Dominique Elissa's Love Letter To Summer In Sydney
As the air becomes warmer and the streets of Bondi get busier, I notice myself with a little spring in my step. Summer is well and truly on its way, and this is my favourite time of the year. In summer, I rarely wash my hair; I let the salt and the sun do it’s magic. I find myself bare foot a lot of the time, and constantly seeking the feeling of those warm cosmic rays on my skin. I love to mix up my workouts as well as my cooking in the warmer months. I find myself wanting to spend as much time outside as possible, and enjoy lighter and fresher meals.
Dominique shares with us her favourite Sydney beach spots, go-to summer breakfast recipe, and Sommer Swim must-haves. Dom wears Sommer Swim, captured on film by her love Tommy Mckeown.
Shop the Look: Daria Bralette Bikini Top in Sirius & the Calvi Lounge Pant in Campari
MY GO-TO SUMMER WORKOUTS
1. SOFT-SAND RUNNING
As the days get warmer, I find myself eager to watch the sunrise. Tommy and I will wake up at 5.45am at least once a week, and soft-sand run together at Bondi. I am really working on my cardio fitness at the moment, and running together in the morning is such a fun way to workout.
2. SWIMMING LAPS AT ICEBERGS
When I was at school, I was a state swimmer in all strokes. I still carry this love for swimming, and in summer it is one of my favourite workouts. I love training at Icebergs because not only is it scenically beautiful, but there is a sauna too. I go between the sauna and the pool to really get the most out of my session - There really is no better feeling than that!
Shop the Look: Uma Bralette Bikini Top in Venere & Salinas Mini Wrap Skirt in Cinnamon
MY FAVOURITE WARM WEATHER RECIPES
In summer I keep my cooking super simple, I find myself munching on a lot more fresh fruit and veggies. Every year I get so excited for mango season, and will eat one every afternoon!
Most mornings, I crave something refreshing and sweet. At the moment, I love my Green protein smoothie, its simple and full of nutritional benefits. Here is the recipe below:
- One heaped scoop of Bare blends vanilla and coconut vegan protein powder
- One frozen banana
- One handful of spinach
- One cup of Coconut water
- One teaspoon of Bare Blends Freeze-dried greens and algae
- One teaspoon of maca powder
- One heaped teaspoon of natural peanut butter
- One cup of ice
In the evenings, I will often make a big fresh salad for Tommy and I or we will have a BBQ with fresh seafood and lots of veggies.
Shop the Look: Daria Bralette Bikini Top in Sirius & Rocha Cheeky Bikini Bottoms in Sirius
SECRET SYDNEY BEACH SPOTS
Sydney is full of hidden gems, places that only the locals know. As much as I love Bondi, it gets way too crowded on the weekend.
Camp cove is one of my favourite spots in Sydney. As a kid, I used to always go to with my nona. I would get so excited to go to the kiosk there and pick an ice-cream. Every time I step onto the beach, it brings back those memories for me.
Shop the Look: Uma Bralette Bikini Top in Venere & Jane Bikini Bottoms in Venere
MUST-HAVE SOMMER SWIM STYLES
Sommer Swim has been one of my favourite bikini brands forever. Tommy and I shot at my favourite locations in my top picks from the La Posidonia collection. I am always drawn to bright bikinis, and I can never go past a high-cut or cheeky bottom fit.
Dominique wears DARIA Bralette Bikini Top with ROCHA Cheeky Bikini Bottom in 'Sirius'. CALVI Lounge Pant in 'Campari'. UMA Bralette Bikini Top with JANE Thong Bikini Bottom in 'Venere'.