The prettiest of things for your lady love.
The prettiest of things for your lady love.
Does your mum do that thing where when you ask her what she wants for Mother’s Day (slash birthday, Christmas etc.) she says “nothing darling, I’m just happy to spend the day with you”? Cool ma, but no. Just allow us to shower you in gifts that will never be equal to the fact that you birthed us out of your body.
This Mother’s Day (on Sunday May 10th) is particularly special because many of us won’t be able to spend the day with our Mama’s like we usually would. Which means we need to get an even better present.
So, friends. Here’s a list of local businesses we encourage you to peruse for the perfect gift and maybe buy one of everything because she’s worth it.
Moss Living
Fun fact: over the last few weeks we’ve invested in many a linen loungewear item and it has been the greatest iso choice of all. The best part is, they’re good all the time and you should invest in some for Mum. Local brand Moss Living has everything from luxurious linen robes to stunning dresses, playsuits and of course bedding if you want to splash out. It’s all absolutely beautiful so good luck choosing just one thing. Take a look here.
Little Fisher Co.
HANDBAGS. How good are handbags, so versatile, so pretty, so practical. You know who else is keen on handbags? Mums. You know who makes the loveliest of handbags? Little Fisher Co. Specifically of the Moroccan variety. They are the woven kind with leather straps and they come in both backpacks (convenient) and a larger tote style. Perfect for carrying all the things Mother’s do plus as a little carry on bag for when we can fly again. Love these. Here they are.
Huckleberry Flowers
Flowers are a thing all Mamas love and they’re an absolutely beautiful gift for yours this Mother’s Day. Huckleberry Flowers are a beloved Gold Coast business who create absolutely magical floral bouquets using both fresh and dried flowers. Choose from SO many types including natives, bold and garden or have the girls put together a dried bunch so she can keep them forever. Find Huckleberry online here (they’re also doing delivery) or grab some from Miami store Heartfill.
It’s Coco & Peach
Since there’s still plenty of sunshine on the Coast (and we’re allowed to have picnics again), why not gift Mum the perfect outdoor umbrella. Coco & Peach have a stunning range including yes, Peaches and Cream that we absolutely adore. There are some with sweet little tassels and some without but all of them are so delightful and definitely the kind of thing you can “borrow” for the day when Mum’s not using it. Find your favourite here.
Grit Ceramics
If locally made ceramics haven’t changed your life yet, allow us to drain your wallet quick smart. One such brand of absolute ceramic gold is Grit Ceramics who create the prettiest of plates, keep cups, bowls etc. in all your favourite Autumn hues (think navy, grey and turquoise). The brand draws its name from the properties of the word grit which means particles of stone or sand, courage and passion for long-term goals. That floats our boat and probably your Mum’s too. Fill up your cart here.
Comfort and Calm
Oh the classic candle. What woman in the world doesn’t already have 57 in her house and a need for many, many more? Comfort and Calm boast a beautiful range of handcrafted candles in scents like Island Living (yes please) and Zest for Life (double yes please). Best. Gift. Ever. They also make the ceramics too, so add a few for Mum why don’t you. Sniff them out here.
Cedar and Stone Botanicals
This is one Gold Coast brand who have become a household name and for good reason. Their earth conscious, organic skincare are divine and the perfect gift for the one you love most. With everything from moisturiser to body oil, essential oils, exfoliant and even handwash, they’ve got Mum covered this Mother’s Day. There are lots of delicious flavours to choose from and we’re pretty sure every single one is worth owning. Wait, buying for Mum. Both. Get every single thing here.
The Beige Studio
Locally created art is our favourite kind of art and we particularly love that of The Beige Studio. Purchase a colour-filled print to adorn Mum’s wall and we guarantee you’ll get plenty of brownie points for these ones guys. Choose to have a commissioned piece done or a print from the online store and either way, you’ll be bringing a smile to the face of everyone involved. Choose your favourite here.
Little Cocoa
Chocolate. Obviously. But not just any old chocolate, the very best kind. Little Cocoa are the creators of artisan chocolate pralines and let us tell you, they are the goods. Now for Mum you can get a special Mother’s Day box featuring a touch (hand painted) of leopard print plus a little rose gold bling to keep things fancy. There are three tasty types in the box including Espresso Martini, Macadamia Ganache and Passionfruit and White Chocolate and you should probably grab a box for yourself while you’re at it. Get them here.
Happy shopping favourite children, you are welcome.
Words by Kirra Smith
Christina Armstrong is one stylish Gold Coaster, not to mention the owner of stunning local homewares and clothing brand Moss Living.
We sat down for a chat with Christina about her high-end linen bedding, sustainable sourcing practices and the new Moss Living wearables about to hit the market.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve grown up a city girl mostly. I was born in São Paulo, Brazil and travelled the world with my parents. I then spent my teenage years in Brisbane, came here for a weekend away in 2002 and never left. I worked at Swinging Safari, then moved to the southern Gold Coast to manage Elephant Rock Cafe and after meeting my fiancé in 2005, I started to call the Gold Coast my home.
What do you love most about living here?
I’m a nature lover. I love the birds, the wildlife, the fresh air and sea breezes. Our home backs onto the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary so I’m lucky to be surrounded by the most stunning flora and fauna. It’s my own little piece of paradise. My home is my haven. The beaches here are just so beautiful and clean and I love the proximity to all the best swimming spots. The community is just like a small country town, so many creative people and incredible local support.
How did your business Moss Living come about?
I’ve always been encouraged to make a house a home. From very early in life my parents gave me freedom to arrange and design my own space. I was encouraged to decorate, repaint and style my room as a kid. My mother always had the most exquisite furniture and homewares she had collected from around the world and I always appreciated the quality and uniqueness of her pieces and the way she styled our homes was just divine. The ‘good room’ was always pristine, it was her pride and joy with stunning Brazilian timber furniture, hand carved, exotic fish sculptures and fresh roses she grew herself. I’ve always remembered the fine detail and the feeling of warmth and comfort. I carried this feeling throughout adulthood. She taught me to be stylish and proud of my home. I’ll always be grateful for that. With Moss Living I’ve found something I love and I’m just so happy to be able to work with such a beautifully raw, sustainable material.
You sell beautiful, high-end linen, towels and clothing, from where do you source your fabrics?
All of our linen is ethically grown in and sourced from France. It’s the highest quality linen available on the market. Linen is a part of a movement back to the belief that simplicity and quality are paramount. We have a close relationship with our supplier and we’re always interacting with each other over new developments and concepts. Our supplier is one of the leading providers of fine linen in the world. They deal directly with France to source the best raw flax linen and in the dying process, our supplier uses AZO-free dye which is very friendly to human skin as well as the environment.
Can you talk to us about any upcoming colour trends you’re noticing for the new season?
I’ve never been a real trend follower. If you’re running a business and marketing high end products I think it’s important to understand trends however I don’t want to be someone who follows the market. I love to be innovative and aim to come up with a unique palette. In saying that, I’m influenced by my surroundings, Australia has the most beautiful landscapes and I’m always looking at colours that represent a personal experience and the love I have for nature.
Any advice for someone looking to start their own business?
Be yourself. Follow your heart. Don’t compromise quality. Surround yourself with positive, happy, supportive people. Do your research and understand it takes time. Business is a balance.
What’s the plan for the rest of 2019 for you?
We have some amazing new Moss Wearables in the making and I’m working on new colours for bedding. I’m always working on new shoots with my photographer Jenna Agius to keep it fresh and relatable.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Cafe for breakfast: I’m lucky enough to be able to walk down to Cornerstone at Currumbin, amazing healthy food especially breakfast
Coffee spot: Saltmill at Currumbin and Dust Temple in the industrial area
Restaurant for dinner: The Fish House at Burleigh and Hellenika at Nobbys Beach
How does your weekend usually look: Coffee first then morning chats with our fur babies. We get produce from our local farmers market at Palm Beach every Saturday morning and I usually have a glass of bubbles or two with my fiancé. I’m often in my ceramics studio creating.
Kate Samson, Keri McKenzie, Anna Hamilton and Amelia Gartner have taken the Gold Coast by storm with their plant-based, chemical free skincare range Cedar + Stone.
The much-loved brand has since grown into an international brand, stocked in over 550 stores worldwide.
We sat down for a chat with the local ladies on experimenting with beautiful, plant-based ingredients and the real meaning of natural skincare.
How long have you been Gold Coast locals?
One of the few born and bred! Although the company is made up of Aussies and Kiwis who travel in and out every chance they get.
What do you love most about our seaside city?
The versatility of our surroundings. You can be in the middle of the rainforest one minute and after a ten-minute drive you’re in the surf. Pretty sure we lucked out living here!
How did Cedar + Stone come about?
Two sisters frustrated with the selection of natural skincare in stores got together and turned a small Currumbin Valley kitchen into the home of C + S. From there Cedar + Stone has grown into an international brand, stocked in over 550 stores worldwide.
What’s the process of creating plant-based, chemical-free products?
Firstly, being a chemical free, cruelty free brand, it’s imperative we know where all of our ingredients are sourced from so we can ensure our products are pure. After that, it’s a fun and wild ride of creating and experimenting with all of the plant based ingredients this amazing world has to offer. It’s lots of fun and hard work mixed into one.
Why is it so important we use such products in our homes and on our skin?
With so many free radicals surrounding us on a day to day basis it makes sense to eliminate as many chemicals as we can, not only for the environment also for our family and little furry friends too.
What did you hope to create with your brand when you started out?
We really disliked walking into stores and seeing the term ‘natural’ being thrown around loosely when really the product was actually riddled with nasties. When we say no bad stuff, we mean it. We also want to spread awareness and knowledge on chemical free living.
Is there a Cedar + Stone product we absolutely must-try?
The Lemon Myrtle & Rose Face Oil, our best seller since, forever! It can be used as directed as a face oil or turned into a cuticle oil or underneath makeup as a primer. We’ve even heard of people using it in their hair for frizz control!
What’s happening with Cedar + Stone for the rest of 2018?
Watch this space! Lots of exciting things are happening within Cedar + Stone this year, but if we told you we’d have to…
What’s your favourite piece of life advice…
Be good to your skin – you’ll wear it every day for the rest of your life!
Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Beach: Palm Beach
Cafe: BSKT, Spikexx Cafe, Canteen,
Restaurant: Jimmy Wah’s, Greenhouse Canteen, Sticky Rice, Zipang, Govindas
How does your weekend usually look? Sun, ocean, good food, good music, friends and family
On the Gold Coast we are blessed with pretty spectacular weather year-round, which means picnics are high on the agenda. Thankfully we have no shortage of pretty spots to throw down a blanket for a spot of cheese and biccies with friends.
Here’s a list of 10 of our favourites.
Hinze Dam, Advancetown
This underrated hinterland destination will be your new favourite picnic spot. There are several parks that surround Hinze Dam, so take in the stunning scenery, sip on a cold glass of bubbly and generally enjoy the company of family and friends. There’s a BBQ area, kids playground and even a small cafe in case you need fresh supplies. Make sure if you’re taking the pooch to one of the designated areas, they’re kept on a leash to preserve the wildlife.
Cedar Creek Falls, Mt Tamborine
Mt Tamborine is a picnicker’s paradise and has more picnic areas than a year has days, Cedar Creek Falls being by far one of the best. Driving up the winding roads and taking in the scenic beauty is almost enough entertainment, but that’s not all. Cedar Creek Falls are located just metres from three waterfalls and countless walking tracks, making it the perfect place to spend your next Sunday.
Macintosh Island, Surfers Paradise
This little oasis nestled in Surfers Paradise (most commonly used for getting around the GC500 every year) is great for picnic dates of all sorts. The tranquil setting with cascading water running through the park is home to many birds (including peacocks), so don’t forget your stale bread. There’s also that super fun bridge previously built for the Indy in 2007.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa
Hard to believe that this beautiful little piece of paradise is just a mere 10 minute drive from Surfers Paradise. Take the whole family or soak up some solo serenity, it’s the perfect setting for both and anything in between. There’s even a butterfly garden for your gazing pleasure.
Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach
Cascade Gardens can be found between Surfers and Broadbeach and there are plenty of barbecue and undercover picnic shelters. This peaceful riverside sanctuary is the perfect date spot and with a huge area to run around, it’s also popular for families wanting to keep the kids entertained for hours (hopefully not on a date).
Burleigh Hill, Burleigh
In unsurprising news, Burleigh Hill is probably the most popular picnic spot on the Coast. You can’t beat the Insta-worthy views overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline. If you want to get a good spot on a Sunday get there early `cause the whole Gold Coast likes to unite here to see and be seen.
Ed Hardy Park, Miami
Next to North Burleigh Surf Club the park offers great people watching and a few BBQ areas perfect for that Sunday arvo picnic with the gang. Walk up Miami Hill and take in the views or have a sneaky swim in the ocean. There’s a takeaway bottle shop across the road if you need to stock up on sips.
Tallebudgera Creek, Tallebudgera
The battle between which side to choose continues. But no matter which is your go-to, Talle Creek won’t disappoint as favourite picnic spot. The calm creek waters are perfect for a little splash before devouring your mobile buffet. Beware the hungry bush turkeys!
Long Tan Park, Currumbin Valley
Not many people know about this pretty but somewhat hidden picnic spot in Currumbin Valley. It’s the perfect spot to get away, relax by the creek and pop in for a dip. There are no toilets or BBQ stations and uninhibited nature is purely the theme here, so go prepared. Drive along Currumbin Creek Road and take a right turn at Bains Road, the park is situated just over the bridge.
Kirra Lookout, Coolangatta
Kirra Lookout is the Burleigh Hill of Coolangatta, just not as busy and with more parking opportunities (we like the sound of that). You can either drive or walk up, but be warned, it’s quite steep, you’ll burn off your picnic before you make it to the top. Enjoy the view whilst nibbling on some crackers and sipping on an icy cold one, it’s pretty special!
