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10 tips for a better night’s sleep in a hotel room

<p>From noisy neighbours to unbearable bedding, a good night’s sleep in a hotel room can be hard to come by. Here are 10 tips to help you get decent shut eye.</p> <p><strong>1. Book a room midway down a hallway</strong></p> <p>This is generally the quietest part of the floor, way from ice and wending machines, laundry facilities, exits, closets and any other places where sudden noises might occur.</p> <p><strong>2. Try to avoid rooms facing a pool</strong></p> <p>While the view is something to admire, pools can also be the sight of noise generating late-night gathering and any sounds generally echo loudly off the water.</p> <p><strong>3. Inquire at the front desk about pillow options</strong></p> <p>If the wrong pillow gives you back or neck pain have a chat to the front desk when checking in. Most hotels stock pillows of varying firmness, and can offer a better fit.</p> <p><strong>4. Pack earplugs and eyeshades</strong></p> <p>When you’re struggling to get to sleep the tiniest noise or ray of light can end up being a huge distraction. Nip this in the bud by packing earplugs and eyeshades.</p> <p><strong>5. Turn your mobile phone off</strong></p> <p>Mobile notifications can be a huge distraction (particularly when they’re coming from friends and family in different time zones). Turn your phone off, and enjoy the bliss. </p> <p><strong>6. Make use of your ‘do not disturb’ sign</strong></p> <p>If you’re planning to sleep in make sure you put your ‘do not disturb’ sign on the outside doorknob, otherwise you might get a rude awakening from a housekeeper.</p> <p><strong>7. Report any noises immediately</strong></p> <p>Sometimes a quick pound of the wall will quiet down a noisy neighbour, but this doesn’t always work. If the people in the room next to you won’t keep quiet, make sure you let the front desk know and they can take the necessary actions.</p> <p><strong>8. Adjust the room temperature</strong></p> <p>Most people sleep better in a cooler room, so make sure you adjust the temperature to whatever is the best fit for you to get sleep. Even just opening the window a tiny little crack can make a big difference in terms of your overall comfort levels.</p> <p><strong>9. Ask the front desk about blackout shades</strong></p> <p>Particularly if you’re staying in a city that’s full of lights, noises and distractions, blackout shades can provide you with a level of peace and comfort that will help you sleep.</p> <p><strong>10. Consider bringing your own sheets</strong></p> <p>Particularly if you’ve got skin sensitives, it’s generally a good idea to bring your own sheets (if you’ve got enough space). The familiar scent and feel will really help you sleep.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Tips

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New outdoor cinema with Queen-size beds opening

<p>Do you ever find yourself torn between wanting to catch a flick and the irresistible allure of your comfy bed? Well, brace yourself, because Sydney's movie scene is about to get a serious dose of comfort with the grand opening of Mov'in Bed in Barangaroo.</p> <p>Yes, you read that right – a cinema where you can literally Netflix and chill on a queen-size bed!</p> <p>Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Barangaroo skyline, Mov'in Bed promises a cinema experience that'll make you question why you ever settled for uncomfortable theatre seats in the first place.</p> <p>Picture this: a giant 15-metre 4K screen, plush queen-size cloud-like beds, and a total transformation of Barangaroo's Harbour Park into a sandy tropical paradise. It's like combining a day at the beach with a movie night – talk about the best of both worlds.</p> <p>The grand opening on January 12 marks the return of Mov'in Bed after an extended intermission courtesy of the pandemic. If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to combine your passion for cinema with your love of lounging, this is it. The lineup promises a mix of new-release blockbusters and timeless classics, with films like <em>Trolls</em> and <em>Barbie</em> making their debut on the giant Mov'in Bed screen.</p> <p>For those who like to take their movie nights up a notch, Mov'in Bed offers VIP packages that include unlimited popcorn, bubbly on arrival and even a personal butler. Because why settle for a regular cinema experience when you can have someone cater to your every cinematic whim?</p> <p>But what about the practicalities, you ask? Fear not, for Mov'in Bed has thought of everything. Each bed comes with comfy blankets, LED-lit bedside tables for those all-important snacks – and, of course, comfy pillows for all your cinematic napping needs. And to ensure you don't miss a single dialogue or explosion, noise-cancelling headphones are provided – because the only explosions you want to hear are on the screen, not your neighbour's popcorn bag.</p> <p>And let's not forget the halftime experience; a nostalgic nod to classic drive-in nights where you can replenish your snacks or hit the bathroom during those longer films. Scorcese's epic <em>Killers of the Flower Moon</em> with its 3-hour-and-26-minute runtime? No worries, you've got time for a quick snack break without missing any plot twists.</p> <p>Mov'in Bed isn't just a cinema; it's a full-blown cinematic event. Partnering with local restaurants, you can savour delicious dinners while catching the latest blockbuster. It's the perfect excuse for a summer evening date night or a laid-back hangout with friends.</p> <p>So, mark your calendars, Sydney-siders! Mov'in Bed Barangaroo is here to redefine your summer nights from January 12 to April 14, 2024. Whether you're a film buff, a beach lover, or just someone who appreciates the genius of combining the two, <a href="https://movinbed.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mov'in Bed</a> is the place to be.</p> <p>Because why settle for a regular movie night when you can have a cinema experience that's fun, chill, laid-back and upbeat – all while lying in the lap of luxury? Get ready to sink into cinematic bliss under the glistening Sydney moon!</p> <p><em>Images: Mov'in Bed.</em></p>

Movies

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Top tips to protect your outdoor furniture

<p>If you have outdoor furniture, it’s important to look after it properly so it will stay in good condition over the years. Remember to invest in UV and water-resistant<strong> </strong>chair covers<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong> </strong></span>and pillows in order to ensure you can enjoy your outdoor furniture without the hassle of replacing all your items. Here’s how to care for your furniture.</p> <p><strong>1. Wooden</strong></p> <p>To get your wooden outdoor furniture ready for use, clean with hot soapy water or a hardwood cleaning fluid at the beginning of the season. If the furniture is very dirty then you can lightly sand the furniture after cleaning. It is a good idea to oil or paint your outdoor furniture after cleaning.</p> <p>If you want your furniture to age naturally, then oil the furniture with two coats and leave to dry for 48 hours. Use hardwood oil for eucalyptus and teak oil for teak furniture. If you want your outdoor furniture to look new, then use a stained oil. If you want to completely transform your furniture then paint with 2-3 coats and it should last for roughly three years.</p> <p><strong>2. Metal</strong></p> <p>When you wash your metal outdoor furniture be sure to clean it with a non-abrasive cloth. If the furniture is made from steel, you need to treat any scratches that expose the bare metal underneath to prevent rust. If rust has already set it on your furniture, remove it using steel wool and then touch it up using an exterior metal paint of the same colour.</p> <p>If your furniture is made from aluminium, it won’t rust but it may suffer from aluminium oxidation. This won’t decrease the strength of the furniture but it will change the colour of the metal over time. To prevent this from happening, make sure you clean it regularly and store it away or keep it covered during the winter months.</p> <p>One tip to keep your metal furniture in pristine condition is to polish it with car wax after you have finished cleaning it. The wax will help the furniture be more water resistant.</p> <p><strong>3. Rattan</strong></p> <p>Synthetic rattan is UV and weather-resistant so it won’t be as worn out by the weather conditions. Whenever it needs a refresh, wash with soapy water. It is important to keep an eye on the frame underneath as if that is made from steel rather than aluminium, you will need to abide by the metal care rules.</p> <p><strong>4. Resin</strong></p> <p>Resin outdoor furniture is fairly easy to look after. Wash it regularly with soap to keep it in great condition. If there is dirt or stains that are particularly hard to get out, then wash your furniture with a pressure washer.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Choosing the best LED lighting for your room

<p>When it comes to illuminating your room, LED lighting has become the go-to choice for many homeowners due to its energy efficiency, versatility, and long lifespan. However, with many available options, finding the perfect LED lighting solution for your room can take time and effort. </p> <p>Aside from enhancing safety and security, incorporating an <a href="https://www.metropolitanelectrical.com.au/blog/led-lighting-for-outdoor-spaces-safety-and-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LED light in outdoor spaces</a> and creating a well-lit and inviting area inside your room is equally crucial to meeting your needs and preferences. </p> <p>LED lighting provides the perfect solution to achieve a warm and cosy ambience while offering energy efficiency and long-lasting performance. You can transform your room into a comfortable and visually appealing haven by carefully selecting the right LED fixtures and considering essential factors.</p> <p><strong>1. Assess Your Room's Requirements</strong></p> <p>The first step in choosing the best LED lighting is to assess your room's specific requirements. Consider the size of the room, its purpose, and the existing lighting setup. Identify areas that require more illumination and softer lighting for a cosy ambience.</p> <p><strong>2. Determine the Lighting Type</strong></p> <p>LED lighting comes in various types, each designed to serve specific purposes. Some common types include:</p> <p><strong>Ambient Lighting</strong></p> <p>Ambient lighting provides overall illumination and sets the mood of the room. Choose LED fixtures like ceiling lights or wall-mounted fixtures that offer a wide dispersion of light.</p> <p><strong>Task Lighting</strong></p> <p>Task lighting is essential for focused activities such as reading, working, or grooming. LED desk lamps or under-cabinet LED strips are ideal choices for task lighting.</p> <p><strong>Accent Lighting</strong></p> <p>Accent lighting helps create visual interest and highlights specific features in the room, such as artwork or architectural elements. LED spotlights or track lights work best for accent lighting.</p> <p><strong><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/08/Choosing-the-Best-LED-Lighting-for-Your-Room02.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1022" /></strong></p> <p><strong>3. Consider Colour Temperature</strong></p> <p>LED lights are available in different colour temperatures, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower values like 2700K-3000K produce warm white light suitable for living rooms and bedrooms, while higher values like 5000K-6500K provide cooler white light more ideal for task-oriented areas like kitchens and workspaces.</p> <p><strong>4. Energy Efficiency</strong></p> <p>One of the significant advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. Look for LED bulbs with the ENERGY STAR label, as they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and can significantly reduce your energy consumption.</p> <p><strong>5. Check the Lumens</strong></p> <p>Lumens measure the brightness of LED bulbs. Consider the lumens required based on the room's size and purpose. For instance, a 60-watt incandescent bulb is equivalent to approximately 800 lumens.</p> <p><strong>6. Dimmability</strong></p> <p>If you prefer adjustable lighting levels, choose dimmable LED bulbs and fixtures. This feature lets you control light intensity to suit different activities and create the desired ambience.</p> <p><strong>7. Longevity and Warranty</strong></p> <p>LED bulbs are known for their long lifespan, ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 hours. Additionally, reputable manufacturers often provide warranties that cover their products for several years, ensuring peace of mind.</p> <p><strong>8. Compatibility with Smart Home Systems</strong></p> <p>For those looking to integrate their lighting with smart home systems, ensure that the LED bulbs you select are compatible with the preferred smart lighting technology.</p> <p><strong>9. Aesthetics and Fixture Design</strong></p> <p>LED lighting comes in various shapes and sizes, including vintage filament-style bulbs or sleek modern fixtures. Consider the overall aesthetics of your room and choose LED lighting that complements the existing decor.</p> <p><strong>10. Budget Considerations</strong></p> <p>While LED lighting may have higher upfront costs than traditional incandescent bulbs, remember that they save energy and last much longer, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.</p> <p><strong>11. Sustainable Lighting Choices</strong></p> <p>In this increasingly eco-conscious era, making sustainable choices is paramount to preserving our planet's well-being. Regarding lighting solutions, LED technology stands at the forefront of sustainability. Some of the environmental benefits include the following: </p> <ul> <li>Reduced Energy Consumption</li> <li>Longevity and Durability</li> <li>Mercury-Free Lighting</li> <li>Lower Carbon Emissions</li> <li>Optimised Outdoor Lighting</li> <li>Energy Savings on a Global Scale</li> </ul> <p>Choosing LED lighting for your room can have a far-reaching impact on the planet, making it a brighter and more sustainable place for future generations to enjoy.</p> <p><strong>12. Hiring an Expert</strong></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/08/Choosing-the-Best-LED-Lighting-for-Your-Room03.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="852" /></p> <p>If you find choosing LED lighting overwhelming or are unsure about the best lighting solutions for your room, consider hiring an expert. A professional lighting consultant from a trusted provider like <a href="https://www.metropolitanelectrical.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Metropolitan Electrical Contractors</a> can assess your room's layout, understand your lighting needs, and suggest the most appropriate LED fixtures to achieve the desired effect.</p> <p><strong>Illuminate Your Space with an Expert Touch!</strong></p> <p>Choosing the best LED lighting for your room involves considering the room's requirements, lighting type, colour temperature, energy efficiency, lumens, dimmability, longevity, smart home compatibility, aesthetics, and budget. </p> <p>By carefully evaluating these aspects and understanding your room's needs, you can create a well-lit, inviting space with LED lighting that enhances your overall living experience.</p> <p>Don't want to do it all alone? Get installation assistance from a specialist to ensure your LED lighting is expertly installed, leaving you with a perfectly lit room tailor-made to your needs. Let the specialists work their magic and bask in the glow of a well-lit and inviting space! Get started now and light up your life!</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Metropolitan Electrical Contractors.</em></p>

Home & Garden

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“Finally Married”: Home and Away star’s beautiful outdoor wedding

<p dir="ltr">Luke Jacobz and Raychel Stuart have officially tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Sydney's Centennial Park.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Home and Away </em>star and his American fiancée looked smitten as they said their vows under a canopy of trees in their intimate wedding surrounded by family and friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">Raychel was escorted down the aisle 40 minutes early by her new mother-in-law's partner, John.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was truly an unforgettable moment,” Raychel giddily told <em>New Idea</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The whole setting was just so magical,” she gushed.</p> <p dir="ltr">The newlyweds had both lost their fathers and Raychel’s brothers were unable to attend the event because they couldn’t travel from Los Angeles.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the couple sweetly designated two spots on the table for their fathers, with their pictures propped up, as a way of celebrating the memorable event with them.</p> <p dir="ltr">When Luke first spotted his bride walking down the aisle he couldn’t help but burst into tears, and the beautiful moment has now been captured eternally in one of the photos.</p> <p dir="ltr">Raychel walked down the aisle in a stunning bodycon wedding dress with a thigh high slit that she jazzed up with her own arrangement of native blooms.</p> <p dir="ltr">She completed the look with a flowing veil and a pair of white strappy heels.</p> <p dir="ltr">Luke looked as dashing as he did when he played Angelo Rosetta in <em>Home and Away</em> but has matured into his features as he donned a custom suit with a bow tie.</p> <p dir="ltr">He clearly couldn’t hold back his excitement as he happily punched the air after saying “I do” and later on posted the happy news on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CuRQJbvPyLy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So our day finally happened. 499 days apart, 3rd attempt and we are finally MARRIED.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am so proud to be married to my best friend. We have been through so much and now we can enjoy the rest of our lives as Husband and Wife!” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following their magical ceremony, the couple posed for photos with their brand new marriage certificate before heading to the reception.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their wedding comes after they were forced to delay their nuptials twice during the pandemic, but the lovebirds have finally managed to turn their “lifelong dream”, into reality.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram / Candid Chaser Photography</em></p>

Relationships

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The best cruise cabin for every type of need

<p><strong>So many options</strong></p> <p>Cruise accommodations – also known as staterooms or cabins – are your home away from home while at sea. Far from a one-size-fits-all decision, there are numerous factors to consider when determining the best rooms on a cruise ship to fit your and your companions’ needs.</p> <p>From size to location to view and beyond, there are many things to keep in mind when selecting your stateroom, says Gianluca Corneli, hotel director at Royal Caribbean International. “How many will stay in the room? Is your room a place to hang out or just where you sleep?” Also, think about what you’d like to be near on the ship. “For example, consider if you would like to be near the elevator for convenience or prefer a location down the hallway with fewer guests passing by,” she says. Also factor in any ways you’d like to elevate your stay, like maybe a balcony or a suite for your next Caribbean cruise.</p> <p>It’s no wonder that some of the best cruise lines offer up to 28 different types of rooms on a single ship – they want to ensure there’s an ideal solution for every guest. Let’s focus on upgrading your room choice to the perfect fit for your specific needs.</p> <p><strong>Best for avoiding seasickness</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Choose</em></span>: the middle of the ship, on a low deck</p> <p>Picture a ship like a seesaw – the most movement will be felt on either end, while the middle stays fairly even-keel. “Middle and low, that’s where you want to be,” says cruise expert Dori Saltzman, senior editor with trade publication Travel Market Report. “While you don’t need to be on the absolute lowest passenger deck, you don’t want to go above the middle of the ship (vertical wise). You also want to try to be as middle (horizontal wise) as possible.</p> <p>If cabins in the middle of the ship aren’t available, she says to choose aft over forward, because the more forward a cabin is, the more you’ll feel the motion of the ocean. And while this may seem counter-intuitive, be sure to book a cabin with a window or balcony, so you can keep your eyes on the horizon if you start feeling queasy.</p> <p><strong>Best for great views</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Choose</em></span>: a cabin with a balcony, preferably at the back of the ship</p> <p>While you can always go to the upper decks of any ship for 360-degree views of your surroundings, there’s no greater cruise ship luxury than enjoying the scenery from your own private balcony. They may also be called verandah cabins. Balconies are the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or glass of champagne during a spectacular sunset and pretend you’re all alone at sea.</p> <p>And some of the absolute best rooms on a cruise ship are located at the rear, where you’ll also be treated to the photo-worthy wake left behind, which is a fun way to mark your ship’s progress. Balconies are also nice for having access to fresh air when you want it, it can be very soothing to listen to the sounds of the ocean from your stateroom, and you’ll have a better chance of spotting wildlife along your cruise too.</p> <p><strong>Best for light sleepers</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Choose</em></span>: a deck filled with other guest cabins and away from elevators</p> <p>Finding the best rooms on a cruise ship for light sleepers usually takes a little research, but that due diligence will pay off come bedtime. “You need your cabin to be located away from any bank of elevators, but also away from crew entrances,” says Saltzman. So being surrounded by other cabins of people who want to sleep too is a safe bet. “You also don’t want your cabin to be located above the ship’s main theatre, underneath any restaurants where you can hear the chairs scraping on the floor or under/over any of the lounges that have music late into the night.”</p> <p>Finally, you don’t want to be on a low deck that’s too aft or too forward, as you may end up above the engines or the anchor, which makes a lot of noise when it’s lowered and raised. You may feel a bit like Goldilocks trying to choose that perfect cabin on your next romantic cruise, but the reward of peace and quiet will be priceless.</p> <p><strong>Best for a little more space</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Choose</em></span>: a forward-facing cabin</p> <p>While you aren’t likely to find a balcony on a forward-facing cabin, you may find more interior space than similarly priced mid-ship cabins. Why? There are some odd angles in forward-facing cabins that the designers had to work around, thanks to the slanted style of the front of a ship. Those odd angles may work in your favour when it comes to square footage.</p> <p>It’s important to note that while these are some of the best rooms on a cruise ship for extra space, you will experience the most movement in a front-facing cabin, so this choice is not an ideal position for anyone prone to motion sickness.</p> <p><strong>Best for cruising with little kids</strong></p> <p>Most cruise lines offer family-friendly cruises and specific cabins suited for kids, which can be a mix of in-room amenities and proximity to other areas of the ship children will love. “On Disney’s ships, all cabins have two bathrooms, one with a sink and toilet and the other with a shower/bath combo (a small minority of rooms do not have the tub) for families that need the little one to be able to take a bath, while everyone else is still able to wash up,” says Saltzman.</p> <p>“Another good option is the Family Harbour cabins on Carnival’s Vista-class ships (Vista, Horizon, Panorama) and Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration). Similar to the Disney cabins, these have two bathrooms, one a full one with a shower, sink and toilet, and the other with a sink and shower/tub combo.”</p> <p><strong>Best for staying on a budget</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Choose</em></span>: an interior cabin</p> <p>Unless you’re worried about feeling claustrophobic – since there will be no porthole or window to the outside world – an interior cabin is a nice option for saving money (we’re talking $300 for 7-day cruises). Not only is it the lowest-priced cabin type, which means you’ll have more funds to put toward excursions, a drink package or souvenirs, but you’ll also be able to take midday naps or sleep in later because there won’t be any light sneaking in.</p> <p>Another positive is that an interior cabin might encourage you to spend more of your free time roaming around the ship, meeting other people and getting more involved in activities, since you may not find it desirable to spend your time beyond sleeping and showering in a windowless box.</p> <p><strong>Best for mobility disabilities </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Choose</em></span>: an accessible stateroom</p> <p>For passengers with limited mobility or no mobility, most major cruise lines offer accessible staterooms in a variety of room types (inside cabin, ocean view and balcony). These options do vary based on the cruise line and the age of the ship, so it’s best to research this in advance and factor the accessible options available into your cruise planning process.</p> <p>Accessible rooms tend to be larger than standard cabins to accommodate wheelchair or scooter users, and they also feature larger bathrooms. Additionally, some rooms will have emergency-call buttons or specific amenities for hearing or vision-impaired guests. For instance, the fully accessible rooms on Holland America Line provide adequate turning space, accessibility routes throughout the room, roll-in showers, wheelchair access on both sides of the bed, handlebars in the shower and hand-held shower heads, says Sissel Bergersen, director of rooms division, Holland America Line. Before you lock in a booking, it may be best to call the cruise line and explain your needs so they can help steer you toward the perfect cabin.</p> <p><strong>Best for being spoiled rotten</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Choose</em></span>: a cabin with butler service or a spa cabin</p> <p>For travellers who like adult-only cruises or who are yearning for a little extra pampering, the best rooms on a cruise ship fall into one of two categories. The first is a suite that comes with butler service, where you’ll have someone helping with all the details you don’t want to spend your precious holiday time tending to – like reserving prime-time dinner slots at specialty restaurants, booking shore excursions, packing and unpacking and even drawing rose petal bubble baths. Rooms at this level may also come with exclusive access to private pools, clubs and lounges with more luxurious touches and solitude than you’ll find elsewhere on the ship.</p> <p>The other category that’s becoming increasingly popular is spa suites. On Norwegian Cruise Line, the Haven Spa Suite, Spa Club Balcony Suites and Spa Balcony (available on the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Epic) have varying amenities that range from more tranquil room décor with an oversized shower and body spray jets to priority access to Mandara Spa. And on Celebrity Cruises, the AquaClass staterooms are focused on wellness, with a pillow menu, complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on spa packages, healthy room-service menu options, an exclusive restaurant, a spa concierge, access to the SEA Thermal Suite and a yoga mat for use onboard.</p> <p><strong>Best for solo cruisers</strong></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Choose</span></em>: a cruise line that offers single rooms or waives single supplements</p> <p>Solo cruises are a wonderful experience, yet so many cruise lines penalise single cruisers by forcing them to pay a ‘single supplement.’ This surcharge is added to the fare of a solo passenger, since cruise room pricing is generally based on double occupancy. This fee can be an additional 10 per cent all the way up to a full 100 per cent of the rate, making solo cruising unaffordable for many travellers.</p> <p>Instead, look for cruise lines that offer single staterooms, like Celebrity, which has the Edge Single Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (available on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent) and the Single Inside Stateroom on Celebrity Silhouette. Other cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, also offer single cabins – these special solo and studio cabins aren’t subject to single supplements. Occasionally, you may even find cruise lines running special promotions and waiving their single supplement for a regular-size room.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/cruising/the-best-cruise-cabin-for-every-type-of-need" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Cruising

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Top 8 tips for composting

<p>Want to do something good for the earth that will save you money at the same time? Well, you should consider ditching fertilizer and make compost instead. For anyone new to composting, or for those who want to improve the composting skills, we’ve gathered a list of our top tips.</p> <p><strong>1. Get a quality bin</strong></p> <p>The alternative to building a compost heap in your garden, is to try a compost bin. They’re usually compact which makes them perfect for smaller gardens and yards.</p> <p><strong>2. Perfect placement</strong></p> <p>You’ll want to ensure you pick a spot that is level and well-drained spot so that any excess water can drain away easily. This also helps worms to get in and get on with the job of breaking down the content.</p> <p><strong>3. Put the worms to work</strong></p> <p>The humble worm is the perfect (and must-have) addition to any successful compost. They love the moist atmosphere of a compost heap, eating the waste material you put in and converting it into liquid feed and compost. The tiger worm is  great choice for any compost.</p> <p><strong>4. What to compost</strong></p> <p>Good things to compost include vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, plant prunings and grass cuttings. All of these things break down quickly and provide important nitrogen as well as moisture. While slower to rot, it’s also good to include things such as cardboard egg boxes, scrunched up paper and fallen leaves as they provide vital fibre and carbon and also allow important air pockets to form in the mixture.</p> <p><strong>5. Forget these things</strong></p> <p>Meat or dairy products should never but put in your compost. Also, don’t dispose of any diseased plants, dog poo or cat litter, or babies’ nappies in your compost – these belong in the everyday bin. It’s also a good idea to avoid composting perennial weeds (such as dandelions and thistle) or weeds with seed heads.</p> <p><strong>6. Let it air out</strong></p> <p>Composts requires regular turning, which can be a tricky job without the right tools. Opt for something with a long handle and turn your compost as it helps to aerate and mix up the waste and cuttings, which leads to faster composting.</p> <p><strong>7. Add a booster</strong></p> <p>It’s a great idea to encourage the correct enzymes in your compost by using a activator. It helps to turn your grass, leaves and garden waste into dark, rich, crumbly compost in less than half the time.</p> <p><strong>8. Wait for it to be perfect </strong></p> <p>When your compost is ready you’ll have a dark brown, almost black soil-like layer at the bottom of your bin. It should have a spongy texture and will be rich in nutrients. When it’s ready, spread the compost over your flowerbeds this will greatly improve the soil quality by helping it retain moisture and suppressing weeds.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Barry Du Bois shares emotional health update

<p>Channel 10 star Barry Du Bois is currently battling Plasmacytoma Myeloma, a type of cancer that attacks the immune system.</p> <p>The Aussie designer, 62, shared a heartfelt post about the importance of being open during such turbulent times.</p> <p>“During a podcast last week, the host thanked me for being so open with my emotions,” he wrote.</p> <p>“She said we really don’t know each other that well and to expose my feelings so openly [and] honestly was very brave to allow that vulnerability,” he continued.</p> <p>“I explained that after being forced into the ring with terribly viscous opponents like cancer, it is not a scary thing for me to allow emotions to surface when sharing a painful story.</p> <p>"So I don’t see it as brave and have learnt that expressing your emotions rather than suppressing [them] helps to self reflect and gain emotional resilience.”</p> <p>The 62-year-old paired the post with a black and white photo of his arm hooked up to an IV drip as he lay in bed.</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/CtaS9UBvtIs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/CtaS9UBvtIs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Barry Du Bois. (@baz_dubois)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Du Bois is best known for co-hosting Channel 10’s <em>The Living Room</em> lifestyle show for the past decade, where he hosted the show’s renovations segment.</p> <p>After signalling a year-long hiatus, the cast bid fans farewell, and the show’s future remains uncertain.</p> <p>Du Bois’ current cancer comes after a decade-long battle in 2017.</p> <p>Speaking to the Adelaide Advertiser in March, he said he was determined to fight the blood cancer.</p> <p>“I looked, and I'm still looking, for every advantage I can find to give me an extra second, an extra day, maybe a week, or even a month with my children and this beautiful life that I've been gifted,” he said.</p> <p>Du Bois also made a surprise run for the Senate as an independent in the 2023 federal election.</p> <p>He eventually withdrew after deciding that his “health and family come first”.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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How to set up your room to help you fall asleep

<p>Getting a good night’s rest is essential for your health and quality of life. Sometimes sleep can be disturbed due to coffee or stress but sometimes it can be caused by the state of a bedroom. If you are having trouble falling asleep at night then your bedroom environment might be part of the problem. If your bedroom isn’t the sleep-friendly environment it should be, try these tips today.</p> <p><strong>1. Remove night lights and electronics</strong></p> <p>If you have a bright light shining from a radio or alarm clock, it might be a good idea to cover it at night or turn it around so the light isn’t facing you as you sleep. Our brains can misinterpret dim lights and be aroused to wake up. It is also important to not be on your electronic devices right before you go to sleep due to the light that radiates from the screen.</p> <p><strong>2. Shut your curtains</strong></p> <p>Even though the light from the moon, car headlights or streetlights might be outside your window, they still could be a factor in keeping you up. Drapes will help you fall asleep at night time and stop the morning sun waking you up as well.</p> <p><strong>3. Lower the temperature</strong></p> <p>Just a small drop in temperature can help induce sleep. Experts recommend cooling down your room by a few degrees to aid your brain in drifting asleep peacefully. Studies have also found that wearing socks can help you fall asleep. It is believed that if your feet are warm, it helps the internal body temperature drop.</p> <p><strong>4. Get a comfy mattress</strong></p> <p>A painful mattress will not only disturb your sleep but it will also leave you with aches and pains in the morning. Make sure you shop around and research carefully before buying a mattress so you can get one that allows you to have the most natural and deep sleep. Mattress protectors and mattress toppers are also a worthwhile investment for extra softness and comfort as you sleep.</p> <p><strong>5. Choose the right colour scheme</strong></p> <p>Colours can speak volumes to your subconscious so it is important to paint and decorate your room with calming colours. Colours such as blue, purple and light pink can help calm your thoughts. Select colours that are the right shade to help you feel tranquil before you fall asleep at night.</p> <p><strong>6. Declutter your bedroom</strong></p> <p>The impact of a cluttered room is far greater than you might initially think. If you are tossing and turning in the night make sure that before you go to bed, your bedroom is cleared of unnecessary clutter. Once your bedroom is clean, it will make you feel like you have more space and that you aren’t restricted.</p> <p><strong>7. Choose the right bedding</strong></p> <p>The right sheets, the right pillows and the perfect number of pillows are all factors in helping you fall asleep. Whether you want cotton or flannelette bed sheets, make sure you are maintaining their quality as you use them.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Stop making these 5 living room mistakes

<p dir="ltr">A living room should be a welcoming place to entertain guests and a space where you can go to unwind.</p> <p dir="ltr">Creating a comfortable and stylish living room doesn’t have to involve any manual labour or cost a fortune, a few simple tweaks can make a world of difference.</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>1. Furniture placement</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If you tend to push furniture up against all the walls of your living room, you’re making it look smaller rather than larger.</p> <p dir="ltr">Give the room the illusion of more space by pulling furniture away from the walls. </p> <p dir="ltr">Plan your living room around the scale of the room, it will open it up and become a place you’ll never want to leave!</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>2. Too much clutter</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Clutter makes a house a home but storage is key when it comes to keeping a tidy living room.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pack away what you can to keep your tables relatively tidy. </p> <p dir="ltr">Arrange flowers, books, candles or house plants however you like to create an inviting atmosphere.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>3. TV placement</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The optimal place for your TV to sit is on a blank wall that doesn’t block window light.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you can, mount your TV on the wall for a cleaner look, otherwise have an appropriately sized TV unit to put it on.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>4. Using the wrong rugs</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Rugs are a must for a stylish living room but they need to look like they belong!</p> <p dir="ltr">Small rugs can imbalance the room, so go for a big rug your furniture can sit on top of.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>5. Lack of colour</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Many living rooms lack colour, not just the walls, but the lack of artwork, rugs and cushions. </p> <p dir="ltr">Bright pieces add life to a room. Hang artwork, get colourful pillows, plants, or other clutter to spruce up the room - just not too much! </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Room to Move: Desperate renters forced into backyard boxes

<p>Victorian tenants have taken desperate measures in their hunt for a home in the midst of a housing crisis, turning to portable rooms set up in their parent’s driveways and backyards. </p> <p>The portables - described as ‘stand-alone separate rooms’ - have been seen across Facebook Marketplace for up to $180 per week, in a time when Melbourne’s median rent has reached $460 each week. </p> <p>The company behind the Room to Move initiative have advertised a 7.2sq m room for $150 per week, and for those seeking a little more wiggle room, a 10.1sq m room is available for $180. </p> <p>However, a minimum hire period of six months applies to both, as well as a bond of $500, and a one-month written notice to end the lease. And for anyone just outside of Melbourne who might be interested, the rooms can be delivered within a three-to-four hour drive from the city - for a fee of $250. </p> <p>The spaces don’t come with bathrooms, but do feature weatherproof electrical sockets that power two double power points, two internal downlights, and a reverse cycle air conditioner. </p> <p>“There’s plenty of demand for people looking for a short term solution for accommodation,” Room to Move co-founder Nick Nottle said of the decision to launch the spaces. “Typically people place [the rooms] in their backyard or on their driveway back off the street a bit.”</p> <p>He noted that the spaces attracted the most attention from renters who were moving back in with family in a bid to save enough for their own house deposit, and that he and business partner Mike Rose launched Room to Move when they noticed a gap in the market, and saw an opportunity for portables that weren’t an eyesore in a residential environment. </p> <p>“Neighbours don’t really complain because people like the look of it,” he said, “it doesn’t look like you’ve just dropped a big shipping container in your backyard.” </p> <p>Beyond desperate renters, however, Nick believes the ‘properties’ also appeal to parents who want something self-contained to get their teenagers out of their hair, as well as having somewhere to house visitors coming from a long way away. </p> <p>And last but not least, according to Nick, “the other group is people using them as an office to work from home, or for studio-type businesses like a lash salon, tattoo parlour or hairdresser - things you can do from home rather than renting a space elsewhere.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook, realestate.com.au</em></p>

Real Estate

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12 things you should always do before you leave your hotel room

<p><strong>Check under the bed and dresser</strong></p> <p>“I always get down on my hands and knees and look under the bed and under the dresser,” says Suzanne Markham-Bagnera, a former general manager at hotels. Young kids especially like to hide things, and then forget about them.</p> <p>“You get the frantic phone call that a child has left their Lovey, their stuffed animal, or their toy and they realised once they get in their car and start driving, but they’re not able to come right back to the hotel,” she adds.</p> <p><strong>Pull the bed linens back</strong></p> <p>Markham-Bagnera typically removes the bedding to both help out the housekeeper and make sure she hasn’t forgotten anything. “That’s my way of securing: I’ve done the clean sweep of the bed. I’m good,” she says.</p> <p>Guest aren’t expected to strip the bed, but should you decide to, make sure to leave the comforter on a chair or in the closet, not on the floor. And don’t ball the bed linens up with the blanket, keep them separate.</p> <p><strong>Leave the used towels in the tub</strong></p> <p>Markham-Bagnera puts all the towels on the bathtub, especially if they’re still wet. That way they’re out of the way and all together in the pile. And the room attendant only has to pick up one pile of dirty linen. “It makes it a lot faster to pick up,” Markham-Bagnera says.</p> <p><strong>Take the food you want to keep</strong></p> <p>If you’ve used the refrigerator, make sure that you take out the items that you want. “The ones that you don’t want, throw away,” she says. Some guests leave alcohol as a tip for the housekeeper, but policies vary from hotel to hotel on whether they can accept it or not.</p> <p><strong>Stack overflow takeaway boxes next to a waste bin</strong></p> <p>Hotel waste bin are pretty small, and the remnants of last night’s dinner may not fit. If you’ve got overflow, pile the boxes next to the waste bin instead of leaving them scattered all around the room. “The messier you leave the room, the harder it is for the room attendant to clean that room,” Markham-Bagnera says.</p> <p><strong>Check between the mattress and box spring</strong></p> <p>When a room doesn’t have a safe, hotel guests will sometimes hide items they don’t want to leave around the room between the mattress and the box spring. Housekeepers have recovered weapons and sex toys there, Markham-Bagnera says.</p> <p><strong>Move the furniture back </strong></p> <p>If hotel guests are travelling with children, they sometimes move one of the beds against the wall so there’s less opportunity for a child to fall out of the bed. That’s fine, but the courtesy is to move the furniture back where you found it before you leave.</p> <p><strong>Take your medications and supplies with you</strong></p> <p>Forgetting your medication can be dangerous for you, but leaving supplies like needles in your room could also be hazardous to your housekeeper. Also, if you gashed yourself shaving and used a towel to stop the blood flow, separate the towel out from the rest.</p> <p>“Hotels will have protocols for how to clean it or for how they have to bag it and have a company come and dispose of it. Because they can’t just put that in the regular trash and be done with it in a hotel,” Markham-Bagnera says.</p> <p><strong>Make sure you have your charger!</strong></p> <p>“If I had a dollar for every charger that I found, I could take my whole family on vacation,” says hotel manager, Adam Sperling. These days, it’s bad news if your phone dies, so take that last look around. “It’s things that get left behind that can often cause you stress at the end of your journey,” he says.</p> <p><strong>Think about a tip</strong></p> <p>Room attendants are typically paid hourly, so their position is different from a bellhop or a server that might make less per hour with the expectation that they will make more in gratuities, Markham-Bagnera says. That said, room attendants work incredibly hard and tipping is appreciated.</p> <p>Things to consider? The quality of the hotel, whether you’re staying one night or multiple nights, and how messy you’re leaving the room. “If you’ve got a lot of people staying in the room and you’ve got a pullout sofa or a cot, and you’ve used a lot more towels, it certainly is nicer to leave a little extra,” Markham-Bagnera says.</p> <p><strong>Call down to the front desk for transportation </strong></p> <p>Mornings can be hectic at hotels, with out-of-town guests rushing to make meetings and flights in cities they don’t know. You can save yourself some of the hassle by doing a little prep before you leave the hotel room.</p> <p>“Call down and say, ‘hey, I’m leaving at 7.30 tomorrow, can my car be waiting for me?’” Sperling suggests. “That helps everybody. Your car’s waiting for you and we’re not scrambling to go get it at 7.25 when you need it at 7.30.”</p> <p><strong>Book your next stay</strong></p> <p>If you really liked your room and are planning to be back in the area, before you leave your hotel is a great time to rebook, Sperling says. He recommends you ask for the front desk manager for face-to-face treatment that can trump the savings online. “You’re likely to get a great rate, and you’re likely to get upgraded,” he says.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/12-things-you-should-always-do-before-you-leave-your-hotel-room?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Travel Tips

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4 things you can take from your hotel room – and 6 you can’t

<h2>What you can take: soap or shower gel</h2> <p>If there’s one thing most hotels reliably have in their rooms, it’s soap. And according to Ousman Conteh, hotel general manager, these mini bottles are OK to take from your hotel room. “Often hotels receive negotiated pricing for items from another brand,” he says. However, Curt Asmussen, managing director of ObieHospitality, notes that it’s not encouraged to take these items – but guests aren’t penalised in any way if they do.</p> <h2>What you can take: Shampoo or conditioner</h2> <p>Much like the mini soaps stocked in the bathroom, the travel-size shampoo and conditioner are also fine to take from your hotel room. Hotels sometimes brand these items too, Conteh says. So taking their shampoos and sporting the hotel brand name can help the word out about a hotel.</p> <h2>What you can take: Anything “complimentary”</h2> <p>Complimentary items could include things like dry-cleaning bags, coffee, creamers, sugar packets and certain marketing collateral pieces, Asmussen says. It’s fair game to take them with you. Joanna McCreary, hotel general manage, adds that some hotels even give exclusive complimentary gifts which you are, of course, free to take. “We love giving people champagne on check-in on peak arrival days,” she says. “We don’t advertise it, but do get a good deal on it, and complimentary surprise champagne you will find is a very easy sell.”</p> <h2>What you can take: Paper and pens</h2> <p>These paper items also usually have the hotel brand name on them and serve as a marketing tool. Feel free to take them with you!</p> <h2>What you can’t take: Sheets and towels</h2> <p>Sheets, towels and other linens are definitely something you shouldn’t take from hotel rooms. As McCreary explains, the hotels’ goal is to prepare the perfect room for the next guest. Taking pricy essentials, like sheets, make it harder for hotel staff to do their job. According to the Telegraph, however, 68 percent of people in a survey admitted they steal linens and towels from hotel rooms. Beware that some hotels can track stolen towels thanks to electronic tags, HuffPost reports.</p> <h2>What you can’t take: Electronics</h2> <p>Conteh notes that in most cases, there are disclaimers on all items that shouldn’t leave the room – especially in the case of pricy electronics. “They note that there will be a cost levied on the room charge if a tablet or other item of value goes missing or removed from the premises.</p> <h2>What you can’t take: Robes</h2> <p>These plush robes are one of the most common items people think they can take from hotel rooms, but can’t, according to Conteh and McCreary. You will be charged! Slippers, on the other hand, won’t be used again and are typically OK to take.</p> <h2>What you can’t take: Wooden hangers, glass bottles and mugs</h2> <p>There is a chance that taking these items from your hotel room could lead to consequences beyond an extra charge to your room – including being “blacklisted,” NBC reports. Hotels keep a record of guests who trash hotel rooms or steal items and might ban these people from booking rooms again. In rare scenarios, some people could get arrested. The Telegraph reports a couple in Japan was arrested for stealing robes and an ashtray. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so only take the complimentary items that you really need. Remember, just because you can take something doesn’t mean you should.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/travel-hints-tips/4-things-you-can-take-from-your-hotel-room-and-6-you-cant" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>This article originally appeared on Reader's Digest.</em></a></p>

Travel Tips

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Amanda Keller blames The Project for the end of her show

<p dir="ltr">Amanda Keller has blamed <em>The Project</em> for far less viewers of her show <em>The Living Room</em> which is ending after 10 seasons. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Living Room</em> will air its final episode on November 25 on Network 10 at 7.30pm with Keller expressing her disappointment at the show ending.</p> <p dir="ltr">She however said there is still hope for it returning but blamed the slot in which the show airs - right after <em>The Project</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I admire Channel 10 that they’ve stuck with The Project for so long,” she told TV Tonight.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I admire that they’ve decided to do their evenings differently. But it does mean that if your show’s on at 7:30 it’s really hard to be compared to other shows.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Keller went on to compare <em>The Living Room</em> to competing show <em>Better Homes &amp; Gardens</em> and <em>Gardening Australia</em>, explaining that they get more viewers due to the strong viewership on their news programs. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re up against Better Homes &amp; Gardens, Gardening Australia and we do our best to hold our own in that capacity,” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I love that it’s a lifestyle night. But you know, they come off a rating of 900,000 from the news or something.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s harder for any Channel 10 show at 7:30. So I’m grateful that we had 11 years. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I think that we deserved a higher rating and I wish more people had seen us, but the people who do watch us are rusted-on, loyal fans who are wondering, like we are, what’s going on here?”</p> <p dir="ltr">She went on to thank the loyal fans for their support and said they will be working “really hard” to come back. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you for your support. I’ve never worked on a show that has really hit people in the feels like The Living Room has, and I’ve loved that response,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Everywhere I go, people tell me how much they love this show. They talk about Miguel, Chris and Barry. I’ve never ever had that and I don’t take that lightly. I will never forget how much I love hearing how people love this show. And I hope we get to do that again.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you for your loyalty. We’re working really hard to come back again.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: TV Tonight</em></p>

TV

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12 gross things hotels do to save money

<p><strong>Looks can be deceiving</strong></p> <p>Since there’s such a quick turnaround between guests, perhaps it shouldn’t come as all that much of a surprise that hotels aren’t as clean as they should be. In fact – and only read on if you have a strong stomach – one study found that 81 per cent of hotel surfaces contained at least some faecal bacteria.</p> <p>Here’s the issue: hotels are in the business of making money, and one way they keep more of that money is by cutting corners where they think they can get away with it. And we hate to break the news to you, but surfaces aren’t the only things you need to worry about in your guest room, though, of course, some spots are dirtier that others.</p> <p><strong>They reuse the sheets</strong></p> <p>If there aren’t stains, some hotels won’t clean the sheets regularly between guests, says Philip Biton, the co-founder of NDOband who also helps hotels find ways to generate money from their rented rooms. In fact, three out of nine hotels tested secretly didn’t change sheets (insert vomit emoji), according to an Inside Edition investigation. But, Biton says, “sheets should always be replaced.”</p> <p>After all, bodily fluids, hair, and other seriously gross stuff from previous guests could be lurking there. In your own home, this is how bad it is to not wash your sheets every week. Now imagine that at a hotel, with multiple people you don’t know rolling around on them.</p> <p><strong>They choose colourful carpets on purpose</strong></p> <p>The purpose: to hide stains. Let your mind envision any stains you want, and chances are, they’re embedded in your lush, colourful carpet, according to Bustle.</p> <p>Yes, tiles are easy to clean, but those colourful carpets can also be viewed as works of art, according to Hotel Management, so they’re technically doing double duty. The most recent popular colours include greys, brown tones, and non-directional designs with heavy layers of texture.</p> <p><strong>They skimp on washing the glasses</strong></p> <p>It’s easy to make a glass look clean: You simply have to rinse it under some water or quickly wipe it with a towel, especially if the previous guest only drank water out of it. And if the housekeepers have limited time to clean each room, there’s a good chance they’re going to save some of those precious minutes by not washing the glasses properly, according to an undercover investigation by ABC News in 2009. As a result, 75 per cent of the glasses failed ABC’s clean-glasses test. Most were just wiped down and rinsed out instead of being properly sanitised.</p> <p>While this study was the most in-depth on the topic, a more recent look at the state of hotel glasses didn’t find any better news, according to the Daily Mail: instead, they reported that cleaning staff washed the glasses with dirty cloths and with spray that was not suitable for drinking. Pro-tip: BYO reusable water bottles when you stay in a hotel.</p> <p><strong>They don't wash the coffeepots</strong></p> <p>Let’s be honest here: when was the last time you washed your own coffeepot? Exactly. So, you really shouldn’t expect a hotel to do a better job. One ABC News exposé found that hotels aren’t using soap or any other cleaners to clean their coffeepots.</p> <p>And researchers from the University of Valencia examined nine hotel Nespresso machines that had only been used for a year and found bacteria in all of them. That’s why we bring our own mini French Press with us when we travel. We know the last time it was cleaned properly.</p> <p><strong>They don't change their mattresses often</strong></p> <p>Mattresses are expensive. As a result, high-end hotels tend to change their mattresses every three to five years, while less expensive hotels will change mattresses every ten years, according to Traveller.com.</p> <p>Even if the mattress is torn or stained, many hotels will simply hide or clean the issue, as it’s too expensive to swap out a mattress every time there’s a problem.</p> <p><strong>They neglect the pillowcases</strong></p> <p>Often, hotel beds are piled high with pillows, and chances are, you aren’t actually sleeping on all of them. And even if you do sleep on a pillow, do you really leave a mark? The Today Show investigated top hotel chains in the United States and found that many of the housekeepers put the pillows on the chair next to the bed while they changed the sheets.</p> <p>Then, they fluffed the dirty pillows and put them back on the bed. No visible stains equals a reuse. Plus, the pillowcases last longer that way, saving the hotels even more money in the long run.</p> <p><strong>The light switch is never cleaned</strong></p> <p>We all touch them multiple times per day, but the light switches in hotels aren’t cleaned properly…or maybe ever, say researchers from the University of Houston. And this is a huge problem because the light switches – especially those on bedside lamps – are covered in bacteria. Light switches and TV remotes were the worst offenders in the room, according to this study.</p> <p>Since housekeepers are only allotted 30 minutes to clean each room, they don’t have time to wipe down everything, and they also inadvertently carry bacteria to multiple rooms by reusing the same sponge and mop. As a result, bacteria in the hotel rooms were found to be between two and ten times higher than the levels accepted in hospitals. For this reason, you should probably skip the hotel hair dryer as well, or use antibacterial wipes first.</p> <p><strong>They don't change the bedspread</strong></p> <p>The first thing you should do when you get into your hotel room? Don a pair of gloves and remove the bedspread from your bed. Seriously, don’t touch it. Most hotels clean bedspreads just four times per year, according to TravelTruth.com.</p> <p>If that bedspread is colourful, it’s more likely that it’s one of those special ones that’s not changed regularly. It was created to look good and hide stains, saving the hotel money in the process since it doesn’t have to be washed for each new guest.</p> <p><strong>They don't bother with the throw pillows</strong></p> <p>You know, the decorative ones that you toss off your bed and onto that gross carpet as soon as you enter your room? The housekeeping staff simply pops those germ-laden throw pillows back onto your bed – touching your (hopefully) clean pillowcases, according to Thrillist.</p> <p>Super-duper gross. Are their throw pillows ever washed? Are yours?</p> <p><strong>Some have poor water pressure</strong></p> <p>Hotels can save money by controlling the flow of water, according to the Hotel Association. Conserving the flow of water not only saves on water costs, but it also saves money on energy and more – so the hotels may have actually installed low-flow devices.</p> <p>What does this mean for you? Aside from poor shower quality, you’ll also get linens that aren’t so clean and an overall filthy vibe.</p> <p><strong>They don't always change their towels</strong></p> <p>“They utilise the apathy of guests by stating that only towels left in the bath and shower will be changed,” says Jeremy Scott Foster, CEO of TravelFreak. “This can save hotels so much money on labour, detergent and electricity.” Previously, Foster says, all towels not on the original rails were washed. Still, some good does come out of this cost-cutting policy: It benefits the environment.</p> <p>Laundry makes up 16 per cent of a hotel’s water usage, and by not washing those towels, the hotel can save on water, sewer, labour and energy costs, according to National Geographic. This is one reuse we don’t actually mind, especially since we’re the only ones using and reusing those towels.</p> <p><strong>They skip cleaning days completely</strong></p> <p>Some hotels are up-front about skipping cleaning days. They will offer their guests credit if they choose not to have their room cleaned, or alternatively (at different hotels), they’ll tack on additional costs for daily cleaning. These hotels have realised that it’s not cost-effective or necessary to do a thorough cleaning every day, so they’re offering these alternatives to save money.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/12-gross-things-hotels-do-to-save-money?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Travel Tips

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The best ways to use every room in your house, according to science

<p><strong>The best place to keep a wireless router</strong></p> <p><em>On a bookshelf</em>. Situate it on a desk or a tall shelf in a central location in your house. A router works best when elevated, since it sends signals in all directions. The worst place to have a router: in the kitchen. Metal appliances can disrupt its signal.</p> <p><strong>The best place to solve a problem</strong></p> <p><em>In the shower</em>. Monotonous tasks, like lathering up, may allow the mind to wander and boost creative thinking. In a Psychological Science study, participants who completed a simple task between solving creative problems performed better on the problems than those who completed difficult tasks or no task at all.</p> <p><strong>The best place to add a houseplant</strong></p> <p><em>In the bathroom</em>. Plants are a staple of your living space, but you probably haven’t thought to stow one next to, say, your shower. Plants can filter indoor air, helpful for small spaces like bathrooms. Ferns are a low-maintenance choice: for a shady bathroom, try a Boston fern.</p> <p>In sunnier bathrooms, place a Kimberly Queen fern. A classic NASA study that identified air-purifying plants found both types of ferns filter air of chemicals like formaldehyde (found in tile grout and paper towels; can cause nose and throat irritation) and xylene (found in household cleaners and perfumes; can cause dizziness and headache).</p> <p><strong>The best place to stash emergency cash</strong></p> <p><em>In the kids’ room</em>. Scope out a subtle place in a young child’s room, where burglars are less likely to look for valuable items. Tuck emergency cash in an envelope inside a stuffed animal that’s no longer played with – say, a teddy bear on a high shelf.</p> <p><strong>The best place to do a morning workout</strong></p> <p><em>In the yard</em>. If you can, get outside to break a morning sweat. A study in the journal PLOS One found that exposure to morning sunlight is linked to a lower body mass index (BMI). Researchers say just 20 to 30 minutes of morning brightness is enough to affect BMI; they hypothesise that sun exposure helps regulate metabolism. Bonus of taking your workout outdoors: your burpees won’t knock over a lamp.</p> <p><strong>The best place to hide during an earthquake</strong></p> <p><em>Under a desk or a kitchen table</em>. If your area is prone to earthquakes, don’t count on the door frame. Though standing underneath one is age-old advice, in many modern homes, the door frame is no stronger than any other part of the house and probably won’t protect you from the most likely cause of injury: flying items.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/the-best-ways-to-use-every-room-in-your-house-according-to-science" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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DIY: Planter box

<p>Whether you want to grow a herb garden or are looking for a nifty way to house a few flowering pots, planter boxes are a great way to present your greenery in a neat, space-saving and decorative manner. And the good news is, you can easily make a planter box yourself.</p> <p><strong>Supplies:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cedar wood (at least 3mm thick)</li> <li>Jigsaw</li> <li>Galvanized screws</li> <li>Wood glue</li> <li>2 clamps</li> <li>Drill</li> <li>Primer</li> <li>Paint (colour of choice)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Instructions:</strong></p> <p>1. Depending on the space in which you want to place your planter box – be it a windowsill, table or wall outside, the best way to determine the length of your planter box is to match the width of the box to the width of the space you are making it for.</p> <p>2. With a jigsaw, cut three pieces of cedar approximately to the length and width you have measured. These pieces will form the base, front and back of your planter box. For the sides, cut two 20cm square pieces.

</p> <p>3. With the help of wood glue, assemble the planter box by fitting the pieces together in a rectangle shape. Use the clamps to hold together until dry.

</p> <p>4. Drill holes into the four corners and along the bottom of the front panel – making sure to drill right through to the bottom and side boards.

</p> <p>5. Insert the galvanized screws into the holes on the front, back and side boards.

</p> <p>6. Drill a few small holes into the bottom of your planter box to allow for adequate drainage which will help your plants to grow healthily.

</p> <p>7. To finish, apply a primer and either a wood stain or paint to the outside of the window box.</p> <p>Image: </p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Former housekeeper shares things she would never use in a hotel room

<p dir="ltr">After working as a housekeeper for many years, Tara knows a thing or two about hotel rooms. </p> <p dir="ltr">The former cleaner has made a frank admission about what goes on behind closed doors when cleaning and tidying hotel rooms for the next guests. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Hate to break it to you, things aren’t as clean as you think they are,” Tara said on her TikTok.</p> <p dir="ltr">She went on to list the things she would never use in hotel rooms after her years in the industry, beginning with basic kitchenware. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The first thing I would never ever use is the coffee pot or any of the glassware.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Usually the housekeeper rinses these things out in the bathroom sink and dries them off with the same rag they clean the rest of the room with.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The next thing she avoids using or touching is the ice bucket.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A lot of times people just innocently use these as water dishes for their pets but then other times, people do much worse things to these buckets... and I don’t ever want to talk about that,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">She also advises travellers to remove the bedspread as soon as you check in to your hotel room. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Take that s*** off the bed the minute you walk in there and do not put it back on the bed,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They are so filthy, they only get washed once a year unless there’s a visible stain on them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So unless someone has puked, bled, p***ed or s*** on them, they do not get washed for an entire year.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Seriously, I’ve seen some things.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In a follow-up video, she explained why parts of hotel rooms are neglected during the cleaning process. </p> <p dir="ltr">“You would actually get in trouble if you took too long to clean hotel rooms and you would get in trouble for backing up the laundry if you’re sending down too many bedspreads and blankets and things like that.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She added, “Totally depends on hotel, training, employee and management but I’m turned off for life because of what I’ve seen.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

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Extreme measures for family of five as rental crisis worsens

<p>As Australia's rental crisis worsens, a family of five on the Gold Coast are being forced to share a single motel room. </p> <p>Alexi Bennett and her children have been rejected from more than 200 rental applications after their previous landlord didn't resign their lease.</p> <p>It's been three months since the family have lived comfortably and Bennett said she struggles daily with guilt as she faces "one of the hardest" moments of her life. </p> <p>It's costing the family $850 a week to share the single room amid a lack of available rental properties.</p> <p>"You're supposed to be providing for your children and, when you can't, the guilt - it really hits, it really hits hard to be honest," she told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/gold-coast-family-of-five-forced-to-share-single-motel-room-amid-australias-rental-crisis/6fbeed47-59cb-4b3a-8bad-f6b31e818629" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Today</em></a>, holding her six-week-old baby.</p> <p>"It's meant to be the happiest time of your life and, you know, at this point in time it's one of the hardest and yeah, pretty sad, to be honest."</p> <p>Alexi said there's "not many options left" for her family as the "competition is crazy" for rental properties. </p> <p>"I've got to do what's best for my kids and, yeah, this is it at the moment."</p> <p>"You just got to stay positive and hope for the best and just keep trying, every day is a new day."</p> <p>"That is all I can keep telling myself and just stay positive."</p> <p>According to Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee, advertised rents are reflecting a 13.6 per cent price increase, as demand also continues to rise at an exponential level.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News</em></p>

Real Estate

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"Walk the rooms": Inside the house that Johnny Cash built

<p>Johnny Cash's former home has hit the market, with the California property expected to sell for up to $1.8 million.</p> <p>Cash, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 71, shared the property with his first wife, Vivian Liberto, and the home is adorned with the relics of Johnny's love for music.</p> <p>The house features a wood-panelled recording studio, wall-mounted turn tables and a country motif living room.</p> <p>The artist reportedly built the 4,500 sq. ft. home in Casitas Springs, California, back in 1961 as an escape from his demanding lifestyle.</p> <p>Johnny and Vivian, along with their three daughters, spent six years in the homestead retreat, which was rumoured to be built to Cash's exact wishes.</p> <p>According to the listing agents of Douglas Elliman, "Johnny bought the land and built the house to his exact specifications, walking the rooms and deciding on exact placement and layout. He created a secluded sanctuary, unique to this rural small-town enclave. Longtime locals recount stories of Johnny setting up speakers on the hillside outside the house and playing concerts for the townspeople down below."</p> <p>Inside the five bedroom home, most rooms remain original to Johnny and Vivian's vision, with painted ceilings featuring a touch of glitter, an original wall-mounted turntable and intercom system, and curved brick fireplace in the family room.</p> <p>Despite a modern uplift in the his and hers suites, the property is undeniably Cash's with custom wood built-ins, exposed brick walls, natural wooden beams and a country motif living room.</p> <p>The grounds are equally mesmerizing with live oaks, verdant gardens, a sparkling swimming pool, and corrals and fields ready for horses, pigs, goats, chickens or other rural uses.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Douglas Elliman Realty</em></p>

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