You don’t wing Mother’s Day
Audible groans were heard around the country on Tuesday when the RBA shocked experts with another rate rise from 3.6 per cent to 3.85 per cent. But you’ll be hearing more than that if you forget to shower Mum (yours or your kids’ one and only) with gifts, pamper sessions and loooong lunches this Mother’s Day May 14. Bold it in the iCal, set reminders in your phone and get to it. We recommend pursuing our coveted local boutiques for the deserving mumma – like Avalon’s Mamapapa for neutral French chic, Newport’s Pony Rider for the mother-of-all canvas carry all bags or Bassike for capsule wardrobe classics. Not to mention fleurs from Haven & Sarah or living indoor beauties from Avalon Florist. Go local, she will be feeling the love with whatever you pick. And if she’s not, exchanges are made very convenient.
Market wrap
Property prices have again risen for the second month in a row indicating a possible stabilisation in the market. CoreLogic data shows a 0.5 per cent increase in April, following on from a 0.6 per cent increase in March thanks to the Sydney market leading this charge. It will be interesting to see what impact, if any, the latest RBA rate rise will have on this positive trend but we are liking what we’re seeing for our sellers. And while we’re on the subject, Domain have put together a clever little compare the pair fixed versus variable home loan article given that 880,000 Aussies are coming off their fixed rate loans and head first into 3.85 per cent. Worth a read. Thinking about a sea or tree change? While we live in paradise, the idea of a new adventure, and potential financial gains of a big smoke to smaller smoke switch up is tempting to say the least. And while there has been a market rise in the past couple of months, there are some regions that are once again appealing to this type of thinking. Have a read if you’re in the market for a shake up.
What’s on
As we hinted at before (very obviously and loudly), it’s less than 10 days until the biggest celebration of the year for mums the world over – and it’s not one you want to wing. So to help, we’ve rounded up a few local favourites with matriarchal approval that are doing some a little extra for the big day. Whale Beach luxury stalwart, Jonah’s, is hosting a special three course lunch menu with a glass of Bolly on arrival, no less. Coupled with that view, you’ve already nailed it. Go-to neighbourhood wine bar, Sir Duncan, is putting on an elegant Asian-inspired 7 course menu that’s sure to wow her. They’ve also teamed up with Pizzini Wines, serving bottomless vino from 2-4pm. So if she loves a glass or two, that’s your ticket. And naturally the gang at Bar Elvina are bringing the goods, with a glass of champas on arrival for every mum who walks through the door. Mother’s Day. It’s not just the thought that counts, but where you book.
Is the Northern Lights on your bucket list? While a casual trip to Norway might not be on the cards anytime soon, a 2hr road trip to Bowral definitely could be. Yes, that’s right. A human-made re-creation of the Aurora Borealis is coming to Bowral’s Centennial Vineyards from May 25 – 30 June and it’s an immersive, ethereal masterpiece you won’t want to miss. Created by Switzerland-based artist Dan Archer, the ‘Borealis’ is a mesmerising colour-filled light show set to French composer Guillaume Desbois’s soundtrack and sans the sub-zero temps. What’s more, kids are only $10 and $25 for adults. Northern Lights on a 2023 kind of budget.
A weekend full of food and wine is the kind of thing we’re putting in the calendar and not moving for nothing. The Taste of Manly – a much anticipated food, drink and music event – is back across Saturday May 27 and Sunday 28. With the likes of Manly Spirits Co Distillery for G&Ts, Tulloch Wines for premium vino, produce driven menu at The Herring Room, and the holy Gelato Messina to name just a few, delicious is an understatement. Entry is free and a wine glass is $10. Sounds like a plan to us.
Photos credit:
Jonahs Whale Beach credit-@jonahswhalebeach
Tase of Manly credit – @tasteofmanly
Haven and Sarah – @havenandsarah