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La Maison Pacifique at Osteria’s Wedding Open Day
La Maison Pacifique at Osteria’s Wedding Open Day
La Maison Pacifique at Osteria’s Wedding Open Day
We love supporting local events and initiatives and were delighted to be invited show you La Maison Pacifique at Osteria’s Wedding Open Day in Casuarina yesterday.
Thankyou to all the beautiful brides, handsome grooms, friends, family and guests that came to visit our stall. We hope that you all enjoyed your special La Maison Pacifique Candle (by Jaabay Candles) as a momento of a great day. Remember, if you left your email address with us, you will receive our monthly newsletter – due in the next week or so – with some other great information for you.
We were really impressed by all the wonderful stalls – our favourites would be the amazing food spread by Osteria (lucky you if you are having your wedding reception there!), the delectable cakes by Rebellyous Cake Company, the fabulous wedding designs of Lucky Penny, Little Gray Station‘s amazing collection of wedding hire giftware and furniture and of course Kristy’s beautiful photography (Figtree Wedding Photography). The music was great, and the video and photo booth stalls were good fun. The sweet bar is such a great idea and the stationery by Paper Dolls and candles by Lovejoy just lovely. The full list of suppliers is available on Casuarina Wedding’s website and we particularly enjoyed meeting everyone (sorry I couldn’t list/link you all here!).
One thing I did mention to many of our family groups was that our website can be a great source of information, not only for your wedding planning but also for your guests. Below I have listed some great posts that we have done on weddings, local information, things to do and general tips and information. Of course, there is more, and many can be found on our Blog & News Page.
However, for ease, I have grouped some of our top posts below for you.
La Maison Pacifique Wedding Blogs & Pages
As promised to all those I spoke to on the day, our website has some great information for brides. Our recent wedding blogs have included:
- Wedding Accommodation
- Destination Wedding Casuarina NSW
- Kingscliff Wedding Venues
- Fun Wedding Ideas
- Wedding Accommodation Casuarina NSW Video
- Wedding Furniture Hire Northern NSW
- Keeping the kids happy on your wedding day
- Top tips for planning a girls weekend
- Top 10 tips for a memorable wedding
- Wedding Ettiquette – social media style
La Maison Pacifique Local Information Blogs & Pages
- Location & Attractions
- What’s on and Markets
- Cabarita Beach
- Kingscliff Beach
- Murwillumbah
- Byron Bay
- Gold Coast
- Casuarina
- Mt Tamborine
- Fingal Head
La Maison Pacifique Things to do Blogs & Pages
- Blog & News
- Cabarita Beach Surf
- Lisa’s Top things to do in Kingscliff
- Pete’s Top things to do in Kingscliff
- Breakfast at Cabarita Beach
- Places to eat in Pottsville
- Things to do on the Gold Coast – the App
- Top things to do in Byron Bay and Surrounds
Tips on renting a holiday home
Other
- Last Minute Accommodation Specials
- La Maison Pacifique Feature in Ocean Road Magazine – Autumn 2012
- La Maison Pacifique Video now online
- 5 star resort or luxury beachfront holiday home?
Our best tip – book early!
We were SO disappointed yesterday when we realised that some of our dates for our brides have already been booked for other guests! So, to ensure you don’t miss out, don’t forget to book your wedding accommodation early. We are really keen for our wonderful visitors yesterday to stay, and would love to welcome you to our beautiful home, La Maison Pacifique.
..and we can arrange a viewing…
If you would like to have a “WOW” moment and view La Maison Pacifique, please don’t hesitate to contact me. We may be constrained by current bookings (ie. may need to be flexible with dates so we don’t disturb guests), but I am happy to do a group tour.
On behalf of Sally, (owner) and I, we wish all our brides, grooms, their family and friends a wonderful wedding day – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your day; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next! It is your turn!
Would you like to book or find out more about us?
Check out our rates,
Look at our last minute accommodation specials or
You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter
Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call 
+61 (0) 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 (0) 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour – http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE
Top Tips for Planning your holiday
Top tips for planning your holiday
Top tips for Planning your Holiday
Your leave is booked, you’ve saved the cash, you’ve sorted out the where’s and now all you need is some top tips for planning your holiday! The best holidays are planned not within an inch of their lives, but with some fun and flexibility allowing for some spontaneous action. Don’t do what we did once – do the planning on the plane on the way there – really think about what you want to do in each location and we have some top suggestions which can ensure your holiday is the best ever!
We’ve been inspired by YTravelBlog‘s article How to Plan a Trip That Works – tackling the travel research and added our own personal travelling insights.
1. Its about the travellers
Our holidays are always different if they are planned with the kids in mind! For example, our kids (teenagers now) hate the multitude of “BOBS” (Big Old BuildingS) but are more than happy if we throw in some active activities including zoo visits, walking tours even a theme park day. It doesn’t have to be ALL about the kids, but there are only so many museums and art galleries (and even shopping malls!) which can hold their interest over time.
Think about the location too – your idea of bliss might be sitting on a beach reading a book or visiting local towns, whilst your fellow travellers might be talking hiking, canoeing, white water rafting, surfing and maybe even a balloon ride. Pick a location which can cater for all tastes and has activities to inspire all the travellers.
2. Allow for inspiration
Create a file of things you really want to do. Don’t research anything yet, just get the ideas flowing. This can come from photos, articles from travel blogs, websites, people – friends and family, social media. Whenever something attracts, make a note of it.
Bookmark it into your travel ideas folder. Pinterest is a fabulous tool for planning.
Do not allow thoughts of why you can’t do something, just put it on your bucket list.
Have a family conference. What do others really want to do?
Create a group pin board – where others can save their ideas too.
You read/dream about staying in a luxury beachfront holiday home and think “that’s only for the rich and famous” – but you may be surprised. Holiday homes (particularly for groups) can be a great alternative to five-star accommodation – and we’ve done the research – can often be cheaper too (and with more great facilities!)
Swat it away.
Don’t allow limitation in. If it is something your heart really wants to do add it to your file without even thinking about the how’s. If not for this trip, it could be for another.
3. Have a clear idea of your WHY and your travel goals
Why do you want to travel? Why this region? What are you hoping to gain from your travels? What do you want to experience? What are your priorities or must dos?
You really have to be clear or your travel planning will be muddled and long-winded.
Take a step back and ask, Does this experience align with my travel purpose?
If it doesn’t – knock it off the list or put it on for something to possibly do if the conditions are right, or for another trip.
4. Use maps to plot out your journey
It is very difficult to plan a trip without giving your brain an overview of the travel route. The brain can connect the dots better if it knows the overall travel plan.
Grab a map and start plotting. Have a look at how best you can get between your destinations – think train, plane, automobile, bus – and then make the most of the time you have. We have often planned our holidays with a mix of planes, cars and trains (no buses – but that is a whole other story!) – and find that sometimes taking the leisurely train trips allows the “driver” to relax and take in the scenery too.
5. Travel Planning ideas
We do this via spreadsheet with a column for “getting there” another for “accommodation” and a third for “must see attractions”. We allow some space for costs and any website links and contact details and you have your travel planner handy. Or, if you are tech savvy, think about a travel app – we found this article on the Five Best Travel Planning Apps for a start.
Don’t plan the trip within an inch of its life so you end up feeling stressed if you “miss that train” or have unexpected hiccups along the way. Our best tip for this when travelling over a longer period (and with kids) is spend 5-7 days in each location and branch out to all the attractions from there, then move on. This allows for some downtime (we also “booked’ in a rest day every 5th day – but found we hardly ever used it as having more time in each location allowed for a more leisurely pace)…
Travelling every 5-7 days also reduces the stress of unpacking/packing every few days and when travelling in a group is a big factor. Having time also reduces the risk of items being lost – whilst you are still in a hurry, you are not continually chasing things down.
Add in some local events and activities – think markets and exhibitions. Check out the local what’s on – Carols at Christmas? Bluesfest at Easter? What is happening when you are in town and experience these events for yourselves.
6. Use tourist brochures
Tourist brochures are a fantastic resource for travel planning.
They are free. They have beautiful pictures, which is great for inspiration and the insight you need to see if it is for you or not. There’s also great general knowledge on each region and a plan around what they can offer as part of their package. The brochures are always clearly set out and usually highlight the best reasons for visiting a place.
Attractions are highlighted and you can use these ideas as a start. But, don’t limit yourself! Extra research can deliver some non-traditional locations and activities which are sure to impress your travellers.
7. Turn to the travel guide books – we use Lonely Planet and The Michelin Green Guide
The travel guide books aren’t the only place for inspiration and stories. Friends and family love relating their experiences and can offer some hands-on advice and tips.
The guide books are great for a general overview, logistics and often some quirky restaurant ideas or attractions. They can help us to plot out our route and give us a rough idea of things to do and see in an area and the costs. We’ve found some great restaurants and activities in guide books we would not have thought of and really value the background information they provide.
8. Lists
Now you have your map outlined and a better idea of where you want to go and what you want to do, start writing a list of experiences you want in each region.
Asterisk those that are must do.
Include any tours, attractions, festivals and even food or accommodation you might have already noticed. Don’t forget to add in the contact details and any information such as opening times etc. You don’t want to schedule something only to turn up and find out that it is closed that day!
9. The deep and meaningful
Now you have used your maps and offline materials to get the general overview of where you want to go and you have your list of potentials, go online and do your deeper travel research.
The internet world can be a confusing and frustrating place to get lost in, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for to begin with.
Have your map next to you and your list of potentials. Search for these things only.
- Start with those travel blogs and websites you already know and trust. See what information they have.
- Then go to the state and local tourist boards websites. The Australian ones are excellent with their information. This can help you ourmy friend when planning travel trips and we use it for everything from flights to holiday home accommodation to attractions. Remember that there are many attractions now where you can “beat the queues” and book your ticket in advance. This is particularly helpful on very busy tours – like Villa Borghese in Rome or Alcatraz in San Francisco. The only way you can ensure you can get into these is to book in advance as their waitlist is always around 5-7 days.
- Then go to your social networks and ask if anyone has any advice or suggestions.
- And of course don’t forget your family and friends.
Make sure you have a system in place to bookmark any fantastic resources you find.
10. The edits
Now you should have a really great idea of where to go, what to do and see, where to stay and what to eat.
Consider your time and travel budget and the practicalities of transport and location. (NB: you may not have worked out your travel budget yet. That is okay, some people like to do the planning first).
Edit your list to get your best possible plan. Refer back to your original travel goals.
11. The plotting thickens
Now plot out your travel plans using your travel app/calendar/schedule. Work in any deals (ie. holiday homes can often be the same price for 5 or 7 nights) and make a plan for how many days you wish to spend in each new location.
Your list of things you want to do should give you a basic understanding. Add in a few days here and there for travel and for rest.
12. Research prices
As you are doing this research, it is important that you work out the costs for accommodation, transport, tours, and general daily living costs. You might discover that that whale watching adventure in Byron Bay is too expensive, the better option might be seeing them offshore on the nearby Cudgen Headland for free.
13. Booking
Whether you have to book ahead will depend on your time of year, travel style and nature.
If you love things organized, you might want to have everything pre-booked. If not, allow for flexibility. Book maybe the first couple of nights and any places that are popular.
You may have to do the same with your tours. Consider booking your absolute must dos as these are the things you do not want to miss.
Now you can spend the build up to your trip excited and stress-free. Continue this process throughout the whole travel planning stage until you feel like you’ve created the best possible experience for your wants, time and budget.
14. Its time to go!
Your planning’s done, bookings made and you are ready to go. Now all you need to do is the packing and here is some great tips for packing!
We also like YTravelBlog’s 25 Tips for Travel with Kids. Check out their website too for other great articles.
Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next! It is your turn!
Would you like to book or find out more about us?
Check out our rates,
Look at our last minute accommodation specials or
You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter
Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 (0) 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 (0) 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour – http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE
La Maison Pacifique October 2013 Update
Hello
Latest news from La Maison Pacifique October 2013 Update
Our La Maison Pacifique October 2013 Update includes our recent social media articles (and some other great information added in) including:
- The best pre-Christmas Special we have ever offered!
- Surfing Gold Coast – and surrounds
- Top tips on buying swimwear online
- Release of our new Wedding Accommodation Video
- Hiring Wedding Furniture
- Travel Tips and Gadgets
- Tips on listing your holiday home
- My favourite tweets in October
You can ink with us via Twitter, facebook, Google+, Linked in and Youtube for our news/stories as they happen (although our newsletter does have added extras too). Read on and enjoy!
1. BOOK NOW for a week between 30/11/13 to 21/12/13 and pay off-peak rates! That’s a super special $2,950 per week
Ok, this is your chance! Stay at our beautiful, luxury beachfront property between the dates above and pay just $2,950/week – that is a massive saving of over $750 for the week and a great chance to get away before the Christmas rush! Email me now to avoid disappointment – it will be first come, first served!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/last-minute-accommodation-specials/
2. Surfing on the Gold Coast – and surrounds
Now that spring has sprung and summer is on its way – are you dreaming about your summer holiday – and all the fantastic activities you can do on the Gold Coast (and Northern NSW)? There is SO much to do – and it is not just limited to the popular theme parks.
The “How to Surf the Gold Coast” article by Craig Tansley (and with a few additions from us!) has some great tips on surfing the Gold Coast – and surrounds.
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/surfing-gold-coast-surrounds/
3. 6 Top Tips for Buying Swimwear Online
Yes, summer is here and it is time to think about all the fun you can have in the sun! But wait! I need some new swimwear! Oh… But what about those few winter kilos that haven’t quite shifted yet… No problem! You can shop for swimwear in the safety of your own home and don’t have to brave the Christmas Shopping rush!
Thanks to Monica Bugno on 22 September 2013 who, with her fantastic Sirens Swimwear range (all available online!), has compiled for us all the 6 Top Tips for Buying Swimwear online… Thanks Monica!…..
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/6-top-tips-buying-swimwear-online/
4. Our new Wedding Accommodation video
We have listened to our guests and responded by offering Wedding Accommodation Casuarina NSW. To show our commitment, and the range of possibilities not only for your accommodation but for some beautiful photo opportunities at La Maison Pacifique, we have prepared our own Wedding Accommodation Casuarina NSW Wedding Video.
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/wedding-accommodation-casuarina-nsw-video/
5. Wedding Furniture Hire – Northern NSW
In our ongoing search for great wedding tips and ideas for Destination Wedding brides traveling to the Gold Coast/Northern NSW/Byron Bay for their perfect day, we have found Little Gray Station – the one stop shop for Modern Vintage and French Country inspired furniture, props and ideas to enable you to personalise your special day.
Firstly though, our Wedding Planner friends at Casuarina Weddings and favourite photographers – Figtree Pictures Wedding Photography – work closely with Little Grey Station to ensure your day is as unique as you are. Figtree Pictures did all the photos for our recent Wedding Accommodation Video and as you can see, can adapt the scene to create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding.
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/wedding-furniture-hire-northern-nsw/
6. Traveling Tips – Seven Habits of Highly Effective Travelers
We’ve done the research and now you can benefit from a range of Traveling Tips – Seven Habits of Highly Effective Travelers!
Traveling should be fun, with the most time possible spent on exploring, sight seeing, great food, wine and fabulous company. Traveling will always have some challenges, but after finding (and trying) these great tips, you can say bon voyage with confidence!
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/traveling-tips-seven-habits-of-highly-effective-travelers/
7. 6 Great Travel Gadgets – Tech Edition
Whether you travel for business or pleasure, life is busy and we have so many opportunities to stay connected wherever we are. However, what are the 6 great travel gadgets which can ensure you maximise your travel plans?
Inspired by 6 Tech Essentials for your Travel Bag By Jasmine France (Contributing Writer, Women 2.0), read on for 6 Great Travel Gadgets – Tech Edition.
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/6-great-travel-gadgets-tech-edition/
8. Listing your Holiday Rental Home
There is a huge range of advertising opportunities for listing your holiday rental home in Australia. Some holiday rental home websites are free, some charge an advertising fee, some charge a per night rate, some charges are based on a per booking costs and others a % cost of confirmed booking (ie. commission on sales) – and some charge a mix of the above! Read on for some ideas and tips:
http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com/blog/tag/listing-your-holiday-rental-home-on-planbooktravel/
October Tweets – my favourites!
@maisonpacifique RT@jamieoliver:Morning guys recipe of the day is@gennarocontaldo‘ s spaghetti alla puttanesca http://ow.ly/q3hFN@maisonpacifique 🙂 RT@Queensland: 11 signs you need a holiday [gifs] http://is.gd/cwSD83#ttot#travel@maisonpacifique It is possible! RT@luxury__travel: How to blow €1 million in a day –> http://bit.ly/Hc01LA@maisonpacifique Great Tips! RT@HuffPostTravel: A tipping etiquette guide http://huff.to/19I6xV6@maisonpacifique RT@TravChoiceAU:#TravelTip Email yourself copies of your passport and travel documents just in case you lose them!@maisonpacifique Great advice! RT@HuffPostTravel: You don’t HAVE to pay those baggage fees ya know… http://huff.to/19pNzCA@maisonpacifique RT@CNTraveler: The travel mistakes you think you’re too smart to make: http://bit.ly/1c0DOv4@wendyperrin@PerrinPost@maisonpacifique Enjoy! RT@HuffPostTravel: Test your travel personality http://huff.to/1cqhJ9q@maisonpacifique RT@thinkingnomads: Top tips for choosing the right backpack http://bit.ly/e7qHd2@maisonpacifique Love it!RT@ModernWeddingOz: THIS IS HILARIOUS-The 39 Stages Of Being A Bride http://bit.ly/15MKoDJ Which stage are you?@maisonpacifique What could be better than waking up on the#Casuarina#NSW beachfront after your wedding? http://ow.ly/qbY16@maisonpacifique RT@polkadotbride: A chic mountain wedding – love their special touches- wishing well, invitations! http://ow.ly/pe5Ig
….Have we convinced you yet that your Casuarina NSW holiday could be your best ever? All you have to do now is book your beach holiday! Northern Rivers area NSW (including Kingscliff, Casuarina, Pottsville and Cabarita Beach) is the perfect spot – and its location is ideal – 1/2 way between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Patrolled beaches line the coast. We even have Lisa and Pete’s top tips on things to do in Kingscliff! Check out our blog and news, location and attractions and what’s on and markets for more great tips and things to do on your Northern Rivers summer holidays!
Happy holidays – dream about what is possible; believe you can do it; make the most of your leave; plan, book and enjoy your holiday; then dream about where you will go next! It is your turn!
Would you like to book or find out more about us?
Check out our rates,
Look at our last minute accommodation specials or
You can also Contact us for more information or Subscribe to our free monthly email newsletter
Until next time – enjoy your day wherever you are from La Maison Pacifique “The Peaceful House” and your boutique designer luxury holiday home vacation rental in Casuarina, New South Wales, Australia – half way between the Gold Coast QLD and Byron Bay NSW, Australia.
Di Hendy
Property Consultant
La Maison Pacifique
Telephone – call +61 (0) 411 052 759
Mobile/Cell – call or text +61 (0) 411 052 759
Email – contact info@lamaisonpacifique.com
Website – visit http://www.lamaisonpacifique.com
LinkedIn Group – join http://www.linkedin.com/groups/La-Maison-Pacifique-4634043
LinkedIn Company – follow http://www.linkedin.com/company/la-maison-pacifique
Google+ Person – add to circle https://plus.google.com/112592221587833404365/
Google+ Page – follow https://plus.google.com/b/112592221587833404365/
Twitter – follow http://www.twitter.com/maisonpacifique
Facebook – like http://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Maison-Pacifique/231607423592843
Newsletter – subscribe at http://eepurl.com/Am0zz
Video Tour – http://www.youtube.com/embed/KR8MiuA00Xg
Wedding Accommodation Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi7xxUJSDDE
La Maison Pacifique 