Cueing up for sporting spiritThere 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...

Ideas to bring families togetherGrandparents 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...

Big adventures on two continentsThe Living Gems travel club offers group and package holidays open to all homeowners. These holidays have been curated by retired travel agent and Living Gems homeowner Norman Pressey. Here are two of the trips currently open for bookings. Indian Pacific plus 8 days in Perth 12 to 25 August, 2024 Cross the country in style and comfort on the Indian Pacific. This holiday sees you fly down from Brisbane to Sydney for a day’s sightseeing before embarking on a four-day cross-country journey stopping at Broken Hill, Adelaide and afternoon and evening experiences in the ghost town of Cook and the Nullarbor. After arriving in the west, enjoy sightseeing in Perth and Fremantle along with a Swan River cruise before exploring the Pinnacles and taking in the sights on a four-day South West Tour and capping off the fun with a full day with the quokkas on Rottnest Island before the next day return flight to Brisbane.From $6795 per...

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.At Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront, the Sparkling Gems Red Hatters, which are part of a worldwide organisation for women wanting to enjoy each other’s company through socialising, recently enjoyed their first outing which included a train trip to Geebung, a spot of op shopping followed by coffee, cake and then a lunch at Geebung RSL Club.Members, who hail from Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront, were also entertained by two Red Hatters who showed what they have learned at their square-dancing lessons in the resort’s Country Club. A fabulous day out for all involved.As always, there is plenty happening at Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront with last month’s activities also including a great day out whalewatching on Moreton Bay.Homeowners were also thrilled to welcome new residents - three young geese, whose parents are residents...

Pasta dishes make a great dinner to feed the family or a fine meal to enjoy with company. A popular favourite is Orecchiette. It’s a small dishshaped pasta that tastes great and holds its sauce well. This recipe is paired with a saffron cream, seared scallops, crisp chorizo and broccolini. It’s a rich but tasty meal and makes a mouthwatering dinner or lunch. Ingredients Orecchiette Cook less pasta and use half the sauce for smaller gatherings.500g good quality Italian dried Orecchiette 200g chorizo - diced into 1cm pieces. 16 big juicy scallops 2 broccolini – first 2 inches of tops cut and diced through the stems 200g rocket Shaved parmesan to top your dish – optional Lemon cheek to garnish and serve (Serves 4-6) Saffron sauce base Make the base first (this can be made a day ahead if needed).½ tbsp olive oil ½ tbsp butter 1 clove garlic, sliced 2 eschalots, peeled and sliced 1 pinch or ½ g of saffron 1 sprig thyme - whole 1 bay leaf 1/2 tsp fennel seeds 50ml rice wine vinegar 200ml white wine 500ml vegetable...

Living Gems has launched a 2023 photo competition to highlight some fabulous destinations, favourite local spots, macro shots, action photos, best pet shots and lots more from our homeowners. So, get your cameras and phones ready this year (or dig through your archives)!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] October Photo Winner Congratulations to October's winner, David McCormack from Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront for his stunning ‘Stars’ photo, taken at Agnes Waters, in Gladstone Queensland.Submission...

Living Gems has launched a 2023 photo competition to highlight some fabulous destinations, favourite local spots, macro shots, action photos, best pet shots and lots more from our homeowners. So, get your cameras and phones ready this year (or dig through your archives)!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 GemsFacebook 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] September Photo Winner Congratulations to this month’s winner, Sandy Gills from Living Gems Maleny for her stunning photo submission called ‘Sailing Point Cartwright’.Submission GuidelinesPhotos must be:Taken...

Travel tips and gadgets guideThe dream of carefree travel shouldn’t become a nightmare of heavy suitcases and lost luggage. We take a look at some great ideas to lighten your load so you can say ‘yes’ to more adventure and less packing.  Start with a plan Few things set your holiday off onto a bad start than the last-minute panic of tossing things into a suitcase before a trip.Start by making a note of the expected weather at your destination. Taking a couple of lighter layering items may be worth more than packing one heavy jacket.Write down your travel wardrobe to see what you have that can do double duty. A shirt, for instance, can be buttoned up to wear with jeans or worn open over a t-shirt. It’s a match! Mixing and matching offers you the ultimate versatility. Choose a neutral colour palette as your base – for example, black, navy, grey or tan and choose enough tops and bottoms to coordinate with...