Special Interests Archives - Page 107 of 121

Fun, Free & Funky Ideas To Celebrate Mum

May 4, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Every Mum is different but special in her own way, and they all deserve to be spoiled and celebrated on Mother’s Day! Here are some fun, free or funky ideas that will help you honour and thank your Mum for her unconditional love and support.

1. Ask for her to-do list, and take something big off
Mum has things that she really wants done and keeps putting off. Take a weight off her shoulders and just do it.

2. Find an old friend of your mum’s and reconnect them
Help her find long-lost friends through Google, social networks or other services.

3. Host a gathering at your house

Host a brunch, lunch or dinner celebration in honour of Mum.

4. Go through old albums

Reminiscing for a few hours will bring back people we love, laugh out loud moments and even bring new insight into your cur- rent life.

5. Make her a new album

In an age of Facebook and Instagram, printed photos have become special. Make a personalised photo book that Mum will love looking through over and over again.

6. Get her your favourite book

Think of a book you love or one that has made an impact in your life. Write Mum a short note inside the book telling her why you think she’ll love this book too.

7. Give her a clean house

Whether you do it yourself, bribe her grand- kids to do it, or get a professional cleaning

service.

8. Have a movie marathon

Get a stack of chick flick classics, add popcorn, wine, blankets and a cozy couch for a girls night in.

9. Write her a letter

There’s nothing like a handwritten letter. Acknowledge your Mum for who she is and the contribution she has made in your life.

10. Make her a video

A video greeting for Mums who aren’t nearby, makes her feel like you are right there with her.

11. Learn a craft together

Knitting, scrapbooking, jewellery making, find out what Mum would want to learn. You might find a new hobby you can continue together for years to come.

12. Make her something yourself

There are a tonne of DIY ideas on Pinterest with instructions.

13. Give the gift of time

If you want to help younger Mums cele- brate Mother’s Day, they all want the gift of a little bit of relaxation, and a little time for themselves.

14. Give a gift that arrives more than once
A subscription keeps on giving! Whether it’s a magazine, a fresh food box, a wine club, whatever tickles Mum’s fancy – she’ll think of you every time her surprise comes in the mail.

Make Your Bathroom Dream A Reality With Glassplace

May 4, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Are you building a new home, or updating your forever home or investment property? Glassplace will help make your bathroom look lavish and inviting.

In many modern bathrooms, the shower is the centrepiece. A good shower screen needs to be durable, watertight and fit the style of your bathroom.

The economical Envy Fully Framed shower screen is a first choice for rental properties, and bathrooms that need to take a little extra loving… especially from little people.

In the middle of the market, the best selling Envy Semi Frameless, is just that little more elegant. The Envy Semi Frameless will add a special touch to a well used room in your home.

Looking to have a frameless screen in your open plan bathroom? Glassplace can fit an Expanse walk in shower to your bathroom. Size and shape are all custom de- signed to fit your wishes. They can even help with glass shelving to add an elegant yet practical touch.

Looking to update your old mirror, or add one to a new bathroom? There are so many different styles on display in the showroom. Pop in to Glassplace and let them help you make your bathroom dream a reality today!

Tips To Survive Winter On A Budget

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

After such a hot summer it is hard to imagine feeling cold again, but as the weather starts to change, you will start feeling the chill of winter.

Here are seven tips to keep you warm this winter, without blowing your budget on heating bills.

1. BE STRATEGIC ABOUT WINDOWS AND CURTAINS
What time of day does the sun shine through your windows? When it does, open your curtains to soak up the heat. Once the sun’s gone, close them up to keep out the winter chill.

2. BECOME AN EXPERT ON YOUR HEATER
If you have heaters installed at your place, make sure they’re working correctly and that nothing is sitting in front of or on top of them. If you’re renting and the installed heaters aren’t working, remember that your landlord has a responsibility to make sure that they are. You should also find out if you have a gas or electric heater and then check if you’re getting a good deal from your energy supplier. The Australian Energy Regulator has some great online tools to help you com- pare the prices of different energy offers. If you plan on buying a heater, do some research.

3. SHUT UP UNUSED ROOMS

Keep the heat where you need it most by always shutting the doors on any rooms you’re not using, especially when you have the heater running.

4. GET DOOR DRAUGHT BLOCKERS

Cold air often creeps in underneath doors. Snake draught stoppers are a budget way of keeping out a lot of cold air. You can even make one yourself.

5. STAY WARM WHILE YOU SIT

You’re most likely to want to turn the heater up when you’re sitting still because your body temperature will naturally start to drop. Use a hot water bottle, blanket or beanie baby to prevent being tempted to turn the heater on while you’re lounging around.

6. COVER BARE FLOORS

Place rugs and mats on top of any bare floors to stop chill from rising.

7. SHOP SMART FOR WINTER CLOTHES
Don’t waste your budget – always read the labels when you shop for winter clothes. Avoid cotton and look for polyester (es- pecially polyester polar fleece), wool and things with down filling. Nylon is particular- ly good for windproof outer layers. There’s also no harm in getting some thermal un- derwear, for those extra chilly days.

Stay warm this winter and remember… there’s always an Aussie Summer waiting around the corner!

(Source: insiderguides.com.au)

Adults Shirk Fruit And Veggies Too

April 20, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Australia’s largest ever fruit and vegetable survey has found that four out of five Australian adults are not eating enough fruit and vegetables in order to meet the Aus- tralian Dietary Guidelines.

The Fruit, Vegetables and Diet Score Report released recently, found one in two (51 per cent) adults are not eating the rec- ommended intake of fruit, while two out of three adults (66 per cent) are not eating enough vegetables.

The report, produced by the CSIRO and commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia, compiled the dietary habits of adults across Australia over an 18-month period.

With 145,975 participants nationwide, the survey was the largest of its kind ever conducted in Australia.

The overwhelming message is that most Australians are not as healthy as they think, and need to eat higher quantities and a greater variety of fruit and vegetables every day to meet the minimum Australian benchmark.

To help meet the benchmark, CSIRO sug- gests adults eat at least three serves of dif- ferent vegetables every dinner time.

One of the key findings in the research is that a focus on variety could be the solution to boosting consumption.

People across Australia, in all occupa- tions and weight ranges, were invited to participate in the online survey between May 2015 and October 2016.

Women reported slightly better fruit and vegetable consumption with 24 per cent meeting both guidelines, compared with only 15 per cent of men surveyed.

When comparing the figures by occupation, construction workers and those in the science and programming sector recorded the poorest fruit and vegetable eating habits.

On the other hand, retirees and health industry workers were more likely to meet the recommended dietary guidelines.

To find out how your diet stacks up and if you’re eating enough fruit and vegetables, take a few minutes to complete the CSIRO Healthy Diet Score survey – a free online questionnaire which evaluates diet quality and identifies individual areas of improve- ment, as well as providing a personal diet score out of 100.

To take the free CSIRO Healthy Diet Score please visit www.csirodietscore. com

New Honey Bee Research Centre To Create A Buzz

April 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

A new Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) led by The University of Western Australia (UWA) will provide a much-needed boost to Australia’s valuable, but largely untapped honey bee products, by bringing together both industry and academic expertise from across Australia.

Dr Liz Barbour, from UWA’s Office of Research Enterprise, said the CRC for Honey Bee Products would resolve current industry problems that limited the value and expansion of the industry. Products include honey, beeswax, pollen, royal jelly, venom and honey bee export.

“At present, honey bee product value is estimated at $125 million,” Dr Barbour said. “What is often overlooked is that 44 of our food crops wholly or in part rely on honey bee pollination which adds an additional farm gate value of $6.5 billion. With the new Australian focus of fine food export, healthy bees are an essential ingredient for success.”

“Australia, especially Western Australia, has one of the healthiest honey bee populations in the world so no antibiotics or chemicals from bee husbandry contaminate the products. Whilst Australia is surrounded by bee diseases, through our quarantine ef- forts, the worst (including the sucking mite, Varroa) have not yet reached our shores.”

Bee disease is a big threat to Australia’s agricultural production.

April 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

More than 60 guests were at the Parkes Services Club last Thursday to toast the success of Quality Wool’s recent charity wool auction for Ronald McDonald House Westmead. The auction raised $77,000 to assist seriously ill children and their families.

Quality Wool’s New South Wales Opera- tions Manager Chris Scott said the compa- ny was thrilled with the result and thanked all growers who donated wool for the auction from the Riverina to the Central and Western regions.

“Our wool drive for Ronald McDonald House Westmead was again well support- ed and with the delayed auction timing this year, it was great to see a number of new growers donating wool,’’ Chris said.

“We had donations from our stores in Parkes, Orange, Wagga Wagga and Condobolin, as well as from near Oberon, Dubbo, Gilgandra and Coonamble, and down to Grenfell and Young.’’

Buoyed by a flourishing wool market and a delay in the sale fixture this year that helped increase growers’ wool donations for the auction to some 14,000 kilograms (93 bales), this year’s total of $77,000 easily eclipsed last year’s figure of just over $55,000.

Quality Wool visited farms to pick up do- nated wool and clean out sheds for grow- ers, and it pressed and auctioned the wool free of charge. The Australian Wool Testing Authority also tested the wool for free, ensuring all proceeds would go to Ronald McDonald House Westmead.

In its fifth year, the charity wool auctions have raised over $225,000 for the home away from home that supports families with seriously ill children attending The Children’s Hospital Westmead.

https://www.forbesphoenix.com.au/5441-2/

Time To Bring Out The Quilts

April 6, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

We all want our home to be a haven, a place of rest and comfort, an escape from the world.

1. Refresh your decor

Autumn colours are traditionally fiery, earthy, golden and natural. It’s easy to add pops of colour and texture without having to redo rooms from top to bottom.

2. Keep it simple

Clear away items that are jarring or clutter- ing, leaving only the things that work harmo- niously together. Removing a window cov- ering will maximise light in winter, and make your room appear less busy.

3. Make a sanctuary

Find your perfect place to escape from the bustle and clamour of everyday. Make it an autumn goal to get more sleep!

4. Bring out the quilts

Quilts keep you neither too warm nor too cold. Give them an airing, perhaps a wash with a sensitive laundry detergent on a deli- cate cycle and drying in a shady place.

5. Update your menu

As the nights get colder, salads lose their summery appeal. Fill your kitchen with the rich aroma of a slow-cooked stew or soup – it will be nourishing in more ways than one. Keep fresh vegies and herbs close by so that you’re not tempted to turn to junk food as the weather cools.

6. Plan family time

We all know how important it is to turn off electronic devices and sit down for meals as

a family. Think about moving the television away from the dining area.

Set up your backyard (or family room) as a mini cinema. If it’s a little chilly, hand out some blankets and snuggle up for a night of outdoor cosiness.

7. Light candles

Scented candles in aromatic fragrances like cinnamon, sugar cookie or chai will improve your mood and will fill your home with delicious seasonal spice.

Lighting a candle while bathing will en- hance your sense of calmness and ability to relax and regroup.

8. Install a fire pit

With styles to suit every space, fire pits are fast becoming an integral part of Australian entertaining outside in the cooler months.

9. Plant a tree

Consider planting your own deciduous tree so you can appreciate this autumn delight firsthand. Maples (Acer) are popular and grow well from Sydney to Perth. There is a huge range of leaf shapes and colours, making them a stunning addition to any garden.

10. Clean up outside

If summer has seen an accumulation of kids’ bikes, pool toys, deck chairs and wilt- ed pot plants, now is the time to clean up. Falling autumn leaves look great, use them to spread leaf piles over garden beds and in your compost.

(Source: houzz.com.au)

What Makes Western Red Cedar Attractive For Your Timber Windows And Doors?

April 6, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Western Red Cedar is a popular and durable timber that is sought after due to its beauty and durability.

It is a timber that remains stable under most weather conditions and is not prone to shrinking or swelling. This means it holds its shape and ensures longevity despite exposure to cold, heat, rain and other environmental factors.

As a low-density timber that offers very good thermal insulation, it helps with heating and cooling efficiency, reducing electricity costs and making a home more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Its versatility enables it to be used for both internal and external applications.

Western Red Cedar is visually beautiful with rich and inviting colours.

It has a fine texture and straight grain with growth rings often visible. The durable yet soft properties let the material take very well to being stained and polished.

Furthermore Western Red Cedar’s natural preservatives provide resistance to fungus and insects. The wood is protected against termites, woodborers and fungus that can dramatically affect alternative timber options.

Western Red Cedar is a stylish and practical material option with natural appeal, superior structural performance and elemental protection.

For more information about Western Red Cedar, phone Glassplace on 6862 2346 or visit the showroom at 4 Clarke St Parkes to see the Western Red Cedar on display.

Aussie Women Put Foundation Before Friends

March 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Many Australian women would ditch their friends or risk their credit rating rather than go make-up free, according to new research. The research commissioned by leading online Australian beauty and haircare retailer RY.com.au, reveals the extremes to which Aussie women will go in the name of beauty.

It found 46 per cent of respondents would rather cancel a dinner with friends or scrimp on the weekly food shop if they needed the money to replace their foundation.

An even more hardcore bunch, 12 per cent of those surveyed, were prepared to borrow money, skip paying a phone bill or even overdraw their bank account rather than be forced to go foundation free.

RY.com.au co-founder James Patten said the research uncovered the extent of Australian women’s love affair with their beauty products.

“It has echoes of the so-called lipstick effect, which suggests that consumers will still buy luxury goods even when facing a crisis,” he said.

RY.com.au’s research also provides clues as to which age-groups are more likely to indulge in this make-up mania, with women aged under 35 leading the pack on how much they spend each month on skin, hair and beauty treatments.

A quarter of women aged under 35 spend more than $150 a month on treatments compared to just seven per cent of those aged over 55. The younger demographic was almost twice as likely to splurge on beauty products when they felt down or stressed.

And it was the youngest women surveyed who are reaching for top shelf items; with women aged under 25 the most likely to buy top-of-the-range expensive products, perhaps overdrawing their bank accounts in the process.

School Scoop

March 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Bedgerabong Swimmers To Sydney

Bedgerabong students Ryan Pritchett, George Matthews, Annabelle Hain and Patrick Bird took part in the Western Region swimming trials. They came third in the Peter Dobson relay for small schools, and will be competing

at the PSSA State Swimming Carnival early April. Ryan Pritchett, with a first place in the 13 years boys freestyle, will be competing in two events in Sydney.

Forbes North Swimming

Forbes North Public School sent 24 students to Condobolin for the district swimming carnival. We had to be at Forbes Public School bus stop at 7am so we could catch the bus at 7:15am.

On the bus people were very excited. It took us an hour to get there. When we got there we got to get in the pool for our warm up lap. After a set time the racers got called and the pool got cleared. There were all different styles from freestyle to butterfly.

Sadly there were many disqualifications. Most of them were in butterfly and breast- stroke. In breaststroke you can get disquali- fied if your hands or feet break the water. You can also get disqualified if your hands go to far back or if your hands go down. Fortunately we had two successful students who made it to the third level. They were Annaliese and Jakiel. Annaliese made it for 50m butterfly and Jakiel for 50m freestyle. They went to Dubbo for the third round on Friday, 10th of March.

By Lauren House (Year 6)

Red Bend Blingo

The new phenomenon of Blingo will arrive in Forbes soon with the Red Bend Catholic College inviting parents and friends to come dressed to the nines in glamorous over the top evening wear and far too much jewellery.

A prize will be offered for the King and Queen of Bling for those who dare to dress up for the event at the Forbes Services Memorial Club on Friday, 31st March with 20 bingo games on offer.

The first game will start at 7.30pm, doors will open at 7pm. The renowned Molly Neilsen will be the experienced caller and director of proceedings. Cost will be $20 for 20 bingo games. Extra bingo games can be purchased. Prizes include $25 Why Leave Town vouchers, and raffle tickets will be available at the door at $2 each or three for $5. Players must be present to collect either a pamper basket of Jamberry products or a barbeque hamper.

During intermission, the walk up air-guitar competition has an iTunes voucher as prize.

Movement and Play at Forbes Preschool

With the support of an occupational therapist and speech therapist the Forbes Preschool developed a program to support children in all areas of development through movement and play. Children learn how to regulate their bodies, an essential skill for when they play and learn. This term the focus is on core stability and breathing. Good core muscles is vital to sit and attend! Pictured are Cael Ryan and Alice Davies using their core muscles and taking deep breaths to blow lots of bubbles.

St Laurence’s News

St Laurence’s Parish School community celebrated Catholic Schools Week in early March starting with a well-attended community barbeque breakfast on Monday.

The school community came together for the Mass on Wednesday to give thanks for the parish school and also reflect on this year’s theme: Catholic Schools: Great Learning, Great Communities.

A significant event at the conclusion of the week was the annual school fete on Friday evening. While this annual event is a significant P&F fundraiser for the school it is also a fantastic gathering and community building opportunity.

Last Monday St Laurence’s hosted the World’s Greatest Shave. At an emotional assembly the school community witnessed the actions of three very special and most giving people. Scarlett Garland, Tom Mas- lin and Graeme Uphill demonstrated what it is to be completely selfless for the benefit and well-being of others in honour of an- other special little girl, Ava Garland and her beautiful family.

The tremendous trio raised in excess of $13,000 for the Leukemia Foundation in support of research and families.

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