Grapevine The
Gold Coast
Issue 8 October 2010
Online Shopping
Calendar of Events
House of Vintner
www.gcgrapevine.com.au
Greetings from the Publisher...
Hello & Welcome Hello & Welcome and thanks for clicking on another GCG edition!
Welcome to our Travel Expose hopefully to inspire you to get out and experience this world! If it wasn’t for me getting the travel bug over 17 years ago, I would have never met my husband and have the family I have today. Not only does it bring people in life together, it’s a learning experience that no text book can replicate. Inside we have local traveling stories for Australia and with Oprah making her way downunder, I hope for everyone, that at sometime in their life they too can experience this vast country. Inside we have stories from the Great Aussie Road Trip, Things to do in the Hunter, Destination Noosa, and along with these, we have our regular features of What’s On, Reviews and Around Town past events; and our Online Shopping directory. There’s also a new introduction to a new columnist that the GCG will be presenting. Welcome Stacey Prieur, the single, savvy, social butterfly. Until next moth, Happy Reading!!
Marilyn Adam
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What’s Inside...
Greetings
p.02...from the publisher
What’s on!!
p.09...Local Markets 11...October Calendar 12...SoapBox Theatre Review 13...Calendar Launch Review 15...Swell Sculpture Review 25...BaseRock Shopping Review 26...Body Painting Expo
Travel Expose
p.07...Great Aussie Road Trip 29...Destination Noosa
Editorials
p.05...Baby Base Ink 30...SPC 31...First Aid YuCan2
The House of Vintner
p.39...201 Chambourcin Review 40...Got the Travel Bug? 44...Things to do in the Hunter p.32...Family Matters by Lynelle Richardson 33...Halloween 34...Teach with Games 37... 47...Online Shopping & Services
Hot Topics
Published by The Gold Coast Grapevine Qld 4218 m:0430 304 082 f:(07)5677 0626 e: marilyn@gcgrapevine.com.au w: www.gcgrapevine.com.au ABN: 47 279 002 263 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 infor
mation and general interest and any opinion expressed through out this publication may not necessarily be those of the publisher. 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. *The Gold Coast Grapevine is a proud sponsor of Project18
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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.
..... cool
hats for cool kids
“ 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
All enquiries log onto our website or contact us on 0416 385 044
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.
BABY BASe
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The funkiest
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In February 2010 my husband and I watched a documentary on the amazing event that is Lake Eyre in flood. Right then and there we decided that should it ever flood again we would be there to experience it. By May, we knew Queensland flood waters would reach Lake Eyre and the Great Aussie Road Trip swung back into action! This was the first trip for us with the newest member of our family, Edward (Teddy) turning 1 only days before we left. So who are “we”? Jasmine (7), Jemma (5), Teddy (1) myself (Rachel, 31) and my husband Greg (36). June 8th 2010 saw the Power Family hit the road for 3 incredible weeks. We drove 3 days (roughly 1,700kms) from Canberra to Lake Eyre With our trusty 3Dog Camper in tow we set up camp at Halligan Bay and walked over the dune to be greeted by an awesome sight, Lake Eyre. Out there you can’t tell where the sky stops and the water starts. We walked along the sandy banks intrigued by the well preserved array of fish, insects, animals and more that lined the water’s edge. After a few days at Halligan Bay we decided to fly over the lake to get an idea of the vastness. One of the best ideas ever! You really have an understanding of why Lake Eyre in flood is such an event, while we were there the Lake was at about 75% surface coverage (not capacity). We were told that most areas of the Lake were no deeper than about 1 foot and that the Lake Eyre Basin (the area of Australia that water drains into the Lake itself) covers one sixth of Australia and four states! Sad to leave we packed up camp
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and headed to another of Australia’s gems, Arkaroola. Situated in the Northern Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola is a privately owned Wilderness Sanctuary. We spent about 4 days exploring the various dirt roads, gorges, mountain lookouts and we even got to see the rare Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies. Our children came into their own, hopping over rocks and trees. We realised that while they enjoyed themselves at Lake Eyre, THEY LOVE ROCKS! From Arkaroola we made our way to Menindee Lakes, another area of Australia that had filled with water thanks to the floods. Two years earlier we had visited Menindee and found that only one Lake had water, this time all of them were still filling and a fantastic sight. Camped right on the bank of Lake Pamameroo you just couldn’t ask for a better place, waking up each morning to be greeted by the awesome sight of the beautiful lake and the well known spindly, bare trees that poke out of the water. Our last stop was Lake Mungo National Park and contrary to how it sounds this was one Lake that the flood waters didn’t fill, actually it has been dry for around 80,000 years! We arrived and set up camp and raced to the lunettes to watch the incredible display from the dunes and pinnacles at sun set.
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After heavy rains over night all roads in and out of Mungo were closed and we were left with 3 kids, one camper and short tempers very quickly. We decided to pack camp and head to the Shearer’s Quarters at the Visitor’s Centre – best decision we made this trip! Jasmine sheepishly told us that the rain was all her fault, she had prayed for it to rain and fill up the Lake so she could see that with water in it too! We managed one morning of exploring the dunes further before our road opened and we headed out. We had been grounded for about 3 days but it was only 1 day later than planned. That was possibly the most memorable drive of our trip, slipping and sliding and driving through puddles that were 50m+ long. The kids LOVED the puddles and squealed with glee every time the muddy water splashed up over the windscreen. At midnight we arrived home with the joyous thoughts of our warm comfy bed. We had such an incredible time that the girls keep asking “where are we going next, and when??” www.gcgrapevine.com.au
Local Gold Coast Markets Banora Point Markets Club Banora, Leisure Drive
1st & 3rd Sunday of every month www.farmersmarketsaustralia.com.au
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_____________ What’s On
Broadbeach Art and Craft Market
Kurrawa Park 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month (07) 5533 8202 www.artandcraft.com.au
Bundall Farmers Market
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
Mudgeeraba Farmers Market
Mudgeeraba Showgrounds Cnr Mudgeeraba & Worongary Roads, Mudgeeraba 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
Queen Elizabeth Park 2nd Sunday of every month (07) 5533 8202 www.artandcraft.com.au
Palm Beach Currumbin State High School 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month 0404 787 865 www.farmersmarketsaustralia.com.au
Assisi College Carpark Last Saturday of every month 0424 189 344
The Esplanade Parklands, Paradise Point 4th Sunday of every month 0417 636 662 or 0407 636 822
Rear of Currumbin Sanctuary Car Park Tomewin Street, Currumbin 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month 0417 759 777
The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise Every Wednesday & Friday night (07) 5584 3700 www.surfersparadise.com
Coolangatta Art and Craft Market
Coomera Market
Paradise Point Art and Craft Market
Currumbin Sanctuary Farmers Market
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Market
Miami Organic Farmers Market
Miami State High School 2137-2205 Gold Coast Highway, Miami Every Sunday (07) 3358 6309 or 1300 668 603 www.gcorganicmarket.com
Marina Mirage Farmers Market Marina Mirage Seaworld Drive, Main Beach www.gcgrapevine.com.au
1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday of every month (07) 3103 2325
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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October
What's on... October 1 Seasons on the Mountain Garden Festival www.tmbotanicgardens.org.au October 3 Hoodlum Charlie Gig www.miamitavern.com.au www.myspace.com/hoodlumcharlie Family Treasure Hunt Adventure Macintosh Park, GC Hwy tonyctorr@bigpond.com Gold Coast Babysitting Club Monthly Family gathering www.goldcoastbabysittingclub.com October 7 - 18 Journey to Greece Art Expo Robina Town Centre mroz_turcic@hotmail.com October 8 Happy Tails Day www.rspca.org.au October 9 Spring High Tea Gold Coast Turf Club www.goldcoastturf.com.au
October 16 Gold Coast Autorama 2010 Antique Car Show www.gcaac.com.au
Sunday
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19Karen Contemporary Artspace Opening Night Art Exhibition www.19karen.com.au October 19 Gold Coast Babysitting Club Parent/Baby/Toddler Playgroup www.goldcoastbabysittingclub.com
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October 22 - 24 Armor All Gold Coast 600 www.goldcoast600.com.au
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October 1 - 24 Douglas Kirkland: A Life of Pictures Gallery ~ A look at world famous icons Gallery of Modern Art www.qag.gov.au
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Valentino, Retrospective; Past/Present/Future Exhibition Gallery of Modern Art www.qag.qld.gov.au October 31 Halloween
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Soapbox Theatre had a gala performance of Sophie is...about a girl new to town, new school, new friends and a new sophie... The dynamic cast of three, Jane Clare who plays Gemma, Kellie Ward who plays Kate and Sarah McLeod who plays Sophie..the teenager that we all are familiar with. This cast delivers a multiple character show that is fast and hard hitting on topics that no parents like to discuss and no teenager dares to reveal. The performance captures the audience with opening scenes that bring you to laughter and quicly reminds you how hard it can be to be a teenager. It sends a clear message to adolescents and is an ideal performance for teenagers to see that could lead to making a difference on how to approach and discuss their own personal struggles with their parents and peers with an end result of increasing and achieving a positive perception of their own self worth. I highly recommend this play to parents, teens and all High schools. I myself took my son to the performance and he loved it. He not only identified himself in these characters but we ended up having one of our best heart to heart, parent to teenager, mother to son conversations. Sophie is....FABULOUS!
Around the G.C. by the GCG
Once again the owners & staff from 1two3 dining, Sage and Yellowfin; have set themselves apart from the rest setting the bar that much higher for other establishments in the local restuarant industry to meet. The Naked Calendar Launch Party held at 1two3 was the stage for the premier of the calendar that has swept the Gold Coast and made a buz on the social media circuit. With Jill & Stacey at the wheel of this driving media force, the word got out and the party was a hit! What is so different about this calendar? For starters, ALL the models in the calendar are the staff at 1two3 dining & lounge bar! What a hoot the staff members must of had on these photo shoots, posing with eachother bringing out the sexy in one of the local hot spots! But the best part, ALL proceeds are donated to 5 local charities supporting them in their never ending endevour of making a difference. The party was set at 1two3 and had a great vibe with complimentary drinks served through out the evening, light canopes and cupcakes from heavon! All with a warm and welcoming atmosphere where all the staff had a name badge and the month they appear in the calendar. For $15.00 you too can contribute and purchse a calendar, what great stocking stuffers!!
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Naked Calendar Launch Party !!!
Star of Ex
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Sculpture Festival
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The Swell Sculpture Festival took place at Currumbin Beach the second week of September, 10th through the 19th. I had been waiting for this event, it looked fabulous and there’s nothing like a day out with the kids, looking at art on the beautiful beaches of Currumbin. We went the first Saturday and it was a stunner! Beautiful, clear blue skys with a very slight breeze welcoming you on this gorgeous spring day. The setting was perfect. This festival is set along the pathway and sand dunes of Currumbin Beach, beginning at the surf club. It was a breathtaking stroll where children were not only welcomed but encouraged to appreciate the sculptures and enjoy the sculptures that were interactive. It was a great way to start the day, enjoying the beautiful weather, a cup of coffee and taking in the scenery of the sculptures along the gorgeous Currumbin Beach backdrop. If you missed this festival this year, don’t miss it next year! This is a festival not to miss!! I highly recomend this festival and I can’t wait for next year!!
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Do you and your friends have kids who rock? Do you live between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast? Then this is the party for you!
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Shop at home with family and friends Host will receive one free hat and tee of their choice MORE SALES = MORE FREEBIES!
The creators of Baby Base Ink and Pram Rock have joined ventures to bring you an in-home shopping extravanganza! Thanks to Porowini Lucchiari Nepia and Danielle Parmenter, you can now book a shopping party to host in your own residence for these GREAT products by Baby Base Ink and Pram Rock. These hats, as many people know, are my all time favourites! I love them! And put together with the hip & cool T’s from Pram Rock, you can have the most stylish, cool and hip kid on the block! These shots were taken from their first shopping party they hosted and it was a hit! Book your party today!!!!
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Glamourize your eyes with
QT Sunglasses The Body Painting Expo was an event that I unfortunately had to miss, but this is an event NEVER to be missed again! Thanks to Natator Photography, these are just a few images of some of the models. The works of these airbrush professionals is mind blowing and mouth droppping! Their talent is something you would only see in the movies. For more images and scenes from this event please visit www.BodyPaintingExpo.com and www.natatorp.hotography.com.au You won’t be disappointed!
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DESIGNER INSPIRED SUNGLASSES FOR MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN WWW.QTSUNGLASSES.NET
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The life of a mumpreneur. All work and no play. But not for this mumpreneur! Well, not for one week anyway. Family holiday time. Destination - Noosa! Noosa is situated on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast approximately 160km North of Brisbane, and is as one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations. The area of Noosa encompasses the Noosa River, Noosaville, Noosa Junction and Noosa Heads with the East Coast’s only North facing beach. Noosa has so much to offer. There is the beach of course, river cruises, water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing, wake boarding, leisurely whale watching trips, day trips to Sandy Fraser Island, 4-wheel driving, Harley tours, nearby winery & gourmet tours, and fishing. Or you can take our approach and opt for the total relaxation option, taking each day as it comes. Sounds like a plan! There is a little chink in the plan however, the weather forecast for Queensland’s East Coast this week is for rain, rain and more rain! What? What happened to “Queensland. Beautiful one day, perfect the next”? Always an optimist, (okay, so not usually, but now seems as good a time as any to start), I put this dodgy forecast out of my mind and continue in my blissful state of NO WORK and ALL PLAY! After a relatively drama free day of
travelling we arrive in Brisbane to grab our hire car. The skies are grey, but 18 degrees is much friendlier than the 13 degrees we have come from in still wintery Victoria! Arriving at our rental house only a short drive from the heads we all settle in for a good night’s sleep. Upon waking in the morning, I already have a smile on my face. A sleep in! It is 6:45! That is a full 45 minutes more sleep than I usually get. It isn’t until the drone of the rain on the iron roof that my smile disappears and my heart feels heavy. I know you can relate. As a mumpreneurs we work hard, long and tiresome hours. Not only do we go to ‘work’ each day, we still do the housework, run the kids here there and everywhere, and where a number of other hats from wife, mother, lover, accountant, tutor, confidant, friend....need I go on? Holidays, for me, are a reward. It is my choice to be a mumpreneur and I love it, but it is damn hard work. So, again I put on my ‘smiley face’ determined to see what Noosa holds in the rain! What I love about Noosa, is the smell. It is the sweet, salty scent of childhood.The sandy beach, the warm air, the lush parklands have this wonderful scent and seems to be enhanced with the sprinkling of rain. Again I am calm. Relaxed. At peace. I am on holidays!
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Noosa is a great place to get around. If you have a car, everything is accessible. You can drop down to Noosa Heads, over to Noosaville to enjoy the river, or up to Eumundi for market days Wednesday’s and Saturday’s. If you don’t have a car, no problem. There are gorgeous walking tracks meandering from Hastings Street along the coast and river. And bus stops everywhere stretching north and south. Noosa is accessible whatever your chosen mode of transport. We spend the next few days exploring the district, acquainting ourselves with the nearby towns, leisurely drives and activities for the kids such as the play centre and 10 pin bowling. We also spent some time meandering along Hastings Street’s myriad of shops to suit every budget and some delightful ice cream parlours. We even found some dairy-free for hubby. On Wednesday we are lucky enough that the rain gods appear to be taking leave long enough for us to enjoy wandering around the Eumundi markets. If you love markets you will LOVE the Eumundi markets, if not, you will still love them. Everything from jewels, baked goods, handmade clothing, earthly goods, an array of food to warm your belly, spiritual and bodily needs, and even pony rides & face painting for the kids. Did I mention the food? We did manage to get in some beach time, although not in the bright, warm rays we were expecting, we were at least happy with the intermittent sunshine and warm breeze. The kids had a ball in the gentle waves of Noosa Heads, play
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_____________ Destination Noosa by Jodi Gibson
ing in the rock pools and making sand mermaids out of themselves. I managed to get in a bit of reading and writing too. In the end we had six lovely days in Noosa, It was most definitely hard to come back to reality, and we are already planning our next adventure – well, we have to have something to work for don’t we?
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The BEST Gymnastics & Circus Club on the Gold Coast!!! Kindy Gym
Circus Fun
School Holiday Programs
Gymnastics Sports Acrobatics
Cheerleading
Tumbling
Birthday Parties
Wall Climbing
10% off
Performance Group
joining fee for
Classes for ALL ages from 18 months to Adults www.SuperPerformanceCentre.com.au
Grapevine readers!!!
Join NOW!!!
(07) 5532 8429 9/2 Middleton St Ashmore, QLD
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to stay fit and healthy then the Super Performance Centre is the place for you! The centre provides everything from Kinder Gym, competitive or recreational Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics, Sports Acrobatics, Circus Aerials, Wall Climbing and so much more! But what’s even better is that there are programs to suit everyone from 18 months old to an Adult of any skill level. Situated on the Gold Coast, SPC opened its doors in 2006 and has since established a well-deserved reputation for its amazing facilities, extensive range of equipment and experienced, international coaches. Say goodbye to boring exercise regimes and hello to the Super Performance Centre. Operating six days a week, there is bound to be something perfect for you that can fit into your busy schedule, but you need to be quick! SPC provides such an amazing experience and we are constantly opening up new classes, however they are very popular and spaces are limited. Did you know you can also have your birthday at the Super Performance Centre? Our exciting rock climbing wall, dazzling circus aerials and expert coaches allow children to experience the fun and excitement in a safe and friendly environment, making for the most memorable and fantastic birthday parties. www.gcgrapevine.com.au
If you found one of your loved ones unconscious and laying on the floor, you’d like to know how to save them, wouldn’t you? Every person has a right to live and is special to someone in their world. You can than see the importance of First Aid Training, can’t you? We expect anyone who looks after our children to be trained in this valuable skill, but often neglect the training ourselves, don’t be a statistic, enrol in a Course today. First Aid YUCAN2 offers a 100% guarantee that if you are not confident and feel empowered after my training, I will retrain you at no further expense. I performed CPR on my baby boy after finding him unconscious and floating in my back yard pool and saved his life. Learn from my experience and my passion. My Courses are affordable in price and I only require a minimum of 6 participants to undertake the Training. If you have more than 10 participants, you will receive your Course at no cost. Training can be conducted at your premises, making it a flexible option. Why not get a group together and give me a call to discuss different First Aid/CPR Training options to suit you. Both Certified and uncertified Courses available. I have First Aid/CPR Courses available on the 13 of July, where there are still vacancies that I can invite others to. The times for these Courses are 12.00pm. These are Nationally Recognised Certified Courses. I also have a Mama’s First Aid Course on the 14th of July at the Robina Bowls Club from 6-9.30 pm. The cost for this Course will only be $50.00 and they can also
choose the dinner option as well for an additional $10.00. If there are any mums interested in hosting a Mama’s First Aid Course, feel free to call and book a Course. I am having tremendous feedback from these Courses. I can either run the Course at their home or at the Robina Bowls Club. I try and be as flexible as I can. Many mums carrying out the training, also have child in toe! I only have a minimum number of 6 participants to carry out this valuable training. This Course is uncertified, but receives all the skills. They also receive a magnet, with all the tips required should they need to utilise in the event of an emergency. If there are other people requiring the Certified training, please feel free to contact me for a quote. My prices are very affordable for quality First Aid training. This is the greatest gift of all…Life! What are you waiting for? I saved a life…YUCAN2!
Tammy Richie First Aid YUCAN2 tammy@firstaidyucan2.com www.firstaidyucan2.com
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Halloween
by lynelle richardson
The House of Man I live in the House of Man. As the only female in a testosterone filled house it is a struggle. Males certainly see things differently to females, or in our eyes, don’t see at all. We are two very different breeds and it is amazing that we can cohabitat harmoniously. The reference to domestic blindness or deafness is one that every woman can agree with. I suggest that someone take up the challenge and set up a clinic to help the male overcome this debilitating condition. The queue for such a clinic would go for miles as women everywhere enrol their husbands or partners. The challenge would be convincing the male that they needed to attend. Don’t get me wrong, my two sons and my husband mean the world to me but they do not see what I see. If I have to pick up any more socks and shoes or rinse the dregs of shaving cream out of the bathroom sink one more time, I will scream. It is my duty as a mother to ensure that my sons do not inherit this condition that most men suffer from. As for my husband, it is too late. My motherin-law was just too good. Unfortunately, my blinding love for him at the tender age of 19 couldn’t see this and I married him to discover his little idiosyncrasies. To those women who do not face this daily battle, I am envious. The thought of living in a house where females rule brings a smile to my face. I see a house that has the toilet seat always returned to the horizontal position, the empty toothpaste tubes securely located in the bin, the spilt milk wiped up and clothes never left lying around the floor for weeks on end. Not to mention the quietness at mealtime as the burping competitions are no longer. Oh the peace and serenity. Just think, never would women have to raise their voice to break through the barrier of domestic blindness. Never would we have to perform the ultimate game of hide and seek in the quest to answer questions such as, “Have you seen my jocks?” Pure bliss it would be. Well, for now I step back to reality to pick up, clean up and pack up, while ensuring clothes washed, house clean, kids to whatever and tea for whoever is done. However, I can continue to dream! www.gcgrapevine.com.au
Halloween by far is still my favourite holiday of the year. Eventhough, technically it’s not a holiday where you have the day off from work or school but it definately is a day to have fun and celebrate. Many people think that Halloween is an American tradition and originated in the United States and truth is it originated over 2,000 years ago in Europe who brought the tradition to the U.S. in the 19th Century. And one of those traditions is pumpkin carving. This is a great tradition and can create alot of fun memories with little ones. When I was young, I couldn’t wait for my dad to come home with a pumpkin to carve up. Ofcourse, back then the traditional carving was the triangle eyes and nose with the square teeth. But now you can use patterns and create a masterpiece. This is where Pumkin Masters holds the thrown of the best all time paterns. You would never imagine carving a silouhette of vampire or witch flying on her broom. It just couldn’t be done....untill Pumkin Masters came along. You can purchase Pumkin Masters patterns with their carving kits that include those special carving tools that help create these magial jack-o-lanterns and you can also read more about Pumkin Masters and print some free patterns from their website www.pumpkinmasters.com Halloween is a time to enjoy and have fun. It only comes once a year and for me, has created some of my best, favourite and crazy memories...
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______________ Hot Topics
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alities the ‘new generation’ are taking the world of wine by surprise and are at the cutting edge of the Hunter Valley’s future. All 6 of them are dedicated winemakers who have cut their teeth making wine all over the world before settling down in The Hunter Valley to create their own mark. Totally dedicated to the future of the Hunter they all have an enormous amount of passion and experience that drives them to combine in this new joint venture – ‘New Generation Hunter Valley’.
Wanted Alive: The New Generation Hunter Valley Winemakers The New Generation Hunter Valley Winemakers are a group of six of the Hunter’s number one suspects who are ready to put up their hands and say “I did it” - they are all guilty of creating some of Australia’s best wines (in fact all 6 are 5 star Halliday rated) and each of them keen to make some noise about it.
therewardsguy@live.com
The New Gen boys can be publically identified as David Hook (David Hook Wines), Andrew Thomas (Thomas), Rhys Eather (Meerea Park), Nick Patterson (Mistletoe), Mike De Iuliius (De Iuliius) and Andrew Margan (Margan) and their weapon is their outstanding winemaking abilities and merciless passion and experience in the wine industry. Working with old vineyards using contemporary methods and producing wines reflective of their own person-
Andrew Thomas, one of the ‘unusual suspects’ who instigated this venture claims “we’re just a bunch of knock about blokes who love making wine, are passionate about the Hunter, and enjoy having a beer together, so it kind of made sense for us to band together and get people talking about the Hunter’s new wine brands.” So, to kick things off, at approximately eighteen hundred hours on Friday October 15, six of the Hunter Valley’s most elusive winemakers will be lining up at the MLC Centre in Martin Place, ready for Sydney’s wine enthusiasts to pass their judgement on what will not be your usual wine tasting. You can also follow the New Generation boys on Facebook where you can uncover further clues as to what makes this case so exciting. www.facebook.com/newgenerationhuntervalley <http://www.facebook.com/newgenerationhuntervalley> Not Your Usual Suspects
‘WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE ‘201 CHAMBOURCIN’
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______________ The House of Vintner By Michelle Hayward
our 2009 Sparkling Chambourcin using a brand new Australian innovative - the Zork SPK closure. It is an invention which is superior to other types of sparkling wine closures for the following reasons:-
201 Chambourcin Review Got the Travel Bug? Things to do in the Hunter...
Chambourcin is a suprisingly light and refreshing red wine. It is so comfortable to drink and is as viable to enjoy now as it is after being cellared for five years! Perfect with your favourite red meat! Introduce to friends who aren’t big red wine drinkers... you will convert them after one sip. Medium-bodied with a soft finish, Chambourcin is the perfect wine to start you off if you are thinking of going down the red wine path. This is not one of those gutsy reds. It is gentle to the palate and will surprise and delight every time. Perfect to enjoy after a long, hard day! Sparkling Chambourcin is a similar texture and is a pleasure to drink. Next time you have a special event to celebrate, consider 201 Sparkling Chambourcin instead of your usual sparkling wine. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised at the ‘melt in your mouth’ feel to this beautiful wine. Chill for your drinking pleasure.
•it is easy to open by hand, without the need for a bottle opener; •it is resealable, preserving the wine’s sparkle for longer; •it eliminates the possibility of cork taint which can compromise the wine; •it allows the bottle to be reused for other household purposes; •it is 100% recycleable, further reducing landfill waste; and •it has a carbon footprint up to 40% less than cork and muselet. Please refer to www.zork.com.au for more details. Chambourcin is at the top of our list at The House of Vintner, among our favourite wines and proudly created in the Lovedale region of the beautiful Hunter Valley.
WE LOVE THE CORK!!!!! 201 Sparkling Chambourcin comes with a resealable “cork” Rather than using traditional cork or crown seals, 201 is excited to be bottling www.gcgrapevine.com.au
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Got the I have travelled extensively during my lifetime, both overseas and within Australia. While I love travelling, I admit that I don’t always like it (it depends on the reason and the destination); hence I am constantly seeking ways to make my journey more efficient and much more fun – especially when travelling with children. Weeks before our journey I spend time creating a list of all the things we need to take. I keep it handy when packing so that I can tick each item off as I pack it. It means I am less likely to leave things behind and it makes the journey go much more smoothly when everyone is catered for, as well as planning for all contingencies, and keeping the kids occupied! Even when travelling without the kids, I still like to be organised and if possible I begin packing several days before we leave. My motto is ‘Be prepared!’ Hence, I went hunting for fabulous travel products aimed at not only organisation, but convenience and fun! Have you ever arrived at your travel destination only to have to hit the shops the minute you arrive to purchase that forgotten, but very necessary item? I have! I aim to ensure that doesn’t happen anymore, or at least, very often. I have some exciting products for you in this issue to better help you with your travels. Lady Jayne products have often
Travel Bug? been my first stop when travelling – you know how it goes, someone forgot that all important hairbrush or needs a hair tie or clips, a headband is needed etc. Lady Jayne really caters to the market and now with products that are travel size. This is the time you don’t want to up-size. Travelling light is the key. Lady Jayne has stylish and useful travel brushes – some with mirrors; headbands, hair ties, clips and more. Perfect for your handbag, glove-box or carry-on luggage. Lady Jayne has you styled no matter where you are! You can find them conveniently located in supermarkets regardless of where you’ve landed in Australia. If there’s a supermarket near you, you’re bound to have a Lady Jayne product at your fingertips! Stuffit by ingenie, proudly supply swing bags, backpacks, laundry and lingerie bags, shoe and boot bags and more! I love this product because it means I am able to separate my items in my bag. I can easily locate them by bag type, but I also love the idea of not having to put my shoes, boots and dirty laundry in plastic bags. Stylish bags by Stuffit mean you can have everything sorted, stylishly packed and protected during your journey!
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They are also space savers because this innovative product doesn’t take up a lot of room. You can find out more about them at www.stuffit.com. au The Little Innoscents range is a beautifully aromatic and gentle product in travel size, perfect for taking a trip with littlies. The giftbag contains the most practical products made with essential oils that effectively treat a range of skin conditions. When travelling with little ones these are most often the products we reach for first – body and hair wash, healing nappy cream, SPF moisturising lotion, vapour rub balm and baby massage oil. This fabulous pack has every situation covered irrespective of the climate or the venue you’ve chosen for your holiday. I can’t count the times I’ve taken a child away with me only to find they are congested. It’s never fun having to locate a pharmacy in a strange town at odd hours with little ones. However, when you have your Little Innoscents travel pack with you, you’ll always have exactly what you need to survive your break away. You can read more about Little Innoscents by visiting their website www.littleinnoscents.com.au North America’s number one selling natural soap, Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap is ideal for your travel plans because it’s a dual purpose product. A liquid castile soap, it is soft and lathers well, beautifully fragranced and gentle, has myriad uses. This is great for the five star holiday or for camping. You can use it for washing your face and body, dishes, laundry, fruit and vegetables and general cleaning. Some even use it to clean their teeth! There’s a fragrance for everyone in - almond, citrus, peppermint, rose, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and unscented. My
favourite is almond! I love the versatility and gentility of this product; I wish I had discovered it sooner. PLANE JANE HAS EVERY TRAVEL SOLUTION...Plane Jane’s funky retro packaged ‘DVT Socks in a Box’, help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and uncomfortable swelling of the legs and ankles during long-haul flights. Also fabulous for walking around in your favourite city anywhere in the world. Made from cotton, nylon and elastine and are machine washable and available in Black. Pregnant tourists may also benefit from this product! Ask your Doctor or Healthcare Professional about how these socks might make your travel experience more comfortable. BE TREATED LIKE A TOURIST, NOT A TERRORIST Plane Jane also supplies funky, retro packaged 100ml bottles in a litre bag that comply with all International security checkpoints around the world. Just simply fill them with your favourite lotions and potions, pop them in your cabin luggage and away you go!
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Really practical and clever! These travel size bottles and jars make that journey so much simpler! I can pack my favourite shampoo and not have to skimp on quality by picking an inferior hair product in travel size at the supermarket! I can take just a little moisturiser or conditioner or even make up! The list is endless really. Neatly packaged in a stylish waterproof bag that keeps all your items conveniently together in one place, it is the ultimate travel companion for the busy woman on the go and you can even get a Plain Jim version for your favourite guy! Journey Jottings – a fun way to travel with kids! We *highlight holiday adventures* with our Australia Map Journals :) Dot your route on the map, jot tales in the boxes around the outside and simply summarize your trip on a single sheet! Check out a recent blog post for Eye spy games for Children at http://bit.ly/c053mN And you can also mark off the animals as they are seen en route ~ http://www.journeyjottings.com I can’t wait to try these out on our next road adventure. TRAVEL GUIDE - BOOK At the GCCHOV blogspot we currently have a copy of the best-selling book full of travel hints and tips that may well fit in with the range of products that you’re looking for. Get Packing - The Ultimate Travel Guide has been written for a wide range of travellers, from the experienced frequent flyer down to the novice holidaymaker. Rather than concentrating on travel destinations, this book is all about the processes of travel, from planning, booking and security through to how to make the most of different modes of travel, including road, rail, sea and air. In this book, the authors have managed to distill the absolute gems from more than 40 years of combined experience
in the travel and tourism industry. You’ll discover: • the secret to creating an extraordi nary holiday experience • how to choose your best travel desti nation • tricks, traps and hot tips like you’ve never read before • 5 key elements to staying healthy on your trip • hints to make your cruise experiences even better • 7 ways to make sure that you enjoy your holiday more • the 3 P’s that will make your journey more enjoyable • dos and don’ts for frequent flyers • how to save thousands while travelling to popular destinations • how to select your best accommodation option I’m enjoying reading all of the tips and hints and you can find out more at www.getpackingtravelguide.com MOMENTO PHOTOBOOKS for all of your travel memories Momento is an Australian company that offers a range of premium photo products including hardcover photobooks, calendars, diaries and cards. Founded by Geoff Hunt, Libby Jeffery and James Whitwell in 2004, it was one of the first companies to create premium quality photobooks in Australia and has since grown to a team of over 30 people. Momento is a certified Carbon Neutral business that is committed to environmentally sustainable processes, products and packaging. Australia’s first photobook printing company, Momento, is releasing a new range of exciting photobooks this month, providing its customers with even more options when it comes to printing and enjoying their photos. In addition to this, Momento is offering permanent price reductions on a range of photobooks.
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For more information on Momento please visit www.momento.com.au Travel Bags via GLAM ACCESSORIES ~ At GCGHOV we’ve become huge fans of the gorgeous travel bags from Glam Accessories in stylish colours such as red, black and white, and a very funky animal print. Perfect for cabin luggage or as an overnight bag to throw in the car, we love the soft fabric, and the fact that they hold heaps! You can put all of your travel needs in one of these fabulous bags. I usually purchase all of my Glam Accessories from Groove but you can now order online at www.glamaccessories.com.au Glam accessories offer brands such as Ooh la lily, LASplash, JQC and Miss Marie products plus many more. There’s something for everyone! And lastly, we are also loving the MOCKS TWISTER! Do you get frustrated with tangled headphones? Mocks Twister is the answer to all of your problems when travelling with your ipod accessories. They easily store your earbuds and wires and stop them from getting tangled! Lots of twisting colours to choose from! Check them out at http://mocks.com.au/ Mock on!
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Things to do in the Hunter... There’s not a second to waste! When I think of the Hunter Valley, I think of rest and relaxation; lazy days spent enjoying sun-drenched vineyards and the opportunity to indulge in the many day spas on offer, as well as a smorgasbord of decadent food and wines to delight the palate. One of the first things I do on arrival in the Hunter is to drop my gear off in the room and then head to a massage appointment. Then I am ready to luxuriate in wine tasting, shopping, lunch in an idyllic setting, a drive to take in the sights and then a gorgeous dinner to follow. Let me show you the Hunter at its best! It’s just a short 45 minute drive from New Castle airport, or a comfortable two hours from Sydney and is the perfect weekend retreat when you need to get away from it all. It’s heaven at your doorstep. Have you ever been Hot Air Ballooning? If you haven’t, now is certainly the time to try it. Fabulous views float below you in a truly unique way to enjoy the Hunter Valley. If you’re planning a romantic weekend for two, this might just be the perfect way to begin, or to propose! There are a few different carriers to choose from with experienced pilots on board and it will certainly be a journey to remember! Wine tasting has often been one of the highlights of our trips to Pokolbin and Broke in the Hunter Valley region. The service at each Cellar Door is always welcoming and enjoyable, with not just wine tasting on offer, but chocolate, cheese, Port and other delectable items to be sampled – the Hunter becomes a complete taste sensation, coming alive in your mouth. And for those who would
rather sample Beer, check out the Breweries on offer in the area. You won’t be disappointed. Your hosts at each winery are only too happy to impart more information about the Valley and surrounding areas, so do ask them to help familiarise yourself with Wine Country! Or grab a brochure on your way out and there’s also a Tourism & Visitors Information Centre with loads of information from accommodation and fun things to do, to planning your very own Hunter Valley wedding or honeymoon. Make sure you grab yourself a complimentary copy of the current Wine Country Magazine – it has everything in it you need to know, including a map of the area. And if you’re catching a flight home bear in mind the weight of your bags upon returning so the airlines don’t slug you with an extra cost for your trouble. That can be a nasty surprise to your departure. Why not organise with your favourite winery to ship your cases of wine home to save you effort? Or find out where you can purchase from if buying in bulk. Some Cellar Doors are boutique wineries so do be aware you may need to purchase on the premises, or you can always order online when you get home. Also on offer is the ability to have a wine bottle etched, or a personalised label attached to celebrate a special wedding anniversary, a 21st birthday, the birth of a child or any other notable special occasion. These make a really unique gift for a loved one and they look fantastic! Be sure to pack it really well for the return journey! You don’t want any broken bottles in your bag!
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Concerned about drinking and driving? Not anymore. Take a gorgeous Horse and Carriage Wine Tour that will take in all of the sights, sounds and aromas of the stunning Hunter Valley. While away the hours in comfort – you won’t miss a thing! Shopping! This would have to be one of the highlights for me! One of my favourite places to visit is the Hunter Valley Gardens Village which sports the Chocolate Shop, a kitchen store, and a shop to purchase items for your bar, there’s also a candle shop, a beautiful home wares and jewellery shop as well as a clothing store and a bookstore for the avid reader plus so much more! You won’t leave empty handed and be sure to check out the ice cream shop and fabulous places for lunch before you leave! If you’re a keen golfer you will be thrilled to find more than one Golf Course on location in the Hunter Valley. You can spend hours walking the green, playing to your heart’s content and then enjoy a refreshing wine or beer at the end of your sojourn. Guys,
you can always take to the Golf Course while the girls go shopping, wine tasting, or while they enjoy a few hours being pampered... The Day Spas can be a heavenly retreat for you and your partner to relax and unwind before dinner or at any time during your Hunter Valley stay. There are a myriad of Spas to choose from where all of your senses will be indulged and you will leave feeling at peace and ready to take on the world! Go with the girls for a long weekend, starting off with a massage, or beauty treatment. I guarantee you’ll be booking a second one before you leave. This would have to be one of the most enjoyable parts of the Hunter Valley experience. There are Antiques and Collectibles to enjoy, a garden shop that also offers keepsakes and souvenirs of your Hunter stay plus many wineries offer Tshirts, picnic rugs, postcards and other knick knacky bits and pieces you might want to grab for the crew at home. You can catch a movie in Cessnock or Singleton, grab a pizza, snap a coal train on the way past or enjoy visiting all of the little historical areas that exist all around the Hunter Valley. There are so many photo opportunities that you’ll want to be sure you bring the camera and charger, and don’t forget to pack that extra memory card to avoid disappointment when committing that sunset to memory. Try to print your photographs before you go home so you can enjoy reminiscing in the airport or shortly after you arrive back in the real world. Everyone will be dying to know what you got up to! Your Hunter Valley experience starts here http://www.winecountry.com.au/ or ask your travel agent for details.
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Baby * Kids * Caffeine
‘Tennis at it’s finest’
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Introducing....... Stacey Prieur is a 29 yr old Canadian hailing from the concrete wonderland of Toronto, Ontario. Prieur started her first real career in Advertising, lasting only 5 yrs before she heeded a calling to be an actress & stand-up comic. This feisty blond dazzled audiences with her charmingly inappropriate observations and her “dare to bare all bedroom blunders”. Her popularity grew and in 2007 she was asked to join the cast of a widely popular webtv show called TwentySomethingtv. com The show aired for 2 yrs and quickly amassed over 2 million viewers, earning Prieur the title of resident funny girl and fan favorite. In 2009 a webshow spin off was made of Prieur and (co-host)
St acey Prieur
Jill Clark, traveling Australia called “Jill & Stacey Do The Roo”, http://www.jillandstaceydotheroo.com after a year of production, the girls were hand picked to become Social Media consultants in the Gold Coast, due to their savvy online business sense. Prieur is also a commissioned writer and artist, having many of her blogs posted on popular sites in Toronto, in 2006 she was a top MySpace Blogger, and she currently posts regular weekly blogs for her current clients specializing in Hospitality & Sexpertise. This self toted terminally single gal has indulged in random acts of canoodling for the past 7 yrs, and has entertained all sorts of sexy experiments and racy romps. If you’re a fan of SATC you’ll be a fan of Sex in the GC. Prieur delivers a raw, insatiable, comedic view on her conquests and of her quest for love and everything in between (not just the sheets).
SEX in the
What’s up and coming in the next issue!
• C2m Awards cover and winners
•
MY Great Aussie Road Ttip book by Jasmine Power
• Mum & Bubs Issue • New Competitions and Prize giveaways • PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!
G.C. www.gcgrapevine.com.au
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“The magazine ON THE GO where you go!”
GCG iPhone App Coming Soon!!
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