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Highly-decorated conservationist dies aged 72

<p>British conservationist and presenter of <em>Wildlife SOS </em>Simon Cowell has died aged 72, following a battle with cancer. </p> <p>His charity, the Wildlife Aid Foundation, confirmed the sad news in a statement posted on their official website, saying that he died on June 9. </p> <p>"It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Simon Cowell MBE, conservationist, founder and CEO of the Wildlife Aid Foundation, and presenter of Wildlife SOS," the statement began.</p> <p>"Simon passed away on 9th June after a brave battle with cancer.</p> <p>"Simon was one of the UK's most respected conservationists and a passionate advocate for wildlife protection and environmental causes.</p> <p>"He dedicated his life to British wildlife and worked tirelessly to ensure countless injured and orphaned animals were given a second chance in the wild through rescue, clinical treatment, and rehabilitation," the statement continued. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8CeCrzIEv2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8CeCrzIEv2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Wildlife Aid Foundation (@wildlifeaid)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>They also said that "Simon believed that every animal matters," before ending their statement with: "His loss will be greatly felt by his loved ones, 2-legged and 4-legged, alike."</p> <p>Cowell started his foundation back in 1987. In 2005 he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to wildlife. </p> <p>The <em>Wildlife SOS </em>star shared his terminal lung cancer diagnosis back in July 2022, and the cancer soon spread to his other organs. </p> <p>Cowell passed away peacefully surrounded by his partner Stana, his daughters Louisa and Gemma, and two pet dogs. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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How to decorate with indoor plants

<p>If you want to add colour and freshness to your home, why not bring the outdoors in with some strategically placed indoor plants. Not sure where to start? Follow our tips to make the task simple and stylish.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Buy the best pot you can afford</strong> – it really does add the wow factor when you see a plant inside in a fabulous pot. In the same way, a great plant will lose its pizzazz if it is housed in a dull or cheap looking pot.</li> <li><strong>Stay in fashion –</strong> always choose plants that won’t go out of fashion, even if you change your décor. Your local garden centre is a good source of information on the best plants for your climate.</li> <li><strong>Keep your options open</strong> – there’s actually no need to pot your plant into your new pot. Just sit the plant inside and cover the top with stones or coconut fibre. This means you can easily move it around if you find it’s not working in its current home.</li> <li><strong>Liven up your space –</strong> choose a plant that is an unusual colour or has an interesting leaf shape.          </li> <li><strong>Don’t go overboard –</strong> it’s best not to put too many plants in one area. Keep it simple.</li> <li><strong>If in doubt, throw it out</strong> – if your plant starts to look a bit tired or sick it’s best to remove it from the indoors and try to revive it outside. You can easily replace it with a new plant for inside – after all it’s still cheaper than a bunch of flowers.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="../lifestyle/at-home/2015/07/fragrant-plants-for-home/">5 plants that will keep your home smelling lovely</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="../lifestyle/at-home/2015/08/coat-hanger-hacks/">Genius things you didn’t know you could do with coat hangers</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="../lifestyle/at-home/2015/07/bathroom-storage-solutions/">7 creative storage solutions for your bathroom</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Super simple cake decorating ideas

<p>Whether you’re making a cake for a special occasion or simply want to create something extra fancy for a family dinner, you’d be surprised how easy it can be to decorate a cake into something fit for a cooking show. Whether it’s using a few store-bought meringues, slicing up some strawberries or using your favourite biscuits to make a balloon feature, you’ll never make a plain old cake again after reading our super simple cake decorating ideas.</p> <p><strong>Meringue on the mind</strong><br />For an effective alternative to piped-frosting rosettes or expensive store-bought edible roses, opt for some mini meringues from the supermarket. Use them around the edge of the cake for a simple yet stylish finish that packs a crunchy punch.</p> <p><strong>Up, up and away with cookies</strong><br />Whether you want to make biscuits of your own or buy your favourite biccies from the shop, once you’ve iced your cake arrange a cluster of biscuits nearer to one end of the cake and use liquorice shoestrings (or another thin long lolly of your choosing) to form the balloon strings coming from the biscuits. You may want to knot the strings for extra detail. Another tip you may want to use is, if your biscuits are on the plan side, cover them in different colour frostings and then decorate them with colours sprinkles.</p> <p><strong>Strawberry fields</strong><br />Sometimes things in your very own fridge make the perfect cake decorations. Strawberries not only taste delicious and fresh, their vibrant colour makes them an eye-catching decoration. Thinly slice one punnet of fresh strawberries. Starting from the outside perimeter, place a ring of strawberries around the cake, pointed facing out. Continue layering rings around the cake until you reach the centre.</p> <p><strong>Shaved Chocolate</strong><br />For all the chocoholics out there, this one’s for you. A decadent way to decorate a cake is with shavings of chocolate. If you’re worried you won’t be so good at making your own shavings, some stores do sell them. You can mix and match milk, white and dark chocolate and even throw in a few different flavours – think orange, mint or chilli chocolate. While there are many ways you can arrange the shavings, the circular, ring-type layering described above in strawberry fields works well.</p> <p><strong>Spotty dotty</strong><br />Polka dots are all the rage and white frosting dots on a cake that has been iced in a pale colour, will look extremely lovely. For neatly piped dots, you’ll want to use a pastry bag. Hold the pastry bag in both hands; keep the tip just above the cake's surface, at a slight angle. Gently squeeze out icing, release, and pull back. Frosting dots will also help to hide smudged edges or spotty icing. You can either use different size dots or big and small ones. But whatever you do, start with the large ones.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Sydney decorated with rainbows ahead of WorldPride 2023

<p dir="ltr">WorldPride 2023 has kicked off in Sydney, with the city being decorated with rainbows in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ event. </p> <p dir="ltr">The New South Wales capital was chosen to host the annual event, which is hosted in a different city around the world each year, with the two week celebration coinciding with the Mardi Gras parade on February 25th.</p> <p dir="ltr">For the first time since 2019, the parade will be back on Oxford Street after being forced into the SCG to comply with Covid-19 restrictions. </p> <p dir="ltr">Celebrations for WorldPride officially kicked off in Sydney on Sunday with Fair Day in Victoria Park boasting performances, stalls, food, and pageants. </p> <p dir="ltr">To celebrate the LGBTQIA+ events, landmarks around Sydney have been adorned with rainbows, pride flags, feathers and sequins to share their solidarity and support for equality. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Sydney Opera House has been lit up with the rainbow colours of the pride flag, as well as the pink, blue and white colours for the trans flag and brown and black colours for queer people of colour, otherwise collectively known as the Progress Pride Flag. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rainbows have also appeared at Manly Wharf, Coogee Beach, Pitt Street Mall, The Star Casino, Sydney Airport, and in shop fronts across the city. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://sydneyworldpride.com/">WorldPride</a> events will be happening across Sydney until March 5th.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Princess of Wales shows off her tree-decorating skills

<p dir="ltr">The Princess of Wales has given fans another glimpse into her Christmas spirit ahead of the holiday season.</p> <p dir="ltr">A few hours before her second annual <em>Royal Carols: Together at Christmas</em> concert, the Princess shared a video of herself decorating a tree.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Final touches before the #TogetherAtChristmas' Carol Service tomorrow," the caption read.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video shows a cheerful Kate dressed in a white turtle neck as she decorates a festive fir at Westminster Abbey.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans commented on the video, wishing the Royal Family a Merry Christmas.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Prince and Princess,” someone wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Season greetings your RH Catherine Princess of Wales,” another commented.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Final touches ahead of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherAtChristmas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TogetherAtChristmas</a> Carol Service tomorrow 🎄 <a href="https://t.co/mixjI8d5TD">pic.twitter.com/mixjI8d5TD</a></p> <p>— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1603129389927071749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“What a beautiful video. I’m so excited,” someone else wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">The concert was a family affair with the support of Prince William, King Charles and the Queen Consort.</p> <p dir="ltr">The concert also celebrated the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8.</p> <p dir="ltr">There were several choir performances of Christmas classics, including readings by the Prince of Wales and an introduction from The Princess of Wales.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Royal Carols: Together at Christmas </em>is set to air on ITV on Christmas Eve.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Princess Mary decorates palace before she heads back to Australia

<p dir="ltr">Princess Mary is decorating the palace just days before she heads <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/crown-princess-mary-is-heading-down-under-for-christmas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">back to Australia to celebrate Christmas</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an adorable video shared to Instagram, the 50-year-old Princess is seen putting up Christmas decorations inside the Frederik VIII's Palace at Amalienborg, in Copenhagen.</p> <p dir="ltr">She was also seen getting help from her two dogs, Grace and Coco, who are certainly not missing out on Christmas.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video, which is part of the Danish Royal Household’s annual Advent Calendar in the countdown to December 25, shows Princess Mary putting the final touches on the tree.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The two four-legged members of the Crown Prince family Grace and Coco also need to know that it's Christmas!” the caption read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Look what’s hiding in the dog's Christmas stockings, hanging on the family’s fireplace.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClxnqWgjsKv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClxnqWgjsKv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS 🇩🇰 (@detdanskekongehus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Nearby are stockings for each one of her four children, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.</p> <p dir="ltr">There are also stockings for Grace and Coco who are then given a treat as Princess Mary ties a Christmas collar around their necks.</p> <p dir="ltr">Last month, the palace announced that Princess Mary will be heading down under with her husband Crown Prince Frederik and their four children Prince Christian, 17, Princess Isabella, 15, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 11, to celebrate the festive season.</p> <p dir="ltr">It will be their first private visit to Australia in five years.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Danish royal household confirmed the Crown Prince family's Australian holiday in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">"In December, the Crown Prince family will travel on a private Christmas holiday in Australia to celebrate the holiday together with HRH the Crown Princess's family," the palace said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It has been five years since the Crown Prince couple together with their four children last visited the Crown Princess's homeland."</p> <p dir="ltr">Crown Princess Mary has family in both Tasmania, where she was born, and in Western Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Multi-coloured plants are suddenly a home decor ‘must-have’. Here’s how to keep them alive

<p>Fads and fashion have always influenced the plants we keep. And so it is with variegated plants, which have become <a href="https://thatplantylife.com/affordable-and-gorgeous-variegated-houseplants/">very popular</a>with indoor plant enthusiasts these days.</p> <p>Variegated plants possess multiple colours – typically on their leaves, but in some cases on stems, flowers and fruit. Their patterns include stripes, dots, edges and patches. They’re usually green with either white or yellow, but can also feature red, pink, silver and other colours.</p> <p>Variegated plants can divide opinion. I recall a great aunt telling me many years ago of her great fondness for the variegated Aspidistra elatior growing her garden. But I’ve also heard gardeners and garden designers dismiss variegated foliage because it didn’t fit with their design or colour themes.</p> <p>Now, it seems indoor variegated plants are considered a “<a href="https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/variegated-plant-care-tips-36878935">must-have</a>” home decor accessory. But before you rush out and buy one, make sure you know how to keep it happy.</p> <h2>Understanding variegated plants</h2> <p>Most plant species are entirely green but occasionally a variegated individual arises. Some catch the eye of a dedicated plant collector or nursery worker and become a popular variety.</p> <p>Plant variegation can occur for several reasons.</p> <p>In some plants, such as the flowers of tulips, it’s due to a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/story/tulip-mania-how-a-plant-virus-fueled-a-speculative-frenzy">viral infection</a>. The resulting streaks of different colours may be cursed or valued depending on the aesthetic effect.</p> <p>Others plants, such as those in the genus <a href="https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Stories/2019/Coleus-back-in-the-name-game">coleus</a>, are naturally patterned. Groups of cells produce different colour combinations, causing leaves to grow with attractive markings.</p> <p>Plant variegations can also arise from genetic mutation.</p> <p>When growing variegated plants, it’s important to understand how the various colours affect the way it functions.</p> <p>The green part of plants contains chlorophyll, a pigment essential for photosynthesis. (Photosynthesis, of course, is the process by which the leaves convert sunlight into oxygen and carbohydrate that provides energy for plants to grow.) </p> <p>In variegated plants, white parts of leaves do not contain chlorophyll and so do not photosynthesise. </p> <p>Yellow parts of leaves can help send energy to the chlorophyll, but can’t perform photosynthesis on their own. The same goes for some red, orange and pink patches of tissue.</p> <p>But all cells in the leaf – green or not – use the plant’s energy. That means variegated plants are less efficient energy producers than their all-green counterparts, which causes them to grow more slowly.</p> <p>Some plants have mutated into <a href="https://www.chicagobotanic.org/blog/how_to/science_activity_albino_plants">albinos</a> containing no chlorophyll. These normally die within a few days or weeks of germination.</p> <h2>Caring for your plant indoors</h2> <p>It’s no coincidence many popular indoor plants – such as coleus, philodendrons, monsteras, dracaenas and calatheas – are variegated. Because they’re usually far less vigorous than all-green versions of the species, they won’t be pushing against the ceiling within weeks. </p> <p>The decorative colour and pattern of a variegated indoor plant is an added bonus.</p> <p>Variegated plants can take longer than others to reach a size considered appropriate for sale at a nursery, so may be comparatively more expensive. But there are ways to protect your variegated investment.</p> <p>First, watch out for “reversion”. This can occur when a variegated plant sends up an all-green shoot. The shoot will grow fast compared to the variegated parts and can eventually take over, causing the whole plant to revert to green. </p> <p>To avoid this, vigilantly remove any green shoots before they get big.</p> <p>You don’t want variegated plants quickly outgrowing their space, but remember they’re low on chlorophyll and so need good light.</p> <p>And like any indoor plant, ensure its leaves are kept free of fine dust and you don’t give it too much, or too little, water.</p> <h2>Variegated plants in the garden</h2> <p>The popularity of indoor variegated plants will almost certainly lead to greater use outdoors.</p> <p>Their slow-growing nature means outdoor variegated plants are usually much less likely to be “weedy” and spread where they’re not wanted. </p> <p>This can be an advantage if you’ve avoided planting a species because it will take over the garden. The variegated versions of <a href="https://www.plantmark.com.au/pittosporum-eugenioides-variegata">pittosporum</a>, ficus and <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/57250/nerium-oleander-variegatum-(v)/details">nerium oleander</a>, for example, are far less intent on global domination than their all-green counterparts.</p> <p>When planting a variegated plant outdoors, watch that it doesn’t become shaded by other quicker-growing plants. Many variegated plants already struggle to photosynthesise sufficiently. A bit of extra shade can damage or even kill them.</p> <p>So ensure they get enough light – and every so often give them a hand by trimming back nearby plants.</p> <h2>Growing with flying colours</h2> <p>Variegated plants are having their moment in the sun. But their interesting biology is always in fashion!</p> <p>These plants can brighten up your indoor space and provide attractive colour and pattern in the garden.</p> <p>By learning about how variegated plants function and considering their special requirements, you can enjoy them for years to come.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/multi-coloured-plants-are-suddenly-a-home-decor-must-have-heres-how-to-keep-them-alive-181163" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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Parents horrified at Halloween decorations

<p dir="ltr">Parents in a Sydney suburb have questioned a family’s Halloween decorations resembling <em>The Handmaid’s Tale</em> in quite a disturbing way. </p> <p dir="ltr">Images shared to Facebook show a fake body in the show’s iconic red dress and white bonnet, while a male character is dressed in blue.</p> <p dir="ltr">Both bodies were seen hanging by their necks on the porch, in reference to the show in which people were killed when they disobeyed the rules. </p> <p dir="ltr">There was also fake blood smeared on the outside of the house reading, “Nolite te bastardes carborundorum” which translates to, “Don’t let the b******* grind you down”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Social media users were divided at the decorations with many pointing out that it is inappropriate for children to see. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Imagine children seeing this walking past,” one comment read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Not good; totally inappropriate,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s horrible! Kids will be scared,” someone else commented. </p> <p dir="ltr">Others however defended the decorations saying it is the spirit of Halloween and people are encouraged to go all out with costumes. </p> <p dir="ltr">“OMG it’s Halloween, get over it, some of y’all need to lighten up,” someone wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“While we’re on the topic – how freckin good is Handmaid’s this season,” another fan wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Handmaid’s Tale</em> is an American dystopian television series based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. </p> <p dir="ltr">It tells the story of June, played by Elisabeth Moss, who is forced into sexual slavery struggles to survive in a totalitarian, fundamentalist society in what used to be the United States. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Real Estate

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How to decorate your home on a budget

<p>Small decorating projects can freshen up your home, change your interior considerably and be inexpensive. Try one or two of these budget-friendly fixes for an instant update!</p> <ul> <li>Rearrange all of your paintings and other art to different walls or rooms.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Update lampshades with more contemporary shapes or fresh white shades also make a space look shiny and new.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Paint is one of the first go-tos when updating interiors but instead of repainting a whole room; why not just paint one wall in a statement colour. Some paint stores sell mixed paint for much less than custom-mixed paint because the colour was off or it was returned to the store. So ask about this next time you visit the paint shop.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>For an unexpected twist try painting the insides of bookshelves or your ceiling in an opposite colour.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Updating your window dressings will instantly pep up any room. IKEA have reams of readymade draperies you can hem to the right size.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>A gallery wall of family photos in matching, or contrasting, frames that are arranged in a collage on a stairwell or hallway wall make a great focal point in any home.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Regularly look on GumTree and eBay for finds. It’s amazing what shows up for a bargain or even free. Be sure to check regularly, as good things go fast.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Some carpet stores often have offcuts of high-end carpet at low prices that could make a great area rug. The store may bind the edges for you, or you can do it yourself with carpet binding tape and some tidy hand sewing.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Remember it’s the little details that make a big impact. Beautiful coasters, interesting desk frames, a small but exquisite crystal vase filled with fresh flowers.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>For an instant freshener for even the most dingy bathroom, replace your bathroom shower curtain and curtain hooks.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Hang a couple of vintage plates or smaller framed pictures artfully inside, or leave the framed space as-is, for an artful and simple focal point that shows you have considered the little details. Antique and charity stores are great places to look.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Take a walk in the great outdoors and you’d be surprise what you might find in the park, woods or beach. Pick up interesting seasonal accents for your home. A tray filled with pinecones or a bowl of colourful pebbles will make eye-catching home decor accessories. </li> <li>First impression last! Why not consider sprucing up your entrance by painting your front door a happy colour. Pair it with a new lighting fixture, mailbox and house numbers – and voila, home swe</li> </ul>

Home & Garden

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Decorating with colour

<p>Many of us find that we have a love/hate relationship when it comes to colour and our homes. What colour do I choose? Can I mix and match? Do I make a statement or opt for something subtle? If you have asked yourself any of these questions, you’re not alone.</p> <p>Loved by interior enthusiasts for its ability to instantly transform a room, there’s always the tricky business of knowing how to style it and, more importantly, when enough’s enough. The truth is even the most timid decorators amongst us can benefit from a little splash of something vibrant. Take the challenge to step out of the shade of neutrals and into the transformative light of colour. Here are some tips on how to approach decorating with some of the colours currently trending in the world of interiors.</p> <p><strong>Vibrant blues<br /></strong>The captivating tones of crystal blue waters makes for vibrant addition to any room no matter if you opt for a couple of decor items or go big with a blue couch or blue walls. Teamed with golden accents and a few classic staples, the hue really pops.</p> <p><strong>Earthy yellows</strong><br />Colours of the earthy variety are a great way to ensure your home imparts a welcoming and cosy vibe. Crisp white or pale grey accents, dark woods and coordinating golden tones mix well with eathy yellows and make for a sophisticated look which is irresistibly inviting.</p> <p><strong>Pretty pinks</strong><br />Forget everything you think about pink. It is not a colour on suited to the rooms of young girls. Styled with a carefully chosen palette and barely-there silhouettes, hues in this colour teamed with stylish homeware can create quite an opulent feel to a room.</p> <p><strong>Elegant navy</strong><br />An eternally sophisticated colour, navy instantly adds a feeling of elegance to any interior. Fun patterned cushions and statement-making proportions can be matched with classic touches for twist on timeless style.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Cake decorating 101

<p>When it comes to decorating your baked goods, there are many tips and tricks to creating master pieces. But before you get to the fun part, to ensure your cakes are on the professional side rather than baking disaster, you'll need to know these basics...</p> <p><strong>DECORATING TOOLS</strong></p> <p>1. Sturdy serrated knife (to ensure clean cuts)<br />2. Large and small offset spatulas (to make precise frosting easy)<br />3. Teaspoon and table knife (in place of more specialised tools)<br />4. Pastry bags (to make frosting, creating patterns and shapes)<br />5. Rubber spatula (to stir batter)<br />6. Bamboo skewers (to stabilise cake layers – this is not always needed)</p> <p><strong>DECORATING TIPS</strong></p> <p><strong>Butter up</strong><br />Remove the butter for both the cake and icing from the fridge about an hour before you start cooking to allow it to be room temperature. This will ensure your butter is soft enough to beat and create a light, fluffy texture.</p> <p><strong>Prep perfect</strong><br />Make the cake at least one day out before you intend to cut it into shapes. This will make cutting easier. You can store cakes, before icing them, in an airtight container for up to two days.</p> <p><strong>Adding colour to your icing</strong><br />Adding colour to your icing comes in two forms – gel or paste. One of the most important things to remember at this step is that a little goes a long way. Swirl a toothpick into the colouring and mix well into your icing. Add the colour little by little until you have your desired hue. There’s also liquid food colouring which is more commonly found in grocery stores but only comes in limited colours such as red, blue, yellow and green. To use, stir drops of food colouring into the frosting (mix and match the primary colours to get creative hues!) until you achieve your desired colour.</p> <p><strong>How to flavour icing</strong><br />For a little something extra, you can add flavour to your frosting to complement the flavour of the cake. Choose from various flavourings and extracts, such as vanilla, almond, rum, or maple, as well as different liqueurs (raspberry, hazelnut, coffee) and citrus zest to add standout flavours before decorating your cake.</p> <p><strong>Using a coupler</strong><br />The plastic coupler is a nifty little tool that allows you to use different decorating tips while piping from one bag. To change decorating tips, you simply unscrew the coupler ring, replace the decorating tip, and replace the ring. Voila.</p> <p><strong>Filling a pastry bag</strong><br />First, you need to place the bag, tip down, in a tall glass and cuff the bag around the rim. Insert icing with a spatula, scraping the icing against the side of the bag to release it. Be sure, not to fill the bag more than halfway. Unfold the cuff. Second, gather the top edges together with one hand, and drag the thumb and index finger of your other hand downward to let out air, forcing icing into bag and decorating tip. Twist the top of the bag to close and to maintain pressure.</p> <p><strong>Creating the perfect base</strong><br />To ensure your icing experience is as seamless and doesn’t get too messy, it's important that every icing job begins with a smooth layer of base icing.</p> <p>1. Place the chilled cake on a cardboard cake round or plate, and transfer it to a rotating cake stand. Smooth on a base layer of slightly chilled buttercream with a straight icing spatula to seal the cake crumbs. Chill the cake until icing has hardened, this should take about 15 minutes.</p> <p>2. Next you’ll want to coat the sides of the cake with 1/4 inch of buttercream. Hold the spatula parallel to the sides of the cake with the blade slightly angled towards you. Apply pressure with the spatula against the sides of the cake, and use your other hand to rotate the cake stand, smoothing the sides.</p> <p>3. Lastly, spread excess icing from the sides onto the top of the cake and add more to coat. Position the spatula almost flat halfway across the top of the cake. Apply pressure as you rotate the cake stand, smoothing the top. Chill until the icing has hardened, about 15 minutes, before decorating.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Food & Wine

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"Just not fair": Australia's most-decorated Olympian's trans stance

<p dir="ltr">Olympic star Emma McKeon has taken a stance against transgender athletes competing in women’s sport.</p> <p dir="ltr">The five-time gold medallist said “it’s just not fair” to be competing against transgender athletes during a seminar at Griffith University.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her comments came as Prime Minister Scott Morrison backs Liberal candidate for Warringah Katherine Deves, who caused an uproar by declaring trans teenagers are “surgically mutilated” and that the rainbow Pride flag “triggers” her.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I personally wouldn't want to be racing against someone who is biologically a male, so that's a concern," McKeon said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's not a new thing, but it's new in that sport, swimming, are going to have to deal with it."</p> <p dir="ltr">McKeon believes it won’t “come to the point” where she is competing against a transgender opponent.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don't think I'm going to have to race against a trans swimmer, I don't think it's going to come to that point,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But now that it's a growing thing, the sport has to think about how to handle it and how to deal with it, because you do want to be inclusive, but you don't want to have females racing against swimmers who are biologically male because it's just not fair.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Laurel Hubbard from New Zealand competed in women’s weightlifting at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics which sparked a debate on the fairness of the competition.</p> <p dir="ltr">New Zealand's Laurel Hubbard sparked debate when she competed in women's weightlifting at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.</p> <p dir="ltr">Australia’s Hannah Mouncey, a former men’s national handball player wanted to compete in AFLW and was rejected with the AFL being taken to court.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

News

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How to decorate the perfect guest bedroom

<p dir="ltr">When renovating your home, or just updating your style in your key living areas, it's easy to overlook a spare bedroom that doesn’t get much use. </p> <p dir="ltr">Instead of just using it for functionality with a basic bed or desk for guests to use, see a spare bedroom as an opportunity to step out of your styling comfort zone and try some new looks. </p> <p dir="ltr">Think of the task as a challenge to create a warm and welcoming space that could be enjoyed by anyone. </p> <p dir="ltr">Following these handy tips will ensure a restful space for anyone visiting your home. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Maximise on space</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">When planning the layout of your guest bedroom, capitalising on the space you have is key. </p> <p dir="ltr">A double or queen bed with a fold out single or sofa couch can be a good balance in a bedroom that isn’t as big as a master suite. </p> <p dir="ltr">If you have a nook in your guest room, consider a single bed or desk, or other furniture that can serve more than one purpose to make the space comfortable and functional. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Create a cosy environment </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The bed is truly the pièce de résistance of any bedroom, so don’t skimp on the quality. </p> <p dir="ltr">Picking a comfortable and supportive mattress is the first thing that should be considered, before deciding on a timeless colour scheme and adding all the comfy trimmings such as throw rugs and cushions. </p> <p dir="ltr">You want your guests to feel like your heart and soul has been injected into making their temporary home as comfortable as possible. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Think about storage</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">While the main priority of a spare bedroom is to make it comfortable for guests, think about how you can maximise storage while it's not being occupied. </p> <p dir="ltr">Think underbed storage or a chic and stylish chest of drawers that can double as decoration. </p> <p dir="ltr">When the spare room is being used, having somewhere for guests to unpack their belongings can go a long way. </p> <p dir="ltr">Instead of expecting your visitors to live out of a suitcase, they would appreciate an empty section of a wardrobe or an unused bench top to store their belongings. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Bedside tables and lighting are a must</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">When decorating your spare room, a bedside table and a lamp are must-haves. </p> <p dir="ltr">This seemingly simple addition will make all the difference to your guests, with functionality in mind while also adding to the style of the room. </p> <p dir="ltr">Think about adding practical trinkets to a bedside table as well, such as candles, notepad and pen or a tray for jewellery.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Add easy-to-forget essentials</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">It's not uncommon for travellers to arrive at their destination and realise they have forgotten essentials such as toothpaste, body wash or hair products. </p> <p dir="ltr">Adding these products to a spare bedroom will take the hassle out of forgetting these important essentials, while also adding another element of thoughtfulness for your guests.</p> <p dir="ltr">Consider adding travel-sized products for guests to take with them if they choose, as these are much easier to replace for the next guest – for such a small gesture they leave amazing impression. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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How to decorate your senior apartment

<p>Ageing in place has been embraced by many older adults. Living comfortably in your own home or a separate apartment is a much-preferred option than living in a care facility. And if you have chosen an apartment clustered with tenants of the same age as you, it’ll be a fun experience for sure. You'll be able to connect with people of the same wavelength and who will probably be empathetic towards your concerns.</p> <p>Living in your senior apartment is an exciting idea. It’ll be much more exciting if you take extra steps to decorate it with comfort, mobility and your personality in mind.</p> <p>Here are some ways that you can decorate your senior apartment:</p> <p><strong>1. Add a few sentimental items</strong></p> <p>Adding a few sentimental items will not only make you remember happy times, but it’ll also jog your memories of the past and help exercise your neurons. Processing positive information is necessary for the successful formation of memories and is a helpful activity to prevent the early onset of dementia.</p> <p>Adding a few essential items from your past trips out of the country, like maybe a painting, a souvenir or an ornament, could help liven up your space and, at the same time, make you travel back down memory lane.</p> <p><strong>2. Display art on your wall</strong></p> <p>Adorning your walls with beautiful art pieces will make the space youthful, modern and lively. The visual and sensory feelings that art evokes may also lower stress, combat depression and connect with memories. You may hang <span><a rel="noopener" href="https://fineartamerica.com/wall-art" target="_blank">wall decor</a></span> in your apartment that brings back good memories to liven up the place.</p> <p>There are customisable wall decors available, and your options are unlimited. You can turn your posters, tapestries, metal prints, <span><a rel="noopener" href="https://fineartamerica.com/shop/framed+prints" target="_blank">framed prints</a></span> and even your photos into paintings.</p> <p>Wall art can refresh and enliven your walls and make excellent conversation pieces when you have guests over.</p> <p><strong>3. Downsize significantly</strong></p> <p>When transferring to your senior apartment, you don't have to take all your stuff with you. A lot of it might not fit in a smaller space anyway, so you better choose items that bring you joy. Even if you want to bring something with sentimental value, you must always think about ease and functionality first. Choose to <span><a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/property/downsizing/tips-to-make-the-most-of-downsizing" target="_blank">downsize</a></span> for your new home in order to gain a new perspective.</p> <p>Large furniture, like heavy antique sofas, may not be ideal in an apartment. You may opt for sofas with firm cushions because super soft and bouncy couches may be challenging to get in and out of. You don't want to find yourself stuck on it with no one to ask for help from.</p> <p>Choose simple and functional pieces of furniture that’ll make your space comfortable and practical.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846732/adobestock_286258506_body.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e3d20d0d623b4c5ab8522d815f9ae90f" /></p> <p><strong>4. Embrace colours and patterns</strong></p> <p>It has been scientifically proven that bright colours can improve one's mood. And the colours people surround themselves with have a significant impact on their emotional wellbeing. Painting walls amber may give a sense of comfort and security, and the golden shade may create a joyful living environment, inspire creativity and raise alertness. Putting yellow accents like throw pillows gives the space a cosy ambience.</p> <p>Choosing blue, meanwhile, gives a feeling of comfort. Blue is a calming colour, and a pastel blue shade on the walls can create a soothing atmosphere and help you relieve stress and tension. You may also choose blue accents. An arctic blue sofa gives a feeling of relaxation and allows you to unwind and loosen up.</p> <p>Selecting green shades is said to promote healing, security and balance. Opting for light green shades, like mint green, creates a feeling of peace and tranquillity.</p> <p>Whichever colour you prefer for your space, you need to liven it up with patterns that suit your taste. You can choose geometric, striped, floral, or paisley patterns for your throw blankets, rugs and table runners.</p> <p><strong>5. Choose proper lighting</strong></p> <p>We need brighter lights in our homes as we age as our eyes don't absorb as much light; as opposed to younger people, seniors need 75% more light.</p> <p>When decorating your apartment, you may want to consider choosing bright lights for your dining room drop lights, your ceiling moldings, and especially your bathroom.</p> <p><strong>6. Add green with plants</strong></p> <p>Being around plants is said to increase the feeling of calmness and relaxation. Likewise, it also decreases anxiety, increases concentration, attentiveness, and improves memory. <span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thespruce.com/big-houseplant-trends-2022-5210866" target="_blank">Having plants</a></span> around will also improve the air quality of a room.</p> <p>You may add small pots of succulents for accents or even place medium-sized vines in corners or strategic locations. One gorgeous and popular climbing evergreen perennial is <em>Monstera Deliciosa</em>, more commonly known as the 'Swiss cheese' plant because of its leaves.</p> <p>You may also add small pots of herbs like basil, thyme and oregano in colourful pots on your kitchen window sills that would work as decor and an ingredient for your home cooking too.</p> <p><strong>7. Use carpet on your floor</strong></p> <p>Carpets are a great addition to your apartment because of their functionality. Carpets increase the safety of your home, as a cushioned floor is a far better place to handle any stumbles or falls.</p> <p>Carpets will also make the room pop by making it look more significant, and increasing the room's insulation. The choice of colour for your carpet must complement your walls and your decorative accents. Carpets in neutral colours will make your room look bigger. You may also choose patterns that add a youthful vibe or lend elegance to a room.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p> <p>As we age, making our homes into an exciting place to live can only increase our quality of life. Having a place to enjoy retirement is something you have to give yourself. And it’s alright to splurge a little. You’ve worked hard all your life, and this is the best time to enjoy the fruits of your labour.</p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with </em><span><a rel="noopener" href="https://fineartamerica.com/shop/framed+prints" target="_blank"><em>Fine Art America</em></a></span><em>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

Retirement Life

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The do’s and don’ts of Christmas tree decorating

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the festive season quickly approaching, more of us are putting up the Christmas tree and stringing up lights.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, making your Christmas tree truly shine isn’t as easy as you might think, and there are some common </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bhg.com.au/christmas-tree-decorating-mistakes" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">do’s and don’ts</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to follow when hanging baubles and lights on your tree this year.</span></p> <p><strong>Don’t: Use too much tinsel</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As fun as it is to cover everything in tinsel of various colours, it can have a tendency to overwhelm whatever it’s draped over.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead, treat tinsel like a garnish and use it sparingly to have the best effect.</span></p> <p><strong>Do: Pick a colour theme</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For a more sophisticated-looking tree, choose a colour theme for your ornaments, tinsel and lights. Picking a pair of colours, such as white and gold, or silver with either red, green, blue or even purple, can help take your tree decorating to the next level.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_uH5nlQuS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_uH5nlQuS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by J O R G E Z A P A T A (@jorgezapataev)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Don’t: Use too few baubles</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To dress your trees to the nines, make sure you layer baubles on the inner and outer branches. This will help your decorating look more layered and intentional.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to buying baubles, opting for glass, fabric or timber rather than plastic can also add that air of sophistication. If you do go for plastic decorations, opt for those with a nice finish.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_2CyMB8Da/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_2CyMB8Da/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Thenailbarbrisbane (@thenailbarbrisbane)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Do: Match your lights to your tree </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With Christmas lights now coming in every colour imaginable, it’s easy to choose colours that don’t stand out from your tree. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_ZytKrTtE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_ZytKrTtE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by @caringtoshareyourfeed (@caringtoshareyourfeed)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To help them shine through, try white lights if your tree is white, or a warm light for green trees</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Home & Garden

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The $2 pool noodle hack everyone’s trying this Christmas

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the festive holiday quickly approaching, you can fight the urge to splurge on Christmas decorations by trying your hand at this ridiculously cheap table centrepiece.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All you need is a pool noodle - costing $2 from Kmart - as well as a hot glue gun and some Christmas baubles.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When one woman shared the hack on Facebook, her post received almost 3000 likes and sparked a flood of recreations.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845956/pool-noodle-xmas.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/918725e646524f32822e0d3f13a30bc4" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Image: Angelica Marotta Vine (Facebook)</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“First time hack pretty pleased with the result!” she captioned the photo of her table runner, which was mostly sourced from Kmart, Big W and Target.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The DIY decoration has been frequently appearing in Facebook groups including </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1188470091287226" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kmart Inspired Homes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/330596703984165" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kmart Home Decor &amp; Hacks Australia</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with some classy results.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 201.171875px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845958/259786511_4483985271669638_4094311627553942329_n.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/73ac2e2e37db4fd2abe8d6da0ed7fbc4" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Heather Kyler (Facebook)</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To make it, </span><a href="https://www.bhg.com.au/pool-noodle-christmas-wreath-hack?category=diy"><span style="font-weight: 400;">follow</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> these five steps:</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 1. To keep the pool noodle straight, feed a thin metal rod through the centre of it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 2. Start attaching baubles with the hot glue gun and work your way along the noodle.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 333.3333333333333px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845957/pool-noodle-xmas2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/71372b34fa114037a5d50c9edfa4f35e" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Angelica Marotta Vine (Facebook)</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 3. Once the baubles are attached, fill in any gaps with flowers, branches and other Christmas decorations. To get extra coverage, pull apart a Christmas wreath and fill the gaps on the noodle with the leaves.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Step 5. Once decorated, spray the piece with fake snow.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Haydn Fellows (Facebook)</span></em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Bunnings’ bizarre $129 Christmas item

<p>People were appalled and others were thrilled when Bunnings announced they had a $129 inflatable Axe Throwing Santa available for Christmas decorations.</p> <p>The item had left some shoppers confused, saying it was "peculiar" on Facebook.</p> <p>“It’s really cool, the target deflates after being ‘axed’ and pops back up again. There’s a few new ones in this year,” one shopper wrote about the product on Facebook.</p> <p>“Hahahaha love it,” added another.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838084/bunnings-body.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a83d406adedc433685198bf8dbf93847" /></p> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>The garden addition was 1.8m and came with one reindeer pinned to a rotating bullseye along with 18 LED lights that illuminate your garden.</p> <p>However, Bunnings has since pulled the item from stores saying it was "inappropriate".</p> <p>“While we’re always looking for unique Christmas items we decided this product wasn’t appropriate and we’ve withdrawn it from sale,” Bunnings director of merchandise Phil Bishop told news.com.au</p> <p><em>Photo credits: </em><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/home/outdoors/bunnings-sells-unique-christmas-decoration-of-santa-with-an-axe/news-story/b649bf4ed62a347c40c874134e3c7e4c" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">news.com.au</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

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DIY gorgeous hanging decoration for less than $50

<p>An enterprising Aussie woman has shared how she made a gorgeous wall decoration for under $50 using supplies from Bunnings and Spotlight.</p> <p>When she discovered that designs similar to the one she wanted to make retailed for upwards of $180, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDF8HloA2dk/">Keira Rumble</a>, owner of Krumbled Foods, decided to make have a go at making and hanging the decorations herself.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDF8HloA2dk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDF8HloA2dk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">So turns out I’ve become a DIY’er in 2020 and I’m not mad about it 🤣💁🏼‍♀️ After I built this bedhead, I decided that I needed something to hang above it. I kept on seeing similar wall hangings going for a cool $180+ each. These hangings cost me $9-11 each, they were so easy to make (check out my story highlights under DIY) and I did them while kicking back and watching Schitts Creek on Netflix. Better yet, all you need is 3 things, raffia + little 3m hooks both found at @bunnings and craft rings. Paid Partnership @bunnings #DIYJULY #diy #pinterest #raffiadiy #homedecor #homediydecor</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/krumble/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Keira Rumble</a> (@krumble) on Jul 25, 2020 at 10:01pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She made a trio of circular wall hangings using only three materials that cost a total of $47.40 and shared the DIY process with her 404,000 Instagram followers.</p> <p>Rumble used Grunt Craft Raffia Rope, Command Medium Clear Adhesive Wall Hooks from Bunnings and bought three craft rings from Spotlight. </p> <p>Not only did she save money by making the decoration herself, she also enjoyed the creative design process.</p> <p>But while the craft project was simple to make, Keira said the method was repetitive and time consuming complete.</p> <p>'This makes it an easy project to multitask and do while watching television (I created mine whilst watching Schitts Creek on Netflix) or alternatively it's a great way to relax and unwind after a long day,' she wrote on Instagram.</p> <p><em><strong>How to make a wall decoration like Rumble’s:</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Materials:</strong></p> <p>4 x <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/grunt-100m-craft-raffia-rope_p4310756">Grunt 100m Craft Raffia Rope </a></p> <p>2 x <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/command-medium-clear-adhesive-wall-hooks-2-pack_p3950277">Command Medium Clear Adhesive Wall Hooks </a></p> <p>3 x craft rings from Spotlight</p> <p><strong> </strong><strong>Method: </strong></p> <p><strong>Step 1: </strong>Research to get your DIY inspiration on Pinterest and Bunnings.com.au</p> <p><strong>Step 2: </strong>Start by measuring out your desired length for the raffia and cut into equal lengths. For a more organic look, each length of raffia doesn't need to be exact</p> <p>Note to create a three-ring wall hanging like this, you'll need approximately four packets of 100m raffia rope</p> <p><strong>Step 3:</strong> Fold a piece of raffia in half and thread it through itself to attach to the ring. Continue repeating this until you've filled your ring. Remember to regularly bunch pieces of raffia you've threaded together tightly to create overlap - this will ensure your wall hanging is full and has enough volume</p> <p><strong>Step 4:</strong> To complete your wall hanging, trim the ends of the raffia (if required) to create a more even circular shape and hang on your chosen wall with a hook! </p> <p>She then stuck the adhesive wall hooks to the wall and placed the gorgeous decorations above her bed.</p> <p>The social media post swiftly received more than 12,000 'likes' from Keira's followers who were more than impressed with the result and some were inspired to make the design themselves. </p> <p><em>Images: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDF8HloA2dk/">Keira Rumble</a> / Instagram</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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How to cook the perfect Christmas roast

<p>One of the most loved Christmas traditions is the succulent roast we devour with family and friends over Christmas lunchtime or dinner. Below are some tips and tricks that will help ensure your roast ham, pork or turkey is the most tender and tasty roast you've made yet. </p> <p><strong>Ham</strong><br />Glazed ham is a Christmas classic and with these simple tips you’ll be on your way to ham heaven. You want to make sure you’re choosing the right sized ham – a 4kg ham for example will feed up to 10 people and allows a little extra for leftovers.<br /><br />To give the ham a decorative look, use a sharp knife to cut around the shank in a zig-zap pattern. Run a knife under the rind and gently pull it off. Use the knife to cut diamond squares into the ham.<br /><br />To glaze your ham, place it on a wire rack in a large baking dish. Brush the surface of the ham with your glaze of choice – options could include honey, mustard, apricot or orange jam. Bake for as long as the instructions on the package tell you too, and make sure to brush the ham at frequent intervals with glaze whilst cooking.</p> <p><strong>Pork</strong><br />It’s hard to resist a plate full of tender pork and crispy crackling at Christmas time – and the best thing is, making the perfect roast pork isn’t all that hard! Contrary to popular belief, pork doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through as overcooking it makes the meat dry and tough. Cooking it to slight blushing pink will ensure it remains succulent and juicy.</p> <p>As a general guide when roasting pork with rind, preheat your oven to 220c to crisp the rind (roughly 15-20 minutes) and then reduce the temperature to 180 to finish cooking the meat. The pork should be in the oven for 45 minutes per kilo. To get a crispy crackling, rub some oil and salt into the rind before cooking.<br /><br />Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven, cover it in foil and let it sit for 5-10 minutes – this ensures all the flavours and juices to settle which keeps the meat tender. Carve up the pork, serve and enjoy!</p> <p><strong>Turkey</strong><br />While everyone prepares their turkeys in different ways, if you’re thawing a frozen turkey make sure you always thaw it in the fridge and never on the bench. A full-size turkey can take up to three days to defrost properly so keep that in mind when it comes to preparing it. Turkey breast is very lean so it can potentially dry out during the long cooking process. Rub the outside of the turkey top and bottom with softened butter (use liberal amounts) and place it breast side down on a baking tray. The butter prevents the turkey (particularly the turkey breast).</p> <p>Some recipes say to cover the turkey with foil, or leave it uncovered. We recommend that you brush it with butter then place two large sheets of foil in a roasting pan then place your turkey in the centre and bring the foil up to form a loose tent. Make sure there is a pocket of air between the turkey and the foil. This ensures the turkey will cook in a moist environment and not dry out.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/lifestyle/food-and-wine/how-to-cook-the-perfect-christmas-roast.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Retirement Life

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Royal family goes all out for Christmas at Windsor Castle

<p>The Royal Family don’t shy away from a chance to celebrate Christmas and have released their annual gallery of stunning holiday decorations at Windsor Castle.</p> <p>2019’s Christmas at the castle is truly a sight to behold, and one of the main features includes a 20-food Nordmann Fir, which is sourced from the nearby Windsor Great Park.</p> <p>The tree sits in St George’s Hall, filled with hundreds of ornaments and just a few metres down is a slightly smaller 15-foot fir which was placed in the Crimson Drawing Room.</p> <p>This year has a historical theme, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s births.</p> <p>In the castle’s Octagon Dining Room is a number of gifts the couple gave to each other for Christmas.</p> <p>Famously both Queen Victoria and her husband have a hand in a number of Christmas traditions we know and celebrate today.</p> <p>Thanks to her German heritage, the Queen’s mother brought yew trees for the holidays as gifts, however it was the couple who made having a decorated tree in your home a trend that would be followed hundreds of years later.</p> <p>In 1948, Prince Albert sent decorated trees to nearby schools and army barracks.</p> <p>It was a particular engraving, featuring the royal family gathered around a Christmas tree, that really made the trend take off.</p> <p> It seemed to be a holiday the royal family were infatuated by, according to Royal Collection curator Kathryn Jones.</p> <p>She told the<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/berkshire/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_9286000/9286971.stm" target="_blank">BBC</a> </em>that "Queen Victoria and Prince Albert brought the tree into Windsor Castle on Christmas Eve and they would decorate it themselves.</p> <p>"They would light the candles and put gingerbread on the tree and the children would be brought in."</p> <p>While the royal family might not celebrate Christmas at Windsor Castle in the year 2019 as Queen Elizabeth famously prefers to spend her holidays at Sandringham – this year’s décor shows visitors how Victoria and Albert used to live.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see this year’s Christmas decorations at Windsor Castle.</p>

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