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Give the gift of sustainable luxury this Mother’s Day

<p dir="ltr">With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s time to celebrate the most important women in our lives with affordable luxury that doesn’t cost the earth. </p> <p dir="ltr">To spoil the mums in your life this year, discover the ideal gift to honour and celebrate your most treasured moments together with L’Occitane’s limited edition Mother’s Day collections. </p> <p dir="ltr">You can feel good about gifting these organic and sustainably sourced products to your loved ones, as L’Occitane have created these little luxuries while respecting and caring for everything the ground grows for us and beyond. </p> <p dir="ltr">By sourcing fair-trade and organic shea butter from women’s collectives in Burkina Faso and recently in Ghana, L’Occitane are dedicated to helping the local ecosystem and supporting the community. </p> <p dir="ltr">The L’Occitane group celebrates the official B Corp certification, demonstrating that as a business, they’re not just about beauty; they believe in Cultivating Change to create a fairer, more equitable and regenerative planet.</p> <p dir="ltr">This Mother’s Day, L’Occitane has something for everyone, with gift packs available for every budget, ranging from just $34 to the ultimate gift set priced at $280. </p> <p dir="ltr">From hand creams, body lotions and washes, to fragrances and luxury skin care, these limited edition gifting packs have exactly what you need to give the gift of indulgence this Mother’s Day. </p> <p dir="ltr">L’Occitane presents a superb range that embodies the essence of gratitude, showing appreciation through thoughtfully selected gifts that not only pamper, but also reflect a commitment to sustainable practices. </p> <p dir="ltr">It’s more than a gift; it’s a gesture that acknowledges the importance of those who have shaped our lives.</p> <p dir="ltr">L’Occitane’s Mother’s Day collection is available now both <a href="https://au.loccitane.com/mothers-day.html">online</a> and in-store. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Supplied / Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

"The greatest gift of all": Sophie Delezio's joyous news

<p>In a heartwarming announcement that has spread joy far and wide, Aussie hero Sophie Delezio has revealed that she and her husband Joseph Salerno are expecting their first child together.</p> <p>The news was shared by Sophie herself on her Instagram page, accompanied by sweet images capturing the excitement and love radiating from the soon-to-be parents.</p> <p>"The greatest gift of all coming in September," Sophie shared, her words brimming with anticipation, alongside a tender photo of the couple embracing on the beach, hands gently cradling her growing belly. The announcement, marked with a baby face and heart emoji, was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from well-wishers near and far.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5SZ98MPL5s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5SZ98MPL5s/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sophie Delezio (@soph.delezio)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Among those offering their warm wishes were notable figures like Angie Simpson, mother of singer Cody Simpson, and former Hi-5 star turned <em>Getaway</em> reporter Charli Robinson. Their messages echoed the sentiments of many, celebrating this new chapter in Sophie's extraordinary life.</p> <p>Sophie Delezio's journey has been one of resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit. Her story first captured the hearts of Australians when, as a toddler, she survived a horrific car crash that left her with severe burns covering 85 percent of her body. The incident, which occurred in 2003 when a car crashed into a Sydney childcare centre, trapped young Sophie under the burning vehicle, forever altering the course of her life.</p> <p>Tragically, Sophie's resilience would be tested once again in 2006 when she was struck by another car near her home, resulting in a brain injury and a heart attack. Despite the immense challenges she faced, Sophie's fighting spirit prevailed, inspiring countless individuals with her remarkable journey of survival and perseverance.</p> <p>In 2023, Sophie Delezio embarked on a new chapter of her life as she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/sophie-delezio-s-fantastic-personal-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">became engaged to her childhood friend Joseph Salerno</a>. Now, with the announcement of their pregnancy, Sophie and Joseph are set to embrace parenthood with the same courage and love that have defined their lives thus far.</p> <p>We join in sending our heartfelt congratulations to the expectant parents and eagerly await the arrival of their precious little one, knowing that their journey of love, courage and resilience is far from over.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Boss slammed for demanding "insane" farewell gift contribution

<p>A boss in London has been slammed after asking his employees to chip in almost $100 each for an expensive farewell gift for a co-worker. </p> <p>In a TikTok, London-resident Ben Askins read out the anonymous submission from one of the employees who was fed up after his manager “forced” everyone in the team to contribute because it was "compulsory". </p> <p>“Hey, noticed you hadn’t paid into the leaving present for Josh yet. Can you send me the £50 (AU$95) today? I want to put the purchase in by the end of the day,” the boss said in the text.</p> <p>Shocked by the "insane" amount of money, the employee replied: “Can I ask why it is so expensive?</p> <p>“Money is a little tight right now and to be asked to put in so much feels like a lot.”</p> <p>However, the manager didn't take his employee's financial situation into consideration, and said: “Josh has led the company for three years now and I think it’s nice gesture to show our appreciation.” </p> <p>The employee hit back: “I appreciate that but he makes so much more money than me and for me to be asked to put in so much feels weird especially as I never really worked with him”.</p> <p>But, the manager insisted that the employee needed to make a contribution. </p> <p>“This is compulsory I am afraid, it is not fair for me to ask some people and not others. Besides it isn’t that much all things considered," he said, and the employee conceded. </p> <p>It is unclear what happened after, but the texts have gone viral with over 2.2 million views thanks to Askins' <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ben.askins/video/7307322849407028513" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a>.</p> <p>Askins, who’s a managing director and co-founder of a digital agency, weighed in on the ordeal. </p> <p>“I don’t like this at all. I don’t mind leaving presents as a concept, right? But companies should pay it,” he said.</p> <p>“Companies should take responsibility, set a budget and they should pay for themselves. If you want to get something small for your best mate at work, that’s totally different, that’s well within your right.</p> <p>“But this sort of compulsory, ‘everyone’s got to chip in’, I absolutely hate," he added. </p> <p>He also said that the manager's actions are "really poor" and asking for that amount "is just ridiculous, it’s an insane amount". </p> <p>“It might not be much money for him but it is clearly a lot for this person so it’s just not fair what he’s doing,” he concluded. </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Retirement Life

Mum left shocked and distraught after Christmas gifts were stolen

<p>A young mum from Melbourne is "fuming" after a pile of Christmas gifts were stolen from her front porch. </p> <p>Mother-of-three Jasmine Yoong captured the young man allegedly taking five presents from her front door, which were due to be picked up by a courier and delivered to her friends. </p> <p>CCTV video captured the man stealing gifts from the front of the home in Melbourne’s west on Wednesday, holding them close to his chest before he threw them into his car and made a break for it.</p> <p>After discovering the footage of her gifts being stolen, Yoong decided to turn to TikTok in an attempt to get her presents back before going to the police. </p> <p>“I was so angry in that moment, I was so ... I was fuming,” she told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/mum-fuming-after-man-allegedly-steals-christmas-presents-from-melbourne-home-c-12915860" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a>.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C03juMwJL3b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C03juMwJL3b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 7NEWS Melbourne (@7newsmelbourne)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 27-year-old mum took to social media to expose the opportunistic crook.</p> <p>“All that hard work for you to come and steal them off my front door when the postman was collecting them, and then he couldn’t collect them. Why? Because you stole them,” she said in the video, which reached more than two million views in one day.</p> <p>“All I want is my five parcels back.”</p> <p>Yoong admitted the idea may “sound stupid” but she hoped the video would find him.</p> <p>“My initial thought was, all right , let me go to the police straightaway,” she said.</p> <p>“I thought, well, what can I do to actually increase my chances of getting it back. I’ve seen TikTok do some pretty crazy things."</p> <p>“I didn’t want to ruin his life if it was just a snap of the moment decision, you know. I wanted to give him a chance to do the right thing, make it right.”</p> <p>Her TikTok video reached a worker at a nearby McDonalds, who said they had seen the man in fast food restaurant just before the presents were stolen. </p> <p>“He was apparently causing a ruckus, disrupting diners,” Yoong said.</p> <p>Yoong contacted her local police to report the theft after the parcels were not returned.</p> <div> <p>Her message to the crook is simple: “Just don’t take from others.”</p> <p>“It’s just a shortcut to steal from others ... everyone needs to work hard to get what they have,” she said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p> </div>

Legal

Gift-giving taboos that aren’t as bad as you think

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mary-steffel-213379">Mary Steffel</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/northeastern-university-1644">Northeastern University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elanor-williams-213382">Elanor Williams</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/indiana-university-1368">Indiana University</a></em></p> <p>There are many social norms that dictate gift-giving, including when, how and what to give as gifts.</p> <p>Interestingly, these norms don’t seem to be about making sure that recipients get the gifts they want. What makes for a good or bad gift often differs in the eyes of givers and recipients.</p> <p>In fact, behavioral science research shows that gifts that may seem “taboo” to givers might actually be better appreciated by recipients than they might think.</p> <h2>Taboo #1: giving money</h2> <p>Givers often worry that giving cash or gift cards might be seen as impersonal, thoughtless or crass. Yet <a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5399fab2e4b083bff5af4518/t/5499c4fee4b0bb5843a0b371/1419363582068/Giver-Recipient+Discrepancies+in+Gift+Giving+Draft+12-17-14+FINAL.pdf">research</a> we have done with Robyn LeBoeuf of Washington University in St Louis shows that recipients prefer these more versatile gifts more than givers think they do.</p> <p>We find that givers underestimate how much recipients like seemingly impersonal monetary gifts, mistakenly thinking that they’ll prefer a traditional gift to a gift card, for instance, or a gift card to cash, when the opposite is true. And, contrary to givers’ expectations, recipients think that these less personal gifts are more thoughtful, too.</p> <p>Why don’t givers realize this? We find that givers tend to focus on recipients’ enduring traits and tastes and choose gifts that are tailored to those characteristics, and recipients are more likely to focus on their varying wants and needs and prefer gifts that give them the freedom to get whatever they currently need or desire most.</p> <p>Prompting givers to shift their focus from what recipients <em>are</em> like to what they <em>would</em> like makes them more likely to choose the versatile gifts that recipients prefer.</p> <h2>Taboo #2: giving a practical gift</h2> <p>A classic sitcom plotline involves the <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GiftGivingGaffe">gift-giving gaffe</a>, with a prime example being the husband who buys his wife a vacuum cleaner or something else practical when the occasion seems to call for something more sentimental.</p> <p>These blundering husbands might not be as wrong as you’d think, though: research suggests that practical gifts are actually better-liked by recipients than givers expect. For instance, <a href="https://msbfile03.usc.edu/digitalmeasures/wakslak/intellcont/baskin%20wakslak%20trope%20novemsky%20(2014)-1.pdf">research</a> by Ernest Baskin of Saint Joseph’s University and colleagues demonstrates that givers tend to focus on how desirable a gift is, when recipients might prefer they think a little more about how easy that gift is to use.</p> <p>A gift certificate to the best restaurant in the state might not be so great a gift if it takes three hours to get there; your recipient might think that a gift certificate to a less noteworthy but closer restaurant is actually a better gift.</p> <p>In fact, even gifts that aren’t much fun at all, like the fabled vacuum cleaner, can make for great gifts in recipients’ eyes. <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50a5e160e4b0e80bad9bfe3d/t/567755bbc21b8664a205e822/1450661307640/SJDM+2015+Submission_ER_EFW.pdf">Work</a> that Williams has done with Emily Rosenzweig of Tulane University shows that recipients have a stronger preference for useful rather than fun gifts than givers expect them to have.</p> <p>We find that the best gifts people have received are much more useful than the best gifts they think they have given, and they want givers to put less emphasis on the fun features of a gift and more emphasis on its useful features than they themselves would when picking out a gift to give to someone else.</p> <h2>Taboo #3: giving an ‘uncreative’ gift</h2> <p>Givers often feel pressure to think of creative gifts that demonstrate how much thought they put into the gift and how well they know the recipient.</p> <p>This means that, even when they are given explicit instructions on what to purchase, givers frequently ignore recipients’ wish lists or gift registries and instead try to come up with ideas for gifts by themselves. Givers think that their unsolicited gift ideas will be appreciated just as much as the ideas on wish lists and registries, but <a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/55dcde36e4b0df55a96ab220/t/55e746dee4b07156fbd7f6bd/1441220318875/Gino+Flynn+JESP+2011.pdf">recipients would rather</a> have the gifts they requested.</p> <p>Another implication of this is that givers often pass up gifts they know would be better-liked in favor of getting different gifts for each person they give a gift to, according to <a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5399fab2e4b083bff5af4518/t/539a15b3e4b0bf580fb57539/1402607027977/SteffelLeBoeuf2014.pdf">research</a> by Steffel and LeBoeuf. Givers feel like they are being more thoughtful by getting something unique and creative for each person on their shopping list, but recipients would rather have what’s on the top of their wish list, especially if they are unlikely to compare gifts.</p> <p>We find that encouraging givers to consider what recipients would choose for themselves before choosing a gift makes them more likely to go ahead and get the same better-liked gift for more than one recipient.</p> <h2>Taboo #4: giving a gift that can’t be unwrapped</h2> <p>The very idea of exchanging gifts suggests to people that they need to give something that can be tied up with a pretty bow and then unwrapped, but, in fact, some of the best gifts aren’t things at all.</p> <p>A <a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5394dfa6e4b0d7fc44700a04/t/547d589ee4b04b0980670fee/1417500830665/Gilovich+Kumar+Jampol+%28in+press%29+A+Wonderful+Life+JCP.pdf">wealth of research</a> has shown that money is often better spent on experiences than on material goods, and this seems to be true for gifts as well as personal purchases.</p> <p>Joseph Goodman of Washington University in St Louis and Sarah Lim of Seoul National University <a href="http://apps.olin.wustl.edu/faculty/goodman/Giving%20Happiness.pdf">have found</a> that givers think that material items that can be physically exchanged and unwrapped make for better gifts, when gifts that are experiences actually make recipients happier.</p> <p>Experiential gifts have benefits beyond simply boosting their recipients’ enjoyment, as well. Cindy Chan of the University of Toronto and Cassie Mogilner of the University of Pennsylvania <a href="https://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/-/media/Files/Programs-and-Areas/Marketing/papers/ChanMogilner2013.pdf">have shown</a> that receiving an experiential gift prompts stronger emotional reactions in recipients, and this makes them feel closer to the person who gave them the gift. In other words, opt for the swing dance lessons over the sweater – it will make the recipient happier, and bring the two of you closer together, to boot.</p> <h2>If you still can’t think of a gift…</h2> <p>Gift-giving, especially around the holidays, can be a stressful process for both giver and recipient. An understanding of which gift-giving norms are misguided can perhaps relieve some of this stress and lead to better gifts and happier recipients (and givers, too).</p> <p>But even if givers ignore this advice, there is hope: one last taboo to bust is the taboo on regifting. According Gabrielle Adams of the London Business School and colleagues, givers <a href="http://www.people.hbs.edu/mnorton/adams%20flynn%20norton.pdf">aren’t as bothered</a> by regifting as recipients think.</p> <p>Even if what you get is not what you want, you can pass it along to someone else, and hope that next time, the norms will work in your favor.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/52293/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mary-steffel-213379"><em>Mary Steffel</em></a><em>, Assistant Professor of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/northeastern-university-1644">Northeastern University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/elanor-williams-213382">Elanor Williams</a>, Assistant Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/indiana-university-1368">Indiana University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/gift-giving-taboos-that-arent-as-bad-as-you-think-52293">original article</a>.</em></p>

Money & Banking

The 4 biggest gift-giving mistakes, according to a consumer psychologist

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/julian-givi-1395671">Julian Givi</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/west-virginia-university-1375">West Virginia University</a></em></p> <p>A good gift can elicit a surge of happiness and gratitude in the recipient. It also feels great to give, <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-point-of-holiday-gifts-173306">with psychologists finding</a> that the joy of giving a gift is more pronounced than the pleasure of receiving one.</p> <p>Unfortunately, there are times when you receive a gift and you have to force a smile and fake your gratitude.</p> <p>I’m a consumer psychologist <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wjAq_TcAAAAJ&hl=en">who specializes in gift-giving research</a> – in particular, gift-giving mistakes.</p> <p>Here are four of the most common ones.</p> <h2>1. Prioritizing the big reveal</h2> <p>One way givers can err is by focusing too much on <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721416656937">the moment the recipient will open the gift</a>.</p> <p>Givers want their gift to be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/675737">desirable</a>. They hope <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2011.03.015">to surprise</a> the recipient and <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2733341">put a smile</a> on their face.</p> <p>A chocolate fondue fountain might meet these criteria – it’s quirky and sure to elicit curiosity and smiles from onlookers.</p> <p>However, when people receive a gift, they care less about the moment the bow comes off, and instead think about the weeks and months ahead.</p> <p>People want gifts that are <a href="https://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/1023703/volumes/v45/NA-45">useful</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/675737">reliable</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2011.03.015">meet their needs</a>.</p> <p>How often would a chocolate fondue fountain realistically be used?</p> <p>Compare that to a new coffee maker, which could see action every day. Sure, it isn’t a novelty – and probably won’t elicit “oohs” and “ahhs” on Christmas Day – but the recipient will be quite happy to have it on hand when their alarm rings each morning.</p> <h2>2. Unique and new are overrated</h2> <p>Another factor that can lead givers to go wrong involves unwritten rules for what constitutes good gift-giving practices.</p> <p>Givers often focus on these rules more than they should. For example, they may <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.05.023">avoid giving the same gift</a> to someone in back-to-back years because this goes against the norm of giving a unique gift each year. Givers also often <a href="https://doi.org/10.1348/014466604x23428">refrain from giving used products</a> as gifts because this violates the unspoken rule that a gift should be brand new.</p> <p>In contrast, recipients are quite open to gifts that violate these norms.</p> <p>If someone loves a certain type of wine, they’re <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.05.023">more than happy to receive it</a> in subsequent years. And if one digital camera is lightly used but possesses several innovative features, while another is new but has fewer features, people <a href="https://doi.org/10.1348/014466604x23428">are happy to receive the used one</a>.</p> <h2>3. Being risk-averse</h2> <p>Givers can make missteps when they avoid gifts that they see as too risky.</p> <p>Consider sentimental gifts, like a scrapbook or a nostalgic memento.</p> <p>Studies have shown that recipients <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2017.06.002">love these gifts</a>; they <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000036">elicit happiness for extended periods of time</a>.</p> <p>Givers, however, tend to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2017.06.002">shy away from sentimental gifts</a> because they see them risky – sure, they could be a home run, but they could also whiff. Doubts can creep into shoppers’ heads as they consider sentimental gifts: What if it comes across as sappy? What if the recipient thinks I’m being cheap?</p> <p>And so people tend to opt for <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S105774081730044X">safer, superficial gifts</a> that they assume will be at least somewhat well-liked. Or, to continue with the baseball analogy, givers are happy to take the sure single.</p> <p>As another example, consider material goods versus experiences.</p> <p>When giving gifts, people often opt for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jcr/ucy010">tangible objects over experiences</a> because material goods are on the safer side – almost everyone could use a new appliance or a new shirt. Experiences are trickier; they require a bit more of an understanding of who the recipient truly is – not everyone loves going to see the symphony.</p> <p>Yet recipients tend to be <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1281">more open to experiences than givers anticipate</a> – and these gifts <a href="https://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/1017575/volumes/v42/NA-42">are actually more likely to make people happier</a> than material goods.</p> <h2>4. Does the thought really count?</h2> <p>Givers can also err by wanting their gift to appear especially thoughtful.</p> <p>Of course, recipients appreciate thoughtfulness – but not when it comes at the expense of receiving something that’s actually useful.</p> <p>This plays out when givers are shopping for multiple people. They’ll often <a href="https://doi.org/10.1086/674199">choose unique gifts for each recipient</a>, rather than give the same gift to everyone, because a distinct gift for each person will make them feel as though they put more time and effort into gift selection. People do this even if they realize that some recipients will be receiving less desirable gifts.</p> <p>You’ll also see this happen with <a href="https://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/1020146/volumes/v43/NA-43">gift cards</a>. Givers often choose specific gift cards – to a particular clothing store or restaurant, for example – that reflect the interests or tastes of the recipient.</p> <p>But recipients are more open to gift cards that give them more flexibility and freedom – think an Amazon or Visa gift card. That way, they can decide whether to splurge on a new sweater, dine out at their favorite restaurant – or do both.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/195169/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/julian-givi-1395671">Julian Givi</a>, Assistant Professor of Marketing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/west-virginia-university-1375">West Virginia University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-4-biggest-gift-giving-mistakes-according-to-a-consumer-psychologist-195169">original article</a>.</em></p>

Money & Banking

Thief returns stolen truck with note of apology – and gifts!

<p>In the bustling world of Auckland cafés, where flat whites and smashed avocados reign supreme, one café owner recently found himself entangled in a plot that could rival a sitcom script.</p> <p>Varun Chada, the proud owner of Kati Street, had his beloved 4WD truck snatched right out from under his nose, leaving him in a state of disbelief that could only be rivalled by a magician's audience.</p> <p>Picture this: a sunny afternoon, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, and Chada minding his own business when, suddenly, his trusty truck disappeared faster than a piece of cake at a weight loss support group meeting. The audacity! The cheek! Someone had the gall to pull off a vehicular heist right outside his beloved eatery.</p> <p>But it gets better.</p> <p>Four days later, as if the universe had decided to play a cosmic prank on poor Varun, the stolen truck made a triumphant return. Parked in the exact same spot, as if it had never embarked on a wild joyride. It was like the vehicular version of Houdini's vanishing act, only with less smoke and mirrors and more caffeinated confusion.</p> <p>To add a sprinkle of absurdity to the mix, the returned truck came with a heartfelt, handwritten letter of apology. Now, we applaud any criminal with the decency to apologise, but it seems this particular ne'er-do-well could use a grammar lesson or two. The apology note featured the word "sorry", albeit with a creative twist on spelling that would make any English teacher cringe.</p> <p>“I couldn’t believe it,” Chada <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/watch-cafe-owners-stolen-truck-returned-with-sorry-note/VTWKKMRGR5AOTNIQGJNKBP6H7E/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told The NZ Herald</a>. "The first time I thought I was losing my mind because I’d just walked inside, and the second time I rocked up, and it was parked there."</p> <p>As it turns out, the thief, in an attempt to excuse their vehicular misdeed, claimed to be a bit 'drunk' and in desperate need of a ride home. Because, you know, grand theft auto is a completely acceptable solution to a night out with one too many beers.</p> <p>"It was exactly where I’d parked it," Chada explained, "and I walked up to the window and there was a note inside it saying ‘hey mate sorry but I borrowed your car, was a bit drunk’ and none of us could believe it." </p> <p>But here's the twist that turns this tale into a comedy goldmine – the thief not only returned the truck unscathed but also left some new toys in the back for Chada's young son! It's like they momentarily transformed from a rogue car bandit to the world's most peculiar Santa Claus.</p> <p>Despite the surreal nature of the ordeal, Chada seems to be taking it all in stride. “I’m not condoning what they did is fine, but I mean, they gave it back and they said sorry, so, I don’t know, I’m just stoked to get it back, put it that way.”</p> <p>The saga has become the talk of the town, with Chada's Facebook and community pages buzzing with activity. Social media, the modern-day town square, has played a pivotal role in the unfolding drama, with hundreds of likes, shares and comments turning the café owner into an unintentional social media influencer.</p> <p>As for the truck, it's currently parked at Chada's house, awaiting the forensic scrutiny of the police. The investigation continues, but in the meantime, Aucklanders are left scratching their heads, wondering if their next caffeine fix might come with a side of unexpected vehicular shenanigans.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

“Now THIS is a gift I can get behind”: Couple praised for unusual wedding request

<p dir="ltr">A young couple have come up with an inventive way to pay off a speeding fine, while asking their friends and family to contribute to the cost. </p> <p dir="ltr">Annabelle and James, from Texas in the US, were less than three weeks away from their wedding when James unfortunately received a speeding fine in the mail. </p> <p dir="ltr">With their wedding budget already at capacity, the young couple weren’t sure how they were going to be able to fork out for the $231 fine. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, they came up with a genius way to deal with the fine: by adding it to their wedding gift registry. </p> <p dir="ltr">Annabelle shared their great idea to TikTok, writing, “Wedding in 26 days, timing couldn't be better.”</p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7288095171068103982&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40imthatgurlneb%2Fvideo%2F7288095171068103982&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2FokrbI8IiAf2R6neDQgBDaXXCZ2DEJl8SgCBJIz%3Fx-expires%3D1697760000%26x-signature%3DdT%252FKt%252BrdEhkr8paiK0OSLVuZj0g%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p dir="ltr">In the video, Annabelle showed her fiancé James sitting in front of a computer holding an envelope containing the $231 penalty for driving over the speed limit. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Feel free to support James in his down-bad era on The Knot at Annabelle and James's Wedding Registry,” she wrote in the caption of the clip. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the 15-second-clip, Annabelle showed their registry list on the computer screen, focusing on a section for 'cash fund' on their digital gift wish list and a picture of a police officer issuing the fine.</p> <p dir="ltr">She then zoomed in on James updating their registry, writing 'PLEASE HELP,' as he added the speeding fine to the cash fund.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video has racked up hundreds of thousands of views, with many people praising their inventive way of repaying the fine. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Now this is a wedding gift I can get behind,” one viewer declared.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others also flocked to the comments to share similar stories that happened around their own wedding days. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I got a speeding ticket the night before our wedding... guess it happens to the best of us,” added one person.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My husband got a speeding ticket the day of our rehearsal dinner, so very relatable,” agreed another. </p> <p dir="ltr">Image credits: TikTok</p>

Relationships

Give the gift of luxury on any budget

<p dir="ltr">As the weather starts to warm up, a lot of us are kick starting our summer holiday and Christmas plans. </p> <p dir="ltr">While trips away and what’s on the menu for Christmas lunch are obviously vitally important, it's also good to get a jump on buying Christmas presents for your loved ones. </p> <p dir="ltr">It can be hard to think of a thoughtful gift for that special someone, especially when that person may seemingly have everything. </p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily, L’Occitane’s Christmas gift giving guide has you covered. </p> <p dir="ltr">Featuring everything from affordable stocking fillers, to the most luxurious product packs, the L’Occitane 2023 Christmas collection is certain to have something for everyone. </p> <p dir="ltr">For those looking to really spoil their loved one, they have limited edition sets for the ultimate pamper experience. </p> <p dir="ltr">This year, L’Occitane have three collections on offer, each featuring heavenly scents and full-sized products for $129 each. </p> <p dir="ltr">For those on a tighter budget, or those looking to add in a little extra something special as a stocking filler, L’Occitane’s iconic mini baubles are back for another year. </p> <p dir="ltr">The baubles feature a range of mini products in varying scents for $25, giving each person a chance to fall in love with their new favourite product before committing to a full size version. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClnauzdvCFO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClnauzdvCFO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by L’Occitane en Provence | ANZ (@loccitaneanz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">L’Occitane has a whole range of stocking fillers available, such as hand cream packs, deluxe Christmas crackers, and much more. </p> <p dir="ltr">For those who simply can’t wait until December 25th to unwrap their L’Occitane goodies, the luxury brand has brought back their deluxe Advent Calendars for another year. </p> <p dir="ltr">With both the Classic and Deluxe beauty advent calendars on offer, enjoy a little luxury everyday of December until Christmas Day.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxIEHK7PDpG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxIEHK7PDpG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by L’Occitane en Provence | ANZ (@loccitaneanz)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">You can feel good about gifting L’Occitane goodies for Chrstmas this year, as the brand continues to make improvements to the materials they choose to package their products in. </p> <p dir="ltr">This year, L’Occitane has reduced the use of single-use materials by a further 8%, as they make it their mission to create a positive impact for both people and the planet. </p> <p dir="ltr">So when it comes to picking the perfect present for your loved ones this festive season, look no further than the luxuries of <a href="https://au.loccitane.com/">L’Occitane</a> to give the gift of indulgence to those who matter most. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Beauty & Style

Aussie dad fuming over “disgusting” Father’s Day gift

<p dir="ltr">An Australian dad has been left fuming over a “disgusting” gift his six-year-old made for him at school for Father’s Day.</p> <p dir="ltr">Trent Howard from Perth was horrified when his young daughter handed him a paper activity dice that she made during class, featuring multiple ideas for dads when they’re having a bad day.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Frog for the times when you need to jump to it,” one side reads, while the others suggest Trent eat a Sherbie for when he’s lost all his “fizz” and a banana “for the days when you have ‘gone round the bend’”.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, he said it was the last option that left him “disgusted”, as it reads, “Bullet — take when all else fails.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The concerned father told <em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/perth-dad-furious-after-daughter-given-disgusting-fathers-day-gift-from-teacher/c5e7f47f-fa77-477f-86af-b02aa314ec26#:~:text=A%20Perth%20dad%20has%20been%20left%20furious%20after,%22a%20bullet%20%5Bto%5D%20take%20when%20all%20else%20fails%22.">9News</a></em> that the gift is very worrying for his young daughter as it “promotes suicide”. </p> <p dir="ltr">“If you’ve had enough, shoot yourself, what else does it say? I have a weird sense of humour, that’s not part of any sense of humour to anybody,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Trent and his wife, who “have suicide in [their] families”, complained to their daughter’s school over the tone deaf project, which has since apologised to all parents and promised to never recreate the activity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They wanted to be funny, that was my interpretation of what the teacher had said to me. It wasn’t funny,” Trent’s wife Renea said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Howard said the gift highlighted a flippant attitude towards suicide and mental health issues, as he said, “It’s not cool, it needs to stop.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Department of Education told <em>9News</em> the Father’s Day gift “showed a serious lack in judgement”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: 9News</em></p>

Family & Pets

Diving deeper into generosity: Cave diver's charitable gift shines a light on giving back

<p>Josh lives in Adelaide and is an avid cave diver, loves writing funny books about science, and spends a lot of time reading and studying online. He recently chose to include a gift to Lifeline Australia when writing his Will online with Safewill.</p> <p>“It was an incredibly easy decision to make,” says Josh. “As soon as I saw it was possible to allocate a portion of my estate as a charitable donation, I thought it was a perfect idea, and when Lifeline popped up as a recommended charity, I remembered the times when friends and family had so desperately needed their support - it was as easy as clicking the Lifeline logo.”</p> <p>For a lot of people, writing a Will can feel confronting and daunting. Josh explains how he approached it.</p> <p>“I had been putting off doing my Will for a while now and had brought home Will packs previously thinking I'd get to it eventually. COVID-19 triggered fear in many people around me, and I've had several close calls with diving accidents over the last few years, so I figured it was long overdue. It turned out to be much easier than expected - I already had a sense of what I wanted to happen when I pass away, so filling it out online concisely made the whole process remarkably quick and painless.</p> <p>“For me, a Will is less about enforcing my wishes and more about making things easier for the folks I leave behind. Instead of having loved ones wonder or argue over what I would have wanted, I've laid it all down in clear terms. They might still disagree with different elements of my Will when it's executed, but the important thing is that I don't cause additional grief by leaving ambiguous directions.”</p> <p>Josh was previously unaware that he could leave gifts to charity in his Will. “I certainly didn't think it was an option,” he says. “Until Safewill asked if I wanted to allocate a portion of my estate to charity, I'd never really given it much thought and figured I'd never have enough to make it worth mentioning. I knew how much donations are appreciated, I'd just never connected the dots to realise that what I leave behind could also go towards helping organisations I value.”</p> <p>Josh shares what he’d say if someone was considering leaving a gift to Lifeline in their Will.</p> <p>“They’ll be helping a much wider range of people than if they simply gave everything to their partner or family. As important as our loved ones are, we're ultimately all on the same team when it comes to humanity, so why not support those in need regardless of if you know them or not?”</p> <p>By leaving a gift in his Will to Lifeline, Josh wants to help create a world for people who might be struggling where they can get the support they need when they need it. “We all struggle in different ways, but for many just getting up and surviving the day can be the hardest part. We're incredibly lucky to have an organisation like Lifeline that is there for anyone to reach out to and get support whenever they need it.”</p> <p>Lifeline Australia is a national charity providing people in Australia experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Lifeline exists to ensure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.</p> <p>Lifeline has partnered with Safewill to offer you the opportunity to <strong><a href="https://safewill.com//lifelineaus?utm_content=ptnr&utm_source=over60&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_campaign=lifelineaus_sep_2023_iac_week_over60_newsletter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">write your Will online for free this Include a Charity Week</a></strong>, which runs from the 4th – 10th September and is dedicated to raising awareness of how anyone can make a lasting impact to causes that they care about through a gift in their Will. Your Will will be reviewed by their affiliate law firm, Safewill Legal, to ensure it has been filled out correctly, and comes with a year of free and unlimited updates.</p> <p>While making a Will online may not be for everyone, particularly those with complex estates, thousands more Australians have been able to write a Will within the comfort of their own home in just 20 minutes.</p> <p>Safewill's online Will-writing service allows you to appoint guardians for your children, set out how you want to divide your estate and leave gifts to charities that mean the most to you - like Lifeline.</p> <p>After you've provided for those closest to you, leaving a gift to Lifeline is a lasting and meaningful way that you can have an impact for years to come. Even 1% of your estate can help save lives and prevent suicides in future generations.</p> <p>If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Lifeline Australia’s Gifts in Wills Specialist Abi Steiner via email at <a href="mailto:GiftsInWills@lifeline.org.au">GiftsInWills@lifeline.org.au</a> or phone on 1800 800 768.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied. </em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article written in partnership with Lifeline Australia.</em></p>

Caring

"Divinely gifted" Mamma Mia star passes away aged 40

<p>Broadway luminary Chris Peluso, renowned for his roles in acclaimed productions like <em>Mamma Mia!</em> and <em>Wicked</em>, has passed away at the age of 40.</p> <p>In the period preceding his demise, Peluso reportedly grappled with Schizoaffective disorder, a mental health condition characterised by hallucinations and a fusion of symptoms from both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.</p> <p>The University of Michigan paid homage to Peluso on their musical theatre department's webpage, confirming the sorrowful news, given his previous attendance as a student. Linda Goodrich, interim chair, conveyed: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">"The Michigan Musical Theatre family is heartbroken as we announce the passing of our dear family member/alum, the loving, charismatic, and divinely gifted Chris Peluso." </span></p> <p>Goodrich added: "Chris appeared on Broadway in <em>Mamma Mia!</em>, <em>Assasins</em>, <em>Lestat</em>, <em>The Glorious Ones</em> and <em>Beautiful</em>, played Fiyero on tour in <em>Wicked</em> and starred in London in <em>Miss Saigon</em> and <em>Showboat</em>. Our hearts go out to his family."</p> <p>He leaves behind his wife Jessica Gomes and their two children.</p> <p>In the preceding year, friends of Peluso established a GoFundMe page, detailing his inability to perform due to his mental health struggles and battle with Schizoaffective disorder.</p> <p>They beseeched fans to contribute towards his medical expenses in the United States. The page noted that "in recent months, the paranoia has consumed him to the extent that he is unable to work any job and has had to leave his wife and young child and return to America to seek treatment." </p> <p>"Chris has no health care insurance in the US and was recently hospitalised for about two weeks. Currently, he is seeking treatment at an inpatient mental health rehabilitation centre."</p> <p>"In his own words, 'Hopefully this helps bring some awareness to how so many suffer from mental illness in silence. You never know what someone may be going through. Be kind to each other.'"</p> <p>In a November update shared on the same page, Peluso extended his gratitude to fans for their "incredible generosity" and donations, sharing that he was "doing well".</p> <p>"Hi guys! Thanks so much again for your incredible generosity! I'm very pleased to say that I completed the in-patient treatment facility in Tennessee and have been stable and doing well," he said. </p> <p>"The new medication I'm on works well to keep my symptoms in check and has minimal side effects. I'm able to hold down a job again and even began taping some auditions."</p> <p>He added: "It's going to be a lifelong process of going to therapy and working with doctors but I'm so much better than I was before treatment. It really means the world to me to have such incredible support from you all. None of this progress would have been possible without you."</p> <p>A sum of USD $25,000 was raised on behalf of the now-departed star.</p> <p><em>Images: Instgram</em></p>

Caring

Hard to watch! Paralympic champion given the worst gifts ever

<p>A Spanish Paralympic cyclist has been given the worst trophy gifts in history, with his calm and collected reaction making waves online. </p> <p>Ricardo Ten Argiles was last week crowned world champion in three separate events at the 2023 UCI World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.</p> <p>During the post race ceremonies, he was presented with two gold medals, along with two very surprising gifts from the event's major sponsor: international watch company Tissot.</p> <p>The 47-year-old was gifted not one, but TWO watches in a fancy display case, despite having both his arms amputated at the forearm. </p> <p>A video of Ten keeping a straight face while being handed one of the watches has started to spread across the internet with more than 800,000 views.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not a very well thought gift. <a href="https://t.co/hRhaTfnGsE">pic.twitter.com/hRhaTfnGsE</a></p> <p>— Cycling out of context (@OutOfCycling) <a href="https://twitter.com/OutOfCycling/status/1691136594747469836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>One video shows Ten standing on the podium and exchanging some friendly words with an official as he holds the watch case tightly between his arms. </p> <p>Understandably, the mortifying moment has been met with outrage and black humour. </p> <p>The athlete himself has been laughing off the incident and has embraced the way his social media pages have exploded with comments.</p> <p>Many of the comments suggested that Ten regift the expensive watches at Christmas, while others wondered how officials at the event could've let the awkward gifts happen. </p> <p>Despite the outrage from fans, Ten responded to one news story about the “tactless blunder” by writing on Twitter, “I am very happy to have won two TISSOTs, one for each arm, but above all for what it means for Paralympic cycling, total inclusion of the sport at the highest level”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Twitter</em></p>

Body

Ben Fordham spills on worst gift he ever gave his wife

<p dir="ltr">Coming up with a surprise is already a hard enough task, but Ben Fordham might’ve been a bit too creative when he planned this hilarious gift for his wife Jodie Speers.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 2GB radio host shamefully - and hilariously - spilled the tea on the "one-of-a-kind" gift he got for his wife on the latest episode of <em>He Said She Said</em> with Shelly Horton.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fordham recalled visiting a building site with their three children and letting them spray-paint parts of the building, including an old toilet.</p> <p dir="ltr">He then decided to bring the painted toilet home as a surprise, which ultimately, didn’t impress his wife.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Jodie didn't like it, and so she said, 'Get it out of the house,'" he told Horton.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fordham admitted that it stayed in the "corner of the backyard for about a year" before he got rid of it.</p> <p dir="ltr">He tried to hilariously justify his thought process, "I thought she'd think it was cute, it was painted by her children, her flesh and blood!"</p> <p dir="ltr">Horton quipped that this was "possibly one of the worst presents I've ever heard of."</p> <p dir="ltr">The radio host then shared that he and his wife usually "tip each other off" about the gifts that they want, but they occasionally try to surprise each other.</p> <p dir="ltr">Both hosts eventually came to the conclusion that "experiences" are excellent gifts for long-term couples who already have "everything."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/9Honey</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

Bank of Mum and Dad: How much parents are gifting their children for first home deposit

<p>A lot of Aussies are turning to the “Bank of Mum and Dad” to buy their first home, with parents willing to fork out exorbitant funds to help their kids.</p> <p>Parents with children aged under 12 are planning to gift their children $33,278, on average, to put towards their first home deposit, according to new research by Finder.</p> <p>That amount is just about a third of the average first-home-buyer deposit ($96,274), based on the average first-home-buyer loan of $481,368.</p> <p>Victorian parents were the most generous, with plans to gift their adult children $52,716, on average, followed by parents in South Australia ($44,656) and New South Wales ($40,191).</p> <p>Queensland parents were willing to cough up $36,497, while Western Australian parents said they would gift $31,076.</p> <p>However, not everyone is prepared to dig so deep into their pockets as half of parents (51 per cent) said they would give their children $1,000 or less.</p> <p>About 40 per cent of Australians aged 25-34 are expected to reach out to the “Bank of Mum and Dad” to help them buy a property, according to a recent report by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.</p> <p>Finder money expert Sarah Megginson said, without the help of their parents, many young Australians will simply be priced out of the market.</p> <p>“Recent property price hikes, combined with interest rate rises, have made it extremely tough for young buyers to save a sufficient deposit, let alone qualify for a home loan,” she said.</p> <p>“Buying a home also comes with new responsibilities such as managing hefty council rates and strata fees, paying for ongoing repairs and managing your money.”</p> <p>Megginson said older Australians should make sure they “put their oxygen mask on first” before helping their kids, rather than risk damaging their own retirement fund.</p> <p>“It’s important to consider whether you are financially secure before helping family members, and look for ways to work towards a mutually beneficial outcome.” Megginson said.</p> <p>“For instance, you might pledge to match your kids’ home-deposit savings dollar-for-dollar, which gets them into the habit and discipline of saving, and means you don’t have to contribute as much.”</p> <p>Parents should also ask their children to prepare a household budget to help ensure they will b able to handle further rate rises, Megginson said.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Real Estate

Antiques Roadshow guest floored by value of father’s gift

<p dir="ltr">For most people, finding out that their old items are worth a few hundred dollars is a treat enough, and maybe a few thousand if the antique is particularly special. </p> <p dir="ltr">But for one woman in the United Kingdom and her treasured brooches, that would have been small change. </p> <p dir="ltr">It was <em>Antiques Roadshow</em>’s expert Geoffrey Munn who broke the news after inspecting her pieces in Wales, assigning an impressive value to the 18th century collection. </p> <p dir="ltr">As the guest - and owner - explained, the two diamond brooches from her set had been gifted to her by her father. </p> <p dir="ltr">“[The smaller bow] on my wedding day. [The floral brooch] came a little bit later,” she said, “and [the ruby bow] was inherited from my grandmother.” </p> <p dir="ltr">She went on to share that her father had actually been involved in the antiques world, and so it was “something that I’ve grown up with.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/AntiquesRoadshow_EMBED.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr">Upon inspecting the items, Munn noted that they were in “perfect condition”, and that they seemed to be “18th century jewels of the finest pitch”. </p> <p dir="ltr">When it came to the smaller bow, he remarked that it was more than it appeared, being “a true lovers knot, because the harder it is pulled, the tighter it becomes. </p> <p dir="ltr">“And the diamonds are forever, so this little subliminal message for your wedding was perfectly well chosen.” </p> <p dir="ltr">According to Munn, the same could be said of the ruby bow, but that things were “more complicated” when it came to the floral brooch. </p> <p dir="ltr">After sharing that it was most likely a sort of dress ornament, he noted that “there may have been 20 or 30 of them, and they might have gone down the back of a woman of very high rank and huge wealth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“[In the 18th century], people didn’t simply recognise the sovereign because there was no photography and precious few portraits. So, when [they] entered the room, there had to be an enormous display of sumptuary.” </p> <p dir="ltr">He then theorised that the floral brooch could possibly have belonged to Russian royalty, and that he wanted to believe that was the case. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The Russian crown jewels were sold in London after the revolution to raise funds for the new regime,” he continued. “It’s just possible that this is a Russian crown jewel. Wouldn’t [that] be marvellous?” </p> <p dir="ltr">Munn dubbed the entire collection “marvellous things”, declaring that “they’re not showy. They’re utterly beautiful expressions of an era gone by and that’s what we’re looking for”, as well as announcing that the trio came in at a staggering value of approximately $62,000. </p> <p dir="ltr">The smaller bow came in at around $15,000, while the ruby brooch was valued at $18,800, and the ruby at $28,300.</p> <p dir="ltr">And while selling the set would have given the guest’s bank balance quite the boost, she had no intentions of parting with them any time soon. Instead, she intended for her daughters to inherit them. </p> <p dir="ltr">She enjoyed wearing the pieces, she said, but unfortunately, the bigger of the brooches were getting “difficult to wear nowadays … perhaps [they are] a bit more dated.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Antiques Roadshow / BBC</em></p>

Money & Banking

Kyle Sandilands' most extravagant wedding gifts revealed

<p>Kyle Sandilands has shared the extortionate price some of his celebrity friends spent on his lavish wedding presents. </p> <p>The radio shock jock received a huge range of extravagant gifts from his nearest and dearest, after he tied the knot with <span style="background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji;"><span style="caret-color: #212529;">Tegan Kynaston in a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/all-the-highlights-of-kyle-s-big-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stunning ceremony</a> at Sydney's Darling Point. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Arial, sans-serif, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Noto Color Emoji;">On Wednesday morning, Kyle was pushed to reveal the cost of some of the biggest presents live on <em>The Kyle </em></span></span><em>and Jackie O Show</em>, after Jackie revealed that their producer Pedro Vitola had looked up the value of each wedding present.</p> <p>“You’ve opened them finally, because there would have been a lot of gifts there,” she said, telling Kyle to start talking about what he received.</p> <p>“Guy and Jules Sebastian are first on the list, and don’t forget that Guy gifted multiple performances for free,” Kyle said, saying that the <em>Australian Idol</em> star could easily charge a $100,000 performance fee.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrndyVsPQou/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrndyVsPQou/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kyle and Jackie O (@kyleandjackieo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>As well as the performances, Guy gifted Kyle some expensive Waterford Crystal glasses worth $1,500.</p> <p>Another expensive gift came from Kyle’s groomsman and Kings Cross businessman John Ibrahim.</p> <p>“John Ibrahim and his gorgeous missus Sarah…I was given a yellow envelope,” the host teased. “If you watch the TV shows, you know the envelopes are full of cash.”</p> <p>Jackie was shocked when she heard that Kyle received $10,000 of cash in the envelope, and quickly became nervous about her own gift.</p> <p>“Okay, s**t, I’m done. I’m done now. I didn’t spend 10 grand,” she told Kyle.</p> <p><em>Today’s</em> Karl Stefanovic gifted Kyle approximately $4000 worth of Waterford Crystal champagne glasses, while TV host Beau Ryan and his wife Kara gave Kyle a $224 Vera Wang red wine decanter, which the newlyweds loved.</p> <p>Jackie gifted Kyle monogrammed Louis Vuitton travel luggage for their honeymoon, as a thoughtful and practical gift.</p> <p>At the end of the segment, the radio host declared that he honestly didn’t want any gifts from his friends, and it didn’t matter how much money people spent.</p> <p>“I didn’t want to say all the values of things because it wasn’t about how much money spent…it’s true, I didn’t want any gifts,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

“Incredibly gifted”: Homeless man stuns with piano talents

<p dir="ltr">A homeless man who sleeps in his car has amazed onlookers with his “incredible” piano talent. </p> <p dir="ltr">Shane has been taking to the piano every day and night in a pedestrian tunnel underneath the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in South Brisbane. </p> <p dir="ltr">The “incredibly gifted” man has drawn attention from listeners for his musical talents, despite never having any lessons, and never owning a piano. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was just walking past and had to stop, absolutely amazing - it blows me away to be honest,” a man walking past told <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Crsn-qCp-Ue/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">7News</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">“One of the best piano players I have ever seen,” another onlooker said. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Crsn-qCp-Ue/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Crsn-qCp-Ue/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 7NEWS Queensland (@7newsqueensland)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Shane said playing the piano has a therapeutic effect on him, and helps him escape his harsh reality of living in his car a few streets away from the theatre. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It takes me to a place out of reality, away from beyond whatever is around us. I can hear an orchestra in my head, the piano plays me rather than I play the piano,” he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">Shane doesn't know how to read music, or know any of the names of the keys, but couldn’t help being drawn to the instrument that is available for public use. </p> <p dir="ltr">After hearing the sound of a piano coming from a local ballet school in the area when he was a child, he has been enamoured by the piano and dreams of performing with others one day. </p> <p dir="ltr">Shane’s talents have gone viral online, with commenters being “gobsmacked” over the man’s “beautiful music”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Wow! So incredibly gifted. I hope he gets his dream of playing with others,” one impressed viewer said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We need more stories like this. What a remarkable man,” another wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I hope someone can help this man, he needs a job in a restaurant playing nice music and getting well paid so he can rent a place to live and a happy life,” a third said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: 7News</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-4a669515-7fff-a229-1488-381d00420f0a"></span></p>

Music

Couple’s accidental double delight

<p>A couple in the United States have bamboozled each other with their heartfelt attempts at a surprise - expanding their family not once, but twice. </p> <p>Vet assistant Chelsea Renee - known chocolate labradoodle lover - wanted to do something nice for her partner, and decided the best way was to bring home “the puppy he has wanted since he was a kid”. </p> <p>In a viral clip uploaded to her TikTok account, Chelsea is standing in their living room, waiting for him with the puppy in her arms. As he enters the room, she says “surprise” and presents him with their new furry friend. </p> <p>Like all good dog appreciators, he readily accepted this addition to their family, but went on to flip the script in a way Chelsea could never have anticipated, telling her that it was “really bad timing”.</p> <p>Chelsea, of course, was confused, and was instructed to head out to his truck and take a look. With her phone in hand, still recording, she made her way outside to conduct her investigation, where she was met with a delightful surprise all of her own. </p> <p>Nestled in the passenger seat was the reason for her boyfriend’s bizarre response: a second puppy. As Chelsea’s video caption read, “I told him I wanted a chocolate lab when we get married”, and it certainly seems like he was listening. </p> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; vertical-align: baseline; width: 620.262px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7225035642814860590&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40chelsearenee46%2Fvideo%2F7225035642814860590&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2Fefcb27b1bec444eeaa7b44f29b7df29c%3Fx-expires%3D1682672400%26x-signature%3DHF3Tj7if33E9cvwMp7Gxbnh11H4%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p> </p> <p>With over 20 million views - and counting - on the video, there were plenty of amused internet users who wanted to share their thoughts with the couple, with a large portion of them glad to be in on the ‘joke’ with them.</p> <p>“Omg that's one HELL of an uno reverse card,” wrote one. </p> <p>“When he said bad timing I was like ‘did he already get one?’ Then boom 2 babies!!!!” said another. </p> <p>“Great minds think alike,” one declared, before adding, “congratulations on your new ADDITIONS.”</p> <p>The idea that ‘great minds’ prompt similar lines of thought was a popular one, with another echoing the statement, even expanding on it by noting that “the universe works in mysterious ways”.</p> <p>For those that wanted to know more, Chelsea posted two more videos about their experience with the puppies, assuring followers that “of course we kept both”.</p> <p>In a Q&A session, someone wanted to know how the couple had managed to pull it off, and if it had been a special anniversary that led to their synced gift giving. </p> <p>“It was literally just a crazy fluke that it was [the] same day. We didn’t mean to,” Chelsea explained, adding that there definitely hadn’t been anything else going on. </p> <p>It had, in fact, just been a very happy coincidence.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

Limited edition Mother's Day treat for the mum who has everything

<p dir="ltr">Tim Tam has released a limited edition gift box just in time for Mother’s Day. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Australian made Tim Tam scented candle and reed diffuser set will leave the house smelling like a “rich and decadent chocolate oasis”. </p> <p dir="ltr">At just $100, the scented candle and reed diffuser is vegan and cruelty-free. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This premium set has been carefully blended to truly immerse yourself in the aromatic layers of Tim Tam decadence,” the Tim Tam website reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Indulge your senses with rich, decadent, cocoa notes from a chocolate absolute accented with layers of caramel, tonka bean and a hint of sandalwood.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Each box contains a one Tim Tam scented Diffuser 200ml, a Tim Tam scented Candle 300g, a packet of Tim Tam Deluxe Salted Caramel Brownie 175g and a packet of Tim Tam Original 200g. </p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial; background-color: #ffffff;">For more brilliant gift ideas for Mum, check out the full range of </span><a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #d90000; text-decoration-line: none; background-color: #ffffff; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; font-size: 16px; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" href="https://www.innovations.com.au/p/gifts/mothers-day-gifts?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=nativearticle&utm_campaign=MothersDayGifts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Innovations Mother’s Day Gift Ideas here</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; color: #444444; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial; background-color: #ffffff;">. </span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Tim Tam Shop</em></p>

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