A guide to living your best life
Wonder Women
MAKING POSITIVE CHANGE
2021
TOP FITNESS TRENDS Subscribe & Win $3,500 THERMAGE PACKAGE THANKS TO LA BEAUTY PACIFIC FAIR
EXERCISES TO
Stress-Less
Gal ot Gad
MODERN DAY HERO
1 slim-magazine.com.au HEALTH & WELLNESS l BEAUTY l FASHION l EXPERT ADVICE l RECIPES l SOCIALS
2 slim magazine autumn 2021
3 slim-magazine.com.au
RICHARD DAWSON
SIMON BENNETT
JULIETTE NAIRN
ABBI GOLIGHTLY
Partner • Wills • Powers of Attorney • Estate Planning • Estate Administration • Self Managed Superannuation Funds • Commercial & Residential Conveyancing
Partner, Accredited Specialist (Property Law) - QLD • Commercial & Residential Conveyancing • Structuring Advice • General Contract Law including Shareholding, Partnership & Joint Venture Agreements • Commercial & Retail Leasing
Partner • Body Corporate Law • Building Defect Litigation • Assignment of Management Rights • Recovery of Contributions • Strata & Community Title Advice • Objections & Enforcement in the Planning & Environment Court
Partner, Accredited Specialist (Family Law) • Property Settlement Advice, Negotiation & Dispute Resolution • Parenting Disputes • Third Party Parenting Disputes • Binding Financial Agreements • De Facto Property Settlement • Mediation, Arbitration & Litigation
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WE OFFER EXPERT LEGAL HELP IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS
FAMILY LAW WILLS & ESTATES CONVEYANCING STRATA LAW
JENNIE GOFF
THOMAS ROBINSON
CAMERON MARSHALL
ELISHA HODGSON
Special Counsel
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PROPERTY LAW BUSINESS LAW LITIGATION INSURANCE
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publisher’s letter ABN 87 650 371 232
Happy ar e Y w e N
COVER Gal Gadot at the Palm Springs Film Festival Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center, USA. Photo by Featureflash, depositphotos. PUBLISHER Kate Bennett EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeni Bone GRAPHIC DESIGN Emma Mardaine
This is the time of year when our “Resolutions” may be waning, or at least becoming more realistic as we settle into routines, back to work, back to school. 2021 was always going to have pressure on it! We were all eagerly anticipating a better year, and so far, there seems to be a brighter outlook. In a ‘back to basics’ jolt, 2020 really taught us about what really matters in life: health, family, close friends and our local communities. We are so lucky to live in such a fabulous country where our concern for others motivates us to support and abide by health guidelines, and help our neighbours and those less fortunate than ourselves during a time of crisis. Our family has made the most of this time together by holidaying at home, travelling locally and supporting local businesses. We’ve ventured north and have plans to see more of the sights in our immense and varied Sunshine State. This issue, inspired by the awesome Gal Gadot and her alter ego, Wonder Woman, we feature some of the Wonder Women who have touched so many lives. There’s a massive selection of recipes to tempt your tastebuds, expert health news and the latest products in beauty, fitness and nutrition. Wherever 2021 takes us, let’s take with us prioritising our health and well-being and showing kindness towards others.
Katex
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CONTRIBUTORS Dr Jason Free • Dr Jane Chapman • Shakti Selwood Dr Peter Widdowson • Dr Drew Cronin • Dr Andrew Cary Leith Jensen • Shakti Selwood • Simon Bennett Samantha Gash DIRECTOR OF SALES, MEDIA AND BRAND DEVELOPMENT Kate Bennett: kate@slim-magazine.com.au SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Annie Noon ~ Fotoforce 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 ACCOUNTS Cara Briggs: cbriggs@omb.com.au IT AND SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT Bailey Bennett DISTRIBUTORS Deb Farnworth-Wood • Dr Jason Free Dr Peter Widdowson • Dr Andrew Cary Dr Ben Anderson • Dr Drew Cronin Hairart Boutique • Robina Private Hospital 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 by Journey Developments. 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.
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contents
57
Recipes 62 Barbecue This! 64 Air Fryer Express 66 Eat More Vegan 68 Simple Italian The Essentials Of Italian Home Cooking
62
30
Features 12 Sun Sense
13 Depression Busters 26 Flex – Active wear to make you feel fab!
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28 Graham Lowe – losing 50kgs and not looking back 30 Cover Story – Gal Gadot, our amazing Wonder Woman 32 Gold Coast Wonder Women – Claire Mitchell, Shannon Graham, Georgia Lane, Nicolle Edwards 36 My Escape Bag – Bianca Dye 40 Travel - Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat 54 Leith Jensen – Heal the Past 56 Wellness Trends in 2021 58 Men’s Health – Let’s get Physical 59 Shakti Selwood – your future in the palm of your hand 72 Interior Trends - Colour Crush
26 Regular features 6 Publisher’s letter – Kate Bennett 14 Bites – A little bit of this….a little bit of that 20 Hair Apparent – Mane management 22 Bathing Beauty
SLIM Experts
24 Skin Deep
38 Dr Jason Free Bariatric Surgeon – Live life to the full
57 Books we love
42 Dr Peter Widdowson and Dr Drew Cronin – Breasts are sisters, not twins 44 Dr Andrew Cary – Obesity and Fertility 46 Dr Jason Free – The risks of Obesity 48 Dr Jane Chapman – MenopauseLet’s chat about The Change
50 Competitions – WIN with SLIM 62 Recipes 73 Test Drive - Porsche Taycan 74 Socials 80 Subscription – Win a Thermage treatment package valued at $3,500 thanks to La Beauty, Pacific Fair 82 Inspiration Verbatim 8 slim magazine autumn 2021
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Visit the website for a full calendar of upcoming events, including School10 Holidays entertainment and activities. slim magazine autumn 2021
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Sun SENSE IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FIVE S’S: SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK AND SLIDE.
The Cancer Council has revived its message to Australians to take extra care in the sun and do five simple things to prevent skin cancer.
A combination of the five measures, along with getting to know your skin and regularly checking for any changes, are key.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Every year in Australia skin cancers account for around 80 percent of all newly diagnosed cancers. Around 2,000 people die from this disease every year.
Cancer Council recommends sunscreen should be incorporated into your daily morning routine on these days.
More than 95 percent of skin cancer cases are caused by unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun, meaning it is a nearly entirely preventable cancer. Many Australians will remember the ‘Sid the Seagull’ campaign from the 1980s which launched the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ message. Some things have changed since then but our sun is still the same. In Australia, data shows that people aged 25 to 44 (43 percent of the population) are the most likely to get sunburnt outside at peak times and are the group least likely to use shade when it’s available. They are also the least concerned about skin cancer as an important issue in their community. A lot of those Australians who first heard Sid’s message now have kids of their own. By using sun protection and preventing sunburn and skin damage you are reducing your risk of skin cancer – including potentially deadly melanoma. Sun protection is recommended whenever UV levels reach 3 or higher.
6 There are FIVE simple things you can do to protect yourself and greatly reduce your risk of skin cancer. 1. SLIP on sun-protective clothing.
Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before exposure to UV in order to create the intended protective barrier. It should be applied liberally and evenly to clean and dry skin.
2. SLOP on SPF30 (or higher) broadspectrum, water-resistant sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply every two hours afterwards.
For an adult, the recommended application is 5mL (approximately one teaspoon) for each arm, leg, body front, body back and face (including neck and ears). That equates to a total of 35mL (approximately seven teaspoons) for a full body application.
4. SEEK shade.
When spending time outdoors, sunscreen should always be reapplied at least every two hours, irrespective of the water resistance of the sunscreen. Swimming, sport, sweating and towel drying can reduce the effectiveness of the product, so sunscreen should always be reapplied after these activities. While effective when used the right way, it is difficult to correctly apply aerosol sunscreen to get adequate protection. For this reason, Cancer Council does not recommend using aerosol sunscreens. Sunscreen isn’t a suit of armour. It should be used alongside protective clothing, a broad-brim hat, shade and sunglasses. Source: cancer.org.au 12 slim magazine autumn 2021
3. SLAP on a broad-brim hat to protect your face, head, neck and ears. 5. SLIDE on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian standards.
Depression BUSTERS LESS SCREEN TIME AND MORE SLEEP ARE CRITICAL FOR PREVENTING DEPRESSION.
Analysis of data from international health resource, UK Biobank, involving 85,000 people, has found that lifestyle factors such as less screen time, adequate sleep, a better-quality diet and physical activity strongly impact depression. Investigating the link between lifestyle factors and depression, the international research team led by Western Sydney University found a significant relationship between physical activity, healthy diet, and optimal sleep (seven to nine hours) was associated with less frequency of depressed mood.
Increased screen time and tobacco smoking were also significantly associated with higher frequency of depressed mood. A higher frequency of alcohol consumption was surprisingly associated with reduced frequency of depressed mood in people with depression. This may potentially be due to the self-medicating use of alcohol by those with depression to manage their mood. Lead co-author, Professor Jerome Sarris, NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University said “While 13 slim-magazine.com.au
Lifestyle factors such as less screen time, adequate sleep, a better - quality diet and physical activity strongly impact depression. people usually know that physical activity is important for mood, we now have additional data showing that adequate sleep and less screen time is also critical to reduce depression. “The findings also suggest that dietary pattern is partly implicated in the exacerbation of depressed mood.” The results may influence public health policy by highlighting the important relationship between promoting a range of health-promoting activities, in particular, maintaining optimal sleep and reducing screen time (which is often an issue in youth), while having adequate physical activity and good dietary quality, which may reduce the symptoms of depression. Source: westernsydney.edu.au
bite size
Sweet spot Perfect for whipping up sweet treats with kids, a selection of tasty desserts you can create as a family. Barker’s NZ has teamed up with family food creator, Kidgredients to create delicious desserts that the whole family will love. Using Barker’s NZ new range of Dessert Sauces, these decadent desserts will be hard to resist: Caramel Freakshake using Barker’s NZ Butterscotch Caramel Sauce, Strawberry Coconut Ice Pops with Barker’s NZ Luscious Strawberry Sauce and an amazing Neapolitan Log drizzled with Barker’s NZ Rich Chocolate Sauce.
A little bit of this... A little bit of that.
More at barkers.com.au and instagram.com/kidgredients
Hinterland ice cream Farmer-owned dairy icon, Norco, has launched a premium ice cream range called ‘Hinterland’, a delectable collection of six decadent flavours featuring delicious family favourites with an indulgent twist.
local Norco farmers. Flavours include Burnt Butter with Caramel Sauce, Cookies & Cream with Belgium Chocolate, Decadent Vanilla Bean, Espresso with Chocolate Almonds, Salted Dark Chocolate Fudge, Golden Jersey Caramel Macadamia.
Hinterland is 100 percent Australian farmer-owned premium ice cream with milk and cream sourced directly from
RRP $10.50 and available in Woolworths stores nationally. norco.com.au.
Brekkie balls Now there’s an easy way to start the day right, with Food for Health’s Probiotic Brekkie Balls – the nutritious, delicious breakfast snack that comes in three mouth-watering flavours: Mango & Coconut; Cinnamon, Vanilla & Maple; and Blueberry & Vanilla. Best of all, the 40g balls contain significantly less sugar than other snack balls on the market. The secret to Food for Health’s guilt-free range is the absence of dates, which have a very high natural sugar content. Instead, Brekkie Balls use Aussie-grown oats as the base ingredient and each Brekkie Ball contains less than five grams of sugar. Available in the health food aisle of Coles and independent supermarkets. RRP $12 for 5 x 40g balls. foodforhealth.com.au 14 slim magazine autumn 2021
Crispy goodness Established in Australia over 30 years ago, The Good Crisp Company focuses on developing great tasting snacks for kids and adults that are made with good ingredients as well. Comprising three great flavours: Original, Sour Cream and Chives and Smokey BBQ, the range is low FODMAP certified and are suitable for the low FODMAP diet, glutenfree with no Artificial flavours or colours and free from GMO ingredients. They also use Palm Oil sourced from a RSPO certified supplier. Follow The Good Crisp Company on Instagram for all sorts of delicious recipes. Available from Coles and selected retail and grocery stores nationally. thegoodcrispcompany.com.au
Bite size………
Congee in a cup Fast food lovers and health food lovers alike are in for a new treat with the launch of Mr Lee’s instant Congee. The modern twist on the traditional east Asian meal can be made in just three minutes and is low in sugar, low in fat and made with absolutely no nasties. Available in original and chicken flavours, the instant rice porridge is available online at Mr Lee’s Pure Foods and Amazon, as well as in Harris Farms Market stores in Sydney. RRP $4 per cup. mrleesnoodles.com/au/
Single serve chocolate There are approximately 22 whole teaspoons of sugar in a 1L bottle of regular tonic water. Now, Nexba, Australia’s leading Naturally Sugar Free drinks brand is changing the game. Nexba has officially launched Australia’s only tonic water range that’s both sugar and artificial sweetener free. Plus, it contains at least 95 percent Aussie ingredients! RRP $2.65. Available nationally at both Coles and Woolworths. Nexba.com
Tasty tonic
Premium Belgian chocolate company, Guylian has launched a brand-new chocolate block, designed to offer chocolate lovers a great tasting indulgence with portion controlled bars to enjoy anytime and anywhere. The new individually-wrapped Guylian bars have allowed for a 75 percent reduction of the CO2 footprint per 100 grams compared to a standard aluminium foil packaging. In addition, with the new Guylian Belgian Chocolate bars made out of 100 percent sustainable cocoa, as Guylian takes a first step to reach its ambition to use 100 percent sustainable cocoa by 2025. RRP $4.50. Available in IGA Supermarkets and participating independent retailers nationally. guylian.com
Sweet treat Perfect on protein pancakes or in healthier twists on desserts, Lakanto Monkfruit Maple Flavoured Syrup is naturally sweet, containing just two net carbs and 24 calories per 30ml serve.
Monkfruit’s natural sweetness has a similar flavour profile to sugar, unlike many artificial sweeteners. It is also perfect for a range of diets and requirements including keto, gluten free, paleo, plant-based, vegan, low carb, low sugar and non-GMO.
This makes it suitable for diabetics and healthy eaters alike to enjoy the sweetness of syrup without spiking their glycemic index.
RRP $14.95. Available nationwide in Woolworths and leading independent supermarkets and health food stores. lakanto.com.au
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Bite size……… Bark with bite Modex uses nature’s antioxidant, Pycnogenol®, optimised to help performance, endurance and recovery. Modex is natural, gluten free, and made to be used every day to help reduce oxidative stress, maintain mental concentration, help to increase muscle performance and support a healthy immune system. This supplement contains the purest form of maritime pine bark extract to naturally help support and rebuild your body during strenuous exercise. Unlike many Vitamins that last less than an hour in your body,
Pycnogenol keeps working for up to 24hrs in your body. Australian-made and TGA listed. 1L bottle RRP $69.95. modexnatural.com
Mouth-watering Mexican La Banderita has teamed up with MasterChef, author and host of “Everyday Gourmet”, Justine Schofield with some delectable recipes to make summer entertaining a breeze.
Revolution in weight-management New from Optislim is the OptiBiome range. OptiBiome simultaneously promotes gut health as well as weight-loss in a hunger-free weight management program. Three ingredients work together to create the perfect environment to support people on their individual weight-loss journey: Konjac Root (Glucomannan), a dietary fibre that gently expands in the stomach and provides a feeling of satiety and fullness; Chicory Root Fibre which helps stimulate the growth of positive bacteria in the gut; Chromium, a mineral that helps contribute to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels and mediates the peaks and troughs of dieting by enhancing the bodies use of insulin.
Justine will showcase how supremely soft and authentic La Banderita tortillas are; bringing mouth-watering Mexican food to the table for family and friends to enjoy. In addition to deliciously soft flour tortillas, La Banderita is excited to introduce two new products to Australia just in time for the entertaining season including authentic Totopos made from nixtamalised corn and sea salt; and La Casera yellow corn tortillas that are perfect for creating homestyle tacos or authentic dishes like taquitos. From Moreton Bay bug tacos and kingfish ceviche to crackling pork belly carnitas, the possibilities of cooking delicious Mexican meals at home with an Aussie twist is endless. Visit labanderita.tv
OptiBiome is initially available in four varieties (espresso, vanilla, chocolate and a variety pack), with 10 shake sachets per pack. Each sachet is a 60g meal replacement and is recommended to replace two meals per day with a regular wellbalanced meal and snacks. OptiBiome also has a hunger-busting snack bar to keep hunger at bay between meals. Visit optislim.com.au/optibiome 16 slim magazine autumn 2021
Bite size………
Vitamin C supplements The New Zealand premium supplement brand, GO Healthy has extended their popular Vitamin C range with the addition of four new products: GO Vitamin C + Manuka Honey Chewables, GO Vitamin C 500mg + Echinacea, GO High Strength Horseradish, Garlic Plus Vitamin C and GO Vitamin C 500mg Soft Capsules. Best known for its potent antioxidant powers, Vitamin C has been shown to assist in reducing the common cold duration while decreasing the severity of symptoms. Lesser known is how important Vitamin C is for the production of our adrenal hormones, assisting the way our bodies respond to stress by helping to reduce the level of stress hormones, cortisol and adrenalin. GO Healthy’s new Vitamin C range is available from Chemist Warehouse and leading pharmacies nationally. gohealthy.com.au
Crispy crackers Deliciously light and crunchy, our Wafer Crackers make the ideal entertainer for a delightfully lighter snack. Together with the added goodness of Beetroot and Turmeric, these tummy-loving, FODMAP friendly vessels are made to be tastily topped and enjoyed. Dairy free, egg free, no flavours or preservatives, fructose free, gluten free, GMO free, kosher, no added MSG, no artificial colours, nut free, soy free, vegan, wheat free and yeast free. Available from Coles, Woolworths and independent supermarkets nationally. RRP $3.90. orgran.com
Zero waste hair care Honua Bars have launched their range of zero waste, soap-free shampoo and conditioner bars. By making the switch to Honua Bars, consumers can save up to 12 single-use plastic bottles from ending up in landfill each year. Formulated and made on the Gold Coast from high quality, sustainably sourced ingredients, they’re full of nourishing ingredients like coconut
oil, cacao butter, hydrolysed oats and panthenol (Provitamin B5) to make your hair silky soft and beautifully detangled. Range includes Liliko’i and Hibiscus Star fruit, Mint Chocolate, Lemongrass and Lemon Myrtle, and Citrus Paradise varieties. RRP $19.99. honuabars.com.au.
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Bite size………
Nature’s stress relief
Expert endorsement Australian parents can confidently care for their baby’s delicate skin and hair thanks to the Cetaphil Baby range, officially endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives (ACM).
Byron Bay-based Oil Garden offers an extensive selection of 100 percent pure essential oils, organic skincare, diffusers and accessories designed to help you harness the true properties of nature. Oil Garden Stress Relief Essential Oil Blend Roll On uses the calming effects of Sweet Orange, Mandarin, Lavender, Bergamot and Cedarwood essential oils blend to help relieve nervous tension, fatigue and mild anxiety, providing a sense of calm and comfort. Oil Garden 100 percent Lavender Pure Essential Oil uses lavender’s calming properties which can aid in relaxation, inner peace and healing while also assisting in the treatment of headaches, stress, insomnia, insect bites, eczema and inflamed skin. Available nationally through Kmart, Chemist Warehouse and Coles stores and selected health food stores, pharmacies and online. Oil Garden Stress Relief Essential Oil Blend Roll On, RRP $19.99, Oil Garden 100 percent Lavender Pure Essential Oil, RRP $29.99. oilgarden.com.au
The Cetaphil Baby range includes Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo 400mL (RRP$12.99); Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo 230mL (RRP$8.49); Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion 400mL (RRP$10.49); Cetaphil Baby Moisturising Bath & Body Wash (RRP$8.49); Cetaphil Baby Massage Oil 200mL (RRP$7.49); Cetaphil Baby Shampoo 200mL (RRP$7.49). Visit cetaphil.com.au/cetaphil-baby
First choice for flower walls At Urban Flower Wall Co we love nothing more than helping you create an event to remember. Their walls are perfect for weddings, parties, corporate events, baby showers, engagements, launch parties or any event you can think of. They create truly stunning walls that are ideal for photobooths, entry-way and statement backdrops. urbanflowerwallco.com.au @urbanflowerwallco
Wine not?
Power pack
Dutch food and wine innovators, Vacu Vin present a new range of ‘Active Wine Coolers’. Say goodbye to lugging an esky down to the beach or carrying clunky wine buckets filled with ice to the park for a picnic. The unique product range is designed and manufactured in the Netherlands, ensuring premium quality and craftsmanship.
Proudly 100 percent Australian, OzKleen stands out in a class of its own, not just for its environmentally conscious values, but also because OzKleen cleaning products “actually work”. Free from chlorine, ammonia and phosphates, OzKleen’s range covers the entire house.
The new range of wine coolers is no different, actively chilling bottles of wine while you enjoy time outdoors. Available in a variety of festive colours and patterns. The range is now stocked at a variety of homewares stores around Australia. From $27.95. vacuvin.com
New from OzKleen is Dish Power, which cuts through tough grease and grime and refreshes your dishes leaving a fresh grapefruit fragrance. Safe for septic systems, OzKleen Dish Power contains no hidden nasties. OzKleen offers a safe, innovative alternative to the hazards of many household-cleaning products, so make the switch and have a clean and worry-free home. From $7.50. ozkleen.com
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Bite size………
Little Beauties
Optislim Coconut & Lemon (48 Hour Detox) Optislim 48-hour Coconut and Lemon Detox helps improve digestion and eliminate toxins more effectively, and is also a high source of Vitamin C to boost skin quality. It uses a combination of cleansing super fruits such as lemon juice, coconut MCT’s, Coconut water, Coconut oil, Papaya, Pineapple and Aloe Vera. Optislim 48hr Coconut Lemon Detox is a delicious, formulated beverage designed to provide great results as part of our 48-hour detox program. Used in conjunction with the Optislim detox meal plan can hugely benefit your body, helping you lose weight, keep hydrated, improving your digestion, boosting energy along with restoring the body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins. Some of the benefits of using the Optislim 48hr Coconut Lemon detox program include kick starting weight-loss, re-energising the body, reducing excess water weight and belly bloating, plus boosting metabolism.
STACK YOUR PACK WITH THIS SEASON’S BEAUTY MUST-HAVES AND YOU’LL BE SITTING PRETTY ALL YEAR ROUND.
Mother knows best With its 100 percent natural, certified organic formula, Mother SPF is a skin-loving, environment-protecting alternative to mainstream chemical sunscreens. Formulated with just nine ingredients, including powerhouse UV mineral filter, non-nano zinc oxide, this SPF30 sun is made in Australia with 100 percent solar power, the tubes are made out of the recycled plastic that normally would be left for landfill and are also 100 percent recyclable providing a closed circular packaging loop. RRP $42. Available online at motherspf.com
How we roll The Lonvitalité Platinum Contour Roller is designed to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated whenever you need it most. The relaxing motion from the device will reproduce a salon spa massage in the comfort of your home as the flawless design perfectly massages the facial muscles to reduce tension and stress. These contours will also assist with the skins natural functioning as the platinum roller heads move along the face, lymphatic drainage will occur to fights puffiness and inflammation. Great results with 10 minutes of use per day.
RRP $24.95. optislim.com.au
SuperFruit skin saviour
RRP $129. mecca.com.au
Power up
Beauté Pacifique’s latest product is SuperFruit Moisture Enforcement Serum. The SuperFruit Moisture Enforcement Serum is essentially a four-in-one product. It’s a unique waterbased product which works to powerfully hydrate the skin, prevent blemishes, minimise redness and also enhance the skin’s upper barrier.
RRP $79. shawelle.com
It utilises two types of Vitamin B, Niacinamide and Panthenol as key ingredients, which work to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. Hyaluronic Acid is also in the formulation, often described as a miracle ingredient, which holds 1,000 times its weight in water to lock in moisture. It plumps the skin and visibly reduces fine lines. RRP $79. beaute-pacifique.com/au
Shawelle Power Oil is a soothing and restorative evening oil for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. Reduces the appearance of pigmented skin, puffy eyes, dark circles, redness and large pores, and improves the appearance of premature ageing caused by prolonged UV exposure. It uses a rich concentration of Vitamins C, E and B to support delicate skin structures and GLAs, Omega-6 and 9 and polyphenols to intensively soothe dry, damaged skin and support skin renewal.
Brow perfection Achieve a defined and flawless brow with the Garbo & Kelly Beauty Brow Perfection Pencil. Designed by brow expert Carolyn Fox to be long wearing and easily matched your brow colour, this pencil is water resistant and comes in a wide range of colours and tones. RRP $38. garboandkelly.com
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n i w
* m i l s with
Hair
LATHER YOUR LOCKS WITH SOME POST-SUMMER CARE WITH OUR PICK OF THE LATEST PAMPERING PRODUCTS.
Apparent
Guard Duty
Cool Silver Ideal for post-summer treatment from the impact of pool and ocean, REF’s new Cool Silver Shampoo and Conditioner are sulphate-free with botanical extracts and violet pigments to protect, strengthen and neutralise yellow tones caused from minerals or oxidations. It gently tones lightened, natural or sun-bleached hair and protects against colour fading. Featuring organic Blueberry Oil, Linseed Oil and blue and violet pigments. The Cool Silver series is developed for natural blondes, bleached and natural white hair to eliminate unwanted yellow tones. RRP $35.50 each. We have three packs of REF Cool Silver Shampoo and Conditioner combo to give away, RRP $71 each.
White Sands Liquid Texture Medium excels with all hot tools due to its thermal guards, colour enhancers, and moisture resistance. This styling spray allows you to put every type of hot iron directly on hair infused with this wet product. The result: as more heat is applied, the shinier the hair becomes. Tresses are left vibrant, voluminous, frizz free and enhanced with incredible shine. Liquid Texture Medium instantly transforms into the ideal product for round-brush styling on wet or dry tresses. RRP $34.95. whitesandsaustralia.com.au
TO WIN:
Email competition@slim-magazine.com.au with REF in the subject line. Include your contact details. For more information and stockists, visit luxbc.com.au
Curls’ Best Friend Boost your bounce and lockout frizz with the Rumbie & Co Curl range, developed by Rumbie Mutsiwa, CEO of Australia’s leading curl specialist salon, Rumbie & Co, Sydney. Perfect for Wavy, Curly and Afro hair types – at home with Rumbie & Co are designed to add moisture and defrizz, while activating the natural
curl pattern. With no silicones, sulphates, parabens or drying alcohols, this low lather gentle formula effectively cleanses without stripping the natural oils and weighing the hair down. Leave in Curl Spray smooths, hydrates and defrizzes unruly hair, conditions and protects. RRP $40. rumbie.co @rumbieandco
Wax Wonder
Pure Pact hair care introduces a range of waxes, shine butter and moulding clay for maximum style support and a matte finish. Pure natural Beeswax and Candelilla Wax provide body and texture whilst nourishing the hair. A salon-focused, preservative-free range of environmentally responsible products, Pure Pact waxes deliver exceptional control and texture with a choice of shine or matt finishes. Based on an advanced cosmetic technology to combine essential oils, plant extracts, natural clays (kaolin) and waxes, the range delivers pliable re-workable water-soluble finishing solutions for every hair type and condition.
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RRP 80ml $35. luxbc.com.au
TOTAL VALUE
300
$
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Competitions………
Bathing Beauty Soak away the stress
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS RECOGNISE BATHING CAN COMBAT ALL KINDS OF SYMPTOMS. THERE’S EVEN A TERM FOR THE PRACTICE: BALNEOTHERAPY; THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE THROUGH BATHING.
Petal-Soft British Rose Pampering Essentials This pretty pack from The Body Shop promises the gift of refreshingly floral scent of English roses. Lather up with the cleansing Shower Gel or Soap and body buffing Bath Lily. Moisturise with the fast-absorbing Body Yogurt and hydrating Hand Cream.
Baths can elevate your mood and help you sleep better, relieve muscle pain and soothe your skin. So immerse yourself in your tub with some fragrant treats and prepare to pamper.
RRP $40. thebodyshop.com/en-au/
FUR Bath Drops Inspired by the bath beads of the ‘90s, but made with entirely clean ingredients, these bath drops from Fur are a luxurious addition to your bathing ritual. Made from Red Seaweed, an environmentallyfriendly alternative to gelatin casing, and infused with Clary Sage oil, Jojoba oil and Grapeseed oil, these drops help to nourish, hydrate and soothe the skin as you soak. RRP $52. revolveclothing.com.au
L’Occitane Dreamy Bath Collection Relax and unwind with the dreamiest bath products perfect for pamper time. The Dreamy Bath includes Lavender Foaming Bath, Shea Foaming Bath, Milky Bath and Aromachologie Body Bath Salts. RRP $49. au.loccitane.com
Hunter Lab Pinot Grape Skin Bath Salts Hunter Lab Pinot Grape Skin Bath Salts are rich in antioxidants and Magnesium, this bath additive helps fight free radical damage, relieve stress in the skin, soften, and smooth while improving circulation and moisture retention. These gorgeous bath salts also deliver a calming scent of Pinot Grapes and Cranberry to soothe the senses. RRP $54. adorebeauty.com.au
Ouai Chill Pills Take some well-deserved me time and turn your bath into a dreamy escape with Ouai’s Chill Pills Bath Bomb. Each pill is filled with blend of lush oils; hemp, jojoba and safflower seed oil that will leave you feeling moisturised and relaxed. Chill Pills are infused with Jasmine Rose for a delectable floral finish. RRP $51. sephora.com.au 22 slim magazine autumn 2021
Aromatherapy Associates Miniature Forest Therapy Bath & Shower Oil Discover the restorative and emotionally healing benefits of Forest Therapy, a practice that involves spending time in nature amongst the trees. A complex, hand-crafted essential oil blend of evergreen Pink Pepper, calming Cypress, cleansing Ho Wood and uplifting Juniper Berry. RRP $22. aromatherapyassociates.com.au
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GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD HYDRATING TREATMENT A creamy, ultra-hydrating mask treatment that instantly quenches and soothes extremely dry, parched or dehydrated skin with an intense surge of soothing 24-hour hydration. Made with Hyaluronic acid and a blend of coconut, ginger and honey. RRP $96. mecca.com.au
Skin p Dee GOODNESS GLOW
THE TIME IS RIGHT TO FOCUS ON YOUR BODY’S LARGEST ORGAN (YOUR SKIN), REINFORCE AND REPAIR IT WITH CUTTING-EDGE PRODUCTS PROVEN TO ACHIEVE RESULTS.
New from Nu Skin is the Epoch Yin and Yang Mask, a soothing ritual that detoxifies and nourishes skin for a lit-from-within glow. Infused with nourishing porcelain flower grown through controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and microencapsulated charcoal that activates with a gentle massage to visibly transform the mask, revealing fresh and healthier-looking skin. Naturally fragranced with ethnobotanical jasmine sambac, traditionally used in China to soothe skin while promoting a sense of inner harmony and a beautiful glow. For every Epoch product sale, Nu Skin donates 0.25 cents to the Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation which aims to improve children’s health, education, and economic circumstances, offering hope for a brighter future. RRP $52. nuskin.com.au
NATURE, NURTURE Dermalume is an award-winning, environmentally-friendly, mostly vegan rang that is 100 percent Australian-made. With a balance of French heritage, and the work of a master perfumer responsible for creating the scents of some of beauty’s biggest brands, and local influence, a Sydney-based scientist responsible for the creation of their award-winning Hand Therapy creams, Dermalume has a message of Universal Beauty. The Dermalume range includes five Hand Therapy creams; four Sheet Masks; two Fizzing Masks and new products, the Aqua Surge Overnight Mask and Antioxy Advanced Green Tea Clay Mask. dermalume.com.au
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APPLE OF YOUR EYE
Stem cell extraction may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but according to Australian biotechnology skincare brand, Enbacci, it is the future of cosmeceuticals. Capable of stimulating new stem cell activity in prematurely aged skin and reversing the effects of UV-induced cellular damage, stem cells harvested from a rare variety of swiss orchid apples, the Uttwiler Spätlauber, is purported to have the strongest anti-ageing evidence when used topically. Rich in Vitamins A, B, C and E, including a nourishing cocktail of Amino Acids, Peptides, Antioxidants and essential fatty acids, the stem cell infused eye cream improves skin cell communication and regeneration, boosts collagen production, and protects skin from future free radical assault. As one of the few Australian brands pioneering the use of apple stem cells, the Age Revitalising Eye Defence cream is lightweight and fragrance-free, and performs exceptionally well when paired with other actives, including retinol, ascorbic acid, and AHAs. RRP $88 (15ml). Available online via enbacci.com
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ALIGN TANK IN WHITE, RRP $69.00 AND WUNDER UNDER HIGH RISE PANT WITH SCALLOP EDGE, RRP $119.00
GET ACTIVE, FEEL AND LOOK FABULOUS IN THESE HIGH-TECH PIECES FROM THE MOST COVETABLE BRANDS.
Flex ALIGN HIGH RISE SHORT 6”, RRP $69 AND RUN ON TANK, RRP $69.
ENERGY BRA LONG LINE, RRP $79 AND WUNDER UNDER HIGH RISE PANT 28”, RRP $119. WUNDER UNDER HIGH RISE PANT, RRP $119 AND ENLITE BRA IN BLACK, RRP $119.
CITY ADVENTURER BACKPACK MINI, RRP $99.
LULULEMON.COM.AU
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MALO WANDER BRA - FLOWER CHILD BLUE POPPY OFFERS LIGHT TO MODERATE SUPPORT AND MODERATE COVERAGE (AND INCLUDES REMOVABLE CUPS). RRP $69.
The all-new women’s range from Malo Republic, features summery florals and bright mix ‘n’ match pieces.
MALO ON THE RUN 7/8 TIGHTS IN CLASSIC GINGHAM RRP $99.
MALO ECOSUEDE RACERGIRL BRA - GOLDENROD IS THE ENDURANCE STAPLE FOR COMFORT AND STYLE. THIS LIGHTWEIGHT BRA OFFERS LIGHT TO MODERATE SUPPORT AND FULL COVERAGE WITH A SPORTY RACER BACK. RRP $69. MALO ON THE RUN 7/8 TIGHTS - FLOWER CHILD BLUE POPPY. SLICK RACING STRIPES UNEXPECTEDLY COLLIDE WITH VIBRANT RETRO FLORALS IN THE NEWEST ‘FLOWER CHILD’ COLOURWAY. RRP $99. MALOREPUBLIC.COM.AU
CECILIE COPENHAGEN, MANILA RAINBOW, PASTEL GREEN, RRP $299.
ORDER OF STYLEMOTHER DENIM THE LOAFER CROP FRAY PULLOVER-DELUSIONAL, RRP $269.
ORDER OF STYLE-C&M CAMILLA AND MARC LARA PANT-SLATE, RRP $200. ORDEROFSTYLE.COM CECILIE COPENHAGEN, RAMONE RAINBOW, PASTEL GREEN, RRP $319.
CECILIE COPENHAGEN, MANILA, TWILIGHT BLUE, RRP $199. CECILIE COPENHAGEN, RAMONE, TWILIGHT BLUE, RRP $219.
CECILIECOPENHAGEN-AU.COM
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Confronting the future GRAHAM LOWE LOVES HIS FOOD, IS A PROUD DAD AND HUSBAND WHO HAS DISCOVERED A NEW PASSION FOR LIFE FOLLOWING HIS WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY. HE LOST OVER 50KGS AND GAINED A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH.
Name: Graham Lowe Age: I am 45 and amazingly, I now weigh what I did back in high school. Occupation: For years I worked in restaurants cooking and eating my creations as I have always loved food. 17 years ago, I changed career to a corporate world mostly working at a desk and have seen the sedentary lifestyle adding to my weight issues. Since losing the weight, I am now selfemployed and have made changes to work in a more active environment and away from the desk! Family: My wife and I met back in High School and have been together since I was 16. Together we have both allowed those bad habits with health and food impact our lives which has now become more pressing for me as we have two beautiful girls (aged 12 and 10) who are affected by our weight. Height: 180 cm Current weight: 85kg Heaviest weight: 135kg Day of surgery weight: I was 125.5kg and was meant to be on a two-week diet prior to surgery. However, 2020 saw the pandemic impact so many of us and my
surgery was cancelled in April. Luckily for me, I was then able to get in for the operation a few weeks later and only had five days to diet so prior to surgery I weighed in at 123.2kg. How many kilos did you lose? Travelling to USA last year I did manage to get down to 120kg with the help of injections, but it started coming back this year. So, from heaviest weight I have now lost 50kg, since surgery 40kg. What was your relationship with food? I still have memories from being young that involved food. Family gatherings, special occasions or even just helping mum make a cake, however I never started putting on a lot of weight until my 20s. The real relationship I had with food changed from eating for taste into volume where I could easily eat 20 plates of food at a buffet and then eat some more when I got home. Strangely enough, I stopped eating breakfast and ate very little during the day but from the moment I arrived home, the eating began where I would continue until I went to bed each night. Further to this, I would often choose poor food when drinking alcohol, would eat to excess when stressed and found comfort in 28 slim magazine autumn 2021
over-eating. It was all just an excuse though as the outcome for being happy or sad was the same, eat too much. What motivated you to go on your weight-loss journey? There are a lot of things that led to this journey. When I was 16, I was in hospital for a week with pneumonia and put on 10kgs with the medications I was administered. Being
young this didn’t really get worse until later when my real poor choices began. As I got older, the weight kept going up. I tried all the diets, pretended exercise, attended weight-loss centres and even tried medications but each attempt was only short lived. I bought big clothes to hide my shame and wore shoes without laces as I couldn’t bend over to put them on. Then in 2018 I attended a gathering to celebrate a good friend who had passed away 10 years earlier. I saw a photo of me from that night and could not believe just how far I had let my weight get away from me. It was all those photos since then (and lack of due to not wanting pictures taken). And then the health issues really began. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and soon was on the highest medication. I also was tested for sleep apnoea and my snoring meant I was stopping breathing up to 70 times per hour which made sense why my children closed their doors at night and why my wife didn’t sleep in the same room anymore. It was time to take action. How long had you battled with weight issues? When I was 15, I was young, fit and healthy. When admitted to hospital with pneumonia, I was given steroid medication and over the two weeks in hospital, put on about 15kgs. It was really from this point that things started to change. Over the years, I was able to maintain my weight however it slowly creeped up. I was able to lose weight for a short period however as I got older, it became harder to lose. When I began working in an office in 2003, the sedentary lifestyle, poor food choices and habits all attributed to weight gain. By 2010, I had grown to the heaviest I had ever been which was 120kg and a friend at work offered to help by training me, helping with food and other habits. This was going well. I ate more food than ever before on a Paleo style diet and lost 15kg quite quickly however I injured my knee with a torn meniscus and that put an end to that. From there I stopped exercise due to pain and fell into a silent depression as my weight increased to 135kgs. What health problems did you face as a result? Sore knee and arm joints, breathing difficulties, pain and recurring injuries, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, headaches, high insulin, poor skin quality with recurring psoriasis, heartburn and reflux, repeated flu and colds. Then of course the mental health issues of depression, ridicule, inability or desire to participate in sports or activities. It also impacted marriage with anger and moods, loss of sex drive and many similar issues.
BEFORE
2 MTHS AFTER
What made you decide on weight-loss surgery and which procedure was the right one for you? I had tried them all before: diets, fads, fasting, paleo, juicing and even medications from the doctor. I had met a few people (all women) who have had a form of weight-loss surgery and had excellent results so I started looking into it further. I saw my GP in early 2019 and said I was going to the USA later that same year and really wanted to lose weight and they suggested Saxenda injections before going down the path of surgery. It worked well, however the side effects were not great and during the trip to the USA, I stopped. When I got back, that is when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and not sure if it was related, but my eyesight was also diminishing so I thought it was time and I spoke to my GP and sought a referral. Post surgery, what have been some of the challenges? I was always worried if I was making the right choice and heard a few horror stories. In the end, the surgery is meant to go well and whilst there are risks, generally it’s all smooth sailing except for a few hiccups. (Pun intended.) For me personally, I had to admit a lot of things to myself. I kept telling myself I have time to lose weight but the years go by and that thought remained. I admitted to myself that I was avoiding doing anything. I told myself I wasn’t that much overweight. I see other people and thought I was ok. But I had to admit to myself that simple task like putting on shoes and socks is not meant to be that hard. 29 slim-magazine.com.au
6 MTHS AFTER
I told myself the prior injuries I had, stopped me from exercising and doing something. I had to admit to myself that many of my pains could have been avoided if I did something about my weight and health. I had to admit that I was reducing the time on earth with my children. I had to admit that I was missing out on so much of life because of my thought patterns. I had to admit that only I could make the decision. And I did. I recommend seeing a psychologist prior. All your comments represent how you think at the moment that got you to this point. Having weight-loss surgery is just a mechanism to help you but all the mental work is up to you and is extremely hard. We all have ‘bad’ thoughts that keep us unhealthy and overweight but we all deserve better and it is time to recognise just how deep the mental roots go. My goal was to be healthy - mentally and physically - and never return to bad choices. Any regrets? No way. But again I did not have complications. Not only do I weigh what I did almost 30 years ago in high school, I am off my BP medication, don’t have sleep apnoea anymore and no longer have joint pains. I get a sore back occasionally and some minor reflux but for all the benefits, the bad times are nothing. If you are thinking about doing this I recommend seeing someone to work through your emotional and mental side of why and how you got to this point. For some it is an underlying health reason, others an accident but for many it was honestly a lack of confidence and belief in themselves to do what is right for our health. I make no excuses and own my previous life.
Cover Story………
SHE’S THE FORMER MISS ISRAEL WHO RADIATES STRENGTH, GOODNESS AND KICK-ARSE “CHUTZPAH”!
Super Hero Power Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman, alias Diana Prince, a worthy heiress to the formidable character Linda Carter made famous on our small screens in the 80s, rocking the bustier and bloomers, with bullet-deflecting cuffs and a shield, sword and lasso like a true Amazonian Princess. In real life, 35-year-old Gadot is married to Yaron Versano and together they have two daughters, Maya, 3, and Alma, 8. Family, she says, is everything. “The more successful I get, the more I want to plant my roots and make sure everything is balanced and still focused on the important things in life, which, for me,
is family,” she told Vogue magazine after the Wonder Woman movie launched in 2017, grossing a massive US$822.3 million globally. Following a long line of “super-hero films”, including which she appeared in, Wonder Woman captured our collective imaginations, particularly among women and young girls who felt empowered by Diana Prince’s determination, humour and compassion. “It completely changed my life,” said Gadot of the film. “Somehow it came out at a point in time where people were really craving it. It made an impact. “It was my first solo super-hero movie, 30 slim magazine autumn 2021
Cover Story………
different from anything I’ve ever done before. It’s huge in its scope and scale and everything is epic and mega!” “Wonder Woman 1984” was delayed by COVID, but eventually premiered in December 2020 to equal enthusiasm. Actress, singer, martial artist and model, Gadot was born in Tel Aviv, Israel and raised in its neighbouring city of Rosh HaAyin. She served in the Israel Defence Forces for two years and won the Miss Israel title in 2004.
In early December 2013, Gal was cast as Wonder Woman in the superhero teamup film “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016). For the role, Gadot dedicated herself to honing her skills in swordsmanship, kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Then came “Justice League” (2017) with an all-star cast including Ben Affleck, Amy Adams, Jason Momoa, Jeremy Irons and J. K. Simmons, among many others. Gadot found herself under added pressure when she discovered she was pregnant part way through filming. “I didn’t tell anyone because you just don’t broadcast it in the beginning. But it became more apparent when I had such bad sickness, not just morning, but afternoon and evening too. I felt terrible. I was literally on set, shooting a scene and in my head the whole time I’m saying, ‘don’t vomit, don’t vomit’.” So early into her pregnancy, her growing belly went unnoticed, and by the time, months later, reshoots were required for certain scenes, the editors came to the rescue with CGI magic. (Computer generated images). Despite the international fame, acclaim and adulation, Gadot is quick to acknowledge her most important role is being mother to her two daughters. “It’s the best feeling in the world to create life,” muses Gadot. “I may play a goddess in Wonder Woman, but I feel like a true goddess after giving birth and being the mother of two beautiful daughters. “To them, I’m just ‘mum’. The girls don’t pay much attention. But they have certainly learned that every woman is a wonder woman.”
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
In the late 2000s, Gadot was modelling when she was called up for her film debut as Gisele in the fourth film of the “Fast and Furious” franchise, “Fast & Furious” (2009). Her role was expanded in two sequels, “Fast Five” (2011) and “Fast & Furious 6” (2013), and was admired for her willingness and ability to perform her own stunts. Despite hectic schedules and other projects on the boil, Gadot states she and her husband are “more in love than ever”. “He supports me in everything. I love every moment I spend with him and my daughters. He is also a very successful businessman and is very involved in that. But even though we are both busy with our work, family life comes first. I am a very happy woman who can hardly wait to come home to my family every time I finish work.” And work she must, stating it’s a great source of satisfaction to her to be able to contribute to supporting her family and add her mark on a heroine for a new generation. “Every working mother goes through the same thing. We always juggle, we feel the guilt. It’s a sensitive balance. What works for me is knowing that when I’m at work, I enjoy my work and I’m busy and then when I’m at home, I’m completely there, enjoying time with them.” Ahead in 2021, Gadot will be seen in a new action-comedy blockbuster on Netflix, “Red Notice”, starring alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Ryan Reynolds.’ Reflecting on the production, which was halted in March due to COVID and only returned in late September, Gadot enumerated the challenges involved in getting the film finished. “We had to be sequestered 24/7 and only go to and from set. The crew had to be away from their families for several months and they worked their butts off so we can all deliver the best movie possible, while keeping everyone safe. 31 slim-magazine.com.au
“I’m always aware of the fact that things are impactful and special only when there’s a collective force behind it. This one was for sure that!” Set in the world of international crime, “Red Notice” refers to the alert issued by INTERPOL for a global hunt to capture the world’s most wanted art thief. Gadot is the art thief, while Johnson is the world’s greatest tracker charged with the mission to bring her in. Ryan Reynolds co-stars as the world’s greatest con man. As if that were not enough, Gadot will reunite with director Patty Jenkins, Director of “Wonder Woman” for a historical drama based on the life of Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. Asked if there’s a “Wonder Woman 3” on the horizon, Gadot says she is open to the idea. “I would love to do another one if the story is great and with Patty Jenkins, of course. We’ll have to wait and see. It would be a nice closure.”
Wonder women Smart Scents
WE SALUTE JUST SOME OF THE REGION’S WONDER WOMEN WORKING TO EMPOWER, INFORM AND ENHANCE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND IN MANY CASES, GLOBALLY.
Claire Mitchell, founder and CEO of ECO. Modern Essentials harnessed her extensive experience working with entrepreneurs to launch her own business in an industry in synergy with her own interests and values.
have a whole team dedicated to product development. Because we’re nimble, passionate, innovative and Australian, we have managed to compete with billion dollar international companies.
ECO. Modern Essentials specialises in essential oils and aromatherapy, selling products direct to consumer, supported by blogs on the use of essential oils in therapies, beauty and house cleaning. Subscribers receive a box of oils and a book on a specific topic, plus a new blend each quarter, and there’s a newly launched Oil Club which delivers six oils every two months.
“Our customers tells us they love that ECO products evoke the Gold Coast lifestyle, the beach, well-being. They know we’re accessible, honest and show where we source from, innovative, with educational content and always learning.”
“I wanted to work with products and customers that resonated with me,” says Claire. “I love the ingredients, the process, the products, building a team that loves every facet of the business and the brand as well, and making a difference in everyday life for our customers.” Connection with brand devotees is essential to the evolution of ECO, which has 20,000 active followers on Facebook. “We rely on our customers’ feedback,” explains Claire, “Connecting with them, listening to them and devising new products to suit them.” The business has won several awards for its customer service excellence, and has been a finalist in the online retail Awards, the ORIAS. During 2020, when the focus was on the home and personal care, ECO enjoyed phenomenal growth. “We grew 200 percent in the past 12 months,” says Claire. “We have just relocated to Burleigh in a new building with double the space. We have 20 staff on the Gold Coast and 350 products and expanding. “We source as many of our essential oils in Australia as we can. Our diffusers are sourced overseas. Research and development is a massive focus for us. We 32 slim magazine autumn 2021
20 percent of the company’s products are exported, with a focus on the US, Middle East, New Zealand and Singapore. In 2021, Claire reports, the business will focus on investment in pushing hard into the US and NZ. “We’ve just launched a new Zodiac range. We aim to keep it fresh and fun. We’re on the edge of new technology and we’re learning every day as the world changes.” More at ecomodernessentials.com.au
Influential inspiration
Skin Saviours
Shannon and Geoff Graham founded Grahams Natural Alternatives 20 years ago in response to their son, Ryan developing eczema. As Shannon explains “Geoff had spent a life-time enduring eczema and had tried steroids and various medications. We didn’t want to go down that path with Ryan.” Instead, this pioneering couple investigated every type of topical home and health remedy available, from medicinal honey to calendula cream, until they came up with their unique formula. “Our products have TGA approval and importantly, clinical evidence to support them,” says Shannon, adding that the Grahams’ range now comprises 50 products for all types of skin conditions; psoriasis, rosacea, acne and more. “As well as skincare, we make deodorant and a range of pet care products for pets with skin conditions. We’re always developing new products.” Gold Coast-based, Grahams now exports internationally, with major markets including Asia, Canada, Europe and the UK, where they are available in Boots, the country’s largest pharmacy and beauty chain. “Around the world, Australian-made is highly valued,” says Shannon. “Our ingredients are natural and high quality. People know Australia has strict regulations.” After two decades, the main motivator behind the brand is the heart-felt testimonials from customers. “They tell us our products are life-changing, that they’ve totally altered their self-esteem and their well-being,” says Shannon. “That’s what spurs us on.” More at grahamsnatural.com.au
Georgia Lane is a familiar face to many, thanks to the popularity of the Women of Influence events she has organised since 2010. A Gold Coaster since 1980, Georgia grew up and went to school here, before heading to the ‘Big Smoke’, Sydney, where she spent a decade in marketing within the financial services, IT, telecommunications and retail industries. She returned to the Gold Coast in 2004 with her husband, Derek. Today, she is mum to daughter, Jaime and son, Nicholas and runs a marketing business, Fastlane 30 Consulting, focused on helping businesses to develop memorable brands and deliver effective marketing communication to their audiences. Women in Finance was Georgia’s first foray into networking in 2005. As she explains, “We wanted to offer a place where women from the finance industry could connect with other like-minded women” “We recognised that there were golf days, sportsmen’s lunches and social business events for men, but there were very few for women. The Gold Coast has a very spread out CBD (Central Business District) and it was difficult for professional women to meet and connect with others like them to form friendships, find a mentor and simply enjoy each other’s company. “In 2010 we rebranded to Women of Influence so we could invite guests from other industries.” Since then, thousands of Gold Coast women have enjoyed their events, benefited from sharing their knowledge and making lasting connections. “Our objectives have been the same since we started: to connect, learn and grow. We aim to connect businesswomen in a professional, warm and motivating environment; help educate our audience with qualified and engaging speakers and grow our guests, sponsors, speakers and charity partners who gain from being a part of the event.” 2020 threw a minefield of challenges in the path of events organisers. “2020 started with our biggest event yet for International Women’s Day in March, when we sold out of our usual room and ended up with almost 350 guests,” she recalls. “In 2021 and beyond, we want to be able to continue delivering great events that allow our members to connect, learn and grow, plus we want to have a more solid base to work from with respect to funding, organisation and delivering on our goals and objectives.” To that end, Georgia is committed to returning to studies this year, undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropy at QUT Business School. “I am hoping this will allow me to help Women of Influence, our charity partners, RADFLY and other organisations to flourish and add value in the community. As a marketing consultant, I have been providing outsourced marketing for decades and I would like to combine that knowledge and experience with my new skills in philanthropy.” www.womenofinfluence.org.au
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Empowering & protecting Nicolle Edwards is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RizeUp Australia & New Zealand. RizeUp is a not-for-profit organisation that provides practical support to families fleeing domestic and family violence.
With a sales and marketing background, Nicolle’s passion for charity work began when she assisted an acquaintance set up house after fleeing a violence relationship. This injustice sparked a fire in Nicolle and she realised that this support should be available for all families trying to escape domestic violence, which laid the foundations for RizeUp, established in 2015. Along with raising awareness and funds for their cause, RizeUp delivers vital support for vulnerable families through their various programs. From furnishing homes, providing emergency supplies, providing school support, counselling and legal support, RizeUp has become synonymous with creating exceptional outcomes for the vulnerable in our community. Now an integral part of the domestic violence service system, refuges and specialist crisis services right across Australia have come to rely on RizeUp.
Foow the Sun...
“RizeUp aims to make a very real difference,” Nicolle explains. “As a community-driven organisation, our focus is to walk beside the families we support to give them the best possible chance to press the restart button on a life free from violence.” Nicolle’s successful journey has been widely recognized by the community. As a result, she is an accomplished TEDx speaker, sought after podcast guest, Westfield Hero (twice over), Commonwealth Games 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay bearer, just to name a few. Today, Nicolle manages over 700 volunteers and is resolute in continuing RizeUp’s expansion across Australia and over the Tasman into New Zealand. RizeUp Patrons include Shelley Craft, Mia Freedman, Petero Civoniceva, Simone O’Brien and Cameron and Allison Daddo. “Domestic and family violence affects everyone - all races, religions and social classes,” Nicolle asserts. “RizeUp works to shift attitudes, perceptions and challenge societal norms in Australia and everyone, no matter who you are can help change an ending.” More at rizeup.com.au
A favourite for locals in the know, Sunset Café Bar & Grill is idyllically situated on the waterfront with views over the marina – the perfect vantage point for savouring the sunsets. Breakfast, brunch and lunch are just as delectable sourcing local Aussie produce and our talented team can cater for events and functions. Watch pelicans soar where boats moor. Meet friends. Experience the perfect food treat at Sunset Café Bar & Grill, Marina Mirage’s hidden delight.
Sunset Bar and Grill • Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, next door to Versace or come by Hoho (hop on hop off) Ferry Service OPEN FROM 7am – 7 days a week • PH 07 5528 2622 • sunsetbarandgrill.com.au
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EVOLVE DRESS GREEN RRP $525
Kitx
ACT LOCAL THINK GLOBAL JUMPSUIT RRP $525
By Kit Willow
AUSTRALIAN BRAND WILLOW WAS LAUNCHED IN 2015. FOUNDER KIT WILLOW CONTINUES TO PURSUE HER LOVE OF CREATION IN HARMONY WITH HER PASSION FOR NATURE She introduces KITX – which she says “was born from a spirit of kindness, integrity and transparency”. “The X represents the future.”
ENDANGERED CIRCLE SKIRT RRP $395
KITX strives to be a pioneer in design-led, sustainable and ethical fashion. “We create product love with high frequency wear, superior quality and creative design while consciously sourcing materials that minimise harm to our planet’s precious resources.” She continues “I strongly believe in a better world through the simple mantra of making women look and feel beautiful, without harming our planet, so everyone can win.” More at kitx.com.au
EVOLVE TIE SHIRT RRP $295
DECLARATION DRESS RRP $595
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My Escape Kit What are the classic pieces in your wardrobe (or your ideal imaginary wardrobe)? I have a
IN A RADIO CAREER THAT HAS HEARD HER ON THE AIRWAVES FROM WOLLONGONG TO THE GOLD COAST AND BRISBANE, BIANCA DYE’S 20 YEAR CAREER IN RADIO NOW SEES HER BACK HOME ON THE COAST. SHE IS THE ONLY FEMALE RADIO PRESENTER TO WIN BEST RADIO PERSONALITY IN A CAPITAL CITY MARKET TWO YEARS IN A ROW. Bianca pops up as a social commentator and panellist on shows like the Today Show, The Morning Show and Studio 10. Today, she’s part of the team on the breakfast show, Bianca, Dan & Ben weekdays on the Gold Coast’s Hit90.9. Follow her crazy world on Instagram @biancadye and Facebook and her mental health awareness page @anxietyfree.
you from a glamorous dinner to a girly lunch and to the beach! I always have at least two or three of those in my suitcase! I never travel without my NAK haircare, travel size hair treatments, otherwise my hair goes green from the chlorine in the pools. Plus, Zuii Organic tinted moisturiser is the BEST and lavender oil to calm me on a plane.
Where do you go to get away from it all? Romantic weekend? Girls’ getaway? Quiet retreat?
What are you reading at the moment? Tanya Hennessy’s
For a quiet retreat my go to for many years has been the incredible Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in Tallebudgera Valley on the Gold Coast. It has been a game changer for me, both mentally and physically and has saved my sanity many times! For a girls’ weekend, you just can’t beat Byron and I love escaping in my old Kombi to Brunswick Heads and turning my phone off for a few days.
What’s on your bucket list of Travel Destinations?
We were supposed to go to New York City this year and then … COVID-19. So that’s on hold of course, but somewhere I have always wanted to go is Darwin. I love to go up there and do that swim in the cage with the crocodiles. It looks amazing!
What are your travel essentials for a summer holiday? @stylefast do the most amazing easy floaty sexy summer dresses that you can roll up into any luggage. They can take
New book Help Self: Learn from my mistakes so you can make different ones! Because she’s hilarious and I definitely need a lot of self-help and also Elton John’s autobiography. So good!
Any social media you cannot live without? I have to be across
a lot of social media accounts for our breakfast show (so I know what’s going on around the coast) but of course @hitgoldcoast is my go-to! I also love to share what’s going on with @RUOK as I’m a proud ambassador for this fantastic mental health awareness organisation. I also have my own account for mental health awareness @anxietyfree - with 50,000 followers, it’s just a really authentic page talking honestly about anxiety and mental health awareness. I’m really proud of it and I guess you could say I’m addicted to the maintenance of that. 36 slim magazine autumn 2021
teal velvet Leona Edmiston wrap dress that has been such an incredible “go-to” to host or attend events, and I always feel like a movie star in it. Plus, every woman should have ONE pair of jeans she knows her booty rocks in and mine are @ embodywomen, especially as I’m a curvy gal! I also have a few Auguste The Label pieces that are so pretty and feminine that always make me feel summery and happy.
Favourite sunnies? My Valley
Eyewear sunnies. I have about 20 pairs I’m addicted plus, they are a local Gold Coast business.
Skincare must-haves? My VIXIN
Stemcell Daily Face Moisturiser - it’s a GAME-CHANGER for your skin. Especially as you get older, your skin gets so dry and this stuff it really nourishes it.
What are your favourite methods to chill and unwind? I have the Simple Habit app on my phone and I listen to a five-minute meditation in the morning before the brekky show. At the end of the day I do a 20-minute meditation to help me unwind and help me go to sleep most nights. It really does help. I also try to get in at least two cardio sessions at EMF Pacific Fair each week plus a yoga session which really helps me de-stress.
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Live life to the full
HEALTH, LONGEVITY AND SELF-ESTEEM ARE JUST SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY.
It is a well-known fact that the vast majority of people who qualify and who will obtain major health benefits with weight-loss surgery do not seek it out. Only about two percent of people who qualify in Australia get weight-loss surgery. A lot of the reason for this is the stigma associated with having an operation to lose weight. About a half of people randomly surveyed said they believed weightloss surgery was usually done for cosmetic rather than health reasons. Unfortunately, this is still a perception among some doctors as well, often they give advice to patients to lose weight but are not confident to suggest weight-loss surgery. There is very strong evidence demonstrating that people who are obese have an extremely low chance of getting their weight down to a healthy range with diets and exercise and keeping it there for 12 months. In contrast the overwhelming majority of people after weight-loss surgery obtain a healthy weight after just a few months, with very little impact to their life.
A common misperception about weightloss surgery especially in men is that they don’t really need it, and if they felt like it, they could easily lose the weight on their own. Many people can lose some weight with dieting and exercise, the problem is they always regain the weight and get into a cycle of yo-yo dieting. Almost everyone I see for weight-loss surgery tells a story of how many times they’ve been able to lose a certain number of kilos, however it all regains at some stage. For example, a typical middle-aged male who weighs about 110-120kg who may have high blood pressure or high cholesterol is an ideal candidate. This patient could expect to lose about 2530kg with surgery and easily get off their medications. People need to become aware of the health dangers linked with obesity. Obesity is a public health epidemic that contributes to mortality and many health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and worsening arthritis. Weight-loss surgery has very low rates of complications and has excellent long-term success, outweighing any potential side effects. 38 slim magazine autumn 2021
DR JASON FREE SPECIALIST BARIATRIC SURGEON MBBS BVSc (HONS) FRACS Laparoscopic, General, Weight-loss, & Hepatobiliary Surgeon Suite 2, Pindara Professional Centre 8-10 Carrara Street, Benowa QLD Tel: 07 5564 6501 surgerygoldcoast.com.au Research shows that people who are significantly obese have a much shorter life-span than people with a healthy weight. Obesity is currently classified as a chronic disease, rather than a character flaw. It is a complex disease of metabolism, with a lot of individual genetic and hormonal traits
Many people can lose some weight with dieting and exercise, the problem is they always regain the weight and get into a cycle of yo-yo dieting.
predetermining a person’s adult weight. It is extremely difficult to treat without medications or surgery in addition to all the behavioural changes. Without scientific knowledge, many people still have a biased view of obesity as a lack of willpower to slim down. They think that by having weight-loss surgery, people are taking the easy way out. Even some patients who undergo weight-loss surgery have the same bias. The struggle lies in overcoming this inner prejudice, and then comes the challenge of helping others discover if weight-loss surgery can improve their life. It is true that despite all the massive health benefits of weight-loss surgery, a large proportion of people choose to have weight-loss surgery to look better and feel much better about themselves. This is especially the case for women who often feel they are constantly under pressure when it comes to their appearance. In these modern times men are also feeling this pressure and men spending more effort to improve their appearance seems to be on the rise. Men can often be shy when it comes to talking about ways to improve their appearance, and this is especially so regarding weight-loss. The reality is that if you look after yourself, health wise and appearance, you will feel greater confidence, interact better with people, you’ll be more productive at home and work, and break down the barriers to better mental health. In a recent survey of thousands of people who’ve had weight-loss surgery, about 90 percent felt it was one of the best decisions they’d made in their lives, and about 70 percent said their only regret was not having done it earlier. Jason Free is a General Surgeon who has specialised in weight-loss (Bariatric) surgery and HepatoPancreatico-Biliary Surgery. Dr Free has obtained specific weight-loss surgical training in Australia and overseas, dealing specifically with revisional bariatric surgery. 39 slim-magazine.com.au
Path to wellness
BY SIMON BENNETT LIFE IS A HECTIC RUSH FOR MOST OF US, WITH THE SCHOOL PICK UP SANDWICHED BETWEEN THE SHOPPING AND THE DINNER PREPARATION, FOR SOME AND FOR OTHERS THE CONSTANT DEMANDS OF WORK AND FAMILY TIME. SO, WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REFRESH AND RESET AT GWINGANNA’S WELLNESS PROGRAM AROSE IT IS TIME TO SET ASIDE ALL OF THOSE IMPORTANT MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND SAY ‘YES’ TO THE CONCEPT OF A ‘FULL RESET’. In usual fashion I was at a million miles an hour, rushing from appointments but sure I had to arrive for check in by midday. When you charge by the hour it seems you are obsessed by time, time increments and the value of time. So slightly over the speed limit, I arrived at the gates to the retreat deep in the picturesque Tallebudgera Valley, determined to make it to check in on time! Arrival involves the usual obtaining of keys and seeing the exquisite room overlooking the valley and the Gold Coast skyline, but, and here’s the catch; we had to attend a consultation and complete a wellness survey. Well in for a penny. Alcohol – yes, stress – yes and flatulence – honesty all the way! After booking some spa treatments for the following days it was back to the room with a view and into the balcony hot tub to read a book. Did I tell you that
phones and all other electronic devices are strongly discouraged? As I sat and soaked something strange began to occur, absolute relaxation as I listened to the wildlife and appreciated being a part of the wonder that was the nature I was immersed in. Over the following four days, I became part of the retreat, with nutritionally designed and measured meals to accompany regular exercise and wellness classes. At 6am each day, I found myself barefoot on the grass hillside facing up to the rising sun engaging in 30 minutes of Qigong, an ancient Chinese breathing movement and meditation technique to awaken the senses. An amazing way to loosen your body and relax through breathing. As I devoured the physical activities, stretching and food, it became obvious I was learning more about my ability to 40 slim magazine autumn 2021
Wellness Packages Gwinganna has a wide range of fully inclusive package options to help you live a healthier life, reduce stress and enhance positive ageing. Recognised as one of the most innovative wellness destinations in Australia, choices include the popular seven-night Detox, a two-night Wellness Weekend or specialty retreats that focus on stress, nutrition, women’s health, sleep or mindfulness.
deal with stress and wellness through meditation, breathing and controlling my thoughts. I was able to overcome stress by concentrating on being present in the moment and controlling my mind to focus on positive thoughts. And while I improved at mastering this concept, there is still much work to be done. While the mornings at Gwinganna are largely active (you may choose the level and intensity of your activity), the afternoons are unashamedly set aside for “me time”. This involves amazing spa treatments, sleeping, reading, sitting by the pool or whatever other activity replenishes your body and spirit. By this stage I had forgotten about time. The constant pull of the mobile devices had left my psyche and, to tell the truth, it was a relief. We are so reliant on being connected it was a pleasure to disconnect.
Oh, by the way no alcohol (not a big deal for me) and no coffee! What no coffee? Yes, that’s right. A severe headache on the night of day two was dealt with swiftly by the staff with natural remedies and that was that. So, by this time I was no longer a slave to the coffee, the mobile device nor the clock. I found this extremely liberating and with the ability to at least understand the stress and how to deal with it, job done. But unfortunately, it was now time to leave. More at gwinganna.com
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Be inspired and learn from a highly experienced team of wellness professionals, plus enjoy delicious organic cuisine, diverse activities for all levels and exceptional spa and wellness therapies in this EcoTourism certified wellness retreat. Gwinganna’s exclusive customised environment is well regarded globally for its transformative effect on guests’ lifestyle habits. This world-class retreat is specifically designed to assist you during any withdrawals from the world in a beautifully isolated environment, providing a cocoon from external distractions and stress. A visit to Gwinganna is a commitment to stay on retreat and respect our philosophy you can adopt lifestyle habits that foster wellness, energy and calmness.
All breasts are sisters, not twins BREAST REDUCTION,ALSO KNOWN AS REDUCTION MAMMOPLASTY, IS DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF THE BREASTS AND TO RESHAPE AND UPLIFT THE BREASTS. During this procedure, any excess fat around the breasts, as well as glandular tissue and skin, is removed to help create a shape and size that’s in better proportion to your figure. In the case of large, uneven or sagging breasts, breast reduction can provide relief for back, neck, and shoulder pain. Sometimes, large breasts can bring unwanted attention, which
makes a woman feel uncomfortable in public. Breast reduction can help create a more natural look that suits the rest of the body shape.
Let us repeat the mantra ‘all breasts are sisters, not twins’. We agree that it is completely normal to have one slightly bigger breast however if it is a particularly noticeable difference that you would like correcting, we are here to help. If you are thinking about a breast reduction, when you come to us at The Lotus Institute the entire experience is designed around you and your needs. We’ll listen carefully to your aspirations for being the best you, and you’ll receive all the advice 42 slim magazine autumn 2021
and support you need throughout your journey with us. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, we advise you to seek an experienced opinion from a FRACS certified surgeon. A breast reduction often attracts a medicare item number, meaning some of the costs may be covered by medicare and also your health insurance fund. To discuss if a breast reduction is right for you, book a consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeons Dr Peter Widdowson or Dr Drew Cronin at The Lotus Institute on (07) 55094488. www.lotus-institute.com.au
Dr Peter Widdowson MB, ChB, FRACS (Plastic) Plastic Surgeon
Dr Peter Widdowson has a background of nearly 30 years in Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery. Qualifying in his specialty in 1982 he has been an internationally acclaimed microsurgeon and reconstructive surgeon for over 20 years. Since commencing as Director at the Lotus Institute in 1999 he has super specialised in Cosmetic surgery, directing one of the most acclaimed Cosmetic Clinics in Australasia. His qualifications include, Member of Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Fellow of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).
Dr Drew Cronin
B.Biomed Sci, MBBS, FRACS (Plastic) Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Doctor Drew Cronin is a Queensland trained Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based here on the Gold Coast. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. He is also the first locally trained Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon on the Gold Coast, being one of the first graduates of the Griffith University School of Medicine. Dr Cronin performs a wide variety of Reconstructive and Cosmetic procedures, including body lift and body contouring procedures, aesthetic and reconstructive breast procedures, and facial aesthetic surgery. He also performs skin cancer excision and reconstruction, hand surgery and microsurgery.
• Abdominoplasty • Body Lift • Breast Implant Removal • Fat Grafting • Thigh Reduction • Otoplasty
• Blepharoplasty • Brachioplasty • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) • Facelift (MIFACE) /Necklift • Laser Resurfacing • Skin Cancer Surgery
• Body Contouring • Breast Augmentation • Browlift • Gynecomastia • Lip Lift • Post Weight-Loss Surgery
As a non-surgical option, The Lotus Institute has a highly-regarded and professional Aesthetic Injecting Department offering clients softening, volumising and enhancement of the tissues - especially of the face - using a variety of injectable products. Our nurses/injectors Patricia Hampson and Marie Steele have more than 26 years combined experience in this highly-skilled area. We also offer clients pure mineral makeup and medical-grade skincare products which only use natural and organic essential oils, butters and waxes all of which are completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly as well as being 100 percent vegan.
THE LOTUS INSTITUTE: Level Two, 2 Short Street, Southport Q 4215 Australia Tel: (07) 5509 4488 Fax: (07) 5528 4166 Email: lotus@lotus-institute.com.au
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WEIGHTY ISSUES:
Obesity & Fertility
IT’S A FACT THAT BEING OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE INCREASES THE RISK OF HEALTH PROBLEMS SUCH AS HEART DISEASE AND DIABETES. BUT MANY PEOPLE ARE UNAWARE THAT THIS CAN ALSO REDUCE FERTILITY AND THE CHANCE OF HAVING A HEALTHY BABY.
Being overweight impacts a woman’s chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby. It can cause a hormone imbalance, triggering problems with menstruation and ovulation. When women who are overweight do conceive, they have a higher risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, diabetes or premature birth. The father’s weight can also affect your chances of getting pregnant, so it’s important that they too maintain a healthy Body Mass Index or BMI. In general, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a ‘healthy weight’, a BMI below 18.5 is considered ‘underweight’, a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered ‘overweight’ and a BMI over 30 is considered ‘obese’. Being overweight can also lead to difficulties with assisted reproduction, such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), ovulation induction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Obesity is also associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of low fertility or infertility. While the facts about obesity and reproductive outcomes can seem daunting, there is some good news: for women who are overweight and seeking
to fall pregnant, even a small weightloss improves fertility and pregnancy health. Diet and lifestyle changes can also improve health outcomes for both mother and baby. For both men and women, healthy eating, regular exercise and losing even a few kilos can improve the chance of pregnancy. Start a healthy eating and exercise plan together with your partner to increase the chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby. Medical professionals recommend you follow a healthy balanced diet drawn from the five food groups: vegetables and legumes; fruits; wholegrain bread and cereals; milk, yoghurt, cheese and alternatives; lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, seeds and nuts, and cut back on discretionary foods such as chips, biscuits, fatty meats, pastries, cakes, fast foods and confectionery. It’s a good idea to reduce portion sizes and replace sugary drinks and alcohol with water. Regular physical activity like walking can help you achieve a realistic weight goal. Begin making these changes before you start trying to conceive and keep them up throughout your pregnancy and beyond. 44 slim magazine autumn 2021
DR ANDREW CARY MBBS (QLD) FRANZCOG
Specialities: Fertility, Obstetrics, Gynaecology Dr Andrew Cary has 24 years’ experience in assisting women with pregnancy, gynaecology and IVF issues. Get in touch for further information or to book an appointment.
Tel: 07 5597 3770 qfg.com.au and drcary.com.au
Dr Andrew Cary
Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist
From Conception to Delivery, We’re with You All the Way Dr Andrew Cary has been setting a standard of excellence in women’s health for 26 years. He is able to assist with all women’s issues, including: • Infertility
• Day surgery
• Painful and heavy periods
• Gynaecological surgery
• Pregnancy care
• Contraception
• Juliet laser procedure
• High-risk pregnancies
Suite 10, Pindara Place, Carrara Street, Benowa, Qld, 4217 reception@drcary.com.au
07 5597 3770
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www.drcary.com.au
SLIM-MAGAZINE.COM.AU 9 Photo: Milkos, Bigstock
THE RISKS OF OBESITY BEING OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE IS ONE OF THE LEADING RISK FACTORS FOR ILL HEALTH IN AUSTRALIA. THE LONGER YOU LIVE WITH OBESITY, THE GREATER THE NEGATIVE EFFECT ON YOUR GENERAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. LEAVING OBESITY UNCONTROLLED CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS HEALTH RISKS. Having obesity is one of the leading risk factors for ill health in Australia. Your physical health, mental health, quality of life and social well-being can be affected. Obesity is the leading cause of preventable health loss in Australia. PHYSICAL ILLNESS Obesity negatively affects your physical health. The risk of death amongst people with BMI 35+ from any cause is in proportion to the degree of obesity; later age at first diagnosis and the presence of hypertension; Type-2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea. PSYCHOLOGICAL ILLNESS Obesity can have a negative impact on your psychological well-being. Increased rates of depression or anxiety mostly arise from the stigma surrounding this disease. Feelings of shame, guilt, rejection and low self-esteem are common in people with obesity. This can lead people with obesity using food as a coping mechanism – also known as emotional (rather than hungry) eating.
The result can be a downward emotional spiral that exacerbates weight gain or negatively impacts attempts to lose weight or maintain weight-loss. REDUCED QUALITY OF LIFE Your ability to exercise or be active when at home or work can be affected. The impact of excess weight on quality of life increases with the severity of obesity. The stigma experienced by people with obesity has broad impacts on mental health and therefore on quality of life. Negative impact on social well-being. Stigma around obesity can reinforce increased obesity over time. In workplaces, excess weight can be wrongly associated with laziness and sloppiness. The incomes of people with obesity can be affected as a result. Loneliness affects people with obesity, with higher rates of loneliness linked to higher BMIs. Because obesity is a disease with many different causes and it increases your risk of developing other medical 46 slim magazine autumn 2021
DR JASON FREE SPECIALIST BARIATRIC SURGEON MBBS BVSc (HONS) FRACS Laparoscopic, General, Weight-loss, & Hepatobiliary Surgeon Suite 2, Pindara Professional Centre 8-10 Carrara Street, Benowa QLD Tel: 07 5564 6501 surgerygoldcoast.com.au conditions, it makes sense to seek help from your doctor. Your doctor can assess a wide range of things that may be influencing your health. Together you can then decide on the best approach for you to lose weight and improve your health. Weight-loss has substantial health benefits for people with obesity, such as reducing the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes and heart disease and reducing the risk of death from any cause.
Taking care of your greatest asset together.
SERVICING HOSPITALS • Pindara Private Hospital • John Flynn Private Hospital • Gold Coast Private Hospital • The Tweed Hospital
Dr Ben Anderson
Cardiothoracic Surgeon MMBS BMedSci FRACS
• Adult Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery • Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery • Minimal Access Sympathectomy for Hyperhidrosis • Minimal Access Lung Resection
Level 5, Suite 501, John Flynn Specialist Suites, Inland Drive, Tugun Qld 4224
Phone (07) 5598 0789 Fax (07) 5598 0790
heartsurgerygoldcoast.com.au 47 slim-magazine.com.au
Let’s Chat about The Change
MENOPAUSE. WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? HORMONES!
The word menopause is derived from the Greek word ‘menos’ meaning MONTH and ‘pause’ meaning to cease. So menopause means that the ‘monthly’ (the period) ceases. It is the permanent end of menstrual cycles and fertility. The average age is 51 to 53 years old. Premature (early onset) menopause is defined as occurring under the age of 40 years old. In some women it also may be ‘induced menopause’ by radiation or chemotherapy, or ‘surgical menopause’ if the ovaries [not the womb/ uterus] are removed. Women are born with all their eggs, which are stored in the ovaries, and each menstrual cycle; one egg (usually) will become mature enough to leave the ovary ready for fertilisation (this is ovulation). We take it all for granted but we should all respect our uniqueness and care for our ‘hormonal health’, i.e. care for our ovaries. Some women need more ovarian care than others as we see now in the rapid rise of poly ‘cystic’ ovarian syndrome and symptoms. The defined time between the last menstrual cycles a woman experiences and the “menopause” is exactly 12 months post the last cycle/bleed. Do you know where your hormones are made? I always ask females of all ages this question and most females do not know! The answer is YOUR OVARIES. Menopause occurs naturally as the ovaries (life cycle) comes to an end and less estrogen and progesterone are made. If your hormones are made ‘in balance’ then menopause is usually and should be an easy transition with no noticeable symptoms. However, if your “hormonal symphony is out of tune” you may begin having symptoms up to 15 years before you actually reach your own personal menopause and this can cause women a lot of grief. This is called ‘premenopausal’.
‘Perimenopause’ is the time leading up to the menopause. The average perimenopause time is four years. During this time some monthly cycles produce balanced hormones and some do not, which may result in irregular cycles, missed cycles and irregular bleeding times. The symptoms of menopause may include weight gain, bloating, depression/mood swings, hot flushes/flashes, insomnia, irritability, poor memory, brain fog, night sweats, painful intercourse, changes in libido, skin feeling crawly, dry eyes and dry skin, sore boobs, vaginal dryness/itch/odour and other symptoms. After the ‘life cycle’ of the ovaries has ended the adrenal glands take over the role of hormone production, in addition to their primary role of making ‘stress hormones’ i.e. cortisol and adrenaline, and a hormone called aldosterone for fluid balance. Estrogen is also made in adipose tissue (Fat cells). Therefore as we approach our menopause it is important to be managing our fat stores prior to menopause as the time may come when we have an imbalance in our ‘hormone band members’, with too much estrogen made and not enough progesterone. Weight gain and “estrogen dominant symptoms” become a big problem. Weight gain around the middle belly and hips is common when hormones are imbalanced. The 21st century syndrome does not lend itself to be ‘friendly’ to a woman’s hormone transition as the adrenal glands are usually overly tested to produce ongoing stress related hormones. Cortisol is “life’s hormone”. It also encourages fat storage, muscle break down, and increases insulin resistance (pre-diabetes). Prolonged stress can decrease the function of the ovaries, and increase weight gain at the same time. ‘Obesity’ leads to higher levels of estrogen production, which means more weight gain, which means more estrogen, which means a merry-go-round scenario! 48 slim magazine autumn 2021
DR JANE CHAPMAN Dr Jane Chapman is a medical doctor with an holistic approach to health and well-being, who does more than treat illness and manage symptoms. 83 Upton St, Bundall QLD 4217 Tel: 07 5648 3931 drjanechapman.com.au or wonwellness.com.au For women who experience symptoms of the perimenopause, or menopause itself, usually low dose progesterone (usually progesterone is the first hormone to be made in less quantity) in a cyclical dose (two to three weeks out of four) will suffice. For the menopausal woman who has ceased menstrual cycles, low dose estrogen and progesterone, testosterone occasionally and DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) sometimes will help. Large doses of hormones risk setting up a woman for ongoing longer menopause symptoms and problems withdrawing the hormones later as her hormone receptors will adjust to receiving larger doses of hormones supplied. In summary, a hormone is a message. As with all messages we need to receive the message or we miss out on the information. A message until received is just a message without meaning. The hormone receptors on our cells receive the message and read it for us. Once a message is read and understood, actions occur, ie. there are implications to the messages/hormones. With that in mind, happy hormone health. Stay tuned for the next chapter.
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We
Tea
SINCE ANCIENT TIMES, HERBS IN HOT WATER HAVE BEEN REVERED FOR THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS. According to Roy Morgan Research, 15 million Australians drink hot drinks, including tea, coffee and hot chocolate, on average per week and 48 percent of them drink tea, the majority of these, women. Interestingly, Australian Geographic tells us that pre-colonisation, Aboriginal Australians enjoyed tea infused with native plant species, including tea tree or paperbark leaves. Tea is seen as the “healthy choice”. Whether a person drinks green, regular or herbal/fruit tea appears to be closely linked to their attitudes towards their dietary health in general. “Dating back to ancient China, tea has long been associated with its healthgiving qualities,” explains Angela Smith, Group Account Director, Roy Morgan Research. “Our data shows that it apparently still is, revealing that people who purchase green,
herbal and/or regular tea tend to be more diet-conscious than the average Australian. Age also appears to play a role in the decision to buy tea, with older Aussies being more likely than younger generations to purchase it in an average four weeks.” Harvard Medical School states that “the main health-promoting substances in tea are polyphenols, in particular catechins and epicatechins which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties”. Harvard-led studies of large groups of people over time have found that tea and coffee drinkers are at lower risk
52 slim magazine autumn 2021
for diabetes and possibly cardiovascular disease. Coffee also contains polyphenols. But it remains unclear whether the tea itself is the cause of these benefits or if tea drinkers simply live healthier lifestyles. But Qi Sun, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, says be aware that while a cup of tea contains only a couple calories, processed, sugar-sweetened tea beverages are loaded with extra calories. “If there are health benefits to tea consumption, it’s probably completely offset by adding sugar,” Sun says. More at health.harvard.edu/
Men’s Health………
Robina Private Hospital mental health services Robina Private Hospital is a multi-million dollar purpose built 90 bed facility that opened in 2016. The Hospital provides a broad range of acute care mental health services, rehabilitation and day surgery services. Specialist Services Include: • Our Eating Disorder Unit is well-reputed and nationally renowned in providing the highest standard of treatment by specialist multi-disciplinary team of practitioners who provide contemporary treatment options for people suffering from a range of eating disorders. • Our Older Persons Specialised Care Unit provides specialist care under by Psychogeriatricians for patients experiencing mental health problems co-morbid to their neurocognitive disorder. The treatment is person-centred and a team of specialist multi-disciplinary practitioners work closely with the patient and their family to provide contemporary treatment options for people suffering from a range of mental health problems and neurocognitive disorders.
1 Bayberry Lane, Robina QLD 4226 Mental Health Admissions and Assessment: 1800 707 581 General enquiries: 07 5665 5100 / robinaprivate.com.au
LET US HELP YOU
• Our Day Surgery Unit is well regarded on the Gold Coast and has a team of well renowned specialists Surgeons and Nurses that provide interventional pain procedures, endoscopy and oral maxillofacial surgery. • Our Rehabilitation services cater for patients with varying illness through serval inpatient, day patient and outpatient programs.
Let us help you today.
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For more information on how Robina Private Hospital can help you, please call 07 5665 5100 or ask your GP about a referral
Heal the Past By Leith Jensen
IN MY WORK AS AN INTUITIVE MENTOR I’VE SEEN SOME PRETTY AMAZING LIFE TRANSFORMATIONS, AND ONE OF THE TOOLS THAT OFTEN LEADS TO THESE IS PAST LIFE TIMELINE RECALIBRATION. Cycles of behaviour in our lives are often caused by our unconscious use of reactive patterns we developed in childhood. Some of these patterns are useful and keep us safe in our daily lives. But some are not as helpful, and while timeline recalibration, which involves going back within this life and rediscovering how we made these patterns, is part of the story. The “why?” of how our unique spirit chooses to see and interpret situations can be much more elusive. That’s where I’ve seen that the understanding and clearing of past live trauma can help. Past lives have been used by many ancient cultures to understand the world we live in and they’ve been given many names in the process: Akashic records, book of life, zero point field, super conscious, light library and universal mind to name just a few. But for me, my higher self resonates with “The Monad”. I see it as multi-faceted jewel, where a lifetime shines out of each facet, creating a brilliantly sparkling soul record. By going within the centre of this jewel, we able to access information that can help explain and heal some of the reasons a spirit is struggling in this incarnation. Using this knowledge, and watching a person who has struggled with a certain cycle or pattern for years without relief suddenly almost completely forget their issue even existed is life changing, for them and for me. Each time it happens, I am just as amazed and delighted as I was the first time I witnessed it. One such story is Lucy*. She is a warm person with many talents, but her life had always been chaotic. She couldn’t seem to follow through with anything and although she had obvious psychic talent, it manifested in unwanted and often frightening ways.
present state awareness, we were able to reconnect that soul fragment – and her life changed dramatically. She no longer attracted the unwanted chaotic energies of others and was able to begin to build her life how she wanted it, without the threat of physical danger she had always felt hung over her. Her anxiety went away, she found a lasting, loving relationship and her work life became a veritable showcase of manifestation in action. To this day she is amazed by the turnaround. Many children come through with memories of past lives, and sadly these are often dismissed as flights of fancy. But there can be present state uses for these memories, and often a child who is struggling with something can have the answer to solving it, if they are just asked the right questions, or give access to the right tools. Josh* the 8yr old son of a friend, had always had trouble with coordination and understanding what was required of him. While chatting with my friend at coffee one morning, I was shown a past life Josh has lived where he had been badly abused. And saw that his spirit had chosen not to fully inhabit this current body because of this.
After explaining what I’d seen to my friend, she allowed me to work with Josh. We accessed the Monad, worked to clear the past trauma and help his spirit to understand that it was safe to be here in this life. When I asked him if he’d like to come fully into his body now, he nodded and seemed relieved. The change was almost instant. That morning we noticed Josh stopped crashing into things and that he could now follow instructions more easily. Where before he would become confused doing things like taking his cereal bowl to the kitchen, meaning his mum would find it on top of his freshly made bed, or in the laundry basket. That morning he washed up his bowl himself and even tried to con us into allowing him lollies for second breakfast! His mum was in shock, and as time went by many of his previous issues simple disappeared. Josh’s story was early on in my journey to becoming a healer and I feel like both of our spirits learned a lot that day. * names change to protect privacy. **Information given in an intuitive session is in no way meant to replace medical care. Readings are for interest and entertainment purposes only.
LEITH JENSEN The Reconnective Path: Healing bodies, freeing minds, empowering lives
By looking into the Monad we were able to access a past life in which her spirit had been made to fragment into separate pieces and the avenging part of her spirit had been trapped there. Through re-understanding that experience with
facebook.com/thereconnectivepath Tel: 0415 577 776
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Wellness in 2021 SINCE CORONAVIRUS EMERGED, THE WORLD HAS LOOKED VERY DIFFERENT; FROM REDUCED NUMBERS IN THE OFFICE, TO COMPLETE LOCKDOWNS. The wellness industry had to adapt and came out stronger, partly due to its ability to get creative with how its proponents deliver their services, but also because more people are seeing the importance of looking after health and well-being. With that in mind, here are the top trends that you can expect to see in 2021. ONLINE FITNESS Last year was not easy on gyms or fitness studios anywhere in the world, with forced closures followed by restrictions making it difficult for them to stay profitable. But most adapted and many went online or outdoors. For members, however it was a very exciting time, because now they could train with all of their favourite instructors, even if they did not live nearby. This is a trend that is not likely to slow down anytime soon, both because it is convenient and offers a lot of variety. Flow Athletic are one studio who adapted well. Once they saw how well their FB live workouts were doing, they decided to invest in an online platform, Flow Athletic TV to make the experience even better for members. Subscribers can access Pilates, yoga, strength and spin classes, and live classes where available. CONVENIENCE The new acceptance of working remotely, or flexibly, means many of us can adapt our fitness routines to fit our schedules. Fortunately, online workouts allow us to train whenever we want. National boxing-based club, 12RND Fitness has adapted to the new demands of members and made it easier than ever for them to participate in their
own time. Their model means it’s nearly impossible to miss a session; a new round starts every 3-minutes so you can show up anytime during opening hours and just jump in. CONNECTED FITNESS Connected fitness has been an exciting market to watch for the last few years. Think wearables and apps that track everything your body can possibly do, including fitness solutions such as Peleton and Tonal. Connected fitness is a trend that is here to stay, with more brands revolutionising the way people can train from the comfort of their own home. A new Aussie company, Vitruvian released their V-Form Trainer last year, and this device unlocks engaging and sophisticated resistance training programs through the use of motorised resistance. Driven by intelligent algorithmic technology, the device does away with static weight entirely, rather, it modifies weight loading between 7kg and 180kg to match the user’s ability as they lift across a range of curated classes and workouts. This makes training not only more effective, but also more fun and engaging. From a slimline, carbon fibre platform you can work your entire body, so it is perfect for anyone who wants a home and office gym without taking up the space. Connected fitness category is truly revolutionising the way people train, from measuring and monitoring progress to ensure results, ensuring that users have hundreds of workouts at their fingertips, connecting them with the rest of the community who is using the device and more. 56 slim magazine autumn 2021
MINDFULNESS 2020 took its toll on mental health as well. Thankfully, predictions suggest that the meditation market is set to grow at 11.4 percent this year which suggests that people are taking their mental health seriously. Meditation and mindfulness have been proven to help with stress relief, sleep, anxiety and much more, but it can be delivered in many different styles. Soul Alive is an Australian online mindfulness platform devised by Luke McLeod that encourages people to take a moment and reset and recharge through live-streamed 20-minute mindfulness classes. Luke launched it prior to the pandemic, aiming to encourage people to connect with others while also experiencing the numerous benefits mindfulness meditation can have. UNIQUE INNOVATIONS From energy healing to infrared saunas, wellness brands are offering at-home solutions in 2021 and people are embracing them in large numbers. Infrared sauna blankets were created as an at-home solution as a compact option for people to enjoy the benefits of a traditional sauna in comfy kit form. Aussie brand MiHIGH is riding that wave and made more than $2.5 million in their first year of trading. Fitness and nutrition are perennially popular. Today more than ever, people are looking for innovative solutions to make themselves feel their very best, turning to technology and formats that allow us to be together, apart. More at soulalive.com.au flowathletic.tv mihigh.com.au
BOOKS
WE
SLIM’S LATEST BATCH OF GREAT READS TO INFORM AND ENTERTAIN! THE HORMONE REPAIR MANUAL Lara Briden
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The Hormone Repair Manual is a must-have guide to understanding and overcoming the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Addressing common symptoms such as hot flushes, insomnia, mood changes, migraines, weight gain, low libido and heavy periods, Lara offers practical solutions of diet, lifestyle, nutritional supplements and tips for how to speak to your doctor about hormone therapy. RRP $34.99, Macmillan Australia.
DOG’S BEST FRIEND Simon Garfield
SHIVER Allie Reynolds
Dogs and humans: in the last 200 years no interspecies relationship has developed so fast nor come so far. How and why did this relationship begin? How has it changed over the centuries? Dog’s Best Friend investigates this unique bond by revisiting some of the most important milestones in our shared journey. It begins with the earliest visual evidence on ancient rock art and ends at the laboratory that sequenced the first dog genome.
Five friends reunite after 10 years since the disappearance of the beautiful and enigmatic Saskia. When an icebreaker game turns menacing, they realise they don’t know who has really gathered them there and how far they will go to find the truth. In an isolated lodge high up a mountain, amid a looming snowstorm, the secrets of the past are about to come to light.
RRP $32.99, Hachette Australia, W&N.
RRP $32.99, Hachette Australia.
HOW TO MAKE THE BIGGEST DECISION OF YOUR LIFE Dr George Blair-West & Jiveny Blair-West Choosing to marry and share your life with someone is one of the most important decisions you can make in life. But with divorce rates approaching 50 percent in some parts of the world, it’s clear many of us need some help picking a partner. In this easyto-read guide, psychiatrist George Blair-West and relationship coach Jiveny Blair-West unlock the secrets to making the biggest decision of your life. RRP $32.99, Hachette Australia.
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RISE Mark Bouris
WHY WOULDN’T YA? Jess Eva
At a time of ultimate global disruption, who better to guide us as we re-set our goals and our lives than Mark Bouris, one of Australia’s most respected mentors and business leaders. Mark is the host of The Mentor podcast, as well as The Apprentice and The Celebrity Apprentice.
Jess Eva wants you to change your life. She can’t promise to make you rich, quick-fix your relationships or help you lose weight. But she is going to show how to relax, get out of your own head (and others’) and start to see life as one big adventure. As Jess will show you, through her humour, mad stories and down-toearth wisdom, the worst that could happen is you’ll end up with a bloody good story to tell.
‘Anyone can better themselves, better their life, better their situation. You’ve got to think big. People have lost faith in the system, it’s time to empower yourself.’
RRP $34.99, Macmillan Australia.
RRP $32.99, Hachette Australia. 57 slim-magazine.com.au
Men’s Health………
SPIN IT, WIN IT FEEL THE BURN OF MAGNETIC RESISTANCE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME WITH THE FORTIS MAGNETIC FLYWHEEL SPIN BIKE – THE PERFECT CARDIO WORKOUT TO SMASH YOUR FITNESS GOALS. RRP $299 + SHIPPING. MATTBLATT.COM.AU
SEIZE THE DAY KNOWN AS THE ‘ALL-DAY’ SHORTS, MALO ARVO SHORTS WERE CREATED FOR THE ALL-DAY-ACTIVE MAN. RRP $69.
LET’S GET
Physical UPDATE YOUR KIT AND LOOK AS GOOD AS YOU FEEL.
WILD HORSES THE NIKE WILDHORSE 6 KEEPS IT STABLE, SECURE AND LIGHTWEIGHT ON THE TRAIL. AN UPDATED OUTSOLE DELIVERS THE TRACTION YOU NEED, WHILE A FOAM MIDSOLE KEEPS YOU CUSHIONED ON YOUR RUN. RRP $191. ASOS.COM.AU
PLANK AND PLAY LEVERAGING THE PLANKING FAD, THE STEALTH CORE TRAINER, PAIRED WITH A FREE APP, IS A PORTABLE AND COMPACT FITNESS TOOL. PLAY GAMES ON YOUR SMARTPHONE BY USING YOUR ABS. STEALTH INCLUDES TWO FREE MOBILE GAMES “STEALTH SPEED GLIDING” AND “STEALTH CORE CHALLENGE 2” AVAILABLE ON BOTH ANDROID AND IOS SMARTPHONES. AMAZON.COM.AU. FROM $276.
IN THE HOOD THE MALO ULTIMATE TRAVEL HOODIE IS PERFECT FOR TRAVEL, LOUNGING, DOG-WALKING, WORK-FROM-HOME, COASTAL CRUISING, YOGA AND RECOVERY. RRP $149.
CIRCUIT BREAKER THE NIKE SUPERREP GO COMBINES COMFORTABLE FOAM CUSHIONING, FLEXIBILITY AND SUPPORT TO GET YOU MOVING IN CIRCUIT-BASED FITNESS CLASSES OR WHILE STREAMING WORKOUTS AT HOME. RRP $180. ASOS.COM.AU
58 slim magazine autumn 2021
Your future in the palm of your hand By Shakti Selwood PALMISTRY ORIGINATED IN ANCIENT INDIA AND MADE ITS WAY TO GREECE, WHERE IT WAS PRACTICED BY ARISTOTLE AND UTILISED BY ALEXANDER THE GREAT TO GIVE HIM AN ‘EDGE’ WHEN LEADING THE MILITARY. FROM THERE IT SPREAD VIA ROAMING GYPSIES WHO USED PALMISTRY TO HELP ADVISE ON OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES OF LIFE’S CHOICES THROUGH THE LINES ON THE HANDS. The left hand reflects the past from birth to now, along with past-life memories. The right hand represents what you are creating in our reality through your fear or love, and your consequential choices and actions. Depending on length of main lines and intersections, your palm will represent significant events and potential opportunities presenting.
in service. A strong Fate Line indicates a person is mostly heading in the right direction.
The shape, size, length and flexibility of your hands, fingers and thumbs are also considered when reading your palm, as your hands are moulded as a result of acting on your choices. The right hand is usually the main focus of palmistry.
Life Line may indicate the length of your life, but don’t despair if yours is short. It indicates health issues and curiosity. When you change your destiny towards your purpose, what you think and do changes too, therefore your Life Line adapts.
The Fate Line - Life’s Purpose
The Fate Line is often called the Direction Line. The Fate Line indicates your sense of direction, purpose, fulfillment and meaningfulness in life. Your inner-contentment cannot be hidden from your Fate Line. Career, business, wealth, and finances are imbedded clues in your Fate Line. Where you see yourself in the world, your confidence, belief in yourself, selflove, and what you can offer the world
There are several other significant lines on your palms that reflect and impact on your life, too numerous to go into detail here, but I will provide a summary of the most important lines.
Heart Line can show how you deal with feelings, emotions and your relationship with yourself and others. Head Line deals with reasoning and logic. It demonstrates your mental capacity and how you think. Your Head Line may also show whether you are an independent person who is okay on their own, or you need to be in a group dynamic to bring out the best in you to help others. 59 slim-magazine.com.au
SHAKTI SELWOOD Shakti also conducts Palmistry workshops 0427 443 302 shaktiselwood@gmail.com shakti-psychic-readings.com.au
study provides objective measures of a relationship between stress and asthma. Understanding this stress-disease link is important for the management of asthma and in potentially reducing its lifetime burden.
Stress, ageing and asthma RESEARCH HAS FOUND SIGNS OF FASTER AGEING RELATED TO STRESS AMONG PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA. Published in August 2020 in “Thorax”, the research was undertaken by a team from Queen’s University Belfast. In the study, the researchers compared allostatic load, “the wear and tear on the body” which accumulates as an individual is exposed to repeated or chronic stress, in adults with and without asthma; 9219 adults without asthma, 198 adults with mild asthma which did not require antiinflammatory treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and 388 adults also with moderate disease treated with inhaled corticosteroids in the UK.
“Our aim with this research is to encourage clinicians to consider stress resilience as part of an individual’s healthcare plan or treatment.”
They used data which measured levels of stress-related biomarkers in the blood of each participant. The team found higher allostatic load early ageing - among even the mildest asthma group (those with doctor diagnosed asthma but not requiring corticosteroids). They found a person with mild asthma had an allostatic load equivalent to a person without asthma who is eight years older. They also found those with moderate asthma (requiring treatment with corticosteroids) had a higher allostatic load than those without asthma. Luke Barry, Research Fellow from the Centre for Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast and lead author on the research, said “This
The researchers suggest active management of stress or policies which aim to remove or reduce social disparities, such as income inequality, which contribute to chronic stress, may delay how early an individual experiences chronic disease in their lifetime or the rate at which their condition worsens. Professor Liam Heaney, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the WellcomeWolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s University Belfast and co-author on the research, said “Stress resilience may be something that could help patients in their daily lives to reduce the effects of chronic disease, and potential worsening of pre-existent chronic conditions. “Practices, such as mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy have been shown to promote stress-resilience and may be an important way to protect against the impacts of chronic disease.” More at qub.ac.uk
C L A S S I C F AV O U R I T E S M A D E W I T H O N L Y 10 0 % M E D I T E R R A N E A N F R U I T S . N O W AVA I L A B L E I N N E W C O N V E N I E N T 4 PA C K
NEW MELOGRANO & A R A N C I A ( P O M E G R A N AT E & O R A N G E ) F L AV O U R HYGIENE FOIL SEAL ON EVERY CAN
S H O P N O W A T C O L E S S U P E R M A R K E T, S E L E C T E D I N D E P E N D E N T R E T A I L A N D C A F E S .
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MICHELLE BRIDGES’ TOP 5 Fitness Resolutions
MICHELLE BRIDGES’ 12 WEEK BODY TRANSFORMATION (12WBT) PROGRAM HAS REVOLUTIONISED THE LIVES OF HALF A MILLION EVERYDAY AUSTRALIANS, WITH MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS, COUNTLESS PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATIONS, AND A WEIGHT-LOSS COUNT OF 1.8 MILLION KILOGRAMS. Michelle is keen to help all Aussies achieve their health and fitness goals in 2021. Although many of us start the year with laser-sharp focus and the best of intentions, the path to success often becomes cloudy when the demands of work, school and everyday life begin to set back in. With this in mind, Michelle shares her top five tips for sticking to New Year’s health and fitness resolutions.
MICHELLE’S TOP 5 TIPS
1
MAKE IT MANAGEABLE “When it comes to New Year’s workout resolutions, It HAS to be something manageable,” says Michelle. “Don’t set yourself up to fail by over-committing to something like ‘exercising 15 hours a week’. Start small and work your way up once you condition your mind and body to the act of exercise. Secondly, workout in the morning. Seriously, you’re far more likely to smash it out when it’s not the last thing on your to do list after a long busy day.”
2
LUCK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT “What any kind of commitment and achievement comes down to is self-
belief, planning and perseverance,” says Michelle. “The people who manage to stay on track when their routines derail recognise that life happens. As much as you can plan how you’re going to live your life to get from ‘here’ directly to ’there’, stuff will always come up which means the straight line from A to B may need to be reviewed. For example, if Plan A is that you’re going to go to the gym every morning before the kids get up, 5 days a week, then great – that’s Plan A. But make sure you also have a Plan B. What if one of the kids gets sick, or your partner’s away? Plan B might be to workout with some exercise videos on YouTube, or do a free 12WBT workout. Planning to be flexible is a great way to work around ‘allor-nothing” tendencies that some of us struggle with.”
3
REMIND YOURSELF THAT EVERY POSITIVE CHOICE ADDS UP “Each time you make a positive choice, remind yourself of the different choice you perhaps would have made in the past and be proud of your new mindset and decisions,” emphasises Michelle. “Reflect constantly, to bring on feelings of pride and determination to keep improving. These feelings are hugely powerful motivators!” 61 slim-magazine.com.au
4
BE PREPARED “Knowing that it’s impossible to do anything 100 percent consistently will safeguard your mind, body and emotions later down the road,” says Michelle.
5
JUST DO IT “It’s really simple – get out and do some exercise! Especially when you’re feeling stressed. Start with just 10 minutes of something high-intensity,” Michelle suggests. “There’s a lot you can do in a short amount of time! When you’re stuck in a cycle of tiredness, stress and inactivity (and maybe guilt) you need to do some form of physical activity to break it. Even if it feels counterintuitive. It’s like a snowball effect – the more you exercise when you feel stressed and tired, the less stressed and tired you’ll eventually become.” Register at 12wbt.com
Recipes………
Barbecue This!
LUKE HINES SHARES HIS ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE BARBECUE RECIPES, WITH MORE THAN 80 QUICK, VIBRANT AND FLAVOUR-PACKED DISHES FOR WEEKNIGHTS, ENTERTAINING OR ANY TIME. Barbecue This! Is a fun, modern and totally irresistible cookbook for anyone who wants inspiration and ideas for simple meals to whip up on their barbie. You’ll find so much more than grilled steak and snags here! There are simple skewers, an abundance of plants, moreish burgers, flavour-packed salads and hearty roasts, as well as zingy marinades and rubs to mix and match with your favourite proteins and veggies.
INDIAN-SPICED PRAWNS INGREDIENTS
BARBECUE THIS! BY LUKE HINES, PUBLISHED BY PLUM, RRP $39.99, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ROPER.
SERVES 4
• 2 tbsp red curry paste • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 tsps finely grated ginger • 2 tsps garam masala • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp ground turmeric • ½ tsp dried chilli flakes • 800 g raw whole unshelled banana prawns, halved lengthways with head, shell and tail intact • Sea salt
MANGO SALSA
• 2 mangoes, diced • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 Lebanese cucumber, diced • 1 long green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped • 1 red onion, finely diced • ½ cup coriander leaves, roughly chopped • Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime
METHOD Place the curry paste, olive oil, lime zest and juice, garlic, ginger and spices in a food processor and blitz to a smooth paste. This can also be done using a mortar and pestle if you’ve got one. Transfer the marinade to a bowl, add the prawns and use your fingers to coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours While the prawns are marinating, make the mango salsa. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, then place in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. When ready to cook, preheat the barbecue grill to medium–hot. Grill the prawns for 3–4 minutes, turning halfway through, until charred on the outside and just cooked through (they’ll continue to cook slightly once removed from the heat). Serve immediately with the mango salsa and a good pinch of salt.
SENSATIONAL SCOTCH FILLET with GREEN OLIVE TAPENADE INGREDIENTS SERVES 4
METHOD
• 4 x 150g scotch fillet steaks • Olive oil, for brushing • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the green olive tapenade, place all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz until combined but still a bit chunky. Taste and add a little extra pepper, if you like (it shouldn’t need any salt).
G R E E N OLIVE TA P ENADE
Preheat the barbecue grill to hot.
• 120g (1 cup) pitted green olives • 1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar • Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 3 tsps baby capers, rinsed and drained • Freshly ground black pepper
Brush the steaks with a little olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. Place on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes on each side for medium–rare or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a wooden board, cover loosely with foil and leave to rest for 5 minutes. Once rested, divide the steaks among plates, top with the tapenade and serve with a gorgeous green salad.
62 slim magazine autumn 2021
Recipes………
SUMMER SALMON SKEWERS INGREDIENTS SERVES 4 • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 tsp dried chilli flakes • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 600g salmon fillets, deboned, skin off and cut into 4cm pieces • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 8 metal skewers • 3 tbsp pistachios, toasted and finely chopped SUMMER SALSA
• 2 mangoes, diced • 1 bunch of coriander, leaves picked and chopped • 1 Lebanese cucumber, diced • 10 cherry tomatoes, diced • Finely grated zest and juice of 1lime
METHOD Whisk the olive oil, garlic, chilli flakes and paprika in a large bowl. Pat the salmon dry with paper towel, then add it to the bowl and use your fingers to coat with the marinade. Season well with salt and pepper.
LEMONY LAMB CUTLETS WITH MINTY SALSA INGREDIENTS SERVES 4 • 12 lamb cutlets, French-trimmed • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing • 1 handful of mint leaves, to serve • Lemon wedges, to serve LE M ONY MA RINADE
• 1 large handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves • 4 rosemary sprigs, leaves picked • 4 garlic cloves • 100g unsalted butter, melted
Preheat the barbecue grill to medium. Thread the salmon onto the skewers and grill for 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown on the outside and just cooked through in the middle. Transfer to a plate to rest for a few minutes. For the summer salsa, gently toss all the ingredients in a bowl. To serve, divide the salmon skewers and summer salsa among plates, scatter over the pistachios and drizzle over a little extra olive oil to finish.
• 1 long red chilli, finely diced • Finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons MIN T Y S AL S A
• 1 bunch of mint, leaves picked and finely chopped • 1 small garlic clove, crushed • ¼ red onion, finely chopped • Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 125ml (½ cup) extra-virgin • Olive or avocado oil • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
METHOD To make the marinade, place all the ingredients in a food processor and process to a coarse paste. Rub the lamb all over with the marinade, season well with salt and pepper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours (the longer you marinate it for, the more flavoursome it will be). Bring the lamb to room temperature before cooking. For the minty salsa, mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Preheat the barbecue grill to hot, then reduce the heat to medium and brush it lightly with some olive oil. Cook the cutlets for 2–3 minutes on each side for medium–rare or until golden brown on the outside and cooked to your liking. Transfer to a wooden board, cover loosely with foil and leave to rest for 5 minutes. Arrange the cutlets on a platter, spoon over the minty salsa and scatter over the mint leaves. Serve with some lemon wedges. 63 slim-magazine.com.au
Recipes………
Air Fryer Express GEORGE GEORGIEVSKI, KNOWN AS SCHOOL LUNCHBOX DAD, HAS A NEW OBSESSION - THE AIR FRYER! THIS AMAZING MACHINE IS SUPER HOT AND SUPER FAST, AND ALLOWS YOU TO CREATE THE CRISPIEST, CRUNCHIEST FOOD WITHOUT THE OIL AND MESS OF DEEP-FRYING. In Air Fryer Express, George shares 60 delicious creations including snacks for the school lunchbox, such as pizza scrolls or sweet potato chips, flavour-packed family food, such as lamb kebabs, guilt-free Nashville fried chicken or mac ‘n’ cheese, and sweets - try hot jam muffins, game-changer baklava or berry good pavlova.
THAI STYLE CHICKEN SATAY STUFF TO GET SERVES 4 • 6 chicken thigh fillets • 2 tbsp peanut oil • 1 tsp salt flakes • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper • 400ml can coconut cream • 1 tbsp Thai green curry paste • 60g (¼ cup) smooth peanut butter • 1 tsp brown sugar • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 red capsicum, sliced into strips • 3 spring onions, cut into 3–4 cm lengths, plus extra, sliced diagonally, to serve TO SE RVE • Steamed rice • 25g (¼ cup) bean sprouts • 1 long red chilli, finely sliced • 40g (¼ cup) chopped unsalted peanuts • 3 coriander sprigs, leaves picked
YOU WILL NEED MAKES 9 • 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, just thawed • 3–4 tbsp maple syrup • 3 tbsp softened butter • 3 bananas, cut into 1 cm thick slices • 3 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tbsp icing sugar, sifted
LET’S DO THIS! First, we are going to make lids with the puff pastry. Cut the pastry sheet into nine squares and score the tops with diagonal lines. Transfer to a sheet of baking paper and drizzle with 1 tbsp of the maple syrup. Lift up the baking paper and pop the pastry in the air fryer on 180°C for 7 minutes or until puffed up and golden. While your pastry lids are cooking, grab nine espresso cups and distribute the butter evenly among them. Add the banana, then drizzle over the remaining maple syrup and sprinkle over the brown sugar.
ESPRESSO –CUP FRIED BANANAS Remove the pastry lids from the air fryer once they are cooked, then pop the banana espresso cups in. Cook on 180°C for 7 minutes (you might need to do this in batches). Once you hear the magic ‘beep beep’ coming from the air fryer, it’s time to indulge. Top the espresso cups with the pastry squares, dust over the icing sugar and serve. NOTES: Does it need to be bananas? Not really, you can also try pineapple, strawberries or even apples. I like to be resourceful and use what I have on hand or what the neighbour has hanging over the fence. You can limit the sweetness by reducing or omitting the maple syrup or brown sugar. Serving these with some vanilla ice cream is an excellent idea. 64 slim magazine autumn 2021
AIR FRYER EXPRESS BY GEORGE GEORGIEVSKI, PUBLISHED BY PLUM, RRP $26.99, PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIKOLE RAMSAY.
LET’S ROCK IT LIKE THIS
First, we need to brown the chicken thighs and give them a good sear to make the skin crispy and golden. Pop them in a baking dish that will fit in your air fryer, drizzle over the peanut oil and season with the salt and pepper. Crank the air fryer to 220°C and cook for 6 minutes. Meanwhile, grab a bowl and add the coconut cream, remembering to shake the can first as the coconut water usually separates from the cream. Add 100ml of water, the curry paste, peanut butter, brown sugar, onion, garlic, capsicum and spring onion and give everything a good mix. Pour the sauce all over the chicken, then reduce the air fryer temperature to 170°C and cook for 17 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Is it ready yet? Good! Now to serve, I like to use small bowls and serve the rice separately for visual effect. Place the chicken thighs in the bowls and spoon the sauce all over the top. For the finishing touches, top with the bean sprouts, chilli, chopped peanuts, coriander leaves and extra spring onion. NOTES: If you are vegetarian or vegan, all you have to do is swap the chicken for chopped eggplant and potato. How easy is that?
Recipes……… PORK CRACKLING LETTUCE CUPS
TAVCHE GRAVCHE
YOU’LL NEED ALL THIS SERVES 4 • 600g pork belly • 2 onions, halved • 2 tbsp salt flakes • 2 baby cos lettuces, leaves separated
• 2 long red chillies, finely sliced • 1 Lebanese cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded and sliced • Handful of coriander leaves • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
NOW DO THIS This wonderful pork crackling journey starts the night before, or perhaps just a few hours before if you don’t have thyme on your hands. No, not that thyme but this time. Using paper towel, dab the pork belly to remove excess moisture – you want the skin to be as dry as possible. Pop it in the fridge overnight or for a few hours to further dry out the skin. Take the pork out of the fridge 1 hour before cooking so it can come to room temperature, then dab away any remaining moisture. Place the onion halves in an aluminium tray that will fit in your air fryer and place the pork belly, skin-side up, on top of the onion. Use a sharp knife to score the skin diagonally at 1 cm intervals, but don’t score the layer of fat underneath. Massage the salt into the skin and the scored cuts. Place the tray in your air fryer, crank it to maximum heat (240–260°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes. Check it at the 6-minute mark and again at the 10-minute mark to ensure it’s not cooking too fast. This first stage is where the magic happens with the crackling – it’s like watching popcorn pop. Once the crackling starts to appear, reduce the temperature to 140°C and cook for another 18 minutes or until the pork is cooked through (the liquid in the tray will be clear). Remove the tray from the air fryer and rest the pork on a heap of paper towel loosely covered with foil for 10 minutes.
GRAB THE FOLLOWING SERVES 2 • 2 x 400g cans cannellini beans • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 onions, 1 finely chopped, 1 cut into 1 cm thick rounds • 4 garlic cloves, crushed • 2 tsp salt flakes • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried mint • 1 chorizo or Italian sausage, cut in half lengthways and scored • 2 bird’s eye chillies • Mint leaves, to serve • Crusty bread, to serve
LET’S DO THIS! I love using individual ramekins for this dish as they look super cool. Even better, if you have an old-school clay dish use instead, as this is the way my mum used to make it. Crack open the cans of beans and pour out most of the liquid but don’t completely drain them. Pour the beans into two 500ml (2 cup) capacity ramekins or one larger round baking dish. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat, add the finely chopped onion, garlic, half the salt and half the smoked paprika and sauté for 6–8 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the onion and garlic mixture to the beans and stir well. Add 125ml (½ cup) of water to each ramekin or 250ml (1 cup) of water to the dish, then stir through the dried mint and the remaining salt and smoked paprika. Now grab the onion rounds and pop them on top, gently pushing down so they’re level with the beans. Place the sausage halves and chillies on top of the beans. Pop the ramekins or dish in the air fryer and cook on 175°C for 20 minutes. We are looking for a crust to form over the beans without drying them out, so check the ramekins or dish a few times towards the end of the cooking time. Scatter some mint leaves over the top and serve straight away with some crusty bread, if you like. I would love to know what you think of this dish – if you make it please take a snap and post it to my Insta handle. NOTES: I remember eating this with thick slices of crusty Vienna bread as a kid. I’d dip the bread into the dish to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, just add rounds of eggplant instead of the sausage. You can also swap the sausage for pork ribs or beef patties. There are no rules, so make it your own and share the love with your family at dinnertime. 65 slim-magazine.com.au
Meanwhile, arrange the lettuce, chilli, cucumber and coriander in separate piles on a large wooden serving board. Put the hoisin in a small bowl and pop it on the board, too. Using a sharp knife, cut along the scored skin of the pork belly, place the pork slices and crackling on the board and invite everyone to load up their lettuce cups. NOTES: Roast your favourite vegetables to go with the pork and you have the ultimate Sunday roast. When I was in Vietnam once, I watched an old lady take the whole pork crackling off the pork belly, turn it over and cook it again, to develop crackling on both sides! Mind blown. If you are going to attempt this, don’t score the skin.
Recipes………
Eat More Vegan REGARDLESS OF YOUR FOOD PHILOSOPHY, ONE THING WE CAN ALL AGREE ON IS THAT WE NEED TO EAT MORE PLANTS. IN EAT MORE VEGAN, LUKE HINES SHARES 100 PLANT-BASED RECIPES THAT ARE PACKED WITH FLAVOUR, FULL OF VIBRANT COLOUR AND BURSTING WITH NUTRITION. Try his zingy breakfasts, such as sweet potato rostis with Indian avo smash, cauliflower and ‘chorizo’ scramble with spicy green sauce, or peanut butter and pumpkin spice pancakes. There are more substantial roasts, bakes and barbecued dishes, such as hasselback sweet potatoes, sensational jackfruit souvlaki and tempura tacos. Finish off with a wholesome treat, such as blueberry bounty bars or spiced roasted pineapple with macadamia crunch.
EAT MORE VEGAN BY LUKE HINES, PUBLISHED BY PLUM, RRP $26.99, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ROPER
I NGREDIENTS MAKES 12 BARS • 270g (2 cups) coconut flour • 375ml (1½ cups) melted coconut oil • 3 tbsp maple syrup, coconut nectar or monk fruit syrup • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or powder • Pinch of sea salt • 300g (2 cups) roughly chopped Luke’s Chocolate
METHOD Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 20 cm square baking tin and a large plate or tray that will fit in your freezer with baking paper. Add all the ingredients except the chocolate to a bowl and whisk together well. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely, then cut into 12 evenly sized bars. Arrange the bars on the prepared plate or tray, transfer to the freezer and leave for 30 minutes to chill and firm.
to cool slightly so that it is still runny but not super hot. Remove your chilled biscuit fingers from the freezer. Using your fingers, dip one of the bars briefly into the chocolate to coat completely, then place the bar back on the plate or tray. Repeat with the remaining bars, then transfer the tray to the freezer for 5 minutes for the chocolate to set. Return the chocolate to the stove and keep warm over low heat. Once the first layer of chocolate has had a chance to set, dip the bars back in the chocolate as before, then transfer to the fridge until ready to serve. The bars will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Melt the chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring as you go, until thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and leave
‘KITKAT CHUNKY’ BARS
REALLY GOOD ROCKY ROAD INGREDIENTS MAKES 16 PIECES • 80g (½ cup) macadamia nuts • 70g (½ cup) pistachio kernels • 50g (½ cup) pecans • 80g (½ cup) Brazil nuts • 30g (½ cup) flaked coconut
• 450g (3 cups) roughly chopped Luke’s Chocolate • 15g (½ cup) freeze-dried blueberries • 15g (½ cup) freeze-dried raspberries
METHOD Line a 20 cm square cake tin with baking paper. Place the nuts in a large frying pan over medium heat and toast, tossing to keep them moving so they don’t burn, for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and aromatic. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool. Place the flaked coconut in the pan and toast, tossing, for 1–2 minutes, or until golden, then remove from the pan and add to your toasted nuts. Mix well. Melt the chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring as you go, until thick and creamy. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly and thicken up. Add the nut and coconut mixture along with the freeze-dried blueberries and raspberries to the prepared tin and spread them out in an even layer. Pour over the melted chocolate and transfer to the fridge for 30 minutes to set. To serve, cut into 16 chunky pieces with a warm sharp knife and devour. Store any leftovers wrapped in baking paper in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
66 slim magazine autumn 2021
Recipes………
INGREDIENTS SERVES 4 • 3 tbsp espresso, cold • 4 tbsp cacao powder, plus extra to sprinkle • Luke’s Chocolate, coarsely grated, to serve (optional) SP ON GE • 100g (1 cup) almond meal • 125g (1 cup) arrowroot or tapioca flour • 3 tbsp coconut sugar • ½ tsp gluten-free baking powder • ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 125ml (½ cup) coconut milk • 125ml (½ cup) melted coconut oil • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or powder
COF F E E C R E AM • 200g (1¼ cups) cashew nuts, soaked in water for 2 hours, drained • 125ml (½ cup) espresso, cold • 3 tbsp maple syrup, coconut nectar or monk fruit syrup • 2 tbsp coconut cream • 2 tsps melted coconut oil COCON UT C REA M • 4 x 400ml cans coconut cream, refrigerated upside-down overnight • 2 tbsp maple syrup, coconut nectar or monk fruit syrup • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or powder
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a 20 cm x 30 cm baking tin with baking paper. To make the sponge, add the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix well to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix everything well to form a batter. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until light golden brown and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.
SALTED PEANUT AND CHOCOLATE TART
MV_Resize_Final_SI.indd 165
27/4/20 12:14 pm
INGREDIENTS SERVES 12 • 135ml coconut cream • 115g Luke’s Chocolate, roughly chopped • 140g smooth peanut butter • ½ tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or powder • 3 tbsp maple syrup, coconut nectar or monk fruit syrup C RU ST • 3 tbsp melted coconut oil, plus extra for greasing • 3 tbsp maple syrup, coconut nectar or monk fruit syrup
• 60g (½ cup) cacao powder • 120g (2 cups) shredded coconut TO SE RV E • 1 tbsp cacao powder, sifted • 3 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts • 75g Luke’s Chocolate, peeled into small curls using a vegetable peeler (optional) • 125ml (½ cup) whipped coconut cream (optional)
For the coffee cream, place all the ingredients in a food processor or highspeed blender and blitz until smooth. (You may need to stop and scrape down the side with a spatula a few times to ensure everything gets mixed well.) Refrigerate until needed. For the coconut cream, remove the cans of coconut cream from the fridge, taking care not to shake the cans as you go. Scoop the solid set coconut cream from the cans into the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender, being careful not to add any of the clear coconut liquid (keep this for using in smoothies, sauces and curries). Add the remaining ingredients and blitz until smooth and fluffy. (Be mindful not to over-blend here as you will lose the fluffiness.) Transfer to the fridge until needed. When you are ready to eat, take four 375 ml (1½ cup) capacity jars, clear ramekins or glasses and cut four circles out of the sponge to a size that matches the base of your vessels. Begin layering your tiramisu jars by placing a sponge circle in the bottom of each. Pour a few tsps of coffee over the sponge circles to soak slightly, then layer over half the coffee cream followed by half the coconut cream. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp of cacao powder and repeat the layers, starting with four sponge circles and finishing with a final sprinkling of cacao powder and some grated chocolate, if desired.
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the base of an 18cm loose bottomed fluted tart tin with baking paper and grease with coconut oil. To make the crust, mix the melted coconut oil and your sweetener of choice in a bowl. Whisk in the cacao powder to incorporate, then stir in the shredded coconut. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and use your fingers to press it into the base and side in an even layer. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until firm, crunchy and crispy around the edge, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Warm the coconut cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate and stir until the chocolate has melted down completely and is incorporated. Add the peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla and your sweetener of choice and whisk well, then pour the mixture over the cooled base and refrigerate for 1 hour to set. When ready to serve, dust with the cacao powder and scatter over the peanuts and chocolate curls (if using). Cut into slices with a warm knife and serve with some whipped coconut cream, if desired. 67 slim-magazine.com.au
U S I M A T IR R A J A IN
Recipes………
Simple Italian -
The Essentials Of Italian Home Cooking IN SIMPLE ITALIAN, SILVIA COLLOCA SHARES THE ESSENTIAL DISHES AND TECHNIQUES THAT ARE AT THE HEART OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR CUISINE. With 100 recipes and countless tips and tricks, you’ll be cooking silky smooth pasta, perfectly creamy risotto and soft gnocchi every time. Alongside chapters on pasta, gnocchi and rice, you’ll also learn how to create stunning antipasto spreads, cook hearty mains and cakes, biscuits and tarts that Italians actually eat at home. Silvia has authored five books, is a contributor to delicious magazine, and has cocreated, co-produced and hosted four television shows.
SIMPLE ITALIAN BY SILVIA COLLOCA, PUBLISHED BY PLUM, RRP $39.99, PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB PALMER.
BASIC POTATO GNOCCHI INGREDIENTS SERVES 4
• 850g starchy potatoes (russet or desiree), unpeeled • Salt flakes • 1 egg yolk • 110–150g (68⁄4–1 cup) plain or type ‘00’ flour
METHOD Place the whole potatoes snugly in a large saucepan. Fill with cold water, add two fistfuls of salt and bring to the boil over high heat. Cook for 35–40 minutes or until tender. Drain well, then set aside for 10 minutes until cool enough to handle. Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer and allow to cool for about 5–10 minutes. Stir in the egg yolk and a small pinch of salt. (If you don’t have a ricer, you can use a masher instead, although you will need to peel the potatoes first.) Start adding the flour, a little at a time. Depending on your potatoes and the type of flour you use, you may need to use a little more or less than indicated. You want a soft dough that is pliable and not tacky. I normally end up using about three-quarters and use the rest for dusting while I’m shaping the gnocchi. Don’t be tempted to add too much flour or your gnocchi will be heavy. Cut the dough into four or five pieces, then place on a floured surface and roll them into 2 cm thick logs. Cut each log into 2–3 cm pieces. You can leave them like that if you like. Alternatively, roll them over a wooden gnocchi board or press them against the tines of a fork to form ridges – gently but like you mean it. The tines will leave indentations in the gnocchi, ready to trap the sauce for the joy of your palate. Once you have rolled all your gnocchi, dust them with flour and set aside. They are best cooked within a few hours. 68 slim magazine autumn 2021
Recipes……… BAKED ZUCCHINI FLOWERS WITH RICOTTA, MINT AND CHILLI INGREDIENTS SERVES 4 • 300g fresh ricotta • 3 tbsp freshly grated pecorino • 1 egg • 3–4 mint leaves, finely chopped • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg • 1 long red chilli, finely chopped
• 4–5 anchovy fillets, chopped • Salt flakes • 12 baby zucchini with their flowers, inner stamens removed • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling • Crusty bread, to serve (optional)
METHOD Preheat your oven to 200ºC and line a baking tray with baking paper. Combine the ricotta, pecorino, egg, mint, nutmeg, chilli and anchovy in a bowl. Taste for salt and adjust accordingly. Gently open the petals of the zucchini flowers, spoon the ricotta mixture in and twist the petals to enclose. Place in a single layer on the prepared tray and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Serve just as they are or with crusty bread, if you like.
ZITI TIMBALLO INGREDIENTS SERVES 4 • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 carrot, chopped • 1 celery stalk, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 2 tsp fennel seeds, toasted and crushed • 750g pork and veal mince
• 3 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes • 400g dried ziti pasta • 50g (½ cup) freshly grated • Parmigiano, plus extra to serve • 150g frozen peas • 3–4 tbsp dried breadcrumbs • Basil leaves, to serve (optional)
METHOD Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and fennel seeds and cook for a further 1 minute until fragrant. Add the mince and cook, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon, for 8–10 minutes until well browned. Add the tomatoes and 250ml (1 cup) of water and stir to combine, then cook for 45 minutes or until the liquid has reduced. Reserve 250ml (1 cup) of the sauce and set aside to cool. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Bring a saucepan of salted water to the boil over high heat, add the ziti and cook for 5–6 minutes. You want to stop before it is al dente. Drain and rinse, then leave to cool. Set aside one-third of the ziti and cut the rest into thirds. Combine the cut ziti, cooled mince mixture, parmigiano and peas in a bowl. Grease a 30cm x 10cm loaf tin with olive oil, then coat with the breadcrumbs. Line the intact ziti around the base and sides of the tin, then fill with the remaining pasta and mince mixture, compressing it down as much as possible. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the timballo from the tin and serve with extra parmigiano, basil leaves (if desired) and the reserved sauce. 69 slim-magazine.com.au
clear. We’re tired, and those notions of hope and gratitude are a little harder to access. The idea of baking bread suddenly feels less fulfilling.
Cultivating Mental Resilience
IN THE AGE OF COVID-19 THE TERM “MENTAL RESILIENCE” HAS TAKEN ON A WHOLE NEW MEANING.
We’re not just born with resilience. For many people resilience is developed through experience and exposure to hardship and adversity. But we can cultivate our resilience through daily practises such as mindfulness, selfawareness, embracing flexible thinking, and reframing your narrative from negative to positive. AIA Vitality Ambassador, ultramarathon runner and professional endurance athlete Samantha Gash’s tips for fostering mental resilience during a pandemic have been tried and tested, and they might help you to navigate these trying times.
There are no shortcuts Nothing worthwhile can be achieved quickly or easily – that’s why I view progress as a long-term game and putting in the hard yards when nobody’s watching. With social media, it’s easy for people to glamorise the end product – that’s what people aspire to: the result. But you need to be prepared for the work it takes to get there, which both requires and fosters resilience. The long road to success involves trusting your process and keeping your end goal in mind.
The power of gratitude Challenges can shape us and can certainly enable us to become more resilient. Whenever I come up against a challenge or an obstacle, I try to see it as an opportunity for growth. Not only that: but being grateful for the areas of our lives that are going well,
even in difficult times, helps us maintain perspective and remain positive in the face of adversity.
Resilience is a muscle Have you ever tried doing something difficult when you’re upset, tired, or angry? Chances are, it was much more difficult than it would’ve been if you’d approached it from a good, centred and positive mindset.
The point is: there is no ‘end’ to resilience. You don’t just become a resilient person, and all of a sudden life is a breeze. You will continue to be challenged throughout your life in ways that you couldn’t possibly imagine, and you will need to access your resilience in different ways, using different techniques and methods. Maybe running helped you through the first lockdown, but now you just can’t face another kilometre? That’s OK. Run a bath, read a book, do some stretching – adapt and experiment, until you find something that works for you. Your resilience will look different under different circumstances, so keep looking for it.
Be kind to yourself It’s OK to allow yourself to feel all the emotions that run alongside the challenges we’re experiencing. Resilience isn’t about ignoring the way you feel. It’s about noticing how you feel and allowing it to move past. That is the foundation of resilience: not never feeling pain, difficulty, or adversity – that’s impossible. But feeling it, and making a conscious, calm decision about how you’re going to react to it.
Journaling is a good way to foster resilience on a daily basis. Maybe each night, you write down three things you’re grateful for, and three things you’re good at. You’ll more likely than not find that it’s quite difficult to write down the thing you’re good at, and that’s the point. The more often you challenge yourself to recognise what you can do, and what you are capable of, the more readily you’ll be able to access it in times of need.
Expect the unexpected (especially when you least expect it) Through the first lockdowns in Victoria, where I live, we seemed to get through with a sense of camaraderie, and with this hope that it wouldn’t take too long before things would return to some level of normal. We baked sourdough bread, had our Zoom social events, and bunkered down. When it was over, we gave ourselves a pat on the back, and moved on. And then the stage 4 lockdown came. This second lockdown feels different. The end – both of the lockdown and of the pandemic in general – is not so 70 slim magazine autumn 2021
SAMANTHA GASH Samantha is an Australian endurance athlete, inspirational speaker, author, social impact entrepreneur, mother and AIA Vitality ambassador. In 2010, she made history by becoming the youngest person and first woman in the world to complete the 4 Deserts Grand Slam ultramarathon event. She has since run numerous ultra-events around the world and raised $1.3 million dollars for charity in the process.
Annie Noon FOTOFORCE PHOTOGRAPHY
SLIM'S SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER, AMONG MANY OTHER ROLES, ANNIE HAS BEEN IN THE PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS FOR OVER THREE DECADES. HER BEAMING SMILE AND LENS NEARLY BIGGER THAN HERSELF ARE FAMILIAR SIGHTS IN THE SOUTH-EAST.
an advertising and fashion photo studio. This was the job I really wanted. Dozens of applicants and my appointment was at the end of the day on a Friday. As luck would have it, the lift jammed between two floors with just me in it. Voices came down the lift well that the technician was on the way. “Come down the pub on the corner when you get out!” On arrival at the pub the studio team yelled out “Now what are you drinking .. the jobs yours by the way!”
My pathway to a Photography career was filled with serendipity moments. Firstly, not knowing what on earth I was going to do on leaving school, I spied a job listed in the window of a suburban familywedding-portrait studio in Sydney.
After three years there, I took a deep breath and started my own studio, doing fashion spreads for Vogue magazine and catalogue shoots for David Jones. These days, I try to take time out to work on various photographic series for myself, for Arts sake. I’ve had exhibitions of my work around Australia. Some of my work is now housed in the Australian photography section of the Australian National Gallery, plus I have work in the NSW and Victoria state galleries.
I stayed for a year and that lovely family practically adopted me. Then I heard about a job with a large commercial photo studio at the top floor of the Strand Arcade. The owner as I later found out was a Phrenologist (they study the shape of the skull to indicate character) so I like to think I got that job because I had bumps in all the right places! One year on and I heard about an assistant’s job with
One of the highlights was when I received a Visual Arts Board Grant to photograph the Greek Islands which saw me based on Mykonos for 10 months, this in turn led to a five-year European journey. In London, I worked for Sotheby’s auction house. I met my husband – another crazy serendipity moment – and he is now a Photoshop wizard doing beautiful editing work for my imagery.
Here, Annie recounts her path to photography and how it still fascinates and motivates her.
I have always loved what I do. I constantly meet new people and have had some amazing experiences and seen some incredible sights along the way. 2021 sees me working on my ‘Lifestyle Library’ photo shoots, working with clients for concepts ahead of a threehour photo shoot in different locations. The client receives 150 finished images that they can use for website updates, lifestyle imagery, social media, press release, promotions and blogs. I get great satisfaction from these shoots as they utilise all my skills. Fotoforce photography fotoforce.com Tel: 0417 882 554
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OUR THREE MONTH COURSE OFFERS THE FOLLOWING LESSONS: Modelling & Deportment Photography • Speech & Communication • Skin & Hair Care • •
Make-up & Grooming Self Esteem • Image & Personal Development • Table Etiquette • Job Interview Technique • Microphone Technique • Casting & Television Tips • What is expected of a model on a movie set • Behind the scenes in the leadup to and at a runway parade • Model Kit • •
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PHONE SUE NOW – 0419 897 673
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Email: sue@suereesmodelling.com.au • www.suereesmodelling.com.au • 71 slim-magazine.com.au
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RUGGED BEAUTY BRIGHTEN UP YOUR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR SPACE WITH A MODERN RUG DESIGN THAT POPS WITH THE GEO STAR PLASTIC OUTDOOR RUG, GLACIER GREY FROM FAB RUGS. FROM $52.95. ZANUI.COM.AU
DAYDREAM IN YELLOW POSTER. AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS SIZES. RRP $40.60. DESENIO.COM
SUN SHOWERS THE BLUNT + STUDIO JASMINE UMBRELLA FEATURES HANDPAINTED FOLIAGE DESIGNS REMINISCENT OF PRESSED FLOWERS. AVAILABLE ONLINE. RRP $129. BLUNTUMBRELLAS.COM
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“PETROLHEADS” MIGHT NEED A NEW NAME
THE PORSCHE TAYCAN, THE FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC PORSCHE SPORTS CAR, LINKS THE COMPANY’S HISTORY TO THE FUTURE. IT MARKS A START OF A NEW ERA.
The Taycan 4S, Turbo and Turbo S are now available to order via Porsche Centres around Australia, with the Porsche Car Configurator now live with local specifications and pricing. The four-door sports sedan is a unique package, offering typical Porsche performance and connectivity with everyday usability. It has the soul of the Porsche, electrified. PERFORMANCE MEETS EFFICIENCY The flagship Taycan Turbo S can generate up to 560 kW / 761 PS* (horsepower) of overboost power in combination with Launch Control. The Taycan Turbo S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, the same acceleration figures as a 911 GT2 RS. It has a combined range of up to 405 km# when the battery is fully charged. The Taycan Turbo generates up to 500 kW / 680 PS* (horsepower) of overboost power in combination with Launch Control and completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds with a range of up to 420 km# when the battery is fully charged and a top speed of 260 km/h. Completing the line-up is the Taycan 4S, which produces up to 390 kW / 530 PS* (horsepower) of power and 640 Nm of torque, performance output coupled with a two-speed transmission and powered by a 79.2 kWh Performance Battery. The Taycan 4S accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. The range is 365 km# when the battery is fully charged.
The Performance Battery Plus package on the Taycan 4S is available as an option. It increases battery capacity to 93.4 kWh resulting in a notable performance increase of up to 420 kW / 571 PS* (horsepower) of power and 650 Nm of torque, as well as an increased combined range of 414 km#. CHARGING THE PORSCHE TAYCAN IN AUSTRALIA The Taycan is the first production vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts, instead of the usual 400 volts for many electric cars. This enables consistent high performance, reduces the charging time and decreases the weight and installation space of the cabling. It also boasts a maximum peak charging capacity of 270 kW (Performance Battery Plus). Australian models come with the Mobile Charger Connect as standard, providing intelligent charging functions as well as a Charging Cable (Mode 3) for use at AC public charging stations. For charging at 400 volt charging points, a 150 kW on-board DC-Charger is standard in Australia. In Australia, owners will have several ways to charge their Taycan, including High Performance Charging, Home Charging and Porsche Destination Charging. HIGH PERFORMANCE CHARGING Porsche Cars Australia has partnered with Chargefox, Australia’s largest EV charging network operator. Taycan owners will receive a complimentary three year subscription to the Chargefox Ultra-Rapid DC charging network (up to 73 slim-magazine.com.au
350 kW), and complimentary charging at selected Chargefox-managed Fast DC charging sites (mostly 50 kW)&. The complimentary subscription period begins on delivery of the vehicle. Owners can download the Chargefox app via Google Play or Apple App Store. HOME CHARGING When purchasing a Taycan in Australia, Porsche Centre sales consultants are able to arrange a Home Check service in order to determine installation requirements for charging at home. For that Porsche Centres have partnered with JET Charge who can deliver expert advice on home charging solutions. The Home Energy Manager can dynamically optimise the charging process in terms of performance, time and costs. This standard specification item, correctly integrated into your domestic power network, continually monitors the power requirements of your Taycan and the available output of the power supply. PORSCHE DESTINATION CHARGING When on the road, the Taycan, as well as Porsche plug-in hybrid models, benefits from the expanding Porsche Destination Charging network being installed across metro and regional sites. Check out the Taycan for yourself at Porsche Centre Gold Coast from the 27thFebruary. Porsche Centre Gold Coast 1 Harvest Court, Southport Tel: 5555 7911 porschegoldcoast.com.au
Socials………
CINDY BUTLER NAILS
Photos by Annie Noon of Fotoforce
Melbourne Cup at Mr. SLIM and LABEL readers donned their finery and flocked to Nobby Beach eatery, Mr. to celebrate Melbourne Cup day on a sizzling Gold Coast spring day. Cocktails on arrival, conversation with equally excited guests enjoying the opportunity to dress up and have a flutter. The three course meal was complemented by French champagne and live music. Festivities were prolonged until sunset, making the most of the excellent company and brilliant venue. Kate Bennett
MANICURE PEDICURE ACRYLIC SHELLAC
Emma Scott, Bronwyn Williams & Lillian Lopez
Niki Taylor & Chris Alston
NAIL ART GEL EXTENSION
Harrison Brown, Gaelle Garrier, Selena Taylor & Rick Taylor
Andrew & Jo Ferguson
0414 531 523 CINDYBNAILS CINDYB@HUSH.COM Jodie Hope & Janine Paynter 74 slim magazine autumn 2021
Jeni Bone & Elizabeth Austin
Socials………
Chris & Leisa Wayman
Peter & Kyra Crannage
Paula Duncan & Jessica Ball
Cindy Butler & Jenny Bird
Melissa Dickinson & Grant Thompson
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Marg Palmer & Zou Little
Travis & Elly McLean
Socials………
Photos by Annie Noon of Fotoforce
High Time TAG Heuer and Gold Coast Wonder Women held a High Tea & Shopping get together at the timepiece brand’s Pacific Fair Boutique. The preview of TAG Heuer's new collections was the opportunity for guests to update their Christmas lists with the impressive range of new watches to suit all tastes. Julianne Young & Donna Harwood
Dr Jason & Kim Free
Kirra & Shannon Graham
Dr Sanjay Mohindra & Azra Kujovic
Julie & Sheriden Billeau
Katy Smith Page, Poppy King & Pam Sturgess
Rebecca Baird & Tanya Bellchambers
Erica Maslen, Francine Setchell, Debbie Hopkins & Simone Dipple
Belinda Dawes & Kristy Mehrtens
76 slim magazine autumn 2021
Jewellery reveal
Ciufoli hosted its dazzling launch party at the home of Julia and Gordon O’Neil, celebrating their new bridal collection, ‘Segreto’ and introduction to the Gold Coast market. World-renowned jewellery designer Giacomo Ciufoli premiered his exquisite jewellery Maison Ciufoli on the Gold Coast following his official launch into Australia in August. With boutiques in Milan, Valenza and Adelaide, Ciufoli specialises in creating bespoke fine jewellery, as well as presenting original collections.
Socials………
Photos by Annie Noon of Fotoforce
Carol & John Nelson Giacomo Ciufoli & Adrian Villani Liz & Bill Clift
More at ciufoli.com
Jaclyn Kelly & Emily McCourt
Gordon & Julia O’Neil
Gerard & Ann Rivereau
Alain Benadretti, Viki Chatfield & David Nether
Jacob & Lidia Zinsli
No sugar added
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for healthy hair, skin and nails.
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Made in Australia
Socials………
Photos by Annie Noon of Fotoforce
Slim Spring Fling
The Edgewater on Capri private dining room was the intimate venue for SLIM’S Spring Fling luncheon. Supping on exquisite dishes and fine wines and Champagne, guests celebrated the start of summer and enjoyed a special appearance by energy healer, Leith Jensen. Special thanks for theming by Styled by Sasha and Flowers by Petal Palace.
Leith Jensen
Graziella Thake & Jacqui Latimer
Niki Taylor as Wonder Woman
Elly McLean & Suzanna Costello
Marg Palmer & Vanessa Voss
Katie Jones & Anna Lee
Julia O’Neil & Liz Clift
Mr. is your sanctuary to come eat… drink… and forget where you are.
N O B B Y
B E A C H
B O O K I N G S
E S S E N T I A L
WWW.MRNOBBYBEACH..COM (07) 5572 5572
78 slim magazine autumn 2021
Socials………
SCA Christmas at The Races The dress code was “fabulous” and so was the ambience at Gold Coast Turf Club Corporate Suites. Decked in festive finery, guests enjoyed a great day of racing under blue skies and were spoilt with 5-star cuisine and beverages as guests of Southern Cross Austereo, Triple M and Hit Networks. Ben Hannant, Bianca Dye, Justin Miller & Dan Anstey
Deb Kells-Roach, Kate Bennett & Rebecca Tuohy
Bianca Wise & Scott Day
Phil Cook & Chelsea Steber
Spida Everitt, Bridget Brousard & Sean Flanagan
Laura Culpitt, Sally Kulig & Kylie Hewitt
Scott Norris, Belinda Dawes & Joe Stenning
B L O N D E / B A L AYA G E S P E C I A L I S T
0422 079 837 SHOP 4/2223 GOLD COAST HWY MERMAID BEACH (DOWN THE ALLEY BESIDE BWS)
W W W. E L I S E R A E H A I R S T U D I O . C O M
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Subscribe &
TOTAL VALUE $3,500*
WIN!
WIN A THERMAGE TREATMENT PACKAGE FROM LA BEAUTY, PACIFIC FAIR, VALUED AT $3,500.
Before & After
TAKE CONTROL OF AGEING SKIN WITH THERMAGE, THE NON-INVASIVE SKIN TIGHTENING TREATMENT, PROVEN TO SOFTEN LINES AND TIGHTEN SKIN ON THE FACE, EYE LIDS AND BODY. IT STIMULATES EXISTING COLLAGEN AND PROMOTES NEW COLLAGEN GROWTH FOR A FRESHER, YOUNGER-LOOKING VERSION OF YOU.
As we age, the collagen that helps to keep our skin firm breaks down. This results in ageing skin, fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment uses radio frequency to heat the deeper collagenrich layers of the skin. The applied heat causes collagen to contract and encourages new collagen to begin growing. This helps to create smoother skin after just one treatment with results that will continue to improve. Thermage uses radio frequency technology to heat the deeper, collagenrich layers of the skin. It kick starts the body’s own natural renewal process.
SUBSCRIBE TO SLIM for just $30 To subscribe email your payment details to kate@slim-magazine.com.au. Competition closes 31 May 2021. SLIM is published 3 times a year: February, June and October.
80 slim magazine autumn 2021
The latest generation of Thermage also includes intelligent AccuRep technology. This uses real-time automatic calibration to optimise energy delivery, so you get a consistent skin tightening treatment that can improve over time, and the best part is, Thermage requires no ‘down time’, and you will see dramatic changes in your skin with a treatment once a year. Winner drawn 31 May 2021. Prize expires 31 July 2021. More at labeauty.com.au
A guide to living
your best life
In th e Sw im
SUMMERT’S HOTTES
win
NA GWINGAN LIFESTYLE RETREAT PACKAGE UP FOR GRABS!
MEN’S HEALTH l Sp ec ia
Cheriigsseyn T EARTH MOTHER
RECIP ES ADVIC E l l EXPER T l FASH ION l BEAU TY WELL NESS HEALT H &
l SOCIA LS
Stress Less Stress-busting activities to help you relax.
AS WE SAUNTER INTO 2021 WITH CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM, THERE ARE LIKELY TO BE CHALLENGES AND HURDLES TO FACE, BOTH PERSONAL AND AS A SOCIETY.
We all feel frazzled and overwhelmed at times. What we need is to set aside dedicated time for relaxation. Put down the phone, the tablet, walk away from the screen and really relax with some stress-busting activities that take us back to basics.
to have a green thumb. Surrounding yourself with plants has been linked to physical and mental health benefits, including slowing heart rates, improving memory and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
DO SOME GENTLE EXERCISE
Solve a puzzle, crossword or Sudoku. The focus you devote to these brain-teasing activities can take your mind off your worries and give your brain a problem that has a clearer solution.
Walking, stretching and wading water are gentle exercises you can do to help get your endorphins flowing. You can also try great muscle and mind relaxing exercises in meditation or yoga. SPEND TIME WITH A FURRY FRIEND Yes, you have permission to hug all the dogs, cats and furry animals you wish. Patting and cuddling a fluffy friend gives you warm ‘n’ fuzzies, quite literally raising your endorphins. TUNE INTO (INSTRUMENTAL) MUSIC Create a playlist of the instrumental versions of songs that make you feel calm. When you’re listening, try to tune into one of instruments being played and focus your attention on it for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat by tuning into another instrument and continue this until the song finishes. This is a type of meditative technique and useful for easing into sleep. SMELL A CUPPA That’s right, take a big whiff of your morning coffee or tea before you drink it. The scent of the drinks can be enough to help reduce your stress levels. SPEND TIME IN A GARDEN Various studies attest to the benefits of being in a garden without even needing
COMPLETE A BRAINTEASER
TRY ACUPRESSURE
Whether you have a solo singing session in your lounge room or join a dance class, singing or dancing (or both!) to music you enjoy is a good way to unwind and boost your mood.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need immediate relief, try acupressure. It’s a self-massage therapy that helps to balance your body’s circulation of fluids and energies. Use your thumb and index finger of your right hand to massage the soft area between the thumb and index finger of your left hand. After two-tothree minutes, switch and repeat. It can also help you use calming essential oils such as lavender.
SALUTE THE SUN
GET WET
SING OR DANCE
Find a sunny spot, close your eyes and lift your face towards the sun. Take slow deep breaths. Sit calmly for 10 to 15 minutes (remember to be sun-smart).
Have a warm bath, take a shower, dive into a pool or take a dip in the ocean; getting into water can help you to feel refreshed and relaxed.
BE GRATEFUL
CREATE SOMETHING
Write down all the things in life that you’re grateful for. Perhaps consider doing this each day. It can help keep you mind focused on being positive so that you have a better outlook when you face a difficulty. LOOK AT PHOTOS OF EVENTS THAT YOU REMEMBER FONDLY Dust off that old photo album or pull up your favourite snaps on your tablet. Looking at old photos from a day you enjoyed is sure to bring you joy. Better still, call someone who was at that event so you can reminisce together. 81 slim-magazine.com.au
Draw, colour-in, paint, knit, write, cook – do any activity that helps you express your creative flair. TAKE A NAP Sometimes when you’re feeling stressed, the thing you need most is sleep. If your mind is still going 100 kilometres an hour after you’ve hopped into bed, put on some calming tunes and put your phone on aeroplane mode. Then slowly tense and release one muscle in your body at a time. Source: beyondblue.org.au
n o i t a r Ins pi atim... Ve r b
R. BRIGHTE G G IN K O O E LOOKIN A DY L ’R E Y R E L H A T T IS 2021 . E WHA IES SHAR E F U L FO R T IT A R R B G E L E E R C A D TO AND F O R WA R
Halle Berry made history in 2002 as the first African-American to win the best actress Oscar for her role in “Monster’s Ball”. 2020 was a great year of firsts for women, Halle said, taking to Instagram: “We have the first black woman to run a major cable news network, the first woman to lead a major Wall Street bank, and the first female vice president-elect of the United States. There can’t be a second, third or fourth without a first.”
Bindi and husband, Chandler Powell were ecstatic to announce they’re expecting. “Baby Wildlife Warrior due 2021,” she wrote on Instagram. “Can’t wait for beautiful baby girl to arrive next year. She’s going to love all of our wild and wonderful adventures together. Chandler and I are proud to announce that we’re expecting! It's an honour to share this special moment in our lives with you.” BINDI IRWIN
HALLE BERRY
The Aussie actress is heading into the new year continuing the pursue healthy goals. The actress recently lost 30kg and bought herself a stationary bike emblazoned with ‘REBEL’. In November she pledged: “Hit my goal with one month to spare! Even though it’s not about a weight number, it’s about being healthy, I needed a tangible measurement to have as a goal and that was 75kgs.” REBEL WILSON
Teen music sensation and 5-time Grammy winner, known for her oversize clothes and lime-tinged hair, Billie proudly promotes body confidence. “The reason people are looking up to you is because you’re you. I love having kids relate to me and tell me that I make them feel comfortable in their bodies. Like, if I can do anything, I want to do that.”
In the final weeks of 2020, Ariana Grande announced she is engaged to real estate mogul, Dalton Gomez after 10 months of dating. “Forever n then some,” she captioned her Twitter and Insta posts with a close up of the ring. ARIANA GRANDE
BILLIE EILISH 82 slim magazine autumn 2021
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