Since I had a day to kill while in Lismore I decided to go and check out the regional art gallery…read more Actually, it doesn't take all that much more me to go and check out an art gallery, especially since I have developed an appreciation for art. Well, this place wasn't all that bad, and even had a room with some more traditional pieces (though no Monet's of course). They had a couple of interesting exhibitions here as well, including one on the Dakota Access Pipeline, which was really interesting.

Want to see a recreation of great Australian artist Margaret Olley's Sydney studio?…read more Just want to take in the serene and picturesque landscape and glimpses of Mt Warning from the leather armchairs in the gallery foyer? Care for a devonshire tea or hunger busting burger on the adjoining gallery cafe with a view to match? Answer yes to any of the above and a visit to Tweed River Art Gallery might be just the addition to a day trip you're looking for. Located just off the main road in Murwillumbah, the gallery largely dedicated to the works of Margaret Olley is, much like the surrounding landscape, a peaceful and calming spot to spend an hour or so.

Wow what a place. This art gallery is so wonderful and the café is the perfect accompaniment to the…read moregallery. I visited by chance - we had a work meeting and it was moved from Council chambers to the more picturesque Art Gallery. Little did I know that it is now the home to Margaret Olley's house. I seriously must have been living under a rock - how did I not know that Margaret's home and studio was now a work of art?! The whole kitchen, living room and yellow room of her Paddington home was donated, packed up, shipped and reassembled to a new Tweed Art Gallery home. Everything is as exactly as it was. They have even left the cobwebs on the doors! Yes, the cobwebs are original!! I was told by a local to check out the placemats on Margaret's table. Look a bit closer if you can.. Susie the Art Director is magnificent. Susie always has a selection of works from local artists at the gallery. I was intrigued by Michael T (Barrister by day, photographer by night) photographs which were on exhibition at the time. The cafe I mentioned in my opening paragraph is set outside on a large enclosed balcony. I highly recommend the cafe for a cup of coffee or bite to eat. I was pleasantly surprised by the tasty food that was served on their lunch menu. Halfway through our lunch the heavens decided to open up and the rain poured down. The picturesque setting was brought to life with the rain dancing over the green rolling hills. Oh how I love the smell of rain! Can you tell I loved every moment of my visit?!

Many antique artefacts, figurines, plates, glasses, vases, jewellery boxes, paintings etc can be…read morefound at this shop in the Main Street of Murwillumbah. There is something for everyone. I often walk in and find something that matches something that I already have and am very pleased. The shop assistant is extremely helpful and can give you some good history on various items. The prices are reasonable.

What a wonderful array of necklaces, bracelets, key chains, rings etc made from antique spoons…read more We found the vendor booth at the Salt Beach Market and I couldn't resist buying myself some goodies. There was a gorgeous assortment and the prices were very fair. The lady assisting me was very helpful and knowledgeable.

we went here for the day in a social day bus trip tour and it was very nice . so much to see all…read morethe crystal locations and you can buy crystals of rose quartz or amethyst and it was very nice bus trip with the group. I miss the donald simpsons bus trip group.

I have been to the crystal castle many a time. It is a lovely place and has so many fun activities…read moreand also serves food at the cutest little cafe in the centre of there land the food is overpriced but it tastes pretty good. They have many nature walks some with crystals beside you, don't forget about the labyrinth were they do meditation sessions sometimes there are also huge crystals which you can take pictures with such as the beautiful Dragon Egg. I personally love to go there when it's lightly raining they have big rainbow umbrellas that you can borrow at the front desk we're you sign in also at the front desk are pamphlets I definitely recommend picking one up they have a map and tell you about all there statues. There are four shops at the crystal the first being the cafe which I have already covered they also have two shops with just crystals they have a little crystal station were you can as many crystals as you like with each having a little card saying the name and spiritual properties of the crystal. Accompanied with a little book store that also sells tarrot card sets. Overall it is an amazing experience and my only complaint would be the prices at the shops.

Mixed-media artist Jane Davenport is based out of her Australian studio where she specializes in…read moredrawing / acrylic-painting paper doll faces and images which she sells in the medium of signature paints, clear/rubber stamps, metal cutting dies, and stencils. When Creativation trade show rolled into downtown Phoenix Convention Center in 2019, I met up with Jane when she took a brief time off and made a pit stop at a new Michaels store (7th St / Bell) in north Phoenix to showcase her art projects and sign autographs (my Michaels review about it: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michaels-phoenix-7?hrid=ZIAAxOnnQHJZ_aeExbHzXg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)). I purchased her items mainly online and at Michaels. Her latest paper doll Dress-Ups mylar stencils set is only available on her website, so I took a risk and purchased it since it ships from Australia. The transaction was easy-peasy and arrived within a couple of weeks. She honored my request by shipping inside a box, used extra packing, and enclosed a (signed) receipt ;) I love the stencils that you can use with her Tin of Friends rubber stamps set (comes stored inside a tin). I also appreciate that she stays an independent business and not merging with others, having guest designers, or outsourcing like many craft businesses do. This tells me she's devoted to the trade. Thank-you and please stay humble, Jane :)

After talking with a friend and deciding we needed to get away for the weekend we came across this…read moregem! It's only about 45 minutes from the Gold Coast which was actually far enough away to not actually feel like your still at home. It's set right by the beach and in a great location as there is a bakery, newsagency, Woolworth's and restaurants just across the road. It's a nice quiet area too! We had a 2 bedroom apartment with pool views and we weren't disappointed! The hotel provides trollies in the car park so that you only have to make one trip to your room however you do have to return the trollies but that's not bad at all. The apartments are really nice, modern and clean. Lots of space in the living area with nice big balconies that have table band chairs and a BBQ. The it came with a kitchen and it was fully equipped with utensils, pots, pans, oven they even have platters so can you can make up a spread! The beds were comfortable and they had a good range of pillows. You're able to play your hard drive through there TVs! You are able to hire games and DVDs from the front reception and there is also a vending machine there too. They have a choice of three pools and a spa. We spent most of the day lazing on the sunchairs by the pool and it is a really relaxing area to be in. I would definitely go back.

Great place! Clean and comfortable, with loads of space and great views.read more

Need a didgeridoo? A box drum? A djembe with Bob Marley on the skin? An authentic African shaker or…read morea wooden marimba? Maybe you've been inspired by the street musicians you've heard in Byron. Maybe after hearing the cruisey play list on Bay FM and rediscovering reggae and Bob Marley you're thinking of treating yourself to making sweet music yourself. Threeworlds has got some lovely music making instruments just perfect for Byron style music. Maybe you want to a ukulele to play sitting on the white sands of beautiful Byron Bay. I popped in to get a new 'Goodvibes' sticker for my car and while i was there picked up some cool percussion - a tiny harmonica on a chain that also doubles as a pendant, and some gorgeous Japanese shakers. While oggling at the ukuleles i got to chatting with the super friendly girl who worked the store and when she found out that I was a ukulele coach she got very excited and asked me to leave all my business cards saying a lot of people want some uke lessons. Sweet! I gave her all the Ukulele Lessons Today biz cards I had with me and bragging about coaching students all around the world via skype. I loved this girl cos she was SO into her job, and wanting to share great info with her customers, and she was super knowlegable about a very cool music festival coming up. She showed us how to play the drum box ($900) which had a kick pedal AND a snare pedal- so cool! And showed us how to play the Japanese shakers and the mini harmonica. This gal is so enthusiastic about her instruments and she said her boss is even more passionate. Now this is what makes a music shop great in my opinion - a good range of quality instruments and enthusiastic passionate customer service. What a great vibe here lovely staff. You can't go wrong with this music shop.