the beach! There are a few beaches in Sydney or most places that have grass and shade at the back and sand and waves just a 2 minute walk in front. Get dumped a few times then come in for non sand assaulted eats. Someone also bring a ukulele and a Frisbee/rugby ball/soccer ball/volleyball or cricket set!!

Can't decide between ice-cream &
froyo are one of my first world problems

Coogee Beach date with more eating and no
swimming (I know it's a sin :P)

4. Try to discover a new eating place/cuisine with friends or family. I challenge you to order something different to Pad Thai when you go for Thai (that’s right, I went there). Visit a new food scene from an unfamiliar suburb, easily shared food works best so you get a taste for everything! It’s also a nice excuse to dress all snazzy with your girlfriends and broaden your profile picture horizons (lol).

5. Go bike riding on an old or new track! It can be hard to plan the weather for this and when its Summer it can get really hot! By biking I mean the tracks in the parklands not hardcore on the roads (that’s scary). Pack a non perishable lunch and water bottle kept overnight in the freezer to defrost over the time and grab a few friends for some exercise bonus!

If you're like me, it will take an AGE before
I get to "Level Crochembush"

6.  You know what takes time – cooking! Choose a recipe, then your weapons and get ready to whip up a storm and be proud of your baby as it’s plated. Since we don’t all have the time to plate ourselves a continental breakfast before we run out the door why not treat yourself to a feel-good (your own creation!!) and taste-good brekkie worthy of an instagram snap!!

7. Dare I say it but here goes nothing...... catch up on a TV series (or three) or discover a new series. Friends are great for giving you a quick lowdown (hopefully without spoilers) and for suggesting a gazillion shows bound to tickle your fancy! Just don’t delve too deep into the fandoms, you may find yourself a changed person...if you survive it. 

8. This may cost a smidge more buuuutttt.....Go to the cinemas or even better a DRIVE IN CINEMAS if your city has it! Sometimes in bed with a laptop and your blanket tepee = sore neck and arms + coke bottle glasses in the near future. Go for a change of scenery but seriously drive in cinemas are the bomb but there not that common and may be seasonal! Soooo worth it though! 

9. Be a tourist in your own city! Unless you know your whole city upside down (convince yourself that you don’t), recruit some keen companions, jump on a bus/ferry/train and see where it takes you! Look for every opportunity to take the scenic route and soak in the history whether it is nautical, industrial or whatsoever!

I live in Sydney but I rarely get to see the
Harbour Bridge :(

10. Sleepovers! I know how it gets and sometimes it’s inevitable but don’t let that spoil all the fun; friends ask for WIFI password, friends stay on laptop/phones, non awkward silence as you all check your social media every 10 or so minutes, non-existent pillow fights.
So here are some suggestions to keep it traditional:
- Pizza PARTAY with movie marathon
- Everyone helps cook dinner (or microwave the dinner I don’t know :P) which allows for good socialising at the same time!
- Call me boring but Twister the Game, Cards Against Humanity (exactly as the name suggests), charades, Cluedo etc.
- Just Dance PARTAY which really packs a workout

11. Hit the markets for a new wardrobe! You can literally buy some pretty neat pieces for less than $50! The store sellers are fashionable so you can be sure their legacy continues with you and there are interesting conversations all round! You can also enjoy the live music in your lunch break then finish exploring the rest of the markets! Rozelle and Glebe Markets in Sydney are my favourites!

Don't EVER be afraid to dig right through
the crowded racks - you may discover a
great bargain!!

Warning: Your eyes may hurt from all the shops
and stuff for sale everywhere you turn
It's more busier than it looks in the snap :P

12. Read a good book. I’m sorry if I sound like Jane Austen but books can change you. Believe me, I am no fandom girl. I don’t have a separate Tumblr devoted to Finnick’s “sugar cube” from The Hunger Games or Will Herondale’s “dragon tattoo” from The Infernal Devices Series. 
It lifts your mood, keeps you thinking about the plot and characters at times during the day and most importantly aren’t all the boys in books more IDEAL AND SUPER SENSITIVE! If I haven’t won you with that I don’t know what will! (Some suggestions: Mortal Instruments series and infernal devices series by Cassandra Clare)  


13. Try (emphasis on try) to sketch something from either a photograph or the scenery in front of you! Put that shading and eye sketches into good use not just when bored in class. Let’s go that one step further and try to sketch your favourite famous figure or celebrity!  Either cry over the beauty of your final artwork or it becomes the next “nailed it” meme sensation:P.

13. Be the next James Cameron or Christopher Nolan just for the holidays IE. MAKE A FILM! This is a great way to collaborate with friends and live out your fashion styling, directing, filming and acting dreams. Or even try your luck at penetrating the YouTube/Vloggers sphere :P

14. Plan a workout day with friends either at the gym or at the park (even better if there’s public exercise equipment). Not only can you done your Lorna Jane/Lululemon headbands and your flashy Nikes, working out as a small group makes you less inclined to be viewed as the “weak one” so keep pushing yourself! 


So hopefully I've inspired a few ideas to keep you busy! Try not to lounge at home for too long and for too many as appealing as the cool air con or the heater may seem (but we do all need our solo chillouts at home) !

So stay safe, don't get sunburnt and come back invigorated, knowing you had a killer break to daydream about during those boring times in class  :P