Indulge eMagazine - Welcome

s p i r i t | s o u l | b o d y

Elissa Macpherson‘Love is a Red Thread’

Inessa IvascaninCapturing the essence of women

Shopping for vintage outfits

under $100

Summer hairstylesKnow your body shape

Tanya’s Tips

www.iluvthoseshoes.com

December 2010

A festive feast for your family Celebrate Christmas

Beautiful- Lavish Devotions For Women28 devotions designed to explore the splendour of God

and unfold your divine beauty.

LAVISH DEVOTIONS FOR WOMENE L I S S A M A C P H E R S O N

www.lavishpursuits.com.au

She tossed her featherboa in frustration.Her spiritual tiara wasso out of balance.

God-girl allowed the warmthof the words and water to soothe her soul.She floated away into thebig ocean of God's love.

THE END

It was time for fizziotherapy!Bubble bath- check.Glass of bubbly- check.Lemongrass candles- check."Beautiful" devotional book- check.

2 | www.iluvthoseshoes.com







THE END








THE END


Indulge | December 2010 | 3www.lavishpursuits.com.au


The CoverModel Elissa MacphersonOn location at Symphony Hill Winery, StanthorpePhotographer Natasha Smith, NSP Studio PhotographyBeauty & Styling Tanya Epis

iluvthoseshoes Projectwww.iluvthoseshoes.com

General EnquiriesT 0450 066 116 E [email protected]

Indulge eMagazine is published monthly by the ILTS Project. All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. ILTS Project (“the Publisher”), their related companies and officers herby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with copy information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of the publisher, or any person’s actions in reliance therein. Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication. Inclusion of any copy must not be taken as any endorsement of the Publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders by the Publisher. The Publisher and the authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of any action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendation set out in this magazine.

Indulge eMagazine is part of the iluvthoseshoes Project which seeks to to empower women in their journey through life by resourcing them spirit, soul and body.Empower = make more confident; to give authorityResource = source of help; solutions to problems

Publisheriluvthoseshoes Project www.iluvthoseshoes.com

Editor-in-ChiefCharissa Steffens [email protected]

Photographic DirectorNatasha Smith [email protected]

Technical and Design DirectorDavid Steffens [email protected]

Creative & Design Adviser Brendan Smith [email protected]

Senior EditorsChristy CareyKaren Jackson

Fashion EditorTanya Epis

Food EditorAngela Frost

Editor & Production AssistantAndrew Nicholson

ContributorsJo-Anne PuggioniSandra Stewart

Proofreading Barrie NicholsonMartyn SteffensMerilyn Steffens

AdvertisingPhone 0405 066 116Email [email protected]

AccountantsHenderson Accountants

Natasha Smith Photographic Director

Natasha is a multi-international award winning photographer and part owner of NSP Photography. She has been working as a professional photographer for over five years and loves to showcase the beauty of women with her lens. Natasha and

her husband Brendan began their photographic business with a desire to create dynamic images that capture the character and individualism of people.

Natasha and Brendan have been married for five years and have just welcomed their first son Eli into the family.

Tayna Epis Fashion Editor

Tanya has been a hairdresser and make-up artist for 25 yrs. Originally from Melbourne, where she trained and won industry acclaim, she now runs her own business on the Gold Coast. She has worked in the television and film industry, including styling for Miss Universe on The Bert Newton show, and on “The Footy Show”.

Tanya loves hairdressing. “l feel very passionate about it even after all these years.” She is currently expanding her creative talents by studying photography and has a desire to help women feel beautiful.

Jo-Anne Puggioni Writer

Jo is one of 6 children. She went to boarding school at 12 years of age and lost her father at 17. She then found her Father God at 19 and married at 27. Having been through many struggles in life including miscarriage and depression, she firmly believes that God’s love conquers all.

Jo writes to encourage women to seek God more, to tell of His incredible love and to give women hope in Him. She has learned that in life our plans may not be God’s plans; often His plans are better! Jo is passionate about her husband Manning and sons Declan, Kairon & Elias, His Word, drinking lattes, inspirational quotes, seeing women set free in His name, His love for all humanity, and spring time on the Gold Coast where she lives.

Angela Frost Food Editor

Anglea has had a passion for food and cooking for many years. “I enjoy cooking for a crowd, but most of all I love cooking for my family and friends.”

Angela is happily married with two beautiful daughters and you will find her most days in the kitchen with her 7 month old baby, attached to her hip, eagerly watching

every mouthful she tastes. She hopes she can pass on to her daughters her passion for cooking. Angela believes the dinner table is a very special place, a time

to share your thoughts from the day and to enjoy delicious food together.

Indulge | December 2010 | 5

introducing...


07

spirit Elissa Macpherson 8 “Love is a Red Thread” About Elissa and her heart 16

soul Inessa Ivascanin 18 “Capturing the Essence of Women” The Buzz on Blogging 24

body Shop for vintage outfits under $100 28 Forgotten treasures 28 Curl Power! 29 Do you know your body shape? 30 Styling in Sydney 31 Tanya’s Tips 32 Festive Christmas Feast 34

18

contents

26


empowering women in

their journey through life by

resourcing them spirit, soul and

body

“Tis the season to be jolly…” fills the air as I walk through my local shopping centre. Christmas has arrived and the atmosphere has changed. This is a season of impact and influence; no one is untouched or unaware of what time of the year it is. Carols ring out, decorations dazzle and there is a buzz of excitement.

It is with this same ‘buzz of excitement’ that we have been developing the first issue of Indulge. Indulge means to ‘allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of’ and that is what Christmas is all about. It is a time to celebrate the year that has been. It is also a time to remember the most indulgent gift ever given. God’s gift of love through His Son Jesus, so that we would know life and life more abundantly.

It is with a desire to see His gift lived out through everyday life that we have begun Indulge. We believe that by sharing in each others journeys through life we can empower and resource one another Spirit, Soul and Body. As we do this, we will learn to be Indulged in God’s amazing love.

So it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the first issue of Indulge Enjoy!

Charissa

from the editor


the irrepressibleElissa Macpherson


spiritthe irrepressible

Elissa Macpherson

It is phenomenal the people you meet in life.

Some contain such character and creativity that you are left with an

imprint of inspiration that surpasses their physical presence.

Elissa Macpherson is one such person. She is a

gifted author and speaker; a loving wife and a mother

to three exceptional children. Our whole team fell in love with Elissa and her beautiful family as we travelled to Stanthrope to

spend a day with them.

Here, in our spirit section this month, Elissa has

entrusted us with a very special story straight from her heart. It is a story that

will touch your spirit and bring a tear to your eye,

but most of all, it is a story of love that transcends culture and reveals an

eternal truth.


Love is a Red Thread

There is an ancient Chinese belief that an invisible red thread connects people who were destined to be together, despite distance and circumstance. This ancient red thread tugged and pulled at my heart until I was drawn into a government building in China, waiting to meet my daughter. The sterility of the room and the formality of the adoption proceedings were in colourless discord to the opening of fragrant blossom buds of love in my heart. The red thread was straining in anticipation of touching her apricot skin and black silken hair for the first time. This moment of adoption was the collision of two different journeys.

My journey began even before the dream of her. God had been playing dot to dot with my heart for longer than I realised. Even my childhood desires were the unravelling of destiny. One of my favourite childhood fairytales was The Emperor and the Nightingale. The story, set in ancient China, is about a king who becomes enchanted by a beautiful singing bird. Dot one. I was always drawn to vibrant eastern silks embroidered in gold: their beauty stirred emotions without name. As a small child, my comfort blankie had to have a silken trim for me to stroke and hold against my skin. Dot two. As a teenager, I was feisty and fiery; I would flame up with anger and passion if I felt I was being limited, simply because I was a girl. Dot three.

When I was pregnant with my second child, I walked past a Disney store. In the window display was a Mulan doll dressed in pink satin, folds of red around her shoulders, with cat-like eyes. She was the definitive Chinese warrior princess. Even though it seemed silly and frivolous, I knew I had to buy that doll. Our next child was a precious boy, so the doll sat in a dark drawer gathering dust. Dot four.

A few years later the dots were drawn together. In 2000, a wonderful lady visited our church and talked about the plight of abandoned baby girls in India. A girl was a burden for those living in poverty, and it was the fate for many of these babies to die, or live as beggars. In that moment, the dots joined into the image of me holding an Asian girl. I thought I was being over emotional and attempted to distract myself by reading my bible. The verse I randomly read was Mark 9:37, ‘Whomever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me.’ Swirls of red thread had drawn the dots together - an Asian daughter was my destiny. Love had embroidered a dream in my heart.

Words Elissa MacphersonPhotography Natasha Smith NSP Studio PhotographyMakeup & Hair Tanya Epis


These dots of destiny took on greater meaning as the dream of a daughter became reality. In March, 2004, we received our precious daughter. She was 20 months old and achingly beautiful. She had been given a Chinese name by her orphanage, Dan Ying. Dan Ying translates to: ‘singing bird’, just like the nightingale in my favourite childhood fairytale. The Mulan doll I was mysteriously compelled to buy now sits in her room - her hair dishevelled, stitches of pink unravelling from the seams - my Chinese princess playing with her Chinese princess doll.

Each dot represented a desire, the seeds of dreams. These seeds were embedded into my soul. Though my daughter grew in the womb of her first mother, she grew in the womb of my soul. From the moment the dream of my daughter was conceived in my heart, I loved her with an unbreakable love. I loved her before she was conceived on earth. In the heavens, in brush strokes of ink, it was written: I would be her mother.

On the other side of the world, the seasons unravelled and time flowed like a river from the east. In unrecorded history there lived a Chinese woman, with a face I have never seen, who carried the weight of an unborn child under her heart. Each movement of the unborn child was like autumn leaves falling until her soul was bare with grief. Did her heart break like the cold earth, an earth broken by poverty? She lived in a culture that devalued women and discarded baby girls in the gutter as rubbish. At the very thought of her faceless face, tears well in my eyes with overwhelming gratitude; I release the breath caught in my chest. This amazing woman gave life to our daughter of destiny.

In Chinese adoption stories there is the phenomenon of the ‘Finding Place’. This is a strategic place where babies are left to ensure that they are found: government buildings, train stations and gateways to factories - places where babies can be found, without attracting the crippling fine for those who break the one-child policy of China. They are not pretty places; they are places of dust and dirt.

My daughter has her own finding place. My daughter’s story of her finding place is for her to tell, not me. I can only tell you my experience of visiting. It didn’t feel like China - there were no sumptuous silks, no dancing dragons, no fragrance of ginger and spice. It was stagnant; it was sepia toned, like someone had spilled tea over the place and didn’t bother to clean it. It was in this pale place, she was abandoned by a broken world, under a summer sky.


I knew God had visited her finding place because he had written about it in Psalm 113: He stoops down to look down on heaven and earth. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, even princes of his own people.

Later, I heard this Psalm and wept tears for my daughter. I cried for her Chinese mummy, for the unwanted girls of Asia and for the fallen beauty of unlived lives.

I believe we all have a finding place. This is the place where the poverty of our soul forces us to be spiritually abandoned. We are refugees in a battle scarred planet. Original sin was like biochemical warfare, infecting humanity and nature with its poison. We live in the slums of sin, groaning with bloated, hungry souls. In Ezekiel 16, we read about God’s desire to rescue orphans of the soul. God expresses humanity’s condition as a baby girl abandoned in a field, kicking in her own blood, dust and tears. He speaks his desire over her, ‘Live’. I want to plagiarise God’s one word poem for my daughter - ‘Live’. Fully live sweet daughter! Live a grand adventure; love

ardently; perform noble deeds; fight mighty battles; and get drunk on the dew of each morning’s sunrise.

Further in the story of Ezekiel, we read that the baby is washed and fragrant oils are rubbed into her skin. I remember taking our little daughter from the government offices, where she first met us, back to the hotel room. We couldn’t wait to wash away the sweat mixed with tears and the dust of pollution. We had been warned she might have never seen a proper bath. We tentatively put her in a warm bath with her new brother who, using the language of children, whispered it was safe and charmed her with Nemo bath toys. She was delighted; her anxiety subsided as she splashed in the water and exuberantly poured cups of clean fresh water over her skin.

Finally, the newly adopted spiritual daughter of Ezekiel is dressed in fine robes and adorned with jewels like a queen. I fully appreciate the desire of our heavenly father to give dazzling new clothing to his child. I couldn’t wait to give Dan Ying her new clothes. I wanted to remove the layers of mismatched, drab clothing and peel off the too tight shoes that had worn off the nails from her pinkie toes. It was such a pleasure to dress her in fresh strawberry pink and bright cherry red. We strolled the street markets, bargaining for new, shiny red shoes decorated with daisies. I bought her a pink fur beret she didn’t need but it was luxurious and gorgeous. I wanted to lavish her and restore the tender shimmer of infancy.

Nine days later, we returned home with documents that proved her adoption was binding. But the heart does not respond to proof, it responds to a deeper knowing. There is a Chinese proverb that says, ‘A beautiful bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.’ As a small baby my Dan Ying, my little singing bird, sang for love but only a violent silence returned. Her knowing was interrupted.

An orphanage is not a home, it is a bus stop. Cries for comfort, for hunger and wet bottoms are ignored as the carers attempt to care for too many babies, with too few resources. My daughter did not experience consistent, dependable nurturing in her infancy. Sadly, it is this bond of trust that is the anchor for children to attach their self-confidence and gives them the safety to explore the world and relationships.Her anchor had been broken at its chain; her emotional compass had no north.

In those first years, she would recoil from my touch. She would run away at the shops and ask strange women to


be her mother. On Mother’s Day, at kindy, every other child would race up to their mummy and sit on their lap. She lifted her head, saw me without acknowledgement and returned to her crayons. If she could not control our home, she would fly into fits of rage and aggression. If she dropped her milk, she would cry silent tears and wait to be banished, no matter how many times we smiled and gently told her it didn’t matter.

There is more but I don’t want to tell you. Even today, I hold my breath, waiting to see if our love will stand on a landmine that rejection has planted in her heart. The stories from the battlefield belong to those whose love is deeper than the drama. I don’t even know if I trust you with those stories because I don’t want them to be like a noisy special effects movie; her true story is more exquisite, more subtle and complex. I don’t want you to see her brokenness - I want you to see her beauty.

Beauty and love is the telescope I use to see into her heart - a heart that had been shattered into a thousand pieces and would have to be mended one piece at a time. All the words of love could not penetrate the great wall around her heart. If love for her was dangerous, then I declared a revolution. I would fight to usurp the power of fear and overturn its foundations. It has required all my courage - I am battle weary. At times I have failed. I have come close to losing hope and nearly drowned in my own grief and tears. Then God has whispered his own parenting advice to me, ‘Love never fails’. This is my battle anthem.

When I adopted her, I knew without a doubt I would die to save her life. I know I could rip the head off an attacking lion to save my children. However, I have discovered it is not a singular act of bravery that is required from me but daily courage. Instead, I am required daily to die a little to myself to save her life - die to my demands for a picture perfect family; surrender my pride in being a mother who has it all together; ignore the disapproving stares at the supermarket, and let go of my fantasy of misty eyed mother-daughter moments.

In these moments, the cross is my finding place where beggars of hope cup their hands. The cries from the cross echo my own emotional tidal wave of loss and grief, ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’ This is a place where you will be whipped by the lashes of rejection and be beaten and bruised by cruel words. Am I prepared to feel my child’s brokenness, the unrelenting sadness and the tormenting fear, so she can begin to heal? This is the place you choose to die for love - the place I found what real love looks like.

This is the hardest kind of love. A love you give knowing it will be rejected. But you never give up believing in

“He speaks His desire over her, ‘Live’”


FAMILY=LOVE


destiny, the divine collision of time and love. This pursuing unfailing love gave me an insight into God’s relationship with humanity. He offers love: we flinch at his touch. We use control as a fortress to keep pain out. Behind the walls, around our heart, we have disfiguring scars that we believe have made us unlovable and defective.

I have seen it many times when I speak at women’s conferences. I tell them they are deeply loved by God. They are the daughters of heaven and his beloved princesses. They smile at the poetic words, but their impact bounces off the shields around their hearts. They think that kind of love is not for them. We allow God to rescue us from the bitter poison of death but reject the sweet nectar of life; we allow him to meet our needs but not indulge our desires. We let him stitch up the open wounds, but not lavishly embroider our lives with beauty and blessing.

We are like the prodigal daughter returning home; returning home is a retreat from her past, rather than a procession into the future. Expecting to find condemnation, she finds celebration; expecting judgement, she receives jewels; expecting to be thrown scraps, she finds a feast; expecting to get a dressing down, she is dressed up in golden silk and satin slippers; expecting her failings to make her prisoner of war, she enters the palace of grace.

I love the Cinderella theme of this story. Life is more meaningful when viewed as a story. If I view her struggles as a disorder, I can get fearful and anxious. When I view it as a story, conflict becomes a battle scene, fears are dragons to be slain and unforeseen stresses are plot twists. The red thread of destiny flows throughout her story, weaving together people and events for heaven’s purpose. Her story has an author. It has a hero; it has an eternal ever after. Her story will not be a tragedy, but a story of the triumph of love. My daughter’s life is a love story.

The beginning of her story may have been marked by a hundred sorrows, but when I adopted her I resolved that the rest of her story would be stitched with ten thousand joys. Sometimes, the most joyful moments in the love story are the quiet moments - the sunset moments; the cease-fire moments when snow falls or the storm waves are silenced. As I write, I have been interrupted. Dan Ying has come into my room and without a word, she has kissed me. This is my Easter Sunday. The red thread sews its bond - with each stitch it grows stronger and more beautiful.


is the founder of Lavish Pursuits Ministries. A ministry dedicated to the lavish pursuit of God’s beauty and infusing this Truth into the lives of women. She is a speaker who blends her enthusiasm and keeping-it- real style with godly insights and inspiration. She is author of the devotional book, “Beautiful” and contributes to national Christian women’s magazines. She is a passionate advocate for the unwanted girls of China and India. She is married to an amazing man of God and is mum to two gorgeous boys and a princess adopted from China. Together they live on a vineyard and own a boutique winery called Symphony Hill Wines.

To find out more about Elissa’s ministry see: www.lavishpursuits.com.au

AKID (Asian Kids in Danger) which supports ministries which rescue children from poverty and abuse especially in India and provides a home, education, health care and the gospel. You can read more about AKID at their winery website: www.symphonyhill.com.au and go to the page: “The Story of Danying-Wine Helping Orphans”.

Elissa is especially inspired by the AKID supported project, Yuvalok, which is having amazing impact on the slum children of Bangalore. Yuvalok is a counterculture programme as it places high value on girls. For more see www.yuvalok.org.

Elissa also supports Half The Sky Foundation which provides nurturing and stimulating programmes for orphaned children living in Chinese government orphanages. These orphans are predominantly girls. See www.halfthesky.org.

Elissa

Elissa’s heart

About Elissa and her heart...

10% of sales supportingChinese orphansDANYINGSHIRAZ CABERNET SAUVIGNONRated 4 stars by James Halliday

wine with heart

Indulge | December 2010 | 17www.symphonyhill.com.au


Inessa’s art work needs no introduction. It is captivating, outstanding beauty on canvas. In our soul section this month we give you a glimpse into her remarkable journey through life, and with pleasure, showcase some of her favourite creations. Let your soul be inspired.

soul



As we arrive at Inessa’s house we are greeted by the sight of her sitting on the fence watching her son Christian play. Her face transforms into a large smile and she jumps off the fence and comes to welcome us.

Inessa is beautiful on the inside and out, her warm friendly nature shines through immediately. It is hard to believe she is a mother of two. You would be forgiven for thinking she is hardly a day over twenty as her long blonde hair blows in the wind and her petite frame carries a bright summer dress.

I have known Inessa for several months now and I have been privileged to see glimpses of her talent during this time. She is very humble about her abilities and attributes her artistic talent to God. Over a cup of coffee we chat about her background and why she has chosen to pursue painting as a career.

Words Charissa SteffensPhotography Natasha Smith NSP Studio Photography



Inessa was born and raised in the Ukraine where she attended a special school for musicians. Throughout this time she decided that her first love was art and she transferred to the College of Fine Arts. While at the college her painting went from strength to strength and she became one of the top students. During this period she developed strong technique and explored various art forms.

During her late teenage years Inessa’s mother began to attend a new church and Inessa noticed changes in her mother, which she describes as ‘fascinating’. This drew her to her mother’s church where Inessa found a deeper relationship with God and became a ‘born again’ Christian. Shortly after this she met her husband Tom and they spent time ministering in the Ukraine together. They worked in a ‘Shepherds Kitchen’ which feeds the homeless and they were involved in running a rehabilitation centre for drug users.

Eight years ago they came to Australia to visit Tom’s family and decided to stay. The shift was difficult for a young mum in a foreign country where there are a plethora of differences from culture to climate. Inessa simply says when reflecting on this challenging time that periods like these are what strengthen us and keep us humble.

Inessa’s art work is contemporary and consists mostly of landscapes and portraits. One of her favourite landscapes shows a tram winding through a busy street. This piece is abounding in contrast and she challenges the viewer to stand out in life like the building and tram. Her portraits are captivating, it is hard to take your eyes from them. I immediately fall in love with one piece, it is reflective of my own love of taking a moment to sit and enjoy a coffee in the midst of a busy life. These moments frozen on canvas, brim with insight, beauty and life.

As she speaks about her art work you can feel the passion and how she loves to capture the essence of life on canvas. She explains how painting helps her to relax and escape. Her art is immensely rewarding for her. She often will listen to one of her favourite speakers, such as Joyce Meyer, while she paints. She offers her painting time to God and feels that when she does this her painting flows effortlessly.

It is inspiring to spend time around such beautiful creativity and to see someone treasure their gift in such a rich way. Inessa has recently begun to teach others. She spends time painting with her children and is mentor to an art student. She wants to pass on the invaluable lessons she has learnt, and is still learning, to others. She truly is beautiful on the inside and out.

Contact Information:

To find out more about Inessa’s work please contact her on:e [email protected] 0438794274fb Inessa-Ivascaninwww.gallery-worldwide.com



The Buzz on BloggingDo you hear the word ‘blog’ and think ‘What the?’

If you are techno savvy you will know exactly what I am referring to, if on the other hand you are a technophobe, you may be left wondering if blogging is the latest fitness craze.

The word blog is derived from the term ‘Web log’. It is an online entry that permits people to interact with the writer and other viewers of the blog by leaving comments.

Blogging began in the mid 90’s, primarily as online personal diary entries and as technology has advanced so has the blog. Blogging has become for some a profession and many corporations and politicians use blogs for promotion and publicity.

The creation of social networking sites has increased popularity and participation in the world of blogging. Recent

statistics estimate there are more than 133 million blogs in existence.

Blogging has become an outlet for many people wishing to connect, communicate and share their thoughts with others.

One such person is Jo-Anne Puggioni or better known in the blogosphere as Jo Princess Warrior of Princess Warrior Lessons. Through blogging Jo has re-discovered a gift and love for writing. She is regularly found at her computer typing up her latest insights and experiences from her journey through life.

Here Jo shares with us her personal journey of keeping a blog.

‘Blog Land’ – Where one woman learned how to fly

The way I found myself in ‘Blog Land’ as I affectionately call it, was quite by accident. A friend who lives 3 hours drive from me suggested we do an online bible study together, and post our answers on a blog. I had never heard of a blog before and didn’t quite understand what one was. But I was at a stage in my life where I desperately needed change. Little did I know that starting a blog would mark such a defining moment in my life.

Two and a half years ago I found myself in a very dark place. I was stuck and I wasn’t moving forward. I had 3 boy warriors aged 4 years and under, no energy due to a nasty thyroid condition called ‘Hashimoto’s Disease’ and was on anti-depressants for Post-Natal Depression. My prayer life was nonexistent and I rarely read my Bible. I felt so far away from God, even though I attended church every Sunday. I desperately wanted to have the ‘abundant life’ that Jesus died for me to have. So I cried out to Him and He answered.

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Martin Luther King Jr

CRAWL – obeying Him

When God did answer me, it didn’t make sense, but I dared to trust Him and it was the start of an amazing journey in my life. He asked me to do 3 things:Ü Trust Him to heal me of my depressionÜ Home school my boysÜ Write about my journey

Now through the eyes of logic these things that He asked me to do seemed unfathomable. I mean honestly – asking a depressed woman with no energy to start home schooling her 3 sons and write about it seemed ludicrous! But I had trusted Him and felt very strongly that this was what He wanted me to do. So I started a blog.

WALK – healing begins

As I continued to rely on God, I gave myself a challenge to read the Bible all the way through from start to finish. I had been a new creation in Christ for 15 years but I had never done this before. I had attempted, but had always failed. As I read the Word through, He revealed His love for me in a new way. I started changing my eating habits to help remedy my thyroid condition and researched all I could on home schooling.

Words Jo-Anne Puggioni

A Bloggers Journey


I weaned myself off anti-depressants and learned to worship Him in all circumstances – not just when things were going good. Sometimes all I could do to get through the day was put on a worship CD and sing to Him – even though it was the last thing I felt like doing.

My blog became like a journal and I found that as I articulated the thoughts swirling around in my head, God would whisper things for me to write. And in my writing, He brought healing into my heart. I was amazed that when I sat down to write, He would reveal something in my heart that He wanted to heal. I also discovered who I was and I didn’t even have to go overseas for a year to do it. I could just eat, pray and love through my blog.

RUN – connecting with others

I found ‘Blog Land’ opened up a whole new world to me. I read other people’s blogs and found encouragement from them. Blogging for me was not only a way for God to heal my heart, but also to connect with people. There was a sense of community amongst others who blogged. It was something I desperately needed at the time. I had lost a lot of friends due to Post Natal Depression and was very lonely. I had no friendships at church, and so the blogging community filled a need in my life to connect with others. Because of my health, it was not always possible to attend social events as they would just wear me out. But ‘Blog Land’ was always there at my fingertips when I needed to connect with the outside world.

I have met some amazing women in ‘Blog Land’ and formed friendships with many of them, here in Australia and in the USA. These friends have been a source of inspiration to me in one form or another. One of them in fact, has become one of my best friends when we met in real life 18 months ago.

FLY – encouraging others

I am happy to report that 9 months after I started blogging, He healed me of my depression. The nasty ‘monkey on my back’ left – never to return. My health has improved dramatically and I have been home schooling my boy warriors for 2 ½ years now, and I love it.

Through blogging God has opened up a forum for me to speak into other women’s lives and encourage them on their own journey. When I initially started blogging it was for myself, but now I blog for others; because it’s not just all about me. I know that God healed me from my depression so I could encourage others on their own journey. We were never meant to do life alone. I blog to say to those who need encouragement, “Hey! It’s OK – we all have issues, but there is One who will heal you of them, if you open your heart to Him. Come along with me. Let’s do this journey together.”

Visit Jo’s blog ~Princess Warrior Lessons~www.princessjo-anne-blessed.blogspot.com


bodyChristmas DelightsTry our festive feast for your family this Christmas Fashion FiestaVintage shopping to exciteCurl PowerDressing for your body shapeTanya’s Tips



When was the last time you had a good look in your jewellery box? l did the other day and WOW! There were some great surprises. l found these very glam earrings that l wore recently and I received many compliments throughout the night.

The earrings were 25 yrs old and I had originally bought them for my school formal. l have unearthed lots of other forgotten treasures that I will be wearing this summer.

Go treasure hunting amongst your drawers and you might be surprised by what you had put away a long time ago.

Shopping for vintage for under $100Words Tanya Epis Fashion EditorPhotography Natasha Smith NSP Photography

$18

$17l love all the new vintage fashions out at the moment. This look will be huge this summer.

l set myself a little task as your Fashion Editor to recreate a vintage style ‘look’ including a dress, shoes and a handbag, all for under $100

l am pleased to say that I had great success and l came in way under budget!

The little frock was a find at Target. Shoes were also found at Target on sale and the bag was from Strandbags.

l wore my little outfit on an outing with the girls and they were all shocked at the prices. So, vintage for summer, here l come!

$25

Forgotten Treasures


Whether you are into classical or contemporary, the curl trend is back and it is here to stay. The hottest trends in hair for the 2010-2011 summer is all about the curl.

To recreate our model’s look apply a good volumising product to damp hair. Work in sections by clipping up top layers and drying off the underneath in small amounts at a time with a large round brush. Dry each section by curling it around your brush.

For a day time look you can have your curls relaxed and textured. Night time "Go Glam" all the way.

Curly hair suits most face shapes which means that anyone can wear this style. Rich browns and monochromatic colours are also on trend for this summer.

Healthy natural hair is what looks best. If your hair is frizzy and dull, invest in quality shampoo and conditioner.

Remember to wear a hat in the harsh summer sun. Hair burns just like your skin and once damage is done, it is hard to rejuvenate. You can protect your hair by putting a leave-in conditioner on, that has sunscreen in it.

put away the hair straightener

Words Tanya Epis Fashion EditorPhotography Tanya Epis Fashion EditorMake up & Hair Tanya Epis Fashion EditorModel Bella Epis

This up style has a relaxed feel about it. It is textured,

free flowing and steers away from a formal structure.

Curl Power


Do you know your body shape?

Your shoulder measurements are your largest. You have medium breasts with small hips and slight tummy. You have long slim legs.

Do’swide collars, draping jersey, wraps, shawls, asymmetrical wrapped garments, wrap cardigans, well cut trousers, slim heeled shoes, fitted jeans slight boot cut.

Don’tsshapeless dresses, scooped necklines, three quarter sleeves and no shoulder pads.

Your measurements around your hips and bust are both significantly larger than that of your waist.

Do’s open necklines, deep v-necks, dresses fitted around the waist that taper out at the hips, A-line skirts, trousers that drape, wide boot cut jeans, trench coats that cut off at the knee with a tie, simple jackets with no bulk.

Don’ts shirts that tie around the neck, high collars, overly big padded shoulders, pockets on the hips and bulky cargo pants, overly frilly tops, cut off ankle shoes.

hourglassinverted triangle

Your thighs and hips are larger than your upper body measurements. You consider your bottom half to be your problem area whilst your upper body remains proportional.

Do’sblack wide leg trousers, A-line dresses and skirts, strapless dresses with full skirts, accentuated jackets to even out your proportions, coats that cut off below the knee or jackets that cut off mid bottom, shawls and drapery.

Don’tsskinny jeans, pencil skirts, high waisted anything as this will only exaggerate your problem area, mini shorts, cut off ankle shoes

pear

The key to dressing for success is to follow your natural body shape and alter your appearance with garments that create clever optical illusions. Sound tricky? well its not! You can learn how to dress to your shape by following Sydney Stylist Sandra Stewart’s simple guidelines.

To start with, take four measurements of yourself. Shoulders, bust, waist, hips. Then have a good look at your body in a full length mirror. Remember to take note of your assets and your natural shape. Yes, it can be scary but the rewards are well worth it! Now get ready to maximise your assets and minimise your flaws by dressing to your shape.

www.gap.com


Your measurements are all close. You have a ‘boyish’ frame and are usually tall and slender. Slight waist, small breasts. Columns can also be medium height and weight.

Do’sstatement jewellery, boot cut/skinny jeans, flowing tops, maxi dresses, gathering, drapery to create curves, jackets with side pockets, full dresses and skirts, cute cropped jackets and coats above the knee.

Don’tsstraight-cut garments, straight-drop dresses, heavily weighted garments, coats past the knee, high-waisted tight garments, and formless garments.

column

Your waist measurement is the largest or the same as your other measurements. There is no real definition of a waist between your breasts and hips. Your tummy is your problem area.

Do’sshirts that flare out under the breast to skim over your tummy and create a definition, tops that have pleats or gathers over the tummy area, jackets with ties, wraps and shawls, well-cut pants.

Don’tsskinny jeans – as this will draw attention to your larger top, tight shirts, over-fitted shirts, baggy tees, high waists, puffy jackets, overly-frilled detailed tops.

apple Styling in Sydney Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Stylist? Here Sandra gives us a glimpse into her world.

Most people would envision a stylists life to be somewhat close to that of celebrity stylist Rachel Zoë’s. Well... that couldn’t be further from the truth. As a stylist it is important to cater to your clients’ every need, making them feel fabulous and confident. A stylist is a fashion guru and life-coach wrapped up in one; hired to get your life back on track - one garment at a time.

Amazing things can happen when a woman feels confident enough to pursue her dreams. For a stylist the reward is seeing a women go home feeling happy and confident - because her inner-self reflects her outer-self.

The life of a stylist can be glamorous but takes hard work and lots of it. Most days are filled with preparing clients portfolios, sourcing garments, pulling and returning clothes and shopping for clients. Life can be hectic when scheduled amongst networking and business events, runways, private viewings and client bookings.

Then you have those fabulous days where you meet designers, TV personalities, mingle with fashion society and meet great clients. Those are the days you wouldn’t want to be doing anything else, and all the hard work pays off.

Most stylists love what they do and would do it regardless. If you enjoy what you do and work hard you will usually find a way to succeed.

Sandra Stewart

Sandra is the owner and director of

Sydney Stylistswww.sydneystylists.com

http://sydney-stylist.blogspot.com/

www.vivendifashionsita.wordpress.com


Tanya’s Tips

As a professional hairdresser I have been enjoying the new Keratin Complex range of hair products by Coppola.

In over 20 years of hairdressing l have never seen any product deliver like this does. It infuses Keratin into and around the hair shaft leaving it soft, smooth and silky. The products deliver an excellent finish and my clients are loving the results.

A Keratin infused treatment lasts about five months and prices start from around $180.00. This is not a hair straightening system, more like a anti-frizz treatment. If you have curly, frizzy hair your hair will still have the curl and bounce just minus the frizz.

To find out more talk to your hair stylist or view the Keratin Complex website at www.keratincomplex.com

*This is not a paid advertisement, it is based on professional opinion.Picture: www.beaut.ie/blog

Frizz Free

Luscious Lashes are in! To have your lashes professionally grafted can cost upwards of $110.00 with infill recommended every two weeks. Like most people this was a luxury beyond my budget. So I bought myself a good eye make-up remover (Ego brand) and began to gently take off my eye make-up every night and l was amazed at the difference in only 4 weeks.

My lashes have thickened and improved dramatically. It definitely pays to use an eye makeup remover. Most of these products are oil based, so the mascara slides off easily, protecting and conditioning the lashes in the process. Try it and let me know.

You can email Tanya at [email protected]

Luscious Lashes

XXOO


Orphinton Court, Arundel, Q

For expert beauty servicesSharon 0409875017

Child friendly environment

Sensational summer beauty treatmentsGift vouchers available for Christmas

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MENU«Glazed Hot Ham«Sweet Potato Gratin

with Parmesan andMacadamia

«Pea’s and Feta with Crispy Bacon Bits«Baked Stuffed

Tomatoes«Tropical Pavolva«Christmas Delight

Rocky Road

Festive Family Feast


Glazed hot hamPrep 15 mins | Cook 35 mins | Serve 6

4-5kg cooked leg ham20-30 whole cloves3/4 cup orange Marmalade1/4 cup maple syrup2 tbsp whole grain mustard

Preheat oven to 180°CRemove the skin only from the ham, trying not to remove any fat. Using a sharp knife, cut the fat into a criss-cross pattern.Place whole cloves into the centre of each diamond. Mix together the rest of the ingredients then microwave for 1 minute or until mixture dissolves slightly. Place ham on a lined baking tray. Using a large pastry brush, brush glaze all over the ham, making sure all the fat is covered.Bake for 35 minutes or until golden.

Christmas coleslaw with pineapple and buttermilk dressingPrep 10 mins | Serve 6-8 1/4 Red Cabbage, sliced thinly1/4 Green cabbage, sliced thinly2 Carrots, peeled and grated1 Red Capsicum, deseeded , sliced thinly440g can crushed pineapple in natural juice, drained3/4 cup whole egg mayonnaise1/4 cup Buttermilk Combine Cabbage,carrot and cap-sicum in a large bowl. Mix together mayo and buttermilk, whisk until smooth.Add pineapple and mayo mixture to the coleslaw. Season. Toss until vegetables are well coasted. Re-frigerate till needed.

This coleslaw looks bright and beautiful for either Christmas day lunch or a family BBQ. It compli-ments baked Ham and any BBQmeats. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Recipes Angela FrostPhotography Tanya Epis

CElEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON wITH OUR FABUlOUS FAmIlY FEAST. GlAZED HOT HAm TO mAkE YOUR mOUTH wATER AND TROpICAl pAVlOVA TO TOp OF THE BIG DAY!

Festive Family Feast


Sweet potato gratin with a parmesan and macadamia toppingPrep 20 mins | Cook 90 mins | Serve 5-6 3 large or 1 1/2kg orange sweet potatoes, sliced thinly1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated1 1/2 cups of thickened creamsalt and pepper TOPPING3 slices fresh wholemeal bread 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated1/2 cup whole macadamia nuts50g cold butter2 tbsp Italian parsley

Pea’s and feta with crispy bacon bitsPrep 10 mins | Cook 4 mins | Serve 4

600g frozen peas2 tbs olive oil5 slices of streaky bacon, chopped150g feta cheese marinated in oil Heat oil in a small frypan over a medium heat. Add bacon and cook for 5-10 minutes until crispy.

Cook peas in a large saucepan of boiling water for 4 minutes or until tender. Drain.

Combine the pea’s, feta and bacon in a large serving bowl, pour over a little of the feta oil and toss.

Preheat Oven to 180°CLightly grease a 2L capacity baking dish with butter. Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices over the base of the dish. Sprinkle with some of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat the process until the potatoes and cheese are finished. Pour over cream and season . Bake for 1 hour.TOPPING Place all topping ingredients into a food processor and pulse until crunchy. Remove potatoes from oven after 1 hour, then sprinkle toppingevenly over potatoes. Bake for a further 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and topping crisp.Serve.


Place tomatoes, cut-side up on an oiled baking dish. Divide rice mixture among tomatoes, packing each tomato firmly and mounding the rice mixture slightly on top. Replace tomato tops, then lightly brush tomatoes with oil and bake at 180°C for 30 minutes or until soft but still holding their shape.Serve warm.

Baked stuffed tomatoesPrep 30 mins | Cook 30 mins | Serve 4-5 8 Vine-ripened tomatoes1/4 cup olive oil1 red onion, finely chopped1 clove of garlic, finely chopped1/4 cup long-grain rice1/2 cup currants125g feta cheese, crumbled1/4 cup chopped dill1/4 cup chivesgrated rind of 1 lemon Using a small sharp knife, cut tops from tomatoes; reserve tops. Loosen the “core” of each tomato and carefully scoop out flesh, making sure to collect all

the juice. Finely chop tomato flesh including seeds and combine with reserved juice. Stand hollowed-out tomatoes, cut-side down, on a large dish or plate to drain.Heat olive oil in a frypan, add onion and garlic and cook over medium heat until soft. Add rice, currant and reserved tomato mixture, then simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, over a low heat for 20 minutes or until rice is just cooked and liquid absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in feta, dill, chives and lemon rind. Season to taste.

These stuffed tomatoes are a perfect addition to your Christmas table, either for lunch or dinner. The sweet currants add a beautiful flavour to the rice. Also suitable for a vegetarian menu.


until all are combined and spoon into prepared cake tin.Refrigerate until firm then cut into small pieces This rocky road makes a perfect Christmas gift. Wrap it in cellophane or pop them into a Christmas bowl and surprise your special friend with these homemade goodies.

Tropical pavlovaPrep 20 mins | Cook 30 mins | Serve 6-8 6 egg whites (room temperature)1 1/2 cups caster sugar1 teaspoon vanilla essence1 teaspoon malt vinegar2 teaspoons cornflour GARNISH Whipped cream1 mango, sliced1 punnet of blueberries1 banana, sliced1 nectarine, sliced Preheat oven to 120/100°C fan forced.In a large metal or glass bowl beat egg whites until soft peaks form. A hand-held electric beater is ideal for this job. Gradually, a teaspoonat a time, add the caster sugar. This process should take at least 10 minutes, the mixture should be getting glossy and thick with each teaspoon of sugar. Beat in essence, vinegar and cornflour. Spoon mixture onto a baking tray, lined with baking paper and shape into a circle. Bake for 1 hour or until firm. Turn oven off . Allow to cool in oven with door slightly ajar. Spread whipped cream over pavlova and top with fruit.

Christmas delight rocky roadPrep 15 mins | Makes 20 500g white chocolate1/2 cup dried Cranberries100g Macadamia nuts, roughly chopped60g Pistachio nuts1/2 cup desiccated coconut250g Turkish Delight, cut into thirds1 1/2 cups of marshmallows, halved Line a 21cm x 21cm square cake tin with baking paperMelt chocolate in the microwave in a large bowl until meltedStir in the rest of the ingredients


Indulge at Christmas

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