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4 easy ways to rejuvenate your laundry

<p dir="ltr">The laundry is one of the hardest working rooms in the house. </p> <p dir="ltr">From washing clothes to being a stacked out storage space, it's easy to overlook making the laundry look nice as well as being functional. </p> <p dir="ltr">There are a few simple ways to breathe new life into your laundry room that won’t break the bank, and will keep the space working at maximum capacity. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Give it a colour refresh</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">When it comes to refreshing a small space, your colour choices can go one of two ways: using the same colours as the rest of your home for continuity, or use the opportunity to be creative. </p> <p dir="ltr">A citrus colour can instantly brighten a space, while green or blue makes sense for a wet room. </p> <p dir="ltr">To liven things up even more, you can always put vinyl wallpaper or fun prints on the walls as well. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Streamline your laundry routine</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">When refreshing your laundry, it's best to think of a way to enhance the functionality of the space by simplifying the clothes-washing process. </p> <p dir="ltr">An extended benchtop, a hanging rod for drying and a heated towel rail are just some inclusions that can boost how the room functions efficiently. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Let in the light</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">A dark laundry is not a fun place to be, so consider bringing in new lighting options to brighten the space. </p> <p dir="ltr">A statement pendant can add a decorative touch, while lighting strips under cabinets illuminate your workspace. </p> <p dir="ltr">Alternatively, harness the power of natural light by installing a skylight in the ceiling or swapping out a solid timber door for one with a window in it.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Maximise storage options</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Get the most out of your cupboard and shelves in your laundry with clever solutions to declutter the space. </p> <p dir="ltr">Wall hooks for dog leads, tubs for kids’ sports uniforms, bins for dog food, labelled canisters for pegs and laundry powder and a rack system for brooms and brushes can all help to boost functionality, minimise clutter and capitalise on space. </p> <p dir="ltr">Now everything has its own place to help the room stay clean and tidy. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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5 easy ways to rejuvenate your kitchen

<p dir="ltr">With the kitchen often deemed the “heart of the home”, it’s important it has some special qualities, as well as being fully functional. </p> <p dir="ltr">While fully renovating a kitchen can take a lot of time and money, there are smaller ways to spruce up your space without breaking the bank, or putting in weeks of work. </p> <p dir="ltr">These five simple ideas can help breathe new life into your kitchen, while also flexing your DIY skills. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>A fresh coat of paint makes all the difference</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Paint can be an amazing tool to help change the look and feel of a room in an instant. </p> <p dir="ltr">When it comes to kitchens, everything including the cabinets, walls, stove splashbacks and even floors can be painted. </p> <p dir="ltr">The trick is to find the right finish, selecting a timeless colour and not to skimp on the prep work. You’ll be surprised how fresh your space feels after a simple coat of paint. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>It’s time to organise your pantry</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Keeping your pantry clean, clear and accessible is the best way to help make your kitchen all the more functional. </p> <p dir="ltr">Think clear acrylic boxes, baskets, and labels to help keep all your ingredients organised. </p> <p dir="ltr">This will help you see what ingredients you have at a glance, and make mealtimes so much easier. </p> <p dir="ltr">You can also use racks and brackets on the inside of doors to hold paper towels, aprons, dustpans and brooms.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Update handles and fixtures for a timeless look</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Changing old and worn fixtures can help to instantly lift the feeling of your kitchen at a very low cost. </p> <p dir="ltr">Simply unscrewing your existing handles and replacing them with updated door knobs and drawer pulls that match your new aesthetic will make the world of difference. </p> <p dir="ltr">While going the extra mile to install a new sink, tapware or statement pendant lighting may require a bit more skill, the results will be invaluable. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Time to go shopping for new appliances</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If the foundations of your kitchen could use updating, chances are your appliances could too. </p> <p dir="ltr">Upgrading to a newer model will help elevate your cooking game, while also freshening up the look of your kitchen.</p> <p dir="ltr">Same goes for small appliances, such as kettles and toasters, which can be replaced for a reasonable cost. </p> <p dir="ltr">Consider getting a matching set in an attractive colour that doubles as a charming accessory. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Create a dedicated space</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">It’s always a good idea to have one nook of your kitchen that is dedicated to what you love, both for functionality and aesthetics. </p> <p dir="ltr">This could be a tricky corner that is difficult to utilise space in, or an extra worktop you’ve added to your space.</p> <p dir="ltr">Whether it's a bar area stocked with your favourite drinks, herb garden for fresh produce, or a breakfast corner to make mornings easy, the choices are endless. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

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4 wellness cruises that rejuvenate mind and body

<p>Themed cruises are the new way cruise lovers are travelling the globe. There are political cruises, food and wine cruises, photography cruises, comedy cruises and the list goes on.</p> <p>One of the most popular themed cruises, however, are wellness cruises. Wellness cruises focus on helping passengers find mind and body balance while they are away. These cruises are offering facilities and programs that are competitively priced against wellness retreats on land that offer a similar experience. Whilst paying a similar cost to an on-land retreat, a wellness cruise allows you to experience new countries and enjoy the cultures that are at your fingertips on port stops.</p> <p>Those who love wellness cruises believe it offers a journey of reflection and discovery like no other holiday they could go on. Here are four wellness themes cruises that have been successful in the cruising industry.</p> <p><strong>1. UnCruise Adventures</strong> is offering three wellness cruises this year in Alaska and one in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Each of these cruises will have two experts on board leading the passengers in special programs focused on holistic wellbeing through fitness, nutrition and mental health.</p> <p>Some classes even include cooking classes and core strengthening. In Alaska, the cruises will take place on the Wilderness Explorer and the Wilderness Adventurer. The Safari Endeavour will be hosting the wellness cruise in the Sea of Cortez.</p> <p><strong>2. The Seabourne Encore</strong> is the first of its fleet of four to embark on wellness cruises. Celebrity American doctor Andrew Weil, has partnered with Seabourne to launch the program that focuses on physical, social, environmental and spiritual health. The itinerary includes daily meditation and yoga classes for passengers.</p> <p><strong>3. MSC Cruise</strong> is launching a Wellness Experience Powered by Technogym. This program involves on-board consultations with a doctor and a personal trainer. A personal wellness program is tailored to an individual’s fitness levels using the gym facilities.</p> <p><strong>4. Caribbean Running Cruise</strong> allows passengers to travel on the Jewel of the Seas to Dominica, Barbados, Grenada and other Southern Caribbean ports. While on this cruise travellers can do a rainforest hike, run 10km or 5km on the beach and four mile “Amazing Race” activity. Running cruises are also held in other parts of the world include two happening this year in Alaska and the South of France.</p> <p>Have you go on a wellness cruise before? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Cruising