Christmas time is filled with the most delicious and delectable treats and for most of us it’s a time to push those diets aside and over indulge on the foods we love to eat.

Weight Loss Queen, Annette Sym, believes enjoying the Christmas treats doesn’t mean destroying those weight loss goals that you have worked so hard to achieve.

“By following a few simple tips Christmas can be a time of enjoyment and fun without having to put on those extra kilos you worked so hard to get rid of,” says Annette.

The festivities, food and parties that come with the Christmas season can often result in starting the New Year with unwanted extra weight and regretting those December indulgences. Annette encourages you to be smart when it comes to this year’s Christmas.

“The festive season can be a battle for all of us, we have so much food to choose from and this can often result in eating too much of all the wrong things” said Annette.

“Having a good time does not always mean eating the wrong foods, when going to Christmas functions look for the healthy alternatives such as:

1. Don’t arrive hungry and avoid the deep fried fatty appetisers if possible
2. Choose the low fat options if available such as low fat dips
3. Load your plate with fresh salad and avoid those covered in high fat mayonnaise and dressings.
4. Lean meat, chicken roasted instead of fried and fresh seafood are ideal choices
5. Avoid high fat desserts and instead indulge in the wonderful summer fruits available.
6. To lighten the Christmas pudding add low fat ice-cream or custard instead of cream.

It’s the surprise package that nobody wants – a scale that displays extra kilos after the festive season is over. Annette believes this does not have to be the case, and by following a few symple steps you can give the gift of good health to yourself instead this Christmas.

“If you have successfully lost weight over 2010, the last thing you will want to do is blow it all in December,” Annette said.

Annette’s top five seasonal tips are:

• Increase your exercise time or level to help compensate for overeating.
• Avoid overindulging when attending functions. If you don’t want to be tempted then make sure you eat before you go out, and then you can still enjoy  a small amount of what is being offered at the function. Arriving  on an empty stomach may set you up for overeating and a weakened resistance when out!
• Take your good intentions when dining out and remember that little pickers wear big knickers.
• If you go to a luncheon, then have a light dinner that night to help balance out.
• Reduce or avoid having too much alcohol. Alcohol is wasted calories and also can be the cause of an undisciplined attitude that makes you eat too much or the wrong type of foods.
• Try to have more good days than bad. Write down how much you are eating on the days when you have outings and then reduce your food intake over the following days to counteract it. This is how I manage and it works really well.

Annette’s cookbooks SYMPLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the new Book 6, are sold in all good newsagencies and Borders bookstores or visit Annette’s website www.symplytoogood.com.au.

“Smiling for Smiddy – A Journey of Friends”, a documentary telling the unique stories of a group of people cycling from Brisbane to Townsville in memory of a lost mate, has just picked up an award for excellence.

Winning Best Documentary at the 2010 Queensland Multi Media Awards, the documentary tells the stories of 50 cyclists who took part in the 2009 eight-day Smiling for Smiddy ride, from Brisbane to Townsville.

Reflected Image PRoductions filmmaker Ryan Early credits the win to the stories of all the people involved.

“It is the willingness of everyone involved to share their very personal stories that made the documentary such a success,” Ryan said.

Ryan, who is now post-producing a new documentary about the 2010 ride, said Smiling for Smiddy was an important charity made up of amazing people, formed in memory of Adam Smiddy, who died aged 26 in 2006.

“In its four year history, Smiling for Smiddy has raised more than $1.5million for cancer research, with the 2009 ride raising more than $500,000.”

The Queensland Multi Media Awards recognise excellence in print, television, radio and multi-media.  Judged by industry professionals from Sydney and Melbourne, the film took out the award against some stiff competition including Win TV Rockhampton’s ‘Qld on Fire’ and Wild Cam Australia’s ‘Life Beneath Canopy’.

“To me, what made the final result unique was the fact that people spoke so openly about their personal motivations to do the ride, and their experiences with cancer,” Ryan said.

Even the films soundtrack was inspired by the ride an original soundtrack created inspired by the song Journey of Friends which was a collaboration between Award winning singer songwriter Mishelle Bradford Jones, Peter Koppes from legendary Australian band ‘The Church’ and Ryan Early, who penned some of the lyrics while filming the ride.

“We are proud that Journey of Friends helped Smiling for Smiddy raise funds for cancer research and are looking forward to having the new “Smiling for Smiddy – The Long Road” documentary of the 2010 ride ready for viewing soon,” Ryan said.

For more information about Smiling for Smiddy visit their website.  You can also view a clip of the documentary below:

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/8054311[/vimeo]

Two successful Sunshine Coast clean-tech businesses are reshaping the solar industry forming a strategic alliance that will provide quality assurance to customers and boost the region’s economy.

Auzion, leaders in solar system supply, and Latronics, industry local manufacturers of quality inverters, are today announcing a key strategic alliance that will see the company’s work together to provide people on the Sunshine Coast, throughout Queensland and Australia with greater access to the highest quality solar systems, as well as create employment.

Auzion’s Managing Director, Mark Leckenby said Auzion was proud to be joining together with Latronics, which has 25 years in the industry in the multimillion-dollar alliance.

“At Auzion, we provide the highest quality components for our systems and also dedicate ourselves to research and development to ensure we are providing customers with world leading technology, and this alliance takes that commitment to the next level,” Mr Leckenby said.

“With the power of Latronics and Auzion working together, we will be doubling the number of solar systems we are installing on homes each month – this is good our two Sunshine Coast-based businesses, good for the economy and good for the environment.”

Both Auzion and Latronics are planning to increase their workforces, including 25 additional staff at the Auzion team in the next three months alone.

Auzion’s and Latronics’ shared business philosophy, dedication to research and development and commitment to the local region made them the perfect fit to enter into this new venture together.

Latronics CEO Klaus Langer said both Auzion and Latronics were focused on being a part of the growth of Sunshine Coast region.

“We are both community-minded, dedicated to managing our headquarters here on the Sunshine Coast and to employing locally,” Mr Langer said.

“We are also focused on business growth, but not at the expense of people and profit.”

Mr Langer said in the two and a half years, Auzion had been operating they had built a strong reputation in the sector, which prompted Latronics to seek an alliance with them.

“We have been working together for some time and with Auzion’s dedication to ongoing research and development of innovative products like the AuziMax energy maximiser, they were the perfect company with which to seek a more formal cooperation.”

“Innovation and research are important in our industry and this new alliance means both companies can work more closely in the booming solar sector” Mr Langer said.

The Auzion solar grid connect systems can be tailored to the needs of each customer and includes quality state-of-the-art technology with a 10-year warranty on the Australian-made Latronics inverter, and the highest efficiency solar cells from reputable international suppliers with a 25-year performance warranty, fitted using Auzion’s exclusive AuziRack, mounting system, developed on the Sunshine Coast. The AuziRack system, which comes with a 10-year warranty, is rated for all Australian cyclone zones, and approved by engineers.

In 2009, the Australian Government set an ambitious renewable energy target of 20 per cent by 2020, which means that one-fifth of Australia’s electricity must be supplied by renewable sources such as solar power. Teamed with the implementation of numerous government-based incentive schemes and the anticipated soaring energy prices over the next decade, Auzion and Latronics are gearing up for increasing demand.

“We live in one of the sunniest places in one of the sunniest countries in the world, with an average of seven hours of sun a day, an ideal climate for solar panels,” Mr Leckenby said.

“People can make real contributions to the environment and also save money by installing the efficient solar grid connect systems.

“In fact, Auzion and Latronics are so confident that customers will be enjoying significant savings when they install their systems, we will pay your power bill for the next 12 months*.”

To find out more details about how you can take advantage Auzion’s offer to pay your energy bill, please refer to the website for details, www.auzion.com or call 1300 AUZION.

*conditions apply. See www.auzion.com for details.

Coast businesswoman and humanitarian, Sue Joseph has been recognised at this year’s Sunshine Coast Business Excellence Awards.

Proud owner of Bassett Barks, a Glasshouse Mountains-based landscaping company, Sue Joseph one of only seven finalists in the Outstanding Business Person of the Year category, hosted by the Maroochy Chamber of Commerce on Saturday night (6^th November).

“It is an honour to be recognised with such a talented group of business people and I would like to congratulate the winner real estate queen Amber Werchon,” Sue said.

“Amber is an extremely talented business woman who has turned her exceptional sales skills into a great real estate empire,” she said.

Recognised for her extraordinary work ethic and business leadership Sue has worked at Bassett Barks for 21 years, working her way up to CEO, after purchasing the company, first with a 50% stake three years ago.  Sue has worked hard to grow the business, which is now recognised as one of the largest in the industry Australia-wide and she purchased the remaining shares in the company last year.

She has also just embarked on a new business venture purchasing the iconic Sunshine Coast Rustic Cabin, which she is renovation to honour its heritage and bring it back to its best.

“To be recognised amongst such esteemed company as they other awards finalists is very humbling,” Sue said.

“It is a great acknowledgement of my work which I am very passionate about,” Sue said.

Inspired by her fond memories of eating there as a child, Sue purchased the Rustic Cabin on Steve Irwin Way, Glenview because she wants to restore it to being one of the Sunshine Coast’s most recognisable landmarks.

The new café and gallery will be named, Daisy’s Place in recognition of the original owner, Daisy Johnston who built the cabin with her husband in 1925.

Sue said her business success was for her following her passion and instincts.

“I have always been passionate about movement which is why I got involved with trucks and transport,” Sue said.

“Now with Daisy’s Place we hope it will once again become a meeting place for people as they move around the Sunshine Coast.

“My family taught me to work hard from a young age and instilled me with a really solid work ethic.

“I believe the key to running a successful business is to provide good service, look after your employees and give to others regardless of whether it is profitable to the company.

“I work very hard and expect others to do so as well but I also look after my staff in a way that is still quite unique – something I think more employers should do.”

It is Sue’s vision and challenge driving her to make Daisy’s Place, a must visit tourist destination by combining the elements of nature, atmosphere, art, tourism and heritage. She plans to offer excellence in food and service while also providing a venue to showcase the talents of people on the Sunshine Coast both artistically and musically.

More information on when Daisy’s Place will open will be available soon.

The Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast is paving the way for clean technologies as host of the inaugural Clean Futures Workshop tomorrow, Friday, 22 October.

The workshop, a part of the two-day practical Clean Futures conference will be held at the University of the Sunshine Coast from 8:30am to 5:00pm and focuses on assisting established and emerging cleantech businesses and enthusiasts by providing practical ways to tap into and utilise multi-million dollar cleantech markets.

The day provides opportunities for B2B strategic networking and includes presentations from 12 industry professionals, experts and entrepreneurs from some of Australia’s most cutting-edge Cleantech businesses who will share their experiences and insights into building and sustaining a successful cleantech business.

“The Sunshine Coast is positioned to become one of Australia’s Cleantech hotspots and this conference will provide a practical forum for anyone looking at advancing their business in the emerging Cleantech sector,” Innovation Centre CEO Colin Graham said.

The presentations focus on offering financial and marketing advice, insights into national and international cleantech markets and practical strategies to accelerate business growth including ways to use innovation to ensure your Cleantech business maintains a competitive edge.

Among the long list of presenters are John O’Brien from Australian Cleantech, Bon and Christine Cameron from Rockcote, Gayne Emblin from Ritek, David Lumb from Clearmake and Mark Leckenby from Auzion, all cleantech specialists from areas of wastewater treatment, water recycling, nanotechnology and solar power.

The Clean Futures 2010 Conference is proudly sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT:                     Clean Futures Main Workshop

DATE:                      Friday, 22^nd October

TIME:                       8:30am – 5:00pm

PLACE:                    Level 3, ICT Building (next to Art Gallery), University of the Sunshine Coast

RSVP:                     For any enquiries please contact Hayley Passmore on 0401 461 192.

It is predicted to be a spectacular day at the book launch of WOW books 4 boys this Saturday, 23 October with already over 100 people signing up to attend.

The event, hosted by Hot 91’s Todd, will be held from 2pm at the Maroochydore Library and promises to be a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family with plenty of free activities including face-painting, lucky dip prizes, temporary tattoos, side-walk chalk drawing and the chance to meet and have a photo taken with the life-size cheeky pair of monsters straight from the pages of the books, Scratch and Patch.

For the adults, a coffee van and Rotary gold-coin sausage sizzle. The short story series will also be available to purchase on the day for only $8.90 each or $26.70 for all three, with plenty of opportunities to get your book signed by the author.

Angela Bueti, the author and creator of WOW books 4 boys said the series was an outcome of her struggle to motivate her own son to read.

“My eldest boy found the readers from school boring and struggled to stay interested,” Angela said.

“After that, I was determined to find a way to make reading fun, rather than a chore,” Angela said.

The Scratch and Patch books are specially designed to assist with language development in boys aged between 4 and 8 and are full of colourful illustrations, humour, action and adventures that appeal to boys and make them want to turn the page.

“Everyone is welcome to come along, it truly is going to be a great day,” Angela said.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT:                      WOW books 4 boys official launch

DATE:                        Saturday, 23 October

TIME:                        2pm – formalities start promptly at 2pm with the activities to continue to 3.30pm

PLACE:                     Maroochydore Library, 44 Sixth Avenue, Cotton Tree

RSVP:                       Media Contact: Michelle Smytheman 0408 401 198

Bloomhill Cancer Help plans to highlight another successful year at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 25^th November.

Bloomhill’s President, Jenny Carroll said all Bloomhill’s achievements this year were a direct reflection of our management committee’s dedication and hard work.

The meeting will discuss general meeting agenda items including finalising the management committee for 2011, upcoming events, issues, OP Shop status and will provide a forum to highlight the outstanding contributions of Bloomhill volunteers and all the successful fundraising events held throughout 2010 and of course the services and assistance given to Bloomhill clients – the reason for the organisation’s existence.

Among the long list of successful 2010 events includes Blitz Week and Race Day. These two events proved very lucrative to the charity by not only helping to improve the day-to-day running of the Centre but raising a significant $76,000 for the charity including the generous contributions from Sporting Chance and the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Hash House Harriers.

This year also marked the launch of Bloomhill’s major fundraising campaign, Target 300, which aims to raise $300,000 to fund a desperately needed extension to the Bloomhill Centre. The campaign has raised  $60,000 so far thanks to a number of kind-hearted donations from Sunshine Coast organisations, businesses and groups, a wonderful start for the charity.

Bloomhill Cancer Help has been operating on Sunshine Coast since 1997 and has successfully improved the quality of life of many people affected by cancer and their families. Bloomhill provides a range of services and complimentary therapies including respite care, transport to appointments and counselling services.

“Bloomhill now supports over 800 members and the number continues to rise every year,” Bloomhill Vice President, Brett Graham said.

“Being apart of Bloomhill not only inspires you but also give you a sense of personal achievement. Knowing that you have contributed to helping improve the lives of those affected by cancer gives you a real sense of happiness,” Brett said.

The meeting will begin at 6pm, but it is requested that guest arrive promptly at 5:30pm. The AGM is open to all current Bloomhill members and will be held at the Bloomhill Centre at 58 Ballinger Road, Buderim.

As per procedure, some 2011 management committee positions will be up for nomination, so if you are a current financial member of Bloomhill and would like to be considered for a position, complete a nomination form by the close of business on Tuesday, 9 November.

The nomination forms can be downloaded from the Bloomhill Cancer Help website, http://bloomhill.com.au/newsite/, and must be completed and posted to:  The Secretary, Bloomhill Cancer Help, PO Box 319, BUDERIM 4556.

Self-promotion and personal selling are skills many of us aren’t confident with but for writers they have to be good at telling their own stories to sell their work.

With that in mind, the Sunshine Coast Literary Association has called on their promotions officer and Sunshine Coast PR consultant Michelle Smytheman, from Reflected Image Productions, to present a workshop designed to help writers to promote themselves.

At the workshop, on 13^th November at Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, writers will have the opportunity to learn from a PR and communications industry insider about how to best promote themselves.

An experienced public relation consultant, business owner and university lecturer and teacher, Michelle Smytheman will share information on how to attract media attention, writing for the media and other avenues to increase awareness of an author’s work.

“Writers have so much to offer and it is important that authors can share their work, especially if they don’t have the backing of a giant publishing house and the PR campaigns associated with books by the world’s best selling authors,” Michelle said.

“Self-publishing is becoming more of an option for writers, but with that also comes full responsibility for promotion and distribution of the books.

As director of Reflected Image PRoductions, Michelle understands how important effective communication and maintaining positive relationships are with the media.

“In the media-saturated world of today, getting publicity and coverage may seem a somewhat impossible task. However, throughout my workshop I will share some simple skills and tools on how you can promote yourself in your local community or further afield,” Michelle said.

The 3-hour workshop will enable authors to develop their own Public Relations campaign from start to finish.

The workshop will help participants learn about:

v Developing a Public Relations campaign.

v Successfully writing for the media.

v Knowing who to contact with your story.

v Developing effective interview skills.

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

WHEN:            Saturday 13 November 2010

WHERE:         Millwell Road Community Centre, Millwell Road East, Maroochydore

TIME:               9.00am -12.30pm

COST:               Sunshine Coast Literary Assoc financial members $50,                                     non-members $60

Bookings:       Book and confirm by payment before workshop: phone 5450 2690 or email info@scliterary.org, or check the What’s On page on the SCLA website –    www.scliterary.org.

Numbers are limited so REGISTER EARLY!

This event is proudly supported by Reflected Image PRoductions.

Free face painting, lucky dip prizes, cake and real life book characters are just some of the excitement to look forward to on Saturday 23 October at the Maroochydore Library.

University of the Sunshine Coast students, David Anderson and Jaclyn Kiorgaard are organising this family event to celebrate the launch of a new series of books for boys.

Hosted by Hot 91’s Toddy, the book launch will blast off at 2pm and all are welcome, said author, Angela Bueti.

Students, David and Jaclyn have been working on the launch for Angela as part of their final year Public Relations studies.

“It is going to be a great afternoon of fun for kids and their parents and we have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure the day is full of fun regardless of the weather.

“Our activities will go ahead, come rain or shine,” David said.

Under the guidance of industry professional, Michelle Smytheman, from Reflected Image PRoductions, the students have organised this wonderful community event to get young boys reading.

The new series of books are full of action and adventure, designed to appeal to boys aged 4 to 8 years and to improve their reading skills.

“We have been provided an excellent opportunity to apply our knowledge and skills to a real-life project.  We have really enjoyed it,” Jaclyn said.

“It has been a really valuable experience, and it is fantastic working with author Angela Bueti,” David said.

Making a special guest appearance at the book launch will be the book’s characters, Scratch and Patch. Don’t miss the chance to get a photo taken with these cheeky, lovable monsters.

Please join us at the Maroochydore Library, 23 October at 2pm. It will be a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with the children.

Wipe the dust of your motorbikes and join Coastline BMW and Nude Deli Café on their monthly bike ride to raise money for Bloomhill Cancer Help’s major fundraiser, Target 300.

The ride will be held on Wednesday, 20^th October and will begin at 11am from the Nude Deli Café, 2 King Street, Cotton Tree. For a $20 donation, riders will receive a famous Nude morning tea and will go in the draw to win $300 worth of rider apparel from Coastline Motorrad. The ride will kick off after the morning tea and will end at the Coastline BMW Dealership, 770 Nicklin Way, Currimundi by 4:30pm.

Bloomhill Vice President and Target 300 Coordinator, Brett Graham said Bloomhill was so pleased to see local businesses getting behind the Target 300 campaign.

Target 300 is a major fundraising campaign that aims to raise $300,000 to fund the desperately needed extension to the Bloomhill Centre in Buderim to enable it to cater for its constant growing number of members and help more people with cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

To reach the $300,000 target, Bloomhill is requesting the support of 300 Sunshine Coast businesses, clubs, organisations, groups or individuals to donate $1,000 each. Smaller donations will of course be accepted – every little bit will help this local charity support the local community.

“Bloomhill has needed an extension for more than a year,” Brett Graham said.

“At the moment, the Bloomhill Centre is at maximum capacity with our treatment rooms booked for more than a month in advance.  We now have over 800 members, a great deal more than last year, which is why we desperately need this extension,” Brett said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity located in Buderim and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complimentary therapies and other services.

“The services we provide at Bloomhill are only made possible by the kind-hearted support we receive from the local community and businesses,” Brett said.

Bloomhill doesn’t receive any government funding, so we rely on the money raised through our OP shops, donations, grants and our fundraising activities, like the October Nude GS Ride, for us to continue to provide our high level of care,” Brett said.

If you would like to be apart of the event and join the list of riders, please RSVP before Monday, 18^th October by contacting Matt Saunders on 5341 8315 or matt.saunders@coastlinemotorrad.com.au. If you are unable to attend but would still like to support a worthy cause and make a donation, simply visit www.target300.com.au and click on the link provided. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and are greatly appreciated.

To keep track of the Target 300 tally, visit www.target300.com.au or keep an eye on the local media for progress updates. Large Target 300 signs will also display the rising tally and can be found in all Bloomhill Op Shops and sponsoring businesses throughout the Sunshine Coast.