Astarte Mind & Body

28/05/2026

I've always been of the mindset that I'd rather be respected than liked ... but I've also learnt over the years that it's not a bad thing to be liked as well.

I feel like my souls calling though isn't really about being liked, popular, or in the spotlight. Although I have goals and ambitions for myself, my true passion has always lain with helping other people to achieve theirs.

I may sometimes come across as a tough taskmistress in my goal oriented teaching and delivery, but it's always delivered with honesty, integrity, passion, and commitment in helping everyone to shine to their full potential.

If you want to rise creatively, explore your own passion, navigate your options and opportunities, or expand your vision, I'm really just here to provide the platform and education to lift you up .. and I'll cheer for you every step of the way.

Cheers. 😊

26/05/2026

Yesterday I taught a watercolour sunsets workshop in Kiama for Kiama Library. Sunsets and landscapes are a lot trickier than one may imagine. Because it was such a rainy and humid day, the paper stayed quite damp for longer too, making adding details even more tricky, but everyone did a marvellous job.
The two images we used as inspiration are of Kiama Lighthouse and Seven Mile Beach.

21/05/2026

Since returning from the pristine environment of the Egyptian Western Desert my husband and I have noticed a difference in our breathing, lungs and sinuses. The air feels considerably heavier here, and our allergies and irritations have returned along with the change of the seasons.

So, today we took time out of our schedule to visit the salt room at in Shellharbour City Centre to sit in quiet comfort, relax and meditate away from our cats, and breathe in some salt to help clear our airways.

I have also been dealing with the onset of rosacea (another gift from menopause, the gift that keeps giving 😅), so the potential benefits are twofold in that respect.

Have you visited a salt room or tried salt therapy? What benefits did you find for yourself?

19/05/2026

Participants works in progress from our recent Illawarra Lakescapes workshop series. I'm so proud of everyones efforts. The lake is a more challenging subject to paint than one may imagine.

18/05/2026

Only 5 more weeks until our Paws and Claws exhibition at the old Kiama Firestation. Join us for the opening night soiree or drop in over the course of the exhibition and help support Animal Care Collection Illawarra.

18/05/2026

Twice a term I provide an opportunity for a live in studio class for local participants to meet up with each other in person as well as for me to be able to assess technique and progress.
Last nights Barre Flow was attended by Donna and Elizabeth, who made it all look way too easy ... although I am sure Elizabeth may not completely agree. 😅

18/05/2026

I'll be at Eats and Beats again this year with a fun new activity for kids to get creative with. 😊

Get ready, Albion Park's Eats and Beats is back! ✨

📅 When: Saturday 27 June 2026 | 4pm - 8pm
📍 Where: Tongarra Road, Albion Park (between Terry Street and Russell Street)

Here’s what you can look forward to:
🎶 Live music & beats
🍩 Street food & sweet treats
🛍️ Creative market stalls
🎭 Roving performers
💚 Family fun

Find out more here 👉 shellharbourevents.com.au/eatsandbeats
Follow the FB event 👉 facebook.com/share/1EczjiCo4V/

18/05/2026

Fernwood Shellharbour gave me my first real start in the fitness industry back in 2002. I will always have fond memories of the amazing team that launched the gym, as well as the many beautiful women I met through there.
I am happy to say that I am still in contact with many to this very day.
Thank you Fernwood Shellharbour for sharing these memories.
P.S. Can you find me in the photos? I look a little younger than now. 😅

17/05/2026

Still dreaming of the desert.

There remains within a yearning for the connection and clarity that the vastness and purity of the desert provided.

There is a longing to once more retreat from the demands of living in modern society, to release the weight of expectations, and to allow the heart and soul to get reacquainted with the truth of who I am outside of the world I usually exist in.

The desert is forever changing and evolving, yet it does so without expectations, and at its own slow and steady pace.