Here’s to another edition of In daloope. We really hope you’re finding our Sleeping newsletter interesting and worth a read! We’re always keen to hear your thoughts so drop us a line at daloope@sleepingwiththeenemy.com

Check out the cool music and dance website we’ve found that includes everything from dates, venues and a calendar of events plus video and podcasts, try our Irish beef stew recipe to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, read about the amazing outdoor improvements in Cairns around the pool area and not to mention the great article on loosing weight for better sex.
We’ve also got a Sydney house naming competition – enter for your chance to WIN FREE BEER!

Check out Sydney and Cairns things to do – live like a local and get out there.

That’s it from us – Enjoy!

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This week we welcome the following “Newbies” into our Sleeping community.

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• Full day Horse Riding / ATV / Kuranda Adventure for $215 + $15 Insurance Levy (this is a savings of $15).

• Further discounts can be passed on for group bookings of 10 or more so speak with Georgina at Blazing Saddles for further details on (07) 4085 0197 or www.blazingsaddles.com.au

Remember that enclosed shoes & long pants are required for the tour. Guests will experience an amazing journey through 1200 acres of beautiful Australian native bushland which can be either adrenalin packed or at a nice easy pace to enjoy.

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WIN BEER – HOW?

To help us name the new Sydney houses that are currently being built, we’ve decided to run a naming competition for all Sleeping guests to be involved in.

If you’re an original thinker or a bit creative, drop us an email with your naming ideas for the 3 new houses that will hold up to 9 people per house in Ultimo.

The most original ideas will win cases of beer. Just so you know as a starting point, the current Sydney house names are quite conservative – Loft, Campus and Basement. We’re sure you can improve on these for the new houses opening in April sometime.

We look forward to receiving your entries so we have some cool names on opening. Help us with your ideas by emailing us today to E: daloope@sleepingwiththeenemy.com

Competition closes March 31, 2009.

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Attention Music & Dance Fanatics

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Ian Maclean, recommends a day trip through the Atherton Tablelands.


Ian’s been a local for over 3 years and believes it’s a great way to experience the Tropics of Queensland whilst being so close to Cairns. It’s only a 1 to 2 hour drive from Cairns. Along the way you’ll experience such different but beautiful landscapes. Rainforest, national park, mountains, waterfalls, rivers and not to mention the amazing wildlife.

Ian’s highlight for the day was swimming at Ellinjaa Waterfalls.

Ellinjaa Falls are picturesque falls that are part of the Waterfalls Circuit along with Millaa Millaa and Zilzie Falls. Enjoy the sound of the water rushing over a series of lava columns as you have a picnic lunch. There's a 200 metre walkway to the base of the falls where turtles and platypus are often spotted. The entry to the falls is FREE.

Rock sliding in the crystal cascades was another favourite experience whilst driving through the Atherton Tablelands. It’s a beautiful swimming hole and is a hidden secret to most tourists and visitors and only find their way there if they’ve been told my locals.

Crystal Cascades is a beautiful swimming hole for those long hot summers. Crystal Cascades is a
Although well known by locals, Crystal Cascades isn't serviced by public transport. Drive to Redlynch and follow the signs another 10km (6 miles) to Crystal Cascades. The total distance from downtown Cairns city is about 20 km (12 miles).

Get out there and experience the peace and untouched habitat whilst staying in Cairns. The day will only cost around $45 for car hire. Pick up a car next door at Rent-A-Bomb – it couldn’t be easier. Don’t forget to pack extra clothing though as walking through rainforest can be wet.

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The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is recommended by Greg Riches, a local for more than 36 years.


This sensational walk is a heart-and-soul symphony, wrapping up the very best of the Sydney’s coastline. It’s a combination of beach and spectacular views.

In an easy, one-hour stroll, the 3.5km trail follows the headlands between Bondi and Bronte, cresting high to offer a view of sea-carved sandstone and crashing waves, then dipping down for a close-up look at some of Sydney’s best-loved beaches.

With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop at either end, you’ll find smart cafes where you can chill with a view. The walk begins at the southern end of Bondi Beach, near the Bondi Icebergs outdoor swimming pool and ends at Bronte Beach, a popular spot with families who favour the shady lawns. Across Bronte Road from the park is a row of super-slick cafes that dish up fresh juices, ham n’ eggs, succulent salads and devil-may-care cakes.

Don’t forget to check out Tamarama beach – known as “Glamarama” to the locals – for a view of some of Sydney’s fashionable people pressed cheek-to-cheek.

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See Where It Comes From

Cairns’ very own home brewed beer !

Blue Sky Brewery is a world-class venue & attraction situated in the heart of the Cairns CBD on Lake Street. Its bar and restaurant attracts locals and visitors alike, with its selection of boutique beers brewed on site. As our microbrewery is located onsite, customers can experience beer at its freshest. Regular brewery tours are conducted throughout the day, giving insight into the craft brewing process. A guide will talk you through the main stages of brewing, with the highlight at the end of the tour: samples of a selection of beers for your tasting pleasure. Visitors are then able to learn more about the region’s history of beer brewing in the Brewseum, before browsing for souvenirs and merchandise in the well-stocked gift shop.

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Local’s Shopping Secret

Cairns is sprinkled with a number of interesting spots for shopping. One that is a bit of a “local’s secret” is the village-like hub of Edge Hill, north of the city centre. Edge Hill is probably the most prestigious suburb in Cairns but it is also home to lovely old Queenslanders, the Cairns Botanic Gardens, Mt Whitfield National Park with the red and blue arrow hiking tracks, Tanks Arts Centre and the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Centre as well as some spectacular homes on the hillside. The central hub offers a number of stylish stores including a shoe store, spas and beauty products, household items and fabulous gourmet foods and gifts. There’s also a newsagent, a video store and a number of real estate agents. As one of Cairns’ “chi chi” suburbs, there are always lots of fashionable and interesting people to spot while having a coffee or lunch. Head to Edge Hill for a day of art, flora, hiking, people watching and some fine food.

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Horse Riding Cairns

Rather than sitting in a bus or riding on a boat, horse riding gives you the opportunity to experience nature at its most intimate level.

Prior horse riding experience is unnecessary, and the guides will instruct you on the best way to handle your horse. The horses provided by trail companies are always of a friendly nature and are suited to each rider's experience and ability.

The rides take place through bushland and rainforest, along golden beaches, and atop mountains offering spectacular views of the Coral Sea, island and surrounding mountains.

Horse riding expeditions can be as little as half a day, or can run for up to a week in duration.

All you need to bring for a single-day horse riding adventure is:

Long pants (denim jeans are good) Strong shoes (preferably hiking boots) Swimming costume Camera Sunscreen

Cairns Horse Riding Adventures

What better way to experience the Aussie bush, rainforest and spectacular views than on horseback with Blazing Saddles. Their horse-riding trails meander through beautiful bushland and rainforest, allowing you to get in amongst nature and experience it first hand. Lookouts provide awesome views of the gorgeous coast line and local beaches.

The trails are perfect for absolute beginner riders through to the more experienced rider. Your horse is hand-picked for your particular skill level, you are provided with a safety and introductory riding lesson and then split into groups by skill level so as to ensure you have a safe and fun horse riding experience.

Blazing Saddles Half Day Horse Riding Tour

The Half Day Horse Riding Tour departs from Kuranda at 8:15AM and 1:15PM daily. It is advised that you wear long pants and covered shoes (no thongs or trail sandals), and at least a T-shirt. Optional items such as sunscreen, hats and sunglasses would also be helpful. The riding tour starts with the friendly staff greeting you with Morning or Afternoon Tea as well as some formalities. Once the horses have been assigned, the staff go through a riding safety lesson. The Half Day Horse Riding Tour then commences through bushland surrounding the Blazing Saddles complex. Native Australian forest and rainforest surroundings provide interesting and adventurous trails and many native animals and birds. The tour also includes a mini cattle round up and other Australian animals. The tour then ends with a return to Blazing Saddles for a BBQ lunch or Home-style meal.

Price start from $98. For further details check out their website: www.blazingsaddles.com.au

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Cycle or Rollerblade around Centennial Park

Centennial Park is one of Sydney's greatest assets, and one of the few large parks around the centre of the city.

It covers 360 hectares of grass, lakes, gardens, and forest, and has a large number of flat roads and paths which are perfect for cycling and novice rollerbladers.

Here is a map of the park.

Castle Rock Beach

Castle Rock is a little known and secluded beach on the Middle Harbour. It's a great swimming and picnic spot where you can get away from the madding crowd on a cruel summer's day.

The best way to get there is to drive to Ogilvy Road where you will find free parking.

From the end of Ogilvy Road, follow the track down to the intersection with the Spit to Manly Walkway. Walk down the concrete steps until you find the Castle Rock Beach track, then follow that down to the beach. It's all sign posted and the walk should not take any longer than 10 minutes.

It's possible to catch a number of buses to nearby Alma St. For details see the 131500 website.

You could also stop in at Castle Rock Beach for your picnic while doing the Spit to Manly walk.

There are no shops so take all your supplies (and lots of water) with you.

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Opera House Markets

Every Sunday from 9am to 5pm the Sydney Opera House Markets are held on the Opera House forecourt.

There are around 40 stalls in the market consisting of Sydney-based artists and crafts people.

The market is worth a browse if you've not been before.

It's also a good opportunity to take a stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens next door.

The Botanical Gardens are an amazing attraction right in the centre of Sydney which far too few Sydneysiders take advantage of, and the ideal spot for a picnic.

So why not take a stroll around the markets and then retire to the Gardens, find a peaceful spot under a tree with a view of the harbour, fill your tummy with delicious picnic goodies, and then have a peaceful slumber or read a book.

Once you have digested the olives and pesto then make your way through the gardens to the NSW Art Gallery. It’s a fitting way to end such a relaxing day.

Here are some maps of the Gardens so you can find your way around.

Also remember that the gallery closes very early at 5pm, so make sure you get there at the latest by 4pm to allow enough time to view the exhibition.

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• Food & Beverage Attendants – Pinnacle Hospitality People is a premier hospitality agency that is looking for dedicated food and beverage attendants to work across a variety of venues.
  
  
• Retail Sales Assistant – Super Cheap Auto Group is looking for a casual Team Leader within the Cairns based team.
  
  
• Office Administrator – Best Doors, Queensland’s premier reseller of residential doors is looking for someone to support the Branch Manager.

SYDNEY

Check out www.seek.com.au for further details on the jobs listed below:

• Call Centre Operators – Salmat, Australia’s leading outsourced call centre provider is seeking people urgently.
  
  
• Full Time Porter – required at Sydney’s Marriot Hotel.
  
  
• Meeting Room Coordinator – 2 x part-time roles for 25 hours exist at McgrathNichol, in the CBD.
  

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House News


It’s all great news for our Cairns guests. A new washing machine has been installed so no more washing hassles. The house gardens have been updated so they now look much more appealing. The new sails are in all courtyards and pool area and the dashing new outdoor lounge chairs are some of the improvements we continue to make. If you haven’t seen these changes, check them out!

For Sydney, it’s seven new mattresses for the bedrooms in the Basement house. Who said our beds aren’t comfortable plus, two new plasma screens for lost and campus!

That’s it from us.

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Lose weight for better sex


Here’s six reasons how shedding kilos will heat up your love life:
What's surprising is how little weight you need to lose to begin reaping the benefits to your love life. According to urologist Stephen Jones, "the closer you are to your ideal weight, the better your sexual health."

1. You'll be sexually confident.
A 2005 Duke University study that investigated the impact of obesity on sex life found that people who lost just 13% of their body weight reported significant improvements in sexual satisfaction — especially in feeling confident.

2. Your partner may suddenly want more sex.
Not that they didn't want you before, but when you start looking good and feeling good, they bound to respond to that and feed off your radiant energy.

3. You'll keep blood flowing where it counts.
Any impaired circulation from clogged arteries or heart disease - symptoms of obesity — can cause erectile problems. Losing weight and exercising improves your cardiovascular function, and that can safeguard your erections.

4. Sessions will last longer.
A leaner body is a more efficient lovemaking machine, as being overweight can seriously compromise your stamina. The more of you there is to move around, the more blood flow and oxygen required.

5. You'll have a higher sex drive.
Obesity tends to lead to poor hormonal function and reduced production of testosterone -both have been linked to low sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Studies show that weight loss can restore a healthy level of testosterone.

6. You'll ensure future pleasure.
By losing weight and keeping weight off, you're lowering your risk for clogged arteries, diabetes, sleep apnea and many other health problems that cause or contribute to impotence. Prevent them, and reap the rewards not only in your lifestyle, but under the covers, too!

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Irish Beef Stew Recipe


To get you in the St Patrick’s Day spirit!

Method

1.  Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and sauté until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add beef stock, Guinness, red wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, then cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

2.  While the meat and stock is simmering, melt butter in another large pot over medium heat. Add potatoes, onion and carrots. Sauté vegetables until golden, about 20 minutes. Set aside until the beef stew in step one has simmered for one hour.

3.  Add vegetables to beef stew. Simmer uncovered until vegetables and beef are very tender, about 40 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Tilt pan and spoon off fat. Transfer stew to serving bowl. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. (Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Salt and pepper to taste. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before serving.)

Serves 4 to 6.

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The refer a friend program is continuing to do really well for us and our guests are also being rewarded with CASH.  This month we welcome Amanda Dahl and Kristine Jackobson to the Cairns house who  were both referred in by Zarina Di Ruiter. Thanks Zarina for recommending Sleeping to your friends and we hope you enjoy spending the cash.

It’s so easy to earn extra money – just mention us to your friends and if they move in you get money straight into your account.  You have to sign-up to the program and hand out referral cards so it’s really simple and straight forward.

Speak to David or Ian to find out more.

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