Handy Home Hints7 more uses for old retired toothbrushesYour old toothbrush might not be up to keeping your teeth sparkling clean anymore, but it can still be useful. Here are 7 ways you can make it last a bit longer.
Reduce Reuse RecycleHow to recycle your mobile phoneOld mobile phones do not belong in your kerbside bins!
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Community TipsHost a party - without upsetting your neighboursCelebrating special occasions can be fun, but it’s important that disruption is kept to a minimum to maintain a good relationship with your neighbours. Here are 6 tips for hosting a successful party and keeping everybody happy.
RecipesRed Lentil Curry with Roasted CauliflowerIt's packed full of fragrant spices and perfect for everyone including kids (just don't tell them it's healthy!).
TipsHas your metal roof got a screw loose?While a metal roof is low maintenance, it doesn't mean no maintenance!
TipsThe perfect time to check for termitesWhen it comes to termite control, you can never relax
Handy Home Hints7 fast and fabulous cake decorating ideasIf you need a cake for a special occasion or a party but are a bit short of time, here are 7 fast and fabulous decorating tips. You could even use a ready make cake or try our simple Classic Victoria Sponge recipe.
Reduce Reuse Recycle9 great tips to declutter and donateDecluttering your home may seem a little overwhelming if you’ve got lots of stuff. But there are some simple tips to work through it without it all becoming too stressful.
RecipesThis Classic Victoria Sponge is hard to beatThis is the perfect cake for any occasion: parties, afternoon tea or just when you fancy something totally delicious.
GardeningStunning small trees for small gardensNot everyone has the luxury of a large garden, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on beautiful trees. These deciduous, small trees have a great shape, excellent autumn colour and will grow in most soils with added compost, mulch and a little fertiliser.
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Fun With KidsIndoor cubby fun!It’s the little things that make the best memories and who doesn’t love a cubby!
RecipesSpaghetti with Prosciutto and Green BeansSweet green beans with the salty crunch of grilled prosciutto makes for a simple, tasty and filling dinner the whole family will enjoy.
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Community Tips7 benefits of hiring a local tradieWe’ve all been spending more time at home over the last few months. If you’ve discovered lots of jobs that need doing in and around your home, use a local tradie and help local businesses to get back on their feet. Here are 7 reasons why it’s better to stay local.
GardeningEverybody needs a friend, including plants!The best plant-friends are the ones that keep pesky garden pests at bay. Putting these pest-repellent plants in your garden along with your favourites is known as companion planting.
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Fun With KidsQuick and easy pizza dough ready in 20 minutes.Help your kids to channel their inner foodie by making these easy pizzas. It’s a great way to introduce them to cooking and you can eat the delicious results when you have finished!
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Handy Home HintsHow to remove permanent marker from carpet, glass, walls and moreIf your little budding artist has got carried away with the permanent markers around your home, don’t panic. We’ve found ways to remove it from 5 different surfaces.
Reduce Reuse RecycleHow to dispose of your leftover house paintAustralians throw away around 7.3 million litres of unwanted paint every year. Household paint is classed as Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and must never be poured down the drain or put into any of your kerbside waste bins.
Time Saving HacksUnlock the magic of a cleaning rotation list!Maintaining a clean and organised home doesn't have to be overwhelming. By breaking down your cleaning tasks into a daily and weekly or monthly schedule, you can stay on top of things.
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Community TipsTeaching kids to get involved in their communityTeaching kids the importance of being involved with those around them will help them to become active members of their community. It will show them that one person can make a difference and the rewards will last a lifetime.
RecipesYorkshire ParkinParkin is a gingerbread cake traditionally made with oatmeal and black treacle, and eaten in the North of England on Bonfire Night. Try it, it's delicious!
GardeningA colourful garden without flowers?I'd like to see that! Have you heard about Bromeliads?They are striking, tropical to cool-temperate plants, native to Central and South America. They range from 1cm miniatures to 10-metre giants and are hugely diverse in foliage patterns, growth habit and flowers.
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Fun With KidsCalming the kids with a sensory bottle!Sensory bottles are often referred to as ‘calm down’ bottles. They’re a great activity to do with the kids when it’s time to slow things down a bit.
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Handy Home HintsFive creative uses for uncooked rice other than eating it!If your pantry is a bit overstocked with rice, here are 5 uses for it besides serving it with a yummy curry or stir-fry. These are especially handy if the rice is past it's use-by date.
RecipesSensational Scandanavian Seeded CrispbreadFull of flavour and simple to make, store the crispbread in an airtight container and it will keep for a month or more (but will probably get eaten way before then!).
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Community TipsIt’s a great time to reconnect with your neighboursIf recent events have taught us anything, it’s the importance of local communities. Catching up with neighbours is always a great thing to do, so why not invite them around for a cuppa and a chat and find out what they’ve been up to.
GardeningBullet-Proof PlantsLet’s face it, not everyone is blessed with a green thumb, but this shouldn’t stop you from having a great garden. For those less skilled with all things green, we’ve put together a list of ‘bullet-proof’ plants which are low maintenance, require less water and should be easier to keep alive!
TipsIncrease your home security and lower your insurance premiumAdding security doors and window screens to your home not only provides peace-of-mind, but can also save you money!
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Fun With KidsMake colourful and creative tie-dye t-shirts without the messIf you love the look of a tie-dye but don’t love the mess, try this ‘tie-dye’ technique. Whilst this activity doesn’t actually involve any tying, it’s a great way to achieve a similar result and it’s almost mess-free.
TipsMake messy pipes and awkward spaces disappear like magic!Here are 5 creative ways to use a bulkhead in your home
Handy Home Hints9 handy tips to make moving house less stressfulMoving house is in the top five of life's most stressful events. So, we've put together 9 helpful tips to make packing up your old home and moving to your new one a little easier.
Reduce Reuse RecycleJoin your local Buy Nothing group and ‘give where you live’You may have seen Buy Nothing groups popping up on Facebook. They are a way to reduce waste and recycle items that you don’t need anymore, by giving them to someone in your local community who would find them useful.
RecipesRhubarb and Custard TartsDid you know that rhubarb is actually a vegetable? But who cares when it's combined with creamy vanilla custard and made into a delicious tart that the whole family will love.
GardeningPut on your gardening gloves and grab your secateurs.It's time to prune the roses! Winter is the ideal time to prune your roses. They are dormant at this time of year, and hard pruning in July will ensure a wonderful display of flowers in summer.
TipsDon't Cook - Won't Cook Challenge!Support local restaurants and cafes and set yourself a Local 'Don't Cook - Won't Cook' Challenge! The challenge is to order a takeaway (or dine-in) from every restaurant or café in your local area.
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Fun With KidsHow to make glass bead fridge magnetsThese unique fridge magnets are very simple to produce and they can be personalised to make great gifts for family and friends. Use any images you like, such as photos, maps, drawings, gift wrap or even fabric.
RecipesRosemary Biscuits - shortbread with a twist!A buttery biscuit with a little bit of sugar, lightly fragranced with rosemary. Don’t have rosemary? Try finely chopped lavender, nuts, choc-chips, crushed cumin seeds or citrus zest - whatever takes your fancy!
Reduce Reuse RecycleHow to recycle household batteriesIf used household batteries are disposed of in kerbside bins, they go straight to landfill. Over time, the chemicals can leach into surrounding soil or waterways, which is terrible for our environment. Luckily, there are ways you can easily recycle your household batteries.
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Fun With KidsCraft activities with dried pastaA bag of dried pasta is a great pantry staple – and it can also be used as a fun activity for your kids. It is easy to dye all sorts of dried pasta in different colours and then leave the rest to their imagination. Dyeing the pasta is an activity in itself, and your young ones can choose their favourite colours.
GardeningCreate a waterwise verge and get your plants established before the summer heatAccording to the Water Corporation, we use over 40% of our water in the garden, and this includes water-guzzling verge lawns. By transforming these lawns into waterwise verges,we could each save a significant amount of water every year.
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Handy Home HintsAvoid those morning fightsCreate a kids to-do list that is visual. Make mornings less stressful for everyone with a 'getting ready' chart for your child. Include photos of them doing each task such as brushing teeth, putting on shoes and making the bed.
Reduce Reuse RecycleWhat to put in the yellow-top binStill confused about what goes into your yellow top recycling bin? Here’s a simple guide.
Money Saving HacksMeal plan and save up to $50 a week!The average WA household throws away thousands of dollars every year in wasted food. Simply by creating a meal plan - and sticking to it - the average family can save up to $50 per week.
TipsWinter is on its way - make sure your tiled roof is readyUnfortunately, we often don't realise that we have a roof leak until the water starts seeping through the ceiling. The best time to prepare for winter is before winter well and truly arrives!
RecipesPear and Maple Upside-Down CakeSuper-duper delicious and perfect for a winter (or spring, summer and autumn) dessert, afternoon tea or at any time really!
GardeningWinter has arrived - here is what you can do in your gardenWinter is upon us and the temperature is dropping, but there are still plenty of things to be done in the garden. Keep on top of those weeds, start pruning and plant some winter veg. It’s also time to plant natives and roses and divide perennials ready for spring growth.
RecipesLamb Rosemary Rag PastaEnjoy the rustic flavours of lamb and rosemary with torn rag pasta. Using lamb sausages is an easy way to add more flavour without lots of preparation or extra ingredients.
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Fun With KidsCreate a cherished memory book with your kidsMemory books make a fantastic project for kids and a treasured keepsake for parents. It can help children retain some of the memories, thoughts, ideas and feelings that they may otherwise lose touch with. And it will be a great (and sometimes amusing!) thing to look back on as they get older.
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Community Tips10 simple ways to spread kindness in your streetKindness is a powerful tool and one small, thoughtful gesture can make someone else’s day. It has huge benefits everyone inclucing reduced stress and anxiety, and improved happiness. Here are 10 simple ideas to spread some kindness (and you might even find it’s catching!).
TipsAre your wiper blades ready for safe driving this winter?Keep an eye on your wiper blades. It doesn't matter what sort of vehicle you drive, if you can't see through your windscreen, its not safe.
RecipesRed Lentil and Sweet Potato DahlWho would have thought that something so delicious would be so easy to make. Just tip the ingredients into a slow cooker and switch it on! Perfect as a side dish or a main meal.
Handy Home HintsReduce your ironing time with 7 helpful tipsSome people love ironing, and some consider it a chore. Either way you can spend less time removing creases and wrinkles from your clothes and free up some valuable time to be doing other things. Here are 7 tips that you may find useful and want to try.
Reduce Reuse RecycleHow to recycle your soft plastic so it doesn’t end up in landfill****Please Note**** The soft plastics recycling programme via REDcycle has been paused. Please visit redcycle.net.au for further information
RecipesEasy Peasy Fish PieFish is one of the healthiest foods on the planet! It’s loaded with important nutrients such as protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also super delicious in this easy-to-make fish pie.
GardeningSix fabulous plants that will make your garden look lovely and smell greatWouldn’t it be nice to have colour and scent in your garden all year round? Well, with a bit of planning, you can. We’ve found 6 scented plants that flower at different times throughout the year, so you garden looks and smells beautiful whatever the season!
Fun With KidsGeocaching – the modern equivalent of a treasure huntGeocaching is fun for both kids and adults alike, making it the perfect outdoor activity for all ages. It combines the excitement of a treasure hunt, with outdoor fun, exercise and technology. Caches are always hidden in plain sight and never buried – but they are cleverly camouflaged.
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Community TipsMake your neighbour’s day and offer to walk their dogDog walking has countless benefits both pet and owner. But what if you don’t or can’t own a dog? Borrow your neighbour’s! You’ll be helping a neighbour and getting some exercise.
Reduce Reuse RecycleFood storage tips to make your groceries last longer and go furtherDid you know that food waste makes up 35% of the average Australian household bin? That’s a lot of food ending up in landfill and a lot of your budget wasted. Here are some simple things you can do to make your food last longer and reduce your contribution to landfill!
Handy Home HintsBeat the morning madness at home with these 7 simple tipsIf you’re not a morning person (and let’s face it, many of us aren’t), here are 7 simple things you can do the night before to stay organised and make your morning routine run more smoothly.
RecipesFlourless Polenta Lemon LoafWith lemons in plentiful supply at the moment, there’s never been a better excuse to make this delicious Polenta Lemon Loaf and use a few of them up.
GardeningNew plants from oldHaving a beautiful and vibrant garden doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Many plants grow easily from cuttings and you can get together with friends and neighbours to swap the best ones, so you all get a variety. It’s a great way to fill up your garden beds and all it will cost is a little time.
RecipesSlow Cooked Balsamic Roast Beef15 minutes prep, then set and forget in a slow cooker! Perfect for busy weeknights and ready to be eaten when you get home.
GardeningBring the outdoors inside with some indoor gardeningIndoor plants add colour and style to your home. They can promote a feeling of calm and absorb background noise, and some are even known for their air purifying qualities.
Fun With KidsHow to create a busy boardA busy board like this one helps toddlers to develop their fine motor skills as they delight in discovering how things work. It is an enjoyable project to work on and they make great gifts. All you need is a selection of interesting hardware and something to mount them on. A pinewood chopping board is ideal.
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Community TipsHelping kids in your street learn how to earn!Raking up leaves is a job that no one really enjoys doing. The solution? Get one of your neighbours’ kids to do it. They would probably love to earn a bit of extra pocket money – so it’s a win-win situation! Ask their parents if this is something they would like to do.
RecipesFrangipane Nectarine TartImpress your guests with this elegant tart that is deceptively simple to make. It features a frangipane base and soft juicy nectarines in a puff pastry case.
GardeningPlant some fern-tastic ferns!If you’ve got a shady area in your garden where not much seems to thrive, try some ferns. Ferns love dappled light and areas with shade and bring texture, drama and colour, depending on the varieties you choose.
RecipesLemony Fruit SliceFancy a slice with your cuppa? Try one of these easy-to-make delicious treats for afternoon tea; or double the recipe and share with family and friends (they'll love you forever!)
TipsInstall power points with an inbuilt USB charger and keep your devices fully chargedGreat news! Now you can plug in and power up at the same time.
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Fun With KidsCreate some fun with empty cardboard boxesKids love a cardboard box. Parents see this at Christmas and birthdays when the box gets more use than the toy that came in it! Save cardboard boxes of all sizes and let your kids’ imaginations run riot. Boxes can be stored flat and reassembled when you’re ready to use them and can also be reconstructed inside-out for a plain surface to decorate.
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Community TipsShare your excess home-grown fruit and veggies with your neighboursWe’ve all done it – enthusiastically planted fruit trees, veggies and herbs only to discover we can’t possibly use everything up before it goes off or goes to seed. Why not take any excess you have and share it with your neighbours and passers-by.
Reduce Reuse Recycle10 easy ways to cut down your use of plasticIt’s great if you’re recycling your plastic rubbish correctly, but the best way of helping our environment is to avoid buying products with plastic packaging in the first place.
Handy Home HintsMake your own laundry liquid with 5 simple ingredientsThere are so many benefits to making your own laundry liquid. All the ingredients are readily available at supermarkets; you are helping our environment by reducing packaging and you can recycle containers to store it in and there are no nasty chemicals in it.
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Handy Home HintsFind matching sheet sets quickly and easilyIf you’re fed up of sleeping on mismatched sheets and pillowcases because you can never find the matching set; or forever seem to be frantically digging around in piles of fitted sheets, flat sheets and pillowcases to find a set for a single bed rather than a double, try this simple tip.
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Fun With KidsMake your own paint using store cupboard ingredientsDon’t rush out to the shops to buy paint for the kids to create their masterpieces; make your own instead! It’s a simple process and because all the ingredients are from your store cupboard, it’s safe and fun to use as finger paint as well.
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TipsPaint your timber window frames and protect them from water damageDon't wait for paint to flake!
TipsCheck your gutters and downpipes for damage before winter rain arrives3 small signs that your gutters and downpipes need attention.
RecipesClassic ANZAC BiscuitsTry our classic ANZAC biscuit recipe that’s quick and easy to make. Enjoy them still warm from the oven or store them for up to a week in an airtight container (if there are any left!).
RecipesSensational Ginger SliceGooey ginger topping and a delicious buttery shortbread style biscuit underneath. These two together are a match made in heaven and perfect with a nice cup of tea or coffee.
GardeningGrow your own handy herbs for cookingGrowing your own herbs saves money, trips to the supermarket and is less wasteful as you only pick as much as you need for whatever you are cooking. You can plant them in your garden beds or in pots; try to find a spot close to your kitchen for easy access to regular watering and harvesting.
RecipesCrispy Roasted ChickpeasCrispy roasted chickpeas are a quick, healthy and tasty snack to make at home from store cupboard ingredients. Best eaten the day they are made - but that won't be a problem!
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Community TipsShare your details and stay connectedWhen communities stay connected, they are safer, stronger and more resilient. At times like these, staying connected might take a bit more effort, but there are still some simple things you can do.
Handy Home HintsMake your own all-purpose cleaner with sodium bi-carb, vinegar and lemonCleaning products are in high demand at the moment, but what’s already in your cupboards may do the job just as well. Vinegar, sodium bi-carb and lemon are common household ingredients and can keep your home clean and fresh. You will also save money in the bargain.
RecipesDukkah - nutty, mildy spicy and very versatileDukkah is an Egyptian nut, seed and spice blend and it adds a subtle spiced/nutty flavour to everything it touches.This recipe is just a starting point - vary it with your favourite nuts, seeds and spices.
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Community TipsGet some fresh air and stay connected in your communityWith social distancing in place, people are taking more walks to get out of the house and into the fresh air. It’s great opportunity to keep in touch with your community and even make more connections (while maintaining social distance rules of course, keeping at least 1.5 metres or two arms’ length apart).
TipsPrepare your working-from-home area with extra power points and efficient lightingMany of us are now working from home and life will be so much easier if your work area is properly prepared. Here are three things you can do to create a great working space.
TipsSave shopping trips and money with a home water filtration systemSave money, keep plastic out of landfill and enjoy filtered water on tap.
RecipesChocolate and Black Bean SliceDon't let the ingredients put you off! This is a seriously delicious treat with a healthy twist! Use gluten free oats and baking powder if you want to make this completely without gluten.
RecipesChicken, Kale and Cannellini Bean SoupComforting and nutritious, this soup is a great way to use up left-over roast chicken, or, if you have more time, poach your own chicken to make stock from scratch.
RecipesDate & Apple Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese FrostingExpecting guests? Woo them with this fruity, rich and sticky date and apple cake topped with caramel cream cheese frosting. Or just make it for yourself - you deserve it!
RecipesBroccoli and Blue Cheese SoupWhen the cooler weather arrives, there's nothing more comforting than a delicious bowl of soup. This delicious combination needs only 6 ingredients and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
RecipesBelgian Waffles - the only waffle recipe you'll ever need!It will be easy to get out of bed when there are Belgian waffles for brekky. Golden and crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, ready and waiting to be topped with whatever you fancy.
RecipesBanoffee Pie - the perfect combination of caramel and bananasGooey caramel, ripe bananas and whipped cream on a biscuit base. This is an easy option for next time you’re asked to bring dessert!
GardeningDon't leave your soil naked over winter!Plant a compost crop and and reap the benefits next season. A compost crop, or green manure, is a crop that’s grown to enrich and improve the soil and your veggie garden will thank you for it. Here how to start your very own compost crop.
RecipesDelightfully Delicious Amaretti BiscuitsThese Italian biscuits are easy to make, crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle. They are great to give as gifts, to have with afternoon tea or the perfect end to a meal.
RecipesCandy Cane FudgeStuck for Christmas gift ideas? Or perhaps you need a last-minute gift for a surprise visitor. Make a batch of this sweet treat with a festive twist (but make sure you hide it or there'll be none left to give away!).
