Tag Archives: travel

Hunter Valley | Wine Tasting and Relaxing

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I often hear people talking about the Hunter, and how great they think it is, and how you can wine taste all day and practically stroll along drunk from winery to winery with not a care in the world – but it would never interest me much. I’d think “ oh wine, schmine ! Whatever to wine”. If anything, I’d always say I’d only visit for the scenery and rustic culture.

I’m not really a big wine drinker, let alone taster but I must say I did actually enjoy my time up there AND for those who know how much I deteste Wine, You’ll be proud because I actually Bought some !

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I had the pleasure of visiting Hunter Valley on a Mothers and Daughters weekend getaway, all with thanks to my boyfriends sister and the celebration of their Mothers very special 60th Birthday.

I had a fantastic time, it was a great chance to bond and relax. In a Country like this, where we are always so busy working, running errands, and just generally on the go, it is nice to be able to zone out from Work and Everyday Life.

It’s important to try and maintain that balance no matter how delayed a Getaway is.

Scroll on and see my pictures from The Hunter Valley, I have also included the places we visited as a guide for the Hunter if you ever decide to go.

We were there During the first weekend of July, so the weather was quite crisp yet still beautiful enough to enjoy the outdoors and activities that Hunter Valley has to offer.

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Thursday Night | The Night before our Hunter Valley Journey : Before I started Packing for the Hunter, I had only one thing on my mind – HATS !

So I head down to the nearest General Pants store and bought myself Agent Ninety Nine’s Wide Brimmed Hat.

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Followed by that, I stopped at a Little Stall to buy a Beanie. I somehow manage to loose my Beanies all the time.

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Friday Morning | My Future sister-in-law Made these beautiful itinerary cards.

Great Job Kazzie – You’re definitely talented when it comes to all things stationary and Style.

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Group Selfies as we head out for The Hunter.

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Tempus Two Winery | Corner of Broke & McDonalds Roads,Pokolbin NSW 2320

After a few short hours ( It’s really not that far from The Hills/Hornsby Shire), Our first stop was Tempus Two.

where Tempus Two wines are Located there are also a few other stores including an amazing Cheese store if you’re one of those people who LOVES Cheese.

 

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I guess its okay to start early when you’re at the Hunter.

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All Gone !

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McQuigan’s Winery | Corner of Broke & McDonalds Roads,Pokolbin NSW 2320 


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McGuigan Winery was one of my favourite winery’s we visited.

Personally, as I mentioned before I’m not really a big wine Drinker, or Taster, But the very friendly and informative staff here helped me find just the right one for me ! Actually Two !

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 Peterson’s Champagne House and Hunter Valley Chocolate Company | Corner Broke Road and Wine Country Drive

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Peterson’s Champagne house have an amazing Range of Sparkling Rosès, Sweet and Delicious.

It’s Hard to leave without one.

Right next door, you will find Hunter Valley’s Finest Chocolate company.

Divine little Treats, perfect for gifts to take back for your loved ones.

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What better way to end the night : Margarita’s for everyone !

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Dress ups In the Morning
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Hunter Valley Gardens | 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320

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Hunter Valley Gardens – Definitely a Must-visit place especially during July and if you have kids. There is plenty to do here with Brilliant Stores.

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And I bought another Hat !

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This particular photo was taken in Storybrooke – a section of the Hunter Valley Gardens.

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Hunter Valley Gardens was so Beautiful and so Relaxing !

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Cafe Enzo | Broke Rd & Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320

I didn’t get the chance to take more photos of this beautiful rustic place but Cafe Enzo is definitely the place to eat

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Ballabourneen Wine Co. | 2347 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320

 

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Town of Wollombi

And as we head back to Sydney, taking the longer scenic route, we visited the old Town of Wollombi.

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I loved this store – It had a bunch of handmade Nepalese Crafts to die for ! Beautiful bright Colours – amazing Camel embroidered Bags

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The Twin home Store . The interior is tastefully decorated with an affordable collection of Rustic Goods definitely a must if visiting this town

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Have a great Weekend Everyone !

xxx Much love,

Yours Truly

Dressing Up Kendra !

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Dressing up Kendra! TGIF! Boy am I glad it’s Friday. I’m sure a lot of you are, Right!? Tonight’s post, as the name suggests, is about Dressing up Kendra! Kendra is a well-known travel expert. She has been featured on … Continue reading →

LA Diaries | Part Un

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hmmm.. so where do I start for the La diary ? I actually thought this would be easier but to be honest the weeks have gone by so quickly, it feels like it was a long long time ago.

I’m going to try my best to re-tell it through photos for you all.

But before I do that, I just want to touch on the word “Family”. Family to me is a very important thing, especially my immediate family. We are a tight, loyal bunch who are always there for each other no matter what. Here, in Australia I don’t really have as much family as I do overseas. So there is always this sort of… hole in my heart, and I do miss them often, quite alot actually. It’s funny though when I tell people I miss my cousins, they look at me in shock. I guess sometimes people don’t appreciate and realise just how lucky they are to have the warmth of loved ones around them in the same state or country.

So in saying this, I just want to let my family know that wherever you are in the world, no matter how far apart we are I love you and Miss you and I wish we could be with each other always. And if you are reading my blog, thankyou, I just wanted to let you know just how important you are to me, even if you already knew that.

Travelling overseas, isn’t always about experiencing the culture, the surroundings, the food, it’s also about spending as much time as you can with the people you love. This time around though, I didn’t get to do that much, too little time and busy running around – before I knew it, Time was up and it was a long flight back home. But I guess that’s okay because there will always be a next time, another opportunity to catch up.

What I love though, Is that every time I go back, It is like I never left and that I had been there with them everyday. That hole in my heart just fills right up, infact it overflows with warmth, acceptance and love ❤ Love you all from the bottom of my heart.

So, Where do I start ?

Let’s just let the camera roll do most of the talking Shall we ?

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You know when you’re in California when you see those Palms…

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Honolulu in Montrose was so beautifully lit up with Christmas Lights and decorations – It looked so beautiful in the night.

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I love landscapes.

LA scenery really trips me out – It always look fake.

I always just want to scrunch my hand up against it because it looks like really good wallpaper or something.

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IN N OUT ! Seriously if you don’t eat this while you are there you are completely missing out.

Animal Fries because I was hungry like animal –

and ofcourse appropriate tags – #YESiateboth #dontjudgeme #onvacation

(Don’t count the calories, seriously…don’t!)

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Just the start of my shopping…

(I did this much damage in a few hours… but hey if I really have to look at it –

The above photo is a minor dent compared to the overall shopping on this trip. #quickhideyourbankstatement)

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USarmenia!?

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BIG WANGS !!!!

Say what ?

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Okay, honestly – I HAVE NEVER SEEN “PEPSI-COLA” THIS SIZE !…

IT WAS MASSIVE….. OMG who needs REFILLS HERE !!!!!!

One of the best places to have spicy-ass hot wings, a great hangout with friends, and karaoke (if that’s what you’re into) !

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Follow that up with some hooka – The night is not over until you have had some hooka

p.s we look so white – we have such GLOW !

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Christmas at my Aunties place is always incredibly decorated.

Gotta love Christmas Spirit !

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Why look – Where could we be ?

It is the happiest place in the world #disneyland

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Spending New Years Eve at Disneyland

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mmm Candy… Lots of Candy

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Ahoy ! Pirate Ship time.

 

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It’s a small world After all…

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Every time I am at Disneyland I visit Esmerelda.

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Just quietly, Some more shopping… I did good Winking smile

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Two weddings and no funerals.. Thankgod !

Thankyou to my amazing cousin for doing my makeup and going out of her way to get me where I needed to be on time looking like a doll !

And to my auntie who did my hair – Love you both so much !

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I’ll have to wrap it up now – But don’t worry There is a Part Deux Coming soon !

❤

Oh oh oh and before I forget I hope everyone had a great Valentines day and weekend and that everyone has a safe and happy work week.

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Join me on instagram @Ratavosi

and please don’t forget to subscribe to this blog

 

Bonnuit Lovers !

 

xoxo Much love, Yours Truly

RHYversusWORLD