Qld Guides | Flagstone - March 2022

The last few weeks of January and the beginning of February have been trying to say the least. Staff to no staff, low sales, Covid all around us making us focus on continual care of people. Take time to simplify our projects, goals, and tasks, we are all foreseeing looking forward to moving forward, but there are continual steps backward for many of us.

What can we take from all our experiences doesn’t make sense in small moments, to think differently, think positively, move forward and to achieving a productive 2022? Maybe we can apply or simplify our systems and processes into simple positive small steps.

1. Why not re-examine our obstacles or blockers to success? Do you have a plan A and a Plan B? Is there another way around, under or over to be able to achieve our success – is there someone that can help with a creative idea or resources. Why not just ask, Why not go to your creative corner- a walk along the beach, a swim, a sit in a corner of your garden, or listen to music for an hour – empty the cup and let your brain do its own thinking. An hour of brain rest often allows you to achieve …

2. Can you lose One Goal that no longer serves you to focus on another one that is a priority. We all have a list a mile long – this in itself can be a distraction. Focus on a max of 5 goals at a time – this might help you to achieve the priority and help you focus on those important outcomes.

3. Focus on One success you have had in the last year – revel in it. Then look at the system or process behind it that made it successful – can you duplicate or apply that same process to your next project.

“Our mindset controls the passion that inspires us and the determination that drives us” Helen Cowley

Need to talk over your Systems? Contact us NOW. Don’t put off but start today.

Services

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Helping you build your knowledge, confidence, performance and profitability with your Small Business Specialist.

Our team here at Flagstone Podiatry understand how much of a positive impact healthy feet can make. Our aim is to deliver lasting results through professional foot care and premium custom orthotics.

DOGFEST IS COMING TO NORTH MCLEAN!

Calling all dog owners!

DogFest 2022 is coming, bigger and better than ever! Dog owner's (and dog lovers) are invited to come along and have a great time at DogFest on Sunday, March 27, at Tully Memorial Park in North Mclean; where people can learn tips and tricks to make their fur baby as happy as possible.

DogFest is an innovative and informative doggy event not to be missed by paw-rents and for the first time, DogFest is to be hosted in Logan.

There is so much on offer on the day. From 8 am to 1 pm come along and enjoy a pawsome line-up of dog-friendly stallholders, hu man-friendly food trucks, live entertainment, activities and competitions for everyone to enjoy! Meet up with friends, family and other perfect pooches for a fun day out!

The event is proudly brought to you by Grif fith University and the Logan City Council. So come along for 5 hours of fun. RSVP to be the first in the know with all that is com ing up at DogFest – Logan.

For vendor and attendee queries please contact our team at dogfest@griffith.edu.au.

For more information about the event, visit Furry Friends Facebook page https://www. facebook.com/furry.friendsaus.

ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS BLOOMING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY

Iam one of those people who believe that every room should have flowers in it. It has been said that flowers can lift your mood, they never fail to make people smile. A bouquet of flowers brings a room to life, making it feel warmer and more homely. Nothing enhances a home quite like a fresh bouquet of blooms. They add colour, fragrance and a touch of happiness to your day.

And when your favourite fresh flowers aren’t in season or are hard to come by, what do you do?

An artificial flower arrangement is a perfect solution. Artificial flowers today aren’t the same as the bright-coloured, flat-textured flowers of yesteryear.

Now, thanks to advancing technology, artificial flowers have become so realistic-looking it's hard to tell them apart from real ones. Gone are the days of tacky silk and plastic-looking artificial flowers. Mind you, they’re still out there, but technology is producing some spectacular alternatives.

“They are a great alternative to regular flowers. Except they will never die, are allergy-free and are always in season”, commented Kris, “They are so easy to maintain. All you have to do is keep them out of direct sunlight and dust them with a damp cloth on occasion. They look amazing all year round."

As a florist with over 30 years of experience, local business owner and mother, Kris Kirshaw has a wealth of knowledge in working with

flowers, real and artificial. So, when the opportunity arose to own her own florist business again, Kris jumped at the chance.

So, in 2018 Kris took over as the owner of Beautiful Budget Bouquets, a florist with a twist. Instead of traditional real flowers, Beautiful Budget Bouquets specialises in artificial flowers. Thenceforth, Kris has been arranging bouquets and flower arrangements for brides, weddings as well as other events and occasions.

“The sky's the limit. There is nothing we can’t do to create the perfect flower arrangement and bring to life someone's dream”, commented Kris.

Over the next year, Kris started thinking about expanding into the wholesale market and in 2019 took over Giftlines Australia; a leading designer and wholesale supplier of quality real touch and silk artificial flowers that have been supplying wholesale clients worldwide since 1999. Ever since then she has been immersed in the world of artificial flowers.

However, like most business owners will tell you it's not all smooth sailing. There have been some challenges, with the biggest one being Covid.

“The biggest impact that Covid has had on my business in the past year or two, is importing and sourcing products. A lot of other

businesses are in the same boat, where they are struggling to get stock to fill the shelves and of course the cancellation of events such as weddings, funerals and larger gatherings”.

When Covid hit, Kris took advice from a business consultant, who tried to guide her in a direction that wasn’t suitable for her and my businesses. This caused Kris to feel like she had lost her purpose for a while before she went back to doing what she loved.

“The best advice I’ve gotten is to stay in my own lane; stick to what you love and are good at while surrounding yourself with good people. You won’t go wrong then”, stated Kris, “If you love what you do you won’t work a day in your life.”

Now at the beginning of 2022, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, especially with borders opening up and things returning to normal, people and businesses are more optimistic.

“I feel that 2022 is going to be an exciting year for us. We want to build a strong community network here in the Logan Area and the wider community,” commented Kris. “It’s important to have a strong foundation to build your business upon; with a strong foundation, you can overcome every obstacle you may face, including a worldwide pandemic”.

“Our goal is to raise awareness about the benefits of artificial flowers and the fantastic quality we provide. For you can’t sell a secret. That is why we send out free sample boxes to those who ask so they can see the quality for themselves,” stated Kris.

For more information or to get your very own sample box, contact Kris and her team on 0419 668 210 or head to the Beautiful Budget Bouquets Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/beautifulbudgetbouquets/. Mention this editorial and receive 15% off your next order. What a great opportunity with Mother’s Day around the corner…

CAIRNS

Bruce Highway

The Bruce Highway. The seemingly never ending 1,679km stretch of road that has been connecting Queenslanders between Brisbane and Cairns since it was completed in December 1986. It has become a regular companion in the great Queensland Road trip.

With so many great places to stay, things to do and places to eat the possibilities are endless.

In this regular travel feature, we will be taking our audience on the ultimate

road trip, ‘Travel along the Bruce Highway’. Starting from Brisbane, we are going all the way up to Cairns! Featuring a new city or region every couple of months - along the way showcasing local attractions, places and hidden gems that everyone should experience at least once.

All aboard for the first destination: Sunshine Coast & Hinterlands!

Just north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast encompasses the coastline from Caloundra to Rainbow Beach; the lush countryside of the hinterland and the beauty of this region will captivate you. Rich in diversity, the destination is brimming with the best that Australia has to offer.

Pristine beaches sit alongside subtropical rainforests and majestic mountains, interspersed with villages steeped in history. Frolic at the beach in the morning and enjoy the afternoon in the lush hinterland, just a short drive away.

Savour the fresh and bountiful local produce through a paddock to plate and trawler to table dining experience or have your pick of

SUNSHINE COAST BRISBANE

accommodation; with such an amazing array of accommodation affording coastal or mountain views, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is the perfect place for a peaceful holiday!

Discover an array of attractions, tours and experiences – from wildlife encounters to getting lost in a hedge maze and embarking on a special tour - there is a veritable goldmine of activities.

Feel like a local from the moment you arrive where the people are friendly and genuine.

The Hinterlands

Beyond the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, you will find a rich array of charming villages, country towns and breathtaking scenery. The Hinterlands feels like a world away, but in reality, it is only a short 30-minute drive from the beach! Here friendly locals’ welcome visitors with a smile and the pristine landscape are home to pockets of sub-tropical rainforest, cooling waterfalls and sweeping views that are waiting to be explored.

One of our favourite local trips to take on a quiet weekend is just over an hour away, along the Bruce Highway and up into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to Maleny and Montville. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a regular looking for new inspiration - there is plenty to eat, see and do in these scenic towns.

Tina Cooper Art & Glass Gallery

“The Honey Ant Collection”

EXHIBITION

This Exclusive Gallery in the Montville Hinterland By Appointment Only 10am to 5pm

GLASS ARTIST

Tina Cooper & Wolfgang Engel

Phone:

The ultimate

Mother's Day

It’s time to officially celebrate mums around the world once again! Not that we don’t appreciate and celebrate you throughout the whole year Mum, but this is your special day where you’re treated like the queen you are.

To help celebrate all of the mothers out there, we’ve put together a list of some of the best experiences to gift on Mother’s Day

Devon Pixies

Celebrate Mothers Day with your loved ones at Devon Pixies this year with a special morning or afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of irresistible sweet and savoury delights and delicious refreshments that are sure to delight and impress.

Sunday 8th May | Morning Tea:10am to 12pm Afternoon Tea: 2pm to 4pm Bookings are essential, please call to make your reserva tion. Full payment will be required prior to your arrival.

P: 0449 285 277 | A: 270 Jacaranda Ave, Kingston www.devonpixies.com.au

Love Lash Studios

Treat yourself and boost your confidence this Mother’s Day by having your lashes and brows done at Love Lash Studios. Located at Mount Warren Park, Skye and her team specialize in the application of individual eyelash extensions, eye lash lifts, henna brow, facial waxing and tinting. We have over 4 years’ experience in the industry.

P: 0456 213 920 | A: 9c/20-30 Mount Warren Blvd, Mount Warren Park. Fb: @lovelashstudio19

Paint’n’Pour Art Studio

Get your creative juices flowing this Mother’s Day with an art class with qualified Art teacher Liz Saul. Resin, Ink, Sculpture, Acrylic Pouring, Paint’n’Sip and more you’ll find it at this studio. Create your own artistic pieces to hang on the wall or create home wares such as cheese boards, earrings and coasters. Instructor, Liz will help you to create your own unique masterpiece. They also offer Sip and Paint events, Paint Parties and Mobile Art Classes.

P:0424 227 317 | A: 4 Bygrave Ct, Rochedale Sth www.paintnpourartstudio.com.au

Barefoot Fish

Looking for a unique experience to give or do with your mum this Mother’s Day? Why not treat your feet to a fish bath! Everyone is welcome to come and experience some giggles and walk away with soft and smooth feet, courtesy of the team at Barefoot Fish. Gift certificates available and group bookings are welcome.

P: 0434 274 153 | A: 27 Browns Plains Rd, Browns Plains. www.barefootfish.com.au

Elemental Shell

Unleash your inner artist this Mother’s Day! Be guided by the talented Michelle at the Elemental Shell as you participate in a group event or organise a private session for you and your friends. These art sessions are for you to relax with your favourite wine, have fun with friends and paint your own little masterpiece. The possibilities are endless!

P: 0401 366 883 | A: 108 Stubbin St, Belivah www.elementalshell.com

3 REASONS TO GO OUT FOR BREAKFAST

Breakfast is considered by many as the most important meal of the day, but how often do you eat a good breakfast or even pay attention to what you’re eating?

For most people, the morning rush to work or getting the kids ready can overshadow everything - meaning you won’t necessarily have the time to go out for breakfast during the week; you should certainly do this on weekends. Not only is it a lovely treat after a long week, but here are some other benefits you can get from doing this as well.

Eating a Hearty Meal

You don’t have to get a big stack of pancakes or a plate full of eggs, bacon, and sausages (unless you want to). A lot of places have smaller, healthier breakfast options on the menu to choose from, but no matter what you go for, at least you will be eating a hearty meal.

This will give you the fuel you need to take on the rest of the day, and should certainly keep you feeling full until lunchtime.

Start Your Day Right

As well as eating a good breakfast, part of starting your day right is by slowing down and taking things in. By going out to breakfast rather than sitting at home, you have an opportunity to sit back, relax and just watch the world go by. You could take a book to read with you if you’re going alone, or you could just people watch if you would like. Savour your food and think about how you would like the rest of the day to shape up.

Fun with Friends

If you are going out to breakfast with your friends, this is a great opportunity to catch up and enjoy yourselves. Whether you meet up and decide to try out a bottomless brunch and have a few breakfast mimosas to start your Saturday, or just stick to coffee, it’s a good way to catch up with friends and take a break from your hectic lifestyle during the week

So, why not treat yourself to breakfast at one of Logan’s local cafés! Get a few friends together or go by yourself to try some of these local cafes and restaurants producing some of the best breakfasts in Logan.

Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb

Tender, flavourful, and super easy to make! This oven-roasted rack of lamb recipe comes out perfect every time. Serve with a side of roasted asparagus or baby potatoes, and you’re in for a crowd-pleasing main course everyone will rave about. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 rack of lamb, frenched (approx. 8 ribs)

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon instant chicken stock

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

10 cloves garlic, keep the skin on

1 small bunch of fresh thyme

Dipping sauce of choice

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 220ºC. Rub the rack of lamb with salt, pepper, instant chicken stock, garlic powder, and onion powder. Allow the seasoned rack of lamb to come to room temperature.

2. Line the bottom of a roasting pan with the garlic cloves, and arrange the seasoned rack of lamb on top. Place the fresh thyme sprigs around the rack of lamb; then arrange diced butter on top of the meat.

3. Roast the rack of lamb in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 60ºC – for medium-rare. Count approx. 25 minutes roasting time.

4. Remove the roasted rack of lamb from the oven. Transfer to a cutting board, cover with foil or parchment paper and allow to rest for 10 minutes to let the juices flow back into the meat. To cut the rack into individual ribs before serving: turn the rack of lamb upside down and carefully cut between the ribs using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!

Bhutanese Dumplings

7/18 Fitzgerald Ave, Springwood 3892 2788

Dining Guide

COFFEE & DUMPLINGS

Coffee & Dumplings is a locally-owned community gathering place located in Springwood. Providing the community with an exciting fusion of East meets West flavoursome food at an affordable price for all to enjoy. People can expect generous portions, heavenly coffee, healthy smoothies and thoughtful service. Come along and let us provide you with an experience beyond your expectations.

Big Buns

American Shop 5A/111-121 Grand Plaza

Dr, Browns Plains

Fb: @bigbunsqld

Big Buns in Browns Plains is a game-changing burger joint slinging gourmet burgers and fingerlickin’ ribs. A collaboration between four mates, the American-style eatery was conceived in the midst of COVID-19. The mouth-watering menu has something for everyone, boasting 7 beef burgers, 5 chicken burgers, 5 plant-based burgers and 1 fish burger. So come along and try them for yourself!

MONTE ALE HOUSE

Bistro/Bar

Mexican

What a little gem this place is! This is secret craft beer bar and eatery tucked away in the industrial backstreets of Slacks Creek. With an indoor and outside seating area, this place is perfect all year round for social gatherings, functions, Friday afternoons and simply catching up with friends. If it’s the classics you’re after, they have got that sorted.

SERRANOS MEXICAN CANTINA

Old fashioned home cooking using premium cuts of meat prepared and cooked in the traditional way with the freshest ingredients. Serranos Mexican Cantina knows it’s not all about the chilli, it’s about those beautiful Mexican flavours and smells. So if you love your Mexican, give Serranos a call or message and book a table.