I just needed an excuse to post this snap courtesy of awkwardfamilyphotos.com:

it's not easy to upstage the tree!

* and just a little reminder for anyone finding themselves reading this because they’re feeling overwhelmed by family and Christmas and expectations, you don’t have to be having a “happy” Christmas. Last night I slept on a foam mattress. 

Do you do this? Fret about finding the perfect holiday WITH A PURPOSE? Recently, I went around in 238974897 circles trying to find the best place to do a traditional Indian treatment. That’s what I do. I Over-research. Eventually the right answer pops up in front of me. So obvious. I didn’t want to travel to India. India ain’t good for us vatta types. But, it turns out, the first ever ( officially recognised ayurvedic wellness retreat outside of India is in Ubud, Bali at Como Shambhala.

Can’t sleep? This works. It truly does, in a gentle, lasting way. Gwinganna retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland is where I did mine. I can’t recommend it enough. I learnt that you shouldn’t eat grapefruit at night and that sleep cures most things – auto-immune, cholesterol problems, weight issues. Four months later and I’m still living out the tips I learned there. Aside from anything else, the place is authentic in its commitment to wellness. Some of the best healers on site, organic food, a wise old legend who lives on the estate