Welcome to the first edition of SLIM Magazine for 2024! I can’t believe we are back already! The holiday season seems to have flown by, but here at SLIM we have had a racing start to the year enjoying the amazing events of the Magic Millions racing carnival!
There has been plenty of work happening too, bringing this fantastic first edition to you. Our cover girl for this edition is the gorgeous Gisele Bündchen - an inspiring woman who has successfully crossed over from high fashion runways to pop culture icon. We take a look at her rise to fame, what matters to her most and what life has in store after her split from NFL legend Tom Brady.
We have some great health reads in this edition also - check out our story on cholesterol and how it affects the heart, Dr Cary takes a look into the journey of couples through IVF, which is timely as you will be able to see him at work doing just this in the new season of Channel 9’s Big Miracles. We take a look at coronary calcium CT scoring and your heart and we also explore how bariatric surgery has evolved to become a day stay procedure for many patients.
As always we have some amazing competitions for you to enter with prizes ranging from health to fashion, and everything in between.
We also take you inside the latest collection from iconic Gold Coast activewear brand Cleo Harper - Cleo Harper x Kelsey Wells. This latest collection was created in collaboration with mindful fitness instructor and influencer Kelsey Wells and it will no doubt be a fast favourite with fans of both Kelsey and Cleo Harper.
A popular new year’s resolution is to take more time for yourself and read more often, so why not make good on that resolution now and take some time for yourself while you enjoy the latest edition of SLIM Magazine.
We hope you love it as much as we loved bringing it to you!
For more go to slim-magazine.com.au
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COVER
Gisele Bündchen at the Hollywood for Science GalaUCLA Honours Barbra Streisand and Gisele Bündchen, Los Angeles, California, United States Credit: Sheri Determan/ WENN.com, Alamy.com
PUBLISHER
Kate Bennett
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Alana Lacey
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Chelsea Sergi
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr Jason Free • Dr Peter Widdowson • Dr Andrew Cary •
Dr Ben Anderson • Simon Bennett • CN Rajdi Gemeri • Dr
Michael Ryan • Alana Lacey • Shelley Harrison • Lisa Harris
DIRECTOR OF SALES, MEDIA AND BRAND DEVELOPMENT
Kate Bennett: kate@slim-magazine.com.au
SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Carey Cam, Gold Coast Media • Flaunter • Celeste Humphrey, Novasoma Photography • Luke Marsden • Anne Armstrong • Momento Road Photography
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
Phone: 0419 909 925 kate@slim-magazine.com.au
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editor@slim-magazine.com.au
MEDIA REQUESTS info@slim-magazine.com.au
IT AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT Bailey and Zoe Bennett
DISTRIBUTORS
Dr Jason Free • Dr Peter Widdowson • Dr Andrew Cary • Dr Ben Anderson • Hairart Boutique • Lounge IV and Wellness Clinic• Pause Mediclinic • Pearl and Ash • Deb FarnworthWood • Gold Coast Radiology • Bella Donna • Brickworks Ferry Road • Triple M Gold • Medical Super Clinic • OMB Solicitors • Love Your Cupboard • Finvest • Chevron One
HEAD OFFICE
PO Box 8875, Gold Coast Mail Centre Q 9726 Phone: 07 5591 7231 Email: info@slim-magazine.com.au www.slim-magazine.com.au
SLIM Magazine is published three times a year. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission from SLIM Magazine. Copyright belongs to SLIM Magazine. Liability howsoever as a result of use or reliance upon advice, representation, statement, opinion, or conclusion expressed in SLIM Magazine is expressly disclaimed by the publisher and all persons involved in the preparation of this publication. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publisher.
You deserve to feel calm and organised in your own home
Do you want to...
1. Live a more organised life?
2. Feel an increased sense of calm and peace when using the spaces in your home?
3. Create order and control in your home, amongst the chaos of your busy life?
4. Feel a sense of pride when using the organised and beautiful cupboards in your home?
Let Love Your Cupboard bring order and tranquility into your home with our professional home organising service. We offer decluttering, professional organising solutions for your home and on-going maintenance to keep your cupboards functional and beautiful all year round.
If you want to experience the joy of living in a well-organised home, whether it is your pantry, wardrobe, office, linen closet, or your entire house, our professional organisers are here to bring order and harmony into your life.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards organised bliss!
Shelley Harrison | Professional Organiser | Love Your Cupboard
Ph: 0404 488 694 | loveyourcupboard.com.au |
Flannerys Organic Wholefood Market’s new store is now open on Pacific Avenue in Miami. The million dollar make-over took six months to complete and was definitely worth the wait. The new store is beautifully appointed and creates a special shopping experience. The store still offers a wide range of certified organic produce, wholefoods, bulk shopping options, chemical-free household products, skincare, locally-sourced organic meat, fresh bread, milk, eggs and a diverse selection of gluten-free and plant-based products. After your shopping you can even relax with a coffee at the fully integrated cafe, now part of the Flannery’s experience.
Visit the new store at 44 Pacific Ave, Miami
More at flannerys.com.au/store/miami/
With such a wet sart to the year, it’s no wonder the bities (mozzies and midgies) are out in force; but we know something that will help you say good-bye to those blood suckers! Good Riddance is an Australian brand renowned for its innovative approach to insect repellents. Our DEET-free, natural insect repellent combines pure essential oil actives in a luxurious moisturising cream, providing longlasting protection against mosquitoes, midges and sandflies. Suitable for babies under 12 months of age and registered with governing body APVMA, Good Riddance is readily biodegradable, and packaging is recyclable and biodegrades in landfill within 10 years. Available in Queensland at Woolworths stores and independent grocers across Australia
RRP from $24.95
More at goodriddance.com.au
Calling Gold Coast mind-adventurers, light chasers, imagination lovers, futurists and cool seekers. The stunning immersive play experience set to open in Surfers Paradise on the 21st March 2024! IMAGINATOR will open in spectacular style at 3241 Gold Coast Highway in Surfers Paradise, in the hub of the Gold Coast’s all-ages playground, bringing an all-new experience to the city.
Creative Director Nick Ennis said the IMAGINATOR experience was like being in a kaleidoscope of light, sound and wonder. The interactive experience features 15 immersive experiences – five of which are brand-new and exclusive to the Gold Coast, each bringing together the creative talents of architects, authors, audio-visual artists, futurists, renderers and sound designers.
It will be the best date night or day out you’ve had in a long time!
More at imaginator.com.au
With the return of the warmer weather, strawberries are in full bloom and will be the highlight of any picnic. The star of the summer is the return of the extra-sweet and extratasty Sweetest Batch Strawberries by Australia’s favourite berry brand, Driscoll’s. They truly need to be tasted to be believed. Tasmanian grown, the Zara variety has been naturally-bred through tried-and-true cross-pollination techniques ensuring a consistently superior fruit. The Sweetest Batch Strawberry is ideal for entertaining, or to be enjoyed as a healthy snack. Level up your sweet treats, muesli and yoghurt by topping with this ultra-sweet berry.
Punnet size: 300g and 350g
Available in select Coles, Woolworths and independent grocers within Australia
Vitamix Australia has just made life in the kitchen easier with their new personal cup adapter (PCA) designed to expand the convenience and accessibility of a full-size Vitamix® machine. Made to pair with the Vitamix® Explorian blender range, the personal cup adapter expands the accessory range with an adapter and two 600ml blending cups with travel lids, allowing users to take their singleserve recipes with them on-the-go, transforming a full-size Vitamix into a personal blender. Blend just the right amount and avoid food waste. The attachments are top-rack dishwasher safe to make cleanup quick and convenient to!
RRP from $299
More at vitamixaustralia.com.au
Bluey has become an incredible global success, and anyone with children or grandchildren can attest to enjoying the Bluey episodes just as much, if not more than their kids or grandkids! Bluey is still the most watched show ever on ABC iView and has amassed an impressive collection of awards including Logies, AACTAs, a BAFTA and an International Emmy. Now Bluey is coming to you as a storybook novel - Bluey: Trains. Based on the episode titled ‘Trains’ this new book features charming black-and-white illustrations by Bluey Art Director Rafferty Armor. The perfect gift for any kid or grown-up for that matter, in your life!
RRP from $14.99
More at penguin.com.au
A beautiful bouquet is always the perfect gift, no matter the occasion. It’s a gesture that transcends conventional gift-giving, offering a moment of pure joy, love and appreciation. Roses have always held the symbolism of love and gratitude, speaking for you if you don’t have the words. Adding to this, Mr. Roses shares a top tip for the perfect timing – order your roses about two days before the event you are celebrating so that they are in perfect bloom at just the right time. Mr Roses even offers same day delivery so they’ll never know you didn’t remember!
More at mrroses.com.au
slim-magazine.com.au
Biomiq is a new skincare range developed by some of Australia’s leading scientists and has officially launched its first skincare rangebiomiq Skincare Acne wipes and biomiq Skincare Acne serum. biomiq’s new postbiotic approach to skincare targets acne-causing bacteria while improving the appearance of the skin through a balanced skin microbiome. With an estimated 85 percent of 12 to 24 year olds affected by acne, biomiq’s new skincare range comes with two new innovative products to tackle one of the world’s most common skin problems. This revolutionary set of facial wipes is designed to control and reduce acne while leaving the skin smooth and revitalised. Suitable for sensitive, oily, or combination skin plus the convenience of the one-step biomiq wipes mean they are easily added into any daily skincare routine. Each wipe encourages the natural skin microbiome to rebalance while gently cleansing (or purging) the skin of troublesome acne-causing bacteria and fortifying the skin barrier resulting in a clear, healthy, and vibrant complexion.
RRP from $60
More at biomiq.com.au
In collaboration with Ounass, Dolce & Gabbana presents an Italianinspired experience at Cloud 22, that evokes a story of love and hospitality, of devotion to beauty, and the art of living the everyday life. The epicentre and spiritual core of Atlantis the Royal, Cloud 22 is an iconic sky pool with sweeping views over The Palm Islands, the Arabian Sea and Dubai’s captivating skyline. Seamlessly weaving the fashion house’s creativity into the venue’s inherent sophistication, guests are assured of an extraordinary encounter where Dolce & Gabbana’s renowned fashion elements blend with Cloud 22’s elegant ambience. Visitors can discover exceptional pieces from the Dolce & Gabbana collections - including iconic prints such as its iconic blue Majolica print and the Pyschedelic Cart, together with the Crystal Mesh Collection.
The exclusive journey at Ounass and Dolce & Gabbana at Cloud 22 starts from AED 450 per person and welcomes guests from 10am to 7pm daily (21+).
More at atlantis.com
The 2022 Cosmetics and Toiletries Alle Awards winning Roccoco Botanicals Ruby Crystal Cleanser is a luxurious cleansing balm designed to transform all skin types. Get perfectly clean, calm, brighter skin, morning and night, with results visible in just 15 minutes. Formulated for all skin types, skin conditions and acne-safe, you can look forward to a clear, even complexion and hydrated radiant glow which keeps improving after each use. Not only does this product come in beautiful ruby packaging it is also available in a sustainable refill pack.
RRP from $80
More at au.roccoco.com
If your pooch loves you more when you feed them yummy food, then get ready for the love barometer to soar with Animals Like Us – a delicious high-protein dog food available in Woolworths stores across Australia. Sustainably sourced and produced in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, Animals Like Us has tails wagging with Aussie dogs voting with their paws and their jaws for its mouth-watering, fresh taste. High in protein and low in carbs, Animals Like Us RawBlend33™, comes in a choice of three varieties, Grass-Fed Beef, King Salmon and Ocean Fish and Grass-Fed Lamb and Venison Tripe, each full of flavour, with no nasty additives and specially formulated for easy digestion. Each contains 33 percent raw meat or fish and 67 percent high protein oven baked meat and vege bites, coated with probiotics to support digestive health. Serve dry or add water to suit your pet’s palate.
More at animalslikeus.com.au
In a bold move towards sustainable beauty, Mathilde Thomas, the visionary behind Caudalie, has chosen to incorporate plant-based collagen into the exclusive Caudalie x Harvard patent: Vegan Collagen 1. This groundbreaking green technology is not just effective and vegan; it also represents a new frontier in sustainable anti-ageing solutions. In contrast to traditional animal-derived collagens, Vegan Collagen 1 is sourced from a herbaceous plant, cultivated through vertical farming. This innovative approach allows for the extraction of a fragment of vegan collagen with a structure identical to our cells, ensuring optimal absorption by the dermis.
Blending seamlessly with Caudalie’s exclusive Resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, and vegan collagen booster patent, this plant-based Collagen 1 guarantees effectiveness while honouring the skin and the environment. The new recycled packaging is recyclable and refillable, offering an eco-capsule system that reduces packaging by 85 percent when purchasing a refill.
RRP from $87
More at caudalie.com and Sephora stores across Australia
Formulite is an Australian-born wellness company specialising in healthier weight management solutions. Formulite’s philosophy is patient care, with the founder having previously worked in the health industry for more than a decade in radiography, as well as supporting general and specialist bariatric surgery in Melbourne. This best-selling formula still stands today and Formulite’s premium range of recovery protein, soups, and nutritionally complete shakes and bars, represent the gold standard for bariatric care and medically necessary weight-loss in Australia. Formulite’s protein bar range has also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers around their great taste, and convenience with an impressive 20g of protein per bar.
RRP from $29.95
From More at formulite.com.au
Taking the beauty world by storm, MUSE
The Skin Company’s hero product ‘Butt Gloss’ oil is making sure 2024 is the ultimate glow-up year for your booty skin. The Butt Gloss body oil, was developed to bid farewell to those oh-so-dreaded lumps, bumps, stretch marks, and cellulite and is a great way to start your journey to achieving the best booty skin of your life. Formulated with a blend of nature’s finest—juniper berry oil, avocado oil, mandarin oil, and sea buckthorn oil—this luxury beauty buy presents a transformative era in skincare. Get ready to take on this year with skin that is firm, toned and positively radiant!
RRP from $58
More at musetheskincompany.com
What started as an enigma in the world of desserts has now become a sensation. Bomberry, conceived by an Argentinian Chef in pursuit of simplicity and the need for an easy-to-share dessert with friends, is celebrating its remarkable transformation into a confectionary phenomenon. From its humble beginnings, Bomberry has evolved into a culinary masterpiece, challenging preconceptions and launching a new category in the confectionary world. Rooted in the belief that the best things in life are simple and meant to be shared, Bomberry has captured the essence of togetherness with its unique blend of raspberries and the finest Belgian chocolate which is part of the Cocoa Horizons program.
More at bomberry.au
Nail biters across Australia and the globe are so grateful to Gellae Gel Nail Stickers for helping them to conquer their habit and grow out their own healthy long and natural nails. This innovative approach has offered a breakthrough in the battle against nail biting, backed by compelling customer testimonials. From anxietyinduced nail biting to lifelong habits, Gellae has been a saviour. Users have experienced remarkable growth and newfound nail health, often showcasing impressive progress in just weeks. For those struggling with nail biting, Gellae Gel Nail Stickers have proven to be a transformative solution, offering not just a remedy but a renewed sense of confidence and well-being.
RRP from $25.50
More at gellae.com.au
Naked Rivals, founded by Kate and Andrew Gordon in October 2022, is a pioneering Australian brand specialising in frozen 100 percent lemon and lime juice cubes. Dedicated to providing a convenient and waste-free solution, Naked Rivals has quickly become a national sensation. The idea was sparked by their daily gut health routine of warm water with lemon juice. Recognising the challenges of using lemons and limes - from the squeezing process to the inconvenience of forgotten, half-eaten fruits. Naked Rivals decided to tackle this by freezing the juice in convenient cubes, eliminating waste and ensuring a fresh lemon or lime is always at hand. With a commitment to innovation and customer value, Naked Rivals aims to redefine the frozen fruit market.
RRP from $7.35
More at nakedrivals.com.au
Consciously clean Nontre is a gorgeous range of luxury earthwise home care products designed to look beautiful in your home, work well and be good for you and the planet. Nontre’s exquisite collection features a range of gentle, luxurious and affordable laundry, cleaning, home, fragrance, personal care and pet products, all of which embody the brand’s commitment to ingredient integrity and earth friendly solutions. Nontre is committed to reducing their environmental impact through purposeful initiatives, including a proud partnership with CLIMA as a carbon-neutral company, the use of 100 percent recyclable bottles, packaging and refills, all while sourcing the best quality, non-toxic ingredients.
RRP from $10
More at nontre.co
We’ve discovered a fab new product from New Zealand that’s well on its way to cult status, with the first product drop selling out in 34 seconds flat! Msc¹ Tone is a daily health supplement that supports fat metabolism and may help deliver a tighter and firmer physique. The lime flavoured powdered drink contains a proprietary blend of natural ingredients, including HMB which has been widely used within the medical industry for decades. The expiry of a patent means that private laboratories can now access the molecule and Kiwi biotech company SRW has won the race to deliver the benefits to Aussie consumers. A two month supply should enable time to see results, including increased muscle mass and a healthier body composition.
RRP from $113
More at scienceresearchwellness.com
Australian-made, dermatologist formulated (and pregnancy safe) skincare brand, Bespoke Skin Technology announces the re-launch of their hero product, The Dream Cream, with a new and improved formula - one that greatly enhances the products moisturising properties. The brand made the decision to remove the shimmer present in the last formula, to cater for all skin types and age groups. The Dream Cream incorporates key active ingredients to deliver on a myriad of skin issues, combining 12 proven cosmeceutical ingredients into just one formula and is delivered in a luxurious cream base. This product eliminates the need for a nine step skincare regime consisting of various serums, creams and lotions. It directly targets fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, sun damage, dull skin, congestion and blemish marks from acne.
RRP from $179
More at bespokeskintechnology.com
It is widely agreed that having an organised home is good for you. It provides a sense of control and calm, and for anyone who has cleared out all the expired food items in their pantry can attest, it just feels good. However, it can be hard to have an organised home, and just the thought of starting can feel overwhelming.
This is where a professional home organiser can really help cut through the clutter and the mental block to bring order and calm back to your home and your life!
Professional home organisers at Love Your Cupboard (LYC) specialise in decluttering, organising, and streamlining the spaces in your home to maximise functionality and create customised organising solutions that fit your lifestyle.
Founder of Love Your Cupboard, Shelley, has worked with clients across the Gold Coast and believes an organised home positively impacts her clients’ lives.
“Our clients tell us having organised spaces in their home has reduced their stress levels, increased their productivity and focus, enabled them to sleep better and enhances their relationships. Organisation provides a sense of control over your home environment and this feeling is empowering and can contribute to overall feelings of well-being. Plus, an organised home frees up their time to spend with loved ones and focus on what is most important. It’s a win win!” said Shelley.
The success of shows like The Home Edit and Space Invaders also attest to the positive feelings brought on by having an organised home. There are numerous academic studies that also support the benefits of being organised.
At Love Your Cupboard, Shelley offers a personalised approach to transforming your home into organised bliss, with an initial, inperson consultation to discuss your unique needs and desires for the space/s in your home. LYC will design your space in a way that is functional, maintainable, and most importantly, beautiful!
Once the business of finding out what you want to achieve and the design process has been done, the fun part begins – organising! Love Your Cupboard will streamline the space/s and set up organising systems using beautifully sourced and sustainable products, to maximise functionality and create a harmonious environment. They offer ecofriendly solutions, including responsible methods of disposal that minimise environmental impact.
This will leave you with a sense of confidence and control, turning the cupboard door you always keep closed, into a space you’ll want to show off.
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to keep the clutter at bay by yourself – Love Your Cupboard has a solution for that too, by offering a maintenance program that will keep your cupboards functional and beautiful all year round.
In the ever-evolving world of aesthetic medicine, Advanced Fluorescent Technology (AFT) is the latest development in the world of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. IPL is not new, but its technology continues to evolve. You may have heard of BBL and now the newest terminology is AFT.
From sun damage to unwanted hair, AFT is revolutionising not only the way we treat but also the comfort experienced by the consumer. Once upon a time, the sensation experienced with IPL was described as a hot rubber band flicking the skin. With built-in cooling technology in the handpieces, AFT is now described as a much more comfortable and tolerable treatment.
Understanding AFT: commonly known as IPL, is a noninvasive and versatile aesthetic treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to target specific skin concerns. This latest technology can emit a range of wavelengths of light, allowing it to address multiple skin issues in one treatment such as pigmentation and capillaries.
1. Sun Damage and Pigmentation: IPL is highly effective in treating sun damage and pigmentation issues caused by prolonged sun exposure. It targets melanin in the skin, breaking down pigmented cells and promoting a more even skin tone. Whether you’re dealing with sunspots, IPL can help reduce or eliminate these unwanted pigmentation concerns, leaving your skin looking clearer and more youthful.
2. Broken Capillaries and Rosacea: IPL is a go-to solution for those plagued by broken capillaries and the persistent redness associated with rosacea. The light energy from IPL selectively targets and constricts blood vessels, reducing redness and improving overall skin tone. Individuals can experience significant improvement and regain a more even complexion with a series of treatments.
3. Unwanted Hair: Say goodbye to the hassle of constant shaving, waxing, or threading. IPL provides a long-term solution for unwanted hair by targeting the hair follicles
with intense pulses of light. This process inhibits hair growth, leaving you with smoother skin for an extended period. IPL hair removal is a popular choice for both men and women seeking a convenient and effective way to eliminate unwanted hair.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy continues to be a consistent, reliable player in the world of skin, offering a non-invasive and versatile solution for various common problems. Whether you’re struggling with sun damage, pigmentation issues, or unwanted hair, IPL could be the answer you’ve been searching for. A consultation with a qualified skin therapist at Pause Mediclinic is required to determine if IPL is the right choice for you. Assessment will include the use of cosmeceutical skincare products to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatment results, screening tools such as your genetic background, sun exposure including the use of spray tans, and performing a test patch in the treatment area to determine the safest most effective setting to use. If you are a lover of the outdoors wintertime is the best time to have treatment to improve your skin quality and clarity. However, if you are religious with your sun protection, treatment may be performed at any time throughout the year.
Hoping this has shed some light on the wonders of IPL for you. A common theme already seen at Pause Mediclinic for 2024 has been the strong desire for healthy-looking skin, to have the confidence to face the world with less makeup, and to reverse the damage of years lived in the harsh Australian sun.
If you have any questions, please telephone the clinic to arrange a complimentary consultation. We can address individual concerns, assess medical suitability for treatment, and devise a treatment plan just for you.
A radiant and flawless complexion is what we are all chasing!
By Cosmetic Nurse Rajdi Gemeri
Permission to take the time for yourself
Pause Mediclinic is the place to call home for all your skin needs.
In our busy and fast-paced lifestyles, there is rarely any time to press pause; to take time for oneself. To relax, recharge and refresh.
Pause Mediclinic was born in the hope that you will take a step back from the chaos of the day-to-day and feel all the better for it. We here at Pause are all heart-centred clinicians that strive for perfection in our services delivered to you all whilst loving you up! We only offer treatments and products that we wholeheartedly believe in. Our home is a relaxed, inviting and friendly environment where our patients quickly become our friends. Behind our white fence lies onsite parking to ensure privacy and discretion.Everyone is welcome, everyone is good enough and everyone is worthy.
• Advanced skin treatments such as SkinPen®, Tixel®, Chemical Peels & Hydrabrasion
• Luxury Bespoke Facials
• LED Light Therapy
• Body Contouring
• Our clinic can provide consultations on reducing the appearance of wrinkles
WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU MIX LOCAL LUX ACTIVEWEAR BRAND CLEO HARPER WITH MINDFUL FITNESS TRAINER KELSEY WELLS? A WHOLE LOT OF INSPIRATION AND A COLLECTION OF FASHION FORWARD FITNESS AND LIFESTYLE PIECES THAT ELEVATE YOUR EVERY DAY, AS WELL AS YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINES.
Kelsey and Cleo Harper collaborated on the new ‘Bright Nights’ collection for over 12 months before releasing it in the Cleo Harper store at the end of January, and what resulted was a collection that literally glows.
Bright Nights incorporates numerous reflective qualities in its pieces and plays with the concept of light and vibrant colour and how this can look great, but also have a practical element for when you are exercising outdoors in the evening.
Being part of the design process as opposed to being just the face of a campaign was a really important factor for Kelsey when deciding to work in a collaborative way with an activewear brand.
“I chose Cleo Harper because, honestly, their pieces are always in my top three rotation of activewear I am loving and wearing, but I also needed to work with someone who didn’t just want me as the face of a campaign or a fitness model. I wanted to do the design and really have the experience and create a collection on my own, bringing to life the things that had lived in my head for a very long time,” said Kelsey.
The Bright Nights collection isn’t the first time Kelsey and Cleo Harper have worked together. Growing up together in a way, both having started out in the fitness industry around 2015/2016, both brands have carved out a space for themselves in what is an ultra competitive industry.
It’s the difference they both want to make to the lives of women that is the secret to their success.
Cleo Harper wants women to feel beautiful, empowered and comfortable in their pieces so they become part of their everyday wardrobe and their motivation to take care of themselves, and Kelsey wants to change the common perception held by women that exercise is a chore rather than a celebration.
Via her own journey Kelsey brought the practice of mindfulness into her workout routines, shifting the punishment mindset of exercise and reclaiming it for self-empowerment.
“I had this concept or belief in fitness as an empowering thing and through my own practice I was able to bring mindfulness to exercise, and I was trying to impart this to my audience. But it was in an interview one day that a journalist said to me they understood what I was saying, but what they really needed to know was the how, and it shook me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“I realised I needed to articulate very clearly what was missing. I was saying these things and trying to champion women to do this but I needed to have a way, a method and tangible tools to teach them, so I broke it down into three very simple steps that can be plugged into any fitness routine,” said Kelsey.
Kelsey’s method includes adding these three steps into your fitness routine to shift your mindset to self-empowerment and celebration.
1. Set an intention - at the beginning of your workout take 30 seconds to a minute while you’re stretching to make a very clear intention as to why you are working your body. A great example could be “I move my body to care for myself and my health”.
2. Use affirmations - something very magical happens when you pair affirmations or ‘I am’ statements in times of tension or duress, which is what happens in a workout. When you think something is too hard, the weight is too heavy, that is the time to use your affirmation - ‘I am strong’, ‘I am capable’ are two examples.
3. Gratitude - do this in the moments right after your session when you are exhausted and puffed out. Instead of putting down the weights and just getting to your day, take a moment and acknowledge what your body has just done for you and acknowledge the gift it is to be healthy enough to complete a workout. Your movement is a gift.
The Cleo Harper X Kelsey Wells Bright Nights collection is now available at cleoharper.com.au
You’ll
25 slim-magazine.com.au
STRUGGLING
There are an enormous number of options being offered to vulnerable people struggling to control their weight. They promise all kinds of quick fixes and fad weight-loss methods, but many are driven by strong marketing campaigns and often they have little to no evidence of good long-term effect.
Specialist weight-loss surgeon, Dr Jason Free works with patients looking to get control of their weight every day. His advice to anyone seeking assistance with weight-loss, is to consult with someone experienced with all methods, and to carefully assess the real long-term benefits, which should be backed by extensive scientific evidence.
Dr Free has dedicated his entire working life to assisting people to lose weight, with various methods, not just surgery. Injectable weight-loss medications have become exponentially popular in recent years, as a result of industry marketing campaigns and celebrity testimonials. There are a multitude of injectable options available worldwide and more are being developed.
“Almost all the patients I see have tried one or another
in the past or are currently on one. Many people have some success, however only the minority do well with minimal side effects,” said Dr Free.
Unfortunately, medications are not a long-term solution, as inevitable weight regain occurs on cessation, and long-term use can cause other health problems. There is now a trend of more people moving away from these as the lack of long-term benefits is being realised.
Intragastric balloons are becoming popular, particularly now there is the option for a swallowable balloon which does not require anaesthetic, endoscopy or surgery. Gastric balloons can provide a small amount of weight-loss, however generally only about 10 to 15kg, and are only suited to patients with a BMI of less than 35. There is no evidence demonstrating long-term effects in higher BMI patients unfortunately.
At the Surgery Gold Coast weight-loss clinic, the noninvasive gastric balloon is offered to certain patients, however it must be confirmed as a viable option in order to ensure the best long-term outcomes possible.
Weight-loss surgery still remains the only method of significant long term weight-loss, and there are many different surgical options available to patients.
The sleeve gastrectomy is currently the most commonly performed procedure in Australia, as it is seen as a relatively simple procedure by patients and surgeons, however people must be aware that despite its popularity the sleeve gastrectomy is only suitable for a minority of obese patients. People should not be pressured into such a procedure if not suited to them.
Just because a procedure is relatively straight-forward, doesn’t mean it’s done correctly by someone who isn’t specifically trained in its surgical intricacies. It takes years of experience, thousands of operations, learning from great outcomes and even poor results to develop the best approach to getting the ideal outcome from a surgery.
A common drawback to sleeve gastrectomy is insufficient weight-loss, or late weight regain. An experienced surgeon and support team will consider many factors before recommending a certain procedure, and can identify patients who would not be suitable for sleeve gastrectomy, or who may experience less than ideal results, fairly early on.
Traditionally, as an alternative, many surgeons will suggest a gastric bypass, or one-anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass. Gastric bypass procedures however can be associated with a lot of long-term problematic issues for patients. Problems such as ulcers can occur where the
stomach and intestine are joined (this happens in about five percent of patients) leading to pain, bleeding or potentially even perforation. Internal hernias, or obstructions can occur in about four percent of patients over a 20 year period.
The most commonly associated issue is the “dumping syndrome” effect, this causes discomfort after eating, hot flushes and dizziness in many people. Additionally chronic abdominal pain on the left side occurs in about five to ten percent of patients who’ve had a gastric bypass.
The gastric bypass can be reversed, however many of the long-term problems will still remain after reversal. Surgeons who have been practising bariatric (weight-loss) surgery for years will be familiar with these issues, and because of this there has been a move away from the gastric bypass.
The SADI procedure offers greater weight-loss than a sleeve gastrectomy, and avoids the problems associated with gastric bypass. It incorporates sleeve gastrectomy with the additional benefit of bypassing some of the intestine below the stomach. At the Surgery Gold Coast weight-loss clinic, we pioneered the SADI procedure in Australia in 2015, and have several research projects and publications underway demonstrating the superiority of SADI compared to other procedures.
No matter what your weight-loss goals are, it’s important to discuss them in detail with someone experienced in all aspects of weight-loss, and who is able to offer all options and longer term solutions for better health and quality of life.
FROM THE VIBRANT STREETS OF HORIZONTINA, BRAZIL, TO THE GLOBAL RUNWAYS AND THE GLAMOROUS LIFE OF A SUPERMODEL, GISELE BÜNDCHEN’S JOURNEY IS AN AWE-INSPIRING TALE OF PERSEVERANCE, SUCCESS AND THE DELICATE BALANCE BETWEEN FAME AND FAMILY.
Born on July 20, 1980, in the small town of Horizontina in the Rio Grande Sol region of Brazil, young Gisele Caroline Bündchen grew up in a large, nurturing family with five sisters, including her twin Patricia. Early life was a tapestry of shared dreams and tight-knit bonds. Little did she know, this Brazilian beauty would ascend to the pinnacle of the fashion industry.
Gisele’s journey into modelling began after her mother enrolled her and her sisters in a modelling course to help increase their self-esteem. The course included a trip to São Paulo, and it was on that trip that Gisele was unexpectedly discovered by an Elite Model Management modelling scout at the São Paulo shopping mall. Gisele was just 14 years of age at the time.
What started as a casual encounter soon transformed into a whirlwind career that would define an era.
Gisele’s arrival on the global fashion scene marked a paradigm shift. Her tall, athletic frame and sun-kissed beauty challenged traditional standards, and particularly the so-called ‘heroin chic’ look popularised at the time by models like Gia Carangi and Kate Moss, ushering in a new era of diversity and natural allure.
Despite a slow start, by the late ’90s, Gisele Bündchen was featuring in major campaigns for fashion houses Versace, Missoni, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Ralph Lauren, and gracing the covers of prominent fashion magazines such as Vogue, all while strutting down fashion show runways with an effortless and incomparable grace.
Her iconic walk (known as the horse walk) and vivacious spirit set her apart, earning her the moniker “The Body”. Gisele’s star continued to rise in the 2000’s when she signed on to what is arguably one of her most famous gig’s as a Victoria’s Secret model, where she famously modelled two of the brands fantasy bras - the Red Hot fantasy bra worth and eye-watering $15,000,000 and the Sexy Splendour fantasy bra worth $12,500,000.
Gisele’s appeal and level of fame overflowed from the fashion world and into popular culture when she began dating Hollywood heart throb Leonardo Dicaprio in 2000. The pair dated for five years before calling it quits in 2005.
When asked about the relationship in a 2016 interview with People magazine, Gisele said,“It brought a lot more attention to
me, which is something I didn’t feel very comfortable with. To this day, I still haven’t gotten very used to it.”
After she and DiCaprio parted ways, Gisele’s popularity continued to soar, and it was not long after the break-up, the supermodel met NFL superstar quarterback Tom Brady.
After meeting Brady, Gisele’s personal life underwent a transformation that would become the subject of public fascination for years to come. In 2009, she tied the knot with NFL quarterback Tom Brady, forging a union between two high-profile figures in the sports and entertainment realms.
The power couple quickly became a symbol of success, grace, and wholesome love. Gisele’s public image, once synonymous with the runway, seamlessly blended with her role as a supportive partner to one of football’s greatest quarterbacks.
The birth of their two children, Benjamin and Vivian, further solidified the Brady-Bündchen family as a beacon of warmth and unity. Gisele embraced motherhood with the same passion and dedication that defined her career. Balancing the demands of international fame with the joys of family life, she offered the world a glimpse into the harmonious blend of glamour and authenticity that was the Brady-Bündchen family.
“Family is everything to me. It’s the anchor that keeps me grounded in the midst of a whirlwind career,” Gisele once shared, echoing the sentiment that has guided her choices both professionally and personally.
Which is why the announcement that Gisele and Tom Brady were parting ways in late 2022 came as a shock to the world.
“When I was 26 years old and he was 29 years old, we met, we wanted a family, we wanted things together. As time went by, we realised that we just wanted different things, and now we have a choice to make. That doesn’t mean you don’t love the person. It just means that in order for you to be authentic and truly live the life that you want to live, you have to have somebody who can meet you in the middle, right? It’s a dance. It’s a balance,” Gisele told Harper’s Bazaar magazine in a recent interview.
As the pages of Gisele Bündchen’s illustrious career turn, the present moment sees her embracing new roles and ventures. While she officially retired from the runway in 2015, she has recently returned to her roots starring in a new campaign for Louis Vuitton and hosting an event at New York Fashion Week for denim brand Frame.
Gisele has always had a passion for the environment and continues to channel her energy toward environmental activism, leveraging her platform to champion sustainability and conservation. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme, she advocates for causes close to her heart, emphasising the urgency of protecting our planet for future generations.
“Being a mother has made me more aware of the impact we have on the environment. It’s a responsibility we owe to our children and their children,” Gisele passionately states, underscoring her commitment to effecting positive change.
In addition to her environmental advocacy, Gisele has explored entrepreneurial pursuits. From her line of eco-friendly skincare products to her best-selling autobiography, Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life and now her new cookbook, Nourish launching in 2024, she continues to diversify her portfolio with ventures that align with her values.
With a foundation built on resilience, authenticity, discipline and a deep sense of purpose, Gisele remains an enduring force in the realms of fashion, family, and philanthropy—a testament to the transformative power of a woman who lives her extraordinary life authentically and beautifully.
WHETHER YOU APPEAR TO BE IN GOOD HEALTH OR NOT, IT IS ALWAYS WISE TO REGULARLY CHECK YOUR RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE AND TAKE MEASURES TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF A HEART ATTACK. CORONARY CALCIUM CT SCORING PROVIDES GREAT INSIGHTS AND CAN PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN MONITORING YOUR HEALTH.
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) CT Scoring is a noninvasive imaging technique that plays a crucial role in assessing an individual’s risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). This medical imaging test provides valuable information about the presence and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. Your overall risk guides GP’s and Specialists in determining the most appropriate preventive measures. The procedure involves using a computed tomography (CT) scanner to obtain detailed 3-D images of the coronary arteries. The CT scan detects the amount of calcium deposits in the arterial walls, specifically for the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. These deposits, or calcifications, are indicative of atherosclerosis—a condition characterised by the buildup of plaque composed of fat, cholesterol, and calcium. As atherosclerosis progresses, it can narrow and stiffen the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attacks (known medically as ‘myocardial infarction’ events).
The coronary calcium CT scoring system assigns a numerical value to the amount of calcified plaque detected during the scan using the Agatston score. Developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, it is the most widely used scoring method accounting for both the density and area of the calcifications. Overall, this score provides a comprehensive assessment of the amount of plaque in the patient’s coronary arteries. One of the key advantages of coronary calcium CT scoring is its ability to identify early signs of atherosclerosis.
Often, individuals with risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, or a family history of CAD, don’t have any symptoms. However, the presence of coronary artery calcifications
indicates an early stage of atherosclerosis, and if discovered through the coronary calcium CT scoring imaging, it enables doctors to recommend timely interventions and risk reduction strategies for asymptomatic patients.
The results of coronary calcium scoring are categorised into different risk groups based on the Agatston score. A score of zero suggests no detectable calcifications and a lower likelihood of significant coronary artery disease in the future. Low scores indicate minimal plaque is present, while higher scores are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular disease related events. Doctors use this information to tailor treatment plans and lifestyle interventions according to each patient’s level of risk. Coronary calcium CT scoring has proven to be a valuable tool in refining risk prediction models. Combining traditional risk factors with the results of a calcium score enhances the accuracy of cardiovascular risk assessments.
This integrated approach allows treating doctors to make more informed decisions about the initiation of preventive therapies, such as statin medications, aspirin therapy, or lifestyle modifications. Coronary calcium CT scoring is a powerful tool in cardiovascular risk assessment. By identifying and quantifying calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, it offers valuable insights into the presence of atherosclerosis and helps guide preventive strategies. Integrating this information with traditional risk factors enhances the precision of risk assessments, enabling tailored interventions for individual patients.
As technology advances and research continues, coronary calcium CT scoring will continue to play a prominent role in cardiovascular disease prevention and management. Gold Coast Radiology provide CAC CT scoring at their Surfers Paradise practice.
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comprehensive practice boasts “state of the art” diagnostic equipment in a modern, patient friendly setting.
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These beautiful pieces in every shade of blue will have that frown turned upside down in no time!
It won’t just be your cheeks turning pink when you step out in these perfect blush tones.
In a world saturated with fad diets and quick fixes, the journey towards lasting weight-loss can often feel like an elusive quest. If you have battled with excess weight, endured the rollercoaster of yoyo dieting, and faced the physical and emotional toll of associated medical conditions, it can at times feel hopeless.
However, there is a path to achieve transformation with our unique medical weight-loss treatment, compounded especially for you, which can also be combined with our proven and successful support program for those wanting extra guidance and assistance.
As many people have experienced, the unfortunate shortage and limited access to medical weight-loss drugs has prevented motivated candidates from losing weight; but we now have an answer where availability is no longer a problem.
Our guided program includes support by a dedicated multidisciplinary team committed to your wellbeing. This is the essence of our approach – a fusion of medical expertise, compassion, and medical weight-loss to pave the way for sustainable results.
If you are tired of the endless cycle of disappointment, burdened by the weight of not only
excess kilos but also compromised health, we can assist you on your weight-loss journey.
In our medical weight-loss program, our commitment goes beyond just shedding kilos. It is about reclaiming your health, revitalising your spirit, and rebuilding your self-esteem.
We offer a comprehensive and personalised approach that recognises your unique challenges, addresses underlying medical conditions, and supports you every step of the way. This is the essence of our model – for those seeking not just a temporary fix, but a profound and lasting change.
As you consider the path to medical weight-loss, envision a future where you are not defined by the number on the scale, but by the vitality and confidence that radiates from within. This is the promise we make to you – a promise backed by the potency of medical weight-loss and the passion of a team devoted to your success.
Are you ready to embark on a journey that transcends quick fixes and ushers in a new era of well-being? The path to lasting weight-loss begins here, with us, your companions in transformation. Together, let’s make 2024 become your year of empowerment, resilience, and the triumph of self-love and better health.
BUYING AN OFF-THE-PLAN UNIT CAN BE AN EXCITING VENTURE. IT’S LIKE A SNEAK PEEK INTO THE FUTURE, WHERE YOU CAN SEE YOUR DREAM HOME UNIT TAKING SHAPE BEFORE YOUR EYES. BUT, AS WITH ALL PROPERTY PURCHASES, IT’S NOT WITHOUT ITS LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS. HERE ARE SOME KEY ISSUES TO KEEP IN MIND.
1. Understand What ‘Off-The-Plan’ Means
Firstly, let’s demystify the term ‘off-the-plan’. It refers to the purchase of a property before it’s been built. You’re essentially buying a promise of a home unit, based on architectural drawings and plans. It’s a bit like ordering a meal at a fancy restaurant based on the mouth-watering description in the menu!
2. The Contract is King
In Queensland, the contract of sale is the heart of an offthe-plan purchase. It outlines the terms and conditions, including the plan of the unit, the price, and the completion date. It’s essential to read and understand this document thoroughly. Remember, it’s not just a piece of paper; it’s the rulebook for your property purchase.
3. Cooling-off Period
Queensland law provides a cooling-off period of five business days for off-the-plan contracts. This means you can change your mind and cancel the contract within this period. It’s like a ‘try before you buy’ for your future home!
4. Beware of Changes to the Plan
Sometimes, the finished product might not match the original plan. Minor changes are usually allowed, but significant deviations can affect the property’s value. If your unit suddenly shrinks in size or loses its sea view, you might have grounds to terminate the contract.
Importantly you need to be aware of the sunset date (when the unit must be completed by and settlement must take place) and other termination rights that may be built into the contract.
You are buying in a body corporate so you need to understand how your rights and obligations will effect you once you have settled your unit.
The completion date in an off-the-plan contract can be a moving target. Delays can happen, so it’s important to have some flexibility in your plans. On settlement day, you’ll finally get the keys to your new home. It’s like the dessert course of your property purchase journey - sweet and satisfying!
Buying off-the-plan in Queensland is a unique experience with its own set of legal considerations. But with careful planning and a good understanding of the process, it can be a rewarding investment. So, go ahead and order that off-the-plan ‘meal’. Just make sure you know what you’re getting, and enjoy the anticipation of the feast to come! At OMB our Property Law team headed by Accredited Property Law Specialist Simon Bennett will be able to assist you with your off the plan purchase.
ACCORDING TO THE AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS, IN 2022 65.8 PERCENT OF AUSTRALIAN ADULTS WERE CLASSIFIED AS OBESE - AN INCREASE OF 3 PERCENT FROM THE PREVIOUS DECADE. THIS CONTINUING INCLINE IN OBESITY RATES AMONG ADULTS IS DRIVING DEMAND FOR INTERVENTIONS TO HELP MANAGE THIS HEALTH CONCERN AND TO MAKE WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY MORE ACCESSIBLE.
Being admitted to hospital for weight-loss surgery may be perceived as a major event for many people, but in reality the process can be made extremely smooth, quick and easy.
At the Surgery Gold Coast weight-loss clinic, they have spent over ten years developing and refining methods to improve their processes to help patients through their surgical journey with minimal impact on their lives.
Employing years of research and experience, they have implemented a multitude of methods to improve the patient experience, decrease their discomfort and eliminate unnecessary medical expenses, all whilst still maintaining exceptional quality and safety.
The good news is weight-loss surgery can now be performed safely as a day procedure. This option is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to its
safety and accessibility for eligible patients. Day stay surgery decreases the significant cost of hospital stays for patients, and can even potentially reduce complications.
The reduction in cost by having the surgery performed in the day stay theatre environment increases the accessibility of these procedures, especially for those patients who do not have private health insurance and who will need to cover the full ‘gap’ payment themselves.
This is particularly significant as few bariatric procedures are currently performed in the Queensland public system.
Dr Jason Free from Surgery Gold Coast has spent significant time researching day stay surgery as an option for his patients.
“I’ve recently visited several hospitals and weightloss clinics in Australia and the USA, specifically for the purposes of assessing their day stay protocols, and finding ways to improve the patient experience across the entirety of their surgical weight-loss journey.
“In the USA, day stay weight-loss surgery has become hugely popular and performed in the mainstream. There has been much research undertaken by many groups demonstrating its safety and I’ve been able to bring back a lot of this knowledge back home so that it can be implemented safely here. We have had a great deal of success performing day stay weight-loss surgery with many patients,” said Dr Free.
All forms of bariatric surgery are able to be performed as a day stay surgery option, and patients will thoroughly consult with the surgeon to determine which type of surgery is most appropriate for their particular circumstances well before the day surgery is performed.
The vast majority of bariatric surgical patients are eligible for day stay surgery, however there will be some instances where this might not be possible.
For patients undergoing complicated revisional surgery, a day stay option may not be possible, as the surgery can go for an extended length of time and an overnight stay would be the best option in this case.
Day stay patients would need to meet a number of criteria in order to be eligible for the day stay option and no patient will be released if their progress post surgery does not meet specific milestones.
Pre-surgery, day stay candidates would need to have:
• A BMI under 55
• No comorbidities (other medical conditions)
• A residence or accommodation no more than 50km from the hospital
• A support person who could stay with them
Post surgery, patients should be able to go home if:
• They are out of bed and able to move around
• They are able to swallow a certain amount of liquid
• Observations are normal
• Pain and nausea are controllable
• All scripts and pain medication have been provided
• Follow-up phone call scheduled for the next day
“Our patient safety is of the utmost importance to me and the whole team at Surgery Gold Coast, so we will need to be very confident our patient is where they need to be and have the right support available post surgery before sending them home,” said Dr Free.
If you have been considering whether weight-loss surgery is right for you, your first step should be to speak with your General Practitioner to discuss your specific needs and to identify a specialist bariatric surgeon who can provide advice as to which procedure will be best for you.
THE
AND FUNCTION OF
Cosmetic breast surgery encompasses a variety of procedures designed to alter the appearance of the breasts, as well as address medical issues related to the breasts.
There are a number of options available to patients who are considering cosmetic breast surgery. The type you choose will ultimately be guided by the results you want to achieve. Some patients may want to increase the size and improve the shape of their breasts, others may want to reduce their breast size, while others may have had previous surgery that has resulted in an implant rupture or other health concerns and the implant now needs to be removed.
The Lotus Institute offers patients four main types of cosmetic breast surgery.
Breast augmentation
The purpose of augmentation is to increase the size or change the fullness or shape of the breasts, either by placing implants under the breast tissue or by using fat from another part of the body and transfering to the breasts. People considering breast augmentation often have a level of dissatisfaction with the size or shape of their breasts and seek augmentation for both reconstructive and cosmetic reasons.
Overly large breasts can cause patients neck, back and shoulder pain among other medical issues and these are often the types of reasons patients seek a breast reduction. Breast reduction surgery will involve removing some of the breast tissue and excess skin to reshape the breasts and create a more proportionate and comfortable size.
WITH THE
The purpose of a breast lift is to reshape the breast by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissues, re-shaping and raising the breasts. Patients often consider undergoing a breast lift as they age, after having children and breastfeeding or due to fluctuations in body weight.
Breast implant removal (explant surgery)
There are numerous reasons patients may consider breast implant removal, it may be due to a rupture, health concerns or due to financial considerations. In this procedure the surgeon will remove the entire breast implant along with the ‘capsule’ (the scar tissue that the body forms around an implant after it has been placed). A breast lift is also commonly performed with this type of surgery in order to shape and contour the breast for a more pleasing result.
Patients should be aware that all surgical procedures carry risks and the decision to undergo any type of breast surgery should be thoroughly considered and discussed with both your doctor and plastic surgeon. It is also important to remember that outcomes, recovery times and results may differ greatly between patients due to numerous factors including age, genetics, skin condition etc.
A referral from your GP is necessary for any cosmetic surgery procedure. Patients will need to have two consultations with their surgeon prior to going ahead with surgery, and at least one of these consultations must be in person. There is a mandatory seven day waiting period between undergoing surgery and your in person consultation to give you the time to fully consider your surgery and make the best decision for you.
In recent decades, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) has emerged as a viable option and beacon of hope, for many couples and individuals looking to realise their dream of parenthood. It’s a journey Dr Cary knows intimately, having been part of the IVF story of hundreds of couples over the years, and it’s a story that is documented beautifully in the new season of Channel 9’s Big Miracles, in which Dr Cary and his patients feature this season.
The IVF process is intricate and intense for couples, it’s not just a one off medical procedure that is ‘set-andforget’ so to speak, IVF often entails a complex emotional rollercoaster that tests the resolve of many and the resilience of relationships.
The journey begins with the realisation that conceiving naturally might not be possible. This revelation is often difficult and accompanied by a mix of emotions –disappointment, sadness, and sometimes a sense of failure. But many couples refuse to give up on their dream and seek medical advice around the possibility of undergoing IVF.
The decision to pursue IVF is not taken lightly, as it entails a commitment to a rigorous process, which unfortunately has no guarantee of success. One of the first challenges couples face is the barrage of medical tests and evaluations. It’s a process that lays bare the biological intricacies of fertility, and many couples find themselves grappling with the weight of these revelations.
Questions like “Will it work for us?” and “What if it doesn’t?” become constant companions throughout the journey, but as people embark on the IVF process, the schedule becomes more than a series of medical appointments; it becomes a roadmap of hope.
Each step, from ovarian stimulation to egg retrieval and embryo transfer, is a significant milestone. It’s a delicate dance between anticipation and anxiety, as couples hope for a positive outcome while also having to accept the possibility of an unsuccessful round.
The emotional rollercoaster of the IVF process is not exclusive to women; men also find themselves navigating many complex emotions. The pressure to provide sperm samples, often in a clinical setting, can evoke feelings of vulnerability and performance anxiety and the emotional support required from partners becomes paramount, as the experience can be isolating for both individuals.
After implantation, couples must endure the waiting game - a difficult but necessary part of the IVF journey that becomes an exercise in emotional resilience. The two-week wait between embryo transfer and the pregnancy test is a period filled with heightened emotions. Hope, fear, and anxiety intensify as couples do their best to deal with the uncertainty of the outcome.
For some couples, the IVF journey is a great success – the positive pregnancy test, the first ultrasound, and hearing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time bring immense joy and relief. For others, the IVF journey may be marked by setbacks and could in the end be unsuccessful. Failed cycles, miscarriages, and the emotional toll of multiple attempts can lead to a profound sense of grief and many individuals and couples are forced to confront the possibility that their dream may remain elusive, triggering a period of mourning for the family they envisioned.
Regardless of the outcome, the IVF process undeniably transforms relationships. The shared experience of navigating the highs and lows creates a unique bond between couples and family members. It fosters a level of emotional intimacy that goes beyond the ordinary trials of life. Couples learn to communicate more effectively, lean on each other for support, and find strength in vulnerability.
In the end, most women achieve success but no matter the IVF journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the resilience of relationships, the wonder of science and the innate desire to reach parenthood.
WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH, ESPECIALLY THAT OF YOUR HEART, CHOLESTEROL TAKES CENTER STAGE AS A CRITICAL PLAYER.
We often hear about the importance of managing cholesterol for heart health, but what exactly is cholesterol, and how does it affect one of the body’s most vital organs, the one that keeps us ticking – the heart?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver and is essential for good health by playing a role in many of the body’s physiological functions. It serves as a structural component of cell membranes and acts as a precursor for essential hormones, but when there is excess cholesterol in the blood, often due to lifestyle factors such as the types of foods we eat, problems can occur.
It is the dual nature of cholesterol that has led to the concept of good and bad cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are the two primary types of cholesterol. HDL, often dubbed the “good” cholesterol, scavenges excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for elimination. LDL, or the “bad” cholesterol, can build up in arterial walls, forming plaque that narrows blood vessels and restricts blood flow.
This intricate balance becomes crucial when considering heart health. The heart, a tireless muscle working ceaselessly to pump blood throughout the body, is particularly susceptible to the impact of cholesterol imbalance.
LDL cholesterol, if left unchecked, can contribute to atherosclerosis – a condition where plaque accumulates in the arteries, impeding blood flow to the heart. Reduced blood supply to the heart muscle can lead to chest pain or angina, a warning sign that the heart isn’t receiving an adequate oxygen supply.
If a plaque ruptures, it can trigger a blood clot, causing a complete blockage of blood flow, resulting in a heart attack. Understanding cholesterol’s role is pivotal, but so
is recognising the interplay of lifestyle factors. Diet, exercise, and genetics collectively contribute to cholesterol levels.
Diets high in saturated and trans fats can elevate LDL cholesterol, while a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain a balance. Exercise is also essential in the battle against cholesterol. Regular physical activity not only raises HDL cholesterol but also contributes to overall cardiovascular health. A sedentary lifestyle, in contrast, can contribute to weight gain and increased levels of cholesterol, adding another layer of risk to heart health.
Genetics can also influence cholesterol levels. Some individuals may inherit conditions that predispose them to high cholesterol, underscoring the importance of personalised approaches to heart health. Regular cholesterol screenings are essential for early detection and intervention. Fortunately, cholesterol can very often be managed by adopting healthy lifestyle choices. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, and high in fiber, found in foods such as oats and beans, can actively contribute to managing cholesterol levels. Incorporating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables in your diet provides an arsenal of nutrients and antioxidants to combat arterial damage. Quitting smoking is also one of the best things you can do for your heart health. Smoking not only damages blood vessels but also lowers HDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Like many things in life, cholesterol must be in balance to work for you instead of against you. Regular screening and adherence to a healthy diet and exercise regime are the best things you can do to manage your cholesterol levels and take care for your heart.
I’ve been helping women achieve their health and fitness goals since 2009 and have trained my clients everywhere from gyms and parks to my parents’ backyard and even in packed-out stadiums. The fitness landscape was so different back when I started out working as a personal trainer and it needed to change. The weights section of most gyms felt masculine, intimidating and, to be honest, pretty unwelcoming to women. Looking around, all I saw being provided to women was men’s programming, with minor or no adjustments for women’s bodies. That seemed crazy to me. I just felt like there was no consideration for women’s bodies and needs when it came to these gym plans, such as our menstrual cycles, hormones, pregnancy and conditions such as endometriosis. If you’ve ever tried to join your toddler jumping on a trampoline after giving birth, you’ll know that men’s fitness programs just don’t cut it for women.
That’s why Sweat isn’t just another fitness app, program or quick fix. It’s a community. A collective of women from all over the world who are determined to grow stronger together in body and mind. Women who are brand new to fitness, women who are hitting reboot after a break and women who are already smashing their goals - and no matter what age they are, what life stage they’re in and what fitness level they’re at, they all have each other’s backs and they have since day one.
If you don’t know me from the Sweat app, chances are you might know me from a PDF. Back when I was training women one-on-one, I started sharing their stories on Instagram. More and more women began reaching out to me, asking for me to share my workouts so they could train just like my clients were, so we decided to sell my 12-week training guide as a PDF. To be honest, when we first released it, I thought no one would buy it. I was wrong. It went crazy. But here’s the thing about those original BBG guides. You could buy one copy and send it to your friend, your sister, your mum, your neighbour’s boyfriend’s cousin’s best friend – whoever. Suddenly, it was everywhere.
Social media helped my programs reach an audience that would have been unimaginable at the start of my career. But even back in those early days, long before the BBG PDF went viral or the Sweat app was launched, I’d realised what women were really looking for was connection, community and empowerment. I truly believe my success has never just been about me. It’s been about the women I train and the relationships they’ve builtwith me, with the Sweat Community, and most importantly, with themselves.
Recently, I had to reboot my own fitness journey after welcoming my second child, Jax. But my experience returning to fitness after Jax’s birth was so different from the first time around. After Arna’s birth in 2019, for the first time in my life, I felt completely lost when it came to moving my body and
planning my routine. I felt connected to every woman who had ever felt intimidated walking into a gym and every woman who had been completely overwhelmed at the start of a workout. Despite being a personal trainer, I really struggled in that first session, six weeks after welcoming a beautiful baby girl into the world. I struggled, because no matter what I did, everything hurt, and I had no idea when it was going to get better. It felt like my body had been taken from me. And yes, there were tears. Returning to fitness after becoming a mum is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and no matter where you are in your own health and fitness journey today, I want you to know: it’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed.
Focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t do. Make modifications. But make a commitment to yourself and remind yourself that you can do hard things. I’ll be alongside you every step of the way. Remember, fitness is about so much more than a number on a scale. It’s setting a new goal and hitting it. It’s about progress, not perfection and it’s about realising you’re capable of SO MUCH MORE than you first thought was possible. We all have to start somewhere. So let’s hit reboot together.
See each prize for details on how to enter and you could be a winner! Competitions close 30 th June 2024.
What’s happening on the outside is usually a reflection of what’s going on inside. Your skin or insides might be screaming at you politely (or not so politely) to let you know something is wrong…hello lack of sleep, low energy, inflammation, dry skin etc. That’s where INTU comes in! INTU WELLNESS has been connecting the dots between wellness and beauty benefits for quite some time and have a team of experts, naturopaths and scientists who formulate high-quality, great-tasting and effective supplements to make looking after your skin and health easy and enjoyable.
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OKUME is an Australian made women’s fashion accessories brand, established by two sisters. As busy mums they wanted to have a bag that would carry it all - the nappies, wipes, snacks and laptop, as well as act as an accessory they use when they eat out with friends - a bag for all occasions! The OKUME lux carry all features clever concealed compartments for your laptop, personal items and up to one litre of liquid. Made from 100 percent durable, soft and cruelty-free vegan leather, it’s fashionable, functional, affordable, durable and fits literally everything.
Win 1 of 4 OKUME ‘The Fae’ lux carry all bags!
TO WIN: Email competition@slim-magazine.com.au with OKUME in the subject line. Include your contact details.
With all the stressors of life these days, it is increasingly difficult to stay on top of everything and make time and effort for yourself. Soul Alive was created by renowned Australian meditation guide, Luke McLeod, to help people experience the many benefits of meditation and mindfulness in an enjoyable, relaxed and engaging manner. The app includes guided meditation classes led by some of Australia’s top meditation teachers. You also receive daily mindful moments, which have been designed to make it easy for you to learn and live mindfully and lastly, full access to the Soul library! It’s a place staked full of guided meditations, breathing exercises, mindfulness tips, tricks, articles, plus some soothing sounds of nature to listen to at any time.
We have 2 x 12 month memberships to the Soul Alive app for you to win!
TO WIN: Email competition@slim-magazine.com.au with SOUL ALIVE in the subject line. Include your contact details.
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Cointreau is an orange liqueur, produced since 1849 in Angers, France. Distilled with a combination of sweet and bitter orange peel to produce a crystal-clear spirit, it possesses a unique complexity. In 1948, Dallas socialite Margarita Sames originally created what we now know as the Margarita. Whilst vacationing in Acapulco, Margarita mixed her two favourite spirits, cointreau and tequila, together with lime juice, giving birth to the infamous Margarita.
We have 6 bottles to give away!
TO WIN: Email competition@slim-magazine.com.au with COINTREAU in the subject line. Include your contact details.
TOTAL VALUE $400
Creators of beautiful silk and cotton garments for women, The Fable will elevate your wardrobe and make you feel fabulous every time you choose to wear a piece from the collection. Whether you are heading to work, enjoying a relaxed lunch, getting comfy for bed time or heading out for a high adventure, The Fable has you covered in style. What is better than beautiful clothing? A voucher to experience the quality for yourself!
We have 2 x $200 vouchers for you to win!
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Self-confidence radiates from within, and nothing boosts confidence like a bright, beautiful smile. WhiteGlo are leaders in teeth whitening, and have worked hard to create a product that ensures your smile sparkles, is safe to use daily and meets the requirements of Australian dentists. WhiteGlo’s holistic approach to dental care means one less thing to do on your self-care list. They’ve taken care of the details, so you can focus on taking care of you! WhiteGlo products have been certified by the Australian Dental Association and are safe for daily use, even for the most sensitive teeth.
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TO WIN: Email competition@slim-magazine.com.au with WHITEGLO in the subject line. Include your contact details.
TOTAL VALUE $1000
Animals Like Us is a delicious new dog food made with raw meat and organs that are freeze-dried to lock in 98 percent of the ingredient’s nutritional value. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which contain anti-inflammatory properties perfect for both ageing dogs and active dogs. High in protein and low in carbs, Animals Like Us RawBlend33™, comes in a choice of three recipes, Grass-Fed Beef; King Salmon and Ocean Fish and Grass-Fed Lamb and Venison Tripe, each packed with more taste and more protein for better digestion. Each bag contains 33 percent raw meat and organs and 67 percent high protein oven baked meat and vegie bites, coated with probiotics to support digestive health.
We have 10 Animals Like Us gift packs to giveaway! Each pack includes one bag of each of their 3 RawBlend33™ dog food flavour varieties and one bag of Animals Like Us 100 percent raw freeze-dried dog treats.
TO WIN: Email competition@slim-magazine.com.au with ANIMALS LIKE US in the subject line. Include your contact details.
TWENTY-SEVEN MINUTES
Ashley Tate
It takes one moment to call for help. So why did he wait? With a shocking twist that will leave you breathless, TwentySeven Minutes is a gripping story about what happens when grief becomes unbearable, dark secrets are unearthed, and the horrifying truth is revealed.
Hachette Australia RRP $32.99
THE FURY
Alex Michaelides
Knives Out: Glass Onion meets The White Lotus in this gripping crime! From the author of the global bestseller The Silent Patient comes the story of a small gathering of friends, on an ex-movie star’s private island in Greece, which is destined to end in murder. Dangerously charming narrator Elliot Chase has more than one trick up his sleeve – and even he won’t see this ending coming.
Penguin Random House RRP $34.99
Bri Lee
If love costs and art takes, what price do we pay for wanting it all? The Work is about the biggest intersections of life: of art and commerce, of intimacy and distance, of talent and entitlement, and of labour and privilege. Dazzling, funny and unforgettable, it is an epic and forensic exploration of modern love and passion, politics and power. The Work announces a brilliant new voice in Australian fiction.
Allen & Unwin RRP $32.99
THE PAINTER’S DAUGHTER
Emily Howes
An award-winning first novel about love and madness, inspired by the two daughters of artist Thomas Gainsborough, who spent their lives trying and failing to live up to the perfect image the world so admired in their portraits.
Hachette Australia RRP $32.99
JADED
Ela Lee
Jaded is the story of Jade, a young woman working in the cutthroat, affluent and bitterly prejudiced world of corporate law. After a work event leads to a devastating act against Jade that she has no memory of the next day, little-by-little her carefully curated life starts to disintegrate as she starts to remember what has happened. Her experiences with racism, sexism, chauvinism and virtue-signalling by some of the company’s partners, all start to take their toll. Her eyes are opening to the world around her, and she comes to realise that she doesn’t like what she sees.
Penguin Random House RRP $34.99
WHY AM I LIKE THIS?
Dr Jen Martin
Award-winning science communicator Dr Jen Martin has written the ultimate guide to the existential questions that we’ve all asked. Why can’t I stop taking photos? Why do I always feel like I’m missing out? Why can’t I remember why I walked into this room? In Why Am I Like This?, Dr Martin delves into the science behind our strangest thoughts and habits, from why smells make us homesick to why we stick our tongues out when we’re concentrating.
Hardie Grant RRP $27.99
THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS
Jennie Godfrey
Set in 1979 Yorkshire, this clever and moving debut is perfect for fans of Elizabeth is Missing and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Amidst a string of local murders, best friends Miv and Sharon begin a list of suspicious things in the neighbourhood, attempting to find clues that could stop the Yorkshire Ripper murders and prevent Miv’s father from moving them away. Their search for the truth reveals more secrets in their neighbourhood, within their familiesand between each other - than they ever thought possible.
Penguin Random House RRP $34.99
YOU’LL FIND ALL THE THRILLS, SPILLS, DRAMA AND ACTION AT EVENT CINEMAS THIS SEASON. WHY NOT GRAB SOME POPCORN AND A CHOC TOP, AND SETTLE IN FOR SOME SENSATIONAL CINEMA?
DUNE: PART TWO
29TH FEBRUARY
The saga continues as award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve embarks on Dune: Part Two, the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s celebrated novel Dune, with an expanded all-star international ensemble cast. The film, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2021’s six-time Academy Award-winning Dune. Dune: Part Two will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
21ST MARCH
In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.
WICKED LITTLE LETTERS21ST MARCH
A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a farcical and occasionally sinister scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. Based on a stranger than fiction true story, Wicked Little Letters follows two neighbours: deeply conservative local Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). When Edith and fellow residents begin to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, foul-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The anonymous letters prompt a national uproar, and a trial ensues. However, as the town’s women - led by Police Officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) - begin to investigate the crime themselves, they suspect that something is amiss, and Rose may not be the culprit after all.
For the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world’s most unlikely kung fu master, with a hilarious, butt-kicking new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved action-comedy franchise: Kung Fu Panda 4
After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
28TH MARCH
The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of Godzilla vs. Kong with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.
24TH APRIL
From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor – The Crown) –his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win.
2ND MAY
He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right? Starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.
AUSTRALIA HAS SOME OF THE WORLD’S HIGHEST RATES OF FOOD SECURITY AND A RANGE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE IN ABUNDANT SUPPLY, SO WHY IS IT THAT AUSTRALIANS STILL AREN’T EATING THE DAILY RECOMMENDATION OF THE GOOD STUFF AND WHY ARE MEN IN PARTICULAR LAGGING IN GETTING THEIR DAILY SERVES OF TWO FRUITS AND FIVE VEGGIES?
A recent survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that on average men were eating less fruits and vegetables than their female counterparts, with only 3 percent of males meeting their daily recommended vegetable intake of five servings of vegetables.
Worryingly, only 2.3 percent of Australian males met both the daily recommended intake of both fruits and vegetables. It is a sobering statistic to say the least.
Good nutrition is an essential piece of the good health puzzle, with poor nutrition shown to be a significant factor in the incidence of health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancers and even cognitive decline.
Some studies suggest that food preference is the main driver behind fewer men choosing to eat fruits and veggies, and that these preferences are often established in their formative years and then carried into adulthood.
Men and women’s dietary needs are not too different day-to-day, and the Australian Dietary Guidelines suggest eating a balanced diet consisting mostly of vegetables and fruits, but also include grains such as wholemeal and high-fibre bread and pasta varieties, rice, rolled oats and cereals.
Protein either from meats or non-meat alternatives such as tofu and lentils is also important, as is the consumption of dairy and dairy alternatives, but these
should all be eaten in moderation. Foods that are high in salt, sugar and saturated fat such as cakes, chips and sausage rolls etc. should be kept to a minimum and only eaten occasionally.
Often a better diet can be as simple as a change in habit and being kind enough to yourself to give you the time you need to create new habits.
Our top tips for getting more fruits and vegetables in your diet includes:
Add veggies to your pasta sauce - grate some carrot and zucchini into bolognese or napoli sauce for a quick and easy veggie boost.
Love to BBQ? Add slices of capsicum or mushroom to your chicken kebabs.
Make simple swaps to your favourite snacks - instead of a bowl of corn chips and salsa swap the chips for sliced carrot or cucumber.
Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries to your favourite yoghurt.
Instead of butter on a sandwich, use mashed avocado as a spread.
If you have any concerns about your diet, it is important to consult with your healthcare professional to ensure your specific needs are being met.
When you look good you feel good and you sure will with these pieces, perfect for the season.
55 slim-magazine.com.au
Complete your runway chic makeup looks with MODELROCK’s Haute Crème Couture Lipsticks, available in 12 head-turning, highly pigmented shades. The luscious velvety formula of these deluxe lipsticks contains castor seed oil, shea butter and rosehip oil, ensuring you can effortlessly apply for a one-of-a-kind, blurred matte finish that is buildable and long-wearing. 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free.
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Ignite the flame of love and mindfulness with the GINGER&ME Mini Candle Trio – a miniature discovery set of mindful moments that makes for the ultimate gift. This exquisite Mindfulness Candle Collection sampler is not just a divine décor addition - it’s a heartfelt journey through emotions illuminated by the gentle glow of each candle. With a perfect size of 300gm combined, these neutral vessels, debossed with every emotion, are designed to transform any space into a sanctuary of love.
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Experience superior eyebrow grooming with MODELROCK’s Peptide Plus Brow Sculpture Gel, a non-sticky weightless gel for precise, long-lasting results and naturally defined brows. The gel offers the perfect blend of lasting hold and flexibility to keep eyebrows on fleek with the desired shape and definition, all day, minus a crunchy residue or unnatural feel. Enriched with biotin (Vitamin B7) and panthenol (Vitamin B5), the multi-peptide formula conditions and stimulates hair growth for healthier fuller brows. It also contains hyaluronic acid to provide hydration and moisture to achieve picture-perfect brows. 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free.
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Indulge in a treat for your skin and soul with our carefully curated sheet mask. This carefully curated sheet mask was formulated to bring the skins barrier back to a place of equilibrium using a generous blend of deeply therapeutic ingredients to restore and stimulate the skins natural moisturising factor (NMF), for instant and long-term visible levels of increased hydration, brightening and glow! A skin and moment to reset your skin and mind at the same time.
RRP $49 gingerandme.com
The iconic Blush & Highlight Duo by EcoTools brings together a blush brush and a curved highlighter brush. This duo is designed to apply pigment to the cheeks and enhance facial features for a soft, minimalist glow. The brushes, made with synthetic hair, deliver impeccable performance and are easily cleaned with EcoTools’ brush and sponge shampoo. Notably, the handles are crafted from renewable bamboo and feature recycled aluminium ferrules, emphasising EcoTools’ commitment to sustainability.
RRP $25.99 ecotools.com.au
This luxurious present is a compact, non-invasive, and multifunctional device crafted to lift, firm, tone, and detoxify the skin. Indulge in the perfect blend of thermal massage, low-level EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) Technology, and LED Therapy, working harmoniously to stimulate microcirculation. Unleash the power of oxygenation for healthier blood flow and nutrient delivery, revealing a radiant and rejuvenated complexion.
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Infuse your living space with love and tranquillity using the GINGER&ME Reed Diffuser. Let the enchanting fragrance of “Brave - Sweet Lemongrass” sweep through your home, transforming it into a peaceful sanctuary that captivates the senses. Craft a sensorial mindfulness space that serves as a heartfelt reminder to be conscious, present and engaged in each precious moment.
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The Conceal, Enhance and Sculpt Trio comprises an essential concealer, foundation, and brow trio, featuring precisely designed brushes for seamless application. This trio includes a defined concealer brush, an angled foundation brush, and a dual-ended brow liner and spoolie. The brushes are crafted from synthetic hair, while the handles are made with renewable bamboo and recycled aluminium ferrules, showcasing EcoTools’ dedication to eco-conscious materials.
RRP $32.99 ecotools.com.au
MODELROCK’s Tube Tech Tubular Mascara features a unique formula that wraps each individual lash in tiny tubes, delivering length, volume and definition! Whether a more natural look or statement dramatic lashes is desired, this mascara can be easily built up to the preferred intensity. Say good-bye to panda eyes and below to beautifully defined lashes with the smudge-proof, flake-proof and clump-free formula.
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This innovative beauty device is your personal secret to firmer, more toned skin. Its advanced microcurrent technology gently stimulates your facial muscles, helping to sculpt and lift your features, reduce fine lines, and rejuvenate your complexion. With six specialised attachments, it’s a complete facial workout for a revitalised and glowing skin.
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Designed to keep your skin looking healthy, fresh and rejuvenated, biomiq’s new acne-fighting serum comes in a convenient 30ml pump bottle to help prevent breakouts while maintaining skin clarity and vitality. Suitable for sensitive and/or dry skin and formulated using the very best microbiomefriendly ingredients, this serum uses biomiq’s nutrient-rich postbiotic blend of lactobacillus ferment filtrate and three powerful ceramides to leave skin feeling soft and smooth.
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Treat your skin to the love it deserves with O COSMEDICS Smart Serum—a brilliant blend of smart design and sophisticated formulation. This multifaceted anti-ageing and rejuvenating serum work intelligently to even out skin tone, stimulate optimal cell activity, reduce expression lines, and lift and firm the skin. More than just skincare, it’s a declaration of self-love, revitalising and supporting skin health and youth. Embrace radiant, balanced skin and celebrate the beauty of self-care with
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Wash the apples well, then peel and core (compost or discard these), but keep the peels and add them to a small powerful blender and finely chop. Alternatively, finely chop by hand and reserve.
Using a sharp knife, cut the apples into 2mm thick slices, or use a mandoline. When using a mandoline, please be careful and always work slowly. As you near the end of cutting a fruit, use a guard and concentrate to avoid injury. I know all too well the perils of a mandoline but still recommend them.
Add the sliced apples to a large bowl with the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, lemon juice, zest and cornflour and gently toss the apples until everything is properly combined. Leave to stand for 20 minutes to macerate – this will draw some moisture out of the apples.
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan with a baking rack in the bottom quarter of the oven.
Make the pastry and use to line a 23cm tart case.
Roll out two-thirds of the pastry between two sheets of baking parchment into a large disc, about 30cm in diameter and about 3–4mm thick. Roll out the remaining pastry into a 25cm disc and 3mm thick.
You can remove the top sheet of baking parchment and use the bottom sheet to help flip it over into the dish, if you like. Gently press the larger disc of pastry into a 23cm pie or quiche dish with a tiny overhang.
This is an edited extract from A New Way to Bake by Philip Khoury. Published by Hardie Grant Books, available in stores nationally, RRP $55.00. Photography by Matt Russell.
MAKES A 23CM PIE
• Apples 1kg
• Caster (superfine) sugar 120g
• Ground cinnamon 5g
• Vanilla bean paste 5g
• Lemon juice 15g
• Lemon zest 3 turns
• Cornflour 28g
• Flaky Pastry 600g
• Baking Glaze 30g
• Demerara sugar for sprinkling
Arrange the finely chopped apple peels on the pastry base, then gently layer the sliced apples on top, stacking to fill all the gaps. There will be some liquid leftover from the apples, so stir to agitate any settled cornflour and drizzle it slowly over the pie. You can push the apples into a slight domed shape, if you like.
Brush the overhanging edge of the pie crust with water, then place the top disc of pastry over the apples and press the edges together. Trim and crimp the edges as you like.
Brush the baking glaze across the top of the pastry and sprinkle some Demerara sugar on top for a tantalising crunch.
Using a sharp knife, cut some steam holes – I like one in the centre then six in a little burst radiating from it. This reminds me of the crosssection of an apple when it’s cut in half across the equator.
Bake for 20 minutes, then rotate and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until golden all the way across.
Remove from the oven and leave to stand for at least 15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or pouring cream. It keeps well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
MAKES A TWO-LAYER 20CM CAKE OR A SINGLE LAYER 23CM
• Carrots, peeled 200g
• Raisins 50g
• Walnuts, coarsely chopped 100g
• Muscovado sugar 120g
• Caster (superfine) sugar 150g
• Plant-based milk 350g
• Extra virgin olive oil 80g
• Plain (all-purpose) flour (gluten-free plain flour will also work) 300g
• Baking powder 8g
• Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) 5g
• Ground cinnamon 2g
• Ground nutmeg 1g
• Salt 2g
• Plant-based milk 300g
• Cornflour (cornstarch) 30g
• Vanilla bean paste 4g
• Lemon juice 40
• Orange zest, grated 1/2 orange
• Shortening, chilled 165g
• Caster (superfine) sugar 130g
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan with two oven shelves ready in the oven. Line the bases of two 23cm springform tins (pans) or other round baking tins with a disc of baking parchment.
Grate the carrots into a large bowl. Add the raisins, walnuts, both sugars, plant-based milk and olive oil and stir well with a silicone spatula to combine. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, spices and salt. Add the carrot mixture and mix well to combine.
Divide the batter into the lined tins (there should be 650g in each tin) and bake for 25 minutes. Swap and rotate the tins so they bake evenly and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the top springs back or a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tins on a wire rack to allow air circulation.
Mix all the ingredients, except the shortening and sugar, in a large saucepan off the heat, then bring to the boil over a medium heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula so it doesn’t catch. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is glossy and smooth.
Pour the mixture into a shallow dish, cover the surface with cling film (plastic wrap) and leave to chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, or until the mixture is 20°C.
In a stand mixer with a beater or whisk, whip the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the room temperature base in three additions, making sure to scrape in between. Then whisk on high speed until very fluffy.
Trim the curved dome of one of the cakes with a large serrated knife. Spread half the frosting on this layer, then place the other sponge on top, with the dome on top.
Spread the remaining frosting on top with a palette knife, or use a piping (pastry) bag fitted with a piping tube. Finish with halved walnuts, rolled-up carrot ribbons and orange segments.
To make the beetroot jam, steam the beetroot for 20-30 minutes until tender. It should be easily pierced with a sharp knife when done. Allow it to cool, then peel and blitz in a food processor.
In a small saucepan over medium– high heat, bring ½ cup (125ml) of the beetroot purée and the caster sugar to the boil, stirring. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until reduced by half. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. This makes ¼ cup (60ml) of beetroot jam. Set aside.
For the filling, in the bowl of a standmixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and icing sugar on medium–high for 3 minutes, until smooth. Place this into a piping bag and into the fridge ready to go.
Now the pies. In the standmixer again, cream the butter and sugar on low for 8 minutes, until pale and creamy. Add the egg and beat until just combined. Add the flour, cocoa, bicarb soda, salt and half of the beetroot jam. Beat on low speed until a cookie dough forms, around 5 minutes.
Add the chunks of chocolate and stir well. I did this by hand so the beater didn’t break up the chunks too much.
Divide the dough into six pieces, roughly 150g each. Divide each piece into two pieces: 2/3 for the base, 1/3 for the top.
Use your fingers to mould each base into an 11cm patty. Create a slight indent in the base with a 1cm rim to hold the cream cheese and jam, then mould each top piece into a slightly smaller, 9.5cm, lid.
Images and text from Every Night of the Week Veg by Lucy Tweed, photography by Lucy Tweed. Murdoch Books RRP $39.99.
BEETROOT JAM
• 1 large beetroot, leaves trimmed and skin on
• ¼ cup caster (superfine) sugar
• 1 cup cream cheese
• ½ cup icing (confectioners’) sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 large cold egg
• 1½ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate (baking) soda
• Pinch of fine salt
• 1½ cups dark chocolate, chopped, and/or choc chips, or a mix of dark and milk chocolate
Pipe 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto the centre of the bases, then dollop 1 teaspoon of beetroot jam on top. Place the lids on the whoopie pies and squish the sides of the bases up to join together with the lids to completely enclose the cream cheese and jam. You may need to sculpt them a bit to shape them back into cookies.
Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper and freeze for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C fanforced.
Bake for 20 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Break open. Eat.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week.
SERVES 4
• 300g potatoes, sliced into chunky shards, skins on
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 brown onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red capsicum (pepper), seeds removed and thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 whole dried red chillies
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2⁄3 cup tinned crushed tomatoes
• 5 eggs
• 2 tablespoons aioli
• 1 tablespoon Chilli Crisp (see below)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
CHILLI CRISP
• ¼ cup (20g) chilli flakes
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 teaspoon chicken-style stock powder
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup (250ml) peanut oil
• 1 tablespoon crispy fried shallots
• 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns
Boil the spuds in salted water until tender, 15 minutes, then drain.
In a large deep frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and capsicum for 5 minutes, until the onions are beginning to turn golden. Add the garlic and dried chillies and sauté for a further 2 minutes.
Add in all the remaining spices, salt and oregano and stir until it is well mixed.
Then toss in the potatoes and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir well. Combine the tomatoes and 2⁄3 cup of water and pour that in too. Simmer for 5 minutes, until it begins to reduce slightly.
Make some little wells with the back of a spoon for the eggs. You can evenly space them for serving or, if you’re me, deliberately cluster them together – because being the devil’s advocate is par for the course in this one.
Crack in the eggs and reduce the heat to low. Do not stir once the eggs are in. Allow them to poach for 5–7 minutes, covering for the last 3 minutes.
Serve with aioli, Chilli Crisp oil and bird’s eye chilli … or don’t. Definitely add the activity of lemon squeezing to the agenda.
Combine the chilli flakes, sesame seeds, salt, stock powder and garlic in a heatproof bowl and set aside.
Heat the peanut oil, fried shallots and peppercorns in a medium saucepan over medium–low heat until the mixture simmers. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, then carefully pour it over the spice mix, allowing it to crackle. Let it cool, then store in a jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Images and text from Korean Home Cooking by Jina Jung, photography by Akiko Ida. Murdoch Books RRP $49.99
• 500ml water
• 1 square (10cm) dasima seaweed (kombu)
• 500g lotus roots
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil
• 100ml soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
Instead of dasima seaweed broth, you can use 400ml water, and 120ml mat ganjang sauce instead of the soy sauce.
Pour the 500ml (2 cups) water into a saucepan and add the dasima seaweed. Bring to the boil and cook for 20 minutes over a medium heat. Discard the seaweed and keep the broth.
Peel the lotus roots and cut them into 1 cm (½ inch) thick slices. Place them in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Add the vinegar. Bring to the boil over a high heat and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the lotus roots under cold water. Discard the cooking water.
Mix the lotus roots and sugar in a bowl. Allow to stand at room temperature until the sugar has dissolved.
Heat a frying pan coated with the vegetable oil. When the oil is slightly hot, pour in the lotus roots with their sweet liquid. Pour the soy sauce, white wine and seaweed broth on top. Simmer over a medium heat until no liquid remains, about 20 to 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the honey and sesame seeds.
This side dish can be enjoyed warm or cold and can be kept for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
SERVES 4
• 700g chicken breasts, skin on
• 150ml milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon mild paprika
• 1 teaspoon mild yellow curry powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 600g Korean fritter batter
• 1 litre (4 cups) neutral vegetable oil
• 3 crushed almonds (or peanuts)
• ¼ apple
• ½ onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 100ml water
• 5 tablespoons ketchup
• 20g gochujang chilli paste
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru chilli powder
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 good pinch pepper
Cut the chicken breasts into roughly bite-sized pieces. Pour the milk over the chicken pieces. Cover and leave to rest for 20 minutes.
Drain the chicken using a colander. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with the salt, paprika, curry and garlic powders. Massage the spices into the chicken. Mix with the fritter batter.
Heat the oil to 170°C. To check the temperature, let a drop of batter fall into the oil: if it immediately rises to the surface, the temperature is correct. Ensure each piece of chicken is well coated with batter and drop them into the oil. The chicken pieces should not stick to each other in the oil. Fry for around 5 minutes. Take the chicken out and let it drain for 5 minutes on a wire rack. Fry again for 3 minutes and allow to drain for 5 minutes.
For the yangnyeom sauce, purée the apple, onion and garlic in a small food processor. Combine with the water, ketchup, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, cornsyrup and pepper. Heat the mixture in a sauté pan or frying pan over a high heat. When the sauce simmers, just before boiling, reduce the heat. Mix very gently once or twice. Simmer for 7 minutes, stirring. Add the fried chicken and heat over a medium heat. Carefully coat the chicken with the sauce then simmer for 2 minutes. Serve sprinkled with crushed almonds or peanuts.
You can serve this chicken with some diced white radish pickles and garnish with a few slices of preserved lemon, roasted in the oven, if desired.
SERVES 4
•
3 tablespoons mirin
• 3 tablespoons cooking sake
• 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 800g chicken thigh fillets (see Notes)
• Steamed jasmine rice
• 100g edamame beans (see Notes)
• 75g shredded red cabbage
• 90g julienned carrot
• 125g whole-egg
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• 1 teaspoon each white and black sesame seeds (optional)
• Sliced bird’s eye chilli (optional)
Trim any excess fat and pound the chicken using a mallet or rolling pin to even out the thickness.
You’ll find edamame beans, already podded and ready to use, in the freezer section of your supermarket. Thaw as per the packet instructions.
In a bowl, make a teriyaki sauce by combining the mirin, sake, tamari or soy sauce and brown sugar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over high heat and add the chicken. Cook for 8 minutes until the chicken is browned, turning once halfway through cooking.
Add the teriyaki sauce to the pan and cook for 1 minute. Turn the chicken and cook for a further 1 minute or until the sauce is caramelised and glossy.
Slice the chicken and arrange it on a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Drizzle the chicken with the pan juices. Serve with the edamame beans, red cabbage and carrot. Top with a dollop of mayonnaise and sprinkle with the sesame seeds and chilli (if using).
SERVES 4
• 24 raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 125ml buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 185g cornflour
• Oil, for frying (see Note)
• 8 small soft tortillas, warmed
• 150g finely shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 bunch coriander, leaves picked
• 200g grape tomatoes, quartered
• Lime wedges
BANG BANG SAUCE
• 160g (2/3 cup) whole-egg mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed
• Lime juice
Canola oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil or similar are best for frying. The oil needs to be at least 2 cm deep so that the prawns are submerged.
Combine the prawns, buttermilk, salt, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Leave to marinate for no longer than 10 minutes.
Place the cornflour in a shallow bowl.
One by one, remove each of the prawns from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dip them in the cornflour so that all sides are coated, then set aside on a plate. Once coated, the prawns need to be cooked immediately.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the prawns in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel, using a slotted spoon.
For the bang bang sauce, combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Reserve 125ml sauce for drizzling on top, then toss the cooked prawns in the remainder of the sauce in the bowl.
Top the warm tortillas with the red cabbage, coriander, tomato and prawns, drizzle on the remaining bang bang sauce and serve with the lime wedges.
This is an extract from Vegan Chinese Food by Yang Liu. Published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $45.00, available in stores nationally.
Photography by Katharina Pinczolits.
SERVES 2
• 500g tender or semi-firm tofu, cut into 1cm thick slices
• 250ml sparkling soda water
• 100g cornflour (cornstarch)
• 120ml canola (rapeseed) oil
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 15g piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced in long, thin strips
• 250ml warm water
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegan oyster sauce
• 2 fresh red chillies, destemmed and sliced
• 1 spring onion (scallion), sliced
Dip the tofu first in the sparkling water then coat evenly in the cornflour. Heat a wok and, once hot, add 90ml of the oil and pan-fry the tofu until both sides are golden. Remove and set aside.
Add the remaining oil and fry the garlic and ginger over a medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the fried tofu, mix, then add the water, soy sauce and vegan oyster sauce. Mix the tofu well with the sauce.
Allow the sauce to come to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for a few minutes, stirring carefully so the tofu doesn’t stick to the wok.
When most of the sauce has been absorbed by the tofu, add the chilli, mix, and let it simmer for 1 more minute, then add the spring onion.
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 2
• 60g sesame paste/sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons chilli oil
• ½ teaspoon five spice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese dark vinegar
• 1 spring onion (scallion), sliced
• 40 vegan dumplings
• 1 coriander (cilantro) stalk, chopped
METHOD
Divide the sesame paste, chopped garlic, chilli oil, five spice, soy sauce, dark vinegar and spring onion between two bowls.
Bring 2 litres water to the boil. Add the dumplings, stirring regularly so they don’t stick to the pot. When the water comes back to the boil, add 250ml cold water. Stir carefully, and when the water boils again the dumplings should be done. Remove the dumplings with a sieve and divide equally between the two bowls. Mix everything together well and top with the coriander.
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 2
• 90ml canola (rapeseed) oil
• 500g leftover cooked long-grain rice
METHOD
• ½ onion, diced
• 80g pickled mustard or tsa tsai, cut into pieces
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegan oyster sauce
• 1 spring onion (scallion), sliced
Heat a wok over a medium–high heat and, once hot, add 3 tablespoons of the oil. Add the leftover rice, loosening it up with a spatula, and fry until it’s a little dry, loose and browned on the outside. Remove the rice and set aside.
Add the remaining oil and the onion and stir for 30 seconds, then add the pickled mustard and stir for another 30 seconds. Turn the heat to high and add the rice. Stir for a little, then add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce and vegan oyster sauce. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
Continue stirring for another 1–2 minutes until the rice is not soggy anymore and has completely absorbed the sauce, then add the spring onion and turn off the heat.
No one likes the judgement or scrutiny of going through assessments – especially when it comes to finance assessments by banks. Over the coming issues I will help you break down the myths that I see holding clients back from stepping into property investment with confidence and positivity.
Bank application processes are often designed to make the application process easy for banks – not applicants. If you have felt overwhelmed by the endless forms, the drain of the paper trail and the seemingly endless movement of emails between bankers, brokers and credit bodies you are not alone.
It’s easy to become disheartened – but there is good news if you are considering using luxury property to build wealth. Many of the myths that surround financing your family home don’t apply in the same way when financing an investment property; and 2024 promises some changes that may make the prospect of diving into luxury investment that much more appealing.
Firstly, 2024 sees the beginning of reductions of the servicing rates used by lenders for assessing repayments. After what was a hefty year of 14 rate rises in 2023, certain loan interest rates are actually coming down in price, making the approval process less challenging.
Most people think of banks when they think of property financing, but Australia has over 80 lenders and many specialise in niches that are designed to provide loans for many varied situations.
This means that many of the myths that surround finance for your home don’t apply. Here are some that don’t apply for investments.
Myth 1 - Getting a loan, is getting a loan – it doesn’t matter if I live in it, or use it for investment.
Not so. All affordability is about checking in with your comfortability in paying back that loan over a 30 year loan term. The lender (their assessor) is looking at your income and lifestyle, your living expenses, with a factored cost for your situation, family, number of children, other loans, store cards, school fees etc. Investment loans are different. They are almost always easier to service as there are multiple incomes, but the size of the deposit required can be a drawback.
Myth 2 – Pricing: All lenders are roughly the same give or take. It’s only the marketing and minor variations in pricing that differs between lenders.
Not so. Lenders are a business, and they are there to provide solutions for specific types of lending situations. 80 percent no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), 90 percent investment max plus 95 percent loans for owner occupiers are three of the most common types of loans.
Myth 3 – Servicing “How much can I borrow calculators” Quick calcs are basically clickbait marketing hooks. Do
yourself a favour and ask a finance broker if they pay to use a search tool - as well as their aggregator software. Why, you ask? The answer is simple. Using paid software says that your broker values an independent viewpoint and doesn’t just rely on their preferred lenders.
I ask clients to check if their brokers are using software that they too can interact with. There is a stand out called ‘Quickly.’ This is software that any licenced finance broker can access. It gives full visibility and on the day policy checks for all the lenders and can be reviewed in one spot within minutes.
Despite the same income, expenses and rental income, it can be hundreds of thousands between lenders.
When I am in session with my clients I ask the finance brokers to kindly run this exercise live with me and my clients. It’s so empowering and efficient.
I share these tips as an active property investor. It’s important to take your time and get a licenced and reputable professional to support your learning.
In the next issue we cover the myths that often hold back and prevent self-employed and those without a loan from pursuing their property investment plans.
We would love to hear your plans and help you along the way into a successful 2024 and beyond…
Contact me on: lisa@finvest.net.au
AFTER BEING TOLD SHE WAS AT RISK OF HAVING A STROKE AND WOULD NEED A CPAP MACHINE JUST TO GET A DECENT NIGHT’S SLEEP DUE TO HER INCREASING WEIGHT GAIN, PAM, 62 AND A RETIRED TEACHER DECIDED TO TAKE CHARGE AND MAKE A CHANGE FOR BETTER HEALTH.
What was the turning point in your weight-loss journey?
When I was overweight, there seemed to be no quality of life - I was feeling myself getting down and wasn’t living my life to its full potential. I was constantly exhausted, snoring and being very thirsty when I woke up, probably because I was sleeping with my mouth open trying to get more air. I went to my GP and he recommended I do a sleep study. The results revealed that I stopped breathing a moderate to severe amount in my sleep, so while I was getting the hours of sleep needed, the quality wasn’t there. My GP said I needed to lose weight quickly as I was also at significant risk of having a stroke because I was so overweight. That’s what started my CPAP journey and using the CPAP to help me breathe at night to wake up feeling refreshed, it also kicked off my weight-loss journey.
Why was losing weight important to you?
I knew that there was more to life than what I was experiencing. I used to be fit and healthy. After I had my four children I was into aerobics and managing my weight through diet, so I knew what it felt like to be confident in my body, to enjoy shopping for clothes, to feel comfortable socialising, to feel like I was capable of challenges and so on. That version of me felt like a stranger, but I wanted to get back to feeling that way.
How did you choose the 1:1 Diet?
A family member recommended it to me after trying it out themselves and experiencing success in a short amount of time. With my GP’s warning to “lose weight quickly before you have a stroke” in my mind, I decided to give it a go for myself.
Why did this work for you?
The 1:1 Diet worked for me because I don’t enjoy cooking and I am not a “foodie”. I like the convenience of being told what to eat, when to eat, and I don’t have to think about it. The diet is a range of various products for meal replacement, in the form of bars, shakes, smoothies, porridges, meals and soups. Being active is also a very important part. I walk every day, as a non-negotiable. I started out by doing short walks that I initially really struggled with, but as I lost more weight, I was able to push myself, incorporating hills, increasing my speed and distance and now I walk between 40 and 50 minutes a day, sometimes twice a day. This has done wonders not only for my physical health but also my mental health. I joke to my friends and family that gone are the days of training for a “bikini body”, these days I am training for my “old lady body” – strong bones, good balance, cardiovascular fitness and a positive mindset.
What was your biggest challenge on your weight-loss journey?
The first three weeks of the program were the hardest because it was a big change in my diet and lifestyle. In those first three weeks I had no carbs and no sugar, which resulted in huge withdrawals and headaches. On the upside, I never felt hungry. Using The 1:1 Diet products properly meant after those three
weeks I had no cravings so I could go grocery shopping, I could socialise, I had no feelings of deprivation and never felt like I was missing out. In 12 weeks I lost 20kg by strictly adhering to the protocol. While there were some tough days, the rapid weight-loss meant that it was “working” and that it was “worth it”.
How do you feel now?
I feel like I am the best version of myself that I have ever been. I have energy to socialise, I have dinner parties, I play with my grandchildren, I am enjoying life, I feel healthier than I ever have, I am confident and I am happy. I feel like I have a positive mindset and outlook on life, which has meant that I am coping much better with the diagnosis and deterioration of my eyes, than I would have 40kg ago. Over the 12 weeks of the program, I used that time to reflect and understand my eating habits and understand what behaviours got me to that point.
What is your advice to other people facing the same challenges as you?
Be consistent and persistent. Get out of bed and get your 5am walk done - get up, put your feet on the floor, and go. It helps to lay your clothes out the night before so there are less excuses. On the really hard days you can tell yourself just go for five minutes, and if after five minutes you want to finish up, then you can, and try again tomorrow. Another one is to be analytical in why previous weight-loss attempts haven’t worked. Why do you self-sabotage? Work out those answers and you unlock the key to long term weight-loss. One thing I have come to realise is that I will always have to be conscious of what I am eating, and how much I am moving my body.
*Before starting any new diet or exercise regime you should consult with your health care professional to ensure it is right for your individual needs.
A groundbreaking solution is gaining momentum for those in the pursuit of optimal health and well-being, with a promise to rejuvenate your energy, enhance your sleep, and fortify your immune system. Intravenous (IV) Nutrient Therapy is a revolutionary approach that could be the key to unlocking your body’s full potential.
IV Nutritional Therapy can help in the management of ailments such as fatigue, stress, and sluggishness by delivering a personalised and carefully selected infusion of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients delivered directly into your bloodstream.
This cutting-edge treatment is gaining widespread attention for its potential to improve lives, and we’re here to guide you through the journey of revitalisation.
At the forefront of IV Nutritional Therapy is NAD+, a coenzyme that plays a vital role in cellular energy production. As we age, our NAD+ levels decline, contributing to fatigue and a myriad of health issues. IV therapy with NAD+ has emerged as a powerful tool to help restore your energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall vitality. NAD+ could be just what you are looking for to reconnect to help you ignite your energy levels.
Step into our clinic and discover the rejuvenating effects of Myers Cocktails – a custom blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking an energy boost, immune system support, or recovery after a late night, Myers Cocktails can be the customised elixir you’ve been searching for. Picture leaving the clinic feeling refreshed, revitalised, and ready to conquer the world.
We understand the demands of modern life, and sometimes, late nights are inevitable - but our IV Nutritional Therapy is here to rescue you. After a night of festivities or a demanding work schedule, replenish your body with the nutrients it craves. Our tailored infusions will kickstart your recovery, lift fatigue, and have you feeling your best in no time.
The time to embark on your journey to enhanced vitality and well-being is now. Don’t let fatigue and stress hold you back any longer. Our expert team is ready to guide you through the transformative experience of IV Nutritional Therapy. Your personalised path to optimal health is just a clinic visit away.
The Finvest x Bensons launch celebrating the pinnacle of luxury living - Chevron One at Chevron Island was matched with a perfect day. The Finvest Chevron One event had guests setting sail aboard the incredible YOT75 to cruise the scenic Gold Coast waterways on a picture perfect afternoon.
Guests enjoyed the freshest seafood and delectable grazing platters while savouring a special collection of wines from Levantine Hill Estate. The only thing more dazzling than the sparkling waterways were the smiles of the guests in attendancewho all agreed there was no better way to spend a Gold Coast afternoon. Once safely docked at the marina guests were able to continue the spectacular afternoon on the YOT deck with a selection of summer cocktails and perfectly chilled champagne.
The most recent Table of 20 event was held at the always amazing Edgewater Dining in their private dining area at Capri on Via Roma. Guests were greeted with a marvellous margarita on arrival and enjoyed a three-course lunch paired with matching wines while they listened to inspiring guest speaker Lisa Harris from Finvest. All the ladies in attendance were there to support a great cause - The Gold Coast Community Fund which has been supporting Gold Coasters helping Gold Coasters since 2000. All funds raised on the day support the fantastic work of the community fund.
Guests were invited to share lunch at the iconic Shuck restaurant on Tedder Ave, Main Beach to celebrate the magic of summer on the Gold Coast. Event organisers Glenda Newick and Viki Chatfield were thrilled with the outcome. Attendees enjoyed a two course lunch and millinery parade and were asked to don their best racewear in a nod to the iconic Gold Coast Magic Millions festival.
Proudly presented by SLIM Magazine, the sold out Women in Fashion Long Lunch and Awards organised by Upma Kite was a huge success. Upma bought together some of the biggest names in Australia for an afternoon of celebration at the QAGOMA Rooftop Terrace.
The sumptuous three course lunch was a spectacular way to spend an afternoon celebrating the achievements and hard work of so many in the fashion industry. Categories included top fashion model of the year, most notable designer of the year, best fashion photographer of the year, outstanding educator/mentor in the industry and best make-up artistry among many more.
All guests received an amazing gift bag filled with goodies in thanks for attending the event and supporting the industry. Lunch was followed by an exclusive afterparty where the celebrations continued into the evening.
Guests galloped into the new year in style at the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping event at Doug Jennings Park this January.
It was a star studded event with guests Elsa Pataky, Billy and Nicole Slater, Zara Tindall (MBE) and Mike Tindall, Katie Page and Gerry Harvey, Nacho Figueras and local stars Liz Cantor and Amanda Abate in attendance. It was the place to be with plenty of entertainment both on and off the field including live music, fashions on the field, the iconic divot stomp and celebrity polo match among some of the great entertainment on offer throughout the day. The event beautifully showcased everything the Gold Coast has to offer and ensured the event would be back on the Gold Coast for years to come.
2024 IS HERE, AND WITH THE NEW YEAR COMES NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS. THESE STARS SHARE SOME OF THEIR RESOLUTIONS WITH US, AND IF YOU HAVEN’T MADE ONE YET, MAYBE ONE OF THESE WILL MOVE THE MOTIVATION METER.
“My resolution is to learn one new thing. To be good at something, so I’ve been taking tennis lessons and I’m going to continue doing it. I used to be terrible and now I’m just really mediocre, so it’s working.”
Carson Kressley
“The past year was one of realising our limitless power and this year will be putting that into serious action! So be daring, be fun, be kind, be courageous, be dependable, be committed to what makes your heart sing and your spirits soar. Be relentless in the pursuit of your passions and most of all be loving.”
Jennifer Lopez
“I resolve to take more time to recharge and to enjoy what is happening now.”
Darren Palmer
“My
resolution is to make more meatless meals.”
Jennifer Garner
“I think my resolution’s gonna be to make sure that I educate myself more on gardening because that’s my new hobby with Blake. We had a failed gardening year last year, but we’re gonna get smarter, and we’re gonna have some success this year.”
Gwen Stefani
“I definitely want to be better about taking care of myself. I feel like I have been very focused on family, which is the way it should be, but I want to strike a little healthier balance between taking care of myself, too. I would love to get my immune system in balance and a little stronger so I can fight colds a little better because I just feel like I have been taken down systematically every time my kids get sick. My mental health too, like, all of it.”
Mandy Moore
“I’m probably gonna make the same New Year’s resolution that I always make, which is love my wife to the fullest every day.”
Alfonso Ribeiro
“I don’t make resolutions, but I give myself little promises, so this year I’d like to be on my phone less, be in nature more, spend some time learning a language.”
Leona Lewis
