FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: ROME

Top 9 Things to do in Rome, Italy:
1. Wander through the streets viewing historic landmarks
2. Feast over Italian pasta, pizza and red wine (Mama Angela's)
3. Take shelter from the poring rain in the San Giovanni In Laterano Basilica
4. Visit the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (Galleria Nazionale D'Art Moderna)
5. Sit with the crown on the Spanish Steps
6. Have the most expensive piccolo at Cafe Greco, but the interiors are well worth it!
7. Take the whole day walking through the Museum of Contemporary Art Of Rome (MACRO)
8. Check out the Photography Exhibition
9. Try to converse with a local Italian in a Letterpress Workshop

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: LISBON

Top 9 Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal:
1. Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus to the Discoveries Monumnet (Padrao Dos Descobrimentos)
2. Visit contemporary design galleries
3. Dine in Amalia
4. Indulge in Portuguese Tarts and Codfish Pastries
5. Stumble on the Portuguese Street Art
6. Visit the Berardo Collection Museum (Museu Colecao Berardo)
7. Look below from the Santa Justa Lift
8. Capture the panoramic view from St George's castle (Castelo De Sao Jorge)
9. Wander through the Eduardo VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII)

TRAVEL PHOTO DIARY: SAN SEBASTIAN

Take me back to Spain's San Sebastian! A relaxing place to be, from exploring Old Town, looking at the beautiful sandstone architecture, shopping in boutique stores, eating at various Pintxo Bars, spotting street art to visiting monuments. San Sebastian has a real nostalgic charm. A place I would love to visit again.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: SAN SEBASTIAN

Top 9 Things to do in San Sebastian, Spain:
1. Visit monuments
2. Walk everywhere in the Old Town
3. Take photos of the beautiful architecture
4. See the stylish boutiques and it's eye for detail shopfronts
5. Sip you coffee overlooking your hotel view
6. Capture the old structures along the hike
7. Eat gelato by the Marina
8. Check out design lifestyle stores
9. Do the 'Jesus Walk'

MRCC: Illustrative Print

This illustration sums up the memories I had growing up with my little sister. We were inseparable and always up to mischief. If one of us got in trouble, we both would get in trouble and endure the wrath of our parents together. We had and still have each others backs, whether being bullied by a 10 year old, being there for deep & meaningfuls, showing each others immaturity, to sharing stomach stitches from laughing so hard.

I admire my sisters strength, independence and creative eye. She can talk your ear off, break out in random dance and be crazy at times.

I love my best friend, my Sis! This illustration is dedicated to you Lil-Sis! Maria, aka. Miss Spill.

x

TRAVEL PHOTO DIARY: BARCELONA

Exploring the location of Dean & Nat's Wedding Venue - A castle overlooking a panoramic view of La Baronia. Stunning! It was rich in elegance of the old world style.



We also had the pleasure in staying where the Bride & Groom had called their 'home-away-from-home' in Barcelona's El Born. The area oozed of eclectic boutique shopping, a variety of restaurants,  quirky small bars and amazing street art.

We didn't want to leave!

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL: SPANISH WEDDING

Finding out that Dean and Nat were relocating in Barcelona, Spain and getting married there - the whole family planned their massive European Trip!

Come September 2013, the location of Dean & Nat's Wedding in Spain was kept under wraps. No one knew the details, all we knew was the meeting place of where the coach was picking everyone up. It was a 40 minute ride out of Barcelona, weaving through hilltops, then the venue was finally revealed. A castle overlooking a panoramic view of La Baronia. It was stunning!

It was a beautiful venue catering various locations for the wedding ceremony, cocktails, reception to the partying and dancing. It was rich in elegance of the old world style. Well done Dean & Nat!!

We all had an amazing time!

EAT | DRINK | TRAVEL: BARCELONA

Feasting in Barcelona - Spain:

1. Wine and tapas tasting at 'Mostra De Vins I Caves De Catalunya'

2. Cocktails at the 'Milk Bar'

3. Tapas at 'Catalana' 

4. Can't get enough of the jamon in 'Catalana'

5. Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria 

6. Cured meats at Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria 

7. Trying more jamon at Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria 

8. La Paradeta

9. Feasting on seafood at La Paradeta

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: BARCELONA

Top 9 Things to do in Barcelona, Spain:

1. Dine at 'Tantarantana'

2. Try the Jamon and the various tapas at 'Catalana'

3. Go snap happy at the Wedding Location of Dean & Nat in La Baronia

4. Sip cocktails at 'Milk Bar'

5. Visit El Born's Inauguration

6. Sample the various wines and tapas at the annual Wine Festival

7. All you can eat seafood at 'La Paradeta'

8. Stumble on the beautiful signage of El Born

9. Catch up with old friends and family on location at La Baronia

WORD TO YOUR MOTHER!

Wishing all our Mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day! 

I Love you Mummy!

x

The Cruz Collective

TRAVEL PHOTO DIARY: PARIS

Like the rest of the big capital cities in Europe, you really need to spend more than 3 days in Paris. The beauty of this trip was that we managed to spend the day in Versailles. The long line up and herds of people can be disheartening, but once you're inside the grand estate you will be in awe of its intricacy through either the interiors, art, and the size of the place.

Staying in the heart of Saint Michel, we were accessible to various landmarks such as the Louvre, Ponte Des Arts, Notre Dame Cathedral and the various street stall vendors.

Paris overall projects it's romantic feel through her architecture, boutique shopfronts, restaurants, historic galleries to the lifestyle the locals lead. It is a beautiful city and it is always sad to say goodbye.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: PARIS

Top 9 Things to do in The City Of Lights - Paris, France:
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening
2. Spend the whole day at Versailles
3. Enjoy a coffee and croissant while people watching in a cafe
4. Visit the Grand Trianon in Versailles
5. Wander in awe for the grandness of Versailles
6. Leave a love-lock on Ponte Des Arts bridge
7. Toooo the Louvre
8. Buy art from the local Street Stall Vendors
9. Capture the romance in Paris

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL: LONDON STREET

Our London accommodation was in Victoria. Walking along the street and looking at the classic beauty of the facades of houses, apartments, hotels and business headquarters. So rich in history, so elegant, so London.

EAT | DRINK | TRAVEL: LONDON

Great Feeds in London - United Kingdom:
1. Food Court in Covent Garden
2. Shake Shack
3. Spices on Chapel Market, Angel Islington
4. Get what is recommended or something new you haven't tried at Spices
5. Bone Daddies
6. Pork Ribs at Bone Daddies
7. Signature Ramen dish at Bone Daddies
8. Sample as much as you can at The Borough Markets
9. Always a hit - Pickles, potatoes with melted cheese on top and a side of Lentil Curry

ART: LONDON

The Tate Modern - London United Kingdom

There is so much to pay respect to at the Tate Modern along the River Thames. Artist and their artworks took me back to when I was studying during high school. From the legends, Picasso, de Chirico, Monet to Russian Revolutionary Posters. I am always in awe and could have spent the rest of my trip in the four levelled gallery looking at every piece of work and visiting the gift store of course.

TRAVEL PHOTO DIARY: LONDON

Southbank, the typical tourist route you need to do in London. Starting from the Underground; walking up to see Big Ben; strolling along the River Thames; past the Vintage Book Markets; having a pint of beer at the various pubs; checking out the galleries along the way; watching a play at Shakespeare's Globe through to a delicious feed at the Borough Markets. I heart London!

x

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: LONDON

Top 9 Things to do in London-town, United Kingdom:
1. Visit the Tate Modern
2. Go snap happy in front of The Big Ben
3. Wander through the streets viewing the British facades
4. Watch a Musical Production
5. Go shopping crazy on Regent / Oxford / Carnaby Street
6. Visit more galleries
7. Eat at 'Spices' on Chapel Market, Angel Islington
8. Pay respect to the great Artists
9. Capture landmarks

FASHION WANTS: NIKE X LIBERTY

Wishing we were in London for the new launch!

For Spring/Summer 2014, Nike and Liberty have once again collaborated to create an on-trend collection for summer.

The new collection sees some of Nike’s most celebrated footwear and apparel styles transformed with an array of timeless Liberty London floral prints.

Anoosha, a 1930’s print featuring blossom and bell flowers; Lora a print based on a 1970s version of William Morris’ ‘Willow’ pattern; and Crown a design based on various paisley block prints from Liberty’s Merton print works from the late 19th to early 20thCentury adorn the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Roshe Run. For the first time, vintage running favourite the Internationalist receives a Liberty makeover as do basketball classics, the Blazer and the Dunk Sky Hi.

Check them out here.

HAPPY EASTER!

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: The Grand Budapest Hotel

In love with Wes Anderson's work and can't wait to watch his latest film, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'!

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL: SAMAL ISLAND WEDDING

26-02-2014. Samal Island, Davao. Philippines

The day Denise Navarro became Mr & Mrs Rodeny Robles.

Watching our friends at the wedding ceremony professing their love for one another was truly special. We've know the couple for over 8 years and it was an honour that they asked us to be their secondary sponsors. *Tear*

With all the formalities covered, everyone knew that we were all in for a big night at the reception - located on a private beach! The MC had it all planned out, hitting the night off with introductions, fireworks, entertaining games, prizes, buffets, patron shots and partying on the dance floor.

It was truly an epic build up the week of the wedding in paradise! Activities planned, social events, buffet feeds, drinks at the Parola Bar to chilling in the infinity pool. It was hard to say goodbye to Pearl Farm Resort!

TRAVEL PHOTO DIARY: PEARL FARM RESORT

Pearl Farm Resort - Samal Island. Davao. Philippines

This is the Mother-load of Destination Weddings! Stepping off the 45 minute boat ride, our mouths dropped at the sight of the place! Absolutely disgusting! How could our close mates, Rodney and Denise pick the most filthiest resort to get married in! HAHA.

The place was stunning! White sand, blue water, private island 3 levelled villas, private beach, 24-7 service, fresh coconut shakes and friends to party with! What more could we ask for?!

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: SAMAL ISLAND

Top 9 Things to do in Pearl Farm Resort - Davao, Philippines:
1. Enjoy the company of past travel mates on the boat ride to 'Paradise'
2. Go walkabout the private island
3. Drink cocktails on your private beach
4. Swim in the infinity pool of the main resort
5. Wonder in awe of the size of the private 3 level Villa
6. Don't forget to Slip-Slop-Slap
7. Visit the other Villas
8. Get a mani-pedi while sipping on Pina Coladas
9. Brag about Pearl Farms paradise lifestyle living

TRAVEL PHOTO DIARY: CORON

Coron is an island in Palawan, and unfortunately that part of the Philippines was effected by Typhoon Haiyan and you could see the result of it during the drive to the marina. The locals and volunteers had and still continue to work at cleaning up the damages.

It took a 1 hour plane ride, 1 hour drive on rocky surfaces and a 45 minute boat ride - but we finally go there, Club Paradise. The resort isn't the type where you lock yourself in an elaborate air conditioned room watching cable TV all day - it's quite the opposite. It's a type of resort where you spend your days outside, snorkelling, island hoping, mingling with fellow travellers at the bar, playing ping pong at the Club House and feasting on buffet meals.

You really feel spoilt, not just by the service provided by Club Paradise but the colourful beauty of Coron.