26 minute read
Editor’s Get It list
Editor’s
list
It’s October, and that means the Gold Coast weather has well and truly warmed up. So, what better time to celebrate a new season of fashion and a whole lot of fun. Check out Get it editor Nicole Madigan’s top picks.
DRY CHILL BREATHABLE MOISTURE-CONTROL SLEEPWEAR Made from a woven-fibre fabric that draws moisture away from the skin, the antibacterial and antimicrobial Dry Chill range reduces sweating and eliminates odour, and is fade, wrinkle, shrink and pill resistant. RRP: from $40 chillytowel.com.au
FLAMINGO MONTOYA THE WICKER HANDBAG Let your personality shine, with these bold and unexpected wicker bags. It’s light weight, fully lined, and so much fun! RRP: $460 wickerdarling.com
PERSONALLYPICKED Allowing people to curate the perfect gift for their friends, colleagues and family, PersonallyPicked has over 150 options, from teas and sweet treats to candles and puzzles, or you can custom make your own. RRP: from $55 personallypicked.com.au CARRIE ATELIER Whether your favourite handbag is haute couture or simple and practical, this stunning luxury holder ensures your belongings are always close to you, and always in style. RRP: from $135 carrieatelier.com
AVA CUSHION Ava soft-touch velvet cushion is incredibly popular and is available with our WeaveFill, vegan, micro-blend filler, or with real feather for that extra luxe and plump finish. With a printed texture velvet look fabric, Ava brings a subtle patterned finish for depth and appeal. Priced from $55.95 Choices Flooring Helensvale P 5580 0711 Spend $6000 in store & receive 2 Ava cushions as a gift
ROLLA BOTTLE Give single use bottles the flick, with these cute water bottles, that roll up into a pocket sized package when not in use, leaving your hands free for fun. RRP: $33 rollabottle.com.au
LONE STAR TRADING CO Wild West fashion is coming your way with this range of comfortable and stylish pieces. RRP: $69.96 lonestartradingco.com.au ARUKE COLLECTION Wear them as pjs, loungewear, or separates, these stylish and comfy pyjamas are made by Brisbanebased, Aruke. RRP: $315 aruke.com.au/collections/the-daily-sleepercollection
SAINTLY HARD SELTZER These brand new cocktail inspired seltzers are perfect for those looking to quench their thirst without the calories. The collection contains zero sugar, zero carbs, is all natural. RRP: $54.99 danmurphys.com.au
REERENDZ Spoil your guy with these fun yet fashionable prints from GOTS certified Organic Cotton. RRP $24.95 reerendz.com.au CORAVIN SPARKLING As a champagne lover, this is a game changer – a sparkling wine preservation device that promises to retain the crisp flavour and character for up to two weeks. No need to delay popping the bottle! RRP: $699.95 coravin.com.au
OUTDOOR HANGING POD CHAIR What better way to unwind and relax than being suspended in a pod chair. These are great space-saving options for any outdoor area and will instantly relax you once seated as the pod cocoons the body. Perfect for the covered alfresco/terrace area. $399 ofo.com.au
SUNNYLIFE Designed for the ultimate beach day, this retro looking cool box is fitted with Bluetooth wireless technology that connects to FM radio, AUX and USB. RRP: $196 sansdrinks.com.au
RIB CLOUD PADDED SURFING RASH VEST Designed specifically for women, by women, the Rib Cloud provides effortless protection for ribs and hips, and looks super cute too. RRP: $179.95 thesurfguru.com.au/product/rib-cloud
My Life as the Environmental Cowboy
Anything but average, Khory Hancock is The Environmental Cowboy, and he sat down with Get It Magazine’s Holly Bartter to share his mission to reverse climate change, educate others and make waves in environmental regeneration, all with his own unique, authentic style.
An environmental scientist and GM of Upscale Carbon, Khory draws on his upbringing on a cattle station in central Queensland in his career today, with an innate understanding of the connection we all have with nature.
“I wanted to learn more about how we interact with it in order to influence human behaviour to help protect it and ultimately, us,” says Khory. When it comes to the conception of his ‘cowboy’ brand and persona, this transformation all started with a case of a broken heart.
“I was in love once, and she left my heart looking like it had just been attacked by a bear and a meat mincer - I knew then I had to find something else in life that made me happy,” he recalls. “I started filming myself talking about environmental problems and posting to social media. When I realised that wasn’t an overly exciting topic for most people, I created The Environmental Cowboy ‘persona’, a Crocodile Dundee/Magic Mike character that delivers environmental messages in a more entertaining way.” For Khory, climate change is a major focus of his work, and he says we should all be hopeful about the action we can take to enact change and reverse damage. “The climate solutions we have available to us can not only halt the damage done but even reverse it. Climate change is the one challenge all of humanity faces, it has the power to bring out the creativity and innovation that lives within each of us.”
Business savvy, Khory appreciates that numbers talk, and his work aims to turn environmental regeneration into a legitimate financial commodity. “By using carbon farming, we can draw down the carbon from the atmosphere causing climate change by speeding up nature’s regeneration processes. Farmers and landholders who incorporate these practices in their businesses can then safely store carbon, and the carbon credits can then be traded just much like a traditional share, making regeneration processes profitable for everyone who takes part,” Khory explains. Big goals require a big personality to front these projects, and Khory knows exactly how to stand out from the crowd. “Sometimes I get naked, I haven’t seen another scientist do that yet. My cameraman Tom isn’t a fan of filming those scenes!”
While he’s all in most of the time, Khory does draw the line at certain requests, and in response to having been approached to star on numerous reality dating shows? “Absolutely not! I’m quite happy to not be married at first sight.” Despite travelling around Australia and the world for his career, Khory never gets complacent about his Queensland home. “My favourite spot is where I come from, Carnarvon Gorge and some other highlights include Blackdown Tableland National Park and Springbrook National Park.” With no signs of slowing down and much to be done, Khory shares with me where he sees himself in 10 years time. “Well, as the latest IPCC climate change report says, we only have a decade left to literally save the world from existential threat,” he says, “In all seriousness, there is hope all around us if we choose to see it. The challenge that lies in front of us should not be seen as impossible or a burden, but an opportunity to reimagine everything we make and do.”
Khory concludes, and with so much passion, drive and ingenuity for his work, there’s no doubt he’s already exactly where he needs to be.
Doing Fashion Our Way Our Way
The stars and founders of style-at-any-age Instagram account @thiswiththis, Linda Gowdie and Leanne Norris talk fashion must-haves, change in the industry and creating a community of fashion-forward women of all generations.
1. How did you both meet, and how did you start This With This?
We met 10 years ago as we lived in the same apartment block on the Gold Coast, and when our children left home, we decided it was time to do something we love so we started the @thiswiththis Instagram account five years ago. We didn’t have a clue about social media at the time, but we learnt along the way.
2. Do you feel there are less fashion accounts over a certain age online, and do you feel this is changing in the fashion industry?
When we first started there weren’t that many people in our age group doing what we were doing - brands were using models in their 30s to showcase their clothing for mature women and it didn’t work as it wasn’t a true reflection of how we saw ourselves. This has definitely changed the last couple of years, and we now see real mature women in catalogues and photoshoots which is great.
3. What does style mean to you both?
We believe style is accessible at any age and style isn’t a price tag - it’s invisible and comes from within - it’s confidence.
4. What have been some of the responses from your followers?
It never ceases to amaze us how many women take the time to send us beautiful comments, and we often get stopped in the street or shopping centre by ladies saying hello and letting us know they follow us and love our page.
5. Do you feel older women are more wary of certain styles, and what words of encouragement do you have for women to be playful and step out of their comfort zone with fashion?
We always love to do our own ‘age appropriate’ version of styles that are currently on trend - we show women of all ages how to dress for comfort whilst not compromising on style.
6. How much time daily do you devote to shoots and content for TWT?
We devote at least three days a week, sometimes more depending on what is in our schedule. At the beginning of a new season, it’s always really busy with all the new releases.
7. Do you feel like the Gold Coast has a certain style and fashion of its own, and what is this to you both?
Yes, we believe there is a certain style that is very much the Gold Coast. It’s what we call Casual Chic!
8. Are there any wardrobe staples you recommend everyone invest in?
Everyone should have a pair of white jeans or white pants in their wardrobe. A great pair of nude shoes and a designer bag would also be on the top of our list.
Brave, Bold & Beautiful
Katie Hanson - So Brave Ambassador
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Get It Magazine’s Holly Bartter sat down with So Brave founder Rachelle Panitz and ambassador Katie Hanson to hear their personal journeys with breast cancer, their unique body paint campaign, spreading awareness and staying #breastaware.
Rachelle Panitz - Founder & Managing Director of So Brave
1. Tell us about So Brave and your mission?
So Brave was created with a mission to empower young women diagnosed with breast cancer, raise awareness, educate and fundraise for breast cancer research, and it’s grown to become Australia’s Young Women’s Breast Cancer Charity. I was just 32 when my life became a tumbled mass of emotion the moment I heard I’d been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am often asked why So Brave focuses on young women, and my personal journey is precisely why. Five per cent of all women diagnosed with breast cancer this year will be young women. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women aged 20-39, and almost 1,000 Australian women under 40 are diagnosed each year.
2. Can you share more about the ambassador campaign and photoshoot, and how has the response been?
Our signature So Brave Model Ambassador program takes our young breast cancer survivors through an incredible once-ina-lifetime body paint and photoshoot, and a year-long program of fundraising and awareness-raising campaigns, to leave a legacy for the future and change the conversation of breast cancer in young women in Australia. My relationship with my body had perished as I struggled to see the femininity in my new shape. Through chance I met Wendy Fantasia, a body paint artist, and suggested a venture where young breast cancer survivors could access body painting and photography as a way for them to restore their relationships with their bodies in the wake of their traumatic experience while also raising awareness of the prevalence of breast cancer in young women. Wendy jumped at the chance, and the charity was born following the delivery of our first So Brave Calendar in 2016. We’ve since funded $115,000 of breast cancer research and support initiatives.
3. With Breast Cancer Awareness
Month coming up, what can we all do as women to stay #breastaware and to support So Brave?
In October, we launch our sixth calendar for 2022, celebrating with our young breast cancer survivor advocates who are beautifully and inspirationally transformed by body paint, and courageously represented in fabulous photography. So Brave relies on annual calendar sales to raise funds towards empowerment, education, research, and connection.
We need to educate young women to be aware of their bodies every single month. We provide a downloadable guide on how to be #breastaware, and you can sign up to get regular reminders to feel it on the 5th of each month.
4. What’s on the horizon for So Brave?
We have done a lot of pivoting over the last two years and have continued to work with our research partners University of Queensland to ensure that young women’s needs are better represented in prevention and diagnosis of breast cancer. We look forward to building our young women’s committees - Brave|You, establishing charter committees at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology.
Images Courtesy of So Brave Bodypaint Artist: Wendy Fantasia | Photographer: Tanita Seton Photography
MY BREAST CANCER JOURNEY
“I was 36 when I found a lump on my right breast. I was a single mum of two girls aged six and ten at the time. You read about it every day, but I never thought this would happen to me, yet I am living proof it can. I had six months of chemotherapy, a mastectomy and then for six weeks attending radiation everyday. I was totally honoured to represent So Brave in their calendar campaign - just 12 lucky ladies Australia-wide get chosen annually. We each had a photoshoot at our chosen destination and stood tall, colourful and proud, stopping crowds of people and spreading the word that early detection saves lives!
The fact that mammograms are only available to women of 40 astounds me, and I wish all girls were taught how to be breast aware from high school age. Breast cancer does affect young women too, and it’s so important to check your breasts once a month.
So Brave has been such a wonderful way to not only educate my girls, but all their friends and families. They were only 6 and 10 when I was diagnosed; living through cancer treatment and watching their mother go through treatment was hard on them.
If you have a friend or loved one diagnosed with breast cancer, continue to check in on them - a text or a coffee means everything! Just love them during all stages they are going through. It was two of the hardest years of my life, but I survived something that could have ultimately killed me. Cancer taught me it’s the little things in life that matter; it’s love and connection with our loved ones. My two daughters are, without doubt, my daily inspiration and where I get my strength from.”
Third Time’s the Charm
Representing Queensland at this year’s National Finals for Miss Universe Australia, Gold Coast native Jasmine Stringer speaks with Get It Magazine’s Holly Bartter to talk about purpose, perseverance and pageantry.
1. How did you start your Miss Universe journey? I competed for the first time in ‘Miss Teenager Australia’ when I was 16 and won the international title in Panama for Australia - I’ve been watching and admiring the Miss Universe competition since I was a little girl. When I was finally old enough, I decided this was something I was going to set my mind to. I first competed in Miss Universe Australia when I was 19, 6 years ago now! 2. Having completed twice already in Miss Universe Australia, what’s your motivation to keep stepping back on stage? After being pretty heartbroken for a while in 2018 because I didn’t quite achieve my goal, I asked myself - what kind of role model would I be if I didn’t follow my own advice? I’ve been working towards this for so many years, I feel I owe it to myself, but more importantly to my friends, family and supporters to give this one last go. 3. What would you like to do with the leverage from winning Miss Universe Australia?
My goal is to use the winner’s grant to deliver an educational program throughout schools teaching essential life skills. Another cause that is extremely significant in our community and sentimental to me is raising awareness and taking action against domestic violence.
4. Can you share with us how you prepare? Have you ever seen those pageant Q&A fails? That’s my worst nightmare, so I’m making sure I stay up to date on current affairs. I want to put my best foot forward, so I have been taking classes with the official MUA catwalk coach Thelma Rodriguez. I’m working hard to look and feel as fit and healthy as I can when I step on that stage. 5. Tell us about the Gold Coast - what does it mean to you? I’ve travelled to some pretty beautiful places around the world and no matter what, there’s no better place to live than the Gold Coast. I feel like we really get behind our locals achieving their dreams and to give back to a city that has given me so much would be incredible.
6. When you’re not prepping for Miss Universe, what else do you love to do? When I’m not modelling, I work in primary schools as a relief teacher. In my free time, I love horse riding! In saying that, I also love a good pizza and Frosé too!
7. To someone struggling with “getting back on the horse”, what are your tips for staying determined and going after your dream? When you believe in your goal, and you fall short, it’s okay to be disappointed and take the time you need to reflect on your situation. There needs to be a turning point though when you remind yourself of your purpose. If you’re sitting here reading this and relating it back to a goal that you might have had, I encourage you to reconnect with your ‘why’ and ‘how’ - then get back on that horse!
Paradisedreaming dreaming
It’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia and was voted Top Tourism Town in 2021. Boasting untouched national parks, beautiful beaches plus an enviable restaurant scene, no wonder everyone is flocking to Noosa. There’s something about the Sunshine Coast, and we’ve discovered the best places for you to stay, so that you too can make the most of balmy Spring days, or a sub-tropical summer break.
Beachfront escape
BARRA LUXE BEACH HOUSE 5 Bedroom, 4 bathroom. Sleeps 12 While most of us rely on word-of-mouth to book accommodation, where could be better than a Gold Medal winner, as voted by travellers who have experienced the luxury first hand? Barra Luxe Beach House, located at Point Arkwright, near Yaroomba Beach, on the Sunshine Coast has just been awarded the Stayz’ Holiday Home Gold Medal Winner for 2021. And for good reason. The reimagined 1970s beach shack is suitable for a family, or large group of friends, has a luxurious kitchen where everyone can meet for seafood dinners, or plan the day’s activities whilst overlooking the pool. The calmer waters of Coolum are just a short drive away, or head into Hastings Street in just 25 minutes. There’s also the Point Arkwright trail for the whole family to enjoy – take in those stunning views along the coastline. Kids will love the loft area – there’s four beds and a play room, perfect for those night time games. For the grownups, there’s a separate kitchenette, plus several hideaway spots to relax, read and dream.
https://www.stayz.com.au/holidayrental/p9489571?arrival=2021-1112&departure=2021-11-15
A cabin in the woods
SECRET CABIN SOCIETY 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Sleeps 2 Sometimes all you need to get away from it all is a small cabin in the wild. Enter Life Unhurried’s Secret Cabin Society, a pared back space that still provides absolute comfort for the soul. Best of all, it’s kidfree, so it’s the perfect place to escape to if you’re looking to fulfil those Laura Ingalls’ dreams or a romantic few nights with your partner. There’s a fireplace to warm your hands by, a hammock to snooze on and an atmosphere of absolute peace and stillness. It’s off-grid too, providing you with the perfect escape from the world. www.secretcabinsociety.com
Something for everyone
THE FAIRSHORE NOOSA BEACHFRONT APARTMENTS 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Sleeps 4+ Perfect for the whole family, the Fairshore Noosa Beachfront Apartments are situated directly on Noosa’s Main Beach. After all, is there anything better than sandy feet following a pathway to the shore? All apartments are two-bedroom and face north, so you can pass the hours on your private balcony overlooking the beach and Laguna Bay. The resort also offers an outdoor heated pool, wading pool and spa – ideal for cooling off after a day at the beach.
www.accomnnoosa.com.au
Romantic bliss Friends and family escape For bigger broods
LA MER, BEACHFRONT APARTMENTS 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom. Sleeps 4 If you’ve managed to escape the kids, or are seeking a romantic getaway, then the La Mer, overlooking Coolum’s untouched beach is just what Cupid ordered. You’ve got 15 kilometres of untouched beachfront to explore, so pack a picnic, head to a secluded cove and soak up the sunshine, and each other’s company. Best of all, Accom Noosa is offering a ‘Celebration or Romance Package’ for those who stay at the Fairshore or La Mer. All you have to do is notify the reservations team at the time of booking that you’ll be celebrating a special event (anniversary, birthday or just each other) and they’ll decorate your room appropriately – think rose petals, birthday balloons – whatever your heart desires.
www.accomnoosa.com.au PURE VIDA 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, sleeps 10 After a year of solitary living, it’s time to get the gang together. Celebrate friendships and family in style at this beautiful five bedroom home. Spread out over three levels, offering privacy and space for up to ten guests, it’s ideal for sharing with loved ones, while still having enough space to spread out. Just 500m from Noosaville’s Gympie Terrace, on the foreshore of the Noosa River, it’s the perfect spot to hire a boat, SUP or Kayak and explore Noosa by the water, plus you have your own pool and a park next door. www.accomnoosa.com.au LAGUNA ON HASTINGS 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, sleeps 6 If your family needs a little extra room then Laguna on Hastings is a perfect option for family. Centrally nestled amongst the iconic Hastings Street, Laguna on Hastings Street offers self-contained apartments located just moments from Noosa’s Main Beach. It’s perfect for those wishing to spend their days at the beach, before window-shopping along Hastings Street and heading back to the apartment for a cooling dip in the pool.
www.accomnoosa.com.au
For more information on accommodation, days out in Noosa and its surrounds, plus great recommendations on restaurants, markets and cafes, visit www.accomnoosa.com.au
Baking Memories &More
Gold Coast-based entrepreneur Lou Duggan (aka ‘Baker Girl Lou’) speaks to Get It Magazine about her 10th anniversary of Cake 2 The Rescue, and the magic that happens when she combines creativity, practicality, community and fun.
1. Tell us about Cake 2 The Rescue - where did it all start?
When my kids were little, I was the “Martha Stewart” of my friends! I loved running parties but always found myself crying into a half finished cake at 2am - I knew there had to be a better way, so Cake 2 The Rescue was launched to make birthdays easier. We are an online DIY cake company, and our mission is to help busy families pour their love into a homemade cake, embrace imperfection and create memories for a lifetime.
2. Have you always worked within this industry?
Most people are surprised to learn that I’m not actually an amazing cake baker or cook, I’m actually an engineer and interior designer. In fact, it’s my lack of professional cake skills which make Cake 2 The Rescue a success. I’ve created designs and templates that are ‘Lou proof’. If I can make them, so can you! It’s a killer combination of practical logic and creativity, and it’s what makes our kits so successful.
3. Do you find during a pandemic, families are even more likely to want to celebrate those special moments at home?
We have more than doubled our sales during the pandemic and I think that’s a combination of a few things. With many cake decorators unable to operate, family budgets stretched and more time on our hands, families who wouldn’t usually bake are rolling up their sleeves to make a cake at home. Parents are looking for ways to make birthdays still feel special for their kids.
4. What does an average day in your business life look like?
Mornings are often spent helping to dispatch orders, but the rest of my day is spent either creating new designs, filming live demos in our Facebook group, working on the future direction of the company or simply answering enquiries and supporting our community. I just love my job!
5. What’s next for your brand?
2021 has been our 10th anniversary year and so I took the opportunity to celebrate by trying so many new things - the most fun has been our kids’ lockdown and school holiday cupcake baking online classes. They’ve been a welcome relief for families looking to entertain their kids. I love that the joy of baking is being passed down to another generation and I want to nurture that.
6. What has surprised you most about your business journey?
When I started this business I had no idea that I’d become a leader, mentor and friend to all those who buy our kits. I’ve come to realise that by showing up for my community as the truest version of myself, I’m giving everyone else the confidence to be themselves too. Having spent so much of my life not feeling good enough, at 46 years old, I now have a platform from which to raise the self-esteem of others.
7. Do you have a favourite quote that you honour in work and life?
“The finish line is for the ego. The journey is for the soul,” Pattie Gonia.
Exercise Exercise
made fun gets done!
Exercising in your own time can be a hard and dreaded task. You don’t have your personal trainer to help motivate you, you have no gym equipment to enable you to complete the exercises that you’re familiar with, and it is so easy to make excuses and convince yourself of less active ways to spend your personal time.
But why not make exercise fun?
The key is finding physical activities that you enjoy. It sounds simple enough, because it is simple enough - if you understand the physical activities that excite and interest you. A fun, everyday physical activity for me, is walking my dog. Of course, my dog loves getting up and out of the house, but this activity contains many elements that distract us from the physical work we are doing. You are thinking about the route you will take, how your dog is behaving, how your dog is interacting with other dogs passing by, how he or she loves it when you throw them their ball, and so on. As your mind covers the above points and countless more, you have clocked up a good number of steps without realising. Try exploring new parks in your area to keep yourself and your dog interested, including local spots where your dog can run free off the leash like the multiple dog parks and beaches Now, what if you don’t have a dog? Well, there are plenty of other options for you. Get adventurous and try the countless destinations around the Gold Coast that are suited for wonderful wanders. Get together a few of your closest friends and enjoy a day trip throughout the hinterland. The spring brook walk, Purlingbrook falls or even Burleigh Hill are amazing places to explore Before we see the end of the warmer months, make the most of the many swimming locations around. Swimming is fantastic exercise as it is low impact whilst being great for your aerobic fitness. There are opportunities to challenge yourself by trying different strokes, and changing scenery from indoor pools to outdoor pools, local beaches and other natural swimming holes. Whilst you are in your swimming gear, try a water sport such as surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Many popular beaches such as Budds Beach or Tallebudgera have equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards for hire, so there’s no need to commit to purchasing the relevant equipment as a beginner. Playing a team sport with a group of friends is one of my favourite past times, and beneficial for countless reasons. Whilst bringing people together, you become naturally more competitive as you are pushing yourself and your friends to perform at your best. A team sport I have taken up recently is volleyball, and I love that it challenges me and pushes me to my limit as I am striving to win. Team sports, such as volleyball, are great way of getting to your hard cardio target and enjoying it. There are countless social and competitive leagues to choose from, with everything from basketball to netball, dodgeball to tennis having set competitions in most suburbs. Get a group of friends or family together and see what interests you all. Maybe get a group of like-minded Vision clients together and start your own team!
Bundall Studio ph: 5538 4788 Southport Studio ph: 5679 2235 visionpersonaltraining.com
