Kitten Vintage Mackay

One of my favourite end-of-day rituals, if I get the chance, is sitting down with a cup of tea and a flick through the latest ERA Past & Present magazine.

There’s just something lovely about a printed magazine. No notifications, no scrolling, no distractions—just beautiful photography, interesting stories and a little time to slow down.

This issue includes a feature called A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies, and I had to smile when I saw it, because we happen to have one of these colourful butterfly wall plaques in the shop right now.

Sometimes the stories in the magazine seem to find their way into Kitten Vintage.

Issue 4 arriving soon. Pre-orders now open in store or buy online via their website Era - Past & Present Magazine

Today was one of those days that perfectly captures life as a small business owner.

It was Mackay Show Day, so the shop was a little quieter than usual. Sales were modest, but there was still a lovely stream of people through the doors, sharing stories, browsing treasures and reminding me why I opened Kitten Vintage nearly ten years ago.

Then, in the middle of the day, I received a call from ABC Radio asking if I could do an interview about whether vintage is becoming more popular.

Of course I said yes.

We talked about why people are increasingly drawn to vintage and second-hand pieces, the stories attached to the objects we keep, and how many people are choosing character, quality and sustainability over buying new.

I also spoke honestly about the reality of small business. Some days the numbers don’t tell the whole story. You still unlock the doors, switch on the lights, make the tea, welcome visitors and keep showing up because what you’ve built is more than a shop.

It’s a place for memories, history, conversation and connection.

The interview was also a timely reminder that I really do need to finish the book I’ve been writing about life in a vintage shop. I’ve been talking about it for far too long, and today felt like a little nudge from the universe to get it done.

So that’s the plan.

A quiet Show Day.
An ABC interview.
A shop full of stories.

Not a bad day’s work after all. ❤️

Deb

We’ve gathered together a selection of beaded dresses, sparkling tops, gloves, handbags and headpieces to help you create a little 1920s glamour for the evening.

Whether you’d like the full flapper look or simply a touch of vintage sparkle with your favourite black pants, we have a few beautiful options in store.

No need to spend a fortune on a one-night outfit — sometimes a beaded top, a string of pearls and a little confidence is all you need.

We’re also open this Thursday for the Mackay Show Holiday, so it’s the perfect opportunity to pop in and have a look.

🖤 Art Deco Jazz Night
📅 Saturday 20 June
⏰ From 6.30pm
📍 Downstairs at Kitten Vintage

A few tickets are still available
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1597356

Mackay Show Day? We’re Open!

While many businesses are taking the day off, we’ll be here as usual from 10am–4pm.

Pop in for a browse, a cuppa, and perhaps a chat with the cats. We have 14 rooms of vintage treasures, plenty of new arrivals, and the coffee machine will be ready to go.

And if your Show Day plans involve avoiding crowds and wandering through beautiful old things, we can help with that too.

📍 Kitten Vintage Mackay
🕙 Open 10am–4pm
☕ Coffee • Vintage • Cats

Charlie, enjoying the early evening light on the deck.

The bougainvillea is putting on a show, the cushions are still warm from the afternoon sun, and Charlie has taken up her usual position as supervisor of all household activities.

No emails to answer.
No shop to close.
Just a cat, a quiet deck, and the last golden light of the day.

A pretty good way to finish a Monday. 🖤

Happy 83rd Birthday to my wonderful Mum ❤️

Mum has always been a cook and, years ago, even ran her own restaurant. So rather than letting us take her out for lunch, she insisted we come to visit her and Dad instead.

I did make a Meyer lemon cake for the occasion, but there was also Mum’s famous tarte tatin for dessert after a flavoursome butter chicken lunch. And of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without a bottle of French champagne.

Happy Birthday, Mum. Here’s to many more cups of tea, family lunches, and afternoons spent reminiscing together. ❤️

Beckham has had the week off from Kitten Vintage and is currently working from home.

He’s informed us that this sunny corner is now his official office, and that supervising pot plants is every bit as important as greeting customers.

He assures everyone he’ll be back at work next week, although judging by this photo, we’re not entirely convinced.

Enjoy your holiday, Beckham. The staff room will be waiting on Tuesday🐾

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Ted.

This morning I found him hiding in the Map Room, apparently hard at work on a vintage typewriter. Between the ship plate, whisky advertising tray and shelves of old books, he’s chosen a rather inspiring office.

I suspect he’s either writing the next great Australian novel… or a strongly worded letter requesting more honey sandwiches.

Either way, he seemed quite pleased with his morning’s work.