WINTER REVIVAL
WINTER IS YOUR CHANCE TO REFRESH YOUR HOME
Winter is the perfect time to focus on making your home feel warm, fresh, and inviting. A small styling change such as a beautifully textured pot plant may be all you need to transform your space and lift your spirits.
Pot plants are an easy and affordable way to add warmth and personality to bring a room or outdoor area to life. Whether you’re styling a quiet corner, entryway or balcony, here are five simple styling tips to help you create an inviting home this winter.
“A
Adding texture to your outdoor zones
One of the easiest ways to elevate your garden or alfresco area is by playing with texture. Warm ivory and mocha colourways are right on trend, and sculpted finishes in natural tones help break up flat outdoor surfaces with ease. The Capi Ivory Groove Outdoor Plant
Pot (35cmx34cm, RRP $79.00) introduces subtle detail through its carved grooves and matte ivory finish, making it perfect for framing entrances or nestling into alfresco corners with structured evergreens or native grasses.
Brighten winter balconies with confident colour
A small pop of colour can completely transform an outdoor area during the colder months.
Yellows are emerging as a seasonal favourite, especially golden, buttery tones that feel
joyful without being too intense. These warm hues lift cooler, greyheavy settings while remaining grounded and design-forward.
The Elho Honey Yellow Vibia Outdoor Plant Pot (30cm, RRP $24.98) adds just the right touch.
With its bold, curved silhouette and bright yellow finish, it offers a vibrant contrast to timber, concrete or stone. Pair it with flowering natives or hardy herbs to create a lively, welcoming corner.
Pot (16cm, RRP $16.98) features a soft glaze and embossed palm pattern that brings gentle texture to a room, whether filled with a trailing vine or a small succulent.
Ground living spaces with deep sea colours and lush foliage
One of the strongest interior trends right now is the use of rich, grounding colours to create relaxed spaces that are layered for interest.
Create flow with sculptural shapes and soft neutrals
Rounded silhouettes are continuing to influence interior design this year, offering a softer alternative to sharp lines and geometric edges. Curved forms help create a sense of flow and calm in a room, and when styled in neutral tones like ivory or cream, they can anchor a space without overwhelming it. These shapes are being embraced in everything from
Soften interiors with calm, nature-inspired details
Styling smaller corners of your home, like shelves, vanities or bedsides, can have a big impact. These quieter spaces are ideal for layering in texture, greenery and soft colour, which are key elements shaping interior styling this season.
Sage green continues to be a popular choice for its gentle, earthy appeal. It brings a sense of calm and works effortlessly with natural materials such as timber, rattan and linen. Borralheira Sage Green Palm Indoor Plant
Deep greens like forest, eucalyptus and ocean shades bring calm and balance into the home, and are being used in everything from upholstery to feature walls.
Paired with natural textures, they help anchor living areas, bedrooms and home offices with ease.
The Elho Pacific Green Ocean Collection Indoor Plant Pot (14cm, RRP $17.98) with its deep colour and curved silhouette taps into this look. Made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, it also speaks to the shift toward more sustainable styling choices.
furniture to ceramics, as homeowners look to create more nurturing and relaxed environments. The Capi Ivory Rib Indoor Plant Pot (17.1cmx14.6cm, RRP $21.25) captures this aesthetic with its gently ribbed texture and sculptural base. Its clean form pairs effortlessly with broadleafed greenery or sculptural succulents, adding warmth and a touch of texture to your interiors. Elho, Capi Europe and Borralheira pot plant ranges are available at Bunnings stores nationwide. For further details, visit www.bunnings.com.au.
PREMIUM LAND IN ORAN PARK
CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE
Upcoming releases in Marian’s Mana, Oran Park
CONTACT:
Oran Park Sales Office
Melanie Primrose • 9043 7500
OPEN YOUR EYES TO BEAUTIFUL ORAN PARK
What is so great about this property?
Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned community offering architecturally designed residences in one of south-west Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
Nestled between the Oran Park Town Centre and its many amenities and the proposed Lake Pondicherry precinct, with its
foreshores, boardwalks, cafés and activity spaces, this family-friendly neighbourhood brings the best of both worlds to your every day.
With easy access to Brooking Park, Whiteman Park, DawsonDamer Park and the proposed 10-hectare lake, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or quiet reading spot, moments from your front door.
Who does this property suit?
Anyone who’s wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, up-market living without many of the chores that comes with premium homes.
Tell us about the suburb this property is in?
Oran Park Town is a master planned development, designed and being built for a thriving community.
Greenfields Development Company began Oran Park in 2010 and its projected to complete the Town in the early 2040s.
The Oran Park Town Centre is at the heart of the master-planned development offering residential, commercial and retail offerings as well as substantial civic and community amenities for residents and daily workers. Visit today!
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
Most people don’t pay much attention to their toenails until something looks off. But those small changes in colour, thickness, or texture can reveal a lot about your overall foot health. In fact, your toenails might be trying to tell you it’s time to see a podiatrist.
One of the most common nail problems is fungal infection, which often starts with yellowing, thickening, or crumbling nails. It might not hurt at first, which is why many people ignore it but untreated fungus can spread and cause discomfort, especially in tight shoes. Over-the-counter treatments often don’t work well once the infection is
under the nail, but a podiatrist can offer more effective topical or oral options.
Another issue to watch for is nail thickening, especially in older adults. While it can be related to fungus, it might also stem from long-term pressure, trauma, or circulation issues. Very thick nails can become painful to trim and may even lead to ingrown nails or infection if left alone.
Discolouration is another red flag. A black or dark spot under the nail could be dried blood from a bruise but in rare cases, it can signal a more serious condition like melanoma. If a dark spot doesn’t grow out with the nail or appears suddenly, it should be evaluated by a professional.
And don’t ignore ingrown toenails, either. They may start out mildly irritating, but they can easily become infected, swollen and very painful. Podiatrists can treat them quickly and often painlessly with longterm solutions if they keep coming back.
Healthy nails should be smooth, light pink, and easy to trim. If your toenails are brittle, ragged, misshapen, or painful, it’s not just a cosmetic issue it’s a health issue. The bottom line is if your nails look or feel “off,” don’t cover them up with polish or put off care. A podiatrist can help identify the cause, offer treatment, and get your feet back to looking and feeling healthy.
Iwas in a roundtable meeting with my peers. One of the participants was wearing sunglasses and did not remove them. It was only when I spoke directly to them that I noticed what appeared to be two cameras on either side of the lens.
Welcome to Meta AI Glasses. The Meta AI glasses are essentially a pair of stylish spectacles embedded with innovative technology. They come in various popular Ray-Ban styles, including Wayfarer, Headliner and Skyler, and offer a range of lens options, including clear, tinted and Transitions. They can be purchased from Meta’s website, in Ray-Ban stores or from major retailers. Except for the camera holes, these appear to be ordinary sunglasses. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do:
• Capture photos and videos: Say “Hey Meta, take a photo/video” or tap the capture button to snap high-quality photos and record videos of your surroundings.
• Live streaming and video calls: The glasses allow for hands-free live streaming directly to Facebook and Instagram, and you can also make video calls on WhatsApp and Messenger.
• Meta AI Assistant: By saying “Hey Meta,” you can interact with a built-in AI assistant. This enables a wide range of functions, including:
– Real-time translation: Translate conversations or text in real-time between English, French, Italian and Spanish.
– Information retrieval: Ask general questions, get directions, learn about landmarks, or even inquire about what you’re looking at.
– Music playback: Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks through the open-ear speakers, with integrations for services like Spotify and Amazon Music.
– Reminders: Snap a photo and say “Hey Meta, remind me about this later” to create visual reminders.
– Accessibility: The glasses offer assistive features, such as connecting with the Be My Eyes network for sighted assistance or having Meta AI read text verbatim for visually impaired users.
– Messaging and calls: Send text or voice messages and make phone calls using voice commands, all without needing to touch your phone.
It has never been harder to enter the housing market with the average household now spending 40 per cent of net income on their mortgage. This is well above what we call mortgage stress. Almost unbelievably, this isn’t even the reason first home buyers are unable to enter the market. Many young people are prepared to make repayments at this level but are unable to enter the market with the lack of a deposit being the main barrier to entry.
It is becoming increasingly necessary for parents to help their children purchase their first home. There are a number of strategies that can be utilised to help get your kids on the property ladder.
Offering your home as security
For many baby boomers and older Gen X’s, the bulk of their wealth is in their primary residence, with most having a reasonable amount of equity in the home. It is possible to offer
your home as a security on the loan in addition to the house being purchased by your child. This security acts as the deposit. We normally recommend that you establish two loans. One for 80 per cent of the bank valuation of the property being purchased, on this loan only the new house will be listed as security. The second loan is for the remainder of the loan and will have both houses as security. If the loans are structured this way, it limits the exposure for the parents and prevents the need for mortgage insurance.
Being a Guarantor
In some cases a bank will allow you to act as guarantor on a loan to help your child qualify for a loan. In this case, your assets and income will be relied upon for the loan but will not be used as direct security. In the event that your child defaults on the loan you will be equally responsible for the loan, but the bank won’t
hold a mortgage on your home. The value of your assets will not be relevant for mortgage insurance purposes.
Being a joint borrower
This essentially means buying a property together, this is a bigger commitment. In this case, you will be responsible for making repayments and benefit from any capital growth or income from the property. I feel this works best with an investment property rather than a home your child is going to move into. In this case, I’d recommend outlining upfront the long-term plans, I would formalise exit strategies and would strongly urge you to get a formal agreement in place.
All three of these options will enable you to help get your children into the property market. However, make sure that if you do this, the children themselves are able to afford it and you are not setting them up for failure.
The Experts
UNDERSTANDING HEART MURMURS IN DOGS
Hearing the words “heart murmur” during your dog’s vet check-up can be concerning – but what does it really mean? A heart murmur is not a diagnosis in itself but a sound, detected with a stethoscope, that indicates turbulent blood flow within the heart. It replaces the usual rhythmic “lub-dub” with a “whoosh” or “shushing” sound.
Heart murmurs are classified as either innocent or pathological. Innocent murmurs are commonly found in young puppies and usually resolve by five months of age. These murmurs don’t indicate disease and often don’t require treatment – just monitoring. However, murmurs in older dogs are more likely to stem from underlying heart conditions and may signal acquired or congenital heart disease.
Veterinarians grade heart murmurs on a scale of I to VI. Grade I murmurs are barely audible, while Grade VI murmurs are so loud, they can be felt through the chest wall. It’s important to understand that the loudness of a murmur doesn’t always correlate with the severity of heart disease.
There are many potential causes of heart murmurs. Some are congenital, meaning the dog is born with them. Examples include conditions like Patent Ductus Arteriosus
(PDA) or Pulmonic Stenosis. More commonly, acquired murmurs develop later in life due to diseases such as Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD), seen in breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Miniature Poodles, or Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), more
common in Dobermans and Great Danes. Detecting a heart murmur often leads to further diagnostic testing. Your vet may recommend an echocardiogram – an ultrasound of the heart – to evaluate the heart’s structure and function. Chest x-rays may also
help assess lung health, check for fluid accumulation, and determine whether the heart is enlarged or putting pressure on the airways. Signs that a murmur may be affecting your dog’s health include coughing, reduced exercise tolerance, difficulty breathing, fainting, or a swollen abdomen. These symptoms could indicate progression into congestive heart failure, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Fortunately, with the right treatment and regular monitoring, many dogs with heart murmurs live happy, active lives. Innocent murmurs may need no treatment at all. For dogs with cardiac disease, management might include medication, dietary changes, and six-monthly check-ups, including repeat imaging.
Remember – heart murmurs are not a death sentence. Early detection, proactive care, and a supportive veterinary team can make all the difference in your dog’s quality of life and long-term health.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, speak with your vet about the best path forward. At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we are here to help you navigate your pet’s heart health every step of the way. Phone our friendly team on 4726 2027 to schedule an appointment for your pet.
Relax & Unwind
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Expect the unexpected this week –especially involving family, friends, housemates and domestic shenanigans. Venus hooks up with Uranus (your patron planet) on Friday, when you’re inclined to unpredictable behaviour like starting a radical new project or falling in love very fast. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater though! Your mantra is from birthday great Princess Diana, “I don’t go by the rule book … I lead from the heart, not the head.”
TAURUS
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
This week Venus (your ruling planet) makes positive aspects to Saturn and Neptune, so put aside regular time for art and beauty, work hard on a creative project, or study a spiritual discipline. Plus – with Venus and Uranus (the disruptor) linking up in your sign (on Friday) try to view personal transformation as terrific, rather than terrifying. Be inspired by birthday great, His Holiness the Dalai Lama (who turns 90 on Sunday), “True change is within.”
LEO
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Are people aware of the substantial amount of work you’re doing behind the scenes? Don’t be disappointed if others aren’t showing their appreciation at the moment. Your efforts will be applauded (and rewarded) further down the track. In the meantime, focus your attention on helping those around you (family, friends, colleagues and strangers) in creative ways. As birthday great Princess Diana said, “Everyone has the potential to give something back.”
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Pluto (your boss planet) is transiting through your domestic zone and love planet Venus is visiting your relationship zone. So the focus is firmly on family and close friends … anyone who is a part of your cherished inner circle. It’s time for good food, relaxed entertaining and cosy companionship. As birthday great The Dalai Lama observes, “A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation of your life.” Sunday favours working on a creative project.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
You could encounter some unexpected phone calls, emails, texts, tweets or snail mail. If you are dealing with important money or business matters, then a conservative approach reaps rewards. Protecting and stabilising current resources is preferable to looking at your financial situation through rosecoloured glasses. Mercury (planet of communication) is moving through your work zone, which enhances your already impressive Piscean powers of persuasion.
GEMINI
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
An unexpected romantic attraction, sudden friendship secret or shocking fever dream could rattle you (especially on Friday). So try to settle down with a long meditation session or some other form of relaxation. Then Venus shimmies into your sign (from Saturday until July 31) when you’ll be at your charming, persuasive, loveable Gemini best. So make the most of it and call in a few old favours! Sunday favours self-pampering and social networking.
VIRGO
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
Courtesy of lucky Venus, professional projects are favoured as you rub shoulders with influential people. Don’t be a Virgo wallflower though. Speak up and promote your talents! If you hesitate, then promising opportunities will pass you by. With bold Mars barnstorming through your sign (until August 6) confidence and an adventurous attitude will take you places. The weekend is wonderful for catching up with friends and socialising with colleagues.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Sagittarians can easily become preoccupied with the busy distractions of daily life, full of noisy notifications and garrulous gossip. This week the Sun and Jupiter (your ruler) light up your intuition and secrets zone (in the perceptive sign of Cancer) so aim to spend some quality time on your own. Slow down, meditate, contemplate, and listen to the quiet voice within. Your motto is from birthday great Princess Diana, “I work on instinct. It’s my best advisor.”
HOROSCOPES
ARIES
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
Neptune is slowly meandering through your sign, which is fabulous for visionary thinking, creative pursuits and spiritual insights. Even though you may appear confused to others, if you listen to the wisdom of your Inner voice, you’ll intuitively know what is right for you. Sensible Saturn is also transiting through your sign, which will help you be more disciplined and stay grounded. So it’s the perfect time to dream a dream and then make it a reality!
CANCER
JUNE 22 TO JULY 22
This week the Sun and Jupiter are both transiting through your sign, so it’s time to present a sunny, positive face to the world as you express your generous, loving nature. Be inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (who celebrates his 90th birthday on Sunday), “Forgive others … be kind, honest and have positive thoughts.” Sunday is all about combining professional projects with helping others, as you mix business with plenty of compassion.
LIBRA
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Librans are natural matchmakers and love to counsel others. This week, Venus (your power planet) transits into the dual sign of Gemini, so there’ll be two distinct sides to every relationship story. When giving advice, make sure you communicate clearly and are scrupulously fair to all parties involved. Travelling and exploring appeal, as the planets stimulate your latent adventurous side. It’s also a good time to re-connect with your international friends.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Have you been less than 100 per cent honest with a family member? Neptune is meandering through your home zone, which could lead to confusion involving your true motives. Someone could question your version of events, or you could disappoint a loved one by blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Saturn (your patron planet) is now transiting through your domestic zone too, so it’s time to get real, face facts, and set the record straight.
5. Makes reparations
6. Natural fi bre
7. Scissor-cut
8. Bushranger, ... Kelly
10. Complete collections
19. Whiter
22. Viewing suspiciously
23. Dined at bistro (3,3)
25. Parka
26. Entrenches
29. Coils
32. Presentation ball entrant
35. Hairspray
37. Alter (rules)
38. Resilient
40. Dim
41. Tiny bottle
42. Garden fi gurine
43. Pulls with a jerk
44. Creature
47. Leggings
51. Smile coyly
52. Lights, ..., action!
53. Snow vehicle
54. Embroiderers
58. In vain, to no ...
59. Dead ... dodo (2,1)
61. Fabric insert
63. Irritating
64. Disbands (troops)
65. Kissed (of dog)
66. Cars
68. Vine fruit
71. Privileged few
72. Fraud
74. Happily ... after
76. Miscalculates
78. Detect
80. Took (exam)
83. Actors
For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org
If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
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.
UPHOLSTERY
WAISTCOAT
WALLET
WHIPS
Last week’s solution
1. What was the event that is believed to have started World War II?
Test your knowledge about World War II in this week’s special trivia quiz...
2. Which US President gave the order to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945?
3. What years did WWII start and finish?
4. Who was the leader of Germany during WWII?
5. What year did the US officially enter WWII?
6. What did the Allied forces commonly call German submarines?
7. What was the name of the German campaign to invade the Soviet Union in 1941?
1. The German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939.
2. Harry S. Truman. 3. 1939-1945. 4. Adolf Hitler.
5. 1941.
6. U-boats.
7. Operation Barbarossa.
But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.
