Home & Lifestyle June 7 2024

Winter is here and just as we update our wardrobes to match the season, the same tweaks go for our homes. As we transition away from linens and coastal

patio décor, we gravitate towards softer, warmer elements to beat the chill outside.

Luxo Living has partnered with Melbourne-based Interior Stylist, Nicole Rosenberg (pictured), to

help us with this transition and share four simple, affordable styling hacks to help you take your home into the winter months.

Invest in a portable fireplace Cue the cosy vibes! Real fireplaces are often an expensive, messy, and complicated addition to incorporate into your home.

However, the affordable range of electric free standing or wall mounted fireplace options on offer at Luxo Living gives you a hassle-free way to create a snuggly and magical winter wonderland anywhere in your home.

Whether you are after something more traditional with a mantel like the Vermont Free Standing Electric Fireplace ($579) or a more modern slimline design such as the Miriam 33“ Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace ($269) wall mounted, the range will instantly inject warmth and tranquillity with a flick of the switch. Hot chocolate, furry blankets and woollen socks are also essential once installed.

Layer up your textures

A fast and simple way to turn your interiors from summer to winter is by updating your cushions, throws and rugs. Changing out and layering your textiles tells a new story and brings in warmer elements of colour and texture.

For example, adding in a fluffy shag rug, such as the Argus Shag Rug ($49) by your bed, in front of your sofa or simply in front of a fireplace, instantly makes your spaces feel more insulated and inviting. Looking to go a little bigger? Including a larger format rug like this Severa Textured Bubble Rug ($169) is a great way to winterise your home on a budget. In terms of colours, focus on warmer tones such as neutrals, dusty pinks, beiges, burnt oranges and deep reds.

Add a versatile ottoman

An often-overlooked piece of furniture, adding in visually interesting ottomans for winter adds seasonal character, while also being practical for yearround use. Don’t overlook it this winter!

“THE POSSIBILITIES WITH OTTOMANS

Ever the versatile piece, ottomans like the Keila Modular Tufted Boucle Ottoman ($299) can be used to put your feet up, double as a table for hot drinks and candles or feature as a styling tool to be accessorised with blankets and books.

If you invest in a larger ottoman with storage like the Riane Boucle Ottoman with Storage ($249), you can also then load it up with winter essentials like blankets and pillows.

The possibilities with ottomans are endless (and affordable)!

When it comes to chairs...

An oversized occasional chair where you can snuggle up to read a book, watch a movie, or just decompress is a great way to add a practical winter element into your home that can be enjoyed year-round.

Choose a chair in dusty winter colours like blush and rich fabrics like velvet as seen in the Trina Velvet Sofa Chair ($359). It’s equal parts classic and modern, with the curved, enveloping shape designed to keep you curled up all day.

For more products or tips, visit https://www.luxoliving.com.au.

What is so great about this property?

This contemporary and luxurious home is perfect for any large families and with an expansive floor plan that has plenty of room for the family to grow.

Who does this property suit?

This property would be an ideal

fit for families who value both luxury and practicality. With its sprawling floor plan, five grand bedrooms, and three immaculate bathrooms, it offers ample space for a large family to comfortably live and flourish. The inclusion of both a formal lounge and a media room caters to diverse entertainment needs, while the

large open plan dining and living area provides a perfect setting for family gatherings.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in? It offers a modern and family-friendly atmosphere with a range of amenities catering to residents of all ages. The centre-

piece of the suburb is its picturesque lake, providing a serene backdrop for leisurely strolls and recreational activities. Overall, Jordan Springs is a welcoming suburb that combines modern living with natural beauty, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

PATIOMAN

No job too small

Lic No. 829 19C

Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms, Wooden Decks

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

ORAN P ARK

The Experts

DAVID NORRIS Nortec IT 9894 9514

DIVING INTO THE WORLD OF FREE EBOOKS

Regardless of the type of eBook reader you own, a wide range of eBooks and audiobooks, including all the latest best-sellers, are available at no cost.

I own both a Kindle and a Kindle Scribe, so while this will be skewed towards a Kindle, it applies equally to other eBook readers. I will also tell you how to convert between eBook formats so that the books below will work on your device.

Amazon Kindle Store

Amazon offers a dedicated section for free Kindle eBooks. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of free titles across various genres, from classics like Pride and Prejudice to contemporary thrillers. Filters allow you to refine your search by category, release date, and aver-

age rating, helping you discover the perfect book.

Project Gutenberg

This non-profit organisation is a pioneer in free eBooks, boasting a vast collection of over 60,000 titles. While their focus lies on public domain works (books whose copyright has expired), you’ll find a wealth of classic literature by renowned authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Mark Twain.

Free ebook websites

Several websites specialise in curating free eBooks. Freebooksy is a popular option, offering daily listings across various genres, including romance, science fiction, and mysteries. The Fussy Librarian and Bookbud maintain a well-organised blog with frequent

YOUR INTEREST RATE IS TOO HIGH BROKING BREAKDOWN

Your home loan interest rate is too high.

How do I know? Law of averages and experience.

The majority of people who come to Bell Partners Finance to see if we can get them a better arrangement on their home loan end up walking away very happy indeed.

There’s many reasons why people end up paying too much interest via a much higher rate than they could get by refinancing or switching lenders.

First is loyalty. Too many people just rock up to the bank they’ve been with for years to apply for their home loan. Just because your parents opened a bank account for you at a particular back 30 years ago doesn’t mean it’s the right bank for your home loan. Second is laziness. See above! Sometimes it can just feel easier to apply for a loan at a bank that already knows you. No need for the whole identification process, and they have all your accounts on hand. But this is a huge

updates on free and bargain eBooks, including Kindle titles.

Library eBooks

Your local library might be a surprising source of free eBooks! Many libraries offer digital lending services, allowing you to borrow eBooks and audiobooks directly to your Kindle device or app. Both Penrith and Parramatta Library offer the latest novels free for borrowing in both eBook and audiobook formats. Check your library’s website for details on their digital collection and how to access it.

Now, onto converting eBooks!

Calibre

This free and opensource software champions eBook conversion.

It supports various input and output formats, including MOBI, EPUB, and TXT. After installing Calibre, add your eBook file, choose the format

Some eBooks, particularly those offered for free for a limited time, might have Digital Rights Management (DRM) applied. Always check

you want as output (Kindle is MOBI), and click ‘Convert’. Once converted, connect your eBook device to your PC and copy the converted file onto the device.

the source of the eBook and any DRM restrictions before downloading. Most free eBook websites and libraries clearly state whether their eBooks are DRM-free.Happy reading!

mistake to make.

Third is complacency.

We all live busy lives and months and years go by quickly. Most of us don’t regularly check our home loan interest rates, or don’t think there will be a better offer out there. But as new lenders and products come on line, the right opportunity could be waiting around the corner. Fourth is fear of change and what it all means. The process can feel daunting, and there’s the question of break fees and other challenges. And finding the time to speak to another lender. But here’s the thing: one simple visit to a broker could answer all of the above challenges. A broker will be able to find the best deal for you, and the best interest rate and product on the market. You’re throwing money away by not having the best interest rate possible. Why not speak to a broker today and see what difference they can make?

MARK STEVENSON Bell Partners Finance bellpartnersfinance.com.au

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOTCARE AND DIABETES

Diabetes is a chronic condition which affects millions of people and can unfortunately have many complications, some of which can affect the feet. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise it is important to understand the specific threats to foot health. Peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes can impair someone’s “protective sensation” or ability to detect pressure or injuries to the foot. This can increase the risk of pressure ulcerations, leaving individuals susceptible to serious complications. Risk factors such as smoking, obesity and high cholesterol can increase the risk of impairing the body’s circulation. This can affect the feet by reducing blood flow to the toes and feet. If not well controlled, this can lead to longstanding wounds, ulcers and potential amputations.

Regular visits to the Podiatrist play a vital role in preventing and managing foot related

complications associated with diabetes. Podiatrists are able to recognise, diagnose and detect potential issues, allowing for early intervention and preventing

you back on your feet! So what do I need to do?

• Foot examinations: Annual diabetic foot assessments are crucial for people living with

the escalation of diabetic foot complications. If complications do occur, Podiatrists and a multidisciplinary team can manage and treat these issues to help get

diabetes. A Podiatrist will test and be able to identify signs of neuropathy, vascular issues or biomechanics issues. They will then be able to determine

an appropriate treatment plan to reduce the risk of complications long term

• Appropriate footwear: Inappropriate shoes can rub on the edge or end of toes and can cause blistering and potential wounds. Ensuring your shoes don’t have any friction points and are adequate width and length are important to enhance overall comfort

• Daily foot checks: checking the feet daily for any cuts, scratches or anything that doesn’t look right! If it doesn’t improve after a few days –contact your Podiatrist!

By attending regular podiatric care, people with diabetes can proactively manage foot health, mitigating the risk of complications.

Early intervention and collaborative care between patients, healthcare providers and Podiatrists can help to improve the quality of life for those living with diabetes.

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce

The best hand creams to get you through a wet and cold winter

In my opinion, one of the most underrated products to get your skin through winter is a good hand cream.

As someone with oily skin, there are few occasions when I think being dry is truly dire. But, one thing I can’t stand is having dry hands.

Having a good hand cream on hand in your handbag or on your desk can truly be lifechanging. If you’re on the lookout for a good one, or if you want to purchase one as a gift, here are my top recommendations.

The Body Shop

The Body Shop hand creams are truly staples, and if you told me you’d never tried one, I’d assume you were lying.

The best thing about The Body Shop hand creams is that they come in so many different beautiful scents, so there’s

truly something for everyone. They’re also affordable and accessible, which make them perfect to throw in your bag for a rainy day.

L’Occitane

L’Occitane is famous for having some of the best hand creams in the business.

Not only do they have beautifully scented options for some post-manicure pampering, but also more intensely moisturising options for days when your hands truly need a pick me up. Their Shea Butter Hand Cream recently went viral on TikTok, and for good reason! The formula comes in a handbag-friendly 30mL option, or a much larger 150mL tube, if you just can’t get enough.

Sol de Janeiro

If you love Sol de Janeiro’s iconic Cheirosa ’62 signature fragrance, you can’t bypass their Brazilian Touch Hand Cream.

Not only is the formula super hydrating and fast absorbing, it also smells incredible!

I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t mention the hand cream that I currently have both on my desk at the Western Weekender office, and in my handbag at all times, and that’s the iKOU Organic Hand Cream.

iKOU is an international brand which first started in the Blue Mountains, known for combining innovative, botanical skincare with conscious home spa rituals to treat skin, mind and body as a whole.

I was gifted one of their hand creams and haven’t looked back – the De-Stress Geranium & Lavender Organic Hand Cream is my favourite.

iKOU

KELLIE

DEMENTIA IN DOGS: NAVIGATING THE JOURNEY

Dementia in dogs, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), is a touching reality for many pet owners. Much like humans, dogs can experience cognitive decline with age, leading to various behavioural changes and challenges. Recognising the signs of dementia in dogs is essential for providing them with the care and support they need in their senior years.

Early signs of dementia in dogs are often subtle changes in behaviour. Owners may notice their previously lively and energetic pet becoming increasingly disoriented, confused, or forgetful. For instance, a dog with dementia might wander aimlessly or appear lost in familiar surroundings. They might also show changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping more during the day and being restless or pacing at night. Other common signs include decreased interest in activities, loss of house training, and altered social interactions with both humans and other pets.

Witnessing these changes in our beloved furry friends can be distressing, but there are measures owners can take to help manage their dog’s dementia and enhance their quality of life. The first step is consulting with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions and to develop a tailored

treatment plan. While there is no cure for dementia in dogs, medications, supplements, and environmental modifications can help

alleviate symptoms and slow the disease’s progression.

Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for dogs with dementia. This may involve minimising stressors, such as loud noises or changes in routine, and providing plenty of mental stimulation through interactive toys and puzzles. Maintaining a consistent daily routine can also help reduce anxiety and confusion for dogs with dementia.

In addition to environmental adjustments, dietary changes can also benefit dogs with dementia. Specialised diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support cognitive function in senior dogs. Regular exercise, tailored to your dog’s age and physical condition, can also improve their overall wellbeing and cognitive health.

Above all, providing love, patience, and understanding is paramount when caring for a senior dog with dementia. While managing this condition can be challenging, the bond between owner and pet remains strong. By staying informed, proactive, and compassionate, we can ensure that our aging canine companions enjoy the comfort and dignity they deserve in their twilight years.

For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital at 4736 2027.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

bohoastro.com

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter are all transiting through your romance and friendship zone. Communication, creative partnerships and joint ventures are favoured, as you spark ideas off each other. Expect some resistance to your ideas, but that’s OK. Plus (courtesy of Mars and Uranus) you’ll find your domestic life and family relationships are exciting and unpredictable. So hold onto your hat and expect the unexpected. Life certainly won’t be boring!

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

With proactive Mars in your sign and Pluto activating your career zone, you’re keen to power ahead and achieve more at work. But high stress levels, long delays and short timelines are a problem at the moment, as you are diverted from professional responsibilities by a tricky personal matter, a meddling friend or a frustrating financial issue. With plenty of patience and a dollop of diplomacy, you’ll steer your way through a challenging week.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

You’re determined to complete a project with creative panache and loads of Leo style. But there are some frustrating planetary patterns so expect power plays, disruptions or delays. Patience and compromise are required, otherwise it will be a long and challenging week. When it comes to your work routine and professional projects, the big lesson to learn is how to delegate. No one (not even a super capable Leo) is indispensable! On Friday, follow your dreams.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Prepare for a rather tricky week as Pluto squares Mars, and people (or circumstances) frustrate your plans. Don’t let others hijack your career goals or derail your domestic dreams. No matter how challenging things become or how long it takes, you need to be the captain of your own ship and the master of your own destiny! So your motto is from fellow Scorpio, award-winning actress Tilda Swinton, “What is any life without the pursuit of a golden dream?”

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Do your best to avoid Piscean procrastination and negative self-talk. Mars and Uranus are activating your learning and local environment zone. So it’s time to be clever, confident and proactive as you set ambitious goals, attract mentors, and expand your world in exciting new directions. Study, observe, listen and learn! Your motto for the week is from birthday great, writer William Butler Yeats, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

This week – courtesy of Wednesday’s Mercury/Saturn square – work looks stressful, and you won’t have the patience to put up with annoying people or tedious explanations. So strive to extricate yourself from negative situations in a tactful way. On Friday, communication and conversation are the buzz words as you share opinions, learn a new skill, or pass on some exciting information. It’s a good time to give your Gemini brain cells a thorough workout!

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Virtuous Virgos love to feel useful and productive. But does it seem as if you’re treading water at work, or a close relationship is going backwards? This week Saturn slows things down and increases frustrations (especially on Wednesday). But then Mercury (your patron planet) hooks up with the Sun on Friday, which encourages you to pair up with a creative colleague and make your professional dreams come true. You’ll need to be extra patient though!

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

This week, if you’re argumentative with family members, friends and work colleagues, then they will be in the mood to fight back! So – if you want to avoid fiery clashes – do your best to be more tolerant and understanding towards others. Plus try to view a troubled close relationship from a much more philosophical perspective. The winning formula for smooth Sagittarian communication is conversation + cooperation + generosity + joy.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Mighty Mars (your boss planet) is now transiting through practical, productive Taurus (until July 20) so you’re fired up to get things done. But this – with Pluto squaring Mars on Tuesday – moderation and cooperation could be difficult to find. So do your best to calm down and keep the peace. Friday’s terrific Sun/ Mercury conjunction boosts your ability to connect and converse with others, especially within your local community. So make the most of it!

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Expect a rather stressful week as Saturn and Pluto stir up resentments, unfinished arguments and bad memories. Burying your head in the sand is probably a good option for sensitive, overloaded Crabs. Use the down time for relaxation, contemplation and planning. Then – from Friday onwards – dare to set ambitious goals and dream big dreams. As writer (and birthday great) Joyce Carol Oates reminds us, “A daydreamer is prepared for most things.”

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Saturn and Pluto stymie motivation and slow progress. You could also find it difficult to stick to your chosen diet, daily exercise program or usual beauty routine. Perhaps it would be better to moderate your perfectionist streak, accept your perceived imperfections, and learn to love yourself as you are? Be inspired by birthday great Judy Garland, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Saturn (your ruling planet) squares Mercury on Wednesday, so expect a stressful week of frustrations and challenges involving work, health, education or neighbours. And – courtesy of Mars and Uranus – a friend or family member could say or do something that makes you gasp. As writer (and birthday great) Joyce Carol Oates reminds us, “Sometimes people surprise us. People we believe we know.” A flexible, philosophical attitude will get you through.

VIVID for Couples: breakfast for 2, bottle of wine, parking, late 12pm checkout, glow sticks. bottle

NEVER FAILS TO SURPRISE

To the sound of a dozen jet engines on full throttle, I look up almost 100 metres vertically to see thousands of tonnes of water crashing down onto the rocks almost at my feet. The water hits the bottom with such force, it generates a wind tunnel of supercharged mist blasting out across the surface of the King George River, creating its own micro-climate within the ancient sandstone amphitheatre.

After nearly 20 years of visiting the remote Kimberley in Australia’s North West, this is the first time I’ve ever been as early as March when the rivers are in peak flow after the annual wet season deluge. It’s a natural phenomenon of immense proportions, yet witnessed by only a few score visitors every year.

“IT’S

“WE’RE VERY FORTUNATE TO SEE THE FALLS IN SUCH STAGGERING FURY,” yells Paul above the din. It’s true. By the time many of the major international operators arrive in late May, most of the Kimberley waterfalls will have shrunk to a comparative trickle. Others will have disappeared altogether.

On this ‘Waterfall Day’ near the highest point of Western Australia, Paul is able to show us 10 properly functioning waterfalls, most I have never seen before with or without water.

The Kimberley Basin, with almost 50 named rivers, accounts for three quarters of the state’s total discharge. The largest river in the region, the Fitzroy near Derby, will discharge 9000 gigalitres per year on average, but has been recorded pouring out a massive 30,000,000 litres per second when in peak flood. Average annual rainfall can be up to 1500mm, but conditions vary wildly and that amount and more was recorded in just a month at Kuri Bay as recently as 2022.

If you’ve been watching the news of late, you’ll know that ridiculous amounts of water have been falling in the Kimberley and all across the Top End recently, often accompanied by strong tropical storms. Whole towns have been evacuated, but the silver lining (if you can say that) is that the waterfalls are in outrageous display.

The so-called Waterfall Season in the Kimberley typically takes place from March when the local vessels like Reef Prince reposition from Fremantle with specially devised itineraries to capitalise on on nature’s annual spectacular. Depending on the prevailing conditions, the season may persist as late as May.

Oh, by the way, I’m aboard the 36-passenger Reef Prince, the sole vessel of Kimberley Expeditions, for their 12-day Broome to Darwin itinerary.

Reef Prince began life in 1995 on the Great Barrier Reef as a fast ferry and day boat and

was bought by the entrepreneurial couple, Steve and Deb Garner, who are based at Mataranka Station in the Northern Territory. After a major refit, the couple have run the vessel in the Kimberley since 2017.

Reef Prince runs four aluminium-hulled tenders of the same design favoured by many of the local operators. Metal hulls, I am told, are more durable in this harsh environment where sharp rocks and other less predictable hazards abound.

Each are powered by lusty 140hp Suzuki outboards except for the flagship sightseeing vessel, Regent, which runs twin 140s and can

motor at more than 40 knots when urged. Their surplus of power is welcome when tackling the wild torrents of Talbot Bay’s notorious Horizontal Falls.

On board, the main deck has the combined dining room and lounge and is also where Paul Hogger, our ebullient expedition leader, gives his briefings and talks.

French chef, Gigi, also demonstrates his expert culinary skills here and as the journey progresses, we come to understand why he’s held in such high regard.

The rear deck is the marina where tenders are loaded from a platform at water level and the bow has a delightful airy space with comfy couches for watching the ancient panorama roll past.

It’s not too late to book your 2024 Kimberley adventure and experience something unique for your next holiday.

For more details, contact Kimberley Expeditions on 1300 874 707 or visit www.kimberleyexpeditions.com.au.

76.

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: HOUSE

WARDROBE

WINDOWS

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about State of Origin in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. The MCG will host the second game of this year’s Origin series. How many times has it hosted Origin before?

2. In what country was the only State of Origin match taken overseas played?

3. Queensland won the first Origin series in 1982. When did NSW win their first series?

4. Which player was named at fullback for the Blues for Origin I but later forced to withdraw through injury?

5. What out of the ordinary thing happened in the 2002 series?

6. How many series’ did Queensland win in a row before NSW finally broke through to win the 2014 series?