Ruby Spring by Adcell Group

ruby editor

Spring fever I tend to get a little bonkers when the sun comes out, and all that pent up energy that hides in a warm corner with a doona over its head throughout winter bubbles up to the surface. Those who know me are well accustomed to my mad bursts of energy. I tend to sneak out of bed – trying not to wake hubby and/or child – to jot down to-do lists, just so that I can get to sleep. But trying to do everything at once comes with a price, as I found out a few weeks ago… In between researching for Ruby pages, jotting down article notes, fielding emails and answering calls, I was juggling the hectic schedule of a 5 year-old. So, when an email popped up about an upcoming charity fundraiser, I quickly forwarded it on to thirty or so of my closest email buddies. The love shared, it was back to those lists… until the next email popped up replying to a small cocktail event that I had, I now realised, not only invited my contacts to, but also suggested they forward it on to all of theirs as well. I had horrible visions of crowds of women flooding the street outside the dear lady’s office in search cocktails with me performing the role of world’s smallest bouncer trying to hold them back. Good grief! Naturally, I immediately responded back, apologising profusely and explained the mistake, and spent the afternoon fielding various emailed versions of ‘I’m rolling around the floor laughing my ass off’. At least all the mad energy has resulted in a jam-packed spring edition of Ruby. We celebrate our third birthday with all of our beloved Ruby regulars, as well as bringing you bumper spring Ruby Living feature. And did I mention that part of that research I was doing included a non-surgical facelift? Read on…

‘Like’ us at MagazineRuby words davina montgomery 02 Ruby Spring

contents

Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Ladies

Ruby Psychology

Ruby Travel

Ruby Shop

Sit & Sip

Ruby Arts

Ruby Food

Ruby Spotlight

Ruby Living

Ruby Wine

Ruby Book Club

RUBY TURNS 3! Can you believe it’s been three years already since our little Ruby first appeared? While we here at the Ruby office get all maudlin over how our little girl has grown up so fast, she’s busy stamping her heels and getting on with the business of being a sassy, smart, modern womans’ mag. Happy Birthday, Ruby!

RUBY, an Adcell Print Group publication, is mailed to more than 5000 businesses in regional Victoria. If you would like to be added to the Ruby mailing list please contact us. PUBLISHER Maureen Tayler ISSN: 1838-1456 MANAGER Caroline Tayler EDITOR Davina Montgomery davina@adcellgroup.com.au ADVERTISE IN RUBY MAGAZINE Vinnie Kerr M 0409 427 473 vinnie@adcellgroup.com.au Tanya Carroll M 0418 302 869 tanya@adcellgroup.com.au Adcell Print Group Geelong - Head Office T (03) 5221 4408 / F (03) 5221 3322 203 Malop Street, PO Box 491, Geelong, VIC 3220

rubymagazine.com.au

ruby team

Judy Baulch Living the daily juggle, Judy is an experienced journalist and editor. When she’s not running around after her two young kids, or busy with any number of work projects, she brings us her warmth, her humour and her insight into the ups and downs of life as a working mum.

INTRODUCING... I N TRODUCI NG...

Charmaine Morse As a highly regarded local psychologist, when it comes to relationships, Charmaine has heard it all. While we are very grateful for her professional experience, what we love about her is her life experience and insight into just how funny basic human nature can be be. e.. e

Courtney Buchanan A bright young thing, with a passion for beauty and journalism, provides Ruby with the perspective of youth, as well as some very handy everyday beauty tips. Courtney lives with her boyfriend, travels when she can, gles multiple g p c and juggles careers.

Elisha Lindsay With a passion for capturing special moments, Elisha Lindsay is a Geelong-based photographer who is fine-tuned to seeing life through the lens. When she’s not peeking out from behind a camera, she juggles the many and varied demands of a family ranging from teen to toddler. ddler. ler

Annah Stretton The founder of the Annah Stretton fashion label and is a wildly successful New Zealand entrepreneur, author and speaker. With an online following of over 60,000, over 30 retail stores, 3 books and a strong business leadership programme under her belt, Annah frequently appears in the media and on stage discussing everything from entrepreneurialism, living fearlessly, females in the work force, right through to her philanthropic efforts like the Million for a Million campaign in which she teamed up with Westpac to help inspire one million New Zealanders to commit to a healthier lifestyle and thus, reduce the nations obesity levels. She has also been the recipient of the coveted Veuve Clicquot Award.

READ Annah’s very first Ruby column, “Women need a man like a fish needs a vaccum cleaner” on page 7.

Anna-Marie Hughes A wise, warm and wonderful woman of a certain age, AnnaMarie has been writing for more years than she cares to remember. Like many of you, she knows that when the kids move out, a woman’s work is still not done… especially if the hubby is still at home!

Bianca White With photography so delicious it makes you hungry, Bianca is a talented young photographer from the Geelong region. Her textural, evocative work is in demand across regional Victoria, and her beautiful food photography is on show in each edition of Ruby.

photos elisha lindsay, elphotography.com.au 03 Ruby Spring

ruby tuesday

Think Romantical Thoughts… Before you say it, yes, I know romantical is not a real word, but it is a line that Billy Crystal throws to his ‘schmoopsie-poo’ in Monsters Inc. after telling her he is taking her to a very exclusive restaurant that night for her birthday. It’s sad really, that much of the romance that comes my way these days is in the form of children’s films – and the occasional ogling of Chris Hemsworth as Thor… mmm… Anyhoo, musing on the lack of romance bursting into rosy bloom around me got me to thinking to the big romantic gestures of my life so far. I remember my very first boyfriend, Timothy Johnson. We were in Prep and, because we had the same initials, it was destined. He would even hold my hand on school excursions. But we moved away the next year, and neither

04 Ruby Spring

Tim nor I were ready for a long-distance relationship. Filed under: Sweet. At my new school I was told quite firmly that my new boyfriend was Bradley, the then leader of the boys gang. I was a bit confused about why I didn’t get a say in this, but everyone said it was so, and he did save me a seat at movie time… Filed under: Miscellaneous. Later, when I had committed myself to happy singledom, I found romance could be found outside of relationships. There was the nice boy down the road, who I had filed under ‘Just Friends’ who stole a piece of jewellery from his mum’s

jewellery box and proudly presented it to me at school. I let him down as gently as I could, and suggested he put it back before his mum found out. But still, it was a nice gesture. There was the slightly awkward boy in Grade Four, who used to wear his socks pulled through the end of his sandals and wrapped back through the ankle strap, who made a Valentine’s card and gave it me in front of EVERYONE. As grand gestures go, while very, very sweet, this one got firmly filed under Mortifying. Then there was the great unrequited love of high school. Everyone has one,

ruby tuesday although in my case it was unrequited on his side, not mine, as I was completely committed to worshipping Tom Cruise, before he went all Scientology-preachy, jump-on-couchy, more than a little creepy; naturally. As far as romantic gestures went, this guy actually had a solid portfolio. He gave me flowers, twice. Sure, the first time he stole them off a grave on a school trip to the cemetery, and was very firmly told to put it back; but he learned the lesson and went for red roses next time – naff, but sweet. He would tell

this grand gesture, as we were too busy grumbling about finding our socks and shoes in the mess on the floor. I only found out about that one years later. Filed under: Not Meant To Be. Then, post-school, there was my longtime boyfriend and, eventually, hubby. He insists the 3am pick up in a pub was something he had been working up to for a while, not because it was a last-call opportunity. It was lovely, but as grand gestures go, I don’t think it classifies. That end-of-the-night pick up quickly led to nearly ten years of living together

“It’s sad really, that much of the romance that comes my way these days is in the form of children’s films - and the occasional ogling of Chris Hemsworth as Thor… mmm…” me he had a dream of the two of us, floating in a small boat on a lake, holding hands. At the time, this seemed to fit into the lexicon of romance, although on reflection, was just a little unsettling. There were others, but sadly they became progressively odd. Filed under: Troubled. Another boy – the one I actually did like, but never really told – once made my initials out of socks and shoes on the floor of the girls cabin on school camp. He and a friend had snuck in late at night. In the morning, bleary-eyed from lack of sleep, we completely missed

before succumbing to the growing social and family pressure. It went something like this: ‘What do you think, should we get married? Sure, we probably should.’ A ring was chosen and exchanged over KFC at Balyang Sanctuary… ah, l’amore! Wedding – local - lovely. Honeymoon – Fiji - really lovely. Then came the kids, who are also lovely, but who do to romance what Freddy did to sleeping teens on Elm Street. Even fantasies were reserved for dreams of uninterrupted sleep, uninterrupted showering and the recurring dream of a week alone at a retreat where no one is allowed to talk

or make any noise louder than a quiet cough. Thankfully, small children become bigger children, and life goes back to something like normal. Although for hubby and I, romance of the grand gesture kind was never high on the agenda, being more of an everyday romance, ‘How about you go read your book for a while and I’ll bring you cup of tea’ type of thing. But I am sure that knowing how to really bring the romance is a skill that can be learned, and, until it is added to the national school curriculum, I’ve taken it upon myself to instill the seeds of romance in my young sons. ‘Mum, you are the most beautiful person in the whole world. I love you,’ they will chorus out in the supermarket, as an answering chorus of ‘Oh, isn’t that adorable’ echoes back from pretty much every woman in earshot. Of course, only in the next isle, and equally loudly, comes something like, ‘Mum, why did your penis fall off?’ It’s a hit and miss process. Then, in a moment of X Files-esque intuition, as I was writing this piece, hubby called out from the kitchen: ‘Hey babe, how about on the weekend I look after the kids while you go out, get a massage and go see a movie?’ YES! A romantic date for one - yes, yes, yes! Oh… that actually sounds a little weird. Never mind, I’m outta here.

words tuesday jones

Visit our new website from your e-pad Online applications Online quoting portal Live question portal Morris Finance TV

Call 1300 4 MORRIS

www.morrisﬁnance.com.au 05 Ruby Spring

ruby events

get the conversation started! planitroxie.c om.au

‘SOCIAL’ Engagement One of the biggest buzzword at the Plan.it Roxie offices is ‘ENGAGEMENT’ (and it’s rarely followed by the word ‘party’)! With our clients, we’re all about engagement - and that means engagement with their clients, customers, staff, sponsors, members, and community – in fact, any of their stakeholders! Whether it’s through a jaw dropping event or captivating social media we’ve realized that the essence of communicating and connecting with the people who mean the most to you is through thoughtful, meaningful and real engagement. We also know that often, the quickest and most effective way to do that is through your on-line presence and social media. Plan.it Roxie was extremely considered about our on-line presence. “When re-designing our website, we wanted something that captured our essence,” says Relationship + Brand Manager, Amarra Bowkett. “This is the first impression our clients have, so it needed wow factor, whilst being easy to navigate. ” Our social media presence is equally important and a great way to interact and engage with immediacy and regularity. “These days, people are living in the palm of their hands. They shop, be entertained and socialize on their mobile phones and that’s why it’s important to make your brand something they want to connect with online,” says our Social Media + Engagement Coordinator, Nathan Holscher.

marketing

events

engagement

0407 989 498 8 rutland street, newtown 3220

“The biggest trap too many businesses fall into is using social media as an online catalogue to sell their products. In the real world, people throw junky catalogues away, so there’s no point clogging up people’s social network feeds with snippets of your catalogue, they’ll unfollow you or worse – they won’t follow you at all.” Many of our clients have struggled with knowing what to do and then with finding the time to do it, so we now offer full social media management along with web styling and design advice. And, if your not sure you should be bothering – check out ‘The Social Media Revolution 2013’ on You Tube! planitroxie.com.au

06 Ruby Spring

ruby voices

Women Need a Man... Like a Fish Needs a Vacuum Cleaner Life without independence will never be a great option for any woman. In previous pieces, I have challenged my female readers to consider thinking more like a man. It is then ironic that I dare use such a provocative statement to introduce this piece. Of course, we women do need men. If there was ever any greater evidence that for every Yin there is a Yang then I am yet to be told of it. Men are our Yin - or would that be Yang? So many threads in the fabric of our society support the interdependence of men and women; after all, there would be no Bonnie without a Clyde, Romeo would not exist without his Juliette, and even Barack Obama attributes the success of his re-election to Michelle Obama! So, having set the record straight in regard to the necessary presence of men in our lives, I should begin to clarify my original proclamation. I love the men in my life! My independence can in no way exist in some sort of vacuum. While I will never sacrifice my individuality, it is somehow reinforced by the even greater focus I continue to bring to being part of strong and happy relationships with the men in my life. My independence ensures that the love I have for each of them is enriched by the freedoms and choices I have, as a secure and confident woman. This continues to be achieved as I give all I can to these relationships with the knowledge that it comes without any sacrifice to who I believe I am and to what I am striving to become. It is in my interactions with hundreds of women every day that I am horrified to see the total evaporation of their unique personalities. Their entire existence is

totally focused on the need to have a man, please a man and to keep a man. In their desperation to form a partnership or maintain the relationship they have with a man, these women have lost the very essence of who they really ar e. Their career choices, their appearance, the number of friends they have, the connections they have with their family simply evaporate, as they lose that essential connection to themselves. I am stunned by the number of women I meet who are truly and deeply unhappy with the relationship they have with their men. When I ask them what it is they want to change and what is they are looking for, many simply don’t know. They have totally lost track of themselves. It saddens me to hear of the many women who come into my fashion stores for a Personal Styling Session and end up in tears as they rediscover their femininity. How absolutely atrocious to have a women say, “I have not felt this beautiful for years!” Of all the goals I have set for myself, it is this message I need to shout from the rooftops that remains my absolute priority: “We women do not need a man!” We do not need men to: - Have meaningful relationships and to find great friendships. - Choose the career path we are passionate about. - Provide the basic needs of food and shelter.

- To form opinions on a wide range of social and political issues. - Tell us we look beautiful. It is with some glimmer of hope that I can begin to see strong messages of independence being sent to our younger women. As much as I hate to reference certain celebrities, I cannot deny some of the greatest messages of independence that are resonating very loudly with our women of the future are being sent by women like Kim Kardashian, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez. While many of the messages these women send are to be questioned, at least their determination for absolute independence hold worthy value. Come on ladies - we won the right to vote to enable a choice! We are provided maternity leave in recognition of the highest value we place on motherhood. We have equal access to the highest levels of education… and yet so many of us haven’t connected the dots. You are the power! You are the freedom of choice! You are your own future! Find yourself, grow yourself and then, and only then, choose to share yourself with another. For those who chose to be with a man, take with you into the relationship 100 per cent of who you are. Sure, relationships require compromise but this can never be at the expense of your core values, dreams and beliefs.

words annah stretton, annahstretton.co.nz 07 07 Rubyy Spring Ruby Spprrin in g

08 Ruby Spring

ruby psychology

Dating/flirting in A technological age Remember the good old days at high school, when flirting was as simple as writing a love note complete with a hastily scrawled heart, and passing it to the boy you had a crush on? Or, later, when you grew up - in the not so recent past – you learnt to demonstrate carnal interest with a long held gaze, a certain tilt of the head, a flutter of heavily mascaraed eyelashes, and a flip of the Farrah Fawcett hair? Well, forget all that! That’s not how you do it in the technological age. Flirting just got a whole lot more innovative. Now there’s texting, sexting, Facebook, and Twitter, all at your fingertips when you begin the flirting game with the prospective partner. There are even apps that tell you how to sms-flirt and suggest perfectly witty things to say to your beloved. But with the explosion of technology, which is now so much part of our everyday lives, the whole flirting game has changed.

In our faster-is-better world there is an expectation of instant gratification. Call me old fashioned, but whatever happened to the standard grace period of 2 or 3 days before the bloke called the girl for the second date? Nowadays, the text message alert beeps at you on the way home from the first rendezvous. And the sender knows very well that you have received their text. We all know that the mobile device is never more than an arms length away from its bearer. For some folks you’d swear it’s a grafted appendage. Hands up if you take your phone to bed with you? There you are, see what I mean? Now that we’ve got you techno savvy with the mobile, what about managing your dating expertise on Facebook?

“ ... etiquette dictates that we do not exploit our little icon buddies with overuse, or for that matter, our punctuation. No multiple use of exclamation marks !!!!!!!!! Or multiple ellipses … …. … and the like. Got it? Good, bc I don’t want u looking like an amateur lol.”

So, how do we learn the rules and avoid the potential pitfalls of misinterpretation? You can go crazy puzzling over those baffling and poorly phrased texts. That, folks, is why we have emoticons :-) That simple little smiley face can save the day. We can let the recipient know; hey it’s only a joke – hehe ;), or that their last reply made me feel pee’d off :-( If you’ve always had a bit of strife expressing your feelings - or is that just a bloke thing ;-) this option is tailor made for you. A word of warning though (or is it tho?), etiquette dictates that we do not exploit our little icon buddies with overuse, or for that matter, our punctuation. No multiple use of exclamation marks !!!!!!!!! Or multiple ellipses … …. … and the like. Got it? Good, bc I don’t want u looking like an amateur lol.

This moves your flirting into a whole new realm – the public domain. And hence, the public/private dance begins. Who befriends whom first to signal their intentions, and at what level of visibility? So many options, so many ways to stuff it up if you don’t know the rules! The befriending of the potential new partner is the voyeur’s dream come true. You get a look into this guy’s life, with the added bonus of having a squiz at his nearest and dearest. It’s the respectable version of stalking. Let’s face it, you are consumed and committed to knowing every facet of this special new man. And you have confirmation that he is special because he has 506 Facebook friends, and you only have 56. Could life get any better?

Beware, it could get worse! What happens when you actually get around to the real-time relationship with the real-life person and discover that you’re not really that into him? Or, gasp, he decides that you don’t meet his specific requirements. It’s all been so very visible and out there so what will the 506+ close friends think? As if breaking up isn’t hard enough, even without that unceremonious text at 2 am. Well, was it really that unexpected? Obviously he had intimacy issues, didn’t he – after all, wasn’t gadgetry his preferred communication style? Disentangling your relationship from Facebook can be a rough and public ride. Let’s see, you have covertly changed your status from ‘in a relationship’ to ‘single’, so all and sundry don’t read it in their news feed. You’ve gone to all the trouble to activate the ‘I don’t want to hear about this person’ option (you’ll find it under settings if you ever need to use it) and painstakingly added all the ‘mutual’ friends to the column – it only took 13 hours. So, you think you’ve got it covered, hey? Silly you, think again. You’ll never escape. Mark my words, his smiling face will still be popping up from here to eternity when your ‘mutual’ friends flaunt their fabulously fantastic lives on Facebook. So, it looks like proficiency with technology is a necessary asset/evil in the dating scene, and horror of horrors if you don’t have a smartphone or a Facebook account. You’ll be doomed to a lonely life on the proverbial shelf. You will so need to get busy reworking yourself into this hi-tech environment to stay abreast of the expectations and ambiguities of techno communication. And talking of keeping abreast, a word of warning, if you receive an sms request from the new man asking to see your ( . )( . ) he’s not meaning your eyes, ok? And certainly be wary if he wants to show you his 8===D. I’ll let you work that one out for yourself! RAFLMAO!

words charmaine morse, psychologist 09 Ruby Spring

ruby beauty

Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70, and the incidence of skin cancer is on the rise.

Love the skin you’re in Last issue I wrote about how I walked out of the Australian Skin Face Body clinic on Western Beach Road with total skin envy. So, on my next visit I just had one question: how do you get that amazing glow? And that, dear Ruby readers, is how I found myself, one Friday afternoon, under layers of anaesthetic gel about to experience what is widely touted as the future of facelifts – no scalpel required.

In 2011, more than 2,000 Australians died from skin cancer. However, the sooner a skin cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better your chance of survival. At Australian Skin Face Body, our focus is on all aspects of skin health and one of our priorities is the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. We conduct comprehensive skin checks including dermoscopy, which greatly increases the ability for early detection and ongoing monitoring of suspicious skin lesions and diagnosis of skin tumours. It also reduces the risk of unnecessary surgical excision.

Talk to us about your level of risk, advice on early detection and a comprehensive skin check. Australian Skin Face Body 50 Western Beach Road, Geelong Telephone 5221 8444 www.asfb.com.au AusSkinFaceBody

Ballarat

10 Ruby Spring

Horsham

Warrnambool

The INFINI Microneedle Fractional Radio Frequency, or MFR treatment, is a rather more glamorous way of saying I was about to have a small square of tiny needles pushed into my skin, delivering bursts of laser treatment into the lower dermis over and over and over again. It’s all very medieval torture technique, but so is bikini waxing – and the sad fact is ladies, you can’t make a rainbow without rain. Before I go any further, let me just get one thing right out there, from pedicures to needles, if it’s going to cut into my skin I want it to be sterile – not dunked in alcohol sterile, but autoclave sterile. The lovely Chanelle at ASFB explained that unlike the derma rollers that I had heard about and shuddered over, the needle tips on the INFINI are disposable, with a new tip used for each patient. Of course, thinking about sterile needle tips only reminded me that I was about to have a thousands of needles plunged into my skin in the name of beauty (oh, the things we do). And away it went, for around half an hour, with each loud click followed by a sharp sting. Around my cheeks and nose I could barely feel it, around my sensitive eye area it was painful, but far from unbearably so. I had two passes, a shallow pass to see how I coped (because everyone has a different pain tolerance) followed by a deep pass to really get the laser down to the sub-dermal layers. As you can imagine after such treatment, my skin was very, very red once we were done - think really nasty sunburn, with a few blotchy areas, a little puffy around the eyes and just a couple of very small bruises. It wasn’t sore afterwards, just very, very hot, and I had the air conditioner blasting on to my face all the way home. And if I startled a few people in my way out of the clinic, it was nothing compared to horrifying my poor mum when I dropped past. I had warned her, but judging from her shocked and horrified expression, it still came as a surprise. Later that night the heat had gone, and while my skin was still very red the next morning, by the afternoon that had mostly gone. With a slick of BB cream I went out that night and no one would have known I’d been a red-faced monster 24-hours earlier. A few days later my skin was covered in fine white dots and felt like not so fine sandpaper. Yep, all those thousands of needle holes were healing and I was desperate to exfoliate, which I got to do after Day 5. Ten days on, all traces of the scaly monster have gone and my skin glows, not in an oily I forgot to slap on the shine-reduction primer glaze, but the healthy, smooth, breakout free skin that I have coveted.

ruby beauty Even my family frown line (the ‘what? What now? How hard can it be to put your dirty socks in the laundry?’ line that, for me, lives just above my left brow) has very noticeably diminished. In the intervening weeks, whenever I mentioned having road tested the INFINI treatment, the same three questions were asked, and occasionally squealed at me after an outburst or two of ‘Oh my god, you did what? Aaugh! Let me see!’ Q1: What was it like? Q2: Did it hurt? Q3: What’s it supposed to do? It was like having a very firm Band Aid ripped off your face repeatedly. It was not the most pleasant thing I’ve ever experienced, but was actually a lot less painful than it had imagined – around the eyes and under the jaw were the worst. It stimulates the production of collagen in the skin, which then reduces wrinkles and scarring, and also reduces sebum production – so great for oily, break out prone skin. What I have realised is that people are fascinated by these sort of treatments, especially the fellas – the vain beasties! And with minimum downtime and an au naturel result, I can see the appeal for manscapers. What I really like about this treatment is that my face is still my face – it’s not frozen, it’s not unnaturally plumped, nothing’s moved or stretched, it’s just a smoother, softer version of the same old me.

Truth be told, I actually enjoy seeing the changes in my face as I age. I love the laugh lines that have crept up around my eyes and hope to always wear my years with pride. But what I have never worn with pride is my resolutely oily skin and the hormone breakouts – seriously, the wrinkles, pimples and PMT combination is so not working for me – and given a family predilection for chicken neck, I’m mentally prepared to intervene on nature a little in the years to come. While I try never to say never, I really can’t imagine myself ever having a surgical facelift. I don’t hate on those that go down the surgery route and know plenty of people who have, all for good reasons with some very impressive results, but it’s just not for me. This nonsurgical approach, however, may well be my future solution to that tightened and brightened visage we all want as we get older, even if we say we don’t. Oh, and did I mention that as I chatting away with the girls before I scurried out the door (it really does feel like the best kind of catch up with friends at the clinic) the conversation turned to labiaplasty? I just want to say: forget it; I’m not guinea pigging that one! But can’t wait to find out what I’m in for next... words davina montgomery

GET THE EDGE WITH YOUR NEXT FUNCTION

6-8 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong 3220. (03) 5222 2666 enquiries@edgegeelong.com.au www.edgegeelong.com.au

Edge Geelong

@EdgeBarGeelong

credo.GT.05.12

Edge can cater for every occasion - casual to corporate, extensive or exclusive words word wo rdss author’s rd author auth orr’s nname amee am

11 Ruby Spring

ruby shop

‘Robyn’ Metal Chair $285.00

‘Bop Girl Jewellery Holder’ $14.95

SHOP ONLINE NOW AT www.rubymagazine.com.au

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” - William Morris

e’ve all heard those lines – about how your home should be a reflection of you; your style, your personality and your individuality.

But finding those quirky, interesting pieces that give your home that sense of, well… you… aren’t always so easy to find.

That is why Ruby has sourced a range of gorgeous bits and pieces to bring your home style together. Whether it’s adding whimsy to a plain paling fence in the garden or making a dramatic statement on that big brick wall, you will find pieces that make you smile.

rubymagazine.com.au 12 Ruby Spring

ruby shop

‘Grand Crumple’ Impact Platter $145.00

‘Cast Iron Owl’ Book Ends $59.95

‘Audrey Metal Chair’ $285.00

‘Rustic Tap’ Lantern $29.95

‘Elizabeth Metal Chair’ $285.00

‘Raw Linen’ Door Stop $19.95

‘Riviera Wood Wall Decor’ $79.95

‘Pale Blue Mini Station Clock’ $35.00

‘Monastry Decor’ $195.00

‘No Understanding Anytime’ $27.50

‘Cast Iron Owl’ $18.95

‘Metal Stool’ $69.00

*All prices include delivery to Geelong and Melbourne metro areas. Full range of colours and styles available online at the Ruby Shop. 13 Ruby Spring

ruby fashion

FASHION that is as INDIVIDUAL as YOU From the heart of Pakington Street Geelong West, our stores represents something different for every individual taste. Spring is bursting with colour. We can help you create your new & happening look...

03 02 08

04 07

06 05

CONTACT DETAILS Shop 1, 118 Pakington St, Geelong West P (03) 5222 2048

14 Ruby Spring

PRODUCTS - 01. The “Anna” by Siren This sweet clog features a simple cross strap black leather design with an ankle strap and honey-hued wooden sole. Complete with antique gold metal rivets. 11. Alice Fitted Dress Fabulous fitted dress in gorgeous abstract floral, it’s perfect to balance the slim silhouette of the dress.

PRODUCTS - 02. & 03. Beautiful affordable purse and beads. Great to liven up any outfit. CONTACT DETAILS 108 Pakington St, Geelong West P (03) 5224 2776

ruby fashion

PRODUCTS - 06, 07, 08. Accessories to liven up any fashion look. CONTACT DETAILS 112 Pakington St, Geelong West P (03) 5298 1112 Facebook - unique on acland

09. Cute Summer neon dress. Perfect for the days ahead!

CONTACT DETAILS 110 Pakington St, Geelong West P (03) 5221 2175 www.tangerinebeach.com

PRODUCTS - 04. Tangerine Beach towels are 100% cotton, hand-woven on old looms in Turkey. The more you wash your Turkish towel, the softer it will be. 05. Funky accessories. 10. Tangerine Beach, your destination for the ultimate in resort wear, featuring cashmere, soft cotton voiles and easy to wear jerseys.

15 Ruby Spring

ruby arts

EDWARD STEICHEN & ART DECO FASHION Prepare your very best glamour stride and angular pose as the NGV prepares for a divine exhibition of art deco fashion photography, featuring the work of arguably fashion’s most influential photographer.

The exhibition Edward Steichen and Art Deco Fashion will feature over 200 of Steichen’s original vintage photographs, drawn from the vast Condé Nast Archive through the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography, and brings all the glamour and modernity of the 1920s and 30s to life with more than forty stunning Art Deco fashion garments and accessories. Steichen was chief photographer for Condé Nast’s most prestigious magazines, Vanity Fair and Vogue for 15 years, and his iconic images defined the fashion and celebrity culture of the era. Eat your heart out Annie Liebovitz, Steichen photographed Marlene Deitrich, Joan Crawford, Charlie Chaplin, Katherine Hepburn, Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, Greta Garbo, Gary Cooper, Winston Churchill and George Gershwin. Amongst the exquisite garments and accessories on display are the work of leading designers of the day, including Chanel, Lanvin, Madeleine Vionnet, Madame Paguin and Callot Soeurs. The elegance of old Hollywood glamour can be seen through pieces that range from swimsuits to coats, evening gowns to beach pyjamas, to hats, bags and shoes. There is even an early example of Chanel’s little black dress. NGV International | 18 October 2013 - 2 March 2014 Edward Steichen and Art Deco Fashion will be on display at NGV International (180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne) from 18 October 2013 until 2 March 2014. Open 10am –5pm, closed Tuesdays. Tickets: Adult $12 | Concession $10 | Family $30. www.ngv.vic.gov.au

16 Ruby Spring

ruby arts

1. Edward Steichen American 1879–1973, emigrated to United States 1881, worked in France 1906–23 Dancers Leonore Hughes and Maurice Mouvet 1924 gelatin silver photograph Courtesy Condé Nast Archive © 1924 Condé Nast Publications 2. Edward Steichen American 1879–1973, emigrated to United States 1881, worked in France 1906–23 On George Baher’s yacht. June Cox wearing unidentified fashion; E. Vogt wearing fashion by Chanel and a hat by Reboux; Lee Miller wearing a dress by Mae and Hattie Green and a scarf by Chanel; Hanna-Lee Sherman wearing unidentified fashion 1928 gelatin silver photograph Courtesy Condé Nast Archive © 1928 Condé Nast Publications

3. Edward Steichen American 1879–1973, emigrated to United States 1881, worked in France 1906–23 Marlene Dietrich 1934 gelatin silver photograph Courtesy Condé Nast Archive © 1934 Condé Nast Publications 4. Edward Steichen American 1879–1973, emigrated to United States 1881, worked in France 1906–23 White (center Gwili André) 1935 gelatin silver photograph Courtesy Condé Nast Archive © 1935 Condé Nast Publications 5. DELMAN, London (shoemaker) est. 1919 Shoes (c. 1937) silk, leather, metal (buckle) 15.0 x 7.2 x 23.7 cm (each) National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Gift of Miss Irene Mitchell, 1975

17 7 Ruby Spring

ruby beauty 1.

ORGANIC MAKEUP

rms beauty is a superior organic makeup line created by editorial and celebrity makeup artist, Rose-Marie Swift (Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr is both a client and close friend). Containing mostly certified organic ingredients that are not only the safest, but the highest quality available. 1. rms beauty living luminizer, $38 - The living luminizer can be used to highlight pretty points on the face such as cheek and brow bones, or mix a dab with your favourite foundation to achieve all-over glow. 2. rms beauty lip2cheek: demure, $36 - There are six stunning shades in the lip2cheek range, with demure the latest addition. Dab it on cheeks and lips for a light flush of colour, or layer for more intensity. 3. rms beauty “un” cover-up, $36 - Blurring the lines between skincare and makeup, this hydrating concealer helps heal skin while you’re wearing it.

3. 2.

AN ORGANIC EXISTENCE Natural, organic, certified organic… when it comes to skincare and cosmetics how do you know what’s what and what’s real? Much like an Internet dating profile, cosmetic brands can claim to be something they’re not. Brands can label their products as natural or organic, when the reality is a product might contain one naturally derived ingredient amidst a cocktail of synthetic chemicals. Truly natural products contain ingredients that come directly from nature, such as plant extracts (for example, aloe vera, rosehip oil and avocado oil), rather than synthetically manufactured chemicals from factories. Natural products also shouldn’t contain nasties like parabens, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, colours, animal derivatives (unless naturally produced such as milk and honey), and are usuallyy environmentallyy sustainable.

Organic ingredients are even higher in purity as they are directly from nature but must also be grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals and must not be a genetically modified organism (non-GMO). Certified organic means an ingredient or an entire product has undergone rigorous testing with an organic certification organisation that monitors their claims. There are a few reputable ones, including the Organic Food Chain Pty Ltd (OFC), which is a recognised Australian Organic Accreditation certification body. Products that have been certified organic should be stamped with a logo or the organisations name, and you can read about their certification processes on the organisations website. Let’s be honest, natural, organic or otherwise, we just want the products we pay for to perform. Who has time to fluff about finding truly natural and organic products that actually work? I do – b because it’s my job, and I love it. Take heart, these b brands offer honest claims a and real results.

SKINCARE 4. endota spa organic wild orange spritzer, $30 (125ml) - Whenever I spritz this I feel instantly refreshed and uplifted. The scent makes me feel like a 60s hippy-child roaming happily in a field of flowers. Keep it in your handbag to freshen up your makeup, hydrate, or simply as a comforting vice to carry you through a busy day. Certified organic by the Organic Food Chain. 5. Mukti Jojoba Facial Exfoliant, $36.95 (125ml) - A build-up of dead skin cells can give skin a dull appearance and also cause breakouts. The spherically round jojoba beads in this creamy gel-like exfoliator gently roll and buff away dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth and clear. All Mukti products are independently organically certified by the Organic Food Chain. 6. Sukin Rose Hip Hydrating Day Cream, $23.95 (120ml) - Sukin is a trustworthy go-to natural skincare brand. This all-natural moisturiser is jam-packed with skin-loving antioxidants, not chemicals. Boasting edible-sounding ingredients such as rosehip oil, pomegranate, Kakadu plum and 4. 5. avocado, this day cream will give you a radiant complexion. Use as a daily moisturiser alone or under makeup. 6.

BODY 7. MooGoo Milk Cleansing Bar - Finely Ground Oatmeal, Milk & Honey $6.90 (130g) 8. How Now Brown Cow Gradual Tanning Full Cream $22.50 (200g)

MooGoo products originate from a natural skin calming cream used in dairy farms to repair the skin on cow’s udders! MooGoo’s Finely Ground Oatmeal Soap and How Now Brown Cow Gradual Tanning Full Cream are a match made in skin-heaven. The daily gentle exfoliation of the oatmeal cleansing bar followed by the nourishing full cream formulation of the gradual tanning cream leaves skin soft and glowing with a gorgeous tan.

STOCKISTS. rms beauty products available from www.rmsbeauty.com with shipping to Australia free on all orders over $30, for Mukti stockists email sales@muktiorganics.com or shop online www.muktiorganics.com, endota spa products available at endota spas Australia-wide or online www.endota.com.au, Sukin available nationally at most pharmacies and health food stores, including Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, My Chemist and Terry White Chemists, MooGoo stockists can be found on the website or purchase products directly www.moogoo.com.au

words courtney buchanan 18 Ruby Spring

ruby fashion

Two words ladies... TOM FORD. We all recognise the name, don’t we? He was the miracle maker at Gucci – turning the near bankrupt company into one of the largest and most profitable luxury brands in the world. In 2005, after ten years with Gucci, Ford announced the creation of his own fashion house, simply known as Tom Ford. In that same year, Ford announced his partnership with Marcolin Group to produce and distribute optical frames and sunglasses. Tom Ford frames are popular for many reasons, but one of the most often cited reasons is the craftsmanship inherent in each set. Each model in the Tom Ford line of eyewear is superbly crafted and considered a work of art. While Marcolin S.P.A. manufacturers his designs, each is hand finished in Italy. His collection is crafted through a combination of metal and acetate designs, with designs made for both men and women. They exude a bold, elegant, style with a sense of sophistication and luxury. As owner and the driving creative force of the company, Tom Ford exclusively designs each item in his line. The frames are manufactured utilizing cutting edge and groundbreaking designs that involve classic details and continually graceful styles. Tom Ford eyewear are worn by many of the notable and recognizable faces in the world today. Celebrities and movie stars flock to his designs, undoubtedly due to his reputation as one of the leading designers in the world today. Pop into Eyewear on Pako and try on some Tom Ford frames - you don’t need to be a movie star, but there’s no harm in feeling like one once in a while! eyewear on pako

Find us on facebook 19 Ruby Winter

ruby fashion

SHOPPING. THE GOOD LIFE We all know that our fair city boasts an enviable lifestyle, which is why we are resting on the very edge of a very big population boom. Is it our sparkling northern bay views? Is it our beaches? Is it our wineries? Is it the lack of traffic jams? Of course, it is all of those things that come under the heading of Lifestyle. The hustle and bustle can be heaps of fun, in small doses, but when it comes to stressing less and living the good life more, there is nothing quite like slowing down a little. Which is why the good folk at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre are working very hard (poor things) on a super centre expansion that will let us, the happy shoppers of Geelong, have a stress less shopping experience. Bless! And it comes with heaps of free parking. The whopping 21,000m2 expansion, which will almost triple the footprint of the existing centre is progressing well, with the first stage of the project due to be completed in May 2014. As part of that first stage, the doors will open on the first Coles superstore in the region. Alongside Colesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; traditional grocery line, the superstore will offer extra departments including a cookshop, home wares, home storage,

20 Ruby Spring

ruby fashion gardening and Coles’ exclusive Mix fashion range. The new store will also feature Coles’ fresh food offer such as in-store bakery, fishmonger and butcher. I’m sorry, you had me at Mix range - see the gorgeous Ashley Hart modelling just some of the super cute and very affordable pieces in the range. The lovely Ms Hart has recently signed on as the face of the Mix Apparel range. Jessica Richmond from Mix Apparel says Ashley was a natural fit for the brand. “Ashley is healthy, playful and has a great sense of style! Just like many of our customers are surprised at the fantastic quality and great style that Mix offers; many are surprised to know Ashley is not just a model – she’s also a qualified yoga instructor who understands the importance of staying healthy and happy. “Not only does Ashley look fantastic in the Mix range, she also loves the clothes! She is living proof that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look great in clothes that are both stylish and great quality.”

WAURN PONDS SHOPPING CENTRE

YOU’LL FEEL RIGHT AT HOME

Mix Apparel offers a wide range of colourful, on-trend basics at affordable prices. With an easy to wear selection of mix and match pieces in classic cuts and seasonal palettes, Mix Apparel offers style, convenience and great value for the savvy shopper!

EVERYDAY FAMILY ESSENTIALS JUST MINUTES FROM YOUR DOORSTEP, WITH:

Can’t wait for the store to be built to check it out? Gotta love the digital age, just jump online at www.mixapparel.com.au.

80 of your favourite stores all on one level

The Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre expansion is being undertaken as part of a joint venture between Australian Unity Investments (AUI) and Coles Group Property Developments.

Over 1,000 FREE all day and 3 hour car parking spaces Easy access from Princes Hwy & minutes off the Geelong Ring Road 8-screen Reading Cinema complex Coles & Woolworths supermarkets Fashion, fresh food & cafes Parents Room – with private feeding booths, enclosed play area, change tables & wash basin

WWW.WAURNPONDSSC.COM.AU

/WaurnPondsSC

RIN

G ROAD

MELB

Open 7 days 03 5244 2580 173 - 199 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds 3216

waurnpondssc.com.au 21 Ruby Spring

Hello Spring!

ruby fashion

New season shoes in store and online now

ITÊS GOING TO BE ALL WHITE Historically, I have greatly disliked white shoes, but on a recent (and rare) shopping trip with hubby, we were started to find our choice of shoe also came in white. Good man that he is, he politely declined the white option, but it got me to really look around and there they were, white, white everywhere. As I went about buying the shop’s new collection for spring and summer, I began to see white shoes in flats, sandals and heels. After breaking into a nervous sweat, I decided it was about time I just tried a damn white shoe on and see what all the fuss was about. Oh.my.god… With just one slip of the foot into a fabulous white leather wedge, I was instantly converted. The more I saw, the more I loved. I hadn’t given them enough credit for what they offer. In the right style and with beautiful materials and finishes, they truly can become an essential part of your spring/summer look. White shoes will go with EVERYTHING. Their versatility means they can really become the new summer black. Crisp and fresh, white screams super cool for the sunshiny days and balmy nights that lie ahead. Not to mention the upcoming Spring Carnival, where I’m expecting to see lots of white treading the grass, paired back with floral prints or monochrome inspired outfits – two of the big trends in apparel for the season. So, I’m begging you ladies – don’t be all judgey-judgey on the white shoes like me. Give them a go and I’ll be damned if you don’t fall in love!

words bridget connor, footique 22 Ruby Spring

ruby beauty

IT’s A TRUST THING Hair removal is not so much about vanity, and everything to do with trust. As Helen Hochreiter opens the doors of Geelong’s newest hair removal clinic, she knows that she is providing her clients with an important service, one that goes far beyond a ‘beauty treatment’. Formerly a partner at Geelong Hair Removal P/L in Pakington Street for seven years, Helen has established her own business, Geelong Laser and Electrolysis Clinic at 49 Thomson Street, Belmont, and loves the spacious, modern and very private premises there. “I love Belmont. The vibe here is great and the parking is fabulous!’ Helen said, adding that many of her clients arrive earlier to go for a coffee and wander in High Street and the arcades. “There’s no shortage of interesting shops and cafes to explore,” she laughs. Helen’s relaxed, professional manner inspires confidence, which is handy when she’s at the helm of a state-of-the-art Soprano 4B diode laser machine. More importantly, for the person on the receiving end of those powerful zaps, her eight years of experience as a laser hair removal technician and 15 years as an electrolysis specialist come shining through. Geelong Laser and Electrolysis Clinic is not a beauty salon and there is no upselling or pushing of other products. “I don’t do waxing or facials here. It’s purely laser and/or electrolysis, because I’m offering my clients long-term and permanent hair removal.” That is why she is quick to explain that her Soprano 4B laser is not an IPL. “IPL was not designed for hair removal, just for skin rejuvenation,’ she says. “The Soprano is designed purely for hair removal and sends a collimated beam that stops at a depth of 810 nanometers. Most IPL filters are in the 500-600 nanometre spectrum, so I see much better and safer results with the Soprano.” And Helen is very results-driven. She wants only the best for her clients. There are many reasons why hair appears where it is not wanted: menopause, PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome), genetics, ethnicity, hormonal imbalances, even previous, poor hair removal choices or techniques can create the need for permanent hair removal. The emotional responses to unwanted hair range from irritation at the nuisance factor of stray hairs on a chinny-chin-chin, right through to major stress from a hugely distressing and humiliating life crisis. For Helen, it’s all about trust.

Quick facts Electrolysis vs laser Electrolysis and laser complement each other and Helen regularly uses both in a treatment. Electrolysis is for light, grey and ginger facial hair and is permanent. Laser is fantastic on dark hair on pale skin; can be used on any area of the body. Sun protection is essential after laser treatments Ouch factor? Pain is only ‘in the moment’, like a ‘flick’. Helen says a painkiller 20 minutes prior to a treatment can help. Ice packs help afterwards.

Geelong’s specialists in laser hair removal and electrolysis 49 THOMSON ST, BELMONT 3216 P (03) 5243 0431 M 0466 021 811

words anna-marie hughes

geelonglaserelectrolysis.com.au 23 Ruby Spring

ruby health

The weight of expectations Growing up with a strong willed sister and a resilient mother should have taught me about the female part of our species. To some extent, that formative experience worked as an excellent model for my life, or so I thought. In reality, I was just happy with my ignorance.

Yes, I learned some valuable lessons when I was younger, but life gets busy and as we roll along the quality of past lessons and insights fade. Decades down the track, I was asked to read a blog written by a dear friend who had just had her first child. I will include a big chunk of her blog, from She Wore A Technicolour Ribbon at blogspot, but before I do I would like to share my insight - an insight delivered by a four-by-two plank right between the eyes. I was at the birth of my daughter and was hiding in the corner, as most males do; during which some hand holding and empathetic breathing was the sum of my clearly inadequate support. When the doctor put this child in my arms it was like meeting an alien. She was unbelievably small and wrinkly and didn’t respond to questions about manifest destiny or other important philosophical planks. No, this was an alien. I was told that I would love this thing. And it is entirely true that happened, but it took time. In the beginning I was a zombie holding an alien. When people asked me of my experience in the birthing ward, before I could tell them of my total inadequacies they would add some comment about love and adoration and

privilege, and I would nod to disguise my true fear, rather than provide an outright lie. So, when I read Amy’s blog, I finally had someone who knew exactly what I had felt. Thanks Amy. I was diagnosed with Postnatal Depression when my baby was four months old. What I was suffering, predominantly, was Anxiety, coupled with Depression. The blanket diagnosis for this at the time was Postnatal Depression, which was a big factor in my taking some time to recognize the problem, as I had a preconceived idea of what Depression is, and that certainly was not what I was experiencing. I don’t write this story to gain support, sympathy or accolades. I have received wonderful support from my family and friends and am happy to report that I am doing remarkably well and currently feeling quite content with my life as it is, even with the challenges I faced to get here (which I never thought I’d hear myself say). But I digress: My aim with this post is to explain to mums that your experience of motherhood is yours alone and telling another mum how it is, based on your experience, is not only inaccurate, it can cause a great deal of confusion for a mum trying to navigate her own path. words clint jennings

24 Ruby Spring

During my early days of motherhood I was panicked, stressed and too bewildered to bask in the glow of this new life I had created. I berated myself, doubted myself and second-guessed everything I felt and did. But without a doubt, one of the hardest things to get my head around was the information and expectations delivered to me by others. Their words floated around in my head like accusations of where everything was going wrong for me. I most certainly didn’t experience the ‘lightning bolt’ overwhelming rush of love the moment my baby was placed in my arms I’d heard all about; and joy? What joy? In the weeks and months following his birth, I was bombarded by, undoubtedly well-meaning, but completely inaccurate assumptions: “Isn’t it just THE most amazing thing?” “You must be on Cloud Nine.” “Did you ever believe you could love anyone so utterly and completely?” I was heartbroken. Every time someone flashed me an excited, expectant grin, coupled with the words, “So, are you loving it?” a knife twisted in my gut. Not to mention the well-worn piece of advice, “Enjoy it, it goes so fast!” Stop right there. I’m sorry, but I’m either going to enjoy it, or I’m not. I didn’t enjoy

ruby spotlight it one little bit, and people telling me to enjoy it didn’t make it so. In fact it left me feeling like I should’ enjoy it, and was all kinds of wrong not to. I felt that this precious time was being wasted on unhappiness, and it sent my anxiety levels skyward. This was out of my control and I felt ashamed. I felt abnormal. Above all, I felt robbed and angry that I wasn’t having someone else’s experience and was instead stuck with my own. Ordinarily I am not one to measure myself against others and generally I beat my own path through life, often to the point of rebellion, but this was all new to me. I was vulnerable, lost and didn’t realise that what I was experiencing was quite common. My belief was that other peoples’ experience was how it should be, not this. I felt that I was sinking and was desperately looking for a life raft. I wanted the answer from someone who knew better than me. Other mums, naturally. Unfortunately, in conversations I had with some people, I found myself again on the receiving end of advice from people who genuinely wanted to help, but really did not have any idea of what I was personally going through: “You get through the first six weeks, you’re home and hosed”. After six weeks, I was no better, possibly worse. “Oh, it’s only after the first three months that you actually start to relax and really enjoy the whole thing” OK! Three months it is. Then another. “From four months on is where it starts getting really fun,” then “six months”. I desperately wanted to believe them. I strongly followed positive thinking, and with all of this advice, I kept telling myself to push through, be patient and just ride it out until my baby reaches a certain age and then it’ll get better. But it didn’t; and each time it wore me down more, and left me feeling more lost and robbed, and wondering when, or even if, it would get better. Let me make one thing clear; there is no magic number. Also, in my experience, there was never a lightning-bolt rush of love that hit me out of the blue. My falling in love with my son took quite some time, and initially presented itself in small, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments of warm affection and genuine giggling at the cute things he did. And I almost did miss it, because I was still waiting for the lightning bolt. Now, I know I may seem like I am being pretty hard on people here. “What do I say, then?” I hear you ask. “Do I not talk about how joyful it is for fear of upsetting someone?” Absolutely not. I am, and always have been, genuinely happy for any mother who had any of the above experiences. Your experience is equally as valid as anyone else’s and you should feel free to share each and every moment you wish to. Let me also clarify that I absolutely am aware that everyone meant well. I know they were trying to be positive and I know that each person who told me “how it is” genuinely believed that their experience is how it is for everyone. But I’m here to tell you that if you assume that somebody else’s experience will be the same as yours, you will possibly find that a struggling mother will never tell you about her battles, because she will be feeling shame and because you have, albeit unintentionally, shown her that you have other expectations of her. To read more of Amy’s blog, visit www.sheworeatechnicolourribbon.blogspot.com

TIMELESS MOMENTS It has taken a long time, but slowly the perception that aged care is a place where you go to die is changing. And as one shining example shows, there is plenty of living to be done within aged care. A resident of Geelong’s multicultural aged care services, or MACS, Alan had been wanting to surprise his wife with a romantic lunch for some time. When he became unwell, all his plans had to be put on hold. But as he recovered after a long bout of illness, the MACS staff decided to surprise him with his wished-for romantic date. With Alan’s health needs to be considered, going out for dinner and a movie just wasn’t possible, but the staff still managed to bring the romance. So a private unit on site became the scene of l’amore, with staff arranging a special lunch and a violin serenade. When I spoke to Alan about his romantic lunch, I could see in his face just how much joy the special surprise had brought him. “It was a surprise to both of us and it was something special. There was wine on the table, a lovely table cloth and red roses.” Alan told me how the staff had even prepared a book on his and Carleen’s life story, complete with photos, from the time they started courting at 18, to getting married, and having kids and grandkids. This project, I later found out, had taken three months to get together. “That came completely out of the blue. The whole thing… I mean, a bottle of wine on the table, you just don’t expect to see that here. Carleen was just over the moon about it,” Alan said. And if this wasn’t special enough, it turns out within weeks of their romantic date, Alan and Carleen would celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, making their day all the more of a special occasion. Alan’s is just one of any wishes coming true for the residents of MACS as part of the facility’s Wishing Tree program. words davina montgomery 25 Ruby Spring

ruby health

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME Regardless of how old you are, what your abilities are or where you live, it really is true that there is no place like home. But when you or someone you love needs help around the home, it’s good to know that help is available, if and when you need it. Needing help at home isn’t all about in home aged care or disability care respite services. These high need services are important and need both appropriate funding and the attention of service providers. But what happens to all those people who don’t fit the traditional care models, or who don’t need care at all, just a helping hand every now and then? What happens to those people who don’t have anyone to help? Nancy, Karin, Lyn from MACS Complete Care say this unique new initiative is bridging a gap in traditional care models, provide services to anyone, aged from 0 – 100, and you don’t need to be on a disability package to access them. Complete Care is an as-needed, pay as you go service offering everything from home care, babysitting, podiatry, small home maintenance jobs, shopping, social outings and gardening, to help with or doing the weekly groceries and full respite care. All the service’s caregivers are fully qualified and have both Police and Working with Children Checks. But what is truly unique about this service is that all care is individual. “It can be taking someone with special needs to a wedding or it can be as simple having someone come in to do some meal preparation and writing a shopping list,” Nancy said. “Home care can even be a gift for a special occasion.” Complete Care is a separate business but still operates firmly under the banner of MACS, with all the same quality and care requirements. “This not just about aged care and not just post-operative care, although of course we offer those services,” Karin said. “Having someone to take a patient home and stay with them post-operatively is regularly a condition of release from hospital now, and not everyone has someone who can do that for them. “We can pick people up from the hospital, get them some bread and milk and other basics on the way home and stay and help them recover if they need that too.” And for people who are carers themselves, Complete Care can be the answer to taking a real break away from it all, by providing regular carers that their loved ones know and are familiar with, rather than having to cut trips short or having weeks, or even months, of stress and distress over having to send a family member into a care facility while the rest of the family are away. “People are quite happy to hear that MACS are offering a buy-in service. They know MACS and know our reputation,” Lyn said. “We can look after children, including children with disabilities, and we have a team of dedicated carers who are passionate and who look outside of the box to provide the services or care that a person really needs, not just what is written down on a list somewhere. Our staff are available 24 hours a day. “We are happy to meet with people and talk to them about their care options. Giving people all the information is the only way they will have a real choice about what the best options are for them.” advertorial macs.org.au 26 Ruby Spring

ruby health

HEALTH CALENDAR

September 2013 09 - 15

National Stroke Week

www.strokefoundation.com.au

16-22

Dementia Awareness Week

www.fightdementia.org.au

October 2013 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Girls Night In

www.girlsnightin.com.au

06 - 12

Mental Health Week

www.mentalhealthvic.org.au

World Mental Health Day

www.mhca.org.au

Hat Day - Mental Health Research

www.hatday.com.au

13 - 19

Carers Week 2013

www.carersaustralia.com.au

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day www.pilari.org/petition.html

World Osteoporosis Day

www.osteoporosis.org.au

Pink Ribbon Day

www.pinkribbonday.com.au

Thank U NICU Day

www.miraclebabies.org.au

World Diabetes Day

www.diabetesvic.org.au

World AIDS Day

www.worldaidsday.org.au

International Day of Persons with Disabilities www.idpwd.com.au

International Volunteers Day

November 2013

December 2013

www.volunteering.nsw.gov.au 27 Ruby Spring

ruby spotlight

A time for action One in three women aged 15 – 44 are affected by domestic violence in Australia. Think we are better off than some countries? One in three is reflective of a global pattern. It is a major issue worldwide and equally here at home. Alarmingly, intimate partner violence against women aged 15 – 44 is the leading preventable contributor to morbidity and mortality for women in this age group in our country. Forget smoking, obesity and other well-known health problems. Violence against women will actually be the greater cause of disease and death. To quantify the impact on our economy, it is estimated that domestic violence against women and children costs the Australian economy $13.6 billion each year, and if action is not taken to prevent violence, that sum will increase to around $15.6 billion annually by 2021. [Source: Australian Government, FaHCSIA] If these statistics alone don’t convince you of how very far we have to go to

Board member of Zena Women’s Services Inc. Geelong, Renee Fiolet, explains some of the reasons why it’s simply not as simple as that. “As soon as a woman tries to leave the man will often try to take control; it becomes a very risky time,” she says. Some women fear that they will be tracked down and killed if they try to leave – and data indicates that women are most at risk when they decide to leave an abusive relationship. Women are threatened with losing their children through the family law courts – and fearful of leaving their children in the care of the abuser through shared custody. Some women think they can better protect their children from an abusive father if they remain in the family

“ ... data indicates that women are most at risk when they decide to leave an abusive relationship. Women are threatened with losing their children... Some women think they can better protect their children from an abusive father if they remain in the family home.” minimise violence against women and children in this country, then think about some of these common attitudes towards the issue. When it comes to violence in the home, people tend to think it’s not their place to get involved in someone else’s business. Health Promotion Officer at Barwon Health and White Ribbon Ambassador, Peter Kelly, says this needs to change. “It’s head in the sand stuff. Most people would know it’s a real issue, but there’s a lot of apathy and also not knowing how to address it.” Another common attitude which is hindering constructive action is, ‘if it’s so bad, why doesn’t she just leave?’ So, why doesn’t she just leave?

home. Some don’t have enough family support, or there are cultural issues that make the choice harder to leave. “There are a lot of statistics to suggest that when a woman decides to leave, that’s when men will quite often turn to other people that will affect the woman. They start to abuse the children, or friends. The woman often has that in mind,” Renee explains. When there is such risk, fear and danger, there is no such thing as an easy decision. It’s important to recognise that some women do perpetrate violence against men, because it does happen. However, it is severely disproportionate, with 98 per cent of violence cases being perpetrated by men against women worldwide. words courtney buchanan

28 Ruby Spring

October 25 marks the beginning of a Month of Action in Geelong, coordinated by the G21 Geelong Region Alliance. The Month of Action is an initiative of the G21 Freedom From Violence Action Group and aims to create awareness around violence against women. Individuals, groups and organisations are encouraged to stand up and take action to prevent violence. The month will kick off on October 25 with the Reclaim the Night WOWfest, and conclude with White Ribbon Day on November 25. Reclaim the Night collective Geelong is a women’s community group focusing on the impact of family violence and sexual assault on women and children. The Geelong collective is also part of the international Reclaim the Night movement for women’s right to be free from violence. The WOWfest will be held on the evening of October 25 at Market Square and will provide an opportunity for women to share their stories and celebrate their strengths. The festival will feature music, entertainment, art, speakers and activities. A White Ribbon River Walk on November 24 presents an opportunity for boys and men to learn more about the issue of violence against women and identify practical steps they can take to prevent it. “Women are obviously impacted by the issue and it is often women who are supporting women. Somewhere men need to take some ownership, provide support and take active steps to show their commitment to reduce violence against women,” Peter says. Renee agrees that it’s important for men to be engaged, “Excluding men is actually going to exacerbate the problem, and we should be including them in the solution.” Zena Women’s Services will be holding a function at Geelong Waterfront designed

ruby spotlight

to have a visual impact. Women affected by domestic violence will be invited to bring a pair of shoes to represent all the women who have been affected. The message is to consider what it would be like to ‘walk in her shoes’. Zena is the leading comprehensive service for women affected by violence in Geelong and is the first point of call for women in crisis. “Zena supports women in a myriad of ways, which includes safety planning and risk assessments, intake, outreach and support for emergency and long term accommodation, referrals for counselling and even provide support for women who need to go through the legal system as well. It’s the only organisation in Geelong that provides all those services,” Renee says. A wide range of Geelong businesses and organisations are involved in the Month of Action, including Bellarine Community Health, YWCA, Department of Human Services, Zonta, and White Ribbon. There’s still plenty more time and opportunity for groups to get involved and host an activity of their choice; schools, workplaces and community groups are urged to take action. Ideas for activities include hosting a breakfast, luncheon, art display or walk. “We want to open up to absolutely every group out there that we possibly can,” Peter says. For more information about the Month of Action, or to register your group for an activity or event, please contact Peter Kelly: Ph. (03) 4215 3470. In an emergency, call Zena Women’s Services (Domestic Violence Outreach & Support Service) Ph. 5224 2903, Victoria Police on 000. Follow the G21 Month of Action Twitter account: @G21MOA.

29 Ruby Spring

ruby wine

Ring in spring with a new season wine After sniffling, coughing, shivering and worse through those long, cold, cold, dreary winter months, there is nothing better than relaxing in the sun with a glass of wine. As the days get longer and brighter, we can look forward to the simple pleasures of spring – pottering around the garden, all that fabulously fresh spring produce, feeling the sun warm you through to your bones and, of course, the first of the 2013 wines being released. “I don’t know about you, but spring for me always evokes roasted spring lamb with mint, rosemary and garlic and a ruby red glass of new vintage Pinot Noir,” Steven Paul from Oakdene Vineyard said. At this time of year, you will start to see the first of the locally produced 2013 Pinot Grigios and Sauvignon Blancs. These bright, fresh, fruit-driven aromatics always arrive in perfect time for spring entertaining and all the excitement of the Spring Carnival. The first of the early drinking new season wines are available now. Steve said this latter part of the year is an exciting time for wine lovers, as this is when they really get to see what the new season has produced. While we have to wait just a little longer for the new release Pinot Noir, it’s always worth the wait. From the Bellarine to the Moorabool Valley to the Surf Coast, the Geelong region produces some outstanding Pinot Noirs, and wine buffs and avid Pinot quaffers alike always keep a keen eye on these local gems. Sadly, when the new Pinots make their appearance, Steve won’t be around to try them. He’ll be in France, with his family, and all the splendors of the Bordeaux and Rhone wine regions… nice one Steve.

OakdeneVineyards

30 Ruby Spring

@Oakdenewines

ruby wine

Petaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pinot Noir 2012

Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Yvette Vintage Sparkling 2010

Pinot Grigio 2013

Appearance: Garnet in colour.

Appearance: Pale straw with a green tinge.

Appearance: Pale straw with a hint of bronze

Appearance: Pale straw with a hint of bronze.

Bouquet: An intense nose of tropical fruits, grass and green capsicum.

Bouquet: Lifted notes of citrus, spice, and green apple aromas, followed by brioche and toast characters.

Bouquet: An intense nose of nashi pear and honeysuckle.

Bouquet: An intense bouquet of cherry, spice, mocha and smoked meats, leading to sweet cherry, briar and hints of clove. Palate: The mid palate offers earthy, cherry, plum notes and some spice and stalkiness. The wine has excellent palate weight, a silky mouth feel and a long finish. Conclusion: Enjoy now with food or cellar for 4 to 7 years.

Palate: Lively palate with gooseberries, tropical melon, passionfruit and citrus characters. This is balanced by a steely acid backbone. Conclusion: Hand havested fruit and bottled early, consume over the next 2 to 3 years.

Palate: Fine persistant mousse, with obvious bready autolysis, balanced by firm acidity and a long, delicate finish. Conclusion: A dry aperitif style, to be enjoyed now or over the next few years.

Palate: The palate offers generous fruit weight, and mid palate richness, supported by firm acidity, mineral backbone and long, dry finish. Conclusion: Hand harvested fruit, picked early to reatain natural acidity, producing a dry, fruit driven wine. Best consumed over the next few years.

oakdene.com.au

Restaurant - Cellar Door - Wine Sales - Accommodation - Events - Functions Oakdene Cellar Door: Open 7 days, 10am to 4pm | P (03) 5256 3886 | E cellardoor@oakdene.com.au Oakdene Restaurant: Lunch Wed - Sun, Dinner Wed - Sat | P (03) 5255 1255 | E restaurant@oakdene.com.au 255 Grubb Road, Wallington, Victoria 3222 | www.oakdene.com.au

31 Ruby Spring

ruby ru uby loves lov o es

baby hudson needed the service of the special care nursery when he surprised his parents by arriving five weeks early.

words courtney buchanan 32 Ruby Spring

ruby lovess

elphotog raphy

SPECIAL CARE BABIES

Proud supporter of the Barwon Health Foundation & Geelong Hospital Appeal

Spreading the Spirit of Christmas The Barwon Health Foundation (Geelong Hospital Appeal) and Cotton On Foundation are partnering once again to help raise funds to redevelop the Hospital’s Special Care Nursery after successfully completing the Cotton On Foundation Children’s ward in January. Four Special Care Nursery patients are starring on this year’s Christmas cards supporting the Geelong Hospital Appeal, helping to raise funds towards the $3.8 million redevelopment. The babies featuring on the cards were photographed by Geelong-based photographer and Ruby regular, Elisha Lindsay from EL Photography, in her Bellerine Street studio, located one block from the Geelong Hospital. Baby Hudson needed the service of the Special Care Nursery when he surprised his parents by arriving five weeks early. As a result of his premature birth he spent 10 days in the nursery with respiratory distress and neonatal hypothermia. Hudson features on this year’s Christmas cards. ca The Th cards are $5 for a pack of eight and are available at all Barwon Health sites and the Combined Charities Card Shop Ba (Wesley Church). (W Photos by Elisha Lindsay from EL Photography, 162 Bellerine Ph Street, Geelong. Elisha Lindsay is a proud supporter of the St Geelong Hospital Appeal. Ge For Fo more information contact the Barwon Health Foundation on 4215 8907 or go to www.geelonghospitalappeal.org.au

e l i s h a @ e l p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m . a u 0 4 39 353 9 58 e l p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m . a u photos elisha lindsay, elphotography.com.au 33 Ruby Spring

ruby fitness

SPOILT FOR CHOICE Unless you’ve been living under a rock over the past couple of years you would have noticed a huge explosion in the number of fitness facilities around the place. Where once we only had your traditional gym style set up and a few personal trainers, you now have a huge selection of services to choose from. Yoga studios, palates studios, boxing studios, 24-hour gyms, personal training garage-style studios, X-Fit, Bootcamp; the list goes on and on and on. As a business owner, and having been in the industry for some time now, people are forever saying to me, “Oh, did you see such and such has opened here.” There is a misconception that there is a glut of gyms, personal training studios, etc. in the marketplace; but my response to that is, why is it then that we have such an overweight unhealthy population? Why is it then that you, or three out of four of your friends, are not a member of these facilities or positively trying to change their health At this point in time, more so than any other, you have such a fantastic choice of which type of facility or service is right for you. If you enjoy spinning and group class then there is a facility for you, if you enjoy boxing or mixed martial arts there is a facility for you, if you don’t enjoy training with other people there is a facility for you. There really is something for everyone at the moment. And the fact that there

is so much choice now means that all operators or owners of these facilities have to be better at what we do; if you don’t then people will tell you by walking down the street and trying somewhere else. The exact same principal applies to personal trainers. If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me, “Oh, there are too many personal trainers now!” Again, people have this negative misconception that the number of people going through the Personal Training course has diluted the talent pool of trainers. Sure, you’re going to get some bad ones, but you are also going to get some fantastic ones, and they will be the ones that stick around. The hardest part now is making that choice of which program and where and getting started. Just remember, with all the choices available, if you’re not getting the results you’re after, then maybe you can try something else, rather than just giving up. Food for thought…

words scott dumbell, jetts fitness

NOW OPEN No N oc contracts. ontracts. Low Low fees. fee Open 24/7. Jetts To T Torquay rrqu quay Geelong West 61 538 380 0 T. 5261 5380 T. 5222 8945

Belmont T. 5244 3510

1300 JETTS 247 | jetts.com.au

34 Ruby Spring

ruby rubyheader loves 03

(copyright MüCKE Clothing 2013)

quirk

[collective design & space] ...sick of seeing the same old stuff everywhere?

independent local sustainable ethical design & art

quirk [collective design & space] is a little different.

The ethos of our space is to provide a plethora of art and design items that are r created by artists or designers who are either independent, local, sustainable, ethical and, or unique. These items range from ethically made designer clothing, jewellery and homewares, through to creative children’s games and of course, plenty of art! Both of our founders are artists/designers in their own right and have hand selected all items, so you’ll be sure to fall in love the minute you walk in the door!

07 Dog Rocks: The gallery exhibits and sells work from the local artists and the Geelong area, including this stunning picture of Dog Rocks.

01. Shy Fox cotton tees,handmade in QLD and only RRP: $49 each, 02. Status Anxiety, Men’s ‘noah’ wallet in chocolate and black leather RRP: $65, 03. MüCKE Clothing, ShirtDress RRP: $210, 04. Feliz luxe cushions, available in three prints ‘burro’, ‘flamingo’ (pictured) and ‘las montanas’ RRP: $90 each (includes plush 100% duck down insert), 05. Wooly Bison Messenger and Satchel Bags, Prices start at RRP: $149 a piece, 06. The Gallery at quirk offers a range of lovely gifts art cards, tealight hoods and framed prints. Stockists. quirk [collective design & space] 85 Pakington St Geelong West.

quirkcollective.net 35 S Ruby Spring

ruby ladies

RUBY LADIES’ NIGHT OUT We’ve liked each other online, but we liked each other even more after a fabulous night of cocktails and conversation at Mrs Hyde. It was the first catch up for the Ruby Ladies and fifty or so of our closest friends. What a way to end the week, with our very own sassy Ruby cocktail created by the gorgeous Natalie and co. at Mrs Hyde. Don’t miss out on our next event. Become a Ruby Network member at www.rubymagazine.com.au. We’ll even post you out each new issue of Ruby - no more hunting all over town for a copy! And ladies, our next catch up is in the works. Follow Ruby Magazine on Facebook to stay in the loop.

01. Fiona Threlfall, Susan Downie, Megan Dean, 02. Janette Matthews, Melissa Evans, Tanya Carroll, Lee Doherty, 03. Carla Scott, Marija Maccora, Vera Rava, 04. The team at Mrs Hydes, 05. Sally Dixon, Jodie Caroll.

rubymagazine.com.au 36 Ruby Spring

ruby ladies

RubyNetwork

CONNECTING WOMEN

06. Davina Montgomery, Vinnie Kerr, 07. Munday Fox, Chenelle Morrison, 08. Roxie Bennett, Helen Bennett, Jess Young, Luke Outerbridge, 09. Megan Blair, Rachel Smith, Sally Dixon, Ainsley Tucker, 10. Carly Payne-Strengers, Donna Dean, Lisa Hanlon, Joanne Cook.

photos elisha lindsay, elphotography.com.au 37 Ruby Spring

ruby travel

38 Ruby Spring

ruby travel

Time traveller Sometimes it seems as if every second fabulous young thing is jetting off on an adventure holiday, while those of generations past sit at home fretting at home. Perhaps it would do us all some good to remember that jetting off into danger is far from a new thing. When I turned 18, my parents gave me a hug, a birthday card and a one-way plane ticket to Athens. Yep. One-way. Nope, we weren’t Greek, and, nope, we didn’t know anyone in Athens. As the youngest of five daughters, I think Mum and Dad just got a bit weary by the time they got to me. Given that it was Geelong in 1977, they couldn’t sell me off for three goats and a cow, so they sent me away instead, with $300 in travellers’ cheques and the idea to – somehow – make my way to Auntie Winnie’s place in Manchester, England. But wait, there’s more. Did I happen to mention that when I went to Athens when I turned 18, I wasn’t on my own? My middle sister was 24 and had scrimped and saved to buy her ticket and had planned her backpacker’s trip for 18 months. So to say she was a bit put out at the fait accompli of having a dopey and

And my fears were well-founded, considering that within 24 hours of arriving in Athens I was threatened with arrest by a policeman (for picking an orange off the tree in Syntagma Square), was nearly killed by the mad traffic around the Omonia market, had some fat, old official bloke at some museum ask if I gave my permission for him to kiss me (and me, stupidly, thought it must be the done thing and let him), had to call the Australian Embassy for medical advice because my sister had a bad reaction to one of her inoculations and I thought she was dying, had my jeans stolen out of my backpack, and got offered 500, no 550, oh, alright then, 600 drachma from Michel, who helped run the Athens Youth Hostel, for, y’know, my virginity, and I was wholeheartedly wishing that Mum and Dad hadn’t been quite so generous.

“ ... I was threatened with arest by a policemen... had my jeans stolen out of my backpack, and got off ered 500, no 550, oh, alright then, 600 drachma from Michel who helped run the Athens Youth Hostel for, y’ know, my virginity.” totally naïve me foisted upon her for her Big Trip is probably an understatement. (And I can’t say that I blame her – even if she still blames me.) It really was an amazing gift for an 18th birthday girl. And yet, Mum and Dad had always been so protective. I remember walking down Ryrie Street one Saturday afternoon holding my boyfriend’s hand and getting sprung by Mum as she was driving past. I was 16 and he was always the perfect gentleman. Honest! Boy, were we in trouble. So, when I thought about their gift – and, believe me, I did … still do – it was way beyond the borders of ‘generous and a bit unexpected’, had taken the express through ‘passiveaggressive’ territory and had set up camp in ‘what-on-earth-were-theythinking?’ land.

people didn’t tend to go to Russia or Africa, East Germany or China – or not without a lot of bother – but they did wander around Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan willy-nilly. Today’s Smart Traveller website www.smarttraveller.gov. au is compulsory reading for any intrepid young thing embarking on their gap year rite of passage. For parents, it’s probably best not to look. For someone who had to do a crash course in savvy travelling, not to mention self-sufficiency and street smarts, I’m remarkably pathetic when it comes to my own children and their trips overseas. Hey, when you’ve survived the overnight train trip from Brindisi to Naples where a few hundred – or maybe it was 25 – Italian army guys had spent the entire trip knocking and cajoling and singing and tap dancing for us outside our compartment door … all night long … you earn the right to be completely overprotective of your own young things. My sister and I tied up the door handle of that compartment with scarves and belts and wouldn’t even let the conductor in. Clonard College’s Mother Basil would have been proud of us.

Would I do it again? You betcha. Would I let my 18 year-olds do it? No way!

Hypocritical? Nope. I’m proud I ended up being that embarrassing mum who would wave bravely but sob uncontrollably as the bus took her little darlings off to school camp in Queenscliff. When they got older and took themselves off to other countries, I would go to flighttracker. com to track their flights and prayed they stayed in the air and got safely on the ground. ‘Mu-u-um, stop worrying!’ they’d say. ‘I cannot’, I’d reply in my best sooky-la-la martyr-mother voice, ‘for my worrying keeps you safe, my darling.’

In 1977, travel advisories were few and far between, and although we seemed to be dodging debauchery and vice, there was no sense that we were going to be harmed. Of course, it was dangerous and our lack of knowledge or warnings contributed to the danger we were in, but I always felt safe. From what I can remember (and don’t quote me on it),

So, a one-way ticket to Athens was the start and the end of that particular life journey. I’d ended up safely with my backpack and my virtue in Manchester and courted danger from Auntie Winnie and her ‘fried-everything’ cooking. Mum and Dad realised they missed me and bought me another one-way ticket, this time, home.

Over that six-week period, we hitch-hiked from Athens to Patras, took a ferry to Brindisi, took a train to Naples and then Rome and then Paris, but pretty much hitch-hiked everywhere else in between; it’s miracle we survived, because the chaos theme certainly continued. Yes, I did a lot of travelling and a lot of growing up in those six very memorable weeks.

words anna-marie hughes 39 Ruby Spring

sit & sip Steampocket Pizzeria & Cafe 313 Pakington St, Newtown P: (03) 5222 8969 Open Tuesday to Saturday.

a charming pocket on pako Arriving at Steampocket café I am greeted by the huge Peppercorn tree swaying in the wind, as if to say ‘greetings, come inside’. If it wasn’t for the defining features of the Peppercorn tree and metal fence, it would be easy to miss the café, such a protected little pocket it is. Entering through the metal fence, a feeling of joy descends on me, as I am sheltered from the wind-chill and notice the quaint fairy lights hanging from the marquee above. Before Steampocket it was the Evergreen antique shop, and it still retains its old-antique-shop charm. As an ode to its past, a small window above the barista is frosted with the word ‘Evergreen’. I am struck by the symbolism of pockets everywhere. Pockets are stitched into the couch; there is a kids pocket in the marquee with a blackboard for them to draw; there’s a little pocket under a beautiful stained glass window where a couple sit huddled near a blazing heater; there’s even a retail snack pocket nestled beside the barista bench stocked with natural popcorn, jams and lollies.

It’s easy to see why people come here every day; the close-knit staff members are friendly and laid-back, without compromising on service. What do people love most about coming here? Cameron laughs and responds, “Gilmore!” Gilmore is the affable barista, who tells me he loves getting to know his customers. As he chats and smiles widely for a photo, it’s not difficult to see why the customers love his personable nature. Gilmore serves me a steamy hot cappuccino with a Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate nugget. As an avid coffeedrinker, I judge his coffee to be on par with the best of them. Menu items are fresh, homemade and tasty. The Its & Bits grazing platter is a popular lunch item, with its grazing contents changing daily. The fridge is full of take-home foods, including the renowned family size beef lasagna. It’s only morning, but already a couple of lasagna’s are reserved with names scribbled on sticky notes. Everything is so enticing we stayed for lunch. It’s hard to believe this delightful café is only 30 per cent of the Steampocket business. The other 70 per cent is their catering service, which they provide for corporates such as the Geelong Football Club and Supercats, as well as weddings and milestone birthday parties. Their mobile pizza wood oven provides all the catering any function could need, with antipasto platters served as a teaser while the oven heats up for rustic pizzas to be fired.

Such a comforting place it is, owner Cameron explains how the elderly visit from their nursing homes and Botox clients from the clinic next door pop in post-treatment. The majority of clients are everyday regulars, always a good sign that the food, service and coffee are of an excellent standard. Located near Chilwell Primary School on Pakington Street’s Paris end, Cameron describes their spot as “a cosy little hub of Pakington Street.”

words courtney buchanan photos elisha lindsay, elphotography.com.au 40 Ruby Spring

sit & sip

SIT & SIP When it’s coff ee o’clock, we here in Geelong are spoilt for choice when it comes to relaxed and stylish destination cafes. Here’s a few of our favourites... From cosmopolitan Pakington Street to the relaxed chic of Highton Village, from an airy sun-filled courtyard in Grovedale to a sweet spot in Belmont and hip alleyway in central Geelong, these beautiful cafes are perfect for a bit of down time. I could spend a happy hour to two happily ensconced in a corner table, chatting to the girls or having a bit of quiet time with book. Cafe catch up, ladies?

DARRIWILL FARM Come and enjoy breakfast or lunch at Darriwill Farm Cafe in Highton. Take in the ambience of the Highton Village. On a beautiful day, sitting out the front with one of our tasting plates, a glass of wine or a lovely cup of coffee prepared by one of our Baristas. We offer a quality menu prepared for your enjoyment by our qualified Chefs. All our slices are made on sight with fresh produce arriving daily in our kitchen. 65-71 Barrabool Rd, Highton VIC 3216 P: (03) 5241 2933 Open 7 days, Monday to Sunday, 7.30am - 5pm.

photos elisha lindsay, elphotography.com.au 41 Ruby Spring

sit & sip

SANDSTONE CAFE

SIP - SIMPLE - INNOVATIVE - PERSONAL

In the recent Geelong Otway Golden Plate Awards, Sandstone Cafe won the highly commended award ‘Best Value for Money Licenced Cafe.’

A unique and cosy hub of Belmont. We are child friendly with locally sourced produce and our delicious cakes and pastries are made fresh on the premises.

At Sandstone Cafe we have created something new and exciting in Grovedale to give people a great food, wine or function experience at very reasonable prices. Our food can be enjoyed in our airy and bright cafe or in the outdoor courtyard. We are fully licenced and our wine list has a large selection of local wine from our award winning wine regions. We choose to serve the award winning Dimattina coffee.

With our passion for food and a wonderful experience we also welcome small functions.

284 Torquay Rd, Grovedale P: (03) 5244 2343 Open 7 days from 9am for Breakfast / Lunch. Dinner Fri and Sat.

Wedding and Special occasion cakes are also catered for. Delicious all day breakfast and lunch available from 12.00 -2.30pm. 56A Mount Pleasant Rd, Belmont VIC 3216 P: (03) 5245 8483 We are open 6 days 8.30-3.00pm (Closed Tuesdays)

DIVERSitat wholefoods Diversitat Wholefoods aims to provide fresh, organic and unique products to the local community while promoting healthy living.

One of Geelong’s hidden treasures.

• Organic meals, coffee and chai, organic food supplies, eco-friendly products, take home meals and catering • Cultural cooking workshops – learn to cook traditional dishes from around the world 2 Baylie Place, Geelong P: (03) 5221 5421 Café: 10am-3pm Mon to Fri Shop: 10am-5pm Mon to Fri and 10am-2pm Sat www.diversitat.org.au/wholefoods ‘Like’ us at Geelongwholefoods

42 Ruby Spring

ruby food

With the long-awaited arrival of the spring comes the urge to revel the freshest, most vibrant flavours. When it comes to fresh and vibrant, the subtle complexity of Asian flavours immediately comes to mind. Whether it’s a celebration of the sunshine, a Spring Carnival soiree, or a simple Sunday lunch, hit the local farmer’s market, forage in your favourite fruit and veg store or raid the veggie patch in your backyard and get cooking. On a continual quest to bring the flavours of the world to his modern Australian cuisine, Baveras Brasserie Head Chef, Darius Sarkis, shares two of his favourite Asian-inspired dishes that will have you claiming the title of your kitchen’s Masterchef. These light, fresh fish balls are the perfect foil to the same-old fishcakes. With their delicate blend of lemongrass, Vietnamese mint and waterchestnuts, they make a delightful light spring meal or wow-factor first course. In a twist on the classic roast chicken, Darius’ Chinese Roast Chicken will fill your home with the enticing aromas of Chinese cooking. Think the zing and spice of star anise, ginger, garlic and spring onions, combined with hoisin, soy, orange and brown sugar. This glazed wonder is served with delicate Asian crepes. Enjoy!

photos biancawhitephotography.com.au

$19.90* s 1 course & a glass

of beer, wine or soft s In & out in the hour

Catch up over the water with an Express Lunch Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch & dinner. (03) 5222 6377 reservations@baveras.com.au www.baveras.com.au

(*Available Mon-Fri, 12pm-3pm)

Baveras

@BaverasThePier

43 Ruby Spring

ruby food Poached Fish Balls with Vietnamese mint IN a Ginger Tomato Sauce Fish Balls 1 Kg Firm white flesh fish, skinned 1 egg 2 Tbs vegetable oil 4 Tbs corn flour 200g water chestnuts, roughly chopped Â˝ a small bunch Vietnamese Mint, picked and roughly chopped Salt and Pepper to taste 2 lt Fish stock

Method Dice fish into 1 cm cubes and the place in a food processor and roughly process until the fish comes together. Remove from processor and place fish into a bowl, add the egg and the knead mixture until the egg is totally incorporated. Add oil and knead again. Add corn flour and knead

44 Ruby Spring

once again until mixture is smooth and then fold through the Vietnamese mint, water chestnuts and salt and pepper. In a medium size pot add the fish stock and bring to the boil. Once stock is boiling turn down to a gentle simmer. Roll out fish balls to your desired size and place onto a tray. Add fish balls to simmering stock and lightly poach balls for 5 -10 min (depending on the size). Once the fish balls float, continue to cook for 2 minutes then remove from stock. Repeat this process until you have cooked all the fish balls. Ginger tomato sauce 40 ml olive oil 10g peeled and chopped garlic 40g peeled and fine diced red onion

10g ginger peeled and grated 5g lemongrass finely sliced (white part only) 250g tomato skinned and diced 10ml fish sauce 5ml lime juice 10g sugar 5g coriander chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Method Heat the olive oil in a medium sized saucepan and sautĂŠ the garlic, ginger, lemongrass and red onion until soft. Add the diced tomato, fish sauce, lime juice and sugar. Bring to the boil and turn down to a gentle simmer. Cook sauce out for 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 min stirring regularly. Add salt and pepper to taste and then add the coriander leaves just before serving.

ruby food Chinese Roast chicken with Asian crepes Roast Chicken 1 whole Chicken (I used 4 Poussin for this recipe) ½ cup soy sauce ½ cup water 3 Tbs brown sugar 2 Tbs Hoisin sauce ½ Tsp chilli flakes 1 star anise ¼ Tsp Chinese 5 spice powder 4 cloves garlic peeled and crushed 3cm piece ginger, peeled and sliced 3 spring onions finely sliced Zest of ¼ of an orange 1 Tbs corn flour + 2 Tbs water

Method In a Large bowl combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, chilli flakes, star anise, Chinese 5 spice, garlic, ginger, orange peel and spring onions. Place the chicken in the marinade and coat well, cover and place in the fridge to marinate chicken for at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 180˚C. Remove chicken from bowl and place in large baking dish with all of the marinade. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 1 ½ hours. After 1 ½ hours turn the oven up to 200˚C, remove the foil and cook for a further 20 mins basting the bird every 5 mins. In the last 10 mins add your corn flour and water mix to the liquid in the pan and baste every 2-3 mins with the thickened sauce to get a nice glossy finish. Asian Crepes ½ cup plain flour 2 Tbs corn flour ¼ cup water ¼ cup milk 2 eggs 1 Tbs melted butter

Method Combine the flour, corn flour, water, milk, eggs and butter in a food processor and process until you have a nice smooth batter. Pour into a jug, cover with cling film and allow to rest for 15 min. Heat a small non stick frying pan over a medium heat, lightly oil pan and pour 2 Tbs of mixture into the pan. Try to spread out crepe mixture as thin as possible and cook for 1-2 min, flip the crepe and cook for a further minute. To Serve 1 continental cucumber deseeded and cut into batons 1 bunch spring onion and cut into 10cm pieces 4 Tbs Hoisin sauce

To serve the chicken, thinly slice pieces of chicken and place them on the crepes, put 1 piece of cucumber and 1 piece of spring onion on top of the chicken and lightly drizzle some Hoisin sauce over. Roll up your crepe and enjoy!

words darius sarkis, baveras 45 Ruby Spring

ruby money

Ladies, are your shoes covered? Spring is in the air. Baby lambs, daffodils, blossoms and hay fever heralds in the season. Aaaaachoo! Traditionally spring is the season for cleaning. Open up the house, de-clutter and dust from top to bottom. This is a great opportunity to look at what you actually own, what you should have insured and the best way to protect your hard earned belongings. When you clean your dressing table, what jewellery do you have? Should they be insured separately? Do you wear them out or keep them under lock and key? Do you know if they are covered away from home? Do you have enough cover to replace them fully? When did you last have a valuation done? Was it an heirloom from Great, Great Granny and you don’t actually know how much it’s worth? Have a quick look around your room. How much would it cost to replace everything in it? Bed, bedding, clothes, chair, carpet, curtains, handbags and shoes… The shoes! Does your closet reveal that you are a closet Imelda Marcos? What would it cost to replace all those shoes? Are you the Paris Hilton of handbags? Now is a great time to do an inventory of your home. Many insurers have a calculator to help you estimate what amount of contents cover you may need. Email us: insure@allsure.com.au if you’d like an electronic version. Kids rooms, toys, linen, crockery, pots, pans, hubby’s golf clubs and the tools in the shed... and don’t forget the pool room. It all adds up. As you are dusting, what happens if you drop, break or damage something? Do you have an insurance policy that covers your dropsies? It is available, believe it or not. Now, go find your favourite “Mother’s little helper”, get dusting and start adding up! Feel free to share your favourite spring lamb recipe too. And remember, having the right insurance, is no accident! DISCLAIMER: This article is for guidance only, and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. Neither the writer, publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this article. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

words melissa vella, allsure insurance

ALLSURE insurance Having the right insurance, is no accident.

46 Ruby Spring

www.allsure.com.au like us on follow us on

InsureAllsure @InsureAllsure

P: 5278 6808

ruby money

When it comes to choice, less is more Why do companies make customer buying complicated? For a small business, this question is critical. Every product or service developed or sold involves an investment. Businesses need to make sure they can sell what they make or offer. Surprisingly, giving customers too many choices is likely to lead to fewer sales. It may be time to think about reducing the number of product and service offering in your business. Whilst these ideas appear counterintuitive, marketing fewer products or services can lead to more sales and happier customers. Many business owners running small companies want to sell as many products and services as they can. When the business grows, one of the first things to happen is that products or services are

added to existing lines. The thinking is: “More choices, more sales.” Research and experience indicate that this is almost certainly wrong. Many large companies have learned that too many choices are counterproductive. Some have made fortunes in the process. In 1996, when Steve Jobs returned to run Apple, one of the first things he did was reduce the number of computers that Apple made. At the time, Apple had dozens of product lines to meet the needs of different retailers and market segments. Jobs came in and slashed Apple’s products to just four. Customers with too many options

experience “choice overload”. When confronted with all those choices, they not only have trouble making decisions, but they are less satisfied when they do make a purchase. That means they are less likely to buy again. When looking at many goods or services, typically three options are seen - the equivalent of economy, regular, and super. Three works well because many people gravitate naturally toward the cheapest choice and others to the most expensive. Customers expect businesses to help manage choices for them. Too many choices are confusing, and when confused customers feel stupid. When they feel stupid, they don’t buy.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for guidance only, and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. Neither the writer, publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this article. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

words reneé jovic, jovic accounting

Specialised Services

Renée Jovic

Property Investment Accounting Taxation Business Solutions

80 Pakington Street, Geelong West E: admin@jovicaccounting.com.au P: 03 5222 6962

“Providing Solutions to Businesses, Individuals and Property Investors. With a Personal Approach”

Web: www.jovicaccounting.com.au and www.bantacs.com.au

47 Ruby Spring

ruby business understand people. It is only when we understand those around us that we can truly connect, build solid relationships and create lasting trust. Our ability to motivate and inspire others, be it team members, clients, or even our partner is governed by our skill in identifying what is important to them. But sometimes we get it wrong, as I did … Sometimes we get it wrong when we provide someone with loads of information wen all they want is a snap shot, or act spontaneously only to be disappointed by the response because they prefer to act with more caution and consideration.

ARE YOU LISTENING? If you’re in business, work with people, sell to people or even interact with people, then you are in the field of connecting. I guess that makes all of us. The question is, how many are we not connecting with because they are not `like us’ or we just don’t get them? I love to meet people, chat to and get to know different types of people. I am also someone who is comfortable to be in front of a crowd or front of house at events – being the meet and greet person. I always used to think that everyone must be like that, given most of my friends were similar. Then I started working in a very large corporate finance company in Collins Street. I had a meeting with one of the finance managers… oh what an experience that was! There I was chatting away, being my friendly self, thinking he’ll like me because I am so friendly. Chat, chat, chat. And then he turned to me in his brown 70’s suit with a navy blue and

white striped tie, peering over his dated thick glasses he paused and then said in a firm, low tone, “Why are you telling me this? I don’t need to know.” SLAP! I learnt very quickly that there are different types of people. It was a great lesson to learn in my 20’s. Fast forward to now, and knocking on the door of 40, I have learnt that not only are there different types of people, but there are ways to detect, identify and connect instantly with them. We are either connecting with people or not – to increase our results in business, the workplace and our personal life, the one thing standing between us and success is our ability to read and

We get it wrong because we are operating from the understanding of ourselves, from who we are and what is important to us, without respect to who they are and what is important to them. So, how can we get it right almost all of the time? It is as simple as cracking the code. Once you learn the code you will see that although we are uniquely different, we also have some core characteristics which, when identified, provide the doorway to understanding who we are and what is important to us. Once you have cracked the code you can then modify your interaction, behaviours and actions to suit the style of the person you are speaking with. Get this right and it will instantly make them feel understood, valued and important. You will see them light up, relax and connect. As a behavioural expert and trainer Sarah delivers fun and interactive workshops where she unravels the code moving participants towards a greater understanding of themselves and others. To have Sarah in your workplace contact sarah@sarahvalentine.com.au, mention Ruby’s Birthday and your business will go into the draw to have a FREE half day workshop valued at $1,200.

words sarah valentine Sarah Valentine works with business owners to move from survival to thrivel Aligning the business with its purpose and implementing the right strategies to support achieving the desired outcomes. Business owners create positive change and increase their results in business and life. Challenging business owners to rethink their approach to business – moving from technician to entrepreneur. Clients have clear direction on where they are going, the steps to get there and the support needed to create an outstanding business and life.

Business Coach | Facilitator | Presenter

www.sarahvalentine.com.au

48 Ruby Spring

Download your FREE Mission with Passion MP3 & workbook today at www.sarahvalentine.com.au valued at $147

0412 199 467

sarah@sarahvalentine.com.au

ruby business

Does your Ethos affect your employability? Ethos is an interesting and powerful word. It originates from the Greek language and means character. The word ethic is derived from ethos and it also has a powerful emotional foundation. Rotary, an organisation formed by business people wishing to network and support the community, has its ethos enshrined in its Four Way Test of the things they think, say or do. All members support this and are aligned to this test in their work at Rotary and in their business and life dealings. The Four Way Test is: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Ethos, essentially, is the guiding belief of an individual, a team or an organisation. Whilst it may be called many different names, and in many cases it is intuitive rather than definitive, it definitely is a decision criterion for a candidate being offered a role and conversely a candidate declining role. Employees, whose personal ethos is aligned to that of the organisation enjoy their work, are motivated, overcome obstacles and feel that they work in a strongly motivated and invigorating environment. I understand that the original team at Quicksilver in Torquay had working hours that were based around the quality of the surf. Surf’s up, down tools: surf’s down, up tools. The company’s size and

numerous acquisitions by international organisations have modified this ethos. An organisation looking for a great candidate and a candidate looking for a great organisation need to carefully and consciously note where each other’s ethos fits. The organisation’s ethos can be researched pre-interview through its web sites, annual reports, reputation and by visiting their facility. Is it welcoming? Is OH&S apparent? How are staff dressed? What does the signage present? Google articles on the organisations. Backwell IXL, for example, is a longstanding Geelong family manufacturing business and has the original anvil at the front door. They are proud of their history and origins. In an interview, you are able to explore further and ask questions about an organisation’s induction program, and their staff policies. Ask about their training and development programs, and their involvement in the community. How clear are their goals and objectives? How inclusive are employee’s opinions and are there examples? A candidate’s ethos is generally far more readily apparent. What does your resume say about you? Have you actually taken time to customise for this application? Is it up to date? The interview really brings out a

candidate’s ethos. How they present, how they engage, how open they are about talking about themselves. Ethos is different to and should not be confused with personality type: extravert or introvert, assertive or passive. A very important question that the interviewer will be trying find the answer to is does the candidate have character and values similar to the organisation? Our experience is that ethos is almost always an unwritten key selection criterion in the interview and candidate selection process. Both parties know when it is a right fit. In our business we spend time in the early part of the recruitment process defining for ourselves the client’s ethos. Our first selection criteria from resumes and telephone conversations are the potential match of ethos. It is placed well before personality and technical skills. One organisation that we are aware of that definitely values ethos is E&S Trading, a retailer specialising in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry, who recently opened their new flagship showroom in Geelong. Their first selection criterion is best fit of ethos. This is so important to their future, and their culture of exceptional customer service through their people, that they provide an extensive 12-week induction and training program to provide successful candidates with the technical tools of trade. Quality organisations are aware of their ethos, their character, the value of their brand, and their real commitment to their partners in business – their customers, suppliers and community. So, if you wish to be part of their team, you have to quantify their ethos and make it part of your application process. My strong recommendation to the preparation of a successful resume is the inclusion and alignment of the organisation and your own ethos.

words sarah thomas, sj personnel

Generations of experience tailoring recruitment to your needs. We take the time to understand your business to ensure we present you with candidates that have the skills, behaviours and attributes you need for a productive workplace. We provide recruitment services to industries including: Sales s Finance s Marketing s Retailing Engineering s Facilities Management Mining s Transport Business Services s Construction industries Recruitment Services Geelong and Ballarat CALL US: Sarah 0487 591 660 | Adam 0439 000 292 | www.sjpersonnel.com.au

49 Ruby Spring

ruby business

WOMEN IN BUSINESS We are blessed in Geelong with a number of networking groups, many of them aimed at women. Being part of these networks and meeting some terrific people has supported my belief that women are great collaborators and that we can do more together than we will ever have the ability to do on our own. In following my passion, which is to have great relationships and make a positive difference to those that I work with and for, the WIB series was launched and is gaining popularity with each session. I believe in the concept of abundance and like to share as much knowledge and information I can in the hope it will help people in business. A

great way to do this is through the WIB seminars, where we condense practical and relevant information, tips and tools into a 1-hour session in a relaxed forum. If you are in small business, you know how hard it can be. You must stretch yourself across a variety of roles, some of which may not be in your area of expertise, and you cannot pack up at 5pm each day to return rested and refreshed at 9am for a new start the following day. Instead, you take your business home with you and it becomes a dominant part of your life and, in many cases, the lives of your family. The risk that can come with this is that many small business owners end up getting lost in the detail of their business and lose sight of their why. When inspiration is lost, it is hard to find the opportunities from the challenges that arise and slowly the fight can be lost. I believe there is some key words kylie mcewan, davidsons.com.au

50 Ruby Spring

things business owners can do to ensure they do not lose sight of their inspiration. Planning is essential. You must be clear about why you are starting or started the business in the first place and, more importantly, what it is you wish to achieve. If you are clear with your vision, all of your decisions will be guided by that direction and eventually, you will get to where you want to go. Understand what support you need. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, not many people can claim to be experts at everything. Put your time and effort into the things you are good at, the things that inspired you to start the business in the first place. Organise to outsource or find support for those things you are not so good at. It is OK to ask for help, remember that Wonderwoman is a fictional character. Find a trusted financial advisor. Similarly to having the one doctor look after all

ruby business

2013 Women in Business Series - September

Are your customers sticky? This series gives you the chance to: Connect with other women in business, explore strategic alliances, bring about collaboration and discover a range of opportunities to benefit you and your business.

Would you like to learn how to retain and grow the value of your customer base? Come along to this interactive session, facilitated by Tara Iacovella, Senior Consultant at Brand Bureau. Brand Bureau, a Geelong based, full service marketing consulting firm, is well known for their thought provoking and educational workshops and will help you to: • Understand the value of your existing customers • Learn how to retain your customers • Develop an action plan to grow your customer base

When: Thursday 19th September 2013 Time: 4.30pm to 6.00 What: Canapés and Presentation Where: Geelong Business Centre 1st Floor, 67-71 Moorabool St, Geelong Cost: $25.00 (all proceeds to Give Where You Live) aspects of your health, the health of your business should be no different. Your financial advisor should grow with you and your business, providing support and guidance in not just the financial management of the business, but its vision, growth, protection and succession. Share with your trusted advisor or business mentor your goals and targets and have them hold you accountable to their completion. Telling someone your plans is in essence a verbal contract. It makes the plans real and places an expectation on getting them done. Lastly, get along to the WIB series. The series is focused on sharing practical information to keep you from getting lost in the detail of your business, all whilst you share a glass of wine, canapes and some great company. In the inspiring words of Ingrid Bergman, “Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get”.

RSVP: 13th September 2013 karent@davidsons.com.au or 5244 6860 Davidsons Accountants and Business Consultants Our ‘why’ is to have great relationships and to make a positive difference to the financial success of those that we work with and for.

Improving our community

For further information in relation to the WIB series or Davidsons, please contact Kylie McEwan on (03) 5244 6835 or at kyliem@davidsons.com.au

davidsons.com.au 51 Ruby Spring

ruby money

Taking the stress out of money Tammy May is disarmingly down to earth. The founder of MyBudget, and one of Australia’s leading businesswomen, has done for personal budgeting what Dr Phil did for relationship issues and what Dr Oz does for skincare - offering practical solutions to everyday problems. Tammy May was a mere 22 years old, and working in a solicitor’s firm in South Australia, when she began her personal budgeting service. “Part of my role was to look after their trust accounting and part of it was to look after a small debt collection fi rm that they owned, and it was there that I saw the impact that debt was having on people’s lives. It was then that I realised that it wasn’t about how much money people were earning; it was how they were managing that money,” Tammy said. “I kept thinking, ‘How can I help these guys? Who can I refer them to, to help them set up a budget or just work out what they could afford to pay? There just wasn’t anybody. So I decided to help them, to put a budget together

52 Ruby Spring

for them, but I also wanted to take it one step further than that and actually manage that budget for them on their behalf. What I was hearing a lot was that people were putting budgets together, but then weren’t actually sticking to them, so that’s where the idea came from.” That was in mid-1999; now, almost fi fteen years later, Tammy is a working mum of two and Director of one of the nation’s fastest growing businesses, with an extraordinary 50 per cent annual average growth rate over the past 12 years. MyBudget employs over 250 staff across 13 offi ces around the country, with hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions handled by the company. “Oh my goodness, time flies. It really was just one client, then two clients,

and it really was very small. It took a bit of time for it to build momentum, which really happened through word of mouth. By the end of year one, I had around 80 clients. It has certainly taken time to get all the systems built, and to just build awareness about what it is that we do. It’s not like we sell shoes and we can say, ‘We sell shoes, they’re the best shoes at the best price,’ we’ve really had to educate the market about what MyBudget is and what it does.” Australia has become an increasingly expensive country to live in and as Tammy sees every day, it can be very easy to spend more than you earn. So if you’ve maxed out the plastic on that new winter wardrobe, don’t despair, you’re not alone and you can get help. “It really is easy to fi nd yourself

ruby money caught up in debt, and getting credit – particularly before the GFC – was quite easy to do. There are so many buy now and pay later schemes that are fantastic if you use it in the right way, but unfortunately there’s a lot of people that get caught out with these schemes, get trapped with high interest and end up paying back a lot more than the amount they originally purchased their goods for,” Tammy said. “It is very easy to fi nd yourself in the debt cycle and living off of credit, and it’s when you’re living off of credit that you don’t realise how much you’re spending, until you end up spending more than what you’re earning. Then, if something happens, you can fi nd yourself in a bit of trouble.” Tammy describes MyBudget as a bit like having a personal trainer for your money. “We not only set the budget up for you, but also can manage all the payments on your behalf. So we look at all your income that you’ve got coming in, all your expenses going out, we factor in savings and we take care of making all those payments on your behalf. If we need to, we can also look at making some new arrangements with your creditors – whether that is getting your interest rates reduced on your credit cards, or negotiating to catch up on payments that might have fallen behind – it really just depends on the needs of each individual client.” Whether it’s the water heater going bung, an unexpected dentist bill or the car deciding to pack it in on the way to work, those unplanned for expenses can be an enormous cause of stress if you are already fi nancially over-committed or struggling with debt. “During those times, we fi nd that people have also relied on credit, and then down the track they haven’t been able to pay it back or something else has happened like illness or loss of income,” Tammy said. “If you can live off of your own money and not spend more than you earn, then you’re doing really well, because there are so many people who don’t even realise that they’re not only spending all their income, but then they go and get a $10,000 credit card and not realise that they’ve actually spent $10,000 more than they earned for that year.”

Tammy’s golden rules for managing your money: Number One: Do a budget. - Sit down work out exactly what your financial situation is. Are you earning enough to cover your commitments? If you’re not, then it’s probably time to make some serious changes in your budget or your lifestyle. If this all seems to hard, jump online or call MyBudget, we will do a budget for you at no charge. Number Two: Save - Everyone should have some savings. If you don’t, then start putting some savings away so that if an emergency does crop up, you’ve got something to fall back on. Number Three: Cash is King - We see so many people get themselves into financial difficulty because they’ve used credit rather than their own money. At the time, they probably thought they could afford it to pay it off, but one of the philosophies we use here is: if you can’t afford it now, you probably can’t afford it later. Try to save up for it. Avoid using credit wherever possible. I know credit comes in handy and it does help, but really, unless it’s an emergency, try to use your own money to live off. To find out more, jump on to mybudget.com.au

Tammy T Ta am mm my May, Mayy,, Ma mybudget.com.au myybu m budg dgeett.c .com coom m .aau

words davina montgomery 53 Ruby Winter

ruby money

Funeral Planning – Know Your Options A large number of Geelong women are taking out so-called ‘ funeral insurance’ policies every year. There are some circumstances in which this small amount of life insurance is appropriate to a person’s needs, but if death is not expected within 1 to 7 years of commencing coverage, the consumer is likely to end up paying more in premiums than the actual cost of their funeral. Many consumers find themselves trapped with escalating premiums that must be paid continuously until their death, which may be many decades in the future. In 2011, the ABS measured an increase in female life expectancy to 84.2 years. A woman who takes up funeral insurance at age 60 for a $6,000 funeral will pay:

• Once your premiums paid reach your level of cover, you pay NO more

• Over $7,000 in total by age 70

The monthly premium for a 60 year-old non-smoking woman with $6,000 of cover is $25.25 and no interview or medical is required.

• Over $14,000 by age 75 • Over $28,000 by age 80 • Over $85,000 by age 90 *Source: Rice Warner Actuaries, September 2010

Louise King Funerals by Women and Kings Funerals have been selected by Foresters Friendly Society as exclusive referrers of a new funeral product. Ezicover Funeral Advantage provides your choice of coverage between $5,000 and $15,000 that is accessible after 12 months. The biggest advantages of this product over traditional funeral insurance are: • Premiums do not increase with age

• The benefit is assigned to the funeral company, which reduces claim paperwork for your family or executor and guarantees that the cover will be used to contribute to the cost of your funeral

Two things to be aware of when deciding whether this product is suitable for you are: • Cover must commence when aged between 35 and 70 • Coverage will be cancelled if direct debits are disrupted and unable to be reinstated Other funeral planning products offered by Louise King Funerals by Women and Kings Funerals are: Fixed Price Funeral Plans – pay at today’s prices and guarantee the agreed funeral

service will be provided without additional cost. All funds are invested with Foresters Friendly Society and the investment is capital guaranteed. Funeral Bonds by Instalment – pay small amounts regularly or sporadically. All funds invested will contribute towards the cost of your funeral and earn an annual bonus. Under current legislation, funds invested in Fixed Price Funeral Plans and Funeral Bonds are not deemed part of your assets nor bonus payments part of your income for pension purposes. Call Helen Trigg, our Funeral Planning Specialist, on 5222 6363 to arrange an obligation-free appointment to discuss your options or a free education session for your community or business group.

advertorial louiseking.com.au

At Louise King Funerals...

We Understand Your Love

Call us to make an obligation free appointment to pre plan your funeral.

At Louise King Funerals by Women, we are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and grandmothers ourselves, we understand your love.

(03) 5222 6363 louiseking.com.au 54 Ruby Spring

ruby money

ARE YOU SUPER SAVVY? Retirement savings, superannuation, wealth management… whatever you want to call it, it all equates to the same thing, do you have enough cash behind you to provide for a financially-secure retirement?

FEMINSURE You have a choice

Income Protection If you’re aged 55 or over, chances are the answer to that question is no. The sad truth is that domestic engineering has a rubbish super plan. All those years of bearing and raising kids, managing the home, and often trying to raise (oops, I mean care for) a husband have left many women facing their retirement years with little savings. Shane Matthews of Feminsure says that while there is still a big gap between the superannuation balances of women and men, the situation is getting better. The disparity in super comes back to the old gender equality and wage equality push. It is a fact that it is usually women who take time out of work for children, often returning to part-time or casual work. And, of course, women all too often, earn less than men. All of this adds up to lower super balances, less assets, and less financial security. So, what can women do to secure our retirement income and, hopefully, have enough put away to do a little gallivanting as well? If your spouse (the definition of ‘spouse’, in the super laws include same-sex partners), is on a low income, you may be able to claim an income tax offset of up to $540 for contributions you make on their behalf. This can be a nice way of appreciating a significant other, (income and contribution caps apply.)

Business Expenses Trauma Cover Child Cover Total & Permanent Disability Cover Life Cover Superannuation Retirement Planning

The government co-contribution is still on offer for those who meet the criteria, so it is well worth considering topping up your super. Just $20 a week would add over $1000 a year to your super and the government could co-contribute up to $500. Even a $10 a week contribution would add over $500 each year to your super. Voluntary contributions can be salary sacrificed and even a small amount can make a big difference to your retirement fund. If you, like many working women, are working under an ABN, it is well worth considering either making weekly contributions, or, if you have the kind of whopping mortgage so many of us have these days, pay your 9.25 per cent into your mortgage. “At the end of the day, it is really about looking at your total financial position. Get a one-page snapshot of where you are today. What assets and what savings do you have? What do you owe? How many kids do you have and how long are you going to have to provide for them? Then you can make some decisions about where to go from here and what sort of protection you need in place.” How is Andrea doing? Andrea commenced her chemotherapy in May and had a setback due to some side effects of the treatment requiring surgery and a stay in ICU. Following her recovery from this, she has recommenced chemo and is maintaining her positive attitude and outlook. She looks good in a beanie. We wish her well with her battle. GENERAL ADVICE WARNING: Any advice contained in this document is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial product advice. In preparing the advice no account was taken of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Therefore, before making any decision, readers should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regard to their particular objectives, financial situation and needs. Shane Matthews is an authorised representative of Th e FinancialLink Group AFSL: 240938

feminsure.com.au

Contact Shane Matthews or Pamela Anderson E: info@feminsure.com.au P: 1300 FEMINSURE (1300 336 467) 67)

www.feminsure.com.au Feminsure and Investinsure Private are registered business names of Investinsure Group Pty Ltd ABN 56 762 085 493 Corporate Authorised Representative No. 438472 of The FinancialLink Group Pty Ltd ABN 12 055 622 967 Australian Financial Services Licensee No. 240938

55 Ruby Spring

ruby real estate

Preparing your home to Lease Making the decision to become an investor and lease your property to complete strangers can be extremely daunting and, at times, overwhelming. So what can you do to ease this? The first step would be to arm yourself with as much information as possible about renting your property. Do you want to self manage or would you prefer to put your investment into the care of a property manager? Then make an informed decision. Secondly, I would recommend that you take an honest look at your investment, and try to see it as it really is, as others will undoubtedly view it through critical eyes. Would you live in this property in its current condition? If yes, great. If not, why not? Do you need to make some changes, complete some maintenance? Here are some suggestions on preparing your home to lease: • If the paintwork is looking tired, consider repainting. • Look at the floor coverings; are carpets threadbare, are there tears or frays that could be repaired? A professional clean may improve the look of your carpet. • Ensure appliances in the property are in working order. For safety reasons, you should seriously consider servicing gas heaters, hot water units, pool filters and smoke detectors on a regular basis. • Externally, clean roof gutters, tidy gardens and prune trees and bushes. These are only a handful of suggestions, but it is up to you to ensure your property is habitable and safe for someone to occupy. Happy Leasing. words gina tobolov, west end real estate 56 Ruby Spring

Are you agonizing over which colour cushions to put on that new couch? Do you pore over home magazines, cheer and boo at The Block, or are just dreaming of your very own Grand Design, only to be overwhelmed by how to bring it all into your home? Let me tell you, you are so not alone.

photo derbyshire homes 57 Ruby Spring

ruby living

the queen of colour is back Everything goes - from the austere black and grey of classic New York style, to vibrant pops of colour, to grungy recycled materials, to soft and whitewashed...

s the ratings prove, we just love a good design show here in Oz. From the quirky to the cool to the Neil Whittaker Wow Factor, we race for the remote to see who has done what in which home this week. We collect pics of things we love from our favourite home mags and sneakily snap off phone pics in those display homes that we drag our hapless significant others through on weekends. It is so easy to become overloaded with inspiration. How do they all make it look so easy? Great design sense is a gift granted to a lucky few and, luckily for us, Geelong’s queen of colour, Mira Howell of Décor by Mira, is one of them. When it comes to colour trends, Mira says to ignore them, except for avoiding stark minimalism. “I can’t imagine living in a house with just shades of white,” she chuckles, and her love of vibrancy and gorgeous fabrics is everywhere in her studio and the homes she styles. Modern design is much more relaxed than ever before, and Mira says no one should be afraid to play with design, to play with colour, with texture, with pattern and with form. The spaces you live in should make you smile. Find pieces that you fall in love with and just have a bit of fun with it. But if agonizing over your colour palette and pulling your hair out of which cushions to go with gets all too much to deal with, you can simply hand it all over to a professional who can take all the guess work out of décor choices. It just might be the best home styling choice you’ve ever made.

decorbymira.com.au

Décor by

P: (03) 5223 1522

58 Ruby Spring

16 Gordon Ave, Geelong West

decorbymira.com.au

naturally beautiful homes

Sustainable custom design you can afford Not so long ago, if you wanted a high quality custom designed home with a small environmental footprint, you simply expected to pay more. How things have changed. Derbyshire Naturally Beautiful Homes provides our clients expert architectural design and quality, and the capacity to build in efﬁciencies and innovation so you can have a sustainable home for much less than you would expect.

Our passion At Derbyshire our philosophy is simple - deliver outstanding craftsmanship to build the most stunning, functional homes that exceed client expectations. This has been the hallmark of Derbyshire for more than 20 years. Sustainable building methods and attention to detail are also characteristics embodied in the Derbyshire name.

Our quality Awarded the Housing Industry Association’s highest award in 2012 – Home Builder of the Year and a Master Builders award for Best Custom Home, Derbyshire represents premium design and expert craftsmanship in building new homes. Living up to the promise from concept to completion, Derbyshire homes express quality in every last detail.

Our clients Understanding how to achieve a client’s desires within a speciﬁc price range is a rare talent. We will deliver your wish list through clever design and an expert understanding of the construction process, so your home is affordable – with no surprises down the track. Of course, the process wouldn’t be so successful if Derbyshire wasn’t also highly committed to a premium level of customer service. The ability to understand a client’s needs and interpret them in detailed design sketches provides a clear vision of your home, and a realistic understanding of the costs involved up front.

* FREE Architectural sketch designs

59 Ruby Spring

“Our clients are often surprised by

Our built-in value Owner Noel Derbyshire is proud of Derbyshire’s customer service ethic, and its capacity to produce exceptional outcomes for less than you would expect. Noel says: “There is sometimes the perception that our beautiful homes are out of reach from a budgetary perspective. When we meet with prospective clients and discuss the possibilities, they are often surprised at what can be achieved for less.”

Our people Carefully selected and highly skilled tradespeople work alongside specialist project managers, Architect, interior design consultants and draftsperson who collectively are responsible for delivering the dream. The 2012 awards are testimony to Derbyshire’s superior design and construction standards.

Designed for growth Derbyshire understands that while your house is your home - to be enjoyed each and every day - many clients will eventually move on. When that day comes, you want to feel safe in the knowledge that your home has achieved your expectation of strong capital growth. While each Derbyshire home is designed to our client’s exacting speciﬁcations, our expert consultants and architects are there with you along the journey to ensure that your dream is turned into thoughtful design, with a perfect mix of space and function, that will satisfy existing and future homeowners’ needs. This ensures healthy capital growth will be achieved in the everchanging property market.

OPEN HOUSE - Barwon Heads, 100 Hitchcock Our Barwon Heads Beach House – open house Derbyshire has recently completed a new home that exempliﬁes everything that we stand for. Inspired by our client’s affection for archetypal 1950s ﬁshermen cottages, the Barwon Heads beach house is characterised by a distinctive custom design that incorporates sensible use of light and space, modest styling while at the same time achieving a seven-star sustainability rating. “The Barwon Heads home embodies our customer service ethic, and our capacity to produce exceptional outcomes for less than you would expect,” says Noel Derbyshire. “There is sometimes the perception that our beautiful homes are out of reach from a budgetary perspective. When we meet with prospective clients and discuss the possibilities, they are often surprised at what can be achieved for less. The Barwon Heads home is a great example of what can be achieved.”

60 Ruby Spring

Open house: The Barwon Heads home, at 100 Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads, opens to the public weekends from Saturday 31 August to Sunday the 6th of October from 1pm to 5pm. * Right now, clients are taking advantage of free architectural sketch designs. Once a contract is signed with Derbyshire all design fees will be credited back to you immediately. Contact Noel on 0407-524 406 or our ofﬁce 5221 8409 to ﬁnd out more about Derbyshire’s award winning homes. www.derbyshire.com.au

what can be achieved for less...â&#x20AC;?

Avenue

98 Pakington Street Geelong West, Victoria 3218 Ph: 03 5221 8409 Fx: 03 5229 7433 Email: info@derbyshire.com.au www.derbyshire.com.au

61 Ruby Spring

ruby living patterns give us a sense of comfort and predictability.

attern is at the very fibre of our existence. It seems a strange thing to actually say, but our very human form relates to patterns. The way we look, speak, walk, move and breathe, even our heart beat, they all form a repetitive pattern. Environmentally, we are controlled by patterns such as day and night, weather, tides, weeks and years. Primitive art is a prime example of humanityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obsession with the use of patterns. This is very obvious in Aboriginal art. The patterns form a story and relate to everyday rhythms of life. They define a culture. Design principles used by designers also capture the very essence of these phenomenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, such as rhythm, repetition and balance. Patterns give us a sense of comfort and predictability. In our homes, patterns emerge in many surfaces; fabrics, dinnerware and tiles are just a few examples. They also

speak and define an era such as Art Deco and add excitement and movement to any colour scheme. Interior design is continuously changing and reinventing itself. The changing tide is happening in the second decade of the twenty first century, as we turn from a bland and uniform design ethic to a more interesting and diverse way of designing. Pattern will link hand in hand with the reinvention of the use of colour in design - so be blown away by adding exciting accessories and homewares to your schemes. Feature walls in patterned tiles both in kitchens and bathrooms are emerging as a strong design concept. Remember, pattern does not necessarily mean a colour busy scheme; pattern can also be just a texture of one colour. This can look superb when complimented with the same colour surface in the room. Patterned tiles are about to take Australia by storm. Some of these are already available in designer tile showrooms.

words paulina bird, suregripceramics.com.au 62 Ruby Spring

ruby living

sleek & sophisticated. the choice is clear

hether the desired outcome is simplistic or you are searching for a wow factor, Modglass provides the latest cutting edge products and innovations available. “We will help you achieve the ultimate expression in design, with unparalleled flexibility and architectural freedom,” explains owner Mark Sostheim. Modglass specialises in all fields of glazing for both domestic and commercial applications. From splashbacks, shower screens, mirrors, decorative glass, table tops, glass balustrades and pool fences to repairs, Modglass does it all. Glass Splashbacks make a fantastic feature in a kitchen, bathroom, laundry, barbeque or bar area. With an endless choice of colours, they can fit in with any décor, whether it is a traditional federation style or a modern home. Updating your bathroom has never been easier with the installation of a custom-made semi- frameless or fully frameless shower screen. Combined with shower splashback panels from Modglass, your elegant design with minimal framing is sure to impress. Searching for a mirror but can’t find the one that is just right? Look no further. Our qualified glaziers will ensure you get the look, style and fit you are after to bring depth and atmosphere to even the smallest space.

Glass balustrades have become increasingly popular with Australia’s outdoor entertainment culture. Primarily installed on 1st or 2nd floor balconies and stairs, they also make excellent windbreaks, or alternatively, a way of dividing an internal or outdoor area. If you want the latest in sleek and modern style for your balcony, safety barriers or fences to perfectly complement your veranda, patio, staircase, internal void or outdoor area, then you have come to the right place. Modglass has an extensive range of frameless glass and semiframeless aluminium pool fencing that will add value to your home and create a safe fence. Glass pool fences are particularly appealing, as they don’t interrupt the visual beauty of the water with unsightly steel bars or mesh. The semi-frameless aluminium posts are available in a large range of powder coat colours. Both frameless and semi-frameless options come with frameless self-closing gates, which are not only seamless and aesthetically pleasing, but meet all Australian safety standards. The primary focus for the company’s commercial division is on manufacturing and installing windows and doors for new homes, shopfronts, office buildings and factories. Modglass offers sashless double hung, sashless horizontal sliding, awning and louver windows, as well as hinged doors, sliding doors, stacker doors and automatic doors, all with single or double glazing options. Modglass makes creating a stunning feature in your home or office that much easier, providing a concept-to-completion service, with experienced sales staff and glaziers to help you make the right selections. Modglass is at 2 Capital Drive, Grovedale, phone 5222 2252.

Glass has become one of the most versatile building products in modern homes and offices and Modglass Geelong has the style and expertise to customise their products to suit your individual needs.

advertorial modglass.com.au

GLASS GLAZING

SPLASHBACKS

BALUSTRADES

FRAMELESS SHOWERS

MIRRORS

Excellence in glass fabrication and installation Quality workmanship guaranteed.

Geelong Ph 5222

2252

sales@modglass.com.au www.modglass.com.au Mark Sostheim 0427 825 9894 Geelong Surfcoast Bellarine Peninsula Lorne

words author’s t name 63 Ruby Spring

STYLISHoutdoor living Beautiful awnings, shade when you need it

YEARS

C ELEBR

G ATIN

More than just blinds…

Control the sun at the touch of a button, with fully automated Folding Arm Awnings, manufactured locally by ‘Brax’ and professionally installed by our experienced team. Keep your home cooler this Summer. Simple to operate and with a huge range of fashionable colours – perfect for all your outdoor entertaining. Order now to beat the heat. We invite you to visit our showroom to view our range, or call today to arrange your free in-home consultation.

Brax Window Treatments Pty. Ltd

(03) 5221 5533

Showroom: 332 Pakington Street, Newtown, Vic. 3220

www.braxwt.com.au

et ready for life outdoors… With Spring in the air, and summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about outdoor living.

At ‘Brax’ we have a great range of outdoor products – designed to enhance your home and lifestyle - from fully automated awnings, that enable you to control the sun at the touch of a button, to retractable fly screens and Crimsafe Ultimate to keep out those pesky insects and other unwelcome guests. A ‘Brax’ Folding Arm Awning is an investment in sun control and perfect for extending your outdoor living area. Available in a range of fashionable plains and stripes – our awnings really are a stylish addition to your home. Easy to operate – at the touch of a button - you can extend the awning to provide shade when you need it, or retract the awning to allow the sun in. As a standard inclusion, all of our motorised folding arm awnings come with a motion sensor – this safety device attaches to the front of the awning and is designed to retract the awning when it is affected by wind. If you’re limited for space, than the ‘eclipse’ or ‘paraflex’ range of umbrellas can help provide you shade where you want it. These quality umbrellas, with tilting canopies, feature marine grade materials and premium fabric to provide maximum uv protection, with either a side post or wall mounted installation. Our Evo range of awnings, also manufactured locally by ‘Brax’, represents the latest in design, style and functionality. Available in our premium range of sunscreen fabrics – in cable guide, side tension or straight drop – these awnings suit even the most modern homes and will give you shade and insulation, without taking away your view. We all want our home to look its best. With Crimsafe Ultimate you don’t have to sacrifice style to feel safe and secure. Crimsafe Ultimate is renowned for its ‘seethrough’ mesh, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted views – safety and security without feeling caged in. It’s seven times stronger than the impact required by the Australian Standard, and 40% stronger than regular Crimsafe as well as being fly and mosquito resistant. It also now comes with an extended 5 year warranty in addition to the standard Crimsafe 10 year warranty. No other security door compares. With so many products available, we invite you to visit our showroom to view our fantastic range. We also offer a free in-home consultation service, where one of our experienced consultants can advise on the best options to suit your individual needs.

“

The selection of the right window coverings can greatly impact on your home’s energy consumption. Visit the Brax Showroom today to talk to our experts or to book your in-home design consultation and discover why Smarter Design begins with us.

“

COME HOME TO A REAL FLA AND EXPERIENC WHY REAL FLAME? Real Flame are the industry leaders in fireplace heater design and manufacture. Incorporated into our fireplaces is the latest in safety devices including flame failure and oxygen depletion systems. All of our products have been meticulously finished using only the highest quality materials, with styles ranging from classic to contemporary. We have a fireplace that will add value, warmth and ambiance to any home.

AME GAS FIREPLACE HEATER CE RELAXATION 13 ADVANTAGES OF A GAS FIREPLACE s s s s s s

#ONSTANT HEAT .EVER HAVE TO BUY OR CHOP lREWOOD .O ASHES OR mY AWAYS 3AVE AT LEAST ON YOUR ENERGY BILL 4URNED ON AND OFF WITH THE mIP OF A SWITCH ,ARGE RANGE OF STYLISH DESIGNS

Please visit us at Real Flame Geelong 1/2a Gordon Avenue Geelong West Ph: 5229 0844 www.realямВame.com.au

s s s s s s s

)NTERGRATED mUE SYSTEMS MEAN A BRICK CHIMNEY IS NOT REQUIRED 7ARMER THAN TRADITIONAL lREPLACE 2EMOTE CONTROL OPTIONS AVAILABLE &IREBAN SAFE #HEAPER INSTALLATION THAN TRADITIONAL lREPLACES 3AFE FOR KIDS AS IT IS VERY CONTROLLABLE .O CREOSOTE BUILD UP TO CLEAN

ruby living

customised designs to simplify your life

usband and wife team Marian and Erika are the Geelong DIY Cabinet Specialists with over 30 years’ experience. Their local business Ready Kit Cabinets will provide you with high-quality customised cabinetry to fit out your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, wardrobe or storage solutions. Whether you’re a new home renovator or experienced home builder, Ready Kit Cabinets allows you to put together a storage solution that suits you and your space.

There’s no such thing as a standard house – every home is different, therefore there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to cabinetry.

To view our range and speak with an experienced consultant, visit our showroom at 3 Sharon Court, Geelong North 3215. For more information call us P (03) 52 222 288.

Cabinetry in kit form has never been so simple, or stylish. Ready Kit Cabinets have a wide range of suppliers and a huge variety of finishes for bench tops and doors. Just a few available finishes include laminate, melamine, raw, vinyl and reconstructed stone. Gone are the days when you would have to precariously balance two pieces of material together whilst drilling holes for your screws. Ready Kit Cabinets are pre-drilled for perfect alignment every time with their tongue and groove system. There’s no such thing as a standard house – every home is different, therefore there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to cabinetry. Whether you need a wardrobe, vanity or laundry cabinet; one of their talented designers will make sure a kit is customised to fit the space required. Best of all, you will be able to see your customised design in three-dimensional colour images on their design software. The Ready Kit Cabinets team know home renovations don’t always go smoothly and are there to help you see your project through. If they can’t give you the assistance you need, they can certainly put you onto someone who can.

advertorial readykitcabinets.com.au

THE DIY CABINET SPECIALISTS

KITCHEN

BATHROOM

LAUNDRY

WARDROBE

A DESIGNER LOOK KITCHEN... READY KIT CABINETS CAN HELP YOU MAKE IT A REALITY... AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE! Visit our Showroom 3 Sharon Court Geelong North

68 Ruby Spring

P (03) 5222 2288 F (03) 5240 4777 E info@readykitcabinets.com.au

Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5pm Sat: 9am - 12 noon

this, that & more GIVENCHY SASS & BIDE MICHAEL KORS TED BAKER GLOBAL CONQUISTADOR FENDI NINA RICCI ROBERTO CAVALLI VERA WANG ETNIA CALVIN KLEIN DANIEL HECHTER TOM FORD MOSCHINO HUGO BOSS SERENGETI ESCADA TRUSSARDI KENZO LACOSTE GUCCI SONIA RYKIEL BOLLE ANDY WOLF MIKLI THIERRY LASRY FURLA SEIKO ZERO CHARLIE BROWN CARLA ZAMPATTI

BOSE® SURROUND SOUND. EASIER THAN EVER.

87 Barrabool Rd, Highton (Next to 63 Degrees) P (03) 5243 5600

1800 888 257

www.belmontstereosystems.com.au

E info@eyegallery.net.au www.eyegallery.net.au

“Like” on Facebook to see Real People in Real Glasses.

Designer Handbags, Giftware & Accessories

Steiff Limited Edition Panda Bear NOW IN STORE! 170 Moorabool St, Geelong P (03) 5229 7006 E fyanscottage@bigpond.com.au www.fyanscottage.com.au

Shop 3/321 Pakington Street, Newtown VIC 3220 T/F: (03) 5223 2520 www.tuppennyterrace.com.au

to advertise your services or products in “this, that & more” please email vinnie kerr - vinnie@adcellgroup.com.au

69 Ruby Spring

ruby loves

Neon Buddha $69

Moroccan Tile Canvas $169 Mango Wood Bowl $18

Ooops Screenprint $35

DOWN THAT LITTLE LANE If you are an avid bookmaker of cute and quirky things, you will love Down That Little Lane. The brain child of a Sydney mum with an incurable urge to click the bookmark button, Down That Little Lane celebrates the beautiful, the kitsch and the classic. From the timeless to the trending, it can all be found on page after page of this fab online market.

Coral Birch Clock $80

Here at Ruby, we are loving the burst of sunshine orange can bring, which is why we spent way too long trawling around the site in a bookmarking frenzy of our own. Check it out online at www.downthatlittlelane.com.au Wallace Dog Bed $170

Frederick Side table $249

Symmetry 2 Cushion $50

downthatlittlelane.com.au 70 Ruby Spring

Prices accurate at time of print.

Beach Cruiser $235

ruby book club

RUBY BOOK CLUB

About A Girl

Lindsay Kelk

From the author of the I Heart series comes a new bedtime read to make you smile. Tess Brookes is a career girl with a capital C, but those 14-hour days are about to pay off with an executive corner office… except that they don’t. Then she ruins things with her best friend, and secret love her of her life as well. So when she picks her roommate’s phone and hears the offer of job on a photo shoot in Hawaii, she jumps at it. Never mind that she is not, in fact, Vanessa, or a photographer. How hard can it be? Tess/ Vanessa’s new career and new identity come with the perks of a fabulous new best friend, and a fabulously hot guy... perfect, until the truth comes out. Laugh out loud funny and gloriously girly escapism. *Chic lit alert: Bridget Jones returns October in Mad About The Boy.

The english girl Daniel Silva

He’s Bill Cinton’s favourite fictional character, has millions of fans across the globe, and he’s back. Madeline Hart is a rising star in British government: beautiful, intelligent, and driven to succeed by an impoverished childhood. But she also has a dark secret. She is the lover of the Prime Minister, Jonathan Lancaster. When she disappears on the island of Corsica, it’s clear her kidnappers know about the affair and intend to make the PM pay dearly for his sins. Enter Gabriel Allon assassin, art restorer and spy. Gabriel’s mission takes him from the criminal underworld of Marseilles, to the stately corridors of power in London - and, finally, to a pulse-pounding climax in Moscow, a city of secrets and violence where there is a long list of men who want Gabriel dead.

CRAZY RICH ASIANS Kevin Kwan

What Psy has done for the wealthy elite of South Korea, Kwan does for the old money elite of Singapore. Satirical, outrageous and undeniably addictive, Crazy Rich Asians is a fabulous debut. When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she finds herself on the arm of the heir to one of the biggest fortunes in Asia and no one is happy that he has brought herhome to meet the family. Rachel is thrown into a world, private jets and haute couture and unimaginable wealth, and dating one of the Asia’s most eligible bachelors puts her right in the middle of the dynastic power struggles, soap opera drama, gossip and backbiting that are part of everyday life for these Crazy Rich Asians. The Kardashians have got nothing on these guys – hilarious!

The Fence Painting Fortnight of Destiny Meshel Laurie

‘As I look back over my life, I see great lessons learnt from revered spiritual teachers ... and even the odd junkie prostitute.” Comedian and radio and TV personality Meshel Laurie’s insider’s perspective on the 1990s comedy scene is intimate and more than a little surprising. She paints a picture of a close-knit environment and tells before-theywere-famous stories and the small acts of kindness of comic superstars she encountered along the way: Dave Hughes, Julia Morris, Rove, Wil Anderson, Wendy Harmer and others. We find out about the workings of an inner-city brothel, what it’s like to be ‘the girl on Rove’ and how fence painting can help save a life. The Fence-Painting Fortnight of Destiny is an honest and heartfelt look at life in all its messiness and unpredictability.

71 Ruby Spring

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

BE CONFIDENT Visit our SELECT TILE SHOWROOM 2A Gordon Avenue Geelong West 03 5222 6066 www.suregripceramics.com.au

Be inspired today See our latest concepts on Facebook *Offer available for Spring 2013. Not transferrable for cash - but you can try -

SPRING OFFER All Complimentary Selection appointments during Spring ZLOO ̈́QLVK ZLWK D JLIW Ȍ D ERWWOH RI &KDQGRQ WR VKDUH ZLWK \RXU IULHQGV Call 5222 6066 & book today.