Add some light in your life

IN today's fast-paced world, it's no secret that we spend most of our time indoors. From working long hours to binge-watching our favourite shows, we tend to forget the importance of natural light in our homes.

However, natural light is not just essential for aesthetic purposes, it also has a significant impact on our physical and mental health.

Research shows that exposure to natural light can boost our mood, improve our sleep quality, and increase productivity.

Fortunately, there are many ways to increase natural light in our homes, even if you live in an apartment or have limited space.

Here are some simple yet effective ways to bring more natural light into your home.

OPT FOR LIGHT-COLOURED

WALLS AND FLOORS

Light-coloured walls and floors reflect natural light better than dark shades. Consider painting your walls in soft hues of white, beige, or light grey to create a bright and airy space. You can also choose light-coloured flooring, such as hardwood or laminate, to enhance the natural light in your home.

USE SHEER CURTAINS

Heavy curtains or blinds can block natural light from entering your home. Lean towards sheer curtains that allow natural light to filter through while still maintaining privacy. If you prefer heavier curtains, make sure to open them during the day to let the light in.

ADD MIRRORS

Mirrors are an excellent way to reflect natural light and make a room appear brighter and larger. Hang a large mirror opposite a window to maximize the amount of natural light in your home.

You can also use smaller mirrors strategically to bounce light around the room.

USE LIGHT-COLOURED FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES

In addition to walls and floors, lightcoloured furniture and accessories can also help to reflect natural light. Consider investing in a light-coloured sofa, chairs, or coffee table to brighten up your living room.

You can also add light-coloured throw pillows, rugs, and artwork to enhance the natural light in your home.

TRIM TREES AND BUSHES OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOWS

If you have trees or bushes outside your windows, make sure to trim them regularly to allow more natural light to enter your home. You can also plant low-maintenance plants, such as succulents, in pots near your windows to bring more greenery indoors.

So, give it a try! Increasing natural light in your home can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. So, go ahead and let the sunshine in.

QCWA’s recipe of the month

Chargrilled Vegetable Pies

This recipe, provided by Dawn Lutz, of the QCWA Brisbane City Nights Branch, is a delicious and colourful way to enjoy chargrilled vegetables. Perfect for entertaining or can be paired with a side salad if served as a main.

INGREDIENTS

Extra virgin olive oil spray

400g butternut pumpkin, peeled and cut into 1cm slices

1 small eggplant, cut into 5mm slices

1 red capsicum, roughly chopped, seeds removed

1 yellow capsicum, roughly chopped, seeds removed

2 small zucchinis, halved crossways and thinly sliced lengthways

200g haloumi, thinly sliced

3 sheets short crust pastry, reduced fat

¼ cup basil pesto

¼ cup milk

Black pepper, to garnish Sesame seeds, to garnish

Serves 6

METHOD

Preheat oven and a flat baking tray to 230˚C fan forced or preheat BBQ grill or char-grill pan on high until hot. SRPAY both sides of vegetables and haloumi with oil spray.

Chargrill pumpkin 3-4 minutes each side. Remove and cover with foil. Chargrill the eggplant, capsicum and zucchini for 5 minutes on each side until tender. Peel any charcoaled skin from capsicum and cut capsicum into thick strips.

Chargrill haloumi for 2-3 minutes each side until lightly golden. Place vegetables, haloumi and pesto in a bowl and mix. SPRAY 6 pie tins with olive oil spray and line with pastry. Fill the pastry- lined pies with rice and blind bake for 10 minutes. Remove pastry cases from oven and discard rice.

Fill pies with vegetable mix and top with a piece of pastry. Brush top of pies with milk, make small holes with a fork and sprinkle with cracked black pepper and sesame seeds. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden.