Graziher Christmas Special by Graziher

s a m t s i r h C ush

a Bgraziher CHRISTMAS SPECIAL EDITION

PHOTOGRAPHY CLANCY JOB

Merry Christmas! Oh hi!

Where has 2018 gone!? I can’t complain, it’s been a great year! In a super quick reflection – Graziher held an amazing event at Jugiong (stay tuned for more events in 2019), we did Beef Week, and we’ve just launched our biggest edition ever, Summer issue #13. It’s a biggie and a goodie with 132 pages PLUS a free 2019 pullout-wall-planner. I’m constantly looking through the @graziher Instagram feed and keeping up to date with what you all are up to – some are going through some very, very dry times (hang in there!), some are having some great seasons, some are launching new businesses (yay!), and a lot are living very full #graziher lives. Loving it all, and keep the photos coming. This is our very first e-magazine, our Christmas edition! It’s pretty special with lots of amazing contributors. There’s recipes, DIY ornaments, styling ideas and gift-guides galore. Let us know how you’ll be spending Christmas, tag us on social media. Despite living 2 hours inland off the coast, it’s all about fresh prawns for us at Christmas. Dad has been known to get up early, do the 4hr round trip to get the prawns on Christmas eve, chuck them on ice and Christmas breakfast, lunch and dinner is sorted. Other than that, it’s family time and a lazy day overall. From me to you, have a lovely summer, Christmas and New Year. I’ll see you in 2019!

Claire xx

Gift Guide

EDITOR'S EDIT

02 01

01. LONGRASS STYLE, LOVE KNOT DRESS $249.00 // 02. AKUBRA, RIVERINA - BRAN $220.00 // 03. LOOM LIVING, BAMBOO COTTON SHEET SET $200.00 // 04. FIVE FILLIES, CANDICE IN MINT $15.00 // 05. JENIE FAWCKNER ART, "INTO THE NIGHT" PRINT $780.00

Contri b utors

What are our lovely contributors up to on Christmas? CLANCY JOB You’ll find me dodging waters bombs from our kids, my brothers and nephews at my parents home in Dubbo,NSW where we all meet for lunch that continues into Dinner. Most probably full as a boot from beautiful food and too much of Mum’s famous Pavlova. It wouldn’t be Christmas at Mums and Dads without playing Paul Kelly’s ‘How to make Gravy’. When you belong to a big family Christmas is the most fun day of the year. I have five siblings so our children have ten uncles and Aunties just on my side. Christmas is about coming together, being thankful for family and the joy children give.

NICOLA WOOD I like to spend Christmas Day at home in the garden with family and friends, eating my body weight in ham and drinking cold cider all day! Definitely enjoy a bit of backyard cricket and make good use of the daylight savings to soak up the sun for as long as possible. Anything that’s relaxing!

KASEY LOCKWOOD On Christmas day you will find me hanging with my kids and extended family on the property where my husband grew up. Food is of upmost importance, so a good deal of the day will be spent at the table, but it wouldn't be Christmas without some backyard cricket, a swim in the creek and a good solid afternoon nap!

Contri b utors PIP BRETT You will find me enjoying the chaos of Christmas on the patio of our family beach house with a champers in hand and probably the batteries of a remote control car in the other hand that has already broken! Christmas means to me… family, fun and fizz.

JANE SMITH On Christmas Day I will be at home with my family. The day will start with presents, thick slices of ham on toast and perhaps something bubbly. In the afternoon we will pack up some delicious leftovers and cool drinks and head off to one of our dams so the kids can swim and catch yabbies and the adults can relax in the shade.

ZANNA GALE We generally cant get away for Christmas as it’s the toughest time of year with the heat and keeping an eye on stock and waters. On Christmas Day you’ll find me at home Pincally Station with family and anyone in our area that is at a loose end ...love an excuse for a celebration ... the more the Merrier I say! After a forfilling lunch under the air cooler we Like to relax in the garden and pool area. THe heat can be unbearable so you won’t find us too far from the house yard.... although this year if it hasn’t rained I’d say we will be feeding stock first thing in the morning.

SUMMER WARDROBE

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WHAT TO WEAR? CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas day is always busy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; flustered and filled with champagne and laughter. The Love Knot Dress with a pair of lovely earrings will be the perfect no-brainer! The floaty linen shape leaves lots of room to eat as much turkey and Chrissi pudding as possible while the beautiful fabric feels and looks so luxurious that you can wander around the garden at home barefoot or throw on a pair of heels for evening drinks with the neighbours!

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NEW YEAR'S EVE

More champagne, friends and dancing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New year's Eve needs to be a little sexy! Sophie will be wearing the Sweetwater Tie Top & Olivia Palazzo Pant in black with huge gold earrings, high heels and a smokey eye for a Sydney party on the harbour. Belinda is thinking the Love Skirt and Knot Top with her hair out will be an easy option for evening drinks in a friends garden.

WHAT TO WEAR? SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Be relaxed and enjoy the time away! Linen is a must – the Knot Top is an easy throw-on with your favourite skirt or any white denim and the Bella Palazzo Crop Pant is cool with sandals or sneakers during the day and heels at night!

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Gift Guide 01

ART LOVERS WISHLIST

01. JUMBLED ONLINE, MAJOR MITCHELL FRAMED PRINT 379 // 02. RACHAEL LENEHAN PHOTOGRAPHY, MRS BOK BOK 250.00 – $450.00 // 03. KARA ROSENLUND, KOALA SOUVENIR TEA TOWEL $68.00 // 04. ALYSHA SPARKS, POSCA PROTEAS – FRAMED PRINT $660.00 // 05. PAULA JENKINS POA

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Wire Star Ornaments CHRISTMAS DIY

PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING KASEY LOCKWOOD

Kasey from @clear_skies_creative shares a simple DIY for wire star Christmas ornaments.

SIMPLE WIRE STAR CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS YOU WILL NEED: Timber offcuts Bullet head nails Hammer Star template or cookie cutter Pencil Galvanised tie wire (approx. 2.0mm thick) Wire cutters String, yarn, fabric strips or fine wire to bind your stars Scissors 1. Use your star template or cookie cutter to trace a star onto a piece of timber. 2. Hammer a nail into each of the 5 points of your star to create a loom. 3. Cut a length of galvanized wire approx. 2m long. Bend the end of your length of wire around a nail on your star loom to begin. 4. Guide your wire through the star to the second next nail, bend the wire around this nail by turning your loom (block of wood) in a clockwise direction. 5. Continue to wrap your wire around every second nail (you will soon see your star take shape) until you have 2 or 3 loops of wire around each nail. 6. With the star still in place on the loom (you might need to rest something weighty on top

at this point, they have a tendency to pop off the loom if you let go!) cut a length of string (again approx. 2 m) to bind your star. 7. Tie a knot around a corner of your star, making sure you catch all strands of wire. Leave a tail of 5cm and be careful not to wrap your tail in (you will need it to tie of the string at the end). 8. Now carefully remove your star from the loom. Do your best to hold it in shape, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry too much if it springs out of shape a little, the wrapping process will pull it back together. 9. Wrap string firmly between angles, across the body of your star until you return to the original angle where (hopefully!) your tail is waiting. All going to plan, your wrapping will form another perfect little star shape! Tie off your binding firmly. Trim ends. 10. Hooray! Your star is finished. Go ahead and make some more! Experiment with different gauge wire, different binding materials, and different sizes. Make them bright, neutral, sparkly or rustic. Make a starry garland, hang them from your tree, decorate presents with them, use them as part of your place settings for Christmas lunchâ&#x20AC;Ś the possibilities are endless!

We'd love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram @graziher to share!

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Gift Guide

LEATHER LOVERS

01. BHIDE, THE TRAVEL BAG $200.00 // ANGUS BARRETT, 02. TALBRAGAR LEATHER GEAR BAG $2,450.00 // 03. LIKELY LEATHER, CLUTCHES // 04. COUNTRY ALLURE, ORIGINAL DUFFEL BAG $329.00 // 05. BUTTON BOUTIQUE, ASSORTED CLUTCHES.

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CHRISTMAS BAKING

the Healthy Baker PHOTOGRAPHY & RECIPES SOPHIE HANSEN

The Healthy Baker flours are milled from premium 100% GMO-free Australian wheat by 100% Australian family-owned flour miller, Manildra Group.

SANTA BROWNIES Chocolate lovers will adore this recipe. Honestly, who can past chocolate, strawberries and cream! Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 25 mins Makes: 12 INGREDIENTS 150g dark chocolate 110ml of auzure Canola Oil 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla paste 1 cup caster sugar 2/3 cup The Healthy Baker Plain Flour 1 tsp salt 150g of hazelnuts, roasted and roughly chopped 1 punnet of strawberries, bottoms slice to make a base 1 cup whipped cream

METHOD: 1. Preheat the oven to 180Â°C and line a lamington tray with baking paper. 2. Place the chocolate in a glass bowl, set on top of a saucepan of simmering water and melt. 3. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes then add the oil and stir until smooth. 4. Transfer to a large bowl and add the eggs, sugar and vanilla. 5. Fold in the flour, salt and hazelnuts and spoon mixture into the prepared tray. 6. Bake for 25 minutes or until just cooked. It should still be lovely and fudgy in the centre. 7. After the brownies have cooled in the tin, slice into squares. 8. To finish, top with a little whipped cream, a strawberry and then another tiny dollop of cream to make a Santa hat.

CHRISTMAS FRUIT TART This is one for all the glacé fruit lovers amongst us! A gorgeous spiced fruit tart with a frangipane base and golden short crust shell. If you’d prefer to use fresh fruit, cherries, apricots or raspberries would all be delicious here too. Will be fine, kept in the fridge for up to two days or frozen. Reheat gently before serving with double cream or ice cream. Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 45 mins Serves: 6-8 INGREDIENTS 1 cup brandy 1 cup mixed glacé and dried fruit (we used candied lemon peel, glacé ginger and dried cranberries) ½ cup raspberry jam Icing sugar, to dust 2 tbsp water FOR THE SHORTCRUST PASTRY 1 ½ cups (200g) The Healthy Baker Plain Flour A pinch of salt 4 tbsp icing sugar 150g unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes ¼ cup (60mls) iced water FOR THE FRANGIPANE FILLING 80g butter, softened ½ cup (110g) caster sugar ¾ cup (90g) almond meal 1 egg 1 tbsp The Healthy Baker Plain Flour 1 tsp vanilla extract METHOD 1. Place the brandy in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat, add the fruit and leave to soak while you prepare the pastry and filling. 2. Combine flour, salt and icing sugar on a work surface. Bring into a small mound and make a

well in the centre. Fill this with the cubed butter and a splash of the water. 3. Use the heel of your hands to bring the mixture together, working the butter into the flour, adding more water as needed. Keep working and smooshing with the heel of your hand until you have a rough dough. Shape into a disc, cover with plastic and place in the fridge to rest for half an hour. 4. For the frangipane filling, 5. Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. 6. Fold in the almond meal, flour, vanilla and egg. Mix until smooth. Keep at room temperature if using this soon, or place in the fridge for up to a week or freeze. 7. Preheat oven to 200C. 8. Roll out pastry until you have a large round disc about the thickness of a $2 coin. Gently drape pastry over the rolling pin and lower into a 2cm/3cm deep (or thereabouts) loose bottomed tart tin. Press pastry down into the crease where the tart shell base meets the edges and roll the pin over the top of the tart shell cutting away the excess pastry to create a nice neat edge. 9. Pop in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill again. 10. Prick the base a few times with a fork then line with baking paper, fill with either pastry weights and blind bake for 10 minutes. 11. Remove pastry weights and baking paper and bake for another 10 minutes until the pastry looks pale and dry. 12. Gently spoon the frangipane filling into the tart shell, smoothing the surface so it is even. Strain the fruit from the brandy and scatter this across the frangipane mix then return tart to the oven for 25 minutes or until pastry and filling are both lovely and golden. 13. Just before you take the tart out of the oven, place jam in a small saucepan with two tablespoons of water and heat until the jam loosens up nicely. As soon as the tart comes out of the oven, gently brush jam over the top so it glistens beautifully! 14. Give a light dusting with icing sugar before serving with cream or ice cream.

Gift Guide

GRAZIHER WISHLIST

03 02 01

01. GREENWOOD DESIGNS EARRINGS ASSORTED // 02. TRUNDLE TRADING CO AGED PEAR & LILY CANDLE $29.92 // 03. AQUA DOOR DESIGNS RED CHOOKS LINEN TEA TOWEL $24.00 // 04. GOONDIWINDI COTTON LOTION $15.00; SOAP $4.00 // 05. LITTLE BRICK PASTORAL , 2019 CAREERS CALENDAR $20.00

grow ME

wn & sewn in Australia RINO COUNTRY

With most other garment makers outsourcing their production overseas, Merino Country is celebrating 25 years in business as an Australian manufacturer taking the raw product right through the processing chain from the sheep’s back direct to the consumer. Established in 1993, Merino Country is one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of Merino products and was founded by Kerrie Richards in the shearer’s quarters on her family’s sheep and cattle station, “Clareborough”. Vertically integrating the supply chain from sheep to shop, Kerrie has developed an easy care, soft 100% Merino fabric & garments for comfort, performance & durability. The Queensland Made Merino underwear and outerwear comes in a wide range of styles for wear all year round including active & travel wear, thermals, kids gear, and the famous WUNDIES. They’re comfortable, totally machine washable and ideal for work, travel and play in hot and cold climates. AUSTRALIAN GROWN & SEWN… In 1993 Kerrie helped start a local woolgrower group in Western Queensland, Matilda Merino, to help combat the frustration of low prices of wool, the effects of drought & the difficulty of actually finding any wool products to buy. Kerrie promoted the benefits of wool at local agricultural shows & field days which led to her co-ordinating many promotions including The Queensland Festival of Wool, the Brisbane, Sydney &

Melbourne Royal Show wool parades & the Australian Wool Awards as a sponsor, judge and mentor to young designers. In 1997 Merino Country opened a speciality merino wool shop in Paddington, Brisbane to sell their 100% Australian Merino designs. Kerrie met her husband Malcolm Pain, a cattleman & crop farmer at the Brisbane Royal Show in the Stockman’s Bar and he now looks after machines instead of cows in their factory & showroom in Brisbane. Merino Country works closely with Australian woolgrowers, processors and manufacturers and have input into the specifications of not only the raw wool, but also yarn types, fabric construction, design and manufacturing of garments. Merino Country is a licensed user of the Australian Made trademark with all fabric processed in Australia and garments manufactured in Queensland, supporting local jobs, industry & communities. “Our fabrics and garments are all made locally so we are able to respond very quickly to market demands and our ability to think outside the box means our design features are not just stylish but also functional & great value for money which has earnt us a number of government contracts.” says Ms Richards. As well as supplying direct to the public, Merino Country has a number of government contracts and after winning a tender to supply merino thermals to the Australian Defence Force in 2009, set up their own factory. Merino Country is a licensed user of the Australian Made trademark with all fabric processed in Australia and garments manufactured in-house employing between 5 and 15 people locally,

ethically & sustainably. “With government contracts and direct sales to 20,000 customers across the globe, we work closely with local farmers & fabric processors with all garments made in our Queensland factory by our very “close knit” production team. We’ve delivered around 200,000 Australian Made Merino garments to State & Federal governments and around 300,000 to our direct retail customers over the years – not bad for a small business started in the shearing shed!” says Ms Richards. Malcolm & Kerrie have created a balanced business model selling direct to customers through their website and some wholesale to other shops, complimented by government contracts supplying Merino thermals to Victoria Police, the Department of Defence, Customs and Border Control, whilst also capitalising on extra production capacity, manufacturing niche products for other companies. WUNDIES TO THE WORLD! Merino Country has identified their wool undies as their product with a point of difference with a niche in the health and lifestyle markets. Wundies are incredibly comfortable with the natural properties of merino also providing a solution for skin conditions including eczema, chaffing, chemo burns and sweating. Kerrie has been working with skin specialists and cancer patients developing relevant products and the business proudly supports different cancer support

organisations including Bowel Cancer Australia sponsoring Jenna Brook from Birdsville with her Running for Bums; Cure Brain Cancer through the Rob Story Clay Target Shoot at Cunnamulla; & Breast Cancer through Dragons Abreast Australia. “From the Café Scene to breathtaking scenes, the bedroom to the boardroom, the Ski Slopes to the shearing sheds, our 100% Australian Merino products are ideal to go anywhere in comfort and style. MADE IN QUEENSLAND, our Merino products are Sustainable, Ethical & Really, Really Comfy… Naturally!”

a love of leather COUNTRY ALLURE

PHOTOGRAPHY NITA SIGGINS

Graziher caught up with Angela Taylor from Country Allure to chat business, ideas and cowhide. COUNTRY ALLURE Created by a country ingrained, eccentric young woman with a clear vision for her designs. Country Allure is fast becoming a reputable and competitive designer brand within it's industry. Angela Taylor, owner and creator of Country Allure,"We are a small Australian operation that strives on quality and authenticity to bring our customers a unique range of products. We care about a sustainable future, ensuring our range is 100% ethically sourced and cruelty free. With our passion being in all things country cottage and country boho; we stock an exclusive range of Country Allure designed bags & jewellery to luxurious one of a kind cowhide floor rugs. Our biggest pride is in customer service; Country Allure ensures all their customers are more than satisfied. Each order is hand picked, packaged up and tied off with jute twine; ultimately aiming for a unique and memorable experience for our customers" INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND DESCRIBE COUNTRY ALLURE? I am a country woman who is determined to

make my imprint on the world. My passion is in designing and Country Allure is a direct result of this. WHERE IS COUNTRY ALLURE BASED? Blackwater, central QLD DESCRIBE CA IN A SENTENCE? Country Allure is an Australian brand that is bred out of the passion to design. HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN? Having always been a drawer with a love for art I searched for a way to turn it into a career. After many failed ideas I merged my love for the country and natural textiles into the idea of Country Allure. Many months of planning and creating I finally created my first bag. WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM TO BUILD A BUSINESS IN REMOTE QUEENSLAND? Remote Queensland is where I love to be, I love the energy of the country and the people who are there. This is where I have built a life so I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of a better place to build a business. TALK US THROUGH YOUR GOODIES IN YOUR SHOP? We are very diligent on how and where we source our hides. We carefully select tanneries from around the world who use ethical processes. We then

ship these to our manufacturing warehouse where each product is hand crafted to design. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I love the freedom to create, the endless possibilities for design and craftsmanship. Bringing new products into the market & reinventing old ones. I love how amazing each and every one of our customers are and the support I have. ARE THERE ANY DRAWBACKS, HIGHS OR LOWS? The high points are watching the positive reviews flow in. The kind words from customers and how much they love each and every product. The drawbacks are long days and weeks. To be successful you need to put the hard yards in at the start. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I had a day off in 4 months at one stage. HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU? We have a great, easy to navigate website: www.countryallure.com We are also on Facebook, Instagram & Snapchat.

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A Bush Christmas AFTERNOON ADVERTURES

PHOTOGRAPHY CLANCY JOB // BAREFOOT BUSH BABY

Gift Guide

JO'S WISHLIST

JO PALMER // GRAZIHER ADVERTISING

01 01

01. SADDLER & CO, THE CLASSIC TOTE $449 // 02. MILLWOODS LOAFERS DUSTY PINK & TAN $79.95 // 03. PENELOPE HADDRILL HATS ALANA $310 // 04. ARTWORK FROM PAPER PEAR GALLERY // 05. AN EVERLASTING PACKET OF TIMTAMS.

17 STRAND – TAN

17 STRAND – DARK BROWN

9 STRAND – BLACK

9 STRAND – DARK BROWN

Outback Style CHRISTMAS STYLING

PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING ZANNA GALE

Bringing Outback style to your home this Christmas.

Zanna from @Outbackstyle shares a few of her simple go to sytle tips for a last minute no fuss Christmas. It's been a long tough year with drought affecting many families across the country, including ourselves. This time of year seems to be moving with an even greater speed than last year. Feeding has become a time and resource consuming affair, with keeping our stock alive our priority. Christmas is the perfect excuse for family and friends to get together - lets face it we all need a little bit of Christmas magic and cheer, and with the silly season upon us there's no better time than now to start planning your day.

Personally I love styling my home for Christmas ….. it's my chance to get creative and have some fun with decorating. Living in the Outback I tend to stick to a relaxed rustic feel starting with a neutral palette, adding a little colour that will sit well with my rustic theme and lastly making an impact with texture. Never underestimate the power of contrasting textures to bring warmth and soul to complete the finishing touches to your festive space. Adding texture to your Christmas table and surroundings does not have to be an expensive task. Keep it simple and cost effective and you can’t go wrong!

Don’t let living remotely be a barrier to your styling, you’re only limited by your imagination. Happy styling! Last but not least wishing you a very Merry Christmas and fingers crossed for a well deserved wet year!

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN

Make a statement with foliage.... Head outside and take a look around. There should be plenty of plants or trees you can use even if you don’t have a garden, jump in the car and head to a paddock – you won’t have to go far.

SEARCH THE FARM TIP

Make your own wreath using... old rustic wire and weave foliage or any other natural materials you may have such as feathers or string.

THE DINING TABLE

Add texture and interest… your table is the focal point of every celebration so start with a centre piece whether that be a massive jug of cut foliage or a combination of different sized candles. I generally use what I have on hand … large white jugs overfilled with olive branches but there are plenty of other varieties that will look equally as nice. For example, eucalyptus branches, citrus branches, saltbush and good old jade. Don’t just stop at using foliage as the centrepiece. If it’s cool enough for you to have your Christmas table outside under a pergola you can suspend an old gate, timber ladder or thick branches from above and hang masses of foliage from it. If your dining table has room, foliage can look very effective running down the centre of your table covered with pretty fairy lights.

TABLE COVERINGS CAN BE EXPENSIVE Instead of

buying a linen tablecloth... try using a linen sheet that you may already have or a white cotton sheet as your base layer, then layer it with brown butchers paper or wrapping paper. At least with paper you’ll know you can throw it out at the end of the day.

BONBONS

can be cheap but not that stylish in supermarkets. Try wrapping them with some gorgeous wrapping paper or brown paper tied with ribbon, jute string. This is where you can bring pattern or colour into your Christmas theme.

NAPKINS

are another way to show your creative side. Last year I used my natural coloured linen napkins that I’ve had for a few years. I tied them with thin pale grey string, a ceramic shape (both of these I already had), and threaded a small gift tag with the beginning letter of each of our names finishing off with an emu feather to give it that natural organic look. Another idea could be to add a sprig of rosemary or, similar to your napkin, tied with brown jute string. The options are endless.

FAIRY LIGHTS

look so pretty wrapped around trees in the garden, try stringing them through indoor plants, the cut foliage you decide to use on the dining table, the wall, or above your Christmas table. An old rustic timber ladder can come in handy … stand it against your wall and hang branches of tied foliage from it … it looks so effective hanging upside down with fairy lights strung through it.

CHRISTMAS TREES

To continue your rustic theme and if you don’t have a Christmas tree and can’t get hold of a real one, collect lovely smooth dead tree branches and place standing in a textured basket or pot. Hang your favourite Christmas ornaments and cover with fairy lights.

Gift Guide

NICOLA'S WISHLIST

NICOLA WOOD // GRAZIHER SOCIAL MEDIA

03 01 01

01. COUNTRY ROAD COOLANGATTA BEACH TOWEL $64.95 // 02. SUNBODY REATA OAK 4 INCH BRIM $99.95 // 03. GREENWOOD DESIGNS TORTOISESHELL EARRINGS $30.00 // 04. SUPERGA RED SNEAKERS $89.95 // 05. LIGHTENUP HANDMADE POA

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A Homemade Christmas CHRISTMAS BAKING

PHOTOGRAPHY & RECIPES JANE SMITH

In the midst of all of the expectations that can surround Christmas, homemade gifts from the kitchen are a personal way to show your friends and family that you care.

Throughout the year I like to collect some basic ingredients and a stash of simple packaging, such as cardboard cake boxes or clean jars. Top it all off with ribbon, chunky twine or perhaps some tiny wreaths, and I can guarantee that you will have fun with the creative process. As a child, I remember my paternal grandmother, Alison Palmer, always having generous tins full of these biscuits on hand for her hungry farming family to enjoy for morning smoko. Granny would usually top these with a red glace cherry, although nowadays I prefer the plain version topped with a little icing sugar. These simple biscuits are perfect for Christmas gift giving, wrapped up in a pretty box or bag. Apricots are in season before Christmas, which is a perfect opportunity to capture those summery memories in a jar. This jam is inspired by a friend, who likes to serve it as part of a cheese platter. The addition of fresh thyme leaves adds a slightly savoury flavour, meaning it can be enjoyed in the traditional jam manner or paired with cheese and biscuits (crackers). Fruit mince pies are wonderful for Christmas, if you don’t have the time or inclination to make a large traditional Christmas cake or pudding. The fruit mince can be prepared well in advance, and the pie base mixture can also be baked into biscuits. A box of these makes an impressive Christmas gift or an indulgent treat on Christmas morning.

PALMER FAMILY SHORTBREAD INGREDIENTS 75 g caster sugar 155 g butter at room temperature 225 g plain flour, sifted HOW TO 1 Preheat oven to 160°C. 2 In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add flour and mix to combine. 3 Roll mixture into ½ tablespoon size balls and place on baking trays lined with baking paper. 4 Gently flatten each ball with a fork. 5 Cook for 30 minutes, or until very pale golden in colour. 6 Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack. NOTES Cooked biscuits can be frozen. Makes approximately 30 biscuits.

APRICOT AND THYME JAM INGREDIENTS 1 kg of fresh apricot flesh, halved and stones removed 1 kg of jam sugar or white caster sugar 1 bunch of fresh thyme leaves removed from stalks HOW TO 1 Wash apricots and thyme leaves. 2 Place a small plate in the freezer, this will be used later for jam testing. 3 Place the apricot flesh in a large, heavy based saucepan over low to medium heat and cook until the fruit has softened and completely collapsed. Stir and check the fruit regularly. 4 Add the sugar and increase the heat. Stir continuously, ensuring the sugar dissolves. Cook fruit and sugar mixture at a rolling boil for about 5 minutes. Add the thyme leaves and combine them thoroughly with the jam. If using a sugar/candy thermometer, the temperature should reach 104Â°C. Turn off the heat while you test the jam. 5 Drop half a teaspoon of jam onto the pre-prepared cold plate. Let it cool for a minute, and then run your finger through the middle of the jam. If it crinkles and feels thick, it is ready to be carefully transferred to warm, sterilised jars. If not, continue to cook and continually stir and check. NOTES Jam sugar can make the jam setting process more reliable. It is available from most major supermarkets. This makes approximately 3 - 4 medium size jars. Sterilise a few extra jars, as it can be very frustrating if your jam is ready and you have run out of prepared jars. If you have any left-over thyme, you could make tiny wreaths with it.

FRUIT MINCE PIES

Recipe adapted from Fete magazine.

FRUIT MINCE INGREDIENTS 250 g brown sugar 250 g apple cider 1 kg apples, peeled, cored and chopped into small squares ½ teaspoon mixed spice ½ teaspoon cinnamon 500 g dried fruit such currants or raisins, or a mixture of both 75 g blanched almonds, finely chopped ¼ cup alcohol such as brandy (optional) FRUIT MINCE HOW TO 1 In a saucepan, dissolve the sugar and cider over low heat. 2 Add all remaining ingredients, except the alcohol. 3 Simmer for 30 - 40 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is thick. 4 Remove from the heat and stir through the alcohol if using. 5 Set aside and allow to cool. BASE INGREDIENTS 500 g butter at room temperature 450 g white sugar 2 eggs 900 g plain flour, sifted BASE HOW TO 6 Combine butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until light in colour and fluffy. Alternatively, use a sturdy wooden spoon. 7 Add eggs one at a time; mix until well combined.

Slowly add the sifted flour and continue to mix to a doughy consistency. 9 Divide the dough into 2 portions and flatten each piece into a rough disk. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. 10 Preheat oven to 150°C. Grease 2 x 12 hole fruit mince pie trays and set aside. 11 Remove dough from the refrigerator and allow to soften slightly. With a rolling pin, roll out each disc between two large sheets of baking paper until about 3 mm thick. Cut into rounds using a using biscuit or scone cutter. 12 Gently lite each round with a spatula and line each hole in the tray. 13 Reroll and repeat with remaining dough. 14 Fill each pie with a spoonful of fruit mince mixture; do not overfill. 15 Top each pie with a full lid or another smaller cutout, if required. 16 Cook for 30 - 40 minutes, until lightly golden. Allow to cool in trays for 10 minutes and then carefully transfer pies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. 17 Dust with icing sugar prior to serving. 8

NOTES The fruit mince mixture can be prepared well in advance and stored in the refrigerator until required. Pies will store in an airtight container for at least a week. Store in the refrigerator if conditions are warm. Excess base dough can be cut into shapes and cooked as you would cook biscuits.

Gift Guide

GRAZIHER WISHLIST

01. GREENWOOD DESIGNS RESIN BANGLES $10.00 // 02. AQUA DOOR DESIGNS ROSE GROSGRAIN STRIPE LINEN TABLECLOTH $159.00; BLUE FLORAL CENTREPIECE LINEN TABLECLOTH $159.00 // 03. LITTLE BRICK PASTORAL , 2019 CALENDAR $20.00 // 04. FLEURETTE AROMATHERAPY REVIVE & RESTORE HERBAL TEA $15.00.

ALEXIS DAWN CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Chrissy with Chrissy INKY & MOSS

PHOTOGRAPHY CLANCY JOB

As the business owner of Inky and Moss, a boutique store based in Roma, Queensland, Chrissy Chandler can fit plenty into a day. Her weekly tasks include two commutes to her store from her home 120 kilometres away, plus she’s a mother to four young children (think Kindy, after school sport and daily household running). Her husband runs a property alongside his parents in Surat. As well as running the boutique store, Chrissy helps out with the basics of the farming business – she loves it all and considers her lifestyle the best of both worlds. The girls at Inky & Moss are definitely ready to help you get sorted for the festive season whether that means an outfit for Christmas drinks, gifts for your loved ones, secret Santa gifts, your Christmas Day dress or a new summer hat & swimwear if you’re lucky enough to be heading to the beach!

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS ARE MADE TO ORDER. Choose your theme whether that be the: - Christmas Essentials (perfect if you’re heading off to stay with family or friends & you don’t want to arrive empty handed! - The Cooks Hamper (perfect if you’ve got a foodie in your midst). - The Gardener enough said! - And the Luxury Bodycare Hamper pack gorgeous body products for your special someone/loved one to use over the holidays/festive season etc Don’t forget we carry a beautiful range of unique art and homewares. Call Chrissy and she can let you know exactly what treasures await you in store! Call Inky & Moss girls 07 4622 3455 or shop online.

Wish List

CHRISSY'S EDIT

01 03

06 04

01. ADRIFT TOP CONTACT CHRISSY FOR PRICE // 02. MOE MOE EARRINGS $79.95 // 03. HUMIDITY LIFESTYLE PALOMA STRAW $59.95 // 04. IKHAYA COLLECTIONS MEDITERRANEAN PLATTER $169.00 // 05. STATUS INVESTMENTS ASSORTED DECORATIONS $11.95 // 06. INKY & MOSS HAMPERS CONTACT CHRISSY FOR SELECTION & PRICES.

Gift Guide 01

GRAZIHER WISHLIST

04 05

01. FLEURETTE AROMATHERAPY STRESS BUSTER BATH SOAK - $25 // 02. GREENWOOD DESIGNS NECKLACES $45.00 // 03. AQUA DOOR DESIGNS TRIPLE STRIPE LINEN TEA TOWELS (ASSORTED COLOURS) $24.00 // 04. ACTIVE INSPITE RAIN LEGGINGS $99.00 // 05. GOONDIWINDI COTTON LOTION $15.00.

Gift Guide

GRAZIHER WISHLIST

02 03 01

04 05

01. LOOM LIVING BAMBOO SHEET SETS $230.00 // 02. TRUNDLE TRADING CO POMEGRANATE & ACAI CANDLE $29.95 // 03. FLEURETTE AROMATHERAPY PEACE & QUIET PAMPER SET - $49.95 // 04. LONGRASS STYLE SWEETWATER TIE TOP $149.00 & SUNDAY SKIRT $210.00 // 05. ACTIVE INSPITE BURRMINT LEGGINGS $99.00.

BRANDING

Likely Leather offers their very own and original Branding Service to personlise your cowhide goods/gifts. AFTERPAY AVAILABLE www.likelyleather.com Follow Likely Leather on Facebook & Instagram

THIS COUNTRY LIFE

THRIVING IN THE DRY Rural communities are refusing to yield to the pressures of drought. In the midst of record breaking dry conditions, they are employing a variety of strategies to keep business ticking over, welcoming home the next generation and readily accessing mental health support when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY VIRGINIA TAPSCOTT.

COVER IMAGE SARAH HOLCOMBE ON HOME FARM "RAYLEIGH". THIS PAGE SARAH, HER FATHER JEFF AND SISTER ANNA FEED OUT. OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP ROW L-R JEFF HOLCOMBE; FEEDING TIME AT RAYLEIGH. MIDDLE ROW, L-R SARAH LOADING FEED; HAPPY CALVES. BOTTOM ROW, L-R FEEDING TIME; THE HOLCOMBE FAMILY, L-R ROBYN, SARAH, ANNA AND JEFF.

Read Sarah's story in our new Summer #13 Issue. Shop here.

s the tractor grumbles to life in the hay shed on "Rayleigh", a Hereford cow roughly four kilometres away lifts her head to the sound. The white faces of the mob all turn to face the low, distant hum of hay being loaded onto the ute. Ears pricked and stomping the bare dirt beneath their hooves, they begin to call out. The shiny red summer coats ripple over a solid layer of muscle and fat – these animals almost look out of place in the drought struck landscape on the plains west of Burren Junction in Northern NSW. Cracks in the soil run deep and jagged; the earth is yawning open and begging the skies for rain. When the cows catch sight of the white Landcruiser ute throwing up dust on the horizon, they break into a trot and start bellowing out to the young blonde woman behind the wheel. Sarah Holcombe is a fifth generation farmer on Rayleigh. She comes from a long line of men and women who have been rolling up their sleeves and getting on with the job of bringing farms through drought for over a century. As unsettling as the land may look to the uninitiated, for a local it is just part of life here. Sarah throws the ute into idle and jumps up onto the tray. She starts spreading hay with the rhythm of someone who has done this countless times before and with a force unexpected of such a slight build. With each biscuit to hit the ground, a few more cows drop their heads and fall away from the pack tailing the ute. She slides the last bit of lucerne off the end of the tray and then jumps down to pull up the ute. “There you go, girls,” Sarah says, fondly scratching the ears of the closest stud cow. “We do have days when it gets a bit much. As humans I think we like to feel like we are working toward something, and with a drought the sheer repetitiveness of jobs and the lack of

GRAZIHER STORY

coming home The Lewis sisters seemed to have it all. Smart, pretty and each with successful careers in the city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and yet something was missing. Their roots in the bush ran deeper than they knew, and all three began to itch for the vastness of the South Australian outback. WORDS VIRGINIA TAPSCOTT. PHOTOGRAPHY ALYSHA SPARKS.

Read the Lewis sister's story in our new Summer issue. Shop here.

he two-wheeler slices through the red dirt and sprays it up against a blur of grey, blue and purple desert bushes. Lisa Lewis feels a lightness in the handlebars as the tyres come out of the soft sand and hit hard basalt. She hooks along through the chill air of the early morning and admires the popping desert colours on her way home after an early morning run to bring in some stragglers for shearing. The hum of the engine rings out, and a flock of Galahs take flight in the distance. Everything about her return home to "Panaramitee Station" feels right. Just a few years earlier she was working long hours as an accountant in Adelaide, struggling to find a work/life balance and becoming dissatisfied with city life. But it now seems like a lifetime ago. “I think I always knew that I would come back,” she says, kicking the motorbike stand down as she pulls up at the homestead. “We went to uni because our parents wanted us to experience life outside the station and to have a tertiary education. I worked for as long as I could, but it just got to the stage where I was unhappy and I needed a change. I just feel like a whole new person being back here. It all came back to me very quickly; it was like reliving my childhood in some ways.” Lisa has slipped effortlessly into a full-time role helping her parents with the running of their 48,000 hectare sheep station west of Broken Hill. Her Border Collies are loving their new home, and Lisa wasted no time in acquiring a horse. Thriving on the physicality of the work and constantly being outside - Lisa is full of optimism. She hasn’t been put off by the dry conditions plaguing much of eastern Australia, and a recent storm has taken the pressure off dwindling water supplies. “Even when it’s dry, I still find it beautiful,” she says. “Between the hills and the flat country and the creeks, there are so many different colours in the landscape. On the horizon you’ve got this layer of blue and purple bush and then your green ground cover and there is the red dirt in between. When you mix it all together, it’s just stunning. And looking at it gives me a sense of freedom and reminds me every day how lucky I am.” Lisa’s twin sister, Nicole, and older sister, Melanie, closely echo her feelings. Growing up on a remote station together has left them with the deep connection to the land, but also to each other. Their childhood memories overlap – from sitting on the verandah watching a rare storm roll in, to riding horses and driving the ute from a young age and constantly being around animals. Helping their parents muster or clean troughs and water tanks. Melanie knew she wanted the freedom of a childhood on the station for her own daughters. “Being in Adelaide with my kids when they were younger, I

FARMING FAMILIES X JUST COUNTRY

Full days and full hearts

“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” WORDS JAYNE CUDDIHY. PHOTOGRAPHY JESSICA HOWARD.

THE CLAN TESS, ANDREW, HAMISH, ADELAIDE, AINSLEY, LACHLAN AND ROB.

BOTH PAGES, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT TESS WORKS IN BRISBANE BUT FLIES HOME WHENEVER SHE CAN; THE MCARTHUR FAMILY TRICK; PARTNERS IN LIFE AND TRAINING; LACHLAN IS THE ALPHA OF THE CREW AND LOVES A JOKE; ROB AND ELIZA OFF TO INSPECT A SICK SOW; ANDREW GOES TO BOARDING SCHOOL IN ROCKHAMPTON; THE YOUNGEST GIRLS JUMP BETWEEN MOLASSES TROUGHS.

Read the McArthur's story in our new Summer issue. Shop here.

o for a chatty run.” That’s an instruction that would make many people cringe. For Ainsley and Rob McArthur, it’s a delight. The Central Queensland cattle producers have spent the last couple of years building up to become what they term "everyday athletes". They run a lazy 45 km a week, training for various long-distance events, rising well before dawn and being home in time for breakfast with any number of their six children. “It’s turned into a really special time for us,” says Ainsley. “It’s not often we get time just to ourselves. We bike ride together, we lift together and we swim together. It’s been a really good thing.” For the last three years, Ainsley has been honing her fitness through an online fitness program, but despite the obvious improvement to her health, Ainsley says the biggest reward has been achieving set goals. “I was so surprised at how training goals translate to life and business,” she says. “I’m there because of the journey and all the things you learn about yourself along the way. I realised how corny/ clichéd that was, but it’s true! “I’m not terribly competitive, but I like a challenge. As humans, we are way more capable than you think. You do the work and you see the rewards. And if you really make up your mind about something, your body will follow.” Rob originally only committed to being a training partner, but as he was already doing the hard yards, decided to compete as well. And then eldest daughter Tess jumped on the bandwagon too. The first "big" goal was the Ultra Marathon, a gruelling 50 km trail through the Blue Mountains featuring A LOT of stairs. “It was the adventure element of the UTA50 that drew me in,” says Tess. “Mum had been talking about it for a few weeks and I loved cross-country running at school and thought the Blue Mountains would be a beautiful part of the world to see. It was only when we officially signed up that I went, ‘Holy Snap, what have I done!’ After the UTA50, they kept on running for Melbourne Marathon; however, I was quite happy to put my feet up.” Ainsley says the Melbourne Marathon was completely different to the UTA50 experience. “It was a lot faster paced and not as chatty or friendly as the Ultra - a lot more people are there to win it and do PBs, rather than just finishing the race. Both required a huge amount of mental strength to complete though.”

These Summer Days PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING VICKI MILLER.

See more Summer fashion in our Summer magazine. Read here.

EMMA MONTGOMERY (FRONT AND CENTRE STANDING).

MY STORY

Read Emma's story in our new Summer issue. Shop here.

Weengallon pink ladies day

Weengallon Pink Ladies Day has delivered yet again, with 600 ladies enjoying "High Tea" in the "blink and miss it" town in August. The charity event began in 2000 as a small lunch in the Weengallon tennis shed, in a bid to raise much needed funds for the local Kindy. Each year its size, popularity and funds raised have grown, and the committee now caters for a sit down lunch for over 600, as well as providing market stalls, multi draw raffles, art auction and an inspirational guest speaker, all in the name of raising funds for breast and prostate cancer charities.Weengallon Pink Ladies Day Coordinator, Emma Montgomery, shares with us how she juggled breast cancer treatment while coordinating the event, which has morphed into one of the most successful and well attended in South West Queensland. PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL WALKER. WORDS EMMA MONTGOMERY.

s I watched, the nurse slowly pushed the syringe and the sickly red liquid began to flow through the tube to the newly installed portacath in my chest. She smiled sympathetically and asked how I was doing. Bill, my incredible husband, sat on my other side watching the drugs begin their steady journey. Squeezing my hand, his eyes conveyed his unwavering support. The diagnosis, in January 2016, of triple negative ductal carcinoma in my right breast was devastating - especially for Bill and our three girls, Georgie (11), Annabel (9) and Lily (7). It came only two weeks before Georgie was to start boarding school, so there was literally no time to think or to wallow in self-pity, as we were thrown into a myriad of specialist appointments, scans, tests, endless car journeys, uniform buying, label sewing and packing. There had been discussion on the Weengallon committee that statistically it was likely one of us would be diagnosed with breast cancer. How close we were to the truth was unnerving. Telling the rest of the girls on the committee was a really hard point in this journey, but in some ways it became the glue that held us together – a focal point to draw strength from and remind us why we were involved in the first place. To have someone in our midst who was going through the process we were raising money for was astounding – the irony echoed in all of our ears. Despite my diagnosis, life went on – Georgie started school and struggled, as so many bush kids do. After surgery and a month’s recuperation, I started a six month course of chemotherapy. Every three weeks Bill drove me to the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. When the treatment plan moved to weekly appointments, we moved those to St Andrews Hospital in Toowoomba. A wonderful group of friends and family drew up a roster to drive the seven hour round trip to Toowoomba each week, giving Bill a well-earned break and allowing him time to concentrate on our business, a beef and grain property at Talwood – 110 km west of Goondiwindi. What wonderful days those became, time with beautiful friends and family, something I realised was so very special. Through this time, I was really able to see how disadvantaged rural patients are

when it comes to their treatment. In those initial days after surgery, Lana Russell, Breast Care Nurse for the St George area, generously visited me at home, to check my wounds and talk to me about what I could expect next, as well as offering me a BPCAQ travel subsidy. It was an invaluable meeting and I was so very grateful to Lana, especially as I was outside her area. My nearest port of call in terms of this type of support was over 350 km away in Toowoomba. A number of people had urged me to give up the Weengallon coordinator's role when I was diagnosed, but there was something driving me to continue – after all, this was an event that raised money for people just like me, rural cancer patients. I was on the inside now and in an unenviable position of knowing where our hard earned money would be best spent. I first went to Weengallon some years before, as a stallholder selling cards and stationery. I was blown away by this inspiring event and jumped at the chance to join the committee when asked by then coordinator and my close friend, Kellie Mitchell. I enjoyed those years on the committee, but was really excited when the coordinator's role was offered to me in 2015. Having previously been on the sidelines, I really had no idea how much time, effort and sheer man hours were involved in organising the event. I knew 2016 was going to be busy, as the committee embraced the growth of the organisation and the digital world. We were becoming incorporated, designing a new website, increasing our social media presence and going online with ticketing. There were so many balls to juggle, but I quickly realised this committee, for the most part, ran like a well-oiled machine. Each section had a coordinator, with a small team working under them reporting back to me as overall coordinator. This meant committee meetings were held twice a year – an invaluable structure, as everyone gives their time voluntarily and most are busy running their own businesses while raising families and dealing with the hurdles that life in the bush creates. As Weengallon Pink Ladies Day slid closer, my emotions were mixed. I was excited to be part of the day once again and to attend my final chemo appointment the day after. Yet, a feeling of panic

summer days at the beach SEASONS WITH LO

WORDS & PHOTOS LO CORCORAN

Lo Corcoran talks all things Christmas ham, New Year's resolutions, seafood paella and the beloved game of cricket.

ow good is Christmas ham! I have to admit I'm a bit fussy when it comes to the carving. I love it really finely shaved – please, no ham steaks for me! Frequenting many a Chrissie party throughout the month of December and always taking centrestage on the table come Christmas Day, there is, however, only so much leftover ham one can eat. Come January, I'm always craving a bit of spice; whereas others are on the straight and narrow trying to stick to their New Year's resolutions of "losing weight", "doing more exercise" and other promises that so often fall by the wayside. This year, my New Year's resolution has nothing to do with cutting out carbs, drinking less alcohol or committing endless hours to the treadmill. I'm going to vow to try and keep some of my plants alive in our new veggie garden. Notice how I didn't say keep "all" plants alive? I'm trying to be realistic. With Christmas done and dusted for another year, we're lucky enough to be escaping the heat and heading to the coast. Summers are long and hot in Wagga, so we long for the chance for a sea change. You can pick a country person at the beach from a mile away, don't you think? Take my uncle Greg on his honeymoon years ago. Walking along in his RMs (doesn't like the sand between his toes) and then only to reveal a very distinct sock tan once he'd worked up the courage to take them off, he and his wife Kate were spotted by another couple from the bush. They instantly clicked, laughing amongst themselves at how they stuck out like a sore thumb. After many drinks at the pool bar that night, they've been mates ever since.

And my seafood paella recipe is just what you need for those lazy days spent with family and friends at the beach. Once you've got past dragging the heavy eskies whilst lugging the umbrella and juggling all things ingredients, cricket bats, beach towels, sunscreen, bucket and spades – everything but the kitchen sink – it really is quite a relaxing way to spend the day. With fresh local seafood at my fingertips, I fire up the barbie, while Grandad gets down to the important business of stepping out the cricket pitch. The guidelines are set, "6 and out" rules apply; you hit the ball into the water and you're back to fielding. I compare fielding in a game of cricket to washing up the dishes. People's true colours come out when it's time to do either. Everyone loves batting, but the excuses seem to come flying out of the woodwork when it's their turn to field: "I better go and check on the sleeping baby"; "Anyone fancy a drink?"; or, "I just need to pop to the loo." It's only the stayers among us that have the commitment and competitiveness to stand patiently in the outfield, waiting for a turn to bat. So with the smell of paprika in the air, a cold drink in hand and surrounded by family and friends (who no doubt will give you their two bob's worth when it comes to how it should be cooked), you couldn't get a better "sense of occasion" dish if you tried. Paella is brilliant, as it's ever so versatile, can feed a crowd and is a lot easier to make than it looks. And never fear; you don't need to be a paella enthusiast like me and own a giant portable paella pan and burner (a present from Mum and Dad last year). You can cook it in any large pan on the barbie or stovetop instead. Summer days at the beach... Howzat! For more recipe ideas, head to loskitchen.com.au

SEAFOOD PAELLA (SERVES 8-10)

INGREDIENTS 2 x chorizo sausages, skins removed and finely sliced 2 x chicken breasts, cut in to small pieces 4 x spring onions, finely chopped 2 x red capsicums, finely sliced 4 x garlic cloves, finely sliced 2 x heaped teaspoons of paprika 1 x small teaspoon of cayenne pepper 500 g of arborio rice 2 x 400 g tins of chopped tomatoes A good pinch of saffron, soaked in 2 x tablespoons of water 6 x cups of chicken stock A good handful of green beans, ends trimmed and halved 500 g of green king prawns 1 kg of mussels, cleaned and de-bearded 4 x squid tubes, cleaned and finely sliced ½ a bunch of flat leaf parsley, finely chopped A good dash of olive oil Salt and pepper Lemon wedges, to serve

HOW TO 1. Heat a good dash of olive oil in the pan and fry off the chorizo for a couple of minutes until golden and crispy. Set aside. 2. Using more oil if needed, fry off the chicken pieces until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside. 3. Adding a splash more oil, add the spring onions and capsicum, cooking until just softened. 4. Add the garlic, paprika and cayenne pepper and stir to combine. 5. Now add the rice and stir to coat in the spices. 6. Add the tomatoes, saffron and stock and bring to the boil. 7. Back the heat off to a low simmer and cook for 20 - 30 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked through but still holds its shape. 8. Scatter the beans, prawns, mussels and squid around the pan and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or so. 9. You know the paella is ready once the prawns have turned a lovely pink colour, the mussels have opened (discarding any that haven't) and the rice and beans are cooked to your liking. 10. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve with fresh lemon.

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The Best of You SELF CARE

PHOTOGRAPHY MELISSA GLADMAN & LOUISE GRONOLD

Joy McClymont from Off The Track Training took 5 mins to point out some great self-care tips. "Give yourself and others the greatest gift this Christmas… the gift of self care. Self Care is not selfish!"

Over the past ten years I have been a parent, business owner and partner. My most profoundly important life lesson along this whole journey of life that we all lead is that self care is not selfish. To be honest I did suffer from parent guilt a lot in the early days. Especially when I’d leave my kids with others, selectively ignore them or just selfishly indulge in things that were not at all related to educational play, cleaning, cooking or working. I really did feel that I was being held to ransom by my kids, business and all the other roles that I felt I should be fulfilling. The realisation was that no one was making me feel like this except me. Eventually I accepted the importance of selfcare for my own personal wellbeing and now I regard it as the highest priority on my to-do list. I can now see that it’s not only me and my passions that benefit but also all of the people in my life that rely on me (mainly little people, business partners and life partners). It actually wasn't selfish or ungrateful to want more "me" time, it was just my self preservation

pinching me; reminding me to take care of myself first and foremost. Being in the best possible physical and mental shape to look after my family, work on my passions, love my partner and be a happy, healthy human, is not a given, we need to work at it and make it happen. If you’re battling to prioritise yourself, make time for yourself and put yourself at the top of the to-do list then here's your permission slip to truly give up feeling guilty about self caring and start believing it’s important. If you give everything to everyone else without considering your own needs and wants you’ll leave nothing for yourself. As Katie Reed says “Give the world the best of you, not what’s left of you”. So how do we practise self-care and what does it look like on a daily basis? As much as we’d all love to take off on a mini-break to Fiji with our closest girlfriends, a good book and room service, the likelihood of that happening is minimal and it doesn’t help to get us through the daily demands. It’s the small bite sized pieces of self care

that make the biggest difference to how we feel each and every day. For me it revolves around four key elements. If you would like access to our fully detailed step-by-step 4 Week Self- Care Program with BONUS resources, audio workouts, coaching sessions etc.. then click the link below and use the coupon code ‘graziher’

4 WEEK SELF-CARE PROGRAM 4 KEY ELEMENTS OF SELF-CARE #1 Movement - Joy McClymont, Fitness Trainer, Joy’s Fitness Hub & Off The Track Training “Consciousness is only possible through change; change is only possible through movement.” If we want to feel and act as our best selves, then we need to do what our body was designed to do - move. It is the most simple yet important aspect of living. We must move! Our body is our vessel; our permanent address. The health of our body determines how we engage in this world. We have the power to choose how we treat it. Whether we neglect it and ignore it's needs, or whether we respect it and commit to caring for it's every need. It is our choice! Movement can become overwhelming for many people. There is a complete overload of information on different types of movement being better than others. Movement has such a profound impact on our physical and mental health, however it gets teamed up with simply being about weight loss. Let’s firstly just decide to move consciously each day and do it! Self-Care Movement Task: Walk or move in any way you like (swimming, cycling, rowing, stair climbing etc..) for 10 min each day.

Click below to access our 10 min guided Walk n Talk Session with Joy McClymont. Walk n Talk - Day 1 - 10min movement #2 Nourishment - Stacey Curcio, Naturopath/Nutritionist from Cultivating Wellness Are you the last to be fed? Find yourself eating the leftovers? Prepare wonderous meals and lunch boxes for everyone else only to realise you've forgotten to prepare anything for yourself? Often we take the time to cook our kids nourishing meals, and make sure they’ve got lunch boxes full of healthy foods; or race to work to make sure the staff have everything they need for a smooth day… but fly through the day relatively unprepared ourselves! Eating is a principal element of self-care because it literally keeps us alive and well. We cannot live without food. So seeing as we have to eat, we might as well eat in a way that builds a strong foundation for your physical and emotional wellbeing. As Dr Libby Weaver says, “If you get the inside right, the outside falls into place”. Self-Care Nourishment Task: Slow down. It’s often a choice to rush through your days. Take a few things off your plate, shuffle your tasks, delegate and set the pace to be able to prepare simple yet healthy meals or snacks. Click here to access our Self-Care Power Chat with Stacey Curcio. Nourishment Power Chat - Stacey Curcio #3 Love & Respect - Joy McClymont & Rebel Black, creator of The Rural Woman Love and respect starts with us! Allowing ourselves time to enhance the love we have for ourselves, enables us to show

this more openly in our lives and interactions with others . Spend some sacred time to acknowledge your gifts, to believe in your abilities and joyfully accept yourself exactly how you are. All that we do in life starts with a love and respect for ourselves. We cannot expect to receive this from others when we don't have it for ourselves. Self-Care Love & Respect Task: Offer and accept compliments. Learn to receive a compliment - when someone pays you a compliment learn to a) say thank you b) feel it in your body c) not say anything other than thank you d) look the person in the eye and acknowledge that you received it. Learn to give a compliment (and notice how awful it feels when someone DOESN'T receive it) #4 Connection & Support - Joy McClymont, Fitness Trainer, Joy’s Fitness Hub & Off The Track Training If you want to score the goals you have to get off the sidelines and get in the game. Connecting with people that will help you overcome the challenges, support you along your journey and give you the heave-ho when you need it most, is one of the most beneficial actions that you can take to really change, achieve or improve whatever means anything to you. We seriously can't do this alone! The saying goes "your vibe attracts your tribe" but I would add that "your tribe creates your vibe". One of the most valued aspects of Joy’s Fitness Hub is the supportive, motivating and inspiring team of people that get you through your toughest days, inspire you to keep trying and always just do the best you can - no more or less.

We can’t do it alone - we can only do it together!!! Self- Care Connection & Support Task: Reach out to a group or individual that you know can really help you move forward and positively support you. Click here to listen to the Emotional Eating and Exercise Guilt Power Chat with Joy & Stacey from Joy’s Fitness Hub. One of the many resources available to all Joy’s Fitness Hub members. Emotional Eating & Exercise Guilt Power Chat - Joy & Stacey Ask yourself: Are you a person who gives so much to others without leaving any for yourself? Do you struggle to prioritise your own needs? Do you often feel that you never have the time to do what you want to do? Do your hopes and dreams for life seem to get swallowed up in the everyday grind? Are you aware of what you need to do for yourself but just can't seem to do it? If any of these are true for you, then we need to talk!! We need to talk about you feel worthy enough to prioritise yourself and know that this is the greatest gift you can give yourself and others. Let’s make it all about YOU! Join our 4 Week Self Care Program and use the coupon ‘graziher’ for FREE access. Remember you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Free Gift Wrap! FREEBIE

COLLABORATION JUMBLED ONLINE X GRAZIHER

The amazingly talented Pip from Jumbled Online whipped up this beautiful Christmas wrapping paper! Free for you! 1. Click on the opposite page to download. 2. Print in A3 or bigger! Use your local printer or Officeworks for better quality. 3. Wrap presents, place under tree and enjoy Christmas. PS. Don't forget to tag #graziher so we can see how you've used it!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD!

Merry Christmas!

PHOTOGRAPHY CLANCY JOB

Graziher Christmas Special

Articles inside

A Bush Christmas