I had a couple of hours on my hands today while waiting to pick up poochie from the vet so I decided to head to my local library to see what they had to offer (OK, I'm lying, I just wanted to use the free WiFi).

But you guys! Are you actually aware of what a fantastic resource the library is?! Free WiFi aside this place is amazing. Books, magazines, eBooks, heaps of desk space and lots of opportunity to eavesdrop on some - quite frankly - hilarious teenage conversations - this place has some serious appeal especially to a freelance writer like me.

In Brisbane there are 33 libraries controlled by Brisbane City Council which means you can borrow (and return) to any one of them. They have a really great online catalogue too which means you can download books as well as borrow physical copies.

If you work from home like me it's also a great way to get out of the house and still get some work done without spending a small fortune on coffees and things you really shouldn't be eating at your local cafe.

When I write I like some level of ambient noise rather than complete silence so the library is perfect. It's relatively quiet but there's still a bit of a hum like an office but minus the annoying desk drop-by's from co-workers when you're on deadline and really can't talk.

Anyway, short of sounding like an ad for Brisbane City libraries you should totally check out your local branch - here's my top five reasons why.

Free books

Need I say more? But just remember there's probably a waiting list for new releases so best to check out the catalogue online and put a hold on anything you really want. If you're happy to just browse, simply walking the aisles is a great way to discover new authors.

Free WiFi

Another no-brainer.

The perfect office substitute

Cafes can be noisy (and expensive) but the library has the perfect quiet buzz. It has a good atmosphere for work and research with a ton of information at your fingertips.

Community hub

Something I truly didn't consider until I walked in to the library today is that it's a great way to feel more in touch with the local community. Silly of me not to think about it really considering I'm still kind of new in town and have been looking for ways to connect with my new home. There are heaps of programs and events going at any one of BCC's 33 branches so be sure to check them out for some budget-friendly entertainment. If you have kids, make sure you take advantage of school holiday activities.

Librarians

Librarians can be great resources for either helping with your research or recommending books that you might be interested in. It feels more personal to have a real person to truly cater to your reading needs versus a smart algorithm.

I've been back in Sydney these past few days for a little R&R. I've made no secret of the fact that making a new home away from my family and friends has been a bit tough on me.

The love and support of my fiance is getting me through the day-to-day but sometimes, as I've written about, you just need a hug from your mum. I came down to spend a couple of nights with my family and catch up with a few friends and, to be honest, it's been just the pick-me-up I needed. I'm heading back to Brisbane this afternoon excited to be reunited with my fiance and feeling refreshed, renewed, rejuvenated and ready to get on with making our new life together.

But before this afternoon's trek to Sydney Airport, this morning mum and I indulged ourselves with a visit to Gillian Adams Salon and Spa - her to get her hair done and me for a facial and some time in their amazing aquamedic pool and steam room.


It was just what I needed. My facialist recommended a calming facial with healthy dose of facial massage, a hydrating mask and a session under the Omnilux (aka the magic orange light). Using a mix of products from Jan Marini and Babor, the facial was absolute heaven. It's been a while (read: years) since I've indulged in a skin treatment but I definitely won't be leaving it that long next time.

My 20 minute Omnilux session was the icing on the cake. If you haven't heard of Omnilux before, let me... ahem, enlighten you. Using a matrix of LED's, the Omnilux lamp delivers pure, narrow-band light direct to the skin. Put simply, it's non-surgical light therapy designed to stimulate the skins natural collagen production.

There are three different lamps, each one with a different coloured light that treats different conditions. Omnilux Blue is best for oily, acne-prone skin as it works on minimising sebum, bacteria and inflammation. Omnilux Revive has a red light that stimulates collagen and increases the moisture in your skin and Omnilux Plus, uses a thermal light to help rebuild and strengthen deep tissue and increase the skins blood flow. Today I had the Revive treatment to help restore my skin's natural barrier and increase moisture.



If you've never tried Omnilux before, be warned the light is BRIGHT. Unlike the pic above, the lamp sits really close to your skin and even through a heavy eye pillow and individual eye protection, the first few seconds take some adjustment. But stick with it and you'll see the benefits after just one treatment. Of course, like most skin treatments the real benefits come with a series of sessions. I'm going to try to fit in one per month through until my wedding in April.

Aside from the amazing skin results (your skin literally glows after a treatment), I've found another benefit to this little 20 minute gem. The intense light can boost the levels of natural endorphins in the brain so you actually feel happier after a treatment. I know, I know.. who doesn't feel better after a facial but I can really attest to the feel-good factor as an added bonus (especially if you need a recharge).

To find out more about Omnilux, click here.

Moving away from home, from family, friends, a job and a work-life balance that I loved (and worked hard to achieve) was always going to be hard. But the opportunity to start a new chapter and the rest of my life with the man I love was always the only option.

So a little more than 10 months ago I packed up my apartment, quit my job and said goodbye to my family and friends to move 1000km away to a new life. I know thousands of people do the same every week, I know my situation isn't unique but that doesn't mean it hasn't been bloody hard. Harder than I could have ever imagined.

My journey so far has been full of ups and downs but this week, for no reason in particular, I've really struggled. It's a strange juxtaposition - I love being with my fiance and couldn't imagine my life now without him in it but I miss my old life especially the comfort, the way I had everything worked out and I felt as though my life was on track. I guess you could say I'm a feeling a little homesick.

Being in a new city where I still haven't managed to establish a close circle of friends, my fiance is unfortunately the one who has been my (literal) shoulder to cry on. I know it's tough for him. He's the reason I moved and I know at times he takes on the burden of how I feel being partly his fault. It's not but I understand why he feels that way.

Josh Klapow, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Alabama's School of Public Health, says homesickness stems from our instinctive need for love, protection and security - feelings and qualities usually associated with home.

"You're not literally just missing your house. You're missing what's normal, what is routine, the larger sense of social space, because those are the things that help us survive," Klapow told CNN. He offers another way of approaching homesickness: It's merely an emotion that comes in waves.

"Very few emotions stay with you all the time, they come and they go," he says. "But when it strikes, both children and adults often get caught off guard by it. They think something's terribly wrong. But it's normal and adaptive to feel homesick for some period of time. It's just your emotions and mind telling you you're out of your element."

To combat my current state I've decided to go and visit my family for a couple of days. I know it might not be the smartest solution and that maybe I should just "soldier on" but sometimes you just need a hug from your mum.



I know some of you might think it's a bit of a Band-Aid but it's not like I'm rushing off there whenever I feel a bit down. And what's so wrong with a Band-Aid anyway? The only cure for homesickness is time and while I thought I'd be well over it by now it seems I'm not. So I've decided (with my fiance's blessing) to do something that makes me happy. I know I'll come back refreshed and satisfied that I've been able to spend some time with mum, dad and my sister.

I've also resolved to take some more steps to settle myself in my adopted city. On the advice of a friend who has also recently relocated I downloaded an app called MeetUp and am having breakfast with a couple of girls tomorrow who are looking to connect with other 'childless stepmums'.

I'm sure there'll be more bouts of homesickness but hopefully with each round I'll get a little stronger and know that I'm going to come out the other side OK. I'm very lucky to have a fiance whom I love very much and who is willing to support my on this journey no matter how tough it can be at times. Be assured I truly understand how fortunate that makes me.

Wow - you stepmums are a vocal bunch! I knew I'd hit on a bit of a nerve with my opinion piece for Kidspot but I had no idea people felt so strongly on the topic.


It seems the responses to my article were in one of two camps - the women who got in touch online and via social media were either firmly of the "I get it and I'm with you" opinion or, in contrast, asked me how I could possibly be OK with taking a backseat to my stepkids' biological parents when it came to school and extra-curricular events.

Either way, there are obviously hundreds of thousands of women out there who are doing their very best to meet some kind of stepmum mould and, in my opinion, there is nowhere near enough being written about them (us!).

One of the hardest things I've found about the transition from single girl to stepmum is the enormous amount of patience and composure I need. Those quiet weekday evenings are suddenly filled with homework, pick ups and drop offs and, let's face it, noise!

Whether you’re coming into a stepfamily with or without kids of your own, taking on responsibility for another person’s children can cause stress and could even lead to more serious conditions such as depression and anxiety.

“Women who don't have prior children often suffer from greater anxiety which can be related to their lack of confidence in parenting and the significant changes to their single life prior to the relationship,” says psychologist Dr Lisa Doodson, author of How To Be A Happy Stepmum (Vermilion, $29.99).  “But it’s important to remember all stepmums face similar problems, often related to understanding their role in the family, dealing with the children and also with the biological mum so you’re not alone.”



Taking care of yourself is critical so try these five tips right now to become a happier stepmum today.

• Organise regular date nights: “The adult relationship is arguably the most important relationship in the stepfamily - without this relationship there is no stepfamily,” says Lisa. The very nature of a stepfamily means there was never a time “before children” so designating time - whether it’s weekly or monthly - for you and your partner to “just be a couple” is super important. It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive - just time for the two of you to be together without the stress of kids.

• Accept that not all stepfamilies are created equal: Custody arrangements, the nature of the relationship between children’s biological parents and how the kids deal with a new adult in their lives are all things that are out of your control so try not to put any expectations on how your stepfamily will grow. “It’s unlikely that a strong bond between a stepmum and her stepchildren will develop straightaway so don’t put pressure on it,” says psychotherapist, family counsellor and stepmum Dr Karen Phillip. “The relationship, as with any other, needs time to develop and so everyone gets to know one another so try not to force things or put undue pressure on yourself.”

• Leave the discipline to your partner (in the beginning): It’s OK, say the experts, to bow out gracefully when it comes to discipline. “Over time, stepmums can take on a bigger role but it’s vital that they are supported by their partner, and should only start getting involved when they have more confidence and have been part of the family for a significant period of time,” says Lisa.

• Practice good behaviour: Resentment towards your stepkids isn’t unusual. In fact it’s extremely common especially if you’re coming into the partnership with no kids of your own and suddenly your weekends are taken up with football games, dancing lessons and other kid commitments. “Planning is important, so for example if the children are coming for the weekend, make sure that you have spoken with your partner and agree what the plans are,” says Lisa. “If necessary, split it into segments so some are child friendly activities, but there's down time for catching up with chores or even spending time with friends or other couples.”

• Take charge of your own happiness: “Don’t get too wrapped up trying to be everything to everyone that you forget about yourself,” says Karen.  Moving in with a ready made family is extremely daunting, particularly if you don't already have children of your own. “It’s important to take things slowly - and that includes making sure you have time on your own, keeping in touch with old friends and maintaining your own interests and hobbies,” says Lisa. “This will help you cope more effectively with the stresses of the new family unit and building new relationships. Happiness is about well-being. If we're happy, were more likely to be healthy and able to cope with challenges life throws at us.”

This week I was asked to write an opinion piece for parenting website Kidspot about being a step mum. This isn't something I have written too much about here - namely because I didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable or compromise my burgeoning relationship with the kids.



But writing about my experience has almost been a form of therapy and actually helped me better understand my feelings about this new role in my life. It's been a bumpy ride so far but we're all gradually adjusting to the "new norm".

Both my step kids have read this piece as has my partner. Hopefully a few other women in my position might find this helpful too. I think the thing to remember is there's no "right answer" when it comes to what type of step mum you're going to be. Do what feels right for you don't let anyone set expectations about how your role will develop. Enjoy!

Being a step-parent may very well be the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life.

And perhaps extremely naively on my behalf (but not uncommon amongst women in my position I’m sure) I had no idea what I was actually getting into when I agreed to move in with my boyfriend (now fiancé) and his two kids who live with us 50 per cent of the time.

I knew I was inheriting an instant family but somewhat surprisingly - or maybe just stupidly - the thought never crossed my mind that these two children had their own fledgling lives with interests, commitments and, at 11 and 13, a hell of a lot of extra curricular stuff to attend.

School musicals, presentation evenings, primary school graduations, footy presentation nights, dancing concerts - the list goes on…. and on, and on and on.

At first I was really hesitant to attend these events. I didn’t want to tread on any toes (namely the kids biological mum’s) but my partner thought it was important for me to be there to support the kids and “getting my step mum on” has quickly become a regular part of my life.

Should institutions be more respectful of blended families?

This week a parenting group on Facebook has exploded with comments and differing opinions after a stepmother posted about a special event at her stepdaughter’s school.

Each student was only limited tickets, which meant she would miss out in favour of the girl’s biological parents. She argued that schools and other organisations should be more accommodating of the needs of blended families.

Comments ranged from complete outrage to a more mature understanding of a difficult situation - after all, no school hall can fit absolutely everyone.

“That’s crap,” was one common take, while others were more along the lines of “suck it up”.

While I haven’t faced this issue myself, I get that there are some parts of my stepkids’ lives that I might not get to share right at the exact moment they happen.

That’s not to say I won’t be around to celebrate with them when they reach certain milestones (dinner after graduation, ice creams after footy presentation) but I understand there’s some stuff that I physically won’t be able to attend for one reason or another.

And you know what? That’s completely fine. The fact is I’m not their biological parent - they have a mum and a dad who love them very much and who should be the ones at important life events.

It’s about the kids - not the adults

What right do I have to take a spot from either of them just so I can selfishly be part of the action?

While it would be nice if we could all be there together like one big happy Brady Bunch, that’s not the reality so, as hard as it might be, step-parents sometimes just have to suck it up.

A friend who is part of a blended family says: “While it’s great when my husband (my son’s stepdad) can be involved in my son’s activities some of the time - it’s not the end of the world if he can’t be. We’re all too bloody entitled these days - not everything goes exactly the way we want it to all the time. Sometimes it’ll be easy to be involved, sometimes it won’t. Move on.”

And since when did it become about me anyway? I think we all need to remember why we’re doing all of this - for the kids. If the kids are healthy and happy and have the support they need then does it really matter where it comes from?

This post first appeared on kidspot.com.au

No matter how lived in the living room is, there’s one part of the home where families gather to download and debrief on the day’s events. No wonder the kitchen is dubbed the heart of the home. But these days it is so much more.

Kitchen by IKEA

“We’re seeing larger kitchens that consider the needs of all the users in the space,” says Freedom Kitchens design manager Jenny O’Connell. “There’s more emphasis on open workspaces, multiple ovens and storage maximisation inthe form of butler’s pantries.”

The rise and rise of open-plan living has moved the kitchen firmly into the centre of the house — with the living, dining and outdoor areas positioned around it. So instead of being away from the action, the home chef is now connected with the rest of the family and the island bench or breakfast bar doubles as a gathering spot for friends and family.

Choose your style

Whether it’s country, modern, classic, coastal, industrial or vintage, the style you choose for your kitchen will dictate everything from layout to appliance choices. But if you can’t choose, don’t panic. Winning Appliances CEO David Woollcott says a mix and match approach can work.

A modern kitchen with a mismatched twist from this year's series of House Rules

The rise of the “kaleidoscope kitchen” is an emerging trend and one that suits many families.

“The kaleidoscope kitchen embraces a mix-and-match approach by incorporating different colours, brands and trends,” he says. “This open-minded approach to kitchen design transcends from Australia’s relaxed, down-to-earth lifestyle.”

“Blending old with new provides a greatdeal of flexibility, and is an excellent choice for homeowners who don’t want to confine themselves to a single style,” says Jenny O’Connell.

Designer finish

One of the most prominent features of your kitchen is the benchtop. Jenna Susetio, a contestant on The Block turned kitchen designer for The Good Guys, says the right benchtop really adds wow factor.

“From laminate to stone there are plenty of things to consider when chooosing your bench,” she says. “Consider using different heights, contrasting colours or varying textures for visual impact.”

A classic style kitchen from this year's series of House Rules

Think before you buy

Before buying appliances think about the space you have available. “Space is at a premium for many households, so finding ingenious ways of doing more with less is often at the top of most agendas,” says The Good Guys’ Julie Hanover. “There has been a rise in inclusions such as innovative storage solutions, eat-in-dining benches and mirrored splashbacks to create the illusion of space.”

First published Home Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, 15 November 2015

It’s said bathrooms sell houses but even if you’re planning to stay the distance in your current home it makes sense to get the bathroom absolutely right. After all, it’s one of the most used rooms in your home.

On the surface, bathrooms seem simple and formulaic — shower, vanity, basin and, if there’s space, a bath and toilet. Not much room for error there, right? Well, as reality TV renovation shows have taught us, there’s plenty to consider when designing your dream bathroom.

“Layout is a really important factor when designing your bathroom,” explains Mojo Homes interior design Sandra Lockhart. “Where will the toilet go? Is there enough room to dry off when I step out of the shower? What am I looking at when sitting on the toilet?”

“The most important thing to consider is who will be using the bathroom,” says Tradelink national selection centre manager Eamon Lowe. “The layout, the fixtures and fittings should be tailored to the people who are going to use it. If there will be several people using the bathroom at a time perhaps think about twin shower heads, two basins, and space- saving features such as wall-hung toilet and vanity.”

A bathroom with hidden cistern by Reece

Budget is also an important consideration.

“If you’re working to a strict budget, compile a list of ‘must haves’ and a list of ‘lust-haves’,” advises Reece bathrooms business manager Daniela Santilli. “Essentials such as storage and proper ventilation need to be in the budget breakdown, while the inclusion of splurges like a rain shower or heated towel rail may need to be revised when the final costs are completed.”

First things first

Getting the order right is especially important in a wet area like the bathroom where, generally, space is limited and each element of the room heavily relies on the others.

“When selecting your products, start with the largest items first as these can dictate further choices as you layer products from big to small,” says Reece’s Daniela Santilli. “For example, the kind of vanity you select will dictate whether the basin is inset or above counter, which will then influence what kind of tapware you choose. Similarly, the type of bath and its placement will impact the taps and spout you can use.”

The usual sequence of events is: rough in, plumbing, waterproofing, painting/tiling, and installing new fixtures and fittings. However, the order of these may vary depending on your project.

Tile choice

Gone are the days when bathroom tiles were confined to square and white. While white is still a popular choice, patterned and textured tiles are adding interest to otherwise neutral spaces. Trends to watch are hexagonal-shaped tiles and mosaics which work well in a small feature wall or around the vanity.

A bathroom tile mosaic features on last year's season of The Block

Lighting that works

“Well-planned lighting is essential in a bathroom – it should never be an added afterthought,” says Tradelink’s Eamon Lowe. “Ideally there should be both ambient and task lighting — ambient for bathing and showering, and task lighting near the vanity and mirror for grooming.”

The bathroom in the Nova display home by Mojo Homes

Lockhart suggests keeping all your different lights on separate switches for the ability customise each bathroom experience.

First published Home Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, 15 November 2015

Chefs may be the new rock stars, but behind the fawning magazine profiles and the celebrity TV gigs, it's a tough life. Not for nothing does the aphorism "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" ring true.

But the collision of two trends is seeing a change in our top kitchens. The "paddock to plate" philosophy is connecting chefs more closely to the produce they work with, while the wider treechange movement is prompting some to step away from the city restaurant pressure cooker to find a healthier, healthier way of life.



Alastair McLeod spent years at the coalface, making his name at the much-loved Bretts Wharf, Hamilton, and launching the highly regarded Tank Restaurant & Bar, in the city. A couple of years ago, though, the charismatic Irishman moved from New Farm to Samford Valley and set up his catering business Al'FreshCo.

His new existence on a two-hectare property complete with cows, a beehive, chooks and a veggie patch is a far cry from inner-city life and the nonstop, high-stress nature of a working kitchen. Not that he's putting his feet up.

"I think there's an impression that you come out to this idyll because you've made your millions and you can just sit here and stroke your cattle all day but it couldn't be further from the truth," Alastair says.

"I do feel less stressed than when I was in a big city restaurant doing a service every day but instead of working 40 hours a week for someone else I'm doing it for myself. In fact, I'm probably working 100 hours a week now but I get to choose which 100 hours they are." Joining Al is his wife Ash, a former TV producer who now runs Al'FreshCo with Alastair and a small, dedicated team.

Alistair McLeod at home in the Samford Valley

Glen Barratt, chef at Brookfield's popular Wild Canary, tells a similar story. He joined the "botanical bistro" in 2014 after a career that has seen him work in some of Brisbane's top kitchens including Tables of Toowong, Two Small Rooms and Restaurant II.

"Don't get me wrong, there's still stress and pressure, but there's also this sense of enjoyment and pleasure that comes from the opportunity to get back to the basics," says Glen, a supporter of farmers' markets, local produce and permaculture who also lives in the Samford Valley with his wife, five children and an ever-growing organic garden.

"It's the little things, like the simple act of walking out to the kitchen garden we have at Wild Canary to collect herbs, instead of having them delivered to the back door of the restaurant.

Glen Barratt in his kitchen garden at Wild Canary in Brookfield

"Even though there are still plenty of high pressure moments, you can look up to the clouds, see the butterflies and watch our customers exploring the garden. It kind of puts it all in perspective." For both men, the move was prompted by a desire to reconnect with produce and create "real food".

Both Alastair and Glen reel off the names of farmers and producers from both the Brisbane region and the Lockyer Valley as if they're talking about familiar friends - and in some cases they are. They know exactly where things have come from and the processes that have brought them from the paddock to the plate.

"The local farmers have become friends. It's nice to hear what's happening from their end. It makes the whole transaction so much more personal, which you definitely don't get working in a fast-paced city kitchen." Alastair, who is a regular presenter on Channel 7's The Great South East, says getting back to the reason he became a chef in the first place was part of the thinking behind his decision to start a market stall when Bretts Wharf closed almost four years ago.

"I arrived at this fork in the road and I had to think about what it was that I really wanted to do," he says. "So basically Ash and I became carnies, travelling to and from the markets and getting back to real, authentic food. I kind of had this moment when it became very clear to me that there's no correlation between how complicated you can make a dish and how delicious it is, so a market stall just made sense." One of Alastair's market hits was his "croque madman" - a take on the classic French grilled ham, cheese and egg sandwich.

"We used bread made by Terry Wilson (of Leavain Bakery) for the market, our butter came from Camille Mortaud from Gympie Farm, who also had a stall, and the ham, cheese and eggs were all from local suppliers," he says. "It wasn't complicated - just delicious."

This passion for the very best local produce is also evident in Glen's ever-changing menu at Wild Canary. Meals are strewn with seasonal herbs and vegetables, while spectacular cakes are decorated liberally with edible flowers.

Packed full of antioxidants who could say no on a Friday morning to a slice of layered chocolate berry cake for breakfast!? #cake #antioxidants #chocolate #berries #cakelicious #edibleflowers #delicious

A photo posted by Wild Canary ☕️🍷🍰🍅🍍🌺🌴 (@wildcanaryeat) on May 19, 2016 at 1:23pm PDT

It's an enthusiasm that has rubbed off on the young chefs he works with in the kitchen.

"In the city, as an apprentice, you're not exposed to where the food actually comes from," he says. "You're not taken out to see where tomatoes or cucumbers would be growing, to see where eggs are being laid - they just turn up on the back doorstep. I make an effort to take my guys with me as often as possible to meet the farmers."

The whole thing suggests an alluring simplicity that can sometimes be lost in the hubbub of a city restaurant. "The main job of the chef is to manage a business that, in this country, is operating with a profit margin of just two to four per cent on average, so it's not really in the best interest of the business for me to be out foraging for parsley," Alastair says.

"Instead I need to be in the restaurant managing this slim-margin business and we all know that's not really the core skill of a chef." Alastair and Glen aren't the only ones who are enjoying a greater connection to the food they prepare thanks to their semi-rural status.
Ben Devlin left city fine diner Esquire to launch Paper Daisy at Cabarita Beach, where he can cook in view of the pool.

Three Blue Ducks chef Darren Robertson swapped the bright lights of Sydney for a quieter life in Byron Bay to open a farmside business complete with restaurant, cafe and deli, and there are many others following their lead. It's a trend that looks set to continue as the dining public's appetite for unprocessed, "real" ingredients grows.

"I've been cooking for 25 years and, truthfully, I've never been happier," Glen says.

First published in Brisbane News, 9 March 2016

Yes, I'm engaged! And to tell you the truth, I think I'm still getting over the shock! It happened more than a month ago while we were holidaying in New York but I feel like it's only all just starting to sink it... I'm going to get married!

Of course the first question everyone is asking is have we started planning yet. But honestly I think I was so overwhelmed for the first few weeks that I couldn't even think that far ahead. I'm sure some people - my fiance included - thought my lack of planning mojo in the first few weeks was a sign I wasn't 100 per cent into the whole wedding thing. I think the poor guy was a little worried in all honesty.

True, I'm not a real girly-girl who has dreamed of my wedding day my whole life. To me, a wedding is a mark of two people's commitment to each other and the colour of the centrepieces doesn't really matter. Sure I want everything to look pretty and perfect but if I end up with rhododendrons instead of roses, the world - or my marriage - isn't going to end. And maybe it's my age but the thought of spending an amount akin to a deposit on a nice home on just one evening sends shivers down my spine.

But now the reality that I am soon to be a Mrs. has sunk in I'm feeling more ready to tackle the ginormous task ahead of me. The first hurdle we faced was the type of wedding we wanted to have - I'm happy with small (and I mean really small) and intimate whereas my fiance is more of a big-party-for-everyone-we've-ever-met type of thing. We've managed to come to a middle ground of sorts and, at the moment, we're thinking of a destination wedding where whoever wants to come see us tie the knot is welcome.

Our engagement pic! Yes, this is where it happened.

It's a really exciting time but I'm conscious of not getting too bogged down in the detail and enjoying our engagement. I know I'll never get this time again so I want it to be as stress-free as possible.

And for all of our friends reading this... consider this your official notification that we've finally set the date (well kind of!). We're hoping for the second week of April 2017 - almost exactly a year to the date we got engaged. Stay tuned.

Sprucing up an indoor area is sometimes as simple as adding a plant or two. They will instantly add colour, life and interest to otherwise drab spaces.

But they don’t just look great, indoor plants also have plenty of health benefits.

1. THEY CLEAN THE AIR

Countless studies have proven plants can help eliminate VOCs (volatile organic compounds), carbon dioxide, benzene and other gases from the air we breathe. Some of these chemicals have been linked to headaches, respiratory illnesses and nausea.

2. THEY CAN MAKE YOU HAPPIER

House plants can contribute to a feeling of wellbeing, making you calmer and more optimistic. Studies have shown that patients who face a garden view in their hospital rooms often recover more quickly than those facing an empty wall.

3. THEY CAN IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP

Studies have shown the vapour from some plants, specifically jasmine and lavender, can lead to a more restful sleep. Keep a lavender or jasmine plant by your bed and the smell will help bring on a state of tranquillity that will help you prepare for a good night’s sleep.

4. THEY CAN HELP KIDS STUDY

A potted plant on a desk or in a home office or study can increase focus and productivity allowing you to accomplish more with less stress. In a study published in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture, researchers reported that plants helped workers complete tasks with more focus and efficiency.

5. THEY LOOK GREAT

Got an awkward corner or a bare wall? Try a plant. Hanging planters will look great in alfresco areas, while planter stands will make the most of corner spaces. Vertical garden planters are another great option and will add some texture and colour to even the blandest spaces.

They're the wives of three of the Parramatta Eels’ most recognisable players. Just don’t call Erin Cayless, Lana Taylor and Bonnie Hindmarsh WAGs.

Lana Taylor, Erin Cayless and Bonnie Hindmarsh from Three Birds Renovations

After starting a boutique renovation business known as Three Birds Renovations together, these hard-working women are determined to make a name for themselves.

"We’re grateful for our husbands’ support but we haven’t used them to promote the business,” says Erin. “We watched them follow their dreams and we've been there for them but now it’s time for us to have a go. This is the next chapter for us.”

Since the 2014 launch of Three Birds Renovations, the trio has bought, renovated and sold three houses in Sydney’s northwest — while strictly adhering to a short turnaround rule for each of the properties.

While they’re not taking on any external client work at this stage, their project management and styling skills speak for themselves — the trio made $375,000 on their latest property after a renovation that cost approximately $160,000 and took them just seven weeks to complete.

It may not be long before this talented trio are tempted to use their skills to help other owners dramatically increase the value of their homes.

How did the three of you meet?

Bonnie: Erin and I have been close friends since we were teenagers and then we met Lana about 13 years ago when our husbands were playing at the same football club together. We’ve been close friends ever since.

What prompted you to try working together? What were each of you doing professionally before that?

Bonnie: I’d been trying to convince Erin that we should flip houses together and the idea of working together was a no-brainer because we had been job-sharing as event managers for years. Erin would run the operations of the event and I would manage all the creative and design elements — and that’s how it works at Three Birds, too. We each brought a different skill set to the table, which has proved invaluable in building this company. Lana used to work as a marketing director so we knew she would bring more traditional business and marketing experience to the team.

What do each of you contribute professionally to Three Birds?

Lana: Bonnie brings the creative vision to every project. She grew up with renovator parents so it’s in her blood. She’s never been trained in interior design, she just knows what she likes and what it takes to create a beautiful feeling in the homes we renovate. Erin is the operations guru. She’s a control freak and likes to be on top of every tiny detail, which makes her the perfect person to run each renovation and ensure tradies turn up when they’re supposed to (a challenge for every home renovator). With my previous experience in business, I try to bring big picture thinking to the company and marketing drive. Apparently I also provide comic relief on site.

How would you describe the Three Birds style?

Bonnie: Our trademark look is white, light and fresh. If we had to name it we’d call it modern coastal with a hint of Hamptons.

Are your interior styles similar or completely different?

Lana: Bonnie is our creative mastermind so her style is the one we follow. To be honest, I don’t even have a style — in fact I’ve now realised my home is positively out of date! Bonnie’s look is so fresh, light and dreamy that it’s been easy for Erin and me to fall in love with her style and make it our own.

Do you have a favourite project?

Erin: Our first house was probably our favourite project because the challenge was so huge. It was a hoarder’s house with rubbish stacked to the ceiling in most rooms. We couldn’t even see the floor, which was covered in soggy newspapers, and the backyard needed controlled burning just to find the boundary fences. The transformation was so great that the neighbours would drive past honking their horns and yelling out thanks from their car windows. It was a baptism by fire.

What do you think is the biggest mistake people make when renovating?

Erin: The biggest mistake people can make is not creating a detailed budget. Ideally you should document a clear scope of work for every single tradie and have them agree to the cost for that scope of work. This is the only way to ensure you come close to your budget. Unexpected things will crop up so you should always set aside at least another five per cent for contingencies.

What’s the ethos of the company?

Lana: Build the life you love. This isn’t a business, it’s a lifestyle. We will often make decisions based on this philosophy. For example, we were debating whether or not we would work on Saturdays (some of our tradies had wanted to). When one of us said ‘‘working on Saturdays and missing my kids’ sport is not building a life I love’’, it made the decision easy.

What’s next for Three Birds?

Bonnie: Our company purpose is to inspire and empower women to pursue their passion for renovating and, ultimately, build a life they love. We know there are many more ways we can do this. Buying and renovating houses will always be our heartland but we want to find ways to connect with our audience in new engaging ways, beyond just social media.

It was always my intention with this blog to transform it into a bit of a city guide that would grow and grow as I explored my adopted city of Brisbane. But, as you may have read, the whole ‘settling in’ thing hasn't quite gone to plan and I'm ashamed to say my blog ended up an early casualty of the move while I tried to piece my new life together.

Things are starting to look up though, I'm beginning to feel more comfortable in my new town and I’m finally getting out and about to some of the places that have been on my radar for a while.

One of these is the Damian Griffiths-owned Les Bubbles - a restaurant that specialises in one of my favourite dishes of all time, steak frites; in fact that’s all they serve. The fact Les Bubbles is a one-dish establishment means you kind of expect it be pretty good. After all, if you’re only cooking one thing, you better be good at it.

Les Bubbles is housed in a building notorious in Brisbane’s underground history. Once a sleazy bathhouse and casino, it was the at the centre of the Fitzgerald inquiry into Queensland Police Corruption in the late 1980s.

The notorious Bubbles bathhouse and brothel on Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley

And what the building looks like today.

The inquiry resulted in the deposition of a premier, two by-elections, the jailing of three former ministers and a police commissioner who was jailed and lost his knighthood. It also led directly to the end of the National Party of Australia's 32-year run as the governing political party in Queensland.

Today, Fortitude Valley, is a very different part of the city than it was thirty years ago. A little like Darlinghurst in Sydney, the area has been cleaned up and is now home to some of Brisbane’s most talked about eateries and bars. This is thanks, in part, to Griffiths who has made no secret of his intention to attract a different kind of demographic to the suburb.

But Les Bubbles isn't ashamed of it’s shady past, in fact it embraces it with a cheeky neon sign taking pride of place in the dining room and a host of black and white photos of the venue’s previous life jostling for space above the tables. On the outside of the building a sign proudly proclaims "Quality meat served here since 1982'.


Downstairs, the fully-tiled Bathhouse Bar still has a 15-person spa bath in one corner (and a strategically-placed pile of towels) for customers who are feeling particularly brave.

But back to the food, the steak comes with a choice of three sauces and bottomless fries (that’s BOTTOMLESS fries ladies and gentlemen). It’s preceded by a tasty salad served with a tangy vinaigrette and walnuts and a basket of bread for the table.

You don’t get to choose your steak cut and, unless you specify otherwise, it comes served medium rare which suited me and my dining companion perfectly. The serving size is huge so even though the promise of bottomless fries was one of the main things that put Les Bubbles on my radar, we didn't need to take our waitress up on her offer.

Squad goals: Amy Poehler and Tina Fey

Be open

Initiate

Repeat

Maz in her Hamptons style kitchen in the Sydney suburb of Thornleigh. Picture: Albert Santos

For Maz Espiritu the potential in the split-level 1950s cottage was obvious from the moment she stepped inside. However her husband Jeff required a little more convincing.

“It was hard for him to see the potential — he knew it needed a lot of work and money. But I knew from the moment I stepped inside that this was our new home,” says Maz. “The house had a lot of character and I figured we could really work with it to create a Hamptons-style look if we allocated the right amount of money and spent it wisely. The huge balcony that overlooks the masses of greenery out the back just won me over and the location is just fantastic.”

The couple bought the three-bedroom home in Thornleigh in Sydney’s northwest in 2013 for just over $700,000. Maz estimates they have spent about $80,000 so far remodelling the bathroom and kitchen and giving new life to the living areas.

As first-time renovators the whole process was daunting but the couple went into it knowing there would be parts of the renovation that tested their patience.

“We had hopes of completing the house in a year but it’s been almost two years and we’ve only just finished the top floor,” says Maz. “Jeff was certainly patient dealing with contractors — and with me — but the biggest things we have learned have definitely been doing all the handy work, tiling and plastering the walls ourselves.”

Dream kitchen

One of the main projects in the renovation was the complete re-imagining of the existing kitchen which Maz says was very dark and had asbestos in the walls.

Picture: Albert Santos

“We made the whole space feel bigger by removing the internal walls,” she says. “That enabled us to design an open plan kitchen and living area and rearrange the layout of the home to really allow a flow of air and light throughout the entire top floor.”

After selling the existing kitchen cabinetry on eBay to raise some extra funds, Maz and Jeff purchased a new benchtop and cabinetry which they had professionally installed.

 The Gyprock, tiling, installation of the rangehood and ducting and the painting however were all DIY jobs so that the couple could save money to spend on other parts of the renovation.

The kitchen renovation wasn’t without its challenges — after the removal of the walls, the floorboards didn’t line up. Removing them wasn’t an option as they were one feature the couple had elected to keep from the start.

“We wanted to keep the original wooden floors so we had them professionally sanded down and varnished in a dark colour.”

Picture: Albert Santos

It’s ended up as one of Maz’s favourite rooms in the house.

“It caters easily to entertaining people and truly makes cooking more enjoyable with plenty of room to move around,” she says.

Bathroom bliss

If the kitchen was hard work, Maz and Jeff’s renovation of the home’s main bathroom was on a whole other level.

“The house was old and we knew it needed some work,” says Maz.

“Most aspects were functional but the bathroom was old and we discovered during the course of our renovation that the plumbing was not to standard. The shower waste was just running to the ground outside so we had all that soapy gunk just sitting on the ground or running into the downstairs walls. It was disgusting to say the least.”

Picture: Albert Santos

Their problems didn’t end there. The bathroom had only one small waste hole and the wall beams were rotting and needed to be replaced.

To save the money that they would need to spend fixing the plumbing, the couple took on all the plasterboard work, waterproofing and tiling themselves also installing the shelving, towel rails, mirror and the curtain rail.

“We definitely underestimated the difficulty in tiling with 600x600mm porcelain tiles, especially when we discovered that the walls were uneven,” says Maz.

Nevertheless the job was finished and the end product shows no signs of the difficulties the couple faced.

Words of wisdom

Like many first-time renovators, Maz and Jeff found the process time consuming but ultimately rewarding. Their advice for would-be renovators?

“Research, research, research,” says Maz. “It will build your knowledge and help you make wise decisions before and throughout the renovation process. There’s a lot of thought and weighing up that you should do before going ahead — it’s not for everyone and definitely not for the faint-hearted.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice, be open minded and be realistic with time frames and budget. Don’t forget to set aside a budget for the unforeseen circumstances too.”

Picture: Albert Santos

First published in Home, The Daily Telegraph 11 September 2015