The mystery of the romantic tree carving at the top of Mount Coolum...Did Aprill say yes?

Recently we followed our spirit of adventure and went on a mission to climb Mount Coolum. I’m planning on climbing everything around here and taking in every gorgeous view.

Mount Coolum is a 208 metre high towering giant of volcanic rock standing guard over the coastline, with an easily accessible track to the summit. A little more challenging than I had imagined at times with a five year old in tow.

Miss Ruby two shoes found it easier carried by her dad in a backpack. He must have enjoyed the impressed looks by other climbers. It's a long way up this mountain and clambering over rocks is enough without a baby on your back. Sliding down on the sandy path it was also a little startling looking at just how high we had brought Team Rowe.

Once you reach the summit it's all worth it with a 360 degree view to enjoy. The plateau on top is perfect for an adventurous mini Bear Grylls to explore or for the romantic writer to find a story on a mountaintop, which leads me to..'The mystery of the romantic tree carving at the top of Mount Coolum'

Marry Me Aprill - Dated 2011


So who is Aprill? Did she say yes? Dried red rose petals were still evident under the tree. I love thinking of this girl’s surprise and that this romantic man had earlier climbed the mountain to carve his labour of love. Was he eagerly dragging her up the hill heart beating fast so excited for her to see his proposal or was he sweating, feeling slightly nervous at the thought of what if she said...no! What a long awkward walk down that mountain...

Did they both skip down telling all the passing climbers their happy news? Will they take the climb on anniversaries? Had he also hidden up there a bottle of champagne? It got me thinking of romantic proposals and magic unexpected spots people have been propositioned in...The amazing preparation taken by some romantic prince charming and let’s hope they kept up this arduous spirit of romance throughout their married life. If you start that well, you really need to continue...

There is a beautiful Aboriginal dreamtime story about the love affair of the young warrior Coolum & beautiful Maroochy. This imposing majestic giant is actually the headless Coolum turned into stone. His bride to be cried so much her tears turned into the Maroochy River and she turned into a swan to search for his soul. Let's hope this new love affair has a happier ending.


Looking over the cane fields, the wetlands and the ocean on this sleeping giant dating back 26 million years is a memory to savour - even without a magical moment promising forever on its peak...

Does anyone have any wildly romantic proposals they would like to share? Like this one on a stark isolated great dome overlooking the ocean. Does anyone know Aprill & if she said yes?

Over 100 keen hikers of all ages and abilities climb Mount Coolum every day. Conservationists are interested at limiting the amount of climbers and would definitely not look favourably on this romantic graffiti. At least it was hopefully a onetime offence.


Find the path to climb the mountain from the car park on Tanah Street West and the steep incline begins about a third of the way up.

The best time to attempt the climb is early morning or late afternoon.

Make sure you look out for the majestic Peregrine Falcon soaring above...or maybe even a swan...

A Dramatic Makeover...well if its good enough for Angelina!

Kooshka at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week


I decided to do something dramatic and I thought I would share with you here! After a lifetime of blonde hair...and yes, as long and as blonde as hair can be, I decided to turn brunette. The idea came from my daughter who wished her fairskinned; green eyed mother would just slightly resemble her olive skinned, brown eyed, brunette self. Thank you Husband for those exotic looking strong genes!

Well you know what they say - out of the mouths of babes.. Maybe it was time for a change? Maybe this wasn't a crazy idea? The last impulsive bold decision to move my family to Noosa was a winner so hey, my instincts were good so far!

But who should I trust to help me with this plan? This was a bold colour change and I needed someone talented with colour. I was aiming for a reddish brunette which would work with fair skin and green eyes...not too ginger, definitely not pink, nor any other possibly alarming mistake shade that could so easily happen when travelling from the light to the dark side...

Luckily I chose well! I had heard great things about Daniella Saville - a sassy gorgeous New Yorker who is Salon Owner and Master Stylist of Kooshka Hair Salon in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. Now if you were going to go brunette or look after your brunette wouldn’t you want Angelina Jolie's Hairdresser from the set of the movie Mr & Mrs Smith? Well meet Daniella! Hollywood hair - a la Angelina? Yes please - I can hear people running for the salon now!

Danielle is a legend of colour chemistry. It was pure magic how she brought to life the exact colour I was hoping for and I loved how she was as enthusiastic about this hair adventure as me! This is a dedicated artist of hair who is so entertaining I barely read my magazine! The whole salon experience was indulgent, relaxing & a lot of fun. The team at Kooshka are fabulous whether offering you an Ipad, Jasmine Tea with honey served in a bowl sized vintage cup, glass(es) of wine or ordering out for heavenly risotto from their neighbouring restaurant. Nothing was too much trouble in this salon..Oh and did I mention the Italian massage chairs at the basin?

My look was completed with a complimentary makeover using the YOUNGBLOOD cosmetics available in salon (Thank you Josh!)...voila this sunny blonde was turned into a brunette femme fatale. I loved being a blonde and never thought I would change! Now I am so glad I also know just how fun it is to be brunette!

It's a whole new adventure - and a dramatic change in appearance. Thank you Kooshka for such a memorable adventure and can I please recommend anyone who is thinking of making a dramatic colour change to go for it, and anyone local who wants fabulous hair or a new look to go see Daniella!

You'll feel like a movie star!

I love it and haven't cried over my lost blonde locks once! Don't you just love how an impulsive idea can change your appearance or even where you live for the rest of your life? Listen to your instincts and step out of the box!

What do you think?

From Blonde...

...To Brunette!

You can find Daniella Saville at Kooshka Hair + Fashion Salon
Shop 1 / 20 Brisbane Road
Mooloolaba Qld
T: 5444 7715

There's something about Blue....Island Colours

I am having a love affair with blue right now. Turquoise, Lapis, Indigo, Azure or Navy... it all fits on my wish list. Could it be the sunny weather and the call of that heavenly blue sea? It's timeless, dreamy and just tells all the senses to escape.



Sharing a gorgeous touch of blue...

Now this is an island bedroom escape.. Who doesn't love those shutters? Love the use of texture with the stone table and touch of rattan against the comfy cushions & luxe linens on the four poster...bliss...

Love this room - this rug, the hanging egg chair...this lifestyle! Fresh, modern and oh so cool...

For those that prefer a little more movie star glamour with their beach house...

Even in the city - a touch of colour makes this room. Love the space & light in this room and yes - its all about that blue.

Just too cottage cute. Now who couldn't feel happy in a playful, colourful space like this? Cosy & eclectic and oh so blue. It's like a touch of blue sky against all that greenery. So creative and so alive...



So which room would you choose...and which blue?!



Images via casatreschic.blogspot.com , lifeofstyle-lifestyle.blogspot.com & my pinterest

The Secret Menu at Berardo's Restaurant on Hastings Street, Noosa

Always on a quest to find glamour on a budget -We had the most gorgeous meal at Berardo's on Hastings Street last week. The secret to enjoying this fabulous Hastings Street Icon for a steal is to mention you will be dining from the Locals Menu when booking. Then you can enjoy 3 stunning courses and a glass of wine for just $39!

I love an all white room and this restaurant is white on white chic with a white Baby Grand in the dining room. Think Hampton’s style timeless setting with a modern Noosa beachouse twist. Berardo's is a Noosa Icon, known as the place to enjoy a glamorous girls dinner or special occasion, it’s long been a favourite among locals and tourists and is the central hub of foodie heaven and entertainment during the Noosa Food and Wine Festival each year.

The Locals Menu at Berardo's is a set menu that is updated each week on the Berardo's website and advertised in the local paper. You don’t have to be a local but you must be in the know to ask.

All the food is sourced locally from the Noosa or Sunshine coast region. On the menu the night we dined was a delicate entrée of Venison Prosciutto with Apple & Mary Valley Cheese. The main course was a gorgeously moreish Duck Confit with Ginger Pears and Berardo's Semifreddo finished off nicely for dessert. You can also choose from a variety of side dishes for $10 – our choice was the Duck Fat Roasted Potato's & an Italian Salad, shared between three.

The Local's Menu is on any night except Saturday and is not available all year. Last week it was on nightly. This week it is only available 3 nights, (Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday) so this menu is definitely a limited edition as the tourist season picks up! Depending when you are reading this post though - it will be back again. Check the Berardo's website under Menu's to see if it is available and the current tempting treats.

The owners of Berardo's - Jim Berardo & Greg O'Brien started the Noosa Food and Wine Festival and also have another of Noosa's gorgeous spots, Berardo's Bistro on the Beach . Beachfront views to die for in a more relaxed setting – still all white and just as chic… a seat in this window for lunch has to be done!

Berardo's Bistro on The Beach

You will find Berardo's Restaurant and Bar at the Upper Level,Ocean Breeze Resort, Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
For Reservations call (07) 5447 5666. Open for Dinner 7 nights from 6pm

My Rocket has bolted...Didn't know that could happen..

My Rocket has bolted..that is what I was told when I was overseas. I was describing the new developments noticed on my last walk around the garden pre-airport / pre- trip.

This was interesting. I didn’t know Veges could Bolt. Kind of alarming too when you are 10 000 miles away. My sea of rocket was my proudest achievement...it really worked! We were self sufficient in rocket, unlike that strawberry a day yield or hopeful baby tomatoes still growing...and now what - it had left??

Can you catch it? Why did it Bolt? A whole new set of questions formed in The University of the Garden. At first glance I thought it quite pretty that it was flowering, but then those flowers resembled triffids taking over my beloved plants...and my sage was right. It has bolted. I hack them off and they appear again taking all the love out of my beautiful leaves and taunting me that it is time to plant again...It's gone...

So how do I stop it from Bolting and what else can Bolt...I have just noticed a flower on the Basil...aaaah - this garden is out of control...

The solution?....Don't leave the country and Eat, Eat, Eat!

Looks like my rocket is going to be coming from the Farmers Market for a while...

Back Home From Blighty

Hello Spring! So nice to see you here! Just back from England, the land of Sunny Spells...hearing a weather forecaster saying this on the UK News never gets old.


How about those Oven Bottom Muffins up North...oh I love saying that...and the timeless experience of a seaside summer airshow...Lots of heart-warming reunions and happy memories and the most fun and cutest travel partner - thank you Ruby Two Shoes who lapped up all the attention and has obviously inherited her parent’s spirit of adventure.

There were castles and cobblestones, garden parties and lovely dinners, celebrating and shopping and yes a rather alcoholic hens night (rule #1 - all drinks will come in tiny glasses and be thrown down in seconds) and for the finale a wedding with the most beautiful bride,

and the most stressful drive en route of my life - Damn you horrific horrible road..the M25!

Have you tried putting on a fascinator at the correct angle using only a rear vision mirror and then racing up the shoulder as you can NOT spend another minute NOT moving when you are 3 miles from the wedding exit and the Sat Nav is taunting you with your estimated arrival time? I am afraid I led a new anarchy in the UK when every daring driver followed me with a similar thought - why are we wasting our lives in this car not moving when there is a 'lane' of escape right there?


I had that fascinator on and nothing was stopping me...not that Dartford Crossing, Bank Holiday Traffic or gridlock on the M25...My fake eyelashes were applied with shaky hands in the car much to the amusement of truck drivers in the next lane..Hey we were going nowhere! That lovely hotel room mirror was way beyond this traffic jam and not on the schedule according to that hated Sat Nav arrival time estimate, which just counts up and in cases such as this should come with some kind of Epic tense music.


To my husband in bed trying to guide me through Google London Traffic in the middle of the night and calming my nerves - you were amazing and to the beautiful bride - you were a vision of loveliness after that claustrophobic 5 1/2 hours stuck in that car..That first glass of champagne tasted amazing and the fascinator remarkably was angled correctly.

I love that the Sun or in this case Sunny Spells always happen at just the right moments at weddings - in a kind of biblical blessing on the biggest day of someone’s life. The happiness glowing off the happy couple as the world has stopped and it’s just them and all that love them gathered around.


Wedding speeches are my favourite - we are all caught up in this love story, it’s all so lovely and funny and charming and tear inducing and just so beautiful inside a gorgeously romantic Tythe Barn which has stood here since the 1600's.


The wedding dance was another love story in itself and shouldn't every good wedding party end with the Bride and Groom being lifted skyward supported by all their friends crowd surfing in a Tythe Barn? What a party - there was even impromptu break dancing and a circle of love finale surrounding them as we all danced and hugged to the sounds of - was it Oasis?..Anyway it was perfect and so British and I was so lucky to be a part of this magical celebration - a long way away from my hill in Noosa...

How to Pull a Carrot - Or Not To & A London Adventure

We have carrots! This city girl grew carrots and they didn't fork. I had no idea what that meant when I heard it could happen..but they didn't! Perfect beautiful carrots pulled from our soil! The excitement of pulling them out was slightly marred by the fact that we werent quite sure how to...

Just pull..you think? They didn't budge! Much to the amusement of my 95 year old grandmother sitting in a rocking chair next to the vege patch and the expectant looks on my little girls - that carrot was stuck! We dug and broke the first one in the ground - but by carrot three we were on a roll and held our beautiful treasure up in the sun to cheers and our amazement that we created this! Never has a carrot looked so beautiful! A golden moment shared by all of us - the joy of our first carrot harvest was only beaten by the scrumptious prize of eating beautiful roasted carrots for dinner!

We have sown more seeds and planted more blooms and can i just say how much I would rather add to the garden that perform housework! The garden will just get better and better, where as the house will be a hurricane of toys and chaos in well..probably less than an hour..

So here is to more harvesting adventures and beautiful blooms and hmm..maybe some chickens

Note to husband - PLEASE WATER THE PATCH! This girl has plans a little farther away.......

I am off to see not so nearest but very dearest for a few weeks of fabulous reunions, English Countryside & something rather special in Surrey....

What is more lovely than the thought of a wedding of two wonderful people you care so much about and to share their magical moment with flowers, champagne and a fabulous purple feathered fascinater! An English country wedding and sure to be in our eyes the real English wedding of the year and there has been some big competition! So off to wander some cobblestones, introduce Ruby Two Shoes to the other side of the world and have a rather grand old English adventure. I still would rather like to be allowed to try and catch the bouquet! Especially if it looks this pretty! Think I can grow these when I get back home to Noosa? Think my deserted husband will water the garden?

See you in a few weeks when I find out! I am off to pack that fascinator and enjoy some English Summer. See you and my garden in Spring! Oh and if anyone has any lovely tips for flying non stop(!) to London with a 20 month old feel free to share...!



Images via my Pinterest & www.lifeofstyle.com