WELCOME TO THE GCGHOV MEDIA GROUP

We're getting ready...

2011-09-27T23:15:00.000+10:00

.... to bring you the latest in The Gold Coast Grapevine... coming soon!

Don't forget to SIGN UP HERE FOR THE GRAPEVINE so you never miss the newsletter and the link to the latest digital mag!

We've got loads of good stuff coming your way... so don't miss it! And remember to share it with your friends!

Warm up this Spring with all The Grapevine and House of Vintner news you can get your hands on!

Watch this space for more details of the next edition... out soon!

Cheers
Michelle & Marilyn

August-September 2011 Issue of the Gold Coast Grapevine OUT NOW!

2011-09-06T16:03:00.000+10:00

Have you seen the latest issue

Click Aug-Sept Issue to view

As always, such a beautiful cover

and loads to read inside!

THE HOUSE OF VINTNER IS CLOSED TIL SPRING

2011-08-13T18:44:00.005+10:00

Just a quick update from us ... THE HOV is currently closed until Spring, due to the ill health of our baby! Our little man, now six months old has been ill for the past five months and it has certainly taken it's toll! We hope we will turn the corner soon!

In the mean time you can see a few updates happening on our blogs:
THE HOUSE OF VINTNER and Daisy Chain at the Vine ...

Watch this space more details of our Outdoor Room make over (above)! The fabulous transformation can be viewed coming soon to Daisy Chain... watch this space to see how to get the look in time for summer! You're also going to see a few changes happening for us, so don't go away!

THE HOV

Bennetts Boots - our favourite winter warmers!

2011-06-02T11:29:00.002+10:00

Bennetts Boots are our all-time favourite boots (and winter warmers) at The House of Vintner and we’ve enjoyed promoting them many times. I have several pairs of Bennetts Boots in my wardrobe and I absolutely love them! I can’t find anything comparable in the stores in Brisbane, nothing as comfortable or as stylish since I found Bennetts and I’ll never wear anything else now! Bennetts will take you from Summer to Winter with all of their fresh and funky styles ready for the seasonal changes every time! You’ll never be caught short on something to wear because they’ve thought of everything... I have a hard time choosing a favourite! Bennetts also offer the most amazing customer service I’ve ever experienced when dealing with a company!

So...whether you need to dress up or dress down and keep it fairly casual, Bennetts have a boot for you! Their gorgeous winter range accommodates all tastes and styles, and regardless of the function you're attending, or whether you’re wearing them to work or play, they have a design that will suit your needs. If the nightclub scene is more you, you’ll find the perfect boots to wow them as you ‘walk in the club’! Bennetts Boots will dress up any outfit! Or add that special something you were looking for. Find them at http://www.bennettsboots.com/

Drumroll please!

The winners of our five

$100 Bennetts Boots

vouchers go to:

Congratulations to~

Lauren Heritage-Brand

Maureen Flaws

Samantha Barratt

Shelley Peers

Kim Heironymus

What's coming in the June Winter issue of The GCGrapevine????

2011-05-20T14:12:00.000+10:00

(My favourite pair of Bennetts Boots!)

The June issue of The GCGrapevine has

5 x 100 Bennetts Boots vouchers

to give away!

How awesome is that???

See more style on their website at

BENNETTS BOOTS

Choose your favourites!

Then introduce two people to

The Gold Coast Grapevine

to be in the running!

Our Winter edition coming in June will be chock full of so much exciting stuff we can barely contains ourselves at the GCGHOV Headquarters... check it out!

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Our articles on the Gold Coast and Brisbane wine tasting events brought to us by The New Generation - Hunter Valley Surfari!

Read the June issue to find out our favourite wines and details of these fabulous eventS that saw these six wine makers on the road from Melbourne to Noosa - bringing the beautiful wines of the Hunter Valley to our doorstep!

Our winter warmer promotion contains great ideas for mums and bubs from: -

Bennetts Boots

Swish Lily

Eternal Creation - see our Eternal Creation Blog Post here

PLUS.... more winter warmer ideas, such as fabulous products from ...

Heat Bears

Myrtle & Tuppance

NutsnStuff

The Travel Collection -A la Carte Maps

And details of our 'Great Road Adventures' to vineyards and beaches! See our proposed travel plans here - we're journalling our story in The Gold Coast Grapevine, and we'll also be blogging details too at The House of Vintner!

WINE REVIEW:

A Jacob's Creek Wine Review - Three Vines!

AND...

my usual chapter 'From Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos' ... home make over! 'Making it up as you go along!' ...

See our amazing transformation! Here's a sneak peek of just one room we've done... more to come!

*Below.... the nursery! (before)

And after ... you can even vote for our nursery here! Voting closes May 31st.

*See more details of this fabulous promo at THE HOUSE OF VINTNER .... use this link to see more! We've given you a sneak peek of another room to come and listed our suppliers...

Check out one of our faves - URBAN THIRST COCKTAILS!

What's new at our zoo?

2011-05-07T19:59:00.000+10:00

Coming soon.... to The Gold Coast Grapevine June winter edition....

Don't miss -

Our home makeover - another 'From Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos' chapter!

Our giveaway - 5 x $100 Bennetts Boots vouchers to five lucky winners! Woo hoo!

Our Bennetts Boots winter review! See more in their gorgeous winter wardrobe at http://www.bennettsboots.com/

Product reviews - have we got some great *stuff* for you!

Our wine of the month! Who will it be!??!

Our winter baby garment suggestions from a few fabulous online boutiques!

And lots more from THE HOUSE OF VINTNER!

Jampacked with good struff from THE GOLD COAST GRAPEVINE Editor in chief Marilyn Adam, our feature writers and more... Don't miss the June winter bumper edition - out soon!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

The Gold Coast Grapevine
The House of Vintner
Mummy Ambassadors

Win one of FIVE Bennetts Boots Vouchers with the GCGHOV!

2011-04-27T12:16:00.003+10:00

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN .... with Bennetts Boots, The Gold Coast Grapevine & The House of Vintner?

Win ONE OF FIVE $100 vouchers so you can score yourself a hot pair of Boots for Mother's Day, just in time for Winter...

How??? Simply visit Bennetts website and then EMAIL THE HOV and tell us your favourite pair of boots! Then make sure you are a 'liker' on our House of Vintner Facebook Page and The Gold Coast Grapevine Facebook Page to be in the running!

Watch our pages for the BIG WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT - COMING SOON!

Register before May 3rd!

HUNTER VALLY - FLAVOURFEST!

2011-04-22T10:35:00.005+10:00

WINE AND FOOD ‘CULTURE VULTURES’ REJOICE AS JUNE LONG HUNTER VALLEY WINE & FOOD MONTH IS ANNOUNCED

If you’re being dragged into winter kicking and screaming in fear of hibernation and nothing to do, this upcoming event in the Hunter Valley will warm your heart with excitement. The fifth annual Hunter Valley Wine and Food Month this June is promising an even bigger and better line up of over 70 events ranging from small intimate experiential affairs to large celebrity laden festivals, letting you get a taste of simple sophistication!

A Tourism NSW Regional Flagship event, the Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association will proudly present a series of themed activities that includes mouth watering dinners with leading Hunter Valley winemakers and chefs, an array of fun and interactive classes to fine tune those culinary skills, a showcase of local premium wines and fresh produce matched to perfection, and delectable tasting experiences by a roaring fireplace.

This year, the festival has introduced self guided tours unveiling the excellence of Hunter Valley Trophy, Gold winning and Heritage Vineyard wines. And if that’s not enough... roll out the barrel...as you’ll get an exclusive chance to blend the 2011 reds with the wine masters themselves.

Hunter Valley winter lifestyle would not be the same without a weekend cheering on the Pokolbin Reds, join the locals and cheer on our winemakers in the local Rugby Union competition.

All these activities provide a chance for visitors to meet and become a part of the local community and share their Hunter Valley wine and food culture along with all the other wonderful things the region has to offer. Get in quick and make this June one to remember! Winter... what winter?

The Edible Experience:

If you day dream about getting away from it all as you sip a glass of wine amongst the vineyards, enjoying warm bread dipped into fresh olive oils whilst perusing your indulgent degustation menu for the day... look no further, this series is just for you. Events to date include:

• FlavourFest at Hunter Valley Gardens, a 3 day festival featuring Masterchef stars Callum Hann and Alvin Quah.
• Australian Regional Food Store and Cafe will offer a native flavours luncheon that will make you feel patriotic!
• McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Cafe White Wine and Red Wine Tasting Plates.
• Whispering Brook Olive Grove Long Lunch – delve into the world of olive oil over a long leisurely lunch.
• Scarborough Wine Co regional tasting plates.
• Moorebank Wines picnic cheese and condiment platters and Divine Grape Vine Produce Tasting.

In the Hunter Valley we love long leisurely lunches and dinners centred around shared dishes, a range of great wines and of course good company. As part of this series we have introduced ‘Restaurant Week’, from Friday 17th June to Sunday 26th June, when several restaurants will feature a series of set priced grazing menus paired with wines so you too can sample this relaxed way to spend a wintery day.

Class Is In:

For those who want to explore their ‘inner foodie. Learn how cheese is made, what to look for in a quality olive oil, and most importantly how to really impress your friends in the kitchen!

• McWilliams Mt Pleasant match makes at “The Wine and Cheese Marriage: tips for avoiding a nasty divorce”.
• Hunter Valley Cheese Shop hosts cheese appreciation and wine matching classes perfect for ‘the connoisseur’.
• Margan Restaurant shows you how to select from your own garden and then cook with those fresh delights.
• Join a Goldfish Hunter Valley Cocktail School and make wine based cocktails.
• Learn the art of combining flavours at Tempus Two & Smelly Cheese Shop’s premium wine & world of cheese workshop.

The Winemaker's Table Series:

This series of lunches and dinners is hosted by leading winemakers in their wineries or their favourite restaurants. It’s a great chance for them to raid their cellars, launch their latest vintages and create an amazing line up showcasing the wines of the region. Working closely with Hunter Valley Chefs, they create menus that pair perfectly with their wines to ensure a memorable food and wine experience; its a favourite event on their calendars as they share their love of Hunter Valley wines.. Bookings are essential.
• McGuigan’s Wine Dinner – held amongst the barrels in the winery with menu prepared by highly awarded Chef Jean-Marc Pollet paired to McGuigan’s wines and hosted by Neil McGuigan and his team.
• Tower Estate Wines at Robert’s Restaurant with Winemaker Samantha Connew.
• Winemaker Scott McWilliam of McWilliams Mount Pleasant at Redsalt Restaurant Crowne Plaza.

The Pure Wine Indulgence:

For the aspiring ‘wine master’... Hosted by Hunter Valley winemakers and wine educators in small groups, guests will have the opportunity to understand Hunter Valley wine in depth and ask those questions they have always wanted to from the winemakers they admire!
• Self guided Hunter Valley Trophy, Gold and Heritage Vineyard wine tours will dazzle your pallet.
• Barrel & Blending Weekend will make you feel like a winemaker yourself as you assist the winemakers in the winery.
• First Creek Winemakers Challenge get a team together and spend the day learning the art of blending; finish the day joining the winemakers challenge with barrel rolling, wine spitting and grape stomping
• David Hook Wines Tutorials will assist you to understand different wine varieties and the advantages of aging a wine.

Fireside Indulgence Series:

A series of indulgent experiences set by the open fire at guest houses, cellar doors and restaurants; the perfect way to indulge on a winter’s day; a perfect way to relax, slow down and feel the gentle pace of country living. Afternoon tea by the fire, cheese and fortified wine, or canapés before dinner, are just some of the delights that await.
• Delicious warming Soup, crusty bread, cheeses & wines to match by the fireside at Mistletoe Wines.
• High Tea fireside at Tower Lodge.

If you want to be with us to launch the month join us at Goldfish Hunter Valley, our newest and favourite cocktail bar, on Friday 3rd June for an evening of wine, canapés and entertainment.

For those wanting to take a mini break, there are some fabulous accommodation offerings. From rustic cottages, to luxurious award winning resorts such as the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, the region offers romantic getaways for two or a chance to holiday with family or friends. With so many great wine and food activities on throughout June, these options will be popular and we recommend you book your accommodation now.

For a full month’s program, individual event details, and information on how to book tickets and accommodation visit http://www.hunterwineandfood.com.au/

WE HAVE A DOUBLE PASS TO FLAVOURFEST TO GIVE AWAY!!! Email us in 25 words or less why you'd like to win!

GOLD COAST GRAPEVINE - APRIL ISSUE OUT NOW!

2011-04-10T13:57:00.007+10:00

Have you read the latest edition of 'The Gold Coast Grapevine'?? Click the link to read the APRIL ISSUE, available online now!

Don't forget the sign up for the newsletter, so that you never miss the link to the digital mag and all the news, reviews, competitions, holiday stuff and more!

THE HOUSE OF VINTNER regularly contributes to the GCGrapevine, and you can find our chapter 'From Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos' in there, wine of the month, product reviews, giveaways and heaps more!

Don't forget to visit our other blog DAISY CHAIN AT THE VINE for fabulous reviews on children's items... gorgeous stuff that we'd love to share with you! Our latest post takes in a promo on Baby Teresa, a charitable organisation we would love you to support! Buy a onsie for your baby and they will send one to a child in need in another country! We just love this concept!

AMAZING GIVEAWAY

We have 5 x $100 Bennetts Boots vouchers to giveaway... see the next issue of The Grapevine, and watch our blogs for more details on that!

What else is news?

WOMEN WANTED:

Why not participate in this charitable event supporting BREAST CANCER -

Women wanted for a book 'A woman, her shoes and her handbag'! It's a great cause and we'd like to see as many lovely ladies on board as possible!

Coming Reviews: Belly belt, APPLE, Schick, 'Hot Tips for Career Chicks' (book), Grundies undies and more...

THE GREAT ROAD ADVENTURE

The House of Vintner has also been on location a lot recently! Visit us at our HOV Facebook Business Page to see where we've been and what we've been up to in our photo albums! Click ALBUM 2 to see our most recent jaunts!

We are taking our Corporate brand on the road and would love for you to join us as a sponsor! Contact us if you can help!

CORPORATE RETREAT

Interested in the HOV - Taste 'n' Tags WAHM/MUMMY Corporate Retreat planned for the HUNTER VALLEY in June? Visit us here to register your interest as an attendee, a sponsor/supplier or other interested party... join us for some R&R, promote your wears/wares, do some wine tasting, eat chocolate and generally have an amazing time... and yes, you can even bring the kids! Or... simply enjoy an indulgent few days away from them!

VERY EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR ALL! Watch this space for more fun stuff to come!

2011-03-20T16:17:00.002+10:00

Have you seen the awesome March issue of THE GOLD COAST GRAPEVINE? It's fantastic!

BABA SLINGS GIVE-AWAY!!!

2011-02-16T16:35:00.000+10:00

We're excited to announce that we have a BABA SLING to give away to one lucky mummy or mummy to be!

These gorgeous slings come in an a vast array of colours and designs and they are absolutely the most gorgeous slings I have seen on the market; not to mention versatile, practical and very user-friendly! We love them!!!! And highly recommend them!!!

Read on to find out more about the beautiful Baba Sling and how you can go into the draw to win one of your own!

Baba Slings were designed by Mother of 5, Shanti McIvor, who whilst pregnant with her second child, did a lot of research on the subject of "attachment parenting" and "baby wearing". After learning of the immense benefits of carrying Baby, she started working on a design for a baby sling. And carried her own baby in the very first Baba Sling, and then after much interest from the general public she decided to start selling them at the local Eumundi Markets. Who would have thought that 11 years on Baba Slings is now the Top Selling baby sling in Japan and sought after the world over.

Baba Slings allow you several different comfortable positions to cater for your baby's changing moods and needs throughout the day. In a Baba Sling you can carry Bub from when they have head control up to 2 years +. With discreet hands free breast feeding, you can have the life you want and remain connected to your little one as you go. They are fantastic for jet setters, public transport and parents at home with a family to run.

HERE'S HOW TO WIN:

Simly email us and tell us in 25 words or less, why a Baba sling would make your life as a mum easier!?

We're already planning for Mother's Day!

2011-01-27T07:59:00.000+10:00

We are seeking bags and baskets to promote NOW and then to utilise for an up and coming give away planned for our blog and digital magazine for mother's day! We'll promote you from now til May just for supplying your funky bags and baskets for our giveaway! How exciting is that????

So... who are we? I'm so glad you asked ....

The Gold Coast Grapevine Online Magazine and associated Media - THE GCGHOV MEDIA GROUP (see more detail here http://thehouseofvintner.blogspot.com/2010/11/you-know-us-as-house-of-vintner-but.html )

Online Interactive digital magazine based on the Gold Coast. The magazine provides true life and personal stories, information, creative ideas, online shopping and family fun with community information on events and valuable offers from local, national & international online retailers.

Site and Blogs include:

http://www.thegoldcoastgrapevine.com.au/

http://creationcottage.blogspot.com/ – craft and innovative products

http://gcghov.blogspot.com/ Gold Coast Grapevine and House of Vintner Headquarters

http://thehouseofvintner.blogspot.com/ – wine, travel and accommodation

http://daisychainatthevine.blogspot.com/ - family, parenting, maternity

Our Gold Coast Grapevine demographic is families and our blogs are linked to Facebook and Twitter for extra coverage via The Gold Coast Grapevine and House of Vintner business pages and our personal pages.

We are always open to trialling products to review and blog. When you join our House of Vintner Facebook Business Page, you will see some of the businesses we’ve had pleasure in representing (in our photo section of our PR arm Viognier et Beaujolais)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wine-Country/The-House-of-Vintner/110223609004292

It's just about that time again...

2011-01-15T19:14:00.001+10:00

Hi everyone and welcome to 2011!

From the GCGHOV we'd just like to wish you all a very happy new year, and it is our hope the year has started off on a positive note for you and so far it has been everything you hoped it would be!

I just thought I would update you with the latest from the GCGHOV Headquarters!

But first... as many of you will know, Marilyn Adam (our Gold Coast Grapevine Editor) and I, hail from Queensland! Fortunately neither of us have been personally affected by the floods, but our fellow Queenslanders are in our thoughts and prayers as they battle this natural disaster, not only coping wtih loss of life and land, but their livlihoods and an uncertain future! We send them our strength, and encouragement at this very difficult and sad time! We will be working towards fundraising for them also! You can see details of that on The House of Vintner Blog!

Our lovely summer break has almost come to an end with our little ones at home, the school year is about to begin and the next edition of The Gold Coast Grapevine is due out soon! Our 'Back to School' edition will be chock full of news, views, back to school ideas and loads more...

From The House of Vintner you will see our latest wine review, chapter three of Michelle Hayward's Editorial - 'From Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos - On the move!' (Moving tips and hints for moving house!), product reviews, and our fabulous review of Witches Falls (perfect for booking your romantic Valentine's Day getaway)! We had a lovely stay there in November and have pleasure in sharing that experience with you!

You can see a sneak peak of our Back to School hints and tips, as well as a Backpack product review live now at Daisy Chain at the Vine ... Kmart have some fanatastic specials to get you sorted for the new school year! We have their promo live on our blog to help you prepare everything you need. We've also listed some fabulous ideas of products to purchase for your kiddos school bags, to make the year go more smoothly ... and given you some links to some amazing businesses who can help you get the kids sorted in a snap!

News from The House of Vintner:

As you may know from reading this page, and my other blogs, I am expecting my tenth baby! I still have around five weeks to go before we welcome our baby, but I hope to be as active as possible on our blogs as I can be. Unfortunately though, I have been hospitalised twice already, so I hope you will bear with me as I navigate the last few weeks and then settle in with the new little one at home.

If you're interested in finding out more about our very successful 'Mummy Ambassadors Program' for Businesses and Mummy Bloggers, please connect with us on The House of Vintner blog and on Facebook - for all of the latest updates!

Of course you can catch up with everything else we're up to here:

Site and Blogs include:

The Gold Coast Grapevine (website) - sign up for the newsletter now so you never miss the link to the digitial mag!
Creation Cottage – craft and innovative products, reviews, craft ideas, products, tips and hints and more!

The House of Vintner – wine, travel and accommodation... and much more! We actively promote The Hunter Valley (and many other wine regions!)

Daisy Chain at the Vine - family, parenting, maternity, product reviews. articles and much much more!

Our Gold Coast Grapevine demographic is families and our blogs are linked to Facebook and Twitter for extra coverage via The Gold Coast Grapevine and House of Vintner business pages and our personal pages.

Here are just some of the high profiles we have been involved in promoting have been :

Donny Singe from the Manly Sea Eagles, Claire Halliday (freelance writer for Marie Claire and author), as well as Melinda Hutchings ‘Why Can’t I look the way I want’, Leanne Cooper - a leading childhood nutrition expert and consult to Huggies, My Child, OHbaby NZ, Parents Centre NZ.

We have also promoted Shane Warne’s Spinners Label, Wella Products, Gillette, Dremel, Oral-B, Disney, Coles Bakery Products and Margaret Fulton’s signature range, as well as many many others.

We also proudly work with Chris Cranswick-Smith, of Ready Steady Cook fame, and owner of Emmilou’s in Surry Hills both at The House of Vintner & The Gold Coast Grapevine.

We are always open to trialling products to review and blog. When you join our House of Vintner Facebook Business Page, you will see some of the businesses we’ve had pleasure in representing (in our photo section of our PR arm Viognier et Beaujolais) and we look forward to assisting you too!

For a comprehensive information pack about The House of Vintner and associated press stats and info, please email us for details!

For a comprehensive information pack about Mummy Ambassadors, contact us for details.

Christmas Blessings from The Gold Coast Grapevine & The House of Vintner

2010-12-01T10:55:00.002+10:00

From the GCGHOV we want to wish you all a safe

and very happy Christmas, and a prosperous new year!

Our latest issue of the Gold Coast Grapevine Digital Mag

is now live for your viewing and reading pleasure!

It's a bumper double issue for January as well!

The next edition is out in February 2011 and

at this time Marilyn and I would like to let you know

that we will be taking some time out during Dec/Jan

to spend time with out beautiful families!

We've had a very busy 2010, and are longing for

a well-deserved break with our little ones!

If our blogs are a little quiet during this period

please bear with us!

As you can imagine, over the school holidays I have

seven of my own nine children at home for the summer!

I am also now 29 weeks pregnant and counting down

the next 9ish weeks until we welcome our beautiful

new baby in February 2011!

I'll be taking a little time to rest and recoup!

Thank you so much for your loyal participation in

following our blogs, thank you for supplying

your gorgeous products for us to trial and review,

thank you for following us in 2010 and allowing us

to be part of your lives too!

We look forward to spending 2011 with you!

And bringing you more fabulous goodies

in the coming year!

Once again, a hearfelt thank you!

And a safe and happy festive season to you all

spent with your loved ones and friends!

Michelle Hayward - The House of Vintner

Marilyn Adam - The Gold Coast Grapevine

WIN IN OUR BACK TO SCHOOL PROMO... WITH PINK POPPY & THE GCGHOV!

2010-11-27T21:08:00.003+10:00

Pink Poppy

Pink Poppy is now launching its back to school range of backpacks, wallets, library/swimming bags, lunch bags and pencil cases. These are all high quality fabrics and zips, with all of them featuring embroided or 3D detail on them. They will be available at leading toy, gift and specialty shops.

Pink Poppy is pretty things for little girls! Our range of costume jewellery, hair accessories, gifts, bags, cosmetics and dress up are created for girls who dream of being a fairy, ballerina, mermaid or a princess. Backed by quality with cute designs and hand details and sold at realistic prices, all Pink Poppy products are age appropriate for girls 3-9 years.

Every little boy can put his stuff into a TONO bag, treasure chest or pirate box. Great products in bold colours and designs to suit the toughest boys and little men. Tono is tough, durable and washable for boys aged 3-9 years.

Product review of summer essentials - Signature beach bag, bucket hat and flip flops

Pink Poppy offer a gorgeous array of products for the little Prince or Princess in your life. Super cool items for a long hot summer to adorn the favourite little people in your world… keep them sunsafe, sunsmart and super stylish at the beach, pool, park, family barbecue or out walking. Perfect as stocking stuffers, gifts for your friend’s children, something to pop under the Wish Tree at Kmart, or a cute way to dress up the nieces, nephews and grandchildren this summery season! Classic and cute designs that will delight and surprise any fashion-conscious kiddo! You’ll be the talk of the town in Pink Poppy, oh so hip and stylish, and completely sorted from head to toe as you take the pool party by storm, catch a wave at the beach or strut your stuff on the sand!

Too cool for school but… with our giveaway from Pink Poppy (in time for going back to school and exclusive to the GCGHOV) you’ll be the funkiest on the block and in the classroom when you win! Check it!!!!!!

The Giveaway -

Giveaway in January 2011… One for the girls! A Beautiful Butterfly school bag, lunch bag, pencil case and coin purse valued at $92.00

To be in the running:

Simply click 'FOLLOW' on the GCGHOV Blog
Join our HOV Facebook Business Page and...
Sign up for The Gold Coast Grapevine Newsletter!
Then Contact us and let us know you've done all three and tell us why you'd like to win!

PixelMODA hot for summer!!!!!

2010-11-25T16:42:00.000+10:00

Shopping Confessions – PixelMODA Watches (available in 7 luscious colours!)

Streamlined, 3 ATM water resistant, ergonomically shaped with a flat back and anti-perspiration slits on the sides, the original PixelMODA timepiece is a product of countless stylistic experimentations, in which cutting edge materials have been paired with the latest production techniques and assigned to a rainbow of handpicked colours. The timepiece presents an unconventional use of Tourmaline, a powerful ionic mineral that boosts relaxation, vitality and mood. The watches are not only unisex but also sufficiently versatile to work as part of a set as well as a stand-alone statement piece. The original PixelMODA timepiece is available in 3 sizes (small 15cm, medium 16cm and large 17cm) and includes a one (1) year warranty.

For all of those beach bunnies out there, nurses and others who just like to get wet, then this watch is for you! If you’re like me and forget to remove your timepiece every time you hit the shower or dive into the pool, then you need this watch! In fact you probably need several to go with your entire wardrobe. As a nursing student I’ve spent many shifts bathing patients only to have to remove my watch quite often. The very gorgeous, stylish and funky pixelMODA timepiece removes the need for you to ‘think ahead’ where watches and water are concerned and they look great! So colourful, it’s a party on your wrist!

And yes we have some to give away! Email me and tell me in 25 words or less the best PixelMODA feature and why!?

PixelMODA - appearing in the Christmas edition of The Gold Coast Grapevine!

We also have another exciting giveaway coming your way.... watch this space!!!!!!!!

What's coming soon?????

2010-11-24T19:57:00.000+10:00

The Gold Coast Grapevine super duper bumper Christmas edition is due out very soon and boy have we got some HOT STUFF in store for you!!!!! You won't want to miss this!!!!

Here's just a little sneak peek... in case you're curious!

First we have an awesome special for you from SMALLPRINT!

Smallprint keepsake jewellery captures your child's fingerprint, hand or foot print or even special artwork created by your child in pure silver to be treasured forever.

To create a truely memorable gift for your family and friends this Christmas Smallprint Brisbane East is offering $20 off to clients who mention this ad when placing an order before December 12.

Smallprint - The Next Best Thing To Holding Hands.

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR FAB BALANCE BIKE GIVEAWAY?

Thanks to ooMoo Kids we have this gorgeous bike to give away to one lucky reader! Check it out!

And more...

Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas Craft Special

thanks to Lopees!

Chalmer's Chocolate Port Review

Decadent Christmas Recipes...

Then ... celebrating Christmas

in the Vines...

Hunter Valley, NSW

Keep up to date with

all things Hunter Valley

at The House of Vintner

and in our

Gold Coast Grapevine chapter

which appears in each issue!

We also have some fantastic

Product reviews

and lots of other luscious stuff!

Stay sunsafe, sun smart

with the ideas we've put together for you

for these Summer holidays with your little ones!

Plus more funky ideas coming your way!

Also... don't miss...

My new chapter

'From Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos'

See a sneak peek of chapter one

by clicking the link above!

Part two... Special Christmas edition

"How we celebrate Christmas at our house...

with 9 children & a baby on the way..."

appearing the GCGrapevine Dec issue!

You won't read it anywhere else!

AND HEAPS AND HEAPS MORE!

Tell your friends!

Don't forget to visit our

Facebook HOV Page

where we make all of our announcements

share our blogs, competitions,

and coming info with you!

See our Family Blog

Daisy Chain at the Vine

for loads of HOT STUFF

news and reviews and more!

Your products and services

could also be in the running

to receive our award....

Just submit your product for review

to be considered!

Contact us for any queries:

Advertising costs for our blogs

and for The Gold Coast Grapevine -

Also...

How to be our 'wine of the month'

Featuring your products & services

Or for details of our other blogs

Promotional packages and much more!

Or visit our HOV About us Page for more!

Introducing MumsDelivery

2010-11-13T19:13:00.000+10:00

Thousands of mums are searching for businesses using MumsDelivery. We’ll work with you to connect with them and develop a strong online presence. We offer cost-effective, simple and flexible listing options to suit any business budget.

Visitors to MumsDelivery are able to select a product or service category and search businesses by postcode. The businesses servicing the selected area will be listed along with their relevant business and contact details. This is where your business will stand out!

Visit http://www.mumsdelivery.com.au/ to see the site and if you mention ‘GCGHOV or Daisy Chain when you list with MumsDelivery until December 31 you can get our standard annual listing for just $79!!!

WIN THE ULTIMATE BALANCE BIKE FROM OOMOO FOR CHRISTMAS!

2010-11-06T20:02:00.000+10:00

ooMoo kids Balance Bikes – INNOVATION FREEDOM FUN

Established by Sydney based mother of two, Amanda Keogh, ooMoo kids was founded on a desire to source and supply the Australian market with striking and different looking pedal-less bikes at a reasonable and competitive price.

“I have a background in Human Movement and could see firsthand how a balance bike can aid a child’s physical development. On a balance bike, children learn to balance themselves and have to use their feet for propulsion. By not having pedals or training wheels the process of learning to ride a bike is done naturally and independently” Amanda commented.

After seeing these bikes everywhere in Europe, and watching her then two year old learn to ride her bike – ooMoo kids was born.

“My 2 year old went from riding her balance bike to a ‘big girl bike’ without any training wheels. She got her big bike and was off!” stated Amanda.

There are 4 funky and stylish designs of ooMoo kids balances bikes – the Pinkalicious, Roxster, F1 and Rally. Each model varies slightly and are suitable for children aged between 2-5 years.

The bikes are lightweight (4-5kg) and made from environmentally sustainable strong birch wood with non toxic coatings and paints. They have padded seats which are adjustable to three heights (except Roxster), rubber handle grips and inflatable pneumatic tyres (except F1 which has hard wearing EVA rubber tyres).

They come with a 1 year Manufacturers warranty and a 100% money back guarantee. The bikes comply with stringent European Safety Standard EN71 and AUS & NZ market ISO8124.

All models of bikes retail for $165 with FREE DELIVERY Australia Wide and are available at
http://www.oomookids.com.au/.

TO GO INTO THE DRAW TO WIN THE ULTIMATE BALANCE BIKE ... Just join us on our HOV Facebook page and comment back while you're there - then share our page with your buddies!

A SPECIAL FOR OUR READERS:

OoMoo pre Christmas sale - from the 10th - 24th November prices of bikes, highchairs and table set will be slashed by up to 50%.

A further 20% off will be offered to our Grapevine/GCGHOV readers for Dec/Jan.

So jump on board with that quickly at http://www.oomookids.com.au/ - gorgeous bikes to delight every child!

Our three year old adores his!

Gold Coast Grapevine Mums & Bubs issue out now!

2010-11-05T22:36:00.001+10:00

November 2010

The much-awaited and celebrated

Mums & Bubs issue is out now!

Click The Gold Coast Grapevine

to go straight to this month's digital mag!

*Visions of Sugarplums*

are coming to The Gold Coast Grapevine!

What have we got in store for you

for Christmas? ...

Our Christmas edition will bring you:

Fabulous product reviews/gift ideas!

Our massive Christmas Craft Project 2010 -

see a sneak peek of what we have in store

for you here in our Creation Cottage Photo Album!

Many thanks to Lopees for supplying product

to assist us with this wonderful promo!

Sunsafe/Sunsmart products

Surfie products

Sunnies for the kids

and more...

Christmas Recipes -

See a sneak peek at Creation Cottage

Our very own Gingerbread House

thanks to Gingerbread Folk

Chalmer's Chocolate Port Review

Back to school products

and nifty ideas!

Holiday fun activities...

and heaps more!

Have you seen our new chapter?

"From Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos"

follows my story of raising nine...

oops almost ten children...

and the change from Pyjama Mamma

to Corporate Mamma in the blink of an eye!

Lots more coming your way soon...

but I can't give away too much more!

Christmas promises to be loads of fun!

And we're already working on the fabulous 2011 projects

we have up our sleeves to delight you next year!

If you love our mag, please share the link

with your friends and family!

Contact us for more details

about how to feature your product...

or how you can receive our coveted award

for your product, business or service -

and when you submit your product for review

you go into the draw to win 12 months Advertising!

SAVE $$$ ON ADVERTISING THIS CHRISTMAS!

2010-11-02T18:17:00.000+10:00

DRAW ATTENTION TO YOUR BUSINESS IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!!

We understand that it costs a fortune to advertise... we want to minimise the stress this Christmas...

Here's how....

Advertise with us for 8 weeks this Christmas for just $30 ...

OR get two blogs for 8 weeks at just $50.

OR BOOK ALL FOUR for just $95

Crazy or what????

A banner ad or 125 x 125 at one or more of the following:

http://gcghov.blogspot.com/

http://thehouseofvintner.com/

http://creationcottage.blogspot.com/

http://daisychainatthevine.blogspot.com/

But you must lock it in before Nov 7th! *BE QUICK - STRICTLY LIMITED PLACES*!!!!!

THE GOLD COAST GRAPEVINE CHRISTMAS CRAFT EXPOSE

2010-10-31T21:17:00.000+10:00

COMING SOON!

Thank you to LOPEES for assisting us

with such lovely items for part of our Craft Project!

In the next edition of The Gold Coast Grapevine

find out how to make your own Santa Sacks,

decorate fabulous eco-friendly shopping bags

and more...

Make great gifts for the whole family!

Find out how to make sensational

GIFT TAGS & PLACE CARDS

for your festivities!

Incorporate Santa, Reindeers,

Gingerbread, Christmas Trees

and Candy Canes.

A Rum Ball Christmas Tree with a difference

thanks to a reader who suggested

Cherry Ripe Balls!

Get the recipe!

More fantastic recipes coming...

Christmas Craft Project 2010!

A complete success!

I have a bit of a thing for Maple Leaves

and I've decided to do them as scatters for our table...

We'll help you create an amazing and festive table

this Christmas season -

with another surprise coming up...

but you'll have to wait for the Christmas Edition

of The Gold Coast Grapevine to find out more!

Maple leaves... and a little bit of glitter paint...

hey presto... gorgeous scatters!

Use them to decorate a table,

pop a hole through them and hang them up

or use them as funky gift tags!

Want more?????

Sign up for The Gold Coast Grapevine newsletter today!

Lots of exciting stuff coming you way soon!

Seriously... you don't want to miss it!!!

YOU COULD WIN THANKS TO OUR FABULOUS SUPPLIERS!

2010-10-24T00:45:00.000+10:00

Just a few of our sponsors...

Thank you to SCHICK

one of our generous suppliers

for our Mums & Bubs Give away!

Dare to be more bear... with Schick!

FOR MUM...

THE SCHICK® INTUITION® PLUS™ NEW RANGE OF LIMITED EDITION RAZORS WILL ADD A TOUCH OF STYLE TO YOU AND YOUR BATHROOM

Fans of the Schick® Intuition® PlusTM will be clambering to get their hands on their favorite razor now available in a range of new limited edition handles. The cute and colourful designs are in Australia for an exclusive period to add a touch of style to the bathroom. As well as looking delightful in their new skin, these stylish razors will also help you to feel sexy in yours.

The all-in-one feature of Schick Intuition Plus allows you to effortlessly “lather, shave &moisturize” in one easy step for silky, smooth and soft legs. So, not only will the new vibrant shaving accessory liven up your bathroom, the beauty ‘must haves’ will also free you from the stress of regular shaving too.

Schick Intuition Plus is the only razor with four blades, surrounded by a moisture-rich, skin-conditioning solid, enriched with shea butter, aloe and Vitamin E. Perfect for replenishing your skins natural moisture, to help care for your skin.

The ‘Limited Edition’ razors come in two varieties, choose from Moisturizing Care Variety Pack (available at Woolworths) or the Sensitive Care Kits (available at Priceline). Both packs can be purchased for an average sale price of $12.69 and $13.49 for the refills.

More Schick® Intuition Plus® Benefits:

• Enhanced Skin Moisturizing Solid

o Eliminates the need for shave gel, soap, or body wash

o Contains shea butter, Vitamin E and aloe to soothe and moisturize skin as you shave

o Leaves skin touchably soft and smooth

• Four-Blade Enhancement

o Delivers a precise shave, with a pivoting head that follows the contours of the female body

o Wire wrapped blades keep the skin safe from nicks and cuts

o Makes it easier to experience a flawlessly smooth shave

• One-of-a-kind Ergonomic Handle

o Slim design fits comfortably into the hand

o No-slip rubber grip on sides allow for precise control

Each Package Contains:

• A Schick Intuition Plus handle

• Two refill cartridges

• A shower hanger and convenient travel cap

For further information, log onto www.schick.com.au or contact the Schick Press Office for samples or images, including product/pack shots and lifestyle:

OUR REVIEW

Schick – Review and Give away http://www.schick.com.au/ Super silky, super sexy... you can be one hot Mamma this summer when you slip into something comfortable... the Schick Intuition smoothes and soothes the way to super stunning legs! The moisturising bar feels so good on your legs – it’s a much more powerful balm than using soap or shower gel! Look good and feel great... let your woman’s intuition shine! Dare to be more bare this summer! The ‘Limited Edition’ razors are available at Woolworths and Priceline while stocks last and can be purchased for an average sale price of $12.69 and $13.49 with refills. Visit www.schick.com.au for more information.

For Baby...

Thank you to

Nature Baby Care

OUR REVIEW

Nature Baby Care – Review and Give away- Nature Baby Care Nappies Giveaway with wipes! A premium and award winning range of eco disposable nappies, wipes, toiletries and biobags. Join the NATY AMBASSADORS HERE www.natyambassadors.com Lovely absorbent nappies that are eco friendly and comfortable, cute designs and very practical and affordable that are kind to our world and gentle to baby. Well designed with a comfortable fit that stops leaks, finally a product that considers nature and the needs of your baby. The wipes are soft and durable with a non-soapy feel and just enough moisture in them without being too wet or too dry. Nature Baby Care is a lovely way to care for your little one and the world your baby will someday inherit.

and...

Snazzy Baby!

Snazzy Baby - product review of three gorgeous products... http://www.snazzybaby.com.au/

Travel chair, Knee pads plus a Deluxe 3 in 1 combo carrier!

The Snazzy Baby Knee Pads are one of my favourite products. Over the years my children have ripped through tracksuit pants and onesies as they crawl around the house... in hot weather little red knees are a constant sight. These very comfortable little knee pads save those precious little baby knees from rough surfaces, cold and discomfort and from wrecking their clothes! You have to love a product that is so clever!

The Snazzy Baby Travel Chair is perfect for taking on holidays, to Grandma’s, restaurants, and even for using at home or whenever and wherever a highchair is not practical or unavailable. A really innovative way to keep baby in one place, safely locked in while you enjoy dinner in comfort with your family or when you’re out with the girls for coffee! Definitely a fabulous product when visiting friends who don’t have children and it saves the stroller from the nasty mishaps of spilled food. Baby can enjoy a meal and be part of the festivities no matter where you are.

The Snazzy Baby Deluxe 3 in 1 Combo Carrier is an amazing product with so many functions it’s no wonder it has won awards. It’s great to be able to have a choice of which way to place my child, outwards or inwards, and makes all the difference. I love the color coded clips as these save a lot of time and frustration. The weight limit provided on this product ensures that this product will last your child a lot longer. It’s annoying to spend a lot of money on a product only to have them grow out of it far too quickly! This product spells ease and convenience.

We're GLOBAL!

Thank you to everyone who has generously contributed to our Mums & Bubs Give away!

The product reviews will appear in our November Mums & Bubs edition of The Gold Coast Grapevine.

Sign up for the newsletter, if you haven't already, so you never miss the link to the digital magazine!

And don't forget to check our Family Blog - Daisy Chain at the Vine... for fantastic parenting articles, product reviews, giveaways and more...

Could your product receive the 'GCGHOV Star of Excellence' Award? Submit your product for review to not only be considered for this prestigious award, but to also go in the draw to win 12 months advertising on our blogs!

Daisy Chain at the Vine... our new family blog and a whole lot more!

2010-10-20T22:02:00.000+10:00

Many thanks to Ebstract Art

for creating our beautiful

Daisy Chain logo!

Have you seen our fabulous

gorgeous, exciting

new family-related blog?

The GCGHOV is proud to present...

Daisy Chain at the Vine

for all things -

family, parenting, & maternity focused

find us at The Daisy Chain for

the latest product reviews

great articles

tips and hints

& more!

We also have a new chapter coming to

The Gold Coast Grapevine

in conjunction with

Daisy Chain at the Vine

'From Fluffy Slippers

to Stilettos'

Work at home mums... to ...

corporate mums...

It's a whole new story!

Follow us to find out what's going on!

The GCGHOV Media Group encompasses

The Gold Coast Grapevine (Newsletter & Digital Magazine)

The House of Vintner (Wine, Food, Travel Blog)

Creation Cottage (Craft Blog)

Daisy Chain at the Vine (All things family Blog)

and GCGHOV (Gold Coast Grapevine/House of Vintner Headquarters)

Submit your product for review to be

in the running for 12 months FREE advertising

at The Daisy Chain!

Submit your product for review to be

considered for our 'Star of Excellence Award'

Want to know more...?

Contact us for details

The Gold Coast Grapevine October Issue OUT NOW!

2010-10-09T16:54:00.000+10:00

The Gold Coast Grapevine

Travel edition is out now!

Click Grapevine to view

the magazine!

And coming soon...

Our Mums and Bubs Basket Give away!

And our product review expose!

And other specials coming to our magazine

and our blogs are:

Summer - Christmas toys & gifts

and craft ideas!

Summer and Beachwear

and other funky products!

Also...

Back to School

Homewares with a nautical theme

Moving tips and hints

Roadtrip details...

and more...much much more...

We also have this fabulous Trike to give away

in our next edition of

The Gold Coast Grapevine!

With loads of other goodies coming your way!

Don't miss it!

Sign up NOW for

The Gold Coast Grapevine Newsletter

so you never miss the link to the digital mag!

And... if you'd like to be a recipient of our

Star of Excellence

supply your product for review

and don't forget to ask us how you

can qualify for this prestigious award!

Congratulations to the following businesses who have ....

2010-09-23T12:23:00.002+10:00

We are proud to announce our recent recipients of the

GCGHOV Star of Excellence Award ...

See our coming reviews for some of these products in

The Gold Coast Grapevine!

also see our blogs for more details

House of Vintner

Daisy Chain at the Vine

Creation Cottage

ZEN DESIGNS

our official supplier

at Creation Cottage

Qubies

Nature Within

Healed Online

Pregfit

Journeys Online

MooBear Designs

See our MooBear Review here

Willy Wagtail

POD

BORNE NAKED

Wriggly Worm Gifts

Backpacks for Aussie Kids

Congratulations once again

to these very worthy recipients,

and many thanks for participating in

our product reviews and call outs!

If you would like to know more about how

your business can secure the

GCGHOV Star of Excellence Award

Please contact us for details!

UP and COMING EXPOSES and YOU can PARTICIPATE!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-22T13:07:00.000+10:00

As you know, we currently have our very special Mums and Bubs expose running between The Gold Coast Grapevine and The Daisy Chain (our brand new Family Blog) - we have a beautiful basket of goodies to give away to one lucky Mum or Mum to be... so make sure you sign up for the newsletter and follow the blogs to be in the running for that! Also a fabulous Baba Sling - see The House of Vintner blog for more details on that!

Coming editions will see us covering Summer Fun, Toys, Games and Christmas ideas... so if you have a product that fits this description, or our *Beachy Balinese theme*, please get in touch!

Homewares will be another forthcoming attraction....

We have loads happening, so don't forget the sign up for The Gold Coast Grapevine newsletter so you never miss our giveaways, hot topics, and more....

Awesome giveaways you won't want to miss...

2010-09-16T22:09:00.000+10:00

Check out our blogs

and our amazing prizes!!!

For your chance to win one of two

simply stunning Baba Baby Slings

visit The House of Vintner Blog

for details about how to go into the draw!

Comp closes October 3rd, 5.00 pm

Gorgeous colours and designs to choose from!

See our coming review on our brand new 'Family Blog'

Daisy Chain at the Vine

part of the GCGHOV Media Group

BIG BASKET OF GOODIES COMP

One lucky Mummy or Mum to be

could win this gorgeous basket

chock full of beautiful prizes.

Our list of suppliers is amazing!

Have you seen them here on the blog?

See our coming edition of

The Gold Coast Grapevine

for all of our Mums & Bubs

News and Reviews!

Sign up for the GC Grapevine newsletter

so you never miss the link

to the digital mag and our promos!

CHRISTMAS TOYS AND GIFTS

AND SUMMER FUN!

Check out the F1 Trike ($160)

we have to give away

thanks to OoMoo Kids

More details coming soon!

Our son has the Rally and he just loves it!

Check out their website for more styles.

Our product review is coming soon!

Is our newest addition to the GCGHOV Media Group

Our brand new *Family Blog*

Daisy Chain at the Vine

is now established

and good to go!

See our fab promos, news and reviews...

Giveaways, tips, hints and articles!

Our current article is about Child Safety Restraints -

every parent should read this!

We have an awesome launch promo!

Find out how to get a complimentary

12 month business listing with us!

DON'T MISS ANY OF OUR COMING PROMOTIONS!!!!!

Gold Coast Grapevine Mums & Bubs Expose... meet our suppliers!!!!!

2010-09-10T20:30:00.005+10:00

Our Mums and Bubs expose promises to be an extravanganza of some of the most amazing suppliers in the industry that you have ever seen under one roof! The above pic shows only some of the goodies on offer! We have heaps coming your way! Here's another sneak peek at the fabulous businesses that have taken part in our bonanza...

AGOO - Review and Give away (product will differ from picture below)

Aromababy - Review of Pure Baby Wash, Moisture Cream and Hair Cleanse, as well as the Barrier Balm and Baby Massage Oil

Coodilly Designs - Review and Give away - Dummy chains with bling! (as pictured below)

Cushie Tushies - Review and Give away (as pictured above)

Frilly Tushies - Review (no picture available)

Funky Baby - Review and Give away of one pair - very cute sockings (as pictured above)

Healed Online - Review and Give away (as per pic below)

Inky Feet - Voucher Give away

It's in the Stars - Review of Baby Astrology Report

Journeys Online - Review - Journals for creating beautiful memories.

Macleans Bright Sparks - Competition and Give away
Enter the Science Safari Competition... comp closes November 15th, so be quick!
You could win big money for your school! Just purchase any Macleans toothpaste and enter the unique code to go in the draw to win.

We also have Macleans toothbrushes and toothpaste to give away!

Market Basket Co - Review and Give away (product will differ from that shown above!)
Gorgeous authentic French Market Baskets are a hit with everyone. The one we have filled with goodies in our Mums & Bubs give away is a really cute Moses Basket!

Mumentum - Review and Give away - diaries for every situation in your busy life!

Naturally Better Kids Book - Give away

Nature Baby Care - Review and Give away of Nappies and Wipes

Nature Within - Review and Give away of product pictured above

Norton antivirus software - Review and Give away

Note Couture - Review and Give away (personalised stationery)

Pouch Clothing - Review and Give away of one adult-sized Pouch

Pregfit - Review - our preferred supplier of maternity fitness apparel

Qubies - Review and Give away - an innovative ice cube tray designed by an Aussie Mum and has been nominated for the Telstra Business Women's Award again in the category of Product Innovation.

SCHICK Intuition - Review and Give away

Fans of the Schick® Intuition® PlusTM will be clambering to get their hands on their favorite razor now available in a range of new limited edition handles. The cute and colourful designs are in Australia for an exclusive period to add a touch of style to the bathroom. As well as looking delightful in their new skin, these stylish razors will also help you to feel sexy in yours.

SIXTY SECOND PARENT - REVIEW
A practical guide to raising newborns book, and an informative website and magazine.

Snazzy Baby - Review - Knee Pads (as pictured above), Travel Chair and Moms 3 in 1 Combo Carrier as pictured below

The Memory Shelf - Review - for storing all of those precious childhood memories.

Trolley Mate - Review

YOGABABES - Review
Prenatal and Postnatal yoga for Mums and Mums to be!

Sign up for The Gold Coast Grapevine to find out more!!!!

WE HAVE MORE PRODUCTS COMING SOON.....

The Gold Coast Grapevine Spring Bride issue out now!!!!

2010-09-03T18:22:00.000+10:00

See the latest edition of

The Gold Coast Grapevine

Spring Bride Edition

Online now!

We also have ten

Hunter Valley Wedding Planners

to give away!

(Picture will differ from that shown below)

For those waiting on my Travel Expose

you'll be able to see that in the next edition

of The Gold Coast Grapevine!

Don't forget... also coming in our next edition

Our Mums & Bubs bonanza -

a bumper issue

with a fabulous basket of goodies

to give away!

Could your business be awarded the GCGHOV Star of Excellence!??!

2010-09-02T13:52:00.000+10:00

Submit your product for review

and you could be awarded our

Star of Excellence!

If we love it, we'll attach our very special sticker

to your fab product and when we photograph

and review your it we'll mention

you have been awarded

the Star of Excellence

from the GCGHOV!

We can also give you the emblem

to put on your website

so you can proudly announce

your special award!

Email us for details!

Are you getting married? Know someone who is?

2010-08-27T08:53:00.000+10:00

The GCGHOV has 10 copies of

The Hunter Valley Wedding Planner

to give away!

Just sign up for the

Gold Coast Grapevine Newsletter

and then email us and

tell us why you'd like to win one!!!

(cover will differ to the one shown)

http://www.huntervalleyweddingplanner.com.au/

Get your copy of the Grapevine... in time to be in the running for some awesome prizes!!!!!

2010-08-24T15:59:00.000+10:00

Quickly hurry on over to The Gold Coast Grapevine and sign up for the newsletter so that you never miss coming editions of the The GCG Digital Mag!!!!!!! You are going to want to be 'in the know' - coming editions promise to be huge and very exciting... SO... what have we got planned for you????

(Wedding photo above courtesy of Michelle Hayward Photography)

Our Spring edition brings all the news of Spring Brides and more... we have ten Hunter Valley Wedding Planners to give away - so keep your eye out for that! Sign up to go into the draw!!!!

Trying to plan a honeymoon destination, choose a venue or gown? Then make sure you've got your copy of The Grapevine for all the information you'll ever need! Plan a Gold Coast Wedding, choose an overseas destination? A wedding at sunset on a beautiful beach ... get the scoop on romance coming soon!

The wedding photo above shows a gorgeous wedding in the vines, taken at Peppers Creek in Pokolbin in the very beautiful Hunter Valley! Can't you just picture your special day here... The Hunter Valley Wedding Planner will tell you everything you need to know about planning your special day and more!

We have a fantastic Mums/Bubs/Pregnancy issue bursting at the seams with product ideas and reviews, and lots of fantastic goodies to give away!!!! We're in the process of putting together a lovely basket of really special items for one lucky mum to win!!! This would be a lovely gift for the mum to be in your life!

We also have some funky ideas for Christmas, toys, gifts and loads of summer fun coming your way! If you're heading to the beach or pool this summer you'll want to be organised! Don't miss the Gold Coast Grapevine's coming Summer edition for all things Christmassy and fun outdoorsy stuff to do!

Catch up with us on the Vine!

Have you seen our sneak peek....???

2010-08-13T08:19:00.001+10:00

...of our Travel Expose... Bright Sparks Competition ... and other coming attractions!??

Check out the latest and greatest coming to the vine at The House of Vintner Blog and be the first to be in the know!

Starting to think about Father's Day? So are we... more chocolately fun coming your way... as well as some great ideas! Come and see what we have in store for you!!!!

September is our Spring Brides issue - we have Hunter Valley Wedding Planners to give away! Plus a fun expose of Mums and Bubs products, pregnancy and maternity ranges and more... toy ideas for Christmas!!!!!

*PLUS.... We have another market basket of goodies to give away! You won't want to miss out!

The Gold Coast Grapevine has it ALL going on!

Don't miss it! Visit The Gold Coast Grapevine Website to sign up for the newsletter so you never miss your link to the latest digital magazine!

NEXT EDITION OUT SOON!

Keeping up with the GCGHOV

2010-08-09T08:47:00.000+10:00

Both Marilyn and myself have been having internet issues, and hence, our blog has been a little bit quiet. We are working hard to rectify this and hope to be updating you more frequently once these bugs are ironed out!

In the mean time, we have some wonderful things coming to the GCGHOV such as: our travel expose, Spring Bride edition, a Mums and Bubs special and more... also lots planned for summer... so make sure you're following the blog and you're signed up for the newsletter to receive all of the latest at The Gold Coast Grapevine!

We have some fab giveaways coming your way and lots more... check out details on the HOV Blog for updates!

Travel Expose... coming soon... to the August edition of The Gold Coast Grapevine!

2010-07-14T16:56:00.000+10:00

Our travel expose is coming right up...

Sign up for

The Gold Coast Grapevine Newsletter

to receive your link to the August edition!

and don't forget

our Spring Bride issue

will be due out in September!

July Issue out now!!!!!!!!

2010-07-01T19:33:00.001+10:00

Our bumper July issue of the

Gold Coast Grapevine

is out now!

Get to know the

IronBark Hill Vineyard Family

& our wine of the month

Lisa Lee from Zen Designs

George Ivanoff - Author of

'Gamers' Quest'

Chris Cranswick-Smith

who needs no introduction!

You know him from

Emmilou Tapas Bar

Ready Steady Cook

Plus our new resident psychic

~ Helen Thomas ~

and so much more!

Nearly 50 pages of fun!

Giveaways too!

Click the link below

GOLD COAST GRAPEVINE JULY ISSUE

to read and connect with your favourite

online magazine!

iphone app coming soon!

Stay tuned for our

Travel Expose

next issue!

Gold Coast Grapevine July issue out soon!

2010-06-26T22:02:00.001+10:00

The Gold Coast Grapevine is now available with a special chapter added by The House of Vintner, and the stunning July edition is out soon! - A bumper issue coming your way!
Be sure to visit The Gold Coast Grapevine Website and sign up for the newsletter so you never miss all of the GCGHOV news and events!

We're the cutting edge digital magazine with iphone app (coming soon!) - the magazine you want at your fingertips and on your screen! Contact us to put your business on the m....app!

More on the GCGHOV Travel Plans...

We are seeking your travel ideas and products to trial, review and blog.... and to take on the road

(*Product cannot be returned)

From camping gear to luggage, games, travel sized products and much more... we want to make the journey a fun one! And we want to blog about your amazing product!!!!!! Also may be included in our digital magazine!

We are one of the sponsors of The Great Aussie Road Trip in the process of organising 'The GCGHOV Great Road Adventure.' We are therefore amassing products/services/ideas that make travel easier. Travel with kids... travelling quickly, simply and comfortably ... travel within Australia, by road!

How do we make that journey smooth and easy?

What luggage, pillows, tents, or other camping gear and travel size products might we need?
Perhaps you have a product we've never heard of?

Get double exposure via 'The Great Aussie Road Trip' and 'The GCGHOV Great Road Adventure!'

The Power Family from GART are travelling with two children, the Haywards of GCGHOV are travelling with 6 children. Tell us how your product will make our lives easier? Or just simply draw to our attention what's on the market for families like us?

Maybe you have some amazing new sleeping bags... tents... travel journals.... books with tips and hints...board games...cameras... space blankets...camper vans... trailer etc etc... What's your travel jewel in the crown and how can you help us make the journey memorable? (*We plan to take many journeys of this nature - so jump on board now!)

Get loads of exposure for your product when we're on the road, and even when we're not - with mentions as one of our sponsors!

Get your logo on a decal on our vehicle, advertising on our blogs and websites, within our digital mag, on our advertising material and merchandising! As we take our business on the road we'll take yours too!

If you have a specialised travel product - large or small - we'd love to hear about it!

Supply us with a product we can utilise well and receive unprecedented advertising!

THE GCGHOV!

"Driving your advertising dollar further!"

PR ARM of GCGHOV Media Group
'Viognier et Beaujolais'
http://gcghov.blogspot.com/
http://www.thegoldcoastgrapevine.com.au/ - sign up for the newsletter now!
http://thehouseofvintner.blogspot.com/
http://greataussieroadtrip.com.au/

Travel Stories as reviewed by GCGHOV

2010-06-18T20:36:00.047+10:00

If you're a born storyteller, you're going to love these...

At the GCGHOV we recently had the pleasure of trialling Corban and Blair's 'Travel Stories' cards. We love them so much we've given them the GCGHOV 'Star of Excellence'!

You can see our funky new sticker in left hand corner of the box.

We love to show that we support certain products and highly recommend them. We maintain a corporate image and aim at all times to only offer this badge of honour to high quality products/businesses/services.

How can you receive one? Contact us about reviewing your product today!

OUR REVIEW

Having just returned from our road trip to the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, to cover Flavourfest for The Gold Coast Grapevine, we travelled well over 1700 kilometres in just three days, so the arrival of Corban & Blair's 'Travel Stories' was very timely indeed! A boxed set of relevant travel questions these make a fun gift, a great travelling companion, or an awesome tool to use upon your return.

As soon as the package arrived I broke out the cards to have a play. Bursting with loads of questions to mix it up, the kids had a ball asking each other about the trip; some of the responses were just too funny! It was certainly an opportunity to see the journey through everyone else's eyes and to experience it in different ways once we were home. It was also a great way to cement the memories. We talked about what they loved...and...what they didn't!

The game soon became a vehicle to play 'remember when' regarding other holidays we'd had as a family. It was a laugh out loud afternoon as we reminisced about our many travel experiences. This is an awesome way to draw your travel buff friends together as well; to find out the places they love to go, or least love, the places they would never return to, travel tips and hints, packing ideas and more. You just might find out things about them and the places they've been that you never knew before.

You can become a travel storyteller too, with Corban & Blair 'Travel Stories'...

Here's what Corban & Blair have to say about 'Travel Stories'

Share your stories, relive your adventures and plan your next exciting journey with ‘Travel Stories’ from the ‘What’s Your Story’ range of conversation games.

‘Travel Stories’ will awake the storyteller in you. It will have you sharing your best and worst travel moments, the places you’ve visited, the ones you’d never go back to and those you’d love to see again.

The deck features 50 colourful cards, with questions like… ‘Where have you eaten the best food in the world?’…‘What’s the first thing you do in a new place?’…‘If money was no object, where in the world would you travel?’.

‘Travel Stories’ from the ‘What’s Your Story’ range is perfect for globetrotting adventures, short sojourns and long breaks, and reliving the funny or frightening moments that happen away from home.

Designed with a whimsical vintage postcard motif, Travel Stories evokes both dreams and memories!

Shuffle a deck with close friends, travelling companions or complete strangers and make waiting times at airports, bon voyage or your welcome home parties an escape for everyone!

‘Travel Stories’ retails for $25.00 and is available in the stationery department of David Jones and through selected gift stores nationally.

For a full list of stockists contact Corban & Blair on 02 95600122 or visit http://www.corbanblair.com.au/

GCGHOV covers Flavourfest in The Hunter Valley

2010-06-16T23:03:00.000+10:00

Michelle Hayward

of The House of Vintner

has just returned from

The Hunter Valley

where she covered Flavourfest

for The Gold Coast Grapevine

and watched our

GCGHOV resident chef/food consultant

Chris Cranswick-Smith of Emmilou Tapas Bar

and Ready Steady Cook fame

in action!

Full story coming soon

in our July issue

out soon!

Exciting new dimension to GCGHOV

2010-06-10T22:31:00.000+10:00

At GCGHOV Headquarters we are very excited to announce the addition of a new professional to The Gold Coast Grapevine Magazine, and that is the appointment of Helen Thomas, Brisbane Psychic Medium. Welcome aboard Helen! You will certainly be bringing a new dimension to the magazine!

Having had a very successful reading with Helen myself, I can highly recommend her services. I look forward to sharing an article with you in the near future about my experience with Helen and we are excited about having her write some insightful articles for us, wearing her *psychic hat.*

See Helen's website for details of how and where she conducts readings and cost involved.

What's new at GCGHOV? ....

2010-06-09T13:23:00.001+10:00

Step inside and find out ...

The June issue of the Gold Coast Grapevine is now available here!

We have a bumper July issue planned with lots of awesome people and products on board!

But first...
The Gold Coast Grapevine and The House of Vintner are proud supporters (and or) sponsors of the following events:

Sponsor of The Great Aussie Road Trip
Covering Flavourfest in the Hunter Valley June 12 - 14
Covering SALT book launch at Mumu Grill in Sydney July 5 - see our latest blog post.
*Meet Craig Macindoe owner of Mumu Grill & Chris Cranswick-Smith of Emmilou Tapas Bar

We are thrilled to have been asked to work beside some amazing people and take part in these gala events... more news on these as they come to hand.

In July - coming inside the GCGHOV...

Interviews with some amazing people from authors to jewellery designers -
George Ivanoff - author of Gamers' Quest plus book giveaway!
Lisa Lee of Zen Designs - jewellery designer and bracelet giveaway!

Fabulous Hunter Valley accommodation ...

An interview with IronBark Hill Vineyard of The Hunter Valley

Book Reviews - SALT, Flavours of the Hunter, Gamers' Quest

Chocolate Review 'Perfection Chocolates' - and who doesn't love chocolate!

Wine of the month and more...

Would you like your product or business to receive our 'Star of Excellence' button/sticker?

When we review your product and LOVE IT... we'll give you our seal of approval by supplying our button for your site/blog or sticker for your product/menu etc. We love to brag and we love for you to get the exposure and approval you deserve. The GCGHOV is all about drawing attention to talent and expertise, beautiful products, amazing service and events, or books and wines and other items we review.

GCGHOV

It's all going on at the GCGHOV!!!! ...check it out!!!!

2010-06-08T09:52:00.000+10:00

The Gold Coast Grapevine mini mag is due out today!
So keep an eye out for that!

We have some very exciting announcements coming soon to the GCGHOV... so don't miss those!

Is there a Chef in the house?

You may be aware we've just welcomed aboard the expertise of our resident chef/food consultant at the GCGHOV - Chris Cranswick-Smith, owner of Emmilou Tapas Bar, and star of Ready Steady Cook. Welcome Chris, we're delighted to share in your knowledge and to have you as a valued part of our professional team at the GCGHOV!

Also coming soon... just a sneak peak...

We also have a very exciting jewellery giveaway! Thanks to the very beautiful Lisa Lee - of Zen Designs we have this stunning bracelet to give away to one lucky person in July. In the same issue we have an interview with Lisa who very generously shared her time and information about her fabulous Zen Designs with us!

We also have this fabulous book giveaway

thanks to author George Ivanoff

aged for kids 11 and up

Gamers' Quest is a huge success!

We have an interview with George

coming in July and a book review

by 11 year old J. Hayward.

Thank you to George and Lisa!

And... we also have 4 fabulous

SpinWine Aerators to give away

thanks to the people at Vintwist!

We have an absolutely bumper issue coming to the GCGHOV in July... so stay tuned for more!

We are proud sponsors of The Great Aussie Road Trip!

More coming soon!

Welcome to our GCGHOV Headquarters!

2010-06-07T08:50:00.000+10:00

Who are we?

The GCGHOV is a strong collaboration between two very popular business entities The Gold Coast Grapevine and The House of Vintner.

Marilyn of GCGrapevine and Michelle of The House of Vintner, have joined forces to bring you a magazine that supplies more content than ever. We've gone digitial and we're bringing you an iphone app soon! Don't forget to ask us how you can put your business on the m.....app!

While Marilyn works hard to bring you the Grapevine side of the equation with a healthy mix of articles from Theatre and Rock gods, to health and safety, charity connections and information, and more... Michelle brings you wine of the month, wine and restaurant reviews, Hunter Valley features, accommodation and more...

Our coming issues are jam-packed, exciting and contain everything you need to know to make your month complete!

Check out The House of Vintner Blog for our latest updates...what's coming soon...and more!

We've recently welcomed aboard Chris Cranswick-Smith who owns Emmilou Tapas Bar, in Surry Hills as our resident chef/food consultant. You would recognise Chris from Ready Steady Cook. You can see Chris in action at Flavourfest in the Hunter Valley, June 13, 2010.

Keep up with all of the GCGHOV action right here as we update you regularly of what's coming up next!

In the mean time, check out the The House of Vintner blog to see what we've been up to lately!