The Poppy Files

Crazy : Busy

I thought this time of year was supposed to be a quieter time of year, a time to retreat indoors with the fires blazing, Ugg boots on whilst the soup is bubbling on the stove? There has been no soup bubbling on my stove, as I have had an unprecedented busy schedule for the past month.

I love being busy but I have definitely been burning the candle at both ends at the moment. I have been working my normal three-days per week, plus guiding trips with Tourism Tasmania hosting International buyers to the state prior to the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) that is happening in the Gold Coast this week. ATE is Australia’s largest annual travel and tourism business-to-business event.

Last weekend I hosted Emily who hadn’t been to Tasmania before but fell instantly in love with our beautiful food, wine and scenery. She promotes Tasmania as a destination in the luxury Chinese market.

We spent an afternoon at Josef Chromy with a private tour of the winery followed by a delicious lunch and wine tasting. The highlight of her trip was actually meeting Josef himself, who joined us at our table for a chat.

We still had room to eat more beautiful food at Geronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant on a rainy Launceston evening. The next morning we drove to Hobart where Emily spent the afternoon at MONA, before dining together at Peacock and Jones. A delightful experience to complete her Tasmanian journey. Xx

Monday, 16 May 2016 0 Comments Short URLGeronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant, Josef Chromy, MONA, Peacock and JonesTravel

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Tasmania on Show

The Apple Shed

It is that time of year again when Tasmania hosts a travel forum called TasBound. Inbound Tour Operators are invited to Tasmania on several familiarisation tours before meeting operators at an ATEC event at MONA last Saturday.

As part of my role with Tourism Tasmania, I hosted a group of seven Inbound Tour Operators from Sydney and Melbourne last week on the TasBound South Famil:

Discover Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart and learn more about the enriching experiences which are just on it’s door step. This is a place where old meets new and there’s so much to discover including a visit to Bruny Island, where eco cruises will exhilarate you and culinary pleasures will delight you. Explore Tasmania’s last frontier as you fly over the Southwest National Park where you will see untouched wilderness in one of the world’s last remaining temperate rainforests.

Our visit incorporated visits to The Apple Shed, Huon Jet Boat, Grandvewe Cheese, Villa Howden, Bruny Island Cruises, Bruny Island Cheese and the Wrest Point Casino to name a few. Unfortunately their flight with Par Avion into the Southwest was cancelled due to bad weather, but they experienced a helicopter ride to Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed and Pooley Wines instead.

It was a wonderful three days, spent with a group of lovely people experiencing the wonders of Tasmanian tourism.

The Apple Shed Huon Jet Boat Grandvewe Villa Howden Bruny Island Cruise Bruny Island Cheese Par Avion

Friday, 6 May 2016 0 Comments Short URLTravel

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Icena Farm Stay

Icena

My extended family all met at Icena Farm Accommodation for the ANZAC Day Long Weekend. A farming family going on holidays to a another farm … classic!

Nick and I broke up our journey and stayed in Launceston on Friday night – where the Autumn leaves and light were amazing, before venturing out to Icena the next morning.

Chalmers Church The Cateract Gorge Paterson Street Autumn Leaves St. John Street

Icena is located on the far north-eastern tip of Tasmania – a special place for me as an amazing camping spot when I was younger, and later where I was a guide on the Bay of Fires Walk for several years. Nick also had a family farm in the district when he was growing up and my brother spent many years harvesting on the Rushy Lagoon property.

In my opinion the region has it all – beautiful beaches, rolling green hills, bushwalks and even a wind farm! The weather was absolutely glorious and we really did have an amazing time.

Mussleroe Bay Wind Farm

We had a cooking roster where you were allocated a meal and a sibling or brother/sister-in-law to cook with. As a result, it was a very relaxing weekend apart from when you were in the kitchen cooking your assigned meal.

Janelle and Paul on the job

We had some fun and games on our last night, pulling out some hilarious masks that I bought years ago at The Louvre in Paris. Masks that always add a little bit of humour in any situation. Xx

Julius Caesar

James an Poppy Bridport Icena Scrabble Chatting sisters Wind Farm Little Mussleroe Bay Icena Icena Stumpys Bay Dolphins Wallaby My Mum Masks Nina Rob & Paul My Dad Icena Icena The Cousins The Gibsons My Family Shells at Mariposa Beach Poppy

Sunday, 1 May 2016 2 Comments Short URLBay of Fires, Bay of Fires Walk, Family Holiday, Icena Farm Accommodation, North East Tasmania, TasmaniaPoppy : James, Travel

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Five Years Old

Poppy

Our baby girl turned 5 year’s old on Tuesday!

Poppy's 5th Birthday

It is hard to remember our life without her. She is in absolute joy to be around and has changed so much in the last year. Now that she is at Kindergarten she has a new found zest for knowledge and continually asks many, many questions. Like this one just now:

Is there only one sun in the whole-wide-world? Is it even bigger than this house? Even bigger than a skyscraper? Wow that’s big Mum!

As part of her birthday celebrations we went along to the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Family Classics Series to see Babe in Concert. Both James and Poppy enjoyed it, even though they found it a little scary in some parts. I am pleased to be able to expose them to the wonders of classical music at a young age, as I still get chills the moment the orchestra begins.

Babe in Concert Poppy's 5th Birthday

On Sunday she had a few of her Kindergarten friends around for a party. With a Frozen Piñata, Pass the Parcel and cake … she exclaimed that it was the ‘BEST birthday party EVER’!

Poppy's 5th Birthday

On her actual birthday she visited Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary as part of her School Holiday Program, and we went out to Fish Frenzy for some early fish and chips.

Poppy's 5th Birthday

I am looking forward to the next five years and cast my mind back regularly to those early days when we first met each other. Bless! xx

Poppy coming home Poppy one month old Poppy and Gordy Poppy and Sophie Poppy Poppy's first flight Washing Little Socks

Thursday, 21 April 2016 0 Comments Short URL5th Birthday, Babe in Concert, Birthday Party, TSOPoppy : James

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Click : Click

Ever the sentimental one, I am quite obsessed with capturing ‘that’ perfect moment. A moment when your son looks up at you with such love; that perfect sunrise or when your husband smiles at you and makes your heart skip a beat.

I know deep down that it is impossible to capture every emotional moment in life and sometimes I really wish I could let it go, as often I hear Poppy say ‘Oh Mum, no more photos!‘ or ‘Oh no, not again‘.

Life is continually evolving and I am confronted with so many amazing opportunities on a daily basis to freeze frame some of those moments. I have albums upon albums of old photos tucked away in storage. Photos that are now turning that slight tinge of yellow, but are still clearly depicting puffy teenage faces in their questionable fashion pieces.

Contradictory to my constant desire to ‘Snap, Snap, Snap’, I find that delving back into these musty smelling tomes is somewhat confronting. Capturing moments allows for awkward feelings and questions to arise: ‘Did I really wear that?’ or ‘Wow, how long did I go out with him for?

I know you can’t hold onto the past – but god damn it I’m going to try! What will become of all those photos saved on phones, computers, external hard drives and old-school photo albums?

I will always ‘click : click’ and now with smartphones constantly in our pockets it makes it even easier – especially with the temptation of Instagram. No more lugging around my big Canon DSLR – it is just a snap of an iPhone that satisfies my ‘click happy’ neuroticism! Xx

Saturday, 16 April 2016 1 Comment Short URLCameras, iPhone Photos, Photography, Photos, Snap HappyToday I Am Loving

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Educational Apps ♥

When needing to distract my two and half-year old, the ‘perfect Mum’ in my head would reach for an educational book and some carrot sticks whilst waiting at the Doctor’s or doing my weekly grocery shop. But the reality is I grapple for my phone and a few dry Cruskits to keep crying and frustration at bay.

Lucky there are so many fantastic educational Apps now available on-line and are tailored to children that tick the boxes for the ideal Mum … and the realist!

One such App I was recently asked to review was the KidloLand App – Nursery Rhymes, Songs & Early Learning Games for Preschool Kids, which is available on iTunes. My discerning critique (James – 2.5 years old) was captivated from the outset.

KidloLand

The App is very appealing for little eyes and is categorised into Nursery Rhymes; ABC Songs, Old MacDonald Songs, Vehicles, Animal Kingdom, Fruits, Row your Boat, Christmas Songs, Vegetables, Shapes, Months of the Year and so forth.

It is very intuitive to use and James loves it. Although, I think he loves it a little too much as it almost has the reverse effect when I grab the phone back from him, there are countless tears. Oh dear … a Mother never wins!

Over 95 favorite rhymes like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Mary had a little Lamb, Old MacDonald, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Wheels on the Bus, If You Are Happy, London Bridge, BINGO, etc.

150+ fun & original children songs to teach ABCs, fruits, vehicles, animals, vegetables, animal sounds, birds, months of the year, Christmas songs, etc.

THOUSANDS of interactive surprises with funny animations and sounds. A delight for little kids.

100 fun educational activities and 4 toddler games.

Unlike videos and shows which one can only watch, in this app your kid can interact with the characters and things on-screen.

Download songs and use the app offline in road trips, flights, doctor waiting rooms or to keep your kids engaged at home.

Certified safe for kids by the KidSAFE program.

Always AD FREE.

New content is available for download every month so that you never run out of new options to treat your babies with.

Let your toddler sing along with exciting music and cheerful singing.

* Please note – this is a sponsored post. I received a free download of the App to review.

Friday, 15 April 2016 2 Comments Short URLEducational Apps, iTunes Store, KidloLand AppToday I Am Loving

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Yoga : Pilates

Surya Namaskara

I find it a constant challenge to fit any form of structured exercise into my week, with working three days, doing extra freelance work, looking after Poppy and James and spending quality time with my family and friends!

I have been doing yoga in some form or other for the past 20 years, first enrolling in an Adult Education Course in Launceston. I was living up at Ben Lomond at the time, working as a ski lift operator and would travel down from the mountain with my good friend Depha, for our weekly classes.

Since then, I have progressed on my journey with yoga, travelling to India and partaking in an intense residential course for 10 days in the Indian Himalaya. Moving to Hobart I enrolled in more classes and found the most amazing teacher – Clare Raffety from Yoga from the Heart, and like finding the right man, she is the right teacher for me!

Clare Rafferty

She is a very inspirational teacher and I love her classes – even though I often find it difficult to get to my 7:15 pm session on Monday nights, after a busy day at work and running out the door at that time of night … but I always feel better for going.

After having Poppy, I met a whole new range of gorgeous women, who were heavily into their Pilates at The Studio Salamanca. After their invitations to join them, I remained staunch and loyal for several months … “No I’m a Yoga girl” but listening to their experiences, made me want to dip my toe in the water.

I signed up for a one-on-one Reformer Pilates class with my new friend Em in December and I haven’t looked back. Even though I felt like I was cheating on my old friend ‘Yoga’ at first, I have become slightly obsessed with Pilates and have felt that I have become physically stronger since starting. I now fit early morning Pilates classes in on Saturday and Sunday and lunch time sessions when I can.

I have quickly realised that there is room in my world for both Yoga and Pilates and each bring an awareness, agility, strength and peace to my mind and body. Hari OM!

The Studio Salamanca

Thursday, 14 April 2016 0 Comments Short URLPilates, The Studio Salamanca, Yoga, Yoga from the HeartToday I Am Loving

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Easter Cruising

Butlers Beach

Easter Bunny found us again on the boat this year, enjoying time with our family and friends at South Bruny Island and Southport.

Our time on the boat generally follows a similar pattern each trip – we journey south to a remote beach, where we enjoy the untamed wilderness and a world-class beauty. We raft up with other boats where the kids continually hop between each boat, depending on who has the latest toy to play with or movie to show. Freshly caught seafood is cooked up and savoured. Conversations are enjoyed … conversations that you only have in remote locations, away from your work-a-day world in the city.

I find it is an indescribable feeling that wherever our journeys take us on the boat, there is a quality that makes this place so different from anywhere else … the blue blue sky, the white sand, the freshest seafood and the dearest of friends. Tasmania is so special – and being a fifth generation ‘local’, this place is truly in my heart. Xx

Easter Cruise

Hairdressers Partridge Island Monkey Bars Bruny Island Nautilis Shell Butlers Beach Best Friends Abalone Loot Abalone Fresh Abalone Sunset at Mickeys Sewing Craft Fishing at Southport James at Southport Cousin Love Bushwalk to Southport Lagoon Easter Bunnies Easter Bunny Easter Pancakes Spellbound Lily Pirate Masks Easter Eggs

Pirate Party Sunrise Oh dear! Rafting up at Quarantine The Quarries Hopscotch at The Quarries Morning at Quarantine Bay Nicko Mistraal

Ps: James took out the ‘Best Dressed Little Pirate’ and Nick and I came in second!

Friday, 1 April 2016 0 Comments Short URLBoating

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Current ♥’s

Since returning from our ski trip to Jackson Hole, the horns have been pulled in financially and there is definitely no retail therapy for me for quite some time – but it doesn’t hurt to admire from afar does it?

These are some of the beauties that are piquing my tightened purse strings this week:

Bella Freud Jumper

Bella Freud’s signature knitted 1970 sweater is remade for this season in a beautiful vibrant red. This slim fitting style features a ribbed hem, cuff and neckline. Pair with a distressed straight leg jean and sneaker.

Spring Court Sneakers

Spring Court is the quintessential French sneaker and is renowned for its unparalleled comfort.

First designed in 1936 as a tennis shoe, the company still remains based in Paris with the same family and has now sold over 25 million pairs.

The two classic Spring Court styles are the G2 (low-cut) and B2 (mid cut), which are available in both cotton canvas and leather with permanent and seasonal colour ranges.

Spring Court

Il Bisonte ‘Clarissa’ Bag

ilbisonte

With its precious finishes, the Il Bisonte CLARISSA shopper bag is elegant yet comfortable thanks to its double handle, so it can be carried either as a hand bag or shoulder bag.
Made with the highest quality sleek cowhide leather, over time it acquires a natural patina that enhances the accessory.

Dreamy Kitchen

… and whilst we are really on a roll – here is the dreamiest kitchen I have ever seen, recently on est Global Living. Swoon:

Enough already! xx

Tuesday, 22 March 2016 0 Comments Short URLArchitects, Bella Freud, Est Living, Grace Boutique, Kitchen, Spring CourtToday I Am Loving

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Bruny Island Boating

Butlers Beach Detail - Bruny Island

I returned from the Bay of Fires on Friday afternoon and Nick had all the food and gear packed, ready to head away on the boat for the Long Weekend!

We joined Nick’s folks on their boat instead (a long story) and met up with our friends on South Bruny Island. With predominately overcast skies and moody light we walked along desolate beaches, made giant sand castles, ate nice food, slept well and flew kites.

Another beautiful boating weekend to a beautiful island. Xx

Maisy, Pops and James Heading away Mike the Knight - craft on board The Channel Lunch on board Teenager?? Butlers Beach A very sandy James Sand spa Mercury and Mistraal Nicko Prosecco James' dinner Mercury James watering his Grandmother's herbs Quality Time Pops and Bear James driving the dinghy The crew Sand Monkey Sunday BBQ Morning tea Kite flying Lunch Lunch James learning the ropes Pops James - Bruny Island James and Nicko