Get it Magazine September 2019 by Get it Magazine

September 2019

Ta ke me, I'm free!

BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL A FLORAL MASTERPIECE

FINDING THE LIGHT

GROWING THROUGH THE UNTHINKABLE

7 PAGES OF GLORIOUS SEASONAL STYLE

SPRING FEVER

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CONTENTS F E AT U R E S

Cover art: Photography, Carly K Photos; model, Makana Tutu; make-up, Carly B Makeup; floral art and concept, Flowers by Julia Rose

12 18 21 24 28 42

Palazzo Versace, the Gold Coast’s jewel Unspoken horrors The mighty Mathie Anthony Noud is good enough Spring dreaming A springtime feast

8 10 11 14 16 22 26 27 32 33 37 38 40 46 47 48 51

What’s on Giveaways Get thinking Star profile Local profile Career Business Fashion special Get stylish Makeup Health Travel Money Community Dating Get scene Stars

OPEN 7 DAYS 9.30AM TO 5PM

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September 2019

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LETTER FROM

Kathleen Editor

pringtime. This season means many different things to so many people. For some, it’s tending to their gardens, creating new life, or spending time in the sunshine with family. For me, September has always been a very important month. It's when I truly take time to smell the flowers (literally) and when the latest in fashion is announced, both of which often coincide with a fresh start. If, like us at Get it, you've been buried under a mountain of sweaters, tights and coats (even if they are of ‘Gold Coast thickness’), then you'll be looking forward to putting the past season's styles behind you and moving on. Luckily, this issue has no shortage of inspiration in the realms of beauty and fashion. Perfect for putting a spring in your step and getting you into a sunshine state of mind. Spring is also a time to put the mistakes of the past behind you, whether it's something as simple as discarding an unforgiving winter trend (think skin-tight Lycra), or the anguish of more complex, unforgiving personal situations. In this issue we tackle the important topic of mental health, and the heartbreaking experience of parental alienation. We also celebrate the beauty of nature, with our cover featuring the stunning art of Julia Rose. Our September issue is designed to shed light on what's new, from fashion and what's happening right here on our golden shores, to topics that are heating up in the media. It is also our mission that it leaves you with a bud of hope for the future, for that is what this season is all about. So, Get it girls, get a picnic ready, start breaking out that spring wardrobe and step into one of our most glorious issues yet.

L inks Food iland Wine Tra Sunday, 6th October 2019

Time: 11am - 3pm Cost: $10pp Includes: Tasting glass and 5 large tastes (additional large tastes $5 for 5)

Taste your way through the Northern Gold Coasts’ boutique food and wine trail. More than 30 select vendors will be showcasing their product for you to sample and buy on the day at discounted prices! Plus lots of PRIZES!

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For bookings call the Golf Shop 07 5530 9033 (spaces limited)

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September 2019

THE GET IT GIRLS

In the jungle!

< PUBLISHER Leanne Hart leanne@getit-magazine.com.au

EDITOR > Kathleen Loxton editor@getit-magazine.com.au

Spring is here... < ART DIRECTOR Aimi Hart aimi@getit-magazine.com.au

...and so are our fabulous new season styles.

CONTENT EDITOR > Sarah Blinco travel@getit-magazine.com.au

ADVERTISING < MANAGER Sheree Peteru hello@getit-magazine.com.au

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September 2019

WHAT'S ON 13-22 September

Send your event to editor@getit-magazine.com.au

5 October

S E P T/ O C T

21 September

28 September

September 2019

SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL SEP 13 – 22 This September, celebrate the 17th year of the annual SWELL Sculpture Festival at Currumbin Beach. Bring the whole family along to enjoy an extraordinary display of thought provoking, intriguing and fanciful sculptures built by renowned local, national and international artists. This free event inspires and captures the heart and minds of all who visit. More information at swellsculpture.com.au PINK RIBBON CUP RACEDAY SEP 21 Ladies grab your friends and your pink fascinators for the biggest charity raceday of the year at the Gold Coast Turf Club. The Pink Ribbon Cup Raceday will raise funds to help support the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Plus, there’s a 5-hour drink package with each ticket and heaps of raffles and prizes to be won! So, what are you waiting for? Tickets and enquiries to pinkribboncupraceday.org

SUNSUPER RIVERFIRE SEP 28 Watch the night sky light up with one of the most electrifying fireworks display in Australia! Brisbane Festival, home to the annual Sunsuper Riverfire, sees bridges, barges and city rooftops lit up in time to an enormous soundtrack celebrating 1989, Riverstage’s birthday year. This event is free, so ladies bring your friends and families, and enjoy this spectacular display. More information at brisbanefestival.com.au OKTOBERFEST ON THE COAST OCT 5 The Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre will transform into all things German this October to celebrate Oktoberfest on the Coast! From bratwursts and German beer, to pretzels and world-class entertainment, this festival is all about fusing an authentic Bavarian culture with great music and good vibes. P.S. German traditional dress is essential! oktoberfestonthecoast.com.au

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GET IT I GET THINKING

This self(ie)less life — By Krysten Davis —

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have many special talents. I can mix a mean margarita, I can get a crying baby to sleep, and I can clear the dance floor with my spectacular (not) moves. Taking a selfie is NOT one of my special talents. I have a 16-year-old daughter and the photos that she takes of herself are beautiful, whimsical and individual. The photos I take of myself can be described in one word - awkward. You see, I have one photo face: a big cheesy grin with lots of teeth on show and chipmunk cheeks. I grew up before digital photography. Photos were precious. Everyone had to stand stock still and hold the pose. One photo was taken, and we had to wait a week for the photos to be developed to find out that Auntie Jan had her eyes closed and Jim had spinach in his teeth!

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September 2019

Palazzo Versace,

the Gold Coast’s JEWEL Get it’s Kathleen Loxton joins Executive Chef Steven Forrester at the Gold Coast’s renowned Palazzo Versace to discuss all things food and luxury

teven’s earliest memory of cooking was a foretelling one, and one that would lead him to the doors of Palazzo Versace. He recalled of the fortuitous moment, “That’s actually a really funny story. I was about five-years-old and there were two books at school to choose from, a cookbook and a book on dinosaurs. You’d think, being a little boy, I would’ve picked the dinosaur book, but I picked the cookbook!’’ When Steven brought this book home his mother was intrigued, and though he was more interested in improving the meals at school, it started to brew a passion and fascination for food. Food, for so many people, means a multitude of things, a meditative process or a way to unleash creativity. For Steven it means, “Bringing everyone together. The food is there, and of course it’s enjoyable, but it’s the way it brings people together that makes it.’’ So, what has the highlight been so far working at Palazzo Versace? Steven answered, “The comradery. I’ve really been welcomed in, and we have such a diverse team; different September 2019

cultures, nationalities and religions.’’ In fact, the team behind Palazzo Versace’s incredible kitchens regularly get together for ‘family meals’, where one person in the team cooks for the others. This encourages team bonding and an opportunity to share different cuisine. Each restaurant at Palazzo Versace brings its own unique element to this grand location, and Steven spoke for the whole team when he said, “It’s fantastic to be a part of the exciting things we are doing here.” First, Vanitas pays homage to the heritage of Versace and the best of Italian dining. Then there is Il Barocco, which specialises in Australian produce that is enhanced by an array of flavours from around the world, making it a family favourite. Last, but by no means least, there is Le Jardin, where you can take a moment to indulge in cocktails or their Couture High Tea, which I can attest is the best this side of London and Milan. Steven and his fellow chefs at Palazzo Versace always source local produce where possible, also using the finest of seasonal produce and the best international ingredients, bringing those tastes home to the Gold Coast. The beverages Palazzo Versace serve are also a mix of the best local and international, particularly Italian wines that reflect its illustrious heritage. Of the Versace experience Steven 12

described,“It’s such a romantic place and perfect for special occasions. It has this old school charm.’’ And truly, the charm is in the details, from Versace’s instantly recognisable logo emblazoned on teaspoons and the delectable chocolate decorations found as part of the high tea, to the 750kg chandelier hanging in the breathtaking lobby, that once graced the State Library of Milan. Enjoying speaking with guests, particularly hotel regulars, is what makes the Palazzo Versace a home away from home on the Gold Coast for Steven, and a must-have experience, whether you’re a local or just passing through. Steven explained,“We live in paradise; we have to remember that and enjoy what that offers.’’ And when asked what this means for those visiting Palazzo Versace, Steven wittily responded,“Accessible luxury.’’ From start to finish this is reflected in every unforgettable Palazzo Versace experience, and I got to experience this when I was comfortably seated in the opulent foyer. I overheard a little girl asking the receptionist, “Excuse me, how much would it cost to stay here forever?” And honestly, with the likes of Steven and their fantastic new management team, not to mention the Versace Boutique (open daily from 10am to 6pm in the hotel lobby), I don’t blame her. To read more of Chef Steven’s interview, visit getit-magazine.com.au

Spa Leave the outside world behind and be transported on a journey that will balance your mind, body and senses. The spa at Palazzo Versace is designed to give you the ultimate in relaxation. Along with our unique range of body treatments, facials and beauty experiences you can enjoy the additional offering of our therapeutic pools, sauna and steam rooms. Spa and Wellness Centre Manager Clare is excited to welcome local residents to the Spa at Palazzo Versace. “It is wonderful to see our Gold Coast residents return time and time again! They all have their favourite treatment and spa therapists and love the special promotions and discounts we offer them!”

Weddings & Events At Palazzo Versace we offer couples the opportunity to achieve everything they’ve ever dreamed of and more with our bespoke wedding packages. From stunning bridal bouquets, fresh floral centrepieces to sumptuous menus, we tailor our packages to ensure our couples enjoy a truly memorable experience. This beautiful hotel exudes an atmosphere of timeless elegance from our unique custom Versace crockery with touches of gold throughout, to the marble floors and colourful Ballroom, each aspect of Palazzo Versace creates an ambience for you and your guests to enjoy. From the manicured gardens and water features to the beautifully crafted chandelier and array of mosaic Medusa heads throughout the hotel the perfect wedding photo backdrop is at your fingertips. Our experienced Events Executive, Sophie would be delighted to assist in creating your dream wedding.

P 07 5509 8000 palazzoversace.com.au 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach 13

PalazzoVersaceGC

@palazzoversace September 2019

2 1

Websites: mainbeachflowerfestival.com.au and flowersbyjuliarose.com

A floral masterpiece

Floral designer Julia Rose, has us celebrating all things spring on the Gold Coast, writes Get it’s Kathleen Loxton here are many mediums in which to create art, and perhaps one of the most magnificent, particularly as we enter spring, can be picked from our very own gardens. Julia Rose takes flowers as her muse in her role as Creative Director and Conceptual Artist of the inaugural Main Beach Spring Flower Festival, taking place on 7-9 September, 2019. Julia started making floral gowns and fantasy pieces just under 10 years ago for events such as Gold Coast Fashion Week, international Fashion Weeks and red carpet events. Julia said of her career path so far,“I was in the floristry industry for years, and then I went travelling and did art. When I came back, I returned to the floristry industry and I became sick; I was diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity, where you basically become allergic to the modern world. So, we had to move into a tiny house, it was a sterile environment and I was too sick to work or do anything out in public for two and a half years. Eventually, I started teaching at the TAFE in the science lab, because it was a sterile environment. Once I started getting better, I just wanted to create for the sake of creation… It’s always been about the joy and challenge of making something extraordinary, and passing this on.” Today, her work has taken off internationally, and Julia now resides happily on her beautiful farm just outside of Byron Bay, where she gathers her inspiration and cultivates her passion. “I know it sounds cliché, but people can see passion. They connect with it I think,” Julia said. No other time was this clearer than when Julia lost one of her rescue animals, and she created a piece during that period, which went on to feature on covers and in galleries, as one of her first major successes. As the clock ticks down to the Gold Coast’s 2019 Main Beach Spring Flower Festival, Julia will use her experience, including being a curator for the Brisbane Arcade and working with challenging structures, to create a floral extravaganza. September 2019

When Julia was approached to do the flower festival, the timing was just right, and she remains motivated, recalling seeing the reactions to her pieces in the past that made the hard work worthwhile. It was a “natural evolution,” she added. With art of Julia’s nature, it’s very important to enjoy the beauty of a fleeting moment.“They’re momentary. When I do gowns, or big installations, the people that get to see them then and there is what makes it really special. With works like those, they’re there for a moment, they’re captured and then they’re gone,” Julia said. Conceptualising and relaying her ideas, and seeing it all come together, has been the highlight for Julia, as was working alongside those who helped make the festival happen. Julia said of her team, “The ladies are all so passionate, which is amazing. They’re so focussed in their areas and what it is that they do. Especially because, being the inaugural year, it’s all about breathing life into something that is going to inspire.” Putting together the festival has been no easy feat and required some impressive numbers.There were between 50 to 70 volunteers just for Julia’s build, who flew from all over Australia, and the incredible sets are a family affair, with Julia’s husband having designed them. A costumes and props designer from Sydney, who specialised in creating the animal moulds, even worked on Mary Poppins! What’s more? At the festival, the audience can look forward to two remarkable immersive rooms, where they will get up close to the art.There will also be 10,000 paper flowers, flowers (created by volunteers from books donated by the City of Gold Coast Libraries), and the audience will also be able to wander in delight under the 100,000 individual blooms hanging over Tedder Avenue. What’s Julia hoping will be the takeaway from the festival? “Flowers evoke emotions in people. People will think,‘Oh, this reminds me of my grandmother’s garden,’ or,‘This reminds me when I was on holiday.' Just to see people have that emotion towards the pieces and connect with them.” 14

1. Photography, Ingrid Coles Photography; model, Savannah Paige Lee; make-up and hair, Alicia Hennessy; painting, Skye Llewellyn; floral art and concept, Flowers by Julia Rose 2. Photography, Elena Tyutina; model, Mari Hirao; make-up, Makeup by Hitomi; floral art and concept, Flowers by Julia Rose

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September 2019

GET IT I LOCAL PROFILE

Get it’s Kathleen Loxton sits down with Bridget Daley, Gold FM’s beloved breakfast host, to talk work, drama on the high seas and her upcoming marriage to fiancé Jamie Brousard Kathleen: Was radio always your calling? Bridget: I stumbled into radio; I had no idea that was going to be my future! I worked at Crazies Comedy Restaurant in Brisbane… One night I thought, you know what? I should jump up there and do some stand-up. I did that and it just felt so natural to have the microphone, and just make people laugh. After that I launched into stand-up comedy and did venues everywhere, from Brisbane to Byron. I was still waitressing and working at bars, then I went to Melbourne Comedy Festival, and I went on to do a show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival... I remember thinking though, I’d love a job during the day that allows me to be really creative with my writing at night… and a friend of mine, who was a comedian and working in radio, told me I should do radio… I started doing weekend shows with him and then I got offered a gig up

the right one you know. K: I hear there’s going to be quite the hens night? B: It was Spida’s idea; he’s brilliant. Not only is he a really good friend but he’s like a big brother… he got me on air and said,“I’m organising your hens night.’’ Now we’re bringing the Gold FM family along for the ride and I have no idea what’s going to happen… We also want ladies to come along whose hens were ruined! K: Looking back, did the accident impact on any planning? B: I remember the day very well, July 5th, 2018. It made Jamie and I closer than ever… It’s an interesting engagement story, because he saved my life and ended up proposing to me (which was the plan the whole time, we just didn’t make the island). But that’s why the wedding is a celebration of life… when I thought this man isn’t going to make it, that’s when I realised I love him more than anything in the world, so when he did propose I said “yes’’ times a million. K: How wonderful! I understand you also have some other exciting projects and news to share?

Your daily dose

Daley

in Cairns. I did the breakfast show there for five years - it was a baptism of fire! They’re so many skillsets to learn in radio, and I loved it! I thought I’ve found my calling. Next year it’s 20 years of me doing breakfast radio, which is unheard of in the industry… K: What’s your advice to women in the industry? B: Every job I’ve ever had, whether it be managing a bar, to stand-up, to radio - I mean, I’ve even done drag racing professionally against men - all of my career, it’s been male dominated industries. But I’ve never looked at myself as a woman taking on a man, I’ve always just looked at myself as a talent in an industry. Don’t typecast yourself… and trust me it’s not easy… As long as you stay very grounded, authentic and true to who you are, that’s probably the best advice I could give. K: Personally, you’re currently getting wedding arrangements in order. B: Well, I’m realising I’m not a ‘Bridezilla’, but I’m also realising I’m a very disorganised bride. There’s three weeks to go, and there’s still quite a bit to do… Ultimately, we’re getting married for the first time, I’m 43, I know how I want the wedding to be. Jamie and I both stop sometimes and go,‘’Oh my god, I’m going to be married to you in 3 weeks!’’ It’s amazing, we both thought we weren’t marrying people, but when you meet September 2019

B: Yes! We (Jamie and I) have a 12-metre shipping container on stilts up in the trees in our backyard, that’s actually a purpose-built recording studio. Jamie is an audio engineer, so we’ve set it up for anyone who wants to do podcasts, which is the way to go! He also does drum lessons up there... The business is called Sonic HQ… people can use it as a podcast studio, to do any band recordings they want, or music lessons… Jamie and I also want to do some projects where we’ll be giving back to the community too. I also have a podcast [The Sports Whisperer] with Alan Thomas coming out next week… The other exciting news is we have another new puppy… As soon as I heard it was raided [the Storybook Farm Animal Garden Rescue] I called the RSPCA and asked,“What do I have to do to adopt this puppy?’’ She has brain damage and she’s high care. K: Any final words for the Gold Coast? B: I love the Gold Coast. Dad had a boat at Southport Yacht Club, so we were here basically every weekend and holidayed at Rainbow Bay… I’ve lived here on and off for years, and now I’ve lived here longer than in my hometown of Brisbane, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, that’s for sure. 16

“

I’ve found my calling. Next year it’s 20 years of me doing breakfast radio, which is unheard of in the industry…

’’

September 2019

GET IT I FEATURE STORY

September 2019

From love to loss: Sarah Blinco talks to two Gold Coasters who expose the unbearable truth behind parental alienation am a mother who has raised two amazing children, both who until recently, shared a large part of my life. It pains me to be honest, to admit that I have had to step back and give my children space and to accept that at the moment I have no other choice. I have given up on the dream of having them live with me again and I feel an emptiness that I could never put into words. Now I understand I am a mother who has faced first-hand the demoralising and totally crushing impact of parental alienation.” Manipulation, lies, children being ‘poisoned against a parent’: it feels like the stuff of a Netflix psychological drama. But what if it turns out that these situations are rife in our own backyard? Deborah* is a Gold Coaster – her story opens above – and she believes that her experiences are far from uncommon. “I didn’t realise what had been happening to the children, that it had a name, and that parental alienation was an actual issue for mums and dads everywhere. “The children’s father started targeting me as the ‘bad parent’ more than 10 years ago. The plan was clearly to replace me with another mother (a ‘step’ mother) and now I have painfully discovered just how successful he has been at making me look like a downright uncaring and selfish parent”. Alienation, by definition, means to isolate one thing from another. It’s unsurprising that this conduct is considered a form of psychological abuse. “There have been a lot of painful moments but my lowest point was definitely when my children told me they did not want to live with me and that I had been a terrible mum. Their father would tell me that he of course always encouraged the children to spend time with me, but they simply didn’t want to see or live with me anymore.” Parental alienation happens when one parent (the alienating parent) has taken planned or malicious steps to isolate a child from an alienated parent without legitimate justification. Most frequently this involves a child being brainwashed to turn against and reject their other parent, as in Deborah’s case. As a result, long term estrangement of a child from a parent and other family members can occur, even when a relationship was once very positive and the children lived in a happy, loving environment. “My ex-husband is a narcissist. Causing me pain seems to be the main goal,” Deborah said.“He is a vengeful and obsessive alienator who did not stop until he had convinced the children to live with him. He knew that was the one thing he could control that would cause me immense pain.” In many cases, parental alienation is calculated. But it can also happen as a result of extreme emotional reactions from one parent in response to a separation – a response that prevents recovery and moving on. When this happens, children are exposed to that parent’s continuing bitterness and depression. Lina* said of her childhood, that her parents underwent a long and complicated separation, one in which she and her sister were intrinsically involved. “For a long time from our early teens, our mum would disclose adult information about our dad and the grief he’d caused her. She externalised unwanted emotions and responsibilities onto us. Mum said we should be the ones to tell him to treat her better – that her own mother had asked her to tell her father to leave, and she did it. She still holds resentment to this day that we didn’t follow her lead. We had many strained years with our father as a result. “The worst of it went on for more than a decade and my sister and I went round and round in circles having very distressing conversations with our parents, trying to ‘sort things out’. It’s not appropriate, now I reflect, but mum’s grieving response wasn’t normal. There’s no doubt we’ve suffered serious anxiety and depression because of this ongoing mental trauma.” An academic study published in 2018 by Jennifer Harman, Edward Kruk and Denise Hines calls parental alienation, ‘an 19

unacknowledged form of family violence’. They wrote:“Despite affecting millions of families around the world, parental alienation has been largely unacknowledged by legal and health professionals as a form of family violence.” Their study concluded that a formal review is sorely needed to help facilitate change and to protect the welfare of all involved, particularly children. The impact of parental alienation on children can last a lifetime, and manifests in depression, a fragile sense of self, social isolation, and difficulty maintaining normal relationships. These are fears that Deborah holds for her own kids. “Emotionally, for both the children and I, the last few years have been terrible. I am an adult and through the pain have found ways to survive. However, children should never have to choose one parent over another and be forced to live with the guilt of that decision.” Through her own nightmare, Deborah credits support from online groups as helping her come to terms with her situation. One such network is the Eeny Meeny Miney Mo Foundation, the only organisation in Australia that specialises in parental alienation. Its website, emmm.org.au explains the impact on kids: “Alienated children experience a complex grief for the loss of a parent who is still alive. Because this loss is the result of emotional manipulation, alienated children experience psychological difficulties associated with this type of trauma and abuse.” Amanda Sillars is the CEO and founding director of the Eeny Meeny Miney Mo Foundation. Her vision is that all children are free from child abuse and family violence, including being manipulated by one parent to unjustifiably reject the other parent.

Alienation, by definition, means to isolate one thing from another. It’s unsurprising that this conduct is considered a form of psychological abuse. Her experiences with parental alienation are harrowing. Amanda was a child of abduction and parental alienation, and in 1993 she and her brother lost their mother to suicide as a result of events ongoing since 1984. Then in 2011 Amanda’s own children were parentally abducted and manipulated to be hateful and fearful towards her. She finally reunited with her son in 2015 and her daughter in 2017. It wasn’t until 2012 that Amanda discovered there was a name for everything she’d experienced. From then on, she turned her traumatic experiences into a force for change, facilitating various online communities for other Australians going through similar unspoken horrors associated with parental alienation. Her Eeny Meeny Miney Mo Foundation was officially founded in 2015. The organisation strives to develop prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence of parental alienation and to provide valuable resources for alienated parents, children and service providers. Deborah’s final words:“We have a long way to go in Australia, but if we can draw attention to this issue and educate on the impact of parental alienation on parents and the damage it does to our kids, then that can only be a good thing for families in the future. “For me, letting go was my only way forward. Acknowledging to myself I had not done anything wrong and am a good mum, while focusing on me was key to finding a peaceful place to work on my healing. Grieving the loss of a child who is still alive is the most challenging thing I will ever encounter. I am stronger now and remind my kids of my love whenever I can, without overwhelming them, I always drip love! I remind them I will always be here, but it still hurts”. *names have been changed to protect the identity of our interviewees and their families. September 2019

fter having worked as a family lawyer on the Gold Coast for many years, I’m well aware that ‘parental alienation syndrome’, a term coined in the 1980s, is still a commonly raised issue in parenting matters. Parental alienation happens when a child becomes estranged from one of their parents because of the conduct or influence of the other parent. This differs from when a child becomes estranged because of their own experiences of that parent.

Determining what’s best for the kids At the very heart of the Family Law Act is the clear aim of ensuring that children have the benefit of both parents’ involvement in their lives. While parental alienation is frequently alleged, it is rarely made out. In difficult family situations, a child may be aligned with one of their parents, but overwhelmingly this is because of their own experiences, not because one of the parents have made them believe the other parent is a risk to them.

Parental Alienation in Family Law

Family Law accredited specialist Luke Brandon explains more about how this issue is viewed within a legal framework Examples of conduct by a parent in alienating a child from the other parent include: l Where a child is falsely said to have been sexually abused by a parent and the child is coached by the alienating parent who reinforces these false beliefs. l When a child is made to believe that the other parent is violent, and they are told stories by the alienating parent of untrue instances of physical attacks.

Separating fact from fiction Parental alienation is often easily established because the basis of a child’s fear of the other parent can be demonstrated as being false. Untruths are usually exposed through interviews with social workers or child psychologists. Additionally, a psychiatric assessment can determine if the alienating parent is suffering from a diagnosable condition or personality disorder, which is often the case.

What happens when a court determines there has been parental alienation? Usually the child will be removed from September 2019

the influence of the alienating parent for an amount of time that allows them to be reacquainted with, and gain their own experiences of, the other parent.

Separation is an incredibly challenging time for all in a family. This is sometimes not an option though because the damage to the relationship and the fear in the child of the other parent is too great, such that the Court’s ability to remedy the situation is stymied.

Dangerous games: playing with children’s lives The damage to a child who is estranged from one of their parents is well documented. Early childhood relationship traumas can impact through adolescence, into adulthood and can seriously impair a person’s ability to maintain stable intimate relationships of their own. Educating parents on the risks can be difficult, because usually these behaviours do not occur by accident. Parental 20

alienation is deliberate and malicious conduct that’s carried out by one parent with the intent of hurting the other parent.

Advice for parents Separation is an incredibly challenging time for all in a family. But parents separating should aim to co-parent in a flexible and communicative way. It’s important to negotiate a strategy that means you’re trying to resolve disputes. Importantly, show a united front in supporting children involved. Animosity between parents always spills over to the children because they are the most vulnerable and most affected by a separation. Make no mistake, a desire to make the other parent ‘pay’ in a separation usually means that it’s the child who pays. I tell clients from the beginning that anything they do or say may come before a Judge. Be mindful and behave in a way that is consistent with the outcome being sought. Absent any risk factors, being supportive of the children’s relationship with the other parent goes a long way to indicating to a court that you have the best interests of the children as your number one priority. If you would like to discuss your family matter please contact us P (07) 5574 1888 evansbrandonfamilylawyers.com.au

GET IT I PROFILE

Much rather your friend tell you to ‘bugger off, there’s nothing wrong with me’ than to lose one.

Mark Mathie, owner of Wickedbodz gym, gets real about conquering the stigma surrounding mental health, writes Get it's Kathleen Loxton

s owner of a gym, and a successful fitness trainer, you wouldn’t expect the tough and muscular Mark to be so frank about mental health. However, this is where the problem began and where Mark’s story starts. Mark recalled the initial shock of those around him when he spoke out about his mental health, saying, “I was probably the last person anyone would expect to be dealing with anxiety… I’ve had clients training with me at my business for 15 years, who have lent on me for various problems and I’ve always been the go-to to manage things. So, it was quite a shock for a lot of people to know I could do what I do, but also be dealing with that.’’ The mission behind Mark speaking up on social media, and at his workplace, was a powerful one.‘’I shared my story and how I deal with it, and dealt with it for many years, without anyone really knowing anything about it.The reason I want to help is to share and let people know that you can speak up, don’t keep your head in the sand,’’ said Mark. Response to Mark’s story came in quickly and continues to build traction. Mark said of the feedback,“There’s been so much response, not just from people within the gym. I’ve had many private messages from people that have followed my fitness career and things that I’ve done, and they respected that I was open about that. It’s been a wakeup call for a few of them to go see someone and address any problems. It’s been fantastic… it’s been incredible for me to see how one little piece of social media can help so many people. If social media is used for the right purpose, it can be a brilliant thing!’’ It was a series of events that encouraged Mark to speak up.“I just got sick of it; when you’ve lived with it like I have and had some really dark times you do. It was a period of 1 to 2 months of just continuing to hear about people taking their lives. It’s something that can be controlled, if they had seen someone... I’ve been there too though, so I understand where they’re coming from,” said Mark. Mark noted the long-term goal is,“For people to be aware, be aware of other’s behaviour and if they are acting out of sorts. I want people to be much more comfortable speaking about it.’’This is reflected in his personal life too, as Mark’s partner has been a pillar of strength and is 21

now acutely aware of the signs that signal when Mark may be struggling. The importance of having someone to talk to is not a matter Mark takes lightly. Mark explained,“Once you can speak about it, and you have someone to lean on when you’re having those dark times, it’s a much easier day to get through.’’ Also speaking about checking in on others, Mark added,“Much rather your friend tell you to ‘bugger off, there’s nothing wrong with me’ than to lose one.’’ “It ain’t weak to speak’’ is a message from LIVIN that Mark encourages, as is seeking professional help. Mark said of dealing with anxiety and depression,“It can be prevented, it can’t be stopped, and it can’t be ‘fixed’, but just a simple conversation can stop someone taking their own life.’’ Now this discussion is happening, and the gym’s members are talking about the concerns they have for their loved ones. But this is a conversation that needs to be happening across Australia. The statistics in Australia remain shocking, and with R U Okay Day happening on 12 September, it’s time to look at the facts: l Last year news.com.au reported that suicide is the leading cause of death in men aged 15 to 44. l News.com.au also reported of the 3,128 deaths from suicide in 2017, 75 per cent of those were men. l The Black Dog Institute stated “72 per cent of males don’t seek help for mental disorders.” l Earlier this year theconversation.com published a piece by Professor Anthony Jorm (Professor emeritus, University of Melbourne), which investigated research that found male diagnoses of anxiety and depression “have risen in all age groups, with the biggest increases among 15 to 34 year olds.” We need men like Mark to continue to share their powerful stories, their power coming from the inner strength they show in doing so. Come on Get it girls, let’s also take the time to have this talk with our loved ones, and to see someone if we’re struggling ourselves, because that’s what will make us truly mighty. September 2019

GET IT I CAREER

Make your career evergreen Bruce Harkness, author of Performance Matters: The Ultimate Career Survival Guide, has over twenty years’ experience in leadership and talent development on the Gold Coast, and he’s here to teach us how to keep our career growing

very day you have the possibility to make decisions that can make your life better or worse. The discipline is in the application of those decisions. A good starting point is to give yourself time to reflect on a situation, deciding what actions would result in the best outcome, and knowing right from wrong. From a workplace perspective, linking your decisions to your career goals is a critical component of effective career management and is an immensely strong driver of positive change. “All good and well” I hear you say, but in an intensely competitive and stressful workplace it is not always easy to see the wood from the trees in terms of effective decision making. Competition for your job can now come from practically anywhere in the world and, increasingly, you are competing with emerging technology /AI, which may threaten or replace your job in the future. Regardless of how you feel about this change, the speed of change and the compounding effect will continue to evolve and intensify over the course of your career lifetime. The first step in building your resilience to cope with the competitive nature of the workplace and cultivating a successful career is to accept that change is here to stay, that change is good and, ultimately, to become a ‘change maker’! Those of you who learn to anticipate and respond well to change will be best positioned to react and seek out new and exciting opportunities. Initially, this can be difficult as change can be confronting and create feelings of uncertainty. Also, hanging on to what has passed often leads to frustration and anxiety. By letting go and embracing the moment you will automatically feel better. It really is that simple! Our ability to let go of past experiences is influenced by September 2019

When it comes to coping with the stresses of both work and life you have got to have a resilience plan. what psychologists call locus of control. This concept essentially suggests that people who have a dominant internal locus of control believe the outcomes of their life are influenced by the decisions they make. Those individuals who have a dominant external locus of control believe it is predominately external influences that shape their lives. Regardless, when it comes to coping with the stresses of both work and life you have got to have a resilience plan which incorporated daily habits to counter the stress that we all face: l Accept that the chaos that surrounds us is not a one-off event. l Understand that building your resilience is not optional. l Go to work on your self-belief and confidence. l Build your support team as a priority. l In work and life, live according to your values. l Find meaning in your work – what is your why for what you do? l Maintain a healthy optimistic mindset; stuff happens, it is a normal part of our lives. l Build in daily routines that help you manage stress – for example, a walk on the beach, meditation, or exercise. l Ensure you get the recommended hours of sleep for optimal health and be mindful of your overall physical well-being. 22

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September 2019

GET IT I COVER STORY

Anthony Noud is

GOOD ENOUGH Get it is joined by Anthony Noud, founder and director of Awakened Lifestyles, who shares his incredible true story

ecently approached by Warner Brothers to attend a casting of The Bachelor, living riverside in New Farm, and running a successful coaching business servicing clients worldwide… By all accounts he fits the cliché of modern-day success. But feeling ‘not good enough’ as a man is perhaps the last thing you’d expect to hear from the tall, dark, ripped and handsome Anthony Noud. His story from teenage drug addict, to prison, overdoses and near suicide is anything but what you’d expect to hear in a modern-day success story. Anthony speaks candidly with a rare authenticity with us today… “As long as I can remember I’ve cared about what others thought about me. Kinda like if you knew the real me, then you certainly wouldn’t like me. In response to this, my mind has always seemed to think of ways in which I can prove my ‘worth’, essentially postponing my happiness and contentment to a future date when I am a better version of myself. “So, if I look a certain way, dress a certain way, earn a certain amount of money, have a certain amount of things, prestige, status… whatever! Then, and only then, will I feel like a successful human being, like I’ve made it, like I’m ‘good enough’. “As a society, our culture reinforces this - if you have a certain watch, that car, x amount of money in the bank, a fit body.These are the things that are supposed to make us happy and content, right? That’s certainly what I was taught, and that’s how my story begins. “I remember a time when I was young and bounding with excitement declaring that I wanted to become an ambulance driver (fast cars, sirens, blood and guts - pretty much heaven for

September 2019

a 7-year-old boy). Anyway, I remember when an older family member shot back,‘Why would you want to be an ambulance driver when you can be a doctor? Doctors are much better and more successful, and they earn more money.’ I vividly remember thinking this seemed strange. How would that make me better? I’m just here trying to have as much FUN as I can, I don’t care about money. “But the seed was planted- If I wanted to be ‘successful’ then I had to be better than I was, which I took to mean that ‘as I am now, I mustn’t be quite good enough’. “By about age 10 I decided that if you guys (the world) weren’t gonna love me as I am, and that in order to feel ‘good enough’ I have to be, do, have certain things, then I’ll show you just how not good enough I can be. “This started a progression into juvenile delinquency - playing pranks and being a somewhat ‘naughty’ kid. On some level this felt good - it was okay to be me, even if that me was the naughty kid. “From there, things snowballed pretty quickly… I started smoking pot, which turned into speed, which had me first try heroin at age 15. I finally felt like I belonged, and the expectation to be ‘good enough’ had been pushed down somewhere between the daily drug use and the fact that as a ratbag, the ‘worse’ I was in societies’ eyes, the more ‘successful’ I was at being a terror. I was still chasing that good enough! “The next 11 years saw me strategically burn my life to the ground. A $1,000 a day heroin and ice habit, and trouble with the law saw me land in prison at age 19, with multiple detox units, rehabs, court ordered programs and well-wishing family and medical interventions that left me in a state of despair. Wanting to die started to

become a familiar feeling each morning. I was unemployable with pages of criminal convictions, overweight, and I couldn’t feel my feet because of the poor circulation (a result of constantly injecting drugs into my neck). I had absolutely NO idea of how to live life, let alone anything that resembled self-esteem or self-worth. I certainly didn’t feel good enough. “I got to a point that is common among drug addicts, where I was well and truly ‘sick and tired of being sick and tired’. Something in me clicked, and I made a decision that I was going to turn my life around. “In addition to seeking specialized help for my addictions, I began to look at society and became curious about how people became ‘happy’, because what I was doing certainly wasn’t working. “If only I could look a certain way, dress a certain way, have a certain amount of money… then I would feel ‘good enough’ and like I’d ‘made it’.This was the story that my mind told me. And so, it began, a crazy obsessed mission which saw me transform my entire life. Beginning with my drug polluted body, I lost over 35kg, got fit and began a strict eating regime.This saw me win a Novice Heavyweight Mr Qld title only 6 years later. Surely now I’d feel good enough, right? “I mean, society told me that as a man it was things like big muscles, a nice car, pretty girls, lots of money and power that would make me feel like I’d made it… “So simultaneously, it was onto the next thing:‘I need to get a job’. Not an easy task for someone with an extensive criminal history and no qualifications. Perhaps out of pity, I was warily given a casual job at a family member’s gym, initially just vacuuming the place and answering the phone. It was then I decided that

“The promised payoff was always the same. When you achieve x, y or z, then you will feel like you’ve finally made it.’’

Awakened Lifestyles We are a team of inner work coaches with a passion to help others achieve and succeed. We transform minds, bodies and lives - from the inside out. Visit awakenedlifestyles.com.au to find out more.

25 25

if I could become an established personal trainer, I would then feel worthy of my incessant mind’s expectations. I did that, and then some. “Beginning my journey while still detoxing and having withdrawals from being on the highest legal dose of methadone, a very powerful narcotic and sedative used to minimize heroin dependency, I began building a team of nutritionists, dietitians and trainers under me servicing thousands of clients across the country. But the story still wasn’t true! “For the deadbeat junkie and methadone addict to now be a shining example of health and fitness, business and personal success, this would surely be ‘enough’ to feel happy and content, right? “It was like as soon as I achieved or reached a goal, my mind would instantly shift the goal posts on me and set a new, loftier target.The promised payoff was always the same. When you achieve x, y or z, THEN you will feel like you’ve finally made it. Essentially postponing my happiness to a future date when I am a ‘better’ version of myself. “Only the story just wasn’t true, and this is ALL too common among men these days. Overworking, drinking and drug taking, increased body image pressure, needing to provide material wealth as an adjunct to life purpose.This is the story that the youth of today are being told, and I’m here to tell you that it simply isn’t true. “If external success, money or physical appearance was going to make me happy, it well and truly would have by now. Don’t get me wrong, I think all of these things are important, and are a nice addition to your life, but in and of themselves will not create lasting happiness. “I began looking inside, and challenging this inner critic constantly comparing me to others and telling me ‘I’m not good enough’. I came to learn that the ONLY way I will ever feel good enough is when I treat myself like I matter. What I have learnt, is that the degree to which you feel your life is a ‘success’ is directly proportional to how safe and ok you feel to BE YOURSELF. “That is, listening to those inner whispers that tell you ‘this situation isn’t for me’, saying yes and no in the right places, speaking up for who you are and what you want, having those conversations that you avoid for fear of rejection. Essentially making it more than ok to BE YOURSELF exactly as you are, no holds barred, zero f*cks given.THIS is when you begin to feel good enough… Why? Because by being yourself (and not beating yourself up for it) you are literally telling yourself through your actions that it is more than okay to be me! In that state, not only is it impossible to not feel ‘less than’, but the idea of being good enough/ not good enough isn’t possible. “From this place, you can then go on and enjoy (being ‘in-joy’) in all of the external things, like your job, house, car, relationships etc., all the while knowing deep down that they don’t make any difference to who you are or what you’re worth. “If I could have my time again, I’d tell that little boy that was shamed for wanting to be an ambulance driver that it’s okay - you need to follow that little heart of yours, and you are perfectly safe to be yourself, in fact, it’s the only thing you are here to be!’’

September 2019

GET IT I BUSINESS

3 tips to reduce email, now 1. Send less. Try other communication methods such as phone calls, personal visits or instant messenger. 2. Improve the quality. Use the subject line more effectively. For example, rather than say “When can we meet”, you could say “Can we meet on Thursday at 2?” 3. Action items.

Mastering

YOUR EMAILS Donna McGeorge, speaker, mentor and author, helps us transform our email habits ow do you currently spend the first two hours of your day? Unfortunately, most of us come to work, grab a coffee, chat with a few colleagues, sit at our desk, open our email and respond to them from the top down. Then, before you know it, it’s 1pm and you’re still reacting to requests. Newsflash! You are letting email dictate your day. TRANSFORM BAD HABITS TO GOOD According to an article by DMR, a company that looks at social media statistics and trends, the average user gets around 112 emails per day. (I’ve heard people say it varies from 40 to 200 per day, depending on the role.) When asked,“What percentage of those are important and require a considered response from you?”The answer is almost unanimously 10 per cent. A study by the University of Glasgow found that we use email correctly to leverage time zones or answer a well-defined question only 20 per cent of the time. The rest is a waste, and much of it could have been better handled by a phone call or face-to-face discussion. Many of these productivity problems arise because we are operating on autopilot. We September 2019

don’t think about what, when or even why we are doing things; we just do them in the order in which the tasks came to us, or how they’re written on our to-do list. Well, no more! LEAVE IT ‘TIL LUNCH For the majority of us our peak alertness is actually at 10am and our best coordination is at around 2.30pm. This is best explained by the work of Michael Smolensky and Lynne Lambert, published in their book The Body Clock Guide to Better Health, which describes a person’s typical circadian rhythm. Hence, tasks that require attention and focus are best done in the morning, and repetitive tasks are best done in the afternoon when your body is naturally looking for a rest while it digests your lunch. At this time, we often experience a drop in attention, memory, logical reasoning and mood. This is not a good time to have a meeting where critical decision making or problem solving is required, but it is a good time to do things like, yes, email. Yes, it does seem ridiculously late, but remember that only about 10 per cent of your email requires a considered response, so now you can manage and process the remaining 26

90 per cent that doesn’t require your brain to be at capacity. (And, given that 80 per cent of your emails are probably a waste of your time anyway, there’s not much at stake here.) But the very idea of not checking your emails until after lunch is scary! ‘What if there is something important there that I need to respond to?’The point is that your email inbox is no different from the old-fashioned in-tray on your desk: it’s the way that work comes to you. But we need to be more mindful of when we process it, respond to it and complete it. SCAN IT AND MOVE ON To combat FOMO (fear of missing out something important) scan your email first thing in the morning and make some conscious decisions about what requires action, and when following these five steps: l Run down the inbox and identify the 10 per cent that require a considered response. (Colour-code senders so you can quickly identify those from your boss.) l Determine if those responses are needed immediately or can be scheduled. l If it’s not urgent, and it requires a considered response, then schedule it for the first two hours tomorrow, or another morning later in the week. l Leave the rest until later in the day. l Get rid of stuff that has already been handled or is old. This is another task to leave until later in the day. This is about shifting your usual patterns and cycle of habits. Remember, if you are someone who responds immediately to all emails, then people come to expect that. Then, if you don’t reply to something within 30 minutes, you’ll get another email or a phone call wanting to know why you haven’t responded to the email. When you delay your email then you start to form a new and improved habit and you protect your most valuable time in the morning for your ‘real work’.

Donna is author of The First 2 Hours: Make better Use of Your Most Valuable Time (John Wiley)

Create a ‘Done’ folder in your inbox. Once an email has been read or actioned, drag it across. If you need it later, you will be able to find it.

GET IT I FASHION SPECIAL

A fashion fairytale

MODEL: Zara Mander PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Younan MAKE-UP: Pallavi Seth MAKE-UP ASSISTANT: Sireena Howard HAIR: Kylie Bell

Hidden in the woods of Mount Tamborine, a group of Gold Coast creatives gathered to make magic on film. Enchanting gowns and majestic beasts set the sceneâ&#x20AC;¦

ods MODEL: Mercy Wo : PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Paget Seth MAKE-UP: Pallavi NT: TA SIS AS -UP MAKE Sireena Howard HAIR: Sarah Zinn

MODEL: Silja Corinna PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Younan MAKE-UP: Pallavi Seth MAKEUP ASSISTANT: Sireena Howard HAIR: Sarah Zinn

MODEL: Zoe Burns PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Younan MAKE-UP AND HAIR: Cassie Nunnl

Costumes provided by Liliana Ainsley of Mila Creations, and jewellery by Redki Jewellery. Horses were provided by HLS Trick Riding Lessons & Equestrian Services. Proceeds from this day were donated to Heeling Hooves. Website: healinghoovesinc.org/

September 2019

GET IT I FASHION

Spring is in the air and fashion has taken inspiration from natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty, in all its glory. Venture into new sartorial territory with floaty fabrics, romantic florals and an unencumbered spirit.

White Bohemian, KIVARI Jax Ditsy maxi dress $199, whitebohemian.com.au September 2019

Spring Dreaming Visit White Bohemianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s store located in the beautiful Palm Beach, or online at whitebohemian.com.au

White Bohemian, KIVARI Wayfarer midi skirt, $149, whitebohemian.com.au White Bohemian, KIVARI Wayfarer linen blouse $129, whitebohemian.com.au 29

September 2019

White Bohemian, KIVARI Jax Ditsy maxi skirt, $149, whitebohemian.com.au White Bohemian, KIVARI Jax Ditsty blouse, $119, whitebohemian.com.au

September 2019

White Bohemian, KIVARI Melody jumpsuit, $189, whitebohemian.com.au

September 2019

GET IT I FASHION

PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP Hello fashionistas! SHOE ALERT! What's trending for spring/summer 20192020? It's officially time to stash away your winter boots. Make space in your wardrobe and get those winter tootsies in tip-top shape for the newest bang on trend styles for your feet. First, barely there sandals, or the ‘naked shoe’ - you will need these… STAT! You will also need to try different styles though, as this look is very minimal, from kitten heels to skyscrapers, giving us late ‘90s to early 2000s vibes revisited. Next, animal everything has taken over in all shapes and forms for several seasons, this summer will be the snake print; just add floaty sundresses or a structured cargo look. Let’s not forget the clear PVC shoe! I have to say these are my absolute favourite, giving that naked clear look, and long giraffe legs effect (I’ve never met a girl who doesn't want long legs!). From wedges to kitten heels or slides, these shoes will take you from beach to bar; add a shell ankle bracelet to embrace the boho trend. Also, look for a nude shoe, this will elongate your legs, with no colour break (just add fake tan!). If you have a thicker ankle, steer clear of ankle straps that will grab and cut your leg shape off. A slide or mule will do the trick. Finally, still trending are hot runners: with everything. I am still loving this trend, and on a recent visit to a major shopping centre, I focused on who was wearing this, from concierge to customer, with everything from suiting to floral maxis... too easy. So, my go to look for this coming season will definitely be clear, with a medium heel, to continue my shoe fetish! Stay stylish.

GET STYLISH

with Susie the Stylist

Pied A Terre Priceless Python Microsuede, $59.99, famousfootwear.com.au

Wittner Carr Sage Croc, $180, wittner.com.au London Rebel Brightlight Ocelot, $49.99, famousfootwear.com.au

London Rebel Gizaa Silver-Clear, $49.99, famousfootwear.com.au

Wittner Hanisha Nude, $195, wittner.com.au

Wittner Havier Ecru, $200, wittner.com.au

Naughty Monkey Wiley White Pu, $49.99, famousfootwear.com.au

Susie

E V E R I M AG I N E D H AV I N G YO U R OW N ST Y L I ST ?

Stay stylish this September

September 2019

London Rebel Hilda Pink Microsuede, $49.99, famousfootwear.com.au

Naughty Monkey Bahi Floral White, $29.99, famousfootwear.com.au.

Hush Puppies Danae, $149.95, hushpuppies.com.au

GET IT I MAKEUP

My TOP 4

Underneath

the look

product picks for

Award winning make-up artist Amanda Ramsay gets honest about setting our make-up o you need to prime or set with powder, and what the heck is a setting spray for? Let’s unpack these alleged solutions to make-up that ‘stays all day’… I’m not a massive advocate for primer. Mainly because it ‘cheats good skin’. Rather than masking problematic skin with a primer, I believe you’re better to invest in solving your underlying skin issues. While some are great products, I don’t promote primer as essential. Finishing powder will help to set your cream foundation, but it will also sit in wrinkles. If you want to use powder, use sparingly on your t-zone only! What I do love in our climate, is a good make-up setting spray. A quick spritz prior to and after applying make-up will hydrate and soothe your skin and help to keep make-up in place. No risk of setting spray sitting in your crinkles and you can keep on spritzing throughout the day to really freshen up and breathe new life into your makeup. The main thing to be wary of is anything that is too heavily fragranced or high in alcohol. Some suggestions; FOR SKIN PREP 1. Edible Beauty no 3 Exotic Goddess Serum An epic hydration boost that instantly plumps your skin and prevents water loss. Includes Kakadu Plum with the world’s highest levels of Vitamin C which visibly brightens. 30ml RRP $74.00 Ediblebeautyaustralia.com PRIMER 2. Kylie’s Professional Mineral Goddess Foundation Primer 100% natural aloe and rose based primer that diffuses the appearance of fine lines, help makeup last longer all whilst treating your skin to a good dose of skin-loving botanical ingredients. Created by Gold Coast local Pro Artist Kylie Eustace. RRP $60.00 kylies.com.au FINISHING POWDER 3. Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro Powder Starring nano-blurring particles! This one’s got an ultralightweight, breathable, soft, velvety texture that gives skin a ‘soft-focus filter’. Use just where you need it to blot excess shine. RRP $70.00 charlottetilbury.com SETTING SPRAYS 4. Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics Herbal Tonic Australian 100% natural product free from synthetics, the witch hazel behaves like a “setting agent” helping makeup to last longer. It’s full of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid for plumping. A Gold Coast girls must-have. Won’t provide the same staying power as the Cult brands but will certainly improve your skin. Top up throughout the day. RRP $32.00 ereperez.com 33

longer lasting makeup Got a question about this topic, or a suggestion for a future one? Let us know on Get it’s social channels, or email me via amandaramsay.com.au. For a quick guide to the pros and cons go to our website blog

2 3

September 2019

TONED and TERRIFIC New on the Gold Coast: discover how the world’s only device that burns fat and builds muscle can benefit YOU in time for summer e’ve all got a body area that’s not our favourite: tummy, bum, arms. No matter how much work we put in, it’s never quite right. Enter EMSCULPT, brand new technology that helps you achieve the same results as 20,000 sit-ups or squats in just 30 minutes! Too good to be true? Look at the facts and decide for yourself. Up until now, EMSCULPT has only been available to an elite few but now, EMSCULPT is in Burleigh Heads. US brand ambassadors Drew Barrymore, Kim Kardashian and J-Lo credit EMSCULPT as being ‘a total game changer’ when losing weight and building muscle. Drew has been quoted in American national media saying that EMSCULPT helped her to tone her tummy after having two kids.

AFTER

BEFORE

HOW DOES IT WORK? The machine itself looks very sleek and has 2 paddles that are placed on your core or buttocks area whilst you lay on a table, dreaming of your new beach body.Patented high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology forces 20,000 involuntary muscular contractions. The ‘Supra-Maximal’ contractions create new Muscle fibres (which don’t regenerate after age 21) through muscle hyperplasia. This is the only device available globally that can regenerate new muscle fibres. Emsculpt uses HIFEM technology to contract the entire muscle to a degree that’s physically impossible to do in the gym. A sit-up works about 40% of your muscles; Emsculpt works the muscles at 100% toning and strengthening abdominal and gluteal muscles effortlessly and pain free. It induces what’s known as supramaximal

BEFORE

September 2019

contractions, which cannot be obtained through typical exercise. These contractions force the muscle tissues to adapt to such extreme conditions causing a deep remodelling of the inner structure; a growth of myofibrils (muscle hypertrophy) and creation of new protein strands and muscle fibres (muscle hyperplasia). This results in increased muscle density and volume. Fat is secondarily burned and destroyed as a beneficial side effect. RESULTS Clinical research shows an average 16 per cent increase in muscle mass 8 weeks post-treatment, and average waist

AFTER

measurement sees a reduction of 4.4cm. There’s also fat loss – a 19 per cent reduction of fat through apoptosis (a controlled cell death). The best thing about this treatment is that the results are permanent! WHO IS IT FOR? EMSCULPT is ideal for anyone who is healthconscious and exercises but is seeking that extra definition that fitness classes aren’t delivering. Have a complimentary consult with BEFORE the new Burleigh team to find out how it will redefine you!' The recommended treatment plan is four

BEFORE

AFTER

30-minute sessions over two weeks. Best results will be seen after three months with continued improvement over six months. Look slimmer and achieve sexy athletic contours by summer. Find out more – give the Burleigh team a call today. P 0426 154 381 W facesculpt.com.au TheEmsculpt treatment is Physician led and is endorsed by Dr Chinsee and Dr Binaca at FaceSculpt.

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September 2019

Spring Clean Your Health JEFF OSBORNE FROM VISION PERSONAL TRAINING BUNDALL HELPS US DUST OFF THOSE BAD HABITS

ow! Winter is almost over! Can you believe it? We all know the adage that summer bodies are made in winter. But that doesn't leave you much time on the Gold Coast. So that leaves you with one option: starting now! "THE BEST TIME TO START WAS YESTERDAY, THE SECOND BEST IS TODAY.'' Good design beats willpower every time! One of the most important things you can do is make eating well and doing some exercise as easy as possible for yourself! If you rely on willpower, you will come unstuck sooner rather than later. In an interview with Jerry Seinfeld, Barak Obama said that he eats the same breakfast and someone else picks out his suit for the day, every single day, so he can avoid decision fatigue. He makes so many important decisions in his day that he doesn't want to waste them on little things. That's smart! Moreover, you should do the same! Good design starts with knowing your weaknesses! Assess when you are vulnerable. For myself, it is after dinner. If I finish dinner and I have had a particularly testing day, beer or chocolate is what my body craves. Peanut M&M's to be exact. Unless I have something available to fill that craving, I will lose it and eat whatever I can! For me, the solution is something like 150g or rockmelon or raspberries. For exercise, make it as easy as possible for yourself. I own a personal training studio, walk past equipment to get to my office every day and yet I still can go days without exercise, easy! To avoid this I book sessions with my trainers so I have someone holding me accountable, I play an organised sport where I can't let my team down, I have a running buddy that I go with every Wednesday, and I can't let her down, and I enter things that make me set a plan and stick to it, like the Queenstown Marathon later this year. If you have these things, always have a packed exercise bag on you and plan it out you will be 1000 per cent more likely to stick with it. However, if it is body shape change you are looking for, exercise is

“it’s not just about weight loss,

essential, but the battle is won and lost with food! So, here are a few tips to make eating well easier: Look at your coming week and work out which days are the toughest. Plan for the week with particular attention to those days. Set a food plan, do the shopping online and have the food delivered (it's worth the time!) and do the food prep, then cook a few easy meals for the week. My favourite is savoury mince with veggies. You just need good mince, tomato paste, tinned tomatoes and your favourite veggies. Make some easy to eat and store snacks! Try getting some chicken mince rissoles, make them into balls and cook them in the oven. Or get a jar and half fill it with oats, add some milk and top with yoghurt, nuts and some berries, and leave in the fridge overnight. In another jar you can take some salad, add it to the jar with some good dressing, and you have that ready to go in the morning!

THE BEST TIME TO START WAS YESTERDAY, THE SECOND BEST IS TODAY. If you have a sweet tooth, get some good options together. Rockmelon is good, so is dark chocolate. If you are pressed for time, I'm okay with using protein bars, shakes or protein ice-cream! You only get a few grams of carbs (if you pick well), a good dose of protein, a little fat. I know it's not ideal, but in the face of a busy day, it is better than eating nothing or eating some other options! So remember, make it easy on yourself by designing things in a way that makes winning the battle come naturally. Then when you rack up wins, you feel better, and you are more likely to stick with it long term.

it’s about health”

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September 2019

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Bundall Studio, Unit 3, 93 Ashmore Road, Bundall P 55384788 visionpt.com.au/Bundall 36

GET IT I HEALTH

Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world. Understanding this health concern is critical and could save your life or the life of someone you love. ver 11% of Australians have asthma.That’s 1 in 9 people – which might be you, or someone close to you. Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs, sometimes referred to as chronic respiratory disease. Sufferers know well the feeling that asthma causes when your airways become inflamed and ‘narrow’, making breathing difficult. Although many people first develop asthma during childhood, asthma symptoms can occur at any age and because of a variety of reasons. Adults with newly diagnosed asthma (adult onset asthma) generally encounter persistent symptoms. Flare-ups can occur because of an infection (possibly following a cold or flu), exercise, allergens and air pollution. First signs of asthma will probably include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and trouble breathing. Who gets adult onset asthma? The most recent statistics indicate that women are more likely to develop asthma after age 20. However, it’s important to note that anyone – at any age – can develop asthma, so if you have concerns, consult a medical professional. It’s thought that obesity may contribute to a person’s risk of developing asthma, and that people who had asthma as a child are also likely to see asthma recur in adulthood. Research indicates that at least 30% of adult asthma cases are triggered by allergies. These can include seasonal allergies, reactions to animals (e.g. cats), and exposure to irritants in the home or work environment like

Asthma AWARE chemicals, dust or mould. Hormonal fluctuations in women may play a role in adult onset asthma. Some women first develop asthma symptoms during or after a pregnancy, and others do so when going through menopause. A bad cold or flu often triggers adult onset asthma too, or symptoms occur after a person battles an illness, virus, or infection. Spotting the first signs of adult onset asthma Regardless of the trigger(s), common symptoms occur that might indicate adult onset asthma.These are: l A persistent dry cough, especially at night or in response to specific triggers l Tightness or pressure in the chest, and difficulty breathing l Wheezing when exhaling (a whistling sound when you breathe) l Shortness of breath after exercise or physical exertion

l Colds that go into the chest (and seem particularly bad or worse than everyone else you know); or colds that persist for more than 10 days l Any of the above symptoms that keep coming back or happen at the same time each year. If you think you have asthma: next steps You should talk to a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible, if you have symptoms that are bothering you, or if you suspect you might have asthma. Asthma contributes to loss of lung function, and if left untreated can worsen over time. If you have any asthma symptoms, don’t ignore them. Asthma Australia shares that there were 441 deaths in 2017 due to asthma; and nearly 40,000 hospitalisations in 2014-15. It’s a condition that you should not take lightly. Consult a healthcare provider who can help to determine why you’ve developed asthma and the best approach for managing your triggers and symptoms in the future. Practical steps that are likely to be discussed with you include: l Developing a written asthma care and action management plan l Your commitment to regular check-ups and administering appropriate medication l Education on the type of asthma you’re dealing with, how to avoid your known triggers and understanding the medication that you should have on hand to manage flare-ups. It’s important to get diagnosed properly and as early as possible. Most people who develop adult onset asthma can lead normal lives because with proper care and management, asthma symptoms can be effectively controlled. If you have any queries or concerns, you can always start by talking to your local pharmacist for advice or have a read of Asthma Australia’s website at https://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/

ASTHMA AWARENESS FREE INHALER TECHNIQUE CHECKS AVAILABLE IN STORE NOW

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90% of Australians don’t 37

use their inhalers correctly September 2019

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September 2019

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GET IT I TRAVEL

of the past

In July, Perth’s suburb of Guildford became the largest historic site added to Western Australia’s heritage places register. It’s the perfect Aussie travel secret, (reluctantly) shared by Geri Vladeva…

Stirling Square. Image by Geri Vladeva

ot many of Perth’s visitors head to Guildford. Although the town is the gateway to the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region, it’s often overlooked. Finally recognised for its historical significance and heritage beauty, the little boutiquesque town might get busier next summer (so plan your visit while it’s still a secret)! The town is one of three settlements established at the beginning of the Swan Colony in 1829 and it’s the best preserved from colonial times. Its design represents an idealised English country town with pubs, general stores and post office all arranged around the church square. Strolling Guildford’s streets, feel the laidback atmosphere from a bygone era, when people had time for a chat, and no one had yet heard of the minimalist decoration style.‘Trendy’ in Guildford are Georgian and Federation styles. The gorgeous homes are dormant in a lush wrap of greenery and roses. Many wear a poppy plaque on their front gates – a sign they were home to an ANZAC. In summer, Guildford bursts with al-fresco dining in historical buildings, garden-cafés, tearooms and a main street inlaid with antique shops. James Street is like a treasure hunt. Among the several antique and retro shops, you are sure to find your gem. If you are not up to shopping, you can still enjoy the sights, sipping from

The town is one of three settlements established at the beginning of the Swan Colony in 1829 and it’s the best preserved from colonial times. behind your coffee in one of the street cafés snuggled between the shops showing off their yesterday’s extravaganza. Guildford reveals its best only if you get on your feet and keep walking. Take your map of the heritage walk trails from the Visitor Centre and get exploring. On your way, you will pass by the old post office, now housing a garden centre with an outdoor café. Stirling Square is the heart of the town and offers a grand stage for the ANZAC Memorial and shady benches for weary explorers. NEED TO KNOW Twenty-minutes’ drive or a train ride from Perth station will bring you directly to James Street, Guildford’s busiest locale. If you are flying to Perth, take a taxi, Uber or Ola – the suburb is ten-minutes’ north of the airport. WHERE TO SHOP Some of the notable retro and antique shops are Retrofind, Trading Treasures, Curio Warehouse and Jones of Guildford. Goodwood Antiques on East Street specialises in everything French, antique or not. A favourite of all is Panache Living, a boutique shop but more a universe of an exquisite interior, fashion and gift shopping. 39

EAT, DRINK AND SOCIALISE Perthies from all over the city love coming to Guildford for a Sunday brunch or evening with friends. Padbury’s Café Restaurant offers fine dining and excellent service. Its historical building is always full of happy chatter. For a more down-to-earth food experience, join the locals at Alfred’s Kitchen. Since 1947, this roadside kitchen serves its trademark pea and ham soup until the wee hours around a glowing log fire and in a 1906 train carriage. For hearty meals, head to the three old heritage listed hotels – Rose and Crown, Stirling Arms Hotel and Guildford Hotel.The latter you will recognise by its belvedere tower. Little Vines and the Riverside at Woodbridge offer quieter ambience and gorgeous country views. For a quick snack and a good coffee, Poste Design Centre and Café offers a chic experience amidst lavish greenery. Guildford offers tranquillity and entertainment wrapped with an oldfashioned but not outdated golden ribbon. Pop in for a visit when you’re in Perth, and enjoy the gift of the past. Geri Vladeva is a freelance writer and publishes about female travel on her blog When Woman Travels. September 2019

GET IT I MONEY

SPRING-CLEAN YOUR

PIGGYBANK Les McGuire ADFS(FP), Principal of Future Proof Financial, helps us through a financial springtime shakeup pring, what a glorious season! While this winter has felt a bit like spring, we can’t be complacent expecting things to always remain the same in such a fast-paced world. In my time in the financial profession, I have never seen such disruption as we are faced with today. How can we conduct spring-cleaning on our own finances to ensure that they are best positioned moving forward? We need to start with understanding our own backyard. Many people become extremely apathetic with their own personal finances. We all get busy and never attend to what should matter most: our own and our family’s future. The Achilles heel for most of us is our home loan or the personal loan we took out to cover other debt, and the real nasty perpetrator - the debt on the credit card.Time and time again, this is what is holding people back from getting ahead. Reviewing these facilities to ensure that they are structured correctly can make an incredible difference in achieving some greater freedom with your money. Don’t be fooled with taking low-interest-rate loans without understanding the contract terms.Too often people refinance their home loans based on a low-interest-rate upfront, without realising after a honeymoon period the interest rate jumps to a base rate without discount, costing people far more money. If it seems to good to be true, it is worth questioning. Consider the lowest rate loan you have, most of the time, this will be the home loan. If you believe your home is worth more than the loan in place, there is an opportunity to consolidate the higher interest rate loans, or credit cards, into this facility to take some pressure off cash flow and reduce the interest rate exposure. I would always recommend speaking with a professional first to ensure that it is structured correctly. If you were to consolidate say a personal loan with a 5-year time frame, it is worth having this structured similarly in your other loan, to ensure that you are paying the debt off over the same period (cash-flow pending, of course). The other area which many people are unaware of is their super funds and the underlying investments within their fund. Many people’s money is partially invested at varying levels in unlisted assets and private equity.The problem with these types of investments is the investment return of the assets can be overinflated, giving an incorrect return. Accessing your money in falling markets can be difficult, as the assets can be frozen within the fund as the value of the assets fall. It is important to understand where your money is invested, many super funds that aren’t actively advised have money invested in assets that may not be in your best interests. The typical issue we see is a balanced super fund is meant to be 70 per cent growth assets and 30 per cent defensive. Many industry funds currently have well over 80 per cent in growth assets, meaning the comparative return is in the higher growth favour.The problem lies when the stock market falls, the value of these investments will fall far harder due to the growth exposure, so beware. Understanding how the investment return is calculated is the next step. Is it after all fees and charges, does it take into account the tax within the fund? The reason I say this is the way returns are calculated across various super funds can vary, which may not give you an accurate comparison against other providers. But hey, it’s spring, so we need to celebrate. Why don’t you and a group of friends organise a night in? Each person has a set budget to provide a food-related item, and have a pooled approach for the beverages. We as humans don’t catch up as much as we should anymore with the digital disruption, so what a great excuse for a night in with friends. What a great way to stay in touch, in a fair and fun way. As always keep smiling, take care and if you have any questions email me: les@futureproof.com.au September 2019

Foodie refresh eeling a little less than svelte as we sidle into spring? If your reflection in the mirror is showing evidence of the winter comfort food that’s crept into the cupboard and onto your plate, then read on. The Get it girls are on a mission to shape-up for the warmer months because basically, we’re feeling a bit sluggish. We’re pretty sure we aren’t alone. If like us, you’ve finally accepted that wine doesn’t count towards your two fruit servings a day (five servings for vegetables though, see, we’re learning) here’s a few ways to start getting fresh goodies into your diet today. Focus, energy, and lightness, here we come…

Fresh inspiration

Bootylicious berries Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries all contain high levels of antioxidants, which help strengthen your immune system. Enjoy in smoothies or with Greek yoghurt. Bananarama Not to be confused with the 80s pop trio, but quite possibly will have you up and dancing – bananas are rich in potassium which aids in keeping muscles and bones strong. Bake into muffins and banana bread.

Get in shape for spring – on the inside and out – by changingup your diet to include more fresh fruit and veg. It’ll be fun, we promise!

Citrus cool Stay happy and healthy by stocking up on Vitamin C: citrus fruits like oranges, mandarins, lemons and limes. For a tropical taste that proves summer is around the corner, pack a snack box with orange slices, fill your water bottle with lime slices, and drizzle lemon juice over a green salad. Amazing apples There’s a reason they say, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. If you’re looking for new ways to sink your teeth into a pink lady, stew them and enjoy with low-fat custard. Pimped pumpkins Get creative and cook up a batch of pumpkin, sweet potato, garlic, onion, and leek, then puree to produce a creamy soup that will taste so good you don’t even realise how healthy it is. We’d love to know about your best recipe ideas or fun tips for incorporating fruit and veg into your diet. Find us on social media and please share.

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September 2019

GET IT I RECIPES

A springtime

feast

Audra Morrice, chef, cookbook author, MasterChef alumni and television presenter, treats us to a feast for the eyes and stomach, perfect for the coming warmer weather and fresh produce This is an extract from Cook & Feast by Audra Morrice (Landmark Books, $39.99).

September 2019

BEEF CARPACCIO WITH PICKLED ONIONS Serves: 5

This dish is inspired by something I tasted during a trip to San Francisco some years ago. It is based on getting your hands on the best quality meat. It’s fresh, herbaceous and a feast for the eyes! Most of the preparations for this dish can be done a few hours ahead, including the slicing and thumping of the beef. Add the dressing and the toppings just when you are about to serve. INGREDIENTS 250 g (8.8 oz) good quality beef eye fillet (tenderloin), sinew and excess fat trimmed, rolled 1 teaspoon black peppercorn, toasted and coarsely ground 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and coarsely ground 1 teaspoon sea salt Olive oil DRESSING 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce 1½ teaspoons finely minced garlic 1½ teaspoons finely chopped hot red chilli 3 teaspoons finely chopped coriander stems TOPPINGS 1 small red onion, peeled, halved, sliced thinly with a mandolin and pickled quickly 1 red chilli, finely sliced into rings 2 small red radishes, thinly sliced with a mandolin 2 tablespoons of each micro herb (coriander, celery, purple shiso, radish) 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon crispy shallots 1 tablespoon crispy garlic Place the piece of eye fillet on cling film. Wrap and roll firmly until you get a nice even log shape. Hold onto the excess cling film at each end and roll the meat several times in a forward motion until you get a firmly packed little log. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight. Scatter the black pepper, Szechuan pepper and salt over a chopping board or a clean bench top. Remove the cling film and roll the beef back and forth over the seasoning, pressing it in gently, then rub all over with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place all the ingredients for the dressing in a clean glass jar, cover tightly, and shake vigorously until well combined. In a glass bowl, mix 2 tablespoons each of water, white vinegar, sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolves. Toss in the onion slices and leave to pickle for at least 30 minutes. Heat a large, heavy-based frying pan or flat-surfaced cast iron pan on very high heat. Sear the beef on all sides for 1 to 2 minutes. I like a little more variation of doneness so tend to sear the edges a little more. Remove and set aside to rest for 5 minutes. Slice the beef very thinly but ensure that the pieces remain whole. To get it paper thin, place each slice between two clean plastic sheets such as Glad’s Go-Between and thump gently with a rolling pin. Gently place each slice flat on a large serving plate. Drizzle over the dressing then scatter over the chillies, pickled onions, radish, micro herbs, peanuts, crispy shallots and garlic. Serve immediately.

GRILLED BARRAMUNDI WITH SAMBAL MATAH Serves: 4

My travels to Bali opened a whole new world of sambals that are so different to the Singaporean style I grew up with. The Indonesians do it quite differently, and the Balinese, different yet again. It’s fresh and super spicy, so adjust the amount of chillies (with or without seeds) in this recipe according to your taste. 600 g (1.3 lbs) barramundi or seabass fillet 6 cloves garlic, skin removed, finely grated 10 g (0.4 oz) ginger, skinned, finely grated 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric 2 teaspoons ground coriander 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon (25 g) tamarind pulp, soaked in 4 tablespoons water, rendered and sieved 1 tablespoon cold-pressed, extra-virgin coconut oil Large piece banana leaf SAMBAL MATAH 4 tablespoons cold-pressed, extra-virgin coconut oil 1 small red Spanish onion, peeled, sliced very thinly 2 cloves garlic, crushed, skinned, finely chopped 2-4 red chilli padi, to taste, thinly sliced into rings 2-4 green chilli padi, to taste, thinly sliced into rings 1 large red chilli, thinly sliced into rings ½ teaspoon belacan (shrimp paste), dry roasted, mashed 1 lemongrass stem, white root-end only, blanched then very finely chopped 4 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced Juice and zest of 1 lemon or lime or 4-5 kalamansi limes 2 teaspoons raw sugar Pinch of salt 43

Mix the grated garlic, ginger, turmeric, coriander, paprika, salt and tamarind puree in a bowl. Rub the mixture all over the fish. Set aside to marinate for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 200°C (395°F). Cut off the mid-rib of the banana leaf carefully, ensuring that there are no tears, then trim the leaf to fit your baking tray. Line the baking tray with foil, put the leaf on it, then place the fish, skin side down, on the leaf. Drizzle over the coconut oil and gather up the sides of the banana leaf and foil, leaving the fish exposed. Place this in the oven under the grill and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the fish is just cooked and a little charred. If you are cooking this over a barbecue, place the banana leaf fish parcel on the foil directly over high heat. While the fish is cooking, prepare the sambal matah. Heat the coconut oil till hot and set aside. Mix all the remaining ingredients of the sambal matah and pour the hot coconut oil over it. Once the fish is ready, serve immediately with the sambal matah and a wedge of lime. Note: To dry roast the belacan, wrap it tightly in a single layer of foil and toast both sides on a dry pan for a few minutes. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) degrees for 10 minutes. September 2019

PEAR, BLUEBERRY AND HONEY CREAM CHEESE CAKE Serves: 12 - 16

This is not your typical cheese cake. I know it sounds quite contradictory but it’s buttery and rich, and at the same time, incredibly light, comforting and delicious! Honey, pear and blueberries are just your perfect combination. I find it very hard to resist cutting into it when it comes straight out of the oven. It’s perfect just a little warm!

150 g (5.3 oz) frozen or fresh blueberries 2 ripe pears, peeled, sliced into 16 wedges 2 tablespoons honey 125 g (4.4 oz) cream cheese 250 g (8.8 oz) unsalted butter 220 g (1 cup) caster sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 125 g (4.4 oz) Greek yoghurt 80 ml (⅓ cup) milk 335 g (2¼ cup) self-raising flour Pinch of salt Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Lightly grease and line a 23-cm (9-in) cake tin with greaseproof paper. Dust lightly with flour. Before you begin, make sure all the ingredients, including the butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature. Cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure it’s well combined before each addition, followed by the vanilla, yoghurt and milk. The mixture may look like it’s going to curdle but don’t worry, fold in the flour then the blueberries. To get a light texture, be careful not to overmix. Fill the baking tin, smooth out the top with a spatula, then arrange the pears over the top as you wish, pushing them slightly into the batter. Drizzle over with honey. Bake for about 1¼ hour or until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Rest for 10 minutes before turning the cake out. Serve warm on its own or with some vanilla cream. September 2019

VIENNESE FINGERS Makes: 45

This is a cookie that I’ve been making since I was about 12 years old. It literally melts in your mouth! If you choose not to dip it in chocolate, cut a small piece of candied maraschino cherry and press it into one end. It’ll be just as good.

230 g (8.1 oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature 60 g (2 oz) icing sugar 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract 250 g (8.8 oz) plain flour, sifted Pinch of salt 1 tablespoon pistachio kernels, finely chopped 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate, melted or 50 g (1.8 oz) milk chocolate and 50 g dark chocolate, melted separately Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Line 2 baking sheets with greaseproof paper. Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla. Add the flour and salt, pulse until just combined. Fill a piping bag fitted with a 1-cm (0.4-in) star nozzle with the biscuit dough. Pipe out lengths of cookies spacing them about 2 cm (0.8 in) apart. Sprinkle over a little pistachio and bake for 10 minutes or until very lightly coloured. Remove and cool on a rack. When the cookies have cooled, dip one or both ends into the melted chocolate and let it set on a rack. Store in an airtight cookie jar. Note: In warmer climates, remove the butter from the fridge for about 10 minutes before using. This will help firm up the dough.

September 2019

Website credits: qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about and foundbythehound.com.au

GET IT I COMMUNITY

Found by the hound In light of National Therapy Dog Awareness Month, we’re joined by Anthea Holmes from Found by the Hound nlike an assistance dog, a therapy dog does not have public access rights. Anthea explained,‘‘An assistance dog performs tasks for a person with a disability. Examples of tasks could be picking objects up, turning on lights, placing washing into the washing machine, alerting for a seizure. Therapy dogs are used in a range of facilities including schools, hospitals, aged care and counselling rooms, where they provide affection, comfort and emotional support for people in all kinds of circumstances.’’ The application for an assistance dog is extremely comprehensive and involves matching a dog to a handler, based on the assistive tasks it needs to perform. ‘‘There is a certification process that needs to be completed. Very few dogs have the suitability to become an assistance dog,’’ Anthea described, adding,‘‘Unlike assistance dogs, therapy dogs do not require formal accreditation and are not required to perform a service for their handler.’’ Want to get your paws on an opportunity to get involved Get it girls? Anthea let us know, ‘‘We are always looking for new volunteers to join the

Found by the Hound therapy dog team. If you have a calm, wellmannered pooch and wish to volunteer, we invite you to contact us to arrange assessment with our trainers. From there you can partake in ongoing training and join us as we visit various facilities across the Gold Coast, and cheer up those in our community with quality chats and pats!’’ You can also contact the team if you’d like to arrange a therapy dog visit. ‘‘Our training programs and therapy dog team both bring so much happiness. The best part of our job is knowing how much our students take away from our programs, ensuring their dogs remain an integral part of their family,’’ added Anthea. What’s the highlight for Found by the Hound’s pack? Anthea said,‘‘It’s seeing so many volunteers willing to dedicate their time to give back to the community and seeing how happy our dogs make others.’’

A heart-warming tail We meet Desiree from Without a Ribbon, and her beautiful assistance dog, Coco Kaboo

Website credits: cocokaboo.com and withoutaribbon.org

oco Kaboo, the Blue English Staffy, became part of Desiree’s life in 2014, and his training to become her assistance dog began in 2015. Desiree described,‘‘He literally follows me everywhere… from the toilet, to shower, to teeth brushing – everything. If I leave the room, he leaves the room.’’ Desiree’s oesophagus has been damaged from an operation due to cancer, and consequently she can violently choke for extended periods, even becoming unconscious from lack of oxygen. She explained,‘‘What Kaboo is trained to do is to retrieve my phone when I touch the top of my head, then the phone will be activated to send my location to four nominated people, who will ring an ambulance for me.’’ If Desiree has an episode when in public,‘‘he will bark until someone stops and helps me.’’ Training Kaboo was a process, like ‘‘training a two-year-old to get dressed.’’ For him to understand human, and for Desiree to September 2019

understand Staffy, is a challenge, but there is delight when Kaboo gets it right, and equally so when Desiree gets it right! It’s been a journey for this inseparable team, and it hasn’t always been easy.‘‘Because I look normal, even though I’ve had half my upper jaw removed, I visually still look perfectly intact. Not all disabilities are visible,” noted Desiree. With Kaboo, Desiree said,‘‘It means I get to live life independently.’’ Desiree said of life with Kaboo and interacting with the public,‘’I love that people love that my dog is there, and they’re happy to see him. At the end of the day though, I’m there for a reason – to go about my day. And he’s there to be on duty. It’s important to not stop him from doing his job. Just a smile and a nod is more than enough to reassure those with therapy dogs that it’s okay.’’ She also spoke of two important factors to consider before committing to an assistance dog: the attention that comes with it and the responsibility of owning an animal, remembering the impact your health will have on them too.

GET IT I DATING

ou meet someone and instantly feel like you made a love connection, only to realise you have been blindsided when he starts ghosting you after reaching into the cookie jar. Did you miss the red flags? Or were you just oblivious to the signs? But he seemed so genuine! Hun, we have all been there. We admit it’s not always easy to tell, and in some rare cases the guy may have genuinely cared for you but chickened out due to a fear of commitment. Whatever it is, if you’re looking for a genuine partner you need to keep your feelers out for these tell-tale signs…

He Says He’s Never Met Anyone as Amazing as You It’s different if he says this after you’ve been dating for months, but it’s a warning sign if he says it on your first or second date and you barely even know each other! He’s trying to build false intimacy and trust. He’s also probably fallen for his fantasy version of you and vice versa. Beware when this happens because his so-called compliment is built on lust.

He’s All Over You in Public We get it…the flirting and the naughty talk is exciting, but if a guy continues this in public by being overly handsy, it’s time to take a step back. Try telling him it makes you uncomfortable and see how he reacts. If he checks himself and starts making efforts on getting to know you – great! But if he starts acting immature about it, it’s clear he just has one thing on the brain.

Physical Intimacy Becomes a Defining Part of Your Relationship Does he start expecting payback after he takes you out or does something nice? Anyone who guilt trips you into being intimate isn’t interested in a longlasting relationship.

If he says he doesn’t want a relationship, it’s best to nip this connection in the bud and walk away. He Hasn’t Found Himself Sometimes fake romantics hide behind the façade to avoid facing up to what they lack in their own lives. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but a man needs to have a relationship with himself and be confident in his own skin first, before he can even attempt to build a solid relationship with anyone else. And though you may think you found the perfect person (and he’s said all the right things or ticked all the right boxes), timing is everything and he might be in a place where he’s just looking for a bit of fun. How you can figure this part out is to get him to talk about himself to gauge how content he is about his life.

I Just Want…

Spring is in the air! So, Get it’s very own dating expert from Ideal Introductions, Linda Prescott, is helping us spot the real flowers from the fake

If he tells you outright that he just wants a physical relationship, you better believe him. It’s tempting to go into it thinking that you can change a man’s mind or tame a ‘beast’. Reality is you really can’t change anyone’s mind once it’s made up. Life isn’t a movie – remember that. So, if he says he doesn’t want a relationship, it’s best to nip this connection in the bud and walk away. Sometimes, the above might not be as clear cut, but we all have a built-in security system that warns us when things seem too good to be true. Always trust your gut, it’s rarely wrong. If you’ve been burnt too many times and are looking for someone who is ready for commitment, talking to a matchmaker could be a good move! 47

September 2019

GET IT I SOCIALS

GETSCENE

GOLD COAST AT HEART The inaugural Gold Coast at Heart event was a huge success with Lynne Goddard and her team raising $10,500 for Heart Foundation. Guests were entertained by the Gold Coast Titans cheer squad and enthusiastic members from the Goodlife Bundall Fitness Club, wearing Jacaru Hats and a touching performance by Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy brought the crowd to their feet. Fabulous fashion by Lisa Brown and jewellery from My Jewellery Shop added the glitz and glamour on the day. Photos courtesy of Paige Taylor-Brain

September 2019

GET IT I SOCIALS

GETSCENE

LA LUNA LIFESTYLE Main Beach has a new hot spot and it's Helen Grant Boutique. Champagne and flowers were just some of the fun inclusions when local ladies had the opportunity to be some of the first to experience the fabulous new season range of La Luna Lifestyle fashions. Chic and easy to wear pieces created from natural fabrics and linens are simply a must have inclusion for a Gold Coast wardrobe.

Because.. our stunning Spring styles are here for you !

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September 2019

GET IT I SOCIALS

GETSCENE

HOLLYWOOF GRAND OPENING

August 2019

You might think we’re barking mad, but guests and pets had a wonderful time at the launch of the new Hollywoof Organic Pet Spa at the Brickworks in Southport. Pampered pooches were treated to blueberry facials, pawdicures and organic doggie treats. If your pet needs a movie star makeover Hollywoof is the place to be seen.

BREAKING THE RULES THE

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RECIPES FIT FOR A QUEEN

GET IT I STARS

GET YOUR HOROSCOPE Aries March 20 – April 19

Sarah Murphy

Sarah Murphy is a Melbourne based Astrologer and Tarot Reader. Astrology is an ancient timing technique that constantly inspires with its cyclical nature, and Sarah’s focus is to work the energetic weather-scapes to its highest forms and functions, allowing a greater understanding of life’s ebbs and flows. Her writing can be found on thebrujamix.com and followed via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (The Bruja Mix).

Virgo August 23 - September 22

September introduces new ideas or innovations, unlocking new ways to decode or revolutionise aspects of your life. This month is a very beneficial time for finding new ways to split the chaff from the wheat, and harnessing the usable from the unusable. September gives genius level insights, not all of them expected. Spirit flower: Eucalyptus – for grounding, ease of worries, and allowing new insights.

Libra September 22 – October 23

September is the renaissance of your mojo and rebalancing after many disruptions. Having your ruler Venus return home, as well as all the nourishment provided by having the inner planets in your sign, allows for a re-collaborating of your modus operandi. No better time to socialize, you will have to try hard not to be noticed. Spirit flower: Tuberose – ‘The Queen of the Night’.

Scorpio October 23 – November 22

This month’s full Moon will help you regenerate and move forward with changes. This month offers stillness and time to pop up for air, after some very deep diving. It might feel at times like a private archaeological dig, with some deep root systems still to be discovered. Opportunities to clean out the most private of spaces will dominate this month. Dreams may be especially revealing. Spirit flower: Wattle – remembrance, passing, power, symbolism of deepest feelings.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 22

Jupiter, your ruler is the secret to your resurgence this year. Career accomplishment and social groupings are highlighted this month – now is the time to get out and be seen. You’d be surprised what luck the Jupiter in your sign can bring. This month is the perfect time to stage a career coup, and then dazzle in social settings. Spirit flower: Waratah – signifying future success, fertile ideas, discovering hidden talents.

Capricorn December 22 – January 20

Capricorns, it’s time to relax and enjoy the kindness and sensibility that can be offered by letting your guard down. September helps by slowing the pace of things. Pleasing and revealing truths are sprouting through, offering the perfect distraction from the constant shapeshifting required with Saturn and Pluto transiting your sign. September sees a focus on philosophy and career ambitions being planted or tended too, in a safe environment. Spirit flower: Kangaroo paw - bringing sensitivity and kindness to continuous change.

Aquarius January 21 – February 19

September brings opportunity and freedom, after a busy August. The focus shifts to passion projects and assessments of shared resources. An upswing of pleasurable communications and activities will be energizing, with opportunities of long-distance travel or altered outlooks on life, entering the frame by month’s end. Spirit flower: Waterlilies – spirit food for inspiration.

Pisces February 19 – March 20

The full Moon in Pisces, which is snuggling up to dreamy Neptune, is challenged by the fiery qualities of Mars and Sun.There could be pressure to analyse and pull apart, or examine specifics of your life. Don’t let the push and pull put you off balance, or uproot you prematurely. Relationships might feel like they are under the microscope, their true depth is revealed late month. Spirit flower: Jasmine – helping to stop, smell and centre.

Because

September shows you self-actualisation can be found through relationships with others. Relationships, justice and fairness are at the forefront for you this month. Jupiter helps feed this newfound inspiration or optimism that sprouts through, allowing a tip of the scales back in the favour of shared experiences. Spirit flower: Tulips – associated with peak dynasty, don’t underestimate your peak potentials.

Taurus April 20 – May 21

September offers much support and nourishment, as new eco-systems get awoken. Venus, your ruler is dignified, she is your guiding light. Creativity and day to day routines are where the energies are activated this month, bringing a creative act into your regular routine will do wonders for your wellbeing. Spirit flower: Rose – with changing times, look to the classics for nourishment.

Gemini May 21 – June 21

Mercury, your ruler, activates your natural Mercurial nature. This, alongside the concentration of planets in Libra at the end of the month, bequeaths the opportunity to make great impressions on people. As you magnetise and re-energize those around you, September is a month to dazzle any prospective suitors. Spirit flower: Camellia – petal formations that dazzle, they’re more than meets the eye.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

September is very much about digestion of the challenges of June and July, offering the opportunity to dry out any pent-up emotions. Rebalancing the nurture levels is September’s focus.This will be concentrated around the home and small weekend trips away. Small trips would be soul food for you, helping with the respite. Spirit flower: Lavender – demonstrating refinement, grace and elegance, in any situation.

Leo July 22 – August 23

September gives down time to re-evaluate the costs of your next grandiose vision. August was busy and radiant, Jupiter offered buoyancy. Entering September, you’re inspired about future plans, but it’s also time to analyse those plans; what resources you need to make it grow and pull together. Leo’s are not afraid of being seen, this month is about regrouping personal resources, before the next entrance. Spirit flower: Golden wattle – a symbol of unity and strength

has arrived!

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Shoetique Southport

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September 2019

Gold Coast Family Law Experts

EVANS BRANDON FAMILY LAWYERS. FOR EXPERTISE. FOR RESULTS. Family Law by definition can be combative. It often comes at an emotional time in people’s lives where, through circumstance, they are required to deal with a stressful situation, or protect finances and interests. At times like these you need a competent and experienced family law expert who understands what you are going through, thinks carefully and works proactively on your behalf and knows how to represent you for the best possible outcome. Our Services include l Divorce l Property settlements l Child related disputes l Dispute resolution and mediation

Luke Brandon

Dean Evans Partner and Queensland Law Society Family Law Accredited Specialist Dean Evans is a Partner at Evans Brandon Family Lawyers and a Queensland Law Society Accredited Family Law Specialist. He was admitted as a Solicitor in 1995 and founded the Firm in 1998. Dean became a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law in 2001. Dean is consistently awarded the highest recognition by legal benchmarking organisation Doyle’s Guide as a ‘Preeminent Lawyer’ for those practising family law on the Gold Coast.

Partner and Queensland Law Society Family Law Accredited Specialist Luke commenced his legal career at the Firm in 2004 and made Partner in 2011. Luke grew up on the Gold Coast attending All Saints Anglican School before completing his undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws at the Queensland University of Technology. 6. In 2011 Luke was awarded the highest achiever for the Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist programme.

(07) 5574 1888

Parental Alienation in Family La commonly raised but rarely the

September 2019

Level 2 Evandale Place 142 Bundall Rd Bundall Q 4217 evansbrandonfamilylawyers.com.au FIRST TIER FAMILY LAW FIRM GOLD COAST 52 DOYLE’S TO THE PROFESSION By GUILDE Luke Brandon, QLD Law LEGAL Society, Family Law Accredited Specialist

FIRST TIER