Hitting the Snows with Columbia, O'Neill and Anon

Wearing: O'Neill Pwfr Frame Snow Jacket in Spring Grass via Surfdome, Anon Tempest Purple Pink Asian Fit Goggles and Columbia Might Lite III (Omni heat Technology) Jacket. 
Staying at: Perisher and Thredbo Resorts 2014

I managed to take some time off work this week to head out and snowboard with one of my besties Betty. Before we headed out though, I hunted down some reliable gear for the snows - an O'neill Snow Jacket in Spring Green and Anon Tempest Goggles (in Asian fit). O'neill jackets are really good quality - with the right amount of pockets, great fit and high quality fabric. It kept me snug when I first hit the mountains and I was able to cool myself down with it's sleeve vents when I brought up a sweat snowboarding. I was able to hold my phone, ipod, ski lift pass and camera quite easily for convenience and with the waterproof fabric I had no worries.
The Anon Googles I bought were of high quality - it allowed me to head down the hill without glare affecting my vision and when it snowed it shielded me from getting snowflakes into my eyes.

Snowboarding gear aside - I had so much fun up those mountains. Our group circled the Perisher and Thredbo resorts for a couple of days. I rented out a snowboard, pants and boots and took my first lesson. I was really frustrated at first because I couldn't stand up or brake properly. It came down to the fact that I thought I was a Natural but really I was a Goofy. I switched boards with my friend who was a Goofy and everything was 10 times better. I can perform the 'Falling Leaf' technique and have done a couple of simple runs without falling over at the beginners slope. Very surprised with my improvement. I have yet to begin to master the 'toe bend' but I know its possible after some practice (I'm going again in August yay).

After two days of snowboarding we managed to find some time to build a Snowman. It was really funny when everyone who passed us screamed out 'Do you want to build a snowman?!' and threw us snowballs. But that was fun, just relaxing and digging our fingers deep into the fresh snow.

When we drove back I wore my new Columbia jacket to keep me snug driving down the snowy mountains. Its omni heat thermal reflective, breathing warming technology kept me really warm. The patent technology helps regulate my body heat with little silver dots on the lining that reflects and retain the warmth my body generates, dissipating moisture and excess heat. It kept my body heat neutral while I went into town for dinner and walked along the parks on the way back home.
I've now grown a love for snowboarding and I'm keen to come back. The last time I went to the Snows was 5 years ago and it was to ski. Hated that sport. And I couldn't appreciate the clothing choices I had, or the adrenalin rush that came with it. That's all changed since my Snowboarding trip and I'm now keen to see that fresh powdered snow again.

Gingerlilly Sleepwear for the months of Winter

 Wearing: Gingerlilly Pyjamas Pippa Set and Gingerlilly Pyjamas Kristy Set thanks to Gingerlilly

These past weeks, I've been snuggling in bed drinking chai tea lattes, watching old kids movies and wearing warm pyjamas. Winter is here and I received some beautiful Gingerlilly sleepwear that are so beautiful. I have two styles - Pippa and Kristy and they both have a special place in my house now. The fabric in both these sets are super soft, especially with Pippa's special modal fabric which is extracted from Breech trees that allows you to keep warm in Winter and cool in Summer. The Kristy includes Gingerlilly's signature print and a pink lace top that can be worn as lounge wear for when I decide to lie in my hammock and watch Master Chef Australia.

I plan to take my Gingerlilly sleepwear with me for when I head to the Snows this weekend as I anticipate some cosy nights by the fire with my bestie Betty. I am really excited, I am going to snow board for the first time. I've ordered a new snow jacket and snow goggles and plan to hire out my boots and snowboard. I also plan not to fall on my ass when I board. But that's asking for alot as I am known to my friends that I fail (in a charming way) at many things.
For me though, just to get out to nature to regather my thoughts and to try something new and active is quite satisfying to me, even if I come back with sore buttocks.

Introducing: Zeven Lemon Beerworks!

Introducing: Zeven Lemon Beerworks (at the Good Food and Wine Show 2014)

Meet the brewer and owner of Zeven Lemon, Leimin Duong. She is a dear friend of mine, someone who I've known for years and is a proud foodie and proud beer drinker. I've always known her to be driven, smart, funny, passionate and kind.
About a year ago, Leimin announced she had decided to start her own Australian beer company, wanting to change the perceptions of the beer drinking world. After plenty of research and interning, Zeven Lemon released their first fruit flavoured beer: Strawberry Blonde.
Brewed at a perfect balance of not-too-sweet and not-too-bitter, Zevon Lemon intends to bring the best of both beer and cider worlds together. Strawberry Blonde is light and crisp, brewed from malted barely, wheat, hops, yeast and 100 % strawberry juice with no artificial flavourings or essences added.
This beer is delicious. I love my beers and I love my ciders and this is a really good balance of flavours. I was so proud of Leimin when I saw her beers being sold at the Good Food and Wine Show this year. Everyone was bustling around her stall, drinking and purchasing Strawberry Blonde bottles. I watched Leimin talk to customers about her beer and her potential ideas - she is so passionate about her product. And so she should be.
Zeven Lemon hopes to release a new flavour by early 2015, expanding their range on fruit favoured beers. Strawberry Blonde is available to be purchased online soon (sign up here for updates) and are stocked in selected bars over Sydney. Keep up the great work, Leimin!