{Mother’s Day} Gift guide 2018

It’s only a couple of weeks away until the best day of the year… that is YOU-HAVE-TO-BE-MUMS-SLAVE-DAY otherwise known by Hallmark as Mother’s Day!

I have taken the time to find some goodies so that all you have to do is share this post with your nearest and dearest so they know what to get you.

OR

If you’re like me – I am more likely to just buy what you want then wrap it and tell the bambinos to pass it to me mother’s day morning.

Here are our top Mother’s Day ideas:

Gift Voucher from Pop-Up Succulent Shop

Renelle from Pop-Up Succulent Shop is an absolute delight and any mum who loves a little gardening would love a voucher (or gift) for some succulent goodies! I have recently been to a Kokedama workshop class and it was amazing (you can read about it here -> The Central Nest Succulent Workshop).

pop up

How To Cook Everything A3 Print from Hard To Find.

This is a great print for a mama in your life who likes to cook (or eat). It would also be a great gift for someone who you might not know quite as well, such as the mother-in-law.

It’s funky, informative and pretty as a picture!

Image result for HOW TO COOK EVERYTHING KITCHEN PRINT A3 SIZE

Spa Voucher from Macquarie Medi Spa

My absolute favourite indulgence is to have a facial. It’s not only relaxing but also you can literally see results straight away.

Good skin care really do care!

voucher

Robert Gordon Hug Me Mug & Saucer from Bake, Table & Tea

These gorgeous mugs are exactly what an sleep deprived mamabear desperately needs. What’s more to love than a cuppa who you can hug?

We will take one if each colour please!

mug

A Photography voucher from Jennifer Stocks Photography or Aimee Cook Photography

There is nothing truer than the fact that photos steal moments in time and paying for a professional photographer to capture your special moments is the most wonderful thing you can do.

A pic on the Iphone does not even compare to the moments captured through the lens of a talented photographer.

If you’re interested in outdoor, fun, fresh photography then look no further than Jennifer Stocks Photography. She has an eye for detail that is unparalleled.

For studio shots we cannot recommend Aimee Cook Photography highly enough, she is fantastic at seeking out those moments-between-the-moments.

jen

IMAGE: Jennifer Stocks Photography

aimee cook

IMAGE: Aimee Cook Photography

Earrings from Plastic Cactus

If the mum in your life likes a pop of colour you need to have a look at Plastic Cactus! Funky, show stopping fun. I personally love the ‘rad’ ones and the wooden fruit varieties! SO bloody cute.

plastic

A bunch of glorious blooms from Ivory Rose Botanicals

If all else fails I don’t know a mama that doesn’t love flowers. Ivory Rose is next level and will help build you that something special to show your mum just how much you adore her.
flowes

Whatever your gift, make sure you add a handwritten note and your mama’s heart will be filled. At the end of the day – just let your mama know she is loved.

Happy mother’s day to all the mamas xx

 

{Locally Found} Succulent Love

Recently I was invited to my very first succulent workshop with the beautiful Renelle at Pop-Up Succulent Shop to say I had a brilliant afternoon would be such an understatement.

1

Upon arriving you are met with a glass of bubbles and a delicious cheese & fruit platter (she won me over right there!). Before long I forgot I was in a class and it felt much more like I was in my friend’s lounge room having a few drinks and learning some new things about gardening.

2

Renelle was patient and explained perfectly what we had to do. She answered ALL my probably ridiculous questions and even helped me when I realised things for my kokedama were not quite going according to plan!

My mum came with me and quickly we made friends with the other people at the workshop, that’s the thing you see it was relaxed and friendly. There were no strangers just friends we were yet to meet.  4

Renelle supplies everything you need to make two kokedamas and she even gives some good hints on how to wrap other plants you buy to make great gifts or house plants.

I am far from a good gardener but bloody hell I was proud when I came home and showed the hubs and kids what I had made. I now very proudly have two kokedamas in my kitchen and each and every time I look at them I get all warm and fuzzy and remember the great afternoon I had.

6

Make sure you grab a pal and check out one of the workshops offered by Renelle at  Pop-Up Succulent Shop. She holds a range of workshops including kokedamas, wreath and general potting classes.

You can also have a chat to Renelle at many markets and events she attends around our area.

3

Contact:

| Phone: 0410 476 445 |

|Facebook: @popupsucculentshop |

*This is a sponsored post and I was gifted the workshop fee. All opinions are based on my own personal experience*

 

{The Nest Hearts Clothes} Diversity Fashion

Over the last few years of running the blog I have come across some very brilliant businesses, especially brilliant are the local ones I have discovered.

One such diamond is Diversity Fashion!

Diversity Fashion is run by mother/daughter team Jean and Amelia. They are friendly, approachable and fashionable.

28170815_10216417614738761_1104283922_o

The Evelyn Black Tunic is my new fave Diversity piece

Diversity makes fashion that is designed to embrace a woman’s curves and make her feel beautiful. They embrace a body positive outlook and design pieces that are easy-fit, high quality and on-trend.

diversity

The flower detail on the neckline take this black tunic to the next level of pretty

Diversity  has recently launched their online presence and your can now shop from the comfort of your own home at www.diversityfashion.com.au. I can say from personal experience that their delivery is second to none. I ordered the gorgeous Evelyn Tunic online and had it delivered the very next day! How’s that for customer service?

The girls at Diversity are proud of their style and want to help you discover the best and most comfortable version of you.

Contact Diversity today on:

| VISIT: 55 Keppel Street, Bathurst |

| CALL: 0423 065 988 |

| EMAIL: contact@diversityfashion.com.au |

df-main-logo-min

 

*This is a sponsored post and I was gifted the Evelyn tunic. All opinions are based on my own personal experience*

 

{Girl Crush Tuesday} Divine Delta

We have some pretty hard girl crushes. These are the types of ladies that stamp their style on the world. They are the type of people that will always be remembered and little girls grow up wanting to be. They are women of substance. Women that make the world a better place. Happy Girl Crush Tuesday everybody.line4

Today we salute the fantastically talented Delta Goodrem.

Delta is undeniably Australia’s princess of pop and has one of the best voices that the country has ever heard. She is an actor, a performer, a presenter, a songwriter and even a judge on the Australian version of the voice.

Delta is amazing not only on the stage but more importantly behind the limelight. She is a cancer survivor who regularly supports many charities including even donating a portion of her concert proceeds to the Delta Goodrem Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Trust Fund. She is also an ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Delta also supports RADD (Recording Artists, Actors And Athletes Against Drunk Driving), to help raise awareness of the risks of drunk driving.

Delta is the epitome of a superstar and shows all little girls, that through hard work, perseverance and genuine Australian spirit girls really can run the world.

 

delta

Images | Australian | TheWeeklyReview | AussieTheatre | Beauticate| TheFix |

 

{Love Birds} Beer for life

“I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself but for what you are making of me.” 

-Roy Croft

Monique & Cameron_wedding photos_print quality_-281

This wedding is by far one of the most beautiful days I have ever seen. I love weddings that are just a little bit different and the tones of the winter wonder are simply stunning. The bride is gorgeous and her smile lights up every single image. Sometimes you can’t just see love, you can actually feel it. This is one of those weddings.

Monique and Cameron – Thank you for sharing your beautiful winter wedding with us.Monique & Cameron_wedding photos_print quality_-4

The love birds: Monique Kellond, 24, Support Worker & Cameron Beer, 25, Correctional Services Officer

Ceremony & Reception: BoxGrove Bathurst

Theme: Warm Winter tones

The Dress: Peter Trends

Groom & wedding party attire: Jack Holman MenswearMonique & Cameron_wedding photos_print quality_-40

Beauty: Luxe Hair & Body

Styling: BoxGrove

Floral: Ivory Rose Botanicals

Eats: Our Place or Yours Catering

Monique & Cameron_wedding photos_print quality_-130

Cake: Cakes by Katrina

Photographer: Feather & Birch

Rings: Monique: Wj Coote & Sons, Cameron: Michael Hill

Monique & Cameron_wedding photos_print quality_-138

Stationary: Chalk Bathurst

Music: The mud monkeys

Special moments:

Monique says “The fact that I got to marry my high school sweet heart.”

While it was one of the coldest winter days, right as the couple said ‘I do’ the sun came out from behind the clouds.

Guests: 120

Cost: $35,000

Monique & Cameron_wedding photos_print quality_-320

Stockists: Ceremony & Reception: BoxGrove Bathurst | The Dress: Peter Trends| Beauty: Luxe Hair & Body| Styling: BoxGrove | Floral: Ivory Rose Botanicals|Eats: Our Place or Yours Catering| Cake: Cakes by Katrina| Photographer: Feather & Birch| Rings: Monique: Wj Coote & Sons, Cameron: Michael Hill | Stationary: Chalk Bathurst| Music: The mud monkeys|

{Book Club} Anything but Love

Every new year needs a little steamy goodness and our friend Jacqueline Hayley has your heart, mind and loins taken care of in her new seductive love story.

Set in outback Australia Anything but Love takes you on a seductive journey through the life of a city girl who moves to the Central West and falls in love with a farmer. It was meant to be anything but love.  anything-but-love

This provocative novel will have you on the edge of your seat and quickly you will find yourself dragged into a whimsical world filled with love, adventure and romance.

I gave this book to my mama with the strict instruction to report back within a fortnight to give me her opinion, she rang the next morning and said “I didn’t sleep and hot damn, that book kept me awake”.

Any book that is read within a night and stops your world has to be worth it.

Head to www.jacquelinehayley.com to grab your copy today.

You won’t be disappointed!

Happy reading nesters x

 

{Christmas Prizeapolooza 2016} Give a little bit of Glitz this year

This product is the EXACT reason I started this blog, it’s local, it’s brilliant and I didn’t know it existed until now.

Little Glitz by Amanda is located in Blayney and she offers custom cross stitch portraits, wall hangings and letters. 15354316_1799094906975396_1227810246_o

Amanda has been cross-stitching since she was young and it was a skill taught to her by her mother. How fantastic is that?

This is honestly the best product I have seen in a long time, what a brilliant way to capture your family and what a fabulous gift this would make. You could buy it as a wedding gift  and then buy another one with the couple and added children later! I love this idea! Imagine a whole couple’s history celebrated by cross stitch.

15369764_1799094900308730_1065838680_o

Little Glitz by Amanda offers simply stunning items and I hope in the not to distant future to have one of her beautiful creations hanging in my home.

If there is one business that you need to get out and support after this year’s Christmas prizeapolooza let it be this one.

You can get in contact with Little Glitz by Amanda today!

| Phone: 0423 114 187 |

| Email: amanda_egan2388@hotmail.com |

| Facebook: @littleglitzbyamanda |

| Instagram: @littleglitzbyamanda |
tree

line4The fantastically talented Little Glitz by Amanda is offering one very lucky nester the chance to win a fully custom family portrait. I can’t even tell you how much I love this prize. I want it BAD!

To be in the running all you have to do is be a ‘liker’ of Little Glitz by Amanda on facebook as well as The Central Nest’s facebook page and like the ORIGINAL competition post on our facebook page.

Remember to ‘tag’ a friend and ‘share’ the post for an additional entry.

Winner will be drawn 5pm (AEST) Thursday 22 December 2016.

To see the full terms and conditions go here -> Christmas Prizeapolooza 2016 Rules

 

{Love Birds} 10 real life love stories to give you all the feels

Do yourself a favour and head over and check out 10 Real Life Love Stories That Will Grab You By the Heart.

It is a great insight into some really interesting couples. ted talks

Remarkable, yet ordinary people and these are the type of love stories that will last the ages.

Happy love Nesters x

 

{The Nest Loves} True love isn’t just poems and roses

True love isn’t just voluptuous bunches of red roses and love poem serenades. More often it is dishes and comfort and kindness.

Korean artist “Puuung” has captured the love that people actually relate to. She is remarkably clever with her illustrations and we LOVE the honesty of them.

tear

 

cook

birthday

You can find the full works here ->  Grafolio

Just perfect.

Enjoy nesters x

 

{Our Nest} A new bird, a name thief and an elephant selfie

To say the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind is the biggest understatement since someone said Kimmy K might like a selfie or two.kim selife

We are overjoyed like a kids with wagon wheels to announce that we welcomed Charlotte into our nest. She is perfection. She eats. She sleeps. Repeat.

I do feel she is placing us into a false sense of security and in the not too distant future you are likely to find me hiding in the stationary aisle at woolies rocking back and forwards begging for a straight jacket but until that time I plan on absorbing all her newborn goodness.14

We had such an interesting long birth experience, I cannot give enough thanks to the maternity staff at the hospital that helped bring our little lady into the world. In particular, there are a few people that really deserve special thanks. There is the girl I knew from school who was full a humour and positivity. There was the girl who kept me calm and somehow instinctively knew when to talk and when to just hold my hand. There was the girl who was encouraging and patient. The girl who followed us up even after her shift finished and finally there was the doctor who believed in me and offered to give me a chance. A sincere-from-the-bottom-of-my-toes-to-the-tip-of-my-nose thank you to you all. P.S Happy Midwife Day to all the midwives out there for yesterday!midwife

In very exciting news I have discovered one very beneficial outcome that comes with delivering a baby that weighs over 4.5 kilos is that it is the bloody quickest weight loss regime ever! Literally nearly 5 kilos a gonski in less than 1 minute!

I have to admit the hubby-bird and I had this delusional romantic idea of the moment that our other birdies would meet their new little person. We were sure the birds would croon, the angels would sing and we would have a wonderful photograph of all the love. In reality, when the toddler-bird and kid-bird met their new little sister it was definitely less than a magical hallmark moment. Kid-bird walked in and spontaneously burst into tears because she wanted a brother NOT ANOTHER SIIIISSSSSTER! The toddler-bird didn’t care nearly as much. She was simply there for the hospital custard and free apple juice. When we asked if she wanted to kiss her sister we were met with a solid eye roll and a statement consisting of “She stinks weird. Maybe we should sell her back to BigW”. Such a solid family moment to remember for ever.

text

They like each other now.. mostly

If you know me at all you will know that I am a complete tragic royals fan. They are just coolest and I am crushing hard. Well, this chick Kate (she’s like totes the duchess) is my unrequited best mate. We are BFF’s (but she just doesn’t quite know that yet). Anyhoo, she also had a bambino this week and it was PINK! Pink ones are the best, but admittedly I am a smidgeon biased because I am the mother to only pink dragons. BUT there is an issue in our wonderful imaginary friendship and that is that she stole my baby name. We both have new little Charlottes which is definitely going to be akws when we are at the park together sipping tea and one of us yells at our Charlotte to stop licking the slippery dip… Okay, princesses probably don’t lick stuff, I am sure she has people that do that for her and I spose probably thousands of other Strayans also have Charlottes, but you know that aren’t friends with my mate Kate. I like her, and she sent me this card with a virtual high-fiver so we have moved on and are BFFing all over the place again.

Charlotte #2 (1)

I hope to be back on board and publishing on the blog again soon, just depends on the state of Mount Washmore in the spare room, ahem, I mean nursery and on how long the little birdie keeps me in this state of eat. Sleep. Repeat.

I do want to share that later we will be running a competition giving one very lucky nester the opportunity to win a photography session with the very talented team at No Added Cheese! This is a special competition for one very deserving mama. WATCH THIS SPACE!!

Thanks for all the well wishes you beautiful Nesters!

CentralNestSignature