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

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

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How to set up your room to help you fall asleep

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

Home Hints & Tips

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Stop making these 5 living room mistakes

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

Home & Garden

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Room to Move: Desperate renters forced into backyard boxes

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

Real Estate

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

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

Travel Tips

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

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

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

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

Home & Garden

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

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

Travel Tips

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

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

Real Estate

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Inside the house where you can swing from room to room

<p>Dubbed ‘Disney World for adults’ by the selling agent, the owners of this interesting resort style home have dropped the price by AUD $946,400 (USD$700,000) in hopes someone will finally buy the property after a long 18 months on the market.</p> <p>Real estate agent Colleen Henninger of City Center Realty recently re-listed the unusual family home on real estate site Zillow, where it gained huge interest thanks to its design.</p> <p>It’s a fusion between African safari, American wild west, Tarzan's lair and a ride at a Disney resort.</p> <p>For AUD $1.6 million (USD $1.2 million ), the home could be all yours. The outside of this two-storey home features timber and rock walls, while inside you will find massive exposed timber beams, corrugated iron walls and wrought iron walkways connecting the rooms, which are separated by a massive internal void.</p> <p>A life-sized carved timber elephant is on display in the downstairs living room, while a statue of a pirate guards the upstairs area.</p> <p>There is also an elevated stage complete with drum kit and ropes to swing from end to end if you’re feeling like something different.</p> <p>The three-bedroom, three bathroom home in the Los Angeles suburb of Lakewood, California, first hit the market in October 2020, with an asking price of USD $1.9 million (AUD $2.57 million). However, after failing to sell and a brief stint as a rental on Airbnb where it was leasing for USD $730 per night, the owners have decided to drop the asking price.</p> <p>Henninger, who is a friend of the owners, says there had been a great deal of interest in the home, but the majority of those who inspected the property just wanted to look and had no intention of buying.</p> <p>"It's a great house. It's like Disney World," she said. "It was built with fun in mind.</p> <p>It's a unique home and it's going to need a unique buyer. You go in and you either love it or hate it. It needs someone who wants to entertain guests and have fun."</p> <p>Of course if you do get bored, the home is within driving distance to Disneyland Resort, Anaheim which is a short 20 kilometres away.</p> <p><em>Images: Domain</em></p>

Real Estate

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The ultimate living room cleaning guide

<p>The living room is our go-to space for relaxing and socialising with friends and family – but first, let’s make sure it’s clean! And we’re ready to go beyond clearing clutter and fluffing pillows. This extensive living room cleaning guide will help you freshen up every inch from top to bottom.</p> <p><strong>Living room cleaning tips</strong></p> <p>Like the kitchen, the living room is a magnet for family clutter. So before you even pick up a dust cloth, grab a basket and clear out all the items that don’t belong. Then, organise your cleaning tasks from top to bottom. Start with dusting ceiling fixtures and window blinds, and leave the rug and flooring for last.</p> <p>When you’re finished, it’s time to light a new scented candle and relax.</p> <p><strong>Living room cleaning tools</strong></p> <p>Cleaning the living room involves a lot of dusting and vacuuming, and the right cleaning products will make all the difference. Here are our favourite tools to get the job done:</p> <p>Magic erasers:  even stubborn wall marks are no match for these.</p> <p>Upright swivel bagless vacuum: this vac works great on both hard and soft floors.</p> <p>White vinegar: you’ll be using vinegar in several cleaning mixtures. It’s effective yet gentle on all living room surfaces.</p> <p><strong>How to clean blinds</strong></p> <p>If there is a lot of dust build-up on your blinds, vacuum first. Close the blinds completely, and drag a horse hair vacuum attachment across the entire length. Then close the blinds the opposite way and repeat.</p> <p>Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bucket or other container.</p> <p>Use a microfibre cloth to wipe down the blinds with the mixture. You can also put your hand inside a sock.</p> <p><strong>How to clean a ceiling fan </strong></p> <p>The best way to clean a dusty ceiling fan is with an old pillowcase. Standing on a ladder, wipe each fan blade by gently dragging it inside the pillowcase. All the dust will be caught in the pillowcase, avoiding a mess on the floor.</p> <p>Wipe the remaining dust or grime with a microfibre cloth dipped in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water.</p> <p>If there is a light fixture attached to the fan, wipe it with the vinegar and water mixture, then do a final polish with a glass cleaner.</p> <p><strong>How to clean walls and wall decor</strong></p> <p>Use a magic eraser to get rid of any scuff marks on the wall.</p> <p>Wipe down all the walls and skirting boards with a microfibre cloth and a mixture of vinegar and water.</p> <p>Use the same cloth and mixture to gently wipe the tops of picture frames and other wall decor where dust likes to settle.</p> <p><strong>How to clean upholstered furniture</strong></p> <p>Remove all the lounge and chair cushions and vacuum. Remove any items that have fallen under the cushions (there will be a treasure trove if you have kids!). Then vacuum up the remaining crumbs and debris with a vacuum attachment.</p> <p>In a spray bottle mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Mist the mixture on all the cushions (both sides!) and armrests, then wipe with a microfibre cloth.</p> <p>Let the cushions dry, then replace them on the lounge.</p> <p>For leather furniture, use a mixture of 2 parts white vinegar with 1 part olive oil in a spray bottle and shake well. (You can also add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.)</p> <p><strong>How to dust furniture </strong></p> <p>Remove all items like lamps and decorative accessories from your end tables, coffee table and any other hard surfaced furniture.</p> <p>Use a damp microfibre cloth (microfibre traps dust rather than just moving it around) and wipe down all the furniture.</p> <p>Use the same cloth to wipe down lamps and accessories before returning them to the tables.</p> <p>To remove a water stain, apply a white, non-gel toothpaste to a soft cloth and rub it in a circular motion. Then, wipe clean with a damp cloth.</p> <p><strong>How to clean TV and media equipment</strong></p> <p>Make sure your devices are turned off and cool before you start cleaning.</p> <p>Wipe away dust and loose dirt with a dry microfibre cloth. (Don’t forget the back of the TV, which gets super dusty.)</p> <p>Spot-clean smudges with moist wipes designed for electronics.</p> <p><strong>How to clean the living room floor</strong></p> <p>Vacuum both your hard and soft floors (sweeping just moves the dust around).</p> <p>For a carpet or rug deodoriser, mix 2 cups of baking soda with 10 drops of essential oil like lemon or lavender. Sprinkle the mixture on the carpet, then vacuum it up.</p> <p>Tackle any stains with this miracle carpet cleaner or mix a DIY carpet cleaner with 2 to 3 teaspoons of mild dishwashing liquid and 4 litres of warm water.</p> <p>Mop hard floors with a mixture 4 litres of hot water, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 drop of dishwashing liquid. Squeeze your mop thoroughly before starting; your mop should be damp but not wet.</p> <p><strong>Daily living room cleaning tasks</strong></p> <p>Now that you’ve thoroughly cleaned your living room, here’s how to keep it clean. These daily tasks will keep your space tidy and ready for guests even if your next weekly cleaning is a few days away.</p> <p>Clear away clutter at the end of every day. Put everything that doesn’t belong in one big basket, then walk around the house with your basket to put items in their rightful spot.</p> <p>Fluff pillows and fold throw blankets.</p> <p>Straighten lounge cushions.</p> <p>Locate the TV remote and any gaming remotes, and put them back where they belong.</p> <p><strong>How to deep-clean your living room</strong></p> <p>These deep cleaning tasks only need to be done once every couple of months, but your living room will thank you!</p> <p>Remove curtains and launder.</p> <p>Remove throw pillow covers and couch cushion covers, if they’re removable, and wash in the washing machine.</p> <p>Clean windows both inside and out.</p> <p>Thoroughly shampoo your carpet and rugs with a rented carpet cleaner.</p> <p>Dust the ceiling using a vacuum extension, or reach the area by securing a microfibre cloth over the bristles of a broom.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/the-ultimate-living-room-cleaning-guide?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Woman’s investigation after finding a tampon in her boyfriend’s room goes viral

<p dir="ltr">A young woman on TikTok has gone viral after sharing the story of her investigation into the owner of an unused tampon in her boyfriend’s bedroom.</p> <p dir="ltr">Lois Sanders posted about finding a tampon and mascara underneath her boyfriend’s wardrobe, saying, “There's a tampon and a mascara under Finn's wardrobe and he's in denial that he's had a girl here.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I'm not even joking it's right there. There's not enough dust on it to be old.” The video shows Sanders peering underneath the wardrobe as her boyfriend looks on.</p> <div class="embed"><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7048770314427321606&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40loissa4%2Fvideo%2F7048770314427321606&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-va.tiktokcdn.com%2Ftos-maliva-p-0068%2F9db72124f4af437c8fd396e428c3c286_1641169731%7Etplv-tiktok-play.jpeg%3Fx-expires%3D1641369600%26x-signature%3DHh2C1oIXwBsybGaXBkxdn%252BLTy90%253D&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" scrolling="no" title="tiktok embed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div> <p dir="ltr">Determined to find out where the tampon came from and when it had rolled under the wardrobe, Sanders emailed Tampax with the product code, and to her surprise, they quickly responded, informing her that the product was made on December 11, 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr">She later took to TikTok to clear things up, explaining that it was her first time in his university accommodation and she wasn’t just there to have a snoop. “He was facing the wardrobe and then I went backwards upside down and I could see under the wardrobe and I was like ‘what the hell is that?’,” she said in the video.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sanders also explained that the pair weren’t officially together at that point and had just been talking for a few months, but she “wanted to make sure everything was fine”. Finn, her boyfriend, explained that being a university house, girls had lived in the room before he moved in.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ending on a happy note, Sanders said, “To this day, we’ll never know. He says it wasn’t him and I believe him and we actually are together to this day so very happy ending actually.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Many people were quick to praise Sanders for her investigative work, while others were taken aback by the “crazy behaviour” she exhibited. One commenter summarised how many were feeling when they wrote, ”I’m not sure if this is genius or borderline psycho”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: TikTok</em></p>

Relationships

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6 ways to give your living room a revamp

<p><span>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.</span></p> <p><strong>Fill the floor</strong></p> <p><span>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. </span></p> <p><span>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.</span></p> <p><strong>Get picture perfect</strong></p> <p><span>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. </span></p> <p><span>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.</span></p> <p><strong>Do a quick fix</strong></p> <p><span>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.</span></p> <p><strong>Time to move</strong></p> <p><span>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.</span></p> <p><strong>Go green</strong></p> <p><span>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.</span></p> <p><strong>Shine a light</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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!</p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Written by Cassie Pryce. This article first appeared in </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/6-ways-to-give-your-living-room-a-revamp" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reader’s Digest</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">here’s our best subscription offer.</span></a></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Shutterstock</span></em></p> <p><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" /></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Neurodiversity can be a workplace strength, if we make room for it

<p>Emma can recognise patterns within complex code. James can develop several different solutions when faced with complicated problems. But it is unlikely either will find a job where they can put their specialist skills to work — or any job, actually.</p> <p>Emma has dyslexia. James has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These conditions mean communicating can be a challenge, particularly in a stressful situation such as a job interview. They may also find it difficult to work in a typical office environment with noise and bright lights.</p> <p>But often the significant challenges is other people assuming they will be less capable or difficult to work with.</p> <p>About 15-20% of the <a rel="noopener" href="https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article/135/1/108/5913187" target="_blank">global population</a> are “neurodiverse”. This term, coined by Australian <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.autismawareness.com.au/news-events/aupdate/in-conversation-with-judy-singer/" target="_blank">sociologist Judy Singer</a> in 1998, conveys <a rel="noopener" href="https://autismawarenesscentre.com/un-adopts-new-goals-disabilities/" target="_blank">the idea</a> that the neurological differences shaping how people think and interact are natural variations to the human genome. Neurodiversity therefore isn’t something to be “fixed” but understood and accommodated.</p> <p>But despite this understanding, and the gains made more generally in promoting workplace diversity, prejudices keep the employment prospects for neurodiverse individuals shockingly low.</p> <p>The cost is personal — denying individuals the chance to do meaningful work — as well as social, sending individuals to the dole queue. It also means workplaces are failing to benefit from highly valuable employees, and missing the opportunity to become better organisations in the process.</p> <p><strong>What neurodiversity covers</strong></p> <p>Neurodiversity is often referred to as an ‘invisible disability’ and covers a range of conditions. The most common are:</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder</strong> (or ADHD) manifests as inattention, distractability and impulsivity. It affects about <a rel="noopener" href="https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/economics/articles/social-economic-costs-adhd-Australia.html" target="_blank">4% of children and 3% of adults</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Autism Spectrum Disorder</strong> (or ASD) typically involves degrees of difficulty in communicating with others and sensory overload. About <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/facts-and-statistics/" target="_blank">1% of the global population</a> is estimated to be on the spectrum, with higher rates being diagnosed among children.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Dyslexia</strong> involves difficulties with reading and spelling. There is no agreed diagnosis. Estimates of its prevalence range from 3% to 20% (with <a rel="noopener" href="https://dyslexiaassociation.org.au/dyslexia-in-australia/" target="_blank">10-15%</a> commonly cited).</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Dyspraxia</strong> involves challenges with coordinating physical movements, including muscles for speaking. About 2% of the population are severely affected, with <a rel="noopener" href="https://adc.bmj.com/content/archdischild/92/6/534.full.pdf?casa_token=s2n80xJNuhAAAAAA:kzF2QsFQRlR_rmpi80YkV9N8Lp8YT9bIXb1cwOEbaiZUm3f5KfRO4xPk8_F2YoXm6-bM7rHANPkqIQ" target="_blank">6-10%</a> estimated to be affected to some degree.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Dyscalculia</strong> involves challenges with numbers. It affects <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4461157/" target="_blank">up to 10%</a> of the population, with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dyslexia.uk.net/specific-learning-difficulties/dyscalculia/" target="_blank">3-6%</a> commonly cited.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Tourette syndrome</strong> causes involuntary physical and vocal “tics”. It affects an estimated <a href="https://tourette.org/spectrum-tourette-syndrome-tic-disorders-consensus-scientific-advisors-tourette-association-america/">0.6% of the population</a>.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>High unemployment</strong></p> <p>The capabilities of neurodivergent people can vary considerably from severely challenged to gifted. Some are nonverbal and fully reliant on care givers. Others have special abilities in things such as <a rel="noopener" href="https://hbr.org/2017/05/neurodiversity-as-a-competitive-advantage" target="_blank">pattern recognition, memory or mathematics</a>.</p> <p>Yet even those with exceptional talents find it hard to get and hold a job. While unemployment estimates are imprecise, they suggest these conditions are the least accepted in the working world.</p> <p>For autistic adults aged 16-64, for example, UK statistics suggest <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/disability/articles/outcomesfordisabledpeopleintheuk/2020" target="_blank">78% are unemployed</a>. This is the highest unemployment rate of any group, compared with 48% for all disabled people and 19% for all adults.</p> <p>Australian statistics put the unemployment rate for people with autism <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release">at 34%</a>. That’s still more than three times the unemployment rate of 10% for people with disabilities and almost eight times the 4.6% rate for people without disabilities.</p> <p><strong>Supporting neurodiversity at work</strong></p> <p>One problem, as Joanna Szulc and her fellow researchers at the University of Huddersfield <a rel="noopener" href="https://pure.hud.ac.uk/en/publications/amo-perspectives-on-the-well-being-of-neurodivergent-human-capita" target="_blank">have put it</a>, is “management practices frequently overlook the relationship between the above-average human capital of neurodivergent employees, their subjective well-being in the workplace and performance outcomes”.</p> <p>In other words, with understanding colleagues and a flexible work culture, neurodiverse individuals can reach their potential and be recognised as highly valuable employees.</p> <p>One case study demonstrating this is professional services giant Ernst and Young, which globally employs close to 300,000 people.</p> <p>In 2016 it established its first “<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ey.com/en_us/diversity-inclusiveness/how-neurodiversity-is-driving-innovation-from-unexpected-places" target="_blank">Neurodiversity Center of Excellence</a>” as part of a pilot program to offer jobs to neurodiverse candidates.</p> <p>The company says it “considered business metrics only” in evaluating the program. It concluded the neurodiverse employees were comparable to neurotypical staff in work quality, efficiency and productivity. The bonus was “the neurodiverse employees excelled at innovation”.</p> <p>Australia’s Department of Defence has employed high-performing autistic individuals in its <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.defence.gov.au/annualreports/16-17/Features/CyberCapabilityTalentAutism.asp" target="_blank">cyber security</a> work. Their strengths for this work include “a remarkable eye for detail; accuracy and consistency; a logical and analytical approach to detecting irregularities; pattern-matching skills; and a high tolerance for repetitive mental tasks”.</p> <p>These lessons are being taken on board by others. In July, Google’s cloud computing division announced its <a rel="noopener" href="https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/inside-google-cloud/google-cloud-launches-a-career-program-for-people-with-autism" target="_blank">Autism Career Program</a>, which includes training up to 500 managers “to work effectively and empathetically with autistic candidates”.</p> <p>We all vary naturally. By understanding and encouraging neurodiverse individuals to be fully engaged in society, we will all reap the rewards.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><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; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/164859/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/miriam-moeller-357407" target="_blank">Miriam Moeller</a>, Senior Lecturer, International Business, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a>; <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dana-l-ott-1252533" target="_blank">Dana L. Ott</a>, Lecturer, International Management, and <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-russo-1252532" target="_blank">Emily Russo</a>, Industry Fellow, <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/neurodiversity-can-be-a-workplace-strength-if-we-make-room-for-it-164859" target="_blank">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: <span class="attribution"><span class="source">igor kisselev/Shutterstock</span></span> </em></p>

Mind

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6 things you can’t take from your hotel room

<p><strong>Sheets and towels</strong></p> <p>Sheets, towels and other linens are definitely something you shouldn’t take from hotel rooms. As McCreary explains, the hotels’ goal is to prepare the perfect room for the next guest. Taking pricy essentials, like sheets, make it harder for hotel staff to do their job. According to the Telegraph, however, 68 percent of people in a survey admitted they steal linens and towels from hotel rooms. Beware that some hotels can track stolen towels thanks to electronic tags, HuffPost reports.</p> <p><strong>Electronics</strong></p> <p>Conteh notes that in most cases, there are disclaimers on all items that shouldn’t leave the room – especially in the case of pricy electronics. “They note that there will be a cost levied on the room charge if a tablet or other item of value goes missing or removed from the premises.</p> <p><strong>Robes</strong></p> <p>These plush robes are one of the most common items people think they can take from hotel rooms, but can’t, according to Conteh and McCreary. You will be charged! Slippers, on the other hand, won’t be used again and are typically OK to take.</p> <p><strong>Wooden hangers, glass bottles and mugs</strong></p> <p>There is a chance that taking these items from your hotel room could lead to consequences beyond an extra charge to your room – including being “blacklisted,” NBC reports. Hotels keep a record of guests who trash hotel rooms or steal items and might ban these people from booking rooms again. In rare scenarios, some people could get arrested. The Telegraph reports a couple in Japan was arrested for stealing robes and an ashtray. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so only take the complimentary items that you really need. Remember, just because you can take something doesn’t mean you should.</p> <p><em>Written by<span> Emily DiNuzzo</span>. This article first appeared in </em><a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/travel/travel-hints-tips/4-things-you-can-take-from-your-hotel-room-and-6-you-cant"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></p> <p><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" /></p>

Travel Tips

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4 things you can take from your hotel room

<p>Read along to see what you can pinch from a hotel room without getting in trouble! </p> <p><strong>1. Shampoo or conditioner</strong></p> <p>Much like the mini soaps stocked in the bathroom, the travel-size shampoo and conditioner are also fine to take from your hotel room. Hotels sometimes brand these items too, Conteh says. So taking their shampoos and sporting the hotel brand name can help the word out about a hotel.</p> <p><strong>2. Anything “complimentary”</strong></p> <p>Complimentary items could include things like dry-cleaning bags, coffee, creamers, sugar packets and certain marketing collateral pieces, Asmussen says. It’s fair game to take them with you. Joanna McCreary, hotel general manage, adds that some hotels even give exclusive complimentary gifts which you are, of course, free to take. “We love giving people champagne on check-in on peak arrival days,” she says. “We don’t advertise it, but do get a good deal on it, and complimentary surprise champagne you will find is a very easy sell.”</p> <p><strong>3. Paper and pens</strong></p> <p>These paper items also usually have the hotel brand name on them and serve as a marketing tool. Feel free to take them with you!</p> <p><strong>4. Soap </strong></p> <p>If there’s one thing most hotels reliably have in their rooms, it’s soap. And according to Ousman Conteh, hotel general manager, these mini bottles are OK to take from your hotel room. “Often hotels receive negotiated pricing for items from another brand,” he says. However, Curt Asmussen, managing director of ObieHospitality, notes that it’s not encouraged to take these items – but guests aren’t penalised in any way if they do.</p> <p><em>Written by <span>Juliana LaBianca</span>. This article first appeared in </em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/9-things-your-sweat-says-about-your-health" target="_blank"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/9-things-your-sweat-says-about-your-health" target="_blank">.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V" target="_blank"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></p> <p><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" /></p>

Travel Tips

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Duchess Kate shares touching message from living room

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Duchess Kate shared a touching message from her living room as she joined a heartwarming video call with nurses from across the UK.</p> <p>She dedicated the video to them for their valiant efforts on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic as the UK strain continues to cause chaos.</p> <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/CKVyxZPFFox/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/CKVyxZPFFox/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"You hear time and time again about the amazing things nurses up and down the country are doing - going that extra mile. It's the things that are not part of the training… but the things that come from your heart, and I think that's what matters so much now: these acts of kindness to the patients you're looking after," she told them.</p> <p>The Palace also wrote a Tweet about nurses.</p> <p>"Nurses up and down the country are going that extra mile, at a time when patients need it the most.</p> <p>"These acts of courage, strength, and kindness matter so much right now &amp; we owe you a huge thank you for all that you have done &amp; continue to do throughout these difficult times."</p> <p>The post was a hit with fans, being viewed by 980,079 people.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Beauty & Style

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Dad’s shocking encounter in Westfield parents’ room

<p>A New Zealand father has been asked to leave the parents’ room as he was taking care of his five-month-old daughter.</p> <p>Josh Anderson was shopping at a Westfield in Manukau, Auckland when he entered the parents’ room to change his daughter’s nappy and feed her.</p> <p>He also used the bathroom himself while he was there so he could park his daughter’s pram into the cubicle with him, but when he came out he was confronted by an angry woman who told him men weren’t welcome in the room.</p> <p>The woman then pointed to the sign on the parents’ room door which showed a female figure with a child, and proceeded to tell him he should have taken his daughter to the men’s bathroom.</p> <p> “You're not allowed to use this facility because it's for women only. Can you not see the sign? You have no right!” the woman allegedly said.</p> <p>Mr Anderson then asked the woman if she believed he should change his daughter in the men’s room, and she responded: “that’s what all the men are supposed to do.”</p> <p>The child’s mum Kori Anderson said she was livid when she found out about her husband’s experience.</p> <p>“It’s called a PARENTS’ room for a reason,” Mrs Anderson wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>“Parents’ rooms in malls are not just for mums - dads and caregivers are welcome too. If you aren’t aware of this then please take the time to educate yourself and your family,” she added.</p> <p>Mrs Anderson said a men’s public bathroom isn’t a suitable place to change a baby and her husband has the right to use the parents’ room when with children.</p> <p>“There are no change tables in the men’s room, let alone anywhere clean or suitable to tend to a baby. There’s also nowhere to leave a pram with a baby safely whilst the father uses the cubicle and for slightly older female children I would consider the men’s room an inappropriate place for them to be,” Mrs Anderson told Yahoo News Australia</p> <p>A spokesperson for Manukau City Westfield released a statement saying the room was open for all caregivers.</p> <p>"Parents’ rooms are provided for the use of all parents, carers and guardians,” the spokesperson said.</p>

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Guide to the classics: A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf’s feminist call to arms

<p>I sit at my kitchen table to write this essay, as hundreds of thousands of women have done before me. It is not my own room, but such things are still a luxury for most women today. The table will do. I am fortunate I can make a living “by my wits,” as Virginia Woolf puts it in her famous feminist treatise, A Room of One’s Own (1929).</p> <p>That living enabled me to buy not only the room, but the house in which I sit at this table. It also enables me to pay for safe, reliable childcare so I can have time to write.<br />It is as true today, therefore, as it was almost a century ago when Woolf wrote it, that “a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction” — indeed, write anything at all.</p> <p>Still, Woolf’s argument, as powerful and influential as it was then — and continues to be — is limited by certain assumptions when considered from a contemporary feminist perspective.</p> <p>Woolf’s book-length essay began as a series of lectures delivered to female students at the University of Cambridge in 1928. Its central feminist premise — that women writer’s voices have been silenced through history and they need to fight for economic equality to be fully heard — has become so culturally pervasive as to enter the popular lexicon.</p> <p>Julia Gillard’s A Podcast of One’s Own, takes its lead from the essay, as does Anonymous Was a Woman, a prominent arts funding body based in New York.</p> <p>Even the Bechdel-Wallace test, measuring the success of a narrative according to whether it features at least two named women conversing about something other than a man, can be seen to descend from the “Chloe liked Olivia” section of Woolf’s book. In this section, the hypothetical characters of Chloe and Olivia share a laboratory, care for their children, and have conversations about their work, rather than about a man.</p> <p>Woolf’s identification of women as a poorly paid underclass still holds relevance today, given the gender pay gap. As does her emphasis on the hierarchy of value placed on men’s writing compared to women’s (which has led to the establishment of awards such as the Stella Prize).</p> <p><strong>Invisible women</strong><br />In her book, Woolf surveys the history of literature, identifying a range of important and forgotten women writers, including novelists Jane Austen, George Eliot and the Brontes, and playwright Aphra Behn.</p> <p>In doing so, she establishes a new model of literary heritage that acknowledges not only those women who succeeded, but those who were made invisible: either prevented from working due to their sex, or simply cast aside by the value systems of patriarchal culture.</p> <p>To illustrate her point, she creates Judith, an imaginary sister of the playwright Shakespeare.<br />What if such a woman had shared her brother’s talents and was as adventurous, “as agog to see the world” as he was? Would she have had the freedom, support and confidence to write plays? Tragically, she argues, such a woman would likely have been silenced — ultimately choosing suicide over an unfulfilled life of domestic servitude and abuse.<br />In her short, passionate book, Woolf examines women’s letter writing, showing how it can illustrate women’s aptitude for writing, yet also the way in which women were cramped and suppressed by social expectations.</p> <p>She also makes clear that the lack of an identifiable matrilineal literary heritage works to impede women’s ability to write.</p> <p>Indeed, the establishment of those major women writers in the 18th and 19th centuries (George Eliot, the Brontes et al), when “the middle-class woman began to write” is, Woolf argues, a moment in history “of greater importance than the Crusades or the War of the Roses”.</p> <p>Male critics such as T.S. Eliot and Harold Bloom have identified a (male) writer’s relation to his precursors as necessary for his own literary production. But how, Woolf asks, is a woman to write if she has no model to look back on or respond to? If we are women, she wrote, “we think back through our mothers”.</p> <p>Her argument inspired later feminist revisionist work of literary critics like Elaine Showalter, Sandra K. Gilbert and Susan Gubar who sought to restore the reputation of forgotten women writers and turn critical attention to women’s writing as a field worthy of dedicated study.</p> <p>All too often in history, Woolf asserts, “Woman” is simply the object of the literary text — either the adored, voiceless beauty to whom the sonnet is dedicated or reflecting back the glow of man himself.</p> <p><em>Women have served all these centuries as looking-glasses possessing the magic and delicious power of reflecting the figure of man at twice its natural size.</em></p> <p>A Room of One’s Own returns that authority to both the woman writer and the imagined female reader whom she addresses.</p> <p><strong>Stream of consciousness</strong></p> <p>A Room of One’s Own also demonstrates several aspects of Woolf’s modernism. The early sections demonstrate her virtuoso stream of consciousness technique. She ruminates on women’s position in, and relation to, fiction while wandering through the university campus, driving through country lanes, and dawdling over a leisurely, solo lunch.</p> <p>Critically, she employs telling patriarchal interruptions to that flow of thought.<br />A beadle waves his arms in exasperation as she walks on a private patch of grass. A less-than-satisfactory dinner is served to the women’s college. A “deprecating, silvery, kindly gentleman” turns her away from the library. These interruptions show the frequent disruption to the work of a woman without a room.</p> <p>This is the lesson also imparted in Woolf’s 1927 novel To the Lighthouse where artist Lily Briscoe must shed the overbearing influence of Mr and Mrs Ramsay, a couple who symbolise Victorian culture, if she is to “have her vision”. The flights and flow of modernist technique are not possible without the time and space to write and think for herself.<br />A Room of One’s Own has been crucial to the feminist movement and women’s literary studies. But it is not without problems. Woolf admits her good fortune in inheriting £500 a year from an aunt.<br />Indeed her purse now “breed(s) ten-shilling notes automatically”.</p> <p>Part of the purpose of the essay is to encourage women to make their living through writing.</p> <p>But Woolf seems to lack an awareness of her own privilege and how much harder it is for most women to fund their own artistic freedom. It is easy for her to advise against “doing work that one did not wish to do, and to do it like a slave, flattering and fawning”.</p> <p>In her book, Woolf also criticises the “awkward break” in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre (1847), in which Bronte’s own voice interrupts the narrator’s in a passionate protest against the treatment of women.</p> <p>Here, Woolf shows little tolerance for emotion, which has historically often been dismissed as hysteria when it comes to women discussing politics.</p> <p>A Room of One’s Own ends with an injunction to work for the coming of Shakespeare’s sister, that woman forgotten by history. “So to work, even in poverty and obscurity, is worthwhile”.</p> <p>Such a woman author must have her vision, even if her work will be “stored in attics” rather than publicly exhibited.<br />The room and the money are the ideal, we come to see, but even without them the woman writer must write, must think, in anticipation of a future for her daughter-artists to come.</p> <p><em>An adaptation of </em><a href="https://belvoir.com.au/productions/a-room-of-ones-own/#CjnymqycvMw"><em>A Room of One’s Own</em></a><em> is currently at Sydney’s Belvoir Theatre. This article appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/guide-to-the-classics-a-room-of-ones-own-virginia-woolfs-feminist-call-to-arms-145398">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

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