My Favourite Books for a Girly Read

1.     Lisa Curry – Total Health and Fitness

I read this book ages ago. My dearest friend and fitness freak, Heather, gave me this book when my two girls were small. My husband worked long hours and away a lot. So the balance of exercise and parenting was non-existent. This book highlighted ways to be motivated to make the most of those times when your kids are at sports training or swimming lessons. Use these times to take a walk with other mums on the sideline, instead of just sitting and chatting, walk and chat! Lisa had three small children, many sporting and personal demands, and she showed me that the balance is possible, all those 19 years ago.

2.     Arianna Huffington - Thrive

My current read is Thrive by the founder of Huffington Post. Arianna has changed her life, introducing more than what is seen as success by many as just power and money, adding wellbeing, wonder, and wisdom. She’s giving in to the balance, which she calls the third metric.

3.     Business Chicks - Latte magazine

I love the day this publication arrived in my mailbox every three months! It’s far from just about business, with lots of great reads from many ordinary inspirational women, travel tips and current women’s issues. Check out Business Chicks. 

4.     Krystal Barter - The Lucky One

Krystal the founder of Pink Hope Charity, had the decision of her life, literally. At 22 discovered she had the BRACA gene which is the breast cancer gene, which had attacked her Mum, her Nan and great Grandma. Krystal decided to stop the possibility of cancer in its tracks and have the double mastectomy. 

The book traces her life as a teenager, her mum’s battle and her decision to act on the rogue gene. From her bedside she sets up Pink Hope Charity which has been catapulted by Angelina Jollies decision to have the same surgery. Krystal’s drive is to create awareness of each individual’s risk of the gene and to have the opportunity to change their destiny. 

The book shares personal struggles of people who have come across Krystals’s path through Pink Hope, also her unrelenting dedication to the charity and her affect on her own family. 

Pink Hope is GG chosen charity and I have met with Krystal in the last few years supporting the charity. 

This is one of true inspiration. 

5.     Deborah Rodriguez - The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul

Chick lit meets the Taliban in this book, which is a warm-hearted read with a serious message about the treatment of women in modern-day Afghanistan. Five women forge a friendship, from America, UK and Afghanistan, in a little coffee shop in the centre of Kabul. Deborah Rodriguez went to Kabul as part of disaster relief efforts following the fall of the Taliban in 2002. While she was there, she established a beauty school to provide employment and business opportunities for local women, ran a small coffee shop like the one in this book and married an Afghan. She’s an inspiring woman who is doing good things for other women.

We’re collecting moments, not things.

Jen x

Girls Getaways living the Italian dream!

During my recent trip, I visited various parts of Italy, each offering something unique to each other. I’ve spent time in the past in Rome, Florence, the Tuscany region, Venice and the Amalfi Coast. This trip, we have covered the North, East/South and West of the country, trying to cover all our bases! Our first Italian stop was in the Northern part; Lake Maggiore was our choice in the lakes area, alongside its famous cousin Lake Como. The town of Stresa is an old town on the lake with some small islands famous for the Borromeo Family, with a botanical garden on one island and the palace on another, Isola Borromeo. This palace is pure decadence, with boat trips regularly, only 10 minutes from Stresa. The food is amazing in this part of Italy, as are the sunsets over the mountains, which have a small amount of snow still left, and very few tourists, except for Italians holidaying. We took a trip by car to Como and Bellagio, and the scenery is different; the mountains are closer and the lake narrower, and there are luxurious boats cruising. The best way from Como to Bellagio is definitely by car ferry or boat; however we decided to drive along the bends.

After six days we explored the east coast of Italy - the Riveria Del Conero. Ancona is the main town and we stayed in the village of Marcelli near Numana, and the old town of Sirolo. We stayed in a B&B owned by Riccardo and Barbara (of Marcelli fame - her father is a founder of Marcelli town!). Not an Aussie in sight … very few foreigners, only Italians holidaying, which is quite refreshing and makes you feel more like you’re getting a taste of being a local, rather than cruising among the throngs of tourists in other Italian cities. We got by with a little understanding of Italian and lots of pointing and hand gestures, which was fun! Seafood is quite predominant in the region and, of course, excellent coffee. We dined in the plaza of Sirolo with our hosts and had a wonderful night, wandering the cobbled streets at midnight, seeing lots of Italians out enjoying a drink.

Then it was time to move on to Croatia, our chosen transport being an overnight ferry across the Adriatic Sea. We departed from Ancona at sunset and it was magical on the deck, sharing our bottle of wine with another tourist, a German lady and her hubby. Our cabin had a shower and toilet, and we were lucky enough to have a window. It felt very luxurious for a ship! We stayed in Croatia 10 days total and it was wonderful, but that’s for another blog!

Back to Italy from Croatia, we took an Easy Jet flight from Split to Milan then a fast train, and then the regional train, which chuffs up and down between the towns of Cinque Terre. Truly spectacular. Cinque means five, and Terre means land - so five lands. Our digs were a lovely one-bedroom apartment right at the harbour at Riomaggiore, the last of the towns on the southern end. It’s the most photographed, with the pretty pastel buildings cramped in the small valley, which leads down to the small harbour. You’ve probably seen photos on travel blogs and Instagram! The magic of this place is the link between the five towns, each having a different style and feel. The train goes every few minutes between towns and you can buy a Cinque Terre day ticket, which includes the access to the walks between each town. However, when we were there, two of the legs were closed due to rockfall.

The photographic opportunities are many while traversing the coast line, with each walk taking approximately 2-2.5 hours each. It’s a must do! Little wineries are hidden away and we sought one out 10 minutes’ walk from Monterosso, the most northern town. It was run by an elderly lady and had been in the family for many generations. As it was closing time, she left us with a bottle of their white wine and a plate of bread, pesto and olive spread, then said to ‘put the glasses in the sink and close the gate behind you!’ It was one of our best experiences in Cinque; we felt like we were part of the landscape, away from it all. Seafood risotto is a staple on any menu; however, it’s always served for two so remember that. The little deli shops are the best source of delectable cheese or stuffed olives, along with the fresh bread. Prosciutto is the meat of choice to accompany. We hired a little rubber dingy and cruised the cost, finding the best swimming spots; you know, like the ones on Instagram! The bluest sparkling sea with the rugged terraced cliffs launching up from the water.

This is life, this is collecting moments not things … This is Italy.

Jen x

Reaching out to your friends in times of grief

Recently, my beloved dad passed away. He was 88 and still sprightly until the last day, residing in an aged care facility. He embraced the “family” and home it provided, and he was truly happy.

I moved Dad from South NSW to Sydney three years ago, and it was at this time that my girlfriends were my support. With the help of two of my close friends, we completely turned Dad’s “bachelor pad” into something that a lady may want to live in. These two friends worked tirelessly over 36 hours painting, cleaning and more painting; we laughed so much and collapsed at the end of the two days, with the end result a bright, homely mobile home. Other friends came with me to visit Dad in his new digs and helped put together Ikea bookshelves, desks, etc. It was lovely for Dad to see some other visiting faces other than mine.

The time came when Dad’s body finally gave in to his failing heart and lungs, and the messages of support and love were plenty, and especially from my girlfriends. One offered to come to the funeral home to be with me, even though she has her own business and is usually run off her feet. (Of course, my hubby and daughters offered as well.) Another one of my dear friends insisted on meeting me at Dad’s room to help me clear it. We spent quite a few hours sorting and clearing his belongings, and the company of my friend made this process more bearable. Sharing this time, I will be eternally grateful to her.

These are the times that friends, along with family, are needed and help lighten the load. I am so blessed to have these special people in my life.

Jen x