Jocelyn Magazine

03/01/2026

✨ A Relaxed, Polished Night Out at Banksia, Hervey Bay ✨

Not every night out needs fireworks — sometimes it’s about feeling welcome, eating well and leaving happy you went. That’s exactly what we found at Banksia Seafood and Grill in Hervey Bay last night.

Despite the summer holiday rush, we found easy street parking nearby and stepped into a venue that was near capacity yet calm and welcoming. The team was clearly busy, but service never felt rushed — a big shout-out to Ryan and Hayley, who were friendly and enthusiastic, making us feel right at home.

The vibe is relaxed coastal dining with a polished edge — understated elegance rather than beachy gimmicks. Soft lighting, timber floors and an atmosphere that encourages conversation and lingering.

There were several menu options for health-conscious diners and those with special dietary needs. We chose the Crispy Skin Atlantic Salmon (one of the best I’ve had anywhere) and the North African Lamb Filo — rich, comforting and beautifully balanced.

Dessert was a simple but delicious Spiced Apple & Rhubarb Crumble with vanilla bean ice cream, all enjoyed with rosé and Pinot Gris.

A touch pricier than some, but the food, service and atmosphere made it feel well worth it.

👉 If you enjoyed this post, follow this page and pop over to jocelynmagazine.com for more lifestyle, food and travel inspiration — and if you’re curious, you can visit Banksia via the link at the top of the page.

02/01/2026

🌊 Lunch done right by the beach 🌊

Between beach walks in that lovely in-between festive week where no one quite knows what day it is, we dipped into the Small Plates menu at Enzo’s on the Beach — and struck gold.

Soft, pillowy Crispy Chicken Bao Buns, layered with hot honey chicken, pickled cucumber, slaw, mint, and red chilli jam, sit alongside the Karage Master: crisp-fried karaage chicken drizzled with hot honey, sprinkled with toasted sesame, and finished with Kewpie mayo and lemon. Comfort food, beach-style!

Bonus points for scoring a table right next to the sand, with other guests lazing on the oversized bean bags. Beach views, relaxed vibes, friendly service — and always a warm welcome. Even better, it’s dog-friendly 🐾

Tip: Be sure to book — Enzo’s is very popular.

For more lifestyle and travel finds, pop over to Jocelyn Magazine 👉 jocelynmagazine.com

02/01/2026

*Why This Prawn & Mango Salad Is the Perfect Post-Festive Reset*

There’s something just right about a summer lunch that feels light, fresh and a little bit indulgent — and my recent visit to Arkarra Gardens Cafe ticked all the boxes.

I couldn’t go past their prawn and mango salad, one of the café’s most popular dishes. Think juicy Queensland prawns, sweet tropical mango, crisp greens and a zingy dressing — vibrant, refreshing and perfectly suited to a warm Fraser Coast day. Add the leafy garden setting and relaxed pace, and it’s the sort of lunch that encourages you to slow down and savour every bite.

What I love most is that dishes like this also align beautifully with the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet — ideal if you’re keen to reset after the festive season and shed a few extra kilos without feeling deprived.

I’ve shared more about my own experience with the CSIRO Diet over at Jocelyn Magazine, if you’d like a read and a little extra motivation to start the year feeling lighter.

👉 https://jocelynwatts.com/csiro-diet-what-i-learned-after-12-weeks/

Have you tried the prawn and mango salad at Arkarra Gardens? Click the link at the top of this post to learn more. 🍤🥭

Lifestyle, travel and wellness stories by Jocelyn Watts — writer, author, publisher and photographer sharing inspiration for balanced living.

31/12/2025

26/12/2025

🍋 The Curious Case of the Floating Lemon

Ever wondered why some lemon slices float while others sink?

I’ve been making lemon water since I was a kid, watching my poppy brew what he proudly called “Vitamin P” — the colour alone explains the name. These days, I know far more about the health perks of lemon water and the tradition lives on.

This week, supermarket lemons were a bit on the small side, so I sliced two — one supermarket lemon and one from the local fruit & veg shop. The fruit shop one sank. The supermarket one floated.

Turns out it comes down to density and air pockets. Fresher, juicier lemons are denser, so they sink. Some supermarket lemons develop more internal air during growing and storage, making them buoyant — perfectly safe, just different.

A little everyday kitchen science, backed by food science insights from CSIRO — and a reminder that my Poppy's Vitamin P(ee) is still going strong.

23/12/2025

Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive season. We're taking a short break to recharge and will be back in the New Year with more stories, travel inspiration, and lifestyle finds. Thanks for being part of the journey.

22/12/2025

✨ My year in poetry — courtesy of ChatGPT ✨

You wove stories where coast meets the sky,
With a lens that caught truth passing by.
From K’gari’s calm sands to Parisian light,
You shaped both with wisdom and sight —
A year rich with purpose — and you, flying high.

***

On that note, a little bookish update to round out the year…

The latest news on Paris Ink is that the paperback is now (finally!) live on Amazon:
👉 https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FQSZR8VF

And I say finally with a smile — because it’s been a long, winding, and very human journey. Over the past year, I’ve worked closely with six other writers to bring our travel memoirs — born in a Parisian workshop in 2023 — into print.

We launched the first print run of 200 copies in Sydney back in March, and it sold out quickly. That success gave us the confidence (and the courage) to take the next step and self-publish on Amazon.

Before we could do that, though, we needed a publishing name. CWIP Publishing was our nod to where it all began — Creative Writers in Paris (or Des Écrivains Créatifs à Paris, if you prefer a French flourish). It was the name we gave our group before we even boarded the plane to France.

Then came another learning curve. I disappeared down the rabbit hole of Atticus — an all-in-one tool for writing, formatting and publishing ebooks and paperbacks — while the others tackled the Amazon KDP maze: tax details, bank info, etc. Just reaching the finish line felt like a small miracle.

But here we are.
✨ Ebook and paperback are both live on Amazon
✨ Available free as an ebook over the festive season on Kindle Unlimited, or for purchase

What makes CWIP Publishing a little unusual is that every contributor — all debut memoirists — is also a self-publisher. Most anthologies are produced by a single publisher, who invites writers to contribute. We’ve done it differently: seven writers, seven publishers, learning as we go.

It’s been a big year — creatively, technically and emotionally — and I’m very ready now to down tools for a while, enjoy the Christmas & New Year break, and catch up with family and friends.

Thank you to everyone who has read, supported, shared, and cheered us on.

Wishing you a happy and safe festive season and a bright start to the year ahead. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎄✨

P.S. To stay up to date with CWIP happenings, follow us here:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/parisink25/

Seven Australian authors, one Paris workshop — sharing stories of hope, passion and new beginnings.

17/12/2025

*New on Jocelyn Magazine: Oaks Hotels & Resorts — what to expect before you book*

If you’ve ever wondered what Oaks Hotels & Resorts are really like — who they suit best, how they compare to traditional hotels, and why they work so well for relaxed, longer stays — I’ve just published a new introductory guide.

It’s the starting point for a series of upcoming Oaks reviews, beginning with Oaks Port Douglas, where I stayed recently, and continuing with more stays over the coming months.

Think space to breathe, good locations, and accommodation that lets you travel at a comfortable pace — without the fuss.

👉 Pop over to Jocelyn Magazine to read the full guide and see if Oaks might suit your style of travel. https://jocelynwatts.com/oaks-hotels-resorts/

Thinking about staying at Oaks Hotels & Resorts? Here’s a clear, practical guide to the brand, locations, amenities and who Oaks stays suit best.

15/12/2025

07/12/2025

Why Strength and Cardio Matter More As We Age

I was recently surprised when someone asked why we need both strength and cardiovascular training as we get older. Walking should be enough, right? It’s a common question — and an important one. Staying active isn’t just about keeping fit; it’s about protecting our bones, supporting balance, boosting energy and keeping everyday life feeling easy and doable.

In fact, strength and cardio work together like a perfectly balanced duo. One keeps your muscles and bones strong, the other keeps your heart and lungs happy — and together they help us stay confident, mobile and full of vitality as the years roll on.

I’ve written an easy-to-read guide that explains exactly why the combination matters, plus how to start gently at home.

👉 Pop over to Jocelyn Magazine to read the full article:
https://jocelynwatts.com/strength-and-cardio-matter/

Discover why strength and cardio matter for staying fit, steady and energised as we age. Simple, doable tips for healthy ageing.

30/11/2025

🌞 11 Thirst-Quenching Summer Foods the CSIRO Would Approve

Feeling the heat? These fresh, hydrating summer foods will help you stay cool, energised and on track with CSIRO-style eating — from juicy watermelon to crisp cucumber and everything in between. Perfect for those long Queensland days when the sun refuses to take a break.

If you’re looking for simple ways to boost your hydration and feel good all day, this one’s for you.

https://jocelynwatts.com/thirst-quenching-summer-foods/

For more lifestyle tips, head over to jocelynmagazine.com

Stay cool with 11 thirst-quenching summer foods the CSIRO would approve. Fresh, hydrating and healthy ideas to boost energy and beat the heat.