With the cooler months approaching, the desire to create cosy sanctuaries within our home grows stronger.
Superfresco Easy understands this sentiment and offers a diverse array of wallpaper designs capturing the essence of these cooler seasons, enabling homeowners to infuse their home with warmth, comfort, and a fresh new ambience for the winter season.
“The patterns and colours of wallpaper play a crucial role in shaping the ambiance of a room, infusing walls with interest and setting the mood. This autumn and winter we anticipate a fusion of diverse trends in wallpaper design. We’ll see inspiration from
the rich warm hues of autumn tones as well as the serene tranquillity of a more neutral colour palette emerging. Vibrant hues that evoke joy will also dominate, filling spaces with warmth and vitality,” noted Paula Taylor, Trends and Design Expert for Superfresco Easy.
Here’s some of the latest wallpaper designs that reflect the upcoming trends.
Inspired by nature
To create a stylish autumn atmosphere, explore realistic wallpapers that replicate the warmth of wood or the rugged charm of bricks.
“Anything with natural elements – wood, marble, and
rattan will give a great tactile feel,” Taylor said.
The Superfresco Easy Natural Wood Clad Wallpaper (RRP $84.95) effortlessly brings
“WE ANTICIPATE A FUSION OF DIVERSE TRENDS IN WALLPAPER DESIGN”
the texture of natural timber panelling into your living space. Its down-to-earth tones and raw inspiration from the great outdoors combine with caramel,
cream and variations of brown to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Embrace texture
“Winter is the perfect time to indulge your senses with tactile textures, and your walls are no exception,” she said.
“Earthy tones like terracotta and soft brown are increasingly sought after, mirroring the natural hues of autumn and winter. With 2024 seeing the return of the feature wall, the Superfresco Easy Rouge Industry wallpaper (RRP $85.75) emerges as a smart choice. With its industrial-inspired red brick design lending a striking visual, it effortlessly becomes the focal point of any room. Add softness by introducing layers of textures such as a shag pile rug, cushions or a gorgeous throw.
Winter bliss in white
With all the bold design and colourful trends dominating 2024, the timeless appeal of white has made a remarkable comeback, offering an effortless fusion of complementary styles that resonate particularly well during the winter season.
Classic sophistication
Natural woven fibres infuse warmth, character, and a sense of craftsmanship into your living space that transcends the season. They complement other popular natural materials like marble, timber, and terracotta beautifully.
“The Superfresco Easy Calico Grey wallpaper (RRP $94.05) boasts soothing hues and subtle texture, fostering a serene atmosphere and offering versatility for homeowners to effortlessly style furnishings to suit,” Taylor said. Superfresco Easy is available at Bunnings Warehouse. for more information, visit www.superfrescoeasy.com.au.
$1,950,000
What’s so great about this property?
Quality steel frame home situated in a high position with wrap around verandahs. Upon entry you will be captivated by the commanding bespoke entrance, leading into a welcoming foyer with formal lounge and dining rooms fitted with regal timber archways, soaring high ceilings, decorative cornices and ceiling roses, spotted gum timber floors and period piece open gas fireplace. Spacious main open plan living and dining with downlights and large bay windows, and a rustic inspired country kitchen housing quality timber cabinetry,
upscale appliances and island bench with extra storage. Four generous sized bedrooms which capture beautiful garden views and the master has his and hers walk-in robe with lavish ensuite.
Who does this property suit? Families looking to expand in the beautiful rolling hills of Kurrajong.
Tell us about the suburb the property is in?
The property is only eight minutes (approx.) from Kurrajong Village and Kurrajong Primary School, perfect for a growing family.
This is your last oppor tunit y to secure a luxur y apar tment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the hear t of the Oran Park community.
Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apar tment features ample floor space, sophisticated styl e and the finest finishes
Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction , the residence is completed to a high standard with:
• Miele oven, gas cook top, rangehood, buil t-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece
• Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedroom s
• Ground floor entr y, two levels of secure parking and a communal roof top with barbeque faciliti es
an you believe we’re at the end of May? In a few short weeks we’ll be officially half way through the year, and at the conclusion of the financial year. I always believe this is the perfect time to take a moment and reflect on your financial situation, and potential savings you could make.
It’s often the time of year things go up as well – so it’s always good to take those potential increases in, budget for them – or decide to drop whatever it is, if that’s possible.
It probably sounds daunting to do a full financial review, but it can actually be a bit of fun – and while a clear head is encouraged, it’s the type of thing you can do over a glass of wine one night once the kids are tucked away in bed.
Go through your credit card or
bank statement for the past few months, and have a look at what is costing you money on a regular basis.
Did you forget about that Paramount subscription you bought for one single show? How many times did you actually go to the gym?
Then have a look at your necessities and see if you can get a better deal.
Run your info through a few health insurance providers – could you be getting a better deal, or is there an option to switch for a reward and waive the waiting periods?
Could you switch phone or Internet providers?
And of course, the big one is your home loan. How long has it been since you reviewed your interest rate?
When was the last time you asked your bank for a better deal?
Or spoke to a broker, to see what opportunities may be there?
Reserve some time in your diary and book yourself in for a mid-year financial review. You will come out of it with savings – there’s no doubt!
See you next week.
Google Photos is a cloud-based service allowing users to store, share, and edit photos and videos. It’s a versatile platform pre-installed on most Android phones and works across other platforms, including Apple. From May 15, all the advanced editing tools previously exclusive to Google Pixel phones were made available to all Google Photos users, regardless of the platform they use. These tools include.
Magic Editor – This tool is fantastic. It allows you to reposition objects in a photo. You can lift one person in a photo and reposition them next to another. Likewise, you can remove any photo bombers. Photos automatically using AI generate the background behind where the person initially was. Magic Editor can also change the background or enhance the sky in pictures. It can change a grey cloudy day to a bright blue sky.
Photo Unblur – You no longer need to discard
blurred photos. Unblur using AI will sharpen the photos. So next time you have the perfect photo, if it wasn’t blurred. Give this tool a shot. You will be surprised by the results.
Magic Eraser – This tool has been available for a while and continues to improve. If you want to remove people from the background of your photo, Magic Eraser will do this for you. So now, that perfect shot at a tourist attraction can be tourist-free.
Colour Pop – This tool allows users to convert a photo to black and white while keeping a specific area in colour. In a portrait, the people will be in colour, and the background will be black and white.
Google Photos Portrait Light – Is a feature specifically designed to enhance the lighting in portrait photos, particularly those featuring people. It uses machine learning to achieve studio-like lighting effects, adding depth and dimension to your images.
Photo Stacks – Google Photos automatically identifies and groups similar photos taken closely into Photo Stacks. It is designed to help you declutter your photo library. Screenshots and Documents Organisation – Google Photos uses AI to identify better and automatically categorise screenshots and documents in your gallery.
With the cooler weather coming it’s important to keep our feet nice and warm. Chilblains are very common during winter and are often easily prevented. So what are chilblains? Chilblains are a painful skin condition triggered by exposure to the cold. It typically affects the extremities such as the toes, fingers, nose or ears and manifests as red, itchy painful patches of skin. It occurs when the capillaries which are small blood vessels constrict then suddenly expand when re-warmed.
Prevention is key. Keeping extremities warm and dry is the best defence against chilblains. Ensuring that you have warm socks and gloves on when going out in the cooler mornings or evenings will help to maintain an adequate temperature Avoid temperature extreme changes. Sudden shifts in temperature can trigger chilblains. Think putting your feet directly in-front of a heater to
warm them up or letting a very hot shower sit on your feet for too long. Allow your feet to gradually warm up by slowly increasing the temperature of a shower and make sure not to keep them in front of a heater!
Moisturise! Whilst we try and maintain a good facial skincare routine most people forget about their feet! It is important to apply
a moisturiser to the feet daily to maintain good skin integrity and avoid any cracks or openings in the skin. Dryness and cracking exacerbate the risk of chilblains. So when do I see someone? If you notice you are developing chilblains on your toes it is important to see a podiatrist or medical professional.
Chilblains, while often easily
managed, can sometimes show us more about a person’s health. They may indicate underlying health conditions which can be prone to complications and is important to recognise early. Understanding chilblains and taking proactive steps to prevent them is essential for enjoying the winter season comfortably! See you next week.
The 2020’s have brought back voluminous curls in a huge way, drawing inspiration from ‘70s blowouts and Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel Waves’ and perfecting them with modern techniques and products to create a brand new 2024-esque style.
If you, like myself, shudder just looking at a round brush, there are thankfully now plenty of tools to make this look happen, from traditional rollers, to newer heatless methods, and even heated round brushes that do it all for you in one fell swoop.
Shark has just thrown their own hat in the ring with the newest addition to their armoury of tools – and it may just be my favourite yet.
Introducing the Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb Straightener + Smoother – an all-in-one tool which is said to dry, style and smooth, by simply brushing your hair.
What makes this tool different than others on the market is that rather than having different attachments like the FlexStyle or the SpeedStyle, the
SmoothStyle is truly a one-stop-shop, instead utilising different modes on the one brush.
The wider sides of the brush are intended to help you go from wet to dry on wash day using Wet Hair Mode. The brush face includes a combination of nylon bristles and boar bristles for grabbing, smoothing, and shining. There are also three heat settings, so you can truly customise the experience to your hair type, and prioritise the health of your hair.
Once dry, the narrower sides can then be used on Dry Hair Mode. In this mode, the air turns off and the heat turns up, ensuring you can get a sleek, perfected result.
I will admit, before I tried out this tool for the first time, I had some doubts about using it on my curly hair. Back in the mid-2010’s there was a straightening hair brush phase that I remember never quite getting anyone’s roots. But, spoiler alert, I was wrong.
Right off the bat, I found the SmoothStyle’s packaging to be really helpful in
getting started, complete with images, directions and even links to videos you can watch so you know exactly what you should be doing with the tool before you even get it out of the box.
I find the tool to be best used on about 50 per cent dried hair – so it’s not sopping wet, but not completely dry either.
From here, I split my hair into three or four sections, spraying them with heat protectant and drying them using Wet Hair Mode separately. I like to use the medium heat setting on my hair, though of course you can customise this based on what your hair needs.
I do find that I can get my hair pretty smooth with just Wet Hair Mode, however Dry Hair Mode is really the cherry on top. Using the brush, you can straighten your hair, or add your own flair to create a bouncy blowout. It’s also great for touch-ups in the days following!
With my curly hair, it takes about an hour to go from wet to the finished product, however I do think this will lessen
when I have even more experience with the tool. Given that the SmoothStyle uses less heat than typical hair tools, it also feels much less damaging.
Overall, at $150, I think the Shark SmoothStyle is a great addition to anyone’s kit, and would be the perfect travel companion.
Claremont Meadows
Coly ton
Cranebrook
Emu Height s
Emu Plains
Erskine Park
Glenmore Park
Jamisontown
Jordan Springs
Kemps Creek
Kingswood
Leonay
Llandilo
Londonderry
Luddenham
Minchinbur y
Mulgoa
North St Mar ys
Orchard Hills
Oxley Park
Penrith
Regentville
Silverdale
South Penrith
St Clair
St Mar ys
Thornton
Ropes Crossing
As temperatures plummet and frost starts to decorate our windows, it’s essential to remember that our furry companions feel the cold just like we do. While we layer up in warm jackets and cosy blankets, our pets rely on us to ensure their comfort during the chilly winter months. Here are some simple yet effective tips to keep your beloved pets warm and healthy this winter season.
Warm and comfy bedding: Consider elevating your pet’s bed off the floor to shield them from the cold ground. This simple adjustment can make a world of difference, providing them with a cosy spot to rest. If your pet sleeps outside, make sure their shelter is insulated and contains soft, warm bedding to keep them snug throughout the night.
Dress to impress: Just like us, pets can benefit from an extra layer of warmth. Invest in a dog coat or vest to provide your furry friend with added protection against the winter chill. Not only
do these garments keep them warm, but they also make a fashion statement while ensuring their comfort during outdoor excursions.
Maintain grooming regime: While it may be tempting to let your pet’s fur grow out for added warmth, excessive hair can lead to skin problems and matting. Regular grooming sessions are essential to keep their coat in optimal condition. Schedule grooming appointments to trim their fur to a manageable length, ensuring they stay clean, comfortable, an d free from tangles.
Monitor diet: Avoid overfeeding your pets during the winter months, as reduced activity levels may lead to weight gain. Excess weight can put strain on their joints and affect mobility. Stick to a balanced diet and monitor their food intake to keep them healthy and active throughout the season.
Exercise and play: Despite the cold weather, it’s crucial to keep
your pets active and engaged. Regular exercise not only helps them stay warm but also prevents weight gain and promotes overall wellbeing. Schedule daily walks or indoor play sessions to keep them entertained and maintain their fitness levels.
Regular health checks: Schedule a winter health check-up with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is in optimal health. Older pets, in particular, may be more susceptible to the cold, so it’s essential to monitor them closely
for any signs of discomfort or illness.
Provide fresh water: Ensure your pets have access to fresh water at all times, especially when they’re spending more time indoors. Heating systems can dehydrate them quickly, so regularly check their water bowls for ice and refill as needed to keep them hydrated and healthy. Shower them with love and care: Last but certainly not least, shower your pets with love and affection. A warm cuddle or belly rub can go a long way in keeping them happy and content during the winter months. Remember, our pets give us unconditional love, so let’s return the favour by ensuring their comfort and well-being all year round. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your furry companions stay warm, healthy, and happy throughout the winter season. For further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital.
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Prepare for a hectic week when you overdo just about everything. Under the influence of the Mercury/Uranus hookup, you’re inclined to be enthusiastic and exhausting, restless and rebellious, questioning and quirky. You’ll certainly be hard to ignore as you ruffle a few feathers with your impulsive ideas and spontaneous comments. But jumping to conclusions could land you in hot water – especially when it comes to a family member or a close friend.
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
This week curious Mercury and innovative Uranus link up in your sign. So it’s time to speed up your thinking, explore innovative ideas, discuss alternative points of view, and try new approaches. Keep what’s working in your life – but throw out things that aren’t working and don’t be afraid to break a few stodgy old rules. Inspiration for the week is from movie icon (and birthday great) Marilyn Monroe, “If I’d observed all the rules, I’d never have got anywhere.”
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Fiery Mars activates your travel zone, so a heavenly holiday is likely sometime soon. But it won’t happen if you’re a lackadaisical Leo! Take action ASAP via a spontaneous booking (if you’ve got the money) or a smart savings plan (if you’re currently cash-strapped). The Sun, Venus and Jupiter also urge you to take a good long look at your hopes and wishes for the future. Do they need a shake-up? Make sure your dreams are creative, flexible and fun.
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
You currently have four planets (Mercury, Uranus, Saturn and Neptune) transiting through your relationship zones. So other people could perplex you with their confusing behaviour. Avoid being a cynical Scorpio who sabotages partnerships. Nurture and cherish your close connections. If you’re unhappily single, keep pursuing your dream of finding your soul mate. Be inspired by Kylie Minogue, “I’m sure that love exists. Even infinite, eternal love.”
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
You won’t feel particularly energetic or motivated, as Saturn drains the gas out of your tank. Avoid the temptation to get carried away and make unrealistic promises. It will be very easy to over-extend yourself and find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew! Use the prevailing astro-winds wisely as you re-calibrate your expectations, especially when it comes to domestic matters and family members. Creative collaboration will take you far.
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
As the Sun makes its annual transit through doppelganger Gemini (sign of the double-trouble Twins) prepare for a stop-start kind of week! Frantically go-go-go one day (Mercury/Uranus) and frustratingly slow the next (Mercury/ Saturn). So you need to be nimble, adaptable and stoical. Plus – with Mercury and Uranus sometimes snoozing in your solitude zone – take the time to slow down and reassess where you are going … and where you’ve been.
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
This week Mercury (your power planet) connects with Saturn and Uranus, so concentration and curiosity will take you far. The focus is also on work as the Sun, Venus and Jupiter all jump through your professional zone. But don’t overdo it Virgo … and don’t make the mistake of neglecting family and close friends. As movie star (and birthday great) Marilyn Monroe observed, “A career is wonderful, but you can’t curl up with it on a cold night.”
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Avoid jumping to conclusions, making hasty assumptions and passing on unsubstantiated information. Slow down Sagittarius! The Sun, Venus and Jupiter are jumping through your partnership zone. So creative, diplomatic communication (and a spirit of generosity) will help improve relations with family and friends, as you get your message out loud and clear. Friday is fabulous for lightbulb moments as you discuss innovative ideas and think outside the box.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
When it comes to managing a complicated financial matter, Uranus encourages you to be creative and have a flexible plan. And Mercury urges you to look at a current problem in a less judgmental and more rational way. The situation is in the process of transforming in an organic fashion. Your ruler Mars is currently in Aries (until June 9) so avoid rushing things and trying to force change. Do your best to be proactive and patient; dynamic and diplomatic.
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
You’re keen to retreat into your cosy Crab cave as the Sun, Venus and Jupiter all transit through your contemplation zone. So solo activities like yoga, meditation, reading and journal writing are favoured this week. But – if you stumble and make a mistake – don’t let negative self-talk drag you down. Keep going! Be inspired by birthday great Kylie Minogue (who turns 56 on Tuesday), “I didn’t want to fizzle out. I had to keep going, like a little Shetland pony.”
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Saturn (in your job zone) links up with Mercury so it’s a good time to study, learn, apply yourself and work hard. Motto for the week comes from Kylie Minogue (who turns 56 on Tuesday), “There’s no shortcut to learning a craft; you just have to put the years in.” International adventures and interstate escapades are calling as the Sun, Venus and Jupiter activate your travel zone. Be patient and make it a priority to plan (and save for) a dream holiday later in the year.
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
The week starts well with the positive link between mind planet Mercury and your ruler Saturn. Which encourages clear thinking, disciplined work, strategic planning, goal-setting and problem-solving for clever Capricorns. And then Friday’s stars favour innovative ideas, unusual points of view and longterm friendships. As movie star Marlene Dietrich (a fellow Capricorn) observed, “It’s the friends you can call up at four am that matter.”
hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org
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Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
THEME: GENEALOGY
ADOPTION
ANCESTORS
CERTIFICATES
CHURCH RECORDS
COURT
DATES
DEATH
FAMILIES
FAMILY BIBLE
FATHER
GENEALOGIST
GENERATIONS
GIVEN NAMES
MOTHER
OBITUARIES
OFFSPRING
ORAL TRADITION
PASSENGER LISTS
PATERNAL
STUDY
SURNAME
TOMBSTONES
TOWN TRACE
Last week’s solution
Test your knowledge about country legend Johnny Cash in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. In what American state was Johnny Cash born?
2. Johnny Cash and June Carter were one of country music’s great love stories, but what was the name of Cash’s first wife?
3. In the late 1950s, Cash started performing concerts in what unique location?
4. Who played Cash in the 2005
film ‘Walk The Line’, which also starred Reese Witherspoon?
5. Cash’s first number one song was what?
6. In the 1990s, Cash guest starred in which popular American series?
7. True or false? Cash and June Carter died in the same year.
