Inspired Living Magazine │ SPRING 2023 EDITION

SPRING 2023

DAY TRIPS: AROUND THE SOUTH COAST AND CANBERRA REGIONS

CHEAP AND FUN HOBBIES TO PICK UP THIS SPRING

SPRING CLEANING: USING SCENTS AND SAVING CENTS

Welcome

Welcome to the Spring 2023 issue of the Inspired Living Magazine. Brought to our community by Blackshaw to showcase and guide readers on current trends and topics surrounding homes, from the nation’s capital to the south coast region of Batemans Bay.

Inspired Living is all about discovering possibilities. Being inspired in life and in your home, and gaining insights into local causes and topics that matter. Providing our readers with a unique perspective from property enthusiasts and local talents. We are always on the look out to present collections from local designers, artists and more.

Our Spring issue offers ideas to include in your calendar, from day trips, to new hobbies, art events, spring cleaning tips and suggestions to enhance your home and improve your wellbeing.

To inspire you once again to embrace Springtime in the city we have details of our Nation’s famous free annual event, Floriade: “Floral Wonderland 2023”

Enjoy this complimentary magazine, become inspired and find endless possibilities for your own inspired living.

Belinda Chamberlain, Managing Principal Blackshaw Real Estate

Photography by Daniele Colucci

Day trips: Around the South Coast and Canberra regions

While there’s so much to love about Canberra and the NSW South Coast, there’s even more to love about the places that surround them, whether it be the snowy mountains, the beach, or the bush. Here are our top picks for day trips to add to your calendar this spring.

Photography by Beyond WIld Places

KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK

Only a two-hour drive from the centre of Canberra, Kosciuszko National Park offers endless opportunities and activities to enjoy on a sunny spring day. From walking up Mount Kosciuszko, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, cycling, rock climbing, driving through the undulating alpine landscape, or soaking up the picturesque views on a relaxing picnic, there’s something for everyone. You might even be lucky to see and enjoy some snow! On the way to the alpine region, take a break in the historic town of Cooma, have lunch by Lake Jindabyne, then stop by the Wild Brumby Distillery for a drink. While you’re in the national park, don’t forget to visit the charming Thredbo Village, soak up the scenery around Mount Selwyn, Charlotte Pass and Perisher, and stop by the familyfriendly Lake Crackenback Resort.

YARRANGOBILLY CAVES

A spot within the Kosciuszko National Park that is worth its own mention is the Yarrangobilly Caves area, most notably the 20m-long, 2.5m-deep thermal pool fed by a natural spring. The main pool here is heated to 27ºC all year round and overflows into a children’s wading area, so the whole family can enjoy a swim any time of year. This natural swimming spot is surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush bushland – the perfect location to spot local wildlife, including lyrebirds, blue wrens, crimson rosellas, king parrots, or some platypus if you’re around at dawn or dusk. There’s also a family-friendly 3km walking loop that travels along the crystal-clear river – it’s a must if you come here. For a little extra adventure, you can also buy a ticket for a self-guided tour of the South Glory Cave.

Photography by NSW National Parks

Photography by NSW National Parks

BRAIDWOOD

Braidwood is positioned halfway between Canberra and the NSW South Coast in the Southern Tablelands and is a common rest stop for travellers, but there’s so much more to this pretty historic town than stopping for a quick break. Braidwood is a charming National Trust-classified town renowned for its prize-winning truffles and vibrant arts scene, with a main street full of cafes, bakeries, retro-collectable stores, galleries, antiques, jewellery, and old-world colonial buildings frozen in time. If you’re interested in history, you can take the official Heritage Walk, which includes some of the town’s best sights, including the Royal Mail Hotel, St Bede’s Catholic Church, and the Braidwood Museum, which showcases a rich collection of historical objects and archives. If you fancy art, then you’ll be impressed by the many galleries in the area, notably Studio Altenburg, Fyre Gallery, Braidwood Regional Arts Gallery, and Mona Farm. If you visit Braidwood on the first and third Saturday of each month in the morning, you’ll catch the farmers market where you can taste and buy some of the local fare.

VINEYARDS AND WINERIES

What’s perfect about the ACT and surrounding region is that it is home to over 140 vineyards and more than 40 wineries, offering endless opportunities to taste some fine wine and meet the local makers. The NSW South Coast’s Shoalhaven wine region is much the same, with vineyards peppered along the coastline both north and south of Batemans Bay. This spring, head to your local winery and enjoy a taste of their finest drop alongside a delicious cheese board or go on a tour of their cellar door. Near Canberra, some of the best vineyards include Clonakilla, Shaw Wines, Eden Road, Four Winds, and Mount Majura, which is known for its flagship tempranillo and riesling. Near the NSW South Coast, be sure to visit Cupitt’s Estate, Tilba Valley Winery and Ale House, Cambewarra Estate, Crooked River Wines, and the region’s mostawarded winery, Coolangatta Estate.

NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK

This spring, escape the urban sprawl to the Namadgi National Park and immerse yourself in over 100,000 hectares of picturesque bushland, thriving flora and fauna, and fascinating Indigenous history. Only an hour from Canberra’s city centre, the national park offers countless areas to bushwalk, picnic, take in the views, and admire the local wildlife in its natural habitat. One of the area highlights is the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve located on the park’s fringe, home to a wildlife sanctuary full of kangaroos, koalas, cockatoos and emus. Also located within the Tidbinbilla area is Corin Forest, an outdoor adventure playground with slides, forests, and lots of space to play and have a picnic. In the Namadgi National Park, there’s also a rich Indigenous history for you to explore, including the Aboriginal rock art at Yankee Hat and the Birrigai rock shelter, a site the Ngunnawal Aboriginal people occupied more than 20,000 years ago.

Photography by Partick Langwaller

Photography by Philip Martin

Spring cleaning: using scents and saving cents

Spring has finally sprung, which also means time to spring clean your home, but rather than just making your home spick and span, consider adding a fragrance to express your personality? Here’s our guide to using scent this spring, whether it’s for cleaning, or just setting the mood.

Photography by birgith Roosipuu

WHAT’S YOUR SCENT STYLE?

Have you ever stopped to think about the impact scent can have on your home, or the atmosphere it can create? Think of some scents you might love at home – a bunch of flowers, freshly laundered sheets, a burning log fire, coffee brewing in the morning, or something tasty baking in the oven -– then think how they make you feel. Calm? Energetic? Sleepy? Revitalised? When it comes to choosing a scent for your home, you might want something to provoke a certain emotion or reaction as you, your family and your friends step through the door. Perhaps you want a scent to reflect your personality or interior style, or you simply want a fragrance to suit the season. For instance, in the colder months, something woody or earthy can exude a warm and cosy feel, or for the warmer days, opt for something cool, calm and refreshing like citrus.

Photography by Elsa Olofsson

Photography by Crystalweed Cannabis

HOW TO USE SCENT

There are so many ways to introduce scent into your home, but the simplest and most effective options are with candles and diffusers as they subtly release just the right amount of scent into a space, instead of overly strong and unbalanced artificial deodorisers. If you want your scents to be natural and good for your health, opt for essential oils and candles made from soy wax. Another way to introduce fragrance into your home is by using an essential oil spray – it will not only add scent to a room like a candle or oil diffuser, but it has the added benefit of freshening up your fabrics too. Did you know that sprays can go directly onto couches, bedding, linens, towels, clothes, pillows, rugs and curtains, making them smell fresh and new again? Just remember to air dry any fabrics before putting them back in the cupboard.

Photography by Anastasia Anastasia

Photography by Mediamodifier

LAVENDER

Lavender is known for its calming effects and often said to be the goto scent for relaxation and a restful night’s sleep. If you’re wanting to inject some calm into your home, then try a lavender-scented candle or essential oil for aromatherapy with the help of a diffuser, or add a bundle of lavender (or lavender buds) around your home to infuse a fresh smell. Combining lavender oil with a teaspoon of vodka or methylated spirits can create a sweet-smelling room spray. Lavender is also a handy cleaning agent as it is a natural antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic. Combine the oil with vinegar and use it as a kitchen and bathroom cleaner, or add the oil to an unscented dishwashing liquid for great smelling dishes.

EUCALYPTUS

Eucalyptus oil is another popular scent also known for its calming benefits, as well as its circulation-boosting and air-purifying properties. Around the home, the oil can be burnt in a candle or put in a diffuser to help relieve mental exhaustion, facilitate easy breathing and soothe nervous tension. It is also an effective antibacterial, degreasing agent and air freshener, which is great for eliminating harmful airborne bacteria, viruses and mould that could contribute to respiratory issues. This spring, you could make your own antimicrobial, non-toxic spray with eucalyptus oil diluted with water to clean and refresh the air. A spray can also eliminate trapped odours in fabrics, particularly items like shoes and sports gear. Mixed with vinegar, it’s perfect for kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and mixed with vinegar, it’s an effective kitchen and bathroom cleaner. Like lavender, you can add the oil to an unscented dishwashing liquid for great smelling dishes.

“If you want a natural scent that’s also good for your health and the environment, then opt for essential oils and candles made from soy wax”

Photography by Alex Lvrs

Photography by Joyce Toh

ELIMINATING ODOURS

Scents can not only help to mask unpleasant odours, but remove odours once and for all. When it comes to giving your fridge a spring clean this season, you might find that no matter how much you try, old food smells will still linger. Other effective natural scents include lemon, which can work on its own as its absorbency will do away with the bad smells – just cut it into slices and place in a bowl and replace it weekly. Baking soda has odour-killing properties by absorbing the odours completely, slowly purifying the whole area, so try putting some at the back of your fridge, mixed in with some lemon. Other scents you can use to remove bad odours in small spaces include freshly cut orange combined with cloves, or a cotton ball soaked in vanilla extract and placed in a bowl.

Photography by birgith Roosipuu

Photography by Mae Mu

Floriade: Floral Wonderland

Nothing says spring more than Floriade, and in 2023, this well known flower and entertainment festival returns for its 36th year.

Photography by Jana Briede

Floriade is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring and for a month from 16 September until 15 October it will transform the capital’s Commonwealth Park into a kaleidoscope of colour.

The theme of this year’s Floriade is Floral Wonderland. Visitors are encouraged to be inquisitive as they see and experience Floriade from a different perspective, escaping for a moment into their own wonderland as they explore the magical charm of over one million carefully curated blooms.

The 2023 Floriade program is bursting at the seams, full of fun-filled activities, extensive displays of flowering bulbs, incredible sculpture and artistic displays, cultural experiences, and live entertainment. Some of the highlights include circus performances, cabaret, and the ever-popular Dogs’ Day Out on Sunday the 15th of October.

Photography by Anton Darius

Photography by Albert S

Photography by Raelle Gann Owen

“The ever-popular Dogs’ Day Out is on Sunday the 15th of October”

The festival’s popular NightFest will also return this year from 28 September to 1 October. Not only will there be impressive light installations illuminating Commonwealth Park after dark, but an exciting program including comedy shows, pop-up bars and live music.

What’s more, Floriade is not just in Commonwealth Park this year, but across the entire capital. Continuing the tradition since 2020, over 300,000 bulbs and annuals have been distributed to 94 community groups to plant in garden beds across all of Canberra’s suburbs.

The day after Floriade comes to a close, visitors are encouraged to take a slice of the festival home with them. Mark Monday 16 October on your calendar and don’t forget to head out for the Great Big Bulb Dig to harvest a bunch of beautiful blooms all for a good cause.

Floriade is a free non-ticketed event. Gates will open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm, with Sensory Hour running from 9:30am to 10:30am. NightFest is a paid ticketed event and runs from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

floriadeaustralia.com

Photography by Melanie Dretvic

Photography by Giu Vicente

Local loves: Canberra and South Coast art

From photography, painting, glass, sculpture, ceramics, street art and everything in between, Canberra and the South Coast’s thriving and incredibly impressive art scene offers so much to see all year round, and there are some great exhibitions happening this spring. Here’s your guide to local art and what’s on this season.

Photography by Blake Cheek

Canberra

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

The National Portrait Gallery is home to an inspiring collection of portraits of the many prominent individuals who have inspired and shaped the fabric of Australian society. This spring, the National Photographic Portrait Prize returns until 2 October with its annual exhibition showcasing 47 of the nation’s best examples of photographic portraiture from a pool of almost 2,400 entries. While you’re visiting, be sure to take in the building itself, especially if you’re a lover of architecture and sculpture. The award-winning construction features striking cantilever concrete blades, strips of stone and timber from each Australian state and territory, and a symbolic design that represents the relationship between the visitor, space, material, light and art.

CANBERRA GLASSWORKS

Canberra Glassworks is Australia’s leading centre for contemporary glass art, craft and design, located in the historic Kingston Power House near the Kingston Foreshore. This spring you can watch glass blowing as it happens and appreciate the skill and precision of the glass artists as they create their masterpieces. Until 8 October, you can explore the works of Lisa Sammut who combines a wide range of media in her practice, including sculpture, light, video and installation. Also until 8 October, admire the pieces of contemporary jeweller and artist, Zoe Brand, known for her use of text, often repurposing plastic and reclaimed materials.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA

The National Gallery of Australia is home to over 155,000 works created by more than 15,000 artists from across the world, and holds the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. This spring, head to the gallery to see the Know My Name: Making It Modern exhibition that celebrates pioneering women artists who changed the course of modern art in Australia, which runs until 8 October. Also at the gallery until January 2024 is Nan Goldin’s 126 photograph collection from the 1980s, a documentary-style exhibition of her life, friends and lovers in New York – a snapshot in time and a testament to a community decimated by HIV/AIDS and drug-related deaths. You’ll also find South Korean artist, Haegue Yang’s sculpture exhibition running until 15 October, featuring four large works that evoke the notion of migration between locations. While you’re there, don’t forget the Sculpture Garden situated along the grounds that lie between the building and the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Here you’ll find 26 sculptures made by international and Australian artists, including the evocative fog sculpture by Fujiko Nakaya, the Pukamani burial poles, Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North, and Tracey Emin’s large-scale bronze sculpture, When I sleep.

Photography by Mojtaba Mosayebzadeh

Photography by Ari He

STRATHNAIRN ARTS

Set in a converted 1920s homestead on 9.5 hectares in North Canberra, Strathnairn Arts is a gallery and not-for-profit association that provides working spaces, studios and facilities for a range of artists, crafts people and local community groups. Strathnairn Arts remains one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets, showcasing the works of artists across various mediums, including glass, ceramics, works on paper, painting, sculpture, textile, stone, wood, jewellery and mixed media. If you’re looking for a gift or a special piece of art for your home, then visit their shop where you’ll find high-quality and original art and craft pieces made by the association’s members.

NSW South Coast

RIVER OF ART FESTIVAL

From 15-24 September, immerse yourself in the arts at the River of Art Festival. Now in its 18th year, this 10-day festival is set to host more than 100 events across 100 kilometres of coastline. The festival is a true celebration of the arts along the NSW South Coast, and offers a programme brimming with performances, exhibitions, open studios, workshops and demonstrations. If you only do one thing this spring, then this is it.

INDIRA CARMICHAEL

Indira Carmichael is a multi-disciplinary artist living along the NSW South Coast. Her impressive body of work covers photography, portraiture, line drawing, sculpture, textiles and mixed media. She has spent over 30 years in the arts industry as a visual and performing artist, educator and arts administrator. Her art can be found in spaces around the Eurobodalla Shire that have served as inspiration for her work.

STREET ART

Canberra is full of incredibly colourful and diverse street art, with hundreds of masterpieces peppered across the territory from the north to the south on school buildings, sports sheds, water pump stations, electrical boxes, shipping containers, bridges and tunnels. This spring, head outside and appreciate the art for yourself, especially the striking murals of local artist Geoff Filmer, a.k.a GraffikPaint, which are absolutely everywhere. If you’re not sure where to start, visit the Street Art Cities website for a suburb-to-suburb look of where you can find some of the city’s immense talent for yourself.

STREET ART

The South Coast is full of incredibly colourful and diverse street art, with masterpieces featuring on buildings, walls and public spaces all across the region. This spring, head outside and appreciate the art for yourself, especially the intricate mural on the Bermagui water tank. Reproduced from an original piece of art, this award-winning mural titled Spirit Dance was painted by Indigenous artist Joe McKenzie. Another piece of street art not to miss is the striking mural along the wall of Moruya’s North and Perry streets, painted by well-known artist Happy Decay. Other examples of must-see local street art can be found at the eastern lane way of the Promenade Plaza in Batemans Bay, the Moruya Pharmacy, the Lighthouse Surgery in Narooma, and the public amenity block at Quota Park, Woogonga Inlet in Narooma.

AROUND ART STUDIO AND GALLERY

The Around Art Studio and Gallery is located on five acres of beautiful gardens in Malua Bay and holds an eclectic collection of works by local artist Margaret Allen. Margaret creates art across a range of mediums and styles from traditional to abstract, and is best known for Australian landscapes, still life and portraits. Margaret’s studio gallery is open by appointment or when the sign is displayed.

MARKET GALLERY ON EDWARD

This spring be sure to check out the popular Market Gallery on Edward located in Batehaven. This eclectic gallery space is a co-operative venture of local artists showcasing their unique and creative works, including painting, sculpture, jewellery and handmade items inspired by the surrounding Eurobodalla region.

Photography by Vlad Bunu

MOGO COLLECTIVE

If you want to see some impressive art this spring, then be sure to add the Mogo Collective to your list. This community co-working space is located in the heart of town and is full of creative works and handmade treasures made by local artisans. This great space displays a huge range of paintings, photography, sculpture, wood and metal work, textiles, jewellery, Indigenous handicrafts, and more.

GRACE PALEG STUDIO GALLERY

Grace Peleg is an award-winning pastel artist located in Surf Beach. She has over 50 years’ experience and has created over 300 commissioned portraits as well as life drawing, landscape and still life. This spring, you can visit her wonderful studio and admire her work, or if you’re interested in refining your painting and drawing skills, or just learning more about contour, form, tone and colour, then try one of Grace’s Monday group classes, or book a private weekday lesson.

SYDNEY ST GALLERY

The Sydney St Gallery in Mogo is one of the go-to galleries along the NSW South Coast. Opened in 1988 by pastel artist Lee Miller, this fantastic gallery space is now home to the works of local artist Purusha who has been painting in oils for over 40 years. The gallery is also home to the work of renowned glass artist Tony Trivett, the leatherwork of Jenny Roses, and Lee Honey’s incredible collages.

Photography by Avi Richards

Photography by Clement Philip

Cheap and fun hobbies to pick up this spring

Whether it’s mastering the ukulele, discovering the art of knitting, or brushing up on your Spanish, this spring step out of your comfort zone and learn a new hobby or skill. Luckily, there are so many fun and fascinating things to learn that cost little to no money, and a heap that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Here are some ideas to give you inspiration and keep you and your loved ones entertained this season.

Photography by Sherma Lewis

Photography by Joshua Hoehne

LANGUAGE

Learning another language apart from your native tongue is a skill that so many people wish to have, but so few actually master. The idea might seem daunting at first, but fear not, just choose one that sparks your interest and make it a daily habit to practise. To start, head online where there are thousands of free video tutorials available on YouTube, or try a language app like Babbel and Duolingo, which make language learning fun and super easy to pick up. You can also tap into the online platform, Conversation Exchange, where you share your English knowledge at the same time as learning another language.

ART AND CRAFT

Whether or not you’re artistic, there can be something very rewarding and therapeutic about working with your hands, and you’ll never actually know how good you’ll be at it – or how much you’ll enjoy it – until you have a go. Whether it’s channelling your inner Picasso with some painting, or trying your hand at drawing, calligraphy, photography, sewing, ceramics, sculpture, soap or candlemaking, there’s so much on offer for newbies when it comes to the arts. If you’re looking for supplies or starter kits, then head to websites like Etsy or your local craft store, or sign up to a short course to do something in person locally or online.

MUSIC

If you’ve been itching to learn how to play your favourite song on the piano or guitar, want to try a new instrument like the ukulele, or simply just see if you’ve got a hidden musical talent, then there’s no better time to try than now. YouTube is the go-to place for tutorial videos for absolutely any instrument your heart desires, or if you’d prefer some in-person direction, then search for a music teacher in your local area to help you on your way.

COOKING

If you’re a foodie or just a food lover and you want to refine your cooking skills, then this spring make a promise to yourself to jump into the kitchen, don your apron, and master that new recipe you’ve been eyeing off. If you’re a sweet tooth, teach yourself how to bake chocolate chip cookies or cupcakes, learn how to make a warm apple pie, or whip up some soft, fudgy salted caramel brownies. If savoury is more your style, then dust off those cookbooks or find some online recipes and try out something new with your favourite protein or ingredient. If you’re not sure where to start, or if you’re interested in trying new flavours or cuisines, then sign up to a local cooking class or take a private cooking lesson.

Photography by Hannah Bussing

Photography by Franzi Meyer

Photography by Ilya P

GAMES

Sometimes you can go your whole life without knowing how to play certain games, like chess or poker, or how to tackle sudoku or a cryptic crossword in the newspaper. Luckily, the internet is awash with instructions and tutorial videos to walk you through the fundamentals of absolutely any game or puzzle you could think of, so head online and teach yourself something new this spring. Then, once you’ve refined your new skills, get your friends and family together for a fun games night.

SKATING

Are you keen to carve out some shapes on the ice, or whizz around town on your own set of wheels? Ice skating, rollerblading, roller skating and skateboarding can be done no matter your age or level of experience, and are sure-fire ways to have a good time while getting active. The Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre is the best place to start if you’re interested in ice skating, where they’ll help you get started and give you all the kit you need. If you’re keen to try skateboarding, roller skating or rollerblading, all you need are some skates or a skateboard, protection, and somewhere to practise. As a tip, head out to your local skate park to watch and learn from others. Remember, start slow, know that it’s OK to fall, and have fun!

Photography by Toa Heftiba

Photography by Arjan De

GARDENING

With spring finally here and much more inviting weather on its way, now is the ideal time to start gardening as a hobby. Taking care of a garden can not only be rewarding, improve the value of your home, but it’s also great for your health as it can reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. If you want to plant a new flower bed, sow some indoor seeds, grow your own vegetables, or tackle your weeds, then you’ll get the best advice from your local garden store or nursery, otherwise head online for countless articles, blogs and videos.

BIRD WATCHING

Whether you’re located in Canberra or the NSW South Coast, both regions have an abundance of luscious landscapes where hundreds of native bird species call home, including bushland, rainforests, grasslands, dry open woodlands, lagoons, and river mouths, so grab your binoculars and camera and head outdoors this spring. Popular bird watching spots in the territory include Mount Ainslie, Mount Majura, the Australian National Botanic Gardens and around Black Mountain. If you head to the Namadgi National Park you’ll find superb lyrebird, rose robin, bassian thrush and pilotbird, and a variety of waterfowl around the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Along the NSW South Coast, head to the Morton, Booderee and Murramarang National Parks, and to any inlet, creek and lake and you’ll likely find seabirds, waterbirds, honeyeaters, king parrots, and more.

Photography by Diane Helentjaris

Essential elements when marketing

LOOKING TO SELL OR LEASE YOUR PROPERTY?

There are a range of advertising platforms and tools to consider when showcasing your property’s finest features, to ensure it makes an impact in the real estate market. Experience our professional perspective and see what we do in the essential elements behind a successful property marketing campaign.

Your guide to spring makeup trends

As we welcome a new season, there’s no better time to experiment with some new makeup looks. Here are the top makeup trends that you should know about this spring.

Photography by Charlo Garcia

Beauty experts around the country are saying that spring 2023 is all about freshfaced minimalism with a touch of glam. This means keeping the skin simple, clean and modern, with high-impact colour pops on the eyes, lips and cheeks.

BASE

To achieve a minimalist base, use a lightweight foundation with light coverage or try a tinted moisturiser, then add touches of concealer only where needed to keep the skin looking really clean. Use a luminous translucent powder on oil-prone areas only, avoiding the whole face, which will keep the skin looking fresh, dewy and full of moisture.

Photography by Liubov Ilchuk

VIBE

Photography by Element5 Digital

Photography by Raphael Lovaski

Photography by Yunona Uritsky

EYES

A subtle but colourful eye is on trend for the daytime this spring, so play with soft pastels like pale pink, lilac and baby blue. Then, for a chic evening look and to really play up the maximum impact vibe, make your eyes dramatic with rich and bold pigments, like shimmer, glitter and intense metallics, alongside a strong graphic or brightly coloured eyeliner like blue or green.

LIPS

This season it’s all about a super bold lip against a minimal face. Think vibrant reds, deep plums and bright pinks to really make a statement. If bold colours on your lips aren’t your thing, then try an uber shiny, tinted glossy lip instead – it’s a look that is making a strong comeback this spring.

“Multi-use products like lipand-cheek tints have been taking centre stage for some time now”

CHEEKS

Bold blushes are back in a big way this season – think pinks, vibrant corals and bronze hues – so don’t be shy and try one alongside a striking or glossy lip. If you really want to elevate your look, try the same shade on both cheeks and lips. Multi-use products like lip-and-cheek tints have been taking centre stage for some time now, not just for ease and convenience, but when used together can really create a cohesive and polished synergy across the face. Finish with a light touch of liquid highlighter on cheekbones to complete the look.

BROWS

Natural-looking brows are always on trend, and that continues into spring 2023 and beyond. Keep your brows fluffy and groomed, and don’t overdo it with tweezers or over shaping.

Photography by Arielle Allouche

Photography by Amy Shamblen

Photography by Gabriel Meinert

1990

Celebrating 35 years of service.

FROM CANBERRA, QUEANBEYAN AND SURROUNDS, TO THE SOUTH COAST REGION

Blackshaw has been a leading influence in the real estate landscape in this region since 1988. As the largest and most respected locally grown brand, our reputation is to serve the needs of our clients, to push the industry with solutions in marketing and technology, and to address the growing demand for information, choice and transparency.

In 2023, Blackshaw celebrates 35 years. We’ve been part of the fibres of this capital community and watched it grow, from the expanding capital hills to the lively coastal shores.

Thank you, to all our clients who have trusted us with the sale of their home and the management of their investment properties. We are deeply humbled to have been part of your life journey, and we will continue to honour our commitment for many more years to come. At Blackshaw, we’re about more than just property, we’re in the business of people.

blackshaw.com.au

1997

1998

2011

2012

2014

2023

SOLD $1M HOME

Blackshaw sells Canberra’s first Million dollar home

1st Canberra Office opens in Barker St, Griffith MANUKA

Moved to current office in Bougainville St

Establishment of first franchise officeSouth Canberra

BELCONNEN

First North Canberra office

ALLHOMES

Blackshaw develops first regional real estate portal

SOLD $2M HOME GUNGAHLIN

Blackshaw sells Canberra’s first Two Million dollar home

Fourth Canberra office opens

Fifth Canberra office opens

QUEANBEYAN & JERRABOM BERRA

First NSW office opens

NATIONAL AGENCY OF THE YEAR - REIA

Manuka awarded Australia’s leading ‘Large’ Real Estate Agency, two years in a row

AL

LHOMES IS ACQUIRED

Allhomes is sold to Domain

BATEMANS BAY

Coastal office opens, strengthening our ties with the bustling coastal communities

WESTON CREEK & MOLONGLO

Newest office location

NATIONAL AGENCY OF THE YEAR - REIA

Queanbeyan team awarded Australia’s leading ‘Small’ Real Estate Agency

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS

With 100 passionate, humble property experts, driven to serve