HOW TO BOOST THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME
With the cost-of-living weighing heavily on the minds of Aussies,
Kellie Richardson believes it is important for households to make the effort to uplift their décor to create a more positive vibe around the home.
“People are staying home because they can’t afford to go out. They are feeling depressed and down at home which is adding to their financial stress,” Richardson said.
“There are some simple things households can do to lift their mood at home.”
Richardson is a highly respected interior designer, creator of the
term ‘Botox for your home’ and founder of Melbourne-based home design company Kurved by Design.
Richardson emphasises that according to the principles of good design and the ancient art of Feng Shui, there are simple things you can do to lift your décor at home to improve your mood. To uplift your mood and improve the Feng Shui of your home, you can make several thoughtful changes to your decor. Here are some ideas that incorporate both general mood enhancement and Feng Shui principles.
Declutter and organise
“Clear out unnecessary items to create a sense of space and order. Be ruthless. Maintain your belongings neatly organised to promote a calm and serene environment,” Richardson said.
Enhance natural light
“Light is uplifting. Keep windows clean and unobstructed to allow natural light to flow in. Place mirrors strategically to reflect light and make the space feel larger and brighter,” Richardson said.
Incorporate plants
“Add indoor plants to bring life and freshness into your home. Plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and jade plants are good for Feng Shui. Place plants in areas that need more vitality and energy, such as corners or next to electronics,” Richardson said.
Use calming colours
“Choose colours that promote calmness and positivity. Light blues, greens and earthy tones are great for creating a relaxing atmosphere. Use vibrant colours like red, orange, and yellow sparingly to energise specific areas,” Richardson said.
Balance the elements
“Introduce water features like a small fountain or aquarium to add tranquility. Use candles to introduce the fire element, which adds warmth and passion. Incorporate wooden furniture or decor to bring stability and growth. Add metal accents to create clarity and precision and use crystals, stones, or clay pots to ground and stabilise the energy,” Richardson said.
Enhance air quality
“Ensure good airflow by opening windows regularly and using air purifiers. Use essential oils or incense to introduce pleasant scents that uplift your mood,” Richardson said.
Create a welcoming entrance
“Keep the area around your front door clean and inviting. Use a welcome mat and good lighting. Decorate the entryway with uplifting art or plants to create a positive first impression,” Richardson said.
“CHOOSE COLOURS THAT PROMOTE CALMNESS AND POSITIVITY”
Optimise furniture placement
“Arrange furniture so that you can see the door from your main seating areas without being directly in line with it. This creates a sense of security. Ensure that pathways are clear and that furniture doesn’t block movement or natural light,” Richardson said.
Incorporate soothing sounds
“Hang wind chimes near windows or doors to create soothing sounds that enhance chi (energy) flow. Play calming or uplifting music to create a positive atmosphere,” Richardson said.
Add personal touches
“Display family photos, artwork and items that have sentimental value to make the space feel more personal and uplifting. Include items related to your hobbies and interests to make the space feel uniquely yours,” Richardson said.
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
Upcoming releases in Marian’s Mana, Oran Park
CONTACT:
Oran Park Sales Office
Jeff Webb • 9043 7500
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, cafés 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.
Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.
PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0
FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME
WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE
Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me.
IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce
The lowdown on new beauty arrival
It’s official: Glossier has landed on Aussie shores.
After not being sold in Australia for over five years, shoppers are finally able to purchase the brand both online and in stores, available exclusively at Mecca.
Though some might say it’s too little too late for Glossier, with its popularity spiking in the latter half of the 2010s following its initial launch, I do think there is still a space for the brand in the industry, with it boasting a range of products perfect for no-makeup-makeup days.
If after seeing US influencers and makeup artists using Glossier for years, you’re finally ready to pick it up yourself, I think it’s important to go in with a game plan.
I’ve collated my thoughts on some of Glossier’s most iconic products, and here’s what you
should – and shouldn’t – be adding to your list.
Glossier Balm Dotcom Lip Balm and Skin Salve
As a lip product addict, the second I walked into Mecca last week I made a beeline to the Glossier Balm Dotcom display.
The product is described as being an ultra-rich lip balm with a thick waxy texture, sealing in moisture and leaving lips smooth and hydrated. It comes in nine shades – Straw-
berry, Birthday, Wild Fig, Rose, Mango, Coconut, Original, Mint and Lavendar.
In my spree, I picked up both the Strawberry shade – with a delicious strawberry scent and red tint – and the Birthday shade – clear with glitter, and a cake scent.
Though I’m aware that there have been formula changes over time, I can only speak to what I purchased, and I do think that these lip balms are my favourite things from the brand so far. I’ve been using them both religiously – they’re long-wearing, hydrating, and smell great, almost like the adult version of Lip Smackers.
A little also goes a long way, making them worth the $27.
Glossier Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel-Pomade Arguably, Glossier is best known for the Boy Brow – a
volumising gel-pomade that aims to thicken, condition, and groom brows into place without stiffening or flaking. Whilst I think this product does the job, I don’t think it’s the best brow gel on the market. The spoolie is too small for my liking, meaning it doesn’t grip the hairs as well as my favourite brow gels – the Mecca Max Brow Guru Power Brow Strong Hold Gel, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel or One/Size BrowKiki Clear Nourishing Brow Gel. If you have sparser brows, though, it does hold the hairs in place fairly well, so this might be good for you!
Out of the eight blush shades available in the Cloud Paint, I chose to pick one up in ‘Puff’. The Cloud Paints are described as being buildable and dewy gel-cream blushes, and I think they fit that perfectly.
Though ‘Puff’ is quite light, it builds up to a nice pinky-peach colour, and is easy to blend out, meaning it’s super beginner friendly.
Glossier Cloud Paint Gel Cream Blush
The Experts
PREHABILITATION FOR HIP, KNEE REPLACEMENTS
Musculoskeletal/orthopedic surgeries such as total hip and knee replacements, are among the most common procedures to improve outcomes such as pain, and restore mobility and function for those in need. However, the success of these surgeries doesn’t solely depend on the operation itself; prehabilitation (prehab) plays a crucial role in optimising outcomes and ensuring a smoother recovery.
What is prehabilitation?
Prehabilitation refers to a proactive, structured program of physical exercises and education designed to improve patients’ physical and mental readiness for surgery. It aims to enhance strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health before the surgical intervention, reducing the risk of postoperative complications and expediting recovery.
Benefits of prehabilitation
– Improved physical fitness: Prehab exercises target key muscle groups around the area (typically hip and knee joints), increasing muscle strength and endurance. Enhanced physical fitness ensures that patients are better prepared to cope with the physical demands of surgery and postoperative rehabilitation.
– Enhanced surgical outcomes: Studies have shown that patients who undergo prehabilitation experience fewer complications, such as infections and deep vein thrombosis. Stronger muscles and better cardiovascular health contribute to a more robust immune response and faster wound healing.
– Reduced hospital stay: Research shows us that by optimising physical fitness and overall health through prehab, can lead to a shorter hospital stay. Patients are more likely to meet the mobility and functional
criteria for discharge sooner, allowing them to return home quicker.
– Pain management: Prehabilitation programs often include pain management strategies and education. Patients learn techniques to manage pain effectively, reducing the reliance on postoperative pain medications, which can have adverse side effects.
– Mental preparation: Surgery can be mentally challenging. Prehab programs address this by incorporating education and psychological support, helping patients set realistic expectations, reduce anxiety, and build a positive mindset towards recovery.
Prehabilitation is a critical component in the journey towards successful total hip and knee replacement surgeries. By enhancing physical fitness, reducing complications, shortening hospital stays, and managing pain effectively, prehab prepares patients for the challenges of surgery and promotes a faster, more successful recovery. Patients and healthcare providers should prioritise prehabilitation as an integral part of the surgical process to ensure the best possible outcomes.
SCHOOL’S IN FOR OUR PUPS
With our children heading back to the classroom
this week, it is time to think about enrolling our puppies into school also.
Our Puppy School and Adolescent dog classes provide a safe space to allow structured socialisation for puppies with other dogs their own age. Our trained instructors will teach you about socialisation, dog communication, vet care, pet care, child and dog safety and troubleshooting undesirable behaviour. Over a five-week period you and your puppy will learn practical information to put you on the path to success.
Our Puppy Pre School classes are specifically designed for dogs eight to 14 weeks of age as this is a very important developmental period for dogs. Through positive reinforcement puppies find that learning is fun and rewards will follow. We also offer new adolescent dog training classes for dogs from six months of age for
those dogs who need a little extra assistance with their training.
Prior to six months of age is the time that puppies start exploring, a time when puppies are very accepting of new situations and experiences, and learn strategies to cope with situations that may be new or a little frightening. This makes it the perfect time for introducing your puppy to the big wide human world that it is going to live in – a world of funny sights (cars, bicycles, balloons, hats, other animals), funny sounds (horns, thunder, television, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners) and funny smells (foods, perfumes and cleaning products).
It is also a good time for learning about other puppies – that they come in all shapes and sizes; short, tall, long tails and floppy ears. For some dogs, missing this ‘window of opportunity’ can lead to a life time of
PET HEALTH
The Experts
KELLIE TICKNER
INVESTMENT BONDS
In the ‘70s and ‘80s an investment bond, also known as an insurance bond, was a very popular investment vehicle that went out of vogue as the popularity of the managed fund increased. But there is still a place for the investment bond.
fear and anxiety. Even though it is important to continue to expose your dog to as many sights and sounds as possible throughout adolescence, this early period is seen as perhaps the most important. Our puppy classes aim is to give you realistic expectations of your puppy through the understanding of their natural behaviours. The program equips you with the tools to develop a strong relationship with your puppy, allowing them to become an integral part of the family. Please contact our friendly team on 4736 2027.
Investment bonds should be viewed as a tax structure as opposed to an investment choice, not dissimilar to Superannuation.
Earnings within the bond are taxed internally and if withdrawn after 10 years are considered tax paid. There is a formula used to calculate the tax applied to any withdrawals from within the bond within 10 years.
This is particularly useful for children as they are penalised for all unearned income above $416pa with tax rates as high as 66 per cent. The investment bond is a very effective strategy for investing on behalf of a minor as the earnings are taxed internally and not subject to these penalties.
Those with high marginal tax rates that wish to invest for the long-term but are unwilling or unable to invest in the super system would also benefit from a tax paid investment at the end of the 10 year period.
Most investment bonds these days offer a reasonably wide range of investment options that should enable a satisfactory, if not perfect, investment portfolio in line with the goals and risk appetite of the investor.
In addition, the investment bond can be used as an estate planning tool.
The investment bonds are subject to the regulations associated with the insurance act, and, as such the proceeds of an investment bond do not form part of the estate. Therefore, an investment bond can be used to ensure that a desired beneficiary inherits an asset. This can be useful in circumstances where the intended beneficiary may not be a close relative or it is likely that the estate will
be contested. Furthermore, conditions can be placed on the inheritance. This is useful if the beneficiary is a minor or perhaps not responsible with money. It is possible to set conditions on how the money will be received.
There are also bonds especially designed for educational purposes that allow for funds to be withdrawn from the bond to cover costs associated with a child’s education without losing the tax benefits. The investment bond is another investment vehicle that in some circumstances may be very effective for helping you achieve your future financial goals.
HOROSCOPES
Relax & Unwind
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
This week you’ll be reliably unpredictable and consistently inconsistent! Love, loyalty and compromise are the New Moon buzz words. But 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
Venus (your patron planet) squares Uranus on Friday, when a personal project takes an unexpected turn or a family member could hit you with some surprising news. Talking things through with a sympathetic friend may be the healing balm you need. Sunday’s New Moon is a fabulous time for a domestic reboot as you clean and de-clutter your living space, and make it more beautiful via re-decorating, playing music or a fresh lick of paint.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Calling all Cats! With the Sun, New Moon and Venus all visiting your sign, it’s your time to shine. To display your numerous creative talents, and dazzle others with your fiery enthusiasm and abundant Leo charm. It’s also the best week of the year to try a new hairstyle, update your wardrobe or start an exciting personal project. But be careful you don’t upset a work colleague, client or customer by behaving in an inconsistent, unpredictable or selfish way
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Friday’s Venus/Uranus connection brings a rush of fiery energy and a fresh perspective to a stale romance or a floundering friendship. But it could also send a faltering relationship right off the rails. 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 put on your thinking cap, connect with colleagues and keep them up to date with your work plans.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
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
Family relationships and close friendships look complicated this week, as loved ones debate a wide range of controversial topics or a relative makes an unpredictable move. If you have a problem that’s bothering you, avoid making a rash decision. Slow down Gemini, and let your intuition be your guide. Sunday’s New Moon is the perfect time to begin a course of study, start a neighbourhood project, join a community group, travel locally or make a new friend.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Tricky Uranus vibes could make some Virgos feel restless and/or stressed. Plus the Sun, New Moon and Venus are visiting your solitude zone, so you’ll also feel like being on your own. Privacy and self-reflection are paramount, and activities like meditation, contemplation, chanting and/or yoga are recommended. Your mantra comes from birthday great Kate Bush (who turns 66 on Friday), “There’s an awful lot you learn about yourself when you’re alone.”
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Are you feeling restless Sagittarius? The Sun, New Moon and Venus all stir your gypsy gene and find you dreaming of greener pastures and foreign adventures. You’re also longing for closer connections with your international friends. But Venus squares unpredictable Uranus, so travel could be delayed or cancelled, and a friendship could be turned upside down. So plenty of patience and persistence are required if you want to achieve long-lasting results.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Prepare for a topsy-turvy week! The Sun, New Moon and Venus are in fellow fire sign Leo, so you’ll feel like powering ahead with creative projects. But disruptive Uranus squares Venus on Friday, so rushing around impulsively could backfire – especially involving friends and finances. To reduce stress levels (and the likelihood of making mistakes) enthusiasm must be balanced with caution, and fiery haste tempered with plenty of patience.
You’ve been talking about saving for something big (like a car, holiday, house deposit or renovations) for a while. With the Sun, New Moon and Venus visiting your finance zone (and Venus squaring Uranus), resist the urge to be extravagant with cash and careless with credit. In an uncertain economic climate, be a canny Crab who is cautious with money. Plus do an inventory on your inner wealth, as you nurture your self-esteem and consolidate your core values.
The fiery New Moon reignites a special hope, dream or wish that’s been languishing on the sidelines. But Venus (your patron planet) squares Uranus on Friday so – if you are stuck in a friendship slump or a relationship rut – don’t dwell on the past. It’s time to shake up your peer group as you mingle with a bohemian new crowd. 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
Do you have a frustrating problem that needs fixing? Have you asked other people for advice but still can’t find a solution? This week the Sun, New Moon and Venus activate your dream, trust and wisdom zone. So you must listen to your inner voice and pay attention to the symbolic messages in your nightly dreams. Your motto for the moment is from birthday girl singer/songwriter/ musician Kate Bush, “Only you can sort yourself out.”
SWEETEST STAYCATION
With cost-of-living remaining at the top of people’s minds, international or even interstate holidays are on the backburner for many.
And as families look for more affordable options closer to home, the opportunity to discover delights in your own backyard emerges.
Case in point: Novotel Sydney Parramatta and their kids-focused adventures.
Our little family ventured here during the July school holidays, partaking in Novotel’s Par-Tea Time concept. The Novotel team have perfected family time with the Glamping and Kids High Tea offering.
Upon walking into our Executive King Suite at the Novotel, we were greeted with a kids’ tepee, that certainly had little miss three engaged from the outset. She spent the next hour or so playing in the tepee, and with the activity packs that come with it, and developing a whole bunch of scenarios – as well as
declaring it was where she was going to sleep that night.
It wasn’t long before our high tea experience arrived directly to the room – full of savoury and sweet delights that ensured a trip out of the room for dinner was off the table.
“THE HIGH TEA EXPERIENCE WAS FULL OF SAVOURY AND SWEET DELIGHTS”
The high tea featured a huge variety for both the kids and the adults in the room –everything from fairy bread and macaroons to quiches and fruit. This is certainly not a high tea that was going to leave you while on holidays with kids: passing time in the hotel room. While the adults are happy for an afternoon of relaxation or even a little nap in the very comfortable beds, kids are always looking to be occupied – so this concept has certainly delivered in that space.
Of course, when you do leave the hotel –you’re right in the heart of Parramatta. The Riverside Theatre is directly across the road, with affordable tickets and great family shows on stage regularly, allowing you to add a theatre experience to the weekend.
And Eat Street, with all its restaurants and cafes, is just a stone’s throw away with a huge array of options.
When it comes to breakfast, the Novotel offers your classic breakfast buffet – and it’s included in the family-related packages. Whether it’s a sneaky weekend getaway / staycation or for the next school holidays, the experiences on offer at the Novotel Sydney Parramatta are well worth giving a go – it won’t burn the budget too much, and the kids will have a blast.
The writer stayed as a guest of Novotel Sydney Parramatta.
For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org
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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.
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about the Olympic Games in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. Which runner lit the Olympic cauldron at Sydney 2000?
2. How many gold medals did Ian Thorpe win in his Olympic career?
3. Australia’s first Olympian, Edwin Flack, won medals in tennis and which other sport in 1896?
4. In the 1908 and 1912 Summer
Olympics, Australia won three gold medals but not by itself. With which country did Australia enter a joint team for those Olympics?
5. Dawn Fraser is a three-time gold medallist in the 1956, 1960 and 1964 Summer Olympics. In which event did she win her medals?
