MyCityLife #01 | Summer 14 by MyCityLife

MY FEATURE STORY

LAUNCHING A NEW TV NETWORK FOR KIDS, BY KIDS.

HIDDEN TREASURES with Elixir Rooftop Bar

SUMMER LIVING Our guide to

EAT / DRINK / LIFESTYLE

BRISBANE HEAT Are firing it up!

WHATSON

Our EVENT GUIDE to summer

LOVE IN THE CITY

Are we too connected?

A VERY SOLEIL SUMMER

with JULES & ROC

SURFING THE DREAM

with SURF / BRAND

#01

Summer 14

Contents COVER STORY

12 JUICED EACH DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY

FEATURES

EDITOR JOEY CURTIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR PHIL WINTON

HOSPITALITY SCENE

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR DANICA VOLL DESIGN TEAM MONIQUE WILSON BELINDA LI PRODUCTION MANAGER BEN STEEL

LIFESTYLE

WORDIES ALY EVEILLE KELLY MORGAN LADY LEX

4 DRINK 6 EAT 8 HEALTH 10 SPORT 11 TRAVEL 14 HIS FASHION 15 HER FASHION 16 FASHION 18 WHATSON 27 LOVE 28 SOCIALS 31 ART 32 BLOCKBUSTERS 33 DIGITAL

CONTRIBUTORS BEN WILLIAMSON CANDICE ROAT CAT MATSON DAVID BONE EMILY WARBRICK GAIL SORRONDA HUMANS OF BRISBANE KATE GUBANYI JONATHAN FORD MARTY KEETALS MATHEW HEWITT MATT KIRKEGAARD NICK BLEEKER SARAH DO ROZARIO TOVE LANGRIDGE

STYLIST

SHOOT COVER ssell

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WELCOME TO MYCITYLIFE #01 SUMMER 14

EDITOR IN CHIEF HUGH REES

24 SURFING THE DREAM 26 HUMANS OF BRISBANE 34 THE HEALING POWER OF LOVE 35 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

1300 302 611 lifestyle@mycitylife.com.au

We are excited to deliver a seasonal publication that celebrates experiences of the city through stories that leave lasting impressions. The essence of a city comes down to the people. After all, we are what makes it unique.

CREDITS

3 ELIXIR ROOFTOP BAR 7 CUT & COOK 9 WELLBEING WITH SIMON KERLE 20 A DAY IN THE LIFE: NATALINA FORD 22 CUVÉE LOUNGE, SOFITEL BRISBANE 23 BUILDING BRISBANE’S

PUBLISHER’S INDEMNITY: Advertising placements, editorial submissions, copy and supplied materials have been provided to Expose Media Group without infringing upon any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title or breach of confidence; the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes, and does not contain anything obscene or indecent. In addition to the above, all agree that the publisher and its agents remain indemnified against any investigations, claims or judgements.

As we celebrate our first birthday, it is humbling to see how much MyCityLife has grown. Our evolution comes full circle, expanding from digital into our first print magazine.

ue Pip Ru an Aven Model: osh Kilroy ton | Urb -up: Corinne J : in t s W li il y h t S ke :P nas Ma rapher y Photog Make Up: Lato sbane Square ortitude Valle ri d B n / A k n reet, F a t b S Hair h s t e u n: So 5 Jam Locatio Jules & Roc, 6 rt s: a m S d Clothe inger an e G : s s e r D ert n ery: Lib Jewell uart Weitzma t S : s Shoe rg e : Olgab Clutch

mycitylife.com.au

/mycitymylifestyle

JOSH KILROY

SHOOTERS ANDREW MEADOWCROFT | GCVIP ANDREW WILSON | DIRTY LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY MARC CASOLANI PHIL WINTON | URBAN AVENUE TASH SORENSON | SABI STUDIOS

MyCityLife is an Expose Media Group publication

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feature

Lady Lex

here’s a sense of departure from party central while drinking in the surrounding views of a high-flown cityscape. Overlooking the heart of The Valley, Elixir Rooftop Bar is a host of hidden treasures; an escape, far from the madding crowd.

Photographer: Marc Casolani and Declan Roche

Burrowed between Brunswick Street Mall and Chinatown, Elixir takes on the mystical story of the Moon Rabbit, waiving its rights to happiness for the sake of the immortal Moon Goddess. Through the magic of this vision, the Elixir team purposefully concocts a heavenly environment. Some 127 golden rabbits adorn the impressive bar, as a nod to its namesake. From here, Director Peter Biedak, Venue Manager Ken Sattler and Bar Manager Dave Jolly spearhead a distinguished troupe. While the bar’s carefully crafted cocktails are only to be expected, the kitchen’s superior dishes are a revelation. Trademark tapas, sliders and salads hit the spot, though the ribs remain the standout.

WELCOME THE IDYLLIC ELEMENTS OF ETERNAL SUNSHINE AND SULTRY NIGHTS WHERE OUTDOOR LIVING IS A CULTURAL EXPECTATION. SET WITHIN THE URBAN COMPOSITION OF THE CITY, ROOFTOP BARS STAND OUT AS THE ULTIMATE IN ELEVATED DRINKERY.

This utopian ambiance comes with flavours of deep house and lounge music supplied by the best local DJs. Altogether, these elegant extracts of food and drink fuse with the fairy light studded décor, plush greenery and twinkling candles for an oasis soaring above the concrete jungle.

ELIXIR ROOFTOP BAR 646 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley 07 3363 5599 elixirrooftop.com.au /elixirrooftop

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Summer Drinking

We explore summer, looking at the top drops for BBQs, the beach and celebration - as suggested by our top boys in beverages.

Beer with Matt Kirkegaard

Wine with David Bone

his year a growing number of Brisbanites will experiment with cider on their tables and in their overflowing eskies. Cider made from real, local fruit is my pick.

A presenter educator and media commentator, Matt is passionate about beer and is one of the few independent beer educators and advocators in Australia.

Marty Keetels is the founder and festival director of Beer InCider Experience. He is a cider nut who quit his job to create a festival celebrating the quality and range of ciders in Australia.

A local personality and genuine lover of wine, David Bone is a leader in the education and drinking of good drops through Cuttings Wine.

BEACH Stone & Wood Pacific Ale - 4.4%

For a beer to enjoy at the beach, you cannot go past one that was born at the beach. Byron Bay’s Stone & Wood Brewery is crisp and dry but very, very satisfying.

BBQ

Rogers Beer - Little Creatures (Lion) Amber Ale 3.8%

A beer with more malt and colour, Rogers Beer from Little Creatures has the added benefit of being a truly flavoursome midstrength, perfect for a barbecue.

CELEBRATION Deus Brouwerij Bosteels - Bière de Champagne / Bière Brut - 11.5%

Deus is the champagne of beers where the process develops flavours of thyme, anise and cloves. 4

Cider with Marty Keetels

eer. It’s a staple of Australian social life. The perfect companion for summers of cricket, beaches and barbeques. But for all that it is revered, the quintessential Australian drop still gets short changed.

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risbane has evolved from a state dominated by beer and Bundy to a city with a bubbling wine culture comparable to any other in the country.

Willie Smiths Organic Apple Cider - 5.4% ABV

From the Huon Valley in Tasmania, this organic apple cider has a deliciously orange appearance with a refreshing acidity and rounded apple flavours. It’s an easy drinking cider perfect with American style BBQ ribs or roast pork with apple sauce.

Hillbilly Pear Cider, 4.5% ABV

A good pear cider is deliciously refreshing and there are few better than Hillybilly’s Pear Cider. Made with whole Australian pears from Bilpin in the Blue Mountains, this cider is vibrant in aroma and taste.

Miss Molly Grape Cider Clare Valley Brewing Co - 4.5% ABV

From South Australia’s beautiful Clare Valley, Miss Molly is an easy drinking take on a sparkling white and made from real grapes.

2014 First Drop ‘Endless Summer’ Pinot Grigio – Adelaide Hills, SA

First Drop have created a classic Pinot Grigio, crisp citrus acidity holding together a fairly neutral palate with subtle pear and apple aromas

2012 Heartland ‘Spice Trader’ Shiraz/ Cabernet – Langhorne Creek, SA

Deep and dark in the glass with a burst of intense blueberry and blackberry on the palate, with hints of clove and cinnamon spice. Sensational.

NV Burlesque Blanc de Blanc – Great Southern, WA

With this sparkling, the palate is lifted; like biting into a green apple with just a hint of preserved citrus, embracing a frivolity and licentiousness impossible to disfavour.

lifestyle

The Perfect Celebration Cocktail This is a twist on old favourite The Aperol Spritz, using all components and adding a few new ones. The great thing about this drink, it can be done in large format. Watermelon Shrubery • 50ml Aperol • 10ml Burnt Orange and Vanilla Bean Syrup by ”The Simple Syrup Co” simplesyrupco.com • 60ml Watermelon Shrub check online for Matt’s recipe. • 8-10 mint leaves • 90ml Prosecco • 60ml Soda Water • 50ml Pineapple Juice Build in large wine glass with cubed ice. Garnish with seasonal fruit and mint sprigs.

MATT’S TIPS When making a new drink from a recipe, measure accurately, follow the steps, then balance to taste. • Always use fresh ingredients where possible and chill your glassware. Your drink will taste better ice cold made using fresh pressed juices.

Photographer: Tash Sorenson

• Try to use quality alcohol. • For a tart-sour style of drink, pop 5-10ml more citrus juice in than sweetener. • Put a few key flavours together and expand but no more that 5-6 base ingredients. • Have fun and experiment!

MATHEW HEWITT Great bartenders are born, not manufactured. The Gresham’s Mathew Hewitt stands out as one of the greatest bartenders in The City, with a notorious attention to detail. Fifteen years of dedication has seen Matt ruling the bar scene, where his approach to bartending is straightforward. “Simple tasty drinks always work over complicated ones. Less is more,” Mathew proclaims. “ So keep it simple.” THE GRESHAM 308 Queen Street, Brisbane thegresham.com.au

Read more online: mycitylife.com.au

MyCityLife

lifestyle

The Super Powers of Superfoods The word ‘superfood’ has been thrown around with noses turning up and plenty of eye rolling. Can anything labelled ‘super’ lay claims to heal health ailments or add an extra glimmer to the eyes and be in a drink or a cake? Yes. Yes it can. Health food advocate Candice Roat from Coco Bliss Superfood Bar belts out the super powers of superfoods. RAW HONEY

USE

The original sweet liquid that honeybees produce from the concentrated nectar of flowers

Acai pulp frozen smoothie packs and blend them for breakfast, lunch, pre or post workout meals, even dinner - if your addiction runs that deep.

SUPER POWERS Natural, unpasteurized, raw and full of enzymes and antioxidants, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, strengthens the immune system. USE To sweeten.

RAW CACAO Raw Cacao is good for your skin and full of antioxidants. SUPER POWERS Raw, one of the most antioxidant rich ingredients on the planet and high in minerals. USE Like you would for chocolate.

COCONUT OIL The unique combination of fatty acids has profound positive effects on health. SUPER POWERS One of the only oils that remains stable at any temperature when heating or cooking without the risk of damaging free radicals. USE Cook with it, make raw chocolate with it; slather yourself in it, use as lip balm or to treat split ends. Just get amongst it.

CHIA SEEDS Jampacked with fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, amino acids and high in protein, these tiny seeds pack a superfood punch.

ACAI (as-sigh-ee)

SUPER POWERS

The purple berry of the Amazonia with significant nutritional abilities when eaten fresh.

They improve sleep, promote healthy weight, are high in manganese and phosphorous, great for bones and teeth.

SUPER POWERS

USE

High in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, this super berry is energy inducing and slows down the ageing process.

Sprinkle these little babies on everything and anything you can.

Candice Roat is a youthful energetic mother and businesswoman caring about what happens to our bodies and the bodies of growing children. Coco Bliss Superfood Bar shows that food can be super healthy as well as super yummy too.

SUPER POWER GREEN SMOOTHIE Combine these super foods for the ultimate super powerful summer refresher. • • • • • •

250mls coconut water handful of spinach handful of kale 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 frozen banana 1 tablespoon raw honey

For extra sweetness, add some extra frozen banana or frozen mango.

COCO BLISS SUPERFOOD BAR cnr Melbourne & Edmonstone Street, South Brisbane cocobliss.com.au /cocoblisssuperfoodbar

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Wellbeing with Simon Kerle As the proud father of Full Moon Yoga, former pro basketballer Simon Kerle is bringing the raw power of yoga to the city. Sarah Do Rozario

tress is the body’s reaction to challenges, which impacts on a human’s mental and physical wellbeing. The high stress, fastpaced, career-focused city lifestyle is the polar opposite to an attitude of inner stillness. For in yoga, inner stillness brings balance to the body as a spiritual and austere discipline designed for health and relaxation. Using techniques from breath control to meditation through body positions and attitude, yoga can resolve stress, aggression and negative energy. As a former professional basketballer and now owner of Raw Power Studio in Breakfast Creek, Simon Kerle has battled both sides. And he is dedicated to passing on his passion for yoga. “I couldn’t sleep. I could never see the end of the rainbow,” Simon recalls. “I was barely keeping my head above water.” What changed Simon was the discovery of yoga, which infuses his everyday life. “I look at how practising yoga daily and meditating helps make everything in my life clearer and simpler. That’s what we need: life to be simple.”

No matter what you do in life, things will be challenging. Yoga shows you how to remain calm in very testing situations

RAW POWER YOGA Breakfast Creek Wharf, Suite 8, 194 Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead 07 3257 1338 rawpoweryoga.com.au /UniquePowerYoga

SIMON’S TOP TIPS TO STRESS LESS AND LIVE BETTER Simon Says... • Eat healthy food, and get active • Do what you love • Enjoy today • Give stressful people and situations the flick • Free your mind with yoga and meditation • Sleep is vital for our body to repair, recover, grow, and become stronger

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Summer Cricket Heat Cricket is ingrained in our summer culture and the popularity for T20 continues to grow. The signing of international superstars sees Brisbane Heat firing up for a blazing season ahead. Stephen Gray

ince 2011, Brisbane Heat has been steadily adding fuel to the T20 fire. And in 2014-2015, the upcoming summer season has emerged as the hottest ticket in town. But for all the hype and buzz surrounding cricket this summer, Brisbane Heat coach Stuart Law is keeping decidedly cool about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this year’s KFC T20 Big Bash. Stuart knows that with all of the excitement around the BBL, the players are ready. “We just want to play our best cricket and entertain the fans,’’ he maintains. “We’ll be better this time. We are well prepared for whatever is thrown at us.” With Nathan Reardon and Ben Cutting recently donning the Aussie Cap against South Africa, Captain James Hopes is on track to lead a strong team into this season. But to really fan sparks, test cricket legend Allan Border is onboard as the club’s mentor, leaving every avenue open for Brisbane Heat to fire it up. Heat institution Dan Vettori is joined by West India’s Samuel Badree in wearing the teal. While the addition of T20’s world number one bowler is exciting news, it

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is English test great Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff that stands out as this summer’s fireball. “I really enjoyed my T20 season with The Lancs,” Freddie enthuses. “The opportunity to keep playing is something I am very pleased about. It’s going to be great heading to Brisbane and getting into the swing of things,” he proclaims. “I’ve seen from afar how the BBL has evolved so quickly to become a world class competition, and it’s a challenge that I am certainly up for.”

WE ARE WELL PREPARED FOR WHATEVER IS THROWN AT US

The Gabba

Sun Dec 28, 2014

The Gabba

Sun Jan 4, 2015

The Gabba

Sun Jan 11, 2015

The Gabba

Thu Jan 22, 2015

Grab your tickets: brisbaneheat.com.au

lifestyle

Emily Warbrick

A Queensland summer: sweltering heat and continuous air conditioning. A workout means plum coloured faces and dripping sweat while fighting oppressive humidity. Trade it in for crisp, fresh air, snow holidays and a white christmas.

kjus FORMULA ladies pant

And it’s not even far to go.

Sorel TOFINO APRE BootS

FUN FACTS ABOUT JAPAN Area: 377,829 sq km Capital: Tokyo Population: 127.8 million Population Density: 333.7 per sq km Time: GMT + 9

TIPS TO SNOW FASHION IN JAPAN

With Japan in the Northern Hemisphere, the average winter temperatures are -4.1 degrees Celsius

SKI FACTS ABOUT JAPAN • • • • • • • • •

Epic light powder which makes even a novice skier look like a professional. Constant snowing covers old tracks in 15 minutes for continual fresh runs. The snow where you want to try new tricks - with a soft landing, just in case all doesn’t go to plan. Beautiful long spaced tree runs The feeling of being in back country without having to hike. Non-existent lift lines with thousands of metres of vertical to cover. Alpine vistas and neverending lines. Great karaoke bars. Finish the day with a yebisu (pronounced ‘eh-bi-su’) because what Australian doesn’t love a good beer?

kjus formula ladies jacket

KJUS SNOW down LADIES jacket

KJUS Premium Beanie

Snowscene is the one-stop-shop for the latest in snow fashion trends and snow holidays. Visit them at snowscene.com.au or at their Woolloongabba concept store next to The Chalk Hotel, with free car parking on site. SNOWSCENE 743 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba 07 3392 1722 snowscene.com.au /SnowSceneSkiTours

• • • • •

Be prepared coming from the Sunshine State. Layer appropriately with merino thermals. Goose down mid layers are perfect for city touring and adventures in your chosen ski resort. Invest in good quality gloves: hands and feet are always the first extremities that get cold. Safety first: Helmets are a must.

JAPAN SN OW

HOLIDAYS $982 pp for

from

and

7 nights 5 days ski

SNOWSCE

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Photographer: Elope Pics

A BRISBANE GIRL WITH A PASSION FOR HELPING SICK AND DISABLED KIDS, PIP RUSSELL IS MAKING MAMMOTH MOVES IN THE CHARITY WORLD. BUT DON’T DUB HER A MASTER OF PHILANTHROPY JUST FOR THE SAKE OF IT. PIP’S MOTIVATION RUNS DEEP AND SHE IS MORE THAN JUST A HAPPY FACE ON THE TUBE.

Aly Eveille

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uiced TV is set to be an innovation in enriching the health and wellbeing of sick kids. A channel made for children, by children, the show will also be connecting kids and their families so they don’t feel alone in their journey. “They’ll have production meetings every week, and they’ll be able to give feedback on it through the website. The kids are busting to do double dares on the hospital teachers for the show,” Pip laughs. “We’ll organise weekly parties to film and there’ll also be one film day each week where the kids will host and interview guests.” The show launches in January at Queensland’s new Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital. Giving patients a stimulating resource to enhance their life while undergoing treatment, Pip Russell is determined to get these kids on the road to recovery sooner rather than later. Once the host for children’s television shows Toasted TV and Totally Wild on Network Ten, Pip is no stranger to being in front of the camera for kids. She has spent the last four years producing Juiced TV, aiming to create an environment that kids won’t associate with negative experiences. Often the first thing that kids lose when they’re admitted to hospital is choice and control, which is necessary for their treatment and recovery,” Pip notes. “But that also means that they’re missing out on important time where they should be thinking and acting like kids. I came from a great childhood with an awesome school and friends. It really sucks these kids are missing out, so I want to be able to help them.” From aid work in remote villages of Africa to presenting a documentary on Australian Aid in Cambodia, and raising over $20,000 for cancer research, Pip has done enough volunteer work to guarantee good karma for life. After volunteering for The Children’s Hospital Foundation, she then looked at arranging parties.

cover story “We’d have parties on the hospital lawn with magicians and other performers and that’s where the idea came from,” Pip reveals. “I thought making this into a television show would be a great way to get other kids involved who were stuck inside or in other towns, and my experience in TV equipped me to actualise this.” The production of Juiced TV will also go beyond the hospital walls, with patients’ wishes coming true filmed for the show. “We really want the kids fulfilling their dreams,” Pip states, “whether it’s swimming with dolphins, going to a Broncos game or riding in a racing car. The aim is to keep their spirits high; to make them feel normal. We don’t need to highlight they’ve got a disability or are sick.”

been enough to produce early episodes, she was in fits of both laughter and tears when $6,000 was raised in minutes as the story appeared on the Today Show. “People want to help but don’t know how. Juiced TV is tangible, so people can see where their donations are going.” Following the pilot period in Queensland, Pip hopes to take the show national but she acknowledges that she can’t do it alone. “The biggest thing for us is gaining sponsorships so we can continue,” Pip declares. “We’d like to take it to more hospitals as soon as we can, and I really need Brisbane to get behind it.” With Pip doing everything from public relations to web development, she could certainly use the help, be it with services or funding. Pip points out that she wants to make this a positive and fulfilling experience that benefits the kids and families. “We need sponsors to come onboard to help fulfil our mission of giving sick kids back their childhood.”

WE REALLY WANT TO GET THE KIDS OUT FULFILLING THEIR DREAMS,WHETHER IT’S SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS, GOING TO A BRONCOS GAME OR RIDING IN A RACING CAR

Pip raised funds through crowd funding earlier this year, and impressively raised more than double her goal, reaching over $30,000. While half of that would have

JUICEDTV juicedtv.com.au /juicedtv.com.au @juiced_tv

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Men’s Summer Fashion

FORDO’S TIPS There are small things you can wear to stand out: • A jacket with colourful detailing.

MEN’S FASHION HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER. LOTS OF GREAT EVENTS ARE GOING ON AROUND TOWN WITH NEW FASHION PRECINCTS POPPING UP EVERYWHERE. THESE ARE SUPPORTED BY SOME GREAT INITIATIVES WITH MAINSTREAM MEDIA PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON OUR FASHION INDUSTRY.

• Paisley pattern pocket square. • Different fabrics like silk-knitted ties. • A good pair of chinos with side buckles – rather than a belt – with a nice pair of shoes.

Jonathan Ford

t looks like everyone is starting to get ready for summer - even though we basically have Summer all year long. And as we enter into one of the best times of year with the silly season, people start dressing a bit more relaxed, bringing colour into their wardrobes. For guys, it’s all about wearing things you feel comfortable in and stuff that can be worn from day into night. This involves good cuts with good fabrics that are practical and not heavy. You can’t go wrong with a good pair of jeans, a well fitted shirt and blazer. There are some great local guys doing this well: Pistols At Dawn | The Cloakroom, Harrison James, Wil Valor, Black Label Suits and M.J Bale - who seem to be worn on every street corner these days. It’s all about not trying too hard. A nice chilled linen shirt with jeans and Birkenstocks works - yes, that’s right. These are cool, believe it or not.

As a local icon in the fashion industry and co-owner of marketing and PR experts Department Group, Jonathan Ford is a prominent figure representing the up-andcoming sway of Gen Y Entrepreneurs pioneering the market.

are you part of the 7th? sign up for the revolution the7th.co

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Mermaids Exist THIS SUMMER, EXPECT TO DISCOVER THAT MERMAIDS REALLY DO EXIST. WALT DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID STARTED AS A CHILDHOOD FANTASY: SWIMMING LIKE A MERMAID IN THE BACKYARD POOL OR EVEN A ‘SPLASH’ MOMENT IN YOUR BATHTUB. Gail Sorronda

ut now, The Little Mermaid has grown up and she could be an urban Mermaid, an ethereal Siren, or maybe even you.

Mermaid beauty is a shape shifter this summer. She can have hair slick away from her fresh face as if she has just emerged from the salty ocean water. She can also be a 90’s cyber-inspired sea-punk Mermaid with pastel Goth hair, piercings and stick-on body gemstones. Earlier this year, Bobby Abbleys’ The Little Mermaid showed at Fall London Fashion Week. This year it was released that Sophia Coppola would do a Hans Christian Andersen inspired film where androgynous model Andrej Pejic has been cast. Rodarte’s Spring/Summer 2015 New York runway

Mermaid was amongst swashbuckling pirates. Julien Macdonald’s Spring/ Summer London FW 2015 collection reveals a mythical sea nymph. And Gail Sorronda’s Spring/Summer Australian FW 2015 The Little Mermaid takes inspiration from the fairy-tale where the land meets the sea. Inspired by contrast, the muse is a ‘Reverse Mermaid’, shape shifting from one realm to another. The Disney wideeyed Ariel and sidekick Sebastian appear in prints alongside Ernst Haeckel’s artful radiolarians. Monochrome ‘Upside Down Octopus’ beaded embroidery, clear fishscale sequins, fish-like netting and tulle embellish the collection. The Sorronda Mermaid was among a sea of Mermaids to show at Fashion Weeks around the world this season. Synchronicity makes you take notice and wonder what it is that the universe is trying to communicate. Maybe it is actually telling us that Mermaids Exist.

From her concept store in James Street, Gail Sorronda is leading the charge in Australian fashion, revered the world over for her cutting edge tastes and design. Gail Sorronda Concept Store 19 James Street, Fortitude Valley 07 3252 5917 gailsorronda.com

$90pp 5 course midweek degustation with matched wines Tuesday – Thursday. Must be even numbers

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Friday. Dinner Saturday from 6pm.

Restaurant Two Cnr Edward & Alice Street, Brisbane 07 3210 0600 – restaurant2.com.au MyCityLife

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A very Soleil Summer

Leap from leather to linen for summer. It’s the time for Soleil, pools and celebration with light and bright pieces for the hot party months leading up to New Year and beyond Valentine’s Day. Josh Kilroy

Kaftan worn as top: Nancy King Earrings: Molten Store Cuff: Sans Peur Workshop

ALL WHITE EVERYTHING The Miami Vice lifestyle is back with a vengeance! Keep it cool with a head-to-toe all-white look. Playsuit: Talulah Jewellery: Molten Store Clutch: Molten Store

GO IRIDESCENT Holographic and iridescent fabrics were a major part of the Spring 14’ collection with Phillip Lim to Marc Jacobs showcasing this trend in slips, full skirts and dresses. For a subdued impact, grip an iridescent clutch instead.

Dress: Talulah Shirt: Chalice Glasses: Bailey Nelson Accessories: Molten Store

GO LINEN Invest in a white linen button-up shirt or shirt dress. You’ll thank me In February.

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Jumpsuit: alice McCALL Necklace: Molten Store Earrings: Amber Sceats

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MIX PRINTS Clashing prints are a cool fun way to update yourself for spring 2014. By mixing big-scale with small-scale print, you create the illusion of mish-match. Keep it simple with accessories, and team with flats for an uber chic look.

GO CULOTTES The culottes have trickled in from the overseas runways. From Celine to Alexander Wang, the ¾ Culottes is the new wide leg pant. Take this look from casual all the way into your black tie dressing. Yes - it can be done!

Shirt: Victoria Beckham Crop Top: Backstage Label Culottes: Celine Zig Strap Sandals: Burak Uyan Thick Buttoned Cuff: Riccardo Forconi Earrings: Amber Sceats

Model: Charlotte Morton | Dally's Model Management Stylist: Josh Kilroy Photographer: Andrew Wilson | dirty love photography Hair and Make Up: Lauren Chalmers Location: Soleil Pool Bar, Bacchus South Bank, Rydges Brisbane Clothes: Jules & Roc, 65 James Street, Fortitude Valley MyCityLife

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Keep uptodate with WhatsOn: mycitylife.com.au/whatson

DECEMBER 2014 Until JAN 25

Until FEB 01

05–13

05–07

06-07

LION KING QPAC

UNDRESSED: 350 YEARS OF UNDERWEAR FASHION QUEENSLAND MUSEUM

TOPOLOGY & THE KRANSKY SISTERS BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

WORLD FOOD MARKETS BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS

12–23

STU LARSEN BLACK BEAR LODGE

ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN AWARDS BRISBANE CITY HALL

IGA LORD MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS CAROLS RIVERSTAGE

QUEENSLAND BALLET: NUTCRACKER QPAC

BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

360 EATONS HILL HOTEL

ELEMENTS COLLECTIVE JUDITH WRIGHT CENTRE

DEC 28-JAN 01

CENTENNIAL PARK

THE WIGGLES BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS

DEC 27–JAN 01

BOXING DAY

NEW YEAR’S EVE

NEW YEAR’S GEEK BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

FALLS FESTIVAL BYRON BAY

COMMONWEALTH BANK TEST SERIES CRICKET

WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL WOODFORD

3RD TEST

JANUARY 2015 Until JAN 25

THE ART OF THE LION KING EXHIBITION QPAC

14–25

THRILLER LIVE QPAC

15–24

Until FEB 08

STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND

RIDE THE NIGHT BRISBANE CBD

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Until FEB 22

MOONLIGHT CINEMAS SUMMER SEASON NEW FARM PARK

14–17

16–18

BOCUSE D’OR WITH SHANNON KELLAM

JAN 3

SUBLIME GOMA

NEW FARM

DISNEY LIVE! BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE

Until MAY 24

8–10

QUEENSLAND BALLET: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY QPAC

BOY & GIRL 2 BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

CHRISTMAS DAY

SOUTH BANK

7–17

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS ROUNDHOUSE THEATRE

17–26

VICTORIA

From JAN 3

ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO QPAC

From JAN 3

GIGGLE AND HOOT & FRIENDS PLAYHOUSE, QPAC

19–21

ROMEO & JULIET, THE MUSICAL BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

PASSENGER TOUR RIVERSTAGE

BERNARD FANNING THE TRIFFID

fashion events

Have an event to feature? whatson@mycitylife.com.au

FEBRUARY 2015 ALL MONTH

05–07

OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH CEREBRAL PALSY FEBRUDAREY

BARBARA & BARRY’S “SWEET, SOUR AND SAUCYJUDITH WRIGHT CENTRE

AFFAIRS OF THE HEART BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

TRIATHLON PINK SLEEMAN SPORTS COMPLEX

J MASCIS THE ZOO

CHINESE NEW YEAR

STAR TREK LIVE IN CONCERT BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM ROUNDHOUSE THEATRE

FEB 14-JUN 23

WICKED LYRIC THEATRE, QPAC

TINASHE THE TRIFFID

FEB 20–MAR 8

MARDI GRAS

MOOLOOLABA MILE

VALENTINE’S DAY

FEB 24–MAR 22

26–28

MS SWIMATHON GOLD COAST

FEB 07–MAR 0 7

BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS

BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

FLICKERFEST JUDITH WRIGHT CENTRE

SPORT DECEMBER 2014 - FEBRUARY 2015

OCT 10–APR 27

SOCCER BRISBANE ROAR: HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE SEASON

DEC 4–8

CRICKET COMMONWEALTH BANK TEST BRISBANE

DEC 5–7

V8 SUPERCARS SYDNEY 500 SYDNEY

DEC 7–14

SAILING ISAF SAILING WORLD CUP MELBOURNE

JAN 19–FEB 1

JAN 16–25

JAN 17–25

JAN 16–26

TENNIS AUSTRALIAN OPEN

SAILING FESTIVAL OF SAILS

MELBOURNE

GEELONG

CYCLING SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER ADELAIDE

CRICKET CARLTON MD ODI TRI SERIES

FEB 6–22

FEB 7–15

JAN 26

CRICKET AUSTRALIA DAY CRICKET T20 AUS VS SRI LANKA

FEB–MAR

SURFING QUIKSILVER & ROXY SURFING PRO GOLD COAST

SURFING SURFEST NEWCASTLE

SURFING HURLEY AUSTRALIAN OPEN OF SURFING MANLY

DEC 11-14

GOLF AUSTRALIA PGAGOLF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD COAST

JAN 10

DEC 18-JAN 22

CRICKET BRISBANE HEAT: KFC T20 SEASON

DEC 26

SAILING ROLEX SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE SYDNEY

JAN 9-31

JAN 4–11

RACING JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS RACE DAY GOLD COAST

SOCCER AFC ASIAN CUP AUSTRALIA 2015 BRISBANE

TENNIS BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL TENNIS

FEB 14–MAR 29

FEB 13–JUL 4

CRICKET ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP BRISBANE

RUGBY QUEENSLAND REDS: 2015 SUPER RUGBY SEASON

FEB 20

CYCLING QUEENSLAND MASTERS TRACK CHALLENGE

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A life

in the

...

Delve into the diary of Natalina Ford: model/publicist/ events manager/business woman and the brains behind Ford Digital Agency.

7.00 Open eyes. Pick up iPhone. Check emails

7.30 Damn. Need breakfast, but

don’t have time to make it. Pop into 63 Ascot Road: biggest breakfast menu in Brisbane. Grab a skinny Cappucino to go and breakfast wrap for $3.

Photographer: Marc Casolani

Now questioning 8.00 Pick up lighting in Stafford e’cco’s relaunch tonight. Make whether RSVP for phone calls in the car. Speak to carpet supplier to make sure is actually delivery is on time. spelt like 8.30 Pop into Kettle & Tin to pick up Asa’s chair for e’cco’s Chairs For Charity that... silent auction. Speak to Asa about

business. eNewsletter about e’cco’s upcoming Melbourne Luncheon gets sent out.

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17.45 Leave Obsidian. Drive home.

Would appreciate teleportation at this time rather than the peak hour traffic.

13.00 No lunch. Damn. Just take more RSVPs.

14.00 Even more last minute RSVPs. Coordinate staff for the evening. Confirm marketing training for new client. Schedule social media for the next day.

15.00 Reconfirm media coverage. Coordinate new office space. Get printing done at Office Works. Meet with Philip again. Still taking RSVPs.

10.00 Have probably taken 20

phone calls so far reconfirming details for tonight and last minute RSVPs.

18.30 Hop into a cab. Have an

argument with the taxi driver while also on the phone. Fun times.

19.00 Not at the event yet (thanks cabbie) though everything seems to be running smoothly anyway. Arrive to a full house with a massive line up outside the door. Quick catch up with staff. Grab a glass of long overdue bubbly upon arrival - never mind the bubbles at Obsidian.

20.00 - 23.00 Crazy times of

greeting guests, thanking everyone for attending, grabbing a few shucked oysters and reaching for food where possible.

23.30 Pack up the venue.

10.30 Drop into e’cco: drop off

Final chat with a very happy and bubbly Philip and Mary. They’re clearly happy about the evening, celebrating with their close friends and so many wonderful people. Catch a lift home.

lights and Asa’s chair. Meet with e’cco’s chef and owner Philip Johnson about room setup.

0.00 Shower. Pass out. 16.00 Now questioning whether 11.00 Reach office in

Woolloongabba. Work with staff on pulling together last minute details for the night. Proof socials for U On Sundays in Damien Anthony Rossi’s absence. Do invoicing. Send images and graphics for Dutch Courage’s website and start coordinating their Melbourne Cup Respond to inbox and clear out emails. Take more RSVPs. Draft a release for Cobbler: Dominic Xavier has just won the Bulldog Gin Cocktail Competition and heading to NYC.

RSVP is actually spelt like that. Brief Philip and his lovely wife Mary on the final details for the night. Set up lighting and runway carpet. Wrap house-made truffles made by young Chef Ben Devlin as gifts for tonight’s guests. Capture this on social media.

16.30 Staff arrive for the night.

No time to wash hair: off to see Tash at Obsidian on Brunswick for a quick blow dry and bubbles. At $35, it’s the best value blowdry in Brisbane. RSVPs still coming in- even though the guestlist has been fully printed. Pass on new names to door staff. Answer emails. MyCityLife

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Cuvée EARNING A FIVE-STAR RATING IS THE PINNACLE OF ACHIEVEMENT, CALCULATED THROUGH FLAWLESS SERVICE THAT EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS. A FIVE-STAR BAR IS ALWAYS A LUXURY TRIP.

rom Sofitel Brisbane Hotel, Cuvée Lounge Bar is an adventure where Parisian flavours adds to the thrill.

With stunning inner city views overlooking Anzac Square, the lounge’s understated and cool elegance defines the

Simon Law, Outlets Manager for Privé 249 and Cuvée Lounge is devoted to bartending, enjoying experiences from behind the bar since the age of 13 while growing up in Hong Kong. His cultivated background infuses Cuvée, from curating the cocktail list and atmosphere to guiding the team. Simon also creates specialty cocktails for shows and personalities that come into town, such as The Galaxy Cocktail, so inspired by Professor Brian Cox’ recent collaboration with Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Add experiences with the Soyer Shared Cocktail of lychee liqueur, vodka, absinthe, apple, lime, mint and fresh lychees served from an absinthe fountain or the summery Sangria,

Photographer: Phil Winton 22

ambiance. Bottles of wines and spirits from around the globe and the country rub shoulders. Louis Bouillot Brut Grande Reserve Perle de Vigne NV is served as house champagne by the glass, though tastes for bundy rum, whisky, bourbon, vodka or absinthe are well covered. The lounge welcomes everyone, from the wearied traveller to local legends, A Listers and celebrities – who shall remain nameless. Though in saying that, there was that one time Marilyn Manson, Fred Durst and Slipknot all lounged about listening to the local jazz band.

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and Cuvée Lounge is a destination unto itself. “City dwellers come in for coffee and meetings or a night cap before tottering home,” Simon points out. “It’s about being served by Daniel Zhu, one of Australia’s top award winning baristas or Brazilian-import Antonio Santos’ commitment to service and experience in tropical cocktails. Cuvée,” Simon proclaims, “is a relaxing environment where it’s all about the atmosphere.”

SOFITEL BRISBANE HOTEL 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane 07 3835 3535 sofitelbrisbane.com.au /SofitelBrisbaneCentral

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Building Brisbane’s HOSPITALITY scene As the Founder and Director of award winning MCD Construction, chances are everyone has leant against a bar Cameron McDonald has built.

Kelly Morgan

ameron’s first taste of hospitality construction started with the Bickle family on The Empire, Press Club and Family during the late 90s. It was then that he got excited about the crossover in design and finishes with the high-end residential work he was doing. “They feed really well off each other; we get a lot of ideas from both. Beautiful houses are all about entertaining, having fun and enjoying life. There’s crossover there with hospitality construction,” Cameron said.

Photographer: Phil Winton

While there are similarities between hospitality and residential projects, there are also significant differences. “The limited timeframes to develop designs, get them built and open can be challenging. Generally the timeframe from signing a lease, getting a design, getting it built and getting the doors open are much shorter than a typical residential project. “For us it’s about good scheduling, and working with good suppliers and contractors we know well and can rely on. We’ve even

had custom modifications done to vehicles so they can get under buildings in the city with low access.” The Gresham, which opened last year as Queensland’s first heritage listed bar, presented a new set of challenges unique to heritage buildings. “There are a lot of fond memories and history associated with that building. It was important to respect that and do it right.”

integral to MCD Construction’s next project, part of the Boggo Road Jail redevelopment. “It’s exciting being part of these projects where architects are pushing the boundaries, creating new space IT’S within old spaces. It’s EXCITING great working with BEING PART OF creative people, THESE PROJECTS collaborating and WHERE ARCHITECTS making great new ARE PUSHING THE spaces to enjoy – BOUNDARIES whether at home CREATING NEW or out playing,” SPACE WITHIN Cameron reveals. OLD SPACES

That respect for history also drives a mindfulness of their impact on the future. Cameron’s approach to sustainability and green building goes beyond construction materials to design and long-term maintenance.

“It’s not as easy with hospitality projects. With our residential projects it’s about maintaining a low cost of running the home through smart building practices, ventilation, a significant push on solar, water retention, and generally not being wasteful. A lot of thought and design goes into it,” he said. This combination of experience and appreciation for a building’s history will be

Next time you’re in a bar or restaurant that just feels right, tip your hat and raise your glass to the hands that built it.

MCD CONSTRUCTION 2/991 Stanley Street East, East Brisbane 1300 808 884 mcd.net.au /MCDConstruction MyCityLife

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the Dream Aly Eveille

BEING THE MASTER OF YOUR OWN DESTINY IS WHAT CLAUDIO KIRAC LIVES BY.THE GOLD COAST CREATIVE DIRECTOR HAS FUSED HIS PASSION FOR ART WITH HIS LOVE FOR THE BEACH, CREATING A BRAND THAT EMBODIES THE AUSTRALIAN LIFESTYLE. AND TWO YEARS SINCE ITS INCEPTION, SURF/BRAND IS GOING GLOBAL.

It’s taken a great deal for the artist to develop into a graphic designer and make a living as an all-arounder in creativity, photographer, painter, illustrator, branding expert and public speaker. “It takes really hard work,” CK points out. “I’ve got a strong support group of family, friends and my

partner behind me, and it’s special because they support me through work that isn’t a normal job. I’ve been building my dream for a long time and you have to be the master of your own destiny. You’ve got to live and die for your passion.” With business partner and craftsman Paul Bow by his side, CK has taken SURF/ BRAND from a hobby of making hand planes for body surfing, to a quality goods and lifestyle brand. SURF/BRAND is about craftsmanship, hard work, travel and lifestyle, and it’s wholly Australian - and made with love. Since SURF/BRAND’s launch in November 2012, its popularity has exploded. Extending from hand planes to soft goods, accessories and their limited edition, quality hand-crafted recycled luggage

WE’RE KEEPING THE AESTHETIC OF THE BRAND. IT REALLY IS GENUINELY AUSTRALIAN MADE.THIS IS THE ROLLS ROYCE OF HAND PLANES

Photographer: Corey Lovell 24

hile CK’s career spans twenty years and includes a portfolio more expansive than the cosmos, his passion for art started as a kid and flourished as he left school. “I got a diploma in design working with computers - that’s how I became a graphic designer.” CK says. “Then I got into fashion and became involved with some well- known brands for about thirteen years. Right now I’m into photography and design, as well as The Art-Work Agency and SURF/BRAND.”

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feature

Hand planes

Quality hand crafted recycled luggage Bag

“We produce everything in the planes,” CK said. “We came from humble beginnings, and it was Paul’s idea to polish it. But now we have purpose-built straps and deck pads made especially for the boards. The Australian Paulowina wood comes from trees from Coffs Harbour to Melbourne,” CK reveals. “We’re keeping the aesthetic of the brand. It really is genuinely Australian made,” he affirms. “This is the Rolls Royce of hand planes. SURF / BRAND surf-brand.com surf_brand

SURF/BRAND's Claudio Kirac and Paul Bow

collections. However, they didn’t want to initially start as a surf brand. “We were more about the art, culture and the traditional era of surfing,” CK explains. “We were creating quality surf items. That ended up being the irony of SURF/ BRAND, so the name really just stuck. It’s easy to see how the international market has latched onto SURF/BRAND’s hand planes, with demand outweighing supply as they export stock to Japan and Paris,” CK declares. “That’s because the planes are made by surfing veterans who have done everything, from sweep the factory floors to creating blanks, shaping boards and making the big decisions for some of the world’s most recognised surfing brands.

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feature “Sometimes I think I own too much Mickey Mouse stuff, but then I realise there’s no such thing as too much.”

“I was a sheep shearer for 30 years, part of the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) in Vietnam and I’m also a tattoo enthusiast who is still getting tattooed at the age of 67.”

‘I love your butterfly tattoo, does it have a meaning behind it?’ “I got it for my sister after she passed away last year. She had the same butterfly tattooed on her arm, so I got it on my chest along with ‘miss ya big girl’.”

"I lost my job at KFC, went home, looked in my wardrobe and realised that it lacked any colour and life, there was just too much black and brown! I went out that day and bought an entire outfit of rainbow. Now I walk down the streets and people either laugh with me or at me, but it doesn't matter because at the end of the day we're all smiling together."

ofbrisbane

Brisbane, Australia - one moment at a time Humans of Brisbane was inspired by Humans Of New York, and is a part of the universal collective Humans Of Planet Earth. This is a project sharing stories of the people who live in this city. The objective is to share real, everyday stories with the world; to know the people of Brisbane with no rules, boundaries or judgement. Each individual soul has a story to tell and it deserves to be shared with the world. We are all extraordinary in our own right.

“I was an actor in Melbourne back in the late 80s. I got tired of acting so I took a little trip to Darwin and decided that I wanted to go to University to become a teacher. I was bored one day and stumbled upon some balloons in a shop. I started playing around with them and discovered that I had a bit of a knack for balloon design. 25 years later and here I am.”

“Don't waste your time, do things that actually make you happy.”

'What makes you happy?' “People. And reading and writing. I like to write about everything.”

“I decided to go back to uni as a mature aged student after struggling with various drug addictions and a failed marriage, and that's where I met Sunshine. She followed me around campus for the first week as she was lost and I apparently looked like I knew what I was doing. One day I turned around and asked her why she was following me and we hit it off straight away. That was almost 17 years ago." 26

I MyCityLife

Follow the journey /hopeforbrisbaneofficial /humansofpe humansofbrisbaneofficial #hopeforbrisbane

lifestyle

Linda’s Top Tips for Dating • Be open and approachable. • Be interested in what people have to say. • Leave egos at home and be humble. • Have realistic expectations. • Use the three date rule: don’t be too quick to judge. Give things a chance with more than one date.

Kelly Morgan

n this era of wifi and portable devices we’re more connected than ever, but the quest to find love in The City is still daunting and difficult for many Brisbane singles. The surge in online dating sites and hook-up apps offers a smorgasbord of potential partners, but is a swipe left or right or an electronic kiss an effective way to initiate a genuine, lasting relationship? Founder and senior matchmaker at introduction agency Ideal Introductions, Linda Prescott, says relationships are about timing and compatibility – and using technology offers positives and negatives. “For maintaining and rekindling old friendships it’s amazing what technology has made possible. But you need compatibility on many levels to ensure a happy, healthy,

lasting relationship. Online dating is such a visual thing; compatibility is secondary.” Whether it’s for love or lust, Linda says Gen Ys are the savvy thinkers and often the most prepared to “outsource” their dating. Regardless of how people connect, building meaningful relationships still requires time, effort and honesty. “I am still a big believer in destiny, when I make a match it can be based on intuition. We spend years educating ourselves to get the right career, and months researching before buying a property or a car, so it still astounds me how little effort a lot of people put into finding the right partner,” Linda said. Real love is hard to find. Perhaps the secret is to disconnect our fast-paced online selves a little, and be prepared to spend more time connecting in the real world.

• If someone doesn’t seem interested, move on. • Don’t over-analyse dates: conversations should always be upbeat, positive and entertaining. • Don’t talk about your relationship history. • Don’t reject someone just because there wasn’t an instant wow. Lust is fleeting but real chemistry takes time. • Don’t treat the date like an interview. • Don’t play games. Tell it like it is. • Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. It always comes out later.

IDEAL INTRODUCTIONS Suite 4, Level 6, 138 Albert Street, Brisbane 07 3220 0171 idealintroductions.com.au /IdealIntroductions MyCityLife

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LIFE

Check out more good times and galleries online: mycitylife.com.au/snapshots/

Relaunch of e’cco Bistro With Philip and Mary Johnson at the helm of the evening’s festivities, it was a night greatly celebrated by famous and infamous alike as e’cco Bistro was refreshed with a new look after 20 years in business. Location: e’cco Bistro, 100 Boundary Street, Brisbane Photographer: Marc Casolani

Relaunch of Stock Exchange The newly refurbished Stock Exchange Hotel revealed beautifully remodelled interiors and an enchanting garden rooftop for a sunset evening of Springtime Pimms and Gin Fizzes. Location: Stock Exchange Hotel, 131 Edward Street, Brisbane

Photographer: Darwin Frame

Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation Gala Cocktail Party To raise funds for the foundation’s marine research program, guests were treated to an exclusive progressive gala cocktail party. Locations for beverages and canapés included Shark Bay, Seal Harbour and Dolphin Cove. Location: Sea World, Sea World Drive, Main Beach Photographer: Andrew Meadowcroft l gcvip.com.au

Launch of Soleil Pool Bar

Inspired by Queensland’s eternal sunshine and Bacchus’ premium French service, Soleil Pool Bar launched with an evening of fire and ice bedecked with red, gold and white, as a bevy of beauties enjoyed poolside antics, gourmet tidbits and spirited beverages. Location: Soleil Pool Bar, Bacchus South Bank, corner Glenelg and Grey Street, South Bank, South Brisbane Photographer: Jared Vethaak Courtesy: Kath Rose & Associates

ith over 50 years experience between them and 6 years in business, Lyn Carter and Wendy McSwaine are travel specialists, leading the Global Jetsetting team. Lyn and Wendy’s longstanding relationships with businesses and people remain a testament to Global Jetsetting’s continued success, where the commitment never stops and runs 7 days a week. Their extensive travel

experience comes with dedication and superior customer service. Global Jetsetting are experts in their field. The team specialise in First and Business class fares together with luxury accommodation at affordable prices. Whether it is a cruise in the Mediterranean, that right apartment overlooking Times Square or your chalet in a ski resort, Global Jetsetting have seen it, inspected it and will recommend it. They have been there: your holiday

becomes their holiday. They know how important that right hotel and location is. It can make the difference to your holiday. Experience and expertise is alive and kicking at Global Jetsetting. “Our experience, service and knowledge is unbeatable. Try us and you will never leave.”

Dream your ultimate holiday. Plan with Global Jetsetting. Travel and enjoy.

DreamPlanTravel 07 3849 5268 info@globaljetsetting.com.au globaljetsetting.com.au

Get the inside track on development funding.

“I don’t want to be left behind. In fact, I want to be there before the action starts” – Kerry Packer

Specialised Solutions for Smart Developers What we can offer to Smart Developers:

Qld’s Premier Event Staging Company with 25 years of Event Excellence Event Design & Styling • Prop Hire • Stage Hire • Lighting Hire • Theatrical Backdrops & Curtain Hire • Table Decor Hire PH 07 3350 1144

www.stagingdimensions.com.au

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– Mezzanine Finance up to 90% hard cost – Preferred Equity up to 100% hard cost – Joint Venture/Take Outs – Development Specialist

For more information on how you can get on the inside track for commercial funding, call B2B Capital on 1300 728 796, visit www.b2bcapital.com.au or e-mail sales@b2bcapital.com.au

COMMERCIAL FUNDING SPECIALISTS

lifestyle

Art with TWFineart

Tove Langridge is an international art dealer, curator and painter who owns TWFineArt Gallery.

Tove Langridge

Photographer: Tash Sorenson

V shows highlight how artwork in the home makes it feel fresh and adds wow factor. Artwork adds a focal point to your room and a unique flair to reflect personal style; turning a house into a home. For first time buyers purchasing artwork can be intimidating - but it shouldn’t be. Buy art because you like it; because it moves you rather than it matching your decor. Think of art in a room like punctuation in a sentence. Artwork should lead your eye around a space, accentuating key features to create visual syntax. Following these simple guidelines can help you select the perfect piece for your place:

artwork so it complements and draws from the colours of its surroundings COMPOSITION: As artworks colours enhance surroundings, so too can form. Circular forms balance out rigid forms in the same way bold colour fields break up cluttered space. FRAMING: Simpler is better. Stick with a clean, modern, minimal frame that bridges design trends and looks current. Invest to get a frame that is quality and fitted with acid free materials and won’t damage the artwork itself.

TWFINEART Shop 4, Centro 2, 31 James Street, Fortitude Valley

SCALE: Proportion is key.

twfineart.com

COLOUR: Artwork influences the colours around it - and vice versa. Position the

RESTAURANT & BAR

All Day Breakfast until 3pm lunch, mon-sun dinner, tues-sun

215 gIVEN TCE, PADDINGTON / Ph: 07 3369 3778 kettleandtin.com.au

NOT ORIGINAL: New technologies have opened up visual art, allowing artworks to be reproduced while preserving the touch and feel of the original artwork with a highend feel without the high-end price tag.

/twfineart

EXPERIENCE PHILIP JOHNSON’S NEW E’CCO opening mondays mondays opening in December December in

Ph: 07 3831 8344 eccobistro.com

Cocktails Cocktails Gin Gin Share Plates Plates Share 51Alfred Alfred St St Fortitude FortitudeValley Valley info@dutchcourage.com.au info@dutchcourage.com.au 51 MyCityLife

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Nick Bleeker has been reviewing film since 2008, having written and directed several short films and comedy sketches across the years with a keen eye for detail and storytelling.

with Nick Bleeker

2014 has been a solid year for new and revived properties with the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy sweeping the box office over our winter and Godzilla nuclear-breathing into other monsters faces. There’s never been a better time to be a theatregoer. The year isn’t finished yet, and we’re ready for more amazing films to bring the final act of 2014 to its conclusion and lead into a massive 2015.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 (M)

TAKEN 3 (CTC)

In cinemas Nov 20

In cinemas Jan 8

Think Catching Fire was epic? Mockingjay takes it to the next level with more explosions, more Hemsworth, and more awesome.

This should be called Liam Neeson 3 because he’s essentially the epitome for kicking ass. But the stakes have changed here as no one is taken! Taken 3 looks to change things up and have Neeson play the fugitive game as a very welcome change.

BIG HERO 6 (PG) In cinemas Dec 26

With all the heart and humour we have come to expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, this animated caper looks like an insanely good time. This tale is about a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve a mystery.

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (CTC)

BIRDMAN (MA15+) In cinemas Jan 15

Michael Keaton plays a washed up actor looking to rehabilitate his career with a repeat performance of his most prominent role. But his life gets in the way in what looks to be a rather odd mix of drama and comedy combined with some sharp filmmaking.

In cinemas Dec 26

Didn’t get enough Smaug? That’s about to change as Bilbo’s journey comes to a head and we say goodbye to Middle Earth. Besides, who doesn’t love a good dragon?

See all of these great movies on the big screen at Event Cinemas. Get your tickets eventcinemas.com.au 32

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My Digital Life Cat Matson is Brisbane’s Chief Digital Officer, overseeing the citywide Digital Brisbane strategy for Brisbane Marketing while strengthening the city’s digital start-up ecosystem. Cat co-hosts Social Media for Small Business Podcast and chairs Brisbane’s Networx Events for Marketers. Follow her on digitalbrisbane.com.au

CAT MATSON LETS US IN ON WHAT IS TAKING HER FANCY IN HER DIGITAL WORLD.

Scan the QR Code and check the app

RIVERCITYLABS

Technology geeks have to check-in to NEXT Hotel. SilverNeedle Hospitality Group have executed a spectacular redevelopment of the old Chifley At Lennons, doubling capacity to 304 rooms which are all ‘app-enabled’. App-enabled means check-in, check-out, unlock doors and set room temperatures remotely from the ‘NEXT’ app on your phone. Guests are provided with a Samsung Galaxy S4 for the duration of their stay. I love the thought of being able to leave my hotel room with only my phone. Yes, it’s the simple things.

I am loving the new Haystack app (thehaystackapp.com) for collecting and storing my business card details. I take a photo of the card and the app stores the details. It’s much better than cards piling up on my desk, and the database is totally searchable so you can find the person again. The awesome part though is that it scours the net to keep those details up-to-date. Co-founder and CEO, Ran Heimann says, “It is auto-updating, thanks to a custom learning algorithm that sits at the heart of Haystack. It constantly searches for more accurate information,” he maintains, “deciphering social and relational data to work out the old from the new, to ensure your contacts are always up-to-date.” The most exciting part though is that Haystack is a Brisbane-based company. I’m proud and excited every time I use it.

Twitter has been playing with an ad model for a while now, to open up their advertising platform to Australian small businesses. This speaks volumes about Twitter’s determination to be a significant player in the social media space and their commitment to be more valid - particularly with the Australian market. As Facebook becomes harder and harder to gain traction on for small businesses, I think the Twitter advertising platform offers a fantastic opportunity for small businesses to reach and engage with their audience again. Kinda makes me nostalgic for the early days of twitter circa 2008, with the potential of Twitter for small business marketing and networking.

#startupQLD MyCityLife

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Photographer: Elite Vision Hair and Makeup: Hong LeRouge Beauty Models: Mira Mabel

$10 from every dress sale goes to the fight against breast cancer.

career change from fashion journalist to wedding dress designer was part of a healing journey for breast cancer survivor Kate Gubanyi. “Weddings are all about new beginnings, fresh starts and new hope, and I really identified with that after going through breast cancer,” Kate points out. The former News Limited journalist married one year after her cancer treatment and wanted to stay in the happy world of anticipation that weddings inspire in people. “My hair fell out after two weeks of treatment and I had never felt so unfeminine,” Kate recalls. “There’s nothing more feminine than a wedding dress. A bride gets to wear that dress for one day when she is at her most beautiful and I love being a part of that.” The GC bridal lounge was born after her own wedding dress shopping. “I felt there was a shortage in high quality, designer dresses that woman could afford,” Kate asserts. “We sell online so it means we can really cut costs and provide a high quality gown that won’t break the bank.” More and more women are buying online, but exercise caution when buying. “An Australian designed wedding dress of the same quality as a high end shop front can be found online for about a third of the price,” she maintains. “Spending $1,000 instead of $3,000 provides a huge saving towards a wedding venue, honeymoon or a deposit on a house.”

THE GC BRIDAL LOUNGE thebridallounge.com.au /Thegcbridallounge