Home & Lifestyle April 26 2024

Build Buddy has launched its ground-breaking collaborative construction platform, designed to empower everyday Australians with the knowledge, guidance and support they need to take control of their home building journey and to save money by avoiding having to engage a traditional builder.

CONNECTS them directly to the people WHO are going to do it (a curated marketplace of verified consultants, contractors and suppliers).

In recognising that the home building industry hasn’t had a

engineer, plumber, electrician, site supervisor and, most importantly, the home owner) all work together towards one project goal, where everyone can access the plans, people, schedules, and progress at any time via one

By taking an innovative technology-led approach to the traditional building process, Build Buddy’s intelligent algorithms and easy-to-use platform tells users WHAT they need to do, WHEN they need to do it, HOW they’re going to do it and then

major change in the last 50 years, Build Buddy represents a true paradigm shift with its re-engineered collaborative construction methodology – a methodology where everybody involved in building a home (architect,

convenient app. There are no gatekeepers, no multiple layers of management or distant corporate offices. When everyone has access to the same information in real-time, the construction timeline can be streamlined,

the building process improved, and efficiencies gained through effective communication.

Build Buddy is the brainchild of Danny Assabgy (pictured above), the winner of the Australian Building and Construction CEO of the Year Award, the Founder and CEO of Hudson Homes, and 2023 Australian Builder of the Year.

“Our goal has been to create a technology-based solution that will enable consultants, contractors, suppliers and homeowners to all work closely together,” he said.

“Build Buddy is so much more than just a platform to share knowledge and information, it is redefining the entire new home building journey by making it completely transparent, by connecting people and ensuring that the homeowner has the confidence, the support and the guidance they need to build the homes they’ve always dreamed of, without the risk of handing over full control.”

What is so great about this property?

Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned community offering architecturally designed residences in one of South-West Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.

Nestled between the Oran Park town centre and its many amenities and the proposed Lake Pondicherry precinct, with its

foreshores, boardwalks, cafes and activity spaces, this family-friendly neighbourhood brings the best of both worlds to your every day.

With easy access to Brooking Park, Whiteman Park, DawsonDamer Park and the proposed 10-hectare lake, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or quiet reading spot, moments from your front door.

Who does this property suit?

Anyone who’s wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, up-market

opment Company began Oran Park in 2010 and it’s projected to complete the Town in the early

This is your last oppor tunit y to secure a luxur y apar tment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the hear t of the Oran Park community.

Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apar tment features ample floor space, sophisticated styl e 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 cook top, rangehood, buil t-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedroom s

• Ground floor entr y, two levels of secure parking and a communal roof top with barbeque faciliti es

USE A BROKER FOR YOUR BUSINESS VEHICLE NEEDS

So your business is going well and it’s time to expand.

For many businesses, this will mean adding more vehicles to your fleet – whether that’s for additional tradespeople, a new sales executive or some other purpose within the business.

It can be extremely beneficial to avoid a large capital outlay on a new vehicle and instead rely on finance, but it’s critical to get the best deal possible to make it worth making such a call.

At Bell Partners, we’ve been helping businesses for years get the best business finance possible – whether it’s one vehicle, or an entire fleet.

There are a variety of vehicle finance products

available, including leasing, hire purchase and chattel mortgages.

A broker will be able to

guide you through the process and get the best deal possible on your vehicle finance, and also

discuss the best options in terms of ownership of the vehicle in question, or leasing.

And it’s not just your classic SUV or sedan that can be financed.

We’ve seen everything come in over the years – from helicopters to excavators!

Cash flow is extremely important in business, so a huge outlay on a new vehicle can leave a business in a vulnerable financial position, which is why finance is critical.

But there’s often a lot of hoops to jump through when it comes to financing a vehicle, and a broker can help you ease those headaches.

If your business is ready to take the next step in terms of vehicle finance, give us a call at Bell Partners today – it might be the best call you make this week!

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries. PCOS is the leading cause of infertility and can affect one’s reproductive system making it difficult to fall pregnant. Unfortunately currently there is no cure for PCOS however symptoms can be improved and managed through lifestyle changes.

Exercise can play a crucial role in the following...

Improved insulin sensitivity

Women with PCOS often have impaired insulin sensitivity. However exercise has shown to enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism leading to an improved glycemic control and reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Weight management

Many women with PCOS struggle with weight management

due to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Exercise physiology interventions focus on individualised programs which promote healthy weight loss or maintenance. Regular exercise can improve regulating blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss which in turn can alleviate symptoms of PCOS and improve overall health outcomes.

Hormone regulation

Exercise can assist in regulating hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS which include elevated levels of androgens and irregular periods. Regular structured exercise can assist in reducing androgen levels, increase ovulation frequency, and restore menstrual regularity in women with PCOS, improving fertility and reproductive health.

Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to the associated insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and obesity. Regular exercise can assist in the reduction of blood pressure, cholesterol and body fat. And of course there’s many other benefits too.

Management of mood and psychological symptoms

Those diagnosed with PCOS are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.

Exercise has been shown to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise physiology interventions can include strategies to promote mental wellbeing, such as mindfulness-based practices, relaxation techniques that foster social support and camaraderie.

In summary, exercise interventions should be individualised to meet the unique needs and preferences of each woman with PCOS, with a focus on promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyle behaviours, and sustainable behaviour change. Working with a qualified exercise physiologist, can provide women with PCOS the support and guidance they need to achieve their health and fitness goals.

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

Your guide to ensure mum is pampered this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, but, thankfully, you haven’t yet left it too late to find the perfect gift.

In my completely unbiased opinion, beauty products make for some of the best gifts for Mother’s Day –there’s something for every budget, and it is an easy way to add a bit of luxury to her life.

If the important woman in your life is the type to spend a little too much time getting ready in the morning, here are some gift ideas to show her you get her.

shades, they know what their favourite products are, and chances are they’ve been using them since before you were born.

Spice up her makeup routine

One thing all mums have down pat is their makeup routine. They know their

If your mum has ever shown an interest in trying something new, or you notice her products starting to get a little low, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to help her out. I wouldn’t get anything too shade-specific, like foundations or concealers, but if you have a general idea of the types of colours your mum likes to use in her makeup, go for a new eyeshadow palette like the Tartelette In Bloom Clay Palette, or a new blush, like the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush (pictured above).

Make her feel pampered

You can’t go wrong with a nice bath or body product to pamper mum this Mother’s Day.

Fresh makes some really beautiful skincare and body products that smell lovely and are a step up from your normal day-to-day products, without feeling too fancy that she’d be hesitant to use them. I love their Lotus Youth Preserve Dream Face Cream (pictured)!

Indulge fragrance lovers

Though a very simple gift to some, there’s a reason why perfumes and candles are so

popular for Mother’s Day. The secret to getting this one right is to truly listen to the person you’re buying it for – do they like fruity scents, floral scents, or perhaps sweeter scents?

If you’re not sure, you can always go the discovery set route, so mum can try a host of different scents before choosing to purchase her favourite (unless you’re generous enough to buy it for her). Plenty of brands do these for candles and perfumes, including Le Labo, Yves Saint Laurant, MALIN+GOETZ and Juliette has a gun.

Make an investment in her hair for her

Though you can get hair tools at all price points, the good ones that last will set you back a pretty penny.

If mum has been complaining about an old hairdryer or straightener, it may be time for you to step in.

One of my favourite hair tools is the Shark FlexStyle (pictured above), and given it comes with every attachment you could possibly need to blow-dry and curl your hair, it’s the perfect all-in-one for mum.

The Experts

UNDERSTANDING RABBIT VACCINATIONS

Rabbits make adorable and affectionate pets, but their health needs are often underestimated. Just like any other pet, they require suitable care and attention, including vaccinations to protect against deadly diseases like calicivirus, particularly prevalent in Australia. Understanding the importance of vaccination, such as the recent introduction of the Filavac vaccine, is crucial for ensuring the well-being of these furry companions.

Calicivirus, specifically Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), exists in various forms, with RHDV-1 and RHDV-2 being the most common in Australia. Both strains pose significant threats to unvaccinated rabbits, often leading to fatal outcomes.

RHDV-1 causes rapid deterioration and death, while RHDV-2 can manifest as sudden death or present with non-specific clinical signs like lethargy and gastrointestinal issues.

One of the challenges in

managing calicivirus is its high contagiousness. The virus spreads through infected rabbit excretions, including faeces,

aspect of rabbit care. Previously, vaccination options in Australia primarily targeted RHDV-1, with limited efficacy

urine, and nasal secretions, as well as contaminated objects and insects. This makes prevention through vaccination a crucial

against RHDV-2. However, the introduction of Filavac has revolutionised rabbit healthcare by offering protection against both

strains. This advanced vaccine provides a significant improvement in safeguarding rabbits, offering the best defence against calicivirus to date.

Administering the Filavac vaccine is a straightforward process, available for rabbits over 10-weeks-old. Annual boosters are necessary to maintain immunity, ensuring ongoing protection against calicivirus. Vaccination appointments include comprehensive health and dental checkups, allowing veterinarians to assess overall wellbeing and address any concerns.

Ensuring your rabbit’s vaccination status is up-to-date is vital for their long-term health and happiness. Whether you’re a new rabbit owner or a seasoned caregiver, staying informed about preventive measures like vaccination is key. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your rabbit’s vaccination schedule or overall health, reach out to the trusted team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

Relax & Unwind HOROSCOPES ARIES

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro bohoastro.com

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

AQUARIUS

The Sun, Venus, Jupiter and Uranus activate your family zone, so home is where the heart is this week. Even though you may be faced with a frustrating domestic problem, be thankful for the relatives who nurture and support you. As birthday great Audrey Hepburn said, “I may not always be offered work, but I’ll always have my family.” Mars stirs your restlessness on Friday, so try to escape on a grand weekend adventure in the great outdoors.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Jolly Jupiter (planet of prosperity) is jumping through your sign until May 25-26. This lucky placement only happens every 12 years, so make the most of it while it’s still around! This week the Sun, Uranus and Venus (your ruling planet) are also transiting through Taurus so confidence, authenticity and robust self-esteem will take you far. Be inspired by birthday great, iconic movie star Audrey Hepburn, “Always be a firstrate version of yourself.”

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Prosperity planet Jupiter is jumping through your career zone until May 25-26, which only happens every 12 years! So don’t procrastinate Cats – a lucky opportunity could come out of the blue. You need to make hay while the sun shines and strike while the iron is hot! Be inspired by birthday great, actress Audrey Hepburn, “Opportunities don’t often come along. When they do, you have to grab them.” But don’t over-promise and then under-deliver.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Love planet Venus (visiting your relationship zone) squares your ruler Pluto (in your family zone) so close relationships could be compulsive and conflicted, especially mid-week. And jealousy could rear its ugly head. Smart Scorpios will go out of your way to avoid power struggles and controlling behaviour, as you argue less and compromise more. Friday is wonderful for work functions and family get-togethers … as long as you are willing to compromise.

PISCES

This week’s stars increase your Piscean tendency to blurt things out and spread secrets. So think before you speak! When it comes to a recalcitrant relative or an annoying neighbour, be more diplomatic as you build bridges and let bygones be bygones. And don’t let negative self-talk hold you back. Be inspired by actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn (who was born on May 4, 1929), “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”

GEMINI

Restless, gung-ho Geminis can be too quick to ditch family members, dismiss friends, and disregard colleagues who stuff up or disappoint. But is that always the best thing to do? Perhaps most people deserve a second chance? As Holly wood star, humanitarian and birthday great Audrey Hepburn wisely said, “People have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed. Never throw out anyone.” Friday favours networking, travel and adventure.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

The Sun, Venus, Jupiter and Uranus boost confidence and enthusiasm, as you pursue ambitious and adventurous aspirations for the future. Avoid being too safe and sensible Virgo! It’s time to let go of a perceived failure that has been holding you back. If you learn from your mistakes, then you can finally move forward. Loved ones will help you along the way. Your motto is from birthday great, Audrey Hepburn, “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

It’s time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life! This week you’ll be at your creative and playful best as Mercury and Mars activate your leisure and pleasure zone. In the words of birthday great, actress Audrey Hepburn, “Enjoy the day to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come.” But there is also a tendency to eat and drink too much, and spend too much time sitting on the sofa. So try to balance indoor fun activities with outdoor physical action.

Dynamic Mars (your patron planet) charges through your sign, from Tuesday night until June 9. So your fiery, passionate, proactive, boisterous, bossy Aries side will be on full display. Do your best to get must-do, routine tasks out of the way early in the week. Then you can enjoy the activities that really make your heart sing. Be inspired by birthday great, actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn “I believe, every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment.”

CANCER

Have you been hibernating in your cosy Crab cave? With mighty Mars charging through your career zone (from Tuesday night until June 9) do your best to initiate positive changes at work. It’s time to be bold rather than brooding, and proactive rather than reactive. And spend some quality time in nature. If you’re lucky enough to have one, then get out and potter in the garden. As birthday great Audrey Hepburn observed, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Libra is the zodiac sign that rules appearance, aesthetics, fashion, cosmetics and personal pampering. And this week’s stars urge you to look for the inner beauty in yourself – and other people. So here are some beauty tips from birthday great, movie star Audrey Hepburn (born on May 4, 1929), “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak words of kindness. And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Do you have to be so conscientious Capricorn, and such a stickler for doing things the right way? This week (with Pluto squaring Venus in your fun zone) resist the urge to be overly sombre and super serious. Try to find the sweet spot between being organised and being spontaneous, as you have fun AND get a lot done. Heed the wise words of movie star Audrey Hepburn (born on May 4, 1929), “The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy.”

JOANNE

DESTINATION

Hunter Valley

Tiny Away Homes

WORDS

Nathan Taylor

IMAGES

Supplied / Nathan Taylor MORE INFO

A TINY GETAWAY IN THE

Eco-friendly tiny homes are all the rage these days, so when I got offered the opportunity to stay at one recently, I jumped at the chance to get back to nature.

I was given a list of around 10 Tiny Away homes to choose from, but after much thought and research I couldn’t help but pick a place that was located right in the heart of Wine Country – the Hunter Valley.

Despite nearly every individual I know visiting the Hunter Valley in recent years, I had personally never stepped foot in the place – probably because I’m not a massive wine drinker (expect for that work Christmas party about 10 years ago… sorry, boss).

But like many people informed me prior, the Hunter Valley is more than just vineyards and wine tastings – there’s breweries, distilleries, and cheese and chocolate shops.

Well, sign me up!

With my bags packed and loaded into my fabulous new Toyota Kluger Grande, we hit the road bound for Pokolbin.

This luxurious SUV was a dream to drive. It was spacious, packed plenty of punch and, given the hybrid nature of the vehicle, not even an extra tank of petrol was required for the entire journey – talk about eco-friendly!

After about two-and-a-half hours on the road, we finally arrived at Tiny House 888 – our perfect tiny home located in Central Pokolbin in the heart of Wine Country.

Another great aspect of this tiny home experience is that you’re completely away from all the hustle and bustle, so once you’re done visiting all the incredible sites of the Hunter that day, you can retreat back to your property and not have to see or hear from a single soul.

Once we pulled up, I immediately took out my phone to start snapping pictures of this incredible property located in the middle of the wilderness. I mean, I had to make the people back home jealous, right?

After I was satisfied that I had taken enough photos of this cute, little rural escape, my wife and I stepped inside and were quite surprised at how spacious this tiny home actually was.

Not only did it feature a decent sized and comfortable bed, but it also had a smart television, split air conditioning, fridge and the necessary kitchen amenities and cooking equipment you’d need for a two-night stay.

The bathroom was also a pleasant surprise. I revealed to my wife the night before we left that we’d be using a compost toilet for our upcoming stay and to be truthful, I almost had to look for another guest to bring along with me. Fortunately, her fears were alleviated when she saw the bathroom in person.

For people that don’t know, Tiny Away homes follow ecologically sustainable principles, which means their bathrooms include a waterless eco-friendly compost toilet, hand basin and gas heated shower. It’s designed in this way to satisfy people’s needs with natural resources and processes to save water and of course, the environment.

Tiny House 888 isn’t just charming on the inside, outside is just as appealing. Surrounded by trees, fire trails and fairy lights, we spotted several kangaroos enjoying the serenity just like us whilst relaxing outside. And when it started to cool down and dusk was setting in, the nearby fire pit was just about begging us to be lit.

If you’ve never been to the Hunter Valley before, it’s seriously a great weekend away for couples, friendship groups and families.

And when you’re staying at centrally located accommodation like Tiny Away’s Tiny House 888, the best the Hunter has to offer is basically on your doorstep.

Of course this wouldn’t be a travel review without some recommendations, so be sure to give these places a visit if you’re making the trip up north.

A fun stop for lunch is 4 Pines at the Farm in Pokolbin. Born a decade ago from a casual conversation between a beer-loving father and son, 4 Pines at the Farm is large venue home to exceptional beer and seriously awesome food.

A visit to the Hunter wouldn’t be the same without some cheese and crackers, and the Smelly Cheese Shop at Pokolbin Village

is the perfect stop to pick up everything you need for a little picnic by a vineyard or a cheeky snack back at your accommodation.

Like I mentioned earlier, wine isn’t really my thing but the good news for me was, the Hunter Valley is home to some great distilleries as well.

I was able to enjoy a free tasting at the glitzy Small Mouth Vodka, located in the Hunter Valley Gardens precinct, and sipped on some delicious gin and moonshine at the famous

“THE HUNTER VALLEY IS MORE THAN JUST VINEYARDS AND WINE TASTING”

Hope Estate, which has been home to some exceptional concerts over the years.

If you’re after a sweet treat you can’t go past these two fine establishments – Cocoa Nib Artisan Chocolate at Keith Tulloch Wine and the uberpopular Sabor Dessert Bar on Broke Road. Photos I posted from these two places had everyone hounding me when I returned home. What I really liked about Sabor is that they can pair a wine with your dessert – so how could I say ‘no’ to a glass of port with my Black Forrest cake?

Lastly, dinner. The

Tiny House 888 is the perfect place to stay for a weekend in the Hunter Valley.

Tiny House 888 is even prettier at night.

The Smelly Cheese Shop has all the goods.

Hunter Valley is home to dozens of incredible restaurants and award-winning places to eat. You probably wouldn’t be able to go wrong with anywhere you selected, but for us, we tucked into a scrumptious nine-course meal at Goldfish Bar & Restaurant at Roche Estate on our first night before we concluded our trip away with pizza, pasta, and yummy salad at

Next time you’re in the Hunter, consider going off the beaten track. It may just be what you need to return to nature, whilst having a bit of fun on the side.

The author stayed courtesy of Tiny Away, and a vehicle was provided by Toyota.

the amazing Baumé Restaurant, located on the grounds of Ben Ean at Pokolbin.

Delicious desserts at Sabor Dessert Bar.

The comfy bed inside Tiny House 888. Hope Estate is a great place for a drink.

The impressive Toyota Kluger Grande.

Chocolates at Cocoa Nib Artisan Chocolate.

Like Sudoku, no single number can rows and columns are divided by black . These need to be filled in with numbers that is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in 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.

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.

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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: PROTEIN AMINO ACIDS BEANS BREAD BUCKWHEAT CARBON CHEESE COLLAGEN CONSUMPTION DIGEST ENERGY FOOD GRAINS HYDROGEN IMPORTANT KERATIN LEGUMES LENTILS LIVING CELLS NITROGEN

OAT BRAN

ORGANIC OXYGEN POLYPEPTIDES

STUFF OF LIFE SULPHUR VITAL

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about Barry Humphries in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. In what year was Barry Humphries born?

2. How many times was Barry Humphries married?

3. What was the occupation of Humphries’ famous character, Dame Edna?

4. In what decade did Humphries first launch the Dame Edna character?

5. What was the name of Edna’s disabled husband?

6. Which major comedy event did Humphries help launch, only to be banned from years later?

7. Which American legal TV series did Dame Edna guest star in during its final season in 2002?

Housewife

4. 1950s 5. Norm 6. Melbourne Comedy Festival

7. ‘Ally McBeal’