Style Magazine Toowoomba February

m a g a z i n e

TOOWOOMBA FEBRUARY 2019

s ’ e n i t n e l a V y a D g n i t a r b Cele h t i w e v Lo

Kinky Boots

MEET CHARLIE AND LOLA FROM TOOWOOMBA’S UPCOMING PRODUCTION

Unique Art

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN THE TATTOO INDUSTRY

FA S H I O N

SHOPPING

H E A LT H

BEAUTY

MOTORING

T R AV E L

FOOD

EVENTS

ARTS

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style | contents

NOTE t’s the month of love and we’re super excited to show you what ISporting we have in store! a bit of a feminine look in our Valentine’s Day issue,

we’ve endeavoured to bring you everything from gift and date night ideas, to a passionate debate on whether or not people should participate in the hype of Cupid’s busiest day, and beyond.

Read the debate on page 36 and weigh in with your opinion by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Speaking to a local tattoo artist on page 8, Style investigated the perceived taboo on tattoos, and gender prejudices surrounding women with tattoos and female tattoo artists.

Find out what it takes to be a drag queen in the world–famous Kinky Boots production, and get all the backstage ‘goss’ from the two main characters and stage director.

Check out this sensational interview on page 10.

In this issue, we introduce a page dedicated to women in sport and fitness careers, showing off our city’s players, coaches, trainers, captains and much more.

Meet SWQ Thunder’s Louise Rolfe, on page 25.

If food is love, we sampled some great love this month at Parkhouse Café — check out the review on page 56.

See you next time, The Style team

CONNECT WITH US

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stylemagazinestoowoomba @stylemagazinestoowoomba

INSIDE STYLE 08 Whoever said tattoos aren’t feminine, lied 10 Here’s your backstage pass to Kinky Boots 14 Run in Toowoomba’s first ‘Pawathon’ 24 Save face with this beauty routine 25 Louise Rolfe tells us about her love for football 26 Kevin Creed makes progress with his fitness

36 The never–ending Valentine’s Day Debate 48 Strange world records to blow your mind 54 The Backstreet Boys are back with a new album 58 Take a drive through the Gold Coast Hinterland 60 Read about Warrick and Amie’s unexpected love 66 Crowds get creative with dress at Friday at the Flicks

contents | style

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CONTACT THE STYLE TEAM JOURNALISTS Darren Burton, Jessica Kramer, Leandri van Staden ADVERTISING MANAGER Marg Alexander Phone 4690 9422 Email advertising@thechronicle.com.au ENQUIRIES Phone 4690 9319 Email darren.burton@thechronicle.com.au Mail PO Box 40, Toowoomba QLD 4350.

Street 109 Neil St, Toowoomba.

Style magazine is published by News Regional Media. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to Style magazine undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the trade practices act or other laws, regulation or statutes. Further to the abovementioned these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements.

style | feature

A CHILD’S

BY JESSICA KRAMER

DREAM COME TRUE Local tattoo artist was obsessed with the art form from an early age

N

atasha Jade Williams had dreamed of being a tattoo artist since she was just a kid obsessed with her dad’s tattoos.

“I used to say to my dad as a kid that I would be a tattoo artist,” she says.

“I used to draw up designs or just sketch, and I would show artists in the community.”

Even as a child still, Natasha was eager to further her abilities and get a foot in the door.

“I would enter any art competition/show I could, and I would read any book I could on how to draw,” she reminisces.

And in the end, persistence paid off.

“Eventually after school, I uploaded my art online and was offered a placement in a Brisbane studio.

“I wasn’t there long before the studio closed and John Poole [Top of the Range studio here in Toowoomba] was in contact with me to continue learning in the industry in his studio.”

It’s now been six years since Natasha started tattooing, and these days see her well-known and respected as an artist in her own right at Top of the Range, with the backing of a very supportive family.

“My partner, sisters, mum and stepdad have all been tattooed by me,” she says.

Each day at the studio is very busy.

“We start our day with one appointment, then we take walk-ins for the afternoon,” Natasha says.

“Usually, there are enough walk-ins to fill our day.”

There are new people to meet daily as well.

“Some do become regulars, but we have a lot of people that travel,” Natasha explains.

8 | February 2019

As a female in a stereotypically male-dominated industry — at least in generations past — it could have been a concern for a future tattoo artist to step into this career, but Natasha has never been anything but confident.

“I don’t receive much negativity being a female in the industry,” she says.

“Being a female in the industry works in my favour at the moment as the ‘in’ style is very feminine, soft and delicate.

“I have a lot of female clients that do prefer to see a female artist... (and) I have had a few women in their late 70s to 80s who have come to see me for their first and only tattoo.”

She still creates her own designs, mostly with pencils but sometimes using a program on an iPad, and one of her favourite parts of her job is seeing that design come to life.

“When someone sees a design I have created and books in for it, it’s always a pleasure to tattoo something I have designed on someone for them to wear permanently,” Natasha says.

“I love when clients let me put my own spin to things.

“I have clients that follow my Instagram for designs that I may upload as an available tattoo.

“I love to do female faces, ‘Day of the Dead’ girls, floral designs, mandala designs, cartoon and quirky pieces,” Natasha enthuses.

“One of my favourites is handwriting from a client’s loved one — usually something quite small but it means a lot to them.”

As much as the designing is wonderful, however, Natasha’s favourite part of her job is the people.

“Before this job I was very quiet and www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

feature | style

‘‘

It’s always a pleasure to tattoo something I have designed on someone for them to wear permanently.”

NATASHA JADE WILLIAMS, TATTOO ARTIST

shy,” she explains.

“I now get to chat to all different types of people from everywhere, and I get to learn things I wouldn’t know otherwise.

“I hear a lot of travel stories, personal stories, gains, losses — people are happy to talk about almost anything and it keeps the day entertaining.”

Proof that even as a kid, you can follow your dreams and know what you want to do in life. www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

‘‘

I used to say to my dad as a kid that I would be a tattoo artist. I used to draw up designs or just sketch, and I would show artists in the community.

February 2019 | 9

style | feature

BY JESSICA KRAMER

Living and loving

the kinky life STYLE CHATS TO THE TWO LEADING FACES OF KINKY BOOTS

T

his musical coming to the Empire Theatre stage in March isn’t just about a great pair of shoes.

At its heart, the Cindy Lauper-written production is “about acceptance, tolerance, determination and love”, as director Alison Vallette put it.

“The title of the show may be off-putting to some people, assuming the term ‘kinky’ indicates some sort of deviant behaviour, but Kinky Boots is anything but!” she says.

“Kinky Boots is a show that has a great storyline and great music.

“For me personally, it’s hard to go past a really strong script,” she continues.

“The plot in Kinky Boots is fabulous and I’m very much looking forward to doing it justice on stage.”

The musical follows aspiring young business man Charlie Price as he tries to save his late father’s family business — a shoe factory.

Charlie finds unexpected inspiration when he meets Lola, a drag queen in need of some sturdy stilettos, and the unlikely pair discover they have more in common than they once supposed.

10 | February 2019

With excitement ramping up and rehearsals having started mid-January, Style magazine decided it was time to have a chat with the two men behind the main characters, Lola and Charlie.

Charlie is played by Highfields young man Sean Johnston, who is excited for his biggest role so far.

“I have had roles in the past where I have been required to perform and sing solo, but I can safely say that this role will be the biggest I have taken on so far,” Sean says.

While Sean has been in the performing arts scene since he was in Year 8 at high school, he discovered Kinky Boots away from home.

“I started acting and singing

‘‘

The story is beautiful. It’s about love and acceptance and standing up for people.”

TIMOTHY SPRINGS, LOLA

training more seriously in 2015, through school and community-based choirs and productions,” he explains.

“In late 2017, I started taking private vocal lessons and also started dance training at Dance Central Toowoomba.

“I was in Brisbane when I first saw Kinky Boots and I absolutely loved the production, so when I heard it was coming to Toowoomba, I was ecstatic that I could audition for a part in the musical,” he says.

“Probably the most exciting thing for me is being able to work alongside talented people who I will be able to learn new skills from that I can put into my own training.”

Sean’s character Charlie is described by him as being a bit awkward and unsure of himself to begin with, then developing into the man he wants to be along the journey.

“Rehearsals for the production started on the 12th of January and seeing where we’ve come with only a week of rehearsing, I can tell you right now that this production will be fantastic,” Sean enthuses. www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

feature | style

His family is very supportive of his keenness for the performing arts, and Sean has been in many local and school productions before.

“Performing live to an audience is a feeling that can’t be compared to anything else I don’t think.

“The way the audience reacts, and that instant feedback is its own thing.”

Timothy Springs, who plays Lola, has been professionally performing for the last 10 years but is still very keen for the role.

“I’ve never played a drag queen before; I’m super excited!” he says.

“Sassy, caring, confident...Lola knows who she is.

“It’s taken her a long time to find this person, but she is also sensitive.”

Timothy has a decent resume behind him in the performing arts, from the Broadway production of The Book of Mormon in Melbourne to Porgy and Bess in Russia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia and Poland.

“I’ve also done operas with Opera Australia, The Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera which was pretty exciting,” Timothy says.

He has been training since he was 15, originally from New York City and www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

moving to Australia five years ago.

“I went to a boarding arts high school in America called The South Carolina Governors School for the Arts and Humanities,” Timothy says.

“I was then accepted into Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School for university studies.

“My family are very supportive of my career — they know it makes me happy and are so marvelled that it’s literally taken me all over the world.”

His favourite part of performing overall is the travelling, meeting new people, and getting to turn into someone different, but his most anticipated part of his role in Kinky Boots is...

“The BOOTS! It’s not everyday that I can walk around in six-inch heels,” Timothy says.

“I also love that Lola encourages people to be who they want to be and to never let anyone stop you for that.”

But what interested Timothy in Kinky Boots in the first place?

“The story is beautiful,” he explains.

‘‘

Performing live to an audience is a feeling that can’t be compared to anything else I don’t think.”

SEAN JOHNSTON, CHARLIE

“It’s about love and acceptance and standing up for people.

“As they say in the show ‘you can change the world if you change your mind’.”

Once again proof that Kinky Boots is a show about more than a fabulous pair of shoes.

February 2019 | 11

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style | community

DON’T FORGET THE ANIMALS DURING THE MONTH OF LOVE

BE A DOG’S VALENTINE Take part in the Belle Vie Animal Rescue Paw–a–thon and show the animals some love s a not–for–profit organisation and registered charity, A Belle Vie Animal Rescue (BVAR) rescues and re–homes animals in South East Queensland.

They believe every animal deserves a beautiful life and rescues the kill–listed animals at pounds and the surrendered, neglected, mistreated and abused animals of the region, and helps them find their ‘forever homes’.

Every animal they rescue, gets the necessary veterinary treatments, like micro–chipping, vaccinations, desexing, parasite control and specialist surgeries, like dental work.

BVAR relies solely on donations from the community to be able to do what they do and will accept donations of food, bedding, toys, and money.

In a bid to raise funds this Valentine’s Day, they are hosting their first ‘Paw–a–thon’ on Saturday, February 16.

So, lace up your running shoes, take the pooch out for a couple of hours of mingling, and raise some money for the animals in need.

There will even be a prize for the best–dressed Valentine’s Day themed pooch.

If you don’t have a dog of your own, don’t worry — there will be plenty at the event for you and your friends to pet.

If you’d like to donate funds, contact BVAR by email on bellevieanimalrescue@gmail.com or on the Facebook page.

The ‘Paw–a–thon’ When: Saturday, February 16, from 4pm to 5pm.

Where: Queens Park, corner of Margaret and Lindsay streets.

Registration opens: 3pm.

Distance: 1km or 2km.

★ BVAR invites attendees and their pets to join them at Bar Wunder for a cool refreshment after the event.

14 | February 2019

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

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style | promotion

TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY I

f you think today’s youth simply ‘lie on the lounge and play on their phone’ then you haven’t met Toowoomba Region’s youth leaders.

The 25–strong group is an unstoppable force of enthusiasm and drive; fiercely committed to improving their community.

Today, we shine the spotlight on four of the Youth Leader volunteers: 1:: Breanna Hickling — 21 : Continually helping people through the Youth Leader program had such an impact, Breanna changed her university degree to incorporate a HR focus.

“Having co–ordinated a lot of projects over my time, you soon realise it’s not about YOUR projects but about bringing the community’s youth on board and having them share in the great events that are being staged.”

2:: Emelia Archibald — 17 : “We have some incredible services like D.I.S.C.O. and Gateway house and

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the like; it’s very rewarding to get involved with them and not just sit on the sidelines.”

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3:: Mahsa Nabizada — 15 : Originally from Afghanistan, Masha understands all too well the difficulties of coming to a new country. The language barriers, the anxiety of not knowing anyone at school or in your neighbourhood only adds to the feelings of isolation.

Masha created the ‘Backpack Program’ to help newly arrived parents understand school supply and booklist requirements.

4:: Jacob Oyat — 22 : While the ABCs will always be vitally important in our schools, Jacob identified a strong need to teach children “life skills” to assist facing the world on their own.

“Cooking, changing a tyre and managing finances are just some of

the areas we can focus on to give young people a sound foundation to learn the skills of becoming independent,” he said.

Toowoomba Region Environment and Community Committee chair councillor Geoff McDonald said the Youth Leaders program was invaluable when trying to engage with young members of our community.

“In our region alone, we have 36,000 people aged 14 to 24 years and the program is an opportunity to have them involved in planning for the future and driving the initiatives that will see our region progress,” Cr McDonald said. “Breanna, Emelia, Mahsa and Jacob aren’t the leaders of the future, they’re the leaders of the present and they’re an invaluable resource helping to steer Council in a very positive direction.”

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www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

community | style

ANDREW SLACK TALKS RESILIENCE

Resilience Breakfast When: Friday, February 15 Where: Sunrise Way, 9 Tourist Road Cost: $45

Tickets available online at toowoombatickets.com.au

n Friday, February 15, Sunrise Way will host O their Resilience Breakfast, a community fundraising event with former Wallaby Andrew

Slack as guest speaker.

Sunrise Way CEO Wendy Agar said their 2018 breakfast was such a success, they decided to turn it into an annual event.

“We’re so excited that Wallaby great Andrew Slack has agreed to be our guest speaker.

“His story about the resilience he has required in both his professional and private life is one I’m sure will be of interest to many people,” Wendy said.

Guests will also hear from one of Sunrise Way’s former residents about their personal journey, and learn more about the important role Sunrise Way plays within the local community.

“We provide an essential service to the community and are not fully funded, so fundraising activities like this breakfast are an important part of our activities.

“Initiatives like these enable us to help people from our region, who have been living with addiction, to rebuild their lives.

Tickets to the breakfast are $45 and can be purchased from www.toowoombatickets.com.au Sunrise Way is a 20–bed not–for–profit service supporting stronger and healthier communities in regional and rural Queensland through their 26 week rehabilitation program.

They recently won the Not–for–Profit Business of the Year Award at the 2018 Optus My Business Awards, the premier event of the year for SMEs. For more information on Sunrise Way and how you can help, visit www.sunriseway.com.au www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

Shop Online OR IN STORE

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February 2019 | 17

style | profile

Q & A with PHOTOGRAPHER

Matthew Edwards TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

I grew up in Toowoomba and have spent most of my life here, except for two years living on the Sunshine Coast and two years living in London.

I love to play golf, am an avid V8 Supercars fan and also love spending quality time with my wife and two young boys.

WHY PHOTOGRAPHY?

While living in London, I worked for Aston Martin and began photographing the cars for prospective buyers and for dealership events, which fuelled the urge to turn photography into work.

WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

Our wedding day was the most exciting day of our lives and we have photos on our walls as a constant reminder of how magical it was.

SCOOP I love that I can now be the person to capture the beginning of two people’s lives together and help them to cherish those memories.

IS IT HARD TO CAPTURE ‘THE PERFECT MOMENT’?

With everyone owning a smart phone, it can be difficult to capture perfect moments when guests want to do the same, but I do my best to not let it affect the image I capture.

More weddings are ‘unplugging’; almost forcing guests to live in the moment, not through their phone.

ANY ADVICE?

It takes a lot of time and dedication to make photography a career.

You need to spend hours at the computer, editing, answering emails, doing your own marketing and, at the same time, not forget why you love it and do it.

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fashion | style

TRADITIONAL RED AND PINK SHADES PAIR WITH NEUTRALS THIS YEAR

FASHION R

egardless of whether you have a date for Valentine’s Day this year or not, it’s nice to dress yourself up and own that room, just for yourself.

Celebrating your unique body and look is important every day of the year — and can even make you feel a burst in confidence — but special days are a pretty good extra excuse!

While years past have stepped away from the traditional ‘love’ colours of reds and pinks, 2019 is embracing them with fervour.

However, the trick with this style is to mute those stereotypical shades with calm neutrals.

A form-fitting red dress is pared back with a thin tan jacket casually thrown over, or a pink shirt is calmed with a lacy black one.

Finishing off the entire outfit with a necklace or other piece of jewellery is ideal... or drop a hint to your partner that you’ve been eyeing off 1:: Cami Shift Dress, $30 from Target.

2:: Alyce Paris dress in red, from NB Style.

3:: 9ct Gold Two Tone Diamond Circle Pendant, $599 from Angus and Coote.

4:: Sahara Top, $79.95 from City Chic.

5:: Annarak, $95 from Elly Rae Fashions.

6:: Black Crochet Trim Short, $69.95 from City Chic.

Dress to impress for yourself or your date this Valentine’s Day with these cute outfits that amazing pendant that would match this dress perfectly.

One of the great things about Valentine’s Day is you can dress for the occasion.

So many outfits combine smart casual with reds, pinks and neutrals so you can inwardly celebrate the day of love without becoming centre of attention, if that’s what you desire.

And, if you do want to be the centre of attention, there are many flattering outfits to choose from as well, with vibrant red always certain to turn heads.

This year’s trend of the casual throw-over coat can also be worked very much in your favour as your outfit goes from day to night — lose the coat and swap flats for strappy heels and you’re ready for an after-work date.

Finish off your look with some killer make-up and red lips.

MATCH BRIGHT OUTFITS WITH A NEUTRAL COAT

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www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

February 2019 | 19

style | opinion

SELF LOVE… B E C AU S E Y O U C A N ’ T FILL O THERS FROM AN EMPTY CUP.

BY SARAH KEELEY, STYLE COLUMNIST

W

Beautifully crafted Jewellery & Watches for every occasion!

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20 | February 2019

hen your days are filled with nurturing family, helping amazing clients and your emails and messages seems to scroll on for days, how do you make sure you make yourself a priority?

As they say on the aeroplane, "fit your own oxygen mask first before helping others". Make sure you are happy, healthy and strong within yourself, otherwise no one is getting the best version of you, especially you.

Prioritise your time with people and activities that bring you joy, expand your curiosity and be conscious of your health.

We reflect our surroundings and the people we spend most of our time with. So, why not make sure it’s with the people that you enjoy most or by doing activities that reflect the type of person you wish to be?

Clearing space and unused possessions is a great way to clear your mind and reduce stress.

Why hold onto clothes that no longer fit or are unwanted gifts? Don’t hold things that make you feel sad, guilty or stressed. They have served their purpose and now it is time to say thank you and good bye.

I see with many of my clients as we peel back the layers of their home, they start to feel lighter and more in control of their space.

They tell me they can think clearer and now have time to look after themselves and make their days work for them. Decluttering allows space for new opportunities to come into your life, opportunities that will refresh you.

Choose to put yourself first, just choose one thing (big or small) that you know is just for you.

A weekly facial at home, a daily walk in the park or even just half an hour a day to dream and colour in.

It is not selfish to set time aside so those you love the most can enjoy the happiest, best version of you. It is imperative. www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

February 2019 | 21

style | health and beauty

THIS YEAR’S BOLD AND NIFTY NAILS

FEEL YOUR VERY BEST

S

ay goodbye to the simple nude nails of last year and hello to a bolder look that stands out among the crowd.

If there’s a place you should be getting your nail trends from, it’s the catwalk, and this season did not disappoint.

From colour blocks of bright yellow or red and loud two-tones, to bold embellishments and metallic or glitter polish, this year’s nail philosophy is ‘less is more’.

Turning traditional designs on their head is also on-trend this season, with nude areas of nail moving from the tip to the nail base, or as a wide diagonal centre stripe to accent.

Also, don’t forget to change gel laquer for the innovative powder dipping.

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hat started out as helping her father recover from kickboxing bouts has grown into a thriving massage therapy business for Nami You. Originally from Korea, Nami saw the positive effects of massage and how it eased people’s discomfort and knew that would be her calling in life.

"I can’t forget the feeling of helping someone with their pain and seeing how better they feel after a treatment," Nami said. "I studied and got my qualifications and now work with a great team of professional massage therapists at our clinic at the Hooper Centre."

Nami takes great pride in the services the clinic provides, including remedial massage, pregnancy massage, lymphatic drainage and combining remedial and reflexology techniques.

With Hicaps and Health Fund rebates available, the team can have you feeling your best in no time.

To make an appointment, please call 4613 0334 or visit www.massageshoptoowoomba.com

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health and beauty | style

BEAUTY THAT’S GOOD FOR YOU AND THE ENVIRONMENT F

inally, a beauty trend that we can all get behind.

This past year saw the removal of single-use plastic bags from the vast majority of Queensland retailers, closely coincided with the cry to ban single-use plastic straws, cutlery and packaging as well.

It seemed, particularly towards the end of 2018, that being environmentally-friendly was ‘in’ and regardless of the reason behind getting on the band-wagon (honest conscience or simple profit), many companies were doing so.

So, it would only make sense for

Elly-Rae

the beauty industry to get on board, and by all accounts sustainable, eco-friendly beauty will be the biggest trend for 2019.

Brands are looking to reduce packaging for their products, or even eliminate it completely.

One company looking to remove all packaging is bath and beauty franchise Lush who, while they have been selling stand-alone bath bombs for years, are introducing container-less products such as solid make-up and shampoo.

Items that rely on airtight packaging for their effectiveness,

like the ever increasingly popular ampoule shots, are also looking to the future with innovative biodegradable vials.

Caring for our environment doesn’t come down to only the packaging in the beauty world, however.

Experts are predicting a rise in popularity this year for companies who are cutting back on water usage — both during production and the product ingredients for the company, and usage of water for the consumer.

Think powdered facial cleansers and dry sheet masks.

Another helping hand in sustainability this year is the reduction of steps in your beauty routine, and hence the reduction of disposables.

While last year saw the Korean 10-step routine take the world by storm, this trend has been toned back into a more streamlined approach with many products doing the job of two or three, while still maintaining the envied final look.

Regardless of what your own beauty routine and preferences look like, it is worth keeping an eye on the industry this year as we move towards looking after our earth so much better.

The Mother of the Bride needs Spoiling too!

Mother of the Bride Specialist Elly-Rae Fashions is known across the region for their impressive range of stunning Mother of the Bride and Groom Wear, sizes 8-24.

Looking for something Different?

You will be surprised by the large selection of “on trend” casual clothing and accessories, as well!

We specialise in Formal Wear for Babies & Children • Designer Kidz Melbourne – ready to wear designs • Execukids – ready to wear designs • R Divine – designer and handmade

No matter what your size or age Elly-Rae fashions will make you feel beautiful, modern & confident

Happy to make appointments for fittings and we offer personal assistance when selecting your garment for that special occasion.

We also have a dedicated range of christening wear and accessories.

Clothing, Gifts and Accessories

Shop 32A John St, Rosewood | Open Monday 10am to 2pm Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4pm | Saturday 9am to 1pm

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Know Anyone Getting Married in 2019?

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February 2019 | 23

style | fitness

Touching base with SOUTH WEST QUEENSLAND THUNDER’S

Louise Rolfe ne thing is clear: this striker has OAlways a deep love for football. encouraged to play sport by

her parents, she first took up swimming and tennis before eventually committing to football 18 years ago.

“My family always supported my participation in sport and, growing up in a regional area, it required a huge commitment from them,” she said, adding that weekends were spent travelling to training sessions and games, sometimes making 12–hour round–trips.

Her first representative coach, Kim Preece, inspired her and cemented her love for the game.

“He had a calm and encouraging coaching style, while also communicating information to the players effectively.

“He was a wonderful constant in my football journey and supported me in my transition to coaching.”

Having first played at a national

level when she was in high school, she has now spent the last two seasons playing for the SWQ Thunder in the WNPL and is looking forward to a third.

She started coaching women’s football when she was 18 years old, and will soon coach at SWQ Thunder and Harristown State High School.

“I feel like it’s my time to give back to a sport that’s given me so much.

“The most important role as a coach is to build confidence in players and encourage them to back themselves in their ability and decision–making.”

Despite there having been times when the women’s side of sport was taken less seriously, Louise said she is seeing more support for women in typically male–dominated sports.

“The change is being encouraged from the top and at the grass–roots level and there is a great base for girls starting their journey in development programs.”

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promotion | style DAY 1

TEMPTATION, THRASHED ince Kevin Creed joined The S FitLab and took on a 25–week lifestyle challenge, he has had to

battle (arguably) the ultimate threat to staying on the health wagon — the festive period.

Typically a time of over–eating and low activity, the holiday season can be an incredibly difficult time to stay on track to reach your health goals.

Among the temptations in the Creed household, was the Pavlova.

“I could easily have finished the whole thing myself, but I only had a bit,” he laughed, adding that he even put in a gym session on Christmas Day to make up for his indulgence.

In addition to a tailored exercise program keeping Kevin busy seven days a week, he has been following a high–protein diet and has been paying attention to his calorie intake with the help of a calorie tracker

application on his mobile.

“I kept it under 2000 calories on Christmas Day,” he beamed.

He said he has realised the value of nutrition and the difference it makes to hunger and energy levels.

“I found that I was eating because I thought I should be eating, not because I was hungry,” he said.

“You need to fuel yourself — your body is an engine — but I sit at a desk for most of the day, so I don’t do enough to justify eating more than I do,” he said, adding that his diet keeps him happily satiated.

Dealing with the temptation of malty beers flowing at New Year’s Eve parties came surprisingly easy.

Kevin said working on his fitness made him think about how many beers he’s prepared to have when he goes to the pub, weighing it against how hard he worked at training.

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KEVIN’S LIFESTYLE CHANGE WITH THE FITLAB “I had a couple of beers over Christmas, but found I don’t need to have a beer in hand to be social at the pub — it’s a mindset and I’m changing it slowly,” he said.

‘Day 1’ for Kevin was Wednesday, November 21.

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style | beauty

Cherry LIPS Feel all the passion of a Valentine’s kiss with this modern and seductive make–up trend. Often called ‘cherry lips’ or ‘just bitten lips’, this gradient style concentrates the colour to the inner part of the lip, creating a youthful, subtler version of ombre.

TENNIELLE COPSON, BEAUTY SPECIALIST

YOU WILL NEED

■ Lip primer ■ Concealer ■ Two shades of pink lipstick or lip gloss (light and darker shade) ■ Setting powder

STEP 1

Prep the lips by applying a lip primer.

This will help moisturise them and make the make–up last longer.

STEP 2

Use a fluffy brush to apply a little concealer to the outer portion of your lips.

Blend the concealer lightly towards the centre to fade your lip colour.

STEP 3

Take a soft neutral pink lipstick or gloss and apply it to the centre of the lip, gently fading the colour to the outer edges.

STEP 4

Apply a darker pink lipstick colour once more to the centre and blend the two colours until you achieve a gradient lip look.

STEP 5

Next, place a tissue over your lips.

Using an invisible setting powder and a fluffy blush brush, lightly tap the powder onto the tissue.

The powder will absorb the excess moisture of the lipstick to help keep it in place.

For best results you want a stained look, as opposed to accurate precision.

Use soft edges to give you that ‘just–kissed’ appearance.

26 | February 2019

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beauty | style

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

February 2019 | 27

style | promotion

IT’S THAT LOVELY TIME OF YEAR AGAIN

BY LYNN ARMSTRONG, PRACTICE LEADER AND ACCREDITED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST

C

hocolates, flowers and cards everywhere! If you are in the midst of a separation this time of year can be particularly difficult.

It remains important, regardless of the time of year, to forward plan about where you would like to be sitting in say six or 12 months.

Most people, if going through separation, would say that they want it over. This would be a very common sentiment, and leaves the path open for moving forward, maybe onto brighter and better things, or maybe even a new relationship.

Over my many years as a family lawyer, I have been told by so many

28 | February 2019

clients (much more than 70 per cent I would say) that they will "never" get into a relationship again.

I have also seen the same people with the glow of new love come back to let me know they were engaged, or married, or need their financial future protected by way of cohabitation-type agreement (the Australian version of the American pre-nuptial agreement).

Australian law does enable people to enter into both cohabitation agreements (when living together or considering it), and separation agreements, which provide for the way property, funds and debts will be

separated if your new love doesn’t go according to plan.

Once a document is prepared, and both parties have sought the required independent legal advice, the agreement can then be put away.

If the relationship doesn’t falter (which we all hope it doesn’t), there is no need to rely on the agreement, which becomes the background safeguard for you both.

The agreement only comes into effect if the parties have a separation declaration completed appropriately, after separation.

I have often heard back from clients that the agreement has enabled them to not be as concerned as they may have been about the financial impact of aspects of a relationship, such as buying a home, and enables the parties to just be happy.

I can say that NOBODY who has gone through a separation, and arrangement in respect of parenting and distribution of property, ever wants to head down that path again.

Speak to a qualified family law solicitor so you can be advised how to plan for your future security during each step of a relationship.

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style | lifestyle

THE ‘BIG C’ GOES SOCIAL JOIN THE ONLINE MOVEMENT THIS WORLD CANCER DAY onday, February 4, is World M Cancer Day. An initiative of the Union for

International Cancer Control (UICC), World Cancer Day aims to save lives by raising awareness about cancer and encouraging people around the world to take action.

On World Cancer Day, everybody, the world over, can unite in the fight against cancer.

The initiative aims to prevent millions of deaths each year by pressing governments and

individuals across the world to take action against the ‘Big C’.

According to the UICC, at least one third of cancers are preventable.

Launching a three–year online campaign for impact under the hashtag #IAmAndIWill, the UICC is asking what you will do to reduce your cancer risk.

The ‘I Am And I Will’ campaign is built to resonate, inspire change, and mobilise action long after the passing of World Cancer Day. It is a call–to–action that requires

personal commitment and offers a chance to create a long–lasting impact through public engagement.

The message is clear: Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer for yourself, the people you love, and for the world.

To welcome the new theme, the UICC have created the first World Cancer Day augmented reality Facebook filter, which celebrates each person’s power to make a positive impact by showing off your inner superhero.

Speak up and share your ‘I Am And I Will’ message on social media, adding the hashtags #IAmAndIWill and #WorldCancerDay to your posts.

If you’re feeling brave, you can even broadcast your message via the Facebook Live feature.

Messages like ‘I am a student and I will be an oncologist one day’, ‘I am a journalist and I will spread the facts’, or ‘I am a cancer survivor and I will tell my story’, are just a few examples of what you can do to join the online movement.

Get out there this World Cancer Day and make the difference only you can make.

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style | opinion

CONNECTION IN RELATIONSHIPS

BY ELSPETH HASWELL-SMITH, STYLE COLUMNIST

I

n this day and age, we are more 'connected', yet report more loneliness and isolation than ever before.

Feeling vulnerable in a relationship can then lead to disconnecting from your partner.

The most common issues that arise in relationships that can impact our connection are sex, money, communication, addiction, and work/life balance.

Here are some simple strategies to keep connected and in a loving relationship: Community

ALWAYS MAKE TIME TO TALK TO YOUR PARTNER

Studies have found that being part of a community is a protective factor in relationships. Communities can help us get through tough times and provide support, encouragement and wisdom to overcome areas in our life where we are struggling.

Seeking help before problems arise

The beauty of people is that we are all different but our differences, when in relationships, can sometimes become an issue.

Understanding the differences in each other and establishing support to address the potential problems is an important step in any relationship. If we do not address these issues, they can become a much larger problem than need be.

The danger of thinking "We can figure this out on our own" creates an unhealthy reliance on our partner and can leave us feeling isolated in the problem.

Create activities that create connection

I see many disconnected couples that have forgotten how and why they enjoy spending time together.

In a world full of distractions such as social media and technology, we have simply forgotten how to turn it all off and enjoy eating dinner together and discussing our day. Think about those areas of your relationship where you can create more activities that are focused on spending quality time together and implement them daily.

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February 2019 | 33

style | promotion

A NEW YOU C

onveniently located at 300 West Street, Westridge Medical’s general practice has long built a reputation for professionalism and quality patient care.

That service is set to expand with an impressive range of cosmetic treatments now available.

Practice manager Georgie Harden said the team was very excited about the new services on offer which included treatments such as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), Cool Sculpting and anti-wrinkle injections; as well as dermal and laser treatments.

“Previously, the only option for patients was to go to the eastern side of Toowoomba. Now, through our clinic at the Westridge Shopping Centre, we can provide the same professional services without the long drive and inconvenience,” Georgie explained.

Georgie said another major positive was having Dr Vinu Ramnanan personally offering the

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procedures for their patients.

“When it comes to our bodies, none of us are perfect – and it can sometimes be embarrassing to address our flaws.

“As a female, Dr Ramnanan can instantly put her patients at ease and make them feel more comfortable as she is the actual doctor delivering the service. It can be far less intimidating.”

With her broad medical experience and extensive training in the new services available, Dr Ramnanan said 2019 was going to be a standout for the clinic.

“We see this year as being a big one for the Medical Centre as we have a number of new doctors coming on board as well as the cosmetic innovations,” she said.

“We know we’re going to improve a lot of lives this year.”

Dr Ramnanan said many of the treatments were simply ‘lunch-time procedures’.

“They’re not intrusive, they don’t cause discomfort or require medication, so you can have your appointment and be back at work without interruption to your day.”

Westridge Medical is excited to welcome our new Doctors to the practice.

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promotion | style I can’t put up a picture

LANDLORDS JUST DON’T CARE

BY ROS BURTON – PRINCIPAL, THE REAL ESTATE PEOPLE

O

r so I’m told by disgruntled tenants.

But I think that’s a little unfair.

Sure, many successful investors own property, but they don’t all treat you like you’re about to land on Monopoly’s Park Lane.

A good number of landlords are mum-and-dad investors who have taken a big leap to purchase their first investment property.

In their early years, they too started out renting and now are looking to shore up their retirement (with all the mortgage stress and associated costs that property investment brings).

I think tenants can often have a bad impression of landlords because, as the owner of the property they rent, it’s easy to label them the bad guys when an issue arises.

Here are some of the major concerns we get from tenants: The landlord won’t fix anything

If a hot-water system packs it in, then it SHOULD be fixed immediately. That’s the law. But requests for air-conditioning or a new front fence can take time. Many landlords have budget constraints (like all of us) and mightn’t have immediate funds to address a tenant request.

Some landlords DO have a blanket rule that no walls can be touched.

Often, this has come about after countless hooks have been haphazardly scattered across every wall in the home without permission (costing a fortune to patch and repaint). Discuss your picture placement and they may well agree to a compromise.

I can’t have pets

Many landlords fear the damage that can be done to a house (or yard) by animals and can be cautious when pets are mentioned. But many are pet owners themselves and fully appreciate how fur babies are a big part of your family. A good property manager will perfectly match the right tenant with the right house or unit.

Like any relationship (and that’s what you have with landlords and tenants), good communication is the key.

If you have an issue as a tenant, contact your property manager and discuss available options to have the problem addressed quickly and cost-effectively. A solution that benefits both parties could be a simple email or phone call away.

We say what we do… and we do what we say

At The Real Estate People, we consider our word is our bond and we understand how clear communication and following through on promises is an integral part of good customer service.

So, whether you’re buying, renting or selling, call us today or visit our Herries Street office and discover how we can help you sleep easy at night.

289 Herries St, Toowoomba | 07 4633 8899 (just up from Glennie School)

www.therealestatepeople.com.au www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

February 2019 | 35

style | opinion

THE VALEN SHOWD IN THE RED CORNER: Fighting for all things love, fluff, relationships, and expensive dates, it’s —

LEANDRI VAN STADEN

et’s face it — we all love being L spoiled and feeling like the centre of someone’s universe.

Yes, if someone loves you, they should be making you feel special every day.

But, as most people can attest to, this can be a bit more complicated than it seems.

Even though you and your partner love and respect each other every day, work and life commitments may preclude you from having a couple’s bath (complete with champagne and rose petals) every day.

This is why we need Valentine’s Day; it’s the only day of the year on which we can justify the most ridiculous displays of romance.

SHAMELESS INTIMACY

This is the one day of the year we’re all encouraged to behave like we’re living in a steamy romantic comedy.

Draw a bubble bath, scatter rose petals on the bed, light candles, and break out that bottle of massage oil you bought a year ago.

It’s also an opportunity for your favourite lingerie to make an appearance and for you to realise you’re loved just the way you are.

RIDICULOUS GENEROSITY

Yes, being expected to buy something incredibly expensive just because it’s Valentine’s Day, is wrong.

However, if you want to buy something really special, go ahead.

Think of the old man who bought a new wedding ring for his wife after she lost hers — a truly special and deeply appreciated gift.

Being generous with your thoughts, consideration and understanding, is just as intoxicating as being generous with diamonds, vacations and roses.

UNSTOPPABLE BRAVERY

Love is a powerful thing; it inspires us to be better, braver, and willing to do whatever it takes.

Valentine’s Day is the catalyst for people to confess their love, which is an incredibly brave thing to do.

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opinion | style

NTINE’S DAY DOWN IN THE BLUE CORNER: Weighing in with a considerable argument against Cupid and his friends, it’s —

JESSICA KRAMER

alentine’s Day can be great if V you’ve got a partner or are a sucker for all things nauseating

sweetness, but dedicating one day to the celebration of love seems a bit ridiculous.

IT’S NOT INCLUSIVE

What, you’ve not got a date or partner on V–Day? Horror of horrors!

Even the most content of singles can get impatient with their coupled friends trying to set them up so they are ‘not alone’ on this ‘special day’.

Seriously, just supply them with a sick bag for when all the lovey gushing comes from everyone’s mouths, and they’ll be right.

For those who wish they had a

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partner, Valentine’s Day is like a slap in the face where you can’t even distract yourself by hanging out with friends, as they’re all...at home ...with their partners...

LOVE ISN’T A ONE-DAY AFFAIR

Even if it’s not an overly romantic gift or bubble bath, love can be shown every day of the year through actions and words; sometimes it’s the little things that make the most difference.

Take the time to learn what makes your partner feel loved most — it could be a helping hand with a project, or encouraging words, or your undivided time doing something together — and implement them into

everyday life.

RIDICULOUS GENEROSITY

Don’t get me wrong, most people enjoy receiving a gift.

But the stereotypical Valentine’s Day gifts and treats have faults.

Chocolates or bubbly? Thanks to you from my waistline for that extra sugar I felt obliged to consume because it was a gift.

Flowers? Dead in a week.

A card? Collects dust or uses storage room until it eventually joins the landfill.

And what the heck am I supposed to do with that stupid teddy bear?

Jewellery? That maybe I’ll take.

February 2019 | 37

style | interior

A P E R S O N A L S A N C T UA R Y I

t’s no secret that times are changing, and many people feel concerned or not secure in the shifting sands of our world of late.

As usual, trends change from year to year and season to season, but generally they are more a reflection on the more shallow desires of people — colour, textures, style.

This year, however, experts are predicting — and already seeing — a shift in this.

The main trend that is set to stay for the entirety of 2019 is making the home a sanctuary, a place of nature and nurture where people can feel safe and comfortable.

YOU CAN

This means a high emphasis on round shapes and gentle curves, with minimal harsh corners.

Think bulbous lamp stands and decor balls in woven rattan bowls.

Speaking of rattan, natural fibres and neutral colours are also expected to add to the sanctuary feel of the home, with woven materials like rattan, cane and grasses used for blanket boxes, side tables and decor items.

Even woven chairs are making a comeback between the natural nature of them and the accompanying trend that sees the outdoors brought in and vice versa

— think luxurious outdoor living settings coming inside for everyday use.

Interior decorating’s colours this year have an emphasis on the natural as well, with terracotta expected to only get bigger both in colour and material, as well as the same for concrete and wood.

For those of us who don’t want to turn the house upside down to completely redecorate, this year’s trend also suits well.

Adding soft furnishings and other items that speak “comfort” or “sanctuary” to you is all you need to make your house the place to be.

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exterior | style

GREAT ADVICE TO GIVE YOUR HOME THE ‘WOW’ FACTOR

CREATE A SPECIAL LOOK WITH THESE ADDITIONS A

hhh, home sweet home.

There’s nothing nicer than hitting your driveway after a long day at work.

But do you feel welcomed, or does the street appeal of your home make you want to throw the car into reverse and keep going?

First impressions count, and creating a great front yard that’s the envy of the neighbourhood doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.

Here are a few simple additions you can make that will have your house looking a million dollars:

looking for impact by flooding the garden with an over-abundance of colour. Unfortunately, that can soon lose its appeal in dry weather or seasonal changes.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Most gardens already have a natural backdrop of limes and dark greens in their foliage.

Simply add a strategic cluster or two of white hydrangeas for a vibrant front yard that really pops.

BE A TRAILBLAZER

WATER GOOD IDEA

THE WHITE ADVICE

All too often we can be tempted into

M W OO N NE R PE OWW O SH NO

amongst your favourite plants as a tranquil natural feature or keep it as a stand-alone statement piece (as part of your entrance pathway) and let it boldly direct visitors to your front door.

Whether it’s tucked away in the corner of your property or on show to the world, a cascading water wall is a guaranteed game changer. Hide it

Forget that ‘oh so boring’ concrete strip that runs symmetrically from gate to front door.

You’re more creative than that.

A sweeping stone pathway interlaced with lush natural lawn is not only practical in wet weather, it can also make a striking contrast that will instantly make a statement.

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February 2019 | 39

style | promotion

BABY AND PARENTING SUPPORT SERVICE ST VINCENT’S PRIVATE HOSPITAL LAUNCHES NEW SERVICE

W

elcoming a newborn into your family is one of life’s most precious moments – but what happens when your new baby does not settle and a lack of sleep turns your joy into a nightmare?

Help is at hand with the launch of the Baby and Parenting Support Service (BAPSS), a new service at St Vincent’s Private Hospital designed to help parents, who require support and guidance with their new baby.

BAPSS is based on the latest evidence-based approach to attachment parenting and is delivered by trained paediatric nurses, who work with an admitting paediatrician, to guide and support the mother as she learns to interpret and respond to the needs to her baby.

BAPSS is run over three nights in the hospital.

Mother and child are required to stay overnight in the Paediatric Unit where the experienced BAPSS team is on hand to provide support and expert advice.

On arrival in the unit, the BAPSS team develops personalised plans, in consultation with each family, to address the specific challenges they are facing.

One-on-one education sessions are offered on topics such as sleep and settling, breastfeeding, crying, normal baby behaviour and building a secure attachment with baby.

Also on offer is expert advice from dietician and occupational therapists who provide sessions on mother and

baby nutrition, feeding difficulties, and the importance of self-care and play.

Families with children aged from birth to 12 months are able to access the BAPSS program; however please be aware, a referral from a general practitioner to a paediatrician is required.

Parenting can sometimes seem overwhelming – if your baby is not settling well and you are feeling increasingly stressed or anxious, please speak to your GP. For more information on the St Vincent’s Private Hospital Baby and Parenting Support Service, please visit: www.svpht.org.au/ our-services/clinical-services/ baby-and-parent-support

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40 | February 2019

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February 2019 | 41

style | lifestyle

BACK TO BASICS Gift ideas for that difficult–to–buy–for person in your life

right gift can sometimes seem like a fine art.

Paying attention might not necessarily be your saving grace — some people are simply harder to buy gifts for than others.

They won’t exclaim with glee when they see something they really like, tipping you off and ensuring their hints are cottoned on to.

When asked, they will tell you there’s nothing they want or need (and they will be perfectly honest).

They might not have obvious interests or engrossing hobbies for you to use as inspiration.

When it comes to these kinds of people, you’re better off sticking to the basics:

FOOD & DRINK

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Give the gift of relaxation this Valentine’s Day and join your partner for a classic treatment.

No need to worry about skin sensitivity or allergies — if you make sure to book the treatment at a reputable salon, the specialists will ask all the right questions and use all the right products.

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lifestyle | style

YAY OR NAY? Do you know what foods you can and can’t feed to your dog?

hile dogs tend to eat anything W they can reach, there are some everyday human foods that are bad

for them — some even capable of killing your beloved ‘fur–baby’.

Yes, dogs can eat many items generally classified as ‘human food’, but they cannot eat it all.

Just because they love the smell of beer and chocolates, does not mean they can ingest it safely, so don’t trust to their eager sense of smell to guide you.

It all comes down to metabolism; in other worlds, dogs metabolise some foods very differently than humans do.

YOUR DOG CAN EAT:

YOUR DOG CAN’T EAT:

■ Grapes and raisins — These tasty human treats can lead to rapid kidney failure in your dog.

■ Chocolate — Your favourite guilty pleasure contains theobromine and caffeine, both capable of inducing internal bleeding and seizures in ‘Fluffy’.

■ Macadamias — Not all nuts are safe; these beauties can cause tremors and muscle weakness when fed to your dog, even in small quantities.

■ Avocados — Although they are chock–full of good things for humans, they contain persin, which

is poisonous to dogs and can lead to fluid accumulation in their lungs.

Other food your dog should never be fed, include onions, coffee, tea, alcohol, nutmeg, lemons and limes, raw yeast dough, and potatoes.

Limit your dog’s intake of cheese and milk, as lactose intolerance is common in most dog breeds and can make them uncomfortable.

Always check before feeding your furry friend a treat that’s not formal dog food, just to be on the safe side.

Even a simple internet search can reveal the truth.

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■ Carrots — Both raw and cooked carrots are low in calories and filled with vitamins and minerals beneficial to you and your pooch.

■ Peanut butter — While it may be funny (and safe) to feed your dog peanut butter, too much of a good thing can lead to weight gain.

■ Cashews and Almonds — These nuts are safe in moderation, again due to their fat content.

■ Eggs — Full of nutrition, cooked eggs are safe for dogs to eat (while raw eggs carry the risk of Salmonella and should be avoided).

Other food items your dog can safely eat, include blueberries, popcorn, de–boned salmon, pineapple, watermelon, bread and bananas.

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February 2019 | 43

style | opinion

BY NIVARD NELSON, STYLE COLUMNIST

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DRIVING TOURISM IN OUR REGION? I

s that the role of Toowoomba Regional Council as local government authorities? The former entity of Visit Darling Downs which had been set up to disrupt the current set up? Existing promoters Southern Queensland Country, or the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce?

I say all four had a role to play

‘side by side and with the help of each other’ in promoting us, the Darling Downs region.

All these entities did a fantastic job of promoting, supporting and enabling businesses who align with them to prosper and grow, but there seemed to be no support to grow the region as a whole.

These groups, support networks,

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champions for the region were working for their stakeholders.

And yes, that is who they need to work for – but, as a community, we are also stakeholders and we should have been holding them accountable for growing tourism into our region.

They were all fighting for their own identity, their own purpose, and I believe their own importance.

But, within that fight, what was being lost is the focus on the region.

This amazing region we all call home.

These groups (and I should also include all the relevant councils – Southern Downs Regional, South Burnett, Lockyer, Scenic Rim, Goondiwindi, Western Downs and TSBE) all needed to be involved as we all benefit from the amazing opportunities that are out there.

We need to work together to promote the amazing diversity of our region and what it has to offer.

With cheap holidays being offered both interstate and overseas, we need to be working on promoting our region to capture these tourists because, when we have, they will become advocates for our region.

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lifestyle | style

BINGE—WATCHING T H E G O O D, T H E B A D, AND THE MIDDLE GROUND nybody who has ever spent the A weekend curled on the couch, binge–watching Outlander or

Stranger Things will know how intensely satisfying it can be.

And how tired you end up feeling on Monday.

Not to mention how hollow you can feel when a particularly enjoyable series comes to an end.

According to a survey done on behalf of Netflix, 61 percent of users regularly watch between two to six episodes of a show in a single sitting.

In fact, 361,000 people watched the full second season of Stranger Things on the day of its release.

All those hours spent on the couch can’t be good for you, can it?

Well, some experts say binge–watching can actually have beneficial effects.

In the same Netflix survey, 73 percent of people reported positive feelings associated with binge–watching.

You wouldn’t do it if you didn’t enjoy it, after all.

Binging is a proven stress reliever, when done within reason.

High–quality TV shows can even increase your emotional intelligence, making you more empathetic, as you’re constantly seeing things from the viewpoints of the characters.

Binge–watching with a loved one can bring you closer together, creating a shared experience you both enjoy and can talk about.

On the other hand, some experts say there are significant negatives connected with binging a show — anything from becoming more anti–social to getting addicted and suffering heart failure.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, adults who watch more than three hours of TV a day, double their risk of an early death.

The study asserts that this level of inactivity leads to an increased risk of various health issues, like heart disease and diabetes.

So, if you decide to have a movie marathon, take mini–breaks to stand and stretch, snack on healthier options, and make sure you’re not doing it alone (to fight the anti–social monster in you).

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February 2019 | 45

style | weird and wonderful

Lamingtons, loom bands and labs, oh my!

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE STRANGEST AND BEST WORLD RECORDS, SET IN TOOWOOMBA AND BEYOND

T

here are very few people you meet who are not interested in hearing about a World Record.

From outlandish scientific breakthroughs to ultimate geeky collections, to the downright strange, it seems there’s something for everyone to feel amazed about.

Our own Garden City has been home to four records officially recognised by Guinness World Records:

LARGEST LAMINGTON

Possibly the best known of our held records, on June 11, 2011, the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Quality Desserts made the

largest lamington.

It beat the previous record by just a kilo, weighing in at 2361kg.

LARGEST WOBBLE BOARD ENSEMBLE

In August 2009, students at Harristown State High School set this record by playing Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport with 1207 participants.

The performance lasted for more than six minutes.

LONGEST LOOM BAND BRACELET BY A TEAM

This massive loom band bracelet measured in at 26,695 metres.

The record attempt was organised

by Jasmine Smith to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

LONGEST RUNNING LABORATORY EXPERIMENT

Since 1927, the Pitch Drop Experiment has been running at the University of Queensland, initiated by its first physics professor Thomas Parnell.

The experiment consists of a funnel with cooled pitch inside, which slowly

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weird and wonderful | style

drops into the reservoir below — the speed of which depends on seasonal changes in temperature and climate.

Only the ninth drop of pitch fell in 2014, so this experiment will likely run another hundred years.

Then, of course, there are those records you’ve never even thought of — both in Australia and around the world.

Some of the strangest Style magazine found are:

■ The largest ball pit — heaven for children and children-at-heart, over two million balls were put in the 1442.4 sq m World Ice Arena in China in 2015.

■ Largest gathering of people dressed as sumo wrestlers — even better, the 293 participants did a fun run in the inflatable suits in Ireland, 2015.

■ The longest acronym is the 56-letter NIIOMTPLABOPARMBE TZHELBETRABSBOMONIMONK

ONOTDTEKHSTROMONT stands for “the laboratory for shuttering, reinforcement, concrete and ferroconcrete operations for composite-monolithic and monolithic constructions of the Department of the Technology of Building-assembly operations of the Scientific Research Institute of the Organization for building mechanization and technical aid of the Academy of Building and Architecture of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.”

■ Longest onion cake — led by Germany’s Hans-Dieter Slobodkin, this 27-metre onion cake took almost 12 hours to bake.

■ Most people applying facial masks — in 2017, a staggering 8298 people put on facial masks in Shanghai, China.

■ Heaviest mantle of bees — can you imagine having almost 640,000 bees crawling over you? That’s what China’s Ruan Liangming did with 63.7kg of the insects, including 60 queens.

■ Longest eyebrow hair — 81-year-old China man Zheng Shusen’s eyebrow hair measured in at a whopping 19.1cm in 2016.

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February 2019 | 47

style | lifestyle

DATE NIGHT SORTED Showing the love on Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be hard

ith so much pressure on you to W pick the perfect gift, put together the most unforgettable day,

SHOW OFF YOUR SENSITIVE SIDE

Book a table at that street–side café you both like so much.

Take the opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come in your relationship, and share your hopes and plans for the next year.

or just make the impossible possible, it’s easy to forget what Valentine’s Day was meant for.

Whether you and your partner are the stay–at–home types, adventure junkies, or hopeless romantics, here are some tried and tested date–night ideas to consider:

TAKE IT EASY

If staying home is your thing, do just that — there are no rules on Valentine’s Day, except the ones you choose to follow.

Buy a couple bags of chips and your favourite dips, rent the movies you’ve been meaning to watch, and cuddle the day away with your favourite person.

GET YOUR BLOOD PUMPING

Take a couple of lightning–quick laps around a go kart track, or hike to the top of your favourite lookout.

Spending an adrenaline–filled day (or just a couple of hours) together will leave you both feeling happily exhausted and thoroughly entertained.

Having fun together is the ultimate gift, after all.

Whatever you end up doing, remember why you’re doing it in the first place: to celebrate the person you love most.

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Feature

Artist Suzi Redman chats to Style

Tell us a little about yourself I was born in Melbourne and moved to Tasmania in my teens. I have two children and started my first retail business selling farmhouse furniture. I studied design at University in Tasmania and eventually moved back to Melbourne.

Describe your style?

I am a country girl at heart who just loves to get lost in the city vibe. I keep a low profile, need the hustle and bustle of the city but hold on to the romantic notion of the simple, pure, country life.

What inspires you?

At the present time, a sense of freedom and lack of fear that I believe people deserve to feel. The nature within an animal inspires me to try to recreate this with paint and brush. I want my works to

be easy to understand, bring peace and to sit comfortably like a good friend.

How has your painting evolved?

I have been painting as my source of income for 5 years now. I have always painted, not always on board but furniture, country style floors and walls. I have owned two design shops working with vintage farmhouse furniture and furnishings.

I decided to take this online and to style up the furniture I was painting artworks to help stage the furniture. I was getting so many sales of the artwork that it just grew.

Why do you enjoy painting?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my passion. I love the smell, the textures and the mess. I get lost in the images, it challenges me, pushes me to understand light fall, negative space, shading, where different muscles lay

on individual animals, where their strength lies in their bodies as you study their form.

Some highlights of your artistic life?

The greatest achievement is that I can do this for a living. I am so grateful that people have supported my work. I am so thankful to the people who have seen value in what I do. I have no ambition but to give joy to the people who find joy in my paintings.

What is your dream goal or project?

My dream goal is to keep doing what I love to do and have an intimate and personal connection to the public through my works. Toowoomba has been so kind to me. I am sincerely honoured and truly thankful that Toowoomba has seen value in what I do.

For your calendar..

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A diverse & beautiful range of art ... brought together for you

style | motoring

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he All New Amarok V6 Ultimate 580TDI is an absolute juggernaut in the 4x4 world.

Offering class-leading power in addition to a level of refinement and comfort on par with luxury passenger vehicles, it is ready for action no matter what life throws at it. Equally at home in the urban jungle or the rough stuff, where the Amarok can go is only limited by

your imagination.

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The most powerful ute in its class is built to handle almost anything, with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

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50 | February 2019

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

promotion | style

HOW IS MONEY MAKING YOU FEEL?

BY INVEST BLUE

A

SET GOALS TO HELP RID YOURSELF OF MONEY WOES

few weeks into the new year, how are you feeling?

How are you feeling about money?

The last 12 months have seen some rough patches in the economy.

Real estate markets are showing chinks in their armour.

The summer months are often a time when our normal spending disciplines go out the window with gift-giving and holiday-taking. So, with all that in mind, we believe now is the perfect time to regroup.

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

At Invest Blue, our number one question we have for our clients is: "What do you want your money to do for you?"

This often surprises new clients.

Many struggle to answer straight away because it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t something we think about that often, if at all.

The thing about money is that when we sit down to plan things out, we often take a black and white numbers approach to it all.

But in real everyday life, money

doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work that way.

There are emotions wrapped up in it that need addressing.

Money has the power to make us feel everything from afraid to relieved.

We believe it is incredibly important to get clarity around the things that are most important to you before you set your goals, before you build any plans, and certainly before you make decisions about spending or investing your hard-earned money.

Locally, we have two great financial advisers who are more than happy to help you with this and any other questions you may have about your money, financial picture or plans.

Come in and meet Craig or Kent.

The first appointment is free, and there is no obligation.

We really just want a chance to meet each other.

See if we are a fit for you, and also ensure we will be able to add value to your lives.

Call on 1300 346 837, email itspossibe@investblue.com.au

February 2019 | 51

style | entertainment

DNA

BY THE BACKSTREET BOYS

N

AT ETERNITY’S GATE DRAMA / RELEASES FEBRUARY 14 / STARRING WILLEM DAFOE, RUPERT FRIEND, OSCAR ISAAC / 110 MINUTES

V

o, you haven’t stepped through a portal to the ‘90s, and no, this isn’t a tribute band, and yes, the Backstreet Boys are still together, recording and touring in 2019.

The band’s ninth studio album DNA was released on January 25, with 12 tracks including some written by Lauv, Andy Grammer, Shawn Mendes, and Stuart Crichton.

If you’re looking for a hit of nostalgia, this album may be just the remedy you need as the band’s style has not changed — after all, why mess with a tried-and-true formula from 20 years ago?

From the album, three tracks were pre-released including Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Chances (co-written by Shawn Mendes), and No Place.

Possibly the most modern of these three tracks is Chances, with Mendes’ style of song-writing clearly coming through alongside a current musical tone paired with the distinctive sound of Backstreet vocals.

For the true feeling of being shoved back in time, however, the music video for Don’t Go Breaking My Heart is for you, with choreography that hasn’t changed since the band’s heyday.

incent Van Gogh has been recreated in film many times in the past, with varying success.

This year, director Julian Schnabel — possibly best known for Miral and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly — has brought the tormented artist to the big screen amid film critic acclaim.

At Eternity’s Gate follows Van Gogh during his final years of life in Arles, France, but it is Willem Dafoe’s Golden Globe-nominated portrayal of the artist that has this film applauded by critics and viewers alike.

While almost double the age of Van Gogh at the time of the film, Dafoe portrays the turmoil of this artist’s inner life with aplomb.

In addition to excellent casting, it is clear At Eternity’s Gate draws on extensive research for its plot and scripting — for example, much of the content is drawn from Van Gogh’s letters though he is never shown writing them, and the film’s ending explores recent theories of the artist’s death instead of the previously accepted history.

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entertainment | style

THE THIRD WHEEL BY MICHAEL J RITCHIE

BY JESSICA KRAMER

A

comedic slant on the science-fiction genre, The Third Wheel is a great casual, laugh-out-loud novel.

Main character and narrator Dexter is a pro at third-wheeling, being the only single one of his sizable friends group.

While he will say he’s generally content with singleness and not too lonely, being the only one not coupled seems the biggest problem in his life.

Until the aliens arrive, and suddenly just surviving is so much more important than being single — maybe even the key to

staying alive.

While the humorous look at single life through Dexter’s

THE MAGPIE EFFECT

BY DAMIEN MASSIAS

BY JESSICA KRAMER

I

ntroduced as “Your complete and comprehensive guide to surviving and enjoying the twisted social media era #UnsocialMedia”, you may think this a doomsayer type of non-fiction book — but far from it.

While the urban meaning of ‘magpie effect’ is slightly different, author and life coach of more than 15 years Damien Massias starts off this book by explaining his metaphor as a cause for awareness.

As the magpie is attracted to shiny things and was the first non-mammal to recognise itself in a mirror, so too are humans attracted to our shiny devices, shiny apps, and the shiny people and social media accounts found within — as well as that ever-increasing obsession with the ‘reflection’ of ourselves on said social media.

Using evidence, observations, studies, and a little opinion, Massias explores the effect this is having on our

eyes is relatable and deftly carried out by author Michael J Ritchie, it is difficult to tell if the overtly stereotyped sci-fi elements are intentionally done so as to take the mickey on the genre, or if they are genuine.

Either way, the story caused multiple cases of vigorous laughing in a public space, and it is not essential to like sci-fi to enjoy The Third Wheel.

In fact, there is no strange activity until roughly a third through the story, with the beginning taken up mostly with amusing stories of when the narrator met his friends.

One uniquely funny, and later ironic, touch is how Dexter refers to his coupled friends not as individuals, but as one hyphenated name — Shell-and-Terry, for example.

Dexter is also comically self-aware, which adds freshness to the book and a layer of realism to his character.

Even when happenings take a gruesome turn in the tale, the book never takes itself too seriously and, overall, this novel is a wonderful light read for a laugh.

The Third Wheel is published by Unbound Digital and is available now as an ebook.

lives and how we can reduce negative effects and increase positive ones.

However, rather than harshly scolding readers about what they’re doing wrong and how they should quit social media, the author reiterates time and time again that he is as much in this boat as the rest of us.

And at its heart, The Magpie Effect is probably more about increasing awareness than having the perfect solution we should all follow, for as Massias says “awareness is the first step to any solution”.

The Magpie Effect by Damien Massias is published by Troubador Publishing. It is available now as an ebook, with paperback publication expected February 2019.

CALL DIRECT FOR MANAGER’S SPECIALS ALEXANDRA ON THE PACIFIC Phone Free call 1800800999 Email info@alexandraonthepacific.com www.alexandraonthepacific.com

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

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February 2019 | 53

style | food review

LAMB RUMP

SCENE

Park House Cafe comes into its own with an incredible evening dinner restaurant menu, certain to delight your eyes and tastebuds alike.

Never will you have had lamb so tender as with this incredible dish.

The seared rump sings with the unique mint pea puree, while every vegetable on the plate is cooked to perfection — from the al dente fresh asparagus that holds the delicious red wine jus to tender orange and purple carrots and baby beetroot, to the mixed potato fondant — regular, purple sweet and orange sweet potatoes that are melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside with a crispy caramelised exterior.

NOUGAT ICE-CREAM SANDWICH AND MANGO SEMIFREDDO

CRISPY PORK BELLY

This dish is a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth with vibrant shades of purple, orange, green and white.

The twice-cooked pork belly is tender and sweet with a salty crackling, perfectly paired with the smooth delight of New Zealand purple sweet potato puree, incredible house-made garlic mash and baby beetroot.

Just when you’re in danger of thinking the dish would be too sweet, it blows your mind with a perfect balance from sharp pickled baby carrots, spicy radish, fresh tomatoes and charred spring onions.

An ideal finale to your meal at Park House, the Mango Semifreddo looks and tastes a delight with pastel pink meringue, smooth mango puree, orange curd, fresh berries and a sweet dukka.

Meanwhile, the ice-cream sandwich showcases creamy nougat ice-cream encased by a soft biscuit topped with berry gel, honeycomb, mascarpone and berries.

WHERE WE ARE

ADDRESS 92 Margaret St PHONE 4638 2211 HOURS 6am to late, Mon to Sun WEBSITE parkhousecafe.com.au

Savour the Flavour at the Park House Cafe Menu available at www.parkhousecafe.com.au

Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ~ 7 Days ~

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Park House Café offers a variety of delicious meals for breakfast and lunch to suit all tastes, and at night, you can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.

92 Margaret St, Toowoomba • Phone: 4638 2211 • info@parkhousecafe.com.au 54 | February 2019

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

My clients enjoy just 26 days on the market.

Because time really is money.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why my clients in Kearneys Spring who embraced my auction marketing and sales strategy enjoyed a swift and successful sale when compared to the other agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s median days on market for the suburb of 120+ days.

Longer time on market is the equivalent to discounting your price. A quicker sale means buzz, competition and ultimately a higher price for your property.

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www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

February 2019 | 55

style style || travel travel

MT TAMBORINE CAN YOU HEAR THE BEAT?

BY LEANDRI VAN STADEN

ust a short drive from J Toowoomba, shrouded in mist, lies the enchanting forested

mountains of the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Taking a drive through this scenic area is more than a full day’s work, because there is simply too much to see and do.

It is virtually impossible to pass a lookout spot or a cafe, for fear of missing out on some of the most spectacular scenery Queensland.

Part of the Scenic Drive, Tamborine National Park is spread across several reserves and encompasses a couple of villages, like Mt Tamborine.

Native wildlife — everything from wallabies to lyrebirds, bush turkeys and lorikeets — comfortably wander around the back yards of many of the

properties in this protected area without fear.

Incredibly, the park is home to more than 80 percent of the native wildlife of the Scenic Rim area.

The place is dotted with waterfalls of all sizes, walking trails, water holes, ancient trees and picnic spots.

After a wet season, the area is simply mesmerising, with every waterfall riotously pouring massive amounts of water into every conceivable stream.

All the water in the area makes for pretty amazing views if you get yourself to a reasonable height among the trees — the mist slowly rolling into the valley like spilled toffee, covers all sound of the multitudes of birds below and you’re left standing in perfect silence.

If you’re interested in learning

more about the trees of the area, you can do the Rainforest Skywalk, which takes you as high as 30 metres above the forest floor.

On your way to the German Grill Haus for lunch and a refreshing beer, you might want to stop over at the glow worm caves.

These little magicians are nothing to be grossed out about and well worth seeing in the absolute darkness of their chamber.

Everything in the park vibrates life; from the unbelievably tall trees reaching for the sky, to the millions of birds and insects singing their songs, and the steady drum of water.

It’s a symphony of sound best explored at leisure, so take a drive with the windows down and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of nature.

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BEGUILING BRUGES

ROMANCE, CHOCOLATE AND BEER: WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?

couple of years ago, I found A myself standing in the middle of Bruges, with no plan of action.

This turned out to be perfect.

I stayed in a hostel called St Christopher’s at the Bauhaus, about 10 minutes’ walk from the ancient CBD and market square (the Markt).

Ambling lazily down the fairytale cobbled streets, I came across small whitewashed houses — specifically the one called Godshuis de Pelicaen — which I later learned were almshouses established in the 14th century by wealthy townspeople to house the elderly and the poor.

The city’s architecture is simply stunning and came to life at sunset, when the lamps were lit — illuminating and, at the same time,

softening the stone facades of the cathedrals, store–fronts and homes.

The clip–clop of horses’ hooves echoed down the stone streets, ferrying lovebirds through one of the most romantic towns on earth.

Residents opened their windows onto the many canals, mingling their voices with those of the boatmen drifting down–stream, and the ducks lazily begging for bread.

Sitting at one of the many cafes in the Markt, drinking a smooth and malty Belgian brew and marvelling at the medieval bell tower and obelisk in the square, I could not help but fall in love with Bruges.

The romance of the place is captivating and deeply intoxicating, and the night–life is fantastic.

Back at my hostel, housed in a World Heritage-listed Brugean step–gable house, I found almost more locals than travellers packed into the hostel’s traditional beer bar.

Flemish hospitality is as warm and inviting as their chocolate and as top–shelf as their beer.

Famously brewed by monks, a great variety of Trappist ale (artfully presented in the most interesting glasses) awaits the weary traveller.

Home to six of the eleven recognised Trappist–brewing monasteries in the world, Belgium is a must–visit destination.

After spending less than a day in Bruges, I decided there was not a more perfect place anywhere on this beautiful earth.

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February 2019 | 57

PHOTOS: EMMA ADIN

style | wedding

LOVE, UNEXPECTED THEY’RE TAKING ON LIFE’S GREATEST ADVENTURE

W

hen Warrick Bidwell wanted to take his daughter, Grace, to a local rodeo, he needed some help.

He knew Amie Reinbott from the gym he attended and, also knowing she was a country girl, asked her to point him in the right direction.

“The three of us ended up going to the Gympie Rodeo together, so our first date was with Grace in tow,” Warrick remembered.

Amie said, as soon as they started talking every day, she started feeling something she’d never felt before.

“I just knew a man of Warrick’s calibre was hard to find and was worth every ounce of love and support I could give him,” she said.

“He is the man I always hoped I’d find, but never knew existed.”

Warrick said Amie inspires him to be the man he is meant to be, and praises her for her support through

difficult times.

“She’s strong, capable, adventurous and independent, all while being the most loving, caring and compassionate person I’ve met (did I mention how captivatingly beautiful she is?),” he said.

They dated for two and a half years before tying the knot on September 8 last year, at the Concordia College Lutheran chapel on South Street.

Amie said to be married in the same chapel founded by her great–grandfather, and to stand where her parents had stood when they got married, was a sentimental experience for them both.

“We couldn’t wait to say ‘I do’; we felt so connected to each other and it was wonderful to have our family and friends to share that with,” Warrick said, adding that it was

especially lovely to have Grace as flower girl and ring–bearer.

They wrote their own vows, adding their own ‘flavour’ to the ceremony.

“We added a cheeky promise for me to never question the length of Amie’s showers and for her to always laugh at my dad jokes,” Warrick said.

The Royal Hotel in Leyburn hosted the reception, with an authentic country theme and a colour scheme made up of native flowers, navy blue, dusty pink, white, and hessian.

The couple share a love of the Australian bush and a glass of red wine, so they spent their honeymoon in a cabin in the Hunter Valley, followed by a week–long hike in Barrington Tops above the snowline.

Warrick said they’re both keen to start a family together, but not before they’ve “done some more hiking and adventuring”.

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58 | February 2019

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

finance | style loans, and so on.

If you can clear the credit card / loan with the highest interest rate first, you can then better utilise those funds.

SAVINGS

WHAT’S YOUR PLAN? verybody’s different.

E Some people want to travel the world and live in a small house, while others aspire to owning a business and becoming an industry mogul.

But, whatever you want from life, you will need to do careful planning.

A good place to start, is to know your short–term goals first and to have a chat with your financial advisor about what’s next.

home, buying a new car, and saving for a home deposit.

Long–term goals typically come to fruition after at least five years and include your plans for retirement and, ultimately, for your death.

Once you have decided what your short–term goals are, you have to put your financial house in order by minimising your credit card debt, prioritising the way you spend, and saving for a rainy day.

‘NOW’ VS ‘THEN’

DEBTS

Short–term goals are the ones you ideally want to realise within one or two years, like furnishing your

Do an in–depth analysis of your finances, paying particular attention to your credit card debts, student

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

It’s a good idea to set money aside for emergencies, like unexpected car repair or a higher–than–expected water bill.

Treat this ‘rainy day fund’ as an expense to be paid during each pay cycle, but don’t treat it as spending money.

SPENDINGS

Adjust your spending habits.

Nobody is saying you can’t have smashed avocado toast, but you should think about making it yourself rather than paying almost $20 at your favourite café.

The information in this article is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. You should consult with a registered financial advisor if you think this information relates to your unique circumstances.

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February 2019 | 59

style | promotion

BY ELIZABETH ADAMS – KENNEDY SPANNER LAWYERS

TAKING CARE OF YOU THIS VALENTINES DAY

S

ometimes the season of love can be a difficult time for those who have separated from a former loved one.

Separation from a spouse can be one of the hardest decisions you ever face, but sometimes a separation can be the most liberating experience of your life.

Here are some tips to help you rebuild your life in order to take care of you:

1) Feel how you want to feel. There

are no rules as to how you ‘should’ feel after a separation. Feel sad if you want to. Feel happy if you want to.

2) Talk to a counsellor or psychologist. Sometimes we all need

some help to reconcile our feelings.

There is no shame in getting some help, you cannot be criticised for reaching out.

3) Talk to your friends. Your friends

are your friends for a reason. They are there to have fun with and laugh with. A true friend is also there to provide you with a shoulder to cry on and to listen to you without judgment.

4) Your life is not over. Whilst at the start it may seem like your life, as you knew it, is over – with the help of good friends and a counsellor/psychologist, you will begin to see the positives that life has to offer. It is your life now. Join that art class you have always dreamed of. Take that trip overseas you have always held off or drive that fast car (within the applicable speed limit of course) you have always admired.

5) Make new friends. There are many people who have gone through a separation. Whilst their story may not be identical to yours, you have a common experience. New friendships bring new experiences and new opportunities.

It is important for you to look after yourself after a separation.

Your lawyer can look after your legal interests, your accountant can look after your financial interests, but you need to take care of you.

Dean Spanner

Queensland Law Society Accredited Personal Injury Specialist

Amanda Schmidt

Family Law

Director

Wills and Estates

(07) 4639 2944

Police Matters W: www.kennedyspanner.com.au 60 | February 2019

156 Hume Street, Toowoomba

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Compensation Law

E: ksl@kennedyspanner.com.au www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

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February 2019 | 61

style | what’s on

WHAT’S ON

Discover events in and around the Garden City during February

LEARN ABOUT THE ART OF TAI CHI AT THE OPEN HOUSE

TAI CHI OPEN HOUSE

WHEN: Saturday, February 2, 2pm to 3.30pm WHERE: 10 Gregory St, Toowoomba WHAT: Have you always wanted to try tai chi for yourself? Now you can with the Taoist open house day at venue one in Gregory St! See a demonstration of the art, enjoy a free introductory lesson, and talk to the instructors about the health benefits and more. There will also be light refreshments available.

All are welcome and you can join any time, with beginner classes commencing soon. For more details, visit the website www.taoist.org.au. Alternatively, email toowoomba@taoist.org or call 4638 5009.

10 SUMMER TUNES

GRIEF AND LOSS PROGRAM

WHEN: Tuesday, February 5,

7pm to 9pm WHERE: Blue Care Chaplain’s Office, cnr Stenner and Ramsay streets, Middle Ridge WHAT: Blue Care Toowoomba is offering a program to those who have lost a loved one. The program will help you work through your grief in a small group environment. It will run each week in two-hour sessions, over a period of eight weeks.

While the program is free, spaces are limited and so registration is essential. If you miss out, programs are also scheduled in Stanthorpe, Warwick and Kingaroy. For more details, call Margaret Spinks on 0491 071 787, or email bluecare.grief.loss@gmail.com

HERITAGE BANK PRESENTS THE EMPIRE THEATRES PRODUCTION OF Book by

HARVEY FIERSTEIN

Music and Lyrics by

CYNDI LAUPER

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth

supported by

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.

62 | February 2019

WHEN: Sunday, February 10, 10am to 3pm WHERE: Queens Park, Picnic Point, and Laurel Bank Park WHAT: Parks around Toowoomba brighten up with musical sounds during weekends throughout summer. The free, live music concerts feature local musicians and varying genres, and there are also children’s activities.

Bring a picnic blanket and snacks, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon!

Sparkles the Clown will be at Queens Park with face-painting for children, and five-piece horn band Slow Train Coming performing at Picnic Point. Accordian-tube duo Timeless will be playing at Laurel Bank Park with genres such as Klesmer, French classic, Italian, Celtic, Latin, and Classical. For the full schedule, visit the council website at www.tr.qld.gov.au/our-region/ whats-on/events and scroll down to ‘Summer Tunes 2019 schedule’.

EMPIRE THEATRE

22 - 31 MARCH

EMPIRETHEATRE.COM.AU 1300 655 299 Toowoomba

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

what’s on | style

ROCK THE AGES

WHEN: Friday, February 22, 8.30pm to 11pm WHERE: City Golf Club, 254 South St,

Toowoomba

WHAT: Have a fun night singing and dancing to

tributes of your favourite bands. Relive the golden days with songs by many artists such as Poison, Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, ACDC, Alice Cooper, Skid Row, and more. Tickets are only $30, and can be bought by calling reception on 4636 9000 or online at citygolf.com.au/entertainment/rock-the-ages

26

TOOWOOMBA COMMUNITY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

HIDDEN GEMS FROM THE LINDSAY COLLECTION

5.30pm to 6.30pm WHERE: Toowoomba City Library, 155 Herries St WHAT: Take on the challenge with like-minded people to lose weight.

The Community Weight Loss Challenge will include tips and hints on the best way to live well and lose those unwanted kgs. For more, call Andrew on 0418 489 847.

March 24, until 4pm daily WHERE: Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, 531 Ruthven St WHAT: Turning 60 this year is the Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library Collection. As a precursor to the official commemorative exhibition to come, the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is hosting some of the Lindsay Collection’s hidden gems with this show. The chosen pieces are described by the gallery to “exemplify a bold national character, exude a quietly distinctive Australian charm or, despite not being self-evident Australiana, simply deserve our attention”. The gallery is open 10am to 4pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 1pm to 4pm on Sundays. Call 4688 6652 for more details.

WHEN: Monday, February 11,

11

www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

WHEN: From now to Sunday,

23 GATTON GEM SHOW

WHEN: Saturday, February 23,

9am to 4pm WHERE: Gatton Shire Hall, 52 North St, Gatton WHAT: Enjoy browsing through a plethora of both cut and rough gemstones, as well as minerals, fossils, beads and jewellery.

There will also be lapidary supplies, books, tools and equipment among the friendly traders’ tables. Entry is free. For more details, call Christine Walker on 0400 031 326.

February 2019 | 63

style | socials

Guests got in the spirit with their outfits for USQ Artsworx’s Friday at the Flicks special 44th anniversary screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show in January

SCENE

2

1

6 5

SLIP, SLIDE OR LUNGE YOUR WAY TO THE FABULOUS

MEL

CHINCHILLA

FESTIV L

14-17 February 2019

MAIN DAY SATURDAY 16 Feb Join in with the locals enjoying their wild summer fun

8 Second Ride & Mental as Anything perorming LIVE at the Free Family Concert

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Home of the

BIG MELON • Melon Farm Tours • Big Melon Weigh-In • Friday Festival Feast • Poets Breakfast • Quality Crafts, Fashion & Food Markets • Melon Skiing and lots of other hilarious melon events.

• Street Parade • Family Concert • Melon Golf & Melon Bowls • FMX Stunt Show

Check online for heaps more!

Enquiries: 0488 737 060 www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

socials | style

4

1:: Denise Fox, Lizz Wheat and

Racheal Campbell.

2:: Deborah and Marjorie Adams.

3:: Derek and Ronelle Nugent.

4:: Natalie Wright and Tracey Phister 5:: Brenda Tarlinton, Suzanne Mason and Leonie Bastiaan.

6:: Laura Lund and Emily Lund.

7:: Anthea Masters, Suzi Brazier and Colleen Zambelli.

3

7

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Come to Reflections Holiday Apartments and sit back on your warm sunny balcony, enjoy the views onto the Maroochy river.

Do some fishing, while watching the pelicans swim by.

Walking distance to Restaurants, cafes and shops. Great family entertainment in walking distance to the newly opened Bowling / Put-Put Arcade, suitable for all Children, Mums and Dads.

Hire a Kayak or Push – Bike (from US) to ride the pathways along the Water’s edge.

A great family spot to have fun, relax or just unwind!

Or if you would like to upgrade be Quick to book your Private Rooftop Heated Spa and BBQ and really relax and enjoy the amazing views out onto the water while hosting a lovely family brunch or admiring the sunsets.

Call now and Speak to Janine or Jason and book that great getaway.

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February 2019 | 65

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horoscopes | style

GEMINI

MAY 21 – JUN 20

Geminis look for a level–headed partner; cautious and serious, and willing to spend nights enjoying the latest block-buster films.

Geminis do have an adventurous side, though, and will always keep you guessing.

CANCER

IT’S IN THE STARS PISCES

FEB 19 – MAR 20

You’re a romantic who loves nothing more than being with someone who understands your mood changes.

If you’re in a relationship with a Pisces, there will be times when you feel locked out of their life, but this won’t last long.

ARIES

MAR 21 – APR 19

Aries, you fall in love with love itself and it consumes you to the point where stars sparkle in your eyes.

But, be warned: some relationships can be toxic, leaving you clutching a bucket of ice–cream and lamenting where it went wrong.

TAURUS

APR 21 – MAY 20

It can take a long time for a Taurus to put their faith in a partner.

They are 100 percent committed, so never make light of their affection.

JUN 21 – JUL 22

Influenced by the moon, Cancerians have a great ability to read their partner’s mood and act accordingly.

Just like the crab, they may go back and forward but will eventually put down roots with that special someone.

LEO

JUL 23 – AUG 22

Leos love to be the centre of attention, so if you are in love with the royal lion, be prepared to give them your undivided attention.

These social cats are quick to attack when they feel threatened, so don’t try to dominate a Leo.

VIRGO

AUG 23 – SEPT 22

Look for a partner who can match your intellect, or you will get bored easily.

Virgos are sensitive, fun–loving souls who like to experience life outside their comfort zone, but need to have control over their lifestyle.

LIBRA

SEPT 23 – OCT 22

Librans are the hippy children of the Zodiac; they never judge people and gladly open their arms to new

experiences.

They are truth–seekers, so never lie to a Libran — they will find out and you will never get another chance with them.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 – NOV 21

Scorpios simply cannot help but exude beauty and warmth.

This may be one of the smallest animals in the Zodiac, but they pack a terrific punch.

They will not stand for any drama when it comes to relationships and prefer to keep their love life private.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 – DEC 21

There is a reason why Sagittarians are shown as the hunter of the Zodiac; they love nothing more than the chase.

An arrow through the heart is less painful than falling out with a Sagittarian.

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19

Capricorns have a stubborn streak, so their partners need to be flexible and understanding to a fault.

They are strong–hearted and fearless, taking on any challenge you can put to them.

AQUARIUS

JAN 20 – FEB 18

Aquarians, your life is one big high–octane energy burst.

It may be hard for most people to keep up with you, but if you are lucky enough to find someone who matches your energy, grab them with both arms and hang on.

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Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his first office in Inglewood. His business has now grown with another 2 offices in Texas and Millmerran.

For a free insight into what changes you could make to your Business or life phone Jeff on 0429 894 937 or Millmerran 4695 1477or Inglewood 4652 1106 or Texas 4653 1155 www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle

February 2019 | 67

ENGAGING MINDS IGNITING HEARTS SERVING OTHERS

Every day is Open Day at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, and this year we have welcomed our first Year 11 cohort to our senior school. Visit us for our Open Day on Sunday, 31 March to see all we have to offer as a Prep to Year 12 College in the heart of Highfields. Mary MacKillop Catholic College offers an all inclusive, nurturing and supportive environment for your child to learn and grow throughout their educational journey.

To book a tour or find out more, talk to our Enrolments Officer on 07 4698 7777.

Open Day

Celebrate God in all things 75 Highfields Road, Highfields Q 4352

4698 7777 highfields@twb.catholic.edu.au

Sunday, 31 March 9:00am - 1:00pm Now taking enrolments for Prep to Year 12 for 2020.

highfields.catholic.edu.au