The best thing my dad taught me: Nikola Roza

The best thing my dad taught me was that I should never give up on my dreams, no matter how hard it gets.

He used to say to me that life can be hard and unpredictable, and that to keep a cool head and optimism high, one must strive for something great and shining on the horizon.

He’d say to me “if you give up on your dreams, then you’ve given up on yourself. And then what’s left?”

Nikola Roza is the CEO and owner of Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. Nikola blogs about SEO and affiliate marketing, especially how to combine the two to find success online.

Want more gift ideas like this? Subscribe to our newsletter here

The best thing my dad taught me: Angel Santiago

The best thing my dad taught me was to be someone. Every day we’re faced with situations where we say things like “someone should do something about x” or “I wish someone would…”. My dad taught me that I’m someone. I have the power to bring about change without waiting for “someone” else to do the work.

Angel Santiago is a veteran, husband, father, and entrepreneur who’s always looking for opportunities to make the world a better place and become “someone”. Learn more at www.angelsantiago.com

Want more inspiration like this? Subscribe to our newsletter here

The best thing my dad taught me: Alison Roberts-Tse, Dance Dispatches

The best thing my dad taught me was that you will find success by doing what you love. It’s easier to push through setbacks while pursuing your passions, and if you maintain your momentum, others will be drawn to your work. You just have to commit to your vision and keep the faith.

Alison Roberts-Tse is the founder and editor of Dance Dispatches, a digital publication that celebrates dance around the world.

Want more inspiration like this? Subscribe to our newsletter here

10 things to do this Father’s Day

Like many birthdays and other special occasions this year, Father’s Day will probably also be a bit different for many, with various COVID restrictions on visiting people and catching up in large groups. If you are able to catch up with dad this year, here are some things you can do together – just the two of you, or in a small family group. And if restrictions don’t permit catching up, make a note of these activities and take a rain-check for another day. Here’s our top list of things to do with dad – in no particular order:

1. A spot of fishing
Take dad for a trip out on the water (lake, river, or ocean) for a quiet fish and a chance to catch up and “chew the fat”. Pack some snacks and a couple of beers to make a day of it.

Fishing fanatics will love the Fish Ink Pen $19.95

2. A Wine Tasting Evening
If dad loves his wine, then a wine tasting evening with a variety of different wines will be right up his alley. Subtly work out his favourite producers or varieties beforehand to ensure there are some winning wines dad loves. Host with a selection of cheese, crackers and nibbles for the ultimate night in.

For an effortlessly organised evening, this Wine Tasting Evening Kit $84.95 will keep you on track.

3. Treat Dad to a BBQ lunch
Most Dads wouldn’t say no to a piece of char-grilled meat. Weather permitting, Father’s Day is a great opportunity to get outside in the socially-distanced company of family and friends at a local park or in your own backyard.

Get the job done with the right tools, like the Sagaform BBQ 5 in 1 Multitool $58.95

4. Share a glass of fine whisky with Dad
If you bought dad a beautiful bottle of whisky for Father’s Day, or have one he enjoys, why not share it with him on Father’s Day? After a nice dinner – at his place or yours – it’s a great opportunity to catch up. And if you can’t catch up in person, enjoy a virtual one together while you catch up over the phone or online.

Chill your whisky without diluting it with these handy Areaware Drink Rocks $45

5. Share some memories
Framed photos are one of the best gifts for people with everything. Select a photo of you and dad together, or a special family photo and present it in a unique frame.

Ashortwalk’s Recycled Photo Frame $30 comes with a stick of chalk so you can personalise with your own message.

6. Listen to music together
Even if you have to endure his favourite music…it is Father’s Day after all.

The music might not be “stylish” but Kreafunk’s Amove Speaker $150 is!

7. Make a paper airplane with dad
Remember when you used to make paper airplanes with your dad as a kid? Forget the basic paper airplanes everyone can make – challenge yourself (or dad) with something more elaborate. You could even have a “friendly” competition to see who can make theirs the fastest…

Best Ever Paper Airplanes $19.95 has 18 different designs to challenge your paper airplane making skills

8. Help dad in the garden
With spring just around the corner, chances are dad has plenty of gardening jobs in the pipeline. Pruning, mulching, weeding – whatever the job dad’s sure to appreciate an extra pair of hands…and your company:-)

Weeds don’t stand a chance against the Sneeboer 3 Tine Weeding Fork $64.95

9. Take dad on a picnic
There’s nothing like a bush picnic to maintain social distancing. Make a day of it by taking dad for a nice drive and a picnic lunch of gourmet sandwiches, cheese, and other antipasti delights.

Pack your picnic goodies in a stylish picnic bag like the Donkey Bike Picnic Bag $39.95.

10. Celebrate dad’s first Father’s Day
With a bit of help from mum, a thoughtful gift to celebrate dad’s first Father’s Day will melt his heart.

My Prince Did Come vintage dictionary print (unframed) $14.95

However you choose to spend Father’s Day with your dad – in person or virtually, we wish you and your family a very special day.

The best thing me dad taught me: Lisa Cox

“When I was an impressionable young person, Dad said: ‘Don’t believe everything you see on TV.’ It really stuck with me and taught me to have a more critical eye from a young age.”

Lisa Cox is a multi-awarded writer, presenter and consultant based in Australia. She is also the author of two books, an advocate and ambassador. Lisa is on a mission to muse, educate and challenge. Her work has been published nationally and internally for publications like Huff Post and The Sydney Morning Herald. Connect on Instagram @lisacox.co, or learn more at www.lisacox.co.

Want more inspiration like this? Subscribe to our newsletter here

The best thing about winter is…hot cocoa

“The best thing about winter is hot cocoa. There’s something extra satisfying about hot cocoa whenever winter time comes and the entire outside world is a huge chest freezer. To me, it brings back childhood memories of the festive holidays with loved ones.” – David Foley.

David Foley is a personal growth and spiritual practice advocate, a meditation teacher, and an expert in the field of meditating with brainwave entrainment/binaural beats technology. David is the Founder of Unify Cosmos.

Want more inspiration like this? Subscribe to our newsletter here

The best thing my dad taught me: Carol Archebelle

My dad told me that you always want to “get paid for what you know, not what you do.” He was a civil engineer and, although he had tasks he had to complete, the size of his paycheck was related to his knowledge and educational background. It inspired me to get my degree and stay on top of developments in my chosen field. Of course, there are tasks to complete at every job, but the knowledge is what drives your compensation – and it’s also what affects your performance.

Carol Archebelle manages the digital marketing for Foundations Wellness Center, a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment center in central Florida.

Want more inspiration like this? Subscribe to our newsletter here

The best thing my dad taught me: Mick Owar

“My old man was an interesting one… plagued by bad health (predominantly asthma), was always forced to use his wit over his physical body. Being the eldest, I often became his muscle for doing things around the house, and some of the things he taught me were:

1. Don’t be a “Gonna-man”, as in, “I’m gonna finish off this project soon”. Which eventually evolved into my personal slogan… “Getting shit done!”
2. If you commit to something, don’t pull out halfway. He taught me this whilst driving on the roads, however it’s EXTREMELY versatile, throughout all walks of life.”

After following my old man’s advice (with his own interpretations) Mick has gathered many different skills over the past 20 years to lead him to where he is. He became extremely practical with hands on experience and sought out a great deal of clever strategies to build business through various means. Putting the two skills together, he helped to create www.universaltradesman.com.au a down to earth group, focused on getting the job done with a great big smile!

Want more inspiration like this? Subscribe to our newsletter here

The best thing my dad taught me: Karen Clark

“The best thing my dad taught me was that when I grew up I could do anything I wanted to. He said I could go to university and become a pharmacist for example, then have my own pharmacy or I could have my own business.” The important point is he gave me the gift to believe that I could do whatever I wanted to.


Karen Clark is an entrepreneur, master coach and mentor. Karen is passionate about helping her clients to overcome the fear, doubt and limiting beliefs that stop us from achieving that success in life and doing “whatever we want to a life we LOVE”. Learn more at www.clarkashiansandco.com

Want more inspiration like this? Subscribe to our newsletter here