THE LIVING EDGE NEWS: MAY 2024

MASSIVE MAY!

The lights are on, the frost has set in at Wattle Park and Steve has been turning on the heater at the bowls club – Welcome to Winter!

We have had a massive month in May, with numbers at sessions consistent and the energy levels still at their highest. It’s a great indication of what The Living Edge program brings to people on a daily basis – a time set aside for yourself, to recharge your batteries and connect with others! It’s important that whilst we connect on the field, connecting off the field brings an opportunity to build comradrie, share plenty of banter and learn something new about a fellow recruit.

Whilst we are on the topic of learning something about a fellow recruit – did you know that Jan Palamara started her Little Bar Cart after a trip to UK 2017? Jan took a few moments to answer some questions about her business which was recently nominated for a Wedding Industry Award – learn more in this months Business Connect.

At the bowls club, the greens are a little more plush than Wattle Park – Steve O has been keeping a watchful eye. If you haven’t had a chance, let Sarge or Katrina know you would like to give it a go – it’s a different intensity to Bootcamp, but is still challenging! If the weather is impacting the number of sessions you are getting to, remember Tuesday and Thursday nights at Bennettswood Bowls Club is where you can get your fix.

Andrew Scott – what an achievement mate, 100 sessions smashed out this year. Your commitment and dedication to your health is inspiring for many recruits and sets an example for us all!

Keep kicking goals in June, and for those doing the push-up challenge – only 3249 to go!

BUSINESS CONNECT - CHEERS TO UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS - WITH THE LITTLE BAR CART!

Picture this: You are having a special event across the yard, a little bar cart is setup, with a selection of drinks ready to be served by a smiling face . The air is filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the delightful aroma of freshly muddled mint. Welcome to the world of The Little Bar Cart, where drinks become legends and memories are shaken, not stirred.

TLE Recruit, Jan Palamara isn’t just a super woman who smashes out Bootcamp and Fitness Fusion session weekly – she is also the person behind one of the best bar carts in Greater Melbourne (Awarded the #2 Highly Commended Wedding Industry Awards 2024 – Caravan, Truck, Carts and Bar Category). Jan took a few moments to tell us more about where it all began and what she has taken away from being in business!

What does The Little Bar Cart do?

The Little Bar Cart mobile drinks service adds flair to any location, ensuring your event stands out. With a commitment to exceptional service, we aim to create unforgettable experiences. Whether indoors or outdoors, our custom designed carts elevate weddings and events.

Where did it all begin and where are you today?

A trip to the UK in August 2017 saw me attend a wedding where I came across a vintage Prosecco van which I thought was absolutely gorgeous and could see the potential for this style of business in Australia. When I returned home, I researched options and came across The Little Bar Cart who offer licenses for people to start their own TLBC business.

After many discussions with the team in Perth, Rob and I travelled to meet Pippa and Trevor and worked two events with them. We both loved the experience and by January 2018, we were up and running with our black little bar cart.

By mid-January 2018 we had our first booking which was exciting and daunting at the same time for wedding ceremony drinks of a prominent Melbourne journalist. Our first time out with the cart was definitely a learning curve. We had set up the cart on a slope and I had loaded the glassware in the racks of the cart. Next we placed the tub with the drinks under the hood of the cart and unfortunately the cart toppled over and smashed glasses on it’s way down. We quickly got the cart back up on her wheels and retrieved what glassware we could and reset with extra glassware. Being our first event we arrived super early and only a couple of guests had arrived to see our mishap. Anyway, we survived and the rest of the afternoon ran smoothly.

We have grown our business significantly over 6.5 years with two carts, staff and many many events under our belt. We have an incredible amount of fun, we love meeting wonderful people along the way and travelling around Melbourne and regional Victoria to the most amazing places.

Where did the passion begin?

Combined with a love of entertaining at home with our family and friends, Rob’s hotel industry experience, my experience as an Executive & Event Assistant and a strong desire of mine to run my own business, lead us to The Little Bar Cart.

What has been your biggest take away from running your own business?

A few things really… Be consistent in all aspects of your business. Outsource the areas that are not your strength that add value to your business.

Believe in yourself and seek a mentor to bounce ideas around and provide guidance.

Be accepting of change as your business evolves and take on some hairy audacious goals. If things don’t go to plan, these are learning opportunities and try not to be too hard on yourself!

If you or a family member is having an event The Little Bar Cart is ready to roll up – with Jane, Rob and maybe even Anth if you are lucky!

Reach out to Jan on 0411 846 785 or melbourne@thelittlebarcart.com.au

HIGH FIVES TO THESE SUPERSTARS! MAY SPIRIT AWARDS

SPIRIT OF BOOTCAMP & FITNESS FUSION

Congratulations to award winners for May across all parts of The Living Edge program!

Wattle Park AM

David Anderson
Sharon Olsen (You must have SOB wallpaper at home by now!)
Tim Sauvarin

Wattle Park PM

Andrew Scott
Edward Royston
Dan Bell

CBD

Phil Anderaon
Clare Regan

Fitness Fusion

Leigh Farrell
Jen Vanderhors
Ingrid Kuebler

EATING SEASONALLY - NOT ONLY IS IT GENERALLY MORE COST EFFECTIVE, BUT CAN ALSO GIVE YOU A BOOST IN MUCH NEEDED VITAMINS!

As we get into the colder months. its important to consider the role that seasonal foods play in our overall health!

When renowned chefs consider their menu’s one of the things many people will find surprising is the focus put on using locally grown, seasonal foods because they naturally suite the climate, but also end up being cost-effective when creating dishes – colder weather, traditionally brings things like: warming bowls of soup, punchy curries, salads using root vegetables and the introduction of citrus wherever possible. If chefs, think this way – they are probably onto something – not to mention if we take away the luxury of supermarkets we would probably find ourselves like a young Joey Lumicisi eating what’s grown in the garden!

Read below to find out about some of the fruits and vegetables that are or will be coming into season over the coming months:

Fruit/ Vegetable	Rich in
Potatoes	Potassium, Vitamin C and Fiber
Parsnips	Antioxidants and Fiber
Carrots	Vitamin A, Antioxidants
Pumpkin	Vitamin A, C and Fiber
Broccoli	Vitamin C, K and Antioxidants
Cabbage	Vitamin C, K and Anti-inflammontary properties
Cauliflower	Choline and Fiber
Apples	Vitamin C and Fiber
Pears	Vitamin C, K and Fiber
Citrus – Oranges, Mandarins, Limes, Lemons and Grapefruit	Vitamin C and Antioxidants
Kiwifruit	Vitamin C and Digestive Enzymes
Asian Greens	Calcium and a range of Vitamins and Minerals
Avocadoes	Healthy Fats and Potassium
Beetroot	Folate and Nitrate
Leeks	Allicin and Vitamin K1
Ginger	Anti-inflammotary and nausea properties
Garlic	Immuner Booster and Antioxidants
Peas	Protein and Fiber

ENOUGH OF THE HEALTHY STUFF – WHAT ABOUT STEPH’S COOKIES!

On good account, Steph’s ‘Recovery’ cookies are a winner – with the OBC crew enjoying the little snack after tackling a trail run! See the recipe below

Reference: https://joyfoodsunshine.com/the-most-amazing-chocolate-chip-cookies/#wprm-recipe-container-8678

227 g salted butter softened
232 g granulated sugar
213 g light brown sugar packed
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
410 g all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp sea salt
396 g chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium bowl mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Cream together butter and sugars until combined.
Beat in eggs and vanilla until light (about 1 minute).
Mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
Add chocolate chips and mix well.
Roll 2-3 Tablespoons (depending on how large you like your cookies) of dough at a time into balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared cookie sheets.
Bake in preheated oven for approximately 8-10 minutes. Take them out when they are just barely starting to turn brown.
Let them sit on the baking pan for 5 minutes before removing to cooling rack.

My involvement with Original Bootcamp and The Living Edge has been life changing. In 2012, I was seeking an outdoor fitness program that would challenge me and improve my fitness, but what I got from it is so much more. It's the best thing I've ever been part of! I've made lifelong friendships, it is a wonderful, supportive network, and I'd recommend it to anyone, no matter what their health and fitness goals are.

Training with The Living Edge has become an integral part of my life over the last few years. The instructors are inspirational, highly skilled and deliver a brilliant program that’s diverse, challenging, motivational and for me and, above all, so much fun! I absolutely love starting my day in the beautiful natural setting of Wattle Park. For me, it’s far more than just physical exercise, it’s had a huge positive effect on my mental and emotional well-being. I’ve made so many friends; it's a true community that encourages, supports and cares for one another. Rain, hail or shine I look forward to each session. It will always be part of my life.

Joining Original Bootcamp with the Living Edge has been the best decision I have ever made. I will admit I went into it somewhat reluctantly, expecting to be pushed well beyond my limits and told to suck it up. What I found however was the most encouraging and inclusive community of people, whose only intent is to see people succeed in whatever they set their mind to. The support, the uplift in spirit and the focus on mindset and improvement at MY pace, has not only increased my physical fitness beyond all of my expectations, it has also filtered into my family and work life, creating a balance that has made me a better father, husband and worker as well as happier more fulfilled individual. Only you can change your health and happiness. The Living Edge will give you the tools and support to put your plan into action.

Nowadays it is not easy to find a place where the sense of community is at the forefront. The Original Bootcamp, lead by Sarge Dave Murray from The Living Edge, ticks this important box. From the first day, one can feel the camaraderie, support and encouragement that uplift the spirit during the hardest part of training or the coldest day of winter. Knowing that I will share an hour with a group of people with the same mindset motivates me every morning. That is just half of the equation because Dave Murray and his team of trainers lead by example, and they are always attentive to how we perform the exercise and that we are doing it the right way.

It’s never too late! I started attending Original Bootcamp training with The Living Edge in early 2014, after a 9-year break from regular exercise. I was in my 50’s and unfit by every measure. From the first session I was welcomed and never judged. Every recruit had been through a similar journey and they only offered words of encouragement and advice. Within 6 months I was back to being fit and feeling good about myself. Dave and the other trainers at The Living Edge have created an amazing culture, inclusive of people from all walks of life and occupations. Everyone is equal no matter who you are, and the camaraderie is both infectious and humbling. 8 years of Original Bootcamp with The Living Edge has been life changing for me, it’s that simple!

I have been a long- term Bootcamp recruit with The Living Edge for over 12 years and couldn’t imagine my life without it. No two training sessions are the same, so you know your body and mind will always be challenged and never become bored. I love exercising in the early morning fresh air with a connected, like-minded community who encourage and support each other throughout the session. My Original Bootcamp training with The Living Edge sets me up for a positive day!

I started training with The Living Edge in 2014. A short break to have my daughter and then I was back to Bootcamp. This is a great outdoor program with a variety of cardio and weight training. The sessions are always varied and well researched which keeps things interesting as well as beneficial fitness wise. The trainers are superb and Sarge Dave Murray is very motivational and supportive of your goals and aspirations. He has created a culture that is more like a community where everyone helps each other out. One of his favourite sayings is ‘together, everyone achieves more’. The support, camaraderie and banter is what keeps me coming back again and again. The Living Edge is so much more than just fitness training for me. It is the medicine for my mental health. Cannot recommend it highly enough!