OneWave is all it takes

Bringing mental health issues out of the dark and into the open is no easy task, but every Friday at 6.30am the OneWave crew meets at South Bondi for Fluro Friday – decked out in their brightest and wildest outfits – in order to do just that.

Fluro Friday :: image by Aquabumps

The aim is to remove the stigma so often attached to mental health issues, raise awareness and get people talking about it and to each other. They also have a heap of fun while they’re at it! Today OneWave celebrated its second birthday with the help of over 800 people who, in a powerful show of unity, held hands along the Bondi shoreline and formed the longest Mexican fluro wave.

The human chain :: image by Aquabumps.com

As the sun rose over the bay, the whole beach was alive with positive vibes, laughter, the widest smiles and some heartfelt and inspiring words from OneWave’s founder, Grant Trebilco.

Grant shares his own personal story :: image by Aquabumps.com

Grant, who started the non-profit surf community (with his mate Sam Schumacher), has a simple recipe for success, “Saltwater, surfing, good people and Fluro Fridays.” Surfing that one wave and having the courage to talk to pals about what you’re going through could be the first steps to becoming free of the funk of mental illness – something Grant knows only too well after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Every Friday for the past two years Grant and other OneWavers have bravely shared their stories and given hope and solace to anyone who’s feeling in a funk.

OneWave’s Joel Pilgrim and Grant Trebilco :: image by Aquabumps.com

Even though I haven’t been affected first hand by mental health issues, I’m proud to be a part of a group that’s as inspiring as OneWave and can see how it is making a real difference in the Bondi community and beyond. With today’s Fluro Friday being held at more than 31 beaches around the world, Grant and the OneWave crew have begun what is sure to become a chain reaction of hope and understanding around the globe, and that is pretty heartening.

Bondi’s Mexican fluro wave :: image by Aquabumps

No one should suffer in silence. It’s time to step out into the light. If you are affected by mental illness or worried about someone who may need a little help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 beyondblue.org.au

Feeling blessed, BBx

Things to do in Bondi this Australia Day

Heading to Bondi Beach this long weekend but stuck for ideas on what to do? Well aside from the obvious laying on the sand and sunbathing, I’ve pulled together four things to make your Australia Day memorable…

Float on a blow-up thong

Love the ocean? Of course you do! Fancy breaking a world record? Uh-huh! If you’re nodding your head frantically and can get to Bondi Beach by 8am on Australia Day (that’s Monday January 26th) get involved in the annual Havaianas Thong Challenge, which is turning ten this year. Join the thousands who’ll be attempting to break the record for the largest number of giant Havaianas out on the ocean (currently held by Cottesloe Beach, WA). Register here then pick up your gold thong for a fun-filled and family friendly morning on the water.

Photo by Aquabumps

 

Feel the grass between your toes

No longer the preserve of grandmas and great uncles, lawn bowls is making a comeback. The newly revamped Bondi Bowls Club serves chilled drinks and delicious food (menus by the teams behind Panama House and Corner House will give your taste buds a treat) every day and it is holding a lawn party to celebrate Aussie Day. Monday sees a full day of fun including an outdoor BBQ, the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown from 12pm, meat tray and seafood tray raffles and, of course, bowling on the green.

Bondi Bowling Club

 

The other coastal walk

You’ve no doubt heard about the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte (or to Coogee if your legs will carry you that far). But this long weekend it is sure to be absolutely rammed on the clifftop. So I suggest you head in the opposite direction and follow the cliffs (and sometimes a few inland pathways) from North Bondi to Watson’s Bay. Known as the Federation Cliff Walk, this 5km gentle trek showcases some spectacular Pacific views and will even take you past Australia’s oldest lighthouse – the Macquarie Lightstation. Be sure to stop off at the Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel for an icy beer when you reach your destination, too.

The Macquarie Lighthouse :: photo by Mike Armstrong Photography

 

Surf’s up!

A trip to Bondi wouldn’t be complete without catching a few waves. If you’re no Kelly Slater, book in a lesson with the Let’s Go Surfing crew up at the north end of Bondi Beach for a few pointers and heaps of fun. Yewww!

Photo by Lets Go Surfing

 

Most of all, enjoy!

BBx

 

What to wear at Vogue

It’s one of those Tuesdays. It’s drizzling with rain, my hair is flat and I’m struggling with what to wear to work. The thing with freelancing between magazines is, each day or week I can be at a different publishing company where a new set of rules apply. I couldn’t possibly rock up to work at a certain TV listings weekly in the same attire as a booking at ELLE. And trekking the streets of Surry Hills to the Sunday Style offices just isn’t practical in anything but flats. Think Converse or this season’s ‘ugly sandal’ of choice – the Birkenstock.

So today I’m at a little known fashion mag named Vogue. What should I wear to the most famous fashion bible on the planet when my budget is more Peter Alexander than Alexander Wang? Well, there’s only one thing for it. I’m taking inspiration from Amy Winehouse (and the bunch of street style mavens below) and I’m going back to black. It is a fashion fail-safe, after all…

BBx

 

 

It’s good to be back

Oh, hey there my Bondi beauties!

So sorry I’ve been away a while. But sunshiny times are here again and I am happy to be back on the Beached Blonde beat with a new lust for life and a beach bag full of stories to share. Expect a whole lotta love and light coming from these pages on all things Bondi, beachy and beautiful.

Beached Blonde x

New beginnings

Last week I had the shocking news that my job was to be made redundant. I was distraught. I’m only a few months away from applying for permanent residency of Australia, not to mention working in an industry where print is on the decline and jobs come up once in a blue moon. But I was in luck. The stars were shining on me and despite the roller coaster of emotions that I went through I in fact managed, through hard work, determination and a bit of good fortune, to come out of it with a better role and a more stable-looking future. It just goes to show that you shouldn’t just accept things, if you want to change them then go for it. Don’t wallow in self pity, fight for yourself. We all deserve the best, and if we’re not going to speak up for ourselves, then who is?

Five of the best things to do in Bondi at Easter

Why leave the world’s most iconic suburb over the Easter break when this little seaside village has everything and more for a homestay by the beach? Here’s my top five things to do for the long weekend in Bondi…

Work off those Easter eggs
If like me you’ve already consumed your body weight in chocolate, a couple of fun workouts could be just the ticket:

Stand up paddleboard at Rose Bay
OK, so it’s not strictly Bondi, but it is just a mere hop, skip and jump away over in Rose Bay. I’m channelling Cameron Diaz (who’s a fan) and if a few sessions on a board results in those abs, then pass me that paddle…

Gym it up
Sometimes we all need a little encouragement when we’re trying to boost our fitness, and luckily I am good friends with a quality and well-respected local trainer, Matt Waterton. He PTs at Bondi Beach Fitness and Health on Jacques Ave and he’s well worth the fee if you’re looking to improve your workout regimen or train for a specific goal. The gym is currently offering a free three-day pass, so grab your kit and get down there.

Om…
Easter Sunday at 4pm sees the folks at Finding Lotus Yoga offering a free yoga class. Grab a mat and chill out before all that Bondi hedonism takes its toll.

Eat, drink, be merry
Cafes, bars, restaurants… Bondi is abundant with a multitude of eating and drinking establishments. Currently running top of my list are:

Gusto, Hall St
My fave spot for a cappuccino and hard to beat for its watch-the-world-go-by location.

Bondi Beach Hardware, Hall St
If you can get a table (I recommend calling ahead to book) this place is top-notch for chilled drinks and a some delicious eats, from breakfast through to closing time.

Bikini Bar, Hall St
This new bar on the block has the same chilled-out vibe of much-missed Bunga Bar (part-owner Nick used to tend bar there) and the tasty tapas dishes and fruity sangria go down a treat.

Bucket List, Bondi Pavilion
The once pop-up bar is here to stay with a newly launched restaurant area (complete with fireplace guaranteeing its destination status come winter), but while the sun still blazes find a spot outside and take in one of Bondi’s most beautiful views.

Bucket List :: image by George Popov

Gelbison Pizzeria Ristorante, Lamrock Ave
Oh, I love pizza, and this place makes the best pizza this side of Naples. It’s BYO, too, so rock up with a bottle of red and sample its thin-crust delights. My current pizza of choice? I can’t get enough of the “Magic Boot”.

Shop the markets
For locals and tourists alike, a weekend shop at Bondi Markets at Bondi Beach Public School is a must. Saturday, 9am – 1pm, the Farmers Market showcases fresh, seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers. On Sunday, 10am – 4pm, cruise the stalls of new and vintage clothes, books, handmade jewellery and quirky homewares and gifts.

Channel your inner guru
…with a little help from the Gyuto Monks of Tibet who are in Bondi as part of their Infinite Present Tour of Australia. They’ll be running a series of meditations, workshops and talks. Plus, check out the ‘In The Studio’ photo exhibition by Tobi Wilkinson. Entry to all events is by donation. You can check out the details of the full program, which runs from April 6 – 22 at Bondi Pavilion, here.

Unleash your inner child
Bondi is playground no matter what your age and a day spent in Bondi wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world’s most famous stretch of sand. Make the most of the autumn sun – and warmer ocean temperatures – with a surf or a swim. And what’s more, it’s absolutely free.

Bondi, the perfect place for a staycation of hedonism and holistic fun.

image by Aquabumps

Psst! I’ve updated this article here if you are still looking for things to do this Easter. Enjoy!

No Shower Happy Hour at North Bondi

So, I haven’t been to the gym much lately…and when my boss, who at 36 is just 2 years older than me, hinted that I have fat arms today – “You really start to notice the cellulite on your arms in your mid-thirties, don’t you think?” – I knew it was about time I upped my exercise regimen.

First stop, the Tuesday night free yoga session outside North Bondi Surf Club, No Shower Happy Hour – run by the kind folks at Lululemon. From 7pm-8pm I stretched, downward dogged and warrior posed. And though it wasn’t the most challenging class it was fun and oh, that view. Looking across the beach at the surf as the sun sets has to be one of the most beautiful outlooks for exercising – but trying to stand on one leg and om while groups of Bondi locals and tourists walk by with open-mouthed stares is not how I usually practise. It puts me in mind of how the animals at zoos must feel, constantly being watched and gawped at. Though at least we were not in cages. I guess that would be a whole different kind of exercise…

The hour passed and I left the class feeling inspired to improve my yoga practise, increase my exercise quota and most importantly with a smile on my face. And for those who can’t get enough of a hip opener and spend too long sipping wheat grass shots, this video might strike a chord, too.

Back in the Bondi groove

After a few month’s absence I’ve got my Bondi groove back! I have to admit, sometimes the hipsters get a little too much, the beautiful people make me feel a little too plain, the ignorance and unfriendliness of my neighbours (what’s with that?!) makes me a little too homesick… but not today. Even the ongoing and worsening problems/hiccups with my apartment haven’t got me down.

I started the morning with the loveliest of breakfasts at Gertrude and Alice (this cafe could actually be rising to the top of my list of Bondi eating spots) where I sat in the sunshine, read the paper, chatted to some genuinely nice people and drank multiple cappuccinos. Bliss. (I’d like to get up early and do this every day, but perhaps I’ll try make do with once during the working week as a treat!)

Though I didn’t make it to the beach today, I relaxed with a book on the grass in the sunshine and watched the world go by. The smiles on the faces of the tourists who were here for just a few hours or a few days reaffirmed how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place, and that there are a whole host of opportunities out there that are ripe for the picking. Must remember to be grateful for that. All I have to do is go for it! Whatever ‘it’ may be. And that’s true for everyone, right.

Sometimes, even the simple days can be the most enlightening. Love you, Bondi.

 

Miranda Kerr makes me jealous

I’m trying to be gracious about it but bloody hell, how does she do it? OK, so she is a supermodel by trade, she’s a Victoria’s Secret Angel and undoubtedly has some damn-good genes, but pics of Miranda Kerr in the latest Victoria’s Secret campaign – that were shot just three months after she gave birth to her son, Flynn – have me chucking in the towel, cancelling my gym membership and tucking into that second slice of cheesecake. I mean really. Look at her. Who can compete? She’s every man’s dream…

Perhaps I am approaching it all wrong. Maybe I should take inspiration from her trim, super-sculpted, 28-year-old post-baby body and try to channel her gorgeousness, hit the treadmill like a maniac, sign up to a yoga retreat and get a boob job. OK, scrap the boob job bit, I can’t afford it.

Right, fine. Miranda, you win. Sod those articles on bikini diets. I’m pinning this pic onto my fridge, dusting off the Ab Circle Pro and never touching chocolate again. Bring on summer…

dry July

Heads up! For the next 31 days I am off the booze. Again. But this time I am doing it not only for the good of my health/sanity/wallet, but also for a good cause: Dry July. I am steering clear of hangovers for a whole month while raising funds for cancer patients at The Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, Sydney through my abstinence. The fact that today is a Friday is a test in itself, so it’s off to the Winter Festival for a cup of hot chocolate and a dance to the retro tunes. Sigh. It has to get better than this!