Kirsten Connection

CONNECTION

"Believe in the magic of the season."

CONTENTS TABLE OF

LetterFromtheEditor

Kirsten invites you to enjoy our brand new magazine and share informative news from local contributors.

06 10

Mudgee SummerWines

How gorgeous are the Summer wines! Enjoy hearing about the family friendly wineries and how Bespoke Mudgee tours can take you to all of them in style.

Wellness

Here from the very best wellness coach Karyn Hobbs Nutritional Therapist and Integrative and Health Coach

SummerinMudgee

Enjoy hearing about all the exciting activities to enjoy this summer in Mudgee. There is plent tto see and do!

CherryPickinginMudgee

Christmas is all about Cherries. So many gorgeous summer fruits ripe and ready for picking Enjoy making a cherry pie!

WhatsoninParkes

Elvis is coming to Parkes this January and it is a big Elvis Anniversary so its a great time to visit Parkes

InvestinginRuralProperty

Chandelle Newbigging takes us through the reasons why investing in rural property is a good option

FestiveFashion

Sonya from Your Style Collective provides some tips to looking your best this festive season

NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR

Hello and welcome to our first edition of Connection by Kirsten Accommodation

I believe everything in life is about connection. The connection we have with our loved ones, places we explore and experiences we hold.

Here is a little of our story My husband Pete is a builder, and I am originally a physiotherapist but had the urge to use my creative flair. So, we came together to build and create luxurious villas, luxe cottages and most recently a Guesthouse Hotel across some picturesque pockets of NSW.

andownerofKirstenAccommodation.. Kirstenxx

It was important to us to provide stylish accommodation that wasn't just about where you rest your head but allow our guests to recharge their minds and reset their senses.

This is your chance to connect with family, friends, places and have endless experiences.

As a new member of the Kirsten Crowd we are offering a $200 stay voucher this summer. Mention this magazine to redeem your voucher

MUDGEE SUMMER WINES

Withkids

You have chosen Mudgee as your next mini break escape destination to experience all the glorious food and wine that the Mudgee region has to offer. But what are you going to do with the kids? Don’t worry because Mudgee has you covered

Logan Wines: Great expansive wide open space to run and play, chalk board for drawing while Mum & Dad taste wine, taste cheese and breathe in the view.

Skimstone Wines: Boasting a giant chess board game and giant sand pit with sand playing tools., picnic area & cellar door.

Vinifera wines & Baker Williams Distillery: have recreational sporting equipment for the children to use while you try organic wine and sip on gin & vodka. Equipment includes croquet, badminton, large building blocks.

Lowe Family Wines: A farm surrounds the cellar door. This allows children to explore small farm animals such as chickens, sheep, and pigs, but also pick fruit and berries while mum & dad can explore the wine and tasting food platters.

BESPOKE TOURS MUDGEE

For the ultimate Mudgee experience, book a bespoke wine tour in our private luxury van with an experienced tour guide. You can choose your own adventure, or have our guide map out the perfect day for you. Our private tours cater for up to 6 people and give you door to door service. We are family friendy so kids are WELCOME!

For more information: Bespoke tours mudgee | mudgee wine tours chauffeur services

WELLNESS

SELF CARE & SELF LOVE

When was the last time someone spoke to you about how to achieve more vibrant Health?

Being a Woman is a beautiful gift however, at times it can be easy to lose sight of this. We often feel betrayed by our bodies and feel as though we have no control over our thoughts, leaving us feeling like we are gasping for air while trying to meet everyone else’s expectations

It doesn’t have to be this way. Come on a journey with me My name is Karyn and I am the owner of Wild About Wellness. It's important we learn the basic principles of good health and the simple tools to use.

Let's be grateful for the little things, why self care is so important, how to go from exhausted to energized, learn to listen to your body and love the body you live in.

BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Lets look at the body as a whole and not just your symptoms and get to the root cause of your health challenges. Your energy is a real marker for health and often we withdraw more than we invest.

Lets stop focusing on getting through the bare essentials of life and become inspired to enhance your health and happiness its time to make better choices because you know you are worth taking care of

So book in for this inspiring, life changing workshop Your body will thank you.

Remember, Knowledge is Power and there is only ONE you!

SUMMER IN MUDGEE

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Are you looking for activities to entertain the family this Summer? Mountain biking can be so much fun and there are so many trails across New South Wales that are adventurous?

Mudgee I am sure wouldn't be your first thought when it comes to biking. We all know that Mudgee is renowned for being a phenomenal wine region but there is so much more to this area when it comes to activities

Mudgee Mountain Bike Trail is great for beginners / intermediate level bikers is approximately 17km long and can take up to 3 hours.

The trails are widely cross country focused and the sweeping nature of the up trails and cleverly placed.

THE BEST VIEW COMES AFTER THE HIGHEST CLIMB

THE DRIP WALKING TRACK

The Drip walking track, in Goulburn River State Conservation Area, meanders beside Goulburn River to The Drip, or 'the Great Dripping Wall’.

The best time to experience it is after a few days of rain, when you’ll see the sandstone walls dripping clear spring water. During a hot summer you’ll love its natural air conditioning It can be 10 to 15° cooler than the surrounding region on a hot day. It usually has a light fall of rain from water percolating through the rock.

KAYAKING

Experience the wonders of Ganguddy Dunns Swamp from a stable kayak on the pristine waters of the Cudgegong River. Marvel in awe at the fascinating landscape as you wind through striking rock formations, stunning sandstone gorges and picturesque woodlands, while absorbing interesting commentary on the fascinating natural and cultural history of the area and its environmental significance

CHERRY PICKING Christmas Time!

Simply Great Cherries from Magical Mudgee!

At Roth Family Orchard they are all about cherries and experiences growing simply the best cherries that anyone has ever tasted, you will be given the chance to experience the full flavour of really fresh, quality cherries

They open their gates for you to pick your own cherries every morning in season when cherries are ripe, except Wednesdays. The Roth's Family love seeing visitors and families enjoy the orchard. It’s best to come early in the morning as this is when cherries are at their best before the days’ heat sets in.

CHERRY PIE IN A PIE MAKER

PREP TIME 30mins

Makes 4

- 2 cups pitted Mudgee cherries

½ cup water

Juice of 1 lemon

½ cup of caster sugar

¼ cup corn starch

½ teaspoon almond or vanilla extract

2 sheets short crust pastry

1 egg for egg wash

METHOD

In a saucepan on medium heat place cherries, water, lemon juice sugar and corn starch. Stir until sugar and corn start is dissolved Add Almond or vanilla extract and stir

Place on low heat and stir occasionally until liquid thickens to a jammy consistency. Approx. 10 15mins. Turn off heat and place to the side.

Lightly grease the pie maker with spray oil/ Using the pastry cutter provided with pie maker make 4 large circles and 4 smaller circles of the short crust pastry.

With the pie maker turned off, line pie holes with large, short crust pastry circles pressing into base.

Scoop ¼ of cherry mix into the base of the pie holes and place the smaller circles of pastry on top and seal the edges Brush the tops with egg wash and close the pie maker for 5mins or until golden brown.

WHAT'S ON IN PARKES

ELVIS FESTIVAL

Parkes will come alive from 4 8 January 2023 to celebrate Elvis’ birthday, all things Rock ‘n’ Roll and our 30th year anniversary.

There will be hundreds of Elvis, Blue Hawaii and Rock ‘n’ Roll themed events across five fabulous, fun-filled days.

Recognised as one of the top three Festivals and Events in Australia, the Festival attracts 24,000 fans with a global reach of 599 million.

Held every year in the second week in January, coinciding with Elvis Presley's birthday,

The 2023 Festival will be held 4 8 January and will celebrate its 30th year.

SCULPTURE DRIVING TRAIL

Parkes to Condobolin : The ultimate outdoor sculpture driving trail.

Utes in the Paddock, Condobolin is an outdoor gallery of 20 iconic Holden utes painted by some of Australia’s best outback artists. The installations are located on a 25 acre block of land on the Gipps Way, Condobolin. The exhibition is quirky and quintessentially Australian

Sculptures Down the Lachlan Culture Trail, Forbes is curated by the Forbes Arts Society. The trail encapsulates the imagination and passion of its creative, volunteer members. Based on a concept similar to Sculptures by the Sea (but permanent) the Trail stretches from Forbes to Condobolin along the Lachlan Valley Way, south of Forbes off the Newell Highway. See a giant Goanna and the “amazing”, red amazing sign in bush surrounds.

So, make a day of it Add Sculptures Down the Lachlan Culture Trail to your Condobolin drive and experience what Country NSW has to offer.

GIVING BACK

It's so important here at Kirsten Accommodation that we support the rural and regional communities that allow us to prosper with our business

Both Mudgee and Parkes have a special place in our hearts and whenever there is an opportunity to support the local community, we love getting involved.

In October we raised much needed funds for “Pink Up Mudgee’ Campaign raising awareness for the McGrath Foundation who do a phenomenal job funding Breast cancer nursea especially to these in Country NSW regional areas.

We love being involved with our local community. Recently we donated to the Cudgegong Valley Public School for their Christmas raffle. In collaboration with the wineries Petersons of Mudgee, 791 Estate & Elephant Mountain we donated a full Wine Tour with complimentary wines valued over $700.

C O M M U N I T Y

O R T I N G O U R L O C A L

INVESTING IN RURAL PROPERTY

Chandelle Newbigging

McGrath Estate Agents Central Tablelands

P 02 6372 2584 | M 0427 121 018

Having spent the majority of my life in the Mudgee Region and the past 17 Years at McGrath Estate Agents, I feel privileged to have had a front row seat, watching the area evolve particularly over the last decade.

The pandemic trigged many people to reconsider their lifestyles and in doing so we have seen an influx of new residents moving to regional areas, escaping the hustle and bustle, congestion and long work hours that come with city life.

Our region is now home to over 25,000 people enjoying a safe, clean and affordable lifestyle amidst the beauty of the surrounding countryside and friendly community

Low vacancy rates, diverse employment opportunities and strong returns make buying a regional investment property the perfect option.

Before starting your property search it is important to reach out to a mortgage broker or bank to obtain finance preapproval.

Then start to engage with a Real Estate professional to get a better understanding of particular areas and their demographic, along with advice on potential returns.

Buying a new property such as the recent offerings from award winning Tori Peter Group can assist in maximising tax depreciation, we recommend engaging a quantity surveyor to prepare a depreciation schedule for your accountant.

FESTIVE FASHION

Sonya Choi La Rosa Personal Stylist and Style Coach Your Styled Collective By Sonya www.yourstyledcollective.com.au

In what seems to creep up very slowly every year and then suddenly after Halloween, in a blink of an eye Christmas is almost here.

This year, no lockdowns or restrictions, it's back to what we have known, family, friends, an abundance of food, good conversations and of course an opportunity to dress up to celebrate!

Whether you spend Christmas at a restaurant, a traditional lunch or the quintessential iconic seafood BBQ Finding the right outfit can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you want those pieces to be versatile enough to transition through the seasons.

So, whether you are a savvy statement piece shopper or on the relaxed end of the scale here are my top 4 tips for selecting your outfit for Christmas day

STYLING TIPS

1. Know Your Dress Code

Knowing what you will be doing on the day will help guide what end of the scale from formal to casual you will need to be prepared for. Being clear on this will help to narrow down your outfit options.

2. The Comfort and Confidence Factor

This is what I call, knowing Your Signature Style. It’s the pieces, colours and styles that always make you feel the most comfortable and confident in, when you wear them.

3. Outfit functionality

You really cannot go past a beautiful dress on Christmas Day With so many options available from casual to formal, you can't go past this piece every season. Take note of the fabric, cut and colour. Natural fibres linens and cottons blends will keep you cool during the heat.

4. The Sparkle Factor

It is after all Christmas! A little sparkle can do wonders for both an outfit and your complexion, which is helpful if the lead up has been slightly chaotic. If you haven’t yet experimented with a pop of colour and a little sequin yet, now is your chance.