Once upon a time not that long ago, booking a simple flight to the Gold Coast meant a visit to your travel agent. Nowadays, there is a billion listings for travel on Google alone, where you can book flights, hotels, cars and more online. It’s changed the face of travel.

So where exactly does a travel agent fit in?
Adele Mitchell, proprietor of Harvey World Travel St Ives, provides an insight into the travel ‘experience.’

“Booking a flight from Sydney to Vancouver is easy to do online,” says Adele, “but if you take into consideration all the other aspects – transfers to hotels, a certain type of hotel that’s perhaps more boutique in nature, whale watching, a fireworks show at the Butchart Gardens, tickets to the Vancouver Symphony, followed a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, it suddenly becomes a lesson in logistics. Add to that travel insurance, visas, foreign exchange and connecting flights and it’s a lot of organising, costing you valuable time. Yet that’s what we do best – package a ‘total experience’ from start to finish, with the peace of mind that you’ll enjoy your holiday experience.”

“With the increasing demand for more exotic destinations and superlative travel adventures, such as trekking to meet mountain gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes, sunbathing with fur seals in the Galapagos or close encounters with polar bears on the icy frontiers of Greenland, the experience is becoming paramount.

And this experience is two-fold – yours… and ours!”
“At Harvey World Travel St Ives, our consultants are specialists in the art of travel. If it's worth doing, we'll know about it. If there's a better way to get there, we'll find it. Our consultants have a century of combined experience in their profession, and we usually have first-hand knowledge of the destination you are considering – if not, we’ll know someone who is an expert.”

Whether it’s cruising the wonders of the seven seas, meeting the nomadic herders of the Gobi, relaxing aboard a classic rail journey or getting active on a walking holiday of Europe’s postcard backroads, Harvey World Travel St Ives can plan it to perfection.

“We believe every holiday is an individual experience,
so we treat each holiday with precisely that in mind. We listen carefully to what you’re after - from pampered luxury to exploring the untouched wonders of the world - plus of course, the who, where, when and how of your holiday.”

“In fact, we’ve even gone several steps further with our commitment to personalised service. We now invite you to make an appointment at a time that suits you. We’ve just opened up our new private consulting room, so there are no interruptions while we explore the world of possibilities for your next journey. And with our vast ‘insider’ insights, meticulous research and sound planning, we do the legwork to provide you with the options to meet your desires. Then we take care of all the details to ensure your holiday is 100% carefree – yet always at superb value."

Make an appointment today to discuss your next travel experience on
ph 9449 8598 – and be sure to visit our exciting new website packed with divine experiences at www.hwtstives.com.au.

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St Ives Shopping Village welcomes Dae Gyu Kim and Kyung Soon Lee

If you love asian food, the Asian Happy Mart has everything you need from spices for Indian cooking to the aromatic flavours of Vietnam and Thailand. They have all the right ingredients to help you create your own asian banquet, make sushi or cook up a Korean BBQ. They even have some things you have probably never heard of.

Dae Gyu Kim and Kyung Soon Lee are the new owners of the Asian Happy Mart. The husband and wife team began running the store in February and Kyung says she is always looking for new and exciting products to expand upon their already successful range.

They have an considerable selection of noodles - fresh, dry, rice, hokkein, crispy, potato, and of course instant noodles, that must have for a quick and easy dinner, or to please hungry kids after school. For something different Kyung recommends her Indonesian noodles, which have a spicy pepper flavour.

If it's curry you're after she stocks an extensive range from India, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Korea so you're sure to find something to tempt the tastebuds.

"Kids also love our lollies," Kyung jokes, "but parents come in for our healthy range of rice cakes."

Come in and visit Dae and Kyung for all your Asian groceries and let them help you with your authentic asian cooking.

The Asian Happy Mart is located on the Upper Level,
St Ives Village and is open seven days.

Details phone: 9440 3144

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Regulars to the fashion store,Witchery may have recognised a new face.

St Ives Shopping Village extends a warm welcome to new store manager Simone Horton. With ten years experience in fashion retail, Simone jumped at the opportunity to manage the Witchery Store. "I believe it's a great store with such potential. The store only opened in October last year and I think people are still working out that we're here."

Simone is a North Shore local and has an impressive history in fashion retail working previously for Jacqui E, Portmans, Simona and, ten years previously, the children's store Bonza Brats. Of the latter Simone comments, "It's interesting because the Bonza Brats customers, who I served when their children were two or three, now bring their teenage daughters into Witchery."

And why is it that Simone has a familiar face? Well those of you who remember the 1982 Miss North Shore quest, may also remember the winner. After taking out the title Simone went on to win the Miss Universe Australia in 1983 before pursuing a successful career in modelling, managed by top modelling agencies Chadwick's, Vivien's and June Daly Watkins.

So come and meet Simone, and while you're there, you might find that perfect fashion item to update your winter wardrobe.

Witchery is located on the Lower Level, St Ives Village Shopping Centre.

Phone 9983 0940

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Espresso Italia has a new range of delicious cupcakes, the perfect accompaniment to their great cup of coffee.

The new range of cakes are made using fresh ingredients with such a great taste you'll find it hard to stop at one. The products are handmade - no margarine, long life cream or flavourings - just butter, fresh cream, couverture chocolate and fresh fruit. You can taste the difference!
They not only look good but taste good too.

With four flavours to choose from the hardest part will be deciding which one to try.

The chocolate mud-cake cupcake is covered with chocolate ganache and decorated with brightly coloured chocolate chips. The carrot, orange and walnut cupcake is a moist combination of shredded carrots and whole oranges covered with cream cheese icing, walnuts and pecans. The mango and coconut cupcake is coconut cake drizzled with sugar syrup and iced with mango icing and coconut shreds. Last but by no means least, the strawberry cupcake is a moist almond buttercake topped with Belgian strawberry chocolate and decorated with white chocolate drizzles.

Next time you're at the village, take a moment to drop in to Espresso Italia and enjoy a gourmet cupcake (or two!) with a hot cup of coffee.

Expresso Italia is located on the Upper Level, St Ives Shopping Village. Phone 9440 0100

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Eunice Jackson, North Shore's leading quality shoe and handbag retailer, is celebrating their 65th Birthday this year.

Eunice Jackson established her stores in 1943 after her brother was lost on the HMAS Sydney leaving behind a pregnant widow with no support. Eunice opened her first store in 1943 on Victoria Avenue, Chatswood selling handbags and gloves.

Her natural elegance, good taste and artistic flair saw her business bloom. She expanded and moved with the times adding shoes from her own label as well as importing from european collections. In 1960 the St Ives store opened and has remained in the same position, being one of two original tenants in the centre.

The Eunice Jackson business has continued to grow successfully over the last 65 years with beautiful quality shoes and handbags sourced from around the world. Today their stores are still renowned for their international brands Arche, Loxwood - (France), Hispanitas, Picolinos, El Naturalista – (Spain), Amalfi, Simonetta Rossi, Unisa – (Italy), Ara – (Germany), Van Eli, Desario - (USA) just to name a few. These labels are exclusive to Eunice Jackson. Their handbags offer something different with fabulous Italian leathers and are made exclusively to match their shoes.

Eunice Jackson’s is now run by her daughter Barbara Simpson and grand-daughter Georgia Cocquerel who continue to offer their customers the service they are renowned for. With 65 successful years in business, the family approaches the future with confidence and excitement moving with the times and trends.

Eunice Jackson
Shop 11, Level 1, St Ives Shopping Village.
Details phone: 9144 7002 or you can visit on line at
www. eunicejackson.com.au

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Patrons of St Ives Village are privileged to enjoy award winning pastry at La Petite Lorraine.

Congratulations to Kitrina McGill, 24 for taking out first place in the apprentice pastry exhibit at the Royal Easter Show for her delicious fruit tarts.

After only two years working as an apprentice pastry chef, Kitrina trumped competitors from around Australia with a score of 95 out of 100, the highest mark awarded to anyone in the Bread, Cake and Pie Competition this year. Kitrina was shocked when she heard the news. "We sent the entries in and the next day they phoned and told me I'd won."

She attended an awards ceremony on April 2 at the Royal Easter Show to receive her ribbon.

When asked about the inspiration behind her tarts, Kitrina said she chose colourful fresh fruits to layer on the creme tart. "I used figs, boysenberries and kiwi berries, a grape sized version of the kiwi fruit with an edible skin."

"I've always loved cooking desserts," she added, "it's creative. In the future I would love to make wedding cakes, that's something people remember for the rest of their lives."

And does she have any tips for us mere mortals? "Make sure you use the right amount of each ingredient with dessert cooking. If you don't, something will go wrong... and if you make a dud, don't give up!"

Rob Warnes, Patisserie Manager also took out the highest prize awarded in his category, a bronze medal, for his chocolate croissants.

You can enjoy Kitrina's tarts and Rob's croissants, along with a whole range of mouth-watering treats at La Petite Lorraine patisserie.

La Petite Lorraine patisserie
Shop 119 on the Upper Level, St Ives Village Shopping Centre.
Details phone: 9144 2331

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Truffles add a unique and distinctive flavour transforming simple meals into gourmet delights. In the southern hemisphere, fresh truffles are only available between June and August.

Now is the time to enjoy the exciting new range of truffles available at Ziggy's Gourmet Deli. Produced by the Western Australian Wine and Truffle Company the well priced range proves that even though truffles are considered a luxury item, only a small quantity is needed to produce a meal fit for kings and queens.

What are truffles? Truffles are usually classed with the mushroom family, and may be described as pungent, uniquely flavoured gourmet mushrooms. They grow on the roots of trees infected with the truffle spores.

Where do they grow? Manjimup, in the south western region of Western Australia. This area was selected because the climatic and soil factors are similar to truffle producing areas in France and New Zealand. This is the largest trufferie in mainland Australia with over 13,000 trees.

How do I enjoy them? Ziggy's offers a fine selection of fresh truffles and truffle combinations. Why not try truffle salt ($20.99) sprinkled over cooked egg dishes, tossed in pasta or sprinkled over buttered popcorn.

For a different sandwich taste add truffle mustard ($22.99), also great added to salad dressings and BBQ meats. Or for pure indulgence pour Hazelnuts in truffle honey ($26.99) over vanilla ice cream or stir into plain or vanilla flavoured yoghurt. Also available, Hazelnut Dukkah ($13,99), great sered with toasted turkish bread or olive oil infused with truffle aroma ($18.99).

Ziggy's Gourmet Deli
Upper Level, St Ives Shopping Village.
Details phone: 9144 2327

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Want fast and affordable hairdressing without the hassle of making an appointment? Look no further than Hairdressing Express.

There's no excuse for a bad hair day now the new look salon, Hairdressing Express, has opened its doors.

The salon offers a wide range of hairdressing services at the best value prices. There's no need to make an appointment, just drop in enjoy the attention of friendly, experienced staff.

Hairdressing Express is designed to save you time and money, giving you the best care today and at home between visits. In fact, as part of their opening specials, customers are invited to receive any styling product free from the SO or Trichovedic range when they purchase a shampoo and conditioner from the same range.

Hairdressing Express
Shop 73, Lower Level, St Ives Shopping Village.
Open 7 days with the convenience of longer hours Thursday nights. Details phone: 9440 8556

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Looking for a great book to curl up with this winter? Hedley from Book Review provides insight into his top four.

Life in his hands
Susan Wyndham
Life in his Hands is the remarkable true story of 'medical maverick' Charlie Teo and the young concert pianist, Aaron McMillan, who in 2001 at just 24, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour and given six weeks to live. He underwent 12 hours of emergency surgery, yet within days, he was back at the piano. Years later, he was still performing. His doctor was Charlie Teo, one of Australia's most celebrated and controversial neurosurgeons, described as both remarkable and reckless. This is their story, told by Wyndham with honesty and affection.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Junot Diaz (Pulitzer Winner 2008)
Things have never been easy for Oscar. A ghetto nerd living with his Dominican family in New Jersey, he's sweet but disastrously overweight. He dreams of becoming the next J.R. Tolkien and he keeps falling hopelessly in love. Poor Oscar may never get what he wants, thanks to the Fuku, the curse that has haunted his family for generations. With dazzling energy and insight Diaz immerses us in the tumultuous lives of Oscar, his runaway sister Lola, their beautiful mother Belicia and the family's uproarious journey from the Dominican Republic to the US and back. A literary triumph that confirms Junot Diaz as one of the most exciting writers of our time.

A Rose for the ANZAC Boys
Jackie French
1915. War is being fought on a horrific scale in the trenches of France but it might as well be a world away for sixteen year Midge Macpherson, learning to be a young lady at a school in England. As news from the front arrives, Midge and her two friends abandon their passive studies to join the war effort in France. Jackie French at her best, this is the beautiful telling of the often forgotten story of the innumerable heroic women in that 'war to end all wars.'

Triskellion
Will Perterson
Rachel and Adam are sent to stay with their grandmother after their parents' divorce, but the quiet English village is a sinister, unsettling place. Is there a dark heart beating beneath the thatched roofs of Triskellion? With the help of the mysterious Gabriel, Rachel and Adam begin to unearth centuries old secrets and make a shocking revelation about their family's past, and their own future...

For your chance to win one of these great books, see the competitions page.

Book Review is located on the Lower Level, St Ives Shopping Village. Details phone: 9144 7837

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