TipsRelax and enjoy your maintenance-free fenceBefore you decide what sort of fence you would like, be realistic about the amount of maintenance you're prepared to undertake. There are lots of low or maintenance-free options to choose from, if you'd rather be doing other things with your spare time.
TipsHow to make your oven more energy efficient One of the ways you can save energy in your kitchen is by making sure your oven is as energy efficient as it can be. This will cut your gas and electric bills as well as help you do your bit for the environment.
TipsHow to save money using reverse cycle air-conditioning It’s simple. If you can keep the heat outside during summer and the heat in during winter, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable home and lower energy bills.
RecipesSimply Brilliant Berry Crumble A lovely combination of tangy and sweet – and a yummy winter treat. Make the most of readily available frozen berries which are perfect for this recipe.
Fun With KidsMake your own Mount Vesuvius volcano! Kids love a volcano eruption and this is such a fun activity using simple ingredients and perfect if they need a science experiment for a school project. It’s best to keep this one outdoors!
PetsWill your dog find something toxic in your garden? Most dogs love a good old run around the garden. But, depending on which plants you have growing, it can also dangerous. Many garden plants are poisonous to dogs, so read on for a list of some common plants to avoid.
Reduce Reuse RecyclePlastic lids recycling update! You may have noticed that a lot of places which previously collected plastic lids are no longer accepting them. This is because the business which used to process most of the lids is no longer operating. So, what can you do with them?
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TipsSeven simple rules for cleaning your jewelleryIf you want your precious jewellery to stay at its sparkling best, you should clean it on a regular basis. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do.
Tips7 great reasons to tint your car windows It’s no secret that Perth is hot and sunny. It has more hours of sunshine per year than any other Australian city. So, how do you protect your car interior from all this UV radiation?
GardeningIt’s time to plant strawberries! The weather may be a bit cold and wet, but it’s a great time to get your strawberry plants in. And the best part is, you don’t need a big garden to grow them.
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Money Saving HacksSimple tips to reduce your power bill Electricity charges seem to be constantly rising, so it pays to save wherever you can. Here are some simple things you can do to reduce your power bill.
TipsWe love them to bits, but pets can leave your carpets a bit smellyWe all love our pets, but the smells and stains they can sometimes leave on the carpet aren't so loveable. The key to success is fast action!
TipsHow to hibernate your lawn mower for winter We know it’s tempting to just chuck your lawn mower in the shed and worry about it later. But preparing it properly for winter storage will make your life so much easier when spring arrives.
Tips4 good reasons to hire a professional to paint your ceilings Painting ceilings can be a pain in the neck (literally!). So why not save yourself the time and physio bills by getting a professional to do it for you. Here are 4 good reasons why this is a great idea.
PetsThe importance of dental care for your dog and cat We all know that humans need regular dental care to stay healthy – but what about our fur babies? Their dental care is just as important for good health, so here are some tips on how to look after their teeth.
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Reduce Reuse RecycleGreat news! You can now recycle beauty packaging Now you can look great – and feel great - by recycling the packaging from your beauty items rather than sending them to landfill. Here’s how.
RecipesThai Style Sweet Potato and Leek SoupThere's nothing nicer than a warming and delicious soup on a chilly winter's day. Try this twist on the traditional leek and potato soup for a bit of a change. It's packed full of flavour and can easily be adapted to suit other vegetables such as pumpkin.
Community TipsBecome a volunteer reader at your local primary school If you have some spare time on your hands, why not volunteer at your local school to help those children who may be struggling with their reading. You can make a real difference. Here’s why.
Health and FitnessEat for heart health and reduce your salt intake Australians eat way too much salt. The average daily intake is 9 grams, which is almost twice the recommended amount. It’s coming mainly from snacks, processed meats, dips and baked goods. Here is what you should be eating.
Handy Home HintsHow to make simple DIY cleaners for your home There is a massive range of house cleaning products available, but don’t be fooled into thinking you need a different product for every part of your home. Here are 3 recipes for cleaning products using simple and inexpensive ingredients.
Reduce Reuse RecycleKeep your old technology out of landfill We all love it when we get the latest shiny new computer or TV with all the bells and whistles. But what do you do with your old ones? Here are some ideas for recycling electronic waste or giving it a second life.
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TipsSsssh! Is that a mouse I hear in my house? In winter, mice and rats seek out dark, warm spaces with access to food and water, which is why they are often spotted in kitchens. Even a teeny tiny gap into your home is like a ‘Welcome’ sign, and once they've moved in, they can be really hard to get rid of.
TipsAre your brakes ready for winter? With winter approaching, now is a good time to make sure your car is ready – particularly when it comes to your brakes. After a long, hot summer, you might think that your brakes are working perfectly well, but once the roads get wet, it can be a different story.
Handy Home HintsPesky pests in your garden? Pests in the garden are a natural part of the eco system, but this doesn’t help when they are chomping their way through all your lovingly tended garden beds. Here are 9 ways to get rid of them without using harsh chemicals.
Gardening9 perfect plants for sun-starved gardensJust because you don’t have a sunny garden doesn’t mean you can’t have lovely plants and flowers. Here 9 examples of plants that love the shade.
Community Tips7 great reasons to check out your local farmer's market On a Saturday and a Sunday all over Perth, you’ll find local farmer's markets. They are an ideal opportunity to catch up with friends and neighbours, while meeting some of the people who actually produce your food.
TipsSo, what’s the trend with garage doors? Gone are the days when a garage door was just an afterthought. Nowadays they are considered integral to the style of your home and not just a way of keeping your car safe and secure.
Reduce Reuse RecycleSmile! You can now recycle dental care items While we can avoid many types of plastic and packaging – it’s more difficult to do this when it comes to caring for our teeth and gums. The good news is that there is now a way to recycle your toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and floss containers.
RecipesBrilliant burgers with onion jam A healthier alternative to a takeaway favourite that the whole family can enjoy. These yummy burgers can be made kid friendly by leaving out the chilli and can be served any way you like.
Fun With KidsNatural colours you’ll be dye-ing to make! No one does colour better than Mother Nature. So, why not take advantage of the amazing colour palette on offer and make your own natural dyes. It’s easy to do and you can make some great artwork, dye a t-shirt or even brighten up your boiled eggs!
TipsThe importance of flu vaccination in 2021 Although the COVID 19 vaccine is top of everyone’s mind at the moment, the annual flu vaccine is still important. Here are 6 important reasons why you should consider getting vaccinated against the flu in 2021.
Handy Home Hints7 clever uses for tumble dryer sheets – outside of the laundry Pop in a tumble dryer sheet when drying your washing on a rainy day and it will reduce static and leave your clothes feeling soft and fresh. But that’s not all they can do.
GardeningHow to grow peas and beans (hint: it’s easy peasy!)Peas and beans are a great beginner’s crop as they’re so easy to grow (and delicious to eat!). Plant peas and broad beans in autumn as they do best over the cooler months. Wait until spring to plant climbing, dwarf or runner beans.
TipsIs it time to consider mortgage refinancing? With interest rates having risen 3.0% in just 8 months, a lot has changed. So, it may be a good idea to make sure your home loan is keeping up with your lifestyle, needs and future goals. One way to do this is by refinancing your home loan.
TipsPrepare your cat for their first Cattery visit If you want to go away on holiday but don’t have anyone to look after your cat, there’s a good chance that at some stage they will visit a cattery. Here’s how you can prepare for their first visit.
Community TipsEmergency! 4 reasons why you should learn First Aid Taking a first aid course run by a highly qualified medical, health or emergency services professional teaches you lifesaving skills and gives you the confidence to know when and how to act in an emergency.
Community TipsHow to commemorate ANZAC Day 2021 This year, RSLWA’s full service returns with the Kings Park Dawn Service; the Gunfire Breakfast at Government House; the March through the CBD; and the Commemorative Service at Perth Concert Hall.
Health and Fitness13 healthier takeaway lunch swaps You don’t have to give up your takeaway lunches completely to be healthier. A few simple swaps can make a difference.
Fun With KidsChannel your inner mad scientist and make Magic Sand Also known as aqua sand, this is a fun activity and a bit of science all rolled into one. It’s sand that never gets wet – and as a bonus, it only needs two ingredients!
Reduce Reuse RecycleHow do you dispose of old prescription medicines? If you have expired or unwanted medicines lurking in the back of your cupboards, it is really important to dispose of them correctly. Here’s why and how.
TipsThink your pharmacy just dispenses medicine? Think again! Here are three helpful services that you may not know your local community pharmacy can provide.
TipsAvoid the squeaky floorboard dance! If you’ve been leaping around to avoid squeaky floorboards and waking the kids at night, here are two things you can try to solve the problem.
Handy Home Hints10 time-saving lunchbox tricks Mornings can be a bit of a rush in most households. So why not check out our handy tips on ways to make those lunchboxes easier to organise – whether you are going to work or school.
RecipesRoasted Capsicum with Tomato, Anchovy and Garlic A delicious, vibrant dish with all the flavours of the Mediterranean. It’s a super easy lunch or dinner that everyone will love and you can customise the recipe to suit your tastes!
Fun With KidsGrowing fruit and veg with kids – it’s easy and they'll eat them! Growing your own fruit and veggies is a great way to get your kids into gardening; and as a bonus, they are much more likely to eat fruit and vegetables they have grown themselves (often straight from the plant!).
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Community TipsEaster activity ideas for staying at home or going out With two public holidays on Good Friday and Easter Monday, the Easter extra-long weekend is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Here are some great low-cost ideas to get out and about (or just stay at home).
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Handy Home Hints5 things that don’t belong in your freezer Freezers are great for extending the life of certain foods when we’ve over-shopped! There are lots of things you can freeze to use later, but here are 5 things that shouldn’t be in there.
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TipsSolar maintenance will maintain your savings Because of their position on your roof, it’s all too easy to put your solar panels into the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ basket. But just like your car, your solar power system should have regular maintenance to make sure it’s working efficiently.
PetsThe importance of vaccines for your dog Keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date is crucial for their development and to ensure a healthy life. It is recommended that you see your vet once a year for a general check-up and to make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Here’s why.
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Handy Home Hints5 ways to remove bathroom soap scumYou can’t avoid soap scum in your bathroom (unless you ban everyone from using soap and water – not advisable, especially with teenagers!). But here are 5 ways you can remove it using ingredients you may already have around your home.
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GardeningBlooming gardens on a budget!Filling a garden can be expensive, but you can reduce costs by growing your flowers from seeds. With a little patience in the early stages, you’ll have beautiful blooms and a healthier bank balance.
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Community TipsBecome a recycling collection point in your street – it's easy and neighbourlyMost people genuinely want to do the right thing when it comes to recycling, but when items have to be taken to a specialist collection place (such as batteries) it takes a bit more effort. Here's how you can help.
Health and FitnessSimple food swaps for healthier eating – it's easyIf the thought of healthy eating sounds too hard – here are some easy swaps to get you started without too much effort.
Handy Home HintsHelp! My pot plants keep drying out! 6 easy ways to keep pot plants hydratedBecause of the small amount of soil in a pot compared to a garden bed, pot plants can sometimes dry out. Here's how to help them to survive hot weather.
RecipesPumpkin & Pearl Barley Autumn Salad. Yum Yum!Get ready for the change of season with this delicious salad. Perfect for lunch or dinner (and you won't miss the meat!).
Tips4 signs the taps in your home may need replacing Our household taps work pretty hard, and we don’t even think about them until they start to malfunction. Here are a few warning signs that the taps need to be checked and possibly replaced.
Reduce Reuse RecycleHow composting food waste helps the environment You may think it’s perfectly safe to send food waste to landfill. After all, it will break down, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
Gardening7 shrubs for Perth gardens that anyone can grow Shrubs are an instrumental part of every garden's ecosystem and design. They provide shade, improve soil stability and enhance air quality. Here are 7 low-maintenance shrubs that anyone can grow.
Community TipsOrganise a plant swap in your streetGardening can be expensive, but there is a great way to lower the cost by sharing excess plants and cuttings with neighbours in your street.
Fun With KidsMake the biggest bubbles EVER!Try this easy recipe and make massive bubbles with just a few ingredients. It's a low-cost activity (for kids and grown-ups!) for hours of fun.
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TipsDon't become a DIY statistic!Gutters and downpipes need to be cleaned regularly so they can do their job properly - but it's not always a good idea to do it yourself.
RecipesJapanese Soba Noodle Salad with ChickenLate for dinner? No problem. This quick, easy and super delicious dish can be eaten warm or cold!
GardeningBoost your home's street appealYou only get one chance to make a great first impression – that‘s how the saying goes, and it’s never more true than when you’re selling your home.
Community TipsBe a tourist in your own cityMost of us take our hometown for granted. But if we take the time to do a bit of exploring as tourists do, we could discover things new and exciting things right under our nose. You’ll also be helping out businesses that rely on tourism.
TipsHow to avoid a coffee-carpet disaster!Perth is the coffee capital of Australia! Whether we are sipping it at a local café, or drinking it at home, we love it – but not if it spills on the carpet! Here’s how to deal with a disastrous coffee spill.
RecipesWhite Chocolate Rocky Road – need we say more? This mountain of deliciousness is great for a last-minute gift, a special treat for someone – or just keep it all to yourself!
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Tips3 easy tips for common computer problemsComputers have made our lives so much easier, but they are incredibly frustrating when things don’t go according to plan.
Tips5 common car noises and what they could meanAll cars make noise of some kind, but how do you know when that noise is something you should get checked out?
Community TipsYou’re never too old to make new school friends! Whether your child is starting a new school this year or returning to an old one, there are many ways you can get involved and make some new friends in the process!
Handy Home Hints8 ways to help your clothes last longer Looking after your clothes is good for your bank balance and the environment, so here are 8 ways to make them last.
TipsConcrete floors – not just for outdoors!We all know that using concrete for your outdoor areas is a good choice, but indoor concrete floors are a great option too.
Reduce Reuse Recycle7 unusual items you can REDcycle ***PLEASE NOTE*** The REDcycle program has been paused temporarily. Please visit redcycle.net.au for more information.
Community TipsHost your Australia Day gathering with friends and familyThe usual fireworks display may have been cancelled this year, but Australia Day is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends.
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Handy Home HintsDitch the dust in your home!You're never going to get rid of dust completely, but here are 7 ways to keep it under control in your home.
Handy Home Hints9 uses for old spectacle casesEvery time you get a new pair of glasses, chances are you get a new case. So, what do you do with the old one? Here are nine nifty ideas.
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TipsAre your pavers slowly sinking?Those mysterious mounds of sand you can see on your paving are a sure sign that you’ve got an ant problem. Here’s why.
TipsIs there a health hazard in your bathroom?Because bathrooms are prone to moisture build-up, they are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mould which can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation and asthma. Here’s how you can avoid this happening.
Handy Home Hints7 uses for empty egg cartonsEgg cartons are just as versatile as eggs and have many uses once they are empty - you just need a bit of imagination! Here are 7 ideas to get you started.
GardeningPoinsettias are not just for Christmas!Poinsettias are often bought to add a touch of red to the decor during the festive season, but rather than throwing them away after Christmas, transplant them into your garden (or into bigger pots).
Reduce Reuse RecycleElectrical appliances - never throw them in the binUpgrading your electrical appliances? Or maybe you’ll get something new for Christmas. Either way, your old electrical appliances should never go into your general waste bin. Here’s what you do with them instead
Community TipsHow to avoid festive stress!Whether you love Christmas, aren’t too keen, or fall somewhere in between, some moments can be quite stressful. Here are some helpful ideas to get you through the Christmas season.
RecipesChilli Tomato Chutney - Some like it hot! 8 ingredients, five easy steps and hey presto! You’ve got the perfect edible Christmas gift. All the ingredients are easy to find, and you can make it as hot or as mild as you like.
RecipesPistachio and Cranberry ShortbreadWith its buttery flavour and crumbly texture, shortbread is hard to beat at any time of year. Try this simple and delicious recipe with a bit of a festive twist.
RecipesFestive Christmas Pudding TrufflesYour friends and family will be seriously impressed with these festive Christmas treats. Only 5 ingredients and simple to make, with no baking required.
Community TipsHave an op-shop ChristmasIt’s beginning to feel like Christmas and if gift shopping brings you out in a cold sweat, we’ve got a great idea for you to try.
Reduce Reuse RecycleHow to ditch the Christmas wrapping paperWith all the waste, Christmas isn't great for the environment. But it isn't all doom and gloom. We can all help to reduce the environmental impact of Christmas in small ways, starting with how we package our gifts.
TipsGet an ‘invisible’ security doorIn WA we love to throw open our doors to let the cool breeze in - but we definitely prefer to keep intruders out! A security door is an obvious solution, but what if you don't want to live behind bars?
TipsSeal your exhaust fan and save moneyIn the bathroom, the most important function of your exhaust fan is to draw warm, humid air out of the room during a hot shower, which prevents mould and mildew from forming. But your exhaust fan can still draw out your cooling and heating, even when it's switched off
Reduce Reuse RecycleThe real cost of fast fashionWhen you see a bargain $5 T-shirt, it might seem like a great buy, but there is a greater cost that you can’t see.
Fun With KidsYou can have a white Christmas!Obviously, we don’t get snow at Christmas in WA – but snow scenes are still irresistible. So, in the absence of the real thing, make a snow globe with the kids!
Community TipsThe easy way to give kindness for ChristmasHere’s how you can spread some joy for those less fortunate this Christmas (and you won’t even have to get out of your car!). Foodbank is a not-for-profit, non-denominational organisation operating in every state and territory in Australia. Donated food will help feed families in need across WA this Christmas.
RecipesPretzel Caramel Brittle sweet, salty, crunchy and the perfect giftThis is seriously delicious and makes a great last-minute Christmas gift (if you can bear to give it away!).
GardeningAn easy, green Christmas gift idea!Looking for a Christmas gift that's a bit different and environmentally friendly? Take some cuttings from your garden and plant them up in a pretty pot ready for gifting. It's a great way to save money, share your garden and give something that will last (hopefully!).
RecipesTasty Tamarind Beef SaladYou'd better make loads, it'll be gone in a flash! This dish is simple, fresh, flavoursome and very, very delicious!
TipsWhat happens if you die without a will?No one knows what the future will bring, so for peace-of-mind everyone over 18 should have a will.
TipsNeed some Christmas gift ideas? Frame a special memory for a loved oneHere are 5 reasons why you should choose professional framing
TipsHow often should you sharpen your lawnmower blades?It's probably more often than you think, and you could be damaging your lawn.
Handy Home Hints5 ways to stop a mozzie bite from itching!It's getting to that mozzie time of year again, so if you are bitten, here are 5 natural remedies to stop mosquito bites from itching.
Reduce Reuse RecycleDo you know what you can and can’t recycle?Recycling facilities in Western Australia use a combination of magnets, blowers, tumblers and grids to separate the types of recycling. You can help them by making sure you are recycling correctly.
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Community TipsCOVID-safe Halloween adviceWA Health supports individuals participating in COVID-safe Halloween celebrations.
