Purple Themed Day

For most of us, there's no escaping the daily grind. We can sometimes feel like we're living out the exact same day over and over. Alarm goes off at same time everyday, shower, dress in the same uniform we pull over our heads everyday, spoon the same cereal into our mouths as everyday, tread the same track to work and back and so on and so on.

One of the lovely ladies where I work came up with a simple and fun idea of a themed day once a month. A different person gets to chose the theme each time, and without breaking the uniform policy, we all dress to the theme and bring a plate for morning tea that also relates to that theme.  We have had an animal print day, which brought the tiger out in us all, and the last one was simply "Purple".  Eyes were beaming brightly outlined with purple eyeshadow, nails were painted and purple earrings were shining. Coming up with purple food was interesting!  There were beetroot and olive dips, delicious, dainty, cupcakes with purple icing from Vanilla Pod, chocolates wrapped in purple wrappers, a blueberry beesting and purple jelly.

An easy yet fun way to give the working day a bit of fun.

Scenes from the Magical Mountain Retreat

Recently, my friend celebrated her birthday with a small group of close mates in the mountain country south of Boonah, Queensland. 

We stayed in a gorgeous cottage set in  the middle of a mountainous backdrop. There was an awesome smell of fresh air and eucalyptus trees, and beautiful sounds of birds and gentle running of water falls in the creek below, which is part of the Koreelah National Park. This location set the scene for a perfect weekend of relaxation and rejuvenation spent with loved ones in the heart of nature. With fires lit and crackling beside us, we enjoyed Tasmanian champagne and canapes with the setting sun over the mountain tops. As the cold night air touched our shoulders, we retreated to the warm inside of the cottage for a delicious dinner and french martinis. On to the back deck we retired, for dessert and red wine and shared stories, under the stars with the gas heater keeping us warm and the water falls flowing constantly in the background.

View from Back Deck of Cottage

We ventured outdoors the following day and immersed ourselves in Mother, walking along and breathing in the fresh air and gentle smell of wattle.

We admired the creek and rock formations that have existed for millions of years.

After driving along a dirt road in what seemed like someone's paddock, we came to the charming Spring Mountain Creek Cafe. To finish the celebration of my friend's birthday, we indulged in both a scrumptious lunch (I had Goat's Cheese Tart and Walnut Salad which was delectable) and a pleasurable local Pinot Gris with great company and immersed ourselves in the serenity.

The Broadbeach Experience

Aside from the crime on the Gold Coast that seems to be plaguing our screens, I've never really be crash hot on the South Coast. I always thought it was so over-the-top and cheesy. I couldn't handle the tossers in close proximity to me with their big ego's and very little skirts. Fake tans and gold hoop earrings with peuta heels was the first image to spring to mind when someone mentioned the GC. While that still reigns true, my recent experience staying at Broadbeach may be enough to sway my negative opinion.


Firstly, we participated in the 10klm event in the Gold Coast Marathon. It felt uplifting and energising to be involved in something good for the body, outside next to the beautiful blue sea in the warming sunshine. We both deserved and devoured a delicious brekky in Surfers, then splurged on a decent shopping spree at Pacific Fair, which was conveniently located opposite our apartments. Cold beers were enjoyed at the Broadbeach Tavern followed by a refreshing walk along the beach and a chance to use my SLR Camera for some photography practice (below). I spent a night in and enjoyed yummy take-away pizza from Crust in Broadbeach, and a red wine or two followed by a hot bath. My partner took advantage of the Goldy's famous night club scene and hit the town with the boys. Another delicious brekky was had with friends in Broady the following day and then a short trip home to Brissie.


It was thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing and refreshing and it left me wanting to return the following weekend. A perfect weekend away from Brisbane with a whole mixed bag of things to enjoy.

Broadbeach Mall

French Patisserie

Peppers by day

Peppers by night

Eastern Sea Chinese Restaurant

Ideally located in the central hub of cultural West End, is Eastern Sea Chinese Restaurant.  Not being the greatest atmosphere to dine in; partly due to the empty chairs around us, we still enjoyed our cheap and tasty spicy szechuan beef, yummy fried rice and cold beers, with fast and friendly service. I recommend seeing the owner Paul Yung for some tasty take-away if you're thinking of a night in, or to have a cheap meal pre-gig at one of the live music venues in the precinct.