December 2019 - January 2020

Blue Mountains Life

Country Living in regional Australia

Blue Mountains Life1 min read
Blue Mountains Life
Andrew Papadatos andrew@bluemountainslife.com.au Mob: 0413 051 652 Vanessa Mace vanessa@bluemountainslife.com.au Di Redmond, Julie Walker editorial@bluemountainslife.com.au Luba Bosch production@bluemountainslife.com.au Ronald Bowden, John Rowe, Jenn
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
Editor
Christmas is the season for giving. And our farmers, plus those living in rural areas, need our help more than ever this year. The drought has taken its toll on many aspects of country life and create plenty of stress for those who should be enjoying
Blue Mountains Life8 min read
News
There are now two more chances to celebrate a local hero this Australia Day. Two new categories in the Blue Mountains Local Australia Day 2020 Awards celebrate our older citizens and those protecting our environment, with awards for Senior Citizen of
Blue Mountains Life3 min readGardening
In The Garden
Woodford Rural Fire Brigade is having their major annual fundraiser selling Christmas trees again this year. Real, living Christmas trees. Stands are also available. Sat 7 Dec, 9am – 5pm Sun 8 Dec, 9am – 5pm Sat 14 Dec, 9am – 5pm Sun 15 Dec,
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
SUSTAINABLE Landscape Design
while skills were being lost generally through quick builds and cheap alternatives, master landscapers such as Now & Zen create and maintain bespoke gardens to a long-term vision featuring individual pieces created by artisans, stonemasons and expert
Blue Mountains Life3 min read
Art Events
The highly anticipated exhibition The Wonders of Wandin Valley opens at 6pm on Friday, 13 December, at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery. Many people from near and far have come forward with a vast array of memorabilia. Loan items include fan cards, offici
Blue Mountains Life4 min read
Moving Forward
mountain local Mary Moody has released her latest instalment in her memoir series – The Accidental Tour Guide. Mary tells the story of how she has rebuilt her life following a heartbreaking loss. She is known her previous best-selling books and her
Blue Mountains Life2 min read
Opportunity In The Market
WITH ALMOST 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE LISTING AND SELLING A DIVERSE RANGE OF PROPERTIES IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS REGION, CATRIONA SWAN IS ABLY QUALIFIED TO CHAT ABOUT ALL MATTERS REAL ESTATE WITH US. Q What tips can you offer sellers to maintain momentum
Blue Mountains Life3 min read
Woolshed Wars
What does it take to drive farmer against another, erupting in scenes of violence keenly remembered more than thirty years on? As bizarre as it sounds, farming men from the Central West were willing to attack and set fire to one another over the addi
Blue Mountains Life4 min readFashion
FUN & FASHION
BML Being creative is a great way to save money. Is it true that you made everything for your wedding yourself? KMF Yes. I made my own wedding dress, flowers, invitations, decorations, wedding rings (my husband and I made them together), everything.
Blue Mountains Life3 min read
Grabbing Her Courage
matilda Stafford is a young Bathurst writer who recently won third prize in the 2019 Banjo Paterson Writing Awards for a short piece called ‘The Accident’. Her love for story-telling with words and illustrations began when she started school. At a yo
Blue Mountains Life2 min read
Closeburn House
Closeburn House is an attractive example of a substantial late Victorian home built in the late 1800s in the Upper Blue Mountains. It has periodically operated as an upmarket guesthouse for over a century. Closeburn House was built in the late 1800s
Blue Mountains Life2 min read
SECRET Valley
With age comes beauty and Secret Valley in the Hawkesbury show the result of decades of love lavished on a property. For over 35 years the same owners have been slowly creating Secret Valley, a semi-rural property nestled alongside the magical Blue
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
A New View
there are some great escarpment properties at Katoomba, but none of them can match this great new contemporary home. This brand new centrally located home sets a new benchmark in contemporary living in the Upper Blue Mountains. It’s perfectly located
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
Eco Paradise
at number 14 Cumberland Street, Katoomba live a couple who have built an intriguing sustainable home around a natural backyard stream. The property features natural springs and was handcrafted and built by its current owners 25 years ago to suit it
Blue Mountains Life5 min read
Home Improvement
renovating or decorating is a never-ending list of choices, choosing colours alone is a minefield. There are inspirational images everywhere, tv shows, magazines, instagram, you know the look you want, but don’t know how to achieve it. Decisions, de
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
Simply Sublime
Against the Grain’s latest renovation project took a classic but awkwardly configured cottage and turned it into a luxurious modern home with major internal remodelling and extensions to the rear of the home and a new second story. All living areas o
Blue Mountains Life1 min readEconomics
25 Years Of Experience At Your Feet
Blue Mountains Carpets and Flooring is a local family owned business servicing the Blue Mountains and surrounding regions. Their showroom is now open in Springwood showcasing the latest styles and ranges from the largest suppliers including Karndean,
Blue Mountains Life1 min readCooking, Food & Wine
RIBS With Low & Slow BBQ Guide
There are few things in life more delicious, satisfying and universally loved than a plate of glistening, slow-cooked rack of ribs. RIBS With Low & Slow BBQ Guide is the ultimate collection of the very best recipes, tips and techniques from barbeque
Blue Mountains Life3 min readCooking, Food & Wine
Summer Sizzle
2 racks pork ribs1 tablespoon kosher salt1 teaspoon finely ground freshly cracked black pepper100 g (3½ oz) unsalted butter2 tablespoons plain (all-purpose) flour3 spring onions (scallions), finely chopped375 ml (13 fl oz) apricot nectar200 ml (7 fl
Blue Mountains Life1 min readCooking, Food & Wine
Raw Vegan Choc Cherry Ice Cream Bars
320g (2 cups) raw cashews85g (½ cup) coconut sugar2 tbs cacao powder1 tbs organic coconut oil½ tsp vanilla bean powder110 g (1 cup) coconut milk (full fat)1 cup dried or frozen cherries (try our dried sour cherries)10 Medjool dates2 tbs rice malt syr
Blue Mountains Life2 min readRegional & Ethnic
TEA for TWO
As tea-loving twin sisters and busy mums (who happen to share a passion for all things Australian), we understand the importance of an uncomplicated cuppa. So, not surprisingly, that’s the inspiration behind our unique flavours that are carefully han
Blue Mountains Life1 min readRegional & Ethnic
CREATING New History
Originally built in 1903 and named after Queen Alexandra, the consort of King Edward VII, “The Alex” incorporates a grandiose, traditional design masterminded by local architect F.C. Goyder, combining it with all the modern features one might expect
Blue Mountains Life1 min readCooking, Food & Wine
BLACKHEATH BAR & BISTRO
Blackheath Bar and Bistro offers a modern take on a classic formula of excellent food and welcoming service in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The latest Asian-inspired food trends and Aussie pub classics are given a refreshing twist, with a
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
Hawkesbury Holiday
Looking for a bit of fun. Or perhaps some adventure. The Hawkesbury is fast becoming a go to region for a quick getaway for Sydneysiders. Discover local and international artists at the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery. The Council run public art gallery
Blue Mountains Life2 min readPsychology
Look The Age You Feel
Award winning injector Jill McIver brings over 9 years’ experience in making you look the age that you feel. She has, impressively, completed over 10,000 treatments across NSW, the ACT and Victoria as a registered nurse, Jill has built a reputation o
Blue Mountains Life6 min read
Springwood
Stores in Springwood will be open late on Thursday, Dec 12 with the annual ‘Shop Local’ event kicking off between 5pm until 8pm. Visitors will also be able to participate in many local competitions, Santa’s workshop, music entertainment and dining. F
Blue Mountains Life4 min readPsychology
Tell Tale Signs
In one survey, 20 per cent of men and 13 per cent of women said that they had cheated during their marriage. While the numbers may be higher because people may not be willing to admit it, the point is that many people have cheated. How do you know i
Blue Mountains Life2 min read
Getting Serious About SUMMER SKIN
Whilst it is a fabulous time to be social, enjoy the outdoors and catch up with family & friends it is extremely important to stay sun smart throughout the warmer months especially! It is incredible to see how many people still sunbake in Summer with
Blue Mountains Life3 min read
Pain In The Back!
About 5-10 per cent of people with low back will suffer from sciatica. As much as 70 per cent of the population will deal with low back pain during their lifetime. Unfortunately, despite its prevalence, sciatica is not very well understood. Even tho
Blue Mountains Life3 min readAnthropology
The Changing Face of FUNERAL SERVICES
The funeral industry needs more freedom to meet consumer needs, says longtime director, Tom Brownjohn, principal of TR Brownjohn Memorial Home, (Katoomba, Springwood, and Lithgow). Tom has been helping families deal with death, grief, and final good
Blue Mountains Life3 min readFashion
Wedding Gown
A wedding gown will waltz a bride through one of the most important days of her entire life; so choosing a style that complements her physique and personality is truly an important decision. Choosing the right style can be nerve-wracking, but by havi
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
Have Your Dream Hawkesbury River Wedding
Declare your love and lifelong commitment at the Hawkesbury’s leading wedding venue. Have your choice of stunning indoor venues, charming gazebo setting or rustic outdoor locations. Share this once in a lifetime moment in your ideal location with you
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
Provincial Home Living
At Provincial Home Living, we have crafted an inspiring collection of homewares and furniture to transform your home into an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. A place where time slips by, a place where you and your loved ones can relax in t
Blue Mountains Life2 min read
Where Imagination Becomes Reality...
The Palais Royale invites you to experience the history and romance of a bygone era. A fully restored luxury boutique hotel, brilliantly situated in the heart of the Blue Mountains, the Palais Royale is the ideal venue for a wedding reception. The be
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
STUNNING VIEWS and FINE WINE
Surrounded by towering sandstone escarpments and offering some of the region’s most outstanding scenery, Dryridge Estate is a fabulous boutique vineyard nestled deep in the Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains. The vineyard offers beautiful accommodation
Blue Mountains Life6 min readFashion
Handy Bags For Summer
With the sun shining and Summer upon us, get ready for the holiday season and freshen up your wardrobe with the new season collections at Harmony Fashion Boutique in Richmond. Deborah has sourced the upcoming trends featuring brands such as Andiamo,
Blue Mountains Life2 min read
What’s New
Handmade in their Noosaville studio, Northern Light Candles have available 3 different bases with 6 dish colours to choose from so you’re guaranteed to find a match to suit your style and home perfectly. kwceramics.com.au FURNITURE SHOULD HAVE PERSO
Blue Mountains Life1 min readAutomotive
On The Road
The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC Coupé and the all-new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Coupé have been released. The CLA 250 features a 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine making a punchy 165kW of power and 350Nm of torqu
Blue Mountains Life2 min read
Great Reads
A fully illustrated and authorised episode guide celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the hit-television show Friends, including a look behind-the-scenes of cult-favorite episodes. Microsoft’s CEO tells the inside story of the company’s contin
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
Film Preview
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron’s journey continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle commences. The four players brave the jungle, desert, mountains and
Blue Mountains Life2 min read
On Stage
Don’t miss Yael Stone and Noni Hazlehurst in this wicked black comedy by Academy Award-winning writer Martin McDonagh. In a small town in the Irish Hills of Connemara, Maureen Folan lives a lonely existence with Mag, her aged mother. Their relationsh
Blue Mountains Life1 min read
Social Scene
The Australian National Field Days is the oldest annual agricultural exhibition in the country and yet it still manages to bring out the crowds. Established in 1952, the ANFD offers visitors a unique insight into the future of agriculture with the co

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