News flash: I may be chilling out

How gorgeous is this photo I took yesterday at Salt Beach? I am in love with the place.

And I don’t know whether its because melatonin tablets are the miracle answer to my insomnia or whether I’m actually relaxing but I’ve been sleeping like a baby since arriving in Kingscliff.

Ahhhh …

I’m so seduced I’ve been lingering outside real estate windows perusing the properties for sale. A 2-bedroom apartment is going for just $289,000. Heaven knows what the strata fees would be … And for a mere $869,000 you can get a brand-new five-bedroom beachside house with resort-style pool. I’ve no idea what I’d do for a crust … But wow.

Oh, what am I talking about? I ogle real state when I’m vibrating with stress too. I particularly do it everywhere I go on holiday because property perusing is my thing.

My other thing when on holiday is shopping. Again, it’s my thing the other 50 weeks of the year, but it takes on particular significance during getaways.

I mean, I walk past a Witchery on my way to do the grocery shop every week and I barely give it a sidelong glance, but here at Mantra Salt I’m haunting the place, lovingly stroking every garment on every rack.

In Sydney clothes shopping is done on a grab and run basis. On holiday it’s elevated to a connoisseur’s pursuit to immerse myself in like a luxury spa visit.

My preferred place to do holiday shopping is Hawaii and I was madly hoping to get there on my mum’s frequent flyers next month, but the poor thing has been forced to cancel because her gamy knee is playing up.

I felt bad enough for her hobbling around the cruise ship – Waikiki would break her. Especially at the lightspeed I travel around the Ala Moana shopping centre (Ala Moana, oh how I love you!).

So Witchery at Kingscliff will have to suffice.

They tell me there’s a fresh shipment arriving today. Deep breaths.

Aside from haunting Witchery and poring over every takeaway menu I can find (food is my third thing) I’m actually loving how little there is to do here other than alternate between the beach and pool (and pub). Normally I’d be researching endless day trips to fill the vacuum but I’m actively campaigning not to go anywhere or do anything much.

Mind you, it’s early days. Currumbin Bird Sanctuary may see us yet. Especially if the youngest says I’m bored for the 234,000th time.

Meanwhile at home … my pet sitter Glen is being mentally tortured by my over-indulged lap dog (and escapee bunny). The debt I will owe him is fast becoming enormous.

PS Another sign I’m chilling: I had a dream about Jake Gyllenhaal last night. It’s the weirdest thing, I can’t remember the last movie I saw about him, or the last magazine article … I don’t even consciously have the hots for him. But he turns up in my dreams every now and then. There he was last night gazing at me with those big soulful eyes. Only problem this time was he had a boyfriend. And my sister was telling me to give it up because he was never going straight. Sigh.