The Bachelor (and the recaps) begin

7 / 26 / 177 / 27 / 17

Wow. Talk about a smorgasbord of copy-paste women. I am certainly not rubbishing their good looks, but merely noting that indeed, they all look good. And they all look the same. It’s like when you go to a fancy ice-cream store which has 35 different versions of the same flavour – that’s what it’s like to be the Bachelor.

Last night on the Bachelor premiere, Matty J (who according to Bachelor Nation is now just Matty) walked into a virtual ice-cream store of women. Each seemed sweet enough at first blush, but once you actually take a scoop, there were more than a few nuts in the group.

But before we get to the ladies, we’re introduced to Matty, the handsome, incredibly popular runner up of last season’s Bachelorette. He’s 30, works in marketing, lives in Sydney and has really been working on his slow-motion beach-showering skills, not to mention the distance-gazing. He nails that.

First, we meet Matt’s mum, who looks like she makes a mean avocado salad; and his cute round nephew, which is obviously meant to tug at all the heartstrings of all the ladies. (Disclaimer, my strings were not tugged by this scene.) Then Matt suits up and jumps in the limo to head to the fairy-lit and fake-flower-bombed mansion, to get some last minute advice from Australia’s favourite VJ, Andrew G Osher Günsberg.

Osher is all, ‘blah blah blah,’ and I’m all ‘bring on the ladies!’ because I don’t care about the pep talk, ever. Then, like a gift from the Bachelor Gods, my prayers are answered in the form of Osher announcing that the first limo is about to arrive. Out steps Alix with an i, a very tall body painter who looks like she got a little tangled in her stunning wrappy-strappy-type frock. There’s some good eye contact, and she blushes appropriately.

Next is no-filter Tara, a 27 year old nanny who says ‘kids get attracted to me’, calls Matty ‘mate’ and forgets which side of her HEAD her tattoo is on. She says she wants a guy who is chilled and relaxed, but already seems like she’s high maintenance. Next!

I am surprised by pretty Sydney jewellery designer Laura’s outfit choice, her khaki two piece is spectacular, but in the hands of a less statuesque woman, could have come off all Steve Irwin. Speaking of hands, Laura jammed one of her rings (she designs jewellery, remember) on Matty’s hand, and I am just imagining the poor intern who was tasked with a midnight olive oil run to the local 7/11 to lubricate the offending finger and get that off!

Cobie, coal plant operator, helium balloons – perfect! ‘I just thought it would be funny!’ Well played, Cobie. I think she’s a delight.

Laura-Ann’s Mediterranean ovaries were tingling from nerves? She’s a Bachelor tragic, for sure.

Now comes the crazy that we’ve all been waiting for. 26 year old midwife Natalie gets out of the limo and proceeds to tell Matty that she has been stalking him over social media, which isn’t creepy at all. I’m interested to see if the producers cast her as the villain or the desperado. (You just know they’ll pick one and stick to it.)

Sergeant Michelle shows up with her sirens on, and makes Matty more nervous than you’d expect from a bloke who’s been arrested for peeing in the bushes outside the cricket. (All I have to say about that is, what about the ladies’ line at the cricket… it’s even worse!) I’d like to hope that he won’t need a quick slash in the mansion garden, because there’s a fair chance he’d get electrocuted by the extensive number of power boards rigged up under the hydrangeas for all those twinkle lights.

Love coach Belinda manages to make a minute feel like ten, and brought along her kitchen egg timer. Next!

Florence arrived in Dutch orange, with clogs – I thought it was sweet. Also, I would like to learn to tie ribbon like that.

Ribbons, ah ribbons. Akoulina showed up barefoot in blue eyeshadow (don’t worry, that’s not all she was wearing) and proceeded to make little 7 year old Katy’s dreams come true. 8 year old Katy quit gymnastics after one term, so there’s that.

Now we have an entrance. With one shy look from under her gorgeous locks, 24 year old Lisa has my heart, and Matty’s too. It turns out that while they’re flirting beautifully, we discover that they are both height-discriminatory, and were terrified of meeting someone short. I can forgive them, because they’re just so pretty together.

Bold as brass Leah unsubtly tells us that she’s the full package. Then insults Matty’s style by messing up his hair, then rolls about five sexual inuendos into one big mess, and I fear that Matty likes it. Entering the mansion, Leah ignores all the girls who get up to greet her, in her efforts to ‘go meet the girls’. Her announcement that ‘This place is beautiful’ as she’s doing a full spin for all to check out her EVERYTHING makes heads turn and tongues start wagging.

Osher kicks off the cocktail party with another pep talk, then the champagne starts flowing, in those signature red flutes. He also opens the gates to the Secret Garden, an alone-time paradise in the mansion grounds. (Let’s leave the Secret Lady Garden chat for another recap, eh?)

Matty makes the rounds, starting off by taking khaki-clad Laura for a stroll. Jennifer (a Georgia Love-lookalike), makes barbed remarks about Laura looking a lot like Georgia Love.

Is that another girl? Is that another girl? Ladies, let me tell you that arriving on opening night does not make her an intruder, she’s just a little late to the party. Join in Ellora! Bring your kerosene, and let’s heat things up! I like Ellora, and she seems like a breath of fresh Tahitian air.

Jennifer, your attitude in your ‘to camera’ pieces is absolutely jealous, so please don’t deny your envious tendencies. Jen moved in to ‘cut Ellora’s grass’ just as Ellora mentioned her dog, which I find INCREDIBLY rude. (Producers, can we please have headshots of the contestant’s pets as well? I find it much easier to get to know your ladies, and support them wholeheartedly, when I know they are dog-people.)

And now everyone is slurring their words, which means that when Elizabeth calls Jennifer’s dress ‘putrid’, it sounds like a fabulous French cheese.

Here’s all you need to know about the rest of the cocktail party. For the remainder of the hour, the ladies try to endear themselves to Matty whilst cutting a lot of grass, and Jennifer continues to prove that she’s the kind of girl who will ruin every party because nobody is paying enough attention to her. Take it from someone who works in a school with teenagers AND has worked in female dominated workplaces all my life, those kind of girls don’t get ahead in life.

Natalie ‘gets loose’ and puts on quite the show of daggy dancing, before cocking a leg and lets one go. This obviously peps Jennifer right up, and she’s all smiles again. (See, everyone likes a fart joke.)

It turns out Elizabeth meant nothing by the putrid comment, yet Jennifer won’t let it go.

Surprisingly, the firecracker-looking Italian-Maltese Laura-Ann stays clear of drama, and manages to keep her obviously thick and wavy locks well under control as well as her temper.

Lisa gets the first visit to the Secret Garden, where Matty asks ‘How your night going?’ As if he doesn’t know that it’s been about 10 hours of filming the same shots over and over again. They bond over being ridiculously good-looking, yet charming and affable and uncomfortable with compliments.

After a last whip through the hordes of ladies, Matty presents the First Impression rose to Sergeant Michelle. She accepts graciously, and the tension rises amongst the cattier and drunker ladies.

Photo credit: Channel Ten

Who receives a rose:

Lisa – obviously, Laura – obviously, Alix, Ellora, Cobie, Elise, Tara, Simone, Laura-Ann, Akoulina, Leah, Sian, Dutch Florence, Stephanie, Crazy Natalie, Belinda, Jennifer, Sharlene, Elizabeth.

Who goes home:

Monica and Stacey. A real shame because I’m always going to root for the girl who takes her pageant sash wherever she goes. And Monica had a real gorgeous Bond Girl vibe going on.

My style picks of the evening:

Lisa’s stunning caped neon red jumpsuit from Rose Noir

Monica’s one shoulder Zachary the Label gown – such a gorgeous colour on her

Ok, ‘fess up. Who else is watching this season’s Bachelor, even after swearing that they’d give it up?

School Holiday fun on the Sunshine Coast – Visiting Australia Zoo with kids

7 / 6 / 17

You’d think that with my term-time job working in the sports department at a school, I might like to stay well away from young people on school holidays; but the families that live next door and across the road in our quiet little street have some pretty fantastic kids, and I’m always happy to spend time with them.

When I heard that my holidays coincided with the four kids’ break from school for just a week, I starting thinking about what I could do with them for a great day out together. I dropped a few hints in the lead up to the end of term, asking what they’d done around the Coast lately, and with BB’s encouragement, came up with a plan.

Being Sunny Coast locals, BB and I have long talked about going to Australia Zoo together. I haven’t been for about five years, and we are constantly hearing about new exhibits opening, with incredible animals. We also both believe pretty strongly in the late Steve Irwin’s message of conservation and education. Unfortunately, BB has been working away lately, and wouldn’t be able to get time off an important contract for a zoo-day, so he missed out this time – although I’m hoping I can take him there really soon, I know he’d love it!

The kids didn’t know what they were going to be doing with me that day, as I’d tricked them into believing I was just ‘babysitting’ and we might go to a park, run some errands and maybe clean my house a little – HA! I would never choose to clean my house when there are naps to be had, so I sure fooled them! After loading up in the car and heading to the highway, we passed a few theme parks signs and even an Australia Zoo sign – young Thomas noticed it and immediately said ‘Oh, Australia Zoo would be so cool, I’d love to see the crocs’!

I pulled up at a park at Landsborough (just up the road from the Zoo) and as everyone got out of the car for a run around in the playground, I said ‘Wait, I’ve got something for you!’ and handed them each a little bag containing an animal print balloon, a couple of Cadbury Furry Friends chocolates, and an Australia Zoo brochure. As soon as they all realised that we were about to spend our day at the Zoo, I had four kids talking at me, 100 miles an hour! ‘What? We’re going there now? Will we see crocodiles? Are we really going there now? Today? All of us? Is Tommy going to get to swim with the crocodiles?

(No, lovely neighbours… I would never let your kids swim with crocodiles. Well, not hungry ones over 20 foot long, anyway.)

Why should you visit Australia Zoo with children? Well, here are eight great reasons! (To be honest, I could probably come up with a hundred.)

Red Pandas

To be honest, there is a good chance that Pasang, the young Red Panda might be asleep when you visit Australia Zoo – he’s a typical teenager who needs plenty of rest, and enjoys having his meals brought to him. Fortunately when we visited, he was clambering around his large enclosure, leaping and climbing along tree branches.

Koalas

You can’t visit Australia Zoo without seeing koalas! Australia’s most famous marsupials are incredibly sleepy and whilst there are a few different large enclosures with koalas in specially-designed trees to showcase them, it’s more fun to stroll through the walk-through Koala area and look up in the trees to spot them. We found a couple of different volunteers showing koalas, and were able to get up close and personal, and pat and stroke them (usually on their bottom)!

Dingoes

As a regular visitor to Fraser Island, I’ve seen dingoes before – but of course I’ve never been this close! These beautiful animals are Australia’s wild dog, and they’ve been here for over 5000 years. Seeing Archie (with the white coat) and his sister Eve was wonderful, they are such curious and beautiful creatures and reading about the conservation work that Australia Zoo is doing for them was great! Dingoes are also walked through the park on a meet and greet stroll daily.

Otters
Otters at Australia Zoo

Watching the Asian small-clawed otters Mayhem and Rosie at feeding time is certainly a good laugh. As his name suggests, Mayhem really is a little troublemaker, trying to muscle in on Rosie’s breakfast!

These guys have short but very flexible, sensitive claws, useful for digging, climbing and also for grabbing and holding on to prey. Australia Zoo provides funds for research and conservation projects, monitoring and safeguarding native otter populations in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, South China and Himalayan regions.

Giraffes

Since the last time I visited Australia Zoo, they’ve built a wonderful African exhibit, and these gracious giants are an incredibly beautiful addition. It’s easy to understand why giraffes top the list of so many people’s favorite animals. Their elegant stride, outrageous eyelashes, and calm expression give them an air of refinement.

Kangaroos

Kangaroos are perhaps Australia’s best-known animal and are found in stories, movies, and even as sports team mascots the world over, but here on the Sunshine Coast we’re fortunate to have healthy populations all over the place. They’re not exactly the kind of animals you can just stroll up to though, so having the opportunity to feed them was lots of fun.

Rhinoceros

Did you know that a group of rhinos is sometimes called a ‘crash’? Best name ever.

Rhinos, with their hard hides and gentle eyes, are my favourite wild animal, and it was magical to watch these herbivores just cruising around without fear of poachers. I could’ve stood watching them in the expansive African plains enclosure.

Crocodiles, of course!

If there is one thing you’ll never forget when you visit Australia Zoo – it’s the daily Wildlife Warriors show in the purpose-built Crocoseum! Featuring wild birds including the largest raptor in the world, an Andean Condor, giant snakes and of course the stars, saltwater crocodiles! There’s much to learn about these fascinating reptiles, and the Zoo takes the view that the more you know, the more you’ll care about them.

Whilst strolling around the extensive grounds of the Zoo was fantastic, I definitely loved the show most. The exuberance of the Wildlife Warriors is infectious, and I found myself (and the kids) all shouting ‘Crikey!’ and hollering along, like a classic pantomime – it was so much fun! The colourful birds in this show never cease to amaze me, I would go back just to experience the beauty of being so close to these impressive birds, flying free around the Crocoseum.

There is quite a lot to do at Australia Zoo and if you can only spend one day there, I’d recommend checking the website to plan for an Animal Encounters and shows. It is also best to get there early if you can to avoid the midday crowds, and bring snacks and lunch so you can just stop wherever you like to have a picnic. I took along lunch for us – and yes, if you were checking out my Instagram stories, you would’ve seen that I made leopard-print pikelets for the occasion!

We all had a fantastic time together, and I’m so glad I have great kids in my life to experience a day at the zoo with me!

Macaws on Bindi’s Island at Australia Zoo

Winter Trend – Seeing Spots!

6 / 8 / 176 / 8 / 17

Last weekend, I unexpectedly twinned with myself, wearing navy with polka dots both days. There’s something about wearing fun polka dots in Winter, I just love it.

On Saturday, I wore this this gorgeous bell-sleeve Boho Australia dress from Style Me Luxe – hot tip, Melita at Style Me Luxe is launching an online store soon, but in the meantime you can phone her to purchase like I did, and she’ll pop anything in the post – her service is fantastic! This frock was great with sneakers for a trip to the shops with the husband , but it’ll also be gorgeous with heels and some bling for a night out.

The next day, I popped on this super-snuggly and sparkly spot sweater* (also by Boho Australia), kindly sent to me by Ange of Bang Boutique, and threw on jeans and some fun pink tassel earrings for a quiet Sunday. This sweater also comes in the prettiest peach – perfect for a sunny Winter morning at the markets!

Now, I don’t know if my love for spots will ever take over my wardrobe the way that #TeamStripes have, but after discovering all of these beauties, never say never!

L-R: Adrift Bindi dress in White Spot, StyleFast Reuben Spot Frill Hem tee, Birdnest Sass Polka Dot dress, StyleFast Spot Swing shirt dress, Bang Boutique Boho Adele Spot Knit

L-R: TSID Tilly Spotted jumper, Shabby Sisters Sequin Spot Knit in white, Hati Collective Cartel & Willow Mable spot sequin tank, Blue Bungalow Reversible Black Spot Anorak

If spots all over are a little too much for you, maybe try dipping your toe into the polka dot waters with accessories…

Clockwise from L: Birdsnest JJ Sisters Polka Dot scarf, Birdsnest yellow spot toiletries bag, FRANKiE4 Sophie II in black spot, French Connection foil spot scarf, Adrift Kantha clutch in blue top, Seed embroidered spot scarf, Blue Bungalow Mooleii Black and Gold Spot tote

What’s your fave way to wear polka dots and spots?

*Kindly gifted, and only shared here because I love it!

Urban surprises – Toowoomba’s unexpected street art

4 / 16 / 174 / 20 / 17

Toowoomba Street Art

For the last few years, murals have been popping up all over the regional QLD city of Toowoomba, mostly in the CBD and surrounding industrial areas. They range from contemplative portraits and magical creatures to whimsical signwriting and retro slogan, but one thing they have in common is that they are all pretty surprising!

I’m not a regular visitor to Toowoomba, by any means. My biological father grew up there, and my best friend Peta (of Trainee Mama) is a Toowoombian (is that even a word? I think not). But I think I’ve only ever visited the city a handful of times, glanced at some bulk tulips in a tidy park, then left.

This week, I headed south west for a short visit to the Garden City, and found it to be MUCH more urban than I was expecting, with cafes, laneways, beautiful ivy-covered buildings, murals and street art everywhere.

Urban lanesway street art murals in Toowoomba, Australia — Toowoomba Street Art – by Fintan Magee

Toowoomba Street Art

Urban laneway street art murals in Toowoomba, Australia — Toowoomba Street Art – by Georgia Hill and Thomas Jackson

Packing for Toowoomba was pretty easy – a couple of different stripe t-shirt dresses, boots and a denim jacket. I just added pops of colour with accessories and coffee cups (because ROADTRIP), and my packing was sorted in 5 minutes!

I was surprised and delighted to find some artwork by my cousin, Emily Devers – it’s been a long time since I’ve seen her, perhaps 22 years? She is now one half of Frank and Mimi, and she’s incredibly talented. Maybe I should catch up with that long-lost side of the family and see if they can draw any creativity out of me?

Have you visited Toowoomba recently and discovered the city’s colourful urban heart?

*Apologies to uncredited artists

Behind the Door earrings really make a statement!

4 / 4 / 174 / 6 / 17

Behind the Door Signature Glass Stud Earrings

I’ve harped on recently about the statement earring trend that I love so much, but you can’t exactly have giant chandeliers flanking your face every single day. I like to give my lobes a rest with studs I can wear daily, but are anything but minimal! These Behind the Door Signature Glass Studs are cute enough to elicit compliments from fashion-forward teens at work, are sparkly enough to flatlay like a boss, and light enough that I can wear them all day long!

Because I like to know the ‘why’ behind small creative businesses (I think anyone taking that step into running their own business is crazy-brave!), I asked the lovely Ali Beer Smith, creative director of Behind the Door a few questions about BTD and her busy life – she has a ‘day-job’ as well as managing her growing business!

What do you do? What do you make/sell? Behind the Door is a one-woman run small business, based in Woodcroft, South Australia. At BTD, you will find handcrafted and affordable jewellery and accessories for the colourful at heart. One of the main reasons Behind the Door was born, was because I couldn’t source or locate good quality stud earrings at an affordable price that didn’t irritate my ears. Behind the Door is now known for exactly that – our Signature Glass Stud Earrings that are affordable, easy to wear for those busy mums and hustling babes. Each piece is meticulously handmade with love using a variety of materials and settings, sourced both locally and within Australia. Since the virtual doors opened in 2015, Behind the Door now frequents the market scene within Adelaide throughout the warmer months of the year.

Why and how did you sell your first product? The first product that I ever sold under the Behind the Door label was a paid of Lady Marmalade Glass Stud Earrings in a stainless steel setting. She was so excited to buy a piece of my jewellery, and was boasting about it to all of her friends.

Who was your key support during the fledgling stage of Behind the Door? My huz, Wade! What a gem he is. Also my Mama, she even invested in Behind the Door in the very early stages which allowed me to buy packaging to send my pieces out.

How do you manage your time well? Some times I feel like I’m drowning, sometimes I feel like I am slaying at the #hustle! I’ve recently just listed to a Mums with Hustle podcast about this very thing. What I took away from the podcast was to identify 4 main non-negotiable priorities for each week. These are family and friends time, dedicate time to Behind the Door, look after myself by eating well and going to the gym, and be able to give myself 100% to my 9am-5pm job. I know that sounds like so much but a way that I manage my time is to decide what non-negotiables I will do each day. My typical day starts out of getting up and head to the gym or take the dog for a walk. I’m always on my way to my 9-5 job at 7.45am. I like to think I slay that, and then head off home for the day. When I get home, I like to play with the animals for a few minutes and then kick into hustle mode! On a side note, I am a FIFO wife. My husband works away for 4 weeks at a time, and then is home for 1 week. When he is home, family time takes priority of my non-negotiables. When he is away at work, it’s a mix of all four! It’s not uncommon to still find me hustling in the work shop at 1am, however that started to affect my 9-5 job so I had to reassess my routine. I hadan ah-ha moment back in December last year – it is really important to look after myself and take time out for me, so I can give more! If I’m not in the workshop or at my day-job, I’m either out in the garden, playing with my dog and two cats, cooking or soaking in the tub with a fab bath bomb!

If you could have given yourself a piece of knowledge or advice when you started what would that be? Try and shake the guilt of doing what you love and take time out for you!

Which opportunities should you have followed? I applied for a very well known market in 2016 that I was accepted for.. I then decided against it because it was such a big investment. I doubted my performance and products, and I wish I didn’t. Behind the Door ROCKS!

How do you conquer any moments of doubt that threaten to stop your great ideas? What pushes you through? It’s the self doubt and self criticism that catches you out.. a lot of the time! In these moments, I think back to why Behind the Door exists first and foremost. I then think of all the fabulous feedback I have received from so many happy customers all over the world.

Righto, time for some fun stuff…

What is your ‘uniform’? What do you wear more often than anything else? In my day-job, it’s smart casual – think black, black, black… you get me? It’s hard when I have such a colourful heart! In the workshop and beyond, I love a fabulous Gorman piece! I will always have a handmade piece on, whether that’s something I have made, or that of another biz babe!

What is your favourite thing to wear to make you happy? COLOUR!

Thanks so much Ali, just hearing about your passion and your juggle makes me want to support small creative businesses even more!

*I was kindly gifted a few BTD pieces. As always, if I don’t love it, I won’t share it.

Lunabella sleepwear styles make for the perfect pyjama day!

3 / 30 / 173 / 31 / 17

I (and many other people on the Sunshine Coast) were sent home early today due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, and I found out earlier that we also have a rain day tomorrow. Let me tell you that I for one am delighted that we’ll have a long weekend (and for school students and teachers, a longer than usual Easter holiday). This particular ten-week term has REALLY been a struggle.

Of course the reality of a severe storm advisory in Queensland means that we could be flooded in, or we could get gale force winds, or we might just get a light smattering of rain. Who would know? Definitely not the weather bureau. Regardless, I’m grateful that I’ve been given full permission to enjoy a pyjama day to relax and put my feet up and pretend that there won’t be a mountain of postponed work to come back to in two weeks time.

In case you’re concerned about my nutritional well-being during this weather event, please know that in the Potaty household we don’t feel the need to run out and buy ALL THE THINGS when a storm threatens, because my husband already has a canned goods inventory for possible survival situations. No way we’ll run the risk of being stuck in our car with the river rising around us like some of those poor fools I’ve seen on the news this evening.

So as I was saying, tomorrow is going to be a pyjama day, which means that you will find me wearing some of my latest Lunabella pieces. Honestly, there’s no cuter sleepwear available at the moment, I’m sure of it!

I was fortunate enough to be sent two gorgeous Lunabella sleepwear styles at the start of Summer, and there’s rarely been a night since where I haven’t slipped into the beautiful soft cotton of either of them. The first – my favourite nightie ever – is the Ohana pineapple print nightie, and hello, it has POCKETS. The Palm Springs Sleep Shorts are cute enough to wear out, and confession… they’ve enjoyed a trip to the local supermarket more than once.

Lunabella Ohana Nightie* for the perfect pyjama day — Lunabella Ohana Nightie*

Lunabella Palm Springs Sleep Shorts* for the perfect pyjama day — Lunabella Palm Springs Sleep Shorts*

At the start of the new AW season, the Lunabella team launched a few more of their coastal prints, and I am now the very happy owner of the South Beach Sleep Camisole, in the sweetest flamingo print you ever did see; and a fabulously tropical banana-leaf set of the St Lucia Sleep Camisole and Sleep Pants – I look like I could just disappear into a Martinique-print wallpaper heaven!

Lunabella St Lucia Sleep Camisole and Sleep Pants for the perfect pyjama day — Lunabella St Lucia Sleep Camisole and Sleep Pants

It’s going to be a slower start to my school holidays than I expected, not least because we’ll be cooped up in the house until the wet weather disappears. Here’s hoping the next two weeks will be filled with hopefully warm weather before the hideousness of Winter sets in, cycling around the Coast searching for more new cafes to try, eating out when BB is home from work, staying up way too late binging on Riverdale and Friday Night Lights, and a glorious amount of sleeping in.

You can bet that I’ll try to do each of the above things at least once while wearing some sort of cute Lunabella sleepwear, right?!

Anyone got BIG school holiday plans? Or just chilling in your pyjamas at the local IGA like me?

*Kindly gifted, and only shared here because I love it!

KP and B do the GC

2 / 21 / 173 / 26 / 17

Most people know that I’m a passionate Sunshine Coaster, born and bred here and impatient with visitors to the area who may think of it as the second-rate sister to the older, gaudier Gold Coast. I rarely visit the GC as I know how lucky I am to have everything I need right here. But when my gorgeous mate Brooke of Blonde Ambition asked if I’d like to head south with her for a weekend, of course I decided to change that and take a fun trip to the Gold Coast!

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny, and I loaded up my car, kissed my husband goodbye and beat the Bruce Highway traffic to go meet up with Brooke after she finished her Pilates session. A quick hug and back into our separate cars – hers was too full of bike to fit me in – to cruise south on the surprisingly traffic-jam-free M1.

Our first stop was Harbour Town, Australia’s largest outlet shopping centre. Brooke and I were super-excited to include Harbour Town in our GC itinerary as we’d heard about the Premium Mall which had opened in May 2016, with Kate Spade New York, Furla, Michael Kors, Coach, Oroton and other high-end retailers. Did we mention Kate Spade New York? (Hello, my name is Katy, and I’m a Kate Spade-oholic.)

The outlet stores offer anywhere from 30 to 70% off sales everyday, so we were even more delighted when the Harbour Town team generously offered us a gift card each to help us splurge a little. After cutting a few laps of the Centre to make sure we weren’t missing any must-haves, we shopped our socks off and I’m now the delighted owner of this Kate Spade tote, along with one of her gorgeous idiom bangles too! My tip to the wise… don’t accompany Brooke to a Kate Spade store without a good book and a pair of headphones, her indecision is becoming legendary.

Happily, this was the Kate Spade New York tote* that I was eyeing off when we traveled through Singapore Airport last year, and now she’s mine!

Harbour Town also has a dedicated Tourism Lounge which offers complimentary services including tea and coffee (free coffee AND outlet shopping? sweeeeet) and a free tourist-only shuttle bus every Tuesday to Saturday. The only problem I can imagine is that you might buy too much to cart back to your hotel on the bus!

We packed our new goodies in our cars and drove to our home for the evening, QT Gold Coast. This was my first time staying at a QT Hotel after lusting over the Port Douglas hotel on my last few trips north, and I was suitably impressed with the much-anticipated ‘fun factor’.

QT Gold Coast is a retro-lovers dream with midcentury decor and colourful surf-inspired artworks, and quirks like a giant Connect 4 set by the astroturfed pool lawn. Level 1 houses the restaurant and QT Spa, while the ground level is home to spacious reception, cocktail bar and cafe areas, and a split-level loungeroom reminiscent of the Brady Bunch which is used to host their high teas (aptly named Qteas).

We dumped our shopping and overnight bags on our beds, and immediately went down to the pool deck to try a few cocktails. Brooke had previously stayed at QT Gold Coast and had a favourite tipple so didn’t require a menu, but I was torn between a couple, so of course tried them both!

I’m sure you’ll agree when I say it ain’t a tropical holiday without a tiki drink, and this Mexican Tiki Punch with lashings of Guava, Pineapple and Coconut was a tropical treat!

After a few drinks, it was back upstairs to change into our brightest frocks and head a few blocks south to Cavill Avenue, where we’d been invited to check out a Summer fashion parade at Soul Boardwalk. The mall was jumping, and the show’s DJ had us toe tapping, so after the fashion show, we nipped along the Esplanade to Sandbar, a recent addition to Surfers Paradise’s share-plate restaurant scene. Because we’re both complete party animals ready to whoop it up on the GC, our next move was back to the hotel to crank the air-conditioning, jump into our beds at 7.30pm and watch Nicolas Cage in National Treasure. Like I said, we’re wild like that.

For the evening’s festivities I wore this fun neon SheIn OTS frock with tan NiKKi heels (I won these through a recent Styling You/Frankie4 competition!) and a gorgeous beaded Sana Clutch*.

The next morning, we spent some quality time aquainting ourselves with the impressive breakfast buffet (Brooke enjoyed a softserve icecream with breakfast… really) before we packed up, headed downstairs and gave the Connect 4 set a quick workout and then checked out of QT.

For a morning of cycling in the sea breeze, I prepared poorly and wore this breezy Piper frock, Target slides, Malani Co fringe earrings and my super-fun Potaty Miss London clutch from Miss Monogram.

Brooke had mentioned taking her new bike down the Gold Coast for our weekend away and enjoying a pleasant cycle along the beachfront, but I’m firmly of the opinion that bikes are for people who enjoy wearing lycra and have a much less sensitive butt than I. I mean, there’s not much joy in panting and gasping, is there?

I thought I’d be the clever one and contacted the crew at Crooze Electric Bicycles at Broadbeach to see if they would be able to help with my ‘I want to cycle along the beach but not get hot and sweaty’ conundrum, and they generously came to the party, loaning me one of their super-cool Noosa electric bikes. (FYI they both hire and sell their cruisers, so you can definitely try before you buy!) Now when I say electric bike, I mean a bicycle that can be pedaled, with options to add a power boost from a discreet electric motor, not a scooter. Obviously I wanted to be able to pedal A LITTLE, in case we rode past cool cycling people who would mock me whizzing by with no effort at all!

Let’s clear a few things up – I am a very reluctant cycler, I don’t feel comfortable riding my old clunker ladies’ mountain bike around the footpaths of my quiet suburb, let alone hitting the streets. But something about being shown the gadgets and gizmos on the Noosa cruiser got me excited, I donned a bright pink camo helmet and off I zipped. Electric bikes are now so technologically advanced and quiet that not even Brooke knew when I was pedalling and when I was nudging the throttle. Sneaky – I like it.

The Noosa cruiser is a super-cute step-through style, which makes it easy to ride while wearing a frock. Seriously!

See – frocking awesome!

(Sidenote: I got home from my weekend away, waxed lyrical to my husband about how much I enjoyed riding the Noosa cruiser and he’s decided that we’re driving down to the Gold Coast this week to trial them together – a Noosa cruiser for me, and for him, the manlier-looking Cooly electric bike; and then maybe bring a couple home! He loves to cycle, but I’m always letting him down and slowing him down, so this could be the coolest-looking compromise ever!)
Seriously, this was the coolest and cruisiest ride ever. Thanks Crooze team!

We tootled to Mermaid Beach and then along Millionaires Row and Hedges Avenue, real estate shopping and dreaming of the luxurious mansions we could own if we just, you know, knuckled down and saved a bit more, then stopped at BSKT Cafe at Nobby’s to drink ALL THE COLD THINGS before turning around to cycle the 4.2km back to Crooze at Broadbeach. That’s right, we cycled 8.4km, and I wasn’t even puffed.

The cutest little exhausted Brooke that you ever did see!

It’d been a big morning so it was time for a light lunch and more cold drinks at Beaches Off Tedder before a big hug with Brooke and back into our cars to hit the M1 and drive home. I managed to miss a bunch of storms and any dramatic Sunday afternoon traffic, which was quite the win too!

It was a smashing way to spend a weekend with one of my best mates, and I’m definitely looking forward to going down to the Goldie again this week to enjoy a ride along the beach with my husband!

I don’t know if I’m ready to kick my bias against the Gold Coast to the kerb just yet, but I’ve certainly seem an unexpected and more family-friendly side of the region now! Anyone for a game of giant Connect 4 and Tiki cocktails?

*Kindly gifted, and only shared here because I love it!

Showcasing Small Biz in 2017

1 / 2 / 17

I know that Christmas is behind us, and all that most of us are thinking about is spending less, eating less and exercising more. (No… just me? Righto then.) But we’d be lying if we said we were going to stop spending altogether, right? Why not make that spending as pleasurable for the store as it is for you?!

This year, I’d love to introduce you all to some of my favorite shops, both online and locally on the Sunshine Coast. Supporting local and small business is supporting continued growth, prosperity and healthy competition, as well as providing local entrepreneurs and business owners (real people, not giant companies) with continued cashflow. Not only are you more likely to find something unique but it really does feel awesome to to shop small and support these people who are trying to make a living doing what they love!

This month, my blog will be getting a long-overdue facelift (yes, from a local small graphic design business), and I’ll enjoy hanging out here and writing so much more when it’s all pretty and tidy. Along with sorting the the aesthetic side of the blog, and my irregular random thoughts (blogger/oversharer = same/same), I’m hoping to showcase fabulous stores and businesses each week, so if you know of a small Australian-owned business which you think I’d love, let me know!

Now, to my first little round-up of small biz awesomeness.

1. Dew & Rose teal crystal stud earrings – These oversized teal crystals in a simple rose gold setting aren’t just the perfect accessory, they come beautifully packaged and ready for gifting. Dew & Rose supports girls’ education through partnering with One Girl onegirl.org.au, so you’re really giving the gift that gives twice. Winning!

2. H&G Designs black grid mood board – Getting organised for the start of the school, uni or work year never looked so good, with this black wire mood board to display current projects, goals, ideas, photo’s, design objects and memos. The suede straps to hang are super-cute too!

3. The Hello Workshop 2017 desk calendar – Still on the organisational theme, this quirky desk calendar has more than a little nod to the fun-lovin’ 80’s, with bright pastels in geometric designs.

4. MinPinShop Grumpy mood ring – This sterling silver mood ring is definitely the grown-up version of a piece of jewelry you might have worn as an angsty teen. With other mood options available too, you could fill your fingers and really confuse your friends!

5. Clutch Zuha beaded clutch – Need a clutch fancy enough for the big events, but also neutral enough to go with every outfit in your wardrobe? The new arrivals to Clutch are all gorgeous, but this tan, ochre and black beaded zip clutch is my pick, the detachable cross-body strap was the clincher for me.

6. Inactive Wear Can’t Even tank – Created by local genius and all-round sassypants Lauren Jane, Inactive Wear is for the fit and not so fit, who don’t want to take themselves (or their gymtime) too seriously. I’m dying over the Can’t Even, but wait until you check out the Good Fat or the Gluty Call designs, they’re too cheeky!

7. Miss Monogram Miss Victoria large pouch – Sunshine Coast local Natalie Tink recently launched her new personalised accessories line Miss Monogram, and the simple and elegant styles have caught my eye – especially the A4-sized Miss Victoria. In pink, taupe, black or navy (my fave), it’s a classic.

8. Indah Koin Australian 2 cent coin necklace – I have one of these gorgeous silver necklaces from my husband’s birth year, and I get so many compliments about it – one of these necklaces would make a fabulous gift for a special birthday or anniversary! Indah Koin also have bracelets, bangles and rings.

9. Soak Society rose wellness bath soak – Another clever local, Natalie decided that she was sick of seeing lurid and bright bath bombs full of all kinds of nasties, and got back to basics with a range of gorgeously-scented products; and has recent;y branched out into beautiful gift packs too. (Don’t worry everyone, I’ll remind you with plenty of time for my birthday, hehe!)

Now head on over to these amazing stores run by incredible people. Let’s all shop small a bit more everyday!

Do you run a small business?

Homewares trends for 2017

12 / 5 / 16

I’ve become a little homewares-obsessed lately. Maybe it’s because we’ve been living in this home for three or so years, and have started personalising it and trying to add value with small renovations and upgrades. Maybe it’s because my husband is working all the way through Christmas, and we’re not taking a trip anywhere, so I’m pottering around the house trying to make it feel a little fresher.

Whatever the reason, I’ve been cruising and perusing home and interiors magazines for a while now and would like a large influx of cash into my bank account, please. Some of those renovations are not cheap! Failing bank robbery or an unknown great-aunt leaving me her ill-gotten fortune, I’ve resorted to smaller additions to our home decor, which surprisingly still pack a big punch.

Since I buy those home and interior magazines for research purposes of course, I thought I’d share some of the top homewares trends I’m seeing for the next year. They’re all easy enough to adopt in either small or large doses, and you could even mix and match a few!

There’s a one-stop-shop for all homewares in Australia, and that’s Reed Gift Fairs. Celebrating the latest in the homewares and gift space,they bring together the people and the products behind everything that’s hot in the design and gift space. With the next one to be held in Sydney in February next year, this fair gives exhibitors the chance to showcase all their new and exciting products, and retailers head there to pick and choose upcoming stock. Sounds like an interiors dream, right? I just need to find a way to nab a ticket!

Top Homeware Trends for 2017

Trend forecasters have started planning for the new season, which will bring with it a change in mood – one that will see earthy tones, hints of mixed metals, and the return of natural materials. I’ve sussed out some of Reed Gift Fairs’ exhibitors to see what they’ll be bringing to the table (literally to the table, in the case of some tableware designers LOL) next year.

Terracotta

The earthy tone of terracotta will become a key element in many homes, and a leading trend in the New Year. No longer will you find terracotta restricted to pots in the garden! Unique Australian homewares and jewellery company Jones & Co provides plenty of inspiration on how to incorporate hints of earthy tones to the home.

Selection of gorgeous pots and planters

Cato Marsala Necklace

Indoor Plants

Succulents have become so popular lately, with groups popping up on Facebook dedicated to growing and swapping succulents – and no hipster cafe is worth it’s salt without succulents in unconventional containers on each table! I’m sure we’ll see this trend grow even more, bringing the outdoors inside with indoor plants. Displayed in classic concrete pots, woven bags or a glass vase, Reed Gift Fairs will leave you feeling inspired, with exhibitors such as Florabelle, who will show off beautiful displays of indoor planting. I’ve actually got a few Florabelle artificial plants in my guest rooms, and they always get compliments from visitors!

Florabelle

Green Appeal

Despite seeing an abundance of pastel shades of pink and blue this year, dark shades of green will become a leading trend in 2017 – and I’m thrilled about it! Expect to see this colour incorporated into lots of soft furnishings. Kelly Lane have a great range of statement pieces from cushions to wall art, which will help add a hint of green to any room.

I love the idea of pairing a rich dark green with lighter aquas, and adding plenty of plants for a really lush tropical look.

Kelly Lane bedroom decor

There are few things better than coming home to a beautifully decorated home. Keep an eye out at your local homewares stores in the New Year and snap up some quick additions to transform your space into the sanctuary you’ve always wanted!

Keen on any of these trends? One step ahead and already featuring indoor plants in your home?

Turning your home into a tropical paradise, just in time for Summer

11 / 22 / 16

This post is brought to you by Jason Agustina.

I just spent the past weekend Spring Cleaning (my efforts are totally worthy of capitalising those words) with my husband, and while the result is lovely – we’re still not quite Summer-ready. You know, where everything is fresh and clean, and looks entertainment-ready for any unexpected drop-ins. (Please note, I will not accept unexpected drop-ins. You are required to call or text your intention to visit at least 45 mins in advance. I need time to freshen myself AND my home up!)

There’s no better way to freshen up your home in Summer than with tropical statement homewares. Not only is it easy to incorporate, but this vibrant trend creates a refreshing vibe indoors and outdoors – and has been my go-to interior decorating trend since I was a young teenager, living directly across the road from the Big Pineapple. Having that fruity view really affected me!

To create a classy look with this trend, think luscious jungle and bright animal prints paired with casual, natural materials like warm wood and bamboo. I like to add some greenery (fake, if the occasion or your black thumbs call for it – no judgement) to ‘lush up’ the space and really compliment tropical touches. Like most trends, the key is to work from a good base – pieces that are well-made with great simple designs will stand the test of time. I love the range from Jason Agustina, it’s a small collection with something for every type of living area, made from gorgeous timbers and fabrics.

1. Jason Agustina Volt Sofa in Blue 2. Blue Thumb Sticky Beak limited edition print by Emma Ward 3. Drunk on Water Monstera and Pineapple cushion 4. Jason Agustina Beholm Coffee Table in Oak 5. Annabel Trends artificial banana bunch and cockatoo

Some of my favourite colours for the tropical trend this year are yellow, green and all the shades of citrus – I love seeing these combined with a soft blue or crisp white for an elegant finish. If you already have some blues in your home decor, you can still adopt a tropical vibe, just pick sea-green and deep-ocean hues, and make sure you add plenty of greenery.

1. Jason Agustina Locke Sideboard in Natural 2. Kmart belly basket 3. Kmart Anthurium plant 4. Drunk on Water Watermelon print 5. KMart succulent in concrete pot 6. Annabel Trends artificial large pineapple

So make sure your key furniture pieces are classic, simple and beautifully made (check out Jason Agustina’s story for their wonderful commitment to customer care), choose some tropical pieces and create your own slice of paradise this Summer. I promise you that it’ll help your summer cocktail vibe for sure!

Is it possible to have too many pineapples in your home, if you live in an estate that was once pineapple and sugar cane farms?