We all know the importance of a good night's sleep, but did you know that your pillow can make a huge difference to whether you wake up refreshed or sleepwalk through your day! Here are some helpful tips for choosing that perfect pillow for you.
Gardenias are popular flowering shrubs renowned for their fragrant white blooms. With many varieties available, there is a gardenia for every type of garden; but there are a few things you should do to make sure your gardenia thrives, as it does have some specific growing requirements.
School holidays will soon be over, so it’s time to get your kids ready for the return to school. Here’s how to make sure it’s a smooth process.
Is it just our imagination or are ant problems getting worse? They love a long, hot summer so here are some handy tips to stop them from turning your home into a luxury ant resort.
Instead of picking up your phone and scrolling during the commercial breaks on TV, take the opportunity to do a few jobs that will only take a couple of minutes. You will be amazed at how much time you'll save on jobs and chores.
There’s nothing more annoying than running out of phone battery. Especially when you want to check your messages or just spending some time chilling. But there are simple things you can do to make each battery charge last longer.
This delicious dessert uses a clever shortcut and is a doddle to make – no oven needed!
If you bundle all your clothes into the washing machine regardless of the 'dry clean only’ instructions – here are 7 reasons why it could end in tears!
Unless you have x-ray vision, it can be a bit tricky knowing which piece of fruit is going to be ripe and perfect to eat. Check for these giveaway signs.
Here’s how you can keep (most of it) it out of landfill.
Also known as a galaxy jar, this is a great kid’s activity – it’s easy to do and you can incorporate a bit of science into the process (but only if you want to!)
Using mulch in your garden can reduce the need for water by up to 60%, maintain nutrients in the soil and reduce weeds, so it’s a bit of a no brainer. Here are things to avoid when using marvellous mulch.
Rust on your car doesn’t look great and if it gets out of control, it can make a vehicle dangerous to drive. Here are a few ways to stop it before it starts.
Is it a liquid or is it a solid? Actually, it’s both! Oobleck is an awesome substance that can change from a liquid to a solid and back again. How cool is that? Here’s how to make it.
We still don’t fully understand why humans need so much sleep, but it’s believed to help restore the body physically, as well as organise the brain. In short, you need sleep so your body and mind can function properly.
As the temperature starts to rise, give your oven a well-deserved break with this super delicious slice – no baking required!
If your household is anything like ours, summer is when the power bills soar. Here are some easy things you can do to make a difference to your bank balance.
If this is a regular topic of discussion in your home, you’re not alone! Read on for some helpful information which may settle the argument!
If you fancy planting a vegetable garden, but don’t want to wait too long to see the fruits (or, rather, veggies!) of your labour, we have some great suggestions which will have you eating your own produce fast.
Rather than just shoving things into boxes when you pack up everything Christmas-related, use these simple tips to store your decorations and make next year so much easier.
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After the excesses of Christmas, we see the New Year as a fresh start and vow to do all those things we’ve been putting off (like getting fit!). Unfortunately, most of us pick unrealistic goals and have given up by the end of January.
Christmas is a great time to catch up with family and friends. But it can also be a lot of work! Take a look at our helpful time saving tips so you can relax and enjoy the day too.
If you’ve ever considered getting a puppy but decided you don’t have the time for lots of training and exercise – consider adopting an older dog instead. There are lots of senior dogs looking for homes and usually, less work is involved. Here are more benefits:
This eggplant dish is deliciously cheesy and easy to make – it’s a bit like cannelloni without the pasta carbs!
Air fryers have been the ‘must have’ kitchen item for a couple of years now so here are some handy tips and tricks to get the most from this popular appliance.
They come in fabulous colours and shapes, and have awesome names including Jellybean, Fairy Wings and our favourite, Stonecrop Purple Blob! Some succulents will even produce colourful flowers in the right conditions. Here’s how to make sure they don’t just stay alive but thrive!
Laminate flooring has come a long way over the years and is a cost-effective solution for your home. Here are some of the reasons why it could be perfect for you (and why it might not).
Think it sounds delicious? Just wait until you taste it. It’s creamy, fruity, so yummy and easy to make.
If you’re tempted to install your new fence to save money, here’s why it might not be such a good idea.
If you’ve ever had rice on your shopping list only to get to the supermarket to find 6 or 7 different types (and even different colours) – you’re not alone. Here’s a helpful list of what to buy depending on the dish you are creating.
Having a beautiful garden can be expensive – with plants, maintenance, water and fertilisers just to mention a few of the costs. But you can do it on a budget, so here are some simple ways to save and still enjoy your garden.
Many of us spend a lot of time sitting at a desk and working on a computer. This can lead to poor posture, potentially causing neck discomfort or pain. Here are some helpful tips to reduce the risk.
If your pool is looking a bit swamp-like after its winter break, here’s how to get it back to sparkling, just like a pool pro.
Pets need to be watched all year round to make sure they sure they stay fit and healthy (and don’t get into things they shouldn’t!); but summer can bring additional hazards. Here’s what you need to look out for.
If you’re not keen on advent calendars filled with chocolate, we’ve got some simple ideas to make your own. You can add whatever you like for each day. It could be a treat or an activity to do with your child – whatever you fancy!
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Flushing your toilet, only to find the water rising back towards you is something you do not want to see! So, to reduce the risk of a blocked toilet there are certain things you should never flush.
Sunscreen is a vital tool in the prevention of skin cancer – but only if it’s used properly. If not, you won’t be fully protected.
Buying gifts at Christmas (or any other time of year for that matter) can be expensive. We have some great ideas for homemade edible gifts that won’t break the bank.
Potatoes have more potassium than bananas, more vitamin C than oranges and contain essential B vitamins. They are also easy to grow and the perfect gardening project for kids.
For many people wood is the material of choice for a chopping board, but it’s important to keep it clean. Most aren’t dishwasher safe, so here are four ways of giving them a thorough clean.
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There's no such thing as too many shoes! But the way you organise them could determine how good they look and how long they last.
White paint is white paint, right? Well, no, that would be far too easy! There are lots of white paints with lots of different finishes and it all comes down to what you are painting and the finish you are looking for.
Okay, it’s not an actual lava lamp but the bubbly, blobby effect is the same and the kids will love it! This is a simple experiment which will leave them wide-eyed with amazement – so you can explain the science or just watch them enjoy the fun!
If you don’t have the time or inclination to devote your weekend to cleaning the house – grabbing a few minutes throughout the day will help to keep it under control. Here are some easy ways to fit in some simple cleaning tasks.
Owning a dog is a commitment for the whole of its life, so it’s important that you find your perfect match from the start. Here are a few things to take into considering when choosing your ideal furry friend.
Yes, we know, boooooooooring! Ridge capping may sound a bit blah, blah, blah, but it's an essential part of your tiled roof! Here's why it's important and what can go wrong.
A summery twist on an Italian dessert classic – and it’s berry, berry delicious!
You probably haven’t given your outdoor paving a lot of thought over winter, but with all the rain, they could have collected mould, moss, and lots of weeds. Here’s how to get rid of slip hazards and get them looking great for the warmer weather.
If you’re renovating your garden areas and can’t decide between natural lawn or artificial, here are the pros and cons for both.
Buying cleaning and laundry products from the supermarket can cost anything from $2.70 to $10.00 per litre depending on the brand you buy. But did you know that good old white vinegar can do lots of jobs around the house for around 70 cents per litre? That’s a lot of money saved over the course of a year!
If headlice have landed (literally) on your child’s head - now the hard work begins! Getting rid of headlice can take some time, but it’s important to do it properly or they will just keep coming back.
Sick of annoying pests in your outdoor entertaining area? (No, we’re not talking about your kids!). We’re talking mozzies. They may be small, but they have the potential to ruin your plans for outdoor entertaining. We’ve got some handy ways to keep them at bay (without using harsh chemicals).
And in the blink of an eye, Halloween is here again. If you are taking part in Halloween activities this year, here are a few ‘rules’ you might like to follow to make it an enjoyable time for everyone.
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Power boards can be a useful way to increase the number of power outlets in your home, but only if they are used safely and correctly. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do.
A no-dig garden consists of layers of organic material that are stacked up to form a rich, raised garden area.
Dogs bark to communicate and some breeds bark more than others. But if your dog is barking excessively and starting to upset the neighbours, it’s time to take action. Here are 3 reasons why your dog may be barking a lot.
Because they are too small for general recycling machines, plastic bread-bag tags are ending up in landfill, causing harm to our native wildlife and wreaking havoc on the marine environment. Thankfully, there are a couple of ways that these can now be recycled.
This is perfect for a side dish at a barbecue or a light and fresh meal all by itself. No cooking required and it can be ready in minutes!
Just finished cleaning? Did you know you could have made your home dirtier? Sorry, but it’s true! Here’s how to avoid all your hard work going to waste.
Composting is the ultimate recycling activity. It reduces the food and garden waste that goes into landfill and can transform your garden with its nutrient boosting properties. Not all food waste is beneficial for your compost though, so here are some important things to avoid - and why.
Fresh figs are crammed full of deliciousness along with beneficial vitamins and minerals. They can also be a bit pricey to buy – so why not have a go at growing your own?
Sharing the road can be stressful for both motor vehicle drivers and cyclists – but there are a few things everyone can do to make sure we all travel in harmony!
If your favourite chair is looking a little the worse for wear, you don’t have to get rid of it. Have it professionally reupholstered and bring it back to life.
It will come as no surprise that your grocery shopping bill has soared over the last couple of years, with some products nearly doubling in cost ($8 lettuces anyone?). But there are some simple things you can do to bring down your grocery costs.
It’s time for your trusty lawn mower to spring into action as summer kicks in and your grass starts to grow at warp speed. Here’s how to prepare it for all the work ahead.
Confused about pavers and which will be the best choice for your home? Here are the differences so it’s easier to decide.
Just because you haven’t seen a redback spider in your house or garden doesn’t mean they’re not there! We know the places they love to lurk and how to spot their webs.
A life without plastic packaging may seem a bit daunting, but there are some simple things you can do to reduce the amount you use, starting with your food shopping. (Go on, give it a try!)
Tweens are children aged 9 and 12 - not quite teenagers, not little kids anymore. It can be difficult finding family things to do with this age group but give some of these activities a try. (Disclaimer: they may still squirm with embarrassment!)
Gutters tend to fall into the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ category. But it’s important to make sure they are working effectively so they can protect our homes from water damage.
You may love that silk dress or linen shirt, but if you squish them into your suitcase, they will be full of creases by the time you reach your destination.
Charity shops are run by volunteers and without them, they wouldn’t be able to operate, so they are always on the lookout for extra help. Whether it’s a few hours or a couple of days each week, it all makes a difference.
October is Buy Nothing New month and we’ve got some great tips to help without feeling like you’re missing out! It’s also a great idea for any time of year to save you money.
We tend to take skirting boards for granted, but they are one of your home’s quiet achievers!
Prospective homebuyers like nothing more than walking into a bright and airy home; but what if your home doesn’t get much light? Here are somethings you can do to increase the light in your home when selling.
While our pets like to get a bit of fresh air out in the garden, there are lots of things you should avoid as they can cause significant harm to your furry friend.
We throw away vast amounts of stuff – even things that could be easily repaired but we don’t know how. This is where a Repair Café comes in handy – they are a place where you can have things repaired for free and keep them out of landfill. Here’s how it works.
Sliding doors are great when they’re running smoothly. But if they get worn or damaged, not only are they difficult to open, they can also make your home less secure.
Juicy mangos, zesty lime and creamy avocados make salsa the star of the show in this taco recipe!
Unless you have completed a law degree, you probably find legal jargon quite confusing (join the club). Here are the differences between two important legal documents – in plain English!
We’re getting close to venturing back outside after a very wet winter. Unfortunately, moisture often equals mildew or mould, so your outdoor furniture may need a good clean before you use it again this spring.
Research has shown driving more slowly makes streets safer for all road users and pedestrians, contributes to more connected communities, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and only has a minor impact on average journey times. Despite this, many drivers are still driving too fast in residential areas.
The most common cause of poor TV reception is your antenna. Here’s how to make sure yours is right for you.
It may be genetic, or you listened to too much loud music when you were younger, but hearing loss is a common complaint. The good news is that something can be done, but only if you admit you are struggling a bit!
Whether it was a present from someone, or you bought it as a gift to yourself, you want your precious jewellery to last. Here are some tips to look after it and prevent damage.
We all seem to have coped with the ban on single use plastic shopping bags when we visit the supermarket. Plastic produce bags are still available for use, (the ones you tear off the roll in the fresh produce section of the supermarket) – but they are next on the list to be banned. Try these easy alternatives instead!
TV channels are allowed up to 13 minutes per hour of TV commercials between 6pm and midnight (I know, it seems like more). If you watch lots of free-to-air TV every week, that’s a lot of time wasted. Instead, we have a list of small jobs you can get done during the annoying commercial break.
If you’ve got old fashioned, dark exposed brick in your home, or a ceiling and walls that have seen better days, here’s the perfect solution without having to do a major renovation.
Add a little magic to your garden with a miniature garden scene. It could be for fairies, for pirates or even for dinosaurs. Just use what you have and let your imagination do the rest.
Breakfast muffins? Yes please! Get a jump-start by making the batter the night before and leaving it to rest overnight. They will be well worth the wait!
You’ve decided to have your carpets professionally cleaned - but do you need steam cleaning or dry cleaning?
When it comes to loading the dishwasher there seems to be two types of people. Those who just throw things in willy-nilly and hope for the best – and those who rinse everything first and then place them carefully in designated areas. Well, we’ve found the most efficient way (and hopefully it will save arguments!)
Friday September 2nd is Walk to Work Day – and even if you are working from home, or work too far away, there are some great ways to get a bit more walking into your workday (and every day!).
Passionfruit vines are perfect for hiding an ugly fence or creating a screen in your garden (and the results are delicious as well!).
If there's water gushing out of a pipe, it's easy to see there's a problem! But what about those water leaks that are not so easy to spot?
Gone are the days of having to choose between drab grey and slightly less drab grey. Concrete has come of age - the options are endless, and the benefits are many.
An incandescent light bulb should last around 1500 hours, a CFL bulb should last 6000 – 8000 hours, and an LED lightbulb has an average lifespan of around 50,00 hours! If your bulbs seem to be blowing often, it could be one of these 6 reasons.
Whether you have a new puppy who is still learning or an older dog with bad habits – here are a few tips to stop your dog undoing all your hard work in the garden!
Enjoy some camping fun with the kids without having to pack the car or brave the elements! (And you can enjoy the comfortable and clean bathroom).
Would you love a beautiful garden but simply don’t have the time? Or you may have a passion for gardening but would like to free up a little time to do other things. Either way, here are 8 great garden time-savers.
