Get involved! Email iammagazine@live.com.au
Photography Model Stylist/director Location Clothing
COVER
Heartclicks Photography.COM Lana Johnson Sam @iammagazine Tom Ugly’s Bridge Sylvania NSW Aust South Of The Border Cronulla & selected Charity Store items
I AM MAGAZINE ISSUE 11 2013
i-am Magazine Pty Ltd is an independent magazine published quarterly by Samantha Edwards & i-am Magazine Pty Ltd. Available for reading at www.iammagazine.com.au Po Box 1145 Cronulla NSW 2230 AUSTRALIA ABN: 82 146 481 781 All content is subject to copyright, and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Opinions represented in i-am Magazine Pty Ltd are not necessarily those of the publishers. This magazine is intended as a reference only, NOT as medical advice. Some course language and/or sexual references may be contained herein. Please browse/read at your own risk. When printed we use: Bright Print Total Communication Solutions 8-10 Frank Street Wetherill Park NSW 2164 / Lighthouse Printing Taren Point. i-am is printed on FSC stock. The mark of responsible forestry. This issue of i-am magazine published independently by Samantha Edwards may contain offers or competitions which require you to provide information about yourself if you choose to take part in them. If you provide information about yourself to i-am, i-am will not supply your information to contractors or other organisations.
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Because you’re worth
finding!
I-AM Magazine Pty Ltd www.iammagazine.com.au Samantha Edwards iammagazine@live.com.au
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES & SUBMISSIONS: iammagazine@live.com.au FACEBOOK: /iammagazinesuthshire PINTEREST: /iammagazine INSTAGRAM: /iammagazine
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i-am magazine
EDITOR & PUBLISHER:
NASRIN SOUTOUDEH & ANON HOMELESS WOMAN—HUMAN RIGHTS SERIES 2012/13
www.facebook.com/1brokeartist
“Through devoted meditation I welcome and work with not only our spirit guides, angelic realms and loved ones, but also with you. Your energy, your higher-self and your spirit to learn, grow, prosper and bring new energy to my craft. I am passionate about this work and it is my honour and pleasure to bring them into your world.�
0410 46 77 56 shimmeringhemispheres@gmail.com www.shimmeringhemispheres.com
In July 2011 the very first ‘I AM’ magazine was launched. Months in the making, it was a collaboration between local photographers, writers and just plain crazy, passionate people. It was, even in the beginning, a ‘people project’. I guess I created ‘I AM’ for many reasons. But mostly it was because it identified with my present experience of life. I was receiving an awareness about my life journey, identifying cycles and discovering patterns. I was questioning how I was going to find my ‘ultimate happiness’. As much as society would like to convince us that money—and lots of it—will bring profound joy and wholeness to our life, at the age of 30 I knew from experience this was b*lls**t! It is very comforting to have enough money—plus more—to, at a bare minimum, pay all your bills, but did I know from my past journey whether or not it brought happiness? Yes! And the answer is NO!!! [intense capslock and multiple exclamation point worthy] During my ‘I AM’ shift I received a buzzing energy that can only be described as the pre-feeling you get when something truly awesome is about to happen. What did I do with this feeling? I started to write, document as much as I could and read everything I could get my hands on. But most of all, I made the conscious decision to start experiencing life. I found people from all walks of life and varied professions and passions. I wanted to know who they were. I wasn’t interested in the portrait society had painted of them, I wanted to hit them with ’the question’ and swim in their response. I asked them, “If I were to take every material possession, relationship and occupational status you have away...who would you be? What is your ’I AM’?” Trust me, it’s a tough question. But, the question alone encouraged them to consider it and an explosion of untouched possibility erupted—most times. Am I there yet? Hell, no! But the more I experiment, adventure and explore the ‘I AM’ idea, the more joyful and peaceful my life becomes. And what I found to be the most effective thing about discovering your ‘I AM’ - which I believe leads to complete wholehearted joy– is simply considering the question. X
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WWW.HEARTCLICKSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU
ED’S NOTE
YOU CAN FIND ANDREW AT WWW.FBIRADIO.COM/TAG/ANDREW-POPLE OR WWW.RIGHTZBLOCK.BLOGSPOT.COM.AU
Amanda Atlee [p58-59]
St George & Sutherland Shire Amnesty correspondent
Anne Robinson [p12-13] I AM A Boat Person Co-Creator/Team Member
Chris Lane [p34-35 & p61-62] www.chrislanephotographer.com
Emma Pilcher [p42]
BFSperformance.com
Kareen Casaceli [p36-37]
StyleMyShack.com.au
Kylie Green [p49-51]
Souloscout.com
Lana Johnson [p44-45]
www.bpstensegrity.com.au
Melanie Hodsdon [p39-41] ShimmeringHemispheres.com
Maria Ashe [p30-33 & cover] heartclicksphotography.com
Wendy Bowker [p46-47] Registered Nurse/Health Writer
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little naughty by a special guest columnist on p60... note the warning.
Andrew Pople [p20-29]
Freelance Writer, “Who really hasn’t been a freelance writer all that long. I grew up in the South of Sydney, but have recently drifted a little around the world and am yet to settle completely anywhere. I am strongly committed to Human Rights and human beings in general, my writing tends to focus on current issues and the impact individuals can have on them.”
Plus many more feature articles throughout the issue...including something a
ISSUE 11. Winter 2013
Sensationally SINGLE INSTALMENT 4.
By State of Felicity
Repeat after me, “Fear is my Homeboy!” I imagine after reading the last SOF instalment you have been living it up doing all, or at least some, of the things you wholeheartedly enjoy. NO, why? What stopped you dedicating time to yourself to enjoy these things? Did you feel indulgent or was it a little voice that stepped in to say, “give it up” ? Oh your friend fear stepped in, you let fear grab you by the shoulders and make you his/her homeboy…tutt, tutt, tutt…. It’s time for things to change. There is something that stops us from getting what we want, it stops us from ending toxic relationships, it even stops us from finding healthy & happy relationships. And that my friend, is FEAR.
What is our problem with fear? Why are we so afraid of fear? How does it have such great power over the decisions we make, and the one’s we just can’t bring ourselves to make? It is the ‘not knowing’. The not knowing what is on the other side. We are an anxiety plagued society and when we do not know with certainty the outcome of an action, we instantly become fearful.
So, what can we do about this? We can grab ‘fear’ around the
shoulders and give it to him/her straight. Look Fear in the eye and say, “Fear if you insist on walking beside me through this life I have no choice but to embrace you like my homeboy and accept that you will be close by at different times in my life. Here is what I won’t do; I won’t fight, resist, block or pretend you don’t exist. Clearly you do. I will however need to be amused in this relationship. We need balance. You can’t have all of the control and you most certainly can’t win every game we play. You see, fear, I like games, and from this day on we are going to play together. You are going to do your thing and step in my way every time I want to change or try something new. I will acknowledge you are there, because I respect you, but I will challenge you every step of the way. I admit you are not completely malicious in your actions. You have saved me from dire consequences I am sure in the past, but I am also aware that you have stopped me from experiencing life completely. You have made me hesitant and at times stripped the fun factor out of my life. So fear, as I stand before you I accept you as my homeboy and plan to drag you through life by my own choosing, feel free to jump off my ride whenever you like, because fear, it’s going to be a wild one!” >>>
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STATE of FELICITY Almost every relationship we get into that ends in failure is simply history repeating itself. You are hauling some emotional luggage on your life journey and when your luggage gets a little lighter at the end of a toxic relationship you feel energised and free, something has changed within you, there has been a shift. You may feel this way for about a week, if you’re lucky, maybe even a month. Then fear notices something has changed, life is different, and seeing as fear does not like change, it will steer you towards some more toxic crap to pile into your bag. Fear needs your bag to be full, it needs your life to be a heavy emotional struggle, to feel safe, because when you feel joy in life, freedom to actually live, fear does not exist.
When your homeboy fear is afraid of not existing what does he do? He finds history and repeats it .
Instalment 4 Exercise Make a relationship tree. Start at the beginning. Your very first relationship. As you move up the tree trunk and your branches form, list qualities about the person that attracted you to them, what you enjoyed about the relationship. Then, list the reason why it ended and how you were feeling about the relationship before the love volcano erupted. Can you see any similarities in character, behaviour, events pertaining to each relationship?
Tune into the next SOF instalment for tips on how to stop adding branches to your toxic relationship tree.
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PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS WORLDWIDE www.facebook.com/sutherland.shire.amnesty
11 .
creating awareness
GOOD SH*T PEOPLE DO.
PeopleHELPINGPeople WHO ? WHAT ? WHY ?
HELP !!!
I AM A BOAT PERSON. A new movement of passionate Australians is aiming to turn the tide on the demonisation of asylum seekers. It all started at an Adam Hills stand-up comedy gig. As the popular Australian comedian made a politically-incorrect joke about reclaiming negative tags, a light bulb switched on for two audience m e m b e r s . For co-founders Anne Robinson, Shane Conroy and Daniel Heycox, the joke sparked an answer to a question that had been frustrating the politically-active friends for months. Fed up with politicians and media commentators constantly referring to asylum seekers as ‘illegal boat people’ and disgusted by shadow immigration minister Scott Morrison’s call to force resettled refugees to register with local police and identify themselves to their neighbours, the friends had been searching for a way to help stem the tide of demonisation. As Hills made a sincere point about the power of reclaiming negative tags in the battle against stereotypes, the group suddenly saw their path forward. Joined by passionate friends, communications student and musician James Swanson and economics student James Treacy, the ‘I am a Boat Person’ campaign was born over a pub dinner in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. “The idea is that most Australians have an immigrant background,” says Robinson. “Whether your family arrived in the wave of post World War II immigration, on the convict boats of the First Fleet, or much more recently, all but the First Australians have ancestry in other lands.” The campaign is appealing to members of the public to join a visual petition by snapping a personal photo holding an ‘I am a Boat Person’ sign. The photos are posted on the campaign’s official Facebook page, and will be presented to politicians, with a request to stop using the word ‘illegal’ when referring to asylum seekers.
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“By all of us identifying as ‘boat people’, we hope to reclaim the negative language that’s used in the asylum seeker debate and put an end to the demonisation that clouds the issue,” says Robinson. And public support is building behind the campaign. The Facebook page received more than 1000 ‘likes’ within a week of its launch, and the visual petition is growing every day with over 120 photos collected already. “There’s obviously a large body of people out there who are no longer willing to accept the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers practiced by both sides of politics,” says Heycox. “Our goal is to show politicians and the media that we’re sick and tired of the demonisation and are no longer willing to be silent about it.” “We’re the first to admit that the processing of asylum seekers is an immensely complicated political issue,” says Conroy. “But if we’re to find a humane solution we must move the debate on from political point scoring and name calling to a much more mature conversation that recognises asylum seekers as worthwhile human beings entitled to the same rights we claim for ourselves. “This is an issue that goes to the roots of our national character. Are we indeed the land of mateship and a fair-go, or is that all just hot air?” To add your support, please visit www.iamaboatperson.com or find us on Facebook.
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Yes, YOU can change the world
with Shara Reid & Georgia Dowie
GARMENT EXCHANGE .COM.AU
What started as something to do ‘just for fun’, turned into an opportunistic gathering for women across the Shire to discuss life, family & career, whilst exchanging clothes. Yes, you heard right. There is a fashion movement sweeping the Shire at present, encouraging local women to gather their old clothes and exchange them for someone else’s. Perched at a table in HAM one June afternoon , I discussed the motive and inspiration behind the latest fashion movement to encourage a preloved option, with the girls from Garment Exchange. Shara: “At first we did it just for fun. It was easy to attract an audience as we have a great network of friends within our boy’s School. We also know there are a lot of women in our area that are in the same position as us when it come to ‘not having anything to wear’, which is generally followed by the parting of cash to buy something. We had heard of the swap party trend overseas, a lot of people do it in the States, but after looking on the internet we realised there just wasn’t anything like it here.” Georgia: “We started having the gatherings at home for a little while, where people, mostly good friends, came to our home to sip champagne and shuffle through the gigantic pile of clothes in the middle of the lounge room. It was a great networking opportunity as most women used the time to chat about their businesses and basically anything that was on their mind. It turned out to be a good excuse for the attending women to escape the kids and the hubby for the afternoon.”
So what’s the drill? “Everyone brings a bag of unwanted garments to throw on a pile in the middle of the lounge room floor and the festivities begin. Women purge the old, to find something new.” >>>
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FASHION
So is it a give one, get one arrangement? Shara: “No. It’s a; go through your wardrobe, grab everything that you don’t wear or haven’t worn – the GE rule is; if you haven’t worn it for 12 months it’s got to go, unless it’s something super glamorous you just do not want to part with – put it in a bag and get ready to dump it for other women to grab. Once you give, you can collect. 1 garment, 2 garments … whatever looks good, and screams your style.” Georgia: “It’s a dress with tags that never fit. The jeans that you will never again squeeze into. It’s a letting go experience. Accepting that these wardrobe hogging items will never again fit your body like you hoped.”
How does it go from a small gathering held for friends to the mass Exchange parties now held at local schools? Shara: “The response we were having was phenomenal! Friends of friends started asking when we were having the next event, and the next one… and then the next one. As we are so passionate about our School and we know they are always looking for fundraising ideas, we thought a brainstorm with our P&C was on the cards. It then stemmed to the website, facebook and now the organising of the first Garment Exchange School event.”
And what does the School get [besides 100s of crazy women vying for the same sequin jacket in the assembly hall]? Shara: “Money for their School. A registration fee for the Garment Exchange is set and the School receives a percentage of it to go towards resources they require for the students.” Georgia: “Everyone who is interested in coming to the event will register on the morning of the big Exchange. From School drop off to midday they can bring their bag of items to us and pay the small registration fee. The registered attendees will receive an awesome “prelover” bag with lots of free goodies inside. They then return to the event later that day with their bag slung over their shoulder ready to head to the carefully sorted piles for frolicking. Their mission; to stuff the bag full!” >>>
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And what about the women who can’t control the free-forall instinct and insist on filling a small truck with their finds? Georgia: “It is a free frenzy, so people do get a little crazy. Think the infamous scene of ‘shopaholic’ where Isla Fischer is waiting for the gigantic sale doors to open only to be met with a run for survival to snaffle ‘the item’ she ‘must have’. Shara: “Most women show a bit of decorum and stand back a little to access the pile in an elegant ‘I am a lady, not a fashion obsessed crazy woman with my eye currently placed on about 5 items including that stunning sequin bomber jacket with jersey sleeve and hood – it’s mine!’ manner.”
You are encouraging an alternate way of life for these women & their buying patterns… Shara: “Yes, we also like that we are able to make women feel comfortable about their position. Right now they may not have the money to buy new clothes all the time.” [plus the planet could do with a little less consuming and a lot more re-using] Georgia: “We also want women to know that they will change sizes regularly and this is okay, it’s a normal experience. It is comforting for women to know that other women have the same age related weight issue also. It gives them the strength to accept that this is how it is and you don’t have to fit into your old body that existed 5 years ago. It doesn’t matter that you only got to wear those seriously cool jeans twice … let it go.” In addition: Shara: “Because we have a friend who is a stylist and I have been in the fashion industry now, for what feels like forever, it’s really natural for us to be honest with the women who attend and just say, “no that does not suit you” and then guide them in a more flattering & Superfox direction.”
What do you love most about Garment Exchange? Shara: “The mums who are really grateful and happy because they are just so confused as to what they should, could or can pull off, fashion wise. Shopping for style can be intimidating and overwhelming for some women and they just avoid it and end up feeling so low where their style is concerned. Garment Exchange is a relaxed, fun and open environment for women to feel safe and ‘at home’ in making a fashion decision. We LOVE helping and being a part of that. Style is everything, it can change your mood, confidence and entire outlook on life.” >>>
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Georgia: “I love it when women make the decision to not be so precious, ‘sucking it up’ and wearing someone else’s clothes. People ring us after an event so grateful. They can’t believe their luck. We are a facilitator for kindness really. It is such a reward when women ring us with that gratitude, it makes it all worthwhile.” Who are ‘day to day’ Shara & Georgia? Shara: “We are sisters and have always been close. We moved to Sydney from Melbourne about 15 years ago. After travelling the East Coast for a while we landed in Sydney and simply never went home. Our poor parents .. but we loved the beach, the lifestyle and the fashion, so we stayed.” Georgia: “I am a dental nurse at a local Gymea practice working alongside Shara’s husband [“She talks to him more than I do”, Shara laughs]. I am a single mum and Shara and I have 4 kids between us…all boys. After recently moving to the Grays Point community, I have found that there is this amazing network of women hiding there. Power women with their own businesses they raise their kids and have fantastic jobs – they are the epitome of Supermum. We [Shara and I] find ourselves in these networking cup of tea sessions getting inspired. It’s a very supportive and on the pulse area – it claims it’s place as part of the Shire, yet stands alone selectively.
Finally…what is your ‘I AM’? Shara: “What defines me, is helping others. Being able to create an opportunity for somebody else. I feel like I am really lucky to be such a confident person with no real major issues in my life. My life has been incredibly fortunate. I love giving to others. Georgia and I are both moulded that way. We would give the clothes off our back to someone who needed it, or even just wanted it. We want to make people happy. It’s what our parents taught us.
That’s why we do Garment Exchange.
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A local’s LIFE story in short I AM “Vanessa Cranfield”
& I AM “creative, clumsy & kind hearted.”
Home “Woolooware.” At the age of 21 Vanessa heard the Bondi call and left her childhood Oyster Bay home only to return recently and settle in The Shire—her home.
I LOVE The Shire because “people are
warm & friendly. It doesn’t matter which part of the Shire you are in, you can be by the water within 5 minutes.”
If I could change 1 thing it would be
“*laughs* Parking! I love that it is generally free and not metered, and I am all for development BUT it needs to be supported with infrastructure. On a deeper level, I would like it if some of the people were more open to difference.”
I am living my dream “I always dreamed
of having my own store and fashion label and I do. I always wanted to share my life experiences with a supportive, loving partner and kids and I do. I always dreamed of travelling the world, but it seemed so far from my reach - I love that I have been able to see so much of this amazing planet.”
A wise message to my 16 year old self, “Go to school, but study English, history,
art and language. Actually read the texts and do the work. Don't worry about boys, you'll meet the one when you are 19. Learn to surf. You are not fat! DREAM BIG. Take that cigarette out of your mouth, it is ugly. Be nice to your Mum.” [Don't know why I'd bother - I'm not going to listen anyway…. ]
When I am old & grey, my fondest memory of this life will be “Travelling all over the world with my husband and kids in the year 2000.”
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19 .
FASHION feature
LOVE/HATE... We bring you the good, the bad & the UGLY this issue. BUT! So we don’t get you too down in the dumps with the messed up state of the fashion industry, we launched our creative selves under a bridge to capture the street style of Charity & South of the Border.
WWW.CLEONIE.COM.AU
#TRUTH
THE REAL VICTIM By Andrew Pople
As we bunker down against the chills of winter and snuggle into a comfy hoody and trackies, it’s easy to drift off into thoughts of summer; shorts & thongs, maybe a beach dress thrown over a bikini as the sun smiles down. These days all of our favourite essentials are available cheaply from retailers, so it’s possible to mix and match, colours & cuts, making sure we have the right look for every occasion.
Price, fashion, versatility… So what’s on your mind then, as you step out on a shopping trip, ready to rejuvenate your wardrobe for the upcoming season? The proliferation of retail options, both online and in the good old bricks’n’mortar stores, ensures there is something for everyone and we can all afford it.
But have you ever shopped with your eye on the ethics of your purchase? On the 24th of April this year the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh collapsed killing more than one thousand people. Most of the dead were garment workers and their children in nursery facilities in the building. Garment workers were in the building because they could not afford to miss a day’s work, even though there had been warnings that the building suffered structural faults. The tragic collapse highlighted the working conditions of Bangladeshi garment workers as well as drawing general attention to the supply chain and garment sourcing practices of many major retailers worldwide. The situation of many garment workers throughout the world is that they work in crowded conditions and are paid so little that ultimately their health or even their lives are at risk. >>
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TRUTH CONT’D
All for the sake of cheap t-shirts… Walk into any major retailer in Australia and you will likely find items with ‘Made in Bangladesh’ on the labels. While no Australian retailers had garments being stitched in the Rana Plaza building, they are having clothes manufactured in Bangladesh. A recent report in the Guardian newspaper indicates many more buildings in Dhaka are vulnerable to collapse. The purchasing power of retailers can impact the lives of the thousands of garment workers in buildings throughout Bangladesh, if consumers demand it.
The difficulty, often, is in finding out about ethical options. Checking the label is one place to start; garment labels will usually tell you where the item was made. From this you can research conditions in that country, perhaps find out about any current problems. This is not a guaranteed strategy however. Following the Dhaka tragedy, many international brands and retailers signed on to the ‘Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement’, others didn’t. In Australia K-Mart and Target signed up to the safety agreement after weeks of pressure. This may give consumers some confidence when shopping in these stores, but at present garment labeling does not reflect these changes. Furthermore, this agreement doesn’t solve the problems that caused the Rana Plaza collapse. It begins a process that provides for future safety standards and increased transparency. By supporting brands and retailers that support the agreement you can send a message that you value worker safety. >>>
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WWW.CLEONIE.COM.AU
There is a growing movement of ‘conscious consumerism’; people directing their purchases to achieve some good in the world. This can be as simple as a cup of coffee, buying renewable energy or researching the clothing we buy to make sure garment workers are getting a fair deal.
WWW.CLEONIE.COM.AU
#TRUTH CONT’D
There are ways to identify ethical choices in the stores, though many of them enjoy only small market share and can be hard to find. Ethical labeling is one growing area allowing ‘conscious consumers’ to make educated choices in store. Ethical brands and labels are offered by certain organizations after a primary producer or manufacturer meets criteria of sustainability, human rights and worker safety. You still need to understand what they stand for, but once you know you can have confidence in their products. Another option is to explore producers and supply chains closer to home. While countries such as Bangladesh and China may provide a huge proportion of the world’s garment manufacturing, there are plenty of options closer to home. The best part of local, smaller scale shopping is you can get in touch with the designer and know you’ve found a truly individual piece.
The Fair Trade Option The World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) traces it’s origins back to the 1950’s when disparate organizations and charities began addressing poverty through buying crafts from impoverished communities. This grew through a focus on commodity crops such as bananas and coffee. Throughout the 1980’s there was an increasing focus on human rights as well as poverty alleviation. In their own words:
Think about time when you’ve ordered the banquet menu with friends at a restaurant, or received a group discount on tickets. Collectively you had more bargaining power and hence you got a better deal. This is basically what Fair Trade offers to vulnerable and marginalized producers, but on a larger scale. >>>
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http://www.fta.org.au/
“Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seek greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers – especially in the South. Fair Trade Organisations, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.” (FINE)5
5 The definition agreed by FINE (Fairtrade International, WFTO (formerly IFAT), Network of World Shops, and EFTA-European Fair Trade Association)
Not everyone has the time to research every purchase they make…
Many consumers would likely know of WFTO and the Fair Trade symbol from seeing it on products such as tea and coffee. Sold, often at a premium in supermarkets and cafés, Fair Trade coffee has become an everyday outlet for ‘conscious consumers’ to exercise ethical purchasing power. Purchasing Fair Trade coffee beans ensures a fair and stable price for growers, encouraging sustainable farming and community development. Fair Trade is not just coffee, they also do fashion. While it is not as extensive or as well known, Fair Trade clothing is a developing area of the movement. It faces, arguably a tougher time cracking it’s market. While coffee must compete on flavour and price, clothing also has to meet the amorphous standards of ‘fashionable’. Chris Hartley, the Executive Director of Fair Trade Association Australia and New Zealand, acknowledges the size of the market is one of the big challenges for Fair Trade clothing in Australia. One of the goals of the organization in Australia is to increase their brand awareness and encourage more ‘conscious consumers’ to see them as fashionable. Hartley also acknowledges the certification process can be a barrier in Fair Trade fashion. Based on rigorous standards, Fair Trade must be strict to remain credible, but this means, “many producers can have difficulty with the costs and time associated with meeting the standards required in order to have their product certified”. This is why the organization works within communities on training and education projects. Meeting the challenges of certification and ongoing evaluation successfully ensures consumers can have confidence when they see the Fair Trade logo on their fashion.
WWW.CLEONIE.COM.AU
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Ethical Clothing Australia While we may be aware of poverty or atrocities perpetrated against workers overseas, few would be aware that such conditions exist in Australia. The Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation system promotes businesses that meet mandatory work practices. The Ethical Clothing Australia brand is an initiative of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The existence of sweatshops or home workers, receiving as little as a few dollars an hour may be an uncomfortable reality for Australians. Choosing fashion with guarantees like the Ethical Clothing Australia accreditation sends a message to retailers that ethical supply chain practices are important.
http://www.ethicalclothingaustralia.org.au/business/how-it-works
TRUTH CONT’D
WWW.CLEONIE.COM.AU—KITTY SCOTT
Keeping it Local Kitty Scott is the designer and driving force behind CLEONIE, a Sydney based beachwear brand that launched it’s first collection this year. A Handbury Scholarship Award winner and RMIT graduate, Kitty is currently studying in Paris before the release of Cleonie’s second line ready for 2013/14. Growing up in Sydney’s south Kitty has a strong affiliation with the beach but also for supporting the local fashion industry. “CLEONIE is and will always be an Australian label, from the nation surrounded by water, there is no other choice” This philosophy inspires Kitty’s entire creative process. From the sketch to the rack, CLEONIE’s supply chain rarely leaves the Sydney basin. This has allowed Kitty to develop strong relationships of mutual benefit for the brand and manufacturer. >>>
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WWW.CLEONIE.COM.AU
“I get to make strong relationships with these highly skilled people and businesses I am working and collaborating with. They can pick up the phone and tell me that there is an issue with one thing and I can be at their warehouse helping solve the problem before it is even bigger, or I can help them create the perfect print or manufacturing technique…” Kitty is not interested in any cut price manufacturing if it comes at the expense of people. In considering manufacturers she worries about “the working conditions of the manufacturers, to make sure that they were in a safe environment, making the correct amount of money and being paid properly, with the right conditions including hours and breaks and OH+S etcetera”. These are the conditions we sacrifice when we choose low cost over ethics. As an industry insider Kitty knows a lot about the ethical principles of many labels. She also appreciates that her specialist knowledge is not easy to come by for the average consumer and their “ethical purchase choices may be blindsided because of the lack of information”. One situation where a consumer may be blindsided is while shopping for established ‘Australian’ labels. As demand for their products increases, many brands take manufacturing overseas, where labor is cheaper. Their labels still proudly proclaim they are ‘Designed in Australia’ but this may not be the full story. This isn’t an option for Kitty who is committed to her local suppliers and she notes that, “Generally brands make their origin of production known if they are proud of it”. Staying local comes at a premium for Kitty, “It has not always been the easiest decision, especially on the bank, but ethically there was no other way”. Higher labour costs means CLEONIE garments come at a premium price. Kitty isn’t too worried though, she understands her pieces are also of a premium quality and won’t fall apart after one season. While the ten dollar bikini you bought in January probably won’t see out Summer 2014, Kitty is designing future classics that you can be sure will still be worn years from now. >>>
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Becoming a ‘Conscious Consumer’ Of course choosing to buy ethical can be more difficult than it sounds. The cost of buying ethical may leave it open to criticism that it is a middle class luxury. Not everyone can afford to spend extra money for what they believe is an equal product. Yet while we find it easy to ignore ethics at the checkout, do we also ignore fashion? Deeper consideration shows this criticism is not as convincing as it first sounds. With many of us shopping on a seasonal basis, we are buying more for fashion and novelty than out of necessity. Then as our cheaper purchases deteriorate after a season, we are compelled back into the stores. ‘Conscious consumers’ are simply people who refuse to be sucked in, or ripped off by the claims marketers and brands make about products. Affordable cool looks a lot less affordable when we consider the human cost to the garment workers sewing hundreds of such pieces every day. A durable piece, the ones we now call ‘classic’ when we find them in thrift shops, give us years of wear. Surely this is worth double the price if it lasts more than twice as long. These future classics are the pieces being created by local designers who have insight and control over their entire supply chain. These are the pieces being created by artisan producers in countries, where they receive a living wage and reasonable work conditions.
Postscript… At the time of writing this article there had been very little response from Australian retailers regarding their manufacturing supply chain and worker safety. On Monday the 24th of June, ABC’s Four Corners program screened ‘Fashion Victims’, an investigation into the Rana Plaza collapse. The program revealed workers in factories that supply Australian retailers enduring sweatshop conditions, meager pay and abuse. The Australian Greens have come out in response to this calling for: “A mandatory labelling system that details where an item of clothing came from and what conditions it was created in … “Such a labeling system would begin the process of addressing worker abuses. However, it would require consumers’ pay it heed. As a lover of fashion, would you change your buying habits if it meant improving the life of a worker in Bangladesh? Are you willing to pay a little more, spend more time reading the labels?
The challenge is set…
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This issue we played matchmaker, meshing cheap ass preloved with South of The Border’s current glam-knit range. The luxurious white winter woollies played nicely with the street kids of second hand, creating a
dynamic balance
CREAM CAPE South of the Border DREAMER TEE South of the Border TIGERLILY RIPPED DENIM Vinnies MINK PINK MIRROR SUNNIES Dutchee Dutchee
WWW.HEARTCLICKSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
any fashion designated budget could afford.
WWW.HEARTCLICKSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM KNIT PONCHO South of the Border LEATHER BRACES Similar available at Vinnies WRANGLER RIPPED DENIM SHORTS Vinnies ROC LEATHER THIGH HIGH BOOTS Freelance Shoes
WWW.HEARTCLICKSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
KNIT LONG CAPE South of the Border SUNSET TEE South of the Border LEATHER BRACES Similar available at Vinnies WRANGLER RIPPED DENIM SHORTS Vinnies Reworked VINTAGE LEATHER BOOTS Vinnies
WWW.HEARTCLICKSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM KNIT VEST South of the Border BOYFRIEND STYLE DENIM JEANS Vinnies
PHOTO COURTESY WWW.CHRISLANEPHOTOGRAPHER.COM
WWW.STYLEMYSHACK.COM
Style My Shack - WINTER top 10! NAVY LACQUERED TRAY $130 WWW.THEBROWNTRADINGCO.COM.AU
AFRICAN JUJU HAT $595 WWW.SAFARIFUSION.COM.AU
GREY STOOL $195 WWW.CRATEEXPECTATIONS.COM.AU
METAL LANTERN $49.95 WWW.DOMAYNEONLINE.COM.AU
REPLICA WISHBONE CHAIR $295 WWW.MATTBLATT.COM.AU
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By Kareen Casaceli
RATTAN BASKET SET $14.95 WWW.IKEA.COM.AU
WWW.STYLEMYSHACK.COM
SEAGREEN TUMBLER $8 WWW.FREEDOM.COM.AU
HAMMAMAS TOWEL $59 WWW.HAMMAMAS.COM.AU
ARMADILLO & CO MARIGOLD RUG $485 WWW.INADESIGNERHOME.COM.AU
CIRCA HOME MOCHA CANDLE $49.95 WWW.CIRCAHOME.COM.AU
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38
.
Soulful feature
GETTING it TOGETHER.
Shimmering Hemispheres
THE PASSING. By Melanie Hodsdon
So how does a Psychic-Medium deal with the death of a loved one?
Just like the rest of us …
My whole world was rocked to its core the afternoon I was told that my father had less than 4 months to live from contracting Mesothelioma (asbestosis cancer of the lung). I remember getting that call on a Sunday afternoon in late May 2010. I started crying immediately as I remembered a dream I’d had at the start of the year, which foretold of my Father’s demise. I was so disturbed by the dream that I simply hadn’t told anyone. The ensuing 4 months were life changing for us all. I learnt more about the man who is my Father in 4 months; it’s as though you try and cram enough information in so there is a legacy left behind. It was during these 4 months that my Father told me about my family history and where I have inherited my psychic and mediumship abilities. It’s one of the most fascinating conversations I’ll ever have and his encouragement of me doing this incredible work compelled me into quitting the corporate world in 2012 and start Reading and Teaching Metaphysics full time. It was now September 30th, 2010 and I knew Dad’s time was close; at this point it would’ve been about 20:55 on the Thursday night. I began gently talking to Dad and felt it was time to give him permission to die. The head Nurse had said earlier in the day that a lot of people who are dying won’t go until they are given permission. >>>
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He was staring at me, taking a long time between gasps. I said ‘Dad, Mum and I aren’t leaving you, we’re here till the end, we’re not going anywhere, you have our permission to go ... you have our permission to leave”. With that he stared at me and didn’t breathe at all. Nothing. Was that a flutter of his heart? A tiny intake of air? Mum and I held Dad in our arms and with that, my beautiful Father took his final breath, his eyes opened gently, he gasped, gave a surprised smile then he gently closed his eyes and was gone. I know it sounds odd but to hold someone’s hand as they cross over, reassuring them that they are loved, that everything is okay and everything will be okay … yes, again I’m glad I was there to witness such a beautiful and fascinating experience. My Dad. You were and still are so fearless and brave. Mum and Dad are my heroes, my inspiration. To see what they went through together gives me great strength that even in adversity you can still have love, gratitude and togetherness. I didn’t see him in Spirit until 21:20. The longest twenty minutes of my life.
I was sure I’d see him straight away but he slowly faded into view 20 minutes after his death. Right next to Mum, which is where I mainly see him now. As I lay down to sleep that night, I asked to be shown why Dad had given a surprised smile as he took his last breath. My third eye opened and the only way I can describe it, is that an old town opened up before me and I could see a pathway lined with people cheering and greeting Dad as he walked down this path, through the main street of this old town. I could “see” Dad looking around in shock and surprise at all these people cheering him on, yelling out ‘You can do it Don, keep going!” “You’re almost there!” I could “feel” the fresh clean air coming back into his lungs and could see Dad breathing heavily as his lungs were being rejuvenated, being reborn. I could recognize family and friends that had passed on in this incredible vision and, of course, a lot I didn’t recognize. >>>
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“My Dad. You were and still are so fearless and brave.”
And then the vision slowly faded … now I could see the fluttering of wings around my eyes, they’d given me just enough to understand “The Passing” and then a lil’ bit of healing to recover from what I saw.
THANK YOU … What a way to go … with people who loved him, holding and telling this brave man how much he’s loved as he crossed over and the people who loved him on that side of life welcoming him into their world.
PERFECT. MELANIE K HODSDON Psychic Medium 0410 46 77 56 www.shimmeringhemispheres.com shimmeringhemispheres@gmail.com © Melanie K Hodsdon 2013
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Get off your a*s!
Stay Smart , Train Smart for your BEST Sutherland 2 Surf experience. By Emma Pilcher (BPE) www.bfsperformance.com
The 42nd Wanda Surf Life Saving Sutherland 2 Surf fun run will be ready to hit the Kingsway once again, July 21st. What started as a fundraiser for the club with approximately 50 competitors in 1972, has grown to be an annual City 2 Surf warm-up enjoyed by 100s of families. This is the first year the Editor of ‘I AM’ will be pulling out the joggers to participate in the 11km fun run, so it was only practical that we ask our favourite personal trainer Emma Pilcher for her expert training advice. 1. For a beginner runner when starting out you may work in intervals. Run 60 seconds walk 30 seconds for example. Each time you run increase your running interval and shorten your walk interval. 2. Be sure to include some hills in your training course as you will encounter some during the race. 3. On your rest days it is important to stretch and use a foam roller if you have one. Short 30 minute walks may be helpful on these days. 4. Good luck! Be proud of your efforts and know that you can do it!
SUTHERLAND 2 SURF PREPARATION
[CREATED FOR A NOVICE RUNNER WITH 5 WEEKS PREPARATION]
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
RUN 4KM
RUN 5KM
RUN 7KM
RUN 9KM
RUN 7KM
WEDNESDAY
RUN 3KM
RUN 5KM
RUN 7KM
RUN 9KM
RUN 7KM
THURSDAY
RUN 4KM
RUN 4KM
RUN 6KM
RUN 8KM
RUN 5KM
RUN 4KM
RUN 6KM
RUN 9KM
RUN 11KM
MONDAY TUESDAY
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
RACE DAY
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Wtf is STIRRING US UP!
Behind the ‘REAL WOMAN’ debate By Samantha Edwards [editor]
Recently I stumbled across a facebook post that had caught the attention of quite a few disgruntled social media users of the female variety. The post was in relation to using the words ‘real woman’. In this particular instance the ‘real woman’ was a voluptuous size 16. As realised by the Facebook page owner, women it seem don’t care much for the words ‘Real Woman’ when placed alongside an actual size. With this, the question was prompted:
“What ticked these women off?” After much debate amongst a group of beautiful and individually sized women, the conclusion came down to this. Women do not want other women labelled as real, if the woman does not reflect their [own] measurements, shape, colour or character. We all want to declare ourselves as ‘real women’, whether we are size 8 or size 22, but we do not want the opposite size to us labelled as real, because this in fact labels us as NOT REAL.
So what does the term ‘real woman’ actually imply?
The label is placing a fixed image of what a woman should resemble. Here’s the problem; while ever you are labelling a particular size as a real woman, you are excluding other women who don’t fit that guide of measurement. Women hate to be excluded!!! It comes down to this – We are all ‘real women’. We have a vagina, BOOBS, female DNA, all of the biological factors that make us women. Whether we are a size 22 or a size 6, our size doesn’t factor into the biological evidence, that yes in fact, we are women and we are real. It is a case of saying one thing is right and the other is wrong. The media tells us to look a certain way to be real, and when we do not look that way we feel flawed, whether we have curves or not.
So what do the media, fashion industry and women in general, need to do? The statement “real women” needs to be
dropped. It cannot be applied to one particular look, size, colour, attitude. We are all real women and placing the words in reference to one particular type of woman is misrepresentation of the statement, and therefore entirely “NOT REAL”.
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Leaving the state of PAIN
How are Musculoskeletal and Neurological symptoms best treated and more importantly avoided. By Lana Johnson
We live in a gym, fitness, health focussed and perhaps fanatical society. Unfortunately we also live in a particularly impatient culture, one in which we have a focus on cure rather than prevention, on a quick band-aide solution, rather than true fix. As a Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor, the majority of my work deals with people who have some kind of musculoskeletal or neurological pain, niggle or annoyance. These qualifications provide me with many useful tools, both hands on and prescriptive exercise, to treat the pain and symptoms of my clients. However, by far the most challenging element of my job is client education! I believe the health and fitness industry are doing a great job educating their followers on the importance of a lifestyle change rather than a 6 week crash course, when aiming for lasting results. I also believe as a health practitioner, it is time we extend this understanding into the realm of health. I feel there is a gross misunderstanding by the general public of what ‘pain’ includes, what causes ‘pain’ and how to eliminate it. In the past few decades, a scientific revolution has occurred in the understanding and the experience of pain. It's an exciting area full of new theories, hypothesis, studies and emerging facts. However, behind all the excitement there still remains a lot of confusion. My favourite definition of pain and one that today is generally well accepted, is that of Norman Doidge;
"Pain is an opinion on the organism's state of health rather than a mere reflexive response to injury" This means that while we may experience pain inside our body, often there is no single ‘injury’ which we can attribute this feeling to. It also means that while you might not feel ‘pain’ as the typical dull or shooting sensation, that the clicking, niggling or irritating tightness in your body is not evidence of something not quite right.
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Do not mistake this definition of pain for the belief that ‘pain is in your head and it is not real’. Our body’s experience of pain is very real, it just doesn’t mean this experience in our body is because of injury X. The relevance of this for my clients is something I deal with every day, when they come to me complaining of hamstring tightness, quadriceps pain, lower back ache, shoulder clunking … the list goes on. They ask me ‘what is the problem’ and as I begin to explain the non-optimal elements of their movement, posture and general mobility I am usually met with the same blank response, followed by a slightly more pressing ‘but what is the diagnosis?’. In many cases a provisional diagnosis is able to be made, for example hamstrings tendinosis. Unfortunately where the communication breakdown occurs is when clients take this diagnosis as the sole cause of their hamstring pain. Most of the time this diagnosis is just the end result, the causes of this symptom are often found all over the rest of the body and in fact just treating this area of pain will do nothing to prevent it’s reoccurrence nor the occurrence of other related pains throughout the body or the guarantee that their performance goals will be met. It is this mindset that challenges my work and that I wish to explain to our fitness fanatical, quick fix society. Our bodies are a constantly changing state they are fluid, influenced by the outside environment and our own internal settings. They perform best when supported from within rather than compressed from the outside. Like a tripod, its three legs when uneven, cause a structural imbalance. The same is true of our bodies, which only function optimally when in ‘Tensegrity’. This means that a ‘typical’ weekly ‘treatment’ for 6 sessions with focus directed to only one leg of the tripod, will not always resolve our symptoms (and the truth is that most of the resolution of these acute symptoms happens due to our bodies ability to heal itself and not so much the ability of practitioner!) It means that like training for a marathon, our bodies need a daily regime by which we can stick to, step up and monitor ourselves against. Time spent assessing how each leg of the tripod feels, being aware of our postures, our internal and external influences and our general health. While I have absolutely nothing against a fast paced, base pumping, high energy fitness session, I do not believe that this is all that is needed to maintain a truly ‘healthy’ and pain and injury free body! I believe that, like the health of our body, our musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms are best treated by bringing our body back into balance a balance of the Biological, Psychological and Social, for this is how lasting improvements are made.
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A HEALTHY life
Colds, Flu & You! By Wendy Bowker Registered Nurse / Health Writer
It’s that time of the year again, when public places including buses and trains, become infested with sneezing, coughing and nose blowing people. Can you avoid getting it, probably not? Most people get a virus, usually a cold, at least a couple of times a year, more if you are a school aged child. Here is some information you should know, some prevention advice and some basic things to do when you are suffering.
Things to know about colds and flu. Colds and ‘the Flu’ are both caused by viruses . Colds are caused by a large number of distinct viruses and Flu is caused by influenza viruses.
Colds and Flu are extremely contagious and are spread from person to person through the air by coughing, sneezing, talking, and by touching a person, surface or object. Typically a cold will start with a sore throat, progressing to a runny nose, sneezing and a cough worsening over a few days, then improving. You will still be able to go about your life but will not
feel great. Flu on the other hand usually hits quickly and hard with a fever, sweating, chills, aches and pains and exhaustion, making your bed look like the best, place to be. Symptoms of the flu are usually much more severe and may take up to two weeks to get over. Colds and Flu are not treated with antibiotics; they are used for bacterial infections.
Things to do to prevent colds and Flu. Where possible cold or Flu.
avoid close contact with people who have a
Eat well, and do regular exercise. 46 / iammagazine.com.au
>>>
Wipe over
contaminated; toys, cups, cutlery, key boards, phones and handles on draws and doors. Whilst there is no immunisation for a cold you may consider getting a Flu jab. It is recommended to have the Flu vaccine annually in autumn as the virus changes each year. Some people are more at risk of complications if they get the flu, and they can access a flu jab for free. You can find out more information about immunisation for Flu and who needs it most on the following link. http:// www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/ Content/immunise-influenza-qanda
Things to do when you have a cold or flu. Stay home and rest, give that gym workout or pole dancing class a miss this week.
Keep yourself well hydrated,
drink plenty of water.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze to prevent the airborne spread of droplets of your virus.
Blow your nose rather than sniffing, and dispose of contaminated tissues immediately after use.
Wash your hands, especially after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing.
Look after your skin; use a soothing cream for your mouth and nose. Humidified air can be effective for a
ointment
or barrier
dry cough at night.
Consider the use of warm salty water as a throat, or suck on ice or a throat lozenge.
gargle for a sore
Take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen as recommended, for fever, aches and pains, pay careful attention to dosages for children and do not exceed the maximum amount recommended to take in 24hours. Ask your pharmacist about other products that may help settle your symptoms.
See your doctor if you or your child have a rash and fever.
See your doctor if your symptoms are not improving, you feel worse, or you are concerned.
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48 .
Just for kicks feature
YOUR LIFE, YOUR ADVENTURE.
WWW.SOULOSCOUT.COM
Soulo scout
Winter Embrace it or escape it? By Kylie Green www.souloscout.com
The only thing that gets me through the winter is fluffy slippers, open fires and bottles of Cognac, preferably at a luxury hotel designed for winter, Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains for instance. For those of you that have already stayed there, I don’t need to tell you how magnificent it is. For those of you that haven’t stayed there, plan a trip immediately. If you are like me and love the hot balmy weather, winter can be a nightmare. Cronulla is definitely a summer place. Beaches, open air cafes and parks, all designed for that stunning summer’s day. So what do we do to relieve the boredom of freezing, rainy, winter weather? Embrace it or escape it? I usually spend the best part of June in South East Asia enjoying the 40 degree weather but not this year. So I have to come up with some novel ideas to get me through the gruelling months ahead. Apart from my weekend in the Blue Mountains, I am planning a quick trip down to Melbourne. Yes, that’s right, I am heading into the cold, not running away from it. It’s an opportunity to pull out the winter clothes that you never get to wear in Sydney. The long cashmere coat, comfortable leather boots [gracefully disguising the bed socks underneath], the gorgeous scarf with matching beret picked up in Paris (via Ebay), all perfect for embracing the cold. Brave the elements and get out there. Melbourne is designed for this type of weather. Renowned for their café culture you will find most places alive and buzzing with people, not to mention the heating. I intend to visit as many of those trendy Melbourne cafés as possible, in between the shops where I plan to give my credit card a good work out. So many fabulous places to stay and this trip I will be trying somewhere new. I usually stay at the Como Hotel. >>>
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Soulo Adventures If you have never shared a bath with their gorgeous rubber duckies get down there immediately, you will never want to get out. I have decided to branch out this trip and stay at the Cullen Hotel. Very trendy, full of mostly awesome, often astounding artworks by the late Adam Cullen. The Cullen Hotel provides me walking access to all the shops, cafes, restaurants, the delectable Prahan Markets and also numerous bars to sit and enjoy a glass of wine and watch the world go by. After a tough day of shopping and drinking wine, go back to your hotel and relax in a bubble bath, and if you are lucky enough to stay at the Hotel Como this will be nothing short of an indulgent experience in their very large, very deep bath. Order some room service. Get into the lavish bed and switch on a movie. I cant think of a better way to spend a soulo weekend. Shopping, wine, cafes, movies in bed at a fabulous hotel. If you have time and haven’t spent all your $$$$ at the shops, go to a day spa and really pamper yourself.
What are you going to do to get escape the cold? Some other interesting ideas to:
Embrace it! Blue Mountains - Lilianfels of course. For those that have al-
ready stayed there I don’t need to tell you how fabulous this place is. Sit in the lobby with the Jamieson Valley escarpment right before your eyes and have that cognac. If you want to get a group of your singles together, rent a cottage. Break the diet - cook something naughty, drink lots of wine, play board games all while sitting by an open fire.
Hobart - Another city well equipped for the winter weather. A
quick plane trip from Sydney and you will be among some of the oldest architecture in Australia. Don’t miss the Salamanca markets. Another place to forget your diet. My good friend tells me that the scallop pies are to die for.
Escape it! Anywhere in South East Asia.
Hot Hot Hot!!! So many places to see, from beaches to the mountains, temples to the spas. Too far for a weekend I know but if you cant take a few extra days….it is an inexpensive escape from the winter.
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PHOTO COURTESY KYLIE GREEN
Soulo Adventures
Broome - The average day time temperature in winter is 26.9. Not bad right? You can be riding a camel at sunset along Cable Beach or taking a dip in the Indian Ocean while your friends freeze their butts off back home.
Now for the “Soulo” weekend in winter. For something completely different try a silent meditation retreat. I go to Sunnataram Forest Monastery in Bundanoon. 48 hours of complete silence and lots of meditating guided by one of the wisest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, the Abbot of the Monastery, Phra Mana. It’s okay to be alone here. You are actually alone without being alone. Surrounded by people, but unable to talk. Sounds hard doesn’t it? But if I can do it anybody can. Trust me, I find it difficult most days to go 2 minutes without talking. The retreat will restore your balance and harmony. You will make life changing decisions or just relax into a blissful meditation. Until next time
SS
For more tips and advice on travelling Soulo: email souloscout@gmail.com or follow Kylie on twitter @souloscout 51 / iammagazine.com.au
PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS WORLDWIDE www.facebook.com/sutherland.shire.amnesty
WINTER STARS With Leanne Griffiths www.leannegriffiths.net
Aquarius
Winter is great for your vitality and health. Anxieties of the past seem to fade. You take responsibility when it comes to relationship issues. This serves you well! Excessive food intake possible in July. Keep an eye on finances over winter. Don’t spend what you don’t have.
Pisces
Energy levels are high this winter. Health issues plaguing you improve with a change of life style. Avoid junk food and regular exercise is the only way to look and feel your best. Relationship stars are good which is a welcome relief from the cold.
Libra Your professional skills are put to the test this winter. If successful a promotion or partnership offer is on the cards. Singles find themselves melancholy in July. Time with friends and family are needed on or around July 15th.
Virgo
Sagittarius Work stresses affect your health this winter. Stay calm under pressure. Take one day at a time and avoid a total breakdown. Issues with sinus and headaches may leave you feeling little lethargic. Things improve towards spring. A new love comes to singles in August.
A change is as good as a holiday! A house move or renovation is on the cards. You may redecorate or rearrange the furniture. Focus is on finances in July. You’ve overspent in June. You look and feel great in August. You attract lots of admirers this winter so enjoy the attention!
Aries
Capricorn Good health for goats this winter. You are at the top of your game both physically and mentally. Take advantage of this. Tackle the things in your ‘too hard basket’. Learn to relax and take some time out for yourself.
When is the last time you had a check up? Teeth and jaw issues are highlighted this winter. You may find dental bills piling up! Love stars are good with singles getting romantic in front of an open fire. Partnered rams reconnect over a nice dinner.
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www.leannegriffiths.net
Fine tune your health this winter. Tweaking your nutritional and exercise regime will do the trick. A skiing holiday is on the cards for August. Fake friends get the boot in July. Be careful not to burn too many bridges. Time spent with good friends and loved ones is just what the doctor ordered at the end of winter.
Gemini
Cancer So you’re not feeling the best? Take some time off. You may just be stressed. Family stars are good. Work and career is a little strained. Be careful when dealing with strong work colleagues. Sometimes its best to ‘agree to disagree’!
Leo Winter slows you down health wise. Your energy may be low. Lift your spirits with a trip to a tropical island. All you need is love! Singles find the one. Energy levels rise moving into spring. What a wonderful outlook on life you have. Stay positive. The clouds will lift!
FASHION DIRECTORY P30—P33
Health issues are highlighted in winter. Take care of your immune system. Eat well. Maintain good health is a priority in July. August brings a huge change in work and career. Positive movement ahead in regards to relationships. Finances are good.
LEANNE GRIFFITHS
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SOUTH OF THE BORDER [OPP CRONULLA TRAIN STATION] CRONULLA STREET CRONULLA VINNIES CRONULLA STREET CRONULLA VINNIES PRESIDENT AVENUE CARINGBAH VINNIES OLD PRINCES HWY SUTHERLAND DUTCHEE DUTCHEE SURF ROAD CRONULLA FREELANCE SHOES CRONULLA STREET CRONULLA
Taurus
55 .
THE SUPPORTERS. ‘The Supporters’ is a paid advertising section dedicated to small businesses located in The Shire and beyond, who have provided a little cash to keep our blessed little magazine going. Their bank accounts aren’t overflowing, but they appreciate, like us, the value of helping one another and supporting local community business. We hope you take the time to CHECK THEM OUT!
Are you a business owner? Join ‘The Supporters’ for I AM ISSUE 12 EMAIL IAMMAGAZINE@LIVE.COM.AU
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See why we’re the World’s first certified organic skin care range www.livelifepurely.miessence.com @livelifepurely Miessence Livelifepurely
https://www.facebook.com/sutherland.shire.amnesty
SCENEry
With our regular social snapper Nathan touring Europe at the moment - yes, HQ is seriously jealous - we have taken the opportunity to shed a little light on some of the AH-MAZING community events held recently by the St George & Sutherland Shire Amnesty Group.
April 2013 Birthing Kit Packing Day Held in Cronulla a large group of locals gathered to pack 1000 simple birthing kits for women in developing countries. The kit included a plastic sheet, a piece of string, 1 razor blade, a pair of gloves and a small piece of soap窶馬o ladies, an epidural would not fit in the tiny zip-lock bag.
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https://www.facebook.com/sutherland.shire.amnesty
SCENEry
May 2013 Amnesty Letter Writing Event
An inspirational group of like-minded folk gathered at Cronulla Central to write letters in defence of victims of Human Rights Violations. The day was a huge success with close to 100 letters written. The Refugee Art Project also provided a variety of art pieces by asylum seekers detained in Sydney’s Villawood Detention centre & settled Refugees.
The Refugee Art Project
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WARNING! SEXUAL REFERENCES
GUEST columnist
Samantha Jones... Well maybe not as glamorous. I don’t fly around in private jets and I rarely come across a naked man who is a perfect re-creation of the Vitruvian man taking an outdoor shower, but I am single; some of the time, and I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. It’s called complete freedom and it’s how I have designed my life. I never imagined walking down the aisle in a white Cinderella dress or having a husband, 2.5 babies and a white picket fence. To me, that was more of a nightmare. What I dreamt of were faraway places, excitement and adventure. Having my own place, sleeping until noon after dancing all night…..in Spain. Fast cars, fast men, fast...well no not that, that I like slow…long and slow…the joys of being single my friend. It can be as different as you want every night of the week (and fast in the mornings if that is what you desire – nothing like that to put a smile on your face all day). I work hard, and I enjoy myself. Life is way too short not to enjoy yourself every second of every day and if that means being married with that white picket fence, then more power to you. For me, I hate boredom and the thing that bores me most of all is routine. My life is all about spontaneity. >>>
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>>> I just can’t bring myself to settle for one. For me, variety is the spice of life. Italian one night, Spanish the next and for an extra special treat, African on Sunday - all day... all night. If you have never been there girls I can assure you IT’S ALL TRUE! The harder you are to get, the more a man wants you and they will do just about anything to get you. The thrill of the chase. I thrive on it. Once it’s gone and the monotonous day to day relationship sets in…..well, what can I say but….next!!! If men are allowed to have a girl in every port, why can’t women have a man in every city. Different city, different lover, different persona. Being in a different city definitely brings out my wild side. [I have found] You tend to let go and do those things you have secretly always wanted to do. The sex club in Melbourne - completely wild. Hot looking people in various stages of undress filling the rooms. Think Eyes Wide Shut with no censor. Not much shocks me but after taking a moment to adjust my eyes I definitely saw the fascination with voyeurism. The men’s locker room in Bangkok. Those African footballers have no shame and no problem walking around completely naked in front of me. Needless to say, it was one of the most enjoyable moments of my life. I can go on all day about naughty experiences, and I will, in future articles. I wonder just how naughty I am allowed to be here!!! Next issue I promise to tell you about the legendary “Orange Dick”. It is definitely worth the wait.
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#ELEVEN 2013
i have an obsession for freedom