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What to wear to the Canungra Rodeo

So, you’re heading to the Canungra Rodeo next weekend (Saturday July 12) – trading soy caps and traffic jams for dust, denim and a whole lot of boot-scootin’. Whether you’re in it for the bull rides or just the beer and live music, one thing’s for sure: you don’t want to stick out like a sore, over-accessorised thumb.

First thing’s first: it’s a rodeo, not a costume party. Think rugged, relaxed and a little rough around the edges – in a good way. We’ve rounded up (pun intended) our picks from local retailers to help you dress the part.

  1. Jacaru Kangaroo hat, $99.99, jacaru.com
  2. Outland Denim Blake cropped vest, $169.50, outlanddenim.com
  3. Ringers Western Zoey double buckle belt, $129.95, ringerswestern.com
  4. Afends Horsegirl tee, $59.99, seanscottboutique.com.au
  5. Vintage concho boho tie, $65, strangedaystore.com.au
  6. Outland Denim Farrah high flare jean, $279, outlanddenim.com
  7. Valley Eyewear Capita sunglasses, $260, valleyeyewear.com.au
  8. Ringers Western Olivia boot, $449.95, ringerswestern.com
  9. Buffalo Horns trucker, $49, strangedaystore.com.au
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Bend, stretch, bark: The Yoga Paws recipe for success

In Miami’s House of Motion, a yoga class is flowing through gentle poses – and a litter of puppies is running amok between them. Welcome to Yoga Paws, the feel-good fusion of mindful movement and puppy playtime that’s taking Australia (and social media) by storm.

Founded in September 2024, just ten days after Harry McCann and his partner Tea-Maria Constantin moved to Brisbane from Sydney, Yoga Paws was only meant to be a once-a-fortnight side project – but it quickly evolved.

“The reception was instant,” Harry says. “Brisbane loved it, and the Sunny Coast and Sydney pop-ups were equally packed.”

By early 2025, sessions had launched on the Gold Coast – then it was Perth in April, and Adelaide two months later. Plans for Hobart, Melbourne, and even New Zealand, are already underway.

So how did it all start?

“We’re absolutely obsessed with puppies,” Harry laughs (to which we asked, who isn’t?!). “But in Australia, we’ve noticed that many pups grow up without proper socialisation. They spend time with their litter but not in varied environments or around new people. That can lead to anxiety and insecurity.”

The idea of creating a calm, supportive space for dogs to build confidence led them straight to yoga.

“It’s relaxing, it’s gentle, and it attracts exactly the kind of crowd we wanted to partner with,” he says. “It just made sense.”

Harry brings a background in fitness, while Tea-Maria is the resident yogi. Both grew up with dogs – everything from Cavoodles to Dalmatians – and even brought a new Dalmatian pup along when they first landed in Brisbane.

“We started bringing her to the events to help her socialise, and it just worked.”

But turning the vision into reality wasn’t as simple as rolling out a mat.

“It’s one of those ideas where you think, ‘How do I even start?’” Harry admits. “There was a lot of groundwork – scouring Instagram for instructors, and a lot of networking with breeders and shelters. Even now, that’s still our biggest challenge.”

While shelters are supportive, their involvement can be limited due to insurance and staffing restrictions.

“Our most regular partner is Sunshine Labradoodles in Helensvale – they were our second ever breeder and still bring litters along when they’re ready.”

Though adoption was part of the original goal, the focus has shifted slightly.

“We realised our biggest impact was actually in socialisation. But that said, we still get two to five adoption enquiries most weekends, and we help facilitate those conversations. We don’t always hear how they end, but it’s heartwarming to know we’ve played a part.”

And the puppies aren’t the only ones benefiting.

“There’s all the obvious mental and physical benefits of yoga – mindfulness, movement, relaxation – but you’re also getting this amazing oxytocin boost from interacting with animals,” Harry says. “It’s a dopamine hit you can’t bottle.”

It’s also a win for the breeders, who are paid for their time.

“It’s like a day-care for the puppies – they get to explore a new space, meet new people and return home calm and happy.”

As for the humans, Harry says there’s no pressure to be a puppy person or a yoga purist. Some people come just for the yoga, others come purely for the cuddles – both are totally fine, in Harry and Tea-Maria’s book. There’s something for everyone, and us Gold Coasters are totally sold.

“I’ve always loved the Goldie,” Harry says. “I grew up visiting the theme parks, so it’s always felt like a special place. Demographically, it’s ideal for what we do.”

Finding a permanent partner in House of Motion, the luxe new Pilates studio in Miami, made the expansion to the Gold Coast even easier.

“It’s got everything we need – cool lighting, non-carpeted wooden floors, fully enclosed. Plus, it looks amazing, which doesn’t hurt.”

With more cities on the horizon and a growing following of dog lovers and downward dog devotees alike, Yoga Paws is proving that sometimes, the best business ideas come from love – for movement, for community and, of course, for puppies.

www.yoga-paws.com

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From the GC to Morrocco: Eco by Sonya takes the stage

It was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast-born skincare brand Eco by Sonya was thrust into the international spotlight – but not even founder Sonya Driver could have imagined seeing her products on the runway in Morocco. We caught up with the founder to find out how this collaboration with luxe Aussie fashion brand Alemais came to be.

You’ve taken Eco by Sonya from a Gold Coast success story to an internationally recognised brand. Take us back to the beginning – was this level of global reach something you set out to achieve from the start? What was your dream for the brand back then?

It sounds a bit woo-woo, but I had a really strong stirring in my spirit when I started making my organic spray tan from my kitchen. I would visualise it all over the world. It sounds easy, but it’s been a tremendous effort – a lot of the time. I feel like I’ve sold my life.

Was there a specific moment when you realised that Eco by Sonya could become an international beauty brand?

There was never one pinnacle milestone for me – it’s been many celebrations and mistakes. It was all step by step, simply by my determination. I got knocked down many times and just kept getting up, kept moving forward.

The beauty scene is a famously competitive industry, both locally and globally. What do you think sets Eco by Sonya apart?

My lane is more the health sector than beauty. Being certified organic and clean, with our accreditations, it’s far more than beauty. Ingredients matter – there’s nothing beautiful about ugly ingredients. Health food stores and the wellness sector have always been at the forefront, rather than beauty.

Your partnership with Alemais feels like a match made in heaven – two Aussie-born brands that celebrate sustainability, ageless beauty and our warm, sunny lifestyle. Can you tell us a bit about how it came to be?

When they reached out to us, I smiled to myself and looked in my wardrobe which has so many of their timeless pieces. I love their materials – natural linens, silks – and their designs and cuts. I immediately went, “Yes, this feels right.” If it were a dating site, we’d be a match.

How was the planning process? What was the Alemais vision, and how did Eco by Sonya help bring it to life?

It was in Morocco, so we sent a couple of our team members there for the show. We have worked for many years with a talented Hawaiian-born photographer who we flew over from Florida, as well as our GM from London. The synergy between them was incredible. They were the perfect energy and match for Morocco and Alemais. Exotic, gentle and slightly mysterious.

Skin prep is one of the unsung heroes of any runway show, ensuring the models look – and feel – radiant. Why did you choose each product that was used?

Their makeup and styling were very minimal and ethereal, all about the glow, shimmer and golden skin. We used Glory Oil for healthy, glistening skin, which complemented the gorgeous shimmering designs.

You’ve taken Eco by Sonya from the Gold Coast to Morocco – where to next?

Next stop, London! We’re bringing a very exciting pop-up store to the famous Columbia Road Market in July. It’s disco garden themed.

What advice would you give to other local Gold Coast founders who are hoping to take their brand international?

Do everything with integrity. Everything you do comes back. Money cannot be the prize you’re seeking.

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What on earth is sea moss?

If you’ve spent any time on wellness TikTok or loitered near the superfoods aisle, you’ve probably heard about sea moss. But what exactly is it? And does it really do all the things people say it does?

To find out, we caught up with Jess Redman and Benji Dimitrioski, the founders of Nature’s Farmer Sea – a Gold Coast brand making waves (literally) with their small-batch sea moss gels.

But their journey into the world of sea moss started as much more than just hopping on a trend.

“We were searching for a natural way to restore health and vitality,” explains Jess, who discovered sea moss while recovering from cancer. Benji, his business partner, had been recovering from a brain injury at the time. “What started as a personal discovery of the transformative benefits of sea moss quickly blossomed into something far greater – a calling to share this gift of nature with others.”

Turns out, sea moss is a type of red algae (yep, actual ocean plants) rich in minerals, prebiotic fibres and compounds. It contains over 90 of the 102 minerals our bodies need to thrive, including iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.

“That’s more than most synthetic supplements – except it comes straight from the ocean, with zero fillers, binders or hard-to-pronounce ingredients,” explains Benji. “We like to say: why swallow a pill when you can spoon the sea?”

The five biggest benefits of sea moss, according to Nature’s Farmer Sea
  1. Supports immune function: The high vitamin and mineral content in Sea Moss can help strengthen the immune system, making it more resilient against infections.
  2. Enhances skin health: Sea Moss contains nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and zinc, which are known to support skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance.
  3. Promotes digestive health: Being rich in prebiotic fibres, Sea Moss aids in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for digestion and overall health.
  4. Supports thyroid function: Due to its iodine content, Sea Moss can support healthy thyroid function, which is crucial for regulating metabolism.
  5. Boosts energy levels: The iron and B-vitamin content in Sea Moss can help combat fatigue and boost energy levels.

Of course, not all sea moss is created equal. Jess and Benji source theirs from Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, where volcanic waters are loaded with magnesium, calcium and other nutrients. If it sounds magical, that’s because it basically is.

“Australia’s waters just don’t support natural sea moss growth,” says Jess. “So we built relationships with ethical, small-scale harvesters in St. Lucia who practice sustainable ocean farming. Every batch is harvested with care – just as nature intended.”

If the idea of eating sea moss sounds… fishy, fear not.

“A common misconception is that it’s salty, fishy or overwhelmingly oceanic,” says Jess. “But we’ve mastered the art of blending it with natural ingredients to create a smooth, subtly sweet, and refreshing experience. Trust us – you’ll taste tropical, not tidal.”

As for the benefits… Where do we start? Sea moss gels are rich in iodine for thyroid support, iron and B vitamins for energy, zinc and omega-3s for glowy skin, and prebiotic fibres for gut health.

“Whether it’s boosting energy, enhancing skin and gut health, improving mental clarity or strengthening immunity, this blend was designed to be a holistic addition to any lifestyle,” says Benji.

And it’s not just some green-juice-influencer thing. Sea moss has been used for centuries, everywhere from Ireland to the Caribbean. Benji and Jess – and other sea moss businesses – have simply mastered the art of bottling (or rather, jarring) the magic.

“Sea moss is for everyone – mums, dads, athletes, teachers, tradies, grandparents – anyone wanting more energy, stronger immunity, and better gut health,” says Jess. “We believe wellness shouldn’t feel like a chore – it should be something people genuinely enjoy.”

One of the most pleasant surprises? The texture.

“It’s a natural gel, so there are no thickeners needed,” says Benji. “That unique jelly texture is thanks to carrageenan, which also helps soothe the gut and support digestion.”

Jess and Benji recommend taking two tablespoons a day, either straight from the jar or stirred into smoothies and tea.

“The key is regularity – taking your daily dose consistently is where you’ll notice the real difference,” says Jess. “Store it in the fridge and use a clean spoon. It’s like a daily ritual – simple, nourishing and actually enjoyable.”

And if Nature’s Farmer Sea’s 55,000 Instagram followers and countless positive reviews are anything to go by, that straightforward approach is resonating. But beyond the trends and testimonials, it’s clear that, for Jess and Benji, this business is deeply personal.

“We wanted to create something that was powerful, healing and beautiful – something that felt like a gift from the ocean, but didn’t taste like it,” says Jess.

www.naturesfarmersea.com

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How to enjoy limoncello all year round

When you think limoncello, you think summer in Italy, right? Well, think again. Whether you’re rugged up or basking in winter sun (hello, Gold Coast), this zesty little number can bring the vibe. These four easy limoncello cocktail recipes prove it’s so much more than a summer fling.

A summer staple: The Limoncello Spritz

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Solbevi Limoncello, chilled
  • 90 ml prosecco, chilled
  • 30 ml soda water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon wheel or twist, fresh mint/basil/rosemary for garnish

Method: Fill a large wine class with ice. Add limoncello, prosecco and soda water, then gently stir to combine. Garnish and serve.

Perfect for spring: The Limoncello Margarita

Ingredients

  • 45ml tequila
  • 45ml Solbevi Limoncello
  • 15ml fresh lime juice
  • 15ml agave syrup
  • Sparkling water (optional)
  • Crushed ice
  • Salt (for the rim)

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice for 30 seconds, strain into a glass, and garnish.

Awesome in autumn: The Limoncello Fizz

Ingredients

  • 45ml Solbevi Limoncello
  • 15ml grapefruit juice
  • 15ml lemon juice
  • 60ml soda water
  • Ice
  • Grapefruit slice and lemon thyme for garnish

Method: Shake the limoncello, grapefruit juice and lemon juice with ice, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a grapefruit slice and sprig of lemon thyme.

Cosy for winter: The Limoncello Sour

Ingredients

  • 30ml Solbevi Limoncello
  • 15ml Vodka
  • 20ml Vanilla Monin
  • pinch of salt
  • 3 drops wonder foam

Method: Shake all ingredients without ice to activate the foam, then add ice and shake again until chilled; fine strain into a chilled glass and garnish if desired.

Find Solbevi Limoncello at your local Dan Murphy’s, and at www.solbevi.com.

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