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Christine Tylee Karate Australian Open
Andy Berude Karate
Sophie Berude Australian Open

The Australian Open Karate Championships

The Australian Open karate championships were a massive day for the kids, as they had the opportunity to compete against international competitors.

Andy made an unfortunate error in an otherwise outstanding kata and fought the best I’ve ever seen him fight. With another 18 months in this division, he’s well set for next year.

Sophie performed the best katas I’ve witnessed and narrowly missed out on a medal, having faced tough international and interstate competitors.

I broke my curse and didn’t get disqualified this time. I’m delighted to have finally achieved a medal at the Australian Open.

Day 2 at the Australian Open saw me compete in the Open Senior Female Kata division (16+), ranking 29 out of the 40 entrants. Being on the tatami with the best Kata athletes from the Southern Hemisphere was an honor!

I was delighted with the experience and would have won the “happiest loser” award if such an award had existed!

I went home with a bronze medal in the female veteran’s division!

Christine Tylee Australian Open Karate
Sophie Berude and Christine Tylee Karate Championships

Karate is a discipline that requires hard work and dedication. In the lead-up to the Australian Open, Sophie, Andy, and I had been training hard. Here are Sophie and me at the previous tournament. We both came away with a Silver Medal, so making it to the Australian Open and competing was remarkable.

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Exclusive Celebrities Unite for a Cause

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Exclusive Celebrities Unite for a Cause

Sophie and I had an extraordinary Sunday, one that could easily be mistaken for a glamorous celebrity gathering, but it was so much more meaningful. We had the honor of being part of an exclusive group in a corporate box at the AFL match, but this was no ordinary sporting event — it was Redkite Day, a significant occasion dedicated to raising funds for families affected by childhood cancer.

 

The air buzzed with a sense of community and purpose as we were surrounded by a notable crowd. We had the privilege of sharing the company of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancée, Jodie Haydon, alongside the witty Adam Spencer, known for his comedic flair, and the culinary maestro Josh Niland, famed for his appearances on Masterchef.

Adding to the list of illustrious guests was Monique Keighery, the CEO of Redkite, whose leadership drives the organization’s mission forward. And, of course, there was Sophie and I, humbled and inspired by the collective passion of the group.

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As part of the day’s events, Paul and Andy had the fantastic opportunity to meet with some promising players from the Swans, the heartbeat of the day’s sporting action. Meanwhile, Sophie and I embraced our role, representing the voices and stories of families navigating the challenging journey of childhood cancer. Our conversations with the Prime Minister and Jodie Haydon, along with the other distinguished guests, were not just social interactions but exchanges filled with empathy and a shared drive to make a real difference.

While we engaged in meaningful dialogue, we also witnessed the Swans claim a resounding victory — a fitting backdrop to a day marked by communal triumph. Sophie and I were more than mere spectators; we were advocates, standing in solidarity with Redkite at the Swans game, committed to the cause that means so much to us.

Being special guests for Redkite in a corporate box alongside the nation’s leader and his partner highlighted that were there not just to watch a game but to champion a cause close to our hearts — to aid children with cancer and support their families. It was indeed a Sunday unlike any other, filled with the spirit of generosity, hope, and the heartfelt effort to make a real difference.

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Introducing the Glitter Philosophy Bracelets

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Introducing the Glitter Philosophy Bracelets

A Shimmering Reminder of Hope and Gratitude

Sophie and I are thrilled to share a beautiful initiative born out of resilience and love—the Glitter Philosophy Bracelets. These unique accessories are not just jewelry, they embody a powerful message of finding joy and gratitude every day, a philosophy that Sophie embraced wholeheartedly during her courageous battle with leukemia.

The Spark behind the Sparkle

During some of her toughest days, Sophie’s spirit shone brightly as she consistently found “the glitter”—those moments of joy and thankfulness amidst adversity. Her positivity was a beacon for all who knew her. When The Body Shop, a previous avenue for fundraising, closed, Sophie and I were determined to find a new way to support children and families facing cancer, and so the Glitter Philosophy Bracelets were created.

Christine Tylee Sophie Berude
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More Than Just a Bracelet

These bracelets serve as a daily reminder to look for the glitter in your day, to focus on the positives, and to cherish the good moments. Each bracelet is priced at $9.95 AUD, with an additional $4 for postage. Available in various hues—Light Orange, Mystic (Light Grey), White Pearl, White Clear, Champagne, and Light Blue—these bracelets offer you the chance to wear your optimism on your wrist.

Can’t decide on a colour? Opt for a mystery colour and be surprised!

Supporting a Noble Cause

The proceeds from every bracelet sold are donated to Redkite, an organization dedicated to supporting families dealing with childhood cancer and are also used to purchase gift packs for children in hospitals. By choosing to wear one of these bracelets, you’re not only brightening your day but also making a significant difference in the lives of children who need it most.

As ambassadors for Redkite, Sophie and I were recently special guests at the Sydney Swans in support of the cause, we joined the Prime Minister’s fiancé Jodie Haydon, and Monique Keighery, CEO of Redkite, who are now both proud owners of their own Glitter Philosophy Bracelets!

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How to Purchase Your Glitter Philosophy Bracelet

If you’re in Australia and looking to add a little sparkle to your day while contributing to a heartwarming cause, these bracelets are perfect for you. To order, simply send me a message by clicking the button below.

Message me to Order

 

Proceeds go to Rekite and purchasing gifts for children in hospital

Join Us in Spreading the Glitter 

We invite you to be a part of this shimmering movement. Whether it’s choosing a bracelet for yourself or gifting one to someone special, your support helps continue Sophie’s legacy of positivity and help those in need.

Send me a message to order your Glitter Philosophy Bracelet and start finding the sparkles in every day.

❤️ Love, Sophie & Christine ❤️

✨ May your day be full of sparkles ✨

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Emily’s European Adventure

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Emily’s European Adventure

As the clock struck midnight on April 11, Emily, embarked on a school trip of a lifetime. Bound for the rich landscapes of Europe, her itinerary promised an immersion into the very cradle of Western civilization. With the enthusiasm of their youth, 40 teenagers set off for Italy!

The Roman Holiday

The trip’s first leg took Emily to Rome, the Eternal City, where she basked in the glory of its historical grandeur. Her excitement was obvious through the photos she sent back home. The group then ventured to the stunning cliffs and clear blue waters of Sorrento, they then travelled on to explore Pompeii and climb Mt Vesuvius … where they were apparently disappointed that they couldn’t see lava 😆

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Reflecting in Poland

The journey took a reflective turn on April 18, as Emily and her peers arrived in Poland. They visited Auschwitz, a place that stands as a somber reminder of the darkest times in human history. For Emily, studying Modern and Ancient History was an invaluable experience to walk through the very places she had only read about in textbooks.

 

Witnessing History in Unforgettable Germany

By April 21, the group had made their way to Germany, tracing the scars of WW2 and the Cold War through iconic sites like the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Amidst the falling snow, history came to life for Emily, leaving a profound impression on her.

Her journey in Germany reached a whimsical peak at Neuschwanstein Castle, a vision of fairy-tale architecture that captivated her imagination and stood out as a favorite destination on her trip!

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Exploring Munich and Nuremberg

Emily’s exploration of Germany continued through the historic streets of Nuremberg and the vibrant city of Munich. With each location, her love for travel and history grew.

Parisian Days in the City of Lights 

No European adventure could forgo the charm of Paris, and Emily’s encounter with the City of Lights did not disappoint. Her joy was evident in the snapshot sent from the Louvre, donning a pink vest—gifted to her by her peers for a series of comical mishaps that added a layer of laughter to their trip!

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A Magical Conclusion at Disneyland Paris

The trip ended in the enchanting realms of Disneyland Paris. As Emily reported, it indeed was “the happiest place on earth,” wrapping up their two-week trip with delight and wonder.

The Return Home

As the group and Emily prepared for their homeward journey filled with souvenirs and fatigue, they carried with them more than just physical tokens. They brought back a wealth of knowledge, cultural insight, and personal growth that only the wonder of travel could bestow.

We are incredibly grateful for the group of teachers who gave up their school holidays to accompany the kids on this trip of a lifetime!