Wat Rung Khun, also known as the White Temple is a modern, art style Buddhist temple built in 1997 by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

The whiteness of the temple represents the purity of Buddha while the mirror mosiac pieces represent the wisdom of Buddah shining out across the Earth and Universe. 

As you enter the temple you walk along a river of desperate hands reaching for the heavens, this is here to represent hell. At the stairs you see two sculptures weilding swords that are there to stop hell coming through, as the inside of the temple is meant to be a heavenly area. 

The architecture and art in this temple is truely breathtaking. I love that the artist incorporated a modern art twist through this temple, while still carrying deep religious symbolism. It represents escaping greed and desire and moving towards nirvana through Buddhas teachings. It is done in such a beautiful, interesting way that even the most un religious person could be moved by it. 

Thailand

The day has come! In a few hours I'll be flying to Thailand. I'll be in Thailand for a month and a half and that time is filled with so many fun things! 

I will be arriving in Bangkok stay there a few night and visit some temples, floating market and participate in a Thai cooking class! 

Then off to Chang Mai and Chang Rai. I'm going to an Elephant Care Project to look after mistreated Elephants. Also I'll be doing a trek to the highest point in Thailand! 

Next off to Pai for a few days. 

Then flying down to Krabi to start the island hoping. Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Ao Nang Beach, Khao Sok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan (FULL MOON PARTY) then off too Koh Tao for the final days.

We booked a mix of hostels and private accomadtion, so we could have that little bit of luxuary while we travel. 

So exited to start this Asian adventure. Will keep you posted while I travel!

- Nikki  

2016 Travel Plans..

2016 is a big year of travel for me, I worked out that I'll be in 7 different countries!

So, the plan so far....Thailand TOMORROW! Super exited for this trip, been wanting to go for years, now finally have the chance! I'll be there until the end of March. 

Then Back to Australia for a month, then saying my goodbyes to this amazing country and my wifey Sophie, As she continues her Australian travels. 

Next jetting off to Bali in May to meet my Mum. Will be great to see her and expierence the beauty of Bali together. 

Then straight to China for a month of travelling around the country like camping on the Great Wall of China amongst other things! 

Then back to my home turf for the Summer! Hopefully we have a hot, sunny summer so I don't get the holiday blues too much! 

Followed by Paris in August for Disney Land. Never to old for the magical kingdom! 

Lastly, Amsterdam for Christmas and being reunited with Sophie!

I am so exited and thankful that I've had the opportunity to travel and have these plans for the rest of the year! 

I hope your 2016 is happy and full of love! 

-nikki

Lush Skincare

Recently I've been struggling with bad skin. My skin has become quite oily and prone to breakouts, so I ventured to lush in hopes of finding a more natural and vegan approach to skincare.

I picked up products which are made to help calm troubled skin and reduce the oiliness of my skin.  

9 to 5 Cleansing Lotion - I use this to wipe away my make up and clean my skin. (I am still prone to using a makeup wipe when I'm lazy though) 

Herbalism - This is my favourite facial product. This is made with 100% natural products and helps with spots and grease. It has almonds shells in it which aid as a gentle exfoliant, perfect for every day use. I use this in the morning and night after removing my makeup. 

Tea Tree Toner Water - My second favourite product! Tea tree is antibacterial, antiseptic and antimicrobial so this is prefect for oily and spot prone skin. I spritz this onto my face after washing it with Herbalism. 

Imperialis Facial Moisturiser - This moisturiser is perfect for day and night, it's light and sinks in the skin. As my skin is more to the oily side, I don't tend to suffer from dryness, so I don't use this every day. I'll use this when I'm going makeup free for the day, just to treat my skin and keep it healthy. 

I would recommend Lush skin care and their other products to everyone. The best thing about it is most of their products are vegan, all cruelty free and natural. It's so important to look after your skin. I hope this can help some of you out there! 

-Nikki 

New Home..

2 weeks ago I moved to Randwick, east Sydney. I live in a beautiful little apartment which I share with Sophie and Nathan and Sasha who own it. 

From the apartment you can see views of the ocean and it's so peaceful around here! 

I'm so happy to be living closer to the beaches and in a lively area. 

From here it's a 20min bus into the city and a 15min bus to Bondi and Coogee beach. 

I love being closer to everything and Randwick Junction has a great selection of resturants ranging from Thai, Japense, Lebonese, Vietnemse, you name it, it's there! Also a shopping centre with a few cute shops, a grocery store and a gym. 

My faveriote thing is that I can go to the beach so much quicker and easier then when I lived in western Sydney. 

Coogee beach is beautiful and a good place just to chill. We normally sunbathe on the rocks and swim in the rocky area just off the beach. 

I love Bondi beach and the hustle and bustle of all the people. I also love the big waves in the ocean there, it's fun to swim out and get carried by them! Will have to try out surfing or body boarding before I leave! 

The sad part is that I'm only living here for 3 weeks. So currently enjoying my last week here. I'm so happy to have met some wonderful people and to be living in a beautiful place. But onto the next adventure that is Thailand...

  

Gertrude & Alice - Bondi

I stumbled across Gertrude & Alice while having a walk around Bondi and it quickly became my favorite place in Sydney. 

It's a quirky bookshop café near Bondi Beach. They have a small but delicious food and drink menu. They also cater to the Vegan diet and have a tasty, raw vegan brownie which I would highly recommend! 

My favorite thing about this place is that it is a little bookshop/reading room. It has a huge selection of books and I find it reminds me of my grandparents. 

It's quite old school. They have creaky old wooden floors, small real wood seating areas and stools, floral armchairs in the corners, it gives the space such a vintage feel. 

The atmosphere in there is lovely. The low hum of people chatting and catching up over a coffee, but the peacefulness which allows you to read in quiet. 

They also have a great playlist of old music gently playing in the background which fits the place perfectly. 

I would highly recommend visiting this place and sampling their delicious menu and take some time out from your phone and read some books. 

Avocado on Sourdough with tomato, basil and olive oil. 

 Banana and coconut water smoothie with a sprinkle of cinnamon. 

A Day in Pictures #3 - Botanical Gardens

I spent my afternoon walking around the Sydney Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful, hot, sunny day so it was perfect day to enjoy the charm of the gardens. 

I love that the garden is in the CBD. When your inside it's an area of tranquillity compared to the busy concrete jungle that is the city. However from inside you can still see the city skyline around you. 

The stunning, well kept gardens are a great place to come for a picnic or a break from the busy city to sit and relax like I did. I bought my book with me and setteled under the shade of a tree that overlooked the harbour. 

It was lovely being able to take that time away from the city rush and put my phone down and just enjoy the outside while reading. It's definatly something I need to do more and I would reccommend that to you too! 

-Nikki

A Day in Pictures #2 - Sydney

Yesterday was a day of running errands and going back and forth across the City.

The sun was shining and I took the opportunity to walk around the city by foot. 

St Mary's Cathedral 

CBD Skyline 

Hyde Park Flowers

Hyde Park Fountains

ANZ Stadium Views

Free Outdoor Cinema Under the Stars 

I love being able to spend my days off walking around the city and having an explore. I prefer to go off and walk, even if I don't know where I'm going. I find that's the best way to come across areas you may not have had a chance to see before. 

- Nikki

Vegan Lunch Prep

I have had tri-colour Quinoa sitting un used in my pantry so I thought I'd put it to use! So I made a Quinoa salad with Thai Cakes. 

Quinoa is a gluten free whole grain that is packed with protein, fibre and various vitamins and minerals. So it's a great substitute from rice with much more benefits.  

Use 1 cup of Quinoa to 2 cups of boiling water on the stove and bring to the boil. Add in a crumpled vegetable sock cube for flavour. Leave to simmer with lid on until Quinoa has absorbed all the water and is fluffy. Leave to stand with lid on and heat off for 5 mins. 

While quinoa is cooking, chop up ingredients you want to add to the salad. I used a green pepper, fresh rocket and baby tomatoes. I also stir fried half a chopped white onion and mixed that in. 

Transfer quinoa to a bowl and mix in the other ingredients, add a pinch of salt and good amount of freshly ground black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.

While this was cooking I put 2 Veggie Delights Thai Chilli & Lime Cakes in the oven ready to be added on top of the Quinoa. 

I also prepped some watermelon by chopping it into cubes. This is a tasty and easy fruit to snack on through the day, along side a banana too and of course staying hydrated all day by drinking a lot of water! 

I hope you enjoy this super easy and tasty lunch! 

Let me know what you think. :) 

-Nikki