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21 more organising tips you'll wish you knew all along

Give in to the piles “For people who chronically pile papers instead of filing them, ditch your filing cabinet. Instead, keep your piles but make them a little more structured by putting them into clear bins and then labelling them by category. It’s best if bins are transparent—either wire or acrylic—because if you’re a piler then you also probably have a visual memory. Labelling helps other people interact with your piling system.” —Kelly McMenamin and Katie McMenamin, co-authors of Organise Your Way: Simple Strategies for Every Personality Hang everything “Consider hanging almost all of your clothes. (You can use a double hanger to increase hanging space.) This helps you see everything you have so you know exactly what’s there and what you need. Drawers should be reserved for socks and underwear only.” —Kelly McMenamin and Katie McMenamin Don’t underestimate how draining clutter can be “Being surrounded by a lot of stuff can wear you down, physically and emotionally. Your home should be a reflection of items that truly hold meaning for you – either because you really like them or because there’s a special memory attached to them. Don’t hang onto unused picture frames, knick-knacks, plates, bowls, vases and other items you don’t have out on display or use. And remember, just because it’s hidden in a closet doesn’t mean it won’t add to that overwhelmed feeling you have as you still have to take care of it.” —Jeffrey Welder Note how your taste changes “Just because you loved something once doesn’t mean you still have to love it ten years later. Times change, people change, and trends change, and there’s nothing wrong with letting things go that no longer make you happy.” —Jeffrey Welder Over-the-door shoe organisers aren’t just for shoes “Hanging shoe organisers are a handy tool to keep clutter off floors and shelves, with uses for every room of your house. Try hanging one in your laundry room to organise all of your cleaning supplies. Or put one on your pantry door as the pouches are the perfect size to organise small boxes and gravy packets. Hang one in your bathroom to organise makeup and other toiletries. Use one in the playroom to keep Legos, matchbox cars, stuffed animals, and other small toys off the floor and in plain sight. Or try one in your workroom to keep all of your craft and wrapping supplies together.” —Jeffrey Welder Use the empty spaces above too “Under cabinets often end up packed to the gills (and hard to use) or half full of dead space. A simple solution is to use half shelves or stackable containers to use as much of the vertical area as you can.” —Schae Lewis and Bahar Partow Make it a game “Our clients love the ‘12-12-12 challenge.’ Each week, set a time to find 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to be returned to their proper home. It takes just a few minutes and is a fun, easy way to quickly organise 36 things in your house.” —Alison Bradley of the London Cleaning Team Throw a swap party “If you want to declutter without being wasteful, throw a party and invite friends to bring unused or unwanted items to swap. Everyone gets to go home with something new, and if you end up with leftovers, donate them to a local charity.” —Alison Bradley Shop your wardrobe “An easy way to declutter your wardrobe is to hold up each item and ask yourself, ‘Would I buy this again right now?’ If the answer is no, no matter what the reason is, out it goes.” —Hazel Thornton, professional organiser and author of Go with the Flow! The Clutter-Clearing Tool Kit for an Organised Life Question your stuff “For each item you consider bringing into the house, ask yourself three questions: Where is this going to live? Who will take care of it? Can I afford the money, time and energy it will require? If you don’t have a ready answer for any of these, then put it back.” —Hazel Thornton Start at the bottom of the pile and work up “For overwhelming paper piles, take a sheet from the bottom of the pile. The paper at the bottom is likely to be outdated, unneeded, even forgotten about, and no longer useful. That makes it easy to get rid of.” —Claire Tompkins, clutter coach and author of Five Minutes to a Relaxing Bedroom Can you handle the truth? "It’s hard to figure out what’s clutter in your own space because you’re so used to it. You take it for granted. Sometimes you can’t even see it. So pretend you’re showing a nosy visitor around. When she picks up that decorative box and asks you why you have it and if you like it, you may find yourself answering that it was left over from a white elephant sale and actually, no, you don’t even want it. The results can be surprising and liberating.” —Claire Tompkins Keep things where you actually need them “Put garbage or recycling bins where they’ll be used. If rubbish or recycling collect in the bedroom or living room, save yourself a trip and put the bins there, so you don’t have to go searching for them when you need them. Keep your shredder and recycling bin near where you process incoming mail. This allows you to take care of the paper right away rather than letting it pile up.” —Sarah Krivel, owner of Simpler Surroundings, a professional organising and productivity consulting company Cherish the memory with a photo “If you’re keeping something purely for sentimental reasons, take a picture and then give the item away. Recognise it’s the memory you cherish, not the actual item.” —Sarah Krivel Set a limit for decluttering “To avoid getting overwhelmed, I suggest to my clients to set the timer on their phones for a half hour. When the buzzer goes off they can stop! This can also be done by saying you’ll fill one bag to give away and then take a break. Often, just seeing their progress is motivation enough to keep going.” —Felice Cohen, professional organiser Get creative with repurposing old items “Sometimes something doesn’t need to be thrown out; sometimes it just needs to be used in a different way. For instance, use an empty tissue box to hold extra plastic grocery bags inside a kitchen pantry, cabinet, or closet. Or repurpose a bathroom towel rod by placing it on a garage wall to hold skateboards or longboards.” —Nancy Haworth, professional organiser, On Task Organising If you don’t love it or use it, lose it “This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing what we can talk ourselves into keeping. For instance, gifts that we received and now feel obligated to keep forever, clothing that collects dust in our wardrobe but was too expensive to just get rid of, or childhood mementos that are taking over your storage space even though you’ve never taken the time to actually look back on them. If there is something that you are holding on to, be honest with yourself. Do you love it? Do you use it? Your home is a representation of yourself, and it should only be filled with items that you enjoy and use.” —Rachel Rosenthal, professional organiser and owner of Rachel and Company Don’t forget why libraries exist “If you have a large book collection, gather all your books from around the house so you can sort through them all together. Keep the ones you will still read, still reference, or have a particular love of. The rest can be donated. Remember, you can download many books now, and libraries still exist. Once you’ve whittled down your collection, decide how you would like to display your books: by topic, by author, by size, or by colour. Shelve the keepers accordingly. Create sections like a library or bookstore would have (thriller, reference, biography, comedy) or alphabetical by author.” —Amy Trager, certified professional organiser. Organise spices alphabetically “This allows you to quickly find what your recipe calls for, as well as figure out which spices your cabinet is missing. Whether in a drawer, laying flat, or in a cabinet on tiered shelves, alphabetizing will make grabbing spices quick and putting them away just as fast. If you enjoy cooking a lot and a variety of cuisines, you can also organise spices by cuisine type: Indian, Asian, Mediterranean, baking, etc.” —Amy Trager The bye-bye box “Take all supplies off of the top of your desk – pens, sticky notes, paper clips, etc – and put them in a box to the side. As you work, take out only the things you need to use. After two weeks, you’ll know what you actually use, and whatever hasn’t been taken out of the box can be discarded or donated.” —Sara Skillen Save the instructions “It makes sense that the manual for something like a printer, television, or computer should be kept next to or under the item it goes with. Sure, you could file them away, but chances are when you need the manual you will be standing next to the malfunctioning item. So simply slip the instructions underneath, taped to the back, or next to the equipment.” —Lee Silber, author of Organising from the Right Side of the Brain Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/42-organising-tips-youll-wish-you-knew-all-along" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home Hints & Tips

21 organising tips you’ll wish you knew all along

The best organising ideas For many, organising is something that gets put off for months, but if you stay organised from the start and follow these tips, home organisation might not be such a daunting task. Learning how to organise from the start might be a lifestyle change, but in the end, it’s worth it. Read on to learn the best organising tips from the pros. Before you can get clutter out, you have stop it from coming in “The first step to winning the battle against clutter is to control what comes into your home. Unsubscribe from junk mail and catalogues you do not read. Stop shopping in bulk and buying non-necessities. Once the incoming flow of stuff and papers slows down or stops, you can focus on decluttering and organising what you have.” —Joanna Monahan, chief of external communications for Major Organisers. Channel Alice in Wonderland with an “Eat Me First!” fridge bin “Most households generate a lot of food waste, but you can cut it down just by having a dedicated – and labelled! – place in the fridge for leftovers and food that needs to be eaten quickly. This way the food actually gets eaten and you will be aware of what you have to buy soon.” —Lauren Haynes, expert in home organising and maintenance at Star Domestic Cleaners. Keep your “ice” on ice “Ice cube trays placed inside a drawer can really help you store and organise all kinds of little things that can easily get lost. They’re perfect for small pieces of jewellery, paper clips, or craft supplies.” —Lauren Haynes Kid’s clock and schedule, all in one “To structure your kid’s daily routine, get a simple white-faced clock and use different markers to colour the time segments for each activity like sleeping, bath time, or doing homework. Attach an activity list under the clock and you can keep your kid on schedule and on time.” —Lauren Haynes See shapes, not things “If you have groups of items that are shaped similarly (ie shoes in the bedroom or martini glasses in the kitchen), look at how to fit the shapes together instead of fitting the items. For example, if you are using shoe cubbies, put the shoes toe to heel instead of side by side. This way you can fit a pair of high heels in one cubby instead of two. You’ll be surprised how much more you can fit in a space when you look at shapes.” —Schae Lewis and Bahar Partow, co-founders of Mission 2 Organise LLC Forget the Pinterest projects “Being organised doesn’t have to be about being super creative or crafty like you often see online. For instance, you have probably seen the ‘trick’ to get 20 mason jars and glue the tops to the underside of a shelf, making cute storage for small items. But that’s a lot of work! And for what? Is that really making your life easier? I always tell my clients to look for the easiest solution to your organising problems, not the most creative.” —Alissa Dorfman, personal organiser and owner of Alissa Dorfman Home Organising Hook a kid up "When you have kids, always use hooks for their daily use items like coats and backpacks, rather than using hangers. Many kids lack the motor skills to get a coat on a hanger. Make sure the hooks are low to the ground so that the kids can reach them.” —Stacy Erickson Edwards, professional organiser with Home Key Organisation Ditch dressers “Instead of a traditional dresser, try a shelf with bins on it instead. This way, clothes don’t always have to be perfectly folded to close a drawer. Bonus: It will be easier for kids to put away their own clothes.” —Stacy Erickson Edwards Skip the shoe rack “Shoe racks are flimsy and rarely have enough space for all the shoes in a home, so use a bookcase instead.” —Stacy Erickson Edwards Don’t forget to clear out digital clutter “Digital clutter can be just as burdensome as physical clutter. To cut down on this, shut off automatic download of messages and start fetching emails only when you’re ready to deal with them. Also, set up a secondary email account for things like newsletters and promotional mail. Use an e-mail sorting system. Take five minutes every so often to clear out your pictures, text messages, music and other electronic files on a regular basis. Set up a recurring appointment on your phone calendar to remind you.” —Maura Thomas, founder of regainyourtime.com and author of Personal Productivity Secrets Have an electronics hub in every room "Have a place for all your mobile electronics, like iPads and phones, in every room you spend time in, not just in the kitchen or office. Since electronic items tend to move from room to room, having just one place in the home to store them doesn’t really work. Make the storage method fit each room. For instance, round baskets or an ottoman with storage can sit on the floor next to couches; decorative bowls or boxes function well on table tops; and magazine holders work in a tight space. Keep each station stocked with the necessities like different chargers, remotes and earphones.” —Jeffrey Welder of Vänt Wall Panels" Play the matching game “Start small, with one room or even just one drawer. Then empty everything out of the space and sort it into categories, grouping like items together. Once you see how much of each type of thing that you have, it will be easier to get rid of duplicates.” —Joanna Monahan Use a zone defence against clutter “Designate one place in your home, called a zone, for each category of items. For instance, have only one place for office supplies, one place for sports equipment, one place for shoes, and so forth. Clearly label each zone to help you and your family know where to look for [items] and to return items to their proper homes.” —Joanna Monahan Pick one of four destinations “It isn’t enough to pull out all the stuff you just don’t need. Purge it from your home by either trashing it, recycling it, thrifting it, or consigning it. This will help you become more mindful about what you really need.” —Evan Zislis, professional organiser and author of ClutterFree Revolution: Simplify Your Stuff, Organise Your Life & Save the World Your stuff should support your life goals, not the other way around “You need to clarify what is really important to you. Then organise the stuff that supports who you want to be and what you want to do before you’re dead and gone.” —Evan Zislis Freebies aren’t free “Just say no to free pads of paper, branded items, and other things you pick up at conferences, schools, or store events. Those items usually result in unused clutter around your house. Also say no to buy-one-get-one-free deals and bargains at the store too. Really, when are you ever going to use up six boxes of staples? And storing them isn’t free.” —Sara Skillen, Certified Professional Organiser Your refrigerator is your biggest cupboard “The refrigerator is one of the most frequently used ‘cupboards’ in the home, yet it is often forgotten when it comes to getting organised. Eliminate ‘lost’ food in the back by placing a lazy Susan at the rear of shelves to make rear spaces more functional and the items stored there, such as condiments, more accessible and usable. In addition, store food in clear glass standardised storage containers. When you can see the food, you are more likely to eat it.” —Debra Baida, owner of Liberated Spaces Make storage fun “For long-term results, design spaces with style and vibrancy, flexibility and function. This will give you the inspiration you’ll need to maintain your newly organised systems. In other words, make it fun and pretty!” —Evan Zislis Start organising your kitchen with the pantry “How many times have you gone to the store and wondered if you had pasta at home in your pantry? You’re not sure, so you buy another box, only to get home and find you have 20 already. To avoid this dilemma, pull everything out of your pantry and trash it if it’s expired. Donate unopened items you don’t like to a food bank. Then put your stuff back in but label your shelves with a name under each item. Only put foods on their designated shelf and you will never have to wonder how much pasta you really have.” —Alissa Dorfman Start organising your bedroom with the dresser “If you have an overflowing drawer, consider expanding it to two drawers, until every drawer can close. Next, narrow down how many types of things are in the same drawer. Only bras and underwear should have to share space. Lastly, move out-of-season or excess items into under-bed storage. —Alissa Dorfman Organise toys by age “How old are your kids? Do their toys reflect that? As kids grow, their toys change shape. In the beginning, everything is big and chunky with fewer pieces. A few years down the road, everything is teeny and collectible and kills if you step on it. Your playroom should reflect the ages of your kids and have different ways of organising the distinctly different toys. Use bins and Ziplock bags for all the little pieces, labelled so kids know which is for which. Communal areas, like dress-up and kitchen, should have big bins so clean-up is easier. Puzzles and board games should have a shelf, but make sure they too are separated by age, so each kid knows which area has their age-appropriate toys. Encourage taking out one thing at a time and remind them ten minutes before a playtime ends to clean up. You may have to help at first, but once your children know where every toy belongs, they are more than capable of cleaning up on their own.” —Alissa Dorfman Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/42-organising-tips-youll-wish-you-knew-all-along" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home Hints & Tips

Kitchen organisation ideas you’ll wish you knew sooner

<h2>The benefits of keeping your kitchen neat</h2> They say everything has its place and this was never more true than in the kitchen. An organised kitchen can save time, prevent food waste, and let’s face it, it’s a lot more attractive and cheaper than renovating. With the help of a few experts, we put together kitchen organisation ideas and helpful tips to organise your kitchen cupboards, clean up your kitchen counters, pantry organisation ideas, and more. The best part? Most of these kitchen organisation tips are fast, easy, and free or inexpensive, to implement. <h2>Purge your drawers and cabinets</h2> Maybe you loved the idea of a juicer but only ever eat toast for breakfast. Or you used to be into baking but now you’ve put your focus into healthy meals. The top kitchen organisation idea is to stop thinking about the stuff, and start thinking about your life and how you want to live, says Laura Cattano, professional organiser and founder of Organisational Design. “If it’s not adding to your life, it’s directly taking away from it because it’s taking space away from something else.” <h2>Group by need, not by item</h2> You might keep your masher and microplane grater by the stove with other long-handled items like cooking spatulas, but that’s not the most convenient setup. “There are three things that happen in the kitchen: prep, cook, and serve,” says Cattano. “The best thing is to zone out your kitchen by those categories.” You might keep your spatulas by the stove, but your potato masher belongs near your countertop and big bowls. Take it a step further by asking exactly when you use each item. For instance, there’s no reason your mugs need to be by your water glasses, but putting them next to the coffee maker will save you from running all over your kitchen in the morning, says Cattano. <h2>Set up a drop zone by the door</h2> “The kitchen is still one of the first places we go when we enter a home,” says Maeve Richmond, founder and coach of organising company Maeve’s Method. “All the stuff of life that comes in the door accumulates in the kitchen.” To keep your meal space from becoming a catchall for your handbag, wallet, and gym bag, Richmond recommends setting up a “drop zone” by your door to set those things as you’re walking in. You might make it a permanent home for your wallet and keys, and a temporary place to drop your workout gear while you’re putting away groceries. <h2>Make a place for mail</h2> Taking just five minutes to go through your mail daily or every other day will keep that pile of papers under control so you don’t lose documents in the shuffle when you actually do need them. “The mail just keeps coming,” says Jodie Watson, founder and president of Supreme Organisation. “Keep trimming it down so you’re not losing items in the mix.” Instead of leaving it by your eating space, designate an area that has a basket for papers, and hang a bulletin board to write messages and reminders, she says. <h2>Adjust the height of your shelves</h2> Don’t let your shelf height define how you use your space. People tend to put cereal on a top shelf because that’s the one with the most space, but it’d be easier to reach on a lower shelf, says Watson. On the other hand, too much space for canned goods and you’ll probably start stacking items into an ugly, unstable pile. If your shelves aren’t already adjustable, buy shelf dividers to split one shelf into two, says Richmond. “Re-spacing the shelves takes away the messiness because things aren’t stacked,” says Richmond. <h2>Store small appliances you don’t use on a daily basis</h2> Feel free to leave appliances you use daily, like a coffee maker or toaster, on the counter. But anything you aren’t using every day should be stored in a cabinet to make more room on the counter. “Nobody likes to have to put the appliance away, but balance that against the precious countertop space,” says Richmond. “There’s the convenience of having it out, but it’s more convenient to be able to chop more vegetables or have a cleaner space.” <h2>Keep your cooking utensils within reach</h2> Store your spatulas, servings spoons, etc next to the stove in an attractive ceramic container or jar. But don’t overstuff it, cautions Cattano. “Not every single cooking utensil needs to be right by the stove,” says Cattano. Leave out the ones you use most often, but hide the rest in a drawer. <h2>Buy only what you need</h2> If you find yourself leaving food out simply because you don’t have room in a cupboard, it might be time to start cutting down. “We want to save money, and it’s good to buy in bulk, but if you don’t have space for it, changing the way you shop might be more helpful,” says Watson. She recommends first going through your pantry to take stock of what you already have. Then head to the supermarket less often so you have a chance to use up what you have before refilling your cabinet. <h2>Organise your oils</h2> Exposure to light can make cooking oils go rancid. If you like having them on the counter, put them in opaque containers and stylise them so they don’t just look like clutter. “Put a tray under them so it looks intentional,” says Cattano. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/kitchen-organisation-ideas-youll-wish-you-knew-sooner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. Images: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

13 clever house-cleaning hacks from professional cleaners

Don't forget the doormat Doormats are your best friend when it comes to trapping dirt, so make sure you have two – one outside the house and one inside. This tip is especially helpful when there’s a lot of rain and you have wet, muddy shoes going in and out of the house. Just be sure to clean the mats regularly as dirty mats contribute to the mess. Combine tasks Kill two birds with one stone by doing similar cleaning tasks at the same time. “Clean your baseboards when you are vacuuming or washing floors, clean blinds when you are cleaning windows, etc,” suggests Becky Rapinchuk, owner of <a href="https://www.cleanmama.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CleanMama.net.</a> Skip the bucket Sometimes moving around the mop bucket only makes more of a mess thanks to the dirty water splashing around. Leslie Reichert, founder of The Green Cleaning Coach and author of The Joy Of Green Cleaning, has a bucket-less mopping technique that works wonders: a spray bottle filled with diluted cleaning solution and a microfibre mop. Or choose a mop that allows you to fill the base with water and a little floor cleaner and spray from the handle as you go. Stock up on products No, a bathroom tile cleaner shouldn’t be used to wipe down your mirrors. “The right products that actually clean go a long way to getting the job done more effectively and efficiently for you,” says McGee. Buy a soap dispenser dish brush According to Dana White, founder of <a href="https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Slob Comes Clean</a>, you can use a soap dispenser dish brush in your shower. “Mark it for the bathroom only with a permanent marker, and fill it with your favorite dish soap,” she says. “Hang it in the shower, and you can scrub the shower while you’re in it anyway. Dish soap does a great job cleaning the bathroom!” Vacuum the right way Rapinchuk recommends first vacuuming a room horizontally and then vertically to get all of the trapped dirt. Most cleaning experts agree that vacuuming slowly is also very important to ensure that vacuum picks up all the dirt particles. Define "clean" Everyone has a different idea of what “clean” actually means. Some think a sparkling floor is clean, while others are happy with just doing a load of laundry. Beth McGee, author of Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master, suggests asking yourself questions like how much stuff do I have and what type of home do I have to determine what clean and organised really means to you. A pillowcase can be a cleaner Obviously, you don’t want to use the pillowcase you sleep on every night, but using a pillowcase to clean your ceiling fans is a hack that you need to try ASAP. “The pillowcase holds the dust so it doesn’t fall on a table or bed,” says Reichert. “A very clean way to dust a fan.” Create a cleaning plan We all have those random cleaning bursts, but having a plan beforehand will make your cleaning process smoother. “Cleaning is really like a dance. You start high, work down and around, and carefully observe anything that needs attention,” says McGee. “As you move around, wipe light switches, door frames, baseboards, walls, working in a circle around a room and not back and forth from one thing across the room to another. Don’t get distracted, keep a smooth motion around your home.” Use your dishwasher Dishwashers are for so much more than just washing dishes. Reichert recommends using yours to dust off knickknacks like jars, toys and glass candle globes. Pretty much anything glass or ceramic should be fine going in the dishwasher, but you do want to stay away from putting meltable plastics. DIY cleaning solutions Want to know the secret to streak-free mirrors and windows? Well, it’s an easy at-home solution you can make yourself. According to Rapinchuk, all you need is: <ul> <li>1 1/2 cups water</li> <li>1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar</li> <li>1 1/2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol</li> <li>3 drops peppermint essential oil</li> </ul> Place in a spray bottle, and away you go. Clean the toilet daily If you swish your toilet every day with your cleaning brush, you’ll keep it relatively clean without a ton of hard labour. Use the water already in the toilet to swish the entire toilet bowl. Your bathroom probably gets dirtiest the fastest and is the hardest to clean. Skip the polish Of course, you need to polish your wooden furniture and hardwood floors every once in a while (once or twice a year, or when they begin to look foggy), but all you really need to keep them shiny is a dry microfibre cloth. “Your furniture will actually get less dusty without using furniture polish,” says Reichert. Prioritise “[Start] with scrubbing areas such as kitchens and baths, then moving on to de-cluttering, dusting, bedding, and finally floors,” McGee advises. “Look at your home carefully to determine what needs most attention to bring it to your idea of clean.” Speed clean Maybe you just found out your in-laws are coming over and you need to quickly tidy up the place – knowing how to speed clean will be your saviour. Make sure you hit the places that are most visible first like kitchen countertops and the bathroom. You can skimp on things like the top of the fridge and behind the coffee maker. Purchase a paintbrush Reichert uses a stiff paintbrush around her furniture to pull the dirt out without having to move all the furniture around. “You are brushing it out away from the furniture so the vacuum can suck it up,” she says. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/home-tips/clever-house-cleaning-hacks-professionals-swear?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Mum's list of insane babysitter requirements sparks debate

A man on TikTok has clapped back at a very strange babysitter's list of requirements, posted by a mother in a local bulletin. In a video shared to social media, Collins O aka @thatboycollins revealed the list and pointed out how extreme and unrealistic the requirements really are. * "Babysitter needed ASAP," the ad read. "I need someone to look after my four kids (aged two, three, five and seven) from noon to 6 pm Monday to Friday.” The prerequisites laid out by the mother require applicants to "be a great cook and avid cleaner", "be over 25-years-old" and have a minimum education of a "master's degree”. <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@thatboycollins/video/7154155085965495598" data-video-id="7154155085965495598"> <section><a title="@thatboycollins" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thatboycollins?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@thatboycollins</a> Why did Tiktok take this down..😂 <a title="♬ original sound - Collins O" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7154155088645212971?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ original sound - Collins O</a></section> </blockquote> The requirements became more restrictive as the list went on, saying that applicants couldn't have "social media accounts", adding "I don't need my kids seeing that". It also stated "no drinking, no smoking, not even vaping!" and "no tattoos or piercings.” In order to get the job, applicants needed to have "five professional references" and stated that a "background check and drug test [would] be carried out." Collins was blown away by the audacity of the mum, and so were viewers. It was then revealed that the job only pays a shocking $200 per WEEK. At the bottom of the page, a sentence prompted applicants to contact 'Tammy' to apply for the job. "Tammy, with all due disrespect, go to hell," Collins joked. Amassing a huge 300,000 views, it seems the audience agreed with him too. Images: TikTok

Family & Pets

Professional cleaner shares her holy grail products

A professional cleaner has shared her holy grail products, revealing what she would never use to clean with and what she would use for alternatives. The 22-year-old cleaner and business owner hit the cleaning aisle of her local supermarket to suggest swapping out some popular products for “better results” and to make cleaning “simple, cost effective and less toxic”. She would never use products like Ajax Spray N' Wipe, Windex glass cleaner, Easy Off soap scum remover and White King two-in-one mould and soap scum remover. The cleaner, who owns <a href="https://www.spotoncleaningsydney.com/">Spot On Cleaning Sydney</a>, first suggested swapping Ajax Spray N' Wipe for Morning Fresh washing up liquid mixed with water. She said that mixing a small amount of dishwashing liquid with water would produce better results on commonly used surfaces. She also said the solution works better than Windex to get glass surfaces sparkling without the need to buy different products. Her next tip was to swap Easy Off soap scum spray for Bar Keepers Friend, which is a 'better alternative for built up soap scum and water stains'. The woman also recommended swapping out White King two-in-one mould and soap scum spray for Selleys rapid mould killer for better, longer lasting results. Her followers were thrilled with the cleaning hacks, with one person calling her a “life saver” after following her cleaning tips. Another follower said, 'Yes! Dishwashing liquid is literally so great for cleaning so many things. Surface cleaners only leave residue when not wiped off after spraying.” Despite the flood of praise, others were concerned that using dishwashing liquid won’t have the same germ-fighting results as sprays. “But dish liquid won't kill surface germs like surface spray?” one woman asked. However the cleaner assures her it “absolutely” will, “after all it is designed to clean dishes and kill bacteria,” she wrote. Image credits: TikTok

Home & Garden

"If we stop communicating, Putin wins. Propaganda wins": how a Norwegian organisation is supporting Russian protest art

As an international student at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow in 2012, I remember studying Rekviem (requiem) by Russian poet <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/anna-akhmatova">Anna Ahkmatova</a>, an elegy she penned in secret as a tribute to the countless victims of Stalin’s murderous purges. Akhmatova’s writing revived the atrocities, delivering their darkness into the light. Her words spoke of constant fear permeating lives; of distrust, anxiety and betrayal; of the secret police arriving to drag you or your family away. To avoid detection and retribution, Ahkmatova whispered the poem to her friends who committed it to memory. She burned the incriminating scraps of paper. In the first four-and-a-half months following Putin’s attack against Ukraine, over 13,000 anti-war protesters <a href="https://ovdinfo.org/articles/2022/03/07/cracked-heads-and-tasers-results-march-6th-anti-war-protests">were detained</a> in Russia. Some estimates are that <a href="https://meduza.io/feature/2022/05/07/skolko-lyudey-uehalo-iz-rossii-iz-za-voyny-oni-uzhe-nikogda-ne-vernutsya-mozhno-li-eto-schitat-ocherednoy-volnoy-emigratsii">hundreds of thousands</a> fled Russia in early 2022, among them thousands of artists who no longer felt safe in the climate of increasing censorship. Some of these artists have found themselves in Kirkenes, a small Norwegian town 15 kilometres from the Russian border. <h2>Russia’s protest art</h2> Russian and Soviet artists have a long history of art as protest. The poem <a href="https://poets.org/poem/stalin-epigram">Stalin’s Epigram</a> (1933) authored by <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/osip-mandelstam">Osip Mandelstam</a> depicted Stalin as a gleeful killer. Authorities imprisoned and tortured Mandelstam, then deported the poet to a remote village near the Ural Mountains. After returning from exile, he persisted writing about Stalin until he was sent to a labour camp in Siberia, where he died in 1938 at the age of 47. Under the comparatively liberal rule of Stalin’s successor <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/131346?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents">Nikita Khrushchev</a> from 1953, the Soviet Union began to enjoy previously unimagined freedoms. Protest art reflected these newfound liberties, becoming increasingly provocative and experimental. Many famous art movements surfaced during this period, including <a href="https://www.moscowart.net/art.html?id=SotsArt">Sots Art</a> — a fusion between Soviet and Pop Art — as Russian artists tested the boundaries, exposing the grim realities and unhappiness of life under Stalin’s regime. In 1962, the legendary composer Shostakovich set his <a href="https://theconversation.com/decoding-the-music-masterpieces-shostakovichs-babi-yar-82819">13th symphony</a> to a series of poems by his contemporary, Yevgeny Yevtushenko. One of these poems was Babi Yar, which criticised the Soviet government for concealing the <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/babi-yar-ukraine-massacre-holocaust-180979687/">massacre of 33,371 Jews</a> in a mass grave outside Kyiv. In contemporary Russia, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/10/world/europe/pussy-riot-russia-escape.html">Pussy Riot</a> came to the attention of the world in 2012 when members stepped behind the altar in Moscow’s golden-domed Christ the Saviour Cathedral wearing neon-coloured balaclavas to deliver a “punk rock prayer”. Their voices echoed off the cavernous, hand-painted ceilings, raging against Putin’s affiliation with the Orthodox church and the homophobic, anti-feminist policies that followed. They were sentenced to two years imprisonment. Today, <a href="https://artreview.com/amidst-a-crackdown-russia-anti-war-artists-and-activists-try-to-reclaim-the-streets/">pictures from Russia</a> reveal anonymous anti-war graffiti on the sides of buildings, “no war” chiselled into a frozen river, and yellow and blue chrysanthemums and tulips left at the feet of Soviet war memorials. <h2>Cross-border collaborations</h2> <a href="https://www.pikene.no/">Pikene på Broen</a> (girls on the bridge) is an arts collective based in Kirkenes. They have spent the past 25 years curating art projects to promote cross-cultural collaboration and tackle political problems in the borderland region. Pikene på Broen is host to the the annual art festival <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barents_Sea">Barents</a> Spektakel (spectacle), an international artist residency including Russian, Norwegian and Finnish creatives, the gallery and project space Terminal B in Kirkenes town, and the debate series Transborder Café. The venue has become a hub for open discussions relating to current political and cultural issues, drawing contributions from artists, musicians, writers, politicians and researchers. Evgeny Goman, an independent theatre director from Murmansk, Russia – about 200 kilometres from Kirkenes – has been collaborating with Pikene på Broen for over 10 years. After moving to Norway in early 2022, Pikene på Broen worked with Goman to organise Kvartirnik (from the word kvartira, meaning apartment), an online talk group for Russian and Norwegian artists to exchange ideas. Following Putin’s attack on Ukraine, Kvartirnik shifted to an underground movement for dissident artists. Ironically, the name Kvartirnik derives from the clandestine concerts arranged <a href="https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/blog/ciee-kvartirnik-understanding-through-music">in people’s apartments</a> during the Soviet Era when musicians were banned from performing in public. <a href="http://deadrevolution.tilda.ws/?fbclid=IwAR2PcaqY7VdLtS1zYUu4JCbD6F36KZ8JKv_FEIYsNeSTE4aKokhV7YpITas">Party of the Dead</a> is one of several Russian protest art groups who participated in Kvartirnik. Pictures from the snow-decked Piskaryovskoye Cemetery in Saint Petersburg reveal members dressed as skeletons, holding placards reading: “are there not enough corpses?”. I spoke with Goman about the art coming out of Kvartirnik today. “In peaceful times, art is more about entertaining,” he says. "But in war and conflict, art is more important because it’s the language we use to express our pain. And through metaphors and symbolism, it allows us to speak about things that are censored." <h2>Countering propaganda</h2> Kvartirnik collaborators in Murmansk have also produced and distributed <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samizdat">Samizdat</a> (self-publishing), an anonymous newsletter containing art suppressed by the state. “We have to be really smart now about how we do things in Russia,” Goman says. “Subtle.” Goman is pessimistic about Russia’s future. But he believes the key to moving forward is keeping communication open. He tells me the West’s decision to <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/right-way-cancel-russia/627115/">ban Russian culture</a> has backfired on their plan to pressure Putin into ending the war against Ukraine. Instead, he says, the divide is steadily increasing, leaving dissident artists isolated inside a country operating on fear and propaganda, furthering Putin’s agenda. “Putin wants us to not affect Russian minds. And that’s why we have to keep the dialogue going,” he says of the importance of cross-border collaborations like those he has undertaken in Kirkenes. "If we stop communicating, Putin wins. Propaganda wins." Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/if-we-stop-communicating-putin-wins-propaganda-wins-how-a-norwegian-organisation-is-supporting-russian-protest-art-186911" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Art

How to organise kitchen cabinets, according to the pros

Learning how to organise kitchen cabinets is an essential kitchen skill, and these organisation tips from the pros ensure you’re getting the most out of your space. When you start practising smart ways to clean and organise your cupboards, you’ll be amazed at how much space is created in the process. From pots and pans organisation to kitchen storage ideas for all home sizes, you’ll wish you knew these priceless organising tricks sooner! How to organise kitchen cabinets “One of the easiest ways to organise kitchen cabinets is to edit them often,” suggests home organiser, Britnee Tanner, who suggests pulling everything out and starting fresh. “Nothing helps eliminate clutter quite like going through every nook and cranny to expose the food, appliances and random kitchen gadgets that you never use or forgot you had.” Tanner also tells her clients to create organisational zones that make finding tools and ingredients quick and easy. It’s one of her favourite pantry organisation ideas too. “It’s ideal to create zones for each kitchen cabinet so you can easily find what you’re looking for when you need it. This means having a cabinet or specific shelf in a cabinet dedicated to one type of category such as snacks, baking supplies and dinnerware.” Julie Harris, organisation expert, emphasises keeping cabinet zones practical. “Use cabinets under the kitchen sink for cleaning products, dishwasher detergent, extra dish towels and sponges. Large, heavy appliances like standing mixers, slow cookers and air fryers belong in a lower cabinet. If it’s only used occasionally, put it in the back of the cabinet.” Cabinet organisation tools These genius kitchen organisers make cabinet organisation easier than ever. Swedish dishcloths: you’ll want a high-quality, reusable cloth to wipe down your cabinets before putting items back in. These dishcloths can be used, washed and reused hundreds of times. Lazy Susan: invest in a few affordable turntables to keep spices, condiments and other musts-haves within reach. Lady Susans are easy to clean and keeps food and cleaning supplies within sight. They are inexpensive, so grabbing a few of these turntables won’t break the bank. Under the sink organiser: keeping cleaning supplies tidy beneath your sink is a must. An expandable organiser fits most lower cabinets, and it even stretches around pesky pipes. Adjustable drawer dividers: keep cutlery and cooking utensils clutter-free with adjustable dividers. Kitchen drawer organisers are some of the most important clutter-killers out there, and they’re especially important for busy households. Pots and pans organiser: finding a home for your best cookware is a feat of its own, especially if you’re short on cabinet space or have awkwardly-shaped cabinets. A pots and pan organising rack keeps cookware clutter-free. Take inventory Pull everything out of your cabinets and take inventory of what’s in-stock, expired or broken. Throw out expired and broken goods and consider donating excess items. Wipe down cabinet doors, shelves and back walls. Optional: consider adjusting your shelf heights to accommodate large kitchen appliances. Organise lower cupboards and shelves Arrange cleaning supplies in the cupboard below your sink with an under the sink organiser or turntable. Place cleaning supplies like sponges, dishcloths and extra dish soaps on the turntable or organiser of your choice. Dedicate a second lower cupboard for most-used benchtop appliances. “Air fryers belong in a lower cabinet,” says Harris. She advises that seldom-used appliances should be stored towards the back while frequently-used appliances deserve front row access. Reserve a third lower cupboard for infrequently-used cookware. “Store pots and pans in a cabinet next to the stove,” adds Harris. “Stack pots and pans to save space or lay them on their side using a pots and pans organiser. Store lids together.” Dedicate space for spices Take stock of spices and seasonings and see what blends can be combined. Chances are you have a few garlic powders that could be consolidated in one spice container. Find a spice organiser solution and assemble spices accordingly. We recommend dedicating a drawer or cabinet (doesn’t need to big) for spices and adding a multi-tiered drawer or cabinet insert. If you’re working with less space, a turntable is also a quick (and affordable) fix. Organise drawers Use adjustable drawer dividers to create space for everyday cutlery like forks, knives and spoons. Reserve a separate drawer for serve ware, cooking utensils and handheld kitchen gadgets. These shouldn’t co-mingle with everyday cutlery – it’s clutter waiting to happen. Clean out the junk drawer. (We know you have one.) Organise what’s in the junk drawer into categories and determine if there’s a better place for some of the items. One junk drawer is OK, but it shouldn’t be so cluttered that you can’t find anything in it. Pro tip: if you’re short on drawer space, cooking utensils and serve ware can live on the countertop in a ceramic or metal container. Arrange upper cabinets The upper cabinets are your final frontier. These are the cabinets that are used the most, so it’s important to put extra love and care into them. “Place all coffee items (mugs, coffee containers and pods) in a cabinet near the coffee maker,” adds Harris. “Keeping these items in one location facilitates a smooth morning routine.” If you have extra space in that cabinet, you can add teas, sweeteners and flavoured syrups. Dedicate a cabinet to plates and bowls and a separate cabinet for drinkware. “I recommend nesting plates and bowls to save space wherever possible,” says Tanner. “I also recommend utilising upper cabinet shelves or deep pull-out drawers for items like plates, cups and bowls. If you have tall cabinets with more vertical space, consider adding a compact kitchen organiser that adds shelf space as it maximises the vertical area and creates the perfect spot for storing plates below and things like bowls or cups on top of it.” How do you decide where to put things in kitchen cabinets? Tanner and Harris agree that creating workstations or zones is the best way to organise kitchen cabinets. Coffee products should be in an upper cabinet near the coffee maker; sponges and cleaning supplies belong under the kitchen sink; and your most-used pots and pans deserve a spot near the stove, preferably in a lower cabinet. How do you organise corner cabinets? Corner cabinets are a prime opportunity to use turntables. They’re ideal for storing smaller items like spices, oils and vinegars. Look into kitchen organisation tools that are designed for tricky spaces to make the most of awkward spaces. How do you organise deep kitchen cabinets? Harris suggests placing infrequently-used and large, heavy items toward the back of deep cabinets. For example, if you only use your panini press a few times a year, it should be stored in the back. This system works for even the most unique kitchen cabinets. Conclusion Learning how to organise kitchen cabinets is daunting, but it’s a life-changing task that’s guaranteed to clear clutter and lighten the load. Just remember to edit out expired or unused pantry and kitchen items every few months. You’ll be a kitchen cabinet organising pro in no time! Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/how-to-organise-kitchen-cabinets-according-to-the-pros?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

The downside of digital transformation: why organisations must allow for those who can’t or won’t move online

We hear the phrase “digital transformation” a lot these days. It’s often used to describe the process of replacing functions and services that were once done face-to-face by human beings with online interactions that are faster, more convenient and <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/%7E/media/mckinsey/industries/public%20and%20social%20sector/our%20insights/transforming%20government%20through%20digitization/digital-by-default-a-guide-to-transforming-government-final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“empower” the user</a>. But does digital transformation really deliver on those promises? Or does the seemingly relentless digitalisation of life actually reinforce existing social divides and inequities? Take banking, for example. Where customers once made transactions with tellers at local branches, now they’re encouraged to do it all online. As branches close it leaves many, <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/123302983/asb-set-to-close-another-23-branches-as-customers-move-online" target="_blank" rel="noopener">especially older people</a>, struggling with what was once an easy, everyday task. Or consider the now common call centre experience involving an electronic voice, menu options, <a href="https://theconversation.com/sorry-i-dont-understand-that-the-trouble-with-chatbots-and-how-to-use-them-better-171665" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chatbots</a> and a “user journey” aimed at pushing customers online. As organisations and government agencies in Aotearoa New Zealand and elsewhere grapple with the call to become more “digital”, we have been examining the consequences for those who find the process difficult or marginalising. Since 2021 we’ve been working with the <a href="https://www.cab.org.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Citizens Advice Bureau</a> (CAB) and talking with public and private sector organisations that use digital channels to deliver services. Our findings suggest there is much still to be done to find the right balance between the digital and non-digital. The ‘problematic’ non-user The dominant view now suggests the pursuit of a digitally enabled society will allow everyone to lead a “frictionless” life. As the government’s own policy document, <a href="https://www.digital.govt.nz/dmsdocument/193%7Etowards-a-digital-strategy-for-aotearoa/html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Towards a Digital Strategy for Aotearoa</a>, states: <blockquote> Digital tools and services can enable us to learn new skills, transact with ease, and to receive health and well-being support at a time that suits us and without the need to travel from our homes. </blockquote> Of course, we’re already experiencing this new world. Many public and private services increasingly are available digitally <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2014/jan/07/new-zealand-uk-digital-revolution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by default</a>. Non-digital alternatives are becoming restricted or even disappearing. There are two underlying assumptions to the view that everyone can or should interact digitally. First, it implies that those who can’t access digital services (or prefer non-digital options) are problematic or deficient in some way – and that this can be overcome simply through greater provision of technology, training or “nudging” non-users to get on board. Second, it assumes digital inclusion – through increasing the provision of digital services – will automatically increase social inclusion. Neither assumption is necessarily true. ‘Digital enforcement’ The CAB (which has mainly face-to-face branches throughout New Zealand) has documented a significant increase in the number of people who struggle to access government services because the digital channel was the default or only option. The bureau argues that <a href="https://inclusioncampaign.cab.org.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">access to public services is a human right</a> and, by implication, the move to digital public services that aren’t universally accessible deprives some people of that right. In earlier research, we refer to this form of deprivation as “<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/isj.12306" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digital enforcement</a>” – defined as a process of dispossession that reduces choices for individuals. Through our current research we find the reality of a digitally enabled society is, in fact, far from perfect and frictionless. Our preliminary findings point to the need to better understand the outcomes of digital transformation at a more nuanced, individual level. Reasons vary as to why a significant number of people find accessing and navigating online services difficult. And it’s often an intersection of multiple causes related to finance, education, culture, language, trust or well-being. Even when given access to digital technology and skills, the complexity of many online requirements and the chaotic life situations some people experience limit their ability to engage with digital services in a productive and meaningful way. The human factor The resulting sense of disenfranchisement and loss of control is regrettable, but it isn’t inevitable. Some organisations are now looking for alternatives to a single-minded focus on transferring services online. They’re not completely removing call centre or client support staff, but instead using digital technology to improve <a href="https://deloitte.wsj.com/articles/at-contact-energy-digital-powers-human-centric-cx-01643821371" target="_blank" rel="noopener">human-centred service delivery</a>. Other organisations are considering partnerships with intermediaries who can work with individuals who find engaging with digital services difficult. The Ministry of Health, for example, is supporting a community-based Māori health and social services provider to establish a <a href="https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/digital-health/digital-enablement/digital-enablement-stories/digital-health-hub-supports-taranaki-whanau-access-services-closer-home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digital health hub</a> to improve local access to health care. Our research is continuing, but we can already see evidence – from the CAB itself and other large organisations – of the benefits of moving away from an uncritical focus on digital transformation. By doing so, the goal is to move beyond a divide between those who are digitally included and excluded, and instead to encourage social inclusion in the digital age. That way, organisations can still move forward technologically – but not at the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/23/the-guardian-view-on-digital-exclusion-online-must-not-be-the-only-option">expense of the humans</a> they serve.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/186905/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/angsana-a-techatassanasoontorn-1292067" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Angsana A. Techatassanasoontorn</a>, Associate Professor of Information Systems, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/antonio-diaz-andrade-1361842" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antonio Diaz Andrade</a>, Professor of Business Information Systems, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland University of Technology</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bill-doolin-1361879" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bill Doolin</a>, Professor of Technology and Organisation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/harminder-singh-1361833" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harminder Singh</a>, Associate Professor of Business Information Systems, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland University of Technology</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-downside-of-digital-transformation-why-organisations-must-allow-for-those-who-cant-or-wont-move-online-186905" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Technology

11 home improvement projects you can do yourself instead of hiring a professional

There's no better time to DIY There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a job well done – and these DIY projects will boost your handyman status. They are simple enough to do on your own without spending a lot of cash on tools and supplies. Fasten that tool belt and get started! General painting “Some DIY projects can be done by homeowners with a small investment in the right tools and a little patience. Painting is a great way to give your home a face lift, and it’s not difficult if you do some research and take your time,” says Newell Slade, general contractor. No one wants to paint a room twice, so paint like the pros and buy high quality rollers and paint and choose a paint that has a primer already in it to save time and money. “Painting can be fun and relaxing if you just let yourself take the time to do it right.” Patch and prime There’s plenty of thrifty painting tricks you can use, starting with prepping the wall for optimal coverage. You need a smooth surface for the walls to be blemish free. Even larger holes can easily be repaired with wall patch kits found at home improvement stores. The steps are quite simple and will give your new painted walls a beautiful, smooth finish. “Using a spackle knife, fill in each hole with lightweight putty and scrape the excess off the walls. Wait for the putty to dry and sand down the spot until it’s smooth. Then, prime and paint the repaired spots,” says J.B. Sassano, president of a home improvement franchise. Peel-and-stick floor Looking for an inexpensive home improvement that will make a big impact? It doesn’t get much easier than peel-and-stick flooring. “This specific tile is easier to work with and prevents adhesive from oozing through the cracks between the tiles. It can even be installed over concrete if the concrete is clean, smooth and dry,” says Monica Mangin, host of DIY series, The Weekender. If you’re feeling creative, it’s easy to create bold patterns or borders with different using a variety of patterns and colours. Peel-and-stick panels Panelled rooms are making a comeback. This time around, the trend is usually horizontal and installation doesn’t require a hammer and nails, even though the panels are made from wood. “Creating a wood accent wall offers a great way to add personality and texture to your space. You can customise your look by playing with thickness and pre-stained colours,” says Mangin. “Mixing and matching the colours and styles will provide an eye-catching piece that pop.” Penny tile A tired and worn splashback can be replaced in a day. “Penny tile is a really affordable option, especially when it comes in white, which is one of the more standard colours,” says Mangin. But you don’t necessarily have to buy more tiles to get the colours you want. Mangin says you can customise this DIY home improvement by using enamel paints to colour individual tiles and bake them in the oven to fully cure. “After the white sheets are up on the wall, decide which tiles you want to pop out and then just pop in your DIY coloured tile,” says Mangin. Plus, these tiles don’t require a tile cutter, just a utility knife to cut the mesh sheets to fit the area. Fences It’s been said that fences make good neighbours, but the price shock of hiring a pro seems worse than the dog next door who likes to do his business in your yard every morning. Whether you want privacy or need to replace a worn-out fence, it’s a project that Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal says you can do if you remember to do two important things: get a survey done to identify the correct property lines, and mark for pipes if you have underground sprinklers. However, there are certain fences that are friendlier for a DIY home improvement. “Based on my experience the easier types of fencing to install are the black aluminium-based products made to look like wrought iron,” says Clayton. “However, for fencing styles such as chain link and solid vinyl panels, I would not recommend doing it yourself – there’s quite a bit of a learning curve associated with getting them just right.” A lasting first impression A faded, outdated, or squeaky door doesn’t make a good first impression and it may not provide much in the line of security or keeping out drafts. Luckily you can create a more welcoming entrance by replacing your old door with a new one. Exterior doors are available pre-hung in a weatherstripped frame so all you need are a few tools and basic carpentry tools to install it. Depending on your budget, you can choose from steel doors which require little maintenance, or fibreglass doors that require almost none. Going with steel or fibreglass can save you money over wood, and they won’t rot or warp; the more expensive ones look just like real wood. Window screen Using packing tape may be a quick remedy for a hole or tear in the screen, but it’s not a permanent fix. Small patch kits are sold at home improvement stores and a small hole can easily be repaired in just a few minutes with the patch and a hair dryer. Larger screen tears, like from your dog’s excitement over an online delivery, can be a DIY project too, as long as the frame is in good shape. The most popular replacement material for screens is fibreglass because of its flexibility. Since you’re replacing the screen anyway you may want to get the sun-shading fabric which blocks more sun and – bonus – is stronger than fibreglass and aluminium so it’s great for pets. Light fixtures and plumbing fixtures “As long as you familiarise yourself with the basics of proper safety procedures such as turning off electricity and water when working, these are DIY home improvements worth doing,” says Brian C. McHugh, owner of McHugh Construction. For lighting, the key is knowing how much space you have to house a new light fixture. For example, ceiling fans come in various blade sizes to suit the size of your room. If you’re replacing a bathroom tap, you’ll want to buy a tap that matches the existing holes in the sink. If you don’t feel confident in your DIY skills, though, it’s better to just do the choosing yourself and leave the installation to the professionals. Caulk it up Inspecting and repairing caulk is a project you should do yearly, according to Sassano. “Using caulk to seal cracks and gaps serves multiple purposes: It lowers heating and air conditioning bills by reducing air flow into and out of the home; it prevents moisture that can cause wood rot, mould, mildew and water damage, and it keeps insects and other pests out,” he says. The project will determine which type of caulk. For example, silicone is best for the bathtub and shower area. Start by removing the old caulk, cleaning the surface, and then apply new caulk. Caulk removal tools and solutions make the project even easier. Landscaping Creating a backyard oasis can be a great way to express your creativity. A raised garden bed, adding new paver stones, or creating a perennial flower garden involves more sweat equity than expertise. You can still get some help for the heavy lifting. “Ask your local landscape supply to deliver your materials instead of renting trucks or equipment,” says McHugh. “The tools for most jobs such as shovels, rakes and a wheelbarrow are things you probably already have in your garage.” Written by Lisa Marie Conklin. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/diy-projects/11-home-improvement-projects-you-can-do-yourself-instead-of-hiring-a-professional" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images

Home Hints & Tips

Returning to work after time off? 7 tips to get you back in the game

Returning to work after time off, planned or unplanned, can be extremely daunting and even a little unnerving. You find yourself having to prove your abilities again and brace yourself for potential rejection. Your vulnerabilities are on high alert! You might not realise it, but while you were out of the workforce, you most likely developed new habits, patterns, priorities, and even ways of thinking. You quite possibly even gained more clarity on your professional direction. The necessary readjustment and compromise are only the beginning of getting yourself workforce ready. However, it’s not as intimidating as it may seems, so set those alarm clocks and follow these seven tips to help make your transition that much easier! 1. Self-confidence This will be the lynchpin to your success. It will help you perform better at your interview, land your job, and adjust faster to your new environment. However, possessing the necessary self-confidence when returning to the workforce may be easier said than done. When feeling vulnerable, negative thoughts and self-doubt are likely to make themselves heard and loudly so. Don’t allow them to take any space in your mind! If you need a positivity boost, get excited! Consider all the things you have to look forward to: new colleagues, work social events, time to read on your commute, extra finances! Visualise yourself happy and successful in your new role and use positive affirmations about yourself and your future. It works! 2. Returnships Yes, it’s a thing! Depending upon the length of time you have been out of the workforce, this could assist with sharpening your skills, lifting your self-confidence and paving a gradual return back to work. Just like internships, they help you in being workforce ready. A lot of prominent organisations such as Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and Macquarie Group offer these programs. 3. Explain your career gap Address this in your cover letter (e.g. parental leave/sabbatical), and be sure to list all the benefits gained (new skills/knowledge acquired), and mention ‘where you are now’, i.e. readiness, commitment and enthusiasm in returning to work. In your CV, add a one-line explanation in the appropriate section where the gap is. 4. Technology Our world is changing rapidly, and understanding technology is becoming even more essential. We saw the importance of this during the pandemic. Moving meetings to ‘online platforms’, such as Zoom, became the preferred method of communication. Ensure you are familiar with the technology needed for your job and to interview remotely. 5. Your CV Have that ready to go! The job market moves fast. When you see an appealing job advertisement, send your application as soon as possible (i.e. the same day!). Waiting until you have freshened up your CV, reformatted, shown it to others etc., can cost you the job. Make sure your CV is a maximum of three pages, has all your contact details on it and has been proofread for any mistakes, spelling, grammar, formatting etc. 6. LinkedIn and social media LinkedIn is your professional bible. Ensure you have an ‘all-star rating’, meaning your profile is completed for maximum impact (LinkedIn provides free tutorials to help you). Reach out to your contacts and network to let them know you are looking and available for work. You would be surprised at the power of connection. Before applying for any role, conduct a social media audit on yourself. Make sure you are comfortable showing anything that is on public display. 7. Be organised If you need childcare, have this set up and ready to go. It would be a shame if you could not start your new job or have to delay your start because you cannot find suitable childcare arrangements. Be ready and available. Be aware when answering your phone. Answer with a professional voice, even if you are scrambling after your toddler or taking the dog for a run. First impressions count. If a hiring manager leaves a message for you, call back as soon as possible (the same day, but preferably within the hour). The same applies to email. If you are contacted via email, respond straight away and professionally. Remember, you are not messaging your friend. Take the time to construct a friendly and professional reply email. It may help you to stand out–for the right reasons. And, of course, be readily available to interview! Perhaps, most importantly, show your enthusiasm to return to work. Hiring managers want to see you are excited and motivated. This is the kind of employee that companies, managers, and teams want to have in their environment. Returning to work after time off is simply another ‘change’ we experience in the different cycles of our lives. By following these tips, you’ll give yourself the very best chance and opportunity to succeed! Roxanne Calder, author of ‘Employable – 7 Attributes to Assuring Your Working Future’ (Major Street $29.95), is the founder and managing director of EST10 – one of Sydney’s most successful administration recruitment agencies. Roxanne is passionate about uncovering people’s potential and watching their careers soar. For more information on how Roxanne can assist you in your career visit <a href="https://est10.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.est10.com.au</a>. Image: Shuttersttock

Money & Banking

20 things professional organisers would never do in their own homes

Never doing these things means less mess Clutter-busting habits make all the difference between a messy home and a tidy one. So the first thing a professional organiser does is find a place for every single thing – then keep it there. This doesn’t mean purchasing sets of matching bins or decanting all your pantry foods into clear glass containers with hand-printed labels. Rule of thumb, if an organisational system (like decanting) actually increases the time and effort you’ll have to spend keeping things tidy, ditch it. They don’t always alphabetise Instead of assuming you must always alphabetise for easy access, try storing things by frequency of use. For example, those nesting mixing bowls that you frequently reach for should be kept on a low shelf and that crystal vase that you break out every Valentine’s Day should go higher up. This goes for smaller things like spices, too. “I never alphabetise my spices, because I don’t use allspice as often as I use thyme,” explains workplace productivity expert Susie Hayman. They don’t mix dissimilar things Speaking of spices, Vicki Norris, organising expert and “life reclaimist” of Restoring Order tells us she never co-mingles sweet and savoury spices on the same shelf. Why? Because “on a bleary-eyed morning, no one wants to accidentally put chilli powder in their oatmeal instead of cinnamon!” They don’t hang onto donations To avoid letting unused things pile up, Tamah Vega of Tamah Vega Design has a rule we can all get on board with, “Never go without a donation bag in the house ready for items you no longer need.” This way the minute you decide you’re ready to donate the item, you can have it ready to go. They don’t leave computer files unnamed After downloading a file, Andrew Mellen, author of Unstuff Your Life! immediately renames it and saves it in the appropriate folder. This way you avoid wasting time trying to remember its name or where to look for it next time you need it. <div class="slide-image" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> They don’t let the mail pile up “I deal with it all as soon as I get it,” explains Jessica Dolan, owner of Room to Breathe. She sorts, tosses and shreds junk mail, then immediately deals with whatever remains. Better yet, eliminate junk mail before it even gets to you. They don't forget to run errands Move items – like those books to return to the library or returns you are taking back to the store – from house to your car trunk immediately, shares Amy Trager, certified professional organiser. “If they’re already in my car, I’m more likely to get them taken care of,” she says. Keep car clutter to a minimum too and you’ll always have room to store. They don't keep the old version Once you have made a decision to replace an item, let the original go, suggests Birdie with Birdie Brennan Custom Closets & Organising. Her rule, “never keep something that you have replaced.” That’s especially true for tech items you’ve upgraded – learn how to recycle or donate your outdated devices. They don't bunch up bags Instead of storing reusable bags in the house, Sheryl Hadley, president of Organisation & Relocation, puts them right back in her car after every use. This way you won’t forget them when you go to the store and you won’t have a messy pile of bags cluttering up your house. Win win. They don't unload handbags halfway When you switch handbags, empty the current one out completely, Vega advises. Otherwise, you might lose track of your favourite lipstick – or that licence or credit card that never made it back into your wallet. They don't use their chair as a closet “I never leave clothes lying or draped on the floor, chair, bed or treadmill,” says Betsy Fein, president of Clutterbusters. They can get wrinkled, coated in pet hair, or simply forgotten about when not stored properly. If you need space to hang gently used clothes for another wearing, try installing a few hooks on the back of your closet door. They don't clutter the bedside table Keep your bedroom clutter-free for a good night’s sleep. “I never clutter a nightstand because it’s next to where I sleep, and I need peaceful surroundings to get the best night’s rest,” says Ellen Delap, a certified professional organiser. They don't shop for organising products first When you’re preparing to organise an area of your home, don’t make buying organising products the first thing you do, says professional organiser Jodi Granok. Shop for an organising solution only after you’ve edited down and know how many and what size containers you need – or whether you already have one you can re-use. They don't just buy more containers “Never purchase a new organising bin just because the current one is full,” says Colleen Ashe, certified professional organiser. Make space in the current container by paring down what’s inside. They don't overcrowd One thing most of us don’t need help with is acquiring more stuff, so leave room for that eventuality. “Leave some room to grow in your cabinets, bins, drawers and shelves,” suggests Granok. Otherwise, you’ll outgrow your storage containers, find yourself storing stuff in random spots, and you’ll never be able to find things when you need them. They don't forget to plan for storage “I never buy anything unless I know where it’s going to live in my home,” says Standolyn Robertson, certified professional organiser and owner of Things in Place. This goes for everything from that new juicer you want to that item of clothing you’ve been eyeing. This rule of thumb will help you “buy one, let go of one” and avoid the problem of having something new and nowhere to store it. They don't forget to label “Never put unlabelled cables in a drawer or box,” says Sharon Lowenheim, a certified professional organiser. You’ll have no idea what devices they belong to when you come across them later. They don't make a mess in the pantry If you buy in bulk, take the individual items out of the giant bag. “Never leave bulk items, such as protein bars and snack foods, in large packages,” advises Laura Leist, author of Eliminate Chaos: The 10-Step Process to Organise Your Home & Life. She places often-used items into bins in the pantry for easy access. They don't let the dishes linger One sure way to get your day off to a bad start is to wake up to a pile of dirty dishes in the morning, says Gayle Goddard, certified professional organiser. Deal with the dishes before you go to bed, because “a spotless sink sets the tone for your house – and your day,” she says. They don't keep out of date things Don’t keep things that are past their prime; it could be unsafe to use them. This includes expired food, expired home goods, like batteries, and expired personal care items, says John Trosko, founder of OrganizingLA. This goes for expired medications, too. They don't skip the dividers Never toss things in a drawer without dividers. “By using dividers you’ll know what and how many you have,” says Kathi Burns, certified professional organiser of Add Space To Your Life. “This also saves you from going overboard buying excess items you already own but cannot find.” The dividers don’t have to be fancy – upcycled shoe boxes will do the trick. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/20-things-professional-organisers-would-never-do-in-their-own-homes?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </div>

Home & Garden

Barty reveals new major sporting career move

Ash Barty has announced a completely new career change after retiring from professional tennis. The former World No.1 <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/ash-barty-announces-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced her retirement</a> in a video interview on Instagram on March 23, thanking those who supported her along the way. After announcing that she will be <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/ash-barty-reveals-surprise-career-move" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writing a book series</a> titled Little Ash as well as a memoir to be released later in the year, Ash revealed she will head to the US to play professional golf. The 25-year-old will head over to the US to play in the Icons Series which will take place at the Liberty National course in New Jersey. Ash has already been spoken highly of by Icons Series chief executive Thomas Brookes. “She’s absolutely terrific,” he told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/golf/what-ash-did-next-barty-to-play-in-global-golf-tournament-20220418-p5aeaa.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1650323600-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairfax</a>. “She did a range session with Ian Poulter, who is one of our future captains in September when she was at the US Open, and she had not hit a golf ball for a while. Ian said, ‘just hit a few balls and we’ll see how you go’. “She hit this ball, I don’t know how far. And he turned around and said, ‘you’re having me on. Let’s just take it a bit deeper. Can you do me a high fade?’ And she did a high fade. Then he said, ‘can you do me a low draw?’ And she did a low draw. “He said, ‘oh my goodness, you are something else’. She’s got those skill sets within her locker. With a bit of practice she can get lower than a three or four handicap. I know she’s really, really excited to be playing in New York and she’s also really keen to bring the concept to Australia.” Ash will be captained by Ernie Els and will play in the inaugural nine-hole team match alongside boxer Carnelo Alvarez, Manchester City soccer manager Pep Guardiola and Tottenham striker Harry Kane. “I’m excited to be part of the Icons Series and I hope through my participation in the series that we can encourage more women and girls to participate in golf around the world,” Ash said. She hopes all Aussie fans in New York and New Jersey will come out and cheer her and her teammates on. Image: Instagram

News

Professional baby namer opens up about her unique career

A professional baby namer has opened up about her unique career, and how her clients pay up to $30,000 to find them the perfect baby names. Taylor A. Humphrey, aged 33 from New York, is the founder of 'What's in a Baby Name,' a boutique consultancy that offers everything from name lists based on parents’ answers to a questionnaire to a full-service baby naming concierge. Her services start at $1,500 for a bespoke list of options and can cost thousands more, depending on the job. For the price of $10,000, she will come up with a name that 'will be on-brand with a parent's business’. Humphrey, who doesn't have children of her own but also works as a doula, is willing to go to great lengths to help parents find the ideal name, including a genealogical investigation to find old family names. She has helped name more than 100 children last year, and part of her job is counselling parents through the process. The consultant offered a glimpse into how she finds new names, saying she scans everything from film credits to street signs for inspiration. She also follows trends using the Social Security database and notes the names that are in a sharp decline due to negative associations to things like natural disasters and certain brands. <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsinababynamedoula/video/6989773817275059461" data-video-id="6989773817275059461"> <section><a title="@whatsinababynamedoula" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsinababynamedoula" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@whatsinababynamedoula</a> Reply to @sastheobald 16 NYC-Inspired Baby Names! Comment Your Favorites below! <a title="babynames" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/babynames" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#babynames</a> <a title="babynameconsultant" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/babynameconsultant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#babynameconsultant</a> <a title="babynamer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/babynamer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#babynamer</a> <a title="professionalbabynamer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/professionalbabynamer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#professionalbabynamer</a> <a title="name" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/name" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#name</a> <a title="♬ New York New York (Instrumental) - Jack Ontario Soundorchestra" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/New-York-New-York-Instrumental-6969398451083675649" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ New York New York (Instrumental) - Jack Ontario Soundorchestra</a></section> </blockquote> The baby naming expert, who graduated from New York University, had tried other careers, including screenwriting, before she found her calling. 'The most exciting part of that entire venture was picking out the names of the characters,' she recalled. She fell into the baby naming business in 2015 when she launched her Instagram handle @whatsinababyname. She explained that she would share her favourite baby names and the numerology behind them. 'People were messaging me and asking me what they should name their babies,' she said. 'I think there was something about seeing the lists and people would see their names and they would think that I could help them find names for their children that could go with the ones of the other kids they had.' Humphrey said she was 'so flattered' at the time that she was 'giving out the advice for free.' It wasn't until she started studying to be a doula in 2018 that she realized she could turn the demand for her naming services into a niche business. She admitted there was some trial and error and 'a bit of ego involved' when she first started the business. Humphrey's personal services don't come cheap, but she has more than 46,700 followers on TikTok, where she gives baby naming advice for free. In one video, she responded to a follower who asked for a boy's name to go with Connor, suggesting Brady, Cooper, Foster, Greyson, and Lucas. Humphrey also gets plenty of questions from viewers who can't believe she names babies for a living. 'Believe it or not, this is my full-time job,' she said. Images: TikTok

Family & Pets

“I regained my confidence socially and professionally”: Why Hearing Australia is promising to make hearing easy this World Hearing Day

When Rachel, a music teacher and professional clarinet player, first noticed changes in her hearing it was pretty daunting. “Sound is everything to a musician,” she explains. Rachel had become increasingly aware of “difficulty in conversations, especially in crowded situations or noisy rooms. Professionally I had great difficulty hearing students speak.” New findings from Hearing Australia’s ‘Hearing Road Test’ survey of Australians indicate that Rachel is not alone. Older Australians have become more aware of changes and symptoms of hearing loss during the last 12 – 24 months of the pandemic. Despite this, only one in four respondents have had their hearing checked in the last year; 78% of older Australians agreed that they would be more inclined to seek help for their hearing if they knew they could trial their hearings aids at home before they made a purchase. However, most respondents didn’t know that this was possible. For Rachel, however, it was the way her Hearing Australia audiologist Kristen was in tune with her life from the very start that made her hearing easy. From her initial hearing assessment and fitting when “Kristen’s bright and cheery personality took the stress out of the situation”, to all of the ongoing support she has since received, Rachel says that Hearing Australia makes her “feel safe and secure”. For Kristen, an audiologist and fellow musician, that’s music to her ears: “As a musician, your hearing is a big deal and so for Rachel to entrust me with her care makes me feel very privileged.” Fellow Hearing Australia audiologist Marc Vandenberg agrees. “Managing your hearing can improve quality of life, and Hearing Australia promises to make hearing easy,” he says. “We know that choosing a hearing aid is a personal decision and not something you can do on the spot. To help find the right solution, Australians are now able to ‘try before you buy’ on any of our hearing devices for 14 days*. “This means you can take your device home and test drive it in your everyday life to see how it performs, when you are catching up with loved ones, going shopping or watching TV.” This World Hearing Day, it’s time to manage your hearing your way. Test drive your hearing aids today to find your fit. For more information and to book a hearing test, call Hearing Australia on 134 HEAR or visit <a href="https://www.hearing.com.au/We-make-hearing-easy?utm_source=fabulate&utm_medium=native&utm_campaign=world+hearing+day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hearing.com.au</a>. * ”Try before you buy” requires you to complete a hearing assessment (which may incur a fee) before fitting, and is subject to Hearing Australia’s "Try before you buy" conditions. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. Client statements are their own, Rachel received a thank you gift for her time. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://www.hearing.com.au/We-make-hearing-easy?utm_source=fabulate&utm_medium=native&utm_campaign=world+hearing+day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hearing Australia</a>.

Hearing

How to organise your digital clutter

Getting your digital clutter under control The days of bursting file cabinets and desks buried under paper may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean our 21st-century lives are any more organised. With wireless technology integrated into our daily routines, many of us have simply traded paper clutter for digital disarray. You might take it for granted, but it’s there: Your overflowing inbox, that mess of files on your desktop screen, and those alerts that your phone’s storage is at capacity. The shift from working in the office to remotely from home during the pandemic has blurred the division of personal and business files even further, making organisation that much more of a challenge. “When one of the digital areas of our life is getting full, it can feel overwhelming,” says productivity coach Clare Kumar. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting that digital clutter under control. Set aside time for a digital clean-up Don’t expect to clean up your digital clutter at the end of a workday when you’re already feeling fatigued. It’s best to schedule this task for a day that you’ll have the time and energy to complete it, just as you might set aside a day for spring-cleaning your house. “As with any organising project, it takes some mental energy, strategic thinking and planning,” says Kumar. It’s also important to tune into how satisfied you feel after doing a bit organising – that will motivate you to keep going. If you find that a periodic mass clean-up of your devices is way too overwhelming, figure out what frequency works for you. Like putting your clothes away at the end of the day, it might feel easier to delete unwanted photos right after you take them. Expert tip: Think about organising your digital clutter from a legacy point of view. Your next of kin needs to be aware of what you own – passwords, finances, legal documents – and where these files are located in case of an emergency. Establish priorities for what you want to keep - or delete According to Kumar, the first thing to do when you’re setting out to organise all your files, whether they’re online banking statements or videos from your last holiday, is to think about what’s important to you. In the same way that you would sort through physical clutter in a room – think junk drawers, old magazines, day-old dishes – imagine it’s your spam emails and outdated documents that are taking up precious space in your digital environment. “You do want to be intentional about this because it’s quite abstract,” she says. The key questions to ask yourself are: What files do you want to keep and how do you want to use them? For example, if your passion is photography, you’ll want to make sure that you have enough room on your devices to store photos, and an organisational strategy to find them again. Expert tip: Start by dividing all the files across your devices that you want to organise into broad categories like photos, work and taxes. Choose the right storage option Chances are, you’ve received a warning from at least one of your smart devices that you’re dangerously close to reaching your storage limit. Luckily, there are a number of different digital storage options you can tap to transfer those files from your device. These options can be divided into two broad categories: physical storage devices (like USB flash drives or external hard drives) that plug into your device, and cloud-based storage (like Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive) that are accessed online and store your files on a remote server. When might you choose one over the other? Well, it depends on what types of files you’re storing, how large they are and how you want to access them in the future. For example, if you’re storing digital photo files you’d like to share with family members, a cloud-based storage would be better because it allows multiple users shared access to the same documents. While it might be tempting to save all your files into a single location, Kumar notes that there’s nothing wrong with using several options – provided they make not only storage but also retrieval as effortless as possible. “My iPhone is backed up to iCloud because that’s natural in that environment, and I use Google Drive because my Gmail’s backed up within that,” she says. Expert tip: Don’t forget to factor in legal requirements for work-related files that might need to be held in more secure storage. Create an organising system that makes sense to you It’s certainly easier in the moment to leave digital files with their automatically-generated file names, but being more deliberate with your labelling pays off in the long run. If you’re looking for a cherished family photo from a few holidays back, you’ll have an easier time finding it under the file name “family-holiday-fiji-july-2019.jpg” versus “10077892.jpg.” “The sole purpose of organisation is to help you find it later,” says Kumar. “You’re paying yourself forward whenever you create a file name that is going to be easy to find.” There are two aspects to this – how you find things and the way that you name things. File hierarchies can become complex and maze-like the more levels you add, so it’s best to keep things as simple as possible. For example, nesting your photo in the folders “Photos – > 2021 – > March” will make them a breeze to track down later. If you’re a more visual person, apply that to your organising strategy. Love downloading apps on your phone but not how they clutter the home screen? Group them together by colour. “Put only as much structure as you need, and not more,” advises Kumar. The same rule applies to naming files – make it as easy as possible for your brain. Expert tip: When naming files, start with the date and then topic like “yyyy-mm-dd-taxes.” That will allow you to sort files chronologically so you can always see the oldest or the most recent. Take advantage of organising apps There are plenty of different apps on the market that are designed to help with digital decluttering. For those who want to get their inbox and email subscriptions under control, Kumar recommends Unroll.Me for your smartphone. The tool allows you to easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails or combine your favourite subscriptions into a single email. If you find yourself keeping multiple tabs open day after day, the browser extension OneTab consolidates them into a single list to save your device’s memory (and your time). To scrub your social media accounts of old – and possibly embarrassing – posts, you can often delete or archive within the app. Expert tip: If you’ve hit an all-time high number of emails in your inbox, it might be time for a clean sweep. “I highly recommend saving emails that really matter from a sentimental or a business documentation point of view, and then you can do mass delete by time,” says Kumar. Schedule regular decluttering in your routine Kumar recommends checking in on all your devices and files on a quarterly basis. At the minimum, do a yearly audit of the storage you’re using. You could be missing out on a new app that’s more efficient or realise that your storage solution is outdated (or even full). If you still have some old documents on outdated technology like floppy disks, it might be time to think about transferring them to a more reliable supported location before they’re permanently lost. You can still copy data over to a modern computer using an external or internal floppy drive, but technology may have evolved to a point where certain old file formats can no longer be read. “There’s a window when the services are fairly affordable to convert those things and it’s worthwhile jumping on before it becomes a really exclusive and expensive service,” says Kumar. Expert tip: Kumar recommends reading The Organised Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload by Daniel J. Levitin for a neuroscientist’s take on how to navigate all the data we consume. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/science-technology/how-to-organise-your-digital-clutter">Reader's Digest</a>.

Technology

Instantly organise your medicine cabinet in a few simple steps

Bathroom organisation hacks Closets, drawers, kitchen cabinets: your home organisation project might focus on these big basics – but, especially considering the times we’re in, your medicine cabinet is a smaller nook-and-cranny that deserves to be meticulously on-point these days. With advice from an infectious disease doctor and a professional organiser, we’ve got your step-by-step medicine cabinet makeover. This organisation process will empower you with streamlined mornings, immune support, and Covid-preventive essentials – and for those unpleasant occasions that creep up, like the common sniffles or sleepless nights. Reset your bathroom game by following this plan that’s loaded with pro tips. Clean and sanitise A good wipedown with warm water and a rag will get off visible goo… but it’s important to follow it up by sanitising every surface, inside and out, advises Dr Margaret Khoury, an infectious disease specialist. Keep in mind that the warm, moist environment of the bathroom is germ heaven, and pathogens can even grow on soap and other hygiene products. Yeah, ew. Pick a product that kills viruses, bacteria and fungi, and follow the directions on the label. Antibacterial products don’t work against viruses, and even cleaners that claim to kill most germs can miss COVID-19. So when choosing cleaning products, like wipes or sprays, go with a <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/disinfectants-use-against-covid-19-artg-legal-supply-australia">TGA-registered disinfectant</a>. Be sure to take out everything (yes, every single thing – bottles, makeup containers and the shelves they sat on) and wipe all of it down. Don’t forget to clean the knob or handle! Think of every surface fingers touch, and go there with that cleaner. Toss like a boss An easy next step is to throw away any expired over-the-counter meds and dried-out makeup. (That beloved eye shadow compact you’ve used since university? Zero judgment – but it’s time to throw it out, stat.) Toss used-up, broken, or non-functional items. It’s OK to purge ruthlessly – you have limited space there, so only necessary items can stay. “If you don’t love it or use it, lose it,” says Rachel Rosenthal, a professional organiser. Supplies to fight COVID-19 Got a supply of at-home rapid Covid test kits? Bonus points for being proactive! Don’t store them in your medicine cabinet, nor in your bathroom at all. The CDC recommends storing self-administered Covid tests in their unopened box in a cool, dry place. Improper storage or exposure to heat or moisture can make the test malfunction. Help prevent Covid-19 by stocking up on alcohol prep pads or a fresh bottle of rubbing alcohol and cotton pads. Then, keep the whole house healthier by using these regularly to clean high-touch surfaces like kitchen cabinet knobs, your microwave’s buttons, door knobs around the house, your phone and keyboard, keys and more. Prioritise your shelves Ready to sort out what goes where? Rosenthal says you should start by assigning each category its own shelf and try to keep all the items in that group together within that designated space. You may want to label each shelf with a piece of tape or a sticky note to help you and your family put things away properly going forward. Keep the items you use every day in easy reach on one of the lowermost shelves. If you’re not using an item at least once a week, move it to a longer-term storage space. Have kiddos? Rosenthal suggests: “If you have little ones, dedicate the bottom shelf to keep their items where they can easily reach them and grab what they need.” Safety first The medicine cabinet is a common place to put medications, sharp objects like razors and needles and toxic cleaners, so safety should be a top consideration in your organisation, says Dr Khoury. If you have children that use the medicine cabinet, this is the perfect time to take inventory and remove all unsafe items and put them well out of their reach. (Don’t forget: Kids will climb onto benchtops!) Put sharp objects in closed containers so you don’t accidentally hurt yourself. Toxic cleaners should be stored in tightly sealed unbreakable containers, so even if they fall, they won’t break open and spill. Move your meds to a smarter spot Oh, the irony: Turns out, the medicine cabinet is actually one of the worst places to store prescription and over-the-counter drugs, says Gina Harper, PharmD, BCPS. “Moisture, temperature, oxygen and light – all things found in bathrooms – can degrade medications faster than normal,” this pharmacist explains. Unless the packaging indicates otherwise, most medicine should be stored at cool room temperature, in a dry, dark place, and in the original package… so, not in your bathroom. This is true for many skin care products, vitamins and supplements as well. Note: If you really want to keep your meds in your bathroom, consider buying a small medicine fridge for your counter. This allows you to control the temperature, humidity and exposure to light and air. Do not toss expired prescription drugs Throwing prescribed medications in the garbage can help someone searching for narcotics get their hands on them. Flushing them down the toilet? Also not a wise option – this can pollute the water supply. Your best bet is to take them to your local community pharmacy participating in the Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) scheme. If for any reason you have to throw medicine away, it’s suggested you should “ruin” the drugs by mixing them with coffee grounds or kitty litter in a sealed plastic bag. Store big items first Ideally, your cabinet has adjustable shelves to allow your tallest or bulkiest essentials to fit within easy reach, like toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, or large ointment bottles. Then you can see just how much space you have to work with for the rest of your stuff. If something takes up too much room and it’s not an item you access daily, it might be better stored in a cupboard elsewhere. Next, insert your lesser-used items Prioritise by setting the things you use the most toward the front of your medicine cabinet, on the shelves that are the easiest to see and access, says Rosenthal. Place lesser-used items in the back or corners. If you’re not using an item at least once a week, move it to a longer-term storage space, like a cupboard or a box under your sink. Employ this system for the remainder of your items, discerning how prominently and accessibly each one should be placed based on how often you use it. Rosenthal says just remember: Your goal is to keep it safe, clean, and functional. Don't lose loose items Stray cotton buds or lip balm tubes adding to the clutter? Put them in a clear glass container. They’ll fit the vertical space better, and you’ll be able to see exactly what’s inside. Try magnetic strips for metal trinkets What do nail clippers, tweezers and hair clips have in common? They all stick to magnets! Put a magnetic strip on the back of the cabinet door or behind the shelves, and never think twice about where those small tools might be hiding. Don't ignore the door Your cabinet door is prime storage real estate that often goes untouched, but there are a number of ways you can customise it for your storage needs. Stick on hooks to hold small scissors or plastic pockets to hold makeup supplies, for example. There also are a number of DIY storage solutions that help you use hidden nooks around your shower, sink, and cabinets too. Watch what rolls Nothing sticks a landing squarely on the foot like a runaway rolling object the second the cabinet door opens. Invest in some mini shelves (also called vertical risers) to keep objects in place and maximise your storage space. Label, label, label Small bins are perfect for makeup and toiletries, but not all of them are see-through. Create your own colourful labels to stay organised in style. These easy tricks will also instantly organise other small areas of your home. One tip? Forget Instagram – make a real-life plan. “Getting organised does not mean that you have to invent a complex colour-coded system or invest in a million matching bins,” Rosenthal says. “The goal is to create a place for everything in a way that complements how your life operates.” For instance, if you normally toss your toothbrush in the bottom of the medicine cabinet, add a small open box there to keep it contained with the toothpaste and floss. You’re not going to magically transform your movements throughout the day – so plan for what you actually do, not what you wish you’d do (or what someone on social media claims to do), she says. Gotta love real talk. Written by Claire Nowak and Charlotte Hilton Anderson. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/instantly-organise-your-medicine-cabinet-in-a-few-simple-steps" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Home & Garden

We are professional fire watchers, and we’re astounded by the scale of fires in remote Australia right now

While southern Australia experienced a wet winter and a soggy spring, northern Australia has seen the opposite. Extreme fire weather in October and November led to bushfires across <a href="https://firenorth.org.au/">120,000 square kilometres</a> of southern savanna regions. Significant fires continue to burn in the Kimberley, the Top End, Cape York and the northern deserts. And while recent rain across the central deserts has reduced the current fire risk, it will significantly increase fuel loads which creates the potential for large wildfires in summer. We are professional fire watchers. The lead author of this article, Rohan Fisher, <a href="https://firenorth.org.au/">maps and monitors</a> fires across the tropical savannas and rangelands that comprise 70% of the Australian continent. The scale of burning we’re now seeing astounds us – almost as much as the lack of interest they generate. This continent’s fire ecology is poorly understood by most Australians, despite recent significant bushfire events close to big cities. But as we enter the Pyrocene age under worsening climate change, good fire knowledge is vitally important. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/435758/original/file-20211206-15-1szo1gh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Indigenous man and child walk on burnt landscape" /> On the Mitchell Plateau in Western Australia, a Kandiwal man and his child walk through country burnt by traditional fires. Such ancient methods must be expanded to help Australia survive the Pyrocene. Philip Schubert/Shutterstock <h2>In the desert, fire and water are linked</h2> Fires in arid Australia are extensive, largely unmanaged, often destructive and significantly under-reported. Improving their management involvement is crucial to both Traditional Owners and the ecological health of our continent. To improve pyro-literacy, we developed a <a href="https://savannafiremapping.com/nafi-mobile-app/">mobile app</a> to map fires across most of Australia in real-time. This year, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-30/extreme-heatwave-to-hit-kimberley-and-the-pilbara/100658568">Western Australia</a> and the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-19/nt-heatwave-conditions-peak-record-temperatures-bom/100549312">Northern Territory</a> experienced serious heatwaves late in the year and a late start to the wet season. This provided the perfect bushfire conditions. In contrast, central Australia has experienced rare flooding rains, including at Alice Springs which recorded the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-13/alice-springs-wettest-november-on-record/100616212">wettest November</a> on record. This creates dangerous fuel loads heading into summer. In the desert, water and fire is coupled in both space and time. Fire burns where water flows, because that’s where fuel – in the form of vegetation – is heaviest. The below satellite image from the Pilbara illustrates this point. It shows the path of an arid-zone fire flowing like water along dry creeks and drainage lines. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/434382/original/file-20211129-15-q3vm4s.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> Arid-zone fire travelling along dry creeks and drainage lines. Where country is not managed for fire, it can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The incidence of previous fire also influences fire spread. Without the regular application of fire, large tracts of desert can accumulate heavy fuel loads, primed for ignition. Over a few months in 2011, our data show more than 400,000 square kilometres in central Australia burned – almost twice the size of Victoria. It was one of the <a href="https://austrangesoc.com.au/range-management-newsletter-12-2/#article_166">largest</a> single fire events in recent Australian history and coincided with the wet La Nina period in 2010-12. Watching from satellites in space, we mapped the spread of the fires in near-real time, as this video shows: <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yJJPm0cUTJ4?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> A hot spot animation of the 2011 fire season in central Australia. <h2>Fire management through time</h2> For many thousands of years, Australia’s Indigenous people have skilfully burned landscapes to manage country. <a href="https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/management/fire/fire-and-the-environment/41-traditional-aboriginal-burning">Most fires</a> are relatively low-intensity or “cool” and do not burn large areas. This results in a <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-you-have-unfinished-business-its-time-to-let-our-fire-people-care-for-this-land-135196">fine-scale mosaic</a> of different vegetation types and fuel ages, reducing the chance of large fires. Researchers have <a href="https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20063159465">looked back in time</a> to provide insight into fire management as it once was. This was done using aerial photography taken in the 1940s and 1950s in preparation for missile testing at Woomera in South Australia. The below aerial photo from 1953 reveals a complex mosaic of burn patterns and burn ages – a result of fine-scale land management by Traditional Owners. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/434607/original/file-20211130-18-1x8y4pf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> A 1953 aerial photo of the Western Desert showing a complex fine scale fire mosaic resulting from Indigenous burning. But following the displacement of Indigenous people and the decline of traditional burning practices, fire regimes changed dramatically. The average fire size today is many orders of magnitude <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew-Burbidge/publication/284776990_Evidence_of_altered_fire_regimes_in_the_Western_Desert_regime_of_Australia/links/565bca3508aeafc2aac62299/Evidence-of-altered-fire-regimes-in-the-Western-Desert-regime-of-Australia.pdf">greater</a> than those set under Aboriginal management. The change has been <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/wr05032">implicated</a> in the decline and extinction of some mammals and plant species. One massive and fast-moving October fire in the Tanami desert – home to endangered bilbies – burned nearly 7,000 square kilometres over a few days, our data show. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/434379/original/file-20211129-25-ilvsxy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="" /> The massive and fast-moving Tanami desert fire burnt nearly 7,000 km2 over a few days. <h2>Back to desert burning</h2> Like everywhere on this continent, fire in our vast deserts must be well-managed. Getting people back on desert country to reintroduce complex fire mosaics is difficult work but will have <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/wf/wf20057">significant</a> benefits for both nature and Indigenous people. Challenges include building capacity amongst ranger groups and communities, overcoming legal and insurance hurdles and employing novel techniques to apply “cool” fires at a near-continental scale. The role of Indigenous ranger groups is critical here. Organisations such as <a href="https://10deserts.org/">10 Deserts</a> – a partnership between Indigenous and conservation organisations – are supporting desert fire work. <a href="https://10deserts.org/committee/peter_murray/">Peter Murray</a> is chair of the 10 Deserts project and a Ngurrara Traditional Owner from the Great Sandy Desert. On the importance of this work, he says: <blockquote> Right now, we’re working on Indigenous “right way” cultural burning as a means of preventing wildfires. We’re developing dedicated male and female ranger teams to look after the land and develop tourism. And we’re encouraging traditional owners to return to the desert to share and exchange knowledge as well as collecting and storing that knowledge to pass onto younger generations. </blockquote> <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/434611/original/file-20211130-27-1i2yotw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Indigenous man burning country" /> Indigenous rangers are crucial when caring for fire-prone landscapes. Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa/Gareth Catt <h2>Living in the Pyrocene</h2> As climate change worsens, we’re now living in a global fire age dubbed <a href="https://www.stephenpyne.com/disc.htm">the Pyrocene</a>. This will bring challenges across the Australian continent. Throughout remote Australia, increasing extreme fire weather will see more severe bushfires. Good fire management in these landscapes is urgently needed. In the northern tropical savannas, Indigenous-led fire management at the landscape scale is already <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-worlds-best-fire-management-system-is-in-northern-australia-and-its-led-by-indigenous-land-managers-133071">producing</a> some of the worlds best fire management outcomes. The challenge is to introduce similar scales of fire management across our vast deserts. These regions are rich with nature and culture, and they deserve far more attention than they’ve received to date. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/172773/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rohan-fisher-976329">Rohan Fisher</a>, Information Technology for Development Researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/charles-darwin-university-1066">Charles Darwin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/neil-burrows-1295249">Neil Burrows</a>, Adjunct professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-western-australia-1067">The University of Western Australia</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-are-professional-fire-watchers-and-were-astounded-by-the-scale-of-fires-in-remote-australia-right-now-172773">original article</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

Meet the ‘professional bridesmaid’ who once attended FOUR weddings in one weekend

Kersytn Walsh has made a business out of one of the happiest days of people’s lives - with a twist. Not only does she offer wedding planning, wedding day coordination, and MC services through her company, but she also offers <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hireabridesmaid.com.au/services" target="_blank">‘bridesmaid for hire’</a> services. As a professional bridesmaid, Kerstyn can perform her usual roles of planning, coordinating, or MCing, but can also just be by the bride’s side on the day. On her website, Kersytn explains the role of professional bridesmaids by writing, “We are the friend, the cheerleader, the hand-holder, and support system you need by your side throughout planning and preparing for your wedding! We offer the kind of support you'd expect from your bestie, AND we're not afraid of some heavy lifting!” Their services can cost as much as $9000 a ceremony, and Kerstyn has been a bridesmaid over 150 times since starting her business in 2015 after deciding a career in real estate wasn’t for her. She fell into the role after being made the host at her friend Annie’s wedding, which saw her coordinating many of the vendors and guests on the day. Kerstyn told the Daily Mail, “I've always loved performing, and I suddenly had an epiphany that I wasn't doing a job I loved.” <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/CLoRva3DPjD/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/CLoRva3DPjD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by HIRE A BRIDESMAID (@hireabridesmaid_)</a> </div> </blockquote> Soon after, she handed in her notice and established her own business. While she volunteered her services to several friends to kickstart her business, “word spread towards the end of 2015, and it wasn't long before I was attending four weddings in two days and between 30 and 40 a year”. She estimates that she has been a professional bridesmaid at over 150 ceremonies, and she has a closet of more than 70 dresses she has saved from her numerous weddings. While the full bridesmaid package costs around $9000, on-the-day coordination is around $2000. Kerstyn explained that women often hire her to do the running around and coordination on the day so their friends and family can relax and enjoy the day. “Brides often need someone who is willing to do all the jobs - whether it's consult with the vendors or fix the speakers for the DJ. They want their friends and family to be fully present for the wedding, while I can help with chores.” Image: Instagram

Money & Banking

Meet the DIY blogger who thrives on aesthetically-pleasing organisation

When it comes to home organisation, Adelaide blogger Iryna Federico has taken it to the next level. The blogger has become known for her pastel aesthetics after her dreamy, candy-shop inspired pantry went viral online. The pantry took her two years to finish, and she even began designing the space “before the builder even broke ground” on the house. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845538/diy-blog1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/082be73b36934ad1b0ed316145c36db2" /> Image: @fromgreatbeginnings / Instagram “I had our builder remove any shelving and ended up with a blank room. I then found a local cabinet maker here in Adelaide who brought my design to life,” she told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bhg.com.au/this-bloggers-pantry-is-next-level-amazing?category=news" target="_blank">Better Homes and Gardens</a>. She then filled the space with various containers and baskets that hold everything from baking ingredients to packets of food. “I am a firm believer in using big baskets to organise my space,” she said. “They’re nice and deep which means I can hide all the ugly and messy packaging of items like chips and biscuits, and the space always looks tidy.” <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845539/diy-blog2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fb88810b7a4c40c1a1303b163262bd97" /> Inside Iryna’s garage. Image: @fromgreatbeginnings / Instagram Since then, Iryna has given her followers a look inside her incredibly organised freezer, her two children’s wardrobes, laundry, and her garage. Though her spaces appear luxe and incredibly stylish, Iryna picks up most of her storage gear from Kmart, Target and Ikea. “I love Kmart for all their little organisation tools that make a nice addition to any space, in particular their three-tier shelves. They lift items from the back and make them easily reachable,” she said. In her pantry, Iryna’s one pricey indulgence has been on Oxo containers. “I love them because they are BPA free and completely clear - they seal really well and are very easy to clean,” she said. “Being fairly pricey individually, I bought mine in bulk sets from Costco and did a bunch of 50 cent surveys to be able to justify the cost to myself.” But so far, her best purchase has been on Ikea’s $5 spice racks. “I painted those pink and added my cook books and cooking utensils and it really brought the whole space together,” she added. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845540/diy-blog3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b9b826d22cbe4301b0a7de70901775fd" /> Image: @fromgreatbeginnings / Instagram Since starting her Instagram account in June 2016, Iryna has amassed a following of more than 140,000 people. Unlike other bloggers who have pursued social media as a career, Iryna also has a day job as a business development manager. “I’m a business development coordinator at an aerospace engineering company - nothing at allllll to do with organisation,” she wrote on Instagram. “It’s purely just a side hobby :)”. Image: @fromgreatbeginnings / Instagram

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21 more organising tips you'll wish you knew all along

21 organising tips you’ll wish you knew all along

Kitchen organisation ideas you’ll wish you knew sooner

13 clever house-cleaning hacks from professional cleaners

Mum's list of insane babysitter requirements sparks debate

Professional cleaner shares her holy grail products

"If we stop communicating, Putin wins. Propaganda wins": how a Norwegian organisation is supporting Russian protest art

How to organise kitchen cabinets, according to the pros

The downside of digital transformation: why organisations must allow for those who can’t or won’t move online

11 home improvement projects you can do yourself instead of hiring a professional

Returning to work after time off? 7 tips to get you back in the game

20 things professional organisers would never do in their own homes

Barty reveals new major sporting career move

Professional baby namer opens up about her unique career

“I regained my confidence socially and professionally”: Why Hearing Australia is promising to make hearing easy this World Hearing Day

How to organise your digital clutter

Instantly organise your medicine cabinet in a few simple steps

We are professional fire watchers, and we’re astounded by the scale of fires in remote Australia right now

Meet the ‘professional bridesmaid’ who once attended FOUR weddings in one weekend

Meet the DIY blogger who thrives on aesthetically-pleasing organisation

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

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Information

Keep up to date

Search

21 more organising tips you'll wish you knew all along

21 organising tips you’ll wish you knew all along

Kitchen organisation ideas you’ll wish you knew sooner

13 clever house-cleaning hacks from professional cleaners

Mum's list of insane babysitter requirements sparks debate

Professional cleaner shares her holy grail products

"If we stop communicating, Putin wins. Propaganda wins": how a Norwegian organisation is supporting Russian protest art

How to organise kitchen cabinets, according to the pros

The downside of digital transformation: why organisations must allow for those who can’t or won’t move online

11 home improvement projects you can do yourself instead of hiring a professional

Returning to work after time off? 7 tips to get you back in the game

20 things professional organisers would never do in their own homes

Barty reveals new major sporting career move

Professional baby namer opens up about her unique career

“I regained my confidence socially and professionally”: Why Hearing Australia is promising to make hearing easy this World Hearing Day

How to organise your digital clutter

Instantly organise your medicine cabinet in a few simple steps

We are professional fire watchers, and we’re astounded by the scale of fires in remote Australia right now

Meet the ‘professional bridesmaid’ who once attended FOUR weddings in one weekend

Meet the DIY blogger who thrives on aesthetically-pleasing organisation

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