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Streets of purple haze: how the South American jacaranda became a symbol of Australian spring

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-k-martin-107846">Susan K Martin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a> Jacaranda season is beginning across Australia as an explosion of vivid blue spreads in a wave from north to south. We think of jacarandas as a signature tree of various Australian cities. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth all feature avenues of them. Grafton in New South Wales hosts an annual <a href="https://www.jacarandafestival.com/">jacaranda festival</a>. Herberton in Queensland is noted for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jacarandafestivalherberton/">its seasonal show</a>. There are significant plantings in many botanic, public and university gardens across Australia. Jacaranda mimosifolia (the most common species in Australia) doesn’t generally flower in Darwin, and Hobart is a little cold for it. So showy and ubiquitous, jacarandas can be mistaken for natives, but they originate in South America. The imperial plant-exchange networks of the 19th century introduced them to Australia. But how did these purple trees find their stronghold in our suburbs? <h2>Propagating the trees</h2> Botanist Alan Cunningham sent the first jacaranda specimens from <a href="https://mhnsw.au/stories/general/dream-tree-jacaranda-sydney-icon/">Rio to Britain’s Kew gardens</a> around 1818. Possibly, jacaranda trees arrived from Kew in colonial Australia. Alternately, Cunningham may have disseminated the tree in his later postings in Australia or through plant and seed exchanges. Jacarandas are a widespread imperial introduction and are now a feature of many temperate former colonies. The jacaranda was exported by the British from Kew, by other colonial powers (Portugal for example) and directly from South America to various colonies. Jacarandas grow from seed quite readily, but the often preferred mode of plant propagation in the 19th century was through cuttings because of sometimes <a href="https://mhnsw.au/stories/general/dream-tree-jacaranda-sydney-icon/">unreliable seed</a> and <a href="https://academic.oup.com/histres/article/93/262/715/5938031?login=true">volume of results</a>. Cuttings are less feasible for the jacaranda, so the tree was admired but rare in Australia until either nurseryman Michael Guilfoyle or gardener George Mortimer succeeded in propagating the tree in 1868. Once the trees could be easily propagated, <a href="https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/library/local_history/woollahra_plaque_scheme/plaques/michael_guilfoyle">jacarandas became more widely available</a> and they began their spread through Australian suburbs. <h2>A colonial import</h2> Brisbane claims the earliest jacaranda tree in Australia, <a href="https://blog.qagoma.qld.gov.au/godfrey-rivers-under-the-jacaranda-a-quintessential-image-of-brisbane-queensland/">planted in 1864</a>, but the Sydney Botanic Garden jacaranda is dated at “around” 1850, and jacarandas were listed for sale in <a href="https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13055858?searchTerm=Jacaranda%20OR%20Jakaranda">Sydney in 1861</a>. These early park and garden plantings were eye-catching – but the real impact and popularity of jacarandas is a result of later street plantings. Jacaranda avenues, in Australia and around the world, usually indicate wealthier suburbs like Dunkeld in <a href="https://www.wisemove.co.za/post/top-10-richest-suburbs-in-johannesburg">Johannesberg</a> and Kilimani in <a href="https://gay.medium.com/hashtag-jacaranda-propaganda-2f20ac6958b9">Nairobi</a>. In Australia, these extravagant displays appear in older, genteel suburbs like Subiaco and Applecross in Perth; Kirribilli, Paddington and Lavender Bay in Sydney; Parkville and the Edinburgh Gardens in North Fitzroy in Melbourne; Mitcham, Frewville and Westbourne Park in Adelaide; and St Lucia in Brisbane. The trend toward urban street avenue plantings expanded internationally in the <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.2307/3983816?journalCode=foreconshist">mid 19th century</a>. It was particularly popular in growing colonial towns and cities. It followed trends in imperial centres, but new colonial cities offered scope for <a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/whp/eh/2009/00000015/00000003/art00004">concerted planning of avenues in new streets</a>. Early Australian streets were often host to a mix of native plants and exotic imported trees. Joseph Maiden, director of the Sydney Botanic Gardens from 1896, drove the move from mixed street plantings towards avenues of single-species trees in the early 20th century. Maiden selected trees suitable to their proposed area, but he was also driven by contemporary aesthetic ideas of <a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/whp/eh/2009/00000015/00000003/art00004">uniformity and display</a>. By the end of the 19th century, deciduous trees were becoming more popular as tree plantings for their variety and, in southern areas, for the openness to winter sunshine. It takes around ten years for jacaranda trees to become established. Newly planted jacarandas take between two and 14 years to produce their first flowers, so there was foresight in planning to achieve the streets we have today. In Melbourne, jacarandas were popular in post-first world war plantings. They were displaced by a move to native trees after the second world war. Despite localised popularity in certain suburbs, the jacaranda does not make the list of top 50 tree plantings for <a href="https://www.proquest.com/docview/220356756/714CC7FF6134038PQ/6?accountid=12001">Melbourne</a>. In Queensland, 19th-century street tree planting was particularly ad hoc – the <a href="https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=602440">Eagle Street fig trees</a> are an example – and offset by enthusiastic forest clearance. It wasn’t until the early 20th century street beautification became more organised and jacaranda avenues were planted in areas like New Farm in Brisbane. The popular plantings on the St Lucia campus of the University of Queensland occurred later, in the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/queensland-review/article/abs/for-shade-colour-and-in-memory-of-sacrifice-amenity-and-memorial-tree-planting-in-queenslands-towns-and-cities-191555/459CD1E02E7FD581B4B89ADD7073D705">1930s</a>. <h2>A flower for luck</h2> In Australia, as elsewhere, there can be too much of a good thing. Jacarandas are an invasive species <a href="https://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/weeds/jacaranda">in parts of Australia</a> (they seed readily in the warm dry climates to which they have been introduced). Parts of South Africa have limited or banned the planting of jacarandas because of their water demands and <a href="http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0006-82412017000200020">invasive tendencies</a>. Ironically, eucalypts have a similar status in South Africa. Writer <a href="https://gay.medium.com/hashtag-jacaranda-propaganda-2f20ac6958b9">Carey Baraka argues</a> that, however beloved and iconic now, significant plantings of jacarandas in Kenya indicate areas of past and present white population and colonial domination. Despite these drawbacks, spectacular jacaranda plantings remain popular where they have been introduced. There are even myths about them that cross international boundaries. In the southern hemisphere – in Pretoria or Sydney – they bloom on university campuses during examination time: the first blooms mark the time to study; the fall of blooms suggests it is <a href="https://mhnsw.au/stories/general/dream-tree-jacaranda-sydney-icon/">too late</a>; and the fall of a blossom on a student bestows <a href="https://newcontree.org.za/index.php/nc/article/view/34">good luck</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/214075/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-k-martin-107846">Susan K Martin</a>, Emeritus Professor in English, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/streets-of-purple-haze-how-the-south-american-jacaranda-became-a-symbol-of-australian-spring-214075">original article</a>.

Home & Garden

The ultimate guide to beating hay fever

The sniffles, itchy eyes, incessant sneezing – yes these are just some of the pesky things that accompany dreaded hay fever. An allergic reaction to the naturally occurring pollens in the air that our body detects as harmful, hay fever triggers the release of histamines, which is when you find yourself itching and reaching for yet another tissue. Before you panic and freak out, take heed: Whilst it may well be hay fever season once again, we’ve compiled a list of natural ways to help overcome those irritating symptoms. Ordinarily treatment for hay fever involves a round of medicine and nasal sprays, but this can see you spending a pretty penny on cures. Before you head to the chemist, try these instead… 1. Just add horseradish Regarded as a natural decongestant, and may temporarily relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion associated with hay fever and sinusitis, horseradish is thought to open the nasal passages and increase blood flow to the respiratory mucous membranes, helping mucous and congestion to clear. 2. Hit the hay As an essential component in maintaining a healthy and functioning body, an article published by Harvard Medical School states that sleep deprivation alters our body’s immune function and hormone levels. Thus making sleep another easy but crucial step in wading off the irritable symptoms of hay fever. 3. Limit alcohol While no one is ever over the moon when they hear they should cut back on their beverage of choice, alcohol can stimulate the release – and inhibit the breakdown – of histamines; the compounds which our body releases that triggers many of the symptoms of hayfever in the first place. So it’s best to have alcohol free days where possible or at least cut back your intake to one or two drinks per day. 4. Washing day It might sound a little odd, but washing your hair and clothes more frequently can really make a difference to your symptoms. As pollen is a very sticky matter it can get stuck on your clothes and hair, which will then transfer to your pillow overnight. 5. Stress less While this can be a little harder to keep in check than the other tips here, it is something that will benefit more than just your hay fever symptoms. The same survey conducted by the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit found that seven of the 10 participants who were in stressful circumstances were showing the most severe levels of irritation. While we all cope with it in different ways, if you are feeling stressed it may be worth talking to someone about. Image: Getty

Body

Pets can suffer from allergies too

Spring has well and truly sprung and if you’re suffering from some seasonal sniffles, spare a thought for you pet, too. Did you know dog and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies just as you do? “Pets can definitely suffer from seasonal allergies but the allergic response is slightly different in pets when compared to people,” says Felicia Tam, who is the PAW by Blackmores veterinarian. Dr Tam says don’t expect pets to get a bout of hayfever though as “pets are much more likely to get itchy skin and have ‘allergies’ after coming into contact with allergens such as dust mites or pollens.” Signs that your dog has a seasonal allergy Pet allergies most often take the form of skin irritation or inflammation, and according to Dr Tam, the main sign to look for is “constant itching or rubbing in your dog”. But Dr Tam reminds that allergies can look different from pet to pet. “Details like seasonality and location, age and breed can provide clues on what your dog is allergic to, whether it is something in the environment like dust mites or even the food he or she is eating,” she says. Dr Tam recommends using this helpful 10-point itch scale tool to assess your dog’s itch level. This will help you assess any improvement or deterioration from normal or after treatment. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/pets-can-suffer-from-allergies-too-graph_500x705.png" alt="" width="500" height="705" /> Allergies should be cause for concern Like us humans, allergies in pets can range from mild to severe. If not adequately controlled or managed, allergies can be a cause for concern for pet owners. As Dr Tam reminds, “an itchy dog is definitely an uncomfortable dog,” adding, “dogs will continue to scratch as long as they are itchy so can do a lot of damage to their skin if the cause of their itch isn’t addressed.” If you believe your dog has an allergy, pay a visit to your vet. It will not only give you peace of mind but the vet will be able to help you manage your pet’s allergies. “Some allergies, such as allergies to fleas or food can be easily managed by ensuring flea control is applied on time or specific foods are fed. Other allergies can be more difficult to manage but most pets can be kept comfortable as long as their owners are on board with their pet’s special needs,” says Dr Tam. How you can help your pet with seasonal allergies Dr Tam uses a concept called the “itch threshold” when thinking about our itchy pets. “The additive effect of multiple factors in the environment can tip your pet over the itch threshold,” she says. In order to stay under the itch threshold, Dr Tam recommends owners: <ul> <li>Make sure flea treatments are applied on time</li> <li>Pets are bathed regularly to make sure that the allergen load on the skin doesn’t build up</li> <li>Provide ingredients such as omega-3 and omega-6’s either topically or via supplementation to support the skin barrier to reduce the access of allergens to the immune system</li> </ul> Image: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Achoo! 5 essential reads for pollen season

As spring expands across North America, trees, shrubs and flowers are releasing <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/pollen">pollen</a>. This fine, powdery substance is produced by the male structures of cone-bearing and flowering plants. When it’s carried to the plants’ female structures by wind, water or pollinators, fertilization happens. As pollen travels, it also triggers allergies in <a href="https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/">some 25 million Americans</a>. Pollen exposure can cause sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose and postnasal drip – unwelcome signs of spring for sufferers. This roundup of articles from our archives describes recent findings on protecting pollinators and coping with pollen season. <h2>1. Hey pollinators, over here</h2> Since pollen grains carry the cells that fertilize plants, it’s critical for them to get where they need to go. Often wind or gravity is all it takes, but for many plants, a pollinator has to carry the pollen grains. Some plants offer nectar or edible pollen to attract insects, bats or other animals, which carry pollen from plant to plant as they forage. Many flowers also <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-flowers-smell-151672">lure pollinators with scent</a>. “Similar to the perfumes at a department store counter, flower scents are made up from a large and diverse number of chemicals which evaporate easily and float through the air,” writes Mississippi State University horticulturalist <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dJ8gD7MAAAAJ&hl=en">Richard L. Harkess</a>. “To differentiate itself from other flowers, each species’ flowers put out a unique scent to attract specific pollinators. … Once pollinated, the flower stops producing a floral scent and nectar and redirects its energy to the fertilized embryo that will become the seed.” <h2>2. Bees at the buffet</h2> It’s well known that many species of insects have <a href="https://theconversation.com/insect-apocalypse-not-so-fast-at-least-in-north-america-141107">declined in recent years</a>. One big focus is <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/honey-bees/honeybees">honeybees</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/beyond-honey-bees-wild-bees-are-also-key-pollinators-and-some-species-are-disappearing-89214">other species of bees</a>, which pollinate many important crops. In a 2021 study, University of Florida agricultural extension specialist <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=I8IjAnIAAAAJ&hl=en">Hamutahl Cohen</a> found that when bees visited fields where sunflowers, grown as crops, were blooming over many acres, they <a href="https://theconversation.com/planting-mixes-of-flowers-around-farm-fields-helps-keep-bees-healthy-170527">picked up parasites at a high rate</a>. In contrast, bees that foraged in hedgerows around crop fields and could choose from diverse types of flowers to feed on spread out farther and had lower rates of infection. “The more bees in sunflower fields, the more parasites,” Cohen observed. “Sunflower blooms were aggregating bees, which in turn was amplifying disease risk.” However, “in the presence of many flower types, bees disperse and spread across resources, reducing each individual bee’s likelihood of encountering an infected individual.” <h2>3. Warmer weather means more pollen</h2> As climate change raises average temperatures across the U.S., growing seasons are starting earlier and ending later in the year. That’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/pollen-season-is-getting-longer-and-more-intense-with-climate-change-heres-what-allergy-sufferers-can-expect-in-the-future-179158">bad news for allergy sufferers</a>. “The higher temperature will extend the growing season, giving plants more time to emit pollen and reproduce,” write University of Michigan atmospheric scientists <a href="https://clasp.engin.umich.edu/people/zhang-yingxiao/">Yingxiao Zhang</a> and <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3dWPwz8AAAAJ&hl=en">Allison L. Steiner</a>. And by increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere, climate change will make it possible for plants to grow larger and generate more pollen. “Southeastern regions, including Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, can expect large grass and weed pollen increases in the future. The Pacific Northwest is likely to see peak pollen season a month earlier because of the early pollen season of alder,” Zhang and Steiner report. <h2>4. Providing better forecasts</h2> With all that pollen out there, how can allergy sufferers know when counts are high? Today the U.S. has only a rudimentary network of 90 pollen observation stations across the country, staffed by volunteers and run only during pollen season, so often there isn’t good information available when people need it. <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=sUwveOEAAAAJ&hl=en">Fiona Lo</a>, an environmental health scientist at the University of Washington, is working with colleagues to develop a model that can predict airborne pollen releases. “Our forecast can predict for specific pollen types because our model includes information about how each plant type interacts differently with the environment,” Lo reports. So far, the model only predicts levels of four types of common pollen in areas where there are observation stations. Ultimately, though, Lo and her collaborators “want to provide a forecast every day during pollen season to give allergy sufferers the information they need to manage their symptoms. Allergies are often undertreated, and knowledge about self-care is limited, so a reliable pollen forecast that is easy to access – for example, via an app on your phone – along with education on allergy management, could really help allergy sufferers.” <h2>5. Support pollinators in your garden</h2> Pollen season is also gardening season, since it’s when plants are blooming. West Virginia University mycologist <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brian-Lovett">Brian Lovett</a>offers advice for gardeners who want to <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-help-insects-make-them-welcome-in-your-garden-heres-how-153609">attract beneficial insects to their yards</a> for pollination and other purposes. One step is to replace grass with native wildflowers, which will provide pollen and nectar for insects like ants, bees and butterflies. “Just as you may have a favorite local restaurant, insects that live around you have a taste for the flowers that are native to their areas,” Lovett notes. Replacing white lightbulbs with yellow or warm-hued LED bulbs, and providing water in dishes or other containers, are also insect-friendly steps. Local university extension offices and gardening stores can offer other suggestions. “In my view, humans all too often see ourselves as separate from nature, which leads us to relegate biodiversity to designated parks,” Lovett observes. “In fact, however, we are an important part of the natural world, and we need insects just as much as they need us.” Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/achoo-5-essential-reads-for-pollen-season-181672" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Home & Garden

4 essential reads on pesticides and the environment

In 1962 environmental scientist Rachel Carson published “<a href="http://www.rachelcarson.org/SilentSpring.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silent Spring</a>,” a bestselling book that asserted that overuse of pesticides was harming the environment and threatening human health. Carson did not call for banning DDT, the most widely used pesticide at that time, but she argued for using it and similar products much more selectively and paying attention to their effects on nontargeted species. “Silent Spring” is widely viewed as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/magazine/how-silent-spring-ignited-the-environmental-movement.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an inspiration for the modern environmental movement</a>. These articles from The Conversation’s archive spotlight ongoing questions about pesticides and their effects. <h2>1. Against absolutes</h2> Although the chemical industry attacked “Silent Spring” as <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/170448/on-a-farther-shore-by-william-souder/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-science and anti-progress</a>, Carson believed that chemicals had their place in agriculture. She “favored <a href="https://theconversation.com/would-rachel-carson-eat-organic-94967" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a restrained use of pesticides, but not a complete elimination</a>, and did not oppose judicious use of manufactured fertilizers,” writes Harvard University sustainability scholar <a href="https://wcfia.harvard.edu/people/robert-l-paarlberg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Robert Paarlberg</a>. This approach put Carson at odds with the fledgling organic movement, which totally rejected synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Early organic advocates claimed Carson as a supporter nonetheless, but Carson kept them at arm’s length. “The organic farming movement was suspect in Carson’s eyes because most of its early leaders were not scientists,” Paarlberg observes. This divergence has echoes today in debates about whether organic production or steady improvements in conventional farming have more potential to feed a growing world population. <h2>2. Concerned cropdusters</h2> Well before “Silent Spring” was published, a crop-dusting industry developed on the Great Plains in the years after World War II to apply newly commercialized pesticides. “Chemical companies made broad promises about these ‘miracle’ products, with little discussion of risks. But pilots and scientists took <a href="https://theconversation.com/farmers-and-cropdusting-pilots-on-the-great-plains-worried-about-pesticide-risks-before-silent-spring-91976" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a much more cautious approach</a>,” recounts University of Nebraska-Kearney historian <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=37kbK3MAAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Vail</a>. As Vail’s research shows, many crop-dusting pilots and university agricultural scientists were well aware of how little they knew about how these new tools actually worked. They attended conferences, debated practices for applying pesticides and organized flight schools that taught agricultural science along with spraying techniques. When “Silent Spring” was published, many of these practitioners pushed back, arguing that they had developed strategies for managing pesticide risks. Today aerial spraying is still practiced on the Great Plains, but it’s also clear that insects and weeds rapidly evolve resistance to every new generation of pesticides, trapping farmers on what Vail calls “a chemical-pest treadmill.” Carson anticipated this effect in “Silent Spring,” and called for more research into alternative pest control methods – an approach that <a href="https://www.usda.gov/oce/pest/integrated-pest-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has become mainstream today</a>. <h2>3. The osprey’s crash and recovery</h2> In “Silent Spring,” Carson described in detail how chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides persisted in the environment long after they were sprayed, rising through the food chain and building up in the bodies of predators. Populations of fish-eating <a href="https://raptor.umn.edu/about-raptors/learn-about-raptors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raptors</a>, such as bald eagles and ospreys, were ravaged by these chemicals, which thinned the shells of the birds’ eggs so that they broke in the nest before they could hatch. “Up to 1950, ospreys were one of the most widespread and abundant hawks in North America,” writes Cornell University research associate <a href="https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/person/alan-poole/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alan Poole</a>. “By the mid-1960s, the number of ospreys breeding along the Atlantic coast between New York City and Boston <a href="https://theconversation.com/ospreys-recovery-from-pollution-and-shooting-is-a-global-conservation-success-story-111907" target="_blank" rel="noopener">had fallen by 90%</a>.” Bans on DDT and other highly persistent pesticides opened the door to recovery. But by the 1970s, many former osprey nesting sites had been developed. To compensate, concerned naturalists built nesting poles along shorelines. Ospreys also learned to colonize light posts, cell towers and other human-made structures. Today, “Along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, nearly 20,000 ospreys now arrive to nest each spring – the largest concentration of breeding pairs in the world. Two-thirds of them nest on buoys and channel markers maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, who have become de facto osprey guardians,” writes Poole. “To have robust numbers of this species back again is a reward for all who value wild animals, and a reminder of how nature can rebound if we address the key threats.” <h2>4. New concerns</h2> Pesticide application techniques have become much more targeted in the 60 years since “Silent Spring” was published. One prominent example: crop seeds coated with neonicotinoids, the world’s most widely used class of insecticides. Coating the seeds makes it possible to introduce pesticides into the environment at the point where they are needed, without spraying a drop. But a growing body of research indicates that even though coated seeds are highly targeted, much of their pesticide load washes off into nearby streams and lakes. “Studies show that neonicotinoids are <a href="https://theconversation.com/farmers-are-overusing-insecticide-coated-seeds-with-mounting-harmful-effects-on-nature-176109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poisoning and killing aquatic invertebrates</a> that are vital food sources for fish, birds and other wildlife,” writes Penn State entomologist <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=AAdZM1UAAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Tooker</a>. In multiple studies, Tooker and colleagues have found that using coated seeds reduces populations of beneficial insects that prey on crop-destroying pests like slugs. “As I see it, neonicotinoids can provide good value in controlling critical pest species, particularly in vegetable and fruit production, and managing invasive species like the spotted lanternfly. However, I believe the time has come to rein in their use as seed coatings in field crops like corn and soybeans, where they are providing little benefit and where the scale of their use is causing the most critical environmental problems,” Tooker writes. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/silent-spring-60-years-on-4-essential-reads-on-pesticides-and-the-environment-192232" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Books

5 hidden beaches in Australia to try in spring

Don’t fight it out with the crowds at Bondi. Escape to your own secret slice of sand with one of these five hidden beaches in Australia to try in spring. 1. Sunshine Beach, Queensland Noosa (just up the coast) gets all the publicity, but Sunshine Beach is definitely our pick. This sleepy seaside town on the Sunshine Coast has a long strip of sand fronting directly onto the Pacific Ocean. The waves can be a little rough, especially if the wind is blowing, but it’s so quiet that there’s a good chance you’ll be the only swimmer there. Don’t miss a post-swim beer at the surf club, set right over the dunes. 2. Store Beach, New South Wales Head to Manly on a spring day and you’ll find it packed with locals and tourists alike. So hire a kayak and paddle around to Store Beach, surrounded by the lush bushland of the Sydney Harbour National Park. It's a world away from the hubbub of Manly and feels like a private little enclave for those in the know. Just make sure you pack your own supplies, including drinking water, because there’s nowhere to stock up. And keep an eye out for fairy penguins – the beach is a known breeding ground. 3. Gnarabup Beach, Western Australia This white sand wonder is a well-kept secret among the locals from Margaret River. Just a 10-minute drive from the town, its calm turquoise waters are protected by an offshore reef so it’s a great option for families or those looking for a quiet paddle. If you’re looking for seclusion, steer clear of the popular boat ramp and head north for more than a kilometer of untouched sand where the only footprints you’ll see will be your own. 4. Godfreys Beach, Tasmania You don’t automatically think of beaches when you think of Tasmania, our coldest state, yet Godfreys is something special. Set just outside the town of Stanley in the state’s northwest, Godfreys Beach is a kilometre of squeaky clean sand surrounded by some of the cleanest air in the world. Its east facing aspect protects the beach from much of the wild weather that can batter the Tasmanian coast, though it still has its rough days. The town itself is just as charming, stocked with colonial buildings and cute B&Bs. 5. Memory Cove, South Australia Part of the Lincoln National Park on the tip of the Eyre Peninsula, Memory Cove is one of the finest beaches in the state. Rough and rugged, it’s a secluded beach with stunning scenery that you can only access with a four-wheel drive. One of the best bits is that you can camp right on the beach and with no more than 15 vehicles allowed at any one time, you’ll have a five-star experience for less than $40 per night. The fishing is excellent – so bring your gear – and keep an eye out for dolphins and sea lions. Have you been to any of these hidden beaches? Are there any that you think we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. Image: Getty

Domestic Travel

Sneezing with hay fever? Native plants aren’t usually the culprit

Hay fever is a downside of springtime around the world. As temperatures increase, plant growth resumes and flowers start appearing. But while native flowering plants such as wattle often get the blame when the seasonal sneezes strike, hay fever in Australia is typically caused by introduced plant species often pollinated by the wind. <h2>A closer look at pollen</h2> Pollen grains are the tiny reproductive structures that move genetic material between flower parts, individual flowers on the same plant or a nearby member of the same species. They are typically lightweight structures easily carried on wind currents or are sticky and picked up in clumps on the feathers of a honeyeater or the fur of a fruit bat or possum. Hay fever is when the human immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. It is not only caused by pollen grains but fungal spores, non-flowering plant spores, mites and even pet hair. The classic symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, runny noses, red, itchy, and watery eyes, swelling around the eyes and scratchy ears and throat. The problem with pollen grains is when they land on the skin around our eyes, in our nose and mouth, the proteins found in the wall of these tiny structures leak out and are recognised as foreign by the body and trigger a reaction from the immune system. <h2>So what plants are the worst culprits for causing hay fever?</h2> Grasses, trees, and herbaceous weeds such as plantain are the main problem species as their pollen is usually scattered by wind. In Australia, the main grass offenders are exotic species including rye grass and couch grass (a commonly used lawn species). Weed species that cause hay fever problems include introduced ragweed, Paterson’s curse, parthenium weed and plantain. The <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5102629/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">problematic tree species</a> are also exotic in origin and include liquid amber, Chinese elm, maple, cypress, ash, birch, poplar, and plane trees. Although there are some native plants that have wind-spread pollen such as she-oaks and white cypress pine, and which can induce hay fever, these species are exceptional in the Australian flora. Many Australian plants are not wind pollinated and <a href="https://blog.publish.csiro.au/austpollinatorweek/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">use animals</a> to move their clumped pollen around. For example, yellow-coloured flowers such as wattles and peas are pollinated by insect such as bees. Red- and orange-coloured flowers are usually visited by birds such as honeyeaters. Large, dull-coloured flowers with copious nectar (the reward for pollination) are visited by nocturnal mammals including bats and possums. Obviously Australian plant pollen can still potentially cause the immune system to overreact, but these structures are less likely to reach the mucous membranes of humans. <h2>What can we do to prevent hay fever attacks at this time of the year?</h2> With all of this in mind, here are some strategies to prevent the affects of hay fever: <ol> <li>stay inside and keep the house closed up on warm, windy days when more pollen is in the air</li> <li>if you must go outside, wear sunglasses and a face mask</li> <li>when you return indoors gently rinse (and don’t rub) your eyes with running water, change your clothes and shower to remove pollen grains from hair and skin</li> <li>try to avoid mowing the lawn in spring particularly when grasses are in flower (the multi-pronged spiked flowers of couch grass are distinctive)</li> <li>when working in the garden, wear gloves and facial coverings particularly when handling flowers consider converting your garden to a native one. Grevilleas are a great alternative to rose bushes. Coastal rosemary are a fabulous native replacement for lavender. Why not replace your liquid amber tree with a fast growing, evergreen and low-allergenic lilly pilly tree?</li> </ol> <h2>If you do suffer a hay fever attack</h2> Sometimes even with our best efforts, or if it’s not always possible to stay at home, hay fever can still creep up on us. If this happens: <ul> <li>antihistamines will reduce sneezing and itching symptoms</li> <li>corticosteroid nasal sprays are very effective at reducing inflammation and clearing blocked noses</li> <li>decongestants provide quick and temporary relief by drying runny noses but should not be used by those with high blood pressure</li> <li>salt water is a good way to remove excessive mucous from the nasal passages.</li> </ul> Behavioural changes on warm, windy spring days are a good way of avoiding a hay fever attack. An awareness of the plants around us and their basic reproductive biology is also useful in preventing our immune systems from overreacting to pollen proteins that they are not used to encountering. This article first appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/sneezing-with-hay-fever-native-plants-arent-usually-the-culprit-190336" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Body

Here’s what’s happening across Australia in September

Spring has well and truly sprung, which means there’s plenty to do wherever you are in the country. From festivals celebrating spring blooms to displays of Aussie art and theatre, here’s what’s happening this September. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition in Adelaide Enjoy a taste of Sicily's finest art without needing your passport at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition. The exhibit, running until October 9, includes all 34 of the frescoes Michelangelo painted across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, reproduced in life-size form using special printing techniques. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sistine-chapel1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Supplied The art is accompanied by an audio guide that will give visitors an insight into the artist's life. Hosted at Adelaide's Rundle Place, seeing the exhibit will set you back $30.20 for adults, $23.50 for seniors or $21 for kids, with tickets available <a href="https://feverup.com/m/116574" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Sydney Fringe Festival After a two-year hiatus, Sydney’s celebration of the arts is back for another year, with the 2022 program boasting its longest ever runtime. From August 16 til September 30, nine festival hubs around Sydney will host more than 500 events, with over 80 percent of the program being world premieres. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sydney-fringe.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Local talent and entertainers across all art forms will be featured in this year’s program. Images: Sydney Fringe Festival (Facebook) Films, theatre, musical acts, spoken word, comedy shows, and visuat art la will form the bulk of the program, with highlights including Sydney Fringe Sideshow, top-notch local talent at Made in Sydney, and Global Fringe - an online program taken straight from Edinburgh Fringe Festival. To find out what’s happening near you and lock in tickets, head <a href="https://sydneyfringe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Darwin International Film Festival Australia’s Top End will be welcoming a flood of cinema from all over the world for the Darwin International Film Festival. The annual film festival will be showcasing 50 films from over 20 countries, with a focus on South-East Asian cinema, as well as Northern Australian and Indigenous stories and some of the NT’s top talent. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/darwin-film-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Darwin International Film Festival (Facebook) Kicking off from Thursday, September 15, the 11-night festival will be taking place across multiple venues, including a deckchair cinema, sundown screen on the Darwin waterfront and the Darwin Ski Club. To get tickets and scope out the full program, head <a href="https://www.diff.net.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Brisbane Festival For the entire month, Brisbane will be hosting a bounty of installations, theatre, circus acts, and more, with hubs in South Bank, Northshore Brisbane, West Village, and another seven mini-festivals in the surrounding suburbs. This year’s Brisbane Festival offers more than 580 performances across the city, including 230 free events, as well as the premiere and return of top-notch theatrical events at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/bris-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> This year’s program is packed with jawdropping installations and top-notch shows. Images: Brisbane Festival (Facebook) Highlights include: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/precincts/boq-festival-garden" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBQ Festival Garden</a>, the all-ages playground offering plenty of food, wine and entertainment </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/precincts/west-village" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Village</a> - the home to larger-than-life installations of the planets, including the Museum of the Moon, Mars, and Gaia. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/2022/brisbanes-art-boat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane’s Art Boat</a>, a celestial floating art experience that boasts a unique water bar and performance program of sunset and sunrise cruises inspired by this year’s artwork, called The Spheres. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/brisbane-serenades" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane Serenades</a> - a summery series of festivals heading to the suburbs - including block and warehouse parties, the MOSAIC Multicultural Festival, and music and food enjoyed in nature or by the water. </li> </ul> To find out more about this year’s program and secure tickets, head <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. S&R Blossom Festival What better way to celebrate spring than with some bright and cheerful blooms, and the <a href="https://www.srorchard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">S&R Blossom Festival</a> in Walliston, Perth, has you covered. The three-week celebration of all things flowery - running from September 5-26 - is also packed with plenty of activities, including free tractor rides, bouncy castles and an animal farm, as welt as on-site food trucks, flower crown making on the weekends, and rides for the kids to enjoy. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/blossom-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Images: S&R Orchard Perth (Facebook) Pets and picnic blankets are welcome, with tickets setting you back $12 for adults and $5 for kids over three. Wisdom and Light The rooftop of Melbourne’s Golden Square parking lot will be taken over by a multi-sensory audio and visual experience called <a href="https://www.wisdomandlight.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wisdom and Light</a>. Relying on cutting edge tech and fusing light, art and sound, the exhibit promises to take visitors through the story of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Buddhist organisation Fo Guang Shan, and his artwork. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/wisdom-light.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Wisdom and Light (Facebook) Once you’ve had your fill of vegetarian delicacies and enjoyed the illuminated Lotus Flower Sanctuary, the celebration continues in the adjacent gallery exhibiting his rare one-stroke calligraphy artwork - and the chance to try your hand at creating your own art. Running from September 1 until October 2, the exhibit will be open from 10am until 10pm daily, with tickets starting at $22 for concession, $27 for adults and free entry for kids under seven. Images: Supplied / S&R Orchard Perth (Facebook)

Domestic Travel

Selecting plants for spring

Any green thumb knows spring means one thing: planting, planting and more planting. Spring is a time of regeneration and renewal so gardening at this time of the year means you’ll enjoy the first burst of vibrant hues and fragrant scents from blossoming flowers. To get you started on a stunning garden, here is a list of the best flowers to plant in spring to ensure your garden is thriving come summer. Lilacs Famed for their sweet fragrance, lilacs bloom from spring to early summer. They come in all shapes and sizes as well as a variety of colours ranging from white, pale yellow, pink, mauve and purple. Growing condition: Full sun or light shade and well-drained, sandy and gravelly soil. Tulips The bloom of tulips never fails to delight especially since they come in every imaginable colours (except true blue). Tulips are perfect for any type of garden setting from the more formal to the casual. Growing condition: Full sun and well-drained soil. Hyacinths Hyacinths cluster together in bright shades of pink, red and purple making it a great flower to brighten up your garden. Growing condition: Full sun or part shade and well-drained soil. Azaleas The burst of colour Azaleas bring make them one of the most popular and best flowering shrubs in Australia. They look great planted en masse and provide a beautiful feature for a spring garden. Growing conditions: Part shade and moist but well-drained acidic soil Daffodils The sunny disposition of daffodils will not only brighten your mood, but your garden. There are many varieties and their sweet scent will keep you outside in the garden all throughout spring. Growing condition: Full sun or part shade, well-drained soil. Image: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

Allergic to cleaning? 13 ways to keep allergies in check when Spring cleaning

Wear gloves and a mask Before you start cleaning, put on a face mask and rubber gloves, recommends board-certified allergist Dr Neeta Ogden. The mask will help you avoid breathing in allergens, and the gloves will keep them away from your whole face. “Even quickly touching your eye or face can lead to allergens reaching your eyes and portals to your airway through the nose and mouth,” says Dr Ogden. Clean one window at a time Spring-cleaning is the time to hit spots you don’t clean every week, like windows. But keeping the panes open too long could let pollen, mould, and other allergens inside. “I would do one window at a time,” says Dr Stephen Kimura, an allergist and immunologist. “Open it, clean it, and shut it right away.” Keep the AC running as you go so the air can filter, he says. Let clothes dry inside No matter how much you love the idea of letting clothes dry in the natural sunlight, stay away from an outdoor clothesline. “If you’re pollen or mould allergic and have clothes out there, they will attract those pollens and you’ll be exposed in high quantities to those allergens,” says Dr Kimura. Any clothes that can’t go in the dryer should hang dry indoors. Pick the right vacuum Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is designed to keep dust in the vacuum instead of blowing back up into the air, says Dr Ogden. Also look out for new models with complete seal technology to keep even more allergens in, she suggests. “You definitely don’t want to go with a regular old vacuum,” she says. Leave carpet shampoo to the pros Shampooing a carpet obviously means getting your carpet wet. The problem is, dust mites love spots with more than 50 per cent humidity and might start gathering in the damp wood or padding under the carpet, says Dr Mark Aronica, an allergist. “It should be done by a professional cleaner, where things are cleaned up and dried as quickly as possible,” he says. Don't dust dry Dusting with a dry cloth could work against you, says Dr Ogden. “Dusting in and of itself is not very helpful if you’re just disseminating dust back in the air,” she says. She recommends using a damp cloth or a vinegar solution when wiping down surfaces to actually trap the dust. Pay attention to clutter Don’t ignore your usual decluttering when you’re spring cleaning. “Piles of books and magazines and things collect dust,” says Dr Kimura. Toss the junk while you spring clean to keep the allergens in your home low. Clean mould hands-off Mould can trigger allergies, so cleaning it out effectively can be a challenge. The last thing you want is to hover over the shower scrubbing away at the allergen, so Dr Ogden suggests using a product you can spray. “You can hold them away from yourself and spray into the shower,” she says. “You return in 15 minutes and run the shower, and that’s it.” Use a solution that’s 10 per cent bleach, which is strong enough to kill mould but weak enough for your allergies to tolerate, says Dr Aronica. Run a fan Opening windows to air out fumes will just bring allergens in, but running a fan can help. “Make sure you’ve got the exhaust hood running in the bathroom or kitchen to keep strong odours from bothering you,” says Dr Kimura. Use natural products Stick with fragrance-free cleaning products because scented options can make allergies worse. “It’s not a direct allergic reaction so much as an irritant to a nose that’s already inflamed or irritated,” says Dr Aronica. Use natural cleaning products when you can, like mopping with a vinegar and water solution, suggests Dr Kimura. Invest in a mattress cover Make sure you use an allergy cover on your mattress, pillows and quilt. “The covers are impermeable to dust mites,” says Dr Aronica. “What does accumulate during the week gets killed in the laundry.” Wash your sheets in the hottest setting, or at least 48.8°C, to kill any mites, he says. Give your dog a bath Spring-cleaning doesn’t have to mean your house only – make it an opportunity to give your cat or dog a good wash, too. “That cuts down on whatever pollen they have on their fur or coats, and also cuts down on dander,” says Dr Kimura. Clean our your dehumidifier A dehumidifier will help avoid mould at bay in basements – but only if you clean it regularly. “Rinse it out and use a weak bleach to kill mould spores,” says Dr Kimura. Make sure to refresh it during your spring-cleaning chores. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/allergic-to-cleaning-13-ways-to-keep-allergies-in-check-when-spring-cleaning?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Get your glow on this spring

As we wish winter a fond farewell, there’s no better time to rejuvenate ourselves to welcome the sun back. It's no secret that our skin can suffer in winter, with harsh conditions making our skin look and feel dull, dry and lifeless. To get ready for warmer months, there is no better answer to our skin woes than the underrated ingredient of vitamin C. So, if you're looking for the answer to bright, even skin this spring and summer, the No7 Radiance+ Range is how you're going to glow and get it. With two holy grail products, your skin will feel more hydrated, and look glowing and radiant to recover from the dreary winter elements. A match made in heaven, the Vitamin C Serum and Hydrogel Eye Masks work to smooth skin and revitalise a tired and lacklustre complexion, completely restoring your radiance. The <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/no7-radiance-15-vitamin-c-serum-25-ml">No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum</a> is formulated with 15% Vitamin C to transform your skin and leave you with a noticeably brighter complexion. 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The masks adhere seamlessly to the under-eye area maximising the delivery of ingredients to energise sensitive skin under the eyes. These under-eye masks help make you look well rested, rejuvenated and ready to tackle anything! <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ6mjf8Itp1/?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/CJ6mjf8Itp1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by No7 (@no7uk)</a> </div> </blockquote> The No7 Radiance+ range is available now exclusively at <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Priceline</a>. Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

5 ways to Spring clean your finances

Running a stocktake of your personal finances is a worthwhile process to go through on a regular basis. Reviewing the numbers is good for both your pocket and your peace of mind, ensuring your nest egg is not only protected but also working effectively for you. 1. Budget and financial planning Review your budget and spending. It’s a valuable exercise to break out the highlighters particularly on your savings and credit card statements. You might be surprised at your spending patterns. Identify necessary and discretional costs and get ruthless on reducing unnecessary spending. Also look at updating your financial calendar and plan. If you don’t already have them, think about talking to a financial planner or accountant to assist on these to put you on top of future spending income and costs. If you haven’t got a budget, create one and ensure you stick to it! 2. Debt It’s always worth reviewing your personal debt to shrink and shave wherever you can. Ensure you’re paying off the highest interest non-tax deductible debt first, consolidate your debt where possible, reduce non essential spending and pay off as much interest as you can on the credit cards. 3. Housekeeping Having all your financial records organised in an orderly, accessible way can do wonders for getting on top of your finances and feeling in control. Create an ICE (in case of emergency) folder to centralise and consolidate all your key documents and accounts so they can be easily located by a trusted person such as a spouse, the executor of your will or a trustee if required. Update and streamline your accounts where possible, and look at automating your payments for a more time and cost-effective approach to bills. If you’re comfortable with it, go paperless. Pretty much all financial documentation these days can be provided online, giving you the benefit of less paperwork, more convenience and simpler record-keeping. Not to mention being better for the planet! 4. Getting the best deal Take a fresh look at how much you’re spending on services like mortgages and insurance policies, as well as telco, internet and utility plans. Plus the interest rates you’re getting on your savings and investment accounts. As products get more and more competitive and it becomes easier to compare different services, this should be a regular exercise to ensure you’re always getting the best deals available. 5. Estate planning As your circumstances change, make sure you check whether you need to update your estate planning or review your will including your beneficiaries. Ensure you’ve got an executor organised and your assets allocated through a trust or will.

Money & Banking

The benefits of steam cleaning your home

Steam cleaning is fast becoming the preferred method for keeping homes dirt and grime free. As well as saving you money, it is easy, non-toxic and highly sanitary. As we age we can sometimes become more susceptible to germs, allergies can be more common and cleaning thus becomes all the more important. Here are the many reasons why you should consider steam cleaning. Non-toxic: Not only is steam cleaning an effective way to clean, sanitise and deodorise almost every surface in your home, it will also kill 99 per cent of bacteria and doesn’t require the use of toxic and potentially harmful chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. Only heat and water are used, so as a result your house remains free from chemical residue and pollution. Say goodbye to E.Coli, salmonella, and staph, as well as dust mites and bed bugs. Easy peasy: Most steam cleaners are lightweight and therefore easy to maneuver so you can easily clean hard-to-reach areas and also clean cushions, pillows, pet bedding, curtains and other soft furnishings. Child and pet friendly: The non-toxic nature of steam cleaning makes your home a much safer environment for children and pets. Allergies: As steam cleaning only uses water and heat to create an all-natural steam that removes dirt and grim from any non-heat sensitive surfaces, it won’t aggravate allergy symptoms or cause respiratory issues. Penny pinching: On top of the initial purchase, the only money outlay for steam cleaning is for the water and electricity used to heat it. Thus, it can end up saving you money in the long term that you would’ve spent of detergents, cleaners and other products used throughout the home. Effective: Steam cleaning, unlike bleach, will actually kill mould in your bathroom, which could otherwise cause all sorts of healthy problems. While bleach just turns mould white so it blends in with the surface, steam cleaning kills the mould from the cracks and hard to reach places. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

5 spring cleaning mistakes that could make you sick

You’re stirring up dust Anyone who’s ever cleaned a dusty bookcase or a neglected spare room knows dust makes you sneeze. “Dust is a common trigger for asthma and allergy symptoms,” says family physician, Dr Jennifer Caudle. But did you know dust can actually be toxic? A meta-analysis from George Washington University found unhealthy levels of chemicals in dust that can cause everything from hormone disruptions to asthma to even cancer. To avoid ingesting or breathing dust as much as possible, wipe up dust frequently – don’t just save hard-to-reach spots for spring cleaning – and follow a ‘top-down’ strategy. “Start with ceilings and high shelving, and work your way to the floors to limit redistribution of dust and other particles to freshly cleaned surfaces,” says Samara Geller, a senior research and database analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG). In addition, “look for a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to more effectively trap dust, allergens, and contaminants,” she says. You’re using fragranced cleaners Your cleaner may smell like lemons or flowers, but unfortunately, that may be linked to health problem. “In my national population studies, I found over one-third of users report adverse health effects from fragranced consumer products, such as air fresheners, deodorisers, laundry detergents, dryer sheets, hand sanitisers, essential oils, scented candles, disinfectant sprays, dish-washing detergents, and other types of scented products,” says Dr Anne Steinemann, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Melbourne in Australia. “Common health problems from exposure to fragranced cleaning products include migraines, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, dizziness, seizures, nausea, watery eyes, and skin rashes.” Dr Caudle also warns that strong smells from cleaners can trigger headaches. Instead, opt for products labelled ‘fragrance-free’ not ‘unscented’ as those may include a masking fragrance, Steinemann says. You’re using harsh cleaners The products you choose may also be too abrasive for your needs. Some cleaning products are caustic, meaning they have a very high or very low pH. This can lead to caustic burns to the skin, eyes, or internally if swallowed. In addition to being a poisoning risk, even cleaning with them can be harmful. “As a family doctor, I’ve seen patients get skin irritation from contact with cleansers or other chemicals,” Dr Caudle says. Avoid products that use the ingredients sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide. Some cleaners tend to be more acutely hazardous, such as heavy-duty degreasers and general purpose solvents, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and oven cleaners. In general, use the gentlest product that can get the job done. You mix bleach and ammonia The golden rule of cleaning (and poison prevention): never mix cleaners with chlorine bleach and those with ammonia together. Mixing bleach and ammonia can lead to the formation of chloramine vapour, which is toxic if inhaled. Cleaning expert Melissa Maker, founder of cleaning service Clean My Space advises using oxygen bleach as a non-toxic option when a job calls for disinfecting. “I don’t like chlorine bleach in my home, which is why I recommend oxygen bleach,” she says. You’re not airing out enough Because studies have shown cleaning is linked to exposures that cause a decline in lung function, reduce toxic particles and fumes by circulating the air in your house during the task. “Keep the inside of your home well-ventilated while cleaning and dusting,” Geller says. “Open windows – and even doors – and run the central air system or an exhaust fan.” This goes for cleaning in general, not just when you’re dusting. In addition, try bringing your cleaning into the outdoors. “Airing things out outside is fantastic: sunlight, or UV rays, act as an antibacterial so it can help kill bacteria,” says Maker. For example, air out winter blankets on a clothesline to help get rid of dust mites, and shake out throw rugs to rid them of dust – vacuuming them can be difficult. Written by Tina Donvito. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/15-spring-cleaning-mistakes-that-could-make-you-sick" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Home & Garden

6 ways to give your living room a revamp

With spring in the air, your living room could be looking a little lacklustre. Read on for our quick and simple makeover ideas on how to refresh the space without breaking the bank. Fill the floor A statement rug is one of the easiest ways to change up the look of a room with minimal effort. Whether you have hard or carpeted floors in your living room, a rug acts as another layer of tactility and can be used as a focal point to ground your overall scheme. If you’re nervous of going for a patterned design, opt for something subtle like a stripe or Berber-style zigzag that will add interest without overwhelming the room. High pile rugs are ideal for creating a sense of cosiness and adding a soft touch underfoot, and will instantly give your room a plush and luxurious finish. If you’re after something more hardwearing, on the other hand, a low pile rug may be a more practical option for everyday maintenance, particularly if your living space is a thoroughfare to other parts of the house. Get picture perfect Bored of looking at the same four walls? Switching your artwork is another speedy solution for making your living room feel brand new. Whether you simply rearrange their positions on the walls, or update the prints or photographs within the frames, this simple change can be done for next to nothing and in just a few hours. Take down all your existing wall décor, including art and mirrors, so you can view the room in a fresh light before deciding where to re-hang each piece. Swapping the position of a mirror above a fireplace with an existing painting from another part of the room, for example, can make a big difference and help you fall in love with the space all over again. Do a quick fix Investing in a new lounge isn’t always an option, so take the next best route and re-curate your cushion collection. Cushions can be one of the most affordable parts of a scheme to update, so switch out any dated designs and replace them, either wholly or with new covers. For a new look, change the colour palette and patterns, and tie these in with any other soft furnishings within the room, whether that be rugs, throws or window dressings, to make sure they complement the scheme. Time to move Similarly to rearranging your existing wall décor, changing the configuration of your living room layout is another simple way to refresh the look and feel of the space without splashing any cash. As a main focal point in many living spaces, the television often dictates the angling of certain furniture, so try switching this first as your starting point. Repositioning armchairs and lounges will change your viewpoint of the room when it’s in use, so consider these before moving onto smaller pieces like sideboards, side tables or shelving units which are easier to slot in later on. Even changing the position of accessories, such as lamps, clocks or ornaments, will help to change up the look. Go green If your living room is looking bare, adding house plants is a smart way to reintroduce some greenery. A large potted plant is a great way to fill a gap in any room and you’ll be amazed as how it can instantly freshen up the space. Smaller potted plants on shelves or a mantelpiece will also help a tired scheme feel lifted – just be sure to do your research before purchasing your plants, as they all have different requirements when it comes to daylight and positioning within a room. It’s also advised to check which plants are safe around animals, if you have pets in the household. Shine a light A great idea that you should go ahead with is fitting stylish wall lights designed to bring an ambient glow to any room. By fixing lights designed to be installed onto the wall you can completely transform the living room, creating a warming atmosphere. There is a reason the best hotels, restaurants and meeting places add attractive and eye- catching details like this to their rooms and there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t do the same in your home. It does not matter if your living room is modern, traditional or completely unique to your quirkiness, there are thousands of lighting options available for you. It is a great idea to install wall lights that match your ceiling light. Homeowners look for pendant lights because they bring a grand feel and a soothing glow. Wall lights come in many shapes and sizes. You can choose the most suitable material for your living rooms current décor. The leading online retailers will have a variety of industrial, brass, chrome, vintage options that can really bring your living room to life! Written by Cassie Pryce. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/6-ways-to-give-your-living-room-a-revamp" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Shutterstock <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Home Hints & Tips

The top six benefits of decluttering your home

We all collect a lot of material possessions during our lives and if we don’t declutter at some stage, it can become overwhelming later on down the track when you find you have so much stuff, you can hardly move. So, here are some extra reasons to motivate you to start decluttering your home now. By decluttering your home and you will end up decluttering your life and it doesn’t need to be as painful as you might think. There are many benefits to owning fewer possessions. Even though it can feel tough to move into action, once these benefits reveal themselves, you’ll be so glad you did. 1. Less to clean: Cleaning is already enough of a chore, but having to clean in and around things you have don’t really want or need makes cleaning your home so much more stressful. With less in your home, cleaning will be easier. 2. Less to organise: When you declutter, finding things will suddenly become so much easier. Things won’t just ‘disappear’ anymore. You can actually move around your home and enjoy the space, instead of moving around things which are in your way and cause you stress because you know you don’t need them. 3. Less stress: Looking around at your clutter can be a sickening sight when your home is cluttered. Once you declutter, you’ll be able to look around and enjoy some possessions and feel more relaxed in the home you love. 4. Less debt: When you declutter, you realise you don’t need to shop for so many material possessions and this will keep your wallet and bank accounts fuller. Your credit cards will be used less and your home won’t get filled with costly things you don’t need. 5. More financial freedom: Many of us can live from week to week on our pay cheque or our retirement income. But when you combine decluttering with minimalism, this will help you build up your savings so you have something there in case of an unexpected emergency. 6. More energy for your greatest passions: With less debt, more financial freedom and a clean home, you can now focus your energy on the things you enjoy instead of worrying about what else you need to buy or what else you need to throw out. Ultimately, decluttering will make you happier! Photo: Shutterstock

Home & Garden

Princess Eugenie shares sweet new snap of baby August

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Princess Eugenie has shared the fourth official photo of her newborn son August as she celebrates her first Easter as a mum. She took to Instagram this morning to share a sweet snap with her family of three. Eugenie summed the beautiful image up perfectly: "Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and a blossoming Spring." <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNTCrkzF55b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNTCrkzF55b/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Princess Eugenie (@princesseugenie)</a> </div> </blockquote> Fans were excited to see baby August as it's the fourth time they've seen him since his birth in February. "You're such a lovely family. Happy Easter and spring for you," wrote an excited fan. "Thank you for sharing! Hope the first Easter was wonderful!" Another added. The post was a hit with fans as it has more than 73,000 likes. </div> </div> </div>

Family & Pets

Spring has sprung for the Royal family!

The royal family love many things, and spring is one of them. Buckingham Palace took to Instagram to show off Her Majesty’s wonderful garden, and even took the time to share just how wonderful the Palace’s Rose Garden is during the spring. "Sunrise over the lake in the Buckingham Palace Garden. Today marks the first official day of spring, as we all look towards brighter days ahead," the caption read. "The garden at The Queen's London residence sees much change over the course of a year. Despite its urban location, the garden is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna." <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMou5gEnO1I/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMou5gEnO1I/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a> </div> </blockquote> "The thought of summer. Let's hope we can try and get back to normal. Whatever, that will be!!" one user wrote in the comments. . The positive Instagram post follows after it was announced that the Queen's Official Birthday Parade would not go ahead as usual. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "Following consultation with government and other relevant parties it has been agreed that The Queen's Official Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, will not go ahead this year in its traditional form in central London." "Options for an alternative Parade, in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle, are being considered." Trooping the Colour was supposed to happen on June 12 to mark the monarch's 95th birthday and would have taken place two days after Prince Philip's 100th birthday. It was also announced that the annual Garter Service, which is usually held around June, would not take place this year either.

Home & Garden

Completely natural ways to nip spring allergies in the bud

If spring’s blossoms have left you red-eyed and runny-nosed, don’t rush straight to the medicine chest. Many drugs simply treat the symptoms of allergic reactions, which can often be easily prevented in the first place. Here are a few natural ways to keep your allergies at bay. <ol> <li> Avoid pollen </li> </ol> Most plants pollinate in the early hours of the morning, so try to postpone outdoor activity to the afternoon. Also, try taking a quick shower and changing your clothes every time you come home to rinse off stray pollen. <ol start="2"> <li> Find the triggers in your home </li> </ol> Mould, dust mites and pollen in your house can all inflame allergies. Use a diluted bleach solution to clean mould in basements, garages and on old patio furniture. <ol start="3"> <li> Avoid using window fans to cool rooms </li> </ol> They can suck pollen indoors. <ol start="4"> <li> Turn on the dehumidifier </li> </ol> You should keep humidity levels below 50 percent to kill dust mites, but above 30 percent to avoid making your home too dry. <ol start="5"> <li> Improve the air indoors</li> </ol> Invest in a good air filter and change it every two to three months. <ol start="6"> <li> Stay contained in the car</li> </ol> Keep windows closed when driving. If it’s hot, use the air conditioner instead. <ol start="7"> <li> Consider your diet</li> </ol> Eat foods rich in omega-3s to aid with allergies. These include fish, eggs, walnuts and flaxseed oil. <ol start="8"> <li> Love your laundry</li> </ol> Wash bed linens at least once a week in 50 degree-plus water. That’s how hot it should be to kill dust mite eggs. <ol start="9"> <li> Don a mask</li> </ol> Wear a mask while doing housework, which can stir up allergens. <ol start="10"> <li> Get wrapping</li> </ol> Bedroom items that can’t be washed, such as pillows, mattresses and box springs, should be covered in tightly woven, hypoallergenic dust-mite covers. Stuffed animals and throw pillows should be eliminated or kept to a minimum. <ol start="11"> <li> Pet protection</li> </ol> Clean your pets. Wipe off their paws when they come home and wipe down their fur after they’ve been outside. <ol start="12"> <li> Rinse and repeat. </li> </ol> Rinse out your nose with a simple saline solution. Clear the pollen from your passages using a Neti pot or a spray bottle. <ol start="13"> <li> Turn to herbs</li> </ol> Instead of drugs, take a few herbs. To alleviate a runny nose and sinus congestion, try freeze-dried stinging nettles. Eyebright can soothe red, itchy, watery eyes. And the supplement quercetin, a bioflavonoid often found packaged with Vitamin C, can also be an effective antihistamine. Butterbur can alleviate symptoms of grass allergies. This article first appeared on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/allergies/zap-spring-allergies-with-these-natural-remedies" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

Body

Woman discovers missing brother’s body during spring clean

An elderly woman living in a small house with her two brothers claim none of them realised their third brother had died in his room and rotted away to just bones by the time they noticed anything. The horrifying discovery was made at the family’s house in Kasugai in the Japanese prefecture of Aichi where the woman lived with her two brothers, one of whom went missing in 2015 when he was 66 years old. The younger siblings didn’t seem to think that their brother’s - who was identified as Sumio Suenaga - disappearance was unusual, and didn’t report it to the authorities until a year later. The case didn’t go any further until the 69-year-old woman called the police after discovering bones in her brother’s room while she was cleaning. It was then that she thought the bones may belong to her older brother. She told the police: “I found something that I think are human bones.” Officers showed up at the house and confirmed that the bones did indeed belong to a person. While the police were unable to establish the deceased’s age or gender, officers believe there is a high chance the remains belonged to Sumio. It’s unclear how the two siblings managed to spend multiple years in the home with a decomposing body in a nearby room and not notice anything. The investigation is currently ongoing. Local media also reported that the home was not like a conventional Japanese house, which makes the undiscovered body even more unusual.

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Streets of purple haze: how the South American jacaranda became a symbol of Australian spring

The ultimate guide to beating hay fever

Pets can suffer from allergies too

Achoo! 5 essential reads for pollen season

4 essential reads on pesticides and the environment

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Sneezing with hay fever? Native plants aren’t usually the culprit

Here’s what’s happening across Australia in September

Selecting plants for spring

Allergic to cleaning? 13 ways to keep allergies in check when Spring cleaning

Get your glow on this spring

5 ways to Spring clean your finances

The benefits of steam cleaning your home

5 spring cleaning mistakes that could make you sick

6 ways to give your living room a revamp

The top six benefits of decluttering your home

Princess Eugenie shares sweet new snap of baby August

Spring has sprung for the Royal family!

Completely natural ways to nip spring allergies in the bud

Woman discovers missing brother’s body during spring clean

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

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Information

Keep up to date

Search

Streets of purple haze: how the South American jacaranda became a symbol of Australian spring

The ultimate guide to beating hay fever

Pets can suffer from allergies too

Achoo! 5 essential reads for pollen season

4 essential reads on pesticides and the environment

5 hidden beaches in Australia to try in spring

Sneezing with hay fever? Native plants aren’t usually the culprit

Here’s what’s happening across Australia in September

Selecting plants for spring

Allergic to cleaning? 13 ways to keep allergies in check when Spring cleaning

Get your glow on this spring

5 ways to Spring clean your finances

The benefits of steam cleaning your home

5 spring cleaning mistakes that could make you sick

6 ways to give your living room a revamp

The top six benefits of decluttering your home

Princess Eugenie shares sweet new snap of baby August

Spring has sprung for the Royal family!

Completely natural ways to nip spring allergies in the bud

Woman discovers missing brother’s body during spring clean

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