Shopping Confessions Issue 2 July

SHOPPING CONFESSIONS Issue 2 July 2017

New Label crush WHITE LABEL NOBA

FOR MEN HATS FOR DAYS MEET MOTHER

&

DAUGHTER TEAM FROM

THE POWER LIFE

Aso Dara A lifestyle brand that reflects diverse beauty of Pan African ideals & Culture

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. contents

BEAUTY & STYLE

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FOR HIM

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NEW LABEL CRUSH

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WHAT I BOUGHT

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LUXE FOR LESS

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SUMMER HOLIDAY

FEATURE BRANDS

HOME

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PLANT PRODUCTS

EDIBLE BEAUTY

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ULTIMATE EARS

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ASO DARA

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FISH 4 DOGS

TRIED & TESTED

Turn to page 9

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN an Island Trading Co. candle valued at $69ea

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#POWERLIFE

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SILK’N INFINITY

LIFESTYLE

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THE POWER LIFE

WHAT WE’RE OBSESSED WITH THIS MONTH #silkysmooth #hairlaser #tried&tested

#inkgin #KFC #cocktails

#comfort #fashion #scloves

@silknau

@ink_gin

@chalmers.pyjamas

. editors letter ISSUE ONE COMPETITION WINNERS

head to www.asodara.com to

GET THE COVER LOOK

THE SWAG: Jaz Flav & Ellyn Rowe.

EARTH & SOUL AROMA DIFFUSER: Lizzy Grand, Sharyn Moore, Michael Kay, Erin Howell, Yvonne Priest & Michelle Barton.

Dear Mikey, please forgive me for I have shopped again...

Lets get social QUEEN SHOPPER @SHOPCONFESSIONS SHOPPING CONFESSIONS @SHOPPINGCONFESSIONS

Firstly, thank you for all your messages, we are so happy you love our mag, the response has been overwhelming. In just a few weeks we have had thousands of views.

It’s winter here in Australia and it’s freezing; my tracky dacks and uggs are getting a workout (fashion faux I know) so hubby and I are heading to The Cook Islands later this month to thaw out and recharge the batteries. In prep of our Island vacay I tested out the silkn laser hair removal; my full review in the mag.

DUCHESS OF DESIGN @KNOWTHEROSE

I also share my new label crush, a beautiful accessory label from the US and I sat down with 2 very inspiring women.

Of course, Maui has her say and we have plenty of other stuff for the whole family too.

We have so much fun putting it together and finding new products and brands to share with you.

Big Hugs Kath x *stock availability & pricing correct as at 30th June 2017*

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. home

Plant Products We Love 1. Aztec Large lightweight pot $245 www.arcandfamily.com.au 2. Homegrown & Handmade washable leather gloves $54.90 www.hardtofind.com.au 3. Watering can $59 www.zakkia.com. au 4. Gold Hose on sale $199 www.theminimalist.com.au 5. String of pearls Kokedama $70 www.bulburaplantdesigns. com.au 6. Plants & Sanctuary M $149.90 www.botanica. boutique (note plants sold separately) 2.

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S.C LOVES

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7. Copper garden tools in personalised bag $73.50 www.hardtofind.com.au 8.

Saturn Hanger $130 www. ivymuse.com.au 9. Triple table top planter on sale $69.95 www.westelm.com. au 10. Redfox & Wilcox Planters from $160 www.redfoxandwilcox. com.au

. mens

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HATS FOR DAYS

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1. Borsalino Fedora $294 www.farfetch.com 2. Move – vintage effect leather bowler hat $367 on sale www.luisaviaroma.com 3. Akubra Banjo Patteron Heritage $189.95 on sale www.australiangear.com 4. RJR John Rocha Brown $54 www.debenhams.com 5. Pratesi Leather hat $392 www.forieri.com

Abaka $240

Arne $220

www.helenkaminski.com.au

www.helemkaminski.com

Harmony Paris – Alex $143 on sale

Lucid Yucca Felt Hat $39.99

www.farfetch.com

www.citybeach.com.au

Brixton Gain Fedora on sale $23.70

Buckle Trim wide brim Hat $7.99

www.theiconic.com.au

www.river.com.au

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. style

New Label Crush WHITE LABEL NOBA

The thing I love most about social media is stumbling across labels I haven’t heard of before. White Label Noba based in Queensland is one of them.

Colour, prints, glitz and glamour for women of all shapes, sizes and age; I instantly fell in love.

So, in true Kathy style I picked up the phone to tell them. I spoke to owner and designer Tracey Watkins and talk about laugh it was like we had known each other for ages. You could hear the love and passion through the phone which I believe reflects in Tracey’s designs.

Tracey wanted to design and create beautiful clothes and shoes for all women, not just the perfect 10s.

“White Label Noba is a very special label. It’s one what celebrates all woman, of any age and size. I found it very difficult and incredibly frustrating to find clothes that were both stylish and flattering – given I sit in the styling category of having a larger bust and the absence of a defined waistline. When my original vision to dress plus-size women in beautiful clothing resonated with women of ALL shapes and sizes, it became very clear to me that in fact, size really doesn’t matter –

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how you feel when wear a piece of beautiful clothing does. And that’s the secret behind White Label Noba,” said Tracey.

I couldn’t agree more Tracey; a confident woman is a beautiful woman.

Here are some of the stunning pieces from the latest collection.

STYLE TIP IF YOU ARE PLANNING A SUMMER VACAY MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT THE OUTLET SECTION ON THE WEBSITE. I’m off to the Cook Islands in a few weeks and picked up some stunning pieces.

SHOP WHITE LABEL NOBA HERE www.whitelabelnoba.com

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. style

#SCstyle WHAT I BOUGHT Top $59.95 Pants $89.95 www.chalmerspyjamas.com Purchased from Rust Avalon

AL

S CA U

CHI

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Niiro the label white shirt $320 Purchased from Manyara Mosman Oskar The label top $129.99 Oskar the label drawstring pants $149.99 Purchased from www.oskarthelabel.com

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Quay Australia sunglasses $65 Purchased from www.theiconic.com.au Zara Pants and top $170 Purchased from Zara Bondi Junction

. competition

#GIVEAWAY

TO WIN ONE OF FIVE DELUXE

The Island Trading Co. Candles are all hand poured in Australia using only the finest soy blend wax. Each candle represents a carefully balanced mix of essential oils and natural extracts that combine to produce the unique aromas of a warm afternoon in the tropics. Wrapped in hand woven rattan and adorned with antique brass these beautiful candles will seamlessly nestle into your chic beach shack or pacific villa.

The glass vessels are moulded rather than blown, promoting longevity and tying in with the Island Trading Co’s aim to create beautiful reusable packaging that is gentle on the environment.

CANDLES VALUED AT $69EA

To enter tell us in 25 words or less your

WE ARE GIVING YOU THE CHANCE

favourite tropical destination & why Email your answer to kathy@shoppingconfessions.com.au Winner announced in next month’s issue.

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SHOPPING TIP

. style

It’s winter here in Australia so hard to find summer clothes.

Good thing though is summer stock is on sale overseas.

MY GO TO WOULD BE WWW.THEOUTNET.COM

WAS $820 ON SALE $320

Sometimes the universe listens. There was a jumpsuit from Isabel Marant that I have been eyeing off for months but couldn’t afford it. Then boom it’s 60% OFF at The Outnet.

Would have been rude not to add to cart. Thank you universe.

THIS REALLY WASN’T A VACAY ESSENTIAL IT WAS A “I JUST HAD TO HAVE IT”.

#SCTRAVEL

Summer Holiday Essentials Every July Mike and I pick a spot in the South Pacific to holiday, we love the pacific and we are ticking off each destination one at a time, this year we are heading to The Cook Islands. This is when we defrost because it’s bloody cold; I don’t do Winter very well and to recharge our batteries for the months leading up to Christmas.

I DON’T PACK A LOT BUT THERE ARE A FEW ESSENTIALS, WELL MAYBE NOT ESSENTIALS, IT’S REALLY AN EXCUSE TO SHOP. 10

Up next a pair of sandals. Scored these from www.theiconic.com.au on sale of course.

WAS $49.95

Next on the list was a bikini (because I don’t have enough of those). Again, from the outnet I bought this Melissa Odabash bikini (without realising I seem to have a thing for yellow) 50% OFF and it’s called the Athen bikini which I took as a sign being Greek and all.

ON SALE $24.98

#STYLE #SUMMER #HOLIDAY ASKE T

B

WAS $252 ON SALE $127

LOV

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Baskets are my thing; our house is filled with them & I couldn’t tell you how many beach baskets I have. This raffia bag from Made In Mada is beautiful. Perfect for holidays. It folds flat, perfect for the suitcase & doesn’t weigh a tonne. Quality is top notch.

$150 www.madeinmada.net for stockists

I also like to take with me a towel that I can double as a sarong. I love the towels from www.turkishmurkish.com so light weight. Yep it was on sale.

WAS $49.95 ON SALE $24.98

Basket, cossie, sandals, sarong and overalls; now I just need to pack my denim shorts, a few tops, sunblock and my sunnies.

ONLY THING LEFT TO BUY IS A COUPLE OF GOOD BOOKS, SO IF YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS HIT ME UP.

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. beauty

SO GOOD YOU CAN EAT IT

Let’s Turn Beauty Inside Out Edible Beauty Australia uses the highest quality pure, botanical and wildcrafted ingredients to create a range of beauty products that is both therapeutic and luxurious.

We pledge that our products are literally good enough, and safe enough to eat. They contain no ingredients that would not also enter your mouth. We believe that skincare should be therapeutic, luxurious and safe. Our edible beauty promise to you … If you wouldn’t put it in your mouth, we won’t put it in our products

Enter

SHOPPING20 at checkout to receive 20% discount.

Beautiful products for mum & bub.

WWW.EDIBLEBEAUTYAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

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. brand love

Ultimate Ears

With WONDERBOOM, you can free your music from your phone and enjoy your music the way

S

it is meant to be heard,out loud.

EA M TR

&

SHA

Stream and share your music anytime, anywhere, with Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM, whether you’re partying by the pool, getting ready for a night out with friends or surviving that muddy, dusty summer festival. If it gets soaked, no worries. If it gets dirty, rinse it off.

WONDERBOOM: PINT SIZED SPEAKER WITH SURPRISINGLY BIG SOUND

RE

Meet the latest addition to the Ultimate Ears family of portable, seriously waterproof, go-anywhere speakers: the new Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM™, a pint-sized Bluetooth® speaker with huge personality and surprisingly big sound.

The super-portable WONDERBOOM delivers uncompromising sound quality with clear, crisp, non-stop sound, as well as big, beautiful bass.

What colour would you choose?

WONDERBOOM is available in six fresh colours: Stone (Grey), Phantom (Black), Fireball (Red), SubZero (Blue), Cashmere (Pink) and Lilac. RRP $129

WWW.ULTIMATEEARS.COM

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. beauty

TRIED & TESTED I’m hairy, it’s as simple as that. As I get older I’m getting a few unwanted visitors on my face too, my tweezers are always on standby. Waxing & shaving has been my only option basically because of the colour of my skin.

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I always wanted to have laser, but because I’m so olive I couldn’t. Some Salons now have the equipment for darker skin, I made a few enquiries but the cost was an issue. I was quoted around $3,000; that’s pretty much from my lip all the way down to my toes.

Thanks to the girls at Polka Dot PR they sent me a Silk’n Infinity G; a home hair removal laser to try out. It’s safe for all skin colours (but note not to be used on skin that has had recent exposure to sun). Being winter it’s a perfect time for me to give it a go.

MY VERDICT I read the instructions several times, anything I’m going to use on my face I need to be sure.

I’ve shaved all the areas I want to laser and I start the treatment. I have brown to black hair so it says I’ll need 8-10 sessions approx. 4 weeks apart. I’ve done 3 sessions and so far, the reduction has been great and it’s painless. It took me about half an hour to complete. I was a little red after the treatments but that was gone after an hour.

To be hair free makes me so happy, when I was younger I didn’t mind the waxing but as I got older I use to dread it, seemed to hurt more and Nothing more embarrassing when you look in a mirror and see a little black hair coming out of your chin.

www.silkn.com.au

A few more treatments to go, but have to say the reduction of hair has been great, I’m really seeing the difference. So easy to use.

The Silk’n Infinity G costs $649 but if you work out what you spend on waxing this saves you money. I was spending around $1000 a year.

Here’s to a hair free summer.

PS Follow me on Instagram @shoppingconfessions and I’ll keep you updated with my progress

. cover story

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Aso Dara; Which originates from the Youruba language translates roughly to “good cloth�.

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. cover story

Aso Dara was set up as a side business by Modupeola and her 4 siblings Temitope, Oluwatosim, Tolulipe & Gbemisola using traditional African fabrics who were born to Yoruba parents who immigrated from Nigeria to the United States.

Drawing from their culture they have created I look forward to seeing what’s next from Aso a beautiful collection consisting of head wraps, Dara. chokers, headbands, bandeau’s & swimsuits with prices starting from $10 USD to $65 USD. (shipping to Australia is $15 USD) Starting only 12 months ago the business is growing at a steady pace with sales from all over the world. The only place Aso Dara advertise is on Instagram, they post photos of people wearing their product regularly. Their Instagram account is growing at between 1000-15000 a month with a current following of over 20,000.

The African fabrics are sourced from various locations across the US and they have gotten prints from Nigeria and Senegal. Each print has a story which you can read about on their website.

I’VE ORDERED THE SANNAA HEADWRAP (PICTURED ON THE COVER) AND CAN’T WAIT FOR IT TO ARRIVE.

CHECK OUT MORE AT www.asodara.com

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@asodara

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. kids

WOODEN TOYS

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1. Woodland wooden blocks $55 www.nocnoc.com.au 2. Tiger tribe animal skittles $19.95 www. littleearthnest.com.au 3. Fun Factory Lacing fruit in jar $24.95 www.woodenitbegreat.com.au 4. Sausage dog pull toy $32.99 www.yellowoctopus.com.au 5. Container ship $179.95 www. littleearthnest.com.au 6. Alpha numeric wooden snail $39.95 www.oxfamshop.org.au 7. Le Toy Van Wooden Pirate ship Barbarossa $99.95 www.entropy.com.au 8. Le Toy Van My first tool bench $154.95 www.woodenwonderland.com.au 9. Honeybake Cake stand $42.35 www.knockonwoodtoys. com.au 10. Honeybake Chococcino Machine $49.95 www.woodenwonderland.com.au 11. anod Maxi Cooker $189.95 www.amousewithahouse.com.au

. pooch report

The only treat I can eat WRITTEN BY MAUI SHEERAN Nearly 2 years ago my health was struggling, no one could work out what was wrong.

Mum and dad were so scared; mum doesn’t know I know but when I use to start shaking uncontrollably mum would start crying and walk out the room so I wouldn’t see.

After lengthy discussions, it was decided we could start adding a tiny bit of tuna (which I love) and some steamed rice but if I reacted it had to stop. So far so good.

So that’s dinner sorted out, what about treats?

That’s where Fish 4 Dogs come into it. My Pet Warehouse heard about my condition and sent me a couple of packets. They were so confident that my

After many visits to the vet and some overnight stays for all the tests you could think of I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Stomach disease. Sounds scary but with the right food and medication (4 tablets a day for the rest of my life) we can keep it under control.

stomach could handle it.

Fish 4 Dogs is a natural and healthy fish-based premium dog treat; which are gluten free, hypoallergenic and packed with naturally occurring Omega 3.

Mum gave me a treat and I didn’t shake in pain, crying or panting which is what happens when my stomach is upset.

Hallelujah, finally a treat I can eat. www.mypetwarehouse.com.au

Basically all I could eat was a prescribed dry dog food and steamed veges, no more meat which I loved and treats a big no no. After several weeks of steamed veges and no treats I wouldn’t touch my food; so, boring, I want steak, yeah maybe I’ve been spoilt but you try eating the same thing for dinner every day.

It was making it hard for Mum she didn’t know what to do.

Mum visited the Vet and asked if it was ok to start introducing some other food into my diet.

THANK YOU, MY PET WAREHOUSE AND FISH 4 DOGS, THESE TREATS ARE NOW A REGULAR ON MUM’S SHOPPING LIST.

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What money profile are you?

HOW KNOWING MY MONEY PROFILE HELPED CONTROL MY IMPULSE BUYING, START GOLF LESSONS & BOOK MYSELF INTO MACRAMÉ LESSONS

For the past couple of weeks, you would have seen I have been encouraging you to take Suncorp’s Money Profile Quiz. If you haven’t yet I suggest you do, it’s more than just taking a quiz it really does help you understand your relationship with money.

Here’s my story.

My money profile is ‘LOVE’ reading the profile was no surprise but reading it out loud really made me sit up and take notice, especially reading the various blog post related to my profile.

Shopping is like a drug for me, not kidding the feeling I get when I buy something new either for myself or someone else is euphoric & if it’s on SALE forget it call the paramedics, a little dramatic I know but it’s true.

Before I started Shopping Confessions I was a Finance Broker for over 20 years, and a pretty bloody good one. I was known as the girl with the great suits and shoes.

I loved to shop then and I love to shop now. The joy I get from giving gifts is amazing, I have been known to be very generous. It’s not that I’m trying to buy love and affection I just love buying fabulous gifts.

The post that really hit home was “Buyer’s remorse: what to do when you just can’t say no”.

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I am a Shopaholic, you may laugh and it seems fitting with what my job is all about and in my case, it is harder than most as I’m online all day looking for new product and brands to share with you but I must ease up on the impulse buying.

I have an excuse in my mind for every purchase, I can justify anything. I’m also an emotional shopper; Feeling sad I’ll buy something, angry I’ll buy something, bored I’ll shop, good news I’ll buy something to celebrate. Most of the time, not all I feel buyer’s remorse.

Shopping isn’t what it used to be. Shops only opened Monday – Friday 9-5 with late night shopping on a Thursday night. Sales only twice a year; mid-year and boxing day. My girlfriends and I use to make a day of it, shopping, lunch more shopping ending the day with a glass of wine. Now temptation is everywhere, online shopping from anywhere in the world on my phone in my PJ’s anytime of the day you want, Social media and the sales are all year round Making it hard for this shopaholic. With EOFY sales being some of the biggest I’ve seen in ages made it a tough couple of weeks. Some sales were offering an extra 20-30% off already marked down prices.

I don’t want you to think that shopping is a bad thing, I

still love it but I’m learning how to be smarter about it.

The past 10 days have been a real learning curve. The first few days were tough; talk about FOMO, if I don’t add to cart now I’ll miss out, but it did get easier and I feel pretty good.

These are the changes I made to the way I shop: Firstly, I went through my entire wardrobe and did a cleanout, this would be my 4th clean-out this year but this time I was ruthless. I included shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories. Some I donated and others I sold. It’s not just fashion I shop for; for hubby, the home or our pooch Maui, so a full spring clean although it’s winter was done.

I’m now working with a clean canvas.

I love list so this was fun for me. With sale items popping up in my inbox and social media feed I’d check them out, if something tugged at my heart strings instead of adding to cart without thinking twice I wrote it on my ‘do I really need it’ list. At the end of the week I would revisit all the items on my list, if it wasn’t still on sale or sold out I would cross it out. If it was still available I’d ask myself do you really need it, why do you need it & is it worth the dollars?

If I couldn’t answer them logically I wouldn’t buy it. It was really challenging but really rewarding knowing I had the willpower to delete.

I thought about when I do most of my shopping; I don’t shop much during the day it’s more at night while I’m sitting on the lounge bored. Mike is at rugby training 3 nights a week and there is nothing on TV, so I’m on my phone either on social or google just looking for something to buy (compensate the boredom). Now I’ve identified it I leave my phone in another room after 8pm. Hard at first cause I’m always checking emails but hey if you email me after 8 it can wait till the morning. I’ve started binge watching thanks to Netflix and Stan. Grace and Frankie what a crack up can’t wait for season 4. Now I’m half way through season 2 of Power. I don’t even miss my phone, it’s great. No temptations and a bit of digital detox at the same time.

In summer, I’m outdoors a lot between the beach and paddle boarding, going for walks with Maui, catching up with friends but in winter I hibernate which probably accounts a lot with the boredom. So,

I’ve started a couple of new activities. Don’t laugh I’ve enrolled in a six-week golf lesson, for those of you who are close to me get up of the floor and stop laughing; you never know I might love it and if I don’t that’s ok too, at least I gave it a go. I love anything arty or craft, I use to draw and paint a lot, make things but not of late so I’m doing a macramé course; the perfect activity for those cold and rainy days.

When it comes to buying gifts for others I set a budget, in doing this I still get the same excitement when they open it whether it’s a $10 or $100 gift.

The last step I’m going to make is at the beginning of every season write a list of what I need not want and stick to it. Don’t get me wrong I will still reward myself and spoil my loved ones; I’m just setting some ground rules.

It’s funny you know, all the above I already knew and I’m often asked in TV & radio interviews ‘how best to not overspend in the sales?’ These are all my tips and some, do as I say not as I do. When you are reading about yourself it makes you step back and have a think.

I’ve looked at this process as self-improvement; look what I’ve achieved in just 10 days, I’ve replaced my impulse buying with other feel-good activities & I feel like I have a better relationship with my money.

I must be honest here I still did shop some of the amazing sales. I bought a bikini (needed that for our holiday later this month), silk cami, Halston Heritage heels, set of frying pans, a hat and jacket for Mike, jumper, a coat for Maui, sandals (only $24, perfect for our holiday) and a basket.

Sounds like a lot I know but you should have seen my list, could have been a whole lot more.

I will always love to shop, I’m just being a bit smarter about it.

I have really enjoyed writing and sharing this with you; it feels good.

Understanding your relationship with money I think is important.

YOU CAN DO THE SUNCORP MONEY PROFILE SURVEY HERE

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. lifestyle

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THE POWER LIFE A mother and daughter team coming together representing universal love, an adventourous spirit and embracing the power of the feminine energy.

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V IT Y TI

POSI

Meet mother and daughter team Nicola and Gabriella Power. I have known the Power’s for quite some time and lucky enough to call them my friends.

Ever since I’ve known them they have always been positive and full of life, they light up a room wherever they go, you are guaranteed to walk away smiling every time you see them.

Nicola is extremely fit and active (we’ll find out more about that later) and has travelled the globe being a Qantas flight attendant for 30 years and can call Oprah her friend.

Gabriella is fun loving and adventurous, at just 14 years old she lived in Buenos Aires as an exchange student, has danced with Price Harry in London and has dined with Prince Fred of Denmark in Venice. Now, Gabriella is a successful television and radio journalist.

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These 2 incredible women have started their own blog “The Power Life” where they will be sharing their own journey, along with stories of other incredible women from around the world.

I sat down with Nicola and Gabriella over a coffee which by the way is very unusual as it’s normally with a glass of bubbles to chat all things Power Life and their insta famous cat Fleur.

Tell us about your blog “The Power Life” Nicola & Gabriella ‘We are a ‘Mother and daughter’ team coming together to share what we love – travel, lifestyle, and empowerment.

Our website and Instagram is a platform where we share our travel advice including reviews and recommendations (between us we have been to more than 50 countries). We share stories and interviews with people who uplift, motivate and inspire us. We also share our tips on connecting with the universe, and the ways manifesting has worked for us.

There is more to come, with a collaboration with Nirvana jewellery – we have uniquely created a ‘power life bracelet’ that represents universal love, an adventurous spirit, and embracing the feminine energy. We’re so excited to share it!!

You are both big believers in Positive Thinking, what tips do you have?

Gabriella Mum has been a huge influence when it comes to believing in the power of positive thinking.

Every day I have witnessed her choose to look at the best in every situation, get excited by the smallest things, and put her energy into things that only bring her up. Anyone that knows her will agree when I say her high energy & positivity is infectious.

The tips I’ve learnt from her on this, is to: exercise, surround yourself with positive people, explore new places in the world, go to new events where you will hear from thought leaders, see the best in others and compliment them about it, meditate, listen to podcasts or read books on self-development.

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“Walking in nature is my medicine!

It clears the mind, decreases stress and rejuvenates the body and soul.�

- NICOLA

Every time I’ve done one of these small things, it helps adjust my mindset, and I honestly feel lighter, grateful and excited by possibilities that lie ahead. And every time I feel this way, so many incredible opportunities have come my way. It blows me away every time, but it’s the law of attraction, and universe will always have your back!

Events we like to go to that have taught us so much on the topic: Hay House ‘I can do it’ conference in the US (you leave feeling on such a high, and with such a fresh perspective on the world), conscious club, and going to talks by authors such as Brene Brown.

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Nicola, me being someone who doesn’t walk past the letterbox & that’s only if there is an arrival of an online purchase absolutely admires the number of Treks you participate in especially for Charity. I get exhausted just looking at your pics, what is it about trekking you love?

Nicola Walking in nature is my medicine! It clears the mind, decreases stress and rejuvenates the body and soul. It’s such a fun and positive way of catching up with friends too.

I love personal challenges and enjoy supporting charities – through walking and fundraising for organizations such as - ‘The FRED HOLLOWS Foundation’ (run by ‘Coastrek’ -Wild Women on Top), ‘The Bloody Long Walk’ - (Cure Mito Challenge) and ‘Chris O’Brien Lifehouse . The walks vary between 30 to 60Km, sometimes along the Sydney Coastline (Palm Beach to Balmoral) or walking in Victoria.

Trekking holidays have become a huge passion.

The best hiking trip in Australia has to be: Fraser Island (QLD), ‘The Jatbula Trail’ in Arnhem Land Northern Territory, & Bay of Fires in Tasmania.

My fave trekking trips overseas are: hiking in The Andes in Chile, Table Mountain in South Africa.

Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Our next big ‘mother and daughter’ trekking trip will trek Nepal and Bhutan in April 2018.

Question for both of you, best advice your mum ever gave you?

Nicola Keep your independence throughout your life, and have the courage to speak up for yourself and live honestly.

Gabriella Mum has given me SO much invaluable advice, but I think the best is to always have fun. Life

can get stressful, and things can go wrong, but ultimately life is short, so find fun in everything you do Nicola, you would have to be one of the biggest Oprah fans I know. You have met Oprah on more than one occasion. I know the story, you must tell our readers how you first met Oprah, it really shows the Power of positive thinking.

Oprah has always been my ‘Queen of Inspiration’ since the 1986! I love her confidence, courage, “dream big’ approach to life, and her ability to reach into people’s hearts, soul and spirit.

Like Oprah, I believe in ‘The Power of Positive Thinking’ and Manifesting … so in 2010 when I heard Oprah was coming to Sydney. I knew I was just going to be in the audience!! It was my ultimate dream to see Oprah a hugely positive and influential person in my life. I circled the date in my diary, visualised being in the audience, but soon found out getting a ticket was nearly impossible, and could only be done through a ‘lottery system.’ I applied using as many email addresses as I possibly could – and with each email – came back the reply – sorry you’ve been unsuccessful… Gabriella was even saying to me how sorry she was that I couldn’t get any tickets (along with majority of Aussies).

However, I just had that ‘gut’ feeling I was going and I reassured Gabriella that I’d be going and continued my visualisation. I turned to Facebook to connect with a forum page of ‘Oprah coming to Australia 2010’. I put myself out there and posted that I would love to see Oprah, in case anyone had a spare ticket. Through the Power of social media – my post was read by ‘Kelly Kruger ‘in San Jose USA – (who had won 2 tickets). Kelly being a huge fan of Oprah was thrilled at the opportunity, however had to face the reality of flights and accommodation.

Kelly and I were in a perfect situation for each

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other. I had accommodation in Sydney to offer, and Kelly had a second ticket and no one she knew in Sydney to share it with. She put herself out there, getting in touch with a stranger, but our energies were aligned and we not only saw Oprah together at the Opera House, Kelly we’ve become ‘Omazing’ friends.

‘Pisco Sours’ on fabulous rooftop bars, and shopping – but also going on amazing hikes in the Andes, connecting with nature, going, going in natural mud- spa baths’. We also went Horseriding on the beach, and wandered through the colourful streets of Valparaiso with incredible Street Art.

Combined you have both travelled to over 50 countries, what’s your favourite destination?

You have a beautiful mother and daughter bond, it truly is special but there must be times that you annoy each other, how do you handle it?

Nicola Tahiti, French Polynesia slice of heaven!

Spectacular natural beauty with aqua marine water, Palm trees – Pure paradise! Highly recommend doing this through Windstar Cruise Gabriella The most epic trip I’ve ever done is going to Antarctica, it was like visiting another planet.

There’s so much incredible wildlife, and insane amount of beauty like you wouldn’t believe.

(Full blog post on Antarctica trip on Power Life website.)

Favourite Mother & Daughter destination Chile, South America. It’s the perfect balance of going out to incredible restaurants and drinking

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Nicola It’s only natural that there are times when we both can ‘get on each other’s nerves.

Fortunately, it’s not too often & as we know each other so well - we can tell just by ‘the voice’, or ‘a look’ to leave that topic of conversation for another time.

Our Time together is great – but time apart is essential too – so that’s a key for us to stay close.

Respecting each other’s personal space, but having an open line of Communication.

Having the knowledge that we ‘only want the best for each other’ –we be honest and let each other know when something isn’t right.

Also saying ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘a HUG’ melts most annoying moments too!

Gabriella We have such a close relationship that we’re always honest with each other, and when we ‘snap’ or disagree, we tend to get over it pretty quickly, and never take it too personally. We get on each other’s nerves the most when we spend a lot of time at home living together, but it’s all small stuff. When it comes to big things going wrong in either of our lives, we’re there for each other with 100% support without any judgement or criticism, which is amazing.

Where’s your favourite shopping destination?

Nicola & Gabriella USA – you just can’t beat the sales of shopping in the US. I buy most of my evening cocktail dresses and swimsuits over there. There’s always such a huge variety, great quality clothes, and

bargain prices! Our most recent trip to states together was to LA, and we shopped until we dropped around West Hollywood, & The Grove.

Now we must talk about your insta famous cat Fleur. In just a matter of months fleur has more than 12,000 followers. This cracks me up.

Nicola Fleur is my Glamourpuss, Meowdel who has become famous on Instagram @Fleurcatpower.

Fleur is a Ragdoll cat- who is pampered, very loving and is a ‘natural healer’! Fleur was my late Mums cat – so she has been rehomed from Melbourne and now lives in the Northern Beaches. Fleur’s love helped me heal from the loss of my Mum. Fleur loves her walks in her Pink Cat-pram, and playing with many of the toys her admirers are sending her.

Let’s finish on your favourite quote Nicola: The biggest adventure you can take it to live the life of your dreams – by Oprah Winfrey.

Gabriella: “Your playing small does not serve the world” – Nelson Mandela Hugs and kisses to you both, next time let’s scrap the coffee and celebrate with bubbles. xx To read more about the love, adventures and the power of positive thinking from Nicola & Gabriella head to

www.thepowerlife.com.au

FOLLOW NICOLA & GABRIELLA @the.power.life

FOLLOW FLEUR @fleurcatpower 33

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