Kalby app founder, IT professional and health coach
Which suburb do you call home, and what’s the vibe like in your neighbourhood?
I live in Arundel, in a lovely, quiet cul-de-sac. It’s a relaxed neighbourhood, and what I love most is how convenient it is. Pretty much everything we need is right on our doorstep, so we get the best of both worlds – peace and quiet without being far from anything.
Walk us through your ideal Gold Coast morning. Where do you end up, what are you sipping on, and who’s there?
I’m an early bird and usually wake around 5am, before the kids. It’s my little window of peace and quiet, and I often spend that time working on Kalby, my dinner-planning app, thinking of ways to make it even better for busy families.
By 6am, I’m absolutely hanging out for my coffee! I love being able to sit and enjoy it while it’s still hot, without being pulled in five different directions.
As a mum of two young children, an uninterrupted hot coffee feels like a luxury these days. It’s the little things!
Where do you take friends and family when you want to show off the Gold Coast?
We’ve played tour guides more times than I can count, as all our family lives overseas! Thankfully, we’re spoilt for choice here.
Our favourites include Tamborine Mountain’s Gallery Walk, Natural Bridge, Surfers Paradise, Q1 for the spectacular views, and a cruise along the Broadwater.
Then there’s O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Lamington National Park, the beautiful Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks, the Burleigh Heads nature walk and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Oh, and watching the pelican feeding at Charis Seafoods is an absolute must.
Honestly, by the time we’ve ticked everything off the list, our visitors probably need another holiday to recover!
Take us to your favourite place to grab a low-key meal. What do you love about the venue, and what food is on the table?
That’s an easy one – Kokonut Willies at The Grand Hotel in Labrador.
Beautiful Broadwater views, a relaxed atmosphere, lovely staff and good value for money. The menu has something for everyone, which is always a bonus when you’ve got two fussy little eaters.
And the real reason we’re regulars? The dinosaur chicken nuggets! According to my kids, there’s simply nowhere better to eat. Who am I to argue with such discerning food critics?
When you’re having a fun night out, where do you always end up?
I may be giving my age away here, but my idea of a fun night out these days is actually a night in!
Kids tucked up in bed, comfy pyjamas, a glass of red wine and absolutely nowhere I need to be.
Pure bliss! My younger self probably wouldn’t recognise me.
Your Saturday is completely free. How are you spending it, from the moment you wake up to when you go to bed?
First things first – a proper hot coffee. Non-negotiable!
I’d start with a lovely walk along the beach or Broadwater, perhaps head home for a workout, then spend some time pottering around the house.
If the sun’s shining, you’ll definitely find me outside. I’m a bit of a sun worshipper and can’t stand being cooped up indoors when it’s gorgeous outside. So, it’s pool time, beach time, standup paddleboarding time or just being outdoors with the family.
I’d finish the day with an early BBQ, good company and a few drinks, followed by a hot shower, comfy pyjamas, a movie and an early night.
I’ve certainly had my years of partying until the early hours and nursing a sore head the next morning. I’ve done Ibiza three times. Need I say more?
These days, a good night’s sleep is my idea of a wild weekend!
Where do you love to shop, and what’s been your best find there?
I have to admit, Kmart is a favourite for the kids. You really can’t beat the prices, especially when they’re growing out of everything every five minutes!
For myself, I love Peter Alexander pyjamas (clearly there’s a theme here!), and I think Supre and Cotton On have some really lovely pieces. I also enjoy browsing City Beach, Lovisa and Tree of Life.
My best finds are usually things I wasn’t actually looking for. Isn’t that always the way?
What’s the most Gold Coast thing about you?
I practically live in Brazilian-cut bikinis and thongs!
I’ve fully embraced the Gold Coast uniform. If I can get away without wearing proper shoes, I absolutely will.
What do you think people get wrong about the Gold Coast?
I think people sometimes see the Gold Coast as all beaches, high-rises and tourism, but there’s so much more to it.
We’ve got beautiful hinterland, national parks, charming little coastal communities and such a wonderful outdoor lifestyle.
It’s an incredible place to raise a family, and one of the things I love most is that you really don’t need to spend much to enjoy it. Some of our happiest family days have been the simplest ones – a picnic, the beach and just being together.
Complete this sentence: You’re not really a Gold Coast local until…
you’ve complained about the traffic on the M1 but still wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!
Love hearing from Gold Coast locals? You’ll love our Local Loves segment – a place for us to catch up with notable locals and chat all things Gold Coast.
