ISSUE NINE SUMMER 2012/13
ISSUE 9 inspiration ‘Price Tag’ Jessie J.
COVER Artist/Photography: Samantha Edwards Model: Maree Rodger—Inspired Personal Fitness The cover and below image represent a message we want the world to consider when deciding upon gifts for Christmas this year. This Christmas the average Australian will spend approximately $2000 on Christmas presents. These presents will be a representation of their love for the giftee, however, they will also soon be forgotten come June 2013 and will remain forever in landfill. Instead of treating your money like disposable paper, take a moment to consider what it took to bring that piece of plastic wrapped in cardboard to your hands, and what price it has on the planet. Think about the message you want to send to your children.
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misplaced bobby pins stray comb, out of sight
Samantha Edwards iammagazine@live.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS:
Amanda Atlee Emma Pilcher Leanne Griffiths Maree Rodger Melanie K Hodsdon Nathan Bonnici Stephanie Vander-Linden
ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN: Samantha Edwards
PRODUCED BY:
i-am Magazine Pty Ltd www.iammagazine.com.au
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EDITOR & PUBLISHER:
perched upon tagged vinyl ‌.you are perfect. 03 / iammagazine.com.au
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“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
ISSUE 9 . Summer 2012/13
08 EDITOR’SNote 09 MonthlyMEDITATION 10 CONTRIbutors 11 STATEofFELICITY 12 INSPIREDbyTHEtruth 14 shopFRONT 16 AlittleBITabout….. 17 anAUNTYweLOVE 18 FASHion 26 XMASgiftGUIDE 30 theSCOOPvoiceOFdesire 32 INFORMANTtoOPP 33 CALMtheF**Kdown 36 EMMAlovinSHORTshorts 38 AforestOFbottles 39 inTHEstudioWITHjo 40 STARSwithLEANNE + RANDOMLYplacedPHOTOS,writing&loadsMORE 07 / iammagazine.com.au
Issue 9 is here. How time flies, when you’re having fun. The appearance of time moving quicker than normal, I have found, is not unique to my personal experience of 2012. It seems most of us believe time is moving faster, and we simply cannot fit everything in. This evaluation of the common whine, led me to throw in a Mindfulness meditation this issue. It’s a very simple 5 minute exercise that will bring your mind to the present moment, therefore, if time insists on moving so quickly, you will be more present in the fleeting minutes of 2013. On that note, I would like to wish all of you a phenomenal and outrageously fun Christmas and New Year. I hope Santa brings you everything you desire and the New Year fills you with renewed hope of the wonderful life experiences awaiting you in 2013. What will you find in this issue? Well, apart from the usual art, fashion & social focus, you will discover that we have been inspired by courageous people, like Jessie Taylor, who risked her life to bring awareness to the asylum seeker debate and expose the truth once and for all, with the release of her film ‘Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea’. I was also grateful for the universal shove that found me sitting around a table with local folk fighting for Human Rights. My recent introduction to Amanda Atlee, organiser of the Sutherland Shire & St George Amnesty group, has provided me with deep passion to take action on behalf of prisoner’s held captive around the world, their only charge being, the expression of their belief of global human rights. I hope you take a moment to read both articles on page 12 & 13, may you be inspired to share the stories with your friends and family. You will also discover additional [small] parts of me throughout this issue. I am essentially an Artist, not restricted to any particular form. Random Writings collected on train rides and photographs expressing my latest addiction, the simple plastic analogue camera, have been included in this issue. The latest edition to the I AM lens family is an 80s Holga 120mm [keep an eye on the I AM website for these images] and my quirky little Diana, which accompanied me to this year’s Beach Bop festival in Cronulla. We are also thrilled to have access to local life through the lens of photographer Nathan Bonnici, check his snaps on our social pages 42-45...maybe he shot you. In closing of issue 9, I would like to send my eternal gratitude to the Contributor’s of I AM 2012, we wouldn’t have an issue without you…..Thank You. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas & an amazing New Year. I hope you discover, experiment & explore your I AM in 2013……. Trust me, you’re worth finding. SAM xxx
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WWW.HEARTCLICKSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU >>>
ED’S NOTE
I AM MEDITATING
mindfulness “If you let cloudy water settle, it will become clear. If you let your upset mind settle, your course will also become clear� BUDDHA Mindfulness is a state of being in the present moment. It is becoming aware of your thoughts and letting them dissolve, experiencing life with every sensation tuned into the now. Your thoughts have no choice but to settle whilst you train your mind to only focus on the thoughts & experiences you select. Mindfulness is living life as it actually is and it can literally be practised in 1 minute.
Meditate 1 minute mindfulness: Lie, sit or stand in a comfortable position. Take 3 deep breaths and 3 exaggerated exhalations to let go, start to become aware of the mind and begin to shift your thought to your breathing. Hold this state for approx. 1 minute remaining mindful of your breath only, all of your attention is on the breath. Follow the rhythm of the inhale, exhale. This exercise is used to gradually become aware of your thoughts and to enable more control of what your mind chooses to throw at you. After a while you can increase your practise and allocate designated meditation times of 5 minutes - 1 hour, this depends on the individual and the time available. You can however practise mindfulness throughout your regular day. Pumping gas, waiting in line, at your desk, eating, walking or even toileting. Mindfulness is the simplest form of meditation with the power to change built in habits, regulate moods and even prevent depression. Remember stay in the present, focus on your breathing and remain aware of everything around you with all senses. This is mindfulness in its simplest form.
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Who’s that girl??? THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS… Here’s a sneak peek at people we’ve met.
Stephanie Vander Linden Journalist. The stunning Stephanie Vander Linden is about to embark on a new life adventure up North. We at I AM would like to wish her the best of luck and a big bagful of gratitude for her contribution to I AM. X
Amanda Atlee Amnesty International St George & Sutherland Shire Action Group What’s your message to the world? I would say that basically we are all citizens of the world. We were lucky to be born in such a free and prosperous country as Australia. But that is all it is.... Luck. By virtue of our birth Psychic Medium & we have been born into an incredible country Healer. and given a life full of opportunities. For others Besides being Psychic, if there was one thing you wanted to be remembered for, they have been dealt a different hand - born into poverty, into discrimination or under a what would it be? regime of oppression. Thus I feel it is our responsibility to work together with all global citizens to achieve basic human rights, basic freedoms for all. Whether it is signing a petition, speaking out on behalf of others, buying ethically or donating to a good cause I feel we all have a role we can play. We all can play a part in changing the world.
Melanie K Hodsdon
“MY
SMILE
MY LAUGHTER”
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STATE of FELICITY
Let’s talk about RESTRICTED TO AN 18+ AUDIENCE
By State of Felicity A continuation from wandering the world as one. ISSUE 8.
So let’s start at the beginning….there is a pattern in most, if not all relationships that tends to occur and the question has to be asked..what did you change about yourself in the relationship, pre-one? Think hard, it could be something you didn’t even realise happened, there is a part of you pre-relationship, that disappeared mid-relationship, you now need to rediscover post-relationship. Go through a mental list now, was it your choice in clothes, the style of your hair, your taste in music, trust me something was altered along the way - what was it? Once you are able to pinpoint that little stamp that had mistakenly been pasted onto your ‘you’ folder, peel that sucker off and slap on the stamp that truly resonates with you. Still a little lost? I will give you an example. For me, it was music. Now, don’t get me wrong, I really loved the music I was listening to pre-one, the problem was it was all I listened to. The style of music compatible with my soul from birth had simply been forgotten, replaced. Whatever it is, and trust me it is something— find it, and change it back. Overall, there are things we embrace in a relationship that may not be us, when you enter the world of one, life is given the opportunity to be what you need, want and love. Whether it’s sitting up in bed watching TV with wine and tim tams, or doing the laundry in your big mamma pants, get back to embracing things that are just right for you. Of course, being in a relationship called for compromise - fabulous, A+ for participating in a healthy life experience with another human being. The wonderful thing about being a one is, you grab that little piece of compromise and you throw it in the same garbage bag the relationship went into, it’s time to do things your way. If your bed calls for pink sheets, make them the hottest pink you can find. If you have the need to hang your underwear over the shower rail - sh*t hang them from the fan, they’ll dry faster. You are now a one and it is the perfect opportunity to write your very own rule book. The lessons you have learnt, the things you now know you won’t tolerate. It’s time to reconnect with the friends you ditched when your eyes were all heart shaped for Mr Wrong, you know you did it. Your friends got the almighty heave-hoe when you were a temporary two. Call them! Sure they may be a little p*ssed at you at first, but true friends get over it. Make a promise to get to know your friends again and find out what’s changed in their life. Hear this warning though. Once you have made it as a free-loving one (and I don’t mean that in the physical sense) your friends that are part of a two, may appear a little boring...and the ones with the kids, well that’s a story for next time….. SOF.
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INSTALMENT TWO.
Word of relevance…. Big Mamma Pants We all have a pair—or five – of these. They are generally faded, stretched, oversized, sometimes holey (not in the biblical sense) and irresistibly comfy. You didn’t wear them with Mr Wrong, because they were classified “unacceptable attire”. But, you love them and you stumbled across them occasionally promising yourself you would wear them again someday. Well you were right! Break those babies out and start remembering who wears the pants, YOU!!!!
INSPIRATIONAL
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a documentary that looks at the truth behind what it takes to make a human being into a ‘boat person’. “Jessie Taylor and Ali Reza Sadiqi travelled across Indonesia and met with 250 asylum seekers in jails, detention centres and hostels. Through candid interviews, hidden camera footage and in the words of asylum seekers themselves, the story of the 'refugee' is told. What pushes people to leave home? What do they leave behind? What do they fear? Why did they choose this path? And what does it take to turn someone into a 'boat person'?” This year a crowd-funding project went live calling for pledges to get this film across 30 cities around Australia. On October 27th the project was declared a success, with the goal of $60,000 exceeded. The National tour hopes to provide awareness and expose the truth behind the asylum seeker debate once and for all. “The aim of the tour is to make enough noise so that by the time we arrive in Canberra our politicians - including Tony and Julia - will NEED to attend a screening at Parliament House on the 20th November.”
ASK
For more info head to www.deepblueseafilm.com
We asked Amanda Atlee from the St George & Sutherland Shire Amnesty Action Group to comment on the film. Amanda - I believe that Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is an essential film for all Australians to see because it shows the human stories behind the statistics and political rhetoric surrounding asylum seekers and refugees. In order to have an informed understanding of asylum seekers you must be able to hear their stories and this movie facilitates exactly that. It is particularly important for politicians to watch this film to understand the human cost of our government policies that currently provide no viable alternative for getting on boats. But at the end of the day it is public opinion that politicians respond to so if enough everyday Australians can see this film, be moved by it and talk to their friends, family and local members about it, then perhaps these human stories will be more hopeful.
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Local Group
50 years ago, Peter Benenson started a letter writing campaign on behalf of two Portuguese students who were imprisoned for raising a toast to liberty. Since that time, Amnesty International has grown to be a movement of 3 million people around the world campaigning to protect human rights. People are involved in various ways e.g. taking action online, writing letters to Prisoners of Conscience, visiting local MPs or organising public events. While one individual can achieve a lot, many individuals working together can achieve much more. That is why Amnesty International has Action Groups throughout the world which create spaces for people who are interested in human rights to come together to discuss what is happening and what can be done. While interning at the NSW Office of Amnesty International in 2009, Amanda Atlee, decided to start an Action Group within her local area. I invited Amnesty International members as well as St George and Sutherland Shire residents to attend an inaugural meeting in November 2009. Since that time we have had an array of faces and ages involved in our group, from 18-80. It is like a little human rights family and it's so wonderful to be able to discuss these issues with people in the local community who are equally interested. We have been working on a variety of campaigns, taking action on behalf of those people whose human rights have been violated, celebrating successes and trying to better engage local residents with human rights issues around the world.
One way we reach out to local residents is through public events and we have had many in the last 3 years! From film screenings (Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, Pray the Devil Back to Hell, Our Generation, Offside and Welcome), petitioning in Cronulla mall and at local markets to gala dinners. We have had a great response from the local community. We are particularly proud of our Community Picnics which we have held over the last two years where we aim to build more positive relationships, particularly with asylum seekers and recently settled migrants, to create a more welcoming and inclusive St George & Sutherland Shire. In terms of campaigns we have worked on Indigenous Rights, we have called on UN member states to implement an International Arms Trade Treaty (over 200 signatures collected at a Cronulla Stall in May this year) to better regulate the distribution of arms, we work on Individuals at Risk, we aim to protect and promote the Rights of Refugees and to Change Conversation surrounding that issue but our main focus has been to work on the Rights of Women with a special focus on Iran. We support the Campaign for Equality, an Iranian grassroots women's rights initiative aimed at ending discrimination against women in Iranian law. It is sometimes easy to feel removed from the violence, persecution, inequality and poverty that happens throughout the world, but as humans we are all entitled to basic human rights and thus we have something in common. Our group is a small part of a massive movement to ensure that every person, everywhere, enjoys all the rights stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And we work to inform, inspire and engage our local community to be part of that movement also.
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Should you wish to join our group please email amnesty.sutherlandshire@gmail.com
INSPIRATIONAL
SHOPfront
Meet & Greet.
by Stephanie Vander Linden
Those in the know have been hightailing it to Surf Road of late, not only for The Old Library's grown-up fare, the promise of a perfect latte or a glimpse of boutique fashion, but for the latest resident, Meet That Store. Owner, Paige Haywood, invites us inside for a summer fashion fix. When did ‘Meet That Store’ open its doors? Meet That Store officially opened on August 3 this year. We were previously BOWERBIRD Collections, but owning this store for two years, I felt that it had grown with its loyal clientele into a store that needed a fresh new look and name to reflect the store that it is today. What was the inspiration for the new-look store? The inspiration was to work with the space that we are in rather than move to a larger store. The store design was centred around building a shopping environment that reflects the beautiful pieces that we have in store. Is there a story behind the name? Yes! The new store name definitely oozes confidence and we love it! I couldn't tell you how many times I get told by my beautiful customers about how they have always found ‘something different' or ‘unique' in our store. The word ‘that' always was being thrown into sentences – “remember that dress, mum?” – so it all just came together one day! We stand by that our customers have named our new store. What’s the interior like? Chic and spacious with a European feel.
Meet That Store - Surf Road Cronulla (beside The Old Library Restaurant) 14 / iammagazine.com.au
Explain a day in the life of Meet That Store? Firstly COFFEE... then meet and greets with new and regular loyal customers/friends for what is always interesting conversations (I always learn a lot) with a spot of shopping in store, of course. I love how many amazing people walk through the door each day. It's often already past closing and we are still yapping away. Describe the store in three words? Luxe, bold, feminine... What designers or key pieces should we expect to find in store this summer? We have taken on a few new labels this year, we love all of the colour and mixing and matching new pieces together and creating statement outfits with a pop of colour, whether it is with a new pair of shoes or a new dress. We have some simply stunning pastel shoe colours coming in soon. What do you predict will be the next big thing for summer? Definitely love the idea of summer blazers this year, you definitely aren't going to go wrong with purchasing a light print blazer as they are ever so present even looking into autumn winter 2013. It’s a piece that will always be great worn on cooler summer nights. Meet That Store Shop 4/17 Surf Road, Cronulla, (02) 9527 7779.
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Your ringtone SUCKED!
It defined you.
PROFILE ME My Caffeine Romance
Located in the ‘not so busy’ street of Kirrawee central this little café seems to always be occupied. Taking my seat on a sunny Tuesday afternoon I came to the realisation that this was in fact the one and only time I have ever really stopped to check out Oak Road. The location is not the most happening part of the Sutherland Shire, however My Caffeine Romance most certainly is. With a hip and sophisticated vibe this café could comfortably hold its own on a busy city strip. The coffee received 5 stars from me and the chocolate brownie was extremely indulgent. If you are not the caffeine addict 95% of the population is, then the organic artisan bread and New York cakes will be your reason to venture inside. Posts from a slick MCR follower would label this place, the only place to get your caffeine fix.
My Caffeine Romance 165 Oak Road Kirrawee. Days Like These One of the funkiest boutique’s in Cronulla to snatch up the hottest labels trending on streets globally. With Dr Denim, Cheap Monday, After the Apple and Status Anxiety residing within the walls of this back alley establishment, it is a much needed addition to retail in Cronulla. If you want a taste of Days Like These head over to their website and check in at their facebook page asap. Hit the LIKE button and stay up to date with the regular creep of stock making it’s way through their doors daily. I AM staff pick: Dr Denim Kissy’s in Metallic Gold—DIE!
Shop 4/17 Gerrale Street Cronulla www.dayslikethese.com.au
After a trip to the local Seikomart grocery store in Japan, young entrepreneurs Aidan Lister and Daniel Labib found the key to every adults costume fantasy. The mythical Japanese Kigurumi, more commonly referred to as the onesie or kigu, has since found its way to the shores of Australia in the hands of these two gentlemen. Old, young or something in-between, the onesie does not discriminate when it comes to age, gender and size. Popular amongst students, festival-goers, snow enthusiasts and as grandmas’ secret pyjamas, once you’re in one, you’ll never want to take it off. With Christmas now fast approaching, many more are expected to jump on, or perhaps more suitably into, the onesie bandwagon. The perfect outfit for a festive Christmas, the Kigu.me onesie won’t show the stomachs of those who over-indulge and are guaranteed to add to that all important Christmas cheer.
www.kigu.me
[MEDIA RELEASE PROVIDED BY KIGU.ME]
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A person perfectly crafted by society.
Your voice changed when you answered the phone.
I AM recommendation—5 stars.
Release your inner beast!
FASHION!!!
Trudy Higgins is the inventive & free spirited soul behind the label Love Aunty. Her latest collection is a feminine mix of crochet overlayed petticoats, cropped broderie anglaise tops and quaint lace boleros developed from reworked vintage fabrics and Manchester. This issue we sat down with Trudy at her Woolooware home studio to talk about life, fashion & the journey ahead. So let’s start at the beginning, who is Trudy? “A home maker. Sewing has been in my life from the age of 16, when I purchased a machine with my own money, along with a bike. Both are still in my life, riding & sewing, my life hasn’t changed that much. I remember after having children my leisure time was spent sticking doilies on jackets, which attracted a lot of head shaking from my husband. I find it so interesting to rework items with complete disregard for their original use.”
How did the label ‘Love Aunty’ evolve? “The label became a tradition when I was making things for my nieces & nephews. I would tag their items with the handwritten trademark calico, that is now the Love Aunty label. It also came from the admiration I have for my Great Aunt and the appreciation for all the pyjamas and dresses she made me as a child. She was my inspiration.” What do you love about fashion….. And what do you loathe? “I love that it can adapt to your moods, it’s almost an anthem for my day. One day it’s jeans and a tee, the next, it’s all about colour, the brighter the better. In a unique world, there are no restrictions. I loathe the pressure that young girls feel to follow the trends. The lack of freedom [some] young girl’s experience.” Where do you see the Love Aunty journey heading? “I think I’ll stick to listening to the universe, it has appeared to have an agenda thus far, so I’ll leave the journey, in it’s capable hands.” If you could be someone else for 1 day, who would it be? “A teacher. I really admire teachers, the influence they have, with the work they do. Working currently as a Teacher’s Aid has opened my eyes to the positive impact they have on children.” If you could pick a song right now that describes your life, what would it be? “Anything can happen, Ellie Goulding.”
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PHOTOGRAPHY: SAMANTHA EDWARDS MODEL: ELIZABETH ELLERCAMP MAKEUP: CHRISTINA SANTANGELO DESIGN: I AM MAGAZINE
LOVE AUNTY IS AVAILABLE AT BITS & BOOTS GYMEA BAY RD GYMEA NSW
LOVE AUNTY IS AVAILABLE AT BITS & BOOTS GYMEA BAY RD GYMEA NSW
LOVE AUNTY IS AVAILABLE AT BITS & BOOTS GYMEA BAY RD GYMEA NSW
LOVE AUNTY IS AVAILABLE AT BITS & BOOTS GYMEA BAY RD GYMEA NSW
here’sAthought
That don’t destroy the planet, end up in landfill or totally SUCK!!! If you haven’t already realised, this issue has a strong focus on the [ridiculous] amount of money thrown about at Christmas time. This is our opportunity to encourage you to spend more conscientiously this year and give the gift of experience, as opposed to disposable goods destined for landfill….. Here goes...
BUY A ZOO!!! Well, maybe not the
LIL’ ONES
Give the gift of creativity. Open a
whole zoo. For just $48 your child can become a parent of their favourite animal at Taronga Zoo or Taronga Western Plains Zoo for a whole year. The giftee will receive an official adoption certificate, subscription to Taronga’s very own magazine, Wildlife, and most importantly, exposure to how they can make a change in the world by caring about the conservation of animals.
child’s mind to life as a blank canvas waiting to be discovered. Head to your local Art Supplies store and discover an endless range of possibilities and opportunity to encourage some serious right brain development in your little one. Scrapbooks, pens, pencils, paints, clay, camera’s, craft supplies...the choices are endless. Give the gift of exploration, imagination and meditation with a box full of creative tools.
For more info head to: www.taronga.org.au
We LOVE!!! Eckersley’s Art & Craft 1/65-75 Captain Cook Drive Caringbah
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Learn to Surf! Have you ever wanted to
Weird Christmas Traditions #1 In Ukraine, Christmas tree decorations include fake spiders and web. The first to locate the little eight legged friend on Christmas morning is gifted with a new year of good luck. The tale began when an impoverished widow was unable to decorate her tree in the traditional manner, only to wake Christmas morning with a tree adorned in a beautiful spider’s web.
ride the waves with the rest of the “seriously cool” population on Summer weekends??? It’s never too late to learn. Cronulla Surf School offer learn to surf classes for kids right through to adults. With all equipment provided, the surf school guarantees a fun, safe and rewarding experience. Get your teenager out of the house and into the water this Summer. One day they will be able to say, I know how to surf, instead of I wish I’d learnt. Start with a private one on one lesson for only $100. A variety of packages are available for purchase, why not make it a family experience. www.cronullasurf.com.au
NS
TEE
PETS!
Pamper your Pooch! For those of you
who skipped the baby boom and opted for a 4 legged family member instead, why not provide a little pampering for your pooch this Xmas. Located in Gymea, Dogue offer services that are sure to get the love vibes flowing through your special little bundle of fur. Declaring their establishment the ‘House of Canine Couture’, the pet grooming specialists promise to give your pooch the royal spa treatment they need to see in the new year, as a new dog. Offering nutritional advice, doggie daycare, spa treatments and a large variety of doggie designer wear, you’re boarding the canine express to your dog’s heart. Dogue 23 Gymea Bay Rd Gymea
THE FLICKS! Event Cinemas Cronulla
offer Movie Gift Cards for as little as $25.00. But, why not shout your teen to the movies for a whole year! Movie Gift Cards can be used whenever they choose over and over again until the balance hits zero. With the film industry rolling out flick after flick, this is a gift that will just keep giving. And, when your teen is prompted November 2013 as to what they received last Xmas, they will have no trouble remembering that little piece of plastic still providing hours of entertainment, as opposed to the Xbox Game or new phone that went out of fashion before the end of February. More info www.eventcinemas.com.au
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NAN&POP
Weird Christmas Traditions #2 In Slovakia, the start of Christmas dinner is announced by the head of the family slugging food at the ceiling. It is not any old food, you need something with high stick capacity. The traditional Slovakian dish of Loksa is thrown at the ceiling by the head of the family, the more Loksa to stick, the greater the luck for the following year. Loksa is a potato pancake type dish.
Give mum a pole! Newsflash! Your
Cut the Grass! In the midst of Summer do you really want Nan or pop mowing the lawn in a heatwave? We all know how the progress of age can make us a little obsessive about the appearance of our lawn. And, we also know that the oldies will get out there and mow it, rain, hail or shine, because that’s how the old school roll. Contact your local Lawnmower and book Nan & Pop’s lawns in for regular maintenance through the scorching weeks of Summer. A typical mow costs about $50, twice a month for 3 months, you can give the gift of relaxation, and avoid nanna dehydration, for as little as $300. Why not grab a couple of deck chairs, a few coldies and Grandad, sit back, relax and watch someone else sweat it out for once. www.jimsmowing.net/sutherland
4MUM.
mum is a sexual, desirable and independent being. The word mum is a title given to women who have conceived children or provide nurture to children in some way. It does not define who they are, or cross out the fact that they are a human being with individual needs and the desire to just have some downright dirty fun. Pole dancing is a fun way to feel fit, sexy and confident. Bobbi’s Pole Studio, located in Miranda, provide classes for Beginners through to Elite Pole Professionals. Give your mum the gift of discovering her inner girl, and an excuse to get her groove on.
Soulful Healing. Okay, so your mum isn’t really the type to straddle a pole and do whirlie’s with her hair, why not book her in for some soul discovery and exploration instead. Help your mum find her deep inner calling and soulful mission in life by booking her into a soulcraft coaching session. Founder Nic the Soulcraftsman says, “Soulcraft is all about helping you craft the life your soul desires”. Nic can provide your mum with the tools to understand and achieve the life she’s always dreamed of. Slippers, Pjs, chocolates & ornaments are all well and good, but, this is a gift that could change your mum forever.
Head to www.bobbispolestudio.com.au to book your mum a class...and maybe shout a friend too.
For more info on services and workshops head to www.soulcraft.com.au [Cronulla]
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4DAD!
Encourage the ratbag within. SlingWeird Christmas Traditions #3 For the Japanese a traditional Christmas gathering would not be complete without Colonel Sanders. About 40 years ago unsuspecting Japanese were convinced, by an incredibly successful advertising campaign, that fried chicken is the traditional American Christmas feast. This Japanese tradition is so popular that reservations are made long in advance for the Christmas period. Diners are even greeted by a jolly Colonel Sanders cordially attired in his very own Santa suit.
shots, spud guns, candy, cars and comic books, would have been high on your dad’s xmas list as a young lad. Take a trek down memory lane and ask someone who shot the breeze, or engaged in mischievous [harmless] fun, with the lad that grew up to be your dad. Buy what you can and make the rest..slingshots are a piece of cake, and if you’re lucky you can pick up a seriously cool remake of the schoolboy neccessity the spud gun, from shops like Glue, for as little as $10. Box them up and get ready to hang with the inner child lying quietly within the responsible, sometimes stressed and overworked, figure that is your father. [try to stick to things he can consume or will keep, as some of these items can be environmentally unfriendly. Slingshot with care and at your own risk.]
Buy her future! Well, not literally.
THEbestie!
Grab your best friend a gift certificate to the local psychic. You know the drill, you meet up for dinner, she’s upset about the boyfriend again, she doesn’t know what’s going to happen with her career, she’s unhappy with the lack of travel she did 2012, she wants you to provide a solution, or at least, a little comfort...problem solved. Melanie Hodsdon is our favourite psychic medium & healer. Located at Embrace on the lower level of Westfield Miranda she is spiritually qualified to provide your bestie with the insight she requires to approach 2013 with the answers she spent every 2012 dinner and girl’s night out, drilling you about. www.shimmeringhemispheres.com
An ‘I owe you’ …… but you really do, not pretend. Give your best friend a personalised gift card with details of where and when you two will dine in the New Year. Leave the date open for joint consideration, but provide her with the venue and the type of treats you plan to indulge her with. We love Croydon Lane Wine & Tapas Bar Cronulla for the decadent menu, the very chic and glamorous atmosphere, and the incredibly cool wine trees, giving diners and winers the opportunity to taste what’s new from the vine.
Croydon Lane Wine & Tapas Bar Kingsway Cronulla
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THE SCOOP
Can sex appeal sell lettuce to a meat lover? YES IT CAN! Sitting at a local, health inspired, café in Cronulla I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation between the young—slightly attractive—mixed sex group holding up the counter. The conversation was in regards to a young man who had caught the desiring eye of the young female in the group. It was at that moment, that the men were witness to something quite astonishing, yet oh so common, the chameleon residing in the female voice. As I sat eating my lunch I was witness to the change in her voice across a multitude of opposite sex customer’s. She had a laugh -giggle– for everyone, and all with its own identity, changing pitch with the individual men she chose to speak to. Her boss attracted the, ‘I am listening and extremely interested’ voice, while the cute dreamy guy in the group received the high pitch giggle with an unmistakable essence of “I can’t control my gushiness right now” tone. The fun guy in the group, who would have showed more gratitude for the elevated gushiness pitch, got the “I like you like a brother” voice, much to his disappointment. This female chameleon was changing colour faster than a mood ring in a freezer, and all colours seemed to morph without the slightest hint of human control….or were they? Are the colours a flashing neon sign of desire, or more simply, a signal of deception? To be clear I am not stapling this behaviour uniquely to this individual woman. I have found from observation, and a great deal of people watching, that most women appear to be the same, whether they wait tables or work in a law firm...the case of the altered voice seems to affect all. Proof of this was provided when a very professionally attired woman entered the café on the lure of a free coffee. Within moments she found herself melting and delving for some hint of interest from the foreign Mills & Boon type character accepting her cash. And, there it was. Proof the altered voice is not uniquely a female trait. >>>
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On average a whopping 46 percent of the American population have made purchases under the influence of sexual desire. Whether manipulated by a voice, a picture or an empty promise, the sale has been secured due to the customer being “turned on”. So why does this happen? Scientists claim that seeing an attractive man or woman excites the areas of the brain that make us buy on impulse, bypassing the sections which control rational thought. Add the voice of desire and you have a sale based on impulse, with a strong stroke to the ego and a pinch of self importance, a basic human craving. Sex is an effective strategy when companies want people to think short-term and go for immediate satisfaction, taking advantage of their irrationality while the customer is aroused. I here you say, “What’s the big deal in buying a coffee because the provider is exuding sex and may possibly want me above all other customers?”. To that I reply, “nothing”, just don’t be fooled into loosening the purse strings in the hope that your opponent will loosen something else. After all, it’s all about the sale baby, and you’re only going to get, what you pay for.
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CAPTURED FOR PURPOSES OF ARTICLE—LADY GAGA PERFUME ADVERTISEMENT
It was but a matter of minutes before the young man saw the colours of her neon and accepted his opponent in a game of harmless manipulation. The young man smoothly powered up his “you should buy this sex on a stick” sales pitch, to which the lust struck customer bought…. and bought BIG TIME! The young man was confident in the ability of his chosen voice and his poker face was much more discreet than his female counterpart. He was at this moment the master of the voice of desire, and his sales were up.
INFORMANT CRONULLA
Finding misfits
and wanting to fit in.
This issue we discovered three NEW local Op Shops we thought you’d LOVE………
SUTHERLAND
CARINGBAH
Small and absolutely jam packed with pre-loved fashion & accessories for men & women. If you are excited by the traditional essence of an original op shop with overflowing racks displaying mismatched items and cardboard boxes stuffed with unsorted pieces, this op shop will be right up your alley. The feature of this store has to be the pre-loved wedding dresses. Vintage and new they are perfectly priced and would suit any bride’s budget. I left this shop empty handed simply because sadly they don’t have eftpos. If it’s one small piece of advice I would give to Independent Op Shops—GET EFTPOS!
This op shop is one of my absolute favourites. There is not an item in this store that doesn’t scream “genuine bargain”. Offering a huge variety of men’s and women’s selectively sourced pre-loved designer, vintage and Indie items. From handbags to shoes it is a haven for the op shop & bargain lover. Prices are very reasonable. On occasion you will find privately owned Op Shops a little on the expensive side. This is not the case at all here, prices are only slightly more expensive than the local charity store’s. No eftpos available.
Millie’s Opportunity Shop Boyle Street Sutherland
4 Park Lane Caringbah Privately/Locally Owned
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Okay, so out of all of the Independent Op Shops & Charity Stores this one is my favourite. Located at the back of St Andrews Church on the Kingsway, it is full of quality designer & Vintage pre-loved fashion. The prices are typical of a church run op shop, perfect! They also have regular 50% off sales which means you can walk out with about 3 items under $10. Menswear is also available and their tie selection is tres’ retro. The ladies who volunteer in the church store are extremely friendly and always make you smile. Take cash, because again no eftpos is available and here’s a tip, sort through the jewellery and accessories. I picked up two genuine Chanel scarves and a Vintage Oroton Handbag all for under $20.
St Andrew’s Church [around the back] Kingsway Cronulla Open Mon.Tues mornings.
Just BE!
I Gotta Speak Up & Say Something.
By Melanie Hodsdon
I feel that sometimes, people take all this spiritual stuff way too seriously! Let me introduce myself; I am a Psychic Medium & Healer. I read from Rosie Shalhoub’s beautiful Embrace store at Westfield Miranda or at a lil’ coffee shop in Cronulla. I have without doubt, the best job. But! Sometimes I forget to meditate. To be honest, I find it incredibly boring and the only way I’m going to do it is to listen to a guided meditation; that way someone else is doing the work for me. God bless the Dalai Lama for stating that, “the best meditation is sleep”, therefore I have no guilt in having nana naps. I love having a girly gossip session with my closest friend over a huge plate of bacon and eggs; the only healthy thing about the brekky is the gluten-free toast (with layers of butter), or even better, catching up over vodka lime n’ sodas or a jug of apple martinis. PERFECT. I don’t have a guru and I have never had a spiritual teacher, but it doesn’t stop my dad, brother, grandparents, family and friends and a whole cast of thousands on the other side of life talking to me. I have never been on a course, day seminars, workshops or paid thousands of dollars to learn a healing modality that is already inherent in me. I do read a lot though and the amount of money I spend on books is shameful! But I love reading; it’s how I learn. I am finding that there is a ton of information out there about how to achieve nirvana or enlightenment, but with the reality of day-to-day life this can sometimes be hard to attain. I have read for remarkable, vibrant and courageous people who are spending all day manifesting or repeating affirmations, but when their desires and dreams don’t come to fruition it makes them increasingly frustrated and disillusioned. I am now mixing in circles where there is talk of projection, archetypes, the mirror concept (whatever you’re feeling about someone is actually how you’re feeling and perceiving yourself) and that protection is required all day to shield you from lower vibrations and lower energies. I have also heard that to have a happy life you have to be 1000% happy 1000% of the time. This is not humanely possible! I worry about stuff, I get worked up and irritated, I cry at sad songs and movies and I love nothing better than having a good debate with my loved one about world events, the universe and politics. I am told repeatedly that I need to become a vegetarian (I love my meat … rare), stop drinking alcohol (outrageous!) and god forbid, become celibate to become a "clearer" channel for spirit (again, I love my meat). ARE THEY INSANE??? >>> 33 / iammagazine.com.au
Just BE! Cont’d Cont’d from previous page…
I can't stop them coming through, no matter what I do! I guess what I'm trying to say is, just have fun, enjoy every day and ride the good waves with the bad as that really is a balanced life. You need to find a middle ground in all of this, because life is purely an experience. Nothing more, nothing less.
Laugh, cry, be joyful, be sorrowful, be happy, be sad. Just be. You are okay exactly the way you are. You don’t need to do anything to yourself to be more accepted than you are right now.
Your vibration in this world is beautiful. MelanieK Psychic Medium & Healer www.shimmeringhemispheres.com
“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
MYdiana
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HEALTH—we like short shorts…... Summer is a time when we like to dress in shorts and skirts. They are a great way to keep cool in our hot Australian Summer Climate, making them a practical choice. So here is my solution for you to shape your greatest ever Summer legs—if you can manage to stick to this weekly plan you will be proud to pop on your Summer shorts this year…… Monday: Interval running - for 45 minutes run hard for 40 seconds, a light jog of fast walk for 30 seconds. Tuesday: 20 squats 10 jump squats 15 hip extensions (feet on a ball or bench) 20 Mountain Climbers 60 second run Repeat x 6 Wednesday: Pilates or Yoga to loosen up the body ready for the rest of the week!
EMMA PILCHER
Thursday: 20 Walking Lunges 15 Kettle Bell Swings 10 Burpees 60 seconds prone hold Repeat x 10
Emma Pilcher (BPE) www.bfsperformance.com Ph 0434 355 386 emmapilcher@optusnet.com.au
Your legs will never again look the same!
Friday: Find yourself a set of stairs! There are some great ones in the Shire - think Salmon Haul Bay, Como and the Honeymoon stairs in the national park. Haul yourself up and down those stairs for 30 minutes. Saturday/Sunday: Take yourself for a 40 minute moderate jog or bike ride. Be sure to include some hills.
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RANDOMwritings
electric blue hair horizontal black & white stripes ‘too snug’ say the neurotypical type you walk in the inbetween yet you do not blend you are not a shade you are an iridescent hue bursting through a cloud of grey
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fancyAbite??
Café & Restaurant. Perfectly perched on the side of the Princes Highway, the Bottle Forest Cottage could be missed due to the fleeting glance you get when heading to your pre-selected destination lying in wait down the Coast. However, the common statement I imagine made by most traveller’s, “One day we should pop in there for a browse and a coffee”, should be followed by slowing down and pulling in. At a glance; Labelled a ‘little odd’ by the SMH is an instant and accurate snapshot of the cafe from first sight, I could however pick two more perfect words, “Just Right”. With tables and chairs in abundance and sunshine in all the right places, it is the perfect location to indulge in a lazy Sunday. Imagine grabbing a few old comfy lounge chairs, cushions, and a make shift table constructed from a bath tub and a discarded door. Place all of these things in a beautiful Spring garden and you will have a slight vision of the perfection of time spent in this gorgeous little oasis. The thought that has gone into this café–slash-restaurant-slash-nursery can only come from someone experienced in time spent relaxing and experiencing life being, as opposed to doing. The day could happily slip away here without the desire to leave your seat. The live music is the perfect backdrop for your stay, the melody is sultry with parts of Norah Jones and Michael Buble’ flowing through the flowers and trees that weave through the tables and chairs randomly placed in every corner of the garden & cafe. If you are looking for a private dining experience, the inside of BFC is a maze of small quaint bygone rooms with open fire’s and reminiscent dining settings. With fine china and curious antique ornaments on every shelf and awaiting floorboards, the rooms will entice the hidden romantic out of even the most loveless scrooge. The BFC is the perfect little secret. It is a spot you will adventure to hoping no-one else, or a select few, made the decision to pop in. The atmosphere is laidback and the peaceful vibe is powerful enough to remove highway noise. Surrounded by pebble gardens displaying the quirkiest of statues, my niece developed an instant love for the huddled ceramic pigs. Making her selection of the perfect pair, we left the BFC with the glowing energy and gratitude for life, only the most perfect of Sunday morning’s can provide.
Bottle Forest Cottage 1330 Princes Hwy Heathcote NSW Ph 9548 6143 www.bottleforestcottage.com.au
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STUDIO
THE ARTIST. About JO: “I am a vegetarian, animal lover, Body Attack enthusiast and yearn for the beach now that I'm living in Canberra. I have always loved art and drawing, scribbling, doodling or whatever you want to call it, but like many 80s kids, I didn't follow my dream of being an artist because it wasn't considered a real job!! So, I took up graphic design instead and am still a designer today, though I get to do a lot of drawing in my current job - mostly caricature work, which is wonderful.” Preferred Medium??? “My favourite medium is colour pencil or lead pencil, followed closely by watercolour and the odd digital drawing.” …..& Inspiration? “My inspiration comes from many places - Bec Winnel, Carmel Debruil, Audrey Kawasaki,, Michael Shapcott and Gabriel Moreno these days, and I am planning to do a lot more “loose” drawing and not so much photo realism as I used to.” Where can we find you? “You can find some of my stuff on http:// www.redbubble.com/people/catafinity, but I am looking to update all of my art with a different style all together, with the creation of an independent website very soon. I am available to do any portrait work of pets, kids and rellies, any time.” CONNECT! Joanne.hawkins@yahoo.com 39 / iammagazine.com.au
SUMMER STARS With Leanne Griffiths www.leannegriffiths.net
Pisces Summer starts off
slow with things heating up in January. An old flame comes back into your life which catches you off guard. Beware! They may just be playing with you. Attached fish have fun with partners tending to your every need! A productive time at work. Good money stars for February.
Sagittarius Bring on sum-
mer! December brings a whole new energy to your life. Things move forward and obstacles just seem to disappear. January is a great time to reconnect with family and friends. Positivity surrounding your work and career sector make it easier to get ahead. Make sure you get some rest in December. Don’t overdo it!
Capricorn Summer brings in
Virgo Summer is a time of
a more relaxed goat! Rest and relaxation is your main priority during summer. Reprioritising your life becomes a focus in December. January kick starts your new lease on life. Some Capricorns will finally make the move into the job of their dreams. Others venture into humanitarian and charity fields.
collaboration. Great stars for working with people toward a common goal. Your focus changes from that of material gains to humanitarian pursuits with great results. Your spiritual journey is the focus this summer. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Aquarius Relationships are
spirit gets the best of you this summer with unplanned trips taken. Spur of the moment decisions mean finances may take a hit. Once your feet are back firmly on the ground concessions need to be made with your significant other. Singles you may meet the love of your life.
the focus this summer with single water bearers finding true love. Couples will make serious commitments in December. Don’t be impulsive over the holidays. It will come back to bite you in January. A peaceful start to 2013 means a more relaxed you! People notice the difference
Libra Everything you have been working towards comes to fruition this summer. Major breakthroughs and changes with work and career mean you will finally reap the rewards for your hard work. Be careful of those around you who don’t come from a place of truth. Direct communication is needed. 40 / iammagazine.com.au
Aries Your adventurous
Taurus Money stars improve this summer with emphasis on spending it on yourself! Well deserved breaks are taken. Friends and family are there for you in January. Singles play the field with ease in December. Fun and laughter is the theme for summer which is a welcome change!
www.leannegriffiths.net
Gemini Things come to an end in December but with every door that closes another opens! Lot’s of opportunities in work, career and love in January. This renews your faith in the universe. Let go of things that just don’t work for you anymore.
Cancer Progress is the focus
ARTWORK BY JO HAWKINS SEE PREVIOUS PAGE
this summer for crabs! Hard work and clean living is rewarded with a promotion or bonus. Summer is a time for reflection on everything you have achieved thus far. Walk down memory lane and enjoy reminiscing with friends and family. You stay close to home over the holidays.
Leo Summer is a time to shine! You are looking and feeling great. People take notice. Your busy social calendar gets out of control over the holidays. A short break in January will see you through the summer. You make new friends easily. You bask in the limelight!
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Rosehill Racecourse
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PHOTOS COURTESY NATHAN BONNICI 1337PHOTOGRAPHY.COM UPALLNIGHT.COM.AU
SCENEry
Halloween…….
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PHOTOS COURTESY NATHAN BONNICI 1337PHOTOGRAPHY.COM UPALLNIGHT.COM.AU
SCENEry
SCENEry SHIREniteLIFE ……. Miranda Hotel Gymea Pub Zink
We’re paying with LOVE tonight…...
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PHOTOS COURTESY NATHAN BONNICI 1337PHOTOGRAPHY.COM UPALLNIGHT.COM.AU
It’s not about the money….
WE just wanna make the world dance...
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PHOTOS COURTESY NATHAN BONNICI 1337PHOTOGRAPHY.COM UPALLNIGHT.COM.AU
SCENEry
WWW.BEACHBOP.COM.AU
aSIMPLElife.
By Sam.
When Beach Bop hit Cronulla this November, I was there with my favourite plastic camera—Diana— in hand. Standing amongst the big guns with their long lens and weapons of mass photographic destruction, I felt like a child sneakin lippie from the bathroom drawer. It was, however, the most fun I have had in a while, with my trusty friend, the toy camera.
lensDIANA 46 / iammagazine.com.au
LensDIANA 47 / iammagazine.com.au
LensDIANA 48 / iammagazine.com.au
LensDIANA 49 / iammagazine.com.au
Cronulla Beach
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LensDIANA 51 / iammagazine.com.au
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gettinOUTthere!
Instagram/iammagazine
LOVE50sglamour
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DESIGN
FASHION LESS WASTE 2012 DEEP OCEANS WHAT: An annual eco-fashion design competition. WHY: Among other things it aims to raise awareness of sustainability issues in the fashion industry. WHERE: The Australian Museum Sydney.
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HAPPY 2013!
i-am Magazine Pty Ltd is an independent magazine published quarterly by Samantha Edwards & i-am Magazine Pty Ltd. 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. Printing: Bright Print Total Communication Solutions 8-10 Frank Street Wetherill Park NSW 2164 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.
COURTESY OF MY SAMSUNG GALAXY & INSTAGRAM—HEART! 55 / iammagazine.com.au
W e j u s t W A N N A Make
the world
D A N C E . Forget about t h e p r i c e
T
A
G
! Jessie J
WWW.IAMMAGAZINE.COM.AU