WIDE BAY
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AL
IVE
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NOVEMBER 2021 EDITION #16
Beauty
Edition
Love, life, and a unique vision The enviable job that spreads joy
BLOOMING WILD
Duo add wow factor to special events
Full story on pages 14-15
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Full story on pages 04-07
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EDITOR’S WELCOME
Y
ou beauty!
The saying ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ is a great way to describe how diverse this month’s theme is.
Beauty can mean so many different things to different people, from models on the catwalk to someone getting married, a flower blooming or a breath-taking sunset. It’s not always about physical appearance.
It’s a combination of qualities, like shape, colour, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.
So, in true Alive style we have gone the extra length to be as diverse as possible in this month’s edition.
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We also catch up with Miss Australia 2020 entrant Alexandra Ross who is a former Maryborough resident now killing it in the world of modelling.
THE ALIVE TEAM
I have said this many times before, but I am also always grateful for the beauty surrounding right here on the Fraser Coast. The view of the ocean front, Fraser Island, residents’ beautiful gardens and most residents who are kind and caring.
We live in a truly wonderful part of the world and I’m appreciative of that, especially now that it’s warming up and we can get out and about to soak up some much-needed Vitamin D. Have a great month!
Editor KERRIE ALEXANDER editor@alivemag.com.au
Founder / Creative Director JOY BUTLER info@alivemag.com.au
Deputy Editor LEANNE ESPOSITO
Digital Editor LIZZIE MACAULAY
Advertising Manager LOUISE HOLMES advertising@alivemag.com.au Phone 0477 094 335
Advertising Executive DARREN STIMPSON darren@alivemag.com.au Phone 0408 122 050
Advertising Representative KAREN WHITE karen@alivemag.com.au Phone 0418 197 386
Head of Distribution JAMIE BUTLER Phone 0428 137 968
From fitness and beauty hints and tips to wonderful volunteers helping cancer patients look and feel their best.
We sit down with wedding celebrant Christine Smith who has shared the beauty of tears of joy, laughter, and countless emotions that weddings are made of for the past 13 years. Speaking of blooming beautiful … meet the gorgeous gals on our cover from Hey Posy, one of Maryborough’s much-loved florist and photographer for weddings and special events. Jess is a fulltime Wedding Photographer at Jessica Gunn Photographer and Roxy gives creative direction on all things brand and marketing to small businesses over at Fifty North.
Their business, Hey Posy, is an outlet for the two to draw on and apply their collective skills and industry experience.
Kerrie
All editorial and advertising in Alive Magazine publications are published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibbility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Alive Magazine is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
UPCOMING EVENTS
BROLGA LIVE @ RIVERSTAGE
When: Friday, November 5, 6-9pm Where: Brolga Theatre, Walker St, Maryborough
05 Nov
What: Brolga Live @ Riverstage kicks your weekend into gear with a Friday evening of fine tunes, friends, and cold drinks on the bank of the Mary with the Aspy Jones band set to entertain. Licenced bar, BYO picnic and chairs. No BYO alcohol. Cost: Free
06 Nov HERVEY BAY SWAP MEET & SHANNONS SHOW & SHINE When: Saturday, Nov 6, 6am-1pm
Where: Hervey Bay High School oval
What: Join the Wide Bay Rodders for a day of fun with bargains to be found and hundreds of cars to view. Proceeds go to local charities. Cost: $2 public entry
20 Oct FRASER COAST R.U.M FESTIVAL When: Nov 13, 10am to Nov 14
Where: Maryborough showgrounds
DUNGA IN A DAY
What: Rodeo Utes and Music. Round 1 of the NRA Finals with rope and tie, bareback broncs, steer undecorating, open bull ride and much more! Fun for the whole family with kid’s entertainment, food vendors, market stalls and a Ute show. After party entertainment by 8 Ball Aitken playing from 9.30pm to midnight.
Where: All Abilities Playground, Pialba, Hervey Bay
Cost: Visit www.frasercoastagshow.com
When: Saturday, November 6
06 Nov
Feedback or suggestion? Send to: info@alivemag.com.au
What: Get a taste for what happens on the Dunga Derby charity car rally but done in one day. Bring any car along for an easy drive with a small amount of dirt roads. There will be three sections of route notes, a mystery experience, morning tea, lunch, games for the whole family, raffles, lucky door prize, and more! Go home in the evening or stay the night at am historic country pub with on-site camping, live entertainment and meals provided. Cost: Visit Eventbrite.com.au for ticket prices
23 Oct LIVE THEATRE: RED RIDING HOOD When: Evenings: Dec 4, 5, 11 & 18
Matinee: December 6, 12, 12, & 19
Where: Z-Pac Theatre, Zephyr St, Scarness
What: Once upon a time, the original Red Riding Hood was rescued and the Wolf defeated. Many years later, her granddaughter is now a new Red Riding Hood. Cost: Bookings to zpactheatre.com
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03
COVER S TORY by Lizzie Macaulay
PICK A MOMENT… Modern, luxe, wild
Fresh & Everlasting Floral design Gifts. Weddings. Events. Home.
Open Tues 9:30am–4pm, Wed–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm, Sat 8:30am–12pm. Closed Sun + Mon. Shop 3, 470 The Esplanade, Torquay, Hervey Bay (entrance on Witt Street)
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T
ake everything you think you know about floristry and set it aside.
The gorgeously bright sparks over at Hey Posy have taken everything we mere mortals know about flowers and turned it on its head. Think texture.
Think bright, bold colours.
Think exciting arrangements that ooze confidence and charm. A delicate balance of beautiful and strong. Sounds enticing, right?!
Well, who could resist the creativity, originality and pizazz of two of the Fraser Coast’s most artistic minds?
Owners Roxanne Spies and Jess Gunn Started Hey Posy after a chance meeting at a wedding expo just four years ago. Inspired by their innate creativity and years of artistry in their chosen professions – Jess, a photographer, Roxy a graphic designer, social media maven, teacher and photographer (among other fabulous things), Hey Posy was born.
“We were collaborating on a styled shoot. We got talking about how we were seeing little pop-up flower shops coming up on the Sunny Coast, and that nobody was really doing that around here,” recounts Roxanne.
“And the style of flowers that we were wanting for a particular shoot, we couldn’t source anywhere locally or even around
Bundy, so we were like ‘Oh well, we’ll just order some in!’” And thus, Hey Posy sprang to life…
As all good side hustles do, the floristry venture has taken on a life of its own. For Roxanne in particular, this new direction has provided inspiration and motivation to double down the time spent in ‘Posyland’.
What was once a fun, pop-up ‘market-day’ experience has morphed over time into a fully fledged business complete with premises in both Maryborough and Hervey Bay, and a queue of excited brides, event holders and customers seeking bespoke creations. The increasing demand for unique arrangements has the dual benefit of tickling the ladies’ creative funny bones whilst also lifting their heads from computer screens and giving them the opportunity to create in a more visceral way – with their hands.
With so many tools available digitally, it’s certainly a contrast to be able to reconnect with a traditional artform, commune with nature on a daily basis, and then turn the whole process on its head.
That’s not to say the journey has been without its challenges. Four years is a long time in the business world.
Especially for a business that started with a distinctive creative aesthetic and no formal training.
Weddinpghy Photogra
Timeless, modern imagery for the wildly in love!
Motherhood New The Sess ions
Wedding & Family Photographer . www.jessicagunnphotographer.com . Shop 3/258 Adelaide Street, Maryborough Alive Magazine Wide Bay |
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05
While the lack of formal training has very specifically been Jess and Roxy’s superpower aesthetically, the learning curve has been steep in other areas. Most notably, for reasons beyond their control over the last nearly two years where the supply chain has been compromised and the ability to physically be where the flowers are has not always been possible.
“It’s really hard that we can’t walk into markets to buy our product,” reflects Jess. “To rely on either photographs or the person on the other end of the phone takes a lot of trust.” Add to that the expense and heartache of anticipating a certain flower type being delivered only to open the box and be met with wilting, or even mouldy, blooms that didn’t survive the journey northwards. Luckily, those lessons learned are firmly in the rear-view mirror and the ladies have their sights squarely on the very rosy future. What’s most endearing about Jess and Roxanne is their trailblazing entrepreneurial spirits.
They are actively redefining success as they follow (and monetise) their creative passions.
To these dynamos, success means flexibility, choosing your hours, your clients and even having the ability to prioritise family time whenever you choose. While they both have more than one iron in the business fire, they come together multiple times a week to do the thing they love… together.
Working from a headspace of abundance, they regularly collaborate with fellow Fraser Coast creatives.
“There’s always enough work,” Jess considers. “Honestly it’s probably less what people think about your product at the end of the day. It’s more about who you are and who you connect with, and we love to refer out from there when the fit just isn’t quite right.” The dream one day would to be to establish a hub, where the Fraser Coast creative set could descend, collaborate, inspire each other and learn.
“There is plenty of work to go around here on the Fraser Coast,” Roxy says. “What we’d really love to see is a huge co06
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working space to base ourselves from – maybe taking advantage of some of the beautiful Maryborough architecture – where anyone could come to work side-by-side on their projects.” And what a glorious vision that would be.
These women dream big and pursue their ideas with fearless abandon. The best bit?
The nature of their business means they create from the freeing space of passion rather than the constraining obligation of a specific brief.
Their clients come with ideas, but ultimately, Jess and Roxy have the ultimate creative control based on seasonality, availability and what experience has proven just works. There’s a lot of trust in that.
“We’ve been very lucky,” Roxy says. “Obviously with my background in marketing and photography, we’ve been able to really niche and attract, I guess, what we would call ideal clients.”
“We’re pretty clear through everything we do that we work with what’s seasonal, and when we’re going to work with the colour palette, rather than a particular varietal, we have a brilliant outcome where the client gets what they want but are equally pleasantly surprised at the end result.”
Brilliant outcomes are certainly the aim of the game – for the ladies themselves, their clients and even the Fraser Coast creatives looking to emulate their trajectory. How incredible it is to see such leadership from women simply following their creative instincts to the benefit of all involved.
Now, just to restore some of the iconic Maryborough architecture and the final piece of the vision will be within reach!
we have a brilliant outcome where the client gets what they want but are equally pleasantly surprised at the end result. Alive Magazine Wide Bay |
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FRASER ISLAND
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A FULL DAY ADVENTURE IN PARADISE! K’gari (Fraser Island) is a UNESCO paradise with ancient shifting sand dunes, over one hundred freshwater lakes, and subtropical rainforests growing in the sand. Join the local experts for an all-inclusive, small group 4WD adventure (maximum 24 guests).
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L I Z Z I E L E A R NS T O by Lizzie Macaulay
LIZZIE LEARNS TO…
MASTER PILATES I
t was a dark and stormy morning…
No, this isn’t the start of a primary school child’s writing assignment, but literally how the day was unfolding as I was preparing for this month’s adventure.
Lightning was cracking overhead; rain was bucketing down and the wind was utterly howling.
With good reason, there were murmurs amongst the team about whether or not we should be leaving our homes in these dangerous conditions.
Time ticked away and it seemed like I was either going to make a dash for it, or miss out entirely.
And then of course, with ten minutes to spare, the clouds parted, the sun burst out, and aside from the debris strewn around, you’d never have known it had been anything other than a typical Fraser Coast day.
The universe, it would seem, was on our side once again.
Arriving safe and sound at Maryborough’s Pilates & Yoga studio run by Teresa Attinger, I was ready to try something I hadn’t tried since back in the days of living in Glasgow’s West End.
I settled in to my spot in the studio and prepared for what was sure to be a challenging session – I had no core strength ten years ago, and after two darling kiddos, probably even less these days! Teresa started by directing the class to a small silver ball that was going to be our tool of choice for the class.
I was resisting my standard reflex to test if it was bouncy or not – I was confident that would be a faux pas on my part, so I stifled the urge and followed Teresa’s instructions to pop it between my knees instead. We started by simply standing and finding ourselves in our
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09
truest aligned position.
While it was relatively easy to find alignment, staying there was a different proposition entirely.
Moving to the floor, the positions became more challenging as the class went on.
As we transitioned from movement to movement, I was surprised by the contrast between the simplicity and difficulty of each of them. I mean, lying on your back and raising your feet off the floor sounds easy enough… …But doing so whilst making sure you’re breathing correctly and everything is properly aligned is the bodily equivalent of patting your head and rubbing your tummy! It’s clear from how effortless the moves are for Teresa that she mastered the practice long ago.
She’s strong, nimble and makes every movement look so graceful.
I couldn’t help but want the same for myself, of course, but alas I had to settle for awkward, but enthusiastic. (Story of my life, right?!)
Teresa explained the origins of Pilates, and how its creator, Joseph Pilates developed the movements during World War II to aid in recovery from their injuries.
She discussed how the benefits of Pilates extended far beyond muscular control and into improvement in other areas, like a stronger immune system and improved focus. We heard how essential the practice is to other disciplines, like ballet, for the art of controlling and connecting with your body.
I could see how there would be benefits from the practice that could be applied in almost any area.
As someone who takes great pleasure in ‘lifting heavy things’, I could definitely see how an improvement in core strength (among other things) would be a great asset.
Although I wouldn’t have credited myself with any kind of real aptitude for what I was attempting, I thoroughly enjoyed the pursuit of it. I realised that this was the kind of thing that took time to develop, and one class was a tiny, teasing morsel of what could be with regular practise.
As the class drew to a close, I was caught by surprise – hadn’t we only just started?!
That time warp feeling is always a sign that you’ve enjoyed yourself immensely, and really, what more could you ask for?
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With thanks and gratitude to Teresa for generously sharing her space, knowledge and time with us. Teresa can be found at Pilates & Yoga, 175 Lennox Street, Maryborough. For more info and class times, head to the Pilates & Yoga Facebook page, or website: pilates-yoga.com.au
CLASSES • PILATES FOUNDATION • PILATES MAT
• STRETCH & RELEASE
• YOGA FLOW FOUNDATION • YOGA FLOW
• SOFTEN AND NOURISH • YIN YANG YOGA
175 Lennox Street, Maryborough Book online www.pilates-yoga.com.au or call Teresa on 0491 759 530
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11
OTHERS MAKE WE CREATE
DELICIOUS PIZZA
DINE IN OR TAKEAWAY . NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED
446 THE ESPLANADE, TORQUAY www.paolospizzabar.com.au Thur to Mon 5:00pm to late 12
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TH E P ROF ILE by Shaun Ryan
WHEN YOUR SHOES DO THE TALKING W
out in style.
hether you’re meeting up with friends, going to work or quickly nipping out to the supermarket, when you shop at Maxine’s Shoes, you know you’re going to be stepping
Based at 36 Torquay Road, Pialba, Maxine’s Shoes is all about comfort with style.
Owner Michelle Newman said the business prides itself on personal service and making sure clients leave with the perfect fitting shoe that offers comfort, style and support. “We’re a business that’s really well-established in the community and it’s our personal service, exclusive footwear and attention to detail that sets us apart from the rest,” Michelle said.
When you step into Maxine’s, you don’t just choose a pair of shoes, pay for them and leave. “We offer a proper fitting and are able to help people select a pair of shoes that is going to make them feel great and confident but also know that they’re going to be wearing shoes that are perfect for their feet. We’re even able to help with your orthotics if you need that extra support,” explained Michelle. “We know our product and personally pick everything that you see inside the store.”
And it’s that approach to business and customer service that keeps clients marching back to Maxine’s. Michelle said they’re gearing up for summer and have a shop full of new stock.
“Summer is a great season for us – it’s bright and colourful - and we have shoes that are exclusive to Maxine’s.”
All footwear sold at Maxine’s has been selected by the team. “We know our clients and we know what they want.”
Michelle said every last detail is thought through. Whether it’s the style, colour of the leather or even the combination of colours, they’re all inside the store for a reason. Maxine’s also actively chooses to limit the number of shoes they sell in each design or colour.
“This means the shoes we have on offer here in Hervey Bay are genuinely exclusive. Because we personally select shoes and pick everything ourselves, you could be wearing footwear that is not available anywhere else in the world. “We offer international brands that are personally selected. We’ve created a point of difference.”
Other accessories such as wallets, purses and handbags are also personally selected and limited to one item per style. “You’re never going to bump into a friend at a party and realise you have the same bag,” Michelle said. “It gives us so much joy to see people leaving after a successful shop. They came for something in particular and left with what they wanted.” “It’s destination shopping.”
You can keep up to date with Maxine’s product offering and new ranges online at www.maxinesshoes.com.au.
NEW
SUMMER STOCK ARRIVING DAILY
36 Torquay Road, Pialba
Phone 4128 4122
www.maxinesshoes.com.au
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H OME GROWN by Kerrie Alexander
BELIEF IN BEAUTY alexandraleigh_r
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Photo credit: Adelaide Watson Photography
A
former Maryborough resident is making her mark in the world of modelling after being named Miss Australia 2020.
Alexandra Ross, or Ali as she’s affectionately known to family and friends, has proved that dreams really can come true after being hand-selected by a pageant board to attend the three-day competition in Italy when Covid-19 travel restrictions ease. Only two women from around Australia were chosen to represent the country which was a major coup for the former Aldridge High School student, who now lives in Singleton, New South Wales.
The three-day event will see women from around the world compete for the title of Miss Continental in swimwear, formal and evening wear, as well as eloquently voicing their opinions on worldly topics like politics and the environment. The winner will secure a year-long contract in the fashion capital of the world. “It took me months to wrap my head around it,” Ali said.
“A pageant board does the selecting and they found me through my work on Instagram … they said they had been watching me for a year or so and decided I was the appropriate candidate to represent Australia. “The selection had a lot to do with how diverse my work can be, from swimwear to country clothing brands. I take a lot of pride in embracing my natural self.
“It’s not just about how we look though, we need to present ourselves well, speak well and have our own opinions; we have to have an awareness of the world around us.” Getting to this point, however, has been an epic journey of discovery for the 24-year-old.
The glamourous Ali we see today is a far cry from the shy, insecure teenager who, at first, turned down a Maryborough talent scouts offer of taking part in a modelling competition.
“It was very nerve wracking at first. I wasn’t really sure how I’d go because I wasn’t a very confident person in myself.
“When I first got approached by a talent scout, I told tell my friends, and they told their friends and it went around the school quite quickly and I did have a lot of people say, ‘no there’s no way she could do that, she’s lying, she’s not pretty enough’. “I was a bit young to know anything about it, so I didn’t end up going through with it.” With the support of family and friends, Ali did end up finding the confidence to step out of her comfort zone and start modelling for some small companies in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
But it wasn’t until she moved to Cairns at about 18, looking luminous and beaming with belief, that her Instagram and other social media pages caught the attention of several agencies
Pialba Place
who booked her for everything from swimwear shoots to becoming an ambassador for some major fashion labels.
“I was contacted by a few agencies and the jobs just started rolling in after that,” she said. “It was beyond flattering to have all this interest in me, so I decided to take a leap of faith and see how I went.
“It’s taken me places that I never thought I could go. It’s been a huge confidence boost and it’s opened a lot of doors for me. “You have to believe in yourself and know that you can do this. You get to the point where other people’s nasty comments, and there will be some, you just have to let them roll of your back and have that confidence in yourself.”
Ali’s focus is currently on being an ambassador for multiple brands such as Australian company Kader Boot Co, as well as staying in shape and looking her best for when it’s time to represent Australia in Italy – a part of the job that’s never ending. A job could come in at a moment’s notice and looking your best with hair, nails and waxing done is imperative.
“I definitely think that it’s something most people don’t realise how much time and effort it actually takes to do this kind of job.
“It’s a lot of planning, preparation, and it can be so time consuming and then you have to feel so confident in yourself as well.” Exercise and diet of course play a major role in the life of a model but if there’s one piece of advice Ali offers up regularly to her followers, it’s to listen to your body! “I used to have really strict diet and exercise plans and that wasn’t me.
“I stuck to it so strictly and pushed myself so hard that I got into a really toxic pattern … I almost passed out at one of my shoots one day. “I took a step back and had a think about what to do about that and I’m a huge believer in listening to your body because it tells you what it needs. “Now, I usually go to the gym a couple of times of week, but I don’t strain myself until I’m on the ground anymore.
“I just keep up with regular exercise and just watch what I eat.
“I’m always going to treat myself to sweets and takeout here and there, but all in proportion.”
Ali said she looks forward to continuing her career in the world of modelling with her biggest fans, her fiancé and her parents, giving her all the inspiration she needs.
“I have the most wonderful family and friends, and a wonderful partner. “They are all so supportive, I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today without them backing me because it means more than anything to me to have their support and encouragement. “They are very proud of me and that’s always heart-warming.”
(Big W Entrance),
Hervey Bay | Ph 0409 266 966
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15
WI S E WORDS by Kerrie Alexander
A storyteller of life and love I
t takes a very special kind of person to capture the beauty of a wedding or eloquently lead an emotion-fueled funeral service to celebrate a life.
Each of these life altering events reflects the couples or the persons totally unique style, character and life achievements. It’s a job that Fraser Coast wedding celebrant Christine Smith just relishes in. The 69-year-old has tried her hand at many careers over the years such as hairdressing, make-up artist, fashion design using exotic fabrics and embroidery, selling real estate and being a teacher’s aide for 25 years, but Christine said, owning her business of 13 years – Perfectly Gorgeous Weddings – is absolutely her life’s calling.
“Each and every time that I’m invited to be part of someone’s wedding day, or funeral, it’s an honour and a privilege for me,” Christine said.
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“It’s provided me with amazing memories and unforgettable experiences.
“My personal life revolves around my celebrancy life, and I don’t resent that for a minute. I just wish I had done it sooner. It’s not really a job, it’s a love of what you do.”
The path to becoming a celebrant was guided by her spiritual connection to angels and the belief in life after death; a hope that helped her through some dark days while battling a rare cancer 15 years ago. It’s not a subject that she talks about often, especially with her clients, but Christine believes having a spiritual side gives her the strength to lead extra tough services like funerals for babies, murder victims and those who have taken their own life. It also gives her the courage to stand in front of hundreds of people and guide couples while they vow and declare their love for each other.
“When I became ill and was recovering from major surgery 15 years ago, I decided that I wanted to do something very special in the way of the work I did, and I couldn’t think of anything I’d enjoy more that becoming a marriage celebrant,” she said. “It was through the experiences I had throughout my life and while I was ill, that drew the spirituality together.
She also loves dressing up and looking elegant for the task ahead and often dons an outfit to match the wedding’s theme.
“I love being able to get dressed in a lovely outfit, apply the make-up and to look nice - out of respect for my couples and their guests.
“Until now, I haven’t really shared this side of myself publicly, but it has a really big influence on the work I do.”
“You have to put on a well-groomed look when you go out if you want to keep your reputation. It’s a reason to keep fit and healthy as well.”
They are events that Christine gives her whole-hearted attention to by getting to know the people and using her creativity, passion and energy to create a beautiful ceremony that is genuine, joyful, life-affirming and meaningful.
“The decorations and the décor are just part of the whole production. It’s a personal thing and it’s the most special day in that couple’s life and you realise how important it is to them and to help make it all happen according to plan.
Weddings, for most, and funerals, are two of life’s events that only ever happen once in a lifetime.
“I take great pride in what I do, so it is important to make every ceremony authentic, real and to honour the family’s wishes – especially for a celebration of life.
“Weddings need to be about the couple and have their story woven throughout the ceremony making it unique to that couple and fun and enjoyable for their guests. “You always need to be researching and looking for inspiration to be creative in that way and offer new ideas.”
Christine loves the beauty and elegance of seeing the bridal parties looking radiant and witnessing the pure joy of the day.
Christine takes great pleasure in the surroundings of a wedding.
“I have an overall appreciation for that.”
Christine is a member of the Australian Bridal Industry Academy and has won many awards including being recognized for her consistent ability to make a bride’s day perfect.
So, what is Christine’s advice on bringing a perfect day to fruition? “My best tip is to keep it simple and don’t sweat the small stuff and prioritize what’s important to you.” To find out more visit perfectlygorgeous.com.au
My best tip is to keep it simple and don’t sweat the small stuff and prioritize what’s important to you.
CHRISTINE SMITH of CELEBRANT WEDDINGS BABY NAMINGS VOW RENEWALS COMMITMENT CEREMONIES FUNERALS
Phone: 07 4121 4884 Mobile: 0408 072 163 www.perfectlygorgeous.com.au Alive Magazine Wide Bay |
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C OM MUNI TY CONNECT I O N by Kerrie Alexander
BOOSTING CONFIDENCE WITH APPAREL M
el Hirning has opened her doors to women from all walks of life to feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin.
Especially those who have been through the trauma of having a mastectomy, an operation that removes the entire breast due to cancer.
The owner of the Brave Hen lingerie store in Urraween is a fully trained bra and prosthetic fitter and after moving to the region from the Sunshine Coast last year, Mel quickly realised there was a void to fill in that area. “I think comfort is everything,” Mel said.
“Comfort is confidence! If you don’t have that you’re going to have a bad day. “If you can get dressed in the morning, and you feel good about how you look when you walk out the door, then tick, you’ve achieved it!
“My focus is on practicality and comfort and looking good too.” After caring for her son with a brain tumour and epilepsy, and her youngest son with learning difficulties, Mel has an
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emotional soft spot for those doing tough.
When a cancer patient has left her store feeling on top of the world with a perfectly fitted bra, piece of swimwear or a colourful head turban to cover hair loss, Mel’s heart is full.
“When you see a lady who has been though surgery and it’s quite devastating, I’ve had a lot of times when I’ve cried when I’m fitting, it’s so wonderful seeing how you can change their life,” Mel said.
“It sounds dramatic when you’re just fitting a bra, but when you have that prosthetic and you’re matching (breasts) up and they’re balanced again, the women feel like they used to feel.” A woman who was fitted with a prosthetic bra and is now confident enough to leave home is just one of the many stories that makes Mel feel like she’s making a difference. “I had a lady come in here who hadn’t been out of her house for years and she came in said; “I heard you’re a new bra shop, I’m in need of a bra with a bit of padding because I’m missing one” (breast). “I went down the track of saying you know Medicare have a rebate for prosthetics, which she didn’t know, and I showed her
what a prosthetic was, fitted her up and she was so happy.
“She said she was actually going to go out to a coffee shop for the first time in years.
these are for people getting fitted for a prosthetic, so it has to be spot on.”
“She felt like she could now go out in public. That’s the sort of response you get.
When opening the family-owned business, Mel was also meticulous in finding a quiet location that was both respectful and convenient for her customers.
As well as bras for every sized, everyday women, Mel also stocks post-surgical garments and bras to suit ladies who have had implants or reductions.
Mel’s daughter Jade, who has a background in aged care in disability, also works in the store and the two pride themselves on providing a welcoming and non-judgemental environment.
“These operations (implants) aren’t cheap so spending the extra money to get the right bra is well worth it,” Mel said.
“People don’t know I exist, and people don’t know how to find me just yet, but I’d rather people seek me out rather than be somewhere where they don’t feel comfortable coming in.
“It’s about giving ladies back their confidence and that’s pretty amazing.”
So, with the Cancer Care clinic just down the street, Medical Place in Urraween was the perfect spot.
Customers will also find scar adhesive strips, adhesive nipples, maternity bras, bamboo undies and bras, lymphoedema sleeves and a range of colourful Kaftans on offer.
“I didn’t want to be in a major supermarket where you’ve got all the teenagers being silly, I wanted to be away from all the crowds, close to the breast care nurse and close to the hospital.
“If these ladies have had implants and don’t have the correct bra when they come out of surgery, those implants can move and then they set in the wrong spot so it’s really critical to have the right garment coming out of surgery.
“I’m in a sensible location where ladies don’t feel intimidated. The change rooms are wheelchair friendly and designed everything so when you walk in here, there’s no stress.”
“But everything in the store can be worn by every woman. The bras have extra lining in them, but it doesn’t alter the fact that anyone can wear them. “Because they are designed by a prosthetic company, they are designed perfectly from the get-go.
“It’s not like cheaper brands that have no structure to them …
Shoppers can also feel like their making a difference with a gold donation being made to the McGrath Breast Cancer Foundation with every purchase.
To find out more, head to The Brave Hen Hervey Bay Facebook or Instagram Page. Orders can also be made online at www. thebravehen.com.
FOR ALL WOMEN! Specialising in Mastectomy products, Lingerie, Swimwear and Kaftans
4/13 Medical Place, Urraween, Hervey Bay Ph: 4128 4371 www.thebravehen.com
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LOCA L MUS I CI A N
LIANA MCKAY Have you always been musical? I haven’t always been musical. I always loved karaoke as I was growing up in my childhood but never believed I could sing. My mum always said I was a good singer... but mums have to say that! I began singing and playing guitar at the age of 12. I went for guitar lessons and my teacher said “sing the first line of the song, so you get the beat of the music”- 3 months later we began a duo singing and playing professionally at venues in Bundaberg.
Who are your musical influences? I absolutely adore Ziggy Alberts. For years I have looked up to him as an influencer as I was first developing a music career. I went a concert of his and he was such a genuine person, who just wanted to share his love for music with everyone in the venue. From that performance it influenced me to stay humble, and keep my passion for music alive. If you don’t love what you do, it really shows through your performance.
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Who are you listening to right now? I am loving Stevie Nicks and her band known as Fleetwood Mac. Favourite line from a song? “Lose your dream, you lose your mind.”― The Rolling Stones” How often do you practice? I try to practise as much as I can, but mostly just once a week. I’d be lying if I said I was regular. As I mostly have 2 gigs every week I feel pretty refreshed and confident with my current songs. My practise is mostly for learning new music. Which instruments do you play? I am a one-woman band; play guitar, stomp box on one foot and a Tamborine on the other.
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L OCA L A RTI S T by April Spadina
T
LEIGH “LEELEE” WEST
ucked away amongst the quiet leafy suburbs of Hervey Bay, is a secret place called Painty Land, where Fraser Coast artist Leigh “Leelee” West makes her imagination come to life in the form of beautiful, emotive artworks.
Often depicting a representation of herself in the form of auburn-haired ladies, Leelee uses her art almost as a diary of her life and gives us a peek into the workings of her soul.
health and wellbeing, her kindness, generosity and ability to connect with others is a beautiful gift.
She shares it in the hope she can bring happiness to others.
An extension of her artwork, Leelee is herself a living, breathing picture of positivity and happiness. Complete with bright colours and paint smudges, she is one of the Fraser Coast’s creative treasures.
Wide, shady trees with redhaired woman entwined in the tangled roots preparing for growth, tiny boats adrift in a turbulent storm in a teacup, large eyed owls, clocks and angels, and flowers - lots of flowers, these are all symbolic of Leelee’s observation of life.
She has a style of her own. It’s a very loose, narrative style of storytelling by smudges and drips, overlapping lines and texture. Leelee uses an array of mediums from acrylic paints, coloured pastels, charcoal, and you won’t often see her without her sketchpad and Sharpie pen. Her creations are also very recognisable and appear around the Fraser Coast in the form of graphic design, her other art gig. Many of her graphic artworks appear in public places including the Story Bank in Maryborough, and recently she presented the graphic imagery for the Fraser Coast City Council’s Arts & Cultural Strategy.
Leelee is one of those constant artists who always has something on the go. She will scribble artwork on café napkins and paper coffee cups, once even creating a wonderful monochromatic Sharpie piece on the back of an airline sick bag on a flight to Melbourne, which she then surreptitiously tucked back into the back of the seat when she left, unused of course. She doodles as she talks and the result is often lots of swirls and repetitive linework, single line drawings are a favourite way of letting go of the mind and just being an artist.
Art is a therapy for Leelee, it’s cathartic and mediational. It helps to release what she can’t keep inside, and because she knows how valuable this tool is to herself, she is very mindful of sharing the experience with others to encourage mental
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DUNGA DERBY by Kerrie Alexander
THE LITTLE
battler
Whether you call them clangers, clunkers, rust buckets or simply just dungas … hundreds of Fraser Coast residents get behind the wheel of their beloved rattly rally cars every year for one exceptionally good reason!
The Dunga Derby is run every year to support local families and individuals with life-limiting medical conditions or those who need help from a situation beyond their control.
Under the umbrella of the Rally for a Cause charity, those Dunga Derby teams have raised a a massive $1.8 million since its inception in 2015. That money has since provided support to over 100 local Fraser Coast families in their times of crisis. Each month, Alive Magazine will publish a Dunga Derby
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column with a focus on the families who have been recipients of this vital support. Those who have thrown a dollar in a dunga tin, attended events or even sponsored a car, will read about the incredible difference those life-changing donations have made to the recipients.
Below is a story from Michelle and Matt Hourigan who are the parents of little Kaysey. The family’s lives were turned upside down when Kaysey started having rare seizures at just one years old.
Rally for a Cause has been supporting the family with funding towards Kaysey’s physical therapy sessions to help build his gross motor skills and his strength.
The head neurologist was in California for a medical conference, and he bought up Kaysey’s case with the American neurologists at the conference. It was discussed as to whether it was epilepsy or not as there is normally brain scarring or tissue damage from seizures.
They came to the conclusion that it was a rare form of epilepsy due to the nonscarring and that he was suffering from Focal/ absent seizures. The longest seizure he had was 4 minutes 30 seconds - at 5 minutes you are brain dead! He had one in the bath where he went from having so much fun to being dragged out and comforted on the floor.
K
aysey was born in Bundaberg on January 14, 2014. He is my fourth child and Matts first. When he was born, he arrived via emergency c-section as the cord was wrapped across his head.
If I had given birth naturally it would have killed him. Because of all this (and that I had a Placental Abruption) he was born dead on arrival. Thankfully, they managed to bring him back. He was also born with a club right foot, and he had to wear a splint on from the age of three months to 10 months old. We moved to Lithgow NSW just before Kaysey turned one. The day after we arrived is when our world was turned upside down.
We were eating lunch when Kaysey went all limp. At first, we thought he was choking but a minute later he seemed fine. He then slept for around four hours which was unusual for him, and I had to wake him for dinner.
At dinner he again had this funny little turn, which seemed like he was choking. I recall saying to Matt that ‘I don’t like this I think something is wrong and if he does it again, I’m going to the hospital’. As soon as I said that he did it again, so it was a total of three turns in one day.
He went to hospital and was admitted straight away. During the three-hour stay he had another four turns. This was enough for them to transfer him to Westmead Hospital in Sydney.
He had another turn in the ambulance. At this stage we knew he was having some sort of seizure but unsure of why or what sort. There was no temperature or any signs of sickness at all but when he had a turn his oxygen level would drop dramatically; the lowest we recorded was 35 and his lips would go blue. I stayed at Westmead with him for one whole week. This week, it was his first birthday, so all the nurses and neurologist all came and helped celebrate with cake, balloons and clowns. The same week we were there he didn’t have another seizure and test after test was done with no result. We were sent back home to Lithgow.
We were home maybe two days and he started seizing again. So back to Westmead we went for further testing. They decided to give him an EEG to see if it was epilepsy, but they said no at first because there was no brain scarring from his seizures. In the first month we were in and out of Westmead and Katoomba Hospitals and we were not getting any sort of real answers. He had numerous EEGs, he had a heart harness on for 48 hours to see if it was caused from some sort of heart issue, he had MRIs, spinal fluid taken, an EEG that he had to stay in his bed for three continual days, it went on and on and again with no real answers. Every time we were sent home, within a day or two we were back in hospital. It only seemed to happen when we went back to Lithgow. The longest we were home for was 19 days. It was so hard to be hours away from Matt and family all the time. After what seemed like the 100th time we were admitted and after numerous tests and bloods and so forth, we still did not have any concrete results.
Every time he seized we had to call the ambulance and have him put straight onto oxygen. We just felt so helpless as we couldn’t do anything for him while he was fitting … we just held his hand and spoke to him telling him it is ok From there he was put onto anti-seizure medication, Keppra, to which he became a very violent 1 year old.
So immediately they changed the medication to Tegretol and he was on that for 2 ½ years. With that he became a zombie and in turn it stopped his development in its tracks. After living in Lithgow for four months, in which he was in hospital for 3 of those, we decided to move back to Hervey Bay. From the minute we got back he has been seizure free and remains seizure free to this day. He then had to start with speech and OT sessions weekly as he was very behind developmentally.
Basically, at the age of 4 he was more like a one-year-old. He still has some areas where I have to help him such as toileting, using a knife and fork, pouring drinks etc. We have had a long and stressful road to get him to where he is now. His speech has flourished in this time, but his fine and gross motor skills are still lacking.
He is still doing OT now. He can’t put on weight and is approximately 8-9kgs under the average weight for his age group. He is now in Grade 2 where he is one of the highest in his grade for reading but is below for all other subjects and is struggling at the moment.
He still sees a paediatrician and they are now testing to see if he is on the spectrum for Autism, which I have been told that it is a very high chance he is.
But we will deal with that as we have for the last 6 years, one day at a time. He has also been diagnosed with ADHD which he is on medication for.
He is going on 6 year’s seizure-free and although that is fantastic in itself, the damage has been done and we are now on the long road to repair all that. Rally for a Cause and the Dunga Derby has kindly helped with funding towards Kaysey’s physical therapy sessions to help build his gross motor skills and his strength, and he is loving it! He has gone up a level in both areas and I’m amazed at how quickly he has adapted and progressed with it.
He is now 7 years old and maybe only one year behind the average seven-year-old, but he is a little battler, and he just tries his best all the time. Every day he has surprised us with another big word he has learnt, and he likes to show off his “guns” as he calls them, after using the 1kg weights for two minutes.
He still struggles with a lot of everyday stuff, but he just takes it in his stride and carries on. He’s just a little trouper. We would like to say a massive thank you to the Dunga Derby and Rally for a Cause for helping Kaysey. It will help him in so many ways and not just physically but mentally as well.
To find out more about the charity and how you can help families like Kaysey’s, head to www.rallyforacause.org.au or www.dungaderby.com.au. Find them on Facebook under 'Dunga Derby by Rally for a Cause'
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FI TNES S by Josh Hoodless www.teamlift.com.au
FITNESS, FOOD AND FUN I f you can honestly stick to your regular exercise routine over the summer festive season uninterrupted, then that’s great!
But for most of us, the summer holiday period involves work parties, family, friends, more parties, the ‘day after the party’ party, eating, shopping, vacations, school holidays, decorating and much more. Something must give, and it’s usually your workouts. Time to get festive and maybe try a new routine. The goal is to maintain!
Try a new full body three-day split program at the gym with different repetition ranges each day. You can fit those three gym workouts into each busy period of 6-10 days. That way, you can train three days in a row or once every three days, so your schedule won’t matter as much. The goal is not to make any progress but to maintain your levels that you worked hard for all year. When it comes to cardio, stretching, playing sport other training modes, make sure you fit them in when you can. It’s a possibility that you don’t know when your next workout is so make it a good one. Without daylight saving in our part of the world, the sun is getting up very early – maybe you should too. Fitting in an early morning run to beat the heat or at the gym to beat the crowds will increase your chance of getting your daily exercise done. This may also increase your chances of going to bed earlier and decrease the latenight binge drinking and eating – well, cut it down a bit. Every calorie counts. Only have 30 minutes for your gym workout? Do big compound movements, like deadlifts or squats, that use a lot of muscle and burn calories rather than just pumping the guns.
Putting on extra kilos of fat doesn’t come from just one
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big Christmas buffet; it comes from the days to weeks to months total calorie intake. A good tip here is to cut down on your calories during the day and prepare for the night-time feast!
Let’s face it, the boss has paid for an open bar with whatever expensive food options that takes your fancy, and you say no? Mum and the family have just spent two days preparing the Christmas feast and you say no? All-inclusive resort and you can’t walk past the buffet for fear of going into a feeding frenzy? No way! Enjoy yourself during the summer season. Here’s a tip: Fill up on whole foods like vegetables, meats, potato dishes and salads. That way if you’re full, you’ll have less chance to eat the high calorie dessert or fit another beer in. Speaking of beer, try a lower calorie beer if you’re having more than a couple. A typical IPA or pale ale is roughly 200 calories where a pure blonde is 92 calories. Avoid the high sugar/calorie mixers with your alcoholic beverages. Less refined carbs, less refined sugar.
Check this out: 6 double vodka and cokes is 1350 calories! 4 single vodka and coke zero with 2 just coke zero (sneaky) is only 240 calories!! Late night doner kebab with heaps of dressing is 1400 calories or large drink of water with electrolytes is 0 calories. It’s your choice, you can still party and be social over the summer but just remember it’s a looooong summer. Have fun but be smart. Think feast or famine rather than just constantly grazing. Whenever you get to exercise - make it worthwhile, whenever you get to indulge - make sure you choose low calorie options that don’t blow your daily calories completely out of the water. Do you want to spend the first 6 months of 2022 trying to get back into shape or maybe just January? You could STAY bikini ready every month of the year.
TIME TO TREAT YOURSELF
We know when you treat yourself right, you run better and more efficiently. Which means you don't have to go 100 miles an hour to get everything done. So this month, we give you a top 4 ‘MUST GO’ to treat yourselves.
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Emily Wilson
BROW TREATMENT Emily Wilson has always been drawn to brows and feels it is so important to the overall symmetry of a person’s face. She has created and grown her own cosmetic line and in doing so has developed such an amazingly loyal client base for makeup and brows. Our clients are like family and we have a relaxed environment for them to enjoy their treatments. With over 15 years’ experience Emily loves being able to create a look that is unique for each client.
Emily Wilson Cosmetics help ‘everyday’ women feel beautiful and confident. Emily and her team pride themselves on helping women realise their own natural beauty and in turn help them feel more confident and beautiful. Services including waxing and tinting, brow Tattooing and both makeup application and lessons.
You can also purchase the full range of Emily Wilson Cosmetics products (cruelty free) through the online store. www.emilywilsoncosmetics.com.au
Headlines
HAIR MAKEOVER
Headlines constantly strives to deliver the latest and greatest in the world of Hair & Beauty up to the minute product innovation and customer experience.
We strive to listen and understand the needs of our clients and advise on how to achieve the best possible results. We use and recommend the very best products as we strongly believe in achieving the best results and never compromise quality in achieving the result.
Our friendly, passionate, professional team make it their number one mission to give you the best hair and beauty salon experience you have ever had.
It is important to choose a hairdresser that is dedicated to you. Finding a stable, well-established hair salon that is dedicated to good service will ensure that you don’t end up with a bad hair day. If you are looking for a new hairdresser, it is particularly important to do some research and make sure you don’t settle for anything short of the best. Stockists of:
Kerastase, L’oreal, Bhave, Ghd, Phytomer, Youngblood and Brow Code Shop 1 & 2 Cnr the Esplanade & Bideford St, Hervey Bay. Phone: 4125 4220 www.headlines4hair.net.au
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Wander & Find
NATURAL SKINCARE Handmade with love in a custom-designed production space, Wander & Find’s natural skincare range started with founder Karina Wilson’s desire to find a simpler approach to skincare. Regardless of your skin type, you’ll find a fuss-free solution in our extensive range and promote your irresistibly healthylooking skin. Our natural skincare products are effective enough to assist in combatting a wide range of skin complaints, and gentle enough to be used on even the most sensitive of skins.
With our Cleanse Oil containing 100% organic ingredients including Rosehip, Rose Geranium, Hempseed, Borage and Sweet Almond Oils it is one of the must-have products for your daily skincare routine, and the most popular product in the Wander & Find range. Follow up with Harmony Cream for acne prone or sensitive skin, or for dry / ageing skin, our signature Lumina Cream is a stand-out favourite.
You can find Wander & Find products locally at selected stockists and Urangan Pier Park Markets which Karina attends fortnightly. www.wanderandfind.com.au
Mineral Earth
SPA TREATMENT Mineral Earth Beauty & Skin Clinic is expanding to a bigger space in January 2022. Our new premises will be locating to beautiful waterfront Oaks Resort, Urangan, Hervey Bay. Indulge in a variety of healing facials, body treatments and rituals available to book for one or two guests in our couples suite. We offer high-end skin treatment for all skin types. Join us for a relaxation facial using the aromatic Inika Organic Range.
Drift away with beautiful aromatic scents and healing massage to de-stress and leave skin feeling revived, fresh and glowing in our magical spa experiences. All ingredients are botanically based and cruelty free. Vegan treatment options are noted on our menu. We offer all areas of beauty and dermal therapies using high quality active skincare, organic makeup, body care and tanning. We also offer day spa treatments from head-to-toe.
So treat yourself with a range of skin treatment by Mineral Earth today or get your love one a gift voucher for Christmas. Phone: 4325 4517 www.mineralearth.com.au
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Nautical but nice T
here is a classic fashion statement that is constant, despite the trends, and that is … stripes!
This is true especially in summer when a nautical look reflects the sea in a range of blues and white.
This month we’ve chosen to feature some navy and white pieces which will easily combine with other garments you may already have.
By way of highlighting navy, the iconic British fashion designer Jean Muir was renowned for only wearing dark navy/ink blue.
Her understated and minimalist collections focused on beautiful quality fabrics, such as linen, silk, cotton and cashmere. Creating a wardrobe of comfortable and effortless clothes relies on a foundation of fun, fresh and timeless fashion. By adding a few nautical striped pieces this season, you cannot go wrong.
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F A SH IO N by Kate Manley
LEFT: 1. Blue Stripe V-Neck Knit Top 2. White 3 Quarters Linen Skirt 3. White Cotton Bucket Hat 4. Grey Half Shade Sunglasses 5. Blue and Brown Natural Stone Bead Bracelet RIGHT: 1. White Cotton Tunic/Dress, Self-embroidered 2. Blue Stripe Wide Legged Linen Pants 3. Blue Leather Woven Bag 4. Blue Stripe Cotton Scarf
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ECO L I VI NG by Ingrid Gorissen
ATTRACTIVE INSIDE AND OUT F
or a home to be good, it needs to be beautiful as being beautiful, it creates Joy and delight for people. “Beauty is the promise of happiness.”
Beauty in design comes from the core principals of spacial organisation, materials selections, light and shade, and even forms.
*It is easy to know when an interior space feels comfortable and pleasant.
*It is easy to know when a house is interesting to look at and attracts the viewer with meaning and happiness. For me, that is beauty.
Homes should make you feel comfortable.
I like homes that have a connection with nature, as nature has beauty in its purest form.
It is proven that contact with nature can enhance our mental health and especially in these hard to deal with covid times, this is something that with a little effort, can bring great benefits for our wellbeing. As well as invigorating and rejuvenating us, nature can reduce stress, depression, anger, and frustration, improve our mood and physical health, enhance focus and clarity, and promote a sense of belonging, calm and acceptance. In my home, I certainly want to foster a feeling of comfort and safety and offer respite and shelter for my family.
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Ideas about how easily bring BEAUTY into our homes:
• U se natural materials for your furnishings, ornaments and/ or home construction • Incorporate nature prints on furnishings, art, or wallpaper • Introduce natural pot plants
• Open up your home to natural light • Open the windows and doors
• Create a natural garden you can look at from inside • Use natural scents
• Install a water feature
• K eep artificial sounds (buzzing, humming appliances and electricals) to a minimum
• U se the colours of nature — leaf green, earth brown, taupe, sky blue and soft cream
• B ring in emblems from nature — leaves, cones, stones, twigs and more • Add texture
In the presence of beautiful things, we feel a broad range of emotions, such as fascination, awe, wonder and admiration. We can feel these emotions through vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell, the five senses which transfers information to the brain to help us understand and perceive the world around us.
“Beauty in Design, Creating to find Inner Beauty, Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated!”
What’s beautiful and what’s not?
• In Day-to-day life it is a combination of things that are pleasing to look at.
• In Design it means something like a combination of things that are pleasing to look at based on colour combinations, proportions, and compositions. • In Nature its often the perception of light and shade.
Beauty in design has a real impact on our lives and wellbeing as it stimulates our senses and ultimately making the world a better place. Life can be destructive in places that lack beauty.
The crime rate in well-designed places is lower as people feel better and happier in nice places. In Design we combine aesthetics and functionality.
The design’s main task is to make spaces functional, and the aesthetics come second. When the design is done right, you don’t have to choose between aesthetics and functionality.
They are intwined but good design is when they work perfectly together. Beauty is key to everything, and design is a conversation with the once you design for. As a designer I like helping people to find their own unique beauty.
When I can connect in a way that people step out of their comfort zone and trust to create an individual design with an emotional result that awes them, I feel my goal has been reached.
BUILDING, RENOVATING AND DESIGNING QUALITY HOMES TO CO-EXIST WITH THE ENVIRONMENT.
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HE A L TH HUNTER
FIND YOUR INNER GLOW
by Rhian Hunter
@healthhunternaturaltherapies
I
f you attended one of my last two workshops you would have heard me talk about the importance of effective elimination and proper digestion for optimal beauty, since your digestive system is responsible for breaking down and assimilating all of those skin hydrating and glowing nutrients you take in from specific foods. So if you want to reap the benefits in every bite of nutrient dense food, healthy digestion will allow you to do that. According to Ayruveda, our inner glow is fuelled by Ojas (pronounced oh-jus), one of the three subtle forces in our body. Think of ojas as the container that holds your abundant energy. It is the the most refined by-product of digestion, the ultimate energy reserve of the body and mind, and the seat of our immune system. Ojas is like the body’s natural honey: it is the delicate and refined essence we produce from the plants and other vital essences that we take in.
If you think that some 20,000 bees per hive collect the nectar of thousands of flowers and concentrate them into honey – this is the ojas of the flowers. Ojas energy is described as the end product of good physical and emotional digestion, when you have fully assimilated nutrients and processed your life experiences. You know that glow and the radiant physical beauty that some of us seem to possess effortlessly? We often see that kind of radiance as an elusive quality, but if it’s deepened by ojas, and ojas is made through digestion, it follows that every one of us can nourish that glow within ourselves.
The presence of ojas is an inner vitality so compelling, and a complexion so lustrous, that our attractiveness transcends all modes of fashion and all popular ideals. It is not imaginary and not something we can fake for very long, even with the best makeup.
The classical Ayurvedic texts state that it takes 27–30 days to build ojas, once all seven dhatus—the tissues responsible for the functioning of the systems and organs of the body—are fed and nourished. So while chewing and digesting your greens may take less than 24 hours, it takes a lot more time for your body to benefit from the gifts of those greens. Like a savings account, you can make deposits, or you can make withdrawals.
Your Ojas balance becomes depleted when you extend your body beyond its ideal range of function. This includes not 34
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getting enough sleep and/or proper rest, dissonant thoughts and emotions, taking part in too many stimulating activities, excessive stress over an extended period of time, eating too little or too much, not chewing food correctly or always eating on the run. Modern science supports this concept. For instance, research has shown that stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep have tangible effects on skin tone and elasticity, and the health of our hair and nails. Stress and sleep loss increase the production of the hormone cortisol, triggering inflammation that breaks down collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm and smooth.
Cortisol is also linked to acne. Dermatologists prescribe stress management to help treat skin conditions like rosacea or psoriasis because when pro-inflammatory stress hormones are reduced, it aids in recovery and limits recurrence of skin problems. The very same can be said about building up and/or protecting your ojas. So how can you increase ojas?
• Eat a diet rich in ojas building foods such as: Ghee, medjool dates, apricots, apples, bananas, berries, figs, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, walnuts, avocados, dark leafy greens, lettuce, parsley, coriander, sweet potato, spinach, watercress, turnips, zucchini, amaranth, basmati rice, steel cut oats, quinoa, buckwheat, moong dal, tofu, soy milk, coconut water, coconut meat, coconut oil, olive oil, turmeric, ginger + saffron, ashwaghanda (just to name a few). • P ractice Yoga (asana, pranayama and meditation) on a daily basis. Stress is one of the biggest contributors to decreased ojas. • Daily self-massage.
• S et your sleep rhythm by going to bed at the same time each night, getting about eight hours of sleep, and waking up at the same time every day. • Nourish your senses with nature and the arts.
• S pend time with loved ones, and avoid harsh and negative people.
Protecting that vibrant life force and filling up your inner reserve is Ayurveda’s key to cultivating authentic beauty and finding your inner glow. And the best part about having ample ojas? is that it encourages peace and contentment; which is the real source of beauty.
DATES IN GHEE G
hee, dates, and saffron are all considered exceptionally healing according to Ayurveda. The reason is that they are all high in ojas
Rich, Sweet, Saffron Dates in Spiced Ghee are more than your average sweet snack. This ancient Ayurvedic tonic nourishes and revitalises your deepest tissues. It is a classic rasayana, a formula for rejuvination. The perfectly decadent combination of flavourful spices, rich medjool dates, and juicy ghee. If you are in need of a little extra umph at any time, replenish your ojas with one of these a day.
H E A L TH Y RE CIPE by Rhian Hunter
INGREDIENTS: 15 Medjool Dates 1 Cup Pure Grass-fed Ghee Saffron – a few threads 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon, ground 1/2 tsp. Cardamom, ground 1/2 tsp. Ginger, ground 1/8 tsp. Ashwagandha METHOD:
1. In a small pan, melt the ghee.
2. Stir in the saffron, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, add the ashwagandha, stir to combine and allow it to cool. 4. Take a clean, dry jar and put the dates in.
5. Pour the ghee mixture over the dates while it’s lukewarm, let it cool completely before dealing with an airtight lid and store in dark area of your pantry (they’ll keep for a long time ).
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SK I N C ARE
WHAT IS TRENDING B
eauty has really become so big now that all areas have a specialised field. In 2021, we have a look at what is emerging as everyone’s favourites.
Brows are always in: Microblading and brow tattooing are still incredibly popular. Having the perfect shape for your face and not having to do a lot to them everyday is what makes them so popular. Especially coming into summer weather, with the thought of your brows not washing off while swimming is music to most women’s ears. Brow Lamination has really started to rise through as well, this is a procedure where the brows are brushed up and a solution is used to get them to stay in place for up to four weeks. This is great for women who have really unruly curly brows that never do what they are told. Henna and the new kid on the market, bronsun tint, are still hugely popular as not only do they tint the brow hair but also the skin for up to two weeks, help to cover gaps in the brows so you dont have to fill them in everyday! Skin Treatments: One of the treatments that has really taken off in 2021 is Skin Needling. It requires the use of tiny needles to cause micro traumas to the skin, which creates a healing process within the skin.
by Abby Blanke
It creates brand new collagen, elastin and skin cells. It is amazing for almost all skin concerns, especially scarring pigmentation and anti-aging. Cosmelan has also really gained traction for being the number one treatment to treat pigmentation of any kind. An intense peel that has your skin shedding for 10 to 14 days. It will literally remove all damaged pigment cells and help to rebuild your skin without pigment. Lashes: While lash extensions are still hugely popular and the cat eye look still holds supreme, we are noticing more and more lash lifts are becoming more requested. Lash lifts use aperming style solution to curl the lashes up, opening up your eyes more. It works great with a lash tint to really help define the eyes! We are finding this is more manageable than extensions as maintenance is not quite as big. Combine a lash lift with a high quality lash growth serum and your own natural lashes can look just as great as extensions. Injectables are not going away any time soon: This is by the far the biggest growth in our industry, and availability is becoming more accessible. From filler to botox this is one of the quickest ways to smooth out a line or two or add some volume where gravity might take it away. You can create a subtle little change or as much as you want to be as bold as you feel. That is the best part about injectables: you can create what makes you feel amazing. However that is!
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SM A RT MO NEY
GET READY RENOVATORS! W elcome to Spring time people! It is the perfect time to beautify your home and get your reno mojo happening! We have a booming little property market going on here on the Fraser Coast and this means all of the homeowners here have gained equity in their properties.
by Kodie Axelsen
seeing opportunities arise to renovate, increase equity and potentially make future property purchases using equity.
If you are interested in exploring your options please contact my office and book a meeting with me. I would love to run through your options and help you make an informed decision about your future finance and property needs.
If you are looking to renovate your home to increase its value to sell or to live in, now is a perfect time to take advantage of the increased property prices and drawdown on the equity you have in your home. There are two different avenues you have to use the equity in your home.
Again, I am really excited for the opportunities this presents to our locals! I have taken my own advice and my husband and I have purchased an investment property to renovate and sell. You can follow the progress on Instagram @berallanproject. I live and breathe finance and property investing and am excited to chat with all locals excited to get on the reno train. It’s a fun one that’s for sure!
Which way you choose depends on how much money you require for your renos. You can use up to 80% of the value of your property, and this avenue generally does not require full supporting documentation such as quotes etc. Or, you can access up to 90% of the value of your property which incurs Lenders Mortgage Insurance (this amount varies based on the value of your home, the loan amount and the loan to value ratio). This may sound confusing but I assure you a quick phone call to our office can save you the headache of trying to work it out yourself.
If you are planning on major construction renovations then we can use your build plans and the future value of your home. This allows you to access increased equity in a way that is similar to a construction loan when building a home. This is an exciting time for Fraser Coast property owners. With low interest rates and high property prices we are
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POWERFUL TH I N KI N G by Fred Ogden (MRSB) Former International Science Educator; Biologist; Some-time Preacher & Speaker; All-time Thinker; and Eclectic Storyteller
Y
A PHRASE TO CHANGE ATTITUDES
ou’re probably familiar with the above half-glass graphic-representation of the two contrasting approaches to ‘life’.
It can be tiresome if you are on the receiving end of such advice, especially if you are really ‘down-in-the-dumps’ and being told ‘how to live your life better’. It can be hurtful. Ever heard this funny story?
Three men went into an English pub: An Irishman; an Englishman; and a Yankee. They ordered their favourite drinks: Guinness, Beer, and Whiskey on the Rye. Sitting at a pub table, they chatted. The Englishman, regarding himself as some sort of philosopher and a realist, tried to lead the discussion towards the topic of optimism &
pessimism.
Once the discussion was well underway, he introduced the classic phrase: ‘half-full, half-empty’ and he placed his now half-empty beer glass onto the edge of the table to use it as a visual backdrop to the discussion. Another man, sitting on a nearby table listening to the discussion ‘saw’ the three as Realist, Optimist, and Pessimist.
After the three men had been arguing for quite a while, they noticed that the glass of beer was empty, and a beer-stained note had been left under it: The above pub-story serves as an introduction to my real story: ‘How a New Aussie Phrase Can Help Change Attitudes’
Writer's nom-de-plume: Fred: Almost Famous (on the Medium Platform) Email: Fred.Almost.Famous@gmail.com 40
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A new Aussie phrase? What could that phrase be?
My newly coined phrase became an instant pick-me-up for two people at least. What if each of us, now feeling really good, went on our way with a positive attitude? Could this newly generated positivity be self-replicating?
Here’s a personal experience that explains it:
“I’m Good” is a common Australian response to the question: “How are you today?” You hear it a lot.
Had I started a shower of positivity-replication?
One day I wasn’t feeling too great, and a passing friend said: “Hi Fred, how ’ya goin?”. I responded by honestly saying: “Not so good”. The brain of my friend obviously expected the usual “I’m Good” response, and that’s what he must have thought he heard, because he then said to me: “That’s Good”.
Of course, when you’re not feeling particularly blessed, it isn’t easy to change; it isn’t easy to turn around negative thoughts is it?
Since then, thinking about this ‘built-in deafness’ to my “I’m notso-Good” response to the “How are you?” question, I invented a new (extended) response to the question “How are you?” so that I no longer replied “I’m Good” as expected. I added a bit more: I coined a new phrase in the hope that it would be heard, and that it might create a really positive response in the mind of the enquirer.
My initial intention was simply to help the listener actually hear, rather than ‘assume’ my response, but when I used it, I got two unexpected outcomes: and
2. The other person’s spirits seemed to be lifted too! Wow x2!! I had created a classic win-win situation!
“I’m good, in fact, I’m gooder than good!”
Say this whenever you hear that internal voice of negativity. Begin to encourage yourself, and others will begin to encourage you.
“I’m good, in fact, I’m gooder than good!”
1. Using the phrase made me feel better! Wow!
When negative thoughts come, what image do you project to your friends and your loved ones? Are you projecting negativity? Why not try to turn negative thoughts around by saying: Maybe say it to yourself first; then try it on others.
My newly coined expanded response-phrase is:
I thought that it might create a sense of “hey, this guy is really feeling good”, and that perhaps it might also lift the spirit of the enquirer.
How are you doing with your life? Are you blessing it or are you cursing it?
One thing’s for sure: If you give up, you’ll never get there. If you only listen to the internal voice of negativity, you’ll only be “Living … just living”. Negativity leads to failure! Can we challenge the impossible; turn things around; put positivity at the forefront of our thinking, and say:
“I’m Good, in fact, I’m Gooder than Good”
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DE STI N A TIO N
SIMPLY SPECTACULAR COOK ISLANDS
by Brooke Wilson
www.frasercoasttravel.com.au
A
question I am commonly asked in my line of work is where has been my favourite place to travel to? Right up there in the podium finish definitely has to be the Cook Islands.
With talk of international borders opening soon for tourism, now seems a good a time as any to start dreaming. Nestled in its own pocket of paradise in the Pacific Ocean, it’s easy to forget the rest of the world even exists.
Coming into land at Rarotonga, the largest of the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands, you will be blown away by the incredible turquoise waters and spectacular soaring mountain peaks. Often overlooked in favour of more ‘touristy’ pacific destinations, the Cook Islands offer a refreshingly laidback take on tourism. Here you won’t find big chain companies – no McDonald’s or KFC, no Hilton or Mercure resorts. To maintain the integrity of the islands, no building can be taller than a coconut tree. It is a far cry from many tourism hotspots looking to make big money. A quieter modesty doesn’t mean a lack of things to do. With most accommodations right on the water, it is all too easy to walk right out from your room into the stunning lagoon. Calm waters and comparatively shallow depths make it perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, or even just for a swim. On land, hike up into the mountains on one of the many walks crisscrossing the island. By far the most popular option is to the base of
‘The Needle’, a sheer volcanic rock face and Rarotonga’s highest peak. But really, any mountain hike will reward you with spectacular 360-degree views. Adventurers can also hire e-bikes or 4WD buggies to explore the island, families can join in on island dancing, and shoppers can check out the Punanga Nui Markets for the world-famous black pearls. By night, head over to the Muri Night Markets for a mouthwateringly delicious dinner, or to my personal favourite, Charlie’s Café, a charming little establishment set on the beachfront serving up amazing food and live music. A trip to the Cook Islands wouldn’t be complete without taking some time to go explore the northern island of Aitutaki. A photographer’s dream and a swimmer’s delight, the spectacular lagoon is a sight to behold. A must do is to jump on board the Vaka cruise for a sun-soaked day of swimming, eating, and exploring the islets scattered throughout the lagoon, all while the lovely crew sing and play music. A quirky little bonus is a visit to One Foot Island, where you can get a stamp in your passport at perhaps the world’s most remote post office.
It would be all too easy to talk about the Cook Islands, but nothing would ever do it justice like seeing it for yourself. The friendly locals and easygoing lifestyle will wind their way into your heart and will stay there for years to come. Despite having been there before, would I go back again? In a heartbeat.
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T HE BI G CA TCH by Andrew Chorley
HOW TO BEAT THE TAX MAN
Ito with a golden trevally caught in Platypus Bay
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N
ovember is a great time on the Fraser coast for fishing, with our billfish season ramping along with our inshore reef species.
Burrum
Jacks have been the most popular target species in the Burrum River now. The warmer weather will certainly switch them on.
The best bait option is using prawn imitations, paddle tail plastics and hardbodie lure.
For bait fisherman, mullet fillets and live baits have been working well. For anglers looking for a feed of flathead trying the mangrove islands and black bank has seen a few turn up. Over the full moon, sand whiting has been reported with specimens up to 40cm coming in on live yabbies particularly at night. Local Reefs
The shallow reefs off Point Vernon and Pialba have produced a few coral trout, cod and sweet lip. Trolling has worked on the trout with fresh baits also getting some attention. On the deeper reefs, school mackerel have been taken on metal spoons and live herring. Golden trevally has also been about and are often a sporty bycatch while targeting reef species. Reef dwellers like sweetlip, cod and coral trout have also been reported.
Wide Grounds
The wide grounds can be tough this time of year with the ever presence of menacing sharks (tax man). Working your spots quickly and constant moving about is the best way to get a feed. Coral trout, sweetlip, snapper, scarlets and various mackerels have been reported from the Southern gutters and reefs through the central bay. Offshore blue marlin is the prize at the moment with crews landing multiple fish per day outside break sea spit it is great for the local game fishing scene. The juvenile black marlin has been a little slow inside, but good numbers can be found outside the 4 and 13-Mile crossings. Big Mahi Mahi have also been reported outside, along with reef fish. Sandy Strait
The Mary River has been fishing well in the upper reaches of late for threadfin salmon. The threadies have been caught on soft vibes and trolled hard bodie lures along with taking live baits. Grunter, flathead and bream have been reported from the mid-reaches of the Mary system with a few nice cod in the deeper holes around the mouth. In the Sandy Strait, mac tuna can be found in the channels with scarlets, sweetlip, cod and tusk fish coming in off the ledges. Please remember Barramundi are off limits from November 1 until February.
Platypus Bay
Platypus Bay has seen a few school mackerel trickle in over the reefs and bait grounds. It won’t be long before we see spottys. Sweetlip, scarlets and blackall have been reported coming in on baits fished on the bottom.
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PA RENTI NG by Amanda Coop
JUST BE YOU! B
eauty – they say it’s in the eye of the beholder.
Just ask Mr 6, whose nickname for me is – and I don’t know why I’m admitting this publicly – Chub Tum. “Hi Chub Tum,” he said to me one day as he snuggled up and patted my tummy affectionately.
Before you assume anything about why he’s nicknaming and patting my tummy, I’d just like to make it clear that I’m not pregnant, unless you can count the food baby that’s in about its 20th trimester. Miss 10 glared at him. “Don’t call her that,” she said. Turning to me she said: “You’re not chubby, Mum, don’t listen to him,” before throwing him another shady look. “That’s a really mean thing to say to Mum, you know?” she asked him.
“But I’m not being mean,” he protested. “I love her chubby tummy.”
Taking my face in his hands and ruffling my cheeks the way he does with the dog, he said “the chubby ones are always the cutest, oh yes they are.” Despite the fact I was now being treated like the family pet, I could see he was being sincere.
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Although I loved that kind little Miss 10 jumped straight to my defense, it didn’t feel needed.
For whatever reason (but most likely overeating and laziness) I’ve never been able to get rid of the spare floatie ring that lives around my waist since Mr 6’s birth, which was - as I imagine you’ve figured out based on the name – more than six years ago.
He heard me one day discussing how I’d love to slim down and regain some of the energy middle age and motherhood seem to have sapped from me. “What?!” he exclaimed. “But I love your tummy!”
He came to me and cuddled up on my lap, patting my stomach. “But wouldn’t you love it if Mum had a bit more energy to play with you?”
“No. I love you how you are, because you’re my mumma,” he said, emphasizing the last word.
I wouldn’t say the conversation made me feel exactly beautiful, but it did remind me that beauty is, in fact, in the eye of the beholder.
I do hope he comes up with something a little more diplomatic for any future girlfriend, but, for now, I guess Chub Tum will do.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY & MUSIC FILM Love is a powerful thing, it gives me goosebumps. My heart is over-joyed to be able to create breathtaking keepsakes for you. It is a passion that lies deep within my soul that allows me to give you something special to adore. A moment in time, that is created through the beauty I see in you. It gives me such pleasure to sit with my clients and show them what my eyes saw through the lens and watch their faces light up when they too see, what I saw.
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LIFE CHA T WI TH MI CH E L L E by Michelle Robinson Bach. Counselling. Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy
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BEAUTIFUL YOU
I
am glad to be sharing my thoughts about this month’s topic, because discovering beauty within ourselves can be one of our greatest lifechallenges.
During my years as a counsellor, I worked with many people who could not believe that they were beautiful. They looked in a mirror and felt dissatisfied, or worse, with the physical form that they believed defined them. They didn’t feel as though they conformed to the attributes the word ‘beautiful’ represented, resulting in selfcriticism and very low self-esteem.
That’s a real shame, because the stereotyped versions of ‘beauty’ fabricated by the social media do not even come close to the embodiment of true beauty. I encourage you to go outside and have a look at the variety of ways that nature expresses itself. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Wide-girthed trees shedding their bark, with their knotted branches and twisted forms – they are beautiful.
Craggy outcrops of rocks whose ageing lines stripe their weathered faces and portray a hard life long-lived – still beautiful. Saggy-skinned elephants, riddled with wrinkles, whose stomachs wobble when they run and whose eyes are bleary with age – just as beautiful.
How did we humans come to this crazy belief that unless we conform to an airbrushed and artificially created version of ‘beauty’, that we are less than perfect? If the universe had intended Life’ to conform to a single pattern and shape, then the entire natural environment has been creating itself in error since the
beginning of time. And, it hasn’t.
Beauty is created through the simple strategy of growing into becoming the best versions of whomever we were born to be. It is as true for us as it is for nature. A full-faced sunflower never woke up one day and wanted to be a thin little daisy. Sunflowers know their place in the universe, and they just get on with being what they are – sturdy (thank goodness), sunny bursts of yellow happiness. Judging by the way that daisies nod their heads in the breeze, I’d say they are happy enough with their lot as well. They aren’t pining for the lofty heights of the sunflowers. A daisy is just fine with being the innocent, sensitive flower who throws out joy towards the feet of passers-by.
I encourage you to find acceptance of your true self. Explore and value the uniqueness that is you. Be at peace with yourself. Place value on what matters and never judge the contribution you can make by the reflection in the mirror.
I enjoy sharing personal anecdotes when I can. I overheard my daughter, Abbie, having a chat with four-year-old Mille this week. While brushing Millie’s hair Abbie was reminding Millie that being kind was far more important than being thought beautiful by someone else. She told Millie that she was beautiful both inside and out, and that kindness is what made Millie most beautiful of all. What a great lesson to be teaching to a child. Gosh I love these girls. Have a wonderful month. Until next time,
Blessings, Michelle
trustyourintuition.com
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NOVEMBER inspiration
INSPI RA TI ONS by Alison Dunlop
Alison’s Guidance this Month:
Question? Why do you think a goldfish is the happiest animal on earth? Answer: Because it has a 10 second memory.
Lesson here: Stop dwelling on past mistakes. Instead, reflect, and learn from them, but don’t linger on them. Instead be a goldfish! Catch you next month!
Capricorn Dec 22 -Jan 19
Cancer June 21- July 22
Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18
Leo
Have you had a bit of mental/emotional torture of late? Know that this month brings hope to a situation. All you need to do is trust your intuition. So you make the best decisions for you.
November is a learning month Aquarius. You may need to be honest with yourself. Time to surrender that pride, and admit if you have made wrong choices. This will clean the slate and allow you to move forward.
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 You are being encouraged to keep focused, and on task this month. Check in with your intuition before making decisions, after all you have an innate knowing.
Aries Mar 21 - April 19 This month, you need to find time out of your busy schedule to just breathe. This card suggests you have the ability to manifest. So flick the fears, and focus on what you desire. Go for it!
Taurus
April 20 - May 20
November, is the month to move forward beyond a grievance of some sort. Whatever this has been about, forgiveness is the key. Don’t be so stubborn Taurus! Stay positive, and be kind to yourself.
Gemini May 21 - June 20
You are being encouraged this month to let go of ego. Yes, you may have had some challenges over the last month, but it is now time to dust yourself off, and have faith. A reminder also to look for the good in people. Alison Dunlop Kinesiologist. Find out more at: www.alisondunlopkinesiology.com.au (This month’s cards drawn from Keepers Of The Light by Kyle Gray)
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Blessings for a great month Cancer! This card suggests that everything is working out for you, and you are on the right track. Be on the lookout for some a-ha moments, and stop being so hard on yourself. You have really got this!
July 23 - Aug 22
This card suggests you are moving forward from some old patterns this month, relieving you of some burdens.This could be an exciting time! Big reminder, do not get involved in other people’s dramas. This is their journey.
Virgo
Aug 23 - Sept 22
November, is a real self realisation month for you Virgo. Quiet time is actually needed for this self reflection. Try journalling to organise your thoughts, or some yoga if inclined. Sitting outside with a cuppa works well, to help switch the brain off.
Libra
Sept - 23 - Oct 23
November, will be a powerful time for you Libra. It is time to let go of the idea of being who you think you should be based on others. This month is perfect for ideas and innovation. Reach for the stars!
Scorpio
Oct 24 - Nov 21
This card suggests a new phase for you. This is exciting, but you need to be strong and face your fears. You are being supported to do this, so let go and trust the process, and step into a space that is strong, focussed and courageous. You can do this!
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 November is a real clearing out month, mentally, emotionally and physically. Be a magician this month, because you have the abilities to use your thoughts, will, and actions to bring in positive opportunities. Focus on your desires.
RE A DE RS ’ G ALLERY
Crossword of the month
ARTWORK OF THE MONTH
Last month’s solution
Artwork by Lilly Mai Toomer (Creating Lil)
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