Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Ripples On The Creek


Ripples on the Creek is an idyllic retreat where you can simply relax, breathe in the fresh air, and savour the sights and sounds of nature’s ambience and offers a distinctive blend of exceptional dining and luxury accommodation, amid a picturesque rural backdrop. Ripples on the Creek is an 100 acre property consisting of a restaurant and 2 creekside cabins. Set at the foothills of the Border Ranges National Park, Ripples on the Creek is just 2 hours south of Brisbane, and 20 minutes north of the local township of Kyogle - known as the ‘Gateway to the Rainforests’.

The Creek

Ripples (as locals know it) is owned by Victor and Cherie Rixon and John and Cathy Warburton. They purchased the business in November, 2010 when it came on the market. They thought it had a lot of potential and since taking over ownership, have made numerous improvements, not only to the property, but to the marketing and business management side of it.

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, with a covered verandah 'where you can take in the pleasures in the wonderful view of the surrounding countryside.' The menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with kid's meals available. If you wish to view their delicious menu visit their website www.ripplesonthecreek.com.au 

One of the delicious meals available at the restaurant

The cabins provide the prefect romantic getaway. They include a private outdoor spa, a fireplace (perfect for the coming cooler weather), air conditioning, a kitchenetter, outdoor BBQ, and a modern bathroom (my tip - make sure to check out the shower heads). All bookings include a continental breakfast hamper for two.

Private Outdoor Spa overlooking the Creek.

Ripples on the Creek is also an ideal place for business functions, birthday parties or other special occasions, all of which can be shaped to meet your specific requirements. Ripples offers an enchanting and unique setting for weddings; providing you with the option to have your pre-wedding night, ceremony, photographs, reception and wedding night all at the one stunning location.

Ripples number one priority is customer service. They aim to provide ALL guest with "outstanding hospitality in addition to a relaxing country experience; and in doing so makes a valuable contribution to the Kyogle community and its tourism and hospitality industry" explains Cherie.

Restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating

Cherie loves the fun and challenge involved with owning a business. All of the owners are passionate about Ripples and love being able to "treat our guests to excellent hospitality and love hearing back from them about how much they enjoyed their stay." 

What does the future hold for Ripples on the Creek? Cherie explains, they "would love to build more cabins on the property, as well as possibly developing a camping ground. We also want to develop the wedding side of the business more. We have plans for things like cooking classes at the restaurant as well."

For more information about Ripples on the Creek or to book a romantic getaway, you can visit their website www.ripplesonthecreek.com.au and make sure to 'like' them on Facebook to stay up-to-date. 

Ripples on the Creek has kindly donated a prize for the raffle, which will be held on market day.

Thursday, 19 April 2012

RAHZYchildren

Carolyn is the owner of RAHZYchildren and has been a dressmaker/pattern maker for 27 years. She worked in almost every area of the industry, from tailoring to bridal to soft furnishings & much more. Carolyn states she "started the children's toy/products side around 13 years ago when my eldest daughter of three, attended Periwinkle Preschool Byron Bay." Her love of beautiful fabrics & colours was reinvented once again in the form of Steiner inspired toys.

Carolyn worked at home part time while raising three gorgeous girls, creating many of
the highly sought after handmade treasures for a word-of-mouth clientele. It was during April 2010, that she discovered & revamped the old world treasure - "The BALLOON BALL". Many grandparents may know the balloon cover from their era. It's true when they say, "A quality item never fades."



It was love at first sight for Carolyn as she had "found a unique & practical children's item I could apply my knowledge of fabrics & colour to." The combinations are based on colour and fabric quality, using only 100% cotton in all forms, from denim to flannelettes to drills, & many more.
She always uses her signature denim appliqué circle.



All RAHZYchildren BALLOON BALLS are handmade individually and it's very important that everything Carolyn creates is "created with the utmost care & LOVE. With a strong influence on quality." Carolyn is very happy to be able to provide an affordable, educational & practical children's toy that is received with much excitement. "I would love to see as many children as possible, have the opportunity to experience the joy to be had by this simple yet exhilarating toy."

Where the future will take her ??? "Who knows, I'm just really enjoying this journey & the freedom I have to work in the field I love."

                                              ...do what you LOVE what you do...


RAHZYchildren will be at the Northern Rivers Child & Family Market in September where you will be able to meet Carolyn in person and have at look at her Balloon Balls.

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Pretty Princess

Pretty Things for Your Pretty Princess

Pretty Princess is an online boutique selling baby girl and young girls' clothing, accessories, linen and toys. There is also a small range of items for the little Prince Charming in your life. It is owned and managed by Emma Rixon and her parents. Pretty Princess choses items of high quality, and even stocks designer brands, which are worn by the stars, such as Suri Cruise and the Afflect girls. 

Luna Luna Taj Mahel Dress

Pretty Princess opened in 2007 by Emma's sister-in-law,Cherie, before the birth of her daughter. At the end of last year the Cherie decided she wanted to sell the business as she has recentley purchased another business, Ripples On The Creek. "I knew instantly I wanted to purchase the business." Emma states, "I loved all the products Cherie had chosen."

Emma is the mother of two children, Jarrod and Heidi, who are 2 years and 4 months respectively. "I did not want to go back to work full time and when Cherie mentioned she was selling the business, I thought it would be perfect for me. It is an online business which meant I could still be at home with my children, but also have something of my own. I can work around my children’s schedules, which is perfect."

Pretty Princess has lots of plans for the future, as Emma explains, "we are planning of starting Pretty Princess Parties later this year. This would allow people to shop in the comfort of their own and see our products in person. This would be a fantastic for a baby shower for someone who knows they are having a girl or even for a first birthday party."

A picture from a Pretty Princess Party Emma held for friends & family.

Emma's favourite thing about owning a business is being able to stay at home with her kids and can work aroung their schedule. She also loves finding beautiful items for little princesses and princes.

Minihaha Bebe

Pretty Princess will be at the Northern Rivers Child & Family Market in September but before then be sure to visit her Facebook page and view her products online at the Pretty Princess Store.

Eternal Creation Anatasia