Living Gems

Celebrate Sudoku! Today, 9 September, is International Sudoku Day, a time when players from around the world celebrate the logic-based number-placement puzzle called Sudoku. If you aren’t already playing this popular game, then there couldn’t be a better time to learn. The game was originally developed by a Swiss mathematician during the 18th century. The modern version we play today was created by freelance puzzle inventor, Howard Garns, of Connersville, Indiana. In 1984, the game appeared in Japan where they called it Sudoku meaning `the digits are limited to one occurrence’. To celebrate this special day, why not have a game. It’s totally relaxing! Good luck.

Well, this has got to be the ultimate in home delivery pizza! 🍕🍕

Homeowners at Amber by Living Gems enjoyed a slice or two of delicious wood-fired pizza from Roam'In Pizza at a recent evening event held at their beautiful Country Club located in Logan Village.

Happy Father’s Day! A father is someone who supports his children’s dreams and encourages them to pursue their goals. He is there through thick and thin, and we love him for it. Here’s to celebrating all our dads!

It was an exciting day for Graham and Anne when they moved into their stunning new home at Amber by Living Gems. Congratulations and welcome Graham and Anne.

Marilyn and Paul were thrilled to move into their stunning new RV home at Amber by Living Gems. Congratulation and welcome Marilyn and Paul!

Happy Dog Day! The paw-fect day to spoil our pooches! This special day takes place on 26 August, a day when the world celebrates these beautiful little fur babies and raises awareness of the number of dogs that need to be rescued each day. C'mon bark it out - HAPPY DOGS DAY TO ALL!

Stunning scene! This beautiful photograph was taken one very cold morning when the fog was low to the ground and the sun was coming up at Logan Village. Thank you Angela for sharing!

Look at this! Classic cars, timeless icons of automotive history, have become a common sight at Amber by Living Gems where some residents are passionate owners of early model vehicles that turn heads. Click here to read more.

Turning heads! Cruising in classic cars Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

It was smiles all 'round when Angela and Howard took possession of their beautiful new home at Amber by Living Gems this week. Popping by to say hello was Living Gems construction supervisor Brent. Welcome home Angela and Howard!🍾

Purr-fectly precious! It’s time to celebrate the charm and mystique of our precious felines. These furry bundles of joy are being celebrated today, International Cat Day, by pet lovers around the world who are keen to honour these beautiful creatures that have captured the hearts of millions. The day was established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare to pay tribute to humanity’s oldest and most beloved pets while also raising awareness about cat welfare and protection.

Time to raise your glasses! Today, is International Beer Day – an occasion that invites beer lovers from around the world to unite in celebration of one of our oldest and most beloved beverages. It’s also a great excuse to get together with friends and toast to beer, it’s rich history and the culture surrounding it. Cheers everyone!

Are you ready for a great night out? Gemmers Social Club at Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront resort is inviting residents from all Living Gems communities to join them for a great night of fun, good food and entertainment for their Faulty Towers – The (Original) Dining Experience event. To be held on Thursday, 12 September, this fabulous night will include a delicious three-course menu and a 2-hour interactive show. It promises to be an evening to remember. To book or to find out more email Helen at [email protected]. Hurry before tickets sell out!

Boot scootin’ is on the menu in the new Country Club at Amber by Living Gems, with about a dozen line dancers turning up for free lessons each week. If you’re keen to dance, or indulge in some aerobics or chair fitness lessons, check out this story with coordinator Marjie, 81 – a former hairdresser who loves to keep on moving!

Boot scootin’ at Amber by Living Gems: Line dancing proves popular Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

Making friends in retirement! Friendships play such an important role in our health and wellbeing. Click to get some great tips on how to make friends in retirement and increase your enjoyment at the same time.

Making friends in retirement made easy Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

In celebration of National Lamington Day, held each year on 21 July, Amber by Living Gems resident Carol baked up a batch of these delicious treats to celebrate. Why not join her. Click here to view Carol’s recipe and sweeten up your day.

Carol keeps lamington tradition alive Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

It’s International Friendship Day on 30 July and at Amber by Living Gems, the humble ukulele and the recently opened Country Club, with its five-star facilities for active over-50s, are bringing people together! If you’re interested in picking up the ukulele – which is quick and easy to learn – get in touch with Larry! Read more by clicking here.

The ‘happy instrument’ strums up new friendships Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

This month we celebrate World Chocolate Day and there couldn’t be a better time to try Chef Matt Conquest’s delicious Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles. Click here for the recipe.

Delight in Matt’s Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

From a ‘Christmas in July’ to a Brett Whiteley art show and a tribute to Australia’s iconic princess of pop, Olivia Newton John – there is plenty of things for Amber by Living Gems homeowners to attend in Logan this July! We’ve put a list together, in case you’d like to grab your friends, and some winter coats, and head along > {link to blog article here}

Places to go with friends this July in Logan From a ‘Christmas in July’ to a Brett Whiteley art show and a tribute to Australia’s iconic princess of pop,

Are you dreaming of spending blissful hours travelling when you retire? Read these practical travel tips to ensure you make the most of your holidays – short or long – when work no longer gets in the way.

Make the most of your post-retirement travel plans Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

Congratulations to Amber by Living Gems residents, family, friends and staff, and Logan businesses for raising more than $3,300 for the Queensland Cancer Council through various raffles!

Amber residents gift Queensland Cancer Council donation Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

It's the end of an era at Amber by Living Gems with the final slab pour on the very last home at our beautiful resort in leafy Logan Village. 🥳The homeowner is looking forward to moving into her home and enjoying a fabulous new lifestyle with new friends.🏠

Spectacular colours! Amber by Living Gems homeowner Leanne snapped this beautiful photograph while at Eromanga in Western Queensland. It was taken early in the morning before the rains came. Thank you for sharing Leanne.

Attention all chocoholics! It’s World Chocolate Day today and what better time to satisfy those tastebuds and indulge in some sweet chocolate treats that are lip-lusciously lovely for the palate. After all chocolate is the food of the gods and as long as it exists in this world, there will always be happiness. Genny at Amber by Living Gems believes in the saying – music soothes the soul, but chocolate works faster. Why not try her special recipe for Chocolate brownies (below). It’s a great way to celebrate chocolate on this special occasion! Enjoy!
Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
125g butter
190g cooking chocolate
1 cup water
1 tbsp chocolate spread
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup caster sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup SR flour
1 cup plain flour
Method:
1. To make the brownies use a whisk
2. In a saucepan over low heat butter, chocolate and water
3. When melted, add chocolate spread and cocoa powder
4. Take off heat and add the caster sugar
5. Add eggs and sifted SR and plain flours.
6. Bake in a moderate fan forced oven 160C for 20-25 minutes.

The first bingo event, since the Amber by Living Gems Country Club opened in March this year, has just been held. It was voted a huge success by the almost 70 residents who attended. State-of-the-art bingo equipment, courtesy of Living Gems, ensured all ran smoothly along with the help of organisers Peter and Lyza and a few other resident volunteers. So much fun was had that bingo will now become a regular weekly feature at Amber.

Thank you to Jay who took this photo of the old heritage-listed rail bridge, built in 1888, just outside of Tenterfield in New South Wales. You could be our next photo competition winner! Click below to learn more or email us your photos at [email protected]

Frame that shot Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

Want to beef up your winter menu? Check out Chef Matt's delicious and warming One Pot Baked Beef and Barbecue Beans recipe by clicking below.

One Pot Baked Beef and Barbecue Beans Opal by Living Gems Living Gems Pacific Paradise Living Gems Maleny Ruby by Living Gems Sapphire by Living Gems Living Gems Gold Coast

A stunning pink and golden sunrise over the Glass House Mountains was captured over the weekend by Living Gems Maleny homeowner Sandy Gillis. And what could be more bucolic than grazing cows in the foreground?

Thank you for sharing this photo with us Sandy!