i am magazine #twelve spring 2013

PHOTOGRAPH BY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BENSINSIGHT

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I AM MAGAZINE ISSUE 12 2013

ONtheCOVER


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EDITOR & PUBLISHER: I-AM Magazine Pty Ltd

www.iammagazine.com.au

Samantha Edwards

[email protected]

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES & SUBMISSIONS:

[email protected]

SOCIAL MEDIA:

FACEBOOK: /iammagazinesuthshire PINTEREST: /iammagazine

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Because you’re worth

finding!

est. 2011 Sutherland Shire.


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ED’S NOTE

Welcome to Issue 12 Spring 2013.

For me, spring is a dish best served warm with a crisp cold glass of Sem-Sav on the side, of course. Unfortunately, spring in NSW always seems to come with a side of hay fever. If, like me, Spring delivers to your door nothing but an itchy nose with pollen overload that keeps you running to the medicine cabinet, Registered Nurse Wendy Bowker’s advice on how to manage all that Spring brings on page 50, will provide a little more sunshine to your new season.

As ugly as Hay fever can feel, it does not rain on my happy spring bubble. I love spring! I love the joy and motivation that little extra snap of sunshine brings to shrug off winter for another year. It is by far the most inspirational of the seasons, a time when everything starts to happen. It is motivation plus...plus!

Spring is also the most popular season to get married. If, like thou-sands of other couples, your “Big Day” is booked for this colourful season, you’ll enjoy the bridal feature [see page 26] we collaborated with three local wedding professionals on the most important aspects of your day - Beauty, Fashion & Photography.

Of course, we have also included the main elements of ‘I AM’. In this issue you will find tips, tricks, advice and life stories from, not only the regular I AM contributors, but a couple of newbie’s too. I hope their writing provides you with even more inspiration to take the steps towards living your ultimate ‘I AM’ life and following your path to phenomenal happiness.

I hope you find what you need within the pages—and a little extra on the side. Happy Reading Spring I AMers!

Sam xxx SNAP! Follow me on instagram @iammagazine

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ISSUE 12. Spring 2013

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Amanda Atlee [p16-17] St George & Sutherland Shire Amnesty

correspondent

Ben Kiggins [p24–25&p68-69 +inside front/inside back cover]

www.facebook.com/Bensinsight

Chris Lane [Bridal Feature p38-39 ] www.chrislanephotographer.com

Emma Pilcher [p46] BFSperformance.com

Kareen Casaceli [p40-41] StyleMyShack.com.au

Kylie Green [p60-61] Souloscout.com

Lana Johnson [p48-49] www.bpstensegrity.com.au

Leanne Griffiths [Stars p62-63] www.leannegriffiths.net

Melanie Bowman [Bridal Feature p30-37] www.barefacedbride.com

Sally McMahon [Bridal Feature p28-29] www.bridalicious.com

Seian Mulholland [p55-58 ] Respect the Locals! Ulu Boys

Wendy Bowker [p50-51]

Registered Nurse/Health Writer

Wendy Harper [p14-15] Feature article—The Mother of all Cycles.

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MELANIE BOWMAN

Sensationally SINGLE

INSTALMENT 5.

f you read the last instalment you would have been busy over this last quarter deciding what your relationship tree looks like, who’s on it and the feelings that came with the growth and demise of the relationship. I want to take a moment to clarify the difference be-tween what is a normal “hey it just didn’t work out” break up and the “I can’t believe this happened again” break up feeling.

The first is simple. You decided to enter into a partnership with someone and for whatever reason; yours or theirs, the relationship ended with you both parties knowing it wasn’t meant to be. The second is not as simple. We form habits in life. Some good...some very very bad. Einstein was quoted as saying some-thing like, “the definition of stupidity is repeating the same behav-iour and expecting a different outcome”. This saying can be un-comfortably correct when referring to failed relationships. Some-times we simply pick the wrong person...over and over again. Getting back to your relationship tree diagram. You will see a clear pattern if you have performed this activity with nothing less than raw honesty. What common factor connected each and every one of your relationships? There was behaviour, either by you or the other per-son that repeated during each relationship. Were you too giving, too needy, to clingy, not appreciated, not loved or emotionally unavail-able? There is an emotion that linked and formed the foundation of these relationships. What was it?

Grab a pen and paper. Try to use singular or sharp words to describe it. Nail the emotion by giving it a simple but direct word.

Research has provided us with some very clear and on occasion unwanted feedback as to why we error repeatedly in partnerships. The behaviour goes back to our childhood. In our relationships as an adult we are attempting to resolve issues from our childhood. These issues can be feelings of shame, anger and fear, or they can be a reflection of your need fro support and love which you did not receive an adequate dosage of as a child. It is possible that your relationship behaviour now, is your subconscious attempting to correct the past. So, how do we fix this?

Firstly, we have to work out what we want! Take a look at the list you just made from the above. These are all things that can now be recorded as traits you don’t want. Forget about that now. You have identified it, recorded it and now thrown it away. It’s gone. It’s in the past. Right now you care about the present and the possibility of an incredibly fulfilling relationship in the future. Let’s now work on what YOU want.


By State of Felicity

You still have that paper and pen and most importantly you have the choice to decide to get what you want. Don’t think about it too much. Just start that list. What traits do you desire in a partner? If it’s wealth, write it down, there is no judgement here. This is your private time to get in touch with making ‘you’ happy.

There is something else I want you to keep in mind when making your ‘want’ list—the power of the uni-verse. Once you have your list I want you to go through and feel every single emotion that comes with the word you have written down. I want you to feel how that would feel when you have it. Really feel it. Now, I want you to make a pact with yourself and the universe. I want you to reflect every single one of these desires you have listed. You want to feel loved? Then give love. Feel it and radiate it at every possible opportunity. You want someone who is generous? Be generous. You want someone who is fit & healthy...be healthy! A law is a law and it goes like this.

You only receive what you give out. Give love and you will get love.

Make your WANT list.

Write it! You heard me. Sit, think, reflect and decide on what it is you actually want. Read it! Read your list as often as you can. Feel it! Feel the emotions that come with receiving every thing on that list. Repeat it! Don’t sit back and wait for it to happen. Put in the effort. Dedicate yourself to seeing it through. Reflect it!

Be what it is you want. BE IT! REFLECT IT! RECEIVE IT!


Instalment 5 Exercise

STATE of FELICITY

www.facebook.com/sutherland.shire.amnesty

PROTECTING

HUMAN RIGHTS

WORLDWIDE

#PEOPLE

WHO. WHAT. HOW.

WHY?

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creating awareness


PeopleHELPINGPeople

endy Harper is the birth mother of the International Doula Movement. Her

deep work with women - through birth, death, sex and life - has trans-formed her world view. Women are, she believes, the powerful connecting

force in the creation of a sustainable future for Earth.

1n 1986, Wendy arrived at a destination point in her life. At 26, she was

well aware of the cyclical nature of personal and family patterns - whose

origins in the past would repeat in the present. And left to themselves

would forecast themselves to determine the future.

She had spent several years immersed in the care of the dying - a space of privilege where the interpersonal barriers of those meeting death melted

like snow in the sunshine as a lifetime of suppressed truths made their way to the surface in an effort to die well.

Wellness, back then, was not part of the health care system. The whole language of preventive and non-invasive medicine had yet to be invented.

The first doctor she converted to this ethos became her first husband and together they pioneered one of Australia’s first wholistic medical centres.

1n 1983, six months after the birth of their daughter, they opened the

doors and were immediately flooded with patients for whom orthodox, western medicine had failed. They automatically became the target of hos-

tilities from the medical establishment. And even though they earned less for seeing patients for longer, Medicare investigators nonetheless consid-

ered their extended consultations as over-servicing.

To top it all off, Wendy also started facilitating homebirths for women and families in the area. There was more than feathers flying as the young cou-

ple stood their ground against threats and intimidation that if they contin-

ued, the good Dr Mark Donohoe, could be disbarred.

They teamed up with others in the community to establish a local home-birth group. It was here that she met Liz Hammond. Like Wendy and Mark,

Liz and her partner, Steve Errey, had unsuccessfully attempted to home-birth their baby.

Through her experience, Wendy recognised that a significant factor for

women in birthing was the degree to which they felt safe and supported in the process. And the fetus frightening rooms of the labour wards back then

did not provide that essential comfort.

There is no doubt that we need to be grateful for the capacity of modern

medicine to save the life, of both mother and baby, when these are threat-ened. But obstetricians made more money if intervention in the natural

process was deemed necessary. And the way in which labours were being managed in the wards was a perfect storm. As the cascade of standard

labour ward procedures escalated, a woman’s chances of delivering natu-rally decreased in tandem, muses Wendy.

Women were mandatorily shaved, put on trolly beds and left there like

beached whales to fend for themselves. And while midwives had no time for one-on-one care, the hospital and social system discouraged >>>

The Mother of All Cycles


the support of loved ones. Partners were only just beginning to get through

the cracks at this time. There was a lot of ground to cover if birthing was to once again become the empowering, woman centred, rite of passage, it

had once been.

Trying to fight the momentum of a well oiled interventionist system was

just too much for most women in labour. And, once they had lost grip of their labour, there was little they could do to wrest is back.

She spent several years on the battlefront of birthing - facilitating home-

births and supporting women in crisis in hospitals.

To make an informed and responsible choice to birth at home, women had

to run the medical, political, judicial and social gauntlet. I encouraged my mothers to educate themselves in all these matters as part of their decision

to commit to delivering at home. This also helped prepare them - practi-cally and psychologically - if, for whatever reason, they needed to transfer

to hospital during labour, said Wendy.

Recognising the huge well of knowledge these mothers had acquired and the degree of preventable morbidity for those mums enduring planned hos-

pital births, Wendy came up with an idea that would become part of a global phenomenon.

“I saw an opportunity for these wonderful, courageous home-birth mothers do something more with all the knowledge they now had. I had established

a strong working relationship with the sister in charge of labour ward,

Gwen Bickley. I asked her if I trained these women up to provide skilled birth support in the hospital environment, would she and the hospital social

worker access them? It was all agreed. I wrote the course, enrolled a troupe of enthusiastic homebirth mums and launched the first training at

the local Women’s Health Centre”, explains Wendy.

At the start of the course, she played a video to the new recruits to pre-

pare them for the very different world of hospital birthing. Telling them to brace themselves for some unpleasant footage she pressed the play button

on the VCR. It took about 30seconds for the group to burst into belly laughter as they realised they were on their way into the fetus frightening

room - a infamous skit from the Monty Python film ‘The Meaning of Life’. The course was off to a great start. >>> cont’d on page 52

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She spent several years on the battlefront of

birthing - facilitating

homebirths and supporting

women in crisis in hospitals.


Yes, YOU can change the world

Around the world, one woman dies every 90 seconds in pregnancy or childbirth -- that's the

equivalent of three jumbo jets full of women crashing every day.

More than 350,000 women lose their life, by creating a life every year. 99% of these are in developing countries and the vast majority of

these deaths are preventable. In addition, for every woman who dies in childbirth, around 20 more suffer injury, infection or disease –

approximately 10 million women each year.

Now stop. Go back. Read that again.

These facts… these numbers are unimaginable. And to think that there is a face, a life, a story behind each of them. Imagine it was your friend, your sister, your mother.

As much as we would like to be able to build hospitals and train doc-tors to prevent these deaths, we can do something much more simple. On the 23 of November, residents from St George and Sutherland Shire will come together to pack 2000 Birthing Kits to send to moth-ers in need. They are small and basic – making them easy to transport and easy to use for the often illiterate women who need them.

Just 6 items to improve sanitation, reduce infection and thus reduce maternal and infant mortality. 6 items for $3: A plastic sheet, soap, 2 gloves, sterile scalpel blade, 3 cords and 5 gauze squares. We will be packing 2000 of these kits and need your support to ensure we raise the funds for the materials.

Please donate here now: Whether you can spare $3, $30 or

$300 every bit helps in trying to correct this obscene injustice: http://www.mycause.com.au/page/birthingkitpackingdaysutherlandshire

http://www.mycause.com.au/page/birthingkitpackingdaysutherlandshire

http://www.mycause.com.au/page/birthingkitpackingdaysutherlandshire

AMNESTY.


Just $3 gives a woman in a developing

country a chance at survival during childbirth.

A plastic sheet; soap; two gloves; 1 sterile scalpel blade;

3 cords and 5 gauze squares. Will you help?


LOCAL FACES

BEHINDtheSCENES

ou may have already heard the name Melanie K Hodsdon. She is the raven haired mystic who shot to local stardom, practically over night, with her Psychic Medium ability to talk to dead people. Her diary is booked in advance with lo-cals and out-of-area folk wanting to connect with loved ones who have passed, through the girl who, as locals put it; knows all.

‘I AM’ was allowed to go behind the scenes at Tamarind Day Spa to connect with Melanie and reveal some of the secrets of the Psy-chic Medium’s life. During our session I had no doubts the walls were talking, I’m just glad I couldn’t hear them.

You are a very popular person in this area with people wanting to talk to the dead, in the field of psychic, is this your strength?

Yes, but being a medium is also a great strength. My purpose is to be a very clear channel for spirit in order for them to communicate their messages to those I read for. I am very good at talking with dead people; it’s just what I do. I have a knack for it and a weird knack of predicting the future!

How do you get into the I’m-ready-to-connect-with-spirit zone?

It is a continual thing for me; I like being in their world, it’s noth-ing but love over on that side of life, however I am grounded. In regards to exercising my gift, meditation is key. In regards to pre-paring for a day of readings; no, I do absolutely nothing. I want to be as clear as possible for spirit to communicate. I feel if I start indulging in rituals, it can cloud the mind. My process is simple; I empty the mind and spirit is waiting there ready to talk. Do you find a particular style of meditation is more effective than others? I personally prefer guided meditations, chakra balancing meditations are always a good one to do once or twice a week, there are brilliant morning and evening ones too, to open up and close down the chakras. Even walking along the beach or a yoga session is a meditation for me! >>>


When did you first realise you were hearing something others weren’t?

5 years of age. You know when you’re a kid and you get sent to bed early? I would always say to Mum and Dad it doesn’t matter, I’ll still watch TV in bed! At that age I didn’t understand what was happening, why I could see what I saw during the night. What I now know is that my third eye was opening and I was being pro-vided with images that were similar to watching TV. The images would include my relatives who had passed, different countries, different scenes, really quite random things, but it felt like I was being taken somewhere to be shown something for a reason. The experience was of moving and still images, it was uncontrollable but totally enjoyable! I remember looking forward to it, even at that young age, as I was so excited about what I was going to see each night.

How do you communicate with spirit?

Through all my senses. It can also depend on the person I am reading for. If the person is quite open to the experience, their heart is open to receiving, it is a lot smoother. If spirit is being quite insistent with their message, they will literally scream it into my ear or if I’m being urged to repeat what I am hearing with ab-solute importance, I have a sensation of exploding; I have to get it out. Those messages come from my gut, which I trust implicitly. It’s a combination of all senses, I will hear, see & feel what spirit is communicating and they persist until I say it. Even their favourite scents I can smell or a loved one in spirit’s favourite tobacco will fill up the room.

What’s the hardest thing about connecting with spirit?

I don’t find it [connecting with spirit] a challenge. I prefer to relay everything from spirit however I always check with the person I’m reading for if they are prepared to hear everything.

Have you experienced moments of fear when connecting?

Not fear but more like a shock to the system as to what I’m see-ing. This has happened a couple of times actually. I have read for people who have known through direct family links or a friend of a loved one, some not so “very nice” characters. Serial killers, pae-dophiles, rapists etc. Once, there was a loved one in spirit who was murdered and then her murderer in the room, also in spirit, it can be quite unusual to deal with. >>>


www.shimmeringhemispheres.com.au

Do you feel like you need to protect yourself from those spirits during the time of connection?

I know a lot of people do white light and the bubble protection thing, personally I won’t allow myself to enter into that fear mode, for me I just say; Dad, [her father who passed a few years ago is still connected with Melanie and is now her main Guide] look after me today, keep your arms round me, keep me safe and strong. I won’t enter into fear. I have faith in my abilities and my Guide/s. Has spirit ever tried to strike up conversation at a less than appropriate time?

Yes! [laughs] Skipping the times that were really inappropriate… There are social gatherings where they will come through quite strong. But, it’s inappropriate, I mean; who wants to talk with a medium at a party?!?! Funerals can be also an interesting one; all spirit want to do is talk and the last thing anyone wants at a fu-neral is a chatty psychic! What is your belief of the afterlife?

I believe it will be one of the most incredible experiences all of us will have! There is life after death. We simply continue on and yes, I believe in reincarnation. I believe we come back and I also believe we have a choice as to whether we want to return. In your opinion, is there any such thing as ‘Evil Spirits’?

I believe that anything we deem as ‘evil spirits’ or ‘hauntings’, are potentially the experience of a person’s fears. Our minds are so complex, so we can make mountains out of mole hills!!! Holly-wood also has a lot to answer for in relation to bad spirits, polter-geists and characters like that. Are there bad/negative spirits? Yes. I’m really against ouija boards; you can attract “mischievous” spirit folk! But again, I don’t delve into that side of things so it’s never been a concern for me. >>>


BEHINDtheSCENES

What’s your response to those who question the authenticity of your craft? They haven’t had a session with me yet … [smiles]

Have you personally ever felt the need to test the validity of the information you’re receiv-ing from spirit?

Once I read for a number of Australian Soldier’s families, who were based in Afghanistan, and there were, of course, names and im-ages coming through from Spirit. I was told from one of these families that there is a website that lists our fallen soldiers from Afghanistan and I looked up the name of the soldiers who con-nected with me. To see the photographs of the men whom I had just connected with in spirit was a definite “oh-my-god” moment, a beautiful validation for me.

Has spirit ever used you as a channel?

When I read I am in a very mild trance, which is controlled by Dad and myself. Generally spirit can’t randomly jump in. It only hap-pened only once to me but it’s never happened since … my reading environment is very controlled now!

Have you ever experienced a spirit that wanted to ‘stick around’?

They stick around all the time! They [spirit] hang around until the person they want to connect with comes in for their reading. Yes, I have them hang out with me all the time and I don’t mind, they know I’m safe and come from a state of love. They always leave after the person comes to claim them!


short&sweet

Favourite place to fill up? Home!

So, what’s Melanie’s dish? Oooooh! Dessert would have to be my french crème cara-

mels & for a savoury snack my marinated chicken wings…

with a vodka lime & soda on the side!

Best spot to relax in Cronulla? Anywhere in or near the wa-

ter.

When you’re at home… I AM me.

“They [spirit] hang around until the

person they want to connect with comes in for their reading.”

SEEINGlifeLOCALLY


I AM “Ben Kiggins @facebook.com/Bensinsight”. Local Surf & Underwater Photographer

“I AM 23 years old, I live in Lilli Pilli & I AM the founder of Bensinsight - a collection of photographs captured underwater and above, off the shores of Cronulla Beach and other areas I’m drawn to. A back injury a year ago unfortunately got me off the board, but it also created the urge to take my lens out and start exploring surf and underwater photography. I’m also studying Personal Training at Loftus Tafe.”

Where did the name come from, ‘Bens Insight’? “When I was younger I worked a lot with the brand ‘Insight’ and after making the name Bensinsight my kind of web-go-to name, it was natural to stick with it for the photogra-phy. The name made sense in relation to what I was doing.”

When did you start taking photos of the surf? “It’s been about a year. I’m self taught with the photography and editing process. I can spend up to 5 hours a day editing photos. I’m inspired by a lot of great people in the indus-try.”

Who are your idols? “I have many, but local photographer One Shut Eye definitely inspires me. When I was young no one had really heard of this guy. You’d see a picture here and there, but noth-ing like what he is now. He showed me a cou-ple of things on how to get the best shots, but of course, he doesn’t want to reveal all his secrets. I have a few people in the indus-try I admire, there are so many of us out there now. The key is to keep it different. Editing is a huge factor in keeping yourself unique.”

Future plans? “Right now it’s event photogra-phy. I’m shooting as much as I can, to get a better understand-ing of the camera… and the pay’s okay. The hours are rough though, it’s not a healthy life-style.” Any exhibitions coming up? “The guys at Space 44 are good mates and always out to help an artist. So maybe something there in the future. I shot The Sound of the Suburbs Festival [see Bens work in the social pages of this issue] which was held at Space 44. Crowds, bands, people…it’s great.”

www.facebook.com/Bensinsight

I am a huge fan of your semi-underwater shots…is there a fascination for you to be between the two elements? “Yeh, I think so. When your camera is in the underwater housing the composi-tion is completely different to regular photography. Maybe it’s the difference that I’m interested in. To be able to capture both under and above at the same time is really quite special. It creates an element of shock for the viewer. To have both perspectives is amazing.”

Do you surf? “I use to. Not so much now with the back problems. I kind of went into surf photography because I saw it as the next best thing. I really like the creative side of being out there amongst it. Up at 5:30am with the guys, shoot the sun-rise.”

What’s the secret to surf photography? “Mixing it up. Good angles. Good housing. It’s like anything though, sometimes you spend hours out there and come back with nothing. Water clarity is impor-tant. Cronulla doesn’t have the best clarity unfortunately, so you have to be creative. Places like Hawaii have the best visibility, we’re very limited here. Last week I ran into a pod of dolphins and it wasn’t until I got home to view the pho-tos that I was able to confirm it was dolphins and not sharks. With the compo-sition for underwater it’s hard to see anything some days. A surfers understanding of the swell is handy too. It helps with planning shoots for days to come.”


Beauty

Fashion

Photography


Brought to you by www.Bridalicous.com.au

Every bride wants her makeup to look fresh, not just walking down the aisle, but all the way through to the bridal waltz and onward. Follow these simple tips on makeup and lippie applica-tion that will have your bridal makeup looking radiant and lasting all day long.

Long-wearing makeup application:

Primer: You may have heard the expression

“it’s a crime not to prime”. In the world of bridal beauty, this is so true. Primer helps to

fill in fine lines and open pores to create a flawless base for your makeup. It creates a barrier between your skin, which moves all day long (especially as women we tend to talk a lot), and your foundation. Primer reduces friction between your skin and makeup, therefore allowing it to last longer. Don’t forget to apply primer to the eyelids and corners of the mouth.

Foundation: Apply your foundation (liquid, pressed or mineral

powder) over the top of your primed face for a flawless finish that will last all day.

Setting Powder: Apply setting powder over your foundation.

Waterproof Eyes: Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner for

those inevitable happy tears.

Application is the key .

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Sally McMahon

www.bridalicious.com.au Makeup

Bootcamp Hens Parties

Learn how to prepare your skin for makeup with a bridal beauty regime

and diet advice in this great blog. If you have any bridal makeup application or product questions contact Sally McMahon who offers the

complete bridal makeover through Bridalicious www.bridalicious.com.au / [email protected] / 0401 302 481

http://bridalicious.com.au/bridal-beauty-regime-2/

http://www.bridalicious.com.au

mailto:[email protected]

Applying perfect kiss-proof lips:

Step 1: To ensure you achieve a smooth and crack-free base, exfoliate your lips every other day by put-ting lip balm on your lips and then exfoliate using an old tooth brush, brushing in a gentle circular motion. Step 2: Apply foundation or concealer over your entire lip area as a base for your lipstick. This may seem a little bit strange taking the natural colour of your lips down, but in doing so it allows your chosen lipstick colour to stay its truest colour and last longer. Step 3: Use a translucent setting powder around the lip area. Step 4: The secret to really enhance your desired lip shade is to use a lip liner. And by using a lip liner, this defines your lip shape and increases the pout – a thumbs up on your wedding day. Start from the peak or cupids bow and then move to the lower lip. Al-ways starting from the middle and working outwards. Step 5: Fill your lip with a lip liner and don’t worry about being too perfect with it, because this is just purely to add a base and helps anchor your lipstick to your lips. [One tip: If you don’t want to wear a lipstick but a lip gloss then use a lip liner underneath. You just need to make that lip gloss last longer, so remember, line and fill before putting your lip gloss on.] But in this example we’re putting lipstick on. Step 6: Apply translucent setting powder. You might have noticed that we’re creating lipstick layers, upon powder, upon layers, upon powder and this creates a sandwich effect. With that sandwich ef-fect, it will make your lipstick stay on for the whole day. Step 7: Apply your chosen lipstick with a lip brush which applies more evenly, smoothly and uses less product. We want to build up lots of thin layers to create one thick layer as opposed to one solid thick layer because these layers help your lipstick stay on for longer. Take an ordinary tissue and blot. Step 8: After you blot apply your translucent powder and that holds the lipstick in place. Repeat this process of lipstick and set-ting powder again to build the layers. Step 9: Finally, if desired apply gloss. Note that gloss decreases the long-wearing potential of your lipstick, but it does give you a great pout. Always keep a lipstick and gloss in your bridal rescue kit for touch ups throughout the day.

Go forth and be beautiful…all day long.


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https://www.arbonneinternational.com.au/shop_online/showitem.asp?ProductId=7890&menuId=&withLinks=1


The Spring wedding season is upon us and as New York and Lon-don fashion week finish for another year, we get an insight into the hottest bridal trends filtering from the runway to the modern day bride. From Marchesa to Monique Lhuillier, this season boasted beautiful blush coloured gowns and ivory vintage lace. Taking cen-tre stage was the non-traditional short skirts and cropped dresses. From tea-length to above-the-knee, many designers favoured these fun and flirty styles.

The more relaxed bohemian-inspired and vintage bridal trend pro-vides a sigh of relief for the everyday cost-conscious bride and a move away from the traditional classic ball gown, metres of tulle and heavy elaborate trains. With our more laid-back culture and steamy hot summers, these designs provide today’s modern bride with more wearable styles, endless options and a more realistic price point.

Vintage wedding dresses can be an elegant way to extend the life of an existing dress or show-off a favourite family heirloom and is also a lot kinder to the environment than purchasing a gown brand new. And, deciding on a recycled or second-hand vintage gown doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality, or style for that matter, nothing says ‘timeless elegance and romance’ than deli-cate vintage lace. Find me a girl, who can resist a blushing pink chiffon gown for a more feminine and fun look!

It's no surprise then, that brides are favoring these whimsical wed-ding dresses, which evoke a sense of romance and old-world charm giving their own big day an added personal touch that is unique to them.

Brought to you by www.thebarefacedbride.com.au

Melanie Bowman

www.thebarefacedbride.com.au Preloved, Second hand &

Sample Designer Wedding Gowns

Spring/Summer Wedding Dress Trends 2013.


PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY THE BAREFACED BRIDE

IMAGE EDITING BY I AM MAGAZINE

Current Photography Trends:

Wedding photography has changed over the years, from the stu-

dio-esque photograph our parents preferred, to the more modern

style that now carries a documentary quality. This new style of

wedding photography creates a more natural scene. With this,

brings the desire for more candid images. Those split second mo-

ments that only the photographer is equipped to capture forever.

‘To capture candid images’ is now the modern wedding photogra-

phers mantra!

Brought to you by www.chrislanephotographer.com

Chris Lane

www.chrislanephotographer.com

[email protected]

Sydney Based Photographer


1. As you are spending most of your ‘big day’ with the pho-tographer you must like them as a person. Is your photographer someone you are comfortable with and get along with? If no, be prepared for a very long day. Some photographers / studios have several photographers on their books, so make sure that you un-derstand who is turning up on the day, either the photographer who you met with, or one of the other staff members they might have.

2. Every photographer has their own shooting style. Take a look at their current work and make sure their style suits yours. I per-sonally prefer some nice candid shots throughout the day, mixed with the traditional couple portraits.

3. What’s your Plan B? No one likes rain on their wedding day. Therefore, if you are planning on heading to the beach, chat with your photographer about a possible plan B for post ceremony pho-tography.eg under a bridge or indoor locations. If all else fails; bring some umbrellas!

things you must know before choosing your Wedding Photographer.


www.chrislanephotographer.com / [email protected]

Chris Lane is a Sydney based photographer who found his passion for

photography in High School. Experimenting with his Mum’s compact camera

in the family backyard, Chris’s love for the art was instant. He has travelled

all over the world and photographed everyone from the Queen to Rugby

League Grand Finals. With more than 18 years in the print media industry,

he has the experience, passion and skill to capture every beautiful aspect of

your Big Day. Contact Chris via [email protected].

SPRING BRIDE 2013

By Kareen Casaceli

Style My Shack - SPRING top 10!


UMBRELLA Basil Bangs $249

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BOOK Myer $35

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CUSHION Escape to paradise $74.95

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FLOOR LAMP Beacon Lighting $299.00

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TEA SET Maxwell & Williams $79.95

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SHELL MIRROR Nest Emporium $495

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ARMCHAIR FINTORP Ikea $149

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MACRAME HANGER ETSY – Dance of the soul $6.50

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RUG Designer Rugs $POA

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RADIO Freedom $39.95

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GETTING it TOGETHER.

4

2 .

Soulful feature

#HEALTH&WELLBEING


JUST DO IT!

It was her first Gymnastics class...

es, I am 37 years old. Disclosure of that information is dependent on who’s asking. I am by no means ashamed of my age. I am a mother of two and consider my health & fitness top priority. Being a mother is a full time job, plus endless hours of overtime. You have to be on top of your game to keep up and perform at your best…for everyone’s sake. But yes, I am over 35 and for those who can relate I imagine you’re wondering why I would even consider an activity that is ranked about 20 years too young for me.

So, how did I find myself a few months ago standing at the en-trance of the NSW Academy of Gymnastics ready to join my first Gymnastics class? That’s easy. I wanted to try something differ-ent. I am a regular at the gym. Cardio is my life motivator and weights encourage my inner woman to roar! But, there was a hid-den part of me, maybe my inner child, who craved the skill to nail the perfect handstand, turn out an effortless cartwheel or somer-sault without the appearance of gravity.

I walked into the class with no expectations, this was possibly a coping mechanism to hold back the freak out, whatever it was it got me to the mat with minimal jitters. I was more curious as to how they planned to train a 37 year old woman to move like a 13 year old adolescent girl. Obviously I am packing a little more than my twig pre-adult self. When you picture Gymnastics, it’s all sleek & slim in structure, no curves and lumps in places lycra should never go. I would like to note for the record; lycra has not graced my body since the 80s. This fabric is, in my opinion, limited to six-teen and under. Thankfully general gym attire was all that was required.

Picture this... Soaring to forgotten heights on trampolines. Feeling the life blood that lazily resides down South flow straight to your head during a supported and exhilarating hand stand. The rush of excitement when the trainer suggests and assists you in executing the perfect somersault, something most of us haven’t considered since childhood. The Gymnastics class was Serotonin plus…plus…plus! I felt stints of fear, followed by the rush of sheer joy. I felt like a child again and no adult - or child - was getting me off that trampoline. Maria – Cronulla Resident

his course is designed for the NSW academy and recognises the busy life women have, with consideration for memories that may

still remain from childhood. The course stimulates the inner child that yearns to be young and free - jumping around without any ca-res.

As a mature adult, memories can be more profound when actively enjoying this type of exercise in the gymnasium, rather than just in a hall or the park. The reason for this is that sensors are triggered. The smell, the touch and the sounds of their present location, mixed with memories of the past. The sensation is triggered at a cellular level. The participant experiences an emotional response to the ac-tivity. The difference, however, between participating in this type of activity as an adult, compared to when you were a child, is that you respond differently.

As an adult you may be more cautious, yet willing to try more and have more fun. A sense of 'yes I can still do this' is incredibly em-powering to a woman. She receives the ’I can achieve anything’ rush. A sense of strength and knowing vibrates in her core. This then stimulates the body and mind to manifest more in her life, in a more positive and empowering way. The little girl that may not have had the courage or strength, is now able to revisit her youth, and this triggers a different reaction.

The exercise and strength, that comes from the physical side of gymnastics, is also a huge benefit. The strength you gain in gymnas-tics is like no other. Adding power with balance, focus, strength and flexibility, stimulates the mind in all aspects of their lives.

The mind and body never forget the feeling when achieving a jump or a tumble. This is also a great healing power to overcome fears and feel free. If there are old memories in the body from an old in-jury, revisiting this as an adult, you are able to also repair the mem-ory held on a cellular level, therefore repairing the soul.

But most of all..... IT IS FUN!! Exercising is fun. Remembering what it felt like when you used to roll down a hill or cartwheel across the park, all rolled into one session, in a safe environment.

In our busy world it is a great opportunity to stop and just be as one, with an activity that as a young child everybody enjoyed. The mind & body are always busy creating everyday life. An activity like this, one that enables you to stretch your boundaries and be daring, also transports into your everyday life. Oxygen carried through all levels enables quicker responses and healer healing patterns, bringing you back to the moment, the present moment of the ‘I AM’.


What the experts say…… by GEORGIA JENKINS

CONT’D FROM PREVIOUS PAGE


As an ex levels competing Gymnast, I was able to experience go-ing back to the gym first hand while watching my children and feeling the itch in me that wanted to get back out there. When I walked into the room all the memories came flooding in. In fact I only could remember the great feeling I had. All the injuries and fear just wasn't there. When I started to do the activities on each of the apparatus the memories came back, however as an adult my response to these memories was different. So I was able to push aside the fear and do the activity and feel the joy in it only. My body feels healthier fresh and strong again. My flexibility is getting better as time passes, instead of decreasing. I sleep better as I am tired from enjoyment, rather than tired of life. I am able to relate and show my children the different moves, rather than ask-ing them to watch someone else, so there is that sense of pride, not only from me, but my children also.

Revisiting a sport I loved as a child has given me more spark in my life again. So this can only be a good thing, right? Beats push-ing weights in a gym or running for hours on a path, for me. Georgia Jenkins The Oracle +61(0) 405001794 www.georgiajenkins.com.au

About Georgia Jenkins...

NSW Academy of Gymnastics

38-40 Kareena Road Miranda NSW

9525 6202

www.nswacadgym.com.au

Where it’s at!!!!


SPRINGintoSUMMER

Spring has Sprung! It’s time to shed the Winter coat and get Moving! By Emma Pilcher (BPE) www.bfsperformance.com

pring has sprung and it’s time to shed the Winter coat and get moving again in order to feel like there is no need to shudder at the thought of popping on a swimming costume or pretty summer dress.

It’s pretty well known that the best bodies are made in the kitchen, and coupled with an awesome training regime (that in-volves moving everyday) it’s a fail safe recipe for success.

Here is a list of things to add to your weekly shopping list:

•Raw nuts and seeds •Chicken breast, fish, lean red meat and eggs •Rolled Oats, quinoa and brown rice •Fresh fruit and vegetables •Natural yoghurt and limited amounts of full fat dairy products •Quality whey protein powder and protein bars •Organic vitamin and mineral supplements

Combined with this 40 minute training session to be completed 3-4 times per week, you can expect to be in great shape by Christmas!

Let’s MOVE it!

>5 minute fast walk or light jog to warm up. >20 Squats + 20 Push Ups + 20 Walking Lunges + 20 Triceps Dips + 200 rope skips (fast skips light on your feet) Repeat for 20 minutes > 30 second Prone Hold + 20 Crunches or V-Sits Repeat for 10 minutes > 5 minute Stretch

ymptoms are not instantaneous

Gravity places a considerable stress on the body when trying to maintain an upright position. Without appropriate musculoskeletal and neuromuscular control, gravitational forces causes the body to compensate with shifts, rotations and general imbalances, often leading to non-optimal postures, movements and ultimately injury. Such shifts are accumulative and thus, are often not detected until further down the track. I like to explain this using the game of Jenga. The early removal of blocks from the column has little effect on the overall structure, but as more and more blocks are removed the structure becomes increasingly unstable until you have a ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’ scenario, in which one tiny dis-turbance causes the whole structure to come crashing down. If the removal of these early blocks had been detected and they had been put back in place, the collapse of the structure would be able to be easily prevented.

The difficulties with waiting for pain

As you put up with injury or dysfunction, your body compensates, creating a cascade of effects often far from the source of the ‘problem’. These compensations further compound soft tissue inju-ries in other areas of the body. These compensations create difficulties in treatment. As more and more blocks are removed, more and more compensations are cre-ated, and although symptoms or pain may not show up until 20 blocks down the track, by this time there is usually a long chain of events to follow and correct, before the resolution of symptoms is established. Waiting for symptoms can prove both difficult and costly!


Feeling Healthy? Why now is the perfect time to start a maintenance program! By Lana Johnson www.BPSTENSGRITY.COM

Prevention

Prevention is better than cure

It is for these reasons that I am an avid believer in ‘prevention is better than cure’. There is a worldwide shift in focus from sickness and cure, to wellness and prevention. By preventing illness you are prolonging not just life, but the quality of that life. You are ensuring that to the best of your ability, you do not experience painful symp-toms that come about due to the cascade of compensations bodies naturally adopt when not properly serviced. The cherry on top of this shift in consciousness is the cost benefit. It is far more finan-cially efficient to maintain a healthy body and mind, than to forgo maintenance and then have a crisis, which needs immediate atten-tion. So go on … give back to your body, before it’s too late.


#1 Here’s a tip from Wendy!

The ‘I AM’ Nurse full of knowledge. Look after your skin it’s the largest organ of your

body.

Spring is a great time to have your skin checked, especially if you are at high risk of skin cancers. Of course prevention is the

best option so use sunscreen and cover up. Remember that sunscreen has a use by date. It can be harmful to use after it is out of date, and at the very least it could be ineffective and you

will get sunburnt. Stock up on hats and sunscreen now.

[FIND MORE SPRING TIPS FROM WENDY ON THE NEXT PAGE]

Want to Join I AM?

Do you want to appear within the pages?

Is there something you want to say?

Contact the Editor at:

[email protected]


pring is the season most people like to shrug off the leth-argy of the colder months and prepare to be more active, spend more time outdoors and appreciate the benefits of our beautiful climate.

Use these 10 tips to spring clean your health:

Control Hay fever!

In spring, pollens from grasses are at their highest count in the air around us and many people develop allergy symptoms including: -runny nose -itchy ears, nose and throat -red itchy or watery eyes -headaches These symptoms can also be experienced because of allergic reac-tions to dust, mould, animal fur or hair. Some ways to combat these symptoms include: > Be aware of the Pollen Count by checking the following link: http://www.weatherzone.com.au/pollen-index/ > Try not to spend too long outdoors on days when the pollen count is high. > Talk to a naturopath and or a pharmacist about over the counter ways to help control your symptoms. > Pillows, blankets and doonas need to be aired in the sunlight to help eradicate dust mites > Keeping your house is well ventilated to reduce moisture and limiting soft furnishings and stuffed toys, will also reduce dust mites. > Do the proverbial ‘spring clean’ and get rid of mould, dust and animal fur or hair. Of course if symptoms persist or you are worried, see your doctor. Get moving!

Many of us tend to hibernate in winter and our fitness levels crash. Take advantage of the longer days by starting your spring fitness regime. A walk or run before work, a dance class, swimming, surf-ing or training for that team sport that is about to kick off for sum-mer, are all options for great spring health. >>>

SHRUGoffWINTER!

Spring Clean Your Health! By Wendy Bowker Registered Nurse / Health Writer

http://www.weatherzone.com.au/pollen-index/


Remember to keep well hydrated.

As the weather warms up you need to drink more water, not soft drinks or alcohol but water. Start by slowing increasing your water intake now.

Check your first aid kit.

Ensure you have all you need in your first aid kit for this time of year as you spend more time out of doors. You need to be prepared for bites and stings, sprains and strains, cuts and abrasions, blisters, splin-ters and many other minor ailments.

Adjust your diet.

Eat lighter meals now it’s warmer, you don’t need the same amount of energy just to keep warm, and let’s face it you have to get into a cos-sie soon. There is a greater array of fresh produce available in spring, so check out your local green grocer. Is a great time to plant those summer veggies.

Don’t overdo it.

Don’t let your enthusiasm be your undoing. All those outdoor projects you have waited all winter to tackle, will be more likely to reach com-pletion if you go slow and steady. With your fresh from winter hiberna-tion body, you do not want to strain still sleepy muscles. So like any exercise, warming up and stretching is important, before you get to it. And it does not all have to happen in one day.

The annual unveiling of your feet.

Every year as the warmer months come around it is time to prepare one of the most important health asset we can have; “happy feet”. As our feet are hidden away all winter and often don’t get the attention they deserve, not to mention the way they look after winter. So exam-ine your feet and attend to long broken toe nails, cracked heels, and corns and callouses. You may need to see a podiatrist if you have any issues, but it is an investment in your health to walk around pain free.

Maintenance to be cool.

Ensure insect screens, fans and air conditioners are clean and well-functioning. Fans and screens often collect dust and hair which then gets swirled around by the fan, and air conditioning units can breed harmful bacte-ria if not kept clean as per manufacturer’s instructions.

Make time for you.

This time of year inspires a deep need to get outside and appreciate the beautiful days and regeneration of spring. So make sure you close down that TV and computer and venture out. Plan gatherings in parks or at the beach and enjoy.

After several weeks, a big - but not entirely unexpected - change arrived in

my life. Mark and I had achieved a huge amount in supporting homebirths, pioneering wholistic medicine and educating the public on wellness. But, in

all this, I had seen how the patterns of past generations, keep recurring in successive ones - and I was determined, in my life, for that not to be the

case for myself and my daughter”, confides Wendy.

Liz Hammond was one of the mothers enrolled in The Skilled Birth Support

Training. Liz also worked and ran courses in the Women’s Health Centre. Wendy asked Liz if she would be happy to take over the reins. She agreed

and several weeks later, Liz rang Wendy in excitement with a progress

report and to announce that the group had found a name for itself. They

were calling themselves ‘The Doula’s’, which was a traditional name for women who support other women in childbirth.

“I was delighted to get the news. Naming the new body gave a presence

beyond the confines of this now strongly bonded group of pioneers. I felt the initiative was in good hands and hearts. I was able to move into my

next phase of life knowing that the value of all of what had been achieved would live on. And, as a result, regardless of where or how or what hap-

pened in the birthing room - at home or in hospital - women, their families and babies would have a better chance of thriving together, as a unit,

through sharing an empowering and rewarding birthing experience”, says Wendy.

And what of the cycles? In her deep personal journey and work over the

next thirty years - facilitating workshops, developing humanitarian and, with her new partner, big wave surfing pioneer and environmentalist, Ric

Friar, building the global sustainability project, 1GiantWave.com - Wendy identifies that the greater cycles of life share the same template as the

birthing process.

How could it be any different? Conceiving anything - from an idea to an

epiphany - requires time to process, to gestate until we are ready to bring

it out into the world and nurture it up. Then, the first stage of the labour is

all about having to work with what’s happening, to use the energy, to ab-sorb and transform the pressure as part of a letting go.

Transition is the turning point. The time when it can all seem too hard. We

are at risk of giving up. Then the second stage kicks in. We are actively pushing, enduring, going further, faster. Intensity builds. We are lost, con-

sumed, by the total experiencing of the moment. We think we can... and then we do!

And in the relief of the total rush and exhilaration of making it to the other side we let go utterly. And in those moments of recovery arise the deep

and sweetest fruits from the centre of our being. The gifts presented when we realise the magnitude of what we have just done, where we have just

been and the miracle of life weaving its magic through our being as those

whom we love share the joy of the moment with us.

We are strengthened and empowered by the experience of surrendering so totally to the power of creation as she cycles through us everyday. And as

we express ourselves in love, in sex, in death, and breath... and life - our relationship with the process is illuminated. And with this awareness, pat-

terns are revealed. And we grow! Over and over again!


If y

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lik

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o k

now

more

about

Wendy’s

work

you c

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mail h

ere

at

wendy@

wendyharp

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com

THE MOTHER OF ALL CYCLES - CONT’D FROM PAGE 13

http://1giantwave.com/

mailto:[email protected]


LOCAL FACES

YOUR LIFE, YOUR ADVENTURE.

5

4 .

Just for kicks feature

#EXPERIENCELIFE

f you ever have the opportu-nity to paddle out from the caves at the base of the cliffs at Uluwatu, off the southern most tip of the Bukit Peninsula in Bali, you will experience one of the world’s most fa-mous and devastatingly beau-tiful reef surf-breaks.

And if, while you sit out the back amongst the international milieu of surfers, their various languages combing back and forth across the ocean’s surface to one an-other, you happen to look back toward land, your eyes will natu-rally climb up the sheer cliffs of

‘Ulu’. And there, right at the top just before the brilliant blue sky that shrouds the Temple at the cliffs edge, you will see an edict painted in huge black capital letters on a white background – a mantra reminding visiting surfers of the local etiquette in the waves –

RESPECT THE LOCALS. ULU BOYS!

And perhaps, more broadly, it’s a clear reminder to all of us that touch down at Denpasar armed with our Billabong backpacks and duty-free, that we are guests in someone else’s ‘house’ (Bali), and to treat the ‘family home’ and the ‘family’ with due deference.

Bali has had a long history of ‘visitors’ since the sixteenth century, some more welcome than others: the Dutch over several centu-ries, even the Japanese in the Second Word War, neither perhaps the most gracious nor welcome.

More benignly, Australians began traipsing over in the sixties and seventies in their ‘Tracks’ board-shorts with their single-fin boards, chasing waves and sunsets. And very soon the island paradise became (and remains) the most cliché destination for Australian holiday-makers. >>>

ONmyTRAVELS


“Respect The Locals! Ulu Boys.”

BY SEIAN MULHOLLAND

Back in 1984, the left-leaning folk rock band, ‘Redgum’, satirised that very notion in the radio-friendly tune, ‘I’ve Been To Bali Too’ - a humorous yet stiletto-sharp glimpse at the sometimes dysfunc-tional relationship between the inhabitants of our two islands; when the more affluent disembark onto the shores of the more cultural, sun tan lotion and American Express card in hand.

And so the question has become this: Half a century later, even though we have not invaded or occupied Bali in an overt or milita-ristic sense, have our thong-prints left a lasting indentation on the sandy beaches, on the rice paddy fields - on this culture? An im-pact that has adversely affected the Balinese people’s well-being and may well be irreversible?

My suspicion is that we have, but I digress. . . Where was I? Ah yes, Uluwatu! After spending time in Uluwatu and around Padang Padang, then the in-land town of Ubud, and finally, of course, the popular areas of Kuta and Legian, I feel I am imminently qualified to make the following grossly unsubstantiated generalisations along with sweeping (and mostly groundless) sociological and cul-tural pronouncements about these regions. >>>

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY SEIAN & TOM’S DECADENT HIATUS


ONmyTRAVELS

RESPECT THE LOCALS! CONT’D

Kuta-Legian

Well, what is there really to say? If you love nightclubs, crowds, speaking English, bartering for T-Shirts and stubbie holders, Gloria Jeans, KFC, obnoxious Australians (in Bin Tang T-shirts, NRL shorts, with spherical abdomens that arrive at the nearest bar, televising the cricket, five minutes before they do), then Kuta and Legian are for you! A tad cynical? You’re right, of course. These areas still hold particular charms, despite their rabid westernisa-tion. And just like everywhere I traveled in Bali, the most beauti-ful elements of Kuta and Legian were not the sunsets or the exqui-site food, or the perfectly refreshing beaches. Far exceeding any of these, is the spirit of the Balinese people. Their irresistible warmth and good-naturedness - ever-willing to engage in conver-sation and talk of their culture and family and ask you how your surf was, to help you if you’re stupidly lost (like this writer on sev-eral occasions)– and just being around these people is a truly soul-enriching experience. And although most earn less than the monetary equivalent of a bottle of Bin Tang for a day’s labour, I would argue that they are a far wealthier people than those of most any Western nation. Theirs is a lesson in living for the day. A gift that is beyond the reach of the ASX or any suburban home renovation.

Ubud

Inland about an hour or more from the coast, Ubud nestles itself amongst the artists and artisans, the spiritual and the meditative. Still leavened with the influence of the West, the soul of Ubud is calm. Painters and workers of metals, particularly silver, orbit this town; their wares neighbour the more exclusive ‘glass-fronted’ outlets in a strange harmony. The tourists too, are a mix. The sightseer, keen on experiencing the mischievousness of the inhabi-tants of the Monkey Forrest and taking home a hand-made re-minder of their trip, and the spiritual-seeker or contemplative – think whats-her-name in ‘Eat Pray Love’! Ubud is a more culturally-focused destination, with traditional ceremonies the centre of local life and the lush beauty of rice pad-dies a surrounding reminder of the agrarian life of Bali. >>>

ONmyTRAVELS


Uluwatu – Padang Padang

Now here is where you’ll find the bonding spirit of surfing blurring the colours of skin and economic circumstance. A brotherhood and sisterhood of the sun-blessed of Balinese, German, Australian, Spanish, American – every nationality, all united in their shared passion for the freedom of spirit that surfing offers. Without the gladiatorial traffic chaos of Kuta, even the most sus-pect of scooter riders can enjoy the adventures of tacking their board to the side of a bike and. for Five dollars a day, whizzing around the Bukit Peninsula in search of waves. This area has to be the most layback of the south. Only the rise and fall of the sun hint at any passing of time. The sand of Dreamland, the Warungs on stilts that lean over the high tide reefs of Balangan and the cliffs of Uluwatu, all make for a smorgasbord of delicious choices for any surfer, beginner or pro. Here, more than elsewhere, the unmentionable presence of “class by race” is least evident – thank-fully.

And so back to ‘Respect’ and a conclusion that attempts to tie to-gether the straggly strings of this article, if there is one. Even more disparate in nature than the various parts of southern Bali, and their attendant economic happenstance, seems to be the general profile of the visitor that can be found within its precincts. Whether intrinsically good or bad, it is a comment on us, its guests. And although tourism is now the life-line for this island, respect for its people and their ways, its ecology both social and environmental, must be shown if Bali is to prosper and if we, who through cosmic roulette were born on a different island, are still to enjoy her many gifts in the years to come. This is someone else’s home and family; you and I are fortunate visitors – Wipe your feet before you enter!

ONmyTRAVELS


RESPECT THE LOCALS! CONT’D

Give something back:-

Transparent and ethical organisations - Bali Kids www.balikids.org, the John Fawcett Foundation www.balieye.org, Bumi Sehat www.bumisehatbali.org and High 5 www.high5rehab.org These organisations never give money to the facilities but provide services directly to the children!

www.facebook.com/sutherland.shire.amnesty

PROTECTING

HUMAN RIGHTS

WORLDWIDE


SouloSCOUT

From one ‘souloscout’ to another. Kylie chats with the queen of solo travel - Janice Waugh . By Kylie Green www.souloscout.com

WWW.SOULOSCOUT.COM

JANICE WAUGH WWW.SOLOTRAVELERBLOG.COM

recently stumbled across the most informative, fabulous travel blog by Janice Waugh a super experienced solo trav-eller. I was lucky enough to catch Janice for a quick inter-view in between stopovers on her busy travel schedule.

Here’s what Janice had to say about travelling solo…

Janice, when did you first start travelling solo?

“I have travelled since I was 15 years old but my first solo trip was not until I was 26. I travelled solo off and on over the years but it was after my husband fell ill and then passed away that I started traveling alone almost all the time.

At the age of 26, what compelled you to travel solo?

On that trip in my twenties, it was simply that my friends were not available to travel. More recently, well, my husband passed away and my children were of age when they were traveling with friends. I was a an empty-nester. In this situation, traveling solo was natural.”

What’s your favourite solo destination?

“That's almost impossible [to say]. It's usually the last place I've been. But, if pushed, I would have to say Patagonia. I loved Chile -- taking the Navimag ferry through the fjords going south to Puerto Natales and then hiking in the incomparable Torres del Paine National Park. Now that's a fantastic trip!

Is there a downside to travelling on your own?

For me, it's probably being responsible for all the details. I can get distracted by my new surroundings so it takes special effort to make sure that I don't misplace my passport, etc. Other people are worried about feeling lonely or safety but both are quite man-ageable. I have written extensively on both.” >>>


WWW.SOULOSCOUT.COM

What tips would you give someone wanting to travel alone for the first time?

“Do a bit of planning. It doesn't have to be lots but you should know where you're gong to stay - at least for the first night Plan to arrive in daylight. Everything looks better in the light Give yourself at least a day to settle in. Plan a couple of things for the first day but spend most of your time getting oriented. Walk the core of a city, watch how people do things or take a hop-on-hop-off tour to decide what highlights you really want to hit Be patient. You may wonder what you were thinking at first but, given a day, you'll land and find your rhythm.” Best destination to start your solo journey?

“Go somewhere interesting but not overly challenging. Go some-place where there are other travellers such as your own country, a country similar to yours (the UK, Canada, the US) or a place that has a great infrastructure for travellers such as Thailand. Go for a week or so - not too long so that loneliness is an issue. Do this once or twice before taking on longer trips and trips to more chal-lenging destinations such as India or China.”

What’s been your funniest travel experience?

“Funny doesn't happen to me often, but magical does. I was in this very small town in New Brunswick, Canada a couple of years ago. In a shop, I asked the owner: so, who's the man about town. As she stepped out of the shop to point him out, Jamie Steele (the man!) was walking into a pub. I went over, introduced myself and he invited me back that night. You see, he booked all the bands going in and out of the city. That night Adam Olmstead, a local boy who made good in Nashville was on his way through town to play at a festival in Nova Scotia. I had a great time with Jamie, Adam and Grammy Award winning musicians that night.”

For more information about Janice and her adventures as a Solo Traveller click on her blog http://solotravelerblog.com.

You can also join Janice at her Facebook page http://facebook.com/solottravelsociety. To sign up for the newsletter and the amazing deals offered by Janice click here ow.ly/oTafc

Don’t forget to follow regular Contributor Kylie Green at www.souloscout.com

You never know where this adventurous blonde will journey to next!

http://agolmstead.com/

http://solotravelerblog.com

http://facebook.com/solottravelsociety

http://facebook.com/solottravelsociety

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STARS OCT, NOV, DEC, JAN.

Pisces Love is in the air this summer

for psychic Pisces! Don’t miss

the fun. Put yourself out there

and accept all invitations. De-

cember is very busy at work. Be

sure to take time off in January

as Saturn is in Scorpio making

communication difficult with co

workers. February is a time of

renewal. Treat yourself to your

favourite movie or massage;

you’ll be glad you did!

Sagittarius Uranus is in Aries which means

going deeper into a romantic

relationship. Are those wedding

bells I hear? All eyes are on you

in December so remember to

make the most of it. Opportunity

knocks in January – get ready

for a complete career change or

promotion. Not everyone is

happy for you!

Capricorn The moon is in Leo and a wish

may come true! You hit the

jackpot with a new romantic re-

lationship, but don’t try too

hard! Relax and enjoy this sum-

mer you deserve it. Be prepared

to share the limelight at work

and reap the rewards. February

is a time to relax and perhaps

take a well earned break. All

work and no play.....

Aquarius You feel great this summer! You

ooze positivity and attract a new

job opportunity or promotion in

January. December brings you

back down from the clouds with a

thud money wise. Budget well

this summer. Don’t spend more

than you have.

Libra Clear communication is key this

summer. Say what you mean and

mean what you say. Don’t get

caught up in politics at work.

Keep focused and reap the re-

wards. Someone high up is

watching and taking notes! Feb-

ruary brings a huge windfall.

Don’t spend it all at once.

Virgo Summers here and the time is

right for dancing in the streets!

You are more relaxed this sum-

mer and your loved ones appreci-

ate it. Take care not to burn the

candle at both ends. Singles will

find a new love by December.

Couples will take a romantic holi-

day in January.

With Leanne Griffiths www.leannegriffiths.net

Your month forecast!

Aries Adventure and excitement await

this summer. As summer heats up

so does your love life! For singles a

chance to meet the love of your life

in December. Couples make the

most of the holidays. Money is

great in January. Make the most of

the Boxing Day sales!

Taurus You have worked hard this year. It

is time for a well earned holiday or

extended leave. Good money stars

will have you enjoying all that

summer has to offer. An exotic

vacation or overseas trip is just

what the doctor ordered. You will

come back renewed and ready for

the New Year.

Gemini Career changes recently make it

hard to take time off over the

summer. Don’t despair with less

people in the workplace you can

relax and get things done. Good

communication pays off in Febru-

ary when an important pitch goes

well. Is that another promotion I

see? Well done Gemini, hard work

pays off.

Cancer Most Cancerians choose to stay

close to home this summer.

Enjoying family and friends is top

of your agenda. You spoil loved

ones in December. You are happy

and content. February brings chal-

lenges at work. Double check

everything!

www.leannegriffiths.net

Leo Summer is a time of fun and

festivities. You love being the

centre of attention. You make new

friends and connections at work.

December brings new love for

singles. Couples could tie the knot

in January. A destination wedding

is on the cards!

Scorpio Have you been hiding something?

A secret is revealed this summer

and not everyone is happy! Make

sure you practice what you preach

and everything will be fine. Singles

spend time with a new love.

Couples will find it hard to commu-

nicate around 15TH December with

mars causing problems in retro-

grade. Things improve in January.


Leanne Griffiths is a Spiritual

counsellor & healer based in Cronulla. Leanne can provide guidance and assistance to get you to the happy peaceful life you desire. Contact Leanne: [email protected]


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GUEST columnist WARNING! SEXUAL REFERENCES

Samantha Jones...

id your Mother ever tell you, “treat them mean, keep them keen”?  

OK, so I wouldn’t go so far as being mean, however, truer words have never

been spoken girls!  

There are so many different types of men out there, you have ‘Mr Cheater’, ‘Mr

Arrogant’, ‘Mr Reel Them Back In’, ‘Mr Boss’, ‘Mr Flirty’, ‘Mr Won’t Take No For

An Answer’ and lastly ‘Mr Orange D**k’!

Why do we always end up with these type of men?

Who are the lucky women that have found ‘Mr Marrying Kind’?  

You will agree that life is never dull if you are attached to one of the above

types, right? You are all nodding your heads right now aren’t you? Do we hold

on to them with the belief that one stormy night they are going to be struck by

lightning and BAM, it’s a miracle, they have changed. If you are still nodding

your head, then you’re in trouble. Unless you are still young and dating a teen-

ager - THEY RARELY CHANGE.  

Another thing my mother always told me was - “once a cheater always a

cheater”. That’s right girls; if he is going to cheat with you, he is going to cheat

on you. Steer clear of Mr CHEATER at all costs. He may be handsome, and

you may be dying to jump in the sack with him, but think about what you are

doing. Has he told you he sleeps on the couch? His wife doesn’t understand

him? He has been bored for years and waiting for YOU? Run a bloody mile! He

has told the same thing to all the others, too. If he is that unhappy with his life,

WHY HASN’T HE LEFT? We can also call this guy ‘Mr Master of Excuses’.

Then we have Mr ARROGANT. Don’t we love these boys! Yes, I am guilty

too. Carly Simon had it so right…You’re So Vain… is now playing in my head. ‘Mr

Arrogant’s’ ego is so huge, there is minimal room for you in his life. You are the

gorgeous showpiece he takes out on a Saturday night, but rarely pays a mo-

ments attention to. He is often rude to those around him and always conde-

scending. ‘Mr Arrogant’, and his severely inflated ego, actually walks around in

belief that he is better than everyone else, including you.

Then we have Mr REEL THEM BACK IN. Mr RTBI loves you like a Queen when

he wants you, then barely acknowledges your existence when he has other

plans. One minute you are on top of the world, the next a drunken mess

slumped on the kitchen floor. Nodding your head again girls? A lot of us can re-

late to this guy. Pure selfishness. This kind of guy has you believing all types of

things, including your own madness. He tells you exactly what you want to hear

to reel you back in, again you feel like the Queen…until the next time.

Mr BOSS! This guy has a need for power and control over everything in his life

- including you. Also often a spoiled Mummy’s boy. This guy will wear you

down and have you believing he knows best. When you find yourself asking

permission to do things... RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!


 

Mr FLIRTY (aka Mr Player). We have all come across one of these. Mr Flirty con-

stantly needs attention and praise from women and always has a dozen or so on

the backburner. He strings women along to feed his ego and to keep his insecuri-

ties at bay. He has a book full of charming one liners, which have been rehashed

over and over and over again. With ‘Mr Flirty’ you will always be an option, but

never a priority.

Mr WONT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER. The most annoying kind of guy. This guy

is a combination of several of the above. He is demanding, controlling and often

arrogant. He cant believe you would ever say no to him and tries to organise your

life. Constantly questioning you or ignoring you. If you say no, not tonight, he will

try and try again until he wears you down. Which reminds me, I did promise to tell

you about Orange D**k - and he does fall into this category.

Mr ORANGE D**K. There is only one of these in the world… at the moment. To

cut a long story short; after a long discussion about how we were just friends, we

ended up back at my house to watch a movie. We arrived home, settled in for the

movie and it soon became clear, Mr OD was also ‘Mr Not Taking No For An An-

swer’. I escaped to my bathroom to hatch an exit plan. And, after a few deep

breaths in the bathroom, I returned to my guest. When I came out, there he was in

all his glory on my bed, sans clothes, playing with his … ahmmm. I know I should

have been shocked by this sight, but actually; I found it rather amusing.

He asked me to join him. NO!

He asked me to at least lie down on the bed with him. NO!!

He then asked if I had any cream to help him out. ABSOLUTELY!!!

A quick dash back to the bathroom only to return with a large bottle of

cream. Tossing it to my eager friend, I told him to go for it, use as much as you

like. I watched as my now very enthusiastic friend emptied the majority of the bot-

tle over his nether regions. Grabbing it from him, I stood at the end of the bed try-

ing to contain what was about to be hysterical laughter, holding the bottle....of the

cheapest fake tan on the market. I watched, amused as he rushed to the bath-

room to wash it off but, too late, the legend of Orange D**k was born.

I have painted a pretty grim picture here, but never fear, here is how to handle

it. Treat them all the same, with sheer amusement and utter disdain. To be fair,

they do all have an excuse, they are male - & baby they were born that

way!!!!! They don’t know any better. We need to love them for who they are and

laugh at all their faults (because of course, us women have none). Call them on

their bulls**t and tolerate none of their rubbish. Let them know that you love

them, but you can live your life without them. The more fun you have with your

own life, the more they will want to join you. And remember; there are excep-

tions to every rule, here’s hoping you find it.

Until then, go forth and have your own good time, whether it be a very casual rela-

tionship - on your terms of course - or a one night stand, just make sure you are in

control. The men I have listed above will rarely change, don’t waste your time try-

ing, have fun and move on ... NEXT!


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