KP and B do the GC

Most people know that I'm a passionate Sunshine Coaster, born and bred here and impatient with visitors to the area who may think of it as the second-rate sister to the older, gaudier Gold Coast. I rarely visit the GC as I know how lucky I am to have everything I need right here. But when my gorgeous mate Brooke of Blonde Ambition asked if I'd like to head south with her for a weekend, of course I decided to change that and take a fun trip to the Gold Coast!

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny, and I loaded up my car, kissed my husband goodbye and beat the Bruce Highway traffic to go meet up with Brooke after she finished her Pilates session. A quick hug and back into our separate cars - hers was too full of bike to fit me in - to cruise south on the surprisingly traffic-jam-free M1.

Our first stop was Harbour Town, Australia’s largest outlet shopping centre. Brooke and I were super-excited to include Harbour Town in our GC itinerary as we'd heard about the Premium Mall which had opened in May 2016, with Kate Spade New York, Furla, Michael Kors, Coach, Oroton and other high-end retailers. Did we mention Kate Spade New York? (Hello, my name is Katy, and I'm a Kate Spade-oholic.)

The outlet stores offer anywhere from 30 to 70% off sales everyday, so we were even more delighted when the Harbour Town team generously offered us a gift card each to help us splurge a little. After cutting a few laps of the Centre to make sure we weren't missing any must-haves, we shopped our socks off and I'm now the delighted owner of this Kate Spade tote, along with one of her gorgeous idiom bangles too! My tip to the wise... don't accompany Brooke to a Kate Spade store without a good book and a pair of headphones, her indecision is becoming legendary.

Happily, this was the Kate Spade New York tote* that I was eyeing off when we traveled through Singapore Airport last year, and now she's mine!

 Harbour Town also has a dedicated Tourism Lounge which offers complimentary services including tea and coffee (free coffee AND outlet shopping? sweeeeet) and a free tourist-only shuttle bus every Tuesday to Saturday. The only problem I can imagine is that you might buy too much to cart back to your hotel on the bus!

We packed our new goodies in our cars and drove to our home for the evening, QT Gold Coast. This was my first time staying at a QT Hotel after lusting over the Port Douglas hotel on my last few trips north, and I was suitably impressed with the much-anticipated 'fun factor'.

QT Gold Coast is a retro-lovers dream with midcentury decor and colourful surf-inspired artworks, and quirks like a giant Connect 4 set by the astroturfed pool lawn. Level 1 houses the restaurant and QT Spa, while the ground level is home to spacious reception, cocktail bar and cafe areas, and a split-level loungeroom reminiscent of the Brady Bunch which is used to host their high teas (aptly named Qteas).

We dumped our shopping and overnight bags on our beds, and immediately went down to the pool deck to try a few cocktails. Brooke had previously stayed at QT Gold Coast and had a favourite tipple so didn't require a menu, but I was torn between a couple, so of course tried them both!

I'm sure you'll agree when I say it ain't a tropical holiday without a tiki drink, and this Mexican Tiki Punch with lashings of Guava, Pineapple and Coconut was a tropical treat!

After a few drinks, it was back upstairs to change into our brightest frocks and head a few blocks south to Cavill Avenue, where we'd been invited to check out a Summer fashion parade at Soul Boardwalk. The mall was jumping, and the show's DJ had us toe tapping, so after the fashion show, we nipped along the Esplanade to Sandbar, a recent addition to Surfers Paradise's share-plate restaurant scene. Because we're both complete party animals ready to whoop it up on the GC, our next move was back to the hotel to crank the air-conditioning, jump into our beds at 7.30pm and watch Nicolas Cage in National Treasure. Like I said, we're wild like that.

For the evening's festivities I wore this fun neon SheIn OTS frock with tan NiKKi heels (I won these through a recent Styling You/Frankie4 competition!) and a gorgeous beaded Sana Clutch*.

The next morning, we spent some quality time aquainting ourselves with the impressive breakfast buffet (Brooke enjoyed a softserve icecream with breakfast... really) before we packed up, headed downstairs and gave the Connect 4 set a quick workout and then checked out of QT.

For a morning of cycling in the sea breeze, I prepared poorly and wore this breezy Piper frock, Target slides, Malani Co fringe earrings and my super-fun Potaty Miss London clutch from Miss Monogram.

Brooke had mentioned taking her new bike down the Gold Coast for our weekend away and enjoying a pleasant cycle along the beachfront, but I'm firmly of the opinion that bikes are for people who enjoy wearing lycra and have a much less sensitive butt than I. I mean, there’s not much joy in panting and gasping, is there?

I thought I'd be the clever one and contacted the crew at Crooze Electric Bicycles at Broadbeach to see if they would be able to help with my 'I want to cycle along the beach but not get hot and sweaty' conundrum, and they generously came to the party, loaning me one of their super-cool Noosa electric bikes. (FYI they both hire and sell their cruisers, so you can definitely try before you buy!) Now when I say electric bike, I mean a bicycle that can be pedaled, with options to add a power boost from a discreet electric motor, not a scooter. Obviously I wanted to be able to pedal A LITTLE, in case we rode past cool cycling people who would mock me whizzing by with no effort at all!

Let's clear a few things up - I am a very reluctant cycler, I don't feel comfortable riding my old clunker ladies' mountain bike around the footpaths of my quiet suburb, let alone hitting the streets. But something about being shown the gadgets and gizmos on the Noosa cruiser got me excited, I donned a bright pink camo helmet and off I zipped. Electric bikes are now so technologically advanced and quiet that not even Brooke knew when I was pedalling and when I was nudging the throttle. Sneaky - I like it.

The Noosa cruiser is a super-cute step-through style, which makes it easy to ride while wearing a frock. Seriously!

See - frocking awesome!

(Sidenote: I got home from my weekend away, waxed lyrical to my husband about how much I enjoyed riding the Noosa cruiser and he's decided that we're driving down to the Gold Coast this week to trial them together - a Noosa cruiser for me, and for him, the manlier-looking Cooly electric bike; and then maybe bring a couple home! He loves to cycle, but I'm always letting him down and slowing him down, so this could be the coolest-looking compromise ever!)
Seriously, this was the coolest and cruisiest ride ever. Thanks Crooze team!

We tootled to Mermaid Beach and then along Millionaires Row and Hedges Avenue, real estate shopping and dreaming of the luxurious mansions we could own if we just, you know, knuckled down and saved a bit more, then stopped at BSKT Cafe at Nobby's to drink ALL THE COLD THINGS before turning around to cycle the 4.2km back to Crooze at Broadbeach. That's right, we cycled 8.4km, and I wasn't even puffed.

The cutest little exhausted Brooke that you ever did see!

It'd been a big morning so it was time for a light lunch and more cold drinks at Beaches Off Tedder before a big hug with Brooke and back into our cars to hit the M1 and drive home. I managed to miss a bunch of storms and any dramatic Sunday afternoon traffic, which was quite the win too!

It was a smashing way to spend a weekend with one of my best mates, and I'm definitely looking forward to going down to the Goldie again this week to enjoy a ride along the beach with my husband!

I don't know if I'm ready to kick my bias against the Gold Coast to the kerb just yet, but I've certainly seem an unexpected and more family-friendly side of the region now! Anyone for a game of giant Connect 4 and Tiki cocktails?

*Kindly gifted, and only shared here because I love it!

Brisbane Fashion Weekend 2016 - making a weekend of it!

Inaugural events can be a little hit and miss, but the first Brisbane Fashion Weekend held last month was, in my entirely non-fashiony opinion, a smashing success!

I wore a stunning Yannika Designs (local Queensland brand) shift dress to BFW, perfect for the 30 degree day and rushing around like Andrea Sachs. Low nude heels and a bright yellow Mimco clutch borrowed from Brooke of Blonde Ambition and French Connection raffia tassel earrings finished my outfit.

Held at the recently opened Royal International Convention Centre (where parking was a breeze!), BFW featured two days of runway shows, a well-curated pop-up precinct, a Pamper Room where a small donation to fabulous local charity Dressed for Success got you a hair and makeup freshen-up, and two stages with programs full of styling advice and fashion industry experts and influencers. If all that got too much, the Moet Lounge was the place to sit and rest those weary high heel-clad tootsies!

But let's not get ahead of ourselves here.

I headed down to Brisbane the evening before Day 1 of BFW, as Adelaidean Jenni of Styling Curvy was in town and had organised a meet-up for some of her Queensland blogging mates. That's how lazy relaxed Queenslanders are, we wait until someone comes to visit us, then let them organise it so we all go catch up with them. #hakunamatata

I'd planned to get ready at Brooke's place, head out to the meet-up and not get lost (yikes... alone in the Valley, as Brooke had fancy Singin' in the Rain plans) and then crash on her couch, so was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at my host's apartment and asked 'So, where's this hip venue I need to get to?' and her response was 'See that building less than a block away? There.' GOLD.

Traffic had been pretty decent heading into Brisbane, so I had time for a shower, wash and curl my hair, to give myself a mani/pedi and catch up on some work emails. Instead, I napped, watched the end of Season 2 of UnReal, showered super-fast, then helped myself to Brooke's plethora of dry shampoo and hairspray options. My fingernails and toenails would have to wait.

Keeping it simple in a Country Road flutter-sleeve frock - basic black is always a great comfort zone for me when I'm meeting bloggy-types.

I know I've said it before, but blogger events and meetups are usually pretty awkward for me. And even more so when it's stylish people like fashion folk. *insert hand-wringing and excuse-making here* Unless I know someone really well to latch on to, it's typically just me standing in the corner near the food.

So many gorgeous girls crammed into one terrible-quality photo!

Jenni had arranged for the event to be held at the Tryp Hotel's rooftop bar, Up on Constance, and it was perfect for a bunch of blinged-up ladies enjoying champagne cocktails on a warm October evening. It's a gorgeously NY-inspired open space, with chilled music and great views. One of the brands that Jenni works with - Capriosca Swimwear (stunning styles!) - unexpectedly and generously put on the lovely spread of food and drinks, thank you so much Marcia!

This late-night phone photo is about as fuzzy as I expected, the Apricot Dream tequila cocktail really made some heads spin!

My pineapple glo-mesh clutch from (of all places) Domayne loves an outing, and a city view.

On to the main event!

Of the thirteen stunning labels appearing on Brisbane Fashion Weekend's Runway, including Tengdahl, Saylor & Saige, LouenHide (always love their stuff!), 400 Co and Kahlo Kahlo, my favourites were SunSoaked and Wilde Willow. Brooke loved Wilde Willow so much that she punched me during their runway and whispered 'Gotta BOLT outta here the minute this show finishes and buy that sequin kimono'. So she did.

Brooke in her new prized possession, the Wilde Willow Charms of Light Kimono.

I'd love to share more photos, but you'll find that the best photos and videos I took were on other people's devices! I loved being there to help my mate Brooke as she prepared to speak on the Centre Stage as an online fashion influencer (we both cringe at that word, but she DOES influence me to buy things I don't really need, so applicable), and then rock her model socks for the awesome Cate Massi of Individual Style 101. I will also take full credit for making sure Brooke turned up where she needed to be, at the times she needed to be there - I feel that without a 'PA for a Day', she may have been found wandering the foyer in one shoe, loaded up with purchases from the Pop-Up Precinct stores.

STYLIST HUB action today at the @brisbanefashionweekend 💃 My interactive mini parade went off - a big thank you to my models Pip & Brooke @what_brooke_wore wearing @atarlo 💕 you girls rock & thank you to the photographer @katy_potaty . . . #catemassistyling #brisbanestyle #brisbanestylist #ootd #wiw #individualstyle101 #spotmystyle #realmumstyle #brisfw

A photo posted by PERSONAL STYLIST (@individualstyle101) on Oct 21, 2016 at 10:25pm PDT

Thanks so much to BFW for the invitation, and for such a spectacularly well-run event - kudos! Cheers to Jenni for her perfect timing, it was wonderful to see local ladies that I never really get to see. And big ups and proud mama feels to Brooke for nailing her presentation, saying no to bootleg jeans, and generally being a babe.

For more comprehensive wrap-ups of the event, I highly recommend you check out the following:

Sally of Steele My Style's blog

Brooke's Centre Stage appearance

What I Wore - Birdsnest for a Winter wedding

Toasty heaters, big steaming platters of roast meat and gravy, and snuggling into pashminas – who wouldn’t be excited for a Winter wedding?

When one of my favourite colleagues of ALL TIME popped an invite on my desk for her wedding, I did what most girls would do. Squeal a little bit, check the location out online, then start searching online for the perfect outfit.

Hidden in a working cattle property outside the Sunshine Coast town of Yandina is a contender for the most beautiful country wedding venue in the country. At Yandina Station, they've been playing host to beautiful events for years now, and BB and I even checked them out when we were searching for our perfect wedding venue. We ended up deciding to head north to Port Douglas to get hitched instead of staying local, but I can still say that it's one of my favourite wedding venues.

Living just up the road from the venue, I knew that Yandina Station on a July evening would be more than a little chilly, so started my search for a dress with sleeves on Birdnest. There were SO many to choose from, but I played it safe and chose the Off the Shoulder Dress because, well... this is me we're talking about, and I never pass up the chance to wear off the shoulder, duh!

For non-stylists like me, there are plenty (thousands) of styled outfits available to check out on the Birdsnest website, it's so easy to envisage how your whole outfit will look when worn together - genius!

Laying out everything early in the morning makes for a much quicker prep time, especially for a weekday wedding!

Clockwise: Birdsnest Off the Shoulder Dress*, Samantha Wills turquoise ring and earrings (similar here), Raybans because I cry at weddings, YSL lippie, vintage hat borrowed from Trainee Mama, Marc Daniels Blue Cypress Blonde Leave-In Toner (this is my new fave hair product, gives such sparkly highlights and shine - currently available at Woolies), Trix block heels from Spendless, borrowed pashmina from Mum, Sussan sequin clutch (similar here).

The happy couple... wait, no! Another happy couple!

This dress was possibly the most comfortable style I've ever worn to an occasion... and you don't need to just believe me! The Birdsnest webswite is super-easy to both navigate and to leave reviews, so when I saw it had a 100% Excellent rating, and comments like these, there's no way I could not share the love of this fine frock!

Lyndall, size 14: The dress is slimline without being clingy. It gives a beautiful shape to my hourglass figure. Sleeve length is classy and the gorgeous neckline is really pretty. Really happy with this purchase. It will be a great dress for travelling too, as the material isn't likely to crush.

Yes, I would recommend this item.

Michelle, size 16: Purchased size 16 and fits beautifully - very flattering dress. Was for a date so felt very sexy and confident. Thank you!!

Yes, I would recommend this item.

Rebecca, size 10: If you want to feel sexy and elegant at the same time, or need something for a special occasion then you definitely need this dress in your life. It is a perfect weight, has no horrible zippers that snag or buttons to wrestle with. It holds off the shoulder without slipping. It is a flattering length to the knee.It will travel well without too much fuss or ironing needed. Believe me this dress will turn heads. I just love it. Thanks Birdsnest girls!!!

Yes, I would recommend this item.

Hot potato croquettes on a brisk evening? Don't go ANYWHERE with that tray, my young waiter friend.

We did have a few romantic moments together, imaging what it might have been like to get married at this gorgeous venue.

I love love LOVE me a good wedding, and this one was superb. The groom cried a little when saying his vows, and we all know how adorable that is. 

To Stacey and Jason, our biggest congratulations to a beautiful couple who make each other so happy. BB and I wish you a wonderful journey as you build your new life together. Hugs forevs.

Do you have a favourite season for attending weddings? I love them all!

*Birdsnest dress super-awesomely gifted. You should really know by now that I won't wear anything I don't love, so consider this piece fantastic, and I'll be wearing it years from now!

Sunshine Coast High Tea at the Silva Spoon, Cotton Tree

I'm sure that most of my lovely readers will know by now that my bestie Peta of Trainee Mama is pregnant with twins. She's already done the baby shower thing prior to giving birth to her son (and my fave squidgy human) Ned, so when I asked what she'd like to do to celebrate the twins' impeding arrival, I wasn't sure if she was up for a big ol' styled-dessert-table situation with nappy games and all that jazz.

Fortunately, Peta is of the less-is-more attitude when celebrating, and she's particularly not keen on any kind of party where someone has to slave over stoves and tidy up and clean up afterwards. (See why I like her so much?) She suggested just a girl's day out, something where we could just turn up, have a little fun, then head home for naps and Netflix.

Enter The Silva Spoon. Thanks to Facebook and the wonders of social media, I recently won a giveaway on Mrs Tink's blog, and my prize would make an EXCELLENT mini-baby-shower event - a High Tea for Two at Silva Spoon in Cotton Tree.

A sunny Saturday before my crazy month of travel commences and before Peta gets too close to her due date was the perfect chance for a ladies day out, and BB was away at a Bachelor party on the Gold Coast too, which made for a very girly weekend for me! After going for a long walk with BB and Stevie in the morning, then seeing my husband off (with stern words to STAY SAFE), I had a little time to change into my dress.

Dress (similar White Haven Emporium), Siren heels, Target straw and silver clutch (a few seasons old)

I picked Peta up from her temporary home (an apartment overlooking Maroochy River, check out her current reno and moving story here), and then it was time for tea…

This was my first high tea and I had no idea what to expect, but I certainly wasn't expecting it to be as filling as it was!

We sat down at our Reserved table for two, beautifully set with Cristina Re tableware, and perused the tea menu. 

After asking a few questions (because I definitely have more experience drinking coffee than tea), we chose the Irish Breakfast tea and a Matcha Latte. 

Is it just me, or is serving two tiny portions of food WAY more appealing than one larger portion?

Peta and I had thought that we might need to head to a cafe for a sandwich on the way home, because the meal didn't look that big, but we were full before we'd finished our little cheesecakes and cupcakes!

Confession: I only ate the frosting! 

I had a really lovely and relaxing afternoon with Peta, and the whole no-washing-up thing at the end was brilliant. If I was in the business of taking my Mum out for tea-type situations, this would be the perfect Mother's Day gift!

Thanks to Mrs Tink for the great prize, I can highly recommend The Silva Spoon High Tea for a lovely afternoon on the Sunshine Coast.

This was my first High Tea, but it won't be my last. Tell me, where's your favourite High Tea?

If you're going to do something, do it right (or #viplife)

I've discovered that I'm a complete concert snob.

I love music, and gigs and festivals are always bound to make me get pumped up and create playlists to have on repeat until the date comes. But then the sun rises on the day of the concert, and I totally freak out. The mass of people, the weather uncertainty that comes with any outdoor event, and so many other things combine in my mind until my brain is a swirling mess of worst-case scenarios and all I want to do is go back to bed and hide under the doona.

Now, I've not always been like this. In fact a very large portion of my late teens and early twenties were spent chasing gigs - the bigger, the better. The thing is, I'm older and wiser now, and a lot more risk-averse. I like a solid, staid life with plenty of routine and only the occasional event or adventure to trip me up.

Based on this boring old Grown-up Katy's need for some semblance of order, in the last few years I have discovered a great way to have my concert and see it too... VIP baby!

After my husband bought us tickets to enjoy the Caloundra Music Festival in the Kings Club section a couple of years ago, I've developed quite the taste for standing on the side of the stage, or being in a Reserved Seating section with our own bar and gasp! clean toilets.

Throwback to #viplife with Trainee Mama and Pete Murray, because hanging at the Artist's Bar is where it's at.

I enjoyed another reminder of my highfalutin tastes on the weekend just gone when Brooke (of Blonde Ambition) took me as her date to see Bryan Adams at Sirromet Winery. Platinum seating, no less. (Her brother Michael was unable to use his birthday-gift tickets, so we got lucky!)

Hostess with the mostest, Brooke of Blonde Ambition. And I mean, really. You can't visit one of the most popular wineries in QLD without actually sampling the wine, amiright?

Ok, so my outfit photo isn't the best. I swear, I didn't wear a sign. (Although the emotional woman a row in front did, and MY WORD she was in love with Bryan. Cue tears.)

I actually wore Jag denim shorts, Mink kimono from Myer on SALE now), Lorna Jane tank, Adorne necklace, Sussan fedora and Spendless gumboots. (And those boots were SO comfy. Surprisingly!)

I love when my mildly-fashionable friends try to be all stylish. Pffft.

A Day on the Green also featured support acts The Superjesus and Baby Animals, and whilst we missed most of The Superjesus' set, I was MIGHTY impressed by Baby Animals. I always am. Suze DeMarchi can do no wrong, her vocals are outstanding, and she rocks tuxedo trousers like no other 52 year old woman on the planet.

All this to say that I can no longer schlep it at festivals and concerts, because there's something refreshing about not sharing my personal space with complete strangers, even if they do have the same taste in music as me.

So, who's got front row tickets to Chris Isaak, and nobody to go with? ;)

Seriously though, thanks for the invite Brooke - and Happy Belated Birthday Michael!

flowerbomb - Valentine's Day gift inspiration

I'm sure you're all well aware that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner - the high volume of Michael Hill Jewellers ads on TV are certainly announcing it loud and proud.

In my most recent blog post, I shared some current favourites and gift ideas, including the lovely flowerbomb, a Sunshine Coast florist with style, and I just can’t get enough of their amazing attention to detail. I was lucky enough to have the chance to ask Deb of flowerbomb about her business, and I'd love you to get to know her too!

What do you do? What do you make?
Owner/Florist at flower bomb

Why and how did you make your first product?
I saw a gap here on the Sunshine Coast for fresh flowers delivered. I wanted to make it simple and affordable! Our flowers are a small, thoughtful gesture :)

Who was your key support during the fledgling stage of flowerbomb?

My hubby!

How do you manage your time well?
I do everything at night when the kids are asleep. It's amazing how much you can get done without distractions :)

How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?

We make flower giving really simple! There's one type of arrangement each week and it's easy to order though our website or Facebook. The exact picture of the week's flower bomb goes on to our website and social media on the Wednesday, ready for delivery Thursday. Our customers know exactly what their flowers will look like.

If you could have given yourself a piece of knowledge or advice when you started what would that be?

Always go for the 'hardy' flowers. Our customers give great importance to how long their flowers last.
(Note from Katy: I can vouch for this, I have been so impressed with just how long the glorious flowerbomb arrangements last. And check out all the reviews on their Facebook page too!)

How do you conquer any moments of doubt that threaten to stop your great ideas? What pushes you through?

I try to focus on all the positive feedback we get. The Sunny Coast has embraced flower bomb with open arms and I'm really grateful for that.

Righto, time for some fun stuff.
What is your 'uniform'? What do you wear more often than anything else?

An amazing denim Apron from Cargo Crew with our logo embroidered on (yes, aprons can be amazing!)

What is your favourite thing to wear to make you happy?

Cute earrings or perhaps a fresh flower crown.

(Well, isn't that just darling?! I want to wear a flower crown to work too.)

Where do you deliver to?

Caloundra to Noosa, and everywhere in between!

My sweet Valentine's Day tip: use discount code 'katypotaty' for $5 off at checkout (valid until Friday 19th Feb), and treat yourself, your lover and your Mum this weekend! For more info, head to their website.

Do you love to send fresh flowers as gifts? (Note - you should, especially if you love receiving them!) What do you plan on gifting for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments!

Note: not an ad or sponsored post - just sharing in the hope that locals will flowerbomb everyone they love!

7 Valentine's gifts for the people you love (and for you!)

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but it's not just for lovers. I know that lots of folks aren't keen on the whole commercial Hallmark side of the day, but I'm fine with anything that reminds people to appreciate the people they love, and treat them with gifts, large or small.

I'm also strongly of the opinion that you don't just need to let partners know that you love them... parents, siblings, best friends, teachers, kids and colleagues. There are so many people in our lives, and it's important that we make sure we tell them how much they mean to us.

Not coupled up? Who says you can’t celebrate February 14 just like all of the lovebirds out there? Practice a little bit of self love instead and treat yourself to a feel-good gift – it doesn't need to break the bank, it just need to make us feel special.

Here are my top picks for Valentine (or Just Because) gifts under $50, and an extra-fancy one... because you're worth it!

flowerbomb

I was lucky enough to receive a sneak preview of this week's gorgeous Flower Bomb bouquet - pink roses are perfect for Valentine's Day, and flowerbomb will deliver on Saturday Feb 13th, too!

Traditionally, flowers are the hot gift for Valentine's Day. Don't be lame and pick up a bunch from the service station on the way home from work though (chances are, they'll have one fake rose that turns out to be a tacky red lace gstring tucked in there - ugh), get a sweet mixed posy in a jar instead! There are so many fantastic local florists across Australia who offer something different for Valentine's Day, my favourite on the Sunshine Coast are flowerbomb. I'll share more about Flowerbomb on my Facebook page this week, but in the meantime, check out their Instagram feed, where you can see the beautiful and original arrangements in mason jars that Deb of Flowerbomb is delivering to lucky recipients all across the Coast, for less than $30!

*Hot lovers tip: use discount code 'katypotaty' at checkout, and treat yourself, your lover and your Mum this weekend! For more info, head to their page for link and details.

MiM Studio

Um, I'll take a pair in each colour, please and thank you

Simply stunning accessories that I loved the minute I saw them, the Balance Bar earrings by MiM Studio would get a run every single day if they were in my bling wardrobe. Perfect for dressing up and down, these babies available from Down That Little Lane are cheap enough that you don't need to decide on a colour - take all three!

Gold Class Cinema voucher

For the slightly exhausted Mum in your life, whether it's your own Mum or your bestie with a few kids, a Gold Class movie voucher and a thoughtful card offering your babysitting services is such a well-received gift. What's even better is if you team up with their regular babysitter, and pre-pay for a night of childminding, so you can go to the flicks too! My tip? Don't skimp on the Gold Class snacks - those potato wedges go great with a glass or three of wine!

Nocturna

It wouldn't be a round-up of gifts I love to give without a scented candle, and at this time of year, just before the seasons change and it gets a little cooler, my favourites are by Nocturna. The V. Salem is a gorgeous oriental scent in Nocturna's signature mysterious black jar, woody and decadent. Perfect for wooing that special someone, or perhaps save it for a romantic solo night in with a good book in the bathtub!

*Hot lovers tip: enjoy 15% off the entire Nocturna range leading up to Valentines Day, by using promo code THELOVERS at checkout.

Bill Bryson book

Bill Bryson's newest book is nestled right in the middle of the 'favourite books' shelf. It's a thing.

My all-time favourite way to spend a rainy afternoon is curled up with a good book, and with the rainy Summer seeming to last longer and longer, I've recently been engrossed in Bill Bryson's latest travelogue, The Road to Little Dribbling. Laugh-out-laud moments and lots of quirky facts that had me reading aloud to BB make Bill Bryson books a winning gift for pretty much everyone.

Kokopod

Step away from the chocolate brownie. This is not a gift you are going to want to give away. One of Queensland's best chocolatiers (seriously, just ask the wise folk at The Urban List), Brigid of Kokopod has delivered some amazingly sweet treats to stockists across the region this week - and you're going to need to be quick to get your sugar rush!

Head to The Fruit & Deli Co. in North Lakes, Top Spot Fruit in Aspley, Something About Audrey in Sandgate, Raw Sugar Cafe in Toowoomba, Myrtle's Pantry in Caloundra and Chocolates on Gallery Walk in Mt. Tamborine for the ultimate in Valentine's decadence.


Kapten & Son

Lastly, and definitely not least... I do love a splurge gift. It's not under $50, but it is the coolest dang watch I've seen in years.

Oh Kapten, my Kapten. I am freaking in love with Kapten & Son watches. New to Australia, these super-classy timepieces just scream style and sophistication. With so many customisable features including the size of the face, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll be seeing Kaptens cruising everywhere.

I'd love to know, are you single or coupled-up? And do you do Valentine's Day?