The humble avocado is enjoying it’s zeitgeist moment. Let there a festival!

Perth’s own Avo-palooza

November 15, 2018

Perth’s Araluen Botanic Park has a fine history of bedding in new festival phenomena.

Back in the early naughties I remember working at the state’s first ever Chilli Festival.

Organisers had cottoned on to Perth’s growing love of all things spicy, tapping into the zeitgeist and growing the event to what is now one of the year’s most flocked-to food festivals.

Its little wonder then, that equally big things are expected for the latest food trend to be “festival-ised” at Araluen – the Avocado.

WA Opera’s Fleuranne Brockway sings among the diners at Broome’s Shinju Matsuri Sunset Long Table Dinner. Photo: Taja Coles-Berenyi

Shinju Matsuri: Bucket-List Broome

September 18, 2018

If you’re uninitiated, the town of Broome is more than 2,200 kilometres north of Perth in the far-flung Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Its home to the world-famous Cable Beach. It’s also tropical, relaxed, and full of genuine people from all kinds of backgrounds who share a mutual love for their Kimberley home.

The Sunset Long Table dinner, at Broome’s Shinju Matsuri Festival. Photo: Taja Coles-Berenyi

And it’s hands-down my favourite place to holiday.

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The weather’s turned and I’m dreaming of Cable beach holidays , filled with blue skies and sunshine. #tbt #carmenbraidwood

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“Do you want me to pay you?” I half-joked with my client when she confirmed I’d been looking after MC duties at the upcoming Sunset Long Table Dinner.

Chinese lanterns at The Pearl Harvest Yum Cha. Photo: Brandon Stirrup

I didn’t realise at the time that I’d landed myself in Broome for my first ever Shinju Matsuri Festival - and not one, but two of the town’s most bucket-list worthy events.

Shinju Matsuri is Japanese for “Festival of the Pearl”, one of Australia’s longest running festivals. Over nine-days dozens of events paying tribute to Broome’s cultural diversity, it’s pearling history and of course, natural beauty.

Broome’s Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach is a bucket list event for many. Photo: Paula Jennings

The festival culminates with two contrasting, yet equally astounding Broome events: The Floating Lantern Matsuri and the Sunset Long Table Dinner.

The Floating Lantern Matsuri at Broome’s Gantheuame Point. Photo: Pamela Jennings

Guest chef Adam Liaw prepares a course at the Sunset Long Table Dinner. Photo: Pamela Jennings

I learnt quickly that Shinju Matsuri is also about eating food, and lots of it!

The streets of Broome come to life for the Pearl Harvest Yum Cha during Shinju Matsuri Photo: Brandon Stirrup

Events like the Pearl Harvest Yum Cha celebrate the influence the generations of Chinese, Malaysian and Japanese people who have lived & worked in Broome.

Diners enjoy street food during the Pearl Harvest Yum Cha Photo: Julia Rau

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My heart & belly were full after a big first day in Broome. The day wrapped up in the centre of town at Pearl Harvest Yum Cha: a creation of returning celebrity chef, Adam Liaw; we ate generous servings of pearl meat, bao, noodles, and dumplings - in a true fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian and Indigenous cultures. Entertainment came from Perth’s Taiko On drummers - their energy and creativity are a sight to behold! Check out my stories for vision of their performance, and more from my first day at Shinju Matsuri 2018.

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Now for those items for your bucket-list.

The Floating Lantern Matsuri, at Gantheaume Point, honours Broome’s pearling history: remembering the Aboriginal, Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian and Philippine divers, many who lost their lives at at sea in search of precious pearls.

Literally hundreds of people turned out to decorate lanterns and float them out to sea in memory of their own loved ones. The sight as they descended upon the ocean front at Gantheaume point: awe-inspiring.

Hundreds of locals turn out to decorate floating lanterns in memory of lost loved ones. Photo: Pamela Jennings

Bucket-list: checked!

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In the past my visits to this beach have been about family time, stunning sunsets and fetch with a very eager red kelpie. Tonight’s Floating Lantern Matsuri took my appreciation of Broome’s Gantheaume Point to a new level. More pics in my stories ❤️ @shinjumatsuri #shinjumatsuri

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The Sunset Long Table Dinner is one of the final events of Shinju Matsuri, and it’s all about letting your hair down as you enjoy a uniquely Broome experience: fine dining on Cable Beach.

The Sunset Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach Photo: Pamela Jennings

Paul O’Neill of WA Opera performs at the Sunset Long Table Dinner Photo: Pamela Jennings

Guest celebrity chefs Adam Liaw and Marion Grasby were each on hand to serve up a dish that made the most of local produce.

While entertainment came in several forms - eclectic tunes from local musicians, live opera singers in the sand and a stunning Broome sunset.

I left Broome with a full belly, full heart and a list full of events I’d love to attend again in Broome - thank goodness Shinju Matsuri is back again next year!

Broome-based duo, Ely & Becca perform at the Sunset Long Table Dinner. Photo: Taja Cole-Berenyi

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I think I spent a big chunk of time between MC duties at the Sunset Long Table Dinner last night telling people where my dress was from! This kimono-inspired piece is a couture design hand-made from up-cycled silk by @charleneobrienn Scroll through the pictures for a closer look at the pendant and studs I wore from @cygnetbaypearls as well as an “action shot” from my interview with Adam Liaw and a couple of snaps of the beachside dining set up - before the 490 guests arrived! What an incredible event to be part of. Thanks again for having me @shinjumatsuri and @project3freo #shinjumatsuri

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5 Reasons to bring your Dad to the Perth Hills Armadale Region this Father's Day

August 26, 2018

1. Cider is the new Wine.

Now, don't misunderstand me, wine is still awesome, but Dads are digging cider tasting these days too. And with more than a few boutique cider houses popping up throughout Roleystone in the Perth hills, you can take dad on cider tour this father's day.

Did you know Spring comes a little early to the #PerthHillsArmadale ? Carmen with the one of the Rediscover Armadale 2018 Mural artworks, on the streets of the Armadale  CBD — Did you know Spring comes a little early to the #PerthHillsArmadale ? Carmen with the one of the Rediscover Armadale 2018 Mural artworks, on the streets of the Armadale CBD

Its time to Spring into Armadale!

August 17, 2018

If this weekend is looking a little same-same then read this blog for a little “fun-spiration”.

WA Designs on Display Among Gardens of Araluen for Springtime "First-Look"

July 18, 2018

In just weeks, fashion fans, garden groupies and a guest-list brimming with local dignitaries will get a taste of Springtime for the Love is in the Air Spring into Armadale Fashion Show.

A stop on Perth Hills-Armadale's Urban Art Trail.

Why I’ve signed on to help promote #PerthHillsArmadale

July 1, 2018

Anyone who knows me or has listened to me on radio will know that for years now I’ve banged on and on about being from Perth’s picturesque hills region.

LET GO, LET FLOW

June 25, 2018

Photo by Simon Matzinger

Sue me for being a tad reflective right now, but I have to say, it's been one of those weeks that just feels "good". Its not often you find yourself speaking like this on a Monday, I know, but I'm talking about a chain of events that kicked off Monday last week and have snowballed to some special kind of magic today.

This week has also served as a reminder that sometimes if you just let go of the things you can't control, and open your self to a greater flow, you'll get all the things you need, when you need them.

What ever spirit you choose to connect with, I know that a little piece has been there for me lately, and I just wanted to share it with you. So, take a look at the Facebook post below & listen to the linked audio to hear about three elements of the work I've been doing lately that have me feeling so damn fine.

They include..

A major viral breakthrough for my Facebook group "Perthling" (above)
News that I'll be covering afternoons on Perth's 882 6PR while Simon Beaumont takes a holiday. (in the post below)
And details of my ambassadorial partnership with #PerthHillsArmadale and their Spring into Armadale Fashion Show. (event details, left)

To list a few other things that made me smile this week.. I saw a super talented bunch of young people perform a clever production of the musical standard, Little Shop of Horrors at All Saints College.

The media teacher at the same school gave birth to her baby boy on her final day of work before going on Maternity Leave.

And my teenage stepson asked me (over his dad) to manage his Fantasy Football team while he was away at camp. Plus, when i got it wrong, he forgave me. Baby steps friends, baby steps.

REVIEW: MAMMA MIA THE MUSICAL

May 17, 2018

It amazes me that in my near-30 year career of obsessing over musicals, that last night was the first time I'd seen Mama Mia on stage.

This is the one affectionately referred to by fans as "the ABBA Musical" (or the movie musical that Pierce Brosnan would rather forget). But the super-group's own Beni & Bjorn didn't write the story of the band, instead this fun-fest is set in the Greek Islands and surprisingly perfectly: is populated only with songs recorded & released by ABBA.

What Can Podcasts Learn from Commercial Radio

April 30, 2018

I was recently asked to appear as a guest on Matt Hanham's podcast "Amplify Your Business".

Amplify your Business is a great series about making use of Digital Media to grow your business online - and in real life for that matter!

I met with Matt and we both agreed there's a conversation to be had not just about what people like me from a "traditional" media background can bring to digital broadcasters, but also the reverse.

Five Things Your Mum Actually Wants to receive this Mother's Day

April 23, 2018

Now, please don’t get me wrong, I’m sure your mum just loved the pasta craft you made for her in pre-primary. You know the kind: cardboard cut in the shape of a heart, with pieces of dry macaroni glued to it and finished with a coat of gold spray-paint. Lovely. And it doubles as a Christmas tree decoration. But let’s face it, there’s not much more Mum can use that craft for than staring at and celebrating your developmental milestones.

To save you from a last-minute spend-a-thon the week of Mother’s Day, or from being an adult who spends their time gluing pasta to old cereal boxes, I’ve called in all the people, businesses and products I love best, to build a list of truly pampering, truly thoughtful – and most importantly ACTUALLY useful gifts that I’m certain any mum would love to get her hands on.

And guess what?! I’ve even managed to score some super special offers for you to get maximum value for Mum in the lead up to Mother’s Day. Excited? You should be 😉

HELLO!

Carmen Braidwood is a radio and TV presenter, MC and speaker. Carmen is also a wifey, stepparent, poodle-mum, sister and daughter: not to the same person.

She likes to talk (and blog) about compassionate self leadership, business, confidence on camera, modern media, travel (especially Western Australia!), women, families and more.

You can learn more about Carmen, or fling her a message.