SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS GIFTING: The gift that gives in more WAYS than one

With only 7 nights until Christmas, now is the time to get the last of your gift shopping done and I’ve got a great list of gift ideas that are not only different to the rest, but will also make you (and the recipient) feel a little warm and fuzzy inside because each gift gives in more ways than one…

The idea came from my cousin, Anders Uechtritz, who asides from being super intelligent and charming, works for a non-profit social purpose organisation in Australia, whose mission is to improve the lives of people in need through various services and projects. A few days ago, Anders sent out a family email with links to various social enterprise organisations whom he thought would make great alternatives to buy gifts from this Christmas – I loved it!

Social enterprises are businesses which put people and the planet first. By purchasing gifts from a social enterprise, we can give fantastic, one-of-a-kind gifts while also directly contributing to the great work done by the enterprise.

So for those of you who are still struggling to find that perfect gift for someone who is hard to buy for, or just needing to do some last minute Christmas shopping before the big man in his big red suit trips down your chimney… I’ve gone and done a little research of my own and collated my Top 10 picks for your socially conscious gifting this year...

1. SEEME #HeartMovement fair-trade necklace: 

My husband actually gave me one of these as an early Christmas present a few weeks ago because he was so excited, he couldn’t wait until the big day. He knew I’d love everything about this delicate necklace and what it represented... and boy he knows me well. The SEEME #heartmovement was launched in January 2014 with several fashion icons like Nicole Kidman and Alessandra Ambrosio quick to be photographed for the brand. Karl Lagerfeld, Missoni and Tommy Hilfiger have since collaborated with SEEME and the jewellery is handcrafted by women (often single mothers) who have suffered violence and were ostracized from their communities. Through training, SEEME women learn the craft of jewellery making following ancient tunisian techniques. Thus, while fostering their country's traditions they also secure a workplace for themselves and a future for their families.

CLICK TO SHOP!

2. Aerende Rustic Wooden Chopping Board:

A beautiful timber chopping board makes a great gift for those who take pride in their kitchen and/or house decor. Alternatively I'd sue this gorgeous board as a lovely rustic option for serving cheese! Crafted from sustainably sourced Scottish elm, this chopping board shows the grain and the shape of the original elm tree and was hand-crafted by volunteers recovering from mental illness at Fruitful Woods in Edinburgh.

CLICK TO SHOP!

3. Soneva Fushi Escape:

If you’re looking for something more extravagant to surprise your loved one(s), then maybe this deserted island hideaway in the Maldives is the perfect choice. It’s a place that my husband and I have had on our list for some time because everything about it looks and seems ideal! An award-winning resort with picture perfect sand and beaches… a Biosphere UNESCO protected pristine reef… and an eco-friendly existence which emanates the essence of barefoot luxury. Even more impressive than the resort itself, is the Soneva Foundation established by the owners of Soneva to deliver meaningful projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact. By choosing any of the Soneva resorts for your next holiday, you’re supporting a business that through its foundation is proactively making huge impact on our world via their inspiring global projects. 

CLICK TO SHOP!

4. Thankyou ‘OH JOY’ Duo Gift Set: 

This Botanical Patchouli & Vanilla Hand Wash + Lotion will make the perfect Secret Santa or Kris Kringle gift. 100% of the profits from Thankyou products goes towards ending global poverty, by helping to get safe water, sanitation, food and child and maternal health programs to people in need.

CLICK TO SHOP!

5. Global Seesaw Earrings: 

Fashionable and chic, these Carter-Blue earrings will give any outfit a touch of style. Made by women who are beginning a new life at Starfish Project, each purchase is an investment in a mission to transform lives and restore hope to exploited women. 

CLICK TO SHOP!

6. Conscious Step Socks: 

Everyone loves socks for a stocking filler! But these socks are extra cool because they are ethically made and sold for leading non-profits around the world, as a fun way to raise awareness for the work they are doing. You can choose which non-profit you’d like to support by selecting the socks from each non-profits design range. On the back-end they pride themselves as leaders in Fairtrade and organic production using a unique non-toxic dying process, making their products a lot more durable and odor resistant, as well as preventing harm to our environment. 

CLICK TO SHOP!

7. Sniffy Wiffy Body Gift Pack:

High-quality, gorgeous bath and body products which are providing vitally important health information in a forward-thinking, innovative way. Sniffy Wiffy's mission is to increase the number of ladies and gents who know about (and self-check for) the signs & symptoms of breast and testicular cancer. 

8. Samanata Yogi Premium Yoga Apparel:

Inspired by the strength and courage of women and supporting artists and designers around the world, Samanata Yogi dedicates 10% of all their profits to Project Futures, a not-for-profit organisation that works tirelessly towards the eradication of human trafficking and the empowerment of its survivors. Recycled and eco-friendly fabrics and processes are used by Samantha Yogi to reduce environmental impact also. 

CLICK TO SHOP!

9. Forage Cookbook:

For all you chefs out there, you can support village development in Nepal through agriculture enterprise when buying this stunning cookbook. Forage brings together recipes, stories and beautiful imagery from producers, food folks and 100 of the best chefs from across Victoria, Australia. Forage is an initiative born from a group of Aussies who during their time in Nepal, were inspired by the strong connection between the subsistence farmers, their food and the land that provides it. 

CLICK TO SHOP!

10. Prosperity Candle: 

Every candle purchased helps provide a living wage for the women artisans who are crafting them and whom have resettled to the United States from refugee camps in the hope of building a brighter future for themselves and their families. This social enterprise delights customers through design, fragrance, and stories that brighten your heart and soul, and they believe in contributing to the common good, prioritizing purpose over profit, and striving everyday to help end poverty. 

CLICK TO SHOP!

Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!!!

Sx

48 Hours in Paris

WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?

Of all the cities in the world “the city of love” is one of my favs and it’s not just because it’s “Paris” (these days being a fan of Paris can sound a little cliché because let’s be honest, nearly everyone does!) but it's because I have some very special memories in this city and over time have come to uncover the real Paris. There are so many amazing facets of this city which go well beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, so when you take time to truly explore it… you can’t help but be fascinated by its diversity and charm. 

It comes as no surprise then that I love any excuse to find myself tucked up on the Eurostar for the 2.5hr trip to the French capital and this time we had the best excuse ever… a very special excuse even. My husband was being awarded by Eva Longoria and the Global Gift Foundation with an Award of Excellence for all his years devoted to, and achievements in, philanthropy #proudwife

TRAVEL ATTIRE Top: Ralph Lauren, Jeans: Rag & Bone, Shoes: Top Shop 

So we had 48 hours in Paris and as usal we had a fabulous time. If you happen to find yourself with a good excuse to visit Paris (or maybe even no excuse at all!) here’s my 4 Top Tips for a great Parisian escape:

1. TREAD THE BOARDS: The best way to see Paris is by foot. This is a city with many different masks and I found that it’s only when you’re walking down alley ways and across arrondissements (aka suburbs) that you truly see behind each one and experience how the heart of this city really beats. There is so much colour and character to explore (for better and for worse) and for me, this how you really get to know and understand Paris and the people. Be careful though and always hold onto your bag/ purse!

Top and Shorts: Princess Highway

Cross shoulder bag: Burberry

2. TOURIST TRAPS: If you are going to visit the Eiffel Tower or any of the big tourist attractions (which you definitely should at least once) ALWAYS book in advance. The qeues can be dire and you could find yourself waiting for hours just to get in. There are loads of tour operators with online websites and offers, so spend a bit of time on Google before your trip and lock in a good deal with someone who has EXPRESS ACCESS (not all do) and who can guarantee you the experience you’re looking for at a price you’re willing to pay. Beware there are also A LOT of "shonky" tour operators who promise but don't deliver - do your homework, read reviews and make the phone calls before you give anyone any money. 

Basilica of Sacre-Coeur

3. MAKE TIME FOR MONTMARTRE: Everyone loves shopping in Paris and so it comes as no surprise that the famous Champs Elysees (and surrounding areas) command most peoples attention when they’re visiting. It’s the obvious choice. But for me, it’s Montmartre that I would rather spend my time as it has to be one of the most interesting neighbourhoods in Paris and is bubbling with history and character. There is great shopping (more unique and boutique-based) plus fascinating architecture and street life. My advice is not to use a map or to walk the streets well trampled by other tourists, just feel your way around the steep and cobbled streets without guidance and you’ll truly experience how magical this district is. The famous Basilica of Sacre-Coeur (the big white church) sits at the top of the hill and can be seen from almost everywhere, so as long as you’re heading uphill there’s little chance of you actually getting lost. NOTE: On weekends at different times of the year the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur hosts a fabulous market which is worth seeing, so you may want to time your Montmarte excursion around this. Again hold on to your wallet and be aware that some of these stalls are proper tourist traps... don’t be fooled into thinking that all products and prices are authentic!

4. FASHIONISTA HAVEN: OK ladies, if you want to treat yourself to something fabulous in the way of clothing, this is the place to be. Forget Colette (save Colette for cool little nick nacks and gifts) Montagne Market has the best selection of on trend style for those who really love fashion. There are two levels of brands from around the globe - upstairs being the more affordable ones (from what I could tell) and downstairs being the creme de la creme. Even if you don't have the budget to buy, it's a great spot for style inspiration so you can hunt down similar looks elsewhere with more affordable price tags.    

 

A SERIOUS CASE OF THE MUNCHIES

Of course I’m going to bring it back to food… I always do haha. Unsurprisingly there are many fabulous places to go for food in Paris and it really depends on what mood you’re in and how much you want to spend. I find that some of the cheapest food experiences are the best, for example I can’t pass a Parisian street vendor without throwing him some euros for a tasty Nutella crepe! But if you want to do something extra special and invest a little more into a great food experience, then I find good recommendations come in super handy. There’s nothing worse than splashing the cash in a restaurant that wasn't worth it #PetHate So here is a quick list of some of my favourite spots – trialled and tested. They’ve never let me down before, so hopefully you’ll enjoy them too!

STREET STYLE Top: Maje, Pinafore (worn as a skirt): Maje, Bag: Yves Saint Laurent, Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Hat: No name market buy. Bracelets: Cartier

LE DERRIERE – This place is a hidden gem and the recommendation of a Parisian local who knew I loved unique food experiences… and boy did this NOT disappoint (I have been recommending it to everyone since)! Basically the restaurant tables are strewn throughout an eclectic Parisian terrace house, so you could be seated at a candlelit table in a bedroom, bathroom or even the kitchen. Sounds crazy but it’s super fun and the food is great as well as the cocktails! On a warm summer night you may want to request one of the courtyard tables for a few drinks before cosying up inside for your food.  

LE CANDELARIA – For the best cheeky drink when you’ve finished dinner and don’t want the night to end. This little spot is not what it seems… from the street you think it’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall Mexican canteen (which despite it’s appearance, actually serves very tasty and fresh Mexican food) but for those “in the know” the real fun is hidden away behind a small door at the back of the premises. Yep! It’s one of those clandestine bars reminiscent of the prohibition area – tucked away and very cozy, plus serving elaborate cocktails and loads of different tequilas! I LOVE this place – very cool and very discreet.  

CAFE COSTE – For lunch on a sunny day. This is a cool spot, quite sceney, not overly cheap but it’s in the heart of the city and set in a gorgeous Parisian sun-filled courtyard (my favourite part). Fav dish is the steak tartare.

LES DEUX MARGOT or CAFÉ DE FLORE – For a mid-morning pastry or an aperitif at the end of the day. Both of these cafes are Paris institutions and certainly the more touristy thing to do (but for all the right reasons)…  Les Deux Magots and Café De Flore, which sit side side by side in the Saint Germain district, have long had the reputation of being the place for a rendezvous among the literary and intellectual elite. They are your quintessential Parisian pavement cafés and renowned for their famous clientele – from ex-pat writers like Hemingway to contemporary authors, artists and celebrities and although prices are over the top, it’s worth splashing out on one of these iconic cafes for the ultimate Parisian experience.

MISS KO – For a very cool and vibey Asian dinner. As you walk through the door of this low-lit Philippe Starck restaurant, you feel like you’ve just been inducted into the cool kids club. The walls are painted with trippy murals, there a tattoo-like prints on the tables and the music drums like a nightclub (in a soft and non-offensive way). It really works. The food and cocktails are fab and if you’re looking for a good place to kick-off a fun night on the town, this is your place.

KONG – For a futuristic vibe with great food and great views. This is another Philippe Starck restaurant which was very “in” back in the day and although possibly struggling to keep its trendy crowd now (lets be honest… there’s been an amass of uber cool restaurants pop up around Paris since this one launched in 2003) I still keep it on my list of favs because the principals of what made it great, still remain: great food, great drinks and great service. Furthermore I have a number of great memories at Kong and the décor + views will blow your mind!

LA AVENUE – For a fancy pants lunch in a sophisticated setting. If you like a bit of a buzz and flutter, La Avenue is known to be a bit of a high-end hot spot for celeb spotting and paps (like Icebergs in Sydney, The Ivy in London, or Balthazar in NYC). I celebrated my hens day in Paris here (thanks to my ever fabulous bridesmaid who also happens to be my stepdaughter!) as this was the spot she chose for all us ladies to la-dee-da it up! It couldn’t have been more perfect. The food and cocktails are fantastic and when the sun is shining you don’t want to leave. Like all great restaurants, it’s because of the food that I keep going back despite knowing it's a "showy" spot and the opposite of discreet. I highly recommend the tuna tartare – I’m not a huge fan of raw fish so barely ever order this dish, but I do at La Avenue… it’s my favourite dish of them all!

SPOILT BEYOND... 

There are two historic hotels in Paris that provide the ULTIMATE luxury in Paris... Le Bristol and of course the George V (Four Seasons).

The Four Seasons group are devoted supporters of the Global Gift Foundation and so this was the fourth year the magnificent George V hosted the gala event in Paris - consequently we got to stay here again (super spoilt)! We took a small trip down memory lane walking through the doors as last time we stayed at the George V, my husband and I had just got engaged and escaped to Paris with one of my brothers and sister in law for a whirlwind trip of fun, laughter and romance #GreatMemories 

Thank you so much to Eva Longoria, Maria Bravo and the whole team at Global Gift Foundation for hosting us and acknowledging my husbands endless devotion + achievements in Philanthropy. The work you all do with your own foundations is incredibly inspiring and we look forward to working alongside you in the future to enhance and save lives. 

Sx

Dress: Massimo Dutti, Belt: Massimo Dutti, Cross Shoulder Bag: Yves Saint Laurent, Heels: Stuart Weitzman

Flowers by the divine master of floral design, Jeff Leatham

Dress: Amanda Wakeley, Jewels: Stephen Webster, Watch: IWC

Bondi Life: Part Two

Bikini: Melissa Obadash Towel: Hermes

I say… once a foodie always a foodie and since I produced Masterchef Australia back in 2011 (and was exposed to some of the best chefs and culinary experiences the world has to offer) not a meal goes by without my attention being diverted to it’s flavours, textures, quality and presentation (except on occasion when I’m pulling into a KFC or Maccas of course haha). 

Food genuinely excites me and subsequently it also has the power to put me in a good mood or a bad one (don’t even ask what happens to me when I’m hungry eeeeek). That’s why living in Bondi is so brilliant - there's a great food scene and so I’m always in a good mood. Well most of the time anyway…  it's definitely one of the best aspect of #BondiLife

Ronan - Shirt: James Perse Sunnies: Persol

BONDI BRUNCH

My favourite meal of the day is brunch - that window of time between brekky and lunch which is late enough that you can have a sleep-in before having to meet up with anybody, but still early enough to give you the rest of the afternoon off after you’ve caught up. Aussies do it really well (especially in Bondi) and these days going for brunch on the weekend in Oz, is as normal as an Irishman going to the pub for a pint. The best brunch spots to hit are:

1.     Chapter One for the ‘Hungry Chaps’

2.     Porch & Parlour for the ‘Devil’s Breakfast’

3.     Harry’s for the ‘Crispy Rolled Egg, Black Beans, Chorizo, Avocado & Lime'

Over the last number of weeks Chapter One has become my ‘go to’ café overall. They have a perfect little spot at the top of the hill, slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of Bondi but with lovely views over the beach. The décor is rustic and non-pretentious… the staff are super lovely… the food and coffee are great… plus they offer free wifi which allows me to multitask my meal times with my work. It ticks all the boxes really.

SMOOTHIE O’CLOCK

No where else in the world do I ever say “Do you want to go out for a smoothie?”… it’s like the days of socialising over an alcoholic beverage are being challenged by a sunnier and more nutritious option. Especially in Bondi where health + fitness are as integrated into the lifestyle as black cabs are to the streets of London.

Smoothies and juices are big business now – especially the ‘cold pressed’ variety which retail for around AU$12 each (which I still can’t get my head around?!) and although there are so many options, I’ve become totally hooked on GREEN smoothies!! #Addicted. Green smoothies are generally thick like a normal smoothie plus taste like a normal smoothie, but they’re packed with spinach or kale which means you’re also getting a good dose of green veg into your diet. So imagine the same yummy taste but with an extra injection of goodness and you can't even taste it. 

The best green smoothie I’ve had so far is from the David Jones food court in Westfield. It has kale (which I substitute with spinach), banana, mango, coconut water and ice. I also love the DS2 smoothie at Scari Berri on Campbell Parade which is a combination of kale (again I substitute with spinach), blueberries, banana, spirullina, coconut water and ice. For cold pressed smoothies or juices try CaliPress on Hall Street – very trendy, very heathy but with a higher price point to most of the other options.

It's really so easy to be healthy in Bondi... When I'm here, I feel a million times healthier without even trying. Everywhere you go you're surrounded by creative and nutritious food that's not only nutritious but tastes delicious too #LoveIt

Sx