Grapevine The
Gold Coast
lifestyle magazine
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House of Vintner
www.gcgrapevine.com.au March 2011
..... COOL
HATS FOR COOL KIDS
All enquiries log onto our website or contact us on 0416 385 044
BABY BASe
www.babybaseink.com.au
The funkiest
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Authentic Aussie kids hats. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: They may only come in small sizes … but BABY BASE INK hats “Now I have eight hats in total.” have got big personality.
The BABY BASE INK range for boys and girls has a distinct urban
These hats are a must have for the fashion conscious toddler street wear look including two fedora style hats, and six flat peak caps. In just six months Baby Base has started to make waves who wants to stand out in the crowd. A little funky unique around Australia and the world. and hip hop street! But her son Base remains her biggest fan.
Gold Coast mother of two, Porowini Lucchiari is the creator of this funky line of headwear especially designed for the “Base doesn’t leave home without a BABY BASE hat on he is totally trendy tot. obsessed with them,” she said.
“ I just couldn’t find anything stylish and small enough to fit his head, so I decided to make my own.” And her two year old son, Base, was the inspiration behind BABY BASE INK proves style doesn’t have to be expensive… The the label. entire range is affordably priced between $24.95 and $29.95. To view the entire range visit www.babybaseink.com.au
Porowini looked everywhere to find the perfect hat for her son… But after searching the globe unsuccessfully … it Media Enquiries: Porowini Lucchiari was time to take matters into her own hands.
0416 385 044 info@babybaseink.com.au
“I just couldn’t find anything stylish and small enough to fit www.babybaseink.com.au his head, so I decided to make my own. I really wanted to do (Sample products and high resolution images available upon request.) the flat peak style,” she said.
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editors note
WELCOME TO THE MARCH issue of the GCG! Being the first issue of the year, we are starting with positive change as change is always good. So enjoy the GCG fresh new look, streamlined for your enjoyment. Being the first issue of the year, this March issue gives you a glimpse of what to expect in the next year. As of April, the GCG will be going by-monthly. Being in it’s second year of circulation, 2010 proved to be a year of many challeneges. Each by-monthly issue includes 2 months of events, reading, reviews and new chapters and features, giving you 6 issues a year! Remember this issue is just a glimpse, there are many pages, articles and new features that will be making their debut and features making their return. Thank you again for clicking on another issue of The Gold Coast Grapevine. The GCG wishes you only the best in this New Year.
Marilyn Happy reading!
cover photo Lola Peacock
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content
features
06
06 Heartistry 14
Writing Out Loud
18
Medical Matters
24
Sex in the G.C.
28 Fluffy Slippers to Stilletos
24
in every issue
08
What’s On
Local Markets Calendar of Events
16
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Prou dl
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HOV CG
ived the G ece yr
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GCG Digital Digs
20
Real Views & Reviews
26
House of Vintner
20
Published by The Gold Coast Grapevine in Qld., Australia e: marilyn@gcgrapevine.com.au | w: www.gcgrapevine.com.au ABN: 47 279 002 263 The Gold Coast Grapevine is 100% Australian Owned and an Australian Certified Gold Website All content in The Gold Coast Grapevine has been written in good faith based on verbal or written material provided by contributors to produce this publication. No responsibility or liability will be taken and The Gold Coast Grapevine will be further released of any liability
or damages as a result of the content or advertising contained in this publication. This publication is produced soley to convey information and general interest and any opinion expressed through out this publication may not necessarily be those of the publisher. The proprietor of this business is undischarged bankruptcy. All material in The Gold Coast Grapevine may be subject to copyright laws, therefore no part of this publication may be reproduced without the written approval of the publisher.
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Ed Hardy 2010 billboard campaign
Phil Frenandez Photo Shoot. Model: Lisa Michelle Dixon Venstar 2011 Calendar www.gcgrapevine.com.au
Jennifer has been a stylist for 17 years and in the business for 22 years. Starting in a salon at the age of 15 she quickly saw the difference between people who worked and people who LOVED to work. She saw a line of energy and creation that she desperately wanted to tap into. After obtaining her cosmetology license education was her main focus and for the first 5 years of her career she was trained by top stylists at Carlton Hair Int. Putting her through rigorous training courses (Vidal Sassoon, Schwarzkopf Intl, cutting classes and motivational seminars by Michael O’Rourke) after long days in the salon. This forced her second wind of they day to be phenomenal and spot on. “There is no tired” she says. Make up application had come as a sweet surprise to Jennifer. It seems client’s requested her make up expertise as much as her hair styling. Realizing this Jennifer mastered the art of air brush make up application. She loves a challenge so don’t hesitate to ask, whatever your vision might be she’s ready to deliver. The INTEGRITY of the hair is number one to Jen and healthy beautiful up-to-date hair and make up is her promise. “I love hair, I love long layers, short layers and shaggy layers, all of it makes
me excited. I love giving my clients options and versatility in the hair length, texture, ability to behave and transform a woman from one whim to another while maintaining the integrity of the hair.
Currently Jennifer is a freelance non-union hair stylist. Her latest work was Ed Hardy’s worldwide billboard swimsuit campaign for 2010. She enjoys high octain events such as high fashion runway, photo shoots, weddings and red carpet events. To read more about Jen, Heartistry & to view her portfolio please Please visit
www.heartistrybyjen.com
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Local Banora Point Markets Club Banora, Leisure Drive
Coolangatta Art and Craft Market
1st & 3rd Sunday of every month www.farmersmarketsaustralia.com.au
Queen Elizabeth Park 2nd Sunday of every month (07) 5533 8202 www.artandcraft.com.au
Broadbeach Art and Craft Market
Coomera Market
Bundall Farmers Market
Currumbin Sanctuary Farmers Market
Kurrawa Park 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month (07) 5533 8202 www.artandcraft.com.au Gold Coast Turf Club Every Sunday 0404 787 865 www.farmersmarketsaustralia.com.au
Burleigh Arts and Craft Market
Justins Park, The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads Last Sunday of every month (07) 5533 8202 www.artandcraft.com.au
Carrara Market
Cnr Gooding & Manchester Drives, Carrara Every Saturday & Sunday (07) 5579 9388 www.carraramarkets.com.au
Assisi College Carpark Last Saturday of every month 0424 189 344 Rear of Currumbin Sanctuary Car Park Tomewin Street, Currumbin 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month 0417 759 777
Miami Organic Farmers Market
Miami State High School 2137-2205 Gold Coast Highway, Miami Every Sunday www.gcorganicmarket.com
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Markets
Marina Mirage Farmers Market
Paradise Point Art and Craft Market
Mudgeeraba Farmers Market
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market
Marina Mirage, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday of every month (07) 3103 2325 Mudgeeraba Showgrounds Cnr Mudgeeraba & Worongary Roads 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month (07) 5525 3525 or 0401 369 869
Nerang Fresh Produce & Craft Market Lavelle Street, Nerang Every Sunday 0417 728 844
Palm Beach Currumbin Farmers Market Palm Beach Currumbin State High School 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month www.farmersmarketsaustralia.com.au
The Esplanade Parklands, Paradise Point 4th Sunday of every month 0417 636 662 or 0407 636 822
The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise Every Wednesday & Friday night (07) 5584 3700 www.surfersparadise.com
Tamborine Mountain
Local Producers Markets Tamborine Mountain Showgrounds Every Sunday (07) 5545 2617
The Village Markets (Burleigh) Burleigh Heads State School 1st Sunday of every month (07) 5679 0375 www.thevillagemarketsgc.com.au
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Quicksilver Roxy Pro Snapper Rocks Coolangatta www.quicksilverpro.com.au
Quicksilver Roxy Pro Ends Snapper Rocks Coolangatta www.quicksilverpro.com.a
Top Gear Live Brisbane Ent Ctr www.brisent.com.au
Vibe Recharge Pool Party Vibe Hotel Gold Coast www.vipfestivals.com.au
St.
Malfunction Surf Festival Kingscliff www.malfunction. com.au
Gold Coast Womens Workshop & Networking Watermark Hotel & Spa www.goldcoastwomen.com.au www.gcgrapevine.com.au
Go He Exp Run ww co
Top Gear Live Brisbane Ent Ctr www.brisent.com.au
QLD Rail Travel Expo Gold Coast Convention Centre www.gccc.com.au Jewelry Fair Brisbane Convention Ctr www.bcec.com.au
au
Patrick’s Day
Bridal Expo Gold Coast Convention Centre www.gccc.com.au Top Gear Live Brisbane Ent Ctr www.brisent.com.au
GC Caravan & Boat Show Parklands Showground www.ruralscene.com.au
old Coast Seniors QLD Masters Earth Hour ealth & Lifestyle Gold Coast Surf Lifesaving po www.earthhour.org Kurrawa naway Bay www.lifesaving.com.au ww.gcsenirosexpos. om.au
Creole Choir of Cuba Redland Performing Arts Centre www.rpac.com.au www.gcgrapevine.com.au
www.dalailama Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day.
Dalai Lama
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We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.
Dalai Lama
ainaustralia.org
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by Jodi Gibson
Accept & Celebrate What I love the most about growing older is that I am learning and changing. My opinions change with the knowledge and experience that I gain from wandering through the vastness of this life. One area which is still controversial and ignites debate is sexual orientation. I will be the first to admit that, I don’t understand it. (And before you are offended, please read the entire article!) I was brought up that girls like boys and boys like girls. I was sheltered and naive, and it possibly had something to do with a Catholic education, but really I wasn’t aware of any other combinations. It wasn’t until my mid teens during high school where same sex relationships became apparent to me. Usually discussed with whispers and laughter, effeminate boys were gay, and rough, ‘ballsy’ girls were dykes. Looking back, it is easy to see why teens hide their sexuality. Then at the end of my school years, in the early nineties it was seen as ‘cool’ for some girl on girl action on the night club floor. Call it experimentation, call it testing the boundaries, most of the time it was really only to impress the boys. Going back to my lack of understanding, I used to believe, again naively, that people were not ‘born’ gay, that it was a lifestyle choice. Why? I don’t know. The lack of information, the lack of acceptance in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, and the lack of decent and respected gay role models I’m sure had a great deal to do with it.
Jodi is a passionate business writer, creative fictional writer, and is also available for freelance writing opportunities. Born in the 70’s, Forever a child of the 80’s, Discovered herself in the 90’s and living her true life in the noughties Married with 4 beautiful daughters helping them write on the slate of their lives with passion and grace. “I am a Pisces, so I love to dream. I am quiet but fun, mysterious but loyal, guarded but honest, trustworthy, protective and a little bit different.” You can read more about Jodi and her journey at www.jodigibson.com.au
continued on page 21
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Bon Voyage!
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elwithtots.c v a o
. m v el o withtots.c
‘The online guide to all you need to know for travelling with your little ones in tow’ www.gcgrapevine.com.au
digital digs
The Apple TV....easy as 1, 2 & 3! Plug into your HD T.V. set up & connect to your wi-fi and within seconds your iTunes account is streamlined to your television! Rent movies, new & old. Listen to your music library or internet radio; watch YouTube or watch home movies stored in your iTunes library. Renting movies now takes minutes without leaving your home! The Apple Tv is small & compact and comes with it’s sleak remote. Retails for $129 AU What’s even cooler? You can set your iPhone as a remote with it’s remote app you download! www.apple.com/au/appletv/ www.gcgrapevine.com.au
The Retro Camera App for iPhone...what a fun app! This app allows you to take nastalgic looking photos using one of 6 different cameras giving an effect of oldtime film printed cameras resembling the ‘60 &‘70’s. Grainy, scratched and polaroid effect. It’s alot of fun and they turn out great! You can save share them, email, post on Twitter or facebook and you can save the image to you cameral roll on your phone. Best part? It’s FREE at your app store on your iPhone!
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Hello & Welcome
to Medical Matters! My name is Alison Kristensen where my professional history & career is extensive & spans across numerous Specialities. As a registered nurse in General, Acute/ICU & Mental Health and as a Medical Sales Consultant & PR/ Marketer in the medical industry. My experience and education is extensive covering areas from interventional cardiology, pharmeceuticals, personal development & fitness coaching to product specialist in the medical device industry specialising in anaesthetic, critical care and orthopaedics specialising in upper limb trauma surgery. I created Medical Matters with the view to continue networking and consulting within the Medical Profession where the target audience is predominantly Orthopaedic, Medical Device, Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Companies along with Medical Professionals; Nurses, GPs & Specialists. Medical Matters provides information, direction, education and training as well as career and recruiting consulting and support. I do what I love most ~“Putting the right people together at the right place at the right time!�.
And with all of this experience and education Medical Matters will be making it’s editorial debut in the April issue of The Gold Coast Grapevine. Here you will be able to gather information to better help you manage the challenges of daily living and touching on topics involving medical conditions, diseases, medicines and remedies along with professional advice for medical professionals. You can more about myself and Medical Matters at : http://www.facebook.com/ home.php#!/pages/Medical-Matters/284728223282
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www.mopedcity.com.au
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R Real Views &
Reviews
At The House of Vintner we recently had the absolute pleasure of reviewing ‘Witches Falls Cottages’ on Mt. Tamborine, as part of our romantic getaway special! Our stay was courtesy of the lovely Daniela, and David, where we experienced two glorious days and it was absolutely magical. As you may know, I was expecting my tenth baby (born February, 2011), so in some respects I suppose you could call
our getaway a ‘babymoon’ - for us, it was also a chance to see what is on offer in our great state of sunny Queensland, and so close to our doorstep in an area that offers wineries and wine tasting, where craft shops and gift stores abound, and fabulous walks and other tourist attractions such as an amazing lookout are available for you to enjoy to complete your relaxing mountain experience! It rained for virtually the entire time we were there, however, this didn’t dampen our spirits. Our room was heated and we enjoyed the beautiful meals provided by ‘Witches Falls’, as well as fudge from a local store, and a wonderful Mexican meal one evening, and pizza one afternoon. We visited the Nardoo Lavender gift shop and hunted for treasures on the boardwalk. My favourite part of the journey was enjoying all our room at ‘Witches
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Falls’ had to offer. A beautifully appointed room awaited us – a cosy cottage that offered privacy and luxury. This gorgeous retreat boasted a spacious bathroom, beautifully designed, complete with large oval spa overlooking an atrium filled with greenery, and a glass ceiling to appreciate the stars, including when you are standing in the shower. The cottages are set apart in lush bushland that assure your privacy and comfort, and are just a short walk from the car park. Even in the rain it wasn’t a problem! Massive umbrellas are supplied for your convenience! A private deck offers a chance to be outdoors (in better weather perhaps) however, we were able to watch the rain drench the foliage, as we cooked dinner on the barbecue, safely under cover. I would have loved to have spent more time out there... definitely next time! The room was scented with a lovely incense, and offered a kitchenette with a goodsized bar fridge, microwave, sink and other items to complete meals in comfort. The lounge area offered a flatscreen tv visible from the couch and the bed, as well as a cd player. There are dvds at the office to choose from and a comprehensive guide on the coffee table with information about all that Mount Tamborine offers its guests. Your hosts at ‘Witches Falls’ Daniela and David go out of their way to ensure your comfort, privacy and a magical stay, evidenced by not only their facilities and the manner in which they do things, but also the guest book on the coffee table. www.gcgrapevine.com.au
The Gold Coast Grapevine is proud to announce their sponsorship & support to The Constellation Project. A project produced by Tanya Love from Love Bytes Photography; The Constellations Project, a beautiful 16 month calendar to help raise funds for the families who were affected by the devastating floods of Grantham in the Lockyer Valley. Printed on high quality stock, the 340mm x 490mm calendar will be the product of beauty and reverence. The images taken by Tanya will be primarily black and white, with selective colouring throughout adding context and emotion of each individual image of lives being put back together. The colouring of the artwork will be contemporary and clean with an antique vintage feel where the graphic design aspects will be golds & maroons to reflect the “colours” of Queensland.
And to read more about Grantham Flood Support and make a donation please visit: www.granthamfloodsupport.com
how you can help Book your ad NOW & receive your copy of the Constellations Project Calendar and be a part of a fundraising project where ALL proceeds from the sale of each calendar will go directly towards rebuilding the township of Grantham, and those nearby which were completely wiped out by the floods. When you place your ad with The Gold Coast Grapevine not only will you receive your copy of the calendar, the GCG will donate a portion of their fees to the Grantham Flood Support, further helping the Constellations Project reach their goal of $400,000!
To read more about this project, see the images and design please visit www.theconstellationsproject.com. au/blog
‘Only when it is dark enouch , can you see the stars’ ~ Persian Proverb ~ www.gcgrapevine.com.au
continued from page 21 ~ Witches Falls Cotteges
Your hosts at ‘Witches Falls’ Daniela and David go out of their way to ensure your comfort, privacy and a mag- ical stay, evidenced by not only their facilities and the manner in which they do things, but also the guest book on the coffee table. A fabulously creative idea, a sketchpad is provided and colouring pencils, for you to create a scene of your memorable stay. The book is full of wonderful tales of honeymoon stays, and special moments ‘Witches Falls’ guests have enjoyed and shared. Sadly I am not quite artistic enough to have drawn something, but I am leaving my review of the cottages as a testament to the wonderful time we had there. We will always have lovely memories of this time spent away before our baby arrived. I did work for the most part while we enjoyed our stay, however, it was very relaxing surrounds to work in I must say and we very much look forward to returning to ‘Witches Falls’ in the future – it’s a magical place to unwind! Thank you Daniela and David for a fabulous time! If you’re thinking of booking a getaway for Valentine’s Day, or another special occasion that is looming, then now is the time... Visit
the
website
to
book
www.witchesfallscottages.com.au
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SEX in the G.C. by Stacey Prieur
‘Never say Never’ For what seems like an eternity, I was single. I have been single since sometime between 2001-2002. It’s been so bloody long I can’t even remember... and the funniest thing was the ONLY thing I wanted for my 30th birthday was to fall in love with someone who’d love me back unconditionally. I used to hate it when people would say “Oh it’ll happen when you least expect it”. Like “eye twitch” hate it.... I would fume like a character in a cartoon strip, how am I “not supposed to expect” to fall in love when I’ve never fallen in love, and as much as I’m afraid of falling in love, one day I’d love to be in love. But to not expect it, how could I not? It was shoved down my damn throat everywhere I turned. SERIOUSLY. Literally my last 3 roommates ended up getting engaged. So I’ve been perma exposed to the love bubble!!!! I have always “had”
guys in my life, but nothing too serious, or of substance (sorry). Mostly it was just to party, or to play with. I was a commitmentphobe. I would run before they could hurt me, I’ve literally maybe been heartbroken over less then a handful of guys because I never opened myself up completely. I would look for the minutest red flag, or say things to push them away to see if they’d believe my b.s. or see through it. No one was going to change me, no one was going to tell me what I can and can’t do, and no one was ever going to plan my life for me. I was in charge. Some of my guy friends would say that at times I could be “ a lot to handle”. Pffttt. What’s that supposed to mean!!!? I was a confident, successful, fun, smart, and a wicked chick to drink & party with. How is ANY of that awesomeness a lot to handle? I thought I was on top of things. After all everyone likes being on top right? *winks The other thing I hated was when my coupled friends would say, “Oh when you know, you just know”. Know what, you nut job?! But literally one by one, they’d fall. Wedding after wedding I would spout out how “happy I am” for everyone but be bitterly blind drunk on the inside, trying to eye up which groomsman looked drunk enough to have a pash with. Then something changed. I gave up. I had a “friend with benefits” to play with, and I didn’t feel guilty. I was a grown woman with needs after all. But I got tired of lying to myself and not standing up for what I really believed in. I preached that it was best to wait for a guy to sweep you off your feet, but I never actually let a guy. I was always trying to sweep them off their feet. I would call them, I would ask them out, I would show the initiative, then I’d get bored. After 5 mins. I could tell whether or not I wanted to give a guy any more of my time. But then I’d just give it up too quickly. I
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pretty much was just after 1 thing, and thought the rest would follow. I thought that that’s what guys wanted, I thought guys wanted a cruisey chick who didn’t really say what she really thought or felt, just kept her mouth shut and her legs... well... open. So I remember a week in to the new year, I threw in the towel. I was going to try and focus on my career and the directions I wanted to take, and plan my own future, and not worry about being with a guy. I used to think that I got to do all the cool stuff in life that people always dream of, but my pay off was that I’d never get to do the 1 thing everyone does. - Relationships. Then I thought that maybe one day I’d just settle with someone who’d be suitable, but I’d have to give up some of the fun things that I enjoy to be chained to the domestic porch. So I was like, forget, focus on loving you, instead of loving someone else. So I set out on my journey of positivity, and letting go of my past and forgiving myself for things I thought I had done wrong. I needed to get this feeling of being unworthy out of my head. I had a conversation with my Dad, and he told me to “be the meat”. That guys are like cavemen when it comes down to it, and they like a chase. Not to play games but to keep them on their toes. I said how do you expect me to be the prey when you raised me to be a hunter? I started going for long walks on the beach, and I’d think about all the things that I wanted and that I deserved. I told myself that I worked damn hard, and I deserved the best. I told myself to stop making excuses. I had battered myself into believing I was worthless and making excuses for my own abusive behavior. I apologized to the people I needed to, and stopped feeling guilty for my trials and errors. When you’re a kid you don’t feel guilty for everything you mess up on, because your parents forgive you. Now as an adult you have
to learn to forgive yourself. I stopped partying so much and blinding myself with temptations. Then it happened... and I wasn’t looking. One random act changed the course of events for the months to follow. I left a comment on Facebook. That’s all. I leave comments on Facebook frequently. The funny thing is I’ve known this guy now for 2 yrs. and I had a chance then and never took it. I was sort of a smartass snot to him too. Lol. Our mutual friends kept telling me that he had a thing for me, but he’d never really talk to me. Then one day we did. We ended up chatting for 4hrs straight, so much so that he didn’t even sleep before he had to go to work. Since that day we have chatted every single day, and my new favorite thing is hearing from him first when I wake up and last before I go to sleep. So I am officially resigning my crown as Queen of the Damned - Singles, I’m not going to tell you that when you’re not looking it’ll happen. (Even though it did). I’m not going to tell you that you’ll just “know”.... (even though - you do). But what I will say is this, just wait. Wait for the guy who absolutely adores you and treats you like the queen of his world. Wait for the guy who tells you you’re beautiful. He loves everything that you may be insecure about and notices the things that other men never have. Wait for the guy who can’t even look at another woman, because all he can do is think about you. Wait for the guy who sneakily smiles then and stares off into space because he’s thinking of a moment you’ve shared or will share. Wait for the guy who tells you he wants to get to know you better then you know yourself. continued on page 36
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Rock Paper Scissors Moscato NV Wine of the Month Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos On the move...with Kids! Mummy’s Ambassadors
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W wine
LIQUORLAND’S BLURB ROCK PAPER SCISSORS MOSCATO NV Aroma - Lifted citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Palate - The lively, racy palate displays zesty lemon and pineapple characters. Cellaring - Enjoy now
Food - Light pastas or a fresh fruit platter. Occasion - A relaxed long lunch
I decided to review something a little different this time! Rock Paper Scissors is a cleanskin wine, retailing for under $11 that is perfect for any occasion! Generally I’m a ‘label kind of girl’! I have my favourites! And just as I have my favourite labels, I have my favourite vineyards and cellar doors to purchase them from. However, at Christmas, rushing past the bottle shop and looking for a white light wine to drink I grabbed this one! It is refreshingly different, really pleasant to drink; a comfortable wine that will suit the girls and perfect for lazy afternoons under the shade of a big tree or the verandah. Don’t forget the citrus tarts, a plate of fresh fruit, or light antipasto to go with this leisurely wine. It’s a perfect all-rounder if you just want something simple, uncomplicated, gentle and not too tough on your wallet either! A great wine to enjoy all summer long! www.gcgrapevine.com.au
of the
month
ON
THE MOVE... with kidS!!
I’ve moved many times during my adult life, and I am preparing to do so again – one of the biggest moves I will ever undertake – the interstate trek with a million children in tow! Well.... maybe not a million children ... just eight of them; but it may as well be a million for all the packing we’ve done! Moving house with kids can be monumental, so it’s great to be organised! In the past, I have moved from suburb to suburb, one side of town to the other, fifteen minutes down the road and so on. This is my biggest ever quest to ‘relocate’ my entire life and to begin a new dream...for all of us. There are probably endless ways I can think of to minimise the damage now that I am such an old hand at it. For starters, I had decided this time, to be more ruthless than ever. I culled and culled. I threw out stuff, I sold items, I gave some away... and I was feeling decidedly lighter, liberated, and free! The plan was to move before Christmas... before we once again accumulated much! Before the gifts arrived and took up more volume and space. The plan didn’t quite pan out... we’re still here! And I’m more or less back to square one. Arrgh! I feel trapped on this roundabout!
advent of the New Year I’ve decided to get back into it with a vengeance. My plan is simple... well, not simple exactly – but here are my top twenty ways to make moving slightly easier! 1. If you don’t need it, throw it out, give it away or sell it! Make some money off that junk! 2. If you haven’t used it in 6 months, it goes, and if you haven’t used it in two years you definitely don’t need it! 3. If you’re not using it and still want to keep it, pack it! Now! 4. Don’t take more than you can afford to move! It’s exhausting, costly and time-consuming! Both to move it, and unpack it!
Our house hasn’t sold yet ... we’ve been waiting for a few months now and I’m kind of over it. In fact, I was so over it, I stopped packing! With the www.gcgrapevine.com.au
5. If you need to replace something, replace it when you arrive at your destination. 6. Label boxes clearly and separate them according to rooms. 7. Hire a container to store and move everything in and pack boxes according to rooms. You can often hire one for up to a month before you move so you can rid your house of all of that packing and see what you have left to organise. You can also use it for transporting your items to the next abode. 8. Use coloured dots to assist in labelling boxes – for e.g you could use two different formulas: Red: OPEN IMMEDIATELY, Green: Open Soon and Blue: Open Later OR Blue: Kitchen, Red: Master Bedroom, Blue: Bathroom,Yellow: Kids etc 9. Clearly label boxes in black poster pen. 10. Have lots of masking tape on hand.
12. Don’t forget to buy bubble wrap, butcher’s paper or keep all of your newspapers! Another good idea is to shred old accounts you no longer need and keep the paper for lining your fragile boxes. 13. You can also purchase second hand boxes for a really reasonable price from storage sheds, removalists and the like. They’re perfect for storing linen in, especially when going long distances! 14. Get quotes on the many different modes of transport you can utilise to shift your goods! Road, train, container, driving them yourself etc. Utilise backloading if you can! There’s a good chance a truck may be heading in the direction you want to go with only half a load – share the load with someone else! It makes good dollars and sense! 15. Don’t pack anything you are still using (til the last minute) or you will live to regret it! It’s never fun agonising over which box it might be in! 16. If you’re feeling really energetic, and have the time, as you pack each box, write on a big piece of white paper the list of what’s inside and tape it to one side of the box to make unpacking a breeze! This gets old really fast and I only recommend it if you’re packing is small-ish.
11. Get boxes from industrial bins behind shops, particularly effective for this are bottle shops, supermarkets, baby stores etc! You’ll find them flattened out in the bins and will need to pick through them to find the best ones. Also grab loose pieces of cardboard for folding between fragile items. www.gcgrapevine.com.au
continued on page 36
MUMMY BLOGGERS WANTED FOR MUMMY AMBASSADORS! * A R T I C U L AT E * C R E AT I V E * C L E V E R * I N S P I R E D * I N T E R E S T I N G MUMMY BLOGGERS REQUIRED... TO BE MUMMY AMBASSADORS! BLOG, BRAG, RAVE, REVIEW... if you love to do this, we need you! *MUMMY AMBASSADORS NEEDS MUMMY BLOGGERS NOW!!!!!!!* *MUMMIES JOIN FOR FREE TIL JAN 2011* We have many businesses online seeking Mummy Bloggers who are willing to promote their products - via blogging, product reviews, becoming their own personal PR machine - using social media, etc etc... A good understanding of social media and SEO is important! We need articulate, capable, interested and interesting Mummy Bloggers for these roles! Solid communication skills, work ethic and can-do attitude required! We are seeking Mummy Bloggers interested in or who are doing one of the following: • Babies ... and Baby or children’s products, breastfeeding Mummies, pregnant Mummies • Mummies of children of all ages...
from one child... to ... heaps more! • Corporate Mummies and Mummies who were corporate but have no temporarily/permanently retired from the ‘office’ to be a Mummy or to work from home. • Jewellery and fashion-loving Mummies • Health-related Mummies • Mummies who are 30-45 years of age • Mummies who are any age bracket! • Even Mummies who are now Nannas! Mummies who like to review and promote books... homewares... shoes... hair/salon products.... beauty... food... wine...travel... and more... much much more... Mummies who like to rave, review, brag and blog to their hearts content. Mummies who will be loyal to the brand they are chosen by! Mummies who will strive to work with a business owner and give 100% of their best to promoting the product/service. *If we haven’t listed it, we still need you, so please contact us ... Please supply:
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1. Why you want to be a Mummy Ambassador 2. Your blog address 3. Your interests 4. Your strengths If you’re a pocket rocket or little PR Machine we want to know! Mummy Ambassadors was created by a Mummy of (almost) ten ... a business owner and PR consultant herself, she saw a niche in the market for Mummy Bloggers to take on the role of marketing/promoting/blogging/bragging/reviewing to save businesses thousands. Mummy Bloggers/ Ambassadors reap the rewards via having the ‘status’ as Ambassador for the business they blog for, recognition via receiving complimentary product, specials and discounts and being respected and treated well by the business they promote! Our businesses and Mummy Ambassadors are already raving about what a fantastic program this is! We know it works and everyone is having fun being involved!
TESTIMONIAL Finding the Mummy Ambassador program has been just what Zen Designs needed to expand. I am lucky enough to be working with the talented, and very professional Sandra Stewart from Sydney Stylists. This gives Zen Designs the prestige and exposure that is needed to lift it from a fledgling business to an enterprise. I have no hesitation in recommending the Mummy Ambassador program, and think it is something that can benefit all small businesses. http://www.zendesigns.com.au/ http://sydney-stylist.blogspot.com/
http://thehouseofvintner.blogspot. com/p/mummy-ambassadors.html to find out more! www.gcgrapevine.com.au
continued from page 26 ~ On the move...with kids! Now is the time to drop off at your second-hand or good-will store. Offload the vase you never liked, the decor you’ve outgrown and the pictures you’ll never rehang. No point in dragging them onto the next venue. Then you can look forward to buying new crockery and home wares when you arrive – this makes for a really fresh start! You’ll be glad you did! 18. Fed up with dragging your books around? Offer them to friends to read, or give them to Lifeline for their big book sale. Or what about the school library for the kids stuff? 19. Most of all relax.... try to enjoy the experience 20. And... Don’t worry, be happy! It ll works out in the end! PS... Don’t forget to pack your stilettos, whack on those fluffy slippers and have a good time!
Michelle Hayward The House of Vintner http://thehouseofvintner.blogspot.com
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continued from page 14 ~ Accept & Celebrate
continued from page 23 ~ Never Say Never Wait for the guy who wants to invest the time it takes to satisfy you mentally, spiritually and physically. Wait for the guy who you can share your secrets, your fantasies and your demons with, and he doesn’t run, he just moves closer to hold you. Wait for the guy who you can talk to for hours yet time stands still. Wait for the guy who turns your head and is just too into you to ignore. Wait for the guy who wants to be better for you, because you make him feel better then he ever has. Wait for the guy who wants to wait for you. “Doesn’t matter where you are in the world, if a man is interested in you he will do everything he can to talk to you and not give up.” - My Dad
Now as I have matured and experienced many different people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe, I am beginningto realise that I don’t need to understand. I just need to accept. It is not something that needs understanding. Another’s sexual orientation is not a choice. It is a part of their genetical makeup. It is not a character flaw or abnormal, it just is. It is not something that needs to be considered when I meet someone. For me it is along the lines of political preference, taste in music or preference for winter over summer, mild or spicy. It is certainly not something that would make me form an opinion one way or another nor something that would colour my thinking or opinion of them. As a straight woman, I am pleased to see so many young and openly gay role models for our children. From Ellen de Generous to Adam Lambert, they are the beginning of what I hope is an accepting and proud generation.
You were right. Never say “never”.... Now my dream guy is my reality.
And it is not only about being gay. It is about being okay with who you are, gay or otherwise. It is about accepting ourselves and each other. It is about not having to live with the fear of persecution, judgement or ridicule for our choices, preferences, and beliefs in any aspect of our lives.
(Babe if you read this, thanks so much for being you, everyday you amaze me more and more).
We don’t need to understand, we just need to accept and celebrate everyone for who they are.
I waited 10 yrs. and now I’m eating EVERY word I said. To my coupled friends, I’m sorry for being a skeptical jerk.
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