| CHRISTMAS PRIZEAPOLOOZA 2019 | Do Christmas with Jess and her dots

This is a fantastic local business that you really need to know about! Jess Does Dots is owned and operated by the incredibly talented Jess Sandford (Channon) and is located in Orange.

Jess Does Dots creates original art (framed and on canvas), hand painted earrings, hand painted Christmas decorations and canvas print bags.

The thing that sets Jess apart is that her masterpieces are handcreated with love and talent and some of her paintings can take weeks to finish! The time she spends on these creations are not reflected in her price but you can tell when you recieve one of her items just how much time and love has gone into it.

This business began after one of Jess’ friends make the suggestion for Jess to have an outlet. Jess suffered severe postnatal depression and anxiety and her friend (who was a nurse) suggested it could help her cope. Jess had obtained a top mark in the NSW HSC Art body of work and finally had a reason to switch off from everyday life and focus on her creative side.

You feel the heart in everyone of Jess’ creations.

| Phone: 0423 522 512 |

| Website: http://www.jessdoesdots.com |

| Facebook: @jessdoesdots |

| Instagram: @jess.does.dots |

tree

Jess Does Dots is offering one very lucky nesters an excellent prize pack this year that includes a canvas bag, 4 hand painted cards, 4 handpainted christmas tree decorations and a hand painted pair of earrings! I SO want this one for myself!

To be in the running all you have to do is be a ‘liker’ of Jess Does Dots 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 prior to Christmas 2019.

To see the full terms and conditions go here -> The Central Nest Christmas Prizeapolooza 2019 terms and conditions

{Christmas Prizeapolooza 2017} Macquarie Spoils this year

There are a few local businesses that have been around since the beginning of the blog and have always been involved and supportive. One of the biggest supporters I have had is Karla and the beautiful team from Macquarie Medi Spa.IMG_2219

Macquarie Medi Spa are the queens at pampering. I cannot tell you how many times I come out of one of their spas feelings a million bucks better than when I walked in.

What I love most is that they are really informative without being pushy. They have their fingers on the pulse of the latest trends and movements in beauty and bring that to our local area in an approachable and affordable way.

Macquarie Medi Spa have won a bunch of awards including the very prestigious Oceania Spa Manager in 2016. They have also been named Bathurst Business of the Year twice and been a nominee of the World Luxury Spa Awards.  ST-about-2

Macquarie Medi Spa is your local beauty spa with two beautiful locations in Bathurst and in Orange. The Orange spa even offers the very fun LipLab where you can create your own personalised lipstick and foundation. I have done this a couple of times and it is the best way to spend some time with your favourite girls.

One of the first services offered by  Macquarie Medi Spa is their Laser Hair removal, it means far less hair and that is certainly a winner in my books (just ask my lip!). These machines are massively expensive but  Macquarie Medi Spa wants the best for their clients so is even bringing another one to Orange! ST-Facial-treatments

If you want to feel like the most beautiful version of yourself make sure you give Karla and the girls at Macquarie Medi Spa a call today:

| Phone: 02 6332 2062 |

| Email: bathurst@macquariemedispa.com |

| Facebook:  Macquarie Medi Spa|treeline4

The fantastic girls at  Macquarie Medi Spa are spreading the love this Christmas and giving one very lucky winner a LipLab voucher as well as some under arm Laser Hair Removal Sessions!

To be in the running all you have to do is be a ‘liker’ of Macquarie Medi Spa  as well as The Central Nest’s facebook pages 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) Wednesday 20 December 2017.

To see the full terms and conditions go here -> Christmas Prizeapolooza 2017 Rules

 

{Christmas Prizeapolooza 2016} Lush Lips love the Lip Lab

macquaUnless you have been living under a rock you would have heard me yak on and on about this one time I got to create my very own lipstick with the girls from Macquarie Medispa. They have bought to our area the  Lip Lab which is just the most fabulous thing ever.

I went and experienced the fun of the  Lip Lab a little while ago – in fact you can read about my fun night out here -> The Central Nest went Lip Labbing but in case you missed it, the Lip Lab at Macquarie Medispa in Orange is the first of its kind in the area.

The Lip Lab is an exciting innovation that lets you customise your very own lipstick. You get to choose the colour, whether it’s lipstick or gloss and even the scent! lip

You meet with one of your colour consultants who takes you step by step through the process to create your very own masterpiece!

Just to top it off you get to name your own lipstick so that the girls can recreate it for you again in the future! For a long time Macquarie Medispa has been ahead of the curve and this is another great example.

| Phone: 02 6324 5552 |

| 102 Byng Street, Orange |

| Facebook: macquariemedispa |
tree

line4The fabulous girls at Macquarie Medispa are offering one very lucky nester the chance to design their own lipstick at the Lip Lab in Orange! This is such a fun experience, I can’t even tell you!

To be in the running all you have to do is be a ‘liker’ of Macquarie Medispa 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

{Christmas Prizeapolooza 2016} Give the gift of some Thermo loving this Christmas

A little over a year ago the hubs won some massive brownie points and ordered me a Thermomix. Now I don’t want to sound all ‘thermo-cult’ but, well, I bloody love it!

One of the best things that came from this purchase was not only the rockin’ machine but also the wonderful service offered by thermomix consultant Sally Hyland. I simply cannot recommend her enough. sally

Thermomix have consultants all across the Central West that can assist you. If you don’t already have a Thermomix consultant, you can just request a local consultant by visiting the Thermomix in Australia website: https://www.thermomix.com.au/how-to-purchase/contact-us/

Thermomix has some exciting things in the pipeline for 2017 like the launch of the Thermomix Cooking Experience. I love that Thermomix is never standing still and always looking for the next big thing. One new change is the gift registry option so instead of elcrappo wedding gifts you can actually get goooood gifts! I love this idea! So basically now is a fantastic time to give your local consultant a call to find out more!

Your local Thermomix consultant can also help you with your Christmas gifts (just make sure you order by 12 December !) you could give your loved ones (or yourself!) a new cookbook, some new bakeware or even a gift voucher.

Plus, if you are looking for some more cash in the new year why not consider working with thermomix and jumping onboard the Thermomix train?

tree

To get your Christmas just a little bit sweeter your local thermomix team is offering one lucky nester the chance to win a complete Rose Gold Baking Kit! Woah! This includes a set of 3 baking trays (the smallest even fits in the Varoma), a set of two cake tins (again fits in the Varoma so you can create steaming cheesecakes or delicious sticky date puddings in the thermo) as well as some precut parchment paper! As if that’s not enough there is also a thermomat, a silicone snack mould, an oven mat and a 12 hole muffin tray! Oh, my baby cheeses!!

To be in the running all you have to do is be a ‘liker’ of  The Central Nest’s facebook pages 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 Rules

 

{locally Found} ARF does Orange

I am constantly telling all the people what a brilliant part of the world we live in. Heck, that is half the reason this blog started, so it is fantastic when other people visit and agree.

Today I found that the Australian Financial Review got on their bikes and headed to Orange. orange

You can read the full story here -> Orange NSW Food, Wine, Coffee and Cycling

Go local.

{The Design Nest} Why you should consider black tapware

One of our very favourite contributors to the blog is the delightful Christine Ghrayche from One x One Interiors. Christine operates One x One Interiors in Orange and offers individually tailored interior design and architectural services to her clients.

Christine is a passionate lover of all things design and has a brilliant ability to see the beauty in the everyday. She is a mother of two, a coffee addict and wine lover.

We are delighted to have Christine and her knowledge onboard. So if you have any design questions, Christine is your go to!

line4

Why I love black tapware

For many of us, chrome is the first material that comes to mind when we consider tapware for our kitchens and bathrooms. But have you ever considered the sleek and sophisticated option that is black tapware? Perfect for those that desire to add an extra touch of luxury to their home, black tapware adds something special to a space that sets it apart from the others, and while chrome will always have its place in the market nothing compares to black when used correctly, and here’s a few reasons why.

  1. It’s sleek and stylish
    Enhancing the style in any kitchen or bathroom, the distinctive simplicity of black tapware against a neutral background creates a look that is both sleek and stylish – think of the simple sophistication of the LBD (little black dress)

    Arden Homes Melbourne (1)

    Source: Arden Homes

  2. It matches perfectly with marble
    In the spotlight as a current and lasting design trend, marble is a classic material that rarely goes out of style. A simple pairing of white and black vein marble together with black tapware will accentuate the darker shades present in the marble and create an elegant and cohesive look.

    Rolies & Dubois Archtects Belgium

    Image: Rolies & Dubois Archtects Belgium

  3. It makes a bold statement
    If you’re looking for a statement piece for your kitchen or bathroom but are reserved about committing to an extravagant installation, such as tiles or cabinetry, then black tapware could be the perfect match. In a bathroom or powder-room for example, combining black tapware with porcelain basins and baths can transform your space into one that conveys a style that is contemporary yet timelessly classic.

    Unknown Pinterest

    Image: Pinterest

  4. It works beautifully with timber and copper tones
    Black is a statement colour, and this is particularly true when it’s combined with lighter shades of white and grey. Because of this it’s important that you implement warmer tones such as copper and timber to avoid a cold and harsh look. Introducing warm metals such as copper and the grainy texture of wood, will help to soften the space and adds another level of luxury.
  5. It loves subways tiles just as much as I do
    I’m a huge fan of subway tiles, my own kitchen features oversized subway tiles laid in a traditional brick pattern. As mentioned above in regards to accentuating the black veins in marble, I also suggest using the same concept to create contrast between your tiles and grout to highlight the black tapware, for example pairing a white tile with dark grout. 
  6. It suits a huge number of interior styles
    And finally, because it can suit a huge number of interior styles; from scandinavian to french provincial to contemporary classic – if implemented correctly of course.

christine-ghrayche-owner-of-one-x-one-interiors-and-lover-of-all-things-design-is-a-passionate-interior-designer-mother-of-2-coffee-addict-wine-lover-and-has-called-orange-home-for-the-past-25-y

{Locally Found} Let’s get our Italian on…

According to my very detailed and unstructured survey every single person in the whole entire world loves Italian food. FACT.

The amazing people at Mayfield Vineyard are hosting Pochi ma Buoni (Italian pop-up dinner) on 21 November 2015.

It will be delicious and a wonderful way to spend some time together with your loved ones.

Make sure you hurry because there are only 20 seats! italian

You can find more information from the team at Mayfield Vineyard

Enjoy!

{Locally Found} Not Quite Nigella hits Orange

We all know that our little area is beautiful and wonderful and lovely but it is nice when other people share that view too!

Lorraine Elliott, the queen bee from Not Quite Nigella visited our Orange recently and fell deeply.

hamburger

She explored Orange’s hotspots including The Agrestic Grocer, Racine and Factory Expresso and found that they really do it best in the west. orange

Head over and check her blog out! Then grab the fam and head local this weekend!

 

 

{Locally Found} Fully Engaged – The Event

If you are planning a wedding, know someone organising a wedding, or even if you just like weddings then this is for you!

A one of a kind event is taking place in Orange on May 30 and it is the place to be.

You might be engaged, but are you fully engaged? line4

We recently spoke with Henry Paul who is the mastermind behind this fantastic idea to find out where the idea came from, why we should go and who is involved!

The Nest: We love this idea Henry! What is Fully Engaged?

Henry: Fully Engaged is a cross between a wedding expo and a mock wedding. We’re inviting people to take part in this one of a kind event to experience, interact and ENGAGE with some of the best wedding vendors from the Central West. Not only will you get the chance to ask questions, but also you’ll literally be attending a wedding (just with no official-ness).FLORIST

The Nest: Sounds fabulous, where did the idea come from?

Henry: The idea actually came to me on Christmas Day last year! My sister had just gotten married and my brother’s wedding was 10 days away. The whole family was in some kind of wedding head-spin. After hearing some of their frustrations of planning a wedding, I thought to myself ‘there must be a better way of getting to know your wedding photographer before hiring them’. I mean, websites are great and Facebook is good, but none of that compares to actually experiencing somebody’s work ethic to help you decide if they’re worth it and I think that applies across the board for every wedding vendor. Whether you’re looking for a florist, a decorator, or a photographer it is great if you can build a relationship before your own big day!

The Nest: Why should people attend Fully Engaged?

Henry: I put out to all those hipsters out there: In five years this kind of thing will be mainstream. Don’t you wanna be the person that went before it was cool?

Seriously, Fully Engaged has never been done before. This is exciting and scary at the same time. I think everybody loves to be a part of something new and bold, and this time it happens to be raising money for an awesome cause!LOLLY

The Nest: So exactly, what makes Fully Engaged different to the other bridal fairs?

Henry: There are so many things that set Fully Engaged apart from your typical bridal fair. One of the biggest things people will notice is the limited number of vendors who are involved. This allows for an intimate experience with our  Fully Engaged Team. We have about 13 different businesses contributing to the event. At bridal fairs, there’ll often be 19 different photographers all competing for the same clients, and couples can often feel a little overwhelmed. At Fully Engaged it’s not a competition. It’s a wedding.mayfield

The Nest: We love that this is local, what vendors will be there?

Henry: Through Fully Engaged I have had the privilege of getting to know some of the best in the business! Of course we have Mayfield Vineyard on board, that’s where the event will be hosted! But the list of businesses involved keeps growing!

Here are some of the vendors available to meet on the day:

Venue: Mayfield Vineyard

Photography: Henry Paul Photography (Parkes) & Danni Evans Photography (Bathurst)

Video: Typography & Photobooth: Calicove Creative Studio (Dubbo)

Decorations: Bombira Weddings (Mudgee) and All Sorted Party Hire (Forbes)

Florist: The Meadow (Dubbo)

Bridal Gown: LMH Couture (Bathurst)

Millinery: Julie Herbert Millinery (Orange)

Suit: Bent Threads (Bathurst)

Celebrant: Tanya McDonald, Building Forevers (Millthorpe)

Entertainment: Renate Jane Music (Bathurst)

As you can see, this is an extremely regional effort, with vendors coming from at least 8 different towns to make this happen!borrowed

The Nest: Tell us a little more about you Henry, what is your background?

I grew up in Canberra with an incredible family! Through every life decision and business decision I made they have always been supportive, and are always looking for ways to help. Two years ago I made the decision to leave the nest and move to Parkes, and I’m sure they all thought I was a little crazy! But nevertheless, they supported me. It is now two years on, and I am running an exciting and thriving wedding photography business in the Central West, and I love every moment of it!FLOWER

 The Nest: Well welcome to the area! So why wedding photography?

Henry: When I was in high school, I had a friend from church who was a wedding photographer. He offered to train me as his right-hand man. Before then I had never touched an SLR camera, let alone shot with one. But, as my friend said, I had a major creative personality that was just dying for a way to express itself.

When I moved to the country I also moved away from the photography business. And funnily enough, I had absolutely no intention of returning to the industry! But, of course, I was still in love with the art of photography. So with my newfound freedom I began exploring a whole range of other styles and types of photography.  Last Easter I was asked to stand in as wedding photographer for a couple in Forbes, and I fell in love with weddings all over again. Thus Henry Paul Photography was born.table

The Nest: Money raised from the day will go to Ronald McDonald House Charity in Orange, why is this an important charity to you/ why was it chosen?

Henry: To be honest, this is what gets me most excited about Fully Engaged: $30 from every ticket sold will be donated to RMHC in Orange!fully engaged

All our vendors are donating their time so that most of the ticket sale price can be donated directly to Ronald McDonald House. If you spend even just 5 minutes in a Ronald McDonald House you’ll understand why we’ve partnered with them. Fully Engaged is all about ‘spreading the love’ to help provide hope and healing to seriously ill children and their families.

The Nest: Okay Henry, so tell us the details!

Henry: Fully Engaged will begin at 3:30pm on 31 May at Mayfield Vineyard in Orange.

Tickets are available for $35 and can be purchased from www.henrypaul.com.au/fully-engaged-tickets/

The Nest: If our beautiful nesters have any questions how can they get in contact?

 

Henry: If you would like more information, would like to partner with us, or perhaps just make a donation, then please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am best contacted via email, henrypaulproductions@me.com, or through my Facebook page. MASTHEAD

So get to it nesters, not only are you supporting a brilliant cause you can also be part of something completely new for this area! Happy wedding planning Nesters x

{Mother’s Day Love} Win a photography session with No Added Cheese!

This mother’s day we are so excited to announce that one deserving Nester will win a photography session with the incredibly talented Penny from No Added Cheese!

mum graphic

No Added Cheese offers documentary and Lifestyle photography located in Orange, NSW. Penny is friendly, approachable and talented. She offers the ability to capture your little family so that the memories will live on for always.

WIN

This mother’s day the generous Penny, in combination with The Central Nest wants to share the love and is offering one lucky Nester the opportunity to win a Family Photo Shoot (which includes photographs on disc!)
To be in the running just make sure you are a ‘liker’ of No Added Cheese and The Central Nest and answer the following: ‘The best piece of advice my mother ever gave me was…’ 
*Winner will be announced on Mother’s Day at 11am
*Winner must be located in Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Cowra, Parkes, Forbes or any area in between.
*Entries close midnight Saturday 9 May 2015
*Answers can be on the blog or on the Facebook post
Happy Mother’s Day Nesters and Good Luck!!