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  • If you ever find yourself in the Kotara area and needing a caffeine hit or a little bite to eat, be sure to stop by ROULE. Owned by Dave and Mark, the pair started out with a small side project roasting coffee known as Maillot Jaune before fate and a vacant space saw them opening a small coffee shop next to Drift bike shop. 




    If you’re looking to fit out a new place, or need some bits and pieces to spice up your current space, and you want something that is vintage and upcycled, Crab Apple Vintage is the store for you. Located in Tighes Hill, owner Martina Long has always had a passion for bringing life back into old pieces of furntiure.




    If you want to stand out from the crowd this summer down at Merewether Beach, then check out the swimwear designs by local brand Thalassa Swim. Created by stylist Nicole Lucas in 2017, the label is influenced by Nicole’s Greek heritage, and stocks bikini’s and one-pieces that have real attitude. 




    Local Source; Toby and Rosie
    After meeting on a beach in Guatemala, power couple Toby and Rosie combined their love for all things nature and environmental to create an all-natural skincare and soaps brand that can help you live an ethical, sustainable and healthy lifestyle.




    If you love plants, herbs and pretty pictures, than you’ll love the work of local artist Michelle Groth. Inspired by all things natural and organic, Michelle is a fine artist and illustrator who creates elegant, delicate and beautiful hand-drawn works of Mother Nature. 




    Most of us probably remember it as the time when the Pasha Bulker ran itself aground on Nobby’s Beach. On 8th June 2007, while most people had probably been planning for a relaxing long weekend, the weather had other plans for us, taking a turn for the worst. 

    . 1/31/18 .

    My Week in Mirage (Jan 22 - Jan 28)

    . 1/31/18 .

    If you ever find yourself in the Kotara area and needing a caffeine hit or a little bite to eat, be sure to stop by ROULE. Owned by Dave and Mark, the pair started out with a small side project roasting coffee known as Maillot Jaune before fate and a vacant space saw them opening a small coffee shop next to Drift bike shop. 




    If you’re looking to fit out a new place, or need some bits and pieces to spice up your current space, and you want something that is vintage and upcycled, Crab Apple Vintage is the store for you. Located in Tighes Hill, owner Martina Long has always had a passion for bringing life back into old pieces of furntiure.




    If you want to stand out from the crowd this summer down at Merewether Beach, then check out the swimwear designs by local brand Thalassa Swim. Created by stylist Nicole Lucas in 2017, the label is influenced by Nicole’s Greek heritage, and stocks bikini’s and one-pieces that have real attitude. 




    Local Source; Toby and Rosie
    After meeting on a beach in Guatemala, power couple Toby and Rosie combined their love for all things nature and environmental to create an all-natural skincare and soaps brand that can help you live an ethical, sustainable and healthy lifestyle.




    If you love plants, herbs and pretty pictures, than you’ll love the work of local artist Michelle Groth. Inspired by all things natural and organic, Michelle is a fine artist and illustrator who creates elegant, delicate and beautiful hand-drawn works of Mother Nature. 




    Most of us probably remember it as the time when the Pasha Bulker ran itself aground on Nobby’s Beach. On 8th June 2007, while most people had probably been planning for a relaxing long weekend, the weather had other plans for us, taking a turn for the worst. 

    . 1/29/18 .



    This is one of those brands I kept seeing around the world of Instagram, so when they reached out to me and asked if I wanted to try some of their products, I jumped at the chance. The brand is called Saturday Skin, and the key ingredient behind all their products is the Cha-7 es Complex, which is a peptide formula exclusive to their brand which helps boost the skin's natural regeneration process. This improves the collagen and elasticity in your skin which puts you on the way to having radiant and rested looking skin. But without further a due, lets chat about some of the products.

    Daily Dew Hydrating Essence Mist
    This product is absently perfect for the summer. I love taking this out on a beach day, or to just use during the day to refresh myself. Not only does the mist cool you down and make you feel more refreshed, the extracts of kiwi and grape help to  nourish and moisture your skin.

    Featherweight Daily Moisturising Cream 
    I love this moisturiser for my daytime/morning skincare routine because it's not to thick and heavy; hence the name. Though it may not feel super thick and therefore feel like it may not be doing a lot, I can tell you it is. The avocado protein extract in the product helps to strengthens your skin’s moisture barrier, which helps it to more effective seal in hydration, which is key to keeping your skin protected and feeling soft throughout the day.

    Quench Hydration MasksSpotlight Brightening Masks
    Both of these masks come packed with serum, so make sure you applying them over a bathroom sink or somewhere that is easy to clean up any possible mess. That said, they feel really soothing on the face, and don't actually leave excess amounts of product afterwards; just enough to let nicely sink into your skin.

    The Hydration Mask contains hyaluronic acid which helps to moisturise your skin along with watermelon and aloe which help give your skin a cool drink of water and leave you feeling refreshed; a perfect starter to the day.

    The Brightening Mask contains bilberry, licorice and lotus extracts which help dimes any dark spots you might have from being out in the sun or skin blemishes, helping to make your skin look radiant and ready for the day ahead or a night out.


    . 1/26/18 .


    Yep, you read that right, it's rolled around to a new month which means I've got the latest Bellabox to unbox for you guys. If you're unfamiliar with what Bellabox is, then you just head to this blog post to have it all explained. And with that; lets jump into it.


    The name isn't just trying to sound cool, this product literally contains little fragments of metro dust, along with an amazing charcoal scrub that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. Your next bath or shower is going to be out of this world.

    If you're looking for an all natural lipstick option, you might want to check out Karen Murrell. They have a beautiful shade range that won't just stay on your lips but help keep them hydrated to.


    This is one brand who's skincare I've always loved, and I'm so excited they're branching into the world of sun protection. This body oil contains SPF 50 (I basically don't reach of anything lower anymore) that will give your skin a stain finish while keeping it protected from the sun's harsh rays for up to two hours.


    This Oat Milk shampoo is made for those with fine, thin hair, and is also perfect for kids. This shampoo won't be harsh on the hair but will still make sure it is moisturised and is given some protection post washing.


    I was so intrigued the minute I saw the name of this product; I can't say I've ever seen anything labelled Crocodile Oil before. Testing this stuff on the back of my hand, it has a really nice, natural scent, but does feeling quite oily and a little goes a long way. I think for those who's skin gets a long with oils this will be an awesome product, but because mine doesn't unfortunately, I may need to pass this one, which is a same because it feels so lux. A bit about the actual oil itself, it turns out this stuff has been used by Indigenous Australians for years in tradition medicine thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti fungal properties. This oil is quite close to the natural oils you'll find in your own skin and it's great for helping to treat burns, wounds and a variety of skin conditions.


    Palmolive have never disappointed when it comes to body moisturiser and they aren't about to start. If you're looking for a reliable brand who's product will sink nicely into the skin, not leave you feeling sticky, all while smelling good, you can't go past these guys and their range.

    . 1/24/18 .

    February is almost here and what does that mean? Valentine’s Day! While it may not be everyone's favourite day of the year, you can't deny how cute all the decorations in the shops and restaurants are. If you're heading out somewhere on Valentine's Day and you're in need of an outfit, then Gamiss has got you covered. They also have a bunch of special promotions happening right now just for Valentine's Day, which you can check out here. If you need a little bit of inspiration on what to pick for your Valentine's Day outfit then just keep on scrolling.



    A Special Date
    There’s a theory that by wearing black and red, you look more appealing to those around you. Men and women in red or near red and black, are perceived as having higher status. If you're heading on a romantic date, why not throw on something red or black? Not only does it flatter all skin tones, it'll leave you feeling confident and on point.



    Sisters and Valentines:
    If you don't have any big dates planned, Valentine’s day can also be the perfect day to meet your sister and go to lunch together. A floral two piece is the perfect outfit for a summer lunch.

    Left / Right 



    Single's Night
    If all else fails, why not head out with your friends on Valentine's Night! Whether you and your single mates want to hit the town together, or you all just feel like leaving the other half at home, why not through on something comfortable and fun and have a good time. Pink outfits and accessories can boost the mood just as much as something red, with a more youthful and fun vibe. Go for something less intense and romantic with a little pink dress, or some cute pink pump.



    . .

    Valentine's Day isn't far away now, and even if you don't have someone to take you out on a romantic date, that doesn't mean you can't do something special. Get your friends together and have a sleepover, or grab all your single ladies and head out together for the night. Whatever you're doing, Valentine's Day is a day you want to be something that makes you comfortable and confident. If you're on the hunt for an outfit, Rosegal has a range of options on their website, and to give you some inspiration while you're doing an online hunt, they've put together a few outfits for inspiration. 


    The Last Hurrah (Bachelorette Party)
    A bachelorette party is a fun opportunity for you and your girls to get a little dressed up and party the night away. If you're a single lady heading to bachelorette party around Valentine's Day, it may just proof to be the perfect to find that special someone. So just in case, why not use it as an excuse to get yourself dressed.

    Dress / Shoes / Bag / Earrings


    Date Night
    If you're heading out for a date night this Valentine's Day, whether with a long-term partner or someone new, you want to wear something that is not only comfortable but that makes you feel confident. A classic red and black look never goes astray on Valentines Day; red for an air of romance and black to add a little bit of mystery. For accessories, some chic pearls or diamonds help to keep it simple but still let you dress to impress.


    Family Time

    If you don't have a partner, aren't up for trying to find someone to head out on a date with and all your friends are booked out, then why not head out and do something fun with your sister? Head to the movies, do some shopping, get baking and maybe have a sneaky drink or to.






    . .

    Weekly Hot Spot; The Nature's Cafe
    It seems Mayfield is the place to be if you’re looking for the latest and greatest in cafes. Another one of the suburb’s most recent additions is The Nature’s CafĂ©. Opened in October last year by Sue Park and Jake Kim.




    Fashion Fix; Kate and Kole
    Fashion is all about having the right accessories just as much as it’s about the clothes, and a good place to start would have to be the locally designed jewellery brand Kate and Kole. Brainstormed by locals Sara and Madalynne, they may have had no idea how to bring a jewelry line to life, but they didn’t let that stop them.





    Local Source; Living Earth Aromatherapy
    If one of your New Years resolutions was to take more time for self care, one place to start to help you in that journey just might be local brand Living Earth Aromatherapy. Their handmade products contain a range of pure authentic plant oils, which harness the gentle and powerful benefits of essential oils and will help you not only reconnect with yourself, but the natural world around you. 




    Opened to commemorate 100 years since the landing of the ANZAC’s at Gallipoli and 100 years since BHP first began making steel in this city, take a walk along the Newcastle Memorial Walk to see a stunning view of our magnificent coastline and remember the sacrifice of those who served.




    A talented artist in the fields of drawing, painting and ceramics, Ellie Hannon has a truly unique and recognisable style that you’ve probably come across at the Olive Tree Markets. Having completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Newcastle University, Ellie has since worked with artists of all different cultures and practices, given her time to volunteer work and collaborated with various activist community groups, and it certainly shows in her art. 





    If you love leather goods just as much as you love youe vintage fashion, you need to stop by Hide + Seeker on Beaumont Street. The HIDE part of the shop is Geordie’s handcrafted leatherwork, who’s workshop sits just out the back behind the store.