Vaseline Illuminate Me Shea Butter Whipped Body Butter 

This body butter is just gorgeous. You can buy it here: Vaseline Illuminate Me Shea Butter Whipped Body Butter 

Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream. Spa Size For Salon Professionals

This moisturising cream is a large size so I use it for the body, and it is a retinol cream so helps with skin texture of older skin. You can buy it here: Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream. I used it at night after my shower.

Wooden Book Shaped Cutting Board Set

This is not something I have (yet) but absolutely LOVED the look of. I need some new cutting boards and these sit on your bench tops mimicking books. How gorgeous. You get a set of 3 Cutting Boards. You can find them here: Wooden Book Shaped Cutting Board Set.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

My daughter bought me this water bottle for my birthday and I LOVE IT. It comes in different colours, and it has everything I need. The design is great, for example, I often find myself using the carry feature to pick it up. Love, love, love. You can find it on Amazon here: Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

ETUDE Dear Darling Marker Tint

I bought these for myself this year, and my daughter kept pinching them because they are so great. They are small and easy to transport, give you lips a lovely stain that lasts, but also doesn’t last for too long if you know what I mean. They are really affordable too, for just over 10 dollars. You can buy it on Amazon here: ETUDE Dear Darling Marker Tint.

d’Alba Italian White Truffle Double Serum All-in-one Multi Balm,

Okay, this was one of my BEST finds for the year. As I have gotten older, I have found that concealer doesn’t sit as well on the skin under my eyes. I use this under my eyes and concealer sits so well on top. I also use it for general moisturiser for dry spots. You can get it on Amazon here: d’Alba Italian White Truffle Double Serum All-in-one Multi balm.

Gena Healthy Hoof Cuticle Cream

Okay, so this is THE BEST heel cream I’ve ever used. Amazing. You can get it here: Healthy Hoof Cream.

Good Hair Days Hair Pins – 2 1/2″ Plastic, U-shaped Magic Grip Hairpins

I have a particular hair style that I always do if my hair is dirty and these pins (kind of work like bobby pins) are amazing and I prefer them way better. They don’t pull on my hair but give a really good hold. You can buy them here: Good Hair Days Pins.

Moisturising creams

When it comes to skincare and moisturiser, I spend more on active ingredients (trettnoian and vitamin C) and less on moisturiser. I use two moisturisers in my routine. At night I like the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm. It is quick thick so I don’t like using it in the day, but it’s perfect at night.

The moisturiser I use during the day is the Dr.Althea 147 Barrier Cream which still provides good hydration but is a bit lighter on the skin.

Another one I like during the day (but not as much as I have seen others rave about), is the Embryolisse Lait Cream. It’s definitely worth a try.

Software Vitamin C + Ferulic Serum 30ml | High-Potency Brightening Serum for Dullness, Fine Lines, and Pigmentation

I’ve tried quite a view vitamin C serum, and for the price point (because some are SOOO expensive), I have found the Software Vitamin C + Ferulic Serum the best. It’s really changed my complexion and goes well under make up without pilling.

Amazon Essentials Women’s Fisherman Cable Turtleneck Sweater

I purchased this around Easter this year, and I wasn’t sure how it would be but I love it! Looks great. Excellent staple. Would purchase again: Amazon Essentials Cable Turtleneck Jumper

CRZ YOGA Womens Butterlift High Waisted Workout Leggings

If you’re looking for AFFORDABLE gym wear that feels buttery soft and high quality, the CRZ brand on Amazon are EXCELLENT. Forget the really expensive brands that are over a hundred dollars for leggings, these are great! Here’s the link to the long ones: CRZ Long Leggins.

Here’s a link to the shorts: CRZ Shorts

And here’s the sport’s bra: CRZ Sports Bra

Over Shower Holder

I find I have to replace these type of things every couple of years, and this over the shower caddy is one of the best I’ve found. It has rubber under the hanging hooks so it doesn’t damage the screen. The quality is great. You can get it here: Over The Door Hanging Shower Caddy Organizer

KEYRI Ladies Adjustable Leather Belts for Women Ladies Belts

I bought these a few years ago for travel and they have been one of the BEST purchases I’ve made. They are only $15.47 for a set of 3 different colour (black, brown, beige) and they have been fantastic! I find they just elevate an outfit and are comfy too. I’ve had people ask me about them when I wear them and they have purchased them too. You can find them here: Elegant thin belts.

12 Pcs Christmas Plaid Bows Decorations

I bought these for my tree last year and I just love them! There are different types of plaid available. You can get them here: Christmas bows.

Wella Professionals Luxeoil Trio

My friend put me on to this hair care and it LUXE and makes your hair feel amazing! It’s not cheap but I find it takes me a while to get through it. The kit comes with shampoo, condition, and hair oil. Find it here: Wella Professionals Luxeoil Trio.

Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blanket

Buying throws can be a bit of a hit or miss, but I bought this for my bed a year ago and it has been fantastic! I love it, and the quality is great. It’s nice and snuggly and adds that textual element. Find it here: Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blanket.

100% Premium Silk Twisted Silk Bonnet

If you’re looking for a sleep bonnet, I’ve tried quite a few on Amazon but this is the one I liked the most. You can find it here: Silk bonnet. I found it comfy and it stayed on my head. The others that have a tie that is in a bow at the front of the head are okay, but I didn’t find them as comfy as these ones.

Mimco Bow Keyring

I’m a sucker for bows! This gorgeous bow key ring is under $40 from Mimco.

Mimco Heart Necklace and Earrings

I actually saw this on a GP I had a meeting with, and she was wearing this Mimco heart necklace and earring set and I jsut loved it! I asked here where she got it from, and here it is. It comes in Red, Pink and Black for $129.95 for the set.

Lush Sticky Date Hair Primer

Lush stuff is so yummy, and their hair products leave such a gorgeous smell in your hair. I really like the stick date scent. The body wash is Devine (which is $50 for the big bottle), so I think I’ll like this option too. The Lush Sticky Date Hair Primer is $30.

Lush Gift Packs – Snow Fairy

Lush generally do great gift packs around Christmas, and their Snow Fairy line looks…lush. This pack comes with the Snow Fairy shower gel and lotion for $30.

Pandora Me Pavé Single Link Earring

These earrings look comfy for everyday wear but also pack a bit of a statement. I have noted that you have to buy them separately, so they are $79 for each earring. They are really lovely, but not sure the Pandora Me Pavé Single Link Earrings as a pair are worth $160. Still, I like how you can add charms or other links if you like too.

Emma Kate Co 2026 Planner

Emma Kate & Co did my logo rebrand for this blog a long time ago! I’ve loved watching her journey and her products are just beautiful! Her 2026 planners have everything you would want to stay organised! You can check out more on the Emma Kate Co website, and the planners cost $69.

Little Bird Designs Earrings

I’m a sucker for pink and red! Say no more! The Lola earrings are $35.

Charlotte Tilbury – Charlotte’s Mini Viral Beauty Icons Set

I have tried quite a few Charlotte Tilbury products. Their blush is great, and the setting spray is good too. I haven’t tried the famous pillow talk lipstick, but I really like the colour, so I’ve put it on my Christmas list. This gift pack called Charlotte’s Mini Viral Beauty Icons Set is $80.

Charlotte Tilbury – Pillow Talk Icons On The Go Set

I also like this set, which has the lipstick and liner, as well as mascara and eye shadow for $87.

Tatcha gifts of Gratitude: Replenishing Care Set

Now, I’m not sure I would typically spend on moisturiser, but I’ve tried the dewy skin cream in store and WOW, it just felt amazing! It would be such a treat to have this set, which includes The Dewy Serum 10g, The Dewy Skin Cream 50ml and The Silk Peony Eye Cream 5m for $185.

Miss Dior Mini Stick Perfume

Okay, I already bought this for myself this year. Love, love, love. Sure, it’s a luxe purchase, but it looks like a lipstick in your bag and the perfume is just beautiful! I’m enjoying little luxuries so much at the moment, so it’s just a bit of happiness and I like how easy it is to throw in my bag. The Miss Dior Bloom Bouquet is $106 and the Miss Dior PARFUM is $133.

Hair Perfume

While I’m talking about perfume, I love the idea of hair perfume. Again, I’m enjoying these little luxuries that I can weave into my day. There are a lot of different ones out there, but I’m looking at PHLUR Vanilla Skin Hair And Body Mist 90mL for $45, the FENTY PARFUM HAIR + BODY MIST for $100 and for a cheaper option, I’ve heard good things about the Thanks To Nature Hair Perfume from Woolies for $24.

Georgio Armani Eye Tint Liquid Eyeshadow

I think you can get a lot of affordable make up options that do a great job, but I have been SO very impressed with Giorgio Armani EYE TINT LIQUID EYESHADOW for $62.00. Honestly, it’s absolutely fool proof, you just swipe and blend with a fluffy brush. I wear it most days for work. Massive fan.

Kmart Bamboo Nightie

I love bamboo, and I have a similar nightie (in satin) from Kmart and I find myself often reaching for it, so I think these options would be great and only $35.

T2 X Robert Gordon – The Nomad Tea Bag Gift Pack

My daughter gave this gift set to me for my birthday and it was such a great gift. It has a travel mug which is ceramic, and then 4 different tea varieties. Love. The Nomad Tea Bag Gift Pack is $70.

Olga Berg Bow Bag

Back to the bows. I saw this bag and thought it was so adorable. Perfect for an event. The bag is $119.95.

That’s all for now, but I’ll keep adding to this list if I find anything else in my internet travels.

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Christmas Ideas

It can sometimes be tricky to be sure you’re doing all the right things though. Are you helping your baby reach their milestones on time? Is your toddler getting enough stimulation to help develop their growing brain?

In a world where so much focus is placed on measuring progress, sharing and comparing, it can be easy to lose sight of the precious, fleeting time you have together as a mum and bub. 

Fortunately, there are ways to savour the moment, finding flow states where you both lose track of time and are fully enraptured in the current moment. 

Some of the best ways to do this is to get involved in sensory activities together. 

What Are Sensory Activities?

Sensory activities are things you do that engage at least one, but often more, of the senses.

Think about things you can see, hear, smell, touch or taste.

Of course we’re doing one or more of these things all the time, but sensory activities are designed to deliberately stimulate and nurture the senses in fun ways. 

When playing together, it’s a good idea to think about which senses are being used and speak to your child about them. 

You might say, “Listen, can you hear that truck rumbling past? Feel how the ground shakes as it goes by!”

You might also point out surprising things that you see, like a paddock full of butterflies or a column of ants marching over the pavement towards a dropped bit of watermelon. 

As your little one gets older, they will probably start pointing these wonderful things out to you too, so make sure you stop, listen, and take a moment to experience what they’re sharing with you. 

Why Are Sensory Activities So Beneficial to Babies and Young Children?

Sensory classes are extremely beneficial for babies and young children, helping them to develop and refine their sensory perceptions.

Through activities designed to focus on particular senses, young children become more aware that there are differeny ways of perceiving their environment. This can help them to learn skills more quickly. 

It can also help growing children better perceive and manage risks and dangers in their environments. 

For example, a child that has felt ‘rough’ textures is likely to have a better understanding of what might happen if they were to fall on gravel. 

As young children learn more about their senses, new neural connections in the brain strengthen, helping them navigate their world better.

Sensory stimulation has also been shown to be very important for language development. Introducing different food textures not only encouraging your toddler to eat a wider variety of healthy foods but also helps them develop the muscles required for clear speech. 

Just as important at an early age, little ones love to engage their senses. Because of this, sensory activities can be so much fun!

Children can explore and discover, developing skills that will help them observe things in a scientific way. They can form hypotheses, try out their ideas and either experience success or failure, leading to new experiments and insightful conclusions. 

Whether its exploring touch with some tactile crafts or listening carefully on a walk in the woods, these activities are easy and often don’t require many supplies.

This means you can set up sensory activities for babies and toddlers any time you like!

Sensory Classes for Babies and Toddlers – Worth the Hype?

A variety of sensory classes have popped up all over in recent years, including everything from Montessori play groups to toddler music and dance classes. 

The promos look good, but are these baby sensory classes worth the hype?

Well, as we know, opportunities for babies and toddlers to engage their senses in play are incredibly valuable for their development. 

This means that a well-designed sensory class is likely to be very beneficial for your little one. 

They’ll also probably have a lot of fun and as they get older, start learning to play with and befriend other children. This social connection is so important in helping them learn to get along with others, negotiate and compromise. 

Beside the benefits for baby, baby sensory classes can be great for you too! 

They are a wonderful opportunity to play with your baby minus the need to organise the schedule, making special memories to carry you through the teen years and beyond. 

Beyond that, they’re a great way to socialise with other mums, maybe even making a friend or two yourself! 

Many new mums notice their pre-kids’ friendships changing or coming to an end entirely, so it’s important to allow yourself the time to develop a new group of supportive mum friends. 

Sensory Activities You Can Do at Home

If going to a sensory play class isn’t possible or you’d like to carry on the sensory play adventures at home, there are plenty of things you can do with only a few (or no) supplies.

Here are a few of our favourites.

Water Play

Water play is one of the simplest and most fun things you can do with your bub. 

It can be as simple as filling a clean ice-cream tub with water and plastic dinosaurs to count, sort or splash around with. 

Bath time is a great time of day for water play. A bath full of bubbles can be a mountainous island sheltering pirates or a magical glass fairy castle, full of delightful sights, sounds and smells.

And there’s nothing like splashing in puddles after a rainy day!

Playdough

Playdough has been loved by generations of toddlers – and with good reason. 

This delightful substance bends, twists and becomes whatever a young heart desires. 

It might feel warm, soft or grainy, with an array of bright colours to choose from (although mix too many and it all becomes brown – a sensory lesson too!). 

Playdough smells like childhood and it’s a bit salty! Hint: Make your playdough with edible, non-toxic ingredients for little ones, they WILL taste it. 

After playdough has run its course, or for a different sensory experience, there’s always slime in all its forms to keep the sensory exploration going.

A Sensory Picnic

Pack a picnic designed to stimulate the senses. 

Include (where age appropriate) foods that are smooth, crunchy, salty, sweet, sour and bitter. 

Include fresh, sweet, fragrant fruits or make ants on a log (celery sticks topped with peanut butter, sesame seeds and raisins).

Head outdoors and enjoy a meal together, talking about the different tastes and smells. Notice how the celery crunches, the feel of the grass underfoot and the sound of the wind in the trees. 

A Backyard Music Tree

Create a musical space in your backyard by hanging an assortment of tools, cutlery and other noisy things from a tree.

Spend time lying under the backyard music tree together listening to the sounds. 

As you can see, there is so much you can do together to help your child develop their senses. 

Start with the baby and toddler sensory activities suggested or invent your own!

Most importantly, enjoy you special time together. 

There’s something magical about stepping into the Daintree Rainforest—a place where ancient trees whisper their secrets, vibrant wildlife thrives, and time seems to slow down. For parents seeking an escape that blends adventure with tranquillity, Daintree Siesta Accommodation & Campground offers the perfect base to explore one of the world’s most enchanting landscapes. Whether you have toddlers eager to explore or teenagers in need of a digital detox, the Daintree offers unique experiences for the whole family.

The People Behind Daintree Diesta

The Scenna family, owners of Daintree Siesta, bring a heartfelt passion for nature and community to everything they do. Bruno, Tamara, their children Nicolas and Natasha, and their friendly husky, Opi, left the bustle of Sydney behind after falling in love with the Daintree during a year-long caravan trip around Australia. In late 2021, they purchased what was once Lync Haven and rebranded it as Daintree Siesta in January 2023. Their vision is to create a place where guests can truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the rainforest, offering cosy accommodations, a peaceful campground, and delicious food at their on-site restaurant. They’re also deeply committed to sustainability—reducing single-use plastics and supporting local conservation efforts. Their dedication shines through in every aspect of the retreat, creating an environment where visitors can relax, connect with nature, and leave with a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary part of the world.

Why the Daintree Siesta Is Perfect for Families

Planning a family trip often comes with its share of challenges: finding a destination that caters to different ages, managing budgets, and ensuring everyone feels entertained and relaxed. Daintree Siesta has been designed with families in mind, offering a blend of comfort, affordability, and proximity to some of the Daintree’s most iconic attractions.

The accommodations range from cosy cabins to shaded camping spots where you can set up your tent or campervan. If your family loves the outdoors but still appreciates a touch of convenience, the amenities here—hot showers, BBQ facilities, and even a swimming pool—are sure to please. After a day of exploring, you can return to a calm, welcoming space to recharge.

But Daintree Siesta isn’t just about a place to sleep. It’s a gateway to experiences that will ignite your family’s sense of wonder and leave you with lasting memories.

Accommodation Options at Daintree Siesta

Daintree Siesta offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different family needs and budgets:

1. Cosy Cabins/Motel Style Rooms: Perfect for families who prefer a little more comfort, the cabins are fully equipped with beds, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. These are ideal for parents with younger children who might need a quiet and contained space for naps and downtime. Find out more here.

2. Camping & Caravanning Sites For those who love the adventure of sleeping under the stars, the shaded camping spots are an excellent choice. Whether you bring a tent or a campervan, you’ll find well-maintained facilities like hot showers, clean toilets, and BBQ areas to make your stay comfortable. Find out more here.

No matter which option you choose, all accommodations are conveniently located to provide easy access to the surrounding attractions and the tranquillity of the rainforest.

Onsite Restaurant: A Taste of the Daintree

Families will delight in the convenience and charm of the onsite restaurant at Daintree Siesta. Designed with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant offers a menu that caters to both adults and children. Parents can enjoy a range of dishes featuring tropical flavours and regional specialities, while the kids’ menu ensures even the pickiest eaters are satisfied.

The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty breakfast before heading out for adventures or enjoying a laid-back dinner under the stars, the onsite restaurant adds an extra layer of ease and enjoyment to your stay.

Special Experiences for Families

1. Guided Forest Therapy Walks One of the highlights of staying at Daintree Siesta is the opportunity to join a guided forest therapy walk. Imagine wandering through the rainforest with your children, pausing to listen to the rustling leaves, feeling the textures of ancient tree bark, and breathing in the earthy scents. These walks aren’t just educational; they’re a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and introduce your kids to mindfulness in the most enchanting way.
2. Wildlife Spotting The Daintree is home to some of Australia’s most unique wildlife. Cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and colourful butterflies call this rainforest home. Bring a pair of binoculars and turn spotting these creatures into a family adventure. Many of these animals can be seen right near the campground, making the experience accessible even for younger children.
3. Campfire Nights If you’re staying at the campground, gather the family around a campfire in the evening. Share stories, toast marshmallows, and gaze up at a sky full of stars, free from city lights. These quiet, simple moments often become the most cherished memories.
4. Swimming in Crystal Clear Creeks Just a short drive from Daintree Siesta, you’ll find swimming spots like Mason’s Swimming Hole. The cool, refreshing waters are perfect for a family dip, and the surroundings—lush rainforest and overhanging trees—make it feel like your private oasis.

Day Trip Ideas for Families

The Daintree region offers a mix of activities that cater to all ages. Here are a few family-friendly day trips to consider:

1. Cape Tribulation Just a 40-minute drive from Daintree Siesta, Cape Tribulation is where the rainforest meets the reef. Walk along the beach, explore the mangroves, and enjoy a guided snorkelling tour for older kids who want to see the marine life up close. Younger children will love building sandcastles and paddling in the shallow waters.
2. Daintree Discovery Centre This award-winning centre is an excellent stop for families. The aerial walkways and canopy towers offer breathtaking views of the rainforest, while interactive displays teach kids about the flora and fauna in an engaging way. Don’t miss the audio guides tailored for younger visitors!
3. Daintree River Cruises A river cruise is a must-do for any family visiting the Daintree. Glide along the river and spot crocodiles, kingfishers, and even snakes lounging on tree branches. Many operators cater to families, ensuring a safe and educational experience for kids of all ages.
4. Mossman Gorge A short drive south of the campground, Mossman Gorge offers walking trails, swimming spots, and opportunities to learn about the local Kuku Yalanji people through guided cultural tours. It’s an excellent way to combine adventure with education.
5. Explore Local Markets If your visit coincides with the local markets, be sure to stop by for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and tasty treats. It’s a lovely way to introduce your kids to the local culture and bring home some unique souvenirs.

Tips for Parents Visiting the Daintree

1. Pack Smart The tropical climate means you’ll need lightweight clothing, plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy walking shoes. Don’t forget reusable water bottles to keep everyone hydrated.
2. Embrace Flexibility While the Daintree offers plenty of activities, remember to leave space in your itinerary for spontaneous exploration. Some of the best moments come from unplanned stops at a creek or a quiet walk through the forest.
3. Teach Kids About Respecting Nature The Daintree is a pristine and fragile environment. Encourage your children to leave no trace by sticking to paths, not feeding wildlife, and taking all rubbish with them.
4. Make Time for Rest With so much to do, it’s easy to pack your days full of activities. But the Daintree’s magic lies in its ability to slow you down. Take time to relax at the campground, let the kids play, and savour the peaceful moments.

Leaving with a Heart Full of Memories

A family trip to the Daintree isn’t just a holiday; it’s a chance to reconnect with your loved ones and nature. As you explore the rainforest, swim in its creeks, and gaze at its ancient trees, you’ll create stories that your children will carry with them for years to come.

Whether you’re toasting marshmallows under the stars, spotting a cassowary on a walk, or hearing the joyous laughter of your kids splashing in a creek, the Daintree has a way of weaving its magic into your family’s story. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and let the Daintree Siesta be the backdrop to your next unforgettable family escape.

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Our 2011 Australian Road Trip

Mini girls road trip

These are just a few of the vast array of breakfast options at the World Fresh Marketplace buffet, which is my first port of call on this leisurely sea day itinerary. After perusing the buffet for some time, I opt for scrambled eggs with freshly baked bread, washed down with a tropical fruit smoothie. Checking my watch, it’s time for my pre-booked yoga class, held in the gymnasium, which features floor to ceiling windows, so you can keep watch at sea while you work out.

Feeling Zen after the gentle yoga session, I return to my suite on deck 8 for a quick shower, grabbing a barista-made coffee along the way at the International Café in the lively piazza area (open 24 hours). There’s time to savour the coffee on my suite’s balcony, soaking up the Alaskan summer sunshine, before taking myself up to the Lotus Spa. Located within The Enclave, this day spa is so much more than a cluster of treatment rooms. There’s a hydro-therapy pool with a cascading rain shower and therapeutic air jets. There’s heated stone beds and soothing water beds. And if that’s not enough, there’s also The Hammam – a Turkish-style steam bath, and from Roman times, the Caldarium –a light steam chamber infused with herbal aromas. To round off the experience is the Laconium room– a heated, dry chamber to help with purification and detoxification of the body. But today, I’m there for a simple pedicure, and before long I find myself nestled in a plush chair, gazing out at the calming waters of the sea while receiving a very welcome foot massage. 

I’m enjoying the down time of travelling without my kids immensely, and yet, I can’t help imagining the fun of bringing my family on this very cruise. Isn’t that always the way? We yearn for a break from the eternal demands of motherhood, and then when we get it, we miss the kiddos.

So, would I have begun my morning any differently if my kidlet crew were with me? Possibly not, if that’s what I wanted, thanks to the warm and welcoming atmosphere directed towards children onboard Princess Cruises, and the myriad of activities on offer to keep them busy. Yes, chilling out at a yoga session, enjoying a hot coffee in peace on your suite’s balcony and indulging in a pedicure are all possible on a Princess Cruise, even when you have your children in tow! 

Cruising with the family on the Discovery Princess

When bringing the family on a cruise, creating a happy holiday for everyone is all about the planning. Holding a family meeting well in advance of the cruise and asking your partner and children about what they’d like to do as part of their holiday, is a great way to ensure a harmonious vacation. This is the perfect time to plan out your shore excursions and allow everyone to tick off an activity they’d love to do. If you’re cruising Alaskan waters, there are so many options to choose, from taking a boat past floating icebergs and frolicking sea lions to see a towering and ancient glacier, (you may even be lucky enough to spot bears!); to flying along ziplines through the Alaskan wilderness against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, gushing waterfalls and verdant forests. You can even try your hand at catching an Alaskan salmon. Getting these shore excursions booked in as soon as possible is important to make sure you don’t miss out on your preferred activities. Don’t wait until you’re onboard the ship!

However, just as essential as planning your days off the ship, is planning your family’s time on the ship! All Princess Cruise Ships feature an excellent kids club, which is split into different categories based on age, to ensure your child is offered engaging activities that are perfect for their stage of life. And they take safety seriously – when I was traveling on the cruise solo, I wasn’t permitted entry to view the facilities, as I didn’t have a child enrolled in the program. Again, booking kids club in early to avoid disappointment is vital. Once those sessions are booked in, you can then begin to plan your own onboard activities. Whether you’re bidding at an art auction, finding your lucky numbers at bingo, or spending a few hours in the aforementioned Enclave Day Spa, it’s nice to have some time to yourself knowing your children are being well taken care of.

But it’s not all about going it alone. Sea days are also brilliant for family bonding time. Again, we recommend you schedule some family fun into every sea day, including a meal to be enjoyed together. Maybe you could enter as a team in the Disney trivia session, try a dance class together, or challenge each other to a game of mini-golf on the top deck. Even a round of mocktails by the swimming pool while watching a family flick on the big screen will create those warm and fuzzy memories that you can take home with you as a souvenir.

How to make the most of your Discovery Princess family cruise

If your children are older and you’re comfortable with them being independent on the ship, Princess’ new MedallionClass makes it easy for them to find their way around and locate you when needed. Once you’ve received your MedallionClass device (I kept mine strapped around my wrist like a watch), you then use it for everything from boarding, GPS, and keyless entry to your room. There’s an associated app you download to your phone, and on this the kids will find games including an onboard scavenger hunt. This is also where you can check the timing of events/activities and check in anytime to see where your family is. For example, you may be enjoying an adults-only meal at one of the fine-dining restaurants onboard, such as the Crown Grill on deck 7. A quick glance at the app will tell you your children are gorging themselves on gelati on deck 5. You may decide to join them! 

Once the cruise is paid for, there are so many things you can enjoy with no additional cost, including:

• Almost all of the shows in the Princess Theatre are family-friendly, feature exceptional talent and are free.
• If you book a suite on the Discovery Princess (as opposed to a regular cabin) you will be invited to dine at the 360 Restaurant for no extra charge. It’s difficult to describe the incredible degustation that awaits but let’s just say it’s a multi-sensory experience like no other that will keep kids happily seated at the table.
• A number of the restaurants onboard the Discovery Princess, including Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway are all inclusive. This means you can enjoy three courses of food and wine every night, for no extra cost. Impressively, room service is also included in the cost of your cruise fare. 
• It would be remiss of me to leave out the most impressive freebie of all – the majestic Alaskan scenery! The best vantage point is probably from the hot tubs on deck 16, where you can stay warm while feasting your eyes on nature at her finest. The Discovery Princess may be one hefty ship, but she’s dwarfed by the age-old, snow-capped mountains that stand calmly and stoically around her. I’m so glad I travelled to the other side of the world to soak up this moment.

The writer travelled courtesy of Princess Cruises.

Australia’s Indigenous population are recognised as having the oldest ongoing tradition of art in the world, and in Meanjin (Brisbane), there’s plenty of new talent keeping this custom alive.

But it’s not all to be found within the four walls of a gallery. Instead, art aficionados can strap on their runners and experience Aboriginal art on a walking tour around Brisbane’s cultural precinct, visiting outdoor exhibitions, public art installations and renowned galleries.

Local Indigenous guide, Cassy Saunders, begins each tour with introductions in the leafy courtyard of the State Library of Queensland, asking each participant about their mob (family) and where they come from, before sharing her own story about her mob in rural Queensland, and life in the city with her husband and two sons.

Water dragon lizards dart around the group’s feet as everyone chats, and Cassy then introduces fellow guide, Tiga, to demonstrate the didgeridoo, a work of art in itself. Made from a tree branch hollowed out by termites, Tiga says he’s been playing it for as long as he can remember, which shows in how deftly he produces music and sound. 

“This didgeridoo is made from an ironbark gum tree, with a beeswax seal for my lips. Logs of different shapes and sizes produce different sounds, and I can make bird calls and animal noises through it using my voice box,” he explains.

“But it’s only for men’s business; women are forbidden to touch or play the didgeridoo because it causes bad luck.”

With that to mull over, the group is then led on a journey through time, walking in the footsteps of Aboriginal ancestors along the Maiwar (Brisbane River). 

“No two tours are the same as the artwork installations are often changing,” Cassy says, as the group follows her through parkland punctuated by shady poinciana trees, flushed with scarlet red flowers. “But we always yarn about the stories behind the artworks. I guess we use art to start a conversation.”

The first canvas Cassy stops at is the underside of the William Jolly Bridge, its concrete structure transformed into a painting entitled Looking Forward, Looking Back by the ProppaNow collective, a group of urban Indigenous artists that are known for their thought-provoking work. 

Featuring native fauna such as the rainbow serpent and barramundi fish, the painting depicts the significance of Australia’s animals as both a food source, and a spiritual totem to Indigenous people.

As the group studies the painting, a flock of native white ibis birds pick their way around the nearby picnic tables in search of lunch remains, and a brazen brush-tail possum dips in and out of a parkland bin, reminders that this urban area was once flourishing with wildlife and vegetation.

The tour continues on foot with Cassy showcasing several more outdoor artworks, many of them hidden gems, including a captivating portrait under a rail bridge of a young Aboriginal girl, Bella, by graffiti artist Adnate. Tow Row, a large, purse-like fishing trap, woven with rope by artist Judy Watson is also a highlight.

Later, the tour group discovers more treasures within the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, including the extraordinary landscape paintings of the late Albert Namatjira, whose work sells for as much as $80 000 AUD.

Cassy says that in Australia, Aboriginal people are now recognised as the largest producers of art per capita. And it’s not only dot paintings as the souvenir shops would suggest.

Indigenous fibre art, pottery, sculpture, modern art and landscape paintings are flourishing alongside the dot painting and ornate didgeridoo traditions. Each piece tells its own story, often alluding to the injustices that Indigenous people have faced. 

“By looking at these artworks and answering questions about them, we are essentially unpacking Australia’s history,” Cassy says. “We’re also sharing our own stories, and in the process, educating people.”

More information: www.theblackcard.com.au/tours/blackcard-cultural-tours

Over the years, I’ve done various kinds of magical project with the kids. From setting up play scenes in an underbed storage container, makeing paddle pop stick doors to stick on trees, adding a miniature tyre rope swing for toys to a tree, setting up a little fairy scene using a fairy door, shells and stones, and making a twig ladder.

Since my kids were in primary school (quite a long time ago now!) there has been an explosion of cool items you can create a fairy garden outside for the kids. They are so sweet, and it’s the sort of project where you can start small and just add to them as you go along.

For example, you can check out Fairy Gardening Australia, who have a huge range of adorable supplies. Take a look at these cute lamps!

Many places have kits to help you get started. For exmple, Garden Sparkle has a sweet bunny and swing kit.

One of my favourite products are the bridges you can buy. They are so adorable! And I can imagine kids just loving playing with them. Earth Fairy is another place to look at for fairy garden products.

Then, of course, you need the fairies and other figures. My kids often used toy fairies or dolls they already had, but there are some beautiful fairies of all kinds available these days. My Little Fairy Garden have a beautiful range, including Australian animals too.

I don’t think you need a fairy home to get started, but some of the shelters from My Fairy Garden are so sweet.

You can even combine some of these types of products with your own creations, such as a Pebble Fairy House (which I made with the kids), a fairy house version using bark, or use toilet rolls and patty cases.

Places like Big W and Kmart have some fairy garden products too, but I find they aren’t quite as sweet. Kmart has a sweet fairy garden kit for only $12 and if you’re looking for something inside, Big W has a sweet indoor fairy garden kit.

How to make a fairy garden

If you want to make a fairy garden with you kids, here are step-by-step instructions:

1. Choose a Location: Select a suitable spot in your backyard where you can create the fairy garden. It could be a corner, a small patch of land, or even a container if you have limited space.
2. Gather Materials: Collect the necessary materials for your fairy garden, including:
   • A shallow container or a designated area in the ground
   • Potting soil
   • Small plants or flowers
   • Decorative rocks or pebbles
   • Miniature fairy figurines, furniture, or accessories
   • Moss or other ground cover
   • Decorative items like shells, small stones, or twigs
3. Plan the Design: Encourage your kids to use their imagination and plan the design of the fairy garden. Discuss where they would like to place the plants, fairy houses, and other elements. Sketching out the design on paper can be helpful.
4. Prepare the Area: If you’re using a container, ensure it has drainage holes. If creating the garden in the ground, clear the area of any weeds or debris. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any large rocks or roots.
5. Add Soil and Plants: Fill the container or prepare the designated area with potting soil. Help your kids to plant the selected small plants or flowers in the desired spots. Consider using colorful and low-maintenance plants suitable for the local climate.
6. Create a Pathway: Lay out a pathway using decorative rocks, pebbles, or small stones. You can also add cute things like twigs, sticks and bridges. This can be a winding path or a straight one leading to the fairy houses or other focal points.
7. Decorate and Accessorise: Now comes the fun part! Let your kids decorate the fairy garden with miniature fairy houses, furniture, and other accessories. They can arrange the items creatively, placing them near the plants, pathway, or hidden among the foliage. Incorporate natural materials like twigs, shells, or small stones to enhance the magical atmosphere.
8. Add Ground Cover: Spread moss or other ground cover around the plants and accessories. This will give the garden a lush and enchanting appearance. You can also add small decorations like tiny mushrooms or colorful flowers made from craft materials.
9. Water and Maintain: Water the fairy garden gently, taking care not to disturb the arrangements. Ensure the plants receive adequate sunlight and water as required. Regularly check for any maintenance needs, such as pruning or replacing dried-out plants.
10. Encourage Imagination: Once the fairy garden is complete, encourage your kids to use their imagination and play in the enchanted space. They can create stories, move the fairy figurines around, and interact with the magical world they’ve created.

Beeswax wraps are an environmentally friendly solution to remove reliance on plastic wrap to seal food leftovers or protect a sandwich when placed in a lunch bag.

There are so many benefits to using beeswax wraps and making your own can be a fun, family craft project. Everyone can get involved to make their own personalised wraps for everyday use.

What do you need to make your own Beeswax Wraps?

If you research online how to make your own Beeswax Wraps, there are so many recipes and methods to choose from. However, choosing the best ingredients possible will ensure a successful wrap that can be re-used time and time again.

Choosing Australian Made beeswax, ensures you’re getting a superior product free of contaminants and additives. Best of all, you’re supporting Australian Made, which is a good feeling when trying to buy local.

For our beeswax wraps, I’ve chosen May Gibbs fabric because I love the illustrations. It also extends the theme further with a bit of Australian flora and fauna, from a well-known late Australian-based artist.

Materials for Beeswax Wraps

• May Gibbs Fabric – available at Spotlight
• Crimping Scissors
• Pure Australian Beeswax from AB’s Honey available for purchase at Simply Honey – 1 cup grated
• Food Grade Pine Resin – 3 teaspoons
• Jojoba Oil – 2 teaspoons
• Paint brush
• Glass Jar
• Pot of boiling water
• Spoon/ Paddle Pop Stick
• Bowl
• Grater
• Tongs (not pictured)
• Oven mitts (not pictured)
• Teaspoon & 1 cup
• Baking Paper
• Baking Trays
• Coat hanger and pegs – to allow for drying – optional

Method to make your beeswax wraps

More hands are required with this method as you’re using a double boiler and don’t want the glass bottle to touch the bottom of the pot. Also, as there is boiling water involved, it’s best to have an adult work with the boiling water parts of the project.

1. Wash your chosen fabric before turning them into beeswax wraps as cotton will shrink. Use serrated scissors to create a crimped end to your fabric. This is to prevent it fraying. Choose sizes that will work well for the uses you intend, so squares of 20cm x 20cm or rectangles of 30cm x 20cm.

2. Fill a pot with water and put it on the boil. Turn your oven on to 150 degrees Celsius.        

3. Grate the block of beeswax into the glass jar. You can grate into a bowl first and then empty this into the jar. You want to grate 1 cup of beeswax. Add the grated beeswax to your jar.

4. Add the jojoba oil and pine resin to the jar. Line your baking trays with baking paper and place your fabric ready on the lined trays. The baking paper will catch the wax mixture drips.

5. Place the glass jar into the boiling pot of water. You will need to use an oven mitt and tongs to hold the jar over the pot. This method was used to use the existing pots and jars at home, but you may have a colander that can be inserted into the boiling pot to support your jar as the ingredients melt.

6. Use a spoon or paddle pop stick to mix the ingredients to ensure they are melted together. This stick or spoon will need to be discarded after mixing the ingredients.

7. Once the mixture is well melted and mixed, place on a trivet (to protect your kitchen bench) and use the paint brush to paint the beeswax mixture onto the fabric. Ensure the fabric is well coated with the mixture. Keep painting fabric until the mixture is used up.

8. Place the baking tray into the oven for 5 minutes.

9. Remove the trays and allow to cool for 1 minute. Peel the beeswax wrap off the baking paper and allow it to air dry with a sway or you can use the pegs and coat hanger to dry your wrap outside.

10. Once the beeswax wrap is dry, it is ready for use!

Benefits to using beeswax wrappers

The key benefits to using beeswax wrappers are they are environmentally friendly and reduce plastic waste when wrapping food. They can be re-used and washed with water and mild detergent between uses and a freezer friendly.

Another not well-known benefit to using beeswax wrappers is the health benefits as beeswax has antibacterial properties so it gives peace of mind when wrapping food as it’s a safer way to seal.

Brisbane

We both live in Brisbane, so this was our starting point.

Mooball Post Office

We stopped at a little place on the coast called Mooball. It’s a cute little town, with some of the utility poles with cow patterns. We stopped at the Mooball Post Office which also acts as a cafe, and enjoyed a delicious freshly squeezed juice. Perfect way to start a road trip.

Mooball Beach

Part of the fun of a road trip is just exploring as you go, and we headed to the ocean and had a walk at Mooball Beach, before driving a little further down the coast.

North Head Beach & New Brighton Beach

Down a little further, we stopped at North Head Beach and Christmas Beach. Christmas Beach was a bit of a non-event, but anywhere near the ocean is so beautiful. Some of this region is dirt roads but drivable with a regular car. My sister and I enjoyed looking at all the different coastal flowers. Beautiful!

It’s not the best kind of beach for swimming but it’s just so rustic and kind of hidden away. Feels like an adventure!

Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads has such a cool vibe. There are a heap of cool and quirky shops and cafe. Well worth the stop to explore. We happened to be driving through when they had their annual Old & Gold Festival. Essentially, in June each year, there’s a weekend where all the streets are turned into a second hand shop and people come from all around to trade and buy.

Korara Bay

We stayed at Koara Bay as our base point, which is just outside of Coffs Harbour. It’s absolutely beautiful! We stayed at a AirBNB apartment which was right on the ocean, so we went out for a little walk each evening. The below photographs were about 20 metres from the apartment.

Just up the road from where we were staying was a little coffee caravan called Coffee Truck (41 Diggers Beach Rd, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450) and it’s open from 7am to 11am. We also stopped in at Carobana which is tucked away near suburbia. They sell delicious carob chocolate goods that are made on site. We just wished we bought more to bring home with us!

Bellingen

In the morning we travelled out for a day to explore Bellingen. I think if I had to reflect on the best day of 2022, this would be it. Wow, what a beautiful part of the world to explore. I’ll list below the places we stopped at, but there’s a lot more that can be explored in this region.

Old Butter Factory

The Old Butter Factory wasn’t open when we arrived, but we were able to have a squizz around. There’s a cafe/restaurant, some museum aspects, and some little shops to explore. Very quaint.

Emporium Bellingen

The Emporium Department Store at Belligen is an impressive building. You feel like you’re entering a department store in the 1920s or something! And wow, it is EXPENSIVE! They have a lot of high quality, high end clothes. But it’s so fun to look around.

Hearthfire bakery

Oh my! Hearthfire Bakery is one of the best bakeries I have ever been to! My sister and I had quiche and salad and couldn’t resist a fresh jam and cream doughnut to finish it off. It would be worth the trip just to experience this glorious food!

Awl Leather

There is a street of shops at Belligen, and there are many lovely little places to check out. There are some good second hand shops too. I found a pair of vintage Levi jeans which fit me perfectly. One of our favourite purchases was at Awl Leather. They have these handmade leather cuffs and my sister and I both purchased one, and we wear them often.

Promised Land

We heard about the Promised Land from a friend. Descriptions on how to get there are a bit elusive. We even rang the local council and they kind of didn’t know how to explain where to go. We were told it’s this amazing natural oasis with an aqua blue creek. So yes, getting to the Promised Land on Promised Land Road, near Never Never Creek (Glennifer is the suburb) was a bit hard in that it is difficult to find where the entrance is (you can find more detailed instructions here). We stopped at a few places but couldn’t seem to find it, and then we found it a little further up the road! Everywhere along that road is stunning so it’s all part of the fun. There were other cars parked around the edge of a small bridge. When I say it is insanely beautiful, I’m not exaggerating. The place certainly lived up to its name. My sister and I had a walk around the mesmerising blue creek amongst the trees, and experienced such a unique sense of wellbeing. This was my favourite experience of the trip.

Urunga

From the heights of Belligen, we headed back down to the coast at Urunga. There’s a long board walk that actually goes across the water which is cool. It’s great for pram and wheelchair access (although some parts are a bit narrow and bumpy).

Headlands at Woolgoolga

On the way back to Brisbane we stopped at a few different spots along the way. There’s isn’t that much by way of interesting shops etc. at Woolgoolga, but there’s a beautiful view over the headland, and this cool concrete silo.

Grafton

Grafton is one of those quaint places that has such a cool vibe. I loved visiting here. There’s beautiful trees, historical homes, and edgy urban parts. It’s a good idea to start with the Grafton Information Centre as they have helpful information about where to visit.

Grafton Information Centre

The streets are beautiful!

Fig Tree Avenue

It’s worthwhile finding Fig Tree Avenue (5 Breimba St, Grafton NSW 2460) which is a suburban street lined with huge Fig Trees.

Grafton Bridge Precint

We also stoped to explore the various artwork on Grafton Bridge Precinct. Very cool.

Grafton Cathedral

Grafton Cathedral (9 Duke Street) is stunning. I went in for a peek.

Ulmarra

Ulmarra was another quirky town that is worth stopping at. If you love bookstores, have a look at this one! It’s called Ulmarra Books (4 Coldstream St, Ulmarra NSW 2462) and it is brimming with books. It’s a coastal town, so there’s beautiful views and historic buildings.

Ulmarra Books

Kyle & Kahn’s Korner

There’s also this beautiful street memorial called Kyle & Kahn’s Korner, dedicated to Kyle (who traficly died) & his son who is now fatherless, Kahn.

Byron Bay

We stopped overnight at Byron Bay. Ther’s all the usual things to see here, like the seeing the Byron lighthouse. We went to the No Bones Vegan Restaurant while we were in town, and wow, so good!

No Bones Vegan Restaurant

Tweed Valley Farmhouse Cheeses

This was a random find and it ended up being another highlight spot. The Tweed Valley Farmhouse Cheeses has various cheese to purchase, a cafe, and ice cream too. Highly recommend ordering the tasting plate (pictured below). We also got a yummy toasted sandwich and finished it off with some ice-cream.

They also have some gorgeous pottery for sale from Chez Pottery, and I wished I purchased some more pieces. I especially love these little bowls and trays.

Burringbar

Burringbar is just a little town, but it has a few food shops and a fabulous old wares shop.

Health’s Old Wares

Health’s Old Wares (19/21 Broadway, Burringbar NSW 2483) is a huge warehouse filled with old stuff. Loved it!

Dum Dum

There isn’t that much to see at Dum Dum, but we enjoyed just driving around the area.

Mullumbimby

The last stop before heading back to Brisbane was Mullumbimby. I wished we had more time here. It was just a coffee stop. Mullumbimby is situated right next to the Tweed River and is a lovely little town. We plan to come back and explore it a little more next time.

My sister and I just kept saying how much we enjoyed every aspect of this trip. We just didn’t want it to end quite so quickly. Until next time.

Penny recently released a beautiful children’s book together with Emma Bear. It’s called the muddy chef. Both Penny and Emma are backed by science degrees, and have worked extensively in the public sector to protect and educate people about our environment. They bring their love for educating about the beauty of nature to this picture/activity book. It’s full of beautiful photography and easy and meaningful activities kids can do with mud. It encourages children to engage deeply in creative ways in the outdoors.

Playing with mud is a feast for the senses — the earthy scent, the squelchy sounds, the goopy feeling of it oozing between you fingers. Mindfulness comes effortlessly, no meditation required.

Except from the muddy chef, p. 9

Penny is passionate about getting kids outside, but also making it easier for parents too. You just need to have a quick look around her website Mother Natured to be inspired. This is what Penny said about the book:

“It can be a struggle to get kids outside. We created the muddy chef to make it easier to get kids out in nature and give them a happier, healthier childhood. the muddy chef is science, maths, and art rolled into one muddy package.”

Penny Whitehouse

Below is a sneak peak inside the book. Perfect gift for the upcoming summer school holidays.

Buy the muddy chef on Amazon here: the muddy chef

Find Penny’s website here: Mother Natured

Find Mother Natured on Facebook / Instagram

Be inspired and make your own mud kitchen in the backyard. Find out tips in the blog post here: Make a Mud Kitchen Spot in the Back Yard.

This super easy chicken meal is along the same lines. It’s essentially shredded chicken that I cook in the slow cooker, and it can be used for a variety of meal options: rice bowl, wraps, tacos, jacket potato, sliders etc. It’s only 3 ingredients and two of them are pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast (The amount doesn’t need to be exact, I always just buy a bigger packet because I have a lot of mouths to feed, so I usually just over a kilo)

• 1 x packet taco mix

• 1 bottle of salsa (I used a slightly larger bottle, 375 grams, this time because I was making a fair amount, but just a regular 300 gram bottle is fine too)

Instructions

It’s jut a matter of putting the chicken in the slow cooker, adding the salsa and seasoning mix, stirring it all around, and cooking until the chicken is cooked through. The amount of time depends on how thick the chicken is. I put in on slow for about 4 hours, and then used two forks to shred it up. Easy as!

For this particular dinner, I served in a bowl with the following ingredients:

• Cucumber
• Tomato
• Fetta cheese
• Spanish onion
• Charred corn
• Rice

But the chicken would work well with pitta bread, wraps, jacket potato, wraps, sliders, and a heap of different easy meal ideas.

For example, I was selling an antique doll online. I had an enquiry from a potential buyer. She explained to me that she had this exact doll when she was a child, and it was something precious she kept into into adulthood. However, due to a house fire, unfortunately the doll was lost. So she was thrilled to find the exact doll to replace the one she had lost, and even though she lived in Western Australia (I am located in in Queensland), I was able to connect her with this doll.

Over the past 8 years, I’ve been able to build a successful businesses through buying and selling. It can be so rewarding, but there is a bit of an art to finding just the right thing to sell or finding treasures for yourself.  I started this process slowly, about 12 years ago, due to chronic health reasons and being unable to work typical jobs. I needed to find work that would work around my unpredictable health and mobility challenges. Initially, I sold everything I sourced via my eBay shop. This made me extra money that helped go towards daily bills and also helped me learn the dos and don’ts along the way. 

Harry Potter Polly Pocket Ron Weasley House

You don’t always find amazing things, but here’s an example of some of the things you can find. I sourced this Harry Potter Polly Pocket Ron Weasley House for $0.50, and it sold for $80.

Antique Theatre Binoculars

These beautiful cream antique theatre binoculars are just stunning. I sourced them for $25 and sold them for $500.

R.M. Williams Baby Boots (RPP $149)

These adorable R.M. Williams Boots were $3, and they sold for $90 on eBay.

Note that these amazing finds are not common, and there are a lot of regular kind of items that are still worth selling, such as snow gear, toys and other regular household items.

After a few years, eBay fees became too high. So, I was really excited when Facebook started up buying & selling sites (pre Marketplace) in my local area. This allowed me to reach a lot of people and list larger items as buyers could come and pick items directly from me. I joined 28 different selling sites within a 20km radius. It’s important to note that although this is a great way to connect with buyers, it can be very time-consuming as each item has to be listed separately in each site and every few days, you have to bump up the post which puts it back up to the top of the list so it receives more views and has a higher chance of selling. And each selling group has different rules, so you need to stay on top of that too.

I then started selling on Gumtree alongside the Facebook pages. Again, this was time consuming because after each week, the ad expires and I’d have to repost it. After another few years, Facebook decided to make it easier to connect with people who want to buy and sell goods, and opened Marketplace. It’s so much easier to manage and where I list most of my items, along with Gumtree. Currently, I have approximately 300 items now listed on Marketplace and Gumtree. 

The great thing about running this online business is I can work around my health appointments and families daily commitments. If anyone else is wanting to do something similar, and create your own type of online shop using sourced good (from second hand shops, garage sales etc.), there’s a few things I’ve learnt along the way, that helps me work out what to buy and what not to buy, and how to sell it. Here are my tips:

1. Just because you don’t like it, doesn’t mean somebody else won’t. So don’t limit what you’re looking for by your own personal taste or stye.
2. Always check the condition of the item, looking carefully over the item for rips, chips, scratches or missing parts.
3. Check out the item on Google, and see what’s trending so you can keep an eye out for those particular things, you’d be surprised what you’ll find!
4. Do your research! Almost everything I’ve sold, I have been able to find out more information on Google. For example, what it is and what is it used for, what it is worth, how rare it is, or is there a need for this particular item (e.g. look for snow gear upcoming to winter). The more information you can learn about an item, the better.
5. Don’t rush! It’s easy to just see something that may look great, but then after you get home, you realise it’s a copy or fake. Marketplace are strict in regards to selling counterfeit items and you don’t want to add to these unethical practices.
6. Offer postage options and find out about different carrier options. For example, learn average postage costs (e.g. Australia Post) in case people need this service. But also be open to other services. I have recently converted to Sendle. You do everything at home (no need to go to the post office), just print the label and leave it outside to be collected (no need to be at home). So it’s easier and cheaper. For example, currently a satchel for Australia Post is approximately $9.80 and with Sendle it is $6.95.
7. Research where your local Op Shops/Secondhand shops are and either spend the day going from shop to shop or you can pop in on your way home from school drop off, or on your way to sport / work etc. They have new things coming in all the time. If I am travelling, I will also check out Op Shops if I have an opportunity.
8. Check out your local garage sales for even cheaper options, you’d be surprised what you can find.
9. It’s handy to have wipes and hand sanitiser in your bag for when you’re finished in each store.
10. Don’t be afraid to check out your local dump or refuse shop too — people throw out perfectly good items, especially for the garden and sporting goods.
11. Take the kids! I sometimes allow them a small amount of money to find something they would like, makes it a fun day out.
12. Sometimes I buy things I can fix, paint, sew or clean. I make sure I spend less money on these types of items due to the time it takes to improve them.
13. When we travel anywhere, I stop in at local op shops and often you find things that you wouldn’t find in op shops closer to your home.
14. Make sure when you add a listing, include as much detail as possible so the buyer is fully aware of what they are buying including condition, measurements and other descriptive elements. Tip: sometimes it can be helpful to use a common object to help people gauge size. Good examples are a Coke can or a coin. Also, research and add any background information about the object. This can help items sell quicker, and minimise the need for extra communication back and forth.
15. When taking photos of your items, it’s good to have a white background. This is easy to do, just photograph with a simple background, and then use an app to remove the background so it’s on a white backdrop. (I use the Photo Room Studio Photos app). Ensure to not have anything in the photo that is not included in what you are selling (unless it is a reference object).
16. Always track and be aware of your income for tax purposes.
17. Anticipate that people will most likely offer less than is advertised.
18. If you add the option to post, you’ll get more interest. Be mindful though, that larger items are really difficult to post, so these are usually best to keep for local pick up.
19. Use keywords in your descriptions to help people find what you’re selling.

I just want to end with a few other notes on the realities of doing this kind of work, and tips for making the process as streamlined as possible.

It’s a lot of work

I think there is this misconception, especially if you have some amazing finds, that it’s an easy breezy way to make a bit of cash. If you want to do this seriously, it takes a lot of time and effort — like any job really. I really enjoy this work, and I can do it around my limitations. However, it takes time to source items for your shop, research, categorise, write descriptions, fix items, take images, upload them to respective sites, post items, and then one of the most time consuming elements, communications back and forth with prospective buyers. For me, it’s been a fabulous way for me to turn a hobby into a business, but unless you really enjoy scouring garage sales and second shops and communicating with a lot of different people, it may not be a viable or enjoyable work.

I lot of people won’t understand your work

People get antique stores, but if you’re an individual offering a similar service online, I have found that a lot of people don’t really understand what you do, why you do it, how you do it, or that it can be a legitimate and successful side hustle or job. It’s also can be challenging, like most jobs via the home, that people may not realise that even though you are home, you need to dedicate a significant time to your work. In my experience, it can so rewarding connecting people with objects they need or care about.

Developing good communication skills & communication challenges

I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people through what I do. But there are some tips I would mention.

• People may just not turn up, even after organising a time.
• It is not uncommon for people may rock up to your door (after agreeing to a price) and put you on the spot and ask for further discount. So have a think about if you are you willing to be flexible on price or not.
• Don’t be surprised if people don’t message back after making enquiring. Often if they have made the decision not to purchase the item, they won’t communicate that to you.
• If someone has organised to collect, I always message them the night before to confirm they still want the items, and confirm time, and make sure they have the address. Sometimes I may ask for their mobile.
• On the rare occasion, you may get negative feedback but don’t stress too much: if you are a good, diligent seller, overall one negative comment doesn’t really affect anything.

It’s a lot of work if you’re doing this full time, or even part-time, but for me, it’s a lot of fun — I get to learn the history of interesting objects, I LOVE garage sales, it’s like going on a treasure hunt, and I love chatting with people along the way.

I found this most beautiful rainbow cake on insta by @bowmankitchen. Like, wow, to get all those colours so beautifully placed was amazing to me and I thought it worth sharing here for Inspo if you’re looking for a rainbow theme cake.

More birthday cake inspo

Number cakes

Number cakes are all the range at the moment. Info on the 18 number cake here or the 6 cake here.

Beach theme cake

My daughter wanted a beach themed cake and we had this one make locally at the coastal place we were staying. Find more details here. We also did a treasure chest cake one time too, and this one is more achievable. More details here.

Easy Tank Cake

This one was pretty easy too. More details here.

Waterfall Cake

This is probably the cake that I made myself that I am most proud of. I just loved it, and it was not as hard as I thought it would be. Details on how I made it here.

Basketball Cake

My husband decorated this one and it turned out so well. Deets here.

Lolly/Candy Cake

This is another one of my favourites that I have made. It has such a wow factor. More info on this one here.

Frozen inspired

This frozen inspired cake is amazing! More details about putting together a Frozen-inspired party here.

Gravity-defying Cake

This is a cake my daughter made for herself. It’s so fun! Details on how to make it here.

Honeycomb Cake

Just grab a Woolies mud cake, iced and cover with broken choc honeycomb pieces. It can be turned into a construction cake by adding trucks and earthmoving toys, if you have them. Finishing off this post with a super easy one.

I’m rating the dry shampoos I’ve tried, under each of these categories:

a) Integration/translucent (taking greasiness out of hair while not leaving a white powder)

Rating: Excellent, Good, Minimal

b) Adding volume without heaviness

Rating: Excellent, Good, Minimal

c) Freshness (feeling freshness in hair)

Rating: Very, Good, Fair

c) Price

Rating (per 100ml): Low (Under $4), Medium ($5-6), High  (Over $6)

d) Scent (I actually prefer a minimal scent)

Rating: Strong, medium, minimal

1. Cedel Dry Shampoo

Okay, this one surprised me. The Cedel brand came out on top for me for a few reasons. This brand has been around for yonks, and your grandmother probably had a big pink bottle of Cedel hairspray on the dresser. The reason I like it, it’s really reasonably priced for the huge 387ml can that lasts me ages, and it works really well. The brand that came in number two is probably a better on the integration rating, but it’s so expensive that I have found this one to be better value for similar results. The only thing I would say that while this brand it is Woolies and Coles, it is not always available in all stores (and it seems to be frequently out of stock — so maybe a lot of people like it!).

• Integration: Good
• Volume: Excellent
• Fresh: Good
• Price: Low ($2.60 per 100ml)
• Scent: Medium

2. Klorane Dry Shampoo

This brand came highly recommended, and for good reason. Klorane Dry Shampoo is super light on the hair and just integrates beautifully while giving you that fresh feel. It’s one of the only brand that I’ve given an excellent in the integration/translucent category. This would probably be the top for me if it wasn’t so expensive.

• Integration: Excellent
• Volume: Good
• Fresh: Very
• Price: High ($8 per 100ml)
• Scent: Low

3. V05 Refresh Me Quick Dry Dry Shampoo

This is another retro brand that surprised me. V05 Dry Shampoo worked really well for the price and topped some of the more popular brands like Baitiste.

• Integration: Good
• Volume: Good
• Fresh: Good
• Price: Low ($3.20 per 100ml)
• Scent: Medium

4. A’kin Bamboo Dry Shampoo

I like A’Kin brand, and the dry shampoo is lovely. There is a few different types but the A’kin Bamboo Dry Shampoo version is lovely. It sits very light in the hair, but it is on the expensive side.

• Integration: Excellent
• Volume: Good
• Fresh: Very
• Price: Low ($3.20 per 100ml)
• Scent: Medium

5. Batiste Dry Shampoo

This is one of the more common ones, and it is a pretty good one, and I sometimes get it if I can’t get the Cedel one from the supermarket. For me though, the Batiste Dry Shampoo is just a bit meh. It does the job, but sits a bit heavier in the hair and while not too badly priced, I don’t like it as much as the Cedel brand and I think it’s a lot better and much cheaper. I also find some of the scented versions too scented. I do like that they have a brunette version and even a darker hair version, which is handy for those with darker hair.

• Integration: Good
• Volume: Good
• Fresh: Good
• Price: Medium ($6 per 100ml)
• Scent: Medium

6. Dove Dry Shampoo

I bought this one time on special and it was pretty similar to other brands I have tried but found that it did make my hair go a little more white and powdery so I have to brush it through more. It’s pretty cheap, especially if you can nab it on special.

• Integration: Minimal
• Volume: Good (although a little heavier)
• Fresh: Good
• Price: Medium ($4 per 100ml)
• Scent: Medium

7. Toni & Guy Dry Shampoo

I have tried a few Toni & Guy products over the years and I find myself never really being that impressed with them. On the supermarket shelves they are a premium products, but for me, they don’t measure up. I did try it once, and like the other dry shampoos, they do a similar job, but for the price, I think there are much better options. They do a brunette version and one for dry hair. I have only tried the Brunette one before.

• Integration: Good
• Volume: Good
• Fresh: Good
• Price: Expansive ($7.60 per 100ml)
• Scent: Medium

If you have one to recommend that I haven’t tried, let me know!