Summertime style
1 January 2024 Living Gems

Summertime style

Five design tips to get your alfresco summer ready As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, what better time to give your Living Gems alfresco space a fresh, summery makeover. Living Gems Manager of Interior Design Jennifer Kyle has curated her top five tips to help you make the most of your alfresco area and create an oasis that's perfect for sipping cocktails, hosting brunches, or simply unwinding under the summer sky. 1. Create a green paradise Add lush greenery to your alfresco space to infuse life and vibrancy. Hanging plants, potted herbs, and vertical gardens can transform even the smallest nooks into a green paradise. Make use of wall-mounted planters and railing hooks to maximise vertical space, and don't forget to water your plants to keep them flourishing throughout the summer. 2. Set the mood with lighting Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere for summer evenings. From floor lamps and hurricane lanterns to garden bollards and candles,...
White Christmas Trifle
1 December 2023 Living Gems

White Christmas Trifle

White Christmas trifle is a delightful dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. Chef Matt Conquest shares his tried and true recipe for this easy to make and oh-so-delicious festive favourite. This trifle can be made in individual glasses or made in a trifle stand for all to enjoy. Ingredients (Serves 4-6) For the White Christmas layer: 200g white chocolate, chopped 2 cups Rice Bubbles 1 cup desiccated coconut 1 cup mixed dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, and chopped apricots 395g can sweetened condensed milk For the trifle layers: 1 litre of vanilla custard 1 pack of your favourite jelly 1 cup heavy cream, whipped 500g of sponge cake 1 pack mini marshmallows Fresh berries, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, for the layers and garnish For the top Additional whipped cream Toasted coconut flakes Mini marshmallows Ferrero Rocher, chocolate and coconut varieties White chocolate shavings Method Start by making the White Christmas layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Bubbles, desiccated coconut, mixed dried fruit. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval...
Santa’s stock take - Gift ideas for all ages and budgets
1 December 2023 Living Gems, News

Santa’s stock take – Gift ideas for all ages and budgets

Christmas is the time for giving and if you’re stuck for inspiration, Santa’s little helpers have given us a sneak preview of some fun, interesting and practical gifts many will find under the tree this year. Coconut Bowl Gift Set for Two $52.70 Start the summer holidays with a tropical vibe with a coconut bowl gift set for two. The set includes coconut cups, bowls, wooden fork and spoon, bamboo chopsticks and straws. This gift not only looks great, but it is also environmentally friendly! Every purchase results in a tree being planted. So far, Coconutsy has planted more than 1500 trees from the Sunshine Coast to Byron Bay. Available from: coconutsy.com.au/products/gift-set-for-two Festive Spiced Biscuit Candle $59.95 Keep the warm and cosy spirit of Christmas close with a limited-edition festive candle from Glasshouse Candles. The visually appealing packaging by Michelle Pereira gives a hint of the sweet and spicy scent within. Top notes of orange, almond and caramel are balanced by the mid notes of cedarwood, cloves,...
Resort Round-up - December
1 December 2023 Living Gems, News

Resort Round-up

Welcome to another edition of our Resort Round-up. There is never a dull moment at our Living Gems communities with so many activities and fun thing happening all the time. The skeletons came out of the closets, the ghouls were awaiting, and the zombie wait-staff served such delights as ‘chilled monkey brains’ and ‘blood transfusion bags’ at Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront recently. The Halloween-themed dinner was in full swing and ghosts, spiders, witches and other frightful characters were everywhere to be seen. The king and queen of the night were named with the voodoo high priestess and pirate skeleton (aka Maus and Kev, the resort managers), taking out the crowns and goblets on the night. Entertainment was by the residents with many taking part in karaoke throughout the evening. The residents of Living Gems Pacific Paradise have breathed new life into their Country Club by making it a hub of artistic expression. Every month they take turns displaying new art, turning the club into an ever-evolving...
Frame that shot December
1 December 2023 Living Gems, News

Frame that shot

This is our last photo competition entry for 2023! Thank you to everyone who shared their wonderful snaps with us over the past 12 months. We’ve enjoyed seeing some fabulous destinations, favourite local spots, macro shots, action photos, best pet shots and lots more from our homeowners. Each month, one winning photo will be chosen from across all Living Gems resorts and featured on the back page of Thrive magazine and shared on the Living Gems Facebook Page, so get your exclusive bragging rights ready and share your masterpieces with us. Send your submissions, with your full name, resort name and where the photo was taken, to [email protected] December Photo Winner Congratulations to this month’s winner, Valerie Cole from Opal by Living Gems in Logan Village. This lovely country idyll is well-known to homeowners, as it is in their own backyard!Submission Guidelines Photos must be: Taken horizontally At least 2MB in size Taken by you
Let’s get physical
1 November 2023 Living Gems, News

Let’s get physical

Five tips to get (and stay) fit over 50 Fitness isn’t solely the domain of the young, according to experienced fitness coach Josh Kristenson. “Realistically, I think the over 50s are doing a whole lot more than people in their 30s and 40s. They’re very active,” he said. Josh has worked in fitness for over a decade, as everything from a personal trainer to a competitive body builder. With many years spent developing fitness programs for people of all ages, Josh believes it’s truly never too late to start (or restart) your exercise journey – whatever fitness level you’re working with. Here are his tips for getting fit after 50. 1. Find what you like Fitness is not a one-size-fits-all path. Some of us love a bike ride but hate the gym. Others are all about a group class but not so hot on the idea of training solo. It’s important to find the style of exercise you like, Josh says – because the exercise you like is...
Resort Round-up
1 November 2023 Living Gems, News

Resort Round-up

Welcome to another edition of our Resort Round-up. There is never a dull moment at our Living Gems communities with so many activities and fun things happening all the time.   Every month at Amber by Living Gems, a 'street' of residents is nominated to host a Happy Hour function where their choice of cuisine is cooked and enjoyed by partakers. Raffle prizes and the 'Lucky Villa Draw' are part of the night's festivities, with the lucky villa draw prize increasing in value for the next month if the winner isn't present! There was much laughter and a great night of socialising enjoyed at the October street party event. Amber residents also celebrated the arrival of new neighbours Greg and Barbara with a get-together in front of their homes. Welcome to the community, Greg and Barbara! It is amazing how creative our residents can be with last month's card-making session producing some truly delightful cards focused on Christmas. Some of Amber’s homeowners prefer to sit back...
In the swim!
1 November 2023 Living Gems, News

In the swim!

Paddy laps up an active lifestyle At 100 years of age, it might be understandable to want to put your feet up and relax, but not Paddy Gearon from Living Gems Gold Coast. He still walks, does daily push-ups and covers the miles on an exercise bike. In particular, Paddy is making the most of the resort’s indoor heated pool and spa where you’ll find him three to four times a week. “Paddy is an amazing man who is out and about every morning,” said Living Gems Gold Coast Resort Manager Chelsie Steele. “He has always been active as a cyclist and as a walker, but after a few falls, Paddy prefers the swimming pool because he says it doesn’t hurt if he falls over!” A brand-new indoor heated swimming pool and spa opened at the resort late last year and the facility has become a favourite destination for homeowners looking to relax and to keep up with their fitness. “The pool building has brand-new...
Mateship matters
1 November 2023 Living Gems, News

Mateship matters

Cueing up for sporting spirit There is no doubt about it, men love to get together around the pool table and solve the world's problems over a drink or two at their favourite watering hole. And no doubt a glass will be raised to mark International Men's Day which will be celebrated on 19 November. At Amber by Living Gems, playing pool has enjoyed increasing popularity, according to enthusiastic resident player David Skinner, who has been attending the two-hour Monday sessions since first moving into the over-50s lifestyle resort in March. "While we are waiting for our brand-new Country Club to be completed, more than 20 men from the resort have been getting together from 10am to noon each Monday at the local Logan Village pub which is only about an 800-metre walk from where we live," said David. Although David didn't start the group, an honour that goes to fellow resident Richard Davies, he is a keen organiser of resort outings and events...
Frame that shot
1 November 2023 Living Gems, Uncategorised

Frame that shot

Get your entries in! Next month is the final of our 2023 photo competition created to highlight some fabulous destinations, favourite local spots, macro shots, action photos, best pet shots and lots more from our homeowners.   As a Living Gems resident, you can submit as many photos of your choice each month and be in the running to be selected as the month’s overall photo winner for the Living Gems community. Each month, one winning photo will be chosen from across all Living Gems resorts and featured on the back page of Thrive magazine and shared on the Living Gems Facebook Page, so get your exclusive bragging rights ready and share your masterpieces with us. Send your submissions, with your full name, resort name and where the photo was taken, to [email protected] November Photo Winner Congratulations to this month's winner, Anne Cook from Opal by Living Gems, for her photo of a kingfisher. Anne says the picture was taken in her backyard at the resort...
Never bored!
1 October 2023 Living Gems, News

Never bored!

Ideas to bring families together Grandparents often share a special relationship with their grandchildren. Despite the difference in ages, there are plenty of activities these generations can enjoy together. Fun and games Playing board games and card games are a great way to get the kids away from screens and the whole family involved in doing something together. The idea of family games' nights has increased in popularity over the years and there’s no reason why grandparents shouldn’t get involved too. There are plenty of games to suit all ages and skill levels. Bluey Monopoly is bound to be a favourite with young players, while teens and adults might enjoy role playing board games such as Dungeons & Dragons or ones inspired by Star Wars. Kids in the kitchen What could be more fun than creating a scrumptious savoury snack or a decadent sweet treat? Spending time together in the kitchen teaches children valuable life skills with a very tasty result. The type of cooking...
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