Let's just say it, 2020 has been a very long and difficult year for most of us. It has made us all reevaluate what is really important in our lives. When we were on lock down for the first time I really looked at my house and at the items that had. It forced me to reconsider what I thought was important. Did I really need so many movies that I don't watch? So going into Christmas I really didn't want to spend money on items that were not necessary or didn't stand up to my own values in life. This year instead of getting a bunch of stuff that people are not going to use, let's get items that mean something and support the things we value.

This is the gift guide 2020, where we should all be buying handmade, sustainable and locally Australian made. But this is also the story of my partner Ian who is exactly all of the above, making home-made sustainable and locally made products : bowels, platters, knifes and ice cream scopes.

The time has come where we drive ourselves crazy trying to decide on what to get who and figuring out how long you can procrastinate until the arrive by Christmas cut-off no longer applies to you. Yes, that time I'm talking about is Christmas. It's the wonderful holiday that gives most people a better spirit and a bigger reason to smile. From the explosive annual light shows to the neighbor that loves to show off their Christmas decorating skills, this time of year is about love, family, quality time and, well --- gifts.

The real estate industry, full of intrigue, has always been one of the most lucrative markets to earn a good return on investment.

Happy December friends!! Raise your hand if you are just now starting your Christmas shopping!? I’m usually well prepared by now but ya know... 2020. HA! Nonetheless, I’m so excited about this 2020 gifting season! It’s been such a hard and uncertain year for so many. There is nothing like a gift from the heart to show someone that no matter what they are going through — that they are loved, cared for and not alone!

Listening to Christmas carols, fire on while my cinnamon and apple cake bakes in the oven and the children are away for the day, I get to reflect on the year and smile that I've handmade pretty much all of my gifts this year, but when I do buy presents I like to find a hidden treasure – something really unique. I spend an increasing amount of time thinking about how we can make our lives and gifts more ethical and eco friendly.

I have a problem. It's called Christmas shopping. Black Friday Christmas shopping in particular. My problem is that I only want to shop for myself! So many sales. So many deals. All for ME! Like every year I like to start my shopping on Black Friday. It's black Friday bitches! So many deals! That's the day/weekend you really want to start. The sale of all sales. Black Friday. It normally happens at the end of November every year. But where to start?

Roads play an important role in society as it encourages growth, tourism, and the betterment of land travelling for all motorists. Now, what do you think will happen if the roads are constantly broken and cracked? Generally, it is not safe for drivers to use those roads especially at night when road accidents mostly occur. The same goes for the lifespan of car tyres as it would repeatedly be a victim of wear and tear.

Everyone who knows me recognizes that I am a Reader with a capital R. I love books of all kinds and make it a goal to read every single day. This holiday season, I have created a list of ideas for the Reader in your life. Certainly there are the obvious solutions - a gift card to their bookstore of choice, some coffee or tea to enjoy while reading, a book light from a big box retail store, but you have other alternatives, alternatives that are more personalized and support small businesses during these difficult times.

December is certainly one of the most wonderful times of the year—but the winter holidays can also be fraught with safety hazards, especially this year, when the COVID-19 pandemic looms large. Check out these simple safety tips, organized by hazard category, to help ensure you and your family have a happy and safe Christmas season.

Supporting small local businesses, charities and causes is a great way to give a thoughtful gift that’s also doing good in the world.

If you're here for advice, congratulations: you're dangerously close to becoming a last minute holiday shopper! Maybe it's part of your annual tradition, or maybe 2020 just got the better of you. I'm not here to judge. But before you start panic buying, remember -- contrary to the commercials and crowded displays, nobody actually needs a budget bath set that smells like rubbing alcohol and plastic. And unless your loved one requested one, for the love of all things holy, do not buy them an electronic toothbrush.