The
Quality Cut TOOWOOMBA
Issue Four | November 2017
Residents BBQ: The First of Many
Display Homes: Your New Home
Featured Facility: Virtual Golf
Live the Lifestyle you Deserve!
General Manager’s Message We’re continuing with upward construction of the facilities over the upcoming months. There is so much to offer at Living Gems Toowoomba and we’re incredibly excited to see resort begin to take shape. We are very proud to once again create facilities that are exceptional and offer our residents the best of the best. I would also like to draw your attention to our referral program. If you have friends or family who are interested in the Living Gems lifestyle, refer them to us! If they go on to purchase a home with us, you will receive a cash bonus upon completion as a way to say thank you! We would truly be nowhere without our fantastic residents.
Toowoomba and are interested in seeing it for yourselves, our team would be happy to arrange a tour at your convenience. Vlad Pullich General Manager Living Gems
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.
If you’d like any more information, please do get in touch with our fantastic Sales Team. If you are not currently living in Living Gems
Sales Manager’s Message Since our last newsletter, we have welcomed a number of new residents into Living Gems Toowoomba. They of course, have been warmly received by our existing residents, and quickly settled into enjoying the activities and lifestyle the resort has on offer. We wish them all the best for their future here at our stunning resort. We now have another fully furnished display home to view, so please feel free to come and have a look;
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The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Four – November 2017
we would love to welcome you and give you a guided tour. Our Resort Managers have been busy doing what they do best, by organising plenty of fun activities for residents, such as barbecues, morning teas, plus an outing to the Twilight Races at Clifford Park. There is so much to do and see at our resort and it is incredibly easy to meet new likeminded people. You can read more about that later on in the newsletter. We are excited about our upcoming Melbourne Cup function for both our residents and deposit holders. This is a fantastic opportunity for our interested
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.
parties to meet one-another and hear why life at Living Gems Toowoomba really is the best decision you can make for your future. There will be lucky door prizes and our own in-house “horse races” on the day, so be sure to book your place and RSVP. If you would like to join in please call the Sales Team on: 1800 348 977 or email at: shirley@livinggems.com.au. Shirley Ortez Sales Manager
500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
Construction update Despite the rather gloomy weather of late, construction is progressing nicely at Living Gems Toowoomba.
with all villas in the street due to be completed by the end of the year. If you’d like to learn more about what’s on offer at Living Gems Toowoomba, please contact our Sales Team on: 1800 348 977 or email at: shirley@livinggems.com.au.
It won’t be long now until residents will be utilising the many facilities on offer at the resort and really settling into the Living Gems way of life. In residential news, all slabs are down on Sapphire Avenue,
Clockwise from top: 1 A beauty from every angle – the back of the clubhouse. 2 With the weather lately, the swimming pool is about the only thing that’s still dry! Not long now before residents can take a refreshing dip. 3 A room with a view. The front room vista down the boulevard. 4 The front entrance of the clubhouse is steadily coming together with its stunning cathedral ceilings.
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www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
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Social Update Morning Tea at Spring Bluff Our wonderful deposit holders were treated to a delicious morning tea last month at Spring Bluff Railway Café. After being chauffeured on the resort bus by resort manager Rick, our guests wandered around the stunning gardens, taking in the scenery. These occasions are fantastic opportunities for future residents to get to know one-another and really feel what resort life in Living Gems Toowoomba is all about. You could even meet your future neighbours!
Our wonderful deposit holders assemble in front of the historic Spring Bluff
The surrounding gardens of Spring Bluff
Our lovely deposit holders enjoyed their morning tea
The Living Gems resort bus is ready for service
Hot to Trot with Living Gems Toowoomba
The characterful Spring Bluff Railway Café
Last month, a bus load of our fantastic residents were taken to the Twilight Races at the Clifford Park Racecourse in Toowoomba. The atmosphere was palpable! Residents embraced the excitement, placed a few bets and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. Resort Manager Cheryl Cook said: “Despite the average weather, residents periodically ventured out of the club into the cold breeze and light drizzle of rain to watch the horses turn the corner to the finishing line.”
The last race of the night, with the mysterious disappearing ‘Finding Nemo’
The last race of the night took off and finished right in front of the group which added to the excitement. However, several residents were disappointed to find that a horse they’d play bets called ‘Finding Nemo’ mysteriously didn’t make it to the finish line. Cheryl said: “He must have gone to find Dory!”
It was smiles all around at the Twilight Races
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Keeping beady eyes on the ponies!
The night was thoroughly enjoyed by all with many requests to repeat the experience very soon. 500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
If you’d be interested in learning more about the social scene at Living Gems Toowoomba, get in touch with our Sales Team on: 1800 348 977 or email: shirley@livinggems.com.au
Resort managers Rick and Cheryl utilise their spacious garage to accommodate hungry residents
Our residents love getting involved rain or shine!
Ready, Set, Grill! Our wonderful residents are never deterred from having a good time – even if it’s raining! The first resident BBQ at Living Gems Toowoomba was a resounding success with a full turnout from all 42 residents on site. In true community style, everyone brought along a plate and a
chair to get really stuck in. Even with the prevailing weather, residents simply said: “Hey let’s just put up some umbrellas!” It’s this unstoppable enthusiasm that really sets our resorts apart. Thank you to everyone who attended and organised the evening, and we’ll see you all at the next one!
Welcome, Hilda! Getting to know new people and making life-long friends is an enormous part of why people decide to join our resorts. We’d like to welcome Hilda Latcham to the Living Gems Toowoomba fold! We hope you get settled and enjoy your future here at the resort. If you’d be interested in meeting some of our current resort residents so you can hear for yourself more about the Living Gems way of life, get in touch with our Sales Team on: 1800 348 977 or email: shirley@livinggems.com.au.
www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
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In the Spotlight
Sandra finds family ties on Norfolk Island When Living Gems Toowoomba resident Sandra Neale decided to take a weeklong getaway to Norfolk Island, she was not expecting to find the grave of a long-lost ancestor. But she did. When she saw the grave of a young British army officer with the last name Neale in the historic graveyard on the island, she thought it was likely they were related. “One of the most interesting things for me was seeing that the graves were not only those of the convicts, but the officers as well, and one of those officers who died there happened to be a very distant relation,” says Sandra.
“I was able to find the perfect new home with Living Gems after deciding to downsize from my family home.” Upon learning the stories of the Norfolk Island penal colony, Sandra was struck by how brutal and inhumane the island was. It was a place of horrors set against a stunningly beautiful backdrop.
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As she wandered the graveyard, Sandra also found the tombstone of The Thorn Birds author Colleen McCullough, who spent the latter part of her life on the island, after marrying a local man. The graveyard left a strong impression on the ex speech and drama teacher, on her first holiday to the remote destination that she describes as a “little paradise”.
give way to the cows as they have the right of way.” She was fascinated by the self-reliant community of around 1,700 people, many of whom who get by working multiple jobs and without many of the creature comforts of the mainland.
“No one is in a hurry,” she says. “It is a peaceful, pristine, and laid-back little place. It is absolutely beautiful.” Sandra stayed in Pinetrees Lodge, which overlooked a forest of Norfolk Pine and out to the ocean. “It is a little paradise,” she adds. The island has a fascinating history: as a penal colony; as home to the descendants of HMAS Bounty mutineers including Fletcher Christian; and as an important air and communications base in World War II. Many of the island residents can trace their ancestry back to the Bounty mutineers, who travelled from Pitcairn Island in the mid 19th century. There are several people on the island with the last name Christian. “It is very historical and it is relaxing – the people are lovely and no one is rushing around like mad things,” says Sandra. “There are no streetlights, and one funny thing is that you have to 500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
In fact, the local population is currently resisting the administration of the Australian government. While they may not have the infrastructure of some other small towns, the residents value their independence. Resistance is in the residents’ blood, something that Sandra was reminded of as she watched a reenactment of the Mutiny on the Bounty, when Fletcher Christian took control of the ship from William Bligh and took loyalists to Pitcairn Island – one of the most famous seafaring stories in Australian history. Sandra says a week felt like enough to get a good experience on the island, as it gave her time to take part in several activities, such as enjoying the fresh fish and chips, sewing, weaving and visiting other landmarks, including a wooden carving of the Bounty. Back at Living Gems Toowoomba, Sandra says she is very happy. After both her husband and brother died over the past five years, she decided to downsize from her home of 50 years and Living Gems Toowoomba is the perfect new home. If you would like to contribute to our Resident’s Spotlight section in a future newsletter, contact the Editor at: editor@livinggems.com.au.
Poppy Space is certainly not at a premium here, in the Poppy. Offering three large double bedrooms all with built-in robes or a walk-in for the master, this home is as beautiful as its namesake. The open-plan design, starting at just $405,000, blends seamlessly through to the alfresco – perfect for those warm summer evenings. The gourmet kitchen will please even the seasoned artisan with its large island bench and exceptional appliances. A double garage ensures that storage is always available to you without the sacrifice of functional space. If you’d like to learn more about this outstanding floorplan, please contact the Sales Team on: 1800 348 977 or email at: shirley@livinggems.com.au.
www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
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5 Ways to Maximise Luxury in Your Home If you have chosen a home with Living Gems Toowoomba, it stands to reason that you certainly enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle. If you are a no hassle, no fuss sort of person, you may have chosen to have your home styled by our in-house interior design team who always have their finger on the pulse of the latest home trends. However, if you are creative and take joy from adding your own personality to your interiors, there are many small things you can do that make a large difference. These top tips offer easy ways to give your home that extra luxurious boost:
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Beautiful bedding. Is there anything better than climbing into your own fresh bed at the end of a long day? Taking pride in your bed is a one-way street to stylish. Combine large European pillows with chic throw cushions, and not forgetting a lavish doona. With Living Gem’s ducted air-conditioning, you’ll be able to keep your heavy bedding on for longer without being subjected to the summer heat and humidity.
Light it up. Feature lighting can brighten up your day – figuratively, and literally. Lamps create a more romantic, indulgent ambience than overhead lighting. Perfect for those evenings when you want to shut the curtains and envelop yourself in the extravagance of your own home. Pop one or two in the lounge and bedroom to create a focal point of opulence.
With Living Gem’s ducted air-conditioning, you’ll be able to keep your heavy bedding on for longer. colours that can fit any theme and are very affordable. Think outside the box with crockery. It might be a subtle change to some, but it can have an enormous impact in how you feel in your home – and how you appear to guests.
Choose a rug. Rugs really tie a room together and help structure the space without having to make any major or expensive design changes. Rugs are the classic Goldilocks conundrum, so measure out the floor with masking tape and stand back to gauge where it works with the scale of the room and your furniture.
Switch up your tableware.
Get arty.
Nothing says luxe like a stylish set of tableware. There are many fashionable options now with varying metallic
If you’ve got some blank wall space, or perhaps you were somewhat overzealous in your last downsizing 500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
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 Living Gems 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.
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. 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’d like to speak to one of our sales people regarding your home, please contact the Team on: 1800 348 977 or email: shirley@livinggems.com.au.
declutter, a piece of art can really add a whole new dimension of luxury to a room. Art doesn’t have to be expensive either, you can pick up some fantastic pieces at high street retailers, and second hand too! If you are a regular occupant of the art and craft studio at Living Gems Toowoomba, perhaps you could consider displaying some of your own artwork too. Living Gems Toowoomba promotes an active and healthy lifestyle where you can meet like-minded others. For more information, call: 1800 348 977 or visit: www.livinggems.com.au. www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
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Fore your benefit: Virtual Golf Robert and Lily
Talking Pets Keeping up-to-date with our residents is very important to us here at Living Gems Toowoomba. As a pet-friendly resort, we see our animals as part of the family – so in this section of our newsletter, we catch up with our hairier residents. What type of dog are you? Lily: I am a miniature dachshund. How would you desribe yourself? Lily: I’m very outgoing. I will go to anybody and I love all humans and other dogs. I was walking down the street just the other day and an enormous husky walked up to me. Robert thought there was going to be trouble, but I sat there calmly and then said hello. Next minute we were playing – I don’t really know how small I am! What’s your preferred food? Lily: In the morning, I love having a drink of milk. I’ll eat chicken mince and chicken necks for dinner mixed with some dry food. I like chicken a lot. At night, I’ll tip everything that is on my bowl onto the floor, eat my dry food pellets one by one, and then run around with the dish. It makes meal time fun. What is your favourite pastime? Lily: My favourite pastime is going for
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Name Lily
Sex Female
Age 13 wks
Parents Robert Hicken
a walk. As soon as Robert opens the garage door, I race to get out. My next favourite thing is playing with Milo, a male dachshund who lives across the road. If I get a chance, I’ll run over to Milo’s house for a play. Which Living Gems Toowoomba do you enjoy the most? Lily: That would have to be on the grass out the front of our villa. What’s your most annoying habit? Lily: Robert bought me a squeaky toy and I honked it and honked it and honked it, and then bit its ear off trying to get the squeaker out of it. I do like to wreck things. I got a new squeaky toy, but Robert has rationed my time with it. Your greatest achievement? Lily: Even at my young age, I have learned a few things. I know the meaning of ‘no’, and am very obedient. And if you throw a ball, I’ll fetch it and bring it back.
If you’re a keen golfer, but you don’t get much chance to get on an actual course, well we have the answer. We have the absolute privilege of offering our residents exclusive use of our virtual golf simulator. Our system allows you to play real golf courses in a comfortable indoor environment, using real clubs, real balls – all with a real feeling. Boasting over 110 courses, you can take a trip around the most famous golf courses in the world – mere footsteps away from your front door. Simply hit a regular golf ball into a specially created screen on which a video projector displays the image of your selected course/hole. The picture changes automatically depending on the length and position of your shot. Excitingly, the system also offers real close-up putting so now there won’t be any excuses for not getting in plenty of practice – rain or shine. If you’d like any more information about our system, please just get in touch with our Sales Team on: 1800 348 977 or email at: shirley@livinggems.com.au.
Living Gems Toowoomba is a pet-friendly resort that promotes active lifestyles and welcoming communities. If you are interested in becoming part of our resort and would like some more information, contact the Sales Team on: 1800 348 977. 500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350
Get stuffed with Living Gems Healthy Protein Pancakes These days you can’t get away from new healthy food trends and buzzwords. Often these recipes promise so much: “it tastes just like real chocolate brownies!” say slender, glowing food channel hosts, with the reality being a texture close to cardboard and a not dissimilar flavour. However, there is hope. These protein pancakes really do taste delicious and will have you enjoying a sweet breakfast with no guilt. Ingredients:
Preparation time: 25 min Cooking time: Up to 40 min Serves: 6-9 pancakes
M=od: • Run all ingredients through a blender on low speed until very well mixed. • Heat a non-stick griddle to medium high heat.
• 1 cup oats • 1 banana
• Add batter in small circles – about a cup per pancake. Sprinkle with blueberries, chocolate chips or walnuts – whatever you like!
• 2 eggs • 1/2 cup egg whites • 4 tsps baking powder • Pinch of salt, pinch of cinnamon • 1-2 scoops protein powder • 2 tbsps flax meal • Chocolate chips, blueberries, nuts (all optional)
• When the edges start to look dry (2-3 minutes), flip and cook another minute or two on the other side. • Top with anything you like, such as maple syrup or even more chocolate chips.
Chef’s top tips: • If your pancakes are falling apart, you might need to turn the heat up a bit. • You can add more or less flax to get the consistency just right for you. • If you want to be super speedy with breakfast in the morning, you can keep the batter in individual portions or even refrigerate and freeze cooked pancakes. 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.
Gem of a Home: $430,000 The Azalea design is a stylish three bedroom, two bathroom home that is incredibly popular with our residents owing to its large open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. The enormous walk-in pantry is also a huge attraction for those downsizing and looking for storage. A study nook ensures that you will always have a space to focus or relax depending on your immediate needs. • 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Remote control 2 car garage
• Ensuite • Walk-in wardrobe • Air conditioning
Call our Sales Team on: 1800 348 977 or email: shirley@livinggems.com.au for more information or to view our stunning range of homes.
www.livinggems.com.au | 1800 348 977
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What’s on
November
$22 Brews and Barbie Bash
Floral Scents with Miss Popsy and Jacqui Pitman
$59
Saturday 4 November, 2pm Kontraband Studios, Toowoomba Walk in to a gorgeous workshop space with tables adorned with flowers. Learn the flowery and greenery varieties in front of you and how to use each tool, before a short tutorial on correct technique of flower crown making. Then it’s your turn to create a wearable masterpiece. Your creation will come to life whilst chatting with your new friends and smelling the incredible aroma in the room.
Toowoomba Ocean and River Cruise Information Evening
FREE
Wednesday 8 November, 6pm City Golf Club Toowoomba Flight Centre invites you to join them for a free evening to find out everything you need to know about ocean and river cruising. You can expect advice from travel experts and guest speakers from APT, Travelmarvel, Carnival Cruises and Princess Cruises.
Trafalgar and Emirates Europe 2018 Information Evening
FREE
Wednesday 8 November, 6pm – Fitzy’s Fibber Magees Attend a free and informative evening to discover the myriad of amazing travel experiences Escape Travel can offer you. Get insider knowledge from experts, enjoy lucky door prizes, drinks and nibbles, and save on your next holiday with exclusive offers available only at the event. Seats are limited.
Saturday 25 November, 12pm Toowoomba Showground A must-attend One Day Food, Drink and Music Festival set in our stunning local town of Toowoomba. A celebration of the area’s abundant agricultural lands, farmers, meat producers, providores and small businesses from the Darling Downs and Surrounds. Featuring the best breweries, wineries, and foodies in Queensland. Food vendors will offer a selection of mouthwatering meats cooked in their chosen cooking technique.
FREE The Farm Grounds Markets Saturday, 25 November Toowoomba Showgrounds A market that advocates for the farmer, the grower, the producer and the artisan whilst promoting education and awareness. This market is being brought to the community by a community that supports best farming practices and embraces innovation through sustainability.
Moonlight Masquerade
$60
Saturday 18 November, 6pm Kwong Sang Walk, Toowoomba Toowoomba Youth Service has been making a difference and changing lives for over 35 years. Dust off your dancing shoes, frock up in your most outrageous cocktail attire, grab a mask and bring your cash to bid and win some of the fabulous prizes available from the silent and live auctions. All funds raised on the night will go towards making a difference in the lives of young and vulnerable people in our local community.
Twilight Markets @ The Mount
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Friday 24 November, 5pm Ramsay Street, Greenmount Greenmount is coming alive! Get together and celebrate the light country town of Greenmount. Profits will support the local hall and school. Explore the locally made goodies, produce, and live local music.
The Quality Cut – Toowoomba Issue Four – November 2017
$155 Succulent Christmas Wreath Workshop Sunday 26 November, 1pm Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester Use succulent cuttings into soil to design your very own living wreath ready for Christmas. Use it as a table centrepiece or hanging adornment. A truly beautiful and unique addition to this year’s festivities made by you with love. Relax on the long table, under the fig trees by the barn, sipping champagne and eating scones whilst making new friends. 500 South Street, Glenvale Qld 4350