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Wandering With ~ Carmen

Weekend Rituals on the Gold Coast

"A coastal chat with Carmen - emergency nurse, founder of Mood Muse, and mum of two - on effortless style and weekends that move fast and feel full."

Name: Carmen

Home: Queensland, Australia

Find her: @Carmendonnelly

Tell us a little about yourself - where you’re based, what you do, and what makes your corner of the world special.

I’m Carmen, based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. I’m a mum to two boys, an emergency nurse, a content creator, and the founder of Mood Muse.


My world is coastal, energetic, and rarely quiet - shaped by salty air, sandy feet and weekends spent chasing adventures with my boys. Life moves fast, but it’s full, grounded, and led by adventure.

RENACER DRESS CACAO

What does your perfect weekend look like? Walk us through it from morning to evening.

Slow mornings in theory, slightly chaotic in reality. The day usually starts with sunlight, movement, and getting everyone out the door. From there it’s beach walks, local cafés, skate sessions, and unplanned stops that turn into the best moments.
We love driving south to escape the busy Gold Coast crowds and heading down to Dreamtime Beach for a full day of swimming, snorkelling, and dolphin watching.
Evenings are simple: fish and chips by the lake, watching the sun go down, then driving home with the windows down, everyone singing along, sun-kissed skin, and the warm summer breeze.

Morning ritual - are you a coffee at home person or do you have a favourite local café? What’s your go-to order?

I don’t drink coffee, which feels illegal for a mum of two boys (but love an iced matcha with a dash of caramel)

We love heading down to Custard Canteen at Tallebudgera Creek, grabbing fresh juice and pastries, and easing into the day together.

What’s always in your beach bag for a weekend escape?

Natural sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, sand from the previous beach trip, snorkels, the kids’ beach toys and possibly an old piece of fruit left over from the last one.

How would you describe your personal style in three words?

Understated. Effortless. Confident.

How do you transition your look from a casual beach morning to sunset drinks? Any styling tricks?

I keep things simple and flexible, easy base pieces that can handle a full day. A lightweight layer, a change of shoes, or a few added accessories usually does the job without overthinking it.

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What’s your favourite JUAN & ME piece and how do you style it?

The RENACER dresses are my favourite pieces. I love how wearable JUAN & ME styles are - they’re effortless, which works perfectly for busy days.
I usually keep the styling simple with an oversized collared shirt, sandals, and a few pieces of jewellery, so they move easily from morning chaos to evening plans.

RENACER DRESS CACAO

Favourite weekend spots in QLD - where do we find you when you’re not creating content?

Along the coast, bush walks, beach walks, skate parks, local cafés and anywhere relaxed enough to linger a little longer than planned. Tallebudgera Creek is always a favourite.

What are you packing for your next weekend away?

Easy outfits, swimwear, light layers, sandals and pieces I can throw on without thinking, because thinking is a luxury.

“And if you’re ever wandering her way, here’s Carmen’s go-to Gold Coast weekend.”

Carmen’s Gold Coast Guide

Escape

  • Dreamtime Beach: A full-day reset to escape the crowds: swimming, snorkelling, and dolphin watching.

Eat / Drink

  • Custard Canteen (Tallebudgera Creek): Fresh juice + pastries, easing into the day together.

Wander

  • Tallebudgera Creek: Beach walks, bush walks, and the kind of spot that’s relaxed enough to linger longer than planned.

Soundtrack

  • 2000s throwbacks: Hip hop, R&B, and rock; loud, windows down, best enjoyed as a family sing-along on the drive home.

Accessories

  • Mood Muse: Carmen’s finishing touches for effortless days (and sunset plans).
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Shop

Carmen's Edit

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Credits

Words: Carmen
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland