I remember when I went and saw the film adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love. Admittedly, I wasn’t one of the millions of women of a certain age who read the book and decided it had changed their very being. I didn’t even read the book, but I did like the movie. Julia Roberts saved it. She was far more likeable than Gilbert herself came across in Committed, the author’s second book, which was essentially a sequel. I had the chance to interview Gilbert and, as such, had to read the book. Gilbert annoyed me in Committed. Surely she must be much less angst-ridden, I thought, because, by now, she had found herself — hadn’t she? But there was still plenty of angst and, if I dare say it, selfishness about her story.
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Judging by today’s interview with Gilbert, she has found herself. Marriage is ‘‘quite lovely’’, she’s travelling and she’s still with Jose — the man of her dreams. Good on her, I suppose, to bear her soul as she did, and live to tell the tale. Now she’s telling a very different story, one with a great connection to Australia, and she’s on her way to Canberra to talk about it.
Another woman with a busy schedule is Jane Cay, founder of the successful online fashion retail business birdsnest. The 34-year-old mother of three seems to be taking it all in her stride, exuding a sunny-girl optimism and a genuine desire to ensure women buy clothes that make them feel good, Megan Doherty writes.
Cay was hand-picked to attend the Prime Minister’s forum on the digital economy earlier this year, sitting alongside Julia Gillard in a room that also included executives from Google, Microsoft and Virgin Australia.
For Cay, however, the personal touches still remain very important. And that’s kind of nice.
EAT IT
At this time of year you can be excused for grabbing a meal on the run while shopping. Checkout Snag Stand at Westfield Woden and its menu of heavenly ‘‘haute’’ dogs. The gourmet sausage menu includes a spicy Spanish chorizo sausage served with semi sun-dried tomatoes, chipotle aioli, baby rocket and shredded Spanish goats cheese on a brioche roll. Yes, we were lucky enough to sample some free ones but we’d actually go and pay for these. See snagstand.com.au.
WANT IT
We love MOZI’s Scottish inspired Christmas range, with everything from plates, candles, ham bags and stockings available in cherry red and emerald green tartan, or dove, toy soldier and floral patterns. A Christmassy tablecloth is always a good start, this one covers an eight-seater table, $49.95. Or for the front door, 38-centimetre wreath, $69.95. See mozi.com.au.
NEED IT
Looking for a versatile Christmas present for that someone too hard to buy for? This beautifully detailed Flores throw from Watermelon Red is the perfect size to snuggle on the sofa, decorate the end of your bed or even use as a picnic blanket. This 127-centimetre by 152-centimetre machine-washable throw blanket is softly quilted and features two different colourways/prints on each to give you two completely new and refreshing looks. $89.95. See watermelonred.com.au.
DO IT
Get into the Christmas spirit and go along to the Carols by Candlelight on Wednesday night at Stage 88. This annual event is popular with families who like to take a picnic and relax with friends while singing along with local choirs and bands. As darkness falls and the candles are lit, the atmosphere takes on a truly festive feel. Candles are sold at the venue, with the money being donated to charities.
