Post Mastectomy Products and Services

Happy Australia Day...

2012-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

So you know the year is starting to age. The kids are back at school and Australia Day is upon us. But what does it mean to you? A day at the beach? (Going to be wet and windy in South East QLD apparently!) Or a barbeque with friends? Do you now what we celebrate? To be honest I am surprised at how many younger Australians don't know what Australia Day is all about. You tell them it's the day the First Fleet dropped anchor in Sydney Cove and they look at you with a blank face. And now 224 years later, we put Australian flags that are made in China on our cars that are made in Korea/Japan/Malaysia and some that are even made here and celebrate all that Australia means to us. At least I hope we do. To me Australia has been a place where you get a fair go. An egalitarian society where we look after each other. This has been shown to be true after the floods in Brisbane last year.

I hope our Australian way of life where we all fit in together; those born here and those who come to share our lifestyle and contribute to make a better Australia continues to be. Just yesterday I saw a car with a sticker that said "Australia, love it or leave it". A bogan sentiment? No I don't think so. Just an outward expression of how we all feel about the greatest country on earth.

And if you know some young people, do yourself and them a favour and see if they know what Australia Day actually celebrates. If they don't know.. fill them in. The Boutique will be closed on Australia Day.. but we look forward to seeing you on Friday and hearing about how you spent Australia Day. Our next newsletter is due out in March.. keep your eyes peeled for it.

Debra

And so this is Christmas...

2011-12-23T02:33:00.001-08:00

So here we are again... Christmas Eve, the last working day for us for 2011. And my birthday. I have to thank Glenda from Amoena who breezed in and brightened my day with this delightful plate of goodies! This past year has been hard going for a lot of people. Floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and poor business conditions. In November nearly 100,000 full time jobs vanished in Australia. Very sad. And just today the poor people of Christchurch have been subjected to yet another earth quake.

How much more can these brave people endure. We have friends in the South Island of NZ and our hearts go out to them. And finally to all of our customers thank you so much for your support this past year. I am hoping that for all of us 2012 turns out to be a brighter, happier year ahead. Take care out there over the break and we will see you all on the other side of New Year's Eve. The shop will reopen on January 3.

Debra

Oh dear me.. the internet is good when it works!

2011-11-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

This past week I have been tearing my hair out over our website shop. It crashed! Went away.. somewhere... not too sure but it is back now.

At this moment I need to thank Mark and a couple of our web friends, Jeremy and Clement for their help in putting it back. We are looking at developing a newer and better web presence in the new year. Stand by for that.

I am hoping that it is now working properly.. I have my fingers crossed. If you have any problems viewing or ordering then please ring us at the Boutique on (07) 3511 4222.

All the best

Debra

At the 11th hour of the 11th day...

2011-11-10T02:09:00.000-08:00

So at 11:00 tomorrow.. will you stop and remember that day the guns fell silent on the battle fields of World War 1 Europe? As a school girl in Victoria we would all stand to attention for 1 minute's silence to remember those who had fallen in the theatre of war. If you walk through a modern shopping centre these days you will be hard pressed to notice any change to the every day as the clock strikes 11 on the 11th day of the 11th month. At the Boutique we like to stop and remember.. although sometimes our customers are in a hurry and don't want to wait for that one minute. We understand that.. but it saddens us. My husband Mark's father saw service in World War 1 so for our family this is a big deal. If you see a digger selling poppies tomorrow... by one and wear it with pride!

Meanwhile here at the Boutique our new Juliette Mastectomy bra is going out the door fast. The bras feature French lace and we have brought in a small order that is literally walking out the door. Juliette is exclusive to Spirit of Life and stock really is limited. Available in a beautiful silver with pink roses. Interested.. then don't waste time on this one.

Debra

So now we're 10!

2011-10-03T02:42:00.001-07:00

October marks the 10th birthday of the Spirit of Life Boutique. And what a journey it has been. At first I managed the shop for the original owners (Coloplast) and then 7 years ago this month Mark & I purchased it. It has been a trip full of happiness from being able to help our special ladies and also tinged with sadness as we lost a few along the way. Today we celebrated with a few special people including long time staffer Jen, breast care nurses, our extended staff in the form of Helen our long suffering accountant, Desleigh our book keeper and Monte our Google master. We also had a visit from our good friend Tim Nicholls MP. Tim has been a friend of ours for many years now and is always interested in the boutique and always quick to offer helpful advice. He is one politician to watch in the future.

To all of the crew who joined with Mark & I tonight.. than you so very much. We'll do the next one in 5 years!

I have been busy.. really busy!

2011-09-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. The Boutique has just been so very busy. Our new Singlet tops and T shirts with built in mastectomy bras have been generating a response like I have never seen in all my years in retail. Since our last newsletters went out we have been run off our feet. We have taken all available stock from Amoena both here and in Germany.The beginning of October marks Spirit Of Life's 10th birthday and 7 years since I bought the boutique.

This has been an amazing time and I have met so many wonderful people from all walks of life who have come through the front door of the shop. To all our wonderful customers who have supported us, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We intend to be here for many years to come to look after our special ladies.

Debra

I simply cannot understand the value....

2011-07-31T18:49:00.001-07:00

Last Friday an old girlfriend was in town, so I spent a little time with her in the city enjoying tea and scones at a well known cafe. Just fabulous catching up. But when I returned to my little car... I just could not believe the fee to park. For parking in the city I was charged $26 per hour.. so for 1 hour and 20 minutes, $39.00!!! How on earth can a space in which to park your car cost more per hour than what a shop assistant earns in the same time?

It is outrageous and I can understand why people shop in the suburbs. Here at the Boutique our first hour for customers is free. Now that's hard to top!

Mark is still in shock... $26 per hour for a car parking space. Someones making a bucket load of money out of that. And train fares.. Mark took the train to the city and back the other day (he hasn't got a Go card) and it was almost $20 return.

And still the governments at both State and Federal level are in debt. What on earth is going on?

Debra

Where did July go???

2011-07-28T02:40:00.000-07:00

Well.. month's end and I am wondering where July went to. We have been busy designing, shooting, laying out and eventually printing our next newsletter. Look for it in your letterbox next week. Features some exciting new products and some specials. This month has seen Mark celebrate a birthday as well as daughter Christina who turned 28 last Tuesday. Hard to believe that I am the mother of a 28 year old. Anyhow.. envelopes to stuff so must get back to it.

Debra.

Happy Birthday Mark!

2011-07-03T00:49:00.000-07:00

So another long time between posts. The days pass so quickly.

Today is Mark's birthday so we had a double celebration. Out to Dinner with our good friends Greg and Heidi for Chinese last night. And then this morning for breakfast with the family. Our daughter Christina is back from Sydney and is studying tourism at college. She will be working one day a week in the Boutique though... so good to have her back. The shop has been percolating along a little bit more busier than this time last year.

We have an exciting new range of fashion bras from Amoena coming in October. These will be in a range of C to G cups and feature a very special component designed to enhance comfort in Queensland's hot climate. I cannot say any more just yet.. but stay tuned!

Well .. Mark is back home with a chicken dinner so must fly.

Debra.

Last chance for mastectomy singlet tops.

2011-05-22T01:14:00.001-07:00

Hi there ladies.. the year is whizzing by. Cannot believe that my pup Dorothy turns 10 today. Mark and I took her to the park for a cupcake as a treat. Just talking work for a moment; one of the most popular items we have ever had in the boutique is the new mastectomy singlet and T shirt bras from Amoena. We have bought the very last of these for our ladies and if you like them as much as most of our customers, then don't waste any time in getting yours. At this stage there are no plans for any more to be imported to Australia. You can see a video on them here.

Well.. a man's got to do apparently.

2011-05-15T00:06:00.001-07:00

These past 2 weeks have been very busy at the boutique. And also during this period Mark has been on a "journey of discovery" (his words) to Birdsville and back on his trail bike. I thought he was crazy, but with his friend Gregor they did their own Long Way Round out into the bush. Sleeping rough lasted one night... and then they started checking into motels. It's good to have him home again. As they say you don't miss the water till the well runs dry. If you've got the time you can read about his trip there and back right here!

ANZAC Day and the progress of womens' affairs.

2011-04-24T16:04:00.001-07:00

Well today is easter Monday; but it is also Anzac Day. A time to remember the bravery of our service men and women who put it all on the line in conflicts all over the world so that we might live in peace today. And for a lot of those men and women.. they paid the ultimate sacrifice. These people literally died to preserve our way of life. A life in this country where we all have our freedom of political ideology, our freedom of religion and the opportunity to work hard and enjoy success. We must never lose this! And sometimes the enemies of our lifestyle live amongst us. I refer here to people who seek a better way of life for their families by coming to Australia and then fanatically opposing our egalitarian society. Last night I watched the ABC telemovie about Ita Buttrose and the Cleo story. As Mark said while watching it with me.. "Women have come a long way in the past 40 years.. it's great to have been here to see the change."

Of course not all women are fortunate enough to have an equal relationship with their husbands. I am sure that like me as you go through life you see men who treat their wives as subordinates. These men control "their women" to within an inch of their lives.

Fortunately most men in Australia these days see their wives and women workmates as equals... I know that is how Mark and I get on. It is a refreshing change to my mother's generation where married women had to resign from Government jobs such as teaching etc. Sadly in a lot of countries this is not so. Women are seen as possessions. They are not even allowed to drive a car! Talk about living in the middle ages.

The iron fist in the velvet glove of feminism must continue to bring pressure on these cultures until these women too see that they have the potential to be whoever they wish to be.

Congratulations Ita and Cleo. You have certainly played a big part in the many changes for the better in the lives that Australian women lead today!

Lazy Sunday Afternoon....

2011-04-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

When I was a teenager, the Small Faces had a hit with Lazy Sunday Afternoon. All these years later I really got to experience such a Sunday afternoon. Today Mark & I joined with our good friends Allen & Lindy O'Grady for a quiet lazy late lunch at Moo Moos wine bar and restaurant in the city. Moo Moos were one of the many unfortunate business's that went under in the Brisbane flood. Now back up and running it just has to be Brisbane's best steak restaurant. Late last year Mark did some food photography here and it was he who introduced me to Moo Moos. If you're looking for a great place to dine.. you won't go wrong here. (Mark grabbed a picture of Lindy and me with the "Wall Street Bull" outside when we were leaving.)

Our newsletter sale at the boutique is flying along and we have been very busy at the shop. Remember our factory rebate on Amoena bras finishes on the 30th so with the Easter & Anzac day holidays there are not a lot of shopping days left in which to take advantage of this sale.

Debra

A new product and a new video!

2011-04-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Something a little more positive after my insurance company rant of last week. (Although I do have more to say about that!). I have just posted a movie to Youtube featuring our new mastectomy singlet top. Have a look here!

Debra

Like a lot of others... our insurance company ran away.

2011-04-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

After the floods here in QLD, a lot of poor people found out that their insurance wasn't worth the paper it was written on. It's all because of the way the insurance companies determine the meaning of flood. Now my theory is that the water fell from the sky.. it's that simple. While our boutique itself wasn't flooded, we did have the issue of no access to the building and when we did get in we had no power or phones. Because of this we literally couldn't trade for around 2 weeks. Of course we had "Business Interruption" Insurance which we purchased through AON Insurance Brokers. The insurance itself was underwritten by Chateris Insurance.

After we were back to normal, we lodged a claim. On no less than 4 times, the loss assessors contacted us and asked for the same material to lodge our claim. Each time it was a different person... and the whole process started again. Sort of like trying to fix your phone with Testra.. only a lot worse. So today.. they advise us they have knocked back pour claim. Why? Because the problems we had were caused by flooding and not storm damage. Can you believe it??? The storms caused the flooding! To say that both Mark and I are shattered is an understatement and our hearts go out to all those who are also doing battle with these uncaring corporate bookies.

So it gives me no great pleasure to advise any fellow business owners out there to avoid both AON Insurance Brokers and Charteris Insurance at all costs. When it came to the crunch.. they were inefficient and couldn't run away fast enough. We are sure there are other bad news insurers out there. After all, birds of a feather flock together. But for our money.. avoid AON and Chateris at all costs if our experience is anything to go by.

Debra & Markl

In case you're wondering why we were closed ...

2011-03-31T18:48:00.001-07:00

In case you're wondering why we were closed this morning ... the police came along and did a drug raid on One Park Road this morning! We and all the other tenants were "asked to leave" while the fire brigade cleaned out all the gear and the chemicals. It would appear that a man in his thirties with an office upstairs was to quote the police)"helping them with their questions". He is known around the area and this might send him away for a long time....

All is back to normal and we're back in action again!

Debra

An interesting forum

2011-03-30T04:02:00.001-07:00

Our local Federal member of Parliament, Teresa Gambaro invited me and a lot of other small business owners to a small business forum to be addressed by Tony Abbott and also his opposition small business shadow minister. Around 150 people gathered at Bronco's club tonight where we had the chance to ask questions of the opposition leader and some of his team. Small business is the driving force of Australia's economy and Governments of all persuasions ignore it at their peril. Therefore it was pleasing to hear tonight that the conservative side in politics is understanding of this and the very special challenges that small business faces. Nobody goes into small business to get rich... you do it because you want to be in charge of your own life and in my case I truly want to help our special ladies. Teresa Gambaro is a lovely lady and I reinforced to her the importance of maintaining the external prosthesis rebate program that currently is in place.

Our new newsletter should be in your letterbox in the next few days and you will find our specials on Amoena bras in there as well as some other new and interesting products.

Debra

A Windy Sunday reflecting on February

2011-03-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

Another Sunday.. and it's windy here in Brisbane. Sunday is a day of taking it easy in our household. Mark usually takes me out for breakfast and then an easy day around the house follows. And we like to take Dorothy down for a walk along the river. Even though today was windy I enjoyed the walk.. as did Dorothy. And it's good to see the River Cats back again too. (Although there is still a lot of rubbish floating down the river)

Walking along is a good time to think about things and clear the mind and today I was thinking about February just gone. Slowly Brisbane is getting back to normal after the flood although a lot of people are still waiting for their insurance companies to get their act together. And at the Boutique we have heard some amazing tales of how people were affected and how they coped with the flooding. The human spirit is an amazing thing!

I have had Mark busy photographing some products in his studio for our April newsletter; which goes to print this week. We are featuring two new prostheses from Amoena. It looks good.. stand by! Also in February my dog Dorothy had to have surgery to remove a cyst from her head. My grateful thanks to Dr Allen O'Grady from Albion who took care of my baby for me. And of course as mentioned in a previous post, my uncle and aunt surprised me with a weekend visit from Melbourne. They are a delightful couple and we love their company so much. Many thanks John and Pauline.

Talk soon.

Debra

There's nothing like family!

2011-02-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

The past weekend was a really happy event in my life. My husband Mark had arranged for two visiting American motorcycle riders to stay with us for the weekend while they awaited the arrival of their bike from the USA. Imagine my surprise when the arriving "Americans" turned out to be my favourite Uncle and Aunt from Melbourne. They had secretly flown into town to spend some time with us. It was just fabulous.. they shouted us dinner at our local Chinese on Saturday night and it completely took my mind off the past few weeks dramas with the shop. There is nothing like family to cheer you up. John even helped trim a small tree that was out of control at home.

(Picture.. me with Aunt Pauline)

Thank you so much John & Pauline!

Debra!

We're back with all systems normal!

2011-01-24T17:23:00.001-08:00

Well, we're back. At last our phones are back to normal (yesterday) and we have a fully functioning boutique. So if you have lost or damaged your prosthesis in the flood or are due for a new one.. please call us and come in. We'd love to see you. On behalf of the staff here I hope you did not suffer too much in the floods; and if you did I hope the promise of better days tomorrow keeps you moving along.

Take care of each other. Here is a short video I made this morning about us being back.

Debra

This morning we lit a candle....

2011-01-16T16:46:00.001-08:00

This morning at Spirit of Life we lit a candle in memory of those who perished in the floods and as a sign of support for those they left behind. To us the flood has been an inconvenience.. to others an absolute personal tragedy. We are lucky.. our power came back on at 10:20 this morning.. although Mark has had us running on the big back up generator he has at his studio. We have pulled down all the temporary lights and leads and we're almost back to normal. The good people at Telstra are trying to get our phones back for us.. although you can still ring is.

Our car park has been pumped dry thanks to the wonderful people from Balderstone and their huge truck mounted pump. We made a short video of the pumping and it is on Youtube here.

We're looking forward to seeing you in the shop soon and hope your life is slowly getting back to normal.

Debra

The flood.. our latest position

2011-01-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

Today Mark & I managed to get to our shop. We had to park the car near Petrie Tce and walk... poor Mark hand carrying a 30KG generator. Thankfully our shop has not been inundated. The shop has no power or phones (because of the power loss) and the underground car park is full to the brim with muddy water. We fired up the generator and powered up Rambo's fish tank to give his filter and heater etc a quick run. We estimate that we will be back in business on Monday. If the power is not reconnected we will bring in a large generator that will give us phones, computers and limited lighting; but no air conditioning.

At least we will be able to trade. If you have lost or damaged your prosthesis in the flood, please call us Monday and arrange to come in for a fitting. We do have stock, but it is limited. Also car parking may be an issue.. so best to call ahead on 3511 4222. At this point I must thank our good friend Greg Cary from Talk Radio 4BC here in Brisbane who advised our customers on air this morning that we would be open on Monday. Thank you so much Greg.. you're a good friend indeed.

We have grabbed a few pictures of Park Road for you all to see.

Talk soon.

Debra

We make plans.. and God laughs!

2011-01-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

Well the plan was to shift stock this morning as per my last blog. However.. our shop at One Park Road is an island. We cannot get into Park Road at all. At this point the Boutique has no water in it. Fingers crossed. So.. turned the car around and took some bread to a friend who is facing inundation and here we are at home.

Hopefully we will be back on deck and running on Friday!

Cheers

Debra

The Floods!

2011-01-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

Wow.. haven't seen this since 1974. Today (Tuesday) we have closed the shop early to enable us to get home. I will be in the shop for a short time tomorrow and possibly Thursday. The predictions are for a big flood here in Brisbane on Thursday.

Our flood plan is as follows:

1. If the river rises tomorrow as we are being told, we will be removing all of our stock and moving it to higher ground.

2. If there is a worse case scenario becoming real and the shop is submerged, then we will still be able to trade in a limited fashion from my home on Brisbane's North side. (Clayfield) We will advise if this should occur. Please note that should this unlikely event happen, we would ask our customers to please ring for an appointment as we will not be able to handle "walk ins" during this time.

To all of our customers who may be affected by this terrible event, we pass on our sympathies and best wishes.

Good Luck.

Debra

Here we are .. day 1 and back in the harness!

2011-01-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

So January 4 has arrived and we're back at work. We've vacuumed the carpet, cleaned Rambo's fish tank and we're set to welcome our special ladies. I hope your Christmas and new year has been good for you. And if you're one of the many thousands of people who have been affected by the flooding in central and western Queensland then our heart goes out to you. Mark & I made a donation yesterday on behalf of Spirit of Life and would ask that you do too if you're lucky like us and have not been affected by this weather event.

On a lighter note, our dog Dorothy gets a couple of dog toys under the Christmas tree every year. She unwraps them herself. Here you can see the video of her in action!

Until next time

Debra

Happy New Year - 2011

2010-12-31T20:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of our special ladies. If you're nursing a hang over.. then I hope you feel better as the day goes along. I feel that 2011 will be a good year for all of us. I hope your dreams and wishes become a reality and that you enjoy good health, and give and receive love to all of those people who are dear to you.

We'll be back at the Boutique on Tuesday the 4th and look forward to seing you then.

Debra

Another year ends.. another year older!

2010-12-23T16:35:00.000-08:00

Well.. here it is... Christmas Eve. And also my birthday. And as usual my daughter Christina has organised a small party at the boutique for me. Presents,sandwiches and cake for a lucky mother. Surrounded by my husband, staff and some special friends this is a very happy day for me.

And on this positive note; we close the boutique for our annual Christmas Break. While the Tax Office works in a fiscal year.. we look back on 2010 the year that was. It hasn't been an easy year.. some of our favourite special ladies have lost their breast cancer battle and passed over. To their families we extend our sympathy and hope that they can soldier on and enjoy this Christmas break. We'll be back in 2011 and look forward to seeing you all then at some time in the boutique.

Debra

The only thing constant about change.. is change!

2010-12-18T03:03:00.000-08:00

Well here we are again at the end of another year... as I get older the years seem to go faster. I look back at this year and am amazed at the changes that have taken place at our Boutique. We have new post operation compression products from Mareena that are keeping us on the hop! We are seeing lots of ladies who are scheduled for plastic surgery in our shop every day and the Doctors are pleased with the fitting skills of our fitters. So that has been a big change for us this year. And our daughter Christina who has been with us for 6 years now has decided to go and seek her fortune in Sydney early next year. We will miss her very much.. but we do wish her well in her new life path.

Of course, Christina was our seamstress who modified fashion bras so that they can hold a prosthesis. So from next year onwards, we will only be ably to supply a pocket; not fit it for our ladies. The other big change for 2011 is a change to our opening hours. While our weekday opening hours will not change... our Saturday hours will. From January we will be open by appointment only on morning of the second and fourth Saturdays in each month. We realise that this may cause a small inconvenience to some of our ladies, but to be honest working a 6 day week for the past 6 years has not been good for my heath. (Nor my staff who sometimes have to do this shift with me.)

And a final note for this blog.. we all stood outside and waved good-bye to the RAAF F111 aircraft recently. I loved these aeroplanes much to Mark's amusement and as sidebar, Mark's older brother Viv photographed these aircraft arriving in Australia in 1973 at Amberley Air Force Base. In fact it was his last job for The Sunday Truth newspaper before he left to go on to other things.

Till next time..

Debra

What a reunion in Melbourne

2010-12-05T02:06:00.000-08:00

Wow.. a weekend away from the boutique (thanks Jen and Christina) in Melbourne. My favourite Uncle and Aunt are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Their son and daughter (my cousins) arranged a surprise party for them and my part in this subterfuge was to keep them out of their home while the caterers set up. It was a wonderful event last night.. I got to see people I haven't seen in years. We all had a ball.

And.. I was in their original wedding party. Yes I was the flower girl.. and there I am in the official picture! Yes that's Debra from Spirit of Life Boutique 50 years ago. Mark cannot believe it!

Talk soon.

Debra

The Silly Season has Started Again

2010-11-30T20:05:00.001-08:00

Hello folks.. well here it is December 1, the start of the so called silly season. That mad rush to Christmas with mothers preparing shopping lists for those great family reunions that so mark our Australian way of celebrating Christmas Day. Here at the shop we have had the busiest November of the past 5 years. I have even dragged Mark in here to wrap parcels and take them to the post office. A lot of new prostheses have gone out the door. And speaking of prostheses.. this past month we have seen here at least once a day, ladies who have been fitted with the wrong prosthesis to suit their needs. At the risk of offending other fitters out there, the girls and I just wonder what were they thinking? Or to quote a training film I saw years ago... "Who sold you that then?" Just today I had a lady here who was fitted at a department store.. and despite having a broken shoulder, she was "sold" a heavy weight prosthesis. Her physiotherapist couldn't believe it. She should have been fitted with a light weight prosthesis. Unbelievable!

Ladies.. you do have choices in breast prostheses. And if you are told "This is all there is" (and we hear that a lot from these ladies) then vote with your feet and find another specialist fitter. Your prosthesis should fit you and your lifestyle, not the other way around. Here at the boutique we carry the widest choice in Queensland. (and don't forget we can do home visits if you're not well!)

Well.. I have that off my chest now! I am sorry to sound cross but to see ladies like this one suffering is just crazy.

Talk soon

Debra

A wonderful chat with Alex Bernard

2010-11-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

Recently I had the chance to talk with Alex Bernard from radio 4BC here in Brisbane about what we do at Spirit of Life Boutique. Alex does Summer Afternoons on weekends on 4BC and has a variety of interesting subjects and people on her program. Why not tune in on 1116 on your AM dial and spend your afternoons with Alex?

You can listen to the interview here. Take care.

Debra

Remembrance Day 2010

2010-11-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

So here it is again.. Remembrance Day 2010. 92 years since the guns fell silent in 1918. Mark and I were discussing it last night. We both remember our primary school days and how we all stood silently on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month for one minute to remember those who had fallen in the war to end all wars. As a nation do we still remember to remember? There was a time when department stores would remind shoppers and their staff to stop for that one minute. There was a time when the city was a sea of red paper flowers on men's suit coats and ladies dresses. Mark's father who was a WW1 veteran himself would ensure his entire office came to halt each year to remember. He never spoke much about the horrors of his experience.. he just said... "War Changes Men".

For a lot of baby boomers, if you mention remembrance day they will automatically think of 1975 and the dismissal of the Whitlam Government. A subject that is still raw with emotion for a lot of people. Whatever you think of the dismissal.. take time out today to stop at 11 and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in all wars so that we might live in peace today.

Lest we forget.

Debra.

P.S. The Summer edition of Boutique News is out.. look out for your copy in your letterbox any day now!

An invitation too good to refuse!

2010-10-28T22:11:00.002-07:00

Yesterday i received an invitation to be interviewed by Alex Bernard on Brisbane Talk Back radio 4BC. So ladies this Sunday at 1:00PM if you tune to 1116 AM you'll hear your's truly talking with Alex about what we do at the shop and how we help out our special ladies. Do tune in... I am a little nervous but the family tell me that I'll be fine.
Cheers

Debra

A new video on prostheses.

2010-10-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies.. I have just finished put a new video on Youtube dealing with why you should wear a weighted prosthesis. Many ladies come to us referred from their physiotherapist. You see they have back/shoulder pain because they are not wearing a properly weighted prosthesis to match their natural breast. The video is here. Please have a look and let me know what you think.

Cheers

Debra

Think Pink Brunch for Chicks in Pink at the Lido!

2010-10-20T01:12:00.000-07:00

Well it is October again so it's Breast Cancer Month. And this morning found me at the Lido at Ascot for a brunch fundraiser for the Mater's Chicks in Pink organisation. The girls at Chicks in Pink do a marvellous job supporting our special ladies as they endure their Breast Cancer Journey. Bev (in the picture with me) the Lido's owner is a firm supporter of Chicks in Pink and every October she and her fellow cafe owners on Racecourse Road decorate the street in pink balloons to really get into the swing of things. And a plug here for the Lido. They have a simply yummy menu and I would strongly advise that you enjoy a meal with Bev and the crew when next you are in Racecourse Road.

Debra

Our new car to visit our ladies.

2010-10-15T02:53:00.000-07:00

On a rainy Friday afternoon here in Brisbane, I collected our new Holden Cruze from Dan Taylor of Motorama at Woolloongabba. This is to replace our Land Rover and allow us to visit incapacitated ladies in their homes as well as our famous road trips to visit rural women in northern and western Queensland. We will be coming to North Queensland next year, so if you have a support group please let us have your meeting details and we will try to visit you. Please call me at the shop on (07) 3511 4222.

Debra

Breakfast with the Lord Mayor!

2010-10-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

This morning I was at the Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce Lord Mayors Breakfast. Every year the Lord Mayor attends and talks about his vision for Brisbane. I was surprised to learn how overseas markets see us as an up and coming city in Asia. One of the areas that Campbell touched on was red tape for small business. He said that if there is an area where you think the council could do things better; let him know. To me it seems a refreshing change.

He went on to say that Councillors from both sides of politics really have the city's interests at heart and work very hard to improve the quality of life for all citizens and also the Brisbane Experience for tourists. If you have friends or business partners who are going to visit, lead them to Brisbane Marketing's website where you can view a first class Promotional Video that showcases our home city.

Councillor David McLachlan is our local councillor in the area where we live and it was good to catch up with David again. Of course Mark was there with his camera and grabbed a shot of me with David and the Lord Mayor.

Talk soon.

Debra

So sad to say farewell to our Land Rover

2010-10-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Well.. the times they are a changing. After 4 years and lots of trips to see our rural ladies, the time has come to change cars. We are sad to see the Land Rover go as "Britannia" as I christened her has taken us far and wide across the eastern seaboard of Australia. She is big, very comfortable (she has air suspension) and also safe with 8 airbags etc. But the big navy blue girl does like a drink and really burns a lot of fuel. And although she has become part of the family and people in small country towns know her, we need to look at a cheaper to operate car.

So we will be replacing her with a small fuel efficient diesel vehicle (with a 5 star safety rating) that will still take us far afield to see our ladies... but use a lot less fuel and leave a much smaller carbon footprint. Of course husband Mark is a little upset to see her go. She has become one of his children.. but he'll get over it.

We are planning rural workshops in Queensland for next year so you will still see us.. just in a different car.

Cheers

Debra

Spring is here.. and so is the new carpet!

2010-10-10T03:24:00.000-07:00

What a day yesterday was. A really busy day at the Boutique ending one of the busiest weeks we have seen for some time. And then at 3:00 PM, the carpet men came. You see our water cooler decided to leak recently and destroyed the carpet in our shop. Our insurance company were very good to us, handled the claim quickly and efficiently (Good on you AON) and so yesterday the carpet men came.

They started at 3:00 PM after we closed the store and were still there at 9:00 PM! In the middle of this a lady rang us from the Wesley Hospital as her prosthesis had ruptured. So left the guys to it and did an emergency run in the trusty old Land Rover to supply her with another prosthesis. Of course yesterday was also the day we had been invited to a dinner party at our local Vet's home. Fortunately Christina volunteered to stay back with the carpet layers and then put all the racks etc back inside from the foot path. A great employee is our Christina and an even better daughter. Today she took a well earned break while Mark & I went in for a few hours and tidied the place up ready for what looks like a very busy week.

It's Think Pink month and so I have a lot of events to attend... find one near you, become involved, donate some money and help out the people who are trying so hard to end this terrible disease of breast cancer.

Talk soon.

Debra

The coffee shops are getting busier

2010-09-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

Well it looks as though the public are starting to spend a little again. This has to be good for all of us. The coffee shop owners tell me that things are slowly picking up again. And so are we.

We have a new breast form from Amoena due in this week. It is very different to what you may have or have seen in the past. It is lighter (30%) has climate control technology and has silver in its lining to kill any bacteria and so reduce any odours. Call the shop for details! It is impressive!

Debra

It's time to fix the economy.. go shopping!

2010-09-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hi there.. since our federal election, business in Brisbane has nose dived.(I am not pointing fingers at any party; it's simply a fact.) Ask any cafe owner or retail shop and you will soon learn the truth. People are worried about their jobs, so they stop spending. All this does is make things worse for everybody. Virtually all of our friends in business are suffering greatly at the moment. And here at Spirit of Life, we're no exception. This September will turn out to be (on current results) the quietest month we have ever had in business. So if you need a new prosthesis or bra.. we would welcome you with open arms. And if you like coffee... then go visit your local cafe for a coffee and perhaps a sandwich. Unemployment is going to become a big problem in Queensland.. but you can help. Go and buy lunch with your friends.. or perhaps a new swimsuit from Spirit of Life.

Debra

What a busy day at the Boutique!

2010-08-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

Well.. what a busy Thursday at the boutique. We now have a new line of post surgery garments from Marena of the USA. These come in a range of items for post abdominal surgery and today we had Kendall here training our staff (and me) on the finer points of fitting these to the patient. These are a wonderful new line to compliment our post breast surgery products. If you're having liposuction or body sculpting surgery or any abdominal surgery that requires a compression garment, these might be right for you. Ask your plastic surgeon for their advice.

And.. right after Kendall left, our good friend Greg Cary from Talk Radio 4BC dropped in to say hello... so we grabbed a quick lunch with him at one of the many cafes on Park Road. Greg has a very interesting current affairs talk back program on each morning on 4BC (1116 on your dial) and can be heard all over Queensland on other stations. Greg's program is always very interesting and we are sure you will enjoy tuning in! And as usual.. Mark was here with a camera to catch the events.

The Medicare rebate for breast prostheses.. not sure who is going to be the new Prime Minister but if your prosthesis is getting on a bit you might want to replace it while the Medicare rebate is still in place! Ring the girls at the shop for details.

Debra.

Goondiwindi with the BCAQ

2010-07-31T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hello there. Saturday night and I am home with a heavy duty cold. I have just come in the door from a BCAQ educational workshop at Goondiwindi. These are great events and we support BCAQ wherever they go. Along with a surgeon, oncologist, dietician, breast care nurse etc I spoke about choices in breast prostheses as well as mastectomy bras and swimsuits.

I met some amazing ladies and really enjoyed the country hospitality. Special thanks to husband Mark who drove me out there and back and unpacked/repacked the Land Rover for me.

This is a picture of me with Gina Fairfax who is the driving force behind BCAQ.

Debra

Mother nature always gets it right!

2010-07-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

Recently we have had an absolute plague of mice and rats around our home here in Brisbane. Mark has been tearing his hair out as they get into everything and anything. And then, just a few days ago we noticed the numbers falling.....

Last night we found out why. Mother nature has sent us a feathered mouse trap. Isn't it a beauty?

Cheers

Debra

It's been a while....

2010-07-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post. Things have been busy here with all the usual end of financial year paper work that all business people have to do. July is a big month here at the Boutique. Our Anita Care Winter Newsletter is out with some new breast prostheses from Anita of Germany. If you didn't get one in the mail, you can download an electronic version here. Also during July our current range of Anita Swimwear is discounted 30% off. Stock is limited though, so it really is first in best dressed as my mother in law used to say.

And of course, July is also the month of birthdays in my family.. husband Mark on the 3rd and duaghter Christina on the 26th. With an election in the air, it seems like the next couple of months will be interesting to say the least. Whoever becomes PM, it is important that they keep the Medicare rebate for extrnal breast prostheses in place. These were a long time coming and very important. You could always contact your local federal member and remind them of this.

Talk soon,

Debra

Well.... it's been a while!

2010-06-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

So it has been a while since my last post. My daughter Christina has been in hospital for surgery and I just got her home when my husband Mark managed to injure his lower back. Not sure how he did it, but he has been almost completely incapacitated these past 3 weeks. Lots of visits from the Physiotherapist, lots of Panadol and at last he is able to get around a little bit. Our month of May was a record for us here at the boutique.... made for a busy time with Christina still being on sick leave. Keep an eye out for a new Anita Winter newsletter from us in early July. We will be showing you some new bras (sneak peek here) and also some specials on end of season swimsuits. Talk again soon

Debra

A day off in paradise

2010-05-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

For the first time since Christmas, I have had a Sunday off for Mother's Day. No housework, no washing.. it has been great. Mark and another couple took me up to Teewah beach in the Land Rover. It was so peaceful jut cruising along the beach looking at the ocean. And the hi-lite was their Land Yacht. It was just amazing to see them zooming along at the water's edge powered entirely by wind. This is a big week for my family as our daughter Christina goes into hospital on Thursday for some extensive surgery. So.. as you can appreciate, you might not catch me at the shop very much in the next two weeks. I hope you had a wonderful mother's day too.

Cheers

Debra

Lest we forget!

2010-04-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

ANZAC day again.. what does it mean to you? Do you pause momentarily? Do you watch the dawn service on the television? Is it just another public holiday, a long weekend to catch the last warm days at the beach? I hope not. While I was always aware of ANZAC day and what it meant to me, a baby boomer, I didn't actually have any relatives directly involved in the war. Or any war for that matter. And then my husband Mark told me of his late father's experiences in that terrible event..World War 1. You see he signed up at 16. He walked up to the enlisting desk and was asked how old he was. When he said 16, they told him to come back when he was 18. In his own words, "So I walked around the quadrangle and came back to the desk... I'm 18 now sir!" Sign here lad.. a shilling for signing up and away he went. London to the Western Front from where he was eventually moved to Poona in India where he ran the base dispensary. He left home in 1914 and didn't come back until 1921. He left home a 16 year old boy and came home at 23, a Captain in the army, and... literally older than his years. He rarely spoke of his time in the army, but always went to the dawn service, right up till the age of 80.. just before he passed on. He often told Mark that "War changes men" and to be gracious to returned veterans of all nationalities. Since I learned these things of Ron... well I have a new perspective of Anzac Day.

Lest we forget!

Debra

New mastectomy Swimsuit Video.

2010-04-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies... I have just uploaded a short video on mastectomy swimsuits. The first one (and there will be some more coming) shows the Amoena $99 special. Have a look and tell me what you think.

Cheers

Debra

So we've finished the newsletter

2010-04-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

At last our new newsletter is finished..thanks to Mark. From here it goes to our printer electronically to be printed and then distributed at Month's end. It really is amazing that we can produce a newsletter full of wonderful colorful pictures just by using our little MacBook Pro. Yes our Apple computer is a great business tool. And when you get your copy of the newsletter in the mail, don't forget that apart from our new ranges of products, we will be offering our usual special on mastectomy bras. And it's this: Buy any 2 Amoena mastectomy bars in the one transaction and you will get a 15% discount. This is a 'stand alone" special and any other discount offers do not apply. Speaking of discounts, did you know we offer a Seniors Card discount on all lingerie?

Talk soon

Debra

Wow! They're arrived.. we have Turbans and Caps!

2010-04-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Yes our Scarves & Turbans have arrived at last.. and they are going out the door as fast as we can unpack them. The ladies simply love them. If you're doing chemo at the moment then put some colour back into your life and be stylish at the same time with one of these fabulous scarves & turbans. And they are very light too!

Talk soon

Debra

A Busy Post Easter Week

2010-04-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a peaceful Easter. Usually this week is quiet being the school holidays etc. But not this time around. The shop is hopping and we're busy behind the scenes producing our May Newsletter. Keep an eye out for it. We will be showing some new pretty lingerie as well as a stunning bargain for a one piece mastectomy swimsuit.

Talk soon

Debra

2010-04-03T01:33:00.000-07:00

So this morning for the first time we opened the boutique on an Easter Saturday. A few ladies came in and I got a chance to upload the new Emma mastectomy bras to our website. These bras and matching briefs and camisole are literally walking out the door.

Have a safe Easter, Talk soon.

Debra

Happy Easter

2010-03-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

You know, my late mother in law, May Taylor used to have this neat way of dividing up the year. She said that you get over Christmas, then before you know it, Easter has come along. Then it's Exhibition (RNA) time and.. then the run down to Christmas again. Well I must be getting older as it seems like only yesterday we celebrated Christmas. Anyhow.. to one and all have a happy Easter and if you are travelling on the road.. take care.

By the way... we will be open on Easter Saturday, but only from 10:00 until 12:00.

Cheers

Debra

Discount on Anita Bras.. One day only!!

2010-03-23T03:41:00.000-07:00

So for the 24th March only, all Anita Bras are 10% off when you buy 2 or more. If your size is not in stock, you can prepay for an order to enjoy the discount. Tell Christina you saw our special on the net.

Cheers

Debra

I am being pushed down the information super highway!

2010-03-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

Back in the shop after a quick trip to Sydney to the Breast Care Nurses conference. After a long (12 hour) trip in the faithful Land Rover our front door sure looked good.

Have you ever heard of Twitter? Neither had I until today and our web guru tells me that i should be "Tweeting" to let you folks know on a more regular basis what we're up to at Spirit of Life. So.. we now have a Twitter Page and I invite you ladies to follow me through a busy day at the Spirit of Life Boutique.

Talk soon.

Debra

Something new at the boutique.. soon!

2010-03-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies.. well I am still at the Breast Care Nurses Conference at Coogee Beach. One of the things we get asked for a lot at the boutique is turbans.. for ladies undergoing chemo therapy.

Well.. I am pleased to say that we should have these around Easter time. And they are very smart as well. Keep an eye on our online shop and we will have them listed there as soon as we have them. They will feature in the next newsletter as well! In the meantime, I went for a walk on Coogee Beach with my husband Mark late yesterday afternoon. It really is a beautiful place. Lots of Sydney-siders having a surf after work before going home for dinner.

Talk soon

Debra.

Post Card from Coogee Beach

2010-03-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hello there. Today I am at the Breast Care Nurses Convention at Coogee Beach Sydney. This is an opportunity to meet and talk with the Breast Care Nurses from Queensland and Northern NSW. And also I get to learn about the new treatments that our special ladies are going through. It helps me understand how they feel when they come to our Boutique for their Prosthesis.

Here is a Happy Snap of me at the Anita Stand.

Cheers for now.

Debra

International Womens' Day 2010

2010-03-05T00:27:00.000-08:00

On the 8th of March, it is International Womens' Day. And it is a time to look back and see what we as women have achieved as we strive to improve our life and also to enrich the lives of those we care for. To this end, The Hub, a women's sub group of the Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon function today to celebrate the event.

Their guest speaker was the Lady Mayoress of Brisbane, Lisa Newman. Lisa is on so many boards and committees that you wonder if she ever has time to be at home. Today she spoke about her passion for charity work, how she mixed the roles of mother and being Lord Mayor Campbell's wife.. and manages to always have a smile on her face along the way. Lisa is a truly remarkable lady and we, the citizens of Brisbane are lucky to have her in our midst. I was fortunate enough to sit next to Lisa and learn more about her passion for life. She has produced a cook book with proceeds of sales going to charity. Good luck Lisa.

So 2010 is here already.

2010-02-18T01:14:00.000-08:00

He we are 2 months into 2010.. seems like Christmas was only yesterday. We have been very busy at the Boutique especially with ordering new season's swimwear to be delivered later in the year. The flooding here a couple of days ago was incredible! We managed to stay dry but some other shops in Park Road were flooded.

Late last year I joined the Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce. At Wednesday's meeting they had an interesting speaker talking about getting referral's for your business. We get lots of referrals from our clients and I guess that this is a good time to say thank you to all of you who have referred your family and friends to Spirit of Life.. we do appreciate it. My professional photographer husband Mark is also a member of the Chamber and is their official photographer. He grabbed this shot of me and other members at the last meeting.

Take care

Debra

WOW! It's Christmas and my birthday!

2009-12-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hell there.. another long time between posts. It is Christmas Eve at the Boutique as I write this. And my birthday too. The girls have given me some nice presents and I do really appreciate that. Another year is closing and a new year and in fact a new decade is soon to be! I hope 2009 was kind to you and that 2010 will be even better. And if this past year wasn't every thing that you had hoped for.. then dust yourself off and give it your best shot in 2010.

Yesterday I had my heart touched by a young girl who was busking at Hamilton. You see she was blind. She walked along holding her dad's arm as he played the guitar and they sang popular songs together. Nearly all the people at the cafe put a coin or even a note into her hat. It soon put my life into perspective.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us here at Spirit of Life.

Debra

Movember.. one week in!

2009-11-07T18:55:00.001-08:00

In my last post I told you of my husband Mark's involvement with Movember. Movember is a fun way to raise funds for research into prostate cancer and depression in men. Like breast cancer in women, prostate cancer is as prevalent in men at the same rate. I have enclosed a picture of Mark's "growth" of 7 days effort... so greyI Not at all like when i first met him all those years ago.

You can track Mark's progress on line (and donate funds) by following this link. Here is a picture of Mark at 7 days!

Talk soon

Debra

Pink October ends.. & Movember starts

2009-11-01T23:47:00.000-08:00

Hi ladies.. well another Breast Cancer Awareness/Fund Raising month has ended. November brings Movember where men grow a moustache to raise funds for research into prostate cancer and depression in our men folk. My husband Mark (who shaved off his moustache when he went grey) has decided to get involved this month as part of the Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce Team. You can donate to support him as follows: (Check out his sad sack photo.. hope he smiles at the end)

Yes ladies, as Debs' other half I am growing a moustache this year for Movember. I have decided to put down my Braun razor for one month (November) and help raise awareness and funds for men’s health – specifically prostate cancer and depression in men. What many people don’t appreciate is that close to 3,000 men die of prostate cancer each year in Australia and one in eight men will experience depression in their lifetime - many of whom don’t seek help. Facts like these have convinced me I should get involved and I am hoping that you will support me.

To sponsor my Mo, you can either:

• Click this link http://au.movember.com/mospace/105705/ and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account
• Write a cheque payable to ‘Movember Foundation’, referencing my Registration Number 105705 and mailing it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 292, Prahran, VIC, 3181

Remember, all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Movember is now in its sixth year and, to date, has achieved some pretty amazing results by working alongside The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCFA) and beyondblue: the national depression initiative. Check out further details at: http://au.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs. If you are interested in following the progress of my Mo, click here http://au.movember.com/mospace/105705/. Also, http://au.movember.com has heaps of useful
information.

Thank you

Mark Taylor
clayfieldstudio.com
australianminingphotography.com

I enjoyed meeting some more nice people.

2009-10-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hello there.. this morning I again joined with the Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce as they held a Pink Ribbon fund raiser for Breast Cancer. We listened as two cancer survivors told their stories. One lady had fought the battle and won against breast cancer while another is bravely fighting lymphoma.. and doing a great job along the way. The committee very kindly asked me to say a few words about the Boutique and i was happy to tell the ladies (and a few men) about how we help our ladies to get back to normality after their surgery. So it's a big thank you to Hillary from Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to speak this morning.

Talk soon.

Debra

Think Pink in Racecourse Road

2009-10-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hello there ladies. Well I am back from Melbourne from my Grand Mother's funeral.. and life goes on. This morning Mark and i attended a fundraiser for Chicks in Pink at the Lido in Racecourse Road at Ascot. Lido owner Bev has been an enthusiastic supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness and again came to the party this morning with a special brunch with funds going to the Mater Hospital's Chicks in Pink. If you're looking for a place to dine in Brisbane's north, I can heartily recommend the Lido. Here is a picture of me with Bev (in the middle) and Helen from Chicks in Pink.
Talk soon

Debra

A sad ending to a day that started out so well!

2009-10-07T02:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! Can't life turn around so fast. Yesterday morning I was enjoying breakfast with the Lord Mayor in Brisbane. The day looked full of promise and opportunities. And then just after lunch I received a call from Melbourne. Grace Fisher was very ill. Come now! My husband Mark jumped into gear and booked me onto a flight to Melbourne later in the afternoon. Just enough time for him to race me home, pack a small bag and get me to the airport. As I sat waiting for my flight to be called, I thought about my long relationship with Grace. You see, she was my Grandmother and someone whom I loved very much. I thought of my teenage years when I lived with her in Melbourne and all of the things we used to do. As I grew to become an adult and then a mother myself I still took time out to travel to Melbourne to see her. Ours was a mother-daughter relationship. So very special.

My plane lands after an eternity in the sky; John waits in his car and we race to the hospital.... unfortunately we get there 5 minutes too late. My loving Grandmother Grace was gone. Now 24 hours and countless tears later, I realise yet again what a gift life is. Yes my Nanna is gone, but she will live forever in my heart and in my memories. She was blessed with 95 years to live out her life and like us all, she faced her joys and challenges with a strong heart.

Vale Grace Fisher.. gone but not forgotten.

Debra

Sad news at Mike Ahern's Passing

2009-10-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

If you grew up in Brisbane in the late 60s/early 70s then you would remember Mike Ahern from radio 4BC. Mike was a hero DJ to a generation of Brisbane Baby Boomers. My husband Mark has fond memories of doing his home work listening to Mike on the radio spinning Beatles records. It is hard to imagine now that Mike and his fellow DJ's had a cult like following from the teenagers of the day. Mike passed away early in the morning of October 5 in England after a battle with cancer. He was in Australia earlier in the year and I had the pleasure to join with him and Mark for lunch. He started his career on Radio Caroline in the UK and was able to broadcast again from a Pirate Radio reunion just recently.

Debra

What an interesting breakfast!

2009-10-05T17:49:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. I have just come from a breakfast meeting of the Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce. There I met some interesting people and had a chance to chat to our Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman before he spoke on his vision for Brisbane for the next 20 years. Of course October is Breast Cancer Month and I would ask that you get behind your local fund raising event to help raise funds to fight this insidious disease. At the boutique we have some decorated bras on display in the window, so if you're passing by, please stop and have a look. Talk again soon.

Debra

World Masters Games Sydney October 2009

2009-09-30T03:15:00.000-07:00

Hi there.. we have had a few ladies into the boutique who are going to the World Masters games in Sydney. They have been chasing sports mastectomy bras and swimsuits. Good on you girls.. great to see you taking part in life! If you are attending, please drop in and let us look after you in the foundation department.

Talk soon

Debra

A work in progress!

2009-09-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hi there. Today I am not at the boutique; rather I am working on our next newsletter at my husband's photographic studio. Although away from the hustle and bustle of the boutique, it has still been a busy day. Looking for digital image files and working out what stock will be available next month. And then of course I had to take my dog Dorothy for a "hair do". I was so impressed with what the people at "A Gentle Clip" did with Dorothy, I had Mark photograph her so I could put her up on my blog site. She is the most spoilt dog in the world.

Debra

Count your blessings...

2009-09-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hello there. It has been a while since my last post. My other half Mark keeps telling me that I should blog more often... but like a lot of things in life, out of sight is out of mind! One of the things my mother used to tell me was to count my blessings! As a child I never paid a lot of attention to this.... but now as an adult I have come to understand the value in it. If you live in Australia like i do then we really are blessed. Think about it.. Governments change without any blood being shed, we enjoy high standards of living and health care. In fact this has to be one of, if not the best place on earth to live. I have been visited by a Doctor from Iran who herself has had a bilateral mastectomy. Poorer women there do not have a government funded mastectomy service like Medicare here in Australia. After hearing her story, we gave her a large quantity of prostheses to help at least some of the women in her care.

Yes, we do live in the lucky country.

Debra

P.S. Where were you when man walked on the moon in 1969?

Greetings from Melbourne

2009-08-11T23:27:00.001-07:00

So here I am in the city of my birth, Melbourne. I have come here to visit Anita Australia to sort out future deliveries due to the overwhelming popularity our our new range of Anita Prostheses. And one of the great things about Melbourne is the incredible number of little back lanes that have the most fabulous coffee shops in them. On a cold and foggy Melbourne morning there is nothing like a great cup of coffee to start the day. Anyhow.. must be off; lots of things to do.

Talk soon

Debra

One lucky Anita Care customer has won a camera!

2009-08-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

During the month of July, we ran a competition where any lady who purchased an Anita Care Product went into the draw for a Canon Digital Camera. And last Friday night at the close of business we drew the winner.... (drum roll pleaase!)

And the winner is... Kerry Leach from Mackay, North Queensland. Congratulations Kerry. A Canon A480 is winging its way to you this week.

Talk soon.

Debra

Wow! What a road trip it was!

2009-07-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody... after many days on the road the trusty Land Rover has brought us safely back to Brisbane. Our road show was incredibly well received by the ladies of the South Burnett, Rockhampton, Mackay and Ayr. To you all thank you so much for your kindness and your feedback on the new products that we showed you. The Pyjamas with pockets for prostheses from Amoena were a big hit along with the new soft Anita breast prostheses and stunning Anita bras. An especially big thank you to Carolyn Humphries from Queensland Cancer Council Rockhampton, Margaret Stapleton from Breastscreen Mackay and Shirley Gilmore from the Burdekin Breast Cancer Support Group. These ladies made it all possible. Thank you one and all.
I must also thank my husband Mark who spent time away from his business to be my "driver and roady".

And wasn't my dog Dorothy glad to see us home!!!

Will post again soon.

(The picture above is of Marion Strong, Breast Care Nurse Toowoomba and me at Kingaroy.)

Cheers

Debra

Burdekin Breast Cancer Support Group

2009-07-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

Well, Saturday morning finds us wrapping up 2 days with the Burdekin Support group based in Ayr, North Queensland. I have seen quite a few ladies and fitted thek with new prostheses and bras. Shirley Gilmore (in the pictures with me) is the driving force behind this group and they really are a lively bunch of ladies. Being in the tropics, swimming is high on the agenda and they really like the new range of swimwear from Anita. Very colourful is the most common comment. Also the Anita breast prostheses are proving a big hit with these ladies again because they are so soft and gentle against the chest wall. This afternoon finds us on the road starting back to Brisbane in our trusty Land Rover with a lot of empty spaces from all the prostheses we have supplied to ladies on this trip.

Talk soon.

Debra

A morning at Breastscreen Mackay

2009-07-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am at the local McDonalds having a well earned cool drink after a Post Breast Surgery Choices workshop at Breastscreen Mackay. I met some lovely ladies who had interesting stories to tell and we had a great time. Again I find that ladies are blown away by having such a large choice in prostheses from both Amoena and now Anita of Germany. Next stop in our road show is Ayr around 3 hours up the track.

Talk soon.

Debra

Spirit of Life on the road - Mackay

2009-07-22T01:23:00.000-07:00

Well here we are safely in Mackay. Yesterday I ran a small workshop at Cancer Council Qld in Rockhampton. I am getting good feed back on our additional ranges of Anita Prostheses; ladies like the soft feel of them and the fact that they are not flat backed.. they feel softer against the chest wall. Our trusty Land Rover that was full to overflowing when we left Brisbane is now starting to show the odd bit of empty space as we outfit our ladies with new prostheses and bras etc as we travel along. Tomorrow we are running another Post Breast Surgery Options workshop in Mackay courtesy of Breastscreen Queensland. Then it's on the road again and off to a local support group of ladies in Ayr. Also you'll see that I have added a photograph of me with one of the new Anita mastectomy swimsuits.

BCAQ Kingaroy

2009-07-20T03:14:00.000-07:00

Hi there. This latest entry is from Rockhampton. We have just come from a BCAQ (Breast Cancer Association Qld) workshop in Kingaroy. The BCAQ works so hard to carry the message of education about Breast Cancer to rural women throughout Qld. I am so proud that Spirit of Life is part of the team and accompanies them on their missions. Tomorrow I am doing a workshop at Cancer Council in Rockhampton, then on to Mackay and Ayr to do similar events.

Hopefully we'll get some pictures up before the week is out.

Take care,

Debra

Bras by the Stars - Kim Walters Choices

2009-06-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

Here at Spirit of Life Boutique we like to support all Breast Cancer related charities. Kim Walters Choices run a Bras by the Stars feature where local identities decorate bras. These are then displayed at shopping centres around Brisbane. This year we're getting behind an amazing fashion designer.. Connor O'Grady. You may have seen him on channel 7's Today Tonight program recently. You see, Connor is only 8 years old. He has wanted to be a fashion designer since he was literally knee high to a grass hopper.

His Grandfather bought him a sewing machine for Christmas and he uses this at the rear of his dad's veterinary surgery to crank out all sorts of creative designs. And remember he is only 8 years old. We are all so proud to support Connor in his endeavour to be a well known fashion designer by the time he grows up. Here is a picture of Connor and the bra he designed for Bras by the Stars for Kim Walters Choices.

Also our new webstie for Anita products is now up and running. Please enjoy.

Spirit of Life is the Brisbane home of Anita Care!

2009-06-18T03:47:00.000-07:00

At last! Real choices in Post Breast Surgery Products.
I am so glad to let you know that we now stock virtually the entire range of Anita Care Products. While we have always stocked Anita products, we now carry a a whole lot more. What this means to you is real choice when it comes to purchasing your new Prosthesis. You can now choose from a wider range from both Amoena and Anita to ensure you get what suits you best; regardless of make. And of course the Medicare rebate still covers up to $400 towards the purchase of your new prosthesis. (Or $800 for bilateral).

On a lighter note, famous "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Milan is in town at the moment. (He will be appearing at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Friday 19) My husband Mark (a professional photographer) had to photograph him tonight and I was fortunate enough to meet him. For those of you who know of him from his TV shows, he is a very gentle and charming man. I spoke with him about my little dog Dorothy and Mark caught the moment for me!

Best regards

Debra

Welcome all delegates to Reach For Recovery in Brisbane

2009-05-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

On behalf of all the staff here at Spirit of Life Boutique, we welcome all delegates to the Reach for Recovery Conference being held in Brisbane in May 2009. It is simply wonderful to see so much positive energy out there being focused on recovery from this dreaded disease of breast cancer.

And while you're in Brisbane, please feel free to visit us at the Spirit of Life Boutique. Whether you need a new prosthesis, mastectomy bra or swimsuit or would simply like to chat and have a coffee or tea, we'd love to met you. Brisbane is a beautiful place to visit in May; our Mid-Autumn. Spend an extra day here and see the amazing sites we have to offer.

Enjoy

Debra Taylor

October is Think Pink Month - Live in Brisbane Northside?

2008-09-22T23:23:00.000-07:00

Fund raising to help those women affected by breast cancer is so very important. But it can also be fun.. So listen to this and support Chicks in Pink

Friday October 24, Racecourse Road at Ascot is the place to be for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Here's how you can support this worthwhile cause and have a good time doing it.

The Vagelis Cafe/Bar on Racecourse Road is doing an early fundraising breakfast from 7:00 - 8:45 Am with a $35 breakfast with $10 going to Chicks in Pink. Call 3268 4293 to book your table.

Fancy brunch? The Lido in Racecourse Road is brunch from 9:00 - 11:00 AM with a $35 brunch with $10 going to Chicks in Pink! Call 3268 7400 to book your table.

Not an early riser? What about lunch at Baguette in Racecourse Road. Marilyn is offering a $40 lunch with $10 going to Chicks in pink. All the functions will be lots of fun with lucky door prizes and the chance to go into the draw for a fabulous Mazda MX5 roadster from Centenary Mazda and a Bakker diamond valued at $10,000.

I would encourage all those who can to attend this worthwhile project started by Bev (in the picture with me above) from the Lido.

At last! Medicare rebates for breast prostheses!

2008-09-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

We're absolutely thrilled that Medicare is now paying rebates for breast postheses. If you have purchased a new prostheses since July 1, this year you can now claim a rebate. If you have private health insurance, you can claim the difference between your refund up to the Medicare limit. We strongly advise you to seek the finer details from Medicare.

Here at the Boutique we have been run off our feet by ladies wanting new prostheses. If you want to take advantage of this great offer, please ring ahead and book in for a fitting.

Fabulous news from our Government.

Cheers

Debra

What a fabulous day in Bundaberg

2008-09-01T01:42:00.000-07:00

Well here it is, Monday night in Bundaberg and I have had a busy but very enjoyable morning with the local breast cancer support group. Maxine and her friends made both Mark and I very welcome. While I showed the ladies the very latest in prostheses and swim suits, Mark went walk about around the town looking for new gadgets!. The ladies meet here on the first Monday of every month and have a very warm caring group. The photos show me talking to the group and also Rosemary, Maxine and me.

Bundaberg Breast Cancer Support group visit.

2008-08-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

So Spirit of Life Boutique is on the road again. My husband Mark has loaded the trusty Land Rover to the hilt with Prostheses, Mastectomy Bras and Swim suits and we're headed off to Bundaberg, Queensland today. You see, I had a visit in the Boutique from a lady who was part of a breast cancer support group in Bundaberg. She asked me if we could bring Spirit of Life to town. So tomorrow, Monday we'll be in Bundaberg showing the ladies the latest in breast prostheses and mastectomy swimsuits to the local ladies.

Working at Charleville with the BCAQ

2008-06-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

On the 21st of June the BCAQ (Breast Cancer Association of Queensland) held a breast cancer workshop in Charleville, Western Queensland. BCAQ take to the road every year to educate rural women about breast cancer. Accompanying them on each trip are usually Doctors, Surgeons, Dieticians and other medical professionals. Spirit of Life Boutique are very proud to be associated with theses events and support BCAQ all the way. Below this post is a video of Debra talking about Breast prostheses choices in Charleville. In the picture above right is Debra and Dr Jason Lambley who also spoke at the workshop and below with Breast Care Nurse Cathy Brumpton with a model of the Spirit of Life Boutique Land Rover that she won in the raffle.

At last! Breast Prostheses wash available again!

2008-05-28T02:03:00.000-07:00

After what seems an interminable delay, supplies of Amoena breast wash are now in the store. Designed to gently clean your prostheses and extend their life, bottles are waiting for you.

Spirit of Life Road Trip

2008-02-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a long time between posts.. but here is the latest from Debra at Spirit of Life Boutique. Over the weekend of 17/18th February, Debra and Mark hit the road. And with the support of the Cancer Council of Queensland, held a workshop and fitting session in the Central Queensland city of Rockhampton. ABC local radio interviewed Debra on the subject of what she does... and the response was fabulous with women who heard the interview coming to her workshop.

Getting the message out to rural women that there are fashion choices available to them in the post mastectomy world is Debra's mission. She would like to thank in particular Caroline Humphries who gave up her time on a Sunday to open the Cancer Council office for Debra to hold her workshop.

The women who attended were simply amazed at the variety of pretty lingerie and mastectomy swimwear that Debra had to show to them.

If you're a member of a breast cancer support group.. please let Debra know as you never know when she will coming to your area.

Welcome Dragons Abreast Visitors

2007-08-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Hi there.. well the time is getting close for the Dragons Abreast competitors to arrive in Sunny Queensland. The last week or so has seen record breaking rain fall on the Sunshine Coast where the event will be held. This should make for some very green scenery in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Organise a trip to Maleny and Montville. Simply beautiful little towns in the ranges behind the coast.

Many of our visitors are already making contact with us here at Spirit of Life to organise new swim wear.. and boy do we have a new and exciting range just landed. Along with some new pretty mastectomy bras, it really is worth a visit to see our boutique... it's very different

From the Sunshine Coast, you can take a bus down to Brisbane's Transit Centre and from there we're simply one stop along on the Ipswich train to Milton station and we're across the road from the station.
Let us know you're with Dragons Abreast and we'll give you 10% discount on all lingerie and swimsuits.

Please cut and paste our web site address into your browser to view our range:

www.spiritoflifeboutique.com

Enjoy your stay.

Cheers

Debra Taylor

We're in Germany, visiting Anita

2007-07-13T02:25:00.000-07:00

After a rather interesting flight with Emirates, we are finally meeting with Anita at their factory in Bavaria. Next years' selection of mastectomy swimsuits is amazing. Andrea from Anita has been showing Mark & I some incredibly stunning swimsuits and I am placing substantial orders for our boutique in Brisbane for delivery from September onwards. The factory is surrounded by the most beautiful forests, it is a very pretty area of Europe.

Biloela BCAQ Forum was great!

2007-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Mark & I are back after the BCAQ forum in Biloela. We travelled over 1400 Km for this event, and what a great time we all had. Apart from myself talking to ladies about post breast surgery lingerie choices, there were also speakers talking on subjects as diverse as diet, surgical options and post diagnosis management of breast cancer. In fact 2 doctors flew in for just the day.

We always find that the local ladies in these rural areas appreciate very much theses forums and BCAQ are to be commended for their on going work in this area. On Saturday night after the event, we were made very welcome by David & Bridgette Corr at their property "Stoneleigh" for dinner. It was a beautiful night for us all with wonderful fellowship and the most amazing moon rise. Mark has posted a couple of pictures taken on Saturday.

Cheers

Debra

BCAQ forum at Biloela, June 30, 2007

2007-06-23T21:05:00.001-07:00

Hi there. It's Sunday afternoon and I'm at the Boutique sorting out just what I will take to the BCAQ forum in Biloela next week. You see, the Breast Cancer Association of Queensland (BCAQ) is a wonderful organisation that organises educational forums on breast cancer for women living in rural areas. In the past Spirit of Life Boutique has joined with BCAQ in St George and also Mt Isa.

Education is everything when it comes to breast cancer, and BCAQ brings a range of experts to these events to educate and inform ladies about this important subject. For our part, Spirit of Life will be showing ladies that they have a wide range of choices available to them post mastectomy. From fashionable lingerie to beautiful mastectomy swim suits and even bikinis, we have it all.

Yes, I'm looking forward to this event as they are always lots of fun. We'll be loading up "Britannia" our faithful Land Rover later this week and heading bush.

Cheers for now.

Debra Taylor

Abreast in Australia Regatta

2007-06-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

On September 28 -30 2007 in sunny Australia the Dragons abreast regatta will occur. The Spirit of Life Boutique as a supplier of one of the widest range of mastectomy swim wear is proud to welcome participants to Sunny Queensland for this event. Visit our on line store and view our complete range and specials at the Spirit of Life Boutique.

Some thoughts from Debra

2007-06-15T02:07:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Debra Taylor, this is all new for me so please be patient. I have been a corsetière for over 20 years now. One of the biggest changes I have seen over the last few years is the number of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. Because of this I have been slowly but surely increasing the amount of fashion mastectomy lingerie in my boutique. I'll talk more about this later.