Grapevine The
Gold Coast
Issue 10 December 2010
Christmas & Summer fun
Online Shopping
Calendar of Events
House of Vintner
www.gcgrapevine.com.au
& Hello Welcome Greetings from the Publisher...
Hello & Welcome to the Christmas & Summer double issue of The Gold Coast Grapevine! Christmas is on it’s merry way and Summer will soon be in full swing! This issue is packed with more reviews and information to help better prepare you for these Christmas Holidays! Not to mention new articles and recipes! Being the Holidays, this our double issue and will not be back until February of 2011! It’s been a crazy year and during this summer break I plan on spending time with my family as much as possible as well as getting up to some new projects and perhaps a new GCG look for next year?! Thank you again for clicking on another issue of The Gold Coast Grapevine. The GCG wishes you a very Merry Christmas and lots of Love, Peace & Prosperity in the New Year. See you in the New Year! Happy Reading!!
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What’s Inside...
p.08...VetShopAustralia.com 16...Writing Out Loud by Jodi Gibson 17...Chris Cranswick-Smith Recipe 18...All Coast Fitness by Kate Martin 20...Who gives a HOOT? by Marilyn Adam 22...Family Matters by Lynelle Richardson 42...Sex in the G.C. by Stacey Prieur
What’s on!! p.11...Local Markets 13...December Calendar
The House of Vintner p.25...Chalmers Chocolate Port 32...HOV Christmas Bonanza 34...Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos by Michelle Hayward 36...Kids Welcome Book Review 37...Chocolate Tryffles Recipe 38....Christmas Craft 40...Mummy Ambassadors
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. 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. *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.
“ 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.
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“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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Thinking of a new pet for Christmas?!
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VetShopAustralia.com.au is dedicated to bringing you the best pet supplies and products. “About Us� is actually about you, our valuable customer. We serve you by working hard to provide not only the best pet supplies & medicines, but a better e-shopping experience at http://www.VetShopAustralia.com.au.
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They’re cute, cuddly and totally irresistible...but think long and hard about whether a pet is really the perfect Christmas present.
ing a new pet can easily be forgotten. Instead of the actual pet, you can give pet supplies or pet toys as Christmas gifts in anticipation of the new arrival.
Unfortunately we know from experience that the first few weeks of the new year sees animal shelters and humane organisations inundated with unwanted cats, dogs and other pets that were given to people as Christmas presents. Cute and cuddly puppies or kittens can be hard to resist buying when you see them in a pet store, but they quickly grow and lose their innocent charm.
And of course, I encourage all families to consider adopting a new pet from a shelter or refuge.
In many cases, giving an animal as a gift for Christmas is a bad idea and very frequently the ordeal ends with the pet being cruelly dumped or becoming somebody else’s problem. Before buying a pet, it is important to make sure the intended recipient wants and gets along with the pet, agrees to accept responsibility for it and is willing to provide care for the animal. Avoid giving a pet for Christmas unless you are sure the entire family welcomes the new addition, and that includes any established pets the family may already have. Pets are also an expensive addition to the household and costs, including food, council registration, micro-chipping, desexing, vet bills, vaccinations, grooming, boarding kennels and bedding, must also be met.
Dr Mark Perissinotto BVSc Head Veterinarian www.VetShopAustralia.com.au VetShopAustralia.com.au is the leading online retailer of animal health products. Find out for yourself why VetShopAustralia.com.au was voted Australian Online Retailer of the Year* by visiting our online store at www.vetshopaustralia.com.au . For news, contests and discounts, follow us on www.facebook. com/vetshopaustralia (* Australian Interactive Media Industry Association Amber Awards, 2009)
I always advise families which have agreed to take on a new pet that they should wait until after Christmas to introduce the animal to their home. During the holiday season people are so busy that they don’t have the time it takes to fulfil a puppy or kitten’s demands and responsibilities such as walking or feedwww.gcgrapevine.com.au
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Local Gold Coast Markets Banora Point Markets Club Banora, Leisure Drive
7
_____________ What’s On
1st & 3rd Sunday of every month www.farmersmarketsaustralia.com.au
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
1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday of every month (07) 3103 2325
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
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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What's on... December 1 - 24 Christmas Lights Public Viewing Tour www.goldcoastcity.com.au December 2 - 5 Sass & Bide Warehouse Sale Gold Coast Convention Centre Free Admission www.gccec.com.au December 4 Popera on the Broadwater presents ‘A Popera Christmas Concert’ Pack a picnic, blanket & for the entire family ~ FREE event 5pm www.dngentertainment.com Movies by the Sea ~ Lion King Palm Beach Parklands Outdoor Cinema ~ FREE Event www.currumbinrsl.com.au December 5 Popera Classic Collection Concert Series Myer Christmas Carols at Varsity Lakes Rides, Fireworks, Santa Claus Central Park Oval ~ FREE event 5pm www.dngentertainment.com December 11 Movies by the Sea ~ Sound of Music Palm Beach Parklands Outdoor Cinema ~ FREE event www.currumbinrsl.com.au
December 13 Community BBQ & Bike Workshop Varsity Lakes North Shore Bike Education Park ~ FREE workshop ~ Must Register info@cycleskills.com.au December 17 Movies by the Sea ~ High School Musical Palm Beach Parklands Outdoor Cinema ~ FREE Event www.currumbinrsl.com.au December 18 Broadbeach Christmas Carols Free event Fireworks, Santa, Kid Friendly www.visitgoldcoast.com/broadbeach December 1-18 19Karen Contemporary Artspace Opening Night Art Exhibition www.19karen.com.au December 25 Christmas Day December 26 Boxing Day December 31 New Years Eve
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December
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Social Convention Australia Conrad Jupiters Casino, Gold Coast February 1st & 2nd, 2011
2 Massive Days on the Sunny Gold Coast! Expert Speakers Industry Speakers Celebrity Speakers Social Fair (100 social exhibitions)
GET YOUR SOCIAL ON! www.gcgrapevine.com.au
Social Convention Australia event schedule Day 1 – Conference (1st February 2011) 07:30am – 08:30am – Registration 08:30am – 09:00am – Day 1 Opening 09:00am – 10:00am – Speakers (Representing Social Media Industry) 10:00am – 11:00am – Speakers (Representing Social Media for Celebrity) 11:00am – 12:00pm – Speakers (Representing Safety in Social Media) 12:00pm – 1:00pm – Lunch 1:00pm – 2:00pm – Speakers (Representing Social Media for Business) 2:00pm – 02:30pm – Speaker (Business Building and Social Media) 2:30pm – 03:00pm – Speaker (Business Promotion and Social Media) 03:00pm – 3:30pm – Speaker (Business Sustainability and Social Media) 03:30pm – 04:00pm – Speaker (Non Profit/Charity and Social Media) 04:00pm – 05:00pm – Speaker (Government and Social Media) 05:00pm – 05:30pm – Day 1 Closing 05:30pm – 07:00pm – Social / Business Networking 07:00pm – 11:00pm – Formal Dinner (limited seats available) Day 2 – Social Fair (2nd February 2011) 08:30am – 09:00am – Day 2 Opening 09:00am – 05:00pm – Social Fair (100 stalls offering services, products, consultancy and promotional services for Social Media)
For additional information on Social Convention Australia 2011, stall holder information, ticket pricing and registration please visit
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Writing Out Loud author, writer, blogger by Jodi Gibson
To live in a non-judgemental world.
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
It is the 21st century. Modern times have brought many changes; some obvious, some not so, some for the better and some not. Some changes have gone too far and others not far enough. One issue that I don’t believe we have come far enough in is that of tolerance, respect and nonjudgment of others. Now I am not attempting here to get into major issues such as sexual preference, religion or politics. Although these are areas that we indeed need to progress much further in and sooner rather than later, I want to focus on much smaller, everyday issues. Depending on who you believe, we are either born as a blank slate ready to be written on to determine who we are, or with pre-programmed and innate personalities and prewritten destinies. I think it is a combination of both. Whatever you believe, we are all true individuals with preferences, likes, dislikes, fears, hopes and dreams; no matter how they came to be. Inside, we are who we are and we cannot change it, and should not hide it. Even so, it is a sad fact that in today’s society, even with all our progress, we still feel we need to hide behind that socially accepted mask in order to make us feel like we fit in or belong. As children we learn the difference between right and wrong. We are taught that each person is an individual and can be who they are without judgement, but as adults teaching our children this are we not hypocrites? Do we not ourselves judge others every day? If you were to take just one day out of your life and take note, honestly, of how many times you were to make judgment on others you would not have enough fingers and toes to count on. We all like to think that we are non-judgemental. We know what it feels like to be judged. We live in a society that continually judges and compares. You are too fat, too skinny, too loud, too quiet, too rich, too poor, too talented, not talented enough, pretty, not so pretty and so forth. Growing up we develop a continued on page 43 www.gcgrapevine.com.au
Char Grilled Squid with Baby Beetroots & Oregano
Chris Cranswick-Smith
www.emmilou.com.au
Ingredients 6 medium squid 2 bunches of baby beetroot, washed Juice of 2 lemons 100ml extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp grain mustard 2 Tbsp freshly chopped oregano leaves 200g baby rocket leaves sea salt and pepper 1. Prepare the squid by pulling the tentacles and head away from the body. Clean the remaining sinew etc from both inside and out of the squid. 2. Mean while cook the baby beets in simmering water with a splash of each white sugar and vinegar until tender. Peel while still hot, slice into quarters and set aside. 3. Score the inside of each body with parallel lines, spaced about 1cm apart. Score in the opposite direction to give a criss-cross pattern, making sure you don’t cut all the way through. Set aside. 4. To make the dressing whisk the lemon juice, grain mustard and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl with a pinch of sea salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped oregano and baby beetroots. 5. Brush all the squid pieces with oil and season with salt and pepper. Barbecue, over a direct high heat until golden and just curled. Remove and arrange on a serving platter with the rocket. Drizzle decadently with the dressing to serve. Serves 4
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Is there a cure for the dreaded Cellulite?? As we approach summer... there is one thing on our mind.....Is there a cure for dreaded Cellulite?? Cellulite isn’t just a problem associated with weight. Progressive damage by free radicals leads to a loss of collagen and elastin, together with Hyaluronic acid which helps keep the dermis hydrated. Skin loses its bounce and resilence and can no longer smooth over the subcutaneous fat layer below. This means fat cells show through, giving the characteristic dimpled effect of cellulite. Scientists now think there is a link between poor blood supply to the fat cells and the build up of fluid and other toxins which cause cellulite to develop. Improving the quality of the food you eat rather than simply looking at the quantity can help.
does not drain toxins adequately and actually creates fibres which bind to the walls of the fat cells, making them even thicker.
Banish cellulite by EATING more:
• Lean protein – which is vital for healthy growth and cell repair. Poultry of fish is ideal. • Fruit and veg – especially the brightly coloured ones which are packed with antioxidant fla vanoids. These will boost colla gen and keep skin supple and smooth. • Essential fatty acids (EFA), espe cially Omega-3 rich salmon. This will help balance cholesterol lev els and so boost circulation. Cellulite promoting foods to AVOID: EFA’s are also important to main tain healthy, pliable cell walls. X Salt – (sodium chloride – ie SAXA • Apples, kelp, fennel, oranges, salt) High levels can make the rosemary, ginger, garlic, cay skin puffy and lead to water re enne, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, tention and can emphasise the onions, whole grains, raw fruit appearance of cellulite. Its worth and vegetables remembering that most pack • Water! Water! Water! Water! Try aged foods contain high levels drinking about 8 glasses of water of hidden salt. per day • Try Celtic sea salt instead – full of • To boost your fluid intake try wa trace minerals! ter rich foods like cucumbers and X Saturated fat, sugar, processed salad leaves foods, starchy foods, alcohol, • Cucumbers are 80% water and stress and smoking all generate a good source of vitamin C. toxins which trigger free radicals and put pressure of the lymph continued on page 42 system. A sluggish lymph system www.gcgrapevine.com.au
SPRING SPECIAL “This divine 2 hour package will have you ready to spring into spring! We will rid those dry, dead layers with a full body exfoliation using our body scrub balm that is made exclusively for us. This is removed with steaming hot towels and followed with a full body, moisturising massage (you can choose from deep tissue, relaxation or pregnancy massage). You then have a choice of having your toes and feet beautified with a deluxe pedicure or choose our popular deluxe facial. You will also receive a tension receiving scalp and hair treatment with lots of that to-die for scalp massage that we all love. A the end of this pure bliss you can continue your relaxation for as long as you like with a herbal tea...postpone the return to reality! “ The usual price is $204 but we are offering it to you for just $179 for the complete 2hr package.
We look forward to pampering you! For a full listing of our products/services please visit
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who gives a I know this article is going to strike a chord, and really there is no way around it. I have to express how I feel about this… Recently in our poles, Julia Gillard was appointed as the Prime Minister for Australia. As many of you know, she is now our leader, Chief of Staff, Commander in Charge, and as many of you know, she’s also a very well known Atheist. A lot of people think, well so what? Who cares? She’s a part of a more modern era; she’s our first female Prime Minister. Or my favourite, ‘Politics has nothing to do with Religion.’ Gee, really? Then why the hell are there so many countries still at war over their freedom and religious rights? Or better yet, if politics has nothing to do with religion, then why the hell are political landmarks, consulates, capitals and embassies the target for so many attacks by these extremists who take the honour of blowing themselves up in the name of their god, higher power and country? What frightens me most or should I say, bothers me most, is that when I hear the word Atheism, I automatically attach the word to one person. One dictator. A communist who first hit the scene in the late 1950’s; proclaiming socialist values and ideas to the public and ultimately taking over in 1959. A leader who is single-handedly responsible for changing so many people’s lives including the lives of my family. Yes, you guessed it. Fidel Castro. Even just typing his name makes me cringe. So you ask what does he have to do with Julia Gillard? Nothing
by Marilyn Adam
really, it’s merely a political observation and opinion from personal experience. Or maybe it has everything to do with Julia Gillard? By 1962 Castro, who didn’t want to be known as an atheist, declared Communism, and Cuba to be a ‘Secular’ state, he suppressed Christian institutions, restricting citizens from practicing their religious beliefs, closing down churches and cathedrals throughout Cuba and abolishing Christian holidays from being celebrated. A country that was first built on Christian values; no longer had the right to practice these values. Christmas Day, wiped from the calendar. Easter, wiped from the calendar. Atheism at its best… Therefore, how can a leader of a country who does not believe in the same values first instilled, values that built a country, proclaim the citizens of that country to be in that leaders best interest? This is where I have a problem. If Julia Gillard does not believe in the Christian values that our country and founding fathers of our country, built Australia on, then how is she going to carry a torch that’s in our best interest? How is she going to better build our country? What is her example? And why would an Atheist be voted into office in a dominant Christian country?
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If you think for a moment of the turbulent countries in the Middle East, continually at war within themselves and for religious reasons, would any Middle Eastern country vote in a leader any other then a Muslim? Hebrew? Vote in a non-believer? NO! Do I think our country would allow her to become extreme? No. Do I believe she has the potential to become extreme? Yes. Doesn’t anybody? During my research, I learned that really, I’m not the only Australian who has these fears. Apparently Australia is being perceived as a country now known to be under Communist control. That’s terrifying to me. Back in the 80’s when Julia Gillard was a student activist, she was the key figure of a socialist group that pushed radical policies and social agendas including links to the Communist Party of Australia. And much like Castro, and just like Castro, she doesn’t remember certain forums, the radical policies that she did push and discuss, or any papers being referred to. How convenient, another politician with a bad memory. Do I think that Atheism is the backbone of Communism? I don’t know if it’s a fact, but I do believe it’s linked. I don’t know of any leaders, dictators or other that were Atheist and ended up doing something great for their country. On the contrary, those countries have suffered a great deal, preserving them in time and not evolving with the rest of the world. If anything they definitely made history, and shown the rest of the world leaders, what NOT to do… Did anyone take any note? Did anyone do any research before voting? I by no means, have all the answers and am simply making an observation based on what I believe in and have experienced. And even though I am not considered a practicing Christian, I
do believe there’s something to be said about religion. Whatever your spiritual belief may be, there are values that keep us grounded, help us through times, and give us hope for a better life, for peace, and what I do know is that my family didn’t have that choice and were forced to defect their country due to the radical policies pushed by an Atheist leader who ultimately supported a Communist regime. It was both leave and risk your life leaving or give up your human rights. Give up your beliefs. Give up your life… Fidel Castro ~ Atheist, Communist leader of Cuba 1959-present Responsible for thousands of families that have fled Cuba during the Cuban Revolution to present day. Still under a Communist Regime. Mao Zedong ~ Atheist, Communist Leader of China 1932-1976, responsible for creating the Republic of China and for the ‘Great Leap Forward’ that ended in the death of over 20 million chinese people who starved.
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Joseph Stalin ~ Atheist, Communist Leader of Soviet Union 1922-1953 and responsible for the deaths of over 30 million Russians & the Cold War.
Don’t sweat the small stuff...
by Lynelle Rishardson Life trundles along each day and so often we get swept up in the tide of everyday living to the point where we lose sight of what is truly important. Yes, I have ranted and raved about beds not being made, finding lost socks, and forgetting homework. Like any parent the days seem so full that when night fall comes the body goes into auto pilot and collapses into bed. So why be worried about it now after years of perfecting the ranting and raving mother character? Recently I had a phone call. One that scared me, upset me and had me thinking. I had a call back on my mammogram. Even though the nurse had said don’t panic, after putting down the phone down it was hard to stop the brain from skipping ahead and thinking the worst. I am forty, have two teenage sons and a wonderful husband. The mere thought of facing cancer scares the life out of me. I have known and seen women face cancer with such courage and they have been inspirational. How well you manage turbulent times says so much about you. Yes, I cried, told my friends and family and asked for their prayers and support. After that, I picked myself up
and assured myself that all would be okay. My callback appointment has given me the all clear. What I have realised from this is that I need to change. I need to stop sweating about the small stuff. Who cares if a bed doesn’t get made. Who cares if the boys rooms are so untidy that Malcolm Douglass couldn’t find his way out. Does it matter that the floors weren’t mopped today? No. What does matter is the time you spend building relationships with your partner, your children, your family and your friends. Each one of us has a purpose on this earth and each of the people you come in contact with are there to help you on this journey. Take the time to talk. Take the time to share your life with them. The housework will always be there tomorrow however, people may not. Life is going past so fast that we are missing the precious moments. That next weekend we packed up the kids and went for a family drive and picnic lunch. It was one of the best days we have had together as a family ina long time. Remember, life is what you make it, so make the most of the time you have – live, laugh and love!
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www.designermamas.com.au www.gcgrapevine.com.au
Chalmer’s Port Review HOV Christmas Bonanza Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos Christmas Crafts & Recipes Kids Welcome to Queensland Book Review Mummy Ambassadors
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Have a very Merry Christmas with Chalmer’s CHOCOLATE PORT
31
______________ The House of Vintner By Michelle Hayward
Chalmers 1528 Original & Smooth Chocolate Port
A love affair with chocolate doesn’t have to start and finish with your favourite block of solid indulgence. I’ve found liquid gold, or rather chocolate, in a bottle. It’s like your very own fountain of bliss! Chalmer’s chocolate port may be fantastic for drinking, but upon purchasing this bottle of heaven in the Hunter Valley we were advised to tantalise our tastebuds with the exquisite joy of vanilla ice-cream and strawberries drizzled with this decadent port. The result is too divine to quantify! A favourite dessert at any time of the year, but especially at Christmas, here’s the chance to delight your guests with something different this year. They’ll love you for it and they’ll never forget the experience!
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SO ... THIS IS CHRISTMAS...
from
The House of Vintner Welcome to our Christmas Bonanza!!! Between the pages of the Grapevine you will find ideas for Christmas – toys, gifts and craft, Fun in the Sun, Sun safe and Sun smart products, Back to school ranges, food ideas and more... It’s been really fun to prepare this special Christmas edition for you and I hope you’ll enjoy flicking through the pages and making your selection to help make your festive season really wonderful this year. Check out the fantastic line up we have for you! Delight the kids and adults you share the holidays - Dress up your CHRISTMAS TABLE with a Lolly Buffet! First of all, choose a colour or theme you want to work with! Every year we decorate our tree and our table in different colours. This year your choice might be the traditional green, red and gold. You can buy lollies in wrappers in these colours, or you can use red and green lollies such as hard lollies, raspberries, jelly frogs or anything that matches your desired theme. Then, choose glass bowls, vases, dishes and other clear containers of varying heights and sizes to display your lollies in. Cover the table with a gorgeous cloth – you could use white so everything has a
snowy background and shows up nicely against the background, or choose one of your theme colours. Red or gold would look very elegant. Place a floral centrepiece or candle in the middle of your lolly arrangement. You can put it on a mirror base to reflect more light and colour. Stagger your containers filled with lollies so they are various heights, you can use piles of books placed under the cloth if you need to, to stand them on. The variation makes it a little bit more interesting. Then use scatters, such as stars or Christmas trees or even a packet of glitter to finish of your beautiful table! If you want your guests to be able to take their lollies with them, why not supply cute and brightly coloured noodle boxes or lolly bags and tongs to make it easy! You can also Google ideas for lolly buffets to give you more inspiration! Another cute table decoration you could try is making your own Bon Bons and scattering those around as well! Name them, and place funky things inside like toys, jokes, other lollies and gift vouchers to make them really special!
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*Lolly Buffet tip – went putting your lollies out (if you are doing this in advance) try to utilise containers that have lids so the lollies don’t dry out of become sticky and glued together. Either seal them in air tight containers or use gladwrap where applicable! Lolly Buffets are best set up just before your guests arrive, but make sure you leave plenty of time to achieve the look you want and do have a practice one a few days before. Some gift voucher ideas ~ Movies, surf shop, itunes, favourite clothing/underwear shop, and online store voucher, hotels. Etc. Solid vouchers won’t fit inside the Bon Bon itself but you can always attach a really cute envelope for those. Or simply use curling ribbon to hang the envelopes from the Christmas tree. Another fantastic edible table decorations is Gingerbread Folk – www.gingerbreadfolk.com - just add lollies and create your own stunning Gingerbread House! If you’ve always wanted to construct your own Gingerbread House masterpiece and didn’t know where to begin, then you need a Gingerbread Folk House by ex architect Karen Sharman! This house, with an eco-friendly twist is your new best friend this Christmas season. Karen says “We care for the earth and the creatures on it. Our products are all natural, egg-free, and our packaging is sustainably sourced and compostable.” Sharman says. ! This fabulously easy-to-assemble product looks divine as the table centrepiece and will delight old and young alike. It’s one of my favourite Christmas treats. This one is a must-have, so put it on your shopping list this festive season!
HOUSE OF VINTNER GIFT SUGGESTIONS! ABC Fun Pads (for coffee tables) www. cheekielilmonkie.com.au – are the most ideal way to save your little ones from those nasty bumps and scratches. Soft, padded mats that slip easily over your coffee table, ABC Fun Pads sport great designs that will delight your children for hours on end! Expecting company? Slip them off to reveal a clean, perfect (dent-free) coffee table underneath! Pop it on to entertain the kids while you and the girls enjoy a cuppa or well-deserved wine on the verandah. A delightful Christmas present for mums and kids who have everything, or, use to save your own fabulous furniture when guests arrive with their munchkins. It doesn’t look like you’re being too careful or trying too hard, it looks like you prepared and you cared. My boys have adored spending hours trawling their cars over their ABC Fun Pad and I don’t have to worry about them ruining the table or hurting themselves if they fall against it. ABC Fun Pads invite play and learning and they look really cool in your children’s playroom too! We highly recommend them!
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Corporate Mums – Planning tools for ALL busy parents! www.corporatemums.com.au. Planning ahead can make every day go just a little bit more smoothly but we don’t always know where to begin. Corporate Mums has taken the question mark and the hard work out of those lists we write ourselves, misplace, and then have to start again! Each ‘planning tool’ has been carefully thought out to give you optimum scope to cover all contingencies! From the weekly or daily planner to the baby sitter information sheet there is room to complete and nominate every task necessary, or advise details that are needed instantly. The messenger sheet saves you oodles of writing. Keep in touch with your child’s teacher just by marking the reason for your note and then inserting a few small details of your own. When you’re rushed, flying out of the door to work and you’re reminded at the last second of the need for a ‘please explain note’ to a teacher or coach, you can keep these handy notelets and envelopes in the car saving you precious time and many anxious moments! Corporate Mums is also a very professional touch to what can often be an otherwise mundane task often scribbled on note paper. You may not have a lot of time, but at least you will look like you took the time to care with Corporate Mums stylish packages of planning tools, just waiting to make your day go a little bit easier! Kimochis - Toys with Feelings Inside From the makers: Feelings can be messy... Kimochis can help! (KEY.MO.CHEE) means ‘feeling’ in Japanese and Kimochis are what come inside each character. A powerful social and emotional learning tool, Kimochis help build self-esteem, confidence and parent-child connections. Gorgeously plush these soft toys, Kimochis, are an instant hint with par-
ents and children alike. Generously cuddly with emotions ‘attached’ Kimochis, are wonderful for connecting and getting in touch with all of those crazy feelings running around inside. Totally adorable each character comes with small pillows that denote feelings (happy, sad, silly, brave...) It helps your child identify their feelings and become comfortable with expressing them, which in turn, builds self-esteem and a feeling of being ‘safe’ to share how they feel. It’s a really cool way to ‘express yourself’! Mini Gourmet – www.minigourmets. com.au/bluecart/ LUXURY STARTER KITS from THE KIDS COOKING CO have just been released onto the Australian Market and they are selling like hot cakes! Your mini masterchef will be excited to help mum, dad or grandma in the kitchen when you given them their very own utensils. Available in pink or blue to suit any little whiz who likes to cook, you’ll be inspiring them to greater things. Whip up your favourite chocolate cake or even some play dough, and with little helpers at your side, you’ll never miss a creative moment again. Play pretend or make a day of it in the kitchen creating lots of Christmas goodies for the table. OoMoo Balance Bikes www.oomookids.com.au ooMoo kids have four fantastic models of wooden Balance Bikes that are lightweight, ergonomically designed and extremely strong, suitable for 2-5 year olds. They have been specifically designed without pedals or training wheels to better aid the development of your child’s gross motor skills. The bike requires your child to use their feet for propulsion. As the feet are always in contact with the ground, the skills of balance, steering, coordination and control are soon learnt and enable an easy transition to
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a pedal powered bicycle without the use of training wheels. After our son sustained an injury and was going through the healing process with his leg, I was keen for him to try the balance bike to get him used to walking properly again and to strengthen up the muscles he hadn’t used properly in well over a month. The balance bike very quickly became his favourite possession, being parked at the end of his bed when he would go to sleep. Just 3.5 years of age, he mastered the balance bike quickly and without reserve. He was delighted with his ability to push it himself and enthusiastic about riding it as much as possible. His older brothers thought it was so funky they wanted one too! You simply can’t have just one of these bikes! Fantastic for co-ordination and balance, I have witnessed the benefits myself and highly recommend them! Organise Easy – www.organiseeasy.com.au Children’s organiser designed to assist children in preparing for their school day. Visual icons help children identify what they require for school and afterschool activities each day. How Does it Work? The front window displays items needed every day and the clever drop-down cards ensure that children remember the things they need on specific days of the week. It’s fun and simple to use. With over 80 re-useable stickers featuring common schoolbag items for all school grades and extracurricular activities, the Cubeo™ makes remembering what to pack, and bring home, enjoyable and easy. A really practical and fun item the kids love to use! Easy for them to understand and utilise! Makes being organised fun and teaches them skills of organisation to save you time and energy! Every child needs a Cubeo in their life! They’ll always be prepared for sport, show and tell, or any other little school event they
need to remember, or sorted with items they need to take! Shopping Confessions – Watches (available in 7 luscious colours!) www.shoppingconfessions.com.au/buy-pixelmoda Streamlined, 3 ATM water resistant, ergonomically shaped with a flat back and anti-perspiration slits on the sides, the original PixelMODA timepiece is a product of countless stylistic experimentations, in which cutting edge materials have been paired with the latest production techniques and assigned to a rainbow of handpicked colours. The timepiece presents an unconventional use of Tourmaline, a powerful ionic mineral that boosts relaxation, vitality and mood. The watches are not only unisex but also sufficiently versatile to work as part of a set as well as a stand-alone statement piece. The original PixelMODA timepiece is available in 3 sizes (small 15cm, medium 16cm and large 17cm) and includes a one (1) year warranty. For all of those beach bunnies out there, nurses and others who just like to get wet, then this watch is for you! If you’re like me and forget to remove your timepiece every time you hit the shower or dive into the pool, then you need this watch! In fact you probably need several to go with your entire wardrobe. As a nursing student I’ve spent many shifts bathing patients only to have to remove my watch quite often. The very gorgeous, stylish and funky pixelMODA timepiece removes the need for you to ‘think ahead’ where watches and water are concerned and they look great! So colourful, it’s a party on your wrist!
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Tubbies - www.thetubbiecompany. com – The coolest way to eat ice cream! Made for ice cream lovers, by ice cream lovers... the perfect fluffy ice cream insulator. Insulates your gourmet ice cream while you eat out of the tub! Perfect for the dinner table – divine in bed! Fluffy and funky we love Tubbies! Perfect for 1 litre tubs, and smaller, Tubbies really does insulate your ice cream while you eat it. No frostbite from holding the freezing container, and no melting, so perfect for summer! I’ve even converted one of my elder sons to using one for his favourite ice cream! Even used in the freezer, Tubbies fluffy exterior didn’t freeze and didn’t show any residual moisture even after three days! You can even take Tubbies to the supermarket with you, or to the ice cream parlour so you can bring home your favourite hand-packed flavour! We do it all the time! I highly recommend this awesome product for the ice cream lover in your family! Ustar Novels – providing the personal touch! http://www.ustarnovels.com These gorgeous novels send a beautiful message to the person you purchase them for - dedicated and personalised, fun yet classic, the magic and innocence of childhood between every page, oozing with adventure, your Tween will love them! It’s not every day you get to star in a classic adventure that has been loved and enjoyed by children and adults the world over. From the pages of dust-jacketed novels to the stage, these beautiful novels will take your child to a place they’ve been many times, but this time, they are centre-stage, at the forefront of the story! Remember a special milestone, or birthday, celebrate in style, with their own tribute to the classics, inspired by the best writer’s in the business! It’s the real deal - the story as you know it, with your
special someone as the star. Not only can your Tween feature, their friends can be part of the action too! Ustar novels aren’t just for the kids though! There is also a very special romance section for the lover in your life. You and your partner can become the stars in a romantic adventure, ranging in sauciness and inspiring a richly woven love story all of your own. Ustar novels really do offer something for everyone! From Mum starring as a Jane Austen Heroine to creating a very special keepsake gift for a newborn, you have the hard-tobuy-for person covered this Christmas, or the chance to ‘star’ with your very own Mr Darcy! LOOKING GREAT THIS SUMMER WITH Chic Australia. Sparkle this summer with Chic! Feels great on, looks fantastic and has seven actions in one compact - Blusher, Bronzer, Eyeshadow, Lip Colour, Eyeliner, Highlighter and Contouring Powder! This is the must-have makeup this season! If you need to travel light this is the one product you simply must add to your overnight bag! I take mine everywhere. Lightweight, classic and an ‘oh so stylish’ compact, it’s very...chic! Chic has become my absolute favourite, and as an ex-makeup artist I really appreciate a quality product like this created by makeup artist and beauty therapist Lois Yaghoubour! Thumbs up to Chic Australia! I’m a huge fan! No more trudging around with my entire makeup bag in tow! ‘Every girl has their favourite beauty secret....’ This could be yours.... www.ChicAustralia.com.au
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CHRISTMAS CRAFT – BACK TO SCHOOL Lopees – environmentally friendly, reusable envelopes and products www.lopees.com.au As a mum of a large family I am always trying to reduce my carbon footprint on the world, and that of my family, as we become mindful that everything we do, purchase, participate in and so forth, has a rapid and permanent effect on our environment! I came across Lopees only recently, and quite by accident! Nicole wrote to me about her product and I was ecstatic to not only review such an innovative idea, but also to be part of something bigger. I am a huge fan of all things ‘reusable and recyclable’! Some of my favourite Lopees products would have to be the reusable envelopes for school! So often we take for granted just how many envelopes we use per year (especially as I have 5 children at school) and how these are often disposed of, having been used once. Not even the advent of email has cut down on this use of paper in my family! So I am thrilled to have the Lopees envelopes to save time, money, paper, the environment and they have created efficiency far beyond what I had imagined. The school packs for the kids are great value and so versatile. Why not consider something like this as a school fundraiser? Or, buy the school packs as part of your‘back to school’ essentials! And don’t forget to personalise them by decorating them yourself or having your child help you! The drawstring bags and shopping bags, handpainted as a Christmas project, make wonderful gifts for the whole environmentally conscious family! FUN IN THE SUN Cancer Council (Australia) Toddler 30+ Sunscreen is specially formulated, fragrance-free to protect delicate skin! It goes on green and rubs in clear to assist
you to see the areas you missed when applying sunscreen for your little ones. Available in 500ml Toddler Pump Pack and Toddler Eziclip. Nothing is too good for our little ones when we’re talking about sun protection! You have to know it’s good when the Cancer Council produce it. The Eziclip is a fabulous product to have on you at all times. Clip it to the nappy bag, keyring, swimming bag or stroller. Perfect for holidays with the family, a day trek to the beach or swimming pool or just out and about when enjoying fun in the sun! We just love this convenient idea and we love the quality of the sunscreen! Ironboy (& Ironchick) - for the little Ironman or Iron lady in your life... www.ironboy.com.au ironboy® is the brand name to the swimwear and cool sporty related products for children aged between 0-7 years of age. ironboy ®and ironchick™ swimwear uses AQUALIFE chlorine proof fabric and is UPF 50+ offering excellent protection from the sun and as much chlorinated swimming your little ones can do. We love the very funky designs and the amazing quality of the materials used! Bright outstanding colours, in the latest in beach and poolwear, ironboy has nailed it! The cutest designs that will not only delight your budding Olympian, but will also turn heads! Ironboy are setting trends in the swimming arena and your little one can be at his or her personal best in the pool this summer in this very trendy label. Priced to suit your budget and inspire your waterbabies, ironboy and ironchick are making waves everywhere! Dive into this label and experience the authentic difference for yourself!
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Sunglasses for Kids – Pink Poppy- The funkiest sunnies www.pinkpoppy.com. au. Pink Poppy offer way cool sunnies for girls, and for boys, under the banner of Tono. Very funky and stylish designs that will not only have your child looking very hip on the beach this summer but also sunsafe and sunsmart! Priced at a very cool $9.95 you really can afford to be very sassy this summer as you strut your stuff on the beach, at the pool, or just while you and the kids are lazing around the resort or enjoying some fun at the local park! Pink Poppy offers a massive variety of awesome products for the kids – all perfect for stocking fillers and more... check them out! But that’s not at all...Pink Poppy created the “cupcake” trinket/jewellery box many years ago that inspired the industry. Now along with their everyday ‘pink’ versions that sell in thousands of stores around Australia, they have a collection of cupcakes with Christmas themes. Reindeers with antlers, sparkling Christmas trees, fluffy Santa hats, gorgeous presents and of course a magic plum pudding, and they are too cute for words. Adorn your Christmas table, spoil your favourite little girl, or dress up a bookshelf or sideboard with a Christmassy themed cupcake! Surf Baby Surf – specialise in surf products for kids and the young at heart. Funky Ollypop Surf Towels lead the beachchase sporting a surfboard design with hand and feet positions marked out so you can practice anywhere! Their new line of Surf clothing for newborns and up is a very hip range that any toddler or teen will look fabulous in this summer! Not be missed is the innovative surf strap; a fabulous product for parents teaching little ones to surf while keeping them safe at the same time. From funky to fabulous, Surf Baby Surf has
you covered! Visit them at www.surfbabysurf.com and www.learn2surfstrap.com for more details. Wholesale Babies x 3 products – www.wholesalebaby.com.au Thank you to Wholesale Babies for organising a few fabulous products for us to review! They are simply gorgeous! Visit Wholesale Babies for more information and for really easy, hassle-free shopping! • Charli Bear shoes – the most adorable little shoes for baby by an Australian owned company! Soft and pliable, very sturdy quality and oh so stylish! Charli Bear shoes will dress up any little outfit! So flexible and comfortable and perfect for baby’s soft feet and tiny tots learning to walk! For indoor and outdoor use, even the soles are leather (not suede). It’s really easy to be impressed with these cosy little shoes! So cute you will want to order more than just one pair! • Ej Hat and Bamboo Cover Up – Handmade in Australia! Swim towelling cover up is perfect for those days at the beach and pool, or after a bath. Take it with you on holidays to keep baby dry, snug and cosy and away from the sun’s harmful rays! Being Bamboo they are more absorbent than cotton, and oh so snugly soft! EJ also offer the cutest sun hats around. Colourful and made out of quality fabric they are completely reversible for a different look every time! The perfect sunshade for your stylish bub this Summer!
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• Baby Concepts – naturally organic! Chemical free these are just the most gorgeous products to use on baby’s precious skin! Gently scented they contain Australian certified organic essential oils for therapeutic use! With an 18 month shelf life it makes them really practical and inexpensive! We love the Bye Bye Bug Spray – it smells so fresh, and it really works! The non-greasy baby lotion contains SPF 15 is so light and gentle and provides 96% protection from the sun. A great start to summer! • House of Bebe – Gorgeous slings to last your baby up to 12 months. Elegant fabrics that cradle and comfort your baby and keep him close to you, allowing discreet breastfeeding, are just some of the features of this great design. Reversible, breathable fabric makes it very versatile and they are proudly Australian made! Double-stitched quality fabric makes these a must have for any busy mum! SNUGGLEBUM http://www.snugglebum. com.au/ continuing on with our Summer theme... Snugglebum have a wonderful selection in their range that is just perfect for your little one for those warm months! Whether you’re off to the beach or the pool, hanging out at Gran’s or having a snooze under the fan or on the verandah, you’re baby will be just too cute in the Snugglebum’s range! We’ve listed our favourites below! Fabulous fabric, great quality and adorable designs!
www.natural-concepts.com.au
www.ejkids.com.au
www.houseofbebe.com.au
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I
t’s nearly time for the jolly fat man in the red suit to pay a visit... The stockings are hung... and visions of sugarplums have well and truly begun! I’m also starting to think about all of the Christmas Fare that I need to prepare... blah blah blah... and isn’t the list just endless! Between the Christmas shopping, the cooking, the wrapping, the stuffing and among the craziness of it all I wonder when I’ll have time to enjoy it! I’m usually just going to bed at 3 am on Christmas morning... by the time I finish the wrapping and getting every present under the tree, and playing Christmas Elf... not Santa... I’m just Santa’s helper... etc etc... I end up being asleep for just two hours before my very excited and jubilant tribe wake me to show me how generous Santa has been this year! Onya Santa... you sent me broke!!!!!!!! With sleepy eyes and foggy head, I trudge my way into the lounge room and grumble about Santa and the Reindeers leaving me a huge mess to clean up! Well first there’s the cake crumbs and carrot leftovers and the milk stains in the crystal glass (noth-
ing but the best for our Santa apparently!) and then it’s the snow he carelessly walked in! (Baby Powder and glitter trudged from front door to Christmas tree! And believe me, it’s a long walk!) Oh what a mess... Santa how could you!? Now I have to vacuum on Christmas day!??! Nooo!!!! But the children want to leave the evidence behind. Of course they do... now we walk it into every room! Santa has big feet too by the way! (But there’s not a fluffy slipper or stiletto in sight!) Then we have to read the letter Santa has left behind praising the children for their wonderful behaviour throughout the year (funny I don’t remember this part!) I remember the bickering, the whining ... hmm and I wonder how they aren’t all on the naughty list... including me I might add... I start to calculate my misdemeanours... Suddenly I’m not looking so shiny either! And neither is that damn floor! I quickly glance at it again and mutter something like ‘Geez Santa’! (Well this is a family magazine!) Of course I have to do my indignant best. I have to look completely and utterly annoyed! I think I am pretty convincing. The older children roll their eyes and raise their eyebrows. The unspoken phrase is ‘When are you going to get over this one Mum, you’ve been playing this tune for years...’ Yeah okay... the little kids still love it... just work with me here (theatrical sigh!) The Lolly Buffet looks glorious – Wow! Who did that? And the main table fit for a King and Queen! (Pity neither of them could make it!) The children ooh and ahh over all of the wonderful handmade items we created for this one day! And they love the excitement of the shiny wrappers and ribbons, and finding out what’s inside each carefully wrapped parcel this year.
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They love the home-made bon bons and gift tags, and then checking the place cards to see who they’re sitting next to and then complaining they wanted ‘that chair’ which is the same colour, shape and size as the one I chose for them, but it’s not quite the one they wanted... Oh boy! So they swap name tags around until a few decorations fall off... Super! They pick up the named cups and then they come across the one that is marked as a token cup with the words – ‘This cup represents those of our family and friends who are missing from our table this year. With Love.’ Maybe they’re missing through distance or death... but we remember them fondly! Each child has a personalised bauble on the tree they proudly display each year! Even... the seven babies we have lost to miscarriage... and as we each take turns at placing our own bauble, and those of our friends and family who are missing, we remember them with love and tinge of bittersweet sadness. The lounge room soon looks like a demolition site and there’s enough paper to start a smallish bonfire, the size of a smallish continent! And I ponder why I spent hours upon hours gift-wrapping when the result is a disaster-zone and three garbage bags full of paper! How bad do I feel?! The carbon footprint thing plays on my mind... Damn a social conscience and ever increasing ecofriendly attitude. Then I remember the recycle bin... which by now is full! Looks like a few trips to the tip on the agenda for us come the first non-public holiday after Christmas... ahh reality gushes in and almost threatens to stay! Food is prepared and eaten, weeks of preparation inhaled in barely a breath with squeals of ‘Is there any more of that?’ ... ‘No sorry, you ate it all for
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______________ Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos breakfast!’ ... dishes are done and refilled with more cold cuts, more salad, more chocolate...’ supplied to each plate, and applied to mouths... Yay, hyperactive children for the afternoon! Super! There goes that nanna nap I was planning... I look around at the demolition of packaging; the destruction of what I think was once my lounge room... I just know the carpet is under there somewhere.... though there’s a good chance that got rolled up with some of the paper and thrown out too... Oh goody! No vacuuming! Right? Wrong ! ... No there it is... in all its powder puff glittery glory just waiting for me to sort it... ‘Oh honey.... can you just get the vac out... I’ll be back in a sec...’ I look at the mountain of decorations I have adorned my house in and realise it’s going to take me simply aaaaaaaaaaaages to pack it all away again... What was I thinking? I was thinking it looked pretty awesome actually for the past four weeks... not so awesome putting it back! (Leaving it there til next year is almost an option except we’re packing to move... but that’s a whole other story and probably one for the next issue... Moving Tips from Michelle Hayward – and believe me, I have plenty of them... but I digress! ...)
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continued on page 45
‘Taking all the hard work out of the family holiday!’ Everybody loves a holiday in Queensland and I’m not just saying that because I live here and I adore it... the climate is fabulous, we have great Theme Parks and amazing beaches, we offer a truly terrific lifestyle I’ve not found matched by anywhere else in the world. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve travelled, I’ve loved it, I’ve seen outstanding beaches... but I’m just a tad patriotic and loyal to my land... and what’s not to love after all!? Clearly, Sarah Pye thought so too when she created ‘Kids Welcome to Queensland’ – a comprehensive book that is ‘your guide to the best kid-friendly activities, tours, attractions, restaurants and places to stay!’ Amazing! Now, where was this book twenty years ago when I needed it? Who cares... I still need it now... As you can imagine, travelling with at least 7 of my 9 children in tow I am always looking for great places to take them that are truly fun, truly kidfriendly and don’t cost a motza to go to! Now with baby number ten on the way, I have just as much reason to consider where and how we travel in the future. It’s all about making it easier! This fabulous guide is going places... If you’re planning a Queensland holiday this summer... and let’s face it you should... or any time of the year really, you need this book! The holy grail of holidays, the bible, call it what you will, this brilliant book will become your new best friend, saving you time, money and stress, and can’t we all use a little bit of that? Beautifully illustrated and lightweight, throw it in with the picnic basket or camping gear and you’re set. Plan your trip in its entirety before you leave, and leave nothing to chance... Explore your options before you explore Queensland and you’ll never be lost for
something to do to entertain your brood! Activities, events, dining out, playgrounds, tours and more... what more could you possibly ask from one little book!? And it’s not so little. A standard paperback that sports beach details, camping info and attractions! And what about a Top 10 to help you out? How about a list that details the Top 10 – Recommended Accommodation, Campsites, plus maps in the back! There’s even a spot to write notes! Perfect! Grab a copy for you and a friend and plan a Queensland holiday together... it’s a holiday you won’t regret and will remember forever! Visit www.kidswelcome.com.au for more details – share holiday advice, and resources online: Reviews updated, forums, travel advice, kid’s games, treasure hunts, products, competitions! Kids Welcome to Queensland which takes the hard work out of planning the summer holidays with kids. It makes the perfect family camping resource and has been called “a must for every glove box”. continued on page 44
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CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER TRUFFLES
INGREDIENTS 50 g Butter 1/2 Cup Smooth Peanut Butter 1 Cup Icing Sugar 80 g Peanut Brittle (preferred brand Darrell Lea) 1 1/2 cups Coco Pops 250 g Choc Melts 25 g Copha METHOD Crush Peanut Brittle with hammer or rolling pin first. Heat Butter and peanut Butter until well combined (usually in a saucepan over a low heat). Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in icing sugar, peanut brittle and Coco Pops. Mix well. Roll into balls and refrigerate. Combine Choc Melts and Copha - melt together. Dip balls and reset. Use dark and milk chocolate for a fun mix! You can also coat in coconut, icing sugar, crushed nuts or drizzle with white chocolate and add a little bit of green and red jelly lolly to resemble a christmas pudding with cherries and leaves. www.gcgrapevine.com.au
CHR ISTMAS CRAFT PROJECT 2010
Recently we undertook a fabulous project to create our very own Santa Sacks and to decorate some Shopping Bags and more! Thanks to Lopees www.lopees.com.au for their generous supply of product so that we could complete this wonderful project! Using their amazing eco-friendly bags we created some funky masterpieces as a family. All of Lopees products are made with 100% organic cotton to their own design specifications under a Fair Trade system in India. So we feel great about utilising this product for our project! We love the GO GREEN incentive and that the Lopees products are geared at school children! Save the environment and hold a school fundraiser at the same time! We think they are amazing, and as such they received our ‘Star of Excellence Award’ for such an innovative idea. So let’s get down to it!
Using the Lopees drawstring bags we had a ball creating our Santa Sacks with a Star theme, using felt products we attached to the bags! We went with a Star theme. The result was sensational, I think you will agree! I’m sure Santa will be very excited about leaving gifts for the children this year when he sees the effort we’ve gone to...and all while being kind to our tenuous environment. Next, we had so much fun doing handprints in fabric paint on Shopping Bags. Now I can have the kids with me wherever I go! We also did one for the Grandparents who I know will be absolutely delighted to receive theirs! In the past I’ve made Tshirts in the same way, but I am loving the idea of having a bag I can use every day to save on all of those nasty plastic bags we accumulate! And what a fabulous talking point! I’m going to decorate several with loads of different designs!
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Utilising the fantastic idea of book bags/ satchels from Lopees for the younger ones in our brood, they had fun stencilling themes of their choice onto their bags and envelopes. They are going to be the talk of the classroom next year, I can just tell. Using fabric paint we applied pictures with stencils and let the kids go wild! So much fun, so creative, and a good time had by all! And we love that the envelopes will save so much paper during the year as they are reusable and we can keep sending money and notes back and forth without the need for sending paper constantly! I’m a huge fan! Thank you to the very generous Nicole at Lopees for supplying these wonderful items for us to trial and review! And thank you for being part of our massive Christmas Craft project. We thoroughly enjoyed creating these beautiful designs as a family and look forward to using our bags for many many years to come! INSPIRED Each year my family and I make our own gift tags, place cards, bon bons and more. It has become a tradition and the kids look forward to the joy of making them as much as they do using them, and enjoying the fruits of their labours. Each year we choose a theme... a colour and a design and then we work from there. Sometimes we create the traditional and other times we think outsides the box and go completely funky! Last year our theme was pink, purple and green, and the design was butterflies, ladybeetles and worms. Something a bit different. For 2010 we have reverted to traditional... red, green and gold.Our Christmas tree is white this year and will be adorned with the traditional theme. In keeping with this, our Lolly Buffet will be set up in the same colours. I’ve just written a list of all of the candy we can pur-
chase in those colours, including those in foil wrappers etc. Our gorgeous place cards and gift tags match! I’ve chosen a glittery card as the background, then pasted on a candy striped paper (all from a scrapbooking shop) then the piece de resistance.... we have attached some very sparkly Christmas trees, gingerbread men, candy canes, Santa Clauses in red and white and some fabulous reindeer to complete the picture. The result is stunning! The final step for the place cards is to print the names of family and friends onto a transparent paper and attach with some glue. Just write on the gift tags and you’re done! Simply gorgeous! So quick and easy to make! And they look amazing!* I have a bit of a thing for maple leaves... so in keeping with a traditional look I have chosen to use these as both stencils and scatters... the scatters are for our Lolly Buffet Table. Using scrapbooking card/ paper cut out several different sizes, or just one size if you wish, then cut out and decorate them. Add a little bit of glitter and hey presto... simply gorgeous scatters! You could do this with snowflakes, stars (as we did last year) or just about any design that takes your fancy! * Have fun creating! And have a fabulous Festive Season, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Stay safe and well, til we see you next time in 2011. Michelle Hayward – The House of Vintner http://thehouseofvintner.blogspot.com You can read our Lopees product review here http://daisychainatthevine. blogspot.com/2010/10/lopees-reusableenvironmentally.html *See more images and details here http://gcghov.blogspot.com/2010/10/ gold-coast-grapevine-christmas-craft. html
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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 18 All Coast Fitness
SEX in the G.C.
Don’t peel the skin as its rich in fibre and silica an essential component of healthy tissue. A low diet makes cellulite worse X Not drinking enough water can make the problem of water retention worse as the body believes it’s dehydrated and must conserve every tiny amount Cellulite contains higher than average numbers or water retaining cells. Excess fluid gravitates towards these, causing them to swell. This is major cause of cellulite in thinner women.
by Stacey Prieur
The ‘Toy’ Santa never brought I highly doubt there will be any tales that regale Mrs. Claus decking her halls or delighting her jollies, but this is one toy everyone woman should have! Santa definitely wouldn’t have it on his list, and best believe it’s for the naughty but in the end its oh-so-nice! If there’s one relationship I’ve definitely been committed to... continue to read here: http://www.facebook.com/notes/ stacey-prieur/sex-in-the-gc-toys-vsboys/10150314330330517
Katlyn Martin is a Personal Trainer & Nutritionist with over 10 years experience. Katlyn runs All Coast Fitness, which has a focus on holistic nutrition & intelligent exercise. Why not join one of Katlyn’s morning group training sessions at Currumbin Tuesdays & Fridays at 6am for $15 Or get a group of friends together & create your own time & personalised session. kate@allcoastfitness.com www.allcoastfitness.com 0404 508 789
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continued from page 16 Writing Out Loud
fear of being judged and as a result, a hesitation to show our true selves for fear of being made fun of or bullied for being ‘different’. And now as adults, although we know better, we still fail in this area. I mentioned earlier I am talking about the small things. The really small things. You see someone walking down the street singing out loud – what do you think? Perhaps they are crazy? Perhaps they are intoxicated or high? You see someone at the Sunday markets in high heels – what do you think? Inappropriate? Conceited? A 30 something Aussie Bloke who doesn’t drink or like football – what the….? Someone who has both Celine Dion and Metallica on their iPod and not afraid to admit it? Mmmmm….. Someone who is attending a concert – by themselves? Loner? Lonely? No friends? …. Someone who chooses not to have sex until they are married. Old fashioned? Frigid? Living in fairly land? The first one on the dance floor early in the night at the local night club. Definitely drunk! Could it not be that these people are just being themselves? Enjoying themselves? Is it that shocking to us when we witness someone who has the courage to step outside the boundaries of what is supposed to be normal and accepted in society? Every minute there is a judgment that can be made on someone and their choices and actions. How many times do you decide not to buy that piece of clothing because although you love it, you probably would never wear it because of what others might think/say? How many times do you
not sing along to your favourite song at the top of your voice while stopped at the traffic lights for fear of who may be watching? How often do you not admit that you actually enjoy the opera or the ballet even though you are a male and not gay? We all need to take a hard look at ourselves and stop judging others. This is not to say that we cannot have an opinion, or disagree, but there is a way to do this whilst still respecting another’s choice or action. We should embrace our individuality, be honest firstly with ourselves and then be proud that we are not ashamed, embarrassed or fearful of showing our true selves. This certainly isn’t an easy thing to do which is why in the 21st century we still have so far to come, but if we can each try not to judge and try to be ourselves without fear of judgment the smaller things will start to impact on the larger things. Let’s not be mistaken I am no preaching angel here! I am guilty. Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. But each day I am trying to aim for being less judgmental and respecting others and to also show others the real me… as strange, weird and different as that may be! And yes I do sing out loud at the traffic lights! And yes my husband does hate football and doesn’t drink! Let’s not waste our time judging others and let’s no longer be afraid of being judged.
“Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you’ve never been hurt. And live like its heaven on earth.” – Mark Twain
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Happy Holidays from
The Gold Coast Grapevine
http://thehouseofvintner.blogspot.com http://daisychainatthevine.blogspot.com
GHOV GC
fE e c x c e ll e n
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Review conducted by MICHELLE HAYWARD The House of Vintner
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received th y l ud
Star
Kids Welcome to Queensland includes over 1000 independent reviews of activities, attractions, tours, places to eat, places to stay, campsites, playgrounds, beaches and events throughout Queensland. Many are low or no costs. Each is rated for three age-groups using a unique traffic light rating system. This guidebook was published just over a year ago. It is distributed nationally by HEMA MAPS and available through RACQ, NRMA, Angus and Robertson and most other bookshops. RRP: $24.95. It is also available online at www.kidswelcome. com.au.
Pro
Book Review continued from page 36 Kids Welcome to Queensland
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continued from page 43 Fluffy Slippers to Stilettos I look at the leftovers and think I’ll be so over ham in the next five minutes that I’ll really wish I hadn’t bought so much! But somehow my brood manage to inhale that too... Good! I hate leftovers...! I look at the plate of gourmet treats I whipped up! Some of my favourite recipes are included in this issue or at http://creationcottage.blogspot.com ... so get onto those... Oh... said plate is empty! I don’t remember having them... (*Note to self – hide some truffles so I don’t miss out this time!) I look at the stack of dishes waiting to be rinsed that didn’t fit in the dishwasher the first time ... and I think about the next meal we have to prepare... and I sigh! ... I sigh contentedly because the reason I put myself through this mammoth event every single year is because... well it’s not just because the calendar dictates I should... I actually LOVE it! I love that my house is noisy, messy chaos for at least 24 hours... I love that I can treat my children and make it special. I LOVE that I am creating memories for them! “Mum can you please make those things you made last year... you know...they had some stuff in them...” “Ahhh could you be a bit more specific? Ta!” I love that they get into the creating of gifts and knick knacks and crafty items that I have a penchant for making! I love that they are thrilled with the non-commercial! I love that they think I truly believe they were good all year and Santa thought so too... I must have a really short memory! (Thank goodness for Chocolate Port! I think I’ll have another...) I love that I have a family to share it with! I love that it’s still filled with mag-
ic and wonder... I love these precious moments that are all too fleeting... I love it when they say “Remember that Christmas we....” I am so very blessed to have two hours sleep, excited, rambunctious, bleary and starry-eyed kids who make the day worthwhile! I am so grateful for the miracle of Christmas! I wish you and yours many wonderful Christmas blessings... and a very happy and prosperous new year... from my home to yours! ... And... not a fluffy slipper... or stiletto in sight... not today anyway! ... Til next time, when I’m back in uniform in 2011! Michelle Hayward – The House of Vintner http://thehouseofvintner.blogspot. com
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www.smapp.com.au Small Print is proudly supported by Mummy Ambassadors – to find out more visit our link! http:// thehouseofvintner.blogspot.com/p/mummyambassadors.html
SMALL PRINT GCGHOV SPECIAL! Smallprint keepsake jewellery captures your child’s fingerprint, hand or foot print or even special artwork created by your child in pure silver to be treasured forever. To create a truly memorable gift for your family and friends this Christmas Smallprint Brisbane East is offering $20 off to clients who mention this advertisement when placing an order before December 12. Smallprint - The Next Best Thing To Holding Hands. www.smallp.com.au
http://www.facebook. com/pages/Smallprint-BrisbaneEast/128106197241095?ref=ts
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RedZed is a proud contributer & supporter of the GCG Christmas Sponsorship to the SCISCO Career Pathways Christmas Goody Bags
www.redzedaustralia.com.au Watch this Space! Our Local Gourmet Cookie maker, Redzed, is gearing up to launch its new website soon. This means you’ll be able to buy direct from their online retail store specially created take home packs of Gourmet Cookies, Nougat and Chocolates as well as gorgeous gifts for those “hard to buy for” people. Redzed goes the extra mile……………..literally! Last week one of our wholesale customers had an important opening of a new Cafe in a large shopping centre. At around 4.30pm Friday afternoon, we heard from our customer that the courier had not delivered their Cookies! The opening was Saturday morning. So, after organizing kids, dinners, baths and bed, one of the directors re packed the order and drove it down to the new store. Finding a way in was a bit of a challenge as the whole side of the shopping centre was still in construction mode and when enquring how to get in, “nobody knew anything”! To my delight, the Café owner, after a long day of setting up, drove down to meet me at the shopping centre and we were able to get the stock into store for the morning. By this time it was about 10pm. The beauty of our business and a high priority of our business is looking after our customers. We value this as much as making the Cookies We look forward to being able to give the same quality customer service to our online retail customers when the new website goes live! Redzed adding to its Stable of Cookies Very soon you’ll be able to see in cafes a new style of Cookie from local Gourmet Cookie maker Redzed. They’ve already launched a delicious gluten free nougat range in October and are about to introduce the new cookies to stores mid November. Look out for these…….Hint…..The kids will love them ! www.gcgrapevine.com.au
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