Me magazine by McPherson Media Group

Issue 5 • May 2014

100% women only

A FAMILY IS BORN

SURROGATE MUM’S SPECIAL GIFT

Wake-up call Is night screen time hurting your health?

AGE OF REASON Why we volunteer

s Plsu hion

Fa ps i h s n o Relati lbeing Wel ty Beau

Emma O’Keeffe Determined to be the world’s best

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| MAY 2014 • New Homes • Renovations • Kitchens • Vanities • Laundries • Entertainment Units • Studies • Office Fittings • Commercial 3

Cover: Emma O’Keeffe Determined to be the world’s best Page 14

Editor Corinna Boldiston 5820 3183 corinna.boldiston@sheppnews.com.au

18 Feature: Women on the land

Contents

Writers Laura Griffin Rhiannon Gavalakis Alexandra Bathman Monique Freer Contributors Photography with Prue Les Garbutt

6 Evie is greatest gift

Feature: Women on the land

How to dress for a job interview

Fashion Week

Relationships: Family ties between generations of females

36 Health: Hidden syndrome impacting women’s health

45 Age of Reason

www.mmg.com.au

26 Fashion Week | MAY 2014

Profile: Sport aerobics champion Emma O’Keeffe Determined to be the world’s best

Sales manager Jamie Gilbert 5820 3184 jamie.gilbert@sheppnews.com.au

Profile: Show skier Melissa Stedman A world away from the farm

30 Profile: Amy Weidenbach Blog leads to job in the Big Apple

Digital editor Lance Simpson

magazines@sheppnews.com.au

Graphic designer Teresa Lagozzino

Published by Shepparton News PO Box 204, Shepparton, Victoria 3632 (03) 5820 3183

Evie is greatest gift Surrogate pregnancy touches a town’s heart

Sub-editors Wendy Russell Lisa Anderson Sandy Lloyd Kylie Garrett

Photographers Shepparton News photography department

Foods offer super dose of nutrients

Recipes: Good food is key to a better you

Age of Reason: Why we volunteer

Switch off for a good night’s sleep

Beauty: Full and fantastic eyelashes

Travel: South American adventure

Wellbeing: Nuture your mind’s garden

Fitness: Maybe not so much run, but certainly fun

Welcome

Relationships: Family ties between generations of females

This issue we share the heartwarming story of a family helping a childless couple bring a baby into the world (page 6). Kristy Morrison and the baby’s mother Kristy Anderson share more than a first name: they are linked by the beginning of the life journey for a precious newborn — Evie Louise Anderson. Mrs Anderson and husband Darryl had endured the heartbreak of 15 failed attempts at in-vitro fertilisation when Mrs Morrison offered to carry her friends’ baby.

53 Travel:

The altruistic surrogacy meant adhering to many legalities and counselling for both parties, including Mrs Morrison and husband Drew’s three children.

Schedules forgotten on sprawling South American journey

Community support for the families has been tremendous and the Andersons are naturally besotted by their beautiful daughter. In other profiles, we speak to national sport aerobics champion Emma O’Keeffe (page 14) and Australian show ski representative Melissa Stedman (page 10).

30 Fashion blogger bound for Big Apple

Emma is determined to better her seventh placing at last year’s world championships with a podium

finish, while Melissa shares her journey towards reaching great heights on the water. We also discover how a spur-ofthe-moment decision by Amy Weidenbach to start a photo blog opened unexpected opportunities in the world of high-end fashion in New York (page 30). We meet volunteers (page 45), women on the land (page 18), and ask what impact digital technology is having on our quality of sleep and health (page 48). In this age of technology, it’s important to remind ourselves of the health benefits of “switching off” to properly recharge our own batteries. Rest well, stay well. — Corinna Boldiston Editor

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Profile

Surrogate mother Kristy Morrison and Evieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother Kristy Anderson share a | MAYthe pregnancy. 2014 6tender moment during

Main photography: Photography with Prue

Evie is greatest gift Love knows no bounds for Evie Louise Anderson, born into her family as a gift from one friend to another. Monique Freer reports on a surrogate pregnancy that has touched a country town’s heart.

Kristy Morrison had watched her friend Kristy Anderson go through heartbreak. After 14 failed attempts at in-vitro fertilisation, Mrs Anderson and her husband Darryl’s final attempt in October 2011 was again unsuccessful. It was their last frozen embryo. Mrs Morrison sent Mrs Anderson a text message offering to help. “Just say the word and I’d do it for you.’’ One week later the Benalla friends had agreed that Mrs Morrison would carry a baby for the Andersons. Drew and Kristy Morrison have three daughters from IVF: 11-year-old twins Grace and Holly and seven-year-old Georgie. ‘‘We knew the feeling of thinking that it might not happen and how horrible that was,’’ Mrs Morrison, 40, said. ‘‘It also helped that we’d done IVF and we knew what was involved in the process, and I knew what I was offering in terms of all the hormones and drugs. ‘‘I’d always thought about donating eggs years ago and then I never really did that, so this was just taking it a little step further and actually carrying a baby.’’ Having explored the option of international surrogacy, the Andersons were thrilled to receive the Morrisons’ generous offer. However, it was not without its emotional hurdles. ‘‘Giving up being pregnant myself was the hardest,’’ Mrs Anderson, 34, said. ‘‘Once we got through that, it was fine.’’

The legalities Altruistic surrogacy is legal in most of Australia, however there are strict guidelines and plenty of hoops the families had to jump

through before they could proceed. The baby would be legally the Morrisons’ at birth, and the Andersons would need to apply for a parentage order between six weeks and six months after the birth. The Morrisons’ children all had to undergo counselling prior to any embryo transfer, as did both couples. ‘‘We had a lot of talks with our girls and once they understood what we were doing it was better; they have been terrific through the process,’’ Mr Morrison said. ‘‘They had to go through counselling and we always wondered what they may say, but they were really mature about it and have been eager to meet Evie since we told them Kristy was pregnant.’’ ‘‘Gracie said at one stage, ‘It’s kind of weird, but it’s really nice,’ and I went, ‘That’s perfect.’ It is a bit weird — but it is really nice,’’ Mrs Morrison said.

The implantation Once the offer was made, things progressed quickly. In November 2011 Mrs Anderson met with her fertility specialist and shortly after the preparations for transfer began. The Andersons froze five embryos in anticipation of the surrogacy in July 2012, ensuring there was no genetic link between the baby and Mrs Morrison. While Mrs Morrison never wavered on her decision to be a surrogate, there were still concerns. ‘‘It’s nearly eight years since we had our youngest, Georgia,’’ Mr Morrison said. ‘‘So I was (initially) a bit hesitant as she (Mrs Morrison) is older now, and even though she is a lot fitter this time there are risks and it would take a toll on her physically,’’ Mr Morrison said. ‘‘I couldn’t have been prouder of her for putting herself through this MAY 2014 |

Kristy and Darryl Anderson are relishing family life with Evie.

to give the Andos the opportunity to be parents, which otherwise they may never have achieved.’’ The journey also became tougher when the first three embryo transfers failed. ‘‘The first one did work but it (the hCG level) was quite low, so at about six weeks there was a miscarriage,’’ Mrs Anderson said. ‘‘We then put two more in, one at a time, and they were just negative.

“

I couldn’t have been prouder of her for putting herself through this to give the Andos the opportunity to be parents . . . Drew Morrison

‘‘I had dealt with the negatives before and so had these guys, and they know it doesn’t always happen the first go.’’ With only a finite number of embryos available, Mrs Morrison said she felt growing pressure with each attempt. But on the fourth attempt, they were successful.

The reaction Elated to finally be on the road to parenthood, the Andersons kept their news quiet until they reached the 12-week milestone. ‘‘I had spent a bit of time writing a bit of a script about how to put it out there and how to tell people, and I think that was the best thing that we did,’’ Mrs Anderson said. The two families were floored by the reaction they received. ‘‘Once it got out there, the reaction was so not what I was expecting — it was amazing,’’ Mrs Anderson said. ‘‘Every person we’ve seen has been so supportive, they’ve just said, ‘What an unbelievable story,’ ’’ Mrs Morrison said. However, Mrs Morrison said that through the excitement some people expressed concern about how she would feel after the birth. ‘‘I explained . . . that I was babysitting. It wasn’t mine and I was just looking after it until it was ready to hand back.’’ 8

| MAY 2014

The pregnancy After having had two great pregnancies with her girls, Mrs Morrison said she instantly identified that this pregnancy felt different. ‘‘I was sick at the start, not horrendously, but I was much sicker than I was with the girls, so I was convinced it was a boy,’’ she said. ‘‘I carried the baby differently from my other pregnancies, in that it was like a basketball under my top.’’ But support was on hand from her husband and the Andersons, who relished living around the corner during the pregnancy. ‘‘It was great to know that the baby was just around the corner from us, and we couldn’t have had better people than the Morrison family,’’ Mr Anderson said. ‘‘We were there fairly regularly,’’ Mrs Anderson said. ‘‘We felt her kick and all of that . . . I could watch it happen and that was great.’’

The birth Mrs Morrison likes to follow the rules, and when April 10 was selected as the date for an elective caesarian it appeared everything was going to plan. But in the early hours of Wednesday, March 26, Mrs Morrison went into labour. ‘‘On Tuesday during the day I had a sore back but having never done labour, never even had a contraction before, I didn’t know that that’s what it was,’’ she said. ‘‘I went to bed Tuesday night and then woke up about 2 am and thought it wasn’t normal. Drew and I were both looking at each other, going, ‘We don’t know what to do.’ So we rang Kristy and Ando and they said, ‘Well, we don’t know what to do.’ ’’ At just under 37 weeks’ gestation the families had to travel to Wangaratta for the birth, and at 5.49 am after an emergency caesarian Evie Louise Anderson was born. ‘‘It was like two totally separate things happened, they got their baby and I had an operation and it was totally separate,’’ Mrs Morrison said. For the Andersons, it was the long-awaited day that they became a family.‘‘She looks exactly the same as me, it’s ridiculous how much she looks like me as a newborn,’’ Mrs Anderson said.

(Back) Drew Morrison, Grace Morrison, Holly Morrison, Darryl Anderson, (front) Kristy and Evie Anderson, Kristy Morrison and Georgie Morrison.

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Kristy Morrison (left) shares a special bond with Evie and the newborn’s mother Kristy Anderson. Photography (this page) Monique Freer ‘‘She’s just ours, and it’s so easy to tell that she’s ours.’’

The future Evie shares her middle name with the woman who brought her into the world. ‘‘They’ll always have a connection with her I think, but also they’re still our good friends around the corner,’’ Mrs Anderson said. ‘‘They will always have a special part in her life and she will know where and how she came into this world,’’ Mr Anderson said. The Andersons are relishing life as a family, and have been in close contact with the Morrisons since Evie’s arrival. Mrs Morrison and Mrs Anderson will speak about their experience at a Surrogacy Australia conference in Melbourne this month. ‘‘If one person who’s on the same road that we were on hears or reads our story and sees that it can be done, then we’ve helped one person out,’’ Mrs Anderson said. But for Mrs Morrison, she has already helped out the two people who meant so much to her.

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‘‘They’re finally a family, and that’s the best bit — seeing their little family.’’ n MAY 2014 |

Profile

Photography this page: Bianca Mibus. Photography opposite page: MindWorks Photography

A world away

FROM THE FARM

| MAY 2014

Melissa Stedman (top left) holds onto the Australian flag, while brother Lachlan Stedman helps set the foundation of the pyramid on the bottom row, second from the left; at the World Water Ski Show tournament in the United States.

From herding sheep to irrigating paddocks, life on the farm at Caniambo couldn’t be further away from the competitive world of show skiing. Rhiannon Gavalakis meets Australian waterski representative Melissa Stedman.

In June last year, the 17-year-old boarded a flight bound for China to represent Australia at the Tri Nation Ski Show challenge, where the Mulwala team mastered the first-ever Australian four-tier pyramid overseas. In 2012, Melissa travelled to the United States for the World Water Ski Show tournament in Wisconsin, which she described as the highlight of her skiing career. ‘‘It was amazing, it was the first time I had been overseas to ski and I was the youngest one in the team,’’ she said. Without ever having trained together before

meeting in the US two weeks before the competition, the Australian team placed fourth.

“

It was amazing, it was the first time I had been overseas to ski and I was the youngest one in the team.

“

For Wanganui Park Secondary College student Melissa Stedman, the gap between life on the land and the glitz and glamour of waterskiing shows is bridged by her passion for the sport.

Melissa’s mother Virginia Stedman was in the crowd and described the experience as a mini Olympic Games. “Seeing the Australian team come out carrying the flag and hearing the ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi’ — the feeling was amazing,’’ she said. The Mulwala Water Ski Club team currently holds the title of best show team in the country, after winning the Australia Show

Ski Nationals in Perth last year. With little water in sight where Melissa was raised, it is hard to fathom how trick skiing came to be her sport of choice, as well as that of her brothers, Mitchell, 19, and Lachlan, 20. Virginia said it all started on a family trip with friends. ‘‘They had a boat and the kids thought it was fun, then we decided one day to go and have a single ski lesson at Mulwala Water Ski Pro Shop,’’ she said. “We then went and watched a waterski show in Mulwala and loved it. “At the end of the show they asked if there were any young skiers in the crowd who would like to join the club.” The rest is history.

MAY 2014 |

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Caniambo waterskier Melissa Stedman has represented Australia at competitions in China and the United States. Photography: Les Garbutt

Years of weekly trips across the state border to practise for shows and competitions have been the norm for the Stedman family. The talented trio of siblings still performs at the Mulwala

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Water Ski Club summer shows. Mitchell spent last year working in Germany, performing in waterski shows at a holiday park, and will head back overseas this year. Melissa has considered travelling overseas for a skiing career after she finishes Year 12 this year, but said she would like to go to university first. ‘‘I want to study nursing, I’ve been heading that way for a long time,’’ she said. ‘‘It would be great to study near the beach in Geelong, so I

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Profile

Photography: Ray Sizer

Determined to be

WORLD’S BEST ‘If you think you can, you can’ is one of many positive affirmations used in Emma O’Keeffe’s life. The national sport aerobics champion talks to Alexandra Bathman about her drive to win a world title.

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would be eating clean — which doesn’t mean washing her fruit and vegetables before eating them.

It’s just part of a day’s work for Shepparton resident Emma O’Keeffe who has just begun training for the 2014 sport aerobics world championships.

Her diet will consist of lots of fresh produce and protein; there will be no alcohol, processed junk food or sugary treats — including her favourite drink, Red Bull.

The 25-year-old fitness fanatic already holds five national titles under her leotard and she placed seventh at the world championships in Serbia last year.

She will be training and teaching group fitness classes at her new gym Peak Physique Women’s Fitness Centre in Shepparton. She will also be travelling to Geelong every Thursday for singles training and to Melbourne every Sunday for group training.

“Last year I said I want to make it to worlds but now, come this year, I want to win,” Emma said. Sport aerobics is a complex competitive sport and Emma said many people mistook it for aerobics, with the step reminiscent of the classic Aerobics Oz Style program that first aired on television in the 1980s. “It’s a high intensity two-minute routine with push-ups and jumps. It’s like gymnastics but without the flips,” she said. To be in her best condition by October Emma said she

| MAY 2014

Her life motto is to turn a setback into a comeback and she leaves other positive messages around the house — including the pantry. “They say things like, ‘If you think you can, you can’ and ‘Sacrifice now to gain later,’ ” she said. “They’re good reminders for when you’re having a crappy day, as I’ll read them to remind me of how I usually think.”

MAY 2014 |

To help her get to the world stage for the first time Emma created a motivational Facebook page. “I had over 1000 followers and you do have those times where you have so many people watching you and I would think to myself: ‘What if I don’t make it? Everyone is going to know,’ ” she said.

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“I would wake up and have a creamy cocktail, as fatty as you could get,” she said. “I would have a crepe for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as having my actual breakfast lunch and dinner. I ate so many crepes — I’m surprised I don’t look like one!”

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“I won’t hang up the shoes until I win.” n

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women ON THE LAND

SHEEP KEEP ETHEL ON HER TOES Retired architect Ethel Stephenson, 87, made the move to the country later in life, but that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stopped her embracing it whole-heartedly. My life had not crossed paths with sheep at all until I worked in New Zealand in the 1960s. It was there that I came across wool; and they were more advanced in processes such as spinning and weaving. In the 1970s, I went to the Melbourne College of Textiles to study wool classing, which gave me a greater knowledge and some understanding of the breeds. My late husband, Peter, was also an architect and when we retired from city business we thought we would work together on something else. I always knew I wanted to work with my hands and wool, so when I retired it was a great day for me; I went out and I bought my sheep. We purchased land on the Mornington Peninsula and set up Ostlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill sheep stud in 1984, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. We decided to move north-east and chose the property near Benalla because it had a good train line, hospital and art gallery. It was 21 years ago that we got the keys to the gate for the 18

| MAY 2014

Interview: Rhiannan Gavalakis Photography: Julie Mercer

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It became extremely important to me not to let this heritage breed disappear. The whole interest gets me out of bed every morning; there is always something to be done. I get a lot of pleasure out of taking the sheep to shows, they have made life very interesting and I have met so many talented people who use the wool and who breed sheep. I guess to be patient would be one great thing I have learned (from life on the land), and one thing I apply to handling animals. There are still other things I want to do, but I’ll always be interested in the history of old breeds and saving genetics. I have really enjoyed my time living in the country, working with farmers and going to shows. I think my life has been very rich.

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women ON THE LAND Interview: Alexandra Bathman Photography: Ray Sizer

Chris Flynn, 57, wasn’t destined to be a farmer — but her husband Owen came with a herd of cows and a stretch of land. The couple battled through the drought; however Chris’ mental and physical strength was ultimately tested when Owen suffered a freak accident last year.

FORCED INTO STEEP LEARNING CURVE

Owen and I were finishing off maintenance work to get the farm running efficiently because after seven years we were finally going on a holiday — a South Pacific cruise. I had been working solo on the farm for two months while Owen was recovering from an operation, so it’s fair to say we were eager to get away. I was driving into town when, halfway down the road, Owen rang. All he said was, “I need you.” Confused, I thought he was joking but he kept saying, “I need you, I need you.” Realising something wasn’t right, I turned around and raced home. I found him lying on the concrete next to a fallen ladder, and he said, “I can’t move.” Owen had fallen from a roof but luckily there was no permanent damage. He was given a back brace and ordered to rest for 12 weeks, and was not allowed to lift anything heavier than 2 kg. 20

| MAY 2014

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Of course I was thankful Owen was alive and would be able to walk again, but I still had a feeling of dread sweep over me. I was already exhausted and it was soon to be our busiest time of the year with calving season. When you’re a farmer it’s not just about milking the cows, with the average day being 13 hours — and you don’t get the weekend off.

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My fear of heights was overcome because I had to climb the silo. I’m grateful for my friends and family who just turned up with cooked meals, and my grandchildren always made me smile. They call me Marcee — it’s the ‘Ma’ out of Grandma and the ‘C’ from Chris. Things don’t always turn out the way you expect, but you have to adapt and make the best of a situation.

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women ON THE LAND Interviews: Rhiannan Gavalakis Photography: Bianca Mibus

COUNTRY ROADS TAKE THESE GIRLS HOME Notre Dame College students Stephanie Bolitho (left) and Lauren Holmes (right), both aged 16, live on neighbouring properties and share not only a friendship, but an appreciation of the land.

| MAY 2014

T2 is now available at WELLSPRINGS DAY SPA

Lauren I have grown up on the farm and for my school work placement I worked on my family’s dairy farm in Undera. We have 120 dairy cows, so I helped out with milking, feeding the calves and we are fixing up (part of) the property; so we are doing the spraying as well. I’m also doing work placement at Tatura Veterinary Practice. I thought that when I left school I would like to be a veterinary nurse, so I thought I would give it a go and see what it was like. I have had to watch in on surgeries. I wasn’t sure how I would go with that, but I’ve dealt with it pretty well and I wouldn’t mind doing it as a job. I really like it, because I get to see what they actually do at the veterinary practice, but I also like the farm. My dad, Geoff, is always doing stuff so he’s pretty busy. It depends on what you have to do, some days there is not as much work. But when we have to do drenching or pregnancy testing, that takes more time. I wouldn’t want to work in an office, I like being outside; I enjoy it a lot and there is always something to do. Stephanie and I have a lot in common and we do everything together, she lives just a couple of minutes away from me. The properties are so close, so we are always visiting one another.

Stephanie My family has a fruit orchard in Undera and last season I got roped into doing a bit of fruit picking for two or three weeks. It was hard work but it was great to help my dad out, and Lauren and her brother lent a hand as well.

The perfect gift idea

Lauren and I went to kindergarten together, she is like my sister; she is always there to help if I need advice. I love that the country is so free and you can take time to think — it is so quiet. It is a really nice feeling to be able to help my dad when he is going through stressful times getting the fruit off the tree, so I’m happy to lend a hand. My younger brother Aaron helps out a lot more than me, and he helps pick fruit, trims trees or gets rid of the dead fruit if Dad needs a hand. I help my mum get the fruit out to the (people in the) community we supply.

T2 is now exclusively available at

Wellsprings Day Spa No need to travel to Melbourne to get your T2 products anymore.

Although I love the country, I’ve grown very fond of the city — it is my goal to live in either Melbourne or Sydney. I don’t see myself working in agriculture. I think I would like to become a dietitian, as I love learning about health. Growing up on a fruit orchard may have influenced that, but our community in general is fitness oriented, particularly the football netball club. We have always been a family that eats healthily — as fruit growers, you have to love fruit. n

168 Welsford Street, Shepparton Phone: (03) 5831 4606 MAY 2014 |

Story: Rhiannon Gavalakis Photography: Bianca Mibus

LOOK THE PART – AND

GET THE JOB So you have made it through the first step of the job application process and secured an interview. Whether it is your dream job you are applying for, or one that will pay the bills while you build your empire, the first impression you make should be a positive one. Research the industry and role you are applying for beforehand, because the applicant who presents best for the position is already a hop, skip and jump ahead of the pack. Next step, follow these simple guidelines to put your best foot forward.

Don’t A tank top might be comfortable, but it shows off too much skin and looks casual; leave it in the wardrobe for the weekend. Black pants are great, but the cuffed threequarter length style is not formal enough for an interview. While they are a summer staple, sandals and open-toed shoes are not appropriate for the majority of workplaces. Leave the drop earrings and bracelets for another occasion; fussy items can be a distraction to yourself and your potential employer.

Do A tailored skirt exudes professionalism, and getting the right fit will make all the difference in helping you feel confident on the day. You don’t have to wear all black to look professional, and sometimes doing so can make you look solemn. Break it up with a soft colour such as this blush-toned jacket. These pointed-toe heels are classic, and the low height is perfect because they are easy to walk in. If you are applying for a workplace outdoors, opt for flats instead. Simple accessories allow the focus to be on your achievements, and not the jingle on your wrist. Think elegant studs, a simple bangle and a watch — to ensure you are on time.

Our model Melinda Cirillo is wearing: Skirt – Traffik; $109.95 Top – Traffik; $39.95 Jacket – Traffik; $59.95 Heels – Jeff Young Shoes; $129.95

| MAY 2014

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Harris Scarfe Plaza, Maude St Mall, Shepparton. Ph: (03) 5831 4677 MAY 2014 |

Fashion

After being a behind-the-scenes volunteer last year, Rhiannon Gavalakis returned to the Melbourne Fashion Festival with a media pass to see if the grass is greener on the other side.

Front row (almost)

among the fashionable people It is hard to believe it was a year ago that I was stuffing gift bags and dressing models as a volunteer at the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

chatted to one of the make-up artists, who had met Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria and model Megan Gale just a couple of days earlier.

This time around I was on the other side of the curtain; I switched my flats for heels and skipped my way to Docklands with my media pass in hand.

She said Eva was a lot of fun and spoke to the artists about makeup looks she loved, while the heavily-pregnant Megan looked like she wanted to get out of there — which I think we can let her get away with, in her condition.

The newly renamed festival, now the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, offered a whole different perspective from this other side of the fence. I went in armed with Chanel, Tiffany and Co and — like any good journalist — my trusty pint-sized notepad tucked into my monochrome clutch. But the evening wasn’t all glamour. I walked up to the entrance and encountered a hiccup — I wasn’t on the media list.

This time around the only celebrity I bumped into was the Dulux dog, Violet — but hey, I’m not complaining. I hope you enjoy my trend edit from the festival, and have fun embracing these versatile styles for autumn/winter 2014.

GLAMOUR GIRLS

Now I’m fairly sure we’ve all had the nightmare of turning up to a party and not being let in — and after travelling three hours to attend, I wasn’t impressed. Thankfully the issue was quickly resolved. I had changed the runway show I could attend a couple of days prior, and luckily the woman who co-ordinated the swap was within earshot. Once I was seated inside I got to enjoy one of my favourite parts of any fashion-related event, seeing what everyone else was wearing. What you see off the catwalk is half the fun; from glitter ensembles and Jimmy Choo heels, to kaftans in a kaleidoscope of colour — did somebody say, “Camilla?” It’s a mini runway show in itself. The atmosphere is electric, and being in the company of people who are all united in their love of style is something I really appreciate. In the front row (okay, second front row) I sipped on mineral water that was brought around for guests, and throughout the runway shows presented by Harper’s Bazaar and Shop Til You Drop, I madly scribbled notes about the styles presented by each designer: blue, sport luxe, neutrals and monochrome. Around me I noticed a few women doing the same, and many had their iPhones out, capturing the latest looks before anyone outside the venue had seen them. Between shows I hung out at the L’Oreal beauty booth and

| MAY 2014

Old Hollywood glamour with a modern edge took centre stage at the festival with cat-eye sunglasses, sideswept curls, and bright orange lips a feature. Shades of dark plum were also lip colours of choice.

Nevenka

Photography: Lucas Dawson

FASHION forecast Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival

YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR HAT ON WINTER BLUES Dazzling shades of blue graced this season’s runways, from rich peacock to navy and whimsical pastel hues. Mix with cream for a relaxed nautical look, or make a statement by wearing one, two or three shades at a time.

Yeojin Bae

Leave the beanie at home and finish off your look with a stylish felt fedora hat. They were a feature of the festival that couldn’t be missed, and they are the perfect accessory to keep your mane in check for the cooler months. Jaggar

Bianca Spender

Shakuhachi Shakuhachi MAY 2014 |

FASHION forecast Photography: Lucas Dawson

Alex Perry

BACK IN BLACK AND WHITE Cameo Rodeo Show

PRINT MANIA From runway queen Camillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all out tribal print explosions to simple checks, patterns and prints were definitely a strong runway contender. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for an everyday approach, try a bold piece worked back with neutral attire. There is a reason striking monochromatic ensembles return to the runways again and again: they hit all the right style notes. This classic look is bold yet understated and stylish, and calls for a bright lip colour to maximise the impact.

STREET STYLER

Carla Zampatti

Alice McCall

Shakuhachi 28

| MAY 2014

Sport luxe meets street wear in this trend that embraces luxury with a fun edge. Think playful silhouettes, metallic materials and bursts of eyecatching colour. New Yorkinspired prints also worked their way into this look.

Have the kitchen youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always dreamt of ... â&#x20AC;Ś One that is practical, stylish, modern and most importantly one that suits You. After all, it makes a statement about who you are and is the heart of any home. We work for you, to your requirements, so in the end you get a new kitchen that you love. So call us today to see how we can help you achieve your renovations dreams.

Thanks to 60 Williams Rd, Shepparton (03) 5831 2620 MAY 2014 |

Profile Shepparton’s Amy Weidenbach will board a plane to New York this month to undertake a public relations internship with world-renowned fashion house Oscar de la Renta. Main photograph: Bianca Mibus

It was the click of a mouse that changed Amy Weidenbach’s life in 2011.

couturier to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis — that sparked Amy’s latest venture.

At 17 years old, Amy started a photo-blog on Tumblr called Peace Love Chanel.

Amy met the couture designer and was also introduced to the head of global communications for the fashion house — Erika Bearman.

“My friend showed me the Tumblr website and she said, ‘You just post pictures, you don’t even have to write anything,’ ” Amy said. “I was super-obsessed with Chanel back then, and I said, ‘Okay, I am going to make a Tumblr blog about Chanel.’ ” Her blog soon gained popularity, and today her following is 34 000 strong. “While I was actively running the blog, I got an email from a man that worked at Tumblr named Richard Tong,” she said. “It said, ‘They’ve asked me to get the top 24 Tumblr bloggers and fly them to New York Fashion Week to cover it.’ ”

“I always wanted to be a fashion designer, but I realised I couldn’t draw or sew,” Amy said. “At New York Fashion Week, I saw what Erika was doing and I thought to myself, ‘This is it, this is what I want to do.’ ” Flash forward three years and Amy, now 21, is studying public relations via correspondence at Deakin University and working part-time at Quest Shepparton.

“

She went to bed that night, and woke up the next day with more than 1000 followers.

I always wanted to be a fashion designer, but I realised I couldn’t draw or sew.

At first Amy questioned whether the email was legitimate, and her mother actually told her to delete it — believing it was a scam.

“When I started studying public relations, I went back to Erika and said, ‘Do you have a process for internships?’”

But on further inquiry, it turned out the invitation was real; and the rest, as they say, is history.

Knowing thousands of people apply to intern there, Amy thought her chances were slim.

Tumblr flew Amy to New York and put her up at a ritzy hotel with 23 other budding bloggers.

“But Erika basically said, ‘Tell me when you want to do it, and we’ll set it up,’ ” Amy said.

Amy spent the week behind the scenes of one of the most glamorous fashion weeks in the world, rubbing shoulders with high-end fashion designers.

Amy said the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity didn’t feel real, and that she hadn’t told too many people about it, because she didn’t want to brag.

At one runway show, she sat in the front row just metres away from American Vogue editor-in-chief and the woman the film The Devil Wears Prada was believed to be based on — Anna Wintour.

Amy said she would be helping round-up the publicity the fashion house has done, but also expected to be doing the regular intern jobs — such as fetching coffee.

During that trip, it was a tour of Oscar de la Renta’s showroom — the designer who made a name for himself in the 1960s as a

“I’ve been told it will be like The Devil Wears Prada, but a little less glamorous.” n

| MAY 2014

Main photograph: Bianca Mibus

Blog leads to job in the Big Apple A spur-of-the-moment decision to start a photo-blog landed Amy Weidenbach a front-row seat at New York Fashion Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;. Rhiannon Gavalakis discovers how that journey opened doors to developing a career in the fashion industry.

Amy Weidenbach snapped these behind-the-scenes photos during her whirlwind tour of New York Fashion Week in 2011. Far right: She stood within a metre of American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Main photograph, display trunks available by order from Harvey Norman. MAY 2014 |

Relationships

Story: Alexandra Bathman Photography: Bianca Mibus

Loren and Tori Fifoot with their mother Rachel Fifoot and grandmother Sandra Telford.

| MAY 2014

Closeness comes

FROM SMALL GENERATION GAP Sandra Telford was a young mum at 19 when her daughter Rachel Fifoot was born. Rachel wanted to be a young mother herself at the age of 21 and now has two daughters, Tori and Loren. The generations of girls share looks, laughter and a love for sewing and have always lived within reach. Sandra Telford, carer, 58

leave the house without make-up.

My mother spoke with her actions rather than words and taught me the importance of a close family as she came from a family of 10 children.

Tori will always stick with something even when she wants to quit and she is determined with her VCE, and Loren is growing up to be a very caring person.

She was an expert needlewoman and taught me how to sew. She even let me use her expensive brand new sewing machine and although we weren’t wealthy she let me use whatever material to make skirts. Rachel made me a mother and she has always been a humble person. Growing up, she was so easy to bluff. I once warned my children whoever was telling a lie would get a black line down their tongue and it would drop off. The next thing I see is Rachel in front of the mirror checking her tongue. I love being a grandmother to the girls because they’re always so happy to see me and love me unconditionally. Breakfast at my house is a choice of toast, cereal, eggs and bacon or ice-cream. The girls just look at me and I say: “Yes, you really can have icecream.” I couldn’t afford to spoil my kids when they were little but now I try to spoil my grandchildren and children whenever I can.

Rachel Fifoot, hairdresser, 39 My mother always had the best trivial, memorable advice. She would tell me to always close the curtains otherwise a dirty old man will be watching. She also taught me my love for sewing. There isn’t a huge age gap with me and mum so we have always had a close relationship.

Tori Fifoot, student, 17 Mum encourages me to be confident with myself and tells me not to care about what other people think. If only she took her (own) advice as I know she can also be shy and worry what others think — that’s how we are similar. Even if I want to quit something she will always tell me to stick at it a bit longer, which makes me admire her work ethic in her hair salon. She has taught me sewing which I love and I want to go down the textile path in my future career. I would like to thank my mum for being a mum who understands what it’s like to be a teenager. And then there is Granny, she is so hilarious and a bit embarrassing at times but that’s what makes us so close. I love the Wednesday night dinners we have at Nan’s sister’s place where all the girls get together and talk about anything and everything.

Loren Fifoot, student, 15 I’m lucky to have a young mother and grandmother because they are both so approachable and they always remind us they are here for us. Mum isn’t so strict on me and Tori and if we do something wrong, she is very forgiving and we never fight.

I would like to thank her for this.

Although I’m sometimes surprised by how forgiving mum is — not that it’s a bad thing.

We look that much alike, many people who know mum would always say: “You’re not Sandra Telford’s daughter, are you?”

Because of the way I have grown up, I want to be a young mum as well.

She was a big influence as to why I wanted to have kids young, so mum was only 41 years old when she became a grandma.

I know I have a special relationship with my mum because my friends will come over and mum will often come into my room and join the conversation.

Being a young mother means that I can understand my daughters but it also means that I’m probably not tough enough on them. They are beautiful girls and I just laugh when my daughters won’t

To me this is normal but I know my friends can sometimes get a bit of a shock when they see how close we all are. n MAY 2014 |

Relationships

Story: Alexandra Bathman Photography: Ray Sizer

Eva Morris with mum Louise Morris, grandmother Debbie Morris and great grandmother Joyce Tucker.

Respect for others flows through the years The special bond between females in Joyce Tucker’s family spans four generations. Joyce has six children, including Murchison’s Debbie Morris who has four daughters – including Louise Morris, mother of Eva, 2. Joyce Tucker, retired, 82 My mother taught me to always be kind and honest to people. I want to thank her for the love she gave me as an only child because I have been able to give that love back to my own daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughter. Everything changes when you have a child, and Debbie was my first. She has grown up to be a great leader and people always tell me she is a marvellous teacher. I can always depend on her and I want to thank her for being so great to me when I recently went into hospital. I absolutely love being a grandmother and great-grandmother because I can listen and relate to Louise as adults but then sit and tell Eva little stories. I hope all my daughters through all the generations remain happy and healthy. I know Eva will grow into a strong honest girl because of her family influence.

Debbie Morris, teacher, 59 I have taken a lot from my mum — including the arrangements of my cupboards. I’ve noticed that I’ve arranged my cupboard under the sink, my linen cupboard and even my plates the same way as her.

My mum and I were very close as I grew up and she would write me letters weekly when I was away at teacher’s college. I want to thank my mother and father for working so hard to give me the education I needed to follow my passion for teaching. I also want to thank my mother for the wisdom she gave me in rearing my own daughters. I’m proud of all my girls and I’m proud of Louise because she has done a brilliant job of raising Eva so far while being on her own and running her own personal training business.

Louise Morris, personal trainer, 32 Through my upbringing I was taught the value of family. When I lived in London and the Gold Coast the relationship I had with Mum was never compromised. The main reason I moved back to the Goulburn Valley was to be closer to her and the rest of my family once Eva was born. The love and support my mum gave me was amazing and I want to thank her for being a wonderful role model. I didn’t realise how much I would enjoy having a daughter of my own but Eva has kept my life so positive. She has a bit of attitude and loves to do exercises with me. She will say, “Come on, mum! Exercises!”

However, the most important thing I’ve learned from my mum is the importance of respect.

Eva will start jumping up and down and do burpees, so it’s fair to say she keeps me on my toes.

It was very prominent in our upbringing and something that I wanted to teach my children as well.

When Eva grows up I hope she understands just how much I love her and how special she is.

Our motto is: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

I want her to grow up with no limits set upon her so that she can do whatever makes her happy. n

| MAY 2014

It can take a team of highly trained professionals to evaluate something this small.

This is how small a breast abnormality can be – sometimes even smaller. Fortunately the vast majority are harmless. But it’s critical to be able to identify breast abnormalities which are potentially fatal. That’s where Goulburn Valley Imaging Group comes in. With a team of dedicated professionals including radiologists, nurses, technicians and administrative staff, GV Imaging Group is Shepparton’s only fully accredited Breast Imaging facility. The technology at their disposal represents the leading edge of medical science. It includes ultrasound, CT scans, plain films, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine. And of course, Mammography. GV Imaging Group have a MicroDose Mammography Unit which maximises the image quality, picking up abnormalities much earlier and uses only half the dose of radiation compared to other systems. It is predicted 1 in 9 Australian women develop Breast Cancer at some stage of their lives so it is better to be proactive and Mammograms and Ultrasounds are simple tests. GV Imaging Group recommends that every woman should conduct a monthly breast self examination. If even the slightest lump or change (dimpling or discharge) is noticed, consult your doctor. That’s because it’s often the small things that really matter.

1300 797 484 MAY 2014 |

years of

With a focus on innovation and style, Luxaflex Window Fashions have been enhancing the lifestyle of Australian families since 1954. To celebrate in style, we could be sending you and a friend on an exclusive $20,000 Paris fashion experience. Spend over $2,000 at our local Luxaflex Gallery showroom this May for your chance to win. Visit our Luxaflex Gallery showroom in May for your entry code. For competition details visit luxaflex60.com.au

Stock image

Health

Research suggests between 12 and 18 per cent of woman of reproductive age have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but senior professionals experienced with the condition believe the figure to be much higher. Goulburn Valley Health’s chief medical officer Vasudha Iyengar said she saw many women with the condition and believed the research figures were only the tip of the iceberg. “We think the number the condition is afflicting is much higher than that — perhaps twice as much, between 36 and 40 per cent,” she said. PCOS is a condition where cysts or follicles grow on the ovaries which can result in the ovaries producing eggs incapable of being fertilised. PCOS develops a range of symptoms including irregular and heavy periods, unexplained weight gain (particularly around the middle), depression, excessive hair growth and acne including spots on the back and chin.

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Dr Iyengar said the prevalence of the condition was an evolutionary response to the Western lifestyle including our diet rich in processed foods and lack of physical activity. “It’s an enormous multi-factorial complicated condition,” she said.

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| MAY 2014

Research also suggests up to 70 per cent of PCOS cases are undiagnosed and Dr Iyengar believes this is because many women think a blood test or ultrasound is needed to diagnose the condition. “It’s a syndrome, which means there is a collection of symptoms and signs,” she said.

Story: Alexandra Bathman

Hidden syndrome

IMPACTING WOMEN’S LIVES

The ultimate girl’s day out

MITCHELTON WINES

“The recipe for PCOS for individual women is different. You almost never find the same collection of ingredients in each person. People should remember that the diagnosis of this condition is clinical and isn’t based on blood tests and ultrasounds.”

“

It is an enormous multi-factorial complicated condition. VASUDHA IYENGAR

The risks of not managing PCOS include diabetes, obesity, infertility and depression. While there is no cure of PCOS it’s important to manage the symptoms with a healthy lifestyle. “You’ve got to work up a perspiration for at least 20 minutes, five times a week, which means 40 minutes of exercise five times a week,” she said. “You have to have a diet filled with lower refined carbohydrates and sugar and more lean protein, a good proportion of grains and good fats.” Dr Iyengar said the barrier to what seemed like a simple management program was the depression many women developed because of their symptoms. She said counselling, personal training, seeing a dietician and small doses of antidepressants or anti-diabetic medication could motivate an individual with PCOS to live a healthy lifestyle. “It can seem exceptionally difficult, and it is. These women have to focus on these things for the rest of their lives.” n

The River Cruiser offers a point of difference when entertaining your guests, whether you are celebrating a Located mighty Goulburn River, just sets hen’s dayonorthe justbanks needofa the girl’s day out, our River Cruiser outside of Nagambie, Mitchelton Wines is a picturesque the pace for a successful event. and inspiring setting for any event. The “Goulburn Explorer” River Cruiser links two of Whether it’s a wedding, conference, product launch, awards Victoria’s iconic wineries — Mitchelton and Tahbilk and the dinner, business meeting or ladies lunch, the team at Nagambie one Victoria’s scenic inland Mitchelton Township Wines canon help toof make it yourmost best yet. With waterways. Seating up indoor to 49 passengers, Goulburn incredibly unique, both and outdoor the event spaces on site, our team transform your idea into a reality. Explorer is thecan ideal venue for your next event. Arrive at your destination, Mitchelton Wines awhich is Our Executive Chef takes pride in delivering high quality, richly flavoursome, local andmighty seasonally focused menu, located on the banks of the Goulburn River, justwith options that can be tailored to your needs. outside of Nagambie and enjoy a glass of wine at the Cellar Door lunch. Handbefore selected, estate grown wines will complement your menu if required, as a wine list canabe specifically The restaurant boasts an exciting la designed carte seasonal menu, for your individual event. sourced from the finest regional produce. Our events co-ordinator is available to meet with you by In a stunning setting, overlooking the Goulburn River and arrangement and will be happy to help you with the entire surrounding bushland. planning of your event. The new riverside terrace offers casual outdoor dining, a great space to enjoy a glass of For more information or to make a booking, please wine and a grazing platter. phone our friendly restaurant team on: To make a booking, simply phone Dean Gardiner on Mitchelton Restaurant 03 5736 2225 or email (03) 5736 2222. restaurant@mitchelton.com.au

Mitchelton Wines 470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie Victoria 3608, Mitchelton Wines Australia 470 Mitchellstown Road, Telephone +61 (0)3 2222 Nagambie Victoria 3608,5736 Australia Telephone +61 (0)3 5736 2222 www.mitchelton.com.au www.mitchelton.com.au

MAY 2014 |

Health

Raw cacao

Coconut oil

Activated nuts

Foods offer super dose

OF NUTRIENTS Alexandra Bathman looks at some of the products in our health food aisles and how they could benefit your health. Raw cacao

What are the health benefits of coconut oil?

Raw cacao is a nutrient-dense substitute for the more common product, cocoa.

•

The popular cocoa product is the result of roasting the raw cacao at high temperatures, which destroys the enzymes and overall nutritional value.

• •

It can aid weight loss because the fats in the oil are easily digested and converted into energy which can speed up the metabolism. It can assist with poor digestion and stomach bloating. A teaspoon of virgin coconut oil could curb the 3 pm sugar craving, because the fats in the oil are more satiating than simple carbohydrates such as chocolate and lollies. It supports thyroid function and improves insulin levels. It hydrates and protects the skin.

Raw cacao, on the other hand, is the result of cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans, keeping the enzymes intact but removing the cacao butter (the fat).

• •

What are the health benefits of raw cacao?

How can I use it?

• •

Coconut oil is versatile and can be used as cooking oil for meat, in stir-fries (it complements Asian dishes) and a tablespoon can be added to a smoothie or a teaspoon to a cup of tea.

• • • •

May help lower insulin resistance. May boost mood; cacao releases neurotransmitters that are associated with wellbeing. It’s also a stimulant similar to caffeine and releases the brain chemical phenylethylamine which is the same chemical released when we experience love. May reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. May help reduce blood pressure. Raw cacao is a potent antioxidant which can guard against toxins. It’s rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and manganese.

How can I use it? Raw cacao can be used when making your favourite chocolate treats such as cakes and slices. It’s also used in berry or green smoothies for an extra nutritional hit and chocolate taste.

Tip: If you are adding cacao to your smoothie consider using almond milk. It complements the flavour of cacao well and is a popular milk alternative.

It can also be used as a butter substitute on toast and eaten straight from the jar. It’s still a fat, so you don’t need a lot to reap the health benefits — 1 tablespoon maximum a day would be sufficient.

Tip: Coconut oil can also be used as a moisturiser, massage oil and after-sun lotion, and a hair serum to smooth pesky frizzy bits.

Activated nuts Activated nuts have been soaked in salt water for a period of time and then dried with a dehydrator or in an oven. It’s not a new idea — or fad — because Aborigines activated nuts and grains thousands of years ago. What are the health benefits of activated nuts? •

Coconut oil Coconut oil is an edible oil that’s been extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. The fats in the oil are made up of 90 per cent saturated fat, six per cent monounsaturated fat, and three per cent polyunsaturated fat. As we know, all fats are not equal and the saturated fats in coconut oil are the healthy and essential kind. 38

| MAY 2014

•

Raw nuts contain natural properties that inhibit the body from absorbing the nuts’ nutrients. Activating the nuts breaks down these inhibitors and allows the body to absorb the health benefits of eating nuts. If you get a heavy, uncomfortable feeling from eating almonds, activated nuts could be a better option because they combat the raw nuts’ phytic acid, which can cause stomach upset. Activated nuts have had their enzymes activated, and a diet rich in enzymes can increase energy and keep skin healthy.

Photography: Alexandra Bathman

Spirulina

How can I use them? Store bought activated nuts are hard to come across and also expensive. The good news is you can activate almonds at home. Nut/Seed

Salt per 1 cup of nuts

Soaking time

Drying time

Almonds

1 teaspoon

12-14 hours

12-24 hours

Cashews

1 teaspoon

3-6 hours

12-24 hours

Walnuts

½ teaspoon

7-12 hours

12-24 hours

Peanuts

1 teaspoon

7-12 hours

12-24 hours

Macadamias

1 teaspoon

7-12 hours

12-24 hours

Tip: Make sure the nuts are completely dry, otherwise they can go mouldy. You can eat them or use them in recipes while wet, but they will only last in the fridge for a couple of days.

Spirulina Spirulina is a micro saltwater plant found in South American and African alkaline lakes and has been a nutrient-dense food source for centuries. It’s consumed as a dietary supplement — and with many people around the globe attesting to its health benefits, even NASA chose it as a supplement for astronauts. What are the health benefits of spirulina? •

• • • •

Spirulina protects the cells with its high volume of Betacarotene — five times more than carrots and 40 times more than spinach. It contains high levels of gamma-linolenic acid, which can reduce cholesterol and help prevent heart disease. It’s a great source of dairy-free calcium with 10 times more calcium per 100 ml than milk. It’s also a great source of iron with 50 times more iron than spinach per 100 g. It may improve digestive health by helping good gut bacteria.

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How can I use it? Spirulina comes in a powdered form or in a tablet and can be purchased at health food stores and supermarkets. The powder can be mixed into drinks and smoothies for an extra nutrition hit. n

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Health

GOOD FOOD

is key to a better you La Trobe University exercise physiology student Hayley Napier, 21, speaks to Rhiannon Gavalakis about her fitness journey and the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle.

Tell me about your interest in health and fitness. How did it start, and what inspired you? For as long as I can remember I’ve loved Michelle Bridges. I think watching her on The Biggest Loser, combined with coming from a fairly health-conscious family, is what really triggered my passion for health and fitness. When I was younger I played netball, that progressed to long-distance running which has seen me complete four half-marathons. Nowadays I like to focus on a combination

Creating new lifestyles

of weight training, interval training and plyometrics, with the odd run here and there. I also enjoy taking Charlie, the family dog, for walks when I’m home.

to eat lots of green vegetables, lean meats, full-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, and eggs.

When did you start clean eating?

Can you run me through a typical day? What do you have for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

I’ve always eaten healthy. However, the more you immerse yourself in a healthy lifestyle the more you learn. Knowledge is power and when you know better you do better. The main things I avoid are all refined white sugars and I try to minimise as much packaged and processed foods as I can. I like

During the week it’s pretty simple, nutritious, and quick and easy to prepare. I’ll also often have a big cook-up on a Sunday so I’ve got meals ready for during the week. Breakfast will always be something like oats or protein pancakes, with natural crunchy peanut butter and protein powder. Lunch

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Green Protein Pancakes Please don’t be put off by the colour of these pancakes; the green comes from spinach leaves, which add no flavour to the dish — just a massive hit of nutrients. Makes 4 to 6 pancakes – ¼ cup oats – 1 tbsp chia seeds – 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk – 1-2 big handfuls of spinach leaves – 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder (I’ve used Vital Strength, low-carb protein. But whatever you have should do) – ½ tsp baking powder – 2 egg whites – dash of cinnamon (if desired) Place the oats, chia seeds and almond milk into a bowl. Cover and let soak overnight. This step is not necessary, however I believe it gives the pancakes an extra something. If you don’t do this step the night before, move straight to the next step. Put all the ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth. Heat a frying pan on medium to high heat and spray lightly with nonstick spray.

Pour pancake batter into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles appear. Flip, and cook the same on the other side. Repeat with the remaining mixture, spraying the pan each time. Stack them all up and top with whatever your heart desires. I like to use peanut butter, Greek yoghurt, nuts and blueberries, heated with a dash of honey and banana. Enjoy!

and tea are generally the same and will be something like chicken cooked with coconut oil, vegetables, and sweet potato or brown rice. I also enjoy making things like stir-fry, big salads, and quinoa with roast vegetables. I often use eggs to make a healthy meal because they are so versatile, nutritious and quick to cook.

some food on the weekend it can save so much time during the week. I also think it’s important to have your fridge fully stocked with nutritious fruits and vegetables for the week ahead, then there’s no excuse not to cook a healthy meal. Organisation is the key.

Does it take more time to prepare meals this way?

Because you only get one body! When you think about everything your body does to get you through a day, the least thing you can do is feed it well, and move. Living healthy

No not at all, as I said earlier if you are organised and can find a little time to prepare

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Why would you encourage others to take the effort to lead a healthy lifestyle?

makes you look better, feel better and perform better in everyday life. Are you hoping to intertwine this passion with your study/work? What are your aspirations? At this stage I want to finish my masters in exercise physiology and then to potentially study nutrition, because I feel that nutrition and exercise go hand in hand. I think that based on the high levels of chronic diseases and obesity amongst society today, this is a growing industry.

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Chocolate and Almond Protein Bars These are great as a snack to take to school or work. Makes 4 or 5 small bars. – ¼ cup dry roasted almonds – ¼ cup oats – ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (I’ve used Vital Strength, low-carb protein. But whatever you have should do) – 3 tbsp coconut flour – 2 tbsp raw cocoa powder – 4 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or normal milk) – 3 squares of 85 per cent dark chocolate – 1 tsp coconut oil – Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) Place almonds, oats, protein powder, coconut flour and cocoa powder in a blender, and blend until fine and crumbly. Add almond milk to dry ingredients and blend. (Note: the mixture should not be too sticky or too crumbly, you should be able to mould it into ball and have it hold together. If it’s too wet, add more coconut flour; if it’s too dry, add more almond milk.) Portion mixture into balls and then shape into bars. Place on tray and put in freezer to set for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt chocolate and coconut oil in microwave for 20 seconds, and repeat until it is melted. Spoon a small amount of the melted chocolate onto bars and top with pepitas. Put in fridge to set for 10 minutes. Bars are best served straight from the fridge. n

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Georg ina Po Youth or t wor k volunt eer

Gemma Rovers Volunteer firefighter

Helen Hinks r Art gallery voluntee

ter arpen C e i l eer Nata volunt b u l c Spor t

Wendy Cook Health care vo lunteer

To obtain a life filled with happiness, one must first give it away through helping someone else. — Chinese proverb

AGE

OF REASON Volunteering at different ages comes with a varying set of rewards and challenges. A mix of generations — a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter, a full-time worker giving youth hope, a mother inspiring people to reach their fitness goals, a woman sharing her love of art, and a veteran volunteer lending a helping hand to patients in palliative care — share their experiences with ME.

MAY 2014 |

AGE

OF REASON

GEMMA ROVERS, 16

NATALIE CARPENTER, 37

Generation Z | 1990 – now

Generation X | 1965 – 1981

Country Fire Authority firefighter with Drumanure brigade I love volunteering because of the satisfaction you get helping out in the community, learning new skills and the atmosphere of being in the CFA. It is a great experience, and you meet great people who band together to protect the community. From volunteering I have learned many new skills, especially team work. If you do not work as a team, firefighting is difficult; on the truck you have to communicate constantly, during a fire it is really intense and important to stay focused and stay calm in difficult situations. My most memorable volunteering moment was the recent fires in Wunghnu. It was a difficult situation trying to stop the fire spreading, it was almost impossible. My dad, the driver of the truck, was driving through fences to keep up with the fire which at one stage was burning at 50 km/h; (we were) protecting houses as the fire burned everything around them to ashes, and watching the helicopters dump loads of water in an attempt to put the fire out. The biggest challenge of volunteering at my age is during difficult situations, keeping calm and level-headed, also lacking experience in firefighting atmospheres.

Shepparton Runners Club president I love volunteering because I’m spending time on something I enjoy. I love volunteering as Shepparton Runners Club (SRC) president because I run and socialise with a fantastic group of people. Since joining SRC in July 2012 my running has improved and also my self-confidence. From volunteering, I have learned it takes many different personalities/backgrounds to be a part of a club to make it work. I have also learned it’s okay to say ‘no’ if I need to because it can take time from your work and personal life if you let it. On the flip side, I have also learned a lot about running as I only started running two-and-a-half years ago. I have learnt a lot about organising monthly handicap events and the SRC marathon which takes place in August. My most memorable volunteering moment was when a runner who had not been at the club for long completed an event with a personal best. It is very exciting to be a part of someone’s life. The biggest challenge of volunteering at my age is most definitely the fact that I have two children aged 10 and seven who have sporting commitments of their own. My husband and I also own a dairy farm, so being able to participate in all running events and being able to assist with the organisation of events can be a little tricky sometimes. But I enjoy doing what I can when I can help.

GEORGINA POORT, 24 Generation Y | 1981 – 1989 Uniting Care Cutting Edge volunteer for the Diversity Project

I often say to people that volunteering feeds my soul. It helps me to give someone hope and encouragement when they may have none. I know that through my role I can continue to be a positive role model to others around me, so they can learn to be themselves. Volunteering has given me the confidence to grow and learn in such a positive way. I have been able to step outside of my comfort zone with the help and support of others, and in doing so I have now learned to teach other young people the same skills. The best moments are always after an event or a meeting when a young person thanks you, or you see the smile on their face. Something so small can really give you an immense amount of joy, because you know that you have been a part of a moment that had a positive impact on their life. These moments are precious. The biggest challenge with volunteering at my age is trying to find a balance between all of the commitments I want to take on. I often feel like I can’t do it all and sometimes there is a sacrifice that has to be made when you’re finding a balance between your job and social life, as well as volunteering.

| MAY 2014

HELEN HINKS, 67 Baby Boomer | 1946 – 1964 SAM (Shepparton Art Museum) volunteer I love volunteering because I meet the exhibiting artist and the people behind the scenes who have curated the exhibition, and I have broadened my understanding of what constitutes art. I enjoy the surprises in the questions asked by visitors to the gallery. The questions keep me on my toes because I learn about each exhibition.

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From volunteering, I have learned people are passionate about the important place art has. People will travel long distances to see and respond to an exhibition. I’ve developed great respect for the young curators and staff at the gallery, and a renewed joy for art. I enjoy the challenge of relating to people of all ages who visit the gallery. My most memorable volunteering moment was I immediately recall earnestly telling a visitor that our wonderful Woman and Child was purchased for $750 000 rather than $75 000. The poor man wandered off in disbelief, muttering to himself. This piece of art is a wonderful community asset even long after the purchase price has been forgotten. The biggest challenge of volunteering at my age is having the time to devote to the gallery because I am enjoying so many things since retiring including travelling and groups and short courses at the University of the Third Age. Volunteering requires lots of background knowledge, so it’s a challenge to vary the information you’re imparting to suit your group — but it’s lovely to receive a compliment at the end of a tour.

WENDY COOK, 70 The Silent Generation | 1925 – 1945 Friends of Hospice president, Goulburn Valley Hospice patient volunteer and Board of Management honorary secretary I’ve never really thought in depth about why I love volunteering. I guess I do it because it is a way to give something back to the community. You get as much back as what you put in. There is a sort of feeling that you get from giving your time to someone and perhaps making their day a bit easier and better. Volunteering has taught me to listen to people. You come across all sorts of people in all kinds of situations and you discover how interesting people are. When people are in palliative care, they need someone to talk to and sometimes it is easier for them to speak with a stranger than a family member. The memorable moments are when you can share something very special with a patient. Sometimes you become actual friends with the patient over the period of time you are involved with them. I have a lot of wonderful memories from the 22 years I have volunteered for Hospice. I think at my age the challenges in volunteering are less in a way. I have helped out at different organisations throughout my lifetime and it was quite challenging to get around with work and a family, but now it is a lot easier. n

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Switch off for a good

NIGHT’S SLEEP Are you feeling sleep deprived? Screen time in the evening could just be to blame. Laura Griffin investigates.

Technology is invading Australian bedrooms and our sleep is suffering, to the detriment of our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Sleep Health Foundation chairman Professor David Hillman said the previous great challenge to humanity’s sleep was the invention of the electric light, and now new technologies including computers, tablets and smart phones were posing a new challenge. People, particularly teens and those of working age, are increasingly spending time they could — and should — be sleeping, looking at screens. “More and more, technology is sneaking into sleep time, so people are checking emails, surfing the internet and looking at social media at night and early in the morning,” Prof Hillman said. Access to the internet including social media has exploded in the past five to eight years, making us more connected to friends and family, but also to the wider world — and some Australians are checking the New York stock exchange at 3 am. And with increasingly hectic social, family and work lives, there is a temptation to cut into sleep time, which Prof Hillman said people did at their own peril. “Most adults need eight hours of sleep to function at their best, just as your grandma used to say.” Women are more vulnerable to this kind of sleep deprivation than men, and Prof Hillman speculates this is because we are struggling to balance running households (statistics continue to show that Australian women spend more time on household chores than men), work and social lives. Younger people need even more shut-eye, with teenagers requiring nine hours, 10-year-olds needing 10 hours, right up to newborns who sleep 16 hours a day. Prof Hillman said it was important for parents to establish good sleep habits for children that would stand them in good stead for life. Digital technologies can also make it harder to fall asleep because of stimulating content and light. “It is not only the screens’ brightness but also the wavelengths emitted; there is a concentration of blue light that suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that plays a key role in determining our sleep/wake cycle.” 48

| MAY 2014

Sleep Health Foundation’s 10 tips for a good night’s sleep North East Natural Health Centre naturopath Sophie Atkin said bright lights, television and computer screens short-circuited brain sleep waves so even though people may be tired, they may have trouble with sleep onset because these sleep circuits were overstimulated. Without enough sleep, we simply don’t function as well.

1. Have a regular sleep pattern Try to go to bed at the same time every evening and get up at the same time to work out a healthy sleep routine. 2. Spend the right amount of time in bed

“We don’t think as well nor as accurately, reaction times and co-ordination are impaired, and we are more irritable,” Prof Hillman said. “We are a lesser version of ourselves.” Shepparton Sleep Centre’s CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapist Janet Shadbolt said a lack of sleep due to specific sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea had been linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, type 2 diabetes as well as productivity losses and safety risks. There is heightened risk of mood problems and inappropriate behaviour such as road rage. With such wide-reaching consequences, Prof Hillman is calling on people to go on a “technology detox” and to give sleep a go.

Most adults need about eight hours of sleep every night. Many poor sleepers spend much more than eight hours in bed and this makes fragmented sleep a habit. Children need more sleep than adults. 3. Bed is for sleeping, not entertainment Television, computers and other distractions can interfere with your sleep. Don’t stay in bed if you are wide awake. 4. Wind down and relax before going to bed

“No-one is saying don’t use smart phones or the internet; rather, there is a time for these things. You need to be in bed for enough time for sleep and allow enough time to wind down.” He suggests people turn off devices an hour before they want to go to sleep and spend that time doing relaxing things such as listening to music or reading, and have minimum technology in the bedroom to remove the temptation. “It is a new sort of self-discipline so you can control technology, instead of it controlling you.” Prof Hillman said groups such as the Sleep Health Foundation invited community conversation about sleep’s importance and he wanted governments to better promote its importance as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Sort out any problems well before going to bed. This may mean setting aside a ‘worry time’ during the day when you go over the day’s activities and work out a plan for the next day. Try to avoid using your computer within one hour of bedtime. Exercise is fine, but not too late in the evening. Find a relaxation technique that works for you. 5. Make sure your bedroom is comfortable You should have a quiet, dark

“If we get sleep right, everything is better.”

room with comfortable bedding and good temperature control. 6. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes Alcohol may help you to get off to sleep, but will disrupt your sleep during the night. Caffeine (tea, coffee, cola drinks) and the nicotine in cigarettes can keep you awake. 7. Avoid daytime naps Sleeping during the day will make it much more difficult to sleep well at night. If a nap is necessary, limit it to about 30 minutes. Make sure that you are awake for at least four hours before going back to bed. 8. Don’t lie awake watching the clock Watching the time on a clock just makes you anxious about not being asleep. If possible, take the clock out of your bedroom or turn it so that you cannot see the time. 9. Avoid sleeping pills except in exceptional circumstances They do not fix the cause of your sleeping problem. 10. You may need professional help If you are still having trouble sleeping, see your doctor. For more information on sleep, visit www.sleephealthfoundation. org.au n

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FULL AND FANTASTIC If you’ve seen one of your friends sporting lashes to rival those of the face of a beauty campaign, chances are she has discovered eyelash extensions. They are nothing new in the world of beauty, but they are becoming more affordable and therefore accessible to the everyday fashionista.

Rhiannon Gavalakis asks beautician Sarah Ransome from The Beauty Parlour about the latest eyelash extensions trend. Think how wonderful it would be to wake up every day with beautiful eyelashes that define your eyes, without having to mess around with mascara. Well this dream may be a reality with semi-permanent eyelash extensions; that offer thicker and longer lashes in the blink of an eye. Sarah said the eyelash extensions, which last anywhere from two to three weeks, are soft and lightweight, so you do not notice you are wearing them.

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“They look natural, and they are a rich black shade; which enhances the appearance of the eye,” Sarah said.

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on the individual; some people will find they last longer than three weeks, while others may not quite reach that long,” she said. “Refills should be done every two to three weeks, to keep the eyelashes looking their best.” Sarah said the extensions will fall out with your natural lash cycle over time; otherwise, you can have them removed in a salon — but this is not usually required. She said clients do have them for everyday wear, or the extensions are perfect for a special occasion such as a deb or wedding to finish off the look. For those who wear them all the time, Sarah advised giving your natural eyelashes a break every now and then, because there is glue involved in the application. COST: Full set $100, refill $50 (approximate cost, prices may vary between salons). APPLICATION TIME: One to two hours, depending on the number of lashes applied. n

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Travel

Sarah Thompson at Machu Pichu, Peru.

Schedules forgotten on sprawling South American journey Backpacking is an enduring rite of passage for many young Australians. Intrepid traveller Sarah Thompson talks to Alexandra Bathman about her overseas odyssey with JosĂŠ Stewart.

MAY 2014 |

Salt Flats, Bolivia

Casa Del Arbol, Ecuador

Sarah Thompson and her boyfriend José Stewart quit their jobs and booked one-way tickets for the journey of a lifetime in 2013 through the tropical and desert landscapes of south and central America. The couple worked hard to save more than $20 000 each to travel for nine months across 16 countries. “José was born in Colombia; his Australian mum adopted him when he was a baby so that’s where our interest came from,” Sarah said. “Then I decided, `If I’m going, I want to do it all.’ ” They adapted to the relaxed lifestyle in countries where, Sarah said, time meant nothing. There was no need to wear a watch or keep to a holiday schedule. “You could be waiting for a bus and the bus driver turns up and he is shirtless and he has a beer in his hand,” she said. “You were meant to leave at two o’clock but he is just sitting having his beer and then an hour later he will decide that he wants to go. For them, time isn’t anything.” Using what little Spanish they could speak, they started their South American journey in Brazil and travelled to Colombia, then sailed to Panama, from where they continued on buses and stayed at hostels for about $20 a night.

trekking through that is also another amazing moment.” On an average day, Sarah and José would wake up early for daily activities that included zip-lining, treks and sand boarding. For lunch they would find a shack and eat a basic meal of beans and meat for just $2 before later enjoying the night’s festivities. By chance, the pair met with mates from home. “When we had our trip planned we found out other people were going. We communicated through Facebook and ended up being at a lot of the same places at the same time,” Sarah said. “We were so lucky to have that, because although travelling as a couple is great, we loved our time with our friends.” Sarah felt safe on the trip and said safety came down to common sense. “As much as people say that it’s dangerous, if you’re wary and you do the right thing, then you’ll keep out of those scary situations.” After being able to do whatever they wanted for so long, Sarah said it was hard to come back to reality. “It’s very different to how we live our lives here,’’ she said.

Sarah said she was blown away by the salt flats in Bolivia.

“I’ve learned how different worlds work. Our society is so highstress, whereas over there everything is slow and nothing has structure.

“You get in a four-wheel drive for three days and you’re 5000 m above sea level,” she said.

“You did miss the routine sometimes, and the normality of Western life — but then when you’re back you miss the other way of life, too.”

“It’s pretty amazing. Seeing the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru and

If only it was possible to have the best of both worlds. n

| MAY 2014

Iguazu Falls, Brazil

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22 Welsford Street, Shepparton Ph: 03 5821 7777 | Fax: 03 5822 2916 Email: ggib@ggib.com.au | Web www.ggib.com.au Sarah and José during their trek to Machu Picchu, Peru. MAY 2014 |

Wellbeing

Story: Alexandra Bathman

NURTURE your mind’s garden

There is a saying: “Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are seeds — you can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds.” It’s not known who rhymed this dictum but whoever it was hit the nail on the head.

being miserable to turning around and feeling like they have a different point of view. They realise that their life is actually pretty good.”

Of course it’s not as though we ever want weeds to grow — especially in our minds.

The aim of meditation is not to take a moment out of a busy day but to take notice of our thoughts and learn to be conscious throughout the day when not meditating.

Meditation can help train the mind to be conscious with our thoughts so we can prevent weeds from growing.

Wendy said another misconception of meditation was that you weren’t allowed to think.

Being conscious of how our minds are thinking is important to our mental health. If we aren’t conscious of our thinking it can be easier to dwell on the past which could lead to depressive thoughts. Or, we may be thinking too far into the future or the unknown which could lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Wendy Brewer holds a diploma in meditation teacher training and operates Bluesky Meditation in Shepparton. She said many of her clients had either anxiety or mild depression, and meditation helped them change their state of mind. “I’ve had meditation groups and several people who have been coming to meditation for years and they tell me they have found a lot more peace,” she said. “There have been amazing breakthroughs like people going from 56

| MAY 2014

“The best advice I can give is notice your thoughts as they are part of the experience of meditation,” she said. To manage stress and find mental clarity, experts say anyone can reap the benefits of meditation for as little as 10 minutes a day. However, longer sessions are suggested for the management of depression. Wendy said it was important to have some discipline when beginning meditation because it took practice to remove the ‘weeds’. “When you’re starting out, go where you can’t be disturbed and to somewhere quiet,” she said. “There are so many different styles of mediation so keep it simple. Sit and appreciate what’s around you, take some breaths, and become aware of how you’re feeling.” n

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Fitness

alakis

Gav iannon

Maybe not so much run, but

CERTAINLY FUN This photograph and above photograph supplied by Swisse

In September last year, I was standing in several inches of mud at Phillip Island, cheering on my dad as he battled his way through the Tough Mudder field.

We ran 5 km of the same roads that, just two weeks later, welcomed motorsport elite from around the world for the Formula 1 Grand Prix; although, I must admit, it became more of

Seeing him at 55 years old keeping up with men half his age on a 20 km obstacle course designed by British special forces, was amazing.

a colour walk than run. The staggered start times helped but with so many people it was hard to reach a good pace — although that didn’t seem to faze anyone.

He fractured his shoulder on the second-last obstacle — scaling a 4.5 m half-pipe dubbed Mt Everest — and still finished the course. It inspired me to lace-up my Nikes and embark on my own fitness journey — starting with fun runs. They’ve grown in popularity to the extent where there is one somewhere just about every weekend — and they are not just for fitness junkies; they are also for the everyday person. In March, I joined more than 16 000 people at Albert Park in Melbourne for the Grand Prix edition of the Swisse Color Run. Before the event I warmed-up by taking a Zumba class with hundreds of other fun-run goers. There was a real sense of camaraderie on the day, and there was an electric buzz at the start line with thousands of adrenalinpumped people ready to take part. The colour stations were where the magic happened, as the marshals showered participants with a kaleidoscope of colour. 58

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Walking or running over the finish line, the sense of achievement felt brilliant. After the event I went to the pier in St Kilda for lunch with my relatives, and we went from blending into a sea of people likewise adorned, to standing out in a crowd and having onlookers from every direction ask why we were covered in colour. People stopped us on several occasions and we became mini celebrities for the afternoon, posing for photos with complete strangers. While I’m still working on my own fitness goals, I have found these events offer a great timeline to work with to track your fitness. I have the Tough Mudder in my sights, and I’ve been told the average 5 km of a fun run is the minimum distance you need to be able to run to complete the course. If that’s right, then I’m on track. n

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