Have you ever walked into a home or an interior that has a feeling of effortless elegance to its very being?
It would seem that whatever this clever person has touched and styled has instantly turned into decorating gold! But don’t despair, and don’t think these results are unachievable by a mere mortal such as yourself; this beauty is merely due to the fact that this devotee to styling is equipped with the necessary tips and rules that will guarantee a medal winning performance each and every time. So I would like to share with you all my own favourite tips that will have you creating your own gold star results very soon:
• Firstly you need to have confidence that the following principle needs to apply in all cases. Less is always more, one
amazing piece carefully placed to full advantage will always look better than a collection of smaller objects.
• In decorating big is always best in my opinion. Artworks need to be oversized on walls to really command attention.
• Effortless elegance is really the result of careful sections of fabrics that will complement each other even though they are not necessarily matching. Patterns that work together will usually have a co-ordinating colour that ties the look together.
• All gold star rooms will have a key inspiration piece to draw from. Whether it is a cushion or artwork or an amazing
decorator piece that will be the focus to draw all the rest of the rooms colour choices from is irrelevant just so long as
you have one.
• A room that has had furniture carefully selected to fit the room’s proportions perfectly will always look sensational. By decorating to scale and selecting fabrics that will allow for versatility in styling over the years to come.
• Clutter is always your number one enemy to making amazing rooms and designs work. By de-cluttering your surfaces of excessive items and day to day mess allows for a new streamlined you to emerge from the chaos.
• Colour is a powerful tool in giving a room style and character. Strong colours can evoke an emotional response to your feelings instantly upon entering a space and neutral colours can be your best friend if you like to change your tastes frequently.
• I think if you are unsure or intimidated about where or how to start your own decorating then it is a great move to seek help. There is nothing more I like to do than to help someone else clarify their ideas on decorating and to help them bring these simple ideas and dreams that they might have circling in their imagination to fruition.
By Karen Creith
Home Security Advice
Everybody has the right to feel safe in their community, especially within their own home. Recently, the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) launched a national home security campaign to spread awareness
and discussion about common-sense home security practises among regular Australians. It’s simple; go online to complete the Home Security Challenge – a short, easy and anonymous survey which asks about your general
security measures.
“Nationally, household burglary is one of the most widespread crimes in Australia,” ASIAL CEO Bryan de Caires said. “We want to reduce the number of household crimes by educating householders on simple steps they can take to avoid becoming another statistic.” The Home Security Challenge is totally anonymous and doesn’t collect any personal data. Take the test at www.homesecuritychallenge. com.au and follow the links to get advice on how to improve your home’s security.
Follow these simple tips to keep your home secure:
• Lock up. Secure your garage, doors and windows.
• Don’t leave keys hidden outside the house but with a trusted friend or family member.
• Don’t advertise when you’re away from home through social media; consider the photos you share.
• Consider getting a security alarm installed.
• Make sure your external doors have solid core construction and are fitted with a deadbolt or deadlock.
Just a Short Drive…Dubbo
Looking for that city escape without leaving the comfort of the country? Dubbo has everything you need for any kind of trip – a business event, a family holiday or a romantic escape. Dubbo is known as the “City of Smiles” and has a refreshing blend of urban and rural cultures. For the history buffs, Dubbo is built on rich cultural heritage and interesting experiences are on offer for visitors and locals to explore the past.
This thriving inland city is home to more than 40,000 people, and claims to be the envy of other regional cities due to its breadth of diversity in health, education, retail and professional services, as well as a quality lifestyle, job opportunities and affordable housing. Situated opposite the picturesque Victoria Park, Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre is Dubbo’s premier event venue.
It is located in the heart of the city, just a short stroll to the central business district, restaurants, shops and the Macquarie River. The DRTCC houses the 750-seat Macquarie Auditorium which is the perfect venue for hosting business events, conferences and trade expos. The auditorium also has a retracting wall that divides the floor area of the auditorium into halves. It is framed by a foyer space which is ideal for sponsor and trade displays.
The 500-seat Joyce Schneider tiered theatre boasts modern facilities including a comprehensive, computerised sound and lighting control room, box office, acoustically designed auditorium, hydraulic orchestra pit, fly tower, dressing rooms, ‘green room’, refreshment bar and designated seating for people with disabilities.
Visit the DRTCC to enjoy a variety of shows from concerts, plays, musicals, opera, family shows, dance and comedy.
Call 6801 4378 or go online at www.drtcc.com.au for tickets and more information. When booking tickets, don’t forget to mention that you read about the shows through the Forbes Phoenix!
Another little gem you will find in the heart of Dubbo Street is The Book Connection, an independent family bookstore with over 50,000 new and used titles in stock. There are books in a diverse range of categories from Aboriginal Studies to Cooking books with a myriad of fiction and children’s books in between. If you love browsing through books you will probably need a few hours to peruse the shelves at The Book Connection. There are also many contemporary Australian titles to choose from and a range of beautiful photography collections showcasing different Australian themes.
Dubbo is built on land traditionally owned by the Tubbagah People of the Wiradjuri Nation. Ambition and spirit became the driving forces that transformed a village into a vibrant city hub. The community is bubbling with character, personality, potential and hundreds of interesting stories to tell. To celebrate and honour the past you can walk the footsteps of Dubbo’s pioneers into the city’s intriguing past. Dubbo is steeped in the history of bushrangers,
underworld figures and renowned architects which you can learn all about on the Heritage Walk, starting at the Dubbo Visitor Information Centre.
Orana Mall is Dubbo’s shopping hotspot with a massive range of stores and services. All of your favourite fashion, gaming, homeware and footwear retailers can be found here, as well as a food court full of the tastiest flavours. Orana Mall is on track to complete their $30+million redevelopment over the next few months and there are a whole bunch of new shopfronts opening during August and September. This will include Jeanswest, The Coffee Club, Factorie, Cotton On Body and Cotton On Kids.
The Western Plains Cultural Centre is an $8.2 million facility operated and managed by Dubbo City Council. Located at the site of the old Dubbo High School which closed its doors in 2000, Western Plains Cultural Centre features an art gallery, a museum, a community arts centre and a café. The Cultural Centre was the 2009 winner of the Education and Public Engagement Award and has full amenities including wheelchair access and baby changing facilities.
The Outlook Café is open from Wednesday to Monday between 8am and 5pm, and open late on Fridays for dinner; the perfect way to top off an afternoon wandering through the permanent displays at Dubbo Regional Museum or an hour of art appreciation at Dubbo Regional Gallery. There’s no better way to shop! Save with amazing specials throughout the centre. Be early… only while stocks last!
Just a short drive to…Canowindra
At this time of year, the town of Canowindra is enjoying Christmas in July, a celebration intending to mimic the northern hemisphere’s white wintery Christmases. Many events are organised as part of the celebrations including
the Christmas in July Window Competition which inspires local businesses to get into the spirit of Christmas by decorating their shop windows.
The old Hardware Shop on Gaskill Street has become a showcase for elaborate window displays that change regularly to reflect either the time of year or a special celebration. The windows are a project of Tommy Jeffs’ from Deli Lama across the road and have become an attraction for visitors to the town. Stop in for a coffee and admire the display from across the street.
Canowindra is a historic village nestled among the rolling hills and spectacular landscapes of Cabonne. The town has a reputation of being a friendly and inviting community with warm and helpful locals. The quirky, curvy main street of Canowindra is lined with heritage listed buildings adding to a strong tourism culture built around history, art, food and of course wine. Canowindra is also Australia’s premier balloon flying region– the ultimate way to get a spectacular view of the flawless landscape.
The town boasts a thriving restaurant and café culture as well as several incredible vineyards producing some of the best wines in the region. It’s been five years since Jackie and Geoff Yeo restored the iconic building in Canowindra known to locals as “Finns Store”. Together they transformed the desolate, silent shop into a vibrant centre of social activity. The mix of coffee, food, clothing, jewellery, and furniture gives the shop a sense of old world
charm merged with modern expectations.
To complement the wonderful food served and the functions being held, the store has recently become fully licensed! Customers have an amazing choice of local and imported beers and local wines. Since it opened, Finns Store has gained the reputation of being one of the regions must visit experiences. Geoff and Jackie believe that the central location of the store gives people an opportunity to make an escape for the day to a venue and town that feels like another world, without needing to travel long distances.
Finns Store is a venue where locals can mix with visitors; a venue that promotes wonderful wines, food and art; a venue that has an array of clothing, jewellery and furniture; truly a ‘licensed cafe emporium’ which can make you feel you have entered another world.
Check out the Age of Fishes Museum to discover the 360 million year old history of this land.
Education Week 2015
Schools Celebrate Local Heroes
Between Monday 27 and Friday 31 July, Education Week is a major event on the NSW public schools calendar and this year the theme is ‘Celebrating Local Heroes’. During Education Week, schools and learning facilities across the state organise and take part in a range of activities including performances, exhibitions, competitions and sports events.
“Education Week is a time to celebrate the achievements and successes of our students, teachers and support staff across all NSW public schools,” says NSW Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli. Several special events have been planned in conjunction with Education Week to highlight the quality programs available at Forbes North Public School.
Forbes North are inviting all parents, carers and family members to visit the classrooms on Tuesday 28 July to see first-hand the quality learning undertaken each and every day. Classrooms will be open from 11:50am until
12:30pm. Afterwards, a special Education Week assembly will be held in the school hall which will include performances by the school choir and the presentation of Bronze I-Con Certificates to the children who have
earned these this year.
Everyone is then invited to enjoy a community sausage sizzle lunch prepared by staff from Forbes North’s Community Business Partners Ray White Rural. Traditional Education Week church services will be held on Wednesday at Northside Chapel and on Thursday there will be a disco in the school hall for Forbes North students from 5pm to 6:30pm.
Also as part of the Education Week activities, students from Forbes High School’s Creative and Performing Arts classes will visit Forbes North on Friday July 31 to present a concert to all students from K-6. At Forbes Public School, students learn in a stimulating and challenging environment with a 21st century approach to schooling.
To celebrate Education Week, the school has organised many activities including an Open Day at Forbes Public School on Monday July 27 between 10:15 and 11am, as well as a Book Fair in the school library from 8:30am to 3:30pm. A community morning tea will be served in the nature area from 11am to 11:30am.
The Forbes Preschool Kindergarten welcome everyone for their individuality, for their ideas and their contributions, believing that for children, Preschool is about fun, love, laughter, friends, learning, exploring and excitement. Every child deserves a beautiful start to a life of education and the staff at Forbes Preschool are proud of what they do showing pride in their roles. For parents and families the Preschool is a comfortable place that they can visit anytime and feel a sense of belonging and pride. They offer a range of resources including traditional, symbolic and
sensory play.
Health Smart
Diabetes: the feet come first
People with diabetes risk serious and disabling foot complications and even amputation. Diabetes can affect the feet in two ways:
1. The nerves which enable you to feel pain, temperature extremes and give early warning of possible trauma are damaged.
2. The blood supply to the feet is diminished due to damage to the blood vessels.
Under these circumstances, even a minor foot problem of little significance to other people can be hazardous to people with diabetes. It is recommended that people with diabetes should be assessed by a podiatrist who will advise a commonsense daily care routine to reduce the risk of injuries and complications.
Discuss your mobility and footcare problems with your podiatrist, who can advise which service or professional support is most appropriate to your needs.
Talk with your doctor about a Medicare referral and take notice of these foot-health tips:
ENCOURAGE good blood circulation by regular walking and wearing good walking shoes.
CHOOSE footwear which is appropriate for your activity and make sure to have your feet measured properly by a trained fitter.
CHECK your shoes regularly for excess wear on the outside and any rough spots on the inner lining.
WASH your feet daily in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, and then dry thoroughly with a gentle blotting action.
USE a moisturiser to stop heels cracking and to help keep the skin supple.
When you need help with psychological expertise
Dr Jaimie Cox has worked as a Consulting Psychologist in Parkes for more than 10 years in private practice. He has also had an academic career in both psychological research and university teaching. Jaimie’s expertise extends to medico-legal work for clients who require psychological reports to be presented on their behalf at local courts.
He has expertise regarding accurate diagnosis and treatment of:
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
• Depression and difficulties with mood/motivation; anxiety disorders;
• Stress management;
• Loss and grief;
• Phobias and fears (including social and specific);
• Behavioural health management (eating disorders, substance abuse);
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children;
• Students suffering performance anxiety prior to exam periods (eg HSC).
For an appointment, phone 6863 5013.
Curves: supportive & caring
Curves is a facility especially designed for women and features weight loss, exercise and motivation all in the one place. It’s fast, fun fitness. The combination of our Curves Complete online weight-management program (real food, ladies!), a personal coach to keep you motivated and accountable, and our 30-minute cardio and strength-training workouts at a time to suit you is hard to beat. We also have Zumba classes and body-basics circuits that
target arms, legs, core muscles, balance and, of course, stretching to improve flexibility.
Women are busy and have many responsibilities, so a half-hour workout is perfect. It targets every major muscle group and meets the medical recommendation that we elevate the heart rate and maintain the elevation for 20 minutes three times a week. Hydraulic equipment is safe (no weight stacks) and effective. It is appropriate for all levels of fitness, from beginner to elite athlete. Older people lose lean muscle mass due to inactivity and are often afraid of workout injuries.
With the Curves workout they can enjoy the benefits of strength training without the fear of injury. Shaping up for summer starts now in winter, so it’s a great time to make a start and have the new you ready to wow everyone!
You won’t just look better, you’ll feel better with more confidence and energy. And that’s a real bonus. Join Curves today and enjoy a community of ladies who are supportive and caring.
Beat that cold by strengthening immune system
It’s that time of year when most people are affected by coughs, colds and viruses. Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are some ways of combating it. Strengthening your immune system by taking Vitamin C, Echinacea or an immune booster such as Immune Defence is a great way to help boost your immunity during the winter months.
There is also a wide range of products to help relieve the symptoms of colds and flu and the friendly, experienced teams at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies can help you with advice and products to suit your individual needs, whether it be for a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, chesty or dry cough, headache or aches and pains.
Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies also have a range of humidifiers and vaporisers to help your child get a good night’s sleep when they have a cold.
The MedeScan Rainbow Mist Humidifier is a cold-steam humidifier which doesn’t leave a wet residue on walls and is completely safe for children. So if you do catch a cold or the flu, call in to your local pharmacy and get some professional advice and products to help relieve your symptoms.
Seasonal Hair and Skin Care
At Hair with Style, they believe all their clients deserve the best. They are passionate about the most current styles to suit each client’s needs. Due to this passion for hair, Hair with Style owner Cindy Herbert was one of five hair stylists from across Australia to be invited by hair products company TIGI to be part of their global promotional video and travel to the United States for the TIGI World Release 2015. Over the past six months Hair with Style staff travelled across the country to achieve this goal.
Apprentice Blake Weekes was invited to work at this year’s Sydney Fashion Week, a huge honour for anyone working in the industry. The staff also attended numerous cutting, colouring and up styling courses throughout the year which allows them to give their clients the best styles and service available.
At Blush Organic Beauty, the new moto “your skin, your body, our passion” is a testimony to their philosophies of customer service and beauty practises. They are extremely passionate about reducing the chemical load on your skin and want to help everybody learn about the importance of chemical free products and reducing your chemical environment and in turn, the stress it takes on your body. “Research has shown that what we put on our skin, our hair and our bodies, the food we choose to eat, our toothpaste and many other products have a direct impact on our health and quality of life.” The staff at Blush will provide you with advice, guidance and quality treatments from knowledgeable beauty therapists using certified natural products for your skin and body, inside and out. They do a range of body and skin treatments as well as eye care, spray tans, make-up and hair removal. Call in and see Melissa or Bianca at Blush on Rankin Street today for advice on all your beauty needs.
Home Decor Heaven
Funky art prints, chic and stylish furniture, earthy candles and unique home décor so stunning you have to see it to believe it. Painted Daisies Gift Shoppe is the place to go in Forbes for that perfect present or unique knick-knack for your home. “I have put my own stamp on the business as you have to go with the trend and what the customers want so I keep the basic lines and a variety of other beautiful things in store to keep all my customers happy,” said
Janet from Painted Daises. Janet has recently gone into framing, an asset to the business as quality framing like this isn’t on offer anywhere else in Forbes. Janet offers custom made framing with plenty of different coloured mats to choose from. Janet does framing for any occasion and can offer any name in a frame. “We can do what you like with many different styles of framing for everybody.”
Staying Warm Doesn’t Mean Losing Your Style
The cold season is dragging its’ feet but that doesn’t mean that style has to fall by the wayside in favour of warm track-pants and bulky jackets. This year every colour is in season with fashionistas pulling out all the
stops and going for “brights” this winter. Textured pieces are all the rage right now with fur, wool, leather and prints becoming a more popular style. Long chunky cardigans are also in fashion for the chilly months with merino knits, scarves and big accessories all a part of the layering trends. Layering jewellery is also a popular fashion statement
in 2015.
Forbes has a wide range of fantastic fashion outlets where you can fulfill all your winter wardrobe desires. At Little Extras Lifestyle you will find everything you need to keep your look fresh and funky through winter. Leigh took over the store 3 years ago and has been a dedicated fashion retailer to the Forbes community ever since. “There was not much to change in the store but I have started to incorporate a few new brands and did a little restructuring as I like to keep things new and exciting,” said Leigh. “At Little Extras, we like to keep things affordable as our best interest is our customers. Customer service is my number 1 priority.” Little Extras have everything when it comes to fashion, including stylish footwear, jewellery, handbags and accessories in all the latest trends. When you walk into the store you will be greeted with a smile and a helping hand from the girls, which is what people in Forbes love about stopping in at Little Extras.
Get down to 1 Templar St to find something you love to add to your wardrobe. Ladybird Boutique is a one stop shop for all 3 generations ranging from teenager through to her grandmother, located at 61 Rankin Street stocking all the latest fashions for women. Ladybird is a country boutique with a 42 year business reputation. Here you will find beautiful items to finish off your winter wardrobe.
Some simple steps for when the mercury drops
When the temperatures outside drop, the inside of your house can feel cold, stark and empty, especially after a long day at work. Bring warmth and style back into your home this winter with these cosy home décor suggestions:
Add texture: Use blankets, cushions and throws in cheerful colours and daring patterns to brighten the atmosphere of a dreary room. Transform your entire bedroom’s atmosphere from dull den into a stylish haven
of sleep by layering textured bedding, velvet pillows, knitted blankets and embroidered details. Put down a fluffy floor rug over bare tiles or floorboards, adding warmth and texture underneath your feet — a great way to
keep some heat in and brighten a room for winter. The classic sheepskin rug is another great way to add a textured element to any room, as well as adding more of that much needed warmth.
Maximise your natural light: Use whatever natural light you have available to your advantage by using mirrors on blank walls, above the fireplace or opposite windows. By reflecting natural light the space in your home will be extended. Using mirrors with bold or textured frames can add a nice dramatic effect.
Layer up: Increase the cosiness of a room with layers. Using simple slip covers to cover your dining chairs can add warmth and style to any neutral dining room. Get covers that are easy to take off and put through the washing machine. Block the chilly window drafts with thick drapes in a solid colour which can flatter patterned shades.
Get colourful: Mix it up with a collection of unique and stylish cushions and pillows that accent the existing décor of the room. Pick a colour scheme and complement it with cushion covers flaunting patterns and a thoughtful
variety of hues.
Residents of Forbes and district are lucky to have access to a wide range of excellent and competitive suppliers of home and garden products.
C&D Floorcoverings is a local business which opened its doors in February 2009 at 32 Templar Street. Since then they have grown at an incredible rate which led them moving into newly built premises now at 64 Templar Street in 2012. As a result, they now have a huge range of carpets, including the new Godfrey Hirst Luxury products. Also
available are vinyls, laminate floating floors, bamboo and blinds. With the move they also added ceramic tiles to their range. C&D Floorcoverings prides itself on the fact that those who sell the product are also involved in the
installation, thus providing customers with continuity throughout the whole process. Offering a free measure and quote service, Clint and Darren can install the product and believe that providing quality product with top service is essential.
Parkes Brick, Paver and Tile Supplies are an expanding, family-owned business located in Parkes, supplying bricks, concrete blocks, paving and landscape products. They are experts in cross-referencing different bricks from different suppliers so the closest match to existing bricks is possible. Give them a call on 6862 2253 or visit them at 94-98 Forbes Road, Parkes.
Outback Soils is a locally owned business servicing the Forbes area with ready-mix concrete, landscaping supplies, excavator, bobcat & plant hire. They stock a huge range at competitive prices and supply domestic
and commercial and industrial quantities, so come and visit Tim Wood and the friendly team at Outback Soils today to see the range.
Highlands Design was established in 1994 and has been been responsible for providing outstanding building design ever since. Their specialties are in the areas of residential and commercial design, from their base at 87 Lachlan Street, Forbes. Director Mark Watts has more than 30 years experience in design and drafting, including more than 26 years in computer-aided design.
A1 Mobile’s Richard McMurray provides a range of comprehensive air-conditioning services for cars, agricultural machinery and homes. Phone 6851 4154 or 0428 172 425.
Picton Bros Panelspan showroom in Dubbo will offer all the advice you need for building patios, decks, carports, verandahs, room additions, wall cladding and much more. They have exceptional building experience at their
fingertips. Phone 6884 9620 or visit their Dubbo showroom at 183 Talbragar Street.
Hozpots Garden Centre, located at 42 Parkes Road, Forbes, has a massive gift shop that stocks furniture, cushions, table settings, lanterns, photo frames, mirrors, clocks, soft furnishings, lamps and more. They stock an extensive range of concrete garden products, as well as seedlings and plants for any type of
garden.