News
01
Sep
Frame that shot
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Posted by
Matt Harris
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...
01
Sep
Sesame Beef Skewers
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Posted by
Matt Harris
Quick, easy sesame beef skewers for travellers
Are you setting off on a roadtrip throughout the Great Australian Outback and want some quick and easy meals to enjoy along the way?Then why not give this travel-friendly beef skewers recipe a try? The beef is marinated in a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, sesame oil and a hint of zesty ginger to tempt your tastebuds.Whether you are strolling through the bustling streets of Bundaberg City, lounging on northern beaches, or exploring the vibrant markets of Noosa, these skewers will hit the spot and leave you satisfied but craving for more. Bon appetit!
Ingredients
(Makes 7-8 skewers)500g good quality steak – sirloin or rump
½ cup soy sauce
2 tsp grated ginger
40g sesame seeds
3 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
¼ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
10 wooden skewers (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes)
MethodMix all the marinade ingredients together.
Mix in the beef and allow to marinate in the fridge for...
01
Sep
Making light work of travel
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Posted by
Matt Harris
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...
01
Aug
All the right moves – Dogs
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Posted by
lachlan
How pets communicate.
Although dogs and cats can’t physically speak the English language, they may be saying more than you realise. Understanding a pet's body language is key to understanding your furry friend and what he or she wants to tell you. Here’s a list of signs to watch out for and what they mean.
Tail wagging
Tail wagging doesn’t just mean a dog is happy, it also communicates interest in his or her current surroundings. Keep a close eye on your pet when around other dogs, in case this interest turns into something more dangerous.
Eye contact
Dogs look deeply at you to determine how you are feeling or are looking for reassurance. Keep an eye out for ‘whale eye’ (seeing the whites of their eyes) as it’s a sign of stress and anxiety. For example, they may show the whites of their eyes when they need forgiveness for a misdeed.
Yawning
Although your dog might be tired, yawns can occur in times...
01
Aug
All the right moves – Cats
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Posted by
Matt Harris
How pets communicate.Although dogs and cats can’t physically speak the English language, they may be saying more than you realise. Understanding a pet’s body language is key to understanding your furry friend and what he or she wants to tell you. Here’s a list of signs to watch out for and what they mean.
The cat's meow
According to animal behaviouralists, kittens will meow to signal to their mothers while adult cats only meow for their owners.A short meow is a call for attention. A series of them is an adamant demand! A long meow indicates worry, while chirruping sounds are made to encourage you or other pets to play. Cats also ‘chatter’ when they’re on the hunt and use a hiss as a warning to you and others.The sound we love most is the purr. The deep-throated rumbling indicates contentment.
The eyes have it
Bond with your cat by taking long, slow blinks. When they reciprocate, it is a sign your...
01
Aug
Frame that shot – August
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Posted by
Matt Harris
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]
August Photo Winner
Congratulations to this month’s winners, Robert and Sharon Druery from Opal by Living Gems for their stunning photo submission called ‘Ceduna Jetty in South...
01
Jul
Frame that shot – July
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Posted by
Matt Harris
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]
July Photo Winner
Congratulations to this month’s winner, Diane Ramsey from Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront for her stunning photo entry of the Kookaburra.Submission GuidelinesPhotos must be:...
01
Jun
Frame that shot
-
Posted by
Matt Harris
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]
June Photo Winner
Congratulations to this month’s winner, Isabel Clarke, from Living Gems Toowoomba for her stunning photo entry of majestic clouds over an ocean landscape.Submission...
01
Mar
Workshop wizards
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Posted by
lachlan
Residents invited to explore woodworking talents
The establishment of a residents’ workshop at Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront was planned as early as 2017 before it eventually opened in January 2019.Today it boasts a membership of 84, and secretary Graham Saunders, who was there from the start, couldn't be happier with the workshop's progress and popularity."This is something that resort residents really wanted and, with the help of a $20,000 grant from Ruby Developments and donations of tools from generous homeowners, we were able to make it a reality," said Graham, who moved into the resort with wife Sally in 2017.With a committee of eight, as well as two people volunteering to be in the workshop each day to ensure it can stay open for residents who want to exercise their woodworking skills on individual projects, the workshop has become a hive of activity.Many of its members combine their talents to voluntarily undertake resident requests for everything from ramps or steps to...
01
Feb
Love in pictures
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Posted by
lachlan
Living Gems wedding albums reveal enduring love.“Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage” sang Frank Sinatra, and homeowners at Living Gems resorts across Queensland are proof of that! They graciously opened their wedding albums to take us on a trip down memory lane for Valentine’s Day.Barry and Fran McWaters - Opal by Living Gems
Fran clearly recalls the day she met her future husband, Barry. It was in May 1951 at Wynnum Central State School when the headmaster announced the arrival of two new students who had come all the way from Victoria.“Barry and his younger brother were a curiosity because they wore shoes to school,” said Fran. “Very few kids who attended the school wore shoes in those days. It turned out they also lived three doors from our house.”But it wasn’t always love especially when they were young.“We had a falling out over a jumper mum knitted for me,” laughed Fran. “I loved it, but Barry...
01
Feb
Meet Living Gems Toowoomba’s new Resort Managers
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Posted by
lachlan
Julie and Mark Lister started their new roles as Living Gems Toowoomba's Resort Managers just before Christmas last year and have already fallen in love with the lifechanging lifestyle.The power couple may be new to Living Gems but they are experienced in the ins and outs of over-50s living.“We moved from Gold Coast to Eagleby two years ago where we worked at another over-50s lifestyle resort company before coming here,” said Julie.“But Living Gems resorts are so much nicer!”Set near the magnificent Darling Downs, Living Gems Toowoomba is close to the city which has retained its quaint country charm, natural beauty and cultural atmosphere.The duo is ecstatic with their decision to move to Toowoomba and have already settled down into their new home.“The location is beautiful and all the residents we have met are lovely and welcoming,” said Julie.“Mark and I are really enjoying ourselves – it’s been great!”
