Most of the time I am a suburban mum covered in toddler snot but occasionally – almost magically – I get yanked out of my leggings and sent spinning into a world of luxury. That’s what happened recently when I wound up at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Waikiki. When I was dropped off at the […]

The concept of recharging is bandied around a lot in travel marketing. Most places with a beach offer visitors the chance to unwind, relax and recharge. But believe me when I say Big Island is spooky energetic. My friend Ash who lives in Hawai’i says it best: “Big Island is energy.” Without getting too woo woo about […]

So you’ve probably heard me banging on about the many glories of Camden, NSW. Well, this is the weekend to get down here. Why? Because I am running the Camden Garden Festival, the Crystal Festival is on and Camden Park House is open (it only opens for one weekend a year). We haven’t even gotten […]

Did you know that you can hire baby equipment in Bali? Yep, you can. There are a number of baby hire services that not only hire out prams, cots, pool fences and hire chairs, they also offer nanny and babysitting services. These same services can arrange nappies, formula, baby food and even a personal chef […]

I have become noticeably happier since I stopped reading women’s magazines. I rarely go shopping, and if I do, I don’t spend more than I can afford. I try not to shop from boredom or a sense of unworthiness (buying things to make me feel more socially acceptable, or cool, or professional). I care a […]

I have been thinking about The Jones’, that mythical family who drive the status anxiety of the aspirational. Why would you want to keep up with wasteful, greedy mega-consumers? The Jones live in a mansion, drive new cars, have shiny white teeth and golden fake tans. They holiday often and throw fancy parties. But really? […]

I have always been a sucker for a crystal shop, a psychic reading and a tarot deck. As a godless heathen, these things allow me to connect to a sense of spirituality. Same goes for yoga, swimming, walking and Goddess cards. I am a tragic hippie cliche. Nevertheless, I think we all yearn for a […]

Costa Rica is a wonderland of natural attractions, with volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests, and unique wildlife. This is a country that appeals as much to birdwatchers and luxury-focused travellers as it does to surfers and backpackers. It may be a small country in land mass, but Costa Rica is one of the world’s biggest natural […]

Goddess Kali is the fearsome one: the goddess of destruction in the Hindu pantheon. What I love about her – and the whole school of thought surrounding the Hindu G.O.D concept (Generator, Operator, Destroyer) – is that it acknowledges that death and destruction is a critical part of the wheel of fortune. Which brings me […]

Plastic is a miracle material. Water-resistant, available in all sorts of textures and colours, and wow – what a lifespan. When you start taking note of where it’s used, you realise it’s everywhere. Those little stickers on fruit. Wrapped around your magazine subscription. Connecting swing tags to clothes. In dog parks to pick up poo. […]