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Woolworths under fire for dropping Australia Day merch

<p>Woolworths has come under fire for their decision to stop selling Australia Day merchandise, as the January 26th public holiday continues to be a controversial topic. </p> <p>The supermarket giant shared that the reason for pulling Aussie decorations off the shelves was due to the “gradual decline” in demand for the merchandise over the years and “broader discussion” about the January 26th date and “what it means” to different parts of the community.</p> <p>“While Australian flags are sold within BIG W all year round, we don’t have any additional themed merchandise available to purchase in-store in our Supermarkets or BIG W ahead of Australia Day,” a spokesperson said.</p> <p>“We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.”</p> <p>Woolworths confirmed on Wednesday that no additional Australia Day-themed merch would be sold in its supermarkets or Big W stores for this year’s public holiday, with patriots around the country quickly hitting back. </p> <p>Leading the backlash was shadow treasurer Angus Taylor, with the right-wing politician saying the decision was "disappointing", adding he didn’t “understand what it is with this constant desire to divide us”.</p> <div id="indie-campaign-DifJheZrCrms7j4pmefw-0" data-campaign-name="NCA FINANCE Cashed Up Newsletter OneClick SignUp" data-campaign-indie="newsletter-signup" data-jira="TSN-268" data-from="1645448400000" data-to="1711803600000"></div> <p>“Australians are proud of their country for the most part and proud of our identity, and they want to see us as a united nation,” he told Channel Nine. </p> <p>He said corporations like Woolworths “need to get on with it”.</p> <p>Mr Taylor was backed up by the shadow minister for education Senator Sarah Henderson, who said the decision was “not good enough”. </p> <p>“If gouging customers on fruit and vegetable prices is not enough, Woolworths is now withdrawing from sale Australia Day merchandise,” she posted on X. </p> <p>“Australia Day is a day for celebrating our freedoms, our values, and our unique Australian way of life.”</p> <p>Despite the outrage, other major shops decided to follow in Woolworths' lead, with Kmart also deciding not to sell any merchandise for January 26th for the second year in a row. </p> <p>Coles have shared they will still be stocking a "small range" of Australia-themed products for those who wish to celebrate the public holiday. </p> <p>The decision to scrap the merch comes after the "Change The Date" movement has gained more traction over the years, with many arguing that Australia Day should be celebrated on a different day. </p> <p>January 26th celebrated the arrival of Captain Cook and the First Fleet into Sydney in 1788: a date which holds a lot of anguish for Indigenous Australians. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Kmart and Target join forces to create mega discount stores

<p dir="ltr">Two of Australia’s favourite retail giants are about to get better in a huge merger creating a $10 billion discount giant.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wesfarmers is set to fold Target into Kmart with hopes that it will improve sales, provide better value for customers, and allow both stores to share backend technology.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ian Bailey the Managing Director of Kmart Group has said that there will be “no impact” to stores, and that the move was an "internal reorganisation".</p> <p dir="ltr">"With customers now demanding value more than ever, this new operating model will unlock a new level of scale and productivity across both brands, so we can deliver even greater value to our customers in the future," he said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">"For store networks and 50,000 store team members – it's business as usual – as we continue to focus on providing the best value products to the thousands of customers in Australia and New Zealand who choose to shop at Kmart or Target every day."</p> <p dir="ltr">The move comes as the cost of living crisis is forcing more and more Aussies to be mindful of their spending habits.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement to the <em>The Australian Financial Review</em>, Bailey said that there would likely be “a handful of redundancies" but more jobs overall by next year.</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that one of the benefits of tighter integration and better technology is the ease in which the prices of products can be reduced.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said that the price drop on 1000 Kmart products this month was assisted by merchandise planning tools and a self-navigating inventory scanning robot.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Kmart and Target are both strong businesses. I don't see us doing this from a position of weakness. It's quite the opposite,” he told the publication.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I'd say we're strong, but I think there's an opportunity to really capitalise on this time and find ways to continue to deliver better value for customers."</p> <p dir="ltr">"What we found was that running two businesses it was very, very difficult to get the tech into Target, and to get those benefits. This is really why we decided to push the two businesses into one."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Shop Smarter and Save Big: Unbeatable Deals on Appliances, Home items, and More in the EOFY Sales!

<p>The end-of-financial year sales are one of the biggest shopping events of the year here in Australia. Our favourite brands across various categories slash the prices by huge margins so that we consumers can grab a bargain. </p> <p>This event takes place every year, and this time round, it may be one of the best yet, with unmissable bargains including the highly-rated <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canningvale.com%2Ftowels%2Fcollections%2Froyal-splendour%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canningvale Royal Splendour Towel Sets,</a> which has over 2,500 5-star reviews! Reviewers shared their thoughts: “Love my new towels - they feel like a bit of luxury - great thickness and fluff. Very pleased” and “Beautiful soft lush towels very happy with purchase”. Even the talk-of-the-town Calming Blankets’ best-selling <a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.calmingblankets.com.au%2Fproducts%2Fweighted-blanket&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adult weighted blanket is $100 off, reduced to $99</a>, so grab it while you can. </p> <p>When it comes to fulfilling your shopping needs, there's no better time than now. Why wait? By seizing this opportunity, you might just save yourself a pretty penny or two. We understand the challenges of navigating sales and limited timeframes to find the best deals, which is why we're here to lend a helping hand. Our expertise lies in uncovering the most enticing offers across various categories as we approach the end of the financial year.</p> <p>Whether you're looking to upgrade your tech and appliances, revamp your home bedding and towels for the colder weather, refresh your wardrobe for the new season, or even explore new beauty products, we've got you covered. Our extensive knowledge enables us to provide you with a comprehensive list of the best deals.</p> <p>So, without further ado, let's dive into our curated selection of deals for you to flick through below. </p> <h2><strong>Home </strong></h2> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/05/BeddingSets_byToaHeftibaUnsplash_HERO.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash</em></p> <p>We're approaching the peak of the cold weather, so If your bedding still seems better suited for keeping you cool rather than providing cosy warmth, now might be the perfect time to make a change. While you're at it, why not consider swapping out some home decor pieces as well? Give your space a winter makeover by adding touches of cosiness and incorporating warm colours. </p> <h3>Myer </h3> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%2Fbedroom-sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--product_type_filter--quilt20covers%252Cmv--product_type_filter--sheets202620pillowcases%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off selected quilt covers and sheet sets</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%2Fsale-tableware%2Fdinnerware--sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--mfname--heritage%252Cmv--mfname--maxwell202620williams%252Cmv--mfname--robert20gordon%252Cmv--mfname--salt26pepper%252Cmv--mfname--vue%252Cmv--sale_type--402520off%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">50% off Dinnersets by Maxwell &amp; Williams, Robert Gordon, salt&amp;pepper and more</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--mfname--royal20albert%252Cmv--mfname--royal20doulton%252Cmv--mfname--waterford%252Cmv--mfname--wedgwood%252Cmv--sale_type--252520off%252Cmv--sale_type--302520off%252Cmv--sale_type--402520off%252Cmv--sale_type--502520off%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off a great range of Wedgewood, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert and Waterford</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--mfname--sheridan%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off the original price of Sheridan</a></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">House</span></strong><strong style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">:<br /></strong><a style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" href="https://www.house.com.au/collections/sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 75% off House-wide EOFY Sale</a></p> <p><strong>Koala:<br /></strong><a href="https://koala.com/en-au/eofy-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 30% off site wide </a></p> <p><strong>Canningvale:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.canningvale.com%2Fsale%2Fbedding%2Fbedding%3Fis_index%3D0&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40-60% Off in the Big Bedding Sale</a></p> <p><strong>Emma Sleep:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.emma-sleep.com.au%2Fsale%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 55% off selected products</a></p> <p><strong>Sheridan:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sheridan.com.au%2Fsale.html&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off sitewide</a></p> <p><strong>Calming Blankets:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.calmingblankets.com.au%2Fcollections%2Fbest-sellers&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off sitewide</a></p> <p><strong>Bed Bath N’ Table:</strong> <br /><a href="https://www.bedbathntable.com.au/products/catalogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clearance Sale Up to 60% off</a></p> <p><strong>Bed Threads:</strong> <br /><a href="https://bedthreads.com.au/pages/bed-threads-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mid-Year Makeover Sale 15% off Everything</a></p> <p><strong>Freedom:</strong><br /><a href="https://www.freedom.com.au/c/best-selling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Absolutely Everything on Sale</a><br /><a href="https://www.freedom.com.au/c/all-outdoor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 55% off all Outdoor Furniture</a><br /><a href="https://www.freedom.com.au/c/all-rugs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 40% off all Floor Rugs</a></p> <p><strong>Harris Scarfe:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrisscarfe.com.au%2Fcategories%3Fq%3D%3Arelevance%3Acategory%3Aquilts%3Acategory%3Apillows%3Acategory%3Acomforters-coverlets%3Acategory%3Atowel-collections%3AdealType%3AOnSale%3AdealType%3AFRIENDS%2520PAY%2520LESS&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40-60% off all Homewares &amp; Manchester</a></p> <p><strong>Dymocks:</strong><br /><a href="https://www.dymocks.com.au/books/promotion-winter-sale-june-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Books for $9.99 in the Winter Sale</a></p> <p><strong>Booktopia:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Feofy-sale%2Fpromo3262.html&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 75% off top deals</a></p> <p><strong>My Deal:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydeal.com.au%2Fsale%2Fstylish-bedside-tables&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Limited-time deals on bedside tables</a></p> <p><strong>Adairs:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adairs.com.au%2Fsales%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save up to 30% off</a></p> <h3>Tech &amp; Appliances</h3> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/06/EOFY_Jonas-Leupe-on-Unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Jonas Leupe on Unsplash</em></p> <p>Tech and appliances are notorious for their hefty price tags, but their entertainment value or usefulness often justifies the investment. But, due to their high cost, it's wise to hold onto your bank card until the perfect deal presents itself, and that moment might be right now.</p> <p><strong>Myer:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%2Fappliances-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great savings on Appliances by Breville, Sunbeam, Delonghi and more</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fhome--sale%2Felectronics-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great savings on Tech by BOSE, Ultimate Ears, FitBit, Garmin and more</a></p> <p><strong>Dyson:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dyson.com.au%2Fdeals%2Feofy-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save up to $450, plus receive complimentary gifts and additional accessories with selected technology.</a></p> <p><strong>The Good Guys:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegoodguys.com.au%2Fhisense-75kg-front-load-washer--hwfy7514&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$500 Off! Fisher &amp; Paykel 10kg Front Load Washer - $995</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegoodguys.com.au%2Fsamsung-75-inches-ls03b-4k-the-frame-qled-smart-tv-2022-qa75ls03bawxxy&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1100 Off! Samsung 75" LS03B 4K The Frame QLED Smart TV 2022 - $2395</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegoodguys.com.au%2Ftefal-easy-fry-classic-air-fryer-ey2018&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100 Off! Tefal Easy Fry Classic Air Fryer - $99</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegoodguys.com.au%2Fninja-intelli-sense-kitchen-system-ct682&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$30 Off! Ninja Intelli-Sense Kitchen System - $319</a></p> <p><strong>Appliances Online:<br /></strong><a href="https://www.appliancesonline.com.au/promo/clearance-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save on Appliances in the Clearance Sale</a><br /><a href="https://www.appliancesonline.com.au/product/tefal-cy8515-cook4meplus-multi-cooker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$99 off Tefal Cook4Me+ Multi Cooker + Bonus Gift</a></p> <p><strong>Bing Lee:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.binglee.com.au%2Fcategories%2Fpromotions%2Fend-of-financial-year-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Huge savings in the Yenda Financial Year Sale</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.binglee.com.au%2Fproducts%2Fdyson-v10-stick-vacuum-394101-01&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$450 off Dyson V10™ Stick Vacuum, $649 (down from $1099)</a></p> <p><strong>Kogan:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kogan.com%2Fau%2Fc%2Fdyson-australia-a%2F%3Fdispatch%3Dfree%26order_by%3D-discount%26shipping%3Dfree%26page%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save up to $450 on Dyson deals</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kogan.com%2Fau%2Fc%2Fawesome-eofy-sale-tvs-home-entertainment%2Fshop%2Fcategory%2Fled-tv%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Save up to 55% off TV deals</a></p> <p><strong>Harris Scarfe:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harrisscarfe.com.au%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dsmith%2520nobel%3Arelevance%3Acategory%3Akettles%3Acategory%3Atoasters%3Acategory%3Aair-fryers&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% off all Air Fryers, Toasters &amp; Kettles by Smith+Nobel</a></p> <h3>Fashion &amp; Accessories</h3> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/06/EOFY_Priscilla-Du-Preez-on-Unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash</em></p> <p>Time to give your wardrobe an upgrade for the winter season. Think cosy layers, earthy tones, and clothes that will keep you toasty warm. Find everything you need in the sales below, and get ready to rock that effortlessly stylish winter look!</p> <p><strong>Myer:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fwomen--sale%2Fwomen-lingerie-sale%2Fwomen-sleepwear-robes-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% Off Women's sleepwear</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fwomen--sale%2Fwomen-handbags-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FROM $69 EACH Selected women's handbags and wallets by Marcs, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and more</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fmen-sales%2Fmen-clothing-sale%3Ffacets%3Dmv--sale_type--302520off%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off a range of men’s fashion</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fmen-sales%2Fmen-shoes-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NOW $119 EACH Selected men's shoes by Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, GANT, Polo Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Florsheim and Wild Rhino</a></p> <p><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fkids-sale%3Flabel%3D%26facets%3Dmv--mfname--bauhaus%252Cmv--mfname--milkshake%252Cmv--mfname--sprout%252Cmv--mfname--tilii%252Cmv--product_type_filter--coats202620jackets%252Cmv--product_type_filter--knitwear202620sweaters%252Cmv--sale_type--302520off%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30% off the original price of Kids' jackets, jumpers and cardigans by Milkshake, Sprout, Bauhaus, Tilii and Jack &amp; Milly</a></p> <p><strong>The Iconic:</strong>  <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theiconic.com.au%2Fwomens-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 70% off women’s Mega Sale Event</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theiconic.com.au%2Fmens-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 70% off men’s Mega Sale Event</a></p> <p><strong>Cotton On: <br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcottonon.com%2FAU%2Fco%2Fco-sale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sale up to 50% off original prices</a></p> <p><strong>Bonds: </strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fbonds.com.au&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% off storewide</a></p> <p><strong>Seed Heritage:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seedheritage.com%2Fsale%2Fwoman%2F&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off all sale styles</a></p> <h3>Health &amp; Beauty</h3> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/06/Jocelyn-Morales-on-Unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Jocelyn Morales on Unsplash</em></p> <p>There's nothing quite like treating yourself to something that enhances your health or beauty. If it boosts your confidence, it's definitely a smart investment. After all, you deserve to feel as good as you look, and that's something worth going for!</p> <p><strong>Myer:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fsale-beauty&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 40% off beauty brands</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fsale-beauty%3Ffacets%3Dmv--sale_type--402520off%252Cmv--mfname--calvin20klein%3Flabel%3D%26facets%3Dsv--category--18167%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% off Calvin Klein fragrances</a><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myer.com.au%2Fc%2Foffers%2Fsale-beauty%3Ffacets%3Dmv--sale_type--402520off%252Cmv--mfname--revlon%26pageNumber%3D1&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% off Revlon</a></p> <p><strong>The Iconic:<br /></strong><a href="https://www.theiconic.com.au/beauty-all/?campaign=lp-wmksbh-taf20-2423" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 70% off Beauty products in the Mega Sale Event</a></p> <p><strong>Sephora:</strong> <br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com.au%2Fsale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15% - 50% off Selected Styles only</a></p> <p><strong>Adore Beauty:</strong><br /><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adorebeauty.com.au%2Fc%2Fspecials%2Fclearance.html&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 50% off Clearance beauty</a></p> <p><strong>Shaver Shop:<br /></strong><a href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=204849X1683982&amp;xs=13&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shavershop.com.au%2Fsale&amp;xcust=sen_eofy_sales_2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Up to 80% off</a></p> <p><strong>Oz Hair &amp; Beauty:<br /></strong><a href="https://www.ozhairandbeauty.com/collections/summer-clearance-sale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EOFY Up to 70% off sale</a></p> <p><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Editor's note: When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, Over60 may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial reviews, and we only write about products we feel comfortable recommending to our readers. Thank you.</em><span style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>

Home & Garden

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5 kitchen gadgets you need (and 5 you actually don’t)

<p>If you’re trying to save valuable cupboard or bench space in your kitchen, knowing which items you need and which you don’t can be a big help.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 gadgets that are actually useful</span></strong></p> <p><strong>Slow cooker:</strong> add your ingredients in the morning and come home to a delicious home cooked meal. In a pinch though you can just use a casserole dish with a lid, in a low oven (but unlike a slow cooker you can’t really leave the house when it’s on).</p> <p><strong>Vegetable peeler:</strong> you can get some great peelers now that make peeling a breeze with very little wastage.</p> <p><strong>Non-stick pans:</strong> life is too short for soaking and scrubbing regular pans each night.</p> <p><strong>Garlic press:</strong> no need to fiddle about peeling garlic cloves when you can just throw it in the press. Plus you can avoid having smelly garlic fingers.</p> <p><strong>Stick blender:</strong> takes up minimal room and is great for blending soups, smoothies or batters.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 items you could get rid of</span></strong></p> <p><strong>Knife block:</strong> save your valuable bench space and keep your knives in a drawer instead.</p> <p><strong>Meat mallet:</strong> these are used infrequently and their bulky size means they aren’t exactly drawer-friendly. Use a small, heavy based saucepan instead.</p> <p><strong>Sandwich press:</strong> these bulky items can take up a whole cupboard. Pop your sandwich in a frying pan and place a heavy pot on top.</p> <p><strong>Icing bag:</strong> these are tough to clean and most likely get used once or twice per year. Just fill a zip lock bag with icing or cream and snip the corner off for a disposable icing bag.</p> <p><strong>Avocado or egg slicer:</strong> these one-trick ponies just clutter up your utensil drawer without making life that much easier. Just use a sharp knife.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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3 smart appliances to make your life easier

<p dir="ltr">It’s time to get digital but don’t worry, all you need is a set of batteries and a charging cord.</p> <p dir="ltr">From vacuuming to mowing the lawn, here are some helpful devices that will make your life easier. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>1. <a href="https://www.binglee.com.au/products/irobot-braava-jet-m6-robot-mop-m613200?utm_source=CommissionFactory&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;cfclick=346864d5d0bf44a58923574774cfdf9e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Robotic Vacuum</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The concept of a robotic vacuum is not at all new. The Roomba vacuum, arguably the most iconic robot vacuum cleaner out there has been out for over a decade but if you do not own one, do yourself a favour and get one! Or something similar. </p> <p dir="ltr">A robot vacuum will make bending over a thing of the past. They are a self-propelled floor cleaner that uses a rotating brush or brushes to pick up dirt and debris. They work on their own without any human intervention, just press the button and let the little robot clean your home.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>2. <a href="https://www.ecovacs.com/au/winbot-window-cleaning-robot/winbot-w1-pro?cfclick=d2d2a30255d642df868b7ab3d6850b67">Robotic Window Cleaner</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Cleaning windows is one of the most tiresome jobs in terms of cleaning, so rest those arms and get yourself a robotic window cleaner.</p> <p dir="ltr">This revolutionary window cleaner suctions itself onto the glass and gives your windows the gleam they deserve. Once again, no human intervention, just press the button and watch in amazement. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/WORX-LANDROID-Robotic-POWERSHARE-Battery/dp/B09V2DQGC1/?tag=homestolove-trx0000057-22">Robotic Lawn Mower</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If you have a big lawn, then this is the way to go. Lawn mowers that you can ride are certainly a better option than those you hold, but the robotic lawn mower allows you to cut your grass from the comfort of your living room.  </p> <p dir="ltr">They’re capable of cutting areas of up to 1000sqm. It measures the size of your lawn, the soil composition and can identify different grass species to make sure it’s cut at the right time based on growth rate and seasonality!</p> <p dir="ltr">Work smarter, not harder. </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-90ac8f63-7fff-60bf-1904-739cd411e0a9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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“Very questionable”: Kmart mocked after customer's "ridiculous" delivery

<p>A woman has taken to Facebook to mock Kmart over her recent delivery.</p> <p>The shopper shared on Facebook she had ordered a 20mm combination padlock from Kmart and was caught by surprise when it was delivered to her home on February 13. </p> <p>The woman had received a large cardboard box, and when she opened it, it was filled to the brim with plastic wrap to protect the item. However, once she dug out the plastic, she saw a small padlock at the bottom of the unnecessarily large box.</p> <p>“My delivery arrived today,” the woman said on Facebook.</p> <p>Other Kmart fans were shocked by the large box for such a small item, with many users deeming it “ridiculous.”</p> <p>“Omg! Seriously,” a user commented.</p> <p>"Ridiculous honestly yet a pair of jeans get scrunched up into a bag for delivery," another added.</p> <p>"It's absolutely rubbish that they waste like that," a third chimed in.</p> <p>Another comment read, ”How ironic ... how easy is it to break this lock that it needs to be so protected when shipped? Would you need it if it is so fragile? Very questionable Kmart ... What a waste,”</p> <p>Many other users joined in on the teasing, claiming they also received small items delivered in unnecessarily large boxes. </p> <p>"This happened to us recently with a car air freshener," one shopper said.</p> <p>"Yeah they keep sending me one item in a stupidly big box. I’d be much more appreciative of multiple items jammed into a big box to stop wastage or happy to wait for all items to be ready together," another claimed.</p> <p>"I thought my three bowls packed like this was bad!" another commented.</p> <p>Back in May 2021, another Kmart shopper complained that she received a small book in a “huge box.”</p> <p>Although some said it was “terrible”, other users claimed the size of the box shouldn’t matter because it’s recyclable. </p> <p>A Kmart spokesperson told Yahoo Lifestyle that the complaints have been forwarded to Kmart’s online team, and they will reassess how they manage and replenish packaging materials. </p> <p>"Regrettably, in this instance, it appears the team member who has packed this order did not have available or use the most appropriately sized packaging components," the spokesperson said.</p> <p>"While our team are trained and aim to minimise packaging use and waste, it is likely that they did not have access to appropriately sized packaging options so used what was available in an effort to pack and dispatch this order as quickly as possible."</p> <p>Image credit: Facebook</p>

Food & Wine

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Clever Bunnings and Kmart scams to be wary of

<p dir="ltr">Aussies have once again become targets to scammers offering them a job at Bunnings or Kmart that pays extremely well. </p> <p dir="ltr">Scammers are taking to Facebook targetting desperate job seekers asking for their personal details via WhatsApp. </p> <p dir="ltr">The ad is offering $48 and $75 for part-time or full-time work and attempts to appeal to those who have no experience, same day pay, and the opportunity to complete training on the phone.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bunnings confirmed that they are aware of the scam and are working on taking it down, advising job seekers to be wary.</p> <p dir="ltr">“One of the latest scams is a Facebook post asking for your personal details via WhatsApp to apply for a job with us,’ the retailer said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Another one is an email with an offer to win a Bunnings gift card if you click a link. We place a lot of time and effort into recruiting our amazing team, and we’re in no way associated with this activity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We also don’t ask for personal information or banking details in unsolicited communications.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Kmart also confirmed they are aware of the scam and are warning customers to not fall for it, instead to apply on the website.</p> <p dir="ltr">The ACCC’s Scamwatch explained that the ads are some of the easiest ways for scammers to steal money. </p> <p dir="ltr">“If you provide your bank account details, the scammer may use them to steal your money or commit other fraudulent activities,” their website reads.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Be suspicious of unsolicited ‘work from home’ opportunities or job offers, particularly those that offer a ‘guaranteed income’ or require you to pay an upfront fee.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Legal

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Aussie mum's thrifty Kmart renovation hack

<p>Home décor on a budget has become the latest phenomenon this past year, with creative women showing off their inspiring rooms that look a lot more expensive than they actually are.</p> <p>The most recent is a mother who has stunned thousands after completely transforming her home for less than $20,000.</p> <p>Stay-at-home mum Rebecca Townsend proudly shares photos of her creations through her Instagram account and says that except for the fireplace and air conditioning system, everything else is the result of her and her husband’s hard work.</p> <p>She managed to find affordable duplicates of designer pieces in order to create a “slice of heaven” on a budget.</p> <p>“With help from family and a lot of hard work, we’ve managed to not have one trade come through the house, we’re pretty proud of that,” she told the <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6251367/Mother-transforms-home-using-Kmart-versions-designer-decor.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a>.</em></p> <p>“We repurposed and recycled things to save on costs so we can splash out on big ticket items such as the mirror splash back and heater.”</p> <p>The kitchen was torn down, including the surrounding four walls, only a few days after they moved into their new home.</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/BblAO_EjBSR/?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/BblAO_EjBSR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rebecca Townsend (@champagne_dreaming_on_budget)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Certain clock designs can put shoppers back hundreds of dollars, but thanks to Ms Townsend's savvy skills, she managed to find a replica for $19, which features a wooden backing to give a more rustic appearance.</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/Bl9Bh_7nLbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl9Bh_7nLbQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Early morning cuddles in bed with Mr.2 ..and every.single.teddy he owns 🤦‍♀️ I’ve got a corner of the mattress, but I wouldn’t have it any other way 🤷‍♀️✨🌟 Enjoy your day instafam 😚 . . . Tap for sources🌟✨ . . . #earlymorninghangs #styling #loungeroominspo #howihome #myfabhome #mydomaine #apartmenttherapy #homeinspo #interior123 #plantmom #planteriordesign #plantsofinstagram #itsajungleinhere #crazyplantlady #rustic #interiormilk #styleitdark #industrialdesign #mybohotribe #chickswithplants #myhomevibe #boholocs #bohemian #thehecticeclectic #kmartstyling #styleonadime #showmeyourstyled #hyggehome #actualinstagramhomes #cornerofmyhome</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/champagne_dreaming_on_budget/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Rebecca Townsend</a> (@champagne_dreaming_on_budget) on Aug 1, 2018 at 3:44pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>To further cut down on costs, Ms Townsend purchased many items second-hand, which resulted in huge savings.</p> <p>In the past, the mother-of-one shared her and her husband’s work after they decorated their bathroom using items from Kmart, ALDI and eBay, totalling to $800.</p> <p>“You don’t need to spend a lot these days to get the designer look, you just need to be savvy, wait for the specials and shop around,” she said.</p> <p>“The bathroom is the only room we didn’t rip apart the moment we moved in, we just cleverly designed it on a budget with items mostly from Kmart to make it more designer.”</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/Bn2gJjiHpMS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn2gJjiHpMS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YES, I’m back! Well, I’m back ..yes, I’m BACK IN BLACK!!! . . . Black is the new black guysss and I’m all over it like a bee on a flower 🐝 (there’s a spring reference for you there 😉) . . . The bathroom is the only room in the house we didn’t completely gut the moment we walked in the door from getting the keys, we’ve just cleverly decorated it to make it ✨POP✨on a very tight budget of $800! This completely decked the room out from top to bottom including swapping all the hardware out for the more modern black look, you just need to be savvy and look for the bargains (don’t be afraid to be stingy 😜) and get your hands dirty with some #diy the money you save on the little things allows you to splash out on the bigger ticket items! . . . ✨I’ll go into more detail in my stories 🙏 ✨ . . . #diystories #blackonblack #backinblack #bathroomdecor #bathroom #bathroominspo #bathroomremodel #luxuryinteriorsonabudget #cornerofmyhome #newinteriorsontheblock #actualinstagramhomes #apartmenttherapy #interior123 #interior_design #designsponge #interiormilk #howihome #homeinspo #industrialdesign #kmartstyling #kmartaus #styleitdark #styleonadime #deliciousdarkdecor #interiorboom #myhomevibe #myhometrend #dailydecordetail #livefabulousandfearless</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" href="https://www.instagram.com/champagne_dreaming_on_budget/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Rebecca Townsend</a> (@champagne_dreaming_on_budget) on Sep 17, 2018 at 8:00pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ms Townsend hopes that her décor-on-a-budget will help inspire other people to step out of their comfort zone.</p> <p>Her and her husband worked together on this home project during the time their baby was on home oxygen and was in and out of hospital.</p> <p>“After our son was born at 23 weeks gestation and spent 125 days in hospital, we bought this house when he was only seven months old and on home oxygen, but it didn’t deter us from creating a wonderful home for him to grow up and into,” she said.</p> <p>“Whatever challenges you may face, don’t put renovating off if it will provide you with happiness, if we can do it on a budget through all our ups and downs, you can too.”</p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Tips to save energy in the kitchen

<p>One room in the house where big energy savings can be made easily is perhaps the least expected: the kitchen. Here’s what to do to cut down on those power bills.</p> <p><strong>Refrigerator</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ensure door seals are working effectively by placing a piece of paper between the seal and door. If the paper moves in and out, your seal isn’t doing its jobs. Adjust the door or replace seals.</li> <li>Defrost fridge and freezer regularly. Frost build up should never be more than half a centimetre.</li> <li>Refrigerators work most effectively if they are mostly full. Make sure there’s enough room between foods for air to circulate.</li> <li>Don't keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. The recommended temperatures are between 0°C to 4°C for fresh food, close to -18°C for the freezer and close to 0°C for the chiller compartment.</li> <li>Know the contents of your fridge so you don’t spend unnecessary time with the fridge door wide open. It’s drilled into you when you’re kids but it’s always worth remembering: the less you open the door, the less electricity is used.</li> <li>If you are going on holidays for an extended period of time, it may be worth turning off you refrigerator. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Oven, rangehood and cooktops</strong></p> <ul> <li>Clean door seals regularly and check for signs of wear. Replace flat or split door seals.</li> <li>Regularly clean surfaces for full heating benefits.</li> <li>Turn off the rangehood lights when not needed and use exhaust fan on the lowest speed. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Dishwasher</strong></p> <ul> <li>Most of the energy used by a dishwasher is for water heating. Check the manual to see if your dishwasher has internal heating elements that will allow you to set the water heater to a lower temperature.</li> <li>Only run dishwashers when full but not overloaded.</li> <li>Scrape, don’t rinse, leftover food on your plates. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Other</strong></p> <ul> <li>Small appliances like electric kettles, toasters and grills generally provide better value than using the stove or oven.</li> <li>Place the faucet level on the kitchen sinks on cold. Placing the tap on hot position draws hot water even though you are not using it. </li> </ul> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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7 quick tips for cleaning your kitchen’s trickiest appliances

<p><strong>Microwave: Steam away messes</strong></p> <p>Don’t waste elbow grease on the crusted messes in your microwave – just let them steam clean. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the lemon pieces to the bowl, along with 1/2 cup of water. Nuke the water and lemon for three minutes on high, or until the liquid starts to boil. Without opening the door, let the lemon water stand for five minutes.</p> <p>The lemony steam will help break down the gunk, making it easy to wipe off after you remove the bowl. Take out the turntable to clean it, then wipe down the top, bottom, sides and door of the microwave before putting it back.</p> <p><strong>Blender: Let it self-clean</strong></p> <p>Hate the idea of scrubbing every inch of the blade? Let your blender do all the dirty work. Fill the pitcher with hot water as soon as you’re done using it, add a couple drops of dishwashing liquid, and run the blender like you would for a recipe.</p> <p>Rinse it out and it will be ready for your next concoction. Just make sure you take the blender apart and give it a hands-on scrub every now and then for a deep clean.</p> <p><strong>Slow cooker: Deep clean with baking soda</strong></p> <p>A slow cooker makes food preparation easy, but the cleanup? Not so much. When your appliance has a mess that can’t be wiped away after a pre-soak, it’s time for a deep clean.</p> <p>Add ¼ cup of baking soda and a squirt of washing up liquid, then fill with water. Put the lid on, then turn the machine on high for two to four hours.</p> <p><strong>Stand mixer: Use a wet rag</strong></p> <p>Place a wet rag over areas with built-on food residue to loosen it. After a few minutes, the dried gunk should be softer and easier to wipe away.</p> <p>When cleaning the beater, let the attachment soak in water to help dissolve the mess before scrubbing it clean.</p> <p><strong>Toaster: Target the crumb tray</strong></p> <p>Don’t forget about that crumb tray, if your toaster has one. Slide it out and shake off the crumbs, or turn the whole machine upside down and shake lightly if it doesn’t have a removable tray. Wash and dry the tray before putting it back to get rid of any caked-on food.</p> <p>To clean out the inner corners of your toaster, reach in with a pastry or basting brush. Finish by wiping the outside with a damp cloth and mild detergent, or a bit of vinegar if it’s stainless steel.</p> <p><strong>Stove hotplates: Try different tactics for gas vs. electric</strong></p> <p>For a gas hotplate, unclog the port with a pin or unfolded paper clip. Then take off the removable parts of the cooktop and soak them in hot, soapy water. Scrub them clean, then rinse thoroughly. Wipe the cooktop with a damp, not wet, cloth to prevent water from leaking into the burner.</p> <p>Electric hotplates should never be submerged in water, so it can be hard to break down burnt spills, especially when washing up liquid isn’t strong enough. Combine baking soda and water until it has a paste consistency, then use the mixture to scrub the mess.</p> <p><strong>Garbage disposal: Use lemon for a fresh scent</strong></p> <p>If your disposal is starting to smell, it’s time for a thorough cleaning. Get rid of grime in the grinding mechanics by pouring half a cup of baking soda into the disposal, followed by a cup of white vinegar, two cups of ice, and one cup of salt.</p> <p>With the cold water running, turn on the garbage disposal until the ice is gone. To freshen the odour, cut a lemon and grind the pieces one at a time in the disposal.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/7-quick-tips-for-cleaning-your-kitchens-trickiest-appliances" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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"They used to be better": Nostalgic Kmart pic sparks huge debate

<p dir="ltr">A teenage history buff has sent Aussie shoppers on a trip down memory lane after sharing a throwback photo of a Kmart store in 1995.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jimmy Borg, a prolific contributor to the Facebook group Old Shops of Australia, downloaded the image from an annual report in the Coles Myer national archives as part of personal research he was undertaking.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m passionate about history and seeing how things were in the past,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The image shows the entrance of a Kmart store, with a caption underneath revealing that three new stores had opened across Australia at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“New stores opened in Indooroopilly (Queensland), Parramatta (New South Wales) and Chadstone (Victoria), together with an additional 15 refurbished stores,” the caption reads.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4f7cbbc9-7fff-c875-28fb-46fc22ad2a2c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The 19-year-old shared the photo to the group earlier this week, describing it as “the Kmart we all remember, the Kmart we’ll never see again”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/kmart127.png" alt="" width="671" height="682" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Jimmy Borg sparked a debate about the controversial layout of Kmart stores when he shared a throwback photo of a Kmart in days gone by. Image: Facebook</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to <em><a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/kmart-customers-rage-over-modern-checkouts-after-spotting-detail-in-27-year-old-photo-001746584.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a></em>, Borg said he wasn’t a fan of the “new format” at Kmart stores, including the location of registers in the middle of the store, and preferred the Kmart layout pictured in the historical image.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This was the Kmart I grew up with and the one I remember where you could buy garden plants and parts for my bikes and scooters,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I remember the cool Kmart where you could buy consoles, DVDs, CDs, TVs before they changed.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He isn’t alone in his frustrations either, adding that many people who saw his post had “strong” nostalgia for Kmart as it was.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many shoppers shared their particular dislike of the new placement of checkouts, with some noting it made for some uncomfortable interactions with staff.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I still can not get over the ridiculous centre store payment hub... baffles me every time I shop there! What genius thought of that?” one person wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“People pay, get their things and themselves organised to leave and are then stopped by security for proof of purchase,” another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I've never been back since they started this and their discrimination!"</p> <p dir="ltr">The image also prompted some to reminisce on the things they loved about previous iterations of Kmart, with one man recalling how its gardening section was filled with people on a Saturday morning and others pointing out surprising products that used to be sold there, including guns and cigarettes.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Back in the 1970s they had everything including a restaurant," one person shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I loved the cafeteria in our local Kmart, kids loved it in school holidays as we went often for lunch, good times that will never be seen again, so sad,"another added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a94dd9e0-7fff-18bd-2320-c339d750bd4b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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The household appliance that could be killing your plants

<p dir="ltr">As many people continue to battle with cold and damp winter months, many households turn to the use of a dehumidifier to keep their home in tip-top shape. </p> <p dir="ltr">While these common appliances can be great for dealing with extra moisture in your home, they can also spell disaster for your indoor plants. </p> <p dir="ltr">On average, plants need between 40% and 60% humidity to thrive, depending on the type of plant.</p> <p dir="ltr">The constant use of dehumidifiers can greatly alter the environment of your home, with your plants suffering as a result. </p> <p dir="ltr">When the air becomes too dry, you may notice the edges of your plant's leaves turning brown, stopping growing, or the leaves start to turn yellow. </p> <p dir="ltr">If you are starting to notice your plants becoming unhappy, Rhian Pullar, horticulturist, and director of Northern Beaches Creative Gardens, says you should be watering more regularly. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I always look at the leaves, and if it's wilting, then water it."</p> <p dir="ltr">Rather than sticking to a strict watering schedule, Rhian says it's best to water your plants as needed. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Put your finger in the soil. If it looks dry and as a bone, water it. If you feel a bit of moisture, let it dry out before watering to avoid root rot." </p> <p dir="ltr">If you have some plants that are really struggling with low humidity, Rhian says to only use the dehumidifier when required. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Use a water spray bottle to mist the leaves as part of your watering routine," she adds. "I suggest grouping your plants together if they are struggling with the dehumidifier and moving them to your bathroom so they can collect moisture from the shower.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Alternatively, you can look at purchasing plants that thrive in low humidity environments. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rhian’s top five plants that are great for dry conditions are succulents, orchids, devils ivy, snake plant, and fiddle leaf fig. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Household appliances that use the most energy

<p dir="ltr">As the colder months are well and truly settling in, a lot of us are relying on our various devices and appliances to make winter a little easier. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, as energy bills continue to rise, it’s worth being aware of things in our home that leech more electricity than others and therefore drive our electricity bills even higher. </p> <p dir="ltr">With general household appliances being responsible for more than 30% of your energy consumption, it's reflecting on your daily usage habits of appliances, and making any substitutes where you can.</p> <p dir="ltr">One of the main energy drains in most households are <strong>tumble dryers</strong>. </p> <p dir="ltr">While they are certainly a convenient purchase, dryers can drastically increase your electricity bill, as regularly using your clothes dryer can cost you anywhere from $100-$650 a year.</p> <p dir="ltr">To cut down the costs of your dryer, only tumble dry your clothes when absolutely necessary, which is admittedly a lot easier said than done in winter. </p> <p dir="ltr">If you can hang out your clothes to dry them, take advantage of this option. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, make sure you turn off your tumble dryer at the powerpoint when it’s not in use, as some dryers can still use energy even when they’re not being used. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another huge power drain is <strong>fridges</strong>, as they are in use 24 hours a day.</p> <p dir="ltr">As we can’t go without a fridge, and can’t unplug it when it’s not in use (because it's always in use), it's important to pick the right fridge for your needs. </p> <p dir="ltr">Choosing a smaller fridge can help cut some electricity costs, as bigger units use more power to keep on. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, look for the energy efficient stickers on fridges when making your purchase and decide accordingly. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Air conditioning units</strong> and <strong>heaters</strong> can also contribute to almost 40% of your total energy bill, especially in times of extreme weather. </p> <p dir="ltr">For the sake of your electricity bill, it's best to limit the use of these appliances where you can and stay warm in other ways. Think electric blankets, cups of tea and only the cosiest slippers. </p> <p dir="ltr">And again, looking out for energy efficient stickers on these appliances when you’re buying them will help you save big bucks on your bills. </p> <p dir="ltr">Other smaller appliances such as <strong>TVs</strong>, <strong>computer monitors</strong> and even <strong>kettles</strong> are notorious for passively draining the electricity when they’re not being used. </p> <p dir="ltr">In order to prevent this accumulative energy drain, be sure to switch off these appliances at the powerpoint when you’re not using them, and your next electricity bill will thank you. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Garlic and Parmesan Piadinas with Italian Salsa

<p dir="ltr">Piadinas are Italian flatbread that is quite easy to cook and is usually served with salsa. You could also serve them on an antipasto platter. These tasty treats will impress the guests and leave your crowd wanting more. Here’s the easy recipe from Smeg’s cucina: </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Serves:</strong> 2 </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Ingredients:</strong> </p> <p dir="ltr">For Piadinas</p> <p dir="ltr">1 cup (150g) plain flour</p> <p dir="ltr">½ teaspoon baking powder</p> <p dir="ltr">½ teaspoon salt</p> <p dir="ltr">¼ cup olive oil</p> <p dir="ltr">1/3 cup warm milk</p> <p dir="ltr">2 cloves garlic finely sliced</p> <p dir="ltr">1 sprig rosemary finely chopped</p> <p dir="ltr">6 thymesprigs, leaves removed</p> <p dir="ltr">Extra olive oil to cook bread</p> <p dir="ltr">Salsa: </p> <p dir="ltr">1 punnet cherry tomatoes, quartered</p> <p dir="ltr">1/3 cup pitted olives</p> <p dir="ltr">1 tablespoon baby capers</p> <p dir="ltr">1/3 cup oregano leaves, picked</p> <p dir="ltr">Extra Virgin olive oil</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Method: </strong></p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a Smegstand mixer bowl with the dough hook attached. Add half of the olive oil, and warm milk and mix on low speed until combined</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Continue to knead for a few minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover andrest for 15 minutes.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a small saucepan with garlic, rosemary and thyme and cook until the herbs and garlic are fragrant. Set aside.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a rough round, approx. 0.5cm thick</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Combine salsa ingredients together in a bowl with salt, pepper and olive oil.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Heat a large heavy based frying pan over medium heat. Brush the base of the pan with extra olive oil. Gently place one dough round in the base and cook for a few minutes until the dough is golden on the base and bubbles appear on the surface. Turn the bread, brush the cooked side with half the garlic and herb olive oil mixture. Continue to cook until the bread is golden on the base. Remove and repeat with remaining dough and garlic and herb oil mixture.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Serve piadinas warm with salsa.</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;"><em> Image: Supplied </em></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-cb473992-7fff-2903-989b-972c7acbd980"></span></p>

Food & Wine

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Bunnings and Kmart investigated for use of potentially "unethical" tech

<p dir="ltr">Some of Australia’s biggest retailers are being investigated for potentially invading customer privacy with facial recognition technology. </p> <p dir="ltr">Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys have been found to be using facial recognition technology on unsuspecting customers.</p> <p dir="ltr">CHOICE has referred the retailers to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to investigate potential breaches of the Privacy Act.</p> <p dir="ltr">Facial recognition analyses images from video cameras to capture each person’s unique facial features, known as a faceprint. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The use of facial recognition by Kmart, Bunnings and The Good Guys is a completely inappropriate and unnecessary use of the technology,” CHOICE consumer data advocate Kate Bower said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“To make matters worse, we found 76% of Australians aren’t aware that retailers are capturing their unique facial features in this way.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Bower slammed the use of the technology which she said is unethical and affects consumer’s trust. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Using facial recognition technology in this way is similar to Kmart, Bunnings or The Good Guys collecting your fingerprints or DNA every time you shop,” she went on. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Businesses using invasive technologies to capture their customers’ sensitive biometric information is unethical and is a sure way to erode consumer trust.”</p> <p dir="ltr">After conducting a survey, CHOICE found that four in five respondents agreed that retailers must inform consumers about the use of facial recognition.</p> <p dir="ltr">Four in five people had concerns about how the biometric data was stored, and three in four respondents were concerned that retailers would use the data to create customer profiles for marketing or profit purposes. </p> <p dir="ltr">“CHOICE observed that Kmart and Bunnings display small signs at the entrance of stores where the technology is in use. However, discreet signage and online privacy policies are not nearly enough to adequately inform shoppers that this controversial technology is in use,” Ms Bower said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The technology is capturing highly personal data from customers, including infants and children.</p> <p dir="ltr">“CHOICE is concerned that Australian businesses are using facial recognition technology on consumers before Australians have had their say on its use in our community. </p> <p dir="ltr">“With the government currently undergoing a review of the Privacy Act, now is the perfect time to strengthen measures around the capture and use of consumer data, including biometric data.” </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Shutterstock/Twitter</em></p>

Technology

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Scam alert: Kmart customers targeted in bargain hunting Facebook groups

<p>Kmart customers have been warned about a new scam circulating in bargain hunting Facebook groups.</p> <p>They have been warned to watch for advertisements offering Nintendo Switches for $2.95.</p> <p>The fake Facebook post has been circulating in parents' groups online and has already fooled a number of Aussies into handing their card details over.</p> <p>The post includes a photograph showing a doctored Kmart price tag displaying that the gaming device has been reduced from $379.86 to $2.95.</p> <p>It also claims that the lower price point is due to a contract dispute between Kmart and Nintendo.</p> <p>Not only is this is factually incorrect, but it is one of the first signs something is obviously fake, as it is too-good-to-be-true.</p> <p>“Kmart broke its contract with Nintendo and is giving away a Nintendo Switch game console to every Australian for $2.95,” the caption on the scam post reads.</p> <p>One shopper claimed her friend had lost $700 after falling for the scam, as the fraudsters took her bank details and withdrew money.</p> <p>“BEWARE. Another scam page going around, also there is a Dyson one,” she said.</p> <p>“Do not fall for it. Friend did and has lost around $700. They just keep taking from your bank. Can't stop it unless you email them and threaten with lawyers.”</p> <p>“Unfortunately I was one of those people who thought it was real,” another woman said.</p> <p>Some believe the advertisement is so fake it's the consumers fault that they fell for it in the first place.</p> <p>“Phishing messages are designed to look genuine, and often copy the format used by the organisation the scammer is pretending to represent, including their branding and logo,” ACCC's Scamwatch website said.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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