If your weekly cooking schedule is on a three-meal rotation (guilty), allow us to introduce the concept of cooking classes, which will both broaden your skillset and allow you to impress your significant other (or dog, no judgment).

From pizza to cupcakes, here are three Gold Coast classes you should book into right now, so you never need to eat meat and three veg again. 

Salt Meats Cheese
The people at Salt Meats Cheese know what’s up when it comes to pizza and pasta and (hooray) they’re willing to share their knowledge with you! There are an array of classes to choose from including a Pizza Masterclass, The Italian Vegan Masterclass and a Pasta Masterclass involves step-by-step learning on how to create fresh pasta from scratch so you can blow the minds of all your pals. Tickets include the class, pizza and a glass of wine or beer. Sounds good to us!
Where: The 4218, Beach Road, Surfers Paradise

Icon the Cookery School
Cooking classes for everyone. Choose your own adventure at Icon the Cookery School. From classes specialising in international cuisine, to seafood, cocktails, beer and wine and sweet treats, you can learn to cook almost anything. Cupcake baking and decorating? Yes please. How about soft cheese making? So many sweet classes to try, you’ll be cooking for the rest of time. Classes change monthly and there’s even specific nights for couples if you’re keen.
Where: The Kitchens, Robina Town Centre, Robina 

Double Zero
Another opportunity to make delicious, delicious pizza from the absolute masters. Double Zero, in Broadbeach, run a masterclass on the first and third Saturday of every month. In three hours, head pizza chef Nicola will share all the secrets behind the true Pizza Napoletana and will teach you how to make the absolute perfect pizza and it’s only $79 per person. Once you’re done, you’re invited to sit ‘Italian Style’ and eat your creation. Course notes and a glass of Italian wine to compliment your pizza are also included. Belissimo.
Where: 2/2715 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Words by Kirra Smith

Nothing quite warms our cockles like a shopping spree. When we feel sad, it cheers us up.  When we feel happy, it makes us even happier. And in contrast, when we’re broke AF after buying 1,047 Christmas presents, it gives us a panic attack….or does it?!!?! No friends, it doesn’t stress us out one iota because we know the secret to guilt-free shopping. All hail the almighty factory outlet!

Here’s our round-up of some must-visits to satisfy your shopping addiction and keep your savings intact.

Harbour Town Premium Outlets
I mean, this place needs no intro. We’ve all nabbed many-a-bargain here and it would be rude not to, coz there is everything you could ever want…at insanely good prices. We’re talking 240 retailers offering up to 70% off every single day and just shut up and take our money already. The best of both designer and high street faaarshion awaits like Coach, Armani, Seed, Sass & Bide, Politix, and Sheike to name a few. Plus JB HiFi, Bonds, Adidas, Adairs, Bed Bath N’ Table, Victoria’s Secret, Billini and we could go on…and on. It’s the ultimate one-stop-shop, with a spiffy eats and sips precinct to boot.
Where: 147-189 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters

Sheridan Outlet
Nothing says luxury like Sheridan! And lucky us coz the Helensvale outlet offers quality bed linen, towels and accessories at up to 70% off original retail prices. Stop it! Shop an extensive range of pillows, quilts, towels, blankets, sheet sets, fitted sheets, pillowcases, bed shirts and mattress protectors, with new stock arriving weekly. That means regular visits are totally acceptable and we love it how we can always justify these things. You can even join the VIP club to make sure you have front row access to all the best deals. Sign us up! PS there is also a smaller outlet store at Harbour Town. Yay!
Where: Homeworld, 502 Hope Island Road, Helensvale

Ripcurl DFO
For a Gold Coaster, an endless supply of swimmers (all.the.styles), hats, rashies, towels, sunnies, cute summer threads, thongs and sandals (again – all.the.styles) is mandatory. Full stop, end of story. Thankfully, the surf gods have smiled upon us in the form of Nerang’s Ripcurl DFO (plus a smaller outlet at Harbour Town), offering all year round darn dirt-cheap Ripcurl radness. And for the surfers (i.e., every second person), this place is actual heaven. Wetsuits, surfboard covers, surf hardware – it’s all here and the quality is mint.
Where: 2 Pappas Way, Nerang

Ashmore Factory Outlets
Just look for the ginormous Aussie flag and pull in immediately for discounted goodies galore #truedat. There are plenty of household names waiting for you here, including Billabong, Quicksilver, Unit, and Surf, Dive N Ski. There’s also Skate Connection, a Good Price Pharmacy, Sunglass Clearance Warehouse, Nutrition Warehouse, and the Mega Footy Store. Plus you can update your ‘do at Cali Hair and work on your rig at Strong Pilates, so that you look as bangin’ as your bank balance. Sugar lovers will be spoilt for choice at Captains’ Candy!
Where: 12 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore

Sideways Surf Outlet
Ok so Sideways currently have not one but three locations on the Gold Coast alone, so it’s pretty safe to say it’s a crowd fave. Clothing wise, we’re talking up to 60% off all the big brand surf and street labels for the whole fam. Plus there’s A1 quality surfboards made from PSI Formula One and glassed with quality Aussie FGI resin, board bags and covers, and reliable leashes and tailpads from brands like Sideways (obvs), Gorilla, Wander and Modom. So if you’re partial to a surf, ‘seas’ the day and stock up on all your gear here!
Where: 16 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore, 1 Santa Maria Court, Burleigh Waters, & 28-30 Greenway Drive, Tweed Heads South

UGG Since 1974
Nothing says Australia like the quintessential UGG boot. A national icon which has been replicated time and time again, no imposter – many even using the UGG name #cheeky – have ever come close to the original. And colour us happy, there’s an UGG Since 1974 factory outlet right here on the Goldie! Shop everything from the snuggliest of boots to UGG slides, clutches, handbags, rugs and gloves. Choose from a ready-made pair or, insert drumroll, customise and design your own. Yes, this is a thing and what a time to be alive!
Where: 23 Christine Avenue, Miami

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Catch-ups with your dear friends are one of life’s greatest pleasures. Getting together with your mates easily surpasses date nights (sorry), Tinder dates (not sorry) and Netflix dates with your furry friends (only just).

In celebration of getting together with pals, eating, midday margaritas, and the good time that is a combination of all three, we’ve concocted a list of six ideas for the ultimate squad catch-ups…

Head to Burleigh Hill
Every good story involving drinking and frivolity also seems to mention our beloved Burleigh Hill. Is it just us or is Burleigh Hill a ‘choose your own adventure’ style of good time, meaning you can bring any — and all — of the food and drinks you wish? This means things could be super chilled, or you and your pals could end up swigging champagne and choreographing a Step Up dance routine for the good folks of the Gold Coast to admire. We vote for option B!
Tip: If you don’t feel like BYOing you own food, get a cheeky chook & chips from Freddy’s or pizza delivered directly to you from Justin Lane.

Have yourself a long lunch
Sure, we have fantastic weather and some incredible beaches and hinterland to enjoy. But some days (particularly the hot ones), it’s nice to simply take it easy and indulge in some damn fine food and well-deserved drinks with friends. There’s a score of places you can grab your friends to hit up, including some of our amazing surf clubs, fine dining establishments and beachside hangouts — whatever your budget or mood you’re covered. Send out the invite on your group chat and round up the gang to sit down over some tasty eats before indulging in a few cocktails and ridiculing each other with funny stories you’d rather all forget… we’ve all been there.
Tip: What’s better than a weekend Bottomless Brunch? …we’ll wait.

Do an exercise class of some sort
Across the Coast, there are MANY options for exercise classes and what could be better for inciting bulk laughs and creating delightful memories than moving your body in weird and wonderful poses, while working up a sweat and reminding yourself just how bendy you really a̶r̶e̶ aren’t anymore. From pilates, to barre, to yoga, you’re bound to find something you and the crew will all love!
Tip: Head to one of these intimate Gold Coast fitness studios or Gold Coast gyms to make sure you and your besties are looked after

Get arty
The Gold Coast has gotten very creative over the last little while, with arty workshops and classes popping up all over the place. Which is good, because we think that’s the perfect date idea for a day spent with people you haven’t seen in a while. Also, at some such classes and workshops, you are allowed to drink wine while you work, which, trust us, only enhances your creativity. As far as artsy ideas across the Goldy there’s everything from life drawing classes, finding the Gold Coast’s best street art murals, silver jewellery making, wandering through art galleries (yes we have more than one) and painting to pottery, and what could be more fun than gathering your mates, getting creative, and having something cute to show for it at the end?!
Tip: We think Pinot & Picasso is the ultimate answer to a creative night with the gang. Just try not to judge your friend’s painting skills… or lack thereof!

Chill at a day spa
Potentially the most relaxing spot of the bunch, getting facials and massages or soaking and floating with your girlfriends is a guaranteed zen time. First of all, it’s good for your body, and second of all, you can spend time together catching up over tea and not wine/beer for once (this one time only). Not to mention, day spas on the Coast usually take place in the most picturesque of locations, so you get to indulge in the beautiful scenery of the Gold Coast, relax in style, and come out feeling a million bucks too. Invite us too please, we love a good spa day!
Tip: Get 10% off a 1 hour or more treatment from Endota Spa here!

Go hiking
Wait, give us a chance to explain. While hiking may not seem like a catch-up activity, a relaxing stroll through the rainforest is also acceptable. With wine and cheese at the end if you can be bothered to carry it! The argument for hiking is this; fresh air obviously makes you feel good, as does exercise and, if you go with your mates, there’ll be others willing to complain about how hard it is and participate in discussions about how unfit you all are. Then, at the end of the hike, maybe you find yourselves at a stunning Insta-worthy location for a few snaps or with some well-earned wine and snacks in hand to celebrate your effort. Winning!
Tip: here are a few of our favourite hikes around the Gold Coast

Words by Alex Mitcheson.