No 8- le Vin- Cupits Winery Milton

No 8- le vin- Cupits Winery Milton. Now I know I mentioned this place in a previous post but we took the visiting relatives to Cupits winery on the weekend while they were here and none of us were disappionted. You feel as though you are sitting in a winery somewhere in France. The original building is very old and the rest has been done so tastefully it complements the view, the food and the setting. Service was impeccable, food was devine, French inspired. The view was stunning and I had to run outside between courses to click away with my camera. The kids enjoyed themselves and were able to run outside when they needed to expend some energy. We got there at 6pm and watched as the sun slowly set and the scene was changing until we left at about 9pm when the moon was full and glowing over the valley. What else can I say... I was transported. They have accommodation in the form of a small cottage and I am thinking this is on my wish list for a pamper for mum weekend. A short drive and you're at beaches and shops if you want to leave the amazing winery (I think I would be hard pressed to leave). The relatives were suitably impressed and we came home very satisfied. I wish I could post more of my images but there were just so many. xxxCorrina.

No 7- Tea Anyone?

No 7- Tea Anyone?- Whenever my brother in-law and his wife visit from London we take them to one of our favourite places- a little town called Berry. About 40mins drive from my place, its full of historic buildings, antiques, homewares, clothing, art, toys...... A new shop called The Berry Tea Shop opened a year or two ago, and is the closest thing to a tea salon for miles. The atmosphere is devine- you always feel like you've stepped into another world where everything goes a bit slower and tea is taken like a ritual. They have really nailed it here- the menu consists of extensive range of teas and if you must diverge they'll do plunger coffee. You'll find a small but gorgeous range of cakes/biscuits/scones which are housed in glass cloches on a table up the back. I find this adds to the stress free environment as sometimes in cafes you end up with a headache trying to choose. When served you are delivered a delightful brew in your own individual pot with an antique cup amnd saucer. Whilst you wait you can peruse the store for all the tea and cake paraphernalia you might need to make the perfect brew. Whilst you sip you will be soothed by some Billy Holiday or Ella Fitsgerald which adds to the experience of living in a slower era. To top it off the hosts/owners clearly love what they do and have a true gift of hospitality. You'll feel replenished if you visit here. Berry is 2hrs south of Sydney. Its worth the trip! xx Corrina.

No. 6 la plage (the beach)

Of course when you live in a place renowned for its natural untouched beauty you have to show visitors the many beaches all within a short drive of our house. Even in the height of summer when our region is said to more than double due to tourists I can find any number of beaches where I am either the only person or maybe one of a few people. The final shot here is of our Navy base- what a location! Naval officers and their families can live on base with the wildlife and beaches at their finger tips. The photos are of different beaches on different days and times of day. Hopefully it gives you a small snapshot of where I live. Some years at Christmas we get up early and go to our favourite beach with mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, yogurt and croissants with jam for a special start to Christamas day. Then we swim and go home get cleaned up and start the cooking for the more traditional style feast with family and extended family. xx Corrina.

No 5: Retail therapy

                                     My favourite French Shop in Milton

                                                     Beautiful location

No 5- Would love to take the visiting in-laws to a little village called Milton. It is about a 30min drive from my house and has a gorgeous French inspired shop, vintage shop, homewares, toys, antiques, bakeries, cafes ..... lots to do and see and a rural outlook. We love it down here. Drive another 10mins and your at some pretty nice beaches too. There are some  awesome mountains to climb as well and a faboulous winery called Cupits that is French inspired- the building is very old stone and the property and resturant just gorgeous mmmm wish I were there right now xx Corrina.