As most interior designers will attest, maximising natural light can transform the look and feel of a space, creating a warm and inviting home that’s filled with energy.
Whether you’re updating a single room or designing your dream home there’s some design factors and practical ideas worth considering that can help make the most of natural light to enhance your home and impact your mood and wellbeing positively.
Sarah Jobse, the creative force behind Oak & Orange and a trusted partner of Andersens, shares her top tips for making the most of natural light.
“Once you have identified your light challenges, you can start to make a plan of how to address them,” she said.
“A room might feel dark due to the orientation of your home, or it could be that there’s a large tree outside blocking sunlight entering the windows. Understanding the cause of the problem can help find a solution. There are also practical options such as choosing the right colours, textures and reflective surfaces to create an illusion of more space and light.”
Windows not only let in light and
fresh air, they also offer views that connect interior living spaces with the outdoors. The key to bringing in more light is choosing window treatments that amplify, rather than block, natural sunlight. Striking a balance between light and privacy can be challenging, but lightweight, sheer curtains are perfect for filtering sunlight while still providing privacy.
space without the harsh glare and at the same time add a stylish touch. For rooms like the living area or kitchen, where you might need more control over light and privacy, consider dual roller blinds that feature both sheer and blackout layers. In addition to choosing the right window treatments, the type of flooring you select plays a crucial role in enhancing natural light. Light timber floors, such as oak or bamboo, can reflect sunlight, making your rooms feel more spacious and inviting. When the same flooring extends throughout the area, it creates a seamless look that enhances the sense of openness and light.
“Natural light is one of the most valuable assets in any home. Choosing window treatments that allow light to filter through, like light-filtering blinds or sheer curtains, can completely transform a room,” Jobse said. Roller blinds are another versatile option for those seeking a minimalist look without sacrificing functionality. Opt for light-filtering fabrics that gently diffuse sunlight, brightening up the
According to Jobse: “Lighter-toned flooring, such as oak or pale laminate, can work wonders in amplifying natural light in a space. It reflects sunlight beautifully, creating a sense of openness and airiness.”
Beyond colour, the materials you select for both window treatments and flooring can significantly influence the amount of natural light in your home. Incorporating materials with reflective surfaces, such as polished tiles or highgloss laminate, can enhance the light in your home.
106/36-46 Cowper Street, Parramatta
One Bed Unit
Open: Sat, 10-10:30am | Auction: Sat, 8th Feb |10:00am
Approx 350m to the train station & 750m to Westfield.
One bedroom apartment offfering: -Combined living and dining space
facing balcony
1503/36-46 Cowper Street, Parramatta
Two Bed Unit
Open: Sat, 10-10:30am | Auction: Sat, 8th Feb | 10:30am
Positioned on level 15 with district views, this modern 2 bedroom home offers:
-West facing with district views -Open plan kitchen with gas cooking -2 bedrooms with built-in robes
-Ensuite bathroom in master bedroom -30 day settlement -10% deposit on exchange
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
3 1 3
OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Saturday, February 1
10.00am – 10.30am CONTACT:
LJ Hooker Penrith Ross Heidtmann • 0407 113 039 rheidtmann.penrith@ljhooker.com.au
A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN IN A QUIET PART OF TOWN
What is so great about this property?
This picturesque property offers a charming home set amongst five tranquil flood free acres just a short 10-minute drive to the heart of Penrith.
Set well back from the road on the high side of the street this solid brick homestead features three generously sized bedrooms plus office to the master, with high ceilings throughout. The home has been recently renovated throughout with fresh paint, new flooring and the new country-style kitchen with stainless steel appliances and stone
benchtops, not forgetting the fresh new bathroom with floor to ceiling tiles leaving nothing to do accept move in.
In addition there is a large living area plus bar with slow combustion fire that leads to a large separate dining. From every window internally you can see the beautiful rural outlook with wrap-around verandas and mountain views from the front of the home.
This amazing homestead offers many options for many different buyers, with the addition of detached double garage and carport, plus a second storage
shed or large workshop leaving plenty of options for all the buyers.
Who does this property suit?
Impeccably presented and nestled in the blue-ribbon
enclave of Castlereagh, this property combines idyllic acreage living with extensive infrastructure. Surrounded by quality residences, this estate is ideal for those seeking a rural retreat with the potential to make it your own.
Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.
PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0
FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME
WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE
Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me
impression
WhatsApp has become an integral part of our communication with friends and family. While it’s a simple and intuitive app, a few hidden gems and lesser-known features can significantly enhance your WhatsApp experience. Here are some of the settings I have configured.
Optimising your WhatsApp experience
• Dark mode: Enabling Dark Mode can reduce eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. This feature is available on iOS and Android devices.
• Notification preferences: You can mute specific chats, turn off notification sounds, or prioritise essential conversations.
• Customising chat themes: Customise your chat themes to add a personal touch.
• Font size and style: You can adjust the font size and style to suit your reading preferences.
• Smart media downloads:
WhatsApp can be a data hog –choose what gets downloaded on mobile data, Wi-Fi, or roaming.
• Track your data usage: WhatsApp has an integrated data usage tracker, allowing you to see a breakdown of data usage related to messages, media, calls, and more.
• Manage storage by contact or group: This allows you to discover which contacts or groups consume the most storage on your phone.
• Backup settings: Regularly back up your chats to Google Drive or iCloud.
Efficient messaging
• Quick replies: Save time by creating quick replies for frequently used phrases. This is especially useful for customer service or support roles.
• Scheduled messages: Plan your messages and schedule them to be sent at a specific
time. This is perfect for birthday wishes or reminders.
• Disappearing messages: You can set messages to disappear after a certain period.
• Delete or edit sent messages: You can delete or edit any message within 15 minutes of sending it.
• View once temporary messages: Send messages that will not stick around once viewed
• Mark as unread: Mark impor-
tant messages as unread to keep track of them.
• Optimise WhatsApp calls: WhatsApp calls are convenient, but if you’re concerned about data usage, enable “Use less data for calls”.
Privacy and security features
• Two-step verification: Enabling two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account. This requires a PIN in addition to your phone number.
• Privacy settings: Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your profile picture, status, and last seen.
• Fingerprint/Face ID lock: Protect your chats with biometric authentication. This prevents unauthorised access to your conversations. Mastering these tips and tricks can elevate your WhatsApp experience and make you a true WhatsApp whiz. Remember, the app constantly evolves, so watch for new features and updates.
Schools are back for 2025 next week… which means it’s time to get back into the routine of school and after school activities. Here’s yet another reason to prioritise children’s swimming lessons – did you know that children who are learning to swim also do better at school?
A study conducted by Griffith University suggests that swimming children are not
SCHOOL,
only safer, but smarter. The research conducted over four years concluded that children who swim demonstrate more advanced cognitive and physical abilities than other children and indicates that swimming children have many advantages when starting school. Lead researcher Professor Robyn Jorgensen said: “While we expected the children to show better physical development
and perhaps be more confident through swimming, the results in literacy and numeracy really shocked us. The children were anywhere from six to 15 months ahead of the normal population when it came to cognitive skills, problem solving in mathematics, counting, language and following instructions.”
In addition to achieving physical milestones faster, the swimming children scored significantly better in visual-motor skills such as cutting paper, colouring in and drawing lines and shapes. Professor Jorgensen added: “On average, these children were 11 months ahead of the normal population in Oral Expression, six months ahead in Mathematics Reasoning and two months ahead in Brief Reading. Most amazing was the difference in Story Recall (17 months ahead) and Understanding Directions (20 months ahead).”
We have some morning swimming lesson places opening up at both of our centres as our
preschoolers go off to kindergarten, so now is the perfect time to book your baby, toddler or preschooler into weekday morning lessons. Mornings are very focused on young children, with no school aged children in the centre, and set your child up for a good lunch and afternoon rest after the exercise and mental stimulation swimming lessons provides. Many children and parents will also experience their first school swimming carnival in the coming weeks. Encourage your child to take the plunge – a high student participation rate makes for a fun and exciting day for all, and with the number of children reaching the 50m freestyle swimming milestone declining, it is sad to see less competitors in these races each year.
Good luck to all! If your children are not yet in swimming lessons, make this your year to start their swimming journey and begin to work towards the recommended swimming milestones!
SHOULD YOU EXERCISE DURING CANCER CARE?
For many, chemotherapy is a daunting part of cancer treatment, often accompanied by fatigue, nausea, and weakened physical health. Amid these challenges, exercise might seem counterintuitive, but research increasingly shows that physical activity during chemotherapy is not only safe but also highly beneficial.
Chemotherapy takes a toll on the body, leading to a decline in muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, and overall energy levels.
Exercise can counteract these effects, helping patients maintain physical function and improve their quality of life. Activities such as walking, light strength training, and yoga are particularly well suited for individuals undergoing treatment.
One of the primary benefits of exercise during chemotherapy is its ability to combat cancer-related fatigue. Unlike rest, which may exacerbate feelings of tiredness, moderate physical activity increases energy levels
suggests that exercise may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. By improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, physical activity could potentially help chemotherapy drugs reach tumors more effectively. While this area of research is still developing, it offers promising insights into the integration of exercise into cancer care. Of course, safety is paramount. Exercise programs should be tailored to each individual’s condition, considering factors such as the type of cancer, treat
INCOME STREAMS IN RETIREMENT EXPLAINED
The superannuation system is designed to build wealth in order to provide us with income in our retirement years. Once we retire and need income, the most efficient way to do this is by converting our superannuation to pension phase and commence an income stream.
Once in pension phase, all earnings are tax free as is the income you receive. There are two types of income streams; accountbased pensions and annuities. Each has competing strengths and weaknesses.
An account-based pension, also known as an allocated pension, is by far the most common income stream. Account-based pensions are offered by most superannuation providers and there is a wide array and choice of funds.
The main strength of the account-based pension is flexibility. You are able to choose how you invest your funds. You can
make withdrawals as you please. The value of the account-based pension goes up and down in line with investment returns and withdrawals. Once you run out of money, the pension stops. In the event of your death, the remaining value of your account-based pension is passed on to your
based pension is assessed for Centrelink asset test purposes. It is also subject to deeming for the income test, in the same way as other investment assets.
With account-based pensions, you bear investment risk and longevity risk.
Annuities pay you a set income
and a portion of your investment you would like back at the end of the period. The annuity company will pay you a pre-determined pension for the designated time frame.
You are also able to select a lifetime pension, in which you receive an income for the rest of your life. The newer lifetime annuities offer guaranteed payment terms, periods you can access your funds and other options that weren’t available in earlier life time annuities.
Annuities are very secure in that they offer guaranteed payments with the annuity company bearing the investment risk. Lifelong annuities and annuities with benefit periods of longer than five years with no return of capital, have favourable Centrelink treatment. In the case of lifelong annuities, they also bear the longevity risk.
The weakness of annuities is that they typically have lower
THE IMPORTANCE OF CAT VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations are vital for your cat’s health, protecting them from potentially fatal diseases and reducing the spread of infections within the feline community. As we emerge from the challenges of a recent vaccine shortage, it’s important to revisit why vaccination schedules matter and how veterinarians are addressing the situation.
Why vaccinations matter
Vaccinating your cat not only protects them but also helps safeguard other cats in your community. By stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies, vaccines prevent serious diseases and reduce the risk of outbreaks. For boarding requirements, vaccinations must be administered at least two weeks before admission, so planning ahead is crucial.
Feline Infectious Enteritis (Feline Panleucopenia): This highly contagious and deadly disease affects cats of all ages, but kittens are particularly vulner-
able. Symptoms include sudden onset fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and in some cases, sudden death. Pregnant cats may also face complications, and surviving cats can become carriers of the virus, posing ongoing risks to others.
Feline Respiratory Disease (Cat Flu): Caused by viruses such as Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV1) and Feline Calicivirus (FVC), this
condition leads to symptoms akin to a severe cold, including sneezing, eye or nasal discharge, fever, and ulcers. Severe cases may result in permanent damage to the eyes or lungs, and untreated infections can be fatal.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): This virus spreads through fighting or grooming and compromises a cat’s immune system, leaving them susceptible
to other illnesses and cancers. It’s akin to an immunodeficiency syndrome in humans and poses a significant health risk. Other vaccinations may also protect against Feline Chlamydia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), depending on your cat’s lifestyle and exposure risks. While the vaccine shortage has eased, its effects highlight the importance of maintaining an up-to-date vaccination schedule. If your cat’s vaccinations were delayed, consult your veterinarian to determine the best path forward. Delays may require additional doses to restore immunity, particularly if your cat is overdue or preparing for boarding facilities.
If you’re unsure about your cat’s vaccination status or need to reschedule after the shortage, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027. Proactive care ensures your feline companion remains healthy and happy, ready to share their love with you for years to come.
The creative Sun, clever Mercury and powerful Pluto are all transiting through your sign. So don’t sit around waiting for magical things to happen or for other people to make your dreams come true. It’s all up to you, baby! As Aquarian writer (and birthday great) Alice Walker observed, “Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself … Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.”
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
This week the Sun, Mercury and Pluto urge you to transform things on the career front. Some intrepid Taureans will change jobs (or take on a second job) but you could just jazz up your daily work routine. Whatever you do, avoid getting stuck in a boring rut! Expect a few relationship rumbles on the weekend, especially if you are being lackadaisical and lazy. As Venus (your ruling planet) shifts into action-sign Aries, smart Bulls will strive to be more proactive.
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Many Lions have been feeling rather lacklustre. Fiery Mars is reversing through your solitude zone, so energy levels will be low, and you won’t feel like being the sociable life of the party. But this week the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter encourage you to catch up with family members and close friends in casual, low-key ways, where you can chat quietly and confidentially. Sunday’s stars particularly favour creative joint ventures and one-on-one conversations.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
With action-planet Mars reversing through your holiday/adventure zone (until February 24) travel plans may be disrupted or even delayed. So be extra patient and make sure you check everything (like flights and accommodation) at least twice! On Friday, Venus links up with Pluto which is fabulous for work partnerships, family relationships, friendships and romantic rendezvous, as you connect with others in deep and meaningful ways.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
With practical Saturn and idealistic Neptune both transiting through Pisces, you need to take your Neptunian dreams and spin them into rock-solid Saturnian reality. So your motto for the moment is from writer (and birthday great) Alice Walker, “Look closely at the present you are constructing – it should look like the future you are dreaming.” Sunday’s stars favour quiet meditation, peaceful relaxation, journal writing and thoughtful contemplation.
GEMINI
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
It’s a wonderful week for socialising with local friends and networking with international connections. But are you feeling rather restless? Is the green, green grass of home looking pretty predictable and boring? Blame it on the Sun, Mercury and Pluto stirring up your adventure zone. Which will activate your Gemini travel gene and leave you dreaming of tropical trips, heavenly holidays and exotic escapades. So you’d better start planning (and saving) ASAP!
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
The Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Pluto activate your work and daily routine zone. So it’s time to learn new techniques, reorganise your office, start a business or even change your job. You possess many versatile Virgo talents, but they won’t truly blossom until you nurture and develop them with the help of a wise mentor. When will the teacher appear? When the student is ready! However –courtesy of retro Mars – a friendship may feel as if it’s going backwards.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Home sweet home is the place to be, as six planets light up your domestic and neighbourhood zones. Life is busy as friends and family members come and go, and expect plenty of stimulating conversations. It’s also time to be more proactive about improving your health and fitness via a more nutritious diet and a more flexible exercise routine. Some alternative therapies (like acupuncture, herbalism or hypnosis) could help shift a stubborn problem.
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Mars (your ruling planet) is still retrograde, so it seems you’ve got plenty to complain about. Projects and plans are delayed, you’re feeling lethargic, and people aren’t doing what you want them to do. But this week … with Venus transiting into your sign on Tuesday – try to focus on love in all its forms. Self-love, love for others, love of nature and love of life. As music legend (and birthday great) Bob Marley sang, “Overcome the devils with a thing called love.”
CANCER
22 TO JULY 22
Secrets and mysteries abound as the Sun, Mercury and Pluto visit your trust zone, so avoid fake news and be very careful about who you place your trust in. You’re also keen to show loved ones how much you really care. Avoid being too overprotective though. All relationships need room to breathe and there’s a big difference between loving and smothering. Be inspired by birthday great, writer Charles Dickens, “A loving heart is the truest wisdom.”
LIBRA
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Creative partnerships and joint ventures are favoured, as you spark ideas off each other and pool talents to create something truly unique. When it comes to a romantic relationship, stop talking long enough to let your partner have their say. Jupiter could send a special friend along to help you out of a sticky situation. As music icon (and birthday great) Bob Marley observed, “True friends are like stars; you can only recognise them when it’s dark around you.”
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
The Sun/Jupiter trine encourages you to tweak your timetable, devise a new daily schedule or reboot a work relationship. It also suits projects that require a curious mind, self-motivation and flexible thinking. So don’t waste the opportunity to communicate with colleagues, power through paperwork or learn something new. But with Mars reversing through your relationship zone (until February 24) you’ll have to be extra patient with loved ones.
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Word Search
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: NUTS
ACORN
BLANCHED
BRAZIL NUT
CANDIED
CANDLENUT
CHESTNUT
FOLIC ACID
NUTRITIOUS NUTSHELL OIL
PECAN
PINE NUTS
PISTACHIO
RAW ROASTED
SEED
SMOKED
SNACK
WHOLE
Last week’s solution
Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge about Australian Open winner Madison Keys in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. In what American state was Madison Keys born?
2. In what year did Madison Keys turn pro?
3. Prior to her Australian Open win, the highest finish she’d had at a Grand Slam was runner-up. What tournament was it?
4. What is the name of Madison
Keys’ husband and now coach?
5. What is the name of the nonprofit organisation Madison Keys runs as a platform for kindness?
6. Who did Madison Keys beat in last Saturday’s Australian Open Final?
7. What is the highest ranking she’s had by the WTA?
