Summers in Australia conjure up images of bronzed bodies and salty curls, prickles (or bindis) and snakes, barbecues and shrimp… right? Maybe. In the Southern Hemisphere we are enjoying our summer, some of us with more beach-time than others. As a freelancer I always find it interesting to know how my fellow freelancers spend their […]
Summer with Benah
Summers in Australia conjure up images of bronzed bodies and salty curls, prickles (or bindis) and snakes, barbecues and shrimp… right? Maybe.
In the Southern Hemisphere we are enjoying our summer, some of us with more beach-time than others. As a freelancer I always find it interesting to know how my fellow freelancers spend their down time. With the freedom, to some extent, to orchestrate their time as they please, I wondered how many actually escaped their usual city routines and opted for the more coastal-working vibe.
I asked a few girls that I admire how they enjoy their summers. First up, I talked to the lovely Brenda Briand, Creative Director at Benah. Now this girl has some wicked taste. I am constantly in awe of her creations. Both practical, high quality, and the best bit – surprising. Her use of colours, patterns and fabrics has me dedicating a bank account purely to satisfy my Benah-needs/wants/who-cares-I-love-it.
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– Where in the world has your best summer memory taken place?
Summer is made of memories! I have a few…
Spending summer holidays in Tairua circa 1992, rolling ice-creams, and begging my mum to buy me a ticket to New Kids on the Block.
My first summer in Bondi, 2003. What was this magical land? Sun, surf, and impossibly good looking people EVERYWHERE. Living it up, spending all my money and not making it the the UK.
Traveling to South East Asia by myself in 2004, the land of endless summer. Lying on the same private, deserted beach in Thailand for a month, living in a hut and doing absolutely nothing. A blissful silent time before iPhones and rampant social media.
Meeting my husband in Sydney, in the summer of 2006 and falling completely and utterly in love. That man stole my heart and continues to hold it today and every other day after that. I use to dream in black and white, but now I dream in colour #SinceMeetingYou.
Summer in NZ 2012, together with my sisters. All of us together with our children for the first time. Being parents, finally feeling like adults, reminiscing of those summer holidays spent in Tairua all those years ago.
– Where did you spend your summer break this year?
We have just started a camping tradition, well it’s actually a ‘glamping’ tradition, with our daughter. We headed up the coast to Pearl Beach on the central coast and stayed there for a few days. It was so fun and nice to get away.
We also plan to spend part of the European summer in Italy this year. My first trip there, I cant wait!
– Any favourite spots you love to spend your time around where you live? Coffee? Food? Places to swim? Good bookshops?
Food – Rubys Diner in Bronte: Coconut Quinoa Bircher with Mango and Coconut Sugar Caramel (dairy free). What can I say?? Its amazing.
The Shop – Bondi. Best coffee EVER.
For a swim you cant beat Bondi. Even when people say it’s too busy, over crowded, etc, it’s still insanely beautiful – early morning or just on dusk.
– What does the word ‘summer’ instantly make you think of?
Tan lines, sand, coconut and perfect hair.
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All images above are from Benah’s instagram feed. Visit the beautiful Benah blog here. x
Thank you Brenda!
