Author Archives: gracienumber1

From Didgeridoos to Art-Deco

The didgeridoo building in Yass has been somewhat of a landmark over the years. A run-down, boarded-up building—vacant for 19 years, and with its three didgeridoos in the forecourt you can imagine it being a common meeting place for visitors; ‘meet you at the didgeridoos—you can’t miss them’, and indeed you couldn’t … until now. By Aine Dowling

Tootsie is the brainchild of local mosaic artist Michaela Pothan, who has brought the building out of its sad and dusty 19 year hiatus and turned it into an art-deco butterfly—full of colour, life, and energy, and with its new name, it’s raring to go!

Tootsie, in case you’re wondering, is the old Chevy parked out the front—well actually that’s not the real Tootsie. The real Tootsie has gone to Gundagai to be rebuilt but the other Chevy is close enough. “Tootsie was my grandfather’s car,” says Michaela, “and when I was younger he gave her to me. She’s been languishing in the shed for many years; seemingly forgotten—much like this building, but now she’s undergoing a transformation too.” Step inside the new building and into the wonderful world of art-deco. With pressed tin ceilings, retro furniture, and an impressive collection of artworks, Tootsie is a gallery and coffee shop in one with the art and furniture all part of the café experience.

Enjoy a coffee in the cafe corner complete with retro furniture

The building now includes the revamped entry with its stunning mosaics and café corner, the gallery, a large workshop, and a beautiful outdoor garden area which we’ll come back to later. Michaela is running the gallery as a collective with works from many local artists including painters, photographers, mosaic artists, and glass and metal workers. Pieces from Peter Crisp Gallery and artist Jan Matson are just a few of the local names on display. Mosaic classes are held in the workshop.

Artwork by Jan Matson

The artwork will change fairly regularly as Michaela plans to run theme based art—at least for the paintings. The gallery opened in November 2015 with Girt by Sea—an Australian theme which included oceans, beaches, and landscapes—now its Beauty in the Beast and includes smiling paintings of poultry and pigs, dogs and cats, snow leopards, big cats, and wildlife, and a selection of simply stunning photographs of horses by local photographer Nicole Godding, as well as the most amazing metal sculptures in the rear garden.

The garden also includes The Wall—again a brilliant initiative by Michaela who decided that a blank wall was just not good enough, and, to encourage community involvement in the development of the gallery, contacted mosaic artists in Australia and around the world to contribute a small panel to be attached to the wall. The artists responded with enthusiasm and the result is breathtaking. The wall is not complete—pieces are still to come from overseas, but the response has been amazing.

Mosaic Community Art Project includes local, national and international artists

“Artists just loved the idea and got right behind the project,” says Michaela. “We received some beautiful local pieces, and then the international responses started to come in. We sent them specifications and they sent their mosaic piece back on light webbing and we just fixed it to the wall and grouted it on. On seeing photos of their piece on the wall, many interstate and international contributors have now decided to come and visit and view the wall in person—something that will also contribute to the Yass tourist industry.”

Mosaic Community Art Project – garden steps

So take a trip out to Tootsie and soak up the art and ambience and enjoy coffee and cake at the same time. And, while you’re there, see if you can spot the hidden items on the entrance mosaic. During the renovation, six items were discovered under floorboards, in wall cavities, and other nooks and crannies and were included in the mosaic. Can you spot them?

All images by LFW

Peace and Quiet with Banjo Paterson

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Life in the fast lane getting you down? You don’t have to go far to recharge your batteries in the total peace and quiet of Wee Jasper, and spend some time with the memory of Australia’s most well-loved poet and writer, A. B. (Banjo) Paterson. By Aine Dowling

Relax in The Garden Wing private garden

Once the home of Banjo Paterson, Coodravale is an iconic Australian homestead, and from 1850 was used as a station property until purchased in 1908 by Paterson together with a member of the Lindeman wine-making family. Paterson lived at Coodravale until 1911 when he returned to Sydney. Coodravale Homestead is now a private residence owned by John Robinson and Rosemary McKenzie, and extensive renovations and upgrades have turned a large rambling homestead with servants quarters into a beautiful home, and The Garden Wing; stunning self-contained accommodation including large double bedroom, bathroom, lounge/dining, kitchen, and wide verandah with amazing views of the valley.

Just 90 minutes from Canberra (via Yass) the first thing you notice at Coodravale is the absolute peace and quiet. Surrounded by lush gardens and paddocks of 16 acres and 500 metres of Goodradigbee riverfront, this is the perfect place to relax and wind down after a week in the ‘dusty, dirty’ city. The second thing is the generous hospitality from hosts John and Rosemary, who treat their visitors as long-time family friends without being intrusive.

The Garden Wing private verandah

“We bought this property with a small B&B in mind,” says John. “We absolutely fell in love with it the moment we saw it even though it was covered in dust and cobwebs, and needed a new roof! The location is perfect—we’re far enough from neighbours to not notice them, but close enough to be part of a welcoming community.

“The gardens still need bit of work but we’re getting there. We have lots of seating and quiet spots scattered under the trees and there’s swimming holes in the river so you can cool off on hot days. The only noise at night is the occasional wombat trundling past the verandah, and the beautiful birdsong in the early morning. Every day we feel blessed to be living in such wonderful spot.”

Goodradigbee River just a few metres away

The Garden Wing is attached to the main house but has its own entrance, verandah, and garden. Everything is provided for your comfort from kitchen staples to your own BBQ, a well-stocked reading room, air-conditioning for the summer, and heating and snuggly doonas and lap blankets in the winter. And, if you do need anything else, John and Rosemary are only too happy to help.

Garden Wing bedroom with French doors to verandah

The Garden Wing bedroom with French doors to your private verandah

Wifi is also available, but seriously, why bother? This is wind-down time so learn a bit of history from John and his favourite book You Can’t Eat Scenery—Life in Wee Jasper from 1850 – 1970 which features Coodravale. Or bury yourself in Banjo’s famous works, a number of which he wrote while living at Coodravale, including A Mountain Station.

The Garden Wing at Coodravale offers exceptional self-contained accommodation in beautiful surroundings and company, where the stars are everlasting and the vision is truly splendid.

Images by LFW. LFW stayed at The Garden Wing courtesy of Coodravale.

http://www.coodravalehomestead.com/

Move it in March!

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‘Change Your Mode for March’ by Wendy Johnson

I don’t know about you, but every once in a while I need a bit of a push to shift the way I move. Actually, sometimes a shove. A focus. A motivator. And a focus and motivator is exactly what the new ‘Change your mode for March’ challenge is all about.

The brainchild of Actsmart, an online hub that helps us create a more sustainable future in the capital, ‘Change your mode for March’ challenges us to do our bit for the environment by parking our vehicles for 31 days and walking, cycling or taking a bus—to work, do chores, or socialise.

Better still, the challenges help you in other ways—improve your health by being active, save money on petrol and parking (not to mention wear and tear on your vehicle), and help the environment by saving transport emissions.

Before you scratch your head on the transport emissions bit, consider this. While the ACT is leading the nation and is on track to meet its 90 per cent renewable energy target by 2020, it needs to address emissions from the transport sector. That’s because transport is one of the highest emitters of greenhouse gases in Canberra.

We need to get a handle on these nasty emissions before they get a handle on us, through traffic congestion, air pollution, and an even greater negative impact on climate change. And that includes the short trips so many of us make in our car, to pop to the shops, drop the kids off to a nearby school, or head to a destination that is literally around the corner.

‘Change your mode for March’ is free, easy and fun. Compete as an individual or get together a team of friends or colleagues and simply:

register online (actsmart.act.gov.au)
visit the website each week during March to record how much active travel you’ve completed (you can download a phone app to track your distance)
watch the website calculate the number of emissions you’ve saved through active travel
watch your progress on the leader board (you might even win one of the few prizes up for grabs).

To take the challenge you absolutely must register by 5pm on 29 February.

Photo by LFW

There are no restrictions on how much or little you do. If you can’t shift the way you move all 31 days in March, do as many as you can. Any distance counts—1km, 2km, 3km or more.

If you need free resources to help you plan, just head to www.actsmart.act.gov.au Actsmart will even guide you to a free walking and cycling map as well as to Park and Ride information, Bike and Ride information and a handy tracker called NXTBus which tells you where your bus is and when the next one will arrive.

LFW is moving it in March—are you?

‘CC’ images courtesy Actsmart

FASHFEST 2016 NEWSFLASH!

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By Wendy Johnson

Designer applications are out, dates are locked in and in 2016 FASHFEST will hold more catwalk shows than ever before. The new dates for Canberra’s pre-eminent and largest fashion event are 29 September to 1 October.

FASHFEST 2015 – photo by Martin Ollman

Why the switch from May? Co-founder Clint Hutchinson says the change in dates was logical.

“We’re now aligned with Australia’s overall fashion calendar and the timing of ‘sister events’ such as the major weeks in Melbourne and Sydney,” says Clint. “And, let’s face it, September is warmer than May in the capital so guests can glam up, as they love to for FASHFEST, without shivering their way through the show.”

Another major change is the number of shows FASHFEST will host in 2016—six in total, with two each day. “The new dates also mean we have the time needed to prepare for the added shows. Each year we get stronger and the event gets more exciting. This year is no exception,” says Clint.

Once again, the event will be held at the National Convention Centre, powered by sound and lighting that will transform the space into something magical.

FASHFEST 2015 runway, National Convention Centre - photo by David Burke

FASHFEST 2015 catwalk, National Convention Centre – photo by David Burke

Designer applications are out now and due 14 February. Once again, FASHFEST is throwing its weight behind local designers as well as designers from interstate and overseas, focusing on independent labels. “Last year, we had 30 designers, including Melanie Child from New Zealand, who was a big ticket item on the catwalk,” says Andrea Hutchinson, Co-founder. “So we’re encouraging a wide range of designers to apply.”

FASHFEST 2015 – photo by Red Photography

“FASHFEST is young by Australian standards and we’re still growing and maturing, learning more and more all the time”, says Andrea. “We’ve come a long way in just three years and our ability to put on more shows during this, our fourth year, is possible because of how much we’ve progressed and the creative team working with Clint and I on the event.”

Let the fashion fun begin … !

LFW will keep you posted on events relating to FASHFEST as they unfold and we’ve already locked in the dates so we don’t miss out.

Fans should also follow the event on: www.fashfest.com.au https://www.instagram.com/fashfest/

https://www.facebook.com/fashfestcanberra

A little Bit Fit—Active Wear

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By Emma Dowling

Having just completed my first Resolution Run Series race; coming second and first female across the line – a little brag there … I can honestly say the last thing you want when exercising is to be worried about your clothes.

You don’t have to look like a million dollars to do a workout, but you do need to be comfortable, and, as we mentioned in our first post you do need the right shoes. If you’re spending $40 on a pair of sneakers from KMart and $100 on a pair of yoga pants from Lorna Jane, you’re going about it the wrong way!

So, just to recap, go to a specialist shoe shop and tell them what you’re doing—walking, running, cross-training, aerobics, etc., what your plan is, and get them to fit you out. And, while you’re at it, get a few pairs of nice cushion socks as well—you won’t regret it.

And, the only difference between a pair of track suit pants and yoga pants is that track pants are roomier and a damn site cheaper! You can go to a sports store such as Rebel for your clothes, or a specialist store such as Lorna Jane or Rockwear, or your local lower end department store such as Target, KMart, or Big W, and it may come as a surprise as to who/what we recommend.

Michelle Bridges run short with internal bike short. Ezibuy $29.

There is one lady whose household name is at the forefront of active wear, and love her or hate her, Michelle Bridges* has got it right for comfort and style. Her clothing is sold through Big W or online at Ezibuy—it’s inexpensive, comfortable, looks good, and fits beautifully, and sizes go from 8 to 26. The pants include a hidden pocket for keys or couple of dollars, and the run shorts include internal bike shorts for a little more modesty and comfort, and there’s a whole range of tops and bottoms to suit every shape and size. Of course there are other brands that have very similar active wear, but why pay a fortune just for the name.

MIchelle Bridges double support tank top. Ezibuy $29.

Rockwear always has something on special, so if you’re a savvy shopper, check out what you like and keep an eye on the price and their online sales—you could pick up a bargain. They also do a very comfy skort—a pair of shorts with a skirt back. Rockwear has limited sizing from 4 to 18.

Rockwear support tank top – now on sale online $30

For super-cheap active wear check out Target or KMart but know that you get what you pay for, in as much as their pants don’t have a full elasticated waistband—just a narrow piece of elastic through a wider band; not nearly so comfy and prone to rolling down, and many don’t have a hidden pocket, mesh panels or linings, or adjustable straps.

Rockwear matching top and short – a new design and a little more expensive at $130 for the set.

From personal experience, look for comfort, then comfort, and lastly—comfort!

* Although we recommend Michelle Bridges active wear apparel, this in no way endorses her training program, and anyone considering undertaking any fitness or weight-loss program, including exercise, should first consult their medical practitioner.

A little Bit Fit

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By Aine Dowling

Did you know the Fitbit was the most gifted 2015 Christmas present? And the number of people downloading the app on Christmas Day almost crashed their website! How do I know this? Because I was one of the hundreds of thousands of gifted recipients worldwide, and have now joined that fast-growing clique of people who strap a tiny electronic device to their wrist the moment they step out of bed.

With 2015 as our Year of Eating Healthy, LFW is now adding some fitness to the mix and bringing you 2016 as our Year of Health and Fitness! Don’t worry—we’ll still be bringing you some fantastic healthy recipes, and while eating healthy is great start; sitting on the sofa like a sloth for the majority of the day isn’t going to get you fit. So … let’s ‘step it up’ and go!

But first, back to the Fitbit. In all honesty, you don’t need a fancy gadget or super equipment to get fit, but what you do need is MOTIVATION! Yep, that’s the one—its opposite is procrastination, and don’t we all have a bucketful of that when it comes to anything resembling exercise. So first tip—take it slow.

Set yourself a target that’s relatively easy to achieve. If you don’t have a ‘big brother’ device that’s monitoring your every move, set your own goals. If you have a dog (or even if you don’t have a dog) make your target to walk every morning for at least an hour for the first week. Then increase it by half an hour. That should easily give you around 5,000 – 6,000 steps. You can make up another 3,000 – 4,000 by just simply walking around more. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Park your car at the edge of the carpark instead of as close to the door as possible. Walk around the park or to the shops at lunchtime—you’ll feel better and save yourself the stress of finding a carpark at the shopping centre. And, here’s a great tip—keep a pair of walking shoes at work, then you have no excuse not to go for a walk!

After a couple of weeks consider some small hand weights. Buy the ones you feel most comfortable doing a workout with. Do not buy the heavier ones just because you think they’ll work better! They’ll be too heavy and you’ll give up after 10 repeats of one exercise. As with the walking start small and work your way up. Go to your local sports store and check them out. You need to be able to do a mix of five or six different exercises each of about 15 – 20 repeats, and you’ll be amazed how heavy even the 1kg weights get after 20 minutes!

But there is one essential item you do need to spend a bit of money on. Shoes. Get yourself a good pair of walking or running shoes and don’t skimp on the brand or price. There are different shoes for different people and different exercises, so just because a friend of yours is a runner and recommends a particular brand, they may not suit you if you’re just starting out as a walker. Go to a specialist shop and tell them what you’re doing—walking, running, cross-training, aerobics, etc., what your plan is, and get them to fit you out. You’ll probably find yourself paying around $150 but trust me, you need the right shoes. Many sports shops will sell last season’s run-out (pun intended) styles on sale and you can often pick up a 50 per cent off bargain like the ASICS runners below that we got for $80 instead of $160. And yes, these are runners, for a runner.

Later on we’ll look at clothing and equipment, and post a few of our personal fitness experiences … but for now we’ll quote Nike and ‘Just Do It!’

Summer ChinWag Out Now!

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ARF Summer ChinWag is out now!

Our cover girl for this issue is Puzzle, a 2 year old Silky Terrier cross rescued from Harden Pound and now loving life!

Download your copy here.

Put a Sparkle in your Christmas!

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Everyone needs a bit of sparkle at Christmas and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a nice bottle of bubbly. LFW checks out some affordable brands and prices—and a couple not so affordable! By Aine Dowling

In a past life and in another country I used to work for a wine merchant so I could be a tad biased (read spoilt) when it comes to bubbles. Every Christmas and birthday we could choose a bottle from the warehouse as our gift, and I have to admit that my choices were mostly Moet, Veuve Clicquot, Piper Heidsieck, or Dom Perignon. If you were to buy Dom now you would pay around $195 a bottle!

Seriously though, after you’ve bought the presents, bought the food, and shopped ‘til you dropped, who has the money to spare; not to mention the energy to scour out the specials, so we’ve scoured a few for you!

Plus a few quirky wine gifts just because …

Australian and New Zealand Sparkling Wines

Chandon is a popular Aussie sparkling; never to be confused with Moet & Chandon … the only similarity is in the name. Lindauer is a reasonably priced NZ bubbly, but I personally prefer Oyster Bay over both the others.

French and German Sparklings

Not many people associate Germany with a sparkling wine but Henkell Trocken is surprisingly good—though a bit on the sweet side for some, and comes out well on price and quality against these two French sparklings.

French Champagnes

It’s only Champagne if it’s from the Champagne region, and these two are long-time favourites, and a good price for the real deal.

Take-out-a-mortgage French Champagnes

A quiet word with your bank manager might in order before you buy a few cases of either of these! Ab Fab spent a long time sipping Bolli, and that was just the Brut! Go up a couple of levels to Bolli Spectre Vintage 2009 and it will make hole in your wallet—though nowhere near the size of the hole this 1996 Dom Perignon Vintage will make!

Quirky Wine Things

Seriously serious thongs (or flip-flops depending where you’re from). Make a statement every time you walk on the beach—you never know—you might get a few surprises at your door.

How many times have we put our glass down and forgotten about it … well, you’ll never lose your glass again with this gift!

Christmas Party? Awesome! Give the gift of Christmas with a Santa Pants bottle carrier.

An extra USB always comes in handy!

And don’t forget … Have a Sparkling Christmas!

Birds in The Nest at Gundaroo!

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Everybody needs a little bit of luxury in their life, so when I heard about The Nest in Gundaroo I couldn’t wait to check it out. By Aine Dowling

Photo by Lindi Heap courtesy The Nest

The Nest is a brand new boutique, luxury accommodation of five unique villas on the main street of Gundaroo. Managed by mother and daughter team Sylvia Gleeson and Lana Mitchell, The Nest accepted its first guests on Friday 11 December after a two-year build. Each villa (or nest if you prefer) is slightly different, but all are designed with comfort for the traveller in mind.

Up front is the entrance and reception, with a large open space that is available for rent to a local business and would make a perfect art/design collective. The five villas are at the rear of the property and there is ample parking at the front as well as each villa. Three villas are studio style and two are double storey with the bedroom in the loft. All villas include a king size bed and two have an extra day-bed. All have a lounge and dining area, kitchen with full size fridge, hotplates and microwave, full bathroom facilities, ceiling fans, and wood burning fires to keep you snuggly warm in winter.

Photo by Lindi Heap – courtesy The Nest

The villas have been furnished by 1825 Interiors and have an authentic country look and feel.

The Nest team approached the Gundaroo community for feedback before the build and according to Sylvia the community was overwhelmingly in favour of the boutique development. “We were thrilled that the community got behind us when we put our ideas up,” says Sylvia, “and since then they’ve been very enthusiastic about the accommodation. We invited them to an open day and red ribbon cutting by the Mayor of Yass before we opened, and the feedback on the villas was very positive.”

Heron bedroom – photo by LFW

Heron bathroom. Photo by Lindi Heap courtesy The Nest

Heron has been designed as a honeymoon, anniversary or special occasion suite, with full dressing area off the bedroom (to accommodate gowns and tuxedos), king size bed with lots of plump pillows and cushions, bathroom with double bath and shower, and full length verandah on which to sip your pre-dinner drinks or bubbly. The Heron sleeps two people.

Cockatoo has disabled and wheelchair access and facilities and includes king size bed and day-bed (sleeping up to three people), kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining.

Cockatoo lounge area – photo by LFW

Magpie sleeps two people in its king size bed, and has big soft and squishy lounges to relax in, kitchen, dining, country bathroom, and verandah.

Magpie country bathroom – photo by LFW

Rosella and Kestrel are the loft villas with the bedroom upstairs. The Rosella also includes a day-bed and sleeps up to three people. Both villas have the same amenities with king size beds, kitchens, bathrooms, and lovely seating areas.

Rosella – photo by Lindi Heap courtesy The Nest

The Nest opened in early December and is already fully booked over the Christmas period. “We have award winning restaurants and cafés in Gundaroo,” says Sylvia, “including Grazing and Cork St Café pizzas, and both do function menus so are ideal for weddings, and special birthdays, events, and public holidays. We’ve already had enquiries from people who have booked small events and celebrations in Gundaroo and don’t want to drive home so they’re choosing to stay here and make their event even more special. The villas are perfect for a bridal party to prepare for the wedding, and one of our villas is set up especially as wedding/honeymoon suite and is perfect for the bride and groom on their wedding night.”

Kestrel – photo by Lindi Heap courtesy The Nest

Accommodation can also include continental or cook-it-yourself breakfast. Tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, and TV are included, and cots, high chairs and wifi are available.

Check out their website and find them on Facebook.

The Nest entrance – photo by LFW

Just a Trifling Christmas!

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It’s that time of year again when we all think about what dessert will decorate your Christmas table, and there’s plenty to choose from. By Aine Dowling

Individual Caramel Pecan Cheesecake trifles from www.hoosierhomemade.com

Individual Caramel Pecan Cheesecake trifles from http://www.hoosierhomemade.com

For most of this year we’ve focussed on Eating Healthy but what the heck … it’s Christmas, and if you can’t spoil yourself a bit at this time of year, when can you!

Amazing croquembouche trifle from www.delicious.com.au

Amazing croquembouche trifle from http://www.delicious.com.au

Last Christmas LFW ran a vote between the traditional Christmas cake, pavlova, trifle, and gingerbread houses, and the trifle won hands down! So this year we’ve been seeking out something a wee bit different and found some totally amazing trifles. Check out our faves and click the link for the recipes.

Meringue strawberry liqueur trifle from http://www.womanandhome.com/

Trifle cake from http://www.bbcgoodfood.com

And finally …

Individual key lime cheesecake trifles from http://www.hoosierhomemade.com

And you can find our basic trifle recipe here. What’s your favourite? Share with us.

LFW MAGAZINE

never lost for words

Author Archives: gracienumber1

From Didgeridoos to Art-Deco

Peace and Quiet with Banjo Paterson

Move it in March!

FASHFEST 2016 NEWSFLASH!

A little Bit Fit—Active Wear

A little Bit Fit

Summer ChinWag Out Now!

Put a Sparkle in your Christmas!

Birds in The Nest at Gundaroo!

Just a Trifling Christmas!