Weekender Home & Lifestyle August 11 2023

Senior firefighters have expressed concern over a sharp rise in residential fires in New South Wales this winter, urging the public to end the complacency over household smoke alarms.

There were 337 residential fires in the first month of winter this year, an increase of 24 fires (eight per cent) over June 2022.

There’s been a 28 per cent rise in kitchen/cooking area fires over the same period, from 117 to 150, while fires in bedrooms/sleeping areas have risen 19 per cent from 26 to 31.

Fires in lounge rooms have risen from 17 to 19, a 12 per cent increase.

FRNSW Acting Deputy Commissioner – Field Operations, Trent Curtin, said fire crews are still turning up to house fires where either smoke alarms aren’t in working order or they don’t exist at all.

“That’s true in 44 per cent of home fires so far this winter… this time last year, it was 45 per

cent... people are still not heeding our warning… smoke alarms save lives,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Curtin said.

“An affordable smoke alarm, purchased at a hardware store, can provide you with peace of mind that you and your loved ones are protected.

“Test your smoke alarms regularly and if you are worried about fire safety, book a home safety visit with FRNSW through our website and a crew will inspect your residence and even install a free alarm if necessary. If your loved ones or neighbours are elderly, give them a helping hand and ensure they’re protected.”

Curtin said he was particularly concerned about one area of the home.

“The kitchen fire numbers are worrying. We urge the public to keep looking when cooking and invest in a fire extinguisher and fire blanket to store near the kitchen,” he said.

“Throwing water over a stove fire will only make it worse, use a

fire blanket to smother the flames if you can.

“Don’t try to put out a kitchen fire if it becomes overwhelming, escape the home and ring Triple Zero (000).

“Don’t go back inside a burning home.”

Fully Ducted Systems Includes: Reverse cycle operation check Full electrical check Zone operation check Air flow check Return air filter clean Duct Sanitising Drain check and clear Internal roof check Gas pressure check Outdoor unit and fan motor check

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• Supply and Install • Kitchen, Bathroom & Laundry • FULL Renovation • HALF Renovation • CaesarStone, Quartz Stones Benchtop

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Tell us about the suburb the property is in?

Leonay is without question one of the best suburbs in the Penrith district. The golf course plays a big part in achieving this as does the Nepean River. The streets are reasonably quiet but with

Currawong this is particularly true.

Who does this property suit? Buyers looking to upgrade as the property offers a 1017 square metre block or someone who wants a quiet community.

Kingswood

View Property View Property

Updated Kitchen. Updated Bathroom! Dual Occupancy – Dual Income

FOR • Carpet throughout • Dual balcony • Single lock-up garage • Intercom security block • Great location close to amenities • Rental return of $1300 per month • House & Granny Flat returning $830 per week • House features: entry foyer, laundry with extra toilet, tiled throughout & carport • Granny Flat features: Open plan living, tiled throughout, split system a/c & carport • Both properties conveniently located to schools/shops

FOR Just Listed INSPECT By Appointment ADDRESS Kingswood CONTACT Professionals St Marys 9673 4422 Jessica Grant 0418 745 442 Brad Hansen 0430 970 132 Just Listed INSPECT By Appointment ADDRESS Colyton CONTACT Professionals St Marys 9673 4422 Terry Hansen 0418 245 683

1 1 1 5 2 3

For more information visit: www.professionalsouterwesternsydney.com.au/real-estate/property/1268412/ For more information visit: www.professionalsouterwesternsydney.com.au/real-estate/property/1274463/

For more information visit: www.professionalsouterwesternsydney.com.au/real-estate/property/1283736/

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backyard that could fit a granny flat

For more information visit: www.professionalsouterwesternsydney.com.au/real-estate/property/1257901/

• A very affordable opportunity to break into the Sydney market • Neat bathroom with a combined bath & shower • Great-sized yard perfect for the

$629,950 - $669,950

For more information visit: www.professionalsouterwesternsydney.com.au/real-estate/property/1279242/

For more information visit: www.professionalsouterwesternsydney.com.au/real-estate/property/1257302/

OPEN HOME

Member Name Goes Here Penrith Greater Region and Blue Mountains

24/175 Derby Street, Penrith

• Top floor unit in prime location

• Spacious living design with high ceilings

• 2 good-sized bedrooms

AUCTION

• Galley-style kitchen

• Large under cover balcony area

• Close to Penrith CBD, Kmart shopping complex, schools, bus stops

$349,950

INSPECT Sat 12 August at 10:00am - 10:30am

ADDRESS 24/175 Derby Street, Penrith

CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

28 Leonay Parade, Leonay – 2230m2 Vacant Land

Rare As Hen’s Teeth

• Amazing redevelopment opportunity

• Vacant 2230m2 allotment

• B1 Zoning

Auction 2nd September at 10am On Site

• Backs onto Leonay Golf Course

• Childcare centre & shops located right beside

• 2 minute drive to M4 Motorway

New Listing

AUCTION 2nd September, 2023 at 10am On Site

ADDRESS 28 Leonay Parade, Leonay

CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

So Close to the Penrith CBD

PENRITH VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE

This is your last opportunity to secure a luxury apartment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the heart of the Oran Park community.

Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apartment features ample floor space, sophisticated style and the finest finishes.

Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction, the residence is completed to a high standard with:

• Miele oven, gas cooktop, rangehood, built-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedrooms

• Ground floor entry, two levels of secure parking and a communal rooftop with barbeque facilities

Apartment G.03 3 2 2

Interior 111sqm

Exterior 33sqm

Total 144sqm

Price $829,500

9043 7500 metrocentral.oranparktown.com.au

ORAN PARK

Very Happy Seller Happy Vendor SOLD SOLD

a great job selling our house. She has great customer service, always very responsive, professional and friendly. ”

IIKER SOUTH PENRITH – Verified by RateMyAgent

A true professional in every way. Made selling simple & easy in a difficult market.

I found Litsa to be a friendly, personable and highly experienced real estate agent who planned strategically with us and delivered on all her promises and follow ups to achieve a good sales result for our home. Litsa communicated with us daily, kept us appraised of qualified prospects and prepared the home to be an attractive sale, which we achieved, quickly. We always felt we were in the good hands with Litsa, she brings a level of confidence in a tough market which is a rare quality and her honest, focused approach to client’s goals made a huge difference in the final outcome. I would refer friends and family to Litsa if they were buying or selling in the areas she manages. She clearly went out of her way to meet our needs and I will no doubt keep in touch for future deals. – Verified by RateMyAgent

Another Property SOLD!

Be my next happy client, Call or SMS

Gizzelle Powell on 0428934618 for

or for your other property requirements.

FULLY

229-235 Hinxman Road, Castlereagh 2749

The Owners are Motivated and Ready to Move!

Call Jocelyn on 040 516 4446 to arrange your private inspection today.

In an uncertain market knowing you're paying the true market value for a property is important; and losing out on buying your dream home by only a few thousand is frustrating! Openn Negotiation gives Buyers peace of mind and owners clarity they got the best price.

Welcome to Castlereagh, a semi-rural paradise located in NSW. This property, situated on a sprawling 2.14 hectares of cleared land Not Flood effected, fully fenced, is an absolute stunner and provides the perfect rural escape with all the extra luxuries of paradise you could ask for.

SPECIAL FEATURES: FOR THE FAMILY:

Large 5 bed home, 2 open plan living areas; massive kitchen with plenty of storage and prep area, outdoors is the real show-stopper here with an outdoor entertainment area featuring down lights, fans, access to the garage with toilet and shower, overlooking your in-ground salt water pool, cubby house with built in kennel, tennis/ basketball court, stables, Dam, natural boor, solar electricity.

FOR THE TRADIE:

Cement driveway graded to hold trucks, multiple large sheds with high roofing, mezzanine storage, washroom and toilet, sliding doors to allow space for forklift or large equipment, 3 phase power, separate alarms, estimated 8 car undercover parking, fully fenced and so much more!

Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5.30pm | Sat: 8am-1pm

8 Econo Place, Silverdale

Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5.30pm | Sat: 8am-1pm 4774 0749

Dog, Cat, Bird, Horse, Chicken and Stockfeed.

8 Econo Place, Silverdale

8 Econo Place, Silverdale

We sell various types of animal feed including Dog, Cat, Bird, Horse, Chicken and Stockfeed.

Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5.30pm | Sat: 8am-1pm

We also sell Firewood and Pool Chemicals.

We sell various types of animal feed including Dog, Cat, Bird, Horse, Chicken and Stockfeed.

We sell various types of animal feed including Dog, Cat, Bird, Horse, Chicken and Stockfeed.

8 Econo Place, Silverdale

We also sell Firewood and Pool Chemicals.

We also sell Firewood and Pool Chemicals.

We sell various types of animal feed including

4774 0749

DOG WASH, POOL TESTING AND MACHINE H IRE ALSO AVAILABLE

We also sell Firewood and Pool Chemicals.

DOG WASH, MACHINE AILABLE

We sell various types of animal feed including Dog, Cat, Bird, Horse, Chicken and Stockfeed.

We also sell Firewood and Pool Chemicals.

We sell various types of animal feed including Dog, Cat, Bird, Horse, Chicken and Stockfeed.

OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF COLORBOND®, PRIVACY & SECURITY FENCING

DOG POOL TESTING AND MACHINE IRE AILABLE

We also sell Firewood and Pool Chemicals.

We we manufacture, powder coat, supply and install any fence type to what you desire. WE CAN DO IT FOR YOU!

Check out our own Colorbond: “Ozzybound”

READ ALL ABOUT US

A new Montessori childcare centre has officially opened its doors at 4 Chamberlain Road, Guildford NSW 2161

Binet Homes newest luxury display home grand opening weekend!

Saturday & Sunday 19 and 20 August 11am – 4pm

Guildford Montessori Academy provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to six years old and is designed to help children foster a life-long love for learning.

Acquired in January 2023 and newly fit-out in recent months, this is Montessori Academy Group’s 50th Australian childcare centre.

The beautifully refurbished centre features four classrooms equipped with a full suite of Montessori materials, two magnificent play areas with an epic plane fort, sandpits, and climbing equipment to engage children’s curiosity and potential.

“We are thrilled to open our doors to the families in Guildford and surrounding areas,” said Montessori Academy Group’s Chief Operations Officer, Rami Nassif.

Welcome to Binet Homes’ newest luxury display home grand opening weekend! We are thrilled to invite you to explore our stunning masterpiece located at 6 Alcorn Place in Pitt Town. This exceptional property showcases the epitome of elegance, sophistication, and country-style charm. From gourmet kitchens and modern bathrooms to spacious family rooms and a grand alfresco area, this home has been meticulously designed with your comfort and style in mind. With its separate studio, tennis

court, swimming pool, large bedrooms, home theatre, and fully landscaped gardens - this is truly a dream come true for any discerning homeowner. Mark your calendars for Saturday & Sunday 19th and 20th August as we unveil this magnificent residence during our exclusive Grand Opening Schedule. Be prepared to be amazed as you step into a world of timeless beauty blended seamlessly with contemporary features.

Location

Nestled in the picturesque suburb of Pitt Town, Binet Homes’ newest luxury display home is perfectly situated to

“Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where children can develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life. We believe that

6 Alcorn Place Pitt Town,

7:30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday. Families who are interested in enrolling their children at the centre are invited to attend the Grand Opening Event on Saturday 20th May 2023 or contact their Enrolments Team on 1300 000 162.

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offer you a serene and idyllic lifestyle. Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful landscapes, this exquisite residence offers both tranquillity and convenience. With easy access to nearby amenities such as schools, shops, and recreational facilities, everything you need is just a stone’s throw away.

Design

Design is at the heart of every Binet Homes display home, and their newest luxury display home in Pitt Town is no exception. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the attention to detail and modern aesthetic that flows throughout. Spacious

family rooms provide ample space for quality time with loved ones, while the grand alfresco area seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living spaces, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a peaceful evening under the stars. For more information about Binet Homes’ newest luxury display home or to schedule an appointment outside of the grand opening weekend contact them today at 9868 3222. You won’t be disappointed!

Grand Opening Schedule

The grand opening schedule promises a weekend filled with excitement. The doors will open promptly at 11:00 am on

both days, giving visitors ample time to explore every exquisite detail of this stunning property. Whether you’re in the market for a new home or simply seeking inspiration, this event caters to everyone. Mark your calendars now because this is an event you won’t want to miss! To find out more information about Binet Homes’ newest luxury display home at 6 Alcorn Place Pitt Town or book your spot for their grand opening weekend on Saturday & Sunday 19th and 20th August (11:00 am -4:00 pm), visit their website www.binethomes.com. au or contact them directly at info@binethomes.com.au

LifeVac is a unique device used to dislodge food or hazardous items from the airway through a one-way suction which removes the object in the event of choking. The negative pressure generated by the force of the suction is 3 times greater than the highest recorded first-aid measure.

LifeVac has been designed to be used on children and adults and the pushpull motion can be mastered by any user. You can even use it on yourself.

ECONOMISTS AGREE RATE RISES ARE OVER The

If you can believe the predictions of most of the major banks, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is done and dusted with its increases to official interest rates and mortgage holders could even see rates come down from next year.

Bell Partners Finance bellpartnersfinance.com.au

The RBA board at its August meeting kept the cash rate on hold for the second consecutive month. Three of the big four banks now believe the official rate has peaked at the current rate of 4.1 per cent.

While soon to depart RBA Governor, Dr Philip Lowe (pictured right), hasn’t ruled out further rate rises to ensure “inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe”, only National Australia Bank out of the big four has forecast any more increases, with a prediction of a quarter percentage point increase in November this year, which would take the cash rate to 4.35 per cent.

But then NAB sees five rate cuts across 2024 and 2025, which by early 2025 would lower official rates to 3.1 per cent. Westpac predicts the RBA will start easing rates from late next year and the cash rate could drop to 2.6 per cent by late 2025.

Happy days!

The big banks reckon official interest rates will need pruning as the economy struggles under the weight of the RBA’s 400 basis points increase to the cash rate

since May last year to bring infla-

tion back under control.

As the RBA’s 12 rate rises and other cost-of-living pressures hit households, consumers have reduced spending with latest data showing the volume of retail goods and services sold in the June quarter fell 0.5 per cent.

The slowdown in the economy needed for the RBA get inflation back to its two to three per cent target has convinced bank economists the RBA official rates will

have to drop after rising at their fastest pace since the late 1980s. But as Lowe found when he forecast in 2021 that rates would not rise until 2024, you never know what’s around the corner. And the major bank economists also sometimes get it wrong!

nurses to identify your pet’s individual needs, is an important part of health care for your pet.

A nutritional assessment allows vets to make diet recommendations to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life. Your vet will consider the following factors:

Weight: Obesity is one of the most common health disorders seen in cats and dogs. An underweight pet may also signify an underlying medical condition that

and minerals to help them stay healthy throughout their adult years. Just as we give special attention to the nutritional needs of puppies and kittens, dogs and cats heading into their later years require a senior food diet to maintain their quality of life and increase longevity.

Breed and size: Certain breeds mature differently and can be pre-disposed to diseases like arthritis, skin allergies, dental disease, and weight issues. Feeding foods

that are specifically formulated for these conditions ensures that your pet will receive the nutrients best suited to them. For example, large breed dogs may be prone to orthopaedic issues and smaller breed dogs can be more likely to have dental health and urinary tract concerns.

Specific Needs: Appropriate feeding throughout your pet’s life can not only help prevent some health issues but can also assist in the management of other diseases. There are times where vets may prescribe a specific diet if a pet may have a disease or condition that needs nutritional support. Every pet is different so chat with your vet.

MARK STEVENSON

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

The underrated products that you never knew you needed!

As much as it can be good to stick to your guns, sometimes you just get an itch to try something new. Maybe you’ve just run out of a product, or maybe you’ve just got some extra spending money around and you’re in the mood to buy yourself something fun – either way, it’s important to be smart about it. Of course, there are plenty of reviews out there of almost every product, no matter how new or old. But, I’m here to let you in on a few of my personal favourite underrated products.

Tarte Shape Tape Cloud Foundation

As a long-term fan of the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, I admit I was intrigued when

I first saw this foundation on the Sephora app. At the time, I remember it having next to no reviews. But, the description pulled me over the line – and I’m so glad it did.

Despite the medium to full coverage it provides, Tarte Shape Tape Cloud Foundation feels light as air, and has a natural matte finish which wears flawlessly throughout the day. Best for normal to oily skin, this is perfect for both long days, and long nights.

Benefit Cosmetics

They’re Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer

The number of times I have repurchased the Benefit Cosmetics

They’re Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer is borderline embarrass-

ing; however, its versatility is truly unmatched. This product is the perfect primer to add under your normal mascara to boost performance, but can also be worn alone to add a tint, length and definition. I like to wear the They’re Real! Tinted Eyelash Primer on my lower lashes every day, to provide a less harsh look than black mascara.

Esmi Skin Minerals Handy Microfibre Headband

One of the worst parts of doing your nighttime skincare routine is cleansing your face – subsequently getting water down your neck and arms, and in your hair. That’s where this product comes in.

The Esmi Skin Minerals Handy Microfibre Headband is the perfect solution to keeping your hair back and dry.

One/Size BrowKiki Clear Nourishing Brow Gel

If you want your brows to feel like they’re glued to your face, you can’t go past the One/Size BrowKiki Clear Nourishing Brow Gel.

Of course, this depends on the look you’re going for, but whilst fluffy, brushed up brows are trending, this is the gel to keep your hairs up all day.

Tarte Sea Quench Lip Rescue: Nude

Another product that

SCANS

Osteoarthritis affects one in 11 Australians, which was approximately 2.2 million people in 2017–18. Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease which can affect most joints in the body. People with osteoarthritis typically raise complaints of joint pain, joint stiffness, swelling and increased difficulty with joint movement. Commonly people with osteoarthritis find these symptoms can lead to changes in their functional capacity and impact their quality of life. Whether this is increasing difficulty with stairs, standing up from a seat, opening a jar and many other everyday activities we take for granted.

Often as a patient you can be told that there are structural changes taking place in your joints and when you hear this it can be daunting.

But does this imaging define you? Are you what your scans say?

No!

Structural changes do not equal pain and pain does

I will continue to repurchase time and time again is the Tarte Sea Quench Lip Rescue in the shade Nude.

As someone who doesn’t love wearing and retouching lipstick throughout the day, this product is perfect to add both colour and moisture.

not equal damage. So, what does that mean for you? This means that a strong non-surgical approach to management can help you live a happier fuller life with no risk of causing “damage” or worsening your conditions. As physiotherapists we want to shift your focus to focusing on your function rather than joint disfunction. Life is worth living to the fullest so why not focus on this.

When it comes to managing osteoarthritis you are an active participant in your care. By teaming up with your physiotherapist you can create an individualised management plan to suit your personal needs. This may incorporate a graduated physical activity and exercise

program to meet your goals, improve your function, optimise load and reduce your limitations. Research out of the USA has shown us when individuals were provided with a strong non-surgical management plan utilising their physiotherapist as coach and creating a supportive network to provide guidance on appropriate tools and exercise, 75 per cent of people with eligibility for knee replacement declined the operation at 12 months and 24 months later 68 per cent had still declined.

A physiotherapist will be able to provide you with evidence-based information and recommendations to help you make informed decisions.

Relax & Unwind

JANUARY

Love, loyalty, cooperation and compromise are the New Moon buzz words. But this week you’ll be reliably unpredictable and consistently inconsistent! One half of you wants to snuggle up close with someone special – while the other half longs to be footloose, fancy-free, and spontaneously solo. Try to find the sweet spot between cosy companionship and invigorating independence. And resist the urge to be an Aquarian provocateur who is deliberately controversial.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

This week the stars activate home and hearth, as the New Moon highlights your domestic zone. It’s a good time to clean and de-clutter your living space or tackle an overdue DIY project. But Venus (your ruling planet) is in retrograde mode until September 4, so Bulls can expect a busy and bamboozling time. Prepare for some very short timelines. You don’t work well when other people try to hurry you. Have the confidence to cruise at your own preferred pace.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

With the Sun, New Moon and retrograde Venus visiting your sign, you’ll go to extremes this week as the planets press your ‘Let’s overdo everything’ button. So your motto for the moment is from music icon Mick Jagger (who has four planets in Leo), “Anything worth doing is worth overdoing”. But resist the temptation to be a right royal bossy-boots. Especially when you don’t get your way. Rather than being pushy, try being charmingly persuasive instead!

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Wednesday’s Mars/Uranus trine brings a rush of fiery energy and a fresh perspective to a stale romance or a floundering friendship. There’s no denying you’re a smart Scorpion but are you making the most of your professional talents?

The New Moon activates your career zone, so it’s time to don your thinking cap, connect with colleagues and keep them up to date with your work plans. Venus is retrograde though, so check and re-check everything twice!

PISCES

New Moon week is the ideal time to ditch bad daily habits and start afresh. Work, health, fitness and food choices are the main areas where you need to make some long overdue changes and adjustments. The sooner the better. Try to release pent up Piscean frustrations via a chat with a close confidante or a trusted family member. Spending some quality time with your favourite four-legged friend (in the great outdoors) will also help to lift your spirits.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

The New Moon activates your communication and education zone. So it’s a good time to exercise your brain cells via study, debate, teaching, reading, writing, public speaking and generally expanding your mind in all sorts of exciting new directions. But remember Venus (planet of diplomacy) is retrograde so watch what you say! Your motto for the moment is from Leo writer Dorothy Parker, “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Mercury (your ruler) and Mars (the proactive planet) are transiting through your sign. So it’s the perfect time to be your confident, authentic self! If you don’t accept yourself (warts and all) then why should anyone else? If you don’t develop your talents and follow your dreams, then others won’t do it for you. As birthday great, fashion designer and style icon Coco Chanel observed, “How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

With this week’s fiery New Moon activating your adventure zone, you’re keen to head off on an overseas trip, an interstate holiday, or a weekend getaway. But remember Venus is reversing through your travel zone (until September 4) so be careful your spontaneous Sagittarian spirit doesn’t land you in unexpected trouble! Slow down and take the time to plan and book (and save for) an exciting dream escapade sometime from September 5 onwards.

Have you been waiting in the wings or sulking on the sidelines? This week there’s a fiery New Moon in your creativity zone, and a terrific trine between gung-ho Mars (your power planet) and adventurous Uranus. So spring into action – wake up, explore, experiment, take a calculated risk and make some noise! Be inspired by original celebrity chef – and birthday great – Julia Child “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Expect a rather disruptive week with a friendship surprise or a financial setback. The New Moon focus is firmly on money matters. Crabs have a good business brain so make sure you are using it. If you can get the balance right between being canny with cash and entrepreneurial with your ideas, then you could really go places. Venus is reversing through your $$$ zone (until Sept 4) but that’s no excuse. It’s time to improve your financial literacy ASAP!

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

The fiery New Moon reignites a special hope, dream or wish that’s been languishing on the sidelines. But remember that Venus (your patron planet) is retrograde until September 4. So – if you are stuck in a professional slump or a relationship rut – don’t dwell on the negatives. It’s time to reassess and re-calibrate. Be inspired by actress (and fellow Libran) Kate Winslet, “The good and bad things are what form us as people. Change makes us grow.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Venus (planet of self-love and selfworth) is still retrograde. So it’s time for active and ambitious Capricorns to pace yourself, as some plans backfire and confidence levels are lower than usual. You could also question your current trajectory and look to others for feedback and approval. Don’t overdo it! Madonna (who celebrates her birthday on Wednesday) observes, “If your joy is derived from what others think of you, then you’re going to be disappointed.”

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store. The solutions will be published here in the next issue. www.str8ts.com

any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

Word Search

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

Theme: CAR WORDS

CAR PARK

CARAMEL

CARBON

CARDBOARD

CARDIGAN

CARETAKER

CARGO

CARNATION

CARNIVAL

CAROL

CAROUSEL

CARPENTER

CARRIAGE

CART

CHILDCARE

CREDIT CARD

MACARONI

SCARCE

VICAR

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about ‘Seinfeld’ in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. In what year did the first episode of ‘Seinfeld’ air in the United States?

2. Who first utters the catch phrase “No soup for you!” in the series?

3. Frank Constanza is advised to say what phrase aloud every time his blood pressure is in danger of going up?

4. When Peterman meets Cosmo Kramer, he buys his life stories for how much?

5. Aside from the four main characters of Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer, who appears in the most episodes of ‘Seinfeld’?

6. What does Elaine claim her IQ to be?

ANSWERS

1. 1989

2. Soup Nazi

3. “Serenity now”

4. $750

5. Newman

6. 145

TEST YOUR BRAIN

Previous solution - Medium SUDOKU

Hexwords

Sudoku,

The

Name the Movie

If

Carly’s back A-List country starlet Carly Pearce (pictured) will drop a new song to streaming services today.

‘Country Music Made Me Do It’ was written by Pearce and comes ahead of her American tour of the same name later this year.

“‘Country Music Made Me Do It’ is the essence of this next chapter for me,” she said.

“It’s been a crazy couple of years since I released ‘29’ into the world, and I’m ready to begin this next chapter with you.”

Download the song on Spotify, Apple Music or your usual streaming service.

Oh my Gord!

Following hot on the heels of the release of his new album ‘Fire It

Up’, Australian born Canadian raised country music legend Gord Bamford, is returning to Australia’s shores for a 12 show tour in August and September. He’ll mainly be in Queensland through August before venturing into NSW, and will play a show in Campbelltown at the Beer Shed on Sunday, September 3.

“I love touring in Australia. I feel a deep connection to the country and still proudly hold an Australian passport. This next tour is a mixed bag of shows. We will be doing a couple of Festivals including the Gympie Muster for the second time and I will also be doing some of my own shows,” he said.

For more details visit www. gordbamford.com.

HOLIDAYS FROM THE PAST ARE STILL GOING STRONG

Remember those family holidays when you were younger – cycling around camp grounds, making new friends, enjoying a BBQ in the evening and a bunch of planned activities to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay?

Some may feel these are the holidays of yesteryear – swept away in a sea of short-term rental options, cheaper overseas travel and a whole raft of new holiday destinations.

I can confirm, however, that these old-school holidays do indeed still exist – as anyone who has stayed at the Ocean Beach Holiday Resort at Umina would know.

We recently made a family trip to this beautiful part of the world, located just 90 minutes from Sydney in reality, but in truth a million miles away if you turn the phone off and let yourself relax.

With a two-and-a-half-year-old in tow, we were fortunate enough to stay in the Seabreeze

Two Bedroom Villa, a perfect option if you’re looking to house a decent sized families given one of the bedrooms has four separate beds, and its own bathroom.

The Villa definitely provided us a bit of luxury – a BBQ on our own private balcony, a private car spot and brilliant views of the beach, across from the jumping pillows, which received a rave review from the afore-

mentioned toddler (and let’s be honest, her parents too).

There are literally dozens of different accommodation options though to suit all family sizes and budgets, including the Glamtainer (pictured bottom right) – which has certainly risen in popularity lately.

just outside the holiday park’s gates, which provides delicious burgers, milkshakes, homemade pies and more – perfect for something a little different while the kids try out the large playground on site.

If you’re looking for that big family holiday with multiple generations, a tonne of kids of

The bonus with all holiday parks of this kind is that you only unpack once, and there’s so many activities at your fingertips that you don’t need to even leave the park if you don’t want to.

Apart from an ever-updating activity schedule for kids that includes everything from plaster making to movie nights and playdough activities, there’s awesome splash parks, decent-sized playgrounds, tennis courts, a kids’ club and fun ways to get around like e-bikes and pedal karts, which are available to hire.

And of course, there’s the huge pools and easy access to Ocean Beach itself – which would make this the perfect spot for a break in the upcoming summer.

For the budget conscious, there’s also the bonus of doing most of your eating on-site –there’s something about firing up the BBQ on holidays that doesn’t make it feel like work.

However, we did make the very short drive down the road to Margarita Daze – a beachside restaurant with terrific food (the portion sizes here are epic) and delicious margaritas (try the blood orange margarita for something a little different).

There’s also the Jasmine Greens cafe/kiosk

varying ages, with a load of activities but still plenty to appeal for the adults (especially after the kids go to bed at night), you really should think about staying closer to home and checking out a holiday from an era you may have thought had passed us by.

The activities are only limited by how much you or the kids are willing to squeeze in –which means boredom simply isn’t an option. We’ll definitely be back – it may even become an annual trip. We’ll also campaign for an adults-only jumping pillow, while we’re at it. Visit www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au for more information about the Ocean Beach Holiday Park, and other NRMA parks across the country.

TROY DODDS OCEAN BEACH

“THE ACTIVITIES ARE ONLY LIMITED BY HOW MUCH YOU OR THE KIDS ARE WILLING TO SQUEEZE IN”