Nicky Johnston’s latest children’s book, Actually, I Can is due to launch this Saturday at 2pm. This is Nicky’s third book, after her previous titles, Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts! and Happythoughts are Everywhere, which were all written to help children deal with anxiety.
After observing that her young son demonstrated signs of anxiety, Nicky struggled to find resources suitable for children with similar experiences to her son, which is what inspired this experienced primary school teacher to write her first book, Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts! (published in 2008). Actually, I Can is the story of two friends – Amelia (free-spirited and carefree) and Connor (who always worries) and how their outlook influences their lives. “Actually, I Can shows little worriers how they can work through their anxieties and learn to just be a kid having fun. Many parents tell me they struggle just like I did to find practical support to help their children. My books are written to help children open up about their worries and give them and their parents the tools to help deal with anxiety and worries,” says Nicky.
Tim Costello, Chief Executive of World Vision Australia, will be the guest speaker at this wonderful event. RELEASE DATE: 3 August 2013RRP: $16.95ISBN: 978-0-9870926-7-0 Available in all good bookshops. Check out www.nickyjohnston.com.au for more information or Nicky’s Facebook Page.
August: Get Active August, WA
This one’s for anyone who’s been hiding away inside all winter. Get Active August was an initiative developed by mother of two and business owner Lauren Angove to help busy people (parents in particular) get out and get active. Her youngest son turns three in August, and this has motivated her to work towards her pre-pregnancy weight and energy levels. Lauren is the first to recognise that we’re all busy and constantly juggling and trying to find balance in our lives. “Yet being active is so important for our health, self-esteem, state of mind and energy levels – which in turn helps us deal with the daily stresses of family life,” she says. The key, says Lauren, is identifying that “being more active doesn’t necessarily mean you need more time…There are some great ways to work more activity into our day-to-day life and be more active as a family together.” August is a great time to start an initiative like this, as the days are getting longer and warmer. “Families usually find it more difficult to be active in winter too, so with spring around the corner it’s time to start thinking about how to get the family more active and stay active no matter what the weather outside,” says Lauren.
Get Active August challenges parent to get active for 15-30 mins each day with their kids, and the program offers ideas on how families can do this – indoors and out.
To get involved:
– Visit www.getactiveaugust.com
– ‘Like’ the Kids Around Perth Facebook page and to keep up to date with Lauren’s 15-30min family activity suggestions, as well as activities from family-friendly businesses in Perth.
– Register to attend the Kids Around Perth Get Active Family Meetup, August 18th, at Jackadder Lake Reserve, Woodlands. Bring a ball, skipping rope and frisbee, or any other items that you can use to get active. There will also be other organised activities on the day. Spots are limited, so make sure you register to avoid disappointment.
11 August: The Australian Hotel and Brewery annual Brewery Birthday Bash, Rouse Hill, N.S.W
The Australian Hotel and Brewery Rouse Hill are getting ready for their third Brewery Birthday Bash this month.
They’ll be fire trucks, farm animals and fast cars. The Brewery Birthday Bash is a family affair that’s run in conjunction with The Variety Bash charity and cars participating in this year’s Bankstown to Ballarat Bash will also be on display. With an award winning bistro, the Brewery is looking forward to doing what they do best – “Families, Food and Fun”.
Key attractions on the day include:
– Jumping castle
– The Red Lea ‘Chicken to the Rescue’ Fire Truck
– Players from the GWS Giants
-‘Nuts in Balls’ – the kids can climb into a clear ball and experience walking on water.
– Brewery Open Day Tastings and Tours
– Competitions and giveaways
– Melt-in-your mouth meats from the new Meat Smoker
“Birthdays are always a special occasion at the Brewery, ours is no different! So bring the family out in force and help us celebrate,” says Anne Robbie, Licensee. www.australianbrewery.com.au
17 August: The Wellness Summit, featuring The Wellness Guys
As a long-time listener and fan of The Wellness Guys (Australia’s #1 health podcast), I was excited to see that the guys will be appearing at The Wellness Summit at Crown Melbourne this month. “Ten of Australia’s most dynamic health warriors will team up” for The Wellness Summit and focus on promoting better health and wellbeing by identifying and kicking bad habits.
Some of these inspiring health advocates include:
– Hosts of The Wellness Guys: Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Damian Kristof and Dr Brett Hill
– Internationally renowned nutritionist Cyndi O’Meara
– Bali bombing survivor Carren Smith
– World record holder Kim Morrison
Other topics covered throughout The Summit include:
• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Mindset/Goal Setting/Life Purpose
• Mental Health/Wellbeing
• Depression
• Dental Health
If you’re working towards a specific health or wellness goal, this might just be the bit of inspiration and motivation you need to get there. www.thewellnesssummit.com
24 August: Gourmet Living Market Day, Templestowe, VIC
Pop into Templestowe’s Gourmet Living store from 9am on Sat 24 August and enjoy a selection of free tastings from some of their suppliers, including: King Valley Fine Foods, Unforgettable Products, and Rozas Gourmet Sauces. Whilst each producer specialises in something different, the one commonality is that their goods are all completely irresistible! Visitors can look forward to an assortment of pestos, marmalades and relishes (King Valley Fine Foods), melt in your mouth meringues, lemon or passionfruit tarts and petite pavlovas (Unforgettable Products) and gluten free dips, aioli’s and sauces (Rozas Gourmet Sauces). We reckon you’d be pressed to leave without stocking up on some local goodies. www.gourmetliving.com.au
30 August: Bluestone Restaurant 13th Birthday Special Thanksgiving Dinner, Melbourne
Bluestone Restaurant Bar on Flinders Lane has established itself as one of Melbourne’s favourite CBD eateries. Bluestone is ‘giving thanks’ for their 13 years in business with a Thanksgiving Dinner celebration. USA-born Executive Chef Cody Cunningham is drawing on his heritage to create an American-style feast including: roast turkey, corn on the cob, and of course, pumpkin pie. “I cannot wait to bring a bit of my homeland to Bluestone’s guests on the night,” says Cody.
What can patrons expect on the night? “The theme will be very much like a Thanksgiving dinner at my home – guests sharing and interacting – seated on long tables, free flowing drinks and of course a bit of thanksgiving fun – with making of traditional Indian headdresses, pilgrim hats and games,” explains Cody. $85 gets you a comprehensive two course menu, plus free flowing drinks (beer, wine and soft drinks) between 7-10pm. If you’re up for a fun night, make a booking on 03 9620-4060 or visit www.bluestonerestaurantbar.com.au
10 August: BrisStyle Indie Markets at Brisbane City Hall
23 August: BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets
BrisStyle is a Brisbane-based non-profit organisation founded in 2008 “through a shared love of creating beautiful things”. Most members sell their gorgeous creations on online handmade superstore, Etsy.com, but occasionally they showcase their work at the BrisStyle Indie Markets. BrisStyle has organised two great markets in August: BrisStyle Indie Markets at Brisbane City Hall and BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets.
The BrisStyle Indie Markets at Brisbane City Hall will run from 9am-2pm. Lovers of unique, handmade products will adore the new-look BrisStyle Markets, located on the ground floor of the beautiful, historic Brisbane City Hall. Come and meet over 80 local makers at the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets from 5pm to 9pm. www.BrisStyle.com.au
13 August: Monks Millionaires and Money, Part 2 – ‘The Calling’: stories of courage
The second part of the three-part Monks Millionaires and Money series is set to take place at the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney this month.
Shine presents a group of inspiring speakers and performers who will offer “stories of courage” as they discuss the topic: “99% of how the world works is invisible” – Buckminster Fuller
Speakers include:
• Dr Avnesh Ratnanesan – Founder of Energesse, social change agent, entrepreneur, visionary, success magnet. Dr Ratnanesan (or “Avi”) comes from a traditional medical model until, one day, his whole life shifted. He’ll speak about how he discovered his purpose.
• Robert Kirby – Founder of Robert Kirby International, facilitator, healer, therapist, change agent
• Getrude Matshe – speaker, author, activist, serial entrepreneur, initiator, change agent, creator
• Luke Dixon – Divine Union, musician, thinker, philosopher, intuitive.
• Lindsay Drummond – Divine Union, musician, provocateur, creator.
• Julian Noel – Founder of Shine. Hear from Julian’s story and why Shine!
Tickets: $50 +GST
First 70 bookings online will receive a giftpack for both men and women, valued at more than $40 from Natio Skincare, a supporter of Shine
Book online at www.shinesydney.com.au
17 August: FREE SEMINAR – How to publish a book at no cost to you and bring in 6 figures per annum, 99 on York – 99 York St, Sydney
Writing a book is on my lifetime ‘List of Goals’. The problem with this goal is that I just wouldn’t know where to start getting my book published once it was completed. Publishing Queen, Kylee Legge believes that part of the success of publishing in a book lies in starting your marketing process before you even start writing. Clearly focusing on your end market will reduce your publishing costs by creating momentum before your book even hits the shelves. “Remember to also start your publishing process with the end in mind by marketing before you even put pen to paper so you can use the pre-sales of your book to fund the costs of the publishing process so you don’t need to spend any of your own money to get the ball rolling,” advises Kylee.
In her FREE one-day seminar on 17 August, Kylee elaborates on this strategy further, whilst sharing other publishing gems that will help you create your publishing plan. Book your spot today at: www.thepublishingqueen.com/seminarsydney or check out www.thepublishingqueen.com for more info.
25 August: Parkinson’s NSW 6th Anniversary Unity Walk & Run, Sydney Olympic Park
The Parkinson’s NSW Unity Walk and Run is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy Sydney’s beautiful Olympic Park, whilst staying active by participating in a 4km or 8km run, or a 4km walk. Money raised from this event will go towards raising awareness and finding a cure for Parkinson’s, whilst also supporting people living with this disabling disease. Participants can also look forward to group exercise activities such as Zumba, yoga and tai chi, as well as the chance to win a six night holiday to Hawaii. The first 1500 walkers and the first 500 runners to register will also receive a 6th anniversary Unity Walk t-shirt. Visit www.unitywalk.com.au or www.unityrun.com.au for more information and to register.
25 August: Parkinson’s A Walk in the Park, Federation Square, Melbourne
Victorians can also get involved in this great event. If you’re in Melbourne on Sunday 25 August, head down to Federation Square and join in A Walk in the Park for Parkinson’s – Parkinson’s Victoria’s biggest annual fundraising event. This scenic walk consists of 4km along the Yarra at 11am. What better way to spend a Sunday – come into the city and grab some breaky before walking it off. You can even bring your dog! To register to walk and fundraise go to www.parkinsonswalk.com.au
29 August: The Wedding Arcade, Spring Restaurant, Brisbane
If you’re in the process of organising a wedding, check out this contemporary version of a wedding expo. Couples can look forward to an interactive wedding planning experience by playing games and participating in fun activities. This is one of four seasonal Wedding Arcade events to be held this year, and this one is themed “The 4 Seasons”. There’s also a chance for guests to win over $7000 in flyers.
Tickets: $10. Visit www.theweddingarcade.com or The Wedding Arcade on Facebook
