I’ve just survived probably the longest school term in history, limping over the finishing line on Friday and hurtling full throttle into a five-day long weekend this weekend. I’m still not used to this public holiday gig. After 20 years in journalism, when you thought you were having a good year if you WEREN’T rostered on Christmas Day, it still catches me by surprise when people ask, “are you going way for the long weekend?”.
Because of the novelty of an extended break and the fact that I live in a tourist area, we tend to stay put. We make the most of what’s in our doorstep, usually smugly congratulating ourselves on deciding to visit Dan Murphy’s instead of going camping (it always rains here at Easter).
Oh, you got me. AS IF, I’d be going camping. As one of my girlfriends succinctly put it many years ago, the only stars she camps under are the five stars of the Sheraton or Hyatt hotel chains. I continue to embrace that thought. The rest of my family is bang up for a spot of the outdoors and apparently will be pitching a tent in the backyard this weekend. I’ve wished them well. I will be very comfortable in the marital bed. Starfish style. By myself.
Anyways, there is a point to this blog post. See some people will be off making the most of a five-day break. Or holidaying at home like me. So I thought you might like some tips on what to pack or have on hand to make your Easter weekend all the more special.
Easter wishlist
1. An easy-care, easy-wear dress that you can dress up or dress down and that takes up a teeny, tiny space in your luggage. Staple The Label stretch knit maxi dress $79.95 @ Birdsnest.
2. The nights are cooler in Queensland and down south, you’ll probably need something like this during the day. So versatile and in one of this season’s hottest colours. Wear with the dress to the left or over jeans. Metalicus Cozy long-sleeve anorak $199.95.
3. Get your chocolate fix without the calories with OPI’s I’m Suzi & I’m A Chocoholic $19.95 at selected salons and David Jones. For stockists, contact 1800 358 999 or www.opi.net.au
4. The Made for Mimco collection lands in-store today and have I got my eyes on these babies (Made for Mimco Benga Spirit earrings $129) for an Easter accessories statement. Well, they’re kind of egg-shaped. Made is a Kenyan-based fashion brand, training local artisans in new skills, providing both fair wages and support. The Mimco for Made range focusses on signature Mimco styles but incorporates hand-made Kenyan methods and materials.
5. Ditch the day handbag and embrace a holiday bag that’s big enough to fit all your weekend cafe and beach essentials. Loving this striped jute bag $40 @ Sequins and Sand.
6 & 7. Top of priority on a long weekend or holiday is reading. Cannot recommend both these titles enough. Media personality Mia Freedman’s Mia Culpa takes the reader on a watercooler journey where no pop culture topic is left uncovered or dissected in often hilarious detail. If you prefer your reading on the chick-lit fiction side, then Australian author Lisa Heidke’s Claudia’s Big Break is for you. I’m a little biased though. This novel is set on Santorini and having holidayed on the Greek island nine years ago with my now husband, reading this novel was like being transported immediately back to that sultry late summer in the Mediterranean. It’s light, fun and will have you calling your travel agent. Stat.
8. I don’t know anyone who travels with full-sized hair and skincare products anymore. Loving this incentive from KMS California. With every purchase of two KMS California products you will receive a free refillable travel kit. Each kit comes with a quirky quote printed on the side – mine says “I didn’t come all this way not to look good”. Each travel kit contains a bottle for shampoo and conditoner, a spray bottle and two jars fit for treatment and styling products. Plus you have the chance to win 1 of 5 $1000 travel vouchers. Visit www.facebook.com/KMSAustralia
9. I do love to throw in a Lotto list buy and this Jimmy Choo Terrance cabin bag definitely fits the bill at 2195 Euros. A girl’s got to dream.
10. The first school holiday excursion I completed over the weekend was taking the kids on a trip to Dan Murphy’s. Yeh, I’m an EXCELLENT mother. But if they’re going to put Moet on sale for just over $50 a bottle then I’m there. Happy, happy Easter.
11. My chocolate indulgence of choice: the Lindt Gold Dark Chocolate Bunny. The ears always taste the best. Why is that?
What’s your Easter indulgence? Do you have any special plans?
Comments 22
Sorry i do not know what happens to my comment ,i did not write it like that ,sorry you won’t be able to understand the gobblededock.
Love the trip to Dan Murphys<haha, yes you are a good mother ,pointing out what not to buy,no cheap alcohol if your going to drink ,drink the good stuff lol.I do not do camping either i have done it once and it was a DISASTER ,my daughter was a baby and cried all night and the air mattress went down ,NEVER ever again, if i go away it has to be a hotel preferably with 5 stars ,my children call me a princess but i am so not ,after having a knee replacement last year ,at a very young age , can't sit on the ground or get up so that's my excuse for not going camping ,comfort….
I love your choices for going away ,and another company that does cute travel bottles is burts bees ,i have a cute little pack i'm saving for going somewhere nice it has shampoo/conditioner body wash and body cream,love opi nail poish too ,i must have 30 bottles ,oops i like choices okay.
You look fab in your new top by the way ,blue really suits you ,enjoy .
oops I meant mossie screens. clearly I was thinking of mummy blogger meet-ups when I commented.
I hate camping. I may one day agree to glamping but only if there is a flushing toilet, hot and cold shower, mossie squeens, and butler at hand. I can safely say I will probably never go camping again. As for clothes, maybe one day I will be cool again …
Author
Glamping. Yep the only kind I’d consider – so with you there! And I think mossie squeens are very appropriate!!
OMG I bought this wool Country Rd dress on ebay and I love it. It is a charcoal colour and although it is ankle length it works on short old me at 5ft 5 because it has darts.
Will be perfect for Lithgow. Low of eight degrees today.
Love your list. x
Author
Sounds perfect, Sawhole. OMG 8 degrees. What am I going to wear in Sydney next week?!!
Nikki
I followed your link to the Sydney Writers Centre awards and wanted to nominate you for a People’s Choice Award but can’t find you on the list. Am I losing it afterall or is there a reason you aren’t on the list? Happy Easter
Author
Hi Robyn, I’m not on the People’s Choice list but I’ve been nominated in one of the categories that will be judged soon. Thanks for looking!
Hey Nikki. Thanks for the Easter Weekend Away list inclusion. I feel as Lisa does…very humbled and so chuffed. The striped bag is a champion…tough and loves to be stuffed with all sorts of things.
Lisa…I’ve laughed out loud reading about Lucy Springer. Had no idea you wrote that book until I clicked on Claudia. Congratulations…a great read. Will escape to the Greek Isles with Claudia. Love doing that with Mamma Mia too, wishing I was there. Hope you both have a fabulous Easter whatever your escape.
Author
Anita, you will love Lisa’s book. Must read.
Cheque’s in the mail, Nikki!
Author
Too funny.
Thanks, Anita. That’s very kind of you to say. Lucy is probably my most favourite character, but Claudia’s okay too! Thanks again!
I think for a weekend away I’d be tempted to grab the Moet and a clean pair of knickers! 😉
Hi Nikki,
Feel humbled and thrilled to be included in your essential Easter list! Love all your suggestions especially the Moet and the Lindt!
Author
Ahh, I knew you’d be a Moet and Lindt girl! And I loved your book. Hope you’re working on a new one that’s out soon.
However, if I had to choose one, it would start with the letter ‘M’!
Oh and yes, I have a new book coming out next January! It’s all about swinging, infidelity and mother-in-laws…with a bit of romance and sexting on the side!
Author
Sounds just like my kind of read … bring it on, Lisa!
Great post Nikki. I hear you on the public holidays.
I’m married to someone who absolutely refuses to camp. We are off to the far south coast of WA – it will be cold – so will be packing boots, jeans, jumpers etc. However I’ll leave my puffy vest at home…. 🙂
Author
I knew you’d get that one, Paula. Ha, ha, my husband would love your planned Easter weekend. And good work on the puffy vest!