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"Embarrassing" travel pillow frequent flyers swear by

When it comes to travelling in economy, looking glamorous usually takes a back seat, with many people prioritising comfort over anything else. Travelling in cattle class presents its own issues with getting comfy on a plane, especially when sitting in the middle seat. However, a committed frequent flyer has discovered the "travel hack of the year" with an unusual looking travel pillow that means you can get comfy anywhere. “When you got the middle seat for a 13-hour plane ride,” wrote adventurer Annie Wright, 23, in the captions of a viral TikTok testimonial dedicated to the strange-looking, yet in-demand inflatable travel pillow. In the video, which has racked in a whopping 26.6 million views, Ms Wright, a law student in the US, shared footage of herself puffing into the plushy prop that’s offered by <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/product/inflatable-front-travel-pillow-43238989/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a>. For Aussies, you can snag the innovative travel pillow from <a href="https://www.kmart.com.au/product/inflatable-front-travel-pillow-43238989/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kmart</a> for a breezy $18. “I wasn’t sure if I’d like it and omg SO worth it!” cheered Ms Wright in the clip’s caption. “Total upgrade.” This new pillow puts the round-the-neck pillows to shame, as the expandable cushion, designed with an ergonomic 45-degree angle, offers support to the head and neck and inflates in just seconds. Once inflated, users are meant to position the pillow — created with a face cutout at its apex and two arm holes on its sides — on their passenger tray tables and lean forward into a relaxed position. The hot commodity’s details also noted that it can “help you stay away from injury and insomnia, make you rest more comfortable during the journey, easier to fall asleep, and sleep longer,” according to Amazon. According to the online Kmart reviews of the product, one traveller said it was “awkward looking” but “really comfortable” and perfect for long-haul flights. Folks under the #InflatableTravelPillow TikTok hashtag have hailed the headrest the “travel hack of the year.” However, haters of the portable bedding have deemed it an “embarrassment.” “My back just hurts watching this,” said one commenter beneath Ms Wright’s post. “Yeah I have social anxiety I would be too embarrassed to use it,” penned another. But in response to the criticisms, Ms Wright wrote, “People keep saying this [pillow] is embarrassing, but what’s more embarrassing is being caught with your mouth open just knocked out.” Image credits: TikTok

Travel Tips

The long-haul mask hack frequent fliers swear by

When travelling, it is recommended that switching to disposable masks (either P2 or KN95) in the airport or on the plane will give you the best protection against viruses and other nasty particles. These game changing masks are not cheap, but $45 for a packet of 25, but these PPE Tech disposable P2 masks, are Australian made and owned, and come with one genius attachment. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/Mask-hack2.jpg" alt="" width="674" height="337" /> When traveller Jen Hewit opened the box for the first time, she found a small packet of plastic hooks inside, before she had her ‘aha’ moment. Jen had realised these hooks are, in fact, little ear-loops that allow you to hook the straps through so that they sit at the back of your head, rather than your ears. And if you prefer to wear a cloth mask, then you can still use these hooks with your own reusable one, given that the straps are stretchy enough. If you find yourself stuck on a long-haul without them, Jen recommends using her Dad’s own secret DIY hack: place the mask straps over the speakers on the airline’s headphones and your ears won’t feel like they’re about to fall off. Will you give this trick a go? Let us know on your next trip abroad. Image: Getty

Travel Tips

Dad swears at teacher for overstepping the line

A father snapped at a teacher after she insisted he invite all the students in her class to his son’s birthday. Taking to Reddit, the father asked if he took it too far by swearing at the teacher who kept pestering him to invite the 24 children instead of only nine to his son’s sixth birthday party. He said he explained to the teacher that he could not host 24 children and their parents and it was his choice to do whatever he wanted in his house. “I get a call from my son’s teacher and she tells me that she understands he is having a birthday party and that he invited a few of his friends from class, but not everyone,” the post begins. “I said yeah, there are a few kids in there that he has problems with and also I don't think we can really handle hosting 24 kids and their parents. “She then tells me that there is a rule that if any kids in the class are invited that all kids in the class are invited. “I told her it is an event off school hours on private property in my home. She can no more tell me what I do there and who I can and can't invite anymore than I can decide who is invited to her Thanksgiving dinner.” The teacher however kept insisting the rule was in place to stop kids from getting their feelings hurt to which the father then asked if he should invite the students from his son’s other classes. “She then said ‘He is in my class. He is under my supervision. This is my rule’. “I then told her that my son is only under her supervision while he is in class. I am the one throwing the party, and she doesn't get to make rules for my house or me. She then said if it involves her class, she does.” The pair went back and forth on the touchy subject before the father snapped and told her to go f**k herself. “I said, ‘Lady, it's pretty clear that you're too used to bossing around kids who have to listen to you and that you don't seem to understand that your little fiefdom ends at the end of the school day and doesn't go further than schoolhouse gates. I am not a 6 year old in your class. I'm a 38 year old union electrician planning a private event in my own home, off school hours. If you think you're the one to make the rules for me, in my home on which I pay the mortgage on, you can go f**k yourself and there isn't a goddamn thing you can do about it. She then kind of stammered and I ended the call.” The husband said that his wife agreed that the teacher had no business telling them who to invite to their home but that he may have taken it a step too far for swearing at her. He did confess that he wished that he didn’t swear at the teacher but stood firm on his decision that the teacher had no right to do what she did. Reddit users sided with the father who said the teacher overstepped the mark by getting involved in a matter that did not involve her. “The gall of this woman is laughable and her thought process simply defies logic,” someone wrote. “She was out of line for calling you in the first place, and then had the audacity to double down and insist that literally anything that involves students in her class is her business. Out-freaking-rageous! Tell the principal, and if you aren't satisfied with that result, call up the superintendent's office,” another comment read. “This teacher got out of her lane and you forced her a** back into it. Exactly what you should have done. NO ONE gets to tell you who to have at your own damn house. Frankly I would be talking to her supervisor as well. That is not ok, and she has OBVIOUSLY gotten away with this before,” someone else wrote. “Unless she's paying for the party she has ZERO say,” another commented. Image: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Flight attendants swear by these packing hacks

There are many so-called hacks floating around the internet to determine how to best pack a suitcase for your holiday. There’s the rolling-folding debate, how to avoid overpacking unnecessary items and what to put in your carry-on luggage instead of your suitcase. To debunk some of these myths and give actual fool-proof advice, <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/recommended/7-packing-hacks-flight-attendants-swear-by/1d80bd51-2361-4f9f-87c4-b0693267bb4a">9Honey</a> caught up with Michelle*, a cabin crew member with years of experience. She revealed her travel must-buys and nifty travel tips, to share her seven holy grail packing hacks. 1. Invest in a packing cube These nifty packing cubes are a must for any suitcase to stay clean and organised, as the small, sealable bags help to compartmentalise your luggage. "It helps keep me organised, especially if I only have a carry-on," Michelle says. “Nothing worse than opening your suitcase in the airport and having all your clothes fall on the floor - this helps avoid that.” These simple packing tools can be bought for just $14 at Kmart, showing that organisation doesn’t have to cost a fortune. 2. The roll vs. fold method It’s the age-old debate over how to save space in your suitcase: to roll or fold your clothes. According to Michelle, all travellers should consider moving to the rolling method to save both time and space. "Roll your clothes, don't fold. Trust me when I say this is a huge space saver," Michelle says. 3. Double your chargers Device chargers are one of the most commonly forgotten items when packing for a holiday. Michelle’s advice is to double up in case one goes missing or someone forgets to pack them. "I have doubles of all my chargers, and I carry them in my carry-on luggage," she says. "This way I don't have to worry about forgetting all my important chargers and they're easily accessible." 4. Make a list With so many things to pack and airport guidelines to adhere to, writing down a list is the easiest way to make sure everything goes to plan. This also eliminates packing unnecessary items that just end up taking up valuable space. "If you're only packing a carry-on, pack smart and only pack the things you need," Michelle advises. "Writing lists when packing does actually help." Michelle also says investigating the weather in your destination can greatly help your packing schedule. "Wear your biggest and heaviest items on the days of travel so you save space in your bag." 5. The shower cap trick In order to keep dirty shoes off clean clothes for your trip, Michelle recommends investing in cheap plastic shower caps to slide over the soles of your shoes to keep everything in order. "This will help to protect your clothing and keep everything clean," she explains. Michelle also suggests stuffing your shoes with personal items "to really maximise space." 6. Make it spill-proof Some pesky liquid containers can be prone to spilling and ruining items in your suitcase when not stored upright. To avoid this, Michelle shared a genius precaution you can take. "When travelling with liquids, put some cling wrap on the opening and then put the lid on, to save any potential spills," Michelle says. 7. Choose your suitcase thoughtfully A commonly overlooked part of precision packing can often be the weight of the actual suitcase itself. This can result in travellers being stung with unexpected overweight baggage fees on airlines, prompting Michelle to think of a solution. "Most airlines only allow a 7kg carry-on – try getting yourself a bag that is lightweight yet sturdy," Michelle suggests. *Name has been changed. Image credit: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

“You bloody fool!” The musk duck that learnt to swear

A small number of animals, particularly birds, can learn to mimic other animals – including humans. The Australian musk duck can now be added to these ranks: a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2020.0243" target="_blank">paper</a> in Philosophical Transactions B has shown that the ducks can imitate other bird sounds and human sounds – like doors slamming, and one truly Australian phrase uttered by their keepers. “You bloody fool,” agreed Ripper, musk duck and subject of the paper. The paper, written by Carel ten Cate, a researcher at the Leiden University’s Institute of Biology in the Netherlands, and Peter Fullargar, now retired from the CSIRO, analyses two sets of recordings made by two musk ducks. Ripper was a male musk duck, born in 1983 and raised in captivity at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in the ACT. Records at Tidbinbilla were destroyed by the 2003 Canberra bushfires, making aspects of Ripper’s past hazy, but one thing is known for certain: he could imitate human-made sounds. In 1987, some researchers (including Fullargar) made recordings of these sounds, including a door slamming, human speech-like mumbles, and a repeated phrase that sounded like “you bloody foo”: this was a common refrain from his caretaker. Ripper was particularly likely to announce this when humans approached him. In 2000, the researchers also recorded calls from another male musk duck, known simply as “Duck 2”. Duck 2, raised in Tidbinbilla by a captive female, could mimic the sounds of the Pacific black duck. He also made a sound similar to Ripper’s door-slamming noise. “This second duck had been exposed to Ripper, which may have affected this part of the sound,” write ten Cate and Fullargar in their paper. The authors point out that this is the first evidence of vocal learning in a member of the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anserinae" target="_blank">Anserinae</a> (ducks, geese and swans) family. “The Australian musk duck demonstrates an unexpected and impressive ability for vocal learning,” they write in their paper. They advocate for “a more extensive and systematic study of this and related, or other, species”, saying it could help to further understand how animals learn to make sounds. Check out the video here: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MSJsKpKKBaI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Image credit: Image: John Harrison / WikiCommons This article was originally written for <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/birds/you-bloody-fool-the-musk-duck-that-learnt-to-swear/" target="_blank">cosmosmagazine.com</a> by Ellen Phiddian.

Technology

The $7 Kmart item Aussie frequent flyers are swearing by

Kmart has quickly become the place to shop amongst frequent flyers for the discount travel gear it continues to offer. From suitcases to sleep masks, the discount department store is bound to have everything you need to ensure that your next flight is a comfortable one. However, there's one item that has caught the attention of jet setters: The $7 TSA lock. <img style="width: 500px; height: 375.385px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828652/31da6dde9bd62f91b69012793a4f0d4a.jpeg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/be2422dc28ba47c6adfccb804107076f" /> Photo source: Kmart An essential when travelling to the US, a TSA lock is a lock that airport security officials can open if they want to do a random luggage check. If they choose your luggage, they leave a note inside saying that they’ve checked your bag. Airport convenience stores sell these locks too, but you’ll be paying a lot more than $7 for it. Kmart have a range of products that are bound to help you when you’re travelling abroad. The range includes packing cubes, digital scales or a double USB charger. However, just because it’s cheap from Kmart doesn’t automatically mean that it’s the cheapest option available. It’s important to do your research in order to get the best bargain.

Travel Tips

The unusual cleaning hack Peter Overton swears by

Nine News presenter Peter Overton has an unusual parenting trick that’s hidden up his sleeve. Overton’s daughters Allegra, 12 and Giselle, 10, wear Panama-style hats which are a part of their school uniforms. His trick for getting them clean is easier than you think. He revealed the genius hack to <a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/mums/peter-overton-cleaning-tip/d9d8774f-fd72-4f59-9b59-8a77c900c95a" target="_blank">9Honey</a>: "You put them on low heat in the dishwasher with a little bit of powder, no dirty dishes, just the hat," Overton explained. "They come out looking better than new. They come out shining." <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrrwwcnBD8j/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrrwwcnBD8j/" target="_blank">Perfect last day in Hong Kong... 🇨🇳wind💨 in our hair 💇🏼‍♀️and a bus ride! 🚌We have been swept away by the kindness of the people in this chaotic, crazy city!💓 #craphousewife #welovehongkong</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/jessjrowe/" target="_blank"> Jessica Rowe</a> (@jessjrowe) on Dec 22, 2018 at 12:59am PST </div> </blockquote> He also spoke about how one of his “great joys” is walking his daughters into school each morning. Overton embraces the chance to speak with them along the way. "As you walk in you don't have eye contact, so they tend to just chat away and you hear things ... they're not feeling contained," he explained. "The last thing Giselle says to me every day is, 'Will I be awake when you get home from work?' "I always say, 'Yes you will, and if I have to go out, I'll come in and give you a kiss.'"

Home & Garden

The $7 product Aussies swear by to get rid of sweat and stink on clothes

A brand best known for its anti-fungal products has received rave reviews from women across Australia for its “must-buy” laundry liquid. Aussie mothers have taken to the Internet to sing the praises of a $7 laundry rinse from Canesten, a company mostly known for its fungal treatments. The product, which is described as antibacterial and antifungal, claims to eliminate 99.9 per cent of germs and prevent cross infection by removing bacteria and fungi from garments. It can be used in cold or hot wash. “If you have teenagers it’s a must buy,” a woman shared on a Facebook group for mothers. “Two caps full in the softener section of the washing machine (along with clothes washing detergent) and the sport uniform tops smell as good as new … I will never buy softener again, this is amazing.” Another commented, “This is my favourite laundry product.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 265.625px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7826141/canesten.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2173601c9da34e3bb383f505830518be" /> Many others vouched for the rinse, saying the product came as a reliable help for tricky situations. “I use this on my hubby’s chef clothes and it gets the kitchen smell out,” one shared. “This was a great product to sanitise cloth nappies I was given second hand – made sure that my baby didn’t get any bacterial infections from others,” a woman wrote on a <a href="https://www.mouthsofmums.com.au/rate-it/bags-food-wraps-cleaning/laundry-liquid-soap/canesten-inwash-soaker-lemon-hygiene-laundry-rinse/#AqEMxfMJTlqX1U14.97">review site</a>. “Smelt good and easy to use in washing machine.” One chimed in, “This product came in real handy after a bout of gastro in my family. All bedding washed in this and came out without that vomit smell even if the machine wasn’t on the disinfectant wash cycle.” While the product is available in major retailers, many other women pointed out that a similar offering is available at ALDI for a cheaper price. ALDI’s version of the rinse, named Di San, is sold at $3.69 for a 1L bottle. Have you tried any of these laundry products? Let us know in the comments.

Home & Garden

The $7 beauty secret Duchess Meghan swears by

Duchess Meghan’s beauty regimen features a lot of <a href="https://www.allure.com/gallery/meghan-markle-beauty-products-favorite-clothes">premium products</a> – including the $99 Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powder, the $70 Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Touche Éclat concealer, and the $180 Chanel Sublimage le Teint Ultimate Radiance-Generating Cream Foundation to name a few. However, the royal doesn’t shy away from affordable steals. In fact, there is one product that the 37-year-old swears by – and it can be found at your local chemist for as low as $7! Upon being asked what product she buys in bulk, the Duchess of Sussex swears by Biore’s Daily Deep Pore Cleansing Wipes. “They’re great to keep in the car and on your nightstand when you have those horribly lazy nights that the thought of getting up to actually wash your face seems unbearable,” she said in an interview with <a rel="noopener" href="https://beautybanter.com/banter-babe-meghan-markle" target="_blank">Beauty Banter</a> before her marriage. The wipes have also received positive reviews from beauty enthusiasts, with users on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.beautyheaven.com.au/skin-care/cleansers-washes/16910-bior-daily-deep-pore-cleansing-wipes" target="_blank">beautyheaven</a> giving it a four out of five stars. “Got a pack of these wipes and makeup removal has been so easy!” a reviewer wrote. “I don't have to tug at my face, they're not too dry and I haven't experienced any issues with my skin becoming sensitive afterwards or anything like that.” Another user commented, “I find the wipes a bit too strong to use in the eye area but I highly recommend them for removing face makeup.” Apart from the wipes, another affordable score that the Duchess vouched for is the $6.50 Nivea Q10 Firming Body Lotion. “I use this religiously,” she said. “It’s honestly my favourite lotion on the market, it’s so affordable, and makes my skin look and feel amazing. I would buy a case of this at a time if I could find it.” Are you keen to try any of these products? Let us know in the comments.

Beauty & Style

The new iPhone hack allows you to swear with ease

Swearing whilst typing is a part of life. There’s always been one annoying downside for Apple users though. A certain swear word gets changed to “duck” instead of the word you’re wanting to use. Since the invention of autocorrect in 2005, it is now an integral feature of every smartphone. However, that means that a lot of people seem to be facing this problem with being unable to type the right swear words when they want to. Parks and Recreation star Ben Schwartz has realised a hack. He shared it with his Twitter followers below. “When you have had it with spell check turning your curse word into ducking. “Behold, my new contact that my phone now recognises when I text!” His fans were pleased and tried it out for themselves. One user said: “I see a Nobel prize in your future.” Another user was just as thrilled and said “You just might be the smartest man to ever tweet…” What Schwartz has so cleverly done is save the swear word as a contact in his phone so that his phone is forced to recognise that it’s a real word – and viola! You are now able to swear properly on your phone. Are you going to try out this trick? Or are you against swear words? Let us know in the comments.

Technology

The 65-cent ALDI hack travellers swear by

It’s no secret that travelling is an expensive hobby. With flights, accommodation and other expenditures to keep in mind when budgeting, the last thing you want is to spend extra money on other nicks and knacks. That’s where ALDI comes in handy. The German retailer is a favourite for a reason – it provides quality items for a low cost. Perfect for those who are a little tight on money. And sure, you can peruse their Special Buys sale (if you manage to be quick enough!) for travel gear and bargain-priced suitcases, but there’s one particular item that travellers think everyone should pack when they're heading off on an adventure. The item is Hedanol Paracetomol. While it may not sound exciting, painkillers are a must if you’re leaving home, and at 65 cents for a pack of 20, you really cannot go wrong. The fact that you can purchase the meds with your spare change means that you can buy a stash and keep it for emergencies in your carry-on. And trust us, when the time comes where you need to take a painkiller, you’ll be thankful you packed it. Here are four other ALDI essentials to take with you when travelling: 1. Confidence 6-pack pocket tissues, $1.29 Tissues. You don’t think you need it, until you really do. Make sure you have a pack or two in your hand luggage, so you’re not caught in an awkward situation. 2. Ombra sunscreen lotion 100ml, $2.49 Travelling to Bali or Honolulu? Don’t forget your sunscreen. There’s nothing worse than finishing off a week-long holiday with a terrible sunburn. 3. Colgate Total toothpaste 80g, $2.09 Not only is it a brand name, but because of its small size you can keep it with you on your carry-on when travelling internationally. 4. Goliath sandwich bags 50-pack, $1.39 Chances are, you won’t get the chance to make your own sandwich when you’re on a flight, but that’s not what these are for. Sandwich bags are a great way to keep your liquids and other items separated for easy access. Scroll through the gallery above to see a few items you need to take when travelling. Do you have any travel hacks you swear by? Let us know in the comments below.

International Travel

The strange $3 ingredient Nigella Lawson swears by for perfect spaghetti

Nigella Lawson is famous for her mouth-watering meals and jaw-dropping desserts. Although, she brought fans to a halt after she presented a plate of pasta containing a strange and unexpected ingredient to the hosts of Today Extra on Channel Nine, David Campbell and Sonia Kruger. Nigella insisted that Aussies should use one iconic ingredient made down under when cooking pasta – Vegemite. That’s right, the 58-year-old celebrity chef praised the $3 ingredient revealing on Today Extra, “You know, an Italian introduced me to this [recipe]. What would the Italians say? Well it was an Italian food writer who brought her children up making Marmite pasta.” Nigella shared the simplicity of the recipe, requiring only four ingredients. Salt the water as it boils over the stove, add spaghetti to the pot. Then prepare the mixture of butter, vegemite and parmesan cheese. “Melted butter, tiny bit of the pasta cooking water, get some Vegemite or Marmite melted and some parmesan,” she said. Once the pasta is al dente, stir the mixture through and serve. “You’re welcome,” Nigella added as the hosts forked the pasta into their mouths. “It’s delicious. That flavour that you can’t quite define, it’s amazing,” Kruger gushed. Will you try Nigella Lawson’s Vegemite pasta? Let us know in the comments.

The $22 mascara Duchess Meghan swears by

Women around the world fawn over the Duchess of Sussexs’ natural and glowy everyday look. Now Meghan’s former makeup artist, Lydia Sellers, has recently shared the items the duchess always has on hand, from the $22 mascara to her favourite foundation. The 37-year-old’s long-time favourite mascara is $22 Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious. Sellers said to <a href="https://us.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/makeup/2018052348879/meghan-markle-favourite-mascara/">Hello!</a>, “Meghan actually introduced me to a drugstore mascara. I keep it stocked in my kit now at all times thanks to her!” <img style="width: 500px; height: 500px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821715/mascara.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4c8d2fb76c264934bdee06c84f95ce46" /> For her face, the Duchess relies on high end Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk foundation retailing at AUD$99. Sellers shares that Meghan uses the shade 6.25 with a few drops of 5.5. Meghan uses a damp original beauty blender sponge, AUD$30, to buff out the foundation for a ‘sheer and natural effect’. A YSL product, Touche Eclat Radiance Perfecting Pen, is Meghan’s ultimate concealer. “If you’ve worked a 17-hour day and have nothing else on, you will still look relatively alive,” Meghan said praising the product. With a price tag of AUD$70 this high-end product “brightens underneath the eye and in the inner corners” and has fans around the globe hooked. Sellers revealed the RMS Beauty Magic Luminiser, AUD$55, “is a favourite when working with Meghan because of its subtlety”. As well as loving a pop of colour for her cheeks with NARS blush in ‘Orgasm’, AUD$44, Meghan has explained the product gives “the perfect rosy flush tone that brightens the face”. For skincare, Meghan relies on Nivea Q10 Plus firming lotion, a bargain at just AUD$7. “I use this religiously. It’s honestly my favourite lotion on the market, it’s so affordable, and makes my skin look and feel amazing. I would buy a case of this at a time if I could find it,” Meghan told <a href="https://beautybanter.com/banter-babe-meghan-markle">Beauty Banter</a>. Out of these beauty products which ones would you buy and why? Let us know in the comments.

Beauty & Style

The bargain Kmart carry-on suitcase flyers swear by

A cheap suitcase might be just as good as high-end brands that set you back thousands of dollars, according to a <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/travel/on-holidays/luggage/review-and-compare/carry-on-suitcases">Choice</a> review of 27 different brands of carry-on luggage. Testing carry-on luggage for water resistance, durability, stability and more, Choice found the American Tourister Curio, which costs $239, to be the best carry-on luggage, with a score of 87 per cent. However, there were some bargain suitcases that rated highly including a Big W Jetstream that will set you back just $70, with a score of 86 per cent. Kmart’s $49 carry-on bag also came highly recommended, scoring 86 per cent overall, although it only scored 65 per cent on the rain test. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.choice.com.au/Assets/Choice/imgs/product/kmart-active-co_1.JPG?w=696&h=391&jq=80" alt="" /> The Kmart Active & Co costs just $49 and scored 86% in Choice's review. “I recently bought the $49 Kmart carry-on case and it’s fantastic,” Sydney’s Tim Melwood, who travels globally for 40 per cent of the year, told <a href="https://www.escape.com.au/travel-advice/best-cheap-suitcases-under-200/news-story/c344ac898bd3bb823a176ef3bf3a3a00">Escape</a>. “It’s lightweight, versatile and a bargain price – it’s honestly the best bag I’ve ever had.” Another Kmart hard case suitcase (which costs only $38) scored 86 per cent – the same score as the Samsonite 72 Hours DLX, a bag that comes with a $329 price tag. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.choice.com.au/Assets/Choice/imgs/product/kmart-hard-case_1.JPG?w=696&h=391&jq=80" alt="" /> The Kmart Hard Case costs only $38 and rated 86% in Choice's review. Here’s the full <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/travel/on-holidays/luggage/review-and-compare/carry-on-suitcases">Choice list:</a> <ol> <li>American Tourister Curio — 87 per cent score. RRP $239</li> <li>Flylite Pro-Lite 54cm — 86 per cent score. RRP $200</li> <li>Samsonite 72 Hours DLX — 86 per cent score. RRP $329</li> <li>Kmart Active & Co — 86 per cent score. RRP $49</li> <li>Big W Jetstream — 86 per cent score. RRP $70</li> <li>Kmart Hard Case — 86 per cent score. RRP $38</li> <li>Skylite 56cm Spinner Carry On — 86 per cent score. RRP $40</li> <li>Delsey Chatelet 55cm — 85 per cent score. RRP $499</li> <li>Delsey Montmartre Air — 85 per cent score. RRP $289</li> <li>Antler Oxygen — 85 per cent score. RRP $289</li> <li>Crumpler Vis-a-Vis, Cabin — 84 per cent score. RRP $289</li> <li>Samsonite Cosmolite 3.0 — 84 per cent score. RRP $579</li> <li>Samsonite Octolite — 84 per cent score. RRP $299</li> <li>American Tourister Applite 3.0 S — 84 per cent score. $219</li> <li>Australian Luggage Co So Lite 2.0 AIR3033/18″ — 82 per cent score. RRP $160</li> <li>Flylite Quartz 20″ case — 49 per cent score. RRP $199</li> </ol>

Travel Tips

The $5 Kmart hack caravanners swear by

There is nothing quite like hitting the open road with your caravan, with endless towns to visit and sights to take in. But no matter where you travel, chances are that you are going to encounter some bumpy roads. After stocking your caravan kitchen cupboards with various tumblers and wine glasses, the last thing you want is to have them break while rolling around in your cupboards. To keep your crockery safe, caravanners recommend purchasing a $5 Kmart product before you start your trip. Caravanners can purchase non-slip matting from Kmart, which can be cut to size depending on the purpose. <img width="500" height="163" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819689/1_500x163.jpg" alt="1 (169)"/> Another option is to buy small slabs of foam and cut out mug and bowl-sized holes. And if you have any kitchen appliances, pack them in a drawer with towels to avoid any damage. When you are travelling on rocky roads, it is also guaranteed that anything that is not sealed or stored properly will make a mess. To avoid this surprise, put a rubber band around any item that can unravel or pop open, even toilet paper rolls. It is also important to make sure all cupboards and drawers are latched. To save space inside your caravan, also consider buying collapsible homewares that fold into themselves, such as collapsible washing up tubs. What is your best caravan hack? Share it in the comments below.

Travel Tips

The bleeping weird origins of the most common curse words

They’re words we hear (or even say) all the time, but did you ever stop to wonder where expletives came from and why they’re so taboo? Well, we decided it was time to find out. Here, we’re delving into the history behind some of the English language’s most controversial words. 1. Crap Starting with a fairly innocuous one, “crap” comes from the Middle Dutch word “krappe”, meaning “to cut off”. In the 15th century, however, it became a word we more commonly use to describe something that’s “nonsense” or as a slightly less flithy version of the next word. 2. Sh** This swear word dates back all the way to the 1500s, when it was mostly used to describe an “obnoxious person”. It comes from the Middle Dutch word “schiten” and the Middle English word “sh*ten” meaning – you guessed it – to defecate. It wasn’t until around the 1920s that we began using it to describe things we couldn’t care less about (e.g. “I don’t give a sh**”), and since then, it’s evolved dozens of different uses, including to describe things we don’t like, agree with or believe in (“that’s bullsh**”). 3. B*tch It’s one of the most disrespectful words ever used to describe a woman, but you might be surprised to learn b*tch is one of our oldest words, dating back to the year 1000. Originating from the Middle English word “bicche”, we all know it means “female dog”. However, it wasn’t used to describe a lewd woman until the 1800s, when it was considered even more offensive than the word “whore”. 4. The F word The origins of this profanity are a little murky, but from what we do know, it’s safe to say it’s been considered a vulgar word for centuries – its root word in Middle Dutch (meaning to copulate with someone) was banned from the dictionary when it originated. Though first seen written around 1500, the current use of the F word didn’t come about until the 1900s.

Books

Why swearing is actually good for you

If you’ve been minding your p’s and q’s your whole life, it could well be time to relax and loosen up a little. New research shows that swearing can actually be quite beneficial. In a thorough review of the subject, London author Emma Byrne’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swearing-Good-You-Amazing-Language/dp/1324000287/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516403808&sr=8-1&keywords=Swearing+Is+Good+for+You%3A+The+Amazing+Science+of+Bad+Language&tag=nypost-20" target="_blank">Swearing Is Good for You: The Amazing Science of Bad Language</a>, claims that we shouldn’t be trying so hard to hide the fact that we swear. Speaking to <a href="https://nypost.com/2018/01/20/why-you-should-totally-drop-that-f-bomb/">The New York Post</a>, Byrne says, “We spend so much time saying, ‘Oh, you mustn’t swear in front of this person,’ or ‘I hope my kids don’t swear,’ but at the same time, we all do it.” Bryne adds, “We have this odd relationship of trying to cure ourselves of something that’s obviously so beneficial.” Some of the benefits include pain relief, according to Psychologist Richard Stephens. He conducted an experiment, asking the subjects to hold their hand in ice water as long as possible, twice. In one instance they were allowed to swear, while the second time they were only allowed to say neutral words such as ‘wooden’. The swearing allegedly helped them to keep their hand in the ice longer, while also reducing their perception of pain. You can also use swearing as a way to emphasise your point and appear more commanding. According to <a href="http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/good-news/why-swearing-is-good-for-you/news-story/766f49980915cf30a77fe738df1efd30">news.com.au</a> some 1990s research found that public speakers using a well-timed “damn” were considered more persuasive. Furthermore, Byrne notes that workers who swear together succeed together, too. “Research shows that swearing can help build teams,” Byrne reveals. “From the factory floor to the operating room, scientists have shown that teams who share a vulgar lexicon tend to work more effectively together, feel closer and be more productive than those who don’t.” What is your stance on swearing? Are you for or against it? Tell us in the comments below.

Mind

Shelley Craft swears by this brilliant decluttering hack

Well-known TV host Shelley Craft has some tips to help us ring in the new year in a cleaner, tidier home. The star of shows such as Domestic Blitz and The Block shared her advice on <a href="http://nine.com.au" target="_blank">nine.com.au</a> to help us all declutter the whole house with a few simple rules. * Every time something new comes into the house, something old has to go. So, if you get a new swimsuit, give a t-shirt you don’t wear to the charity shop. Got a new lamp? It’s time to part with the coffee table you never use. This means you aren’t bringing more ‘stuff’ into your life to fill your home. * Set up boxes in each area of your home for donations. For instance, you might have one for clothes, toys, kitchenware etc. Then spend some time going through each room and filling the boxes as much as you can. * Try buying the kids or grandkids experiences rather than ‘things’. For example, a movie voucher or a day out at the zoo. It’s also much more memorable for them than just another toy. * If you find a container or jar without a lid in the kitchen, toss it out. Life is too short to hunt through a huge drawer trying to find what you need each day. Do you make an effort to declutter your space each year or season? We would love to hear your tips for getting rid of ‘stuff’ in the comments.

Home & Garden

Sofia Vergara swears by this $12.50 shampoo

Modern Family star Sofia Vergara might be one of the highest-paid women on television, but when it comes to hair care, the 44-year-old relies on one surprisingly cheap product, and chances are you’ve already got it in your bathroom. “I’ve been using Head and Shoulders shampoo and conditioner every day for 20 years!” she revealed. “It gives me gorgeous hair.” The actress currently stars in the hair care brand’s winter campaign with her 24-year-old son, Manolo. <img width="497" height="440" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/38689/image__497x440.jpg" alt="Image_ (366)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Vergara, who is surprisingly a natural blonde, also spoke about the difficulty in keeping her dyed brown locks looking so natural. “When my hair was very dark, I had to dye my roots every month – it was a lot of maintenance.” The Colombian-born star confessed she switched hair colour early on in her career after experiencing difficulty finding work as a blonde. “When I started as an actor, because of the accent and my body and my personality, it was not what the stereotype of the Latina woman in Hollywood is, so they didn't know where to put me. The blonde hair wasn't matching. The moment I put my hair dark, it was better for my work.” Tell us in the comments below, what hair products do you swear by?

Body

5 bizarre anti-ageing beauty products celebs swear by

Would you do anything in the name of beauty? What about putting bird poo on your face? These beauty products all contain animal secretions of some sort, and it seems that the industry is booming with celebs and regular folk too. Which one of these would you try? 1. Bee venom Boost your collagen production and regenerate skin cells with bee venom. Also known as ‘nature’s botox’, the venom is easily extracted from the bees and then added to creams. You can also use bee venom as a pain relief for arthritis. Who knew? 2. Pig collagen Grab yourself a facemask packed with pig collagen and enjoy tighter, firmer skin and fewer wrinkles. Pig collagen is similar to human collagen, so it encourages our bodies to produce more of it. 3. Salmon enzyme If you have sensitive skin, you’ll know that exfoliating can lead to redness and irritation. Enter salmon enzyme, which promises to remove dead skin cells but leave the living ones alone. It is thought to improve all over complexion as well as specifically targeting age spots. 4. Bird poo Not just any old bird, but specifically the droppings of the Japanese bush warbler are used to make the ‘Geisha Facial’. Used since ancient times in Japan, the face mask is making a splash all over the world and can help to reduce the signs of sun damage and acne. 5. Snail secretions Collecting the slime from garden snails in the name of beauty sounds odd, but the secretions contain common ingredients already found in many beauty products. It’s very popular in Asia as an anti-ageing product, which can be found as a serum, mask or cream. Have you tried any of these beauty products? Did you notice any benefit? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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