The
Quality Cut OPAL
LOGAN VILLAGE
Issue Five | December 2017
Giddy Up! Melbourne Cup Madness
Open Day: Photos from the Day
Merry Christmas! Live the Lifestyle you deserve!
Tis the Season
General Manager’s Message It’s finally the end of the year, and what a year it has been! I’d like to take this opportunity to personally extend my merry wishes to you all for the festive season and the new year. We have had a phenomenal year at Opal by Living Gems and there is plenty in store for 2018. There is a flurry of activity happening at the resort over the Christmas period and this is truly where our residents shine, with good will to all. In this final issue of our newsletter for the year, there is plenty to see with snapshots from a recent Melbourne Cup get-together, along with resort news and some festive themed fun. We hope you enjoy it, and do remember – it’s never too late to come in for a chat at the Sales Office where our team can give you a true look at our wonderful resort and its many facilities.
Did you know that we have a Facebook page? Find us at www.facebook.com/ LivingGemsAus and click follow to be kept up-to-date with the latest and greatest news and fun.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Vlad Pullich General Manager Living Gems
Have you seen our workshop in action? https://youtu.be/VZTIdR051wU Find us on YouTube for a sneek peek into what you can do in our workshop.
Sales Manager’s Message
Welcome to our Christmas newsletter! We’d like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas season and to stay safe if you are travelling over the holiday break. We are gearing up for a very exciting 2018 and the launch of the new resort midway through the year. Living Gems really is the alternative to traditional retirement living. I have had so many people coming into Opal who think that their only option is to live in their home until they can no longer look after themselves and their home, or go into a Retirement Home/ Aged Care. There is so much help given by the government to help you age in place. Living Gems is a great alternative for people who are still active or have a
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The Quality Cut Opal Logan Village
good support system behind them. My mum was determined to stay in her own home and did not want to go into a retirement village or Aged Care. Unfortunately, her home became too much for her, and that’s how we found Opal by Living Gems. My mum has just turned 86 and is living in the best home she has ever had in her life, has more money in the bank than ever before, and all because her new home at Opal cost less than the family home she sold. She is living, happy, healthy, and independently.
In construction news, the walking tracks through the Opal Parklands area is nearing completion with the two bridges over Quinzeh Creek currently under construction. Our residents are already taking advantage of the existing track to pack a picnic lunch and walk down to the very back of the 40 acres to sit on the table and chairs overlooking the gorgeous creek. We wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Lyn Butler Sales Manager
42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
Social Update
Logan Village Lights up for Christmas
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help in organising a very successful open day! Without the help of our resident volunteers, Resort Managers and Sales Team none of this could be possible. The day was a wonderful example of the exceptional community we have here at Opal.
Christmas comes but once a year and we plan to make the most of it with a Festival of Lights. Homeowners are invited to decorate the exterior of their villas with lights and other festive items. There are valuable prizes to be won. On Saturday 16 December, residents and invited guests can join in the fun and tour the resort. Join the community in the clubhouse at 5:30pm for a festive barbecue. A band will lead us into the celebrations by singing your favourite Christmas Carols. At 6:30pm Resort Managers Kevin and Marie will take Logan City Councilor Laurie Koranski on a twilight tour of the resort. Councilor Koranski will judge the exterior lights. There are lots of prizes to be won and winners will be announced by the Councilor at 7:15pm. Celebrate the spirit of Christmas and show off your decorating skills.
07 5547 2333 | www.livinggems.com.au
Issue Five – December 2017
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Social Update
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The Quality Cut Opal Logan Village
42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
What a lovely day we had for Melbourne Cup at Opal by Living Gems. A fantastic turnout along with plenty of fun saw that a wonderful day was had by all. We’d like to offer our thanks to Dennis and Carol who organised the event and have done so for several years now! Galloping away at 11am, our guests were given a free drink token at the door and $100 of funny money to bet on the seven races run throughout the day. Each race had six jockeys (selected from the audience) with the seventh and final race being the
07 5547 2333 | www.livinggems.com.au
Grand Final with all winning jockeys throughout the day. A giant grid was set up on stage and a dice thrown. One die to select which horse would move, and the other to nominate how many squares to move on the grid. It was amazing how different and varied the horses moved around the track! Plenty of prizes were won on the day including: • The winning jockey • Grand Final winning jockey • Trivia winners • Best hat • Lucky door prize
Lunch was served at 12:30pm with a stunning buffet of chicken and ham, with a lovely selection of salads – all prepared by Dennis and Carol’s fantastic volunteers. Several sweeps were available on the day, ranging in price from $1 to $5 for the big spenders. Thank you to everyone who was involved in the preparation, and of course, to our wonderful guests!
Issue Five – December 2017
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Resident Spotlight
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You may have read in last month’s newsletter about the mysterious avocado box, provided by Brian and Elizabeth Rowland. We were so intrigued of their avocado selling adventures that we decided to continue their story through for this weeks Resident Spotlight piece! Brian and Elizabeth met a whole 23 years ago and the lovebirds were married soon after. “We were married at the fourth hole of the Tamborine Golf Course” says Brian, who sounds as chuffed about his wedding today as what he would have all that time ago.
They lived up the Mountain for many years, creating a life together and making some great memories throughout the time. “Tamborine Mountain was our home for a long time and we loved the life up there, so we wanted to stay close” Brian says. Brian worked for Telstra as an installer and even mounted a bell at the local chook house in the late 80’s. Brian has many memories of travelling down Compton Road during work, and has watched Logan Village transform into the community it is today. After much deliberation, both Brian and Elizabeth decided that as their legs were slowing and life was becoming quieter, it would be time to settle down into a leisurelier lifestyle. Brian and Elizabeth both favour the relaxed life, 3
so wanted to still live in a semi-rural area upon deciding where to go for their retirement. The couple set out to find the perfect place to call home and finally settled on Living Gems Opal Gardens. Considering the lovely couple have been around this area for quite a while, the move from Tamborine to Logan Village was less daunting than others would experience. Elizabeth and Brian have enjoyed travelling the great open roads around the country in their caravan a whopping three times over! They have enjoyed exploring the sights of the cities and towns, and loved life on the road. As avid fishing lovers, the pair also relished the great fishing spots of Australia. Elizabeth and Brian are now enjoying spending their time finding new found hobbies. “Elizabeth loves playing a few games of bingo each week, whilst I have discovered my liking of lawn bowls.” The couple also spend many hours in their vegetable garden, located conveniently in their backyard. He says maintaining the veggie garden is his most favourite pastime. Brian also loves to spend time admiring the lovely scenery around Opal, such as the peaceful lake situated alongside the resort. “We are so very happy here at Opal Gardens and we do not in the slightest regret our decision to move here” says Brian. If you would like to share your travel stories, contact the Editor at: editor@livinggems.com.au
Left to right: 1 Brian and Elizabeth Rowland. 2 At home with the Rowlands. 3 There’s always time for relaxation at Opal.
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The Quality Cut Opal Logan Village
42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
Feature Floorplan
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What a beauty! The Heron design has two spacious bedrooms, plus a study with a built-in desk and shelves. The beautiful kitchen has stone benchtops, a range hood, LED lighting, fridge water connection, a gas cooktop, and a servery window that opens out onto the alfresco dining area. The master bedroom boasts a walk-through robe leading to an ensuite bathroom. The bathrooms are also finished with stone bench tops on the vanity units and floor to ceiling tiles in the shower recesses. There’s so much to love, for so little! • 2 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Ensuite • Walk-through wardrobe • Study • Remote controlled garage If you would like more information about this home or to arrange a viewing, call 07 5547 2333 today.
07 5547 2333 | www.livinggems.com.au
Issue Five – December 2017
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Feature Facility Our state of the art championship bowling green will do just that. With 8 rinks, you won’t have to bother paying expensive membership fees or travelling to other clubs. Maybe you’d like to get a bowling team together and take it all very seriously or perhaps just enjoy a casual game with a beer – the choice is yours! Located just behind the five-star country club at the heart of the resort, we have gone to great lengths to provide a quality experience through the use of needle punch synthetic grass that is used by champions around the world. We have used the best of the best equipment to ensure no divots and excellent longevity. The 917sqm bowling green will allow you to live the dream – just a few steps from your front door.
One of the greatest things we offer at Living Gems is the opportunity to have a day out, without having to travel anywhere!
If you’d like to hear more about our facilities, contact our Sales Team on: 07 5547 2333 or email at: opalsales@livinggems.com.au
Gem of a Home: $365,000 Villa 196 boasts the Flamingo design and has been modified by removing the study alcove to make way for a super-sized master bedroom and walk-through robe! This enormous master will easily fit a king size bed. If that wasn’t enough, the garage has extra storage and the alfresco has been made even larger. The privacy awning on the east facing alfresco affords you the spot to have a morning cuppa in the winter and of course, the only place to be in the summer afternoons. The designer kitchen has stone bench tops, upgraded range hood, plumbing to the fridge, and a pendant lighting feature above the grand island bench. The second bedroom also offers built in robes and ceiling fan. • 2 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • LED strip lighting under the overhead kitchen cupboards • Ensuite • 6 zone ducted air conditioning • Security screens to all doors and windows For more information or to view our stunning range of homes, call 07 5547 2333 or email opalsales@livinggems.com.au
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The Quality Cut Opal Logan Village
Why is it the Manager’s Choice? Lyn says: “I love the feel of this home. Although the kitchen, dining, and lounge are open plan it has a designated dining and lounge area – making it easy to decorate. The front alfresco is so private. You’re not overlooked by neighbours and it is certainly where I would spend a lot of my time. The storage in this home is exceptional. You can never have enough storage and this is integral for downsizing residents. The Flamingo comes in several facades, so it makes the home very unique – it’s just hard to pick which one you like the most!
42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
Get Stuffed with Living Gems Iiiiit’s Christmaaaaaas! Mince pies are a staple in the silly season, but if you’re like many people, the store-bought versions just don’t cut it. These little stars are flaky, festive, and fabulous – the perfect solution for a ‘bring a plate’ party. Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 436 individual pies Equipment: Miniature tart tin, 4.5cm in diameter each and a food processor.
Ingredients For the Pastry: • 240g plain flour • 60g vegetable shortening • 60g cold butter • Juice of 1 orange • 1 pinch of salt • Approx. 350g mincemeat • Icing sugar (for dusting)
For the Mincemeat • 60ml ruby port • 75g soft dark brown sugar • 300g cranberries, fresh or frozen • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp ground ginger • 1/2 tsp ground cloves • 75g currants • 75g raisins • 30g dried cranberries • Finely grated zest and juice of 1 tangerine • 25ml brandy • 3 drops almond extract • 2 tbsp honey
2. Remove from the heat and allow to cool a little. Add the brandy, almond extract, vanilla extract, honey, and stir well with a wooden spoon to mash the mixture down into a paste. Spoon the mincemeat into sterilised jars and, once cool, store in the fridge for up to two weeks. 3. Once you are ready to make your mince pies, get out a tray of miniature tart tins, each indent 4.5cm in diameter, along with a 5.5cm fluted, round biscuit cutter and a 4cm star cutter.
Method
4. Measure the flour into a shallow bowl and with a teaspoon, dollop little mounds of vegetable shortening into the bowl, add the butter, diced small, shake to cover it, then put in the freezer for 20 minutes. This step is important! It will make the pastry tender and flaky later. Mix together the orange juice and salt in a separate small bowl, cover and leave in the fridge to chill.
1. You can make the mincemeat in advance. In a large pan, dissolve the sugar in the ruby port over a gentle heat. Add the cranberries and stir. Add the cinnamon, ginger and cloves, currants, raisins, dried cranberries, and the zest and juice of the tangerine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the fruit has broken down and has absorbed most of the liquid in the pan.
5. After the 20 minutes, empty the flour and fat into the bowl of a food processor and blitz until you’ve got a pale pile of porridgelike crumbs. Pour the salted juice down the funnel, pulsing until it looks as if the dough is about to cohere; you want to stop just before it does (even if some orange juice is left). If all your juice is used up and you need more liquid, add some iced water.
07 5547 2333 | www.livinggems.com.au
6. If you prefer to use a freestanding mixer to make the pastry, cut the fats into the flour with the flat paddle, leaving the bowl in the fridge to chill down for the 20-minute flour and fat freezer session. Add the liquid as above. 7. Turn the mixture out of the processor, or mixing bowl onto a surface and using your hands, combine to a dough. Then form into three discs. 8. Wrap each disc in Clingwrap and put in the fridge to rest for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 220°C. 9. Roll out the discs, one at a time, thinly. 10. Cut out your stars with a little star cutter – re-rolling the pastry as necessary – and place the tops lightly on the mincemeat. 11. Put in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes: keep an eye on them as they really don’t take long and ovens do vary. 12. Remove from the oven, prising out the little pies straight away and letting the empty tin cool down before you start putting in the pastry for the next batch. Carry on until they’re all done. 13. Dust over some icing sugar by pushing it through a tea strainer, and serve! If you have a family recipe that you’d love to share with us – send it through to the Editor at: editor@livinggems.com.au Issue Five – December 2017
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5 Alternative Christmas Tree Ideas
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With the heat we experience in Australia at Christmas – you can forget a real tree – so most people go for a fake one. If you’re sick of the traditional look – here are some alternatives that bring holiday décor into the modern day, keep up the Christmas spirit, and eliminate mess.
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Photo Tree
Personalise your alternative Christmas tree with family photos. This works as a tabletop design or as a full-size tree – depending on your commitment. You can dress it up with tinsel or ornaments if desired.
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Chalkboard Tree
It takes no time at all to transform your trendy chalkboard wall into a tree – just stat sketching and add some string lights.
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The Quality Cut Opal Logan Village
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Cactus Christmas Tree
Cacti are all the rage at the moment. Use a fake cactus to save your fingers being pricked, but if you’re feeling brave you can bring a truly sunny feel to your home and your holiday.
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Plywood Christmas Tree
Fabric Christmas Tree
You can get a Christmas tree printed onto a large piece of fabric which is a great alternative to the traditional fir. If you enjoy making your own advent calendar for grandchildren, you can pin number, chocolate, or toys – the choice is yours.
Scandinavian-inspired, this tree is a sketch on plywood. Even if your artistic skills aren’t quite there yet, this alternative tree will be a project to remember. Opal by Living Gems resort promotes active and healthy lifestyle living where you can meet like-minded others. For more information, call: 07 5547 2333 or email: opalsales@livinggems.com.au
42 Quinzeh Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
Our Living Gems At Living Gems, we’re a community inside and out. We love getting to know our resident stakeholders, so here’s an opportunity for you to get to know us better too. A family-run business through and through, Living Gems would be nowhere without its staff members and we like to make sure they know that they’re appreciated. Here you can learn a little about their backgrounds and why they love working for Living Gems.
Brittany Topliff, our Interior Design Assistant speaks with us about her life, loves, and experience. Having moved over from the US three years ago, Britt brings her unique, fresh and timeless style to our very fortunate design team. How did you get into interior design? BT: I was always interested in the arts in high school. I continue to love drawing, painting and for my final high school thesis I did a mixed media project. One of my teachers first suggested that I get into either architecture or interior design – I applied for the two courses and got into both! I went on to study at Kansas State University with a four-year bachelor’s degree and graduated in 2013.
What brought you to Australia? BT: Well, it was actually on a whim! I wanted to travel, so I came over on a working holiday visa and loved it so much that I ended up staying. I then continued my education by doing a diploma in business. I’m now living with my Aussie boyfriend and our dog. What inspires you? BT: I love classic lines with a fresh lift. I have always sought inspiration through traditional design that is mixed with modern updates.
“I have always sought inspiration through traditional design that is mixed with modern updates.” What do you most enjoy about your role? BT: For the creative side, I love planning and working on display homes and equally, working on the technical side of things as I have quite a strategic mind. I always keep the design principles of space, form and function close to my heart. We have a lot of variety day to day, so there’s plenty of dynamic challenges to face. 07 5547 2333 | www.livinggems.com.au
What do you like to do in your spare time? BT: I spend a lot of time doing yoga, gardening and painting. My boyfriend is big into surfing so we end up spending a lot of time swimming at the beach. Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time? BT: Other than a stay-at-home dog mom, I would like to still be designing and a long-term goal is to set up a collaborative project with multiple different artists. If you would like to speak to one of our sales people regarding your home, please contact the Sales Team on 07 5547 2333 or email at: opalsales@livinggems.com.au Issue Five – December 2017
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What’s On December Tea and Textiles
FREE
Friday 1 December, 10:30am Helensvale Branch Library Bring your project, loom, needles, or yarn along and share experience and ideas amongst like-minded others. This is a great way to indulge in your practical hobby whilst meeting new and interesting people. Best of all – this event is free!
Residents’ Christmas Party
FREE
Saturday 2 December The Country Club Organised by our fabulous Social Committee, come along for some festive fun and be treated to a performance of the play: “Victer of Dribley”.
Beenleigh Craft and Farmers’ Market
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Sunday 3 December, 12pm Beenleigh Show Grounds Every Sunday, a general variety market with farmers’ produce, fresh fish, pets, crafts, and a wide variety of new and second hand goods. Sorry, no dogs!
FREE Community Gardens: Experiential Workshop Friday 15 December, 10am Jimboomba Community Garden Come down and check out the Jimboomba Community Garden. This is a great opportunity for families, individuals, and seniors to check out the garden. Find out how to grow your own veggies, how to start your own plot, or get involved in the Jimboomba garden.
Christmas by the Pavilion
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Saturday 9 December The Lake Pavilion Enjoy dinner and a show with this superb love letter to the greatest bands of all time. From pure rock ‘n’ roll, to lush production numbers and vocal masterpieces, the iconic band is brought to life with a captivating tribute.
Design and Share Digital Christmas Cards
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Friday 8 December, 10:30am Helensvale Branch Library Learn how to design a fun Christmas card to print or share online. You can even bring a personal photo for a sentimental touch. You must have reasonable computer skills to take part in this fantastic learning opportunity.
FREE Christmas Lights Competition Saturday 16 December Opal by Living Gems Each year, the Resort managers at Opal, Kevin and Marie Chapman, have a Christmas lights competition. This year, our local councillor, Laurie Koranski will be helping them to judge the competition. The event will start at the country club with drinks and entertainment. Join in the Christmas spirit and remember, competition is fierce!
Breakfast with Santa
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Saturday 9 December, 9am Marsden Park Shopping Centre Have a very special breakfast with Santa and his special friends! Enjoy a free breakfast, fun games, and grab a photo with the jolly man himself. Breakfast includes a muffin bar, sultana pack, juice, balloon and small Christmas chocolate. A perfect outing for the grandchildren!
42 Quinzen Creek Road, Logan Village Qld 4207
07 5547 2333 | www.livinggems.com.au
FREE Christmas Day Thursday 21 December The Country Club Our last Diamond Meal for the year is usually a special one, where a Christmas lunch is prepared by Volk our Living Gems chef. Join the fun and see in the new year.